Attorneys for Morris, Downing & Sherred, LLP have filed a civil damages action in the Superior Court of New Jersey (Patterson et al. v. Centenary University at al., SSX-L-00069-21) claiming that Centenary Universitys firing of four esteemed tenured professors violated their hard-earned academic tenure rights, rights guaranteed to them by Centenarys Constitution. The lawsuit also alleges that Centenary and its senior administrators and former Board of Trustees Chairman illegally targeted Patterson and Yoshimine because of their advanced ages and Adamo due to their transgender status. Its no secret that academic tenure has been under attack in American higher education, said Professor James Patterson, a former departmental chair who also served for years as Centenarys Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost and is a member of the Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Chapter of the American Association of University Professors. This lawsuit is an effort to stem that tide, and hold Centenary, the institution that the four of us devoted our professional lives to, responsible for the commitments it made to each of us. The action alleges that Centenary violated its Constitutionwhich permits the termination of tenured faculty only where the school is facing financial exigency, is eliminating an entire academic program or department, for disability reasons, or for performance-based causeby the surprise firing the four professors while they were grading their students final exams in mid-December 2019. The complaint notes that Centenary did not claim that any of these four narrow exceptions applied, and that even if Centenary had justified the terminations under the Constitution, it would have had to have taken many important procedural steps, including consulting with the Faculty Senate about the firings, attempting to redeploy tenured professors to other positions, and otherwise making efforts to protect plaintiffs jobs. Centenary ignored all these requirements as the administration and Board of Trustees moved unilaterally to terminate plaintiffs in the final weeks of the Fall semester. The lawsuit also alleges that Centenary specifically and discriminatorily selected Professors Patterson and Yoshimine, both in their 60s, for termination because of their age, and that Professor Chris Adamo, who is transgender and was highly visible in trans outreach and education efforts on campus, was targeted due to their gender expression, both clear violations of New Jerseys Law Against Discrimination. While Centenarys conduct in firing our clients is outrageous given the many sacrifices they made to the school over the years, we are even more troubled by the schools targeting of this particular subset of tenured professors, said Paul Hunczak, a partner at Morris, Downing & Sherred, LLP. In addition to the attorneys fees and punitive damages available under New Jersey law in discrimination claims, the lawsuit seeks monetary damages to offset at least some of the serious economic and professional injuries plaintiffs have suffered because of Centenarys violation of their rights. Given the professors ages and the difficulty of obtaining tenure at other institutions, especially in the post-Coronavirus climate, plaintiffs anticipate that their economic and professional damages will be substantial. ADVERTISEMENT We are concerned that the criminalisation and the negative profiling of an ethnic group as bandits and kidnappers by both the conventional and social media has now taken a dangerous dimension. Incendiary speeches criminalising the Fulani by some political and religious leaders, and inciting articles by a section of the Nigerian press, have assumed dangerous dimensions. We the undersigned are appalled by the current happenings across the country, especially as it relates to the deliberately engineered ethnic disharmony currently going on in the southern states. As Nigerians, we must always be ready to resist the profiling of any group as evil or the sole source of any crisis. The ongoing profiling of the Fulani and the Hausa as the causal factors of the current challenges facing the country must be condemned by all. The words and action of certain individuals and a section of the media, foisting criminality to a particular ethnic group, is a serious threat to national cohesion. In spite of the current propaganda, emerging evidence is clearly showing that kidnapping and banditry are neither restricted to one particular ethnic group or one region in Nigeria. Ritual killings, armed robbery and kidnappings for ransom have become an equal opportunity activity for all sections of the country and as they are being arrested and prosecuted around the country, still the profiling of groups is limited to Northerners. While we commend attempts by some national leaders to douse rising tensions, the silence of the Federal Government whose constitutional role it is to protect lives and property, is worrisome. We are concerned that the criminalisation and the negative profiling of an ethnic group as bandits and kidnappers by both the conventional and social media has now taken a dangerous dimension. Incendiary speeches criminalising the Fulani by some political and religious leaders, and inciting articles by a section of the Nigerian press, have assumed dangerous dimensions. They have radicalised and transformed youths, not only into eviction mobs but also killing machines. Quit notices and violent attacks by irate youths upon the expiry of eviction dates have become common. History has clearly shown that ethnic and religious profiling have grave consequences for the stability of a nation. They breed intolerance and fanatical hatred, as typified by in break-up of India, where millions of lives were lost as it disintegrated, and in Rwanda of recent, where one million people, mainly Tutsi, were murdered in cold blood due to the bigotry of some power-hungry politicians, who are oblivious of global trends. We shudder at the thought that the killings of Northerners in the South are calculated to incite retaliation in the North, thereby plunging the country into needless bloody conflagration. We appeal to the Federal Government to guarantee the lives, safety and property of law-abiding citizens across the country. We also call on our compatriots across the country to condemn, in no uncertain terms, the wanton destruction of lives and property and the untenable ultimatum demanding that fellow citizens relocate. This is unacceptable. We equally appeal to all citizens in Nigeria to live in peace and harmony with one another as destiny has created a joint path for us towards prosperity, which can only be attained under a peaceful and stable polity. The solution to violence and criminality is to prosecute the persons involved, not to rope in their entire community. Signed Alh. Bashir Othman Tofa Amb. Fatimah Balla Alh. Sule Yahaya Hamma Hubert Shaiyen Dr. Abubakar Siddique Mohammed Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim Mallam Bilya Bala Dr. Usman Bugaje Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim Hon. Sani Zorro Commodore Naibaida (Rtd) Professor Mustapha Gwadabe Professor Idriss Shaaban Jimada Professor Omar Massoud Professor Abdulkadir Adamu Mallam Kabir Danladi Mallam Isa Modibbo Engineer Hassan Hussaini Mallam Murtala Abubakar Mallam Aminu Musa Muhammad Kabir Abubakar Nasir Mohammed Abubakar Sunny S. Moniedafe Albany, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today he made a mistake by not responding more aggressively to what he described as lies and misinformation on the states response to Covid-19 in nursing homes. He suggested he now plans to spend more time pushing back against critics and opponents. I was not aggressive enough in fighting back against these crazy political theories, Cuomo said during a press conference in Albany. Im not going to make that mistake again. If youre lying to the people of the state of New York, Im going to call it out. Cuomo said again today that his administration erred by not responding faster to requests for information on nursing home deaths. Political opponents exploited the lack of information with conspiracy theories and attacks, he said. That created pain and confusion for families of loved ones who died in nursing homes, Cuomo said. Those false statements must be countered, he said. No one has a right to spread lies or misinformation that causes pain to families. I dont really care what people say about me. I get politics. I agreed to this nasty business because I believe I can do good things. But Im not going to let you do nasty and cruel things to New Yorkers. Cuomo has been under increasing pressure over the states pandemic response in nursing homes. Lawmakers, advocates and others have criticized him for delays in releasing a full count of how many nursing home residents died due to the illness. READ MORE: The real Covid death toll at nursing homes, and the staggering heartache in NY Opponents have also criticized a March order from the state Health Department that directed nursing homes to accept Covid-positive patients discharged from hospitals. The order was later rescinded in May. Attacks on Cuomo and his administration intensified last week after the New York Post reported that a top aide admitted the governors administration withheld information on nursing home deaths so President Donald Trump couldnt use it against New York. Cuomo came under further fire this week for attacking a member of the New York State Assembly who has been a frequent critic of his. Cuomo and state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker presented a lengthy defense of the states nursing home response during todays briefing. Cuomo also addressed the issue at length on Monday. Zucker said the March order did not contribute to spreading Covid in nursing homes. The illness entered facilities with staff, a point he and Cuomo have both made repeatedly. The order was also in line with federal guidance and mandated that nursing homes only accept Covid-positive patients if they were capable of caring for them properly, Zucker noted. The commissioner pointed out that the major worry in the early days of the pandemic was overwhelming the states hospital system. Projections at the time showed the state would need thousands more beds than it had. The March order was meant to help address that challenge. You make the decisions based on the information that you have at the time, Zucker said. We made the right public health decision at the time and faced with the same facts, we would make the same decisions again. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Onondaga County considers reducing 6-foot distancing in schools to let more kids into class Amusement parks in New York can open this spring; is the State Fair next? As millions get their Covid shots, heres what we still dont know about the vaccines Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Eight Chinese fighter jets flew into Taiwan's air defence zone on Friday as military activity continues to escalate around the island. Taiwan's air force scrambled to activate its missile system in response to the four J-16s and four JH-7s, as well as an electronic warfare aircraft that came near the Pratas Islands in the southwestern part of its air space. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as Chinese territory, says it is responding to what it calls 'collusion' between Taipei and Washington, Taiwan's main international backer and weapons supplier. Eight Chinese fighter jets flew into Taiwan's air defence zone on Friday as military activity continues to escalate around the island (file image) Taiwan's air force reacted with 'radio warnings issued and air defense missile systems deployed to monitor the activity,' the ministry said. Chinese aircraft fly in the southwestern corner of the zone on an almost daily basis, though the last such large-scale incursion was on January 24 when 12 Chinese fighters were involved. There was no immediate comment from China. Shortly before the ministry's statement, Taiwan announced a reshuffle of senior security officials including a new, US-trained defense minister, to help bolster military modernisation and intelligence efforts. President Tsai Ing-wen has pledged to defend the island and has made modernising its armed forces a priority, including developing a fleet of new submarines, buying new F-16 fighters from the United States and upgrading its warships. National Security Bureau Director-General Chiu Kuo-cheng, who graduated from the US Army War College in 1999, would replace Yen De-fa as defense minister, Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang told reporters. President Tsai Ing-wen (pictured) has pledged to defend the island and has made modernising its armed forces a priority The president expected Chiu to complete the next stage of military reforms, including planning for 'asymmetric warfare,' focusing on high-tech, mobile weapons designed to make any Chinese attack as difficult as possible, Chang said. Chiu's old job as intelligence chief will be taken by Taiwan's top China policy-maker, Chen Ming-tong, now head of the Mainland Affairs Council. 'The most important task of the National Security Bureau is to understand and have a grasp on China,' Chang said. They will take up their posts next week. China announces its 2021 military budget next month at the annual meeting of parliament, a figure closely watched as an indication of its strategic intentions. Last year it set a rate of increase at a three-decade low as the economy wilted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese military expert Ni Lexiong, a retired professor at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said this year it would likely get a big boost, partly due to the increased tensions over Taiwan. 'If the mainland wants to liberate Taiwan it needs to make preparations for war, so we need to pump up our equipment,' he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen (on screen) attend a press conference for the launch of a UN Environment Programme report, "Making Peace with Nature." at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 18, 2021. Guterres on Thursday asked for global action to stop "a senseless and suicidal war on nature" and address climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday asked for global action to stop "a senseless and suicidal war on nature" and address climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution. "I want to be clear. Without nature's help, we will not thrive or even survive. For too long, we have been waging a senseless and suicidal war on nature. The result is three interlinked environmental crises: climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution that threaten our viability as a species," he told a press conference for the launch of a UN Environment Programme report, "Making Peace with Nature." "Human well-being lies in protecting the health of the planet. It's time to re-evaluate and reset our relationship with nature," he said. Human beings are overexploiting and degrading the environment on land and sea. The atmosphere and the oceans have become dumping grounds for waste. Governments are still paying more to exploit nature than to protect it. Globally, countries spend some 4 trillion to 6 trillion U.S. dollars a year on subsidies that damage the environment, he noted. The interlinked climate, biodiversity and pollution crises require urgent action from the whole of society -- from governments, but also from international organizations, businesses, cities and individuals, said Guterres. The report shows that the global economy has grown nearly fivefold in the past five decades, but at a massive cost to the global environment, he said. Earth is heading for more than 3 degrees Celsius of global warming this century. The burden falls disproportionately on women, who represent 80 percent of those displaced by climate disruption. More than 1 million of the planet's estimated 8 million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction. And diseases caused by air pollution cause some 6.5 million premature deaths every year. Polluted water kills a further 1.8 million, predominantly children. Meanwhile, 1.3 billion people remain poor and some 700 million are hungry. "The only answer is sustainable development that elevates the well-being of both people and the planet," he said. The new report points to many ways the world can accomplish this, he said. For example, governments can include natural capital in measures of economic performance and promote a circular economy. They can agree to not support the kind of agriculture that destroys or pollutes nature. They can put a price on carbon. They can shift subsidies from fossil fuels toward low-carbon and nature-friendly solutions. "The bottom line is that we need to transform how we view and value nature. We must reflect nature's true value in all our policies, plans and economic systems. With a new consciousness, we can direct investment into policies and activities that protect and restore nature and the rewards will be immense," he said. "It's time we learn to see nature as an ally that will help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals." Enditem 5 1 [ Editor: SRQ ] 25143 John Shea, CIO, Eaton Vance John Shea, CIO, Eaton Vance As the CIO of Eaton Vance, Id be compelled to say that the role of a CIO has advanced over the years. Fortunately, I started off in financial services and got some first-hand experience on software development and was able to inculcate system administration skills rather early in my career. When I started in this industry at Massachusetts Financial Services (MFS) in the mid 90s, the role of the CIO was filled by the former head of Mutual Fund Services; he was a businessman who headed the unit and drove the customer service focus. Of course, back in the day, there was an evident lack of variety in technology. In the mid90s, unless you were an engineer, computer skills were not required since they could not be applied in the business. But the world is now a changed place, where CIOs would be much more successful with technical experience. For instance, dealing with cyber securityan increasingly popular subjectwould require strong technical expertise. Gone are the days when the CIO of a companywas nothing but a mere pure play businessman even though this quality is still admirable in CIOs. Looking back at the development of fellow peers and my personal growth in the industry, I think we have climbed up the ladder of success as technical persons, rather than business persons. Having said that, I believe its safe to say that the journey for IT has been truly transformational while considering not only the technology aspects, but also profound business outcomes. Block chain: from Mere Buzzword to Matter of Discussion in Boardroom Meetings The more popularity block chain gained, the more confusion arose between two terminologiesbitcoin and block chain. With time however, consumers started becoming more accustomed to the idea of their distinction. Block chain is a distributed ledger, which can be accessed from numerous geographic locations, is write-only type, encrypted in nature and has identity management surrounding it. Making use of this distributed ledger, organizations can have trusted accurate transactions on either side of a business deal. As a manager, I anticipate that we are going to be served by our block chain technology service providers and realize that a certain amount of experimentation needs to be performed within our organization, in order to get comfortable with its usage. We will be customers to this service because at the end of the day, business at Eaton Vance is comprised of asset management. Even though there is an ample amount of technology enablement to the asset management business, as an organization, we would much rather buy than build this technology from our service providers. The most important attribute of the block chain technology is that it extends a distributed platform, which means high availability, easy accessibility, and no single point of failure Use Cases wherein Block Chain Impacts the Organization Block chain Technology is a great ledger for post-trade settlement, but I believe there are some use cases where its utilization is not as effective. Consider pre-trade; block chain does not appear to be a vehicle for legitimate raw trading. In fact, there are trading platforms and technologies with the inclusion of varying algorithmic trading capabilities in the market already. In these specific cases, I dont see how block chain would be an effective solution for real-time transactional systems. This ledger is suitable for post-trade use cases. For instance, consider bank loan settlements. Unlike trading and equity, the time for a bank loan to settle is variable. Utilizing a technology such as block chain could reduce the settlement cycle by a large factor, or at the least provide certainty that can help asset managers to reduce potential settlement risks. Some Insights on Personal Technological Acumen As an ex-Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer, one of the foundations of Navy Nuclear power was training. Talking about jobs in technology, one of the great things is that there is no constant. It is always evolving; becoming better. Even so, trainingboth informally and collaborativelyis a continual process. At Eaton Vance, we believe in experimenting with emerging technologies and spending quality time to find solutions that will provide immediate business value. Hence, training is a vital part of our organization. For example, we incorporate the Information Technology Infrastructure Library, which helps align our core technology and infrastructure with the business. So all trainees get ITIL v3 certified, just to ensure that all employees are on the same page with regard to fundamental principles. Another examplewhich is specific to developers would be agile certification. The Future of Block chain Block chain definitely has some attractive upcoming traits. Considering it is a regular ledger system, the information is most likely stored in databases, which is stored in one place, for the most part. The most important attribute of the block chain technology is that it extends a distributed platform, which means high availability, easy accessibility, and no single point of failure. Additionally, access to the record of history of transactions at all times that is secured with proper implementation makes it all the more convenient. These I believe, are some of the attributes that we as customers would hope to receive from this technology. ADVERTISEMENT Anyim took office in the Senate in May 1999, and was elected President of the Senate in August 2000, after Chuba Okadigbo was impeached. He creditably held the office until May 2003. He is no less a child of providence, wielding influence with alluring humility and exemplary focus. He has spoken and continues to speak to both regional and national uncertainties and fears, with courage and conviction. He has demonstrated with his lifes trajectory that law, spirituality, politics and philanthropy fundamentally address the transformation of the human condition for good. To-date, he unabashedly maintains this unique philosophy and footing. Little wonder, the famous American poet and essayist, Maya Angelou observed that, Nothing can dim the light that shines from within. Angelous captivating insight into the existential challenges that confront great personalities fundamentally captures the life story of Nigerias storied politician, former President of the Senate, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, exemplary bridge-builder and foremost humanist Chief, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON); fondly called the gentle giant. As he turns 60 today, his high vision of humanity and deep belief in Nigeria, quest for justice and positively impacting society have grown even bigger. The enthralling odyssey of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim further goes to validate the enduring wisdom that the human journey, guided by faith, often leads to beautiful destinations. An unwavering sense of loyalty and duty, rigorous professionalism, stern discipline, demonstrable integrity and almost a child-like faith in his beloved God, had activated and enlisted those mysterious principles that guide progress. Five qualities arguably match his famed big frame generosity, simplicity, warmth, philanthropy and wit. Highly detribalised and a deep man of faith, his broad-minded style of inclusive politics has seen him play an elder statesmans role for the common good and sustainable development of Ndigbo and Nigeria as a whole. As a known and tested bridge builder, his relationships are truly national even as higher political responsibilities beckon. Anyim was born on February 19, 1961 in Ishiagu, a dominantly Catholic community in the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He attended Ishiagu High School (St. John Bosco), the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba and later, Imo State University, Uturu (19831987). For his Youth Service, he served as the Co-ordinator, Youth Mobilisation Programme in Sokoto State. In 1992, Anyim became the Head of Protection Department at the National Commission for Refugees, Abuja, a job that included the provision of legal services and political protection for refugees. In this capacity he traveled to various parts of the world. As the political impulse flowered, in 1998, he joined the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) and won a Senate election. However, the death of General Sani Abacha on June 8 of that year nullified the result. During the transitional regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and again ran successfully for election to the Senate in 1999. Anyim took office in the Senate in May 1999, and was elected President of the Senate in August 2000, after Chuba Okadigbo was impeached. He creditably held the office until May 2003. With remarkable foresight, he did not seek reelection in 2003 correctly reading the political barometer at the period. He was appointed by former President, Goodluck Jonathan to head the Centenary celebration of the proclamation of Nigeria as a nation by colonial Britain. In January 2010, he led a delegation of 41 eminent Nigerians that called on President Umaru YarAdua to urgently transmit a letter of his incapacitation to the National Assembly to salvage the nations democracy from danger. This willy-nilly led to the Senate passing a resolution on February 9, 2010, to make Vice President Goodluck Jonathan Acting President. In May 2011, he was appointed as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Jonathan. Chief Anyim has bagged the following qualifications and honours: LLB. Honours, 1987 (Nigeria); BL. 1989 (Nigeria); LLM. 1991 (Nigeria), etc. He holds a National Honours of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) second highest National Honour in Nigeria. In his Ishagu community, state, region and beyond, the kindness and succour of Senator Anyim to his kinsmen and wider citizenry are boundless. Presently, Anyim is the management partner of Prestige Law Resource Partners, a fully integrated and multi-dimensional business law practice. He is happily married and blessed with three children and indisputably continues to impact his milieu. James Ume writes from Abuja. Type address separated by commas Your Email: We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Mame Yaa Aboagye, NPP Deputy Communications Director, has jumped to the defence of Mrs. Hawa Koomson. The Minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hawa Koomson appeared before Appointments Committee to justify her qualification for her role. Social media was on fire at her performance with many calling on the Appointments Committee not to approve her. But Mame Yaa says Ghanaians should not mark Hon. Hawa Koomson for her lack of control over the English language but rather focus on her performance. "We have people who are fluent and have control over the English language, yet cannot perform", the Deputy Communications Director said. The hardworking Communication Director gave an instance where Hawa Koomson makes a tremendous change in her previous ministry asking "what happened to those who spoke good grammar? I recalled one top economist in the country who signed documents in German without getting to understand them. Hon. Peter Amewu wasn't an energy expert but can we say he failed? Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu was also not a health expert yet he has performed. Hawa Koomson with no knowledge about procurement managed to secure an ambulance for this country. It is very wrong to measure one's intelligence based on the persons level of someone's foreign language. In view of all this, I believe in the capacity of Hon. Hawa Koomson to deliver because performance is the most important thing in execution of ones offical duty, she added. 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 David Schoen, a lawyer for former President Donald Trump, arrives at the U.S. capitol for the third day of the second impeachment trial of Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 11, 2021. (Michael Reynolds/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Lawyer Who Represented Trump During Impeachment Says It Was an Honor One of the lawyers who represented former President Donald Trump in the recent impeachment trial said in a new interview he was honored to do so. I was standing up for the Constitution and the president, and I was honored to do it. And the idea that you should be embarrassed somehow to be Jewish and do thatI dont understand it, David Schoen told the Jewish Press. Schoen helped Trump win an acquittal in the Senate on the charge of inciting an insurrection. The Alabama-based lawyer said hes always taken the position that everyone deserves proper representation, regardless of what type of person they are. Alan Dershowitz is kind of a model for that. He has always been somebody I looked up to in that regard. He says, Thats a lawyers job. Sometimes you have to represent the worst of the worst. But that wasnt the case here. I was honored to do it. I cant imagine saying No to a president of the United States who asks you to represent him, Schoen said. The lawyer noted that he represents capital murder cases occasionally on a pro bono basis and often receives feedback that his work is fantastic. Now I represent the president of the United States and people say, Oh, my God, youre a horrible person. How could you do this? Its unbelievable, he added. Former President Donald Trumps defense attorney David Schoen speaks on the fourth day of Trumps second impeachment trial at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 12, 2021. (congress.gov via Getty Images) Schoen has faced so-called cancel culture because he chose to represent the former president. A law school canceled a course he was going to teach, and he was suspended from a lawyer email list. Schoen told The Epoch Times that he received threats during the trial, with one person sending six lengthy emails detailing what he wanted to do to the lawyer and his family. He said he spoke several times a day with Trump during the trial and the Republican was very supportive, as were many GOP senators. Schoen considered the repercussions of taking the case but ultimately decided to accept the offer. But I take a lot of controversial cases. I take a case because I believe in the principle underlying the case, generally, he added. Ive been a civil rights lawyer for 36 years. When I lived in Alabama, I lived behind an electric fence with two German shepherds and I had to carry a gun every place I went. So I faced many threats for different kinds of reasons over the years. But if you let that stop you I suppose youre in the wrong business. Ivan Pentchoukov 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. State Capitol In Sacramento View Photo Sacramento, CA Leaders of the California Senate and Assembly announced yesterday that a deal was struck on a $6.5-billion plan to encourage more schools to open for in-person learning. Many of the urban areas of the state are still doing distance learning only, while many of the rural districts, like those in the Mother Lode, are back on campus full-time or in a hybrid mode. Around $2-billion would be utilized to assist schools in safely reopening campus and around $4.5-billion for learning recovery programs. The legislation, Assembly Bill 86 and Senate Bill 86, would also require vaccinations to be offered to school staff coming back. It would not require schools to bring students back to campus but would give more money to those that choose to do so. The deadline for schools to reopen, and be eligible for the extra money, is April 15. Governor Gavin Newsoms signature is required for the proposal to become law. He has released a statement indicating more details still need to be hashed out. Newsom says, While the Legislatures proposal represents a step in the right direction, it doesnt go far enough or fast enough. I look forward to building on the growing momentum to get our schools open and continuing discussions with the Legislature to get our kids back in school as safely and quickly as possible. The city of Fulton has paid over $2 million for natural gas in the last four days. This increase comes as a result of several gas wells freezing across the lower-midwest. Our priority is helping clients succeed by creating secure, efficient and healthy IT ecosystems within their organizations, said James Loffler, Managing Partner/Vice President of the IT Solutions Group at Loffler Companies. Loffler Companies announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Loffler Companies to its 2021 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 category. This popular list identifies North American solution providers that deliver operational efficiencies, IT system improvements, and a higher rate of return on investments for their customers. These accomplished MSPs work tirelessly to guide their customers and create solutions for complex IT issues. Managed service providers are integral to the success of businesses everywhere. They empower companies to implement and operate complex technologies while staying within their budgets and keep a focus on their core business. CRNs MSP 500 list identifies the most groundbreaking managed service organizations, with advanced solutions that have endless potential for growth. The MSP Elite 150 recognizes large MSPs with significant managed service portfolios offering a strong mix of on- and off-premises services. Along with IT Managed Services, Lofflers IT Consulting offerings continue to deliver as a differentiator in the managed services space, as demand for IT strategy consulting rises. We are very honored to be named to the MSP500 list again, said James Loffler, Managing Partner/Vice President of the IT Solutions Group at Loffler Companies. We are proud of the culture weve built and the strong value we provide to our clients. Our priority is helping clients succeed by creating secure, efficient and healthy IT ecosystems within their organizations. Founded by Jim Loffler in 1986, Loffler Companies is nationally recognized as a leader in business technology and managed services. Loffler is among the top office solutions dealers in the US for service and support, with more than 500 employees working every day to exceed the expectations of their clients, partners and the community. Loffler has earned recognition for ten consecutive years as a Star Tribune Top Workplace, and as a USA Top Workplace in 2021. Loffler is proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and many other worthy organizations that help the communities in which the Loffler team lives and works. Loffler Companies provides integrated business technology and services partnered with leading partners such as Nutanix, Arctic Wolf, Microsoft, Mitel and 8x8 as well as Canon, Konica Minolta, Xerox, HP, Lexmark and FP Mailing Solutions. Its offerings include IT managed and security services, disaster recovery/business continuity, professional IT services/consulting, unified communications, multifunctional copiers and printers, print management services, software and workflow technology consulting, and on-site management of copy and mail centers. For more information about Loffler Companies, call 952-925-6800 or email information@loffler.com or visit us online at http://www.loffler.com. But no one had told Cromblin that hospital residency programs, which have been flooded with a rising number of applications in recent years, sometimes use the Electronic Residency Application Service software program to filter out various applications, whether theyre from students with low test scores or from international medical students. Cromblin had passed all her exams and earned her M.D., but was rejected from 75 programs. In the following years, as she kept applying, she learned that some programs filter out applicants who graduated from medical school more than three years earlier. Her rejection pile kept growing. She is now on unemployment, with $250,000 in student loans. 250 Jan Billiet, Director IS Security & Risk Management, Philip Morris International May you live in interesting times! I was told on my first day on the job now some years ago. This resonates even more now than it already did then. Todays information security profession appears overburdened with the challenges brought by cloud computing, personal data protection, social networking, advanced persistent threats and all other things cyber. Maybe these are just the symptoms of our challenges. In any case I think their resolution is way beyond the reach of any one security technology or service alone. Certain focus areas may be useful for information security organizations moving forward: 1. Information security must be simultaneously device, data and person centric. Sustainable information security implementations be it as frameworks, organization, processes, technologies or services need to be designed and operated from the questions: where are our higher-risk knowledge workers, their computing devices and services, and the data they process, and what do we do about them? An information security team that only focuses on one-size-fits-all policies and awareness will be ineffective. Similarly, one exclusively focused on technical necessities such as software patch management, certificates and network security risks being blindsided by the intricacies of protecting unstructured data. 2. More than ever, information security is about intelligence: gathering, processing, sharing and acting upon intelligence, lots of it and faster. I mean not only the typical software vulnerability information from channels such as managed security service providers. Intelligence includes harvesting, normalizing and adding business context to many internal and external sources of information security data: configuration management systems, risk assessment databases, scanning tools, identity and access management systems and behavioral monitoring solutions to name a few. Several initiatives we have embarked on at Philip Morris International are essentially about making the security state and activity of things visible and actionable every day. Getting there involves iterations of standardization, centralization and automation as well as robust BI solutions and skills to make business sense of millions of records about security configuration settings, complex access permissions, control maturity levels and much more. Simply put, to protect terabytes of business data, prepare to process gigabytes of security data 3. Our stakeholders expect positive assurance about information security. The absence of virus outbreaks or audit findings within a proprietary network inspires only so much executive management confidence when cyber surveillance, industrial or commercial espionage and critical national infrastructure are persistent media and regulatory concerns. Best practices become the management standard: continuous control monitoring, daily KPIs, dynamic risk assessments, recurring benchmarks, security vulnerability testing across internet and mobile assets, rigorous due diligence at third-party service providers, cyber wargaming and several other activities wrapped up into multi-level governance meetings and executive briefings. 4. Information security must contribute to IT and business results. Necessary practices such as classification, segmentation, assessment and data mining can and should enable information security teams to contribute to productivity insights and initiatives, for example by rationalizing controls or curbing system and data sprawl. There is also no reason innovation, speed-to-market and collaboration should be notions foreign to our lexicon and competencies. Dr. No has left the information security building a while ago. His office now hosts a creative team of engineers, lawyers, business analysts and auditors. Based in Switzerland, Jan Billiet has been Philip Morris Internationals Director IS Security & Risk Management since 2007. He oversees development and implementation of global information security strategies, plans, processes and services as well as various information risk reduction initiatives. He has worked for affiliates of Altria Group, Inc., and later Philip Morris International Inc., since 1996, with increasing responsibility in areas of audit and IT security. Prior to 1996, he worked as business analyst and senior consultant, primarily on systems implementation projects. Born and educated in Belgium, Jan holds degrees in Law, Economic Law and Business Administration. CIOReview Client: Flagship, Beqom A political backlash is threatening Facebook with stronger regulation and cuts to its advertising after federal MPs responded with fury to the companys attempts to suppress their criticism of its sudden decision to block the sharing of news. Morrison government ministers have halted their advertising on the social media platform until it restores posts, with one Liberal comparing the company to the Chinese Communist Party because it stopped him boosting a post with a link to a news story. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and other Liberal ministers have stopped advertising on Facebook. Credit:Istock In a sign of sentiment within the government for stronger regulation, MPs said the companys actions had proven it was a publisher despite its denials and should therefore have to account for content on issues such as defamation or harassment. Their behaviour is disgraceful theyre trying to dictate what we can post and what we cant, said Assistant Multicultural Affairs Minister Jason Wood. An 800million research agency is being launched today that will develop 'high-risk, high-reward' inventions. The Advanced Research & Invention Agency will fund 'blue sky' projects with the aim of making Britain a global centre for technological innovation. It will give inventors the 'freedom to fail' by exempting them from standard rules for taxpayer-funded work. A pet project of Boris Johnson's former key aide Dominic Cummings, ARIA is modelled on a US defence agency whose inventions paved the way for the internet, GPS tracking and the computer mouse. An 800million research agency is being launched today that will develop 'high-risk, high-reward' inventions. The Advanced Research & Invention Agency will fund 'blue sky' projects with the aim of making Britain a global centre for technological innovation. It will give inventors the 'freedom to fail' by exempting them from standard rules for taxpayer-funded work [Stock photo] Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: 'Led independently by our most exceptional scientists, this new agency will focus on identifying and funding the most cutting-edge research and technology at speed. 'By stripping back unnecessary red tape and putting power in the hands of our innovators, the agency will be given the freedom to drive forward the technologies of tomorrow.' Science and innovation minister Amanda Solloway said: 'To rise to the challenges of the 21st century we need to equip our R&D community with a new scientific engine one that embraces the idea that truly great successes come from taking great leaps into the unknown.' A pet project of Boris Johnson's former key aide Dominic Cummings (pictured), ARIA is modelled on a US defence agency whose inventions paved the way for the internet, GPS tracking and the computer mouse [File photo] The launch of ARIA will fulfil a dream of controversial adviser Mr Cummings, who left No 10 last year. He wrote blog posts about his admiration for ARPA, the US research agency created in the late-1950s as a response to the USSR launching its first satellite. He believed that by being given the freedom to pursue big, radical projects, the majority of which were allowed to fail, ARPA was able to develop a series of inventions for the military that have ended up transforming modern society. However there is concern that ARIA will be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, unlike most public bodies, which would protect its competitive advantage but raise questions over transparency. Labour business spokesman Ed Miliband said: 'Government must urgently clarify the mission and mandate of this new organisation. And it is important ARIA does not have a blanket exemption from FOI laws so taxpayers know how their money is being invested.' [February 19, 2021] JinkoSolar to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Tongwei for project investment and industrial chain cooperation SHANGRAO, China, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE:JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that the Company intends to sign a "strategic cooperation agreement" with Tongwei Co., Ltd. ("Tongwei") to jointly invest in a high-purity crystalline silicon project with annual capacity of 45,000 metric tons and a silicon wafer project with an annual production capacity of 15GW, as well as develop a more extensive industrial chain cooperation. According to the agreement, JinkoSolar will own a 35% equity stake in the 45,000 tons high-purity crystalline silicon project, while Tongwei will hold a 30% equity stake in the 15GW silicon wafer project. Under the industrial chain cooperation, the production capacity and products of the joint venture for the high-purity crystalline silicon will be given priority to meet the production needs of the joint venture silicon wafer company. Wafer products produced under the jointly invested silicon wafer project will be cost effective and price competitive. In addition, based on the previous procurement contract for 93,000 metric tons of polycrystalline silicon, JinkoSolar will supply Tongwei with a total of approximately 6.5GW of silicon wafer products for three years. Mr. Kangping Chen, Chief Executive Officer of JinkoSolar, commented, "As a leading global high-purity crystalline silicon and solar cell company, Tongwei has always been an important strategic partner of JinkoSolar. Our Company has a vertically integrated production capacity with cumulative module shipments exceeding 70GW by the end of 2020. This strategic cooperation will benefit two companies from different segments of the solar industrial chain and strengthen resource sharing and integration within the PV industry, as well as increase industry leadership and dominance of both parties, and jointly create a win-win manufacturing ecosystem." About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar modulemanufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and other countries and regions. JinkoSolar has built a vertically integrated solar product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 20 GW for mono wafers, 11 GW for solar cells, and 25 GW for solar modules, as of September 30, 2020. JinkoSolar has 9 productions facilities globally, 20 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Portugal, Canada, Malaysia, UAE, Kenya, Denmark, and global sales teams in China, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Ukraine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Poland and Argentina, as of September 30, 2020. To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com. Safe-Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends, "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company's operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: Ripple Zhang JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. Tel: +86 21-5183-3105 Email: pr@jinkosolar.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jinkosolar-to-sign-a-strategic-partnership-agreement-with-tongwei-for-project-investment-and-industrial-chain-cooperation-301231623.html SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Washington, Feb 19 : US President Joe Biden's administration, together with Democratic lawmakers, formally rolled out a major immigration Bill called US Citizenship Act of 2021, introducing legislations that would expand immigration and give nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants a path to US citizenship in eight years. White House officials called the Bill a chance to "reset and restart conversations on immigration reform," labeling the bill as Biden's "vision of what it takes to fix the system", the Xinhua news agency reported. The bill includes providing a shorter process to legal status for young people brought to the US by their parents as children, known as Dreamers. The bill also triples the number of visas available to those who have been the victim of certain crimes including domestic violence, upping the number from 10,000 to 30,000. Employment-based visas also jump under the Bill from 140,000 to 170,000. It would allow immigrant farmworkers and those with Temporary Protected Status, who came to the United States as far back as the 1990s amid natural disasters and other unrest in their countries of origin, to quickly gain green cards, said a report. Under the bill, undocumented people living in the United States would be able to seek green cards after five years, while the three- and 10-year bars that restrict people from reentering the US if they've overstayed their visas will be lifted. The Bill will make efforts to ease immigration timelines abroad, increasing numerous types of visa caps while seeking to reduce wait times for those who may currently wait as long as 20 years to join family in the country. It also includes an enforcement plan to deploy technology to patrol the US border. The Bill also lays out a plan to create refugee processing in Central America to discourage migrants from trying to travel to the US-Mexico border, while setting aside $4 billion in aid for Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras to address the root causes of migration. Democrats and Republicans are sharply divided on how to reform the country's immigration system. It remains unclear whether Democrats plan to keep the policy proposals in one large legislative package or try to enact individual elements of it in a piecemeal approach. "How it happens through the legislative process remains to be seen," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of the legislative strategy, "But it is a priority and we will be working on it." Some Republican lawmakers have already criticized the Bill for the timing and failing to address more on border security. "No! This is not the right time and certainly not the right set of policies," House Republican Bill Johnson tweeted on Thursday. "Let's focus on those Americans who are struggling right now." Even with a Democratic-led Congress, passing an immigration bill will be a heavy lift given that Senate Democrats would need to secure 10 Republican votes to pass the Bill through the regular legislative process. The last time comprehensive, bipartisan immigration legislation was brought up in U.S. Congress was in 2013, and comprehensive immigration reform hasn't passed in over 30 years in the country, according to a report. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text What do you accept that you want to do? What dont you want to do? Take us inside the Kardashian-Jenner empire. Well for a paid post, I am really cautious about like what I spend. So if I overspend on something, and a paid post happens to come in at that time, Ill weigh it out and think, O.K., well, I have to pay for x, y and z. So this paid post Well you mean your own personal expenses? Yes, my own personal expenses or if Im even like, O.K., you know we have schooling projects. And now its a little bit more personal for me if I have a paid post that comes in, and I think, O.K., well, this can fund x amount of people that are behind bars that can help free them with simple legal fees that they just cant afford. Then that would be worth it to me, even if the post might be a little bit off brand for me. I really weigh out different things now than I used to. Theres a lot that we have to get done in prison reform, and I believe I will be more beneficial if I just focus on that at the moment. So Im grateful for that relationship in that area. And I focus on that. But that was a big thing where people, so many people advised me, dont go to the White House. And that didnt make sense to me because I was like, a life if someone can get out of prison and get their life back versus my reputation of going to the White House where theres only one person on this planet that can make the decision, and that would be the president. And that was even a question of for the media, that just absolutely didnt make sense to me. I would go see anyone in power that would have that decision to change someones life. If my family wasnt so they didnt work so hard, and they werent so omnipresent, maybe I would just rest on my laurels of just being the greatest artist of human existence and that would just be enough. But thats shown that that is not enough. That you have to, you know, you have to you hit the gym that you know, you have to communicate, that you have to its a modern day. Its like modern-day Medici or Rome. Its an era that people will remember for all of human existence. Im so proud of them. And I think that one thing that a lot of people probably, maybe they do, but you know, a lot of people dont realize is the work ethic is second to none. And I think just watching them grow and build their companies, getting more and more independent within their own brands and figuring it out and the creativity, the way they work together. I think that were building something so fantastic. And just being able to figure out what really works for each one of them is very rewarding for me. And hopefully in 10 years, I can sit back and watch them do it all by themselves. When he died in November, Alex Trebek left behind legions of fans who knew and adored him as the quick-witted host of Jeopardy! for 37 years. He also left behind 14 suits, 58 dress shirts, 300 neckties and other clothes that he wore on the show, which taped five episodes a day, twice a week. His son, Matthew Trebek, along with the producer of Jeopardy!, wondered what to do with the large wardrobe. Together, they decided to donate the clothes to formerly homeless and incarcerated men looking for a fresh start. So it was that Mr. Trebeks Jeopardy! wardrobe which also included 25 polo shirts, 14 sweaters, nine sport coats, nine pairs of dress shoes, 15 belts, two parkas and three pairs of dress slacks arrived about two weeks ago at the Doe Fund, a New York City nonprofit that provides services, housing and job opportunities to men who have been in prison or homeless. The Doe Fund made perfect sense since these are guys who are going on job interviews and need second chances, said Matthew Trebek, 30, a New York restaurateur who co-owns Lucilles and Oso, both in Harlem. It would be an honor to the type of work that my Dad did throughout his life. It turns out the economic border war betwixt Kansas & Missouri is back on despite promises from politicos on both sides of the state line. Even worse . . . HELPING THE HOMELESS HURT THE DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY BRAND!!! Selling overpriced cars to suckers is all about crafting an image . . . Sadly, charity for the less fortunate doesn't inspire motorist dreams. Moreover, some of the smarter denizens of our blog community noted that there would be long term consequences for setting up a hobo hangout at a place of business. Check the damage . . . KSHB: KC Auto Show officials want to move from Missouri to Kansas Deets: The auto show has historically been held in Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center in March. Larry Carl, CEO of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Kansas City sent written testimony to lawmakers in support of Senate Bill 33. In Carl's testimony, he expressed interest in moving the auto show to the Kansas Speedway for a June 2021 event. "The inherent nature of drivability at the Speedway creates consumer excitement and enthusiastic engagement that all parties desire," Carl said. Carl added in his testimony that the move would be beneficial for the Kansas, Wyandotte County and other communities, "The desire to move the Kansas City Auto Show from Missouri to Kansas is a major move, but one that is ripe with opportunity and benefit," Carl said. "At the heart of the shift is to provide consumers with a reinvigorated and innovative event. We are going through this process because it is the proper way to administer change and compliance." On Twitter, Mayor Quinton Lucas called plans to move the long-established auto event out of KCMO "unbalanced regionalism at its finest." Developing . . . While Texans are struggling to keep the lights and the heating on, gas producers in the Lone Star state, or at least those whose wellheads did not freeze, are having a blast. The wave of Arctic weather that hit the United States this week led to an explosion in the price of natural gas as heating demand shot up. Supply, however, could not keep up, not least because un-winterized wells in Texas froze, tightening production. This prompted some companies to de-idle wells in Oklahoma and others to boast they'd hit the jackpot. "We've got four of us in the office turning on every single gas well that we've got," said the owner of a small gas production company in Oklahoma, as quoted by Bloomberg this week. "We have old wells that haven't produced in 10 years, and we're like, 'open the taps, let's go.' "Obviously, this week is like hitting the jackpot," said the president of Comstock Resources at a conference call this week. Comstock, owned by billionaire Jerry Jones, is a shale oil and gas producer, and it had started ramping up production even before the polar vortex sent several states reeling from unusually low temperatures. These temperatures pushed gas prices from single-digit territory well into the three digits: in Oklahoma, gas prices hit $600 per million British thermal units during last weekend. By Wednesday, prices on the spot market had soared above $1,000 per mmBtu in Oklahoma, to a high of $1,250. Just a week ago, spot prices hovered around $9 per mmBtu. According to Comstock, this week, it sold gas at prices ranging from $15 per thousand cubic feet to as much as $179 per thousand cubic feet, according to an NPR report citing the conference call. This compares with an average of $2.40 per thousand cubic feet during last quarter. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.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. The Border Security Force (BSF) seized around 10 kg of heroin worth about Rs 50 crore from Pakistan on the Indo-Pak border on Friday. Pakistani drug smugglers tried to illegally transport heroin over BSFs 29th battalion checkpoint. BSF The BSF soldiers spotted the smugglers in the fog but they managed to escape. On investigating the area, the soldiers found 10 packets of heroin weighing 10 kilograms each. The BSF and Punjab Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested two people and seized over 10 kg of heroin, which they had allegedly hidden in Ferozepur district near India-Pakistan border, an official said. Ten packets of heroin, weighing 10.5 kg, were dug out of a field between the international boundary and border security fence, he added. Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. by Melani Manel Perera Bimshani Jasin Arachchi becomes a Deputy Inspector General (DIG). Some 33 of her male colleagues have challenged the appointment, petitioning the Supreme Court. The first hearing is scheduled for 18 May. A cross-party group of women MPs defends the choice, blaming male chauvinism for the opposition. Colombo (AsiaNews) The appointment of a female police officer to the post of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in Sri Lanka has caused waves, not least because of the legal turn taken by the dispute. On Tuesday, 33 Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn the appointment by the National Police Commission. Some people back the petition, but a number of women MPs, human rights groups and feminists have criticised the legal action, standing by DIG Bimshani Jasin Arachchi (pictured),praising her for the qualities and skills that allowed her to do better than many of her male colleagues. Three Supreme Court justices Murdu Fernando, Shiran Gunaratne, and Achala Wengappul will hear the appeal on 18 May. Police Legal Division Director Ruwan Gunasekera signed the petition, along with 32 colleagues, believing the decision to be illegal. This appointment has disregarded laws, causing serious and irreversible damage to the petitioners careers in the Police Department, he said. For the plaintiffs, the decision violates existing recruitment and promotion rules of the Sri Lankan police force. However, such arguments have not convinced everyone. Many suspect that the attack by male officers is motivated by sexism since the post was given to a woman. This has led a group of women MPs to throw their full support behind DIG Bimshani Jasin Arachchi, who has kept a low profile so far to avoid fuelling the controversy. The MPs, from different parties, have said that they want to put aside political divisions and unite in this battle to protect the rights of citizens, of women, to equal career opportunities, be it in the military or in civilian life. Speaking to AsiaNews, women's rights activist Pushpa Ramlani Dissanayake expressed her full support for DIG Bimshani. Sri Lanka, she noted, signed CEDAW[*] in 1991 and if Bimshani does not get the post, it will be a full and total violation of human rights. Where is the so-called democracy? Pushpa Ramlani, a former UN official, agrees. This is gender discrimination. Lavina Hashanthi, a member of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO), wonders how it is possible to discuss this appointment to a top post in the police in the country where the first female prime minister in the world was born. Male power is still dominant, she warns, but DIG Bimshani has all the qualities to hold the office. [*] Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Advertisement Prince Phillip will spend the weekend in hospital as the fallout from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure from the working Royal Family raged outside. He today had his fourth day in the private facility in London, but is understood to have been aware the announcement on Harry and Meghan was to be released. The Duke of Edinburgh is having 'observation and rest' after being admitted earlier this week after feeling unwell. Philip, 99, was described as being in 'good spirits' after he walked unaided into King Edward VII Hospital on Tuesday evening on the advice of his doctor. A Royal source said: 'Following consultation with his doctor he is likely to remain in hospital for observation and rest over the weekend and into next week. As we have said previously the doctor is acting with an abundance of caution. The Duke remains in good spirits.' The Queen had told him of Meghan and Harry's decision to not return as working members of the Royal Family and the statement she was going to release on the development. The Duke of Edinburgh (left) and the Duke of Sussex (right) laugh together following the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at Windsor Castle in May 2019 Police stand outside King Edward VII Hospital in London this morning as a nurse walks past The two statements were released within three minutes of each other and signalled the end of their working Royal life Philip and Harry had always shared a close bond but a recent book suggested he had been left bewildered by his decision to walk away from the Royal Family. Ingrid Seward, author of Prince Philip Revealed, said the Duke of Edinburgh 'walked away' from the situation after feeling that his advice was being ignored. Seward's book said: 'For Philip, whose entire existence has been based on a devotion to doing his duty, it appeared that his grandson had abdicated his for the sake of his marriage to an American divorcee in much the same way as Edward VIII gave up his crown to marry Wallis Simpson in 1936.' It had been claimed today Harry was self-isolating at home in Montecito, California, so he can fly back to Britain at short notice if Philip's condition worsens, but the Palace's announcement appears to have thrown this into some doubt. Harry, who lives in a 11million mansion with his pregnant wife Meghan and son Archie, was also said to have arranged to fly by private jet at short notice if needed. He would be tested for coronavirus before leaving the US and upon arriving in Britain - and it is not clear if Meghan would travel, reported the Daily Mirror. The Duke of Edinburgh remained at King Edward VII Hospital this morning (pictured today) Police stand on the steps of King Edward VII Hospital today where Philip is being treated Harry would also be exempt from having to quarantine in a hotel for ten days after arriving, if the UK adds the US to its 'red list' of countries as is being discussed. Members of the Royal Family do not have to isolate in a hotel upon arriving from 'red list' countries because due to special dispensation, similar to diplomatic immunity. A spokesman for Harry was contacted for comment by MailOnline. On Wednesday, Buckingham Palace said admitting Philip to hospital was a 'precautionary measure'. There were no reports yesterday of visitors arriving at the exclusive hospital which is on a quiet street in Marylebone, but Philip is known for his 'no fuss' attitude. Philip, who turns 100 on June 10, is in hospital for an undisclosed reason, although it is not coronavirus-related and it was a non-emergency admission.. It is understood a doctor was called after Philip felt unwell for a short period and he was taken to hospital by car, where he walked in unaided. Philip has been spending the latest lockdown with the Queen, 94, at Windsor Castle and last month they both received Covid vaccinations. Prince Harry and Meghan at their 11million home in Montecito, California, last September The Queen and Prince Philip look at a wedding anniversary card given to them by their great grandchildren George, Charlotte and Louis, in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle last November Harry and Meghan released this picture on Sunday to accompany a pregnancy announcement Is this Britain's bravest traffic warden? Prince Philip's royal protection officers' Range Rover gets a parking ticket A ticket-happy official outside the hospital where Philip is being treated tried to lay claim to the title of Britain's bravest traffic warden yesterday. As the Duke remained inside, royal protection officers found their Range Rover given a fixed penalty notice. A parking warden putting a ticket on a royal protection officer's vehicle on a yellow line outside King Edward VII Hospital yesterday The fine was attached to the windscreen after it was left on double yellow lines as the protection officers went inside for 'a couple of hours', a witness said. When they emerged, one of the officers removed the ticket and the car was moved. Advertisement Philip was reported last year to be unconcerned about becoming a centenarian. But sources say his view has modified and he is rather reluctantly looking forward to reaching the milestone. As the nation hoped for his swift recovery, royal author Penny Junor joked yesterday that hospital staff probably would not want Philip on their shift due to his aversion to people making a fuss. She told BBC Breakfast: 'He can be quite blunt and I think if he felt people were fussing over him he could be quite outspoken about that. 'This is a man who doesn't want any fuss made of his 100th birthday, so the fact he's in hospital and getting some fuss made of him will really irritate him.' Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday: 'His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London on Tuesday evening. 'The Duke's admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness's doctor, after feeling unwell. The Duke is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest.' It is understood the decision to admit Philip was taken with an 'abundance' of caution. Philip was last in hospital in December 2019, when he spent four nights at King Edward VII being treated for a 'pre-existing condition' before being discharged on Christmas Eve. He retired from public duties in 2017 but made a rare public appearance at Windsor last July 2020 for the official handover of his role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to his daughter-in-law Camilla. Meanwhile a ticket-happy official outside the hospital tried to lay claim to the title of Britain's bravest traffic warden yesterday. As Philip remained inside, royal protection officers found their Range Rover given a fixed penalty notice. The fine was attached to the windscreen after it was left on double yellow lines as the protection officers went inside for 'a couple of hours', a witness said. When they emerged, one of the officers removed the ticket and the car was moved. The British government changed its travel information for Spain on Wednesday to include a longer list of documents that the Spanish authorities will accept to prove legitimate residency in Spain. See travel advice ON THE UK GOV'S WEBSITE Since Christmas, only Spanish and Andorran nationals plus foreigners with residency can enter from the UK by sea or air. This rule is still in force until at least 2 March. Spain had been saying only green residency certificates or a plastic TIE card were valid proof of legal residency. But now, for example, an acceptance of residency letter will suffice. The website of the Spanish Consulate in London has also put up a link to the new advice and the UK government says airlines and travel companies have been informed. Regime forces have restarted bombing Turkish-backed militias in Idleb, reports North Press. On Thursday, Syrian government forces renewed their ground bombardment on the posts of the Turkish-backed armed opposition groups, south of Idleb, after the region witnessed a relative calm for the last 48 hours. Field sources told North Press that Syrian government forces targeted posts of the armed groups in the villages and towns of Al-Fatira, Kfar Awayed, Sufuhn, Fleifel, Al-Ruwaiha, and Benin in the southern and eastern parts of Zawiya Mountain, with artillery and missile strikes, causing material damage. The sources added that the forces shelled randomly the towns of Kansafra and Al-Bara and the agricultural land surrounding them, with no casualties reported. The bombing coincided with an intense flight of the Russian drones and warplanes in the airspace of Idleb, the northern countryside of Latakia, and the western countryside of Hama. The de-escalation zone in the northwest of Syria has been witnessing a military escalation and mutual bombardment between Syrian government forces and armed opposition groups, which resulted in the killing and wounding of both sides. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. When I told arts associates I was lunching with Kate Mulvany there were envious exclamations of Youll love her,, Shes fabulous, Lucky you!. I find a newspaper article which says she twinkles and she does.Mulvany is a warm, witty, clever and engaging companion. Later, the theatres publicist says: We were amazed you talked for so long! If she hadnt needed to return to a rehearsal, it would have been easy to linger over another coffee, another glass of wine. Marrickville Burrata with vine ripened tomato, sourdough wafer, aged balsamic and basil. Credit:Wolter Peeters Mulvany, who grew up in Geraldton in Western Australia, catalogues the pain she lives with in frank and straightforward detail. She was in her early 30s when she decided that she should openly reveal the extent of her disability and to use that word. I would never have used it as a teenager. But people need to know, especially when I am having a day which is high pain, when my threshold is almost unbearable. I wont ever complain and I just have to make roads around it, she says. But other people should know. Kate Mulvany has a disability and she works perfectly well. So the more the merrier to make this word acceptable. Fortunately we are now in times that are more encouraging. As she tells it: One side of me is the Incredible Hulk and the other side of me is a limp piece of cabbage. So it is really painful to get through...life, I guess. Kate Mulvany, left, in her award-winning role in Tartuffe with Geraldine Hakewill. Credit:Pierre Touissaint Indeed for many years she did not realise that living with extreme pain was not normal. For me I have just had this pain forever. Even when you have a bad day you have such a love for your own body. You think Well done body. Not well done me, well done body, she says. Somehow my body has adapted in a way that allows me to be as upright as possible. I have to make allowances, the older I get. But you just do it, it could have been much worse. It is clear from her substantial resume that Mulvany has workaholic tendencies and admits that she has only recently stopped trying to juggle multiple projects and working 18 hours a day. Playing Beatie Bow is her second Ruth Park project, she also adapted the epic, multi-award-winning production of The Harp in the South: Part One and Part Two which wowed STC audiences in 2018. Other writing gigs have included an adaptation of the stage production of Craig Silveys Jasper Jones, Friedrich Schillers play Mary Stuart, Euripides Medea and the Foxtel series Upright with Tim Minchin. Her own plays include The Rasputin Affair. Acting roles have included Tartuffe, The Great Gatsby and Lambs of God. For 23 years I was swimming and running at the same time which is exhausting even for someone who doesnt have a spinal disability, she says. Has excessive work been a form of over-compensation for her disability? There is a pause before she replies. I come from a very working-class family...but I dont think it is over-compensation. I think it is a distraction if I lose myself in a story which I get to do as a professional, she says. As an actress, I get to step into someone elses body and as a writer I get to travel somewhere that is far enough away to distract me from the pain. I can do that for 18 hours a day if need be...then you come up for air and think Ohhhh...I shouldnt have done that. But it is a wonderful distraction, yeah. I dont think it is over-compensation. I think it is a distraction if I lose myself in a story which I get to do as a professional. Kate Mulvany on work and pain Mulvany thinks there is a great fallacy around the abilities of people with disabilities. They can do it. They just do it differently from what the average person expects. They are so strong, they are so resilient, they are so imaginative. They have to work their way through a world that doesnt take them into consideration and that makes them incredibly strong human beings. Its like a super power, she laughs. Having said that, there are days when I am on the floor in pain...but as long as I am open about it. It is hard to comprehend the level of everyday pain experienced by Mulvany. Last year she discovered that she had broken her back a few months earlier - probably doing a stunt in Hunters, the Jordan Peele-produced Amazon Prime series, in which she plays Nazi-hunting nun Sister Harriet alongside Al Pacino. She will return to the US soon to work on the second season. That was a bit of a wake-up call for me to slow down. I didnt notice it. If I have a new pain, usually I just think it will sort itself out, you just add it to the layers but there was something a bit different about this one which made me a bit afraid. I really couldnt walk. I had to hobble to the bathroom every morning. Lockdown allowed her to take a deep breath and she scored an appointment with a fantastic pain specialist who told her to slow down and stop doing what you have been doing. Take time to get the right meds, the right personal training, get a staff. I said what people to look after me? and he said, No, like a wizard. Enter Yorick. Baby Octopus and Cannellini Beans with polenta, piquillo peppers, nduja and parsley Credit:Wolter Peeters Enter too our lunch. With the restaurant and revamped theatre due to open in a matter of weeks, the kitchen is using us as guinea pigs and has chosen a delightful menu which we supplement with a bottle of Robert Oatley chardonnay. First come share plates of Baby Octopus and Cannellini Beans with polenta, piquillo peppers, nduja and parsley plus Marrickville Burrata (who knew?) with vine-ripened tomato, sourdough wafer, aged balsamic and basil. After a suitable interval, its on to Seared Tasmanian Salmon with grilled asparagus and salsa crudo plus Crispy Bangalow Pork Belly Agrodolce with wilted Italian greens and Sardinian couscous. We send our compliments to the chef only to discover the kitchen has planned an encore of Sicilian Cannoli with roasted strawberries, ricotta and micro basil. Richard (Kate Mulvany) claims he is the victim of witchcraft to catch out the credulous Lord Hastings (Ivan Donato) in Richard III. Credit:Prudence Upton Looking out the window towards the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks, our conversation appropriately turns to Playing Beatie Bow, a timeslip novel for older children written by beloved Sydney author Ruth Park. The story is set in The Rocks and moves between 1873, when the suburb seethed with struggling families and gangsters, and the present day (which Mulvany has updated from Parks original 1980). Playing Beatie Bow, directed by STC artistic director Kip Williams, is the story of Abigail (Catherine Van-Davies), a teenager dealing with her parents messy separation and coming-of-age issues, who follows the mysterious young girl Beatie Bow (Sofia Nolan) back through time. The most important thing to me is not about a girl going back in the past. Its about human beings calling out to each other. The lessons of their time, Mulvany says. Not surprisingly, Mulvany starts an adaptation by immersing herself in the book (she first read Beatie Bow in late primary school) before researching the writer and the history of the location which, in the case of The Rocks was easier last year when the coronavirus kept tourists away. With Beatie Bow, the city does half the job for me, she says. Kate Mulvany with her husband Hamish Michael (left) and John Gaden who starred in the Ensemble Theatres production of her play The Rasputin Affair in 2017. Credit:James Alcock Using a multitude of coloured highlighters, she dissects the themes and the action chapter-by-chapter. I consider what would work theatrically, what doesnt need to come on stage and whats missing in terms of a modern context. Who I would rather hear from right now in 2021. If she senses a gap, she will go back to Parks broader work for inspiration. Shes betting Ruth fanatics will go ha ha when they hear Abigail described as looking like a muddleheaded wombat: her ode to Park who also wrote that book. It was also important to Mulvany to have an Indigenous character in the play even though there wasnt one in the book (and she believes Park would have approved). I researched First Nations people in the area at the time but unfortunately, as we know, so many people had been pushed out. But I found that the Chinese gold diggers often worked hand-in-hand with Indigenous troopers they were called so I could add a voice that might need to be there now. Loading As with Harp in the South, Mulvany endeavoured to get into the mindset of Park whom she sometimes felt was sitting on her shoulder as she worked. I feel a great deal of responsibility for her words. Mulvany lives in a converted convent in Tempe, which, she says, is haunted by a child ghost called Anne who died of tuberculosis. Her husband, Hamish Michael, is currently working on the ABC series Frayed and they have two rescue cats, Bowie and Heisenberg. In 2008 Mulvany was devastated when her then-partner, actor Mark Priestley, took his own life. The bill. Credit:Fairfax Media Our lunch is drawing to a close. While traditionally playwrights exit the rehearsal room after the first week, Williams, who also directed The Harp in the South, is happy for Mulvany to stay on. Its a new play so as a writer it is important to see what is working and what doesnt. If an actor is glitching on a line or it doesnt come naturally we can change it or get rid of it. As of Friday, nearly 67% of the COVID-19 vaccine doses administered statewide have gone to white residents, compared with 7.7% to Latinos, who make up 17.5% of the states population, and 7.6% to Black residents, who account for 14.6% of all Illinoisans. Race and ethnicity information is not available for nearly 10% of the doses administered across Illinois. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Blackrock Gold Corp. (TSXV: BRC) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced and upsized bought-deal public offering (the "Offering"), which includes full exercise of the over-allotment option. Under the Offering, a total of 14,375,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.72 per Unit were sold on a "bought deal" basis for gross proceeds of C$10,350,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at a price of C$1.10 at any time on or before the date which is 36 months after the closing date of the Offering. The Offering was led by Red Cloud Securities Inc. as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters that included Canaccord Genuity Corp., Mackie Research Capital Corporation and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the "Underwriters"). Due to investor demand, as previously disclosed in the Company's January 29, 2021 news release, the Offering was upsized from C$7.02 million. The Units were offered and sold by way of a short form prospectus filed in all of the provinces of Canada, with the exception of Quebec, and was offered and sold outside of Canada on a private placement basis. The net proceeds raised from the Offering will be used to fund the exploration of the Company's Tonopah West and Silver Cloud properties in Nevada and for working capital and general corporate purposes. In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters received a total cash commission of C$586,877.76 and 419,402 non-transferable broker warrants, each entitling the Underwriters to purchase one Common Share of the Company at a price of C$0.72 per Common Share until February 19, 2024. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Units, nor was there any sale of the Units in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Units offered have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and was not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person. About Blackrock Gold Corp. Blackrock is a junior gold-focused exploration company that is on a quest to make an economic discovery. Anchored by a seasoned board, the Company is focused on its Nevada portfolio consisting of low-sulfidation epithermal gold & silver projects located along on the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada, and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada. For further information, please contact: Andrew Pollard, President & CEO Blackrock Gold Corp. Phone: 604 817-6044 Email: andrew@blackrockgoldcorp.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern the net proceeds from the Offering and the intended use of proceeds. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; exploration costs, timing and amount of exploration expenditures; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: the availability of funds; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities of mineral properties; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74955 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) More areas in Visayas and Mindanao are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm Auring maintained its strength while being almost stationary at sea. In its 11 p.m. advisory, state weather bureau PAGASA listed Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Siquijor as areas in Visayas under the lowest storm signal. Places in Mindanao under Signal No. 1 are Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Sur. Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 will experience winds from 30 to 60 kilometers per hour and at least 36 hours of intermittent rains. PAGASA said Auring is projected to make landfall over the east coast of Caraga region on Sunday morning or afternoon. It will then traverse Visayas and MIMAROPA until Monday morning. State weather forecasters also said Auring may still re-intensify into a severe tropical storm, but it will weaken as it crosses several parts of the country. The weather disturbance is forecast to become a tropical depression by Tuesday morning. For the next 12 hours, PAGASA warned there will be light to moderate with at times heavy rains over Caraga, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Southern Leyte due to the tropical storm. Rough to high seas will also be experienced over the seaboards of areas under Signal No. 1. Meanwhile, Santo Tomas town in Davao del Norte has activated its disaster risk reduction measures in anticipation of Auring. The town is currently under a state of calamity due to severe flooding experienced in the area this week. RELATED: Davao del Norte town under state of calamity due to floods Santo Tomas Municipal Administrator Elisa Evangelista-Lapina said they are constantly communicating with the town's barangay captains to prepare their residents for the storm, such as establishing evacuation centers. The Santo Tomas local government also sought help from neighboring towns for the distribution of relief goods for affected residents. "We have no choice but to brace for another typhoon. As much as possible, we will provide clean water and other necessities to those who will be affected," Lapina said in an interview on CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Friday. As of 10 p.m, the storm was located 435 km. east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph. While social media is a great platform to connect with people across the globe, one cannot ignore its dark side as well. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's daughter Aaliyah recently opened up about how she was cyber-bullied for sharing pictures of herself in lingerie. The young starlet posted a video on her YouTube channel in which she spoke about the immense hate she received for her bold pictures. Aaliyah revealed that she got called a 'prostitute', and even received rape and death threats. Speaking about how she was subjected to unsavoury comments for her photos, Aaliyah revealed in her video, "People were telling me that I should be ashamed of being Indian and posting stuff like that. People were sending me rape threats, calling me a prostitute, DMing me and asking me what my 'rate' was, sending me death threats, s**tting on my family. That whole incident of the picture got me a lot." Aaliyah opened up about how she deals with the hate on her social media page and said, "So social media negativity is something I have come to terms with. Like, I am a very sensitive person and even the smallest bit of hate does affect me, but I don't know. I'm sensitive, I cry almost every day about the dumbest s**t." Explaining how the trolls took a toil on her mental health, Aaliyah said that she was initially "crying constantly," but soon realized that she should not get so affected by trolls hiding behind the veil of anonymity. "I just realised that it doesn't matter because these are people hiding behind their phones and have nothing better to do. I honestly just block everyone. If there is anything even remotely negative on any of my social media, I just block them because I want my social media to be a positive place," she said in her video. Aaliyah who is currently studying in the US, also revealed that she has no plans of joining the film industry. She said in her video, "The movies my dad makes aren't very commercial. I obviously grew up watching my parents but for me, it seems normal because that is what I grew up watching. So, it's not like, 'Oh my God, it's Bollywood.' I don't get fascinated by it. That is not what I want to do, I am trying to stay away from it." ALSO READ: It's Party Time! Aaliyah Kashyap Posts New Pictures Of Having Fun With Bestie Khushi Kapoor ALSO READ: 30 Gorgeous Pics Of Aaliyah Kashya, Anurag Kashyap's Beautiful Daughter! Restrictions on face-to-face teaching and the impact of the Christmas and winter holidays led to a substantial drop in new infections and deaths in recent weeks, proving once again the central role that schools and day-care centres have played in the COVID-19 pandemic. This impressively underscores the urgent need for a European-wide school and general strike to defeat the pandemic and prevent the avoidable deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. In Germany alone, COVID-19 continues to claim an average of 400 lives every day, and across Europe 4,000 deaths are daily added to the grim toll. The spread of the original coronavirus strain is being eclipsed in more and more European countries by more contagious variants, which are now also increasingly being detected in mass outbreaks in Germany. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the proportion of the UK variant of new cases rose to more than 20 percent within 14 days. Given the proliferation of variants, virologists Melanie Brinkmann and Christian Drosten recently warned in the newsweekly Der Spiegel that a comprehensive policy of opening up the economy would immediately cost the lives of 100,000 to 180,000 more people in Germany alone. But instead of keeping schools and day-care centres closed, scaling down the economy to absolutely essential levels and containing the pandemic with measures coordinated across Europea goal supported by more than 1,000 leading scientiststhe federal and state governments are systematically seeking to create conditions for a third wave. Nowhere is this more evident than in the attempt by state leaders to return to unprotected face-to-face teaching as soon as possible. In Saxony, where the crematoriums were overwhelmed in the face of mass deaths just a few weeks ago, primary schools and day-care centres have already been back in restricted regular operation since Mondaywithout distancing rules and the compulsory wearing of masks in class. On March 8, secondary pupils are also to return to alternating in-person and remote teaching. State Premier Michael Kretschmer (Christian Democratic Union, CDU) left no doubt that this was a deliberate human experiment designed to assess more precisely the influence of schools and day-care centres on the level of contagion in the general population. In an interview with the tabloid, Bild am Sonntag, he described the opening of day-care centres and primary schools as an important experiment whose effects would be seen at the beginning of March. Kretschmer is thus following the advice of the Bonn virologist Hendrik Streeck, who in recent weeks and months had repeatedly called in the press and on talk shows for a policy of trying things out. Claiming, we know nothing about the incidence of infections in schools, Streeck had suggested on the Sandra Maischberger show at the end of January, opening schools in one place and not in another. This was not an experiment on humans, the virologist had hastily claimed at the time. However, the fact that this is exactly what is happening is openly acknowledged in the bourgeois press. For example, a commentary in the Suddeutsche Zeitungwhich welcomes the school openingsrefers to Kretschmers plans as a gamble for which there were of course reasons and noted, Other federal states have already announced that they also want to dare to undertake the experiment. Thuringia, which is governed by the Left Party, plans to return to regular operation in primary schools and day-care centres as of Monday. The incidence threshold to be reached is set at 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per week, which is so high that from March 1 onwards, in-person classes will presumably also apply to all other grades in most districts. Up to grade seven, masks are not compulsory in class. A Tagesschau report makes it clear that the coming Monday marks the beginning of the comprehensive opening of schools and day-care centres in the vast majority of the federal states: North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Wurttemberg and Saarland, for example, intend alternating in-person and remote lessons for primary school children from Monday. For day-care centres, regular operation under pandemic conditions applies, i.e., unprotected contact between children and educators. Brandenburg is also switching to alternating teaching at primary schools; day-care centres have already been open for weeks. Berlin is also maintaining emergency care for primary school children of key worker parents and is increasing day-care capacity to 60 percent. Alternate teaching for final-year classes is possible by arrangement. Bavaria is introducing alternating teaching for primary school classes in districts and cities with an incidence below 100. Also, there is restricted regular operation at day-care centres and face-to-face teaching for the final years of grammar schools, vocational, secondary modern and middle schools. In Hesse, there is alternating teaching for classes one to six and the final years, as well as restricted regular operation for nurseries. Rhineland-Palatinate is providing alternating teaching for grades one to four and regular operation under pandemic conditions in nurseries and child-care centres. In Schleswig-Holstein, day-care centres and grades one to four are to return to general attendance mode from Monday without dividing up classes or groups. Classes five to 13 will potentially follow on March 7. In Mecklenburg-Pomerania, analogous regulations will apply from Wednesday. In Saxony-Anhalt, there is currently emergency care for years one to six and in-person attendance for the final years. As soon as the incidence value drops to 50, regular classes are to be held again at all schools in the respective district from March 1. Bremen and Hamburg start relaxations on March 1, although the incidence figures for both city-states are well above the national average. Bremen envisages a return to attendance at full class size for primary schools. As in other federal states, an emergency care provision is currently in place that deprives working parents of the legal basis to demand leave of absence from their employers. In Lower Saxony, primary school pupils and special needs pupils with a focus on mental development have already been in alternating classes since January, and this is now to apply to final-year classes as well. A general return to face-to-face teaching is targeted for the beginning of March, as well as for day-care centres. Meanwhile, Volkswagenthe largest employer in the stateis planning to set up its own vaccination centres, as it expects to become part of the German vaccination strategy, according to a spokesperson. With a vaccination rate of 2.8 percent, the state ranks last in nationwide comparison. While several federal states boast of offering pupils and school staff one to two free tests per week, teachers report on social media that the testing stations are often out of reach or overloaded. A recent study by the Technical University of Berlin, comparing different indoor situations, has again proven that full classrooms without the mandatory wearing of masksas well as open-plan officesare by far the riskiest environments. Although teachers, educators and their families are therefore directly exposed to an incalculable risk, the chairman of the Standing Vaccination Commission, Thomas Mertens, stated on Tuesday that there was no need to give teachers priority now in deviation from the [previous] recommendation. So far, teachers and educators have a lower priority than emergency police officers and law enforcement officers when it comes to being vaccinated. In their murderous drive to open up day-care centres and primary schools, government leaders relyas they did at the beginning of the pandemicon pseudo-scientific studies and a phalanx of academic propagandists of so-called herd immunity. Under the name Coronavirus Strategy Working Group, a right-wing network has come out in the open in recent days, demanding that the population live with the virus and explicitly calling for the opening of day-care centres and primary schools. The working group is supported by Streeck and consists of eight professorsamong them the epidemiologist Klaus Stohr, the head of the Frankfurt health authority Rene Gottschalk, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and Gerd Antes, a founding member of the Evidence-Based Medicine Network. They have been known for months as vehement advocates of a herd immunity policy. In their current position paper, the group is demanding the government draw up detailed pandemic plans to be able to determine a politically targeted pandemic level depending on the occupancy of intensive care units. To this end, a flexible target corridor of infected persons and COVID-19 deaths had to be envisaged that would bring Germany to the end of the pandemic without constant new discussions of principles. Classroom in Dortmund, Germany, August 13, 2020 (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File) Like leading government politicians and business associations, these professors claim that the collateral damage caused by the closure of day-care centres and schools has been given too little consideration in the past. With audacity and ignorance otherwise only known from coronavirus deniers and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), the authors go on to declare that the effectiveness of day-care and school closures in reducing ... deaths in the risk groups of the elderly and those in need of care ... is not provable in the literature and thus represents a restriction of the fundamental rights of children and young people that is imposed on them in an extraneous manner. The proportional increase of the B.1.1.7 variant or other variants is, at the same time, no reason to change the SARS-CoV-2 control strategy. There is also no evidence for the necessity of additional protection concepts for schools and kindergartens. Instead, the British studies on the infection rate of B.1.1.7 urgently need to be subjected to verification in Germany. This can only be done in countries with low levels of the variant. Study protocols and locations must be prepared for this (emphasis added). The consequences of such a herd immunity policycombined with only partial immunisationare openly stated by the paper: With increasing immunity in the population, the probability of the emergence of [variants created under high pressure of selection] increases. This can be expected soon in countries with declining population susceptibility. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Normally used to providing health services in Myanmar (Burma)'s conflict zones and Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, the California nonprofit Community Partners International (CPI) is now helping LA County hospitals cope with the latest wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. As of February 18, more than 3.5 million people in California have tested positive for COVID-19, and over 47,000 have died. Intensive care unit (ICU) capacity in Southern California has plummeted to 0% at times as hospitals struggle with COVID-19 patient numbers. In January, Community Partners International teamed up with Direct Relief to provide home-based care to patients recovering from COVID-19, freeing up vital bed space to receive new patients that need intensive and emergency care. Dr. Tom Lee, Community Partners International's Founder and Board Chair, is also an emergency medicine physician and has spent months on the front lines of LA's COVID-19 response. "The challenge for LA County hospitals is that they can't discharge recovering COVID-19 patients unless they are confident that they will receive suitable home-based care," explained Dr. Lee. This is where Community Partners International and partners are stepping up. Together, they coordinate a network of volunteers that help COVID-19 patients continue their recovery at home with oxygen concentrators donated by Direct Relief. They train the volunteers and equip them with personal protective equipment (PPE) to serve patients safely and effectively. The patients receive home visits from the volunteers to check on their progress. When patients no longer require oxygen support, the volunteers collect the oxygen concentrators to be sterilized and used again. "This care model helps patients to return home and safely continue their recovery," explained Dr. Lee. "And, crucially, it opens up bed spaces in hospital for other people that need urgent care." Community Partners International's project draws inspiration from a COVID-19 home-based care project that the organization leads with Rohingya refugees from Myanmar (Burma) sheltering in Bangladesh. "In Bangladesh, we're working in the world's largest refugee camp," explained Dr. Lee. "It's incredibly cramped and crowded. People can't physically distance, and they lack adequate hygiene supplies and sanitation services." Community Partners International trains and equips Rohingya volunteer teams who educate fellow refugees to safeguard against COVID-19. The volunteers also provide home-based care for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. "The Rohingya volunteers don't have as much equipment or support as our volunteers here in California, but they are providing equally important services in the most challenging circumstances," emphasized Dr. Lee. "And this model of home-based care is essential in both locations to support patients as they recover and relieve the pressure on medical facilities." About Community Partners International Founded by U.S. doctors and philanthropists in 1998, Community Partners International (CPI) is a California-based nonprofit organization that empowers vulnerable communities to meet their essential health, humanitarian, and development needs. Today, Community Partners International serves nearly one million people each year in Myanmar (Burma), Bangladesh, and the United States. The organization focuses on communities affected by conflict, violence, and displacement, in hard-to-reach contexts, and marginalized through poverty and exclusion. To support Community Partners International's work, donate at https://www.cpintl.org/california-covid-relief.html or contact Kalsang Tashi, Director of Strategic Partnerships at [email protected]. Contact: Kalsang Tashi Director of Strategic Partnerships Community Partners International +1 510 225 9676 [email protected] www.cpintl.org SOURCE Community Partners International Related Links http://www.cpintl.org The C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute (DTI) today announced that KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden has become the eighth university member and first international member of the academic and industry consortium. Karl H. Johansson, Professor at the KTH School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has joined the C3.ai DTI Executive Committee as campus lead. Johansson also leads the cross-disciplinary Digital Futures research center at KTH, launched in 2020 to explore and develop digital technologies and solutions to great societal challenges. His research focuses on networked control systems, cyber-physical systems, and applications in transportation, energy, and automation systems. He is a member of the IEEE Control Systems Society Board of Governors, the European Control Association Council, and Fellow of the IEEE. Digital Futures has a long-term strategic outlook and a high-risk, high-gain research agenda that aligns particularly well with the ambitious aims of the C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute, says Johansson. KTH is eager to contribute to and expand DTIs reach as the first international member of the consortium. We are confident that this will be a very productive partnership. The upcoming digital transformation revolution will be a worldwide phenomenon, says C3 AI Founder and CEO Tom Siebel. It is critical to engage with international partners and welcoming the distinguished KTH Royal Institute of Technology to the consortium is a great place to start. About C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute Established in March 2020 by C3 AI, Microsoft, and leading universities, the C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute is a research consortium dedicated to accelerating the benefits of artificial intelligence for business, government, and society. The Institute engages the worlds leading scientists to conduct research and train practitioners in the new Science of Digital Transformation, which operates at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, internet of things, big data analytics, organizational behavior, public policy, and ethics. The ten C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute consortium member universities and laboratories now include: University of California, Berkeley, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Carnegie Mellon University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, National Center for Supercomputing Applications at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Princeton University, Stanford University, and University of Chicago. To support the Institute, C3 AI is providing the Institute $57,250,000 in cash contributions over the first five years of operation. C3 AI and Microsoft will contribute an additional $310 million of in-kind support, including use of the C3 AI Suite and Microsoft Azure computing, storage, and technical resources to support C3.ai DTI research. Additional industry partners include AstraZeneca, Baker Hughes, and Shell. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210218005223/en/ Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. 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. Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has called for a meeting in the capital, Mogadishu, to deliberate the election's stalemate. The proposed two-day meeting will be held on Thursday and Friday. Opposition leaders have called for protests against the government's failure to hold elections. The demonstrations are planned for Friday in Mogadishu. The president's office tweeted that Thursday's meeting will discuss the 17 September elections agreement: H.E President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo convenes a two days Leadership Consultative Summit which shall be held in #Mogadishu from 18-19 February 2021. The Federal Government, Federal Member States and Benadir Administration will discuss the 17 September 2020 elections agreement. Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) February 17, 2021 Somalia missed a December 2020 deadline to hold elections and the president's term ended in February 2021.A resolution by parliament allows the president to stay in office until a successor is elected, but the opposition has accused him of illegally holding on to power.The September 2020 agreement between federal government and regional leaders approved an indirect election model for both parliamentary and presidential elections. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The number of cybercrime cases reported in the capital spiked during last year's lockdown period, from nearly 2,000 in March to over 4,000 in May, as fraudsters adopted new methods to cheat people, the said on Friday. According to data shared by the city police, 62 per cent of the reported in Delhi were related to online financial fraud, 24 per cent were related to social media and 14 per cent to other The data showed that from March to May 2020, when restrictions were in place due to the outbreak of COVID-19, there was a rise in cases related to It went up from around 2,000 such cases in March to more than 4,000 in May. Speaking at the annual press conference, Commissioner S N Shrivastava said cybercrimes peaked during the COVID time and declined later. He added that his force was dedicated towards solving the cases and creating awareness to prevent such incidents in the future. "Our CyPad is at the central level in our force which looks after these cases. Each district in Delhi has specific cyber cells. We analysed cybercrimes and the cases reported to us. They had peaked during the COVID time and declined after a few months," Shrivastava said. Elaborating on the new modus operandi adopted by cyber criminals, the said fraudsters targeted people by creating fake government websites offering financial assistance, subsidies and government jobs. Extortion using edited porn videos, customer care, online search manipulation, phishing links in the name of schemes, and news and alerts pushed through emails and WhatsApp were other methods used, police officials said. People were also duped in the name of KYC verification, e-SIM upgradation, the police said. "People created fake government websites providing jobs to doctors and nurses for COVID patients. There were people selling sanitisers, PPE kits, food and groceries with help of fake websites and cheating people. Some hackers also gained access to bank accounts with KYC platforms and took money. QR code cheating through Olx app became famous. Accused posed as customers and sent QR codes which when used would deduct money from victim's account," Prem Nath, Joint Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell), said. In the 66 cases registered in connection with mega cyber frauds last year, where in 1,65,265 victims were targeted, 213 people have been arrested, according to the data. The force has trained 1,280 officers to investigate cybercrime cases. This training was imparted through video calls during the lockdown, the Delhi Police said. Police officials said they are working with 44 banks, e-wallet companies and online merchants to prevent such crimes. "Talks are underway to bring RBI ecosystem on our live-testing portal which is developed by Delhi Police," they 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.) 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. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. 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. 10401 Mike Marcantonio, CEO, Alliance Franchise Brands Mike Marcantonio, CEO, Alliance Franchise Brands The printing and graphics communications industries have seen more technological advances in the past 10 years than in the half-century previous; much of it driven by the speed with which business and industry operate. The growth of online communications that empowers information-seeking buyers and quickly introduces them to sellers has driven print and graphics producers to respond with increased speed and flexibility while finding ways for their business clients to control their expenses. These technological advances have also helped progressive print services providers to control their own costs, thereby making them much more efficient and competitive. According to market research and strategic consulting firm InfoTrends, the total costs associated with printed business communications (e.g. sourcing, procurement and management) average 1-3 percent of a companys annual top line revenue. Many soft costs, such as ineffective brand management and waste due to obsolescence are often overlooked. For businesses of all sizes, print-related expenses present a key opportunity for cost reduction and process improvement. Answering the Call Consolidation within the printing industry, pressure on pricing, and growth among internet print providers are forces that drove us to seek new avenues to secure long-term stability and growth. What we know: The printing industry has some boundaries that are well defined, and the path to success has been to outperform competitors by getting a bigger share of existing demand. For us to find opportunities, we set a deliberate course to expand our markets with diversified products and services to meet or create new demand. Alliance Franchise Brands is a franchise network of nearly 600 marketing, print and graphics communications companies across North America with two divisions. The Marketing and Print Division supports five brands: Allegra, American Speedy Printing and Insty- Prints in the United States and Speedy Printing and Zippy Print in Canada. In our Sign and Graphics Division, the company supports three brands in North America and the United Kingdom: Image360, Signs by Tomorrow and Signs Now. Our strategy to differentiate our franchise members from competitors is for them to become true sales-driven solutions providers who, among other key enablers are supported by best-in-class technology. Enter WorkStream, our one-of-a-kind technology platform that fully integrates sophisticated e-commerce, business management and workflow automation technologies, all driving the kinds of efficiencies needed to stay a step ahead of market demands. Providing competitive advantages to our franchise network means having a mindset of fearless innovation and securing supplier partners who understand our vision, perhaps having to look at their own models a bit differently to accommodate a franchise network like ours. An essential element of the platform is its open architecture which allows one component to seamlessly interact and talk with the others. They include: An advanced and scalable cloud-based management information system (MIS) with intuitive interface and integrated CRM that is robust and scalable A world-class e-commerce storefront technology with front-end (MIS) and back-end (automation workflow) integrations A prepress portal for streamlined job processing and production automation that reduces errors and allows for faster online proofing, collaboration and approval cycles with clients. Integration with accounting software for further efficiency and real-time financial information and key performance indicators Testing and Rollout After more than a year of research and needs/cost analysis, WorkStream is now in alpha testing with the corporate-owned locations in the Alliance Franchise Brands Marketing & Print Division. We rely heavily on these centers to be our proving ground for each of the technologies along with marketing programs and value-added services. Until now, this level of technology sophistication has been unavailable to print services providers in our category, so the migration to WorkStream represents a significant change in the way that we do business. Due to the demand for a robust, modern e-commerce solution and its readiness, the WorkStream e-commerce component will be offered to early adopters in our network prior to the full scale availability of the total platform. Though much of the WorkStream technology will be transparent to our end clients, they will benefit in multiple time- and cost-efficiencies. A tangible advantage, however, lies in this e-commerce solution. Corporate print buyers will see savings with their own branded sites by maintaining centralized control over branding; empowering local or regional personnel to customize content; reducing the time it takes to get printed materials or promotional products in the hands of their marketing and sales teams; and centralizing and tracking usage and purchases for improved budgeting and cost containment. Once all of the components are fully tested internally and connected, the widespread rollout of WorkStream will position franchise members with unprecedented value and exclusivity in the marketplace. Our strategy to reduce the time associated with estimating, order entry and production activities through automation and shift it to client service allows both our franchise members and their clients to work on their businesses rather than in them. With a sales-driven model, our network provides greater value through consultation, understanding what clients are trying to accomplish to propose solutions that help them achieve a goal or solve a problem. A printing business is a complicated one. WorkStream will fundamentally change the nature of ours, from client management through operations and workflow. The platform, cost-prohibitive for an independent printing company to replicate, will give our franchise members a competitive edge and the ability to restructure their businesses for increased profitability and long-term growth. Moreover, the connectivity of the technology package and standardization of information input and collection will allow us to manage large amounts of data more effectively, better define best practices and apply them across our network. We see a huge opportunity for independent printers to join our network and enable long-range stability in this ever-changing industry that has important history and tradition. Its an exciting time to have new technologies play such a prominent role in its future. A daily round-up of some of the stories from the Proactive newswire ( ) is to support the roll-out of mobile COVID-19 testing in the UK as part of the Department of Health and Social Cares new pilot scheme. BASE Resources PLC ( ) has passed an important milestone in its bid to increase the mine life of its mineral sands operation in Kenya. ( ) has announced the start of rig mobilisation for the Merlin-1 well, in Alaska, where drilling is scheduled to start in the first week of March. ( ) confirmed the closing of its share placing, with the nickel mine developer raising 18mln in total. ( ) announced the convening of a general meeting, including a proposed consolidation of the company's share capital. A shareholder circular explaining the reasons for the consolidation and other proposals is being posted to shareholders and will be available on the company's website at www.unionjackoil.com under the AIM Rule 26 section. PLC ( ) said that save for the 40mln Financing Warrants held by insiders and connected parties valid exercise notices have been received for 100% of all the February 2019 Warrants. Exercise of the February 2019 Warrants to date has raised 1.68mln for the company and in total all warrant exercises in 2020/2021 have raised circa 2.9mln, it said. Working capital, including cash and listed investments, currently stands at circa 3.28mln, it added. ( ) has reappointed Mike Grasby as a non-executive director. Grasby, 77, was a non-executive director from May 2008 until November 2019 and in a long career has worked for power companies all around the world. Confession time: I do love Facebook. I know, I know, the digital giant is a heinous, malignant, capitalistic force run by a guy who should never have been let out of Stepford, a company which time and time again has abrogated its responsibilities as a media platform, cultural influence and corporate citizen. Whether it be its livestreaming of massacres, dissemination of kooky and dangerous conspiracy theories and fake news, or its indifference to abuse and threats, we have all suffered. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Credit:Getty Images And now it has cancelled the news in the middle of a pandemic after having a strop over the governments News Media Bargaining Code, which makes the tech giants pay for using news content. Its a standover tactic that would have Don Corleone doffing his cap in admiration. But, Im still on Facebook every day. From Sydney, to Perth, to Canberra, to London and now to Melbourne it has brought my world closer, a socio-emotional map of my life. I watched my friends kids growing up in far-flung places. Cat videos! Who doesnt love a quiz? My apartment complex set up a useful bulletin board on Facebook. Friends smarter than me would post articles of interest that I hadnt caught up with. It was world-expanding. But, to be honest, I probably loved it most of all because it gave me a licence to show off. And showing off is a buzz. Heres me courtside at the Australian Open last week. Heres my beach body. But I was mistaken in believing this narcissism was my own vice to bear. It is actually Facebooks business model. 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. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije was enthroned on Friday during a ceremony in Saborna church in Belgrade. Serbian Orthodox Church bishops elected Patriarch Porfirije Thursday as the new leader, succeeding the church patriarch who died after contracting COVID-19. Porfirije, 59, was always considered a strong candidate for the post, both because of his ranking position within the Serbian Orthodox Church and his apparent closeness to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. He replaces Patriarch Irinej, who died in November from COVID-19 complications. The church strongly opposes the secession of former Serbian province Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008. It played a key role in rallying its believers in Montenegro to vote for the pro-Serbian parties that narrowly defeated a pro-Western government in a parliamentary election last summer. Porfirije is believed to have a bit of a softer stand on Kosovo's independence than his predecessor and the rest of the Serbian church's senior clergy Having an ally at the church's helm would be important for Vucic if he tried to negotiate with Kosovo's majority ethnic Albanians on establishing future ties between Serbia and Kosovo. Ethnic Albanian separatists and Serbian forces fought a brutal 1998-1999 war in Kosovo. The issue of Kosovo's statehood continues to strain ties between the two countries. Support from the Serbian church, whose ancient seat is located in Kosovo, is considered key for any deal. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Advertisement The two statements issued by Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle three minutes apart today laid bare the 'deep divisions' between the Sussexes and the rest of Royal Family, royal experts said today. The Palace referred to the Sussexes in a statement issued to all the media at 12.01pm as 'much loved members of the family' and said it was 'saddened by their decision' in failing to return as working royals. It also revealed the Queen had 'written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service'. But Harry and Meghan hit back in their own statement three minutes later, saying they 'remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world', adding: 'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.' This statement was issued by their spokesman at 12.04pm only to their trusted media partners such as royal biographer Omid Scobie, the author of Finding Freedom, who was among the first to post it on Twitter. Here, royal experts analyse the meanings behind the statements from the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace (left) and a spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (right) both released statements today The above graphic shows how royal experts and commentators have analysed the statement from Buckingham Palace today The above graphic shows how royal experts and commentators have analysed the statement released by Harry and Meghan Meghan, Harry and the Queen at an awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 26, 2018 The Buckingham Palace statement begins by outlining how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed to the Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the royal family. It adds: 'Following conversations with the duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.' BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said there is almost an unspoken sentence after that from the Queen: 'A life of public service like I have led, like my husband has led at the age of nearly 100, like the rest of your family continue to lead but which you have decided to opt out of'. The Palace statement continues: ROBERT JOBSON: What astonishes me is Harry and Meghan's frankly rude response It is a sad but inevitable consequence of Harry and Meghan's decision to quit the royal family and live in America as private individuals that they are effectively now out in the cold. They took a decision that they no longer wanted to commit full time to serve the Queen and monarchy, but felt they still had a role to play. I am afraid after a year in which the Queen hoped the dust would settle, which left the door open should they change their minds, the Queen, on advice, has decided that the door has to be firmly shut. Her Majesty's decision gives clarity to a confusing situation and in my opinion the only course she could take. But there is a cool and hidden anger there too in her statement. The fact that they released this statement whilst Prince Philip was recovering in hospital is remarkable too and speaks volumes. The Palace statement makes the distinction between Crown and Family. The Queen acknowledges that they are loved as members of her family. But that does not hide the fury over their decision to give an interview to Oprah that will inevitably open up old wounds. The interview is clearly the straw that broke the camel's back. What astonishes me is Harry and Meghan's frankly rude response. They seem hell bent on undermining the Queen's decades of duty and service, and that of the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales as well as other working royals, with their flippant and petulant remark. To say they remain committed to 'duty and service to the UK and around the world and adding that 'we can all live a life of service and that service is universal' is simply rude. It is almost laying down the gauntlet to the Queen and the Royal Family, implying their brand of modern royalty is better. Personally, also for clarity I believe Harry's title the Duke of Sussex, a royal dukedom and his position in the line of succession, should be removed too. I feel that should be for members of the royal family who are committed to and working for the institution. It is not, after all, about personalities. I feel sorry for the Queen, but also for The Prince of Wales - who must be torn emotionally by his son's rogue behaviour - and Prince William who now has to go forward bearing a much greater load, he had hoped to share with his brother. The Sussexes seem only concerned with their feelings and how events impact on them. Harry, who served in the armed forces with distinction, is understandably upset at losing his honorary titles and military associations and patronages. But what did he honestly expect? Being a member of the royal family is a life time commitment. It comes with great privileges but also great responsibilities. Harry and Meghan have decided to walk away from the royal family and meeting those responsibilities. It is a price they have to pay. Harry and Meghan talk a lot about respecting the Queen. It's time they showed it with their actions not just empty words. ROBERT JOBSON is a royal expert and author of the forthcoming book Prince Philip's Century Advertisement 'The honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the duke and duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of the royal family.' Royal expert Robert Jobson, author of the forthcoming book Prince Philip's Century, says Harry, who served in the Armed Forces with distinction, is 'understandably upset' at losing his titles, military associations and patronages, 'but what did he honestly expect?' Harry will also no longer be Captain General of the Royal Marines, nor hold two other honorary military appointments. Royal writer Penny Junor said: 'It does draw a line. It's hurtful but every divorce is hurtful. This is the decree absolute. 'People lose things in a divorce. They lose pets, they lose houses, they lose children, and there was no way this was going to end well.' A royal source said they had 'absolutely, no question' wanted to keep the positions they had lost. The official statement goes on: 'While all are saddened by their decision, the duke and duchess remain much loved members of the family.' Mr Witchell said: 'Of course they're ''saddened'', as the statement says, they're deeply disappointed I think with how matters have turned out.' He added: 'I sense a real sense of exasperation in these statements on both sides.' Speaking to MailOnline this afternoon, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said of the phrase 'much loved' in Buckingham Palace's statement: 'I think this means that Harry in particular, is very dear to the Queen.' Speaking about the word 'saddened', he added: 'Obviously there is disappointment by their decision not to return, though this was inevitable. Whereas it is Meghan who has undoubtedly been the driving force in this, Harry has changed and they are a united couple in this decision.' ITV royal editor Chris Ship said that normally with statements from the Palace you have to 'dog down' to discover what has happened, but not so here. 'It's a pretty sharp way to end there. I think it rather suggests it wasn't very pleasant at all,' he said. 'That jumped out at me as soon as i read it.' The spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: 'As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.' Mr Witchell told the BBC News Channel today the phrase 'as evidenced by their work over the past year' revealed a sense of the couple 'thumbing their noses', saying 'don't tell us how to lead our lives'. Royal experts say that the section of the statement emphasising that the couple have 'offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role' reveals that they strongly disagree that the commitments they have made are incompatible with keeping royal patronages. The statement from the couple goes on: 'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.' Royal commentators say the first sentence reveals very different attitudes to the concept of service. Of the Sussexes's reference to service being 'universal', Mr Fitzwilliams said: 'The way the Sussexes see the world is different. They are less formal. It indicates to their former patronages that they are very unhappy to lose official links with them.' Ms Junor said of the response from the Sussexes: 'It sounds petulant. They sound disappointed and hurt and I can understand that.' She added: 'It's sort of two fingers at the institution - the men and women that run it. 'I don't think it would be to the Queen because I imagine they think the Queen is being advised, which she is.' Ms Junor described the conclusion to Megxit as the final step in a troubled divorce proceedings, following on from Harry and Meghan quitting as senior working royals last year. Royal commentator Robert Jobson told MailOnline Harry and Meghan saying they remain committed to 'duty and service to the UK and around the world' and adding that 'we can all live a life of service and that service is universal' was 'simply rude'. 'It is almost laying down the gauntlet to the Queen and the Royal Family, implying their brand of modern royalty is better,' he said. Mr Jobson continued: 'It is a sad but inevitable consequence of Harry and Meghan's decision to quit the royal family and live in America as private individuals that they are effectively now out in the cold. 'They took a decision that they no longer wanted to commit full time to serve the Queen and monarchy, but felt they still had a role to play. 'I am afraid after a year in which the Queen hoped the dust would settle, which left the door open should they change their minds, the Queen, on advice, has decided that the door has to be firmly shut. 'Her Majesty's decision gives clarity to a confusing situation and in my opinion the only course she could take. But there is a cool and hidden anger there too in her statement.' He added that the fact they released the statement while Prince Philip is recovering in hospital is 'remarkable too and speaks volumes'. Mr Jobson continued: 'The Palace statement makes the distinction between Crown and Family. The Queen acknowledges that they are loved as members of her family. But that does not hide the fury over their decision to give an interview to Oprah that will inevitably open up old wounds. 'The interview is clearly the straw that broke the camel's back. What astonishes me is Harry and Meghan's frankly rude response. 'They seem hell bent on undermining the Queen's decades of duty and service, and that of the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales as well as other working royals, with their flippant and petulant remark. 'To say they remain committed to ''duty and service to the UK and around the world'' and adding that ''we can all live a life of service and that service is universal'' is simply rude.' He said that Harry's title the Duke of Sussex, a royal dukedom, and his position in the line of succession should also be removed. Mr Jobson added: 'I feel that should be for members of the Royal Family who are committed to and working for the institution. It is not, after all, about personalities. 'I feel sorry for the Queen, but also for The Prince of Wales - who must be torn emotionally by his son's rogue behaviour - and Prince William who now has to go forward bearing a much greater load, he had hoped to share with his brother. 'The Sussexes seem only concerned with their feelings and how events impact on them. 'Harry, who served in the Armed Forces with distinction, is understandably upset at losing his honorary titles and military associations and patronages. But what did he honestly expect? 'Being a member of the royal family is a life time commitment. It comes with great privileges but also great responsibilities. 'Harry and Meghan have decided to walk away from the royal family and meeting those responsibilities. It is a price they have to pay. 'Harry and Meghan talk a lot about respecting the Queen. It's time they showed it with their actions not just empty words.' And BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell told the BBC News Channel today: 'I sense a real sense of exasperation in these statements on both sides. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released this picture on Sunday as they revealed Meghan is pregnant with their second child The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a reception at Buckingham Palace in London to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in July 2018 (left). The Queen is pictured at a Remembrance Sunday service last November (right) 'The statement from Buckingham Palace issued at midday after a conversation 'with the Duke of Sussex, the Queen has written, confirming it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service'. Harry and Meghan 'crossed the red line' by walking away from the monarchy Royal biographer Angela Levin The Duke and Duchess of Sussex 'crossed the red line' in deciding to walk away from the monarchy, a royal biographer has said, following the announcement that they are to be stripped of their patronages. Angela Levin said the Queen was a 'patient woman' but that she was 'devoted to her sense of duty' and the protection of the royal family. It comes after Buckingham Palace released a statement saying all were 'saddened' by the decision, but Harry and Meghan remained 'much loved members of the family'. 'I'm not in the least surprised. I think there's been a lot of rumours that the Queen would do this,' Ms Levin said. 'The Queen as we know is devoted to her duty and to her country...she loves her children and being a grandmother. 'But in the end her sense of duty is more important than grandchildren or children or great grandchildren. She wants to keep them close as a family, but they cannot push their luck too far.' Ms Levin said there had been concerns at the palace over how 'increasingly escapist' Harry and Meghan had become. '(The Queen) doesn't want the royal family's name to be tainted in that way and this, I think, crossed the red line,' she said. 'She's a very patient woman, she's not a micromanager. She lets her children and grandchildren do what they want up to a certain extent and when they overstep that, she comes down.' The announcement comes ahead of a special interview of Harry and Meghan with Oprah Winfrey, which is due to be broadcast in March. 'When senior members of the Royal family say too much or say things that (the Queen) thinks are wrong the whole family is affected by it,' said Ms Levin. 'I think she is very concerned about what the interview with Oprah Winfrey will reveal. 'There's been a lot of publicity saying that it's going to be a tell-all, no-questions-barred, and I think she's concerned about how that would be, and she's got to protect the royal family.' Asked about the future relationship between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family, she continued: 'I think it's very difficult indeed. I don't think it will be bonding. 'I think (Harry) is more loyal to his wife. He adores Meghan and she is his priority. But you can't have it both ways, you can't be half in and half out. This is one chapter in a very long story, and we don't know what's going to happen. 'I hope that maybe this new baby, now that Meghan is pregnant again, will help make some sort of bond, but we shall have to see.' Advertisement 'There's almost an unspoken sentence which doesn't appear in the statement after that: ''A life of public service like I have led, like my husband has led at the age of nearly 100, like the rest of your family continue to lead but which you have decided to opt out of''. 'Of course they're ''saddened'', as the statement says, they're deeply disappointed I think with how matters have turned out. And then the Sussexes' statement which concludes with these couple of phrases ''we can all live a life of service. Service is universal''. 'Isn't there just a sense there of thumbing their noses, ''don't tell us how to lead our lives''. Harry I think will now perhaps finally realise the implications of the decision that they have taken, that it is not possible to do both to have one foot in the Royal Family, and another foot outside. 'That is what the Queen has insisted on and that is what this statement from Buckingham Palace means.' Mr Fitzwilliams said: 'The statement from Buckingham Palace about Harry and Meghan's future status and Harry and Meghan's response highlights very different attitudes to the concept of service. 'The original statement from the Palace last January marking the Sandringham Agreement, was accompanied by a warm personal statement from the Queen. 'Here the Palace clearly feels that being based in California, with the commitments they have made and will make to Netflix, Spotify, the Harry Walker Agency and their non-profit charitable organization, Archewell, is incompatible with retaining royal patronages. 'The Sussexes reply makes clear that they disagree and the tone of the statement shows that they strongly disagree.' Mr Fitzwilliams also told MailOnline it was 'enormously sad', adding: 'The Sussexes lasted less than two years as senior working royals and no one expected them to return. However, it was thought possible that they might retain Meghan's patronages and, most particularly, Harry's military links which mean so much to him. 'As a veteran of two tours of duty in Afghanistan, who found solace in the army during the years after his mother's tragic death, and also as the founder of the enormously successful Invictus Games, he will feel that he has lost a large part of his life, owing to the choice he has made as to with whom and how that life is to be lived. 'The royal family have not forgotten how brutally they were treated when the Sussexes announced they were stepping back last January and caused a crisis which led to the Sandringham Agreement though they made clear they were not happy with that either. 'These are deep divisions and the forthcoming 90-minute interview with Oprah is being given by the couple to a worldwide audience against this background. 'The discussions which have led to today's announcements may well not have amiable. However, what the Sussexes choose to reveal of their royal life on Oprah in front of a global audience, may make for extremely uncomfortable viewing for the royal family.' It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were stripped of their prestigious patronages, with their decision to walk away from the monarchy and move to the US to pursue personal and financial freedom coming at a cost. Harry will lose his roles as Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington, and Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Commands' Small Ships and Diving. The decision came after Harry held talks with his grandmother the Queen and other senior royals ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Sussexes formally stepping down as working royals on March 31. The United States is fully committed to NATO and its principle that an attack on one member of the transatlantic alliance is an attack on all, U.S. President Joe Biden told the Munich Security Conference on Friday. "The United States is fully committed to our NATO alliance, and I welcome your investment in the military capabilities that enable our shared defenses," Biden said. "An attack on one is an attack on all. That is our unshakeable vow." Short link: As Connecticuts COVID-19 metrics continue falling, officials anticipate even greater allotments of the two federally approved vaccines. The state is now expected to receive 72,000 shots of the vaccines next week in first doses alone, a vast increase compared with the few thousand it received when vaccinations first started in December. My philosophy here is pretty simple more, better, faster, said Andy Slavitt, a senior adviser on the White House COVID-19 response team who joined Gov. Ned Lamont Thursday during his coronavirus press conference. Slavitt said this means providing the state with more doses and ensuring it reaches racial and ethnic minorities, as well as vulnerable populations. We will have a shortage over the next period of months, Slavitt said. It wont last forever, but during that shortage, the thing we cant do is have people hoarding vaccines because they dont know when more will come. The federal government has promised state officials three weeks of visibility so they know what to expect for their weekly allotments, Slavitt said. We will only increase that amount ... it will never go down, he added. On Thursday, the states daily positivity rate fell to just above 2 percent as 547 new cases were found out of 27,015 tests. Hospitalizations continued their downward trend, with 16 fewer patients bringing the total number hospitalized for the illness statewide to 568. Another 20 deaths were reported, which the governor referred to as 20 too many, increasing the states death toll to 7,496. As the state continues to review future vaccine eligibility, Lamont committed to providing more information Monday on the list of people next eligible based on underlying conditions that put them more at risk for COVID complications. He said more information would also be coming on vaccinating essential workers. The state has largely been offering the vaccines based on age, recently opening eligibility for those age 65 and older, after initially reserving shots for those age 75 and up. Outside of age, the state vaccinated residents and staff of congregate settings as part of Phase 1b of the vaccine rollout. Those in Phase 1a, a group that includes residents and staff of long-term care facilities, medical first responders and frontline health workers, were the first to receive the vaccine in Connecticut. Volunteers assisting at vaccination sites were also prioritized within that group. Lamont on Thursday signaled frontline essential workers, a group defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will likely be eligible for the shot all at once or phased in over the course of a week or so. You dont want so many people with the option of getting the vaccine at the same time that you have some of the crowds that youve seen in other situations, said Lamont, likely referencing crowds of people who showed up to get the vaccine in other states such as Florida. At the same time, the governor said the group of essential workers specifically is pretty narrow at around 325,000 people. Since the group of people age 65 to 74 comprise about 350,000 people, the governor expressed confidence the state could handle that group at once. Whats less clear is how the state will vaccinate those with underlying conditions, who Lamont said would likely need their doctors to let them know theyre eligible for the shot. Slavitt said the Biden administration has committed to delivering 200 million doses of the two vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna by early April. This commitment does not include any additional vaccine from Johnson & Johnson. Federal regulators with the Food and Drug Administration are set to review that companys application for an emergency use authorization on Feb. 26. Unlike the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a single shot and can be stored at warmer temperatures, potentially allowing for easier distribution. But the approval of the vaccine may not have an immediate impact, since the company only has a few million doses available, Reuters reported. Slavitt said he recognized peoples impatience with the vaccine process, but also highlighted the federal governments response by increasing vaccine delivery. When I got here, we thought we would get vaccines out to the public by the end of September. Weve since pulled that up to the end of July, he said. But he also warned residents to avoid situations that put them at risk for the virus as new variants crop up in the United States, and suggested people should even avoid gatherings the state permits. Just because you can put 200 people in a room doesnt mean you need to, he said. EnWave Announces Restructuring and Management Changes at NutraDried Food Company Posted by Publisher Internet EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE:E4U) (?EnWave?, or the ?Company? https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/enwave-corp/ )?announced today material changes at its wholly-owned subsidiary, NutraDried Food Company, LLC (?NutraDried?). The changes are designed to improve margins and streamline operations across the business. Reduction of Personnel and Third-Party Costs Following from a comprehensive review, EnWave is restructuring NutraDried to reduce certain management positions and production staffing. The restructuring will affect approximately 22 employees. Additionally, NutraDried will reduce or eliminate the use of non-essential third-party consultants and contractors as part of operations. The reductions to staffing are expected to lower annual personnel costs to the Company by approximately C$2 million resulting in an approximate 30% reduction of the total full-time employee expenses.? EnWave will incur a one-time severance charge in Q2 2021 of approximately C$600,000 related to this restructuring. This restructuring is necessary to realign the cost structure at NutraDried relative to the size of its business. CEO Succession EnWave has commenced a search for a new executive leader at NutraDried to replace Mr. Mike Pytlinski, NutraDried?s former CEO, who is no longer with the company. It is intended that the new leader will bring a wealth of strategic and hands-on consumer packaged goods industry experience to the organization and complement the existing team. EnWave is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dan Henriques, the Company?s Chief Financial Officer, as the Chief Operating Officer at NutraDried. Mr. Henriques will serve in a dual capacity during the transitional period and will oversee the streamlining of operations at NutraDried. Streamlining Operations The changes announced are part of a plan to reduce expenses across NutraDried?s operations, regain focus on the core competencies of the business and to return the business to meaningful profitability through the use of REV? technology again.? Over the coming weeks the Company plans to take additional steps to further rationalize administrative costs at NutraDried, including reducing and refocusing the marketing strategy and target spending on areas that will maximize value. ? The objective is to return NutraDried to positive EBITDA and cash flows as quickly as possible while continuing to innovate and launch new REV? products that align with consumer preferences. Part of the new strategy will include proactively seeking contract manufacturing opportunities to leverage the installed REV? capacity. ?Recently, NutraDried secured a major contract manufacturing opportunity with a leading global snack company to supply REV?-dried cheese for a snack mix product. There are several additional private-label and contract manufacturing projects in NutraDried?s pipeline. About EnWave EnWave Corporation, a Vancouver-based advanced technology company, has developed a Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) ? an innovative, proprietary method for the precise dehydration of organic materials. EnWave has further developed patent-pending methods for uniformly drying and decontaminating cannabis through the use of REV? technology, shortening the time from harvest to high-quality, marketable cannabis products.? REV? technology?s commercial viability has been demonstrated and is growing rapidly across several market verticals in the food, and pharmaceutical sectors, including legal cannabis. EnWave?s strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with innovative, disruptive companies in multiple verticals for the use of REV? technology. The company has signed over forty royalty-bearing licenses to date in twenty countries world-wide. In addition to these licenses, EnWave established a Limited Liability Corporation, NutraDried Food Company, LLC, to manufacture, market and sell all-natural dairy snack products in the United States, including the Moon Cheese? brand, as well as to co-manufacture for third parties.? EnWave has introduced REV? as a disruptive dehydration platform in the food and cannabis sectors: faster and cheaper than freeze drying, with better end product quality than air drying or spray drying. EnWave currently offers two distinct commercial REV? platforms: nutraREV? which is a drum-based system that dehydrates organic materials quickly and at low-cost, while maintaining high levels of nutrition, taste, texture and colour; and, quantaREV? which is a tray-based system used for continuous, high-volume low-temperature drying. More information about EnWave is available at www.enwave.net. Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management\-\-s expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company\-\-s strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing are forward-looking statements. All third-party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third-party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it\-\-s Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. You might not know it, but theres another SLF cliff upcoming at the end of this years first quarter. This Supplementary Leverage Ratio seeks to impose liquidity and capital charges on especially the largest banks because institutions like Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers had figured out how to manipulate the SLFs predecessor capital ratios. Disguising otherwise risky assets as safe, using perfectly legal means, including instruments like credit default swaps, global banks everywhere managed to make the most efficient use of balance sheet space. Because they wanted to. In the pre-crisis era, they had come to see this as uncontroversial in one sense because of how the Basel Rules had been sold to the public. It was this latter framework of bank regulation which had brought the capital ratio into the mainstream; a standardized mathematical calculation that was meant to quickly expose the full nature of any large banks activities. The safer the assets, the lower the applied risk weighting the net result being a higher capital ratio rewarding the bank for appearing itself uncontroversial or risky. The issue had been in how the rules allowed for creating safe assets out of those otherwise often of extreme risk employing, mostly, securitization strategies. Thus, in broad terms, banks around the world came to create and acquire lots of otherwise risky assets engineered into assigned lower, safe risk weights that compelled higher capital ratios than might have otherwise been truly deserved. This was a hidden form of leverage, and one that credit default swaps in particular were expertly crafted (regulatory capital relief) to achieve. These Basel Rules had been intended to warn against this kind of behavior. With a flourishing eurodollar market, there arose an ad hoc systemic framework behind it; interbank settlement networks like SWIFT and CHIPS being a central mainline set of arrangements to govern how it was all meant to come together on the most granular transaction level. Moving dollars all over the world, however, creates all sorts of potential risks (as discussed last week). How might disputes be reasonably, efficiently settled? It was one thing for members of the New York Clearinghouse Association (the trade group responsible for CHIPS) to sign on to the messaging and payments rules. What happens if some government on the other side of the ocean claims jurisdiction? Theoretically in the early days (CHIPS was set up in 1970), on an otherwise uninteresting morning in June 1974 it happened. On the 26th, a midsized German bank hardly anyone had ever heard of, Bankhaus Herstatt, had been closed by regulators in that country. What made the episode historically remarkable was this one tiny firms firm connection to this burgeoning global monetary regime. Herstatt had been very active in London trading, eurodollars. Not simply taking in eurodollar deposits and arbitraging the spread between offshore and New York dollar markets, this mid-market German firm had become a relatively significant player in derivatives transactions, mostly currency forwards, in dollars. And these had come to the attention of authorities in England as well as Germany as far back as 1971. In the fall of 1973, Richard Hallett from the Bank of England, according to archival sources, had made direct contact with Iwan Herstatt, the banks founder, about what seemed to have become excessive positions in the eurodollar market. Herstatt instead reassured Hallett, claiming various legitimate reasons for such large essentially shortdollar positioning. [we] had very important Ruhr customers who had entered into large forward contracts with the Bank, which the Bank, in turn, had covered in the market. Consequently, their forward book, though large did not leave them with exposed positions. Whether this was ever true is still a matter of some debate (given the losses eventually booked, it likely wasn't). Regardless, by promising to pay dollars to these Ruhr customers tomorrow the bank didnt possess today had left Herstatt open to risks of foreign exchange; not just a rising dollar in the sense of newly floating currency exchange values, but also the less recognizable rising dollar stuff which includes a much more expensive borrowing environment (especially controlling forward liabilities). This gave rise to a ballooning foreign currency liability, as regulators in Germany noted early in June 1974 just weeks ahead of the firms final chapter. Checking through the monthly data of Bankhaus Herstatt, it is striking that the receivables due daily to foreign banks have raised in April of this year by 283 [million DM] to reach 589 and in May this year by a further 257 to reach 846; so that they reach a good third of the bank's balance sheet of 2421. In order to participate in the eurodollar market, Herstatt had opened a correspondent relationship with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City, not London. This was not a trivial difference, as it turned out, though it always had been in terms of how the market seemed to operate seamlessly. On the morning of June 26, that fateful day, regulators in Germany were late in gathering to make their final determination. Intending to begin earlier in the morning, local time, a flight delay along with heavy traffic instead had meant authorities wouldnt come to that decision until 2:40 pm local time. Closing Herstatt down would become effective at the close of German trading, 4:30 pm local, which, however, was 10:30 am in the middle of a very much open New York session. The German government hadnt given any thought about time zones nor the peculiar quirks (for 1974) of global eurodollar banking and cross-border liabilities that arises from it. Herstatts correspondent, Chase, learned immediately of the closure while in the middle of still processing payment requests, on Herstatts behalf, through the CHIPS system. No small issue, Chase quickly figured out that it was sitting on around $620 million in payment requests to be made on behalf of Herstatt for which, given its closure, Herstatt wasnt going to be reimbursing back to Chase. Swiftly taking action, Chase froze the outgoing requests from Herstatts account while still accepting incoming payments for it (as a liquidity protection against possible losses). For the first time, international banks became aware of another kind of intraday credit risk due to differences in time (had Herstatt been closed by regulators before New York opened, there wouldnt have been any imbalance to Chase as correspondent; because the decision was delayed, Chase had already begun the day processing payments on behalf of a bank in Germany that was in the process of being shut down). Quite naturally, the New York Clearinghouse Association protested. Within a week of Herstatts closing, the settling members had introduced a recall provision into CHIPS that would allow them to claw back funds from foreign respondents up to 10 am New York time the following day; thus, undercutting a key fundamental function of these real time gross settlement (RTGS) interbank systems. If clearing agents could recall payments already presumably cleared the day before, were they ever really cleared and settled at all? No. It was a question that in the short run interbank counterparties sought to avoid answering. Over three consecutive days in early July 1974, CHIPS nearly ground to a halt; final settlement deadlines had to be extended to 1 am (ET) on each of them. Consequently, the system had reached an important systemic crossroads. With CHIPS failing to provide timely processing, the eurodollar market became nearly non-negotiable; borrowing rates skyrocketed, and often funds were unavailable even at quoted prices. Understanding just how important all this was, the NYCHA along with settling and nonsettling members got together to work out the kinks. Difficult as it may have been, there was too much business to be done. Better to have to worry about even serious structural problems than to stop everything over mere trivia. From the outside, concerned central bankers and bank regulators, who at the time understood the crucial nature of eurodollar business as it performed the roles of global reserve currency, they informed the politicians they were going to get involved, too. On September 10, 1974, the Group of 10 central banks issued a statement which promised: To intensify the exchange of information between central banks on the activities of banks operating in the international market and, where appropriate, to tighten further the regulations governing foreign exchange positions. At their December 1974 monthly meeting, the G-10 central bankers created an informal committee chaired by George Blunden, head of supervision for the Bank of England, which began meeting in Basel, Switzerland, and whose main objective was to help ensure bank solvency and liquidity of this new (to authorities) international banking framework. In order to accomplish this, in the wake of Herstatt, they had to give particular attention to the need for an early warning system. How to do so? Gossip. There was simply no way for regulators in one country preserving national regulatory regimes was declared a priority to figure out what a foreign subsidiary of a local bank might be doing in another (in addition to Herstatt, 1974 featured a couple other cases, including the Israeli British Bank, which exposed these and other serious potential deficiencies in a global banking environment). The easy way, perhaps the only realistic way, was for regulators to try to coax information, even in the form of informal rumors, out of overseas traders in order to refine a list of who might need further local regulatory attention. Blunden himself saw few other options: [T]he only possible and useful kind of international early warning system would result from the establishment of contactsfor the purpose of confidential exchanges of relevant information picked up by their own national warning systems. This wasnt a popular proposal. Another of the G-10 committee members, Pierre Fanet, from Frances Commission de Controle des Banques, admitted, it was hard for him to imagine that information based simply on rumors, or even on accusations, could be transmitted to the supervisory authorities of other countries. By the eighties, this Basel committee realized trader gossip just wasnt going to provide the basis for an early warning system, therefore it turned toward more objective descriptions that could be derived from legitimate and immediate (they hoped) data sources; particularly as these could be employed for these increasingly global, increasingly huge, wholesale banks. Capital ratios and things like that. Both Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns sported sterling capital ratios all the way through to their ends, though. These hadnt been the early warning system once envisioned, though regulators had long taken their aim away from that very idea given the complacency arising from the Great Moderation wrongly attributed to national central bank proficiencies despite an even more intricately connected, and incomprehensibly massive, eurodollar environment. Forget early warning, everyone came to really believe the Fed would just bail everything out if it ever went that far. It did end up going that far and then much farther, and though it tried repeatedly the Fed couldnt bail out any let alone all parts of the system. The central bank was left, instead, to nursemaid individual institutions reaching their final moments. In the mainstream post-crisis opinion, capital ratios were singled out as partly but substantially to blame (for good reason). If banks had learned how to repackage their balance sheet items in order to circumvent these early warnings, then simply dont give them the chance. Thus had been born, into the post-crisis era of shock over what banks had been doing for decades, the Supplementary Leverage Ratio which no longer weights assets by presumed lower risk buckets (while also better accounting for off-balance sheet leverage, including more stringent derivatives inclusions). The intent was still primarily the same to create a standardized measure looking for trouble in global banks before those global banks could become trouble. And yet, thats what continues to this day. Back last May, with a mountain of Treasury debt to sell, and trillions in bank reserves (a peculiar form of bank deposit held at the Federal Reserve) about to be created by QE, bank regulators and central bankers at the Fed having already mistaken what had happened in the Treasury market during March decided that the SLR needed to be temporarily abated, permitting large banks (more than $250 billion in assets) to, choose to exclude U.S. Treasury securities and deposits at Federal Reserve Banks from the calculation of the supplementary leverage ratio. Therefore, dealer banks would be SLR-free to buy up all the Treasuries they might want and participate in as much QE as they wished without the resulting increases in balance sheets running afoul of the Basel calculations. This abatement, however, is scheduled to end on March 31, 2021. Come April Fools, US Treasury assets will be added back to the ratio as will any balance of bank reserves. Both have swelled greatly over the nine months in between, and the latter, in particular is about to rise even more as the federal governments TGA balance is drawn down (resulting in, essentially, a transfer of about $1 trillion from the TGA into the bank reserves of commercial banks). Banks have complained to the Fed, FDIC, and OCC, the agencies in charge of enforcing regulations, but there is no indication the governments triplets are about to extend the SLR holiday. To some, this could be a big problem (and an offshoot explanation was put forward for the September 2019 repo issue). Without spare balance sheet capacity, or at least more expensive balance sheet capacity, what might happen to dealer ability to intermediate in a range of global markets? Rather than think of it this way, the better question is why do banks today care at all? There used to be a time when balance sheet expansion was prioritized regardless of regulation or even potential technical risks and hardships. For regulators in the seventies, they hit upon gossip for good reason; to best discern behavioral conditions that you just cant package in a static number. Arithmetically derived fractions may sound objective and scientific, but since when has money ever been robotic? Regulators are, once again, missing the point. Whereas capital ratios had failed to act as the early warning system for eurodollar banks who had for decades onboarded and manipulated too much risk, becoming too large, their SLR replacement is inadvertently acting as an early warning system for these same, since-shriveled eurodollar banks who seek only to avoid risk and elevated balance sheet costs. Balance sheet space used to run cheap and easy, and the whole system worked based on that, it is now hugely prized and is treated way too precious and that alone accounts for this tendency for markets to behave intermittently like they once had in the early summer of 1974. And that includes September 2019 and March 2020. Money dealers didnt need the SLR to just disappear. Unsure and uncertain, these spaces can get un-liquid real fast. That the SLR is even an issue is an indication of such structural uncertainty that continues to this day, a legacy of 2008 that, as a transformative event, couldnt have been the one-off crisis the way it has always been described. Blunden had it right at the beginning, or had at the very least come closer to the point. A gossip system, while sounding ridiculous, would have exposed the truth underlying, the dynamic behavioral condition of banks operating in the system far more than these mathematical constructs that barely say anything about what let alone a single thing about why. Forget the SLR cliff, why are dealers so reluctant to take on that plus any other liquidity risks in order to renew the desire to do more and better like they used to so easily and readily? Instead, at times like these the closest thing to useful gossip we have isTreasury bills. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The man who killed the son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in New Jersey last July was also targeting Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Salas said during an interview on the CBS show 60 minutes. They found another gun, a Glock, more ammunition, but the most troubling thing they found was a manila folder with a workup on Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Salas said, according to a report from NJ.com. Who knows what could have happened? Roy Den Hollander, 72, had been diagnosed with cancer at the time of the incident. The self-described anti-feminist lawyer was known for misogynistic tirades and dozens of lawsuits he filed, some frivolous, the New York Times reported. Days before the attack on Salas family, he traveled by train to San Bernardino County, Calif., where he shot and killed a rival mens rights lawyer at the mans home, authorities said. THE TRAGEDY Salas family was cleaning up after a weekend celebration for her son Daniel Marks 20th birthday, when the doorbell rang, Salas said. Daniel and I went downstairs to the basement and we were chatting, as we always do, and Daniel said mom, lets keep talking, I love talking to you, Mom, she said. It was at that exact moment that the doorbell rang, and Daniel looked at me and said, who is that? Within seconds, I heard the sound of bullets and someone screaming, No! She continued: I later learned that this monster, who had a FedEx package in his hand, opened fire, but Daniel being Daniel, protected his father and he took the shooters first bullet directly to the chest. Following the tragedy, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed Daniels Law effectively protecting home addresses and telephone numbers of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers from public disclosure, NJ.com reported. 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. Former prime minister Julia Gillard has praised the bravery of Brittany Higgins in going public about her alleged rape in Parliament House, expressing horror at the incident and the way it was handled. In a powerful statement of support, Ms Gillard called for genuine change to the workplace culture of Parliament House to make it safe for all its workers. Brittany Higgins will go to the Australian Federal Police about her alleged rape in Parliament House. The statement came as Ms Higgins told Prime Minister Scott Morrisons office she wanted a say in a sweeping review of Parliament House so others would not have to go through her experience. Ms Higgins also said she would proceed with a formal complaint to the Australian Federal Police, a key point that will authorise a series of steps including renewed access to closed-circuit television footage. Every year, the U.S. military spends tens of millions of dollars on researching and developing new products. From the behind-the-scenes work that tracks whats necessary, to the science that makes it possible, to prototypes and testing it all out in action, new inventions are brought to life through military research and development every day. But what we dont realize is how many common products actually got their start this way. Just because these products were invented by the military doesnt mean they stayed there. In fact, many items made it to mainstream use, and its been long-since forgotten how they got their start. Take a look at these common goods that were actually brought to life by tax dollars and military research. 1. Modern Undershirts, 1904 Civilian undershirts have evolved, but they all stemmed from the original white t-shirts invented by the military. (Wikipedia) Were talking about your basic, wear every day undershirts. Cotton t-shirts that smooth out your wardrobe and provide an extra layer of comfort. Undershirts were first invented a decade prior to World War I in 1905 when their current pullover version was made part of the Navys daily uniform. 2. Sanitary Napkins, 1914 World War I nurses pioneered the use of cellucotton bandages as sanitary pads. (Library of Congress) Let's offer the biggest salutes to pioneer women. Before the 1920s, most of what was available were homemade products. Cotton pads were first released during WWI, then a cotton shortage caused the Kimberly-Clark Co. to invent an absorbing material made from wood pulp, cellucotton. Originally invented for bandages, nurses in the Red Cross saw the versatility and began using them during their visits from Aunt Flo. Once the war ended, Kimberly-Clark began manufacturing and marketing sanitary napkins with cellucotton. Many stores would not carry the product due to the nature of its use, but within several years sanitary napkins were widely available to the public. 3. Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses, 1930s Ray-Ban 3139 Shooter glasses with G-15 lenses (Francis Flinch/Wikipedia) As military pilots began reaching new heights, the military recognized a need for glasses that blocked harsh sunlight during their flights. Bausch & Lomb was contracted by the U.S. Army Air Corps to create aviator goggles that effectively blocked out light with their signature shape and lens material. However, there was no exclusion on the product; in 1937 they re-branded a version of sunglasses as Ray-Bans (banning the rays) and marketed to civilians. By the end of the 1930s, a pair was standard issue to all soldiers, as well as available for purchase by the civilian population. 4. The Jeep, 1940 Willys Jeep 1943 (Joost J. Bakker from IJmuiden/Wikipedia) At the onset of WWII, the Army asked vehicle companies to create prototypes with specific requests. They were in need of a model that was lightweight, could drive quickly, had 4-wheel drive, and could be readily used for reconnaissance. Their choice was General Purpose, or G.P., made by American Bantam Car Company, which topped out at 65 miles per hour. Jeep came from a nickname of G.P, and it stuck. The vehicle was heavily used throughout the war, in fact, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, his position at the time, said American could not have won World War II without it. After the war, surplus vehicles were sold to the public, with manufacturing continuing due to their increasing popularity. 5. Aerosol Bug Spray, 1941 Aerosol spray can (freeimageslive.co.uk) With the threat of malaria at large, soldiers stationed in the South Pacific needed a way to defer and kill mosquitos. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture partnered with the Department of Defense in order to create an insecticide, and to find a way to disperse it effectively. Nicknamed as the bug bomb, the scientists invented and patented the aerosol can in 1941, then filling them with mosquito repellant. 6. Duct Tape and Super Glue, 1942 Another WWII invention came with Duct Tape. It was invented by Johnson & Johnson Co., with the request of the military to create an adhesive that could withstand difficult conditions. Their initial invention was called duck tape, as it proved waterproof. After the war, it became widely used by civilians, most often to seal ductwork. So much so, that it was renamed as Duct Tape and rebranded in silver to match modern heating and air systems. Super Glue also made its debut during the second world war. The Eastman Kodak company created the substance while looking for a product to use on plastic rifle sights. It was actually made by accident, and determined to be too sticky for use. Nearly a decade later, it was re-discovered and realized to have great commercial potential. It hit shelves for public use in 1958 and was also used by surgeons during Vietnam as a spray that could quickly seal open wounds. 1942 was a big year for military inventions, as synthetic rubber was also created. 7. The Microwave, 1946 Do you remember when microwaves looked like this? (Flickr) The microwave has had a dramatic lifespan in the military it got its start as radar technology that was used to identify enemy locations. In fact, its ability to quickly heat foods was a happy accident. An engineer working on the project realized his candy bar, placed in his pocket, had melted. That same year, the first patent for a microwave oven was filed, with manufacturing starting in the mid-1950s. Original models were as large as modern refrigerators. These products are used daily by millions of Americans, yet most people have no idea they were invented by the military. We have countless hours of research and dedication to thank for these modern conveniences that the military brought to life. MORE POSTS FROM WE ARE THE MIGHTY: The power of hope and determination The military origin of turning a blind eye to something 13 photos from Keen Sword, the Pacific exercises NATO drowned out We Are The Mighty (WATM) celebrates service with stories that inspire. WATM is made in Hollywood by veterans. It's military life presented like never before. Check it out at We Are the Mighty. Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox. Burma Myanmar Medics in Hiding as Regime Targets Hospital-Led Disobedience Movement Doctors in Naypyitaw protest against military rule. / The Irrawaddy YANGONHundreds of doctors and nurses participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against the military regime are now in hiding, as authorities have sought to arrest them since last week. In the three weeks since the military seized power from the democratically elected government, the movement initiated by Myanmar healthcare workers has gained momentum, with thousands of civil servants from various sectors joining millions of anti-coup protesters nationwide. The movement has halted operations at many government departments across Myanmar as staff refuse to work for the military regime. The coup leaders have repeatedly warned civil servants taking part in the CDM to get back to work and have threatened to take action against those who fail to do so. Police and soldiers have increased their attempts to arrest doctors and government staff who participate in or support the movement. Dr. Pyae Phyo Naing, who works at a hospital in Ayeyarwady Regions Ingapu Township, was arrested by police on Feb. 11. At the time of his arrest he was treating patients at his philanthropic clinic amid the closure of government hospitals; his family has heard nothing of his whereabouts since. Many other doctors have managed to evade arrest, however. Three of Ingapu Townships four hospitals are currently closed after the doctors joined the CDM and went on strike. Attempts by men and women in plainclothes, claiming to be police, to take away doctors who have participated in the CDM have also been reported in Mandalay, Magwe and Naypyitaw regions and Shan State, but their attempts failed after local residents intervened. On Thursday, police in plainclothes tried to arrest Dr. Win Marlar Kyi, assistant director of the Naypyitaw Medical Services Department in Pobba Thiri Township. But as they did not provide any reason or declare their identities, the community did not let them take the doctor. A doctor in Mandalay, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Irrawaddy that so far, no doctors there had been detained, though police were surveilling them, as they are all taking part in the CDM. The doctora member of the CDM support team in Mandalay who is now in hidingsaid several medical specialists are now giving free treatment to patients from government hospitals at private clinics. Asked to comment on the regimes crackdown on the CDM, the doctor said, I dare to say that the more pressure they [the military regime] put on us, the greater the response they will face. According to doctors from the Naypyitaw 1,000-Bed Government Hospital, around 150 doctors and nurses who are taking part in the CDM left the staff housing there under pressure from the medical superintendent of the hospital, and after several police and military troops were deployed in the hospitals compound. Dr. Lynn Letyar, a surgeon at the Lashio 500-Bed General Hospital in northern Shan State, told The Irrawaddy on Friday that most doctors from the hospital returned to their homes, fearing they would be arrested if they were seen in public. Initially, doctors provided free treatment at their private clinics for patients with the hospitals medical records, as around two-thirds of the Lashio hospitals medical staff went on strike in solidarity with the CDM. The surgeon, who has been under police surveillance and is now in hiding, said doctors and nurses would continue the movement despite the arrests. At 12 a.m. last Friday, Mandalay police raided the home of Professor Dr. Khin Maung Lwin, the rector of Mandalay University of Medicine, without a warrant, on suspicion of supporting the movement. However, the police retreated after residents appeared in the street, banging pots and pans and shielding the professor from arrest. On the same night, police had to abandon their attempts to arrest the medical superintendent of Aunglan Hospital in Magwe Region over the hospitals support for the disobedience movement after residents immediately appeared in front of the hospital. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Military Targets Striking Civil Servants UK and Canada Sanction Myanmars Coup Leader and His Subordinates Chairman of Myanmars Buddhist Authority Urges Negotiations to End Post-Coup Crisis Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Just in time for Presidents Day comes the announcement from the school board of San Francisco that they are renaming 44 of their public schools (about one-third of the total) in order to conform to todays politically correct standards. Among the names on the way out the door are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. The reputation of these former heroes is being sullied. But the revolution always consumes its own. So even the school named after leftist Senator Diane Feinstein, who is still living, will have her name stripped off of it. Apparently, this is a punishment for something she had done before she even served in the U.S. Senate. You would think by the lefts standards of right and wrong, only perfect people should have their statues and legacies remain intact. But during Americas cultural purge of 2020, even statues of Jesus the only perfect person who ever lived were desecrated. Consider the case of the three former presidents who will now be unceremoniously dumped by the nations seventh largest school district Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln. Why did previous generations look up to our first president under the Constitution? Without the active participation and personal sacrifice of George Washington, we would not have America, at least not as founded. Before Washington became our first president, he presided over the Constitutional Convention. Before that, he was the nation's Commander-in-Chief, and helped lead an army of ill-equipped farmers and merchants to defeat the world's largest army and navy at the time. Washington gave God the credit for the victory. Washington was born into a society where for four generations, they owned slaves. By the time he died, Washington did the best he could to cut ties with that awful tradition. He freed the slaves he had inherited (at birth and from his marriage). Like Thomas Jefferson, Washington helped pass the Fairfax Resolves. This 1774 measure was a move of the Virginia House of Burgesses. The goal was to cut off the slave trade to Virginia. It could have been a first major step to ending slavery in that colony. But it never went into effect because King George III stopped it. This was before the successful crusade against slavery (first the slave trade, then slavery itself) in the entire British Empire that the long-time Member of Parliament William Wilberforce led. It was his Christian faith that motivated him to do this, and it took him about half a century. Our third president, Thomas Jefferson, was also a slave-holder. I think it would be fair to say that Jefferson knew slavery was wrong and needed to be uprooted, but found that unrealistic to achieve in his lifetime. Nonetheless, the framework he helped create wherein they stated that all men are created equal and endowed by our Creator with rights that government should not take away would one day allow for the removal of slavery. When it comes to the slavery issue, Abraham Lincoln played a pivotal role in the slaves ultimately getting freed. But the elites want his name removed because at one point, the 16th president called for the execution of some violent Indian chiefs. (The authorities wanted 300 of the Indian leaders hanged. Lincoln whittled that down to 38.) To todays woke crowd, America is so hopelessly flawed that we need to purge the past to forge a progressive future. I spoke recently with Bob Woodson, a veteran of the civil rights movement. He has organized 1776 Unites, a group of historians to counter the misleading 1619 Project of the New York Times, which postulates that Americas real birth was the year African slaves were first imported to British North America. Woodson told me: They're really attacking anybody that has a foundation of Judeo-Christian values. Its really a war against faith, thats what it is. He added, I would not be surprised if they went after Dr. [Martin Luther] King because of his Christian faith. You have got to understand this has nothing to do with race. It has everything to do with using race as a bludgeon to try to destroy civic institutions in America. In short, notes Woodson: They are trying to define America by its birth defect of slavery and Jim Crow, and our counter is that no individual or nation should be judged by the worst of what they used to be. In times past (and even in the present for tens of millions of Americans), Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln were (and are) great, if imperfect, heroes. They sacrificed much for the good of the country, and we enjoy much liberty because of their commitment. They are yesterdays heroes, but todays villains at least among the Marxist ruling class. Hopefully, more Americans will see through this politically correct revisionism and pass on to posterity an appreciation of our national heritage. By the time Milford Graves took up the jazz drum kit, in his early 20s, he had spent years playing timbales in Afro-Latin groups. But on the kit he was confronted with the new challenge of using foot pedals as well as his hands. Rather than learn the standard jazz technique, he drew from what he already knew. In the Latin ensembles, wed be doing dance movements while we were playing, he remembered in a 2018 profile in The New York Times. So I said: Thats all Ill do. Im going to start dancing down below. I started dancing on the high-hat. The resulting style was unlike anything heard before in jazz. Mr. Graves mixed polyrhythms constantly, sometimes carrying a different cadence in each limb; the rhythms would diverge, then vaporize. He removed the bottom skins from his drums, deepening and dilating their sound. Often he used his elbows to dampen the head of a drum as he struck it, making its pitch malleable and introducing a new range of possibilities. But he wasnt a drummer exclusively, or even first. Mr. Graves, who died at 79 on Feb. 12 at his home in South Jamaica, Queens, was also a botanist, acupuncturist, martial artist, impresario, college professor, visual artist and student of the human heartbeat. And in almost every arena, he was an inventor. COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In looking at the event of the crucifixion of Christ, people see myriad characters in the flurry of activity that goes on at the foot of the cross. One such individual who receives a momentary mention by the gospel writers is the centurion at the cross. What brought the Centurion to confess the man hanging on a cross between two criminals was truly the Son of God? With the understanding that the basic human emotions, relationships, knowledge, experiences and personalities help drive human decisions, what was it that led him to make that conclusion? In Centurion at the Cross: A Journal of One Mans Journey to the Cross and His Interaction with Christ A Forty-Day Devotion (published by WestBow Press), John B. Carter tells the story of Marcus, the centurion of the cross who was deployed to a land where he is seen as the aggressor. He must lead men on missions in support of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. However, the last thing he would expect is to find one man branded as an enemy. The last thing he even remotely thought he would see is, even though his fellow citizens turned against him, this one man would willingly lay down his life for them. In this book, readers will find Marcus interacting with a host of other characters. He interacts with Pilate, with the temple leadership and his fellow soldiers. It is his record of his journey from Rome to Jerusalem. The actual personal experiences of the centurion may have been lost to time. However, using a suggested sequence of possible events and interactions, coupled with the culture and environment during the time of Christ, could help to bring into light the building blocks of the centurions confession. Looking though his eyes and walking with him as he chronicles his journey, we get a glimpse of the possible untold story of this particular man, Carter says. The Centurion at the Cross invites readers into one mans life and take a journey with him. There are points of application and challenges for readers to pause and think for a moment. It is not merely a reflection but an opportunity for them to grow in their faith journey. The takeaway from this book is as that everyone makes choices. Everyone makes statements and assessments about the world in which we live. The question one must wrestle with is how the choices of today lead to the actions of tomorrow. For more details about this book, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Centurion-Cross-Interaction-Forty-day-Devotion/dp/1664205616 Centurion at the Cross: A Journal of One Mans Journey to the Cross and His Interaction with Christ A Forty-Day Devotion By John B. Carter Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 146 pages | ISBN 9781664205628 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 146 pages | ISBN 9781664205611 E-Book | 146 pages | ISBN 9781664205604 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author John B. Carter is a father, husband and retired Army officer. Above all else, he is a Christian. Through his younger years, in times of awkwardness and trails, he relied on his faith. Through strife and sometimes-bitter heartache, he clung to his faith. Through years of military service, it was his faith that continued to sustain him as he went through life. He holds an undergraduate degree in Religion and a Masers of Arts in Pastoral Care. He is active in his church. He and his wife now reside in Alabama. WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call 844-714-3454. Attachment Editor's note: For Black History Month, Inc. asked notable Black founders who have appeared on its pages, "What inspires you?" In November 2019, Jean Brownhill's company had just raised $7 million. Sweeten, a technology platform to help homeowners find contractors, was in four cities with a goal of reaching 35 by the end of 2020. Just a few months later, all that seemed to change, as the global pandemic essentially shut down the construction industry. In response, Sweeten pivoted to target markets that had more single-family residences and fewer co-ops and condos, where bureaucratic processes can drag out renovations. Sweeten is now matching homeowners and contractors in Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Boston, and Washington, D.C., among other cities. Even before the pandemic, Brownhill was finding inspiration in biographies. "Everyone from Cleopatra to Madam C.J. Walker to Katharine Graham and Harriet Tubman," she says. "They all have these inflection points at which they chose not to give up. They kept moving through them, and they were better for it." But since the start of the pandemic, Brownhill has also made time for a very specific ritual she first encountered on a trip to Thailand. -- As told to Kimberly Weisul Like so many of us, I don't commute anymore, so I have more time to exercise and get out in nature. I have used that time to reflect on all the things I have, and all the things I'm grateful for. It's easy to dwell on everything that is going wrong, so I purposely make time to be really specific and grateful. I learned this on a trip to Thailand, when I visited a temple. There were 108 bowls around the temple, and they gave you 108 coins. As you walked around the temple, you were supposed to drop a coin in each bowl. As you did so, you were supposed to think of something you were grateful for. The temple was filled with this "plink-plink-plink" noise. Around number 70, it got challenging. Mumbai, Feb 19 : Countering a flood of apprehension, speculations and expert opinions, the Maharashtra Health Department on Friday clarified that there is no evidence of any foreign strain of Covid-19 virus in the state's Akola, Yavatmal and Amravati. Discounting reports to the effect, the government said that there has been no change in the genetic makeup of the Covid-19 strains, similar to the mutant strains detected in the UK, Brazil and South Africa. However, the government has not touched upon the possibility of detecting any other type of a fresh virus strain, genetically different from the currently known mutants globally, as apprehended in some quarters. The Health Department said that four samples each from the three districts and 12 from Pune were tested at the BJ Medical College, Pune, in which no genetic mutations are found. While further investigations are underway, the government has sent more samples from Akola, Amravati and Yavatmal to the NIV, and the NICS for genetic tests, the reports of which are expected next week. The government has also said that efforts are underway to determine the causes behind the recent spike in cases in some parts of the state, especially the aforementioned districts, though it is not attributed to the foreign viruses. The Health Department's clarification came after two leading experts contended that a new coronavirus mutant strain was reportedly detected in Amravati, Yavatmal, and Akola, all in the Vidarbha region in the eastern part of the state. They are Maharashtra Covid Task Force Member Dr Shashank Joshi and Director of Medical Education & Research Dr T.P. Lahane, both renowned medicos. Lahane said that new (mutant) strains were seen in samples examined from these three districts but made it clear that more tests are required to check the potential infection hazards of the new coronavirus variant. Joshi said that while the government is fully seized of it and probing it in detail, said some regions in the state are showing large cluster infections and lower death rate. Both the senior medical officers attributed the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the state to laxity by the people in not adhering to protocols and SOPs, but also cautioned that "we cannot afford another lockdown". Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Charles Rex Arbogast | Associated Press A city commission is determining the fate of monuments to Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and other historical figures in Chicago as part of a racial healing and historical reckoning project that began during the summer. No decision has been made on whether any of the 41 statues and other commemorative markers of presidents Lincoln and Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Ulysses S. Grant and William McKinley, among others, will be taken down. But in a city where Lincoln Park and Grant Park attract visitors from around the world and in a state that the license plates call the Land of Lincoln, the review adds a new wrinkle to the national conversation about honoring historical figures tied to slavery, oppression or subjugation. Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie KJ has challenged Parliament to craft legislation legalizing the use of marijuana for industrial and medicinal purposes in Kenya. Speaking during a debate on the Crops Bill 2019 at the National Assembly on Thursday, the lawmaker said the country can no longer turn a blind eye to the economic benefits of cannabis. Kiarie said there was a need to review the countrys agriculture concept to net into the benefits of non-conventional crops such as Marijuana and Achiote known in the Coast as mrangi. It is time we stopped being cowards as a house and start looking at crops that will be of benefit to this country, Kiarie said. It is, therefore, time we also considered the legalization of marijuana in this country. I am talking about knowing that marijuana is pest-resistant. We understand the benefits in the marijuana production value chain, for medicinal and industrial use, the MP added. Kiarie noted that decriminalizing Marijuana should not be construed as calling for recreational use. This is for us to open our minds so that we reap from the benefits of a crop that is not affected by pests and diseases and is also drought resistant, the MP said. From the industrial use of hemp to the medicinal use, this is a discussion that we will open as we have a holistic look at how we tackle agriculture. Radicals pushing a Marxist and racist pedagogy called Critical Race Theory (CRT) have achieved their goal of destroying quality education in K-12 school systems in New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and other large, progressive-controlled cities. But if suburban parents think they are safe from these depredations due to the existing quality of their school systems and parental involvement, they are wrong. CRT has already quietly established residence in affluent suburban communities under the benign-sounding guise of Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-S) under the aegis of state education departments, teachers unions and the burgeoning CRT industry. For example, in 2018, the New York State Board of Regents engaged the New York University/Steinhardt Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools to develop a framework for culturally-responsive-sustaining education. As a result of the Regents adoption of the resulting guidance document, students and parents in the affluent suburbs in Westchester County, which is immediately north of New York City, are being subjected to efforts to perform equity audits, cultural proficiency training and culturally responsive educational programs. While the language of CR-S may seem benign at first sight, these programs are based on CRT, an ideology that seeks educational equity by uprooting the biases between the oppressors (white, privileged students) and the oppressed (non-white students). The New York State Department of Education gave its blessing to these efforts in its guidance document, available on the states website, which has the starting point that our current educational system has failed the diverse needs of children New Yorks guideline makes no bones about the alleged culprits of performance inequities and where this is headed. A complex system of biases and structural inequities is at play, deeply rooted in our countrys history, culture and institutions. This system of inequity which routinely confers advantage and disadvantage based on linguistic background, gender, skin color and other characteristics must be clearly understood, directly challenged and fundamentally transformed. Under the pretext of promoting diversity, students and parents are being forced to accept anti-racist curriculum in subjects from English to math, in which white students are reminded of their white privilege and given dictatorial edicts by their teachers to which no one may object. The rapid deterioration of education quality in New York City is the model: get the teachers union on board with the CRT industry, and then destroy the traditional curriculum of American History, classic literature and learning math by substituting struggle sessions to demean targeted racial or ethnic groups, dictating reading lists of vile anti-racist authors, eliminate meritocratic high schools and introduce non-academic and age-inappropriate sexual materials. The mayor and the superintendent of schools intend to eliminate tests to get into competitive schools because insufficient percentages of black and Hispanic students are gaining admission. One Manhattan school sent parents a crude race-o-meter to determine the toxicity of ones whiteness. It ranged from White Supremacist (the worst) to White Abolitionist (the best). In New Yorks suburbs, the efforts to change curriculum are far more nuanced and assume that liberal-minded parents will buy into the programs. That has been the case in some wealthy, liberal communities. For example, Scarsdale, a is a nationally-recognized school system of academic achievement, the systems administration is contemplating changes in the curriculum to include themes of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The new emphasis will be on teaching the history of inequality and having students engage with people who arent white, including students in third world countries and ex-cons. The administration is benchmarking to the states CR-S guidelines. The changes and implementation are openly discussed at school board meetings, without visible pushback. But in Pelham, NY, a more economically and racially heterogeneous community on Long Island Sound, the administrations strategy was incremental implementation by coopting a handful of like-minded parents and then declaring fait accompli. Adoption of CR-S began in force in 2018 with the training of a small group of teachers, administrators and parents in cultural proficiency by the diversity consultant Campbell Jones. Adoption accelerated in 2020 with an equity audit by NYU/Steinhardt Metro Center. Equity audits consist of gathering student demographics, suspension data, achievement data, AP course participation by race, and other metrics. The Rye City School District also engaged NYU/Steinhardt Metro Center for diversity and CR-S consulting. In late summer 2020, NYU/Steinhardt made a presentation to the district, asserting that students should prioritize racial equity over equality of opportunity and that differences in levels of achievement, income and wealth are entirely explained by systemic racism. NYU/Steinhardt Metro Center recommended an equity audit and was hired to guide a task force. The Rye City Superintendent of Schools and a Director of NYU/Steinhardt recently distributed sample toolkits to the task force for Anti-bias/Anti-racist (ABAR) work in schools and communities. Among the many tools it offers is Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP), which advocates moving towards collectivist culture and away from individualistic culture. Realizing that these equity audits and task forces were going to lay the foundation for more radical changes in curriculum and brainwashing of children in ideologies that are antithetical to traditional parental belief systems, parents and community leaders in Rye and Pelham are resisting. They are circulating petitions and demanding transparency from the school boards and administrations. Parents in other suburban communities across the US have formed organizations, like No Left Turn in Education, which achieved massive national membership within months of their creation. Suburban parents reject the notion of being fundamentally transformed by radical outside organizations. Liberal Westchester County is not the only place where these divisive efforts are being forced on parents, teachers and students; it is happening all over the country, in Washington State, Nevada, Maine and Pennsylvania. The suburbs have long been aspirational communities centered around family, quality education and civic life. CR-S is just the beginning of an all-out attack on the traditional values of American family life and of local control over education. Linda R. Killian is a retired financial analyst. Image: Johnny Silvercloud via Flickr (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0. Ronald W. Erdrich/AP Editor' Note: We are updating the list as new distribution sites are added. Check locations listed beforehand to make sure they still have water available. Many Houstonians are still facing a water crisis, with many dealing with no water or little water pressure. In addition to news that Greater Houston's boil water notice could go into Monday, people across the city are looking for places to find bottled water. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time This is the sealed refrigerated lorry where three migrants were saved from suffocating after calling police to say they were 'struggling to breathe'. Cambridgeshire Police said the vehicle, believed to have travelled from France, was tracked along the A14 and the M11 with the help of Essex Police. 'Those in the back of the lorry called us for help saying they were suffocating and struggling to breathe,' a Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said. 'A hunt for the vehicle was launched and the lorry, believed to have travelled from France, was found at Brampton Hut services just before 4.30pm.' The three men were found to be safe and uninjured in the back of the truck, as police shared an image of a lorry being examined at a truck stop, and have been passed onto the immigration services. A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Police said the driver was not arrested. The story has chilling echoes of another high profile people smuggling case which saw 39 Vietnamese people die in the back of a refrigerated truck in Essex in 2019. The migrants suffocated as they were transported across the Channel inside an airtight container, enduring unbearable temperatures and sealed in pitch darkness for almost 12 hours. Cambridgeshire Police said they had rescued three migrants from suffocating in the back of a lorry after calling 999 to say they were 'struggling to breathe' After yesterday's incident Cambridgeshire Police warned that human trafficking and slavery 'are real' and urged people to report any incidents. They compared the incident to the 'heartbreaking' Essex lorry deaths and urged anyone to report information to police if they spot signs of smuggling or human trafficking, 'By sharing the work of our officers yesterday we aim to raise awareness of the signs of slavery and trafficking,' a spokesperson for the force said. 'Many victims are offered the promise of a better life in the UK, but the reality is often anything but. 'The Essex lorry deaths from 2019 are one of the most heartbreaking reminders of this. 'Modern slavery is a force priority and we will do all we can to ensure people are safe.' The force said stories like these highlight the real risks of people trafficking and modern slavery The lorry, believed to have travelled from France, was tracked to Brampton Hut services near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire They added: 'Stories like this may be distressing, but highlight that slavery and trafficking are real and police need the public's help.' Police have urged people to dial 999 if they see people emerging from a lorry or HGV, if they hear banging from inside a lorry or if they see people entering the back of a lorry. People should be particularly vigilant at service stations or lay-bys, and should raise the alarm if anything about the vehicle doesn't seem quite right. The police spokesperson highlighted exampls, saying if produce is being thrown from the truck or something is being done to catch the attention of other motorists. Anyone who sees any of the above is urged to call police on 999 and to take a note of the vehicle registration number. Last year lorry driver Maurice 'Mo' Robinson pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese people who were found dead in the back of a refrigerated truck in Essex. Police at the Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays after the 39 bodies of Vietnamese migrants were found inside the lorry in October 2019 A photo showing pole marks inside the lorry trailer after migrants attempted to make air holes shortly before they suffocated Driver Maurice Robinson (pictured), 26, who first discovered the deaths, admitted 39 counts of manslaughter The bodies of eight females and 31 males, including 10 teenagers, were discovered in a trailer in an industrial park in Grays, Essex, in October 23. Chilling photos released by police show how some of the 39 Vietnamese migrants who suffocated in the back of a lorry while being smuggled into Britain tried to create air holes with a metal pole. The bloody handprints of victims who had banged frantically in vain for help as their oxygen supplies depleted were also found inside the sealed container. Robinson, 25, of Craigavon in Northern Ireland, was jailed for 13 years. The two ringleaders of the people-smuggling gang responsible, Ronan Hughes, 41, who ran a haulage company, and co-conspirator Gheorghe Nica, 43 were also jailed for 27 and 20 years respectively. President Joe Biden is seen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb. 17, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Supports Study on Slavery Reparations as House Democrats Push Bill President Joe Biden backs studying whether reparations should be paid to descendants of slaves, the White House said Wednesday, as House Democrats held a hearing on a bill that would establish a panel to study the issue. White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters in Washington that Biden would certainly support a study on reparations while also understanding we dont dont need a study to take action, right now, on systemic racism. Psaki pointed to how Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office mandating the advancement of racial equity, a quasi-Marxist critical race theory that focuses on equality of outcome, not opportunity. Biden later proclaimed racial equity as a goal of the federal government. The Democrat doesnt necessarily back paying reparations, Psaki added. Well see what happens through the legislative process, she said. The briefing took place as lawmakers held a hearing on H.R. 40, which would establish a commission to study and develop Reparation proposals for African-Americans as a result of slavery and the lingering negative effects of the institution of slavery. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), the bills author, told the hearing that her legislation has nearly 170 cosponsors. Legislation requires 218 votes to pass in the House. No Republicans have backed the bill so far, and its unlikely to pass the Senate, which has 50 GOP members. Lee said she feels Americans require reparations to restore natural balance and unity and to narrow the wealth gap. Representative Shelia Jackson Lee questions witnesses during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 17, 2020. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) She also said federal data show black Americans have contracted COVID-19 at higher rates than white people and are also more likely to be hospitalized and die from the illness. Witnesses who support the bill included Tendayi Achiume, a professor at the UCLAs School of Law who described herself as an expert on racism. Achiume said commissions like the one proposed by the bill are well-positioned to tailor recommendations to the specific legal contexts which sustain racial inequality. Reparations for slavery are an integral part of fulfilling the international legal mandate to eliminate racial discrimination. The United States is not exempt from these responsibilities. And H.R. 40 would represent important progress in fulfilling its obligations under international law, she said. Others said they opposed the proposed legislation, including Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah). It is impractical and a nonstarter for the United States government to pay reparations. It is also unfair and heartless to give Black Americans the hope that this is the reality, said Owens, whose great-great-grandfather arrived in the U.S. on a slave ship. The reality is that Black American history is not one of a hapless, hopeless race oppressed by a more powerful white race. It is instead a history of millions of middle- and wealthy-class Black Americans throughout the early 20th century achieving their American dream. We are discussing this morning the theory of reparation; it is nothing new. Its been tried over the last 100 years, resulting in the misery and death of 100 million men, women and children. Its called redistribution of wealth, or socialism. President Donald Trump speaks during a "Keep America Great" campaign rally at Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, on Jan. 9, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Not Interested in Returning to Very Boring Twitter Former President Donald Trump said he was not interested in returning to Twitter after he was permanently banned from the platform last month. Its become very boring. We dont want to go back to Twitter, Trump told Newsmaxs Greg Kelly on Wednesday. Ill tell you, its not the same. If you look at whats going on with Twitter, I understand that its become very boring and millions of people are leaving. Trump, who has been one of the most active presidents on social media, was permanently suspended from Twitter following the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. The targeted policing of Trumps posts occurred throughout his presidency and ramped up following the Nov. 3 election, when the former president and his team repeatedly joined entreaties to independently review the integrity of the results in several states. Twitter justified its censorship by claiming that the president had violated its Glorification of Violence Policy after he posted a message urging protesters to remain peaceful and leave the Capitol. The company has also removed many other accounts, mainly conservative personalities and voices, on the ground of harmful speech. Twitter CFO Ned Segal said earlier this month that Trump would not be allowed on the platform again after he was removed. If you are removed from the platform, you are removed from the platform, Segal said, adding that the ban applies whether youre a commentator, youre a CFO, or whether you are a former or current public official. Trump also expressed his frustration while using the platform, criticizing the platforms flagging of his posts on content that they claim to be disputed such as election fraud claims. We were being really harassed on Twitter. They were putting up all sorts of flags. They were flagging almost anything you see, everything I was saying was being flagged, the former president said. Its just disgraceful. The president shared his future social media plans, confirming that negotiations are underway. Jason Miller, senior adviser to Trump, said earlier this month that the former president is deciding whether to join an existing platform or create a new platform. There are a number of different options and a number of different meetings that theyve been having on that front. Nothing is imminent on that, Miller said. In a separate interview, Miller told UKs Sunday Times that Trump feels happier now that he isnt using Twitter or any other social media. Hes said that not being on social media, and not being subject to the hateful echo chamber that social media too frequently becomes, has actually been good, Miller told the media outlet. Thats something the First Lady [Melania] has backed up as well. She has said she loves it, that hes much happier and is enjoying himself much more. Perceived unbalanced moderation of users content by social media companies has raised concerns over First Amendment rights and a lack of checks and balances for decisions made by these big tech companies. Congress is looking to hold big tech companies accountable for their actions and has been seeking to legislate a new antitrust law. On Thursday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee announced a March 25 hearing with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who will be expected to testify on misinformation on online platforms. The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is pushing ahead in the Year of the Ox with policies of sinicization and "ethnic unity" targeting Muslim communities around the country, according to government websites. In the southern island province of Hainan, provincial vice government Fu Caixing called on officials at the provincial religious and minority affairs bureau to ensure they have a "deep" understanding of a CCP term: "integration in a pluralistic Chinese nation." Religious affairs officials should be fully aware of the "connotations" of this concept and "further deepen ethnic unity," Fu said during a visit to the bureau on Feb. 18, according to a report on the bureau's official website. "Unity" has been used as an umbrella concept in the northwestern region of Xinjiang to describe assimilation schemes in which ethnic minority Uyghur families are "assigned" a Han Chinese family, who visits with them regularly and puts pressure on them to observe non-Muslim traditions, including drinking alcohol and eating pork. "Unity" policies haven taken place in Xinjiang against a backdrop of the mass incarceration of at least 1.8 million Uyghurs and other ethnic minority Muslims in "re-education" camps, and their involvement in forced labor, as well as amid reports of the systemic rape, sexual abuse, and forced sterilization of Uyghur women in the camps. According to Fu: "[Officials must] further educate [people] about what it means to unify and progress under a multicultural society with ethnic unity, so as to build on a sense of unity across the whole of the Chinese nation." His comments came after a top official in the CCP's United Front -- a department charged with boosting support for the CCP overseas and in domestic groups outside party ranks -- in the central province of Hunan told Muslim leaders that the government was continuing its policy of "sinicization" in Muslim communities. "We must carry on with the sinicization of Islam, as well as pandemic disease control and prevention in Islamic communities in this province," Xiang Enming, deputy head of the provincial CCP's United Front Work Department said in January, according to the website of the government-backed Hunan Islam Association. Total ban on gatherings Xiang said the upshot of these two policies was a total ban on religious gatherings and activities, especially in cities. He also called for a change of leadership in the association. "The re-election process must be carried out in accordance with deployment guidelines and it must proceed smoothly," Xiang told the association. Rights activist Sulaiman Gu, who studies at the University of Georgia in the United States, said "sinicization" policies announced under CCP general secretary Xi Jinping are continually being rolled out across China. He said any claim to preserving Islamic culture was largely cosmetic. "While Chinese officials use Islamic culture to serve economic development as part of United Front work, they have always regarded the identity of ethnic minorities as a threat to totalitarian rule," Gu said. "To eliminate the identity of ethnic minorities, they must first eliminate their beliefs." Shih Chien-yu, a scholar of Islamic Studies at the Central Asian Society on the democratic island of Taiwan, said the CCP has already succeeded in cutting off many Muslims in China from the ummah, the global community of fellow Muslims. "The so-called imams, the ones allocated [to communities] by Chinese officials, have been trained in religious schools run by the Chinese government," Shih told RFA. "They may not have gone on [Hajj] pilgrimage, and they daren't modify the content that has been approved by China," he said. He said the annual Hajj pilgrimage was an important way for Muslims to take part in a global religion. "[On Hajj], Muslims share their faith experience, including what is orthodox, what is right, what should not be done, and so on," Shih said. "When they get back, they pass this stuff on quietly. They are also more likely to donate money to build new mosques." "That's why China has started suppressing and trying eradicate the Islamic beliefs [and practices] of Chinese Muslims," he said. Making Muslims less visible The New York Times reported on Feb. 14 that authorities in Hainan are already working to make the island's Muslims less visible, by covering up signs that read "Allahu Akbar," or "God is Greatest," in homes and shops, with stickers promoting CCP slogans about the "Chinese Dream." "The Chinese characters for halal, meaning permissible under Islam, have been removed from restaurant signs and menus," the report said. It said the authorities have shut down two Islamic schools used by the 10,000-strong community of Utsul Muslims in the resort town of Sanya, and have twice tried to bar female students from wearing head scarves. The report said the moves are in stark contrast to previous policy in the province, when "officials supported the Utsuls Islamic identity and their ties with Muslim countries." Gu said the Utsuls are classified by the CCP as Hui Chinese Muslims, but are culturally distinct from them. "Because of their common Islamic heritage, they have a high degree of mutual recognition with the Hui, and they are classified as Hui [by the government]," he said. "But they retain many Southeast Asian customs and have been in constant contact with the Malay Peninsula," he said in a reference to the homeland of Cham Muslims in southern Thailand. China is developing a five-year plan for the "sinicization" of Islam, according a report published Jan. 5, 2019 on the official website of the country's government-backed China Islamic Association. The plan will focus on requiring mosques to to uphold "core values of socialism, traditional culture, laws, and regulations," according to a report on a meeting organized by the United Front Work Department. Mosques will be told to "guide, mobilize, and inspire" Chinese Muslims with lectures and training sessions on such topics, and which uphold the spirit of a sinicized Islam by using examples of notable figures, the report said. In late 2018, authorities in the southwestern province of Yunnan raided and forcibly evicted local ethnic minority Hui Muslims from three mosques at the end of last month, saying they were engaged in "illegal religious activities." Reported by Han Jie for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Todays leading companies have to go beyond staying in their lane they need to act on the biggest issues we face as a planet and prioritize sustainability. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the worlds shared plan to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet by 2030, outline sustainability initiatives across 17 major areas and provide a useful framework for many companies engaging in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Ribbon Communications, a global provider for converged communications software and network solutions for service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure sectors, recently issued its first global sustainability report, following an eventful 2020 that included new leadership and a merger. The report accounts for Ribbons ESG performance through 2019 and 2020 and outlines, among other items, the companys response to the global pandemic and its support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as other major benchmarking and goal-setting initiatives. In the report, Ribbon asserts that it is committed to operating ethically, efficiently, and inclusively in all areas of its business while utilizing communication technology to transform lives and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. Of course, 2020 added a global pandemic to the mix, forcing companies everywhere to manage a new set of circumstances while endeavoring to keep people safe and businesses operational. Ribbon focused on the safety of employees as well as the continuity of services for customers at a time of increased reliance on network communications. The company was able to support customers with the necessary capacity to meet increased demands on the network and with collaboration offerings that facilitate remote work. We are committed to providing our stakeholders with increased visibility and responsiveness, and our report is a key milestone in that effort, said Patrick Macken, Executive Vice President, and Chief Legal Officer, Ribbon. We will continue to set rigorous operational standards for ourselves and our suppliers as we move forward, with the constant aim to improve how we interact with the environment and the communities we and our customers work in. Additionally, the company announced yesterday that it had won the TIA QuEST Forum (News - Alert) 2020 Global Sustainability Award for Excellence in Software, showcasing its continued efforts and performance in achieving its sustainability goals. Edited by Maurice Nagle Former Deputy PM Truong Vinh Trong attends an event in HCMC, January 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. Former Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong died of illness early on Friday at his home in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre. He was 79. In 1960 he began to work secretly in the student movement against the U.S.-backed South Vietnam regime during the Vietnam War. Two years later he joined the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam and worked in the education subcommittee in Ben Tre Province. In 1975 he was sent to the north to attend the Central Propaganda School in Hanoi. In 1978 he became deputy head of the propaganda committee of the Ben Tre Province Party Committee, and in 1982 took over as Party chief of Giong Trom District. At the 1986 National Party Congress he was elected an alternate member of Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. At the next congress five years later he was elected an official member and also a member of the Central Inspection Committee, the Party organ that is responsible for combating corruption, disciplining Party members. In 1998 the Politburo, the main decision-making body of the Party, named him head of the Central Internal Political Protection Committee, an advisory body to the Party Central Committee. Two years later he became Party Committee chief of Dong Thap Province. In 2001 he became head of the Central Committee for Internal Affairs, where he issued and advised decisions that led to important reformation in Vietnam's justice system. At the 2006 congress, he was reelected to the Party Central Committee and made a member of the Politburo. In June that year he became deputy PM, a position he held until he retired in 2011. Announcement of Periodic Review: Moody's announces completion of a periodic review of ratings of Banco Itau Uruguay S.A.Global Credit Research - 17 Feb 2021New York, February 17, 2021 -- Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") has completed a periodic review of the ratings of Banco Itau Uruguay S.A. and other ratings that are associated with the same analytical unit. The review was conducted through a portfolio review discussion held on 10 February 2021 in which Moody's reassessed the appropriateness of the ratings in the context of the relevant principal methodology(ies), recent developments, and a comparison of the financial and operating profile to similarly rated peers. The review did not involve a rating committee. Since 1 January 2019, Moody's practice has been to issue a press release following each periodic review to announce its completion.This publication does not announce a credit rating action and is not an indication of whether or not a credit rating action is likely in the near future. Credit ratings and outlook/review status cannot be changed in a portfolio review and hence are not impacted by this announcement. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history.Key rating considerations are summarized below.Banco Itau Uruguay's (Itau Uruguay) Baa3 long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings reflect the bank's baseline credit assessment (BCA) of ba1 and Moody's assessment of a very high probability of affiliate support from its parent Itau Unibanco S.A (Ba2, ba2), which results in one-notch uplift to the BCA.Itau Uruguay's ba1 BCA reflects the bank's consistent track record of adequate financial metrics, namely liquidity and funding. Itau Unibanco's asset quality benefits from the large share of collateralized corporate loans in the bank's portfolio, which are predominantly dollar-denominated and short-term. The bank keeps a sizable volume of liquid assets in the form of government securities and deposits at foreign banks, which boosts its liquidity. Abundant access to low cost, dollar-denominated core deposits is also a positive for Itau Unibanco's financial profile. The bank has managed to maintain the participation of market funds in its funding base at low levels. Conversely, the bank's tightly managed capital position limits its BCA, but it is adequate to support growth.This document summarizes Moody's view as of the publication date and will not be updated until the next periodic review announcement, which will incorporate material changes in credit circumstances (if any) during the intervening period.The principal methodology used for this review was Banks Methodology published in November 2019. Please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of this methodology.This announcement applies only to EU rated, UK rated, EU endorsed and UK endorsed ratings. Non EU rated, non UK rated, non EU endorsed and non UK endorsed ratings may be referenced above to the extent necessary, if they are part of the same analytical unit.This publication does not announce a credit rating action. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history. Alexandre Albuquerque Vice President - Senior Analyst Financial Institutions Group Moody's America Latina Ltda. Avenida Nacoes Unidas, 12.551 16th Floor, Room 1601 Sao Paulo, SP 04578-903 Brazil JOURNALISTS: 0 800 891 2518 Client Service: 1 212 553 1653 M. Celina Vansetti-Hutchins MD - Banking Financial Institutions Group JOURNALISTS: 1 212 553 0376 Client Service: 1 212 553 1653 Releasing Office: Moody's Investors Service, Inc. 250 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10007 U.S.A. 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The iconic Sarod maestro who has been awarded India's second highest civilian honour Padma Vibhushan in 2001 has inspired generations of music aficionados to keep up their interest in Indian classical music, performing worldwide to packed theatres. Teachers Glasses is proud to associate exclusively with one of the undisputed masters of classical music to launch his latest album titled Navras. The name of the album represents the nine principle emotions, moods or sentiments that are felt by every human in their day to day lives and are beautifully captured by the strum of the maestros Sarod chords to get the audience to truly enjoy the music. These include Love/Sringara: Raga Bihari, Joy/Hasya: Raga Khammaj, Wonder/Adhuta: Raga Darbari, Courage/Vira: Raga Malkauns, Peace/Shanta: Ram Dhun, Sadness/Karuna: Raga Pilu, Anger/Raudra: Raga Bahar, Fear/Bhayanaka: Raga Mia Ki Malhar and Disgust/Vibhasta: Raga Tilang. Teachers Glasses always believes in celebrating genuine achievers and their unmatched achievements across unique art forms, music being one thats most pleasurable and relatable. In an endeavor to deliver genuine and rare experiences, this association brings forward authentic, unmatched content in the form of music. What matters eventually is the music, the effect of music and the realization of the notes of music. At a time when music enthusiasts are craving live concerts, but from the safety of their homes and in company of their closest friends and family, the Sarod virtuoso along with Teachers Glasses will launch the album exclusively with two live Concerts on PayTM Insider scheduled for 20th & 27th February 2021. The virtual concerts would indulge classical music lovers across India, and the world, who will get to access them and Ustad Jis mastery on PayTM Insider. Speaking further on his latest album and the association with Teachers Glasses, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said, My latest offering Navras refers to the nine expressions that human beings are empowered with. It is a celebration of music and how it makes you feel. I could not have found a better partner to launch this idea than Teachers Glasses as they have always believed in celebrating the genuine spirit. Through Navras, I hope that music lovers across the globe can listen to this performance live and feel all these emotions especially in these challenging times. He further adds on his music journey saying, I cannot remember a particular day that I was initiated into the world of music. It was a part of me from as early as I can remember. Life itself was Music and Music was Life and its celebration. I believe that the 12 notes of music are actually 'alphabets' of a universal 'language' which musicians and connoisseurs have been communicating with since time immemorial. Music has many faces and instrumental music, such as what I play on the Sarod, is pure sound that needs to be experienced and felt. Since there are no lyrics, there is no language barrier between the performer and the listener, and that is why instrumental music transcends all barriers. A wonderful mystery of Indian classical music is the fact that one can spend a lifetime trying to attain knowledge and perfection and still feel that they have only skimmed the surface. There is an old saying Swara hi Eshwar hai which is absolutely apt as Music has its roots in spirituality and has always been an integral part of the worship of God. Tune into PayTM insider to watch Ustad Amjad Ali Khan live on 20th and 27th February 2021 at 7 PM. Join in the album launch celebrations with a riveting musical experience with Teachers Glasses and the living legend himself! Where: PayTM insider (Link to online event) When: 20th and 27th February 2021 Time: 7 PM (on both dates) Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 10:21:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LISBON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese government approved Thursday a program to hire foreign nurses to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Mariana Vieira da Silva, the Portuguese minister of state and the presidency, said in a press conference that, considering special public interest, the Council of Ministers has authorized the hiring of foreign nurses in the decree that regulates the state of emergency. According to the government, it is "absolutely crucial" to allow nurses from outside the country to work due to the "significant increase in the number of hospitalized patients as a result of the pandemic." Mariana Vieira da Silva told reporters that the decision to hire foreign nurses "was taken because it was considered urgent and necessary." It is "an exceptional decision." The minister also said that it is up to the state to "define all possible ways" to help reinforce the national health service "at this difficult time." Portugal recorded 105 deaths related to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, in addition to a further 1,944 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus. As of Thursday, the coronavirus has led to a total of 15,754 deaths and 792,829 infections in Portugal since the beginning of the pandemic. Enditem. This article first appeared on the Boston Business Journals website. Some hospitals in Massachusetts received special state approval to vaccinate certain high-risk groups, such as organ transplant recipients and patients undergoing cancer treatments, ahead of the states phased approach, while others did not. The high-risk groups differed by hospital, and not every hospital received the guidance to vaccinate some patients early. There is less potential to do so now, after the state announced it would stop sending new first doses of the vaccine to hospitals in favor of redirecting it to mass vaccination sites. Some hospitals appear to have received special permission, while others did not. In some cases, the hospitals were contacted by the state, while in others, the hospital had to initiate the process to ask for permission to vaccinate specific groups. Spokespeople with the states coronavirus task force did not respond to a request for comment to explain the process. So far, vaccines have only been available to people in Massachusetts working in health care settings, those living or working in nursing homes or other residential programs, those working or receiving treatment in dialysis centers, prison populations and employees, first responders, and people over the age of 75 as well as their caregivers. As of Thursday, people over the age of 65 and people with two or more of a listed set of health conditions qualified to receive the vaccine. Yet some hospitals said that they have vaccinated some groups with only one health condition, after getting special approval to vaccinate what the hospital categorized as high risk groups. Under the states phased approach, these individuals with only one health condition wouldnt have qualified until the last stage of the states second phase, likely not for several weeks. At Tufts Medical Center, the hospital received permission in mid-January to begin vaccinating approximately 2,500 patients classified as extremely high risk. Those groups included solid organ transplant recipients, HIV positive patients, and those on active chemotherapy. These patients are extremely high-risk and would be at a greater risk for severe consequences from the virus if they were to get it, said Jeremy Lechan, a spokesman for the hospital. Its a logical assumption they would be among those who would benefit greatly from the vaccine. Mass General Brigham also received guidance from the state in the first phase to vaccine certain high risk patients, such as chemotherapy, HIV positive and transplant patients. High risk populations could only be vaccinated if the hospital had extra doses in their inventory. We were not allowed to specifically request vaccine to vaccinate these patients, said Paul Biddinger, the head of Mass General Brighams emergency preparedness efforts and who led the states vaccine advisory group. Beth Israel Lahey Health has also allowed solid organ or bone marrow transplants to receive the vaccine early. So far 800 patients at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and 490 at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center have received the vaccine early. Beth Israel noted that it isnt receiving any additional supplies of the vaccine, after the state stopped sending hospitals new allotments. Therefore no new appointments are being made. UMass Memorial Health Care also vaccinated its active chemotherapy patients while it had supplies to do so. Dr. Mark Manning, medical director of ambulatory services at UMass Memorial Medical Center, said the state had asked the health system in late January if it could use approximately 200 doses a week to vaccinate high risk patients. The health system decided patients receiving active chemotherapy would be the best group to focus on, given that they were already coming to chemotherapy clinics for hours at a time, and were susceptible to severe complications from Covid. This allowed us to not set up something entirely new or different and reach a patient population that, by all medical standards, is one of the highest risk groups of covid 19 complications, and do it in a safe and effective way and well received by patients, Manning said. In three weeks, the health system gave a first dose to 596 patients. While it will give all those patient second doses, it can no longer offer any more first doses. Yet receiving an earlier green light to vaccine was largely dependent on where patients received care. At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the states largest cancer institution, the hospital said it did not receive any special permission to vaccinate active chemotherapy patients unless they qualified under one of the states existing criteria. Shamima Begum will find out if she can potentially return to the UK to pursue an appeal against the removal of her British citizenship when the Supreme Court gives a ruling on her case next week. Ms Begum was 15 when she and two other east London schoolgirls travelled to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State group (IS) in February 2015. Her British citizenship was revoked on national security grounds shortly after she was found, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp in February 2019. Ms Begum, now 21, is challenging the Home Offices decision to remove her British citizenship and wants to be allowed to return to the UK to pursue her appeal. CCTV of the three schoolgirls leaving the UK (Met Police/PA) In July last year, the Court of Appeal ruled that the only way in which she can have a fair and effective appeal is to be permitted to come into the United Kingdom to pursue her appeal. The Home Office challenged that decision at the Supreme Court in November, arguing that allowing her to return to the UK would create significant national security risks and expose the public to an increased risk of terrorism. The UKs highest court will give a judgment next Friday on whether Ms Begum should be granted leave to enter the UK to pursue her appeal against the deprivation of her British citizenship. The Supreme Court will also rule on whether, if Ms Begum is refused leave to enter the UK, her appeal against the removal of her British citizenship should be allowed. The remote hearing was heard at the Supreme Court (Yui Mok/PA) At the hearing in November, her lawyers said Ms Begum was currently in the al-Roj camp in northern Syria, where conditions are dire. Lord Pannick QC told the court that the Syrian Democratic Forces, which control the al-Roj camp, do not permit visits from lawyers nor do they permit detainees to speak to lawyers. He said the case against Ms Begum was no more than that she travelled to Syria and aligned with IS', and that it is not alleged that she fought, trained or participated in any terrorist activities, nor that she had any role within IS. Lord Pannick added that if Ms Begum could not return to the UK to pursue an effective appeal the deprivation appeal must be allowed, as there is no other fair or just step that can be taken. Sir James Eadie QC, representing the Home Office, told the court: If you force the Secretary of State to facilitate a return to the UK, or if you allow the substantive appeal, the effect is to create potentially very serious national security concerns. He said of Ms Begum: She married an IS fighter, lived in Raqqa, the capital of the self-declared caliphate, and remained with them for about four years until 2019, when she left from, in effect, the last pocket of IS territory in Baghuz. Sir James argued that individuals who went to Syria to join IS pose a real and serious risk to national security whatever sympathy might be generated by the age of the person when they travelled. Kadiza Sultana, Shamima Begum and Amira Abase at Gatwick airport, before their flight to Turkey in February 2015 (Metropolitan Police/PA) Ms Begum and Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, then 16 and 15 respectively, boarded a flight from Gatwick Airport to Istanbul, Turkey, on February 17 2015, before making their way to Raqqa in Syria. The three schoolgirls from Bethnal Green Academy left London shortly after Sharmeena Begum, who is no relation, travelled to Syria in December 2014. Ms Begum claims she married Dutch convert Yago Riedijk 10 days after arriving in IS territory, with all three of her school friends also reportedly marrying foreign IS fighters. She told The Times in February 2019 that she left Raqqa in January 2017 with her husband, but her children, a one-year-old girl and a three-month-old boy, had both since died. Her third child died in the al-Roj camp in March 2019, shortly after he was born. The Supreme Courts decision will be announced at 9.45am next Friday. Its legends probe identity, origin and ones connection to Mother Earth concepts that Native American communities in the United States and Canada gather together to celebrate. Ancestor Approved is a Native American-themed short story anthology with one such gathering, a powwow, at its center. A powwow is a festive, bustling, multigenerational affair at which children and adults perform traditional dances in their tribes regalia, sell handmade wares and enjoy Native foods such as fry bread. As expected in a book for young readers, the school-age protagonists of the stories make friends, honor their heritage and learn how to respect others. When commissioning pieces for the anthology, its editor, Cynthia Leitich Smith, asked the authors a mix of new and veteran Native writers to all set their stories at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. The lenses through which they view the event, however, run the gamut, from a shy teenager nervous about his first dance to a grandmother in possession of a winning raffle ticket. Newcomers learn what a powwow is all about, and what a boost it can be, while insiders take up the drumbeat that reverberates throughout the venue. Herself a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation and a best-selling author of Native American childrens and young adult literature, Smith has curated the anthology with an eye to attracting both kinds of readers. This kaleidoscopic perspective accentuates the intrigue of the powwow, for which the characters spend months preparing. By the time they (and we) pull up to the venue, all are ready to be amazed and transported. Consider the contributor Joseph Bruchacs Bad Dog, in which a young boy chats with an unusual old man, who we later realize was his long-dead great-grandfather. Or Dawn Quigleys Joey Reads the Sky, in which Joey is revealed to have superpowers that save his family from a tornado. To improve the system, Nigeria should explore a bi-partisan electoral commission. A bi-partisan structure, with members presented by the different political parties, will strengthen the needed checks and balances within the Commission itself. This approach should extend to the recruitment of electoral officers The desperate attempts by President Donald Trump to overturn the free and fair U.S. presidential election of 2020 ought to create every sense of urgency for Nigeria to explore a bi-partisan body for the conduct of its elections. Trumps behaviour was delusional and does not represent any good example of a democratic mien, but it can serve as a blessing in disguise, especially for nations prone to dictatorship and electoral controversies. That is precisely where Nigeria comes in. Nigeria has seen its fair share of dictators donning the democratic toga, as well as electoral controversies. Instances abound, but the most relative is the tendency of Nigerian leaders to pervert the laws that govern the countrys electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). As the name suggests, the INEC was envisioned as an independent organisation in line with item F,14(2c) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This section states that any of its members must be nonpartisan and a person of unquestionable integrity. The Constitution also vests the appointment of principal INEC officials with the president of the country. Unfortunately, most of the appointees have been neither nonpartisan nor independent. A prevailing example is the case of Lorretta Onochie, who has been nominated as a National Commissioner for the INEC. Not only is she a rabid promoter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and currently the Senior Special Assistant on Social Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, Onochie is also a virally controversial figure and super spreader of toxic fictions. In short, her every rhetoric is emblematic of an extremist rabble-rouser who clowns around the country, spewing offensive fallacies as federal decrees. The objective motive behind Onochies nomination, therefore, is nothing but trumpish deliberately designed to wreak havoc and stoke controversies. But the dictatorial intrigue within the INEC did not start with Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling APC. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Peoples Democratic Party were no different or even worse while they were in power. Such partisan grip of the INEC has been the major reason Nigerian elections are hardly mentioned in the same breath with the term free and fair. However, instead of placing the blame squarely where it belongs, the INEC chairman is typically the scapegoat. A salient factor that has not received adequate attention in the contextual analysis of INEC is that, besides its Chairman, the other principal officers who represent the electoral body from the national to the ward levels are typically the sympathisers or card-carrying members of the ruling party. For instance, as the country geared for the 2011 election, the debate centered on Maurice Iwu, a renowned Professor of Pharmacognosy, who served as the INEC boss in the controversial elections of 2007. To many Nigerians, Mr. Iwu was the problem, and the problem was Mr. Iwu. It was generally believed that a mere change in leadership of the INEC was the sole panacea for a free and fair election in the country. Accordingly, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed a new chairman in Professor Attahiru Jega, another astute intellectual, a move widely hailed. Yet, after the 2011 general elections, despite the fact that its conduct showed significant improvement, the opposition groups claimed that the ruling party colluded with the INEC to falsify electoral results. In the words of Muhammadu Buhari, the main opposition candidate in the 2011 presidential election, the magnitude of malpractices in the 2007 elections eclipsed all the other elections in the depth and scope of forgery and rigging. Initially, there were high hopes that after 2003 and 2007 a semblance of electoral propriety would be witnessed. The new chairman of INEC, Professor Jega, was touted as competent and a man of integrity. He has proved neither. Upon gaining power in 2015, President Buhari quickly ousted Jega and brought in an equally distinguished professor, Mahmud Yakubu, who would go on to oversee the 2019 elections. But the situation only seemed to worsen. In short, a post-2019 election survey by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) found that, while 61 per cent of the electorate perceived the 2015 elections headed by Jega as fair, only 37 per cent would say so for the 2019 exercises conducted under Yakubu. In rejecting the results of the 2019 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, the runner-up candidate, remarked as follows: the electoral fraud perpetrated by the Buhari administration this past Saturday cannot produce a government of the people for the simple reason that it does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people. An influential pro-opposition pundit, Femi Aribisala, was more direct: INEC is supposed to be an impartial umpire in elections in Nigeria. However, it is now obvious that Mahmood Yakubus INEC operated essentially as an arm of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). A salient factor that has not received adequate attention in the contextual analysis of INEC is that, besides its Chairman, the other principal officers who represent the electoral body from the national to the ward levels are typically the sympathisers or card-carrying members of the ruling party. To that end, even where the INEC was able to produce the semblance of a free and fair election, the opposition usually hides behind the partisan shade of the Commission to occasion a flood of conspiracies to wash away the credibility of the election. This distrust only goes to undermine the sanctity of the elections and deepen the depth of the disrepute commonly associated with the countrys democracy. To improve the system, Nigeria should explore a bi-partisan electoral commission. A bi-partisan structure, with members presented by the different political parties, will strengthen the needed checks and balances within the Commission itself. This approach should extend to the recruitment of electoral officers from the national, down to the ward levels and polling booths. A pertinent backdrop is that the American society is by no means closer to sainthood than its Nigerian counterpart. Americas saving grace is merely the presence of a system that can compel the leaders and the people to act in line with the law of the land. A bi-partisan structure can restore confidence and ensure trust throughout the width and breadth of the Commission. This proposal parallels the position of the main opposition party in the 2007 election, the All Nigerias Peoples Party (ANPP), whereby Emmanuel Eneukwu, its National Publicity Secretary at the time, canvassed for a review of the electoral laws to include members of the different political parties in the leadership of national election commission. The bi-partisan electoral model is the core of the American system, which remains a paragon of democracy, Trumps shenanigans notwithstanding. Members to both the federal and state election commissions are drawn from the countrys two major political parties. The apparent political equipoise profoundly promotes internal checks and balances within the system. Thus, even if any trumpish character in any of the states must nominate someone with questionable integrity into an electoral commission, the opposition party would reject or counter such nomination accordingly. The partisan balance within the U.S. electoral system, more than any other factor, accounts for the widely celebrated vitality of American institutions. It also accounts for why and how Donald Trump could not succeed in his asinine scheme to compel some state electoral bodies, including those controlled by his party, to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Perhaps Nigeria has explored various strategies over the years to checkmate partisan manoeuvres within the INEC. The electoral body has recruited members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and university professors to assist in recent exercises. There were equally past efforts, for example, the 2008 Electoral Reform Committee (ERC), which proposed, among other things, that a neutral body, particularly the National Judicial Council, should appoint all the INEC officials, including its chairman. The ERC also called for the members of INEC to include representatives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the news media, etc. The idea of a neutral electoral body is superficially attractive. But recruiting people from a cadre of pliant Nigerian institutions and expecting them to be impartial is no different from perceiving a stench as an aroma. Not surprisingly, the university recruits are always accused of partiality or being wholly subservient to the parties in power, either at the state or the federal level. Unlike other institutions, the political party has the potential to provoke steadfast allegiance from the people far more than ethnicity, religion, and even more than blood relationships, especially in Nigeria, where prebendal politics dictates the content and character of socio-economic wellbeing. True independence or neutrality of INEC is more attainable in an environment where two or more independent parties can checkmate each other from acting contrary to the stated objectives. A pertinent backdrop is that the American society is by no means closer to sainthood than its Nigerian counterpart. Americas saving grace is merely the presence of a system that can compel the leaders and the people to act in line with the law of the land. SKC Ogbonnia writes from Houston, Texas, USA. Twitter: @SKCOgbonnia LOS ANGELESA California state senator has introduced a bill that would make online sites liable for non-consensual sexual images and videos uploaded by users. Titled the Ending Online Sexual Trafficking and Exploitation Act, SB-435 sponsored by San Jose Democrat Dave Cortese (pictured above) a former Santa Clara County supervisor who was elected to the state senate in 2020 would allow alleged victims of non-consensual image sharing to sue sites and platforms that display the image, potentially collecting damages of $100,000 for every two hours the image remains online after a takedown notification. The bill requires that sites must take down any such non-consensual image upon receipt of a takedown demand by a person seen in the image. California is already one of 46 states with existing laws against revenge porn, that is, the sharing of non-consensual nude or sexual images. Under the states current law, a first offense carries a maximum $1,000 find and up to six months jail time. Corteses bill appears similar to the 2018 FOSTA/SESTA law passed by the United States Congress. That legislation created an exception to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields sites from liability for user content. Under FOSTA/SESTA, sites are now legally liable if content posted by users is seen as promoting sex trafficking. The new California bill has a similar objective. Child sex trafficking is a major issue in our state, and the internet is its biggest platform, says Cortese said in his statement announcing the bill. SB 435 will dismantle a billion-dollar industry that is profiting off of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and rape. The bill is not aimed specifically at child sex trafficking, however, but at any images that can be deemed non-consensual, including those that may have been created consensually, but posted online without the consent of the person or persons appearing in the image. SB 435 does, however, double the $100,000 per two-hour damage awards in the case of images where the subject is under 18. Websites are fueling and profiting off of this abuse, with content receiving billions of advertisement impressions each day, Cortese told KRON TV News. That is what this bill is getting after. Corteses announcement also said the bill was created at least in part in response to a December 4, 2020, New York Times article which claimed to detail instances of underage sex trafficking victims as well as victims of sexual assault appearing in videos on Pornhub. The site since has implemented numerous new safety and security policies, while also removing unverified content. "We hear stories every day from survivors--children and adults--who have tried every legal option available to them to stop the online circulation of their sexual assault or rape," California Womens Law Center Director Betsy Butler told KTVU TV. "Still, their photographs continue to circulate while websites rake in profit from monetizing their abuse." The full text of SB-435 may be accessed at this link. Photo By Senator Dave Cortese FaceBook Page ROME, FEB 19 - League leader Matteo Salvini reiterated on Friday that the decisions he made regarding migrants aboard the Gregoretti coast guard ship when he was interior minister in 2019 were made together with the rest of the then government. Salvini could go on a trial for abduction for refusing a landing berth to the 131 migrants aboard the Gregoretti ship from July 27 to 31, 2019, when authorisation to land at Augusta near Siracusa came from a judge. The case is one of several stemming from Salvini's former closed ports policy against migrant-rescue ships during his 14-month stint as interior minister in ex-premier Giuseppe Conte's first government. "I'm the one who risks 15 years in jail," Salvini said after a hearing before a Preliminary Hearing Judge (GUP). "They all pontificate and they all chatter but I'm the one who is in the bunker courtroom, where the mafia trials are held, "Matteo Salvini is the defendant. "I heard of correct, coherent reconstruction of events today. "What we did, we did together. We decided together. We celebrated together". (ANSA). Over the past seven days, the state averaged 59,460 vaccinations administered daily, down from a high of 66,320 on Feb. 14. Vaccinations have been affected this week by the severe winter weather, as the state had warned earlier in the week. Prince Harry will be forbidden by tradition from wearing full military regalia after suffering the bitter blow of losing his honorary appointments with the Armed Forces, it emerged tonight. With the duke no longer returning as a working member of the Royal Family, his honorary roles, such as Captain General of the Royal Marines, will be returned to Her Majesty before being redistributed among other senior royals. Harry, 36, will be prevented if only by tradition from wearing full military regalia. Should he attend a Remembrance Sunday event he could wear his medals and a regimental beret but not a uniform. Iin 2005 Prince Harry, then aged only 20, began his officer training. It was widely remarked that the Army became his family. Pictured: Harry during a 1993 visit to the barracks in Hanover (left) and (right) Prince Harry races to scramble an Apache while serving in Afghanistan in 2012 Garments he should no longer wear are understood to include the Blues and Royals frockcoat worn on his wedding day in May 2018 and the Royal Marines dress uniform he wore to the Royal Albert Hall in March 2020, shortly before he stepped down as a senior royal. Last night, his former commander General Lord Dannatt paid a glowing personal tribute to Prince Harry, saying his heart would always be with Britain's military community even though he may never be seen in uniform again. No more Commodore in Chief of Little Ships The honorary military titles that Prince Harry has lost: Captain General, Royal Marines As the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, Harry was appointed in December 2017, succeeding the Duke of Edinburgh. He made numerous visits to the Commando Training Centre in Devon and to Norway for arctic warfare drills. He made his last appearance in Royal Marines uniform at a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2020. Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington Appointed by the Queen in 2008 and visited the base on at least three occasions in his formal role. In 2010 he presented the families of two servicemen killed in Afghanistan with the Elizabeth Cross. Royal Air Force Honington, near Bury St Edmunds, is the RAF's centre of Force Protection. Commodore-in-Chief, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving Appointed in August 2006 in recognition of the links between the Navy and the Royals. Opened the 30million Amphibious Centre of Excellence at Devonport Naval Base in 2013. Advertisement Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail Lord Dannatt, a former head of the UK's Armed Forces, sounded a defiant note on his behalf after the prince's 16 years of service. He said: 'It was a privilege to have enjoyed Prince Harry's comradeship during the years that he has served his country in uniform. 'As we say, 'You can take someone out of the Army, but you can never take the Army out of them'. 'I am sure the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force would say the same. I have no doubt that this will be Prince Harry's emotion. 'The announcement from Buckingham Palace is welcome in so far as it clears the air about the Duke of Sussex's future intentions. 'I fully respect and support the decision that he has made in the best interests of his wife and growing family. 'The military community will miss his official connections and contributions but I am in no doubt that he will continue to support our serving and veteran soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines in a private capacity, especially through the Invictus Games and service charities.' Back in 2005 Prince Harry, then aged only 20, climbed the ornate steps of the Old College at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) to begin his officer training. It was widely remarked in the following years that the Army became his family. He subsequently served his country with distinction on the frontline in Afghanistan, both as a soldier on the ground and later as a helicopter pilot. After Sandhurst Prince Harry commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Blues and Royals, a regiment of the Household Cavalry, in 2006. A debate soon began about whether he could deploy with his unit to Iraq. As he was not directly in line to the throne many senior army figures thought he should go. Eventually the Ministry of Defence, after drawn-out discussions with Buckingham Palace, was persuaded that he would be a high profile target whose presence would endanger those deployed with him. News means Prince Harry won't be allowed to wear the dress uniform he wore on his wedding day (left) and the Royal Marines dress uniform he wore to the Royal Albert Hall in March 2020 Pictured: Prince Harry exits the Australian War Memorial on April 6, 2015 in Canberra, Australia Lord Dannatt then personally arranged for Prince Harry to serve in Afghanistan. He struck a deal with media outlets for them not to report his presence in return for interviews to be published and broadcast on his return. The deal held for ten weeks, allowing Harry to experience the brutal realities of warfare. He served as a Forward Air Controller with a desert reconnaissance unit. In doing so he became the first member of the Royal Family to serve on the frontline since Prince Andrew took part in the Falklands War in 1982 as a helicopter pilot. While Lord Dannatt last night offered Prince Harry his best wishes, he also sounded a note of caution as the Duke of Sussex starts a new chapter in his life. He added: 'Prince Harry will have had to weigh up very carefully everything that was important in his life. 'Although he cares deeply for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that he has served with and our veterans, especially those who have been wounded, his priority is with his wife and growing family. 'I fully respect and support the very difficult decision that he has had to make. 'I wish him well for the future and know that his heart will always be with the British military.' Harry, 36, will be prevented from wearing full military regalia and stripped of royal patronages On his return to the UK from Afghanistan Prince Harry was advised to retrain as a helicopter pilot should he wish to go back to the conflict though secretly few senior officers expected him to pass the necessary selection tests. But he defied their low expectations, qualifying as an Apache helicopter co-pilot and gunner. He returned to Helmand Province in September 2012 with the Army Air Corps and duly completed a four-month operational tour. Harry then focused on veterans' welfare and helped set up the Invictus Games, a version of the Paralympics for injured military personnel, before retiring from the Army in June 2015. In December 2017, Harry accepted the role of Captain General of the Royal Marines from his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, who had served in this capacity for a remarkable 64 years. The prince made a number of visits to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon, and to Norway where Marines practice arctic warfare. It has been speculated that the Captain General's role could pass to Prince William or the Princess Royal. Harry will also relinquish his roles as honorary commandant of RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy's Small Ships and Diving. Last night, the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on any issues raised by yesterday's Buckingham Palace statement on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 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. For the first time, China has officially become the European Unions top trading partner, trumping the United States, which has long held that status. According to the EU's statistics office, Eurostat, last year, mostly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic but also due to the Trump Administrations economic policies, EU-China trade grew while imports and exports to the United States dropped compared with 2019. Export of EU goods to China grew by 2.2% and China exports to the EU grew by 5.6% in 2020. At the same time, EU exports to the US fell by 8.2% and EU imports from the US fell by 13.2%. Source: Eurostat Chinas trade volume in goods with the EU reached $710 billion in 2020, according to the data. Both the EUs exports to and imports from China grew last year, with exports valued at $245 billion and imports worth $465 billion. The trade deficit the EU has with China also rose 9.9%, ballooning from 4200 billion in 2019 to $220 billion last year. According to Eurostat, the EU bought a large number of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and medical supplies from China last year. Ostensibly offsetting that, large-scale public investment in infrastructure fueled demand for European manufacturing goods. For the past few years, the EU has been trying to intensify its economic ties with China by concluding a bilateral investment pact, also known as Joint Comprehensive Agreement on Investment. Last December, after seven years of negotiations, the EU and China agreed to sign an investment deal that will give their companies greater access to each others markets. The deal is still pending ratification by the European Parliament but once completed, should boost trade even further. Essentially, the deal would give European companies greater access to Chinese markets. China has committed to being transparent on subsidies for state-owned firms and forced technology transfers. The deal also makes it easier for European firms to navigate the Chinese paperwork bureaucracy and gain some leverage with the authorities. Previously, EU companies were locked out of many industries in China, where they were forced to partner with Chinese firms or stymied by unfair competition from state-owned enterprises. There is strong opposition to the deal, with EU lawmakers and human rights activists rallying against it. They believe that the agreement is lacking in enforcement mechanisms, and they criticize the Chinese authorities for their policies toward labor and minorities. Some also believe that the deal could jeopardize relations with the United States. Even though the trade shift was perhaps ultimately caused by the pandemic, the Trump Administrations open economic warfare with many countries, the EU included, is leaving a mark on these developments. Since President Trump started his mandate in January 2017, the US and EU have been at odds over several issues, not the least of which was Trumps imposition of tariffs on several EU products, prompting the EU to retaliate with its own. On January 20th, Brussels did little to hide its happiness over Joe Bidens inauguration and ambitions for the new administration. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said that the United States is back and Europe stands ready to reconnect with an old and trusted partner. Even though Biden promised to reunite with US allies, such as the EU, experts insist the change will not come overnight and certainly wont undo Chinas newfound status as the blocs biggest new trading partner. The United Arab Emirates on Friday pushed back on reports that the daughter of Dubais ruler is being held hostage, saying in a statement that Sheikha Latifa Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was being cared for at home. The United Nations has asked the UAE for proof that Latifa is alive after the BBCs Panorama program aired a series of videos recorded by Latifa during which she claimed to be held captive in a villa converted into a jail without access to medical help or the ability to get fresh air. The alarming footage, which was reportedly filmed on a smuggled cell phone from inside a locked bathroom, raised concerns among human rights groups and the British government. Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said Friday that the UN agency has asked the Emirati government for proof of life. The UAE Embassy in London issued a statement later Friday, describing the coverage of Latifa as not reflective of the actual position of the princess. "Her family has confirmed that Her Highness is being cared for at home, supported by her family and medical professionals, the embassy said. "She continues to improve and we are hopeful she will return to public life at the appropriate time." Latifa, 35, is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, one of the worlds richest men. Sheikh Mohammed, who is both the ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, has yet to comment on the reports. Every day, Im worried about my safety and my life. I dont really know if Im going to survive this situation," she says in one of the videos. Im a hostage. I am not free. Im enslaved in this jail. My life is not in my hands. Latifa hasn't been seen publicly since her failed attempt to flee the country in 2018. Hoping to receive asylum in the United States, she and a friend drove across the Omani border and took jet skis and a rubber dinghy to a yacht that was waiting for them. After nine days, Indian commandos and Emirati special forces intercepted the yacht, and forcibly returned Latifa to Dubai. 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. Denton, TX (76205) Today Light rain with thunderstorms by evening. High 78F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low around 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavier rainfall possible. It was an interesting day in the world of technology today. On one hand, Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 21H1 update. On the other hand, Google rolled out a bunch of new features on Google Meet. In addition to that, Sony launched Vaio Z (2021) laptop in India. So, heres what happened in tech today: Google Meet gets new features for teachers, students Google has announced over 50 new features for its education products including Classroom, Meet and Chrome. In Google Meet, teachers are getting more control with options to end meetings for everyone, mute all students, moderation tools and more. The new Google Meet features will be rolling out later this year. Vaio Z (2021) laptop launched Vaio Corp launched its latest flagship laptop - the Vaio Z (2021). It comes with 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics and a 14-inch 4K display. It start from $3,579 ( 2,59, 681 approx.). Apple TV+ is now available on Google TV Lenovo Smart Clock Essential launched Lenovo today launched its Smart Clock Essential in India. It costs 4,499 and it will be available starting 12AM on February 19 via Flipkart and the company's own website. Microsoft rolls out Windows 10 21H1 update Microsoft has released its first major update for Windows this year, that is, Windows 10 21H1. Microsoft has released its first major update for Windows this year, that is, Windows 10 21H1. SPRINGFIELD The U.S. Department of Justice says it welcomes input from the City Council as it negotiates a settlement to address allegations of systematic civil rights violations by the Springfield Police Department Narcotics Bureau. Five councilors earlier this month urged the Justice Department to issue a consent decree that would force the city to make certain police reforms. They cited a federal report issued last summer that cited instances of narcotics detectives using excessive force, including repeatedly punching individuals in the face unnecessarily, and falsifying reports to omit these actions. In a letter dated Tuesday, Andrew E. Lelling, the outgoing U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, and Steven Rosenbaum, chief of the Special Litigation Section of Lellings Civil Rights Division, told the councilors that ongoing negotiations will address the violations and deficiencies detailed in our report, they said. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss our report and your request, they told the councilors. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined further comment on Friday. The councilors seeking the consent decree were Orlando Ramos, Justin Hurst, Tracye Whitfield and Malo Brown, as well as Adam Gomez, who resigned from the council recently to focus on his duties as state senator. The purpose of the letter was to let DOJ know we would like to be involved in those negotiations, Ramos said Friday. We made it clear there has to be substantive changes within our Police Department. The city hasnt done enough and the City Council has been left in the dark. Ramos said councilors make up the legislative branch of the city, and people rely on us to resolve issues such as this. We cant be part of the solution if were not part of the conversation, Hurst said. Up until this point, the community and most members of the city council for that matter, have unfortunately been left in the dark as to the role the Department of Justice is playing to effect change in the (police) department in light of their scathing report. Mayor Domenic Sarno and City Solicitor Edward Pikula on Friday defended the citys response to the federal report. They also disputed that the City Council has been left in the dark. Pikula said the city fully cooperated in all phases of the investigation and we are continuing to do so during the ongoing negotiations to ensure the Police Department has the policies and training officers need to police safely and to help foster community confidence. The Law Department will work to make sure the process is as transparent as possible, without compromising the need to maintain the requirements for confidentiality in the process, Pikula said. Sarno said city officials continue to work very closely and diligently with the Justice Department through weekly meetings. Involved in the discussions are Pikula, Sarno, Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood and the citys consultant, retired Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Roderick Ireland, Sarno said. Our goals are the same, to continue to implement police/community relations, internal and external checks and balances initiatives a number that Commissioner Clapprood has already done, and meaningful and thought processed police reform, Sarno said in an email. I remain hopeful that we will attain this mutual goal/agreement in the very near future for the betterment of our community and our Police Department. Ryan Walsh, a spokesman for Clapprood and the Police Department, said: We have made and continue to make significant progress on the recommendations, but cannot discuss specifics at this time while our conversations with the DOJ continue. Hurst said he will work with Ramos, chairman of the councils Public Safety Committee, and Whitfield, chairwoman of the Civil Rights Committee, to arrange a joint meeting with the Department of Justice. Hurst said he will ask that it be televised so that the residents of Springfield are kept abreast as to the role the Department of Justice is playing in ensuring true reform occurs within our Police Department. It is encouraging to know that they (federal officials) have taken our letter seriously, Hurst said. I think its our responsibility to the community to at least be aware of the reform taking place and making sure the Police Department is held accountable. The Republicans Patrick Johnson 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! A federal judge on Friday temporarily suspended a new South Carolina law that bans most abortions in the state, according to AP. Why it matters: The 14-day suspension comes a day after South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed the bill into law and Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Details: The "South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act" requires physicians to check for a heartbeat in the fetus, Axios' Shawna Chen reports. If a heartbeat is detected which typically occurs between six and eight weeks after conception an abortion can be pursued only if the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest, or if the pregnant person's life is in danger. In cases of rape or incest, doctors who offer the procedure are required to report the crime to local law enforcement. A pregnant person would not be punished for having an illegal abortion, but anyone who performs the operation may be charged with a felony, sentenced up to two years in jail and fined $10,000 if found guilty. The big picture: U.S. District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewi will renew the suspension until she can hold a more substantial hearing in March, according to AP. Planned Parenthood has requested that the law not be enforced until after its lawsuit against South Carolina makes it way through the courts. Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights said in court documents that more than 75 women are scheduled to have abortions in the state over the next three days, and most of the abortions would be banned under the new law, AP reported. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The phased reopening of schools is to begin March 1, the cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 has agreed. The plan, which will go to cabinet on Tuesday, will see primary schools reopen for junior infants, senior infants, and first and second class. Leaving Certificate students will also return from March 1. 'Not possible' Earlier today, the Taoiseach Micheal Martin said a full reopening of schools is not being considered as having a million people back at the same time is "not possible" because of the new variants of the virus. "I've already had soundings from public health and Nphet in relation to their sense of this. So we will be reopening schools on a phased basis. The indications are that's likely to be the beginning of March," he said. The public health authorities want to do this on a gradual basis, because they want to monitor the impact of increased mobilisation of people on the spread of the disease. "Say we open schools, say junior infants, senior infants, first and second class potentially, public health will want to monitor that over a two week period, to see what was the impact of that on the spread of the virus." Union anger However, the Irish Examiner understands there is anger among unions involved in the back-to-school talks that dates have been announced while the agreement is still under discussion. Those involved in talks have been asked to respect a confidentiality agreement by not providing commentary on the process in the media. These talks have been described as moving in the right direction but not yet fully finalised. Its not helpful to see info like dates being put out into the public domain while parties are respecting the agreement, one well-placed source told the Irish Examiner. It is not helpful. Its creating needless worry and frustration for the sake of waiting a few days and then everyone would have clarity. The plans are similar to that of Northern Ireland, where the Executive announced today that children in primary 1 to primary 3 (aged four to seven) will go back to school on 8 March. OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. (AP) The remains of more than 300 sailors and Marines who died when the USS Oklahoma sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor 79 years ago have been identified thanks to the work of experts at Offutt Air Force Base. 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. Dr. James Hamblin, the co-host of COVID podcast Social Distance, recently wrote a rare upbeat update on the pandemic for The Atlantic. For weeks now, figures have been headed in the right direction: weekly new cases have dropped by over a million since January, hospitalizations and deaths or on the decline, and at this pace, daily vaccinations look primed to double by the end of March. In addition to those macro trends, Dr. Hamblin points out that there are a number of other promising statistics available to us, which suggest our second pandemic summer could at the very least look normal, and maybe even be one to remember, packed with reunions, vacations and ballgames. He cites: The actual number of infections in the U.S. is five times higher than reported. One in three Americans has already been infected by SARS-CoV-2. Well reach Faucis herd immunity threshold of 70 to 80% earlier than expected. May or early June is now a likely window for when most Americans could have access to vaccines. Hard-hit areas may have already reached herd immunity. In North Dakota, nearly 65% of the population has been infected. The state hasnt reported a COVID death this week. Basically, because the United States did such a poor job at the outset with rapid testing and contact tracing, there seem to be millions of Americans who contracted the virus and didnt realize it. Proper medical authorities certainly werent able to record all of these cases. That means we could potentially reach herd immunity as a nation in time for the summer solstice (though the article does note that its still not clear whether herd immunity will work). In a backwards way, that is very positive news. While everyone should sign up for the vaccine regardless, it means new cases could fizzle down to a standstill as the days get warmer. Its impossible to overstate how massive this will be for the nations collective mental health; Dr. Hamblin compares the potential feeling to the Roaring Twenties, or the Summer of Love. We could be in for a where were you when stretch of months. At the same time were talking about COVID here, theres always a catch Americans should be wary that immunity will not be equal around the country or around the world. Dr. Hamblin points out that the state of Vermont and the country of Vietnam have both had essentially negligible COVID death rates. They earned that distinction, with early, effective policies. But, somewhat unfairly, that puts those places at greater risk of deaths later on, because they explicitly need the vaccine to catch up with the herd immunity of everywhere else. Its a worthy reminder that as this summer arrives, the world opens up again, and you resolve to do and see everything youve ever wanted, remember that the U.S. (and its most populous areas, specifically) has more vaccine doses than everywhere else. Weve suffered quite a bit, yes, but others could still be suffering until 2023, as vaccines slowly make their way around the world. Before you jet-set around the planet, this summer might be a great time to rediscover all the things youve been deprived in your local area. Communing with friends, listening to live music, eating inside, hugging your parents. Is that too low-key for the history books? Youll remember it forever regardless. Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter. The post Here Are Some Coronavirus Stats That Will Make You Less Sad, Maybe appeared first on InsideHook. A single jab of COVID-19 vaccine appears to be highly effective, which could allow better use of scarce supplies and see more people immunized, federal and Quebec health officials said Thursday. A woman checks out a jobs advertisement sign during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on April 29, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette A single jab of COVID-19 vaccine appears to be highly effective, which could allow better use of scarce supplies and see more people immunized, federal and Quebec health officials said Thursday. Health authorities in Ottawa said experts were looking at whether one shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could be almost as good as the recommended two. Canada's deputy chief public health officer, Dr. Howard Njoo, called the data in a new Canadian-authored study compelling. Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, two doctors say U.S. data indicate the vaccine to be 92 per cent effective against COVID-19 two weeks after just one dose. Original data suggested a first dose offered about 52 per cent protection. Co-author Dr. Gaston De Serres, with the Institut national de sante publique du Quebec, said preliminary data show a single dose given to health-care workers and long-term care residents in the province had been 80 per cent effective within two or three weeks. De Serres and Dr. Danuta Skowronski, with the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, said delaying second doses could allow more of the most vulnerable to be protected by giving them at least one shot. To stretch its supplies, New Brunswick said residents at lower risk for severe disease will now wait up to three months for a second vaccine dose so as many others as possible can get their first. "This is not a perfect approach but action is required," said Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health. Across Canada, COVID-19 has killed 21,435 people out of 834,000 infections. Almost 33,000 people are currently infected, according to federal data. Ontario reported another 44 pandemic-related deaths to bring its total to 6,773 and Quebec saw 10 more fatalities, bringing its total to 10,268. "It is important to remember that the vast majority of Canadians remain susceptible to COVID-19," the Public Health Agency of Canada said. The misery inflicted by the pandemic, beyond its rising death count, was highlighted Thursday by a report showing record-setting job losses in the country's largest province last year, with young people hit hardest. Ontario's fiscal watchdog said 355,000 jobs disappeared, while another 765,000 people had work hours cut. Youth unemployment jumped to 22 per cent. The Canadian Labour Congress, noting many people were still out of work and facing an end to emergency benefits, called on Ottawa to provide extra weeks of aid beyond the maximum 26. Latest federal data show the Canada Recovery Benefit paid out $9.88 billion in the $500-a-week aid to more than 1.7 million people in the past four months. Despite mounting casualties, new cases of COVID-19 have plunged in recent weeks, prompting eased restrictions in many areas. Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro said it may be safe to lift more restrictions soon as the numbers trend downward. The province announced 415 new infections Thursday. However, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe issued a recommendation that residents travelling outside the province get tested twice for COVID-19 to prevent more contagious variants from taking hold there. In British Columbia, health officials reminded residents to follow public health orders and restrictions after a rise in cases from earlier this week. The province reported 617 new cases on Thursday after recording 348 cases between Sunday and Monday. In a joint statement, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix said much of the uptick in cases has been in the Lower Mainland and in the province's northern region. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his province was considering a plea from two hot spots Toronto and Peel Region to stay locked down for two more weeks. In Newfoundland and Labrador, where a stubborn outbreak of coronavirus disease has hit the capital region, the mayor of a fly-in community expressed shock after a still unconfirmed case in his village. Mayor Barry Andersen of Makkovik on Labrador's north coast said the case appeared to be related to medical travel to St. John's. Save for a few scattered cases, Labrador health officials have so far managed to keep the virus out of the region. Makkovik was one of the first places in the province to receive the Moderna vaccine and about 75 per cent of residents have received two doses. In Manitoba, those able to receive their shots can now access proof of vaccination to carry with them. The information can be printed from a government website while the province works toward more formal vaccination cards like in British Columbia. Quebec Premier Francois Legault, meanwhile, said his government would compensate soon-to-reopen movie theatres barred from selling popcorn and other snacks as an anti-pandemic measure. With files from Mia Rabson and Jordan Press in Ottawa, Jacob Serebrin in Montreal, Sarah Smellie in St. John's, N.L., Holly McKenzie-Sutter in Toronto and Kevin Bissett in Fredericton. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2021. Johnny Carson never wrote a memoir. Jay Leno probably shouldnt have tried. Jack Paar wrote several. But the only talk show host who wrote a truly great memoir is Trevor Noah. Its far more ambitious than a traditional show business book. Telling of his own coming of age in South Africa side by side with an analysis of the history, structures and logic of apartheid, Noah elevates the genre. His historical digressions are brief but potent, sticking with you, while his portrait of his family and peers is deeply felt in a way that takes you by surprise. While his prose isnt jokey, it has a dry wit. For instance, when Noah was a teenager, he hung out with a kid named Hitler, which allows him to write this sentence: Hitler was a great friend of mine, and good Lord could that guy dance. Jason Zinoman is the comedy critic for The Times and the author of Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night. Follow New York Times Books on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, sign up for our newsletter or our literary calendar. And listen to us on the Book Review podcast. Top Shop and Dorothy Perkins stores in Gibraltar, both of which are franchises, are likely to have to close down permanently despite hopes expressed recently by staff that they would not be affected by the closure of stores in the UK. It was announced recently that several British fashion brands have been purchased by online retailers Boohoo and Asos, but that the deals did not include the physical stores. Both of these franchises in Gibraltar are operated by Breckland Trading Company Limited, whose managing director Christopher Tombolis told a local TV station this week that the plan is to sell the existing stock and then close the shops down. Gibraltar will miss these two big names in Main Street, and at present there is no news about who, if anybody, will take over their premises. Holding that cannot wash off their hands towards their customers for the operation of lockers, the Friday directed the (RBI) to lay down regulations within six monthsmandating the steps to be taken by with respect to locker facility management. A bench comprising Justices M M Shantanagoudar and Vineet Saran said with the advent of globalization, banking institutions have acquired a very significant role in the life of the common man as both domestic and international economic transactions within the country have increased multiple folds. The top court said people are hesitant to keep their liquid assets at home as "we are steadily moving towards a cashless economy." Thus, as is evident from the rising demand for such services, lockers have become an essential service provided by every banking institution. Such services may be availed of by citizens as well as by foreign nationals, the bench said. Moreover, due to rapid gains in technology, "we are now transitioning from dual keyoperated lockers to electronically operated lockers," the top court said. In the electronically operated lockers, though the customer may have partial access to the locker through passwords or ATM pin, etc., they are unlikely to possess the technological knowhow to control the operation of such lockers, the bench said. On the other hand, there is the possibility that miscreants may manipulate the technologies used in these systems to gain access to the lockers without the customers' knowledge or consent, it said. The apex court said that a customer is completely at the mercy of the bank, which is the more resourceful party, for the protection of their assets. "In such a situation, the cannot wash off their hands and claim that they bear no liability towards their customers for the operation of the locker," it said. The bench said that very purpose for which the customer avails of the locker hiring facility is so that they may rest assured that their assets are being properly taken care of. Such actions of the banks would not only violate the relevant provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, but also damage investor confidence and harm our reputation as an emerging economy. Thus it is necessary that the RBI lays down comprehensive directions mandating the steps to be taken by banks with respect to locker facility/safe deposit facility management, the court said adding that banks should not have the liberty to impose unilateral and unfair terms on the consumers. In view of the same, we direct the RBI to issue suitable rules or regulations as aforesaid within six months from the date of this judgment, it said. The bench also held that it is also left open to the RBI to issue suitable rules with respect to the responsibility owed by banks for any loss or damage to the contents of the lockers, so that the controversy on this issue is clarified as well. The judgment came on an appeal filed by Kolkata native Amitabha Dasgupta against a order of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Dasgupta filed a complaint before the District Consumer Forum seeking a direction to United Bank of India to return the seven ornaments that were in the locker; or alternatively pay Rs. 3 lakh towards the cost of jewelry, and compensation for damages. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission accepted the State Commission's finding that the Consumer Forum has limited jurisdiction to adjudicate on the recovery of the contents of the locker. 20588 Chief Chris Skinner, Director of Police Services, Richland PD Richland is a city in southeast Washington with a population of about 52,000. Our police department has a staff of 73 including 58 police officers. Like any government agency, were constantlychallenged to increase our effectiveness while controlling costs. In law enforcement, communication, collaboration and the accurate and timely sharing of information is critical. It was clear that our old system was too slow, static, and costly. Patrol officers were spending six to eight hours a week on administrative tasks. Thats the time they couldnt be on the streets policing our community. My command and supervisory staff was spending fifty percent of their time on administrative duties. "SmartForce provided a searchable and analyzable document management function that replaced our shared-folder system" Our document management system was a patchwork of processes supported by Microsoft Excel and Word documents. Documentation for most of our processes still relied on paper, which was time consuming and difficult to access and analyze. We saved critical documents on a network shared drive, but locating the most up-to-date versions was a challenge. Our communication was far too dependent on e-mails that were susceptible to human error and too easy to ignore or delay. Our officers frequently received notifications in the field, but accessing that information could be difficult. Our crime analysis team emailed weekly reports to our officers but those reports sometimes became obsolete shortly after they were sent. While completing my MBA, I had spent time in China evaluating how organizations managed workflow. I was impressed with how multinational companies, with employees scattered around the globe, used technology to improve communication and collaboration. I thought some of those same processes could help police departments share information. That was what eventually brought us to SmartForce. We teamed up with Adventos, a consulting firm, to deploy a Business Critical SharePoint Solution on the Microsoft Office 365 cloud. SmartForce provided three main benefits. It greatly enhanced our ability to share information internally, between shifts and squads, and externally with other agencies and community groups. Supervisors can now electronically pull together an entire squad regardless of location. Officers remain in the field while sharing critical information. The time each officer now spends in shift briefings has been cut in half, from three hours per week to one and a half hours. My supervisory staff reduced the time it spends on administrative tasks from four hours per shift to two and a half hours. It also has enhanced our ability to share information with other law enforcement agencies. SmartForce also automates workflow by replacing our paper-based processes with electronic forms and workflows. It provides a searchable and analyzable document management function that replaced our shared-folder system. Our officers now can quickly locate documents as search time has decreased and accountability has increased. And finally, SmartForce enhanced our ability to access and analyze crime data by integrating our record management system with Bair Analytics crime analytics software. Our officers now get information on crime trends and crime predictions in the field, in real time. I can safely say that SmartForce has helped us solve and prevent crimes. It has decreased non-productive time by three hours per officer per week. Thats the equivalent of adding three more officers to my department. At a cost of $150,000 per officer per year, that is a $450,000 annual savings, far more than the cost to purchase and maintain the system. My advice to any organization looking to automate its processes is dont go about it alone. You need a partner with experience in your industry. Adventos already had built a solution for a police department so SmartForce was designed specifically to meet the needs of law enforcement. We were able to incorporate the new system at a comfortable pace,and quickly improve efficiency and cut costs. (Natural News) The team leader of the World Health Organizations (WHO) investigative mission to Wuhan, China revealed that SARS-CoV-2 had already been circulating widely even before it was reported. Because of its wide circulation among the populace, the Wuhan coronavirus had already mutated 13 times by December 2019. This information suggested that the virus was present in the population for a significant period of time for it to develop. Dr. Peter Ben Embarek, the lead of the WHOs team, said that the 13 variants of the Wuhan coronavirus were based on partial genetic samples of the virus. These samples, taken in December 2019, were previously unavailable to international researchers. He also mentioned that up to 1,000 Wuhan residents could have been infected in that period alone. The estimated number was drawn from 174 severe COVID-19 cases recorded by Chinese authorities. Laboratory testing confirmed 100 severe cases, while doctors diagnosed the other 74 as severe based on patient symptoms. Embarek remarked that the estimate was reasonable given that researchers believed about 15 percent of cases progressed in severity. The WHO team leaders comments appear to contradict his earlier statement that there was no evidence of coronavirus transmission in Wuhan or elsewhere prior to December 2019. However, he stopped short of saying the virus was circulating in China before that period. Meanwhile, Embarek also called on scientists to stop investigating the theory that the virus escaped from a laboratory. He called the possibility of the virus leaking from a laboratory extremely unlikely and did not require further research. But WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has stopped short of dismissing the laboratory theory, saying that all options are on the table. Embareks mission came amid criticism by different parties directed to the global health body. A number of personalities, most especially former U.S. President Donald Trump, have slammed the WHO for serving as a mouthpiece for coronavirus-related Chinese propaganda. Even Tedros himself has been accused of being biased towards Beijing. Animals possibly involved in coronavirus spread In a virtual press conference, Embarek told reporters that his team failed to establish a solid theory about the virus origins and transmission to humans. Instead, they put forward four possible avenues. Three of these involved animals, while the fourth one involving the virus escaping a laboratory received scorn from the WHO team leader. First, he posited that the coronavirus jumped from its original host animal into another animal that frequently interacts with humans. This intermediary animal would then pass the pathogen to humans it is in close contact with. Another theory Embarek mentioned was that the original host animal directly passed the virus to humans citing bats as possible hosts. But he noted that humans and bats do not come into close contact with each other in Wuhan. Swabs of bats and other animals have also turned out negative for the virus. Dutch virologist and mission team member Marion Koopmans put forward other possible host animals. She suggested that rabbits, bamboo rats or ferret badgers could have served as intermediaries because they are also susceptible to coronaviruses. Koopmans also noted that some of these animals were present at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, considered as the ground zero of the pandemic. A third possible avenue for transmission involved frozen or chilled animal products some from overseas sold in various markets in Wuhan. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 can survive for a long time at lower temperatures, which made the theory rather viable. (Related: Coronavirus will not be stopped by summer heat, study says.) Chinese scientist Dr. Liang Wannian pushed this theory, explaining that cold storage facilities may have enabled the virus to travel long distances and reach Wuhan. He added that this theory has gained ground in China as the most likely origin of the pathogen that causes COVID-19. (Related: Was coronavirus spread by BSL-4 lab animals that were illegally sold as meat on the black market?) Regardless of which theory is the most plausible, Embarek called for more research to be performed on these possible avenues. He added that teams should be looking at both inside and outside China to find the probable origins of COVID-19. Having spoken with some members of the [WHO] team, I wish to confirm that all hypotheses remain open and require further analysis and studies, Embarek said. Pandemic.news has more information about the Wuhan coronavirus origins in China. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk VOANews.com BBC.com LSU Law School student Manning Greene, left, uses an eight iron from his golf bag to chop ice off the brick porch steps at the Spanish Town Road home of his mother in Baton Rouge, as his girlfriend Emma Antilley, an LSU student and Delta Delta Delta sorority member, waits to sweep away ice chunks. Matt Hancock unlawfully failed to publish details of billions of pounds' worth of coronavirus-related contracts, the High Court has ruled. The Good Law Project took legal action against the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for its 'wholesale failure' to disclose details of contracts agreed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Government is required by law to publish a 'contract award notice' within 30 days of the award of any contracts for public goods or services worth more than 120,000. At a hearing earlier this month, the Good Law Project and three MPs - Labour's Debbie Abrahams, the Green Party's Caroline Lucas and Liberal Democrat Layla Moran - argued there had been a 'dismal' failure by the DHSC to comply with the obligation. The Good Law Project took legal action against the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for its 'wholesale failure' to disclose details of contracts agreed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pictured, Matt Hancock They also claimed the Government was breaching its own transparency policy, which requires the publication of details of public contracts worth more than 10,000. In a ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Chamberlain said: 'There is now no dispute that, in a substantial number of cases, the Secretary of State breached his legal obligation to publish contract award notices within 30 days of the award of contracts. 'There is also no dispute that the Secretary of State failed to publish redacted contracts in accordance with the transparency policy.' The judge said that the obligations to publish details of such contracts 'serve a vital public function and that function was no less important during a pandemic'. He added: 'The Secretary of State spent vast quantities of public money on pandemic-related procurements during 2020. At a hearing earlier this month, the Good Law Project and three MPs - Labour's Debbie Abrahams, the Green Party's Caroline Lucas (pictured) and Liberal Democrat Layla Moran - argued there had been a 'dismal' failure by the DHSC to comply with the obligation 'The public were entitled see who this money was going to, what it was being spent on and how the relevant contracts were awarded. 'This was important not only so that competitors of those awarded contracts could understand whether the obligations ... had been breached, but also so that oversight bodies such as the National Audit Office, as well as Parliament and the public, could scrutinise and ask questions about this expenditure.' Mr Justice Chamberlain said the situation the DHSC faced in the first months of the pandemic was 'unprecedented', when 'large quantities of goods and services had to be procured in very short timescales'. The judge said it was 'understandable that attention was focused on procuring what was thought necessary to save lives'. But he added that the DHSC's 'historic failure' to comply with the obligations to publish contracts because of the difficulties caused by the pandemic was 'an excuse, not a justification'. Mr Justice Chamberlain said the situation the DHSC faced in the first months of the pandemic was 'unprecedented', when 'large quantities of goods and services had to be procured in very short timescales'. Pictured, Mr Hancock Mr Justice Chamberlain rejected the Good Law Project's argument that there had been a department-wide 'policy of de-prioritising compliance' with the requirement to publish contract details. In a statement after the ruling, the Good Law Project said: 'This judgement is a victory for all of us concerned with proper governance and proof of the power of litigation to hold Government to account. 'But there is still a long way to go before the Government's house is in order.' In a letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the Good Law Project's founder Jolyon Maugham QC invited the minister to agree to publish the names of all companies awarded public contracts under a fast-track 'VIP lane' and how much they were paid. Mr Maugham also asked Mr Hancock to 'commit to recovering public money from all the companies who failed to meet their contractual obligations' and set up 'a judge-led public inquiry into the handling of PPE procurement'. Ms Abrahams said in a tweet: 'The significance of this ruling cannot be underestimated. It seems odd having to make this point but the Government must act within the law when awarding contracts.' Alex Bourne with Health Secretary Matt Hancock when he was landlord of the Cock Inn in Thurlow, West Suffolk. He was asked to supply tens of millions of Covid tests to the NHS after exchanging Whatsapp messages with the Health Secretary Ms Lucas said: 'This indictment of Government secrecy should spell the end of the culture of cronyism which has swallowed billions of pounds of public money during Covid crisis.' In a statement, a DHSC spokeswoman said: 'We have been working tirelessly to deliver what is needed to protect our health and social care staff throughout this pandemic, within very short timescales and against a background of unparalleled global demand. 'This has often meant having to award contracts at speed to secure the vital supplies required to protect NHS workers and the public.' She added: 'We fully recognise the importance of transparency in the award of public contracts and continue to publish information about contracts awarded as soon as possible.' Mr Bourne's company, Hinpack, is now making 2m test tubes a week, in addition to around 500,000 plastic funnels for test samples. File photo It comes after the former landlord of Mr Hancock's local pub supplied tens of millions of Covid tests to the NHS after sending him a personal WhatsApp message - despite his company having no previous experience of making medical supplies. Alex Bourne got to know the Health Secretary while running the Cock Inn in Thurlow, West Suffolk, a few hundred yards from the Conservative MP's constituency home. The pair are also Facebook friends. He later set up Hinpack, a packaging manufacturer, which is now supplying a distributor contracted by the NHS with two million test tubes a week, as well as around 500,000 plastic funnels for test samples. How much the company is being paid is not yet known. The Government has faced repeated claims of cronyism over its 18billion rush to source PPE and other equipment during the Covid crisis, with ministers criticised for handing lucrative contracts to personal contacts with no experience in the sector. Mr Bourne admitted to exchanging personal WhatsApp messages with Mr Hancock but denied his connection helped win the business. He said Hinpack was a British manufacturing success story that had retooled to meet an urgent demand. KYODO NEWS - Feb 19, 2021 - 21:37 | All, World The United States rejoined the Paris climate accord on Friday as President Joe Biden seeks to once again put his country at the forefront of international efforts to tackle climate change. The United States, the world's second-largest carbon dioxide emitter after China, formally withdrew from the accord last November following then President Donald Trump's announcement of a pullout in June 2017. But Biden, who was vice president in the Barack Obama administration when the Paris deal was reached in 2015, pledged during his election campaign that he would reverse course. On Jan. 20, his first day in office, he signed a document to return to the agreement, paving the way for the U.S. re-entry 30 days later. Biden has also vowed to put climate-crisis considerations at the center of foreign policy, while announcing a plan to host a climate summit on April 22 to call on leaders of major emitters to join the United States in making ambitious national pledges to cut emissions. Japan welcomed the U.S. return to the U.N. pact, saying Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government wants to step up coordination with the Biden administration in leading efforts to curb global warming. To that effect, Suga, who has vowed to reduce Japan's net emissions to zero by 2050, plans to attend the U.S.-led summit of major emitters, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters Friday in Tokyo. The United States plans to announce its own emissions-reduction target, known as the nationally determined contribution, before the summit, according to an administration official. To accelerate the introduction of clean energy in the U.S. economy, Biden has proposed to make electricity production carbon-free by 2035 and to seek to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. Trump had criticized the accord on the grounds it would impose "draconian financial and economic burdens" on American businesses, and said it was "very unfair" to the United States whereas China would be allowed to increase its emissions for years to come and build many coal plants. Member parties were only allowed to exit the pact three years after the date it entered into force in late 2016, and the U.S. withdrawal took effect one year after its official notice in November 2019. The Paris Agreement, a framework to involve every country in reining in greenhouse gas emissions, aims to keep rising global temperatures to "well below" 2 C higher than preindustrial levels, so as to limit the occurrence of droughts, floods, melting glaciers, rising sea levels and other results of global warming. Many countries have aimed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with Japan joining the trend by announcing a similar goal in October. China also unveiled its plan to become carbon-neutral by 2060 at the U.N. General Assembly in September. The Paris accord is a successor agreement to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which had required only developed countries to reduce their emissions of gases blamed for global warming. The United States was not a member of the protocol because it did not ratify it. In this Feb. 4, 2021, photo, Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at the State Department in Washington. AP The United States on Thursday called jointly with Australia, India and Japan for strengthening democracy in Asia and reversing Myanmar's coup as President Joe Biden renewed the so-called "Quad" alliance despite objections from China. In a statement that made no explicit mention of China, the United States said new Secretary of State Antony Blinken's conversation with his counterparts focused on Biden's signature priorities of fighting Covid-19 and climate change. The four top diplomats also discussed "the urgent need to restore the democratically elected government in Burma, and the priority of strengthening democratic resilience in the broader region," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, using Myanmar's former name. Japan said that its foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, "strongly urged Myanmar's military to immediately stop its violent response to civilians" leading anti-coup protests and to release elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whom troops deposed on February 1. The Biden administration has vowed to put a new focus on alliances after Donald Trump's turbulent tenure and said its pressure campaign on Myanmar will include close cooperation with Japan and India, which have preserved cordial relations with the country's generals. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi looks on during a statement to the media at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, January 8, 2021. REUTERS-Yonhap India, which has distanced itself from Western efforts to slap new sanctions on Myanmar, was more cautious in its statement on the Quad talks, saying External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized "upholding of rule of law and the democratic transition." The Quad ministers agreed to meet at least once a year. They last held talks in Tokyo in October when Blinken's predecessor Mike Pompeo, in a marked difference of tone, urged an alliance to stop Beijing's "exploitation, corruption and coercion" in the region. China warning China's state-run Global Times in an article ahead of Thursday's talks warned that Beijing can retaliate economically if the Quad crosses its "red lines" in Asia. It quoted an analyst as voicing concern that the United States wanted to turn the Quad into a "complete anti-China club" and said Biden was turning to multilateralism to declare that "Captain America is back." Launched in 2007, the Quad was an idea of Japan's then prime minister Shinzo Abe, a hawk who was eager to find partners to balance a rising China. Riot policemen stand in formation as police water cannon trucks are driven ahead to disperse demonstrators against the military coup in Naypyitaw, Myanmar on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. AP 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. Former prime minister Julia Gillard has praised the bravery of Brittany Higgins in going public about her alleged rape in Parliament House, expressing horror at the incident and the way it was handled. In a powerful statement of support, Ms Gillard called for genuine change to the workplace culture of Parliament House to make it safe for all its workers. Brittany Higgins will go to the Australian Federal Police about her alleged rape in Parliament House. The statement came as Ms Higgins told Prime Minister Scott Morrisons office she wanted a say in a sweeping review of Parliament House so others would not have to go through her experience. Ms Higgins also said she would proceed with a formal complaint to the Australian Federal Police, a key point that will authorise a series of steps including renewed access to closed-circuit television footage. Over $1 million recovered from Sheremetyevo airport for harm to environment flickr. com/ Mzximvs VdB 12:09 19/02/2021 MOSCOW, February 19 (RAPSI) The Commercial Court of the Moscow Region after examining a claim of the regional Ministry of Environment has ruled to recover 74.3 million rubles ($1 million) from AO International Airport Sherermetyevo; the amount is to be transferred to the budget of the Khimki Urban District as a compensation of harm to the environment. According to the claim, local residents informed environmental authorities about the fact of dirty water discharge in a creek running from the airport territory. In 2019, the Ministry initiated an administrative case over these facts. As it was established, it was Sheremetyevo airport that used a waste treatment facility on the said creek under a concessionary agreement. Environmental authorities estimated that harm to the ecology made 74.3 million rubles; the airport was found guilty of the respective administrative offense. After Sheremetyevo had failed to comply with that decision, the authority turned to courts. The commercial court rejected the respondents arguments that the Ministry of Environment of the Moscow Region was not a proper claimant in the case. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies in the evening. Isolated thunderstorms may develop after midnight. Low 71F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Advertisement The U.S. has a 'backlog' of six million coronavirus vaccine doses due to the massive winter storms that have swept the Midwest and Texas, the Biden administration revealed on Friday. Andy Slavitt, the White House senior advisor for COVID-19 response, said during a press briefing that the logjam is three days' worth of shipments that were supposed to be sent to every single U.S. state. Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working to open up more mass vaccination sites across the country. Slavitt announced at the press briefing that five additional mass vaccination sites are being opened, four in Florida and the fifth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It comes as 57.7 million Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as immunization efforts continue to be ramped up. Currently, 41 million people in the U.S. - or 12.5 percent of the population - has received an initial dose and 16.1 million - 4.9 percent - are fully inoculated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An average of between 1.6 and 1.7 million per day are being vaccinated and President Joe Biden is expected to meet his goal of 100 million shots in arms in his first 100 days in office. Of the doses administered, about 29.5 million have been Pfizer-BioNTech's jab and 28 million have been the jab from Moderna. On Friday, President Joe Biden traveled to Michigan Friday to tour a Pfizer vaccine manufacturing plant near Kalamazoo, amid the winter weather causing COVID-19 vaccine delays. along with Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer, as well coronavirus taskforce director Jeffrey Zients, Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla and the facility's production lead, Shawn Hamilton. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Andy Slavitt (center), the White House senior advisor for COVID-19 response, said during a White House briefing on Friday that the U.S. has a 'backlog' of six million coronavirus vaccine doses Slavitt said the logjam is three days' worth of shipments that were supposed to be sent to every single U.S. state.but couldn't due to the winter storms sweeping the Midwest and Texas as between 1.6 and 1.7 million people continue to be vaccinated every day Currently, 41 million people in the U.S. - or 12.5% of the population - has received an initial dose and 16.1 million - 4.9% of the population- are fully inoculated President Joe Biden (left), Jeffrey Zients (center left), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (center right) and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla (right) tour the Pfizer vaccine plant Friday in Kalamazoo, Michigan On Friday, Slavitt said the storms had delayed the delivery of vaccines in all 50 states due to the historic winter storms that had blasted across the country. 'Many states have been able to cover some of this delay with existing inventory,' Slavitt said. Slavitt went on to explain that delivery hubs at UPS, FedEx and McKesson - which deliver the doses to states - have been reporting staffing shortages. He said workers 'are currently snowed in and unable to get to work to package the vaccines' as well as kits and other supplies needed. In addition, road closures have left trucks unable to get vaccines to immunization sites from shipping hubs. What's more, more than 2,000 vaccine distribution sites have been unable to receive doses because they don't have power need to store the ultra-cold shots, Slavitt said. Because of the cold-chain needed to store Pfizer's vaccine as well as Moderna, Slavitt said ti makes more sense to hold the doses rather than risk them expiring. According to Slavitt, the vaccines are currently 'sitting safe and sound in our factories and hubs ready to be shipped' as soon as possible. 'As weather conditions improve, we are already looking to clear this backlog,' he said, noting that 1.4 million doses are being shipped on Friday. 'All the backlog doses will be delivered in the next week. We expect we will be able to manage this backlog and the new production coming online next week.' Biden delivered remarks on the vaccine roll-out and pushed Congress to pass his COVID-19 relief plan during his trip to a Pfizer plant Friday in Kalamazoo Biden (right) addresses reporters as he tours a Michigan Pfizer plant alongside the state's governor, Whitmer (left) The announcement came as Biden traveled to Michigan on Friday to tour a Pfizer vaccine manufacturing plant near Kalamazoo. At the beginning of the tour, Pfizer CEO Bourla told Biden that the company would be more than doubling its production capacity over the next few weeks from the current average of five million doses per week. 'We are on track to provide the U.S. government, a total of 120 million doses by the end of March and to reach 200 million doses released by the end of May, two months ahead of the original schedule of that milestone,' Bourla said. 'Of course today during this meeting the president challenged us to identify additional ways in which his administration could help us potentially accelerate even further the delivery of the full 300 million doses earlier than July.' In return, Biden remarked on the 'failings' of his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, to scale up production capaciaity. 'My predecessor, as my mother would say, 'God love em',' failed to order enough vaccines, failed to mobilize the effort to administer the shots, failed to set up vaccine centers,' Biden said. 'You can't build a wall or a fence high enough to keep a pandemic out,' in reference to Trump's pledge to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Florida has teamed up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open four new mass vaccination sites with the ability to vaccinate up to 12,000 people daily, including at the Tampa Greyhound Track in Tampa (pictured) Gov Ron DeSantis initially called the use of FEMA to build vaccination clinics across the U.S. 'a 'big mistake,' but changed his mind after noting that FEMA would bring additional doses into the state. Pictured: A FEMA official looks on as workers set up the new mass vaccination site at the Oakland Coliseum in California, February 12 On Wednesday, FEMA announced it is partnering with Florida and Pennsylvania and opening up five mass community vaccination centers. Four of the locations will be in Florida: at Tampa Greyhound Track in Tampa; Valencia College in Orlando, Gateway Mall in Jacksonville; and Miami Dade College's north campus in Miami. The sites will be open from 7am to 7pm seven days a week with the capacity to vaccinate a total of up to 12,000 people every day. Each of the sites site will have two smaller, mobile satellite sites with the goal of administering 500 vaccines a day in underserved communities. Gov Ron DeSantis initially called the use of FEMA to build vaccination clinics across the U.S. - including in Florida - a 'big mistake.' However, he noted that he has since changed his mind because FEMA would bring additional vaccine doses into the state. A fifth site will open in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (pictured) with the ability to vaccinate 6,000 people per day, and was chosen as a site due to its large size and proximity to major transit lines FEMA is also opening up a mass vaccination site in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Doses will come directly from the federal government and the site will be staffed by FEMA, the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Officials said the Convention Center will be able to vaccinate 6,000 people per day and was chosen as a site due to its large size and proximity to major transit lines. 'We do think that the Convention Center can handle the large volume...a Type 1 site is supposed to be 6,000 people per day, which is quite a few people,' said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr Thomas Farley during a press conference on Friday. 'But it's a very large Convention Center and it's got great transportation access for both people driving as well as taking public transit.' It comes one week after FEMA announced it was partnering with Texas to build three new mass community vaccination centers. Similarly in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo also announced that the state was partnering with the federal government to open mass vaccine sites in 'socially vulnerable communities'. 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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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:59:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Volunteers from Shanghai University arrive at the site where the first Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress was held in 1921, in Shanghai, east China, June 22, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) will launch a campaign on Party history learning and education, a timely and necessary move for this century-old party not only to review its glorious past but also to draw strength to advance the country's modernization drive despite challenges and risks. Established in July 1921, the CPC has grown from a political party with only a few dozen members to a 91-million-member party that governs a country of 1.4 billion people. The Party has stood the test of time, reversing China's fate from the continuous decline since the Opium War in the 1840s to steady progress toward prosperity as the world's second largest economy. The CPC reviews its history not to take comfort in its success, but to learn the laws of history, improve its capacity to lead and govern, and withstand various risks at home and abroad. The education campaign comes in a year when the CPC is set to achieve its first centenary goal within the set time frame -- complete building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and embarks on a journey toward the second, which is to fully build a modern socialist country. The development goals are arduous. The Party should retain its advanced nature as a Marxist governing party, sticking to socialism with Chinese characteristics and always putting the people first. Meanwhile, the CPC needs to lead the people to effectively overcome obstacles in the way of development in the spirit of great struggles in the Party's history. The Party leadership must be upheld, the people's interests protected, and blockades by vested interests broken through reform. The Party must do more to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, and oppose all attempts to split China or undermine its ethnic unity and social stability. The CPC must combat corruption and also rid itself of any "ailment" that erodes the Party's health. An effective way to do so is to learn from the party's history as the process helps unify members' thought, and boost their morale to march in the same direction. The education campaign will also have significance for the world. Since its establishment, the CPC has made contributing to human progress its mission. China will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit. By reviewing its history, the CPC will reaffirm its resolve to preserve world peace and promote common development. The so-called "China threat" theory will only prove unfounded in the CPC's governance philosophy in the past, present and future. History has proved that China's success hinges on the CPC. To continue with the success, the Party must keep improving itself. The upcoming campaign of party history learning and education, along with previous education campaigns such as "staying true to our founding mission," will become part of the prelude to China's journey of future success. By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday said there must be an immediate reduction of violence in Afghanistan, but did not offer any hints about whether the United States would withdraw its troops by a May deadline. "I urge all parties to choose the path towards peace. The violence must decrease, now," Austin told reporters. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is conducting a review of a February 2020 deal with the Taliban that is expected to determine whether it will meet the deadline to withdraw the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops from America's longest war. "No matter what the outcome of our review, the United States will not undertake a hasty or disorderly withdrawal from Afghanistan," Austin added. After two decades of Western military intervention and hundreds of billions of dollars in investment, NATO countries are reluctant to heed a May 1 deadline and risk undermining progress towards democracy as a peace process stalls. U.S. and European officials say the Taliban have not fulfilled commitments they made in the accord and that conditions are not conducive to advancing the peace process amid a surge in violence blamed on the insurgents. The Taliban, seeking to reimpose Islamic rule in Afghanistan after their 2001 ouster at the hands of U.S.-led troops, deny the charges and indicate they will resume attacks on U.S. and allied troops unless the May deadline is kept. Attacks in Afghanistan, including a bomb that killed the deputy governor of the capital Kabul in December, have prompted members of the U.S. Congress and international rights groups to call for a delay to the pullout agreed under former President Donald Trump. Negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government have largely stalled in Doha in recent weeks, leading to growing fears that talks could be on the brink of collapse. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Chris Reese and Grant McCool) BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. stocks were struggling for direction on Friday, with rising bond yields, retail sales data and corporate news in focus. The benchmark FTSE 100 was marginally lower at 6,615 after falling as much as 1.4 percent on Thursday. NatWest Group rose over 1 percent after confirming that it will withdraw from the Republic of Ireland. Daily Mail And General surged 5.3 percent after announcing the sale of its education technology business. Civitas Social Housing edged up slightly after securing a new seven year term, interest only, loan facility of 84.55m from M&G Investment Management Limited. Segro advanced 1.6 percent as it reported a 62 percent rise in 2020 pretax profit on the back of increased property valuations. U.K. retail sales volume declined sharply in January as tighter nationwide coronavirus restrictions affected demand, the Office for National Statistics said. Retail sales volume decreased 8.2 percent month-on-month, in contrast to a 0.4 percent rise seen in December. Economists had forecast a 2.5 percent fall. Year-on-year, retail sales fell 5.9 percent, in contrast to a 3.1 percent rise in December. Economists had forecast a marginal decrease of 1.3 percent. The U.K. budget balance showed its biggest deficit for January on record due to higher government spending amid the pandemic, another report showed. U.K. PMI numbers will be out later in the day. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. [February 19, 2021] NUS Business School launches new Master of Science in Human Capital Management & Analytics programme SINGAPORE, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School has launched a new Master of Science (MSc) in Human Capital Management & Analytics (MSc HCMA) programme to meet industry demand for human resource (HR) professionals skilled in data analytics. Organisations today are leveraging technology to draw actionable business intelligence from data. For the HR function, this means using analytics to gain insights about their workforce and its capabilities. It is also critical for HR professionals to be able to identify talent with relevant skills to meet business needs, especially in an uncertain economic landscape. "The pandemic has accelerated the technology adoption in organisations across the world. To identify and groom the best talent, the HR function is evolving to help leaders make critical evidence-based people decisions," said Associate Professor Jayanth Narayanan, Academic Director of the MSc HCMA programme. "Our programme provides a balance between building traditional HR skills with the analytical capabilities that are increasingly important. As one f the leading institutions in the world, NUS is pioneering this new programme to prepare future HR leaders by bringing together cutting-edge domain research with practical relevance to the industry." The one-year full-time programme, targeted at young professionals with less than two years of working experience, includes modules on HR technology, HR core competencies such as compensation management and behavioural competencies such as managerial skills. With an emphasis on strategic thinking, design thinking and analytical skills, the programme trains students to make informed HR decisions from a broader perspective, bearing in mind societal and industrial trends. The programme also provides experiential learning opportunities through industry engagement and internships. Applications are now open for the programme that will start in January 2022 and aims to admit about 35 students for the first cohort. Distinguished Professor Andrew Rose, Dean of NUS Business School, said, "We've always believed in the importance of people. The new MSc HCMA programme, designed in consultation with the industry, will help develop much-needed talent adept at unleashing the full potential of the workforce. With our renowned faculty, industry partnerships and vibrant student life, students will find their time at NUS Business School to be an extremely rewarding experience." Besides the MSc HCMA programme, NUS Business School also offers pre-experience masters in Accounting, Finance, Management and Marketing Analytics & Insights. In addition, it has joint programmes with other faculties and research institutions such as the MSc in Supply Chain Management with the NUS Faculty of Engineering and the Logistics Institute - Asia Pacific at NUS, as well as the MSc in Business Analytics with the NUS School of Computing. NUS Business School is the first Asian School to join the prestigious Global Alliance in Management Education (CEMS), which is a worldwide network of business schools, as well as corporate and social partners. NUS Business School offers the highly-ranked CEMS Master's in International Management (MIM) as a double degree with the Management and Marketing Analytics & Insights programmes. For more info, visit mschcma.nus.edu.sg or speak to the team at the upcoming info session on 24 February 2021. SOURCE National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] has started production of buses at its new plant in The development comes at a time when the company's bus volume continues to be under pressure. In a disclosure to BSE, said that commercial production of the buses at the plant set up at Vijayawada, commenced on February 19, 2021. Ashok Lyeland reported a 69 per cent drop in bus sales during the month of January 2021 to 820 units as compared to 2,682 units in the year ago period. During April 2020-January 2021, company's bus sales dropped by around 82 per cent to 3,662 units as compared to 19,950 units in the year ago period. The bus segment continues to be under pressure since STUs and schools segments have not revived. During the third quarter, TIV (total industry volume) for buses dropped by around 84 per cent to 1,700 units from 11,000 units a year ago. These are expected to recover with the opening up of restrictions. In 2018, ALL held ground breaking for the new bus plant situated in Model Industrial Park, Mallavalli Village in Krishna District, 40 kms from Vijayawada. During the ground breaking ceremony, the company said that the plant will attract an investment of around Rs 340 crore The plant, spread over 75 acres, will include latest technology to deliver the high quality standards of the brand. The plant once fully completed will be able to produce 4,800 buses per annum, and will also have a learning center and an advanced service training center, the company had said. The plant will have the capability to make the entire range of buses of Ashok Leyland brand. The facility will also include an electric vehicle development centre comprising a futuristic conveyor line, pilot assembly line and prototype development. Officials earlier said that this facility will help the company stay ahead of the curve by ensuring its readiness towards implementation of the bus body code and to meet the rising demand for ready-to-use, fully-built trucks as well. The company will also produce electric vehicles at this plant. The new plant is also strategically located to meet the demands of central, eastern and south Indian markets. As some of Wisconsin's seniors, teachers and other front-line and essential employees wait for a limited supply of vaccine doses, an unlikely group of people - the 300 or so people involved in the farmed mink industry - have already started getting their shots. Wisconsin is the country's top producer of mink pelts, yielding 38 percent of the United States' total. The industry generates $22 million dollars a year for the state. But mink production was deemed an essential industry not only because of its importance to the state economy, but because of the potential risk a coronavirus outbreak on a mink farm presents to human health. The ferret-like mammals have shown a particular susceptibility to covid-19. There have been outbreaks of coronavirus at 416 mink farms in 11 countries. Sixteen of those occurred at U.S. farms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 12 in Utah and an outbreak in Oregon. And in Denmark the infected mink transmitted the virus back to humans, in a mutated form. Wisconsin officials said they prioritized mink workers over sectors such as non-livestock veterinarians, flight attendants and librarians because of fears that an outbreak on a mink farm could spread from animals to humans, possibly in a new, more dangerous strain, and lead to a surge in coronavirus cases across the state. Mink workers "should be prioritized before other similar occupations as there are specific risks associated with the mink population," wrote the state committee charged with determining eligibility for the vaccine. Across the country, industries have lobbied for priority access to the vaccine. For Wisconsin, the imperative is avoiding a repeat of an October outbreak at two farms in northern Wisconsin that wiped out 5,500 animals. Although multiple farm employees had the virus, the state doesn't believe any mink-to-human transmission has happened in the state. But the inclusion of mink farmers among more recognizable groups such as police officers, firefighters and prison guards prompted calls by animal rights groups to shut down the industry entirely, which the state has resisted. "The only way to end the dual problems of pandemic outbreaks on fur farms and the animal suffering inherent in fur farming is to close down this industry for good," wrote Kitty Block and Sara Amundson of the Humane Society of the United States in a statement. Bob Zimbal, third-generation owner of Zimbal Farms and Minkery, one of the state's largest operations with about 100,000 minks, called the statement "propaganda," and says animal rights groups are using the pandemic to try to shut down the industry. "We care for our animals: That's our number one job every day," he said. "If we don't care for the animals, we'll go out of business really quick." Zimbal was able to obtain shots for all 30 of its employees the first week of February, with follow-up boosters scheduled for the last week in February. "It gives us extra security," he said. "In Wisconsin they've been doing a pretty good job with getting the farmers vaccinated." Zimbal said his farm, located about an hour's drive north from Milwaukee, hasn't had any cases among the animals. It's been a very different story for his employees, many of whom missed work throughout last year due to positive cases or exposure to others that forced them to quarantine. After hearing of outbreaks at European farms in April, he and his family instituted strict safety measures: masking up, staying socially distanced - the CDC notes that six feet is the length of four adult male minks - and mandating hand-washing and showering. Zimbal also required employees to skip work and quarantine if they've tested positive, been exposed or have symptoms. "It's certainly been challenging for our staff," he said. "The animals require seven-days-a-week care. When you had people exposed and were out, it put extra stress on our family and the people who care for the animals. They were expected to work many days in a row and long hours." He was able to keep paying staff using funds from the federal Paycheck Protection Program. About 112 fur farms nationally got PPP aid, including 18 farms in Wisconsin. The financial cushion allowed Zimbal and others to keep sick workers away from the farm, and the virus away from the animals. Other farms weren't as fortunate. On a Monday last September, a woman who with her husband owns a farm near Medford, a small northern Wisconsin town about two hours west of Green Bay, worked through a bout of mild fatigue and body aches, wheeling a cart through the sheds and feeding thousands of caged mink, her daily routine. (The state will not name the farmers or the farm due to ongoing investigations.) Two days later, she was in bad enough shape that she couldn't work. Also that day, her husband started feeling similar symptoms. Without warning, many of the minks stopped eating. Within days, the farm's three employees - father, mother and son - had symptoms of or a positive test for coronavirus. Their prized mink showed ever-worsening symptoms, from coffee-colored urine to an audible raspiness to their breathing. Starting Sept. 30, two days after the wife first walked the sheds feeling not quite right, the animals dropped dead by the hundreds - 625 in a single day at the peak of the die-off. Autopsies showed they had the virus, too. Two weeks after the first outbreak, a nearby farm experienced a similar die-off. In total, the two farms lost about 5,500 animals. "Each farm lost approximately 15 percent to 35 percent of their mink," said Jennifer Miller, spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Both farms were put in isolation amid fears of the virus spreading to dogs, cats, cattle and even birds. But Wisconsin so far has avoided further outbreaks. It also escaped the prospect of animal-to-human transmission as happened in Denmark where at least a few minks passed the disease back to humans, in a mutated form, known as Cluster 5. The widespread outbreaks prompted the Danish government to order the entire herd of 17 million animals euthanized, with a $3.1 billion aid package compensating farmers for their losses. In the United States, scientists have not found cases of mink-to-human transmission, nor have they found cases of minks developing mutant strains of the virus. "Of human and animal sequences related to U.S. mink farms analyzed to date, none contain all five mutations that define the Cluster 5 variant reported in Denmark," said Jasmine Reed, spokeswoman for the CDC. Even so, PETA and other animal rights groups have called on Gov. Tony Evers, D, to cull the state's herd, and retrain the farmers to use their acreage to grow crops already in the state, including snap beans, sweet corn, cranberries, cucumbers, carrots and cabbage. Differences between Danish farms and those in Wisconsin make outbreaks less likely, the state's veterinarian has said. Denmark's farms were geographically close, whereas Wisconsin's are scattered in sparsely populated rural areas. And state officials have not said they are considering euthanizing the animals. Still, some farmer fear that further coronavirus outbreaks could take down an industry that has struggled for over a decade with declining prices for pelts. Randy Wiebensohn, who got out of the family mink business in 2019, said many farmers entered the mink business over the last decade when a surge in demand from China pushed prices for a pelt to $94.30 in 2011. As newcomers entered the market, prices crashed, falling to about $15 in fall 2020, although it's expected to rebound to double that this year, according to Zimbal. "Everybody and their mother got into it," Wiebensohn said. "A lot of people doubled and tripled their size, and it just flooded the market." In 2019, when Wiebensohn called it quits, a pelt fetched just $21.90. Now, the farm produces dog food for greyhound race tracks. Wiebensohn still has 90,000 mink pelts in a freezer from his last year of production. He is waiting until coronavirus-related travel restrictions lift and allow workers to travel internationally to auctions again. "We have the availability to hold them for a couple years," Wiebensohn said. "That's kind of what we're doing here." A central Pennsylvania man who was 16 when he committed a murder didnt get a raw deal when his original life without parole prison sentence was changed to a 38-year-to-life term, a state appeals court has ruled. The decision by the Superior Court panel means Daron Nesbit has roughly another 15 years to serve behind bars before he can be considered for parole. Daron Nesbit Nesbit, now 40, has been jailed since his arrest for a March 1997 slaying in York County. Police said Nesbit shot a man twice during a fight in a parking lot. A county jury convicted Nesbit of first-degree murder. Fifteen years after the homicide, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that life without parole sentences were unconstitutional for juvenile killers. Nesbit was among the hundreds of such defendants to benefit from that decision. County President Judge Maria Musti Cook imposed his revised sentence in July 2017. On appeal to the state court, Nesbit argued that Cook didnt consider his rehabilitative needs and incorrectly based her decision on a perceived lack of remorse by him. The Superior Court rejected those arguments in an opinion by Judge Jacqueline O. Shogan, who found Cook adequately set forth the reasons why a longer sentence was improper and the rationale regarding why a shorter sentence would be inappropriate. Shogan noted prosecutors had sought a 50-year-to-life sentence. She observed as well that, although the statute does not apply to Nesbits case, the Legislature adopted a mandate requiring that juveniles 15 years and older who are convicted of first- or second-degree murder after June 25, 2012 be sentenced to at least 35 years to life. No such cap applies to older cases. Shogan also noted that judges have the option of reimposing life without parole sentences on juvenile killers who are deemed to be perpetually incorrigible. Indiana has a legacy of life sciences excellence with companies like Knipper continuing to grow in our state." - Jim Schellinger, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Representatives of One Southern Indiana (1si), working in partnership with the River Ridge Development Authority and J. Knipper and Company, Inc. (Knipper), announced today the expansion of the current Knipper distribution center at 1250 Patrol Road. The expansion of this facility will consist of an additional 150,000-square-foot of space, including a refrigerator which can hold 1,500 pallets and a drive-in freezer. The company, which provides complete supply chain services to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry and is the largest provider of samples management services, anticipates making a capital investment of $17.4 million and increasing its workforce by 38 employees by the end of 2024. Knippers CEO Mike Laferrera stated, Our mission is to work with our clients to create solutions that are strategically designed, faithfully executed, and driven by market insight and data to ensure maximum return on our clients investments, and ultimately to improve peoples lives. The expansion of our Charlestown, Ind., facility will help us work toward that, and we appreciate the State of Indiana, the City of Charlestown, River Ridge Commerce Center and 1si for helping us expand to meet new demands. The company, which established the Charlestown distribution center in 2016, was founded in 1986, and it is headquartered in Lakewood, N.J. Known for being an integral part of the communities in which it is located, Knipper has been awarded the Clara Barton Corporate Humanitarian Award by the American Red Cross and the Corporate Citizen of the Year award by Catholic Charities for volunteer efforts by Knipper employees. Mayor of Charlestown, Dr. Treva Hodges, said, On behalf of the City of Charlestown, Id like to congratulate J. Knipper and Company on their recent announcement. It is always great news for Charlestown when a company like Knipper announces the addition of more than 35 jobs with wages 25 percent above the Clark County average. We wish them the best of luck and stand ready to assist in any way we can. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Knipper up to $400,000 in conditional tax credits based on the companys job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. Indiana has a legacy of life sciences excellence with companies like Knipper continuing to grow in our state, said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. Approximately 2,100 life sciences companies in Indiana employ 56,000 Hoosiers, and as a state, well keep providing a top-ranked business environment so companies like Knipper have the confidence to invest in their Indiana operations and add high-quality career opportunities. Located between Charlestown and Jeffersonville, Ind., Knippers facility is situated in the River Ridge Commerce Center, a world-class 6,000-acre business and manufacturing park under development along the Ohio River, across from Louisville, Ky. Recently, the River Ridge Commerce Center reported increased employment, expanded development and generated an increase of $2.5 billion in economic output in 2019 alone the largest output from the business park since it opened. We are ecstatic that Knipper has decided to expand and reinvest in its operations at the River Ridge Commerce Center. When the company opened at River Ridge, we knew it was the kind of innovative, growth-oriented employer that could thrive in a new home at River Ridge, said Jerry Acy, executive director of the River Ridge Commerce Center. The River Ridge Development Authority will continue to invest in infrastructure and amenities, so River Ridge remains an appealing location for Knipper and other firms serving the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Five years ago, we welcomed Knipper into the Southern Indiana business community, and this will be the companys second expansion since the initial build in 2016. While that kind of success is due to the hard work of Knippers employees and forward-thinking management, we believe choosing to locate and grow within the River Ridge Commerce Center, and the State of Indiana itself, contributed to the active growth the company has experienced. As always, 1si is happy to have played a small role in this notable achievement and looks forward to working with Knipper in the future, said 1si President and CEO Wendy Dant Chesser. About J. Knipper and Company, Inc.: For 35 years, J. Knipper and Company, Inc. has been purpose-built on a strong foundation of healthcare service, support, and excellence. The largest U.S. provider of sampling distribution, Knipper also provides prescriber validation, sample accountability, web ordering solutions and third-party logistics services to the Pharmaceutical and Life Science Industries. The company has locations throughout New Jersey, Indiana, Florida, and California. For more information on J. Knipper and Company, please visit http://www.knipper.com. About One Southern Indiana: One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1sis mission is to help businesses thrive in the Southern Indiana and metro area. Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit http://www.1si.org. Media Contacts: J. Knipper and Company, Inc. Eric Johnson Chief Commercial Growth Officer 908.447.1047 Eric.Johnson@knipper.com One Southern Indiana Suzanne Ruark Director, Marketing and Communications 812.206.9050 suzanner@1si.org Troopers Find Semi Suspected in Man's I-69 Death By West Kentucky Star Staff WESTERN KENTUCKY - The Kentucky State Police on Friday night located the commercial truck involved in the death of a Dawson Springs man after receiving several tips from the community.Troopers said they are still looking to identify the driver of the white Freightliner Cascadia.Police said the semi is suspected to have struck Michael "Andrew" Dowd earlier this month, causing damage to the front passenger headlight assembly and hood. Police say it's possible that the driver did not realize they struck a pedestrian and may have suspected they struck an animal or object. Dowd's body was found Feb. 7 off I-69 near the city of Nortonsville. He had been reported missing a few days prior. Sundays snowfall blanketed the yard of Cristian Pavon Pinedas home in Conroe as the 11-year-old frolicked about, covered by a red hoodie. Less than 24 hours later, his mom would find the sixth grader lifeless in his bed a suspected victim of hypothermia from freezing temperatures in a home that suffered a power loss. It was his first time (seeing snow). Thats why he was excited outside, said Maria Elisa Pineda on Thursday, adding she filmed him on her phone as he played, snapping photos. Everything was well. He was happy that day. He was not at all sick. The fun lasted no more than half an hour as Cristians mom brought him in when his gloves became soaked. Maria Elisa Pineda only let him out as it was his first snow day since the two arrived from Honduras two years ago, the 34-year-old said from the living room of a relative with whom the family has been staying since the boys death. Tucked in at 11 p.m., Cristian shared a bed with his 3-year-old step-brother while their mobile home lacked heat following a power loss early Monday morning, his family said. After a night when temperatures reportedly hit single digits, by 2 p.m. the Bozman Intermediate student had not awaken. The toddler, meanwhile, was fine. He was already dead, said a solemn Maria Elisa Pineda about the grim discovery. Not a sickly child, Cristian made no complaint the evening before his demise, his mother assured. Cristians mother and step-father, Manuel Moreno, 38, immediately dialed 911, the boys family said. Trying to find someone who spoke Spanish, a dispatcher put them on hold, the family added. Conroe Police Department investigators came to the home and stayed at the scene until 8 p.m. Both Maria Elisa Pineda and Moreno had blood extracted as authorities screened them for drug use as a standard part of the investigation. An autopsy on Cristian was performed Thursday, said Conroe PD spokesman Sgt. Jeff Smith. It will be several weeks before cause of death is determined, he said. The mom and step-dad, Smith pointed out, have been very cooperative throughout. By all other means, he was a normal, healthy child, Smith said, describing the home Cristian lived in for nine months before Tuesday as a 40-year-old single-wide trailer with little insulation. Cristian enjoyed his time in Conroe, however. He liked it a lot being over here, Maria Elisa Pineda said, adding the family would dine out and shop in Houston on the weekends. In his free time, he would make illustrations, his favorites being inspired by maps he found online. He had expressed an interest in growing up to pilot planes, his mom mentioned with a smile. Cristian had embraced a recent role as a big brother to her and Morenos 11-month-old son, Rone Moreno. He loved him a lot. He would care a lot for him, she said. She is trying to secure her sons remains get transported to Honduras, where his grandparents and other family still reside. Cristians father, whom Maria Elisa Pineda divorced, has been notified of the death. He longed to see them, she said of Cristian and his grandparents. Bury him and have them see him one last time. Organized by Morenos sister-in-law, Jaliza Yera, a GoFundMe is up now to help with expenses. Those interested in donating may visit gofundme.com/f/ayuda-para-cristian-pavon-para-enviar-el-cuerpo. Born in the coastal city of Tela, Honduras, Cristian often promised his mom he would work for them to return to the country. He often would tell his mom he would build her a casita, which is a small house, where they would all live. That way to help you to always be together, she said he would often tell her. Shifting her gaze away, she added, But it was not to be. Those wishes were not fulfilled. jose.gonzalez@chron.com twitter.com/jrgzztx Cases of Covid-19 linked to workplaces are second only to nursing homes for their regularity according to the latest data released from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Some 110 cases of the virus have been linked to nursing homes for the week ending February 12. This was followed by 70 cases of the coronavirus sourced to workplaces in the same time period. However, both figures are a marked decline compared to the reported peak in cases of the third wave for outbreaks associated with both locations. For the week ending January 15, 1,721 outbreaks of the virus were identified in nursing homes in the country while 493 Covid-19 infections were recorded in workplaces for the week ending January 29. Public Health reports outbreaks of the virus to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and links cases to these outbreaks. The CSO said due to the surge in case numbers this is taking longer and Public Health have prioritised outbreaks in key settings as a result. In the previous four weeks, Public Health has reported 7,259 cases linked to an outbreak. A breakdown of these cases in the last four weeks shows: 2,120, 29% were in nursing homes, 1,373, 19% were in hospital or a community hospital/long-stay unit 506, 7% were in residential institutions. 1,260, 17% were in the workplace. The number of cases linked to Covid outbreaks for the week ending February 12. Picture: CSO Close contacts falling Meanwhile, the average number of close contacts for cases has fallen from three contacts on average per case in early January with the average for the week ending February 12 now at two. The average number of close contacts has been falling as Level 5 restrictions take effect. Picture: CSO 4,686 cases of the virus were confirmed that week meaning the details of more than 9,000 close contacts were recorded in the week. Older people aged 80 years and older have the lowest number of close contacts, averaging less than two, while children aged between 0-14 averaged the same amount. People in the age brackets, 15-24, 25-44, and 45-64 are now averaging the same amount of close contacts at roughly 2.5. Covid-19 testing Testing referrals from residential settings and institutions has remained consistent but the number of healthcare and essential workers sent for testing has fallen. Less than half of referrals for the week ending February 12 were from GPs at 43%, a decrease from 79% for the week ending January 1. In general, testing for potential cases has fallen over the past four weeks from 155.939 samples sent for testing in the week ending January 22, down to 117,123, last February 12. The positivity rate in the week ending February 12 was 5.6%, down from 6.1% the previous week. Samples from people aged 25-44 make up the highest numbers sent for testing. Hospitalisations and fatalities Hospital admissions for the virus have been decreasing since the peak of 1,348 in the week ending January 15 and were 348 in the week ending February 12. ICU admissions have also decreased from the peak of 126 in the week ending January 08 to 12 in the week ending February 12. This morning, 754 people with Covid-19 are in hospitals, which is a 62% decrease from the peak last month. Since the beginning of the pandemic, most deaths have occurred in the older age groups. For the week ending February 12, 91% of deaths were in people aged 65 years and over. This week the death toll from the virus passed 4,000 on Wednesday when 57 Covid-related fatalities were recorded. This year in the month of January alone, more cases were confirmed than in all of 2020. Public health officials have continued to warn of the increased transmissibility of the new Covid variants and report the B117 strain first identified in the UK as now the most dominant form of the virus identified. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn has said the Covid-19 situation in Ireland "remains precarious" despite good progress made in recent weeks. Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 : Pandemonium prevailed for the second day in the House of the Odisha Assembly as the members of opposition BJP and Congress created ruckus over the farmers' issue on Friday. Following the uproar, Speaker Surya Narayan Patro adjourned the proceedings till 11.30 am and later till 4 pm. As soon as the House assembled for question hour, the opposition members created an uproar alleging that the farmers were sustaining heavy loss as their produce was lying at the mandis with the procurement agencies not lifting the paddy. While the BJP and Congress MLAs went to the Speaker's podium, the saffron party legislators were seen holding placards on the farmers' issue. "The Centre is giving money to procure paddy. What's the problem with the state government to procure paddy from the farmers? Due to irregularities in the procurement process, the farmers are facing problems," said deputy leader of opposition Bishnu Charan Sethi. He demanded that the paddy must be immediately procured and the payment made to the farmers who are waiting at mandis for days. Congress legislator Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, "Thousands of paddy sacks are lying at mandis in the state. We will not let the House to function until all the bags are cleared from the mandis." Senior BJD MLA Debi Prasad Mishra said the question hour should not be stalled. "The government is ready for discussion on any issue raised by the Opposition. They should not stall the question hour where important matters are raised by the members," said Mishra. 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: RJD supremo Lalu Yadav and his family lashed out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his decision to break alliance and join hands with BJP. Lalu said that Nitish was the one who was most vocal in calling for a 'Sangh mukt Bharat.' Lalus wife and ex-Chief Minister of Bihar Rabri Devi said that they had trusted Nitish because he left BJP. She stressed that they never pressurised Nitish to join alliance but he has gone back to where he has come from. We are not scared of anyone, will go wherever we are required to appear. Who does not have property? Will Nitish Kumar and other politicians agree for probe into their properties? Why after Lalu's family? said Rabri. Rabri accused that her sons were target and they were moving forward and doing good work that was being appreciated, so he conspired with BJP. Tejashwi said that those who voted for the grand alliance are feeling cheated today and asked who is responsible for this? He said that mandate was against the BJP. Also read: Tejashwi Yadav says Nitish has insulted people's mandate; knelt down before RSS For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Under a new green badge system, starting Sunday, the government is making leisure activities accessible only to people who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from the virus. Customers and attendees will have to carry a certificate of vaccination with a QR code. Nearly half of Israels population of nine million has received at least one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and more than 2.6 million people have gotten second doses. But about two million eligible citizens age 16 or over have not sought vaccines, despite food-based incentives like candy and the stew cholent. The average number of new daily infections is hovering around 4,000. Quote: Getting vaccinated is a moral duty, said the health minister, Yuli Edelstein. It is part of our mutual responsibility. He also has a new mantra: Whoever does not get vaccinated will be left behind. Related: The speedy vaccination program in Israel contrasts sharply with the situation in the occupied territories, where few Palestinians have received even one dose. Victoria has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 in relief for millions fearing another draconian lockdown. Fears grew this week that the virus was still spreading, after three new cases - a couple and their young child - tested positive on Friday. But the trio are all linked to the Holiday Inn cluster, and one parent is understood to have caught the infection while in hotel quarantine there. One member of the household, who was not at the hotel, was considered a secondary contact and had been isolating with the family at home. All three had negative tests between February 10 and 12. All have quarantined at home during their infectious periods. People in Melbourne came out of lockdown on Thursday and immediately headed out to enjoy the city (pictured) Australia's deputy chief medical officer professor Michael Kidd said state authorities are working to make sure people linked to the family are traced. 'Obviously the Victorian authorities will be acting very swiftly to make sure that all the contacts of these people have been followed up and are also in isolation and arranging to get tested,' he said on the ABC on Friday. State chief health officer Brett Sutton wrote on Twitter: 'This isn't over yet - all known contacts of cases or exposure sites need to stay in quarantine for the full 14 days to wrap this up.' Pictured: A cafe worker in Melbourne CBD preparing to re-open after a five-day lockdown Pictured: Shoppers lining up outside a Foot Locker in Melbourne Central on February 18, just hours after Stage 4 restrictions were eased Millions of Victorians were freed from a brutal Stage Four lockdown on Wednesday after five days. The stay-at-home order, only allowing people to leave home for essential work, shopping, care and exercise, was repealed along with the 5km travel rule. Face masks are still mandatory indoor and outdoors if social distancing cannot be followed, and Victorians will only be allowed to have five guests in their houses. Premier Daniel Andrews said on Wednesday he was able to lift the 'short, sharp circuit breaker' lockdown thanks to the low infection numbers. '[The lockdown was] exactly what we said we needed, that's exactly what we said would work,' he said. 'I am very proud of every single Victorian for the work they have done.' People in face masks at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday are the five-day lockdown ended Pictured: Shoppers at Melbourne Central on February 18. The state recorded three new cases on Friday and no new cases on Saturday But the state remains on high alert after coronavirus fragments were detected in sewage in areas where there have been no active cases - sparking concerns the virus might have spread. The virus fragments have been found in wastewater in suburbs in south-east Melbourne, health authorities warned on Friday. Testing of samples from Wantirna South and Boronia on February 15 and Carrum Downs, Langwarrin, St Kilda, Caulfield and Caulfield North on February 16. Currently the only active cases are in Melbourne's western suburbs along with one case in Greater Dandenong - sparking concerns the virus may have spread undetected to other areas. The Department of Health said the wastewater samples contained 'weak detections' of the virus. There are now 22 cases linked to the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport (pictured, health workers at the hotel on Tuesday) Victoria's five-day coronavirus lockdown ended at 11.59pm on Wednesday - but some restrictions will remain (pictured, a picnic in a Melbourne park pre-lockdown) It comes after the announcement that Victorian hotel quarantine and airport workers will be among the first to receive the Pfizer when it rolls out in Australia next week. Front-line workers who are more likely to come into contact with the virus will be vaccinated first in Victoria, which also includes health staff, and public sector residential aged care staff and residents. 'Our priority is to support the Commonwealth to make sure that the vaccine is administered to workers at the highest risk of contracting Covid-19 as quickly and safely possible,' Health Minister Martin Foley said in a statement. 'Whether they work in hotel quarantine, at the airport, or a specialist Covid ward - we need to keep Victorians most at risk of infection safe, while they continue to keep Victorians safe.' Senior government ministers met on Tuesday night to discuss the easing of restrictions, which were introduced following an outbreak of the UK strain at Melbourne Airport's Holiday Inn where returned travellers were being quarantined. Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured on Wednesday) said he was able to lift the 'short, sharp circuit breaker' thanks to the hard work of Victorians in containing the virus The outbreak at the Holiday Inn sits at 22 cases. The starting point of the cluster can be traced back to a family of three who had returned from overseas and tested positive for Covid. A returned traveller in the family was allegedly using a nebuliser to treat his chronic asthma and said he was given permission by health authorities to use the medical device. It is believed the nebuliser allowed coronavirus-carrying particles to become airborne and infect a food and beverage worker, a security officer and a resident who has since left hotel quarantine. Victoria has recorded 20,640 cases and 820 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Maybe it was the bonnets. Or the gloves that the two women donned, though the temperatures in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday hovered in the 60s. In a scene right out of a sitcom, the women went to a coronavirus vaccination site dressed up as grannies, said Dr. Raul Pino, the health administrator for Orange County, at a news conference on Thursday. Except they were 34 and 44, not over 65, so despite their get-ups, which included spectacles, they were ineligible to get the shots in Florida. However, the ruse may have worked before. The women presented valid Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cards indicating that they had already received their first vaccine doses, Dr. Pino said, who did not name them. I dont know how they escaped the first time, he said. Florida has vaccinated about 42 percent of its more than 4.4 million people 65 and older, according to the state, and health care workers and people with some underlying conditions are also eligible for the shots. It is unclear when the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, will consider that enough of those populations have been vaccinated to open eligibility more widely. BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) Ali Patberg scored 21 points, including the only field goal by either team in the last 3 1/2 minutes, and No. 14 Indiana made a couple key defensive plays in the final minute to defeat No. 11 Michigan 70-65 on Thursday night. Mackenzie Holmes had a key steal under the Michigan basket and a defensive rebound, plays that led to the closing free throws that allowed the Hoosiers to seal the game. And on Michigan's last possession, taking the ball out of bounds under the basket with 9.3 seconds left, one of the Hoosiers got her hand on the ball and deflected it deep into the back court so time ran out. The final score was Indiana's largest lead of the game while Michigan's big lead of six came late in the first quarter. There were 17 lead changes and 12 ties. Grace Berger converted all 10 of her free throws and scored 16 points for the Hoosiers (14-4, 12-2 Big Ten Conference), who made 17 of 19 (89.5%) from the from the line their second-highest percent and third highest makes of the season. Aleksa Gulbe added 13 points. Patberg and Gulbe combined to make 6 of 9 from 3-point range as Indiana went 9 of 18 behind the arc, matching its season-high in makes with their second-best percent. That made up for the Michigan defense on Holmes inside, holding her to six points, 12 below her average, with six rebounds. Naz Hillmon had her 10th double-double of the season and 29th of her career with 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Wolverines (12-2, 8-2). Leigha Brown added 19 points but the 73% free throw shooter was only 4 of 8 with two of the misses coming in the final 2:02 which allowed the Hoosiers to inch ahead. The Wolverines had a 42-28 rebounding advantage and owned the inside with a 32-14 advantage but only went 14 of 20 from the foul line and had 15 turnovers. The Hoosiers, who only had eight giveaways, turned those turnovers into a 20-4 difference. After Hillmon's layup with 3:48 left gave Michigan its last lead at 61-59, Berger made four-straight from the foul line and the Hoosiers had the lead for good. The Wolverines missed their last six shots. Story continues Indiana hosts Iowa on Sunday when No. 15 Ohio State visits Michigan. ___ More AP womens basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 She said her first experience of sexual assault came when she was in year 8 and a private school student in the year above her forced her to perform oral sex on him. I knew it was wrong, because I didnt tell anyone, but I didnt understand why, she said. At the dinner with friends last year, she learned the same male student had forced another acquaintance to do the same thing a year later. No-one thinks of it as rape until youre told it is. Until [then] you think rape can only be a random in a dark alley past midnight. In reality it happens with people you trust, she said. It happened to so many of us. We talk about a guy who forced us to give them head like what we had for breakfast yesterday. A list of more than 50 testimonies published so far under the petition, which has anonymised both alleged victims and perpetrators, claims that students who attended Scots College, Cranbrook, Sydney Grammar School, Saint Ignatius Riverview, St Josephs College, Waverley College and Shore had been perpetrators of sexual assault. The women who wrote the testimonies identified themselves as former students of schools including Kambala, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, St Catherines School, Ascham, Pymble Ladies College, Wenona, Queenwood, SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College. We talk about a guy who forced us to give them head like what we had for breakfast yesterday Chanel Contos The headmaster of St Catherines School in Waverley, Dr Julie Townsend, described the testimonies as heartbreaking. More needs to be done to create an environment in which young women feel they will be trusted when they come forward. It is also clear that much of the work schools do is happening too late, she said. The Herald has spoken to some of the students who made claims but has not substantiated individual allegations. The testimonies detail alleged sexual assaults that took place during school years or shortly afterwards, while the young women were still mixing in crowds determined by their school social circles. The allegations come from students who graduated in 2006 to some still in school. In several testimonies, women describe waking up naked at parties or in a young mans house, after passing out due to intoxication, with male peers penetrating them. Some girls said the alleged perpetrators were acquaintances they had only met that night; others were friends at the time. Other students say they were physically forced to perform oral sex on a male while intoxicated, sometimes while the boys friends were present or filming the incident. Several only realised something had happened to them when they woke up in pain and found their underpants soaked in blood. None of the alleged incidents occurred on school grounds, but those who signed the petition said they passionately believe that inadequate consent education is the reason for their sexual abuse during or soon after school. [People have signed] because they are sad and angry that they did not receive an adequate education regarding what amounts to sexual assault and what to do when it happens, the petition said. Ms Contos asked her followers on Instagram to share their experiences of sexual assault, in particular at the hands of boys from single-sex schools. When you go to a private school in Sydney, most of the time you only interact with other people who go to these schools: all-boys schools and all-girls schools. Being so distant from the reality of having girls in your everyday life, girls become the victims of boys experiments with their sexuality, she said. More needs to be done ... It is also clear that much of the work schools do is happening too late Dr Julie Townsend, principal of St Catherines School Chief executive of school workshop provider Enlighten Education, Dannielle Miller, said the testimonies were harrowing, yet not at all surprising. Its important to note too that sexual harassment and sexual assault isnt just happening to private schoolgirls; all young women are at risk. We need to explicitly teach young women to be clear and unapologetic when expressing their personal boundaries, to know how to speak up in cultures that may try and silence them, and to actively lobby for what they need and deserve, she said. Any protective advice given to girls in the schools must be carefully framed within a context of unpacking victim blaming. But we must also do more work with young men to teach them what active, informed consent looks and feels like, and create cultures where boys and men also use their voices to speak up too. The work of calling out male misbehaviour must not fall solely on females. Loading Schools that responded to the Herald said they had programs in place that taught students about the criminal nature of sexual harassment and assault. Dr Townsend said: It is clear from these girls testimonies that many of them have suffered in silence for years, and we need to ensure that, not only do they understand what assault is, but know their rights in reporting it and charging someone. It is heartbreaking to read of the trauma they went through, and also to learn that many of them were too fearful to report it afterwards or were treated contemptuously when they did, she said. Wenona principal Briony Scott said sexual assault was beyond the remit of any one school. 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 offenders include several of Abraham Lincoln (who fought the Civil War, freed the slaves and was among the early subscribers to the Chicago Tribune) and George Washington (father of the country, didnt want to be king, owned slaves) and various other evil white Europeans. And of course, Christopher Columbus, whose statues shes already put in some safe space, away from Italians and the woke whod destroy them. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Republican party loyalists in two West Michigan counties are pushing back against U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer for his vote last month to impeach former President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The Calhoun County Republican Party and Barry County Republican Party have issued a censure, the equivalent of a statement of disapproval, to the first-term Republican congressman from Grand Rapids Township. While Meijer, who represents Michigans 3rd Congressional District, has faced backlash in those two counties, the Kent County Republican Party has not followed suit. We have not to date taken any vote, said Rob VerHeulen, a former state House member who now serves as chair of the Kent GOP. No member of the executive committee has introduced a proposed resolution of censure. He said the idea of censuring Meijer was brought up in January at the Kent County GOP convention, during which precinct delegates elect an executive committee for the county Republican party. However, the idea was ruled out of order, because the convention wasnt the appropriate venue for such a proposal to be considered, VerHeulen said. A meeting of the Kent GOPs executive committee is the correct place for such a conversation, he said. When asked whether the move was an attempt to stifle debate, he said: My response is that we are a party of rules and procedure and law and order, and we follow the rules. Certainly, on an individual level, people have indicated to me they would like to censure, VerHeulen said. Others have indicated they dont think thats a productive or a positive thing to do. But until its brought forward formally, quite frankly theres just nothing to do. VeHeulen is a former attorney for the Meijer supercenter chain, which is owned by Peter Meijers family. When asked whether his employment history with the company has influenced his thinking on the debate about censuring Peter Meijer, he said: I never worked with Peter Meijer. I never endorsed Peter Meijer when he ran for the congressional seat. VerHeulen said he did not support the Houses decision to impeach Trump. If a recommendation to censure Meijer was brought to the Kent GOP executive committee, hes unsure at this time how he would vote on the matter. Does it help unite us to move forward, or does it divide us and making moving forward more difficult, he said. I would want to hear the discussion. Meijer could not be reached for comment Friday, Feb. 18. The 3rd Congressional District includes the city of Grand Rapids, a large portion of Kent County, part of Montcalm County, as well as Ionia, Barry and Calhoun counties. He was one of 10 Republicans in the U.S. House who on Jan. 13 voted in favor of impeaching Trump for his role in inciting the violent mob that stormed the capitol. Meijer has said the vote was heartbreaking and probably an act of political suicide, but that Trump needed to be held responsible for his actions. The Ionia County Republican Party could not be reached for comment. Its unclear whether it expects to consider a resolution to censure Meijer. Mike Hewitt, chair of the 3rd Congressional District Committee, said the committee did not censure Meijer after a motion to do so resulted in an 11 to 11 tie. He declined to comment further. In a Feb. 11 letter addressing its censure, the Calhoun County Republican Executive Committee said its goal is to continue to work with Meijer. However, it said it could not do so without open and transparent dialogue, which in this case requires our harsh condemnation of your action which betrayed the trust of so many who supported you and violates our faith in our most basic constitutional values and protections. Phillip Joseph, spokesperson and deputy chair of the Barry County Republican Party, declined an interview request. He said by email that his partys decision to censure Meijer reflects the sentiment felt by conservatives across Barry County. Its not surprising that Republican parties in Barry and Calhoun county have censured Meijer, because Trump performed well in those counties and still has support among party activists there, said Doug Koopman, a political science professor at Calvin University. He likened the censure to a shot across the bow, a warning that members of the partys base are upset with him. However, at this point, it doesnt spell disaster for Meijers political future, Koopman said. Its really hard to beat an incumbent in a primary, said Koopman, who has worked as a congressional staffer for Pete Hoekstra, Fred Upton and Paul Henry. Following the impeachment vote, one West Michigan Republican Tom Norton, of Ada said he will try to unseat Meijer in the 2022 GOP primary. Norton was among four Republicans Meijer soundly defeated in the August 2020 primary for Michigans 3rd Congressional District. Read more: In Michigan, Biden says end of coronavirus pandemic will come when Americans take vaccine President Biden leaves Kalamazoo after touring Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine production facility in Portage Driver thrown from vehicle suffers life-threatening injuries Houston-based Axiom Space raised $130 million in Series B funding to help build a commercial space station. Axiom was selected by NASA in January 2020 to develop a commercial space station module that will initially attach to the existing International Space Station. This first module is set to launch in 2024, and then additional Axiom modules will be added to provide areas for housing, research and manufacturing. The gold rush of space: Venture capital investing in space startups When the International Space Station is retired, this Axiom Station will detach and become its own free-flying station. The station is expected to cost roughly $2 billion. Axiom is funding this through private investment and revenue from providing full-service human spaceflight missions, as well as its research customers and brand partnerships. In January, the company unveiled its first three private crew members who will each pay $55 million to go to space. Axiom had previously raised $20 million over three fundraising rounds. Its Series B funding, announced earlier this week, will help Axiom grow its workforce and accelerate construction of its space station. Axiom is building a 14-acre headquarters campus at the spaceport located at Ellington Airport, and it will use this campus to train private astronauts and for production of its Axiom Station. "Axiom Space is a force in the space sector, and it will become a centerpiece of the C5 Capital portfolio and enhance our vision for a secure global future," C5 operating partner Rob Meyerson, who will join the Axiom Board of Directors, said in a news release. "The Axiom Station will be the infrastructure upon which we will build many new businesses in space, and it will serve as the foundation for future exploration missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond." C5 Capital led the Series B funding round. Other participants include TQS Advisors, Declaration Partners (the investment firm backed by David M. Rubenstein), Moelis Dynasty Investments, Washington University in St. Louis, The Venture Collective, Aidenlair Capital, Hemisphere Ventures and Starbridge Venture Capital. "Once a Houstonian, always a Houstonian," Mayor Turner said as he acknowledged the gesture from the former players during a press conference on Friday. Video Transcript SYLVESTER TURNER: I will want to say that there were two NBA basketball games scheduled for this weekend, starting tonight and tomorrow. And talking with the Houston Rockets, Tad Brown, and also in conversations there, in conversation with the NBA. The game for tonight will not take place because you know, we're dealing-- still dealing with these issues. So I want to thank them for their sensitivity. And the game tomorrow is somewhat tentative so I want to thank them. And then I want to say, you know, once a Houstonian always a Houstonian. Even though you may not be in the city of Houston, so I do want to acknowledge the former Rocket players, Westbrook and James Harden, who have both called and made contact, and offering support to the city as well. So once you've been in Houston, regardless of where you go, the spirit of Houston still remains alive. 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. More than 20 schools brought students back into classrooms either full- or part-time this week, as schools continue to change learning formats during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As of Monday, 512 districts were hybrid, 164 remote, and 98 fully in-person. Twenty-six districts made the switch to hybrid learning this week, while the number of fully in-person districts increased by three to 98. This is the third week in a row to see more schools opt for some form of in-person learning, as President Joe Biden pushes to see most K-8 students back in the classroom by April. The list provided by the Department of Education does not take into account any format changes due to snow days, spokesman Mike Yaple said. For the third week in a row, districts in the northern part of the state had their return-to-school plans delayed due to snow and ice conditions. Districts have cited concerns about the viruss spread as the main reason for choosing to remain remote; at least one district has said it intends to stay virtual through the end of the year, and a number of large districts say they will remain remote until mid-April. Some schools have remained entirely remote since last March, while other districts have changed formats as virus conditions have changed. There have been 144 outbreaks and 686 cases of the coronavirus linked to schools in New Jersey. For cases to qualify as an outbreak, they must be confirmed to have been transmitted in the classroom or during academic activities. All 21 counties have seen an in-school outbreak. The split between in-person and remote districts is not even across the state, with counties in the northwest part of the state having mostly in-person or hybrid options. Murphy said educators are next in line to receive the coronavirus vaccine, but did not give a time frame. Eligibility remains limited to healthcare workers, first responders, those over 65 years of age and people with certain health conditions. There is not currently a vaccine approved for children under 16. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said there is strong evidence younger students can safely return to schools, without teachers needing to be vaccinated first. Although case rates in the state have been dropping, all 21 counties remain high on the COVID-19 alert measure released weekly by the state. Should cases rise and a region become very high, schools would be forced to switch to remote learning. 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. Nick Devlin may be reached at ndevlin@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Welcome to MicroClimates, The Chronicles local climate change newsletter. If someone forwarded you this email, you can sign up here. In one of his first acts in office, President Biden said he wants farmers and ranchers to tell him how to fight climate change. In a new story for The Chronicle, reporter Danielle Echeverria explains why the new administration might want to look toward the Bay Area for ideas. Farms here have been using practices like modified composting, low and no-till and installing methane digesters for years, but theres new attention and funding for these efforts. I spoke to Echeverria who is from a farming family herself about how Californias massive agricultural sector can help fight climate change. The Biden administration wants to make agriculture part of its climate change strategy. How big of a part can agriculture be? Its a little hard to quantify it, but the thing about agriculture is that it can do more than reduce the amount of emissions produced [from the sector]. It has the ability to pull carbon back into the ground and keep it there. Climate-smart farming can be a big part of reducing emissions, but something farmers and advocacy groups are concerned about is making sure that it can be well-funded by the government to switch over to these practices. If farmers can get the funding, theres a huge potential for growth. How widespread are these practices in the Bay Area and California? This is definitely something that is happening all over California. Its not necessarily new some farmers have been doing these practices for a while but what is new is governments paying attention. In October, Gov. Newsom called for basically the same thing Biden administration is asking for now, for farmers to be part of conserving 30% of the land by 2030. Theres been different initiatives across the state for a while. California has funded about 1,750 projects on farms and ranches as of January. Theres the healthy soils initiative, theres funding for dairy farmers to put digesters that take methane from manure and convert it. But theres a lot more room for growth. Its not yet a mainstream farm practice, but its growing super quickly now. Drought and warming temperatures are already affecting farmers across the state. Is there a benefit to farmers to taking up these practices or will it make it more challenging to do so? Actually some of the farmers say there is a benefit. They think with smarter composting practices, no-till, the things that keep carbon in the ground, will be beneficial for the plants. If your soil is still healthy, even with these stresses, you can still get really good produce. What about consumers? Is there some label they can use about how to buy their food thats climate smart? Right now theres not really one blanket, government-enforced label like organic. While theres smaller groups working on standards, those definitions can be different. I think that would be interesting to track how such a label develops. Something being 100% organic does not necessarily mean it was farmed in a climate-smart or sustainable way. Read Danielles full story here. Climate Chronicles What California needs to do to avoid a Texas-style electricity crisis. California wastes its extra solar, wind energy. Could hydrogen be the storage key? Point Reyes is not a wine destination. This vintner says climate change could make it one. Scott Wiener introduces bill to ban California fracking by 2027. Lawsuit to force U.S. government action on climate change wont get its day in court but young people who brought the suit say theyre not giving up. Listen to The Chronicles J.D. Morris and reporter Sammy Roth from the L.A. Times talk about California and the U.S. being in sync on climate policy again on the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast. COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California. The big number 3,000 megawatts: Thats the amount of energy Assemblyman David Chiu wants California to target building in offshore wind projects by 2030, growing to 10,000 megawatts 10 years after that, as part of a new bill he introduced last week. Right now, California has almost 7,000 megawatts of total wind energy installed across the state. Its one of a growing number of climate change and renewable energy bills in this legislative session. While its not clear if Chius bill is likely to become law, hes gained the backing of one of the states major labor unions, the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, because of an expected upswing in construction jobs from building offshore wind. Changing California How the fossil fuel industry convinced Americans to love gas stoves (Mother Jones) California to review carbon trading program as part of climate roadmap (CalMatters) Nothing to sneeze at: Global warming triggers earlier pollen (AP/NBC Bay Area) Facebook to label climate change posts like COVID, vote content (Bloomberg) Eight Northern California community choice aggregators with 2.6 million customers form a joint buying group creating a big-time renewable energy power purchaser (Greentech Media). MicroClimates is The Chronicles climate change newsletter, written by Taylor Kate Brown and sent every other week. Email newsletters@sfchronicle.com or taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The 18-year-old New Jersey man arrested by the NYPD in connection with the hit-and-run that claimed the life of a woman in Graniteville this week was arraigned in Criminal Court on Friday but not in relation to the fatal crash. Prince Nesbitt-Hall of Paterson Street in Rahway, N.J., was only arraigned on burglary, petit larceny and trespass charges in connection with unrelated thefts from a gym. In that case, hes accused of stealing a cellphone on Feb. 12 and two sets of keys on Feb. 16 while inside Planet Fitness on South Avenue in Travis. Prosecutors did not file charges connected to the crash on Friday, and Nesbitt-Hall was released on his own recognizance. My office is committed to seeking justice for the victims of this horrific tragedy and we extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones. At this time, charges supported by the available evidence have been filed and the investigation is ongoing, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com Friday afternoon. We are continuing to collect and thoroughly review all evidence in this case and will provide any updates based on the facts as they happen. HIT-RUN ARREST Police arrested Nesbitt-Hall on Wednesday in connection to the hit-and-run that happened the night before at Lamberts Lane and Elson Street in Graniteville in which Kauser Akhund, 68, of Bulls Head, lost her life, the NYPD previously said. The NYPD had charged him with manslaughter, assault in the second degree, leaving the scene of an accident and criminal possession of stolen property, among other things. Police alleged that Nesbitt-Hall was behind the wheel of a stolen 2020 Honda Accord that was traveling northbound on Elson Street when it blew a stop sign and slammed into a 2009 Mercedes-Benz going eastbound on Lamberts Lane. The Honda was traveling at a high rate of speed, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. The suspect fled on foot from the scene of the crash, according to police. Akhund, who was riding in the front passenger seat of the Mercedes-Benz, died at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton. Her 70-year-old husband remains in critical condition at the same hospital. About 20 minutes after the crash, Nesbitt-Hall walked into the 121st Precinct stationhouse in Graniteville to report that he was the victim of a robbery, according to sources with knowledge of the investigation. Investigators and officers realized that Nesbitt-Hall was the individual they were seeking in connection with the crash, sources said. He fled the stationhouse, but was taken into custody, sources said. A lawyer representing Nesbitt-Hall was not publicly listed Friday afternoon. Two teen girls were arrested Thursday on suspicion of killing a 22-year-old man at a Tigard apartment complex, police say. Tigard police said the girls, 16- and 17-year-old relatives, are being held in a Portland juvenile detention center on suspicion of murder and robbery in the Jan. 29 incident. Their names have not been disclosed. Police said one of the girls stabbed Leroy Xavier Wass-Morill during an apparent targeted drug-related robbery. A physical altercation broke out at some point during the incident, which occurred at a Southwest Hall Boulevard apartment complex, according to police. The stabbing victim was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead there. No additional information about the circumstances of the killing has been released. The Oregonian/OregonLive 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 United States officially returned to the Paris global climate accord on Friday, and U.S. leaders declared the nation could not afford to ever sideline the growing climate crisis again. Climate change and science diplomacy can never again be add-ons in our foreign policy discussions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, in what was expected to be a day of Biden administration outreach to global and domestic audiences touching on the U.S. recommitment to cutting climate-damaging fossil fuel emissions. Addressing the real threats from climate change and listening to our scientists is at the center of our domestic and foreign policy priorities, Blinken said. It is vital in our discussions of national security, migration, international health efforts, and in our economic diplomacy and trade talks. Officially, President Donald Trumps removal of the nation from the worldwide global climate pact stood for only 107 days. It was part of Trumps withdrawal from global allegiances in general and his often-stated but false view that ongoing global warming was a laughably mistaken take by the worlds scientists. While Fridays return is heavily symbolic, world leaders say they expect America to prove its seriousness after four years of being pretty much absent. They are especially anticipating an announcement from the U.S. in coming months on its goal for cutting emissions of heat-trapping gases by 2030. The U.S. return to the Paris agreement became official Friday, almost a month after President Joe Biden told the United Nations that America wants back in. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, Biden said in his inaugural address. A cry that cant be any more desperate or any more clear now. Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office, reversing the pullout ordered by Trump. The Trump administration had announced its withdrawal from the Paris accord in 2019, but it didnt become effective until Nov. 4, 2020, the day after the election, because of provisions in the agreement. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that the official American reentry is itself very important, as is Bidens announcement that the U.S. will return to providing climate aid to poorer nations, as promised in 2009. Its the political message thats being sent, said Christiana Figueres, the former United Nations climate chief. She was one of the leading forces in hammering out the 2015 mostly voluntary agreement in which nations set their own goals to reduce greenhouse gases. One fear was that other nations would follow America in abandoning the climate fight, but none did, Figueres said. She said the real issue was four years of climate inaction by the Trump administration. American cities, states and businesses still worked to reduce heat-trapping carbon dioxide but without the federal government. From a political symbolism perspective, whether its 100 days or four years, its basically the same thing, Figueres said. Its not about how many days. Its the political symbolism that the largest economy refuses to see the opportunity of addressing climate change. Weve lost too much time, Figueres said. A longtime international goal, included in the Paris accord with an even more stringent target, is to keep warming below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times. The world has already warmed 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) since that time. Berkeley is considering ending single-family zoning by December 2022 an effort to right the wrongs of the past and address the regions housing crisis, city leaders say. On Tuesday, the City Council will vote on a symbolic resolution that calls for an end to single-family zoning in the city. But the controversial proposal has already upset some residents whove expressed concern that the change could ruin their neighborhoods. Berkeley is the latest city looking at opening up these exclusive neighborhoods to more housing as the region struggles with exorbitant rents and home prices and increasing homelessness. Sacramento recently took a big step in allowing fourplexes in these neighborhoods and one San Francisco politician is pushing a similar plan. Berkeley may also allow fourplexes in city neighborhoods. Next month, the council will consider that proposal, which will likely spark pushback from tenants groups fearful it could fuel displacement if more protections arent included. For Berkeley, which has historically been anti-development, the moves are the latest shift as the city slowly embraces more density, including plans to add housing around the North Berkeley and Ashby stations. Councilwoman Lori Droste, who is introducing the resolution, said shes trying to undo the legacy of racism that created single-family neighborhoods, which cover 50% of the city. In 1916, single-family zoning was born in Berkeleys Elmwood neighborhood, forbidding the construction of anything other than one home on each lot. At the time, an ordinance stated that its intent was to protect the home against the intrusion of the less desirable and floating renter class. I live in the Elmwood area where it is sort of the birthplace of single-family zoning, Droste said. I thought it was incumbent upon me as representing this neighborhood to say that I want to change something that I think is detrimental to the community. Dean Metzger, the founder of the Berkeley Neighborhoods Council, a collective of nearly 40 neighborhoods, said he wants the opportunity to give more input before the city changes any zoning laws. He said he worries that if a developer builds a multistory building next to a single-family home, it could obstruct views, block solar panels and clog available parking. Metzger said its hard to specify what kind of design would be most appropriate for Berkeleys single-family neighborhoods. He said he wants developers to be required to seek input from neighbors before building. Theyve labeled us anti-growth; its really not true, he said. We are trying to find ways to accommodate the development and make our neighborhoods livable. (The council) just wants to build whatever they want to build. After a year of racial reckoning, the same criticism of law enforcement practices should be applied to housing policies, said Councilman Terry Taplin, one of the authors of the resolution. This is really a historical moment for us in Berkeley because now the racial justice reckoning really has come home, Taplin said. As the state grapples with a housing crisis, many housing advocates say city leaders have to undo decades worth of anti-density housing policies. They say Berkeleys efforts are a necessary step in addressing the regions crisis even if it takes time. If the resolution passes, it will take years before the city sees a change in its housing stock. It will take time, said Grover Wehman-Brown, a spokesperson for East Bay Housing Organizations, which represents nonprofit builders. Its many, many decades and centuries in the making. Building housing takes time, especially in areas like ours where there are not just wide open lots that you can drive large equipment up to and start digging to build one house. David Garcia, the policy director at UC Berkeleys Terner Center for Housing Innovation, said the proposal was a big deal. It wasnt that long ago when Berkeley wasnt considered the most forward-thinking on housing, he said. But he added that its crucial these policies dont jeopardize existing housing. Outreach to residents is key, he said. Its important to be thoughtful about these decisions because they cannot be easily reversed, Garcia said. Creating such a significant change of land use in such a large part of the city is going to involve a lot of planning and critical thinking on how to ensure the best policy outcome. Youre going to want to make sure the policy itself does result in the kind of housing city leadership wants to see. Eliminating single-family zoning is changing a status quo that has long favored wealthy, white property owners, and opposition can often stall change, said Jassmin Poyaoan, the director of the Community Economic Justice Clinic at East Bay Community Law Center. She said local, state and federal officials have to focus on shifting a culture and mind-set around housing policies that focuses on housing is a human right. She emphasized that policy changes must focus on creating housing for very low-income residents, protecting rent-controlled units and fortifying tenant protections. This includes Berkeleys future efforts to allow fourplexes. But change is coming. Recently, the Berkeley council approved rezoning the Adeline Street corridor and even added an extra floor of height to what builders could do there. The plan allows 1,450 new housing units, about half for low-income families in an area that was once a thriving Black, working-class community, but has become increasingly white as the high cost of housing has driven out many families. Officials are now trying to undo that. I think its really easy to look at racism and injustice in other cities and other places, but it takes a lot more courage, introspection and vulnerability to look at the mistakes that weve made in these areas, Taplin said. We have to really take an honest look at our shortcomings and be open to changes that might make us uncomfortable. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: SarRavani NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("Restaurant Brands" or the "Company") (NYSE: QSR) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and docketed under 21-cv-00148, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants who purchased or otherwise acquired Restaurant Brands securities between April 29, 2019 and October 28, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). If you are a shareholder who purchased Restaurant Brands securities during the Class Period, you have until February 19, 2021, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Restaurant Brands is one of the world's largest restaurant chains with over 27,000 Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories as of December 31, 2019. On April 24, 2018, Restaurant Brands announced a new strategy designed to improve performance within the Company's Tim Hortons brand. Specifically, the "Winning Together Plan" would focus on three key pillars: restaurant experience; product excellence; and brand communications. On March 20, 2019, Restaurant Brands announced "Tims Rewards"a new loyalty program for Tim Hortons customers in Canada. Under the Tims Rewards program, customers would be eligible for a free hot brewed coffee, hot tea, or baked good after every seventh paid visit to a participating Tim Hortons restaurant. On April 10, 2019, Restaurant Brands announced that it was expanding the Tims Rewards program to include customers in the U.S. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants repeatedly touted the implementation and execution of the Company's Winning Together Plan and Tims Rewards loyalty program. On the heels of the Company touting the benefits of these initiatives, the Company completed two stock offerings on or about August 12, 2019, and September 5, 2019, collectively resulting in proceeds of approximately $3 billion to insiders. This Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about the Company's business and operations. Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company's Winning Together Plan was failing to generate substantial, sustainable improvement within the Tim Hortons brand; (ii) the Tims Rewards loyalty program was not generating sustainable revenue growth as increased customer traffic was not offsetting promotional discounting; and (iii) as a result, Defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. On October 28, 2019, mere weeks after the offerings were completed, investors learned the truth about Tim Hortons' hyped growth initiatives when the Company announced disappointing financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019. Specifically, Defendants acknowledged that "results at Tim Hortons were not where we want them to be with global comparable sales dipping into negative territory" and admitted that "discounting [associated with Tims Rewards] is slightly more than offsetting the traffic levels, which is causing a little bit of softness in sales." On this news, the price of Restaurant Brands common shares declined $2.59 per share, or approximately 4%, from a close of $68.45 per share on October 25, 2019, to close at $65.86 per share on October 28, 2019. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MotoArt announced their newest PlaneTag, a special edition created from the first Super Guppy Turbine (SGT) aircraft. The SGT was a large cargo aircraft which was used to transport outsized components. The SGT and its predecessors, the Super Guppy and Pregnant Guppy, were designed by Aero Spacelines specifically for moving Saturn rocket components for NASA and were invaluable to the success of the Apollo and Gemini Space Programs. Before the Guppy aircraft, transporting oversized rockets and components across the United States to Cape Canaveral, Florida, could only be done by sea. This process took over two weeks and often damaged the equipment. With the Guppies' help, transporting large pieces of machinery could be done safely in just a matter of hours. The first Super Guppy Turbine F-BTGV Super Guppy Turbine PlaneTags by MotoArt The first Super Guppy Turbine, serial number 0001 registered as F-BTGV (formerly N211AS), was one of four SGTs ever built. It flew for Airbus Industrie for over 26 years before retirement in 1996. It remained at Bruntingthorpe Airfield & Proving Ground, Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire, England for many years. It was destined for scrapping in December 2020, but with the help of South Wales Aviation Museum, MotoArt was able to obtain part of the fuselage and preserve it in the form of PlaneTags. The cockpit will ultimately be restored and put on display by SWAM. "We are honored to have the opportunity to work with the Super Guppy Turbine and the South Wales Aviation Museum while further accomplishing MotoArt's 20 year mission to preserve aviation history," stated MotoArt owner Dave Hall. The special edition Super Guppy Turbine PlaneTags are available at planetags.com . PlaneTags are highly sought after by aviation enthusiasts and aircraft memorabilia collectors. In addition to Super Guppy Turbine PlaneTags, the company expects to release about 20 additional noteworthy commercial and military aircraft by the end of the year. About the company: For nearly 20 years MotoArt has rescued aircraft destined for scrapping and has used them to create some of the most iconic aviation furniture and decor, as well as PlaneTags . PlaneTags are created from the fuselage of notable aircraft, such as the SR-71 and other retired military or commercial planes, and are preserved in a way that honors their memory and allows everyone the chance to enjoy and own a small part of the great art of aviation. PlaneTags can be collected, displayed, or used as luggage tags or keychains. Located in Torrance, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, California, the company is proud to be a part of the local aviation and aerospace community. Dave Hall Owner, MotoArt (310) 483-7783 21809 S Western Ave. Torrance, CA 90501 [email protected] SOURCE MotoArt PlaneTags Related Links http://planetags.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. Washington A new Republican group is buying TV ads and billboards in Central New York to thank Rep. John Katko for voting to impeach former president Donald Trump. The ads are part of a $1 million national ad campaign paid for by the anti-Trump Republican Accountability Project. The group said Friday the ads will appear over the next month in the states and districts of the 10 Republican House members and seven GOP senators who voted to impeach and convict Trump. Digital billboards in the Syracuse area thanking Katko for defending the Constitution started to appear Friday in two locations near the New York State Fairgrounds at Interstate 690 and State Fair Boulevard. Television ads thanking Katko will begin airing across New York next week, appearing Monday through Friday on Fox and Friends and on commentator Sean Hannitys Fox News channel show. Katko, R-Camillus, was the only Republican in New Yorks House delegation who voted to impeach Trump for inciting insurrection in the Jan. 6 mob attack on the U.S. Capitol. Five people died in the violence. Representative Katko had a choice, an announcer says in the new TV ad. He could look the other way and pretend it didnt happen, or he could stand up and say, This could never happen again. Thank you Representative Katko for upholding your oath to the Constitution and for protecting our country. Watch the TV ad Katko is facing growing pushback from some of his Republican and Conservative Party supporters over the impeachment vote. The Cayuga County Republican Committee plans to consider a censure resolution or other punishment against Katko when it meets Saturday. Last week, a group of about 40 GOP and conservative donors and political leaders met privately at Strada Mia 313 in Syracuse to discuss whether to continue supporting Katko or to back a primary opponent. Katko has said he and his family have been the targets of vitriol and nastiness from Trump supporters since the impeachment vote. Sarah Longwell, executive director of the Republican Accountability Project, said its ad campaign will help counter some of the critics. These Republicans chose to do the right thing and abide by the oaths they took to the Constitution, Longwell said. Theyre going to get a lot of criticism and maybe even threats for that choice, but we want them to know that there are a lot of Republicans who support them, too, and who appreciate their integrity. The Republican Accountability Project is chaired by Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative who founded the Weekly Standard and served in the administrations of former GOP presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. The groups directors, Elizabeth Neumann and Olivia Troye, both served in the Trump administration. MORE ON REP. JOHN KATKO GOP, Conservative leaders discuss ditching John Katko over impeachment vote Katko: GOP is bigger than Trump, must embrace other views to survive John Katko has preached bipartisanship in Congress for years. That may finally pay off Capitol riots left cops bloodied, ragged and shell shocked, Katko says Katko among 11 House Republicans who vote to rebuke Marjorie Taylor Greene Katko: US Capitol attack was much worse than people realized Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 The nasal spray, Taffix, coats the inside of the nose to stop the infection in its tracks and creates a more acidic environment for viruses like Covid-19 to survive A readily-available nasal spray may have prevented Jews from catching Covid at a religious festival in Israel last year, a study has suggested. The 51 spray, sold in a pack of four, called Taffix, is said to coat the inside of the nose in an acidic powder that makes it difficult for viral particles to penetrate. The densely populated city of Bney Brak, four miles (6.3km) east of Tel Aviv, saw its infection rate soar from 18 per cent of the population to 28 per cent following the Jewish new year last September. But among a small group of Orthodox Jews who were given the nasal spray, which is available in the UK on Amazon, none contracted the disease. Makers of the nasal spray, Nasus Pharma, along with scientists from the University of Haifa and the University of Virginia looked at 243 people in total for the research. Of the 81 worshippers who agreed and used the spray correctly every five hours, none got infected. In the rest of the group, 16 did, including two who didn't follow the proper dosing regimen. Despite not being subject to the same rigour as a controlled scientific study, it provides one of the largest real-world tests of the sprays - which some scientists believe could play an important role in fighting the pandemic. However, the researchers warned the nasal spray is not a substitution for face masks or social isolation and should be used as an 'addition'. Jewish worshippers pray in an outdoor synagogue amid the pandemic ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, on September 17, 2020 in Bnei Brak, Israel Taffix is available to buy on Amazon and from the company's website with a box of four nasal sprays, each containing around 200 pumps, costing 51. It recommends people 'use a few minutes prior to entering public spaces' and claims to block 97 per cent of airborne viruses in the nasal cavity - the air-filled space inside the nose. Public health officials grew increasingly concerned about the risk of Covid last September when the Rosh Hashanah holiday approached. Covid cases are now spreading fastest among primary school children and young adults Coronavirus is now spreading the most among primary school children and young people, according to the results of the surveillance study. The data from Imperial College London's REACT study showed that prevalence fell across all age groups. But Covid is now most prevalent among five- to twelve-year-olds and those aged 18 to 24, with around 0.85 per cent of everyone swabbed in those age groups testing positive. For comparison, the rate was around 0.3 per cent for the over-65s. Experts warn that reopening schools would need to be done 'carefully' in light of the study data. The relatively high number of children still attending school could be behind the high frequency in young people, it was suggested, the Guardian reports. Advertisement They were particularly concerned about the Orthodox Jewish community. CEO of Nasus Pharma Dalia Megiddo told The Times: 'This is a community that has different priorities and values. 'Although the government tried to explain and to enlist opinion leaders, it was very clear they were going to go to the synagogue come what may. So we said, OK, this is going to be a super-spreader event.' Dr Megiddo enlisted the help of her colleagues and got in touch with the rabbi in Bney Brak to offer their spray at what was considered a 'super-spreader event'. Dr Megiddo also said the volunteers could have been more diligent with hygiene while using the spray but said it was unlikely this could fully explain the findings. Meanwhile scientists at the University of Birmingham have been developing a nasal spray - which is currently unnamed - since April last year. The nasal spray is made from ingredients already approved for medical use, meaning it does not need any further approval for use. Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph last month, lead researcher Dr Richard Moakes said he is confident the spray could help lift social distancing restrictions and reopen schools. He added: 'As an over the shelf product, we have spoken to companies with a presence on the high street as we think they could distribute it effectively. 'Our goal is to make an impact as soon as possible, we would really like to see this happen by summer.' The spray prevents infection by capturing the virus in the nose and coating it. This means the virus cannot escape and renders the it inactive and harmless. The researchers believe using the spray four times a day will be enough for general protection. However, it is safe enough to be applied every 20 minutes if required, for example, if a user is in a high-risk environment. Jewish men and women suffered the highest death rates in the first wave of the pandemic in Britain Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found the rate of past infection in London's ultra-Orthodox Jewish community was 64 per cent The news comes after it was revealed that a virus lab at St Peter's hospital, Surrey, announced they were trialling a spray which could kill 99.9% of the virus. The SaNOtize Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) is designed to kill the virus in the upper airways. This stops the virus from incubating in the lungs, according to the NHS. It was developed by SaNOtize Research and Development Corp. based in Vancouver, Canada. In independent lab tests, they proved it was 99.9 per cent effective in killing the virus. Entire basis of ultra-Orthodoxy is communal gatherings While the researchers insist the reasons behind such high rates of infection are unclear, others suggest crowded housing and socio-economic deprivation as possible causes. Ultra-Orthodox families have significantly larger households than the UK average - with five to six individuals per house compared to a UK average of 2.3 - and tend to live in areas of increased population density. Communal events and gatherings were regularly attended in pre-pandemic times, though there have been a number of high-profile breaches in recent weeks, too. Israel Frey, an ultra-Orthodox journalist who has been critical of the community's response to the pandemic, told the Jerusalem Post he does not see 'even a gram' of introspection or change in direction in the leadership's attitude to the crisis. He added: 'Ultra-Orthodoxy in 2021 is about the energy of communal gatherings and celebrations: everyone being together. 'That is what sustains ultra-Orthodoxy its entire basis is communal gatherings.' Last week also saw the death of two of the most senior and revered ultra-Orthodox rabbis in the world - Rabbi Meshulam David Soloveitchik, 99, and Rabbi Yitzhak Scheiner, 98 - both of whom had previously being diagnosed with the virus. A number of other religious leaders have fallen victim to Covid in Israel and the US, with funerals attended by thousands despite restrictions on gatherings, the JP reports. Advertisement Pankaj Sharma, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Research at Royal Holloway, said: 'Any intervention for treating coronavirus the virus responsible for Covid-19 is to be welcomed. 'The fact that a relatively easy and simple nasal spray could be an effective treatment is welcome news and offers a significant advance in our therapeutic armoury against this devastating disease.' It comes as two-thirds of London's ultra-Orthodox Jewish community had Covid last year - nine times the national average and around 0.3 per cent of those infected died, a study has shown. Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found the rate of past infection was at 64 per cent in the community of around 15,000 people. This compares to rates of 11 per cent in London more generally and just seven per cent across the UK, according to estimates by the Office for National Statistics. Suspected infections in the community peaked in early March, just before the first lockdown, when rates then began to fall sharply, before rising again in the autumn once restrictions were lifted. The researchers say the reasons for such high rates of infection are unclear, but crowded housing and deprivation are thought to be contributing factors. Ultra-Orthodox families have significantly larger households than the UK average - with five to six individuals per house compared to a UK average of 2.3 - and tend to live in areas of increased population density. Communal events and gatherings were regularly attended in pre-pandemic times, though there have been a number of high-profile breaches in recent weeks, too. Israel Frey, an ultra-Orthodox journalist who has been critical of the community's response to the pandemic, told the Jerusalem Post he does not see 'even a gram' of introspection or change in direction in the leadership's attitude to the crisis. He added: 'Ultra-Orthodoxy in 2021 is about the energy of communal gatherings and celebrations: everyone being together. 'That is what sustains ultra-Orthodoxy its entire basis is communal gatherings.' Last month also saw the death of two of the most senior and revered ultra-Orthodox rabbis in the world - Rabbi Meshulam David Soloveitchik, 99, and Rabbi Yitzhak Scheiner, 98 - both of whom had previously being diagnosed with the virus. A number of other religious leaders have fallen victim to Covid in Israel and the US, with funerals attended by thousands despite restrictions on gatherings, the JP reports. It comes after the Mayor of Hackney has called on Orthodox Jews to stop holding massive weddings after a string of events breaking lockdown rules emerged. Police broke up a 150-strong gathering in Stamford Hill, north London, at a strict Orthodox Charedi Jewish school last month. Guests fled from the wedding held at Yesodey Hatorah Senior Girls School when police arrived at around 9.15pm, where some had covered up windows and closed gates to hide the celebrations. The school's former principal, Rabbi Avroham Pinter, died from coronavirus last spring, according to the Jewish News. The publication also claims that at least 50 illegal Orthodox weddings have happened during lockdown. The LSHTM study invited more than 1,750 people in the community to complete a demographic and medical information survey and provide a blood sample between November and early December 2020, which was then tested for antibodies. Blood samples from 1,242 individuals were collected, with an overall infection rate was of 64%, one of the highest recorded anywhere in the world. During the research, 697 people (37.5%) reported an illness they thought was consistent with COVID-19. There were clear peaks in reported illness consistent with the first and second waves of the virus in the UK. A total of 16 (0.9%) individuals reported hospitalisation for COVID-19 and a further three individuals were reported to have died of COVID-19. Dr Michael Marks, who co-led the LSHTM study, said: 'Our work has revealed the extremely high rates of infection in this very interconnected population. 'Working in tandem with the community we are conducting further work to understand the potential factors involved. These findings could support potential new interventions that may help reduce infection in the community.' Ethnic and religious minorities have been disproportionately affected by Covid throughout the pandemic, with deprivation, reduced ability to work from home and larger household sizes all thought to be contributing factors. Researchers add that while attention in the UK has largely focused on the Afro-Caribbean and South Asian populations, data from Public Health England shows other minority groups have also been severely affected. Jewish men aged over 65 years were found to have a rate of death twice as high as Christians, even after adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Mr Marks said: 'The rates we observed are among the highest reported anywhere in the world to date. 'As our survey was completed by early December 2020, prior to the subsequent surge in cases, it is likely that the overall burden of infection in this community is now even higher. 'Whilst lockdown measures were still very effective at reducing transmission, over the course of 2020 three out of four secondary school aged children and adults were still infected. 'We would very much like to thank the community. It was a privilege to work directly with them, and think this community partnership approach could be a blueprint to further understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on other groups in the UK.' The Office of the Chief Rabbi was approached for comment. Sexual assault victim Reem al-Hajj describes the journey recovering from her trauma, writes Zaman Al-Wasl. After I was raped in 2010, the most painful thing for me was peoples insistence that I undergo a hymen repair operation to hide the crime committed against me and that I should not talk about the injustice that I had experienced. Of course, I understood that my mother, my lawyer, and my friends were saying this so that I forget what has happened and that life goes on. I lived in Syrian society, a society of appearances that are rotten underneath. I know what it means to be raped in the Arab world, and I know the corruption of this country and the extent of hatred against women in it. I know the extent of injustice and tyranny against me and against my sisters, and how everything that we experience is used against us. There is no logic, justice, fairness, truth, or moral law that accepts this. But because I know this does not mean I accept it or accept taking part in the injustice directed towards myself. Just as I rejected the injustice against my mother from her family and environment, I also rejected the injustice that has befallen other women. I had decided then that if no one would stand by me, I would stand by myself. And indeed, because I stood with truth and against social corruption, I was able, in a few months, to overcome the pain of the incident. I was and am still fair to myself. I healed myself, and I learned to acknowledge the truth and stand proudly as a person full of life, strength, and hope despite everything that has happened. I faced this indignity and did not allow it to make me doubt the value of myself, the importance of my life, the necessity of my voice, and my thinking. I stand against the crime that was committed against me, and most importantly, I reject any blame for anothers crime against me. For this, with truth and awareness and without any hesitation, I answered my mother, when she asked me if I was going to undergo the operation: If it is marriage you are worried about, if it is with a corrupt and unjust person who would blame me for my misfortune, I do not want it at all. If I cannot share with my husband one of the most difficult experiences of my life, I do not want such a husband. I want a partner with whom I can share the laughter and the tears, the joy, and the sadness. Someone to stand by me So no, a thousand times no, I will not go through this operation to hide such a crime I am who I am and I will not change for anyone. Sexual assault is a painful traumatic experience, but it gave me a new and clear insight into the corruption around me. Freedom was, and still is for me, freedom from corruption, from disease, and from the Syrian and Arab social dogma. Freedom is also freedom of justice and thought, freedom of the path to truth, and the path to a better future despite all circumstances. Through my freedom, a few months after the incident in 2010, I reconciled with the idea that I will not be able to build a happy and healthy life in such an environment. Of course, at that time I thought that I would be spending my whole life in Syria because I was not financially able to go abroad. And yet, I lived with tolerance and love towards myself, and fairness towards everyone else, both men and women. I did not allow a sick criminal to distort my image. Since the age of 21, I have been an intellectually independent person who lived on the principle of freedom. The crime itself is just that, a crime, which demands punishment for the criminal, not the victim. The truth is clear. Do not believe anyone who tells you that you are just a victim or a survivor of rape. Do not allow anyone to convince you that you are just a reaction to a crime. You are not broken, you are a whole person, despite and in spite of your experiences. You are thoughts, feelings, strength, weakness, life, and much more. One event does not make up the story of your life. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Korea's National Human Rights Commission welcomed a recent move by the Ministry of Justice seeking to allow undocumented foreign nationals to register their children's births. Gettyimagesbank By Lee Hyo-jin The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) welcomed a recent move by the Ministry of Justice to allow undocumented foreign residents to register their children's births, calling it "the first step in guaranteeing the human rights of all children." The NHRCK said in a statement Thursday that the Ministry's decision will help protect all children, regardless of their nationality, from abuse and mistreatment. Earlier this week, the Ministry announced plans to establish a registration system for non-Korean children born here, in a bid to guarantee their child-related rights and benefits. NEW YORK (AP) In the first television interviews of his post-presidency, Donald Trump repeated his false claims that the election was stolen from him 10 times each instance unprompted and unchallenged. Trump emerged this week for interviews with Fox News Channel, Newsmax and One America News Network tied to the death of Rush Limbaugh. Each network actively appeals to Trump's base conservative audience. And the way the interviews were conducted illustrates how difficult it may be to change the minds of supporters who believe the former president's unfounded narrative. Nearly a month after he left office, Trump drove his point home on each network: "The election was stolen," he told OANN's White House correspondent Jenn Pellegrino. We were robbed. It was a rigged election. "We did win the election, as far as I'm concerned. It was disgraceful what happened," he said to Greg Kelly on Newsmax. "You would have had riots going all over the place if that happened to a Democrat," he said when interviewed by Harris Faulkner and Bill Hemmer on Fox News Channel. At no point did an interviewer interrupt Trump to correct or challenge the claims. He brought up the election grievances six times with Kelly, twice with Pellegrino and twice with the Fox team. The subject didn't come up in a later interview with Fox's Sean Hannity. No interviewer introduced the topic. Except for Kelly, each questioner stuck strictly to the subject of Trump's relationship with Limbaugh. We probably have 100 questions for you, but so many of these are not appropriate for this venue, so we'll keep it on this topic for now, Hemmer said. Hemmer arguably teased the subject, though, when he asked Trump if he had spoken to Limbaugh post-election. Rush thought we won, and so do I, Trump said. So, in fact, do many of his supporters. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll taken between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1 found that 65% of Republicans say that Joe Biden was not legitimately elected president last November. Story continues When Trump supporter Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow, started making election fraud claims in a Newsmax interview on Feb. 2, anchor Bob Sellers interrupted him to read a statement saying that election results in every state were certified and Newsmax accepts the results as legitimate and final. The courts have also accepted that view. When Lindell pressed his claims, Sellers walked off the set. But a day later, Sellers apologized, saying there is no question I could have handled the end of the interview differently. Kelly read no statement about certified election results after Trump's claims. Asked about the exchange, Newsmax spokesman Brian Peterson said, while we believe the former president is entitled to his own opinion on the matter, Newsmax has accepted the election result as final and legal. Only on Fox News was Trump even called a former president on air during his appearances. Kelly referred to President Trump and Joe Biden. A lot of people are in awe of you, and I am one of those people, Kelly told Trump. Television ratings from last week's impeachment trial starkly indicate the extent to which Trump supporters resist news that shakes their world view. Trump fans weren't much interested in the trial, anyway, but during coverage of the second day of the impeachment managers' argument to convict Trump, Fox News Channel's audience was only 815,000, the Nielsen company said. The next day, when Trump's lawyers offered their defense, Fox's audience more than doubled to 2.21 million, Nielsen said. CNN and MSNBC, which appeal to more liberal audiences, had differences, too, but not to that extent. MSNBC had 3 million viewers for the second day of prosecution, and 2.67 million for Trump's defense. CNN's audience went from 2.87 million to 2.54 million. Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, in a statement this week explaining his vote in favor of Trump's conviction, spoke about the need for Americans to accept the truth. There is one untruth that divides that nation today like none other, he said. It is that the election was stolen, that there was a massive conspiracy, more secret and widespread than any in human history, so brilliant in execution that no evidence can be found of it and no observer among the tens of thousands in our intelligence agencies will speak of it. Now, post-impeachment, it falls on everyone to affirm Biden's election, he said. The division in America will only begin to heal in the light of this truth, Romney said. Ever wonder what school board members are saying in private about parents with kids in schools unhappy about the forever-COVID school closings? An unwitting Zoom recording from the Oakley School Board of Contra Costa County, in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area, cleared the air on that: That was a Zoom school board meeting they thought was private, but actually, was full of parents. Reason magazine picked out some of the money quotes: "They want their babysitters back," Lisa Brizendine, a trustee of Oakley Union Elementary School District, told her colleagues during a pre-meeting session that they believed was not open to the public. School board member Kim Beede mentioned a negative interaction with some frustrated parents? a frustrated parent, then described her own mindset: "Bitch, if you are going to call me out, I am going to fuck you up." Another member of the board theorized that parents want their kids to go back to school so they can spend the day getting high. According to ABC7, that third guy was one Richie Masada, who doesn't seem to have any social media presence: Board member Richie Masadas implies on the call that parents just want their kids back in school so they can sit home and smoke pot. He says when your kids are home there is no more Friday. "My brother had a delivery service for medical marijuana and he delivered to parents while their kids were at school," Masadas said. Other members can be heard laughing. According to the East County Times' reading: This prompted a "right" from the other board members with Masadas talking about his brother having a delivery service for medical marijuana and clientele with their kids in school which again, prompted laughs from the board with one board member calling it "awesome". Masadas continued saying "when you have your kids at home, no more Friday" and began quoting from the movie Friday "smoke dog[.]" Wow. Just wow. They not only mocked parents behind their backs, but seemed to bond together as they did it. Then the giggling stopped as the board slowly realized that their Zoom meeting was public, not private. The "babysitter" woman, board president Lisa Brizendine, tried to backtrack after their hilarity, spouting political pieties, but it was too late. The cat was out of the bag. They really, really, really hate parents, and obviously, they despise students. They have an amazingly cold spot for people who want schools to re-open and want them to shut up and go away. Their message was to just leave them to their lucrative bunny-slipper hog wallow because the schools are going to remain closed forever, just as the teachers' unions would like. Parent Rebecca MacKowiak started a Change.org petition to get rid of these people (apparently since closed off, but reportedly drawing 2,000 signatures in the district of 5,000 as of Thursday), writing: On 02/17/2021 at 4pm the Oakley Unified Elementary School District Board of Trustees held a meeting online. Before the start of the meeting the board members were speaking to each other as parents logged on. They did not realize they were being broadcast and that the public could hear them. During that time board members decided to speak in a VERY disrespectful way about parents in the school district, including using profanity, speaking about parents using marijuana, and that parents just wanted their babysitters back. Parents were tuned in to learn if we will be sending our kids back to school soon and if not, why. There has been a lack of communication from the board and this was the first communication we heard. A recall would cost the district money that should be going to the kids. I am asking that the board members to resign immediately due to their egregious behavior. They should no longer represent the parents, teachers, and children in this school district. School board president Lisa Brizendine did resign a few hours ago, one step ahead of that Change.org petition, which, if it went on, would likely end up with some stratospheric and newsworthy total. School boards, which are typically elected but not typically paid attention to much by voters, in California, at least, tend to be creatures of the teachers' unions. Who is Lisa Brizendine? Well, according to Voter's Edge, a voter election guide, she's not very academic, having majored in "liberal studies" from Cal State Chico and getting her two master's degrees in topics like "cross cultural studies" from matchbox for-profit universities with no competitive admissions. She first won election to her seat in 2016, defeating an incumbent and another candidate with 50.7% of the vote. She was the only one who was unioned up. She's endorsed by: Here's Lisa Brizendine's political statement, complete with a Freudian slip (emphasis mine): Students should be at the forefront of all of our decision making as a board as their needs should always come first. The teachers and staff are the backbone of the schools and their commitment to their students should never be underscored, they are amazing, caring and essential members of the school community. Additionally, for the future of our students, access to technology and cutting edge instructional resources needs to be explored to ensure that our students are college and career ready. I am a candidate for the Oakley School Board because I felt the call to serve the students, employees and parents of the Oakley community. There is not currently a teacher on the board and I feel that a teacher who understands Oakley and the dynamics could have a positive impact on the decisions made by the board. As a former Oakley teacher, I am in a unique position to serve in this capacity because I understand the issues that Oakley faces. I also personally know many teachers, aides and other classified staff and know their commitment to their students and families which is often overlooked by the administration in Oakley. Yeah, we know, Lisa. Nobody'd underscore teachers caring about students, because based on your hot-mic moment, they don't. As for the other two, Beebe seems to be someone with thug instincts. She might be a masseuse and 30-year housewife if this LinkedIn page is the same person, which seems incongruous. Her personality doesn't suggest a masseuse anyone would enjoy going to. And Masadas? He seems to have a pretty strong knowledge of all things marijuana not just the "medical marijuana" industry, but the pop culture around movies centered on smoking pot. No social media presence, which raises a few questions as to why. Thus far, they haven't resigned, but the pressure will be on them to do it. It's not known if they took teachers' union money, but based on the political power structure in California, it seems that everyone takes teachers' union money if he wants to win any elections. Californians remember how Marshall Tuck, a teachers' union foe and champion of charter schools, was demonized by teachers' unionfinanced ads in 2014 and 2018 in the state superintendent of education campaigns. The spending in those campaigns dwarfed what was spent in the gubernatorial election. And who represents Oakley in Congress? That's Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), who has been blasted by local Republicans at least for being in the pocket of the teachers' unions. In fact, three teachers unions donated $139,056 to him, according to Union Facts, which added up amount to his largest donor from a field of 67 unions. He has said nothing, not criticizing the school board and certainly not pressuring the teachers' unions. OpenSecrets ranks him as #15 in Congress for taking teachers' union cash and #3 in California, behind only Sacramento valley's Rep. John Garamendi, whose 9th District abuts Oakley's McNerney's 3rd, as well as northeast-ofLos Angeles Rep. Judy Chu. And that might mean something. Brizendine resigned, not because she was sorry, but because someone knew that those remarks were trouble. The call for all of them to get thrown out is continuing, and it's not merely Republicans making the call. School reopenings are becoming a fiercely bipartisan issue, with even the Los Angeles Times editorial page blasting the teachers' unions. Maybe that has to do with the fact that Oakley, long a solid blue district, has been tracking, from the perspective of Democrats, dangerously red. McNerney's district has been fanatically Democrat for decades, pulling in upwards of 88% or so of voters except in the last election, where Democrats drew in just 57% of the vote, which is a significant slide. Now we have these charmers, weirdos on a local school board, saying what they all must be saying in private about their hatred of parents and students...and they got found out. If this is what it takes to rouse voters, to pull support for the public school racket and start electing representatives not in the teachers' union pockets, transparency of this kind is a good thing. Image: Screen shot from "Anonymous" on shareable YouTube. A fire-breathing performer who has had $20,000 of procedures to look like a dragon including carving scales into his arms and tattooing his eyeballs is determined to become the most modified person in the world. Joshua Burns, 30, from Vancouver, Canada, who goes by his surname, began his journey aged 19 when he had his tongue cosmetically split in two. Since then, the performance artist and reptile seller has had his earlobes cropped and ears shaped to appear pointed, dyed his tongue purple and inserted silicone 'horns' into his forehead. Joshua Burns, 30, from Vancouver, Canada, has had $20,000 of procedures to look like a dragon. He is pictured in full dragon makeup Burns is pictured here before his transformation which has involved several painful surgeries Burns' back tattoo, which took 51 hours is pictured left and right. It was also his most expensive inking Burns after having his ears pointed which involved stitching together the ends of his ears to form a point Burns showing off his arm scars with tattoos. He says that this is the most painful of the procedures he has had done He also has thousands of pounds worth of tattoos the most intricate of which took 51 hours to complete and wants to get his penis and gums inked, too. His girlfriend, Tristan Risk, 40, is completely supportive of his plans to push his transformation even further. Burns said: 'I want to be 100 per cent covered as a dragon, and beat all the world records out there for the most modifications and tattoos. But I also want to look aesthetically pleasing. 'I'm liking where I'm at currently but every time I get another tattoo or another modification, I feel more confident and happier - and it helps with my career.' In 2017, he even had scarification done, which involved using a scalpel to cut out sections of the skin and form a scale design (pictured) Burns is pictured after having his arms scarred - which he said was three times more painful that having a tattoo done Burns has also had his eyeballs inked (pictured), which cost him $1000 CAD (580), but he said it wasn't painful 'Obsessed' with reptiles since he was a child, Burns began working at carnivals as a teenager, eventually moving on to become a juggler and street performer. By his late teens, sporting a Mohawk haircut and several piercings, he already had an alternative look which his parents hoped would be a phase. But soon after he left home aged 18, he got his first tattoo a dragon heart design on his chest. Then, when he made a friend in the juggling community who had their tongue split, he was fascinated. He said: 'I saw it and immediately thought, 'I want that' because reptiles have split tongues too. I didn't see any downside to having it. 'I already had all these piercings, so it wasn't that far-fetched for me.' Burns is pictured as his onstage persona Burns the Dragon showing off his split tongue Burns (pictured showing off his split tongue) is determined to become the most modified person in the world So, in 2009, aged 19, Burns was introduced to a body modification artist - who has done the majority of his procedures - paying $500 CAD (283) to have his tongue split. 'I absolutely loved it when it was finished,' he said. 'I felt like I was becoming the person I was meant to be.' Soon after, Burns and his fellow forked-tongue friend travelled around the USA in a camper van and landed a gig at a 'freakshow-themed drag show' - which inspired him to learn more jaw-dropping tricks. So, in 2009, aged 19, Burns was introduced to a body modification artist and started having more work done. Pictured before his transformation Now, his performances involve him breathing fire, walking on glass, putting nails up his nose and suspending himself from metal hooks that pierce through his skin. And as his act has become more extreme, so has his appearance. Between the ages of 21 and 26, Burns got at least one body modification procedure and large tattoo a year, including having his eyeballs inked, which cost him $1,000 CAD (580). In 2017, he even had scarification done, which involved using a scalpel to cut out sections of the skin and form a scale design. Burns and Tristan are pictured here in one of their more outlandish looks together Burns with one of his snakes. He has four in total that live with him at the home he shares with his girlfriend Burns the Dragon is pictured breathing fire onstage during one of his crazy performances 'I didn't have any anaesthetic - it was about three times as painful as a tattoo. I livestreamed it so I had to keep it together,' he joked. 'I've also had my eyeballs tattooed. They injected the purple dye in a little spot, and then it spread around my eyeballs. 'I needed ten shots in total to get it right. I have a different relationship to pain than most people because of my work, so it wasn't too bad for me. 'It is hard to explain, but it felt like an eyelash stuck in my eye. Burns showing off his arm scars which he had done to imitate the look of a snake's scales Burns is pictured during his skin hook act which involves being lifted off the ground by a rope attached to his back skin 'I was most nervous about getting this done, because if anything did go wrong, I was risking my eyesight. 'So far, it has been absolutely fine though - I need reading glasses now but I don't think that has anything to do with the tattoos.' However, not all procedures have gone to plan. He continued: 'When I had my ear cropped, I wanted a jagged effect, like a dragon. 'But when it healed, the points rounded out, which wasn't quite what I was going for. I might get them tattooed to look more pointed at some point. It's hard to know how the human body is going to react.' On another occasion, Burns lost one of his silicone horns when his broken glass act went awry in 2015. 'At the end of my act, I'd put my face in the glass and ask a gentleman weighing around 200 pounds (14st) to stand on my head,' he explained. His girlfriend, Tristan Risk, 40, is completely supportive of his plans to push his transformation even further (pictured together) 'It was a new glass kit and my face slipped slightly, cutting open my horn, which then popped out. 'I had to get it stitched up and couldn't get it put back in for 18 months, which was really upsetting. I was a unicorn rather than a dragon.' Unsurprisingly, Burns' look gathers attention when he is out and about. Used to strangers pointing and staring, he said: 'I don't take it personally - I made the choice to look this way, so it's only natural people would be curious. 'If people make nasty comments, I don't really care about the views of anyone who doesn't respect me. What is important to me is that I'm happy.' In 2020, he set up a YouTube channel, Burns the Dragon TV, where he talks about his procedures and interviews other body modification enthusiasts. Burns' ear cropping, before and after, which involves removing sections of the earlobe to create a jagged shape In August last year, he even got a chip implanted in his hand costing $300 CAD (170) which, if scanned by someone's phone, takes them to his page. 'It can store 500MB of data on there, Bitcoin currency, and you can even use them to unlock doors,' he explained. 'It works using the same technology as the chips in contactless cards. It's the future.' Next, Burns would like to continue adding to his vast tattoo collection, which currently includes wings on his back and scales on his forearms. Pandemic restrictions permitting, he hopes to travel to Ottawa-Gatineau Capital City Ink Fest a tattoo convention in the Canadian capital for a 70-hour session. One day, he even wants to tattoo his genitals and get silicone 'scale' implants in his arms, which he thinks will allow him to charge more for his performances. He concluded: 'I don't think I'll ever stop getting body modifications - new ones come out all the time, so I don't want to limit myself. But I want them to look good too. Burns is pictured here doing his staple trick where he pushes staples into his own head Burns is pictured doing a nose trick where he pushes a rod through post of his nostrils One of Burns' biggest supporters is his girlfriend Tristan known by her stage name Little Miss Risk (pictured together) 'People in the body modification community are awesome. Some assume we might steal from them because of how we look - but actually we're probably the most likely to help an old lady cross the road. 'We aren't bad people. In fact, we're some of the most genuine people you'll meet, because we aren't afraid to express our true selves.' And one of Burns' biggest supporters is his girlfriend Tristan known by her stage name Little Miss Risk who he met backstage at a performance six years ago, and now shares a home, four six-foot snakes and a lizard with. Though at one time, she had 'one of the smallest waists in Canada' - 16.5ins -due to corsetry training, the only body modification procedure she has had is a chip in her hand too. Burns and Tristan backstage. They met at a show and now live together with their pet snakes Burns is pictured left and right before having any procedures done to make him look like a dragon However, she is 100 per cent behind her boyfriend's plans. She said: 'I've always had a thing for dragons, so I love it. 'Burns' modifications have kind of become invisible to me because I'm so used to them. 'It always strikes me as unusual when people stare if the two of us go out somewhere, and then I have to remind myself. People are just curious, I get that. 'Everyone should have the right to express themselves and make themselves look on the outside the way they feel on the inside. 'As long as they aren't hurting anyone else, they should do what makes them happy.' An anti-military protester gives a three-finger salute of defiance as he rallies against the Myanmar junta with other demonstrators in Yangon, Feb. 18, 2021. With Myanmars mass anti-coup demonstrations showing no sign of letting up and even drawing more civil servants, the military junta that seized power this month stepped up arrests of protesters on Thursday and attacked journalists covering the rallies. Authorities have arrested, charged, or sentenced 521 people since the coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi and her elected government on Feb. 1, with 44 of them now released, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP Burma). The figure includes top leaders detained in the coup as well as protesters. Security forces are beating reporters with police batons at protest sites while cracking down on demonstrators, with plainclothes officers photographing and tailing reporters covering the rallies, witnesses said. Video journalist Kyaw Zey Win, who was covering a protest in Mandalay, said he was beaten by police and detained even though he identified himself as a member of the media. One of them who dragged me from the scene began beating me, and I fell as another one kicked me, he told RFA. Then, they repeatedly beat my head with batons. They stepped on my face. I covered my face with my hands. After police and soldiers put Kyaw Zey Win in one of their vehicles and asked again where he was from, he repeated that he was a journalist, and then was let go, he said. The entire time, the police and soldiers asked me if I was really a journalist and whether I was going to tarnish their image with my photos, he said. They swore at me the whole time. A freelance journalist from Pathein who declined to give his name for safety reasons said security forces were tailing reporters covering the demonstrations. I noticed some police in plain clothes who followed me home, he said. I also noticed some people on motorbikes circling my house and watching to see if I went out. Myanmar police guard the entrance to the Shwe Kyin Monastery where nationalist monks and alleged pro-military thugs were sheltering from anti-junta protesters in Yangon, Feb. 18, 2021. Credit: RFA They should keep their distance Journalist Myint Kyaw warned all reporters covering the protests to maintain a distance from security forces. They are giving the reporters payback, he said. The authorities dislike the way the media portray them. Journalists should keep their distance from the action so they can avoid any violence. Zaw Htut Lwin, a Mawlamyine-based journalist with the Democratic Voice of Burma, said there are no guarantees for the safety of reporters covering the protests. He noted that Myanmars News Media Law allows journalists to cover protests in line with regulations and forbids security forces from detaining them or confiscating and destroying their recordings. If the militarys State Administration Council wants to act in line with the law, then it needs to comply with these mandates, he said. Only then can there be a guarantee for the security of journalists. If they dont comply, then it will not be safe for us. Major General Zaw Min Tun, deputy minister of information, told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that journalists work should comply with the law. We may limit actions that violate the laws, but we cannot give any guarantee that we will not prosecute journalists, he said. On Feb.14, police arrested five reporters who were covering an incident where security forces fired their guns during a standoff with protests in front of a power station in Myitkyina, capital of Kachin state. The reporters were released the next day. On Wednesday, 15 members of the Myanmar Press Council resigned after the Information Ministry issued a directive urging the media to report news ethically and to avoid inciting public unrest. Schoolteachers demand the release of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during an anti-junta protest in Yangon, Feb. 18, 2018. Credit: RFA Foreign Ministry workers detained Authorities continued to arrest protesters and striking government employees in various cities across the country of 54 million people on Thursday. A dozen government employees, including nine from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who were involved in the nationwide civil disobedience movement, were arrested early Thursday in a rental house they share in the capital Naypyidaw. The whereabouts of more than 30 people arrested in the capital since Monday are still unknown, with some of their relatives threatening to file charges against the military for detaining them for more than the 24 hours that the law allows. About 64 people arrested on Feb. 15 and 27 underage students were released in the evening. Military-run Myawaddy TV said the detainees were all being held at the Naypyidaw jail and a local police headquarters. The father of detainee Thandar Moe said he heard that his daughter was being held at a military security regiment in the capital, but when he went to see her, he was told she wasnt there. We heard from Myawaddy TV that there were a total of 12 girls being detained, he said. Its been four days now. Also on Thursday in Naypyidaw, over 10,000 people staged a morning protest at the Thabyegon roundabout attempting to block the main road to government offices. Security forces later raided the site using water cannons against the demonstrators, arresting some of them. The young women were having a peaceful sit-in protest, and they swooped in from both sides, said a person who was at the scene. Around 30 of them were arrested in three truckloads along with about 70 motorbikes parked nearby. A few cars were also towed away. Despite the arrests, more than 1,000 engineers staged a protest the same day in the capital. Train travel was brought to a near standstill in Mandalay, with most of the railway staff joining protesters instead of going to work. But one railway worker was forced at gunpoint to operate a train even though he lacked a license to do so. Residents said that Chinese-speaking forces were among police and soldiers who raided the residential quarters of striking railway workers on Wednesday. Citizen video taken at the scene and reviewed by RFA shows security forces from a distance amid the sound of weapons being discharged. At one point, someone can be heard saying the first target or the top goal in Mandarin. However, it is not clear from the video who that speaker is and whether he was a Chinese person. Burmese language can also be heard in the video. RFA emailed the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar for information, but did not receive a response. When asked about the presence of Chinese-speaking security forces, deputy regional police commander Maung Maung Aye chastised an RFA reporter for asking a silly question and denied the presence of any Chinese. Meanwhile, Zaw Myint Maung, the second vice-chairman of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and chief minister of Mandalay region, was arraigned Thursday in a Mandalay court for statements the party issued in the wake of the coup that the junta says violate public order. Since his arrest on Feb. 7, he has been detained in Mandalay prison and charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which criminalizes speech that is likely to cause fear or alarm in the public. Past military and quasi-military governments have used the legal provision to penalize critical speech. Workers on motorbikes demand the release of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during an anti-junta protest in Naypyidaw, Feb. 18, 2021. Credit: RFA Trying to resist the junta In Myitkyina, capital of Kachin state, nearly 10,000 people marched around the city to protest against the junta, though about 100 soldiers blocked them from nearing the Myanma Economic Bank and later arrested at least three protesters and the driver of a makeshift motorized trailer. Security forces used loudspeakers to remind people of the dusk-to-dawn curfew, while two other columns of protesters, including government employees, marched along the city streets. In Yangon, tens of thousands of people converged at the Sule Pagoda in downtown Yangon, the Hledan junction near Yangon University, and the Myae Ni Gone junction to rally against the junta as they have done in past days. One column of demonstrators, comprising groups of various ethnic nationalities, marched from the Myae Ni Gone junction to the Chinese, Russian, and Thai embassies and demanded that no assistance be given to the military regime. We are trying to resist the military dictators in our own way, said ethnic Karen woman at the scene. We are all here with common hopes for a common goal. As you all know, the military have always tried to cause dissent among our various ethnic groups. We have to overcome this and build a new union. In Loikaw, capital of Kayah state, nearly 50,000 people took part in protests, including schoolteachers. We are here to condemn the military takeover, said a schoolteacher who declined to be named. We want other government employees to join the movement. We are here for the sake of the younger generations. In Hpa-an, capital of neighboring Kayin state, over 10,000 people took part in protest marches. The arrests and crackdowns on protesters and others prompted the United Kingdom and Canada to announce sanctions against top generals, following on the heels of the U.S. which did the same last week. The UK condemns the military coup and the arbitrary detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political figures, said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in a statement. We, alongside our international allies, will hold the Myanmar military to account for their violations of human rights and pursue justice for the Myanmar people, he said. Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane and Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Feb. 19, 1936 Truck falls onto railroad tracks A 12-ton semi-trailer truck plunged over the side of the Elmhurst Bridge the evening of Feb. 18 and crashed onto the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad tracks below. The trucks driver, Julius Stejakoski, jumped to safety before the trunk went over the edge. Stejakoski told police that he was en route to Binghamton, New York, with a delivery. As he crossed onto the bridge, he said he applied the brakes and one of the front brakes locked, the truck swerved then hit the steel fence and concrete wall. The truck continued and went over the edge and landed on the railroad tracks below. The crash didnt hamper railroad traffic. The truck landed in such a way that made it easy for the crash scene to be cleaned up. The truck and the trailer were destroyed. Fire destroys Hazleton convent Sisters living in the Convent of Mercy of St. Gabriels Church in Hazleton made it out safely when their home caught fire the morning of Feb. 19. The convent was destroyed by the flames. The fire was spotted as the 27 sisters were getting ready for morning prayers at 5:45. As the sisters made it out safely, St. Gabriels rector, Monsignor D.J. Kane, and the Rev. Thomas Monahan entered the convent to collect the sacred vessels from the chapel. The Rev. Edward Lynch checked each of the convents rooms to make sure all the sisters got out safely. After having some trouble arriving on the scene due to icy road conditions, Hazleton firefighters got right to work putting down the fire and making sure it did not spread to the neighboring church and school. Due to the cold temperatures, several firefighters were treated for frostbite. A spokesperson for the Hazleton Fire Department reported that the fire was caused by a defective furnace flue. The loss of the convent was estimated at $60,000. The convent was where the Diocese of Scrantons parochial school system was started back in 1874. At the movies Riff Raff at the Capitol, The Lady Consents at the Riviera, King of the Damned at the Family Theatre, Tough Guy at the Ritz, Sweet Surrender at the State, Splendor at the West Side and Strike Me Pink at the Strand. Bello Shagari, the son of former President Shehu Shagari, says Sheikh Gumi, who is under criticism for meeting bandits, is better than Yor... Bello Shagari, the son of former President Shehu Shagari, says Sheikh Gumi, who is under criticism for meeting bandits, is better than Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo better known as Sunday Igboho. Bello said this on Twitter while reacting to the criticisms levelled against Gumi who has been meeting with bandits and calling on government to address their grievances. The former Presidents grandson described Gumis intervention as grossly misunderstood, adding that what he was doing could improve the insecurity in the country. Bello tweeted, When Sheikh Gumi started his mission, someone told me that the man is likely to be misunderstood. It is happening already. The man may be wrong in his approach, but he started it as a means of intervention, after tired of simply being a critic of the govt and the situation. Instead of being seen as a brave cleric facing these criminals face to face, Sheikh Gumi is seen, by those who misunderstood, as either the northern interest, government agent and sometimes even as criminal himself. He is just a volunteer working on his own. Yes, you can compare Sunday Igoho with Sheikh Gumi in the sense that they are intervening. However, while Sheikh is calling for peace, Sunday is calling for war. The sheikh is not inciting anyone unlike Sunday openly. However, Bellos comment attracted mostly negative comments from many who said it was wrong to compare the two. They argued that while Igboho was fighting bandits, Gumi was negotiating and fraternising with the killers. One is defending his people The other is negotiating with terrorists with RPG #Nonsense, tweeted @amirahassanisa1. @Al_mustaphar tweeted, Your tweet has no sense, he is romanticising with terrorists and you feel he is brave for that? How is he so always able to get where they are situated? Why not share their location with security agencies rather than toasting them? Sometimes I wonder how you all reason. @luvlygbengaakin also responded, Is Igboho negotiating with killers and destroyers? He is fighting criminals. HOLYOKE While the citys energy future looks clean, green and bright, Holyoke Gas & Electric must adapt to new industries, shifts in demand and a strained natural gas supply. The massive dam that reroutes the churning Connecticut River provides Holyoke with a seemingly never-ending supply of clean, hydroelectric abundance. A 33-foot drop caught the attention of 19th-century engineers who exploited the natural anomaly and the Irish laborers who built the dam and canal system. Few paper mills or heavy industry now exist along the three-level canal system. Blocks of brick structures adjacent to the lower level have since been plowed down and readied for future development. James Lavelle, HG&Es general manager, said the city still generates two-thirds of its power from the turbines that spin at the dam complex. Overall, HG&E produces and imports 90% carbon-free energy. We are well positioned with our current energy portfolio to meet current needs, Lavelle said. We got a fairly sizable solar complement as well were pleased with. 1/20/2021 -Holyoke-This is an aerial view of the Holyoke Gas and Electric's Hadley Falls Facility, located on the Holyoke side of the Holyoke Dam. In the foreground is a new solar power array. (Courtesy of Holyoke G&E) Besides the dam and turbines, HG&E draws power from the New York Power Authority and a nuclear source. That helps us get our carbon footprint small from an energy standpoint, he said. The COVID-19 crisis shifted the residential-commercial energy balance as more ratepayers work from home. Lavelle reported a reduction in commercial-industrial use, including natural gas. Typically in the winter months, residential customers would wake up in the morning and turn up the thermostat and use hot water and small appliances. Before leaving for work, consumers would lower the thermostat and turn off the lights. Now, the heat stays cranked up, and lights and computers run all day. Residential use jumped by 5%, while commercial use has dropped 8% to 15%. Were hoping to get through this pandemic quickly, Lavelle said, not only so that we can see the consumption get back to normal, but also for these businesses that are hurting and unable to work on full capacity, particularly the retail and hospitality sector. HG&E plans to monitor the burgeoning marijuana industrys energy needs, especially with several large-scale growing operations coming online in 2021. GTI on Appleton Street and Trulieves 140,000-square-foot complex on Canal Street are significant loads on the grid, Lavelle said. HG&E made infrastructure improvements at both locations to match energy demands. Lavelle expects similar projects as more cannabis businesses open downtown in the next few years. If we have clusters of those, were going to be faced with making upgrades on our distribution system, he said. 1/20/2021 -Holyoke-This is a view inside the Holyoke Gas and Electric's Hadley Falls Facility, located on the Holyoke side of the Holyoke Dam. The facility houses two hydroelectric generating wheels with a total installed capacity of approximately 33 megawatts. (Don Treeger / The Republican) The regions natural gas supply remains squeezed, prompting HG&E to issue a moratorium on commercial and residential connections. HG&E was close to an agreement with Columbia Gas to increase capacity, Lavelle said, but the deal fell through. He added that Columbia Gas cited resistance in neighboring communities to expanded pipeline capacity in the region. Lavelle estimated HG&E has turned down hundreds of residential customers requests to switch to natural gas as a heating source. Instead, potential customers must rely on oil or propane as fuel sources, which burn up to 30% dirtier than natural gas. However, commercial customers continue to partner with HG&E and regional firms to boost the grids solar capabilities. Gary Rome, who built the nations largest Hyundai dealership, praised a partnership with HG&E. He credited the utilitys project expertise and knowledge of energy tax credits to ensure going solar was the right choice. A solar farm with rows of panels dominates a rear parcel adjacent to the dealership off Whiting Farms Road. They (HG&E) held our hand and partnered with us when we were designing and installing the solar array, Rome said. The array does not power the building but creates renewable energy that reduces carbon emissions. Under an agreement with HG&E, the array powers 12 homes in Holyoke and Holyoke Housing Authority properties. The customers get reductions in their electric bills. Rome earns tax credits from the energy the panels produce. Although energy costs factor into Romes business model, remaining in Holyoke was his top priority. He estimated the panels have generated 8 gigawatts of power since their installation a few years ago. Gary Rome, left, owner of a Hyundai auto dealership in Holyoke, stands with operations manager Tim Ferreira outside a solar array on the property in 2017. (The Republican file photo) On the residential side, Holyokes low electric prices remain a selling point for real estate agents. HG&E said residential customers paid $59.93 per month for 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2020. That compares to $79.47 for customers of the South Hadley Electric Light Department and $130.27 for customers paying National Grids fixed default rate, according to HG&E. Erin Brunelle, of Rovithis Realty, helped form Buy Holyoke Now, a consortium of real estate agents, banks and businesses committed to helping individuals and families buy homes in the city. She said energy costs are a consideration for most homebuyers. At least 80% of transactions, the potential buyer asks the seller for a copy of their past 12 months of utility bills, Brunelle said. Its overwhelmingly common for a buyer to be conscious of how their energy bills will affect the affordability of a property. With Holyokes older housing stock, Brunelle recommended homeowners pay for an energy audit to seal up leaks and find additional savings. She added that HG&E offers low-interest loans and other programs to replace aging boilers and hot water heaters. 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 National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine will impose sanctions against MP from the Opposition Platform - For Life faction Viktor Medvedchuk and his wife Oksana Marchenko because of the financing of terrorism (Article 258-5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said during a briefing on Friday. "Sanctions are imposed on all property that Mr. Medvedchuk owns," Danilov said, answering journalists' questions. The NSDC secretary said that the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is investigating criminal proceedings under Article 258-5 (Financing of terrorism), in which the names of both Viktor Medvedchuk and Oksana Marchenko appear. The maximum punishment provided for by the relevant article of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is imprisonment for a term of 10 to 12 years with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years and with confiscation of property. When asked by journalists whether the sanctions will affect the 1+1 television channel, where Marchenko has a stake, Danilov said the sanctions will affect only these shares, they cannot be alienated. The NSDC decision is put into effect by the presidential decree. There is no information about such a decree yet. 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. CBS is making some big moves with their popular NCIS franchise. One spinoff is coming to an end, and another is reportedly in the works. Mark Harmons contract also expires soon, and theres a new report that claims he is ready to leave after season 18. Is the network prepared to say goodbye to its highest-rated show and one of its biggest stars? Mark Harmon and Sean Murray on the set of NCIS | Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images NCIS is ending one spinoff after 7 seasons Back in 2014, NCIS: New Orleans became the second spin-off in the NCIS franchise via a backdoor pilot in the original series. For seven seasons, the series has followed Agent Dwayne Pride (Scott Bakula) and his NOLA team. Its been a big hit for CBS, but the network just confirmed this season will be its last. The network recently announced that the final episode of NCIS: New Orleans will air on Sunday, May 16. In response to the news, Bakula said he was sad that the series was coming to an end. Sad to end our love affair with this phenomenal city but so grateful for all the friends we made along the way, Bakula said. I will miss the music. Big thank you to CBS for seven years. CBS didnt give an official reason why they gave NCIS: New Orleans the ax. According to Deadline, it gets lower ratings than NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles, which could be a contributing factor. Theres also the fact that executive producer Jan Nash and showrunner Christopher Silber will be moving to another NCIS show thats in the works. CBS is reportedly close to greenlighting NCIS: Hawaii As NCIS: New Orleans says goodbye, CBS reportedly has a third spinoff coming. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Nash and Silber will now be the EP and showrunner, respectively, of NCIS: Hawaii. CBS has yet to confirm the new spinoff, but insiders say that the network is close to a direct to series order. They are currently meeting with potential directors for the pilot, and they are reportedly hiring for the writers room. The new show is expected to be shot on location in Hawaii. Scoop: CBS Eyes Fourth #NCIS Series; Latest Spinoff Would Be Set in Hawaii https://t.co/CQKAMUuGaR TVLine.com (@TVLine) February 16, 2021 RELATED: NCIS Season 18: All the Signs Mark Harmons Gibbs Will Finally Retire In addition to the new spinoff, the outlet also claims that season 19 of NCIS is not a sure thing. Because Harmons contract is up after the current season, theres a possibility this could be the end of the flagship series. Insiders claim that when Harmon the shows star and executive producer found out CBS would end NCIS if he left, he started having conversations about making cameos in a handful of episodes if they would renew the show for a 19th season. Is Mark Harmon ready to leave NCIS? As fans know, Harmon originated the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on JAG nearly 20 years ago before he was spun off into his own series NCIS. Harmon is also an EP on the NOLA spinoff, but he isnt involved with NCIS: Los Angeles. With NOLA canceled and his contract on the flagship series coming to an end, this could be an indication that Harmon is ready to leave. This is what sources claim is going on behind the scenes. As recently as 2019, Harmon made it clear that he was not ready to say goodbye to NCIS. But, the 69-year-old did tell People magazine what it would take for the series to come to an end. Ive always thought if theres ever a time where the writers are walking into the room and going I dont know what to do, then I think we all have to look at each other and call it a day, Harmon said during season 16. But were not there yet. Fans will have to wait and see if Harmon renews for another season. With NCIS being the number one show on the network, its hard to believe that they would be quick to end it. But, after 18 seasons and more than 400 episodes, it might finally be the right time to say goodbye. NCIS airs Tuesday nights on CBS. Funding has been granted for two new mainstream classrooms in Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon. The funding was announced for the additional classrooms with en suite toilets by Minister for Education, Norma Foley, and welcomed by her colleague, Minister of State, Frank Feighan. The Minister of State, Frank Feighan said he was delighted to see the much-needed extra classroom provision for Scoil Mhuire to accommodate the increasing number of pupils and complimented the principal and board of management for making the application. "I hope when the extension is completed, pupils will be returning to school under normal times and that the worst of the pandemic will have passed, he said. While a welcome addition, the town of Carrick-on-Shannon is crying out for decades now for a brand new school on a greenfield site as the current two campus school is not fit for purpose in today's modern educational system. Kerrville, TX (78028) Today Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low around 65F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. A Twitter user who grew up in a fundamentalist evangelical homeschooling family has revealed one of those most shocking lessons in her homeschool curriculum that democracy is 'fundamentally bad.' The anonymous Twitter user, who goes by JClifto72622443, describes herself 'someone who survived abuse in a fundamentalist evangelical homeschooling family,' and sets out to expose her more troubling experiences. In a new viral thread, she claims to have been 'raised to view the idea of democracy as fundamentally bad,' and provides several clippings from homeschooling material her parents used that endeavor to make that point. Troubling: A Twitter user who grew up in a fundamentalist evangelical homeschooling family has revealed that her homeschool curriculum taught that democracy is 'fundamentally bad' Exposed: The anonymous Twitter user, who goes by JClifto72622443 , describes herself 'someone who survived abuse in a fundamentalist evangelical homeschooling family' 'They very much pushed the idea of a shadowy "one world government", and said that democracy is doomed to fail, has always failed,' she wrote The program: JClifto72622443 grew up learning from educational materials provided by Bill Gothard's Advanced Training Institute (ATI) homeschool program JClifto72622443 grew up learning from educational materials provided by Bill Gothard's Advanced Training Institute (ATI) homeschool program the same program used by the Duggar family of 19 Kids and Counting Fame. Now 30, JClifto72622443 is estranged from her family and has a new view of the things she was taught growing up. Propaganda? One booklet included this quote, purportedly from former Presiden John Adams though its veracity is questionable, and it only turns up in Conservative books 'They very much pushed the idea of a shadowy "one world government", and said that democracy is doomed to fail, has always failed,' she wrote. She included an image from an educational booklet from the ATI homeschool program, which reads: 'The basic deception: That power comes from beneath, not from above. Pure democracy did not work in Greece, or Rome, or France. Neither will it work in our country!' What's more, she said, the educational materials included quotes from the founding fathers to 'bolster that their claim that the USA was never meant to be a democracy.' For example, one book had a quote from former President John Adams, saying: 'No democracy ever did exist or can exist.' The book says that here, John Adams 'made this statement as he set up the principles underlying American constitutional government.' However, the veracity of this quote is extremely questionable. Though it is cited in a few Conservative books like 'The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot' by Russell Kirk and 'Recapturing the Constitution: Race, Religion, and Abortion Reconsidered' by Stephen B. Presser there does not appear to be any original source for it. 'They pushed the idea that the "will of the people" is just tyranny of the mob, violating God's laws, and cited the violence of the French revolution to bolster that claim,' she said What? The book claims the 'monarchy of Louis XVI was replaced by the tyranny of the mob, and the "will of the people" became the dictatorship of... group of leaders' Who needs freedom? The educational materials also claimed that democracy is 'a slippery slope into dictatorship' 'They also imply that it's obvious that democracy is bad, because it came from the Greeks, and Greek men had sex with each other,' JClifto72622443 added Evidence: She included an image from one of her books with some highlighted passages 'They said in no uncertain terms, over and over, that democracy violates "the requirements for a Godly nation,"' she recalled Next, JClifto72622443 wrote, 'They pushed the idea that the "will of the people" is just tyranny of the mob, violating God's laws, and cited the violence of the French revolution to bolster that claim.' The book claims that 'the absolute monarchy of Louis XVI was replaced by the tyranny of the mob, and the "will of the people" became the dictatorship of whatever group of leaders happened to seize power.' Ideas: She shared an image that argues that the 'will of the majority' violates God in other words, those voting in what they think is a Godly way should get to make the decisions for the nation, even if it's not what most people want The book blames the 'confusing drama of the French Revolution' on people violating God's principles of authority. The educational materials also claimed that democracy is 'a slippery slope into dictatorship,' and the only proper authority comes from God meaning the government should take their instructions from God, not the people they govern. 'They also imply that it's obvious that democracy is bad, because it came from the Greeks, and Greek men had sex with each other,' JClifto72622443 added. 'They also say that Greeks had "a low view of women," which, lol, homeschooling evangelicals are f***ing hypocrites. 'They said in no uncertain terms, over and over, that democracy violates "the requirements for a Godly nation,"' she recalled. 'So excuse me for not being surprised that evangelicals don't give a s***about the attempt to undermine or overthrow the last election. Here, she includes an image from a book that argues that the 'will of the majority' violates God in other words, those voting in what they think is a Godly way should get to make the decisions for the nation, even if it's not what most people want. 'In a democracy such as the U.S. has become, the balance is destroyed by the concern for the majority rule and minority rights ... In the area of accountability, democracies get out of balance promoting the rights of the people' No rights for you! The former evangelical said that her family would say that democracy put 'an overemphasis on fairness and rights' of the individual 'Capital punishment was said to be godly, and just,' she said Her school materials stressed the 'idea that democracy is bad because it considers the will of the people, which meant it would lead to the separation of church and state' Proof! She specifically recalled one lesson to write a letter so someone who agreed with the separation of church and state 'and prove them wrong by pointing out that the pledge of allegiance includes "UNDER GOD"' History lesson! When the Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892, it didn't include any mention of God. It wasn't added until 1954 in an effort to thwart the spread of communism 'The idea that a government should represent the will of the people was seen as a fundamental flaw, and I was instead taught that elected officials should not vote in MY interests, but instead should represent the will of God,' she went on. Here she provided more passages from her learning materials, including a page that reads: 'In a democracy such as the U.S. has become, the balance is destroyed by the concern for the majority rule and minority rights ... In the area of accountability, democracies get out of balance promoting the rights of the people.' The former evangelical said that her family would say that democracy put 'an overemphasis on fairness and rights' of the individual. What''s more, they said that punishment shouldn't be about rehabilitation, just punishment. 'Capital punishment was said to be godly, and just,' she said. Her school materials 'harped over and over on the idea that democracy is bad because it considers the will of the people, which meant it would lead to the separation of church and state.' She specifically recalled one lesson to write a letter so someone who agreed with the separation of church and state 'and prove them wrong by pointing out that the pledge of allegiance includes "UNDER GOD."' In fact, though, when the Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892, it didn't include any mention of God. 'So don't be surprised when evangelical Republicans are the loudest voices pushing to undermine all democratic norms,' she wrote. 'They are anti- democracy, always have been' The wording was changed in 1954, when President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to include the words 'under God' in response to the threat of communism at the time. 'So don't be surprised when evangelical Republicans are the loudest voices pushing to undermine all democratic norms,' JClifto72622443 wrote. 'They are anti- democracy, always have been, and Democrats pretending that the solution is "reaching across the aisle" is wildly naive. Disgraced: The founder of the evangelical organization and homeschool program, Bill Gothard, has been accused of rape and sexual abuse by dozens of women 'Republicans are acting in bad faith when they fuss about Biden or AOC or whoever not "meeting them in the middle" or "engaging in the discussion." I cannot overstate that,' she warned. An AP VoteCast survey found that that 81 per cent of white evangelical Protestant voters voted for Trump in 2020, while just 18 per cent voted for Biden. According to Gallup, Edison exit polls had slightly different estimates, finding that 76 per cent voted for Trump and 24 per cent voted for Biden. In 2016, the Edison exit polls found that 80 per cent of white evangelical Protestant voters voted for Trump, and just 16 per cent voted for Clinton. JClifto72622443's educational materials are still used by evangelical families who follow the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), which was founded in 1961 by Bill Gothard. The group has been called a cult, and Gothard, 86, has since stepped down from the organization in light of abuse allegations. He left after being placed on administrative leave in 2014, following claims from more than 30 women that he had sexually harassed and molested them, some when they were minors. In 2016, ten women sued Gothard, claiming rape and sexual abuse, but the lawsuit was dropped in 2018 due to 'unique complexities ... including the statutes of limitation.' (Natural News) Things are looking pretty bleak across Texas and other Midwestern states where extreme winter weather conditions combined with record-breaking low temperatures left millions without power, while also damaging nearly half of the countrys winter wheat crop. The Ice Age Farmer channel on YouTube put out a video revealing how minimal snow cover prior to the polar vortex that swept across the Midwest created a perfect storm scenario for the widespread destruction of wheat crops once the historic weather event arrived. According to reports, about half of Texas wind turbines were frozen over in the winter storm, which severely limited energy output throughout the state. On top of that, temperatures in many areas reached well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, which is highly unusual for the Lone Star State. Up north in the Great Plains, temperature readings were clocked at or below -30 degrees Fahrenheit with not nearly as much snowfall as expected falling to the ground. This left wheat crops exposed to the elements rather than covered in their usual snow blanket, which damaged or killed many of them. Commodity Weather Group estimates 30% of HRW #wheat susceptible to significant damage & 15% spotty damage, tweeted Arlan Suderman about the assessed crop damage thus far. Others were quick to respond to this tweet with claims that winter wheat loves snow and freezing, however as pointed out by Ice Age Farmer, it was the lack of snow cover in many areas prior to the polar vortex that was the anomaly. As temperatures fell to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, there was lots of damage because we dont have a lot of snow cover right now to insulate the winter wheat crop underneath that, he says. Its just been very exposed to these extreme temperatures. Theres a global grain shortage right now Interestingly, just a few days before the polar vortex hit the United States, Argentina announced plans to discuss strategies for avoiding a ban on wheat exports. Because there is currently a global grain shortage, countries are scrambling to ensure they have enough of the crop for themselves before they agree to export what remains to places like the U.S. Should a significant portion of Americas wheat crop end up being destroyed from the freezing temperatures, our nation will require imports from elsewhere in order to feed our own people. If those countries need it for themselves, however, then we could be in a lot of trouble in the coming months. Back in September, Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, interviewed the Ice Age Farmer about what was described as engineered food scarcity to enslave the human race. What appears to be happening is that food shortages are being engineered through social upheaval, weather events, and other catastrophes that little by little are chipping away at the available food supply. In time, there could very well be not enough food for everyone, a scenario that was already seen on a much smaller scale with mile-long lines outside of HEB grocery stores in Texas as panicked shoppers rushed to stock up on necessities after the power outages had already begun. Meanwhile, billionaire eugenicist Bill Gates has been buying up tens of thousands of acres of U.S. farmland to become the largest landowner in the country. These are truly ominous times, in other words. Bill Gates spent $171 million to buy 14,500 acres of farmland in Southern Washington, the most expensive U.S. land sale so far this year, according to the Land Report, wrote one of our own commenters, citing Bloomberg. The purchase includes about 10,500 acres of irrigated farmland, 3,900 of rangeland and about 140 in an area known as Horse Heaven Hills. More related news about the polar vortex and the damage it caused can be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: IceAgeFarmer.com NaturalNews.com HYDERABAD: A research paper of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), published in the Indian Academy of Sciences journal, has mentioned that over 5,000 different variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been found in India during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The most dominant variant among them is A 23403G, discovered among 82.29 per cent of Coronavirus cases. The variant has D614G spike protein that is able to spread more quickly than the wild-type variant O, which emerged from Wuhan. The O variant is, however, no longer seen anywhere in the world. Researchers have determined that D614G protein mutation is more in human respiratory cells. For this reason, doctors on Day 1 found a few viruses in the lungs. Within 24 to 48 hours, they found that lungs had turned fully white with this virus. This has been one of the causes of deaths in India due to Covid-19, state medical experts. This variant spread fast from May 2020, accounting for 42 per cent of samples tested. It was largely prevalent in Delhi, Telangana state, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It later spread to Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, where the numbers were fewer compared to other states. Researchers have pointed out that D614G is the dominant mutation. If the new variant B.1.1.7 of Britain is found in more than 100 cases, it could become a cause for worry. As a result, researchers say it is important to carry out more genome sequencing in different areas of the country to control it. If it remains uncontrolled, it could overtake the D614G strain. They state that, luckily, there is so far no evidence that there is community transmission of B.1.1.7. We are not getting sufficient samples for testing as required. Sequencing is expensive and resources have to be provided for the same. Till regular and sufficient samples are not collected, it will be difficult to trace B.1.1.7. It is likely to overtake the present strain and drive the pandemic in 2021, as senior scientist at CCMB said. B.1.1.7 has the ability to cause either mild or severe disease among people. This variant is associated with increased risk of death compared to other variants. Due to S gene target failure in the new variant, there is a likelihood of more cases being missed in viral diagnosis. The other variant found in 81.12 per cent of population is C14408T, along with mutation P314L. This has also been dominant in all the states of India. There have been 89 variants of the virus exclusive only to Kerala. These have not spread to any other parts of the country. The other mutation noted in Telangana is L46F. Andhra Pradesh has mutation N440K and Gujarat L54F. CCMB director Rakesh Mishra, author of the study, explained, There is now emerging evidence that N440K, which emerged in Andhra Pradesh, is spreading a lot in the southern states. There is need for better surveillance to further understand its spread. The other two variants E484K and N501Y, which have higher transmission rates, are apparently low in India. This could also be because they are not being sufficiently sequenced. Accurate and timely detection of new variants may show greater infectivity or worse clinical symptoms. It is extremely important to check their spread to pre-empt disastrous consequences, the CCMB chief added. The power crisis spurred by the massive winter storm hobbling Texas has also become a water crisis, with hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses dealing with burst pipes or ordered to boil water, as water utilities suffer from frozen wells and treatment plants run on backup power. In Harris County, which includes Houston, the nations fourth-largest city, more than 1 million people have been affected by local water systems that have either issued boil-water notices or that cannot deliver water at all, said Brian Murray, a spokesman for the county emergency management agency. Residents in the Texas capital, Austin, were also told to boil water because of a power failure at the citys largest water-treatment facility. And the city of Kyle, south of Austin, asked residents on Wednesday to suspend their water use until further notice because of a shortage. Water should only be used to sustain life at this point, officials of the city of 48,000 said in an advisory. We are close to running out of water supply in Kyle. For many Texans, the disruptions were an inconvenience. But others faced more dire consequences. At St. Davids South Austin Medical Center, officials were trying Wednesday night to fix a heating system that was failing because of low water pressure. They were forced to seek portable toilets and distribute bottles of water to patients and employees so they could wash their hands. In San Antonio, Jesse Singh, 58, a Shell gas station owner, said that his father, Ram Singh, 80, was turned away from regularly scheduled dialysis treatments Tuesday and Thursday because his clinic was having water issues. Its a dangerous situation, the younger Singh said. His other problems Thursday were indicative of the broader troubles still facing Texas, where some areas were being affected by a band of foul weather stretching from the Rio Grande to New York. As fresh snow fell, Singh was waiting with a few dozen other cars at a propane station that had not opened yet. He said he had low water pressure at his house. And his gas station had no fuel to sell and was running out of food at its convenience store because deliveries hadnt arrived. Thursdays winter storm brought freezing rain, snow and temperatures that were much below average, a gut punch for Texans who have resorted to stoves, barbecue grills, gasoline generators and their vehicles to keep themselves warm. Days of glacial weather have left at least 38 people dead nationwide, made many roads impassable, disrupted vaccine distribution and blanketed nearly three-quarters of the continental United States in snow. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas warned residents to brace for continued misery. Most of the state will be below freezing, Abbott said in a media briefing Wednesday, adding that a respite from the cold snap would come only on Saturday. There were also reasons for hope on Thursday morning. The state had just under 500,000 customers without power, down from millions in recent days. Murray, the Harris County official, said that restored power to water utilities should solve many of the water problems in the next day or so. Houstons William P. Hobby Airport, which had been forced to shut down Wednesday because of water supply issues, announced early Thursday morning that it had restored water in a limited capacity, and that flights would resume. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. A leading consultant has urged parents to watch out for the crucial symptom of fever in their children, as cases of a Covid-related illness spike following a community outbreak. At least 32 children have been treated for PIMS (Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, also known as PIMS-TS) at the Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin since the start of the pandemic. However, this figure could be higher nationally. The syndrome can affect the heart and has even led to some children being placed on ventilators. Tommy ONeill (5), from Clondalkin, Dublin, became seriously ill with PIMS and was treated in the intensive care unit in Crumlin after he complained of a belly ache and a high temperature. He was later moved to the ward. PIMS cases mirror the number of Covid cases in the community, paediatric immunologist Dr Ronan Leahy explained. He said that up to four weeks after Covid-19 cases spiralled in communities, a number of children would typically be hospitalised with the rare illness. Thus when theres a wave of Covid cases, a small number of children will become ill with PIMS. Dr Leahy, consultant in paediatric immunology and infectious diseases, at the Crumlin hospital, said: The crucial symptom to watch out for is fever. Cases always have fever. The other features we often see are rashes on the hands and feet and redness of eyes. Some more consistent features after that are tummy pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. In essence, if you have a child with a fever and you dont have a good explanation, you should bring them to a GP or the emergency department. If a child has a fever for three days, go to the ED. Dr Leahy said: The number of PIMS-TS cases does closely mirror the number of Covid-19 cases in the community. Expand Close Dr Ronan Leahy, consultant in paediatric immunology and infectious diseases at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, expects more cases of PIMS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr Ronan Leahy, consultant in paediatric immunology and infectious diseases at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, expects more cases of PIMS If we see a wave of Covid-19 in the community, typically a number of weeks later, we see an uptick in PIMS-TS. It closely follows the community transmission of Covid-19. There was quite a big surge in Covid-19 in December, so Im not surprised if there are more cases of PIMS-TS. Numerically, the more infections of Covid-19, the probability is we will see more PIMS-TS. We havent had any deaths (from PIMS) in Ireland but a number of cases have been ventilated, though not recently. Every child who becomes sick with PIMS reacts differently, according to Dr Leahy. The degree to which a child becomes sick depends on their immune response. Some children have a substantial amount of inflammation and others have a milder response. For the minority who are treated in ICU, they receive steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, a protein used to neutralise viruses. We use other supportive measures depending on how sick the children are, Dr Leahy said. That sometimes includes antibiotics and sometimes they need fluid if children are not eating and drinking. If they are sicker, they go to ICU and in some cases children are treated there, as sometimes theres a degree of inflammation in the heart muscles and they might need help and support with the blood pressure if their lungs are under pressure. In the UK, up to 100 children a week are hospitalised with PIMS, according to the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Four out of five children were previously healthy, according to a snapshot of cases. Some children are presenting at hospitals and a small number are treated in ICU, without ever having shown symptoms of having had Covid-19. Essentially children are exposed to the virus, or they get the virus. They then produce a delayed inflammatory response, Dr Leahy said. The immune system, which is meant to protect from infection, gets confused and produces an exaggerated inflammatory response. Probably what happens with these children is they see the virus and in most cases catch the virus and recover from the infection mostly. However, the immune system produces an exaggerated response to the virus and it makes the children sick. PIMS-TS is temporarily associated with Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 infection. We believe typically two to four weeks after a child has been sick with the virus (Covid-19) and its come and gone, they become sick with PIMS. With a lot of the children who come to hospital, we dont see any evidence of the virus. But often the parents say the child might have had symptoms two to three weeks ago, or that theyd been in contact with someone that had Covid-19. A childs temperature can flare up to 40C and they can have dangerously low blood pressure. It has affected babies and children up to 10 years of age in Ireland and, on average, more boys than girls. Many children treated for PIMS show no signs of ever having had Covid-19. Doctors at Childrens Health Ireland (CHI), the management group that oversees Crumlin, Temple St and Tallaght's paediatric unit, use antibody tests which detect whether children have had Covid-19. But when that doesnt alert signs of Covid-19, doctors then refer to medical evidence provided by parents/guardians, which often highlights a timeframe within which a child showed symptoms for Covid-19, or that the child was a contact of someone with the virus. Our experience has been that children do well from a cardiac perspective, he said. Some had minor changes to coronary arteries, he added. But most kids get better quickly and in a couple of days. Paris: A person with dual French and Iranian citizenship and a German national were arrested in Iran more than two weeks ago, French daily newspaper Le Figaro reported on Friday. Without citing its sources, the newspaper said the two individuals were arrested and detained before February 4 as leverage in anticipation of the sentencing of Iranian diplomat Assadolah Assadi in Belgium that day. The diplomat was sentenced to 20 years in prison for planning to bomb an Iranian opposition rally in France in 2018. Lawyers George Henri Beauthier, second right, and William Bourdon, right, representing the National Council of Resistance of Iran, speak with the media as they arrive at the courthouse in Antwerp, Belgium. Credit:AP Le Figaro said the Franco-Iranian was arrested in the desert flying a drone. United States Today, the Jewish Future Pledge and The Jewish Federations of North America announced their first cohort of local Jewish Federations for a two-year pilot program to proliferate a culture of legacy giving in communities across North America. The partners originally planned to onboard 10 Federations in the first cohort, but after receiving overwhelming interest in participation, expanded the program to accommodate 11 cities. Cohort Federation communities include Portland, Tidewater (VA), Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Greater Metro West (NJ), South Palm Beach County, Miami, T... Dublin Airport lost 25.5 million passengers in 2020 due to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, a mind-boggling drop of 78pc compared to 2019. More than half of all those who travelled through the countrys largest travel hub in 2020 did so in January and February, as passenger numbers increased by 2% to 4.1 million passengers the first two months of the year. However, the impact of the pandemic meant that only3.3million passengers travelled through the airport between March and December. The last time that Dublin Airport had fewer than 8 million passengers in a calendar year was in 1994, but since then it has become one of Europes busiest airports. In line with Irish Government guidelines, Dublin Airport remained opened as an essential service throughout 2020. It has played a vital role in the importation of PPE and other medical equipment, facilitating the arrival of 6.2 million tonnes of equipment on 357 separate cargo flights, operated by 16 different airlines. There isnt much improvement in 2021 either with January passenger numbers down by 90pc. Daily passenger traffic is currently down by up to 98pc compared to the same period in 2020. Read More Passenger numbers to and from continental Europe declined by77pc to 4 million last year. The number of passengers travelling to and from Dublin Airport and Britain was 76pc lower at 2.4 million, while transatlantic traffic declined by 84pc to almost 690,000 passengers. Passenger numbers on flights to and from other international destinations, which includes flights to the Middle East, declined by 76% to almost 237,000. The number of people taking domestic flights declined by 68% to just under 34,000. Aviation was one of the sectors of the Irish economy that was hardest hit by COVID-19, and this is reflected in the passenger numbers for last year, said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison. It was a hugely challenging year for Dublin Airport and for the entire Irish aviation sector, as the reduction in air travel and the introduction of travel restrictions in most markets had a very significant impact on passenger numbers during the year. In 2019, Dublin Airport had flights to more than 190 destinations in 42 countries operated by almost 50 airlines. In April 2020, Dublin Airport had flights to just 22 destinations in 11 countries operated by seven airlines. Aviation plays a vital role in Irelands economy, and it will be a key sector in helping that economy to recover in the wake of the pandemic, according to Mr Harrison. Europes airports lost a total of 1.72 billion passengers in2020 compared to the previous year, as passenger traffic fell by just over 70pc, according to data from airports group ACI EUROPE. Global air traffic fell by 60pc last year, bringing air travel totals back to 2003 levels, according to ICAO, the UN agency for civil aviation. It has been a year like no other for Dublin Airport, for our airline customers, our commercial partners and our employees, and for the entire aviation and tourism sectors, Mr Harrison said. Whether working on campus or from home, our people faced significant challenges during the year, and they did so with a professionalism and pride that is at the heart of Dublin Airport, he added. Dublin Airport installed more than 1,000 hand sanitising stations, over 10,000 pieces of COVID-19 safety signage and more than 620 plexiglass screens at all close contact points. Hospital grade state-of-the-art deep cleaning and disinfection regimes were introduced across the airport, with a specific focus on the areas in which passengers might dwell. Dublin Airport 2020 Passenger Traffic Month Passengers Change v 2019 Jan 2 million (+2%) Feb 2 million (+2%) Mar 1 million (-57%) Apr 27,000 (-99%) May 46,000 (-98%) Jun 94,000 (-97%) Jul 381,000 (-89%) Aug 516,000 (-85%) Sept 392,000 (-87%) Oct 263,000 (-91%) Nov 175,000 (-92%) Dec 291,000 (-87%) Total 7.4million (-78%) To hear former Threes Company star Suzanne Somers tell it, she very nearly didnt become known to the world as Chrissy Snow from the 1980s sitcom, thanks to a flight that she says almost killed her. The actor, who played the ditzy roommate on the comedy series for four years, said the event left her shaken up enough that her audition for the show that kicked off her career just about didnt happen. Joyce DeWitt as Janet, John Ritter as Jack, and Suzanne Somers as Chrissy Snow on Threes Company. | Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives Somers got her start on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson The actor was an ongoing guest on Johnny Carsons late-night show in the 1970s and 80s, thanks to her role as the mysterious blonde in the 1973 film American Grafitti. The actual first time that I was on television in America was on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, she told the Television Academy Foundation in 2009. I was just what Johnny liked to play off of, she continued. So naive and honest and raw and small town and not threatening. I wasnt slick. And he just took a liking to me and he started having me on his show every month to read him poetry. Catch Somers appearance on The Tonight Show at 36:42 ABC head Fred Silverman noticed Somers Somers during her monthly appearances on Carsons late-night show caught the attention of ABC president Fred Silverman. The network head served at ABC from 1975 to 1978. He was a particularly powerful head of ABC, Somers said. Everybody knew who Fred Silverman was. He was on Time magazine as Man of the Year, I mean he really made an impact with ABC with his Tuesday night line-up: Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley. As it turned out, according to Somers, ABC had hired another girl for the role of Chrissy Snow on Threes Company. Unhappy with her predecessors performance, the shows producers fired her on the spot and now had to scramble to find her replacement. Silverman remembered Somers on The Tonight Show and she was called in to audition. RELATED: Don Knotts Said It Took Me a While to Get Used to Working on Threes Company She almost didnt audition because of a near-accident Her audition in fact her career nearly didnt happen, Somers revealed, because the day before, I had been in an airplane in the Caribbean. While in-flight with her future husband and manager Alan Hamel the passengers were told the aircraft, which was falling through the sky, would crash, Somers said. I was with Alan, we werent married yet, she said. Wed gone on a vacation to this remote island. It was around Christmas time and it was the first time it snowed in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. There was lightning all around and we were dropping hundreds of feet. The plane was all over, and it was a small plane. Somers continued, saying that Hamel and she began saying our last words to one another. Im thinking, I cant believe Im going to die. Somehow, they foamed the runway, they landed. The following day, her manager told her about the audition for Threes Company. Her brush with mortality caused her to rethink her entire life. You know, I almost died yesterday. Ive been thinking about what Im doing. Im not going to make it in this business. Nothing ever works out, Somers told her unconvinced manager. She explained she was giving up acting and would instead teach cooking classes, marry her boyfriend, and enjoy her life. Could you just go on one more?,' Somers recalled her manager asking her. She talks me into it, I go on one more, and I went on this interview not desperate. By the time Somers arrived home, her phone was already ringing to let her know shed been hired. We couldnt find anything at this address. Please check the URL or go to the homepage Gold and silver prices in India continued their decline in Indian markets as global rates also softened amid rising US bond yields. On MCX, gold futures slipped 0.33% to 45.963 per 10 gram to near the lowest level in 8 months, while silver futures fell 0.1% to 68435. After a huge rally in 2020 which pushed rates to record highs of 56,200 in August, gold rates in India are down about 8% or 4,000 per 10 gram so far this year. MCX gold holds major support at 46,000 levels which when breached with heavy volume may lead to heavy decline in the upcoming sessions, says Kshitij Purohit, Lead International & Commodity, at CapitalVia Investment Advisor. MCX silver is likely to sustain above support of 68500-68000 levels and a bounce back from the support levels may lead the prices to 70,000 levels, he added. In global markets, gold prices also today continued their recent slide, falling to lowest in more than seven months. Spot gold fell 0.4% to $1,769.03 per ounce, declining about 3% so far this year. Rising US Treasury yields, which hovered close to a near one-year high, have hurt the appeal of non-yielding gold. Higher yields increase the opportunity cost of holding bullion, which pays no interest. Among other precious metals, silver in global markets eased 1.1% to $26.71 an ounce, down about 2.5% so far this week. Platinum slipped 2.4% to $1,244.19, while palladium shed 0.7% to $2,334.58. According to Bloomberg, the 7% decline in spot gold so far in 2021 is the worst start to a year since 1991. However some analysts still have a positive view on gold, saying that prospects for additional stimulus and Federal Reserve's easy monetary policy makes the metals a good bet for medium-to long-term. "Investors have continued to exit gold as is evident from ETF outflows. There is also an increasing debate about bitcoin becoming digital gold" and this can also be subsumed from the diverging trend seen in gold and Bitcoin in last few days. While gold slumped to multi month low, Bitcoin has hit new all-time highs," Kotak Securities said in a note. "Supporting gold price is increasing efforts by US policymakers to get the $1.9 trillion package approved. Meanwhile, central banks are also maintained support for loose monetary policy stance. Minutes of Feds Jan. meeting showed that the Fed officials did not see the conditions for reducing their massive asset-purchase program being met for 'some time'," the brokerage added. (With Agency Inputs) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Washington: President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats proposed a major immigration overhaul on Thursday, local time, that would offer an eight-year pathway to citizenship to the estimated 11 million people living in the US illegally. The legislation reflects the broad priorities for immigration changes that Biden laid out on his first day in office, including an increase in visas, more money to process asylum applications and new technology at the southern border. The US Mexican border. Credit:Bloomberg It would be a sharp reversal of Trump administration policies, and parts are likely to face opposition from a number of Republicans. Biden has acknowledged he might accept a more-piecemeal approach if separate major elements could be approved. We have an economic and moral imperative to pass big, bold and inclusive immigration reform, said New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, in unveiling it Thursday. But make no mistake: The public is with Biden now. The Covid-19 relief package with its direct payments to families and aid for businesses, the unemployed and local governments is backed by nearly 70 percent of Americans, according to a recent Quinnipiac poll. In a nation that cant agree on a simple set of facts, this is staggering. Two-thirds of Americans supported raising the federal minimum wage before the pandemic, By August, that figure had risen to 72 percent. That level of support has only gone up since Covid set in, as people realize that many of their beloved essential workers have been living on poverty-level wages. In Florida, a state run by Republicans, the $15 minimum hourly wage won more than 60 percent of the vote last November. Let Republicans in Congress continue to defend a federal wage floor of $7.25. They cant. Nor can they go after the popular central elements of the American Rescue Plan. Bidens plan to provide tax credits in the form of payments of up to $300 per month to poor families could lift 10 million children above or closer to the poverty line. People who have long argued that the best way to help the poor is simply to give them money are going to have their moment. Big majorities also support rejoining the Paris climate agreement, offering a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and expanding Obamacare with a public option. One month in, Bidens presidency gets the approval of well over 50 percent of Americans, something Trump never had in the aggregate of polls in his four years. What could doom Democrats is fellow Democrats. Seattle was a laudable pioneer in raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. But now its City Council is never far from a bad idea. A recent proposal would make it the first city in the nation to appear to incentivize misdemeanor crime. Assaults, trespass, stalking all could be excused if their offense is linked to poverty or a behavioral health disorder. And then theres the San Francisco school board, which cant find a way to put children back at their desks but plans to wipe out a third of the citys school names, including one named for Abraham Lincoln, because of character flaws of the honorees. New details have been released about the sole winner of Thursday night's $50 million Powerball draw. It can now be revealed that the winning ticket was purchased at a lottery outlet in Mackay, Queensland, with residents and visitors being urged to check their tickets. The multi-million-dollar winning entry was not registered, which means officials have no way of contacting the winner. It is also the biggest Australian lottery win so far for 2021. A North Queensland resident has won $50 million from Powerball. Source: The Lott (file pic) The winning numbers for draw number 1292 were 3, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 30 and the all-important Powerball number 10. The Lott spokesperson Lauren Cooney said on Friday there are "50 million reasons" for the winner to check their ticket. Imagine if the Powerball ticket that is sitting in your back pocket, tucked in your purse or under a magnet on your fridge is worth $50 million," she said. We are in the business of paying prizes and we cant wait to unite the winner with their prize, so we urge all players to not delay checking their tickets." The winner is the third division Powerball winner for 2021 and second from Queensland. There is no rush for the winner to claim their prize though as Queensland entries have seven years to claim their prize before it's forfeited. In addition to the $50 million prize, nine other entries won more than $99,000 each from Thursday night's Powerball draw after claiming the division two prize. Division two winning entries need to match the seven drawn numbers without the Powerball. 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. Amazon to make TV streaming device in India Amazon.com Inc will start making its TV streaming device in India this year as local demand for Fire TV sticks grows substantially, the U.S. online retail giant said on Tuesday. The Fire TV stick will be manufactured by Chenni-based Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn, Amazon said. Local production will help meet the increasing demand in India as thousands of Fire TV sticks will be made in India every year, the company stated. Seattle-based Amazon said hundreds of thousands of Fire TV Sticks would be produced locally every year, helping it to meet demand from Indian customers. Amazon will continuously evaluate scaling capacity to additional marketplaces/cities depending on the domestic demand, the company said in a blog post. This in turn will create a market for streaming devices in the country, the company said, adding that it is the first time an Amazon device is being manufactured in India. Ama zons move to make the device in India also compliments Prime Minister Narendra Modis push to make the country a hub for electronics manufacturing to compete with the likes of China and Taiwan. PM Modis `Atmanirbar Bharat drive has already attracted investments from iPhone makers Foxconn and Wistron for expansion in India. Another major contract manufacturer, Pegatron, has also set up base in the country. Amazon said it has sold millions of Fire TV devices in India as it has become a customer favourite. In 2020, Fire TV saw more than 50 million monthly active users on its devices worldwide, indicating customers are streaming more than ever before. Fire TV sales in metros continue to grow with Delhi NCR leading the way followed by Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. With people spending more time at home, total hours spent by active customers on Fire TV devices more than doubled in 2020. Moreover, customers spent more than 3 hours per day on their Fire TV devices through 2020. MINSK -- A physician and a journalist in Belarus have gone on trial for allegedly disclosing information about a protester killed during a crackdown on demonstrations against authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka. The Moscow district court in Minsk started the trial of Artsyom Sarokin and Katsyaryna Barysevich on February 19 with a decision to hold the process behind closed doors claiming "personal medical data" would be involved in the case. The decision to bar the public sparked protests by dozens of supporters who were at the court. Journalist Barysevich, from the online newspaper Tut.by, and Sarokin, a doctor with the Minsk ambulance service, were arrested on November 19 after Barysevich cited Sarokin in an article she wrote about Raman Bandarenka, who had died several days earlier from injuries he sustained in a vicious beating by a group of masked assailants. Activists had said the attackers were affiliated with the authorities. Belarusian officials have claimed that Bandarenka's attackers had nothing to do with the authorities or riot police, adding that Bandarenka was drunk when he was attacked. Barysevich wrote that no alcohol had been found in Bandarenka's blood, information she obtained from Sarokin, whose ambulance team provided Bandarenka with medical attention and took samples for tests right after he was found severely beaten. The two have been charged with disclosing medical data. Barysevich is additionally charged with instigating a crime by pushing Sarokin to share the medical data. If found guilty, the two could face up to three years in prison. In late November, Amnesty International recognized Sarokin and Barysevich as prisoners of conscience and demanded their immediate release. Bandarenka is one of several people to have been killed during the protests demanding Lukashenka's resignation after he was announced as the winner in an August presidential election. Outrage over what was seen by both opposition forces and the general public as a rigged vote to hand Lukashenka a sixth term in office brought tens of thousands onto the streets. Security officials have cracked down hard on the demonstrators, arresting thousands, including dozens of journalists who covered the rallies, and pushing most of the top opposition figures out of the country. Some rights organizations say there is credible evidence of torture being used by security officials against some of those detained. Lukashenka, who has run the country since 1994, has denied any wrongdoing with regard to the election and refuses to negotiate with the opposition on stepping down and holding new elections. On February 18, Amnesty International published a document about four Belarusian artists and performers -- Vola Semchanka, Illya Yasinski, Andrus Tokidang, and Alyaksey Sanchuk, who have continued to perform and have challenged Lukashenka and his government despite being arrested and beaten. "Today, they have also become symbols of courage and solidarity, as hundreds of Belarusian artists are being targeted by the government for their artistic expression of dissenting views. Some have been fired from their jobs, others have been detained and tortured, yet others are languishing behind bars awaiting trial and facing long prison sentences," Amnesty said. The European Union, United States, Canada, and other countries have refused to recognize Lukashenka, 66, as the legitimate leader of Belarus and have slapped him and senior Belarusian officials with sanctions in response to the falsification of the vote and postelection crackdown. Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - The Global Partnership for Education (GPE), recently-launched replenishment campaign, calls on world leaders to pledge at least US$5 billion for the next five years to help transform education in up to 90 countries Zurich Insurance Group has appointed Dirk De Nil as CEO of Nordics, in addition to his current role as CEO Benelux, expanding his management responsibility in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. He succeeds David Haak, who will take on the role of strategic adviser to the EMEA leadership team. These changes are effective immediately. De Nil first joined Zurich in 2008 in Hong Kong as chief operating officer for the Asia Pacific region. He went on to become head of Operations, Property & Casualty, and later head of Sales and Distribution, Property & Casualty, before moving to Morocco in 2014. De Nil has been CEO Benelux since February 2018. Haak joined Zurich in Sweden in 2004 in his early professional career and rejoined the company in 2010 as country manager Sweden. He became CEO of Nordics in 2013. In his new role, Haak will leverage his extensive experience and relationships with customers and brokers to help strengthen and grow the existing business and explore new market opportunities. De Nil will continue to report to both James Shea, CEO for Commercial Insurance, and Neil Freshwater, CEO of Zurich Insurance plc, Zurichs main legal entity for writing non-life insurance business in Europe, based in Ireland. Haak will report to De Nil and continue reporting to Freshwater. The Nordics, comprising Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland represent an important business to Zurich, where the group supports local companies in managing their risks as well as servicing international customers that operate in the region. Source: Zurich Insurance Group 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. After spending 13 months in an Egyptian prison for reporting the news, foreign correspondent Peter Greste, 55, was released in 2015. Back in Australia, he met journalist and author Christine Jackman, 51, who helped him rebuild his life. Christine Jackman and Peter Greste: Everyone thought Peter would be dealing with trauma from prison, but hed been through worse on the front line. Credit:Paul Harris Peter: I met Christine about six months after I got out of prison in Cairo. It was 2015, a crazy time. My colleagues were still in jail and Id been travelling to New York, London and Paris, lobbying, trying to get them out. I didnt have a home. A classic whirlwind. Christine dropped me a note to see if there was anything she could do. I knew a bit about her that shed been a political reporter but little more. Id been living overseas for 26 years. We hooked up and had a drink one evening in Brisbane. We just hit it off in a way I didnt at all anticipate. A few months later, she joined me in Kenya for Christmas. I threw her on the back of my motorbike and we rode up to Mount Kenya to a safari camp. She loves giraffes and we spotted one off the track and took off through the bush after it, which is probably not the correct thing to do, but I love that she was prepared for that kind of adventure. 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. Every day space telescopes provide spectacular images of the solar activity. However, their instruments are blind to its main driver: the magnetic field in the outer layers of the solar atmosphere, where the explosive events that occasionally affect the Earth occur. The extraordinary observations of the polarization of the Sun's ultraviolet light achieved by the CLASP2 mission have made it possible to map the magnetic field throughout the entire solar atmosphere, from the photosphere until the base of the extremely hot corona. This investigation, published today in the journal Science Advances, has been carried out by the international team responsible for this suborbital experiment, which includes several scientists of the POLMAG group of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC). The chromosphere is a very important region of the solar atmosphere spanning a few thousand kilometers between the relatively thin and cool photosphere (with temperatures of a few thousand degrees) and the hot and extended corona (with temperatures above a million degrees). Although the temperature of the chromosphere is about one hundred times lower than that of the corona, the chromosphere has a far higher density, and thus much more energy is required to sustain it. Moreover, the mechanical energy necessary to heat the corona needs to traverse the chromosphere, making it a crucial interface region for the solution of many of the key problems in solar and stellar physics. One of the current scientific challenges is to understand the origin of the violent activity of the solar atmosphere, which on some occasions perturb the Earth's magnetosphere with serious consequences for our present technological world. "It is impossible to understand the solar atmosphere if we cannot determine the magnetic fields of the chromosphere, especially in its outer layers where the plasma temperature is of the order of ten thousand degrees and the magnetic forces dominate the structure and dynamics of the plasma", says Javier Trujillo Bueno, CSIC Professor at the IAC and lead scientist of the POLMAG group of the IAC (see http://research. iac. es/ proyecto/ polmag/ ). The theoretical investigations carried out by this group, funded by an Advanced Grant of the European Research Council, indicated that this goal could be reached by observing the polarization that various physical mechanisms produce in the radiation emitted by neutral hydrogen and ionized magnesium atoms in the solar chromosphere. Because the Earth's atmosphere strongly absorbs the solar ultraviolet radiation, one must go to observe it at altitudes above 100 kilometers. An international consortium was established with this goal, led by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA/MSFC), the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), the French Institute of Space Astrophysics (IAS) and the Spanish Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC). This international team designed a series of space experiments that were selected through competitive calls within the Sounding Rocket Program of NASA. These space experiments are known as CLASP, the "Chromospheric Lyman-Alpha Spectro-Polarimeter" (CLASP1, launched on the 3rd of September 2015) and the "Chromospheric LAyer Spectro-Polarimeter" (CLASP2, launched on the 11th of April 2019). Both experiments were a great success (see the POLMAG project webpage http://research. iac. es/ proyecto/ polmag/ pages/ news-and-press-releases/ clasp. php ), which NASA has acknowledged by granting the "Group Achievement Honor Award" to the international team. The research paper recently published in the prestigious journal "Science Advances" is based on a small part of the unprecedented data acquired by CLASP2. The team analyzed the intensity and the circular polarization of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by an active region of the solar atmosphere in the spectral range containing the h & k lines of Mg II (ionized magnesium) around 2800 A (see figure 1). Within this spectral region there are also two spectral lines produced by Mn I (neutral manganese) atoms. The circular polarization observed by CLASP2 arises from a physical mechanism known as the Zeeman effect, through which the radiation emitted by atoms in the presence of a magnetic field is polarized. "The circular polarization signals of the magnesium (Mg II) lines are sensitive to the magnetic fields in the middle and outer regions of the solar chromosphere, whereas the circular polarization of the manganese (Mn I) lines responds to the magnetic fields in the deepest regions of the chromosphere", explains Tanausu del Pino Aleman, one of the scientists of the POLMAG group and of the international team. While CLASP2 was carrying out its observations, the Hinode space telescope was simultaneously pointing at the same active region on the solar disk. "This made it possible to obtain information about the magnetic field in the photosphere through the polarization observed in neutral iron (Fe I) spectral lines of the visible range of the spectrum", notes Andres Asensio Ramos, another IAC researcher who participated in the project. The team also made simultaneous observations with the IRIS space telescope, measuring the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation with higher spatial resolution (IRIS was not designed to measure polarization). The team's investigation, led by Dr. Ryohko Ishikawa (NAOJ) and Dr. Javier Trujillo Bueno (IAC), allowed to map for the first time the magnetic field in the active region observed by CLASP2 throughout its entire atmosphere, from the photosphere to the base of the corona (see figure 2). "This mapping of the magnetic field at various heights in the solar atmosphere is of great scientific interest, as it will help us decipher the magnetic coupling between the different regions of the solar atmosphere", comments Ernest Alsina Ballester, a researcher of the international team who just joined the IAC after his first postdoc in Switzerland. The achieved results confirm and prove that, in these regions of the solar atmosphere, the lines of force of the magnetic field expand and fill the whole chromosphere before reaching the base of the corona. Another important result of this investigation is that the magnetic field strength in the outer layers of the chromosphere is strongly correlated with the radiation intensity at the center of the magnesium lines and with the electron pressure in the same layers, revealing the magnetic origin of the heating in the outer regions of the solar atmosphere. The CLASP1 and CLASP2 space experiments represent a milestone in astrophysics, providing the first observations of the relatively weak polarization signals produced by various physical mechanisms in spectral lines of the solar ultraviolet spectrum. Such observations have spectacularly confirmed previous theoretical predictions, thus validating the quantum theory of the generation and transfer of polarized radiation that these scientists apply in their investigations about the magnetic field in the solar chromosphere. The international team has just received the good news that NASA has selected their recent proposal to carry out a new space experiment next year, which will allow them to map the magnetic field over larger regions of the solar disk. "Of course, systematic observations of the intensity and polarization of the solar ultraviolet radiation will require a space telescope equipped with instruments like the ones on CLASP, because the few minutes of observation time allowed by a suborbital flight experiment are not sufficient", clarifies Javier Trujillo Bueno. The team is convinced that, thanks to what CLASP1 and CLASP2 have achieved, such space telescopes will soon become a reality and the physical interpretation of their spectropolarimetric observations will allow for a better understanding of the magnetic activity in the outer layers of the Sun and other stars. ### Article: Mapping Solar Magnetic Fields from the Photosphere to the Base of the Corona Authors: Ryohko Ishikawa, Javier Trujillo Bueno, Tanausu del Pino Aleman, Takenori J. Okamoto, David E. McKenzie, Frederic Auchere, Ryouhei Kano, Donguk Song, Masaki Yoshida, Laurel A. Rachmeler, Ken Kobayashi, Hirohisa Hara, Masahito Kubo, Noriyuki Narukage, Taro Sakao, Toshifumi Shimizu, Yoshinori Suematsu,?Christian Bethge, Bart De Pontieu, Alberto Sainz Dalda, Genevieve D. Vigil, Amy Winebarger, Ernest Alsina Ballester, Luca Belluzzi, Jiri Stepan, Andres Asensio Ramos, Mats Carlsson, Jorrit Leenaarts Principal Investigators of the CLASP2 space experiment: David McKenzie (NASA/MSFC, USA) Ryohko Ishikawa (NAOJ, Japan) Frederic Auchere (IAS, France) Javier Trujillo Bueno (IAC, Spain) IAC scientists participating in CLASP2: Ernest Alsina Ballester (IAC) Andres Asensio Ramos (IAC) Tanausu del Pino Aleman (IAC) Javier Trujillo Bueno (IAC) CLASP2 is an international collaboration led by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (USA), the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (Tokyo, Japan), the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC, Tenerife, Spain) and the Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS, France). Additional members are the Istituto Ricerche Solari Locarno (Switzerland), the Astronomical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Lockheed Martin Solar & Astrophysics Laboratory (USA), Stockholm University (Sweden) and the Rosseland Center for Solar Physics (Norway). * The IAC participation in CLASP2 receives funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Advanced Grant agreement No. 742265). Twin brothers whose influencer wives flaunt their opulent lifestyles on Instagram have been charged over an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. Property moguls Charbel and Elie Douna, 33, were arrested on Wednesday in police raids across the Illawarra region, south of Sydney. The wealthy directors of Albion Park company LuxHomes were accused of falsifying documents to get a $14.7million loan to built properties on a 92-home estate called 'Avoca Park'. Their glamorous wives splash their extravagant lifestyle regularly on Instagram - showing off lavish holidays, first class tickets, designer clothes, and luxury homes. Pictured: Elie Douna and his wife Emily. The couple, who live on the NSW south coast, have three children together Ms Douna (pictured with her husband) regularly posts pictures showing her lavish lifestyle There is no suggestion their wives were involved in the alleged fraud. Detective Chief Inspector Glen Broadhead said the allegedly illegitimate contacts were 'put in names of people who have not purchased land or had no intention to purchase land'. 'We believe the specific reason for those [allegedly] false contracts was to support the loan application to ensure the business appeared to have sufficient funds to move forward with the loan application,' he told the Daily Telegraph. Police also alleged their real estate friend Ben Feltham, who works at Right Choice Real Estate in Albion Park, published the false sale contracts. The 35-year-old turned himself into police Lake Illawarra Police Station on Wednesday afternoon. Charbel (left) and Elie (right) Douna, 33, were charged over an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme Pictured: Charbel Douna's wife Sara. The couple live on the south coast of NSW and have three children together Detectives seized financial documents, poker machines (right), electronic devices and firearms (left) for forensic examination During searches of the brothers homes in Calderwood and Wongawilli, detectives seized financial documents, poker machines, electronic devices and firearms for forensic examination. One of the guns was taken after Charbel's wife Sara posted it to Instagram in 2019. In the video, Charbel can be seen firing the gun into a a large balloon as part of a gender announcement for his then-pregnant wife. When hit with a bullet, the balloon exploded in pink dust. 'It's just reckless,' Inspector Broadhead said. Pictured: Elie and Emily Douna. The mother-of-three posts photos on Instagram showing lavish holidays, first class tickets, designer clothes and luxury homes The twins were each charged with 19 counts of publish etc false/misleading information to obtain advantage. Pictured: Pictured: One of the brothers with police The twins were each charged with 19 counts of publishing false and misleading information to obtain advantage, dishonestly obtaining a financial advance by deception and participating in a criminal group to contribute to criminal activity.. Feltham was charged with nine counts of publishing false or misleading information to obtain advantage and participating in a criminal group to contribute criminal activity. Police allege he used his position as a real estate agent to publish false contracts of sale Inquiries are continuing and further charges are expected to be laid. All three men were granted conditional bail to appear in Port Kembla Local Court on April 14. Panaji, Feb 20 : More than 100 farmers were detained in the Pernem sub-district in North Goa on Friday for protesting against a government survey exercise ahead of acquisition of land for a road linkage project for the upcoming Mopa international airport. The protesting farmers were detained by the police and taken to nearby police stations amid tension at the proposed road construction site. "The farmers were opposing the survey being conducted for acquiring land for a 8 km-long link road between the National Highway and the upcoming airport. They have all been detained," Bharat Bagkar, the member of a committee formed by the farmer community in Pernem, told reporters on Friday. The detention followed a standoff between the farmers and a team of government land surveyors earlier on Friday, following which the police started cracking down on the protesters. "Is there no other area that you can choose for development? Let other parts of Goa also see the benefits of 'development'," Bahkar said. The proposed greenfield airport is being constructed on nearly 1 crore sq mt of land, most of it in and around the Mopa plateau in Pernem. Friday's protest is linked to a proposed 8 km road spread across six lanes which connects the airport to a nearby National Highway. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that the Goa government is going out of the way to compensate the farmers whose lands are being acquired for the project. "I have already met them twice and listened to their demands. I have told them that the government is committed to go out of the way to ensure compensation for them for their land," Sawant told reporters late on Friday, after the protesters were detained. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Sonora DMV office View Photo Sacramento, CA A investigation is underway regarding a security breach that may impact certain California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records. In notifying drivers, DMV officials noted the alert was done out of an abundance of caution, as it was not the departments systems that were hacked. The online attack targeted a company the DMV uses to verify vehicle registration addresses. State officials stressed that the departments systems have not been compromised, but it is unknown if data shared with that company was exposed. Automatic Funds Transfer Services, Inc. (AFTS) of Seattle was the victim of a ransomware attack in early February that may have compromised information provided to AFTS by the DMV, including the last 20 months of California vehicle registration records that contain names, addresses, license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VIN), relayed the DMV in a written press release, adding, AFTS does not have access to DMV customers Social Security numbers, birthdates, voter registration, immigration status or drivers license information, therefore this data was not compromised. A soon as the breach was detected, the DMV immediately stopped all data transfers to AFTS and notified law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Data privacy is a top priority for the DMV. We are investigating this recent data breach of a DMV vendor to quickly provide clarity on how it may impact Californians, DMV Director Steve Gordon said. We are looking at additional measures to implement to bolster security to protect information held by the DMV and companies that we contract with. AFTS has been under contract with the DMV since 2019. It notifies the department whenever someone files a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service to ensure registration renewal notices go to that new address. The DMV does not use this service to verify drivers license addresses, according to the department. The DMV is initiating an emergency contract with a different address verification company to ensure there are no impacts to service. Currently, investigators have no indication that the hackers have used the stolen information for any nefarious reason. However, the DMV urges customers to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Department officials relay they will continue to monitor the situation and work with the appropriate law enforcement agencies. A senior European Union official on Friday urged Bosnia to uphold the human rights and dignity of migrants stuck in the Balkan country while trying to reach Western Europe. "It is fundamental that we uphold the right to apply for asylum. People in need of international protection must be given this protection," EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said during a press briefing with Zoran Tegeltija, chairman of the council of ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Even you don't have the right to stay, you have the right to be treated according to your rights and dignity," said Johansson, following talks with Tegeltija and other top government officials in capital Sarajevo, during her visit to Bosnia. Johansson on Thursday toured a migrant camp near the border with EU member-state Croatia, on the first day of her visit to Bosnia. She has urged Bosnia - which is seeking EU membership - to further improve living conditions for those living in a migrant camp in the northwest of the country. The Lipa camp by the town of Bihac was at a center of a crisis in December, when hundreds of people faced freezing conditions there, fueling fears of a humanitarian disaster. The camp was burnt down in a fire and migrants lived in make-shift tents with no heating or protection for days before Bosnia's armed forces brought in heated tents and other basic facilities. The EU has been helping Bosnia with funding and aid. Bosnia has faced international criticism for its handling of the arrival of thousands of people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, Africa or Asia. Ethnically divided and impoverished following a war during the 1990s, Bosnia has been disorganized, with some regions refusing to take any migrants at all. Tegeltija said Bosnia, though prepared to be a "partner in controlling migration", should not be held "hostage" over the migrant crisis. "Bosnia and Herzegovina is not ready to be a dormitory to the migrants," he added. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Ten years ago Det. Andrew Jacobson came across case No. 82-32014. Back then it was one of many cold cases in the Hartford Police Department archives, and one of several he was working on. Only later did he start thinking about the case every day, and only recently did he start believing it could be an overlooked piece of a larger puzzle: a possible missing link in the hunt for a suspected serial killer that has haunted Hartford for decades. But it wasnt those later killings that drew him to it at first, nor was it the wild rumors of a cult revenge killing that briefly circulated around the case in the summer of 1982 before it went colder than a true New England winter. The veteran Hartford Police detective, who is now assigned to the states Cold Case Unit, was drawn by the victim herself: a 28-year-old single mother named Sylvia Baker. When searching the cold case murder archives, Jacobson often looks for unsolved killings of women because, unless it is a shooting, there is often some type of physical interaction. With DNA analysis improving all the time, there is a potential for new evidence that may not have been available to past investigators. But Sylvia was different from many of the victims in cases he investigated. She didnt seem like someone who would be the target of a murder, at least not this type of murder. She worked at Heublein Inc., a food and beverage company, and the Hartford Public Library and took courses in sociology and design at Greater Hartford Community College, now Capital Community College. Her love for her two young children could be gleaned from the detailed notes she kept on their daily activities and concerned letters shed write to her sons teachers. Why would a decent person with two little kids go missing and then get killed? Jacobson wondered. It made no sense. He studied the case file and conducted new interviews, replaying the events of the night of the murder over and over again in his mind. Its Saturday evening, July 17, 1982. Sylvia Bakers son Kelsey, 8, is watching TV and her daughter Alena, 2, is sleeping. Sylvia is with them inside their apartment building on Sisson Avenue in Hartford, around the corner and a few blocks away from the Mark Twain House. Sylvia tells Kelsey she will be right back and goes outside to take the garbage out. When his mom doesnt return as soon as she normally would, Kelsey wonders where she is. He goes to the window and can see her. There were people out there congregating, including my mom, Alena tells me in a recent interview. So he was like, Oh, shes outside. Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media He goes back to watching TV. The Love Boat is on. He falls asleep. He will never see his mother again. Sylvia is standing outside the apartment talking with neighbors. Shes thin and pretty in a white shirt and red-and-white striped seersucker pants. She has a warm smile that lights up some of the few remaining photographs of her. A blue van pulls up to the curb. Neighbors see several people, both men and women, inside. Sylvia seems to know them and approaches the van and gets in. The vehicle disappears into the Hartford night. Decades later, Jacobson wonders why Sylvia willingly got in the van. Leaving her kids behind is completely out of character from everything he knows about her. Maybe she just thought she was stepping in to talk to them, he thinks. The night after Sylvia disappears, kids playing near a pond at Keney Park, a 694-acre city park in Hartfords North End that crosses over into Windsor, find the body of a woman. She is naked and partially submerged in the water with her wrists and ankles bound in red-and-white torn seersucker material and a blindfold over her eyes. Shes been stripped of her shoes and any identifying material but it doesnt take long for police to identify her as Sylvia Baker. Shed been strangled. No one seems to know for sure how she got from the van on Sisson Avenue to the city park about 2 miles away, but there was no shortage of potential suspects or rumors swirling through Hartfords North End. Several dozen yards from the body, near a path leading to the pond, police find a wallet. It belongs to a man who lives nearby. The man says he heard about the body from neighborhood kids and went down to check it out himself before the police arrived. Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media People who know Sylvia talk about ex-boyfriends and say that she recently joined and then left a new religion. John P. Tarpey, a young reporter with the Hartford Courant, meets with Sylvias mother, Ethel Logans. Talking with family members of recently deceased people, particularly their parents, is always a challenging assignment. There is nothing that prepares you for that job, he says. While I found the idea somewhat unseemly, I was always amazed that, almost invariably, relatives were willing to speak and were often quite forthcoming. Perhaps talking to a complete stranger about their loss was in some way therapeutic. Thats the case with Sylvias mother. She tells Tarpey that her daughter had recently joined a strange new religion and this was some kind of cult thing. She says, Whatever happened, Sylvia objected and tried to get out, and they didnt let her. We all wonder about it she wasnt a bad person at all, she was a good girl. But I think its the innocent ones who get hurt. Tarpey co-writes a story that appears in the paper the Wednesday after Sylvias slaying. It is the only full story the paper writes on her death, though there are two other blurbs published about it. Soon the leads will dry up. The so-called cult Sylvias mother referred to is Rastafarianism, which is lesser known at the time and sparks a surprising and unwarranted amount of suspicion from the public in relation to the case. Investigators, however, find this angle is a dead end. Some of Sylvias ex-boyfriends are interviewed but her murder does not appear to be a crime of passion. The man who dropped his wallet is never mentioned in the press and Tarpey cant recall ever hearing about him until contacted for this story. The police dont follow up with this man and, seemingly, believe his story. The case goes cold. The specter of a serial killer or killers operating within the capital city has long cast a shadow over its police department. In the late 1980s and 1990s investigators and the press noticed a pattern of women, particularly those who lived and spent time frequenting bars and clubs in Hartfords North End, disappearing late at night, their bodies then being found in parks or other remote areas in and around Hartford. In the 1990s a task force was formed to investigate these murders and others in other Connecticut towns. At one time there were as many as 17 murders that authorities thought could possibly be related, but several of those murders have since been found to be unconnected, while others may be related and not included. A potential connection between Sylvias case and these later killings has never before been publicly suggested. Jacobson, who joined the police force in 1998, had heard the stories about these unsolved murders and rumors of a predator stalking the city. They were passed down in department lore from investigator to investigator, but it wasnt until more recently that he began to suspect there might be a connection between those cases and Sylvias. Now he is looking at those other cases more closely and has categorized the unsolved murders of women based on how they were killed; some were strangled, others were stomped and others were stabbed. He believes the cases that may be connected to Sylvias murder all involve strangulation with some type of ligature (such as a piece of clothing or jewelry), sexual assault and the body being moved in some capacity. Mike Marques If you think about the profile of a killer, it seems that these men, or group of men, their techniques are the same, he says. Like a fly fisherman always uses a certain type of fly to go fishing, or his technique is either standing on the edge of the river or he likes to wade in. Its the same kind of thing in that the killers are either stomping, strangling or theyre stabbing. They dont seem to change their method because theyre efficient at what theyre doing, which is disgusting when you think about it, but it seems to be accurate. Its human behavior, people do the same things because theyre comfortable with whatever it is and they kind of refine what they do over time. Jacobson wont say exactly how many cases he believes might be linked to Sylvias. But when asked about four other female murder victims who were killed in the 80s and 90s, he says three beyond Sylvias fit the pattern he is looking at, while another has not been ruled out as being connected. That would be at least five murders, and there are other unsolved killings that could be linked as well, though more evidence is needed to conclusively connect them. On Nov. 27, 1988, the body of 22-year-old Hartford resident Patricia Thompson was found near the Vine Street entrance to Keney Park; it was a different area but the same park where Sylvias body had been found six years earlier. Carla Terry, 28, lived on Barbour Street near Keney Park and was found dead on Jan. 13, 1991, at the Mark Twain Drive Extension in Hartford. In March 1990, 15-year-old Tameika Mayo of Hartford is last seen in the North End before her body was found in a secluded area of Rocky Hill. All three were assaulted, strangled to death and then had their bodies moved. In 1987, Mary Shirley, 29, who also spent time in Hartfords North End, was found dead behind a stone wall off old Route 2, and though her body had deteriorated too much for a cause of death to be determined, her murder hasnt been ruled out as being connected. The 1990 murder of 19-year-old Deidra Dancy has often been thought to be linked to these other murders, but the MO of her killing was different. These unsolved killings are far from unique in Connecticuts capital city. Since Sylvia Bakers murder almost four decades ago, there have been some 300 unsolved murders in Hartford, according to Supervisory Assistant States Attorney John F. Fahey, who oversees the Cold Case Unit. Hartford probably has more cold cases than any other location [in Connecticut], he says. With an average of 20-30 murders in the city each year, roughly a third in the past several decades have gone unsolved, Fahey says. Hartford actually performs better than most U.S. cities on average. A 2018 analysis by The Washington Post of 55 major cities not including any in Connecticut found that out of 54,868 homicides the previous decade, half did not result in an arrest. The Post found that murders involving Black victims were the least likely to be solved, with arrests occurring only 47 percent of cases, compared to 63 percent of cases in which the victims were white. In the 1990s, police investigating Carla Terrys murder focused on Alfred Swinton, a 42-year-old man who had been seen talking to Terry at a bar earlier in the evening she was killed. Swinton told police he knew not just Terry, but murder victims Patricia Thompson, Tameika Mayo, Mary Shirley and Deidra Dancy as well. (Sylvia Bakers name was never associated with the investigation into these killings.) Swinton was arrested but released on insufficient evidence in 1991. In September 1993, Connecticut Magazine published a story called Killer at Large, by freelance journalist Karon Haller, about Swinton and the unsolved cases. In reporting for the story, Haller met with Swinton at a restaurant. What he said during that interview, according to Hallers account, was rambling and strange. As quoted in the article, Swinton at points flatly denies being the murderer, but at other times seems to refer to the killer and his actions in the first person. To some, it sounded like a confession. The story helped renew interest in the murders, and Swinton was arrested again for Terrys murder in 1998 and ultimately convicted in 2001. The prosecution used a bite mark-analysis expert who said bites on Terrys body were made by Swinton. An inmate also testified that Swinton had confessed the crime to him, but when this jailhouse informant wore a wire he only captured Swinton denying involvement in the crime. The prosecution also used the Connecticut Magazine interview in the trial. Years later, after bite mark testimony was discredited as junk science, M. Chris Fabricant, director of strategic litigation at the Innocence Project, and his staff began looking into Swintons case and ultimately began working to free him. The bite mark-analysis expert recanted his initial testimony against Swinton, acknowledging a positive identification was not possible. DNA testing of Terrys body, including the bite marks, revealed male DNA that was not Swintons. DNA testing of a bra thought to be owned by Terry that had been found in a common area of Swintons apartment building did not have Swintons DNA on it or Terrys, suggesting to Swintons lawyers that Terry never wore it. In 2018, Hartford States Attorney Gail Hardy dismissed the charges against Swinton, noting that new DNA evidence either excluded Swinton or was inconclusive. Fabricant is critical of the 1993 Connecticut Magazine story about Swinton and says it played a key role in his conviction. Storytelling is very persuasive because it turns off your critical thinking and you fill in narrative gaps automatically, Fabricant says. He notes that Swinton was an odd man and allegedly said strange things but investigators and the press were too quick to zero in on him. You throw in junk science and grossly unreliable snitch testimony, [from someone] who had previously testified against somebody else, and you have a perfect storm for a wrongful conviction. Haller died some years ago, but Charles Monagan, the former editor of Connecticut Magazine who worked with Haller on this and other stories, says, For me the story stands. What the law makes of it is up to the legal process. He adds, Karon was just a marvelous reporter. I think she was one of the best investigative reporters doing magazine work in the country for those 10 or so years when she wrote for Connecticut Magazine. Mike Marques In the summer of 1982, as their mothers murder case went cold, Alena and Kelsey moved in with their grandmother. It was only as Alena grew up that the enormity of what had happened to her family became clear. Now 41, Alena has no memories of her mother. I dont know what she sounds like. I dont know her favorite color, she says. Her brother, who declined to be interviewed for this story, shared the few memories he has with Alena, but her late grandmother never shared details. It must have been touchy for her, Alena says. It was only as Alena got older that she thought about asking other relatives about her mother. But by that point many who had known Sylvia had already passed away. Its almost like any connection I had was taken away, she says. Maybe its just not meant for me to know. Instead of me continuously wondering and wondering why I dont know and trying to figure out those answers, it just makes me more sane by just accepting it for what it is. It is family members like Alena who Jacobson and other members of the Cold Case Unit keep in mind as they work. Early in his career, Jacobson learned firsthand the toll violence can take. He nearly lost his life on the job in Hartford in 2003 when he was shot while attempting to make an arrest: a single bullet hit both of his legs. A few months later he became a detective. Two years later he started working on his first cold case by chance when Brenda Perez called the police station asking about the status of the investigation into the 1985 murder of her mother, Raquel Ramirez. The case was long cold but Jacobson began working on it and has continued to do so ever since and stays in touch with Perez. (He does not believe it is linked to the murders discussed in this story.) Ultimately he began working more cold cases, first strictly as a Hartford detective and later assigned to the Cold Case Unit. He felt deeply for people like Brenda who had lost someone to murder, particularly when that murder went unsolved and a cloud of uncertainty hung over the family. Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media The ripple effect these type of cases have on the family, its completely devastating, Jacobson says. Theres always the question of why and nobody can ever truly answer that. Its an unnatural thing to have a family member or friend killed at the hands of somebody else. In addition to the other cases he works on, for the past decade hes been thinking about Sylvias case and has met with her children. He looked for witnesses who saw Sylvia get in the van that night as well as for the kids who had first discovered her body. Many people who lived in the neighborhood have died or were impossible to track down. He followed old leads that led to new dead ends. Though the case is almost four decades old, he hasnt given up. Drew is phenomenal, says Supervisory Assistant States Attorney John F. Fahey, who oversees the states Cold Case Unit. He adds that, like others in the unit, Jacobson never ever, ever gives up. And I think thats what we try to bring to the families. Drew never stops thinking about a case. If the passage of time had taken away potential witnesses, it also allowed Jacobson to zoom out and get a wider-angle perspective than previous investigators had. Eventually, he saw something others missed. There were familiar names floating on the perimeter of Sylvias case and a grimly familiar pattern. Strangulation. Sexual assault. A female murder victim whose body had been moved to a remote location. He also began to see the same names appear in connection with multiple similar sex-related crimes and realized he was likely looking for more than one perpetrator. This past September at Keney Park, several unmarked police vehicles move off the service road onto a strip of grass. Theyre followed by a photographer and journalist from Connecticut Magazine. Jacobson is driving the lead car and taking us to the pond where Sylvias body was found nearly 40 years ago. Jacobson parks next to an overgrown area of trees and underbrush near the pond where Sylvia was found. Kneeling on the grass, he unfolds a map of the scene made by investigators back in 82 that shows where Sylvias body was discovered and also where the wallet belonging to the man who lived nearby was found. As hes examined the case, hes been impressed by the initial police work that was done. He agreed with the original investigators that the Rastafarian angle didnt make sense and the ex-boyfriends were not the most likely culprits. But Jacobson couldnt get past the man with the wallet. I believe hes a person with information and that he wasnt forthcoming back in the 80s, Jacobson says. Jacobson leads us to where the wallet was found. Its the beginning of a wooded area that leads to a path along the water. Though trees have grown and things have changed since 1982, photos from the case file show that the basic layout has not. The spot where the wallet was found is near the last area a vehicle could have traveled. From that point on, Sylvias body would likely have had to be carried. To get her body, naked and bound, to the edge of Keney Park, it would be very difficult for one person to do it in the middle of the night by themselves, so theres at least two people involved if not more, says Jacobson, noting there were no scrapes or bruises on her body that would indicate she had been dragged. As Jacobson examined the man with the wallet further, he learned that a relative who lived with him was being looked at by other investigators and that he is suspected in a series of sexual assaults. Both are part of a group of men Jacobson believes may be connected to Sylvias death and other crimes. Another relative who lived with the man with the wallet also had a van that fit the description of the one Sylvia got into the last time she was seen alive. Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media I think that there might have been other people that were hurt or worse at the hands of the same operators, the same suspects. I think thats a strong potential that this was not isolated, he says. There were several people who were either assaulted or died. Jacobson believes the crimes range from the late 70s to the early 90s. Some of the other crimes have already been solved. Some are unsolved. Then theres some others like Miss Baker that are unsolved but seem to have commonalities to the solved ones. It doesnt mean that these people committed this, but it certainly seems like it. Anytime there is a suspect or suspects in a crime, Jacobson says investigators try to find information that would clear them of involvement. Any information I can get that would exonerate them from that, I document it, make sure that I have it so I can go on and try to find the right perpetrators and not waste my time looking at them. [Here] every time I do that and I try to find reasons to exclude them, I keep getting thrown back at them. Jacobson is not ready to name the man with the wallet or any of the other men he suspects may know something about Sylvias murder and other crimes. He acknowledges his suspicions could be wrong. There are also pieces of the puzzle that have yet to fall into place, connections he hasnt yet made that he needs to. I cant stop thinking about it and its making me nuts, he says. Unlike in movies, where cold cases have no suspects and little evidence, in the real world investigators often have suspicions about particular people but dont have enough evidence for a conviction. The public typically thinks, well, you just need probable cause, says Lisa Dadio, a retired New Haven Police lieutenant who is the director of the Center for Advanced Policing at the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven. In any case, not just a cold case, you really need to make sure that you have all this evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that this person committed that crime. When shared the broad details of Sylvias case, Dadio says the man with the wallets links to the crime scene are circumstantial and investigators will need to figure out how to bring it from that circumstantial [evidence] to establishing probable cause, so that you dont have reasonable doubt. She adds that the case could be complicated by the likelihood of more than one person being present for the murder. Maybe the person with the wallet was there but will point the finger at someone else who was also there, she says. If you have evidence on the victims body that comes back to one or the other, that would be incredible. Whether its some type of biological evidence or fingerprints, she says. She says that without strong forensic evidence linking a specific person to Sylvias body, it likely will require some type of admission or confession. Fahey, the attorney who oversees the Cold Case Unit, says cold cases tend to get solved in two ways. One occurs when witnesses come forward that may have known something back then but didnt say anything for a particular reason. They were scared, they were dating someone, whatever the case may be. The second way is when new DNA evidence can be extracted from the existing evidence thanks to improved DNA analysis. The use of public genealogy databases is also a new investigative tool that the Cold Case Unit has utilized. In November, Michael M. Sharpe, 69, of Marlborough, was arrested and charged with kidnapping in connection to four rapes in Connecticut in 1984. Investigators have long had DNA connected to the crimes but could not match it to criminal databases. They were able to develop Sharpe as a suspect after using publicly available genealogy information. In the near future, Fahey hopes to use similar techniques in dozens of unsolved Hartford murders, some of which are potentially linked to Sylvias. But solving Sylvias murder will also likely require old-fashioned investigative techniques. As this story is completed late last year, Jacobson is planning to interview several people who might know something about the crime. In a best-case scenario, he might have an arrest within a year, he says. This is a game of chess, he says. Theres no urgency to run out and make an arrest. Were not going to do that. This is far too important to do that. This story is one of the game pieces, he says. I know there are going to be people in prison who will read this or it will get to them eventually, he says. Somebody hopefully will read it and leave an anonymous tip or make a call. Even if the case is solved, for Alena there likely wont be any such thing as closure. If I figure out who did it to Sylvia, its not going to bring her mom back, Jacobson says. I dont think it ever makes them feel better, maybe temporarily, maybe it will help with some unanswered questions. Alena tries not to think about the lingering questions surrounding her mothers murder. Instead she focuses on more positive things like her fiance and their two daughters, ages 9 and 7. Shes told them about their grandmother, but not how she died. She will tell them one day, as she doesnt want them to be in the dark like she was, and she believes her oldest has already picked up on some of the story. Alena is working toward a new career as a high school social worker or career counselor. Prior to COVID hitting in March she was working with a behavioral team at a Connecticut high school and loved the work. Like many, shes been trying to spend less time on social media and more time reading. Shes also helped her children, one of whom has special needs, navigate the intricacies of remote and hybrid learning. All the while she fights the urge to think about a conviction or be consumed by a rabbits hole of questions surrounding the tragic way her mothers life ended and the shadow it's cast on her family. If they found the person and they served time, it would be nice. I would love to have that person get what they deserve, but at this point, she pauses, searching for the words, I dont go to church, but I feel very spiritual. I feel a connection with God, and with me questioning it made my thoughts and my decisions very blurry. And it was because I was questioning my faith and what I believed in, and I just got to a point where I said to myself that if Im believing in something and I have faith, me questioning it and wondering why and saying how come and when and all that stuff, it disrupts everything that I believe in. And it breaks my faith and my trust in the higher being, so Ive just started having an understanding that some things I will not know, some things I will not understand because its higher and bigger than me. Alena adds that she believes justice will be served no matter what. I just put trust that if this person is caught or not, I know that they are gonna pay a price in some way, shape or form. I dont know what this persons life is like now. They could be living horribly. They could be sick, they could be in pain. They could be dead. It isnt a big thing for me to have this person prosecuted and put in jail. If it happens, great. If it doesnt happen, I know that something is happening. I know that somebody just cannot get away with things like this either on Earth or not. I know that there is a penalty for everything you do. I am at peace with it. Anyone with information about Sylvia Bakers murder or other unsolved Connecticut crimes can leave anonymous tips for the Cold Case Unit by calling 1-866-623-8058. The unit can also be reached by email at cold.case@ct.gov or by mail at P.O. Box 962, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. This article originally appeared in Connecticut Magazine. You can subscribe here , or find the current issue on sale here . Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest and greatest content from Connecticut Magazine delivered right to your inbox. On Facebook and Instagram @connecticutmagazine and Twitter @connecticutmag . [February 18, 2021] INVESTIGATION ALERT: The Schall Law Firm Announces it is Investigating Claims Against Sonic Automotive, Inc. and Encourages Investors with Losses of $100,000 to Contact the Firm The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Sonic Automotive, Inc. ("Sonic" or "the Company") (NYSE: SAH) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Sonic is the subject of a report published by Bloomberg (News - Alert) on February 18, 2021. In the article titled "CEO Charged With Choking Woman Garners Board Support, Not Rebuke: Governance watchdogs say a firmer response is needed after Sonic Automotive's David Smit was charged with assaulting a woman," Bloomberg reported that "barely 24 hours after his release, Sonic's board - more than a quarter of which is made up of Smith family members, including the CEO's father and 93-year-old founder O. Bruton Smith - said it believed he was innocent and pledged its 'steadfast' support." Bloomberg added that "Sonic's ownership structure gives the company more room to shrug off any potential backlash, The Smith family has about 80% of the voting power despite holding only a third of the shares outstanding because of a dual-class structure with supervoting stock." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA (News - Alert) 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at brian@schallfirm.com. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210218006111/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A 36-year-old man is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail after he gave a gun and promised drugs to what turned out to be an undercover Pennsylvania State Police trooper in a potential murder-for-hire plot, court papers say. Dominic Luis Escalera, no address given, began in late January looking for someone to assault or kill his ex-girlfriend, Allentown police said. The payoff was supposed to be 150 Ecstasy pills, police said in court papers. On Feb. 8, the ex-girlfriend got a protection order saying she feared Escalera after he verbally and physically abused her, police said. An undercover trooper was in phone contact with Escalera throughout the investigation, police said. On Valentines Day, they agreed that Escalera would provide the pills and the gun to the trooper, police said. The gun had been stolen in 2019 in Allentown, police said. Escalera had texted a photo of the woman and her address to the trooper, police said. Escalera showed the trooper the womans residence and then the trooper drove Escalera to the Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem in an effort to create an alibi, police said. Escalera was taken into custody soon after, police said. He was arraigned early Thursday on charges of criminal solicitation of criminal homicide, possession of a firearm when prohibited he has previous felony convictions in New Jersey, court papers say firearms not to be carried without a license, unlawful body armor, receiving stolen property and another firearms count, records show. He is being held pending a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled 2:15 p.m. April 9 before District Judge Karen C. Devine, records show. Allentown police turned to Facebook to show their gratitude to city police personnel and the outside agencies that helped bring about the arrest: Our department would like to thank all the Officers, Detectives, Investigators involved in this investigation and subsequent arrest with several agencies involved ATF, PA State Police, Lehigh County District Attorneys Office, PA Attorney Generals Office. Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. More: Bail revoked for Harrisburg rape suspect Former Harrisburg police chief dies Feb. 19, 2021 The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently verified a new detection of invasive hemlock woolly adelgid at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Benzie County. To date, a survey of the surrounding area has found just one infested tree in the Platte River Campground, a popular destination within the National Lakeshore. Hemlock woolly adelgids are small insects that use their long, siphoning mouthparts to extract sap from hemlock trees. Their feeding weakens needles, shoots and branches. Over time, tree growth slows, and trees take on a grayish-green appearance. Without treatment, infested trees die within four to 10 years. These insects are considered invasive because they are not native to Michigan and can cause significant harm to the state's hemlock resource, estimated at 170 million trees. With support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, National Lakeshore staff began surveying high-use areas throughout the park in January, looking for the invasive insect that, in October 2020, was detected in Ludington State Park, approximately 70 miles south of Sleeping Bear Dunes. The survey crew worked alongside a team from the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (ISN), which has been surveying hemlock trees within 5 miles of Lake Michigan since 2018 as a part of a Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program early detection project. On Feb. 4, surveyors found round, white ovisacs characteristic of the hemlock woolly adelgid on one tree in the Platte River Campground. A sample sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture was verified the following day. Michigan has been combating hemlock woolly adelgid since 2006 and has current infestations in Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana and Mason counties. How does it spread? Hemlock woolly adelgid likely arrived in Michigan on infested nursery stock from northeastern states. Though the tiny insects don't move far on their own, they can be blown by wind or "hitchhike" on birds or mammals that come into contact with an infested branch. In a similar way, cars, boats or RVs parked under infested trees may be able to transport the insects to new locations. A statewide effort In 2016, Michigan's Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Coordinating Committee brought together researchers, technicians and field staff from universities and federal, state and local agencies to develop and carry out a statewide response effort to protect hemlock trees, an important component of Michigan's northern forest ecosystem. The result has been a coordinated effort of research, outreach, surveying, data collection and targeted treatment on both public and private lands focused on slowing the spread of the invasive insect. Rob Miller, an invasive species prevention and response specialist with MDARD, coordinates the statewide program. According to Miller, this new detection underscores the importance of the survey effort, which spans the Lake Michigan shoreline from the Indiana border to the Upper Peninsula. "While we never want to find a new infestation, discovering it early on, as in this case, when we have a reasonable chance of containing it and saving trees, is really the purpose of this program," said Miller. Response is underway Since the initial detection at the National Lakeshore Feb. 4, crews have completed a survey of all hemlocks within an 800-foot radius of the infested tree as well as a grid search of the broader vicinity, finding no additional infestations so far. Partners are making plans to treat the infested tree and other nearby hemlocks in spring 2021. Since January, ISN has logged 388 survey acres across its service area, which includes Manistee, Benzie, Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties, and those efforts will continue through early spring. Hemlock surveys in other lakeshore counties are being conducted by local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas and state agency staff. ISN is contacting private landowners within the vicinity of the Platte River Campground to request permission to survey for the invasive insect. Free surveys available All landowners and managers of properties within 5 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline can take advantage of the no-cost hemlock survey program. Residents in the ISN's service area can complete an online hemlock woolly adelgid survey request form or contact Audrey Menninga, invasive species specialist, at 231-941-0960 ext. 18 or AMenninga@GTCD.org. Those in other counties should contact their local CISMA by visiting MichiganInvasives.org. Help the survey effort If you are planning to spend time outdoors this winter, you can help look for and report hemlock woolly adelgids. Look on the undersides of hemlock branches for evidence of round, white ovisacs near the base of the needles. Up close, ovisacs look like balls of spun cotton and may appear alone or in clusters. The short video Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Invasive Species in Michigan provides helpful identification tips. Other, less damaging pests easily can be mistaken for hemlock woolly adelgid. Be sure to review photos and descriptions of common hemlock woolly adelgid look-alikes at Michigan.gov/HWA. Help in identifying eastern hemlock trees is also available at the same site. How to report Trees infested with hemlock woolly adelgid should be reported by one of the following means: Email the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at MDA-Info@Michigan.gov. Call the MDARD Customer Service Center at 800-292-3939. Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network online reporting tool. Download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone. Be prepared to report the location of infested trees and, whenever possible, take one or two pictures of infested branches to help confirm identification. To avoid spreading hemlock woolly adelgid, do not collect sample branches or twigs. The MISIN smartphone app will take a GPS location point if a report is made at the site; it also will allow you to upload photos with a report. Prevent further spread As more and more people take to the outdoors, the potential for spreading hemlock woolly adelgid and other invasive species also grows. "While human movement isn't the only way invasive species spread, it is the most common," said Julie Christian, Natural Resource Division manager at the National Lakeshore. "If you're headed outdoors, it's more important than ever to take simple measures to protect the places we all love. 'Play, Clean, Go' is a good motto to remind us to clean gear and vehicles before we hit the road. Parking in designated areas and staying on trails also helps to protect natural areas. Remember to leave firewood at home and buy it locally at your destination." For more information on hemlock woolly adelgid and other invasive species in Michigan, and to find out what you can do to help prevent them, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives. Michigan's Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. /Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions and photo credit information follow: Branch: Surveyors recognized the small, white dots at the base of the needles on the underside of this infested branch in the Platte River Campground as a sign of hemlock woolly adelgids. Photo courtesy of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Survey: Hemlock woolly adelgid survey crews work throughout the winter, often making their way through deep snow in remote and rugged areas. Photo courtesy of West Michigan CISMA. Hemlock tree: Hemlock trees are generally cone-shaped with lacy or feathery branches./ However, Mr Weimar said health authorities had cleared about 500 of the 1507 primary contacts associated with the Grand Hyatt outbreak. Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said close contacts needed to remain vigilant. This isnt over yet all known contacts of cases or exposure sites need to stay in quarantine for the full 14 days to wrap this up, Professor Sutton said via Twitter. Loading Victoria Police on Friday revealed that 62 fines were handed out for breaches during the states five-day lockdown, which ended on Wednesday. A 50-year-old St Albans man was also arrested and charged after operating his gym Campbellfield gym during lockdown on Tuesday. He will appear at court at a later date. A spokesperson for the force said compliance was overall good during the circuit-breaker and the fines issued were only for the most blatant or deliberate breaches. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said Victorian authorities were working to make sure all contacts of the three new cases found on Friday were traced. Obviously, the Victorian authorities will be acting very swiftly to make sure that all the contacts of these people have been followed up and are also in isolation and arranging to get tested, Professor Kidd told ABC radio. No new cases were reported in hotel quarantine on Friday, while half-a-dozen testing sites closed due to high temperatures. Mr Weimar urged people in several Melbourne suburbs to be on the lookout for symptoms after several unexpected wastewater detections were picked up in surveillance sites. Those locations are Wantirna South and Boronia, which includes Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, Knoxfield and Tremont; Carrum Downs and Langwarrin, including Skye; and St Kilda East and Caulfield North, including parts of Caulfield, Balaclava and Elsternwick, Mr Weimar said. Weve been talking about over a number of weeks now weve again stepped up the granularity of our wastewater sampling across the metropolitan area. Although we have no obvious connections between the new locations that are flagged up and any known positive cases, we are therefore asking people in a couple of areas to be prepared and be vigilant for any potential symptoms they may have. Several testing sites across Melbourne were forced to close early due to the heat. Locations included Dandenong, Greensborough and Pakenham. Testing sites closed due to heat Monash Health - Carroll Lane, Dandenong - Drive Through, Dandenong Banyule Community Health - Greensborough Monash Health - IYU Recreation Reserve, Pakenham Darebin Arts Centre, Preston Wyndham City Council Civic Centre, Werribee Shorten Reserve Car Park, West Footscray Mr Weimar said that although the wastewater detections were unexpected, he was not excessively worried. Loading If youre in those catchment areas, and feel you have any reason to be concerned about any symptoms you might be showing, no matter how slight, we really would ask you to come and get tested today, Mr Weimar said. We see these detections coming up. At this point in time, its an isolated set of detections, so were not excessively worried. COVID-19 vaccination plan Front-line coronavirus workers who are most likely to come into contact with the virus are first in line to be vaccinated under the federal COVID-19 vaccination plan. Trained health professionals will administer doses of the Pfizer vaccine to hotel quarantine and health hotel workers, airport and port workers, high-risk front-line health staff and public sector residential aged care staff and residents from Monday. Mr Foley said the state governments priority was supporting the Commonwealth project to ensure the vaccine was deployed as quickly and safely possible. Whether they work in hotel quarantine, at the airport, or a specialist COVID ward we need to keep Victorians most at risk of infection safe, while they continue to keep Victorians safe, he said. Following the arrival of the vaccine, health hubs will deliver the jabs at dedicated sites throughout the state, including hospitals and quarantine hotels. There will also be a site at Melbourne Airport and mobile outreach teams. Loading Moomba cancellation reversed Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp said on Thursday that reduced crowd numbers due to COVID-19 restrictions led her to make the incredibly difficult decision to cancel the festival for the first time in its 66-year history. But the decision to cancel the event was overturned on Friday and the festival is set to proceed with a revised program designed to meet COVID-19 safety requirements. We have been working closely overnight with the events industry and the Victorian government to ensure we can deliver a reimagined Moomba 2.0, the lord mayor said. Before the backflip, Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said he had expressed his disappointment to Cr Capp and got the sense the council would change course. The council made the call to not go ahead with this years festival despite the Chief Health Officer having approved a COVID-safe plan for the yearly event, Mr Pakula said. Front-line COVID-19 staff went unpaid for weeks The Department of Health has admitted that front-line COVID-19 staff were not paid in the weeks leading up to the latest lockdown. The department said the pay issue arose after the recruitment of an additional 204 employees to respond to the border permit exemptions and increased call volumes associated with the NSW and Queensland border closures. When the Department of Health became aware that a number of staff working in the border permit team had not received payment, they acted quickly and arranged for off-line payments to be made to the majority of staff, a spokesman said. The department said the issue in no way impacted the states response to the pandemic. Whitten Oval could become COVID vaccination hub Loading Whitten Oval has been touted as a possible location for Melbournes first mass coronavirus vaccination hub under a proposal that would mean the sports stadium in the citys west hosting thousands of Victorians for immunisation. Medical groups recently visited the West Footscray oval, home to AFL club the Western Bulldogs, finding it had optimum air flow and was close to health services, making it an ideal location for a vaccination centre. Mukesh Haikerwal, of the Australian Medical Association, who is leading discussions about setting up the hub, estimated the stadium could allow for about 450 people to be vaccinated per hour. His highly successful coronavirus respiratory clinic in Altona North, also in the western suburbs, will soon be converted into a vaccine clinic, with a plan to vaccinate 16 people an hour. With Rachel Clun, Melissa Cunningham, Rachael Dexter HAMPTON, Iowa A Fort Dodge man accused of trying to break into a Hampton home is pleading not guilty. Austin Taylor Lee Hogan, 30, is charged with 1st degree attempted burglary-going armed with intent. Police say they were called to an address on 7th Avenue NE just after 1 am on January 22. A woman told them a man with a gun was trying to get into her home through the back porch. Officers say they arrived to find an obviously intoxicated and confrontational Hogan who repeatedly refused to obey commands. Court documents state Hogan was pinned to the ground and handcuffed and a loaded .45 caliber handgun was found on the back porch. A trial is now scheduled to begin on April 6 in Franklin County District Court. Amber Jean Rowan wearing Clementine dress from the new Rixo Bridal Collection, which is being launched at London Fashion Week. London Fashion Week kicks off today with a slimmed-down schedule, but theres no doubting the designers zeal to share their vision for AW21 and life after lockdown. Notable absentees from the schedule this season include Victoria Beckham and boy wonder JW Anderson from Magherafelt, Co Derry. For the 95 designers on the five-day showcase, the end of the invite only catwalk show and shift to the digital everyone on the front row model brings a democratisation to the insider world of couture. This pivot, which allows customers and buyers to view content 24/7, is welcomed by designers of all ages. Galway-born designer Rory Parnell Mooney shows on the digital schedule at 10.20am today as part of Discovery Lab, developed by the British Fashion Council to help emerging talents. Rory (31) has landed one of the coveted, early-morning slots on the first day of LFW and he will be sharing a film that goes behind the scenes of his show prep. His 37 luxury looks include many of his signature details, like his laced-effect trousers, cut-away and tie-dyed tops, chaps and intricate denim jeans and jackets. Rory took time out to reflect on what he wanted to say in fashion and distilling the essential parts of his brand puts him in a strong position to deal with pandemic pressures. Veteran designer Paul Costelloe is showing at 11.30am today and for his AW21 inspiration, he looked to his early fashion days working in Paris. Orlagh McCloskey from Co Derry is one half of Rixo and with her business partner Henrietta Rix they are rolling out their first ever bridal collection next Tuesday. The concept was all about diversity, from fit and shape to reaching the widest possible audience with their take on the modern bride. The limited-edition, vintage-inspired 26-piece collection features a bespoke, minimal-crease, silk material. The dresses, in sizes 6-18, cost from 547 to 1,672 and will be available to buy online. Rixos choice of models included Dubliner Amber Jean Rowan, who didnt let alopecia hinder her chosen career in acting and fashion. She is photographed (right) wearing the Clementine dress in cream. Simone Rocha is undoubtedly one of the LFW must-see shows and the reveal of her latest collection should be in the diary for 2pm next Tuesday. Simones collaboration with high-street brand H&M has garnered her acres of international coverage and all of the ideas came from a decade of collections shown in London. From a sales point of view, Fiona ONeill from Dublins Dalkey will be selling her mohair knit bustiers on the LFW website. Some designers are sitting this one out. Katie McGuigan from Newry launches her collection in March, the same month Richard Malone from Wexford releases his new film, while London-Irish designer Richard Quinn has postponed showing until March. A former U.S. Marine and federal agent has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Sig Sauer Inc. alleging that his holstered Sig P320 -- a pistol that the Army's new sidearm is based on -- accidentally discharged, firing a 9mm bullet into his right leg. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday on behalf of Keith Slatowski in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania, alleges his "substantial injuries" were the result of the handgun's "potentially deadly design defects" that allow it to fire without the user pulling the trigger, according to a news release from Slatowski's attorneys, Jeffrey Bagnell and Robert Zimmerman. The Army awarded Sig Sauer a contract worth up to $580 million in early 2017 to produce the M17 and M18 Modular Handgun System -- a version of the P320 -- to replace the service's Cold War-era M9 9mm pistol. Read Next: Tricare Users Frustrated by Lack of Information on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability Slatowski was issued a P320 as his service weapon to use as a deportation officer for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Pennsylvania. On Sept. 21, 2020, Slatowski was conducting his required, quarterly firearms training in New Castle, Delaware, according to the lawsuit. While on the firing line, he was instructed to draw and fire two rounds at the target. When Slatowski "placed his hand on the pistol grip to draw it out of his holster, the weapon fired," according to the lawsuit. "Slatowski never touched the weapon's trigger," the suit alleges. "The bullet struck him in his upper right hip and exited out the back of his lower thigh, causing substantial injury, maceration of tissue, blood loss, and nerve damage." Bagnell described Slatowski as "an exemplary, highly trained public employee, former Marine, husband and father of four, who is lucky to be alive," according to the news release. Slatowski is suing Sig Sauer for "negligence, strict products liability, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress in view of Sig's misrepresentations about the safety of the weapon," the lawsuit states. "To this day I'm shocked that a firearms manufacturer would design, build and sell a lethal weapon knowing it could fire without the most highly trained soldier, agent, or civilian ever touching the trigger," Slatowski said in the release. His attorneys say he is presently unavailable for media interviews, according to the release. Sig Sauer spokesman Michael Marotte told Military.com that the New Hampshire-based gun company is not prepared to comment on the lawsuit at this time. This is not the first lawsuit brought against Sig Sauer over the P320. Last March, Sig agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit that required the company to reimburse owners of the P320 pistol who paid for repairs or upgrades to prevent an alleged safety glitch, which could cause the weapon to fire accidentally. The class-action suit claimed that P320 pistols made before Aug. 8, 2017, do not include a mechanical disconnector, a feature that blocks the pistol's ability to fire when the slide and barrel are in an unlocked condition. Sig Sauer's free Voluntary Upgrade Program, offered to anyone who purchased the pistol before Aug. 8, 2017, includes the new disconnector feature, company officials have said. Slatowski's lawsuit argues that the P320 design "possessed an inadequate sear-striker connection, even after implementing a 'voluntary upgrade' program for the gun; an inadequate internal striker safety; and lacked any external safety or tabbed trigger safety," the lawsuit states. In addition to Slatowski's case, the lawsuit argues that the P320's alleged flaw has resulted in approximately 28 accidental discharge incidents involving law enforcement officers. Approximately 15 of those have resulted in injuries, according to the lawsuit. The Army's new Modular Handgun System -- which is being adopted by all of the services -- features an upgraded design over the original P320 and has "passed the U.S. Army's testing protocols," according to Sig officials. Military.com reached out to the Army to see whether any soldiers have experienced accidental discharge incidents with the MHS, but Program Executive Office Soldier could not immediately provide an answer. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: Sig Sauer to Settle Lawsuit Over Alleged Safety Glitch in P320 Pistol An inmate at Goulburn jail has been charged with terrorism offences for allegedly plotting to attack police, military and Corrective Services officers. Tuki Lawrence, 24, who was in prison for unrelated offences when he came under suspicion, was charged by counter-terrorism police over letters found in his cell that allegedly outlined plans to carry out attacks. Goulburn jail inmate Tuki Lawrence, 24, has been charged over an alleged terrorist plot. Credit:NSW Police Investigators linked Lawrence to Islamic State sympathisers two years ago, including Isaak El Matari, who wanted to create a Blue Mountains stronghold to launch guerilla attacks across Sydney, and Radwan Dakkak, 25. El Matari, from Greenacre, allegedly proclaimed himself the General Commander of Islamic State Australia and pleaded guilty in October to making preparations for a terrorist act and incursion into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities. Six Capitol Police officers have been suspended and 29 others are currently under investigation for their conduct during the violent insurrection in Washington DC on January 6, officials have announced. The suspensions and investigations come as part of an internal probe at the Capitol Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman. Among those suspended is a cop who was filmed posing for selfies with rioters inside the Capitol, Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Ohio, previously confirmed. Also suspended: Lt. Tarik Khalid Johnson, 45, who was seen wearing a red Make America Great Again hat as he started directing rioters around the building. Our Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the actions of 35 police officers from that day. We currently have suspended six of those officers with pay, department spokesperson John Stolnis told Fox 5. Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not in keeping with the Department's Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline. Scroll down for video Among those suspended in a cop who was videoed posing for selfies (above) with rioters inside the legislature, Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Ohio, previously confirmed Lt. Tarik Khalid Johnson, 45, who was seen wearing a red Make America Great Again hat as he started directing rioters around the building, has also been suspended News of the internal investigations progress comes more than a month after thousands of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol in a bid to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election. Five people died, including one Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, who was bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher. In total, 139 cops were assaulted in the frenzy and two officers who were on duty at the time have since committed suicide. In the riots wake, video footage emerge in abundance on social media that raised questions about the actions of numerous officers. In some instances, police were seen standing motionless in a door way as rioters streamed past them into the Capitol. In other instances, officers were even seen opening up barricades and physically waiving the mob through. Further, at least two rioters have since told the FBI a Capitol Police officer told them Its your house now, as the insurrection unfolded. In the case of Lt. Johnson, he was filmed handing the rioters a megaphone and telling them, Ill follow you, while wearing a red MAGA cap. He then proceeded to follow the group in a procession around the building. Despite his suspension, Johnson has claimed he chose to wear the hat to get the attention of the rioters, and distract the crowd surging toward an open door of the building. As the officer waded into the frenzied group, he became surrounded giving other police officers the chance to shut the doors behind him, reporter Chris Jones who recorded the incident, told Military.com. In the case of Lt. Johnson, he was filmed handing the rioters a megaphone and telling them, Ill follow you Despite his suspension, Johnson has claimed he chose to wear the hat o get the attention of the rioters, and distract the crowd surging toward an open door of the building In the weeks since January 6, the Capitol Police Department has come under fierce criticism for failing to adequately prepare for the riots. The FBI has also been widely panned for failing to take preemptive action to identify and thwart threats ahead of the unrest - despite plenty of warning signs. Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda D Pittman (pictured) was subject to a no confidence vote Last month, Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said the department has been actively reviewing video and other open source materials of some USCP officers and officials that appear to be in violation of Department regulations and policies. But the suspensions and investigations come at a time of turmoil within the department. Just last week, the Capitol Police union delivered an overwhelming vote of no confidence in their leaders, in light of January 6. Pittman, the first woman and the first African American to preside over the force, was roundly condemned for her leadership. She took over two days after the riots, on January 8, when her predecessor Steven Sund was forced to resign. Nevertheless, 92 percent of union members voted that they did not have any confidence in her. Her deputy, Chad Thomas, who joined the force in 1996, fared even worse, with a 96 percent no confidence rating. Worst rated was Captain Ben Smith, who 97 percent said they felt failed by. About 650 officers out of about 1,500 who could have took part in the vote. In a statement released on Saturday, Pittman said 'the trauma is still incredibly raw and difficult for the many officers who fought heroically on the 6th.' She added: 'Since being sworn in on January 8th, my executive team and I have made the well-being of our officers our top priority. 'While progress has been made, more work remains. And I am committed to ensuring every officer gets what they need and deserve.' In total, 139 cops were assaulted in the frenzy and two officers who were on duty at the time have since committed suicide The Capitol Police Department has come under fierce criticism for failing to adequately prepare for the riots last month At least 31 officers in law enforcement agencies across 12 states are also currently being investigated over their suspected role in the riots, having traveled to DC while off-duty. Most of the officers have not been publicly identified; only a few have been charged. Some were identified by online sleuths. Others were reported by their colleagues or turned themselves in. Among them are one officer in New York, one in Philadelphia, two in Seattle, two in Virginia and one in Texas. Five people died, including one Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick (above), who was bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher An Oklahoma sheriff and a New Hampshire police chief who have acknowledged being at the rally, but denied entering the Capitol or breaking the law, are also being proved. Sgt. Thomas Robertson and Officer Jacob Fracker, of Rocky Mount, Virginia, face criminal charges after posting a photo of themselves inside the Capitol during the riot. According to court records, Robertson wrote on social media that the Left are just mad because we actually attacked the government who is the problem The right IN ONE DAY took the f***ing US Capitol. Keep poking us. Federal law enforcement officials have also arrested and charged more than 250 suspected rioters, with investigators still hunting down hundreds more. Former President Donald Trump was impeached for a second time after the attack and was accused of inciting the violence that occurred at the Capitol that day. He was acquitted of inciting insurrection by the Senate last week. New Delhi: Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JLF) which operates Dominos Pizza and Dunkin Donuts outlets in India is set to fully acquire the Netherlands-based Fides Food Systems Cooperatief UA via its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B.V. for approximately 24.80 million. The acquisition of Fides by Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B.V. will enable JFL to indirectly hold 32.81% shares in DP Eurasia, which is the exclusive master franchisee of the Dominos Pizza brand in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, JFL informed the exchanges on Friday. To this end, Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B.V. and JFL, acting as a guarantor for the investment obligation of its wholly-owned subsidiary, has entered into a purchase agreement with Turkish Private Equity Fund II L.P., which is the sole member of Fides, the company said. DP Eurasia is a public company listed with the London Stock Exchange PLC. JFL, part of the Jubilant Bhartia group, operates a wide network of food services brands. (The promoters of HT Media Ltd, which publishes Mint, and Jubilant FoodWorks are closely related. There are, however, no promoter cross-holdings.) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. They've moved quickly in their relationship and just recently went Instagram official. And Michael B. Jordan was ready to tell the world about his adoration for his girlfriend Lori Harvey in the caption of a series shared to Instagram on Thursday. The 34-year-old actor shared glamorous snaps with his lady love and simply captioned the snaps 'I love you baby.' Michael and Lori, who went Instagram official mid-January after various sighting for the past few months, looked completely enamored with each other as they posed for a few photos. The global face of Coach looked classically handsome in a dapper black suit with a matching button down and shiny shoes. The Black Panther star was the perfect gentleman in the first image as he gave his arm to Lori, 24, as she walked in high heels. Blessed: Michael B. Jordan was ready to tell the world about his adoration for his girlfriend Lori Harvey in the caption of a series shared to Instagram on Thursday The second image was a more playful snap as he sweetly moved her hair out of her face. The two images, snapped by photographer Jacob Webster, showed Michael dressed up in all black looking handsome as ever. Meanwhile, Lori, donned a formfitting mirror dress; the sleeveless turtleneck frock showcased her hourglass figure. Adorable: They went Instagram official mid-January after various sighting for the past few months Last month, Michael and Lori enjoyed a holiday with her famous father Steve Harvey and mom Marjorie. They stayed on Steve's yacht during their vacation to St. Barts. During the trip, she shared a racy snap of her with Michael while on the yacht, with him holding placing his hand beneath her left breast. The couple beamed in the image, with the model wearing a ruched green dress. Lovebirds: Last month, Michael and Lori enjoyed a holiday with her famous father Steve Harvey and mom Marjorie Steve and Marjorie married in June 2007 and soon after he legally adopted her children Lori, Morgan and Jason. Lori and Michael went Instagram official on January 10 on each of their Instagrams with loved up snaps. They were seen together since the end of November, and the couple were spotted heading to Salt Lake City, Utah ahead of New Years. LEBANON, N.Y. (UPDATED) A Lebanon man is accused of setting a fire at a home after an eight-hour standoff with police where he barricaded himself inside with a gun, threatening to harm himself and others. Madison County Sheriffs deputies were called to 1266 Route 12B in the town of Lebanon around 7 p.m. Wednesday, after receiving reports of an armed man making threats while inside the home with his family. Deputies were able to evacuate the family members, but say 41-year-old Joshua A. Wilcox barricaded himself inside until 3 a.m., making threats to harm himself before allegedly setting a fire at the home. Five fire departments were called to the scene to help put out the flames. Wilcox is charged with third-degree arson and second-degree menacing. Deputies took him to undergo a mental health evaluation after the incident. The has released the photographs of 200 people who were allegedly involved in the violence that broke out on during the farmers' tractor parade at Red Fort, officials said on Friday. Police said they have scanned the videos and taken the pictures of people from them. "We have released the pictures and the process of identification (of the people) has been started," a senior police officer said. Thousands of protesters had clashed with the police during the tractor parade called by farmer unions on January 26 to highlight their demand for repeal of the Centre's three farm laws. Many of the protesters, driving tractors, reached the Red Fort and entered the monument. Some of them even hoisted religious flags on its domes and the flagstaff at the ramparts. The farmers have been protesting since late November at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, demanding a rollback of the Centre's three agri laws. (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.) There are concerns for around 600 jobs in Belfast after NatWest announced plans to withdraw Ulster Bank from the Republic of Ireland. While the bank's Northern Ireland operation is unaffected there are around 600 people in Belfast who work as part of the company's operation in the Republic. Ulster Bank's chief executive in the Republic, Jane Howard, said that no branches will be closing this year. The company said that a strategic review had concluded that Ulster Bank's operations in the Republic would not achieve an acceptable level of sustainable returns. It means that the bank will start a phased withdrawal from the region. NatWest said it would try to ensure that job losses are minimised. Ulster Bank in the Republic of Ireland has 2,800 employees and a 20.5 billion euro loan book. Across the Republic and Northern Ireland, the bank employs 6,000 people. NatWest chief executive Alison Rose said: "Following an extensive review and despite the progress that has been made, it has become clear Ulster Bank will not be able to generate sustainable long-term returns for our shareholders. "As a result, we are to begin a phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland over the coming years which will be undertaken with careful consideration of the impact on customers and our colleagues." Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald said it was essential all efforts were made to protect jobs. "While Ulster Bank in the north is a separate entity and this withdrawal doesn't affect its banking operation here, there are around 600 workers based in Belfast who service Ulster bank's southern operations and it is vital all efforts are made to protect jobs," the East Londonderry MLA said. "Ulster Bank must communicate with workers and their representatives at all stages throughout the process that will now take place." Alliance MLA Andrew Muir said jobs being at risk in Northern Ireland was a "real blow". I have requested a meeting with Financial Services Union representatives and Ulster Bank management to discuss these worrying developments, and will be urging Ulster Bank to retain jobs in Belfast and beyond," he said. Speaking ahead of the announcement, SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin said the move would "create a dangerous situation for consumers and businesses, significantly undermining a competitive market". "Ulster Bank is one of only three major banks that operates on a retail basis in both the North and the South, providing all-island, dual currency banking," the Foyle MLA said. The party's economy spokesperson said that given the growing importance of the all-island economy following Brexit, the withdrawal was "particularly harmful and badly timed". The company was founded in 1836 and became a subsidiary of what is now known as NatWest in 1917. In 2000, it was taken over by the Royal Bank of Scotland group. It has retail and corporate banking arms. The bank has around 1.9 million personal and business customers through 174 outlets across the island of Ireland and a business banking presence in every county. It has 110 branches in the Republic of Ireland. A corporate banking operation looks after business customers. It also provides treasury and money market services, asset financing, online banking and international services. In 2019, Ulster Banks total income fell due to non-performing loans after the sale of a portfolio of mortgages. Customer deposits had increased and the bank reported higher operating profits a year ago. NatWest has revealed that it made a pre-tax operating loss of 351 million in 2020. It came after the business took a 3.2 billion impairment charge for the year, accounting for loans it expects could fail, to a large extent because of the economic stress caused by Covid-19. The impairment was below the 3.5 billion to 4.5 billion range that the bank had previously said it expected to report for 2020. 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 State of Illinois is still facing a major financial problem. If long-term changes do not happen soon, experts believe that the state could see its highest deficits on record. On Wednesday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed a $42 billion dollar budget plan for fiscal year 2022. Some experts believe Pritzker's proposed plan will only help Illinois' economy in the short- term. "It sort of muddles through... it relies on gimmicks like deferring costs, delaying borrowing, sweeping money from other state funds but it really is sort of a band-aid budget for Illinois as proposed, Adam Schuster, Senior Director of Budget and Tax Research at the Illinois Policy Institute, said. The state's bill backlog, or the total amount of unpaid bills for the state, is at one of its lowest points in recent years. However, Schuster believes this may not last for long. Experts at the Illinois Policy Institute predict Illinois could reach a bill backlog of up to $33 billion dollars over the next five years. This is by far the highest the state has seen on record. "A number like that scares people, Schuster said. Illinois has not had a balanced budget in over 20 years. Shuster said the state needs to focus on three big long-term structural changes to make the state's economy thrive again. Those include pension reform, school district efficiency and budgeting for results. That means focusing on spending based on more data and evidence. He believes this can save the state several billion dollars. "Those three ideas would entirely close the deficit without any federal aid, Schuster said. Illinois is expected to receive a $7.5 billion dollar relief package from the federal government in the near future. This will primarily go toward paying off the current bill backlog and getting the economy back on track. Use the Federal Aid not as a get out of jail free card, which the governor acknowledged its not, but rather acknowledge as breathing room to make the longer term changes that we should have made, Schuster said. Pritzker's proposed budget will go before the legislature in the coming weeks. The final plan has to pass through both the house and the senate by May 31st. Apart from the welcome spirit of internationalism, the announcement that Britains forthcoming surplus of Covid vaccines will be distributed to developing countries is significant in other ways. Given that the vaccination programme is not yet complete, although proceeding smoothly, it seems premature to be distributing doses that do not yet exist. The only pressing need to announce such a thing would seem to be the imminent (next Friday) G7 summit in Washington. Britain, post-Brexit, needs to demonstrate that it has a role in the world, and the rapid world-beating vaccine rollout provides an irresistible temptation to indulge in vaccine diplomacy. Like China and Russia, but pointedly unlike the European Union, Britain can also be seen to be able to win friends and influence people globally, and save lives into the bargain. Recent spats between London and Brussels over vaccine supply probably made shipments from the UK to Europe politically impossible. The vaccines are headed for villages in Malawi rather than Bavaria, and it is difficult to argue it should be the other way around. So Britain, in the personage of Boris Johnson, wants to strut its stuff on the world stage. It is probably inevitable that a post-imperial power that retains its Global Britain mindset should crave to be seen to still count for something. The UK will host the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow in November, having hosted Junes G7 in Cornwall. Liz Truss, the international trade secretary, is busily trying to get Britain into the Trans-Pacific Partnership and win trade deals with emerging powers such as India. Britain has resumed its individual seat at the World Trade Organisation, and is establishing itself as the lead in mapping the DNA of coronavirus variants. Kolkata, Feb 19 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on a two-day visit to poll-bound West Bengal, said on Friday that attempts were made to erase the contribution of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, but he still continues to inspire the citizens. Shah, who on Friday attended a 'Shauryanjali' programme at the National Library in Kolkata to pay tribute to Bengal's icons, inaugurated an exhibition titled 'Biplabi Bangla'. Besides, the Home Minister also flagged off a 'cycle yatra' in three groups, which would travel 900 km to create awareness about Bengal's icons among the masses. Shah said the country remembers Netaji with a lot of affection and his sacrifices and bravery would be remembered for generations. "Everyone remembers Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the sacrifices he made for the country. Attempts were made to erase his contributions but he continues to inspire generations," Shah added. To pay tribute to Netaji on his 125th birth anniversary this year, the Union government has formed a committee under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said. Appealing to the youth to read about the life of Netaji, Shah said "his life would teach you a lot". "The future of the country can be only created by the younger generation who understands the history of the country and respects those who sacrificed their lives for the nation," Shah said. One group of the cycle yatra flagged off by Shah is named after Netaji, while the others two groups are named after freedom fighters Rash Behari Bose and Khudiram Bose. He said the cycle yatra would visit villages across West Bengal and tell the people about the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters for the country. Professor Nguyen Tai Thu, a leading Vietnamese acupuncturist, used to tell his students: To be a physician, first of all, you must have a heart that can easily be touched by the pain of others. But to be a good physician, you need an intelligent mind. Professor Nguyen Tai Thu performs acupuncture on a child at a shelter for disabled children in south-central Phu Yen Province. Photo: Phu Yen newspaper Professor Thu, vice president of the World Federation of Acupuncture Societies and president of Vietnamese Acupuncture Association, was the king of acupuncture in Vietnam. He passed away on Sunday at the age of 90. Thu developed acupuncture into a scientific and academic technique applied locally and around the world. His contributions to Vietnamese acupuncture will be forever forgotten and are being passed on by the next generations. Professor Thu was born in 1931 in Hanoi and soon learned acupuncture skills thanks to his familys tradition. In 1945-46, witnessing Hanoi ravaged by bombs and seeing many people injured or dead in the war, he hoped to become a doctor to cure people. After graduating from the Hanoi Medical University and finishing a six-year traditional medicine course in China, Thu returned to Vietnam and started to conduct research on acupuncture in 1967. He worked with needles of different lengths for healing and used the needles on his own body to experiment. In 1968, the first acupuncture association in Vietnam was founded based on Thus proposal. He and his colleagues expanded the association, attracting thousands of members. The Vietnam Acupuncture Association now has 27,300 members. The most well-known technique developed by Thu is acupuncture therapy to treat drug addicts with a high success rate. The therapy took him 30 years to study, has been licensed by the health ministry and applied in 50 other countries. The drug addicts receive acupuncture before the peak of withdrawal pain. An acupuncture course lasts seven to 15 days depending on each case. To conduct experiments, Professor Thu visited remote areas in Vietnam to meet drug addicts instead of waiting for them to come and find him. Thu was also the inventor of the electrical anaesthesia method which inserts 10cm to 70cm long needles to an acupuncture point to increase the pain-countering level, helping the patient undergo the operation in a state of consciousness. The therapy has been applied in 60 types of surgeries such as tonsillectomy, deviation of molars, eye surgery, appendix surgery and kidney stone operations. The Vietnam Acupuncture Association highly recommends the electrical anaesthesia acupuncture, especially in surgical acupuncture, pain treatment and paralysis treatment. In his report, Professor Thu said the method can be applied to treat half-body paralysis, cervical vertebrae, sciatica, inflammatory pain around the shoulder joint and childrens polio. Professor Thu also wrote a lot of books on neo-acupuncture, hydro-acupuncture, atrial acupuncture. The books are a reference for thousands of doctors. Professor Thu was an honorary professor-doctor of 16 foreign universities. Being fluent in French, Chinese and English, he taught and transferred knowledge to students and experts in many countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America as well as established research centres and transferred technology to Russia, France, Mexico and Italy. Associate Professor Tran Van Thanh, director of the National Acupuncture Hospital, said Professor Thu taught in 38 countries around the world. In Vietnam, there are no provinces or cities he didn't teach in. Talking about Thus work, Associate Professor Thanh, who was also Thus student, said: It is difficult for anyone to perform better than him. Working for the poor Thu spent most of his time studying acupuncture therapies and helping poor people. He mobilised financial resources to offer free treatment for poor children with disabilities or hereditary complications. He said: My biggest concern is that there are many patients who cannot be cured, not due to the technology but because the physician is not devoted to the patient. The physician must love the patient and help the patient, especially the poor." Poor patients were treated for free by the kind-hearted professor. Some articles about him several years ago reported that in his late 80s, he offered free treatment for 70 patients from 8am to 1pm every day at the National Acupuncture Hospital where he worked as a director. He only had a short break at noon by sipping a cup of tea and then continued to work. After finishing his shift, he spent time visiting patients being treated at the hospital. Professor Thu was granted the titles of Peoples Physician and Labour Hero for his contributions to Vietnamese and global acupuncture and traditional medicine. Devoting his life to acupuncture, Thu said his greatest happiness was to see patients recover after being treated and to promote Vietnams invaluable traditional medicine to the world. His memorial service will be held at the National Funeral Hall at No 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street in Hanoi on February 22. VNS Suffering of the poor eased by Majors touch Since he signed up with the border guard force in 1995, army medic Major Ninh Cong Khanh has provided free treatment to thousands of poor fishermen and their families in Hoa Hiep Bac Ward NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eleanor Riley enjoys the benefits of a spiritual nurturing environment since surrendering her life to God at an early age. Her latest novel titled Out Of Evil (published by Trafford Publishing) brings together a significant message from her pen on events that have special relevance today as to the mighty workings of God in human lives. It is about a young girl moving from uncertainty, loneliness and forethought that she could be facing an unfortunate life designed for failure but turned around for a life of fulfillment, love and happiness. Rose Alexander who grew up in a large community but lived a sheltered life. What is outstanding about her is that she is passionate for clean relationships, good moral Christian-living with a high regard for decency, a passionate love for God, marriage and family. She found true love from a stranger on a rainy spring night in Boca Raton, Florida. Her desire to walk down the long aisle of St. Pauls Cathedral someday helped elevate her hopes and objective in spite of the hurdles she had to surmount. Peter Swazi is a pilot who met Rose under tragic circumstances, and seemed to be just the man Rose dreamt would be in her life. Through many dangers, toils and snares their relationship evolved into a life of danger, disappointments and eventual happiness as their love and faith overcame all obstacles. Both Rose and Peter recognized that God is the center of their lives and seeks to abide in his will until their love and devotion for each other came into full bloom. We have been faced with too many sad stories, both in the news and our neighbors. This novel is an escape to a breath of fresh air, Riley says. Now more than ever, people want to know that there can be hope and love at the end of a struggle. God will carry our desires, needs and aspirations in His hands until He sees that we are ready. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000586315 Out Of Evil By Eleanor Riley Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 180 pages | ISBN 9781698704852 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 180 pages | ISBN 9781698704869 E-Book | 180 pages | ISBN 9781698704845 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Eleanor Riley is the second of nine children born in Jamaica, West Indies. She is the wife of Apostle Cecil G. Riley and mother of Elizabeth and Esther. She is the author of Rungs On My Ladder, a compelling memoir of faith. She is also an international recording gospel artist with 12 dynamic CDs. She holds a bachelors degree in theology and musicology. She enjoys the benefits of a spiritual nurturing environment since surrendering her life to the Lord at an early age. Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC, author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an on-demand publishing service, and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Traffords experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 844-688-6899 or visit trafford.com. Attachment 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. Photo: Second City Management/Tripadvisor Update, February 18, 3:43 p.m.: Variety is reporting that Second City has officially sold to private-equity firm ZMC for an undisclosed amount. A statement issued by Jordan Turkewitz, cochief investment officer and managing partner at the firm, announced ZMCs intentions to commit to the theaters push for inclusion. We are very excited to partner with management and the incredible talent at The Second City to grow the brand and build a diverse organization that elevates all voices, said Turkewitz. Over its 60-year history, The Second City has been home to some of the most beloved names in comedy, and we plan on building the next generation of comedy talent by investing in people and creativity. February 16: Another shift is about to hit the world of improv theaters and training centers. Second City, the legendary Chicago venue that launched the careers of people like Tina Fey and Steve Carell, is in talks to be purchased by ZMC, a private-equity group. According to the Financial Times, the deal could be done as soon as this week, and the comedy institution could fetch a price of $50 million. ZMC is run by Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two, the video-game company behind Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. The news of the sale comes just eight months after Second Citys CEO, Andrew Alexander, stepped down amid allegations of racism from numerous veterans of the theater. Performers like Dewayne Perkins and Amber Ruffin came forward at the time to talk about the racism theyd experienced there and wrote an open letter to the institution demanding action. Along with his resignation, Alexander also announced he would divest from Second City entirely. Ground Wellbeing and Get The Shifts both say that Local Enterprise Office supports went well beyond funding. Celebrating Local Enterprise Week launching virtually from Monday, March 1st to Friday, March 5th, this years schedule includes ten free Spotlight events which are organised by individual Local Enterprise Offices and open to every business and start-up wherever youre based. Here are two of the many companies #MakingItHappen with the help of their Local Enterprise Office Ground Wellbeing: Making wellness accessible Peigin Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing, Cork From her home workshop to Brown Thomas, Peigin Crowley has launched her very own premium Irish wellness business called Ground Wellbeing. At 6 am Peigin wakes up to create a blend of aromatherapy oils from the comfort of her own home, not far from where she started out as a consultant helping high-end hotels develop their products. But when COVID hit Peigin made the decision to move from the salon arena to retail. She put together her brand and presentation and pitched it to Brown Thomas, it was a no-brainer, The appetite for wellbeing in our homes was huge as well as the idea of supporting Irish brands. I had the wind behind me, said Peigin. From the very beginning, Peigins business was supported by her Local Enterprise Office in South Cork, from the Trading Online Voucher and business continuity voucher, they were excellent, and I was approved for a Business Priming Grant. They were very helpful in steering me on strategy and forecasting in terms of business. GROUND is a collection of natural aromatherapy oils and balms with interwoven wellness rituals to encourage mindful self-care Peigin also worked with mentor Dennis Casey to iron out obstacles involving Brexit, he talked me through this and bought me time. There was red tape to move through which he fast-tracked with me For Peigin their support went much further than just grants, LEO provided her with support and solid advice when she needed it most, Its not just a process of filling out forms and getting a grant, theyre actually there when youre behind yourself on things. From a steering and direction perspective, they were brilliant. Giving exclusive supply to Brown Thomas for six months, Peigin believes this was the best option for her business in terms of brand alignment. It has also given her clear insight into customer engagement and traction, what products were selling fast and how that aligned with social media. Brown Thomas has always been such a beautiful place for me to go to in terms of retail. To go behind the scenes with the buyer, the marketing team, the laughs weve had, the kindness theyve shown, theyve softened everything for me she said. With a solid foundation, Peigin will begin to sell her products online, I priced it keen and affordable so that wellness could be taken home. I wanted it to feel artisan and accessible but to also have great therapeutic aid. For Local Enterprise Week, Peigin will be speaking at this year's 'Lets Talk Female Entrepreneurship' virtual event with LEO South Cork on March 4th. Get The Shifts- A new and exciting staff solution Hannah Wrixon, CEO of Get The Shifts. Pic Arthur Ellis. Hannah Wrixon launched her business Get the Shifts in 2016. Her company provides temporary staffing to their clients when and where they need them. Before staffing hospitality superstars to her clients, Hannah started off with a staffing platform called 'Last-minute Minders', but My true love was hospitality, she said. Get the Shifts grew from strength to strength until 2020, when COVID hit the hospitality industry hard- Hannah had to reassess. As you can imagine every single one of our prebooked and our daily bookings just stopped dead in their tracks in March. Our whole team went out on temporary lay-off. It was shocking for what was supposed to be our best year ever. But when Hannah reached out to her Local Enterprise Office in Clare, she got the support she needed, Local Enterprise Offices are really good at helping small companies to manage adversity and this was our biggest challenge so far. The funding provided to her business meant she could grow her company even in times of trouble, We are now coming out of 2020 and into 2021 with a very strong technical product that consists of one web-based app and two mobile apps. Through the flourishing of the technical aspect of the business, Get the Shifts can ditch the paperwork and has made everything much more easily accessible for her clients and those looking for employment, it is the most flexible way of working in Ireland today, she continued. As well as hospitality Hannah has also launched into other sectors such as the industrial sector, retail, and sales. Without the support of LEO we would be in a very different position. Its not just their financial support, its their emotional support too and you cant put a price on that. Hannah said. For Local Enterprise Week, Hannah will be speaking at this year's' S.M.A.R.Tech for StartUps' virtual spotlight event with LEO Clare on March 4th. LEOs are offering a guiding hand to entrepreneurs in 2021 Local Enterprise Week is a major opportunity for SMEs and future start-ups to see the range of supports available, especially during the difficult climate brought about by Covid19, says Oisin Geoghegan, of the Local Enterprise Offices. Oisin Geoghegan, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices Network. One of the key advantages of the Local Enterprise Offices is that we provide a support mechanism for entrepreneurs. Setting up a business can be a lonely place and entrepreneurs do need to feel that they have somewhere to go to that they can trust. All of these services are provided locally from people who understand and know the business landscape in every county in Ireland but also can plug businesses into a national network and advise on international export potential too, he continued. The programme for 2021 is especially important, as it aims to help entrepreneurs address the key challenges that have impacted their businesses and the challenges that lie ahead of the pandemic. All our services are available online such as mentoring, training, grant assistance, and so on. Our doors are always open and they have been since the Covid pandemic struck, said Oisin. The online workshops from the Local Enterprise Offices, which are supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, include a range of sector-specific learnings such as getting and growing your business online, workshops on how to make your business more sustainable, and many more that are available across the country. Here is a list of the 10 free Spotlight events taking place virtually from Monday, March 1st to Friday, March 5th Benefits of Green for your Business Launching Green for Micro [Organised by LEO Dublin City]- March 1st: How to make your business practices more sustainable and what new supports are now available. Spring Back & Step Forward: Building Leadership & Resilience [Organised by LEO Donegal]- March 1st: Motivational event, focusing on leadership and resilience to help your business adapt. Building The New [Organised by LEO Galway]- March 2nd: Dynamic morning session featuring insights from innovators and new start-ups. Growing Lean: One Small Step or One Giant Leap, Getting Started with Lean [Organised by LEO Kildare]- March 2nd: Introduction to Lean Thinking and how to apply the benefits to your business. AgriTech Revolution in Farming and Food [Organised by LEO South Cork]- March 3rd: How AgriTech has transformed farming and continues to help the sector thrive. Creative Connections: Enabling your B-2-B Online Opportunities- [Organised by LEO Carlow]- March 3rd: Opportunities around developing online tools to sell to the trade. Engage for Growth with David Meade [Organised by LEO Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown]- March 4th: Introducing the psychology of leadership, with a practical toolkit for effective business management. S.M.A.R.Tech for StartUps [Organised by LEO Clare]- March 4th: For technology start-ups who want to learn more about supports for business growth (virtual tour included). Masterclass: Health checking your business for its forward journey [Organised by LEO Wexford]- March 4th: Assess the financial health of your business and get to grips with working capital and cash flow management. Trading Online Voucher Information Webinar [Organised by LEO Fingal]- March 5th: Advice around developing a website, designing a digital marketing strategy, and writing a social media plan for your business. Local Enterprise Week 2021 For more information about all 200+ events taking place as part of Local Enterprise Week 2021, from Monday, March 1st, to Friday, March 5th, visit: www.LocalEnterprise.ie/week Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) President Rodrigo Duterte is growing more and more impatient as the arrival date of COVID-19 vaccines keep getting pushed back, his spokesperson said on Friday. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque believes Duterte's exasperation will hasten the process. "Si Presidente nagsalita na, siya mismo naiinip na. Kailangan dumating na ang mga bakuna. Siguro dahil nagsalita ng ganyan ang Presidente, gagalaw na nang mabilis," he told state-run Peoples Television Network. [Translation: The President has spoken; he is getting impatient. The vaccines have to arrive soon. With his pronouncement, maybe the process will be move faster.] The delivery of the Philippines' initial COVID-19 vaccine doses has been delayed due to different issues faced by government officials and manufacturers. The arrival of 117,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines initially thought to be the first batch of vaccines to reach the country on Feb. 13 through the COVAX facility faced delays due to the hiccups on the required submission of an indemnification agreement. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said officials were caught off-guard when Pfizer at the last minute asked for a bilateral agreement on their indemnification clause. China's donation of 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines are slated to arrive on Feb. 23, however, it cannot be shipped yet since it has not received an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. For Astrazeneca, Galvez said the complication lies in global manufacturing. The United Nations said more than 130 countries including the Philippines don't have a single COVID-19 vaccine. Just 10 countries have dispersed 75% of all vaccines, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday, calling progress in vaccination "wildly uneven and unfair." 24121 What Will Matter Most Tomorrow is the Data Center Location You Choose Today? Jeff Rossate, Executive Director, Office of Business Development, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Jeff Rossate, Executive Director, Office of Business Development, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Over the past 10 years, we have had the fortune to work with a multitude of businesses as they have weighed their data center location options. While no single experience mirrors another, we have found the following five factors are consistently top of mind: financial incentives, climate, power resources, fiber infrastructure, and talent. Financial Incentives are Not All Alike A growing number of states have passed legislation to attract and grow data centers. But not all states financial incentives are alike. Some states offer only short-term benefits or ones that cover only certain aspects of a project. Some provide benefits for small operations, while others place minimum square footage or investment thresholds on eligibility for incentives. Fewer states, although growing in number, are providing benefits for retrofitting existing operations. There are around five states which offer more robust incentives than most others. In Minnesota, for example, companies that build data or network operation centers of at least 25,000 square feetand invest $30 Mn in the first four yearsqualify for sales tax exemptions for 20 years on computers and servers, cooling and energy equipment, energy use, and software Exemptions also apply to clients who purchase equipment for the centersso they can help both enterprise/single company data centers and those that co-locate in a large facility. Given increasingly extreme weather patterns, it is critical to select a location that is less likely to be impacted by severe weather events like tornados, floods or hurricanes or by other natural disasters such as earthquakes or wildfires Sometimes refurbishing an existing facility makes more sense than building new. In Minnesota, businesses that refurbish a data or network operations center of at least 25,000 square feet and invest $50 Mn in the first two years qualify for the states data center sales tax incentives. In addition, Minnesota does not tax personal property, inventories, utilities, internet access, information services, or custom-created software. These exemptions create an extremely favorable climate for data centers. In fact, since 2012, Minnesota has seen over $2 Bn invested in data centers and has had 25 facilities certified to participate in our sales tax exemption program, with more projects in the pipeline. In the early 2000s, states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Iowa created legislation to support data centersall within a couple of years of each other. The focus was on large enterprise users. However, many states have modified their legislation to incent smaller- to medium-sized collocation facilities as well, recognizing the important role these facilities have in supporting the needs of users that do not need a dedicated data center. Our recent success with data centers has been driven by legislation and incentives, but this success is also due to other aspects of the business environment outlined below. Climate and Risk Factors to Consider Cooling costs can account for a significant portion of a data centers operating costs. Being in a relatively cooler climate allows for more days of free cooling, when naturally cool air can be used to lower the temperature in a data center. Minnesotas moderate climate, for instance, allows for more than 300 days of free cooling annually. A locations average temperatures and historic humidity data are relevant for your long-term cost analysis. While cool climates are a positive, the humidity of the air (in cool climates) can be a positive factor as well. Natural hazard/climate risk continues to play an important role in geographic decisions. Given increasingly extreme weather patterns, it is critical to select a location that is less likely to be impacted by severe weather events like tornados, floods or hurricanes or by other natural disasters such as earthquakes or wildfires. Power Resources Merit a Deeper Dive Coupled with a mild climate, paying competitive electricity rates can save millions of dollars in energy costs over time. Examine the commercial and industrial power rates in any states you are considering, but do so by working directly with the utilities. Third party sources are not reliable in capturing the potential savings available for power loads of this nature. Many utilities offer special tariff ratesas well as backup power programsto data center customers. That is certainly the case in Minnesota, where the negotiated rates data centers pay can run significantly lower than the states average electricity rates. Power outages are costly, and reliable power is vital. While no single national source exists, J.D. Power conducts an annual Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction StudySM which can assist in comparing larger electric providers. But those electricity providers depend on their regional power grid. Check out the regional transmission operator in any location you are considering. Minnesota is served by MISO Energy, which delivers power across all or parts of 15 states and Manitoba. Driving Operational Performance Water-based cooling remains a critical aspect of operational performance. As data center managers employ newer models to minimize water use, the reality is these facilities still require significant amounts of water, both to serve peak demand times and to support fire suppression. The industry is working to reduce this need through other heat transfer processes and to cycle water as much as possible. In some situations, non-contact grey water can be used. But each location will have different water capacity and quality options, and data center operators should evaluate the potential to partner with other water users to maximize water use prior to discharge or evaporation. Fiber Infrastructure is Key Clearly, digital infrastructure and connectivity is important. To this end, look for locations that have access to large national and global backbone providers. Minnesota, for example, has more than a dozen national/international providers as well as over 100 local and regional carriers to provide a full range of connectivity options. Major content distribution networks recognize this and have a presence in the state. Also look for states that are committed to upgrade their digital infrastructure. Since 2014, Minnesota has stimulated $147 Mn in robust network development beyond the normal federal and private investments. This includes $65.5 Mn in state funds and another $81 Mn in private and local match funds. The state has a goal of being a top five state for broadband speed and access by no later than 2022. Talent Makes Everything Work While data centers do not necessarily employ large numbers of people, they need a dependable supply of high-level expertise from cybersecurity to computer systems analysts. What is often overlooked is the large pool of other skilled workers needed for data center projects. A single data center may need a tech team of just 50 people to operate day-to-day, but require hundreds of contractors and skilled laborersincluding electricians, pipefitters and plumbersto build and maintain the facility. A key reason Minnesota has been able to attract data centers is our people. We have a relatively large labor pool of 3 Mn people, a highly productive workforce and a top-ranked education system. Among all the factors highlighted, talent merits the greatest emphasis. It is what binds an operation together and makes it work. Last month, the 117th Congress arrived in Washington with plenty of fresh faces and new ideas for governing. More than five dozen new members entered the House and Senate. Only a handful of them, such as Wyoming Republican Rep. Cynthia Lummis, have previous experience in Congress. These new-to-Capitol Hill officeholders made plenty of promises on the campaign trail, and they are eager to show voters that they can get things done. They want to write legislation, engage in oversight at hearings, and debate matters important to their constituents back home. Unfortunately, their dreams of getting things done will soon be frustrated. Why? Obviously, the madness of Jan. 6 and the ensuing impeachment drama were intensely disruptive. No member of the House or Senate had planned to spend time dealing with traumatized staff, responding to constituents and colleagues who wanted to know what to do, and the crush of media requests. There also is a new president, who wants Congress to pass a massive and controversial COVID-19 relief bill -- pronto. And the Democratic leaders of both chambers have their own priorities, including H.R. 1, the nearly 800-page bill that would remake American elections and more. The Senate, for its part, will also need to review and confirm more than 300 individuals who will be nominated to Cabinet positions by President Biden. But the bigger problem is that they came to Congress under a misapprehension: that they would be allowed and empowered to govern. That is not the way Congress works these days. The newly arrived legislator is quickly confronted with a few basic demands: raise money for reelection; obey party leadership; and dont fraternize with members of the other party. After weeks of delay, new members are finally finding themselves being seated on committees and subcommittees, whose first order of business will be to adopt committee rules with little input from minority legislators. Thereafter each committee chairperson will move to hold a televised hearing on a topic that the speaker of the House and Senate majority leader will view as helpful to party fundraising and building a good media narrative. Right about then is when the junior legislator will begin to wonder in earnest, When do I get to govern? What new legislators should know is that it does not have to be this way. This current arrangement of Congress being run in a top-down, rabidly partisan fashion -- with most legislators relegated to a role akin to a court eunuch -- is a historically peculiar, and relatively recent, development. It was not too terribly long ago that power in Congress was distributed among both leadership and committees. Newly arrived legislators could learn the crafts of policymaking, oversight, and bargaining through toil on committees. They could approach committee chairs to ask for funds to help their voters back home -- whether it be for paving a crumbling road, dredging a silted-up harbor, or sprucing up a local attraction to draw more tourists. As recently as the early 1990s, the newly arrived lawmaker would have sufficient personal staff to answer the relentless requests from constituents who wanted help, and representatives of interest groups who came knocking on their office doors to talk. They also could promptly get nonpartisan, expert advice and analysis from the legion civil servants at legislative branch support agencies, such as the Congressional Research Service. No more. Congress began cutting its capacity around 25 years ago despite the work of governing growing larger and more complex, and despite each legislator representing 750,000 constituents on average. Today, Congress has fewer staffers and fewer support staff than it did in the 1980s, and its internal organization and rules are ill-designed to meet the challenges of governing. In a fit of self-righteous pique, both parties swore off earmarks a decade ago, which snatched from most legislators the power to fix problems in their districts and states. (The big dogs in both chambers kept their power to direct spending.) The good news is that newly arrived members need not shrug and tolerate this situation. The Constitution permits Congress to structure itself and fund itself as it sees fit. Congress has reformed itself previously and it can reform itself again. Freshmen should demand that they be empowered to govern. They can work with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, which has been making upgrades to the House of Representatives. They can approach the legislative branch appropriations subcommittees, and request more funds, better technology, and other changes to enable legislators to better serve the voters who pay their salaries. They also can get together and form Article I caucuses that will bargain with chamber leaders for upgrades. Newly arrived legislators have an inherent interest in making Congress work better for them, and the country. With the public approval rating of Congress hovering at 25%, they can make the case that business-as-usual hasnt been working. Seldom in the life of an elected official does self-interest and the public good so neatly coincide. New legislators should seize the opportunity to be changemakers. Kylie Jenner's 'ride or die' BFF Anastasia 'Stassiebaby' Karanikolaou seemed to be feeling a little frisky on Thursday. The 23-year-old Instagram model shared two snaps as she laid on a bed while posing in lacy pink lingerie, penning a suggestive caption 'come back to bed.' A myriad of suitors in her comments section, Stassie had many eager takers despite being linked in recent months to actor Noah Centineo. Bed head: Kylie Jenner's longtime BFF Anastasia 'Stassiebaby' Karanikolaou, 23, poses on a bed in lacy pink lingerie as she suggestively beckons in her caption 'come back to bed' with a kissy face In the busty snaps Stassie arched her back in the fuschia lingerie set as she flaunted her curves. She wore her seductively tousled brown tresses down, resting her hand on her hip to draw more attention to her backside. Just another day in the office, she tagged an influencer-centric brand in the post - the sexy snaps being her version of work. Earlier in the day she modeled a Fashion Nova set and drank a green juice. Absent from the social media engagement was her purported beau Centineo (To All The Boys I've Loved Before) who she has been linked to since October when they packed on the PDA on Halloween. Kendall Jenner was quick to like the photo as she supported her good pal's 'thirst trap' - one way to repay Stassie for supporting her 818 Tequila venture. All work: Just another day in the office, she tagged an influencer-centric brand in the post - the sexy snaps being her version of work Recently accompanying Kylie and Kendall on a vacation to Jalisco, Mexico - the location of 818's distillery - Stassie was one of the first to try the elusive product. The family and their friends had been coyly teasing the product on social media for months, as the influencer posed with one of the bottles in the background at their luxury villa. Eagle-eye fans were quick to notice a pattern upon seeing the bottle floating around their close inner circle, with many even suspecting that the tequila was Kylie and Stassie's joint venture. Finally debuting the product and her ownership over 818 on Tuesday, Stassie and other pals were seen cheering Kendall on as she brought them a bottle before they all took shots. Her product?: Some fans suspected that 818 was a new joint venture between Kylie and Stassie as they have made their love of the liquor known Taking ownership: The 25-year-old supermodel announced the launch of her 818 Tequila on Tuesday saying it had been a 'four year' process Early treat: Stassie, Kylie and other Jenner pals were among the first to try her 818 Tequila, with many having elusively posted photos with the bottle over the past few months Stassie congratulated her best friend's sister as she wrote 'Congrats Kenny!!! so excited for people to try!' Despite overwhelming praise from those closest to her, the model was met with backlash from many members of the LatinX and Mexican communities, as social media users called her a 'colonizer' with no knowledge of Mexican heritage or the product's history. People were quick to slam Jenner for the incorrect bottle label that should have read 'tequila blanco' per the Spanish language, with others saying that it was 'white-washed' for her to name a Jalisco-based product after her Calabasas area code. She announced the product on Tuesday calling it a four-year 'journey to create the best tasting tequila,' as she was seen comparing two products before deciding on her winner - the new go-to KarJenner drink of choice. San Francisco, Feb 19 : Google has hired a prominent Black executive Marian Croak to lead its new centre of expertise on responsible AI within Google Research. The appointment comes in the wake of the controversial firing of another Black executive Timnit Gebru who was the technical co-lead of Google's Ethical Artificial Intelligence team. Gebru said in December that she was fired over an email where she expressed her doubts about Google's commitment inclusion and diversity. "Croak has spent decades working on groundbreaking technology, with over 200 patents in areas such as Voice over IP, which laid the foundation for the calls we all use to get things done and stay in touch during the pandemic," Google said in a blog post on Thursday. For the past six years, she's been a VP at Google, working on everything from site reliability engineering to bringing public Wi-Fi to India's railroads. "Now, she's taking on a new project: making sure Google develops artificial intelligence responsibly and that it has a positive impact," the company said. "The field of responsible AI and ethics is new. Most institutions have only developed principles, and they're very high-level, abstract principles, in the last five years. There's a lot of dissension, a lot of conflict in terms of trying to standardise on normative definitions of these principles," said Croak. She said that she is excited to be able to galvanise the brilliant talent that "we have at Google working on this". "We have to make sure we have the frameworks and the software and the best practices designed by the researchers and the applied engineers so we can proudly say that our systems are behaving in responsible ways," she explained. A Trump-supporting Florida woman has been charged after filming herself threatening to 'shoot' FBI agents who questioned her over the Capitol riots. Suzanne Kaye, 58, from Boca Raton, Florida, was contacted by the FBI over her 'visit to DC on January 6', a criminal complaint filed on Monday revealed. Following her conversation with the agents, Kaye released a rage-fuelled video of herself chugging Jack Daniels Cinnamon Spice from the bottle while 'Every Breath You Take' plays in the background. In the clip, she says she has a right to 'carry a gun to shoot your f****** a** if you come to my house'. Poll worker Kaye - who has a history of violence - has been charged with threatening to injure another person. Suzanne Kaye, 58, (left) has been charged after filming herself threatening to 'shoot' FBI agents who questioned her over the Capitol riots. Kaye (right in her video) from Boca Raton, Florida, was contacted by the FBI over her 'visit to DC on January 6', a criminal complaint filed on Monday revealed The FBI first identified Kaye on January 16, 2021, after an anonymous tipster claimed she was at the Capitol during the riots on January 6 and may have more information. Thousands of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol on that day in a bid to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election. Five people died, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who was bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher. The official complaint against Kaye does not confirm whether she was at the Capitol during the riot. Officers first attended her address on January 28. When she was found to not be there - with officers suspecting the address had been left empty for some time - they called her on the phone. Kaye denied going to Washington DC but said she knew people who did go. She provided her correct address and agreed to speak to agents at her home as she could not drive. In the video (pictured), she says she has a right to 'carry a gun to shoot your f****** a** if you come to my house'. Kaye - who has a history of violence - has been charged with threatening to injure another person But on February 8, the FBI received another tip about a video titled 'F*** the FBI!!' posted to Facebook on Kaye's account Angry Patriot Hippie - in which she threatened to 'shoot' officers who came to her home. The video was shared on January 31 on Facebook - where it has since been deleted - Instagram and TikTok. In the video she says: 'Hi, all my TikTok patriot friends. I'm here to let you know I need a drink. 'Just got a call from the FBI and they want to come talk to me about my visit to DC on January 6th. Thousands of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol on January 6 (pictured) in a bid to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election The FBI first identified Kaye on January 16, 2021, after an anonymous tipster claimed she was at the Capitol during the riots (pictured) on January 6 and may have more information. 'I told them "I'm not gonna talk to you unless I have counsel, and being that I can't afford counsel right now, you're gonna have to arrest me so I can exercise my rights to counsel".' She adds: 'You think I'm gonna let you come talk to me?' Five people died in the riots, including one Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick (above), who was bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher 'I'm an American. I know my f****** rights. My First Amendment rights to free speech, my Second Amendment right to carry a gun to shoot your f****** a** if you come to my house.' ' So f*** you, f*** you following me. I don't f****** care. I'm glad you know who I am mother f*****.' Kaye has a history of violence and was arrested for domestic battery in 2010. In February 2020, she was arrested for aggravated assault for possession of deadly weapon without intent to kill and battery. Both charges were dropped and abandoned. The complaint states there is 'probable cause to believe that Suzanne Kaye knowingly and intentionally transmitted in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat to injure the person of another'. Panaji, Feb 19 : The Goa government is watching developments related to the Covid-19 spike in neighbouring Maharashtra, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Friday, adding that strict action would be taken if the case of increasing Covid-19 cases continue. "We have been discussing with the CM. We have as to analyse if trend continues in Maharashtra. Then we will also have to become strict as far as Goa as a state is concerned," Rane told reporters after a meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the latter's official residence in Panaji. Rane also said that the Goa government would be closely monitoring the situation in Maharashtra for the "next four to five day". Rane however ruled out the possibility of a lockdown in Goa, but added that the state government would not act in a rash manner like Maharashtra did some months back, when it made Covid-19 tests mandatory for persons from Goa crossing state borders. "Lockdowns are a thing of the past," Rane said, adding that it was more necessary to be practical while handling Covid-19 cases. Maharashtra imposed a fresh lockdown on Monday, as the daily count of Covid-19 cases crossed 5,000. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE If they make it through the legislative labyrinth, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Friday she would veto bills that would curb the governors emergency powers by giving the legislative branch a greater role in decision-making. The first-term Democratic governor said she does not take offense at the proposed measures, which have drawn bipartisan support but also some opposition during the 60-day legislative session. But she said the legislation could make it more difficult for a governor to respond quickly to emergency situations, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has killed nearly 3,600 New Mexicans. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ New Mexicos successes with COVID have largely been because were a centralized public health state, Lujan Grisham told reporters during a news briefing Friday, adding states with more fragmented health systems have faced more challenges in seeking to slow the spread of the virus. At least two bills dealing with the governors emergency powers have advanced during the session that ends March 20, as has a proposed constitutional amendment that would bypass the governor but require approval from New Mexico voters. One bill that would require a governor to seek legislative approval to extend an emergency declaration beyond 90 days has cleared one House committee and is awaiting its second hearing. A separate bill sponsored by Senate GOP floor leader Greg Baca of Belen has passed two committees with bipartisan support and is awaiting a Senate floor vote. Backers of both measures say lawmakers have largely been left out of crafting the states strategy in response to the coronavirus pandemic. What should be recognized is a tremendous amount of power is being held by a single person, Baca said during a committee hearing on his bill, Senate Bill 74, this month. Rep. Daymon Ely, D-Corrales, a co-sponsor of the House measure, said Friday he supports the governors handling of the pandemic but believes a change to the current system is necessary. The Legislature has checked itself out and we have a system with three equal branches of government, Ely told the Journal. However, skeptics have questioned whether New Mexicos citizen Legislature the nations only unsalaried legislature is structured to respond quickly in emergency situations. If either of the two bills were to be ultimately approved this year by the Legislature and vetoed by Lujan Grisham, lawmakers could try to override the governors veto. Veto overrides are rare in New Mexico though, in large part because overriding a veto require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate. The last time a legislative chamber voted to override a New Mexico governors veto was in 2017, when the Senate voted to override a veto by then-Gov. Susana Martinez of a teacher sick leave bill. But the override attempt fell short of getting enough votes in the House. Lujan Grisham suggested Friday she does not think either of the emergency powers bills proposed during this years session will ultimately be passed by legislators, saying, I dont think Ill have to veto any bills I dont think they get upstairs. Under New Mexicos current law, public health orders expire automatically after 30 days if theyre not ended sooner but can be renewed by the governor an unlimited number of times. New Mexicos coronavirus restrictions imposed by the Lujan Grisham administrations public health orders have been among the nations strictest since the pandemic hit the state in March 2020. The current order bars movie theaters, bars and concert venues from operating, limits the maximum capacity of grocery stores and other essential businesses and requires the wearing of face masks in public settings. The governor also used emergency powers to enact a 14-day mandatory travel quarantine for those entering New Mexico, with some exceptions for business-related travel, though that order was recently phased out. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) If President Rodrigo Duterte gives his go signal for the reopening of cinemas, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said Friday it may craft guidelines where capacity would be limited to 20% or 30%. MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said in a virtual news conference that majority of Metro Manila mayors have voted against the reopening of cinemas in the region amid fears of possible spread of the virus. "In case na 'yan po ay papayagan ng ating pangulo, gagawa po tayo ng guidelines. Siguro instead of 50% capacity, nasa 20% to 30% capacity," he said. [Translation: In case that will be approved by the president, we will craft guidelines. Maybe instead of 50% capacity, we will implement 20% to 30%.] The IATF last week announced the resumption of operations of movie theaters, game arcades, and other leisure activities in GCQ areas. However, Metro Manila mayors expressed disapproval of the decision. READ: Metro Manila mayors wary of reopening cinemas In a Palace briefing earlier this week, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the reopening of cinemas may be deferred to March 1. "Kinakailangan po ipagpatuloy ang consultations at kinakailangan po bumuo ng guidelines ang mga lokal na pamahalaan bago po mabuksan ang mga sinehan. Sana po malinaw ito," Roque said that time. [Translation: There is a need to continue consultations and craft guidelines before we reopen cinemas. I hope this is clear.] In the same briefing on Friday, Trade Chief Ramon Lopez showed support to the decision of IATF as this will generate jobs. "When we talk of cinemas, arcades, kung hindi comfortable lalo na ang LGUs, mag-start tayo sa 20%, 30%. [Kapag nagbukas] may trabaho 'yung ticket persons, janitors, mga tao na nagmamanage doon," Lopez said. [Translation: When we talk of cinemas, arcades, if LGUs are not comfortable, we can start with 20%, 30% capacity. (If they would be allowed to operate again), this will mean jobs for ticket persons, janitors, individuals who will manage the cinemas.] Lopez stressed that while cinemas are open in MGCQ areas, they recorded "no spike" in COVID-19 cases. The Biden administration on Thursday rescinded former president Donald Trumps restoration of UN sanctions on Iran, an announcement that could help Washington move toward rejoining the 2015 nuclear agreement aimed at reining in the Islamic Republics nuclear program. Acting US Ambassador Richard Mills sent a letter to the UN Security Council on behalf of President Joe Biden saying the United States hereby withdraws" three letters from the Trump administration culminating in its Sept. 19 announcement that the United States had re-imposed UN sanctions on Tehran. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot Mills said in the letter obtained by The Associated Press that sanctions measures terminated in the 2015 council resolution endorsing the nuclear deal with six major powers, but restored by Trump in September, remain terminated." Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, in 2018, accusing Iran of serious violations. Biden has said the United States wants to rejoin the pact and the State Department said Thursday the US would accept an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting of the participants in the original agreement -- Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and Iran. The Trump administrations decision to invoke a provision in the 2015 council resolution allowing the snapback" of sanctions because Iran was in significant non-performance" with its obligations under the accord was ignored by the rest of the Security Council and the world. The overwhelming majority of members in the 15-nation council called Trumps action illegal, because the US was no longer a member of the JCPOA. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations would not support re-imposing sanctions on Iran as the United States was demanding until he got a green light from the Security Council. He said there was uncertainty" on whether or not former secretary of state Mike Pompeo had triggered the snapback" mechanism. 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. THE Social Democrats have notified the Data Protection Commissioner after the party disclosed members email addresses to other members. The partys general secretary Brian Sheehan wrote to some members yesterday afternoon telling them to delete an email they had received from the Social Democrats earlier that day which included the email addresses of scores of other party members. Mr Sheehan blamed the data breach on human error, explaining that the email addresses were included in the CC line of the original email, instead of the BCC line. The email was related to the eligibility of members to vote in the forthcoming Social Democrats National Conference, which takes place on the 26 and 27 of February. Those who received the email had registered for the partys annual conference on the Evenbrite app. I would like to very sincerely apologise for our error. It should not have happened, Mr Sheehan wrote. Due to human error, cc was used rather than Bcc in the email. I would ask you to please immediately delete that email. Under GDPR rules, I am also obliged to inform you that you do not have the right to further use the email addresses inadvertently included in that email to you. The email goes on to say: The Social Democrats are committed to protecting the personal data of all our members and we wish to apologise for this error. A spokesperson for the Social Democrats said: "An email from the party was sent to a small number of members. It was inadvertently sent cc instead of bcc. The matter was brought to our attention within one hour and we responded immediately, writing to the individuals concerned in a format suggested under DPC guidelines. The DPC has been notified." The Data Protection Commissioner confirmed that it has received a breach notification and is currently assessing it. While Andrews was praised for standing his ground throughout the pandemic, others said it would be a slap in the face to all Victorians if he won. Ophelia Jane: Andrews stood like a rock against unrelenting pressure from Canberra to open up against medical advice, but he never ever descended to retaliation by criticising any members of the federal government, or other premiers. Chris Young: Nominating Mr Andrews for such an award is a joke and an insult to the 800 people who died, the 20,000 people infected and countless people who have lost businesses through the bungling incompetence of his government. Some applauded Morrison for creating the national cabinet - an act of unity, they said - while other readers saw it as an abdication of responsibility. The federal governments perceived failings in health, quarantine and aged care were also raised. Rob1966: Actually he renamed COAG to National Cabinet ... so hardly resounding leadership. Richard: What? A global pandemic and it is a genius move to get all state premiers on Zoom? Give us a break! Curtis said she anticipated such a reaction when she first read the shortlist. I knew it would spark discussion given the emotional response Australians have had to their political leaders over the past year - and the way Morrison and Andrews have butted heads at times over the best ways the handle various aspects of the pandemic, she said. There are clear for and against camps for both leaders here, as there has been on social media all year. Many readers scoffed at the mere idea of a political leadership award. Several readers suggested Gladys Berejiklian should be among the nominees for the political leadership award. The NSW Premier won last years award. Credit:Louise Kennerley Michael Cosgriff: Another ridiculous concept, just about as silly as the Australian of the Year and the Honours awards. flem: And no award for us poor suckers who lost our jobs, livelihoods and mental health faculties due to their decisions! Andy: Political leadership? Really? No such thing. Only vanity, or opportunism. Not Dead Yet: Doesnt this seem contradictory. Andrews for being conservative and not buckling to ScoMo and Josh. And Scotty calling a meeting where we still have no consensus or national plan ... Oh wait the judges are ex-pollies ... one for each team NICKEN: Politicians rewarding politicians However while several former politicians act as ambassadors for the award - and several others such as Julia Gillard and Mike Baird sit on the selection panel that decides the winner - others who work in media, business and community services are also on the panel and will have a say. Some readers were left despondent by the tone of the debate. SPL: It saddens me that most just want to criticise as opposed to praise New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was also mentioned by readers as an alternative to the politicians shortlisted for the award. Credit:Getty Images There was a lone voice among the comments in backing both Andrews and Morrison as worthy nominees. Reader John praised both leaders for having stood firm for the good of the majority. Andrews has had 75 per cent backing for several years now and would still have close to that. You get the same old journalists and commentators abusing him daily but this is a minority. The majority know we need to take these steps and because we do we are in a better situation than most countries. Same goes for Morrison, he jumped in with support immediately but receives the same treatment from his opposition. Many readers jumped in with their own nominations. There were multiple votes for Gladys Berejiklian, with some readers claiming the awards were sexist for overlooking her. At least one reader pointed out that the NSW Premier did win the award last year. Mystified: Does Jacinda get a vote? True Perspective: Dont we have a tradition of claiming Kiwis as our own when needed? Wandererfromoz: The McKinnon prize will lose all credibility for various reasons if either or both Andrews and/or Morrison so-called win it. The reasons do not have to be spelt out as they are so blindingly obvious. The WA Premier and the State of Western Australia stands head and shoulders above either of these two men. Triple-A: The politician who walked the COVID tightrope best was the Premier of NSW. JamesBF: The one person that learned from their earlier mistake was Gladys. Dan Andrews keeps repeating his mistakes. Gladys has had her reputation enhanced over time and should get the award. Others proposed approaching the awards a little differently by recognising the shared effort in managing the pandemic. Loading Black Shoes: To avoid the inevitable partisan arguments if it is given to one leader, how about a shared award to the prime minister, premiers and chief ministers for their leadership in managing the coronavirus pandemic through the historic national cabinet process. Other than that, another shared award but they are not politicians- the chief health officers, federal and state. mp: The prize goes to the frontline medics. Each and every one of them. They not only saved lives and had to watch as others became victims but they also put their own lives at risk. Politicians are just the messengers and in the case of the Fed and Vic LNP, an unwanted obstacle. Curtis said one of the aims the prize was to get people thinking about what makes a good leader. One of the things weve seen from all the nominees over the past year has been a willingness to take advice widely and listen to experts when making decisions - a point which appears to have been acknowledged by many commenters about their preferred leader, she said. [February 19, 2021] Caverion to carry out installations of electrical and ICT systems for Metsa Group's new sawmill in Finland HELSINKI, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Caverion has signed an agreement with Metsa Fibre, part of Metsa Group, for the installation of electrical and ICT systems in the world's most modern sawmill under construction in Rauma, Finland. The project includes all electrical installations for the building solutions, such as electricity distribution, lighting, telecommunications, fire alarm and emergency lighting installations. "We want the best professionals and experts in their fields as our partners to build the new pine sawmill in Rauma. Caverion Industria is a long-standing partner of Metsa Fibre, so both already know how the other one operates. It is important for the Rauma sawmill project that our partner is committed to the project's goals in terms of safety, quality and schedule," says Harri Haapaniemi, Project Director at Metsa Fibre. "We are proud to bring the expertise of Caverion's professionals to this largest sawmill investment in the history of Finland. Caverion is the largest provider of maintenance services and technical solutions for industrial customers in Finland. Thanks to our comprehensive range of services, we can participate in large and demanding customer projects," says Elina Engman, Head of Caverion Industry division. Metsa Group is one of Caverion's industrial partnership customers. Caverion and Metsa Fibre have a joint venture, Botnia Mill Service, which is responsible for the maintenance of Metsa Fibre's pulp mills. Caverion assigns 20 expert technicians to this sawmill project and the realisation schedule is from January 2021 to June 2022. For further information, please contact: Elina Engman Head of Caverion Industry division tel. +358 (0)44 351 4673 elina.engman@caverion.com Harri Haapaniemi Project Director Metsa Fibre Rauma sawmill project tel. +358 (0)50 036 1632 harri.haapaniemi@metsagroup.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/caverion/r/caverion-to-carry-out-installations-of-electrical-and-ict-systems-for-metsa-group-s-new-sawmill-in-f,c3290091 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/14078/3290091/1375443.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/caverion/i/metsa-fibre-s-rauma-sawmill,c2879460 Metsa Fibre s Rauma Sawmill [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Offer a personal message of sympathy... You'll find individual Guest Books on the page with each obituary notice. By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. . From a Guest Book, you may log in with your user account to leave a message. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that. Otherwise, it's simple to create a new one by clicking on the Create "Sign up" button and following the simple steps on the Sign Up page. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 01:15:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close An aerial photo taken on Nov. 3, 2020 shows the container dock of Yangshan Port in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) In an interview with Xinhua on Thursday, Wuttke reacted to the EU statistical office Eurostat's Monday announcement that China overtook the U.S. as the EU's top trading partner for the first time last year. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU and China have both seen an increase in exports to each other's markets. Wuttke said he saw opportunities for both sides to further boost bilateral trade ties. GENEVA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- According to Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union (EU) Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC), the opening up of the services sector and more pro-trade measures could help EU businesses as well as Chinese enterprises further expand their growth. In an interview with Xinhua on Thursday, Wuttke reacted to the EU statistical office Eurostat's Monday announcement that China overtook the U.S. as the EU's top trading partner for the first time last year. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU and China have both seen an increase in exports to each other's markets. Wuttke said he saw opportunities for both sides to further boost bilateral trade ties. "We need to keep in mind that the U.S. remains the EU's number one trading partner when you include services," he said, adding that this really highlights the untapped potentials of EU-China trade. "The current headwinds include decoupling dynamics, politicized trade, import bans and export controls," he said. "Although the underlying economic forces for trade between the EU and China remain strong, we cannot take it for granted that it will continue to be that way indefinitely." The EU's imports from China in 2020 jumped by 5.6 percent year-on-year to 383.5 billion euros (463 billion U.S. dollars), Eurostat said, while exports grew by 2.2 percent to 202.5 billion euros. At the same time, the EU's trade with the U.S. saw a substantial decline in both directions, according to Eurostat. In December last year, China and the EU concluded their seven-year negotiations on a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). The two sides also signed an agreement on geographical indications, which is likely to come into force on March 1, 2021. "If ratification can be achieved, we hope that there will be the political will to go beyond the implementation of the agreement as it stands, and to continue reforming the Chinese economy to benefit not only EU businesses but also competitive and innovative Chinese private enterprises," Wuttke said. "The current situation could act as the EU's 'Sputnik moment'. Obviously, the focus should not be Moon-bound endeavors, but artificial intelligence, biotechnology and information and communication technology. After all the EU is still an engineering superpower," he said. (1 euro = 1.21 U.S. dollars) Photo taken on Oct. 19, 2020 shows the China-made Tesla Model 3 vehicles which will be exported to Europe at Waigaoqiao port in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) Toolkit called for waging economic warfare against India, targeting certain regions India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: It was the bounty call by the pro-Khalistan outfit, Sikhs for Justice which led to the violence at Red Fort on January 26, the Delhi Police has said in its FIR. The police also said that there was a call for economic warfare against India and some companies. This found a mention in the toolkit that was tweeted by Greta Thunberg. While the tractor rally by the farmers on Republic Day was meant to be a peaceful affair, it turned violent due to the instigation by certain elements, who were involved in the creation of the toolkit. Toolkit: Masterminds abroad, foot-soldiers in India infiltrated the protests to wreck havoc The police also said that the pro-Khalistan outfits have been pushing their agenda under the garb of the farmers' protests. They have also been instigating people by offering money and also circulating unlawful material on the social media in a bid to cause violence. They are trying to undermine the sovereignty and integrity of India. The FIR further said that the toolkit called for economic warfare against India. There were plans for February 4, 13, 14, 21 and 26. Further there was also a call to target Indian symbols like tea, yoga. It also spoke about targeting certain regions, the FIR also said. Sources tell OneIndia that all the instructions to the foot-soldiers in India came from abroad. The specific instruction was to create unrest and also begin a disinformation campaign, the investigations have also found. A Zoom meeting held before January 26 is also under the scanner. The police say that the protests were discussed at the meeting held virtually and around 70 persons took part in it. While 26 from abroad attended the meeting, the rest were from India. During the probe, the police learnt that Disha Ravi had created a WhatsApp group called International Farmers' Strike on December 6. Nikita Jacob, who sought anticipatory bail before the Bombay High Court joined the group five days later. The police also found that members of the pro-Khalistan group, Poetic Justice Foundation had also joined the group. One Puneet from PJF had prior to this reached out to Nikita Jacob and Shantanu on Instagram, following which the WhatsApp group involving Disha Ravi was formed. This group was created to discuss the modalities on the creation of the toolkit. Muluk was added to the group on December 6, the police also found. Further the police also revealed that the three suspects had joined a Zoom call meeting on January 11 that was organised by the PJF. Disha, Nikita, Shantanu, PJF were part of WhatsApp group to discuss creation of toolkit India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News The toolkit that was tweeted by Greta Thunberg was created by the pro-Khalistan outfit, Poetic Justice Foundation and was meant to amplify fake news and other falsehoods. A section of this toolkit document mentioned action points under the title prior action, such as digital strike through hashtag on January 26. On Republic Day, the farmers' protest turned violent and one person died, while scores of police personnel were injured. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 9:11 [IST] Coleg Cambria to pilot dance programme for people living with Parkinsons disease This article is old - Published: Friday, Feb 19th, 2021 Coleg Cambria is to pilot a dance programme for people with Parkinsons disease. Led by National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) the free virtual classes will be for those living with the condition, as well as carers, family, and friends. As part of an affiliated hub of English National Ballets Dance for Parkinsons programme, the initiative was launched in 2015 in South Wales and moved online following the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, with the support of Digital Communities Wales, giving all participants the confidence and skills to use their laptops and tablets to access the sessions. Now targeting new members in the north of the country, classes this Spring will focus on two dance films from English National Ballets recent digital season Senseless Kindness by Yuri Possokhov, and Arielle Smiths Jolly Folly. Jamie Jenkins, Curriculum Leader for the Creative Industries and Performing Arts lecturer at Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham, said: Dancing has been shown to have a positive impact on people with Parkinsons, through mobility, movement and muscle memory. This is a brilliant pilot project that will help participants to express themselves and improve their health and wellbeing, and there is also the community and social aspect to it. Eventually, when it is safe to do so, we will be holding the sessions at our new dance studio in Yale, which will be amazing and bring people together under one roof. Having that routine can only benefit those who join us, it will give them and us something to look forward to and we are so proud to be a part of it. Alex Thomas, Assistant Principal for Technical Studies at Yale, added: Coleg Cambria is at the heart of the community and always looking to help those who need it most thats what we do. To be part of such an innovative and positive project for those living with Parkinsons is something we are honoured to be involved with. In Wales, there are estimated to be around 6,000 people with Parkinsons the majority aged over 50. The Dance for Parkinsons classes are expressive, creative and promote feelings of freedom from the physical and social constraints of the condition. Guy ODonnell, NDCWales Participation Producer said: We are really pleased to be able to work in partnership with Coleg Cambria and provide this support in North Wales. While we are unable to be in person together at present the ability to connect online has enabled existing attenders to take part from the comfort of their own home and stay connected to people sociably. The feedback weve had so far from our loyal participants is that they wanted to still feel connected and still continue to feel the benefits on their health. They were keen and wanted to be adventurous and learn about technology, and fortunately with the continued support from Digital Communities Wales we have been able to do this. The free programme begins on March 2 and runs for an initial five weeks. To take part, email Jamie Jenkins at jamie.jenkins@cambria.ac.uk or visit www.cambria.ac.uk/danceforparkinsons CAIRO (AP) The International Committee of the Red Cross in Yemen said Friday it was extremely concerned by the recent escalation of violence between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and government forces in in the oil-rich Marib province. The ICRC urges all parties to the conflict to take every possible measure to protect the civilians, their properties and all civilian essential infrastructures, the humanitarian agency tweeted. The ICRC said it has provided medical supplies, including surgical kits, to hospitals treating the wounded, vowing to continue with the provision of medical needs. Earlier this month, Houthi rebels renewed their attacks on Marib, the last anti-Houthi stronghold in central Yemen. Advances stalled however amid stiff resistance and airstrikes from the Saudi-led coalition that opposes them. The latest bout of violence killed dozens of fighters, mostly Houthis, and sparked fears of a new humanitarian crisis. Marib province has served as a sort of haven for around 1 million Yemenis who have fled Houthi offensives since the start of the war in 2014, according to U.N. figures. The U.N. special envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths told the U.N. Security Council Thursday that the conflict had taken a sharp escalatory turn after the Houthis launched the Marib offensive. I have condemned this many times... and I repeat my call now: The attack on Marib must stop, Griffiths said. It puts millions of civilians... at risk, especially with the fighting threatening to reach the camps for internally displaced persons. On Friday, the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern over the fate of several thousand of internally displaced people, or IDPs, who had to flee from Marib's district of Swarih eastward to the province's capital, after the heavy fighting left them without water, electricity, heath and educational needs. If the frontlines continue to move east towards the city and other populated parts of Marib Governorate, it is likely hundreds of thousands of civilians will be forced to flee the area, Liz Throssell said in a statement. She called on all parties to ensure safe passage for civilians, including IDPs and East African migrants who have been stranded on their way north to Saudi Arabia. Humanitarian workers and aid should be allowed to reach civilians in all areas at all times, she added. Yemens war started in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of the countrys north. The Saudi-led, U.S.-backed coalition intervened months later to dislodge the rebels and restore the internationally recognized government. The conflict has killed some 130,000 people and spawned the worlds worst humanitarian disaster. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) The Inter-Agency Task Force has directed pension-issuing agencies, its bank partners and other financial institutions to create alternative modes of validating the pension claims of elderly pensioners, so claimants do not have to personally go to their offices. "Para matiyak ang kanilang kalusugan at kaligtasan, inaprubahan po ang resolusyong ito na hindi na kailangan na magkaroon ng personal appearance sa mga bangko at bang mga institutions para lang makuha ang kanilang pension," Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a televised briefing Friday. [Translation: To ensure senior citizens' health and safety, the IATF has approved this resolution that does not require their personal appearance in banks and other financial institutions to claim their pensions.] "Ngayon po kasi kinakailangan magpakita ng personal or magsumite ng mga dokumento ng personal ang mga senior citizens para patuloy nilang ma-access ang kanilang pension," said Roque, who also speaks for the IATF. [Translation: Currently, senior citizens have to personally appear or submit documents to continually access their pensions.] He said the relevant government agencies must issue the implementation guidelines on March 1. The winter storm that brought more misery to the South on Thursday continued to dump snow and ice across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Friday, just as millions of Texans grappled with the aftermath of the deadly winter blast. But there is some good news for the beleaguered south-central U.S., including Texas: Much warmer weather is forecast for next week across the region, as temperatures slowly rebound back to their normal levels. "A rebound in temperatures will begin in earnest this weekend but will throttle into high gear next week to the point where temperatures surge to levels 30, 40 and 50 degrees higher than during the depths of the frigid air from Feb. 13-16," according to AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. "A few places may end up experiencing temperatures 60-70 degrees higher by the middle to latter part of the coming week." Although power outages numbered about 180,000 in Texas on Friday way down from the 4 million earlier in the week the crisis was not over due to the lack of safe drinking water in many areas. The storms and frigid weather also left over 130,000 without power in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia early Friday. And more than 90,000 were without electricity in Mississippi, according to poweroutage.us. In Oregon, 68,000 were still enduring a weeklong outage following a massive ice and snow storm. The extreme weather was blamed for the deaths of at least 59 people, with a growing toll of those who perished trying to keep warm. 'Just crippling': Texans devastated by ice storm are now hunting empty shelves for food and water In the northeastern U.S., winter weather advisories stretched from Eastern Kentucky to Massachusetts by Friday morning with a handful of winter storm warnings splattered across North Carolina into Maryland, AccuWeather said. Over 40 million people live where the advisories or warnings were in effect. The storm was forecast to bring 1 to 3 inches of additional snowfall to the Northeast on Friday, the National Weather Service said, while places downwind of the Lower Great Lakes could see between 4 and 8 inches of snow. Story continues Yet another snowstorm will affect portions of the Midwest, Great Lakes and interior Northeast on Sunday and Monday, AccuWeather said. "Compared to the wintry precipitation this past week, snow amounts are expected to be lower and there is little threat of ice," said AccuWeather meteorologist Ryan Adamson. "Furthermore, areas in the South that dealt with winter's wrath the past several days will be spared this time." Misery continues in the South Utilities from Minnesota to Texas used rolling blackouts to ease strained power grids. But the remaining Texas outages were mostly weather-related, according to the state's grid manager, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned that state residents "are not out of the woods," with temperatures still well below freezing statewide and disruptions in food supply chains. Effects of power outages: It's a 'matter of life and death' for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities Adding to the state's misery, the weather jeopardized drinking water systems. Authorities ordered 7 million people a quarter of the population of the nation's second-largest state to boil tap water before drinking it, following the record low temperatures that damaged infrastructure and pipes. Water pressure dropped after lines froze and because many people left faucets dripping to prevent pipes from icing, said Toby Baker, executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Abbott urged residents to shut off water to prevent more busted pipes and preserve municipal system pressure. President Joe Biden said he called Abbott on Thursday evening and offered additional support from the federal government to state and local agencies. On Friday, Biden said he plans to visit Texas next week but will only go if he determines he won't be a burden." Firefighters battling a massive blaze at an apartment complex in the San Antonio area Thursday night were hampered by frozen fire hydrants. According to the San Antonio Express-News, the building was evacuated and there have been no reports of injuries, firefighters said. By the evening, the blaze engulfed the building as firefighters had to continuously retrieve water from the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said residents will probably have to boil tap water in the fourth-largest U.S. city until Sunday or Monday. Texas cold snap: Experts fear damage could be 'pretty similar to the effects of a hurricane' Federal emergency officials sent generators to support water treatment plants, hospitals and nursing homes in Texas, along with thousands of blankets and ready-to-eat meals, officials said. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 1,000 Texas public water systems and 177 of the state's 254 counties had reported weather-related operational disruptions, affecting more than 14 million people, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. About 260,000 homes and businesses in Tennessee's largest county, which includes Memphis, were told to boil water after cold temperatures led to water main ruptures and problems at pumping stations. Memphis International Airport was forced to cancel all incoming and outgoing passenger flights Friday due to water pressure issues. USA TODAY News Quiz: Test your knowledge this week Nationwide, the flight cancellation situation has improved, dropping from 2,900 on Thursday afternoon to just over 1,100 as of 7:45 a.m. EST Friday. FlightAware also reported over 200 delays. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport continues to lead the global list of airports with the greatest number of canceled flights, as it has for most of the week. Its dominant airline, American, still has most canceled flights. And in Jackson, Mississippi, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said most of the city of about 150,000 was without water Thursday night. Crews were pumping water to refill city tanks but faced a shortage of chemicals to treat the water, she said. "We are dealing with an extreme challenge with getting more water through our distribution system," Lumumba said. Before the wintry weather moved from Texas, the city of Del Rio along the U.S.-Mexico border, got nearly 10 inches of snow on Thursday, surpassing the city's one-day record for snowfall. More: Winter storm blackouts plagued Texas in 2011, too. Recommendations made afterward went unenforced. Contributing: The Associated Press; Jayme Deerwester, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storm moves Northeast; Texas weather to clear up; death toll nears 60 Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made great efforts ahead of Israel's March 23 elections to ensure that Jewish supremacists from the Jewish Power party will make it into Israel's parliament, the Knesset. Why it matters: This move is equivalent to a U.S. president cutting a political deal with David Duke, the former KKK leader. Netanyahu and the ruling Likud party are legitimizing a racist, xenophobic and homophobic fringe party in hopes that their right-wing bloc will reach a 61-seat majority. Between the lines: With a parliamentary majority, Netanyahu could pass laws aimed at stopping his corruption trial. Driving the news: Netanyahu was involved in the negotiations to form a new electoral list called The Religious Zionism, which combines three radical parties. Jewish Power is led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was convicted in 2007 of supporting a terror organization and inciting racism. Ben-Gvir is best-known for ripping the Cadillac emblem off of then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabins car in 1995 and declaring, We reached Rabins car, we will get to Rabin too." Rabin was assassinated later that year. is led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was convicted in 2007 of supporting a terror organization and inciting racism. Ben-Gvir is best-known for ripping the Cadillac emblem off of then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabins car in 1995 and declaring, We reached Rabins car, we will get to Rabin too." Rabin was assassinated later that year. The National Union is led by Bezalel Smotrich, who has a history of racist remarks about Israeli Arabs, said the murder of a Palestinian family by Jewish settlers was not terrorism, and organized an anti-gay parade in Jerusalem, which he called the beast parade." Smotrich is a moderate by the standards of the list. is led by Bezalel Smotrich, who has a history of racist remarks about Israeli Arabs, said the murder of a Palestinian family by Jewish settlers was not terrorism, and organized an anti-gay parade in Jerusalem, which he called the beast parade." Smotrich is a moderate by the standards of the list. Noam is a radical religious party that focuses primarily on opposing LGBT rights. is a radical religious party that focuses primarily on opposing LGBT rights. To sweeten the deal, Netanyahu saved a spot on the Likud electoral list for a member from Smotrichs party to ensure their election. But the most dramatic step happened when Netanyahus Likud party signed a surplus agreement with the new radical right-wing list. In Israel's proportional representation system, such agreements allow parties to combine surplus votes in hopes of gaining an additional seat. Thus, Likud voters could effectively hand another seat to the Jewish supremacists. Flashback: Netanyahu has done this once before. Ahead of the April 2019 elections, he helped form a list that included Jewish Power and two other radical right-wing, pro-settler parties. The Supreme Court banned one of Jewish Powers candidates before the elections, and while the list won enough votes to enter the Knesset, no Jewish Power candidates qualified. In 2019, the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC issued an unusual statement condemning Netanyahu. This time AIPAC hasn't said anything. The backstory: Jewish Power was formed by the followers of Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was elected to the Knesset in 1984 and proposed laws to strip non-Jews of citizenship and segregate beaches, among other steps. His Kach party was boycotted by all other parties in the Knesset, banned from running in Israel's 1988 elections, and later designated a terror organization by Israel, the U.S., Canada and the EU. At the time, senior Likud members compared Kahane's policies to the Nuremberg Laws passed by the Nazis before the Holocaust. Whats next: If the right-wing bloc does win at least 61 seats, Netanyahu will be dependent on the Jewish supremacists to form a coalition. A single dose of the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech reduced covid-19 infections by 85% in a study in Israel, bolstering the U.K.'s decision to speed immunizations by delaying a second shot. Among health-care workers who got the vaccine, symptomatic infections were reduced by that percentage in the 15 to 28 days after the first dose, compared with those who didn't get a shot, according to the report in The Lancet medical journal. While most workers received a second dose on schedule -- about three weeks after the first -- the booster would only have just started to kick in by the end of the study, so it was essentially looking at the effects of one dose, researchers said Thursday. Israeli researchers analyzed the real-world effects of the Pfizer shot among staff at Sheba Medical Center, the country's largest hospital. Although it wasn't a standard clinical trial like those used to establish the efficacy of drugs and vaccines, it gives preliminary support to health officials who recommend postponing second shots to quickly get first doses to as many people as possible. Countries delaying second doses need to "understand the significance of the decision to give a single shot, and we show it carries quite substantial protection," said Arnon Afek, Sheba Medical Center's associate director general and a co-author of the study. The U.K. now allows as many as 12 weeks between shots. After rejecting a similar dose-stretching policy, U.S. public health advisers are weighing whether to extend the interval between first and second doses, Bloomberg News reported. "Early reductions of COVID-19 rates provide support of delaying the second dose in countries facing vaccine shortages and scarce resources," the researchers concluded in the Lancet analysis. In further support for Britain's immunization program, vaccinations appear to be cutting infections and transmission by about two-thirds, the Telegraph reported, citing government sources. The U.K. has used the Pfizer vaccine alongside a shot from AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford that's also delivered in two doses. The vast majority of recipients have gotten only a first shot so far. The Israeli researchers retrospectively analyzed covid-19 infections among more than 9,000 health-care workers who were eligible for the vaccine. The data was adjusted to reflect differing covid exposure rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups. Case numbers were unlikely to have been affected by the second dose of vaccine, because it takes about a week to kick in, by which time the study period was over, said Sharon Amit, another study co-author and director of clinical microbiology at Sheba Medical Center. Also, it usually takes about a week after being exposed for most people to show symptoms, so anyone who became sick toward the end of the 28-day period was likely to have been infected before their second dose. "Follow-up to assess long-term effectiveness of a single dose is needed to inform a second dose delay policy," the researchers cautioned in their report. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. 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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. PHILIPSBURG:--- The One Tete Lokay statue that was damaged by hurricane Irma was restored and replaced on Thursday. Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Rodolphe Samuel thanked the Foundation Community Aid Sentry Hill, Mag Tech BV, TelEM Group, and First Response for their initiative to restore the statues on the three roundabouts as a contribution in support of Sint Maartens Culture and Heritage. In particular, as Minister said his gratitude is towards the restoration of the One Tete Lokay, Peridot Foundation/Domestic Violence and the Salt Pickers statues. Our statues, portraying a significant role in displaying not only our countrys heritage, but also the strength, defiance, and courage of our women especially during the enslavement period. With the understanding that the foundation, which strives on providing financial aid to various organizations on the island, the Minister acknowledged their contribution to not only this project, but also their contribution to education and youth related projects. Minister Samuel said he hoped that by restoring these statues, which display St. Maartens heritage and oral history, and by continuing to display them to the public, this can further solidify the importance of Culture and the Creative Industry to our brand that is Sint Maarten. He said he also hoped that this would also increase the awareness and understanding of the importance of public-private partnerships and that more can be done in the future to help restore and maintain not only our statues but also our existing tangible and intangible heritage. Thank you once again to The Foundation Community Aid Sentry Hill, I applaud you and encourage you to continue with your efforts to preserve the Culture and Heritage of Sint Maarten. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. An IRA commemoration event, supported by Wexford Sinn Fein, was called off last night after being widely deplored. The event, commemorating Provisional IRA man Edward OBrien from Gorey, Co Wexford who blew himself up with his own bomb on a London bus had been due to begin at 7.30pm yesterday but was cancelled at the request of the family. A statement from Sinn Fein said: The online commemoration for Edward OBrien, which was organised by Edwards father Miley and supported by Wexford Sinn Fein, was cancelled at the request of the family due to significant online abuse targeting the family in recent days. Fionntan O Suilleabhain, Sinn Fein councillor for Gorey who teaches at a local gaelscoil, had promoted the commemoration prior to its cancellation. Read More Tanaiste Leo Varadkar yesterday demanded the cancellation of a deeply offensive online commemoration event for OBrien. Mr Varadkar tackled Wexford Sinn Fein TD Johnny Mythen in the Dail on the issue. Mr Varadkar commented as Mr Mythen asked a question about the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine: It would be remiss of me not to raise my concerns here about the commemoration being organised by Sinn Fein in Wexford, in the Deputy's constituency, in relation to the Edward O'Brien bus bomb. This is a deeply offensive commemoration. Edward OBrien was 21 when his device detonated prematurely on a double-decker bus in Londons theatre district in February 1996. The explosion wrecked the bus and caused the driver to permanently lose his hearing. Also injured were motorists and passers-by in the vicinity. A fellow Irishman aboard, not connected to OBrien, suffered a fractured skull. The Tanaiste said of the planned commemoration: The family do not support it. Sinn Feins David Cullinane, who was videoed saying Up the Ra in the wake of last years General Election breakthrough for Sinn Fein, interrupted: This is a disgraceful abuse of the House. But the Tanaiste responded by suggesting it was an abuse of our Defence Forces for the IRA to have appropriated their name in the Irish language for its own paramilitaries. Our Defence Forces would be particularly offended that the term Oglaigh na hEireann is being used in relation to this, the Tanaiste said. I would call on Sinn Fein to disassociate itself from the commemoration, and to call for it to be cancelled. Mr Mythen did not speak on the issue and the Tanaistes call was ignored, despite his urging Sinn Fein members to condemn the violent crime which this bus bomb was. Wexford Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe, a former Minister of Defence, said it was shocking that an event commemorating a man seemingly intent on killing innocent people was promoted by a Sinn Fein councillor. The revelation is further evidence of the partys connections to the IRA, who were responsible for acts of terrorism, bloodshed and violence for decades. Online notices describing Edward OBrien as an oglach, or member of Oglaigh na hEireann are most disrespectful to our Defence Forces. The men and women of our Defence Forces, as decent, law-abiding people of Ireland know it, are peacekeepers not bus bombers, and serve our country with great pride and distinction. The leadership of Sinn Fein must exercise authority over its councillors and supporters, and the party must as a matter of urgency disassociate itself from this shameful commemoration and admit that what was carried out by Edward OBrien was a violent crime. He added: An image has also been circulated online of a commemorative plaque with an image of OBrien beside the Wexford GAA logo, which is totally unacceptable. The GAA is an apolitical organisation and its branding should not be used to advance a political agenda, or in this case glorify violence. Read More Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) Despite several warnings from health experts, Metro Manila could shift to the most relaxed form of community quarantine by March now that mayors have agreed to the proposal of economic leaders. Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco on Thurday said the 17 mayors were split during their voting, but those in favor won by one vote, 9-8, for the National Capital Region to shift from general community quarantine to modified GCQ. Tiangco said he voted against the easing of restrictions. Other mayors who voted to keep NCR under GCQ are Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, and Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos voted in favor of shifting to MGCQ, while Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce III did not disclose their votes. CNN Philippines is still waiting for the response of other NCR mayors on how they voted. The National Economic and Development Authority recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire country under MGCQ next month. The different levels of quarantine classification enforced per area depend on their COVID-19 cases and the capability of health facilities to tend to patients. Duterte has yet to announce the quarantine status for March. The proposal of acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua on Monday was quickly met with warnings from the OCTA Research group. It said it will be dangerous since COVID-19 and UK variant cases are increasing in some parts of the country. OCTA fellow Ranjit Rye also pointed out that the country has not yet even started vaccinating medical frontliners. OCTA also warned that if Metro Manila moves to MGCQ, it will lead to a surge of up to 2,400 new cases per day by March 26, similar to the daily tally when the region was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine in August 2020 due to dwindling healthcare utilization. Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, World Health Organization representative to the Philippines, said the cases in Metro Manila have not flattened yet so it is best to keep restrictions in place. "We still need to be conscious that there is a relatively high level of transmission in the community," he said in a media briefing. Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante also said it's still too early to ease quarantine restrictions, citing the presence of new COVID-19 variants. He suggested it would be better to wait for another month before transitioning to MGCQ. Solante told CNN Philippines' News.PH that local government officials should also observe first the behavior of people, once high-risk establishments like cinemas and gaming arcades reopen. Although Metro Manila is recording a negative growth rate, eight out of 17 cities are showing increased cases, according to the Health Department. Benhur Abalos, chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and who attended the meeting of the mayors, said the local chief executives agreed to ease to MGCQ. However, he said the mayors kept their stance against further lowering of the ages allowed to leave their homes. He said those under 15 and over 65 are still prohibited from going out for leisure. NEDA also recommended to allow people aged five to 70 to go out for non-essential trips, increase public transportation operations from 50% to 70%, and resume pilot face-to-face classes in low-risk areas. Chua said the country needs to recover from huge economic losses. 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 TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. It is known as The Gateway to the Pacific. The place in reference is Travis Air Force Base, in Solano County. The base is honoring the militarys first black pilots during recognition events for Black History Month. The base launched a KC-10 aircraft, manned by an all-black crew. It is being called a heritage flight to recognize the famed Tuskegee Airmen; the all black flight squadron who flew missions in the 1940s and during World War II, at a time when segregation was a daily reality and many African American military members faced discrimination at home in the United States, despite service to their country. Travis Air Force Base representatives said the event is a recognition and display of the diversity of its ranks. The president of the Fairfield Tuskegee Airmen Chapter, said the recognition is welcome and overdue. For too many years, we have been relegated to certain positions; remedial things and I think it's good to let everybody know that we can do everything and everything, explains Nathaniel Clayton. A spokesperson for Travis Air Force Base said this flight is not an annual tradition yet, but the administration is now considering making it one. Action News Now Morning Anchor Julia Yarbough, whose father served in the US Air Force and grew up at Travis Air Force Base, shared with viewers her personal experience of meeting two members of the Tuskegee Airmen team. In 2012, during an event recognizing Black History Month, she met Lt. Colonel Leo Gray and Judge Richard B. Rutledge. Both men were original members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Lt. Colonel Gray passed away in 2016 at the age of 92. Jeremy Corbyn was among the politicians allegedly sent threatening messages. (PA) A 34-year-old man has been charged with sending threatening emails politicians, including telling Jeremy Corbyn he should be executed as a "terrorist". Paul Ritchie has been charged with almost 30 counts of sending a letter, communication or article conveying a threatening message, some of which were in said to be in reference to Brexit. His alleged targets also include former speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow, former attorney general Dominic Grieve, ex-Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson, current leader Sir Ed Davey and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford. Former cabinet minister Rory Stewart, ex-home secretary Amber Rudd and previous politician Chuka Umunna are also said to have been recipients of the messages. Court documents say Ritchie is accused of sending Corbyn an email in March 2019 which included the words: You should be hung for treason you f****** terrorist. Read more: Company boss jailed for shoving wife's head through window in drunken rage He allegedly sent emails to Bercow's office saying 1 in 17 million is bad odds for some nutter to pull a Jo Cox on you and your staff and "be careful [y]ou wouldnt want to get run over". Ritchie, of Dolphinton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, is said to have made references to Brexit and democracy in messages to Bercow, and was alleged to write to ex-MP Chuka Umunna: You have been warned shut your f****** mouth boy. A follow up is alleged to have said: If you kill brexit [w]e will kill you and your entire family. He is accused of telling Stewart and Rudd they would be "assassinated", Stewart's in reference to blocking Brexit. He allegedly said Swinson deserved to be hanged and told Blackford in June 2019 I hope you die and I dare you to come to the pub in Westminster and say some of the s*** you do in the house. Ritchie is due to enter his pleas on 25 February. Egypt has recently signed several bilateral and regional free-trade agreements as part of a comprehensive programme to boost exports and increase access to global markets. The Common Market for East and South Africa (COMESA) and Egypt-EU Partnership Association Agreement are two of the best known, granting access for Egyptian exports to African and EU markets with preferential treatment. However, the geographical coverage of the COMESA agreement is limited to East and South Africa and the departure of the UK from the EU in the so-called Brexit has created concerns in the business community about the future of Egypt-UK trade relations. The beginning of 2021 brought good news to Egypts business community with the announcement of the entry into force of the African Continental Free-Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) after almost five years of negotiations and the conclusion of a comprehensive bilateral agreement between Egypt and the UK. Egyptian products that qualify under AfCFTA rules of origin will progressively have duty-free access to African member states over the coming five years, meaning that the Egyptian trading relationship with other African countries will witness a huge expansion. The sustainability of business relationships between Egypt and the UK will be protected under the Egypt-EU agreement from any disturbances as a result of Brexit. The AfCFTA is a free-trade area in which all African Union (AU) countries, a total of 55, are potential members, representing a total GDP of over $3 trillion. Fifty-four countries have thus far signed the agreement, which covers trade in goods and services as well as promoting investment. The AfCFTA mainly aims at removing tariff and non-tariff barriers on intra-African trade, thus creating a continental market for goods and services within the African continent. It also acts as an initial step towards the establishment of the African Customs Union and the application of a unified tariff on imports to the African continent from other parties. It is expected that the agreement will boost intra-African trade and stimulate production through the development of regional value-chains to ensure that manufacturing, agricultural processing, and other activities across the continent can supply markets. It is also expected to strengthen the capacity of African traders to access global markets. It represents a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreement among AU member states to enhance competitiveness at all levels and especially at the industry and enterprise level through exploiting opportunities for economies of scale, reducing business costs, increasing continental/global market access, and leading to the better allocation of resources including through the development of trade-related infrastructure. It will also limit the dependence on exporting primary products and promote social and economic transformation for inclusive growth, industrialisation, and sustainable development in line with the AU Agenda 2063, a shared framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development for Africa to be realised by the year 2063. It will help to resolve the challenges of multiple and overlapping memberships and expedite regional and continental integration processes. The scope of the AfCFTA covers trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy. Member states will assign products to three product groups: non-sensitive, sensitive, and the exclusion list. The difference between non-sensitive and sensitive products is that sensitive products have a longer timeframe for the implementation of the AfCFTA. Least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa will also enjoy a longer timeframe for implementation compared to non-LDCs for sensitive as well as non-sensitive products. Non-sensitive products will account for 90 per cent of tariff lines. Tariffs on non-sensitive products are to be eliminated after five years (non-LDCs) or 10 years (LDCs). Tariffs on sensitive products are to be eliminated after 10 years (non-LDCs) or 13 years (LDCs). A group of countries (special needs) has additional flexibility to liberalise 85 per cent of tariff lines over 10 years and the other 15 per cent over 15 years for non-sensitive products. According to the agreed modalities, tariff agreements between African countries under the AfCFTA will eventually liberalise at least 97 per cent of lines and 90 per cent of imports at the end of the implementation period. In other words, duties will remain on a maximum of three per cent of tariff lines and 10 per cent of imports. Member states must develop and submit schedules of concessions for trade in goods. These will detail the 90 per cent of products that are to be liberalised by each, as well as the sensitive products that are to be liberalised over a longer time period and the excluded products that are to be temporarily exempted from liberalisation. There should be a related complement to the schedules of concessions for trade in goods in the list of product-specific rules of origin which, alongside the general rules of origin, will enable the application of preferences under the AfCFTA. The list of product-specific rules of origin is being developed as part of the AfCFTA agenda. For trade in services, a review will be scheduled of the regulatory framework of the identified sectors, with a view to preparing, subsector by subsector, initial market-access requirements, which will then be subject to negotiations. *The writer is general manager at N Gage Consulting. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 February, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link: Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been under intense scrutiny all week for reportedly covering up until recently the true toll that COVID-19 wrought in nursing homes. It even caught the attention of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who called for a congressional investigation. But first, the Texas senator has to deal with his own scandal. With much of Texas without power, heat or water amid freezing temperatures, Cruz drew national ire for taking a trip to Cancun, Mexico, with his family. He claims he only went to drop off his daughters, who asked to go since school was closed. But now, instead of relaxing in the hot sun, hes in hot water. But for the latest on the fallout in New York, keep reading. Nursing home scandal continues Another week brought fresh troubles for Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his administration amid the growing nursing home deaths scandal. Cuomo started the week offering something of a mea culpa that fell short of an actual apology. The governor admitted that failing to provide the full data sooner created a void of information that led to conspiracy theories and distrust. But he insisted that there is nothing related to nursing homes and the states release of data for lawmakers or others to investigate. That isnt stopping federal prosecutors however. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI opened up an investigation into the states handling of nursing homes deaths during the pandemic and its release of information. The probe was only started after a call between Cuomos staff and lawmakers leaked, in which Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa said the administration froze when the Department of Justice requested information on nursing homes last year and that they were afraid that data they released could be used against us. The full transcript from that call has since been released by the Cuomo administration, raising more questions than it answered. The civil probe by the DOJ is still ongoing as well, and the Cuomo administration reportedly has not been cooperative, taking several months to comply with the departments first request for information. Additionally, at the state level, momentum is growing among members of both parties to reduce Cuomos power in the wake of the scandal. State Senate Democrats plan to vote on legislation that will rescind the governors emergency powers that were approved at the beginning of the pandemic, while also creating a 10-person commission to review and approve of all future executive actions during the crisis. Republicans in the Assembly, meanwhile, are looking to form an impeachment commission. Although a handful of Democrats have raised the spectre of impeachment, the prospect still remains highly unlikely. And while a new poll shows that approval of Cuomos handling of nursing homes has gone down, his overall approval ratings still remain high. Cuomo goes on the attack Thats not all for the latest on nursing homes. Cuomo also went on the offensive against one of his most vocal critics on the nursing home issue: Assembly Member Ron Kim. In response to a New York Post article in which Kim and other Assembly members called on the federal government to investigate Cuomo for obstruction of justice, Cuomo dedicated a significant portion of one of his press conferences to discredit Kim. The governor accused Kim of engaging in pay-to-play corruption over legislation to better regulate nail salons from six years ago and suggested that Kim is holding a grudge from that time when the pair were on opposite sides of the issue. The personal attack surprised many observers and prompted both Democrats and Republicans to come to Kims defense. Soon after the public tirade from governor, CNN reported that Cuomo allegedly called Kim the evening the Post broke the story and threatened his political career if he did not release a statement defending the administration. Cuomos aides have denied that the governor threatened Kim at any point during the phone call. Cuomos penchant for aggressive phone calls to critics, including those in the media, that some described as bullying, has been an open secret among politicos for years, but the Kim incident is shedding fresh light on the habit. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called it classic Andrew Cuomo, adding that he has been on the receiving end of such calls himself. He has called for a federal investigation of the governor as well as a commission to look into nursing home deaths. More pandemic reopenings Amid all the news around nursing homes, Cuomo announced more reopenings as new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue trending downward. Indoor amusement parks can reopen starting March 26 at 25% capacity, with outdoor parks returning at 33% starting April 9. Sleepaway summer camps are also on track to open this summer. This comes after the state hit a record number of vaccination appointment sign-ups in one day when eligibility opened up to people with underlying health conditions, although supply lines continue to hinder vaccination efforts throughout the state. New Delhi/Kolkata, Feb 19 : Several teams of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday launched search operations at 13 locations in poll-bound West Bengal, including the premises of coal mafia Jaidev Mondal in an ongoing probe into the coal scam case involving the coal mafia Anup Majhi, who is still on the run, sources said. A CBI source related to the investigation told IANS: "Several CBI teams have been carrying out searches at 13 locations in four districts of the West Bengal." The searches are going on in Kolkata, Purulia, Paschim Bardhman and Bankura. The source claimed that the agency teams are also conducting searches at the premises of Mondal, Gurudeb Majhi and a company named Amiya Steel. On November 28 last year, the CBI had conducted raids at 45 locations in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with a coal smuggling racket. The agency had registered a case against Majhi and other unidentified people in November last year, including some employees of the ECL and other central government offices. It was alleged that Majhi was involved in coal theft from leasehold mines of ECL in Kunustoria and Kajora areas. YSRCP General Secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy on Thursday lashed out at Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N stating that he is unable to digest his defeat in Gram Panchayat elections, particularly in his own Kuppam Assembly Constituency. He underscored that candidates supported by the YSRCP have won more than 80 per cent of the panchayat seats. Addressing a press conference, Reddy said the people of Andhra Pradesh are satisfied with the government of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the implementation of his welfare schemes. This has been reflected in the gram panchayat elections as candidates supported by the YSRCP have won more than 80 per cent of the seats, he claimed. "But TDP chief is crying foul as he is unable to digest the defeat, particularly in his own Kuppam Assembly Constituency. always keeps on lying, whether he is in power or in the Opposition. He has been cheating the public.... this is the reason why people did not vote for him and candidates supported by Chandrababu Naidu's party have lost panchayat elections in Kuppam," the YSRCP General Secretary said. He further alleged that the State Election Commissioner (SEC) Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar supported TDP and Naidu. "Till a few days back, TDP has been lauding the SEC Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar as if he is a demigod. But now Chandrababu is slamming the SEC, for victories of YSRCP." "We have criticised the SEC but we never abused him personally. We contradicted his partial attitude. But the election process is being held by the same SEC only. Then where is the failure? It is the people's outright rejection of TDP and Chandrababu Naidu is not able to digest that fact," he said. The gram panchayat elections are being held in four phases across the state. The final phase of the elections will be held on February 21. (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. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced a ten-time hike in cash award for the Armed Forces personnel from the state who will win According to an official release, the cash award for winners of Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra are now getting Rs 10 lakhs and it will be increased to Rs 1 crore. For Maha Vir Chakra and Keerti Chakra, the number of State incentives will be increased from Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 80 lakhs. For the Armed personnel from the State winning Veer Chakra and Sowrya Chakra the cash award will be increased from Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 60 lakhs. The kin of all armed personnel from the State who lay down their lives in line of duty will be given Rs 50 lakhs. Reddy received the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal, Flame of Victory, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Swarnim Vijay Varsh to mark the India-Pakistan war of 1971 and felicitated the war heroes on Thursday. The Chief Minister had first visited the residence of Major General (Retd) C Venugopal, the War Veteran, and felicitated him as he is the living legend of the 1971 War. Later at the Police Parade Grounds, Reddy felicitated J Chinatalli, widow of Naik J Sanyasi for his exemplary role in the 1971 war. The Victory Flame, which was lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ignite the year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations on December 16, has come to Tirupati to begin its Southern journey. An audio-visual presentation of the 1971 war was played along with a medley of patriotic songs by the Army band. Officers from the Services, state Cabinet ministers, and officials were present at the event. (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 chief of MI6 has apologised for the agency's past treatment of LGBT+ people, adding they had deprived themselves of the 'best talent' Britain can offer. Richard Moore from the Secret Intelligence service said a security bar on some individuals, which remained in place until 1991, was 'wrong, unjust and discriminatory'. In a video posted on Twitter, Mr Moore, known in Whitehall as C, explained the ban was in place because of a misguided belief LGBT+ people were more susceptible to blackmail. He said: 'This was wrong, unjust and discriminatory. MI6 chief Richard Moore said the ban on LGBT+ people was 'wrong, unjust and discriminatory' The ban was introduced under the wrong belief being LGBT+ was 'incompatible' with a life in the secret services 'Committed, talented, public-spirited people had their careers and lives blighted because it was argued that being LGBT+ was incompatible with being an intelligence professional. 'Because of this policy, other loyal and patriotic people had their dreams of serving their country in MI6 shattered. 'Today, I apologise on behalf of MI6 for the way our LGBT+ colleagues and fellow citizens were treated and express my regret to those whose lives were affected. 'Being LGBT+ did not make these people a national security threat - of course not. 'But the ban did mean that we, in the intelligence and diplomatic services, deprived ourselves of some of the best talent Britain could offer.' Guy Burgess was found to be a Soviet spy in the 1950s and later defected to the Soviet Union Donald McLean, another member of the Cambridge Five, was a Russian agent from 1944 and fled to Russia in 1951 when he was suspected of treachery Harold "Kim" Philby was a British intelligence officer and a double agent for the Soviet Union and was revealed to be a member of the Cambridge Five in 1963 Although same-sex relationships were decriminalised in 1967, the ban on LGBT+ people serving in the agencies and the diplomatic service stayed in place following a series of Cold War spy scandals. Guy Burgess and Anthony Blunt, from the notorious Cambridge spy ring who defected to the Soviet Union in 1951, were gay while a third, Donald Maclean, may have been bisexual. In the 1950s hero Second World War codebreaker and mathematician Alan Turing was forced out of GCHQ when he was found to be in a gay relationship before he was chemically castrated. He later took his own life at the age of 41. THE SOVIET DOUBLE AGENTS WHO ROCKED THE BRITISH ESTABLISHMENT The 'Cambridge Five' spying scandal rocked the Establishment by revealing Soviet double agents at the heart of many of Britain's most important institutions. Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean and Anthony Blunt all met at the University of Cambridge, where Blunt was an academic and the other three were undergraduates. Of those, Burgess and Blunt were openly gay. The older man recruited the students to the Soviet cause before the Second World War - and they remained devoted to the USSR even after the start of the Cold War. Philby was head of counter-intelligence for MI6, while Maclean was a Foreign Office official and Burgess worked for the BBC. Blunt was the most eminent of all, as director of the Courtauld Institute and keeper of the royal family's art collection. In 1951, Burgess and Maclean were exposed as double agents - but after being tipped off by Philby they were able to escape to Moscow. Despite the suspicion surrounding Philby, he avoided detection until 1963, when he too defected to the USSR. Blunt escaped exposure for even longer - it was not until 1979, when Margaret Thatcher named him as a suspect in the House of Commons, that he confessed to his treachery and was stripped of his titles. The 'fifth man' in the spy ring has never been definitively identified, but was named as John Cairncross by KGB defector Oleg Gordievsky. The story of the unlikely traitors has been dramatised several times, including in John le Carre's classic book Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and a 2003 BBC series titled Cambridge Spies. Advertisement Hero codebreaker Alan Turing was forced out of GCHQ in the 1950s when he was found to be in a gay relationship In 2013 the Queen granted him a posthumous pardon, only the fourth to be granted under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy since World War Two. Mr Moore added the effect of the ban has lingered in the agency ever since. He said: 'Some staff who chose to come out were treated badly for not having previously disclosed their sexuality during their security vetting. 'Others who joined in the period post-1991 were made to feel unwelcome. That treatment fuelled a reluctance to be their true selves in the workplace. 'This was also unacceptable.' One. Just give me the liquor neat Two, and one of them is ice Three is the perfect, simple combination Four or more! Let's get creative A beer and a shot, please Vote View Results Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain will face two trials this year one in federal court for an alleged kickback scheme and the other in state court on charges that he raped and molested underage boys. But it is the federal corruption trial that will bring the longtime north shore lawman into a courtroom first. Strain's federal trial on 16 corruption counts had been set for April 19. But earlier this month, it was pushed back to Aug. 19. That means his trial before a jury in U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo's courtroom in New Orleans will start almost exactly two years after he was indicted for an alleged kickback scheme at a prison work release facility while he was sheriff. Meanwhile, his trial date on eight sex crime counts, including aggravated rape and aggravated incest, remains in flux. Prosecutors with 22nd Judicial District Attorney Warren Montgomery's Office filed a motion on Feb. 2 seeking a June 7 trial date. The filing said that prosecutors expected the trial to take until June 18. But Collin Sims, Montgomery's chief of prosecutions, said Thursday that a June trial won't be possible because of a scheduling conflict on the part of Strain's defense. The DA's Office is now looking at a Sept. 6-17 trial, but that will depend on the availability of the misdemeanor courtroom, which is the largest at the St. Tammany Justice Center in Covington. Based on current COVID-19 spacing requirements, that courtroom would be needed for the trial, Sims said. "We're still waiting to hear if the 22nd will accommodate our September trial date," Sims said. If that doesn't work out, he said, the plan is to push the trial to Dec. 7-17. 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 Strain's attorney, Billy Gibbens, did not return a call for comment. Strain has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains free on bond. Initially, it looked like Strain was going to be tried on the sex crime charges first. The trial for the 20-year sheriff, who was indicted in June 2019, was initially set for April 20, 2020. "We were in trial mode in April...then COVID hit," Sims said. For Strain, the state case against him poses a much harsher potential punishment than the federal case. An aggravated rape conviction carries an automatic life sentence. Strain is charged with four counts of aggravated rape, three with one victim and one with another. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated incest and one count each of indecent behavior with a juvenile and sexual battery. The federal charges, which include bribery and fraud, carry potential sentences range from five to 20 years. Two of Strain's former top deputies, Clifford "Skip" Keen and David Hanson Sr., have already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in a scheme in which a company owned by their adult children was given a contract to run a work release program in the Slidell area. Their children funneled money back to their fathers who then gave it to Strain, according to court documents. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Robotic laboratories on the bottom of Lake Erie have revealed that the muddy sediments there release nearly as much of the nutrient phosphorus into the surrounding waters as enters the lake's central basin each year from rivers and their tributaries. Excessive phosphorus, largely from agricultural sources, contributes to the annual summer cyanobacteria bloom that plagues Lake Erie's western basin and the central basin's annual "dead zone," an oxygen-starved region that blankets several thousand square miles of lake bottom and that reduces habitat for fish and other organisms. The release of phosphorus from Lake Erie sediments during periods of low oxygena phenomenon known as self-fertilization or internal loadinghas been acknowledged since the 1970s. But the new University of Michigan-led study marks the first time the process has been monitored step by step for an entire season using lake-bottom sensors. The authors of the new study, published online Feb. 18 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Water, say self-fertilization is likely increasing the severity of Lake Erie's central-basin dead zone and could make it harder to control in the future, as the climate continues to warm. "Until now, we lacked evidence to pinpoint when and where this phenomenon occurs in Lake Erie and how much it contributes to nutrients in the lake," said study lead author Hanna Anderson, a research technician at U-M's Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research who did the work for a master's thesis at the School for Environment and Sustainability. "These new measurements have allowed us to estimate that this self-fertilization process contributes up to 11,000 metric tons of phosphorus to the lake water each summer, an amount that is close to the total annual runoff of phosphorus from rivers and tributaries into the central part of the lake," said Casey Godwin, an assistant research scientist at the institute and a co-author of the paper. Efforts to control Lake Erie nutrient pollution, or eutrophication, have focused on reducing the amount of phosphorus-rich runoff from farms and other sources that flows into the lake from rivers and their tributaries. In 2016, the U.S. and Canadian governments adopted a phosphorus-reduction target of 40%. The authors of the new Environmental Science & Technology Water study say self-fertilization by phosphorus (P) released from lake-bottom sediments also needs to be considered. "Environmental managers tasked with tributary load reduction must take internal loading estimates into account when determining how to balance the total P load," they wrote. "Historical and persistent sediment P loading represents a delayed lake response to eutrophication and prevents the successful management of a system when only external P loading is considered." In addition to several U-M scientists, authors of the paper include researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. U-M scientists and staff at CIGLR collaborate with NOAA GLERL on a number of projects such as this. The researchers deployed two small autonomous laboratories at lake-bottom sites in Lake Erie's central basinone at a depth of 67 feet and the other at a depth of 79 feetin late July 2019 and left them there for more than two months. The self-contained chemistry labs, manufactured by SeaBird Scientific and owned by the team's NOAA collaborators, are cylinders 22 inches long and 7 inches wide. The labs and their batteries were placed inside a protective steel framework that was lowered from the stern of a ship. The metal cage was attached to a 150-pound weight and two white floats that kept it off the bottom. The autonomous analyzers were programmed to measure phosphorus concentrations in the water every six hours. They also monitored water temperature and dissolved-oxygen levels. More than 300 phosphorus measurements were made at each site before the devices were retrieved in early October. This previously unobtainable dataset yielded some surprising findings. For example, earlier studies had suggested that nutrients begin to flow out of lake-bottom sediments when dissolved-oxygen concentrations in the surrounding waters drop to very low levels, a condition called hypoxia. But the chemistry robots showed that the flow of phosphorus did not begin during hypoxiaeven when oxygen levels dropped below the point where fish can survive. Instead, the "positive P flux" from the sediments began 12 to 24 hours after dissolved oxygen levels in the lake-bottom water dropped to zero, a condition called anoxia. At the two central-basin sites in Lake Erie, that period began in late summer and continued into early October. "Within 24 hours of when the oxygen went away completely, we recorded a rapid increase of phosphorus in the water, and this continued until the concentration at the bottom of the lake was more than a hundred times higher than at the surface," said study senior author Thomas Johengen, director of U-M's Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research. "Our findings about the timing of phosphorus release relative to oxygen levels in the water are the first of their kind for the Great Lakes and represent a novel application of this technology," Johengen said. Knowing when the phosphorus release began, the rate of flow from the sediments, and the duration of the anoxic period enabled the researchers to estimate the total amount of phosphorus added to Lake Erie's central basin each year due to internal loading. The researchers estimated that Erie's lake-bottom sediments annually release between 2,000 and 11,500 metric tons of phosphorus. The high end of this range equals the approximate annual inflow of phosphorus to Lake Erie's central basin from rivers and tributaries: 10,000 to 11,000 metric tons. The released phosphorus is in a readily available form called soluble reactive phosphorus, or SRP, that likely fuels central-basin algal growth. When those algae die and sink, bacteria decompose the organic matter and consume oxygen in the process. The result: an oxygen-starved region in bottom and near-bottom waters of the central basin known as the dead zone. "Internal loading of phosphorus from lake-bottom sediments can become a positive feedback loop: Hypoxia leads to the release of P from the sediments, which causes more algae growth, and the dead and dying algae consume the oxygen in the water and contribute to hypoxia the following summer," Godwin said. "This type of feedback has been seen in lakes worldwide, and it interacts with ongoing efforts to reduce phosphorus loads from Lake Erie's tributaries," he said. As the Great Lakes continue to warm in the years ahead due to human-caused climate change, Lake Erie's central-basin dead zone is expected to form earlier and last longer each year, resulting in a greater supply of phosphorus released from the sediments, according to the study authors. The current study demonstrates the potential for using robotic laboratories to monitor those changes, as well as any changes that may occur due to the decreased flow of nutrients into Lake Erie from rivers and tributaries, according to the authors. Internal loading from central-basin sediments likely does not impact the severity of Lake Erie's western-basin algal blooms, according to the researchers. "NOAA's mission in the Great Lakes includes observing, understanding and forecasting significant events such as internal loading. Very often, the development and application of advanced technology such as this can confirm a hypothesis or provide novel insight that was previously impossible," said study co-author Steve Ruberg, senior scientist at NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. "This important observational result will contribute to NOAA's collaboration with the EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, significantly improving our understanding of hypoxic zone phosphorus loading and the subsequent impact on the Lake Erie ecosystem," Ruberg said. More information: Hanna S. Anderson et al. Continuous In Situ Nutrient Analyzers Pinpoint the Onset and Rate of Internal P Loading under Anoxia in Lake Erie's Central Basin, ACS ES&T Water (2021). Hanna S. Anderson et al. Continuous In Situ Nutrient Analyzers Pinpoint the Onset and Rate of Internal P Loading under Anoxia in Lake Erie's Central Basin,(2021). DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.0c00138 This coming March 2, Mitra Azizirad, the corporate vice president of the AI and Innovation Marketing over at Microsoft will be expected to deliver the Envisioning Tomorrow keynote presentation at the Microsoft Ignite. Without actually giving away all of the surprises that Microsoft has stored for participants, Microsoft has made a list online of things to expect. How to register for Envisioning Tomorrow The Microsoft blog notes about a spoiler alert saying there are actually some mind-blowing demos, opportunities to actually fly a drone, and even a chance for people to win the special edition Microsoft AI flight jacket! In order to register, go over to this MyIgnite page and click "register now." Once this is clicked, interested participants would be asked to sign into their Microsoft accounts. This is necessary for the registration. Inputting the information and confirming would be the last step. Why join Envisioning Tomorrow? 1. Participants will learn from Azizirad on how Microsoft approaches new innovation. Together, participants can explore the advances in how they can develop as well as collaborate along with AI systems and even how biotech can revolutionize healthcare and a lot more. 2. Participants will also hear from the Microsoft researchers and customers regarding breakthrough innovations and how the innovations were made real from seeing the world through an alternative perspective. 3. Participants will be SHOWN which particular innovations will be brought to life. Those who are able to join won't just be told but rather shown. 4. Participants will reportedly have the opportunity for them to interact with the given innovations. This means they will be able to fly a drone, challenge a particular AI model, and even make it snow on Azizirad (not joking.) 5. Participants will be given the chance to win one of Microsoft's latest innovations which is the special edition Microsoft AI flight jacket! Read Also: Javascript for Business Software Products: A Great Choice Microsoft Ignite 2021 All of the qualifying individuals taking part in these two have scored mini games as part of the said Envisioning Tomorrow keynote. They should then share that they had played to Twitter coming from the event console this March 2 up to March 5. They will then be entered into Microsoft's sweepstakes. The company is expected to choose a total of 10 lucky winners entirely at random who will then receive the special edition Microsoft AI at Ignite flight jacket. Check out the complete rules HERE to find out more about the big event happening tomorrow. Aside from just learning about the next set of innovations that the company has reportedly been working on, participants get to dip their fingers more into what Microsoft is reportedly working on and try out for a chance to win the special edition (which could also be very limited) Microsoft AI flight jacket! Of course, although the prizes are pretty exciting, Microsoft is expected to roll out some big announcements regarding what the company is doing when it comes to innovation. This is usually the case with the previous Envisioning Tomorrow keynotes as they provide the public a peak into what the company is doing and what the company has achieved. Related Article: Stock Investment Platforms - What You Should Know A rare winter storm that dumped a foot of snow on Seattle couldn't keep a 90-year-old woman who recently had her hip replaced from her first appointment for the coronavirus vaccine. So Fran Goldman walked six miles round trip to get her shot, The Seattle Times reports. 'I have been calling to get an appointment anywhere, every morning, every afternoon and often I've been online at night,' Goldman said. Every day, she called the Washington State Department of Health in an effort to find an available vaccination slot. 'Nada. Nothing,' Goldman said. 'Every day.' She called a local grocery store that had its own pharmacy hoping to see if there was an open slot, but to no avail. A rare winter storm that dumped a foot of snow on Seattle couldn't keep Fran Goldman (seen in the undated photo above) from her first appointment for the coronavirus vaccine on Sunday Goldman walked six miles - three miles each way - through a foot of snow to get her coronavirus vaccine on Sunday. The image above shows a COVID-19 testing site in Seattle on Saturday Her daughter, Ruth, who lives in Buffalo, New York, kept making phone calls to see if there was anything available. A friend of Fran's in Arizona also made calls looking for a vaccination appointment, but no luck. On Friday, Goldman went online and visited the website for Seattle Children's Hospital. To her surprise, there was an open time slot. 'I couldnt believe my eyes,' Goldman said. 'I had to get my glasses to see if I was really seeing it.' Goldman reserved her slot - 9:10am on Sunday morning. Little did she know, however, that the Seattle area was due for a snowstorm that rolled in on Friday, turning the city's normally rainy streets into a winter scene of snowdrifts. Goldman, who recently had her hip replaced, trudged through the snow using her walking sticks and managed to get to the clinic five minutes later than her scheduled time On Saturday morning, it became clear that she wouldn't be able to drive to her vaccine appointment as there were inches of snow on the ground. So she set did her due diligence and started planning ahead. Fran stepped out with walking sticks and trudged through the snow for a 'test hike'. Her phone indicated that it would be about a three-mile hike each way. Goldman managed to get about two-thirds of the way toward the hospital before turning back, feeling good that she would be able to make the trek the next day for her shot. The next day, she dressed in fleece pants and a short-sleeved shirt so that the nurse could get to her arm easily. Over that, she layered a fleece zip-up, then a down coat, then a rain jacket. She then put on snow boots, took out her walking sticks and ventured onto the snowy streets. 'It was not easy going, it was challenging,' she told the newspaper. The tracks that she traversed the previous day had frozen over and more snow was layered on top of them. Fran's daughter, Ruth (left), who is based in Buffalo, New York, was on the phone for hours trying to find a vaccination appointment for her mother in Seattle But Goldman made it to her appointment, just 5 minutes late. Had she been early, she was would have been told to wait in her car, which wasn't an option since she hadn't driven to the clinic. Her daughter Ruth Goldman, who lives in Buffalo, New York, wasn't surprised by her mother's actions. 'We're outside people,' she said. 'We love being outside. I was out yesterday at Lake Ontario with a wind chill of 6 degrees.' Fran Goldman is now one step closer to being able to finally hold her great-grandsons, Silas and Logan. Silas was born six months ago, while Logan is 2. She also has five grandchildren and four children. 'I cant wait to be able to hold them,' she said. 'I just want to feel more comfortable.' Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size On the momentous day of January 6, as a huge mob of rabid Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol, spurred on by a rogue president set on whipping up mayhem on his way out of Washington, Bill Gates was sitting quietly at home in Seattle, glued to his television. Weirdly, I was actually pretty free that day, recalls the co-founder of Microsoft and billionaire philanthropist, leaning forward over a pristine white desk, dressed in his trademark light woollen jumper, button-up shirt and rectangular glasses. I watched the Trump speech and the events at the Capitol; the next thing I knew it was past midnight because Id waited for the confirmation of the electoral votes. Fourteen hours of TV-watching was a record for me; a day of mostly lows, although the ending was positive. Did he break out the bubbly in the wee hours when Congress voted overwhelmingly to confirm Joe Bidens presidential victory? No, everybody had gone to bed, so it was just me. I dont drink champagne on my own. I sent emails to a whole ton of people. Gates has a particularly personal connection with Americas citadel of democracy. Back in 1971, nearly five decades before it would be invaded by an army of rioters driven by false claims of vote-rigging, this tousle-haired 16-year-old boy was rushing up and down its polished corridors, breaking a sweat. I was a messenger boy during my summer break, he tells Good Weekend, smiling at the memory. So I know the Capitol really well: by delivering messages you get to know all the stairwells, elevators and passages. Seeing those unbelievable events take place there it was pretty vivid. Which made Gates suspect, given how easily the rioters wound their way through the byzantine hallways of the building, that it involved a degree of planning. In the days afterwards, news organisations did an amazing job of piecing together video of the insurrection or the attack on the Capitol, whatever words you want to use so I became way more knowledgeable about some of its horrific elements. There is horror, and there is luck, and Gates agrees it could have been a whole lot worse if the house chamber hadnt been swiftly evacuated as the rioters attempted to breach its doors. But the assault, from the moment Trump told his supporters to walk down to the Capitol, was also dolefully symbolic, because this glistening, white, neo-classical pile has long represented a larger vision of America, one that looks outwards, not inwards. While Trumps lawyers in his second impeachment trial claimed his fight like hell speech was not an incitement to riot, Gatess wife Melinda didnt mince words in a speech last month: I think we need to reckon with the fact that this president incited this mob. That is not us as an American people. That is not us as a democracy. Up close, under the unflattering blue tinge of a computer screen were chatting by video link Gates looks every inch his 65 years, his face comfortably crumpled in a road map of lines and age spots. But as he warms to a topic, as his hands move about animatedly and his eyes sparkle, glimmers of the teen geek who dissected code at Seattles private Lakeside School and built computers in his garage remain visible. Perched on a shelf behind him, above an exquisite wooden chess set, is his new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster. Advertisement Gates has a brisk, naturally propulsive way of speaking (If you want to understand the damage climate change will do, take the disruption of COVID-19 and spread it over a much longer time frame). Twenty years ago, Gates would never have predicted hed be speaking publicly about climate change. I certainly wasnt looking for a new cause, he writes in the books introduction. Although the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, regarded as the worlds largest private philanthropic foundation, was established back in 2000, it was actually a follow-on from earlier foundations and charities managed by Gatess father, William H. Gates snr, and by Bill and Melinda themselves, who were married in 1994. (Collectively, the foundations have to date paid more than $US54 billion in grants.) Trips to developing countries in Africa by the couple helped to deepen the foundations work in fighting malaria, HIV/AIDS and polio, and to improve sanitation and health care for women. Gates, who stepped down from Microsoft in 2008, has long said that foreign aid makes the US safe, by stabilising vulnerable parts of the globe and yes, preventing the spread of disease around the world. Bill Gates in Tanzania in 2017. At such places, he says, I wish others could come along and get to meet the people I get to meet. Credit:@thisisbillgates/Instagram The pivot to climate change presents his biggest challenge to date. He was mobilised by a series of meetings in 2006 with climate scientists and former Microsoft executives who were funding R&D into renewable energy sources. Since then, he has outlaid more than $US1 billion on clean-energy projects, including low-emissions cement, steel, meat and more around the world. We have no time to lose, he says, warning that even rich countries like the US and Australia may find themselves becoming net importers of food by the end of this century as their prime agricultural land becomes drier and drier. Loading Gates was especially gratified by Joe Bidens opening salvo of executive orders, signed in the Oval Office immediately following his presidential inauguration: including re-joining the World Health Organisation and the Paris climate agreement, and revoking a permit for the Keystone XL gas pipeline from Canada to the US. In a major policy reversal of the Trump administration, which according to Columbia Law School had rolled back more than 100 environmental protections, Biden vowed to move swiftly on climate change, including launching a $US2 trillion economic plan to propel the transition to clean energy sources. Biden has assembled a really good team of experts and scientists, notes Gates, including making [former secretary of state] John Kerry the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate. Can the new president also go some way towards bridging the great divide that has busted open American society? If anyone has a feel for building consensus, its Biden, according to Gates. Ive known Joe since long before he ran for president, he tells me. I worked with him when he was a senator and as a vice-president, and hes a great listener and negotiator, a thoroughly decent man. Melinda and I havent been with him physically since he was elected, but we had a great phone call where the two main topics were the pandemic and climate change. Im excited about the team hes picked to tackle the health and climate crisis. Advertisement Gates in 1985; 10 years earlier, he had co-founded the software giant Microsoft. Credit:Getty Images It would be a feeble understatement to say that Bill and Melinda Gates were dismayed by the Trump administrations response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which as we go to press has infected more than 27 million Americans and killed nearly 468,000, approximately double the toll of India, a country of 1.38 billion people compared with 330 million in the US. Furious might be a better word to describe their reaction. Only months before COVID started infecting people in Wuhan, the Trump administration ended a $US200 million early-warning program set up to alert the federal government to potential pandemics. In a hauntingly prophetic TED Talk back in April 2015 that has now received more than 33 million page views on YouTube, Gates warned that the world wasnt prepared for another outbreak after the 2014-16 Ebola epidemic, which claimed more than 11,000 lives in Africa. If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, its likely to be a highly infectious virus rather than a war, he announced while striding the stage, at one point pausing beneath a slide of the 1918-20 Spanish flu. We need to do simulations of germ games rather than war games. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Gates says his The Next Outbreak? Were not Ready TED Talk was less a prophecy than an affirmation of the public-health warnings scientists had been issuing since the early 2000s. The mainstream media, notably Time magazine (for which Gates has been a frequent profile subject and contributor), had flagged the increasing risk of a global pandemic through its coverage of the epidemics of SARS, MERS, Ebola, Zika, swine flu and bird flu. But even Gates admits to having initially underestimated the scale of COVID, writing in his blog last year: Even though our foundation had been concerned about a pandemic for a long time especially after the Ebola epidemic in West Africa we were shocked by how drastically COVID-19 ravaged economies, education, around the world. Gates is admiring of Australasias extraordinary success in combating the spread of the virus, partly a consequence of our good luck (geographical isolation and low population density) but also smart government policies (swiftly introduced strict lockdown measures, the closure of national and state borders, sturdy if not foolproof quarantine measures). Most of my conversations with Australian politicians have been about health policy and theyve been positive, says Gates, who has come to our shores multiple times for work and pleasure. Hes currently keen to see the Pilbaras iron-ore mines, believing Australia is missing out on the potential to value-add to our iron ore via you guessed it clean energy. Advertisement How would he rate, on a scale of one to 10, the Trump administrations handling of COVID-19? Probably a two, he replies thoughtfully. A clear message of leadership and a faster reaction to diagnostics would have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. The reason Im giving it a two and not a one is because the US government quickly got $US10 billion to vaccine manufacturers. With wife Melinda in 2013. Credit:Getty Images Bill Gatess consciousness of climate change was initially raised through the problem of energy poverty, which he knows a lot about through his foundations work fighting malaria, AIDS and Ebola in Africa. Nearly 1.6 billion people around the world have no electricity, and a third of the worlds population cook their food and keep warm by burning biomass such as wood, crop waste and dung. Its hard to be productive if you dont have lights to read by, he writes in his new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster. Gates has never been a radical environmentalist, expecting the worlds poorest countries to stunt their economic growth and living standards to reduce carbon emissions. We cant tell the poorest billion people in the world that they cant escape extreme poverty, he says. The world needs to provide more energy so the poorest can thrive, but we need to provide that energy without releasing any more greenhouse gases. The world needs to provide more energy so the poorest can thrive, but we need to provide that energy without releasing any more greenhouse gases. The solution, he says, is to make clean energy sources such as wind and solar so cheap that every country will choose it over climate-warming fossil fuels. In 2015, Gates and a coalition of private investors set up Breakthrough Energy, which researches new technologies and enhancements that can lead to net-zero emissions. Gates is counting on a new generation of entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth through clean energy, regardless of climate-change deniers holding on for dear life in government. This is not pie-in-the-sky fantasy, he insists, and the figures back him up. In 2019, for the first time, renewable energy consumption surpassed coal consumption in the US, despite all the incentives the Trump administration introduced for the fossil fuel industry. Advertisement But even multi-billionaire philanthropists with the best intentions can only do so much. In his book, Gates writes that it is up to governments to design policies that drive research out of the lab and into the market. In 2018 he told Time magazine: The big money is with government. Its over 10 times bigger than all philanthropic things put together. Gates in 2016 at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where he announced a multi-billion-dollar collaboration with the UK government to help end malaria. Credit:Getty Images I mention to Gates the studies showing how one of the prime contributors to climate change unprecedented deforestation is increasing the odds animals will pass on disease to humans by exposing more people to the novel pathogens contained in wildlife habitats. Last year, Gatess good friend Anthony Fauci, Americas top infectious diseases expert, and co-author David Morens warned in the journal Cell that we have reached a tipping point that forecasts an inevitability of an acceleration of disease emergencies. Another study published last year found that virus spillover events from animals to humans have been tripling every decade since 1980. Future frequency is a top question, Gates tells me. A lot of risk is coming out of Africa, where population growth is resulting in destruction of habitat and various species mixing in dangerous ways, and China, where the wet markets also mix different species. The mortality of coronavirus is 1 per cent; with the common form of smallpox it was 30 per cent, so it could have been a lot worse. There will be another one. The mortality of coronavirus is 1 per cent; with the common form of smallpox it was 30 per cent, so it could have been a lot worse. There will be another one. Perhaps more revealing than Gatess 2015 Ted Talk about future pandemics was one delivered five years earlier, which has drawn far less attention. In Innovating to Zero, Gates says how, if he were granted one of three wishes for the next 50 years to be able to pick a president, a vaccine or an energy technology with zero CO2 emissions at half the cost of fossil fuels hed opt for the latter. This is the wish with the greatest impact, he says, because it may determine our survival as a species. Until we get to near zero, the temperature will continue to rise. Some energy experts claim Gates is pinning far too much faith on breakthroughs in energy technology in the fight against climate change. Only 25 per cent of the worlds greenhouse gases, for example, comes from electricity. But Gates would be the first to admit well be using fossil fuels for decades to come. In a zero carbon future, well still be producing greenhouse gases, but have the ability to remove the carbon they produce. Advertisement Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. ROME - League leader Matteo Salvini reiterated on Friday that the decisions he made regarding migrants aboard the Gregoretti coast guard ship when he was interior minister in 2019 were made together with the rest of the then government. Salvini could go on a trial for abduction for refusing a landing berth to the 131 migrants aboard the Gregoretti ship from July 27 to 31, 2019, when authorisation to land at Augusta near Siracusa came from a judge. The case is one of several stemming from Salvini's former closed ports policy against migrant-rescue ships during his 14-month stint as interior minister in ex-premier Giuseppe Conte's first government. "I'm the one who risks 15 years in jail," Salvini said after a hearing before a Preliminary Hearing Judge (GUP). "They all pontificate and they all chatter but I'm the one who is in the bunker courtroom, where the mafia trials are held, "Matteo Salvini is the defendant. "I heard of correct, coherent reconstruction of events today. "What we did, we did together. We decided together. We celebrated together". In January 2021 the Iraqi Air Force was ordered to get as many of their 34 F-16IQ fighters into the air as possible for a fly by during the parade celebrating the hundred-year anniversary of the Iraqi military. The air force managed to get 23 F-16IQs into the air for the event. Questions were asked about why so few were available and the answers revealed extensive corruption in the air force that kept most of the F-16s grounded for lack of maintenance or pilots qualified to fly them. Further investigation found that millions of dollars provided for maintenance of the F-16s had been stolen and air force officials were blaming the F-16 for being too complex and expensive to operate. That was not the case, but the rampant corruption in the military had returned to 2014 levels. That corruption had enabled a smaller force of ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) gunmen to overrun a third of Iraq while Iraqi troops fled, usually because their officers had done the same and those that tried to fight found that many of their weapons were missing or inoperable because of poor maintenance. This included newly purchased American M-1 tanks being abandoned by their crews and captured intact by ISIL. Some military aircraft were also captured and the videos documenting the collapse of the Iraqi military left an impression that fueled a short-lived anti-corruption movement. Crippling corruption was always a feature of the Iraqi military, something the government did not want to dwell on during the centennial celebration. Denying there was a problem was part of the problem. During 2020 the corruption crippled the F-16 fleet in two ways. First, spare parts for the F-16s were either not available, either because the money was stolen or the parts themselves ended up on the black market rather than in F-16s that needed them. Any high-perforce jet fighter is constantly wearing out components, especially if equipped with fire control systems that enable the fighters to use smart bombs and missiles. Iraqi insisted on those capabilities, knowing full well they would be expensive to install and maintain. The initial justification for the F-16s was the need for interceptors to protect Iraq from air attack. After 2014 priorities changed to ground attack. For a few years those new F-16IQ capabilities systems were maintained and pilots were able to fly often enough to become competent in using them. But once the ISIL threat was gone, the corruption took over and feasted on the money still being allocated for keeping the F-16s combat ready. The corruption even extended to pilot training, with officers reporting that F-16 pilots were flying sufficient hours to maintain their skills. That was untrue because the fuel and spare parts required to keep F-16s flying was stolen. At the time of the centennial fly by only seven of the F-16s were combat ready and not all the 23 pilots operating the fly by aircraft had much recent flying time. Ten of the F-16s could not fly because they were lacking essential components to take off, either because they were awaiting replacement parts or had those parts removed to make another F-16 (with fewer overall problems) flyable. The air force did not have enough qualified F-16 pilots because the pilot complaints that they were not allowed to fly were true and not unfounded rumors. All this was revealed when the government ordered an investigation to answer the media reports of corruption and how it had crippled the F-16 fleet. Many other military aircraft were in similar condition. Before the 2014 ISIL invasion the Iraqi air force was flying mostly transport and reconnaissance missions. Iraq got its first combat aircraft in 2009, when three Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft with laser designators and Hellfire missiles arrived. Mi-17 helicopters were equipped to fire unguided rockets. Most helicopters have a door gunner armed with a machine-gun. After June 2014 the Iraqis began using a lot more Hellfire missiles and the U.S. made several emergency air freight deliveries of Hellfires to Iraq. The first 18 F-16IQs were ordered in late 2011. Iraq originally proposed this deal in 2009 but nothing happened because government officials who approved the purchase later discovered that the cash for the down payment would prevent needed food purchases. If the food did not get paid for it would not arrive and there could be riots. The F-16 purchase was delayed and it was feared that all Iraqi F-16IQs probably would not be ready for service until the end of the decade. Despite the chaotic Iraqi procurement process, in 2010 the U.S. agreed to begin training Iraqi F-16 pilots. The first ten Iraqis began their training later that year. This training covered basic and advanced flight training. After that was completed the new pilots were ready to learn how to operate F-16s. Starting in 2009 Iraqi ground troops began training with American F-16s providing support for Iraqi troops. American F-16s and ground controllers were used, giving Iraqi commanders experience in working with this kind of capability. Iraq ground controllers were being trained as well and some were already on the job in 2014. The need for combat capable F-16IQs changed in mid-2014 when ISIL took Mosul and much of western and northwestern Iraq. Now the F-16IQ had a much higher priority, but as a ground attack aircraft. In 2014 Iraq was slowly building a new air force. In mid-2014 the Iraqi Air Force had some 14,000 personnel and 200 aircraft, about half of them helicopters. Iraq planned to double the size of the air force by the end of the decade and equip it with over 500 aircraft, most of them non-combat types. By 2020 there would be about 35 squadrons, including 14 jet fighter and ten armed helicopter squadrons. The Iraqis were eager to buy F-16s partly because neighboring Turkey and Jordan have done well with this model. Since mid-2014 the plans for the Iraqi Air Force have been accelerated and that sense of urgency lasted as long as the ISIL threat did. Since 2014 two of the 36 Iraqi F-16s have been lost to accidents and after 2017 there was less demand for the F-16s against an obviously defeated and retreating ISIL. By early 2020 the Iraqi F-16s were removed from the American-led air power coalition because so few of the Iraqi F-16s were available for missions. Coalition aircraft are still carrying out air strikes against ISIL forces. Many of these airstrikes are at the request of Iraqi security forces. The last time Iraqi F-16s carried out airstrikes was two sorties in September 2020. The Iraqi air force also has 24 T-50 and 12 L-159A armed trainers plus 21 Su-25 ground attack aircraft and Chinese UAVs armed with laser-guided missiles for providing airstrikes in support of Iraqi forces. While the F-16s are more expensive to operate than the armed trainers and Su-25, the air force still received enough money to keep the F-16s in service. Iraqi air force officers saw this as an opportunity to enrich themselves because Iraqi security forces didnt care who supplied air support as long as it was still available. Were it not for the media exposure the centennial fly by received, the scam would still be going in. This was a sorry development because for several years the Iraqi F-16s were constantly in the air supporting Iraqi ground forces. This was a big deal for Iraqis. In September 2015 Iraqi F-16IQ fighter-bombers carried out their first combat missions, using smart bombs against several ISIL targets. This came 16 months after the F-16IQ made its first flight. Four F-16IQs arrived in Iraq in July 2015 so that Iraqi pilots and maintainers could undertake final training in preparation for the first combat missions which were common by the end of 2015 and throughout 2016 Iraqi F-16IQs got a lot of favorable coverage in Iraqi media because of frequent and very visible use against ISIL. The F-16IQ is a custom version of the single seat Block 52 F-16C and the two-seater F-16D. In mid-2014 Iraq ordered another 18 F-16IQs and six will be the D version. The F-16IQ is similar to American Block 52 F-16s except they are not equipped to handle AMRAAM (radar guided air-to-air missiles) or JDAM (GPS guided bombs). The F-16IQ can handle laser guided bombs and older radar guided missiles like the AIM-7. The F-16 is currently the most popular fighter aircraft in service and the best-selling post-1991 fighter. During the Cold War (1947-91) Russia built over 10,000 MiG-21s and the U.S over 5,000 F-4s. Since 1991 warplane manufacturing has plummeted about 90 percent. However, the F-16 has been popular enough to keep the production lines going strong into the 2020s. The U.S. still has about 1,100 F-16s in service (about half with reserve units). F-16s built so far went to 27 countries. America has hundreds in storage, available for sale on the used warplane market. The end of the Cold War led to a sharp cut in U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons. Moreover, the new F-35 will be replacing all U.S. F-16s by the late 2020s. The U.S. has plenty of little-used F-16s sitting around, and many allies in need of low-cost jet fighters. Many current F-16 users planned to replace the F-16 with the F-35 but that aircraft costs more than twice as much as a new F-16V so air forces are seeking to operate a mixed force of F-35s and late model F-16s. Since the 1990s most F-16s produced were for export and these, like the Israeli F-16I cost as much as $70 million each. Some nations, like South Korea, built over a hundred F-16s under license. The 16-ton F-16 also has an admirable combat record and is very popular with pilots. It has been successful at ground support as well. When equipped with 4-6 smart bombs it is an effective bomber. Since first entering service some 4,600 F-16s have flown over 12 million hours. Despite fears that a single-engine fighter would be less safe, F-16s have, in the 21st century suffered a remarkably low accident rate (loss or major damage) of 2.4 per 100,000 flight hours. The most successful F-16 user is Israel which set a number of combat records with its F-16s. Israel plans to keep some of its late-model F-16s flying for over a decade more as it retires the oldest ones. At the end of 2016, Israel retired the last of its 125 F-16A fighters. The first of these were acquired in 1980. One of these early Israeli F-16As achieved a record by being the F-16 with the most air-to-air kills (6.5), all achieved in 1982 using three different pilots. These F-16As were the first of the nearly 400 F-16s Israel obtained from the United States. Israeli F-16s have shot down 47 aircraft, which is 70 percent of the 67 kills for all F-16s built. Dublin, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Liquid Fertilizer Market Research Report by Crop, by Production Process, by major compound, by Application - United States Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The United States Liquid Fertilizer Market is projected to grow with a significant CAGR in the forecast period. Economic development and substantial infrastructure development have constituted regional revenue generation. Furthermore, the patterns associated with domestic production, import and export, and consumption have helped market participants to analyze and capitalize on potential opportunities. This research report categorizes the Liquid Fertilizer to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Crop, the Liquid Fertilizer Market studied across Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, and Oilseeds & Pulses. The Cereals & Grains further studied across Corn, Rice, and Wheat. The Oilseeds & Pulses further studied across Soyabean. Based on Type, the Liquid Fertilizer Market studied across Micronutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potash. Based on Production Process, the Liquid Fertilizer Market studied across Organic and Synthetic. Based on major compound, the Liquid Fertilizer Market studied across Calcium ammonium nitrate, Diammonium phosphate, Monoammonium phosphate, Potassium nitrate, Ultra ammonium nitrate, and Urea ammonium nitrate. Based on Application, the Liquid Fertilizer Market studied across Fertigation, Foliar, and Soil. The report delivers insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecast, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Liquid Fertilizer Market on the basis of Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision-making and understanding the competitive landscape. The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The Competitive Strategic Window helps the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. During a forecast period, it defines the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth. The report provides insights on the following: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and new product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the United States Liquid Fertilizer Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the United States Liquid Fertilizer Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the United States Liquid Fertilizer Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the United States Liquid Fertilizer Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the United States Liquid Fertilizer Market? 6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the United States Liquid Fertilizer Market? Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Overview 4.1. Introduction 4.2. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 5. Market Insights 6. United States Liquid Fertilizer Market, By Crop 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Cereals & Grains 6.3. Fruits & Vegetables 6.4. Oilseeds & Pulses 6.4.1. Soyabean 7. United States Liquid Fertilizer Market, By Type 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Micronutrients 7.3. Nitrogen 7.4. Phosphorous 7.5. Potash 8. United States Liquid Fertilizer Market, By Production Process 8.1. Introduction 8.2. Organic 8.3. Synthetic 9. United States Liquid Fertilizer Market, By major compound 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Calcium ammonium nitrate 9.3. Diammonium phosphate 9.4. Monoammonium phosphate 9.5. Potassium nitrate 9.6. Ultra ammonium nitrate 9.7. Urea ammonium nitrate 10. United States Liquid Fertilizer Market, By Application 10.1. Introduction 10.2. Fertigation 10.3. Foliar 10.4. Soil 11. Competitive Landscape 11.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix 11.2. Market Ranking Analysis 11.3. Market Share Analysis 11.4. Competitor SWOT Analysis 11.5. Competitive Scenario 12. Company Usability Profiles 13. Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7m8fxa About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Workforce Lawmakers press OPM, CDC for vaccine allocations for federal employees A group of House Democrats want vaccines to be allocated directly to federal employees in the National Capital Region. They're asking for the Office of Personnel Management and the Centers for Disease Control to make the inoculation of federal employees a federal process. D.C., Maryland and Virginia are home to a large concentration of federal workers, many of whom are essential workers, the group wrote in a letter sent on Wednesday to Acting OPM Director, Kathleen McGettigan and Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director. "That means that Virginia, D.C., and Maryland have a disproportionate number of individuals classified as essential workers by the federal government, yet the responsibility of vaccination falls under these subfederal jurisdictions," the letter reads. Reps. Don Beyer (D-Va.), Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), Anthony Brown (D-Md.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.), David Trone (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) signed the letter. The lawmakers pointed to other programs where the federal government "acknowledges when it puts an undue burden on a State or locality," such as a program that offsets property tax revenue losses for local school districts that have tax-exempt federal property in their district. "Rather than foisting federal employees into Virginia, D.C., or Maryland's supply of vaccines and increasing their essential worker vaccination responsibilities, the federal government should vaccinate federal employees through a separate federalized allocation to get them vaccinated as soon as possible," they wrote. Some agencies have already received separate allocations of COVID-19 vaccines for their workforces, including the Departments of Defense, State and Veterans Affairs, the Bureau of Prisons and the Indian Health Service. Employees of the Department of Homeland Security are eligible to obtain vaccinations via a collaboration with VA. Many of the same lawmakers wrote to OPM earlier this month requesting another policy shift to cover the vaccination of feds: the option of administrative time off for vaccination. That request made it into the $350 billion COVID aid resolution advanced last week by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, which included a provision providing additional emergency paid leave for the civilian federal workforce. That resolution is part of the $1.9 trillion package of pandemic relief and recovery funding sought by the Biden administration. Feds could use that additional leave for receiving the vaccination, although none of the additional time off is available until they've exhausted their other available paid sick leave. Biden's Safer Federal Workforce Task Force has also encouraged agencies to grant administrative leave for feds to be vaccinated in order "to facilitate expeditious vaccination of the federal workforce." Colombia's military carried out at least 6,400 extra-judicial killings and presented them as combat deaths from 2002 to 2008, a special court set up under a peace accord said on Thursday Bogota, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Feb, 2021 ) :Colombia's military carried out at least 6,400 extra-judicial killings and presented them as combat deaths from 2002 to 2008, a special court set up under a peace accord said on Thursday. That number is almost three times higher than previous estimates. The court, called the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, is investigating crimes and atrocities committed during half a century of armed conflict between government troops and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Marxist rebels who laid down arms following the historic 2016 peace accord. The tribunal described the killings as "illegitimate deaths presented as combat fatalities," which are known in military circles as "false positives." Until last year, the public prosecutor's office had acknowledged 2,249 executions of civilians between 1988 and 2014 -- the majority of which were carried out between 2006 and 2008, during the presidency of Alvaro Uribe, the political mentor of current President Ivan Duque. Although the military high command has always denied there was a systematic policy of declaring "false positives," some soldiers and officials have told the court that they were put under pressure by superiors to inflate the success of their military operations against rebels. The court said most of the killings took place in northwestern Antioquia department where soldiers and right-wing paramilitaries fought battles with left-wing rebels. It said the IV Brigade of the army, which operated in the region, "could be responsible for 73 percent of the deaths identified in the department between 2000 and 2013." Lawyer Karim Khan (right) is seen with Kenyan civil servant Francis Muthaura at a press conference in Nairobi. The ICC on March 11, 2013, dropped all charges against Muthaura, who was accused alongside president-elect Uhuru Kenyatta of crimes against humanity during 2007-2008 post-election violence. (Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty Images) Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. For those who thought their January and February utility bills were high, wait until March and April. The bills we are going to see are going to hurt, basically kick them when they are already down, said Logan Atkinson Burke, executive director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a consumer advocacy group based in New Orleans. And next months bills wont include some of the higher prices paid for fuel to run the generators that make electricity, which will come in a few months, or the cost of restoring power downed by icy lines, which likely will come next year. Public Service Commission Chairman Craig Greene, of Baton Rouge, says hes focused on restoring power, which for some has been off for four days, and will visit other issues in the future. But Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May said the bills will definitely be higher because of a dramatic increase in energy consumption. Depending on when their bill cycle is, that additional usage will show up on their next bill, May said. Unlike monthly cable invoices and newspaper subscriptions, which are a flat price, electricity and gas bills charge for how much power a customer uses during a given time period. Billing cycles differ, but most bills for February consumption will begin arriving in a little more than a week and reflect how much power a customer used during February. And a lot of power was used. The regional transmission operators, who move excess electricity to places that need more, report that Monday and Tuesday consumption hit record levels, said Brandon Frey, who as PSC secretary heads the staff that supports the five elected utility regulators. Based on the information we are hearing, both (regional transmission operators) hit all-time peaks, Frey said. In demonstrating an app Entergy has available to all customers to show how much power they are using in real time, May checked his own Baton Rouge home and found that his own usage was up 50%. Clearly, my increase has gone up a fair bit in just the last day, May said. Thats even after following his companys pleas to keep the temperature in homes down around 68 degrees. Every degree above 68 adds 3% more to bills, May said. Right now, my priority is getting peoples power on, said PSC Chairman Greene when asked about the bills. The aftermath of this unprecedented winter storm will require investigations asking different questions than past storms. If this storm has shown anything, people want accurate answers, not just words, so we will investigate and look at everything in order to get those accurate answers, rather than speak too soon and not provide clarity to customers. +2 Why Louisiana regulators are investigating the weather-related rolling blackouts Louisiana utility regulators are taking a deep dive into the chain of events, including what they call greedy natural gas suppliers, that led PSC staff already have launched a probe into what happened during this historic polar vortex and what can be done to better keep power on during future winter events. Officials from the privately owned and cooperative utility companies, as well as from the regional transmission operators, have been called to testify before the PSC on Wednesday. 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 The way utility bills work, generally, is that the PSC sets a rate that covers the costs of making, transmitting, and delivering power plus a profit. That sum is divided by the number of customers to set a rate. The rate then is multiplied by the amount of power a particular customer consumed in a given month. That rate, called an Energy Charge, is 0.04092 cents per kilowatt hour for most Entergy Louisiana residential customers. If a residential customer used 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity the previous month, that calculates out to $40.92 on this months bill. Added to the energy charge are surcharges, such as repaying Entergy for restoring power after a hurricane, and the cost for buying the natural gas, nuclear rods and other fuels that run the electricity-making generators. For the hypothetical customer who uses 1,000 kWh, their total amount owed would be $98.83. In a few months, the approximately 2.1 million utility customers around the state will be seeing fuel charge increases. For Entergy, which services about a million of those customers, the purchase of natural gas is done by contract, well in advance of the date of delivery. Because demand was unexpectedly high over the past week, May said, Entergy Louisiana, and other utilities, had to buy some natural gas on the daily market at a much higher price to operate the generators in order to produce more power. +2 As Entergy, DEMCO work to restore power to thousands in Baton Rouge, ice poses unfamiliar challenge Tens of thousands of people in the Baton Rouge area remained without power Wednesday as winter weather continued to move through the region. About 51% of the electricity Entergy sells is made in generators fueled by natural gas. We did have issues with natural gas. The freezing weather did create wellhead supply issues, May said, as did pipeline constraints. Weve worked through most of that, May said, in getting enough natural gas to meet our needs, but I think we look pretty good for the next couple days. Utility companies also can collect from their customers the cost of restoring power after a storm. May said this weeks event wont be as expensive as after hurricanes. Hurricanes take out transmission lines that move large amounts of electricity to substations, which sometimes flood in storms, and also knock down the poles that distribute power to homes and businesses. +7 Baton Rouge blanketed in ice, causing road closures, power outages and other problems A rare winter storm coated the Baton Rouge area in ice early Monday, closing down businesses and halting interstate travel across Louisiana on Restoration after hurricanes Katrina and Rita cost about $732 million, which translated to $2.49 to $3.92 per month for residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt hours over a period of years, according to the PSC. This weeks polar vortex caused some freezing up of equipment but mostly it was about restringing the distribution lines and replacing transformers. Regardless, the utilities are still a few months away from tallying the costs, which they then submit to the PSC. The commissioners then decide what charges are prudent and sets the amount that the utility companies can collect. That process will take at least a year, said PSC Secretary Frey. Advertisement In panoramic photography, size matters. Images in this style can be impressive regardless of format, but are best viewed in one that allows for their scope to make an impact. It's something publisher teNeues clearly understands because it has collated 60 stunning panoramic images by architectural photographer and filmmaker Hans-Georg Esch into a tome called Advancing Horizons that's one metre (3.2ft) wide. The images inside show cityscapes and skylines - including those of London, Paris, Sydney and New York and other remarkable views around the world in breathtaking style, demonstrating why German Esch is regarded as one of the most talented photographers in his field. Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Director of Leica Galleries, says in the introduction: 'This illustrated book is an excellent overview for in-depth study and the finest documentation of his vision of the representation of cityscapes and skylines.' Scroll down and stare, wide-eyed, at some of the incredible images inside Esch's whopping tome. This stunning panoramic image shows Cairo. The first true panoramic photographs were taken back in the 1840s This incredible picture of Dubai's skyline makes the city look like a backdrop for a sci-fi movie The first-ever panoramic camera was built by Friedrich von Marten in 1845 and named the Megaskop-Kamera. This mesmerising Esch image shows Cologne Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Director of Leica Galleries, says in the introduction to Advancing Horizons: 'This illustrated book is an excellent overview for in-depth study and the finest documentation of his vision of the representation of cityscapes and skylines.' Pictured above is Doha Advancing Horizons is one hefty tome, with a width of one metre (3.2ft). This epic picture shows the city of Shenzhen in China Behold Bejing, a city with a history that goes back about 3,000 years and is home to seven Unesco heritage sites, including The Forbidden City and The Temple of Heaven New York has one of the most memorable skylines of any city in the world - it's teeming with skyscrapers. The tallest is One World Trade Center, which soars to a height of 546m (1,791ft) Sydney, above, has over 100 beaches - and two of the most recognisable structures on the planet, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, aka 'The Coathanger' Chongqing in China, the country's third-largest city behind Shanghai and Beijing. One of its most famous sights is a residential building that has a metro monorail railway running through it A spellbinding view of London and some of its world-famous sights, including St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard (on the right), Tower Bridge and The Gherkin tower, over to the left A simply stunning picture of Paris as bruised storm clouds swirl above its streets Pune : , Feb 19 (IANS) Maharashtra on Friday celebrated with enthusiasm the 391st birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who had laid the foundations of Hindavi Swaraj and the Maratha Empire, with several functions all over the state. Leading the state at the main official function, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray flew in a helicopter to the historic 1.6km high Shivneri Fort near Junar town of Pune, where Shivaji was born on February 19, 1630. The Chief Minister attended a prayer ceremony, paid his respects before the statues of of Rajmata Jijabai Bhosale and a young Shivaji erected at the fort, and then joined a group of women singing traditional lullabies and gently rocking a cradle with a doll symbolizing an infant Shivaji amidst joy and celebratory fervor. Image Source: IANS News Besides Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray, nominated BJP Rajya Sabha MP Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, the 13th direct descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, actor-MP Amol Kolhe, local legislators Arun Benke, Vinayak Mete, Zilla Parishad President Nirmala Pansare, several other ministers from different parties and other dignitaries were present. -- Syndicated from IANS ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned hearing of the presidential reference seeking an opinion on open balloting for the upcoming Senate elections till Monday. A five-member SC larger bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, Justice Mushir Alam, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Yahya Afridi heard the reference. During the course of proceedings, the counsel for the Election Commission submitted a copy of the code of conduct for voters. Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Raza Rabbani, while starting arguments in his personal capacity, said the main purpose of Senate's creation was federalism. Founder of Pakistan Qauid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had also raised the point of federalism in his 14-points, he added. He said smaller political parties with four provincial seats were also represented in the Senate. The idea of a single transferable vote was introduced to give smaller political parties a chance to have their opinion in the federation, he added. He said a party having three or four members in the Balochistan Assembly had two senators. "We have to keep in mind the composition and purpose of the Senate," he added. He said majority of the people was represented in the National Assembly, and the Federation of Pakistan in the Senate. It could be seen in the House of Lords and the House of Commons (of Britain). The House of Commons had public representation, he added. He said the court must look for a solution to the problem in the Constitution. A bill, he said, could be rejected by the Senate after it was passed by the National Assembly. The Senate had to decide on the bill within 90 days. He said the purpose of the Senate was to ensure equal representation of all the provinces. In a parliamentary system, the two Houses of Parliament were never run by consensus, he added. He said it was not mandatory that a party, who formed a government in the federation, also had a majority in the provinces. He said a coalition of opposition parties could also change the proportion of seats in the Senate. "I will give detailed arguments on the point of proportional representation," he added. Justice Ijaz said proportional representation was mentioned in Articles 51 and 59 of the Constitution. Even the alliance of political parties did not make a difference on proportional representation. If a party wanted to make a coalition, it should do openly, he added. Raza Rabbani said the court's interpretation regarding proportional representation would be ideal, but not on political issues. He said as there was an alliance between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Pakistan Mislim League-Q in Punjab, the former had given a seat to the later in the Senate election. Justice Ijaz said the representation of a political party in the Senate should be proportional to the province. Justice Bandial said many times the political parties of one province also made adjustments with those of other provinces. He asked as to why it was important to keep secret even if there was an inter-provincial alliance? Raza Rabbani replied that there was a difference between horse-trading and forging a political alliance. Political alliances were usually secret. Horse-trading could happen if an individual wanted to become a member of the Senate, he added. "We have to understand the minds of legislators, the proportional representation of political parties is in the minds of legislators, there are three different systems under the system of proportional representation," he said. "Each article deals with a separate system, where party representation is referred to as a single transferable vote, and a single transferable vote is entitled to mainstream representation."He said the president asked the question in the reference as whether secret ballot applied to the Senate. The government had given the impression that the case fell under the jurisdiction of Article 184/3. A fourth person who was allegedly in a stolen car chased by vigilantes before a fatal Townsville crash earlier this month has been arrested and charged. Motorcyclist Jennifer Board was killed when riding along Ross River Road at Kirwan when a Holden Statesman, driven by an alleged vigilante who has since been charged with murder over the incident, and the allegedly stolen Hyundai sedan collided. The Holden then crashed into her motorcycle. Jennifer Board, 22, was killed while riding her motorcycle in Townsville in early February. Credit:Facebook It will be alleged the 17-year-old male was with three others in the Hyundai. The teen was arrested in South Mackay about 2pm on Thursday, police said. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has appealed to the residents living under its jurisdictions to donate their unused toys, shoes, school bags, books etc. at the shoe bank set up by the civic body near Rajouri Apartments in Subhash Nagar. A senior SDMC official told IANS that the idea of a shoe bank is part of their campaign for making south Delhi score good marks in Swachh Survekshan 2021. To achieve this goal, the SDMC has launched many initiatives to mobilise the residents to comply with the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Act, 2016, which include 'Neki Ki Diwar', 'Garbage Cafe', 'Geela Kuda Lao, Khad Ley Jao', 'Plastic Lao, Plant Le Jao' etc. "Generally, the residents throw away old toys, school bags and shoes in the trash can, which will now be used by the needy persons," an official said. Denton, TX (76205) Today Light rain with thunderstorms by evening. High 78F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low around 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavier rainfall possible. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close AUSTIN, Minn. The Austin School Board is looking to a nearby district for its next superintendent. After conducting a series of interviews with candidates, the Board voted Thursday to offer the job to Dr. Joey Page, current superintendent at Byron Public Schools. The consensus was that Dr. Page has the qualifications and skills to move the school district forward, says Board Chair Kathy Green. We feel he will come into the position with an open mind, ready to listen, and committed to finding the best direction for the district, and we look forward to working with him. The school district says contract negotiations with Dr. Page will begin and it is hoped the School Board will approve his contract at Mondays board meeting. If so, Dr. Pages start as Austin Public Schools Superintendent on July 1. The Consumer Affairs and Market Regulation divisions of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) helped consumers receive an additional $23.9 million from their insurance companies in 2020, the department reported. The monies were returned as a result of the Consumer Affairs Divisions mediation work on complaints filed by consumers, as well as the efforts of the Market Regulation Division in ensuring compliance with Missouri insurance laws. In 2020, the Consumer Affairs Division received 2,952 formal complaints and returned $8 million to consumers. The largest driver of complaints continues to be health insurance with claim denials and delays as the top reasons for complaints. In one notable accomplishment for 2020, a complaint was filed regarding payment for autism services. An internal error was discovered at the company level resulting in the denied claims. The Consumer Affairs Division monitored the reprocessing of the affected claims which resulted in a recovery of nearly $89,000. The Departments Market Regulation Division focuses on identifying and resolving systemic issues that impact Missouri insurance consumers. In some instances, market regulation actions may originate from consumer complaints that have been filed with the Departments Consumer Affairs Division. In other instances, the issues are identified through a review of insurance company filings and by monitoring insurance company activities in the insurance marketplace. In 2020, the Market Regulation Division recovered $15.9 million. That money went to 82,219 Missouri insurance consumers. Consumers benefit from restitution by receiving refunds from insurance companies for premium overcharges and by receiving payment from insurance companies for claims that were improperly denied or were underpaid. Source: Missouri DCI Topics Missouri WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After turning higher over the course of the previous session, treasuries showed a notable move back to the downside during trading on Friday. Bond prices climbed off their worst levels going into the close but remained firmly negative. As result, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, climbed 5.8 basis points to 1.345 percent. With the increase on the day, the ten-year yield more than offset the drop seen on Thursday, reaching its highest closing level in almost a year. The weakness among treasuries came amid continued optimism about more fiscal stimulus, as new Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urged lawmakers to approve President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion relief package. Yellen suggested during an interview with CNBC on Thursday that the Biden administration's proposal could help the U.S. get back to full employment within a year. The former Federal Reserve Chair also dismissed Republican complaints about the size of the proposed bill, arguing, 'The price of doing too little is much higher than the price of doing something big.' The comments from Yellen came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said House Democrats aim to pass their version of the $1.9 trillion relief bill before the end of the month. Democrats have been hoping to pass a new stimulus bill with Republican support but may be forced to use the process known as reconciliation to approve a relief package without GOP votes. Traders have generally remained optimistic about more stimulus under Biden and the Democrat-controlled Congress. Further reducing the appeal of bonds, the National Association of Realtors released a report showing another unexpected increase in U.S. existing home sales in the month of January. NAR said existing home sales rose by 0.6 percent to an annual rate of 6.69 million in January after climbing by 0.9 percent to a revised rate of 6.65 million in December. Compared to the same month a year ago, existing home sales in January were up by 23.7 percent. The continued growth came as surprise to economists, who had expected existing home sales to tumble by 2.2 percent to a rate of 6.61 million from the 6.76 million originally reported for the previous month. Next week's trading may be impacted by reaction to reports on consumer confidence, new home sales, durable goods orders and personal income and spending as well as Congressional testimony by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Bond traders are also likely to keep an eye on the results of the Treasury Department's auctions of two-year, five-year, and seven-year notes. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The Co-op has become the first UK supermarket to reject genetically edited food crops and animals without strict assessment and labels. The move comes amid a Government review on the controversial items, dubbed Frankenstein foods. Ministers are consulting on removing some controls, which might include dropping mandatory labelling on foods which contain genetically edited ingredients. The Co-op is the first UK supermarket to get behind the #NotInMySupermarket campaign The Co-op has thrown its weight behind the #NotInMySupermarket campaign coordinated by the groups Beyond GM and SlowFood UK. A joint letter from the groups signed by more than 50 leading civil society groups, academics and producers calls for UK supermarkets to respect the wishes of their customers. According to surveys, the majority of shoppers oppose genetically engineered foods. It also asks the retailers to show leadership by supporting strict regulation of genetically engineered crops and foods as well as refusing to stock unregulated, unlabelled gene-edited foods in their stores. In response, Co-op chief Jo Whitfield said genetic editing was one of several new technologies that may in the future help us. According to surveys, the majority of shoppers oppose genetically engineered foods But she added: As with any new technology, it is important citizens are assured about food safety and the environmental and economic impacts are thoroughly understood before any decisions on widespread adoption are made... We would expect the Government to clearly set out how it intends to regulate gene editing. She said: We have no current plans to change our policy on prohibiting genetically modified (GM) organisms, which includes organisms produced by gene editing. Campaigners are hopeful that other supermarkets and food manufacturers will follow suit. For years the Daily Mails Frankenstein Food Watch campaign has highlighted concerns over genetically modified (GM) foods, amid fears they could harm the environment and even human health. By Leika Kihara TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's core consumer prices marked the sixth straight month of annual declines in January but the pace of falls slowed, offering some relief for policymakers worried about deflationary pressures the economy face from the coronavirus pandemic. Still, soft domestic demand means the Bank of Japan's priority will be to avert a return to deflation, unlike other countries such as the United States where inflation has recently perked up. Core consumer prices, which includes oil products but excludes volatile fresh food costs, fell 0.6% in January from a year earlier, government data showed on Friday, compared with a median market forecast for a 0.7% drop. The decline was smaller than a 1.0% drop in December, partly due to the termination of the government's "Go To" discount campaign for domestic travel and a recent rebound in fuel costs. Durable goods prices rose on strong demand from stay-home policies to prevent the spread of the pandemic, with prices of air conditioners rising 7.2% and those for microwave ovens up 12.2%, the data showed. The so-called "core-core" CPI, which strips away the impact of both energy and fresh food costs, rose 0.1% from a year earlier after three straight months of declines. "Looking past a potential renewed drag once the Go To campaigns resume ... inflation should recover into positive territory over the coming months as energy prices rebound and underlying price pressures return in line with the economic recovery," said Tom Learmouth, Japan economist at Capital Economics. Japan's economy expanded more than expected in the fourth quarter, extending the recovery from its worst postwar recession thanks to a rebound in overseas demand that boosted exports and capital spending. But new state of emergency curbs rolled out in January cloud the outlook, underscoring the challenge policymakers face in preventing the spread of COVID-19 without choking off a fragile recovery. (Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Sam Holmes) A federal judge whose son was killed and whose husband was critically wounded in an attack at their home in New Jersey said in a televised interview released Friday that the gunman also had targeted Justice Sonia Sotomayor. U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas told CBS's "60 Minutes" in an interview that will air Sunday that authorities found a locker used by the killer, Roy Den Hollander, a lawyer who had a case before Salas and who committed suicide after killing her 20-year-old son, Daniel, in the summer. "They found another gun, a Glock, more ammunition," Salas said. "But the most troubling thing they found was a manila folder with a work-up on Justice Sonia Sotomayor." "Who knows what could have happened? But we need to understand that judges are at risk," Salas told correspondent Bill Whitaker. "That we put ourselves in great danger every day for doing our jobs." Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathleen Arberg said, "the justice will have no comment" on the report, and would not discuss whether security for the justices has been increased. "We don't discuss security as a matter of court policy," Arberg said. Sotomayor, 66, was nominated to the Supreme Court in 2009 by President Barack Obama and is the first and only Hispanic to serve as a justice. The "60 Minutes" report said that threats to federal judges - which include hate mail, phone harassment, protests at their homes and threats of violence - have risen 400% over the last five years. The U.S. Marshals, who protect federal judges, are asking for 1,000 more officers at a cost of $250 million, the report said. Salas is supporting a bill that would scrub personal information about judges from the Internet and upgrade home security systems for judges. At least two of the hundreds of people indicted after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington made threats about Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. Charging documents say that one of those indicted, Tommy Frederick Allan, was identified after an acquaintance said Allan "shared a disturbing post that said the next step of the Insurrection was to get rid of Justice Roberts." Documents in the indictment of Stephen Michael Ayres said Roberts was included in a more wide-ranging Facebook rant on Jan. 3. "Mainstream media, social media, Democrat party, FISA courts, Chief Justice John Roberts, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, etc....all have committed TREASON against a sitting U.S. president!!! All are now put on notice by 'We The People!'" the documents allege Ayres wrote. Roberts has been a lightning rod on right-wing social media for those upset that the Supreme Court - as have other courts - dismissed challenges to the presidential election brought by President Donald Trump and his supporters. Trump said the Supreme Court "really let us down." Roberts has been singled out in right-wing postings despite the fact the court was unified in rejecting the challenges that have advanced. None of Trump's three nominees to the court, for instance, expressed interest in taking up the matter. Gabe Roth, executive director of the watchdog group Fix the Court, said the report of targeting Sotomayor was "awful but also not surprising." His group has filed Freedom of Information Act requests for documents relating to the justices' travels and found blacked out sections under "reported threats," especially against Sotomayor and the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. "It's impossible to know what's been redacted, of course, but it does suggest there are potentially several ongoing threats against the justices, and we need to do more to protect them," Roth said. - - - The Washington Post's Rachel Weiner contributed to this report Famous monastery in Ethiopia destroyed, looted amid ongoing violence: reports Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A historic monastery in Ethiopia has allegedly been looted, bombed and destroyed while one monk was reportedly killed amid ongoing violence in Tigray, the nation's war-torn northern region. According to reports, treasures located inside the Debre Damo Monastery, such as ancient manuscripts, were allegedly looted by troops from neighboring Eritrea who are allied with the Ethiopian National Defense Force. The historic house of worship dates back to the sixth century and contains painted ceilings and walls. It is believed to have been founded by one of the Nine Saints of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The monastery can only be reached after climbing up an 80-foot cliff. A "One monk was killed and twelve buildings destroyed," the updated report explained. "Following the bombardment of Debre Damo, six Eritrean soldiers climbed up the 80ft rift onto the plateau and searched the sacred monastery and its buildings." According to the United Kingdom-based newspaper The Times, the other buildings that have been "completely destroyed include monks' ancient dwellings. The outlet reported that some claim the attacks to be "cultural cleansing" in the heritage-rich region laden with valuable artifacts. Aid organizations working in the East African country say they are preparing for the worst after months of conflict between state forces and regional fighters in Tigray that has yielded thousands of deaths. Scores of women and girls have been raped, authorities say. The turmoil has left tens of thousands at risk of starvation. The reports coming from the Tigray region of Ethiopia are incredibly concerning, Amy Lamb, communications director for Open Doors USA, told The Christian Post in an email Wednesday. Open Doors works with churches and ministry partners in over 60 countries to spread awareness of believers' persecution and struggles in those areas. Open Doors contacts in the region have reported that religious minorities, including Christians, are targeted because they belong to ethnic groups who are suffering in the violent conflict, Lamb explained. The nation rose to No. 36 on the Open Doors USA 2021 World Watch List in large part because of increased violence toward Christians, she said. "Last year, at least 10 Christians in the country were killed for faith-related reasons. Around 100 Christian buildings were attacked or looted, Lamb added. Ethiopia has also become a hotspot for covid-19 relief discrimination, where Christians are purposefully excluded from receiving aid. We expect these rising patterns of persecution to continue in the coming year, so were calling for Christians in the U.S. to pray and advocate for the church in Ethiopia. According to Scottish-based charity Marys Meals, which has a presence in the beleaguered region, millions are at risk of starvation and lack access to medical care and proper sanitation. The regions capital, Mekelle, is being overwhelmed by displaced and traumatized people arriving every day, the charity warned on its website. Many are unaccompanied children who have lost their parents. The latest attacks have come on the heels of considerable violence that began in November. Last month, hundreds of people were reportedly killed at the Church of St. Mary of Zion (Maryum Tsiyon) in Aksum, which is said to house the Ark of the Covenant described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. Christian Solidarity Worldwide is also condemning the violence and human rights violations and urges the United Nations to take action. The UN Security Council should act to ensure an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded access to Tigray for local and international aid agencies. The imposition of an arms embargo on all warring parties, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is alleged to have provided drones, would be an important initial step," wrote Kiri Kankhwende, press and public affairs team leader for CSW, in an email to CP Wednesday. "Additionally, an urgent session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) must be convened, with a view towards mandating an independent inquiry into alleged human rights violations in Tigray and securing justice. The US, EU, Canada United Kingdom and nations with similar domestic legislation can assist further by imposing sanctions on the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who bear ultimate responsibility for any human rights violations that are being committed with impunity by their forces. The fighting began in Tigray on Nov. 4 when the regions ruling political party Tigray Peoples Liberation Front captured the Northern Command army base in Mekelle as part of an uprising. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed then ordered a military offensive soon thereafter and claimed later that month that the Ethiopian National Defense Force had regained full command of the city. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! 11 of 183 people at venue of Puducherry CM's swearing-in test positive for COVID-19 Puducherry CM Rangasamy tests positive for COVID; to be treated in Chennai 3 more Cong MLAs to quit in Puducherry, govt sure to lose trust vote: BJP India pti-Deepika S Puducherry, Feb 19: Three more Congress MLAs are set to resign from the Assembly in Puducherry, a key BJP leader claimed on Friday even as he asserted that the beleaguered V Narayanasamy government would lose the trust vote. Two of the four Congress MLAs who quit the House -- A Namassivayam and E Theeppainthan -- have already joined the BJP. BJP in-charge of the Union Territory, Nirmal Kumar Surana said the other two Congress MLAs -- Malladi Krishna Rao and A John Kumar -- would join the J P Nadda-led party. "The two will be joining the BJP. They are speaking with our leadership," Surana, also Vice-President of Karnataka unit of the BJP, told PTI. "Certainly, 100 per cent", he said when asked if the Congress government would lose the vote of confidence in the House. Puducherry CM convenes meeting of Congress MLAs after Lt Guv's trust vote direction "That''s the only option, I feel", Surana responded to a question on whether imposition of President''s Rule is a possibility in the poll-bound Puducherry. The newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry Tamilisai Soundararajan directed the Assembly Secretariat on Thursday to convene the House on February 22 for the Trust vote. Surana declined to name the three Congress MLAs he claimed would quit the Assembly. "I cannot talk now. They are unhappy with Narayanasamy and they want to resign. Hundred per cent they are going to resign", he said. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News On whether the BJP is open to taking these three MLAs into its fold, Surana said whoever accepts BJP''s ideology and whoever wants to join for the development of Puducherry, his party is ready to take them. Ruling Congress MLAs met in Puducherry on Thursday night after the Chief Minister was asked to prove his majority in the assembly on February 22. They did not take any decision on the future course of action and resolved to meet again a day ahead of the trust vote. In the 33-member assembly with an effective strength of 28, the Congress has ten members, including the Speaker, while its alliance partner DMK has three and lone independent from Mahe region also supports it. The opposition parties also have 14 members, including the three nominated (BJP), and have said that the ruling dispensation no longer has a majority. Emerging from the inconclusive meeting held at his residence on Thursday night, an embattled Narayanasamy contended that the three nominated MLAs (all BJP) in the union territory assembly do not have rights to vote on a confidence motion and the opposition strength was only 11 and not 14 as maintained by them. He charged the BJP with intensifying its design to topple the Congress government, which has been hit by resignations of four party MLAs, including two ministers since last month. Surana denied Narayanasamy''s allegation. "He (Narayanasamy) could not keep his flock in his fold and he is accusing others. He has not performed and he has been accusing the Lieutenant-Governor. He has not worked and he has been telling lies", Surana said. He said the Election Commission might announce the poll schedule for Puducherry in the next one week or ten days. Elections are due in Puducherry and neighbouring Tamil Nadu by May. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. 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. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Legislation to create a power company owned by Cuyahoga County will be presented to County Council next week, Executive Armond Budish said in a Friday coronavirus news briefing. The bill is co-sponsored by council members Sunny Simon, Dale Miller, Yvonne Conwell and Martin Sweeney. See full comments on the microgrid in the YouTube video at the bottom of this post. The Cleveland Microgrid Project, funded by Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland Foundation, aims to set up a secondary energy source for Clevelands power, which typically operates attached to the main power grid but could run independently in case of emergency. The aim is to provide reliable and consistent power to businesses and other entities. Budish on Friday noted that power reliability is a topic widely discussed because of the widespread power outages in Texas after severe winter weather battered the state. Budish mentioned that the county was working with Cleveland on the project, but did not give an update on its status. A website for the the project shows that the county, Cleveland, Cleveland Public Power and the Cleveland Foundation sent a asked developers and parties interested in the project to submit qualifications. The request received interest by Nov. 15, 2019, but the website does not include updates on developer selection. On Friday, Budish said the model also could work in other parts of the county, so his administration is exploring a county-owned company to oversee multiple projects. We have the legal authority to operate a municipal utility, he said. Now I know some of you might be thinking this sounds like a really bad idea. What does the county know about running an energy company? Let me explain how it will work. Our public works departments will release RFPs to seek bids from developer-operators and investors who can come in and build out the system under the auspices of the county. Those selected would build the systems and then sell them in specific geographic regions. Budish listed potential sites in communities where the county has seen interest in these kinds of projects, including an area near the airport and NASA, the old Brooklyn site of American Greetings and the Sherwin Williams Brecksville site. Previous county coverage: -- Cuyahoga County and Cleveland take steps toward microgrid while key player stays quiet -- Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Franklin will ask state to set aside 20% of vaccine for minorities, county executive says -- Daily increases drop in Cuyahoga County suburbs this week, but health commissioner says staying vigilant is key -- Seven Cuyahoga County deaths since Feb. 1 appear to be winter-related, medical examiner says -- Cuyahoga Countys pandemic-related bailout for downtown Hilton expected to grow to nearly $22 million FLINT, MI -- It took years for the old Jefferson Elementary School to fall into the hands of the city of Flint, and its going to take more time before its future is settled. 1st Ward Councilman Eric Mays said Wednesday, Feb. 17, that he wants a new vote on the sale of the property to 2nd Chance Church because a 2019 resolution to sell the building at 5306 North St. for $1,000 didnt name who the property would be sold to and was never acted on by former Mayor Karen Weaver or current Mayor Sheldon Neeley. Mays will have to overcome objections to the sale by council President Kate Fields, who said she wants an overdue water bill of nearly $100,000 in the churchs name paid before any transfer of the property. 2nd Chance Church owned the school when it was lost through tax foreclosure in March 2016 and the city requested and received a deed to the property in December 2016. While the church continued to use the school property since that time, its water bill was less than $700 when the city took ownership of the property, but it continued to grow since with the service still in the churchs name. Fields said the water bill and churchs failure to pay overdue property taxes of more than $150,000 on Jefferson School before it was lost in foreclosure are two reasons to reconsider selling the property back. They didnt pay their taxes. I dont know why we would give property back to an entity that didnt pay its taxes, Fields said during a council committee meeting Wednesday. This bill goes with the property. Mays led an effort to acquire Jefferson and several other properties that had gone through the tax foreclosure process before they could be transferred to the Genesee County Land Bank in late 2016. The council voted in 2019 to sell Jefferson for $1,000, intending the property to be returned to 2nd Chance Church, which is lead by the Rev. Derrick Aldridge, but the sale was never completed. Mays said Wednesday that returning the property to the church, which has maintained it even after losing ownership, makes practical sense. If you put people out, people will go in, steal pipes, and it will be an eyesore, the councilman said. Im trying (to prevent that). Aldridges family has had a long history with the Jefferson property and he has said he wants to redevelop it as a transitional living facility for women returning to Flint after being released from prison. Foss Avenue Baptist Church, led by Aldridges father, the late Rev. Avery Aldridge, purchased Jefferson in January 1989 and one month later moved the churchs Foss Avenue Christian School into the building. In 1997, Northridge Academy, the first charter school to open inside the Flint School District, took over the site after church officials said they determined only a charter school could provide computers and updated equipment to fill the educational needs of children. Northridge later moved, and the Jefferson property was deeded at different times to Derrick Aldridge and 2nd Chance, according to Genesee County property records. Jefferson is located near the citys northern border. It was constructed as part of a building boom by the Flint School District that was fueled by the growth of Flints automobile industry expansion in the late 1920s. Read more on MLive: Flint Jefferson School was rescued from foreclosure. Now pastor with deep ties wants second chance to save it Flint condemns Richfield Court Apartments, says basements flooded with water and sewage With about 500 water service lines still to dig up, Flint considers project manager contract extension Executive Director of the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) Mr. Mensah Thompson has urged the leadership of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) to provide the court with their collated results of the 2020 general election. He says the NDC has a strong case and there must be an evidential document to prove their case in court. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' program, he explained that the burden of proof lies with the accuser and that they can make a stronger case by providing those evidence in court. It is a bit worrying to note that the NDC has gone to court and theres not any known shred of evidence to present to convince the judges about their claim. According to him the judges are not magicians to know the figures of the NDC and be able to understand what they are saying without any evidence. "We all know that court is a matter of evidence," he emphasized. He added that "Though it might sound late, they still can provide their evidence in court to buttress their case". A nine-member panel of Supreme Court Judges has unanimously affirmed the seven-member panel decision that the Electoral Commission cannot be compelled to call its Chairperson, Jean Mensa to testify in the election petition. The earlier panel comprising; Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, Justices Appau, Marful-Sau, Nene Amegatcher, Prof. Kotey, Mariama Owusu, and Gertrude Torkonoo ruled that the EC boss filing a witness statement does not mean she has to testify. The court also said the depositions in affidavits with regards to the interrogatories do not mean the witness can be compelled. The Chief Justice who read the Judgement explained that no provision in the constitution or statute has been pointed out to show that the EC Chairperson can be subjected to different rules contrary to established rules of procedure and settled practice. John Mahamas lawyers filed for a review of this judgment saying the Apex Court committed errors of law in arriving at this conclusion. Watch Video Below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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 webinar will be live-streamed on the Proactive YouTube channel, which can then be viewed at any time following the presentation. Each company will present for 12 minutes Proactive will host a Copper Webinar on Tuesday, February 23, featuring three ASX-listed copper companies set to highlight upcoming plans. Each company - ( ) ( ), Alicanto Metals Ltd ( ) and ( ) will each present for 12 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. The webinar will also be live-streamed on the Proactive YouTube channel, which can then be viewed at any time following the presentation. To register please follow this link. Castillo Big One discovery Castillo Coppers ( ) managing director Simon Paull will highlight the companys large discovery at Big One deposit within the Mt Oxide Project in Queenslands Mt Isa copper belt. CCZ extended the discovery on February 10 after receiving final results from its 2020 drilling program. The company is planning a site visit to collect key data and further the JORC-compliant resource modelling as well as IP survey roll-out. Alicanto to discuss Swedish projects Ltd ( ) managing director Peter George will present on the companys Greater Falun Copper-Gold Project in Sweden which includes a past-producing mine. He will also discuss the recent acquisition of the complementary Sala Silver Project just 100 kilometres from Greater Falun. The Sala project was once Europes largest silver producer with output of more than 200 million ounces at grades of up to 7,000 g/t silver. AQI has already identified several new untested targets to the southwest of Sala as a result of structural folding of the same stratigraphic sequence as the Sala orebody and the Prince mineralisation. Havilah to discuss Kalkaroo flagship Lastly, Havilah Resources ( ) technical director Chris Giles will discuss the companys large copper resource at the flagship Kalkaroo project in South Australia, which also includes gold, cobalt and rare earths. Also mentioned will be a binding MOU with Aroha Resources Pty Ltd for the exploration and potential development of uranium interests. Aroha would secure the exclusive uranium exploration and mining rights for sediment-hosted uranium deposits within specified Havilah's exploration licences consistent with its overarching strategy of maximising value of the significant pipeline of exploration projects in South Australia. Event details When: Tuesday, February 23 Time: 12pm Sydney time / 9am Perth time To register please follow this link Questions for the speakers can be submitted before and during the presentations by email to John Phillips at john.phillips@proactiveinvestors.com or by text to 0431 597 771. It does not deliver uniformly safe and quality care for older people. It is unkind and uncaring towards them. In too many instances, it simply neglects them, it said. The commissions final report will be handed to the government next Friday, and the Prime Minister has promised to respond by the May budget. Experts, workers and the sector want to see big changes to a system that is currently a national disgrace. Time to Act Geriatric medicine specialist Professor Joe Ibrahim, who has been looking at aged care resident aggression, suicide, preventable injuries and preventable deaths since 2014, says these are not new problems. Many stem from the Aged Care Act of 1997, he says, which drove a more corporate style of practice focused on bottom lines and led to the reduction of nurses employed in the homes. Ibrahim wants to see the Act torn up. Theyve got to change the act governing aged care so it has a human rights framework, he says. Aged care expert Professor Joe Ibrahim wants the current Aged Care Act torn up. Credit:Jason South The Australian Aged Care Collaboration - a new, unified force combining the countrys largest aged care peak bodies - also wants a new Aged Care Act that will address longstanding issues. We need to create a total overhaul of the system that designs a whole system around the needs of the individual and their rights, says Sean Rooney, a representative of the new body and chief executive of Leading Aged Services Australia. And weve got to get this right, because not only do we have, you know, 1.3 [million] older people now receiving care in the system, but weve got an ageing population. Quality first Professor Henry Cutler, director of the Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, believes the key reform will be developing a consistent way to measure quality of care across aged care facilities, and ensuring the regulator has enough teeth to enforce standards. At the moment, the government decides whether aged care providers meet accreditation standards. But there is no national quality framework people can use to compare residential care in a similar way to childcare facilities or even hotels. Because people dont shop around, ie. they dont attend different aged care facilities and experience the care within an aged care facility, theyre not really too sure as to what is good quality care, he says. So its really important for quality to be measured so consumers can say, hang on, I want to know what the facility down the road, how that compares to another facility up the road, because I cant do that myself. Rooney agrees quality should be a priority. We need to be really clear about what it is that were measuring with regards to outcomes for older people, and if we can be absolutely clear about that, then well know whether were delivering value for money or not, he says. But we also want to ensure that weve got the measures right that incentivise innovation and continuous improvement in quality, and not just have a regulator thats just marking our homework. Putting the nurse back in nursing homes Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation federal secretary Annie Butler says the Aged Care Act has led to a gradual decline in regulatory mechanisms to ensure there were the right numbers of staff to ensure quality care. Roughly 80 per cent of aged care residents have high healthcare needs, Butler says. Conversely, the number of nurses working in the sector has been steadily declining since 2003, according to the National Institute of Labour Studies. Loading On top of that, care workers who do the bulk of work with residents have little if any qualifications in the sector, as there are no consistent minimum qualification requirements. What weve seen is a composition of workforce change that does not leave people with enough high-level skills to ensure elderly people have their health needs met - coupled with the fact theres just not enough [staff], Butler says. Shes aware of some facilities in NSW with no registered nurses on shift overnight, while other facilities might have one personal care worker looking after 10 to 20 dementia patients alone. Merle Mitchell, who testified during the Royal Commission about a lack of compassion from staff, would like to see workers stay in aged care facilities for two nights and two days as part of their training. I think that would make an enormous difference to the service that could be provided, she said. Because then they would actually understand what its like to live in a place like this. Loading Opposition health and aged care spokesman Mark Butler, who was Minister for Mental Health and Ageing during the Gillard government, says its widely accepted the biggest challenge in the sector is having enough qualified staff to care for older Australians. One of the first decisions of the Abbott government was to abolish a workforce compact I negotiated with aged care providers, unions and consumer groups to start to lift the qualifications and wages of aged care staff, he said. This short-sighted, ideological decision by the government has meant that the workforce challenges identified almost a decade ago have only got worse. Annie Butler (no relation) says the federation is pushing for staffing ratios, to ensure residents receive an average 4.3 hours of care per day - up from the current average of just 2.8 hours. We are just overflowing with research and evidence that shows if you increase staffing, and increase registered nurse staffing, you are going to have better outcomes for residents, she says. The price of reform All these reforms will come at a cost. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation calculated their proposed staffing ratios would take five years to implement and require an added $5 billion in funding. The Australian Aged Care Collaboration worked out a further 88,000 places will be needed in residential aged care over the next 10 years, at a cost of $55 billion. Mark Butler said Australians should have no faith in the governments ability to fix aged care. Loading Scott Morrison has neglected older Australians and the aged care system - its a national disgrace, he says. A spokesman for Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt says the government has already begun work to improve the system, but acknowledges more reform will be needed. The Morrison government has been listening and consulting, and has commenced reform across the aged care sector to address priority areas, including those identified by the Royal Commission in its interim report and response to COVID-19, the spokesman says. For example, home care packages will increase from 60,308 in 2012-13 to 195,597 in 2023-24, an increase of 224 per cent. The government is also delivering record investment across the entire aged care system from $13.3 billion in 2012-13, to $24, $25, $26 and $27 billion over this year and the coming three years. Merle Mitchell in 1993, when she was president of the Australian Council of Social Service. Credit:Neale Duckworth The government will also carefully consider the Royal Commissions recommendations and respond in the next budget. Mitchell, with her years of experience working in social policy, says she has confidence the Royal Commission will make strong recommendations but is not so sure the government will implement them, after the October budget failed to deliver major reform despite recommendations in the Commissions interim report. If they didnt do it then, why would they do it now? she says. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time The entrance to the Vaccination centre at the Helix in DCU, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) There have been 7,259 cases of Covid-19 linked to an outbreak in the last four weeks, new figures show. Of these cases, 2,120 were in nursing homes, while 1,373 were in hospital or a community hospital and 506 cases were in residential institutions. Figures released by the Central Statistic Office (CSO) show that people aged over 80 made up 21% of all cases linked to an outbreak in the four weeks leading up to February 12. There were 1,260 cases linked to an outbreak in the workplace during the same period. The CSO stated that the process in reporting outbreaks is taking longer because of the surge in cases in recent months. As public health are prioritising the reporting of outbreaks in key settings, including hospitals, the number of cases linked to private house outbreaks is underestimated. The figures show that only 336 cases were link to outbreaks in homes in those four weeks, however it is understood the true figure is much higher. In its 24th publication, the CSO provides details about those who have either died or contracted Covid-19 by using data from Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR). The figures show that in the week ending February 12, the number of weekly cases was 4,686, a decrease of 27% from the previous week. Dublin accounted for more than a third of all new cases but it was the sixth week in a row that weekly cases in the capital have fallen. Galway was the county with the second highest number of new cases, with 404 in the week ending February 12. It was the fifth week in a row that Leitrim has recorded less than 50 new cases, and was the third week in a row that Roscommon recorded less than 50 new cases and the second such week for Longford. Those aged 25 to 44 made up 31% of confirmed cases, with those aged 65 and over making up 11%. There were 261 healthcare workers diagnosed during that time, which is the lowest weekly figure since the week ending December 11. The number of coronavirus cases accounted for by healthcare workers also fell from 21% of all confirmed cases, in the week ending January 22, to 5.6% in the week ending February 12. People admitted to hospital has been decreasing since the peak of 1,348 in the last month. The average number of contacts per positive case per week was two in the week ending February 12, down from three contacts per case in early January. This implies details of more than 9,000 close contacts were recorded in the week. Meanwhile, there were 82,820 referrals for community testing where a valid reservation was recorded. Referrals for testing decreased last week, in particular among the 45 to 64 age groups, which decreased from 28,955 to 25,243. Some 43% of referrals were from GPs, representing a decrease from 79% in the first week of January. Further analysis shows that referrals for testing for healthcare and essential workers dropped by 7,425 by the end of last week. Weekly testing numbers from HSE labs and hospitals show there were 117,123 tests completed last week, while the positivity rate was 5.6%, down from 6.1% the previous week. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Union Health Ministry said that a total of 2,61,935 people, including healthcare and frontline workers, were vaccinated till 6.pm. on Friday, the thirty-fifth day of the drive, in 9,415 sessions across the country, as per the provisional report. Healthcare workers who received their booster dose, outnumbered the first dose beneficiaries by a significant number. The Ministry informed that 1,15,892 beneficiaries received the first dose while 1,46,043 healthcare workers received the second dose. With the latest addition, the cumulative figure of vaccination has crossed 1 crore, to stand at 1,04,49,942. Of them, 70,52,845 are healthcare workers and 33,97,097 frontline workers. Meanwhile, the Ministry also said that 7,56,942 healthcare workers have received their second jab so far and attained full immunisation against Covid-19 provided by the vaccines under the nationwide drive. The administration of the second jab was started in the country on February 13. The highest single day vaccinations during the on-going Covid-19 vaccination drive so far was achieved on Thursday when a total of 6,58,674 beneficiaries were administered the vaccines. The ministry noted that the highest participation in the vaccination drive on Friday was seen in Uttar Pradesh followed by Karnataka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Total 41 beneficiaries have been hospitalised so far. "Of them, 25 were discharged after treatment, two are under treatment while the remaining fourteen persons have been reported dead," the ministry added. The ministry also said that total 34 deaths have been recorded till date, including two new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Of them, 14 were reported in the hospital, while 20 deaths were recorded outside. However, no causal link between these events and the vaccines have been established so far. "No case of serious/severe AEFI/death is attributable to vaccination, till date," the Ministry said. The vaccination of the healthcare workers started on January 16 while the frontline workers started receiving the vaccine shots from February 2. Africa has surpassed 100,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 as the continent praised for its early response to the pandemic now struggles with a dangerous resurgence and medical oxygen often runs desperately short. "I think that is really remarkable and frightening," the director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, told The Associated Press in an interview reflecting on the milestone. Health officials who breathed a sigh of relief last year when African countries did not see a huge number of COVID-19 deaths are now reporting a jump in fatalities. Deaths from COVID-19 increased by 40% in Africa in the past month compared to the previous month, the World Health Organization's Africa chief, Matshidiso Moeti, told reporters last week. That's more than 22,000 people dying in the past four weeks. But the latest trend shows a slowdown. In the week ending on Sunday, the continent saw a 28% decrease in deaths, the Africa CDC said Thursday. The 54-nation continent of some 1.3 billion people has barely seen the arrival of large-scale supplies of COVID-19 vaccines, and a variant of the virus dominant in South Africa is already posing a challenge to vaccination efforts. Still, if doses are available, the continent should be able to vaccinate 35% to 40% of its population before 2021 and 60% by the end of 2022, Nkengasong said. Africa reached 100,000 confirmed deaths shortly after marking a year since the first coronavirus infection was confirmed on the continent, in Egypt on February 14, 2020. But many more people across Africa have died of COVID-19, even though they are not included in the official toll. Since most countries in Africa lack the means to track mortality data, it is not clear how many excess deaths have occurred across the continent since the pandemic began. In the unusual case of Tanzania, no one knows how many deaths, or even infections, have occurred since the country of some 60 million people stopped updating its number of cases in April. But while populist President John Magufuli claims that COVID-19 has been defeated in Tanzania and questions the new vaccines without offering evidence, social media in recent days has seen a worrying increase in death notices by families saying loved ones died while struggling to breathe. Some had otherwise been healthy. "He complained of fast-diminishing air in his respiratory system," one death notice in Dar es Salaam said this month. Tanzania is now one of eight African countries with the more infectious variant of the virus that was first found in South Africa, according to the WHO, citing travellers from Tanzania who were discovered to have the variant overseas. Nkengasong told the AP that Tanzania's influential first president Julius Nyerer once declared that if Africa is not united, it's doomed. "I really continue to call on Tanzania to work closely with African Union, Africa CDC and the World Health Organization so that we jointly and collectively address the challenge we have in our hands," he said. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.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. (TNS) - Feb. 18A year into the pandemic, California's workplace safety watchdog doesn't know how many nursing home workers have contracted COVID-19 on the job and died, a Sacramento Bee review of state records shows.California's health department regularly updates a list of COVID-19 infections and deaths at nursing homes. But only about half of those listed facilities where employees have died from the disease have bothered to report the death to Cal/ OSHA, the agency in charge of enforcing worker safety, according to the state records.The failure to report the COVID-19 deaths by as many as 64 nursing homes exposes a significant flaw in the state's response to the pandemic. The state is unable to fully track the spread of the deadly disease in a workplace setting where, more than anywhere else in California, the virus is ruthlessly stalking employees and patients.That makes nursing homes inherently more dangerous, worker advocates say, because it obscures where poor workplace conditions are seeding community outbreaks."The consequence is incredibly serious," said Arnulfo De La Cruz, executive vice president at Local 2015 of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 400,000 employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. "Nursing home administrators really have to be held accountable for failing to protect workers."More than 8,800 residents and some 220 nursing home employees have died of COVID-19 related complications, according to the California Department of Public Health's online dashboard.The issue is particularly important among certified nursing assistants and vocational nurses, the twin pillars of most nursing homes but also among the lowest-paid workers in the healthcare industry. The long-term care industry employs some 147,000 workers to help care for an estimated 88,000 California seniors in nursing homes.They often earn minimum wage and are disproportionately women of color. Fearing retaliation, they're among those least likely to speak up against management when, for instance, the nursing home denies that a coronavirus infection occurred on the job and thus fails to report it to Cal/ OSHA."They want to under-report COVID deaths because it looks bad for them," said Charlene Harrington, professor emerita of nursing at UC San Francisco.Some in the nursing home industry say the data doesn't tell the whole story and they're alarmed at any implication that facilities are intentionally covering up worker deaths."Failing to report things to OSHA can lead to criminal penalties. It isn't a matter of public reputation," said Liz Tyler, a spokeswoman for Western Convalescent Hospital in Los Angeles. "These are very serious times with very serious issues, and I don't know of a nursing home that isn't trying to ... make all of the right reports to all of the right people."Interviews with other nursing home operators reveal a muddled picture. For this story, The Bee compared records from the California Department of Public Health as well as Cal/ OSHA and attempted to speak with nursing home management for nearly 70 facilities.Of those who responded to questions, eight, including Western Convalescent Hospital, said they didn't report the deaths because their in-house investigations concluded the employees hadn't been infected on the job. Three operators acknowledged an employee death but told The Bee they had made the proper notification.Officials for seven facilities told The Bee that the state health department's records are wrong altogether. None of their employees have died of COVID-19, they said, suggesting yet another instance of California's flailing effort to measure the pandemic's toll.Attempts to speak with representatives of the other four-dozen facilities were unsuccessful.What is clear is the danger that comes from working in a California nursing home in the age of pandemic. Of the more than 123,000 Californians who've filed COVID-related workers' compensation claims, one-third are healthcare workers, according to an analysis by the California Workers' Compensation Institute. Among healthcare workers filing claims, nearly 40% work at either skilled-nursing facilities or residential-care facilities serving the elderly.When someone dies from COVID-19 at a nursing home, either resident or employee, the death must be reported to the California Department of Public Health. The agency's online database lists every nursing home where a worker has died of COVID-19, but it doesn't spell out how many have died.The reporting trail gets even more problematic from there. By state law, the employer must also notify the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/ OSHA, about any workplace-related hospitalization or death. Failure to do so can result in a $5,000 fine if the state finds out, and so far the agency has levied fines on six nursing homes for not reporting.Yet the two agencies essentially work in silos. The public health department doesn't file a report with Cal/ OSHA when it's told of an employee death nor does it believe it should."We do not have a role in this process," Corey Egel, a health department spokesperson, wrote an email.A spokesman for Cal/ OSHA's parent agency, the Department of Industrial Relations, said he was unaware of the nursing home reporting discrepancy. The department did not make a representative available for an interview, nor did it respond to written questions submitted more than a week ago.According to Public Health's database, 109 nursing homes have had employees die from COVID-19 as of mid-December. Yet only 45 of those facilities notified Cal/ OSHA of either a hospitalization or death, according to data the agency compiled about that same time for The Bee in response to a Public Records Act request.Last September Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2644, which accelerates the speed at which nursing homes must report all deaths from communicable diseases to the Department of Public Health during an official emergency. But the law doesn't direct the facilities to notify Cal/ OSHA.Previously, The Bee reported about Cal/ OSHA's failure to fully account for serious coronavirus infections in all California workplaces. Inspectors at the understaffed agency detected a total of just 779 workplace-related infections that involved hospitalization or a death since the pandemic started.Critics say the lack of reliable data about nursing-home worker deaths is particularly galling." OSHA as a state regulator is there to ensure worker safety and should be gathering that information," said Mike Dark, a staff attorney with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. "And what they're running up against is the fact that these facilities are thinking first as businesses, and only second as healthcare providers."Sean Beloud was the administrator at Stollwood Convalescent Hospital in Woodland last spring when an outbreak raced through the facility. Seventeen residents and a certified nursing assistant who'd worked there for 20 years died.It was among the earliest and deadliest coronavirus scenes in Northern California, and it had enormous ramifications. The nursing home has since closed, and Beloud has taken a job at another facility in the Sacramento area.Records show that Stollwood was among the minority of facilities that reported correctly to both agencies.It was April. That early in the pandemic, Beloud said, it was somewhat unclear in the skilled-nursing world whether her death from COVID-19 would actually be considered a workplace injury. Regulations were changing fast, and questions abounded, he said.But he reported it to Cal/ OSHA anyway. "I never thought twice," he said."The correct data is what will help develop future trends, maybe future regulations, things that are important to our industry," Beloud said. In his mind, another set of eyes could only make things better.Regarding the prospect of half of California's nursing homes not reporting to Cal/ OSHA?"I just feel this doesn't pay tribute to these people who have put their lives on the line," he said.The bulk of the nursing homes that appear to have failed to notify Cal/ OSHA was in Los Angeles County, which has been one of the pandemic's nationwide hotspots. Several were in Fresno and Modesto as well as in the Bay Area.Every nursing home in greater Sacramento that reported an employee death to the Department of Public Health also notified Cal/ OSHA."We understood our obligation to report such a case to OSHA. And so we did. It's just that simple," said Tom Garberson, a lawyer for Eskaton, a major Northern California chain of nursing homes and senior-living facilities with more than 10,000 residents in greater Sacramento.The Bee attempted to contact officials at all 64 nursing homes that didn't notify Cal/ OSHA despite showing up on the Department of Public Health's database of nursing homes where employee deaths were reported.Most didn't respond. Of those who did, several said they weren't required to report to Cal/ OSHA.Brius Management Company, the largest for-profit nursing home chain in California, had five facilities with employee deaths on the health department's database that did not report to Cal/ OSHA. The company, however, said those employees didn't contract COVID-19 on the job and therefore their deaths didn't need to be filed with Cal/ OSHA."There were no employee COVID-19 deaths in connection with employment," said Brius' lawyer Mark Johnson.Reliant Management offered the same explanation for not notifying Cal/ OSHA after an employee at its Northgate Acute Care facility in Marin County died of COVID-19."We carefully reviewed the standards for reporting to Cal/ OSHA and this incident did not meet the reporting standard," said Josh Sable, legal counsel at Reliant. He wished the late employee's family "happier times in the future."Several other nursing home operators said the Department of Public Health's database was simply wrong.Alcott Rehabilitation Hospital, a Los Angeles nursing home, is listed as having lost at least one employee to a lethal case of COVID-19. But the facility's lawyer denied it."There have been no staff COVID-related deaths to our knowledge," said Trent Evans, general counsel at Sun Mar Healthcare, a chain of Southern California facilities that includes Alcott."The facility has been in compliance ... for infection prevention," he added.Last June the company staged all-you-can-eat churro parties at its facilities to honor employees for their work in preventing COVID-19 infections.The Bixby Knolls Towers Health Care facility shows up on the Department of Public Health database. But its parent, the nonprofit Retirement Housing Foundation denied that any employee had died of COVID."I'm not sure where they're getting their information," said Retirement Housing spokesperson Chris Ragon. "We have looked on our end and we have nothing."Some nursing home operators insisted they notified Cal/ OSHA about worker deaths even though the notifications don't appear in the data OSHA supplied to The Bee."If there's nothing in the Cal/ OSHA files, I can't explain that," said Larry Kamer, a spokesman for Crestwood Manor in Fremont's parent company, Crestwood Behavioral Health.Cal/ OSHA is responsible for worker health and safety in all job sectors, including nursing homes. Cal/ OSHA requires facilities to report each time an employee is hospitalized or dies on the job or "in connection with work" within eight hours of when an employer found out about the illness.Employers must report if someone is hospitalized midway through a shift. They must report if someone has symptoms while working. And they must report if a worker is exposed to people known to have the disease and later tests positive.But the nature of the coronavirus pandemic where symptoms can take days to develop complicates what "in connection with work" actually means in practice.Cal/ OSHA tells employers to report if there is any reason to believe it's work-related at all."Where there is uncertainty about whether an employee contracted COVID-19 at work, the employer should err on the side of reporting the illness to Cal/ OSHA," the rules say. "Reporting a serious illness is not an admission that the illness is work-related, nor is it an admission of responsibility."Critically, it is Cal/ OSHA that would launch an investigation into workplace conditions that might have contributed to an employee's serious illness or death. Those investigations can also result in fines.The California Association of Health Facilities, which represents 80% of nursing homes in the state, said administrators should be given some slack if they did fail to report when they should have.Cal/ OSHA and the state health department have "identical reporting requirements that differ only slightly in time and have little other practical impacts," said Deborah Pacyna, a spokeswoman for the group."A breakdown in reporting to Cal/ OSHA could result during a large outbreak where providers are prioritizing patient care over paperwork," she said. "When a facility is hit with an outbreak, the primary focus is patient care and obtaining staff to cover yet another requirement adequate staffing levels."Critics roundly disagreed that failing to report a worker's death was a minor paperwork problem."They don't get to pick and choose which regulations they fall in and which they do not," said Dark, the lawyer with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.When employers don't report, Cal/ OSHA investigators don't know where workers are dying, whether safety rules were violated, and whether an inspection is necessary. They don't know where to look."Cal/ OSHA is in the dark, our members are in the dark as a whole (in) understanding what the strategy of the employer is," said De La Cruz, the union official. "And then, frankly, the consequence is that the community, the facility itself, everyone is put at risk."Businesses spanning nursing homes to restaurants are hurting during the pandemic, said Laura Stock, director of UC Berkeley's Labor Occupational Health Program. So a lapse here or there is understandable."On the other hand, workers are suffering tremendously. And these laws that are in place are in place for a reason," she said.Cal/ OSHA has begun fining some nursing homes for failing to report deaths or serious illnesses from COVID-19.In October, the agency slapped a $92,500 fine against Kingston Healthcare Center in Bakersfield for a host of violations that include not reporting workers had been hospitalized with COVID-19.The Bakersfield facility is appealing the fine.Since then, five other nursing homes have been penalized by Cal/ OSHA for failing to report serious COVID infections among their employees.Labor officials, though, say the financial penalties aren't sufficient."If it's intentional, then it's criminal," said Tony Owens, vice president for bargaining at SEIU Local 1000, which represents nursing home employees."We can't sit back and expect that the employer is going to do the right thing," he said.___(c)2021 The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.)Visit The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.) at www.sacbee.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (ANSA) - ROME, FEB 19 - Italy is the least violent country in the European Union along with Malta, according to a report by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights that was released on Friday. The report said only 3% of the people it surveyed in Italy said they had experienced physical violence in the last five years, compared to an EU average of 9%. The rate was highest in Estonia (18%), Finland (16%) and the Czech Republic (16%). It said 17% of people in Italy had experienced acts of harassment in the last five years, compared to an EU average of 41%. However, the report said that 70% of the women who suffered harassment did not report it. (ANSA). President and congressional Democrats proposed a major immigration overhaul Friday that would offer an eight-year pathway to citizenship to the estimated 11 million people living in the US illegally. The legislation reflects the broad priorities for immigration changes that Biden laid out on his first day in office, including an increase in visas, more money to process asylum applications and new technology at the southern border. It would be a sharp reversal of Trump administration policies, and parts are likely to face opposition from a number of Republicans. Biden has acknowledged he might accept a more-piecemeal approach if separate major elements could be approved. We have an economic and moral imperative to pass big, bold and inclusive immigration reform, said New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, in unveiling it Friday. Menendez said Democrats have failed in the past because they have too quickly given in "to fringe voices who have refused to accept the humanity and contributions of immigrants to our country and dismiss everything, no matter how significant it is in terms of the national security, as amnesty. Separately, enforcement guidelines released Friday by the new administration would target immigration enforcement more directly at people in the country illegally who pose a threat. That, too, would be a reversal from the broader targeting policy of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump. The major immigration overhaul legislation would offer one of the fastest pathways to citizenship of any proposed measure in recent years, but it would do so without offering any enhanced border security, which past immigration negotiations have used as a way to win Republican votes. Without enhanced security, it faces tough odds in a closely divided Congress. Menendez said he had been speaking to Republican colleagues in an effort toward "putting the pieces of a puzzle together on a bill that would receive enough votes to pass. He acknowledged the final product is likely to change significantly. But he also suggested that elements of the proposal could be included through a parliamentary maneuver in a budget bill that would only require 51 votes. The bill Democrats introduced Friday would immediately provide green cards to farm workers, immigrants with temporary protected status and young people who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children. For living in the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2021, the plan establishes a five-year path to temporary legal status. If they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other basic requirements, then, after three years, they can pursue citizenship. The plan also would raise the current per-country caps for family and employment-based immigrant visas. It would eliminate the penalty barring those immigrants who live in the U.S. without authorization and who then leave the country from returning for three to 10 years. It also would provide resources for more judges, support staff and technology to address the backlog in processing asylum seekers. The bill would expand transnational anti-drug task forces in Central America and enhance technology at the border. And it would set up refugee processing in Central America, to try to prevent some of the immigrant caravans that have overwhelmed border security in recent years. The plan includes USD 4 billion spread over four years to try to boost economic development and tackle corruption in Latin American countries, to lessen pressure for migration to the U.S. Democratic lawmakers, including lead sponsors California Rep. Linda Sanchez and Menendez, held a virtual press conference Thursday to unveil the bill. Our border policy is broken, period," Sanchez said. But this bill employs a multipronged approach that will manage the border, address the root causes of migration crack down on bad actors and create safe and legal channels for those who are seeking protection. Comprehensive immigration legislation has struggled to gain traction in Congress for decades. Menendez was part of the bipartisan Gang of Eight senators who negotiated a 2013 bill that ultimately collapsed. Prior to that, a bill backed by President George W. Bush failed in Congress as well, after multiple attempts at compromise. Republican immigration hardliners were already panning the bill Saturday. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, charged in a statement that the bill rewards those who broke the law and floods the labor market at a time when millions of Americans are out of work. President Biden's radical proposal is a nonstarter and should be rejected by Congress, he said. Sanchez noted that Congress has tried and failed in the past, and we aren't naive about the challenges that we face." But she contended that there is a broad coalition that wants to deliver on real reform. While Biden is pushing a comprehensive bill, he suggested earlier this week he may be open to a more piecemeal approach. During a CNN town hall Tuesday night, he said that while a pathway to citizenship would be essential in any immigration bill, there's things I would deal by itself. That could leave the door open to standalone bills focused on providing a pathway to citizenship for various populations. Menendez, too, seemed to suggest he was open to a piece-by-piece approach. If we can get certain elements of this standing up and passed individually both in the House and the Senate, that's great, 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.) Should rivers be given the same legal rights as people in order to protect them? The river flows from the mountain to the sea. I am the river. The river is me. Maori proverb from the Whanganui iwi (tribe) Native groups, environmental organizations, local residents, and all those who rely on a rivers health know the importance of protecting them. One idea that has been proposed in order to address this is giving rivers the same legal rights as people in courts. This idea came to fruition because of the concept of environmental personhood and its past applications on other non-human elements of nature. Environmental personhood is a legal concept that endows different environmental entities with the same status as a person in court, and is being used by many groups to protect natural resources in the modern world. Indigenous groups have long recognized nature as a subject with personhood deserving of protection and respect, rather than as a merchandise or commodity over which property rights should be exercised, says Monti Aguirre of International Rivers. Because of this, many native groups have been at the forefront of global efforts to petition courts and governments for environmental personhood for rivers. In New Zealand, the Te Awa Tupua River on the North Island was given the status of legal personhood in 2017 after nine years of negotiations between the former New Zealand attorney general and the Whanganui iwi, or tribe, and other indigenous Maori groups. The law outlines that both the New Zealand court and the Whanganui iwi have joint guardianship over the river. This connects the river legally to the indigenous people who have depended upon and cared for it for over 700 years. The change has impacted both peoples behaviors in the ways that they treat the river and their individual perceptions of the river. In 2019, Bangladesh became the first country to grant every one of its rivers environmental personhood. Meanwhile, Californias Yurok Tribe passed a resolution to declare legal personhood for the Klamath River, and a court in Indias Uttarakhand state bestowed the Ganges and Yamuna rivers with legal personhood, too. One of the issues that arises in giving rivers similar rights as people, aside from its unpopularity with some local companies and agricultural plots, is the question of who takes responsibility. Suing groups for harming a river is costly and there has been much debate over who should cover the costs. In Ecuador, a number of green groups successfully sued a construction firm to stop it from building a road over the Vilcabamba River, but when the company continued with the project anyway, the groups were unable to afford a second case. Another issue is that some rivers extend across national borders. These concerns have stirred doubts about the efficacy of environmental personhood in courts, but theres no doubt that conversations arising because of the idea are changing the way they view the natural world. Granting rivers the legal rights of humans in court would create a more concrete foundation for the their protection and it would prompt conversation around the conservation of these veins of the Earth. EarthTalk is written by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the non-profit group EarthTalk. Send questions to question@earthtalk.org. 30835 Jason Jackson , Chief Human Resources Officer, State of Nebraska Jason Jackson , Chief Human Resources Officer, State of Nebraska Across every field of endeavor, technology is changing the landscape of how we do business. The Human Resources field has not been immune, as the businesses and employees we support expect increasingly sophisticated and intuitive digital solutions to their business problems. High performing HR organizations are proactive about seeking out technology solutions to deliver value and experience across the breadth of the HR function. Technology can act as both an enabler and a catalyst for the transformation that is re-shaping HR service delivery across industry. Through automation and digitization, HR organizations are able to transform themselves from a transactional administrative function into a strategic business partner. Time spent on transactional support is reduced, creating space, time, and capacity for HR leaders to create value through strategic consultation rather than administrative support. Greater efficiency in service delivery is one way in which technology creates value for HR. Processes which are highly manual, labor intensive, and paper based are ripe for automation and digitization. By leveraging tech solutions to optimize these processes, HR leaders can capture the value of the efficiency gains through cost savings or by redeploying resources to value add experiences and consultative support. While technology solutions can be a differentiator for leading HR teams, they are not a panacea. Technology alone cant solve problems that originate with under performance, inefficient process, or sub-optimal organizational design The transformation from an administrative function into a valued strategic business partner requires more than freed up resources and time it also requires data. This is another area where technology has emerged as a creator of value for leading HR organizations. The days when anecdotes and surveys could inform business decisions are gone. What is needed now is data that can drive insight. Through technology, HR leaders can show up as business leaders first, offering insight into workforce decision making supported by the same degree of rigor that their peers leading business divisions expect of themselves and their partners. While the business case for embracing a new technological application in HR is usually made through a cost benefit analysis of an efficiency or data benefit, the potential for customer-experience improvements shouldnt be overlooked. HRs int ernal customers have expectations that are shaped by their consumer experiences. When HR delivers services through processes that are manual, paper-based, or unintuitive, it creates a de-motivating experience that undermines employee engagement. Conversely, employers can differentiate themselves as workplaces of choice by delivering services through technology applications that create ease and delight. For example, when a benefits enrollment application pre-populates employee data and makes recommendations based on an employees unique situation and prior preferences, an experience that is normally accompanied by uncertainty is made easy. A few words of caution. While technology solutions can be a differentiator for leading HR teams, they are not a panacea. Technology alone cant solve problems that originate with under performance, inefficient process, or sub-optimal organizational design. Another pitfall to be avoided is the tendency for HR technology solutions to shift work from HR to the customer. Technology enabled self-service can create efficiency gains but HR leaders need to look at the end to end process and make sure that time savings for the HR team member is not being offset by time and frustration of the customer. Check Out:Top HR Technology Solution Companies Editor: Jan. 6 was like Americas modern-day Pearl Harbor and 9/11: another day that will live in infamy. What did these delusional homegrown invaders of our Capitol think they were doing? Were they storming the beaches of Normandy to defeat Nazism? No, these traitors stormed the halls of U.S. government to try to defeat democracy. They were incited to overthrow our government so that former President Trump could retain power. In spite of overwhelming evidence against Trump, 43 cowardly Republican senators proved to be modern-day Benedict Arnolds by voting not to convict him. They betrayed their oath to defend the Constitution, instead pledging their allegiance to an evil man. Trump-loyalist Republicans have no interest in democracy. Their goal is retaining power; democracy be damned. Will these Trump sycophants ever do the right thing? No, they abandoned the American values and ideals given to us by our Founding Fathers. Trump Republicans have put America on a fast track to a day of reckoning. Do we Americans want a democracy where elections are freely and fairly decided or do we want a country where the storming of our Capitol by far-right radical traitors is a common occurrence and whoever has more guns wins elections? DAVE DUDZINSKI DUPONT Editor: Let the record show that Republican senators have again given the former president a get-out-of-jail-free pass. It seems these amoral, soulless, spineless senators will never pass up the opportunity to disregard truth and facts right in front of their eyes and bow down to a spoiled, my-way-or-the-highway individual. I guess it doesnt matter that lives were lost, physical injuries and mental and emotional trauma will be suffered long-term. I pray that their constituents in their home states eventually hold them all accountable and they pay the ultimate price at the polls. In the meantime I also pray that the name Trump never shows up on a ballot again in my lifetime. Hopefully, the powers in New York state and Georgia can make that dream a reality. Have hope that truth and justice will prevail. SUSAN RUSSELL DICKSON CITY Editor: Donald Trump violated campaign finance laws by paying off women he had affairs with and lost the popular vote in two presidential elections. Special counsel Robert Muellers investigation found 11 instances of potential obstruction of justice, but could not charge him as a sitting president. The House impeached him twice, but he walked away as most spineless Republican senators, as usual, put their party ahead of the country for fear of incurring his wrath. He had told some 30,000 lies in office since his inauguration. He sided with enemies such as Russias Vladimir Putin and other dictators and alienated us from longtime allies. He told us that Democrats and the free press are the enemy. He allowed a deadly disease to infect millions and thus far, kill 490,000 Americans while first calling it a hoax. He assured us it would disappear like magic. He then told the big lie that the election he lost by 7 million votes was stolen and he filed dozens of lawsuits claiming voter fraud, each of which was dismissed, often by judges he appointed. He provoked the most disgraceful display at the Capitol in history in a pathetic attempt to overthrow our democracy and remain in power. Then, he gleefully watched the attack on TV for hours, instead of telling the treasonous mob to stop. He chose to tell them how special they were and that he loved them, proving again that he cares about nothing but himself. Amazingly, after witnessing all of this, Republican senators again buried their heads in the sand and ignored the truth. It will allow him to dominate their party for the foreseeable future. Rick Wilson, a Republican strategist, wrote a book, Everything Donald Trump Touches Dies, and I hope it holds true for the destiny of the Republican Party. DAVID FLEMING HONESDALE Editor: Having watched the last few impeachment trials I believe its time to change the Constitution. Have the full Congress impeach and the Supreme Court try the case. Supreme Court justices are appointed for life and have no political motive to acquit or convict. It was so obvious in the last two trials and even in former President Clintons trial that the results were politically based. Many senators except for a few obviously were afraid of former President Trumps rhetoric to rally against them should they vote to convict. Using the excuse that they didnt have jurisdiction because Trump was out of office was lame. There was definitely precedence that upheld jurisdiction. The House managers made a wonderful case for conviction and the question period was fascinating, with House managers answering every question with facts and the defense deflecting the questions and blaming House managers for not investigating. It was sad watching their defense but they could have just sung songs or told jokes and Trump would have been acquitted by cowardly Republicans. It was nice to see Sen. Pat Toomey take responsibility but he is not running in 2022 so we dont know how he would have voted if he had planned to run. DAVID MEYER SCRANTON Editor: If the former president had been found guilty we would have been looked down upon by people in public life and possibly by his followers. Thats it. In order to prevent the person from running for any federal office again, the Senate would have to vote again and get a two-thirds majority. So, acquitting former President Trump at the impeachment trial doesnt really have a substantive effect on him. The believers will still believe. Its obvious that Trump is a dangerous individual with charisma among a large group in our society. Wrong move, senators. LEO OREILLY HAWLEY 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 you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. 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. (All Dollars in Canadian Dollars) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 18, 2021) - InZinc Mining Ltd. (TSXV: IZN) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the closing (the "Closing") of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement" for gross proceeds of $199,999.95. The offering, previously announced in InZinc's news release dated February 4, 2021 consisted of 6,666,665 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.03 per Unit, each Unit consisting of one common share (a "Common Share") of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each full Warrant entitles its holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.06 for a period of 24 months from the Closing. Insiders, each being a "related party" of the Company (as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101")), have subscribed for a total of 5,333,332 Units, as follows: Kerry Curtis (Chairman and a director of the Company), for 2,833,333 Units; John Murphy (a director of the Company), for 1,666,666 Units; and Louis Montpellier (a director of the Company), for 833,333 Units. The Company relied upon exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 available pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the securities issued, nor the fair market value of the consideration for the securities issued exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization as calculated in accordance with MI 61-101. All securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a four-month hold period expiring on June 19, 2021 in accordance with applicable securities legislation and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The net proceeds from the Financing will be used for working capital. About InZinc InZinc is focused on growth in zinc through exploration and expansion of the advanced stage West Desert project (100%) in Utah and exploration of the early stage Indy project (100% option) in British Columbia. West Desert has a large underground resource open for expansion and has district scale exploration potential. A West Desert preliminary economic assessment completed in 2014 forecasted 1.6 billion pounds of zinc production over 15 years. Byproducts would include copper, magnetite and indium, the latter being identified by the United States in 2017 as a critical mineral. West Desert is well located with easy access and existing infrastructure. The Indy Sedex project comprises near surface discoveries, large untested exploration targets and regional discovery potential. Indy is readily accessible by road from Prince George, the major hub for transportation and heavy industry in central British Columbia and is located 85km south of the Canadian National Railway. On December 22, 2020, InZinc announced that it had signed a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with American West Metals Limited ("American West") that contemplates the companies entering into an option agreement prior to March 31st, 2021 under which American West can acquire 100% of the West Desert project providing American West makes all the payments contemplated by the LOI. There are no assurances that this transaction will complete as contemplated. InZinc Mining Ltd. "Wayne Hubert" CEO and Director Phone: 604.687.7211 Website: www.inzincmining.com For further information contact: Joyce Musial Vice President, Corporate Affairs Phone: 604.317.2728 Email: joyce@inzincmining.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "design", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results, performance, or actions and that actual results and actions may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 filed with certain securities commissions in Canada and other information released by the Company and filed with the appropriate regulatory agencies. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74896 (Natural News) The vice president of North Carolinas largest teachers association is a self-described Marxist activist linked to an organization that follows the teachings of communist dictators including Vladimir Lenin and Mao Zedong. Bryan Proffitt began his term as the vice president of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) on July 1, 2020. The NCAE boasts a membership base of over 43,000 educators and earning over $8 million a year in revenues. When Proffitt was elected, many in the NCAE talked about how the associated had been taken over by radicals.' Upon his ascension to the associations vice presidency, Proffitt said that he will use his term to push against the privatization of public schools, especially during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The privatizers are hungry now, said Proffitt. Theyre going to push online education, theyre going to push charters, theyre going to push [the narrative] we didnt need teachers in the first place. Theyre going to do all that. Theyre already doing it. Our side has to be willing to fight back just as hard. Proffitt also talked about how he was in favor of rolling back tax cuts in order to put those tax dollars into building more schools and renovating facilities. Are we going to keep being the state that cut taxes and they claim were going to make economic gains by feeding wealthy people more of their money back or are we really going to invest in our people? he said. Proffitt and the new president of the NCAE, Tamika Walker Kelly, are notorious for using union-style tactics to force North Carolina lawmakers to accede to their demands. Fortunately, Proffitt and the NCAE are faced with strong opposition from the red state of North Carolina. Republican State Senate Leader Phil Berger even once called the NCAE a tool of the Democratic Party. The special interest education lobby will say just about anything to convince you that Republicans hate education and Democrats love it, Berger wrote in an opinion piece. They do this because their primary motive is to elect Democrats, and to do that they need to mislead you into believing that Republican education policies have harmed our state. Before Proffitt became the NCAEs vice president, he was a high school teacher. He also served as the president of the Durham Association of Educators from 2004 to 2015. In the NCAE, Proffitt and Kelly co-chaired the NCAEs Organize 2020 Racial and Social Justice Caucus, which helped stage teacher strikes and walkouts in 2018 and 2019, which shut down multiple schools across the state. Both Kelly and Proffitt also endorsed democratic socialist Bernie Sanders during the 2020 Democratic Party Primaries. They were among the fifty North Carolina leaders who endorsed Sanders, which included anti-cop and anti-Israel personalities. In 2008, Proffitt also gave an interview insisting on why capitalism has to go and why its important to build a revolutionary party. Proffitt member of Marxist revolutionary movement Proffitt is also a member of the group known as Liberation Road, a self-described Marxist organization. On its website, it describes itself as a group of revolutionary socialists in the U.S. dedicated to fighting for a social system where social wealth is not in the hands of a few billionaires, but is controlled by the people. Liberation Roads self-proclaimed main enemy is the Republican Party. Under the subheading of Strategic Orientation 2019-2020, Liberation Road describes their main enemy as: We identify the New Confederacy composed of the most reactionary faction of capital and middle strata, right-wing racists, united in the Republican Party as the main enemy. We use this term to emphasize the fact that the Right in this country is rooted in a racist program and strategy. Along with being a Marxist organization, the group also claims to follow the teachings of both Lenin and Mao, who became the first dictators of the Soviet Union and the Peoples Republic of China, respectively. They are both also credited as the founders of their nations respective communist parties. (Related: Chinese military funneled millions to American universities.) According to the Frequently Asked Questions section of its website, Liberation Road argues that it learns from many revolutionaries, but it idolizes none. The organization claims that it gets its understanding of imperialism and of why the capitalist state must be completely destroyed from Lenin. From Mao, it claims to gain its understanding of how to organize workers and broad masses. Proffitt has authored many white papers for Liberation Road, believing that his writings will encourage more young people to participate in the conversation on organization and what we need to build a revolutionary movement. In his papers, he instructs his leftist accomplices on what they need to do to bring about socialism in the United States. He places an emphasis on targeting community organizations, unions and schools as places where communist peoples movements can be built from. He argued that recruiting from these kinds of places will help to build trust and lasting political relationships that can take us to a higher level of struggle. Learn more about the state of the education system in the U.S., and the left-wing radicals attempting to infiltrate it by reading the latest articles at EducationSystem.news. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com NCPolicyWatch.com DJHJMedia.com Twitter.com RoadToLiberation.org A 32-year-old man was killed in a head-on car crash in Taunton on Wednesday, according to authorities. Police responded around 9:05 p.m. to the crash at Tremont and Shores streets. A Chevy Silverado was driving south on Tremont Street when it collided with a Honda Civic that was traveling north on the same street, according to a statement from Bristol District Attorney Thomas M. Quinns Office. The driver of the Silverado, a 29-year-old Taunton woman, was turning left into the parking lot of Trucchis Supermarket when her car was struck by the Civic, the statement said. The driver of the Honda, who was identified Thursday as 32-year-old Christopher Silva of Taunton, was rushed to Morton Hospital in Taunton, where he was later pronounced dead, according to the statement. The driver of the Silverado suffered minor injuries in the crash, the district attorneys office said. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the fatal collision. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, according to the prosecutors office. Vietnam cryptocurrency use second highest in the world Bitcoins are seen in this illustration picture by Reuters/Dado Ruvic. Vietnam has the second highest rate of in terms of cryptocurrency use among 74 surveyed economies, driven by remittance payments, a new report says. The report on survey results released by Statista, a global provider of market and consumer data, says 21 percent of respondents in Vietnam said that they used or owned cryptocurrency in 2020, second after Nigeria (32 percent). The Philippines ranked third at 20 percent, followed by Turkey and Peru, both at 16 percent, said the survey which covered 1,000-4,000 respondents per country. The rest of the top 10 comprised Switzerland, China, the U.S., Germany and Japan. "For Vietnam and the Philippines, remittance payments play a role in the widespread use of cryptocurrency," the report said. The high cost of sending money across borders in conventional ways has caused many to turn to local cryptocurrency exchanges, catering to overseas workers and their families, it added. However, cryptocurrency has not been recognized as a legitimate means of payment in Vietnam. The State Bank of Vietnam has warned that owning, trading and using cryptocurrency was risky and not protected by laws. Earlier reports have noted that while the Vietnamese diaspora typically sent remittances to Vietnam to support their families, there has been a shift in recent years. Now, a significant portion of remittances are used as investment for doing business in the country. Around 580,000 Vietnamese citizens work overseas now, up from 500,000 in 2010, according to the Department of Overseas Labor under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 10:33:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia confirmed one new imported COVID-19 case on Friday, bringing the total number of infections in the kingdom to 484, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said in a statement. The new case was found on a 25-year-old foreign woman who arrived in the kingdom on Wednesday from the United Arab Emirates via a connecting flight in Singapore, the statement said. "The woman tested positive for the COVID-19 upon her arrival, and she is currently undergoing treatment at the National Center for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control in Phnom Penh," it said. The remaining 73 passengers on the same flight have been placed under a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated quarantine facilities in the capital Phnom Penh, it added. The Southeast Asian nation has so far registered a total of 484 COVID-19 cases, with zero deaths and 470 recoveries, the statement said. Enditem 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. New Delhi: The Central Board of Direct Taxation on Saturday announced that there is no proposal to extend the date of filing the Income Tax return. As per CBDT, all tax payers should file returns on or before July 31. The deadline for filing I-T returns has been fixed for July 31. This announcement by the tax board is contrary to the reports that surfaced in the media on Friday that the Government was planning to extend the date of ITR filing. The last date of filing returns, the chamber clarified would remain as July 31, while urging taxpayers to ensure complete adherence to norms and timely completion of the procedure. The government was considering the possibility of extending the July 31 deadline for the filing income tax return, a senior bureaucrat in the finance ministry told a leading business daily on Friday. "Taxpayers this year have been facing many new difficulties, so prima facie there is a genuine case to extend the deadline," said this government official. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A hot potato: We now know that while the RTX 3060 will doubtlessly feel the effects of the semiconductor shortage, Ethereum miners won't be lining up to grab it. But will the limitations Nvidia is imposing extend to previous entries in the Ampere line? No, says the company. Yesterday brought news that the new release drivers for the RTX 3060, which arrives on February 25, can detect "specific attributes of the Ethereum cryptocurrency mining algorithm, and limit the hash rate, or cryptocurrency mining efficiency, by around 50 percent." Questions were raised over whether this supposedly unhackable limiter would also affect other Ampere-based cards running the same driver, but the company has confirmed it is not limiting the performance of GPUs already sold. While some gamers might have welcomed a limiter being placed on all Ampere cards, such a move is both morally and perhaps legally questionable. It's also worth remembering that some gamers are also miners and vice versa, so it's not a black and white question of 'us versus them.' Rather than nerfing the entire Ampere line, Nvidia hopes to ease the pressure of unprecedented demand by restarting its Cryptocurrency Mining Processor (CMP) linea move that company CFO Colette Kress in January suggested could happen. The CMP line lacks display outputs and comes with lower frequency and voltage settings than the gaming equivalents. Nvidia says as they don't meet the specifications of a GeForce GPU, they won't impact the supply of GeForce graphics cardsapparently. It's suspected that all the cards with the possible exception of the the top 90HX are based on Turning chips, helping minimize the impact on new GeForce card production. With so many people sick of waiting for new stock of RTX 3000 cards, crypto mining has become an increasingly contentious subject. Zotac recently incurred the wrath of gamers when it posted a pro-mining tweet. On the other side of the coin, the rising price of crypto has helped some businesses stay afloat during the pandemic. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 05:13:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A woman wearing a mask makes a wedding dress at a workshop in Ankara, Turkey, on Feb. 18, 2021. At a workshop in Ankara run by the municipality, Syrian women were trained to make wedding dresses, an experience aimed to integrate refugees into local workforce. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) by Burak Akinci ANKARA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- At a workshop in the Turkish capital Ankara run by the municipality, Syrian women were trained to make wedding dresses, an experience aimed to integrate refugees into local workforce. "I have a dream, and I come here to learn what could make my dream a reality. I want to stand on my own feet and learn a profession," Heradi Sakih, a 40-year-old mother of six from Syria's northern city of Aleppo, told Xinhua. Sakih wants to establish herself as a good seamstress and open her own workshop in Turkey where she and her family are planning to stay until the end of the civil war in her native land. Organizers of the project, funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, chose it because a person who can make a bride's dress can generally make any other clothing garment. "The thing that we aim at is to integrate these women in Turkey's workforce. As migrants face a lot of hardships regarding employment, we expect them to have something to offer and make sewing their profession," said Senay Yilmaz, in charge of women affairs at the Ankara metropolitan municipality. "We have been managing this UN project since 2017. So far, 375 girls have been schooled and 150 mothers integrated in the labor force by learning a craft," she explained. While mothers train for six weeks at the workshop, two storeys below their children can play and learn Turkish in a day care center under the supervision of preschool teachers. Since the start of the ongoing Syrian conflict in 2011, Turkey has been bearing the heaviest burden of hosting refugees. There are 3.6 million registered Syrian refugees across Turkey. Even if the Turkish government granted access to some public services, most importantly health services, to the Syrian refugees, they still face challenges such as the lack of education and training opportunities. The situation turned worse due to the COVID-19 pandemic as thousands of Syrians and local workers alike lost their jobs as businesses closed temporarily or indefinitely because of lockdown measures since the start of the outbreak in March 2020. Some 1.6 million Syrians in Turkey are of working age, but very few have work permits. As a result, tens of thousands of Syrians are working informally in every field, especially construction, textiles and agriculture. Hala Srouji, 22, is also from Aleppo. She had to leave there in 2019 with six other family members because of hostilities. "The main reason why I am here is to learn a craft which may come handy later, a profession which can provide an income for my family", she said. "My purpose is to be able to stand on my own and be something in this society where at the beginning we were shunned because we didn't speak Turkish," said the young woman. Eda Altun, instructor of the workshop, also a fashion design teacher, is very happy for their achievement. "In six weeks, each of them is becoming able to sew and make individually a wedding gown. Our objective is to obtain employment for these women through cooperatives and stores where the dresses can be sold," she indicated. "The candidates are quite skilled and learn easily to sew by hand and machine and have solid bond and team spirit here that they will use for professional integration later on," Altun added. Enditem Jaipur, Feb 19 : Seven migrants from Pakistan, including three couples, who have been living in Rajasthan, were on Friday granted Indian citizenship by Jaipur's District Collector Antar Singh Nehra in his office. Those who received the certificates included Jawahar Ram, Sonari Mai, Gojar Mai, Gordan Das, Ganesh Chand, Basan Mai and Arjan Singh. Gordan Das, who has been living as a Pakistani migrant for 9 years in Mansarovar, said that he came here from Punjab province' Rahimayar Khan situated in Pakistan. "We came to India because of insecurity looming large over us as we could not see the future of our children there," he said. After receiving the citizenship certificate, these new Indian citizens expressed confidence of ensuring all the rights to their children. Besides, they will also enjoy the benefits of all the employment and government facilities and schemes, officials said. Additional District Collector Dakshin Shankarlal Saini was also present on the occasion. The Pakistani migrants who were granted citizenship, settled here between 7 and 15 years ago. Nehra also congratulated all the citizens on getting the citizenship and hoped that all of them would contribute in the development of the nation as a good citizen while serving the country. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi: Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday (February 19) pledged to convert all vehicles in his ministry to EVs and urged other departments to follow suit in a bid to cut India's oil import dependence. The minister has also suggested providing subsidy to buy electric cooking appliances rather than giving support to buy expensive imported gas for cooking. Back of envelop calculation by the minister indicate that using 10,000 electric vehicles in Delhi alone can save Rs 30 crore every month. Besides, he stressed electric cooking which is also cheaper than imported gas. Addressing at the launch Go Electric campaign, Gadkari said, "Why don't we provide subsidy on electric cooking appliances. We already provide subsidy on cooking gas." He was of the view that electricity cooking is clean and will also reduce import dependence on gas. Nitin Gadkari suggested that the use of electric vehicles should be made mandatory for all government officials. He informed that one electric vehicle saves almost Rs 30,000 per month on fuel cost which comes to around Rs 30 crore a month for 10,000 vehicles. He said if 10,000 electric vehicles were used by officials in Delhi, then Rs 30 crore per month can be saved. He further urged Power Minister RK Singh to make it mandatory to use electric vehicles for officials in his department saying he will do so for his departments. On this occasion, Singh also announced that a fuel cell bus service will be launched from Delhi to Agra and Delhi to Jaipur soon. RK Singh said, "We are going to start a premium bus service using fuel cell electric vehicles from Delhi to Jaipur and Delhi to Agra... Totally premium? We will advertise (about) it and increase its (frequency)." He said, "Our vision is 'Go Electric and Green The Electricity'. So bring more and more sector to electricity. Mobility is one and cooking is another. Move away from firewood and gas. It (electricity) is cheaper than gas... That is the way to go... Not the imported gas." He suggested a trajectory where five years down the line, no busses would be allowed in India unless they were electric; and four years down, all three-wheelers turn electric. About the Hydrogen Energy Mission announced in the Budget-2021, the minister stated, "We are going for green hydrogen bids in four to five-month. We already have a discussion with ministries of petroleum, steel and fertilisers." He informed about the government's plan to replace 10 per cent of imported ammonia with green ammonia. He said, "We can add 10 per cent hydrogen in our gas. This will increase calorific value and reduce our (gas) imports. We can put a mandate that 10 per cent imported hydrogen for refining would be replaced by green hydrogen." Noting the green hydrogen is expensive at present, he stated that green hydrogen would be cheaper in the next three years just like it happened with renewables. He cited the instance of solar energy where tariff dipped from Rs 15 per unit to Rs 1.99 per unit. Later in a media interaction, he told that gone are the days for 'Licences Raaj' in the electricity distribution business in the country as it would soon be de-licensed. The minister told that this would enable the consumer to choose from multiple electricity service providers in their area. At present, either private or state-run, the electricity distribution utilities are monopolies and consumers have no option to change services providers. RK Singh also informed that the average increase in power demand was 10.5 per cent from October 2020 to January 2021 and the power demand grew at over 13 per cent in October 2020. Thus, the power demand growth would be even higher when the economy picks up pace (post-pandemic), he added. He was of the view that India's imports of petroleum should reduce. About the import of gas in the country, he stated it is not a path to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India needs to reduce the import of gas. The Go Electric campaign is launched on Friday to spread awareness on the benefits of e-mobility and EV Charging infrastructure in India. Live TV The accused's solicitor said: "It's a bad idea when he stays with his mother, because every time he gets into trouble." A west Belfast man who slashed the tyres on a neighbour's car has been jailed for five months. Prosecutors said Ciaran Black, 21, also attacked and threatened to kill another man after being challenged about noise in a separate incident. Belfast Magistrates' Court heard a woman discovered her vehicle had been targeted at Lower Cupar Street on December 10 last year. The windscreen was damaged, a mirror was hanging off and all four tyres were slashed. Two people living in the area claimed they saw Black, of Carrigart Avenue, at the car. One witness said they heard banging noises and then they looked out the defendant was there with a kitchen knife. Earlier last year he was involved in a confrontation at apartments in the Falls Road area, the court was told. A man heard loud noises coming from the communal hall, went out and challenged Black. A Crown lawyer said: "The defendant asked him 'What the f*** has it to do with you?'" CCTV footage showed Black running at the victim and punching him about the head, it was claimed. As they wrestled on the ground he allegedly stated: "I'm going to kill you." The victim, who managed to get back to his own apartment, sustained swelling and bumps. Black admitted criminal damage, possessing a bladed article in public, common assault and threats to kill in connection with the two incidents. Defence solicitor Philip Breen described them as "unpleasant offences". He told the court both injured parties are neighbours of Black's mother. "It's a bad idea when he stays with his mother, because every time he gets into trouble," Mr Breen added. Imposing a total sentence of five months custody, District Judge George Conner gave him credit for the guilty pleas. [February 18, 2021] Novetta Appoints Key Executives Focused on Customer Mission Success MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novetta, a leader in advanced analytics technology, announced two executive appointments that expand its Information Exploitation Division and unify its technology portfolio. Kevin Heald has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Information Exploitation (IX) Division, running Enterprise Solutions and Emerging Technologies. He is responsible for driving divisional growth and achieving mission success for diverse customers across the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and Law Enforcement. "Kevin's dedication to customer missions is proven by the growth we've seen in IX," said Tiffanny Gats, Novetta President and CEO. "He is at the forefront of integrating new technologies into solutions, has been instrumental in recent contract wins, and drove the expansion to open Novetta's new offices in San Antonio, TX." Michael Thieme has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Michael will oversee Novetta product development, lead R&D, and foster Novetta's innovative, mission-driven technical culture. "Aligning Novetta's significant technology investments under Michael's leadership will further strengthen our Product portfolio and drive innovative solution development," said Gates. "Michael's passion for bringing new capabilities to customers is a perfect fit for our diverse missions." "We expect great things from this move," said Tom Rabaut, Novetta Board Chairman. "Novetta's growth will be further accelerated with a respected, accomplished technologist driving unique solutions for our customers. We were pleased to support Tiffanny's decision to elevate Michael to CTO." Novetta is an industry-leading performer, generating nearly 20% organic growth, a total contract backlog of $1B and an $11B qualified pipeline. About Novetta Novetta delivers scalable advanced analytic and technical solutions to address challenges of national and global significance. Focused on mission success, Novetta pioneers disruptive technologies in machine learning, data analytics, full-spectrum cyber, cloud engineering, open source analytics, and multi-INT fusion for Defense, Intelligence Community, and Federal Law Enforcement customers. Novetta is headquartered in McLean, VA with over 1300 employees across the U.S. Visit novetta.com for more information. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novetta-appoints-key-executives-focused-on-customer-mission-success-301231422.html SOURCE Novetta The US is posed to pass an act incentivizing informants to share information regarding evasion of US or UN sanctions, writes The Syrian Observer. Two members of the US House of Representatives submitted a bill that, if passed, would help prosecute human rights violators and businesspeople in dictatorial countries who help them to evade US and international sanctions. Representative Joe Wilson, a Republican, and Representative Ted Deutsch, a Democrat, introduced a bill called the Bassam Barabandi Rewards for Justice Act. Barabandi is a dissident Syrian diplomat based in Washington, who, until 2013, served as consul and first secretary at the Syrian Embassy to Washington. The two representatives said in a joint statement, Congressman, Joe Wilson, and Congressman, Ted Deutch, reintroduced the Bassam Barabandi Rewards for Justice Act. This bill will incentivize informants to come forward with actionable information regarding evasion of US or UN sanctions by expanding the rewards for justice program at the State Department. In an exclusive interview with The Syrian Observer, Barbandi said that the bill, if approved, would be a way to make the sanctions more specific, targeting human rights violators and their supporters rather than targeting broad sectors of the population. Barabandi is a former Syrian diplomat who defected and worked to oppose the Assad regimes human rights abuses. In his time at the embassy, he provided information on regime activities and sanction evasion to Congress, US officials, and think tank scholars, said Congressman Wilson. I am grateful for Bassam, who inspired this bill, and has advocated expanding the US State Department Rewards for Justice program, incentivizing people around the world to provide information on sanctions violators to improve enforcement. The Syrian Observer asked Barbandi about the start of the project and its developments. He said that the idea started two years ago when he spoke with the Treasury Department about using the American law known as Rewards for Justice to make sure penalties affect violators and evaders and not the general Syrian public. However, Department of Treasury officials told Barabandi that they are an executive body and that the foundation work must be done at the legislative level. Barabandi added, we turned to the US Congress, and managed to convince two members, a Republican and a Democrat, to get broad support. Barabandi said that the bill was approved last year by the House of Representatives, but it was not taken to the Senate for approval due to the election season. Wilson and Deutsch reintroduced the bill, which they named after Barabandi, who was the inspiration for the project, in appreciation for his great efforts in protecting human rights. Barabandi told the Syrian Observer that the project was not specific to Syria, but rather an amendment to the Rewards for Justice Act that could be applied in more than one country around the world. He believes that the law could be applied in Russia, Iran, Syria, North Korea, and other places and, if passed, will be similar to the famous Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The US established the State Departments Rewards for Justice program in 1984. It is administered by the State Departments Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Under this program, the Secretary of State may authorize rewards for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of anyone planning, assisting, or attempting to carry out international terrorist acts against US citizens or property, in addition to information that prevents such acts from occurring in the first place and that leads to identifying or locating a major terrorist leader or disrupts terrorist financing. Since the launch of the program, the US has paid more than 150 million dollars in rewards to more than 100 people who provided information, sufficient to take legal action, that threw terrorists in prison or prevented acts of international terrorism around the world. In his interview with The Syrian Observer, Barabandi said that the team that worked on the project benefited from the precedent the US administration set in dealing with the North Korean government. In 1995, the US administration asked those with information about then-North Korean leader Kim Jong-ils evasion of US sanctions to share it with the US government. The administration was able to freeze a balance of 35 million dollars belonging to the late leader. Barbandi expects that the law will be voted on soon and then transferred to the Senate, where it will be shared with President Joe Biden to sign it. Barbandi believes that President Biden will sign the bill because it aligns with his political direction as well as that of his Vice President, Kamala Harris. An innocent family of five narrowly escaped with their lives on Friday night after shots were fired at their home in a case of mistaken identity. Police were called to a house on Lockwood Street, Merrylands, following reports of a shooting at 10pm on Friday night. A bullet hole was found in a back room of the house. The five people in the house, who were inside at the time, were not injured. Locals spotted a car driving slowly on Lockwood Street, before a number of rounds were fired. Police were called to a house on Lockwood Street, Merrylands, following reports of a shooting at 10pm on Friday night. None of the five people inside were injured The vehicle, described as a black 4WD or hatchback, then drove quickly from the scene. Police believe that the shooting is a case of mistaken identity. Cumberland detectives, together with the State Crime Commands Criminal Groups Squad, are now conducting a full investigation and are calling for anyone who may have information that can assist to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The Legislature's COVID-19 Committee, chaired by Sen. Jo Comerford (left) and Rep. Bill Driscoll (right), wants the chance to directly question Gov. Charlie Baker next week. To help offset these restrictions, the city expanded outdoor dining with a popular program that has allowed 11,000 restaurants to seat diners on sidewalks and streets and in public spaces. But many restaurant owners, saying that has not been nearly enough to make up for their lost revenue from indoor dining, are pressing for the 25 percent capacity restriction to be increased. We would like to see 50 percent soon as soon as its safe we do need it as soon as possible, said Dudley Stewart, 49, a co-owner of the Queensboro restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens, which had to cut back shifts for some employees to one day a week from five and six days before the pandemic. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who has the power to impose dining restrictions, said Friday that restaurants could expand indoor dining capacity to 35 percent starting in a week, on Feb. 26. The return of indoor dining has also renewed public health concerns after a post-holiday spike in infection rates across the city, which has since declined, the emergence of new variants of the virus and still-limited supplies of vaccines. W. Ian Lipkin, a professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, has been vaccinated but said that he would still be cautious about where he dined indoors: He would choose only restaurants that had taken appropriate safety measures, including spacing tables at least six feet apart, maintaining adequate air flow, installing high-quality air filters and requiring servers to wear masks and gloves. He would also avoid restaurants, he added, where there was a line to get in, a crowd around the bar or that blared music so that people would have to talk loudly, which if someone was infected, could result in more virus particles in the air. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 07:18:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A worker loads goods to be shipped to China inside a bonded warehouse in Cork, southern Ireland, Feb. 18, 2021. The first batch of Irish products to be exhibited at the upcoming China International Consumer Products Expo is ready for shipment from Ireland's southern port city of Cork to China's Hainan Province, where the event will be held, sources told Xinhua on Thursday. (Association of Chinese Enterprises in Ireland/Handout via Xinhua) DUBLIN, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of Irish products to be exhibited at the upcoming China International Consumer Products Expo is ready for shipment from Ireland's southern port city of Cork to China's Hainan Province, where the event will be held, sources told Xinhua on Thursday. "Part of the exhibits have been loaded into a 40-foot container at a bonded warehouse nearby Cork Port this morning and it is ready to go soon," said Weng Jianglai, a member of Association of Chinese Enterprises in Ireland, which is authorized by the China International Consumer Products Expo, also known as Hainan Expo, to be responsible for exhibitors recruitment in Ireland. Weng said a total of 13 Irish or Ireland-registered companies have confirmed their attendance to the expo with more likely to join in. According to Weng, an Ireland Pavilion will be set up at the Hainan Expo to display a variety of Irish products to Chinese consumers, ranging for world-known Irish Whiskey, infant formula milk powders to high-quality agri-food and tourism products. "Our recruitment work has received strong support from the Chinese embassy in Ireland, the Irish embassy in China and Enterprise Ireland, demonstrating the great importance attached by both sides to Hainan Expo," said Weng. Enterprise Ireland is an Irish state-agency responsible for helping local companies market their products overseas. Scheduled to be held in Haikou, capital city of Hainan Province, on May 7-10, Hainan Expo aims to speed up the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port and demonstrate China's firm commitment to further opening-up and sharing business opportunities with the rest of the world, according to the expo's official website. Chinese authorities last year released a master plan for the Hainan Free Trade Port, aiming to build the whole of Hainan Island into a globally influential, high-level free trade port by the middle of the century. Under the plan, a zero-tariff system will be fully implemented in the province before 2025, according to a promotion brochure released by organizers of Hainan Expo. "All the products to be displayed by Irish exhibitors at Hainan Expo will be exempt from import duties, import VAT and consumption tax," said Weng, adding that this holds a special attraction for Irish exhibitors. Besides, exhibitors said that they see a huge potential in the Chinese market, particularly the growing demand for Irish high-quality consumer products in China, according to Weng. Data from Ireland's Central Statistics Office showed that the bilateral goods trade between Ireland and China has witnessed a rapid growth over the last few years. In 2020, China was Ireland's fifth largest trade partner in the world and largest trade partner in Asia, both in terms of exports and imports, according to the Central Statistics Office. Ireland exported a total of 10.56 billion euros (about 12.8 billion U.S. dollars) worth of goods to China last year, up 18.25 percent from 2019, while its imports from China amounted to 6.21 billion euros, up 18.52 percent year-on-year.(1 euro=1.21 U.S. dollars) Enditem Because of considerable interest in the new digital news subscription tax credit, the Sun would like to clarify how it will handle the process. Advertisement Advertise With Us Because of considerable interest in the new digital news subscription tax credit, the Sun would like to clarify how it will handle the process. Firstly, Canada Revenue Agency does not require that you include your subscription receipts with your tax return. However, you need to keep some documentation about your subscription in case you are audited. By the end of this month, the Sun will email all subscribers to the email attached to their account a receipt telling them how much they are able to claim under this tax credit, which can then be used as documentation in the case of an audit. If you do not have an email associated with your account, you can email circ@brandonsun.com with your name, address and phone number to have your email added. If you do not receive your receipt by email by Feb. 28, you can also email circ@brandonsun.com to ask for the receipt. If you do not have an email address, you may call the Suns office to provide the email address of someone you trust that can receive and print off the receipt for you. Please do not phone The Brandon Sun office asking for your receipt. The Sun will not be sending out or printing off physical receipts for any subscribers. Remember that the tax credit is only for digital subscriptions to news outlets. People with physical subscriptions to the Sun can still claim the value of a digital subscription of the same length as digital access is included. The formula to determine how much you can claim is as follows, based on the length of subscription: Maximum qualifying amount per monthly subscription payment: $12.42 + 5% GST = $13.04 Maximum qualifying amount per 13-week subscription payment: $12.02 x three months + 5% GST = $37.86 Maximum qualifying amount per 26-week subscription payment: $11.93 x six months + 5% GST = $75.16 Maximum qualifying amount per annual subscription payment: $11.87 x 12 months + 5% GST = $149.56 If a subscription expense is split between roommates, spouses, partners, etc., then the credit can be split provided the total amount claimed does not exceed the above maximum amounts. While multiple subscriptions can be claimed, individuals can only claim a maximum of $500 for their 2020 tax return under the credit. The Brandon Sun PORTAGE, MI -- A small group of protesters stood outside of the Pfizer building in Portage while President Joseph Biden toured the facility where the COVID-19 vaccine is being produced. The group of 10 played music, rang cowbells and held signs criticizing the president and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who joined the president on the tour of the vaccine production facility. Related: In Michigan, Biden says end of coronavirus pandemic will come when Americans take vaccine John Clore drove down from Lansing, donning his COVID Man superhero uniform made of a plastic-wrapped laundry hamper, hazmat suit and the former Soviet Unions flag as a cape. The group was made up of individuals who met each other at lockdown and stop the steal rallies throughout the year. The protest group has shrunk after the January insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Grand Rapids resident Steven Lee said. Lee was among those who drove to Washington D.C. for stop the steal rallies, and marched to the Capitol. Lee said he did not go into the Capitol building, but the response to the insurrection has impacted his close circle of friends. Ever since then there has been a massive fallout, Lee said of the local group of stop the steal protesters. He describes himself as a longtime truther who has been skeptical of mandatory vaccines before the pandemic. While Lee said he isnt against the vaccine or those who choose to take it, he fears the government and corporate relationship to rollout the COVID-19 vaccine is infringing on his choices. Related: As President Biden heads to Pfizer plant, residents waiting for COVID-19 vaccine voice fear, frustration He said hes concerned that the COVID-19 vaccine may become a requirement for jobs or group events like concerts. If Lee was able to speak to Biden one-on-one his message would be a simple one: Leave us alone. State Rep. Steve Carra, R-St. Joseph, joined the group to express his skepticism with how fast the vaccine was produced. He said the government was overstepping by federally funding its production and distribution. Just like a loaf of bread, if you want to go buy a loaf of bread that should come out of your pocket, Carra said. If you want to get the vaccine. Go ahead, go buy it. Thats your choice. To speed up the vaccine production, the Trump administration initiated $18 billion Project Warp Speed. Pfizer has distanced itself from the project and did not accept funding upfront for the research portion of Project Warp Speed. The company has entered agreements with the federal government to sell the vaccine. The Trump administration ordered a total of 200 million doses from Pfizer. The second half were contracted to arrive in June. Biden announced that Pfizer agreed to expedite the process a month early for those doses to be delivered in May. Contracts for an additional 100 million Pfizer vaccines were also finalized last week. Biden said the country is now on track to have enough supply for 300 million doses by the end of July. Carra also questions the unprecedented speed at which the vaccine was made. The COVID-19 vaccine was produced, approved and distributed within nine months. Pfizer and BioNTechs vaccine production far surpassed the mumps vaccine, which was developed in four years and distributed to the public in 1977. Jon Rocha, a member of the Michigan Needs an Adjustment Facebook group that has amassed a following of nearly 55,000, said that the discussion around the vaccine does not need to be political. I think you can be excited about the ingenuity and the values of hard work and getting things done fast, he said. But you still have to come at it with skepticism say okay, why did it come so fast. The pharmaceutical companies give credit to mRNA technology for the fast pace. The German company BioNTech had a head start and was already testing mRNA vaccines for influenza, Zika and rabies virus. Project Warp Speed also enabled for faster approval. Still, the Food and Drug Administration set the threshold for emergency use for the COVID-19 vaccines to be 50% effective. The Pfizer BioNTech product reached 95% effectiveness and was approved by the FDA on Dec. 11 for emergency authorization. Also protesting in Portage Friday was a group of Burmese advocates calling on Biden to end the coup in Myanmar. On Feb. 1, the military seized control of the Southeast Asian countrys government following a general election in which Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party won. The group gathered across from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International airport, where Air Force One landed and departed during the presidential visit. As Bidens motorcade reentered the airport through a gate along Portage Road, protesters collectively called on the president, asking for his help. Shortly after, the president boarded Air Force One and, at about 4:20 p.m., departed Kalamazoo. More on MLive: 5 reasons coronavirus cases are falling in Michigan Pfizer workers, past and present, cheer on vaccine maker ahead of President Bidens Portage visit Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work against new variants, new studies say Bidens visit to Michigan Pfizer facility highlights focus on vaccine distribution, economic relief Advocates will ask President Biden to help end the coup in Myanmar during Friday visit to Michigan After a lull in trade and premature musings about the entertainment strips demise, hospitality businesses on Beaufort Street look set for a boisterous 2021. The once bustling nightlife precinct has spent the past few years living dangerously, as rent rises, roadworks and a raft of minor setbacks reared their ugly heads at once. The Elford will open on Beaufort Street in June. But on the back of some cool venues re-emerging this summer from their retail slumber including iconic small bar Clarences and relative newbies like Local & Aesthetic and Le Rebelle leading revitalised trade on the inner city strip, the year ahead shapes as pivotal for the former darling of Perths post-dusk drinking crowd. The recent momentum received its biggest boost yet on Thursday, with news Beaufort Streets most iconic pub, The Flying Scotsman, would reopen in June as The Elford, an art deco-inspired refresh of the heritage-listed Clarkes Building. BILTHOVEN, Netherlands, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Intravacc, a world leader in translational research and development of vaccines, today announced that its new modern pilot production plant will soon be operational. In addition, Intravacc is leading a consortium that will start with the concept design (phase I) of a so-called Multi Purpose Vaccine Production Plant (MPVPP). In times of emergency, this factory will be able to quickly and safely produce sufficient doses of vaccine specifically for the Netherlands. Globally, "Bilthoven" has long been a household name in the field of vaccine development for infectious diseases. Over the years, many vaccine production and technology processes have been transferred from Bilthoven to governments and companies worldwide through technology transfer agreements. Pilot plant In 2019, the Antonie van Leeuwenhoek site project management team of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, together with Intravacc, started the construction of a state-of-the art pilot production factory at the Utrecht Science Park (USP), location Bilthoven. The pilot production factory, under the project name Building X, was built in less than 24 months. The plant will be officially put into use in the second quarter of 2021 and is equipped for the production of candidate vaccines under GMP conditions to support phase I and II clinical safety and effectiveness studies in humans. New large-capacity factory for Dutch requirements The current corona pandemic has clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of the Netherlands when it comes to the development and production of vaccines for its own population. That is why exploratory talks are currently underway with various companies and universities that should lead to further strengthening of the Dutch vaccine development and production chain. A consortium led by Intravacc and further consisting of Bilthoven Biologicals, Poonawalla Science Park (PSP), Utrecht Science Park (USP) and the Alt Foundation, has signed a letter of intent after the completion of a feasibility study to start the development of a so-called Conceptual Process Design (phase I) of a MPVPP on the USP site in Bilthoven. The USP site in Bilthoven has an extensive environmental permit that is managed by the ALt Foundation. Since all necessary permits are available, it is possible to realize an MPVPP within 30 months. Among other things, the MPVPP will offer the possibility to fulfill a 'pilot light function' to be used immediately in case of pandemic situations. At normal times, the plant will be available for the production of vaccines by Intravacc and other companies. The MPVPP will have a target capacity for batches of between 40 and 200 million doses per year. The unique design and the latest insights in production techniques (single use) enables the use of a multitude of different vaccine platforms. The plant will be suitable for the formulation and actual production of vaccines, as well as for filling and packaging the vaccine vials. Dr. Jan Groen, CEO of Intravacc, comments: "A new and state-of-the-art MPVPP facility, in combination with the now almost completed pilot plant, would make the Netherlands much less dependent on foreign vaccine production in the event of a future pandemic. The construction of this MPVPP also contributes to attracting new companies on the USP site in Bilthoven and thus to continuity of employment after the imminent departure of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM from the site within the next two years." About Intravacc Intravacc, located at Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven in the Netherlands, is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization of innovative vaccines against infectious diseases. As an established independent CDMO with over 100 years of experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology related to polio vaccines, measles vaccines, DPT vaccines, Hib vaccines and influenza vaccines around the world. Around 40% of childhood disease vaccines are based on Intravacc's proprietary technology. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise for independent vaccine development, from concept to Phase I/II clinical studies for partners around the world, including universities, public health organizations (WHO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), biotech and pharmaceutical companies. For more information, please visit www.intravacc.nl. Contact info Intravacc Dr. Jan Groen, CEO P: +31 30 7920 454 Mirjam Hartman, Media relations P: +31 6 115 969 94 E: [email protected] LifeSpring Life Sciences Communication, Amsterdam Leon Melens P: +31 6 538 16427 E: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1334670/Intravacc_Logo.jpg SOURCE Intravacc B.V. The Reel Dads Weekend Movie Menu Check out whats playing on broadcast and cable stations. Friday, Feb. 19 Mamma Mia (2008): A single mother invites three former boyfriends to attend her daughters wedding. Meryl Streep and Colin Firth star in this musical based on the Broadway hit. 9 p.m. VH-1. Saturday, Feb. 20 Saving Private Ryan (1998): A brave citizen soldier tries to save his men in the days immediately following D-Day during World War II. Tom Hanks was Oscar nominated. 3 p.m. History Channel. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989): A father-and-son, ambitious and adventuresome, search for the same buries treasure. Harrison Ford and Sean Connery star. 1:10 p.m. PAR. The Guns of Navarone (1961): A band of brave soldiers takes on a mission to destroy guns on an island during World War II. Gregory Peck and David Niven star. 2:15 p.m. TCM. The Sunshine Boys (1975): Two retired vaudeville comedians refuse to reunite for a special performance. George Burns won an Oscar and Walter Matthau was nominated. 5 p.m. TCM. Lillies of the Field (1963): A young man, a bit of a wanderer, and handy with a hammer, shows up to help a group of nuns. Sidney Poitier won an Oscar. 7 p.m. TCM. Guess Whos Coming to Dinner? (1967): Parents arent quite sure how to react when their daughter announces her plans to marry. Katherine Hepburn won her second Oscar. 9 p.m. TCM. Hidden Figures (2016): Women with a knack for details teach NASA a few lessons about mathematics and respect. Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer star in a true story. 7:30 p.m. FXM. Sunday, Feb. 21 The Martian (2015): An astronaut gets marooned on Mars. How can he survive? Or cope? Ridley Scott offers a keen visual sense and human perspective to a wondrous tale. Matt Damon stars. 2 p.m. FXM. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1980): An adventurous archaeologist begins an ultimate search for buried treasure. Harrison Ford stars in this Steven Spielberg classic. 7 p.m. PAR. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Greater Cleveland coronavirus indicators have improved dramatically over the past few weeks for everything from cases and hospitalizations to trips to doctors offices and emergency rooms. Marked improvement can be seen with a quick glance at a key measure the state uses in its coronavirus alert system - new cases over the previous two weeks. This total for the seven-county Greater Cleveland area stood at 23,748 in the Dec. 17 report and at 19,206 on Jan. 14, but dipped all the way to 7,223 in the latest report issued on Thursday. Yet a closer look at the data released weekly as part of the Ohio Department of Healths alert tracking system shows how improvements regionally have occurred across the board - in some instances more dramatically so than the case reports. This includes fewer hospitalizations, fewer trips to emergency rooms, fewer trips to doctors offices and a lower use of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 cases, cleveland.com found in reviewing the detailed data for Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties. There were 836 cases regionally per 100,000 residents, excluding incarcerated individuals, in the two weeks leading up to the Dec. 17 report, which covered data through Dec. 15. That number dropped to 697.9 in the mid-January report and then sharply down to 262.5 on Thursday. State health officials, per Centers for Disease Control guidelines, label rates above 100 per 100,000 as high incidence. Any county with a rate of 50 or higher is flagged for concern by the state. Cases per 100,000 previous two weeks 12/15 1/12 2/16 Region 863.0 697.9 262.5 Cuyahoga 907.6 673.4 236.0 Geauga 588.4 604.4 258.4 Lake 671.3 762.6 293.7 Lorain 864.0 774.0 303.4 Medina 742.7 647.6 257.6 Portage 794.0 667.8 279.4 Summit 950.1 724.8 283.4 The second measure in the alert tracking system is the daily average of new cases, over the previous seven days. That number in the seven-county region dropped from 1,273 for the seven-day period ending Dec. 15 to 417 in the most recently reported data released on Thursday, which covers reports through Tuesday. This included significant drops in each county regionally. New cases (per day average over last 7 days) 12/15 1/12 2/16 Region 1,272.6 1,156.1 417.0 Cuyahoga 645.4 508.7 171.9 Geauga 24.0 35.3 14.3 Lake 76.6 100.3 38.6 Lorain 138.9 136.0 53.9 Medina 65.7 72.1 24.4 Portage 62.0 65.1 26.9 Summit 260.0 238.6 87.1 A third measure involves the seven-day average for emergency room visits involving patients with a COVID-19-like illness or a diagnosis. These visits averaged 222.3 a day in the mid-December report, dropping to 48.3 in Thursdays report. Again, the drops have extended regionwide. In Cuyahoga County, for example, the drop off was from 128.6 a day to just 22.6. Summit County ER visits dropped from 41.7 a day to 11.4. Emergency room visits (per day average over last 7 days) 12/15 1/12 2/16 Region 222.3 80.7 48.3 Cuyahoga 128.6 39.6 22.6 Geauga 2.4 1.0 0.6 Lake 10.4 2.6 2.0 Lorain 15.9 14.7 7.7 Medina 14.4 5.0 2.3 Portage 8.9 2.7 1.7 Summit 41.7 15.1 11.4 Doctors offices, urgent cares and other out-patient facilities regionally in mid-December were seeing a daily average of 1,275 patients who then received a COVID-19 confirmed or suspected diagnosis. This number dwindled to 128 a day in Thursdays report. Doctor/outpaitent visits (per day average over last 7 days) 12/15 1/12 2/16 Region 1,275.0 205.7 128.3 Cuyahoga 700.1 82.6 50.3 Geauga 33.7 7.6 4.1 Lake 121.0 48.9 29.0 Lorain 116.9 15.4 10.0 Medina 67.9 9.4 8.3 Portage 45.6 6.1 6.0 Summit 189.9 35.7 20.6 New COVID-19 admissions to hospitals have also dropped sharply, going from 61.6 a day in mid-December to 19.9 in the latest report. This is based on the county of residence, not the location of the hospital, because, as noted by the health department, residents of rural counties may seek care at hospitals in neighboring counties. New hospitalizations (per day average over last 7 days) 12/15 1/12 2/16 Region 61.6 36.3 19.9 Cuyahoga 26.9 14.4 6.4 Geauga 1.7 0.6 0.3 Lake 3.7 2.0 0.7 Lorain 5.1 5.6 3.3 Medina 3.6 0.6 0.7 Portage 3.7 2.9 2.3 Summit 16.9 10.3 6.1 The alert system also closely tracks occupancy rates for intensive care unit beds. This is done regionally, based on the location of the hospital - not the residency of the patients. Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain counties make up one region. COVID-19 patients occupy 10.3% of the available beds in this region, according to the latest report, down from 25.4% on Dec. 15 and 16.4% on Jan. 12. A separate 13-county region designated by the state includes Medina, Portage and Summit counties. There, the coronavirus patients were using 29.1% of the ICU beds on Dec. 15, 21.9% on Jan. 12 and 9.8% according to this weeks report. The seventh measure tracked by the state is for the share of all cases that are not in congregate living facilities. These shares have gone up in many places following the early vaccination effort that concentrated on reducing cases in nursing home and other long-term care facilities. Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner. See other data-related stories at cleveland.com/datacentral. Read related coverage 84 Ohio counties again on red alert for coronavirus spread At least 7,245 Ohio nursing home patients have died of coronavirus, based on corrected report from state health department See new coronavirus case counts for each Ohio ZIP code amid sharply falling numbers 6 graphs to illustrate Ohio coronavirus trends for vaccines, hospitalizations, deaths and cases: mid-February update Ohios corrected coronavirus death data unmasks how grim December was for COVID-19 Close to 72% of Cuyahoga County residents live within a mile of a vaccination site Like millions of his constituents across Texas, Sen. Ted Cruz had a frigid home without electricity this week amid the states power crisis. But unlike most, Cruz got out, fleeing Houston and hopping a Wednesday afternoon flight to Cancun with his family for a respite at a luxury resort. Photos of Cruz and his wife, Heidi, boarding the flight ricocheted quickly across social media and left both his political allies and rivals aghast at a tropical trip as a disaster unfolded at home. The blowback only intensified after Cruz, a Republican, released a statement saying he had flown to Mexico to be a good dad and accompany his daughters and their friends; he noted he was flying back Thursday afternoon, though he did not disclose how long he had originally intended to stay. BACK TO BITE: Hypocritical tweet comes back to haunt Ted Cruz after Cancun trip Text messages sent from Heidi Cruz to friends and Houston neighbors on Wednesday revealed a hastily planned trip. Their house was FREEZING, as Heidi Cruz put it and she proposed a getaway until Sunday. Heidi Cruz invited others to join them at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, where they had stayed many times, noting the room price this week ($309 per night) and its good security. The text messages were provided to The New York Times and confirmed by a second person on the thread, who declined to be identified because of the private nature of the texts. For more than 12 hours after the airport departure photos first emerged, Ted Cruzs office declined to comment on his whereabouts. The Houston police confirmed that the senators office had sought their assistance for his airport trip Wednesday, and eventually Cruz was spotted wheeling his suitcase in Mexico on Thursday as he returned to the state he represents in the Senate. As the Cruzes were away, millions of Texans were still without electricity, many had no running water and the icy air that swept into the state was so severe that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated to send supplies, including generators. Some searched neighborhoods for discarded fallen trees to burn for warmth. Whats happening in Texas is unacceptable, Ted Cruz told a television crew at the Cancun airport. He was wearing a Texas state flag mask and a short-sleeved polo shirt tucked into his jeans; the temperature in Cancun was above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius) on Thursday, and in the 30s in Houston. CANCUN CRUZ: Ted Cruz gives explanation for Cancun trip as Texans froze Cruzs critics quickly circulated hashtags mocking his trip: #FlyinTed, a play on former President Donald Trumps derisive nickname for Cruz during the 2016 primary race, and #FledCruz, among them. Some Democratic groups sought to fundraise off the episode, and the state Democratic Party renewed its calls for Cruzs resignation. This is about as callous as any politician can get, said Gilberto Hinojosa, the Texas Democratic Party chairman. Hinojosa said he was shocked but not surprised by Cruzs international excursion: Hes a politician that really has never cared much about anybody but himself. If Cruz intended to leave the impression that he meant to stay for only a day, his large suitcase and the group text messages Heidi Cruz had sent planning a longer itinerary suggested he had cut his trip short. NBC reported separately that Ted Cruz had rebooked his return ticket Thursday morning. With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends, Ted Cruz said of his daughters, who are 10 and 12, in his statement Thursday. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon. Untimely vacations and opulent splurges have long ensnared politicians in scandals and public-relations headaches: the international trips arranged by the disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff in the early 2000s for members of Congress; Chris Christie, then the governor of New Jersey, sitting on a state beach in 2017 after he had ordered such beaches closed because of a government shutdown; and, more recently, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California dining without a mask during the pandemic last year at the high-end restaurant the French Laundry. Ted Cruzs decision to leave his state in the middle of an emergency was an especially confounding one for an ambitious politician who has already run for president once and is widely seen as wanting to run again in 2024 or beyond. It was clearly an error in judgment, said Ray Sullivan, an Austin-based Republican strategist who served as chief of staff to former Gov. Rick Perry. While a senator cannot personally restore the power grid, Sullivan said, people expect their elected officials to be fully engaged during a crisis. Cruz, 50, narrowly won reelection in 2018 against Beto ORourke, a Democratic former congressman, carrying less than 51% of the vote. In that race, Cruz had aggressively highlighted his efforts during a past emergency, Hurricane Harvey. He is not up for reelection until 2024. While the city of Houston was gripped by the freezing weather Wednesday, a member of Cruzs staff contacted personnel with the Houston Police Department at George Bush Intercontinental Airport before his flight requesting assistance upon arrival, according to Jodi Silva, a department spokeswoman. Silva said the police had monitored his movements before he departed. Officers were seen accompanying him upon his Thursday return. Cruz insisted in his statement Thursday that he and his staff had been in constant communication with state and local leaders during his brief Cancun trip. This has been an infuriating week for Texans, he said. In his statement, Cruz noted that the private school his daughters attend in Houston was closed this week. But some other parents at the school were incensed when they heard about his international trip because of the pandemic and school policies that have discouraged such travel abroad. Two parents provided a copy of the written school policy for students not to return to classrooms for seven days after international travel, or to take a COVID test three to five days after returning, which would keep the Cruz children out of school for the following week. (Separately, an aide to Cruz said he had taken a virus test before his return flight Thursday; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires a negative result.) When Heidi Cruz wrote to the group text chain of neighbors trying to weather the extreme conditions early Wednesday, she said the family had been staying with friends to keep warm, but quickly pivoted to offering an invitation to get away. Anyone can or want to leave for the week? she wrote. We may go to Cancun. She teased a direct flight and hotels w capacity. Seriously. Heidi Cruz promptly shared details for a Wednesday afternoon departure, a Sunday return trip and a luxurious stay at the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton in the meantime. No one appeared to bite, but Heidi Cruz did extend a more practical offer. We have gas stove so at least we can heat water little that there is happy to help anyone we can too, she wrote. The Times shared the contents of the messages with Ted Cruzs Senate office, but his aides did not comment. Heidi Cruz did not return a call seeking comment. Ted Cruz has long rankled members of both parties as a self-promoter since his arrival on Capitol Hill in 2013. Later that year, he became the leading actor in the drama that forced a government shutdown over the Affordable Care Act, and in 2016, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., famously joked during a speech, If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you. But if Cruz annoyed his colleagues, he just as quickly won over the Tea Party wing of the GOP. He ran as an anti-establishment champion in the partys 2016 presidential primary and finished as the runner-up to Trump, brandishing his colleagues disdain as a badge of honor. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, a Democrat who represents Cruzs Houston neighborhood in Congress, said Thursday that the state was facing an all-hands-on-deck situation and that its leaders were needed to help marshal the federal response on the ground. Fletcher was out of power herself until Wednesday and charged her phone in her car to continue to make calls to the House speaker, FEMA and other agencies too busy, she said, to think about Cruzs decision to leave the state at this time. Leadership matters, she said. Cruz had been acutely aware of the possible crisis in advance. In a radio interview Monday, he said the state could see up to 100 deaths this week. So dont risk it, he said. Keep your family safe and just stay home and hug your kids. Cruz had attacked a Democrat, Mayor Stephen Adler of Austin, in December for taking a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, while telling constituents to stay home during the pandemic. Hypocrites, Cruz wrote on Twitter. Complete and utter hypocrites. This article originally appeared in The New York 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. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio The community has set the bar high in the search for the Chagrin Falls Schools next superintendent. Karel Oxley, an associate with K-12 Business Consulting Inc., told the Chagrin Falls Board of Education Wednesday (Feb. 17) that online search profile meetings conveyed that community stakeholders seek a leader who can continue moving the district forward as Superintendent Robert Hunt has. Dr. Hunt, I want you to know that you did not make that very easy, Oxley said. They identified big shoes to be filled. (Community members) want their voices to continue to be heard as they have been, and they dont want anything to change with that. Hunt -- who was named 2021 Ohio Superintendent of the Year by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators -- accepted a position in January as superintendent of the Barrington 220 Community Unit School District in Chicago. Hunt, who has been superintendent of Chagrin Falls Schools since 2012, will remain with the district through the end of this school year and support the transition to the next superintendent. He will begin his new position July 1. The school board approved a contract Jan. 25 with K-12 Business Consulting to conduct a search for the districts next superintendent. Wednesdays meeting was held via Zoom video conferencing. Oxley, a co-leader from K-12 in the search, said many strengths of the district were identified in the two-day online public forum held earlier in February. Participants received a questionnaire in which they were asked to identify qualities sought in the next superintendent, strengths of the Chagrin Falls Schools and challenges facing the district. It certainly makes it a tremendous selling point for people who are interested in coming into Chagrin Falls as your next superintendent, she said. Oxley said 218 online questionnaires were received, and 123 people met with K-12 via virtual focus groups. The groups included community stakeholders, a parent or public group, administrators, teachers, support staff, students and the school board. There was a great turnout of staff, and your teachers and students were amazing, she said. These characteristics emerged as those most desired in the next superintendent: A leader who is a strong, transparent communicator and active listener A visionary who can build trust and a positive school culture A proven, successful school leader who can communicate a vision for the district and implement the strategic plan with accountability A humble educator who will collaborate to unite staff and community to ensure academic success A strong leader with integrity, honesty and empathy and one who builds respectful, positive relationships Someone who nurtures and fosters strong community and business partnerships A desire to develop leadership for the future from within the district, to grow our own, was also expressed, Oxley said. Participants were also asked to rank 10 important characteristics of a superintendent. These traits ranked as the top five: 1. Ability and willingness to deal fairly with faculty, staff, students and parents 2. Effective at creating and implementing a vision for the district 3. A leader with strong interpersonal and public relations skills 4. Effective at both written and verbal communication 5. Successful experience as a superintendent and as a leader Among the strengths identified with Chagrin Falls Schools were that it prides itself on academic excellence and achievement; has a rigorous and versatile individualized curriculum that meets students needs; has talented and dedicated teachers, administrators and staff; and is a destination school district that enjoys parental and community support. Relationship building is important on all levels within the organization and throughout the community, Oxley said. Students say they have a superintendent who can call them by name. Another key takeaway, Oxley said, is that people are very vested in Chagrin Falls Schools. Administrators and staff are very visible and involved, and they build strong relationships, she said. Students felt like everyone really cared about them. Key challenges that face the district, participants said, include a need to restart the strategic plan with measurable goals and immense reliance on residential taxes, with limited commercial revenue and limited funding from the state. The strategic plan has been started and people have been involved in it, but it needs to be revisited, having gone through the whole COVID piece, Oxley said. There is also a need to address a lack of diversity in the district, exploring issues of justice, equity, inclusion and racism. But the district is actively working on this issue, Oxley noted, as the board received an update earlier in the meeting on its DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion and justice) Task Force. In summary, Oxley said, the Chagrin Falls district enjoys an enviable reputation in the region and state, and the community has a small-town feel with big-school opportunities. Staff and students are of high quality and support each other as well as help each other, she said. You have a community, students and teachers and staff who want to be listened to, and I think that is really important in your next superintendent, she continued. This is a district that can continue to move forward on their already good work. I never heard from anyone, Get in here and change anything. I heard, Come here and keep it moving forward. Board Vice President Kathryn Garvey said she agreed that it should be conveyed to candidates for the job that we are a district that is moving in a very positive direction, with no gaping holes or issues, and were looking for someone to continue that strong trend. A summary document of the search profile will be posted on both the district website, chagrinschools.org, and the K-12 website, k12consulting.info. A timeline for the search is also on the districts website. The deadline for applications is March 11, Oxley said. The first round of candidate interviews is set for March 29 and 31. Final interviews are slated for April 13 and 14, and K-12 is slated to meet with the board April 15 to discuss which candidate it wants to hire. The board will likely hire the new superintendent at its April 21 meeting. Its expected the new district leader will assume his or her duties on or before Aug. 1. The boards next meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 3 on Zoom. Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun. By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran will "immediately reverse" actions in its nuclear programme once U.S. sanctions are lifted, its foreign minister said on Friday, reacting coolly to Washington's initial offer to revive talks with Tehran aimed at restoring the 2015 nuclear deal. President Joe Biden's administration said on Thursday it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to the accord, which aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons while lifting most international sanctions. Former President Donald Trump left the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Tehran said Washington's move was not enough to persuade Iran to fully respect the accord. When sanctions are lifted, "we will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. Simple," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter. Since Trump ditched the deal, Tehran has breached the accord by rebuilding stockpiles of low-enriched uranium, enriching it to higher levels of fissile purity and installing advanced centrifuges to speed up production. Tehran and Washington have been at odds over who should make the first step to revive the accord. Iran says the United States must first lift Trumps sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was considering Washington's offer to talk about the revival of the deal. "But first they should return to the deal. Then within the framework of the 2015 deal, a mechanism to basically synchronise steps can be discussed," the official said. "We have never sought nuclear weapons and this is not part of our defence doctrine," the Iranian official said. "Our message is very clear. Lift all the sanctions and give diplomacy a chance." The European Union is working on organising an informal meeting with all participants of the Iran deal and the United States, which has already signalled willingness to join any gathering, a senior EU official said on Friday. Story continues Adding to pressure for a resolution to the impasse, a law passed by the hardline parliament obliges Tehran on Feb. 23 to cancel the sweeping access given to U.N. inspectors under the deal, limiting their visits to declared nuclear sites only. The United States and the European parties to the accord have urged Iran to refrain from taking the step, which will complicate Biden's efforts to restore the pact. POLITICAL INFIGHTING "We have to implement the law. The other party must act quickly and lift these unjust and illegal sanctions if they want Tehran to honour the deal," said the Iranian official. The IAEA's short-notice inspections, which can range anywhere beyond Irans declared nuclear sites, are mandated under the IAEAs Additional Protocol that Iran agreed to honour under the deal. While Iran's demand for a lifting of all U.S. sanctions is unlikely to be met anytime soon, analysts said, Tehran faces a delicate choice about how to respond to Biden's overture with an upcoming presidential election in June. With growing discontent at home over economic hardship, the election turnout is seen as a referendum on the clerical establishment -- a potential risk for Iran's rulers. Hardliners, set to win the vote and tighten their grip, have been pushing to squeeze more concessions from Washington for reviving the deal. Irans fragile economy, weakened by U.S. sanctions and coronavirus crisis, has left the ruling elite with few options. "Hardliners are not against dealing with Washington. But their tactic is to stall any engagement to get more concessions until a hardline president is at the office," said a senior government official. Some Iranian hardliners said top authority Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's tough stance had forced Washington to cave in. On Wednesday he demanded action, not words from the United States if it wants to restore the deal. "They have reversed some measures ... It is a defeat for America ... but we are waiting to see whether there will be action on lifting sanctions," state media quoted Tabriz city's Friday prayer leader Mohammadali Ale-Hashem as saying. Biden has said that he will use the revival of the nuclear deal as a springboard to a broader agreement that might restrict Irans ballistic missile development and regional activities. Tehran has ruled out negotiations on wider security issues such as Irans missile programme. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by William Maclean and Frances Kerry) (Natural News) What took place at the Capitol on January 6 was undoubtedly a politically motivated riot. As such, it should not be controversial to regard it as a dangerous episode. Any time force or violence is introduced into what ought to be the peaceful resolution of political conflicts, it should be lamented and condemned. (Article republished from Greenwald.Substack.com) But none of that justifies lying about what happened that day, especially by the news media. Condemning that riot does not allow, let alone require, echoing false claims in order to render the event more menacing and serious than it actually was. There is no circumstance or motive that justifies the dissemination of false claims by journalists. The more consequential the event, the less justified, and more harmful, serial journalistic falsehoods are. Yet this is exactly what has happened, and continues to happen, since that riot almost seven weeks ago. And anyone who tries to correct these falsehoods is instantly attacked with the cynical accusation that if you want only truthful reporting about what happened, then youre trying to minimize what happened and are likely an apologist for if not a full-fledged supporter of the protesters themselves. One of the most significant of these falsehoods was the tale endorsed over and over without any caveats by the media for more than a month that Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was murdered by the pro-Trump mob when they beat him to death with a fire extinguisher. That claim was first published by The New York Times on January 8 in an article headlined Capitol Police Officer Dies From Injuries in Pro-Trump Rampage. It cited two [anonymous] law enforcement officials to claim that Sicknick died with the mob rampaging through the halls of Congress and after he was struck with a fire extinguisher. A second New York Times article from later that day bearing the more dramatic headline: He Dreamed of Being a Police Officer, Then Was Killed by a Pro-Trump Mob elaborated on that story: After publication of these two articles, this horrifying story about a pro-Trump mob beating a police officer to death with a fire extinguisher was repeated over and over, by multiple journalists on television, in print, and on social media. It became arguably the single most-emphasized and known story of this event, and understandably so it was a savage and barbaric act that resulted in the harrowing killing by a pro-Trump mob of a young Capitol police officer. It took on such importance for a clear reason: Sicknicks death was the only example the media had of the pro-Trump mob deliberately killing anyone. In a January 11 article detailing the five people who died on the day of the Capitol protest, the New York Times again told the Sicknick story: Law enforcement officials said he had been physically engaging with protesters and was struck in the head with a fire extinguisher. But none of the other four deaths were at the hands of the protesters: the only other person killed with deliberate violence was a pro-Trump protester, Ashli Babbitt, unarmed when shot in the neck by a police officer at close range. The other three deaths were all pro-Trump protesters: Kevin Greeson, who died of a heart attack outside the Capitol; Benjamin Philips, 50, the founder of a pro-Trump website called Trumparoo, who died of a stroke that day; and Rosanne Boyland, a fanatical Trump supporter whom the Times says was inadvertently killed in a crush of fellow rioters during their attempt to fight through a police line. This is why the fire extinguisher story became so vital to those intent on depicting these events in the most violent and menacing light possible. Without Sicknick having his skull bashed in with a fire extinguisher, there were no deaths that day that could be attributed to deliberate violence by pro-Trump protesters. Three weeks later, The Washington Post said dozens of officers (a total of 140) had various degrees of injuries, but none reported as life-threatening, and at least two police officers committed suicide after the riot. So Sicknick was the only person killed who was not a pro-Trump protester, and the only one deliberately killed by the mob itself. It is hard to overstate how pervasive this fire extinguisher story became. Over and over, major media outlets and mainstream journalists used this story to dramatize what happened: Television hosts gravely intoned when telling this story, manipulating viewers emotions by making them believe the mob had done something unspeakably barbaric: After the media bombarded Americans with this story for a full month without pause, it took center stage at Trumps impeachment process. As former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy noted, the article of impeachment itself stated that Trump supporters injured and killed law enforcement personnel. The House impeachment managers explicitly claimed on page 28 of their pretrial memorandum that the insurrectionists killed a Capitol Police officer by striking him in the head with a fire extinguisher. Once the impeachment trial ended in an acquittal, President Joe Biden issued a statement and referenced this claim in the very first paragraph. Sicknick, said the President, lost his life while protecting the Capitol from a violent, riotous mob on January 6, 2021. The problem with this story is that it is false in all respects. From the start, there was almost no evidence to substantiate it. The only basis were the two original New York Times articles asserting that this happened based on the claim of anonymous law enforcement officials. Despite this alleged brutal murder taking place in one of the most surveilled buildings on the planet, filled that day with hundreds of cellphones taping the events, nobody saw video of it. No photographs depicted it. To this day, no autopsy report has been released. No details from any official source have been provided. Not only was there no reason to believe this happened from the start, the little that was known should have caused doubt. On the same day the Times published its two articles with the fire extinguisher story, ProPublica published one that should have raised serious doubts about it. The outlet interviewed Sicknicks brother, who said that Sicknick had texted [the family] Wednesday night to say that while he had been pepper-sprayed, he was in good spirits. That obviously conflicted with the Times story that the mob overpowered Sicknick and struck him in the head with a fire extinguisher, after which, with a bloody gash in his head, Mr. Sicknick was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support. But no matter. The fire extinguisher story was now a matter of lore. Nobody could question it. And nobody did: until after a February 2 CNN article that asked why nobody has been arrested for what clearly was the most serious crime committed that day: the brutal murder of Officer Sicknick with a fire extinguisher. Though the headline gave no hint of this, the middle of the article provided evidence which essentially declared the original New York Times story false: In Sicknicks case, its still not known publicly what caused him to collapse the night of the insurrection. Findings from a medical examiners review have not yet been released and authorities have not made any announcements about that ongoing process. According to one law enforcement official, medical examiners did not find signs that the officer sustained any blunt force trauma, so investigators believe that early reports that he was fatally struck by a fire extinguisher are not true. The CNN story speculates that perhaps Sicknick inhaled bear spray, but like the ProPublica interview with his brother who said he inhaled pepper spray, does not say whether it came from the police or protesters. It is also just a theory. CNN noted that investigators are vexed by a lack of evidence that could prove someone caused his death as he defended the Capitol during last months insurrection. Beyond that, to date, little information has been shared publicly about the circumstances of the death of the 13-year veteran of the police force, including any findings from an autopsy that was conducted by DCs medical examiner. Few noticed this remarkable admission buried in this article. None of this was seriously questioned until a relatively new outlet called Revolver News on February 9 compiled and analyzed all the contradictions and lack of evidence in the prevailing story, after which Fox News Tucker Carlson, citing that article, devoted the first eight minutes of his February 10 program to examining these massive evidentiary holes. That caused right-wing media outlets to begin questioning what happened, but mainstream liberal outlets those who spread the story aggressively in the first place largely and predictably ignored it all. This week, the paper that first published the false story in lieu of a retraction or an explanation of how and why it got the story wrong simply went back to the first two articles, more than five weeks later, and quietly posted what it called an update at the top of both five-week-old articles: With the impeachment trial now over, the articles are now rewritten to reflect that the original story was false. But there was nothing done by The New York Times to explain an error of this magnitude, let alone to try to undo the damage it did by misleading the public. They did not expressly retract or even correct the story. Worse, there is at least one article of theirs, the January 11 one that purports to describe how the five people died that day, which continues to include the false fire extinguisher story with no correction or update. The fire extinguisher tale was far from the only false or dubious claim that the media caused to circulate about the events that day. In some cases, they continue to circulate them. In the days after the protest, numerous viral tweets pointed to a photograph of Eric Munchel with zip-ties. The photo was used continually to suggest that he took those zip-ties into the Capitol because of a premeditated plot to detain lawmakers and hold them hostage. Politico described Munchel as the man who allegedly entered the Senate chamber during the Capitol riot while carrying a taser and zip-tie handcuffs. The Washington Post used the images to refer to chatters in far-right forums explicitly discussing how to storm the building, handcuff lawmakers with zip ties. That the zip-tie photo of Munchel made the Capitol riot far more than a mere riot carried out by a band of disorganized misfits, but rather a nefarious and well-coordinated plot to kidnap members of Congress, became almost as widespread as the fire extinguisher story. Yet again, it was The New York Times that led the way in consecrating maximalist claims. FBI Arrests Man Who Carried Zip Ties Into Capitol, blared the papers headline on January 10, featuring the now-iconic photo of Munchel at the top. But on January 21, the zip-tie mans own prosecutors admitted none of that was true. He did not take zip-ties with him from home or carry them into the Capitol. Instead, he found them on a table, and took them to prevent their use by the police: Eric Munchel, a pro-Trump rioter who stormed the Capitol building while holding plastic handcuffs, took the restraints from a table inside the Capitol building, prosecutors said in a court filing Wednesday. Munchel, who broke into the building with his mom, was labeled zip-tie guy after he was photographed barreling down the Senate chamber holding the restraints. His appearance raised questions about whether the insurrectionists who sought to stop Congress from counting Electoral College votes on January 6 also intended to take lawmakers hostage. But according to the new filing, Munchel and his mother took the handcuffs from within the Capitol building apparently to ensure the Capitol Police couldnt use them on the insurrectionists rather than bring them in when they initially breached the building. (A second man whose photo with zip-ties later surfaced similarly told Ronan Farrow that he found them on the floor, and the FBI has acknowledged it has no evidence to the contrary). Why does this matter? For the same reason media outlets so excitedly seized on this claim. If Munchel had brought zip-ties with him, that would be suggestive of a premeditated plot to detain people: quite terrorizing, as it suggests malicious and well-planned intent. But he instead just found them on a table by happenstance and, according to his own prosecutors, grabbed them with benign intent. Then, perhaps most importantly, is the ongoing insistence on calling the Capitol riot an armed insurrection. Under the law, an insurrection is one of the most serious crises that can arise. It allows virtually unlimited presidential powers which is why there was so much angst when Tom Cotton proposed it in his New York Times op-ed over the summer, publication of which resulted in the departure of two editors. Insurrection even allows for the suspension by the president of habeas corpus: the right to be heard in court if you are detained. So it matters a great deal legally, but also politically, if the U.S. really did suffer an armed insurrection and continues to face one. Though there is no controlling, clear definition, that term usually connotes not a three-hour riot but an ongoing, serious plot by a faction of the citizenry to overthrow or otherwise subvert the government. Just today, PolitiFact purported to fact-check a statement from Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) made on Monday. Sen. Johnson told a local radio station: The fact of the matter is this didnt seem like an armed insurrection to me. I mean armed, when you hear armed, dont you think of firearms? Heres the questions I would have liked to ask. How many firearms were confiscated? How many shots were fired? Im only aware of one, and Ill defend that law enforcement officer for taking that shot. The fact-checking site assigned the Senator its Pants on Fire designation for that statement, calling it ridiculous revisionist history. But the fact-checkers cannot refute a single claim he made. At least from what is known publicly, there is no evidence of a single protester wielding let alone using a firearm inside the Capitol on that day. As indicated, the only person to have been shot was a pro-Trump protester killed by a Capitol police officer, and the only person said to have been killed by the protesters, Officer Sicknick, died under circumstances that are still completely unclear. That protesters were found before and after the riot with weapons does not mean they intended to use them as part of the protest. For better or worse, the U.S. is a country where firearm possession is common and legal. And what we know for certain is that there is no evidence of anyone brandishing a gun in that building. That fact makes a pretty large dent in the attempt to characterize this as an armed insurrection rather than a riot. Indeed, the most dramatic claims spread by the media to raise fear levels as high as possible and depict this as a violent insurrection have turned out to be unfounded or were affirmatively disproven. On January 15, Reuters published an article about the arrest of the Q-Shaman, Jacob Chansley, headlined U.S. says Capitol rioters meant to capture and assassinate officials. It claimed that federal prosecutors offered an ominous new assessment of last weeks siege of the U.S. Capitol by President Donald Trumps supporters on Thursday, saying in a court filing that rioters intended to capture and assassinate elected officials. Predictably, that caused viral social media postings from mainstream reporters and prominent pundits, such as Harvard Laws Laurence Tribe, manifesting in the most ominous tones possible: Some of the individuals who breached the Capitol intended to "capture and assassinate elected officials," federal prosecutors wrote in this new court filing. This is part of what Trump must answer for in his Senate trial and in post-1/20/21 prosecutionshttps://t.co/GzsohIdqtG Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) January 15, 2021 Shortly thereafter, however, a DOJ official walked back a federal claim that Capitol rioters intended capture and assassinate elected officials. Specifically, Washingtons acting U.S. Attorney, Michael Sherwin, said in a telephone briefing, There is no direct evidence at this point of kill-capture teams and assassination. Over and over, no evidence has emerged for the most melodramatic media claims torn out Panic Buttons and plots to kill Vice President Mike Pence or Mitt Romney. What we know for certain, as The Washington Post noted this week, is that Despite warnings of violent plots around Inauguration Day, only a smattering of right-wing protesters appeared at the nations statehouses. That does not sound like an ongoing insurrection, to put it mildly. All this matters because it inherently matters if the media is recklessly circulating falsehoods about the most inflammatory and significant news stories. As was true for their series of Russiagate debacles, even if each mistake standing alone can be dismissed as relatively insignificant or understandable, when they pile up always in the same narrative direction people rightly conclude the propaganda is deliberate and trust in journalism erodes further. But in this case, this matters for reasons far more significant than corporate medias attempt to salvage the last vestiges of their credibility. Washington, D.C. remains indefinitely militarized. The establishment wings of both parties are still exploiting the emotions surrounding the Capitol breach to justify a new domestic War on Terror. The FBI is on the prowl for dissidents on the right and the left, and online censorship in the name of combatting domestic terrorism continues to rise. One can and should condemn the January 6 riot without inflating the threat it posed. And one can and should insist on both factual accuracy and sober restraint without standing accused of sympathy for the rioters. Read more at: Greenwald.Substack.com and MediaFactWatch.com. Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2021 -- Stay up-to-date and exploit latest trends of Threat Intelligence Market with latest edition released by AMA. A Latest intelligence report published by AMA Research with title "Threat Intelligence Market Outlook to 2025.A detailed study accumulated to offer Latest insights about acute features of the Global Threat Intelligence market. This report provides a detailed overview of key factors in the Threat Intelligence Market and factors such as driver, restraint, past and current trends, regulatory scenarios and technology development. A thorough analysis of these factors including economic slowdown, local & global reforms and COVID-19 Impact has been conducted to determine future growth prospects in the global market. Definition: Threat intelligence is used by the organization to understand the threats, and helps in preparing prevents and take the advantage of variable sources. This solution is gathered in raw data. With the rise in concern, threats are driving huge demand for threat intelligence solutions. There are various tools that are available in this industry to cater to the increase in demand from the organizations. Major Players in This Report Include, IBM (United States), Cisco (United States), Trend Micro (Japan), McAfee (United States), FireEye (United States), VMware (United States), AT&T (United States), Check Point (United States), DXC Technology (United States) and Mimecast (London). Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ : https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/12515-global-threat-intelligence-market Market Growth Drivers - Development in Digital Technologies and Industrial Systems - The Rise in Occurrence of Sophistication of Cyber Attacks Influencing Trend - Increase in Market Competencies - Growing Demand for the Real-Time Threat Intelligence in the Market Restraints - High Procurement Costs Associated with Threat Intelligence Solutions - High Technical Complexities and Nonexistence of Interoperability Between Threat Intelligence Solutions The Threat Intelligence Market segments and Market Data Break Down are illuminated below: by Application (Security Analytics, Security and Vulnerability management, Risk and Compliance, Incident Response, Others), Deployment Mode (Cloud Based, On-Premises), Industry Verticals (Information, Finance and Insurance, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, Manufacturing, Others), Organizations Size (Cloud, On-Premises) Threat Intelligence the manufacturing cost structure analysis of the market is based on the core chain structure, engineering process, raw materials and suppliers. The manufacturing plant has been developed for market needs and new technology development. In addition, Threat Intelligence Market attractiveness according to country, end-user, and other measures is also provided, permitting the reader to gauge the most useful or commercial areas for investments. The study also provides special chapter designed (qualitative) to highlights issues faced by industry players in their production cycle and supply chain. However overall estimates and sizing, various tables and graphs presented in the study gives and impression how big is the impact of COVID. Enquire for customization in Report @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/12515-global-threat-intelligence-market Geographically World Threat Intelligence markets can be classified as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa and Latin America. North America has gained a leading position in the global market and is expected to remain in place for years to come. The growing demand for Threat Intelligence markets will drive growth in the North American market over the next few years. In the last section of the report, the companies responsible for increasing the sales in the Threat Intelligence Market have been presented. These companies have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the application and product type introduced by each of these companies also form a key part of this section of the report. The recent enhancements that took place in the global market and their influence on the future growth of the market have also been presented through this study. Report Highlights: - Comprehensive overview of parent market& substitute market - Changing market dynamics in the industry (COVID & Economic Impact Analysis) - In-depth market segmentation (Trends, Growth with Historical & Forecast Analysis) - Recent industry trends and development activity - Competitive landscape (Heat Map Analysis for Emerging Players & Market Share Analysis for Major Players along with detailed Profiles) Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Threat Intelligence Market: Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the Global Threat Intelligence market Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary the basic information of the Global Threat Intelligence Market. Chapter 3: Changing Impact on Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges & Opportunities of the Global Threat Intelligence; Post COVID Analysis Chapter 4: Presenting the Global Threat Intelligence Market Factor Analysis, Post COVID Impact Analysis, Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis. Chapter 5: Displaying the by Type, End User and Region/Country 2014-2019 Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the Global Threat Intelligence market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by Manufacturers/Company with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions (2020-2025) . Buy this research @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/buy-now?format=1&report=12515 Key questions answered - Who are the Leading key players and what are their Key Business plans in the Threat Intelligence market? - What are the key concerns of the five forces analysis of the Threat Intelligence market? - What are different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Threat Intelligence market? - What possible measures players are taking to overcome and stabilize the situation? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Middle East, Africa, Europe or LATAM, Asia. Contact US : Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager) AMA Research & Media LLP Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJ New Jersey USA 08837 Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218 sales@advancemarketanalytics.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. Fake 'Pradhan Mantri Yojana Loan' website luring Indian A website that goes by the name of 'Pradhan Mantri Yojana Loan' and was earlier linked to a Google Play Store app with the same name (the app has now been removed) is luring Indians in providing loans, in exchange for personal identifiable information that can potentially be misused online, New Delhi-based think tank CyberPeace Foundation warned on Friday. The personal details that were collected from the applicants such as Aadhaar card, ration card, PAN card are openly available on the website and can be misused by any hacker. CyberPeace Foundation, along with Autobot Infosec Pvt Ltd., launched an investigation into the matter to confirm whether the offering was a legitimate government of India application or merely masquerading as one. "The website www.pradhanmantriyojanaloan[.]com asks for personal information and bank account details. After some random dummy data was provided, it redirected to a page with a Thank You message," the foundation said in a sttaement. Earlier, the Android app also redirected the user to the website that asks for personal information, address proof and the rest. "The website has a domain of .com, which is itself peculiar since any websites that belong to the government of India are hosted on .gov.in or .nic.in. Several grammatical errors were also noticed on the website," the report noted. "After decoding this QR code, a PhonePe Merchant UPI string was obtained. Verification of the UPI ID was attempted; however, it was concluded to be invalid," the researchers said in the report. After submitting the information, the user is taken to another page, where they are asked for an OTP sent to the mobile number that was provided while filling the application. "No OTP was actually received on the mobile number shared. At the bottom of the page, it showed that the details have been submitted," the report noted. A 10-digit receipt number was assigned. "Initially, it was assumed that the receipt number would not work since the OTP could not be submitted, but it was accepted and the status was: your application is submitted. Thank you!," the report said. The app was removed in the latest Google drive to sanitise its Play Store of fake and malicious personal loan apps in the country. Google removed about 100 instant loan apps from its Play Store that were involved in alleged collection of personal data and its misuse, fraudulent and unlawful practices of physical threats and use of other coercive methods for recovery of loan, according to the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Answering a query in the Lok Sabha earlier this month, the IT Ministry said that upon being notified by law enforcement agencies of the availability of certain money lending apps that were possibly not in compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework, Google removed about 100 such apps since December 2020 till January 20, 2021. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. By Devika Krishna Kumar NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell for a second day on Friday, retreating further from recent highs, as Texas energy companies began preparations to restart oil and gas fields shuttered by freezing weather and power outages. Brent crude futures ended the session down $1.02, or 1.6%, at $62.91 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $1.28, or 2.1%, to settle at $59.24. For the week, Brent gained about 0.5% while WTI fell about 0.7%. This week, both benchmarks had climbed to the highest in more than a year. "Price ... Bureau of Women's Affairs Director Jayne Flores on Wednesday said there is no connection between Adelup and the American Civil Liberties Union's filing of a lawsuit seeking to restore access to legal and safe abortions on Guam. The nonprofit group the Vigilance Committee Inc. raised the allegation of a link between Adelup and ACLU, when the group did not receive a response to its Sunshine Reform Act request from Adelup about the abortion lawsuit. It turns out, the request for information got stuck in the spam folders of the intended GovGuam officials. GovGuam missed the deadline to respond to the request. The group later issued a notice of violation addressed to Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, accusing her and her administration of prompting the ACLU lawsuit. Flores said there's no truth to this. "Neither the governor nor I requested or otherwise prompted the ACLU to initiate a lawsuit against the Government of Guam for any reason, including the claims underlying the current lawsuit related to telemedicine for the provision of reproductive health care in Guam," Flores said in response to The Guam Daily Post's questions Wednesday. The group sent its request for information on Jan. 29, but still hadn't received a response by Feb. 15. It asked for any and all correspondences between the governor and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, BWA's Flores, or any of their offices' employees, and the two doctors that ACLU represents in the lawsuit. "By choosing to ignore our Sunshine Act request, you allow us little to no room to believe that you and your director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs, Jayne Flores, are the ones who prompted the ACLU to file a lawsuit claiming to restore access to abortion to women in Guam," Vigilance Committee President Lee Webber wrote to the governor. The Vigilance Project calls for compliance with the Open Government Law and the Sunshine Reform Act by public officials and government representatives, according to Webber. Webber is a weekly columnist for The Guam Daily Post. Flores said the Vigilance Committee's request "was routed to the spam folders of all intended recipients." "For this reason, the recipients did not locate the FOIA until after the Vigilance Committee sent its purported notice of violation," Flores said. ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of two Guam-licensed doctors, Shandini Raidoo and Bliss Kaneshiro. They are both board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists based in Hawaii. The two doctors are challenging two local laws that the ACLU contends are blocking access to legal and safe abortions on Guam. Guam attorney Vanessa Williams is a co-counsel in the lawsuit. The doctors would like to provide medication abortion via telemedicine to Guam patients. Abortion is legal on Guam. However, when Guam's only abortion provider left the island in 2018, there have been no other physicians who are willing to perform abortions or willing to advertise that they perform abortions. Flores and the governor had said they're working on finding an abortion doctor to serve Guam. The governor campaigned as an abortion-rights candidate. In 2019, she was quoted in an Associated Press article that her administration is trying to recruit abortion doctors to come to Guam and establish clinics. 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. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Since the very beginning of the war, through the efforts of the Diaspora and with the support of the Hayastan All Armenian Fund, large-scale humanitarian aid has been sent to Armenia by different Diaspora communities. To date, approximately 184,345 kg (more than 184 tons) of various humanitarian aid has arrived in Armenia, the Fund told Armenpress. The assistance received includes modern medical equipment, first aid supplies, wound treatment and skin recovery products, warm winter clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, tents, beds, food, gift packages for Artsakh schoolchildren and so on. During the war, starting on October 10th, through the efforts of Armenians living in the Diaspora and Armenian organizations from different communities, approximately 87,941 kg of humanitarian aid had been collected in the USA and Europe and transported to Armenia with the efforts of the All Armenian Fund. Cargo shipments were received from Los Angeles on October 10th, 15th, 16th, 19th, 22nd, 30th and 31st, with a total weight of approximately 61,549 kg, and 10,415 kg from the Netherlands on October 11th and 12th. Two planes arrived in Armenia from France and Belgium on October 23rd and October 26th, respectively, which delivered approximately 15,977 kg of humanitarian aid donated by different Armenian communities around Europe. To ensure the swift and efficient delivery of aid to those most in need during the state of emergency, the Hayastan All Armenian Fund waived its right to these shipment during the 44 days of the war in favor of the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Health and Defense, which enabled the humanitarian aid to be directed to meet the needs of each institution immediately. After the end of military actions, 33,389 kg of humanitarian aid arrived and was distributed directly by the Fund. Most of the aid received during this period originated from Los Angeles and France. Cargo shipments were received on November 19th, 20th, December 6th, 7th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 24th, 26th, 28th, 29th and January 14th, 2021. The assistance received during this period was distributed to a number of health and community structures, including Kanaker-Zeytun Medical Center and Maternity Hospital, Institute of Hematology, Central Military Hospital, Martuni Medical Center, Kapan Medical Center, the regional administration of Tavush, Ararat and Gegharqunik, the Homeland Defenders Rehabilitation Center, Noyemberyan Medical Center, Surb Astvacamayr Medical Center, Vardenis Hospital, Erebuni Medical Center, Surb Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center, Goris Medical Center. Significant assistance was also provided to the Artsakh Ministry of Health. Humanitarian aid continues to arrive in 2021 with approximately 63,015 kg of aid currently awaiting customs clearance, processing, and classification prior to distribution. Imaad Zuberi, left, leaves the federal courthouse with his attorney Thomas OBrien, second from left, in Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. Zuberi pleaded guilty to funneling donations from foreigners to U.S. political campaigns. (Brian Melley/AP Photo) Opportunist Political Donor Who Made Millions Peddling Influence Sentenced to 12 Years A once high-flying political fundraiser who prosecutors said gave illegal campaign contributions to a host of U.S. politicians and evaded the payment of millions of dollars in taxes was sentenced Thursday to 12 years behind bars. Imaad Zuberi, who prosecutors said ingratiated himself with politicos in both major parties and peddled the resulting influence to foreign governments, pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion, campaign finance violations, and failing to register as a foreign agent, according to the Justice Department. He used foreign money to fund illegal campaign contributions that bought him political influence, and used that influence to lobby U.S. officials for policy changes on behalf of numerous foreign principals, said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, in a written statement. Zuberi, of Arcadia, California, falsified records to conceal his work as a foreign agent while lobbying high-level U.S. government officials, made illegal campaign contributions, and obstructed a federal investigation into the source of donations to a presidential inauguration committee, the Justice Department said. Zuberi turned acting as an unregistered foreign agent into a business enterprise, Demers said. In addition to his jail sentence, he was also ordered to pay nearly $16 million in restitution and a nearly $2 million fine. Prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips for a stiff sentence, arguing that the scope of Zuberis scheme was unprecedented. After learning he was under investigation, Zuberi doubled down on his criminal conduct, obstructing justice by creating false records, destroying evidence, and attempting to purchase witnesses silence, Demers said. This sentence should deter others who would seek to corrupt our political processes and compromise our institutions in exchange for foreign cash, he added. The Calfornia businessmans crimes included unregistered lobbying for governments with spotty human rights records like Sri Lanka and Turkey as well as a Ukrainian oligarch close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, prosecutors said. Zuberi used his status to solicit funds for lobbying, campaign contributions, and investments, but ultimately swindled his business partners and pocketed most of the funds for himself, said Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner of IRS-Criminal Investigation Los Angeles Field Office, in a statement. Over a five-year period, between 2012 and 2016, Zuberi made or solicited more than $250,000 in illegal campaign contributions, prosecutors said. An opportunist at his core, Zuberi worked with political figures across the aisle, depending on who was in power, to lend an appearance of credibility to his political charades, Korner said. His tax evasion activities over the course of four years, between 2012 and 2015, caused tax losses ranging from $3.5 million to $9.5 million, according to prosecutors. As Mr. Zuberis greed and wealth increased, his elaborate influence-peddling scheme collapsed, said Assistant Director in Charge Kristi K. Johnson of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office, in a statement. Zuberi also siphoned money invested in U.S. Cares, a company set up to export humanitarian aid to Iran. In 2013 and 2014, investors deposited approximately $7 million into U.S. Cares, but Zuberi used more than 90 percent of investor funds for his personal benefit, which included purchasing real estate, paying down debt such as mortgages and credit card bills, remodeling properties, and investing in brokerage accounts. Now that hes been sentenced, he will be held accountable by the United States government which he so recklessly misrepresented, Johnson said. The Associated Press 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 Evidence that a sense of our physical selves can develop even without the sense of touch has been uncovered in a new study by researchers in the UK and the United States. The research shows that if someone loses their sense of touch and 'proprioception' - their sense of body position - as an adult, they may learn compensatory skills using visual cues and conscious thought, or reasoning, to move their bodies. Someone who has never had a sense of touch or proprioception, however, can find faster, unconscious ways of processing visual cues to move and orient themselves. A team at the University of Birmingham collaborated with researchers at Bournemouth University and the University of Chicago on the study, published in Experimental Brain Research. The team worked with two individuals - called Ian and Kim - who have had unique sensory experiences: Ian developed a complete loss of tactile sense and proprioception (sense of body position), together called somatosensation, below his neck after an autoimmune response to an illness as a teenager. Kim was born without somatosensation, lacking the sensory nerve fibres needed to feel her body. The researchers were interested in learning how the human brain adapts to a loss of sensory information and how it might compensate if this information is not present in the first place. There are a lot of questions about how we form a sense of the body and of the self. Body and self are very integrated, and your sense of your physical self is present when you close your eyes -- but without a sense of touch or proprioception, it really wouldn't be. Kim has a unique condition, where she is operating on vision, hearing, and the vestibular system. She doesn't have touch or proprioception and never has. Ian is in a very different situation, because he had these senses and lost them. We were interested in whether or not a person can take visual information that's not involved in visual perception and feed it into some place in the brain that is responsible for generating a sense of your body. Essentially, can you use that to have a sense of the body when you're seeing it?" Peggy Mason, Professor of Neurobiology, University of Chicago For the study, Kim and Ian came into the lab at the University of Birmingham, along with age-matched control subjects, to participate in a number of experiments designed to assess both their mental image of their bodies as well as their unconscious sense of their bodies in space. These included reporting on the shape and size of their hands by moving a cursor on a screen to locate landmarks like fingertips and knuckles, and estimating their 'reach' distance (the length of their arm). The study found a number of similarities and, intriguingly, differences in how Kim and Ian performed in the experiments. In the hand experiment, for example, Kim's estimation of her hand shape and size was close to the control group's, being wider and shorter than her actual hand, whereas Ian's was much more accurate. Lead researcher, Chris Miall, Professor of Motor Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham, says: "We think the differences between Ian's and Kim's responses relate to the visual control that both of them use to navigate their environment. For Ian, this is a very conscious process and he has learned to use visual cues to continually evaluate and monitor that environment. For Kim the process is much more unconscious. She still uses the visual information, but in a more instinctive and intuitive way." Co-author Jonathan Cole, Professor of Clinical Neurophysiology at Bournemouth University, adds: "You and I have habits and skills that are not conscious, but Ian has to think about movement the whole time." These results indicate that if someone loses their sense of touch and proprioception as an adult, they may be able to learn compensatory skills, using visual input and conscious thought to move their bodies. However, a person who never experiences somatosensation may be able to develop mechanisms to bypass the lack of sensation and instead use unconsciously processed visual information to exert motor control. "What we can learn from this is that you might not do it in the way that others do it, but you will find a way to make a body schema," said Mason. "You will find a way to make a sense of yourself. Kim has found a way. It's not the way that you or I do it, or the way that anyone else on earth might do it, but it's absolutely critical to have that sense of self. You have to be located somewhere. We're not brains in vats!" JERUSALEM Israel and Syria have fought several wars, never had diplomatic relations, and still contest the sovereignty of a tract of land, the Golan Heights, that was seized by Israel from Syria in 1967. But on Thursday, the two countries shared a rare moment of indirect cooperation, participating in a Russian-mediated prisoner swap that saw an Israeli woman held captive by Syria exchanged for two Syrian shepherds captured by Israel, the Israeli government announced early Friday morning. Israel has always done and will always do everything in its power to bring our citizens back, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a statement. The woman has not been named. But she is in her 20s, comes from near Jerusalem and has a history of trying to illegally enter Israels neighbors, an Israeli official said. She entered Syria by land in early February before being detained by Syrian authorities, who quickly realized that she was a civilian rather than a spy, the official said. 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 South Australian State Parliament Falls Into Minority Government South Australias state parliament has fallen into a minority government after Liberal MP Fraser Ellis revealed he had been charged after a probe by the states anti-corruption body. At the end of a late-night parliamentary sitting, Ellis told parliament that he had been charged with offences from an investigation by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC). Yesterday, I was charged with alleged offences arising from the recent ICAC investigation into the Country Members Accommodation Allowance, Ellis said.I am completely innocent, and I will be vigorously defending these allegations to the full extent of my resources and the law. Ellis said he would suspend his Liberal membership and move to the crossbench while he defends himself. This leaves the Liberal government with just 23 out of the 47 lower house seats. The member for Narungga is one of several MPs investigated by ICAC over their use of Country Members Accommodation Allowance. Last year, Ellis repaid AU$42,130 in claims he made under the scheme, which gives financial assistance to members of parliament whose place of residence is greater than 75 kilometres away from the Adelaide post office. He said the claim was due to an error in the claim form made by an inexperienced staff member and maintained his innocence. Ive never acted dishonestly, Ellis told Parliament. Any error in a claim form completed by a relatively inexperienced member was simply that, an error. These were the result of genuine errors by a new member for which Ive already apologised. He also told parliament he had informed South Australian Premier Steven Marshall about charges on Thursday. Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said it was a stunning revelation and criticised Marshall for not addressing the issue earlier when he had the chance. Dr. Kristy Cromblin knew that as the descendant of Alabama sharecroppers and the first person in her family to go to college, making it to medical school might seem like an improbable dream. Her parents watched in proud disbelief as she inched closer to that goal, enrolling in a medical school in Barbados and enlisting in the military with plans to serve one day as a flight surgeon. Then came an unexpected hurdle: A contentious divorce led Dr. Cromblin to take seven years away from medical school to care for her two sons. In 2012, she returned for her final year, excited to complete her exams and apply for residency, the final step in her training. But no one had told Dr. Cromblin that hospital residency programs, which have been flooded with a rising number of applications in recent years, sometimes use the Electronic Residency Application Service software program to filter out various applications, whether theyre from students with low test scores or from international medical students. Dr. Cromblin had passed all her exams and earned her M.D., but was rejected from 75 programs. In the following years, as she kept applying, she learned that some programs filter out applicants who graduated from medical school more than three years earlier. Her rejection pile kept growing. She is now on unemployment, with $250,000 in student loans. There are times you question your worth, Dr. Cromblin, 43, said. You wonder if youre useless. Ive had to encourage myself over and over: I am worth it. I am useful. I am damn good. U.S. President Joe Biden will attend his first meeting with Group of Seven leaders on Friday to discuss plans to defeat the coronavirus, reopen the battered world economy and counter challenges posed by China. The COVID-19 pandemic has killed 2.4 million people, tipped the global economy into its worst peacetime slump since the Great Depression and upended normal life for billions. Biden "will focus on the global response to the pandemic, including vaccine production, distribution of supplies" and efforts to fight emerging infections, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki ... Concurrent Subscription Receipt Financing Up to CDN $20 Million Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Western Exploration LLC ("Western") and Crystal Peak Minerals Inc. ("Crystal") (TSXV: CPM.H) (OTC Pink: CPMMF) are pleased to announce that they have entered into an arrangement agreement dated February 19, 2021 (the "Arrangement Agreement") outlining the terms upon which, among other things, Western will "go public" by way of a "reverse take-over" of Crystal (the "RTO") under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), as more particularly described in this news release. In this news release, references to the "Resulting Issuer" or "WEX" are to Crystal after the closing of the RTO. As part of the RTO, Western has also entered into an engagement letter dated February 19, 2021 with Canaccord Genuity Corp., as lead agent on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "Agents"), pursuant to which the Agents have agreed to sell, on a "best efforts" private placement basis subscription receipts of Crystal (the "Subscription Receipts") for gross proceeds of up to CDN $20 million (the "Financing"). Darcy Marud, Chief Executive Officer of Western, stated: "We are excited for the opportunity to bring a new and exciting company and project to a broader investment audience. I'd like to thank the Western shareholders for their unwavering support in building the company to what it is today and thank Crystal Peak for sharing our vision of creating a new Nevada-based precious metals exploration and development company." Attributes of the Resulting Issuer The formation of the Resulting Issuer creates a Nevada-based precious metals exploration and development company with a focus on growing the new high-grade gold and silver Gravel Creek discovery and advancing the Doby George gold development asset. The Aura Project is expected to be the only material property of the Resulting Issuer upon the completion of the RTO. The Aura Project is an exploration and development project with a resource estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") at two current mineral deposits, Doby George and Wood Gulch/Gravel Creek. The Doby George mineral deposit contains 12.9M tonnes of 0.98 g/t Au in the Indicated category and 5.0M tonnes 0.73 g/t Au in the Inferred category and the Wood Gulch/Gravel Creek mineral deposit contains 2.0M tonnes of 3.80 g/t Au and 60.8 g/t Ag in the Indicated category and 10.1M tonnes 2.08 g/t Au and 28.4 g/t Ag in the Inferred category. For additional details relating to the Aura Project, please see "Resulting Issuer Mineral Resource Estimate". Western's Strategy with Respect to the Resulting Issuer As part of the RTO, the existing members of Western will be entitled to receive an aggregate of 29,637,034 Resulting Issuer Shares (after giving effect to the Consolidation) in exchange for their membership interests in Western. Western expects the advancement of the assets held by the Resulting Issuer to be funded through the public markets such that Western's ownership in the Resulting Issuer will be diluted as the assets are advanced. Financing Particulars As part of the RTO, Western has entered into an engagement letter dated February 19, 2021 with Canaccord Genuity Corp., as lead agent on behalf of a syndicate of Agents, pursuant to which the Agents have agreed to sell, on a "best efforts" private placement basis Subscription Receipts for gross proceeds of up to CDN $20 million. Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration and without further action on the part of the holder thereof, on or about the date that the RTO is completed, one common share of the Resulting Issuer after giving effect to the Consolidation (each, a "Resulting Issuer Share"). The Resulting Issuer Shares to be issued in Canada upon the conversion of the Subscription Receipts will be freely-tradeable upon the closing of the RTO. It is expected that the net proceeds from the Financing will primarily be used for the exploration and development of the Aura Project, and general working capital purposes following completion of the RTO. Further information regarding the Financing will be announced as the details become available. The terms of the Financing will be determined in the context of market conditions, and a further update will be provided in a separate news release in due course. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities offered in the Financing have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. Transaction Particulars Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, and as part of the RTO, and subject to any required shareholder and regulatory approvals: all of the outstanding membership interests in Western will be transferred to Crystal in exchange for an aggregate of 29,637,034 Resulting Issuer Shares (after giving effect to the Consolidation); the outstanding options and restricted share units of Crystal will be surrendered by the holders thereof and canceled for no consideration; the common shares of Crystal will be consolidated on a 490.97:1 basis (the "Consolidation"); Crystal will continue from Yukon to British Columbia (the "Continuance"); the name of the Resulting Issuer will be changed to "Western Exploration Inc." (or such other name as may be acceptable to Western) and change its stock exchange ticker symbol to "WEX"; the Resulting issuer will adopt new articles, security-based compensation arrangements and other corporate policies, the board of directors and the management of the Resulting Issuer will be reconstituted; and the auditor of the Resulting Issuer will be MNP LLP. Crystal expects to call a special meeting of its shareholders, expected to be held in April 2021 (the "Crystal Meeting"), to approve the RTO and various corporate actions referred to in this news release. To be effective, the RTO and the Continuance will require the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders of Crystal at the Crystal Meeting. In support of the RTO, directors, senior officers and certain shareholders of Crystal, holding an aggregate of 70,874,406 common shares of Crystal (the "Crystal Shares") (or 39.8% of the issued and outstanding Crystal Shares) have entered into a voting support agreement with Western in support of the RTO. No insider, promoter or control person of Crystal and no associate or affiliate of the same, has any interest in or will receive any consideration as a result of the RTO other than that which arises from their current holding of Crystal Shares. Coral Reef Capital LLC, whose head office is located in New York City, New York, is considered to be a promoter of the Resulting Issuer. The full particulars of the RTO, the mineral properties and the Resulting Issuer (including the history of Western and relevant financial information) will be described in a circular (the "Circular") prepared in connection with the Crystal Meeting. A copy of the filing statement will be available electronically on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under Crystal's issuer profile in due course. Completion of the RTO is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, Exchange acceptance, approval of Crystal shareholders, court approval, closing of the Financing and if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the RTO cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. In addition, the Transaction is not a "related party transaction" as such term is defined by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions and is not subject to Policy 5.9 of the Exchange. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the RTO, any information released or received with respect to the RTO may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Crystal should be considered highly speculative. The Arrangement Agreement was negotiated at arm's length between representatives of Western and Crystal. Crystal may seek waivers or exemptions from certain listing requirements of the Exchange in connection with the RTO, including the requirement to obtain a sponsor for the RTO and the issue price of the Subscription Receipts under the Financing. However, there can be no assurance that any waivers will be obtained. If a waiver from the sponsorship requirement is not obtained, a sponsor will be identified at a later date. No deposit, advance or loan has been made or is to be made in connection with the RTO. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed RTO and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Management and Board Composition The board of directors of the Resulting Issuer is expected to include Mr. Marceau Schlumberger, as Chair, Mr. Darcy Marud, Mr. John Rogers, Mr. Brian Kennedy, Mr. Nicolas Schlumberger and Mr. Gerard Munera. Management of the Resulting Issuer is expected to include Mr. Darcy Marud (President and Chief Executive Officer), Mr. Curtis Turner (Chief Financial Officer) and Mr. Jacob Fainzilberg (Corporate Secretary). The following are biographies of the currently proposed directors and senior officers of the Resulting Issuer: Marceau Schlumberger, Chair of the Board Mr. Schlumberger founded Coral Reef Capital in 2008 and is responsible for the firm's management. He serves on the Investment Committees of CRC Resources Fund II LP and CRC Energy Fund LP. Prior to Coral Reef Capital, he was a Principal at Columbus Nova from 2003-2008 focusing on sourcing and managing private equity and credit investment opportunities. From 1998-2003, Mr. Schlumberger was an Associate at Triumph Capital, a growth private equity firm with over $950 million of funds under management. Mr. Schlumberger currently serves on the board of directors of Shawnee Oil Company, Krewe Energy, Rawhide Mining, Western Exploration, and ROC Service Company. Mr. Schlumberger received a BA from Yale University and a MBA from The Wharton School. Brian Kennedy, Director Mr. Kennedy was previously chairman of Argonaut Gold, Inc., a Canadian public company, between 2007 - 2015. He has served as president and CEO of Argonaut LLC, a private equity group, since 2007. He further served as chairman and a director of Meridian Gold, Inc., a publicly-held mining company, until 2007, after having served as its president and CEO from 1996 to 2006. He also served as president and chief operating officer and director of publicly-held FMC Gold Company from 1987 to 1996. Mr. Kennedy is a trustee of two non-profit corporations: the Nevada Museum of Art and the Kennedy Foundation. Mr. Kennedy is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds an MBA degree from Harvard University. Mr. Kennedy was elected as a Director of NVE, SPPC and NPC in February 2007. Nicolas Schlumberger, Director Nicolas has been active in international finance (New York, Tokyo, and Paris) for 42 years. Since 2000, he has been a serial entrepreneur, a founder of SICAT (France, Bet-silicium carbide for catalysis) and of Hi Tech ventures (China, terrestrial broadcasting, wireless services), and Chairman of a high-tech company based in Chengdu, China. He is also a partner in Dynabond, a major service provider to Chinese, African, and Middle Eastern nuclear, conventional, and renewable energy markets, which is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Nicolas is a graduate of Ecole Nationale Superieure des Mines de Nancy. Gerard Munera, Director Drawing upon some 50 years of experience in business and finance, Mr. Munera is widely regarded for his ability to lead companies to continued success. Since the 1960s, Mr. Munera has enjoyed a variety of positions in Latin America, the United States, France, Belgium, and England. He began his career upon graduating in 1956 from the French premiere Ecole Polytechnique in Paris, and then went on to receive a CE degree from Ecole des Ponts et Chaussees, also in Paris. Within two short decades, he rose to the position of president and chief executive officer with Howmet Aluminum Corporation in Greenwich, and then to corporate vice president of nuclear fuels and electrothermal industries with Pechiney. He relocated to Belgium in 1984 as chief executive officer of Union Miniere. He recently celebrated 20 years as the managing director of the Synergex Group, a diversified company with investments in securities, mining and high tech. He is the Executive Chairman of Arcadia Inc. and has also served as a member of the board of directors with Nevsun Resources Ltd., and as a chairman with Dynamic Materials Corporation., Inc. John Rogers, Director John Rogers is a U.S. corporate attorney with over 24 years of experience. He is presently the General Counsel and Business Development Director (North America) for the Ambassador Theatre Group. He has been serving as a legal and strategic advisor to Coral Reef Capital since its first portfolio investment. He was previously a partner with the law firms Pepper Hamilton LLP and Herrick, Feinstein LLP. Darcy Marud, Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Marud is a Professional Geologist with more than 30 years of precious metals exploration experience in the Americas and is an active member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan with a BSc Honors in Geology (1985). Mr. Marud is currently the CEO of Western Exploration LLC, a Nevada based precious metals exploration company, and has been in that role since December 2017. Previously he was Senior VP Exploration at Yamana Gold from 2007 to 2013 and Executive Vice President - Enterprise Strategy from 2014 until his departure from Yamana in September 2017. Prior to Yamana Gold Mr. Marud held senior roles in exploration with Homestake Mining Company, FMC Gold Corp and Meridian Gold Inc. During his career, Mr. Marud has been involved in the discovery and subsequent development of significant precious metals deposits including: El Penon, Chile; Mercedes, Mexico and Pilar and Corpo Sul(Chapada) in Brazil. Curtis Turner, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Turner has over 15 years' experience in business and finance; including mergers and acquisitions, public reporting and operations, as well as community and government relations. He is currently the CFO for Rawhide Mining LLC, a producing heap-leach gold mine in Nevada, which is majority owned by Coral Reef Capital, a Private Investment firm. Previously, Mr. Turner was the CEO and director of Candelaria Mining Corp. and held a senior management position at Argonaut Gold Inc., where he was a key member of the team that successfully completed four acquisitions totaling over $700 million. Prior to his position at Argonaut Gold, Mr. Turner was CFO at sodium cyanide manufacturer Cyanco International LLC., Director of Finance at Yamana Gold Inc. and Corporate Controller at Meridian Gold Inc. Resulting Issuer Mineral Resource Estimate Western's only asset, the Aura Project, is located on public lands within the Mountain City Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest about 100 kilometers north of Elko, Nevada. The Aura Project area controlled by Western consists of 9 fee land parcels and 709 unpatented lode mining claims covering approximately 6,128 hectares in northern Elko County, Nevada. Annual regulatory fees of $116,985 are payable to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and $8,608 payable to Elko County, Nevada. The project is subject to the normal federal, state and county regulations for exploration and mining projects in Nevada and Elko County. The gold and silver mineralization at the Aura Project is found in both Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks and overlying Tertiary volcanic rocks. Mineralization dominantly occurs as disseminations in stratabound tabular zones. Based upon occurrence style of the mineralization and the geologic setting, the gold-silver deposits in the Aura district are best classified as low-sulfidation epithermal precious-metal deposits. Two areas within the Aura Project have had extensive drilling: Wood Gulch-Gravel Creek - 446 drill holes in the database totaling 83,248 meters; and Doby George - 827 drill holes for a total of 115,197 meters. Minor drilling has been done elsewhere on the property. The updated mineral resource estimate for the Aura Project includes: (i) at Wood Gulch-Gravel Creek, 246,000 ounces of gold and 3.9 million ounces of silver in the Indicated resource category, and 675,000 ounces of gold and 9.2 million ounces of silver in the Inferred resource category; (ii) at Doby George, 407,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated resource category, and 118,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred resource category. A strong understanding of the controls of mineralization enabled Western's technical team to construct a mineral resource estimate constrained by lithology, alteration, structure and mineralization. Wood Gulch / Gravel Creek Indicated Gold Resources Indicated Cutoff Tonnes Ounces Ounces g AuEq/t g AuEq/t g Au/t Au g Ag/t Ag variable* 2,014,000 4.67 3.80 246,000 60.8 3,938,000 * Only at Gravel Creek so effectively 2.0g AuEq/t Wood Gulch / Gravel Creek Inferred Gold Resources Inferred Cutoff Tonnes Grade Grade Ounces Grade Ounces g AuEq/t g AuEq/t g Au/t Au g Ag/t Ag variable* 10,094,000 2.49 2.08 675,000 28.4 9,212,000 0.2g AuEq/t for shallow resources and 2.0g AuEq/t for deep resources rounding may cause minor differences in totals Doby George Global Resources Indicated Gold Resources Indicated Cutoff g Au/t Tonnes g Au/t oz Au variable* 12,922,000 0.98 407,000 *0.2g Au/t - oxide resources, 0.3g Au/t - mixed redox, and 1.2g Au/t - reduced rounding may cause minor differences in totals Doby George Global Resources Inferred Gold Resources Inferred Cutoff g Au/t Tonnes g Au/t oz Au variable* 4,999,000 0.73 118,000 *0.2g Au/t - oxide resources, 0.3g Au/t - mixed redox, and 1.2g Au/t - reduced rounding may cause minor differences in totals The Resulting Issuer intends to focus on advancing the Aura Project through focused exploration efforts at both Doby George and Wood Gulch/Gravel Creek. At Wood Gulch/Gravel Creek the company will complete a 2-phase program of expanding and confirming the current mineral resource. Phase 1 will consist of approximately 15,000 meters of core and reverse circulation drilling, focused on extensions to the known resource. Geophysics and soil geochemistry will be completed on the northern extension of the large alteration system to define additional future areas of exploration. Phase 2 will consist of approximately 15,000 meters of core drilling to bring new drilling into the known mineral resource and complete an updated resource estimate in accordance with NI 43-101, which is expected to be used for purposes of a Preliminary Economic Assessment. At Doby George, the company will complete approximately 2,000 meters of PQ core drilling to collect samples for metallurgical test work and approximately 2,000 meters of reverse circulation drilling for exploration purposes. The metallurgical test work will be used to prepare a prefeasibility study over the next 24 months. In accordance with NI 43-101, an updated technical report for the Aura Project will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under the Resulting Issuer's issuer profile in due course. Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Darcy Marud for Western, who is a "qualified person" for purposes of NI 43-101. Advisors Bennett Jones LLP is legal counsel to Western and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is legal counsel to Crystal. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is legal counsel to the Agents. About Western Resources LLC Western is a private company organized under the laws of the State of Nevada. Western has been engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metals mineral properties in Nevada since its inception in 1997. Its principal asset is the Aura gold silver project located in Elko County, Nevada approximately 120 kilometers north of the city of Elko, Nevada. Western's head office is located at 121 Woodland Avenue, Suite 140, Reno, NV 89523. For further information, please contact Western Exploration LLC: Darcy Marud President Tel. 775-329-8119 dmarud@westernexploration.com About Crystal Peak Minerals Inc. Crystal is a public company organized under the laws of the Yukon Territory, whose shares are listed for trading on the NEX board of the Exchange. Crystal was previously engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of a sulfate of potash project in the United States, but currently does not have an active business, and is investigating new business opportunities. Crystal's head office is located at 2150 South 1300 East, Suite 550, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106. For further information, please contact Crystal Peak Minerals Inc.: Woods Silleroy Vice President Operations & Corporate Secretary Tel. (801) 485-0223 info@crystalpeakminerals.com Forward-looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, require Western and Crystal to make certain assumptions and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "continue", or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and the conditional, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Information contained in forward-looking statements, including with respect to future outlook and anticipated events, production of mines, consummation and timing of the proposed RTO and Financing, the satisfaction of conditions precedent to the RTO and/or Financing, the anticipated benefits of the RTO, is based upon certain material assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, public disclosure from operators of the relevant mines, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. Western and Crystal consider their respective assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, but cautions the reader that their assumptions regarding future events, many of which are beyond the control of Western and Crystal, may ultimately prove to be incorrect since they are subject to risks and uncertainties that affect Western and Crystal, and their respective businesses. The forward- looking statements set forth herein concerning Western reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. Western and Crystal disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. / Not for Distribution to United States Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States / To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74988 Thank you for Reading. As a community service, our obituaries are always free to view. In order to better know our audience, we ask that you register to continuing viewing. The Victorian government is yet to send an invoice to more than 16,000 returned travellers who owe the state tens of millions of dollars in unpaid hotel quarantine accommodation fees. More than two months after the revamped hotels program began on December 7, taxpayers have covered at least $20 million for international returnees to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Melbourne. The Andrews government will need to recoup accommodation fees from over 16,000 returned Australians. Credit:Getty Images The backlog of invoices risks another blow to the state governments credibility in enforcing coronavirus restrictions after just 845 of 19,000 fines handed out by Victoria Police were paid by October last year, triggering an admission by police later reversed that they would not pursue the fines in court. In addition, the Victorian government lacks the legal power to make interstate travellers pay for their 14-day stays in quarantine hotels. Legislation rushed through days after the scheme restarted on December 7 provided only for international travellers. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. Global Relay Wins Exporter of the Year and Advancing Technology & Innovation Awards at the 2020 BC Export Awards Posted by Publisher Telecommunication February 18, 2021 Global Relay, the leading provider of cloud archiving, information governance, eDiscovery, and analytics solutions to the global finance and other highly regulated industries, received the Exporter of the Year (top award) and the Advancing Technology & Innovation (category) Awards at the 2020 BC Export Awards event held recently online. Hosted by Business in Vancouver (BIV), the BC Export Awards celebrates the achievements of BC-registered export companies in promoting and delivering top-quality BC products and services to the global market. The Advancing Technology & Innovation Category Award recognizes a company that has added innovation to its business to achieve success and improve its processes, while the Exporter of the Year is selected from the winners in the different categories. ?We are grateful to all our friends at BIV for this tremendous honor,? said Kelvin Ng, Global Relay?s Director for Business Operations. ?Winning both the Exporter of the Year and the Advancing Technology Awards at this particular time makes these awards even more deeply gratifying and meaningful. ?Indeed, it is a testament to the resilience of our staff, and the adaptability of our cloud technology delivery model, that we?ve been able to successfully export our services worldwide ? and generate revenues that we reinvest to the benefit of BC?s economy and our employees and community?s health ? despite the serious challenges that COVID-19 has presented to us all.? Headquartered in Gastown, Vancouver, Global Relay delivers its services from seven offices worldwide, including New York, London, and Chicago. The company currently has more than 20,000 customers in over 90 countries, including 22 of the top 25 global banks, 70% of U.S broker-dealers, 70% of North American hedge funds, and the majority of U.S. exchanges. After establishing its dominance in the North American finance industry, with the U.S. comprising 84% of its export market, Global Relay has been rapidly expanding its UK/EU operations. Global Relay?s vision is to build the next billion-dollar Canadian-owned technology company ? with offices and customers around the world, and with business and technology operations led from its Vancouver, BC headquarters. 404 MALIN, Ore. Search teams were able to locate and rescue two women who became stuck on snowy roads in a remote area of Lake County earlier this week, according to the Klamath County Sherrif's Office. KCSO said that the women, ages 89 and 59, had been out on a sight-seeing drive when they got stuck near Willow Valley Reservoir an area due east of Malin, but far from civilization. "In an effort to reduce the potential for loss of life, extensive resources were expended due to the life-threatening weather conditions that exist this time of year (freezing temperatures)," the Sheriff's Office said. Deputies, volunteers from the Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue team, U.S. Forest Service staff, and friends and family of the missing women all aided in the search. Aircraft and other search resources came from Emergency Airlift, Brim Aviation, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon State Police. The women were located around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, more than 24 hours after they went missing. Our Search and Rescue Unit has responded to an alarming number of incidents this year in which people, unprepared for the conditions they venture into, become disabled and unable to rescue themselves," said Sheriff Chris Kaber. "They often find themselves unable to communicate their situation, relying too heavily on cell phone connections to summon help. I urge everyone to use a double portion of caution when they decide to venture off the beaten path during the winter and early spring months." KCSO issued a reminder to check road conditions before venturing out, and avoid using unfamiliar alternate routes suggested by GPS. "Let someone know where you are going, when you plan to return, and know your capabilities and your vehicle limitations; dont off road onto closed roads," the agency concluded. Thatcham Town Council looking to recognise community and pandemic heroes PEOPLE are being asked to nominate Thatcham residents who have risen to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thatcham Town Council is looking to recognise the people and groups who have done great things for their community for the 2021 Civic Awards. Each year a maximum of three gold awards are presented to those who have either achieved a significant milestone that year or who have done something special for the community in the past 12 months. The town council also wants to recognise people and organisations who have done amazing things in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. They may have made face masks or scrubs, delivered groceries or medications to the vulnerable or generally stepped up when their neighbours needed them. Mayor of Thatcham Mike Cole said: There are some amazing people working behind the scenes in Thatchams community and this is the perfect opportunity to give them the recognition that they deserve, so please get nominating now as all nominations will be carefully considered. Nomination forms are available at www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk or by calling the town council offices on (01635) 863592. Nominations must be received at the town council offices by Friday, March 19. Last years awards were not held because of the pandemic. The last winners in 2019 were The Rosemary Appeal and Thatcham Park Primary School headteacher Alison Webster for their contribution to Thatchams community. 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 New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a batch of directions on a petition filed by climate activist Disha Ravi seeking direction to the Delhi Police to not leak any investigation material in relation to 'Toolkit' case to the media, while noting that the coverage has been sensational and prejudicial. The 21-year-old activist, in the petition, stated that she is being viscerally attacked by Delhi Police and media on the basis of leaked investigative matters and press briefings. The police have, however, rejected the contentions. After hearing the matter at length, Justice Prathiba Singh asked the Delhi Police to strictly abide by the affidavit filed by them on Friday, and an Office Memorandum dated April 1, 2010, which is in operation. The judge said that the police can conduct press briefings in accordance with the law. "Media shall ensure that telecasts are from verified and authentic sources. Editorial teams should ensure that such broadcast has verified content. Channel editors to ensure proper editorial control so that investigation is not hampered," the court further directed. The court said that the media plays a very important role in ensuring that there is no sensationalisation but the recent coverage shows there is definitely sensationalism and prejudicial reporting. Further, the petitioner has been asked to ensure that people connected to her do not indulge in unnecessary or scandalising messages to ensure that the parties do not go on a maligning course during the investigation. The judge also raised various issues of public importance -- privacy, the dignity of individual concerned, her right to fair trial, sovereignty and integrity of the country, reasonable restrictions that can be imposed and free speech and right of the public to know. During the course of the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing on the behalf of the Delhi Police, told the court that the allegations against police are false, adding no such information related to the case has been shared with the media. "It is not officially done. Someone could have leaked it unofficially. One peon is also sitting there, so he could also be the police source. We do not intend to leak anything which is illegal. This is to malign the police," he said. The Additional Solicitor General further said that the leaked message is of February 3, while he was arrested 10 days later. "Hence, she could have sent it to people. She is using this to defame and vilify the police so that we do not do our job properly. This is a systemic attempt to put pressure on investigating agencies." Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, also raised questions on the maintainability of the petition filed by Disha Ravi. Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, sought four reliefs -- media houses must take down from their handles WhatsApp conversation, media be restrained from disseminating any particulars of the investigation, comply with the programme code and police be restrained from sharing any information with the media. The climate activist was arrested from Bengaluru last week in connection with allegedly editing and sharing a 'toolkit' on social media related to the farmers' protest. The Delhi Police Special Cell procured five-day custody of the 21-year-old climate activist from the court to identify Pro-Khalistani group -- Poetic Justice Foundation and its active members, and to recover the deleted WhatsApp Group. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The COVID-19 recession has done nothing to tame Australias rampant housing affordability problem and the Victorian governments $5.3 billion public housing spend is unlikely to make any difference in the state. Two affordable housing experts and the Victorian Council of Social Service have told The Age they were disappointed the pandemic-induced recession had failed to lead to a more accessible housing market. A large crowd turns out for an auction in South Yarra this month. Credit:Nine The government insists its plans to build 12,000 social, public and affordable dwellings in the next four years will help affordability and improve the lives of thousands of families across the state. Real estate markets in Australias big cities and many of the regions are soaring again after shrugging off the COVID-19 recession, launching house prices to record highs and sparking expectations of a sustained new boom. This "Eight-Panel Folding Screen with Hunting Scene," created in the late 18th century, returned from the States and is now on display at the National Palace Museum of Korea. Courtesy of Cultural Heritage Administration By Kwon Mee-yoo An "Eight-Panel Folding Screen with Hunting Scene," created during Joseon Dynasty King Jeongjo's reign in the late 18th century, was returned from the United States and went on display at the National Palace Museum of Korea starting Thursday. The Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, an affiliate of the Cultural Heritage Administration, purchased the artwork at Christie's auction house in New York last September for $930,000 (1.1 billion won). Chong Pyong-mo, a visiting professor at Gyeongju University, said that the returned "Hunting Scene" is of the highest artistic quality among remaining hunting scene paintings. "The folding screen painting provides a glimpse into the politics and national defense between the Joseon Kingdom and Qing Empire, raising its historical value," Chong said. "Hunting Scene" is also known as "Horyeodo" in Korean, which means, "northern barbarian people hunting." It depicts China's Qing emperor hunting. The subject is closely related to the political situation during King Jeongjo's reign (1776-1800). Joseon was invaded twice by Manchu forces in 1627 and 1636 when the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912) gained control of China from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and hostility against the Qing was prevalent. However, Chinese culture flowed into Joseon in the late 18th century, resulting in growing interest in Qing culture. Along with Jeongjo's pragmatic diplomatic policy, paintings of hunting scenes began to be produced in Joseon. The eight silk-backed panels stretch 385 centimeters wide and 154 centimeters in height. Part of the "Eight-Panel Folding Screen with Hunting Scene" returned from the U.S. / Courtesy of Cultural Heritage Administration Chong said typical hunting scene painting consists of hunting scene only, but this one features the procession of the Qing emperor and royal ladies takes up panels 1 through 6 with the hunting scene depicted on panels 7 and 8. "The man wearing blue leather robe adorned with white dragon in the fifth panel is the Qing emperor. The women in royal family are in a palanquin," Chong explained. The folding screen is from the property of Kathleen J. Crane, a missionary and former Ewha Womans University professor who resided in Korea from 1952 to 1987 and a private collector who purchased it from her family put it up for auction. There is a seal of renowned Joseon era painter Kim Hong-do in the eighth panel, but Chong said it is likely to be painted by a court painter in the late 18th century, influenced by Kim Hong-do. Kim Hong-do is said to have painted the first Hunting Scene painting in Joseon, but his version failed to survive and only mentioned in Seo Yu-gu's essay "Essays on Rural Life and Economy." "The backdrop in the first and second panels is similar to Kim Hong-do's landscape paintings. However, the depicting style of drapery is different from Kim, so we estimate that it is from a painter influence by Kim's style," Chong said. Most of the extant hunting scene folding screen paintings are in folk painting style, but the returned one is in high-quality court painting style with exquisite expression of the landscape and detailed depiction of human figures in the procession. "The returned Hunting Scene is expected to broaden the scope of research into paintings on this theme, which has thus far been focused mainly on folk painting, and will be utilized for diverse purposes including exhibition and education," the CHA said in a statement. Published On Feb 19, 2021 03:43 PM By Sonny for Isuzu MU-X 2017-2020 Theres a new-gen mu-X in Thailand, but it seems well have to settle with the older model Isuzu is yet to launch BS6-compliant passenger models in India. The new-gen mu-X full-size SUV debuted in Thailand in late 2020, with new styling and more features. The old mu-X has been spied testing in India, likely with a BS6-compliant 3.0-litre diesel engine. Expect new features on offer, the SUV to take on the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. The BS6 mu-X could be priced from Rs 27 lakh onwards, expected to launch in the coming months. Isuzu had reportedly stopped production of its BS4 vehicles in December 2019. The carmaker was expected to launch the BS6-compliant models sometime in 2020, but that had to be put on the back burner because of the pandemic. While theres no new Isuzu passenger vehicle in India, it seems like that could change soon. An mu-X has been spied testing in Bengaluru, and it is likely the BS6 version of the full-size SUV. Towards the end of 2020, Isuzu had launched the new-gen mu-X in Thailand. However, based on the test mule that was spied, it seems like we will have to make do with the previous-gen model, at least for now. The SUV is expected to get a BS6-compliant version of the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine which will continue to be paired with an automatic transmission and an optional 4WD. In the latest Thai-spec model, this engine produces 190PS and 450Nm, and is paired to a 6-speed torque convertor. While the older mu-X cabin will feel dated compared to that of its rivals, it should still offer plenty of space. The Isuzu SUV had a bare-bones feature list, despite being priced at nearly Rs 30 lakh. Its dashboard had utilitarian styling while covering the basics such as cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system (without Android Auto or Apple CarPlay), leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable drivers seat. Although we wont get the new mu-X just yet, the BS6 update will likely bring on additional features to keep it competent. The earlier Isuzu announcement regarding the BS6 upgrade suggested that prices could increase by as much as Rs 4 lakh. However, the company is likely to price the updated mu-X from Rs 27 lakh to position it just beneath primary competitors like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. We can expect the Japanese carmaker to launch the India-spec new-gen mu-X in the future Image Source Self-interested as all this may sound, its not about me or any other voices you may like or despise in our pages. Most of us whose names you know will be fine if the Alden chop shop discards us as scrap. Its about the communities that benefit from reporters with their eyes on the institutions of power and influence who go to meetings, sit through trials, bang on doors, ask pesky questions, pore over documents and otherwise hold to account those who, all in all, would rather not be held to account. Its about those who highlight the great and heartwarming human accomplishments of our fellow citizens. And its about the editors who guide them and the photographers who bring their work alive. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Advertisement Shocking footage seen by MailOnline reveals the appalling state of Nigerian wet markets which have the potential to cause future disease outbreaks in humans. Myriad animals including pangolins, primates and sea turtles are held both dead and alive in confined spaces while workers fail to sanitise surfaces or tools and do not wear appropriate PPE, including gloves. Video also shows many of the animals being abused before they are slaughtered; photographic evidence reveals vendors boiling animals including pangolins, dogs and manatees while they are still alive. The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan is believed to be the site of the first outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing the Covid-19 pandemic. This is an example of zoonotic transmission where viruses jump from animals to people and experts warn bringing a wide range of animals into a small space alongside humans in unclean conditions is a perfect recipe for disease. Malcolm Bennett, Professor of Zoonotic and Emerging Disease at the University of Nottingham, told MailOnline: 'If you were to want to maximise the risk of zoonotic transmission you would mix human contact with a wide range of animals domestic and wild and bring them together both alive and dead in the same area.' Zoonotic diseases are not uncommon, with Covid-19, SARS, MERS, Ebola, HIV, the bubonic plague, rabies, West Nile virus and Lyme disease all originating in animals before infecting humans. Pictured, two pangolins at the Epe wet market curl up into a defensive ball in fear. The animals are being kept alive to be sold for their meat and scales Video footage obtained by MailOnline shows many of the animals being abused before they are slaughtered; photographic evidence reveals vendors boiling animals including pangolins, dogs and manatees while they are still alive A pangolin is butchered by a vendor who uses a machete to hack off the animal's keratin scales to sell. The animal is dead at this stage but was boiled alive prior to this stage Coronavirus DID start in China and 'exploded' at Wuhan wet market, WHO scientist says The coronavirus pandemic started in China and 'exploded' at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, an Australian scientist investigating the origins of the pandemic claims. Professor Dominic Dwyer was one of 14 scientists who travelled to China over the past month in a World Health Organisation investigation into the virus that has killed 2.3 million people around the world. On Tuesday many were shocked to hear the leader of the WHO team, Peter Embarek, echo Communist Party's assertions that frozen food imports, such as Australian beef, could have led to the initial outbreak. However, Professor Dwyer, a microbiologist and infectious diseases expert, broke ranks with those claims, saying the source of the virus was most likely bats as previously suspected. 'The evidence for it starting elsewhere in the world is actually very limited. There is some evidence but it's not really very good,' he told Nine News. 'We know that other viruses that are closely related to [Covid-19] are present in bats. We know that other viruses like MERS and SARS back in 2003 also came from bats. 'Now these bats don't respect borders of course so they are present not just in China but in other parts on South East Asia and indeed elsewhere around the world.' 'I think the explosion in the Wuhan market was really just an amplifying event. The virus had probably been circulating for some good few weeks beforehand among people in the community,' he said. His claim is at odds with the WHO and Chinese Government, which tried to argue the virus was not present anywhere before December 2019. Advertisement WildatLife, a charity working on the ground in Nigeria, visited Oluwu fish market in Epe, 55 miles east of Lagos. The volunteers secretly recorded conditions at the market where vendors handle, butcher and sell live and dead animals. 'Wet markets like Oluwo Fish Market located in Nigeria, facilitate and heavily contribute to the practice of illicit wildlife trade and in turn, this practice can lead to the spread of zoonotic diseases,' WildatLife told MailOnline. 'Transportation of animals for wildlife trade at these markets enables the spread of diseases from animals to other animals and pose a threat to human health.' Dozens of primates can be seen in the footage stuck in small cages while snakes, crocodiles, duikers, sea turtles, manatees, rodents and parakeets are also present. 'All animals are infected with something and only some are infectious to humans,' Professor Bennett explains. 'Having more animals in the same space and in close contact with each other makes it more likely something will emerge in humans. 'The more biodiverse an area/country is (in the tropics for example), the higher risk there is that something is going to emerge. 'There is an almost 100 per cent risk of something emerging in humans, but we can't predict where that will be or what that will be.' It is thought SARS-CoV-2 jumped from a bat and into an intermediate species, potentially a pangolin, where it then evolved to be able to infect humans. It is possible this intermediate animal would have then passed the virus on to a human who visited the market. If the transient host was indeed a pangolin, this could have happened when the infected pangolin's scales were ingested as a medicine or its meat was consumed. The cacophony of fauna available in Epe are all sold for various reasons, often to be eaten or to be illegally shipped to other parts of the world where they will enter the black market of fashion or traditional medicine. WildatLife tries to rescue, rehabilitate and release as many of the animals as it is safe to do so. Ton, an infant baboon, was being held in a small bird cage at the market after his mother was killed by poachers. Primates are sold for their meat and elsewhere in the market the charity found a crate of monkey skulls which were being sold after being boiled to remove any fur. Ton was successfully saved as well as more than a dozen pangolins. One female pangolin gave birth just one day after being rescued from the market and both mother and baby were nurtured to full health. Monkeys are all kept in tiny cages close together at the wet market east of Lagos, Nigeria Ton, an infant baboon (pictured), was being held in a small bird cage at the market after his mother was killed by poachers. He was saved by conservationists and activists Many primates at the Epe wet market are poached from the nearby wilderness and kept in small cages before being killed. Primates are close relative of humans and many diseases which infect them can also thrive in people. HIV jumped from chimps to humans more than 100 years ago Primates are sold for their meat and at the market the charity found a crate of monkey skulls (pictured) which were being sold after being boiled to remove any fur China cracks down on the hunting and trading of pangolins China has stepped up the protection efforts of pangolins - believed to be the world's most trafficked mammal - as the country continues to clamp down on the wild animal trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 2021, Chinas national insurance program is no longer covering medicines containing pangolin products. Chinese authorities in June 2020 increased the protection level of the critically endangered animals from class two to class one. The move means anyone found guilty of hunting and trading pangolins would face double the jail term. The general hunting and trading of pangolins has been banned in China since the late 1980s, but the exotic mammals are still trafficked by the thousands for their perceived nutritional value. In February 2020, a team of Chinese scientists claimed that pangolins might be the link which allowed the bug to be passed onto people from bats. Researchers at the South China Agricultural University identified the scaly mammal as a 'potential intermediate host'. The international scientific community has since debated over the proposition, and the exact source of the virus remains unknown. Last month, researchers from China found that pangolins are indeed natural hosts for various coronaviruses, but do not appear to be the direct source of COVID-19. Advertisement Pangolins are coveted for their scales which are made up of keratin, the same material as human fingernails and the horn of rhinos. They are the only scaled mammals on Earth. The scales act like armour and protects the soft underbelly from predators. But pangolin scales are highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine as they are ground up and used in ointments. Despite no scientific evidence, many believe the scales have healing powers. As a result, Asian pangolin species have been poached to the verge of extinction in Asia, and now its African relatives are being targeted to meet the high demand. An international trade ban on all eight pangolin species was implemented in 2017, but it is being resolutely ignored by traffickers. Pictured, a sea turtle which was rescued from the Epe wet market alongside a couple of pangolins This crocodile is being stripped of its scales, which will be sold. Malcolm Bennett, Professor of Zoonotic and Emerging Disease at the University of Nottingham, told MailOnline: 'If you were to want to maximise the risk of zoonotic transmission you would mix human contact with a wide range of animals domestic and wild and bring them together both alive and dead in the same area' Pictured, a snake lying in a pool of blood on the floor of a stall at the Oluwu fish market in Epe, 55 miles east of Lagos. The volunteers secretly recorded conditions at the market where vendors handle, butcher and sell live and dead animals Pictured, a dog which was boiled alive. The charred and blackened rea=mains were identified by experts working with WildatLife Dozens of primates can be seen in the footage stuck in small cages while snakes, crocodiles, duikers (pictured, severed duiker heads), sea turtles, manatees, rodents and parakeets are also present ZOONOTIC DISEASES: THESE ARE VIRUSES USUALLY STARTED IN WILD ANIMALS THAT CAN PASS TO OTHER SPECIES AND SURVIVE Zoonotic diseases are able to pass from one species to another. The infecting agent - called a pathogen - in these diseases is able to cross the species border and still survive. They range in potency, and are often less dangerous in one species than they are in another. In order to be successful they rely on long and direct contact with different animals. Common examples are the strains of influenza that have adapted to survive in humans from various different host animals. H5N1, H7N9 and H5N6 are all strains of avian influenza which originated in birds and infected humans. These cases are rare but outbreaks do occur when a person has prolonged, direct exposure with infected animals. The flu strain is also incapable of passing from human to human once a person is infected. A 2009 outbreak of swine flu - H1N1 - was considered a pandemic and governments spent millions developing 'tamiflu' to stop the spread of the disease. Influenza is zoonotic because, as a virus, it can rapidly evolve and change its shape and structure. There are examples of other zoonotic diseases, such as chlamydia. Chlamydia is a bacteria that has many different strains in the general family. This has been known to happen with some specific strains, Chlamydia abortus for example. This specific bacteria can cause abortion in small ruminants, and if transmitted to a human can result in abortions, premature births and life-threatening illnesses in pregnant women. Advertisement The Wildlife Justice Commission recently concluded that between 2016 and 2019 organised crime groups had 228 tons of pangolin scales seized by authorities. It is thought this is likely from tens of thousand of pangolins, but the true scale will inevitably be much larger. Pangolin scales have increased in value on the black market exponentially since the landmark 2018 ruling from China which banned its domestic ivory trade. The report found China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Nigeria, and Democratic Republic of Congo account for 94 per cent of the underground pangolin trade. Nigeria was the central provider , according to the report, and was responsible for 55 per cent of all seizures over the four-year window. China and Vietnam are the two most popular destinations. China is taking steps to reduce the demand for pangolin scales, including removing pangolin products from China's national insurance program. 'China's doing really well, but more needs to happen, especially in places like Nigeria, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Singapore,' Sarah Stoner, director of intelligence at the Wildlife Justice Commission, told Nat Geo. Vietnam is now believed to be the biggest market for pangolin scales, and the trade networks between Nigeria and Vietnam are going from strength to strength. Pictured, a female pangolin gave birth just one day after being rescued from the market and both mother and baby were nurtured to full health More than a dozen pangolins have been rescued from the wet market and one had a baby (pictured) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bipartisan resolution on Friday condemning actions by the Chinese government and local authorities in Hong Kong that they said violated rights and freedoms in the city. The resolution adds to growing calls in the U.S. Congress for President Joe Biden's administration to push Communist Party rulers in Beijing to respect human rights. House lawmakers on Thursday reintroduced a bipartisan bill that would ban imports from China's Xinjiang region unless it is certified they are not produced with forced labor, and allow further sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for abuses against Uighur Muslims. Lead sponsors of the Hong Kong resolution introduced on Friday include Representative Greg Meeks, the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Michael McCaul, the panel's top Republican. Critics see a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing in June 2020 as a blunt tool to stifle dissent and curb media freedom and other liberties in the former British colony of Hong Kong, that returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The law calls for tougher media regulation and supervision. The government says Hong Kong's rights and freedoms, guaranteed under the handover agreement, remain intact. Since the law was introduced, many prominent pro-democracy activists and politicians have been arrested, while some songs and slogans have been banned, along with anything that may be considered political activity in schools. The resolution introduced on Friday encourages the Biden administration to work with other countries to hold the Chinese government accountable and to push U.S. companies to be aware of the risks the Chinese national security legislation poses to U.S. security, citizens and long-term business interests. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Nick Macfie) Photo and map Robotic laboratories on the bottom of Lake Erie have revealed that the muddy sediments there release nearly as much of the nutrient phosphorus into the surrounding waters as enters the lake's central basin each year from rivers and their tributaries. Excessive phosphorus, largely from agricultural sources, contributes to the annual summer cyanobacteria bloom that plagues Lake Erie's western basin and the central basin's annual "dead zone," an oxygen-starved region that blankets several thousand square miles of lake bottom and that reduces habitat for fish and other organisms. The release of phosphorus from Lake Erie sediments during periods of low oxygen--a phenomenon known as self-fertilization or internal loading--has been acknowledged since the 1970s. But the new University of Michigan-led study marks the first time the process has been monitored step by step for an entire season using lake-bottom sensors. The authors of the new study, published online Feb. 18 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Water, say self-fertilization is likely increasing the severity of Lake Erie's central-basin dead zone and could make it harder to control in the future, as the climate continues to warm. "Until now, we lacked evidence to pinpoint when and where this phenomenon occurs in Lake Erie and how much it contributes to nutrients in the lake," said study lead author Hanna Anderson, a research technician at U-M's Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research who did the work for a master's thesis at the School for Environment and Sustainability. "These new measurements have allowed us to estimate that this self-fertilization process contributes up to 11,000 metric tons of phosphorus to the lake water each summer, an amount that is close to the total annual runoff of phosphorus from rivers and tributaries into the central part of the lake," said Casey Godwin, an assistant research scientist at the institute and a co-author of the paper. Efforts to control Lake Erie nutrient pollution, or eutrophication, have focused on reducing the amount of phosphorus-rich runoff from farms and other sources that flows into the lake from rivers and their tributaries. In 2016, the U.S. and Canadian governments adopted a phosphorus-reduction target of 40%. The authors of the new Environmental Science & Technology Water study say self-fertilization by phosphorus (P) released from lake-bottom sediments also needs to be considered. "Environmental managers tasked with tributary load reduction must take internal loading estimates into account when determining how to balance the total P load," they wrote. "Historical and persistent sediment P loading represents a delayed lake response to eutrophication and prevents the successful management of a system when only external P loading is considered." In addition to several U-M scientists, authors of the paper include researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. U-M scientists and staff at CIGLR collaborate with NOAA GLERL on a number of projects such as this. The researchers deployed two small autonomous laboratories at lake-bottom sites in Lake Erie's central basin--one at a depth of 67 feet and the other at a depth of 79 feet--in late July 2019 and left them there for more than two months. The self-contained chemistry labs, manufactured by SeaBird Scientific and owned by the team's NOAA collaborators, are cylinders 22 inches long and 7 inches wide. The labs and their batteries were placed inside a protective steel framework that was lowered from the stern of a ship. The metal cage was attached to a 150-pound weight and two white floats that kept it off the bottom. The autonomous analyzers were programmed to measure phosphorus concentrations in the water every six hours. They also monitored water temperature and dissolved-oxygen levels. More than 300 phosphorus measurements were made at each site before the devices were retrieved in early October. This previously unobtainable dataset yielded some surprising findings. For example, earlier studies had suggested that nutrients begin to flow out of lake-bottom sediments when dissolved-oxygen concentrations in the surrounding waters drop to very low levels, a condition called hypoxia. But the chemistry robots showed that the flow of phosphorus did not begin during hypoxia--even when oxygen levels dropped below the point where fish can survive. Instead, the "positive P flux" from the sediments began 12 to 24 hours after dissolved oxygen levels in the lake-bottom water dropped to zero, a condition called anoxia. At the two central-basin sites in Lake Erie, that period began in late summer and continued into early October. "Within 24 hours of when the oxygen went away completely, we recorded a rapid increase of phosphorus in the water, and this continued until the concentration at the bottom of the lake was more than a hundred times higher than at the surface," said study senior author Thomas Johengen, director of U-M's Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research. "Our findings about the timing of phosphorus release relative to oxygen levels in the water are the first of their kind for the Great Lakes and represent a novel application of this technology," Johengen said. Knowing when the phosphorus release began, the rate of flow from the sediments, and the duration of the anoxic period enabled the researchers to estimate the total amount of phosphorus added to Lake Erie's central basin each year due to internal loading. The researchers estimated that Erie's lake-bottom sediments annually release between 2,000 and 11,500 metric tons of phosphorus. The high end of this range equals the approximate annual inflow of phosphorus to Lake Erie's central basin from rivers and tributaries: 10,000 to 11,000 metric tons. The released phosphorus is in a readily available form called soluble reactive phosphorus, or SRP, that likely fuels central-basin algal growth. When those algae die and sink, bacteria decompose the organic matter and consume oxygen in the process. The result: an oxygen-starved region in bottom and near-bottom waters of the central basin known as the dead zone. "Internal loading of phosphorus from lake-bottom sediments can become a positive feedback loop: Hypoxia leads to the release of P from the sediments, which causes more algae growth, and the dead and dying algae consume the oxygen in the water and contribute to hypoxia the following summer," Godwin said. "This type of feedback has been seen in lakes worldwide, and it interacts with ongoing efforts to reduce phosphorus loads from Lake Erie's tributaries," he said. As the Great Lakes continue to warm in the years ahead due to human-caused climate change, Lake Erie's central-basin dead zone is expected to form earlier and last longer each year, resulting in a greater supply of phosphorus released from the sediments, according to the study authors. The current study demonstrates the potential for using robotic laboratories to monitor those changes, as well as any changes that may occur due to the decreased flow of nutrients into Lake Erie from rivers and tributaries, according to the authors. Internal loading from central-basin sediments likely does not impact the severity of Lake Erie's western-basin algal blooms, according to the researchers. "NOAA's mission in the Great Lakes includes observing, understanding and forecasting significant events such as internal loading. Very often, the development and application of advanced technology such as this can confirm a hypothesis or provide novel insight that was previously impossible," said study co-author Steve Ruberg, senior scientist at NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. "This important observational result will contribute to NOAA's collaboration with the EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, significantly improving our understanding of hypoxic zone phosphorus loading and the subsequent impact on the Lake Erie ecosystem," Ruberg said. ### In addition to Anderson, Godwin, Johengen and Ruberg, the authors of the Environmental Science & Technology Water paper are Heidi Purcell and Peter Alsip of U-M's Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research and Lacey Mason of NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. The work was supported by NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Competitive Research Program and through the NOAA Cooperative Agreement with the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research at the University of Michigan. 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 paraklisi Saint Philothei was born in Athens in 1522 to an illustrious family. Against her will, she was married to a man who proved to be most cruel.Holy Martyr Philothea the Athenian(Feast Day - February 19)When he died three years later, the Saint took up the monastic life and established a convent, in which she became a true mother to her disciples. Many women enslaved and abused by the Muslim Turks also ran to her for refuge. Because of this, the Turkish rulers became enraged and came to her convent, dragged her by force out of the church, and beat her cruelly. After a few days, she reposed, giving thanks to God for all things. This came to pass in the year 1589. She was renowned for her almsgiving, and with Saints Hierotheus and Dionysius the Areopagite is considered a patron of the city of Athens.From a Greek biography of the Saint:Certainly philanthropy was one of Saint Philothei's main motives. At a time when there were no hospitals, no shelters for the poor, no homes for the elderly, no asylums, and no shelters for the protection of women, their place was taken by monastic institutions.In addition to her dedication to a virtuous life, practicing philanthropy by offering protection, giving alms and ministering to the poor and sick, providing Christian education by teaching everyone ecclesiastical letters and liturgical knowledge, the holy woman contributed the following:First, she founded schools for the children of the Athenians, to open their eyes to the tradition and renown of their ancestors. 'Lay hold of instruction, lest at any time the Lord be angry' (Ps. 2:12). Philothei brought this scriptural quotation to reality. Within her flickered the hope of the rebirth of the Byzantine Empire and...the early deliverance from the bestial yoke of the conquerors.Second, Philothei aimed at protecting the daughters of Athens from the disgrace of conversion to Islam.... The danger of being subjected to conversion existed not only for the noble daughters who were forcibly abducted by the Turks because of their beauty and grace, but also for the simple ones, the peasant girls, who were forced to work in Turkish homes and farms in order to sustain themselves. Pressure, necessity and ignorance (the great deceiver) were causes in forcing the maidens into submission.However, Philothei, with her convent of virgins (), her schools, her convent's metochia, and family ties, was capable of either strengthening those under duress or sending them away and hiding them. This was done until their consciences recovered or the danger subsided; and until fear was replaced by a spirit of faith and sacrifice for the sake of the Christian Faith.N.B. Tomadakis, The Life and Service of Saint Philothei, University of Athens.Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First ToneThe famed city of Athens doth honour Philothei, the righteous Martyr, whose relics it now revereth with joy; for while living in sobriety and holiness, she hath exchanged all earthly things for the everlasting life through great contests as a Martyr; and she entreateth the Saviour to grant His mercy unto all of us.Kontakion in the Third ToneWe all honour Philothei with jubilation of spirit, as this day we rev'rently worship her ven'rable relics. For she lived her whole life working kindness and mercy; and the righteous one, receiving a martyr's ending, is deemed worthy to entreat God that all be granted eternal life with the Saints.Procession with the incorrupt relics of St. Philothei in 2007Church of St. Andrew, founded by St. Philothei after a vision: johnsanidopoulos The constable deputies knocked on each door of the east Harris County senior apartment complex in quick succession. Most residents answered, some of them sitting in wheelchairs or walkers and others missing limbs from battles with diabetes. How are you doing? the Precinct 2 deputies asked. Would you care for a hot meal? The seniors smiled and gratefully took the beef stew, provided by the Houston Food Bank. For some, it was their first hot food after two days without electricity. They come in situations where we desperately need it, said resident Victor Paredes, 69. Everybody here, theyre handicapped, theyre on oxygen So Im glad they came through. Like many others in Harris County, residents at Big Bass Resort in Jacinto City had run low on groceries by Thursday. After the winter storm iced roads and kept millions holed up without water and power, Texas officials anticipate major food shortages in the days and weeks to come, prompting the Houston Food Bank to kick start mass food giveaways that are already ramping up through the weekend. Calls from residents in need have led the food bank to expect long lines at facilities where its partner groups distribute their food. The food bank has a massive reach across southeast Texas, with 159 million meals provided across 18 counties during the past fiscal year, , according to spokeswoman Paula Murphy. More Information If you need help Houston Food Bank help line: 832-369-9390 Map and other resources to find food: houstonfoodbank.org/find-help How to help Visit houstonfoodbank.org/winterstorm. Monetary donations can be made online. Volunteering sign-up opportunities are available online at the food bank's winter storm web address. People donating food can host a virtual food drive fundraiser through the website, or donate food by contacting the Houston Food Bank at donateASAP@houstonfoodbank.org or calling 281-786-2676. Most-needed items: Bottled water; ready-to eat foods such as soup, canned pasta and canned protein; granola bars; cereal and bread See More Collapse The food bank and all the partners we work with, were almost like the last resort, said Brian Greene, president and CEO of the organization. It can, for a lot of households, be the difference between getting by and tragedy. In disaster mode Aside from any issues grocery stores might have restocking their shelves, most food shortages equate to income shortages, Greene said. Families who were already struggling financially - some still recovering from past floods and others laid off during the pandemic - might be experiencing rougher situations after losing a weeks worth of income due to an inability to work during the freeze. Some money that was spent on food before the storm likely went to waste, as a lack of electricity caused refrigerated or frozen items to spoil, Greene said. And unforseen expenses from building damage can make affording food difficult. Greene expects food shortages to mirror experiences during hurricanes. A large number of households need aid in the first few days after a storm, and then the number trickles down to low-income households that sustained significant damage, he said. Because of the anticipated needs, Harris County officials have urged out-of-state supporters to donate to the food bank. Even as the lights come back on, were facing a food and water crisis in Harris County, Texas, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo tweeted Thursday. The food bank entered a disaster mode beginning Monday, with offices closed and no volunteers working due to the inclement conditions, Murphy said. But workers delivered thousands of meals to partners that were open, and skeleton teams were stationed to meet urgent requests through Wednesday. Some of those locations included the George R. Brown and American Red Cross warming shelters, Lakewood Church, Brazoria County warming center in Lake Jackson and the Brazoria Dream Center. The shelter also distributed blankets, some of them donated by Walmart. At the food bank offices in east Houston, employees on Thursday worked in higher numbers. They prepared beef stew on a conveyer line, and others readied ham and cheese sandwiches. Theres no way of guessing how many people might need to be fed, culinary operations manager Judd Lohof said. We try to be ready to meet the need and react when were called to help, he said. A neighborly gesture Gloria Partida responded with glee when she opened her door to deputies, who greeted her with the food banks beef stew. How many? Constable Jerry Garcia asked. Five! Partida, 79, laughed. No, just one. She had been surviving off tuna fish sandwiches, but now shes out of bread. She didnt have any luck at the grocery store once the ice cleared off the roads. I went yesterday and couldnt find bread anywhere, she said. When the deputies finished handing almost 250 servings of stew, they went upstairs to entrust some leftovers to 82-year-old Parkdoll Jackson Burks. They asked her to distribute the rest, because they heard she fed a handful of neighbors this week with meals she was able to cook over canned heat. Burks was in good spirits, quick to help and eager to show off her cooking skills. She went to her kitchen and returned with her famous tea cakes and banana bread, which she usually sells at church. Garcia instantly pulled out a crisp bill. Ill take both of them, the constable said. Keep the change to buy more and make more money. In shock, Burks dropped her head and cried. She raised her hands in praise. The more you give, the more He gives back to you, she said. samantha.ketterer@chron.com Making original street tacos for H-Town neighborhoods is a true labor of love for Boombox Taco Truck co-owners Jessica Villa-Gomez and Alex Martinez. That labor took on a deeper meaning when they decided to reach out and feed more than 800 Houston families without power and water during the Texas winter storm. WHERE TO GET WARM: Here are the warming centers and shelters now open in Houston area "We have been struggling as well, but we're not struggling as much as other people," Villa-Gomez told Chron. "And if we have the resources to help others out, why not? We decided to give the food to people in need." Villa-Gomez and Martinez made more than 2,400 tacos to give out to families in more than eight apartment complexes in Southwest Houston during the winter storm. Villa-Gomez said she didn't do this act of kindness alone. She collaborated with Adam Beckham of Axelrad, and other Houstonians pitched in to help. "These apartments hadn't had any power for days," Villa-Gomez said. "We were in the cold as well. We will able to stay a bit warmer because we had a gas stove and a generator. Those people didn't have any of that. We decided to go and give back." Boombox Tacos handed out approximately two tacos per person, and hundreds of people showed up to get nourishment during the storm. "They were extremely grateful to receive the food that we gave them," Villa-Gomez said. "We just had the willingness to do this. We were fortunate to be able to donate the food we had." Villa-Gomez said that just the act of giving back to help Houstonians in need made it all worth while. "It's just good to come out of this--not just thinking about yourself, but thinking about others," Villa-Gomez said. "From a personal perspective, I'm so grateful I was able to do that. I'm not doing it alone. It just feels good to help someone out in need, if you can." Villa-Gomez said she plans to do other taco hand-out events in the future. "If there is more need after this, we're willing to go out another day," Villa-Gomez said. "That's the least we can do. This city has given me a lot. Everything I have is because the city has given it to me. It's only fair that we give a little bit back." By Fan Yang, PhD candidate at Deakin University, Deakin University Facebooks news ban in response to Australias proposed media bargaining code, has been hard to miss if youve spent any time on social networks in the past day or so. The social media platform has effectively halted all posting of links from Australian news pages and stopped people in Australia from posting or viewing international news as well. Read more: Facebook's news is gone. Here's where to turn for trusted information The change happened overnight, and may be undone if either Australia or Facebook backs down. But if the current situation continues, it may leave Facebook operating much more like the Chinese platform WeChat, where news is ruled by platform-specific content houses cranking out huge volumes of low-quality articles. And that might suit Facebook quite well if not the public. What is WeChat? WeChat is the major social media platform in the Peoples Republic of China. Its also used by many people around the world, including in Australia. While the PRC and Australia have very different political systems, this shouldnt stop us paying attention to their similarities. WeChat is as privately owned as a company can be in China, and is often described as the Chinese Facebook. But WeChat is an even more pervasive platform, combining its own set of built-in tools, payment services and communications networks with a range of optional apps and utilities from messaging services to games and more. Read more: Thinking of taking up WeChat? Here's what you need to know In short, WeChat does everything. Because of this, entire news organisations have set up inside the platform. These are known as WeChat Official Accounts (WOAs), and are roughly equivalent to blue tick accounts on other platforms such as Twitter. If Facebooks Australian news embargo continues, we think something like the WeChat model might develop here. In our research, we have shown its very common for features and interface elements to move between English and Mandarin digital media. People might have a general idea that some aspects of US-based social media have been reproduced by Mandarin language services (such as WeChats Instagram-copying Moments product) but the copying goes both ways. The stickers, GIFs, QR codes, live commenting, and direct messaging used by the likes of Faceboook, Twitter and LinkedIn were copied from WeChat, Weibo and Bilibili. How news works on WeChat Countless media entrepreneurs have set up WOAs since they were launched in August 2013. These accounts produce millions of news posts every day, and unlike traditional media outlets posting on Facebook, these posts are not accompanied by external links to a version of the article hosted elsewhere. WeChat is their whole audience, and they make money by renting out advertising space within their articles. One of us (Fan Yang) conducted research with 24 Australian-Chinese employees of WOAs. These organisations appear to employ far fewer journalists than traditional media and sometimes none at all. There are already many Australian-run WOAs operating almost entirely with short-term interns, most of whom do not identify themselves as professional journalists. Instead they are content producers translating published English news into Mandarin and reappropriating stories with editorial spin. Read more: How Australias Mandarin speakers get their news These organisations largely rehash existing news content, often with clickbait headlines and exaggerated accounts of events. Stories are often aggregated from multiple news sources, or simply copied entirely, perhaps being passed through an automated translation service twice to avoid directly reproducing sentences. From the fringes to the mainstream If we were to see the development of platform-specific Facebook news services modelled on the WeChat system, only a handful of media workers would be needed. They would perform multiple roles as writers, editors, marketers, content producers and translators. As these jobs might only require marginal professional experience in a specific field (such as politics, lifestyle, sports, or nature and environment), the work could be outsourced to places or regions where the labour cost is lower. With the shrinking readership and advertising revenue in the traditional news industry, content farms and outsourced journalism have already become a common way to churn out a high volume of speedy and inexpensive content. Many fringe groups already operate this way on Facebook, run by anti-vaxxers, flat-Earthers, white supremacists and more. In the absence of more traditional news on Facebook, there is no reason this model couldnt spread further. Information control When comparing China and Australia, we often think of divisions such as Chinas shutdown of the foreign internet since 2009 and the current diplomatic and trade tensions. However, both nations have seen similar shifts in the way that information is controlled on their dominant platforms, and both have high levels of media concentration. Whether the changes to Facebook will lead to increased levels of WeChat-style platform-specific news production houses, or an increased visibility of those that already exist, remains to be seen. This may depend on how independent and start-up media find a way forward, although we believe the WeChat model may be successful for some. We would suggest, however, that there are already two key messages to take away from the current situation. The first is to note that while regulation of social media is possible, political will is largely absent without the support of incumbent media organisations. This can be seen in the deals Google has recently established with several media companies. Also, only Google and Facebook have been the focus of the media bargaining code so far. Can we expect regulation of Reddit, Discord, TikTok, WeChat, Twitter, or even MySpace and Ello? What about news platforms that link to other news platforms? These developments have not yet played out. The second is that Facebook will defend its capacity to operate on its own terms, and will fight hard to prevent either states or competitors dictating how its services operate or how it governs content. Despite Facebook refusing to accept journalistic outlets as formal competitors (as this would likely invoke various national oversight mechanisms for journalistic content), they are nonetheless in competition for audiences and advertising. Anything that could shift people into Facebook-specific news-advertising contexts with independent editorial teams would be a highly desirable outcome for the platform. Robbie Fordyce receives funding from the Australian Communication Consumer Action Network to research the influence of Facebook on the Australian public. Fan Yang does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Originally published in The Conversation. (Natural News) While many other states are still closed for business due to fears about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), Florida is mostly open thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis weve got your back initiative. Rather than try to restrict the constitutional rights of Floridians, DeSantis is doubling down on respecting the fact that government has no business imposing any type of restrictions on We the People that impede our ability to work and make a living. Every Floridian has the right to earn a living, DeSantis stated in a public announcement, reiterating his same position from back in the fall when he first reopened the state economy to full capacity. Florida is open, and weve got your back. A national leader in protecting the livelihoods of our people, DeSantis emphasized the fact that while other states are locking people down with no end in sight, Florida has lifted people up instead. Every job is essential, DeSantis contends. If you work in a restaurant, we have your back. If youre a hairstylist, we protect your right to earn a living. And if you are a parent, we ensure your kids have the right to attend school in person. Lockdowns do not work, he further added. School closures have been disastrous yet even today we see across our country businesses shuttered, lives ruined, and schools closed. The fact that Florida remains open for business makes it better than many other states, DeSantis says. To keep up with the latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions across the country, be sure to check out Pandemic.news. Opening everything back up is the only way to save lives Some on the left are critical of DeSantis decision because they have not yet come to the realization that the plandemic is long over, and the restrictions put in place to combat it are a farce. Hopefully they will come to that realization soon because we need them to join us in the fight to preserve all of our constitutional rights, which are being trampled on in the name of public safety. Lockdowns do not work, and neither do masks. In fact, both of these things are creating more health problems while leaving people depressed, hopeless, and in some cases, suicidal. The only way to cure the Chinese virus is to ignore it completely, and that is essentially what DeSantis is doing by reopening Florida to full capacity. CNN is upset about this, of course, chastising DeSantis for bucking the ever-changing advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Others have also criticized DeSantis for prioritizing seniors above others in the states vaccine distribution program. Over one million seniors have so far been vaccinated throughout Florida, while another million have gone to other groups. The remaining 300,000 or so vaccines that remain have not yet been distributed. DeSantis says that if more vaccine doses are allocated for the state, Florida could double the output fairly soon. With more than 300 sites statewide, Florida has the throughput to continue pushing out vaccine supplies from the federal government and put our #SeniorsFirst, DeSantis tweeted. If more vaccines are allocated to our state, we have the capacity to double our output. Untold millions of Americans have reached their breaking point with all this, and are likewise demanding a full reopening of the economy. Almost nobody who catches Chinese germs ever even shows symptoms, let alone dies, so why are we all still being punished with no end in sight? I dont live in Florida but Im so thankful DeSantis won, wrote one Breitbart News commenter. It would have been a disaster for the entire country if Gillum were governor of Florida right now. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com The National Spatial Data Infrastructure project (NSDI), which combines information of various types on a single cartographic basis and provides users with a simple search and unhindered access to any data at the national, regional and local levels, has been presented to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. The president's press service said on Friday that the presentation of the project was attended by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Roman Leshchenko and acting Chairman of the State Service for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Oleksiy Pinchuk, and acting Chairman of the State Space Agency Mykhailo Lev, leading researchers of the Research Institute of Geodesy and Cartography, Manager of the USAID AGRO project Serhiy Kubakh. The National Spatial Data Infrastructure project is being implemented within the framework of the land reform initiated by the president in 2019. The meeting participants told Zelensky in detail about the project and the portal, which has now begun work in test mode. The main uniqueness of the system is that all the data reflected in it is not collected physically, but integrated using online services. For example, if somewhere changes are made to town planning documentation or local orthophotomaps are updated, this will instantly be available for use on the national portal NSDI. "This is very necessary for people. People who have been simply deceived for many, many years, they basically do not trust any system. Therefore, transparent authority must be transparent. If you download something and make it transparent, it must be updated constantly. It must to be alive. Live means a satellite. Yes, we do not have our own satellite yet, but we will build it and launch it this year," the president said. Six cities of Ukraine are currently participating in the pilot project: Bila Tserkov, Zhytomyr, Lviv, Mariupol, Mykolaiv and Poltava, Kharkiv and Lviv regions, 75 amalgamated territorial communities from different regions of Ukraine and the project hosts more than 500 data sets of various types. In the future, the participation of all cities and communities of the country is expected. The project was implemented in two stages. It is now expected to adopt the necessary regulatory documents for a full launch at the national level. "The introduction of the NSDI on a national scale will contribute to the gradual complete digitalization of all processes and data in Ukraine, deregulation of existing procedures, opening information and creating added value, attracting more investment, especially at the local level, avoiding duplication of financial and human resources, ensuring effective government and public control. As a result, the full functioning of the NSDI will accelerate the economic development of the country, and the openness and accessibility of information will increase citizens' confidence in the authorities," the President's Office said. Certified conformance to the FACE Technical Standard, in support of Terma's modular open system approach (MOSA) Designed to meet DO-178C DAL A airborne safety requirements High multicore performance while meeting both safety and security requirements Unrivaled security pedigree, including certification of INTEGRITY-178 to the NSA-defined Separation Kernel Protection Profile (SKPP) Support for system integrity solutions in an FPGA-based multicore Arm architecture to meet evolving system security engineering (SSE) requirements Free from foreign influence all design, development, and maintenance of INTEGRITY-178 tuMP are performed by US citizens in a US facility owned by a US company. "The combination of system integrity, safety, and multicore performance made INTEGRITY-178 tuMP the clear choice for our next-generation of electronic warfare controllers," said David Martin, Senior Vice President of Aeronautics at Terma. "Using a commercial operating system certified to the FACE Technical Standard is part of our open system architecture to provide flexible, cost-effective solutions for advanced aircraft survivability equipment. We have been using INTEGRITY-178 tuMP for a couple of years and it has made it easy to achieve our system safety, integrity, and multicore performance goals simultaneously." Terma North America AN/ALQ-213(v5) Electronic Warfare Controller (EWC) offers a versatile, independent, non-ITAR controller solution for military Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) suites. The ALQ-213(v5) EWC belongs to Terma's family of controllers, in service on 2,500+ aircraft, counting 25+ different platform types operated by more than 15 different countries around the globe. The AN/ALQ-213 allows for the integration of any EW subsystem, such as radar-, missile-, and laser-warning, direct infrared countermeasures systems, jammers, decoys, and dispensers. A unique feature of the ALQ-213 family of controllers is that the same product can be used across a mixed fleet of aircraft (fighters, helicopters, and fixed-wing transport aircraft) because the products have been developed to be platform-independent. Under the DLA IDIQ contract, the next-generation AN/ALQ-213(v5) is available for domestic and foreign military sales (FMS) on any model and block of USAF aircraft, with initial plans for F-16, C-130J, and A-10. "We are pleased to be part of Terma's next-generation EWC and their longstanding leadership in electronic warfare management systems," said Dan O'Dowd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Green Hills Software. "From the beginning, we believed that safety and security go hand-in-hand, and the AN/ALQ-213(v5) is a prime example of the combined requirement. Systems that do not deploy system integrity concepts cannot ensure continued safety, and likewise, secure systems benefit from the high availability and integrity of safety-critical architectures." The INTEGRITY-178 tuMP high-assurance RTOS from Green Hills Software uniquely is designed to meet both DO-178C DAL A airborne safety requirements and the NSA-defined Separation Kernel Protection Profile (SKPP) for "high robustness" security at Common Criteria EAL 6+. Beyond the separation kernel, INTEGRITY-178 tuMP provides a complete set of APIs for use by multi-level security (MLS) applications within a secure partition, e.g., an MLS guard, which is a fundamental requirement in a cross-domain system (CDS). INTEGRITY-178 tuMP is a multicore RTOS with support for running a multi-threaded DAL A application across multiple processor cores in symmetric multi-processing (SMP) or bound multi-processing (BMP) configurations, as well as supporting the more basic asymmetric multi-processing (AMP). INTEGRITY-178 tuMP was the first RTOS to be certified conformant to the FACE Technical Standard, edition 3.0, and it is the only RTOS with multicore interference mitigation for all shared resources. Multicore interference happens when more than one processor core attempts simultaneous access of a shared resource, such as system memory, I/O, or the on-chip interconnect. The bandwidth allocation and monitoring (BAM) functionality in INTEGRITY-178 tuMP ensures that critical applications get their allocated access to shared resources in order to meet their required deadlines, significantly lowering integration and certification risk. Together, the flexible multi-processing architecture and the multicore interference mitigation enable a system integrator to maximize multicore processor performance while meeting safety and security requirements. About Terma Operating in the aeronautics, defense, and security sectors, Terma North America supports customers and partners all over the world. Headquartered in Crystal City, Virginia, Terma NA operates from two additional main offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Warner Robins, Georgia, which hosts a production/repair facility. Terma NA also maintains remote locations, such as Ft. Worth, Texas, where US team members work directly with customers on a regular basis. Terma North America is part of the Denmark based high-tech Terma Group, which develops products and systems for defense and non-defense security applications including command and control systems, radar systems, self-protection systems for aircraft, space technology, and aerostructures for the aircraft industry. About Green Hills Software Founded in 1982, Green Hills Software is the worldwide leader in embedded safety and security. In 2008, the Green Hills INTEGRITY-178 RTOS was the first and only operating system to be certified by NIAP (National Information Assurance Partnership comprised of NSA & NIST) to EAL 6+, High Robustness, the highest level of security ever achieved for any software product. Our open architecture, integrated development solutions address deeply embedded, safety/security and high-reliability applications for the military/avionics, medical, industrial, automotive, networking, consumer and other markets that demand industry-certified solutions. Green Hills Software is headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, with European headquarters in the United Kingdom. Visit Green Hills Software at www.ghs.com. Green Hills, the Green Hills logo, INTEGRITY and tuMP are trademarks or registered trademarks of Green Hills Software, in the U.S. and/or internationally. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Green Hills Software Related Links http://www.ghs.com Face mask only shield against coronavirus: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Pune, Feb 19: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that swords and shields were used in the battles fought during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's times but in the fight against the coronavirus, face mask is the only shield. He made the statement at the Shivneri fort in Junnar tehsil of Pune district, where he paid homage to Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary. Shivaji Maharaj was born on Shivneri fort in 1630. Thackeray visited the fort in the morning and paid floral tributes to Shivaji Maharaj and his mother Jijabai. As COVID-19 cases surge, several districts in Maharashtra gear up for lockdown Thackeray said that entire Maharashtra reveres Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a deity. "Numerous kings came and disappeared.... Numerous battles were fought, several kingdoms came and vanished, but there is something special about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he said. "Shivaji Maharaj fought several battles and established 'swaraj'.... There is no need to tell how he fought the opponents. No such battles are being fought now, and there are no swords and shields. But right now we are fighting a battle against the coronavirus and face mask is the only shield in the fight," he said. "...we will strike whenever it is required, but while defending, we have to use a shield. In this battle, mask is our shield...do not forget that," Thackeray added. One cannot win a battle by just holding a sword. One needs a determined heart and the desire to win. Shivaji Maharaj continues to provide that inspiration, he said. The chief minister also attended several programmes, including the "cradle ceremony", at the fort. Do not invite BJP leaders to wedding events: BKU National President Naresh Tikait Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was also present there on the occasion. In view of the coronavirus pandemic, the district administration had urged people not to gather at Shivneri fort to celebrate the Maratha warrior king's birth anniversary. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News Thackeray also said that he considers himself fortunate and blessed as he got the opportunity to come to Shivneri for the second consecutive year to pay homage. He added that the radiance of history linked to all the forts in the state needs to be spread across the globe. The chief minister said that during the programme, someone told him that Shivaji Maharaj possessed a certain skill. "Even Dada (Ajit Pawar) has that skill. I am going to learn it to find out what is going on in his mind," he said in a lighter vein. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 16:06 [IST] 27727 Evan Abrams, Associate, Steptoe & Johnson LLP Evan Abrams, Associate, Steptoe & Johnson LLP Blockchain technology is advancing rapidly with new use cases emerging on a seemingly weekly basis. A particular area of growth has been so-called enterprise applications with ideas ranging from records storage to event tickets to supply chain management and more. While blockchain technology has a reputation of being unregulated, the reality is that a number of complex legal regimes can apply to blockchain technology and government agencies have pursued both civil and criminal penalties against persons operating in this space. Companies that dont step back and carefully consider the various legal issues that such technologies might raise can quickly find themselves in hot water. Below are just a few of the legal issues that any company should consider before implementing a new blockchain-based technology. Will your technology make you a money transmitter? The Department of Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires certain entities administering or exchanging crypto-assets to register with the agency as a money transmitter (a type of regulated money services business) and comply with a variety of regulatory obligations related to anti-money laundering. Notably, FinCEN has indicated that this includes companies engaging in initial coin offerings (ICOs), among a variety of other activities. FinCEN has brought a number of past actions against blockchain companies including Ripple Labs Inc. and BTC-E. In addition, nearly every state has a similar regulatory regime applying to money transmitters, which vary greatly in their application to crypto-assets and other blockchain technologies. Is your technology a security? The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has indicated that many crypto-assets, including many ICOs and so-called utility tokens are in fact securities, requiring compliance with the full panoply of U.S. securities laws. While the agency has indicated that not all crypto-assets are securities, determining the precise line requires a complex, nuanced analysis. That analysis varies considerably based on the underlying crypto-asset and the economics associated with that asset. The SEC has been active in enforcing securities laws against persons in the blockchain space, such as its recent action, on November 8, against the founder of EtherDelta for operating an unregistered securities exchange. Does your technology involve derivatives trading? In 2014, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) declared that virtual currencies are a commodity subject to CFTC oversight under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) a view that has recently been confirmed by multiple federal judges. As a result, the CFTC now has regulatory jurisdiction over derivatives trading markets for crypto-assets. It has also asserted jurisdiction to enforce certain anti-fraud provisions of the CEA in underlying spot markets for crypto-assets. The agency has brought multiple enforcement actions against companies dealing in crypto-assets and issued a variety of customer advisories and primers on the risks associated with crypto-assets. What are the tax implications of your technology? Many businesses entering the blockchain space assume that crypto-assets are taxed like currency. However, the IRS has asserted that virtual currency should be treated as property under the tax laws. That distinction can have important tax implications for businesses and can raise a number of difficult follow-on questions. The IRS has issued limited guidance on the taxation of crypto-assets meaning compliance with all applicable tax provisions can quickly grow complicated depending on the business activities in question. At the same time, the IRS has become increasingly active in the crypto-asset space, including issuing a summons to Coinbase seeking a significant quantity of customer information. Will your technology require you to obtain a BitLicense? New York state has adopted a regulatory regime known as the BitLicense which covers a wide variety of virtual currency business activity in New York and with New York residents. Companies falling within the regime are required to obtain a license (which is a complex process) and to comply with a variety of regulatory obligations including those related to anti-money laundering, capital requirements, and cyber security, among others. Many companies have chosen to simply avoid doing business in New York rather than navigate the states regulatory regime. Could your technology implicate economic sanctions laws? The U.S. maintains a number of economic sanctions programs targeting certain countries, sectors, and persons. Companies offering blockchain-based products, services, or assets can face civil and criminal penalties for transactions that violate sanctions laws. Crypto-assets are particularly popular in many sanctioned countries and Venezuela has even taken the step of issuing its own state-backed cryptocurrency called the petro, which is subject to U.S. sanctions. Economic sanctions laws can be complex and depending on the scope of a companys blockchain operations, a sanctions compliance program may be advisable. This seems like a mountain of legal obstacles. Where do I begin? While a variety of complex legal regimes can apply to any particular blockchain technology, the good news is that not every regime will apply or present obstacles in all cases. Companies seeking to enter the blockchain space should carefully assess which regimes apply to their intended operations. Once the appropriate set of laws has been identified the next step is building out appropriate compliance programs and obtaining any needed licenses or registrations. Finally, the laws applying to blockchain technologies are in flux and can change rapidly so it is important to continue to follow legal developments as they occur. 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. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. House Democrats sparred with the leaders of Robinhood and Citadel on Thursday, with pressing the firms on whether theyre profiting at the expense of retail investors and complaining that they got few satisfying answers. At a closely watched hearing before the Financial Services Committee, Robinhoods Vlad Tenev and Citadels Ken Griffin took fire on issues ranging from trading halts provoked by capital shortfalls to whether free trades are really free. At times, the chief executives long responses were cut off and met with derision. They were both adamant that their businesses have helped small-time investors access that were long the domain of You are doing a great job of wasting my time, Representative Brad Sherman, a California Democrat, told Griffin as he demanded the hedge fund billionaire provide a more succinct answer on whether the brokers Citadel pays for orders get the best deals for their clients. Tenev, whose brokerage has attracted young investors with a simple mobile phone app and offer of commission-free trades, was accused of not fully informing its inexperienced clientele of the risks they are taking. The firm, said Democratic Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York, needs to ensure retail customers dont get the rug pulled out from under them. The exchange elicited a mea culpa from Tenev, who admitted the brokerage fell short of meeting its customers needs. Im sorry for what happened, he said. Im not going to say that Robinhood did everything perfect and that we havent made mistakes in the past. But what I commit to is making sure that we improve from this. The hearing shed little light on the confluence of events that gripped and Washington last month. Individual investors had banded together on Reddit to drive GameStop and other stocks to astronomical levels, triggering volatility that caused some hedge fund short-sellers to lose billions, while Robinhood and other online brokerages were forced to temporarily prevent their clients from buying. Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. on Friday appealed to fellow officials and the public for more patience following the delayed arrival of coronavirus vaccines in the country, citing current conditions in the global supply market. Kaunting pasensya lang po, pasensya na po talaga, Galvez said during an event in Pateros, addressing mayors of the capital region. Hindi po natin kasi hawak yung ating supply chain sa ating mga vaccine. Iyon po ang ina-advise ko sa ating mga kababayan, sana konting pasensya pa, he stressed. [Translation: Just a little more patience, Im sorry. The supply chain of vaccines is out of our hands. Thats what Im advising to our countrymen, just a little bit of patience.] Government officials previously announced that the first batch of vaccines to be supplied by the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility may arrive by the middle of February. However, the delivery got delayed due to the absence of an indemnification deal which Galvez earlier confirmed was already submitted to the concerned manufacturers, Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Galvez also pointed out the difficult situation with regard to the market supply and demand for the vaccines, saying other countries have also been struggling in getting their doses. He cited the reported uneven distribution of the products. RELATED: More than 130 countries don't have a single COVID-19 vaccine, while 10 countries have already dispersed 75% of all vaccines, the UN says The vaccine czar admitted that the Philippines may be lagging behind in the inoculation race, but noted that other big nations have just started or will also be just starting with their respective programs this February. Bilang the [lead] person to really procure and manage and get the best vaccine for all of us, nakita natin na talagang medyo nahuli tayo nang konti, Galvez said. Pero kung titingnan din natin, ang Australia, hindi pa ho sila nagsisimula. Ganun din yung Japan, kaka-start lang ng kanilang vaccination. [Translation: As the lead person to really procure and manage and get the best vaccine for all of us, were seeing that were lagging behind a little bit. But when we look at Australia, they have not yet started. Also Japan has just started.] Galvez said negotiations with COVAX are still ongoing. He added the government has set another meeting on Monday with Pfizer, which is expected to supply the initial 117,000 vaccine doses to the country. While there is no definitive date yet for the arrival, Galvez expressed hope the vaccines would finally come in this month. Ang ating gagawin ngayon is really, we will work out talaga na merong darating this February, he said. [Translation: What were going to do now is really, we will work out that we will receive vaccines this February.] 2 Pakistani Christians charged with blasphemy for defending faith, may face death penalty Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Two Christian evangelists were charged with violating Pakistani blasphemy laws for allegedly offending Muslim sentiments and could face a death sentence if found guilty. Evangelists Haroon Ayub Masih Masih and Salamat Mansha Masih were preaching at Model Town Park in Lahore on Feb. 13, when they were approached by Haroon Ahmad, a Muslim, and gave him a book titled Water of Life, according to the United States-based persecution advocacy organization International Christian Concern. A police report shows that the men discussed the divinity of Jesus Christ and the prophets, which led to an argument. An ICC report states that Ahmad eventually accused the Christians of making derogatory claims about Islam. Police charged the Christians with committing blasphemy under sections 295-A, B and C of Pakistans Penal Code. The two Christians could face execution if found guilty of Section 295-C. We here at International Christian Concern are concerned for the safety of the Haroon Ayub Masih and Salamat Mansha Masih, ICC Regional Manager William Stark said in a statement. We are also concerned for the safety of the broader community these men represent. Open Doors USA President David Curry said even though blasphemy laws are prevalent in other Islamic-majority countries, they are by far the worst in Pakistan and require little to no evidence for a charge. Because of this, Christians are in grave danger. Blasphemy accusations in Pakistan are often sparked by personal vendettas or religious hatred and sometimes lead to mob lynching, murders and protests. The blasphemy laws, I think, are one of the most heinous tools used against religious minorities, particularly Christians, Curry told The Christian Post. What it allows people to do is to accept unsubstantiated charges against one person by another person. It has given rise to mob violence and vigilante justice. The Sunni Muslim-dominant country also uses blasphemy laws against Shia Muslims and other religious minorities. Its almost as though they want to force conformity, Curry said. They want them to have thought control over what people believe, what people should say. I believe everyone should have the right of freedom of conscience, to be able to choose for themselves what they believe, what they read, what scriptures they read, or if they have no faith at all. Pakistan ranks as the fifth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs 2021 World Watch List, due to Islamic extremist oppression. The country is also listed as the second-most dangerous country in Asia for Christians. Human rights activists have advocated for decades to reform the blasphemy laws that disproportionately charge religious minorities, often based on false accusations, according to the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom. USCIRF says the vague provisions found in sections 295 and 298 of Pakistans Penal Code criminalize any speech or acts insulting a religion or belief or defiling the Quran, the [Islamic] prophet Muhammad, a place of worship, or religious symbols. Blasphemy charges often result in vigilante violence or the violation of legal procedures. Many of the accused individuals never reach the courtroom. Nasir Saeed, director of United Kingdom-based Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement, a Christian organization that addresses religious persecution in Pakistan, said the blasphemy laws in Pakistan are supported by the government, which makes them almost impossible to be repealed. Some countries have repealed their blasphemy laws, such as Sudan which repealed its blasphemy laws last year. Saeed told CP that Christians in Pakistan can go to church, but evangelizing outside of church walls is difficult and virtually non-existent due to the danger. Curry said Christians can be charged with blasphemy just by claiming to follow Jesus. Its not even about evangelization, Curry said. Its about peoples free will to practice their faith privately. Thats whats so shocking about it. These are people who are just living their faith peacefully; theyre not forcing it on anybody. If asked, they want to be able to say theyre followers of Jesus, and with this, theyre charged with blasphemy. In January, a 30-year-old Christian nurse in Pakistan was falsely accused of blasphemy by a Muslim co-worker after a personal dispute, though no evidence was presented. Videos surfaced of the nurse being attacked and tied up with ropes by co-workers before police arrived. She and her family are now in hiding for fear of vigilante violence. Twenty-four Christians are being held in Pakistani prisons based on blasphemy charges, according to the ICC report. Guwahati/Itanagar, Feb 19 : A senior Assam minister on Friday urged terror outfit ULFA-I to release the two hostages of a Delhi based private oil company -- who were kidnapped in December last year -- even as the police of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh remained clueless over the fate of the duo. Assam's Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma requested the self-styled commander-in-chief of United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), Paresh Barua, to "refrain from any action that may shame three crore people of Assam in the eyes of the world". "People of Assam had to be shameful earlier when ULFA killed Sanjoy Ghose and detonated a bomb at a school in Dhemaji (in eastern Assam). I appeal to Paresh Baruah not to trigger any more bloodshed. Assamese people felt disgraceful and shocked after those incidents. The two kidnapped people are innocent and ULFA-I must release them and for this, we would be grateful. I am requesting them with folded hands," the senior BJP leader said while speaking at a television show. Ghose, a rural development activist, was killed by ULFA in the river island of Majuli on the Brahmaputra river on July 4, 1997. In 2004, an explosion was triggered by ULFA through a remote control device during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15 at a school in Dhemaji, which killed 18 people, mostly school children. Meanwhile, ULFA-I in a statement on Friday threatened action against the two employees of a Delhi based private oil company, who were abducted from the drilling site in Innao area of Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh on December 21 last year. The deadline set by terror outfit ULFA-I for the two hostages expired on February 17. Delhi-based Quippo Oil and Gas Infrastructure Ltd's drilling superintendent Pranab Kumar Gogoi and radio operator Ram Kumar were abducted at gunpoint by ULFA-I, which demanded Rs 20 crore as ransom for their release. Police officers in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh said that searches for the two captives are on but they are yet to get any clue about the whereabouts of Gogoi and Kumar. The ULFA-I had earlier, through a media statement, warned that the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would be responsible for any untoward fate of the two. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has signed a decision issuing a plan to implement Resolution 130/2020/QH14 of the National Assembly on joining the UN peacekeeping operations. Vietnamese military medical officers in South Sudan as part of a UNpeacekeeping mission. The plan assigned tasks to ministries, ministerial-level and government agencies to ensure the timely, synchronous and effective realisation of the resolution. Ministries and agencies will review legal documents to find those that are no longer suitable or are contrary to regulations of the resolution, and propose necessary adjustments, supplements, or the issuing of new ones to replace outdated ones. The Ministry of National Defence will coordinate with other ministries and agencies to build and submit to the Government a decree prescribing detailed regulations in connection with certain articles of the above-said resolution. It will also build projects on the implementation of the resolution and submit them to the PM for approval. Joint efforts will also be made to popularise the resolution and legal documents giving detailed guidance for the implementation, in order to raise public awareness of Vietnams joining UN peacekeeping operations. Resolution No. 130/2020/QH14 was adopted by the 14th NA during its 10th session on November 13, 2020, and will take effect from July 1, 2021. It stipulates principles, forms, fields, forces, authority, procedures for deployment, funding, along with treatment policies and State management in joining UN peacekeeping operations. Vietnam's first joined UN peacekeeping operations in 2014 when the Ministry of National Defence sent two officers to serve at the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan./.VNA Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of 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. 1. The mess in Texas. A water crisis is the states latest disaster from the huge winter storm that engulfed much of the U.S. Officials are urging millions of affected residents to boil water as utilities suffer from frozen wells and treatment plants run on backup power, and hospitals are hauling in water to flush toilets and using bottled water for much of everything else. Water should only be used to sustain life at this point, said officials of Kyle, Texas, in an advisory. And while the power is back on to all but about half a million customers in Texas, supplies at desperately needed food banks are dropping sharply. President Biden has now declared emergencies in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Its nearly two months since turbulence erupted around China Huarong Asset Management Co.At the end of March, its 4% perpetual dollar bond was trading at 102 cents on the dollar as investors figured the January execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for bribery put a line under past wayward behavior. But the failure of the company to release 2020 results by a March 31 deadline, and a subsequent report by mainland media Caixin that the firm will restructure, sparked weeks of turmoil. The same bond is now at 57 cents.The heart of the matter is whether the central government will rescue a state-owned company thats integral to the smooth running of the financial system. While there are signs Beijing wants to ensure China Huarong can repay its debts on time, uncertainty prevails.Heres a look at the key events for China Huarong:May 28The company has wired funds to repay $978 million of notes maturing within the following week, according to Bloomberg News, the biggest bond payment since the 2020 results delay.May 27Liang Qiang, who currently heads another bad-debt manager, is on track to become president of China Huarong, reports Bloomberg News.May 24China Huarong dollar bonds climb after the managing editor of Caixin Media wrote in an opinion piece that the asset manager is nowhere near defaulting on its more than $20 billion of offshore notes.May 21Some of China Huarongs thinly traded onshore bonds slump after having held up better than the companys dollar-denominated notes, signaling broadening concern about the firms financial health.May 18China Huarong has transferred funds to repay a $300 million note maturing May 20, Bloomberg News reports, the first dollar bond to come due since the delayed 2020 results. Prices for the firms dollar bonds slump earlier in the day after the New York Times reports China is planning an overhaul that would inflict significant losses on both domestic and foreign China Huarong bondholders.May 17The company has reached funding agreements with state-owned banks to ensure it can repay debt through at least the end of August, by which time China Huarong aims to have completed its 2020 financial statements, according to a Bloomberg News report. That as at least two of its onshore bonds see big price declines in recent days, worrying some investors.May 13The firm says its prepared to make future bond payments and has seen no change in the level of government support, seeking to ease investor concerns after a local media report that regulators balked at China Hurarongs restructuring plan.May 6The company says it transferred funds to pay five offshore bond coupons due the following day, its latest move to meet debt obligations amid persistent doubts about its financial health.April 30China Huarong breaks its silence, with an executive telling media it is prepared to make its bond payments and state backing remains intact. The official also says the weeks rating downgrades have no factual basis and are too pessimistic.April 29Moodys Investor Service downgrades China Huarong by one notch to Baa1, adding the firm remains on watch for further downgrade. The cut reflects the companys weakened funding ability due to market volatility and increased uncertainty over its future, according to the statement.April 27China Huarong units repay bonds maturing that day. The S$600 million ($450 million) bond was repaid with funds provided by Chinas biggest state-owned bank, according to a Bloomberg News report.April 26Fitch Ratings downgrades China Huarong by three notches to BBB while dropping the companys perpetual bonds into junk territory. The lack of transparency over government support for the firm may hamper its ability to refinance debt in offshore markets, Fitch said.April 25China Huarong says it wont meet an April 30 deadline to file its 2020 report with Hong Kongs stock exchange because auditors needed more time to finalize a transaction the company first flagged on April 1. Securities and asset-management units said in the days before that they wouldnt release 2020 results by months end.April 22The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission asks lenders to extend China Huarongs upcoming loans by at least six months, according to REDD, citing two bankers from large Chinese commercial lenders.April 21China is considering a plan that would see its central bank assume more than 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) of China Huarong assets to help clean up the firms balance sheet, according to a Bloomberg News report. Peer China Cinda Asset Management Co. was said to be planning the sale of perpetual bonds in the second quarter.April 20China Huarongs key offshore financing unit says it returned to profitability in the first quarter and laid a solid foundation for transformation. Reorg Research reports that regulators are considering options including a debt restructuring of the unit, China Huarong International Holdings Ltd.April 19Huarong Securities Co. says it wired funds to repay a 2.5 billion yuan local note.April 16The CBIRC says China Huarongs operations are normal and that the firm has ample liquidity. These are the first official comments about the companys troubles. Reuters reports Chinese banks have been asked not to withhold loans to Huarong.April 13Fitch and Moodys both put the company on watch for downgrade. The finance ministry, which owns a majority of Huarong, is considering the transfer of its stake to a unit of the countrys sovereign wealth fund, Bloomberg News reports. Chinese officials signal they want failing local government financing vehicles to restructure or go bust if debts cant be repaid.April 9China Huarong says it has been making debt payments on time and its operations are normal. Bloomberg News reports the company intends to keep Huarong International as part of a potential overhaul that would avoid the need of a debt restructuring or government recapitalization. S&P Global Ratings puts China Huarongs credit ratings on watch for possible downgrade.April 8China Huarong is preparing to offload non-core and loss-making units as part of a broad plan to revive profitability that would avoid the need for a debt restructuring or government recapitalization, Bloomberg News reports.April 6Selling gains steam in China Huarongs dollar bonds, following a holiday in China. Huarong Securities says there has been no major change to its operations, in response to a price plunge for its 3 billion yuan local bond.April 1China Huarong announces a delay in releasing 2020 results, saying its auditor is unable to finalize a transaction. Stock trading is suspended and spreads jump on the firms dollar bonds while China Huarong tells investors its business is running as usual. Caixin reports the company submitted restructuring and other major reform plans to government officials and shareholders.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) At least two Filipinos who were vaccinated abroad have tested positive for COVID-19 upon returning home. Health experts on Friday explained there are different factors why this happened, but stressed this does not mean the vaccines are not effective. Infectious disease specialist Marissa Alejandria said there is no vaccine that offers 100% protection against the coronavirus, adding different brands offer different levels of protection. A vaccine's efficacy will also depend on the person's age, and if they have other illnesses that compromise their immune system. The president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases said it takes time for a person to build antibodies to fight off the coronavirus after vaccination. She added required doses need to be completed for a vaccine to work as advertised. "Ang epekto kasi ng bakuna, hindi pagkabakuna ngayong araw, may antibody ka na kinabukasan. It takes time for the protection, for the antibodies to develop, kaya nga may second dose na booster para mas mapataas pa ang level of protection against getting the disease," Alejandria said in a media briefing. [Translation: Vaccines will not automatically give you antibodies. The second dose will increase your level of protection.] One OFW from Canada caught COVID-19, but it was found that she only had one dose of Pfizer's vaccine on January 13 before she arrived in Cebu on February 9. Alejandria and Dr. Edsel Salvana, director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the UP National Institutes of Health, said COVID-19 vaccines can prevent severe cases, and even death. "It is highly efficacious in preventing severe disease and death," Salvana said. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III highlighted the need to continue practicing minimum health standards, such as wearing of masks, physical distancing, and constant hand-washing, even after vaccination. "Kahit mabakunahan tayo, hindi ito garantiya na hindi tayo mahahawaan at makakahawa. Kaya sa lahat ng tanong na ito, isa ang sagot: minimum public health standard," he stressed. [Translation: Even if we get vaccinated, this does not guarantee we will not get infected or pass the virus. The answer to all these questions is to continue observing minimum public health standards.] NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Range Resources Corporation ("Range Resources" or the "Company")(NYSE: RRC). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Range Resources and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On February 10 and February 11, 2021, media outlets reported that Range Resources had paid a $294,000 civil penalty after Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") found conflicting and inaccurate information on the status of a Company well in Fayette Countyspecifically concerning whether the well in question was correctly designated as inactive for the purposes of DEP regulation. On this news, Range Resource's stock price fell $0.62 per share, or 6.08%, to close at $9.57 per share on February 11, 2021. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com A Liberal staffer who says she was sexually assaulted by a male colleague inside Parliament House has formally complained for police and has asked for a review into its 'toxic workplace culture'. Brittany Higgins came forward this week with allegations she was raped in 2019, and now says she wants her alleged attacker to 'face the full force of the law'. She has also asked for an independent investigation into how the alleged incident was handled and a review into the work culture at Parliament House. Brittany Higgins (pictured) came forward this week with allegations she was raped in 2019, and now says she wants 'my perpetrator to face the full force of the law' 'Today I have re-engaged with Australian Federal Police and will proceed with a formal complaint regarding the crime committed against me in what should be the safest building in Australia,' she said in a statement on Friday. Ms Higgins described the workplace environment in Parliament House as 'toxic' and 'high-pressure', and said that culture enabled inappropriate conduct. She called for an investigation into the incident that was alleged to have happened in a Minister's office and the workplace environment in general. 'Too often, a toxic workplace culture can emerge that enables inappropriate conduct and this is exacerbated by the disparity in the power dynamics,' she wrote. 'Political advisers have very few protections, resources and confidential reporting mechanisms to address any workplace issues. 'I was failed repeatedly, but I now have my voice, and I am determined to use to ensure that this is never allowed to happen to another member of staff again.' Explosive text messages have cast serious doubt over when the prime minister's office first knew about the alleged rape. Pictured: Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a press conference on February 16 The former Liberal staffer was also scathing about Prime Minister Scott Morrison, saying she didn't feel she was given agency in the years after the alleged incident. 'The Prime Minister has repeatedly told the Parliament that I should be given 'agency' going forward. I don't believe that agency was provided to me over the past two years but I seize it now,' she said. 'I expect a voice in framing the scope and terms of reference for a new and significant review into the conditions for all ministerial and parliamentary staff.' Ms Higgins' statement comes after explosive text messages cast serious doubt over when the prime minister's office first knew about the alleged rape. Mr Morrison claims his office did not find out about the alleged rape until last week and he was not informed until Monday. But a text message exchange between Ms Higgins and a fellow Liberal staffer within a fortnight of the incident calls this account into question. The alleged text exchange between Brittany Higgins and a Liberal staffer. PMO stands for 'prime minister's office' In the message, the Liberal staffer said he had spoken directly with a member of Mr Morrison's staff. 'Spoke to PMO. He was mortified to hear about it and how things have been handled,' he said. 'He's going to discuss with COS no one else. I flagged need for councillor (sic) and desire to be closer to home during election.' PMO refers to the prime minister's office and COS is shorthand for chief of staff. Scott Morrison (pictured right with Ms Higgins) claims his office did not find out about the alleged rape until last week and he was not informed until Monday The prime minister is standing by his timeline, despite Ms Higgins saying at least three of his staff had prior knowledge of the incident. While the messages appear to confirm her account, Mr Morrison wants the nation's top public servant to review communication records. 'If there was anything different here, I would like to know,' he told reporters in Sydney on Friday. 'I want to know and that is why I have asked the secretary of my department to actually test that advice that I received.' There are further claims the Prime Minister's Office is briefing reporters in an apparent attempt to smear Ms Higgins' (pictured) current partner, a former public servant Mr Morrison denied he had misled the public and maintains he is horrified by the allegations. 'I have sought to be as open and honest as I can be about this matter. I have told you everything I know about this matter. I will continue to,' he said. Labor leader Anthony Albanese said the text messages completely contradicted Mr Morrison's claim that his office wasn't informed until last week. Brittany Higgins was 24-years-old when she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a male colleague after a night out 'It's just incomprehensible that the prime minister's office, given a reported sexual assault had occurred 50 metres from his office, wouldn't have then had a discussion about handling the issue,' he told the ABC. 'It just doesn't stack up.' Mr Albanese said Ms Higgins deserved straight answers about who knew what and when. 'I believe Brittany Higgins when it comes to the incident and tragedy.' Greens senator Larissa Waters is not satisfied by an internal review into the text messages, and will push for a public inquiry into the alleged rape and response when parliament resumes next week. 'We need an independent review, which has public findings,' she said. Sherlyn Chopra reportedly moved Bombay High Court after a Mumbai sessions court rejected her anticipatory bail application. The actress has sought protection from arrest in the obscenity case. According to reports, HC will hear the matter on February 22, 2021. Sherlyn has reportedly been charged with obscenity, for creating "adult content" for a pornographic website. However, in her application, she claimed that the content was created for a subscription-based international website, and that she herself is a victim of piracy. "It is highly incompetent to expect a self-made woman to produce adult content for a select group of international subscribers and then publish the same content on free porn websites and other portals so as to make it easily and freely available for mass viewing," her application further stated. For the unversed, a complaint was filed by Madhukar Keni, a retired Customs and Central Excise Officer, alleging that a few websites published obscene content on the internet. The complaint filed with the cyber cell also named Sherlyn Chopra and claimed that on searching her name on google, several obscene videos came up. The cyber cell reportedly verified the complaint and then registered a case against the actress. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has said that it will not arrest the actress until Monday. Mumbai Civil Court while rejecting Sherlyn's anticipatory bail said, "Face to face interrogation is required". The court also cited that Chopra should have registered her grievance before the police if the videos were uploaded without her permission. The judge concluded by saying that it is up to "the investigating officer to investigate the allegation and whether there is any agreement in between Sherlyn Chopra and the service operator, who shot the obscene videos and uploaded them on the internet," said a report in Bollywood Hungama. ALSO READ: Sherlyn Chopra Accuses Sajid Khan Of Sexual Misconduct, Says 'Bollywood Mafia Is A Strong Syndicate' ALSO READ: Sherlyn Chopra Says Bollywood Has Become Corrupt; 'It's Totally Unsafe For The Next Generation' Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration spent $281.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds on the paychecks of Chicago Police Department officers, a move that is drawing harsh criticism from Chicago aldermen and activists. The CARES Act money was transferred to the police department and used largely to pay for police officers overtime hours rather than coronavirus priorities cited by critics, such as housing and business relief and vaccine rollout efforts. We asked for assurances they wouldnt spend it all on police, Alderman Daniel La Spata, 1st Ward, said on Wednesday. Thats the last thing people wanted, to infuse hundreds of millions more dollars into the police department right now. And just as egregious, we learned that $68 million of that funding was never spent at all, La Spata continued. So we have every right to be angry, because every neighbor you have who was denied housing assistance, we were prepared. We could have offered them that assistance. Every vacant storefront you see is a small business we could have supported with these dollars. Lightfoot, a Democrat, is currently seeking the Chicago City Councils approval to roll over into the 2021 budget approximately $65 million leftover from the citys $1.2 billion in federal coronavirus funds. The Office of Management and Budget said Wednesday that the funding routed to the police department was federal reimbursement for specific coronavirus-related police costs dating from March through May, including police wellness checks on residents, airport security when travelers were screened for the coronavirus, and security at the McCormick Place coronavirus field hospital as well as virus testing sites. The mayor has not yet commented on the backlash over the funds being transferred to the police department. More from National Review (Newser) An 8-year-old boy from Honduras drowned while trying to cross the freezing Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas with his family. Although they had stopped on a small island, the boy "couldn't withstand the pounding water, which covered him and kept him submerged for several meters," Mexican immigration officials said. His body was pulled out of the water, the Guardian reports, but he couldn't be revived. His parents and sister made the crossing, from Piedras Negras to Eagle Pass, Texas, but were returned to Mexico by Customs and Border Protection. A Venezuelan woman died trying to make the crossing at the same spot on the same day, Mexican officials announced, per ABC. Drownings are frequent in the Rio Grande, whose depth and currents can be deceptive. story continues below Crossing the river is especially dangerous now, during the storm that's brought snow and freezing conditions to Texas. The Border Patrol says more than 200 undocumented migrants suffering from exposure and other conditions related to the cold have been detained on the Texas side in the past week. The agency said the migrants came from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Ecuador. The pandemic is another driver of migration. "We're seeing a big increase in migrants arriving in Mexico, trying to escape the consequences of climate change and make a better life," said the founder of a Mexico City advocacy group. "Theres no adequate shelter in Mexico because of the pandemic, and they're encountering the impact of climate change in the north." (Read more Rio Grande stories.) MIDDLETOWN Feedback from public service union workers in the school district now will be included in ongoing planning for students to return to school in person during the pandemic. AFSCME Local 466, membership of which includes 150 public school employees, issued a statement this week expressing disappointment in the Middletown Board of Education for excluding members in a Feb. 4 survey seeking staff input about increasing in-person instruction. Only teachers and paraprofessionals received the original questionnaire. The school board voted last week to return pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students to their physical buildings nearly full-time four days per week beginning March 15, while keeping those in grades 6 to 12 continuing under a hybrid model. All will continue to study remotely on Wednesdays. Local 466s membership includes support staff, such as custodians, secretaries, security guards, food service workers and others employed within the school system, according to Geen Thazhampallath, chief of talent and performance management at Middletown Public Schools. The union said in a press release that education officials neglected to include its membersin the questionnaire sent to Board of Education employees, asking to share their concerns about students returning to school for more in-person learning, along with their comfort level if they are vaccinated. Thazhampallath said Thursday there was an unintentional operational oversight in failing to learn about this unfortunate gap ahead of the school boards last meeting. We assure everyone that we have every intention of seeking out their input through the appropriate channels, and in collaboration with our city partners, so as not to cause any further unintended labor impacts. The managers union received clearance from the citys legal department to distribute the survey Thursday afternoon, he said. We are working to deliver it as soon as technically possible, and we look forward to receiving the earnest thoughts of our great folks. AFSCME President Jennifer Hobart, who works in the Middletown assessors department, and Vice President Brooke Carta, a school secretary at Farm Hill Elementary School, both spoke at the Feb. 9 board meeting, according to the press release. The concerns they raise remain unanswered, Union Public Affairs Coordinator Larry Dorman said in a statement. Throughout this pandemic, educators and school staff have worked extraordinarily hard to make sure that students are engaged and learning and, most importantly, that they are safe, Carta said in the release. We must be allowed to participate in the decisions that protect safety for students, staff, and their families. We can only rise to the challenge by working together as a team. Our union members have day-to-day interactions with both staff and students, Hobart said in her statement. If there is a COVID-19 outbreak at Middletown schools, they would be impacted by it the same way that teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators would be. Getting the survey out, which is expected to be done by early next week, is a top priority for Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner, Thazhampallath said Friday. We value every person. They are a part of the fabric of our schools as they serve our kids and community. No matter what role they have, no matter whether they are city or BOE, they are valued and we are one, Thazhampallath said. Sicilians have shrugged off alarm and nervousness surrounding the eruption of Mount Etna on the Italian island - saying they would be more worried if nothing was happening at all. The eruption earlier this week featured spectacular displays of gushing lava, with images shared widely on social media and making international news. While dramatic pictures of the volcanic activity sparked huge concern among some not from the region, Sicilians say it is normal - and they even look forward to it. Daniele Palumbo, originally from Sicily and now living in London, says it is always really funny to see how others react when Etna erupts, and probably more so this time around, as the volcanic activity has been stronger than normal. He told The Independent friends and colleagues were absolutely amazed when they saw images of the eruption. Some were freaking out, asking if it would be another Pompeii and the whereabouts of his family in Sicily. They are all at the balcony taking pictures and videos, he tells The Independent. Mount Etna, Europes most active volcano, spews volcanic ash on Tuesday (REUTERS) For us, its kind of normal. I think we would be more worried if all these events didnt happen. We know this is how the volcano - in some way - puts out all its energy, Mr Palumbo said. It helps us to understand that there will not be really strong earthquakes, for example. Gaia Caramazza says she has received concerned messages from people - both from Italy and abroad - to ask if she is OK after the eruption. She told The Independent this felt weird, because as Sicilians we are used to Mount Etna erupting quite frequently. It is cool to see the international community cares about the explosion, because it is wonderful - its a wonderful occasion, she said. Even as Sicilians, even though we are used to it, we are always looking forward to the next explosion and looking out for it. Caramazzas father, Benedetto - who has a farm where he grows oranges right at the foot of Mount Etna - said people are always admiring the volcano. Striking images of the eruption show the sky lit up orange, as Europes most active volcano spewed ash. Social media was flooded with Sicilians sharing images, admiring their views of the explosion. Meanwhile, those not from the island have joked about this response - saying they would more likely be frightened in the face of a volcanic eruption, rather than relaxed and ready to appreciate the natural beauty. One Twitter user said they had seen comments on social media about Mount Etnas eruption from non-Sicilians expressing solidarity, telling residents they will pull through and asking if they were evacuating - which they said made them laugh. We need to worry if it doesnt erupt, they added. Someone replied saying people think we are dying. Streams of red hot lava flow as Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, leaps into action, seen from Giarre (REUTERS) Mr Palumbo said many people do not know about important points about the geography of the island, which is important - as the lava naturally flows into a valley. He says he wishes he was there to witness the eruption himself. I think that all my friends are really lucky right now, because I would normally go up to the volcano and try and take the best shot, or see the lava as close as possible, he tells The Independent. Some Sicilians have still faced disruption following the eruption, with residents and authorities working to clean up one village near Mount Etna after it spewed lava, ashes and volcanic stones. "The entire territory of Pedara and all the streets are covered in volcanic ashes and lapillus", or volcanic stones, Alfio Cristaudo, the villages mayor, said. As Tuesdays volcanic activity was largely expected, areas surrounding the crater were secured and there were no reported injuries or deaths. Additional reporting by Associated Press To meet its terms of reference, the has recommended a separate mechanism for funding defence and external security but it has facilitated this by a reduction in grants to the states, which works out to Rs 1.5 trillion over five years. As a consequence, the Commission has penalised the primary engines of development spending in India: The state governments, the top edit points out. A more lasting solution would have been for the government to focus on improving tax collection as a percentage of gross domestic product to fulfill its obligations, the edit argues. Read it here. In other today: Aakar Patel recounts the Narendra Modi governments systematic attempt to curtail civil society through increasingly tough regulations for foreign-funded Read it here R Gopalakrishnan reviews the recent history of skirmishes between and boards in India and globally to decipher what it is that causes the relationship to break down. Read it here The second edit reviews NITI Aayogs proposal for a price stabilisation fund for the sugar sector and for modifying the revenue-sharing formula to tilt it in favour of farmers and explains why these reforms need to go further. Read it here The Biden administration has already proposed a five-year extension of the last treaty constraining the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, announced an urgent investigation into a massive Russia-linked cyberattack, and demanded the release of Russias leading opposition figure, Alexey Navalny. Why it matters: Those three steps in Biden's first week underscore the challenge he faces from Vladimir Putin an authoritarian intent on weakening the U.S. and its alliances, with whom hell nonetheless have to engage on critical issues. Were going to be operating within a pretty narrow band of possibilities in dealing with Vladimir Putins Russia from the sharply competitive to the pretty nastily adversarial, veteran diplomat Bill Burns told Axios last fall before being nominated to lead Bidens CIA. I think its going to be very important to be direct about what we will not tolerate in that relationship, added Burns, a former ambassador to Moscow. I also think its going to be important as adversarial as that relationship can be or is likely to be to preserve some guardrails. Between the lines: That helps explain Bidens decision to seek the longest-possible extension of the New START nuclear treaty, which was due to expire on Feb. 5. It had been in limbo after the Trump administration rebuffed Putins proposal for a clean extension and attempted to negotiate a broader deal. Bidens team argues that it will be better able to navigate key points of contention with Russia if New STARTs nuclear caps remain in place. Driving the news: In addition to the SolarWinds hack on U.S. businesses and federal agencies, the administrations in-tray already included Russias election interference, war in Ukraine, alleged bounties on U.S. troops in Afghanistan and interventions in geopolitical hotspots around the world. Then came Navalnys arrest, three days before Bidens inauguration, which former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul says has all the makings of Bidens first foreign policy crisis. Whatever was in their transition documents, this is now front and center for them, he told Axios. Secretary of State nominee Tony Blinken set a clear tone over Navalnys arrest in his confirmation hearing last Tuesday, saying: Its extraordinary how frightened Vladimir Putin seems to be of one man. When some 3,000 demonstrators across 100 Russian cities were arrested on Saturday for protesting Navalny's detention, the State Department quickly condemned the "harsh tactics" and vowed to "stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners in defense of human rights." The big picture: While Bidens recent predecessors arrived in office with an olive branch for Putin, expectations are now very low on both sides of the relationship. Bidens team has ruled out an Obama-style reset. Meanwhile, Putins deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, expects deeply hostile relations with Biden's top officials, some of whom he accused of Russophobia. Victoria Nuland, the hawkish long-time diplomat nominated to the number three role in the Bidens State Department, is expected to be a key voice on Russia policy if confirmed. For now, there are few channels of communication open. Leave aside the policy the mechanics of diplomacy between the United States and Russia really broke down in the Trump era, McFaul says. What to watch: McFaul says the coming confrontations with Putin over issues like human rights and democracy will "of course" make it more difficult to collaborate on key issues, like arms control or the Iran deal. But the areas of potential cooperation with Putin have already narrowed to such an extent, he says, that "the agenda is much shorter and you have in the Kremlin a much more unwilling interlocutor. Go deeper: Tracing 20 years of Putin New Delhi, Feb 19 : "There is no rulebook for me and I don't believe in planning too much. I have never allowed my work to define me completely. All my life, I have chosen diverse roles -- across genres, continents and platforms, and my career has never been dependent on my co-actors," said actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, talking about her recently released memoir 'Unfinished', during the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF). The book details the 38-year-old actor's childhood in India and abroad, and her rise to fame. Speaking with columnist and writer Shobhaa De, she said that she was now at a place where she had come together and in-charge of everything in her life. "That is a long way from a young high school girl who got into fashion and later the Indian film industry." Jonas, who was recently seen in the film 'White Tiger', which she also co-produced on a digital platform, feels that the coming of age of streaming platforms has been a major breakthrough. "It is no longer the same 10 people who are doing everything. We are witnessing newer talent everyday. Thanks to these platforms, so many actors, directors and writers are going where no one has been. Just see how the world has come to witness the brilliance of Adarsh Gourav in 'White Tiger'." While nepotism was the media's favourite word a few months back, the actor feels that she has seldom seen anyone inheriting work. "There is nothing wrong in wanting to take care of family and friends. However, I have always believed that there should not be a wall, and we need to ensure that the table is bigger -- more opportunities must be created." Although a private person who seldom talks about her personal life, the actor, who has written extensively about her husband and father in the book, said, "Nick (Jonas) is an extremely secure and conscientious man who provides me with a sense of balance. I can completely trust him to share my burdens." Talking about her late father, Jonas added that he always stood by her. "He was always on my side to encourage and always made it a point to be there for me." On her foray in Hollywood, the actor feels it has been a lesson in humility. "It was my choice to go to a new industry and try my luck there. There are times when no one knows you in a party, and you introduce yourself. One may enter a magazine office and tell them who you are. Frankly, I do not have a problem with that because I never walk into a room entitled." Adding that women of her generation have been instrumental in creating a change in the Hindi film industry, Jonas says that now we are witnessing several married women playing the lead, becoming producers and managing content. "I really hope the next generation of girls do not inherit the same failures of the system which we did." Talking about racism and discrimination on ethnicity in Hollywood, she said that though it was not blatant but it is just not in their consciousness to imagine a brown or black person playing the lead in a movie or television drama. "However, it has been incredible that many of South Asian descent have been able to push the envelope and I am honoured to be among them. I wanted to break those doors," said the actor who played the lead in the US TV series 'Quantico'. On Tuesday, a message accused actor Jo Byung-gyu (25) of bullying while he was a teenager, and the allegations turned out to be false the following day. The person who posted the message on social media claimed Jo verbally abused classmates while at school in New Zealand. They have given victims a vital chance to bring their allegations out into the open even if the statute of limitations may have expired on the offense, but they also bring with them the danger of mob trials of alleged perpetrators. Social media have emerged one of the most effective channels to expose bullying by prominent figures in entertainment and sport. The actor vehemently denied the allegations and turned to the police, and the person who posted the message apologized after confessing that the claims were false, according to Jo's agency. The message has since been deleted. Park Ji-hoon (22) of boy band Wanna One also faced allegations that he bullied classmates in junior high school. But a police investigation revealed that the person who raised the allegation online was an office worker eight years his senior who had never met Park. Kim Joong-baeck at Kyunghee University said, "It's positive to see victims being able to voice the pain they suffered in the past, but innocent people could end up being accused unjustly if allegations are made without sufficient evidence." "Also, holding anyone in public life permanently responsible for something they may have done as kids and possibly ending their career is excessive," he added. But others say such concerns should not overshadow the rights of victims to tell their painful story. Kim Yoon-tae at Korea University said, "It's true that we need to be wary of scarlet letters being placed on innocent people because online forums are accessible by everyone. But celebrities who thrive on the public's interest and attention need to be held accountable for ethical lapses and victims need to be given a fair voice, like we saw in the 'Me Too' movement." Massachusetts restaurants in Orange, Foxborough and Ipswich have each been recognized for a unique, mouthwatering dish as part of the General Mills Foodservices 2020 Neighborhood to Nation Recipe Contest. Our bakery section became our bread and butter, helping us to stay afloat during these times, said Stephanie Cook whose parents own one of the winning restaurants, Terrys Corner Cafe in Orange. General Mills products are a staple in our kitchen and we have fun creating new and exciting items for our community. The $5,000 prize money was given to each winner including Corner Cafe for its mouthwatering maple frosted brownie cakes with candied bacon. Jetties Bagels in Ipswich won with its Mulled Apple Cider Bagels and the Union Straw in Foxborough won with its Honey Hot Buttermilk Biscuit Slider. All 20 winning recipes can be found on the General Mills website. This past year has made it even more apparent the special place that independent eateries hold in the heart of their communities, exemplifying the spirit behind the Neighborhood to Nation Contest, said Kelley Walhof, brand experience assistant manager for General Mills Foodservice. We are excited to announce this years winners, whose creativity and tenacity shine through with these 20 distinctive menu items. Chef Dans Southern Straw Slider features honey hot chicken on a homemade buttermilk biscuit, stated a Facebook post by the Union Straw on Wednesday. Starting tonight, this winning slider will be on the menu. Congrats Chef Dan and our amazing team. Winter months have been historically difficult for restaurants, even pre-pandemic when they could be at full capacity, with people choosing to hunker down at home in the face of dark evenings and frigid temperatures. After Gov. Charlie Baker issued guidelines on distancing in restaurants, the capacity for indoor seating for many has been more than halved. The pandemic has been particularly rough on the restaurant industry with about 10% of the states workers, some 300,000 restaurant employees, being largely idled, said Steve Clark, vice president for Governmental Affairs for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. The state is also seeing an increasing demand for food banks by its residents. With that in mind, General Mills Foodservice is also offering the restaurants the chance to be named the Peoples Choice prize winner. The prize for this award will be an additional $5,000 donation to a local food bank charity. According to data compiled by the Associated Press on quarterly food distributions at food banks across the country, three major Massachusetts food banks saw double-digit percent increases in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the same quarter in 2019. The Greater Boston Food Bank saw the greatest increase: food distributions, measured in total pounds, were up by 65.7%. Distributions at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts were up 38.2%, and the Worcester County Food Bank saw an increase of 11.7%. We know that restaurants are the first to step up to help when their community is in need, said Walhof. With the growing hunger crisis that has only been exacerbated by COVID-19, we look forward to donating $5,000 to a local food bank on behalf of our Grand Prize Winner. The recipes: maple frosted brownie cakes with candied bacon. (Corner Cafe) Brownie Cakes Pour 1.5 cups of water into large mixing bowl. Add brownie mix. Mix vigorously using wire whisk until batter is fairly smooth. Spray half sheet pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper; spray parchment paper. Spread brownie batter in pan. Bake as directed below and allow to cool. In a convection oven set temperature to 300F for 17-19 minutes. In a standard oven 350F for between 20-23 minutes. Note: Rotate pans baked in convection oven one-half turn (180) after 9 minutes of baking. Candied Bacon Lay 2 bacon slices on parchment-lined half sheet pan. Rub 2 Tbsp brown sugar into bacon slices. Bake as directed below until golden brown and crispy. Drain; cool completely. Break into at least 1-inch pieces. Maple Frosting Beat 3 cups of frosting and 2.5 cups of powdered sugar in mixing bowl with paddle attachment until combined. Add 2 Tbsp of maple flavoring; mix until blended. Assembly Freeze cooled brownies at least 30 minutes for easier cutting. Cut 18 brownie cake circles using 3-inch round cutter. Using pastry bag with large star tip, fill bag with frosting. Pipe frosting onto 6 brownie circles and then top each with another brownie circle. Pipe additional frosting onto middle brownie layer and then top with remaining brownie circles. Pipe a dollop of frosting on top of stacked brownie cake. Garnish with piece of candied bacon. Mulled Apple Cider Bagels. (Jetties Bagels) Mulled apple cider Heat 1 gal apple cider and 10 cinnamon sticks in stock pot until cider begins to boil. Reduce heat; simmer 1 hour. Cool completely; remove cinnamon sticks. Refrigerate until ready to use. Bagels Combine 4 cups Mulled Apple Cider and 2 cups water. Heat to 110F. Place yeast and 5 oz sugar into mixer bowl. Add 3/4 of heated cider/water mixture. Whisk until dissolved. Rest until bubbles form, approx. 10 minutes. Add flour, salt, cinnamon and remaining cider/water mixture to bowl. Mix using dough hook attachment on low speed to incorporate liquid, approx. 4 minutes until dough comes together, adding additional cooled Mulled Apple Cider to form a good dough. Mix on medium speed until dough is smooth, approx. 3 minutes. Cover; let dough stand for 30 minutes. Punch down dough. Shape approx. 5 oz pieces of dough into bagels. Place on parchment-lined full sheet pans. Cover; refrigerate overnight. Finishing Bring 1.5 gal of water and 2/3 cup of honey in large shallow pot to a simmer. Place bagels, 4 at a time, into water in pot. Cook 15 seconds; turnover and cook an additional 10 seconds. Lift bagels from water; place 3x4 on sprayed parchment-lined full sheet pans. Bake as directed below until deep golden brown. Brush with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle with sugar. Honey Hot Buttermilk Biscuit Slider. (Union Straw) Honey Butter Mix 1 cup of butter and honey (1/4 cup of honey and 3/4 butter); set aside. Biscuits Combine biscuit mix, sugar and maple syrup in large mixing bowl. Using rubber spatula, stir in water to make a soft dough. Place dough on floured surface. Dust with flour and fold in half lengthwise. Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Using 3-inch round biscuit cutter, cut dough into 24 rounds. Place on parchment-lined full sheet pan. Bake as directed until golden brown. Brush top with melted Honey Butter. Sprinkle each with pinch of sea salt. In a convection oven set temperature to 400F for 7-9 minutes. In a standard oven 450F for between 9-12 minutes. Note: Rotate pan baked in convection oven one-half turn (180) after 3 minutes of baking. Honey Hot Buttermilk Biscuit Slider Hot Honey Sauce Mix Honey Hot Sauce ingredients in saucepan. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm. Honey Hot Buttermilk Biscuit Slider Preparation Combine Marinade ingredients in large bowl. Add chicken; marinate 15 minutes. Mix Chicken Dredge ingredients. Honey Hot Buttermilk Biscuit Slider Assembly (Made to order) Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge chicken in Chicken Dredge. Fry chicken in deep-fat fryer preheated to 350F for 6 to 8 minutes until chicken is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165F. Immediately toss chicken with a small amount of Honey Hot Sauce to coat chicken. Slice warm biscuit in half horizontally. Place 1/4 cup arugula on serving place. Place bottom half of biscuit on arugula; top with coated chicken piece and biscuit top. Thread jalapeno slices, red onion and pickles on wooden skewer. Place through top of biscuit to secure slider. Related Content: King of the streets, Kwaw Kese says it's "stupidity" for the government to build a national cathedral at the expense of establishing proper health facilities in Ghana. He lambasted the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta for seeking medical treatment in the United States following government announcement that he's sick. The Finance Minister is said to have recovered from Coronavirus but isn't too well, hence requiring medical attention abroad on the advice of his Doctors. Rapper Kwaw Kese blasted the government for flying the Finance Minister to the US, questioning the logic in the decision to use 100 million dollars to build a cathedral. "Imagine a small country like Ghana. We can use 100 million dollars and over to build a church - cathedral - but we can't get 100 million dollars to build a proper hospital, a proper medical center so that when our Finance Minister is sick he can go there. They will rather go to America, go to UK, go to South Africa when they're sick but use over 100 million dollars to build a church," he said in a video sighted by Peacefmonline.com The rapper asked; ''Is this not stupidity?'' Watch video below: Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Joe Biden outlined his main foreign policy goals for the near future. Chief among these is to end the war in Yemen. Yemen is the poorest of all Arab countries. The country has long suffered with endemic poverty, much of it the result of lack of water and other resources, high population growth, periodic local conflicts, and chronic food insecurity. On top of that, a civil war that began in 2014 soon turned into an indirect conflict between Iran and a coalition of Arab countries, headed by Saudi Arabia. And as is usual in armed conflict, it is the civilian population that suffers the most. Today, over 24.3 million people in Yemen qualify for some sort of humanitarian aid and protection. Since 2015, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed and some 3.6 million have been displaced from their homes. Were stepping up our diplomacy to end the war in Yemen--a war which has created a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe, said President Biden: Ive asked my Middle East team to ensure our support for the United Nations-led initiative to implement a ceasefire, open humanitarian channels, and restore long-dormant peace talks. At the same time, President Biden announced the appointment of long-time diplomat and Gulf expert Timothy Lenderking as the U.S. Special Envoy to Yemen. He will oversee U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the war: Tim has lifelong experience in the region, and hell work with the U.N. envoy and all parties of the conflict to push for a diplomatic resolution. And Tims diplomacy will be bolstered by USAID [and the State Department] working to ensure that humanitarian aid is reaching the Yemeni people who are suffering unendurable devastation. Finally, President Biden said that the United States is ending all American support for offensive operations in the war in Yemen, including relevant arms sales. However, the United States will not abandon its campaign against al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, much of which takes place in Yemen, nor will it cease its support of Saudi Arabias defensive capabilities: Saudi Arabia faces missile attacks, UAV strikes, and other threats from Iranian-supplied forces in multiple countries. Were going to continue to support and help Saudi Arabia defend its sovereignty and its territorial integrity and its people. This war, said President Biden, has to end. The buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere was already making life harder in the Lone Star State. A report last year by the Office of the Texas State Climatologist at Texas A&M University found that the number of 100-degree days has more than doubled over the past 40 years and predicted it would nearly double again in the next 15. The state is likely to grow more parched but also to get more extreme rainfall and more flooding. Hurricanes will be worse. I think that everything about this system is broken, Humes said. People in vulnerable communities should be able to get the shot in their community, but the reality of the situation is there are people in the community who dont want it, and people in the community who dont have access to the computer and everything they need to be able to get it. If that means this vaccine is going to waste, and not going to be used or thrown away, thats not right either. DAYTON, Ohio, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Students at Emerson Academy, a Dayton-area public charter school managed by National Heritage Academies (NHA), are participating in a month-long series of events dedicated to celebrating Black History Month in a fun and engaging way. To kick off celebrations, students were encouraged to partake in a Dress for Success Day, aimed at inspiring them to think about their futures as up-and-coming citizens in our country. They also were encouraged to dress up as their favorite African American role models, with students showing up in the likeness of Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks, among others. "It is important for students to know and understand the contributions African Americans have made to our great country," said Dr. Landon Brown, principal at Emerson Academy. "The struggles endured often illustrate a great deal of resiliency and courage, which reiterates our Moral Focus themes wonderfully into the curriculum." Emerson also is welcoming members of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity for a special "Sigmas Read to Emerson" event, in which members will read books of encouragement to kindergarten through second-grade students. Making this event even more significant, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is an historically African American Greek-lettered fraternity, and fraternity members can serve as real-life role models for Emerson's students who aspire to attend college in the future. Every month Emerson Academy features a Moral Focus virtue as part of the school's curriculum, aimed at developing the whole student, heart and mind. Courage is the Moral Focus virtue throughout February, which centers around students learning to motivate others to have confidence in themselves. Celebrations continue throughout the month, with the next event scheduled for Feb. 25, when students will tune in for a virtual program "We Are One: Unity in the Community," a virtual Black history program. Finally, to conclude celebrations, students are presenting their HBCU class projects to community partners, Phi Beta Sigma, and Kiwanis Club for judging. The projects required students to learn about HBCUs, which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as "any historically black college or university that was established before 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association." The presentations will later be made into a movie so students can continue learning about HBCUs. Black History Month is celebrated across the United States every February as a designated time to recognize and reflect on the significant roles that African Americans have played in shaping history. Photos of students participating in various activities also are available here. About Emerson Academy: Emerson Academy, managed by National Heritage Academies, is a free public charter school serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade in the Dayton area. For more information, visit emerson-academy.org. SOURCE National Heritage Academies Related Links https://www.nhaschools.com North Korea has always been a bit of an outlier among the countries that make extensive use of offensive cyber capabilities. Unlike the United States, Russia, China, Israel, or Iran, North Korea has never appeared to be particularly focused on cyber-espionage or targeted cyber-sabotage. Instead it has performed a series of financially-motivated cybercrime campaigns like the 2017 WannaCry ransomware, as well as some splashy revenge-motivated breaches, most notably the 2014 Sony Pictures compromise. These high-profile incidents have suggested for a while that North Korea has more in common with cybercriminals than other nation states. But a December indictment unsealed this week by the Department of Justice makes clear just how central financial gain is to North Koreas cyber activities. More importantly, it sheds light on the extent to which cryptocurrency and cybercrime can allow countries to undermine existing economic sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment charges three hackers who work for the North Korean Reconnaissance General Bureau with a long list of computer intrusions and cybercrimes targeting victims all over the world and totaling some $1.3 billion in attempted theft and extortion efforts. The incidents range from well-known attacks like the Sony Pictures breach and WannaCry to intrusions into and thefts from Bangladesh Bank, Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior in Mexico (Bancomext), BankIslami Pakistan Limited, the Polish Financial Supervision Authority, and casinos and cryptocurrency companies in Central America and Asia, to name just a few. The charges include fraudulent SWIFT transfers to manipulating bank computers in order to dispense cash from ATMs, developing and distributing cryptocurrency programs that were actually malware, stealing from cryptocurrency companies across the globe, among other things. Its the most comprehensive and extensive catalog of North Korean cybercrimes the United States has ever made public, and it includes enough details to show not just how wide-ranging North Koreas cyber exploits have been, but also which of those activities have been most lucrative. Advertisement Despite the name Reconnaissance General Bureau, very little of the activity described in the indictment resembles espionage or reconnaissance. Instead, as the indictment describes, the charged individuals sought to cause damage through computer intrusions in response to perceived reputational harm or to steal currency and virtual currency or to obtain it through extortion, for the benefit of the DPRK regimeand, at times, for their own private financial gain. Aside from a few cases like Sony Pictures in which North Korea sought to publicly shame a victim (the indictment dubs these revenge-motivated computer attacks), most of the indictment details financially motivated instances of cybercrime. It also reveals some failures: Advertisement Despite the $1.3 billion figure that the Department of Justice calculated in total attempted theft and extortion, North Korea only succeeds in stealing a small portion of that sum. In 2016, for example, North Korea attempted to steal $951 million via transfers from Bangladesh Bank to accounts in the Philippines and Sri Lanka, according to the indictment, but only about $101 million from those fraudulent transfers went through. Advertisement Still, $100 million is a lot of money for a single cybercrime operationand the Bangladesh Bank incident is only one of many detailed in the indictment. Another 2016 compromise of a bank in Africa yielded $104.1 million in false and fraudulent wire transfers. A 2018 breach of Bancomext led to $110 million in profits for the North Korean hackers. These breaches of banks are some of the most lucrative efforts detailed in the indictment. By comparison, the ransomware and extortion incidents described in the indictment tend to yield much smaller sums. For instance, one ransomware incident leads to a $100,000 payment, another to a $361,500 payout from a casino in Central America, and a third to $2.3 million worth of cryptocurrency from a different Central American casino. Advertisement Advertisement North Koreas use of cryptocurrency for cybercrime was not limited to ransomware attacks, however. In fact, it appears to have been more successful at stealing money directly from cryptocurrency companies through fraudulent transfers than it was at eliciting ransoms from individual victims. By compromising companies in Slovenia and Indonesia, the individuals named in the indictment were apparently able to steal $75 million and $24.9 million worth of cryptocurrency, respectively, from the virtual currency wallets managed by those companies. They also developed and distributed malware in the guise of cryptocurrency trading programs called things like iCryptoFx (a purported cryptocurrency algo-trading tool), CoinGo Trade, and CryptoNeuro Trader. Even more wild, they apparently developed a plan to create their own cryptocurrency called Marine Chain Token which would allow investors to purchase fractional ownership interests in marine shipping vessels, such as cargo ships, supported by a blockchain and planned to raise money for it through a fraudulent initial coin offering. Advertisement North Korea also made use of lower-tech financial infrastructure to access non-virtual currency. In 2018, for instance, it compromised the BankIslami computer network in order to approve fraudulent ATM withdrawal requests that led to $6.1 million being dispensed from ATMs. That money was then laundered with the help of a co-conspirator identified as Canadian American Ghaleb Alaumary. Advertisement The range of activities, victims, and theft and extortion models laid out in the indictment is staggering, not because any of these models are so new or sophisticated, but because, taken together, they paint the clearest picture yet of how effectively cybercrime can be used to undermine international sanctions. Its a stark reminder that even as more countries are beginning to use economic sanctions as a response to malicious cyber activity, that very same activity can itself be used to circumvent those sanctions. As heartening as it is that countries are bolstering their responses to cyberattacks through the use of sanctions, the latest North Korea indictment demonstrates just how worthless those efforts will be without simultaneous aggressive, coordinated, international policing of cybercrime. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. New Delhi: The European Union (EU) ambassador Ugo Astuto has termed his visit to Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir an "opportunity" to see the "situation on the ground" and during his interaction took note of the recent district development council (DDC) elections and resumption of the 4G high-speed internet. "In our interaction, we have taken note of recent steps taken such as the election of the district development council, the resumption of 4G internet services. It is very important obviously, right to freedom of expression online and offline is a key-value for all democracies," said the European Union Envoy. "We have also noted with great expectations as to other important steps to be taken in the political and economic sphere including the early organization of legislative assembly elections. Overall, the visit presented the opportunity to see the situation on the ground and interact with some local interlocutors as part of the European Union's outreach to all stakeholders and we definitely look forward to continuing our dialogue with our Indian interlocutor," Ugo Astuto added. The two-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday saw 24 foreign heads of the mission visiting the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The envoys visited Srinagar, Budgam, and Jammu. The programme included meeting with the military and the civil authorities, including elected representatives. During the Srinagar visit, the envoys met elected representatives of urban local bodies, DDC and block development councils from all districts of the Kashmir division. The group also visited the famous Hazratbal shrine, one of the holiest mosques in the union territory. The biggest percentage of envoys in the present group came from Europe. These were the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. This is the third such visit of foreign envoys, with two batches visiting the Union territory last year in January and February. EU envoy was present in previous such visits as well. Live TV This week, scores of Zimbabwean refugees living in Botswana lost their bid to remain in the country and now face deportation if they do not voluntarily leave. The nearly 300 refugees fled Zimbabwe during the violent 2008 presidential election and fear persecution if they return. But officials from the U.N. refugee agency in Botswana and Zimbabwe say they are no longer at risk. The refugees have until February 28 to register for voluntary repatriation. But some, like Watson Chibi, say they do not want to return home. "All refugees' hopes are down. We are waiting for anything to happen. UNHCR has rejected us. The only option we have is going back home to Zimbabwe," he said. "We are so skeptical, are we really going to get even a passport or a travel document? Things are bad. They are saying it is time up, we should go. We should go because we do not deserve international protection as things are (now) OK in Zimbabwe." Chibi says the refugees want to take the matter to court, but do not have funds. "We are trying to go to court. But will we have money to pay a lawyer to represent us? No, we don't have money. Why? Because since 2010 refugees were not allowed to work," he said. Zimbabwe's ambassador to Botswana, Henry Mukonoweshuro, has assured refugees it is safe to return. "What I can assure you is that his excellency (Zimbabwe President Emmerson) Mnangagwa welcomes you back to Zimbabwe. It is the government's desire to have Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe," Mukonoweshuro said. The UNHCR protection officer at the Dukwi Refugee Camp, Olivia Mugambi, recently told refugees the situation in Zimbabwe has improved. "We have done a lot of research in the country of destination and we believe that the situation has significantly changed, and the situation is now conducive for return," Mugambi said. The U.N. refugee agency says returning refugees will be assisted with a cash grant, a food package and hygiene items. Officials say the Botswana government will provide transport, while the reception of the returnees and their documentation and reintegration will be the responsibility of Zimbabwean authorities. 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. LACK of diversification is a risky invitation to investment disaster. Very few institutional, corporate or individual investors would put their total net worth into one sector. Yet thats just what Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan have done. Opinion LACK of diversification is a risky invitation to investment disaster. Very few institutional, corporate or individual investors would put their total net worth into one sector. Yet thats just what Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan have done. The economies of these provinces are heavily dependent on the fortunes of the petroleum industry. Corporate and personal income taxes generated by the industry are key to the treasuries of all three provincial governments. In addition, provincial ownership of subsurface mineral rights and the right to sell drilling leases means theyre further lashed to a notoriously volatile industry that appears to be on its way out. In contrast, very little drilling takes place on state or federal lands in the United States, other than offshore and in Alaska. While state governments certainly suffer when the industry experiences a downturn, theyre not in dire financial straits. American states have few land or subsurface rights. The vast majority of oil and gas drilling and production occurs on private land. Landowners derive royalties from production and any disturbance on their property. State and federal governments glean income tax from the corporations and their employees, but dont receive royalties, except in the rare circumstances in which they hold the subsurface rights. Many other industries and companies are usually active in oilpatch states, so if oil prices and profits slide, its not necessarily a source of heavy damage to state treasuries. If those states also had royalty income and land-lease sale income, their fiscal situations could be as dire as those in Canada. Lack of state ownership of these assets has largely been a blessing. This may seem counterintuitive to Albertans. The oil and gas industry has long been key to the provinces legendary prosperity. Albertans have the highest per-capita incomes in the nation, even in periods of depressed oil and gas prices. But more than 70 years of Alberta prosperity could be in jeopardy. And the continued fixation and dependence on fossil fuels could bring disaster. Determined anti-petroleum forces seek to make the industry extinct even sooner than might naturally occur. Carbon pricing is escalating. And the continued pressure on institutional investors to no longer fund fossil fuel-related projects is increasing. The solution is radical, but necessary. Oil and gas subsurface rights in Alberta and the rest of the Canadian oilpatch should be sold to private investors to eliminate government dependence on a volatile, risky industry with a finite life. While its unclear what the sale of these rights could net, clues can be found in publicly traded companies that own nearly all the royalties to their production. This is the legacy of the early land grants to the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Hudsons Bay Co. and some other lucky landowners. Alberta could yield around $50 billion for the sale of provincially held conventional oil and gas properties, even at todays depressed oil and gas prices and depressed industry valuations. If you add the value of royalties on oil sands production, you get a total approaching $260 billion. And yet more if you add natural gas production value. Having law enforcement, health care, infrastructure and maintenance subject to wild swings in oil and gas prices was never a great idea. However, greed, complacency and backward-looking bias lulled Albertans and Canadians more generally to sleep. Courageous and rational leaders should start the process of rigorous valuation of all oil and gas assets in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and other places in Canada. And then set in motion gradual divestment of these valuable but risky assets. The proceeds should be put in a true sovereign wealth fund (unlike the oft-plundered Heritage Savings Trust Fund) similar to Norways, and then invested in diversified non-petroleum assets worldwide, with the investment income used to pay government expenses. Never again should Canadians be subject to the erratic whims of energy markets without protection. Ian Madsen is a senior policy analyst with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. Troy Media EDWARDSVILLE Felony criminal charges filed Feb. 18 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Cheryl D. Thornton, 57, of Madison, was charged with unlawful financial exploitation of an elderly person, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. Between June 30 to Aug. 19, Thornton allegedly used almost $1,000 of an elderly persons money. Bail was set at $15,000. Marriet D. Lucas, 39, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of a lost or mislaid debit card, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Madison Police Department. On May 20 Lucas allegedly was in possession of another persons debit card with the intent to misuse it. Bail was set at $15,000. James L. Ray, 52, of St. Louis, was charged with offenses relating to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On Aug. 5 Ray allegedly was in possession of a stolen trailer with Illinois registration. Bail was set at $15,000. Marc D. Reynolds, 32, of St. Louis, was charged with retail theft under $300 (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Madison Police Department. On Jan. 23 Reynolds allegedly took Brazilian hair extensions valued at less than $300 from Forever Young, 1201 Madison Ave. It was noted he had a prior conviction for retail theft out of Madison County in 2018. Bail was set at $15,000. Richard A Heil, 42, of Wood River, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the East Alton Police Department. On Dec. 24 Heil, while driving a 2019 Buick, allegedly fled from an East Alton police officer, reaching speeds more than 21 miles above the posted limit. Bail was set at $15,000. Cody J. Guffey, 22, of Collinsville, was charged with criminal trespass to a residence, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Edwardsville Police Department. On Feb. 11 Guffey allegedly entered a residence in the 400 block of M Street without permission. Bail was set at $5,000. Days after the Tripura CM Biplab Deb claimed that the Union Home Minister shared his plans of 'expanding BJP's base in Nepal and Sri Lanka', the law minister of Tripura, Ratan Lal Nath defended the CM's statement and clarified that Deb meant to state that 'nations like the United States and Sri Lanka remain influenced by the ideals of BJP, and were mulling on adapting them'. Nath however claimed that the world is witnessing the ideologies of the saffron brigade in India and that the US and Sri Lanka have started accepting the ideals of the party. He claimed that Deb's statement did not mean that, 'BJP will establish its base anywhere'. READ | Subramanian Swamy Responds On Tripura CM's 'BJP Planning Govts In Nepal, Sri Lanka' Reveal 'BJP will establish its base anywhere': Tripura CM The Law Minister further referred to the International Yoga Day and stressed that the entire world recognised the importance of Yoga after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative to celebrate the traditional practice. Referring to the Covid-19 vaccination drive, Nath said that India developed the vaccines and countries are procuring the doses from India. He linked these aspects to the ideals and claimed that 'The entire world is thinking about PM Modi's thoughts and ideas.' Amit Shah Has Plans to Form BJP Govts in Nepal, Sri Lanka': Tripura CM Biplab Deb pic.twitter.com/K7LaIaL4O5 Punjab Spectrum (@punjab_spectrum) February 15, 2021 Earlier this week, a video clip of Biplap Deb surfaced on social media where he was seen claiming that Amit Shah shared his thoughts about establishing BJP's base in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Deb recently also claimed of recalling certain excerpts from a conversation with Shah in a meeting at the State Guest House, where BJP's Ajay Jamwal had said that 'BJP has come to power in many states'. To which, Deb claimed Shah had replied stating that Nepal and Sri Lanka are still remaining and that the BJP has to be victorious there too. READ | Tripura CM Biplab Puts Harvard University In London - 2021's 'Amazon Is In Africa' Moment Of the many claims, the Tripura CM also had stated that the BJP became the largest party in the world due to Amit Shah's leadership. In retaliation to the claims made by Deb, Kathmandu witnessed a formal protest against India. Nath's statements came as clarification for what he termed misinterpretation of the words used by Deb. READ | Tripura CM Warns Terrorists After Abduction Of Workers: 'We Know To Do Surgical Strikes' READ | Tripura CM Biplab Deb Makes appalling Comparison Between Punjab, Haryana & Bengal People Spains largest trade unions, the Podemos-affiliated Workers Commissions (CCOO) and Socialist Party (PSOE)-affiliated General Union of Workers (UGT) have called off the four-month strike at Alcoas San Cibrao aluminium plant in Spains northeastern region of Galicia. Having isolated the strike, the unions moved to shut it down as it coincided with an international upsurge of struggles against wage cuts, job losses and the ruling class herd immunity policy. The San Cibrao strike opposed the decision of Alcoa, the worlds third-largest aluminium producer, headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA, to close this smelting plant and fire all 530 workers. Another 1,500 indirect jobs were affected. Since 2008, Alcoa has closed or sold 18 aluminium factories worldwide, four in recent months, including at A Coruna and Aviles in Spain and Intalco in the United States. The Alcoa San Ciprian aluminium facility in Spain. (Aluminiumtoday.com) It is part of an international offensive against aluminium workers as major corporations restructure operations to maximise profits. Worldwide, the industry is beset by oversupply, as Chinese demand has slowed in recent years, and especially now, with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcoa arrived in Spain during the privatisation wave of the 1990s. It acquired a number of plants from the state-led aluminium company at very low cost, promising to reinvest 400 million. This never came. Instead, over the next decades, it sold plants to investment funds and sacked thousands of workers, while making over 1.5 billion in profits. Alcoas high electricity-consuming plants were also showered with state electricity subsidies. The company managed to save around 1 billion. A ludicrous situation emerged where Alcoa, a transnational company, paid an average of four euro-cents per kwh, while its workers paid 23 cents for the same electricity in their homes. In 2019, Alcoa sold its two plants in Aviles and A Coruna to Parter Capital Group, a Swiss hedge fund. The PSOE-Podemos government promoted this as the deal of the century. Industry Minister Reyes Maroto declared: This is a day of hope. Spain needs industry, and we hope this announcement will serve not only to maintain jobs at the two plants, but also to create new jobs. Just over a month later, in September, Parter Capital Group moved to sell it to Grupo Industrial Riesgobut not before Alcoa paralysed the electrolytic cells, thus stopping the production of primary aluminium. In May, at the height of pandemic deaths in the spring of 2020 and amid a nationwide lockdown, the company announced the closure of its San Cibrao plant. The unions reacted with their well-rehearsed tactic of wearing down workers with isolated protests and strikes. The unions criminally aided the company in preventing a united action between all workers at the three Alcoa plants in the same region. Instead, each plant issued strike actions and protests on separate dates. The CCOO and UGT also made sure no combined struggle emerged with the thousands of Nissan workers striking against the Japanese automakers decision to shut down its Barcelona plant, attacking 25,000 direct and indirect jobs. The unions claimed that a united front of the regional and central governments, trade unions and workers would put pressure on Alcoa. The same tactic was used in the Nissan struggle to wear down working class opposition to plant closures. At Alcoas San Cibrao plant, CCOO union leader Jose Antonio Zan called on the PSOE-Podemos government to be brave and take over the plant. Zan claimed the government could intervene in the company and keep part of the shares. He called on it to start legislating to take over the plant, given the lack of respect on the part of the company. It is shameful how Alcoa behaves. The unions promoted talks between the regional and national PSOE-Podemos government to shower Alcoa with new subsidies. The CCOO and UGT, effectively working for management, even submitted a draft proposal on subsidies for Alcoa, giving it more tax cuts and exemptions. In October, Alcoa announced mass redundancies. Amid mass anger, the unions called an indefinite strike and plant occupation, which was widely supported by the workforce. For four months, not only was production stoppedblocking over 50,000 metric tons of metal shipmentsbut workers prevented any attempt by Alcoa to remove machinery or other manufacturing equipment. The strike showed the strength of the working class. The need for a broader, united and international mobilisation in Spain and throughout Europe was directly posed. Instead, the unions intervened to promote illusions that a court decision in December, ruling that the collective dismissal process was null and void, was a victory. The pseudo-left online daily Izquierda Diario hailed it as the first victory for Alcoa workers. It did not stop the redundancies, however. The key task facing workers was to unite their struggle with other sections of the working class. In December and January, mass strikes and stoppages in Spains health care, transport, agriculture and industrial sectors emerged, as unemployment surged to 16 percent of the population, around 3.7 million workers. These struggles are part of a global upsurge of class struggle, vastly intensified by COVID-19, as the ruling class seizes on the pandemic to slash wages and benefits and impose murderously unsafe working conditions. The trade unions rapidly decided to shut down the strike on January 22. The CCOO, the UGT and the Galician-nationalist trade union CIG (Confederacion Intersindical Galega) reached a deal behind the workers backs with Alcoa, for the company to sell the plant to the Spanish government, which would then re-sell it to another private firm. Even this possibility, however, is remote. As the unions said, the main issue was maintaining social peace. That did not mean maintaining jobs and salaries, however. CCOO delegate Zan declared that the agreement to achieve the social peace demanded by the multinational has been signed, now everything is in the hands of Alcoa and the SEPI [Spanish Society of Industrial Participations, the agency that manages state-owned companies], who have to negotiate to come to a deal. How could it be otherwise? Zan expected the plant to be sold to Liberty House, part of the British conglomerate GFG Alliance. However, he had to admit that he knows none of the details of the operation, although he claimed that SEPI, Liberty or anyone who buys the company has to ensure the future through investments and modernise the factory. This is a fraud. International experience and Alcoas own previous deal in 2019 with Swiss firm Parter Capital Group shows that workers cannot put any hope in such operations. In each case they entail job losses and massive attacks on workers wages and conditions. Basic rights won over generations of struggle, including the eight-hour day and equal pay for equal work, are eliminated in defence of competitiveness. Lessons must be learned. The only way forward to fight transnational companies, which act internationally to relocate production to improve their profits on the backs of workers, is to break from the nationalist straitjacket imposed by the trade unions and their perspective of national competitiveness and support for capitalist bailouts. This requires the building of international rank-and-file committees of action independent of the nationalist and pro-capitalist trade unions. leaders on Friday said they would seek a collective approach to counter "non-market oriented" policies and practices, including engaging with China through the G20. "With the aim of supporting a fair and mutually beneficial global economic system for all people, we will engage with others, especially G20 countries including large economies such as China, the said after a virtual leaders' meeting. As leaders, we will consult with each other on collective approaches to address non-market oriented policies and practices, and we will cooperate with others to address important global issues that impact all countries. President will re-introduce himself and the US to world leaders at a pair of conferences on Friday, calling on industrialized democracies to partner in confronting the pandemic and climate change in a sharp departure from his predecessors In remarks to the Group of Seven and a speech to the Munich Security Conference, Biden will portray collective action as essential, too, in great-power confrontations with China and Russia, pivoting from former President Donald Trumps America First approach to global affairs. Trump antagonized allies in order to secure more favorable trade deals and reduce the US military footprint, ties Biden seeks to swiftly repair. In his first major speech as president, Biden cast China as the most serious competitor of the United States. His peer from the UK, Johnson, said the as like-minded liberal free-trading democracies stood together on issues such as condemnation of the coup in Myanmar and the detention of Alexei Navalny in Russia. The G7 of the United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada has a combined gross domestic product of about $40 trillion a little less than half of the global Biden will argue that democracies must fight to preserve their institutions in the wake of foreign interference in their elections. NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS) resulting from allegations that Leidos may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Leidos securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2035.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On February 16, 2021, investment analyst Spruce Point Capital Management published a report alleging, among other things, that Leidos $1.0 billion levered acquisition of L3Harris Security Detection and Automation business (SD&A) is experiencing significant problems, including product defects, that increase the likelihood of a material adverse effect. The report further alleged that Leidos misstated revenue, citing, for example, a $6 million variance between the third quarter 2020 investor presentation and a Form 10-Q, which raises the possibility that Leidos has booked fake revenue, or is keeping two sets of books. On this news, Leidos stock price fell $3.41 per share, or over 3%, to close at $105.22 per share on February 16, 2021, damaging investors. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience or resources. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 3 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020 founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com 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. The Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Baghdad urges those writing on social media about Pope Francis' visit to Iraq to be more positive and supportive of everything in order to make it a success. By Robin Gomes Pope Francis does not come to Iraq to solve all the problems" of the country. It is also not his duty to make Christians who have emigrated return or to recover their usurped property. This is one of the responsibilities of the Iraqi government to create suitable conditions for their return. The Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Baghdad, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako made the point in an official statement on Patriarchates website. He was responding to those criticizing the papal visit on social media. The Vatican on December 7 announced that Pope Francis will make an apostolic visit to Iraq from March 5 to 8. This first-ever visit of a Pope to the middle-eastern country will take him to Baghdad, the plains of Ur, Mosul and Qaraqosh. It will be the Popes first foreign trip after a 15-month gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The last journey outside of Italy by Pope Francis was to Thailand and Japan in November 2019. Unfulfilled dream of John Paul II Back in 1999, Saint Pope John Paul II had wanted to visit the ancient Iraqi city of Ur of the Chaldeans, as part of his visit to Iraq, the Holy Land and Egypt, on the occasion of the Jubilee Year 2000. Traditionally, Ur is regarded as the birthplace of Abraham, the father of the three monotheistic religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam. But the dream of a visit to Iraq never materialized due to several reasons, including security concerns, under Saddam Hussein. Pope John Paul II visited the Holy Land and Egypt in 2000. Pope Francis is now set to realize his predecessors dream. The number of Christians in Iraq has greatly dwindled following sectarian warfare after the 2003 US-led invasion and the Islamic States sweep through a third of the country in 2014. A blessing In his brief statement, Patriarch Sako noted that the papal visit is a historic and exceptional visit, given the circumstances in which the country and the region is living. We consider it a blessing, a visit that we hope will have an echo of reconciliation and unification for the sake of reviving the country. He pointed out that the Pope cannot visit all the Christian towns and all the shrines of Iraq. However, Christians are grateful that he is visiting official stations such as Baghdad, Erbil, Ramziyya, Najaf, Ur, Mosul, Qaraqosh and Ghadida in the Nineveh Plains. Patriarch Sako stressed that the Holy Father does not come to solve all problems, but rather to express his solidarity and stand with the Iraqis, and will carry messages of love, brotherhood, reconciliation, tolerance, peace, respect for life, diversity and pluralism. Make a successful and safe visit The Patriarchate asked those writing about the papal visit on social media to be more positive and supportive of everything that would make this visit a success. It pointed out that the Iraqi government is grateful, and has taken all necessary measures to make it historic and worthy of Iraq and the Iraqis". The Patriarchate invited everyone to pray for the safety of Pope Francis holiness and the success of the visit for the good of the country and the people. When the papal trip was announced, the Iraqi government described it an historic event. It symbolizes a message of peace to Iraq and the whole region, the foreign ministry said. The Iraqi president, Barham Salih, had officially invited Pope Francis to visit Iraq in July 2019, hoping it would help the country heal after years of strife. A general view in the CERN Data Centre of the 1450 m2 main room during a behind the scenes tour at CERN on April 19, 2017 in Meyrin, Switzerland. (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) Aussie PM Defends Defence Departments Delayed Exit From Chinese-Owned Data Centre Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended the delayed exit by the Department of Defence from a Chinese-owned data centre based in Sydney. Defence made plans in 2017 to migrate all its data into a secure, government-owned facility by 2020, after the UK-based Global Switch owners sold a 49 percent stake to the Chinese consortium Elegant Jubilee in December 2016. However, the department will remain in the current Ultimo-based data facility in Sydney until 2025 under a $53.5 million contract. A defence spokesperson told itnews that the decision arose due to the sheer size of the departments data holdings. The size of the Defence holdings made it impractical to migrate all the holdings from the data centre prior to the expiry of the Defence lease in September 2020, they said. Defence has developed a plan to migrate its remaining holdings cover the next three to five years, as supported by the government. In response to security concerns, Morrison told Parliament that defence had already migrated its most sensitive data to a purpose-built data centre. Defence data migrations of sensitive ICT data and assets was completed ahead of schedule, Morrison said. Defence is now progressing work consistent with the strategy to migrate less sensitive and unclassified data assets to an alternative data centre. Morrison added that within the Ultimo data centre, Defence has in place strict security arrangements, including 24/7 Defence security presence, remote CCTV monitoring and regular security audits. Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the House of Representatives on February 18, 2021, in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Greg Moriarty, the secretary of the Department of Defence, assured Australians that Defences data was safe. The safeguarding of Defences data is of the utmost priority for my Department, Moriarty said. Global Switch Group Director Damon Reid told news.com.au the company had no access to customer data. All our data centres provide our customers with world-class reliability, security and flexibility, Reid said. Matt Warren, a professor of cybersecurity at RMIT University, told The Epoch Times the problem stemmed from the 2017 Beijing National Intelligence Law, which dictates that China-based organisations must provide data to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) if requested. The issue is that there are no boundaries to the geographical location of Chinese organisations, so Chinese organisations with operations in the Western Countries still have to co-operate, Warren said. Warren added that there unquestionably were potential risks involved in the extension, but he hoped defence would have effective cloud-based encryption to protect the data. Other agencies like the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission are expected to finish their migration out of the same data centre by 2022. 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. Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. Photo: The Canadian Press This Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 photo provided by NASA shows the Perseverance rover lowered towards the surface of Mars during its powered descent. The world got its first close-up look at a Mars landing on Friday, as NASA released a stunning picture of its newest rover being lowered onto the dusty red surface. The photo was released less than 24 hours after the Perseverance rover successfully touched down near an ancient river delta, where it will search for signs of ancient life and set aside the most promising rock samples for return to Earth in a decade. NASA equipped the spacecraft with a record 25 cameras and two microphones, many of which were turned on during Thursdays descent. The rover is shown in stunning detail just 6 1/2 feet (2 metres) off the ground, being lowered by cables attached to an overhead sky crane, the red dust kicked up by rocket engines. NASA promises more photos in the next few days and possibly also an audio recording of the descent. This is something that weve never seen before, flight system engineer Aaron Stehura noted at a news conference. It was stunning, and the team was awestruck. Theres just a feeling of victory that we were able to capture these and share it with the world. Chief engineer Adam Steltzner called the picture iconic," putting it right up there with photos of Apollo 11's Buzz Aldrin on the moon, Saturn as seen by Voyager 1, and the Hubble Space Telescope's pillars of creation shot. A number of thumbnail images have been beamed down so far, too many to count, said Pauline Hwang, strategic mission manager for surface operations. The team went wild at seeing these first pictures, she said. We were just kind of like on cloud nine .. this weird dreamlike state, we can't actually believe this is what we're seeing," she said. The spacecraft is healthy, according to officials, after landing on a flat, safe surface in Jezero Crater with just 1 degree of tilt and relatively small rocks nearby. For now, the systems still are being checked. It will be at least a week before the rover starts driving. Strutting across a road junction in Myanmar traditional dress and wielding colourful paper parasols, Yangon's LGBTQ activists are stepping up to be part of a "revolution" against the military. Their vibrant presence adds to the wide cross-section of Myanmar society -- from railway workers wearing hardhats to teachers dressed in their green-and-white uniforms -- who marched through the country's largest city Yangon Friday to demand the army give up power. The nation has seen daily demonstrations for the past two weeks, with hundreds of thousands of protesters calling for the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a military coup on February 1. "We are coming together with everyone in our country because we are against this situation," said Shin Thant, carrying a lavender-coloured parasol to shield herself from the sun. The well-known transgender activist was flanked by others in her community, some wearing traditional Myanmar fitted tops and a shin-length skirt called "longyi". Others went for a more modern look, with multi-layer bridal gowns or glittery clubwear. Hundreds of supporters marched carrying rainbow-coloured placards with prints of the three-finger salute -- a symbol of resistance borrowed from the Hunger Games film trilogy. "We, the LGBTQ community, won't give birth and our generation ends with us," Shin Thant said. "But I wanted to tell those who will have children that you should participate in this revolution." Shin Thant is a former beauty queen and won Miss Trans Grand International Myanmar in 2018, but has reportedly faced harassment from authorities in the past. The community still faces widespread discrimination in Myanmar, a conservative, mostly Buddhist country, with same-sex relationships criminalised under the penal code and trans people often harassed by authorities. But Myanmar's LGBTQ community have been making tentative attempts in recent years to step out into the open, with activists organising pride parades and festivals that have drawn hundreds of supporters -- a possible sign of changing mindsets in the cities. Story continues Shin Thant urged protesters to try and stick to peaceful forms of civil disobedience. "We don't need violence -- our goal is for the long term," she said. "Please protest peacefully against all forms of injustice." bur-dhc/pdw/am/axn 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 SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, enthusiast and collectors of antique and contemporary American Indian art can attend the 37th Annual American Indian Art Show/ San Francisco virtually. Usually held at Fort Mason in San Francisco, COVID-19 has caused the organizers to quickly take the show online this year. On offer from Mark Sublette of the Medicine Man Gallery. This is a rare Navajo wedge weave blanket with raveled and Germantown yarns that has never before been on offer to the public. This blanket is 85.5 inches by 56.5 inches, and was made circa 1875-1885. On offer from Sherwoods Spirit of America at the Virtual American Indian Art Show/ San Francisco. These Comanche high top hide moccasins feature hand rubbed yellow ochre and green mineral pigment, large domed trade brass buttons, rolled over top cuffs with long fringe, and buffalo hide soles. They date back to the 19th century and are 17 1/2 inches by 9 1/2 inches. The American Indian Art Show/ San Francisco is the most significant showcase of American Indian art on the west coast, with an emphasis on antique American Indian art as well as Pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, and the best in contemporary American Indian art. The show will have over 50 exhibitors participating from around the world including the Mark Blackburn Gallery from Marfa, Texas offering, among other things, a superb Eskimo mask from the mid 19th century or earlier. From Tucson, Arizona, the prominent dealer Terry DeWald will have an exceptional San Carlos Apache figural olla with human and zoomorphic figures circa 1910. Also, from Tucson, Mark Sublette of the Medicine Man Gallery will have a rare Navajo wedge weave blanket with raveled and Germantown yarns that has never before been on offer to the public. Four Winds out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will have beautiful American Indian jewelry including a cuff made by Navajo Fred Peshlakai (1896-1974) of natural turquoise and silver. Going forward, the organizers have decided to permanently add a virtual edition for the show, but plan to open up the physical show at Fort Mason as soon as possible. VIRTUAL ACCESS TO EXHIBITORS AND EXPERTS Besides viewing individual pieces online during the show, attendees can also participate in Virtual Exhibitor Conversations that will work like Zoom office hours, allowing showgoers to talk directly with the experts and ask them questions. There will also be a robust lineup of virtual talks available for free. February 24, 2021 (Wednesday) 37th American Indian Art Show / San Francisco Virtual Benefit Preview 10 AM to 5 PM PST 1 PM to 8 PM EST 6 PM to 1 AM GMT Cost: $25 One-hundred percent of the Benefit Preview proceeds will go to Blessingway, a nonprofit created in 2016, administered by Mark and Linda Winter, operators of the Toadlena Trading Post, with a mission to offer aid to the Navajo Nation. The proceeds, which run through Native Art New Mexico, will go to a program that distributes hundreds of COVID relief packages monthly to the Dine people including flour, coffee, canned goods, and PPE, as well as feed for sheep and livestock. General Admission Show Hours: Free February 25, 2021 (Thursday): Show opens at 10:00 AM PST and remains open until February 28, 2021 (Sunday) when the show closes at midnight PST. To register for the show and for a complete list of exhibitors visit the website of the American Indian Art Show/ San Francisco here: https://www.virtualamericanindianartshows.com Media Contact: Clare Hertel 505-670-3090 [email protected] SOURCE American Indian Art Show/San Francisco Related Links https://www.virtualamericanindianartshows.com 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 Australian market wiped off its weekly gains in Fridays session as a round of profit-taking after a series of largely positive interim results weakened blue-chip stocks. The ASX200 finished the day down 1.34 per cent at 6793 points, 0.2 per cent below where the index opened on Monday morning, though this marked a slight recovery from the bourses lows of 6770 in the mid-afternoon. Oscar Oberg, lead portfolio manager at local fund Wilson Asset Management told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald Fridays plunge was primarily due to profit-taking, mixed in with some weaker-than-expected economic data. Large-cap companies have generally reported very well, so I dont think theres anything too much to read into it other than a bit of profit-taking, Mr Oberg said. Lower retail sales and weak overnight performance on Wall Street may have also contributed to a bit of pessimism in the market, the fund manager said, but much of Fridays fall could just be attributed to volatility. Theres a lot of volatility in the market at the moment, we had iron ore prices up 5 per cent yesterday and then down 3 or 4 per cent today, he said. But the markets been due for a bit of a pull-back. Preliminary retail sales for January, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Friday morning, showed retail trade grew 0.6 per cent for the month, well below economists expectations of a 2 per cent rise. A slew of blue-chip companies reported significant falls on Friday, led by biotech CSL, the big four banks, and energy and industrials companies BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue and Woodside. Mr Oberg said the fall in industrials and energy companies could again be chalked up to profit-taking, with many of those companies seeing strong share price gains in recent weeks. Information technology companies were the one hold-out for much of Fridays session as Afterpay and Computershare both put up strong performances early on, however, the sector ended flat as the afternoons pessimism wiped out much of its gains. Cochlear finished the day as the sessions largest gainer, up 8.4 per cent, as the business reinstated its interim dividend, declaring payment of $1.15 per share for the six months to March. The ASXs poor performance looks likely to be replicated by Wall Street, with NASDAQ futures indicating a near 1 per cent fall in the index, and Dow Jones futures are heralding a 0.7 per cent drop. A $120,000 pink Mercedes has been seized by police as they crack down on dangerous hoon meets terrorising locals in Melbourne. Victoria Police arrested 14 men on Wednesday and Thursday in connection to an alleged illegal hoon meet at Marine Parade in St Kilda on January 21. More than 100 people gathered on the busy street as drag racers performed burnouts through the streets late into the night. Following the illegal meet, officers executed 14 search warrants over the last two days in a handful of suburbs across metropolitan Melbourne. A $120,000 pink Mercedes has been seized by police as they crack down on dangerous hoon meets terrorising locals in Melbourne Victoria Police arrested 14 men on Wednesday and Thursday in connection to an alleged illegal hoon meet at Marine Parade in St Kilda on January 21 They seized 12 cars, including the flashy Mercedes, which totalled more than $370,000 in value. Police said the 14 men arrested are aged between 18 and 45 years old. They have been charged with a raft of offences including conduct endangering a person, possess prohibited weapons and attempted criminal damage, among others. The arrests came as Victoria Police launched a new state-wide operation to clamp down on hoon meets. Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett said: 'Hoon activity is dangerous and not simply a bit of harmless fun. We've seen these kinds of behaviours result in both death and serious injury.' 'Operation Achilles will target those who blatantly disregard the law and as a result, put the safety of the entire community at risk. Police said the 14 men arrested are aged between 18 and 45 years old THE CARS SEIZED BY POLICE 2015 Mercedes B GTS Roadster 2011 Ford Falcon G6E sedan 2016 Holden Commodore SS sedan 1996 Ford Falcon XR6 sedan 1994 Ford Falcon XR8 sedan 1989 Nissan Skyline R31 sedan 1995 Nissan 180 SX coupe 1995 Holden Commodore S sedan 2011 Mercedes C63 sedan 1999 Nissan Stagea wagon 1992 Holden Commodore Wagon 2010 Ford XR6 sedan Advertisement 'We know this type of behaviour is incredibly frustrating for local residents and police are committed to working closely with community groups to address their concerns.' Mr Barrett said authorities have no tolerance for illegal hoon activity and they remain committed to prosecuting anyone involved in the 'dangerous' behaviour. 'The penalties for hooning are significant and our message to anyone out there is simple - we will find you, arrest you, put you before the courts and seize your car,' he said. Shocking footage from January 21 allegedly showed cars flying down the road and performing a string of burnouts as the crowd shouted and cheered. One woman shared to social media that the night was complete 'madness'. 'They drove like lunatics, once police got there they threw and smashed bottles on police cars. Police pepper sprayed them from their windows,' she said. 'It was crazy.' U.S. Border Patrol agents detain a suspected smuggler after he allegedly transported undocumented immigrants who crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into the United States in Mission, Texas, on July 24, 2014. (John Moore/Getty Images) More Than 100 Illegal Immigrants Fled From Refrigerated Truck in Texas: Officials Officials in Texas said Thursday they are looking for at least 100 illegal immigrants who fled a refrigerated truck after they were allegedly smuggled into the United States. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazer said they received reports that the 100 undocumented migrants fled the truck as it was parked at a gas station near San Antonio. Officials got word that undocumented immigrants were being smuggled into the country, said Salazar in a news conference, adding that the immigrants were pleading to be given air. When deputies approached the truck, they saw people jumping out of it. Then as more deputies arrived, Salazar said a large crowd of people poured out of the truck and ran to the woods. So far, according to officials, about 38 men and 12 women have been detained. Its sub-zero temperatures here, just about, and its still snowing. And our concern is people are going to be very much exposed to the elements and quite frankly, were worried some of these people may be in distress very, very soon here, Salazar said, elaborating on why its necessary to find the people. He noted that some of the people were only wearing a T-shirt and jeans. This week, a number of areas in Texas grappled with frigid temperatures, causing widespread power outages. Salazar added that the majority of the migrants were from El Salvador and Guatemala, adding that he believes the smugglers are on the loose. Last week, officials said they received a call from a man who dialed 911 and said he was inside a tanker truck that was carrying 80 undocumented immigrants to San Antonio. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) told news outlets last week that at least one person was taken into custody. Meanwhile, ICE has dropped detainer requests against 26 people in Texas in recent weeks, said Jason Clark, chief of staff at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Immigration authorities issue detainers to local or state law enforcement agencies holding a person who is potentially in the U.S. illegally. When a person in the U.S. illegally completes their sentence for a crime, ICE can seek to take them into immigration custody. Most of the 26 were convicted of drug charges or drunken-driving offenses, according to state records obtained by The Associated Press. But two were convicted of sexually assaulting a teenager and a third was convicted of indecency with a child. Our concern is that you have individuals that have offenses in which we believe they would pose a public safety threat, Clark said. And so dropping the detainer, in turn, is threatening public safety and we expressed that to immigration officials. The Associated Press contributed to this report. RESTON, Va., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per outstanding share of common stock of Leidos Holdings, Inc. The cash dividend is payable on March 31, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2021. About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500 information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 38,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. Media contact: Melissa Lee Duenas (571) 526-6850 [email protected] Investor Relations: Peter Berl 571.526.7582 [email protected] SOURCE Leidos Related Links http://www.leidos.com 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. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday to reaffirm the "strategic defense partnership" between the two nations and discuss recent changes to U.S. policy on Yemen, the Pentagon said. Why it matters: The call comes just days after the White House said it would "recalibrate" its relationship with Saudi Arabia, and return to "counterpart to counterpart" engagement, with President Biden's counterpart being King Salman, not MBS. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. White House press secretary Jen Psaki's comments were widely seen as a snub to the crown prince, who is considered by many as the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia. The big picture: Since taking office, the Biden administration has announced the end to U.S. support for the Saudi-led coalition's offensive operations in Yemen, reversed the Trump administration's decision to designate Yemens Houthi rebels as a terror group, and paused an arms deal with the kingdom. The Biden administration is also set to release a U.S. intelligence report that concluded that MBS ordered the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, per the Washington Post. Yes, but: Axios' Barak Ravid reported last week that "the Saudi government was sending signals that it's ready to cooperate on Yemen and make improvements on human rights in an effort to avoid a crisis with Biden." What they're saying: "The Secretary condemned the recent Houthi cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed his commitment to assisting Saudi Arabia in the defense of its borders," the Pentagon said in a readout of the call between Austin and MBS. "Secretary Austin reiterated recent changes in U.S. policy toward the Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen, discussed the importance of ending the war, and thanked the Crown Prince for Saudi Arabias commitment to a political settlement," it added. Austin "underscored Saudi Arabias role as a pillar of the regional security architecture in the Middle East and the importance of sharing the responsibility of regional security and stability. " "Secretary Austin noted US and Saudi shared commitment to countering Irans destabilizing activities and defeating violent extremist organizations in the region." Go deeper: Saudi Arabia moves to ease tensions with Biden on Yemen, human rights More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Pennsylvania Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative Tri-County Craig Eccher Legislature's Center for Rural Pennsylvania Tri-County Bradford Tioga Potter McKean Cameron Clinton Lycoming Gene Yaw Lycoming County Center for Rural Pennsylvania Tri-County Pennsylvania Bill Gerski Tri-County's Jed Hamberger Potter County Tri-County's Pittsburgh Philadelphia Pennsylvania Federal Communications Commission Tom Wolf Tioga County Clint Owlett Kristin Phillips-Hill York County Senate Communications Technology Committee (TNS) Expanding access to broadband internet service is vital for ruralcommunities and school districts, state legislators were told during a hearing on Thursday.Customers across the seven-state region served by thefear "they're being left behind in a new digital age," and given "second-class citizens status," saidpresident and CEOIn a two-hour hearing conducted by the, Eccher and otherofficials shared the coop's story of undertaking an $80 million project funded with $62 million in state and federal grants to bring high-speed service to its customers inandcounties.Eccher said there are "striking" similarities between the effort to deliver rural broadband to calls nearly 100 years to bring electricity to those same areas, calls that were frequently swatted down by companies claiming it would be too difficult or expensive to do so.Broadband access has taken on a new significance under the COVID-19 pandemic as school districts have been forced to hold virtual classes and many rural residents, especially seniors, have been required to schedule tele-medicine appointments rather than in-person ones with their doctors."In my district, broadband is the number one issue," said state Sen., R-, the chairman of theofficials repeatedly stressed the importance of broadband to rural communities. High-speed internet, they said, helps improve education and medical care, but also business development and the quality of life."It's time to eliminate the digital divide that exists between rural and urban," saidsenior vice president.Oswayo Valley School District Superintendentsaid broadband is one of his three priorities and the small district inbegan working on the issue long before the pandemic hit.Fortunately, he saidproject has helped his students gain high-speed access.Hamberger said what he does not want to see is additional funding for broadband going toandwhile rural residents are at the end of the line. "We need the same infrastructure here that they need there," he said.There has been movement on the broadband expansion front in Theannounced in December that it had awarded $369 million for 13 projects in the state that would bring service to 327,000 residents Gov.in October signed a bill fromGOP state Rep.that will allow electric cooperatives to use existing poles to build broadband infrastructure.State Sen., R-, has been at the forefront of the broadband issue as chairwoman of theand. On Thursday, she said during the hearing that there has been progress, "but there's still work that needs to be done."Phillips-Hill pledged that lawmakers will consider regulatory changes to pave the way for broadband expansion projects. "We would like to create an environment where you all can be successful," she said. Ulan Bator, Feb 19 : Mongolia reported 58 new Covid-19 cases within the last 24 hours, bringing its total caseload to 2,551, the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) said Friday. Meanwhile, 17 more recoveries have been reported, bringing the national count to 1,819, the NCCD said in a statement. The disease has claimed five lives in Mongolia so far, the Xinhua news agency reported. The Asian country is planning to vaccinate at least 60 percent of its 3.3 million population against Covid-19, and 20 percent of them will be vaccinated under COVAX, a global initiative to ensure quick and equal access to vaccines against the virus, according to the health ministry. The country is expected to launch a nationwide Covid-19 vaccination campaign next week, the ministry said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Amy Adams is a highly awarded actor with numerous projects under her belt. It might surprise some fans to know some of the awards shes won and how many times. We have all the details you need to know about the award-winning actor whos made quite a name for herself. Amy Adams acting roles Amy Adams | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Amy Adams is a 46-year-old actor and producer. She was born in Vicenza, Italy, on August 20, 1974. She was raised in Colorado in the Mormon faith. She had a career as a dancer in the theater, and although she originally wanted to work as a ballerina, she pivoted to the theater, musical theater to be precise. From there, she found her way to acting. Adams first role was Drop Dead Gorgeous in 1999. According to Biography.com, Kirstie Alley inspired her to move to Los Angeles after they worked together in the film. From there, Adams landed more acting parts, making herself a household name eventually. She had several successful roles after that, including Catch Me If You Can, The Wedding Date, Junebug, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Enchanted, Julie and Julia, The Master, Man of Steel, American Hustle, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, and Hillbilly Elegy, according to IMDb. Shes also had a number of television roles in That 70s Show, Charmed, The West Wing, King of the Hill, The Office, and Sharp Objects. What awards has Amy Adams won? Amy Adams | Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images RELATED: Enchanted: Where Will the Amy Adams Sequel Disenchanted Be Available To Watch? Amy Adams has numerous awards for her work as an actor. With 238 nominations and 71 awards according to IMDb, its safe to say Adams is an accomplished actor. We wont go through the whole list, and these are just a few of the numerous awards shes won. She took home a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival for her work in Junebug in 2005. She also has an International Cinephile Society Award for Best Supporting Actress in the same film in 2006 and another in 2013 for The Master. In 2012, she won a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress in The Master. She received an International Online Film Critics Poll Award that same year for the same film. Adams also received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast for American Hustle in 2014. She won a prestigious Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture in 2014 for American Hustle and Big Eyes in 2015. She took home a Satellite Award for Best Actress for Sharp Objects in 2019. Shes also been given four Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards including for Best Actress in a Movie Made for a Television or Limited Series for Sharp Objects in 2019, in which she had a tie with Patricia Arquette in Escape at Dannemora as the winner. Shes even been the recipient of 6 Gold Derby Awards over the years, including for Performer of the Decade in 2020. Shes been nominated six times for an Oscar and eight times for a Golden Globe as well. Amy Adams has numerous awards to add to her list of accomplishments. Its plain to see that shes been awarded many times for her work over the years. The truck bomb leveled a section of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, killing 168 and injuring hundreds more in one of the deadliest domestic terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. But as Merrick Garland huddled with the lead prosecutor on the case, he urged caution in presenting the massive amount of evidence from the wreckage. "Do not bury the crime in the clutter," he said. Garland, then a top Justice Department official, was encouraging prosecutors to speed the trial along and jettison superfluous findings in their case against Timothy McVeigh, who was convicted of carrying out the 1995 attack and executed in 2001, said Joe Hartzler, the team's lead attorney. Hartzler said he found the advice so compelling that he wrote the words on a sheet of paper and hung it on an office wall as a rallying cry for his team. More than two decades later, Garland, 68, is preparing to lead the Justice Department as attorney general and facing a domestic terrorism threat that has metastasized, with white supremacists and conspiracy-minded anti-government types emboldened by their acknowledgment from former president Donald Trump. Those who worked with Garland on the Oklahoma City case - and the prosecution of another notorious domestic terrorist known as the Unabomber - say the experiences shaped him, and make him well-positioned to confront the current threat. "This almost feels like a precursor. How much more experience could you possibly have in domestic terrorism?" said Donna Bucella, a former Justice Department official who, like Garland, was sent to Oklahoma City in the attack's aftermath to help manage law enforcement's response. "He'll be very methodical. I think he'll demand it's being done the right way." Garland, who has spent the past two decades as a federal appellate judge in D.C., is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 22 for a confirmation hearing, where he will face tough questions about how he would handle the threat of domestic terrorism and other politically sensitive matters. As a judge, Garland, who declined to be interviewed for this report, was known as a moderate with a knack for building consensus. Although Senate Republicans famously refused to even consider his nomination for a Supreme Court seat in 2016, he is widely expected to be confirmed as attorney general with bipartisan support. Garland will face the immediate task of overseeing hundreds of cases stemming from the Capitol riot on Jan. 6 - which led to Trump's second impeachment. Democrats are likely to press him on his willingness to investigate or prosecute Trump and his allies in connection with inciting the rioters, while Republicans will seek to ensure that he wouldn't use the Justice Department's muscle to tamp down conservative ideas. 5 1 of 5 Washington Post photo by Bill O'Leary Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Photo for The Washington Post by Astrid Riecken Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Washington Post photo by Demetrius Freeman. Show More Show Less 5 of 5 President Joe Biden recently tasked the director of national intelligence, in coordination with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, with compiling a comprehensive threat assessment on violent domestic extremism. The National Security Council also is reviewing policy to determine whether more can be done to mitigate the threat. Garland and the Justice Department will play a critical role in both efforts, as they will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting possible domestic terrorists nationwide, while balancing concerns about civil liberties and free speech rights. "If you are a good steward of the Department of Justice, you will be very cognizant of the swings that we've had in this country between liberty and security," said Jamie Gorelick, a former deputy attorney general who worked with Garland in the 1990s. "And one of the things that this country is going to get with a Merrick Garland attorney general-ship is someone who understands those swings, and understands the need to respect the need for security, and to respect our civil liberties." In his Senate questionnaire, Garland said the most important cases he worked included the prosecution of Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski, who carried out 16 mail bombings over 17 years, killing three and injuring scores more, and that of McVeigh, a former Army sergeant who came to hate the U.S. government and identify with far-right militia types. "This is the central thing, the most significant thing I worked on," he said in a 2013 oral history for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. "I was able to make the biggest personal contribution to something. Lots of things lawyers work on they don't feel like - in the end you don't know whether it makes any difference or not. And I think other people could have done the same, but I think that being there makes you feel like you had a role to play in the investigation, helping pull people together, and it's a very satisfying feeling for a lawyer." Gorelick said she recalled sitting in a Justice Department office with Garland, who was then her top deputy, and watching television footage of first responders carrying wounded or dead children out of the wreckage. "He just said, 'I've got to go. Please send me,' " Gorelick said. On his first night in Oklahoma City, Garland drove to the blast site. It looked like a war zone. Broken windows, crumpled brick and a gaping hole where the building had stood. "The first time you see the building, and you see it not just on paper described and not just on CNN, but in front of you, it's just the enormity of what happened. It was just incredibly striking," Garland said in his interview for the oral history project. - - The most devastating part: the site of the building's day-care center. "There was nothing there. It was just a big, empty concave hole," Garland, who at the time of the bombing was a father to two young children, said while becoming emotional as he described the experience. Early in the investigation, Garland served as supervisor and line prosecutor, presenting arguments at an initial hearing on the case even as he coordinated the sprawling, multistate investigation. Because of the damage in Oklahoma City, McVeigh's initial proceeding was at Tinker Air Force Base; those involved recalled Garland pushing for media access, despite the logistical challenge. "You know, it's going to be bad enough they're going to conspiracy theories," Garland recalled saying at the time. "The defendant is going to complain he didn't get an open hearing. The law requires an open hearing." Garland said that he initially feared, because of reports of additional threats and truck bombs, that the Oklahoma City explosion was just the beginning of "some kind of rebellion or war." Larry Mackey, a prosecutor on the McVeigh case and that of co-conspirator Terry Nichols, said Garland encouraged investigators to run down possible connections to militia groups - cognizant that the case had greater meaning for the nation. "His message - and we certainly understood and believed it, and I think ultimately the jury did as well - [was] that we're going to respond to terrorism by relying on the institutions that made this country so great," Mackey said. "Merrick's theme - and the prosecution's theme - was, 'We're going to be greater than they are.' " Robert Cleary, the lead prosecutor on the Unabomber case, said Garland brought "a laserlike focus on the issues of gravest importance." "Given the times we're in, I think you're going to see this as a very real priority for him, and I think you'll see him and his inner circle dedicating a lot of resources to combating domestic and even international terrorism as well," Cleary said. - - - In his judicial chambers at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, Garland was not one to tell war stories, but his clerks understood how the experience in Oklahoma had affected him. "He knew and felt the weight of the individual lives lost - the families, the children, the first responders. That was front and center," said Clare Huntington, one of his first law clerks after he joined the bench in 1997. Huntington, a Fordham University law professor, described Garland as "clear eyed about what was at stake. This was domestic terrorism." Danielle Gray, another former law clerk, said Garland's experience at the Justice Department, particularly handling the McVeigh case, defined the type of lawyer he has been and how he has served on the appeals court, which hears cases as panels composed of multiple judges. "When I think about some of these cases today and concerns about the rise of domestic terrorism, I think about Judge Garland's real ability to bring people together," said Gray, who went on to work in the Justice Department and the Obama White House. Michael Tigar, an emeritus Duke Law professor and lawyer who represented McVeigh's co-conspirator Nichols, at times sparred with Garland in court, arguing in a 1995 hearing that Nichols was being prosecuted because of his alignment with "unpopular people and causes," according to news reports at the time. Nichols was sentenced to life in prison. Tigar cautioned in a recent interview about the need for Justice Department leadership that does not overreach when it comes to confronting the latest threats. "White supremacists and armed racists present a genuine issue, and we need to have people at the helm who will direct the Federal Bureau of Investigation down good and productive investigative paths, who will choose a series of prosecutions that do not involve questionably constitutional statutes which can be stretched to cover protected conduct as well as unprotected conduct," he said. "You need somebody who is reacting to the present situation who has shown a kind of careful judgment that doesn't extend to overreaction," added Tigar, who also has represented political activist Angela Davis and the Chicago Seven, accused of plotting to riot at the Democratic National Convention in 1968. "While I think Merrick Garland is a dedicated and smart public servant, I hope folks will ask those questions and listen to his answers about them." Jurors ultimately heard 22 days of testimony at McVeigh's 1997 trial and - after deliberating for 23 hours over four days - convicted him on all counts, just months after Garland began his tenure as a judge. A Washington Post account at the time noted that the evidence was largely circumstantial, but that prosecutors "managed to keep emotions high and the pace breathtakingly fast" as they presented their case. Hartzler said that sometime later, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum asked him for any materials he might have kept from the trial. He turned over his sheet of paper with Garland's advice. It hangs in the museum today. Frontline health workers battling coronavirus were in tears after they went unpaid for up to six weeks before Melbourne's outbreak. Hundreds of Department of Health casuals were without pay due to a payroll error that went unnoticed until close to Victoria's third lockdown. The department was made aware of the long-running problem by concerned senior public health workers who saw stressed workers struggling to make ends meet. Hundreds of frontline health workers were left unpaid for up to six weeks due to a pay roll error (pictured: AAP of health worker testing people for Covid-19) 'How are workers supposed to concentrate when they're broke?' one source told the Herald Sun. The workers affected were those hired to manage Victoria's border permit system but the contract tracing team was paid on time. The Victorian Government said the 204 employees managed the border permit exemptions and NSW and QLD border closures, meant a high volume of recruitment training and payroll processes were needed. But sources said many workers were in tears, as the problem continued for more than a month without a resolution. Victorian Government said the 204 employees hired to manage the border meant a high volume of payroll processes were needed (pictured: AAP of health worker testing people for Covid-19) 'If a big chunk of the war machine against Covid is flat broke, thats going to have an effect,' one source said. A government spokesperson said when the Department of Health became aware of the problem, it arranged for 'offline payments to be made to the majority of staff'. 'They are also working with employees to resolve any documentation issues that may be inhibiting outstanding payments,' the spokesperson said. 'This has in no way impacted the Victorian government's response to the pandemic the issue did not extend to our hardworking contact tracing team, who continue to meet all national benchmarks.' New Delhi, Feb 19 : A website that goes by the name of 'Pradhan Mantri Yojana Loan' and was earlier linked to a Google Play Store app with the same name (the app has now been removed) is luring Indians in providing loans, in exchange for personal identifiable information that can potentially be misused online, New Delhi-based think tank CyberPeace Foundation warned on Friday. The personal details that were collected from the applicants such as Aadhaar card, ration card, PAN card are openly available on the website and can be misused by any hacker. CyberPeace Foundation, along with Autobot Infosec Pvt Ltd., launched an investigation into the matter to confirm whether the offering was a legitimate government of India application or merely masquerading as one. "The website www.pradhanmantriyojanaloan[.]com asks for personal information and bank account details. After some random dummy data was provided, it redirected to a page with a Thank You message," the foundation said in a sttaement. Earlier, the Android app also redirected the user to the website that asks for personal information, address proof and the rest. "The website has a domain of .com, which is itself peculiar since any websites that belong to the government of India are hosted on .gov.in or .nic.in. Several grammatical errors were also noticed on the website," the report noted. "After decoding this QR code, a PhonePe Merchant UPI string was obtained. Verification of the UPI ID was attempted; however, it was concluded to be invalid," the researchers said in the report. After submitting the information, the user is taken to another page, where they are asked for an OTP sent to the mobile number that was provided while filling the application. "No OTP was actually received on the mobile number shared. At the bottom of the page, it showed that the details have been submitted," the report noted. A 10-digit receipt number was assigned. "Initially, it was assumed that the receipt number would not work since the OTP could not be submitted, but it was accepted and the status was: your application is submitted. Thank you!," the report said. The app was removed in the latest Google drive to sanitise its Play Store of fake and malicious personal loan apps in the country. Google removed about 100 instant loan apps from its Play Store that were involved in alleged collection of personal data and its misuse, fraudulent and unlawful practices of physical threats and use of other coercive methods for recovery of loan, according to the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Answering a query in the Lok Sabha earlier this month, the IT Ministry said that upon being notified by law enforcement agencies of the availability of certain money lending apps that were possibly not in compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework, Google removed about 100 such apps since December 2020 till January 20, 2021. Earlier this month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to declare, Dogecoin is the peoples crypto." That tweet might seem, well, cryptic, to those not versed in crypto," short for cryptocurrency," referring to new digital assets developed using cryptographic techniques. Mr. Musk has been championing Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started off as a joke in 2013 named after a quirky internet meme dubbed Doge" starring a Japanese hunting dog. Thanks in part to Mr. Musk anointing it the peoples crypto," Dogecoins market value has surpassed $6 billion. Crypto" is the word of the moment in the investing world and not just because Mr. Musk likes to use it. It appears frequently in financial news, as in CNBCs headline earlier this week, Bitcoin surpasses $50,000 for first time ever as major companies jump into crypto." Business pages are full of the latest on crypto trading" and crypto stocks," though many warn of a crypto bubble." The origins of crypto" go back to the Greek root kryptos" meaning hidden" or secret." The root entered Latin as crypta," which could refer to an underground vault or burial place hidden from viewthe source of the English word crypt." Something cryptic" has its meaning shrouded in mystery. After Martin Luther died in 1546, controversies broke out in Germanys Lutheran Church over whether some members secretly subscribed to the doctrines of John Calvin on such matters as the Eucharist and baptism. Lutherans who were suspected of surreptitiously harboring such heterodox views were branded crypto-Calvinists." In religious circles, the crypto-" prefix was wielded in other sectarian squabbles, and it eventually spread to politics to label people thought to be concealing particular ideologies: crypto-communist" and crypto-fascist" both came of age in the 1920s. Meanwhile, the same crypto" root played a major role in the study of codes and ciphers. As I discussed in a 2016 column, cryptography" as the study of secret codes first came into use in the mid-17th century, but it took until the 1920s for cryptanalysts" like the legendary code-breaker William F. Friedman to develop modern methods of encryption" and decryption." Cryptographic methods would crash into the world of finance starting in October 2008, when a person (or group of people) using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto published a nine-page paper on a cryptography mailing list titled, Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System." What is needed is an electronic payment system based on cryptographic proof instead of trust," the author or authors wrote. In 2009, when transactions in bitcoin were first carried out over peer-to-peer networks, observers felt the need to come up with a new name for this digital currency. The word cryptocurrency" first appeared on Twitter in September of that year, from a user with the handle @hxn: this is really interesting: bitcoin, the p2p cryptocurrency." Crypto" as a stand-alone word previously appeared in other kinds of shorthand. In a 1947 speech, Winston Churchill referred to 70 or 80 pacifists or cryptos," short for crypto-communists, in the House of Commons. Crypto" also has been used often as a clipping of cryptography" among those well-versed in code-cracking. Using a prefix to stand in for a full word can serve as a kind of insider jargon, as when cybersecurity" gets abbreviated to cyber." It was no surprise, then, that crypto" would take off in the cryptocurrency crowd when bitcoin and similar assets made headway. New currency exchanges with names like Crypto X Change" and Crypto Street" began popping up (and often quickly disappearing). Devotees have envisioned a crypto revolution," and now there is a whole new generation of fortune-seeking crypto kids." Despite the enigmatic roots of crypto," the crypto wave is out in the open. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Donald Trump and his wife have been pictured for the first time since the couple left the White House. The former President, 74, and First Lady, 50, were pictured posing for selfies with fans on Valentine's Day in the Mar-a-Lago resort dining room on Sunday. The couple were last seen together when they arrived in Florida after snubbing Joe Biden's inauguration last month. Their outing on Valentine's Day came hours the former US president was acquitted by the Senate in his second impeachment trial over his role in the 6 January attack on the US Capitol. 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 Brighter future: Brothers John and Francis Brennan, owners of the Park Hotel, Kenmare, Co Kerry, last summer. Photo: Don MacMonagle The hotel sector outside Dublin will bounce back faster from Covid driven by an earlier recovery in domestic versus international tourism, lenders believe. The views matter because bank and so called non bank lenders are more likely to grant longer forbearance where they see the best chance of recovery. The results of the survey of banks and other lenders are published in Deloittes Outlook for Real Estate for 2021. John Doddy, Real Estate partner at Deloitte Ireland said the Covid pandemic had varied for different parts of the property market. This has meant the appetite for investing or debt funding from banks, direct lenders and equity investors varies greatly across the various segments, he wrote in the report. Deloitte found falling demand for offices is expected to be the big long term effect of the crisis, a view that is colouring lending appetite, with the least negative impact on the healthcare sector. Read More Hospitality has been the property segment most affected by the pandemic, causing severe pressure on these businesses from a cash flow perspective, he said. Banks and direct lenders to operators in the sector had by and large taken the view that they will continue to support their existing borrowers in the hospitality sector by offering forbearance, but had limited appetite to take new exposure, he said. Most funders are taking the view that the impact on hospitality will be temporary but severe, he said. In contrast to the last major financial crisis, lenders now think regional hotels are likely to recover sooner than city hotels due to strong domestic demand. Cities including Dublin will be more dependent on international and business visitors and events such as concerts and sports, which ongoing public health concerns mean is not now expected to recover until 2022 and 2023. After the crash in 2008 hotels in Dublin were quicker than regional operators to recover, boosted by foreign direct investment and international tourism from the US and parts of Europe that recovered more quickly from the bust. At that time many regional operators were left with so called Zombie hotels that struggled until domestic demand picked up in the second half of the last decade. Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2021 -- Latest released the research study on Global Cloud Compliance Software Market, offers a detailed overview of the factors influencing the global business scope. Cloud Compliance Software Market research report shows the latest market insights, current situation analysis with upcoming trends and breakdown of the products and services. The report provides key statistics on the market status, size, share, growth factors of the Cloud Compliance Software. The study covers emerging player's data, including: competitive landscape, sales, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers are NortonLifeLock Inc. (United States),Microsoft (United States),IBM (United States),Oracle Corporation (United States),AT&T Cybersecurity (United States),Nutanix, Inc. (United States),Qualys, Inc. (United States),Lacework (United States),CloudCheckr, Inc. (United States),Check Point Software Technologies (United States). Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/115804-global-cloud-compliance-software-market Definition: Cloud compliance software is a software used to ensure regulatory standards and provide compliance controls for networks and cloud infrastructure. This software helps to improve visibility over cloud workloads and network flows. These workloads require continuous compliance for protection against server malware, container threats, and network intrusion. It ensures continuous visibility over their cloud assets and reduces the risk of cloud-based threats. This software ensures a businessas security posture remains optimal at all times. Market Trend: Adoption of Cloud Computing Market Drivers: Ease of Implementation and Increased Productivity Increasing Adoption of Cloud Compliance Software Restraints: Cost Associated with Cloud Compliance Software The Global Cloud Compliance Software Market segments and Market Data Break Down are illuminated below: by Application (Individual, Enterprise, Others), Enterprise (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Large Enterprises), Deployment (On-premise, Cloud-based) Enquire for customization in Report @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/115804-global-cloud-compliance-software-market Analyst at AMA have conducted special survey and have connected with opinion leaders and Industry experts from various region to minutely understand impact on growth as well as local reforms to fight the situation. A special chapter in the study presents Impact Analysis of COVID-19 on Global Cloud Compliance Software Market along with tables and graphs related to various country and segments showcasing impact on growth trends. Region Included are: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Oceania, South America, Middle East & Africa Country Level Break-Up: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, Russia, France, Poland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand etc. What benefits does AMA research study is going to provide? - Latest industry influencing trends and development scenario - Open up New Markets - To Seize powerful market opportunities - Key decision in planning and to further expand market share - Identify Key Business Segments, Market proposition & Gap Analysis - Assisting in allocating marketing investments Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Cloud Compliance Software Market: Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the Cloud Compliance Software market Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary the basic information of the Cloud Compliance Software Market. Chapter 3: Displaying the Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges of the Cloud Compliance Software Chapter 4: Presenting the Cloud Compliance Software Market Factor Analysis Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis. Chapter 5: Displaying market size by Type, End User and Region 2015-2020 Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the Cloud Compliance Software market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries (2021-2026). Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source Finally, Cloud Compliance Software Market is a valuable source of guidance for individuals and companies in decision framework. Get More Information: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/115804-global-cloud-compliance-software-market Key questions answered - Who are the Leading key players and what are their Key Business plans in the Global Cloud Compliance Software market? - What are the key concerns of the five forces analysis of the Global Cloud Compliance Software market? - What are different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global Cloud Compliance Software market? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? Definitively, this report will give you an unmistakable perspective on every single reality of the market without a need to allude to some other research report or an information source. Our report will give all of you the realities about the past, present, and eventual fate of the concerned Market. Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia. The trillion-dollar companys surprise move certainly prompted a huge reaction. This was only partly due to the tech behemoths own-goal in also inadvertently deleting hundreds of important health and emergency services Facebook pages for several hours, along with some charity and fundraising pages. That wasnt exactly from the public relations handbook Mark Zuckerberg might have preferred. By now, most of you will have a broad understanding of what Facebook has done and why. If youre playing catch-up, or even if you think you know everything, its worth reading this explainer about why Facebook has banned news, and what it means for you. I read it yesterday and learned a lot! Theres also this fantastic piece about saying goodbye to Facebook, which certainly seems to address a sentiment I have heard a lot over the last couple of days: Facebook without news isnt worth much of your time. Australians woke up on Thursday to find theyd been unfriended . Well, more accurately, news media had been. This came as a shock for almost everyone, especially the vast majority of people who had paid little or no attention to the months of debate surrounding the federal governments proposed Media Bargaining Code . If youre reading this, chances are youre a regular news consumer who engages widely with news, and subscribes to the Herald, so I presume you want to know how it will affect us. Well, there are a couple of ways to approach it. We are a subscriber-focused newsroom. We pride ourselves on quality, independent news-gathering and our focus is delivering the best news, opinion, sport, culture and longform journalism we can to a standard that is worth paying for. In short: our focus is those subscribers. But the Herald is also the nations most read masthead across print and digital, which is helped significantly by the large reach generated in part by social media. The last available EMMA data showed the Herald reached 9.24 million people in print and online in just one month, so without Facebook as a place to expose new audiences to our journalism, we expect our standing to be hit - although not nearly to the same extent as free news sites which primarily reach audiences through social media. More broadly I think its important to note that we are also part of a media ecosystem that is in a daily battle with the rise of fringe groups whose sole purpose seems to be to promote misinformation online. Donald Trumps fake news proclamation has taken on a whole new meaning - but it doesnt end with him leaving the White House. Without real, fact-checked and authoritative news on Facebook, theres a strong likelihood conspiracy theories and dangerous radicalism will grow exponentially. That should concern every citizen, regardless of whether youre a paying news consumer. Even if youre not a subscriber, you can become a reader of our newsletters, and get our app, although there is a limit on how many articles you can read. However, once you sign-up, there are so many great products you can access. Were constantly expanding our offering of newsletters, which are kind of like a Facebook feed of the most important stories you need to read - without the ads and cat videos! How it plays out will be fascinating, and obviously you will get all the latest news and context via our website and app! Elsewhere, a quick shout-out to all our subscribers who came along to our third-annual SMH Schools summit on Wednesday. It was probably our best yet in terms of attendance - helped enormously by the 250-odd educators who came to the International Convention Centre to take part in person. It may have been the first event of its kind for this sector since, well, last years - and the excitement was evident. As always, a huge thanks to the Heralds education editor Jordan Baker whose deep knowledge and engagement in the sector brings a real authority to the panels and topics on the agenda. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 24523 James Tagliareni, CIO, Washburn University James Tagliareni, CIO, Washburn University When I recently became CIO of Washburn University in Kansas, my new colleagues asked me what I planned to accomplish in my first 60 days. I joked to them, Not much. But in truth, I was extremely busy during those first two months. I was listening, learning and assessing the IT landscape. It laid the foundation for success. Ive been an education CIO for 18 years, first in school districts and the last seven years in higher education. During that time, the technology and the needs of educational institutions had changed dramatically, from mobility and online education to the emerging field of data analytics. But to do a great job as CIO, it has to go beyond technology. Its about understanding campus culture and politics, building relationships and developing short-term and long-term IT goals and the ability to deliver the perfect sales pitch to get those projects funded. Its also about mentoring your IT staff, helping them grow and giving them the autonomy they crave. Whether you are just starting out as a CIO or an experienced veteran, you need a game plan to get things done at a university or college. Here are some of my strategies that have helped me succeed. Create strong relationships: During my first several months on the job at Washburn, I met with everyone my IT team, deans, chairs and administrators I had meetings with each of my four IT divisions. I let them dictate the format. Some wanted to meet as a group. Others wanted to meet with me individually. It allowed us to get to know one another, but it also let me gather information, to learn about whats working and whats not, so I can make intelligent decisions. I also filled my calendar to meet with every dean, chair and every department head on the business side. I chatted with them about technology and listened to what their goals are and how technology can help achieve their goals. Get quick wins: Through these initial meetings, you can discover what the campus IT needs are and start updating the universitys long-term IT strategic plan. But you can also identify short-term projects and get early wins to prove yourself to the entire campus and build momentum. During my first 60 days, I learned that Washburn didnt have true disaster recovery. They still backed up to tape. I also learned that we used old firewall technology and needed a new one to meet our cybersecurity needs. Through my vendor relationships, I got huge discounts that allowed us to afford new on premise and cloud-based disaster recovery and next-generation firewall technology. That leads to my next piece of advice. Its about understanding campus culture and politics, building relationships and developing short-term and long-term IT goals and the ability to deliver the perfect sales pitch to get those projects funded Cultivate vendor relationships: Because they can pay dividends later. Its important to develop strong vendor relationships because you can carry that with you from year to year and from school to school. When I learned that we needed to improve our disaster recovery and firewall technology, I Immediately reached out to my circle of vendors and told them, We have a need. Can you help us? Through my relationship with one vendor, for example, I was able to purchase a $331,000 back-up system for $84,000 a $247,000 savings. Be a salesman to get funded: Every organization is different in how finances work, so learn about your campus financial situation and budgeting process and then tailor your message to what your audience wants to hear to get IT projects funded. For some schools, its return-on-investment and total cost of ownership. So, share with the board how an investment today will save money tomorrow. Provide employees with training and career advancement opportunities. Im a huge proponent of mentoring my IT team. I became a CIO when I was 27 because I had a mentor who showed me the ropes in my early 20s. As a result, Ive spent the rest of my career paying it forward by mentoring my staff. Providing employees training opportunities and room to grow and advance in the IT organization is key to that. It not only improves employee morale, it makes your IT organization stronger and may assist in recruiting and retaining employees. I always make sure I have an annual budget for training, so employees can develop new skills and get new certifications. I also give workers opportunities for advancement, so when they do get the necessary skills and experience, they can get promoted within my organization. Managing less is managing more: Every manager has his or her own management style, but I do not micro-manage. I dont worry about the minutiae. I trust my employees and give them the authority to make decisions, good and bad, and we will live with those decisions, and together we will learn from them. Dont get me wrong. Im not a pushover. Sometimes the wrong person is in a position, and I will have to get more involved. But for the most part, I let my team do their jobs. Ive mentored and trained them, so I let them loose and it allows them to be creative and think outside the box. That in turn, can provide us with new solutions to problems and new ways of doing things that weve never thought about. Never stop learning: Speaking of training, Im a firm believer that education is a lifelong endeavor and that includes you as an IT leader. It will make you a better manager and better CIO. Because technology changes all the time. Im constantly reading to keep tabs on emerging technologies. I learn through webinars. I visit other educational institutions and talk to other CIOs. I also attend educational conferences and leadership training seminars. Vendors are also good educational resources. Through regular briefings, they teach me about the latest trends and forthcoming technologies. US$ 100 million loan to Denizbank for on-lending to local businesses Catalysing green investments and supporting women-led firms Building resilience of the Turkish economy The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing US$ 100 million in new funds to Denizbank A.S. to finance companies investments in green technologies and support women-led businesses as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The financing is made available through an investment under its existing Diversified Payment Rights (DPR) programme, an established market instrument used by Turkish banks to raise long-term funding. Denizbank is planning to issue a total US$ 435 million, marking its return to DPR securitisation under the Emirates NBD Banks ownership. The issuance has attracted a host of investors, including the International Finance Corporation, Credit Suisse and the parent Emirates NBD Bank. Hakan Ates, DenizBank Financial Services Group CEO, said: We believe that this deal will pave the way for new transactions in the Turkish market under DPR securitisation programmes backed by future flows. With its long-term maturity of up to seven years and competitive funding terms, this transaction is also a testament to the improving confidence in the Turkish economy. Jurgen Rigterink, EBRD First Vice President, commented: This is a landmark transaction on several accounts. First, it marks Denizbanks return to its DPR programme under the Emirates NBD Banks ownership. Second, it allows the EBRD to provide new financing for women entrepreneurs and for green investments by smaller businesses such as those in renewable energy, resource efficiency, waste minimisation and water savings. And third, by joining forces with the EU, the Turkish Credit Guarantee Fund and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the EBRD and Denizbank will be able to achieve a greater impact of our financing. The EBRD funds for Denizbank will be equally split between the Women in Business programme to finance women-led SMEs and the Turkey Sustainable Energy Finance Facility programme in support of resource efficiency and small-scale renewable energy investments. The European Union is supporting both initiatives with grant funding. In addition, women-led businesses will benefit from risk-sharing through the Turkish Credit Guarantee Fund (KGF) and the Republic of Turkeys Ministry of Treasury and Finance. The EBRDs new investment follows a record 893 million in financing to Turkish financial institutions in 2020 to support thousands of businesses across the country, providing the private sector with much-needed funds. The EBRD is a major investor in Turkey and to date, the Bank has invested almost 13 billion in the country through 334 projects, 95 per cent of which is in the private sector. In 2020 the Bank responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by stepping up its financing in Turkey to 1.7 billion from 1.0 billion in 35 projects in 2019. NEW DELHI : The Income Tax Department has detected an alleged cash-for-seat scam running in some Karnataka-based medical colleges, as the CBDT said over 400 crore black money has been generated in the name of capitation fee by these institutions. A statement issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes said these alleged irregularities were found after nine major trusts, registered in Bengaluru and Mangaluru, running educational institutes, including medical colleges were raided on Wednesday. "Searches were conducted at 56 different locations across Karnataka and Kerala," the CBDT, which frames policy for the tax department, said. "So far, the evidence gathered indicates that 402.78 crore has been accepted as illegal capitation fee by manipulating the online admission process and the same has not been disclosed to the Income Tax Department," it said. It said cash amount of 15.09 crore has been seized and gold jewellery worth 30 crore (weighing 81 kg), 50 carat diamonds and 40 kg of silver articles have been found from the residential premises of the trustees and are prime facie, unexplained. "Evidence of undisclosed foreign assets of 2.39 crore in Ghana has also been found apart from evidence of huge investments in 35 luxury cars in benami names," the CBDT said. Describing the alleged modus operandi, the CBDT said it was found that the transparent selection process to medical colleges through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has been "subverted" by trustees and key persons running these institutions in collusion with agents/brokers and some students who got high ranks in the NEET examination. "The first stage of malpractice is that some high-ranking students in the NEET examination take admission to MBBS courses through state counselling (who have no intention to join the said colleges as they have secured admissions or likely to get admission elsewhere). "Thereby blocking seats in the medical stream in a medical college during the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) counselling process, in connivance with agents, middlemen, converters (who provide service of converting the regular seats to management seats)." it said. The CBDT said, later, these students withdraw from the admission process, thereby making the vacant seats available for the college management. Such seats are made available to the college management for filling up through the "stray vacancies round" (seats remaining vacant or unfilled in a college after a mop-up round), it claimed. In this round, the statement claimed, the seats are filled by the college management by admitting less meritorious candidates (low rank in NEET) after collecting huge sums as capitation fee, donations in cash which are illegal under the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, 1984. "The capitation fee/donations are collected through a network of brokers/agents employed by the key persons/trustees of these medical colleges," it claimed. The CBDT said that "the search operation resulted in detecting incriminating evidence regarding cash-for-seat malpractices for admission to MBBS, BDS and PG seats in the form of notebooks, handwritten diaries, excel sheets containing the details of cash received from students/brokers for admission in these colleges for various years". "It was also observed that the management, faculty, staff, meritorious students and brokers are working in close nexus to manipulate the online admission process," the CBDT said. It added that there is evidence indicating that one of the medical colleges have some sort of 'package arrangement' for passing management quota students in written examination and viva voce for a fixed sum ranging from 1 lakh to 2 lakh. "There is evidence which prima facie suggests that the cash money accepted by manipulating the online admission process in these colleges has been diverted for non-charitable purpose by the trustees, which is clearly in violation of Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. "Apart from this, evidence has been found regarding a large number of investments made in immovable properties with huge cash component attracting provisions of Section 69 (unexplained deposits) of the Income Tax Act, 1961," the CBDT alleged. It added that one of the colleges has diversified into the business of timber/plywood industries where evidence regarding under invoicing has also been found. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. (@ChaudhryMAli88) JOHANNESBURG (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th February, 2021) The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized 126 million rands ($8.6 million) worth of counterfeit Ivermectin medicine in a cargo container that was to be transported from the country's OR Tambo International Airport to India, the SAPS said on Friday. On January 31, South Africa's police arrested six people of Indian descent at the airport over possession of Ivermectin that was imported for sale and meant to be used to treat COVID-19. "In yet another major breakthrough in clamping down the illegal importation of unregistered medicines, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS)at the OR Tambo International Airport have seized unregistered medicines worth a market value of R126 million rand," the police said. According to the SAPS, the medicines were imported to South Africa without the approval of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). "Upon a compliance verification of the unregistered medicines by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), authorities found that the company that had imported the medicines into the country, had done so without the necessary written approval and authorization from the Regulatory Authority," the police said. The SAPS added that it has initiated an investigation together with Interpol to detect the Indian purchaser of the medicines. "While no arrests have been made as yet, theSouth African Police Service (SAPS) through its Interpol office areworking with authorities from India to establish the exact delivery address of the consignment in the country," the police said. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug included in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines. According to scientific research, Ivermectin is in vitro efficient against a wide range of viruses, including COVID-19. South Africa's Department of Health has recommended against the use of Ivermectin in COVID-19 patients, citing a lack of conclusive evidence about its safety and effectiveness in the coronavirus treatment. 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. What's happening? What actually is a commodity? You would think that this question should have a simple answer, but as ever in the investment world, nothing is that straightforward. A commodity is almost anything that is tradeable. But as far as markets are concerned, it normally refers to the basic items of life, from 'soft' commodities such as food and drink through to metal ores and gold. Essentially, if it is not nailed down, it is probably a tradeable commodity and that probably includes the nail. Digging deep: Rio Tinto is a well-diversified FTSE100 mining giant, and a leading producer of the three most-consumed industrial metals The price of commodities will affect the value of our economy and all the companies involved in it. So a booming economy is likely to see some enthusiastic commodity prices, and of course the opposite is also true. However, as the nature of economies change so do the uses, demand for and value of these commodities. Why Does It Matter? The price of commodities affects everything! So even if you have no investments at all, you are still exposed to commodity prices through food or petrol. A good example is the price of oil. The standard line used to be that we will always need oil but really? Perhaps not, certainly not as much. After all, just look at the rapid change to our cars. Whether you like them or not, electric vehicles are here to stay. For proof of fears over the price of oil, just look at Saudi Arabia selling off a chunk of its national oil industry, Aramco. They are doing that because they are worried that within the next century the value of their liquid gold will have evaporated into their sea of sand. What Should I Do? If we think that, despite all the bad news, the global economy will soon be improving after last year's horror show, then we should be buying commodities. But which commodities? Soft ones (such as food) or hard ones (such as metals)? It all matters: Even if you have no investments at all, you are still exposed to commodity prices through food or petrol With the demand for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing, green factors are a consideration. The move from oil and gas to more environmentally-friendly power is inevitable. So let's look at those commodities that will benefit here. In terms of metals that will do well from the development of electrical power and battery demand, the likes of platinum, silver, copper and nickel will all be needed. Perversely, such confidence will have the opposite effect for one favourite metal: gold. The gold-bugs thrive when fear stalks the market, as we saw last year, but as those nerves abate so will demand for gold. Any Suggestions? If you want to invest directly in a company, look at Rio Tinto. This is a well-diversified FTSE100 mining giant, and a leading producer of the three most-consumed industrial metals: iron ore, aluminium and copper. But it also produces the more specialist commodities including boron, salt, diamonds and titanium. For a lower risk approach, the iShares MSCI Global Metals and Mining Producers ETF passive fund fits my spec for this type of investment. Justin Urquhart Stewart co-founded fund manager 7IM and is chairman of investment platform Regionally. 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 disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops from Pangong lake at Line of Actual Control (LAC) concludes, the 10th round of talks between senior commanders is scheduled to take place at around 10 am on Saturday. The first phase of the disengagement which was announced last week has come to an end. Around 150 Chinese tanks and nearly 5,000 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers have gone back. The first visuals of the disengagement shared by the Indian Army showed infantry disengagement, Chinese PLA tents being dismantled, and carrying load-backs while moving to the rear areas. Meanwhile on Friday, China for the first time confirmed that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the bloody clash at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh with the Indian Army in June 2020, the acknowledgment came from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) officials. Five Chinese frontier officers and soldiers stationed in the Karakoram Mountains have been recognised by the Central Military Commission of China (CMC) for their sacrifice in the border confrontation with India. Among those who were killed are Chen Hongjun, Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran including Qi Fabao, the regimental commander, the PLA Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese military reported on Friday. The Chinese state media described it as a "fierce struggle" against "foreign troops" that violated an agreement and crossed into the Chinese side. A total of 20 Indian soldiers died in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15, regarded as the worst in over four decades at the India-China border. 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. Cemex USA has acquired the assets of Beck Readymix Concrete Co. in a deal that expands the company's Texas network into San Antonio. The purchase includes three ready-mix concrete plants and one portable plant to service the San Antonio and surrounding areas. Terms were not disclosed. Texas is experiencing explosive growth, and Cemex has repeatedly shown it is ready to make moves to help fuel it, Cemex USA Texas Regional President Scott Ducoff said in an announcement. RELATED: Downtown Houston construction still abuzz despite COVID The newly acquired operations are about 25 miles from the companys Balcones Cement Plant and Balcones Quarry in New Braunfels. With the acquisition, Cemex products will be available to customers in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio, along with the Rio Grande Valley. The company last expanded in Texas with the acquisition of the Chico Quarry near Dallas in 2018. Cemex is proactively looking for opportunities to grow our operations and adapting to meet the needs of our customers, said Cemex USA President Jaime Muguiro. We are excited that this acquisition will expand our product offering to customers in a market thats been our neighbor for more than 25 years. Based in Houston, Cemex USA is a division of Mexico-based building materials company Cemex. The U.S. network includes 10 cement plants, more than 50 distribution terminals, 50 aggregate quarries and nearly 270 ready-mix concrete plants. The company serves more than 10 states. 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. (TNS) Washington will soon have an earthquake warning system that alerts residents before shaking even occurs.ShakeAlert could give residents and state agencies "critical" seconds to prepare for an incoming earthquake. Beginning in May, Washington will roll out the system, which will alert residents and automatically prepare critical infrastructure for incoming shaking. Oregon's system will be available in March, and California's has been operating since 2019."Those critical few seconds could mean the difference between taking a week to recover and six months to recover," U.S. Geological Survey staff scientist Robert de Groot said.The USGS has been working on this system since 2006, starting by looking at how to move information on current earthquakes from the field quickly, de Groot said. It has evolved into an advanced algorithm that creates a data package to deliver alerts to residents and trigger computer systems to prepare critical infrastructure.Seismic monitors spread out across the West Coast are the first to detect waves from an earthquake. USGS, in partnership with universities, has 1,132 seismic monitoring systems in California, Oregon and Washington. Eventually, 1,700 will be spread out across the three states. Currently, there are no plans to expand the system outside of the three states, de Groot said.As soon as the monitors pick up the waves, the sensors transmit the location, size and estimated shaking to a ShakeAlert processing center. If it is past a certain magnitude threshold, a ShakeAlert message is issued to a delivery partner who then sends out the alert to residents. The public will only get alerts for 4.5-magnitude quakes or higher, said Gabriel Lotto, ShakeAlert engagement facilitator at the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Part of the University of Washington and University of Oregon, the network operates the seismic monitors in Oregon and Washington.The alerts will go out to residents within seconds of the first wave, de Groot said. Based on tests done in California, the average time between the beginning of the quake to the moment a phone got an alert was 8 seconds."That's pretty fast when you think about all that has to happen in between," de Groot said.That alert likely comes a few seconds before the initial shaking does unless someone is very close to the monitor that picks up the first wave. If someone is close to the first sensor, the ground may shake at the same time they receive an alert, Lotto said.Not every alert will have information about the size of the quake, so if they receive one, residents should always plan to drop, cover and hold on.When the program rolls out to the entire state in May, users who have emergency alerts, such as AMBER alerts, enabled on their phones will get them. For an iPhone, check your settings to be sure you receive emergency alerts. Android users are automatically opted in, said Maximilian Dixon, geological hazards supervisor at the Washington Emergency Management Division.Although the east side of the state is not as susceptible to large quakes, Dixon said everyone in the state should set up these emergency alerts. Anyone traveling to the West Side, Oregon or California could benefit from the alerts if a quake hits.Businesses, schools and state agencies have partnered with ShakeAlert to create automated systems. For example, once an earthquake is sensed, a computer system can automatically slow down trains, close valves of water supply and announce the alert in a school's PA system.These partner companies and agencies can decide at what magnitude they want to receive an alert and when automated precautions should go into place.Before it rolls out statewide, Washington will test it at 11 a.m. on Feb. 25 in King, Pierce and Thurston counties. To take part in the test, residents of the area, or those traveling to and from, need to opt in. To do so, visit mil.wa.gov/alerts to learn how to make sure you're included. The opt in process is different for Apple and Android users.In the continental U.S., Washington is one of the states most susceptible to earthquakes. Since 1870, there have been 15 large earthquakes in the state, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Most of the populated areas of the state have a 40% to 80% chance of experiencing an earthquake in the next 50 years, although the West Side faces more of a threat.The Pacific Northwest also faces what could be a catastrophic 8- or 9-magnitude quake from the Cascadia subduction zone, although when that will happen is unknown. The last rupture occurred more than 300 years ago.Although many people worry about "the big one," Lotto said smaller earthquakes do still happen in the state, and they can cause even more damage.While it's ready to be rolled out, the alert system is still a work in progress, de Groot said. The alerts are still being tested, and about 30% of the seismic monitoring stations are still being built. The goal is to have them completed by 2025.Still, this technology could give residents seconds to prepare, which "means more than you might think," Lotto said. Most of the time when people are injured in earthquakes, Lotto said, it's from falling objects or walls. Those early seconds could be enough to get ready, he said."Right now, if there's an earthquake, the only signal you have is the shaking," de Groot said.But it's just another tool, de Groot said. Everyone should still have a disaster bag, take part in shakeout drills and prepare to drop, cover and hold on when an earthquake hits. Amber Jean Rowan wearing Clementine dress from the new Rixo Bridal Collection, which is being launched at London Fashion Week. London Fashion Week kicks off today with a slimmed-down schedule, but theres no doubting the designers zeal to share their vision for AW21 and life after lockdown. Notable absentees from the schedule this season include Victoria Beckham and boy wonder JW Anderson from Magherafelt, Co Derry. For the 95 designers on the five-day showcase, the end of the invite only catwalk show and shift to the digital everyone on the front row model brings a democratisation to the insider world of couture. This pivot, which allows customers and buyers to view content 24/7, is welcomed by designers of all ages. Galway-born designer Rory Parnell Mooney shows on the digital schedule at 10.20am today as part of Discovery Lab, developed by the British Fashion Council to help emerging talents. Rory (31) has landed one of the coveted, early-morning slots on the first day of LFW and he will be sharing a film that goes behind the scenes of his show prep. His 37 luxury looks include many of his signature details, like his laced-effect trousers, cut-away and tie-dyed tops, chaps and intricate denim jeans and jackets. Rory took time out to reflect on what he wanted to say in fashion and distilling the essential parts of his brand puts him in a strong position to deal with pandemic pressures. Veteran designer Paul Costelloe is showing at 11.30am today and for his AW21 inspiration, he looked to his early fashion days working in Paris. Orlagh McCloskey from Co Derry is one half of Rixo and with her business partner Henrietta Rix they are rolling out their first ever bridal collection next Tuesday. The concept was all about diversity, from fit and shape to reaching the widest possible audience with their take on the modern bride. The limited-edition, vintage-inspired 26-piece collection features a bespoke, minimal-crease, silk material. The dresses, in sizes 6-18, cost from 547 to 1,672 and will be available to buy online. Rixos choice of models included Dubliner Amber Jean Rowan, who didnt let alopecia hinder her chosen career in acting and fashion. She is photographed (right) wearing the Clementine dress in cream. Simone Rocha is undoubtedly one of the LFW must-see shows and the reveal of her latest collection should be in the diary for 2pm next Tuesday. Simones collaboration with high-street brand H&M has garnered her acres of international coverage and all of the ideas came from a decade of collections shown in London. From a sales point of view, Fiona ONeill from Dublins Dalkey will be selling her mohair knit bustiers on the LFW website. Some designers are sitting this one out. Katie McGuigan from Newry launches her collection in March, the same month Richard Malone from Wexford releases his new film, while London-Irish designer Richard Quinn has postponed showing until March. Nicaragua has created a new National Ministry for Extraterrestrial Affairs, The Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, which is drawing amused reactions on social media in a nation that has been struggling since anti-government protests three years ago. The agency was approved by 76 legislators Thursday in the country's congress, which is dominated by President Daniel Ortega's Sandinista Party. Fifteen opposition legislators abstained. In a country that has a hard time supplying its people with food, fuel and coronavirus vaccines, it is not clear exactly what the ministry is supposed to do. It will be under the control of the Nicaraguan army, which has no program. The law says the ministry will promote the development of activities, with the aim of broadening the country's capacities in the fields of education, industry, science and technology. Geologist Jaime Incer Barquero, president of Nicaragua's Academy of Geography and History, told CNN: Nicaragua does not have a scientific capacity or tradition, does not have a serious (space) observatory. We are not scientifically able as a country to undertake this type of research. Social media users were quick to create memes of Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, dressed as astronauts, and of Nicaraguan police expropriating the moon, as Ortega has done with some buildings in Nicaragua that belonged to media outlets and civic groups he disagreed with. Critics said the country does not have the money to spare for dreams of space exploration. It has yet to acquire any coronavirus vaccines and has been in a deep social and economic crisis since the government quashed mass protests in 2018. The space agency is not be the first time Ortega has endorsed quixotic proposals. In 2014 he authorized a Chinese company to build a $50 billion canal across Nicaragua. The project has made little headway. Human rights organizations, meanwhile, said Friday that they will demand a strong resolution on Nicaragua's human rights situation at the Feb. 22 opening session of the U.N. Human Rights Council. Violations of human rights continue in Nicaragua, and they require a mission to visit the country and make recommendations for overcoming this challenges, and for the county to return to normality before the elections next fall, said Clment Nyaletsossi Voule, the U.N. special investigator on the rights to peaceful assembly and association. National elections are scheduled for Nov. 7. Ortega is expected to run for his fourth consecutive term as president since 2007, and his fifth in total, combined with his stint in power in 1979-1990, Nicaragua has already spent almost a quarter-century under Ortega's rule. In recent months, Ortega's government has proposed, passed and implemented a number of laws making it more difficult for nongovernmental organizations to operate. (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.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) High-profile inmate Raymond Dominguez was found dead in his jail cell at the New Bilibid Prison on Friday, the Bureau of Corrections confirmed. "Ginising kasi kailangan ma-account siya, ayaw sumagot, kaya binuksan yung kanyang maliit na kwarto at natagpuan nga na unresponsive siya at wala nang buhay," BuCor spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag told CNN Philippines. [Translation: He did not respond when he was being woken up during a check on inmates, so his small room was opened and he was found unresponsive and lifeless.] He said Dominguez, a convicted car thief, was found unconscious in the east quadrant of the Maximum Security Compound at around 6:20 a.m. Dominguez was supposed to undergo blood chemistry tests at the Bilibid hospital. Chaclag ruled out foul play in the inmate's death pending investigation and autopsy. He explained to CNN Philippines' News.PH that there were "no signs of violence or struggle," but an official medico-legal report will be released. "It appears that he died of natural causes," Chaclag said, adding Dominguez had been complaining about several health conditions, including asthma and hypertension, ever since being convicted in 2012. He was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison as leader of a notorious syndicate behind a spate of car theft incidents. Chaclag added that Dominguez also contracted COVID-19 thrice in January this year, and in July and October in 2020. Dominguez was rumored to have died last year amid controversies surrounding the deaths of several inmates including Jaybee Sebastian, a convict who implicated former Justice Secretary and now Senator Leila de Lima in the illegal drug trade inside the state penitentiary. De Lima has been detained on drug-related charges, one of which was dismissed recently. Sebastian reportedly died of complications from COVID-19 in July. The National Bureau of Investigation then launched a probe into the deaths of nine high-profile inmates, including Sebastian, amid fears they could have been faked to cover their escape, or they could have died of other reasons. By Julia Harte and John Whitesides (Reuters) - Democrats and voting rights groups condemned on Friday a broad proposal by Georgia Republicans to limit absentee and in-person voting in the state, the latest salvo in a national fight over efforts to place new restrictions on casting a ballot. Republicans said the sweeping measure was needed to bolster confidence in election integrity after former President Donald Trump disputed November's results that saw Joe Biden become the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the state in 28 years. The legislation, one of dozens of restrictive voting measures pending in Georgia, would have "devastating consequences" for voters, a coalition of voting rights groups said in an open letter to Republican state legislators. They said it was designed to reduce the influence of Black voters, whose heavy turnout helped propel Biden to victory and delivered Democrats two U.S. Senate wins in January. The bill includes new ID requirements for absentee voting, a shorter window to seek an absentee ballot, limits on the use of drop boxes and the elimination of early voting on Sundays - a provision that would curtail traditional "Souls to the Polls" voter turnout programs in Black churches. "Georgia Republicans saw what happens when Black voters are empowered and show up at the polls, and now theyre launching a concerted effort to suppress the votes and voices of Black Georgians," said Nse Ufot, founder of the advocacy group New South Super PAC. State Representative Barry Fleming, a Republican who authored the bill, said at a state House of Representatives hearing on Friday that provisions such as the voter ID requirement should not be a burden. "We're simply asking for what is already approved and required for the federal law," Fleming said. Trump battled with Republican state leaders and elections officials in Georgia for weeks after his narrow defeat, making baseless claims of election fraud that were disproved by a hand and machine recount and rejected by the courts and investigators. Story continues But Republicans angry about the election outcome have seized on Trump's voter fraud claims to push a new wave of voting limitations in Georgia and across the country. More than 150 bills proposing new voting restrictions have been introduced in state legislatures since the November election, according to Sylvia Albert, voting and elections director for good-government watchdog Common Cause. "What we saw in this election was record turnout, and Republican legislators have responded by saying, 'We didn't actually want you to come vote,'" Albert said. UNWINDING COVID-19 VOTING RULES A record 158 million people voted in Novembers elections, in part thanks to new rules that made voting easier during the worst public health crisis in a century. New York Universitys nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice found 29 states and the District of Columbia passed laws and changed procedures to expand voting access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Republican proposals in Georgia and other battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Arizona and Wisconsin would impose new limitations and unwind many of those rules that eased restrictions on voting by mail and extended early voting. Albert said her group is particularly concerned about new restrictions in states where Republicans control the governorship and both houses of the legislature, such as Georgia, giving Democrats less chance to block them. Republican backers of the Georgia legislation portrayed their proposal as a common-sense measure to ensure safe and accurate voting. "We all want the same thing at the end of the day, that the elections are fair, honest, and that everyone votes their conscience, and no one is manipulated (or) threatened," state Representative Rick Williams, a co-author of the bill, said at Friday's hearing. Georgia is likely to be one of the biggest battlegrounds in the 2022 elections, with a U.S. Senate seat and the governor's office on the ballot. Democrat Stacey Abrams, whose Fair Fight Action group helped bolster Black voter turnout last year after she narrowly lost her bid for governor in 2018, is considering another run for governor. Fair Fight Action signed a letter on Thursday warning of the consequences of the new measure. (Reporting by Julia Harte and John Whitesides; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Aurora Ellis) PARIS Prosecutors in France have opened an investigation into rape accusations against one of the countrys best-known news presenters after a female writer said that he had sexually assaulted her. The investigation against the presenter, Patrick Poivre dArvor, was confirmed on Friday by the prosecutors office in the Paris suburb of Nanterre after Le Parisien newspaper reported the accusations a day earlier. Mr. Poivre dArvors lawyer, Francois Binet, denied the accusations and said his client would file two complaints against the writer, Florence Porcel, for making false accusations and for defamation. A series of sexual abuse scandals have rocked Frances political, cultural and media elite over the past year, including the fall from grace of a pedophile writer who for decades was protected by powerful friends. The logo of U.S. social network Twitter displayed on the screen of a smartphone and a tablet in Toulouse, southern France, on Oct. 26, 2020. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Silent Over Big Tech Suspensions Because He Benefits From the Censorship, Banned Journalist Says After he was suspended from Twitter this week, journalist Paul Sperry said the White House is silent over Big Tech censorship because it benefits certain politicians. Sperry told The Epoch Times that President Joe Biden has been silent about companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Google taking action against certain accountsnamely conservativesbecause he benefits from the censorship. In fact, hes in the White House now largely because Twitter blocked the New York Posts scoops about the Biden familys shady foreign dealings and influence peddling in Communist China and Ukraine, Sperry said, referring to the Posts reports and other reports that claimed his family members including son and brother, business dealings in China and Ukraine. Biden, during the 2020 campaign, denied the allegations that he did anything untoward and said he had no knowledge of his familys business ties. Twitter has a monopoly that makes it hard for smaller alternative platforms to compete. Unless deep-pocketed conservatives open up their wallets and invest in competitors, Twitter will dominate political social media and remain the liberal bullies on the block, he remarked in an email, while adding that its unlikely that Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act will be repealed. Earlier this week, Sperrys account was apparently suspended by Twitter, although its unclear why. Twitter has not responded to a request for comment. When attempting to access his account, the typical account suspended Twitter suspends accounts which violate the Twitter Rules message appears. No rules were broken. They just dont like my content because of their politics. Theyre trying to claim Im a robot when of course they know better. Tyrants. This is the second time Ive been harassed since Trump was banned, Sperry told The Gateway Pundit earlier this week. Twitter also suspended Project Veritas main account, although it left founder James OKeefes account online. Twitter said the group violated its rules on publishing personal information. The wave of account suspensions came after former President Donald Trump was banned from Twitter following the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and other executives said Trumps statements could allegedly incite violence, although the move to ban him drew condemnation from civil liberties groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Those groups accused Twitter, Facebook, Google, and others of overstepping their authority, arguing that left-wing activists could be silenced in the near future. A platform should not apply one set of rules to most of its users, and then apply a more permissive set of rules to politicians and world leaders who are already immensely powerful. Instead, they should be precisely as judicious about removing the content of ordinary users as they have been to date regarding heads of state, EFF wrote in January. The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House about perceived Big Tech censorship. Vietnams permanent delegation to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris has attended the virtual launch of the Paris Hub of the International Gender Champions (IGC), during which Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van stressed Vietnams consistent commitment to promoting womens role and potential. Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO, attends the virtual conference (Photo: VNA) Those present at the event included Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Martin Chungong, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the Generation Equality Forum Delphine O, along with ambassadors and permanent representatives of countries. Participants shared the view that the COVID-19 pandemic with unprecedented impacts has been worsening inequality, undermining the achievements in narrowing the gender gap in recent years, and posing many challenges to women such as job losses, the digital and gender leadership gap widened in both the state and private sectors, gender-based violence, and the shortage of resources for women empowerment programmes. They held that it is necessary to have an overall approach that closely associates gender equality with social progress and growth for sustainable, inclusive and resilient development. Women and girls should be placed at the centre of socio-economic recovery solutions in the face of the pandemic. At present, every resource needs to be prioritised for promoting womens power, especially economic power, mainstreaming the gender perspective into policies, guaranteeing womens participation and leadership in all social aspects, and connecting efforts and mechanisms in each country and region with efforts by the entire world, they said. With the Paris IGC Hubs establishment, the delegates strongly affirmed the commitment and efforts to boost gender equality via increasing international cooperation, exchanging experience, devising measures, and attracting resources necessary for promoting womens role and contributions. Addressing the event, Ambassador Van, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO, highlighted the countys consistent policy of bringing into full play womens role and huge potential in national development and defence, raising womens position, and bolstering gender equality in all areas, from politics and economy to culture and society. She also noted the initiatives and efforts by Vietnam, as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021, and Chair of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), to foster cooperation in promoting gender equality and women empowerment, which could be seen in the successful organisation of the first ASEAN Women Leaders Summit, the ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Strengthening Womens Role for Sustainable Peace and Security, and the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security. The important outcomes of those activities have helped step up international efforts in the promotion of gender equality in 2020, which marked the 20th anniversary of the UN Security Councils Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, and also the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Van added. At the meeting, participants highly valued Vietnams active and proactive contributions, as well as its growing stature in the international arena. The IGC is a leadership network that brings together leaders of international organisations, permanent delegations, and research institutes. Founded in Geneva in 2015, it has been expanded with hubs in New York, Vienna, Nairobi, and The Hague. The Paris IGC Hub initiative was proposed at the Paris Peace Forum in 2019./. VNA MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th February, 2021) Thousands of people gathered on Saturday in the capital of the Central African Republic to thank Russia for helping troops repel militants from key cities, the Russian ambassador told Sputnik. Vladimir Titorenko estimated the turnout at a rally in Bangui at some 3,000 people. He said the demonstrators, most of them students, carried Russian flags and banners hailing Russia and Rwanda. The organizers of the demonstration handed the Russian diplomat a manifesto, in which they thanked Russia for "continued support of our security forces in their efforts to achieve a full liberation from terrorists, clearing our road to school. " Russia sent an extra 300 instructors in December to help train Central African troops after rebels, who control two thirds of the country, marched on Bangui and other major cities. The impoverished country has been mired in sectarian violence since a Muslim-majority coalition ousted President Francois Bozize in 2013. Fighting renewed after Muslim-backed President Faustin-Archange Touadera narrowly won a new term. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Re thumbs up Like logo is shown on a sign at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., on April 14, 2020. (Jeff Chiu/AP Photo) Former Australian Facebook CEO Calls on Users to Delete the App After News Ban The former head of Facebooks operations in Australiacoming after Facebook moved to block Australian news sharing stated that users should simply delete the app from their phones to send a message to the firm. Stephen Scheeler, the former CEO of Facebook Australia and New Zealand, told The Australian that the social media giants decision looks and feels ugly, adding: It shouldnt have happened. But unfortunately, it did. But theres no good answers But at Facebook nobody ever loses their jobs, he said, adding that users should simply delete the app from their phone. Scheeler went a step further, saying that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other top executives care too much about the money and the power that comes with running a massive, global company. Its not about the good anymore, he said. Imagine if a Chinese company for example had done this, we would be up in arms. All Australians should be quite alarmed by this, he added. This week, Facebook blocked all Australian news content on its service over proposed legislation requiring it and Alphabet Incs Google to pay fees to Australian publishers for news links. The firm said news makes up less than 4 percent of content people see on the platform but contended that it helped Australian publishers generate about $315 million last year. On Thursday, Australians noted that large numbers of non-news pages in Australia were banned as Facebook tried to remove content from its platform. That included charities, government pages, public services, small businesses, and many other pages that dont necessarily share news content. The actions were taking are focused on restricting publishers and people in Australia from sharing or viewing Australian and international news content, a Facebook spokesman told CNBC about the bans. As the law does not provide clear guidance on the definition of news content, we have taken a broad definition in order to respect the law as drafted. However, we will reverse any pages that are inadvertently impacted. Saying that he spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, and the U.K.s Boris Johnson, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told media outlets that there is a lot of world interest in what Australia is doing. The dominance of a handful of gatekeepers online has wreaked havoc on competition, suppressed innovation, and weakened entrepreneurship, Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) statement Friday. He pledged to pass bills to restore competition online. The Epoch Times has reached out to Facebook for comment. Reuters contributed to this report. (CNN) -- As winter storms and freezing temperatures continue to wreak havoc across Texas, many are having to fight for survival. Millions in the state remain without power on Wednesday, trying their best to stay warm and dry as burst pipes flood homes. Here are just some of the struggles some Texans said they are facing during this winter crisis. Many have no heat Timothy Wilsey, his wife, Nicole, and their 7-year-old son have been without power for 72 hours. The family, who reside in Euless, Texas, said they use their cars for warmth and to charge battery packs and phones, which Wilsey described as "their only lines of communication." Wilsey said the family is only using their phones to quickly look at the news and search for restaurants that may be open and serving food. The family mostly lays "under covers in bed," in their apartment, which is only heated by candles, Timothy said. "We are keeping busy by going old school and reading books and playing board games," Wilsey told CNN by text message. In Portland, Texas, Brianna Blake told CNN's Chris Cuomo on Wednesday that she and her husband kept their children warm by using household items as firewood, including artwork and fencing, as they dealt with 36 hours of no heat in their home. "I just started kind of grabbing my canvasses off the wall, and breaking them and throwing them into the fire," she said. In Irving, Texas, Kimberly Hampton and her family of five initially thought that they would be able to ride out the power outages from their home. But Hampton said no amount of blankets could keep them warm. The family lost power at 3:30 a.m. Monday, and the home's thermostat quickly fell to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Hampton said she was able to get some wood from Home Depot to start a fire and melt frozen breast milk in room temperature water for her 7-month-old baby and 3-year-old twins. On Tuesday, when asked how things went overnight, Hampton said it got worse and that it felt colder. "We're out of firewood and there is none available anywhere close by," she told CNN. "My husband is going to have to go buy some formula because all my frozen milk is going bad. My other kids are miserable and don't understand why it's cold or why they can't watch TV or have a warm meal." To help with the cold, Hampton said the family has "closed off our bedrooms and stuffed towels in the spaces of the doors and used blankets to cover all our windows the best we can." "We have a generator, but ran out of gas for it extremely quick, so gas stations are open nearby. The kids are all bundled up with three layers of clothes, jackets, and shoes. And we have all been basically laying on top of each other sharing body heat." In San Antonio, Texas, Claudia and Eder Lemus were fortunate to have their power return Wednesday night, after trying to keep their three young kids warm with a fire, multiple layers of clothes and blankets. They'd even run the burners on the stove, an unconventional way of keeping warm that carries its own risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. As a military family, Claudia said the family had lived all over the US and even abroad in places with heavy snow. "We never thought it was going to be like this," she said. "We've lived in Virginia where they have a lot of snow. We've lived abroad in Korea where they have a lot of snow and we just -- we never anticipated the city to come to such a standstill because of this." Angel Garcia and her family in Killeen, Texas, have been rationing oxygen tanks for their 5-month-old son, who was born with premature lungs. Garcia, a nurse, is watching him constantly, she said. The family lost power to their home Monday night and was running out of wood, so they burned their 3-year-old daughter's baby blocks in the fireplace, she said. "A lot of people don't know the severity of what's going on. People are tearing down their fences to burn," Garcia said, between tears. "We started burning my daughter's little wooden blocks because it was just too cold." She says she hopes that people realize how bad the situation is, in a state where people are not accustomed to this type of cold weather. "Not everyone has gas, but we waited in line about an hour and finally we were able to get some gas," Garcia said. "There's pretty much nowhere to go. Everyone in Texas is in the same boat. If they have electricity, there's no water. If they have water, there's no electricity." Some have burst pipes and flooded homes Jesus Cortez and his three roommates were forced out of their college apartment on Tuesday when a sprinkler busted in one of the bedrooms causing the apartment to flood in San Marcos, Texas. The students have been doing a mix of online learning and in-person classes -- but with the current weather situation, those classes have been canceled, he said. "We were walking in a pool of water trying to take out as much possible trying to make sense of what was happening," Cortez wrote in a tweet on Tuesday. Cortez told CNN on Wednesday that he doesn't know if they can return to the apartment, "since the roads are icy at the moment." Meanwhile, it got so cold inside the home Sandra Erickson rents with her husband in Friendswood, Texas, that she said the pipes burst. As a result, the ceiling in three different rooms collapsed. "This is like a hurricane catastrophe," she told CNN. Others have limited water or food Philip Shelley, a Fort Worth, Texas, resident, told CNN that his family is struggling to keep everyone fed. Shelley said he is trying to keep his pregnant wife, Amber, and his 11-month-old daughter, Ava, warm by keeping them bundled. Amber is due on April 4. "(Ava) is down to half a can of formula," Philip said. "Stores are out if not extremely low on food. Most of our food in the refrigerator is spoiled. Freezer food is close to thawed but we have no way to heat it up." On Tuesday night, Philip said he had to drive across town to find an open restaurant. This morning, their power flickered on long enough that they were able to cook a meal before it went out, again. While some are dealing with lack of food, others -- like Eder Lemus and his family -- are dealing with a lack of water. "As of now, we are using a neighbor's faucet to refill a bucket of water to drain our toilets," Lemus said. "When and if the lights come back on, we try to take showers and refill our drinking water gallons so that we can stay hydrated." In Austin, Smita Pande said her husband and their two friends visiting from New York took refuge with another friend because they had no power at their home. They thought they were in the clear, but then a water main break nearby knocked out the water at the friend's apartment. "We didn't anticipate the water to be shut off, but once it did, we assumed a 'worst-case scenario' type of thing and just grabbed snow off the balcony and put into kettles and pots to use for drinking water in case we don't get water back anytime soon," Pande said. "If the power outage is any indication of how long that'll be, then we are going to be boiling snow for a while." Right now, she said that everyone has one water bottle, so they shouldn't need any of the "snow water" for some time. She currently estimates that they have enough food and water to last until Thursday afternoon. In San Antonio, Texas, Brenda Aly said she is using pool water from a neighbor, in addition to snow, to fill their toilet tanks and do dishes after losing water Tuesday. Aly said they are fortunate to have a gas stove and grill, and have been able to cook food. She estimates they have about two more days worth of rations left. "Once we go through our bottled water, our only drinking water option will be snow, until our water comes back or the stores are able to open," Aly said. Some are facing health concerns Helen Reed, a pediatric emergency room nurse, is used to taking care of others, but having no power at her home in Robstown, Texas, just 18 miles west of Corpus Christ, since Sunday night has made that difficult. Reed is caring for her 91-year-old mother with dementia and her 23-year-old terminally ill daughter, who has Lennox Gastaut Syndrome in addition to 19 other diagnoses, at home. Her mother hasn't had a warm meal in days and doesn't quite understand the situation, Reed said. Her daughter eats through a feeding pump that Reed has had to plug and unplug into a generator in order for it to function. "Trying to keep the generator going has been nerve-wrecking," she said. "Trying to keep the two of them from falling (in the dark), trying to manage my (daughter's) seizures, I can't even tell you -- it's just compounded stress." Every two hours, Reed said she adds gasoline to the generator. With gas in short supply, she said her farmer neighbor gave her a tank of gas he had in his barn and that's what they've been using sparingly and to fuel a small space heater. "The heater worked well, only sometimes crashing the generator," she said. "We wore all of everything we own, layers of South Texas beach clothing, not designed for snow and ice." Reed keeps a supply of what she calls "hurricane water" inside emptied Clorox bottles for hurricane season but said the family went through that supply quickly. "I don't feel like we had any kind of preparation for this," she said. "Because suddenly, there's no water, the stores are sold out and now the city is saying there's no water and it's like, what do you mean there's no water?" "When I went to the store, it's exactly like the first week of quarantine," she said. On Tuesday evening, her daughter stopped breathing twice. With her medical condition, Reed said she was expecting her to have the type of seizures she did, but to have them happen in the environment they're living in was unbearable for her. "You want your child to be in as comfortable of a setting as possible and not in a situation where there is no light, it was cold, it was horrifying, I can't even convey how stressful it was," she said. "And that was also the night where the roads were iced over, I don't even know if we could have gotten an ambulance out here." Reed said she has spent hours on the phone trying to get answers and an estimated timeline for restored power but to no avail. As of Thursday at 4 a.m., Reed said they got power back in their home and are enjoying it while they have it. "I could see power going on around us," she said. "Like across the road and it just made no sense." Two days ago, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) started refilling resident's oxygen bottles because they were calling 911 after running out and couldn't get refills from their vendors, Joseph Arrington, SAFD spokesman, told CNN in a statement. "Currently we have four SAFD vehicles responding city-wide to provide this service to as many folks as we can, as long as we have supply," Arrington said. "As of (Wednesday) morning, we have provided this service at least 130 times, with many more waiting in the queue." Sylvia Cerda Salinas told CNN's Don Lemon on Wednesday that she was so desperate after driving her family around in the car during the daytime to stay warm that she looked for hotels in nearby Mexico -- but there were no vacancies. Staying at a shelter or temporary warming station in Texas wouldn't be an option for the mother of five because three of her kids are diabetic, she said, and one is autistic with a compromised immune system. "You either go to the shelter to get warm, or you stay home, stay cold, and stay away from the pandemic," Salinas said. Nearly two dozen cases of her children's insulin have spoiled due to the power outages, she said, and her area is expecting another freeze Thursday. John Henderson, of San Antonio, said his wife, who had a stroke last year, is among those who received a refill from SAFD. His wife has one large tank that lasts 24 hours and two smaller ones. Fire department officials came by their house twice to refill his wife's tanks, he said. Amid the power outages, Henderson said he remains the most concerned about her health. She has been complaining that her throat hurts and having some trouble using portable oxygen tanks, he said. "She's got terrible breathing problems obviously," he said. Without SAFD's help, Henderson said they would have driven to the ER "even with the roads bad." "We're making due and staying inside waiting on power," he said. "We count ourselves as blessed nonetheless. There are a lot of folks worse off than us." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 19:03:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TIANJIN, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's northern port city of Tianjin received more than 3.7 million visits during this year's Spring Festival holiday, said the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism on Friday. This figure represents about 72 percent of the total from 2019, according to the bureau. Tourism revenue totaled 1.63 billion yuan (about 252 million U.S. dollars) during the week-long holiday, recovering to 65.5 percent of the revenue gained in the same period in 2019. Tourist sites in the city took measures to cap visitor numbers at 75 percent of their maximum capacity amid regular epidemic prevention and control, such as requiring online reservations ahead of visits. Tourists are also required to show their health QR codes and have their body temperatures taken prior to entry. Tianjin dispatched 1,826 law enforcement officers to inspect 788 scenic spots and cultural venues to ensure safe and orderly travel. Enditem With each day that passed, Leticia Aguirre knew she was getting sicker. Three times a week, the 67-year-old goes to a dialysis center operated by DaVita Kidney Care on the Northeast Side of San Antonio. She is always punctual for her appointments, which are first thing in the morning. Her vision loss prevents her from driving at night, and she needs to be home by the early afternoon to care for her wife, Jeanette Rendon, who is bedridden and in hospice care from a series of strokes she suffered during her bout with COVID-19 last summer. After snow blanketed the city overnight Sunday, Aguirre knew she would not be able to make the drive to her Monday dialysis appointment. When Wednesday came, her clinic canceled her appointment because it did not have water. On Thursday, she said, DaVita staff tried to direct her to another location she considered too far away, based on highway closures and more snow that fell across San Antonio throughout the day. Friday marked a week since her last round of dialysis. Early in the morning, she called her clinic, and it miraculously had a chair available. It was the longest she had ever gone without dialysis. On ExpressNews.com: Organized chaos: San Antonio's winter weather causes cascade of problems for health care system Across Texas, the winter storm and widespread power and water outages have created a humanitarian crisis, particularly for kidney disease patients. With many dialysis centers lacking utilities and with roads hazardous from snow and ice, Aguirre and other end-stage renal disease patients have gone for days on end without a mandatory, lifesaving treatment. In some cases, people who do peritoneal dialysis at home have checked themselves into hotels so they had electricity and clean water to operate their cycler machines. Patients who have developed complications from delayed dialysis are streaming into emergency departments across San Antonio. So many are in need of the service that at one point University Hospital was triaging patients, administering dialysis in the most urgent cases. Some patients have endured long waits, and many emergency rooms are giving dialysis for only two hours, instead of the standard four, as they seek to treat as many people as possible. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Less ill patients who could hold out for longer were often directed back to their regular providers, some of which were still working to come back online. Some hospitals have transferred dialysis patients to other facilities because of inadequate water pressure for the procedure. Its survival mode, said Dr. Shweta Bansal, a nephrologist with UT Health San Antonio and University Health. Its not like you want the best for that patient. Its like you want them to survive. Dialysis patient hotlines With many dialysis clinics closed because of the weather and water and power outages, providers are directing patients who need assistance accessing treatment to call the following hotlines: University Health: (210) 743-9800 DaVita: 1-800-400-8331 Fresenius: 1-800-626-1297 See More Collapse The crisis has created problems for patients across Texas, but it is particularly acute for San Antonio and South Texas, which have high rates of diabetes and about twice the rate of dialysis patients as the rest of the country. Bansal called the situation treacherous, particularly for elderly and low-income patients who often lack access to transportation. VIA Metropolitan Transit takes about 300 dialysis patients a week to appointments but had suspended all services because of the weather. Dialysis, which manually filters toxins and fluids from the blood of patients with kidney failure, requires enormous amounts of electricity and water about 50 gallons per patient for a four-hour session. Both power and water have been in short supply as the Texas electricity grid buckled under high power demand during the prolonged wintry conditions. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio at the heart of burgeoning kidney disease crisis It has exposed the vulnerabilities of health care, period. Dialysis just happens to be on the forefront of it in this moment of crisis, said Tiffany Jones-Smith, CEO of the Texas Kidney Foundation. When people with acute kidney failure go without dialysis, potassium builds up in the blood, and their bodies start to retain fluid. Salt and water can make their way to the lungs, causing shortness of breath or respiratory distress, requiring intubation in some cases. A lack of dialysis can also cause heart arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. It is deadly for patients to go without treatment for too long. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer During disasters, dialysis patients are given emergency kits and are instructed to restrict their salt and potassium intake. But with shortages at many grocery stores, Bansal worries that people turned to whatever food they have, including peanut butter, which has high levels of potassium. Over the past few days, Aguirres left leg grew swollen, and she felt fatigued. When she laid down, she tried to elevate her legs, and she started to wheeze from the fluid collecting in her chest. Aguirre, who is diabetic and has blood pressure issues, watched her fluids and took a water pill daily, but she knew those were only stopgap measures. She is frustrated with the lack of preparedness of city leaders and operators of dialysis centers. She received a call from her center Tuesday, but she had to contact it Thursday to try to arrange a Friday appointment. It just seems like there should be a plan, she said. Centers shut down Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Bansal said it is crucial to clear roads and get dialysis centers operational by Saturday. A spokeswoman for DaVita, which operates 16 dialysis centers in San Antonio, said its operations have fluctuated along with the availability of water and electricity in different areas. The company is working to bring in water tankers, generators and supplies. It declined to specify how many of its sites were open Thursday. It could not say how many of its dialysis patients had been affected or required hospitalization from skipped appointments. Patients were directed to call 1-800-400-8331 for scheduling help or 911 for emergencies. However, a nurse working at a DaVita facility in San Antonio said at least six of the companys clinics were not functional Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. All the citys major dialysis providers, including Fresenius Kidney Care, U.S. Renal Care and outpatient University Health clinics, have been struggling with low water pressure or lack of water, inconsistent electricity or no power at all. University Health is directing its 300 outpatient dialysis patients to call 210-743-9800 so they can be dialyzed at University Hospital. Unless they are in immediate medical crisis, other dialysis patients should work with their providers, rather than show up at the emergency room, the hospital said in a statement. On ExpressNews.com: Lack of planning for winter storm irks Bexar County leaders The DaVita nurse, who asked not to be identified because of fears of being reprimanded, said some patients had last been dialyzed Friday, a critical delay in treatment. This is the worst Ive ever seen the situation here, the nurse said. We havent been prioritized like the hospitals have. This is a life-giving service that we give here. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Brad Puffer, spokesman for Fresenius, said all of its 20 dialysis centers in the San Antonio area were initially affected by severe weather and that they had intermittent services throughout the week. The company brought in generators and water tanks, which he said restored service at all area centers by the end of Thursday. He was unable to specify how many patients had been affected. The company also set up a patient hotline: 1-800-626-1297. Dr. Navid Saigal, CEO of the nephrology practice Renal Associates, said his practice partnered with Fresenius to establish round-the-clock services at five clinics Wednesday and around 10 on Thursday, open to any dialysis patient. His practice was helping coordinate care for patients who did not need to be admitted to hospitals, including medically supervising people receiving shorter rounds of dialysis. In some cases, when patients had no means of transportation, his staff went to their homes to offer rides. Everyones just trying to do what they can, he said. Its just Texans helping Texans. Its a difficult emergency situation. Saigal said it was very chaotic in the beginning, with providers all calling each other. Everyone was unprepared, he said, and they need to do better in the future. Reprehensible Like the coronavirus pandemic, said Jones-Smith of the Texas Kidney Foundation, disruptions to dialysis disproportionately affect people of color, who make up the bulk of people with kidney disease. She is furious at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages power in Texas, and its lack of consideration for medically vulnerable populations. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Jones-Smith, who has lost nine family members to renal failure, has been getting panicked calls from dialysis patients, including a young woman whose mother had not gotten dialysis for four days. I know the emotional toll that this takes on everybody in the family. So to play with lives in this manner and to do so for the greediest, most insidious reason is reprehensible, she said. We are the nation that leads the world, and this is the kind of decisions that were making? Eddie Palmer has been in renal failure for six years from a disease that attacked his kidneys. After the snowstorm Sunday night, the power went out at his house, and the indoor temperature dropped to 50 degrees. Unable to use his machine for peritoneal dialysis, he tried to do the exchanges by hand, a cumbersome process that is supposed to be done four times a day. Palmer, 50, grew tired, and he was doing it only twice. Without a warmer, the bags of solution went into his body cold, making him violently shiver. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Finally, he couldnt take it anymore. He drove his wife, two teenage daughters and dog around until he could find one of the few hotel rooms left, where he was able to hook up the machine Wednesday night. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio shoppers find empty shelves as grocers grapple with power outages, icy roads I had to check into this motel to get it out of me, he said. Because if I dont, a couple more days, Ill wind up in the hospital, sick. Unlike Aguirre, her younger brother, Xavier, 51, had not missed any of his dialysis appointments at the Fresenius location on Broadway. He ventured into Thursdays snowstorm to get to his appointment, his wife navigating past multiple car crashes on the way. When he was at the center Tuesday, he watched an entire family slip on a patch of ice and topple over. Its very easy to lose your life with all this crap. Very easy, he said. Its just crazy. Leticia Aguirre did not want go to a hospital, which she knew was dealing with other dialysis patients, as well as people with the coronavirus. After COVID-19, her wife will never be the same: She is paralyzed, unable to communicate and in pain. Its heartbreaking, to see her just lay there, Aguirre said. Shes a vegetable. Theres not a thing anyone can do for us. This week, Aguirre was contending with her own health crisis, but she was still most preoccupied with taking care of her wife. She knows that she is the one who has endured the unimaginable. Staff writers Peggy OHare, Laura Garcia and Marina Starleaf Riker contributed to this report. lcaruba@express-news.net The Israeli government has raised concerns about Secretary of State Tony Blinken's announcement on Thursday that the U.S. is willing to open discussions with Iran about returning to the 2015 nuclear deal. What they're saying: Israel believes that going back to the old nuclear agreement will pave Irans path to a nuclear arsenal. We remain committed to preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Why it matters: The Iranian issue is the main point of friction between Israel and the Biden administration, just as it was between Netanyahu and the Obama administration. Israeli officials say the U.S. notified Israel in advance about the announcement. We are in close contact with the United States on this matter," an Israeli official said. Driving the news: Following a video conference on Thursday with his counterparts from France, Germany and the U.K., Blinken said the U.S. was prepared to discuss a path back to full, mutual compliance with the deal, which the Trump administration pulled out of and Iran is violating. Enrique Mora, a senior EU foreign policy official, then proposed an informal meeting of diplomats from Iran and the six world powers that signed the nuclear deal. Minutes later, the State Department issued a statement saying the U.S. was prepared to attend such a meeting. "The goal of coming together would be to sit down and to see what could be a prolonged path of trying to get back to a situation where both the U.S. and Iran were back into compliance," a State Department official said. The U.S. took several other Iran-related steps on Thursday: America's acting representative to the UN submitted a letter to members of the UN Security Council reversing the Trump administration's efforts to snap UN sanctions on Iran backed into place. The U.S. mission to the UN also notified the Iranian mission that all travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on Iranian diplomats in the U.S. would be lifted. Whats next: On Feb. 23, Iran is expected to withdraw from the additional protocol of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Ten people were hurt, none of them seriously, when a gas explosion ripped through a three-story house in the Bronx on Thursday, officials said. The explosions force blew one of the houses doors off its hinges and across the street, where it hung from telephone wires in the frigid air as night fell and investigators scoured the building and the area around it. Inspectors were examining the houses gas plumbing system as a possible source of the blast, a Buildings Department spokesman said. Fire marshals were also investigating, as were Con Edison employees, officials said. A Con Edison spokesman said that the utility was not doing work at the house at the time of the explosion and that gas service had been shut off after the incident. Filming continued for Across The River and Into The Trees in Venice on Friday. Matilda De Angelis was spotted on set shooting solo scenes as the 18-year-old Italian contessa, Renata. The Undoing actress, 25, cut a pensive figure as the crew filmed her walking along the river. Action! Matilda De Angelis was spotted on set as filming continued for Across The River and Into The Trees in Venice on Friday In keeping with WW2 era in which the film is set, Matilda exuded retro glamour in a raspberry red beret and pink pea coat. She wore her hair in brushed out pin curls and accessorised her pink coat with a chiffon scarf and black leather gloves. Matilda's co-star Liev Schrieber, who plays her love interest and central character Colonel Cantwell didn't join her for the scenes. In character: The actress, 25, cut a pensive figure as she filmed solo scenes as the 18-year-old Italian contessa, Renata Costume: In keeping with WW2 era in which the film is set, Matilda exuded retro glamour in a raspberry red beret and pink pea coat The actor, 53, has been seen on crutches in recent weeks after injuring himself while filming a fighting scene. It is believe it aggravated a previous injury Liev sustained on his knee and the actor confirmed on Twitter last month he had to have surgery on it. Set in post WW2 Venice, Across The River and Into The Trees follows US Army Col. Cantwell, who is a hero yet haunted by the war, as he faces news of his illness with stoic disregard. Solo scene: Matilda's co-star Liev Schrieber, who plays her love interest and central character Colonel Cantwell didn't join her for the scenes Gorgeous: She wore her hair in brushed out pin curls and wore a chiffon scarf and black leather gloves Determined to spend a weekend in quiet solitude, he commandeers a military driver to facilitate a visit to some of his old haunts in Venice. As Cantwell's plans begin to unravel, a chance encounter with a remarkable young woman begins to rekindle in him the hope of renewal. Based on the last full-length novel by Ernest Hemingway, the movie captures a fleeting moment of immortality where time stands still. Four years ago The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Pierce Brosnan would play the lead role with his GoldenEye director Martin Campbell at the helm. However the current director is Spanish filmmaker Paula Ortiz and this September it emerged in Deadline that Liev is playing the colonel. Plot: Based on the last full-length novel by Ernest Hemingway, the movie captures a fleeting moment of immortality where time stands still Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 23088 Michael Schlein, President & CEO, Accion Michael Schlein, President & CEO, Accion Around the world, two billion people lack access to formal financial services. Theres no single cause for this widespread and significant problem, nor is there a single way to address it. But there are new trends in data, analytics, and mobile phones that we can use to remove some of the impediments preventing people from accessing and using formal financial servicesparticularly credit. In many cases, the principal barrier preventing applicants from borrowing is a fundamental lack of information about the customers themselves. Lenders reject potentially creditworthy applicants because they dont have the detailed financial profiles that banks rely on in underwriting. These thin-file applicantsincluding first-time borrowers, legal migrants, and young adultsmight be excellent customers, but lenders typically pass on them because theyre essentially invisible. That invisibility results from how banks typically do business. In the U.S. and many other parts of the world, banks generally rely on only one piece of information to make credit decisions: a credit report generated by credit rating agencies. These reports are built on the assumption that past credit behavior predicts future credit risk. Information can be much more valuable and predictive than credit scores This assumption is problematic for a number of reasons. First, to be able to build a credit score, one needs access to credit to begin with; and to access credit one needs a credit score. Second, credit agencies in different countries use different systems to evaluate credit behavior, so a profile created in one country might not be recognized in another. When migrants move legally to a new country, their credit histories no matter how good they are stay behind. A migrant who has already paid off a mortgage or a car is still credit invisible when they reach their new home. This is a problem even in countries with complex, integrated formal financial systems: in the U.S., one in 10 Americans have no credit history, and an additional 19 million have outdated, unscorable histories. There are millions more thin-file customers in the U.K., Spain, and Canada, who face similar problems in addition to the billions of other financially excluded people who lack access to any formal financial services and are invisible to the sector. This exclusion prevents entrepreneurs from launching businesses or parents from sending their children to school. It also costs banks quality customers. But data can change that. In the last few years, new solutions have emerged that leverage the explosion of personal data created by the proliferation of mobile phones to better understand customers and predict their credit behavior. Combining a wealth of alternative dataincluding social media, internet usage, phone records, and bill paymentswith robust analytics can help lenders understand what the applicants themselves are like. That information can be much more valuable and predictive than credit scores. There are a number of innovative startups tapping into alternative data and using it as the basis for new lending models. In fact, some of them result from the very problems caused by bankings overreliance on credit scores. When Aneesh Varma moved from the U.S. to the U.K., he couldnt get a credit card despite having a strong financial history. His experience motivated him to co-found Aire, an alternative credit scoring startup that uses applicant-provided information and new sources of data to verify customers identity, profession, education, lifestyle, and financial knowledge. Aire uses this information to help thin-file customers and creditors work together. Other companies demonstrate a great deal of creativity using alternative data to predict user behavior. Tiaxa tracks users phone usage and evaluates them on 70 different variables a day. It analyzes whether users regularly top-up their air time, read and write text messages, travel frequently or use more than one cell tower, among many other behaviors. When a user runs out of airtime, Tiaxa uses this information to decide instantaneously whether to extend them a small amount of credit, a nano-loan, to talk on the phone, text, or surf the web. Though these nano-loans dont represent much money, they can be essential to the user in the moment and the beginnings of a personal credit profile. The company is now starting to expand their service, using client data to make bigger working capital loans. Theres also Konfio, an online lending platform that uses innovative credit algorithms and alternative data analysis to help small businesses in Mexico that lack access to credit obtain affordable working capital loans; and Tienda Pago in Peru, which works with distributors of large consumer goods manufacturers to provide mom and pop store owners with short-term working capital loans that they need to buy more inventory and increase sales through mobile platforms, all while building a formal credit history. Alternative datas growth is due in large part to mobile technology: although 2 billion people lack access to financial services, 85 percent of the worlds populationor roughly 4 billion peoplehave mobile phones that are almost constantly transmitting, processing, and receiving data. In fact, as mobile phones and the internet continue to spread throughout the developing world, there will be increasing amounts of high-quality, user-generated data at companies disposal. In 2011, 2 out 3 people in the developing world had smartphones by 2020, 4 out of 5 will. At the end of 2015, 3.5 billion people were using the internetand 2 billion of them were in the developing world. The financial sector is only just beginning to discover alternative datas potential. As alternative data becomes more available, and as its analysis becomes more accepted, I hope that lenders discover other uses that go beyond de-risking new applicants, such as helping customers manage their financial health or using behavioral science and well-timed nudges that prompt them to save. It will take thorough data analytics and a great deal of experimentation, but the value for businesses and their clientsis too great to overlook. National Conference (NC) leader and former CM Omar Abdullah took a dig on Thursday at the visit of 24 foreign envoys to Kashmir, asking them to send "real tourists" from their countries to Jammu and Kashmir. 'Thank you for visiting Kashmir' Thank you for visiting Kashmir. Now please send some real tourists from your countries to visit J&K. #envoysvisitJK Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 18, 2021 Senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz also described the visit of foreign envoys from across the world as a 'futile exercise' on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Manish Tewari in a tweet said that foreigners can go but a Joint Parliamentary Committee and Opposition leaders cant go. "This guided tour is a joke. Rubs salt into the wounds of a badly bruised populace," he said. Foreigners ( Firangis ) can go but a Joint Parlimentary Committee & Opposition leaders cant go . This guided tour is a joke . Rubs salt into the wounds of a badly bruised populace. https://t.co/jLIObVghPd Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) February 17, 2021 The envoys from European, Latin American and African countries arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir for assessing the ground situation in the Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in August 2019. The visit by 24 foreign envoys to Jammu and Kashmir was aimed at enabling them to witness the union territory's march on the path of inclusive development and the dynamism in the grassroots democratic institutions following the successful conduct of the recent local polls, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. READ | Top 7 players unsold in IPL auction 2021; check full list here READ | Amit Shah gives CAA implementation assurance; says 'undemocratic to seek farm law repeal' The comments by MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava came at the end of the two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir by the envoys. Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, two groups of envoys had visited Jammu and Kashmir. "The idea behind facilitating these visits was to enable Foreign Heads of Missions to get a better sense of the ground situation and the prevailing normalcy in the union territory," Srivastava said, replying to a media query. "Subsequently, there has been an enhanced interest in the ongoing political and democratic process, including strengthening of grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. The group comprised envoys from Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cote d'Ivore, Cuba, Estonia, Finland, European Union, Eritrea, France, Ghana, Italy, Ireland, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Malawi, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, Sweden and Tajikistan. READ | Railways refutes Mamata's claims on attack on TMC min: 'Law & order a State govt subject' READ | Unnao double deaths: Post-mortem states 'deaths due to poisoning'; murder charges filed (With PTI inputs) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will join President Joe Biden as he tours the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine manufacturing plant in Portage today, the governors office confirmed. Whitmer toured the plant earlier this month amid the states efforts to distribute the vaccine. Biden announced plans to tour the plant on Thursday, and later postponed the visit until Friday due to inclement weather. At a press conference on Tuesday, Whitmer said she was glad the president was coming, and they had a good relationship. I can say that, on behalf of our state... one of our proudest moments of the last year was watching those vaccines roll out of Portage, Michigan and watching the whole national news, globally, actually, watching what was happening in Portage Michigan, Whitmer said. So, the partnership that we have had with the Biden administration is refreshing and I am just glad that the President is prioritizing vaccine rollouts, the purchase of and dissemination of vaccines, ramping it up every single week since hes taken office. Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Cheif Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun have cited vaccine supply as the biggest obstacle the state faces as it works to vaccinate citizens. The state has the logistical capacity to vaccinate 50,000 people per day, according to the governor, but has only hit that number a few times. The biggest challenge we have right now, as the governor has mentioned, is that we dont have enough supply for everyone who wants to get a vaccine right now. And as we continue to see our supply increase, well be able to include more and more providers across the state, Khaldun said at the Tuesday press conference. Although Whitmer expressed confidence in her relationship with the Biden administration, she also penned a letter with other governors recently voicing concerns. Among the governors concerns was the availability of data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on where COVID-19 vaccines are going, particularly with regard to doses going directly to pharmacies. Whitmer was heavily involved in Bidens presidential campaign, serving as a campaign co-chair and on his inaugural committee. More on MLive: Gov. Whitmer urges President Biden to coordinate federal COVID-19 vaccination distribution with state Gov. Whitmer gets first-hand look at COVID-19 vaccine production inside Pfizers Portage plant President Bidens Michigan trip to Pfizer plant postponed until Feb. 19 Pfizer workers, past and present, cheer on vaccine maker ahead of President Bidens Portage visit Portage beaming with pride in anticipation of Bidens Pfizer visit Mumbai, Feb 19 : Sumeet Vyas felt like he was acting in a play while shooting for Mahesh Manjrekar's upcoming web series, 1962: The War In The Hills. The reason, he explained, is because both Manjrekar and he come from a theatre background. "I have always been a fan of Mahesh sir's work and had hoped to do a project with him one day. With 1962: The War In the Hills, I finally got that opportunity," Sumeet said. "Since he too has a background in theatre like me, I almost felt like I was acting in a play. For me there is nothing better than working with a theatre personality because I feel I can relate to them in the best way," he added. Sumeet essays a soldier in the C-Company battalion in the forthcoming war drama web series. His character is named Ramkumar Yadav. Inspired by true events, 1962: The War In The Hills narrates how 125 Indian soldiers fought valiantly against 3,000 Chinese in a battle that changed the course of the 1962 Indo-China war. The 10-episode war drama, written by Charudutt Acharya, features an ensemble cast that also includes Abhay Deol, Akash Thosar, Rohan Gandotra, Annup Sonii, Meiyang Chang, Mahie Gill, Rochelle Rao and Hemal Ingle in key roles. The series streams on Disney+ Hotstar VIP and Disney+ Hotstar Premium from February 26. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) The fight may not be over for losing vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr. Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta told reporters on Friday that Marcos can still file a motion for reconsideration on the Supreme Court's decision to junk his election protest against Vice President Leni Robredo. "Of course, of course, he can always do that, that's one of his remedies," Peralta said in an interview at the Tarlac State University, where he was conferred a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa degree. The Supreme Court, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, unanimously junked Marcos' case against Robredo on Tuesday. The former senator and son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos filed the protest in 2016 as he alleged fraud in the elections that resulted in Robredo winning by 263,473 votes. In October 2019, the tribunal found Robredo's lead even grew by around 15,000 votes after a recount of the ballots from 5,415 clustered precincts in Iloilo, Negros Oriental, and Robredos hometown Camarines Sur. The pilot areas for the recount were chosen by the Marcos camp. While the tribunal has yet to release its decision, a source in the high court said having failed in the pilot provinces, Marcos cannot seek his third cause of action, which is to annul election results in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan. Peralta said the justices who want to explain their votes have more than a week to do so. "The deliberation is confidential, but I can only say that as usual there was deliberation, there were debates, there were several things raised," the Chief Justice said. Meanwhile, Peralta refused to speculate on what will happen if Marcos runs in the May 2022 national elections. CNN Philippines' Anjo Alimario 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. 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. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) says it has disbursed N68.01 billion to 68 Nigerian entrepreneurs in the the last three years under its Export Development Fund. The funds went to beneficiaries in the manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals and oil and gas sectors of the economy, the bank said at a press briefing Thursday. NEXIM is an export credit agency set up to drive the economy through trade finance, project finance, export market advisory services, treasury operations, guarantees, market information amongst other things. The Central Bank of Nigeria released N50 billion to the bank in 2018 for the export development programme. The fund was later increased to N100 billion in December. The managing director of the bank, Abba Bello, told reporters that the bank is also collaborating with the CBN to manage a N500 billion non-oil export stimulation facility. The facility was introduced to provide long term funds to export oriented projects towards increasing value added exports. Aside from the 68 beneficiaries, approvals totalling N30.86 billion are currently in the process of meeting pre-disbursement conditions, the bank said. The bank has carried out the processing of 227 application worth N159.27 billion and $37.67 million out of which N98.87 billion has been approved, Mr. Bello said. So far, $182.31 million and 203,018.42, translating into N70.40 billion, have been received as export proceeds from projects that have repatriated their income, while others are yet to complete the transaction circle. Balance sheet The bank said its target for 2022 is to achieve a balance sheet size of at least N1.2 trillion. Mr. Bello said the banks balance sheet grew from N67.73 million in April 2017 to N158.84 billion as at January 31, 2021. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the banks profit dropped to N1.28 billion in 2020 from N2.13 billion in 2019. He said the bank has also done well in recovering its loans. Introduction of aggressive debt recovery and proactive loan work out measures leading to increase in overall recoveries from only N200 million in December 2016 to N4.76 billion and US$750,000 between January 2017 and January 2021. In addition, assets worth about N7 billion are currently up for sale. Continue efforts to clean up the balance sheet and improvement in risk management practices with new loans granted from 2018 performing 100 per cent, a major departure from the huge non-performing loans in the past, he said. New Delhi: With preparations are underway for Kumbh Mela 2021 to be held from 1st to 30th April in the holy city of Haridwar, the administration has decided that personnel posted on duty would be administered with COVID vaccine. It also stated that visitors need to have a COVID-19 negative report, issued not later than 72 hours. Kumbh Mela Officer told ANI, "Personnel posted on duty to be administered with COVID vaccine. Visitors should have Coronavirus negative report, issued not later than 72 hrs." The Kumbh Mela has been restricted to just 30 days to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, according to Chief Secretary Om Prakash, Uttarakhand. The administration will also issue a notice in this regard by the end of March. Earlier, Haridwar District Magistrate C Ravishankar had stated that pilgrims will need passes to attend Kumbh Mela. The district administration has sought 70,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the personnel posted on duty to ensure their safety. The Kumbh administration will put cameras at the ghats of river Ganga to monitor the crowd, and to avoid any untoward situation. Live TV Last month, the Centre issued standard operating protocols (SOP) for the Kumbh Mela amid the COVID-19 pandemic. All devotees desirous of attending the Kumbh Mela must register with Uttarakhand government, and they also have to obtain a compulsory medical certificate from Community health centre or district hospital or medical college in their states, according to the SOP. BURLINGAME, Calif., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ReverseLogix Corp., the leading cloud-based platform to automate reverse logistics for e-commerce brands, third-party logistics providers and manufacturers, today announced $20 million in its first round of external funding. The new capital will enhance the company's capabilities and resources to deliver a turn-key, modular SaaS platform to manage, plan and execute the complex end-to-end reverse logistics process for the world's largest e-commerce-focused companies. The Series A financing was provided by Cambridge Capital, a leading supply chain technology-focused investment firm. In conjunction with the investment, Cambridge Capital's Benjamin Gordon and Matt Smalley have joined ReverseLogix's Board of Directors. Through ReverseLogix's proprietary, cloud-based technology platform, e-commerce companies, logistics providers and manufacturers can manage every aspect of returns, repairs and after-sales care. With distinct modules focused on returns initiation, returns processing, repair management, warehouse management and inventory optimization, customers can leverage the best and only centralized end-to-end returns management solution for their specific needs. By automating and optimizing reverse logistics processes with AI and machine learning, ReverseLogix's customers can achieve a significant reduction in operating costs and increase customer satisfaction, while also achieving enhanced visibility and adherence to complex service level requirements and custom policies all in one centralized platform. According to Bank of America and McKinsey, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated e-commerce penetration in the US from 16% to 34% of all retail sales, resulting in 10 years of expected penetration growth in just three months which leads to significant growth in returns/reverse logistics. With 25% of e-commerce orders returned, there was a 70% annual growth in total packages returned in 2020, and there is significant continued growth projected in the future. Since returns cost e-commerce businesses up to 20% of the underlying value of the purchased good, leading companies are seeking to leverage best-of-breed technology to better manage this previously manual, cumbersome and costly process. ReverseLogix is poised to capture significant market share due to its flexibility and product depth, being purpose built exclusively for reverse logistics workflows. "After bootstrapping ReverseLogix for over 6 years, I am excited to announce this significant investment. Cambridge Capital is the perfect partner for us who has deep experience in logistics technology globally. Working with them will allow us to continue developing our platform, expanding our leadership team and extending our high-growth trajectory into 2021 and beyond, leveraging their industry relationships with key customers and partners," said Gaurav Saran, Founder and CEO of ReverseLogix. "We are extremely excited to partner with Gaurav and ReverseLogix as the first outside investor. Our background as global business builders in supply chain, and our unique viewpoint as a group of operators, strategic advisors and investors focused exclusively in logistics, will allow us to help ReverseLogix continue to extend its market leadership, in what we believe is a trillion dollar reverse logistics market globally," said Benjamin Gordon, Cambridge Capital's Managing Partner. "ReverseLogix's continuous growth with existing and new large customers, top-tier satisfaction with the most important customers globally, and best-of-breed cloud-native flexible technology platform are a validation of ReverseLogix's large market opportunity and excellent product-market fit," added Matt Smalley, Principal of Cambridge Capital. With large customers such as FedEx, Electrolux, Cole Haan, BNSF Logistics, Amer Sports, Samsonite and Tumi, ReverseLogix is already a leader in an important emerging product category underserved by incumbent vendors. With this new investment, ReverseLogix is accelerating and deepening its relationships with other large customers and partners globally. About ReverseLogix: ReverseLogix Corp. is the leading cloud-based platform to automate end-to-end reverse logistics for e-commerce brands, third-party logistics providers and manufacturers. ReverseLogix's centralized, highly configurable, modular SaaS platform is designed to manage every aspect of returns, repairs and after-sales care for all reverse logistics ecosystem players. With the rise in e-commerce, and the unique demands relating to returns and reverse logistics, ReverseLogix is poised to be at the forefront of innovation in a $1 trillion global market. Founded in 2014 as a pioneer in SaaS-based centralized returns management, ReverseLogix is on the cutting-edge of solving reverse logistics challenges holistically. ReverseLogix is headquartered in Burlingame, California and serves top brands in all major verticals globally. To learn more about ReverseLogix, visit https://ReverseLogix.com About Cambridge Capital: Cambridge Capital is an investment firm focused on the applied supply chain. The firm provides private equity to finance the expansion, recapitalization or acquisition of growth companies in transportation, logistics and supply chain technology. Our philosophy is to invest in companies where our operating expertise and in-depth supply chain knowledge can help our portfolio companies achieve outstanding value. For more information, please visit http://www.CambridgeCapital.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440200/ReverseLogix_Logo.jpg Related Links http://www.reverselogix.com SOURCE ReverseLogix Corp 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. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with Executive Director of the Investment Promotion Office (UkraineInvest) Serhiy Tsivkach to discuss the attraction of investments in the Ukrainian economy. From now on, UkraineInvest will support investors with significant investments in Ukraine. We had a meeting with Executive Director of the Office Serhiy Tsivkach, during which we discussed attracting investments into the Ukrainian economy, Shmyhal wrote on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. The Prime Minister expects that the practical skills of UkraineInvest employees will help improve the investment climate and significantly increase investment activity in Ukraine this year. As reported by Ukrinform, on February 18, the Cabinet of Ministers designated the Investment Promotion Office (UkraineInvest) as an institution authorized to support investors with significant investments. According to the law on the state budget for 2021, UAH 33 million is provided for the functioning of the Office. Among the main functions of UkraineInvest are the implementation of measures to attract potential applicants for the realization of investment projects, the provision of investors with information and consulting assistance, and interaction with state and local authorities. iy We have had productive talks with City Council members and the GAPA coalition, and we agree on a lot, said Frank Chapman, field organizer for the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, and a proponent of the CPAC ordinance. The mayor is interfering because she does not want to see any change that would diminish her power, and what we are doing is putting the power in the hands of the people because that is where the power belongs. Laos new leader Thongloun Sisoulith indirectly ordered that the governor of a poor province scrap plans to buy a pricey new fleet of cars for newly elected provincial officials, state media reported. I hear that some provinces are ordering new cars. If they are not absolutely necessary, please dont do that during this difficult time, said Thongloun, who recently became General Secretary of the Central Committee of the ruling Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party, the top post in the one-party state. A memo obtained by RFA on Feb. 12 states that Attapeu province's Governor Leth Xayaphone on Jan. 22 gave authorization to the Xaysana Company to arrange the purchase of eight Toyota Prado SUVs at a cost of $736,000 and 22 Toyota Fortuners at a cost of $1.265 million. The memo ordered the provinces administration office and finance department to cooperate with Xaysana to complete the order. Thonglouns recommendation to Attapeu province came about one week after he publicly called on the government to rein in corruption, an issue he has championed since coming to power as Laos prime minister in 2016. Many see the auto deal as excessive, especially since Attapeu is one of the areas most affected by Laos worst-ever dam disaster. On July 23, 2018, billions of cubic feet of water from a tributary of the Mekong River poured over a collapsed saddle dam at the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy (PNPC) hydropower project in nearby Champassak province, sweeping away homes and causing severe flooding in villages downstream in Attapeu and beyond into Cambodia. The province still has thousands of survivors living in temporary relocation shelters and has been slow in paying out compensation and building new houses, a problem that has been exacerbated by supply and labor shortages due to the coronavirus pandemic. In this August, 2020 file photo taken by a citizen journalist, workers construct permanent homes for survivors of a dam collapse in Dongbak HinKham village, Sanamxay District Attapeu province, Laos. Residents of the province told RFA they agreed that buying cars should not be an immediate priority. The premier is right. The Attapeu governor should use that money to develop the province. He could pave roads, for example, instead of buying new cars. Being frugal is always better, an Attapeu businessman told RFA. A resident of the province said the recipients of the new cars probably did not need them. They can buy their own cars. The high-ranking government officials are already rich, the Attapeu resident said, also recommending the provincial government use the funds for development. Several other residents in Attapeu and Vientiane told RFA that new cars for the Attapeu officials were frivolous at a time the government should be tightening its belt in an economy devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. An official from the Attapeu Administration Office told RFA Wednesday that the province has not yet purchased the cars. The provincial leadership is considering scrapping the plan, as recommended by the central government, and also because we have received a lot of unfavorable reaction from the general public. A government worker in Vientiane told RFA that in most years the plan would not be seen as corrupt. Under normal circumstances, its quite customary for the party or the government to buy new cars once every five years for the newly elected leaders. But this is not a normal year, the government worker said. Change Unlikely Thonglouns defining issue as prime minister has been a war against corruption. Shortly after coming to power in 2016, he spearheaded an anti-graft campaign. In 2018, an editorial published in Asean Today described his efforts as a losing battle. But he hopes to carry over hardline policies against corruption into his new role. At a Feb. 5 swearing-in ceremony for the Central Committees new inspection committee head, Thongloun said that the committee must more closely inspect party activities to eliminate corruption or risk further deterioration in the partys political support. Thongloun highlighted areas where corruption was most rampant, such as in the collection of taxes, management of government funds and expenditures, investments in infrastructural development, survey and design of development projects, bidding and procurement for development projects, management of land and forests, and mining. But despite his orders, many Lao residents see government corruption as a fact of life in a country ruled by the LPRP since 1975. What the leader says is good, but in practice, at the lower level, corruption is widespread, a resident of Savannakhet province, in the countrys south, told RFAs Lao Service last week. My grandson, who goes to school in a city here in Savannakhet province, had to pay a U.S. $6 fee to the authorities instead of the usual $3. They always ask for extra money. After he graduates, he will also have to pay his future employer a sum between 50,000 and 500,000 Thai baht ($1,673 and $16,734) to get a job, said the Savannakhet resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons. A resident of the capital Vientiane told RFA that stopping corruption will be a challenge under a government culture of impunity. Its not just one or two individual officials Not long ago the inspection body announced they discovered a large number of corrupt officials, but only a few were punished, the Vientiane resident said. They inspect and inspect. The inspectors report cases of corruption to the National Assembly, but nothing happens to the corrupt officials, another Lao resident told RFA. Other residents said most officials seek public office to line their own pockets. Government workers, from the village chief to the countrys top leader, get rich very quickly. They often receive extra income, a resident of Pakse, Champassak province, in the countrys south, told RFA. In Laos, the corrupt officials are not punished, a former government worker told RFA, adding, No one has been jailed for corruption. Thats why so many are not confident in our leadership. Im certainly not. Corruption investigation Laos has a history of widespread government corruption. During the annual general meeting of the Finance ministry in November, Vice President Phankham Viphavanh said government officials had directly asked for money from people, with some even threatening the use of force. On Jan. 29, Bounthong Chitmany, then head of the Partys Central Inspection Committee, said during a committee meeting, In the last five years from 2016 to 2020, we found 3,200 corrupt government workers. So far 93 of them have been charged with financial crimes and 64 of them have been found guilty. Unlike 2018 and 2019 and the year before, Chitmany did not report the total financial loss to corruption that occurred in 2020. The Government Inspection Authority (GIA) reported in early 2020 that in 2019, the government lost up to $120 million to corruption, disciplined 700 state employees; fired 400 of them and recovered $4 million. In the previous year, the GIA found 970 were involved in corruption amounting to $107 million. Transparency International reported last month that Laos ranking worsened dropping from 130th in 2019 to 134th in 2020 out of 180 countries. Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Max Avary. Written in English by Eugene Whong. 23200 Dyann Bradbury, Senior Director of Corporate Compliance, Digital River Dyann Bradbury, Senior Director of Corporate Compliance, Digital River E-commerce businesses from both the United States and the European Union (EU) are under mounting pressure from consumers to protect their data. This heightened desire for data privacy and protection has spurred a rapidly-evolving patchwork of global e-commerce regulations, ranging from the right to erasure to data portability requirements. With new rules set to go into effect in less than two years, companies are going to find themselves under even more scrutiny to maintain flexible and transparent protocols for handling consumer data. For brands that falter and neglect the privacy desires of online consumers, the stakes will be high and the outcomes costly. Steep fines. Penalties. And loss of customer trust. As the regulatory landscape for e-commerce transforms, here are some compliance situations businesses should be prepared for: A Consumers Right to Erasure In 2016, the EU parliament approved a new regulation bolstering data protection measures for individuals in the EU the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A facet of the regulation is called the right to erasure, which includes the notion that individuals can request to have their personal data erased from a companys databases without undue delay. This includes personal data collected by the company, personal data transferred to third-parties (unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort) and even data stored outside the EU. When you consider the interdependent relationships between brands, retailers, partners and other affiliates, it is not hard to imagine how businesses will find themselves in these data crosshairs. Being unprepared to handle requests to erase a consumers personal data from a companys network could now land brands in a legal mess they wont want to be a part of. Today more than ever, businesses must take data privacy management a step further and factor it as a necessary cost of doing business Uniformity and Control across the EU The ripple effect of the GDPR will reach every corner of the global retail market. Another part of the regulation calls for data portability, allowing an individual to request transfer of personal data from one processing system to another in a commonly-used format. Non-compliance with certain articles contained within the GDPR can result in fines of 20 million Euros, or 4 percent of total global revenue, whichever is greater; both penalties levy potentially devastating consequences. Though the GDPR will not be enforced until 2018, looming uncertainty following Brexit and other events that keep the global e-commerce marketplace in flux gives businesses all the more reason to begin preparing now for the upcoming changes. Differing Laws across State Borders When e-commerce transactions cross international borders, the legal requirements for how companies handle consumer data gets muddied. This is further complicated in countries like the United States, where compliance is managed differently from state to state. California, for instance, has instituted laws requiring companies to be more prescriptive about the user data they collect. The state requires merchants to disclose the type of data being collected, the third-parties they might provide that information to, and their online tracking practices. Connecticut and Massachusetts have similarly stringent laws protecting consumers and requiring companies to safeguard consumer data. Whats at Stake for Business Owners? As with most regulatory compliance situations, the stakes for businesses vary. Depending on the type and severity of a regulatory infraction, a legal penalty could result in hefty fines, delays in payment processing or civil lawsuits. While legal consequences for noncompliance are defined in black and white, impacts on customer relationships caused by noncompliance are grayer and perhaps even more devastating. This is why it is critically important for brands to establish a reputation as a trustworthy company that respects and responds to consumer privacy concerns. In todays business scene where data protection laws are scaling up, companies must tune into the changing e-commerce compliance landscape. Businesses that are out of compliance today will struggle to catch up while those that already have implemented efficient data privacy systems and processes will be at a significant competitive advantage. Brands that have relied on their own ad-hoc best practices or even their own sense of right and wrong to manage customer information can no longer play data privacy by ear. Taking data privacy seriously has always been the right thing to do. Today more than ever, businesses must take data privacy management a step further and factor it as a necessary cost of doing business. ADVERTISEMENT The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) has summoned all Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) subsidiaries over financial queries raised by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF). The Chairman of the Committee, Wole Oke (PDP-Osun), said this at an investigative hearing on Thursday in Abuja. This parliament is a parliament of rules and the Constitution of Nigeria has given us a window to conduct our activities in a manner that is suitable to us. When we asked your subsidiaries to cause appearance (appear), it is pursuant to section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We want to hear from them, we want to extract evidence from them because these are officers that are Chief Executives of those subsidiaries. We have queries against NAPINS, yes they report to you, it is our own right in this parliament to determine how we conduct our businesses, he said. Earlier, the Chief Financial Officer of NNPC, Umar Ajiya, said he was in position to speak for the agencies since they reported to the NNPC. I am responsible for the entire financial reporting of the group and so also the Group Managing Director (GMD) with the gentlemen with me here, we can answer any question, he said. Mr Ajiya said the NNPC was not owing rather, the federal government was owing the corporation. (NAN) EUGENE, Ore. -- The energy was high Friday at Willamette Oaks, a retirement community in Eugene, as eager residents received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Officials say 100 percent of the staff have been vaccinated, and only one resident has opted out of getting their first dose. Eugene resident Bernice Homan, 104, is one of many who received their second dose. Homan survived the Influenza Pandemic in 1918, also known as the Spanish Flu. RELATED: 103-YEAR-OLD SPANISH FLU SURVIVOR GETS COVID-19 VACCINE IN EUGENE That was easy - just like last time, Homan said Friday. Homan encourages everyone to do their part in the community. The people that are afraid of itthats silly, Homan said. As many put it, the Greatest Generation is breathing a sigh of relief after that second dose. That's generally defined as people born from 1901 to 1927. KEZI 9 News spoke to several residents about what Fridays event means to them. Harriet Siegel is 100 years old and also received her second shot Friday. I miss not seeing family, Siegel said. My daughter lives here, but my sons do not and my grandkids do not. I would like to see them, but I havent seen them in quite a while. Many shared that Siegel is one of the most active people in the community. I go to every exercise class with Janet, and I walk everyday outside around the premises, Siegel said. Others in the community weighed in. For Lynn Axelrod, whos been at Willamette Oaks for seven years, she barely noticed the shot going into her arm. Thats it?" Axelrod asked. Thats it! She is looking forward to whats to come. What does the second shot mean? That I might be able to go to Fred Meyer or the mall or something like that, Axelrod said. Axelrod also misses community. Back to normalcy where we can walk on the bike path and just be a little bit normal, Axelrod said. I want to have our games, eat in the dining room again and everything like that. Joe Brazie is an avid traveler and is anxious to explore again. He said if you have the opportunity to get vaccinated you should take it. Theres no reason not to for their own health and the health of those around them, Brazie said. Residents also miss the many activities the community offers. Janet Hollander has been a resident for 33 years and shared her thoughts. Weve had very small exercise classes, Hollander said. That's what I do. I do the exercise classes. I am really hoping for bigger groups. I think that will boost morale." She said when everyone can have dinner together - that will boost morale too. It's not just for you personally," Hollander said. It's really for the whole community -- the more of us who get the immunizations. The community is also celebrating their one year anniversary of when they put COVID-19 protocols in place remaining COVID-free. I want to be protected as much as I possibly could be, Homan 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. 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. KALAMAZOO, MI President Joe Biden boarded Air Force One at Kalamazoos airport Friday afternoon after a visit to a Pfizer production facility where the COVID-19 vaccine is being made. The president departed at 4:20 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, located at 5235 Portage Road, following a tour of a plant nearby. Biden toured a warehouse with 350 ultra-cold freezers inside, each of them containing 360,000 doses of vaccine, according to Amy Rose, a Pfizers spokesperson. The president listened to explanations while Pfizer staff were filing up one of the freezers, and watched as vaccines were being put into large boxes with dry ice. He spoke while standing at a podium at the vaccine plant. Related: In Michigan, Biden says end of coronavirus pandemic will come when Americans take vaccine The vaccines are safe, Biden said, urging people to take the vaccine when it is their turn. The president thanked the local workers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during his speech, and spoke about he logistics and challenges of administering vaccinations across the county. We can do anything when we do it together, Biden said. The visit comes following the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announcement of their plan to purchase an additional 100 million COVID-19 doses from the Portage-based company as part of the nationwide effort to accelerate vaccine distribution. State Rep. Julie M. Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, was among local elected officials to greet Biden to Portage. Rogers said she was pleased to welcome Biden to Michigan, and noted they share a background in county government. I appreciate his willingness to come and see the vaccine rollout at the local level, Rogers said. Our county is home to more than 2,000 Pfizer employees and this visit is a well-deserved acknowledgement of all their hard work. If we want to end this pandemic once and for all, we must continue to work together to ramp up manufacturing and distribution. I appreciate the Presidents commitment to making sure our state and nation have equitable access to this life-saving vaccine. Read more: In Michigan, Biden says end of coronavirus pandemic will come when Americans take vaccine Kalamazoo airport restricts afternoon flights in advance of President Bidens visit Friday Presidential Brewing Co. restaurant and brewery opens in Portage 11,400 dump trucks worth of dam sludge befouls Kalamazoo River stretch Dont forget, pets are very much at risk in cold weather, officials say Son charged with two counts of open murder in death of Portage couple Model-actor Lisa Haydon on Friday took to her Instagram handle to share a mirror selfie flaunting her baby bump. The actor recently announced that she and her husband, businessman Dino Lalvani are expecting their third child, a daughter, together. The couple is already parents to sons, Zack and Leo. Lisa also received her gym equipment a cycle something she had been dreaming of for weeks. In the following Instagram story, flaunting her baby bump, Lisa wrote, "We'll be spinning". Lisa Haydon shows a glimpse of her baby bump in a picturesque post The 34-year-old actor shared a video on Instagram to reveal her pregnancy. She captioned the post: "#3 Coming this June." In the video, Haydon said she wanted to share something with her fans when her three-year-old son Zack entered the frame. "What is inside mummy's tummy, Zack?" Haydon asked her son, to which he replied, "Baby sister." The Queen star and Lalvani, who is a son of Pakistan-born British entrepreneur Gullu Lalvani, tied the knot in October 2016 after one year of dating. Haydon's last big-screen outing was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) and she hosted the reality show Top Model India in 2018. Lisa Haydon shares 'outtakes of camping trip' while celebrating love for her 'real bed' (With PTI inputs) Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. 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. (@FahadShabbir) NEW DELHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 19th Feb, 2021) India reported on Friday its biggest jump in new coronavirus infections in three weeks, with 13,193 cases, while thousands of marshals fanned out to enforce mask wearing across the financial capital of Mumbai, which is battling a recent spurt. The tally of confirmed infections is 10.96 million, the second highest after the United States, with more than 156,000 deaths. But actual infections could range as high as 300 million, a government serological survey showed this month. In recent days, 75 percent of India's new cases have been reported from the southern state of Kerala and Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, a densely populated city of 20 million people. The two states already had the highest number of reported infections. Health experts suggest the re-opening of educational institutes in Kerala and resumption of suburban train services in Mumbai could be key factors. Texans anger with Ted Cruz right now could power an entire electrical grid. The outrage was sparked by viral images on social media Thursday showing Texas junior senator making his way through the airport, bag in tow, and boarding a flight to sunny Cancun as more than a million of his humble constituents shivered in the cold without power, heat, light, or in many cases, running water. With the statewide death toll mounting into the dozens, snowmegeddon melted into catastrophe for struggling Texas families already on the brink amid a global pandemic. Even as millions saw their power restored, others faced burst pipes, boil water notices, long lines for food, and warnings of another hard freeze on the way. Its a mess. We dont begrudge anybody their wanna get away fantasies. FLYIN' TED: Sen. Ted Cruz, back in Houston, calls controversial Cancun trip 'a mistake' But a senator elected to represent nearly 30 million people? He got a ticket to ride and he dont care. While its not Cruzs job to shovel the coal, and the crisis is the handiwork of state officials, not federal, we expect leadership and perhaps a little solidarity from a man whose re-election campaign heavily rested on claims of his compassion and advocacy for suffering Texans after Hurricane Harvey. When the hurricane hit, you stood up for Texas, a 2018 TV ad proclaimed. And Ted Cruz stood up for you. Not this time. He plopped himself down on a direct flight to paradise and left us to fend for ourselves in this frozen hell. Cruz quickly announced plans to fly back and defended his tone-deaf travel as a gallant act of good parenting. He released a statement saying his daughters had asked to go on a trip to Mexico with friends since school was canceled for the week and he had merely accompanied them on their flight. People are going to say what they're going to say. I'm a dad and just trying to be a good dad, and take care of my kids, Cruz said in a video captured at the airport by the Dallas Morning News Spanish-language publication, Al Dia. Cry us a Mai Tai. Good parents all over Houston are modeling resilience for their kids as they struggle to make do without enough food or water or the lesser comforts of civilization such as iPhones and Netflix. What about modeling a little resilience not just for his kids but for the millions of other Texans struggling to survive? Plenty of elected leaders are doing their part. SOCIAL MEDIA OUTRAGE: Memes shred Cruz over controversial Cancun flight while Texans 'left to freeze' And excuse us if we dont find the excuses of Flyin Ted any more trustworthy than those of Lyin Ted, the nickname he first acquired from candidate Donald Trump and later earned wholeheartedly in his role as President Trumps surrogate, parroting mythical claims of widespread voter fraud and perpetuating delusions that helped fuel the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Cruzs excuse that he was just escorting the kiddos became even less believable late Thursday when The New York Times reported it had obtained texts that Cruzs wife Heidi sent to friends on Wednesday, lamenting a FREEZING house and inviting them to join the Cruzes at the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton at $309 per night. She proposed a getaway until Sunday, the Times reported, which doesnt quite jibe with Cruzs insinuation of a one-night stay. This editorial board called for Cruzs resignation last month for his role in the Capitol riot, saying he wouldnt be dearly missed by constituents anyway because he has never prioritized the unsexy tedium of governing and advocacy over the goal nearest and dearest to his heart: winning the presidency. But escaping to Mexico hits a new low even by the senators own standards. Recall that back in December, Cruz showed no mercy in responding to a CNN story on Democrat politicians, including Austins mayor, who werent heeding their own advice to residents on COVID-19 precautions. HPD ESCORT: Houston Police confirms officers monitored Cruz, family through IAH Hypocrites. Complete and utter hypocrites, Cruz tweeted. And dont forget @MayorAdler who took a private jet with eight people to Cabo and WHILE IN CABO recorded a video telling Austinites to stay home if you can this is not the time to relax. It appears that Cruz flew commercial, but only after requesting an official police escort from the Houston Police Department to assist in his departure. The senator couldnt just take a vacay from his own obligations. He had to distract others from theirs during an escalating emergency thats draining already scant resources at HPD. Texans are aware of Cruzs deficits in compassion, as evidenced by his vote against funding for Hurricane Sandy victims. But he always seemed a little too calculated for such a gross error in political judgment. We were wrong. Cruzs trip to Mexico was foolish, callous and sadly telling of his approach to the job over the past eight years. Take our advice, senator, and resign. Seems like you could use a break and we could, too, from an ineffective politician who, even in crisis, puts his personal itinerary before the needs of Texans. NEW DELHI : As NASA's Perseverance rover landed on Mars in the early hours of Friday to look for signs of past life, ISRO's next mission to the Red Planet is likely to be an orbiter. Perseverance, the biggest and the most advanced rover ever sent by NASA, made its landing at Jezero Crater. After its successful Mars Orbiter Mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) called for 'Announcement of Opportunities' on Mars Orbiter Mission-2. "It is now planned to have the next orbiter mission around Mars for a future launch opportunity," according to the Announcement of Opportunities. But there are other major projects that are lined up. After the Mars Orbiter Mission's success, ISRO also decided to explore Venus. However, the immediate priorities of ISRO remain to be Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan -- both projects have been delayed due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Under Chandrayaan-3, ISRO will once again try to land a rover on the Moon. The mission was to be launched late last year. Chandrayaan-2 did not yield expected results as the lander hard-landed, dashing India's hopes to successfully land on the Moon. ISRO plans to send three humans to space by 2022 under the Gaganyaan (human space) mission. The India France Joint Vision for Space Cooperation' also mentions about the possible collaboration to explore Mars. "CNES and ISRO, with the support of Laboratoire de meteorologic dynamique (LMD, CNRS), will jointly work on the modelling of Mars and Venus atmospheres," the vision statement said. Mangalyaan or Mars Orbiter Mission was India's first endeavour to successfully reach another planet. The launch vehicle, spacecraft and ground segment cost 450 crore, one of the cheapest missions to Mars so far. Designed to work for six months, the mission has completed over six years. The Mars orbiter has sent thousands of pictures totalling more than two terabytes. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The Bachelorette's Tayshia Adams has broken her silence following longtime show host Chris Harrison's decision to take time away from the Bachelor franchise amid racially insensitive remarks. Harrison felt pressure to step down from the series for an undisclosed period of time, after he defended a white contestant on the current season of The Bachelor for previous racist behavior before issuing an apology following fan outrage. The 30-year-old reality star - who is of Mexican and Black heritage - called his parting 'a really good thing,' as she opened up about the situation on the Click Bait with Bachelor Nation podcast on Thursday. A good thing: Bachelorette's Tayshia Adams says that Chris Harrison leaving the Bachelor franchise is a 'really good thing' in a Thursday podcast interview, after he announced last week he would be stepping aside following racially insensitive remarks Being the first biracial bachelorette on the franchise, she said, 'His words affected a lot of people, you know, myself included.' 'After reading his apology there's a few things that stuck out to me, it hit my heart a little bit more to know he actually meant what he was saying,' she shared, adding that she does think he took 'ownership' over his actions. She continued, 'I think that by him taking ownership, and just not just saying an apology and then just going back to work the next day like nothing happened, speaks volumes on his behalf,' calling his exit 'absolutely' the right move. Last week, Harrison landed in hot water after he seemed to absolve current Bachelor contestant, Rachael Kirkconnell (who is vying for the heart of the first Black bachelor), from problematic behavior that came to light over the past month. Photos of the Georgia native at a plantation-themed fraternity party went viral on social media, as Harrison seemed to diminish the offensive nature of the situation in speaking with first Black bachelorette Rachel Lindsay on Extra TV. Hurt: 'His words affected a lot of people, you know, myself included,' Adams said on the Click Bait podcast Mea culpa: Harrison felt pressure to step down from the series for an undisclosed period of time, after he defended a white contestant on the current season of The Bachelor for previous racist behavior before issuing an apology following fan outrage Taking time: Harrison issued an apology on social media in which he said he was 'deeply remorseful,' while acknowledging his 'ignorance,' calling himself 'uniformed' and 'so wrong' before announcing his decision to leave 'I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that's it,' he said, prompting Lindsay to say that it 'wasn't a good look.' He replied, 'Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018? Or, is it not a good look in 2021? Because there's a big difference,' adding, 'I am not the woke police.' Following Bachelor Nation outrage over his remarks, Harrison issued an apology on social media in which he said he was 'deeply remorseful,' while acknowledging his 'ignorance,' calling himself 'uniformed' and 'so wrong.' He ultimately said, 'To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time.' Kirkconnell also spoke out about her past behavior following Harrison's statement, saying in an excerpt: 'I didn't recognize how offensive and racist my actions were but that doesn't excuse them...I was ignorant but my ignorance was racist.' Making changes: The show has made an effort in light of the Black Lives Matter movement to prioritize more inclusivity in the show, as James (pictured above) was crowned the first Black bachelor in the series, currently on a journey to find love What problem: In conversation with Lindsay Harrison addressed the photos in question as he said 'I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that's it,' adding that he was not the 'woke police'; Kirkconnell pictured 2018 Forgiveness: 'I feel like we have to allow people to prove us wrong, and prove themselves,' she shared in the interview Tayshia said that many parts of Harrison's lengthy mea culpa felt necessary to her as she said his writing, 'By excusing historical racism I defended it,' was the 'absolute truth' in her opinion. 'The fact that he called that out and owned up to that and he acknowledges that, means a lot to me,' she said, adding that his writing about a 'commitment to a much greater understanding,' and 'actively' working to better himself each day also 'meant a lot,' in addition to stepping down. Above all she said she would not crucify him for his actions. 'I feel like we have to allow people to prove us wrong, and prove themselves,' she shared. Lindsay - who provided the platform for Harrison's on-camera undoing said of his exit from the show: 'It was never my intention to see Chris Harrison step aside, but it was my intention for others to hear and see this interview. It's important to further and highlight these types of discussions. Let's not label, let's not cancel, but let's hold people accountable for their actions.' One of the notable features of 21st century life is that Americas blue states are failing and losing population, while red states are thriving and growing. This is blindingly obvious to anyone who travels around the country, or to those who have seen half of their friends move to Nashville. But today Stephen Moores Committee to Unleash Prosperity sent an email that shows the trend graphically: [I]f progressive tax, spend, borrow, and regulate economic policies are so superior then why are all the big blue states collapsing economically/financially? The chart below shows the highest and lowest unemployment rate states at the end of 2020. Click to enlarge: It takes a special kind of partisanship not to recognize that liberalism has demonstrably failed. Youd think the progressives would be totally embarrassed that their economic model is such an unmitigated failure, that they have to go hat-in-hand to the fast-recovering red states begging for money? Blue states like California were once the trend-setting, wealth-producing states that laid the path for the future of America. Now progressivism has relegated them to the status of beggar states that have to go to places like Alabama and Arkansas for handouts. Sad but true. Blue states like California, New York and Illinois are basket cases, and bailing them out will be a top priority of the Biden administration. Are liberals entirely incapable of learning from experience? Well, yeah. They are still trying to sell socialism, the most comprehensive failure in the history of the human race. Liberals are also busily smearing successful red states. Why not, since smearing is what they are best at? To take just one example, the Democratic Party press has launched one dishonest attack after another against South Dakotas Governor Kristi Noem. This might seem strangewhen has the Governor of South Dakota ever come in for a concerted national smear campaign? But there is no mystery. Noem is a potential presidential or vice-presidential nominee in 2024, and Democrats are conducting battle space preparation. After all, they wouldnt want voters to know that South Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, at an extraordinary 3.0 percent. Voters might get the wrong idea! A monstrous 'prehistoric' fish that looks like an alligator sparked a marine mystery after it was discovered washed up by a reservoir in Singapore. The remains of the creature were discovered on the banks of the MacRitchie Reservoir, where locals struggled to identify it. It was discovered by Karen Lythgoe, 31, a Scottish national now living in Asia, who said the bizarre creature looked prehistoric. It turned out to be an alligator gar - a fish native to the southern US, 10,000 miles away, leaving authorities wondered how it had got there. The species produces toxic eggs and is an apex predator and releasing invasive species into the wild without permission could have a disastrous impact on the ecosystems. The remains of a monstrous fish that looks like a prehistoric relative of the alligator were discovered by a Briton in Singapore on the banks of the MacRitchie Reservoir 'There were with some people already looking at it from the boardwalk, but that was too far away to see what it was,' Ms Lythgoe said. 'We thought it was a crocodile from that position, but it didn't look quite right, so we went off the path to get a closer look. 'It wasn't a crocodile! It was like something you might see in a zoo it looked prehistoric with its big jaws and teeth. 'I was shocked and intrigued at how it came to be in the reservoir.' Imran Kassim, 27, thought it was another predatory reptile. He said: 'Honestly, it flat out looked like an alligator, especially because a portion of its body was gone probably eaten by a happy monitor lizard. 'It was pretty damn strange, but it looked enough like a lizard with its jaws wide open, that I would have never guessed it was a fish.' Karen Lythgoe, 31, a Scottish national now living in Asia, said the bizarre creature looked prehistoric. In fact, it was an alligator gar, a fish native to the south of the US The alligator gar has been called a 'living fossil' because so much of its biology can be traced back to its earliest ancestors The alligator gar The English common name for Atractosteus spatula are alligator gar, gator, greater gar, garpike, garfish, and Mississippi alligator gar. The alligator gar has been commercially fished in the south of the US along with other gar species, and has also been fished and bow-fished. The meat of the alligator gar has been commercially sold. It has strong jaws and its eggs are poisonous, causing illness if consumed by humans. Advertisement In a joint statement, the city's water agency and National Parks Board said the creature was an alligator gar. The species has been called a 'living fossil' because so much of its biology can be traced back to its earliest ancestors. As for how the creature ended up in Singapore, authorities could only assume it was kept as a pet and released once it had grown too large. According to local media, juvenile alligator gar can can be purchased from local fish merchants when they are just eight inches long (20cm). The authorities added: 'We would like to remind everyone that the release of these animals will disrupt our delicate aquatic ecosystem and may also pose a risk to users of our water bodies.' Ms Lythgoe said: 'I'm shocked someone could be so irresponsible to release that into the wild. It's a top predator so it really affects the ecosystem.' Releasing animals into reservoirs and waterways is punishable with a fine of up to SG$3,000 (1,600) under Singapore law. The Singapore water agency has now removed the carcass. 24227 Steve Smith, CIO, University of Nevada, Reno Steve Smith, CIO, University of Nevada, Reno Cloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown is the title of a book by Alan Watts, the philosopher and writer who popularized Eastern philosophy for a Western audience. He died before this current age of the cloud but his title is apt for the promise and the peril of our latest technology evolution. The promise, for the person using cloud based services, is expressed in the sublime simplicity of whereabouts unknown. Web enabled services are delivered immediately to someone on the device of their choice and it matters little where the source of the service resides. The near promise of anywhere, anytime, quick, and seamless delivery. The peril lies in the cloud hidden aspect. Seamless service delivery is not so much hidden as all too often simply missing. It is the missing middleware which should smoothly weave together the IaaS, the PaaS, and the SaaS whether they be from public, private or hybrid clouds to present a unified, easy-to-navigate experience. This lack of integration among the multiple cloud providers adds complexity, often making the end experience less than what it could or should be. The integration gets messier the more unique services you try to stitch together. Many of the vendors, at least their frontline sales, often present one of those alternative realities we encounter so often these days. They spin a tale of a coherent set of services stitched together by automation that neither the end user nor you as the local IT shop need worry about. The end result of all the pieces working together like synchronized swimmers is usually expressed as workflow, basically automated procedures. Workflows do exist in abundance within the providers own slice of service. If you stay within the boundaries of any single cloud provider, life can be like a glider floating effortlessly through a calm sky. But try crossing the boundary between provider A and provider B and the workflows get turbulent if they hold together at all. The integration gets messier the more unique services you try to stitch together. Diversity is complex. There are workarounds. Some niche cloud providers like Box or OnBase tout their integrations with major players and, no surprise, both offer their own workflows. Maintaining the integrity of the data, meeting compliance requirements, ensuring security of identity and access, all while allowing a seamless flow of transactions and information across a cloud based ecosystem is no simple task. Using open APIs and RESTful identity standards can help ease the pain of building those bridges for integration. The promise of the cloud to simplify business processes and release the burden of maintaining myriad on premise applications hides the growing complexity at work in the background. That heavy lifting may fall on the shoulders of the on premise IT staff trying to stitch together disparate cloud services with local applications. Providers are maturing and differentiating their service offerings but the Achilles heel is integrating all the pieces from multiple sources. Whether your strategy is Cloud First, Cloud Only or Cloud Maybe, for the foreseeable future there will be a mix of on and off premise infrastructure, platforms, and services with multiple cloud providers. The complexity of integrating those into something clear, concise, and coherent for users can grow exponentially. Before you subscribe your users to a service, look under the hood. Are the automated workflows scripted in one of the standard languages or in some proprietary secret sauce? How configurable are the workflows? Can the primary application make calls to associated apps so the user can stay in the comfort zone of navigating through just one workflow? Is the application stack open to facilitate integration with other essential applications in your organizations portfolio? Is the integrity of your security maintained as the automated executions move across segments from compute functions to storage functions? Are there latencies in the flows that may disrupt processes? As IT leaders we could opt to take the path of least resistance and climb aboard the good ship of a sole provider but that is a short term gain headed inevitably for a day of reckoning. Most of us dont have this option anyway. Our businesses are too complex for any single provider to offer all the needed services. If you think you can wait it out and let your organization be late adopters to the cloud party, better polish off your resume. We have to get to the business of provisioning cloud services which change our daily lives in a good way. We must do it with a clear understanding of the shortcomings and challenges. While the world mediated by the cloud is indeed new and exciting, this problem of making all the pieces work together is old territory. Every new technology wave goes through its growing pains of incompatibilities. Predictably the swell folks selling the new services portray a utopia long on promise and short on reality. As the stewards of the technology environment we have to insure that we expose the hidden parts to identify the gaps and work as a community to resolve those inconsistencies, always striving to keep it simple, open, and sustainable. We have to recalibrate our staffs to have sufficient expertise to handle the work of integration. We need to select cloud services that are best at working together within our environments. Above all, we need to push the providers to open standards which will simplify integrations, allowing workflows to cross borders seamlessly with a minimum of complexity. This past March Google brought together the faithful in San Francisco for Google Cloud Next and emphasized the openness of that Google Cloud. Thats the right trajectory and more of the same is needed. Juniper Networks, a major supplier of infrastructure for networks, has coined the phrase digital cohesion as the antidote to the digital disruption brought about by our cloud enabled world. Cohesion is a good concept as long as the glue of that cohesiveness is open and shared across the cloud ecosystem. Whereabouts unknown perhaps but not cloud hidden. Rather, cloud revealed, and shared. 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. RZIM halts fundraising efforts amid fallout over report exposing sexual misconduct Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has halted fundraising efforts following the release of a report detailing the late apologist's extensive sexual misconduct. A notice on the "Give" page on the RZIM website reads: "In light of recent revelations regarding our founder, we find it prudent to suspend all fundraising activities until a path forward can be envisioned that indicates care for all of Ravi's victims as well as the staff and supporters of RZIM." The announcement came nearly a week after the release of the full report from Atlanta law firm Miller & Martin, which conducted an independent investigation into the late apologist's sexual misconduct with massage therapists at a spa he co-owned in Georgia. The investigation also detailed various predatory acts overseas in Southeast Asia. Investigators also found that Zacharias had used ministry funds to pay his victims as a way of keeping them silent about the abuse and to manipulate them into doing whatever he asked them to do. Concurrent with the investigative report's publication, the RZIM board of directors issued a repentant statement, apologizing for their handling of the situation, noting that they were taking steps to help those whom Zacharias had abused. The organization stated they had engaged a management firm, Guidepost Solutions, to evaluate the structures, culture, policies, processes, finances, and practices of the ministry. "We are committed to change, and we believe we will benefit greatly from Guideposts scrutiny. Additional information regarding Guidepost's work, including intermediate protective steps and corrective actions RZIM will be taking, and confidential channels for reporting, will be released as quickly as possible," the statement said. "In light of the findings of the investigation and the ongoing evaluation, we are seeking the Lords will regarding the future of this ministry. We are learning much through this time and hope to have the chance to apply these lessons in the future. We remain passionate about seeing the gospel preached through the questions of culture. We will be spending focused time praying and fasting as we discern how God is leading, and we will speak to this in the near future." The late apologist's sexual misconduct involving massage therapists in the Georgia spas was first reported last year by San Francisco attorney Steve Baughman who told The Christian Post in an email last week that [t]his is no longer about Ravi Zacharias but about the evangelical business world that enabled him to lead a double life for so many years. Allegations of sexual misconduct against the apologist first emerged in 2017 when emails surfaced showing that Zacharias had sexted and groomed a Canadian woman, Lori Anne Thompson, along with evidence revealing that he had misrepresented his academic background and credentials. Karnataka Home minister Basavaraj Bommai slammed the Popular Front of India (PFI) for the anti-national speech given by the outfit's general secretary Anis Ahmed, pointing out that the speech created a divide in the society. PFI's Anis Ahmed while addressing a rally at Ullal in Mangalore on Thursday made provocative statements on Ram Mandir and said that people should not donate for the construction of the temple as it goes against the interest of its own community. Taking strong objections to the PFI leader's speech, Karnataka HM Bommai labelled it as a hate speech and noted that he had spoken against the constitution of India. Speaking to Republic TV on Friday, Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai noted that the PFI had displayed its 'original colours' by speaking ill of the Ram Mandir. The BJP leader pointed out that the construction of the Ram Mandir began only after the Supreme Court verdict while hailing RSS as one of the most patriotic organisations in India. Bommai said that the police officials will be directed to take cognizance of the speech made by the PFI office-bearer and take appropriate actions. READ | Karnataka Min R Ashoka Vows To Ban 'anti-social' PFI In State; Says He'll Talk To HM Shah PFI leader's provocative speech '"From this stage, I am telling all of you, that all these people who are coming to your houses for collecting funds for Ram Temple, do not give them a single penny. Just boycott them the way y'all boycotted the NRC (National Register for Citizens). I want to say this to all the Muslim businessman and shop owners, that if you have even the slightest of courage, do not give a single rupee to all these RSS people who are asking for donations. This is because this is not a mandir for Ram, this is an RSS mandir and for that, not even a single brick should go from the money of Muslims", PFI's Anis Ahmed had said during his speech at Mangalore during PFI Day. READ | PFI Case: Court In UP's Mathura Re-issues B-warrant For 5th Accused Lodged In Kerala Jail Karnataka Min vows ban on PFI Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka advocated a ban on the Popular front of India (PFI) and labelled it as a terrorist organisation that was involved in anti-social activities. The Karnataka Minister's reaction came after two PFI members - Ansad Badruddin and Feroz Khan - were arrested by UP's STF on Tuesday, busting their plot to target high-level dignitaries of Hindu organizations. BJP leader R Ashoka said that he will speak to state Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai to ban PFI in Karnataka and stated that he will speak to Home Minister Amit Shah on the same. READ | UP STF Busts Massive Terror Plot, Arrests Two PFI Members With Huge Quantity Of Explosives Speaking to Republic TV, R Ashoka claimed that the PFI was involved in anti-social activities and that he had recommended a ban on the outfit several times before. The BJP leader further claimed that the PFI were expanding their offices into Bengaluru and Mysuru and pointed out that they had even attempted to carry out strikes in Uttar Pradesh where two members were apprehended. Ashoka said that BJP would '100%' bring a ban on PFI and said that both the Centre and state government would do so. READ | ACCESSED: Delhi Police FIR Connects 'Toolkit' To Republic Day Violence, Details Here BENZIE AND LEELANAU COUNTIES Today there were two new cases of COVID-19 reported in Benzie County and three new cases of COVID-19 reported in Leelanau County. Across the state, nearly 2.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered with more than 11% of Michigan residents receiving their first dose. As of Feb. 15, the Benzie Leelanau District Health Department has administered 3,769 doses with more than 15% of residents in the district who have received their first dose. This week, more than 600 doses will be administered in Benzie and Leelanau counties. As of today, here is where the department is currently: Number of vaccine doses allocated for this week: 600 doses- all appointments have been scheduled. Number of vaccine doses administered so far this week: 441 doses Total number of vaccine doses received: 4,369 doses Total number of vaccine doses administered: 4,210 doses The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also opened eligibility for additional limited priority groups. As of March 1, workers in food processing and agricultural settings will be approved for vaccination. The goal in opening this priority group is to help ensure the health and safety of these workers who have to work in close proximity with others as well as to assure the continuity of Michigans food chain. The vigorous vaccination rollout brings additional good news, health officials noted. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance pertaining to quarantine requirements for vaccinated individuals. Fully vaccinated people who have close contact exposure are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria: They are within three months of completing their vaccine series. Two or more weeks have passed since their final dose of vaccine (1st or 2nd depending on the brand). They are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Exceptions to these criteria include hospital inpatients and residents of long-term care or congregate settings as there is currently no evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of the vaccine in reducing transmission in these settings. Although cases and positivity rates continue to trend downward, there are counties in northern Michigan which continue to demonstrate low testing numbers. It is very important that testing for COVID-19 continues, stated Lisa Peacock, health officer. Test results are the best source of information about the presence of the virus in our communities. Although case numbers continue to drop, positive cases are often associated with outbreaks which are disruptive for schools and other entities. The area also continues to see severe illness and death related to cases and outbreaks associated with congregate settings. Our youngest and oldest community members need for us to continue to be vigilant. Our seniors tell us they are waiting patiently at home for their turn to be vaccinated. They are anxious to be reunited with their families and are counting on us to keep community transmission suppressed until they are fully protected. Our students tell us how difficult the past year has been with both short and extended interruptions in their in-person learning. They are nervous that their grades will drop which will compromise their college or career plans. Tthey want to return to their normal routines but they want to do it safely. They want to know that they can count on the adults in their life to ensure they are safe and supported as they move forward toward their future. And this is something we can all do together. As of 4:p.m., the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting: Total COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie 874, Leelanau 851 Active COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie 82, Leelanau 53 Recovered COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie 762, Leelanau 783 Confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the following counties: Benzie 30, Leelanau 15 Hospitalized: 126 total; 0 current The State of Michigan has reported 578,091 cases and 15,273 deaths. Visit the COVID-19 Data Dashboard at www.bldhd.org/coronavirus-covid-19 for the latest local information including recovered data and contact tracing. Additional and updated information can be found at www.bldhd.org and Facebook or by calling (231) 882-2197. People with COVID-19 related questions can fill out a quick survey and email questions to hotline@bldhd.org. 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: The Royal family is hiring a cleaner to join its Windsor Castle staff, a new advert on the Buckingham Palace website shows. The role will involve the upkeep of Windsor, where the Queen, 94, and Prince Philip's, 99, are currently based, as well as Buckingham Palace, and has an annual salary of 19,000. The winning candidate will learn-on-the-job, whilst working alongside the team to upkeep, clean and care for the interiors of the homes ensuring that they are fit for a Queen. Last year, reports claimed the Queen was 'furious' after Royal Household staff revolted against a plan for them to stay in a coronavirus bubble at Sandringham over Christmas. The Royal family is hiring a cleaner to join its Windsor Palace and Buckingham Palace staff, a new advert on the Buckingham Palace website shows The job advert, which was shared online this week, is based at Windsor Castle with a salary of 19,140 The Level 2 Housekeeping Apprenticeship will see the candidate learn on the job, supported by a mentor and a 13-month learning programme, before joining the permanent team to deliver 'exceptional standards'. It continues to explain that it will also provide them with an understanding of the wider hospitality profession. Once the apprenticeship comes to an end, the candidate will get the chance to become a permanent member of the team. The advertisement states that the household are looking for someone with a 'proactive approach and willingness to tackle new challenges'. The winning candidate will learn-on-the-job, whilst working alongside the team to upkeep, clean and care for the interiors of the homes ensuring that they are fit for a Queen According to the job advert, candidates will be based mainly in either Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace but will also 'work across other residences throughout the year.' It goes on to say the applicants must be 'practically minded, with great attention to detail' and that they should always 'aim for the highest standards'. All apprenticeships require candidates to gain a qualification in English and Maths. However if the candidate is successful but doesn't already have these qualifications to the required level, they will be supported to gain them as part of the apprenticeship. According to the job advert, candidates will be based mainly in either Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace but will also 'work across other residences throughout the year' The housekeeper will also get to travel to other royal homes for around three months of the year. Candidates will also be offered the chance to live-in the palace, with all meals and travel expenses provided, for which there is a salary adjustment. The job adverts states candidates need to manage the 'upkeep, clean and care' of lavish interiors and priceless items, ensuring they're 'presented to their very best'. The job advert comes months after reports emerged the Queen was 'furious' after Royal Household staff revolted against a plan for them to stay in a coronavirus bubble at Sandringham over Christmas. A team of about 20 employees had been asked to remain on the monarch's Norfolk estate without their families to support her, Prince Philip and other members of the Royal Family during the festive period. But the group said to involve cleaners, laundry and maintenance workers - are believed to have mutinied because they are unwilling to isolate from loved ones for four weeks. Dear County Superintendents of Schools: 202021 First Principal Apportionment Towards the end of February, county treasurers will receive a warrant that reflects state aid for school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education for programs included in the 202021 First Principal (P-1) Apportionment. The California Department of Education (CDE) certified P-1 on February 19, 2021, pursuant to California Education Code (EC) Section 41332 in the amount of $36,962,237,272. County superintendents of schools should advise school districts and charter schools immediately of this apportionment. This apportionment includes funding for 202021, as well as updated funding for the 201920 Annual Apportionment, the 201819 Second Annual Recertification, and adjustments to other prior year apportionments, as necessary. Senate Bill 98 (Chapter 24, Statutes of 2020) amended EC Sections 14041.5 and 14041.6, deferring portions of the 202021 P-1 payments in the months of February through May 2021 to the months of August through November 2021, and fully deferring the 202021 P-2 payment from June to July 2021. Additional details, including the impact of deferred payments, are available on the Principal Apportionment Payment Schedule web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/pa/papayschedule.asp. Monthly payment and deferral amounts for P-1 are available at the county and local educational agency (LEA) level on the Funding Excel Files web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/pa/iassf20p1.asp. A summary of the calculations that the CDE used in the P-1 Apportionment is available as an attachment to this letter. Funding exhibits and apportionment Excel files that provide detailed funding amounts related to the P-1 Apportionment are available on the CDE 202021 Principal Apportionment web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/pa/pa2021.asp. Additional Excel files for Special Education are available on the Special Education web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/se/. The CDE provides funding information electronically via the CDEs Principal Apportionment Section (PASE) listserv. The listserv provides important information to LEAs and other interested parties, such as notifications regarding local control funding formula updates, software releases, key deadlines, reminders of due dates for submission of data, and any other pertinent topics related to the Principal Apportionment. If you do not already belong to the PASE listserv and would like to subscribe, send a blank message to: join-pase-contacts@mlist.cde.ca.gov. If you need assistance or have any further questions, Principal Apportionment staff may be reached by email at PASE@cde.ca.gov. Sincerely, Wendi McCaskill, Associate Director School Fiscal Services Division WM:ic Attachment News5 Cleveland reports, "Lyft driver says she fought off two attackers only to be fired from her job." The driver picked up two fares, one of whom insisted on sitting up front with her (in apparent violation of COVID-19 distancing protocols, by the way). He then called her a b---- and punched her in the face while his accomplice grabbed her around the neck and declared a carjacking while the accomplice suggested that he use a knife, thus adding the credible threat of a weapon to the violent crime. Only at this point did she draw a gun and open fire on the two violent felons. Cleveland 19 News adds that the two suspects, if apprehended, will face attempted kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges. Lyft nonetheless fired the driver for violating its no-weapons policy: "Our 'No Weapons' policy applies when you are doing business as a representative of Lyft, which includes times that you are driving for Lyft, as well as times that you are visiting a Lyft Hub." The policy then contends that the presence of a weapon may make a member of the community feel uncomfortable. I think being assaulted, kidnapped, raped, and murdered would have made the driver feel even more uncomfortable, so I have zero respect for Lyft's position. Yes, It's Workplace Violence Workplace violence includes not only employee-on-employee violence, but also crimes by nonemployees such as convenience store and liquor store robberies. OSHA adds, "Taxicab establishments had the highest rate of occupational homicide nearly 40 times the national average and more than three times the rate of liquor stores, which had the next highest rate." Whatever countermeasures Lyft had in place, including some kind of "safety tool kit" that can be used on a cell phone, did not prevent this easily foreseeable act of workplace violence. The assailants, in fact, took the woman's cell phone from her so she could not call for help. Even had she been able to do so, she was in immediate danger of death or serious physical injury. A Google search on "lawsuit" and "workplace violence" is highly instructive. A wrongful death lawsuit was in fact filed against Domino's Pizza for allegedly sending a driver to a questionable address, although the article admits that the plaintiffs may need to work hard to establish liability. "While there may be no general duty of employers to protect employees from criminal assault, there are some situations where employers can assume this duty." Parker Waichman LLP adds that "negligent security" can be a cause of action against an employer. The driver who was fired should at least talk to an Ohio attorney about whether Lyft has any liability for the traumatic experience of being assaulted, menaced with a knife, and put in reasonable fear for her life while working for Lyft. In addition, were something like this to ever happen to another Lyft driver, a very strong argument could be made that Lyft was on record as knowing of the danger but failed to take action to prevent a recurrence. That would certainly be my position as a juror, anyway. Cleveland 19 adds, "A spokesperson for Lyft told 19 News the company stands by its decision." My decision is to not patronize or recommend businesses that fire employees for exercising their basic human right of self-defense, especially when whatever security measures the business had in place failed to prevent the underlying incident. To paraphrase General Sir Charles Napier, Lyft, you stand by your decision, and I will stand by mine. Civis Americanus is the pen name of a contributor who remembers the lessons of history and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. The author is remaining anonymous due to the likely prospect of being subjected to "cancel culture" for exposing the Big Lie behind Black Lives Matter. Image: Lyft. A new coronavirus exposure site has been revealed in the Melbourne suburb of Bentleigh East, with fresh viral fragment warnings for other parts of the citys south-eastern suburbs. The Department of Health said on Saturday a previously-announced COVID-19 case visited the Coles Express service station on the corner of East Boundary Road, 14 kilometres south-east of the CBD, between 1pm and 1.40pm on Thursday February 18. Anyone who has visited the exposure site should monitor for symptoms and if symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result. The person who visited the service station was announced as a positive case on Friday. The health department said three COVID-19 cases on Friday included two parents and a child from the same family, and all have been quarantining at home through their infectious period. Two members of that family were previous residents of level three at the Holiday Inn and were primary close contacts of the outbreak. One member of that household wasnt a returning traveller, and was considered a secondary close contact who was required to remain in quarantine as he had chosen to remain in the house with his family after they had been identified as primary close contacts to the outbreak. Loading The health department noted they had found viral wastewater fragments from catchments connected to Carrum Downs and Langwarrin (including parts of Skye), between 13 to 17 February. Detections of viral fragments found in two wastewater samples collected between 15 February and 17 February have been confirmed by further laboratory testing, the health department said in a statement. Fragments of the virus detected in wastewater may be due to a person with COVID-19 being in the early active infectious phase or it could be because someone is continuing to shed the virus after the early infectious period. Health authorities previously warned those who had visited Wantirna South or Boronia from 13 to 15 February (including parts of Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, Knoxfield and Tremont), and St Kilda East or Caulfield North from 13 to 16 February (including parts of Balaclava, Caulfield and Elsternwick) to get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms. Jay Clayton, the former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, will serve as the lead independent director of Apollo Global Management, the private equity firm said on Thursday. The move is intended to improve the Wall Street firms governance in the wake of the revelation that Leon Black, one of the firms co-founders, had paid $158 million in fees to the registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The appointment of Mr. Clayton is part of a series of steps Apollo announced last month to expand its board and promote greater independence. Mr. Claytons post as lead director may help alleviate concerns about Mr. Blacks decision to remain as chairman even after he steps down as chief executive by this summer. A report commissioned by Apollos board that reviewed Mr. Blacks professional dealings with Mr. Epstein found that Mr. Black did nothing wrong and was unaware of the predatory conduct with teenage girls that led to Mr. Epsteins arrest in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. But the review found that Mr. Black paid twice as much in fees for tax and estate planning services to Mr. Epstein than previously believed. Trams in Rome slow down to 5 km p/h for safety reasons. Rome's trams travel at an ever slower pace, in some parts of the city between 5 and 10 kilometres per hour, due to the risk of derailing. This is what is contained in a series of detailed internal reports by the city's public transport company ATAC, as seen by the media. "Two-thirds of the network should be replaced," the secretary of the Rome and Lazio branch of the Filt Cgil trade union, Daniele Fuligni, told Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Unions say one of the main problems is the age of the trams, which in some cases date to the 1950s, and crumbling infrastructure which is only ever "patched up" here and there rather than fully replaced. The report found that the city's tram lines slow down significantly in specific points, for safety reasons, then pick up speed before having to brake again. "The problem is on almost all the tram lines. The works done over the years have all been only partial renovations" - Fuligni told La Repubblica - "For some time now we have been expecting and asking for funds and tenders to be put in place to renew the entire infrastructure. And only then should new trams be purchased." The tram network needs to be replaced first, says Fuligni, "otherwise even the new trams, on inadequate tracks, would be destroyed in three months." Some of the tram lines highlighted in the report, according to online newspaper RomaToday, include the Number 19 which drops to between 5 and 6 km p/h in Valle Giulia; the Number 8 which travels at 10 km p/h along stretches of the Gianicolense, dropping to 5 km p/h at the intersection with Viale Trastevere; and the Number 5 which drops to 5 or 6 km p/h in the area around Porta Maggiore. As for the Number 2, it has "disappeared" since November, suspended indefinitely due to lack of funds necessary for the maintenance of the tracks, reportedly requiring an investment of 1.5 million, according to La Repubblica. Photo credit: ste77 / Shutterstock.com. Ulster Bank has said that there will be no compulsory redundancies during 2021 following from the decision to exit the Irish Market. The bank has branches in Newbridge, Naas, Maynooth, Kilcock, Celbridge and Blessington. ATMs in locations such as Tesco in Newbridge will also be removed by the bank. The bank, which is owned by UK lender NatWest, has 1.1 million customers here, along with 2,800 staff in 88 branches around the country. Ulster Bank Ireland announced that, following a strategic review undertaken by its parent company NatWest Group it will commence a phased withdrawal managed in an orderly and considered manner, from the Republic of Ireland over the coming years. Ulster Bank Chief Executive Officer, Jane Howard said: The decision by NatWest to withdraw from this market is hugely disappointing and today will be a difficult and worrying time for our colleagues across the Bank. It may also lead to customer questions and concerns as to how this decision may impact them and their day-to-day banking needs. I want to be clear that there will be no change for customers today, changes will happen over the coming years. "Ulster Bank will continue to offer a full banking service in our branches, online and through normal channels for existing and new customers for the foreseeable future. "Customers do not need to take any action as a consequence of this announcement. We will communicate with customers in a timely manner over the coming weeks and months. We will now consult with employee representative bodies to determine how best to plan and manage an orderly withdrawal of the Bank over the coming years. There will be no new compulsory departures from the Bank this year. I am acutely conscious of our responsibilities to our colleagues and I am wholeheartedly committed to managing this process in a fair and responsible manner. The phased withdrawal will include the careful and responsible execution of a strategy over time to deliver constructive solutions for our customers and their banking services within the Republic of Ireland. As part of this phased withdrawal, a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with AIB been agreed for the sale of a 4bn portfolio of performing commercial loans, and the transfer of the colleagues wholly or mainly assigned to this loan book. The potential sale contemplated by the MoU remains subject to due diligence, further negotiation and agreement of final terms and definitive documentation. This process is subject to all of the relevant supervisory engagement and assessment, regulatory and other approvals. The proposed sale may not be concluded on the terms contemplated in the MoU, or at all. Ulster Bank relationship managers will continue to actively engage with business customers throughout this process. Nat West Group is also in early discussions with Permanent TSB about their potential interest in buying certain retail and SME assets, liabilities and operations. These discussions may or may not result in agreement. Nat West Group said that its preference is to continue to focus discussions with counterparties who can provide customers with full banking services in the Irish market. Ulster Bank will continue to communicate with customers throughout this process and remains open for business, new and existing through all business channels. Jane Howard continued: We will engage with customers, colleagues, their representatives and our communities in the coming months to listen to their concerns and to work with them and alongside them and to update on how change will be responsibly managed through the phased withdrawal process. Despite the disappointment of this decision, Ulster Bank and NatWest, will work hard to minimise the impact on colleagues and customers and ultimately to provide a successful banking transition for customers. In the meantime, we remain open for business across all of our channels for both existing and new customers. WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Three crew members from Expedition 64 will conduct two spacewalks working in pairs Sunday, Feb. 28, and Friday, March 5, to continue upgrades on the International Space Station. NASA will discuss the upcoming spacewalks during a news conference at 2 p.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 24. Live coverage of the briefing and spacewalks will air on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website. With safety restrictions related to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, NASA centers will be unable to host reporters on-site. Reporters who wish to participate by telephone must call the newsroom at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston at 281-483-5111 to RSVP no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. Those following the briefing on social media may ask questions using #AskNASA. News conference participants include: Kenny Todd , deputy manager, International Space Station Program , deputy manager, International Space Station Program Marcos Flores , March 5 spacewalk flight director , spacewalk flight director Chris Edelen , Feb. 28 spacewalk flight director , spacewalk flight director Art Thomason , spacewalk officer Live coverage of the Sunday, Feb. 28, spacewalk will begin at 4:30 a.m., with the crew members scheduled to exit the station's Quest airlock about 6:00 a.m. Coverage of the spacewalk on Friday, March 5, will begin at 5:30 a.m., with the astronauts exiting the hatch about 7:00 a.m. Each spacewalk will last approximately six and a half hours. NASA flight engineers Kate Rubins and Victor Glover, as well as Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi, will conduct the upcoming spacewalks, which will be the 235th and 236th in the history of station assembly, maintenance, and upgrades. On Sunday, Feb. 28, Rubins and Glover will step out of the space station to begin assembling and installing modification kits required for upcoming solar array upgrades. The current solar arrays are functioning well, but have begun to show signs of degradation, as expected, as they were designed for a 15-year service life. The first pair of solar arrays were deployed in December 2000 and have been powering the station for more than 20 years. Later this year, the new solar arrays will be positioned in front of six of the current arrays, increasing the station's total available power from 160 kilowatts to up to 215 kilowatts. Rubins will be extravehicular crew member 1 (EV 1) wearing red stripes. Glover will be extravehicular crew member 2 (EV 2) and wear a suit with no stripes. On Friday, March 5, Rubins and Noguchi will venture outside the orbiting outpost to vent ammonia from the Early Ammonia System and complete several other tasks. The pair will install a "stiffener" on the Quest airlock thermal cover to prevent it from blowing out when residual atmosphere escapes as the hatch is opened. Glover began addressing this issue on a previous spacewalk by installing a stronger magnet to keep the cover closed. The crew also will remove and replace a wireless video transceiver assembly. Rubins will be EV 1 and Noguchi will be EV 2. These spacewalks will be the third and fourth in Rubins' career. Glover has conducted two spacewalks as part of this expedition, making the spacewalk on Feb. 28 the third in his career. The March 5 spacewalk will be the fourth in Noguchi's career. In November 2020, the International Space Station surpassed its 20-year milestone of continuous human presence, providing opportunities for unique research and technological demonstrations that help prepare for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars and also improve life on Earth. In that time, 242 people from 19 countries have visited the orbiting laboratory that has hosted nearly 3,000 research investigations from researchers in 108 countries and areas. For more information about the International Space Station, its research, and its crew, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov Eight months after a brutal clash in the Galwan River valley in Ladakh, in which Chinese troops of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) killed 20 Indian soldiers and took another 10 prisoner, China has acknowledged officially that the PLA suffered serious casualties as well. Soon after that June 15 incident, anonymous Indian government sources had claimed that close to 40 PLA soldiers had been killed. Last week, Russian news agency TASS reported that 45 Chinese soldiers had died in that clash. Beijing, however, had remained silent. On Friday, an article in the PLA Daily, and a post in the PLAs account, for the first time revealed official Chinese casualty figures in that incident. The article stated that Qi Fabao, a PLA regimental commander (the equivalent of an Indian brigadier), was seriously injured and four others, including a battalion commander, were killed. ALSO READ: India, China complete disengagement in Pangong lake area: Report The PLA Daily revealed this in an article titled Heroes stand in Karakorum, written by three staff reporters, Ren Xu, Guo Fengkuan and Li Lei. Their account, penned in the florid, ideological prose of revolutionary regimes, took up the first two pages of the PLA Daily. The Central Military Commission awarded Qi Fabao the honorary title of The Hero of Defending the Borderland, and posthumously awarded the honorary title of The Hero of Defending the Borderland to Chen Hongjun, giving Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran the first-class merits. Providing the PLAs rationale for the intrusions, the article states: Since April 2020, the relevant foreign troops (the article nowhere mentions they were Indian) had seriously violated the agreement between the two countries by building roads, bridges and other facilities in the Kalwan (Galwan) Valley area to reach the border, deliberately provoking incidents, trying to unilaterally change the status quo of border control and even violently attacking China. (PLA) officers and soldiers (were) going to negotiate on the spot. On the June 15 clash, the PLA Daily said: In June 2020, foreign troops blatantly violated the consensus reached with us and crossed the line to set up tents [Our regimental commander], Qi Fabao, in the sincerity of negotiating to solve the problem, brought only a few officers and soldiers to the waist-deep river for negotiations. ALSO READ: Army releases visuals and photos of disengagement process in eastern Ladakh During the negotiation process, the [Indians] ignored our sincerity and premeditatedly hid and mobilized a large number of troops in an attempt to force us to back down by virtue of the large number of people, it recounts. When the Indian soldiers emerged from behind the cliffs The [Chinese] officers and soldiers formed a battle formation to confront foreign troops several times their own. Qi Fabao was attacked with steel pipes, clubs and stones and suffered heavy head injuries. [The PLAs] reinforcement teams arrived in time and the offenders were defeated and driven away in one fell swoop, and a major victory was achieved. The foreign troops were defeated and paid a heavy price, said the PLA Daily. In New Delhis version of events, PLA troops treacherously ambushed a patrol, led by Colonel B Santosh Babu, which had gone to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to verify if PLA troops had withdrawn, as decided in military-to-military talks between local commanders from both sides. Attacked from all sides, the greatly outnumbered Indian patrol fought bravely but paid a heavy price. Colonel Babu was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra the second-highest wartime gallantry award. The PLA Daily also recounts the difficult conditions on the LAC, where soldiers from both sides have spent the entire freezing winter in combat deployment. Nowadays, at the outpost in the Kalwan River Valley, (PLA) officers and soldiers are always on high alert and firmly guard the estuary; in the windy and snowy training field, officers and soldiers are intensively training in new combat vehicles, ready to face the enemy with swords; in the new thermal insulation barracks, the officers and soldiers were fully loaded with sufficient supplies for fighting and living, and they were ready for a long-term struggle. Recently I was asked about methods to keep technology safe, due to the lack of privacy in the days were living in. I believe its integral for every person to be smart about their browsing habits, app usage and messaging systems. We live in a world where personal information is currency. Once upon a time a telecommunications company had privacy policies which protected the clients using their service. Now, what we send goes easily to third parties. Everything you type on a smartphone is logged for processing by the phone companies and any message you type or anything you say on a call could be used against you. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the ability to view the contents of encrypted devices and messaging and even request backdoor entry to your device. Even Forbes and Fox News have confirmed that our phones are listening in on what we say, and its databased. Follow the money PayPal now owns Chinese firm GoPay, linking themselves into a Chinese finance market with questionable ties to the CCP. Additionally, PayPal has been giving monetary incentives to install their app on your phone. Why would PayPal be giving out $5 each person for phone installation of their apps? It all comes down to what youre providing them. Multimillion-dollar companies these days are the ones that are controlling the flow of information and your data is keeping them afloat. Like the saying goes, if its free then youre the product. So what can you do to prevent the data in your devices from being used against you? Be smart with your tech Turn off your location, Bluetooth and mobile data when youre not using it. Or better yet, when youre not expecting any calls, switch to Airplane mode. Disabling Siri, Alexa and Facebook microphone usage always helps but you can secure your phone furthermore if you disable or uninstall the Google apps and Facebook apps (including Whats App). Switch to a private messaging system. Signal has been extremely popular since Whats App recently changed their terms. It has a great design and messages are encrypted, but Elon Musk has been a large proponent of its use. The problem with this is Musk used to be the largest shareholder of PayPal and is no stranger to playing the big data game, not to mention his work with Neuralink is more than a little concerning relating to the exploitation of tech. There are many encrypted messaging alternatives out there however, if you feel Signal raises red flags to you. Not Telegram though, they dont automatically have encryption. FortKnoxster seems to be on the higher end of the security side of things and many of the smaller companies are doing a great job. Steer clear of the big web browsers which track you. These are: Safari, Firefox (and other Mozilla owned tech), Chrome, Edge (and other Microsoft browsers like Explorer). Tor browsers are fantastic for extra security but theyre slow. Duckduckgo and Brave are secure faster browsers. Speaking of which, stop using Google for all your searches. Results are tweaked and biased and your browsing information is sold. Duckduckgo and StartPage, the Dutch search engine, are touted as two of the best. Swisscows and Disconnect Search are also great alternatives. If you can, get off of Outlook, Live, Hotmail, Gmail and other big named email providers. Dont be sucked in by the accessibility. Redirect your email to something secure like Protonmail. Make the switch today There are moral reasons to stop supporting these big tech companies, even if you dont mind your data being leaked. Google is well known for blackmailing with their search ratings (they threatened Forbes when they were going to run a negative story about them). Google and other big tech companies avoid taxes. Many Christian YouTube channels have been demonetised by Google at their whim. Please think about these important things which matter infinitely more than convenience big tech companies provide. We are giving Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft and others the money and the power to be completely above the law. Google had once had their slogan as do no evil and now it seems like evil is the front cover of their playbook. Not only do we need to be safe about the information we provide, but we also need to make our vote count. We need to say no to being tracked, we need to say no to being exploited and we need to say no to using being tech. 32066 Derek McKay, CIO, Australia, ERM Power [ASX: EPW] Derek McKay, CIO, Australia, ERM Power [ASX: EPW] CIOs in businesses around the world are collectively stepping up and facing head-on the challenge of managing digital disruption in their markets. It is now entrenched within market leading businesses that the role of the CIO has broadened from managing operational efficiencies through to taking a leading role in setting the strategic direction of the organisation. Todays CIO needs to understand market trends and their future impacts on their business, bringing their digital capability to the development and implementation of the companys strategic plans. In this context, an emerging theme within businesses today is how the combination of modern digital capabilities with the rapid advancement of renewable technologies can impact business outcomes. Energy costs have traditionally been seen as a smaller and steady part of the operational budget, not varying much from year to year. The disruption in many energy markets, largely due to the ingress of renewable technologies, has changed this dynamic significantly. There is a clear place for CIOs to take a role in understanding these business impacts and what digital capabilities can be utilised to maximise business performance. Renewable technologies in energy markets are introducing very low marginal cost power into the electricity systems in steeply increasing volumes. Smaller installations at businesses and residential locations, such as roof top solar photovoltaic systems, are changing the wholesale market outcomes, with net electricity demand during the sunny parts of the middle of the day reducing materially. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) coined the term duck curve back in 2012 to describe the demand profile shape that is resulting in drastically lower prices in the day time periods, while prices in the evenings are increasing. Coupled with increasing large scale renewable facilities, largely solar and wind, and the potential for retirement of traditional coal fired base-load facilities, electricity market prices are generally becoming more volatile. The complexity of the electricity market outcomes are also increasing. While electricity market structures and price outcomes differ around the world, whatever the location businesses using material amounts of energy should be developing a structured Energy Management Plan. The centre piece of the plan needs to be the philosophy that the most effective outcome is derived through understanding the relationship between what is driving their purchasing costs (through an electricity retailer), and how and when they consume and/or produce energy at their business facility. There is a lot more to be gained than through simply installing energy efficient devices in isolation from an understanding of the wholesale market pricing. The best overall outcome for the business comes from managing both electricity supply and demand. Tailored Energy Management Plans identify opportunities to improve energy productivity or reduce costs based on a comprehensive analysis of your current and planned energy use. These include the energy investment timelines associated with the use of renewable technologies on-site (such as solar photovoltaic systems), load management systems, and other modern energy saving technologies. Investment in off-site larger scale renewables through more complex wholesale market arrangements is also an option when combined with a supply offer from your electricity retailer. With increasing uptake, battery technologies are also becoming a more commercial viable option. Modern analytical techniques, including machine learning, using real-time data feeds allow businesses to take advantage of sophisticated demand and price monitoring and forecasting. The Internet of Things is also reducing the cost and increasing the availability of solutions to monitor and act on information that can directly impact on energy productivity. The ability to utilise renewable and other modern energy technologies, coupled with deep analytics and real-time demand management activities, is now readily available. Businesses should realise their competitors are taking advantage of this, so they need to get on board or be left behind. In 2018, ERM Power conducted an energy productivity trial in Australia in conjunction with government and industry. It found that investment in modern energy productivity technologies in the manufacturing sector yielded annual savings in electricity costs of 28 per cent. ERM Power studied a number of its own commercial and industrial customers, with annual electricity bills ranging from $25,000 to $3 million, and identified savings of 27 per cent of electricity costs. In order to take full advantage of the potential savings business need to develop a better understanding of their own energy productivity and how they make investments in digital, renewable and other modern energy technologies. This will require an element of upskilling their staff, from those in operational roles, all the way to CIOs, CFOs and the company board. In the meantime, for Australian businesses, ERM Power advises customers on how to manage their electricity supply and demand, ensuring the business impacts of renewable and modern energy technologies are well understood. The challenge for CIOs, particularly those in energy intensive industries, is to step up and set the agenda for managing the business impacts of advancements in renewable technologies. The traditional and largely non-proactive approach to procurement of energy, or simply installing more energy efficient devices over time, is not going to allow your business to outpace its peers. The capability of CIOs to understand how data, intelligent analytics, coupled with technology and an understanding of market dynamics, is a key part of driving business performance. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time The Telegraph SIR At the height of the Covid pandemic I visited my dentist to have five tooth implants fitted. At one of the sessions and wearing full protective gear, he practically disappeared down my throat to fit the necessary screws into my jawbone. He reappeared after about two hours, completely unscathed. I, too, came through the experience without any infection and reasonably comfortably. Meanwhile, I am unable to make any contact with my GP, who is hiding behind a receptionist and a telephone system that does not even allow me to have a long-distance conversation with him. Shame on them, their excuses and their timidity. Sydney Smith Peterborough SIR While there may be a role for telephone or virtual GP appointments, this cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. It is lazy medicine and does a huge disservice to patients. In medical school we were taught that in order to assess and diagnose a patients condition a tripod approach was required: history-taking, physical examination and investigation. Remove one leg of the tripod and it will fall down. By removing the ability of patients to see a doctor or nurse, one is removing a central tenet of accepted good medical practice. The effects of this new NHS ideology will be seen when excess complications, mortality and litigation become apparent. Matthew Trotter FRCS Rowney Green, Worcestershire SIR I feel that the fact being overlooked in the discussion over continuity of care is that GPs are the people patients have to go to in order to get referred to a consultant. I have been trying for nearly six months to get a referral and have been fobbed off by my GPs. It has been taking three weeks to get a telephone appointment with a GP; then one has to go through the whole rigmarole of X-rays, then the three weeks to get another telephone appointment with a GP to discuss X-ray results and then another to discuss physio results. I now have an appointment for this week, and, as this was a telephone appointment when booked, I had to ring and ask for it to be changed to face to face. It has been changed to face to face but I had to wait for 37 minutes for the phone to be connected to a receptionist. GPs have been the problem throughout. Carol White Northwold, Norfolk SIR The stance of the British Medical Association (report, May 21) is that the needs of the profession should be pre-eminent. This continues to promote the concept of an outdated model of care where the patients were subservient to the medical profession. As taxpayers, we are the customers, and the medical professionals in primary care are there to meet our needs, not vice versa. Marion Ansell Tonbridge, Kent Israeli territory SIR The report Ireland attacks Israels de facto annexation of Palestinian land (May 27) is, of course, quite correct in stating that most countries view settlements Israel has built in territory captured in the 1967 Middle East war as illegal. What is almost never taken into account is that in 1948 Jordanian forces attacked the newly born Jewish state and seized the West Bank and east Jerusalem. In 1950 Jordan annexed them a move not recognised by the UN or the Arab League, nor by any countries except Britain and Pakistan. When in 1967 Israel succeeded in regaining control of them, it would have been logical for the UN and most countries to applaud Israel for liberating illegally acquired territories. They did not seem to see it that way. Neville Teller Beit Shemesh, Israel Scrap the TV licence SIR I do not watch sport or television at all. My Amazon Prime subscription is considerably less than the licence fee. Amazon makes superb dramas (with no adverts), which are of the same standard as the BBC. So why do I need an expensive television licence? I think its time the BBC became a commercially run company with a board who have business experience in the global market. Belinda Stevens-Fairchild Moretonhampstead, Devon SIR Alternatives to the licence fee have been looked at in the past and all have been shown to have significant drawbacks. In March, the DCMS Select Committee looked at funding models for public service broadcasting and concluded that none of them were sufficiently attractive to justify recommending for the next Charter period. William Hern Maidenhead, Berkshire PMs marrying SIR Boris Johnson is the fourth prime minister to marry while in office, not the third (report, May 25). Shortly after the death of his first wife in 1737, Robert Walpole married his long-term mistress; she died three months later in childbirth. The little-known third Duke of Grafton, a man noted for his idleness and pursuit of pleasure, began a long and happy second marriage in 1769 during his two-year premiership. In 1822, the uxorious (but virtually friendless) Lord Liverpool filled the void in his life created by the death of his first wife by marrying her best friend. Mr Johnson is only the second prime minister both to divorce and remarry while at No 10. When Graftons first wife was about to give birth to another mans child in 1769, the marriage was dissolved by Act of Parliament, the only way divorce could at that time be obtained. Spurning the scandalous mistress with whom he had lived openly for years (they were alleged to have had sex in an opera box), Grafton persuaded the virtuous daughter of the Dean of Worcester to become his new wife. They had nine children. Lord Lexden London SW1 The matter with meat SIR Claire Finney (Ive given up being a vegetarian to save the planet, Features, May 25) writes an article with valid points. But the main issue for many vegetarians and vegans is simply the slaughter process. I dare say many would be happy to eat meat again if it wasnt for the end point in the animals lives. No matter how humane we are told the process is, there is undoubtedly great suffering. How can it be avoided when so many animals have to go through it to feed so many of us? Carol Burke Oswestry, Shropshire Assisted dying for those with terminal illnesses SIR Baroness Campbell has been a brave and effective fighter for disability rights for many years, but in opposing assisted dying, she is wrong to lump terminal illness with disability. They are completely separate issues, and the law presented to the House of Lords last Wednesday has nothing to do with disability, and everything to do with allowing people who are actually dying to have a good death. Palliative care is wonderful, and of course we need more of it, but it is naive to think that it can treat everything, including the intense distress caused by complete dependence, incontinence and a miserably drawn-out end game. I spent time recently by the bedside of someone dying of an inoperable cancer. The one thing he desires is to have control over his inevitable end. Baroness Campbell wishes to deny him that right. Dr Tim Howard Wimborne, Dorset SIR Suicide has no medical pathway, and is often driven by depression and despair. The act itself is lonely, often violent and destructive, and leaves family and friends a legacy of guilt. By contrast, an assisted death is voluntary and safeguarded. The death is peaceful, and can be accompanied by friends and family. Grief can be mitigated. It is the antithesis of suicide. The choice of assisted dying is the one of the last great human rights still to be won. Its time to change our law for the better. Michael Murray Matlock, Derbyshire Student panels SIR I am a teacher of modern foreign languages with an Ofsted rating of outstanding and a good track record. After a recent school tour, I applied to a nearby state school with an Ofsted rating of requires improvement. When I received the interview schedule, I was staggered to find that a student panel was part of the process. These panels use students of all ages and have been known to ask prospective teachers to Sing your favourite song or Tell us a joke, as well as asking: Why are you working as a supply teacher? Some schools have been known to use their worst-behaved students on these panels as proof of the value of their voice, in the hope of improving their attitude. To date I have only had interviews in independent schools and state schools that were classed as outstanding or good; none used a student panel. I have since withdrawn my application. Rosamund Dal-Molin Corton, Suffolk Fair skies are ahead for makers of barometers Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-18 16:31:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KHARTOUM/ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that the country has summoned its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations as tensions between the two neighbors have escalated in recent weeks over border disputes. Khartoum's move came amid rising tensions with Addis Ababa over the Al-Fashaqa border region, an area of fertile land settled by Ethiopian farmers that Sudan claimed to be within its boundaries. The ministry did not give more details about why Ambassador Gamal al-Sheikh was recalled. The border area between the two nations has been witnessing growing tensions with skirmishes and killings since late last year. Sudan began to deploy troops to territories it claimed, which were occupied by Ethiopian farmers and militias in mid-December, shortly after its army said some soldiers were ambushed at the border by the Ethiopian militias. Clashes between the two sides have caused injuries and deaths. The two sides have been exchanging barbs for weeks, blaming each other for military incursion and violation of territorial integrity. In a statement on Tuesday, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry accused Sudan of illegally entering its territory, saying Sudan's acts were a "flagrant violation of international law against the use of force and the boundary re-demarcation treaties." "Sudan invaded land that is part of Ethiopia's territory. In its indefensible conduct, the Sudanese Army demolished Ethiopian administrative institutions, occupied military camps, killed and displaced residents, and destroyed their crops and property," it added. The statement came after Sudan's condemnation of Ethiopia on Sunday, in which Khartoum said "the aggression of Ethiopian forces on the lands legally belonging to Sudan was a direct violation of Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity." The Ethiopian aggression was also "a violation of the values of neighborliness and positive interaction among countries that enhances stability and security," it said. Khartoum has since last month prohibited aircraft from flying over the Al-Fashaqa area after alleging that an Ethiopian military aircraft had crossed the border, an allegation denied by the Ethiopian side. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, most recently in Khartoum in December, to settle their dispute, but have not made further progress. Enditem French President Emmanuel Macron, right, attends a video-conference meeting as U.S. President Joe Biden appear on a screen ahead of a 2021 Munich Security Conference at the Elysee palace in Paris on Feb. 19, 2021. (Benoit Tessier/Pool via AP) US Officially Rejoins Paris Climate Agreement The U.S. officially rejoined the Paris climate accord on Friday about one month after President Joe Biden signed more than a dozen executive orders on his first day in office, including to rejoin the global pact. We can no longer delay or do the bare minimum to address climate change, Biden told European leaders during a video conference on Friday. This is a global existential crisis, and all of us will suffer if we fail. For the United Statesor any countryto reenter the agreement, a process of 30 days is required to file the paperwork to the United Nations, a period that ended on Friday. Former President Donald Trump first announced in 2017 his intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, calling the United Nations framework to tackle climate change a total disaster for the U.S. economy that was too lenient towards communist China and its greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Climate Accord is simply the latest example of Washington entering into an agreement that disadvantages the United States to the exclusive benefit of other countries, leaving American workerswho I loveand taxpayers to absorb the cost in terms of lost jobs, lower wages, shuttered factories and vastly diminished economic production, Trump stated in 2017. The Trump administration officially announced its withdrawal from the agreement in 2019. President Donald Trump gestures during the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Dec. 21, 2019. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images) Biden repeatedly promised to reenter the pact during his campaign and made it one of his first major moves as president. He has promised to chart a path toward net-zero U.S. emissions by 2050. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, Biden said in his inaugural address. A cry that cant be any more desperate or any more clear now. The aim of the accord is to limit the global temperature increase to below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve this long-term goal, according to the U.N., countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century. The Biden administration also says it will set a tougher new target for U.S. emissions cuts by the time Biden hosts a planned Earth Day global summit for world leaders on April 22. According to multiple experts and top officials, rejoining the global pact as it stands now will have devastating economic consequences for the United States, with little actual environmental benefit. Sen. John Barrasso, a top Republican on the Senate energy panel criticized Biden for the move, tweeting: Returning to the Paris climate agreement will raise Americans energy costs and wont solve climate change. The Biden administration will set unworkable targets for the United States while China and Russia can continue with business as usual. Returning to the Paris climate agreement will raise Americans energy costs and wont solve climate change. The Biden administration will set unworkable targets for the United States while China and Russia can continue with business as usual. Sen. John Barrasso (@SenJohnBarrasso) February 18, 2021 Nicolas Loris, the deputy director of the Thomas A. Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies at the Heritage Foundation, said the agreement will have a heavy toll on American families and businesses. It will be very costly for Americans families and business because 80 percent of our energy needs are met through carbon-emitting conventional fuels, Loris told The Epoch Times. Regulating them and subsidizing alternatives is going to harm American families and taxpayers. Because there is really no teeth to the Paris climate accord, developing countries are getting a free pass in terms of their emissions, he said. Its likely that the Paris climate accord is not going to reach its intended goal. Bowen Xiao contributed to this report. From NTD News 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 Top McConnell Deputy Calls Backlash Against GOP Senators Who Voted Against Trump Cancel Culture Republican senators who are being censured or otherwise criticized for voting to convict former President Donald Trump are an example of cancel culture, a member of the GOP Senate leadership is alleging. The seven Republicans who sided with Democrats were voting their conscience, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) told the Associated Press in his first interview since the Feb. 13 vote that saw Trump acquitted of a charge of inciting an insurrection. There was a strong case made, Thune said. People could come to different conclusions. If were going to criticize the media and the left for cancel culture, we cant be doing that ourselves. Thune, the Senate Republican whip, voted to acquit Trump. He was joined by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and every other member of the bodys GOP leadership. The Republicans who voted to convict said Trump was guilty of incitement and stood by their votes, even as most were censured by county or state Republican bodies. The North Carolina Republican Party, for instance, voted Monday to censure Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), saying it agrees with the strong majority of Republicans in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate that the Democrat-led attempt to impeach a former President lies outside the United States Constitution. Burr responded, calling it a sad day for North Carolina Republicans. My partys leadership has chosen loyalty to one man over the core principles of the Republican Party and the founders of our great nation, the senator, who is retiring when his term ends in early 2023, added. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) speaks during a hearing in Washington on Sept. 23, 2020. (Graeme Jennings/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Even some of the Republicans who voted to acquit have had harsh words for Trump, including Thune and McConnell. Protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 because theyd been fed wild, falsehoods by the most powerful man on earth because he was angry, McConnell said on the Senate floor. He lost an election. Former President Trumps actions preceded the riot or a disgraceful dereliction of duty. Trump responded shortly after the vote, saying the GOP will not win in the future with McConnell at the helm. He will never do what needs to be done, or what is right for our Country. Where necessary and appropriate, I will back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First. We want brilliant, strong, thoughtful, and compassionate leadership, Trump said. Thune, McConnells right-hand man, praised Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who is facing a primary challenger after voting to impeach Trump. He also said hes prepared to side with candidates he prefers in contentious primaries. At the grassroots level, theres a lot of people who want to see Trump-like candidates, he said. But I think were going to be looking for candidates that are electable. The Chicago Police Department did not get their original experience with excessive force after the death of George Floyd, Williams said. And if you look at the footage, they were well prepared and well rehearsed to take that type of force. And I will also acknowledge it happened in cities across the country, so this is something structural to policing. 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. (SII), which has the worlds biggest vaccine production facility, could be a major beneficiary of the G7s decision to enhance funding to finance supply to low- and middle-income countries. India, dubbed the pharmacy of the world, furnishes 60 per cent of the worlds vaccines across a variety of diseases. That should compensate for any dwindling in demand in India, amid reports the effort has stumbled, because of a fall in infections and lack of confidence in a vaccine candidate approved before completing phase three trials. Smisha Agarwal, a research director at New Yorks John Hopkins Global Health Initiative, was quoted by the TIME magazine as saying: In India, people have an inherent trust in doctors; so when (doctors) dont turn up to get vaccines, it reaffirms any doubt that the general public might have. Signalling an emphatic end to his predecessor Donald Trumps uncaring foreign policy, Joe Biden, in his first multilateral engagement as president of the US, committed $4 billion to COVAX, a coronavirus vaccination programme co-led by the World Health Organisation for poorer countries. The immediate contribution will be $2 billion. More than 180 nations are yet to administer a single dose of the Covid vaccine. It is estimated $15 billion is required for a worldwide inoculation drive. Before the G7 leaders online conference on Friday, Britain had promised $767 million, Germany and France $120 million each, Canada $166 million, Japan $130 million, Italy $102 million and the European Union collectively $600. Jose Manuel Barroso, chairman of GAVI, the global vaccine alliance that co-leads COVAX, told BBC that Covid vaccination in countries so far deprived will begin next week, with a goal of covering two billion people by the end of the year. Earlier this month, the UKs secretary of state for international trade, Liz Truss, visited SIIs plant in Pune. She tweeted: They have made 100 million doses of the Oxford-AZ (Astra-Zenica) vaccine. Also making some of the 1.3 billion doses as part of COVAX COVAXs enhanced budget following the financial boost given to it by the G7 means more orders for vaccine doses will be placed with manufacturers, with SII benefitting from this as the largest maker of the Oxford-AZ vaccine licensed to it. The rotating presidency of the G7 is currently entrusted to Britain. The UKs Prime Minister Boris Johnson proposed donating surplus vaccines to poorer countries to reject charges of vaccine nationalism. By Ben Montgomery Little, Brown Spark. 283 pp. $28 - - - In 2019, Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., introduced the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, named after the 14-year-old Chicago boy murdered in Mississippi in 1955. The legislation would at last make lynching a federal crime. The bill passed in the House only to stall in the Senate. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., thought its definition of lynching was too broad and prevented the measure from passing, drawing the ire of Democratic senators Cory Booker (N.J.) and Kamala Harris (Calif.). America had missed an opportunity, Booker charged, to acknowledge its racist past and look forward to a better future. In "A Shot in the Moonlight," journalist Ben Montgomery uses court records and newspapers to tell the story of a man who not only escaped a lynching mob but managed to get back at its members in court during the Jim Crow era. The setting is Simpson County in southwestern Kentucky, on the border with Tennessee. There an African American tobacco farmer, George Dinning, lived with his wife and 11 children on a small farm. Emancipated by the 13th Amendment as a child, Dinning came of age during the hopeful years of Reconstruction, only to see Black aspirations for equal citizenship dashed after 1877. Dinning nevertheless managed to buy 150 acres of the very land on which he had once been enslaved. But buying a farm did not buy security. In the last quarter of the 19th century, African Americans increasingly faced segregation and disenfranchisement. Apartheid and white supremacy were enforced by night riders and lynch mobs. On a moonlit night in January 1897, Dinning and his family woke to such an armed mob as some 25 White farmers surrounded their house. Disguising their voices so as not to be recognized as the neighbors they were, the violent extremists accused Dinning of thievery, ordered him to leave the county and fired at his house. Shot in the arm and forehead, Dinning scattered birdshot from the upstairs window, mortally wounding the son of a wealthy neighbor. He escaped the mob by hiding in a field. The next day, he turned himself in to the sheriff, who secretly spirited him to a neighboring town to protect him from the lynching mob gathering outside the county jail. Meanwhile night riders returned to Dinning's farm, turned out his family and burned their home to the ground. That summer, Dinning was tried for murder back in Simpson County. Gov.William Bradley, a Republican and an advocate for Blacks, sent soldiers and two cannons to protect him. An effigy of the governor was soon hanged on the courthouse lawn. Bradley also banned guns in the courtroom to prevent Dinning from being murdered during the trial, overruling the judge in the case. On the stand, the night riders claimed they had approached Dinning as a friend and had fired only in self-defense. Despite admitting that they had been "kukluxing" (as terrorist mob activity was known), none were ever indicted. Dinning testified on his own behalf, as did, courageously, his 12-year-old daughter. Montgomery quotes extensively from the trial transcripts, showing their refusal to be tripped up. Between the vigilantes' shifty stories and the Dinning family's unwavering on the stand, public opinion outside Simpson County began to turn in Dinning's favor. Yet the all-White local jury found him guilty of manslaughter, and he was sentenced to seven years in the state penitentiary. Local businessmen and others besieged Bradley for a pardon. The Lexington Morning Herald editorialized: "Dinning is a negro; he is poor; he was a slave; he may be unworthy; but he is a citizen, a man, a husband and a father, and it was his home and he was its defender." The governor agreed. As Montgomery explains, the "castle doctrine" was a sacred principle in Anglo-American law, and for many Whites it trumped racism. Freed from prison, Dinning moved to Indiana, where he barely survived a brutal attack. The perpetrators were never found. Once he recovered, an undeterred Dinning pursued in federal court the Kentucky night riders who had cost him his freedom and his livelihood. He was represented by Bennett Young, a Confederate veteran, celebrated lawyer, entrepreneur and do-gooder for White and Black causes. Young was also a prominent supporter of the Lost Cause. Dinning won his cases, and several more thereafter, though his opponents never paid all they owed him. For the rest of his life, Dinning supported his family as a teamster and laborer. He died of a stroke in 1930. Montgomery makes much of Young's political leanings. Yet in many ways, the defense lawyer personified Kentucky's relationship with Civil War memory. The only Southern state not to secede, Kentucky instead allowed its citizens to choose sides. While Young fought for the Confederacy, many more Kentuckians enlisted in the Union army. However, as historian Anne Marshall chronicled in "Creating a Confederate Kentucky: The Lost Cause and Civil War Memory in a Border State," White Kentuckians increasingly turned secessionists after 1865. The lawyer's support of Southern redemption would not have stopped him from taking Dinning as a client. Men like Young realized that racial moderation helped business without endangering white supremacy. Dinning's case may have been the first where a man won damages against his would-be lynchers. Yet as Montgomery points out, drawing on the work of historian Melissa Milewski, quite a few African Americans won civil cases against Whites in the Jim Crow South. The cases upheld private property, painted Blacks in paternalistic terms and did not really threaten white supremacy in the same way voting did. The assistance African Americans received from White lawyers was important, for sure. But lawyers could win their cases only because of their clients' courage and determination to get justice. Missing from the book is how the African American community supported Dinning. We get only glimpses: A minister bought him a new suit to wear in court; a neighbor risked his life in testifying on his behalf; church members in Louisville helped him find his feet by paying him to lecture about his ordeal. No doubt there were many others. But the people who sustained him, including his family, as well as Dinning himself, take a back seat to ex-Confederate supporters in the author's examination. It's a compelling story, despite the White-savior trope. Lynching and the Lost Cause unfortunately are not relegated to history as we fight our own battles over racial justice and white extremism. The display of Confederate symbols, not to mention the noose, in the Capitol insurrection in January is only one prominent example. - - - Marjoleine Kars is a historian at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the author of "Blood on the River: A Chronicle of Mutiny and Freedom on the Wild Coast," about a massive slave rebellion in Guyana. Sorry! This content is not available in your region As many as 13,193 new COVID-19 cases and 97 deaths were reported in the country in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Friday. With the new cases, the coronavirus tally in the country has reached 1,09,63,394 including 1,39,542 active cases and 1,06,67,741 discharges. The death toll has mounted to 1,56,111 with the loss of 97 more lives due to the virus in the last 24 hours. As per the Health Ministry, 1,01,88,007 vaccine doses were administered till Thursday evening. The total number of samples tested up to Wednesday was 20,94,74,862, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research. The ICMR also said that 7,71,071 samples were tested on February 18. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the first two months since the Covid-19 vaccine rollout began, travel insurance aggregator, Squaremouth, says the impact on traveler trends can already be seen. At the onset of the pandemic, Squaremouth reported an almost immediate drop-off in senior-aged travelers. The company noted their average traveler age dropped from 50+ to 38 years old. In the two months following the initial vaccine efforts, Squaremouth says they are already seeing senior travelers bounce back. "Early on in the pandemic and prior to the vaccine, we saw younger travelers comprising a larger market share, as the percentage of senior travelers dropped," says Squaremouth Lead Data Analyst, Steven Benna. "Now, our data shows the traveler market is beginning to shift back to what it was before." Rebound in Travel for Seniors Amid the rollout of the vaccine, Squaremouth reports an increase in the percentage of travelers in every age group over 60. During that same span, the percentage of travelers in each age group under 60 has respectively decreased, marking a significant shift from earlier in the pandemic. Travelers Buying Insurance Earlier As senior travelers are regaining their willingness to travel, Squaremouth notes a trend in travelers planning further ahead. The average traveler is buying their travel insurance policy 74 days before they depart for their trip. Prior to the vaccine, travelers were buying their policies an average of 42 days ahead of time. Squaremouth maintains a large portfolio of travel insurance products that offer coverage related to the Covid-19 pandemic, including cancellation and emergency medical benefits for contracting the virus, and Cancel For Any Reason coverage. Travelers can search for policies that include Covid-19-related coverage, including Cancel for Any Reason, here . Methodology: Squaremouth.com hosts the largest number of travel insurance providers and policies that offer coverage related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Squaremouth Analytics has compared thousands of travel insurance policies purchased pre-and-post-pandemic to identify changes and trends in travel insurance. ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH Squaremouth compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare travel insurance policies side-by-side . More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com . Available Topic Expert: Steven Benna [email protected] (727) 619-7262 SOURCE Squaremouth Related Links http://www.squaremouth.com Up to 60 masked men took part in a display of sinister force linked to the UVF in east Belfast, a court was told today. The incident resulted in nearly a dozen people taking shelter in a community centre for eight days, prosecutors claimed. Details emerged as three men were remanded in custody accused of involvement in the gathering near Pitt Park on February 2. Stephen Matthews (58), Derek Lammey (56) and 34-year-old David Robert Matthews are jointly charged with unlawful assembly and affray. Police launched an investigation after footage on social media appeared to show a large group of men with their faces covered walking through the area. Stephen Matthews, of Pansy Street in Belfast; Lammey, from Spring Place in the city; and David Matthews, of Millreagh in Dundonald, were arrested during raids on Wednesday morning. All three appeared remotely at Belfast Magistrates Court. Prosecution counsel Natalie Pinkerton said the case centred on identification evidence. She told the court police officers saw between 50 and 60 men in the area, apparently organised for a common purpose. At one stage, a member of the public pulled up in a distressed and fearful state and pointed in the direction of the crowd, the court heard. It was alleged that Stephen Matthews was spotted near the front of the group displaying a leadership role. While masks were worn, the prosecutor contended that all defendants were identified by build and facial recognition. She said up to 11 people, including children, were drawn to the nearby Ballymac Centre for safety, remaining there until February 10. District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told police believe the gathering was linked to the East Belfast UVF. Opposing bail, Ms Pinkerton argued that the wearing of masks was highly indicative of those involved clearly knowing this was unlawful activity. She added: This involved a display of sinister force. With none of the three accused charged with any paramilitary offences, defence lawyers challenged the strength of the evidence against them. Barrister Richard McConkey, for Stephen Matthews, said no coverings or clothing to match the alleged description was discovered at his clients home. This case has been all over the news. There have been politicians getting involved with complaints about how police dealt with it, and then mysteriously a number of arrests are made, Mr McConkey added. Michael Chambers, representing David Matthews, argued that the alleged UVF connection should be disregarded. The court simply cannot take account of claims in the community that someone may or may not be a member of an organisation, he said. Bail was refused for all three defendants, however, due to the risk of re-offending and interfering with the course of justice. Judge Bagnall remanded them in custody to appear again by videolink on March 19. A medical worker shows a syringe with a vaccine at a healthcare center in Yantai city, northern China's Shandong Province, China, on Jan. 5, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Criminal Rings in China Made Fake COVID-19 Vaccines, Some Sent to Foreign Countries Chinese authorities recently announced a crackdown on criminal rings involved in making fake COVID-19 vaccines, and revealed that some of the products were distributed to other countries. Arrested suspects were accused of gaining illicit profits totaling around 18 million yuan (about $2.78 million). As of Feb. 10, 21 vaccine-related cases were being investigated across the country, with 70 suspects arrested, according to a Feb. 15 report by Chinese state media Xinhua. In the early stages of Chinas vaccine rollout, the report said, suspects made huge profits through manufacturing fake vaccines, selling and reselling them at high prices, and inoculating groups without authorization. Some of the Chinese-made fake vaccines were reportedly transported from Tianjin to Shenzhen, and then smuggled to other countries via Hong Kong. Xinhua did not specify which countries. The criminal rings allegedly bought prefilled syringes or packaged saline solution or mineral water (when saline solution was out of stock) into fake vaccines. They then illegally set up emergency inoculation centers. Suspects claimed that theirs were genuine COVID-19 shots obtained through internal channels. They placed advertisements on social media to solicit customers. They also forged employee certificates, overseas job certificates, air tickets, and other supporting documents to appear like legitimate vaccine distributors. In one case, suspects arranged for more than 200 people to receive about 500 doses of fake shots, making a profit of 547,000 yuan (about $84,695) as of December 2020. Others profited from a scheme to arrange for citizens to get inoculated through emergency vaccination programs at hospitals. At the time, the Chinese regime only allowed high-risk populations to take the vaccine. The suspects charged money for people to have access to real vaccine shots. Vaccine-related scandals are common in China. Lu Jun, co-founder of the nonprofit Beijing Yirenping Center, told Radio Free Asia that in China, officially-approved organizations are often involved in illegal activity. Either licensed manufacturers produced sub-standard vaccines, or governmental anti-epidemic agencies committed irregularities or even illegal operations in the process of vaccine procurement, distribution, and transportation, Lu said. He cited a scandal that erupted in 2010, after a pharmaceutical company in Shanxi Province was found to have produced sub-standard vaccines, leading to local deaths. According to an investigation by state media China Economic Times, the company colluded with the Shanxi government to distribute the vaccines across the province. India may soon reopen its doors to foreign travellers from nations where the coronavirus situation is in check, albeit the tourists follow the necessary health protocols. The inter-ministerial talks are on in this regard for a "calibrated resumption of tourist visas on a country-specific basis," according to government officials. "The Union home, external affairs, health, aviation and tourism ministries are having discussions to finalise the proposed calibrated reopening for tourist visa holders. While tourists only from certain countries are likely to be allowed initially, the protocol for those coming here is being worked out in terms of quarantine and other health requirements." an official told the Times of India. Also Read: Foreign tourist arrivals in India drop 97% in April-Dec 2020 "We are mulling issues like whether those coming with a negative report (as per requirement) and proof of having received the required number of COVID vaccine jabs need to be quarantined; if yes, for how long; or not. Several such things are being discussed," the official added. In the wake of the rising coronavirus cases, India had in March 2020, suspended most visas issued to foreigners. However, it later permitted some of them with certain visa types, except tourists, to travel to the country. "It is crucial to reopen India to international tourists. We are doing below-average-rate business. Hotels in leisure destinations (like Goa, Rajasthan and Kerala) has 65% to 70% occupancy because of strong revenge travel by domestic travellers. City hotels have 30%-35% occupancy and overall occupancy is about 50%," said Nakul Anand, ITC executive director and chairman of the Federation of Associations of Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), at an event of the tourism body on Thursday. Also Read: Govt relaxes travel guidelines; overseas Indians, foreigners can now visit India A joint report by the tourism ministry and FAITH states that tourism activity is likely to return to pre-COVID levels in two-three years. "In 2020, international tourism activity worldwide declined by over 70% reaching levels prevalent 30 years ago. Although countries have begun to partially lift travel restrictions, international travel demand is forecast to remain subdued... Domestic tourism will be the driver of travel and tourism in the interim," the report stated. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Police in Georgia's capital Tbilisi on Friday detained dozens of pro-opposition demonstrators demanding snap polls, as a political crisis sparked by last year's elections deepened. Hundreds of protesters rallied outside parliament to back the opposition's calls for fresh elections after Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia resigned Thursday over the ruling party's plans to arrest a top opposition leader. The move to detain Nika Melia -- the chairman of the United National Movement (UNM) of exiled ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili -- sparked outrage among the opposition and warnings from the Caucasus nation's Western allies. Several protesters were beaten by police and taken away in ambulances, according to footage aired by Formula TV. "Police lawlessness has no limits," one of the UNM leaders, Levan Khabeishvili, told journalists at Friday's rally. "They resort to repressions despite the opposition's calls to de-escalate political confrontation," he added. A court order to place Melia in pre-trial detention has raised the stakes in the crisis over October's parliamentary elections, which the opposition denounced as rigged after the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed a narrow victory. Leaders of all of the country's opposition parties have camped out at the UNM headquarters in Tbilisi since Wednesday, vowing to obstruct police plans to arrest Melia. In his resignation statement, Gakharia said a police raid on the UNM headquarters would "pose a risk to the health and lives of our citizens." The United States and European Union have expressed concerns over the move, calling on the ex-Soviet country's government to resolve the crisis peacefully and ensure its judicial system stays free of political bias. im/emg/dl A 16-year-old boy has been stabbed to death in north-west London. Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the teenager died in hospital on Friday morning, but no arrests have been made. The victim was found with stab injuries in Wembley at around 11.30pm on Thursday. A 16-year-old boy was mortally wounded in a stabbing attack on the Preston Road in Wembley, north west London shortly before midnight. Police confirmed the victim died in hospital early this morning Police have secured the crime scene and have launched extra patrols in the area following last night's fatal stabbing. Scotland Yard confirmed they have launched a murder investigation Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, in charge of policing in Brent, said: 'It is another tragedy that a boy of just 16 years old has died as the result of a knife crime. 'My thoughts are with his family at this time and my officers, alongside homicide detectives, are doing everything they can to identify and arrest those responsible. 'There will be enhanced reassurance patrols in the Preston Road area as I know the local community will have been deeply affected by the death of a teenager. 'I would urge anyone who witnessed any of the events leading up to the stabbing, or knows anything about who did it, to contact police immediately.' The Metropolitan Police said the boy's family have been told, while a crime scene remains in place on Preston Road, between the junctions of Logan Road and The Avenue, which is affecting bus routes in the area. The boy died shortly before 9am on Friday and a post-mortem examination has not yet taken place. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 8167/18Feb, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Israel and the United States have begun work on a new ballistic missile defense interceptor, the Arrow 4, amid heightened tensions in recent years over Irans increased missile capabilities. The Arrow 4 will be the latest of the two countrys jointly developed ballistic missile interceptors, and is set to replace Arrow 2 in the coming decades, the US Missile Defense Agency announced Thursday. Meanwhile, the Arrow 3 will remain Israels highest-altitude interceptor, designed to knock down missiles beyond earths atmosphere in space. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in a statement that the Arrow 4s development will result in a technological and operational leap forward, preparing us for the future battlefield and evolving threats in the Middle East and beyond. Moshe Patel, the director of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, said in a statement that cooperation on the new project begins 30 years after Saddam Husseins government in Iraq fired dozens of Scud missiles at Israel amid the Gulf War, prompting Israel to establish the organization. Arrow 4 will have unprecedented flight and interception capabilities, ensuring the security of the state of Israel, Patel said. The Arrow systems cover the highest altitudes of Israels missile defense arsenal, which also includes the Iron Dome and Davids Sling systems. The announcement of the Arrows latest system comes after the Israeli Defense Ministry hailed the success of the countrys first-ever multilayered missile defense test in December. Preliminary designs for the Arrow 4 originated in 2017 as the Missile Defense Organization sought to expand the capabilities of the Arrow 2. Israel Aerospace Industries was announced Thursday as the new systems primary contractor. The unveiling comes just a day after US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone. Iran possesses the largest ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East. While Tehran initially relied on past technology from North Korea and China, it has continued to develop its own projectiles in recent years. Both US and UN officials have said there is evidence that Iran has transferred some of that technology to proxy forces in the region, such as the Houthis in Yemen and local militias in Iraq and Syria. Irans expanded arsenal has raised concerns over the past several years among officials in Israel and Washington about the Islamic Republics ability to strike targets across the Middle East. The Trump administration sought to push Gulf countries to cooperate on collective defense in the region to deter against Iranian attacks, such as the 2019 drone and cruise-missile strike on Saudi Arabias Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities. US officials have seen that objective as more realistic since the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed agreements normalizing ties with Israel last year in an initiative dubbed the Abraham Accords by the Trump administration. The Israeli government has discussed the possibility of exporting its missile defense systems to friendly Arab neighbors, Patel said in December, though transfer of that technology would require US approval. The Biden administration is seeking to rejoin the original 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which the Trump administration abandoned in favor of a campaign of unilateral sanctions on Tehran with aims to roll back its influence in the Middle East. In response, Iran has incrementally increased its nuclear fuel enrichment in violation of the agreement, and is threatening to restrict UN inspectors' access if sanctions are not relieved by Sunday. Iranian officials claimed the country's civilian space program successfully put a satellite into orbit last year, raising concern among officials in Washington who see the project as potential cover for ballistic weapons development. A series of leaked text messages have thrown cold water on Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs claims his trip to Cancun, Mexico, was part of a vacation for his daughters and their friends. The Republican senator left Texas on Wednesday as his state faced a crisis from a deadly winter storm that left millions without power or clean drinking water. Cruz initially claimed he only accompanied his family as a chaperone for his children, who were on school break, and didnt plan to stay. But texts obtained by The New York Times and local news publication Reform Austin reveal Cruzs wife messaged friends about the trip to get away from the FREEZING weather. They also suggest the family planned the getaway at the last minute and intended to stay in Cancun for close to a week. Anyone can or want to leave for the week? We may go to Cancun there is a direct flights at 4:45pm and hotels w capacity, Heidi Cruz wrote early Wednesday morning. Seriously. Covid test to come back which we will take there. She reportedly invited friends and neighbors to join them at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, where she noted that the price for a hotel room was $309 plus tax. Are you guys warm enough . We have a fireplace! Let us know. Our house is FREEZING tho is why we stayed w .. last night couldnt stand it anymore, she added in the thread, which was partially redacted. Even before the text messages emerged, Cruz was facing criticism from leaders in both parties, as well as his constituents. He returned to the U.S. Thursday and admitted the trip was obviously a mistake. In hindsight, I wouldnt have done it, he told reporters Thursday. Ted Cruz initially claimed he was trying to be a good dad but also let it slip on Thursday night that he had planned to stay in Cancun through Sunday. During an interview on Fox News, Sean Hannity attempted to defend Cruz. You went and you took your daughters to Cancun and you came back, Hannity said. I think you can be a father and be the senator of Texas all at the same time and make a round-trip quick drop-off trip and come home. Cruz agreed, but later contradicted Hannitys claims. The Texas lawmaker said his house had lost power and heat for two days, so his girls asked if they could travel someplace warmer. I had initially planned to stay through the weekend and work remotely there, Cruz said. But as I was heading down there, you know, I started to have second thoughts almost immediately because the crisis here in Texas, you need to be here on the ground. As much as you can do by phone and Zoom, its not the same as being here. The controversy has opened up the two-term senator, a key ally of former President Donald Trump and may run for president again in 2024, to bipartisan criticism. Protesters greeted Cruz at the airport Thursday with signs and chants saying Resign! Thats something that he has to answer to his constituents about, Texas GOP Chair Allen West said. The Associated Press reports about 325,000 homes and businesses remained without power in Texas lat Thursday, down from about 3 million a day earlier. Utility officials said limited rolling blackouts were still possible and a boil water order was issued for 7 million residents in Texas, the nations second largest state, after record low temperatures damaged infrastructure and froze pipes. The winter storm has also been blamed for at least 56 deaths across the South. Federal emergency officials sent generators to support water treatment plants, hospitals and nursing homes in Texas, along with thousands of blankets and ready-to-eat meals, officials 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. Richard Crawford knows the differences in the statistics between those who have died from the novel coronavirus, and those who have been harmed by the vaccine. He showed up to the Yorktown Missionary Baptist Church eager to get a shot. Close to 500,000 people have died from coronavirus, and I dont know how many people have died from the vaccine, said Crawford, 60, of Mobile. So Im going to roll with the vaccine. He joined hundreds of others who showed up to a rare church-based vaccine clinic in a mostly Black and low-income area in a part of the country where vaccine distribution rates to minority communities have been lacking. State records show only 12% of Alabamians vaccinated are Black, even though Blacks comprise of 27% of the states population. The Alabama statistics are noticeably incomplete because 32% of shot recipients are unknown or not reported, though 55% of those already vaccinated are white. The figures are even more noticeable in Mobile County, which was signaled out in an NPR story earlier this month for being among eight counties in the South that had vaccine sites in areas with a higher percentage of white residents compared to the countys census-track average. Census tracts are roughly the equivalent of neighborhoods within the county, according to NPR. This is the first community drive weve done, said Natalie Fox, assistant administrator and chief nursing officer with USA Health. Wed love to learn from this and, as we get more vaccines available to us from the state, we can do more events like this. People who got vaccinated at the clinic received one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Up to 500 doses were available, and were being given out between noon and 5 p.m. The church clinic was the result of emails that were sent between Fox and Yorktowns pastor for the past 15 years, the Rev. Christopher Williams. Williams said he approached Fox via email to inquire about the possibility of hosting a clinic on the churchs parking lot. He had a vision, said Fox. Williams said he had been praying about hosting a clinic outside the church since USA Health began offering vaccinations at the Mobile Civic Center late last month. The mass vaccination clinic within the downtown venue offers up to 1,000 shots to people every day. I dont know how I ended up with Natalie Foxs name and phone number and email, but I sent her an email and got one back, said Williams. We got a chance to talk and she said, we can make this happen. I was like, Really? Fox said that USA Health realizes that not everyone has the transportation to get to the Civic Center to receive a shot, adding that we know it doesnt work for everyone. And Williams said that many residents within the Africatown community are senior citizens who do not have the transportation to drive to the clinics offered in other parts of the city. Fox said the clinic was first-come, first-serve. She said that USA Health left it up to Williams and others within the church to determine eligibility for receiving the shot. A COVID-19 vaccine clinic occurred on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Yorktown Missionary Baptist Church in Mobile, Ala. Approximately 500 vaccines were distributed at the church located within the Africatown community. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Williams said his church had only been advertising the clinic for about one week. The churchs outdoor sign provided the details. The Lord opened the door, he said. He said he was hopeful that more Black residents would be willing to get the shot, but he also realized there were some who are leery about it. Distrust still permeates among Black Alabamians over a history of racist and abusive medical practices underscored by the 40-year government-led Tuskegee syphilis study. The majority of the people are saying if you get it pastor, Ill get it, said Williams. You will get some who will say, I remember what happened back when. There is nothing you can change about that. But for those who want it, we want to give it to them. IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. 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. CHICO, Calif. Northern California Congressman, Doug LaMalfa, sent a letter to House and Senate leaders urging bipartisan action, to ease the burden of taxes on those who received unemployment benefits. Congressman LaMalfa said that many of the nearly 44 million Americans filing for unemployment last year were unaware those benefits are considered taxable income. No American who lost his or her job because of COVID should suffer the additional unexpected burden of having their unemployment benefits taxed," said LaMalfa in a news release. "Ive offered two commonsense solutions to this problem that will bolster bipartisan Congressional intent to aid those suffering after losing their employment, as well as strengthened measures to combat the fraud being perpetrated on far too many Americans. I call on Congress to incorporate a fix for these issues in any additional COVID relief legislation being considered, and I look forward to continuing to work with my Republican and Democrat colleagues towards a solution. LaMalfa proposes that the IRS could waive failure to pay penalties and congress could create a refundable tax credit, equal to the value of taxes owed on unemployment benefits collected in 2020. The UK Supreme Court ruled Friday that drivers should be classed as workers" and not self employed, in a decision that threatens its business model and holds broader implications for the so-called The Supreme Court's seven judges unanimously rejected Uber's appeal against a lower court ruling, handing defeat to the ride-hailing giant in the culmination of a long-running legal battle. The judges agreed with an earlier tribunal decision that found two drivers were workers" under British law, therefore entitling them to benefits such as paid holidays and the minimum wage. had argued that the two were independent contractors. The company has 65,000 active drivers in the UK. Globe Newswire Report Scope Biosimilar drugs have gained immense popularity because of their impact on the lives of many patients. These drugs belong to several drug classes including hormones, interferons, growth factors (colony stimulating factors, erythropoietin) and monoclonal antibodies, among others.New York, May 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Biosimilars: Global Markets" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p0919318/?utm_source=GNW The use of these drugs has aided in the affordable treatment of many life-threatening diseases ranging from cancer and diabetes to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and others.The high cost of branded biologics has made biosimilars a lucrative alternative for affordable treatment.According to a report on biosimilars (BIO090C), the global market for biosimilars is expected to reach close to $20.8 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 30.5%. Other drivers for this market include rising aging populations, patent expirations of many blockbuster drugs, and better healthcare provisions.This updated report provides in-depth analysis of the market for biosimilars in a global context, including market forecasts and sales through 2025.This study surveys the market for biosimilars in all the geographic regions including North America, Europe, the developed rest of the world (RoW), and emerging markets.The emerging markets include countries like India, China, Taiwan, Africa and Latin America.The report provides an analysis of the market for biosimilars in various segments, for instance, by type, by region and by application/disease category. The report will include a detailed overview about the subject wherein the classification of biosimilar drugs along with their approval mechanisms, clinical trials and applications under review are elaborated upon.The report also provides relevant patent analysis in both the U.S. and the European Union and comprehensive profiles of companies that lead the biosimilar drugs industry. The industry structure, focusing on the important biosimilar drug manufacturers/suppliers and their market shares and product offerings, is analyzed. This report also discusses the current market situation by elaborating upon the market drivers, restraints, challenges and opportunities. Separate chapters discuss the regulatory aspects and clinical trials. The latest news pieces including new products, new indications, mergers and acquisitions in the market are also dealt with in sufficient detail.Excluded from this report are biobetters, generics of small molecule drugs and the biogenerics pertaining to vaccines and blood products. The different requirements for approval and bioequivalence between generics and biosimilars put them in an entirely different regime.Report Includes- 69 data tables and 73 additional tables- An updated review and industry insights of the global biosimilars market- Analyses of the global market trends, with data from 2018 to 2020, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2025- Highlights of the emerging market regulations, clinical trials, and new products launches; and their impact on the stakeholders in this market- Discussion of the biosimilars industry structure, opportunities and complexities, regulatory updates and penetration of biosimilar product classes in various regions worldwide- Estimation of current market size and potential growth forecast for biosimilars market, and corresponding market share analysis by product type, application/disease category and geographic region- A detailed review of patents issued for biosimilars by different assignee categories- Impact analysis of COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of biosimilars market as compared to overall pharmaceuticals industry with respect to clinical trials/approvals- Company profiles of the major market players, including Amgen Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, Cipla Ltd., Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Lupin Ltd., Pfizer Inc. and Zydus CadilaSummaryBiosimilars or follow-on biologics have attracted many biopharmaceutical companies and new entitiesto enter this market.The huge economic potential boosted by billions of dollars of market revenues of branded biologics has lured these developers.Further, the massive cost savings from the use of biosimilar drugs in the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases have also motivated the healthcare systems, payers and regulatory agencies to approve and adopt these drugs.In the last five years, the market for biosimilars has changed in many ways. Particularly, in the U.S., the first approval came only in 2015, and the market has since grown to include more than 30 biosimilar drugs. Inclusion of insulin and other drugs in the biological pathway has paved the way for new biosimilar entries in this market. A rise in competition due to multiple products has also worked in the industrys favor, allowing price reduction at launches (close to 57% for Amgens Avsola, infliximab biosimilar), making the drugs available to much-needed populations. The developed markets have also seen increased adoption of biosimilars driven by growth in physician and payer education, inclusion ofbiosimilars in preferred drug lists, and increases in coverage, in general. It was however noted that the adoption of biosimilar drugs has been variable with respect to different drug classes. Filgrastim biosimilars have witnessed extraordinary growth with a market share reaching almost REDACTED, compared to infliximab biosimilars that have captured only REDACTED market share in the U.S. until 2020. A number of factors are responsible for this disparity, including the type of diseases covered by the drug, branded drug manufacturer tactics, patent scenario and stakeholder awareness, among others.As the market for biosimilar drugs matures, there is a shift in the drug pipelines of most of the biosimilar developers. While some biosimilar drugs from the second wave of biosimilars, such as adalimumab and etanercept, are awaiting approval in the U.S. due to patent litigations and settlements with the originator drug manufacturers, many new drugs considered as third-wave biosimilars (patent expirations on or after 2020) are now in Phase III clinical studies. Some popular drugs in this category are Prolia, Stelara, Eylea and Lucentis.A continuing trend in the global biosimilars space has been collaborations and partnerships with local and multi-national companies.Leading developers have inked strategic commercialization and marketing arrangements with domestic companies to enable market approvals and commercialization in those territories.Technical capabilities, manufacturing expertise, regulatory knowledge and vast experience in generics markets are some of the drivers of these partnerships.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p0919318/?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 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. Child care remains an issue for working mothers, and it was a major theme of the round table on Thursday. Nearly 400,000 child care jobs have been lost since the outset of the pandemic, Ms. Harris said. The closings of small businesses and the loss of millions of jobs have created the perfect storm for women, particularly for Black business owners, she added. The longer we wait to act, she said, the harder it will be to bring these millions of women back into the work force. The administrations relief proposal would provide some $130 billion to assist in the reopening of K-12 schools, a major component of child care. But how and when to do so and how to explain the decision-making to Americans has proved to be a stumbling point for the president and his advisers. President Biden has promised to reopen as many schools as possible in the first 100 days of his administration, a pledge that has been questioned by teachers unions that want to be assured of safety measures before schools reopen. On Thursday, Ms. Harris kept her remarks on schools limited, saying the plan would provide funding to help schools safely reopen. Ms. Harris said in an appearance on the Today show on Wednesday that teachers should be a priority to receive vaccinations. Several representatives from womens advocacy groups participated in the call with Ms. Harris, including Fatima Goss Graves, the president of the National Womens Law Center. She said that the vice president did not go into granular detail about school reopenings but that the group stressed other topics, including the importance of direct payments to struggling families. People are barely keeping it together right now, Ms. Goss Graves said. I was gratified to hear that she understood and spoke with urgency around getting this investment done. As the pandemic drags on, the statistics for women are indeed bleak. A report published last year by researchers at the University of Arkansas and the Center for Economic and Social Research at the University of Southern California found that female employment began plummeting almost immediately once the coronavirus took hold last spring. Since then, the researchers found, women have shouldered a heavier load than men when it came to providing child care. Non-college educated women and women of color have been disproportionately affected. Another report, published in the fall by the Brookings Institution, showed that nearly half of all working women have low-paying jobs. Those jobs are more likely to be held by Black or Latina women, and they are in sectors, such as dining and travel, that are among the least likely to return soon to a degree of normalcy. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size With Facebook blocking all news pages and links from its Australian service, some people will be weighing up how theyll continue to use the social media platform. Facebook is ubiquitous, and for many of us serves as a link to our friends, family, events, photos and memories. After Facebooks snap decision on Thursday to block Australians from seeing news articles on its platform, some users began experimenting with loopholes to continuing sharing news, even resorting to breaking up the text in creative ways or using pictures of cats when posting news stories, to throw Facebook off the scent. But in the hours since, those loopholes appear to have been closed. Is the lack of news a deal-breaker for your use of Facebook? If so, how will you go about deleting your account and what are the consequences? And are there good alternatives for services that serve news to you? Credit: How will I get my news? If you previously relied mostly on Facebook for news its time to find an alternative, and the service(s) you choose will depend on how you like to consume your content. If youre moving to a new social media network, Twitter is an obvious choice. On Twitter, as with Facebook, you get to pick your friends, companies, personalities and outlets, and see their updates in a feed. A lot of news outlets post the same stories to Facebook and Twitter, and may even be more active on the latter now Facebook is out. One advantage of Twitter is you can follow a wide variety of news without crowding your feed too much. For example, you can save curated lists of people and outlets, say, by topic or friend group, to keep things separated. Or you can save specific searches so youre always up to date on a specific topic or hashtag (those little phrases starting with # that people use to categorise comments, like #auspol for Australian politics). Advertisement You could also try Reddit or Discord, if youre more into discussing the news with a like-minded community. If youre sticking with Facebook to keep up with friends, you might just want a straight news service or aggregator to get the latest headlines. Google News is available on every type of device and is good for either skimming the headlines or diving deep into a topic. It has curated top stories, suggestions based on your tastes, and you can save favourite sources and topics to a custom feed. On mobile phones, a News Showcase feature lets you read some usually paywalled stories for free. Apple News is similar if you solely use Apple devices, though its premium offering Apple News+ is more curated and you need to pay for it. Loading For a more DIY option you can collect things called RSS Feeds, which show you every article published on a given website, but they can be messy. Some more advanced RSS reading services, like Feedly, make it easier to create your own news service. Finally, you can always go directly to the outlets you like. Bookmark the topic pages on websites youre interested in, or many news outlets also offer newsletters, podcasts and apps to make accessing news more convenient. What happens to my photos and posts if I delete Facebook? If youve been on the social network for years you might wonder what the repercussions would be if you deleted that app and nuked your account. And the truth is, depending on how youve used it, there can be consequences. Advertisement Completely deleting your Facebook account will delete all the posts and photos youve shared on the service, and remove you from conversations and posts on other peoples Facebook feeds. You will no longer be able to use Facebook Messenger or access any conversations you had there. If you used Facebook to sign up to other services, such as Spotify or Instagram, you may find it difficult to access them once your account is deleted. Facebook hardware products, such as Portal smart displays and Oculus VR (virtual reality) headsets, require a Facebook account for most functions. In the case of Oculus, you could lose any games you paid for if you delete Facebook. Loading After 30 days your Facebook account data becomes unrecoverable, although Facebook says it may take 90 days until all your data is gone from its servers. So how do I do it without losing all my stuff? For a less nuclear option you can deactivate your account; in which case the company keeps your data and you can still use Messenger. Other apps and websites can still log you in with Facebook, and you can reinstate your account in the future. So if youre removing yourself from Facebook, you first have to decide whether youd like the option to come back later. If you do, you should choose a deactivation. If not, you want a deletion. Either way you will go to the same place. Advertisement How do you delete or deactivate a Facebook account? On a computer: Log in to Facebook and hit the triangle at the top right of the page. Click on Settings and Privacy, and then Settings. Click on Your Facebook Information, and then Deactivation or Deletion. On the mobile app: Tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom (iPhone) or top (Android) right of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, and then Settings. Scroll down and tap Account Ownership and Control, then Deactivation and Deletion. See below for how to recoup your old posts, including photos. Deactivation is as simple as entering your password and confirming a few times, but if youre deleting your account and want to keep your stuff there are a few loose ends to tie up first. When leaving Facebook, you have a choice of a deactivation where Facebook keeps all your data, or a total deletion that locks you out for good. Facebook can send your photos and videos directly to another service, such as Dropbox or Google Photos. Or, alternatively, you can download and store any or all information from your Facebook account. This can take some time if you want to keep everything, as it might include years of posts, photos, videos, comments, messages, event details and group discussions, marketplace listings, location information and advertising data. To do either of these things, follow the steps above but at step three choose Transfer a Copy of Your Photos, or Download Your Information. Loading How do you access Instagram if youve ditched Facebook? Next, youll want to make sure you can still access other services. You can keep using Instagram after a Facebook deletion but you may need to make some changes. Before deleting Facebook go to Instagrams settings, hit Accounts Center, then Logging in Across Accounts, and make sure its turned off. If you originally signed up to Instagram via Facebook, this will prompt you to create a password. Now your Instagram and Facebook accounts are separated but be aware they are the same company and do share your data. Advertisement As for non-Facebook apps and services you used Facebook to sign up for, most will have an option in their settings to choose a different login or unlink from Facebook. If youre unsure if this applies to any services you use, go to Facebooks settings and hit Apps and Websites to see a list of services youve linked to Facebook. What are some other services for sharing photos? Google Photos and Apple iCloud are services you may already be using to back up pics from your phone. But you can also use them to share pictures with others, tag people and make comments. If youre specifically wanting to share photos of the kids you can set up shared folders in Google Photos that do this automatically. Tinybeans is another good app specifically made for sharing photos of kids with family members and friends. Loading If youre deleting Facebook entirely and want a Messenger replacement, Signal is probably closest since its secure and has seamless integration between mobile and web. You could say the same for WhatsApp, but if youre completely expunging Facebook from your life thats a no-go. If you need all the goofy stickers and video chat features, your phones default iMessage or Android Messenger is as good as you may get. Groups and events are the hardest Facebook features to replace, as it can feel like youre going to miss out if youre not on Facebook. But there are alternatives, just make sure you have a phone number and/or active email for each of your friends before you leave. Paperless Post is a good service that lets you create events, send invites and track RSVPs, and you can always create a group chat on your messaging platform of choice. Technology newsletter The top technology stories, gadget releases and gaming reviews delivered every Friday. Sign up here. The Indian diaspora which celebrates its 176th Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago is not an abstract entity, but one that flowers the socio-economic and cultural growth and development of our peoples. It remains a proud moment for all of uspoliticians, sociologists, economists, civic, religious and cultural leadersin world history. 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 invasive Chinese tallow tree found along the South Carolina coast is so aggressive it can turn marsh areas to scrub lands. To help control its spread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed issuing permits to release Asian beetles and moths into the affected environments. The USDA said scientists believe releasing the insects wont have a significant impact on the environment, but the agency has opened its assessment to the public for review and comments through Feb. 22. Tallow is one of the most aggressive and widespread invasive weeds in the southeastern United States, the USDA said. To date, the plant has been reported primarily in 10 states, including South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. The USDA describes tallow as a weed with dark green bark and hairless leaves that could grow as a large shrub or a tree reaching up to 60 feet tall. The plants are often called popcorn trees because when their seedpods open, they resemble a small kernel of popcorn. Its got this foamy white thing around the seed, and anytime those drop in the water, they just float down the stream or creek or whatever, said Dr. David Coyle, a forest health and invasive species professor at Clemson University. This causes the plant to spread easily. Coyle said there is no real value to the plants. They cant be used for lumber or anything like that. But they essentially just take over and crowd out any other plants. So the natives pretty much get pushed out, Coyle said. Because the Chinese tallow is a non-native species, not many insects or birds in the United States are attracted to them. Coyle said the moths and beetles the USDA has proposed to release would not kill the plant. The hope would be that as the population gets high enough, the insects would reduce the growth and seed production of the tallow. Existing options for management of tallow, such as chemical, physical, and mechanical control, provide only temporary solutions that require retreatment and are harmful to non-target species associated with the weed, according to the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency. That is why the non-native insects have been recommended to control the plants. A lot of times, thats how that bio-control works, Coyle said. Youve got to go back to that country of origin to actually find something that eats that plant. Small beetles called Bikasha collaris are being recommended to control the tallow tree. Unlike the Asian longhorned beetles that have infested Charleston County, these insects are not expected to have significant environmental impacts. The timeline for the acceptance or denial of the USDAs proposal is unclear. Folks who want to view the environmental assessment can go to regulations.gov. (Bloomberg) will use his first big presidential moment on the global stage at Friday's Group of Seven meeting of world leaders to announce that the US will soon begin releasing USD 4 billion for an international effort to bolster the purchase and distribution of vaccine to poor nations, White House officials said. Biden will also encourage G-7 partners to make good on their pledges to COVAX, an initiative by the World Health Organization to improve access to vaccines, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview Biden's announcement. Former President Donald Trump declined to participate in the COVAX initiative because of its ties to WHO, the Geneva-based agency that Trump accused of covering up China's missteps in handling the virus at the start of the public health crisis. Trump pulled the U. S. out of the WHO, but Biden moved quickly after his inauguration last month to rejoin and confirmed that the U. S. would contribute to COVAX. The USD 4 billion in U. S. funding was approved by Congress in December and will be distributed through 2022. The U. S. is committed to working through COVAX to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines and funding globally, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday. It remains to be seen how G-7 allies will take Biden's calls for greater international cooperation on vaccine distribution given that the U. S. refused to take part in the initiative under Trump and that there are growing calls for the Biden administration to distribute some U. S.-manufactured vaccine supplies overseas. French President Emmanuel Macron, in an interview Thursday with the Financial Times, called on the U. S. and European nations to allocate up to 5% of current vaccine supplies to developing countries the kind of vaccine diplomacy that China and Russia have begun deploying. And earlier this week, U. N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sharply criticized the wildly uneven and unfair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, noting 10 countries have administered 75% of all vaccinations. Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also raised with Biden the prospect of Canada getting the vaccine from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer's facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, according to a senior Canadian government official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to describe a private conversation. Canada has been getting all its Pfizer doses from a company facility in Puurs, Belgium, and has experienced disruptions in supply. But Biden, who announced last week that the U. S. will have enough supply of the vaccine by the end of the summer to inoculate 300 million people, remains focused for now on making sure every American is inoculated, administration officials say. The president, in his first national security memorandum last month, called for his administration to develop a framework to donate surplus vaccines once there is a sufficient supply in the U. S. The COVAX program has already missed its own goal of beginning vaccinations in poor countries at the same time that shots were rolled out in rich countries. WHO says COVAX needs $5 billion in 2021. Guterres said Wednesday that 130 countries have not received a single dose of the vaccine and declared that at this critical moment, vaccine equity is the biggest moral test before the global community. The Group of Seven industrialized nations are the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, France, Canada and Italy. Friday's meeting of the G-7, the first of Biden's presidency, is being held virtually. In addition to discussing vaccine distribution, Biden also plans to use the meeting to discuss G-7 countries' collective competitiveness and economic challenges posed by China, according to the White House. Biden is also scheduled to deliver a virtual address to the Munich Security Conference on Friday before traveling to Michigan to visit Pfizer's vaccine manufacturing facility. (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 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. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has raised hopes international borders could reopen once coronavirus vaccinations have been widely delivered. Jabs will start on Monday as the nation pins its hopes on vaccines forging a path out of the pandemic nightmare. The government is aiming for the rollout to be completed in October, sparking hopes of a return to normal life later in the year. Asked if Australia could reopen to the world when immunisations are widespread, Mr Morrison said it was 'very possible'. Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured above) has raised hopes international borders could reopen once coronavirus vaccinations have been widely delivered across Australia 'But I've never got ahead of myself on this,' he said. Mr Morrison flagged significant changes to restrictions after jabs are delivered as evidence emerges about the success of programs overseas. The prime minister said vaccines were likely to change coronavirus risks which could lead premiers to abandon snap lockdowns. 'You only use a tool for as long as you need that tool,' Mr Morrison said. 'If you don't need the tool anymore, you put it back in the box. We are getting to that point.' Hotel quarantine, border and frontline health workers will start receiving vaccinations next week but it won't be mandatory. Mr Morrison said federal and state health officers were monitoring whether to make vaccinations compulsory for some workers. 'Should that be necessary, we would seek to do that on a nationally consistent basis exercised through consistent public health orders,' he said. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd is adamant authorities will be able to roll out the program despite enormous logistical challenges. A flying squad of 500 nurse immunisers will be dispatched around the nation to vaccinate aged care and disability residents who are in the initial phase. Hubs at major hospitals will also be ground zero for the Pfizer drug, which is first cab off the rank. As the program expands, the extensive network of general practices and pharmacies will join the effort. 'This is the largest mass immunisation program we've ever had in Australia,' Professor Kidd said. Vaccinations for coronavirus in Australia won't be mandatory, sparking fears many will opt out of the jab International borders could see reopen, opening the door for overseas travel to restart (stock image) 'But Australia, of course, has been doing incredibly well at so many levels throughout this pandemic and we do expect to be able to roll out the vaccine.' He said Australia would be 'up there' with nations like the UK and the US in achieving fast vaccine rollouts. The government is facing increased hesitancy about coronavirus vaccines despite major advertising campaigns. An Australian National University survey of more than 3500 people found a significant decline in the number of people likely to receive a vaccine. In January, about 20 per cent said they probably or definitely would not get a coronavirus jab once a safe and effective shot was available. That's up from 12 per cent in August. The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that in December, 73 per cent of people agreed or strongly agreed they would get a coronavirus vaccine. Mr Morrison said plans were in place to reassure, calm and encourage people about vaccinations. This piece is adapted from the Tow Center for Digital Journalisms weekly newsletter. Sarah Stonbely, PhD, is the research director of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University. This week, in collaboration with the Tow Center, shes publishing a report on the state of local news provision in New Jersey. From her research, Stonbely argues that studying the local news crisis is best done by looking at local news provision, or the actual coverage areas of a local news organization. By analyzing New Jersey from the municipal level, Stonbely and her research team were able to create a more nuanced map of where news is coming from in the state, and where it may be overlooked. They also integrated municipal-level median household income, tax-spending data, and population demographics to better understand who was receiving or else missing out on local news. Stonbely spoke with the Tow Center about the study and its implications for the future of local news funding, resourcing, and coverage. What inspired this project? Stonbely: My work at the Center for Cooperative Media is focused on whats happening on the ground in local media. But its also happening in this moment of intense change in the local journalism industry. Our research agenda was really to get a handle on what is happening in the local journalism field in New Jersey, but we didnt have data on the number of outlets at the municipal level. And when we looked around, no one had this data. So there was a real need. Penny Abernathy has mapped the county level, and that works for states that are less densely populated. New Jersey has acted as a sort of test kitchen or a Petri dish for a lot of the funding thats gone into local journalism innovation. But even before the Center really became what it is now, there was money going into local journalism trying to innovate the model. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Why is it important to zoom in on the municipal level in a place thats as populous as New Jersey? And could the zoomed in model be applied in a less dense place? Stonbely: Life is really lived at the municipal level in a place as dense as New Jersey and elsewhere. Because of the way that the local government is structured, the decisions around taxes and public services are made at that level. Some decisions are made at the county level, but theres so much variance across counties. For example, were in Essex County, which includes Montclair, which is very affluent, sort of feels very progressive in certain ways. And then theres Newark, which is much less affluent, and has a lot of problems around policing. These are very different types of communities, but theyre both within the same county. So to generalize Essex County just doesnt work. We wanted this to be a pilot that we could apply elsewhere. Im really curious about how its going to map onto a place where the county and the municipality dont mean the same thing. A lot of states dont even use municipality. The report is data-driven, but, you also crafted a logical narrative alongside that data. Was there any reporting or on-the-ground research with these organizations? Stonbely: No. This phase of the project was entirely data-driven. The larger project, which is multi-phased, will include interviews, especially with the news conglomerates that weve identified. There are dozens of local conglomerates in New Jersey, and thats fascinating. Were also going to talk to audience members because you can talk all you want about local news, but who knows whos actually paying attention? The benefits of using the data that we did is that you can look at this wider landscape and do statistical comparison, which is really difficult to do with more qualitative data. The drawback, of course, is that you lose some of the nuance or specificity. But really the goal was to have that birds eye view and then, in subsequent phases, to dive in and dig down with those qualitative methods. How did you conclude that municipal spending and median household income were the most important factors when analyzing local news coverage and reach? Stonbely: I think one of the most intuitive structural correlates for local news provision is the affluence of a community. We looked at 565 different municipalities, and sure enough, the affluence of a community was statistically correlated with the number of outlets. That has a lot of implications, especially when local journalism is looking for new business models, a lot of which are audience-revenue driven. You cant really count on communities that dont have excess wealth to be able to put money into news outlets, right? So the importance of promoting different policieslike giving consumers credits if they want to become subscribers, which will then be reimbursed by the government, local or otherwiseis clear. A lot of these new business models have been premised on the idea that, okay, audiences can just step up. But in some of these communities, thats probably not really realistic. In terms of municipal spending, the idea is that communities [in New Jersey] are spending all of these tax dollars, but no one is reporting on it locally. No ones attending the meetings where theyre discussing how to spend the money. In our research, we found that in 2016, New Jersey municipalities spent over $15 billion. Half of those same municipalities were only covered by zero to two outlets per capita. Corruption is a huge problem, and no ones reporting on it. And certainly there are exceptions of great local reporting being done, but I think the findings jumped out to me because once I sort of did the math [on tax dollars being spent], I was like, Whoa. But an important methodological note: the numbers were weighted by population, which is certainly common among economists because it can make a huge difference. So if you think about just using raw numbers, it would be the equivalent of saying Big Sky, Montana, has 10 local news outlets and Newark has 10 local news outlets, therefore they have the same amount of news coverage. But theres no equivalence there because of population density. Theres also more money being spent in Newark. You concluded that the local news crisis is perhaps not as dire as we think because a lot of research doesnt weigh coverage against population. Stonbely: Im way more optimistic about the local news situation than a lot of other people who write about it because of exactly thatthe weighing of population. I think there were only four municipalities in all of New Jersey out of 565 that had zero outlets. So very few true deserts. Twenty-nine municipalities had zero to one. Now, there are a lot of caveats to all of this because our analysis was complicated. Using coverage area instead of raw number of outlets or geographic location of the outlet was one of the innovations of the method. Now the second methodological note I want to make is about local news originators. The number that I used for all of the statistical analysis, in addition to being weighted, was also only focused on the local news originators, of which there were 565. That is the same number of municipalities, which is horribly confusing and inconvenient. But thats just the way it is. So this does not count most of the radio stations other than the public radio stations, which have their own newsrooms. So the raw total number of local news providers serving New Jersey is 779. But a lot of studies have found that some providers, especially in broadcast television and the radio, are not going to be the originators of the news. With that, its going to be the local newspaper who goes out, sends the reporters to the municipal town meetings, sends the reporters to talk to the school district, all of that local news gathering. And then the TV or the radio station will essentially read the story, and just rewrite it into a much shorter blurb, which theyll then read on the air or on TV. So I chose to focus on news originators because I didnt want to artificially inflate the number of outlets, because not all of them are producing the news. What do you anticipate from the next phase of research [which is a content analysis]? Stonbely: Without looking at any of my data, which is still being gathered and scraped, Im anticipating that its going to be a much less rosy picture, actually. If youre basing things on self-reported coverage areas, an outlet has a lot of incentives to say they cover more towns than they actually do because theyre usually giving that information to advertisers. So I really anticipate its going to be a much more desert-y type of landscape. With your findings in mind, do you think we need to take a different approach to ongoing legislation regarding local journalism? Stonbely: I hope that this research can influence policy around local journalism funding. We were able to give this research directly to the board members of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, which is really exciting. If we could have any impact on directing money toward municipalities, I think it really helps the roadmap toward more equitable local news coverage. If you can say, Okay, in general, affluent communities dont need as much funding or help or additional outlets because theyre having more audience revenue, lets really try to direct money toward underfunded communities, or undercovered communities, or where the Hispanic population is a certain percentage. That very specific roadmap is my ultimate hope. Do you think there are any implications or recommendations from your research that can be directed toward journalists or editors? Stonbely: I think that any outlets that have discontinued looking at municipal spending might think about bringing that back. In general, I think journalists are just doing the best they can. And in many cases, theyre doing a great job. But other research has found that even just the presence of municipal spending coverage acts as a check on malfeasance. So looking around at the community and seeing whats not being covered, paying attention to municipal meetings and things like that. Is there any element or part of this that you would do differently? Stonbely: Oh boy. Well, from the very beginning when we were building our initial lists and database, I probably would have kept track of more variables about the outlets: ownership, whether an outlet is owned by a conglomerate or not, stuff like that. I didnt talk about that in this paper. Theres also a lot of stuff about the makeup of the newsroom in terms of race and gender that I wish we had. I talk a lot about the importance of mapping by coverage area, but I think knowing where the outlet is actually based and comparing that mightve been useful as well. We do have a little bit of data about the languages that news is published in, and were now going back and filling in some of those holes. Im really happy with all of the data we gathered, the structural correlates, and all that sort of stuff. But you always want more. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Sara Sheridan For anyone looking for evidence that boasts about America First and the need for America to go-it-alone are over, President Bidens speech to the Munich Security Conference was meant as an opening argument. America is back, the trans-Atlantic alliance is back, Mr. Biden declared. Trying to expunge the last four years without ever once naming his predecessor, Donald J. Trump, Mr. Biden said we are not looking backward. And then he went on to offer a 15-minute ode to the power of alliances. He talked about an America that was itself overcoming challenges to the democratic experiment. We have to prove that our model isnt a relic of history, he said, a clear reference to the critique that China and Russia have been helping to push. We must demonstrate that democracies can still deliver for our people in this changed world. That is our galvanizing mission. Democracy doesnt happen by accident. We have to defend it. Strengthen it. Renew it. Mayor Sylvester Turner said his office has heard from the White House during this weeks winter freeze, but Gov. Greg Abbott has not reached out at all. The mayor first raised the lack of communication in an interview Friday morning with MSNBC, telling Stephanie Ruhle he had not heard from the governors office as millions went without power and water this week. I have not talked to the governor at any time during this crisis, Turner said. I have not talked to the governor, but were pushing forward. At a press conference later Friday morning, Turner said the state has sent National Guard troops to help staff a warming center at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Texas Department of Transportation also has been very, very helpful, the mayor said. Between TxDOT and the National Guard, they have provided some assistance, Turner said. Asked whether he or his staff has reached out to Abbott, Turner said: I have been very laser-focused on dealing with the situation right here in the city of Houston. The White House has reached out to me several times, and weve had those communications. The governors office did not respond to a request for comment. Turner, a Democrat, said his staff notified him that President Joe Biden plans to sign a disaster declaration for Texas, which could free up relief money for those affected by the storm. Turner said he has been working with other mayors to send a letter to the federal government asking them to reimburse residents damages as much as possible. The Biden administration has reached out several times, according to the mayor, and has sent bottled water to the state. The White House has been very, very encouraging, Turner said. Theyve also inquired about things that can be done to not be in this situation again. The state and the city have been at odds several times in recent years. They have sparred about a partial state takeover of the citys Hurricane Harvey recovery program, property taxes and a new law that stripped millions in telecommunication and cable fees from the city budget, among other disputes. Likewise, Turner and Abbott have butted heads several times over the years, most notably trading barbs over the pace of Harvey repairs. Turner served in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years before being elected mayor in 2015. Staff writer Jasper Scherer contributed to this report. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com Advertisement More than 80 skeletons found in a mass grave in the Dutch city of Vianen have been identified as British soldiers aged between 15 and 30 who died fighting French revolutionaries during the War of the First Coalition. The grave was first found by city workers excavating a moat that once surrounded Batestein Castle, on the outskirts of Utrecht, on 20th November last year. It was previously thought the site was some kind of battlefield and that the 81 skeletons could have dated back to medieval times. However, new research has shown the remains in fact belong to British soldiers who died fighting in the War of the First Coalition between 1792 and 1797, and the site is more likely to have been a field hospital. A mass grave containing the remains of 81 men aged between 15 and 30 has been revealed as the site of a British field hospital that was used during the War of the First Coalition, which lasted from 1792 until 1797 The site was discovered by city workers excavating the disused moat of the now-destroyed Batestein Castle, and was initially thought to mark the location of a medieval battle But researchers found the teeth of the skeletons were marked with tobacco, a substance that was not widely available to Europeans until the 1690s, meaning the grave could not be older than that Marks on the bones that researchers initially thought to be caused by saws or spears in fact turned out to be made using surgical saws, and they now believe the site was actually a British field hospital Teams working at the site now think the remains are of British soldiers who died fighting French Revolutionaries during the War of the First Coalition, a precursor to the Napoleonic Wars Marks found on many bones at the site were previously believed to have been the result of violent clashes - possibly wounds caused by swords or spears. Now, researchers say the marks were made by medical saws and were actually the result of medical procedures such as amputations and autopsies carried out on the recently-deceased. However, it is now known that in many cases they were saw marks, the result of medical procedures such as autopsies and amputations. The team working on the project has concluded that the site was a field hospital. Project leader Anne-Floor van Pelt said: 'The site was therefore not the battlefield itself, but a place further away where the wounded from the fray were received and treated. 'It would not have been a nice place. We think that many soldiers here died from their wounds, but also from all kinds of hardships such as hunger, disease and frostbite.' Researchers believe those who died at the site are most likely to have died from wounds they received in battle, but that some may also have died from frostbite, disease and hunger The War of the First Coalition was a series of conflicts fought against the constitutional Kingdom of France and later the French Republic against various European powers including the British, who were trying to force the revolution to collapse The site was first uncovered in November last year when it was thought it could date back to medieval times, but researchers now believe it is around 220 years old British troops were involved in fighting French revolutionaries on Dutch soil as the borders of France shifted amid competing power grabs following the country's revolution Dutch researchers are now working alongside British counterparts to excavate and preserve the remains of the dead The remains are believed to belong to English soldiers battling the French on Dutch territory. The British authorities have been informed of the find and will collaborate with researchers on the project in the hope of revealing more details. According to Van Pelt, the breakthrough came when marks were found on the victims' teeth. She said: 'They showed that the men smoked pipes. Pipe tobacco only appeared in the Netherlands from around 1600. 'Tobacco was an expensive stimulant, so initially only the rich smoked pipes. It only became common among the population from 1690. For that reason, the grave cannot be older.' A search of digitised newspaper archives has revealed that the establishment of a field hospital was discussed in the 'Amsterdamse Courant' on 28th December 1794. British ambassador to the Netherlands Joanna Roper wrote on Twitter: 'An extraordinary find - the remains of 18th century soldiers on Dutch soil. Glad to see (the UK) & (the Netherlands) working together to identify and preserve them with dignity and respect.' Firefighters called whats know as a Mayday for missing firefighters, when there was a flashover in the building, in which the contents in the structure catches fire all at once, said Fire Department District Chief Steven Clay, in a televised news conference at the scene as crews were still battling to contain the fire about 9:30 a.m. Five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in last year's Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh with the Indian Army , Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) officially acknowledged for the first time on Friday. Five Chinese frontier officers and soldiers stationed in the Karakoram Mountains have been recognised by the Central Military Commission of China (CMC) for their sacrifice in the border confrontation with India, which occurred in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, the PLA Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese military reported on Friday. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot Those killed included Qi Fabao, the regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command, state-un Global Times quoted PLA Daily report as saying. A total of 20 Indian soldiers died in the Galwan Valley clash, regarded as the worst in over four decades at the India-China border. The admission of the casualties by the PLA coincides with the disengagement of troops by both sides at the North and South banks of the Pangong Lake, the most contentious part of the standoff which began in May last year. Sources in the defence and security establishment said the disengagement process is gathering pace, and the entire exercise is expected to be concluded by the end of the week. In the last few days, both sides removed several bunkers, temporary posts and other structures in the areas while gradually thinning down their troops, they said. The sources said field commanders of both the sides are meeting almost on a daily basis to take forward the disengagement process which was finalised following nine rounds of high-level military talks. After nine months of border standoff in eastern Ladakh, the two armies have reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to cease forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. By Park Jae-hyuk Public pension funds in Korea have enraged domestic retail investors because of their record-long selling spree on the benchmark KOSPI, which is claimed to be one of the main reasons for the recent bearish market. Such a negative sentiment has sparked an unprecedented inspection by the financial watchdog on their recent stock trading records. According to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), Friday, its securities market team asked major asset management companies entrusted with assets from the National Pension Service (NPS), the Government Employees Pension Service, the Teachers' Pension and the Postal Savings & Insurance to submit data on their transactions of local stocks since last November. The FSS said it made the request this week to better monitor market trends. Data compiled by the Korea Exchange showed the four and other pension funds here have continued net selling of stocks on the KOSPI over the past 37 trading sessions since Dec. 24. They collectively unloaded stocks worth over 12 trillion won ($10 billion). Individual investors have complained about this trend, since the KOSPI had remained sluggish between 3,000 and 3,100 points over the past few weeks, after peaking at 3,200 point earlier last month. "The Board of Audit and Inspection should start an audit during the first half to crack down on the reckless management of assets by pension funds and asset management firms," said Chung Eui-jung, head of the Korea Stockholders Alliance comprised of over 40,000 retail investors here. Pension funds and asset managers, however, expressed concern over possible damage to their independence, although the FSS emphasized the data submission was not compulsory. According to industry sources, the NPS refused to submit its data. The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) on Friday issued a framework for operating leases to make GIFT City in Gujarat a hub for such business. To promote such business, Finance Minister earlier this month in her Budget proposed tax exemption for leasing companies operating out of the first IFSC in the country -- the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar. "I propose to include, among others, tax holiday for capital gains for leasing companies, tax exemption for aircraft lease rentals paid to foreign lessors... located in IFSC," the minister had said in her Budget speech. The Government of India, on the recommendation of (IFSCA), on October 16, 2020 had notified aircraft lease norms, an official statement said. Towards this end, IFSCA had issued a consultation paper on Draft Aircraft Leasing Regulations on December 16, 2020, it said. "Based on the interest shown by various participants and the feedback of various stakeholders received, a 'Framework for Aircraft Operating Leases' has been issued by IFSCA today. This will enable the aircraft operating lease business in IFSCs in India, the projected market size of which is more than USD 50 Billion," it said. The IFSCA was established on April 27, 2020 with its head office in Gandhinagar. In December 2019, Parliament passed a bill to set up a unified authority for regulating all financial activities at IFSCs in the country. (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.) * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Pakistan will receive 2.8 million doses of Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine on March 2 from the international vaccine alliance, COVAX, Health Minister Faisal Sultan has said as the country announced the launch of a vaccination programme for citizens aged over 65. Pakistan this month started the anti-coronavirus vaccination drive with 500,000 doses of Sinopharm's vaccine donated by its ally China. The country said it will launch the vaccination programme for citizens aged over 65 in the first week of next month. Sultan said that COVAX would provide 2.8 million doses of Oxford AstraZeneca on March 2, enabling the vaccination of older people. He said Pakistan was among those 65 countries where vaccination has begun while the process could not be started in 110 countries. He said so far 52,000 health workers have been vaccinated. "Age group of over 65 years is being given priority because the majority of deaths, out of 12,488 till date, have been reported in this age group," he said. Meanwhile, another 1,245 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the country on Friday, bringing the country's total infection count to 568,506. The country also reported 40 patients more deaths, taking the death toll to 12,527. Also read: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine faces resistance in Europe after health workers suffer side-effects Some of the delayed shipments also contain second doses that people are recommended to receive within a certain window, but Arwady said the vaccine will still be effective if people have to wait. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work even if people get the second injection up to six weeks after the first one. The CDC guidance, however, is a 21-day interval for Pfizer and 28 days for Moderna. Democrats introduced on Thursday a comprehensive immigration reform bill that wants to allow more permanent immigrant status or green cards for professional Indians, who have the longest wait for immigration, and cut their wait times. The bill introduced by Senator Bob Menendez and House of Representatives member Linda Sanchez seeks to remove the annual limits on green cards for each country, a measure that would allow more immigration from India. The bill also tries to help children of those on H1-B professional employment visas who would have become ineligible for green cards if they reach 21 years before their parents qualify for immigration. They would be allowed to continue with H1-B visas. Under current regulations, the children lose their right to remain in the US when they turn 21 years if their parents are still waiting for green cards. Spouses of H1-B workers would also be allowed to work, a provision that former President Donald Trump tried to revoke. Sanchez said in a statement that the reforms would grow "our economy by making changes to the employment-based immigration system, eliminating per-country caps, making it easier for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) advanced degree holders from US universities to stay, improving access to green cards for workers in lower-wage industries, and giving dependents of H-1B holders work authorisation, and preventing children of H-1B holders from aging out of the system". It would also "create a pilot program to stimulate regional economic development and (it) incentivises higher wages for non-immigrant, high-skilled visas to prevent unfair competition with American workers,a she added. The wage provision would set higher minimum wages for H1-B workers on par with prevailing local wages for comparable jobs. Another category of Indians who would benefit are relatives of immigrants. They would be allowed into the US to join their families while they await their green cards. Introducing the bill, Menendez said, "We have an economic and moral imperative to pass big, bold and inclusive immigration reform that leaves no one behind." The bill will try to fulfill President Joe Biden's election promises on immigration. The main elements that the Menendez-Sanchez bill wants to fulfil are about giving immigrant status to about 850,000 children who were brought to the country illegally and to legalise an estimate 11 million illegal immigrants. The children under the category are known as "Dreamers" for their pursuit of the American Dream. According to one of Biden's manifesto, 500,000 illegal immigrants from Indians and many Dreamers would benefit if the bill passes. Illegal immigrants in the country would have an eight-year process to get citizenship. A similar amnesty during Republican President Ronald Reagan's administration in the 1980s legalised about 3.5 million illegal immigrants. The Menendez-Sanchez bill as it stands has a difficult path to enactments mainly because it would require at least ten Republicans to vote for it in the Senate to get the 60 votes needed to pass. Republicans oppose the bill mainly because while providing an amnesty for illegal immigrants it does not include strict measures to enforce immigration laws. Acknowledging the difficulty in getting the bill through, Menendez said in January that he was under no "illusion" and "passing immigration reform through the Senate particularly is a Herculean task." Biden's Spokesperson Jan Psaki said that the bill was a starting point and could be modified through bipartisan negotiations. "We are willing to have the conversations in the weeks ahead," she said. A way out of the Senate imbroglio would be to break it up and treat some elements of the bill as part of the budget, which would require only a simple majority under what is known as the reconciliation process. Biden appeared to be open to the strategy. According to the State Department, Indians with advanced degrees whose immigration applications were approved in 2009 and skilled workers and professionals whose applications were okayed in 2010 are still waiting for their green cards because each country regardless of size are allowed only 26,000 green cards each year, except for Canada and Mexico. Those wait times are only for those who applications are already approved, and it could run to centuries for those in the immigration queue. Republican Senator Mike Lee has said that the wait times for Indian professionals stuck in the "awful, hellish green card backlog" because their applications are awaiting approval the wait is 195 years and could go up to 450 years in ten years without reforms. According to the think tank Cato Institute 200,000 Indian professionals in the green card pipeline would die of old age before their turn. Because of the country limits and the way the cards allocated across different categories, family members of Indian immigrants also have long waits: Since approval in 2014 for unmarried adult children of citizens; since 2015 for unmarried adult children of green card holders, and since 2005 or siblings of citizens. Previously a bill dealing with only the professionals that would have helped Indians was passed in 2019 in the House, but a matching bill co-sponsored by Kamala Harris, who was then a senator and is now vice president, did not clear the Senate. Last year, a similar bill was passed by the Senate but stalled in the House. 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 seal has been spotted catching its supper in the River Thames despite having fishing hook, line and sinker lodged in its mouth. The aquatic mammal has been swimming near Teddington Lock, South West London, over the past few days. It appeared to have plastic and metallic fishing equipment stuck in its mouth but has still been able to catch and eat fish. A seal has been spotted catching its supper in the River Thames despite having fishing hook, line and sinker lodged in its mouth The aquatic mammal has been swimming near Teddington Lock, South West London, over the past few days The marine creature, which appeared to be a harbour seal, did not appear to be in distress as it swam through the murky waters of the Thames The marine creature, which appeared to be a harbour seal, did not appear to be in distress as it swam through the murky waters of the Thames. Harbour seals often have mottled grey or brown fur, rounded heads with no visible ears, 'V-shaped' nostrils and long whiskers. It appeared to have a lure stuck in its mouth but was still able to scoop up its prey from beneath the surface. A spokeswoman for British Divers Marine Life Rescue told MailOnline: 'The behaviour is pretty normal and lots of seals live in the Thames. 'We have been monitoring the seal in Teddington over the last week and tomorrow we have a team heading over to intervene if necessary as the hook in its mouth may be causing an issue with feeding (this is hard to tell with the seal in the water currently).' It appeared to have plastic and metallic fishing equipment stuck in its mouth but has still been able to catch and eat fish British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the Teddington Lock keeps have been alerted to the seal's arrival Harbour seals often have mottled grey or brown fur, rounded heads with no visible ears, 'V-shaped' nostrils and long whiskers A spokesman also told MailOnline: 'We were made aware of a young seal in the area of Teddington Lock. We understand the seal is feeding well. 'The British Divers Marine Life Rescue are making arrangements to rescue the seal at the weekend.' The Thames Estuary is currently home to two types of seal found in the UK - harbour seals and grey seals - with more than 60 reported sightings in the river this year alone, according to the Zoological Society of London. This latest sighting comes just weeks after a lone seal pup was found on the concrete of the riverbank outside of Syon Park, Isleworth. The RSPCA was alerted to the seal pup's presence at the location but found the seal had moved on by the time they reached the riverbank. The animal charity previously advised that seals are 'often just looking for more food and generally they find their way out to sea again' but added a warning 'not to get close to seals in order to take pictures or even selfies'. The trilateral statement signed by the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the prime minister of the Republic of Armenia and the president of the Russian Federation on November 10, 2020 is a fundamental document which determined to complete military operations and establish peace, security and cooperation in the region, political scientist Shabnam Hasanova writes for Eurasia Review. The statement also reflected clauses on opening all transport communications in the region, owing to which Azerbaijan will have direct overland access to its exclave the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and Turkey via the Meghri transport corridor (which had been used before the conflict in Soviet times) passing through Armenia. Moreover, the tripartite agreement signed by the same parties in Moscow on January 11, 2021, assessed the new reality and focused on future-oriented issues such as establishing economic relations, restoring the infrastructure, energy, residential buildings and social infrastructure. In 1993 Turkey, not only because of being a brotherly country to Azerbaijan, but also its fair approach, closed borders with Armenia due to its invasion policy. This influenced Armenia both politically and economically in a negative way. The day right after the Victory Parade that was held on December 10, 2020 in Baku, Azerbaijan, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a joint press statement and offered a new six-sided platform for peace and cooperation in the region including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Iran and plus Armenia, in case the Armenian leadership draws the right conclusions from the war, and renounces its unfounded claims. Azerbaijan and Turkey demonstrated that they are ready to end the enmity, take peaceful steps and actions in accordance with this. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also declared that if Armenia observes the ceasefire, then relations can be normalized, and this will be for the benefit of Armenia and its people. At this stage Azerbaijans liberation of Karabakh from the Armenian occupation opens a new page not only in the history of two countries, but also in the entire South Caucasus region. As everything was destroyed it is not easy to restore life on the liberated territories, but Azerbaijan has already started to implement all what is necessary. In this direction the concept and master plans of all liberated cities are being prepared by the Azerbaijani government for the development of those zones. As a state Azerbaijan will carry out the main work by itself. At the same time, Azerbaijan opens wide its doors for private investors, as well as for governmental structures to cooperate who will participate in the reconstruction of the liberated areas. Several states and companies are already determined to expand relations with Azerbaijan and contribute to the development of industry in the liberated areas. By making investments, local and foreign investors will be able to secure their business interests and have their say in the long-term supply of Azerbaijan with sources of uninterrupted, cheap, and environmentally friendly energy. When Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif was received by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on January 25, 2021, he said that Iran is also open to cooperation and wants to take active part in the restoration of liberated areas. President Aliyev several times stated that the liberated lands would be a green energy zone. As hydropower plants have the greatest potential in the region Iran and Azerbaijan agreed on cooperation in the field of renewable energy for the construction of Khudaferin and Maiden Tower hydro junctions. Also, due to Italys position during the war, Italian-Azerbaijani relations have further improved. As a result, Italian government and companies will also actively take part in the reconstruction process. On February 3, 2021, when Aliyev received in a video format a delegation led by Chairman Fabrizio Di Amato, of the leading international company Maire Tecnimont Group operating in Azerbaijan for more than seven years, it was stated that they were involved in new projects. On January 27, 2021, Azerbaijans Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met with the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Earle Litzenberger. The ambassador said that US companies are also ready to participate in the restoration of the liberated lands, especially, they are interested in water resources management, road and other infrastructure, cooperation in the field of digital and innovative technologies. On the same day Minister of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said that big, world-famous French companies are represented in Azerbaijan and there are no barriers to the implementation of projects by these companies in the liberated Azerbaijani territories. Under the leadership of Aliyev, Azerbaijan is pursuing a constructive policy and cooperating with countries in the region and around the world on mutually beneficial terms. According to the high-level agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Turkmenistan on January 21, 2021 in Ashgabat on the joint exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources of the Dostlug field in the Caspian Sea. Another robust fact in this direction is that with the completion of Trans Adriatic Pipeline, the last segment of the Southern Gas Corridor, and which for Azerbaijan is a historical achievement. With the construction of this mega project, Azerbaijan once again proved itself as a reliable partner to the involving sides such as government of Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Italy and European Commission, supporting sides, United States and the United Kingdom and leading international financial institutions, World Bank, EBRD, Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Furthermore, transport projects in the region have a special role to play in the long-term development of the region, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of war to zero. In this direction, the new transportation connections are now in the stage of discussion. There will also be a railway connection between Russia and Iran through the territory of Nakhchivan and railway between Turkey and Russia. The railway line from Russia to Armenia may be opened which can only pass through the territory of Azerbaijan. These all are positive tendencies and they demonstrate that not only the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also the peoples of other countries in the region, can benefit from such formats of cooperation. This is all clear evidence that issues in the region can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation. Despite the fact that some political groups in Armenia are calling for the preparation for a new war against Azerbaijan, there are also some politicians who truly assess the new reality and consider that taking part in any of the aforementioned platforms corresponds to Armenias interests. As such, the statement came from Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mger Grigoryan that the restoration of transport links in the region will in itself ensure Armenias security and statement by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that Armenia needs to improve relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan and points of contact with them at a meeting of the countrys Security Council are considered as positive messages. The Turkish-Russian Monitoring Center that opened in Azerbaijans Aghdam district on February 5, 2020 has the responsibility of taking all necessary measures to prevent violations of the ceasefire. Armenia should analyze the consequences of its actions appropriately and recognize that the only way to ensure stability and the well-being of all nations in the region is through peace and cooperation. At a time when the world economy is experiencing great problems in the current pandemic, Azerbaijan plans not only to restore and reconstruct the territories liberated from Armenian occupation, but also to implement the concepts of smart city and smart village with the direct initiative and instructions of President Aliyev. As mentioned, the liberated lands will be a green energy zone. Despite the fact that Armenia has destroyed all hydroelectric power plants, preliminary investigations have already been conducted and the first smart village project will be implemented in ruined village of Aghali, Zangilan district. The project was launched on February 14, 2021 during Aliyevs and First Lady Mehriban Aliyevas visit to Fuzuli, Zangilan, Lachin and Jabrayil districts. The Smart village project will be carried out on five main components such as housing, production, social services, smart agriculture and alternative energy. The energy needs of 200 village houses to be built will be obtained only from alternative energy sources. In the destroyed and looted village of Gulabird, a hydroelectric power station was commissioned in a short period of time. This project is the first power plant in the liberated lands, and other stations will be built in the nearest future. Another special place among the restoration work is related to electricity supply. In this regard, AzerIshig Joint Stock Company has already extended power lines to the city of Shusha. The S.F. mansion that made waves In 1962, developers shipped a Pacific Heights mansion across the bay. It was a bold move to create denser San Francisco housing. There was no sequel. The S.F. mansion that made waves In 1962, developers shipped a Pacific Heights mansion across the bay. It was a bold move to create denser San Francisco housing. There was no sequel. It looked like a surreal scene from a Pixar film, more than three decades before Pixar films existed. A Pacific Heights mansion, chain-sawed into two 85-ton pieces, was rolled through several city blocks and then shipped across the bay on a barge to a new home in Belvedere. It was a refugee of a changing San Francisco, captured in 1962 by Chronicle photographers as it floated away from Coit Tower, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. The story of the Moffitt Mansion is one of spectacle. But its also a bold idea that didnt get a sequel. Developers hoped the cross-water property transfer would be the first of many, replacing single-occupancy mansions with multistory apartments a turn that might be welcomed in San Francisco 2020 by the (non-mansion-dwelling) masses. Instead the journey is a curiosity, documented by dozens of photos, most unpublished until now. The move began on June 24, 1962, and was front-page news the next day. A stately old Pacific Heights mansion joined the flight to the suburbs yesterday, Chronicle reporter Dean St. Dennis wrote. It was cut in two pieces, placed on trucks and trailers, and carried slowly the whole thing took almost 12 hours from 1818 Broadway street to Marina Green. The photos by Bob Campbell show a ring of fascinated onlookers, some hanging out of windows wearing pajamas. City work crews detached power and trolley lines in advance of the glacial crawl, which involved enormous jacks, multiple trucks and men with giant triangular blocks to stop a runaway. The aging house was purchased in 1962 for $3,500, and the move cost more than $13,000, including $9,000 for the house movers and transport on the 285-foot barge. Thieves stole chandeliers, sculpted molding and a marble fireplace hearth from the exposed end of the half-house, so a security team was appointed day and night. Were hoping to come out even, architect Norman Gilroy said at the time. What Im trying to do is show that this type of thing is possible. I hope it will be possible to save other San Francisco homes threatened in the same way. Woody LaBounty, San Francisco Heritages vice president of advocacy and programs, said moving houses is embedded in the citys history. Pretty much from San Franciscos beginning, people moved houses and buildings, LaBounty said. Land is so precious in San Francisco, its a constrained peninsula, and the values have always been so high. There were few places to expand, meaning there were pressures to get rid of a house and build a larger building. That includes the old Palace Hotel, which in 1875 displaced the citys first Catholic church. (The 10-story hotel was destroyed by fire after the 1906 earthquake, but the church has been moved twice, and still exists as Old St. Patricks on Eddy Street.) LaBounty said 5,600 earthquake refugee shacks initially housed in Golden Gate Park were moved across the bay as far south as Santa Cruz. Between the 1930s and 1960s, when city-changing infrastructure projects included the Golden Gate Bridge, Broadway Tunnel and Central Freeway, there were at least three companies in the business of moving houses. S.F. Heritage began in the early 1970s, successfully moving and saving a cluster of Victorian houses. But the dwindling space in Bay Area and increased costs and bureaucratic challenges, have made 21st century house moves relative rarities. Based on stories in The Chronicle archive, most structure moves since the 1980s have been to preserve and relocate historic buildings. Western Neighborhoods Project moved an earthquake house to the San Francisco Zoo. Two homes in downtown San Jose were moved to become part of the San Jose Historical Museum. The Moffitt Mansion movers were dreaming bigger. The mansion was built for $30,000 in 1904 by William Knowles, but had fallen into deep disrepair and was considered for demolition. Gilroy said at the time that elegant homes have no place in San Francisco today, predicting a future with ultra-dense housing. He planned to build a 10-story tower in its place, providing residence for as many as 30 families. And then he hoped to move more San Francisco mansions across the water to Bay Area suburbs. There would be no point in moving them from one apartment-house site to another, Gilroy said. You would just be compounding the error. The 1962 move had other setbacks. Wind and choppy waters made it impossible to load for more than a week, adding to the shipping and security costs. The Chronicles Joe Rosenthal captured a photo of the stranded mansion at night on July 2, with the citys lights twinkling in the distance. July 3, 1962: The Moffitt Mansion in Pacific Heights, top, was chain-sawed in half and placed on a barge. It crossed the San Francisco Bay to its new home in Belvedere, above, where it sits today. July 3, 1962: The Moffitt Mansion in Pacific Heights, top, was chain-sawed in half and placed on a barge. It crossed the San Francisco Bay to its new home in Belvedere, above, where it sits today. Photo: Gordon Peters / The Chronicle Photo: Gordon Peters / The Chronicle Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close S.F. wanted denser housing. So developers shipped a Pac Heights mansion on a barge across the Bay 1 / 9 Back to Gallery It finally crossed the Bay on July 3. Chronicle photographer Gordon Peters circled the barge in another boat, capturing picturesque photos with San Francisco landmarks in the background. Photographer Duke Downey took more photos from an airplane. The house settled at 8 W. Shore Road in Belvedere, and underwent months of extensive renovations. It was listed in early 1963 for $160,000, but lingered on the market. Gilroys plan for a 10-story apartment never came to fruition. It was scaled back to a three-story building, one of the uglier edifices on a block that features a sampling of flats and apartment buildings seemingly placed at random. Now surrounded by trees and blending into the neighborhood, the Moffitt Mansion was most recently listed at $5.495 million in March 2018. According to Realtor.com, the price dropped three times, before selling eight months later for $3.7 million. Gilroys dream never came true. After freeway plans destroyed neighborhoods, and skyscrapers shot up in the 1960s and 1970s with loud protests involving the Transamerica Pyramid the desire of city residents to eliminate smaller structures and build big ones waned. Nathan Gilroy, who would be seen as a progressive hero in the 2020s, never barged another mansion across San Francisco Bay. San Francisco Heritages LaBounty said the lessons of history are still relevant. He encourages San Franciscans to pay attention as they walk around neighborhoods, and to look at old photos to observe what has moved and ask themselves why. I think its what makes history come alive to people, LaBounty said. When they see something thats a little out of place and theres a mystery behind it, that makes history (interesting). I think that gets people to appreciate the present and improve the future. Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub Change of direction: Natwest chief executive Alison Rose Natwest has become the latest bank to bring back its dividend despite setting aside 3.2billion to cover bad loans and recording a 351m loss last year. The lender said it would hand out 3p per share, in a welcome move for pension funds and savers who have been starved of income from the industry after the Bank of England imposed a temporary ban on payouts last year. The dividend will also be welcomed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who is desperate for any money to boost the Treasury's coffers, as the Government will receive 225m of the payout. The taxpayer still owns 62 per cent of Natwest following its 45.5bn bailout during the financial crisis. But the dividend came as chief executive Alison Rose confirmed that the bank would be pulling out of the Republic of Ireland, where it operates under the Ulster Bank brand, selling its loan book in the country. It is the second major shake-up from Rose, coming just a year after she announced dramatic plans to slash the size of Natwest's investment bank and change the group's name from Royal Bank of Scotland. Dan Lane, a senior analyst at fintech firm Freetrade, said: 'Alison Rose is making a name for herself as a no-nonsense leader, keeping the core business healthy by adding to its core business and chopping off the gangrenous limbs. 'That ruthless streak will serve her well in a year that's likely to be even harder than the last.' Rose, who became the first woman to ever lead a major British bank when she was appointed in 2019, said Natwest was already in talks to sell off parts of the Irish business to Allied Irish Bank and Permanent TSB. She added that it was offloading the division because it 'will not be able to generate sustainable long-term returns for our shareholders'. But the news sparked concern among trade unions. Unite's national officer for finance, Rob MacGregor, said: 'Natwest has declared its intention to exit the Republic of Ireland and so wind down Ulster Bank, leaving 3,000 workers unsure of their futures. 'It is a matter of deep concern not just for the staff, but the bank's customers, given that Ulster Bank has roots stretching back to the 1830s.' Unite has written to Rose asking her to postpone all job losses until the full impact of the pandemic on the business had been evaluated. The 351million loss meant Natwest cut its bonus pool to the lowest level since the financial crisis. Bankers will share out 206million, down a third from a year earlier. Since Rose took over at RBS as Natwest was known until last year she has been trying to cut costs at the beleaguered bank and boost its share price to allow the Government to finally sell its stake. The Treasury is likely to lose billions of pounds on the 2008 bailout. Rose has been slimming down the bloated investment bank, and is pushing more customers online to allow Natwest to cut its branch network as she wants to shave down costs by 4 per cent each year. Bonus pool: The 351million loss meant Natwest cut its bonus pool to the lowest level since the financial crisis She said: 'Our branch network is incredibly important to us, and it's been a real lifeline to customers particularly during Covid. 'But what we have seen is an acceleration in customer behaviour in terms of use of digital. 'So we'll keep our network under review on a regular basis, but we will be guided by our customer behaviour.' From next year until 2023, Natwest has pledged to distribute at least 800m to shareholders. Natwest shares shot up 5.2 per cent, or 8.85p, to 180.15p yesterday. OTTAWA - The Trudeau government is moving to repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug offences and some gun-related crimes, saying they do not make Canadians safer and unfairly affect Indigenous and Black offenders. Minister of Justice David Lametti responds to a question during a news conference about training for judges Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 in Ottawa. The Trudeau government has tabled legislation to repeal mandatory-minimum penalties for certain drug offences, saying they do not deter crime and unfairly affect Indigenous and Black offenders.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - The Trudeau government is moving to repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug offences and some gun-related crimes, saying they do not make Canadians safer and unfairly affect Indigenous and Black offenders. Legislation introduced Thursday would also allow for greater use of conditional sentences, such as house arrest, counselling or treatment, for people who do not pose a threat to public safety. In addition, it would require police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures for cases of simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to addiction-treatment programs. The office of Justice Minister David Lametti says serious criminals deserve to be punished and kept away from communities. But it says too many lower-risk and first-time offenders, including a disproportionate number of Indigenous and Black people, are being locked away due to policies that are proven not to deter crime. The legislation is one of several measures the federal Liberals have promised to address systemic racism in the justice system. The bill would give judges more discretion in sentencing, rather than the mandatory minimum sentences ushered in by Stephen Harper's previous Conservative government as part of its tough-on-crime agenda. Under the Criminal Code, an offence punishable by a mandatory minimum penalty requires that the judge impose a sentence equal to or greater than the minimum term for that offence, even in cases where imprisonment is not appropriate. Mandatory minimums have been widely criticized for exacerbating the disproportionate number of Black and Indigenous people who wind up jail. Lametti told a news conference Thursday the planned measures would turn the page on an approach that has not worked. "It was an approach that did not make our communities safer. It did not deter criminals. It did not make the justice system more effective or more fair," he said. "Its singular accomplishment has been to incarcerate too many Indigenous people, too many Black people and too many marginalized Canadians." Indigenous adults are five per cent of the Canadian population but 30 per cent of admissions to federal custody. Black adults comprise three per cent of the population but 7.2 per cent of federal offenders. The proposed changes would repeal mandatory minimums for 14 of the 67 offences for which minimums apply under the Criminal Code. Mandatory minimums for all six of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offences punishable by minimum sentences would be scrapped. Lametti's predecessor in the justice portfolio, Jody Wilson-Raybould, was tasked with reviewing mandatory minimum sentences but nothing ever came of it and the government has been facing mounting pressure to act. Last June, the multi-party parliamentary Black caucus issued a call to action that, among other things, demanded the elimination of mandatory minimums. Lametti was among the signatories. The HIV Legal Network welcomed the legislation but said it falls short by failing to simply repeal the criminal prohibition on personal drug possession, even while it acknowledges that drug use is a health issue and that criminalization causes harm and contributes to stigma. The threat of a possible charge for simple possession is "still at play during any interaction between police and people who use drugs," the group said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has ruled out decriminalizing simple possession of illicit drugs but his government has been moving gradually in the direction of treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal issue. Consistent with the Liberals' approach, the director of public prosecutions issued new guidelines last summer instructing federal prosecutors to criminally prosecute only the most serious drug-possession offences and to find alternatives outside the criminal justice system for the rest. Lametti indicated it was not his place to go further, saying only that he would like to see a health-care response to problematic addiction. "We're going to try to move forward in the most efficient, productive and compassionate way possible." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2021. 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. Animal testing remains to be a vital part of modern preclinical testing. While the ethics of the use of animals in medical testing remains keenly debated, it is still generally accepted worldwide and continues to be a common methodology used by research teams investigating a range of human diseases. Before a new pharmaceutical or vaccine can be tested in human participants, it must undergo preclinical testing to determine its safety and efficacy. These tests usually take form as either in vitro experiments, using cultures of human cells, or as animal experiments, where different species of animals are used to provide a model of how the new therapeutic compound may impact a human subject. A vast range of animals are used in preclinical tests, below we discuss how certain species are favored for the research of particular disorders. Additionally, due to the fact that some species are viewed as having different levels of moral standing than others, the testing of different species is often regulated by different laws specific to the species. We will also discuss how these regulations are changing. Image Credit: angellodeco / Shutterstock.com Types of species used in research for certain diseases Rodents have been widely used in biomedical research for many decades. Rats have historically been favored by many fields of biomedical research for their genetic similarity to humans and even for their intelligence. Recently, however, there has been a significant shift towards studying mice in place of rats. The motivation behind this shift has been linked to the growing genetic toolbox for mice. This is particularly true for embryonic-stem-cell-based targeting technology for gene disruption. Neuroscience is one such field that has favored testing on rodents. Over recent decades, this bias to using rodents in preclinical tests has increased in neuroscience, with the use of mouse models rising from around 20% in the 1970s and 1980s to roughly 50% today. Again, the large genetic toolbox for mice is attributed as being the main driving factor in using mouse models in this field. It was back in 1987 that the first study using knockout mice was published, which now represents a turning point in the use of mouse models in biomedical science. Rats and mice are also commonly used in models for studies into type 2 diabetes. More than any other animals, rodents have been favored by this field of research, with other rodent species also being identified as useful animal models. Studies into asthma have also favored the use of rats, with mice being the most commonly studied species in the last two decades. Asthma studies have also commonly used cats, dogs, drosophila, horses, and guinea pigs. Cardiovascular research also relies heavily on rodent models, with mice being a frequently studied species in this field of research. In addition, cardiovascular studies have historically focussed on pigs. However, due to the fundamental differences between the cardiac systems of humans and the animals used in preclinical testing, there has been a growing consensus that the use of animal models in cardiovascular research is limited. Cancer research is another field that favors the laboratory mouse in its animal studies. While preclinical studies into cancer have utilized canine and primate participants, the mouse model is currently the most common animal model used in cancer research. Other fields of science show less of a weighting to using rodents in animal models. Preclinical studies aiming to develop vaccines for HIV, for example, have extensively used macaques. Regulations differ depending on animal species Different rules and regulations govern the use of animals in research depending on the species and the country in which preclinical testing is being conducted. Some animals are seen as having higher moral status, such as primates, due to their closeness to humans, and, therefore, testing on primates tends to have stricter regulations across the globe. As a whole, the use of animals in research is facing tighter and tighter restrictions. The Swiss Constitution was amended back in 2004 to acknowledge the dignity of living beings. With this, strict limitations were imposed on the use of animals in research, as testing must be limited to preserve the dignity of the creature. Four years on, in 2008, a Swiss court completely banned the use of macaque brains in scientific studies. Because primates are closely related to humans, and because they demonstrate advanced social skills and have even been shown to have a sense of self and a theory of mind - the ability to attribute mental states to ourselves and others, which does not develop in human children until the age of around 4 or 5 years, primates are more strongly protected from use in research than other non-primate species. Overall, the use of animals in preclinical testing is becoming more tightly controlled. Now, in order to conduct animal testing, scientists must show that their intended experiment has a true potential benefit and that it cannot be performed using an alternative scientifically satisfactory methodology. Sources Aun, M., Bonamichi-Santos, R., Arantes-Costa, F., Kalil, J. and Giavina-Bianchi, P., 2017. Animal models of asthma: utility and limitations. Journal of Asthma and Allergy, Volume10, pp.293-301. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5683778/ Ellenbroek, B. and Youn, J., 2016. Rodent models in neuroscience research: is it a rat race?. Disease Models & Mechanisms, 9(10), pp.1079-1087. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5087838/ Evans, D. and Silvestri, G., 2013. Nonhuman primate models in AIDS research. Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS, p.1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3987953/ King, A., 2012. The use of animal models in diabetes research. British Journal of Pharmacology, 166(3), pp.877-894. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3417415/ Le Bras, A., 2019. A resource for selecting animal models of heart disease. Lab Animal, 48(11), pp.332-332. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41684-019-0425-4 Further Reading Another 16 businesses have been cited in Michigan for COVID-19 safety violations in the workplace. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has now cited 103 businesses for COVID-19 violations since the pandemic began. The fines can range up to $7,000 per citation; 15 of the 16 businesses recently cited were also fined. Violations include keeping an employee working who was suspected of having COVID-19, not telling the health department when there were known positive COVID-19 cases in the workplace, not requiring masks, not training employees, not screening employees and more. Employers and employees with questions about COVID-19 workplace policies can call the MIOSHA hotline at 855-723-3219. To file a complaint against a workplace, go to Michigan.gov/MIOSHAcomplaint. Businesses have 15 days to contest the penalties. MIOSHA cuts the penalties in half for businesses that agree not to appeal and show theyve fixed the problems. MIOSHA isnt the only state agency going after businesses ignoring COVID-19 precautions. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have also punished violators. Heres the list of businesses to be cited by MIOSHA in the last batch of penalties. Click on the business name to read the full citation document. Belle Tire Location: Woodhaven Fine: $4,000 Reasons: Not removing an employee from the workplace suspected of having COVID-19, no physical barriers installed and inadequately training employees on safeguards related to COVID-19. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint. Adrian Urgent Care Location: Adrian Fine: $0 Reasons: Not maintaining daily health screenings for all visitors that enter the workplace. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint. Bloxsom Roofing and Siding Company Location: Traverse City Fine: $7,200, but only $2,800 for COVID-19 violations Reasons: Not developing a preparedness and response plan, no documentation of daily health screenings, no disinfectant, no COVID-19 safety coordinator and no face coverings worn on site. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. Bush Brothers Asphalt Paving Inc. Location: Farmington Hills Fine: $400 Reasons: Lack of a preparedness and response plan. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. Dana Incorporated Location: St. Clair Fine: $4,000 Reasons: Failure to require face coverings when social distancing could not be maintained, not contacting the local health department when three known positive COVID-19 cases were detected at the workplace and not maintaining a record of employee COVID-19 training or daily health screenings. The inspection was initiated as part of the MIOSHA COVID-19 Retail State Emphasis Program. Multi-Shores Development LLC Location: Traverse City Fine: $8,100, but only $1,000 for COVID-19 violations Reasons: Lack of a preparedness and response plan and no face coverings. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. Allied Gutter Co. Location: Romulus Fine: $3,700 Reasons: Lack of a preparedness and response plan. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. Complete Maintenance and Cabinetry Inc. Location: Algonac Fine: $5,360, but only $2,800 for COVID-19 violations Reasons: Lack of a preparedness and response plan, failing to train employees on COVID-19 control strategies, lack of social distancing and lack of face coverings when workers could not consistently maintain 6 feet of social distancing. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. Spartan Precision Machining Inc. Location: Wixom Fine: $2,800 Reasons: Not developing and implementing a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, not conducting daily entry self-screen protocols, not requiring face coverings to be worn when employees cannot consistently maintain 6 feet of separation and not providing training to employees on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. This inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint. J&N Electric Inc. Location: Ishpeming Fine: $2,000, but only $400 for COVID-19 violations Reasons: Not developing a preparedness and response plan, no documentation of daily health screenings, not providing COVID-19 training and no face coverings worn on site. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. Royal Roofing Location: Lake Orion Fine: $8,400, but only $3,000 from COVID-19 violations Reasons: Lack of a face coverings when workers could not consistently maintain 6 feet of social distance from other employees. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. Fusco Construction LLC Location: Dundee Fine: $4,100, but only $1,000 from COVID-19 violations Reasons: Lack of a preparedness plan, no face coverings, no hand sanitizer or washing facilities, not performing daily health screening of employees and no COVID-19 safety coordinator. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. Custom Electric LLC Location: Wixom Fine: $2,800 Reasons: Failure to train employees on COVID-19, failure to conduct the daily health screening including a questionnaire, failure to require face coverings and failure to maintain social distancing. The inspection was initiated in response to a reinspection assignment. Stork Construction LLC Location: Bingham Fine: $1,000, but only $500 from COVID-19 violations Reasons: Lack of a preparedness and response plan, failing to train employees on COVID- 19 control strategies, lack of social distancing and lack of face coverings when workers could not consistently maintain 6 feet of social distancing. The inspection was initiated as a planned-program inspection. ACME Wire and Iron Works Location: Detroit Fine: $4,400, but only $400 from COVID-19 violations Reasons: Failing to conduct the daily health screening and not ensuring face coverings were used. The inspection was initiated in response to a programmed assignment. AMB Construction LLC Location: Mount Clemens Fine: $2,900, but only $2,100 from COVID-19 violations Reasons: Lack of a preparedness and response plan, failing to train employees on COVID-19 control strategies, lack of social distancing and lack of face coverings when workers could not consistently maintain 6 feet of social distancing. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection. RELATED STORIES Liquor licenses suspended at Michigan bar violating 25% capacity, 10 p.m. closing rules Michigan cites 20 employers in latest round of COVID-19 safety violations Violators of dine-in ban, mask mandate get food licenses suspended Restaurants defying Michigan dine-in ban hit with fines from multiple state agencies Michigan quietly extended 25% restaurant capacity limit, 10 p.m. curfew through March 29 Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. Fastmarkets calculated its steel scrap, shredded, index, import, cfr Nhava Sheva, India , at $430.86 per tonne on Friday, up from $415.11 per tonne one week earlier.Two deals were heard this week at $428 per tonne, and $434-435 per tonne, up from deals at $410-420 per tonne the previous week.Offers this week were as high as $440 per tonne. One market participant described the current India... A professor in California has been put on leave after video showed him berating a hard-of-hearing student for not paying attention during a Zoom class. Michael Abram, a tenured professor with 20 years of experience with the Ventura Community College District is seen on a TikTok clip lambasting the girl. After the video went viral on Friday, the district's Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Laura Lizaola Barroso said that Abram was placed on leave, the VC Star reports. 'Why didn't you answer all the times I spoke to you then? You know, thank you. Thank you. Why don't we talk sometimeswhy don't you email me?' Abrams asked. 'We'll set up a live zoom and we're going to have some real communication at some point and time. Maybe you can have your counselor join us? Okay? Do you hear me? Okay, wonderful, do that.' In the clip, a Ventura College professor lambasts the student for not paying attention in class As the student tries to diffuse the situation with the professor, her classmates jump to her defense and inform the educator on her situation. 'Professor she's actually hard at hearing so her translator goes in a little bit later,' the classmates says. 'She can't respond like right away.' Students identified the professor as Michael Abrams on social media The professor retorts: 'She's not paying attention. She's not trying. Are you her translator.' As the student asserts that she is paying attention and classmates continue to speak up for her. 'It is slower on her end because she has to get it translated and then it goes to her hearing piece,' her classmates asserts. 'Ms. Salazar, have your counselor speak with me because you've got too much distraction to even understand what's going on,' the professor says in the clip. He later adds: 'Just have them teach you the whole class, that makes sense to me. I don't know. I don't understand it but I see you laughing and smiling and giggling with somebody else.' As the student tries to diffuse the situation with the professor, her classmates jump to her defense and inform the educator on her situation The teacher and the student continue going back and forth, clearly unable to reach a resolution in their disagreement. 'I'm just respecting you and you are attacking me,' the student says. Abram responds: 'Ok. I am not attacking you. I am just significantly disappointed in you.' Students and alums of Ventura College slammed the professor for his remarks, reaching out to the college to see if there would be any action taken against him. 'The District is responding immediately and has initiated an investigation,' the Ventura County Community College District said in a message to students. 'VCCCD Board of Trustees and leadership at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges honor, respect and will protect the rights and challenges of everyone.' Oxnard College President Luis Sanchez has branded the video 'alarming', the VC Star reports. District Chancellor Greg Gillespie said: 'We are taking this incident very seriously. We are currently investigating the situation and following our protocols to address it.' Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Featured stories Bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers pushes to end states death penalty (Read more) FirstEnergy says it charged customers for improper expenses, pledges to end its dark money political spending (Read more) Former Ohio GOP Chairman Jane Timken launches bid for Senate (Read more) Ohio State University will work on offering debt-free bachelors degree over next decade, president says (Read more) Coronavirus in Ohio Eighty-four of Ohio's 88 counties are on red alert over concern of the spread of coronavirus.Ohio Department of Health Ohio reports 2,282 new coronavirus cases: Thursday update (Read more) Ohio reports 1,310 new student K-12 coronavirus cases last week, down from 2,008 case increase (Read more) 84 Ohio counties again on red alert for coronavirus spread (Read more) Researchers urge delaying second Pfizer shot to stretch vaccine supplies; Pfizer says alternative regimens have not been properly evaluated (Read more) Can you request one coronavirus vaccine if you have concerns about the other? (Read more) Ohio disputes study claiming state is dead last in COVID safe-states study (Read more) Diverse therapists provide understanding, accurate mental-health diagnoses for people of color -- and more are needed: Coping Through COVID (Read more) Will prom, graduation be back this spring? Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is optimistic masks can make it happen (Read more) Crime Former Cleveland police officer Tyra Parker was arrested in Lorain on charges of theft, obstructing justice and filing a false police report. Ex-Cleveland cop charged in $200,000 theft connected to double homicide in Lorain, police say (Read more) Lakewood woman dies, teen hurt in wrong-way crash on Clevelands Shoreway (Read more) Woman fatally shot in vehicle in Akron (Read more) Man throws two children out of a car in Cleveland after stealing vehicle from their mothers driveway (Read more) Shooting in Akron wounds 15-year-old male (Read more) Cleveland / Cuyahoga County Shone Trawick, who was beaten to death in the Cuyahoga County, was a grandfather of seven. Family of Cleveland man beaten to death by his cellmate sues Cuyahoga County jail officials, administrators (Read more) Cleveland City Council president considers inquiry into whether FirstEnergy interfered with wind turbine project involving CPP (Read more) Q & A with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and planning Director Freddy Collier Jr. reveals thinking behind Building the 21st Century City symposium (Read more) Cleveland planning commission to review proposed apartment building set for Innovation Square in Fairfax neighborhood (Read more) 58 new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus confirmed in Cleveland, two new deaths tallied: Thursday update (Read more) OH weather: Cleveland expected to be above freezing Sunday for first time in 16 days (Read more) Local news East Nancy Stolarsky set to retire as Solons director of human resources (Read more) Hospice of the Western Reserves cutting-edge Care Solutions Center takes shape (Read more) Local news West Brooklyn Schools new digital academy to provide post-pandemic hybrid learning (Read more) Akron area Akron to replace lead water pipes with copper to improve water quality for 400 homes (Read more) State Cleveland lobbyist among finalists for spot on Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (Read more) Scammers again drive increase in Ohio unemployment claims (Read more) Ohio House OKs $210M to expand broadband internet to underserved areas (Read more) Sen. Sherrod Brown to boost Ohio priorities when he chairs his first Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing (Read more) Lesson plan: Minister for Education Norma Foley has been in talks with unions to get schools back. Photo: Mark Condren The slow reopening of schools will mean a delay of two to three weeks between the return of the first big group of pupils and other classes. Public health advice is dictating the cautious pace is being dictated amid uncertainty about the ongoing spread of Covid including new mutations. The hope is that Leaving Cert students and primary pupils from junior infants to second class will be back in the classroom on March 1, Explaining the gap of up to three weeks before other pupils return, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar told the Dail yesterday the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) advised that the transmission of Covid-19 will need to be assessed after that. Talks are continuing with the education partners on detailed arrangements for the phased reopening, ahead of the announcement of the full plan early next week. There has been agreement on the return of about 20,000 pupils with special needs but more than 900,000 other pupils are stuck at home. Factors feeding into consideration of the reopening plan include: Infection levels Public health experts need to be comfortable with the movement of large numbers of pupils and teachers on a daily basis. If every pupil, teacher and SNA were back, it would be about one million people travelling and congregating every day. Even in early January when infection rates were very high, Nphet was happy for the limited number of children with special needs to return. Covid infection rates have fallen significantly from a daily peak of 6,886 on January 10, but remain relatively high. Daily infection figures were down to 650 on Wednesday but at 902 yesterday. On December 1 they were 254. Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn yesterday said: The situation remains precarious. Safety in school Public health experts have consistently said schools are safe places once infection prevention and control measures are observed. This has not been tested in any real way since the arrival of the highly transmissible UK variant because schools have been closed. The only reopening has been for special schools last week with only half of pupils in on any one day, so the numbers involved are tiny. Agreement on reopening special schools and special classes included additional supports for schools and greater flexibility for staff in high-risk categories. The strengthened measures were specific to that very limited reopening, and the education partners have been building on those commitments in talks geared to a wider return. Parents Its not just about reopening schools, but keeping them open. That means keeping Covid out. The minister, school managers, principals, teachers and SNAs have their roles to play but there is a responsibility on parents not to send a child to school if anyone in the house is displaying a Covid-type symptom. There were too many examples of parents ignoring that golden rule last term and it ended up in schools having to shut down. There will be a communications campaign from the Department of Education driving home that message as well as the importance of not congregating at school gates. Mental health and learning loss Childrens Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon is worried about the well-being of children. He said it was affecting their self-confidence and ability to trust the system and adults, and when the children of this generation looked back they would say they were failed. While teaching and learning has continued online it is seen as inconsistent, and there is real concern about the level of catch-up that will be needed by pupils. There has been particular worry about regression among pupils with special needs and about the loss of school support for children suffering socio-economic disadvantage and/or neglect. Parents mental health is suffering too, particularly those who are combining working with home schooling. 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) If you're interested in visiting the Aloha State, you'll have to be OK with a 10-day quarantine when you first arrive, unless you've got COVID test results in hand confirming you tested negative within the past 72 hours. Two tourists allegedly thought they could get around those requirements of the Safe Travels Hawaii program with a little cash and some sweet talking, but authorities there didn't play ball. Citing a release from the state's attorney general and Department of Public Safety, NBC News reports that 29-year-old Johntrell White and 28-year-old Nadia Bailey were arrested Friday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport after they flew in from Louisiana. story continues below Officials say neither party had a COVID exemption or a negative test, and that White allegedly offered an airport screener $2,000 if she would let him pass without relegating him to the mandatory quarantine. Bailey then allegedly said she'd throw in an extra $1,000 if the screener let them both skip the 10-day isolation. The airport screener instead contacted the authorities, who promptly showed up at the airport and arrested the couple. After being booked and released, White and Bailey were then put on a plane back to the mainland. Those convicted of bribery in Hawaii could see up to 15 years behind bars, as well as a fine that could be up to three times the amount of the bribe offer, per the Washington Post. (Read more bribes stories.) A Capitol Police spokesman on Thursday said 35 officers are under investigation for their actions during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, including six who have been suspended with pay. "Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not in keeping with the department's rules of conduct will face appropriate discipline," spokesman John Stolnis told CNN. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) previously said one of the suspended officers took a selfie with a member of the mob that stormed the Capitol. So far, more than 250 people have been charged in connection with the attack. More stories from theweek.com 5 outrageously funny cartoons about Ted Cruz's Cancun getaway The boom in 'green' energy American politicians hide behind the palace walls The past year has brought significant challenges for the American people. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced historically low unemployment, record job growth and a rebirth of manufacturing in communities across the commonwealth and the nation. To combat the economic and public health implications of a deadly virus, Congress has since focused significant time and effort on delivering relief for the American people. Through historic, largely bipartisan legislation, we have supported our hospitals, families, small businesses and schools. In the 117th Congress, I look forward to advancing policies that will benefit the 9th District while serving on two committees whose jurisdictions oversee some of the most pressing issues facing our nation at home and abroad. As we continue our economic recovery from COVID-19, it is more important than ever to support small businesses. On the Small Business Committee, I will continue to fight for employers and employees, recognizing the economic headwinds they are facing and the important role they play in our region. Since the implementation of state-mandated lockdowns, I have encouraged government and industry to work together and develop plans to safely reopen and remain open. It never made sense to allow big-box stores to keep their doors open while small businesses were forced to shutter, and new overbearing policies being proposed by Democrat leadership would further cripple their ability to retain and create jobs. As the Republican Leader of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, I am committed to removing red tape, improving access to capital and working with the Small Business Administration to make the Paycheck Protection Program as available and workable for those businesses that need it to survive. Since coming to Congress, I have prioritized bringing family-sustaining jobs back to the United States. On the Foreign Affairs Committee, I hope to build on the successes of the Trump Administration to repatriate overseas companies, with an emphasis on Pennsylvania. This includes incentivizing investment in the commonwealth through competitive tax rates, encouraging business-friendly regulations, and ensuring that companies can access the funding they need to build or renovate facilities. I will also advocate for increased oversight of China, whose rising influence on the world stage threatens Americas national security and trade relationships. I am committed to working with members on both sides of the committee who share the belief that peace through strength is the most effective strategy to guarantee the safety of Americans and our allies around the world. It will be equally important to hold the Biden Administration accountable for policies that threaten our national security or reverse the historic diplomatic achievements from the last four years. It is unfortunate that Democrat leadership wasted the opportunity to address some of our countrys most pressing issues in the last Congress by bringing forth partisan messaging bills to nowhere. Similarly, the actions taken by President Joe Biden since his inauguration indicate he is more concerned with appeasing his far-left base than finding common ground with Republicans. Moving forward, we must work together to rebuild our nations broken infrastructure system to improve our competitiveness with the rest of the world, continue to address the opioid epidemic that has ravaged so many communities, and provide our veterans with the treatment and resources they deserve. Any further COVID-19 relief should be targeted toward the efficient distribution of vaccines, the safe reopening of schools and the safe reopening of our economy. The challenges we face are great, but the resiliency of the American people has been tested and proven before. With the 117th Congress underway, I am excited to continue representing the people of the 9th District in Washington, and deliver meaningful results that are in the best interest of our state and country. (Meuser represents the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania) Chloe x Halle helped retell a Nigerian folktale about the sun and the moon in dazzling style. In a short film directed by Julie Dash for the March 2021 issue of Vogue, the R&B duo wore gold and silver as they portrayed the celestial orbs upon a rocky beach. The entrancing tale has been passed down by the Efik people of Nigeria, and tells how the sun and the moon came to reside in the sky. Ray of sunshine: Chloe x Halle helped retell a Nigerian folktale about the sun and the moon in dazzling style The tale goes that the sun would often visit the water, but was perplexed as to why the gesture was never reciprocated. When the sun asked water to visit, water replied they would have to bring along their entire family - all the living beings in the ocean. To accommodate water's large family, the sun and moon joined forces to build a compound they believed was large enough to fit all of the water. Unfortunately, the compound could not fit all three elements inside, forcing the sun and the moon to the sky. Out of this world: The story goes that the sun and moon were forced to live in the sky after attempting to host water Portraying the sun and the moon, the R&B duo frolicked by the ocean in an array of dazzling looks, including a glittering gold and silver dresses. The girls also wore a beautiful black, silver-accented dress and a plunging gold number as they walked by the rocky shoreline. As graceful as the pictures and film look, filming was no easy matter. 'The filming was physically grueling,' director Dash told Vogue. 'Chloe and Halle had to walk half a mile across a stoney beach, wearing long gowns, in the cold morning and later in the heat. I dont think they knew they were going to get wet, too!' Hardworkers: 'They never complained,' Dash added. 'I was very familiar with the sisters, but did not know how sweet they were!' (Halle and Chloe pictured in 2019) 'They never complained,' Dash added. 'I was very familiar with the sisters, but did not know how sweet they were!' Despite the pandemic, Chloe x Halle have continued to dominate the music world this last year. The sisters were both recently nominated for four NAACP Image Awards, trailing Beyonce, who is up for six. Beyonce nurtured the stars to fame by signing them to her Parkwood label in 2016. Four years later, she presented them with a Billboard Women In Music Rising Star Award. 'Ladies, I am so, so proud you,' she told her proteges as she presented the award to them in December 2020. 'You've done this, with authenticity, with grace, with raw talent, and you've managed to shine in every room you enter. And I'll always love you.' The net proceeds raised from the offering will be used to fund the exploration of the company's Tonopah West and Silver Cloud properties in Nevada and for working capital and general corporate purposes Due to investor demand, as previously disclosed on January 29, the offering was upsized from C$7.02 million Blackrock Gold Corp. ( ) said it has closed its previously announced and upsized 'bought-deal' public offering, including full exercise of the over-allotment option, for gross proceeds of C$10,350,000. Under the offering, a total of 14,375,000 units of the company at a price of C$0.72 per unit were sold on a 'bought deal' basis. Due to investor demand, as previously disclosed on January 29, the offering was upsized from C$7.02 million. The net proceeds raised from the offering will be used to fund the exploration of the company's Tonopah West and Silver Cloud properties in Nevada and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Each unit in the offering is comprised of one common share in the capital of the company and one half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at a price of C$1.10 at any time on or before the date which is 36 months after the closing date of the offering. The offering was led by Red Cloud Securities Inc. as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters that included Corp., Mackie Research Capital Corporation and PI Financial Corp. The units were offered and sold by way of a short form prospectus filed in all of the provinces of Canada, with the exception of Quebec, and was offered and sold outside of Canada on a private placement basis. In connection with the offering, the underwriters received a total cash commission of C$586,877.76 and 419,402 non-transferable broker warrants, each entitling them to purchase one common share of the company at a price of C$0.72 per common share until February 19, 2024. Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com Subscriber content preview By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer McDormand disappears into Fern, which is no small accomplishment for an actor as recognizable as she is. The great recession didn't just eliminate jobs, it also erased an entire town. Six months after U.S. Gypsum closed its doors in Empire, Nevada, a company town since 1948, its zip code was retired and its inhabitants forced to leave. It's this brief history that opens Chloe Zhao's extraordinary Nomadland, which follows one of those residents, Frances McDormand's Fern, on a journey through the American West to nowhere in particular. . . . LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now. It's been nearly a year since Californians began losing work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For help, those unfortunate workers have turned to the state's unemployment department -- but they've often been shut out. Delayed payments, surprise suspensions and clogged phone lines have left many unemployed Californians in severe financial distress. State lawmakers are calling for sweeping reforms, and policy experts are urging more equitable distribution of benefits. Meanwhile, applicants struggle to make ends meet as they wait for their claims to be fixed. 'IT FEELS LIKE THE HUNGER GAMES' Asia Vargas is a behavioral therapist and single mom who lives in Orange County with her six-year-old son. Typically, her work involves helping kids on the autism spectrum at their family homes. But when COVID struck, it wasn't safe to do that work anymore. "I haven't been working with any kiddos since March," Vargas said. So, Vargas did what millions of other Californians have done during the pandemic. She applied for unemployment benefits through the state's Employment Development Department (EDD). But nearly a year later, she hasn't received a dime. For months, she tried calling and emailing the department on a daily basis, but never got through. "It feels like The Hunger Games," Vargas said, quoting the dystopian novel's famous line: "May the odds be ever in your favor." (A recent audit found that early in the pandemic, the odds of getting through to EDD's call center were less than 1-in-100.) "It's just like, Well, let's keep these people waiting. Call this number, call that number, knowing that you're just going to be in a circle and end up nowhere," Vargas said. "You're just praying to God that somebody listens to you. But out of millions of people, you know you're just a number." Asia Vargas has been supporting her son during the pandemic, despite job loss and barriers to accessing unemployment benefits. (COURTESY: Asia Vargas) It turns out there was an issue with the start date of her claim. But Vargas said EDD never made her aware of the problem, let alone how to fix it. The state agency told her it did mail her an explanation, but she says she never received the missive. Without money coming in, Vargas saw her finances unravel. She has fallen far behind on the rent for her apartment in Costa Mesa. So far, she's been able to stay, thanks to renter protections passed during the pandemic. But she and her son have still been threatened with eviction. "It's just kind of like a ticking clock, and you're trying to do all that you can to keep a roof over your head," Vargas said. "The only reason why I'm in debt is because I haven't received any type of funding from EDD." STATE LAWMAKERS FLOODED WITH PLEAS FOR HELP After months without aid from EDD, Vargas took a low-paying job as a delivery driver. She uses the revenue to help pay for childcare so her son can participate in remote kindergarten. She's still seeking retroactive unemployment benefits that could amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Desperate for help, in September she reached out to her state representative, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. Her office was able to get an EDD representative to address problems with Vargas' claim, but the case still isn't resolved. Petrie-Norris said constituents have been contacting lawmakers' offices about unemployment problems far more than any other issue. "Every day, we hear from literally thousands of desperate Californians who are in dire straits," Petrie-Norris said. "They're not sure how they're going to pay their bills, make their rent or feed their kids. It's heartbreaking." Lawmakers have proposed a wave of reforms for EDD, including requirements to provide services in recipients' preferred languages, and the creation of an Office of the Claimant Advocate. Petrie-Norris said these changes could help prevent future catastrophes, but the agency needs to make itself more accessible to those facing immediate financial ruin. "The bottom line is that EDD is failing California," she said. In response to LAist's reporting, an EDD spokesperson sent an emailed statement saying: The priorities for EDD are keeping benefits out of the hands of criminals and get them into the hands of eligible Californians as quickly as possible, modernizing EDD systems to expedite claims, and improving the EDD customer experience. EDD officials say they've been helping applicants who are stuck in limbo. They say the agency has now resolved all of the 1.6 million backlogged claims outlined in a September report from the Governor's EDD strike team. The department is planning to expand services for those with limited English proficiency, and has hired the fraud consulting service Accenture in an effort to crack down on claims from criminals. "With more advanced tools, processes, and partnerships in place at the federal, state and local level, the EDD is well positioned to proceed in 2021 to protect unemployment benefit programs and better serve Californians truly in need," the EDD spokesperson said. UNEMPLOYMENT BARRIERS LEAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN RELIEF UNTAPPED Recent months have brought new leadership to EDD amid a barrage of reports and audits that found widespread benefit delays for legitimate applicants at the same time the department paid at least $11.4 billion in fraudulent claims. Getting shut out of the system is a common experience across the state -- but some communities face more barriers than others. Low-income, non-white workers have been more likely to lose their jobs during the pandemic. And they often lack the robust savings needed to survive months without income or aid. But the state's unemployment system has left many to fend for themselves. A recent study from the California Policy Lab found that workers in lower income neighborhoods are much less likely to get benefits than those in wealthier parts of the state. The researchers estimated that if workers in poorer areas had been able to obtain benefits at the same rate as those in wealthier areas, the unemployment insurance rolls in California would be 23% higher. "Increasing access to benefits to vulnerable communities is not only good for the individuals in those communities and the community as a whole, but also for the entire state," said UCLA economist Till von Wachter, one of the study's authors. Experts say these disparities could be driven by language barriers, technological divides, lack of awareness and ineligibility due to immigration status. Whatever is causing these gaps, California's uneven safety net has cost the state billions of dollars in potential relief. Researchers estimate that a more equitable distribution of unemployment benefits would have put $445 million more into the hands of struggling workers every week this past summer. "California is actually leaving a lot of money on the table," von Wachter said. A staffer works to process claims at California's unemployment office, March 30, 2020. (California Employment Development Department) CHILDREN STEP IN TO HELP PARENTS NAVIGATE THE EDD LABYRINTH Daisy Perez has kept her job throughout the pandemic, but her parents haven't been as lucky. Her 68-year-old mother is a childcare provider in El Sereno who lost clients when parents began working from home and pulling their kids out of daycare. "I've been navigating the EDD for my mother's unemployment claim," Perez said. "She's not so tech savvy. So I jump in and help her whenever I can. That included initiating the claim, which started last year in May." Perez still hasn't been able to secure benefits for her mother. Like others, she's run into problems with the start date for her mother's claim. But when Perez tried to ask EDD about the issue, she says she's been stonewalled by the department's call center. A bureaucratic error on her mother's birth year prevented Perez from creating an online account. Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo's office has elevated these problems within EDD, but Perez said her mother's benefits are still pending. Nearly a year into the pandemic, she said the lack of assistance from EDD leaves her feeling "frustrated, disheartened." "It just really feels like we're losing time," Perez said. "This is an easily resolved issue that just can't seem to get resolved." Perez said her mother has lost faith in the system. For now, she and her sister have been helping by buying their parents' groceries. "It's definitely been a little strange for us to have to step in," she said. "It's not something that we usually do, but we do it gladly." 1 MILLION CLAIMS COULD BE IN DANGER OF DISQUALIFICATION At a time when California's jobs recovery is shaky at best, EDD has been cutting benefits to more people. The agency suspended 1.4 million claims over the holidays without warning. About 400,000 accounts have been restored after claimants completed steps to verify their identities through the third-party website ID.me. But around one million other claims could still be in danger of disqualification. An audit last month warned that 20% of legitimate claimants who tried to complete the ID.me process were unable to validate their identities. The agency says another batch of claimants who lost benefits by the end of December -- an estimated 185,000 Californians -- will have to wait more than two months without payments while EDD gears up for a March 7 restart. As for Asia Vargas -- the single mom in Costa Mesa who has spent nearly a year seeking benefits -- she filed paperwork to appeal her claim in November. Recently, she's been told EDD never received it. She's planning to mail in another appeal. "You just feel like this is a system that is set up to only help you fail," said Vargas, "and not to help you in times of need." Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHWF) officials informed on Friday that India has achieved a massive milestone as the country has vaccinated more than 1 crore beneficiaries in its fight against COVID-19. In the largest vaccination drive in the world, India has inoculated 1,01,88,007 people through 2,11,462 sessions, as per the provisional report till 8 am today. As on Day-34 of the vaccination drive (18th February 2021), a total of 6,58,674 vaccine doses were given. India inoculated more than 1 crore beneficiaries India was among the few first nations to be starting on the vaccination and made plans to get the vaccine. India launched its COVID-19 vaccination program on January 16 (2021) to restrain the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. Earlier, the Health Ministry informed that around 2,00,000 people were vaccinated on Day 1 of the drive. As on Day-34 of the vaccination drive (18th February 2021), a total of 6,58,674 vaccine doses were given. Also Read: India Vaccinated Over 82 Lakh Beneficiaries Against COVID-19, Says Health Ministry Also Read: India Inoculated Near 80 Lakh Beneficiaries Against COVID-19 In 28 Days: Health Ministry According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 97 fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours. However, 16 States/UTs have not reported any COVID19 deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Manipur, Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh (UT), Tripura, A&N Islands, and D&D & D&N. Indias cumulative recoveries stand at 1.06cr (1,06,67,741) today (February 19, 2021) with a Recovery Rate of 97.30%. 10,896 patients have recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours. 83.15% of the new recovered cases are concentrated in 6 States. World's largest vaccination drive India, under the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative, has dispatched shipment to neighbouring countries including Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, Barbados, and Dominica, Afghanistan. Earlier this week, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing 35,000 'Made In India coronavirus vaccines to the Caribbean nation. Also Read: Mexico Receives 'Made In India' COVID-19 Vaccine, Jaishankar Says 'expressing Our Amistad' Also Read: 'First Contribution To COVAX': Biden Pledges $4 Billion For Global COVID Vaccine Program Unions were willing to agree to longer pay agreements for major construction projects during secretive industrial relations talks last year as long as Australian jobs, apprentices and workplace diversity were made a legal priority. But employers rejected the unions plan for five-year agreements, seen by this masthead, on the basis that it would not do enough to stabilise labour costs and encourage investment. Unions fear workers could be locked out of real pay rises for years on big construction projects such as for stadiums. Credit:Brook Mitchell The Morrison governments proposed industrial relations overhaul would instead let pay deals run for up to eight years, rather than the current four, on big projects. The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union fears this will leave workers with negligible wages growth for almost a decade. Business representatives and unions spent months last year in secret negotiations on the future of Australias industrial relations system after the government urged both sides to find a consensus to get Australians back to work post-pandemic. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Paul Lovato was under no illusion this year would be any easier than 2020. But he hadn't imagined this: 59 straight hours, as of Wednesday morning, without power in his house, "not even a single second," he says. Miraculously, the power was on at his restaurant, Jambo's BBQ, located in Arlington, Texas, about five miles away from Lovato's home. The BBQ joint had opened in 1931 as the Triangle Inn, a dining hot spot with a secret poker room upstairs once favored by Al Capone. So early Tuesday morning, Lovato, who is from the South Side of Chicago, rolled out of bed and hopped in his Ford F-150 SuperCrew truck to pick up two employees, who agreed to come in. Then they got busy smoking the chicken. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., they gave away chicken soup with egg noodles to anyone desperate enough to brave the Arctic air and impassable roads by foot for a hot meal. Lovato is one of a handful of small business owners working to feed and shelter hungry and cold Texans, after a freak winter storm dropped a record 3-to-5-inch snowfall on the area, overwhelming the state's energy grid and leaving more than 2.8 million households without power, as of Wednesday. While Ercot, the company that manages the electric grid, has been struggling to restore power, residents have been checking into hotels, staying with friends who still have power, and relying on government resources for aid--all amid a pandemic. Those fortunate enough to withstand the madness are now helping out their community, some with backing by a few of Texas's most prominent small businesses and local nonprofits. In downtown Austin, a three-hour drive south from Arlington, a grassroots effort to provide free meals to those in the community who need it--led by Deep Eddy Vodka, the dating app Bumble, and jewelry brand Kendra Scott--was taking shape Tuesday. "Things were looking a little scary, and then you add on the power outage, and you just see a community in so much need," says Jennie Wait, associate field manager of Deep Eddy Vodka, a local distillery. After a conference call with her field marketing team that morning, in which everyone determined they had to do something, Wait, who still somehow had power, began making calls. That led her to Cara Caulkins, a well-connected press rep in Austin. For the next 24 hours, Caulkins--along with Chelsea McCullough, of public relations firm MYLK Collective, and content curator Jane Ko--pooled together donations from interested brands for restaurants that could safely open and handle the hours-long lines that would inevitably gather after an announcement was made on social media. Google Docs and spreadsheets were shared, and "we were in constant communication," says Caulkins. By Wednesday, she estimated that Deep Eddy Vodka, Bumble, and Kendra Scott had partnered with 20 restaurants, with more than $35,000 in donations expected by the end of the week. Among the entrepreneurs participating in the effort is Kevin Fink, executive chef and owner of Hestia, a buzzy Austin restaurant known for its fiery local cuisine. On Tuesday, he encountered a massive leak at his other popular restaurant, Emmer & Rye, that forced him to clear out his pantry. On Wednesday, with sponsorships from Bumble and Good Works Austin, a small business advocate group, six employees served 600 free hot meals--wagyu beef chili with cornbread, Thai-style chicken larb with romaine lettuce, and Basque burnt cheesecake, among other dishes--to 200 workers from St. David's hospital and 400 customers who walked to the restaurant. "This community has been fantastic to us throughout the pandemic, and we're all hurting right now," says Fink. With the frigid weather and outages expected to continue, he'll do it again Thursday. "We'll do it all over again, hopefully do it better, and hopefully get back to normal, but who knows?" EXPLORE MORE Best in Business COMPANIES KALAMAZOO, MI L. Marshall Washington, the president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, has announced his resignation from the Southwest Michigan First Board of Directors, effective immediately. Washington shared his decision in a letter sent to the school community on Feb. 18, citing the controversy caused by Southwest Michigan Firsts hiring of a new CEO. The letter was provided to MLive by KVCC. For the past two years, I have served as a member of the Board of Directors of Southwest Michigan First, Washington said in the letter. Based on the organizations governance structure, I did not participate in the recent search process or the hiring of the new chief executive officer. The controversy caused by this decision is unfortunate and in my opinion, could have been avoided. Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield was hired as CEO of Southwest Michigan First, the organization announced last week on Thursday, Feb. 11. The news triggered swift reactions from elected officials and others in the region. Many stepped in to criticize Chatfields views and political record on civil rights issues, especially related to the LGBTQ community. Related: Kalamazoo commissioners cancel membership with Southwest Michigan First over CEO selection This situation has become a distraction from the vital work of the college; therefore, I am resigning as a member of the (Southwest Michigan First) Board of Directors effective immediately, Washington said in the letter. We will evaluate future collaborations with Southwest Michigan First based on positive demonstrations of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The college presidents decision to leave the board comes as Southwest Michigan First takes criticism from multiple organizations in Kalamazoo County, with some people saying Chatfield has previously demonstrated he does not share the values of the region. Chatfield said previously, during a 2019 media interview, that he would not support a change to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expanding anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The former lawmaker noted at the time he does not believe anyone should be discriminated against, but said he believed the proposed change would have infringed on religious beliefs. Those stances have been cited by some, including Kalamazoo city commissioners, in recent decisions and discussions of withdrawing support for the organization in the wake of the CEO hire. Still, others have spoken in support of the choice of Chatfield as the organizations next CEO. Kalamazoo County Republican Party Chair Scott McGraw and Republican Congressman Fred Upton were among those who said they were happy to learn Chatfield will lead the organization. Southwest Michigan First responded to criticism earlier this week, issuing a statement in response to the decision by Kalamazoo commissioners to withdraw the citys financial support of the organization. The organization said it also updated its official handbook to more clearly articulate it prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in the hiring process. Washington, in the letter sent Thursday, acknowledges the impact of the pandemic, economic turmoil and a growing demand for social justice as pledges Kalamazoo Valley Community College remains deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our values provide the high standard for our interactions with one another, our students and the communities we serve, he said. Those values, Washington said, are: Caring and Respect Integrity Excellence and Quality Humor and Well-Being Teamwork and Stewardship More than words on a page, these ideals call us to a high level of accountability related to community collaborations, the KVCC presidents letter states. The college will continue to pursue collaborations and partnerships that enhance its ability to meet its mission, he said. We are committed to enriching the lives of our students and communities through quality educational programs and services., Washington wrote. Our goal is to make the college a place where every student can learn, belong and achieve success. Chatfield told MLive, in an interview last week, that he believes in equal civil rights for everyone. The Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday, Feb. 15, voted to pull funding from Southwest Michigan First and encouraged others to do the same because of the views Chatfield has expressed. The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners has discussed pulling its $75,000 annual payment to the group as well. Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery, a Southwest Michigan First board member, said Chatfields policy positions do not align with WMUs values. Chatfield told MLive on Wednesday that his only goal is to serve the community. Chatfield did not answer a call Friday morning. and has not responded to additional requests for comment. Read more: Kalamazoo Community Foundation ends membership with Southwest Michigan First over misalignment of values and vision Western Michigan president: Southwest Michigan First CEOs policy positions dont align with WMUs values Former House Speaker says politics not a factor in new role at Southwest Michigan First Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 05:57:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi attends a debate ahead of a confidence vote at the lower house of Parliament in Rome, Italy, on Feb. 18, 2021. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi won a confidence vote in the Lower House on Thursday, with 535 in favor, 56 against and five abstaining. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua) ROME, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi won a confidence vote in the Lower House on Thursday, with 535 in favor, 56 against and five abstaining. In comments to lawmakers prior to the vote, Draghi said that his government will reinforce Italy's manufacturing base and make it more competitive by supporting the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up the backbone of Italy's economy. "We must foster their process of technological transition and environmental sustainability," Draghi said in reference to SMEs. He added that "a country capable of attracting international investments must defend itself from corruption and organized crime" and that the keys to keeping the mafia out of Italy's economy are "transparency and simplification" in public administration. Draghi, who also won a confidence vote in the Senate on Wednesday, leads a "government of national unity" that includes most of Italy's political parties. He was appointed after his predecessor Giuseppe Conte resigned on Jan. 26 since a junior coalition ally withdrew its support in disagreement with Conte's handling of the pandemic emergency. Under Italian law, new governments must win confidence votes in both houses of parliament before they can get to work. Enditem In fact, Mr. Prince knows Mr. Gibson and hosted him in Abu Dhabi for a couple of days in 2013, said Gregg Smith, a former marine who worked with Mr. Prince at the time. Mr. Prince has been angling for military business in Libya since 2013, mostly through Mr. Hifter, the report says. In 2015, Mr. Prince supplied the Libyan commander with a private jet, owned by the Hong Kong-based Frontier Services Group company led by Mr. Prince, and which Mr. Hifter used for travel to meetings in Egypt and across the region, the report says. That same year Mr. Prince pitched the European Union on a private military force to patrol Libyas borders and combat illegal migration. The Europeans declined. To the outside world, the mercenaries claimed to be working on a geological survey or an oil and gas project. The report says that Bridgeporth, a British survey company then owned by Mr. Prince, was used to manufacture cover stories just as the company had been used as cover for previous mercenary operations in South Sudan and Uganda. Travis Maki, an American pilot who once worked for Bridgeporth, told U.N. investigators that he flew one of Mr. Princes planes into Libya just before the operation. The plane, a Pilatus PC-6, had previously been used by Mr. Prince during his Blackwater days, and is the same model used by Mr. Gibsons character in the movie Air America. In Libya, it had been fitted with powerful optical sensors that made it a piece of military equipment, the arms inspectors concluded. In an email, Mark Davies, the chief executive of Bridgeporth, denied the companys aircraft were used for anything other than surveys, and said that Mr. Maki had not worked for the company since 2018. Mr. Prince's Frontier Group, which once invested in Bridgeporth, no longer held a stake in the company, he added. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Chipotle Mexican Grill is celebrating its milestone of 20 million Chipotle Rewards members by collaborating with the iconic 'Chipotle Is My Life' Kid for a limited-edition apparel collection as well as a new menu item. The now 12-year-old Roy Murray, also known as 'Chipotle Is My Life' Kid, was an internet sensation in 2014 when he famously exclaimed 'OMG, I love Chipotle. Chipotle is My Life!' The Mexican food chain's limited edition apparel collection in partnership with Roy features bold text and imagery referencing the viral moment and is part of the Chipotle Goods collection. Chipotle will use all profits from Chipotle Goods to help organizations, which are focused on making fashion or farming more sustainable. In addition, Chipotle fans will be able to try the Chipotle entree that inspired Roy's famous reaction. Roy's go-to order, The 'Chipotle Is My Life' Bowl, is available on the Chipotle app and website for a limited time. The new menu item features Double white rice, black beans, chicken, tomatillo-red salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Chipotle noted that Roy is also the newest recipient of the Chipotle Celebrity Card held by a small, elite group of brand super fans that grants access to free Chipotle. Fans can also create their own version of the 'omg I love chipotle by roy murray' sound that is now available on TikTok. Chipotle Rewards was recently named to Newsweek's list of America's Best Loyalty Programs for 2021. Rewards members will get a free chips and guac offer after their first purchase as a member and also gain early access to new menu items. People who enroll for the program will earn 10 points for every $1 they spend in the restaurant, online, or in the app, and receive a free entree on accumulating 1,250 points. Members can also earn points more quickly though bonuses, like extra point days. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de Vancouver, British Columbia and Johannesburg, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - February 18, 2021) - Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX: PTM) (NYSE American: PLG) ("Platinum Group" or the "Company") is pleased to announce positive results from its Annual General Meeting held on February 18, 2021 in Vancouver, BC. The meeting had a turnout of shareholders representing 62.30% of its issued shares eligible to vote at the meeting. Shareholders strongly supported the appointment of the Board and the resolutions proposed. The number of directors is fixed at six and on a show of hands the Shareholders elected management's six nominees for directors. Details of the proxy voting are as follows: DIRECTOR NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF VOTES CAST FOR FOR WITHHELD R Michael Jones 39,006,439 99.64% 0.36% Frank Hallam 38,252,553 97.72% 2.28% Diana Walters 39,016,071 99.67% 0.33% Timothy Marlow 38,200,364 97.58% 2.42% John Copelyn 38,283,454 97.80% 2.20% Stuart Harshaw 38,004,279 97.08% 2.92% The re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors was voted in favour by 99.24% of the Shareholders. For more information on these matters, please refer to Platinum Group's information circular, available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or visit our website at www.platinumgroupmetals.net. About Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and Waterberg Project Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is the operator and majority owner of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground palladium, platinum, gold and rhodium deposit located in South Africa. The Waterberg Project was discovered by Platinum Group and is being jointly advanced with the shareholders of Waterberg JV Resources (Pty) Ltd. ("Waterberg JV Co."), being Platinum Group, Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Hanwa Co. Ltd. and Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Mnombo"). In 2019, the Company founded Lion Battery Technologies Inc. in partnership with Anglo American Platinum Limited to support the use of palladium and platinum in lithium battery applications. On behalf of the Board of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Frank R. Hallam CFO, Corporate Secretary and Director For further information contact: R. Michael Jones, President or Kris Begic, VP, Corporate Development Platinum Group Metals Ltd., Vancouver Tel: (604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450 www.platinumgroupmetals.net Disclosure The Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management. This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. The Company directs readers to the risk factors described in the Company's Form 20-F annual report, annual information form and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74897 You are here Media > News New Project in Collaboration with Trinity Long Room Hub to Explore Trinitys Colonial Past 19 February 2021 The Trinity Long Room Hubs Deputy Director, Dr Ciaran ONeill will spearhead a new project to explore Trinitys connections to empire. Under the direction of Dr Ciaran ONeill, Deputy Director of the Hub, and Dr Patrick Walsh, also of Trinitys School of Histories and Humanities, a 24-month postdoctoral fellowship will examine and reflect upon Trinitys colonial legacies through scholarly research and engagement with public audiences. Slavery, statues, curriculum development, museum and library collections and how Trinity presents its history to the public in the future will all be under the spotlight. Recent conversations brought to a public audience by the Trinity Long Room Hub through the Global Irish Network have formed part of a conversation about Trinity College Dublins history, and have helped lead to the University undertaking a historical examination of its links to and role in empire. The Global Irish Network discussion in November 2020 opened-up conversations on Irish universities and their imperial legacies, with talks from Professors Finola OKane-Crimmins and Hussein Omar (UCD), Dr Donal Hassett (UCC) and Dr Ciaran ONeill (TCD). Chaired by Professor Eve Patten, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, the online event highlighted the depth of links between universities and colonial inheritances in Ireland and other former colonies of the British empire. Commenting on Trinitys Colonial Legacies Project, Professor Patten emphasised the power of public engagement in opening up new possibilities for research and inspiring action. I want to commend our Deputy Director Ciaran ONeill for his commitment to building on the momentum of these early conversations and leading what will be an extraordinary undertaking for Trinity College, marking a new period in its history and reflecting on some uncomfortable but necessary truths. Dr Ciaran ONeill said: We are really excited about the Trinitys Colonial Legacies project. It gives us an opportunity to have a critical conversation about Trinitys multiple connections to empire. Ideally that would take place in an open and transparent process that is as inclusive as possible. We are a University community and debating ideas, legacies, and identities is a key part of what we do. The project team will be supported by an advisory board chaired by Professor Mary McAleese, Chancellor of the University of Dublin and former President of Ireland. Ciaran ONeill is Ussher Assistant Professor in Nineteenth Century History at Trinity College Dublin and Deputy Director of Trinity Long Room Hub. A co-founder of Trinitys M.Phil in Public History and Cultural Heritage, he is (with Finola OKane Crimmins) editor of the forthcoming Ireland, Slavery and the Caribbean; Interdisciplinary Perspectives (MUP, 2021). His new research project, With Prof Karly Kehoe, is focused on Irish, British and Canadian links to the Eastern Caribbean. Trinity's Colonial Legacies Project is now seeking applications for the position of postdoctoral fellow and the closing date for application is Friday, 19th March 2021. Further details can be found here. One of the most anticipated Malayalam movies of the year Drishyam 2: The Resumption starring Mohanlal has been leaked by piracy website Tamilrockers. The movie which was slated for an Amazon Prime Video release on Friday is a sequel to Drishyam which was released in four Indian languages with a different star cast. The film is also available on other pirated websites for free downloading and viewing.Drishyam, directed by Jeethu Joseph, was a story of a father George Kutty, essayed by Mohanlal, who tries to save his wife and elder daughter, who had committed a murder. The sequel also begins showing the family involved in the same murder case. Tamilrockers have gained notoriety for releasing many big films within a few hours of their release in the past. Taandav, Aashram 2, Ludo and Chhalaang were among those leaked within days of their official release despite strict actions by the government. Despite various court orders to block the website's URL and IP address, the infamous piracy site hasn't stopped being a trouble. Blocking Tamilrockers altogether has proven to be a mammoth task since once an illegal URL is taken down; few more come up in its place to continue the business. Tamilrockers' business is a case of demand and supply as those movie viewers who don't want to spend money on their favourite movies end up watching the pirated copy. Tamilrockers mints money by denting the producers' coffers. Also read: German Prince sues 'ungrateful' son for selling family castle worth millions for Rs 87.98 Also read: NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars; sends first image 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. 3.5 billion-year-old barite (bottom) with fossilized microbial mat (top). This barite is part of the Dresser Formation in NW Australia. Credit: Helge Missbach A research team including the geobiologist Dr. Helge Missbach from the University of Cologne has detected organic molecules and gases trapped in 3.5-billion-year-old rocks. A widely accepted hypothesis says that the earliest life forms used small organic molecules as building materials and energy sources. However, the existence of such components in early habitats on Earth was as yet unproven. The current study, published in the journal Nature Communications, shows that solutions from archaic hydrothermal vents contained essential components that formed a basis for the earliest life on our planet. Specifically, the scientists examined about 3.5-billion-year-old barites from the Dresser Formation in Western Australia. The barite thus dates from a time when early life developed on Earth. "In the field, the barites are directly associated with fossilized microbial mats, and they smell like rotten eggs when freshly scratched. Thus, we suspected that they contained organic material that might have served as nutrients for early microbial life," said Dr. Helge Missbach of the Institute of Geology and Mineralogy and lead author of the study. In the fluid inclusions, the team identified organic compounds such as acetic acid and methanethiol, in addition to gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. These compounds may have been important substrates for metabolic processes of early microbial life. Furthermore, they are discussed as putative key agents in the origin of life on Earth. "The immediate connection between primordial molecules emerging from the subsurface and the microbial organisms3.5 billion years agosomehow surprised us. This finding contributes decisively to our understanding of the still unclear earliest evolutionary history of life on Earth," Missbach concluded. Explore further Landing on the origin of life 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. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Balram Bhargava has said interim results of the ongoing clinical trials indicated that the indigenous Covid-19 vaccines would be effective against the mutated virus strains reported from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. A paper on Covaxin's neutralisation potential against the UK strain has been accepted for publication, he said here on Thursday while addressing an international webinar "Kerala Health: Making the SDG A Reality,"organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Kerala. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot In the case of the variants from South Africa and Brazil, efforts were on to isolate the mutated virus strains from the samples collected from travellers from these two countries, he said. The official said the third clinical trial of Covaxin BB152 had been completed as all the 25,800 volunteers involved in the exercise had been administered both the doses. "The interim analysis report should be out in a week," he said. Dr Bhargava pointed out that India was the fifth country in the world to isolate the Covid-19 virus as part of the efforts to develop a vaccine for the pandemic. With its graded response to the outbreak of Covid-19 right from the beginning, India had successfully kept the spread of the pandemic under control while utilising this period for drastically scaling up the capacity of the country's medical infrastructure, both under the government and the private sector. India had from the outset resisted the temptation of going for herd immunity unlike many European countries, including the UK and Italy, and its decision had been vindicated from what happened in the western nations that allowed the pandemic to spread, he pointed out. As a result, India had not only ramped up its medical infrastructure for domestic use but had also reached the level of exporting vaccines and treatment kits on a large scale, he said. The webinar series that began on February 17, with focus on the prospects of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) amid an added challenge posed by Covid-19, is held across five days this month and early March.PTI LGKSS PTI PTI 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!! TOKYO, Feb 19, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that at a meeting of the company's Board of Directors held today, Toshihiro Mibe, currently the company's Senior Managing Director, was named the next President and Representative Director, effective April 1, 2021. Mibe will succeed Takahiro Hachigo, the current President and Representative Director, who will become a Director, effective April 1, 2021.Mibe is scheduled to become Director, President and Representative Executive Officer* (CEO) with the resolution of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held in June 2021, at which time Hachigo will retire from the company.During the approximately six years since he ascended to the presidency in 2015, in the face of a period of great transformation of the company's business environment, Hachigo took the initiative and formulated Honda's 2030 Vision to enable Honda to become "a company society wants to exist" into the future. For the fulfilment of the company's 2030 Vision statement - "to serve people worldwide with the joy of expanding their life's potential" -- Hachigo led Team Honda on a course to "solidify existing businesses" and "prepare for future growth." Under Hachigo's leadership, Honda has increased efficiency and strengthened its operating structure in the areas of production and product development. Moreover, by pursuing the "selection and concentration" of its corporate resources on a global basis, a solid foundation for the future was established, preparing Honda to take off in the new era.Mibe, who is set to assume the presidency in April, joined Honda in 1987 and has been primarily focused on the research & development of automobiles, particularly powertrain development. In 2019, Mibe became the President and Representative Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd., and since 2020, Mibe has been concurrently serving as Senior Managing Director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.In this transformational era, a new value system is spreading all around the world. Reflecting this direction, under the new management structure Honda will strive to achieve continuous growth and advancement by further enhancing its commitment toward solving social issues based on Honda's belief that "the purpose of technology is to help people," which remains unchanged since the foundation of the company. Honda appreciates the high expectations people worldwide have for Honda which will grow and advance hand-in-hand with society.*New title name in accordance with the transition to a company with three committees after receiving approval at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held in June 2021Source: HondaCopyright 2021 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Two weeks after a multi-day storm dumped 17 inches of snow on Hoboken, City Council members grilled officials from Mayor Ravi Bhallas administration Wednesday on why clearing it from streets and sidewalks has taken so long. Councilmembers said residents have complained about sidewalks and crosswalks that remain covered in ice and snow, as well as parking lanes that are still not clear. I think theres a general view that it just doesnt feel like the snow has been removed in a way that has been consistent with past practices, Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher said during Wednesdays council meeting. Jennifer Gonzalez, the citys director of Environment Services, told the City Council that crews have been clearing corner sidewalks even though its the responsibility of individual property owners. The city has also been removing snow from parking lanes after resuming street sweeping, she added. But whether property owners know that corners are their responsibility and whether the city is clearing parking lanes as efficiently as possible were common concerns from several councilmembers. The city has been plowing around cars that owners do not move rather than towing them, Gonzalez said. The city has also opted not to put up temporary no parking signs because those require several days of notice before they take effect. Cars are obstacles for comprehensive snow removal, though, and the current strategy for getting them out of the way doesnt seem to be working, councilmembers said, recalling periods in the 1990s when the city would tow a car around the corner and return it after the street was plowed. But that practice is illegal, said Sgt. William Montanez, coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. As for corners, digital Nixle alerts have repeatedly reminded residents of their shoveling responsibilities, Gonzalez said. However, Fisher suggested the city could also write directly to corner property owners before snow even falls. Andrew Impastato has been documenting snow in the streets on the Hoboken Parking Dude Instagram page and was one of many unhappy residents commenting on Facebook Live during the council meeting. During public comment, he spoke about a single mother who spent an hour and a half clearing her car for street sweeping, only for the plow to never come. Then I go and hit the streets last week, and I see plows coming through pushing snow and piling it up into 5-foot piles taking up parking spots, he said. Those piles werent removed until Tuesday, he added. A commenter on Facebook said snow at Fifth and Washington streets also wasnt removed until Tuesday two weeks after the initial storm. They come around really quick and ticket you for snow not removed from your property but you cannot cross the street, another commenter, Melinda Donahue, wrote. Councilmembers Ramos and Fisher were insistent that temporary no parking signs could be a solution for clearing streets of cars. Requirements for having substantive advance notice should be waived during an emergency, Ramos said. In a statement Thursday, Gonzalez noted that this months deluge of snow, spread across several storms, has made it a challenging winter. Like virtually all other cities in the tri-state area, Hoboken has been working non-stop through several storm events with a total of over 25 inches of snow in February to date, including the most severe snow storm since 2016, Gonzalez said. Our employees are working tirelessly with all of our resources to manage snow as best as possible in the fourth most densely populated city in the country. The citys Department of Environmental Services has been responsive to complaints and concerns, but strategic issues need to be ironed out, Fisher said. I think were all just trying to figure out, she added. How do we take a situation, learn from it and make improvements in the future? There has never been any scientific evidence that COVID-19 is more contagious after dark. Accordingly, today Mayor Q has allowed residents and businesses in Kansas City just a bit more privilege to make adult decisions. OR at the very least, these are the new rules until the 'U.K. Variant' sends everybody back inside and/or things calm down after Prez Kamala is crowned. Check-it . . . Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced updated COVID-19 guidelines for Kansas City effective at 10 p.m. Friday. - Restaurants, bars, and taverns may resume operating according to their permitted hours, and no longer need to close to in-person service at midnight, though these establishments must follow Social Distancing Requirements between separate parties and tables, from back of chair to back of chair. - All attendees and staff at events must follow masking and social distancing guidelines. While events are no longer required to submit a mitigation plan, the Kansas City Health Department will be available for consultation to ensure safety at these events. - Provided all attendees follow masking and social distancing guidelines, there is no upper limit on gathering size. Mayor Q risks straining his arm by patting himself on the back in this passage . . . I thank Kansas Citians and local businesses for their cooperation and for doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 over the past several months during a period where our region, much like the country, experienced a significant uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, said Lucas. Back then, we said that these restrictions were meant to get us through a very tough momentand they did. I am proud that due to these efforts, we have been slowly but surely curbing the infection rate in our community, with 10 weeks of decline in COVID-19 cases, taking us back down to early October levels. As we work to get more Kansas Citians vaccinated each day and continue to enforce common sense COVID-19 precautions, Kansas City government is also focused on economic recovery. From the courthouse . . . Jackson County Executive statement on health order KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement today regarding Jackson Countys COVID-19 health order: At this time, I am in the process of evaluating the Countys current COVID-19 health order with our health department director and emergency management coordinator. Throughout this pandemic, the County has worked hard to keep its guidelines consistent with neighboring jurisdictions to lessen confusion and ensure compliance among businesses and residents. While we maintain that commitment, our decisions will continue to be guided by science and recommendations of public health experts. An announcement on changes, if any, to the Countys health order is not expected until late next week. If the guidelines are relaxed, it is important for everyone to remember that COVID-19 remains a serious threat to our communitys health and safety. Masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing are still necessary prevention practices until we can all get vaccinated. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice, compassion and resilience our community has shown for nearly a year. If we continue to do our part, we will emerge from this pandemic safer and stronger than ever. ### Check the links . . . Fox4: Kansas City cutting back on COVID-19 health restrictions for restaurants, bars, events KCTV5: Mayor Lucas announces updated COVID-19 guidelines for Kansas City KSHB: KCMO to loosen some COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline KMBC: New COVID-19 rules allow KCMO bars to operate in normal hours, lifts event size restrictions KCUR: With Updated COVID-19 Order, Kansas City Mayor Eases Restrictions On Bars, Restaurants Developing . . . Huntsville Hospital announced Friday that the shipment of coronavirus it receives to its Community Vaccination Clinic is being reduced. It will get 1,000 new doses a week, which is less than half of the previous allocation for Huntsville Hospital. This means there will be no new appointments to receive the vaccine until the week of March 22. The vaccine supply will be adequate to meet existing commitments, the hospital said. People currently with appointments to receive the vaccine at John Hunt Park should still come unless they receive a call telling them otherwise. More than 45,000 people are on the hospital systems waiting list. Heres the full announcement: Huntsville Hospital has learned that the supply of COVID-19 vaccine allocated to our Community Vaccination Clinic will be reduced. The hospital confirmed with the State this week that it will only receive enough vaccine for 1,000 new doses per week, which is less than half of the previous allocation for Huntsville Hospital. The vaccine supply will be adequate to meet existing commitments, but the hospital will stop scheduling any new appointments until the week of March 22, 2021. If you already have an appointment for either a booster dose or a primary dose, you should come at your scheduled time unless contacted by the hospital. If you are one of the thousands on the waiting list, you will not receive a scheduling phone call for at least two weeks. Huntsville Hospital Health System locations have served as the primary vaccination sites in the region with more than 55,000 persons vaccinated thus far. Health System officials said today that the allocation of vaccines shipped from the State of Alabama to area hospitals has been reduced in recent days, forcing hospitals to reduce the number of first doses they can provide. Some locations are already out of first doses. More than 45,000 people are on vaccine waiting lists in our Health System. Based on the allocations that we receive, we will continue our efforts to vaccinate as many people as we can who have registered to be vaccinated at one of our facilities. We also recommend that you explore every avenue available to get your vaccine. You can check the Alabama Department of Public Health website (https://dph1.adph.state.al.us/covid-19/) for information on who has been approved for administering vaccines in your area. Please note that approved sites might not have vaccines all the time. Several University of Illinois Chicago faculty members have addressed the issue of how to ethically conduct research with Black populations Several University of Illinois Chicago faculty members have addressed the issue of how to ethically conduct research with Black populations. In their paper "Ethics of Research at the Intersection of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter: A Call to Action," authors Natasha Crooks, an assistant professor, Phoenix Matthews, a professor, both of the UIC College of Nursing, and Geri Donenberg, director of the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science at the UIC College of Medicine, highlight the historical issues that impact research involving Black populations. They also provide recommendations for researchers to ethically engage Black populations in research. The article is published online in the Journal of Medical Ethics. "Our recommendations include understanding the impact of ongoing trauma, acknowledging historical context, ensuring diverse research teams and engaging in open and honest conversations with Black populations to better address their needs," they said. The authors call for new standards to engage continued research with Black communities, fully understanding the need for strategies that avoid "re-traumatizing or perpetuating violence of Black lives as disposable at every point of the research process." "It will also require research institutions to change how we engage Black populations, commit resources to diversify our workforce and enact antiracist programs and policies to foster greater sensitivity to these issues," the paper states. The paper includes three areas targeting change: ensuring research settings are emotionally and physically safe; sharing research findings with communities to facilitate trust and encourage feedback into interpreting results; and having honest conversations with Black participants about how they feel about participating in research, including the risks, strengths and barriers. Each recommendation includes examples to help implement changes including asking research participants pointed questions regarding safety, concentrating on the participants' experience, using mixed method approaches like open-ended questions and interviews, and sharing research findings transparently. "Researchers must engage in open and honest conversations with Black participants about how they feel participating in research during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the risks, strengths and barriers," the paper states. "Then, researchers must listen, adjust timelines, protocols and objectives based on the information provided." Crooks, who conducts research in Black communities frequently, said she has found ways to engage with potential research subjects by adding a personal perspective. "The most useful thing for me has been going to Black organizations and introducing myself, putting a face to the research. I spend time telling them my story about becoming a Black doctor and how I became interested in this area of research. I give them the space to ask me any questions to help build trust," Crooks said. "It's critical to get groups exposed to participating in research and making them feel comfortable with the research process." ### Photo: The Canadian Press President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd as he arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Williams Arena in Greenville, N.C. In the first television interviews of his post-presidency, Donald Trump repeated his false claims that the election was stolen from him 10 times each instance unprompted and unchallenged. Trump emerged this week for interviews with Fox News Channel, Newsmax and One America News Network tied to the death of Rush Limbaugh. Each network actively appeals to Trump's base conservative audience. And the way the interviews were conducted illustrates how difficult it may be to change the minds of supporters who believe the former president's unfounded narrative. Nearly a month after he left office, Trump drove his point home on each network: "The election was stolen," he told OANN's White House correspondent Jenn Pellegrino. We were robbed. It was a rigged election. "We did win the election, as far as I'm concerned. It was disgraceful what happened," he said to Greg Kelly on Newsmax. "You would have had riots going all over the place if that happened to a Democrat," he said when interviewed by Harris Faulkner and Bill Hemmer on Fox News Channel. At no point did an interviewer interrupt Trump to correct or challenge the claims. He brought up the election grievances six times with Kelly, twice with Pellegrino and twice with the Fox team. The subject didn't come up in a later interview with Fox's Sean Hannity. No interviewer introduced the topic. Except for Kelly, each questioner stuck strictly to the subject of Trump's relationship with Limbaugh. We probably have 100 questions for you, but so many of these are not appropriate for this venue, so we'll keep it on this topic for now, Hemmer said. Hemmer arguably teased the subject, though, when he asked Trump if he had spoken to Limbaugh post-election. Rush thought we won, and so do I, Trump said. So, in fact, do many of his supporters. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll taken between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1 found that 65% of Republicans say that Joe Biden was not legitimately elected president last November. When Trump supporter Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow, started making election fraud claims in a Newsmax interview on Feb. 2, anchor Bob Sellers interrupted him to read a statement saying that election results in every state were certified and Newsmax accepts the results as legitimate and final. The courts have also accepted that view. When Lindell pressed his claims, Sellers walked off the set. But a day later, Sellers apologized, saying there is no question I could have handled the end of the interview differently. Kelly read no statement about certified election results after Trump's claims. Asked about the exchange, Newsmax spokesman Brian Peterson said, while we believe the former president is entitled to his own opinion on the matter, Newsmax has accepted the election result as final and legal. Only on Fox News was Trump even called a former president on air during his appearances. Kelly referred to President Trump and Joe Biden. A lot of people are in awe of you, and I am one of those people, Kelly told Trump. Television ratings from last week's impeachment trial starkly indicate the extent to which Trump supporters resist news that shakes their world view. Trump fans weren't much interested in the trial, anyway, but during coverage of the second day of the impeachment managers' argument to convict Trump, Fox News Channel's audience was only 815,000, the Nielsen company said. The next day, when Trump's lawyers offered their defence, Fox's audience more than doubled to 2.21 million, Nielsen said. CNN and MSNBC, which appeal to more liberal audiences, had differences, too, but not to that extent. MSNBC had 3 million viewers for the second day of prosecution, and 2.67 million for Trump's defence. CNN's audience went from 2.87 million to 2.54 million. Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, in a statement this week explaining his vote in favour of Trump's conviction, spoke about the need for Americans to accept the truth. There is one untruth that divides that nation today like none other, he said. It is that the election was stolen, that there was a massive conspiracy, more secret and widespread than any in human history, so brilliant in execution that no evidence can be found of it and no observer among the tens of thousands in our intelligence agencies will speak of it. Now, post-impeachment, it falls on everyone to affirm Biden's election, he said. The division in America will only begin to heal in the light of this truth, Romney said. Photo: Contributed As we make our way through February, theres plenty to report on. Ill discuss a motion I put forward in Parliament, Canadas vaccine rollout, reports of the governments attempt to hide pandemic information from the public, and meeting with local youth. I was proud to bring forward a Conservative Opposition Day motion in the House of Commons to create a special committee focusing on our economic relationship with the United States. We must start planning to rebuild, to reopen our economy, and to get Canadians back to work. Trade between Canada and the United States exceeds $1.5 billion per day. The business relationships between our two countries provides countless jobs across Canada, including here in Kelowna-Lake Country. There are a number of pressing economic challenges Canada faces. The cancellation of Keystone XL, other existing pipeline issues, tariff issues, disputes on softwood lumber and dairy, stricter Buy American policies, and U.S. investigations on several of our fruit and vegetable exports have all impacted our economy, businesses, and jobs. Here in Kelowna-Lake Country, apple orchardists are selling below cost due to large quantities of low-priced apples coming in from the U.S., and we hear many are near bankruptcy. Ive heard from local businesses who are wondering if the new Biden administrations restrictive Buy American policies will shut them out of U.S. federal government contracts. The European Union announced mechanisms to withhold vaccines from countries. While more than 100 countries were exempted from these measures, Canada was not listed. My Conservative colleagues and I on the International Trade Committee requested an emergency meeting where I questioned the minister about this. This received extensive national and local media coverage and you can go to my website to see some links to interviews and articles. People are waiting on a vaccine rollout plan. Its clear that each day the government fails to address vaccine delays and cancelled deliveries, businesses continue to shutter, and families are forced to be apart. Canada lost a staggering 213,000 jobs in January. Compared to the rest of the G7, we have the lowest vaccination rates per capita, the biggest deficit, and among the highest jobless rates. In addition, while the United Kingdom and the U.S. have disclosed details of their vaccine rollouts to the public, questions from the public and Premiers here have remained unanswered. In good faith, Canadians have endured lockdowns, work at home orders, and travel restrictions. Its time the government was honest and presented a real plan to roll out vaccines, rapid testing and other measures to get our economy back on track. Concerning documents were released to the Parliamentary Health Committee through a motion at the committee, which was not supported by the Liberal committee members, to disclose to the public the Liberals pandemic response. Documents, including emails, showed how various numbers were being manipulated for what ministers were disclosing to the public. Documents were also obtained by Global News where they reported: Senior political staffers from Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus office and the office of another federal Liberal cabinet minister privately discussed how to withhold information from Canadians about the governments response to the COVID-19 crisis last June, newly released emails show. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to let me know your thoughts and ideas. It was wonderful this past week to meet virtually with a local Grade 5-6 classroom and a Girl Guides group, both of whom had great questions about being an MP and how government works. If you need any assistance with programs or have any thoughts to share, feel free to reach out. Stay well. 250-470-5075, [email protected], tracygraymp.ca His ExcellencyPresident Muhammadu Buhari, GCFRPresident, Chief Executive, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed ForcesAso Rock VillaAbuja, Federal Capital TerritoryNigeria Dear Mr. President, As citizens of what is unmistakably the most populous black nation on earth, we cannot but express our concern about recent turn of events across the country. We watch with trepidation as disparate forces, wittingly or unwittingly, come together to plot and execute the dissolution of a union with promise; a union that, if given the chance, has the potential of becoming the pride of the black race. Unfortunately, blinded by personal ambitions, greed, or sheer stupidity, some of our compatriots have turned themselves into fissile material waiting to merge and set off a massive explosion. The fissile material we have in mind include plain criminals (like Boko Haram terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, hoodlums, and armed robbers), narcissists masquerading as human right claimants (herdsmen grazing and trampling on the rights of farming communities), ethnic separatists (Oduduwa Republic advocates), agents-provocateurs (the Indigenous People of Biafra [IPOB] and politicians eyeing their 2023 chances), and fake news propagandists. To be effective, the new strategy should take a proactive rather than a retroactive view of the war on insecurity. In plain language, we recommend that instead of waiting for distress calls from communities before swinging into action, the anti-anarchy forces should identify the operational bases of the criminals with a view to taking them out once and for all. We believe that defeating the forces of disintegration warrants perfecting a counter-insurgency strategy, one that is at once holistic, proactive, and results-oriented. Above all, the strategy will need to rely on the ingenuity and active participation of critical stakeholders, including those so far ignored or excluded. The holistic part of the proposed strategy requires that the common attributes of the various security threats be identified simultaneously with each threats dissimilar and unique traits. The strategy will not be truly holistic unless the law enforcement and security agencies (e.g., the judiciary, the Nigerian Police, the Customs and Immigration departments, the armed services) which had hitherto operated in silos as parallel, self-isolating, turf-protecting entities, learn to share intelligence, to plan joint operations, and to sequence and coordinate their attacks on enemy bases. The holistic strategy will naturally rely on modern information and communication technology (including drones, and aerial surveillance equipment) and human intelligence. The human intelligence that we have in mind will come from various sources, among them, the intelligence arms of the law enforcement and security agencies; traditional rulers; the shamans, spiritual consultants, and marabouts that are locally notorious for aiding criminals; hunters and trackers; forest guards; and community leaders. The emergency we face also dictates that serious consideration be given to the establishment of state police and community police services. Implementing the devolution programme successfully requires that resources be transferred from the centre to the states, and that appropriate budget and performance tracking mechanisms be installed. The anti-anarchy forces identified above are scattered and possibly not on speaking terms. To ensure that they pull in the same direction, we recommend that urgent consideration be given to the establishment of an omnibus Ministry of Public Security. Besides serving as a focal point for the war on insecurity, the Ministry will, like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ensure that the forces of stability work in harmony. To be effective, the new strategy should take a proactive rather than a retroactive view of the war on insecurity. In plain language, we recommend that instead of waiting for distress calls from communities before swinging into action, the anti-anarchy forces should identify the operational bases of the criminals with a view to taking them out once and for all. We have tried the fire-fighting approach long enough. We now know that it does not work. The army, the air force, the police, local forest guards and trackers must move decisively, go after, and wage a relentless war on threats to Nigerian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The time is now to re-establish the authority of the Nigerian state, drive lawless elements off our land, and restore the faith of law-abiding citizens in the Nigerian union. The kidnappers are, of course, a menace that the government should tackle in a novel way. At the very least, the payment of ransom should henceforth be discouraged or outlawed. Kidnappers and their collaborators in police net should also be publicly and expeditiously tried, and the punishment meted out to the guilty among them should be sufficiently severe to serve as a deterrent The results-oriented nature of the new strategy will manifest as arrowheads of crime and insecurity are either apprehended, expeditiously tried and, if found guilty, sent to jail, or, if they would rather die than surrender, be served the dish of their choice. Whatever the case, the strategy can only be pronounced successful when communities under siege can go about their lawful businesses without fear of attack, when farmers can go to farm and not fear for their lives, when women can live as decent human beings without being harassed or raped, and when law abiding Nigerians can move from one part of the country to another without let or hindrance and, certainly, without the fear of being kidnapped for ransom, traumatised, or worst of all, killed in cold blood. The proposed Ministry for Public Security must install a system for monitoring flashpoints and calm spots across the nation. We have so far focused on the broad outline of the proposed counter-insurgency strategy. In implementing the strategy, it is also necessary to address the unique challenges posed by each type of threat. In other words, over and above the comprehensive strategy targeting plain criminals and lawless elements, we urge Mr. President to institute policy measures aimed at anticipating and responding to specific types of threat. The government needs tactics to ensure that the fissile material mentioned earlier is enriched, not for nuclear detonation but for the purpose of advancing the cause of peace and stability in Nigeria. Bona fide criminals (like Boko Haram terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and armed robbers) are fissile material in their own rights. They have declared war on Nigeria, roaming freely in nearly all the states of the federation, and, in the Hobbesian sense, making life solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. If properly implemented, the strategy described earlier will suffice in containing and expelling the anarchists. The kidnappers are, of course, a menace that the government should tackle in a novel way. At the very least, the payment of ransom should henceforth be discouraged or outlawed. Kidnappers and their collaborators in police net should also be publicly and expeditiously tried, and the punishment meted out to the guilty among them should be sufficiently severe to serve as a deterrent to those contemplating following their footsteps. How about the herdsmen using the farm produce of fellow Nigerians as fodder for their stock and destroying whatever their flocks reject? They will argue that the Constitution of Nigeria guarantees their right to freedom of movement. However, the same Constitution makes it clear that the rights that one citizen enjoys must not extinguish those of his fellow citizens. The right to freedom of movement is checked and balanced by the constitutionally guaranteed property rights. In any case, with rights come obligations, notable among which is the obligation to acknowledge and respect the rights of fellow citizens. To replace the present state of nature with a state of law and order, law enforcement agents must promptly intervene to preserve the constitutional checks on rights, while at the same time preserving the balance. another fissile material that needs to be handled with care is ethnic separatism. The raging fire in the South-West is a case in point. Fueling the fire are herders invasion of farmlands, the rising cases of kidnapping, and the growing perception that the Federal Government is either not aware of, or not interested in mitigating the suffering of the people. The law enforcement agencies slow response to the herders-farmers clashes has allowed the rights balancing challenge to mutate into what it is today. Regrettably, and to our consternation, the narrative has shifted from the letter and spirit of the Constitution to ethnic profiling. Victims of the herders narcissistic acts pin the blame, not on their tormentors, but on the offending herders ethnic affiliation, in this case, the Fulani. It does not help matters when many of those fingered in cases of kidnapping and banditry identify themselves as Fulani. Innocent Fulani naturally feel unjustly stigmatised and demonised. In the meantime, victims of the herders invasion trade eviction notices and ultimatums with the entire Fulani community. Defusing the delicate situation will call on good faith on everyones part. As a first step, we recommend that the media lead the way in separating the criminals from their ethnic communities. Newspaper editors are particularly urged to replace mischievous and ethnic-laden adjectives with clearly illustrative ones. To delink and isolate the bona fide criminals from their law-abiding community, the qualifying adjective, Fulani, should be dropped in references to herdsmen, and adjectives like transgressing, unruly, felonious, criminally inclined should be pinned on the real offenders, the arms-bearing herdsmen. Similarly, Fulani kidnappers should now give way to murderous/killer/vindictive/bloodthirsty kidnappers. Quite apart from soiling the reputation of a nonbelligerent community, the transgressing herders pose a clear and present danger to Nigerias peace and stability. We therefore recommend that the government move quickly to douse a slowly burning but unnecessary fire. This will, in the short-term, require working with local authorities to regulate the movement of cattle and keep them away from farms. There is no better way to make peace between two combatants than by separating both and keeping either in his corner. As a medium- to long-term plan, Nigeria should move away from free-range grazing to the establishment of cattle ranches and kraals across the country. The accent will be on cattle breeding for export and for job creation. Yet, another fissile material that needs to be handled with care is ethnic separatism. The raging fire in the South-West is a case in point. Fueling the fire are herders invasion of farmlands, the rising cases of kidnapping, and the growing perception that the Federal Government is either not aware of, or not interested in mitigating the suffering of the people. Emboldened by the hostile situation and the local publics disillusion with government response, a hitherto unknown arrowhead of ethnic separatism, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, Alias, Sunday Igboho, became an instant celebrity. It will be a mistake to move against him. What the Federal Government needs to do is find immediate solution to the problem which aided his emergence. Specifically, the Government should redeem its image by securing the life and property of the people, by effectively caging anarchists and law breakers, and by ensuring that access to the benefits of citizenship is anchored on the principles of fairness, justice, and inclusiveness. Already, the Oduduwa Republic agitators are being egged on by IPOB and other separatist forces. The Agitprop offensive has already started on YouTube, with Sunday Igboho holding court and receiving messages of solidarity. Biafran commentators regularly release video clips attacking Femi Falanas interpretation of the Constitution, and hailing Igbohos courage and vision. Again, the only effective remedy for rebellion is the assurance of the benefits of order and good government. We therefore exhort the Federal Government to change gear and ensure that the average Nigerian feels its impact. It should step up its war on corruption. It should fight poverty, create jobs, and expand access to public amenities. It should pay serious attention to the recruitment, training, welfare and motivation of the law enforcement and armed services personnel. The security agencies needs for sophisticated weapons should be addressed, along with the outstanding transport and communications challenges. Local authorities should, for their own part, enact laws against anarchic tendencies, including the erection of roadblocks on public highways by self-appointed road maintenance crews. ADVERTISEMENT Signed Murtala J. Balogun Ibraheem Haruna Yakubu Aminu Olaoluwa Aremu Hadiza Maikano-Sani Nonye Ike Otuonye Adebayo Omotayo Muhammed Ibn Staki Ibrahim Ogu Sadiq Najeem Adekunle When early 20th-century American jurist Louis Brandeis suggested sunlight meaning full public exposure is the best of disinfectants, he could easily have been referring to the current plight of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, and the need for a fully transparent examination of what many have described as deeply ingrained systemic dysfunction that exists therein. When early 20th-century American jurist Louis Brandeis suggested sunlight meaning full public exposure is the best of disinfectants, he could easily have been referring to the current plight of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, and the need for a fully transparent examination of what many have described as deeply ingrained systemic dysfunction that exists therein. By now, the reason for the recent focus on racism within the WFPS is well known, thanks to a third-party report on the incident. On Oct. 7, firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the North End to attend to an Indigenous woman who had stabbed herself in the throat. A paramedic, who happens to be a person of colour, later accused two of his firefighter colleagues of failing to provide medical care to the patient and delaying her transport to hospital. Discord in fire-paramedic service burning out of control Click to Expand JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg firefighters and paramedics were amalgamated into one department in the late 1990s. Animosity between the two sides has continued unabated for nearly 25 years. Posted: 7:00 PM Feb. 12, 2021 City's long-smouldering fire-paramedic services' marriage of convenience erupts in signs of irreconcilable differences that could put lives in danger Review backing paramedic's allegations of racism in the WFPS threatens to ignite decades of uneasy co-existence under the same roof Read Full Story The incident prompted a Free Press investigation, published last Saturday, in which nine WFPS members, from both the firefighting and paramedic disciplines, revealed that racist behaviour is among the problems that have festered since the amalgamation of the two services 24 years ago. As they described a toxic relationship between the two groups, some complaints seemed petty. Some colleagues apparently shirk the shared housekeeping responsibilities around the fire halls, or fail to contribute to a "kitty" that pays for groceries. Other complaints are more institutionally significant. Although fire calls have decreased by 46 per cent over the past 10 years and calls for medical help have soared, the fleets of fire trucks and ambulances have not been reconfigured to reflect changing needs. According to insiders interviewed, fire trucks remain the priority because the union representing firefighters is inordinately powerful. Perhaps most immediately concerning, however, are the reports that Winnipeg fire halls are dominated by a "frat house" atmosphere in which macho behaviour and racism are rampant. It raises the grim possibility that in a multicultural city like Winnipeg, with a particularly large Indigenous population, some responders arrive at emergency calls equipped with racist attitudes. Its important to note not all members of the WFPS should be perceived as racist. However, the paramedic who initially reported the firefighters delay in assisting with treatment of the Indigenous woman had earlier filed complaints of other racist conduct within the WFPS a necessary and commendable action that undoubtedly didnt win friends among his colleagues and apparently contributed to the friction during the incident in question. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief John Lane The willingness of people to speak out will be crucial to ongoing efforts to confront racism within the WFPS. Chief John Lane will eventually be pressured to make changes, and firefighters union boss Alex Forrest should get off the fence and, as challenged by Mayor Brian Bowman, answer directly whether he believes systemic racism exists within the WFPS and the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg. But ultimately, identifying and addressing the problem of systemic racism will depend on the response of the rank-and-file who work within the fire halls in which the culture has been allowed to persist. Their frank participation is needed in a workplace-culture survey that is planned by third-party consultants hired by the WFPS. Full results of that survey should be made public, because the WFPS services are publicly funded and its members deal directly with the public. Also, WFPS members who observe racist behaviour can and should report it under the protection of whistleblower legislation. In 2018, Manitoba became the first Canadian jurisdiction to include municipal governments under its whistleblower protection legislation. Paramedics and firefighters deliver an essential service that saves lives. Whats also essential is rooting out racism and helping to restore public confidence in the integrity of the WFPS. New Delhi: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday lashed out at Congress partys allegations on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over house trading in Gujarat. While speaking to ANI, Prasad said that allegations levied by Congress against BJP are false and born out of utter desperation. Congress party's allegations are false and are born out of utter desperation, he said. Those leaving Congress know they are not getting due respect in the party, it's a sinking ship, he further added on horse-trading allegations. Earlier in the day, speaking on the continued MLA exodus from Gujarat, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that crores of rupees have been spent in horse-trading in Gujarat by the BJP. ALSO READ: AM Singhvi speaks on MLA exodus in Gujarat, says BJP spent crores of rupees on horse trading "The anti-defection law is supreme, and repeatedly Supreme Court has called defections a constitutional sin. One Congress Gujarat MLA Punabhai Gamit has said he was offered Rs 10 crore rupees by the BJP," said Singhvi. Since the time Shankarsinh Vaghela quit Congress, many Gujarat Congress MLAs who are believed to be close to him have resigned from party. Gujarat Congress MLA Ramsinh Parmar submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker on Friday. Two of Gujarat Congress MLAs - Mansingh Chouhan and Chhanabhai Chaudhary had also quit the party on Friday. This development came just a day after Balwantsinh Rajput, Tejashree Patel and Prahlad Patel left the party to join the BJP, ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls. ALSO READ: MLA exodus from Gujarat Congress continues; Ramsinh Parmar submits resignation to Assembly Speaker For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan will receive its second shipment of coronavirus vaccines on Sunday, vaccine programme chief Taro Kono said, according to news agency Jiji Press. Japan launched its inoculation drive on Wednesday, giving medical personnel the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine. It is the last of the Group of Seven grouping of industrialised nations to begin vaccinations. (Reporting by Chris Gallagher; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) A 5-year-old Portland boy died earlier this month in a homicide, authorities determined this week. The Portland Police Bureau said the boy was initially injured in his home in the 300 block of Northeast 141st Avenue. He died at a hospital Feb. 10, and the Oregon State Medical Examiners Office conducted an autopsy Tuesday. The medical examiners office determined the boy died in a homicide caused by blunt force trauma. Police did not say when the boy was initially injured, but they noted that Family Services Division detectives were assigned to the case Feb. 5. Detectives are withholding the boys name as part of an ongoing investigation. No arrests have been announced. Police ask anyone who has information to contact Detective Anthony Merrill (Anthony.Merrill@portlandoregon.gov; 503-823-4033) or Detective Joseph Corona (Joseph.Corona@portlandoregon.gov; 503-823-0508.) The Oregonian/OregonLive Sandra Fluke AP The former law student Limbaugh smeared nine years ago refuses to let him define her. "I am focusing my energies on passing good strong legislation to strengthen our democracy," Sandra Fluke told Insider. "I wasn't going to be silenced," she said of the 2012 attacks that changed her career. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. When Rush Limbaugh died on Wednesday, plenty of people invoked the name Sandra Fluke on Twitter to dance on the grave of the infamous father of conservative talk radio. But the former law student whom he publicly attacked nine years ago about birth control refuses to let him define her. "My immediate thought was honestly to send my sympathies and my condolences to his family," Fluke, now a Los Angeles-based attorney, told Insider. "But I am focusing my energies on passing good strong legislation to strengthen our democracy so our country can move past the hatred and divisiveness that he sowed and ensure everyone has a voice including those he tried to silence." In February 2012, Fluke achieved a milestone in her budding public service career. The Georgetown law student attempted to address a Republican-led House panel on the need for religious colleges to provide birth control without a co-pay. Republicans blocked her from testifying so House Democrats invited her to speak to them. Fluke's testimony caught Limbaugh's attention. On February 29, the shock jock disparaged Fluke as a "sl-t" and a sex worker for demanding better access to contraception. He continued hurling a litany of misogynistic slurs at the law student for another four days. "So, Ms. Fluke and the rest of you feminazis, here's the deal," Limbaugh said. "If we are going to pay for your contraceptives, and thus pay for you to have sex, we want something for it, and I'll tell you what it is. We want you to post the videos online so we can all watch." Story continues The attention and vociferous backlash made Fluke instantly recognizable and one of the top stories in Washington for a week. President Barack Obama called her privately to express his support. Georgetown University's president, the National Organization for Women, Rachel Maddow, and prominent congressional leaders in both parties all raced to her defense. And Fluke landed on the cover of Ms. Magazine during the maelstrom. After immense public pressure, Limbaugh released a statement on his website apologizing for his remarks. "My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir," it read. "I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices." Fluke believes Limbaugh's apology was genuine but his multi-day tirade - what she called "terrible attacks" - still shocked her. She experienced harassment online and in real life afterwards and took steps to ensure that she would stay safe, but wouldn't explain what she encountered. Regardless, she felt it was important that she maintain her composure throughout the episode. "I wasn't going to be silenced and I wasn't going to be an example to young girls in particular that if you spoke up if this is what happened to you," she said. "I wanted to make sure I was a positive example as opposed to a cautionary tale." Beyond the backlash, Limbaugh did not face consequences for his sexist remarks. He continued drawing millions of listeners and embraced conservative control of the federal government with his friend Donald Trump in the White House. When Trump awarded Limbaugh the Congressional Medal of Honor at his State of the Union address a year ago, Fluke was not surprised. "I felt that it diminished those who had received it in the past, and it was given by a president who had long diminished his office as well," she said. Then-President Barack Obama, accompanied by Sandra Fluke, waves at a 2012 campaign event. Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP The publicity changed her career The experience in the spotlight permanently altered her career. She had planned on representing clients affected by domestic violence and immigration-related legal matters, but her newfound fame gave her a platform to advocate for reproductive health care in the Affordable Care Act and support political candidates across the country. Later in 2012, she served as a surrogate for President Obama's re-election campaign and stumped for Democratic candidates in multiple states. Two years later, the attorney ran for California State Senate but lost in a November runoff election. However, she would not rule out another bid to serve her community in the future. "I was excited about the opportunities to put legislation forward in California," she said. "It would depend on the opportunity and the timing. I would be honored to have that kind of opportunity to represent my community." These days Fluke is focused on advocating for economic and social justice, climate change, police reform, and strengthening democracy as executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Voices for Progress. She still takes on immigration cases as a pro bono attorney in California, too. Fluke recognizes how hard it was to navigate being the subject of a voracious news cycle, even before the #MeToo era occurred. She hopes that others who experience that attention can lean on their network of friends and loved ones to get through it. "Experiencing sexual harassment directly is an incredibly hard thing to cope with and overcome," she said. "I have to say I think I was lucky to have the support of so many individuals and not navigate and endure that experience alone." Read the original article on Business Insider State-owned Central Bank of India ,which was recently in news for 6.5 per cent rise in its net profit to Rs 165.41 crore in the third quarter ended December has handed over the cheque of Rs.18.35 lacs to CRY (Child Rights & You) for sponsoring the Education of 2290 underprivileged children for one year. The bank and TATA AIA, the insurance partner of the Bank has run a Sunehra Bachpan Champion in Dec 2020 for canvassing of life insurance policies all over India with a social cause to help the underprivileged children for their education through CRY. Living on the West Coast we often hear about the dangers posed by Big Tech monopolies. After all, these incredibly wealthy companies have such an outsized influence here. The Justice Departments anti-trust suit against Google was the talk of the town when filed last October, particularly since eleven state Attorneys General joined as plaintiffs. DoJ noted that Google is worth over $1 trillion, accounts for nearly 90% of the nations internet search queries, and allegedly engages in a wide swath of anti-competitive practices. Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and other West Coast titans are also facing increased calls nationwide and in Congress to neuter their business practices. And lets not forget, the government sued Microsoft in 2001under the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, forcing the company to make concessions in how they bundle software and licensing agreements, not unlike the narrow legal arguments being made against Google today. As the literal gatekeepers to the internet and social media platforms for billions, let alone reshaping how Americans buy and sell goods, anti-competitive business models are both dangerous and undemocratic. Yet as bad as they seem in Big Tech, I believe defense industry monopolies may be even more dangerous to the country. Thats because our military acquisitions process works best when various companies compete to research, design and produce the worlds best weapons systems for our warfighters. When just one company can run the table on the others, bad things are bound to happen. Costs go up, and reliability goes down. A few people profit mightily. The rest are out of luck. Its physics. As a retired Air Force officer who once ran the Air Force press desk at the Pentagon, Ive seen how the acquisitions system works from the inside. Which is why I was dismayed to learn recently that one great American company is trying to corner the market on missile propulsion at the expense of several other great American companies --literally one of the key components of our defense industry writ large. Last December, Lockheed Martin announced a bold plan to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne, our nations only independent rocket propulsion manufacturer, for $4.4 billion. Lockheed Martins press release says the transaction strengthens its support of critical U.S. and allied security missions and retains national leadership in space and hypersonic technology. Just one problem. Aerojet Rocketdyne, a.k.a.Rocket.com, a California-based company with 5,000 employees, has also partnered with four other major U.S. defense contractors on rocket and missile propulsion systems and is the last independent Solid Rocket Motor provider in the country. If successfully acquired by Lockheed Martin, the other four would either have look to foreign companies overseas to find suitable replacements -- or get out of the missile business entirely. Thats anti-competitive and a national security risk. Now, its a good thing the U.S. is investing in space and hypersonic technology, imperative actually. Especially since rival major powers China and Russia are making progress as we lag behind. Russia claims to have already deployed hypersonic missiles with troops. Our own Missile Defense Agency said the characteristics of such missiles, flying at over Mach 5, or about 3,800 miles an hour, makes them challenging targets for our current missile defense systems. So yes, we must invest. Though doing so with just one company solely to benefit its own vertical integration of missile systems is overall counterproductive for the U.S. Fortunately, this is not a done deal. At least not yet. The Defense Department and Federal Trade Commission still have to approve the merger. During his Senate confirmation hearing in January, now confirmed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin noted how a number of weaknesses exist in the defense industrial base which include reliance on sole or single source suppliers, reliance on foreign sources (including adversarial sources), and vulnerabilities to predatory and adversarial capital investments Bingo. Sounds like he just described this proposed merger. But this type of thing has been on the Pentagons radar awhile, and rightly so. At a 2015 press briefing, then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter said it is important to avoid excessive consolidation in the defense industry to the point where we did not have multiple vendors who could compete with one another. And the FTC is also aware of the dangers. In June 2020, it released new guidelines with DoD for evaluating vertical mergers, calling them an important step forward in maintaining vigorous anti-trust enforcement and that they reaffirm our commitment to challenge vertical mergers that are anti-competitive and would harm American consumers. Such a proposed merger between Lockheed Martin and Aerodyne would create a mega-company undermining Americas industrial defense base -- one completely at odds with existing FTC-DoD guidelines. Lets hope government officials study this carefully and do the right thing for our fellow Americans. Mike Paoli is a retired Air Force officer and former overseas air station commander. He studied national security issues at the Air War College and nuclear reactor technology at MIT. The Cuban government has announced the expansion of the private sector, allowing citizens to take part in independent service work and expanding the number of jobs where self-employment is allowed from 127 to 2,000. The move comes at a time in which the Cuban economy is in one of its worst stages. The economy contracted by 11 percent last year in part because of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, the loss of tourism dollars, and the decline of Venezuelas economya country that in better times used to help the island. The Cuban economy is in shambles, said Michael Touchton, associate professor of political science at the University of Miami. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation. International travel and much needed tourism has come to a halt. Food shortages have forced many citizens to stand in long lines for hours, even at the risk of being infected with COVID-19. Another influencing factor is the decline in remittances to the island residents from relatives in the United States and elsewhere, which dropped by 54 percent in 2020, according to The Havana Consulting Group. This makes sense because many of the relatives who were sending money to Cuba work in the service sector in Miami or elsewhere and may have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, said Touchton. So, there is no money to send home. Many of the jobs that are now allowed include establishing small businesses such as restaurants, lodgings out of personal homes, and nail and hair salons. According to the government, more than 600,000 Cubans were employees in unauthorized small businesses. The government has relaxed restrictions on small- and medium-size businesses, mostly the kind of businesses that people can operate from their homes, said Touchton. That is good; but if there is no money to pay for these services, then it is hard to see how this reform would make for a huge improvement. Cubas economy seems to have run out of hard currency, said Touchton. The country has failed to meet payments of loans to major international creditors and has asked for a delay until 2022. Many of the countrys employees are paid in vouchers which can be redeemed for rations, said Touchton. Although the government has eased the expansion on some private businesses, the Cuban government will not allow competition in other areas such as health care, education, and communication. These larger businesses will not be legalized because the government wants to control these areas, he said. It is very unlikely that independent media will be allowed to exist because it would be critical of the government or it could provide information that they do not want the population to have. The Cuban government has tolerated the work of independent journalists, although many have been harassed and imprisoned. It is unknown how the new measures will affect them. During the Obama-Biden Administration, Barack Obama moved to establish relations with Cuba. Travel between the U.S. and the island was eased, and hefty remittances were allowed. The Trump-Pence Administration rolled back many of those provisions. Cubans are hopeful that the Biden-Harris Administration will reinstate some of the Obama measures, said Touchton, though it is unclear how high Cuba relations is on the agenda. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Bam Bam Resources Corp. (CSE: BBR) (OTC Pink: NPEZF) (FSE: 4NPB) ("Bam Bam" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that a drone magnetic survey by Zonge International, Inc. is underway at the Majuba Hill Porphyry Copper Project in Pershing County, Nevada. The magnetic coverage is being expanded because of the very encouraging results from a 2018 ground magnetic survey over part of the project area. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6332/74867_0f6e3df9a41b8be2_002full.jpg The 2018 ground magnetic survey covered the known oxide, the oxide extension, and the sulfide target zones. Two magnetic lows were interpreted from the data and a distinct association was observed between the magnetic lows and high copper values in historic drilling, surface geochemical sampling, and the historic underground copper mine at Majuba. High-grade copper values reported from the 2020 Bam Bam drilling program (July 17, 2020 and October 5, 2020) are along the southern edge of the eastern magnetic low. Porphyry-style pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and arsenopyrite associated with quartz-sericite-pyrite (phyllic) and possible potassic alteration was logged in the recent deep core holes and is highly correlative with the 2018 survey. The detailed magnetic geophysical information from the drone survey will provide guidance for expanding the mineralization at Majuba Hill. David Greenway, President & CEO, commented: "The porphyry copper fingerprint we are seeing in the geophysical data is very encouraging. I am pleased that we can get the field crews on the project and advance this phase of our 2021 exploration program. Majuba is emerging as a large-scale copper project and working in a safe jurisdiction like Nevada allows Bam Bam to be very effective with our exploration dollars." About Majuba Hill Property Majuba Hill is a large contiguous land position controlling the emerging Majuba Hill Copper District, located northeast of Reno, Nevada. The project is comprised of extensive mineral and surface rights held by private ownership, patented mining claims, and Federal Lode Mining claims that are 100% controlled by Bam Bam Resources Corp. The property is easily accessed via 23 miles of well-maintained dirt roads leading from U.S. Interstate 80. Reno and Elko are the major supply centers for exploration and mining activities in Nevada. The existing highways are sufficient for transportation of exploration-size heavy equipment. Development logistics would use the 4 lane Interstate 80 highway, Union Pacific railroad tracks and adjacent power, natural gas, and fiber optic transmission lines in the rail - highway corridor. Mining is a common occupation in the area with several small to world class mines operating in the Winnemucca - Lovelock area over the past several decades. A well-trained and experienced mining workforce pool is available in Nevada when labor and expertise are required. The excellent location of Bam Bam's Majuba Hill property, with already existing mining friendly infrastructure, will significantly reduce costs for exploration programs and future mining activities. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed by E.L. "Buster" Hunsaker III, CPG 8137, a non-independent consulting geologist who is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"). About Bam Bam Resources Corp. Bam Bam Resources Corp. (CSE: BBR) (OTC Pink: NPEZF) (FSE: 4NPB) is engaged in the identification, review and acquisition of latter stage copper and copper/silver/gold assets. This is in direct response to the growing worldwide demand and lack of supply for precious metals fueled by the Green New Deal in the US and most other developed nations with similar programs aimed at addressing climate change. Such programs are heavily reliant on silver, gold and especially copper to produce Electric Vehicles and other renewable power sources, as well as building infrastructure to provide clean and affordable electricity. The flagship project is the Majuba Hill copper, silver and gold project located 156 miles outside Reno, Nevada, USA. Management has been mandated to focus on safe, mining friendly jurisdictions and government regulations supportive of mining operations. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. On Behalf of the Board of Bam Bam Resources Corp. "David Greenway" David C. Greenway President & CEO For further information, please contact: Joel Warawa VP of Corporate Communications E: jw@bambamresources.com P: 1 (855) 475-0745 Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Bam Bam Resources Corp. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Bam Bam Resources Corp. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Bam Bam Resources Corp. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74867 Councillors could be asked to overturn a decision to honour a Coleraine-born "unsung hero" of the American Revolution. Objections have been lodged against moves to celebrate Hercules Mulligan in the Causeway Coast and Glens area. It comes after records showed he owned a slave after helping to set up an anti-slavery society. Mulligan's family emigrated to America in 1746, when he was six. He went on to spy on the British during the American War of Independence and in 1785 was a founder member of the New York Manumission Society, which campaigned to abolish slavery. According to official US records, however, he still owned a slave five years after establishing the organisation, with one even living with his family. Alliance councillor Yvonne Boyle, who proposed that Mulligan be recognised through local heritage trails, said she knew he had owned a slave before she put forward the motion. Other councillors told this newspaper they were not in possession of this fact ahead of a successful vote on the plan. Sinn Fein's Dermot Nicholl, the chair of the council's leisure and development committee, said he was alarmed that councillors had not been presented with a full account of Mulligan's past. In light of this, he added, he would seek to have the decision overturned if it came before the council again. "His history as a slave owner was not alluded to when this proposal was brought to the committee, so the vote we took was based solely on the information presented to us by councillor Boyle," Mr Nicholl explained. "Had we known that this man was a slave owner, we most definitely would not have supported this proposal. "I have already contacted the director of the leisure and development department, Richard Baker, expressing concern. "If this comes to full council, we will retake our decision in relation to this proposal." Ulster Unionist councillor Joan Baird said she "would have thought long and hard" about supporting the plan had she known more about Mulligan. "What we were told was that he was an honourable person. I would have expected the Alliance Party to have done its homework and given us (a full) assessment of the situation," she added. "I expect this will come before the council again. I will make my decision on the information." Stephen McCracken, from the Limavady Area Ancestry history group, criticised the decision to honour Mulligan. "When I saw in the Press that the council was going to honour him, I was horrified," he said. "It is wholly inappropriate that a slave owner should be given any kind of recognition." Lilian Seenoi-Barr, chair of the North West Migrants Forum, also hit out at the move, saying her group intended to write to the council, asking for the decision to be overturned. "Calling Hercules Mulligan a hero when he was still a slave owner five years after he helped set up the New York Manumission Society is glorifying slavery and that is disgraceful," she said. Alliance councillor Boyle, however, defended her decision. "Whilst it is common knowledge he owned a slave - and that is a reprehensible practice - it is important to look at it through the context of the time," she said. "Many of America's founding fathers were slave owners, and Cato, Mulligan's slave, helped him in his work as a spy. Many believe that he was given his freedom after the war. "It is vital, however, that this is not ignored. Any future heritage trail must include his slave-owning and abolitionist history when mentioning Hercules Mulligan." Stephen Mills, of Blackburn, says he was bullied by a belligerent bar licensee and ordered to leave the hotel after Mills asked him politely to cover his nose. You must love [Premier] Dan [Andrews], was the attendants parting shot to Mills wife, when she remarked on the number of patrons not wearing masks. Diners, shoppers and pedestrians fill Centre Place post-lockdown on Thursday. Credit:Paul Jeffers Mills says he is frustrated the government has been strong on rules but weak on enforcement. Across the globe, measures by governments to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have exposed tensions between public safety and personal liberties. There are differing beliefs in our community about the level of restrictions that we should collectively undergo to avoid infection, says Professor Kathy Douglas, dean of the graduate school of business and law at RMIT and an expert in conflict and dispute resolution. Loading So when people see things playing out in the community that they dont agree with, they have an emotional reaction. The easing of lockdown restrictions in Britain last year revealed stark fault lines: more than half of the population said they felt angry with others because of their behaviour during the pandemic. Nearly one in five of 2237 British residents polled had confronted someone for not staying a sufficient distance away from others or being in too large a group, according to research published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. The study, by Kings College London and Ipsos MORI, also found 8 per cent said they had confronted someone for not wearing a face mask. Meanwhile, a small minority of people had confronted others for following the rules too closely. Professor Kathy Douglas is an expert in conflict and dispute resolution. Credit:Jason South Belief in the conspiracy theory that the government wants people to wear face masks only as a way of controlling them was associated with confronting someone for sticking to the rules too closely, with 21 per cent of believers saying they had done so. In Victoria, disputes over COVID-19 rules are continuing to play out on social media and in public, with many perceiving mask rules are being flouted more during the latest outbreak of the virus. Loading Douglas copped derogatory comments from a couple of young men while exercising in her local area, paradoxically because she was wearing a mask. It was a take that off, what are you doing with that? yobbo-type thing. She says mask wearing is a very visual example of whether you are compliant with COVID-19 rules. What it does is confront another person with your approach, and if they dont have the same value belief, they might react. Douglas believes that in July last year, when Victorias new COVID-19 cases surged to more than 700 a day, there was wider acceptance of strict precautionary measures. But now, with a low number of cases, she sees more people questioning Victorias approach, which is creating flashpoints in the community over adherence to mask and social-distancing rules. Because of those differing views, you dont have a harmonious view of how to address the pandemic, Douglas says. At the start, there was more of a coherent view. I think thats changing over time. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Darren Robinson is the administrator of Residents in St Kilda, a Facebook page for residents to talk about how to make life better for all people in St Kilda. Robinson says posts on the page which has 8700 members are normally about lost keys and cats, tradies and locals helping each other. But lately he has become concerned about a growing community vigilantism. We have rejected a number of posts wanting to shame people who are in public without masks on, Robinson felt compelled to post last week on the Residents in St Kilda page. Whilst I support and comply with all mandated rules on masks, we are not a site which will publish peoples faces who are walking, sitting down or doing whatever without a mask. If you feel strongly about these people, please approach them respectfully and ask them to put on masks. Make a complaint to the police. If you dont have a valid reason for not wearing a mask, I would encourage you to comply for the benefit of all. Robinson says social media has become a mechanism for shaming people and calling out what others see as non-conforming behaviour. Generally, I would say its a reflection of the division and politicisation of opinion, he says. Its all been played out over whether or not you wear a mask. Its significantly politically aligned but its really driving a wedge in the community. The reality is that some people have medical exemptions. Everyone needs to understand we are all in this together. Tim Boyce has chronic asthma and bronchiectasis, a disease in which there is scarring of the lungs, which makes it difficult for him to clear his chest of mucus. He says he would be medically exempt from wearing a mask, but chooses to do so, in part because he is vulnerable to catching COVID-19 but also because of the scorn he would attract for not wearing one. Boyce experienced this when running without a mask during lockdown, even though the guidelines stipulated that people engaging in strenuous exercise were not required to wear one. The best way for me to naturally clear my chest is cardio exercise, and when I wasnt able to go to the gym, it was really the only way for me to do it, so it was genuinely for medical purposes, says Boyce, of Forest Hill. Loading I stopped counting the number of selfish c--- or f--- you shouts I received, even though I carefully planned a route that allowed social distancing. Boyce feels the abuse got worse the longer Victoria was in lockdown and the angrier people got. I just think that in general, people feel they are being let down by both sides of politics, and have to take matters into their own hands. At their heart, public confrontations over COVID-19 rules are driven by worry, according to Dr Claire Hooker, a senior lecturer in medical humanities at the University of Sydney. You may be an older person who is worried about being exposed to COVID-19 for the sake of your health, but you may also be defending your view that people ought to put themselves out in small ways to keep others safe, she says. The flipside is somebody who abuses another person for wearing a mask is worried that their capacity to self-determine ... and to act freely, is being taken from them. Hooker says non-judgmental communication asking why someone isnt wearing a mask rather than telling them to wear one can be a useful tool. She suggests finding common ground: You might say, We both agree that its important to think critically about the information were getting from the media, I get that, but I am immuno-compromised and scared so, just in case, I would appreciate it if you could wear a mask on the train. Hooker points to The Dudes Who Wont Wear Masks, an article about male anti-maskers by Julia Marcus, an epidemiologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, that was published in The Atlantic last year. Marcus wrote that the public health messaging around masks in the United States had been muddled and confusing. As in Australia, the US government initially did not recommend all people wear face masks in public. She also acknowledged that when former president Donald Trump mocked mask-wearers for appearing weak, and saw face coverings as a political statement against him, it was no surprise that some Americans were loudly declining to wear them. Marcus later tweeted that she was contacted by men grateful to read something that didnt shame or demonise them and willing to listen to her views on why it might be worth wearing a mask. They said they felt ridiculous wearing a mask when there were few people around, like outdoors or in a spacious store, Marcus tweeted. When I agreed that masking isnt as important in certain settings, they became more amenable to wearing one when it matters most. Hooker says we are all likely to be affected by unconscious bias when we make judgments about peoples pandemic behaviour. Loading We know that people of colour in less-advantaged communities were disproportionately targeted by the police for not conforming to social-distancing orders back in about May last year, whereas, in fact, most of the actual flouting of COVID social-distancing orders was occurring in exactly the opposite suburbs, in well-heeled, white suburbs, she says. Knowing that, lets work harder to think, Whats driving this person in this situation? Like many people at some point during the pandemic, Hooker recalls finding herself in a supermarket without a mask. The people who addressed that the best with me indicated to me that they didnt think Im a terrible person because I didnt have my mask at that moment, Hooker says. They saw that I might have just forgotten it, or not be used to it, or was feeling pressured for time. Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its option partner, Tocvan Ventures Corp. ("Tocvan") has reported that it has initiated the next phase of its exploration at the Pilar Gold & Silver Project. Work will include detailed mapping and sampling of key targets with the aim of advancing these targets to drill ready status as part a Phase II drill program planned in the next couple of months. "We are very happy to see Tocvan continue to follow up on its exploration success thus far at Pilar. Their work will be focused on completing detailed mapping and sampling over extensions of known areas of gold and silver mineralization in the 4-Trench and Main Zones as well as geological mapping in areas of highly anomalous gold in-soil geochemistry," says Company President & CEO, Ron Goguen Tocvan is currently in year 2 of a 5 year option agreement to earn an initial 51% ownership of the project. (See Colibri news release dated September 24, 2019 for full details of the agreement.) About Pilar Gold & Silver Project The Pilar Gold-Silver property is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal project hosted in andesite and rhyolite rocks. Three zones of mineralization have been identified in the north-west part of the property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4 Trench. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Significant historical results: 17,700m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 0.8 g/t Au over 61 m 53.5g/t Au & 53 g/t Ag over 16.5 m 9.6 g/t Au over 13 m 10.2 g/t Au & 46 g/t Ag over 9 m 2,650m of surface and trench channel sampling. Highlights include: 55 g/t Au over 3 m 28.6 g/t Au over 6 m 3.4 g/t Au over 50 m Soil and Rock sampling results from undrilled areas indicate mineralization extends towards the southeast from the Main Zone, North Hill Zone, and 4-Trench Zone. About Colibri Resource Corporation Colibri is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) focused on acquiring and exploring properties in Mexico. The Company currently has five exploration projects of which four currently have active exploration programs being executed. The Evelyn Gold Project is 100% owned and is being explored by the Colibri. Three gold and silver projects: Pilar, El Mezquite and Jackie, are currently being explored by partners and are subject to joint venture or earn agreements. For more information about all Company projects please visit: www.colibriresource.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. For further information: Ronald J. Goguen, President, Chairperson and Director Tel: (506) 383-4274 rongoguen@colibriresource.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74945 Get ready for a lot more weddings not that they ever really went away. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, weddings in the United States brought together people who might not otherwise have gathered in fraught circumstances. Sometimes the outcomes were tragic. In August, a 55-person wedding in rural Maine resulted in a chain of infections that spread more than 200 miles, landing seven people in the hospital, killing four of them and three others. A 91-person October wedding on Long Island led to 30 people testing positive. In central Washington State, a 300-person wedding in November resulted in 61 confirmed cases of infection; some of the attendees worked in a long-term-care facility, where 15 people died. Most weddings did not make national headlines. Celebrations small and large still went forward, though anecdotal data suggests that a huge number of couples, even those who got married in 2020, pushed their receptions to 2021. Many others lost deposits, tore up guest lists, moved ceremonies outside or to warmer climates and changed the way we celebrated. 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 continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! 28631 Turning Pixels into Productivity: How to Get the Most Out of your Investment in Multiple Monitors Eric Wanta, CMO, Zive, Inc. People now have more pixels to work with than ever before. Not only has the resolution of the average computer display been increasing, but larger screens have also become much more affordable. These trends have combined to decrease the cost of putting pixels on peoples desktops and resulted in more and more workers embracing multiple monitors. The same way that having a larger desk allows you to put more things on it at once, having more screen to work with lets you do the same thing on your computer. A study by the University of Utah found that productivity among people was higher when using two monitors rather than one. Other research suggest it rises 20-25% when people go from one to two monitors and up to 35% when adding a third. The real question is not if they make a difference, but rather how workers can get the biggest possible gain. These productivity gains dont come from working on many things at once, but rather from allowing you to more easily access and switch between all the things you need to accomplish a single task. Multiple screens are great when you need to see a lot of information at once. They eliminate wasted time moving or resizing windows and toggling back and for between applications and tabs. This applies to things like working with large spreadsheets without having to scroll or composing emails that require referencing multiple other sources. Next time youre walking around, take a look at how people use their screens. Chances are youll find a lot of variation. While theres no one-size fits all solution, following a few key guidelines will enable you to squeeze the most productivity from your screens. More isnt Always Better Think about how you use your applications. There is a key productivity sweet spot in terms of both resolution and total screen area. As pixel density becomes higher, theres a point where the benefits of greater resolution become undetectable. Same goes for screen size. Productivity rises up to a point then diminishes. Beyond that, more screen becomes unnecessary or provides the temptation to fill it with distractions. Focus on Single Tasks Resist the urge to work on many things at once. Instead, use your multiple monitors to more efficiently complete individual tasks. Their impact on productivity increases as tasks become more complex and require referencing or switching between multiple documents, information sources or applications. For example, if you need to have multiple reference documents open while putting together a presentation, having them all open and visible at once can make the process much easier. Give Guidance If youre a manager, dont simply approve someones second monitor, put it on their desk and walk away. People work differently. Utilizing large screens is no different. People are creatures of habit and changing behavior can be difficult. When someone gets another monitor, provide support to help them figure out the best way to take advantage of their new screen. One way to do this is to identify members of your team who can serve as subject matter experts to help others maximize the usefulness of their set up. Choose the Right Applications On smaller screens, using cloud-based applications in the browser isnt that bad. Applications like G Suite and Salesforce are fantastic but using these inside a series of browser tabs makes it difficult to work in a multi-windowed environment and take full advantage of the extra screen space. Arranging Windows/Applications Just because something can be full screen, doesnt mean it should be. I often see people using email full screen on their second monitor. Its funny to see them turn their heads back and forth to read two-foot long lines of text on their 27-inch monitors. Once you open the necessary applications and documents to complete your task, arrange them in a way that provides easy access while minimizing clicks, scrolling and distractions. One helpful rule of thumb is to put your main task on the screen in front of you and any reference material or other applications on the side screens. Minimize Distractions More space also creates room for more distractions. Many people feel compelled to fill the space theyre given. Keeping anything open other than what youre working on is a great way to distract yourself from the important stuff you need to get done. And distractions ruin productivity and undermine the whole point of having multiple monitors. Change it up One mistake people make is keeping the same things open throughout their entire work day. Whats on your screens should change depending on what youre doing. Only put the things youre using. Everything else is a potential distraction. MEMBERS of Limerick City and County Council have agreed a motion calling on the government to fast-track legislation allowing CCTV footage to be used in littering and waste prosecutions. At last weeks meeting of the Adare/Ratheale Municipal District, council official Shane ODoherty confirmed that footage from the network of community-cameras across the city and county cannot currently be used as evidence when offences occur. There is a GDPR issue, he said adding that the Data Protection Commissioner recently initiated successful prosecutions against two other local authorities over breaches of data protection legislation relating to their use of CCTV footage in waste and litter cases. The community-based CCTV thats in existence cannot be used to prosecute waste or litter cases, as the legislation currently stands, because its not for the purpose for what it was erected, he said adding that mobile cameras can be used in specific instances. We have, in the past, got authorisation on a very odd occasion to use mobile type technolgy but it cannot be covert. Under the Data Protection Act it has to be overt CCTV, he said pointing out that the local authority secured a conviction following an investigation which involved the use of mobile cameras. Cllr Adam Teskey said its extremely frustrating that footage from CCTV cameras cannot be used as evidence and he says the proposed new laws must be enacted as soon as possible. We have people ringing us giving out about people flytipping yet we cant, as a council, take this further. Why cant we sort out this mess for once and for all by using mobile CCTV technology? he asked. Supporting the motion, Cllr Stephen Keary said he is in favour of mobile cameras being used to prosecute littering offences but Cllr Emmet OBrien said he was not. Do we want more State control over absolutely everything. Are we gong to have drones flying over our houses next to see if we are burning in the back yard? he asked. Joan Lucey with her three grandchildren Isobel, Fiadh and Jane and her son Sean and daughter Sinead. THE HSE and two laboratories have agreed to enter mediation with lawyers for a retired nurse with cervical cancer who is now in the final days of her life. Joan Luceys family told Independent.ie today that the stress over ongoing litigation linked to the CervicalCheck scandal had resulted in her condition deteriorating. On two occasions her lawyers made courtroom appeals for her case to be resolved through mediation rather than a trial, which is scheduled to begin next Friday. Such a scenario could have involved Ms Lucey having to give evidence from her deathbed but her son Sean said this evening that she is now too weak to even give evidence remotely. Read More The High Court was told today that mediation towards resolving the action will begin next Tuesday. Ms Lucey from Dingle, Co Kerry has sued the HSE, Clinical Pathology Laboratories Incorporated (CPL) with headquarters in Austin, Texas, USA and MedLab Pathology Ltd with registered offices at Sandyford Business Park, Dublin. The mediation will also involve a third party joined in the proceedings by US laboratory CPL. She has sued in relation to the alleged misreading or misinterpretation or misreporting of her cervical smears, taken in February 2011 and August 2011. All claims are denied. Mr Justice Kevin Cross, who had urged mediation and told the HSE and the laboratories yesterday to take instructions at the highest level, wished all sides success in the mediation which he described as a quite difficult endeavour. In a statement to Independent.ie, Ms Luceys son Sean welcomed the development but said it was regrettable that it too so long to happen. It remains to be seen just how fruitful the mediation will be. If not successful, the case will proceed to court on Friday, he said. My mother had resolved to see this case through, as she felt those that so grievously wronged her should be held to account. Unfortunately, however, the stress of the ongoing litigation and uncertainty surrounding the parties agreement to mediate has had an adverse effect on her and sadly, we fear she will not survive the length of time this case is going to take, should mediation fail next week. He added: She will not be able to give evidence. She is too weak. We would love to be able to tell her that the case is resolved next Tuesday. However, if the case does not settle at mediation, we will fight the case for our mother if that is what becomes necessary. Mr Lucey said he and his siblings, Eileen and Sinead, are prepared to give evidence in the High Court next week but it would be extremely tough. We should be spending time comforting our mother in her final days but we will do whats necessary to see this through for her. She should be able to die knowing she has held those that so grievously wronged her to account. The family say that if Ms Lucey dies before the case is concluded, a large portion of her claim will die with her. We hope the pillar-to-post run-around we are getting is not a cynical exercise to avoid responsibility, financial or otherwise. We are all saddened by the way our mother has been dealt with. She certainly deserves better, Mr Lucey said. We would like to be in a position to provide her with some good news but the HSE is denying us the opportunity to provide our mother with this comfort. Mr Lucey believes expressions of regret received from the HSE are hollow. The HSE does not comment on cases publicly. The State Claims Agency, which handles cases on behalf of the HSE, has said it aims to resolve all cervical cancer screening claims against the HSE in a sensitive manner and as quickly as possible. It uses mediation wherever possible, as an alternative to a formal court hearing, and places a high priority on treating the people who have made the claims, and their families, with dignity and compassion, a spokesperson said. Cross-border travel decreased by nearly a quarter last weekend, gardai have said. The force continues to find groups gathering including for house parties, social occasions and exercise in breach of coronavirus regulations. A Garda statement said: Recent surveys have shown that the majority of people believe that they are doing the right thing, but the reality is that the level of casual contacts remains high. An Garda Siochana will be continuing nationwide checkpoints and high-visibility patrols at public amenities across the country this weekend in support of public-health regulations. Regulations and guidelines are still to stay at home and reduce contacts, and only exercise within five kilometres of home. Fines of 100 euro for non-essential cross-border travel in Ireland came into operation on February 8. Gardai said: Traffic data over last weekend showed approximately a 23% decrease in cross-border travel compared to previous weekends. The force has issued approximately 7,950 Covid-19 fines across the range of breaches. They include: Non-essential travel; Non-essential journeys to air or sea ports; Organising or attending a house party; Not wearing a face covering. Deputy commissioner John Twomey said: This week the tragic milestone of 4,000 Covid-19 deaths was reached. That is 4,000 people that were loved. That is 4,000 people that had family, friends and neighbours. That is 4,000 of our fellow citizens. While the vast majority of people are heeding the advice, there are still some who are not complying with public health regulations, he added. In doing so, they are putting themselves, those they love and those they know at risk of catching of a virus that could, unfortunately, result in serious illness or death. Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. 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 Spacing Oxford University's Covid vaccine doses 12 weeks apart actually boosts the jab's effectiveness, according to a study which suggests the UK's dosing gamble has paid off. When the second injection is given after three months the vaccine prevents 81 per cent of people from getting symptomatic illness. But when there is only between three and six weeks between the doses its efficacy is just 55 per cent, according to Oxford's own analysis, published in The Lancet. With many vaccines, the longer the gap between doses can lead to better results - the HPV vaccine for girls, for example, works better when given after a year as opposed to a month. It's thought that a longer time period 'primes' the immune system, giving it time to process and store genetic instructions on how to defend against the virus. Crucially for Britain's current strategy, the first dose offers 75 per cent protection on its own for 12 weeks. Immunity kicks in after 22 days following vaccination. But the researchers are urging people to have two doses of the vaccine because they say it is not yet clear how long protection with a single dose of the vaccine may last. A study in Israel on the Pfizer vaccine found it was 85 per cent effective after the first dose, adding more support to Britain's decision to delay the second injection. The UK drew criticism in January when it pushed back giving second doses of both vaccines from three weeks to three months because the jabs were never trialled using that dosing regimen. The policy recommendation was made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) as the country grappled with the highly virulent Kent variant and limited vaccine supplies. Its goal was to get wider coverage more quickly. Spacing Oxford University's Covid vaccine doses 12 weeks apart actually boosts the jab's effectiveness, a study has found Study lead author Professor Andrew Pollard, University of Oxford, said: 'Vaccine supply is likely to be limited, at least in the short term, and so policy-makers must decide how best to deliver doses to achieve the greatest public health benefit. 'Where there is a limited supply, policies of initially vaccinating more people with a single dose may provide greater immediate population protection than vaccinating half the number of people with two doses. Parts of the UK are already jabbing over-50s without underlying conditions Britain's vaccine postcode lottery was laid bare today after it emerged parts of London have jabbed fewer than two-thirds of their elderly residents even though some parts of the UK have already moved onto over-50s. Wales widened their jab roll-out on Monday to include everyone in the next phase at the same time meaning all over-50s can now expect an invite within weeks. England has only officially expanded the inoculation drive to catch all over-65s and at-risk adults. However, some areas including in London have started offering appointments to people in their 50s with no underlying health woes, it has emerged. NHS data shows parts of the nation are lagging behind, despite warnings that an unsuccessful vaccination drive could scupper the UK's chances of enjoying a summer without heavy restrictions. Westminster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in central London has only managed to dish out first doses to 61 per cent of all over-70s, who were at the top of the priority list because of their age. However, some areas of the country including Farnham in Hampshire - have vaccinated almost every elderly person. All ten areas with the worst uptake are in the capital, according to NHS statistics analysed by MailOnline. Health chiefs fear vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups is behind the poorer uptake in London's culturally diverse boroughs. It has led to clinics in London moving down the jab priority groups to use up their vaccine stocks. GP surgeries in Battersea, south London, appear to have moved to over-50s and above, with one 52-year-old with no underlying health conditions claiming they had been inoculated on Tuesday. Parts of north London, as well as Bolton in Greater Manchester, have also seen vaccines rolled out to the over-50s. One vaccination centre volunteer told The Telegraph today her shift was 'mainly people between 40 and 60'. There have also been unconfirmed reports on social media of people in their thirties being invited for the jab in Scotland. One Twitter user, from Lanarkshire, wrote: 'I'm 35 with no underlying health conditions and I've got my vaccine appointment for next Wednesday before my 58 year old mother and her 63 year old partner, who do. Why?!' As more and more anecdotal reports of younger people getting vaccinated roll in, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham today called for the roll-out to be widened nationally to lower age groups because half of appointments at a mass vaccination centre in his region are going to waste. Advertisement 'In the long term, a second dose should ensure long-lived immunity, and so we encourage everyone who has had their first vaccine to ensure they receive both doses.' Researchers combined data from trials in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa, including 8,948, 6,753, and 1,477 people, respectively totalling 17,178 people. Participants were aged 18 years and over and either received two standard doses of the Oxford vaccine (8,597 participants) or a placebo. Looking at the interval between two standard doses and its impact on efficacy, participants who were given their doses 12 or more weeks apart had greater protection (81 per cent) than people given their two doses less than six weeks apart (55%). The results were supported by immune response results in 18-55-year-olds, which found that binding antibody responses were more than two-fold higher in the group having their two vaccines with a longer delay. Following a single standard vaccine dose, vaccine efficacy from 22 days to three months after vaccination was 76%, researchers found. Modelling indicated that this protection did not reduce over the three months. In addition, antibody levels against the coronavirus spike protein remained at similar levels for three months, according to the study. The authors estimate that a single dose of the vaccine may lead to a 64 per cent reduction in community transmission, and that two doses may reduce cases by 50 per cent. The effect of two doses appears less than a single dose because there are more asymptomatic cases included in this part of the analysis, and vaccine efficacy against asymptomatic cases is lower. Professor Pollard said real-world assessments of how the vaccine is working in the population will be needed to confirm this preliminary result. It comes after an Israeli study published today found Pfizer/BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine is 85 per cent effective after the first dose. The research on 9,000 healthcare workers, published in The Lancet, found that a single shot reduced the number of people developing symptomatic Covid by 85 per cent after three weeks. Separate research by Pfizer/BioNTech published today showed their vaccine can now be stored at the same temperature as a household freezer (-15C to -25C) for two weeks rather than at the ultra-cold -70C. This could dramatically expand the rollout of the jabs, and rule out the logistical nightmare of moving doses in specialist containers keeping them at ultra-low temperatures. The company has submitted its results to the US-based Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the change to shipping requirements, reports the Financial Times, with experts saying it's likely the pharmaceutical giant has now had enough time to test the jab at different temperatures. The study on the effectiveness of the jabs after one dose was carried out by the Sheba Medical Centre, one of Israel's top research hospitals. It reported a 75 per cent drop in the number of people testing positive for the infection, suggesting the single shot will have a significant impact on blocking asymptomatic infection and transmission. A positive PCR swab would signal that even someone who is vaccinated is carrying fragments of the virus in their nose or throat which they could pass on. Reducing Covid's spread is critical for country's to achieve 'herd immunity', when so many people are immune that a disease peters out. Lead researcher Professor Arnon Afek, deputy director-general at Sheba, said: 'This groundbreaking research supports the British government's decision to begin inoculating its citizens with a single dose of the vaccine.' 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. Mumbai, Feb 19 : Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is gearing up to start shooting for his upcoming film Jogira Sara Ra Ra! Shoot of the Kushan Nandy film co-starring Neha Sharma begins on February 25. The film is to be shot in Barabanki town near Lucknow. This will be followed by schedules in Lucknow, Rahimabad and Benaras. "Jogira Sara Ra Ra! is a quirky romantic comedy about an unlikely couple and a host of unusual characters. We begin our start to finish schedule with all of them, from the end of this month, and go on right until the middle of April. It's exciting to work with Nawaz once again and create something diametrically opposite of what we did last time," said Nandy, who has earlier directed Siddiqui in the 2017 release, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz. "This is a special film for Nawaz and me because the wait owing to Covid lockdown seemed endless. I am so glad that finally we are going to be on the sets and begin shooting. I am looking forward to working with Neha and exploring her inherent goofiness and fun vibe," the director added. The film also features Sanjay Mishra and Mimoh Chakraborty. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has called for a blue-ribbon commission to investigate state Gov. Andrew Cuomo over his handling of nursing homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During an interview with Bloomberg Wednesday, de Blasio said he supported the idea of forming an independent Moreland Commission - using the Moreland Act - to probe claims Cuomo purposely under-reported the death toll in state nursing homes. The whole thing has to be examined, de Blasio insisted. We need the full truth. Its extraordinarily troubling on a human level because we dont even know what it wouldve meant how many lives mightve been saved if things had been done differently. Cuomo is already being investigated by the FBI and the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn over the alleged cover-up. If enacted, the Moreland Act allows the governor, in person or through those appointed by the governor, to investigate the management and affairs of any department, board, bureau or commission in New York state. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has called for a blue-ribbon commission to investigate state Gov. Andrew Cuomo over his alleged nursing home cover-up De Blasios comments seemed to come as a thinly veiled dig at Cuomos since-rescinded March 25 order to permit COVID-19 patients to be sent from hospitals to nursing homes, as it was believed then that they were not infectious anymore. More than 15,000 people have died in New York state's nursing homes and long term care facilities from the virus, but as recently as last month, the state reported only 8,500 deaths. The numbers, while accounted for in the full state death totals to the state, were not ascribed to nursing homes for residents who died in hospitals rather than within the facilities. However, de Blasio told Bloomberg that any investigation to assess what went wrong under Cuomos rule needs to be about looking forward, rather than looking just backwards. It certainly is not just about looking backward. Its about looking forward, de Blasio said We need to learn these lessons now what happened here and what needs to be different in the future. These are our seniors; these are our elders. They were left in an incredibly vulnerable situation, and there was not enough accountability. Hizzoner continued: And it begs the larger point of whether theres enough accountability when it comes to the state of New York and its actions in general. And certainly, its time for the state of emergency powers to be curtailed and restore control to localities who are much more accountable by nature. I think this is an object lesson of why weve got to get localities positioned again to address the needs of their people and not be hamstrung constantly by the state. But de Blasio told Bloomberg that any investigation to assess what went wrong under Cuomos rule needs to be about looking forward, rather than looking just backwards De Blasio said he wonders 'how many lives mightve been saved' had Cuomo handled nursing homes differently Whether the 1907 Moreland Act will be invoked over the nursing home scandal remains to be seen. Cuomo created a Moreland Commission on Political Corruption in 2013 but shut it down the following year as part of a deal to pass a package of ethics reform, the NY Post reported. Manhattans District Attorney at the time, Preet Bharara, later seized the panels records and used them in successful prosecutions of two lawmakers. Bharara also investigated what he called Cuomos premature closing of the commission, but announced in 2016 that without additional proofthere is insufficient evidence to prove a federal crime. While a Moreland Commission currently seems far out of reach, Cuomo is currently being investigated by the FBI and the US Attorneys Office in Brooklyn. First reported by the Times Union, the investigation is said to be in its early stages but is focusing on Cuomos coronavirus task force whose members include attorney Linda Lacewell, state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker and Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa. It was DeRosa who is said to have admitted the administration withheld data on the nursing home deaths from state lawmakers, fearing an official investigation from the federal government. Adding to his mounting woes, New York State Assembly Republicans on Thursday proposed an 'impeachment commission' to investigate Cuomos alleged nursing homes cover-up. New York State Assembly Republicans on Thursday proposed an 'impeachment commission' to investigate Andrew Cuomo's alleged cover-up of the COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, left, tweeted they 'will introduce a measure to begin the process' a day after it was confirmed the FBI and US Attorney's office in Brooklyn are also investigating the scandal. Cuomo is right New York State Assembly Republicans on Thursday proposed an 'impeachment commission' Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay tweeted that Republicans 'will introduce a measure to begin the process.' The Cuomo Administration's nursing home cover-up is one of the most alarming scandals we've seen in state government, Barclay said. Intentionally withholding critical information from the public, underreporting fatality numbers by 50 percent and the recent revelation they hid the truth to avoid a federal Department of Justice investigation are among the factors that raise the serious possibility of criminality.' He issued a statement which said the commission would be bipartisan and consist of eight members and have a 60 day deadline to carry out its work. It would be able to subpoena witnesses and ask for documents in order to 'examine the state's method of administration and conduct in all matters relating to nursing homes and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic'. Cuomo said earlier this week the state didn't cover up deaths, but should have moved faster to release information. 'No excuses: I accept responsibility for that,' he said at a news conference. State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs said: 'I think it's outrageous that the Republican leadership in the Assembly would speak to politicize the pandemic, the work of the governor and the state health authorities on the handling of the pandemic.' Only one New York governor has been impeached and convicted, William Sulzer in 1913. Inquiries into the growing scandal began months ago in the Justice Department's civil division, and parts of it have previously been disclosed publicly. On August 26, federal prosecutors gave Cuomos administration 14 days to provide data on nursing home deaths. More data was sought in October. The Cuomo administration had not been cooperative with prosecutors, especially in the early stages of the probe, and for months had not produced documents and other data the Justice Department had requested, sources told the Associated Press Thursday. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio slammed Andrew Cuomo for 'bullying' a state lawmaker who claimed the governor threatened to 'destroy' him unless he helped cover up the COVID-19 nursing home scandal Kim believes that his uncle died from a presumed case of COVID in a nursing home last year Also Thursday, de Blasio slammed Cuomo for bullying state lawmaker Ron Kim who claimed the governor threatened to destroy him unless he helped to covered up the COVID nursing home scandal. Speaking to MSNBC, de Blasio said: It's a sad thing to say... but that's classic Andrew Cuomo. A lot of people in New York state have received those phone calls. The bullying is nothing new.' De Blasio went on to say that he '100 per cent' believes Kim. 'It's very, very sad, no public servant no person who's telling the truth should be treated that way,' de Blasio said. 'The threats, the belittling, the demand that someone change their statement right that moment many many times I've heard that and I know a lot of other people in this state have heard that.' Kim told CNN on Wednesday that the governor berated him during a phone call. He accused Cuomo of threatening him into issuing a statement 'that invalidated what I heard. He asked me to lie to cover up for his staff'. 'Governor Cuomo called me directly on Thursday to threaten my career if I did not cover up for Melissa [DeRosa] and what she said,' Kim told the network. 'He tried to pressure me to issue a statement, and it was a very traumatizing experience.' Kim continued: 'I was right about to bathe my kids. It really just put, you know, my family and my wife into shock and trauma for many hours, she couldn't get any sleep that night.' 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. (JNS) President Joe Bidens foreign policy and national security team reflects a resurgence of the U.S. State Departments worldview. To avoid past mistakes, an examination of this worldview and its track record is thus in order. In 1948, the State Department-led Washingtons opposition to the recognition of the newly established Jewish state, contending that Israel would be helpless against the expected Arab military assault, would be pro-Soviet, would undermine U.S.-Arab relations, destabilize the Middle East, threaten the U.S. oil supply and cause severe long-term damage to U... Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Strontium Carbonate Market Outlook 2019-2024 offers detailed coverage of strontium carbonate industry and presents main market trends. The market research gives historical and forecast market size, demand, end-use details, price trends, and company shares of the leading strontium carbonate producers to provide exhaustive coverage of the market for strontium carbonate. The report segments the market and forecasts its size, by volume and value, on the basis of application, by products, and by geography. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from key industry participants. The global strontium carbonate market has been segmented into five major regions, namely, North America (U.S., Canada, and others), Europe (U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and others), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, and others), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and others), and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and others). Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key vendors operating in this market. Request for Report Sample: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/3760 Key Regions North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Place a Direct Purchase Order @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/checkout/3760/Single Key Vendors Chongqing Yuanhe Fine Chemicals Inc. Guizhou Hongxing Development Co., Ltd. Quimica del Estroncio, S.A. Shenzhou Jiaxin Chemical Co., Ltd. Solvay S.A. Tianjin Nanping Chemical Co., Ltd. Nanjing Jinyan Strontium Industry Co., Ltd. request free sample to get a complete list of companies Key Questions Answered in This Report Analysis of the strontium carbonate market including revenues, future growth, market outlook Historical data and forecast Regional analysis including growth estimates Analyzes the end user markets including growth estimates. Profiles on strontium carbonate vendors including products, sales/revenues, SWOT, and market position, recent developments. Market structure, market drivers and restraints. Request for Report Discount: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/3760 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. 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. External Article 19 February 2021 "Ultimately, we believe that will be this swift, responsive and adaptive innovation that will help us progress towards the travel and tourism sector's eventual recovery," said Hilton's vice president, operations in Southeast Asia, Paul Hutton in an interview with Web in Travel. Advertisements "Amidst all the uncertainty, the importance of having a clear Purpose cannot be emphasised enough. What serves as our consistent North Star has been the safety and well-being of our guests and team members," he added. Like most hospitality companies, Hilton has had to adapt its product to changing consumer segments and preferences. For one, it has had to invent guest experiences that now cater more to local domestic travellers rather than international ones. "Our hotels have begun tailoring their response to local needs and demands, including the curation of creative guest experiences, to allow domestic travellers to immerse themselves in authentic local moments, health and wellness, delectable destination dining and exploration of the great outdoors," said Hutton. Hilton had earlier made the news for putting hygiene and cleanliness in the forefront of its marketing campaign. It made sense especially since surveys were showing that customers were valuing a hotel's enhanced cleanliness, safety and hygiene practices above a good deal or discounts. In his virtual presentation before Congress, the minister showed various graphs featuring the death curves in the center, northern, southern, and eastern zones of the capital city. "All districts in central, northern, southern, and eastern Lima have similar curves in terms of trend (of deaths), but central Lima leads the growth, which is higher and a very important indicator to fine-tune the Government's strategies ," he indicated. Likewise, the high-ranking official showed an image confirming that Metropolitan Lima has already exceeded the number of COVID-19-related deaths if compared to the first wave of the pandemic "In Lima, the deaths have already exceeded those of the first wave; this is happening now; a turning point has not been achieved yet, and we hope that these can be lowered (...)," he added. Regarding mortality in regions, the Cabinet member mentioned that the composition of graphs has changed in relation to the first wave. "Although the central coast (Lima, Callao, and Ica) continues to lead in mortality (rates), the central Highlands (Huanuco, Pasco, Junin, Huancavelica, Ayacucho, and Apurimac) have also become a worrying component due to the high number of cases. The data will also help us focus the resources," he mentioned. Hospital and home deaths Moreover, Minister Ugarte explained that 87% of suspected deaths from COVID-19 occur in hospitals, while 13% happen at patients' homes. "There are 13% of people who die at home, and it (the rate) is growing. This is essential to explain why the strategies will prioritize, as it is already being done, the primary care and the community care," he stressed. 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. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. With limited vaccine supplies, city officials have emphasized best practices to stay safe now that restaurant dining rooms have reopened. Senior advisor to public health for the mayors office, Dr. Jay Varma, addressed the subject in a Wednesday press conference. He said, This is important not just for your own health and safety, but for the health and safety of all of the New Yorkers who work at our restaurants. PODS AND BUBBLES ENCOURAGED Dr. Varma recommended keeping the size of groups small and restricting tables to family-only. Pods and bubbles were encouraged. Staten Island eateries that feature such shelters include ONeills in Port Richmond, HoBrah and Burrito Bar, both West Brighton, and Beso in St. George. Restaurant owners have assured patrons that the spaces are sanitized between patrons and, in some instances as in at Eggers in Historic Richmond Town, there are up to 15 minute gaps scheduled between reservations to ensure thorough wipe-downs. With further guidance, Dr. Varma advised patrons to confirm all in their gathering are COVID-free and not recently in contact with someone sick. And he encouraged frequent, monthly testing at free city sites and same-day, rapid testing. When youre at the restaurant, make sure its observing city and state rules for how to make sure dining is safe. Those include making sure its not too crowded indoors. Remember, capacity is restricted to 25%, said Dr. Varma. Make sure you see employees wearing their face mask consistently and correctly. Make sure the tables are spaced apart, they need to be at least six feet apart from each other. And make sure there are no self-serve buffets being used. he advised. The topic of face coverings also was highlighted in the discussion. Dr. Varma said, Wear your face cover, except when youre actively eating or drinking. And you make sure to put it on when your server comes to your table. Other pointers: social distance from other patrons, stay at the table as much as possible and make proper hygiene a perennially good rule, noted the advisor. Wash hands before eating and after bathroom use. He said, And after you dine, keep it a record of where you went, when you went where you went, who you went with. If you end up getting COVID, you want to have that information ready to give to your contact tracer. In the kitchen socially distanced from other staffers in Italianissimo, South Beach (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) SAFETY OF PATRONS PRIORITY AS CITY OPENS UP Over the last several months NYC restaurants have new mandates to update HVAC and filtration systems. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) along with other city agencies have been more visible in the borough throughout the pandemic. Owners report no fines from the intense scrutiny but relay that inspectors are checking for staff safety wearing masks and respecting social distancing in the work space. Inspections have taken on an educational approach with proprietors with guidance on best placement of hand sanitizing stations and increased ventilation. The CDC recommends wearing snug-fitting masks and those with multiple layers. It notes on CDC.gov, A mask with layers will stop more respiratory droplets getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask if you are sick. On Thursday, the city health department issued new guidelines on masks that include wearing a cloth face covering over a disposable mask and knotting ear loops to ensure no loose material for air gaps. PERCEPTION OF THE DINER A casual poll of 10 Staten Islanders about customer perception of safety dining indoors: Two were hesitant to dine indoors and another said he was being extra cautious until vaccinated, so therefore sit-down supping was off the table. Others felt a sense of relief that it is again an option as of Feb. 12. Brother Paul Hannon of Monsignor Farrell High School was among those polled. He was impressed with his recent experiences at Lees Tavern in Dongan Hills and Joe & Pats in Castleton Corners. He appreciated the meticulous approaches to customer safety at each restaurant temp checks, signing the contact tracing book and ample spacing among tables. He observed, Every staff member wore a mask and were careful with handling utensils, glasses and plates. I have no hesitation about dining out at the many wonderful restaurants on Staten Island, and I will continue to do so. Back-of-the-house at Gyro King, West Brighton, with masks and gloves (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) Brother Hannon added, The restaurant industry has suffered greatly during the past year, and I feel it was important for me to support them now that they are allowed to partially reopen. The staff members were so thankful to be back at work and were appreciative in welcoming their customers back. Restaurants are important to New York City, Dr. Varma stressed in the Mayors Wednesday press conference. He elaborated, There are stories of joy, of culture, of income for so many of us. Theyre one of the features that make this city really so special. Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.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. When the power at LaKendra Selders home went out Monday, she thought it would be restored in a few hours as the winter storm worsened. It didnt. For nearly two days, Selders, 39, huddled with her five children in blankets inside their home on the northern end of East Baton Rouge Parish as she called nearby hotels asking if they would let her pay once her paycheck came in. It kept getting colder, and we were hoping for the lights to come back on, Selders said. With some help from East Baton Rouge Parish government, she was able to get a room for her family at the Comfort Inn & Suites near the airport. With her power still out for the fourth day, Selders says shes unsure where shell be able to take her family when they check out on Friday. It makes you feel like youre homeless, she said on Thursday. The winter storm that struck broad swaths of the Deep South early this week has left thousands of Louisianans like Selders without power sometimes for days and crippled travel due to slick roads that led to interstate closures. At least three deaths have been attributed to the rare winter storm and its lingering cold temperatures in Louisiana. With temperatures expected to plunge below freezing Thursday night in the Baton Rouge area, local officials and volunteers were bracing for more people to need shelter. Some 800 residents in East Baton Rouge Parish have been placed in non-congregant shelters, like hotels. The mayors emergency preparedness office also opened a 50-bed, last resort shelter at the Nairn Park, with another shelter at the ready if needed. Volunteers with the American Red Cross and other organizations had been sanitizing socially distanced cots and surfaces ahead of a trickle of people needing a warm place to stay trickled the Nairn Park shelter Thursday. Everything you can think of, weve pretty much done it. Were just trying to make sure everyones safe, said Marc Adams, disaster team supervisor and preparedness coordinator for the Red Cross. To me, its the best thing: to be able to help somebody in a time of need. +6 Frustration grows as Baton Rouge residents reach 4 days without power in frigid weather Frustration is growing for Baton Rouge residents who have been without power for days as cold weather lingers in the area following this week Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The parishs emergency preparedness office was still fielding calls from people without power on Thursday. Since the storm struck, theyve been referring people to non-congregant shelters while prioritizing the elderly, people with medical conditions and other needs on a case-by-case basis. As of Thursday morning, Entergy reported nearly 10,000 power outages in Baton Rouge. The company has urged people to reduce power consumption to avoid potential rolling blackouts and planned to restore power to some areas before Friday. As energy companies continue to restore power in East Baton Rouge Parish, residents are urged to check on neighbors and loved ones who may need assistance staying warm, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broomes office said in a recent statement. Man falls into swimming pool, bringing Louisiana's winter storm death count to three A 77-year-old Calcasieu Parish man drowned after falling into an ice-covered swimming pool, bringing the state's death toll to three after a w Many of those who sought refuge at the Comfort Inn & Suites were among those who didnt have power and had various special needs, such as young children or medical conditions, said the hotels owner Prisha Patel. She recalls the phones ringing off the hook on Monday as her staff quickly readied all 77 rooms for more than 200 people that the hotel eventually housed temporarily. More than half of the people who had been staying there have gone home as their power returned. Its been a crazy week but were so happy to help our local citizens with a warm bed, Patel said. Theyve all been so appreciative, and everyones been so patient with the process. Taking in people during a crisis is something the hotel has experienced before. During the summer, the hotel sheltered people displaced by hurricanes Laura and Delta after state leaders worried about opening mass shelters because of the coronavirus pandemic. This is the third-largest crisis that weve had in six months, but thank goodness our staff has been beyond amazing, Patel said, adding that some have been also staying at the hotel and working around the clock. Theyre making people feel at home because they cant be at home. Almost 12,000 without power in Baton Rouge area: See the restoration timeline As of 5 p.m., more than 10,000 Entergy customers and 2,000 DEMCO customers were without power in the greater Baton Rouge area. 31710 Mark Mullison, CIO, Allied Universa Mark Mullison, CIO, Allied Universa In todays world, a cyber threat can become a physical threat, which may turn into a cyber threat again. The walls between physical security and cybersecurity are coming down, and these formerly disparate worlds are converging. Ecosystem level thinking is required to be effective in this new world. Consider a tip that a student reports about a suspicious person on campus through LiveSafes crowdsourced risk and security intelligence solution that is shared with a physical security team who take action and ensure that a threat doesnt become a tragedy. Or consider a security teams response to an alert when an employee swiped his/her badge to access the Washington, D.C. office at the same time that this employees User ID just logged into a workstation in Jacksonville, Florida? Or how about ensuring that an on-ground security team is made aware of (and responds properly to) telemetry from the Twittersphere that protests at a park nearby are starting to turn violent? Todays safety and security ecosystems include lots of great tools like threat intelligence platforms, video analytics, access control systems, cybersecurity software, GPS-based patrol route management, and well-trained security professionals. But how do we operate effectively in an ever-increasingly complicated environment? The answer is found in a holistic focus on the ecosystem. Well-designed ecosystems of the future will shift the model from detect and respond to predict and prevent. Enabling effective communication between an ecosystems components is critical to maximizing efficiency and productivity and achieving the best safety and security outcomes. But communication isnt enough. We need to be able to see the order in what otherwise might seem like chaos because of the volume and variety of information. This is where artificial intelligence(AI) comes in. And this is where the magic will happen. One key challenge that future ecosystems face is enabling people and tech to work together effectively. We need AI that is not just smart like humans, but smart with humans. AI can enable efficient and effective cooperation between ecosystem components, including both tech and people. Such AI ensures the effectiveness of onsite security by reasoning over the information provided by all the different components and understanding not just whats likely to happen, but what to do to drive better outcomes. Todays safety and security ecosystems include lots of great tools like threat intelligence platforms, video analytics, access control systems, cybersecurity software, GPS-based patrol route management, and well-trained security professionals At Allied Universal, weve put some of this kind of next generation thinking into our HELIAUS product. This product is able to transform data into actionable insights across a security ecosystem and then ensure they get actioned. This isnt hype. Customers who use HELIAUS have seen, on average, over a 20% reduction in safety and security incidents through the use of AI. To generate the best outcomes, AI-enabled ecosystems, like HELIAUS, need to be able to interface with all of a companys security systems and assets. Today that includes things like remote video feeds and video analytics data, crowdsourced security and safety tips from products like LiveSafe, and great well-trained security professionals. Over time, the data sources will expand and begin to include information from IoT sensors, drones, robots, and more. Workflows today task our security professionals or client resources as appropriate via text and email. In the future, drones and other automation technology will be able to play a part and receive taskings and report results automatically. Its all about the ecosystem. Its clear that, as time goes on, the walls between physical security and cybersecurity will go away. The walls between people and technology will also come down. The best outcomes will come to those with an ecosystem that allows ALL the safety and security components to cooperate at light speed, thus taking advantage of the reasoning power of artificial intelligence. This is how well bring all the ecosystems resources to bear in a way that drives better outcomes. We truly are on the cusp of a brave new world. Dr Reddy's Laboratories rose 1.12% to Rs 4669.40 after the company announced that it has initiated process for emergency use authorization of Sputnik V vaccine. The drug major announced that it has initiated the process with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the well-studied human adenoviral vector-based platform vaccine candidate, Sputnik V. As part of the review process, Dr. Reddy's will present the safety profile of the phase 2 study, and interim data of the phase 3 study, which is expected to complete by 21 February 2021. In September 2020, Dr. Reddy's partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct the clinical trials of the Sputnik V and for its distribution rights in India. The vaccine is currently undergoing the phase 3 clinical trial in India. Sputnik V has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 91.6% in the interim analysis of the phase 3 clinical trial, which included data on 19,866 volunteers in Russia, who received both the first and second doses of the vaccine. Sputnik V maintained a consistent efficacy at 91.8% even among the group of 2,144 volunteers over 60 years old. Sputnik V developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia on 11 August 2020 and became the World's first registered vaccine against COVID-19 based on the human adenoviral vector platform. G V Prasad, co-chairman and managing director, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, said, "The efficacy of Sputnik V was reported to be 91.6% by the Lancet, which is an impressive development in the fight against COVID-19. The initiation of the EUA process will be a critical step forward for us in ensuring speedy access to the Sputnik V vaccine in India." The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 27.90 crore in Q3 FY21 as compared to a net loss of Rs 538.40 crore in Q3 FY20. Net sales during the quarter rose 12.5% YoY to Rs 4,929.60 crore. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories is an integrated pharmaceutical company. Through its three businesses - pharmaceutical services & active ingredients, global generics and proprietary products - the company's offers a portfolio of products and services including APls, custom pharmaceutical services, generics, biosimilars and differentiated formulations. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Advertisement A daring scuba diver plunged into a Mexican river to take breathtaking photographs of a labyrinth of underwater caves worshiped by the Mayans. Martin Broen, 50, braved the depths below the Riviera Maya in Mexico to capture the 'magical' cave system formed during the ice age millions of years ago. His exploration through the world's longest network of caves saw the diver swim in huge yawning chasms and squeeze between stalactites jutting from a low rock ceiling. Mr Broen, from New York, took the photos while exploring 60 different cave systems between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Bones and fossils of humans and extinct animals like mammoths can be found on the floor of some of the cenotes - natural pits where the caves are entered. The 'sacred wells' were celebrated by the Mayans and sometimes used as a place for human sacrifice. A daring scuba diver plunged into a Mexican river to take breathtaking photographs of a labyrinth of underwater caves (pictured)worshiped by the Mayans Martin Broen, 50, braved the depths below the Riviera Maya in Mexico to capture the 'magical' cave system (pictured) formed during the ice age millions of years ago His exploration through the world's longest network of caves saw the diver (pictured) swim in huge yawning chasms and squeeze between stalactites jutting from a low rock ceiling Mr Broen (pictured), from New York, took the photos while exploring 60 different cave systems between Playa del Carmen and Tulum The caves are bathed in blue light from Mr Broen's torch as he explores the underwater system along the Riviera Maya in Mexico Mr Broen said: 'For many years I been trying to capture the beauty of the cenotes and underwater cave systems. 'They can offer divers a unique set of surreal experiences which are closer to space exploration or traveling back in time.' The natural swimming holes were formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, leaving a secret world of groundwater pools. In one picture, a beam of sunlight penetrates the sinkhole and floods the cave, creating an extraordinary effect. But as Mr Broen dives deeper in his exploration, he relies on his torchlight to bathe the otherwise pitch black cave in bright blue light. And in some areas, the water has a green tinge, likely due to the weed on the walls. Bones and fossils of humans and extinct animals like mammoths can be found on the floor of some of the cenotes (one pictured) - natural pits where the caves are entered The 'sacred wells' (one pictured) were celebrated by the Mayans and sometimes used as a place for human sacrifice The diver added: 'The caves took millions of years to form during the ice ages when they were dry. 'They then got preserved in time when the sea level rose and the caves got flooded. 'It preserved incredible formations as well as fossils of the first humans of the region - and megafauna which are extinct. 'The water in the caves gets filtered through the rocks and therefore is crystal clear, so gives a complete feeling of flying inside those alien like spaces, closer to exploring a different planet.' The product designer and innovation manager said the science and history behind the untouched caves is what makes them so fascinating. Mr Broen (pictured in the cave system) said: 'For many years I been trying to capture the beauty of the cenotes and underwater cave systems' He said the caves (one pictured) 'can offer divers a unique set of surreal experiences which are closer to space exploration or traveling back in time' The natural swimming holes (one pictured) were formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, leaving a secret world of groundwater pools As Mr Broen (pictured holding his torch) dives deeper in his exploration, he relies on his torchlight to bathe the otherwise pitch black cave in bright blue light In one picture, a beam of sunlight penetrates the sinkhole and floods the cave, creating an extraordinary effect (pictured) The diver (pictured in one of the caves) added: 'The caves took millions of years to form during the ice ages when they were dry' The product designer and innovation manager said the science and history behind the untouched caves (pictured) is what makes them so fascinating He added: 'The light of the sun at the entrance - or the one from your lights deep inside the cave - may get modified by tannic acid that accumulates from the rainfall producing strange green and red like tones. 'There are truly unique and magical environments which are just below our feet. They are little known and not as appreciated.' Mr Broen describes the problems that come with trying to photograph such a difficult underground environment. He said: 'There is no light besides the one you bring with you, so you are pushing the sensor and optical limits of your camera at every shoot. '[You are also] shooting at very low speed while holding your breath, while maintaining your buoyancy and being sure you don't damage any formations. 'And you are doing that while in control of your scuba gear as you may be minutes or even hours away from the closest exits to surface.' As Mr Broen dives deeper in his exploration, he relies on his torchlight to bathe the otherwise pitch black cave in bright blue light (pictured) One telco's loss is another telco's gain. December 2020 data of telecom operators shows that Reliance Jio lost subscribers in the states of Haryana and Punjab, while rivals Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Bharti Airtel gained. Jio's loss of subscribers comes amid the raging farmers' protest in the two states. Jio lost subscribers only in these two states while it gained in the rest. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea lost subscribers in almost every state and Airtel gained in most. Jio had over 94.48 lakh subscribers in Haryana in November that dipped to over 89.07 lakh in December. On the other hand, Airtel had over 49.56 lakh subscribers in Haryana in November that increased to over 50.79 lakh subscribers in December. Vodafone Idea had over 80.23 lakh subscribers that increased to over 80.42 lakh. In Punjab, Jio had over 1.40 crore subscribers in November that decreased to 1.24 crore in December. Vodafone Idea had over 86.42 lakh subscribers in November that increased to 87.11 lakh in December, while Airtel had over 1.05 crore subscribers that increased to over 1.06 crore. State-run BSNL has also increased subscribers in both Punjab and Haryana in December. Reliance Jio was the only large telco to lose subscribers in both these states. Mukesh Ambani-helmed Jio's loss of subscribers coincides with the backlash it received during the farmers' protest. Farmers alleged that the Modi government favoured big business groups such as Reliance Industries (RIL) and Adani Group. Unions have said that Reliance Industries was purchasing vast stretches of land in Haryana and Punjab where they were allegedly planning to undertake contract farming and set up private mandis. Both RIL and Adani Group have denied the allegations. Meanwhile, calls to boycott Reliance Jio emerged as an offshoot of the backlash against RIL. Towers of Reliance Jio, its optical fiber material and other infrastructure were attacked amid the backlash. In a letter to telecom regulator Jio accused Airtel and Vi of running an unethical campaign against the company as a large number of subscribers ported out. "This is further to our aforementioned letter dated 28 September 2020 highlighting the unethical and anti competitive MNP campaign, being run by Airtel and Vi to capitalize on the ongoing farmers protests in the northern parts of the country," said Jio in a letter dated December 11. Calling the allegations outrageous, Airtel said, "We have seen a history of Jio going to any length to make baseless allegations, adopt bullying tactics and use intimidatory behaviour to suit their purposes and meet their goals. This is another such instance." Also read: 'Boycott Jio': Reliance accuses Airtel, Voda Idea of 'unethical campaign'; charges 'baseless', say rivals Also read: Attacks on Jio towers continue; association to write another letter to Punjab Police Expressing disappointment with their meeting on Wednesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Goa Mining People's Front has now threatened to take the battle to the ruling BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha and by-polls to two Assembly seats. (Photo: I Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 19 : Mining dependents along with Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF) who represent the livelihood cause of over three lakh people dependent on mining industry in the state of Goa, blamed Goa Foundation NGO for hindering resumption of mining in Goa. They also accused Goa foundation for misguiding the Supreme Court and public against the real situation of the mining sector in Goa. The NGO in order to fulfil its agenda has put three lakh Goans through the present misery. In the GMPF corner meeting, held on Friday at Sanvordem, people dependent on mining discussed a way forward and the plan of action to seek attention of the Central government towards the wrenching condition of mining dependents in the state. The dependents also strongly alleged Goa foundation for the sufferings of over three lakh mining dependents. In the past three years, mining dependents have met and written letters/ representations/ memorandums to the ministries at both Central and State level, Policy makers and judiciaries to end the Goa Mining stalemate through legislative amendments. Mining dependents have been urging the Union Government to consider amendment in The Goa Daman and Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition and Declaration of Mining Leases Act, 1987). Puti Gaonkar, President, GMPF, said, "All mining dependents present in the meeting today, expressed their concerns over no positive response or result coming from the Central and State government. The mining stalemate in Goa has completed its third year due to the legal interpretation and legal flaws done in the past in Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition and Declaration of Mining Leases Act, 1987), which converted the mining Concession into mining Leases. There is an utter need to create awareness towards the disparity meted out to Goa mining has not only brought economic instability in the state." We, the mining dependents, strongly condemn the repetitive actions of Goa foundation for making the lives miserable of three lakh mining dependents. In response to the inability of the State and Central government to resolve the issue, we have planned a protest on March 16 with machineries and trucks in front of the official residence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. We have also decided to handover keys of trucks and machineries to Dr. Sawant as these are lying idle from past three years and the debt against the loan taken are increasing manifold", Gaonkar said. "We have now understood that we have to win the fight against a single cause, we must raise the voice for livelihood rights with more aggression. Today village Sarpanchs, Workers' Associations and representatives of various Truck Associations and other ancillary bodies have come together to discuss the gravity of the situation. We are now going to question the Central government and state government in full force. The morbid condition of the people and business owners post the ban was imposed again has painted a scary example in front of Goans," Surya Naik, Sarpanch of Cavrem Village Panchayat added. Goa Foundation is creating the hurdles for resumption of mining and we once again urge the NGO not to play with our livelihoods. People have become reluctant to start a business of their own. The picture of Aatmanirbhar Bharat painted by the Prime Minister looks like being defeated here in Goa. Decade old occupation opportunities have been stolen away from Goans, tourism sector to creep slowly for one year at least, Goans no longer want to invest in any business and youth of the state is planning migration due to lack of job opportunities," Naik said "Over three lakh mining dependents are suffering due to irresponsible actions of Goa foundation. We the Panchayat representatives from Goa's mining belt are aware of the harsh sufferings of the people and drastic slowdown in development works particularly in mining areas. In view of the inconsistency in opportunity to do business ever since last three years, the govt should extend the debt relief scheme of trucks and Barges and if the Central government is unable to start mining in Goa in next three months, the state govt should take package from the Central govt for compensation to the mining dependent on monthly basis till mining restarts in Goa or alternate job is provided," Sandeep Prabhu Pauskar, Sarpanch of Sanvordem village panchayat added. Mining has played and continues to play a vital role in the economic development of Goa and has been one of the biggest earners of foreign exchange to the state exchequer, with the loss of revenue to the State Exchequer estimated at more than Rs 10,000 crore during the last three years. Small businesses across the country have suffered from shutdowns that sometimes seem to flare up as suddenly as surges in the coronavirus itself. Restaurants, gyms, corner stores and spas have closed, some after trying to hang in there for months. The pain in California has been acute. Nearly 40,000 small businesses had closed in the state by September more than in any other state since the pandemic began, according to a report compiled by Yelp. Half had shut permanently, according to the report, far more than the 6,400 that had closed permanently in New York. Few of the pandemic choices that Mr. Newsom has faced have been easy. California has suffered enormously from Covid-19, with more than 3.5 million cases and 47,000 deaths. Los Angeles County, one of the hardest-hit places in the recent virus surge, has more than 1.2 million cases and 19,000 deaths. Dan Newman, a political strategist for Mr. Newsom, said the governor was focused on coronavirus vaccinations and reopening the state. Mr. Newman blamed state and national G.O.P. partisans for supporting this Republican recall scheme in hopes of creating an expensive, distracting and destructive circus. Acknowledging that the pandemic has heavily impacted our small businesses, the director of the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development, Dee Dee Myers, pointed to several state programs that offer them help. They include the California Small Business Covid-19 Relief Grant Program, the California Rebuilding Fund and the Main Street Hiring Tax Credit. Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, said in a statement that Mr. Newsom had proven that he is woefully unqualified to lead the state of California. In places such as Los Angeles County, where Mr. Newsom won 72 percent of the vote in 2018, and neighboring Orange County, a more conservative area, the small-business anger is particularly intense. One local business owner leading the movement to open Californias economy is Andrew Gruel, 40, a chef who owns Slapfish, a seafood restaurant chain. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 18:34:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISHKEK -- A large fire destroyed more than 60 hectares of vegetation in Kyrgyzstan on Thursday, according to preliminary data from the country's emergencies ministry. The blaze broke out at about 18:30 p.m. local time (1230 GMT) on the Bishkek-Naryn-Torugart highway near Tokmok city of Chui Oblast in the north of the country, said the ministry. (Kyrgyzstan-Tokmok-Fire) - - - - BANGKOK -- The mRNA vaccine against the coronavirus developed by Chulalongkorn University of Thailand, is scheduled to enter the first stage of human trials soon, according to a university official. In Thursday's press conference, Kiat Ruxrungtham, who is in charge of the University's vaccine development project, confirmed the mRNA vaccine ChulaCov19 will be put on trial with humans in late April or early May, following satisfactory results of earlier trials with rats and macaques. (Thailand-Vaccine-Human Trials) - - - - KAMPALA -- Eight people were killed and three others injured on Thursday in mudslides caused by heavy downpours in the western Ugandan district of Buhweju, police said. Martial Tumusiime, regional police spokesman for Greater Bushenyi, a bordering district, told Xinhua by telephone on Friday that seven people were killed on the spot while the eighth person died in a nearby health center. (Uganda-Mudslides) - - - - ISTANBUL -- Turkish police on Friday launched operations against suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) and detained nine suspects, local media reported. The Istanbul Police Department's Counter-Terrorism Unit teams raided 10 locations across the city to capture those allegedly involved in terror activities, the state-run Anadolu agency said. (Turkey-IS-Operation) Enditem 12620 Lisa Pope, SVP-Global Strategy & Sales, Infor CloudSuite Lisa Pope, SVP-Global Strategy & Sales, Infor CloudSuite This August marks ten years since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Cost, leaving a path of destruction that is still evident in some areas, even today. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), last year alone, there were eight weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the United States. As we approach this year's storm season, it's crucial for businesses to begin evaluating their IT infrastructure to safeguard assets and mitigate disruptions to mission-critical operations. While on-premise servers and data centers provide large amounts of storage to run programs and applications that fuel day-to-day business operations, they also generate significant risk. In fact, a recent survey by Emerson Network Power and Ponemon Institute showed that the average cost of data center downtime is $5,617 per minute, or $690,204 per outage, with inclement weather accounting for one of the most common causes on average, a cost of $436,000 per outage. A study from the Overview of Natural Disasters and their Impacts in Asia and the Pacific reported that between 1970 and 2013, the world reported over $2.8 trillion (in constant 2005 USD) in economic losses from natural disasters. Hurricane Sandy alone had an overall economic impact of approximately $72 billion. What do these numbers look like on a micro scale for an individual company? A recent Symantec survey of companies worldwide highlighted that each such incident costs an average of $287,000 per company. It's only a matter of time until all businesses, big and small, realize the importance of adopting a cloud-based ERP solution, as a cost-effective and efficient alternative for all IT infrastructure needs With potential for such drastic loss, it is vital that companies have procedures in place to return IT operations to acceptable performance levels as quickly as possible, without additional capital expenditures. Business owners and decision makers must adopt an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that is capable of handling the unexpected needs and immediate business challenges that result from a natural disaster. A cloud-based ERP system can provide the necessary flexibility for businesses to swiftly respond to whatever surprises come their way. Spend less on maintenance and more on action Moving to a cloud-based ERP system significantly reduces the costs associated with implementing your recovery strategies. A survey by Computer Economics shows that organizations that moved most or all of their systems to the cloud saw an average 15 percent reduction in IT spending. This reduction came from a reduction in data center spending, given that you wouldnt have to manage multiple servers in an onsite data center, and you also wouldnt need as many IT personnel to manage the system. Rather than investing money in maintaining the physical system, you could focus on your core mission of returning to business as usual. Respond quickly and ensure long-term survival One of the biggest challenges in a business disaster recovery lifecycle is issuing a rapid response to address the factors that have negatively impacted their IT assets. Loss of data, IT function or access to premises for an extended period can be detrimental for a smaller or midsize business. According to a recent survey, theres a major variance in levels of disaster preparedness among small business owners. While one-third of owners said their companies could recover from a natural disaster within one week, some 16 percent said they would need two weeks, and 14 percent said they would need more than one month. Another source painted an even grimmer picture, citing long-term statistics of companies post-disaster performance. It said when companies endure a significant loss of business data, 43 percent never reopen and 51 percent close within two years. That means only 6 percent survive in the long term. It is imperative that companies address the serious risk associated with a disaster recovery system that is hampered by maintenance expenses and physical challenges. Its only a matter of time until all businesses, big and small, realize the importance of adopting a cloud-based ERP solution, as a cost-effective and efficient alternative for all IT infrastructure needs, especially in a state of emergency. The cloud gives employees access to all of the stored business data, anytime, anyplace. One county in Minnesota was able to improve its disaster recovery time from 48 hours to 12 hours, with just one hour of data loss by switching from a legacy, self-built ERP system, to the cloud. Once a disruption occurs, you need to restore operations as quickly as possible in order to stay ahead of your local competitors to ensure long-term survival. The cloud is critical in supporting your disaster recovery mission. After the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and last years ruinous East Coast snowstorm, business owners should consider upgrading their legacy ERP systems to the cloud to ensure business continuity and minimize the potential impact of a disaster. Companies should evaluate their readiness to get their business back up and running in a time of emergency and analyze the true impact of downtime on business. There is an urgency to select the best business continuity solution to implement, and whether youve experienced this type of incident or not, youre probably focused on your companys bottom line. The cloud is a surefire, economical solution to manage all aspects of your business and prepare for whatever catastrophes Mother Nature throws your way. VICTORIA, BC, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) announces a commitment to five-year climate-related targets for its public markets program. The near-term targets represent a significant step by the leading provider of investment management services to British Columbia's public sector to further benefit from the opportunities and address the risks associated with climate change. BCI will target a cumulative $5 billion investment in sustainability bonds by 2025 (based on initial participation) and reduce the carbon exposure in its global public equities portfolio by 30 per cent by 2025 (using 2019 as a baseline). "BCI always works in the best financial interests of our clients. Assessing and managing the opportunities and risks presented by climate change is core to that responsibility. These targets will help ensure our clients benefit from the shift to a low-carbon economy," said Gordon J. Fyfe, BCI's chief executive officer / chief investment officer. "Importantly, they set concrete near-term goals that will help us track our progress as we continue to champion long-term and sustainable growth." The setting of these targets represents a carefully considered evolution of the objectives set out in BCI's 2018 Climate Action Plan, and further complements BCI's strategic approach of leveraging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) for both value creation and risk management. As a growing number of governments, companies, and institutional investors establish strategies to help achieve the Paris Agreement objective of limiting global warming, BCI believes that it is in its clients' best financial interests to set targets that align with this international treaty. The goals are consistent with the guidance of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). "These targets balance ambition with feasibility and provide a clearly defined pathway for BCI to seize on climate-related investment opportunities and reduce the climate transition risk of our public markets portfolio," said Daniel Garant, executive vice president & global head, public markets. "BCI believes that gradually lowering exposure to carbon-intensive companies and engaging with companies and regulators to adapt to the low-carbon economy will lead to better financial outcomes for our clients." The commitment marks another milestone in BCI's climate-related work, including becoming a founding signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2006, supporting the TCFD recommendations, actively participating in Climate Action 100+ since 2017, and publishing its Climate Action Plan in 2018. "BCI is committed to continuously improving and adjusting our approach to climate change to benefit our clients and their investments," said Fyfe. BCI will report on progress in meeting these targets through its TCFD reporting, on its corporate website, BCI.ca, and in its ESG Annual Report. About BCI With $171.3 billion of managed assets as at March 31, 2020, BCI is the leading provider of investment management services to British Columbia's public sector. We generate the investment returns that help our 31 institutional clients build a financially secure future. With our global outlook, we seek investment opportunities that convert savings into productive capital that will meet our clients' risk and return requirements over time. We offer investment options across a range of asset classes: fixed income; public and private equity; infrastructure and renewable resources; real estate and mortgages. About BCI's Public Markets Program BCI's public markets program manages a global portfolio of fixed income and public equity investments representing $112.8 billion and totalling 65.9 per cent of BCI's assets under management (as at March 31, 2020). The program invests in Canada, the U.S., and internationally in developed and emerging markets utilizing index and active management strategies. More than 80 per cent of the program's assets are managed internally using a diverse mix of financial instruments. About BCI's Climate-Related Targets Fixed Income: The investment target of $5 billion builds on BCI's historical participation in sustainability bonds of $887 million (as at December 31, 2020 ). builds on BCI's historical participation in sustainability bonds of (as at ). The setting of transition finance targets aligns with best practice on financing the transition and contributing to a net-zero economy. The target will help BCI increase allocations to sustainable issuances of interest and leverage our competitive advantage in this space. Public Equities: The 30 per cent reduction target will be measured using Weighted Average Carbon Intensity (WACI) as recommended by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The 2019 baseline aligns with best practices among global investors and closely reflects BCI's current investment strategy based on more active, internally managed mandates. BCI began measuring and publicly reporting the carbon footprint of the public equities portfolio in our ESG Annual Report in 2017. Contact: Ben O'Hara-Byrne, Senior Manager, External Stakeholder Engagement, 778-410-7310 - Communication@bci.ca Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440961/British_Columbia_Investment_Management_Corporation__BCI__British.jpg Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Srinagar, Feb 19 : Terrorists managed to escape after an encounter with security forces in central Kashmir's Budgam district in which one Special Police Officer (SPO) was killed in action and a policeman was injured, officials said on Friday. One SPO, Altaf Ahmad was killed and a policeman identified as Manzoor Ahmad was injured during the encounter that took place at Beerwah area on Thursday night. The police followed the blood trail of the injured terrorists and started a search operation in a second village. "It was a group of two terrorists who were injured, their blood trail has been followed to a second village where searches are underway," Inspector General Police Vijay Kumar said. "Operations were underway and the terrorists will soon be neutralised," he said. The encounter had started after security forces had a specific input about the presence of terrorists at Beerwah. As the joint team of security forces reached the spot where the terrorists were hiding, they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed An electronic board shows the compulsory use of facial masks inside a subway station in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Feb. 18, 2021. The number of COVID-19 cases in Brazil surpassed 10 million on Thursday as tests detected 51,879 new cases in the previous 24 hours, the Health Ministry said. (Photo by Rahel Patrasso/Xinhua) SAO PAULO, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The number of COVID-19 cases in Brazil surpassed 10 million on Thursday as tests detected 51,879 new cases in the previous 24 hours, the Health Ministry said. A total of 10,030,626 people have tested positive since the South American country confirmed its first COVID-19 case last February, representing the world's third-largest outbreak after the United States and India. Additionally, Brazil reported 1,367 COVID-19-related deaths, taking its death toll to 243,457, only second to the United States in total fatalities. Thursday also became Brazil's 29th consecutive day of more than 1,000 daily COVID-19 deaths. The country's most populous state Sao Paulo is the hardest hit, with 1,949,459 cases and 57,240 deaths, according to the ministry. Brazil is experiencing a second wave of rising infections and deaths since December. Specialists warned of further surges as a new and more contagious variant, called P1, was recently identified in Manaus, capital of the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas. Northeastern states such as Bahia and Ceara imposed a two-week night curfew this week and banned non-essential activities to prevent overwhelming the local healthcare systems. The federal government will deliever 100 million doses of CoronaVac vaccines it recently ordered from the Butantan Institute of Sao Paulo to states by September, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello told state governors at a virtual meeting on Wednesday. The minister promised to deliver more than 230.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by July, according to a schedule he presented at the meeting. About 5.7 million people in Brazil, or 3.6 percent of the population, have been vaccinated since Jan. 17 with CoronaVac, a vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac in collaboration with the Butantan Institute, and with a vaccine developed by Britain's AstraZeneca and Oxford University. The federal government said that everyone over 90 years of age has been vaccinated, local media reported Thursday citing an official document issued at the request of Brazil's Supreme Court. Montreal, Canada, February 16, 2021 SPARK Microsystems, a fabless semiconductor company leading the way in ultra-low power, ultra-low latency wireless communications, announces the closing of a CDN$17.5 million equity financing to accelerate commercialization. Led by Cycle Capital, the round included new investors ND Capital (a Silicon Valley and Europe-based venture capital firm dedicated to disruptive technologies) and Export Development Canada, as well as existing investor Real Ventures and private investors. Proceeds will be used to fund high-volume manufacturing, sales ramp and expanded R&D for next generation products. Industry veterans Dr. Sanjay K. Jha and Dr. Paul Jacobs reinvest in SPARK Microsystems Former Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs and former GlobalFoundries CEO Sanjay K. Jha, both reinvested in the company as part of the round. Dr. Sanjay K. Jha is the former CEO of GlobalFoundries Inc., the second largest semiconductor contract manufacturer in the world. Prior to that, he was the Chairman and CEO of Motorola Mobility Inc., a role he held until the acquisition of the company by Google in 2012. Before Motorola, Sanjay worked at Qualcomm for 14 years, finishing his tenure there as the COO of Qualcomm, and President of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), the CDMA & computing chipset and SW division of Qualcomm. Sanjay holds a PhD (ECS), and D.Sc (Hon) from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, UK. In 2018, he was elected into the US National Academy of Engineering. He is an investor and board member of a number of private technology companies. Dr. Paul E. Jacobs is the former CEO and executive Chairman of Qualcomm. During his tenure as CEO, Qualcomms revenues quadrupled and its market capitalization doubled. Dr. Jacobs is a prolific inventor with over 80 U.S. patents granted or pending in the field of wireless technology and devices. He is a board member of a number of private technology companies. He founded Berkeleys Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation and was the universitys 2017 Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Jacobs is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In conjunction with the financing, Cycle Capitals Senior Partner Amit Srivastava also joins the Board of Directors. Earlier in his career, he led venture capital investments in the electronics sector at JP Morgan Partners and held key marketing and engineering management positions at Texas Instruments. Recently, SPARK launched the SR1000 ultra-wide band (UWB) wireless transceiver ICs enabling a new class of short-range wireless connectivity applications including gaming peripherals and AR/VR headsets, smart home devices, and battery-less internet of things sensors. Within nine months after the launch announcement, SPARK Microsystems: Shipped tens of thousands of pre-production units to multiple customers Prototyped a next-generation wireless gaming hub with headset, mouse and keyboard in conjunction with a Tier 1 ODM partner Sold over 70 evaluation kits to companies designing wireless AR, VR, IoT and positioning products Delivered paid SoWs for advanced wireless products to multiple Fortune 100 companies QUOTES In just four years since the Ecofuel Acceleration program, SPARK Microsystems was able to deliver a revolutionary low-power wireless solution to customers, said Andree-Lise Methot, Founder and Managing Partner of Cycle Capital and Chair of the Ecofuel Accelerator. Cycle Capital invests in companies that have a meaningful impact on climate change. We believe that SPARK will not only enable battery-less networks and dramatically cut power consumption across a wide range of emerging wireless applications but also reduce electronic waste going to landfills. We are excited by the rapid customer adoption of the SPARK solution, said Sanjay Jha, former CEO, GlobalFoundries and active investor. The company engaged with multiple customers who will deploy millions of wireless devices in the coming years. SPARKs technology significantly extends battery life for various Industrial IoT and consumer electronics including AR/VR, gaming and audio applications enabling for new functionalities as well as improved performance. This financing puts SPARK in a strong position to meet the volume production requirements of those customers. We are very pleased to have received this strong financial backing from Cycle Capital, as well as new and existing investors, said Fares Mubarak, CEO, SPARK Microsystems. This funding, coupled with many years of outstanding technical and operational leadership from the new Board members will help accelerate the commercialization of our UWB transceiver products into high-volume production and better position us to execute our growth strategy and expand in key markets. We are excited to see our dream of creating such a differentiated wireless technology to address many markets and expand the usability of wireless devices taking shape. said Dr. Frederic Nabki, Cofounder and CTO, SPARK Microsystems. About SPARK Microsystems SPARK Microsystems, a fabless semiconductor company, commercializes ultra-low power and ultra-short latency wireless platform for the Internet of Things revolution. The company was founded in 2016, now employs 40 people in Montreal and in the US, and anticipates doubling in size over the next 18 months including adding 15 sales and application engineers. SPARK Microsystems was elected one of the 10 Startups in the Spotlight on the latest EETimes Silicon 100 list, received the 2019 Defense Innovation Award at TechConnect., and won the 2018 Nokia Open Innovation Challenge. For more info: sparkmicro.com About Cycle Capital Management Cycle Capital Management is an impact investor and Canadas leading cleantech venture capital investment platform with AUM (assets under management) of CDN$0.5 Billion. With offices in Montreal, Toronto and Qingdao in continental China and a presence in New York and Seattle, CCM invests throughout North America and China in growth stage companies that commercialize technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimize resource use and improve process efficiency. Cycle Capital is the Founder of the Ecofuel Accelerator. For info: cyclecapital.com An elderly Lehigh Valley woman attacked at Wind Creek Bethlehem casino and then kidnapped was offered a free dinner as a remedy for the horrific incident, according to a civil lawsuit filed this week in Northampton County Court. The 85-year-old Palmer Township woman and her husband are now suing the casino, alleging the casino had known security deficiencies before her December 2019 attack, and was negligent in protecting vulnerable elderly customers. Wind Creek does not comment on pending litigation; however, it worked closely with local law enforcement throughout this process, casino spokeswoman Julia Corwin said. The couples attorney said there is some troubling history of previous incidents at the South Bethlehem casino that attorneys will delve into as part of the suit. Meanwhile, the victim continues to be affected by this every day, said attorney John Pinto, with VSCP Law in Philadelphia. The victim still lives in fear, rarely leaves her house and has flashbacks of the attack, the suit says. She sought therapy and counseling for her mental and psychological distress. The couple is seeking more than $50,000 in damages from the suit. Hykeem Sessoms, of Bethlehem, was sentenced last month to 12 to 24 years in state prison after pleading guilt to robbery and kidnapping in the case. On Dec. 11, 2019, the victim went to Wind Creek Bethlehem for senior day, where senior citizens are entered into a raffle to receive $500 of free slots play, prosecutors said. The woman, who was 84 years old at the time, parked in the casinos parking garage. That afternoon, the victim played the slot machines and won a nominal sum of money, according to her suit. When she went to cash out, Sessoms started stalking the victim, including standing behind her as she collected her winnings and then following her as she walked out to the third floor of the parking garage, according to police and the lawsuit. In the garage, Sessoms violently accosted and attacked the woman, telling her he had a gun, demanding money and then kicking her when she refused, the lawsuit says. Sessoms jumped in the backseat of her car and told the victim to drive out of the garage. The suit claims a Wind Creek employee witnessed or overheard the attack, but did nothing to stop it, and the victim was allowed to drive out of the garage without any intervention from Wind Creek security or staff. During the drive, Sessoms threatened to kill the woman and repeatedly hit her while continuing to demand her money, prosecutors said. The woman says she pleaded for her life before Sessoms told her to stop, grabbed seven $1 bills and fled. The manhunt for Sessoms led to lock-ins and dismissal delays at Bethlehem schools before he was taken into custody. Wind Creek and its representatives merely offered (the woman) a free dinner as a proposed remedy, the suit says. Pinto said he reached out to the casino before filing the lawsuit, but did not receive any response. It has been a life-changing event for her, he said of his client. The events from that day occurred in part because of Wind Creeks negligence and recklessness, the suit claims. The casino specifically targeted elderly customers for senior day, but failed to take steps and develop safety plans to protect the vulnerable customers, according to the lawsuit. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. The Dokdo Foundation said it has secured the undisputed evidence to deny Tokyo's territorial claim to Dokdo. Yonhap As many as 200 ancient Japanese maps have been confirmed to mark Dokdo in the East Sea as Korean territory, a government-funded foundation here said Friday. The Dokdo Foundation said it has secured the undisputed evidence to deny Tokyo's territorial claim to Dokdo after examining some 1,000 old maps owned by various local institutions, including the National Assembly Library, the Northeast Asian History Foundation and the National Map Museum run by the National Geographic Information Institute. The foundation is located in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, and is supported by the provincial government. Dokdo appears in the form of an island in about 400 of the 1,000-odd maps. Of them, 200 ancient Japanese maps define Dokdo as Korean territory, the foundation said. Dokdo lies just 90 kilometers east of South Korea's Ulleung Island, while Oki Island in the Japanese prefecture of Shimane is more than 160 km away. South Korea has maintained a small Coast Guard unit on Dokdo since 1954 in a show of its effective control of the easternmost islets, but Japan has consistently claimed sovereignty over the territory, which is rich in fish and hydrate gas. According to the foundation, dozens of ancient maps designating Dokdo as Korean were published by the Japanese government in 1894, 1903, 1929 and 1941. Japan has insisted that Dokdo was incorporated into Japanese territory through a 1905 notice by Shimane Prefecture. But a number of official Japanese maps produced in 1908, 1925, 1938 and 1951 still show Dokdo as not belonging to Japan. In addition, about 100 old Western maps and another 100 ancient Korean maps define Dokdo as Korean territory, the foundation noted. "Old maps reflecting people's territorial perception of their time can be important evidence in the issue of sovereignty. With those maps, we'll continue to prove that Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law," Shin Soon-sik, secretary general of the Dokdo Foundation, said. (Yonhap) Steven Gan (right), editor-in-chief of Malaysiakini, and Premesh Chandran, the news websites CEO, speak to reporters at the Federal Court in Putrajaya, Malaysia, after Malaysiakini was found guilty of contempt over online comments posted by readers, Feb. 19, 2021. Updated at 1:26 p.m. ET on 2021-02-19 Malaysias highest court on Friday found news website Malaysiakini guilty of contempt over readers online comments that criticized the judiciary, in a verdict which drew international concern and condemnation about the chilling effect it would have on media freedom and free speech. The court acquitted Steven Gan, the editor-in-chief of the popular news website known for its feisty coverage of the countrys politics and government, but fined Malaysiakini 500,000 ringgit (U.S. $123,750) a sum which it raised from online public donations within hours of the verdict. In its ruling, the Federal Court of Malaysia found that Malaysiakini failed to prove it was not aware of readers comments criticizing the countrys courts in response to an article published on the news site in June 2020. We are firm in our view that the explanations of the First Respondent on lack of knowledge have failed to cast a reasonable doubt on the Applicants case, Justice Rohana Yusof said in her verdict. We find the charge for facilitating the publication of the impugned comments against the First Respondent proved. We therefore hold the First Respondent guilty of contempt of court, the judge said, referring to Malaysiakini. Attorney-General Idris Harun had filed contempt charges against Malaysiakini and Gan for five comments posted by readers under a Malaysiakini article about an order to courts issued by the Malaysian chief justice. In his compliant, Harun alleged that the comments threaten public confidence in the judiciary. [The comments] clearly meant that the judiciary has committed wrongdoings, is involved in corruption, does not uphold justice and compromised its integrity, the attorney-general had said in an affidavit filed in June. Although it ruled against Malaysiakini, the Federal Court acquitted Gan, saying it was satisfied that the editor had no role in aiding readers to publish their contemptuous comments. We are therefore not satisfied that a case of beyond reasonable doubt had been made out against the Second Respondent. The Second Respondent in our view is not guilty of contempt as alleged by the Applicant, the judge said, referring to Gan. Still, the court imposed a fine of 500,000 ringgit on Malaysiakini. The penalty was more than twice the amount the prosecution had sought, but the court didnt give a reason for it. Malaysiakini managed to raise that amount within four hours of the verdict, after it solicited online donations in a message on social media. For Malaysiakini CEO Premesh Chandran, that was a sign that Malaysians supported the publication. It shows all that is right and wrong in this country. That the rakyat [the people] are willing to step up and do their bit to make their voices heard and make the country better, and contribute to righting the wrongs, Chandran said, according to a note on Malaysiakinis website thanking those who donated. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, along with the British and Canadian high commissions, expressed concern about the verdict. We are concerned by the Federal Courts decision today against Malaysiakini and the impact it will have on press freedom in Malaysia, the American embassy said in a post-verdict statement. Media freedom is of fundamental importance to the security, prosperity and wellbeing of all societies. People must be allowed to discuss and debate issues freely, the British and Canadian high commissions in Kuala Lumpur said in a joint statement on Friday. Travesty of justice Gan said he was terribly disappointed with the verdict. What crime has Malaysiakini committed that we are forced to pay RM500,000 when there are individuals charged with abuse of power for millions and billions who are walking free? Gan told reporters at the Federal Courthouse in Putrajaya. The verdict flies in the face of a fast-changing new media landscape in the country, he said. The journalist was referring to a section of law that, according to a local media watchdog, makes those who administer, operate or provide spaces for online community forums, liable for content published through their services. Use of this section threatens freedom of expression online and presumes guilt rather than innocence of those publishing content online, the Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ) said in a statement after the verdict, referring to Section 114A of the Evidence Act. The states decision to prosecute Malaysiakini and the courts decision today sets precedents of further burdens to be placed on online media, spelling doom for media freedom in Malaysia. As it is, CIJ said, journalists and news portals were being investigated by the police and charged in court for their reporting, since Muhyiddin Yassin unelected government came to power last March. We foresee Malaysia becoming more authoritarian if the State continues to penalize and intimidate the media in this manner. We reiterate our previous stand on the need to repeal repressive laws that impact media freedom and freedom of expression in this case, Section 114A of the Evidence Act. Media advocacy group Gerakan Media Merdeka said the verdict would undermine news publishers business models at a time when the news industry is struggling to survive. International rights watchdog Human Rights Watch also commented on the law, saying it had led to a travesty of justice in the Malaysiakini case. Holding an online publisher like Malaysiakini liable for reader comments forces them, and any other online media organization or platform that permits reader comments, to choose between banning such comments, or over-censoring to avoid liability, Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of HRW, said in a statement after the verdict. There is no doubt that the direct result of todays decision will be a significant chilling of the atmosphere for freedom of speech in Malaysia. The Malaysian Parliament should now enact laws to preclude third-party liability for content and/or amend the laws that currently permit such liability. Launched in 1999, Malaysiakini has an audience of about 2.5 million readers, according to its page on LinkedIn. The news website and Gan have also received awards for their coverage of news in Malaysia, including the Free Media Pioneer Award from the International Press Institute in 2001. It has, I believe, provided Malaysians with a different way of interpreting Malaysias politics, Professor Zaharom Nain at Nottingham Universitys Malaysia Campus, told BBC News. Beyond providing dissenting news, Malaysiakini has shown many Malaysians that there is more than one point of view, and that it is legitimate to question authority, he added. Bengaluru: The by-poll to the Karnataka Legislative Council seat which fell vacant due to the death of Council deputy speaker S L Dharmegowda will take place on March 15, the Election Commission said on Thursday. According to the ECI order, notification for the by-poll will be issued on February 25 and the last date of filing nominations is March 4. The last date for withdrawal is March 8. The ECI said the polling by the MLAs will take place between 9 am to 4 pm on March 15 and the counting of votes will take place the same day. The Commission said the election process should conclude before March 18. It also said the election will take place as per COVID-19 safety guidelines including wearing face masks and using sanitisers. Live TV Dharmegowda, the 64-year-old JD(S) MLC, was found dead on a rail track in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka in the early hours of December 29, with police sources claiming he died by suicide. The late leader was at the centre of high drama in the legislative council on December 15, which saw BJP-JD(S) and Congress members hurling abuses and pushing each other over a row pertaining to a no-confidence motion against then Chairman K Pratapachandra Shetty. During the ruckus, Dharmegowda, who was in the Chairman's seat, was pulled down by some Congress legislators who accused him of occupying the chair against the rules. A Pakistani Taliban terrorist who nine years ago shot and badly wounded Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai has threatened a second attempt on her life, tweeting that next time, "there would be no mistake." Twitter on Wednesday permanently suspended the account with the menacing post. 'How did he escape Imran Khan?' The threat prompted Malala Yousafzai to question Pakistan Army and Prime Minister Imran Khan over how the terrorist, Ehsanullah Ehsan, who took the responsibility for having shot her in 2020, had escaped from government custody. This is the ex-spokesperson of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan who claims responsibility for the attack on me and many innocent people. He is now threatening people on social media. How did he escape @OfficialDGISPR @ImranKhanPTI? https://t.co/1RDdZaxprs Malala (@Malala) February 16, 2021 Ehsan, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) former spokesperson was arrested in 2017 but escaped in January 2020 from a so-called safe house where he was being held by Pakistan's intelligence agency. The circumstances of both his arrest and escape have been shrouded in mystery and controversy. In an audio message released in Jan 2020, Ehsan could be heard saying that he has succeeded in escaping from Pakistan's jail. Ehsan had escaped on January 11 but no confirmation has been made by the Pakistan Army yet. Since his escape, Ehsan has been interviewed and has communicated with Pakistani journalists via the same Twitter account that carried the Urdu-language threat. He has had more than one Twitter account, all of which have been suspended, according to Associated Press. The Pakistan government is investigating the threat and had immediately asked Twitter to shut down the account, said Raoof Hasan, an adviser to the Imran Khan. Ehsan, a longtime member of the Pakistani Taliban or Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan as they are known, urged Yousafzai to come back home because "we have a score to settle with you and your father." The tweet added that this time "there will be no mistake." READ | Puducherry L-G orders floor test on February 22 as Congress govt slips into minority READ | Amit Shah gives CAA implementation assurance; says 'undemocratic to seek farm law repeal' The charges against Ehsan include a horrific 2014 attack on a Pakistani army's public school that killed 134 mostly children, some as young as five years old. He also claimed responsibility for the 2012 shooting of Yousafzai in Swat Valley. In the attack, the gunman walked up to Yousafzai on a school bus in which she was travelling, asked for her by name and then fired three bullets. She was just 15 years old at the time and had enraged the Taliban with her campaign for girls education. Her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, a teacher, ran a school in Swat Valley for boys and girls. In 2007 when the Pakistani Taliban took control of the area, they forced girls out of schools and ruled with a brutal hand until 2009, when they were driven out by the Pakistani military. During his years in military custody, Ehsan was never charged. Authorities also later never explained how he left the country and travelled to Turkey, where he is believed to be living today. READ | Railways refutes Mamata's claims on attack on TMC min: 'Law & order a State govt subject' READ | Unnao double deaths: Post-mortem states 'deaths due to poisoning'; murder charges filed (With agency inputs) 30554 Steve Partridge, Vice President of Workforce Development, Northern Virginia Community College and Dr. Chad Knights, Provost of Information and Engineering Technologies, Northern Virginia Community College Steve Partridge, Vice President of Workforce Development, Northern Virginia Community College I cannot find people to fill my open positions. We hear this statement frequently from our business community, especially our employers representing the information technology (IT) and cybersecurity industries. Its no surprise. In the last five years, growth in IT-related jobs has increased 3.5% annually, which is twice the job growth rate for all jobs. Thats 800,000 IT-related jobs added nationwide. The nations historically low unemployment rate further exacerbates the high demand for IT talent. Tech talent is particularly scarce in northern Virginia, where IT workers outnumber the national average 3 to 1. Prior to the news about HQ2, the Washington D.C. metropolitan area continues to be the second largest market for IT job posting demand, ahead of both San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Northern Virginia alone is the largest market for cybersecurity job postings, representing more than 7% of demand nationwide, greater than the entire NYC metropolitan area. More than 112,000 IT job openings are projected over the next decade for our region. Building Tech Talent Through Community Partnerships These types of challenges have led to alternative and innovative solutions in education, in close partnership with the business community, to enable individuals to find and enter into tech careers in a variety of new ways. We know that building the tech talent pipeline has to begin before students arrive on our college campuses at that point, its almost too late. Research from Microsoft has shown that students, particularly females, begin to lose interest in IT as a possible career choice in middle school. Our region recently launched a career awareness campaign called Tech Pathways to address this challenge. This first-of-its-kind initiative utilizes an exciting brand and interactive website, and is designed to raise awareness of IT career opportunities among the203,000 middle and high school students in northern Virginia. We also need to make sure that students are able to have more opportunities to complete their educational path in a timely, flexible, and cost-efficient manner, which is why we now provide credit for prior learning to students enrolling at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). With credit for prior learning, students with industry certifications in IT are able to earn college credit for their demonstrated mastery of certain technical skills and not have to repeat coursework. Another critical piece to building the tech talent pipeline involves connecting our educational assets with industry needs. In Fall 2018, NOVA collaborated with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch an innovative degree to address one of the most pressing skill demands in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area: cloud computing. NOVAs Cloud degree was one of the first cloud computing programs in the nation, and was created as a specializationof an existing degree which allowed NOVA to accelerate the launch of the program. NOVAs industry community also includes the United States Armed Services, and in Fall 2019 NOVA,in partnership with the United States Marine Corp and AWS, launched the first Data Analytics course of study in the Virginia Community College System. With credit for prior learning, students with industry certifications in IT are able to earn college credit for their demonstrated mastery of certain technical skills and not have to repeat coursework Beyond the standard degree, several companies are implementing creative solutions to address their tech talent needs. Lockheed Martin recently partnered with us to launch the Software Associate Program, through which NOVA students are hired after their freshman year for an internship. During the three-year program, students intern for Lockheed Martin while taking college courses, and are placed in the pipeline to obtain a security clearance. Dr. Chad Knights, Provost of Information and Engineering Technologies, Northern Virginia Community College In addition to internships, some organizations are also establishing apprenticeship programs. While apprenticeship programs have traditionally existed in sectors like manufacturing and construction, many technology firms are seeing the value of using apprenticeship as a customized workforce training solution. Northern Virginia is now home to one of the largest IT apprenticeship programs in the nation, with partners including Amazon Web Services. The Role of the CIO The need for tech talent will increase exponentially as the worldrelies more on technology, which will require creative and innovative solutions beyond the traditional educational model. So where do we go from here? Education relies on the direction of industry -IT leaders can reach out to community collegesto explore opportunities for partnership. For example, a few opportunities that NOVA offers that may already be available or can be duplicated in your region include: Curriculum Advisory Boards: Many colleges offer advisory boards, which are intended for members of the local business community to provide direct input into curriculum. Contract Training: Close specific industry-wide gaps, community colleges are able to tailor educational programming to ensure relevant outcomes needed for your organization or industry. Career Opportunities: Work-based learning and employment opportunities for K-12 and community college can inspire the next generation of tech talent. We recognize it is a pivotal moment in digital transformation. Tech talent is in greater demand than ever before. As a community college, we are here to support the preparation of our region for the careers of tomorrow. While Brazils health care workers are striking and demonstrating against the lack of supplies and equipment to face the spiraling COVID-19 pandemic, teachers strikes are spreading across the country against the campaign for a return to schools. Teacher being tested for coronavirus in Sao Paulo state school. (Governo do Estado de Sao Paulo) The pandemic has resulted in a total of 242,178 recorded deaths and 10 million cases in Brazil, surpassed only by the United States. More than 300,000 new cases were recorded last week along with 7,520 deaths, the second highest number of COVID-19 deaths in a week since the start of the pandemic. Health care workers are confronting the direct impact of the herd immunity policies implemented by governments in Brazil and around the world. In Brazil, the first and second waves were in reality uninterrupted, with the number of coronavirus cases never having registered less than 100,000, and deaths never less than 2,000 per week. According to data compiled by the Federal Council of Medicine, more than a thousand doctors, nurses and technicians have died since March 12 in Brazil, with hundreds of deaths having occurred since last month. A residents strike at Sao Paulo Hospital (HSP) that began last week was extended until at least last Friday. Throughout the week, more residents joined, bringing up to 600 out on strike. Last Friday, they demonstrated in front of the hospital to denounce working conditions, while keeping 30 percent of staff on the job for urgent and emergency care in the facility, which also treats COVID-19 patients. The strikers placards read: We are out of medicines, exam kits and materials; We refuse to work under such conditions. The HSP unit serves an area with more than 5 million people and is one of the three main high complexity medical centers in the capital, alongside Hospital das Clinicas and Santa Casa. Also last week, 14 doctors from a Basic Health Unit (UBS) in the state went on strike to demand months of back wages. The strike was suspended last Friday, but may be reignited if doctors continue not to be paid. At the beginning of February, workers at the University of Sao Paulo Hospital (HU) in the capital went on strike to demand the vaccination of all hospital workers, including cleaning staff and contract workers. This is the third strike at the HU in less than a week. According to the union, only part of the workforce received the vaccine. The HU employees are also demanding the enforcement of the injunction that relieves workers at higher risk of serious illness. According to the union, two HU employees have died from COVID-19 so far. Meanwhile, defending the interests of the ruling elite, the unions are trying to prevent a wave of teacher strikes in all states, driven by opposition to the back-to-school campaign being promoted by the government. By the end of February, more than half of the 27 states in the country plan to have their schools reopened. In the state of Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil, 39,000 state teachers and 13,000 school staff are in the third week of a strike. In a virtual assembly held last week, 80 percent of teachers voted for continuing the strike action. In Itaguai, on the outskirts of the state capital, teachers and staff went on strike starting on Monday. In the city of Campina Grande in the state of Paraiba in the Northeast, teachers have been on strike against the return to schools since the beginning of the month, while the union is trying to block the spread of the struggle to the other 180 municipal school systems in the region. Faced with enormous opposition from teachers to in-person classes, the Brazilian ruling class fears that the simultaneous reopening in the beginning of the school year will provoke a wave of struggles, raising the possibility of a unified mobilization of education workers in all states, beyond the control of the unions and pseudo-left parties. Under these conditions, unions are being forced to call strikes, while keeping the teachers struggles divided and seeking ways to quickly suppress their mobilization. On Tuesday, the state teachers union (SINTE-SC) in the southern state of Santa Catarina called off a strike set to start on Thursday, using as a pretext the postponement of in-person classes in 53 of the states 295 municipalities. The strike would have coincided with a teachers strike in the adjacent state of Parana. Both states combined have a workforce of 300,000 teachers. On Wednesday, the right-wing governor of the state of Parana, Ratinho Junior, was forced to suspend the start of in-person classes on the next day in the face of the state teachers strike. In response to the governors announcement, the Parana state teachers union (APP) hastily called an assembly, barely 12 hours before the Thursday strike deadline, to collectively decide on the beginning of the strike that teachers had already voted for and approved a few days before. With less than four hours left to midnight, the APP posted on Facebook that We want the return to schools, with safety, without giving any information on the results of the assembly. Last week, the APEOESP, the Sao Paulo state teachers union, criminally ignored the result of the teachers assembly vote, with the majority having voted to continue the strike, and cynically declared that the strike would continue, but that teachers should still go to the schools to punch in. The APEOESPs haste in suppressing the teachers struggle was largely due to the beginning of the strike by 60,000 municipal teachers in the states capital just two days later. The unions deceptive campaign for a safe return to the classrooms is being exposed by the outbreak of cases immediately after the reopening of schools in Sao Paulo. By Wednesday, the APEOESP had received reports of coronavirus infections of teachers and employees in 266 state schools, and registered 448 cases in private schools, with dozens of new schools reporting cases daily. This means that there will be a surge of cases and deaths in a few weeks as a direct result of the reopenings. Yet the unions declare, in unity with the government, that schools can be reopened following health protocols, that is, putting hundreds of students and teachers in closed and unventilated environments for hours in schools with one or two bathrooms and with teachers and students commuting in overcrowded buses. Under these conditions, the distribution of hand sanitizer and masks becomes little more than a cosmetic gesture. Nurses protest last year in Belem, Brazil The official statements of the unions, that the vaccination campaign should prioritize teachers, are a justification for carrying out the herd immunity policy of the ruling class, since, even if teachers were inoculated, most of the people who attend the schoolsthe studentswill still be vulnerable. All members of the school community will remain potential vectors of coronavirus transmission. The unions covering up the back-to-school campaign with the demand for the vaccination of teachers is a desperate attempt to deflect enormous anger among both teachers and health care workers toward the ruling class criminal response to the pandemic. However, teachers must be warned that if the unions are allowed to impose their agenda, the direct result will be a renewed upsurge of the coronavirus throughout the country. On Tuesday, in the southern-most state of Rio Grande do Sul, after Governor Eduardo Leite of the right-wing Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) openly promoted the policy of herd immunity in schools, declaring the relaxation of the 50 percent limit on the number of students per classroom, the state teachers union (CPERS) published what amounts to a letter to Leite, calling for him to speed up the vaccination program. The statement ends: We demand immediate vaccination for all education professionals, respect, and minimum safety conditions, without calling for a teachers strike or making any reference to the struggles being waged in other states. The SINTE-SC, APP, CPERS, APEOESP, and all the other state unions affiliated to the Workers Party (PT)-controlled National Confederation of Education Workers (CNTE) defend the interests of the ruling oligarchy. On Monday, the president of the CNTE, Heleno Manoel Gomes Araujo Filho, declared: We dont see any change in the political conditions or in health security to carry out the return to schools. The political conditions for the reopenings include the suppression of the teachers strikes against the back-to-school campaign that are spreading all over the country. Like the ruling elite they serve, the unions fear above all the development of a unified struggle of teachers, independent of the unions, crossing both state and national borders and developing in alliance with health care workers and all sections of the working class. Education and health care workers must form rank-and-file committees, independent of the unions, to oppose the herd immunity policy and fight for the closure of all non-essential production until the population is vaccinated, with full income guaranteed. She said her first experience of sexual assault came when she was in year 8 and a private school student in the year above her forced her to perform oral sex on him. I knew it was wrong, because I didnt tell anyone, but I didnt understand why, she said. At the dinner with friends last year, she learned the same male student had forced another acquaintance to do the same thing a year later. No-one thinks of it as rape until youre told it is. Until [then] you think rape can only be a random in a dark alley past midnight. In reality it happens with people you trust, she said. It happened to so many of us. We talk about a guy who forced us to give them head like what we had for breakfast yesterday. A list of more than 50 testimonies published so far under the petition, which has anonymised both alleged victims and perpetrators, claims that students who attended Scots College, Cranbrook, Sydney Grammar School, Saint Ignatius Riverview, St Josephs College, Waverley College and Shore had been perpetrators of sexual assault. The women who wrote the testimonies identified themselves as former students of schools including Kambala, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, St Catherines School, Ascham, Pymble Ladies College, Wenona, Queenwood, SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College. We talk about a guy who forced us to give them head like what we had for breakfast yesterday Chanel Contos The headmaster of St Catherines School in Waverley, Dr Julie Townsend, described the testimonies as heartbreaking. More needs to be done to create an environment in which young women feel they will be trusted when they come forward. It is also clear that much of the work schools do is happening too late, she said. The Herald has spoken to some of the students who made claims but has not substantiated individual allegations. The testimonies detail alleged sexual assaults that took place during school years or shortly afterwards, while the young women were still mixing in crowds determined by their school social circles. The allegations come from students who graduated in 2006 to some still in school. In several testimonies, women describe waking up naked at parties or in a young mans house, after passing out due to intoxication, with male peers penetrating them. Some girls said the alleged perpetrators were acquaintances they had only met that night; others were friends at the time. Other students say they were physically forced to perform oral sex on a male while intoxicated, sometimes while the boys friends were present or filming the incident. Several only realised something had happened to them when they woke up in pain and found their underpants soaked in blood. None of the alleged incidents occurred on school grounds, but those who signed the petition said they passionately believe that inadequate consent education is the reason for their sexual abuse during or soon after school. [People have signed] because they are sad and angry that they did not receive an adequate education regarding what amounts to sexual assault and what to do when it happens, the petition said. Ms Contos asked her followers on Instagram to share their experiences of sexual assault, in particular at the hands of boys from single-sex schools. When you go to a private school in Sydney, most of the time you only interact with other people who go to these schools: all-boys schools and all-girls schools. Being so distant from the reality of having girls in your everyday life, girls become the victims of boys experiments with their sexuality, she said. More needs to be done ... It is also clear that much of the work schools do is happening too late Dr Julie Townsend, principal of St Catherines School Chief executive of school workshop provider Enlighten Education, Dannielle Miller, said the testimonies were harrowing, yet not at all surprising. Its important to note too that sexual harassment and sexual assault isnt just happening to private schoolgirls; all young women are at risk. We need to explicitly teach young women to be clear and unapologetic when expressing their personal boundaries, to know how to speak up in cultures that may try and silence them, and to actively lobby for what they need and deserve, she said. Any protective advice given to girls in the schools must be carefully framed within a context of unpacking victim blaming. But we must also do more work with young men to teach them what active, informed consent looks and feels like, and create cultures where boys and men also use their voices to speak up too. The work of calling out male misbehaviour must not fall solely on females. Loading Schools that responded to the Herald said they had programs in place that taught students about the criminal nature of sexual harassment and assault. Dr Townsend said: It is clear from these girls testimonies that many of them have suffered in silence for years, and we need to ensure that, not only do they understand what assault is, but know their rights in reporting it and charging someone. It is heartbreaking to read of the trauma they went through, and also to learn that many of them were too fearful to report it afterwards or were treated contemptuously when they did, she said. Wenona principal Briony Scott said sexual assault was beyond the remit of any one school. A TRANSGENDER woman who assaulted a family friend outside a bar is a vulnerable person who will find prison particularly difficult, a Dublin court has heard. There are only two transgender women in the Irish prison system, defence barrister Cathleen Noctor SC told Dublin Circuit Criminal today. They are both being held in women's jails and kept separate from the rest of the prison population, the court heard. Ms Noctor was speaking in the case of Shauna Kavanagh, previously known as Sean Kavanagh, who pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm and two counts of assault on James Street, Dublin on December 9, 2017. The court heard Kavanagh of Priory Hall, Whitehall Road, Kimmage Manor, Dublin, has transitioned to a woman since the assaults took place and is now known as Shauna Kavanagh. A gender recognition certificate was handed up in court. The court heard Kavanagh assaulted Thomas Coogan, a family friend, by punching him to the face when Mr Coogan tried to break up a row outside the Malt House Bar on Jamess Street. Mr Coogan suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain and spent several days in intensive care, the court heard. He made a full recovery but has since died from cancer, Garda David Redmond told the court. The court heard Kavanagh was kicked out of the pub after becoming drunk and knocking over several glasses during a karaoke session. Kavanagh punched a barman, Ian Byrne, and threw a bottle at an event manager, Denis Heatly, while being kicked out of the bar. When Kavanagh tried to run back into the bar, Mr Coogan intervened and Kavanagh punched him, causing him to fall and hit his head off the road. Before he died, Mr Coogan wrote a letter to the court saying he bore no ill-will or malice towards Kavanagh. Mr Coogan's partner, who is Kavanagh's aunt and who was present at the time, also told gardai she did not believe Kavanagh meant to assault her partner, the court heard. There were no victim impact statements before the court. Kavanagh has two minor previous convictions for public order and failing to produce a specimen, Eilis Brennan SC, prosecuting, told the court. Further theft charges are currently before the District Court. Ms Noctor told the court that Kavanagh was appalled, disgusted, ashamed of the incident and had no memory of the events of that night. Ms Noctor said Kavanagh is a person who until recently lived her life repressing her true identity. The court heard Kavanagh had been living in London as a woman prior to the incident, but upon returning to Dublin was suppressing her gender. A psychological report handed up to court said Kavanagh's anger (that night) is likely to have emanated from the frustration about how her life was progressing including suppressed gender, the court heard. Ms Noctor cited international research which has found transgender women, in particular, are a vulnerable group in prison. This would make it particularly difficult for her to serve a prison sentence, Ms Noctor said. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned the matter to Monday, when she will set a sentence date. ADVERTISEMENT A visit by PREMIUM TIMES to the hostels of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, has revealed the dire state of neglect of the school from where 27 students were abducted Tuesday evening. Armed men dressed in army uniforms abducted the students and 15 officials of the college and their relatives. The bandits also killed one of the students, while 42 other students could not be accounted for, this newspaper gathered. None of the 42 kidnapped people has been rescued but the government and security agencies have assured that they will be released unhurt. The learning and boarding facilities are dilapidated and in dire need of renovation, as captured by our reporter who visited the school premises on Friday. Entrance of the Government Science College, Kagara During the tour, our reporter visited Lafene and Barde hostels from where the students were kidnapped. The front view of the schools Assembly hall Apart from the hostel facility, PREMIUM TIMES also checked the classes, laboratories, examination hall and other buildings. The interior of the Chemistry laboratory Interior of the examination/assembly hall According to multiple sources, the governor of the state, Abubakar Bello, during his first term in office, promised to renovate the facilities but has done nothing since. Mr Bello was re-elected for a second term in 2019. He came around then. He said he wanted to see the food the students were eating. In fact, he was nearly moved to tears. Some days after, some people came to do evaluation. But up till now, we have not seen them again, an official of the school said, asking not to be named for fear of victimisation. Some of the students who escaped the attack lamented the poor state of the facilities in separate interviews with this newspaper. Thats where we have been sleeping even with the roofing removed in some parts, a student occupant of Lafene hostel 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. Kodak Black is engaged to fellow rapper Mellow Rackz. Rackz took to social media with a clip in which the 23-year-old rapper gave her a diamond ring as he had an aircraft in the sky that had the message, 'Might as well marry me Melody. I love u.' She subsequent shared shots of them on a dock and singing with one another. Headed to the altar: Kodak Black, 23, is engaged to fellow rapper Mellow Rackz. The duo took to social media with a clip in which he gave Rackz a diamond ring On his Instagram Stories, Kodak tagged Rackz's account and shared specific songs such as Jagged Edges Lets Get Married and Lil Corey's Say Yes. Mellow Rackz took to Instagram with a shot of herself kissing the If I'm Lyin, I'm Flyin performer while seated on a couch. She wrote, 'Mrs. Kapri ... I said yes' with emojis of a diamond ring and hearts. The Tunnel Vision artist, whose legal name is Bill Kapri, was previously romantically linked to Yung Miami. Romantic: Kodak arranged for an aircraft in the sky that had the message, 'Might as well marry me Melody. I love u' Happy day: The couple embraced as they stood on a pier New lease on life: The Pompano Beach, Florida native was recently released from prison after getting a pardon from former President Donald Trump on his last full day in office, January 19. The Pompano Beach, Florida native was recently released from prison after getting a pardon from former President Donald Trump on his last full day in office, January 19. The rapper tweeted his gratitude to the former commander-in-chief after he commuted his nearly-four year sentence. 'I Want To Thank The President @RealDonaldTrump For His Commitment To Justice Reform And Shortening My Sentence,' he said. 'I Also Want To Thank Everyone For Their Support And Love. It Means More Than You Will Ever Know. I Want To Continue Giving Back, Learning And Growing.' Prepared: The rapper had held the engagement rink in his hand Beauty: Racks took a selfie on the day of her engagement Mellow Rackz took to Instagram with a shot of herself kissing the If I'm Lyin, I'm Flyin performer while seated on a couch On his Instagram Stories, Kodak tagged Rackz's account and shared specific songs such as Jagged Edges Lets Get Married and Lil Corey's Say Yes The Golden Gate Park Ferris wheel could keep spinning with fewer bright lights and less noise under a plan unanimously approved Thursday by the Recreation and Park Commission. But like most things having to do with spinning wheels, the whole thing could end up right where it started, pending the vote of yet another San Francisco commission that is still going round and round on the matter. The Rec and Park board approval means that set of commissioners wants the wheel to remain at the east end of the Music Concourse through 2025. The other set of commissioners the members of the Historic Preservation Commission have voted unanimously to put off making up their mind for another month. And no matter how the votes go, nobody gets to take a ride until the pandemic danger rating is reduced from the purple tier to the red tier. For more than an hour at the Rec and Park commissions monthly meeting, dozens of Ferris wheel fans and foes sounded off, calling the 150-foot-high wheel everything from a beacon of joy to a killer of great horned owls. Why does everything have to be so controversial and negative? exasperated commissioner Larry Mazzola said after listening to a dozen wheel foes. Were talking about a Ferris wheel. The next thing theyll want to cancel is Halloween. Business leaders including the proprietor of a nearby hot dog wagon told the commission that the wheel could help economic recovery. Nature lovers and many neighbors called it a nuisance more suited to an amusement park or someplace anyplace else. Why cant the wheel go to John McLaren Park? said Richard Rothman, neighborhood resident who complained of increased traffic brought by wheel customers. Why cant it be moved to Fishermans Wharf or Pier 39? said Janet Carpinelli of San Francisco who said the commissioners should consider other creatures who live in the park besides us. Ornithologist Nancy De Stefanis said the bright lights make birds crash into buildings and structures and accused the commissioners of not acting as good stewards of this park. But Kevin Carroll, executive director of the San Francisco Hotel Council, said the wheel, formally known as the SkyStar, could help fill hotel rooms and help us recover from our darkest time ever. And Rodney Fong, head of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, said it was time to have a little bit of fun. Dana Ketcham, director of permits for the department, said the giant wheel brought joy and fun for families and helped make the concourse a safe place to be in the evening. During the wheels 39 days of actual operation in the fall, she informed commissioners, three couples got engaged. Ketcham said park staff and the wheel operator had agreed to two changes turning off the wheels brightest lights and switching off the noisy portable generator after 10 p.m. After that hour, the wheel would be illuminated by fainter lights powered by batteries. Not enough, said naturalist Natalie Downe. The prime feeding time for bats is shortly after sunset, she told the commission by phone during the virtual meeting during her one-minute window of being unmuted. You have a responsibility to listen to nature. The wildlife cant call in to tell you theyre struggling to survive. Commissioner Kat Anderson said the board cares about wildlife, nature, noise and lights and struggled with the decision. Sometimes we try so hard to make everybody happy that we make nobody happy, she said. The giant wheel was originally to be in the park for a little more than a year to help celebrate the parks 150th anniversary. But as soon as it was unloaded from the 14 trucks that brought it last winter from its former home in Cincinnati, and before its 36 passenger gondolas could be installed, the pandemic ratcheted up and the wheel was frozen in place. In October, the wheel was finally allowed to operate. A month later, the fall pandemic surge shut it down again. Under the terms of its contract, the city gets $1 from every $18 ticket sold. The deal also obliges the operator to provide 500 free tickets a month to at-risk families, an arrangement that will continue as long as the big wheel keeps on turning. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF Boris Johnson's decision to stand by Priti Patel amid a furore over bullying will be challenged by a civil servants' union. An investigation into Ms Patel's behaviour, which was said to include some occasions of shouting and swearing, found that the Cabinet minister had not always treated civil servants with 'consideration and respect'. Sir Alex Allan, who carried out the probe and published its findings in November, concluded that Ms Patel's behaviour did meet the definition of bullying adopted by the Civil Service. Sir Alex left his advisory role in Downing Street after the Prime Minister contradicted his advice by judging that Ms Patel did not breach the rules despite being found to have bullied staff. Ministers are usually expected to resign if they breach the code but Mr Johnson, who is its arbiter, judged that Ms Patel had not fallen foul of the rules. The FDA union has now begun a judicial review to 'overturn' the Prime Minister's decision to disregard the findings of his adviser on ministerial standards in order to back Home Secretary Ms Patel last year. Dave Penman, the union's general secretary, said the affair had obliterated Civil Service trust in the ministerial code. An investigation into Priti Patel's (left) behaviour, which was said to include some occasions of shouting and swearing, found that the Cabinet minister had not always treated civil servants with 'consideration and respect. Dave Penman (right), general secretary of the FDA union, said the affair had obliterated Civil Service trust in the ministerial code He said a survey taken since of FDA members who are most likely to work with ministers found that nearly 90% said they had no confidence in the ministerial code as a mechanism for dealing with bullying and harassment by ministers. Mr Penman added: 'In November the Prime Minister made the extraordinary decision that the Home Secretary did not breach the ministerial code, despite clear evidence that she bullied civil servants. 'As the union that represents many of the staff who work day to day with ministers, we cannot simply let this issue rest. 'Civil servants should expect to work with ministers without fear of being bullied or harassed. '(Mr Johnson's) decision, which he said reflected the Home Secretary's assertion that her actions were unintentional, potentially allows ministers to avoid the consequences of their behaviour in future by pleading that it should be the intent of their actions which is important, not the consequences. Ministers are usually expected to resign if they breach the code but Boris Johnson judged that Ms Patel had not fallen foul of the rules 'Our judicial review, launched today, would seek to overturn the Prime Minister's decision that the Home Secretary's conduct did not breach the ministerial code. 'This is not about whether the Home Secretary should be forced to resign, that is a matter for the Prime Minister, this is simply about how the ministerial code is interpreted.' Following the publication of Sir Alex's report, Ms Patel issued an 'unreserved, fulsome apology' and said there were 'no excuses' for what happened. Mr Johnson later wrote to ministers and heads of Government departments reminding them that there is 'no place for bullying'. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size With Facebook blocking all news pages and links from its Australian service, some people will be weighing up how theyll continue to use the social media platform. Facebook is ubiquitous, and for many of us serves as a link to our friends, family, events, photos and memories. After Facebooks snap decision on Thursday to block Australians from seeing news articles on its platform, some users began experimenting with loopholes to continuing sharing news, even resorting to breaking up the text in creative ways or using pictures of cats when posting news stories, to throw Facebook off the scent. But in the hours since, those loopholes appear to have been closed. Is the lack of news a deal-breaker for your use of Facebook? If so, how will you go about deleting your account and what are the consequences? And are there good alternatives for services that serve news to you? Credit: How will I get my news? If you previously relied mostly on Facebook for news its time to find an alternative, and the service(s) you choose will depend on how you like to consume your content. If youre moving to a new social media network, Twitter is an obvious choice. On Twitter, as with Facebook, you get to pick your friends, companies, personalities and outlets, and see their updates in a feed. A lot of news outlets post the same stories to Facebook and Twitter, and may even be more active on the latter now Facebook is out. One advantage of Twitter is you can follow a wide variety of news without crowding your feed too much. For example, you can save curated lists of people and outlets, say, by topic or friend group, to keep things separated. Or you can save specific searches so youre always up to date on a specific topic or hashtag (those little phrases starting with # that people use to categorise comments, like #auspol for Australian politics). Advertisement You could also try Reddit or Discord, if youre more into discussing the news with a like-minded community. If youre sticking with Facebook to keep up with friends, you might just want a straight news service or aggregator to get the latest headlines. Google News is available on every type of device and is good for either skimming the headlines or diving deep into a topic. It has curated top stories, suggestions based on your tastes, and you can save favourite sources and topics to a custom feed. On mobile phones, a News Showcase feature lets you read some usually paywalled stories for free. Apple News is similar if you solely use Apple devices, though its premium offering Apple News+ is more curated and you need to pay for it. Loading For a more DIY option you can collect things called RSS Feeds, which show you every article published on a given website, but they can be messy. Some more advanced RSS reading services, like Feedly, make it easier to create your own news service. Finally, you can always go directly to the outlets you like. Bookmark the topic pages on websites youre interested in, or many news outlets also offer newsletters, podcasts and apps to make accessing news more convenient. What happens to my photos and posts if I delete Facebook? If youve been on the social network for years you might wonder what the repercussions would be if you deleted that app and nuked your account. And the truth is, depending on how youve used it, there can be consequences. Advertisement Completely deleting your Facebook account will delete all the posts and photos youve shared on the service, and remove you from conversations and posts on other peoples Facebook feeds. You will no longer be able to use Facebook Messenger or access any conversations you had there. If you used Facebook to sign up to other services, such as Spotify or Instagram, you may find it difficult to access them once your account is deleted. Facebook hardware products, such as Portal smart displays and Oculus VR (virtual reality) headsets, require a Facebook account for most functions. In the case of Oculus, you could lose any games you paid for if you delete Facebook. Loading After 30 days your Facebook account data becomes unrecoverable, although Facebook says it may take 90 days until all your data is gone from its servers. So how do I do it without losing all my stuff? For a less nuclear option you can deactivate your account; in which case the company keeps your data and you can still use Messenger. Other apps and websites can still log you in with Facebook, and you can reinstate your account in the future. So if youre removing yourself from Facebook, you first have to decide whether youd like the option to come back later. If you do, you should choose a deactivation. If not, you want a deletion. Either way you will go to the same place. Advertisement How do you delete or deactivate a Facebook account? On a computer: Log in to Facebook and hit the triangle at the top right of the page. Click on Settings and Privacy, and then Settings. Click on Your Facebook Information, and then Deactivation or Deletion. On the mobile app: Tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom (iPhone) or top (Android) right of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, and then Settings. Scroll down and tap Account Ownership and Control, then Deactivation and Deletion. See below for how to recoup your old posts, including photos. Deactivation is as simple as entering your password and confirming a few times, but if youre deleting your account and want to keep your stuff there are a few loose ends to tie up first. When leaving Facebook, you have a choice of a deactivation where Facebook keeps all your data, or a total deletion that locks you out for good. Facebook can send your photos and videos directly to another service, such as Dropbox or Google Photos. Or, alternatively, you can download and store any or all information from your Facebook account. This can take some time if you want to keep everything, as it might include years of posts, photos, videos, comments, messages, event details and group discussions, marketplace listings, location information and advertising data. To do either of these things, follow the steps above but at step three choose Transfer a Copy of Your Photos, or Download Your Information. Loading How do you access Instagram if youve ditched Facebook? Next, youll want to make sure you can still access other services. You can keep using Instagram after a Facebook deletion but you may need to make some changes. Before deleting Facebook go to Instagrams settings, hit Accounts Center, then Logging in Across Accounts, and make sure its turned off. If you originally signed up to Instagram via Facebook, this will prompt you to create a password. Now your Instagram and Facebook accounts are separated but be aware they are the same company and do share your data. Advertisement As for non-Facebook apps and services you used Facebook to sign up for, most will have an option in their settings to choose a different login or unlink from Facebook. If youre unsure if this applies to any services you use, go to Facebooks settings and hit Apps and Websites to see a list of services youve linked to Facebook. What are some other services for sharing photos? Google Photos and Apple iCloud are services you may already be using to back up pics from your phone. But you can also use them to share pictures with others, tag people and make comments. If youre specifically wanting to share photos of the kids you can set up shared folders in Google Photos that do this automatically. Tinybeans is another good app specifically made for sharing photos of kids with family members and friends. Loading If youre deleting Facebook entirely and want a Messenger replacement, Signal is probably closest since its secure and has seamless integration between mobile and web. You could say the same for WhatsApp, but if youre completely expunging Facebook from your life thats a no-go. If you need all the goofy stickers and video chat features, your phones default iMessage or Android Messenger is as good as you may get. Groups and events are the hardest Facebook features to replace, as it can feel like youre going to miss out if youre not on Facebook. But there are alternatives, just make sure you have a phone number and/or active email for each of your friends before you leave. Paperless Post is a good service that lets you create events, send invites and track RSVPs, and you can always create a group chat on your messaging platform of choice. Technology newsletter The top technology stories, gadget releases and gaming reviews delivered every Friday. Sign up here. The sun was out Friday over a battered San Antonio, lifting spirits, melting the snowscape onto slippery sidewalks and streets and giving residents a chance to get outside to take stock of plumbing problems, food shortages and dead gardens. After five nights of brutal cold, access to water remained a widespread problem, but electricity was back for all but an unlucky few. Its warmer out here than inside, Jesse Castro, 64, said from his wheelchair in the sunshine at the Granada Homes, an apartment building for low-income seniors downtown, where he and other residents had gone without running water since Monday. Tenants said they had drawn water from the nearby San Antonio River or harvested snow so they could at least flush their toilets. Plumbers were in high demand and short supply across the city, a condition expected to last for weeks. Robert Puente, CEO of the San Antonio Water System, said Thursday that perhaps 100,000 homes and businesses in Bexar County had burst pipes. Anne Hayden, a spokeswoman for SAWS, said crews were making progress restoring water pressure to neighborhoods where lack of electricity had prevented pumps from operating earlier in the week. But around 30 percent of the utilitys customers still had no running water, she said. The outlook for a warming trend allowed public safety workers to exhale. The cold had been dangerous. It was a factor in five fatality accidents since Feb. 13, police said, including two Thursday night that killed the driver of an 18-wheeler who skidded on ice while trying to avoid a disabled SUV on Interstate 10 East and a pedestrian struck in a hit-and-run on Medina Base Road. Twenty police vehicles were damaged during the week, police Lt. Jesse Salame said via email. He said Officer Travis Gossett was still at University Hospital after being hit by a vehicle while directing traffic Sunday morning. He is in stable condition, but his injuries are very severe, Salame said. Were all hoping for a full recovery. The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office identified a man who died Feb. 12 of hypothermia as Mark William Guerra, 56. He was found in the 900 block of River Road, near the San Antonio River north of downtown. Numerous others in the week since have been treated for hypothermia, a drop in body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold. But it was a heart condition, not hypothermia, that killed a 78-year-old man outside his home on the North Side on Monday, the medical examiners office said. The San Antonio Housing Authority asked people to drop off donations of water, nonperishable food and adult diapers at its headquarters at 820 S. Flores St. from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to help its residents. With another hard freeze expected Friday night, the shelter at the Convention Center was to stay open until 5 p.m. Saturday, said Carlos Valenzuela, a city spokesman. It housed 180 people at midweek, but only a few were left, he said. On ExpressNews.com: Survival mode: Amid wintry weather and power and water outages, San Antonio dialysis patients go without for days Water service was restored at the Granada, originally a luxury hotel built in the late 1920s. But the water pressure downtown was still low, a SAWS official said, so it will take a while to fill and fire up the boiler that the 230-unit, 12-story complex uses for heat. Some residents resorted to dangerous measures such as using their ovens and stoves for heat. For days, volunteers and family members have brought them meals and drinking water. On Friday, the restaurant Arizona Cafe donated tacos. The Devils River Distillery supplied 200 gallons of water. Others brought fresh-made tortillas. Its been rough, but Im sure everybodys going through the same thing, said Ester Rivas, a 73-year-old resident. Some families have at least temporarily taken their loved ones out of the building, said Queta Rodriguez, a former candidate for county commissioner who was helping out. But some 160 people were still in the building, she said. Many turned down the offer of a bus sent earlier this week to ferry residents to the Convention Center. Theyre very fearful of COVID, Rodriguez said. So they just decided to hack it out. That included Olivia Lopez, 77, a former hospital worker. She refused her familys offer to take her, in part because shes been helping a neighbor who cant leave. Lopez sat outside the building in a leather jacket and blue hoodie, smoking a Pall Mall cigarette the first shed had in several days. Once we get the heat and the water on, Im going to get in that tub and give me a real good bath, Lopez said. CPS Energy officials apologized Friday for the very difficult situation that San Antonians have endured the past five days. We are sorry, we cant say that enough, CPS President and CEO Paula Gold-Williams said, promising that the city-owned utility will be prepared for any future unprecedented weather event. It was still working to restore electricity to the relative handful of customers fewer than 400 who remained without it, she said. Earlier in the week, the number had been well over 200,000. She also expressed gratitude to San Antonians for conserving power and urged them to continue despite the improving weather. County Judge Nelson Wolff acknowledged criticism of the utility but objected to calling it a monopoly, saying it was a far better asset to its owners, the residents of San Antonio, than anything the private sector could provide. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which had starved utilities on the electrical grid it controls because not enough power plants could meet demand until Thursday, ended its emergency operations Friday. On ExpressNews.com: Bulk water distribution sites in San Antonio opened Friday Police Chief William McManus and Fire Chief Charles Hood both expressed pride and relief for officers and firefighters who worked virtually nonstop since Sunday and continue to staff a Public Safety Headquarters that is without water. There were officers and first responders who werent able to take a shower, even, yet continued to come to work and tend to their families, McManus said. Police officers found time to take people to dialysis, make deliveries from the San Antonio Food Bank to shut-ins and drive them to pharmacies to pick up prescriptions, he said. Hood praised the resiliency, ingenuity and leadership of firefighters and paramedics who handled record numbers of structure fires per shift and put together a program to visit homes to refill peoples medical oxygen tanks. Hood called it a week unlike anything most of us have ever seen before in our careers. The struggle to replenish kitchen food supplies, if not the ready availability of food itself, was made easier by the improved weather. H-E-B stores were running on curtailed hours after days of not being able to fully stock meat, dairy products and produce. Half an hour before it was to open, 88 people waited patiently in line outside the H-E-B on Olmos Drive north of downtown, masked and socially distanced. The H-E-B at Perrin Beitel and Thousand Oaks was crowded with shoppers about 4 p.m., with most paper goods gone and the chips and cookies half gone from the aisles. But there was bread, milk, tortillas and eggs, and a truckload of water had just arrived. I found everything I needed, said Elizabeth Arevalo, 38. My Diet Coke. They even had orange juice for the kids. They dont have a lot of variety of fresh chicken, but they have plenty of beef and pork. A man passing by with a full cart interjected, The only thing missing is money. Yes, Arevalo laughed ruefully. Lets see if theres a paycheck after all of this. A spokesperson for the grocery giant said it had more than 1,500 trucks on the road Friday to restock our stores as quickly as possible. H-E-B has limited purchases of water, milk, meat, eggs, bread, ice, charcoal, propane and other items, a list that can be found at newsroom.heb.com/product-purchasing-limits. San Antonio stores will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The H-E-B on South Flores Street near downtown is closed. The Food Bank has been distributing meals at area shelters and on Friday was preparing to staff several large distribution sites, each able to help about 5,000 people with groceries, said Michael Guerra, the organizations chief resource officer. About 50 Texas National Guard soldiers are helping at the food banks main facility at 5200 Enrique M. Barrera, which will distribute food Saturday and Sunday. Checking in at 5738 Castroville Road before going to the site was recommended but not required. On ExpressNews.com: The story behind this viral photo of the San Antonio Food Bank during coronavirus shutdowns On Saturday, distributions will open at Harlandale Independent School Districts Memorial Stadium and the River City Church. The Food Bank had issued a call for 500 volunteers, and San Antonio came though again, Guerra said. All the slots were filled, and some people have been placed on waiting lists. Staff writers Emilie Eaton, Mark Dunphy, Mike Sutter, Diana Fuentes and Bruce Selcraig contributed to this report. EZavala@express-news.net Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. Join Frost & Sullivan experts Sarwant Singh, Benoy CS, Kaushik Madhavan, Amol Kotwal, Sowmya Rajagopalan and Mukund Devnani for the upcoming webinar, " India in 2025: Key Industries and Investment Growth Opportunities ," on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at 4:30 PM (IST). They will be joined by industry stalwarts Anil Srivastava , Principal Consultant & Mission Director at NITI Aayog , and Mudit Agarwal , Corporate Strategy & Business Development VP at Aditya Birla Group , to discuss key economic trends impacting India by 2025, the fastest-growing segments, boldest development themes, and investment options across industries. For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit: http://frost.ly/58c. This unique webinar will provide a window to the future and insights on: Indian economic development trajectory to 2025 trajectory to 2025 Top investment opportunities and fastest-growing sectors by 2025 and fastest-growing sectors by 2025 How digitization and adoption of emerging technologies across businesses are propelling India's growth growth Factors that are fueling the rapid expansion of the chemicals sector The future of healthcare in India Trends and innovations driving the food and nutrition sector Expansion of smart manufacturing and job creation in the country and job creation in the country The rapidly transforming Indian mobility sector , including automotive, supply chain, and logistics , including automotive, supply chain, and logistics The major industry developments in the Indian defense sector This webinar will also be recorded and available on-demand at http://frost.ly/1ti. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion . Press Contact: Priya George, Corporate Communications M: +91 98403 55432; P: +91 44 6681 4414 E: [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan Related Links www.frost.com The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said, Friday, that the chairman of the defunct Pension Reformed Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, has not been remorseful for jumping bail and fleeing abroad last year. Mr Maina, who is being prosecuted by the commission on N2 billion money laundering charges, jumped bail and fled to Republic of Niger where he hid for some months last year. While he was on the run, the trial judge, Okon Abang, of the Federal High Court in Abuja, revoked the bail earlier granted him and put his surety, Ali Ndume, a serving senator, behind bars for some days before releasing him on bail. With the help of the arrest warrant issued by the judge, security agencies apprehended Mr Maina in Niger Republic and brought him back to court on December 4. The defendant, who had skipped court proceedings for almost four months, was immediately remanded in prison till the end of his trial. Lack of remorse But Mr Maina had barely spent three weeks in detention when on December 24, he filed a fresh bail application anchored on his alleged deteriorating health. At the hearing of Mr Mainas fresh bail application on Friday, EFCCs prosecuting counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, urged the court to dismiss it, insisting that the defendant did not deserve a second chance. Mr Abubakar said the affidavit filed by the defendant in support of the bail application showed that he took a premeditated decision to jump bail and showed no remorse about it. The 1st defendant/applicant (Maina), without any remorse, stated in paragraph 9 of his affidavit that, as a result of the order for his arrest, he decided to seek a better medical facility for the treatment of his knee and was eventually referred to a military hospital in Chad Republic and Niger Republic where the knee surgery was successfully carried out, Mr Abubakar said. The prosecutor said the implication of Mr Mainas claim was that his jumping bail was a premeditated decision. It was a decision he took by himself in disobedience to the gracious order of this honourable court in releasing him on bail, he added. Secret trip to Chad revealed He also noted that Mr Maina, by his statement, confessed to travelling to Republic of Chad, a fact hitherto unknown to the prosecution. According to him, the defendant was able to embark on the trips even with his American and Nigerian passports already seized by the court as part of the bail conditions earlier granted him by the court. It is also clear by this paragraph that while we thought that the 1st defendant applicant fled to Niger Republic, he is now informing the court that he also went to Chad Republic while his American and Nigerian passports are in custody of the court, he said. He said the medical report on his (Maina) current state of health issued by the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital presented by Mr Maina mentioned nothing about the knee surgery he claimed to have undergone outside the country. Trip to save me from amputation Mr Maina had stated in his fresh bail application that his leg would have been amputated if he did not travel to Niger Republic for medical care. Earlier arguing Mr Mainas bail application on Friday, his lawyer, Sani Katu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, told the judge that as a result of the defenants failing health, a letter had been sent to Kuje Correctional Centre on the need to give him proper medical attention. He said the Kuje prison where the defendant was being kept lacked the needed facility to attend to his health conditions. ADVERTISEMENT The lawyer also said the defendant had to be recently taken to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada when the medical report presented by the defence was issued. He urged the court to grant a fresh bail to Mr Maina bail to enable him to attend to his deteriorating health. He said his client would not abuse the privilege. Mr Maina, in his affidavit filed in support of the application, stated that he had reasonable and responsible sureties who were willing to act as sureties if granted bail. Meanwhile, Justice Abang adjourned till February 25 for ruling. The EFCC, on February 4, had informed the court, that Mr Mainas son, Faisal Maina, who is also standing trial on money laundering charges, had jumped bail and fled to the U.S. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 05:05:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for efforts to advance the political process and alleviate the humanitarian situation in Yemen. Since its return to Aden, the Yemeni government has tried its best to govern and provide services for people's livelihood under very difficult circumstances. China highly commends its efforts and expects the government to accelerate internal integration, smoothly carry out its work, and get ready to participate in the comprehensive political process, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. The escalation of conflict in northern Yemen has caused civilian casualties and undermined mutual trust between the government and the Houthis, threatening the political mediation efforts. China urges all parties to the conflict to heed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' appeal for a cease-fire, put down their guns, exercise restraint, and refrain from any actions that may increase tension so as to create a safe environment for the peace process, he told the Security Council. China welcomes the U.S. move to revoke its designation of the Houthis as terrorists and the appointment of a U.S. special envoy to promote the political process in Yemen. "We hope the United States will adopt more measures conducive to the peace process in Yemen and commit itself to maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf region." China appreciates the recent shuttle diplomacy carried out by UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths and hopes all the parties can seize this positive momentum to meet each other halfway and create conditions for lasting peace in Yemen, he said. The settlement of the issues in the Gulf region needs both the joint efforts of regional countries and the constructive role of key powers. China welcomes the recent visit to Iran by Griffiths and hopes that the exchanges will bring about positive impact on the political settlement of the Yemeni issue, he said. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has proposed a multilateral platform for dialogue in the Gulf region. China is ready to conduct consultations with countries that have similar ideas to advance the forging of new consensus on maintaining peace and stability in the region, said Geng. He also called for international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Yemen. The people of Yemen are experiencing multiple crises, including famine, COVID-19, oil shortages, and currency depreciation. The international community must increase assistance to Yemen. The UN system must efficiently coordinate humanitarian relief operations, while all parties to the conflict must ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, he said. The high-level pledging conference on Yemen will be held next month. China wishes the conference a success, he said. The issue of the derelict Safer oil tanker moored off Yemen requires great attention, he said. "We deeply regret that to date, the UN technical team has not been able to go on-site, and urge the Houthis to cooperate with the United Nations to implement the tanker maintenance agreement as soon as possible in order to prevent catastrophic accidents." China has been providing assistance as much as it can to help Yemen tide over famine and fight COVID-19, said Geng. Food assistance provided by China has reached most of Yemen's governorates. In accordance with the economic and technological cooperation agreement recently signed with Yemen, China will provide additional assistance worth 100 million yuan (15.4 million U.S. dollars) to Yemen as its contribution to alleviating its humanitarian crisis, he said. China supports the Yemen Sanctions Committee and its panel of experts in effectively carrying out their work in accordance with its mandate authorized by the Security Council so as to make positive contributions to the political settlement of the Yemen issue, he said. Enditem Rosanne Small-Morgan has a clear and defined programme of service that she wants to deliver to her constituents. Vincentian-born Rosanne Small-Morgan, a senior advocate for the elderly, blind, disabled and underserved population, has declared her candidacy as an independent candidate for the office of Trustee in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Nassau County, Long Is., New York. There are four Trustees in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead that has a population of about 55,000 residents, according to the United States Census. With a heavy concentration of Caribbean Americans, Hempstead is predominantly African American (Blacks) and Latinos. There is also a small population of whites and Asians. Small-Morgan, 51 who moved with her family to Hempstead in October 1994 after residing in Queens Village, Queens, New York is a wife and a "proud mother of two gifted children, one of whom has autism. A former Frenches, Kingstown resident, who migrated from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1988 she is reportedly the first Caribbean-born woman to seek the office of Trustee in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. A senior consumer advocate, author, mentor, motivational speaker, radio and talk show host, with a weekly newspaper advice column, Small-Morgan told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that shes been "sitting on this announcement for a couple of weeks, going back and forth with God. "Literally, if He didnt speak to my heart, I wouldnt do this, she said. "I am confident that, with my many years of public service, along with the many connections that Ive made networking personally and professionally, I can help enhance and bring positive changes to the Inc. Village of Hempstead. Small-Morgan, who is running on the ticket, Transparency for Hempstead, also works in the utility industry, where she manages Nassau County and the Rockaways in Queens. The platform Small-Morgan explained that she has filed and has since received a letter stating that her petition was accepted for her to be put on the ballot. Even as she continues with her campaign, she awaits clearance from the Nassau County Board of Elections. Small-Morgan who is also the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Autism Who Knew Inc., which caters primarily to the African American, Caribbean and Latino populations said the Incorporated Village of Hempstead is "due for a change. She said this change should involve bringing more services and economic opportunities to the residents. The role of the Trustee, as described by Small-Morgan is to set policies, approve budgets, and generally oversees the work that involves reviewing and approving the various appointed boards and committees in the Village. Her campaign planks, she said, are focused on economic development; mentorship and internship programs, especially for the middle and high school children; developing a new first time Home Buyers program for young families; helping the elderly and the underserved to get more services; and aiding families with special needs children. On economic development, she said she would foster an environment to lure big and small businesses alike to the Village. Small-Morgan said the mentorship and internship programmes would enable intervention before middle and high school children are recruited by gangs. The new, first time Home Buyers program for young families would "bring more pride of ownership in the village, she said. Small-Morgan said she would fight for more services, such as energy efficiency programs, addressing food insecurity and financial literacy, for the elderly and the underserved. For families with special needs children, she said she would assist them in accessing "their rightful services. And about her chances of winning, she confidently said, I think I stand a great chance of winning. Small-Morgans mother, Lorna Small, who was shockingly murdered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2008, was the retired Director of Libraries and Archives in her native land. She acknowledges that her strengths of having faith, persevering and giving to the community were instilled in her by her mother. Small-Morgans father is the late Claude Small. ATHENS: Greece on Friday extended lockdown restrictions to more areas of the country to stem the spread of COVID-19 infections but lifted it in others where infections receded, its deputy civil protection minister said. Effective on Saturday the islands of Kalymnos, Cephalonia and Thassos, the city of Heraklion in Crete, Corinth, Nemea and Argos in the Peloponnese and the municipality of Evosmos in the north will be in lockdown until March 1, authorities said. This means schools, hair salons and non-essential retail shops will close. "The epidemiological load in the community remains stable. The British variant shows wide dispersion with more than 760 infections," said Vana Papaevangelou, a member of the committee of infectious disease experts advising the government. She said health authorities were quite concerned with the spread of the South African variant of the virus in Evosmos, a suburb of the Thessaloniki urban area in northern Greece. COVID-19 related hospital admissions had risen to an average of 218 daily and the occupancy rate at COVID-19 intensive care units in Athens hospitals stood at 83%. But the picture in other areas of the country had improved with infections receding and authorities lifted lockdown restrictions in the islands of Santorini and Zakynthos, in Sparta and the town of Agios Nikolaos in Crete. Greece, which has fared relatively better than others in Europe during the pandemic, was forced to impose a partial lockdown in November after infections began climbing, threatening to overwhelm a health system weakened by a decade-long financial crisis. Earlier this month the government announced a full lockdown in metropolitan Athens to curb a resurgence in coronavirus cases until Feb. 28. On Friday, health authorities reported 1,460 new coronavirus cases and 28 deaths, bringing total infections to 177,494 since the first case was detected in February last year and COVID-related deaths to 6,249. 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. (Newser) A young woman who was shot in the head by police last week during a protest against the military coup in Myanmar died Friday, her family said. It was the first confirmed death among thousands of protesters who have faced off against security forces since the junta took power on Feb. 1, detained the country's elected leaders, and prevented Parliament from convening, the AP reports. Mya Thwet Thwet Khine was shot during a demonstration in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Feb. 9, two days before her 20th birthday. Video showed her sheltering from water cannons and suddenly dropping to the ground after a bullet penetrated the motorcycle helmet she was wearing. She had been on life support in a hospital with what doctors said was no chance of recovery. story continues below A spokesman for the ruling military did not deny that she had been shot by security forces, but claimed at a news conference this week that she was in a crowd that had thrown rocks at police and the case was under investigation. There were no independent accounts of her taking part in any violence. Human Rights Watch accused the police in Naypyitaw of having "blood on their hands." "The officer who pulled the trigger must be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of the New York-based group. "Thats the only suitable way to honor the memory of this brave young woman." Demonstrations continued Friday in Yangon, the countrys biggest city, and elsewhere. (Read more Myanmar stories.) February 19 : Taking some time out from her Dhaakad shoot, Kangana Ranaut visited Lord Jagannaths temple in Puri, Odisha, this morning amidst tight security. The actress had earlier written on her Twitter handle that she would head off for a 6 am darshan at the temple. Early morning, paparazzi captured her while she was making her way to the temple along with her team. Taking to social media, Kangana shared pictures from her visit to Jagannath's temple along with a long note, expressing her feelings about Lord Krishna. We always see Krishna with Radha or Rukmani (Laxmi) but in Puri Jagannath Lord Krishna is placed with his siblings, Balrama n Subhadra (Arjuns wife, Abhimanyus mom) Pulsating with the energy of his heart chakra whole place has a healing and soothing sweetness to it, enchanted, the Queen actress wrote. In the pictures, the Panga actress can be seen donning a white outfit. She looked pretty in a white suit with golden work all over it. The actress teamed it with a matching gold bordered dupatta, and in accessories, she wore a heavy choker neckpiece and matching statement earrings. She tied her hair in a neat bun. In 2020, while she shared pictures with her mom while visiting Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, Kangana had expressed her wish to visit Puris Jagannath Temple as well. During her visit to the Jagannath temple today, Kangana was felicitated by the temple administration with a photograph of the Trinity adorned with 'Suna Besha' attire. The administration also presented the actress with the 'mahaprasad'. Meanwhile, the actress is currently shooting for her upcoming project Dhaakad in Madha Pradesh. Kangana has revealed on social media that she has been doing night shifts for Dhaakad and shooting for long hours to wrap up the film on time. Directed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Sohail Maklai productions and Asylum films, and co-produced by Qyuki Digital Medi, Dhaakad is slated to release in theatres on 1st October 2021. Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc. Some Spanish regions are starting to ease coronavirus restrictions, while others are considering doing so, due to falling infection rates that are still far above the governments extreme risk threshold. The national 14-day incidence rate has now dropped to 321 cases per 100,000 people from highs of 900 in late January, although this is still above the extreme risk level of 250 established by the Spanish government. In the Madrid region it is 427, while in the Canary Islands it is 118. Madrid Despite having one of the highest incidence rates in the country, the Madrid region will on Monday lift mobility restrictions in seven municipalities and 31 basic healthcare zones administrative areas that do not coincide with districts or neighborhoods. For the full list of restrictions in the city and wider region go here. This announcement comes after authorities on Thursday pushed back the curfew starting time to 11pm from 10pm, and allowed bars and restaurants to remain open until that time as well. The deputy chief of the Madrid health department, Antonio Zapatero, on Friday confirmed that the 14-day incidence rate is 427 per 100,000 and said that the B.1.1.7 variant of the virus first reported in the UK now accounts for around 30% of infections in the region. Despite having one of the countrys highest incidence rates, Madrid has the loosest restrictions in place, a policy that has drawn criticism from health experts. Catalonia Catalan authorities are considering easing restrictions for the restaurant industry, which is reeling from the economic effects of the pandemic. Toni Albir / EFE The Catalan government will keep mobility restrictions in place one more week after the drop in infections slowed down over the last four days. Restaurant opening hours remain limited to breakfast and lunch service, and administrative regions known as comarcas are still under confinement. We need seven more days to see the evolution of the curve and the impact of the new variants, said the Catalan health chief Alba Verges on Friday. We want to see if there is a change in the trend. We have slowly been going down, but now we are kind of stuck. Canary Islands The regional government has announced special measures for Carnival and reduced the alert level in Tenerife to 1. Gran Canaria is still at level 3 and Lanzarote at level 4. A 10pm-6am curfew will remain in place across the archipelago until February 22. The executive is also reducing the number of people who may gather during the coming days to prevent massive social events during Carnival. Islands on level 1 (Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera) and 2 (Fuerteventura and El Hierro) are allowing groups of six people from different households, while those in level 3 are allowing groups of four, and in Lanzarote only two people from different households may meet. Bars and restaurants will close at 10pm on islands in levels 1 through 3, and at 6pm in Lanzarote. Andalusia The premier of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, on Friday said that the regional government might consider a small loosening of restrictions on mobility and on economic sectors by the end of February, the daily Diario Sur reported. The regions borders remain sealed except for justified trips, and journeys across provincial lines are similarly restricted to essential business. Valencia region The deputy premier, Monica Oltra, said that officials in charge of coronavirus policy will likely meet next Thursday to decide whether to ease existing restrictions in the region, which was posting an incidence rate of over 1,200 cases per 100,000 people in late January but is now down to 358. The regions borders will remain sealed until at least March 1, while bars and restaurants continue to be closed and retail stores have to close by 6pm. Navarre The regional government has decided to let bars and restaurants reopen at 30% capacity starting on February 26. A maximum of six people from two different households may gather in private spaces. Vaccines A new survey by the Center for Sociology Studies (CIS) shows that 82.9% of respondents are willing to receive the coronavirus vaccine, a 10.4 point rise from a month ago. As for the percentage of the population that rejects the immunization, it has dropped from 16.5% to 6.5%. With reporting by Jessica Mouzo, Bernat Coll and Isabel Valdes. English version by Susana Urra. To open doors, I have to donate, he told The New York Times in 2019. Its just a fact of life. Mr. Zuberi had donated heavily to Democrats, including committees supporting President Barack Obama and then Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign, before abruptly pivoting to Republicans after Mr. Trumps victory. In Washington political circles, he was notable less for the scale of his giving than for its transactional nature. Mr. Zuberi said in 2019 that his donation to Mr. Trumps inaugural fund was at least partly intended to give him access to inaugural events where he hoped to talk business with Trump-backing investors and executives. But he said his attendance at the inaugural events did not yield any business and backfired after his companys donation was cited in a subpoena. Mr. Zuberi was also sentenced on Thursday on a range of other charges to which he had pleaded guilty in 2019, and for which he could have faced a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Some of those charges relate to nearly $1 million in illegal campaign donations made from April 2012 through October 2016 as part of a scheme to gain access to American politicians for foreign clients. Some of those donations were funded by foreign sources. Others related to his lobbying work in Washington for the government of Sri Lanka, whose image he was trying to repair in Washington amid concerns about the countrys treatment of Tamil minority groups. KYODO NEWS - Feb 19, 2021 - 12:56 | World, All Britain on Thursday imposed sanctions on Myanmar military officers involved in the Feb. 1 coup that ousted the country's elected government, with Canada also slapping on similar sanctions. The sanctions come as the number of people detained since the coup has reached nearly 500 and arrest warrants have been issued to several celebrities amid an intensifying campaign by authorities against daily protests on the streets of Myanmar cities. The British sanctions target Defense Minister Gen. Mya Tun Oo, Home Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Soe Htut and Deputy Home Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Than Hlaing. The trio has had assets frozen and each is banned from traveling to Britain. The British government will also prevent its aid from indirectly supporting Myanmar's military-led government and ensure that aid will only reach "the poorest and most vulnerable" in the Southeast Asian country, it said in a statement. "Myanmar's military and police have committed serious human rights violations, including violating the right to life, the right to freedom of assembly, the right not to be subject to arbitrary arrest or detention, and the right to freedom of expression," the statement said. Led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the military has detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political figures following the coup. A total of 495 people have been detained since the coup, a Myanmar-based human rights group said Thursday. Of those, 460 remained in detention. The military has issued arrest warrants on six celebrities, including film directors, for allegedly encouraging protests and strikes among civil servants. The military has alleged massive voter fraud took place in last November's general election, in which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won another resounding victory. It says a new election will be held after a state of emergency is lifted, with power transferred to the winning party. The United States has already imposed sanctions on members of the Myanmar military and related companies. Tom Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, has called for the U.N. Security Council to consider sanctions and other measures against Myanmar. Related coverage: Singapore, Indonesia favor ASEAN role to help Myanmar defuse crisis Large-scale protests continue in Myanmar for 12th day Suu Kyi faces new charge making long-term detention likely Flames ripped through an North Bexar County apartment building Thursday evening as firefighters were hampered by frozen hydrants, officials said. The fire began at about 1 p.m. in a building at the Cortland View at TPC complex, 4092 TPC Parkway, according to Ken Jarvis, a Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department spokesman. The building was evacuated and there have been no reports of injuries, firefighters said. Hours later, the blaze engulfed the building as firefighters had to continuously retrieve water from the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, Jarvis said. RELATED: Food Bank needs volunteers for mega food distribution The tankers have been lining up and dropping their water into a rectangular containment area that resembles an above ground pool, Jarvis said. Each tanker can carry a few thousand gallons, Jarvis said, which gives firefighters enough water to fight the blaze for only a few minutes. Every time you stop, the fire gains ground again, he said. Temperatures were at or below 30 degrees for much of the day, according to the National Weather Service website. More than 75 firefighters were working on the blaze from area departments, including personnel from the U.S. Department of Defense, Jarvis said. Residents were evacuated to the gymnasium at Johnson High School, 23203 Bulverde Road, officials said. The Red Cross is assisting the evacuees with food and cots, Jarvis said, adding that they are welcome to stay the night if they have nowhere else to go. Jarvis said firefighters will be fighting the blaze through the morning. The goal is if they can keep it from spreading. That one complex is a goner. Itll just burn itself out, he said. But, theyll be putting out hot spots for hours and hours and hours. 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 SHANGHAI, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Regor Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery of innovative medicines to treat cancer, immune disorders and metabolic diseases, announces the successful completion of $90 million Series B financing. Founded in July of 2018 by a group of veteran drug hunters with extensive research and executive leadership experiences at top multinational pharmaceutical companies, Regor aims to establish world-class innovation capabilities and is committed to delivering clinically differentiated, best- and first-in-class drugs to serve patients globally. By leveraging CARD, Computer Accelerated Rational Discovery, a proprietary enabling technology platform, the team has successfully advanced numerous discovery programs in a dramatically accelerated fashion, including from ideas to a clinical start in two years. The Series B financing was led by Lilly Asia Ventures and included participation from Loyal Valley Capital, Lanting Capital, TF Capital and Vertex Ventures China. Regor Therapeutics was established with initial series A strategic investment from Qilu Pharmaceutical Group, a well-known Chinese pharmaceutical company. "We are very pleased with the strong support from leading life science investment firms in this financing round. We are now in a strong position to advance pre-clinical and clinical studies of multiple programs," said Dr. Xiayang Qiu, Founder and CEO of Regor. "We are looking forward to long-term collaborations with our investors, as we aim to improve the treatment outcomes for worldwide patients of chronic diseases, cancer and other life-threatening diseases." "We are proud to support Regor Therapeutics' world-class team to expand its efforts across a larger number of programs and therapeutic areas to develop tomorrow's life-saving treatments," said Dr. Yi Shi, managing partner of Lilly Asia Ventures. "With the next decade comes a historical moment for China's leap upwards. We are delighted to collaborate with veteran scientists, leading entrepreneurs and investment partners in biopharma industry. Together we are working hard for a better world by innovative and transformative medicines which make meaningful impacts to patients globally," said Mr. Andy Lin, founding partner of Loyal Valley Capital. About Regor Therapeutics Group Regor Therapeutics is a clinical stage company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative and clinically differentiated medicines by leveraging the proprietary CARD (Computer Accelerated Rational Discovery) Platform, seamlessly integrating structural biology, computational chemistry, therapeutic biology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical development. Regor has assembled a world-class scientific team and demonstrated high efficiency in producing best- and first-in-class molecules. About Lilly Asia Ventures Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV) is a leading biomedical venture capital firm founded in 2008, with offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Palo Alto. Our vision is to become the trusted partner for exceptional entrepreneurs seeking smart capital and to build great companies developing breakthrough products that treat diseases and improve human health. About Loyal Valley Capital Loyal Valley Capital ("LVC"), founded in 2015, is a thematic, research-oriented private equity firm that has been a "partner of choice" for China's most promising companies. LVC has left a mark in leading players such as Tik Tok, Didi, Bilibili, Junshi, InnoCare, Akeso, Pop Mart, SUPCON. In 2020, LVC was honorably awarded the "Top 10 Most Influential Private Equity Firms in China", "Top 20 Healthcare Investor in China", "Top 10 Innovative Drug Investor in China", and "Top 20 Consumer Investor in China". About Lanting Capital LanTing Capital (LTC) is a cross-border, pharmaceutical-focused strategic private equity firm. Founded by pharmaceutical veterans and asset management experts, LTC leverages our unparalleled industry knowledge and network plus deep financial market know-how across the USA, China and Europe to unlock unique cross-border growth opportunities for our portfolio companies and investors. LanTing is currently operating in Princeton (USA), Milan (Italy), Saanen (Switzerland), and Hangzhou (China). About TF Capital TF Capital focuses on investment in the life sciences industry, primarily investing in early-stage companies with high potential. Through strategic investments in various key areas and right partnerships, TF Capital hopes to capture opportunities in the rapidly expanding Chinese life sciences market. Our investment team has vast experience and resources in industry to assist our portfolio companies. About Vertex Ventures China Vertex Ventures is a global network of venture capital funds, who is a member of Tamasek Holdings. The operator-investors manage portfolios in China, the U.S., Israel, India and Southeast Asia. Vertex Ventures China, founded in 2008, has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. It is currently managing both Dollar and RMB funds, with assets under management of over 10 billion. Vertex Ventures China invests in high-growth innovative start-ups across mainland China, covering the fields of deep tech, new digital economy and healthcare. Some of its notable investments include 91 Wireless, Chipscreen, mobike, Horizon Robotics, Harbour Biomed, Changba, Edge Medical, Inmagene, Infinovo, etc. www.regor.com SOURCE Regor Therapeutics Group Related Links http://www.regor.com In school, Roberts said everyone wears masks and they are socially distanced. School hours were adjusted to allow time for a deep cleaning after school. Students remain in the same room for the day, even in middle school where there are different teachers for most subjects. Teachers switch. The custodial staff has been expanded. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Hyderabad, Feb 20 : The Cyberabad Police on Friday decided to set up a separate desk at the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate to address the problems of transgenders. The decision to launch the unique initiative was taken at an interaction Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar and other officials had with over 150 transgender people. The commissioner announced the setting up of the transgender desk at the Cyberabad Commissionerate to address the grievances of transgenders in the Commissionerate's jurisdiction. The interface was aimed to understand the problems and concerns of the transgender community in the city and explore the possible solutions for the same. Initiated on the request of social activist Sunitha Krishnan, the interface was an opportunity for representatives of the transgender community to share their problems about the structural and societal violence they are subjected to every day. Krishnan said that the transgender community is not a homogenous group and consists of varied factions. Marginalisation by society has forced the community to beg or indulge in sex work, she said as she spoke about the need for a comprehensive scheme or a policy by the government to support the transgenders. Representatives from the transgender community highlighted various problems faced by the community, including lack of education, no access to employment, inability to find houses on rent, intimate partner violence, harassment on the street and intra-community violence. Deputy Commissioners N. Prakash Reddy, S.M. Vijay Kumar and C. Anasuya reiterated the need to find solutions within the framework of the law and urged the community to report any missing cases. Sajjanar also urged the transgender community to act within the framework of law and reiterated that no form of violence will be tolerated. It was also said that if any transgender is found to be involved in illegal activities, the police will take stringent action as per the law. Sajjanar also requested the public to dial 100 or WhatsApp 9490617444 if there is any issue regarding transgenders. Saharanpur : , Feb 19 (IANS) A 30-year-old man was suspected to have been electrocuted when the Chinese 'manjha' (string) of the kite he was flying touched a power line in Saharanpur district. The Chinese manjha, coated with glass and metal dust, is a good conductor of electricity. The incident took place two days ago and the deceased has been identified as Azeem, a resident of Nai Basti area. The electric jolt rendered him unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead. Saharanpur Superintendent of Police (city), Vineet Bhatnagar, said, "Azeem was at his friend's place and they were flying kites when the incident happened. It is suspected that he was electrocuted but the real cause of death will be ascertained only after the post-mortem report comes. Investigation is underway." The sale and use of the Chinese manjha has been banned by the National Green Tribunal and Uttar Pradesh government but people continue to use it because of its strength. What Happens When Non-Muslim Citizens Return to Turkey What happens when non-Muslim citizens who fled discrimination or persecution finally attempt to return to Turkey, a NATO member? Recent news of a Yazidi man in southeast Turkey provides an answer. Suleyman Ozmen (63) tried returning to his village in Mardins Midyat district after over 40 years. He was attacked by Muslim locals and government-funded village guards on February 12. Ozmen said the attackers stated that We are the state and put a gun to his head, according to the Mesopotamia Agency. Ozmen is one of many Yazidis and other non-Muslims from Turkey who left their ancestral homeland due to pressure and persecution. Ozmen started repairing his familys house in the village of Kfernas (Cayrl) in Midyat two years ago, anticipating a return. Ozmen said that while he was repairing his familys house in the village, he was approached by six people with a scoop. This included government-funded village guards, who asked him to leave the village. Ozmen added that he was subjected to insults by the village guards with guns after he said that he would settle in the village. The wall he built around his house was destroyed by the scoop as he was battered, Ozmen said. He then went to the Midyat State Hospital to receive a medical report of assault, and filed a criminal complaint at the local prosecutors office. Ozmen said: I have been trying to settle in my village for years, but the people who say that they are children of tribal chieftains [Kurdish aghas] do not allow me to enter the village by bringing the village guards with them. They say that we have no place in the village. [But] we have title deeds. Our homes are in ruins. We want to repair our homes and settle down there but they wont let us. Ozmen said that he was attacked by the same people when attempting to return home in 2003, 2004 and 2005. At one point, he was treated at the hospital for three weeks. Ozmen, however, could be considered lucky, as he is still alive. An elderly Christian couple who attempted to return to their ancestral village went missing last year. Hurmuz Diril (72) and Simuni Diril (65) are Assyrian Christians who lived in the village of Mehr/Kovankaya in Srnak province before their disappearance on January 11, 2020. Two months later, Simuni Diril was found dead by her children in a nearby river. There has since been no news concerning the whereabouts of Hurmuz Diril. Both Assyrians and Yazidis are indigenous peoples of the Middle East. They have been persecuted throughout the centuries in what is now called Turkey since the Turkish takeover of the region beginning in the eleventh century. During the 1914-23 Armenian genocide, Assyrians, Greeks and Yazidis were targeted by both Turks and Kurds. "In addition to the Armenians," writes Dr. Maria Six-Hohenbalken, "demographically smaller groups of Christian denominations as well as non-Christian groups such as the Yezidi were targeted by the politics of annihilation. It is nearly impossible to know the number of the victims; about 12,000 Yezidis managed to find refuge in Armenia, where they established a diasporic community in the Soviet realm." Following the genocide, the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne concluded World War I and established the borders of post-Ottoman Turkey. It also granted some rights to religious minorities, but excluded Assyrians, Yazidis and Alevis. Pressures against religious minorities have continued unabated. The conflicts between the Turkish military and the Kurdish PKK in the 1980s and 1990s have turned southeast Turkey into an even more unsafe and unstable region for minorities. The Minority Rights Groups International reports that Assyrians in Turkey: [S]uffered forced evictions, mass displacement and the burning down of their homes and villages. Internally displaced people (IDPs) were not offered adequate compensation or provided with alternative housing. The displaced were not allowed to return to their homes until 1999. In June 1994, the Assyrian Democratic Organization and Human Rights Without Frontiers issued a joint file at a press conference at the Belgian Parliament that listed 200 Assyrian villages destroyed in Turkey in the previous 30 years and a list of 24 Assyrians assassinated in Turkey since 1990. During the 1990s, reports by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations documented the ongoing persecution of Assyrians in Turkey, including abductions (including of priests), forced conversions to Islam through rape and forced marriage, and murders. Massacres against Christians and Yazidis in the wider region continue to this day. In 2014, for instance, both Assyrians and Yazidis in Iraq were exposed to genocide at the hands of ISIS. As a result, they have become internally displaced people (IDPs) in Iraq and Syria, or refugees in many countries across the world. Persecution against these communities, however, did not start with ISIS. Yazidis say they have suffered and survived 74 genocides in their history. According to the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), from 339 to 1992, there was a massacre against Assyrians every fifty years. Yazidi and Assyrian peoples have for centuries been struggling not just for their unique ethno-religious identities, but for their very existence in their own ancient lands. These communities are not only deprived of their right to self-rule in Turkey and the rest of the Middle East. Their basic human rights -- including their right to life -- are also systematically violated. In Turkey, many non-Muslim citizens who wish to return to their country are discriminated against, receive threats, and sometimes even kidnapped and murdered. In her thesis entitled The Assyrians/Syriacs of Turkey: A forgotten people, scholar Jenny Thomsen quotes the Turkey 2017 Progress Report by the Commission of the European Communities, saying: The Assyrians continue to be invisible as a minority and their situation in the country is characterized by assaults and restricted rights and freedoms. Why is this the case, though? Why is it considered acceptable when Muslim nations forcibly capture lands historically belonging to Christians and destroy their heritage? But why are Christian nations not allowed to practice their inalienable rights on their own indigenous territories and to preserve their heritage at the expense of hostile Muslim ones? Why are non-Muslim natives systematically expelled from certain parts of the world where they are seen as unwelcome or unacceptable? Are non-Muslims not equal human beings when compared to Muslims? Apparently, they are not -- at least not in the eyes of many in the Muslim world, including the Turkish government, which still does not provide its non-Muslim citizens with full rights and freedoms. Ecobank Ghana, in partnership with the Womens Empowerment and Investment Group (WEIG), Annan Capital Partners and GUBA, with support from Oze, last Friday disbursed GHS150,000 as a COVID-19 Stimulus package to 10 beneficiaries as part of an initiative to support women-led businesses in Ghana. This partnership forms part of the banks commitment to the growth of women-owned and led businesses as well as the overall empowerment of women across Africa. Welcoming guests to the virtual ceremony, the Executive Director for Finance and Executive responsible for Consumer Banking at Ecobank Ghana, Dr Edward Botchway, said, for us at Ecobank, we are committed to the actualization of women empowerment across Africa, as a pan African Bank, and we do this in alignment with the Africa Unions principle of gender parity. This, partly, underpins our collaboration with organizations like the Womens Empowerment and Investment Group, a women-led Ghanaian Investment Holding Company set up to efficiently channel capital into high-potential SMEs that prioritize female empowerment and entrepreneurship. This disbursement ceremony is consequently part of our continuous commitment to the growth of women-owned and women-led businesses across the country and the continent at large. Speaking at the launch Mrs Roberta Annan, the Managing Partner of Annan Capital Partners said; A lot of women have viable businesses but require funding to expand, we are therefore hoping that this disbursement ceremony today will be the first of many such initiatives in our support for women-led businesses. On her part, the CEO of the Women Empowerment and Investment Group (WEIG), Adeline Akufo-Addo Kufour said; We are very excited and glad that we are able to contribute to the growth and sustainability of these 10 women-led businesses in very challenging times. As part of the funding, we have also lined up a series of business development workshops to support them in their business operations. Speaking on the banks solutions for women-led businesses and women empowerment, Dr, Loretta Sarpong, Head, Ellevate Desk of Ecobank Ghana, said, Ellevate by Ecobank is designed to support women entrepreneurs and businesses with a full suite of flexible digital financial products and services, tailored to their business needs. We offer both financial and non-financial support, including affordable credit, savings, and investments and bespoke training opportunities at the Ecobank SME Academy. We also provide support for women businesses to develop an online presence and gain access to new markets through our collaborations with Google My Business. Disbursing the funds, Dentaa Amoateng, the founder of GUBA said, These 10 women are women of strength. This is an investment into their businesses, and it is our belief that the money will be put to good use to grow their companies and in turn benefit others. Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Maame Agyei-Barwuah, the CEO of Sweet Roots Media, thanked the partners and indicated that the stimulus package was not only timely, during these turbulent times but also critical for the growth of beneficiary businesses. She assured the sponsors that the various sums of money received will be put to good use and paid back in due time. Present at the virtual ceremony were; Mrs Rita Tsegah, Regional Head of Corporate Communications & Marketing, Mrs Charlotte Amanquah, Regional Head of Commercial Banking and Meghan McCommick, Co-Founder & CEO, Oze and a cross-section of the media. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/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 Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. 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. Islamabad, Feb 19 : The Foreign Office on Thursday rejected Indian concerns about Sikh Yatris visiting Pakistan for pilgrimage and said that they were fully facilitated during the trips. "Pakistan provides maximum facilitation to the Sikh Yatris from all over the world, including India, for visiting their religious sites in Pakistan," Foreign Office Spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said at the weekly media briefing, the Dawn reported on Friday. India had disallowed around 600 Sikhs intending to visit Pakistan from February 18 to 25 for the 100th anniversary of Saka Nankana Sahib. The group was expected to visit five gurdwaras in Pakistan. Indian Ministry of Home Affairs had in a letter denying Sikhs permission to undertake the trip said that keeping in view the "capacity of health infrastructure in Pakistan" it could not allow such a large group to tour the country for a week. The Indian home ministry also expressed concerns about the "safety" of the group because of what it said "considerable threat". Chaudhri recalled that Pakistan had opened the largest and the holiest Sikh shrine in Kartarpur Sahib to facilitate Sikh Yatris. "The Sikh as well as the international community, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who while visiting Kartarpur described it as 'Corridor of Hope', have immensely appreciated this landmark initiative of Pakistan," he maintained. "The Sikh community remains particularly appreciative of the efforts made by Pakistan to complete the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Project in record time and for the excellent arrangements made to facilitate the pilgrims," he added. India, the spokesman said, should also facilitate Sikh Yatris for visiting their religious sites in Pakistan. In reply to a question about the cancellation of Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech to Sri Lankan parliament, Chaudhri said: "The two sides are currently working on the elements of the programme of the Prime Minister's visit, keeping in view the Covid-19 related health safety protocols." His reference to "Covid-19 related health safety protocols" was in itself a confirmation that the speech is no more taking place because the Sri Lankan government had used the pretext of the pandemic to cancel it. However, diplomatic sources and Sri Lankan media claim the speech was cancelled because of concerns that Mr Khan could raise the Kashmir issue and the plight of Lankan Muslims. Mumbai, Feb 19 : Sending alarm bells ringing, several Maharashtra leaders across political parties have been infected by Covid-19, including two who have tested positive for the second time, officials said here on Friday. The infected dignitaries include Nationalist Congress Party State President and Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil, Health Minister Rajesh Tope, Food & Drugs Administration Minister Dr. Rajendra Shingne, Minister of State for Labour and Prahar Janshakti leader Bachchu Kadu. Maharashtra Congress President Nana F. Patole has gone into isolation after two of his staffers tested positive and his test reports are awaited, said a party source. Besides, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh is also in isolation at his Nagpur residence after testing positive earlier this week, and senior NCP leader Eknath Khadse is also infected. Both Kadu and Khadse have tested positive for the second time, while the latter's daughter-in-law and BJP MP from Raver Raksha Khadse has also been infected. Khadse had been infected in November last year which had led to a delay in attending to the Enforcement Directorate summons, displayed Covid-19 symptoms again in December and first week of Feb, and has not tested positive. The concerns are further compounded by the upcoming Maharashtra Legislature's Budget Session starting here on March 1 with the Budget likely to be presented on March 8. The Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar has urged the Centre and State governments to ensure priority vaccination drive for all legislators and Legislature staffers. "We have 287 MLAs, more than 60 MLCs Plus, around 700-800 people work in the Legislature complex, besides officials from Mantralaya and ministries set up camp offices here during the sessions," Naik-Nimbalkar pointed out. In the past 11 months since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic havoc, around 15 state ministers have been infected, besides several MPs, MLAs, MLCs, senior leaders of different political parties, close aides or security personnel of various bigwigs including Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Melissa Anne Cunningham-Sereque shows the wand used to do ultrasound on pregnant women during a South Carolina House subcommittee hearing on an abortion bill in Columbia, S.C., on Feb. 3, 2021. (Jeffrey Collins/AP Photo) Court Blocks Newly Signed South Carolina Abortion Law on Planned Parenthoods Behest A federal judge on Friday blocked a newly signed law in South Carolina that bans abortions after a heartbeat is detected in the unborn baby. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, an Obama appointee, ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood, which filed the suit around the time the bill was signed into law. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, signed the bill into law on Thursday after both state chambers passed it. Today, we made history. The Heartbeat Bill is now the law of South Carolina and we will defend it with everything in us because there is nothing more important than protecting the sanctity of life!, he wrote in a statement. But Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit that pushes against any laws limiting abortions, sued, arguing lawmakers were trying to prevent patients from exercising their constitutional right to abortion. If the judge didnt block the law from going into effect, plaintiffs and their patients would suffer imminent harm, the suit argued. Plaintiffs are Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, the Greenville Womens Clinic, and Dr. Terry Buffkin. Plaintiffs asked for a temporary restraining order, which the judge granted. The Court finds that Plaintiffs have established a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of their claim that the Act violates the substantive due process rights of Plaintiffs patients to previability abortion, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitutions Fourteenth Amendment, she wrote, adding, The Supreme Court has held that a state may not prohibit any woman from making the ultimate decision to terminate her pregnancy before viability.' South Carolina code establishes viability no sooner than the 24th week of pregnancy. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster speaks to a crowd in Columbia, S.C., on Nov. 3, 2020. (Sam Wolfe/Reuters) Yet the Act expressly bars the provision of nearly all abortions in South Carolina upon detection of embryonic or fetal cardiac activity, which may occur as early as six weeks of pregnancy, or even sooner, Geiger said. Because the Act bans abortion months before any fetus could be viable, Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on their claim that the Act is unconstitutional. In an emailed statement, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, a Republican, told The Epoch Times: We believe the Heartbeat Law is constitutional and deserves a vigorous defense to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. Every generation has a right and a duty to revisit issues as important as this one. The Heartbeat Law protects life. Nothing is more important or fundamental. Todays temporary restraining order is only a first step, but the legal fight has just begun. We look forward to further arguing why this law should be valid. Lawyers for Wilson and other state officials who were named as defendants said in a previous motion that the court shouldnt grant the temporary order. They asked the court to defer issuing a preliminary injunction until such time as these Defendants can present a fully developed memorandum, with possible exhibits, supporting the denial of a preliminary injunction. Lawyers also said that a heartbeat is a key indicator of human life and that the General Assembly found the presence of a heartbeat is a sign that the fetus is highly likely to survive until live birth. Given that the Supreme Court has not yet addressed a fetal heartbeat bill, and the composition of the Court has changed, Plaintiffs cannot show now a likelihood of success. The Act contains exceptions which also would limit harm. Moreover, the balance of equities and the public interest favors the State given the strong interest it has in the protection of the unborn especially those possessing that most important sign of life, a heartbeat, the lawyers wrote. Many similar state bills have been challenged in court. Lawmakers in the states have said they hope the cases end up at the Supreme Court, which would rule on whether theyre constitutional. In 2017, 5,120 abortions were performed in South Carolina, although not all of the abortions were provided to residents of the state, according to the Guttmacher Institute. South Carolina abortions represent o.6 percent of all abortions in the United States. Janita Kan contributed to this report. 11th round of India-China military commander level talks likely to be held on Friday As India-China stalemate continues, top IAF officers grouping to be held this week India stood up Chinas disruptive use of technology and my way or no way attitude: CDS India-China troop disengagement complete at Pangong Lake India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: The troop disengagement of the Indian and Chinese armies on both sides of the Pangong Lake has been completed. The Indian government had reiterated earlier this week that the military commander level talks would be held within 48 hours after the complete disengagement at Pangong Tso. India and China will hold the 10th round of Corps Commander level talks at 10 am tomorrow on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in Moldo. 10th India-China military commander level talks tomorrow: Depsang Plains to be focus Sources tell OneIndia that the talks would focus extensively on the disengagement at the other friction points. The Ministry of External Affairs had said that both countries have agreed to convene the10th round senior commander level talks after the disengagement at Pangong Tso is complete. The next level of talks would focus on the remaining issues. Sources say that the next round of talks would focus extensively on the disengagement at the Depsang Plains. The issues at the friction points will be taken up one by one and talks would continue until the complete disengagement takes place, the source also said. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News On Tuesday, the Indian Army released video clips and photographs of the Chinese troops withdrawing from Pangong Tso area. The visuals released were from the Pangong Tso and Kailash Range area on the lake's south bank. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 14:08 [IST] The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) will meet today to review the dosage interval for Serum Institute's COVID-19 vaccine-- Covishield. India is administering the second dose of Covishield after a gap of 28 days at present. New evidence around the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines suggests that the jab is much more effective when the second dose is administered after 8-12 weeks. In this meeting, the NTAGI will review the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendation to extend the gap between two doses of the AstraZeneca- Oxford vaccine from 4 weeks to 8-12 weeks. An official told The Economic Times, "India will follow guidance and suggestions of the WHO. The NTAGI will meet tomorrow and give its recommendations." The official added that the guidelines related to vaccination will be changed on the basis of NTAGI's suggestions, which would imply a delay of the second dose. A senior epidemiologist and member of the state expert committee Giridhara Babu told the media outlet, "It is important to offer the choice of a second dose to people to take it after eight weeks. The evidence from the UK shows that the efficacy is better when given after 8-12 weeks. Given that India has accepted the UK evidence in approving the Covishield vaccine, the committee should also consider the interval between doses." He added since Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is still in phase-3 of trials and there is no data on it, duration of doses for this vaccine should remain unchanged. Meanwhile, the Serum Institute of India (SII) will be sending Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to Canada. SII Pune CEO Adar Poonawalla said his company will supply Covishield vaccine to Canada 'in less than a month' after getting regulatory approval from Justin Trudeau government. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Bharat Biotech seeks approval in over 40 countries Also read: Extremely grateful for India's 2 lakh coronavirus vaccines for peacekeepers: UN's Antonio Guterres Two businessmen who poisoned a man to death with lethal carbon monoxide fumes as they cut corners in a 'cavalier pursuit for profit' at a convenience store have been jailed for a total of 17 years. Shopkeeper Shafaq Khan, 50, and 51-year old property landlord Mushtaq Ahmed had illegally hooked up a petrol powered generator to power fridges and lighting at the shop after their electricity supply was cut off. But the overloaded PRAMAC generator which was left running in a storeroom spouted the deadly fumes into an upstairs rented flat where hotel porter Joao Afonso was sleeping. The 58-year old was overcome and was found dead the next day by a work colleague. Investigations revealed Khan, from Rochdale and Ahmed, from Oldham, had repeatedly ignored warnings not to use the generator in a 'cavalier pursuit for profit.' Shopkeeper Shafaq Khan, 50 (left), and 51-year old property landlord Mushtaq Ahmed (right) who poisoned a man to death with lethal carbon monoxide fumes whilst they cut corners at a convenience store to save money were jailed for manslaughter on Friday The overloaded PRAMAC generator which was left running in a storeroom spouted the deadly fumes into an upstairs rented flat where hotel porter Joao Afonso (pictured) was sleeping At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, both men were convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence and various contraventions of health and safety laws following a trial. Khan was jailed for eight years and Ahmed for nine years. Victim Joao Afonso, who moved to the UK in 2014, worked at the four-star Midland Hotel in Manchester. He had originally been a fisherman in his hometown on the island of St. Thomas; a Portuguese colony off the coast of Gabon in West Africa. He moved into a bedsit at a large five bedroomed property owned by Ahmed in Wood Street, Middleton, Greater Manchester. The property was above the 'Who'Da Thowt It' convenience store run by Khan in a converted pub below - which was also rented from Ahmed. The tragic event took place in September 2017 after the electricity board cut off the supply at Khan's shop when an inspection revealed the meter had been illegally bypassed from elsewhere. The court heard wires at the mains were exposed, live and charred and would have electrocuted anyone who touched them. Nicholas Clarke QC prosecuting said: 'Mr Khan was told the electricity supply for the shop had been disconnected on safety grounds but this angered him and he complained he had a business to run. 'He was clearly focusing only on his own needs and showing no consideration for those living in the flats above the shop.' Tenants who arrived home from work found their electricity was not working and spoke to Ahmed who assured them it would be reconnected the next day. But Khan then rang a tool hire firm in Oldham and asked for a generator. Pictured: The botched mains supply which led to the tragedy. The court heard wires at the mains were exposed, live and charred and would have electrocuted anyone who touched them Pictured: The 'Who'da Thowt it' convenience store in Middleton, Greater Manchester where the tragedy occurred in 2017 Mr Clarke added: 'Furthermore, he was unhappy at the suggestion he would have to pay a 200 deposit. 'Both defendants knew the electricity was off and they were together trying to find a way of getting it back on without going through the electricity supplier. 'They appeared determined to cut corners at every stage and find the cheapest way of getting electricity back into the shop and flats, ignoring the unsuitability of the generator hired and the way it was to be connected or where it was to be used. ' That afternoon Khan and Ahmed were seen at the shop 'messing about' with the generator. Ahmed was seen using a screwdriver to connect it the mains while customers could smell the fumes. The QC added: 'They were actually creating more danger, as they were plugging the generator into the mains for the building - which is in itself extremely dangerous. 'As a result of what they did there were risks of fire, electrocution and of course poisoning through the deadly gas that was being produced. 'One of the tenants could smell the fumes and wisely that night went to spend the night at her mother's. 'These were all wilful acts with the intention of cutting corners to make or save money. 'Both defendants showed complete indifference to the serious risk to the life not just of Mr Afonso, but to any person connected with the property. 'Given their cavalier attitude to the safety of Mr Afonso, or indeed anybody else that might have been endangered by what they were doing, their dereliction of duty was criminal.' 58-year old Afonso was overcome and was found dead the next day by a work colleague. Investigations revealed Khan of Rochdale and Ahmed of Oldham had repeatedly ignored warnings not to use the generator (pictured) in a 'cavalier pursuit for profit' That evening electricians attended with a view to restoring the supply to the flats and noticed the mains had been tampered with. They refused to switch on the power to the shop but were duped into reconnecting electricity to the flats after being a shown a meter upstairs. They were unaware of the generator running in the storeroom. Mr Afonso's body was found the following afternoon by a concerned work colleague who had tried in vain to contact him. Khan and Ahmed led a detective to the storeroom where he had to take a gulp of air and hold his breath due to the 'overpowering and thick smell of petrol fumes.' Tests showed the level of carbon monoxide in Mr Afonso's blood was 55 percent. Ahmed and Khan, both 51, denied gross negligence manslaughter and other charges but they were convicted following a trial. Khan was jailed for eight years. He was also convicted of four health and safety breaches by installing the generator, namely that he failed to ensure the safety of his employees, failed to make sure they weren't exposed to risk and two counts of failing to carry out required risk-assessments. Ahmed was jailed for nine years. He was also convicted of three health and safety breaches, two concerning the generator and one for failing to carry out a risk-assessment. Patna, Feb 19 : RJD supporters who had assembled in large numbers at the residence of former chief minister Rabri Devi returned home disappointed on Friday, after the Ranchi high court rejected the bail plea of former chief minister Lalu Prasad. The RJD supremo was convicted and sentenced to jail in four cases. He has already got bail in the other three cases. He is admitted in AIIMS, New Delhi, these days owing to multiple medical issues including 75% kidney failure, water accumulation in the lungs, high blood pressure etc. Tejashwi Yadav, his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav and other family members were eagerly awaiting the court order. An RJD source said the two brothers were planning to to Delhi to meet their father. RJD MLA Bhai Virendra said: "Our leader has served more than half of the imprisonment period. He is critically ill and referred from RIMS Ranchi to AIIMS Delhi. Despite that he was denied bail. It is extremely disheartening." Lori Prasad Yadav, one of his supporters, said: "We believe in judiciary but injustice is being done with our leader. We are hopeful that the high court would grant him bail today. Unfortunately, it was not the case." "Lalu Ji is the greatest socialist leader of the country who listens to all sections of people. He is the symbol of social justice," said Bhai Arun Kumar, another supporter of Prasad. The lawyers of Lalu Prasad Yadav are likely to file another bail plea after another eight weeks. Shoppers and diners may have to be vaccinated before entering stores or restaurants after the workplace safety regulator allowed businesses to require their customers to show proof of immunisation. The advice from Safe Work Australia, released on Friday, emphasises employers will generally not be able to compel their staff to get vaccinated and workers cannot use their colleagues failure to do so as an excuse to stay home. Scott Morrison watched a simulation of the vaccination process at RPA in Sydney on Friday. Credit:Kate Geraghty But industries where workers are at particular risk, such as hotel quarantine, and where they are caring for people vulnerable to the virus, may be able to compel vaccinations under existing laws that allow businesses to issue reasonable directions to their staff. Results from a recent Australian Bureau of Statistics survey found the vast majority of Australians said they were willing to roll up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine. 3721 David Crain, Assistant Provost & CIO, Southern Illinois University David Crain, Assistant Provost & CIO, Southern Illinois University Am I just paranoid or should we be concerned with the present state of security within higher education? I very much think the latter. In the last few weeks, we learned that a cybercrime group in Russia may have obtained 1.2 billion stolen identities. We also just witnessed the Sony PlayStation network taken down by hackers which, incidentally, is the second major attack on Sony, with the first one exposing 77 million personal records. These recent events are just the latest in a long list of security incidents over the last year that has included other high profile data breaches such as: 2 million Facebook, Gmail and Twitter accounts had data stolen, according to money.com. Possible 12 million credit card numbers stolen from Target. 4.5 million records were stolen from Community Health Systems. But what do these corporate breaches have to do with higher education? The answer can be found in the most recent data breaches reported by high profile institutions, Indiana University and the University of Maryland. If these two prominent institutions can experience a breach then we all must certainly take note. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, there were 22 reported data breaches in colleges and universities during the first seven months of 2014.Many, if not all of the breaches, can only be estimated, from hundreds of thousands to millions of records. In one of the largest higher education data breaches, last November a community college system reported the breach of personal information for two and a half million individuals. Its important to note that these are just the known incidents, because in many cases, an organization doesnt even realize that theyve been compromised until months after the breach. What concerns me about this trend is that the number of reported incidents seems to be growing exponentially. Higher education is a growing target for cyber criminals. In fact, in 2013, Higher Education was the number one target for cybercriminals, according to a recent report. So, why are we in academia being targeted? I believe that there are a number of reasons: 1. Universities typically foster an atmosphere and attitude of open access to information. Although this openness has many academic advantages, it often runs contrary to information security best practices. 2. Most universities have robust internet connections to support residence halls and academic research. These same internet connections can be used by hackers to get fast access to our data. 3. Higher education relies on a great number of student employees. IT Departments typically have high turnover rates for staff positions because of relatively low salaries. The resulting large numbers of new and inexperienced employees make information security awareness difficult. 4. We have a great variety in the types of valuable data compared to other industries including: i. Credit card and Social Security numbers. ii. Financial data for students, parents, alumni, employees. iii. Valuable intellectual property and other research data (research institutions are the primary target for cyber-attacks in higher education), often including national defense and other government funded research data. iv. Health information from student health centers, clinics, hospitals, medical schools, etc. 5. Confidential data on thousands of privately owned machines which have access to campus networks, but are not secured by the enterprise. A recent study found that the majority of college students now own three or more wireless devices (The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2013). In addition to trying to secure our own systems, universities often have a hundred thousand or more privately-owned devices on their network that need to be secured. 6. Tight budgets have often led to increasing the lifespan of computer systems and data networks within many universities. These older systems are often much harder to secure than more current systems. Most universities have robust internet connections to support residence halls and academic research which can be used by hackers to get fast access to our data Exacerbating this is the fact that we have far fewer resources to invest in information security than our counterparts in the corporate world. In fact, according to a recent Gartner report, universities, on average, spend $152 per employee on information security which is much less than the average of $381 spent per employee across all US industries (IT Key Metrics Data 2013: Key Information Security Measures by Industry.) The fact is, universities have far more users than is represented by the number of employees on campus, as the number of students will often triple or quadruple the count of employees. The fact that we spend just 40 percent as much per employee on information security is troubling enough, but reduce that number to account for institutional FTE (students plus employees) and the situation becomes truly dire. Additionally, we have an added compliance burden that most industries dont face. In addition to PCI (credit card) compliance, we have HIPAA (health information) and FERPA (student information), along with some specific data requirements from many of our research granting organizations, as well as from state and federal regulatory agencies. We can summarize the current environment of information security in higher education by saying that there are a number of factors that increase the probability of data breaches continuing to occur: 1. We have become the number one target for cybercrime. 2. We have many types and sources of data that must be protected. 3. We have additional responsibilities not faced by other industries. 4. We have a very unique challenge with thousands and thousands of personally owned devices being present on our networks. 5. We spend far less money to secure our network and data than other industries. There is a huge gap between higher education compliance responsibilities and funding for information security. I would argue that because of our very complex nature, that funding for information security in higher education should be at a far higher level than in most industries. Instead, we fund information security at a mere fraction of where it should be. We owe it to our students, employees, and alumni to do everything feasible to protect their data. I assert that additional investment in information security is not just the ethical thing to do, but is also the most financially responsible course of action for university administrators to pursue. In conclusion, consider this: the cost of a data breach in 2013 averaged $188 per compromised record, according to a whitepaper by Ponemon Institute. For institutions with potentially millions of confidential records, the financial impact of a large data breach could literally close a university down. So where do you think money should be spent at your campus? So should we be concerned with security within higher institution? I would say that we have to be. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has tested positive for the coronavirus, the archdiocese confirmed Friday morning. Msgr. Joseph Tan, spokesperson of the archdiocese, said the archbishops RT-PCR test results were released last night. The archbishop, who would be 71 years old next month, remains in stable condition and is currently under medical care at the Perpetual Succour Hospital, he added. The people who have been in close contact with the Archbishop have also been informed about the matter," said Tan, who also asked for prayers for the church officials steady and speedy recovery. CNN Philippines Cebu-based correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report. Traditional Korean music crossover group Leenalchi performs its latest single 'Yeobonasri' on the KBS program Joseon Pop Again. The state-funded broadcaster came under fire for using a back-projection of a Japanese castle during the group's performance. Screen capture from KBS By Park Ji-won Public broadcasting network KBS apologized Wednesday after one of its Lunar New Year specials came under fire for showcasing "traditional" Korean music against a backdrop of a Japanese-style castle. Despite the network apologizing for the incident although it denied deliberately using a Japanese image the criticism continued that it had used one. The apology was made to the audience and Leenalchi, the group performing, for the show Joseon Pop Again that aired Feb. 11. During the group's performance of its new single "Yeobonari," a song based on a traditional pansori-based story occurring in an underwater palace, a back-projection of the castle was used. The show was conceived of to promote the possibilities of gugak, or traditional Korean music, with crossover works from pop music by various gugak-based musicians such as Leenalchi and Akdangwangchil. It posted a 7.5 percent viewership rating according to data from Nielsen Korea. "We decided to show an underwater palace for the performance of Yeobonari. We used various references and animations for the back-projection, which does not exist in the real world, to enhance the performance for the audiences. We can clearly state that the castle is an imaginary one and we did not intend to copy a Japanese castle. However, we would like to apologize to viewers who felt uncomfortable. In addition, we are sorry for making the band feel uncomfortable." KBS added that it would delete the video of the show from online channels and promised to do its best not to make such mistake again. Performers showcase traditional Korean music on KBS's Korean Traditional Music Festival of Children's Songs that aired Feb. 11. The broadcaster was criticized for using a backdrop showing a scene featuring a Japanese castle. Screen capture from KBS The incident put the broadcaster under the media spotlight and some netizens accused it of also using images of old Japanese castles in another traditional music show, Korean Traditional Music Festival of Children's Songs, aired the same day. Regarding the issue, KBS repeated its previous statement, noting, "It is simply an imaginary castle, not an adaptation of a Japanese castle." The controversy grew as some Korean netizens get upset about any reference to Japan due to the negative sentiment against the country. They said it was inappropriate to adopt references to other countries to describe Korea's traditions. The criticism is expected to continue as the images used by KBS were actually those of Japanese castles provided by shutterstock, an online stock image provider. A screen capture from shutterstock 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. Head of Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu has ridiculed former President John Dramani Mahama's election petition before the Supreme Court. The former President is petitioning the court to rule against the 2020 Presidential elections because he believes neither him nor President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo got the required votes for the latter to be declared winner of the elections, hence seeking a second election to be conducted by the Electoral Commission. The court hearing has since seen the petitioner's various demands dismissed by the Supreme Court Justices with recent one being the petitioner's application for the Electoral Commissioner Jean Mensa to appear in the witness box but it was thrown out by the court. The petitioner's application to reopen his case in court was also dismissed. To Charles Owusu, Mr. Mahama's election petition has "gone up in flames". "If I were President Akufo-Addo, I wouldn't have even presented lawyers in court. There is no need for the lawyers because the NDC hasn't made any solid case in court," he stressed. "How can the court call for re-run of the elections when you don't know your contender's votes?" he cited. "As we talk right now, what specific thing has the NDC said in court for us to support them?" he further queried. Charles Owusu asked critics to stop comparing Mr. Mahama's case to that of President Nana Akufo-Addo's 2013 election petition saying "what made President Akufo-Addo win the sympathy of Ghanaians with the 2013 election petition is because he proved the irregularities that he felt should the court overturn, he would win the election or there should be a runoff in some places? But this (NDC) petition has no merit". He made these submissions during a panel discussion on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo". Watch video below Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video As coronavirus case rates continue to drop in the Bay Area and across California, officials suggested this week that several counties may soon advance out of the most restrictive purple reopening tier. Currently, all but six counties in the state are in the purple tier but Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday he anticipates that a substantial number will move to the red tier next week, and even more in the subsequent weeks if the trends continue. Well see counties move, not just from purple to red, but more and more red to orange, and I anticipate based on the number that are already in orange, youll see many more in that yellow tier as well, he said. In the Bay Area, the metrics for San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties place them in the lead to move into the red tier the soonest. Santa Clara County health officer Dr. Sara Cody said Wednesday that she expects the county to move into the red tier soon, but didnt have an anticipated date. Heres a look at the tier system and where Bay Area counties stand: How does the tier system work? California Department of Public Health On Jan. 25, Newsom lifted regional stay-at-home orders, returning most counties to the purple widespread tier in the states four-tier color-coded framework. Each California county must meet specific thresholds to move to less restrictive tiers, allowing it to reopen more businesses and other activities at greater capacities. The states color-coded tier system has four levels: purple (widespread), red (substantial), orange (moderate) and yellow (minimal). Tier assignment is based on three factors: New cases per 100,000 people (adjusted by the state to account for the amount of testing). Positive test rate, which is the seven-day average percentage of total tests that come back positive for COVID-19. A health equity metric keyed to the positive test rate in disadvantaged communities. This metric applies to counties with a population greater than 106,000, and the threshold is applied only when deciding whether a county can move to a less restrictive tier. Has anything changed with the framework? Before the states winter surge, updated tier assignments were released every Tuesday. But the states Blueprint for a Safer Economy website now notes that tier assignments can happen any day of the week and more than once a week if health officials determine from the data that intervention is needed. Counties can also be moved back more than one tier. How does a county advance? A county must remain in a tier for a minimum of three weeks before being allowed to move to a less restrictive tier. It must meet the metric thresholds for the next less restrictive tier during the prior two consecutive weeks. Counties can advance only one tier at a time. How does a county move back? If a countys adjusted case rate or positive test rate fall back to levels in a more restrictive tier for two consecutive weekly periods, the state reviews the most recent 10 days of data and determines whether county is improving and can stay in its current tier, or getting worse and must revert back to a more restrictive tier. If a countys metrics fall into two tiers, it is assigned the more restrictive tier. Where does each Bay Area county currently stand? All nine Bay Area counties are still in the purple tier. The latest tier assessment, from Tuesday, shows the data from the week ending on Feb. 6. Alameda: 12.6 adjusted case rate; 3.6% positive test rate; 5.9% health equity metric. Contra Costa: 16.4 adjusted case rate; 4.6% positive test rate; 7.3% health equity metric. Marin: 8.9 adjusted case rate; 2.4% positive test rate; 3.8% health equity metric. Napa: 14.2 adjusted case rate; 4.6% positive test rate; 6.1% health equity metric. San Francisco: 8.9 adjusted case rate; 2.6% positive test rate; 5.4% health equity metric. San Mateo: 9.6 adjusted case rate; 2.8% positive test rate; 4.6% health equity metric. Santa Clara: 10.9 adjusted case rate; 3.2% positive test rate; 6.5% health equity metric. Solano: 18.4 adjusted case rate; 5.3% positive test rate; 6.8% health equity metric. Sonoma: 13.8 adjusted case rate; 4% positive test rate; 5.4% health equity metric. Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Megan and Prince Harry are also expecting their second child together. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have told Queen Elizabeth that they will not be returning as working members of British royal family, Buckingham Palace said. "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family," the Palace said. "Following conversations with the Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. Read More "The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family. "While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family." A spokesman for the pair said that they remained committed to service. As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role, they said. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal. The decision was made after conversations between Harry and members of the royal family. The military, Commonwealth and charitable associations which will revert to the Queen are: The Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving; The Queens Commonwealth Trust, The Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football League, The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities. Shortly after the announcement, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed that Harry would be stepping down from his role as a patron. It said in a post on the England Rugby Twitter account: We would like to thank Prince Harry for his time and commitment to the RFU both in his position as Patron and Vice Patron. The RFU has greatly valued his contribution to promoting and supporting the game. The Queens Commonwealth Trust has thanked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their support following the news. The trust said in a statement: The Queens Commonwealth Trust exists to support young people around the world who are delivering practical help to those who need it most. We have been very lucky to have had the keen support and encouragement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in our formative years. They have enabled us to make fast progress and have helped us to take the organisation to readiness for its next phase. We are glad that they remain in our circle of supporters. Our focus, as always, is on the young people we work alongside. We will be pressing on with vigour to help them reach even more people with the essential services they provide. Earlier this week, it emerged that the couple, who are expecting their second child together, are to give their first televised interview about Megxit, telling chat show Queen Oprah Winfrey the reasons why they walked away from the monarchy. Harry and Meghans sit down chat with the famous broadcaster will be aired on March 7, just a few weeks from the one-year anniversary of the couple ending their roles as senior royals. Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special has been described as an intimate conversation by the US television network. Read More BLACKPINK Jennie made her debut as a fashion editor! On Feb. 19, the idol stuns fans with her preview photos for the March issue of Vogue Korea. On Feb. 19, Vogue Korea posted a new gallery featuring the main rapper and visual of BLACKPINK, who is none other than Jennie! The female star, who has taken photoshoots as a model for Vogue Korea several times, drew more attention, as this time, she has participated in the fashion photoshoot as a planner and editor, such as deciding if what will be the pictorial concept and having a say to what will be the theme of her hairstyle and makeup, as well as the style of her outfits. BLACKPINK Jennie Flaunts Concepts Inspired from Fashion Icons + Breathtaking Visual Facebook Error In the photos from the gallery posted by Vogue Korea, Jennie showcased a variety of characters, such as concepts inspired by fashion icons, including actress-model Edie Sedgwick, supermodel Kate Moss, and Daphne Bridgerton from "Bridgerton," the popular role from the Regency era in England played by Phoebe Dynevor. Despite her photos being inspired by various characters, Jennie didn't fail to show off her natural beauty and elegance as Jennie Kim herself, with the touch of the luxury brand Chanel, the fashion house that selected Jennie as their ambassador. The pictorial completed by Jennie with three roles: planner, stylist, and model can be found in the March issue of Vogue Korea, or click HERE. BLACKPINK Jennie Exhibits Slim Figure in Latest Instagram Photos Along with the delighting news of debuting as a fashion editor, Jennie shared her pictorial photos on the same day through Instagram. In the photo released, Jennie captures herself in the mirror and creates a pictorial-like moment. Aside from her captivating visual, Jennie also showed off her slim figure. On the other hand, her debut as a fashion editor became a dream-come-true moment for Jennie, as, in her previous interview with the same fashion magazine, the female idol confessed that she would probably be working as a fashion or magazine editor if she didn't debut as an idol. Regardless of which career path she had chosen that time, Jennie will surely slay either of the ways! Jennie is surely an all-rounder icon at this rate! Aside from being a member of a girl group referred to as the "biggest girl group in the world," the BLACKPINK member is also enjoying a successful solo career. On January 12, Jennie launched her personal YouTube channel as a gift for fans and commemoration to her birthday. Upon the news, it recorded an incredible rise in subscribers, becoming the fastest YouTube channel by a K-pop idol to reach 1,000,000. After a month, the idol now holds the record for "Most Subscribed YouTube Channel by a K-pop Idol." Moreover, she also landed on a soju modeling offer for the long-lived brand, "Chum Churum," one of the most prestigious and exclusive endorsement jobs a Korean female star can receive, as this was only an offer for the top actresses or idols with best image and beauty. You Can Also Read: Female Idols Who are Iconic Soju Models Then and Now: Which Star Would You Like to Have a Drink with? For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dawson Former Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton is a doting mother to two young sons. The blonde bombshell beamed proudly in a photo with her boys on the stairs of their home in Adelaide, South Australia, on Thursday. In the 27-year-old looked radiant with her arms around Kosta, five, and Kruz, three. Happy: Former Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton posed for a photo with her two young sons - Kosta, five, and Kruz, three - in an Instagram post on Thursday. All pictured 'You glow different when you're happy,' she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post. The doting mother shares her sons with her ex-partner, Rebels bikie Shane Smith, 37. Earlier this year, Stacey recently slammed a troll who accused her of having 'body dysmorphia' because of her lip filler. Doting mother: 'You glow different when you're happy,' she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post featuring her boys The troll wrote: 'What the f**k happened to your lips man! Jesus if this isn't body dysmorphia.' She was quick to fire back with a photo of herself flipping the bird while wearing a skimpy bikini. The reality TV star wrote: 'No body dysmorphia is someone who isn't happy with their body - that sounds like you? Picking on someone you haven't met.' Hitting back: Stacey recently slammed a troll who accused her of having 'body dysmorphia' because of her lip filler. She wrote in response: 'No body dysmorphia is someone who isn't happy with their body - that sounds like you? Picking on someone you haven't met' Last year, Stacey revealed to Daily Mail Australia her decade-long battle with an eating disorder, which she first developed while being bullied in high school. She developed her eating disorder as a teenager, and has continued to struggle with the condition as an adult. 'I was bullied in school for my weight and even now as an adult. My weight still goes up and down,' she added. Healthy struggles: Last year, Stacey revealed to Daily Mail Australia her decade-long battle with an eating disorder, which she first developed while being bullied in high school. 'My weight still goes up and down,' she added Fan will remember Stacey on MAFS from her tumultuous marriage with 'Adelaide Ice' businessman Michael Goonan, which ended in the splitting up at the reunion. The two appeared to reunited in late 2020, but later confirmed that they are just friends. If you need help with an eating disorder, please call Butterfly's National Helpline on 1800 334 673 or e-mail support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au The Vatican has moved to clarify a decree that implied employees could lose their jobs if they refuse to get a Covid-19 vaccination without legitimate health reasons, after criticism on social media. A decree on 8 February by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, the governor of Vatican City, said getting a vaccine was "the responsible choice" because of the risk of harming other people. Vatican City, at 108 acres the world's smallest state, has several thousand employees, most of whom live in Italy. Its vaccination programme began last month and Pope Francis, 84, was among the first to get the vaccine. The decree said that those who cannot get vaccinated for health reasons may be given another position, presumably where they would have contact with fewer people, but will receive the same pay even if the new post is a demotion. But the decree said those who refuse to get a vaccination without sufficient reason would be subject to a specific provision in a 2011 law on employee rights and duties. The article in the 2011 law says employees who refuse "preventive measures" could be subjected to "varying degrees of consequences that could lead to dismissal". After news stories about the decree, many Italians took to Twitter to criticise it, with some saying it was contrary to Pope Francis' general call for mercy. Read more at RTE HERE. Buckingham Palace confirmed Friday that Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will not be returning to royal duties, and Harry will give up his honorary military titles a decision that makes formal, and final, the couples split from the royal family. When Harry and Meghan stepped away from full-time royal life in early 2020, it was agreed the situation would be reviewed after a year. Now it has, and the palace said in a statement that the couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have verified they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family. " It said Queen Elizabeth II had spoken to Harry and confirmed that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The palace said Harrys appointment as captain general of the Royal Marines and titles with other military groups would revert to the queen before being distributed to other members of the family. Harry, who served in the British army for a decade and has a close bond with the military, founded the Invictus Games competition for wounded troops. While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family, the palace statement said. American actress Meghan Markle, a former star of the TV legal drama Suits, married Harry, a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle in May 2018. Their son, Archie, was born a year later. In early 2020, Meghan and Harry announced they were quitting royal duties and moving to North America, citing what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. They live in Santa Barbara, California and are expecting their second child. They recently announced that they will speak to Oprah Winfrey in a TV special to be broadcast next month. A spokesperson for the couple hit back at suggestions that Meghan and Harry were not devoted to duty. As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role, the spokesperson said in a statement. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal. Two officers have been shot and wounded in a Texas home responding to a call at the house hours before two other people were found dead inside. Officers with the Dallas Police Department responded to the home shortly after 11am after a 911 call reported a shooting had occurred, according to KXAS-TV. Cops said a man had threatened to hurt his wife and officers were met with gunfire which struck two of them when they approached the home. Video footage from around the time of the incident shows firefighters carrying a limping officer to an ambulance. Scroll down for video Dallas police enter a home to investigate a crime scene where earlier in the day two other officers were shot responding to an emergency call An evidence marker is shown by a vehicle parked in the driveway of a home being investigated by Dallas police A Dallas police officer patrols an intersection on the 5300 block of Bonita Avenue in Dallas after two officers were shot responding to an emergency A Dallas police officer investigates a broken window at a crime scene in Dallas where earlier in the day two other officers were shot Ring footage shows the officers shot after responding to a 911 call in Dallas on Thursday Ring video footage shows firefighters help retrieve a limping police officer after he was shot Two people were later found dead inside the home, including a woman and the man believed to have shot at cops Police Chief Eddie Garcia thanked Dallas Fire-Rescue workers for providing cover for the wounded officers to get away from the scene, the outlet reported. 'I would be remiss if I did not point out the amazing work of our fire department who actually provided cover for our police officers to extract our wounded officers out of the scene,' Garcia said. Dallas Police Association President Mike Mata told KXAS-TV that the two officers sustained injuries to their lower legs and were taken in stable condition to Baylor University Medical Center, where they are expected to make full recoveries. SWAT responded to the scene and officers reportedly tried several times to get the suspect to surrender, according to the outlet. SWAT officers breached the home at 1.27pm and found a man and woman dead inside from gunshot wounds, police said. The man is believed to be the person who fired at the officers, cops said, and officers did not fire any shots during the encounter. Officials have not yet released the names of the two people who were found dead inside the home. 'Praying for the deceased victim and her family,' Garcia said in a tweet. 26394 Julie Rusk, Chief of Civic Well-being - City Managers Office, City of Santa Monica and Carol Graham, Leo Pasvolsky, Senior Fellow and Research Director - Global Economy and Development Julie Rusk, Chief of Civic Well-being - City Managers Office, City of Santa Monica We are in a moment that America seems more divided than everin politics, in incomes and opportunities, and in health, happiness, and hope, as highlighted in Happiness For All? Unequal Hopes and Lives in Pursuit of the American Dream. The starkest markers of this divide are the increase in U.S. mortality rates, driven by deaths of despairsuicide, opioid and other drug overdoses, and alcohol related diseasesamong less than college-educated whites. This tragic phenomenon is described in Anne Case and Angus Deatons Mortality and morbidity in the 21st century paper published last year. The roots of this divide and despair go well beyond economics. Problems such as the dual decline of stable families and stable jobs and the growing number of prime age males out of the labor force require broader solutions. While there are no magic bullets, part of the solution is restoring community and societal well-being in general. But how? Innovative solutions are unlikely to come from the national level, given the current political polarization and paralysis. In contrast, there is an amazing amount of energy and activity at the local level, much of it focusing on individual and community level well-being among populations in despair. While there are many good things about Santa Monica, the city also has challenges: high levels of inequality; wide and deep concerns about finances and opportunity and a lack of broadly shared healthy behaviors The measurement of well-being has gone from a nascent collaboration between economists and psychologistswhich began twenty years agoto an entire new approach in economics and other social sciences today. Statistics offices and governments around the worldranging from the UK to Chile and even to nascent efforts in the U.S.are utilizing the metrics in their data collection and policy analysis. Cities are also examining their residents well-being and using the metrics to help shape policies and programs. The City of Santa Monica, in an effort to deepen understanding and improve quality of life for its 92,000 citizens, won the 2013 Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, a competition that encourages cities to generate innovative, potentially replicable, ideas to solve major challenges and improve the quality of life. Santa Monica developed a multidimensional Well-being Index in partnership with the RAND Corporation and the New Economics Foundation. One of us (Rusk) led this effort, and the other (Graham) advised the project on measurement and design issues. The Index tracks well-being across six dimensions: individual outlook; sense of and engagement in community; health; place and planet, which measures the built and natural environment, economic opportunity; and learning opportunities for all ages. Data came from a range of sources, including quantifiable data about crime and disease rates, parks, education levels, and use of transit services and libraries. The City also created and fielded an online survey to collect information from residents about personal experiences and thoughts on housing, mobility, and development, among other topics. More than 3,800 residents responded to the survey. Many policy initiatives resulted from the information, including a 2017 Index of the Citys well-being that can be used to compare trends in well-being across individuals, cohorts, and time. While there are many good things about Santa Monica, the city also has challenges: high levels of inequality; wide and deep concerns about finances and opportunity; a lack of broadly shared healthy behaviors; and a surprising degree of social isolation among many cohorts, Latinos in particular. The Index demonstrates the areas where there is much room for improvement. Carol Graham, Leo Pasvolsky, Senior Fellow and Research Director - Global Economy and Development A particularly noteworthy effort resulted from the Index and highlights the potential of well-being metrics, including in incorporating the energy and creativity of youth. It seeks to foment community coherence and social well-being via simple interventions. It stemmed from a design challenge answered by students at Designmatters Art Center focused on Communicating the Well-being of a City with Santa Monica. The challenge to the students was to work with civic leaders and community stakeholders to translate the Citys Well-being Index into transmedia design campaigns. These campaigns aimed to communicate a shared understanding of the communitys strengths and needs, encourage collaboration among city leaders and local organizations, and improve a collective sense of well-being for all city citizens. Employing well-being data results and conducting follow up field research, student teams designed, constructed and tested conceptual campaigns in real-time with real residents. In one campaign, students visited the local farmers market, equipped with cameras and with clipboards that explained their affiliation with the project. They asked random individuals to pose for artificial family portraits with other unknown individuals who were of different ages, races, and income strata. The results were remarkable. Smiles, laughter, and hugs abounded across these previously unacquainted people, and many forged longer-term friendships as a result. The projects resultsdisseminated through multimedia channels, includes a Communicating the Well-being of a City with Santa Monica: We are Family video featuring the Sister Sledge hit We Are Family. The video had even broader spillover effects. The energy and creativity of the students, their ability to bypass racial and other divides, and to embrace the objective of enhancing well-being, were the driving factors that led to the projects success. Other places with very different demographic compositions might also benefit from this kind of intervention. While it might not succeed in all cases, this simple and creative exercise demonstrates how unexpectedly easy it can be to bridge divides. It is an example of how well-being focused policies, which aim at reaching the human side of people rather than on providing financial and other material incentives, can open the doors to other kinds of progress. There are similar efforts to enhance and measure well-being in many cities around the world, including the What Works Well-being Centre in the UK. That effort designs interventionssuch as providing access to the arts or novel arrangements for commuting to workin low-income communities. It then commissions academics to assess the success or failure of the interventions, based on well-being metrics, and then communicates the result to a wider audience. While not all such efforts succeed, a new body of evidence is emerging of simple, cost-effective interventions that do work to improve individual and community well-being. Success is often partly due to the involvement of the communities themselves, as in Santa Monica. Simply measuring well-being as a baseline, meanwhile, as many countries and cities are doing, is an inexpensive and simple start. Had we been doing so in the past in the U.S., we might well have detected and addressed the crisis of desperation among the white working class before the opioid crisis and rising mortality rates sounded the alarm bells, points explored by myself and Sergio Pinto in a Journal of Popular Economics article, Unequal hopes and lives in the USA: Optimism, race, place, and premature mortality. At a time when solutions to deep problems of economic distress, anomie, and lack of hope defy traditional policies and economic solutions, perhaps we can draw from these efforts as a means to restoring hope, purpose, and a shared sense of community to peoples lives. As in the case of gun violence, meanwhile, the leaders may well be our youth rather than our politicians. For the first time since the deadly clashes between the Indian Army and the People Liberation Army, the Chinese side has opened up about the fatalities on its side. "Four Chinese soldiers, who were sacrificed in last June's border conflict, were posthumously awarded honorary titles and first-class merit citations, Central Military Commission announced. A colonel, who led them and seriously injured, was conferred with honorary title," state-run People's Daily reported. Four Chinese soldiers, who were sacrificed in last June's border conflict, were posthumously awarded honorary titles and first-class merit citations, Central Military Commission announced Friday. A colonel, who led them and seriously injured, was conferred with honorary title. pic.twitter.com/Io9Wk3pXaU People's Daily, China (@PDChina) February 19, 2021 India lost 20 soldiers Immediately after the clash atop a high ridge on June 2020 in the Ladakh region's Karakoram Mountains, India announced it had lost 20 of its soldiers in the battle that saw fists, clubs, stones and other improvised weapons used to avoid a firefight. REUTERS China was believed to have also suffered casualties but did not provide any details, saying it didn't want to further inflame tensions. Even Friday's announcement is ambiguous as it did not clarify whether these are the only fatalities PLA suffered. The People's Liberation Army Daily newspaper said that the four killed were named as official state martyrs and awarded other posthumous honors. ANI It said the title of "border-defending hero'' was conferred on Battalion Commander Chen Hongjun, while Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran received first-class merit awards. It attributed their deaths to fighting in "a clash with trespassing foreign military personnel," without mentioning India directly. Qi Fabao, a regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command who was wounded in the clash, was awarded the title of Hero regimental commander for defending the border. India maintains Chinese side suffered more casualties India still maintains that the Chinese side had suffered more casualties in the face-off that led to hand-to-hand combat. Even this week Lt. Gen. YK Joshi, who commands the Indian Army's Northern Command, said Indian observers counted more than 60 Chinese troops being taken away on stretchers, though it wasn't clear how many suffered fatal injuries. India estimates that around 45 PLA soldiers were killed in the clashes. AFP The Russian official news agency TASS reported on February 10 that 45 Chinese servicemen were killed in the Galwan Valley clash. According to an American intelligence report last year, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35. The development also comes at a time when the two sides have agreed to disengage and de-escalate the situation. AFP India and China military delegates will meet on Saturday for the tenth round of talks to discuss disengagement at other friction places at the Line of Actual Control. During the tenth round, the Corps Commanders will discuss other friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang Plains. The talks will start at 10 a.m. at Moldo on the Chinese side. For the first time in nearly a year, at least some San Francisco public school students went to their school campus Thursday to learn. But it wasnt to enter their classrooms. Instead, at 9:30 a.m., students and families sat outside Clarendon Elementary and logged onto their computers and into online classrooms at a park across the street to protest the lack of in-person instruction in the district. Organizer Decreasing the Distance said families would gather outside a different public school each of the next several days to continue putting pressure on the district to reopen. The gatherings are the latest in a series of news conferences, protests, lawsuits, political threats and coordinated actions on both sides of the citys reopening debate. Supporters of reopening say that it can be done safely with proper protocols and that children are suffering from the academic and emotional toll of distance learning, with students of color hit harder. Opponents say that while children may be harmed by distance learning, keeping them, their families and school staff safe must take precedence. Parent Viviane Safrin brought her two children to Clarendon, west of Twin Peaks near Forest Hill Station, early Thursday, where they were among 25 masked students running around the adjacent city park playground. They were so happy to see one another, Safrin said. My children couldnt sleep last night because they were so excited to see their friends. The students then settled for classes using neighborhood hot spots to access online learning. The activity was not meant as criticism of teachers, who are greatly respected and loved, Safrin said, but rather intended to demonstrate what it is like to learn on a computer all the time to bring it out of the home and into the community. Also Thursday, the districts teachers union, the United Educators of San Francisco, announced a virtual day of action calling for the unity we need to fight the virus and not each other! Union leaders called on teachers to post on social media or make videos to share why you stand with educators. Just a day before, the school district held a news conference at Sunset Elementary to show the districts progress in readying schools for reopening. Sunset is among six elementary schools out of 64 that meet county health and safety requirements for in-person learning. It will likely be at least two months before any of the districts 52,000 students start returning to schools, given ongoing bargaining with the teachers union over what the school day will look like as well as logistical issues related to coronavirus testing of students and staff and vaccine availability. COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California. The tension between the school board and parents over reopening intensified Wednesday evening after board President Gabriela Lopez was expected to attend a virtual public informational meeting, but canceled earlier in the day. Lopez said she was focusing all her time and attention on the reopening effort, but parents on social media said being accountable to constituents was part of her job. Board member Jenny Lam participated in the event, sponsored by community group TogetherSF. Im a SFUSD commissioner, but Im a mom first, Lam said Thursday. As a public school parent of a middle schooler and high schooler, I share the same concerns as the majority of parents in our community. I want schools to reopen safely and I want to know when this can happen. We are in a complex deliberation process to ensure that when teachers and students can return to a more traditional school schedule, it will be a safe and fostering environment. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Our second favorite blog in the metro only posts a little more than half a dozen items every day but that doesn't stop us from checking into one of this town's favorite vanity projects which has banned at least half a dozen TKC regulars. Read more about the smoking drama . . . Photo credit cancer promotion parody, a young Amber Heard lights up around the time she MIGHT have been dating one of the richest dudes in the world but before she beat up Johnny Depp . . . It seems apropos given that we're talking about the Golden Ghettto. 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 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. Denmark is about to build the very first artificial island dedicated to the collection and distribution of renewable electricity throughout northeastern Europe. The Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Public Utilities has announced that this project alone could eventually cover the consumption of 10 million European households. The island will in fact be a gigantic energy center, located in the North Sea, 80 km from the shore of the Jutland peninsula. Its ambitious goal will be to ensure the production of renewable electricity for an entire part of Europe. Danish Climate Minister Dan Jrgensen called it nothing less than the largest construction project in Danish history. The island is set to have a total surface area of approximately 120,000 square meters and should be able to initially supply green energy to 3 million homes. The project will be a public-private partnership between the Danish state and private companies. This new energy hub will serve as a power plant compiling and distributing green electricity directly from several hundred wind turbines operating all around. The offshore wind turbine will use sea winds to produce electricity. In this particular case, it will be aimed primarily at consumers in the countries surrounding the North Sea. It represents a major step in Europe's green transition in Europe and even that of the world, according to Danish officials. Indeed, the European Union has set itself the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. To reach this goal, 300 GW of offshore wind power is needed by this deadline. The construction of this energy hub with a potential capacity of more than 10 GW is therefore a very important step in this direction. It should be noted that by 2050, Denmark will no longer extract oil and gas from the North Sea. Weve probably all marveled at how creamy long-stirred, perfectly scrambled eggs could be, then decided that 15 minutes of constant stirring is something wed be willing to do only for occasions that call for the velvetiest of breakfasts. My weekday scrambled eggs need to be done in the amount of time it takes to toast a slice of bread. With that in mind, I wondered: Is it still possible to cook scrambled eggs that are as creamy and tender as youd like, and more important, creamy and moist whether you prefer them soft, medium or even firmly scrambled? Like many simple egg dishes, scrambled eggs are prime for some heavy-duty testing (and opinions). First things first, some basics: Eggs are mostly water, along with a good amount of protein and fat. As eggs are scrambled over heat, their proteins mainly ovalbumin and ovotransferrin begin to denature and become entangled, forming a spongy matrix that traps moisture. The hotter these proteins get and the longer theyre cooked, the tighter the matrix becomes, until eventually moisture begins to squeeze out, like a sponge being wrung. So, it seems, the key to keeping eggs tender and moist is managing the degree to which those proteins constrict. A pans initial temperature can have a profound effect on an eggs final texture. A hot pan will lead to the rapid creation of steam within the egg mixture, adding fluffiness and giving it a souffle-like quality, while eggs started in a cold pan will remain dense and creamy as they cook. I like my eggs somewhere in the middle: mostly creamy with a few lighter, fluffier curds interspersed. However, without an infrared thermometer, gauging a pans temperature is difficult. Swedish retailer IKEA plans to open its first shopping centre in India after the furniture giant's shopping centres business - one of the world's largest - said it had bought a 48,000-square-metre plot in the city of Noida on the outskirts of Delhi. IKEA, which opened its first store in India in 2018 in Hyderabad followed by one in Mumbai in 2020, said it would develop the new site into a mall anchored by an IKEA store. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot Ingka Centres, which has 45 IKEA store-anchored malls across Europe, Russia and China and plans to enter the United States in 2021, said it planned to invest nearly 55 billion rupees ($759 million) in the Noida project. It will announce more detailed plans for the project in the near future, it said in an emailed statement. Ingka Centres plans to enter around 45 large cities across its existing markets and the United States in coming years. It said in October visitors had returned quickly to its malls after the lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions that had forced stores and malls to close. Ingka Centres is owned by Ingka Group which also owns most IKEA stores worldwide. The furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories retailer has, so far, invested Rs7,000 crore in the country opening two stores and several fulfilment centres. The 5.3 lakh sq feet Mumbai store offers the largest shopping section for children that the retailer has in the worlddrawing from its success that the category saw at its first store in Hyderabad launched in 2018. The Mumbai, store, over two floors, will also have a 1,000-seater restaurant serving both Indian and Swedish cuisines. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Mexicos President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged people to reduce their power consumption amid a shortage caused by the Texas deep freeze that prompted the state to restrict natural gas imports to Mexico. I call on all Mexicans to help us by consuming less, Lopez Obrador said, as quoted by Reuters, advising Mexicans to turn off unnecessary lights during peak demand in the evenings, To be totally sure that our electricity system is maintained and that we dont suffer from blackouts. Texas Governor Greg Abbott earlier this week banned the exports of natural gas until normal production is restored, which he expects to happen by Sunday. Texas natural gas production, normally accounting for about a quarter of the U.S. total, slumped by more than half during the freezing spell in the state, creating power shortages in the state. The shortages spilled over into Mexico soon enough, leaving several million people in the northern Mexican states without power. Mexico is heavily reliant on natural gas imports from the United States for its electricity generation. Most of this gas comes from Texas, where this week production and processing equipment froze. As a result of the outages, Mexico might shed 1 percent of its GDP this year. The country is now looking for ways to solve the export ban issue diplomatically but has signaled that it will not retaliate. I want to make this clear, there is no reprisal, this is a difficult circumstance for them, and they think that by closing, they protect Texas, Lopez Obrador told the media. Meanwhile, the situation in Texas and Oklahoma is still challenging. Power has been restored to millions of Texans, but access to clean water remains problematic, according to a CBS report. In one town, authorities have advised that water be used only to sustain life at this point. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Over 1,200 homes nationwide will be part of a retrofitting programme to cut carbon emissions this year, after local authorities received a 45m cash injection. The allocations and targets under the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme for Social Housing were unveiled by the Department of Housing. An initial allocation of 35m will be distributed for 1,293 homes, while the balance will be allocated to authorities that can complete additional work. Cork Greens have welcomed that 4.3m of the funding will be allocated to Cork city and Cork County Council, with a target of 162 social homes to be retrofitted in the area. Councillor Dan Boyle welcomed the investment to improved social housing in Cork City South Central as a key commitment in the programme for government. Im delighted to see this being announced today. A further 96 Cork City Council housing units will be deep retrofitted for better heat and energy efficiency. There is ready to go retrofitting about to happen on Pearse Road in my electoral area and I welcome the additional money being given for more retrofitting of local authority housing, he said. Councillor Oliver Moran sees the investment as contributing greatly to increased quality of life for many in social housing. Warmer homes are better homes to live in and cheaper to heat. One of the most frequent issues raised by tenants are poor conditions because of cold, drafts, and damp. Local authorities can lead the way in both in climate action and improving living conditions for all, he said. The funding comes following an announcement from the Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien, the Minister for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke, and the Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan. The programme for government 2020 set targets over the next 10 years aimed at Irelands objective of reducing its carbon emissions by more than half. With approximately 40% of Irelands energy-related carbon emissions coming from buildings, one of the key objectives is retrofitting over 500,000 homes by 2030, with 36,500 to be local authority-owned homes. The Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme has been revised and enhanced for this year. A spokesman for the department said homes will be made warmer, easier to heat as well as enhancing air quality. People using oil or gas will see savings on energy bills. Mr OBrien said: The 2021 Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme is a newly revised programme designed around the programme for government commitment with an important increase in funding support of 65m, 20m of which has been allocated under the Midlands Retrofit Programme. This revised programme will see a significant upscaling from a shallow to deeper retrofit on what has been completed by local authorities in previous years and will target 2,400 social homes in total for upgrade works in 2021. We are being realistic in our initial allocation and taking account of the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the works which can take place. We are taking an equitable approach ensuring that allocations are calculated on the basis of the number of social housing units each local authority has, as a percentage of the overall national stock, as well as the ability of individual local authorities to complete the programme and draw down all funding in 2021. Mr Burke said: Retrofitting homes is a highly labour-intensive sector and can create high-quality, sustainable jobs in local communities throughout the country, and has the capacity to play an important role in our economic recovery. February 18, 2021 There are many reasons a business may need a corporate turnaround. Whether they be distressing factors such as a reduction in sales, cash flow problems, mounting debt, or challenges like rapid growth while finding appropriate means of capital formation, there are many companies that have the potential to become great but miss the mark due to a lack of strong leadership. Indeed, it takes a certain kind of leader to not only create financial results that are quantifiable, but also develop a sturdy foundation for the business that can withstand the test of time and other stressors such as a recession, or more topically, a pandemic. Corporate turnaround is an exercise in taking a company from where it currently stands to operating at its full potential. For Vik Bansal, it was clear from the beginning that Cleanaway was a diamond in the rough. Known as Transpacific when he first took the position of CEO and managing director in mid-2015, in the six years since his arrival he stood by his initial commitment to take the company from good to great. Thanks to an emphasis on strategy and operating models before organization design, Cleanaway has seen stellar growth since Bansal took the helm, with revenue increasing by 10 percent per year, net profit by 23.2 percent, and return on capital from 3.7 percent to 5.5 percent. Prior to his work with Cleanaway, Bansal had a history of tackling new or difficult challenges. He began his business career by heading the launch of a new product portfolio that was as of yet untested in the Australian market, and in three years turned it into the most profitable category in the entire company. At Delta plc, after being globally acquired by the Eaton (News - Alert) Corporation his transition efforts saw his branch become the Oceania head of its new parent company within two years, with Bansal being promoted to vice president and general manager. At Valmont (News - Alert) Industries in the United States, he was brought on to assist with a struggling global product, and was able to create such significant growth that he was soon promoted to chief operating officer and president. Seeking to return to his home country, Bansal began to explore career options back in Australia and narrowed his search down to three opportunities. Of the three Cleanaway was by and far the worst-performing, having cycled through four chief executive officers in three years and struggling to recover under a debt burden of around $2.1 billion. However, even though it lacked strategic direction and was underperforming for investors Bansal observed that it had remained resilient, and the core of the company had remained good thanks to the 4,000 plus people working at it. Having seen during his time in the United States the potential the waste management sector held, he accepted the position and set to work. Bansal spent a month before officially starting his role familiarising himself with every detail of the business performance, and so entered the position with an objective view of the business as a whole and a good understanding of the performance of the business in general. He sought, first and foremost, to provide clarity to employees and build a solid base for the business through the development of an operating model. The technical challenges a business faces, the strategy (or lack thereof), and how leadership behaves and engages with each other are all interconnected, coming together to tell the story of how a business operates. In correcting courses on the way the company operates, Bansal was then able to identify where cost could be eliminated, and set out to do so while remaining clear and honest with the employees across the country. Rather than incite anger, this straightforward tactic proved to instill trust from his base, with one early town hall meeting he held even applauding. Once Bansal had corrected the operating model, it was clear to him that they could not continue to operate as a multi-brand business. Although he was initially hesitant to make such a big change so early in his tenure, in discussing it with employees, executives, and investors not one person was against it, or could even come up with a valid reason not to. Of the options available, Cleanaway had both the longest history and the strongest brand potential making it the natural choice for rebranding , and rebranding the company opened up the opportunity to create a new mission statement and purpose: making a sustainable future possible. For Bansal, sustainability went well beyond its applications to climate change and waste management. It was a word that was in line with his belief in honesty, and by owning the word sustainability for the whole organization they made it about a sustainable future for all stakeholders, rather than simply the environment. This mission statement served as the basis for Our Cleanaway Way, the clear-cut defining strategy for the company that aligned every person in the company toward a single mission. Thanks to the revamped operating model, re-branding, and clear mission statement, leadership within Cleanaway gained renewed pride in their organization. Rather than being perpetually stuck in crisis mode putting out fire after fire, the operating cadence Bansal created gave management and leadership time to think, and were able to achieve substantially more due to the structure that had been provided. When Bansal began his time at Cleanaway market cap was at less than $1 billion, whereas today it is over $5 billion, and it moved 120 places from an ASX 200 company to an ASX 100 company. Financial metrics are at record levels, and there has been margin expansion across every business unit. The company has successfully maneuvered several large acquisitions, showing that the growth story of the organization is both deep and wide and has the ability to withstand the test of time and trial. Just one year after Bansals appointment to CEO, Cleanaway was awarded the Turnaround Management Associations (TMA) Turnaround of the Year Award in the large company category. It was experiencing growth in earnings and revenue for the first time in three years, and has continued that upwards trend ever since. According to Bansal, for an essential service business such as Cleanaway the competitive advantage comes from the execution of a clear strategy. With a strong operating cadence and rhythm, the methodology of leadership has the flexibility to change without diverging from the language, narrative, and alignment that makes the company united. Bansal has received international recognition for his corporate turnaround, but for him the most meaningful acknowledgement has come from the employees of Cleanaway themselves. If they feel pride in working for the company, he knows he has done his job well. Connect with Vik Bansal on Medium and Twitter. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- So when exactly did modeling become a curiously dependable well-worn steppingstone to a career in food writing? It seems somewhat antithetical, but think about it. From Martha Stewart to, well, Karlie Kloss -- by way of Carla Hall, Padma Lakshmi, the late B. Smith, and Chrissy Teigen, to name a few -- theres a long line of ex-professional beauties who segued from couture runway to kitchen range without breaking stride or a beautifully manicured fingernail. It may be a reaction to the culinary deprivations of their earlier careers, but whatever that ineffable quality is -- the ability to spin loveliness into lovely prose and recipes -- Mimi Thorisson has it in abundance. The former model has not only maintained the willowy form and bone structure of a Botticelli, she also, uniquely, has eight equally beautiful children who show up, artfully arranged, with her in many of the photos in her splendid new book, Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from our Travels in Italy. The images are by her husband, Oddur Thorrison, who also photographed her previous two cookbooks, A Kitchen in France, and French Country Cooking, with a loving eye and discerning taste for farmhouse chic, Bordeaux-style. This new book chronicles the 10-member familys extended trip to Italy for a two year sojourn based in Turino, in northern Piedmonte, a city protected by the holy shroud of Turin and haunted by the devil himself, she says, it is a majestic and mysterious town, full of Italians having coffee in the morning and drinks at night. A real city, not a city of tourists. And thats why we came here and thats why well stay. It also has a farmers market, perhaps the best in Europe, filled daily with fresh produce from the countryside, including bright yellow luminous zucchini blossoms, that became her culinary talisman in her new country. They pop up, chopped, in a pasta, yet again stuffed with prosciutto and hazelnuts to be baked, and one more time filled with mozzarella and anchovies, then battered and fried. If there existed a zucchini blossom dessert, Im sure it would be in here. From Turino, the family caravan traversed the country, discovering for themselves the many and many-splendored cuisines of Italys 20 regions, exploring classic and casual restaurants, poking into shops, and befriending Italians of all kinds -- including a couple residing in the most beautiful house in the world -- who reveal ancient family recipes and lore. Trading her customary French cookery for Italian cuisine is a fascinating journey. French cooking has a reputation as a singular, classic and complex canon based on butter and iron-clad technique. Italian cuisine has a legacy of less complex (with notable exceptions), more ingredient-based dishes founded on olive oil and regional traditions. This book is not a deep-dive into every Italian region. But Thorisson revisits and refines well-known old world Italian fare in the 100-some recipes. And she also turns up some appealing lesser-known dishes, including a fine rich seared steak served over sauteed bitter radicchio and an simple elegant almond cake mixed together in a few minutes that can be happily lingered over with an espresso and conversation for hours. In the process, she also de-mystifies and champions stock as the secret to Italian cooking, its the easiest recipe you will ever makeand will improve any other recipe, and includes three basic versions to get you started. She also allows Oddur to weigh in with a few unvarnished manly opinions on the superiority of Italian coffee and various Italian wines. Old World Italian is an exhilarating, beautiful, celebratory book. Its filled with accessible recipes of beautiful, delicious, authentic food and photos of authentically beautiful people artfully eating that food in enchanted, beautiful places. And, as much as I would perhaps like to, I cant begrudge Mimi Thorisson a single beautiful thing. Italian Tagliata with Radicchio is one of the dishes featured in Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from our Travels in Italy, the latest cookbook from Mimi Thorisson. (Photo: Oddur Thorisson) Tagliata with Radicchio Throughout the year, this is the secondi we cook the most at home. We are blessed with incredible butchers on every corner in Torino, and Piedmontese culinary traditions are steeped in cooking with veal and beef. The quality is undeniable, and now that Ive narrowed my butchers down to three, I know that Ill always get exactly what I want, as each has his personal best. After a satisfying plate of pasta or rice, there is nothing better that one or two strips of the finest meat, topped with a dash of garlic-infused olive oil perfumed with rosemary. At the bottom of the pan is the radicchio, which in all its bittersweet glory has one simple job: to soak up the juices. Ingredients: 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 lb. boneless sirloin steak (at least 1 inch thick) Fine sea salt 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled and smashed 4-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary 2 heads radicchio, chopped fresh-ground black pepper Preparation: 1. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and heat until it is smoking hot. Season the steak with a little salt on each side and place in the pan for 25 seconds. Turn the steak over and fry for 25 seconds more. Repeat this process, turning the steak until crusty golden brown, a total of 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the steak to a wire rack set over a plate to catch the juices. 2. Let the pan cool for 1 minute. Add the garlic and rosemary sprigs to infuse the oil for 5 minutes. Add all the juices from the resting meat. Transfer the sauce to a small bowl. 3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped radicchio and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. 4. Place the radicchio in the center of a large serving plate. Thinly slice the steak and arrange on top of the radicchio. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with the reserved sauce, garnish with the rosemary, and serve. Torta Alle Mandorle (Almond Cake) is one of the dishes featured in Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from our Travels in Italy, the latest cookbook from Mimi Thorisson, shown here with one of her daughters.. (Photo: Oddur Thorisson) Torta Alle Mandorle (Almond Cake) Lets start with the fact that I love almonds. I can never resist an almond granita, or anything, really, that has almonds in it. Which is why, when I discussed with Ferigo Foscari which recipes from his familys cookbook we should borrow, my eyes wandered to this one. Rosanna, the resident cook, makes it to perfection for us, but even more heartwarming was the way the Foscari family talked about their favorite cake. It was almost Proustian. Everybodys face lit up and they were taken back to another time. The power of a simple cake, in the most beautiful house in the world. Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour Grated zest of 1 lemon 5 large eggs, separated 1 1/4 cups superfine sugar 1 cup whole milk powdered sugar, for dusting Preparation: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan with a round of parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, stir together the almond flour and lemon zest. Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, the superfine sugar, and the milk until smooth. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten whites into the batter. Pour the batter into the lined pan. 3. Transfer to the oven and bake until a skewer or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then unmold onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from our Travels in Italy By Mimi Thorisson, Photographs by Oddur Thorrison ClarksonPotter/Publishers 2020 Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Regional Manipur journalists call off stir File photo of protests by journalists in Imphal. Correspondent IMPHAL, Feb 18 | Publish Date: 2/18/2021 12:54:12 PM IST Despite their demands not being addressed, striking journalists in Manipur have decided to resume working from Friday in the interest of the people of deprived of information for five days. No newspapers hit the stands in Manipur for the fifth day after journalists resorted to cease work strike in protest against a failed bomb attack at the office on the Poknapham daily which also houses its sister publication, People Chronicle. The journalists considered the attack a threat to the fraternity and protested against it under the aegis of All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) for the last five days. The protesting journalists had set a 48-hour deadline to the state home department to book the culprit(s) behind the attack and perpetrator(s) to clarify the reason behind the attack within the set deadline. The deadline expired on Wednesday midnight with no positive response from both the police and perpetrator(s). The police were yet to nab the perpetrator(s) except constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the attack and declaring as wanted an unknown woman who lobbed the hand grenade to the media house. The police have announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 to any individual who provides information leading to the arrest of the culprit. The police suspect the woman attacker to be a member of a valley based extremist group and she is yet to be arrested. The perpetrator(s) also failed to own up to the attack even as the journalists demanded clarification if any of the armed group was responsible for the attack. However, except for clarification from some armed groups that they have nothing to do with the attack, none of them took responsibility within the set 48-hour deadline. When many of the armed groups denied their hands, a joint emergency general of AMWJU and EGM today deliberated on the burning issue before the journalists. The meeting deliberated non-fulfilling of their demands and also pros and cons of long suspension of the publication of newspapers and broadcasting of news in the local TV networks. Publication of newspapers and broadcasting of news in the local TV networks remained suspended for the fifth day on Thursday owing to the cease work strike of journalists. After the thorough deliberation, the journalists decided to resume working from tomorrow in the interest of the masses, depriving their right to information for days. At the same time, the meeting considered the failure on the part of the perpetrator(s) to own up the attack openly because the media house (Poknapham and its sister publication) had done nothing wrong against their ethics. The meeting further endorsed AMWJU and EGM to deal with any matter arising out of the resumption of the work and to convene a joint in case it was beyond their capacity to resolve the issue. On the other hand, the general body meeting also reaffirmed its earlier stand on not to entertain any statement of UNLF unless the internal conflict within the party is resolved. Story Highlights Ten percent of Americans continue to name race as nation's top problem While down from 18% last June, it exceeds the 4% prior to Floyd's death Concern remains elevated among White, Hispanic and Black Americans WASHINGTON, D.C. -- More than half a year after George Floyd's death during a police encounter ignited nationwide protests and discussion around racial justice, Americans' belief that race relations is the top problem facing the country remains higher than it was before those events. The percentage of U.S. adults citing race-related matters -- including race relations, racial justice and racial unrest -- rose from 4% last May, before video footage of the May 25 incident went viral, to 19% in June. It stayed high, at 16%, in July but subsequently settled into the 10% range, where it remains in Gallup's latest measure at the start of 2021. Line graph. Monthly trend from January 2020 to January 2021 in Americans' mentions of race as the most important problem facing the United States. After rising from 4% in May 2020 to 19% in June, it fell to 16% in July and 10% in August. Mentions have since ranged from 8% to 13%, including 10% in January 2021. While race relations has ranked among the top four most frequently mentioned problems each month since last spring, it has consistently trailed the coronavirus and problems with government at the top of the list. In January, it roughly tied with the need to "unify the country." Racial Gap in Views Narrows After Widening Last Year The trendline in perceptions that race is the country's top challenge differs slightly among racial and ethnic groups. This is based on aggregated data in order to increase the sample size and statistical reliability of the estimates. Among Black Americans, mentions of race rose 24 percentage points after Floyd's death, from an average 8% last April and May to 34% in June and July. Citations of race then fell 10 points to an average 24% from August to November and to 13% by December and January. By contrast, mentions of race rose less sharply in the months after Floyd's death among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Americans. Over the summer, these mentions remained high among Hispanic Americans while they dropped by half among White Americans. Still, seven months after the incident, race relations remained a more prominent concern among all three groups in January than it was last spring. Line graph. Trend from April-May 2020 to Dec 2020-Jan 2021 in mentions of race as the most important problem facing the United States among major racial/ethnic groups. Mentions of race spiked sharply among Black, Hispanic and White Americans in June-July 2020 following George Floyd's death. It has since declined but remains higher among all groups in the latest reading than in the reading just before Floyd's death. Focus on Race Less Prolonged After Other Shooting Incidents The increase and subsequent decline in Americans naming racial issues as the country's top problem since Floyd's death is a familiar pattern in the public's reaction to prominent racial incidents, including major protests against Black men dying at the hands of police. However, the cycle was shorter for other recent instances, even when concern spiked into the teens, most notably in 2014, 2016 and 2017. Given the quick nature of these increases, it is not possible to analyze the trends by race as that requires combining multiple months of data to examine each time period. 2016 Americans' mentions of race issues as the nation's top problem increased nearly as much in July 2016 after a series of shootings as they did after Floyd's death in 2020. The percentage of Americans citing race issues as the nation's top problem rose from 5% in June 2016 to 18% in July. This occurred after nationwide protests erupted over police shootings of two Black men (Alton Sterling and Philando Castile) in different incidents. It also followed the revenge killing of five White police officers by a gunman at one of these protests in Dallas. Yet the following month, citations of race had dropped by more than half to 7% -- nearly as low as the June reading. Line graph. Monthly trend from May 2016 to September 2016 in mentions of race as the most important problem facing the United States. Mentions increased from 5% in June 2016 to 18% in July 2016 after national protests erupted over two police shootings of young black men. By August, it had fallen back to 7%. 2014 A similar spike occurred in December 2014 after protests erupted in New York City over a grand jury decision not to indict the police officer involved in the death of a Staten Island man, Eric Garner, who died in a police chokehold. That month, 13% named race relations as the most important problem facing the U.S., compared with 1% in November and 3% in October. Mentions of race as the most important problem returned to single digits quickly after the Garner protests, dipping to 5% in January 2015 and 3% in February 2015. Line graph. Monthly trend from October 2014 to February 2015 in mentions of race as the most important problem facing the United States. Mentions spiked from 1% in November 2014 to 13% in December 2014 after national protests erupted following the acquittal of police officers in the death of Eric Garner in New York. 2017 Race relations garnered considerable attention toward the end of 2017 after a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August descended into violent clashes between White nationalists and counter-protestors. President Donald Trump was widely criticized in the weeks that followed for not condemning the White nationalists and neo-Nazis involved strongly enough and for saying there were "good people on both sides." Mentions of race relations as the nation's top problem increased from 7% in August 2017 to 12% in September and 14% in October, but by January 2018, four months after the initial increase, they returned to 7%. Line graph. Monthly trend from August 2017 to January 2018 in mentions of race as the most important problem facing the United States. Mentions rose from 7% in August 2017 to 12% in September 2017 and 14% in October after a Unite the Right gathering in Charlottesville led to violent clashes between White-nationalists and counter-protestors. Mentions gradually subsided to 7% by January 2018. 1992 The 1992 Los Angeles riots in late March of that year resulted in a significant spike in race being mentioned as the nation's lead problem, but it receded fairly quickly. The multi-day riots were sparked by the acquittal of White police officers who were seen on tape beating Rodney King, a young Black man, after a high-speed chase. After barely registering as the nation's top problem in March 1992, racial matters were cited by 15% of U.S. adults in early May, shortly after the Los Angeles riots. By the time of Gallup's next measure, about three months later, in late August/early September, the figure was back below one percent. Bottom Line George Floyd's death and the nationwide protests that followed led to a relatively large percentage of Americans naming race-related issues as the top problem facing the country last year, even as the pandemic competed for public attention. The 10% naming it in January was well below the peak of 19% last June (by one point the highest recorded since the Civil Rights era), but it remained elevated from the 4% recorded before Floyd's death last May. This seven-month stretch of heightened mentions of race well exceeds the zero to three months of elevated concern following other periods of sharply higher concern since 1992. The surge in public concern about race in the first two months after Floyd's death was much stronger among Black Americans than White or Hispanic Americans. But since decreasing rather sharply in the months since, Black Americans are now about as likely as Hispanic Americans to see race as the chief problem facing the country. The rate is lower among White Americans, but all three groups are now more attuned to race as a national challenge than they were before witnessing Floyd's death and the reaction it spawned. Whether that continues under the new administration led by President Joe Biden remains to be seen. Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. Mumbai, Feb 19 : Anupam Kher will soon be seen in the short film Happy Birthday, which the actor describes as a mystery drama. Shoot of the film is scheduled to start on Monday. The Prasad Kadam directorial unites Kher with Aahana Kumra. The actors had earlier worked together in the 2019 release, The Accidental Prime Minister. "It's a short film that I am doing, which is a mystery drama. It's nice to work with new people. It will be nice to work with Ahana. I like the intriguing part of the story," Kher told IANS. Director Prasad added: "The title of the film may make you think it is a happy-go-lucky movie but that's the irony. The film revolves around what we call a dark thriller. Both Anupam sir and Aahana are playing interesting characters. It's a pleasure to work with Anupam Kher since he is a spontaneous and cooperative actor. It's always very organic when you are with him. Aahana Kumra is unapologetic and experimental." "The graph of the characters definitely take the audience by surprise. It's a very interestingly story that will make you rethink about your concepts of life and death. We started the shoot on February 22 in Mumbai. Once the shoot and post-production work is over, we will announce the release date," Prasad added. Enrolments at Victorian independent schools grew four times faster than in the Catholic sector in 2020, official figures show. The number of students enrolled in Victorian independent schools grew 2.67 per cent last year, compared with a 0.65 per cent rise at Catholic schools. State schools increased enrolments by 1.65 per cent. The percentage of students enrolled in Victorian non-government schools remained steady at 36 per cent, the second highest proportion in the country, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said. Emma Rowe, senior lecturer in education at Deakin University. Credit:Simon Schluter Dr Emma Rowe, senior lecturer in education at Deakin University, said there had been a drift to private schools in Victoria, particularly at the secondary level. Brasilia: Even after the vaccine works in the midst of the covid-19 epidemic, there are problems in many countries. The new variant of the covid-19, which came from Britain in Germany, has become more lethal and rapidly spreading. Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn said that this variant of Britain is now becoming more deadly in the country. The virus covid of a similar variant has been found in 22 percent of patients among newly infected people. This strain has caused more harm to people. He said that caution is also needed to open the lockdown. There are many people in the UK who, even after months of getting infected, are showing symptoms of covid. The UK has said that a separate fund of $ 26 million (about Rs 188 crore) has been created for research on such patients. Vatican City has provided no vaccine, no job for its employees. Everyone has been required to get vaccinated here. The vaccine campaign has stalled due to snowfall in many areas of the US. The vaccine supply has been delayed in states such as the southern province of Georgia, Alabama. The mayor of New York is also likely to delay the vaccine's arrival. The same problem is coming in other areas also. Work has been started to apply covid-19 vaccine in maize. The 3 million covid-19 children have been infected in the US so far. On average, 4 thousand children out of 1 lakh children have been infected with covid-19. Nepal has approved the vaccine of the Sinopharma Company of China. Earlier, Nepal approved India's vaccine after which India has provided one million vaccine doses to Nepal for free. South Africa will also take the vaccine from India and supply it to African Union countries. They have ordered one million vaccine doses. Also Read: Over 11K Ebola vaccines expected in Guinea this weekend UK variant not seen increasing Covid severity, transmission in India: NCDC Uzbekistan's large support package to Covid-19 timely: IMF 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 agreement has been reached with Kvika Banki hf on amendments to the market making agreement from July 2017. According to the amended agreement, Kvika is committed to make daily bid and ask offers for a minimum of ISK 5.000.000 at market value at a price decided by Kvika at any given time. The maximum spread between bid and ask is 1.5%, if the intraday price change is more than 5% Kvika is allowed to increase the maximum spread to 3.0%. The maximum amount Kvika is obliged to trade within any day amounts to 25.000.000 kr of market value. The amended agreement takes effect from February 19th 2021. Local News By Long Island Published: February 19 2021 The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WFP-Manhattan) and Senator Anna Kaplan (D-Great Neck) to crack down on ghost guns, untraceable firearms used by criminals to evade background checks. The Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act (S.14), sponsored by Senator Hoylman, and the Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receivers Act (S.13), sponsored by Senator Kaplan, would create the strongest protections in the nation to protect New Yorkers from these dangerous weapons. The legislation passed the New York State Senate nearly three years after the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018. Senator Anna M. Kaplan said: If you cant pass a background check to obtain a firearm legally, then you shouldnt be able to circumvent the process by making your own out of parts you bought online either. The unfinished receiver loophole in our gun laws allows too many dangerous ghost guns into our community every year, and with the rise of extremism across the country driving huge demand for these untraceable weapons, we must take action to close it right away. As we mark three years since the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, I couldnt be more proud to sponsor The Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receiver Act, which will close the dangerous unfinished receiver loophole, because I know that it will save lives, just like Scott Beigel did when he gave his life to protect his students from gunfire during the attack on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Im so grateful to Scotts parents Linda and Michael for their passionate advocacy for sensible gun safety laws, to Senator Brad Hoylman for his leadership and partnership on this legislation, and Im thankful for the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Andrea-Stewart Cousins for always ensuring that the Senate is responsive to the needs of our community. Senator Hoylman said: Nearly 10,000 ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement nationally in 2019, according to ATFthats thousands of dangerous firearms in the hands of individuals who didnt have to pass a background check. New York enacted historic gun safety legislation in 2013, but these untraceable weapons can evade the strong protections we fought so hard to pass. In the midst of a global pandemic, traditional gun sales hit record highs and ghost gun retailers reported sky-high demand. New Yorkers need to be protected from these dangerous weapons, and thats why Im proud to sponsor the Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act with Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal. Our bill will ban the sale and possession of ghost guns and ensure law enforcement has the necessary tools to track the manufacture and sale of all guns in New York. Im pleased it has passed today alongside the Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receiver Act, legislation sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan and Assembly Member Charles Lavine, making up a comprehensive legislative package that will provide New Yorkers with the strongest ghost gun protections in the nation. Im honored to pass this bill today in memory of Jose Webster, a teenager from New York City who lost his life due to gun violence. Im deeply grateful for the advocacy and support of his sister Nathalie Arzu and for the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. During the COVID-19 crisis, gun violence has spiked; so has sales of firearms and ghost guns. At the beginning of the pandemic, gun manufacturers reported massive sales of ghost gun kits; at least 16 manufacturers told customers they were experiencing shipping delays due to a high volume of orders. Ghost guns continue to pose a threat, both in New York and nationwide. Just last week, a 36 year-old Saratoga County man pled guilty to firearm charges after admitting he conspired to build and sell ghost guns. ProPublica reported that the Boogaloo Boys, a right-wing militia group involved with the January 6 Capitol riots, have embraced ghost guns as one of their preferred weapons. With gun violence surging in New York due to the pandemic, our state must take action again to strengthen our gun safety laws, said Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. The number of untraceable ghost-gun cases in New York and across the country has continued to grow, and together, the Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receiver Act and the Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act would help stop the flow of unserialized ghost guns and prevent gun violence within our communities. We applaud Senator Anna Kaplan, Senator Brad Hoylman, and the NYS Senate for their leadership and for keeping our communities safe during this unprecedented period of upheaval. David Pucino, Senior Staff Attorney at Giffords Law Center said: Ghost guns are a clear threat to New Yorkers as they allow individuals who couldnt pass a background check access to untraceable firearms, said David Pucino, Senior Staff Attorney, Giffords Law Center. These dangerous weapons are guns, and need to be regulated like guns. We applaud Senators Holyman and Kaplan for their dedication to this critical public safety issue and urge the Assembly to swiftly pass these life-saving pieces of legislation and continue New Yorks tradition of standing as a nationwide leader on gun safety. Kris Brown, President of Brady: United Against Gun Violence said: Untraceable firearms, so-called ghost guns, pose a significant threat to public safety and undermine law enforcement efforts because they circumvent nearly all existing firearm safety laws and regulations. Because of this, we are increasingly seeing these unregulated and untraceable weapons used in criminal activity. The Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act is a common-sense and comprehensive fix to stop the proliferation of ghost guns in New York and we are grateful that Senator Holyman has prudently and proactively acted to address this threat. Linda Beigel Schulman, mother of Scott J. Beigel, said On February 14, 2018, my son Scott J. Beigel was murdered during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Massacre while protecting and saving the lives of his students. Since that horrible day, I have made my lifes mission to work to protect people from senseless and preventable gun violence through the enactment of reasonable gun safety legislation. I am truly overwhelmed and humbled by the actions of Senator Anna Kaplan, Senator Brad Hoylman, and the New York State Senate today in honoring Scott with the passage of Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receiver Act. The Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receiver Act addresses the latest continuing threat from gun violence, Ghost Guns. Ghost Guns are untraceable firearms. The only person who would purchase a Ghost Gun is someone who cannot pass a background check. Senator Anna Kaplan is by far one of the most honest, dedicated and caring individuals we have working for us in our government. My sentiments are not because this bill is named in honor of my son Scott. My sentiments come from working with and knowing the person, Anna Kaplan. Anna Kaplan fights for what she believes in. Anna Kaplan fights for the good for all of us. Anna Kaplan fights for what she knows will keep us all safe from totally unnecessary and preventable gun violence. We all need to give thanks to Senator Anna Kaplan for her caring, listening, and continuous fighting, against all odds, for all of us. That being said, this legislation is only the first step. When passed by the New York State Assembly and signed by Governor Cuomo, this legislation will save lives. This legislation will help keep us all safe from senseless and preventable gun violence. Scott Pappalardo, a volunteer with New York Moms Demand Action said: We thank our Senators for their continued dedication to getting untraceable, undetectable ghost guns off our streets. Guns without serial numbers, assembled with parts that can be delivered to doorsteps without a background check, are a threat to all of our safety. Well rest easier once we know these DIY guns will be regulated and will continue to fight to make that happen. The Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, prohibits the sale and possession of ghost guns and ensures law enforcement will be able to track the manufacture and sale of all guns in New York. The legislation: Defines a ghost gun as any firearm, rifle, or shotgun that isnt serialized and registered in accordance with either state or federal law Prohibits the possession of ghost guns by anyone but a licensed gunsmith Prohibits the sale of ghost guns entirely Prohibits the manufacture or assembly of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun by anyone other than a licensed gunsmith Requires New York gunsmiths to serialize all firearms, rifles, shotguns, or unfinished frames or receivers they manufacture or assemble, and to register any such gun, or unfinished frame or receiver that isnt otherwise covered by federal serialization law with the Division of State Police Senator Hoylmans legislation is named in memory of Jose Webster, a young man from The Bronx killed by gun violence in 2011. Websters sister, Nathalie Arzu, has become a gun violence prevention advocate The Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receivers Act, sponsored by Senator Anna M. Kaplan, specifically addresses the proliferation of unfinished receivers or 80% Receivers which can be purchased online without a background check and which are easily converted into operable firearms by people with limited skills. The legislation: Defines what constitutes an unfinished frame or receiver Makes it illegal to possess an unfinished frame or receiver without a gunsmith license Prohibits the possession of major components of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun by persons who are otherwise lawfully prohibited from possessing such weapons Makes it illegal to sell or transfer an unfinished frame or receiver to anyone other than a licensed gunsmith Senator Kaplans legislation is named in memory of Scott J. Beigel, the hero teacher of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who lost his life during the shooting nearly three years ago while shielding his students from gunfire. Beigels parents, Linda Beigel Schulman and Michael Schulman of Long Island, are nationally recognized advocates in the fight against gun violence. The Russian Cultural Centre in Cairo, headed by the Counsellor of the Russian Embassy Aleksey Tevanyan, celebrated "Russian Diplomat Day" on Monday. The celebration was attended by a delegation from the Russian Embassy in Egypt, headed by Yuriy Matveev, the Minister Plenipotentiary in Cairo, along with a delegation of Egyptian graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities, as well as Russian language students. To mark the day, a congratulatory telegram was sent on Wednesday from the Egyptian Association of Graduates from Russian and Soviet Universities, presided over by Sherif Gad, to the Russian Ambassador in Egypt Georgiy Borisenko. A similar telegram was also sent from the graduates association to Mikhail Bogdanov, the deputy foreign minister of Russia and the personal Envoy of President Vladimir Putin in the Middle East and Africa. On this occasion, flowers were placed on the bust of Yevgeny Primakov (1929 2015), the late Russian politician, academic and former prime minister and foreign affairs minister of Russia, as one of the pioneers of Russian and Soviet foreign affairs over many decades. Tevanyan, who commissioned Egyptian artist Mohamed Thabet to create this bust, said "Primakov was considered a friend of Egypt and was a political expert who played a crucial role in shaping Russian-Arab relations for several years." He pointed out that Primakov often stressed Egypt's pivotal role as the heart of the Middle East region and also valued the importance of celebrating "Russian Diplomatic Day" at the Russian Cultural Centre in Cairo and specifically in front of Primakov's bust. Its worthy to mention that the Russian Cultural Centre in Cairo honoured - during a ceremony that marked the 75th anniversary of the start of Russian-Egyptian diplomatic relations - the memory of Primakov by unveiling a bronze bust of the Russian statesman in October 2018. The statue was the first of Primakov in the Middle East. For his part, the Minister Plenipotentiary Yuriy Matveev highlighed the importance of celebrating "Russian Diplomatic Day" as an opportunity to thank the Russian foreign ministry and its employees for the great efforts being made in extending bridges of communication between Russia and the world, especially in the Arab region. Russian Diplomatic Day is held in February, the month that saw the establishment of the Russian ambassadors department during the reign of the Grand Prince of Moscow Ivan IV in the middle of the 16th century. The event also featured an exhibition of archival photos on the life of Primakov, most of which included his meetings with world and Arab leaders and his shuttle trips within the Arab region. Short link: Burma UK and Canada Sanction Myanmars Coup Leader and His Subordinates The military-led National Defense and Security Council meets on Feb.1 following the announcement of the coup. / Tatmadaw Information Team YANGON The United Kingdom and Canada have imposed sanctions on Myanmars top military generals, in response to human rights violations following the Feb. 1 military takeover. The UK announced on Thursday that it has imposed sanctions on defense minister General Mya Tun O, home affairs minister Lieutenant General Soe Htut and his deputy, Lt Gen Than Hlaing, for their role in serious rights violations. London will freeze assets and enforce travel bans against the three. The alleged rights breaches include violating the right to life, freedom of assembly and the right not to be subject to arbitrary detention, according to the UKs Foreign Office statement. Since the Feb. 1 military takeover, the regime arrested and charged 521 people, including State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Among them, 477 are still in detention or face outstanding warrants, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: We, alongside our international allies, will hold the Myanmar military to account for their violations of human rights and pursue justice for the Myanmar people. The UK said support for government-led reforms has been axed and planned programmes will close. Instead, the former colonial power said it will move to ensure aid reaches only the poorest and most vulnerable citizens in Myanmar. The Canadian government also announced sanctions against nine officers, including coup leaders Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Vice-Senior General Soe Win and chairman and vice-chairman of the State Administrative Council (SAC) formed by the junta. The ban included assets freezes and prohibition on dealings by prohibiting persons in Canada and Canadians outside Canada from dealing in any property of these individuals or providing financial or related services to them, the statement said. Myanmars military and the SAC have been engaged in a systemic campaign of repression through coercive legislative measures and use of force, including mass arbitrary detentions, restrictions on access to information and the right to freedom of opinion and expression, association and assembly, since the coup, Canada said. Canadas foreign affairs minister, Marc Garneau, said: Canada will not accept the actions of the Myanmar military and their complete disregard for the will and democratic rights of the people of Myanmar. We stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their aspirations for a democratic future, he said Dr. Wai Phyo Aung of the committee representing elected members of the Union Parliament from the National League for Democracy told The Irrawaddy: We appreciate that the international community is taking action against the military for its unlawful act. He urged countries to impose targeted sanctions on businesses that support the military and provide an income to the military leadership. Another committee member, Daw Zin Mar Aung, said travel bans are ineffective for the generals as, under the previous regime, generals children were allowed to study in the west and some of their relatives could settle in western countries with new identities. We need collective punishment on businesses not only linked with the military regime but also owned by [military-appointed] ministers or members of the regimes cabinet, Daw Zin Mar Aung said Human Rights Watch on Thursday urged the international community to impose targeted sanctions on military-owned companies, like Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited, which provide direct revenue to the military and its leaders. John Sifton from the New York-based group said: The international response to the coup has to be smart, strong and sustained. The only way Myanmars generals are going to back down is if the costs of staying in power are made too great to bear. Last week, the US government added sanctions on 10 members of the regime, including six SAC members, and other military chiefs and on three entities connected to the military. You may also like these stories: Myanmars Coup Leaders Name a New Union Election Commission Power Grab Brings Myanmar to Standstill Myanmar Coup Means Huge Losses for Thailands Border Trade Visitor visa holders will be able to stay in New Zealand a little longer as the Government eases restrictions for those still here. The Government recognises that some visitor visa holders are keen to stay in New Zealand longer while the Covid-19 pandemic is still attacking communities in their home countries, says Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi. We have also listened to New Zealands business sector, including tourism ventures, which say foreign visitors who are still here can help our local economies. So, where people are here on visitor visas which expire on or before March 31, 2021, the Government will allow their visitor visas to be automatically extend by two months. During that two month extension, which will be applied from the date of expiry on their current visa, they will need to apply for a new visa to stay longer. The automatic extension will apply to around 12,500 visa holders. The extension does not apply to visitors on the special Covid-19 short term two month visitor visa, which was introduced in September last year. In a second temporary change to immigration settings, the Government has agreed to temporarily waive a rule which states that visitor visa holders can only be in New Zealand for nine months out of an 18 month period. Most visa holders currently in New Zealand will have been here for more than nine months by now, which would have excluded them from applying for another visitor visa, says Faafoi. Waiving this nine months of 18 rule means that visa holders who are still here can apply for a further six-month visa. While applicants with visitor visas expiring after 31 March 2021 wont be eligible for the automatic two month extension, they can still apply for a new visa that gives them exemption from the nine months of 18 rule if they apply for their new visa before 30 June 2021. That is because the temporary waiver of that nine months of 18 rule will end on 30 June 2021. Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi. File image/SunLive. Applicants will still need to meet all other requirements for a visitor visa, including proof that they have enough funds to support themselves in New Zealand, as well as pay for their travel home at the end of their stay, says Faafoi. While we have made these changes to help many visitors facing uncertain and worrying situations back in their home countries because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government wants to make clear that people who are here on visitor visas are here as guests for a limited time. We cannot guarantee further extensions or waivers when these changes expire. He pointed out that the Government expects all migrants in New Zealand to ensure they are here lawfully and are able to support themselves. Temporary migrants who are in New Zealand without the means to support themselves, or who become unlawful, are at risk of migrant exploitation or not being able to meet their basic needs. Migrants who stay here after their visas have expired also risk having their unlawful status count against them should they wish to travel to New Zealand or elsewhere in the world in the future, warns Faafoi. Immigration New Zealand will email affected visa holders to confirm the visa extension by March 5 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. Rege-Jean Page tries out a new nickname for size in a new promo for Saturday Night Live, ahead of his new episode. The 31-year-old star has skyrocketed to fame as the star of Netflix's Bridgerton, which debuted on Christmas Day. The actor will host SNL alongside musical guest Bad Bunny, with Page and SNL cast member Melissa Villasenor trying out new nicknames. Promo: Rege-Jean Page tries out a new nickname for size in a new promo for Saturday Night Live, ahead of his new episode The promo begins with Page, wearing a navy blue short-sleeved shirt and a colorful face mask, flanked by Bad Bunny and Villasenor. 'Hi. I'm Rege-Jean Page and I'm hosting Saturday Night Live this week with Bad Bunny,' Page began. Villasenor added, 'I think I'm gonna go by Bad Melissa now,' with Page adding, 'Cool I'm gonna go by Rege-Jean Bunny.' Outfit: The promo begins with Page, wearing a navy blue short-sleeved shirt and a colorful face mask, flanked by Bad Bunny and Villasenor When Page asked the rapper, 'What about you?' Bunny responded, 'Bad Bunny is already cool, so I'm gonna keep it,' as Page responded, 'Yeah? That's cool.' SNL kicked off the back half of its 46th season by announcing they will air five new episodes in a row. The first episode of 2021 happened on January 30 when John Krasinski hosted with Machine Gun Kelly as the musical guest. Keep it: When Page asked the rapper, 'What about you?' Bunny responded, 'Bad Bunny is already cool, so I'm gonna keep it,' as Page responded, 'Yeah? That's cool' Schitt's Creek star/co-creator Dan Levy hosted the February 6 episode with musical guest Phoebe Bridgers. One Night in Miami director Regina King hosted last weekend's episode alongside musical guest Nathaniel Rateliff. SNL has not announced the host and musical guest for the February 27 episode after Page makes his hosting debut. Hosting debut: SNL has not announced the host and musical guest for the February 27 episode after Page makes his hosting debut Page starred in the BBC series Waterloo Road in 2015 before making his American acting debut by playing Chicken George in History Channel's adaptation of Roots. He then starred in Shonda Rhimes' legal series For the People, though it was canceled after just two seasons, before he landed the Bridgerton role. Page was just announced to star in an upcoming feature adaptation of the Dungeons and Dragons game. 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. 26891 Manish Bhatia, President, Building Products Division & CEO, Evok Retail, HSIL Limited Manish Bhatia, President, Building Products Division & CEO, Evok Retail, HSIL Limited The significant shift in how customers search, shop and engage with products and services determines the extent of digitalization a business needs to undergo in order to stay ahead. Businesses capable of connecting, listening and responding to their customers promptly are able to create value and build enduring relationships. With technology being at the center of the digital strategy, the question remains as to which solutions one should implement to meet various challenges. Going by the extent of adoption across industries, Microsoft technologies seem to be the practical and preferred choice, and heres why: Application Delivery and Scalability With scale comes the challenge of connecting a globally dispersed workforce and a burgeoning customer base. Microsoft Azures flexible cloud platform and its Visual Studio Team Services, unlike that of any private data center, enables DevOps, and the deployment and management of internal and customer-based applications quickly, matching your global reach. Its pay-as-you-go pricing model allows scalability without over-provision, saving infrastructure and IT-related costs. Engaging with Customers in their Preferred Ways Increased user adoption of new digital platforms brings with it the challenge of keeping customers engagedin ways that they prefer. Microsoft Azure Functions brings the future of server-less computing to businesses, helping them engage with users through responsive web apps, native mobile apps, and newer experiences infused with AI, bots and mixed reality. Being proactive, not reactive For large customer-facing businesses such as Hindware, the challenge lies in empowering the frontline workforce with a powerful, intuitive solution to enhance their performance and mobility. Businesses running on Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales acknowledge that it helps the workforce understand customers better. Using this technology, businesses can energize their front line team through gamification-based sales contests. Combining the power of LinkedIn Sales Navigator with Dynamics 365 for Sales unlocks doors to connect with the right customers and translate relationships into revenue. Furthermore, the sales team benefits from increased visibility into analytics dashboards and recommendations at every stage of the deal. This has resulted in a major efficiency gain for one of the worlds premier jewelry and accessory brand. They can now report and forecast key sales data at remarkable speeds and measure the impact and effectiveness of their activitieswherever they are. For a leading tooling and industrial materials enterprise, the technology has also freed up 20-30 percent of the time theyve been spending on administrative tasks. Listening and Responding Promptly Besides other benefits, Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales fosters relationships and helps businesses derive social intelligence. Using predictive intelligence, it provides actionable insights and the ability to target customers with the highest likelihood to buy. A leading brewery and pub chain in the UK uses Microsofts social listening tool for conducting sentiment analysis and monitoring comments pertaining to their pubs and brands. With mobile access, their area manager can pore over information concerning any outlet so he can have a constructive discussion with the pub manager when he steps in. In Germany, Europes major insurance group chooses Skype for business to launch a video call at its partner banks branch, connecting a prospective walk-in customer with a remote insurance specialist, improving productivity while saving travel time and money. Microsoft technologies seem to be the ecosystems verdict, driving the digital agenda while promoting innovation, efficiency, productivity and customer intimacy. The Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected the bail petition of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD President Lalu Prasad. Turning down the plea, Justice Apresh Kumar Singh ruled that two months are left to complete half of the jail sentence and bail could be granted only after that. The CBI, while opposing the bail, had said that a period of two months and seven days are left for completion of half the jail sentence. After the plea rejected, Lalu Prasad's lawyer claimed that two month jail period has not been counted, adding that Prasad had been in judicial custody for one month in 1997 and one month in 2001 which have not been counted. A fresh bail petition will be filed after two months, the lawyer added. Lalu Prasad had filed a bail petition in the Dumka treasury fraudulent withdrawal case, in which he was sentenced to seven years jail. The RJD supremo was convicted and sentenced to jail in four cases. He has already got bail in the other three cases. Picture 1 Pictured above is a sample placement of a TAAT native advertisement (i.e., integrated into news, opinion, or informational content) on a staging news website, demonstrating how the advertisement currently appears to its targeted audience of smokers aged 21+ in the United States on various web pages. Earlier this week, the Company launched a native advertisement campaign targeted towards smokers aged 21+ in the United States with an objective of attracting traffic to the TAAT e-commerce portal which launched earlier this week. Pictured above is a sample placement of a TAAT native advertisement (i.e., integrated into news, opinion, or informational content) on a staging news website, demonstrating how the advertisement currently appears to its targeted audience of smokers aged 21+ in the United States on various web pages. Earlier this week, the Company launched a native advertisement campaign targeted towards smokers aged 21+ in the United States with an objective of attracting traffic to the TAAT e-commerce portal which launched earlier this week. Picture 2 The Company has considerably expanded its retail footprint in the state of Ohio in Q1 2021, placing TAAT in numerous stores located in major metropolitan areas including Cincinnati (population 301,000) and Columbus (population 878,000) The Company has considerably expanded its retail footprint in the state of Ohio in Q1 2021, placing TAAT in numerous stores located in major metropolitan areas including Cincinnati (population 301,000) and Columbus (population 878,000) LAS VEGAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAAT LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS LTD. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQB: TOBAF) (FRANKFURT: 2TP2) (the Company or TAAT) is pleased to announce strong sales performance following the launch of its e-commerce portal earlier this week. In addition to the launch of the TAAT online store, the Company has continued to add new retail points of sale for TAAT in the state of Ohio, as shown on the maps in this press release, with significant increases in areas to include Cincinnati (population 301,000) and Columbus (population 878,000). Additionally, nationwide campaigns led by a consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales agency who directly services over 100,000 convenience stores in the United States are set to begin next week and will run concurrently with marketing efforts for the TAAT online store. Orders placed through the TAAT online store had shipping addresses in 20 different U.S. states, with an average order value of approximately USD $57.00 and an average order size of 1.7 cartons. The largest order placed through the TAAT online store was valued at more than USD $3,500 inclusive of sales tax. Between Wednesday February 17, 2021 and Thursday February 18, 2021 a total of 5,492 new users visited the TAAT online store, generating a total of 36,830 page views, 9,972 sessions, and an average session duration of two minutes and 53 seconds. Story continues To view Picture 1 accompanying this release please visit: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/20956892-1d22-477e-8c5d-69e4f57020c5 Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media. As of 9:00 am EST on Wednesday February 17, 2021, smokers aged 21+ in eligible1 states can now purchase cartons of TAAT Original, Smooth, and Menthol online through the Companys e-commerce portal, which accepts payment methods to include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. Orders of USD $80 or more qualify for free shipping to any eligible1 state. The Company began a targeted online advertising campaign earlier this week to attract traffic to the TAAT online store. These online advertisements are positioned as embedded promotional content on a given website, referred to as native advertisements in digital marketing terminology, and are targeted towards smokers aged 21+ in the United States. To view Picture 2 accompanying this release please visit: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b517ad64-ba0c-4783-a28c-3cf2e5a5b40b Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media. TAAT Chief Executive Officer Setti Coscarella commented, February has been a very productive month for us here at TAAT. In addition to launching our e-commerce portal and selling over CAD $50,000 worth of TAAT in 48 hours, we also secured our engagement with a major CPG sales agency, landed our first mainstream nationwide media coverage in Forbes, and boosted our manufacturing rate by 233%. All of our initiatives for bringing TAAT to market in the United States are strategically coordinated, and I believe that e-commerce plays a significant role in providing us the opportunity to sell TAAT to smokers aged 21+ all across the United States while complementing our Ohio retail activities and a nationwide rollout with the CPG sales agency set to begin next week. Footnotes and Sources 1 - Because the legal status of TAAT can vary between jurisdictions, the Company can only accept and fulfil orders for TAAT made online with shipping addresses in jurisdictions that have been approved by the Company's legal counsel. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, TAAT LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS LTD. Setti Coscarella Setti Coscarella, CEO and Director For further information, please contact: TAAT Investor Relations 1-833-TAAT-USA (1-833-822-8872) investor@taatusa.com THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSES REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER. About TAAT Lifestyle & Wellness Ltd. The Company has developed TAAT, which is a tobacco-free and nicotine-free alternative to traditional cigarettes offered in "Original", "Smooth", and "Menthol" varieties. TAAT's base material is Beyond Tobacco, a proprietary blend which undergoes a patent-pending refinement technique causing its scent and taste to resemble tobacco. Under executive leadership with "Big Tobacco" pedigree, TAAT was launched first in the United States in Q4 2020 as the Company seeks to position itself in the $814 billion1 global tobacco industry. For more information, please visit http://taatglobal.com. References 1 British American Tobacco - The Global Market Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the potential launch of Beyond Tobacco, in addition to the following: Future sales performance of TAAT, potential performance of the CPG sales agency. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the tobacco markets; and (iii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The statements in this news release have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking the Companys products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of the Companys products on an individuals health and well-being. The Companys products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This news release may contain trademarked names of third-party entities (or their respective offerings with trademarked names) typically in reference to (i) relationships had by the Company with such third-party entities as referred to in this release and/or (ii) client/vendor/service provider parties whose relationship with the Company is/are referred to in this release. All rights to such trademarks are reserved by their respective owners or licensees. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by TAAT Lifestyle & Wellness Ltd. can be found under the Company's profile on http://sedar.com. Contrary to popular belief, many of what West Australians would consider to be our fundamental rights like the right to privacy, healthcare, our cultural rights or the right to peaceful assembly are not protected by Australian law. In fact, Australia is the only western democracy that does not protect the basic rights and freedoms of its people in either legislation or the constitution. WA Greens leader Alison Xamon. Credit:Peter de Kruijff All countries with legal and political systems similar to Australia, including New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom, have a Bill or Charter of Human Rights. West Australians rights should be enshrined in law. Sacramento, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Vibe Growth Corporation (CSE: VIBE) (OTC: VBSCF) (FSE: A061) (the "Company" or "Vibe"), a vertically integrated cannabis enterprise and CBD e-tailer, announces the immediate release of its proprietary full-spectrum, nano-emulsified cannabidiol oral spray ("CBD Spray"), formulated to support exercise recovery and pain relief. Vibe's Citrus Mint Oral CBD is now available for nationwide sale across the United States through www.vibehempcbd.com. The announcement comes after over one year of research and development in which product quality, taste, and effectiveness were scrupulously refined through laboratory, functional, and consumer testing. "We began this journey over one year ago with a mission to create the highest quality full-spectrum CBD product available, and we are thrilled to launch Vibe CBD," said Mark Waldron, CEO of Vibe. "Vibe CBD Spray is the first of a new line of innovative Vibe CBD products formulated to enrich the overall quality of life and wellness of our customers. We have listened to consumer feedback and are nearing completion of a comprehensive development cycle for our exciting new line of CBD, CBG and CBN products to complement our Vibe CBD Spray." Vibe CBD Spray has been formulated with improved bioavailability and flavor due to the nano-emulsification process and the use of natural and organic ingredients. Nano-emulsification allows the hemp-derived oral spray to be absorbed more efficiently into the bloodstream, enhancing its desired effect. Given increased bioavailability, consumers may use less product with greater benefit than when compared to similar products on the market. As Vibe rapidly expands its retail and digital presence, Vibe's proprietary CBD Spray will be the first nationally available product on Vibe's e-Commerce platform, allowing Vibe to offer its line of health and wellness cannabinoid products to a national audience. About Vibe Growth Corporation Vibe Growth Corporation and its cannabis retail brand, Vibe By California, is a trusted, vertically integrated cannabis enterprise that proudly serves hundreds of thousands of clients annually through its retail dispensaries; cannabis greenhouse cultivation; premium indoor cultivation; commercial cannabis distribution; brand sales & marketing; e-Commerce platform; home delivery; and Hype Cannabis Co. marijuana and Vibe CBD products. The Company operates retail and e-commerce under its iconic Vibe By California brand. To learn more about Vibe, please visit www.vibebycalifornia.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Product & Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the parties' current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events, and may be impacted as a result of general economic conditions or the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the Company's expectations revenue, EBITDA profitability and adjusted funds flow, higher sales volumes, and the company's retail operations. Actual future results may differ materially. Statements regarding the CBD Spray have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the CBD Spray is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the parties are not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Risk factors related to the Company are described in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any State securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws. Unlike in Canada which has Federal legislation uniformly governing the cultivation, distribution, sale, and possession of medical cannabis under the Cannabis Act (Federal), readers are cautioned that in the U.S., cannabis is largely regulated at the State level. To the knowledge of Vibe Growth Corporation, there are to date a total of 33 states, plus the District of Columbia, that have legalized cannabis in some form. Notwithstanding the permissive regulatory environment of medical cannabis at the State level, cannabis continues to be categorized as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S. and as such, cannabis-related practices or activities, including without limitation, the manufacture, importation, possession, use or distribution of cannabis are illegal under U.S. federal law. Strict compliance with state laws concerning cannabis will neither absolve Vibe of liability under the U.S. Federal law nor will it provide a defense to any Federal proceeding, which may be brought against Vibe Growth Corporation. Any such proceedings brought against Vibe may adversely affect its operations and financial performance. Company Contact Michal Holub, CFO Phone: +1 833-420-VIBE x102 Email: ir@vibebycalifornia.com Website: www.vibebycalifornia.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74938 At 6.30am on Sunday, January 31, the WA Department of Healths head contact tracer was woken by a phone call a COVID-19 case had been found in the Perth community for the first time in 10 months. Lab technicians working around the clock to process coronavirus tests had detected the positive case in the middle of the night. Authorities identified more than 500 people who had come into contact with Case 903 in the five days he was in the community. Credit:WAtoday With most of the state still asleep, WA authorities began quietly enacting a rapid COVID response plan which had been sitting idle for months. By about 7.30am, 30 surge staff had received a text message telling them they were needed at the contact tracing hub that number would triple by Monday. Almost 150 years before Donald Trump harangued a mob that invaded the U.S. Capitol, San Francisco had its own demagogue who rose to prominence by capitalizing on the rage of disaffected working-class voters, demonizing minorities and promising to drain the swamp of corrupt officials. The difference between Denis Kearney and the 45th president of the United States is that Kearney not only incited his followers to storm the citadels of power, he personally led them there. The year 1877 was one of national crises. The presidential election between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel Tilden deadlocked in the Electoral College, resulting in the Compromise of 1877, in which Hayes was declared the winner in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, ending Reconstruction and opening the door to the disenfranchisement and renewed oppression of Southern Black people. At the same time, the country was convulsed by a social and economic crisis known as the Great Upheaval. After Eastern railroads cut wages, workers across the country rose up, derailing trains and burning depots. Democratic and Republican governors alike called out militias. In the eyes of angry workers, both major parties had lost legitimacy. The downturn did not spare San Francisco. Churches and charities fed thousands of unemployed. Anger among white workers at Chinese laborers and the capitalists who employed them at lower wages than they paid whites had been simmering in the city for years. As Alexander Saxton argues in The Indispensable Enemy: Labor and the Anti-Chinese Movement in California, that rage was a toxic compound of economic grievance and racism. On the evening of July 23, it boiled over. A crowd had gathered on the sandlots near the unfinished City Hall to listen to a speaker for a socialist party, the Workingmens Party of the United States, demand reforms. The speech was moderate and did not mention the Chinese. But the socialists soon lost control of the crowd. Hecklers shouted threats against the Chinese. Soon, groups of young men broke away, searching for targets. They broke into 20 or 30 Chinese laundries and beat individual Chinese people they came upon. The next night, rioters killed several Chinese people and set fire to Chinese businesses. On the third night, mobs attacked the Pacific Mail Steamship Co., whose ships carried Chinese immigrants, and battled police and firefighters. A pick-handle brigade of 4,000 volunteers fought back the rioters. When order was restored, four rioters lay dead and dozens of Chinese businesses had been destroyed. Kearney was not in the mob. In fact, he was a member of the pick-handle brigade that fought the rioters. An Irish immigrant and owner of a small draying business, he had hitherto evinced the classic conservative beliefs of the self-made man, denouncing the indolence of workingmen and praising self-reliance. Trivia time The previous trivia question: Where in San Francisco is the neighborhood called Little Hollywood? Answer: Between Bayshore Boulevard and Highway 101, just north of the Recology Center. This week's trivia question: In what still-standing house did U.S. Sen. David Broderick die after he was mortally wounded by former California Supreme Court Chief Justice David Terry in a duel in 1859? Dig deep into Chronicle Vault Like what you're reading? Subscribe to the Chronicle Vault newsletter and get classic archive stories in your inbox twice a week. Read hundreds of historical stories, see thousands of archive photos and sort through 153 years of classic Chronicle front pages at SFChronicle.com/vault. Editor's note Every corner in San Francisco has an astonishing story to tell. Gary Kamiya's Portals of the Past tells those lost stories, using a specific location to illuminate San Francisco's extraordinary history - from the days when giant mammoths wandered through what is now North Beach to the Gold Rush delirium, the dot-com madness and beyond. His column appears every other Saturday. See More Collapse But Kearney always had an eye for the main chance, and after the riots he suddenly changed his position. He became an outspoken critic of both the Chinese and the thieves, speculators, land grabbers, bloated bondholders and shoddy aristocrats who employed them. His fiery speeches, which always climaxed with his trademark slogan, The Chinese must go, made him the most popular of the sandlot orators. Soon he founded a political party, the Workingmens Party of California. Like Trump, Kearney subscribed to no particular ideology. He blamed the workers plight not on the system but on individual evildoers who broke the rules (shades of Crooked Hillary). Like Trump, he was a master at activating racial and economic grievances. And just as Trump had Fox News, Kearney had a key media supporter: The Chronicle, which had been a mainstream Republican outlet but now went all in on the rabble-rousing demagogue. On Oct. 29, Kearney led his followers to Nob Hill, where the hated Central Pacific Railroad magnates who employed Chinese workers, including Charles Crocker and Leland Stanford, had built their mansions. Kearney raged to the mob, The Central Pacific Railroad men are thieves, and will soon feel the power of the workingmen. When I have thoroughly organized my party, we will march through the city and compel the thieves to give up their plunder. I will lead you to the City Hall, clean out the police force, hang the prosecuting attorney, burn every book that has a particle of law in it, and then enact new laws for the workingmen. More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond. Despite Kearneys threats, he and his mob did not actually invade the mansions, which would have resulted in the full power of the authorities coming down on them. It was safer to beat up Chinese people. Kearneys incendiary words got him repeatedly arrested, but to his followers this only made him a more heroic figure. The Workingmens Party became a major political force in California, and one of its candidates, Isaac Kalloch, was elected mayor of San Francisco in 1879. But in a larger sense, the Workingmens Party and Kearney himself proved to be failures. The party had no real platform and achieved nothing for workingmen. And Kearneys fulminations proved to be all hot air he returned to his business roots in a few years and concluded his career, ironically, as a stock speculator and owner of an employment agency. However, the Workingmens Party and Kearney did achieve one thing. They succeeded in getting anti-Chinese measures written into the California Constitution and mobilized the public against the Chinese. It was this pressure that led the U.S. government to pass the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, which outlawed Chinese workers from immigrating to the U.S. The law wasnt repealed until the mid-20th century. Kearney and his movement may have ended up in the trash can of history, but they left a legacy of divisiveness and hatred. In that regard, too, they bear a striking similarity to Trump and Trumpism. Gary Kamiya is the author of the bestselling book Cool Gray City of Love: 49 Views of San Francisco, awarded the Northern California Book Award in creative nonfiction. His new book, with drawings by Paul Madonna, is Spirits of San Francisco: Voyages Through the Unknown City. All the material in Portals of the Past is original for The San Francisco Chronicle. To read earlier Portals of the Past, go to SFChronicle.com/portals. For more features from 150 years of The Chronicles archives, go to SFChronicle.com/vault. Email: metro@SFChronicle.com ADVERTISEMENT The Federal Government must rise to its constitutional responsibility of guaranteeing the lives, safety and property of law-abiding citizens across the country. We, as citizens, must rise above ambient propaganda to condemn in no uncertain terms, the wanton destruction of lives and property from ALL parts, not just our section of the country. Nigerias core problem is the license to kill at will without accountability, the license to kidnap for ransom, and increasingly the kidnappers are getting paid for their crimes and sometimes still killing their captives before or after collecting the ransom. The tragedy is that we are building up a vast number of killers without activating judicial accountability mechanisms. With the license to kill, ideological terrorists such as the Boko Haram, bandits, armed robbers, professional kidnappers and separatists are expanding their activities. Sadly, the killers include bona fide members of the armed forces (I know what I am talking about as I served on the Presidential Judicial Panel that investigated human rights abuses by the armed forces), and the police. Nigerians of all ethnic, religious, professional and occupational groups are targeted and are victims of mass killings, kidnapping, theft, ransom payments, rape and other forms of sexual assault. On Wednesday, one student of Government College Kagara, was shot dead, 27 of his student colleagues, as well 15 teachers and parents were abducted. It has been happening for long; in Kankara, some weeks ago; in Dapchi; in Chibok; and in many other schools. The premium on children is high, and parents and governments are ready to pay huge amounts as ransom, as such the incidents can only multiply, since it is so lucrative. The presidential response on the Kagara students falls in line with the tradition: the Commander-in-Chief directed the police and armed forces to go and recover the children from the kidnappers, as if they are supposed to do nothing if they are not so directed; or what is their day job? The most likely outcome is that the ransom will be paid, the terrorists will be comforted in their belief that they have finally found a profession that is making them multi-millionaires and will engage in more action. Our collective future is bleak if we remain on this trajectory. Meanwhile, as insecurity spreads, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi tells Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits and kidnappers. I wonder what happened to the contract between citizens and the state. We are not allowed to procure and use arms because we have a contract with the state to use our money to recruit and arm security agents to defend us. If the contract has been cancelled, let us have the clarification, so that we know what to do. Nigerians, however, need to know that the path to salvation cannot be that we civilians procure weapons and kill ourselves on the basis of ethnicity, religion and region. As Nigerians, we must always be ready to resist the profiling of any group as evil or the sole source of any crisis. The on-going profiling of the Fulani and the Hausa as the causal factors of the current challenges facing the country must be condemned by all, not just because other groups had been so profiled previously and it had done harm to the entire country. The recent events in Sasha, Ibadan, reminds me that we should be careful that we do not all become shashasha, the Hausa language for fools. The way that event led to a major threat to the territorial integrity of Nigeria should make us all pause and think. From numerous accounts, what happened in that market was that two men had a misunderstanding last week one a cart pusher, said to be Hausa, and the other a cobbler, said to be Yoruba. The core problem was that tomatoes were spilled, there was a demand for a cleaning up of the mess, and this degenerated into a fight and one person was killed a silly and tragic outcome. The response was mob attacks to kill other members of the community from which the killer emerged. Some reports even allege that the man who spilled the tomatoes was not even from Nigeria but he speaks the Hausa language, which made the speakers of the language responsible. Within hours, the conflict had spread beyond the market, as the Hausa and Yoruba communities in Akinyele Local Government Area, where the market is located, went after each other. As PREMIUM TIMES reported, roads were blocked and Hausa people were dragged out of vehicles and killed. The tragedy of the situation was that people had been primed to act against the Fulani, who the governor of Ondo State had given directives should be marched out of the State for allegedly being killers. As there had indeed been killings all over the country and many of the actors had been identified as Fulani, the Hausa have been associated with the Fulani in popular imagination, so if the Fulani are not found, kill the Hausa who can be found, whether or not they are guilty of the crime. Some of us issued a statement yesterday expressing our concerns on the current happenings across the country, especially as it relates to the deliberately engineered ethnic disharmony currently exploding on the basis of negative ethnic profiling. As Nigerians, we must always be ready to resist the profiling of any group as evil or the sole source of any crisis. The on-going profiling of the Fulani and the Hausa as the causal factors of the current challenges facing the country must be condemned by all, not just because other groups had been so profiled previously and it had done harm to the entire country. The words and action of certain individuals and a section of the media that has been reducing criminality to a particular ethnic group is a serious threat to national cohesion. In spite of the current propaganda, emerging evidence is clearly showing that kidnapping and banditry is neither restricted to one particular ethnic group or one region in Nigeria. Ritual killings, armed robbery and kidnappings for ransom have become an equal opportunity activity for all sections of the country and as they are being arrested and prosecuted around the country, the profiling of groups is yet limited to Northerners. We, Nigerians, are suffering insecurity collectively and fighting ourselves, rather than the killers and criminals, is simply doing more harm to ourselves. History has clearly shown that ethnic and religious profiling have grave consequences for the stability of a nation. They breed intolerance and fanatical hatred, as typified in the break-up of India, where millions of lives were lost as it disintegrated, and in Rwanda of recent, where one million people, mainly Tutsi, were murdered There have been commendable attempts by some national leaders to douse rising tensions, but the silence of the Federal Government, whose constitutional role it is to protect lives and property, is extremely worrisome. We find ourselves in a situation in which the criminalisation and negative profiling of an ethnic group as bandits and kidnappers by both the conventional and social media has now taken a dangerous dimension. Incendiary speeches criminalising the Fulani by some political and religious leaders, and inciting articles by a section of the Nigerian press, has assumed dangerous dimensions. They have radicalised and transformed youths not only into eviction mobs but also killing machines. Quit notices and violent attacks by irate youths, upon the expiry of eviction dates, have become common. History has clearly shown that ethnic and religious profiling have grave consequences for the stability of a nation. They breed intolerance and fanatical hatred, as typified in the break-up of India, where millions of lives were lost as it disintegrated, and in Rwanda of recent, where one million people, mainly Tutsi, were murdered in cold blood due to the bigotry of some power-hungry politicians, who are oblivious of global trends. We shudder at the thought that the killings of Northerners in the South are calculated to incite retaliation in the North, thereby plunging the country into a needless bloody conflagration. The Federal Government must rise to its constitutional responsibility of guaranteeing the lives, safety and property of law-abiding citizens across the country. We, as citizens, must rise above ambient propaganda to condemn in no uncertain terms, the wanton destruction of lives and property from ALL parts, not just our section of the country. It is unacceptable that any Nigerian should receive an ultimatum to relocate. Those engaged in criminal activity should be arrested and prosecuted according to our laws. A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. In this Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, file photo, medical workers move a covid-19 patient into an ambulance at a hospital overrun by the covid pandemic in Cheb, Czech Republic. The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Union's nations. At the same time, the worsening situation has forced the Cabinet to abandon for now its plans to reopen all stores as soon as next week. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek/File) The Czech government moved Friday to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Union's nations. The worsening situation has forced the Cabinet to abandon its plans to reopen all stores as early as next week, while there are wider signs from central Europe of a new infection surge. "I can't image we would change our view," Health Minister Jan Blatny said. Blatny said residents will now also have to wear better masks in places where large numbers of people gather, including stores, hospitals and on public transportation. He said that cloth masks used so far by many will no longer be good enough and that medical grade masks, safety respirators or two surgical masks will instead be required. "We've agreed that it's necessary to do all we can to prevent the infection from spreading," Blatny said. Meanwhile, in Poland, the Health Ministry spokesman, Wojciech Andrusiewicz, said said the country was seeing "the beginning of the third wave" as hospitalizations are on the rise. A discussion was also underway there about whether to change mask requirements. The Czech Republic has been facing a surge of a fast-spreading coronavirus variant first found in Britain that scientists now say is more deadly than the original virus. The Czech Republic's three hardest-hit counties, on the border with Germany and Poland, are under a complete lockdown. The number of new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in last the seven days there is around 1,000. In this Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, file photo, Policemen stop a car to check documents of a driver near the city of Sokolov, Czech Republic. The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Union's nations. At the same time, the worsening situation has forced the Cabinet to abandon for now its plans to reopen all stores as soon as next week. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek/File) Further measures, including a complete lockdown of more hard-hit counties, will be discussed by the health authorities over the weekend. The government is also planning to make coronavirus tests mandatory for all employees not working from their homes. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the Czech rate of 968 new confirmed cases per 100,000 people in the past two weeks is the worst in the 27-member EU. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases has risen over the past two weeks from 64.95 new cases per 100,000 people on Feb. 4 to 77.77 new cases per 100,000 people on Thursday, the worst in the world, Johns Hopkins University figures showed. The government wants to go ahead with a plan to partially reopen schools, with the students of the final grade at high schools coming back on March 1 as the first group. All students will have to get tested regularly at schools, with the government providing supplies of all the necessary tests, while teachers will be preferentially vaccinated. In this Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, file photo, medical workers move a covid-19 patient into an ambulance at a hospital overrun by the covid pandemic in Cheb, Czech Republic. The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Union's nations. At the same time, the worsening situation has forced the Cabinet to abandon for now its plans to reopen all stores as soon as next week. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek/File) The day-to-day increase of new confirmed cases in the nation of 10.7 million hit 11,553 Thursday. It was the third straight day over 10,000 new daily cases, and 2,500 more than a week ago. Some hospitals have been in a critical situation and have to transport COVID-19 patients to other clinics across the country. The number of patients needing intensive care was at a record high of over 1,200 this week. Only 14% of all ICU beds remain still available. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Denver, CO, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arrupe Jesuit High School and YES Communities, a Denver based operator of manufactured housing, have joined together to make education a priority. Over the last eleven years, Arrupe and YES have partnered on the CorporateWork Study Program which develops students with on the job technical skills that they can use in their future career path, while earning funds towards the cost of their education. Jean Gonzales, Vice President of Human Resources at YES Communities stated, The Arrupe partnership is one that we cherish and the talent and dedication of these students is inspiring. We currently have two Arrupe graduates on staff at YES Communities working on our Accounting and Tax team, and this year we are excited to invite four new students into our work study program. The students of Arrupe Jesuit High School have responded to the current pandemic with the fierce determination and unyielding grace that defines their approach to life. The resilience they've demonstrated over the past year is yet another example of their commitment to building a successful future. The partnership between extraordinary families, the school, and CWSP partners is brought to life by offering every student the opportunity to pursue a rigorous college preparatory curriculum complemented by our Work Study model. This combination of academic and career readiness positions our students to serve as the next generation of Denver's leaders, said Arrupes President, Michael J. OHagan. Jesse Estrada-Segura is a graduate of Arrupe and has been working at YES Communities in the Accounting division for the last six years. Jesse came through the program working in various departments and was an intern at YES Communities before he was hired on full time. The relationship between Arrupe and YES is one I am most grateful for. They have both guided me in the right direction in life and are essential to who I am today. I am able to keep in contact with Arrupe because of where I work and couldnt see myself anywhere else. I am thankful for the years I have been able to be at YES as an intern and full-time employee. In addition to our two alumni now on staff, former student interns at YES are pursuing college degrees at institutions near and far, from Metro State to Colorado School of Mines to Loyola University Chicago, and are studying everything from IT to Communications to Construction Management to Nursing. Arrupe will be hosting their annual gala, Magis Night 2021: Back to School on February 27, 2021, with both virtual and in-person programming. For more details, visit http://www.magisnight.com About Arrupe Jesuit Arrupe Jesuit High School is a Jesuit Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory school that exclusively serves economically disadvantaged students. To prepare students for success in college and beyond, Arrupe Jesuit maintains rigorous academic coursework, implements a unique Corporate Work Study Program, delivers a faith formation program, and centers on individual formation of the whole person. To learn more, visit www.arrupejesuit.com About YES Communities YES Communities is an operator of manufactured housing communities and based in Denver, Colorado. YES has been recognized as the Manufactured Housing Institute's "Community Operator of the Year" from 2009 to 2019. For more information, please visit www.yescommunities.com Chinese sailors are manning the rails on board the guided-missile destroyer Guiyang (Hull 119) at the fleet review of the multinational naval exercise "Peace-21" in the waters off Karachi, Pakistan, on February 16, local time. KARACHI, Pakistan, Feb. 18 -- A fleet of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy composed of the guided-missile destroyer Guiyang (Hull 119), the missile frigate Zaozhuang (Hull 542) and the comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu (Hull 960) , completed the maritime drill of the multinational naval exercise Peace-21, in the waters off Karachi, Pakistan, running from February 15 to 16 local time. The multinational naval exercise Peace-21 kicked off on February 11, local time. From February 15 to 16, the PLA Navy fleet, together with participating vessels and aircraft from other countries, has carried out drills on training tasks including formation maneuver, maritime search and rescue, helicopter formation flying, and live-firing at sea, and also participated in the fleet review at sea. At 10 am on February 15, the PLA Navy fleet rendezvoused with other counterparts in the designated waters, and conducted underway replenishment drill and anti-piracy drill afterward. From the afternoon of February 15 to early February16, the PLA Navy fleet carried out drills on tasks such as formation maneuver and maritime search and rescue with vessels from Pakistan, Russia, the US, the UK, and other countries. In the subsequent naval fleet review, the participating vessels marched in a single file, among which, the warship involved from the PLA Navy was inspected with sailors manning the rails on deck. The fleet review marked the ending of this joint naval exercise. Wan Jun, commander of the PLA Navy fleet, said that the exercise served to strengthen the PLANs professional exchanges and friendly interactions with navies of other countries, and improve their capability to respond to multiple security threats and safeguard maritime peace of the region. An artist's impression of the Cygnus X-1 system. A stellar-mass black hole orbits with a companion star located 7,200 light years from Earth. Credit: International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research. New observations of the first black hole ever detected have led astronomers to question what they know about the Universe's most mysterious objects. Published today in the journal Science, the research shows the system known as Cygnus X-1 contains the most massive stellar-mass black hole ever detected without the use of gravitational waves. Cygnus X-1 is one of the closest black holes to Earth. It was discovered in 1964 when a pair of Geiger counters were carried on board a sub-orbital rocket launched from New Mexico. The object was the focus of a famous scientific wager between physicists Stephen Hawking and Kip Thorne, with Hawking betting in 1974 that it was not a black hole. Hawking conceded the bet in 1990. In this latest work, an international team of astronomers used the Very Long Baseline Array--a continent-sized radio telescope made up of 10 dishes spread across the United States--together with a clever technique to measure distances in space. "If we can view the same object from different locations, we can calculate its distance away from us by measuring how far the object appears to move relative to the background," said lead researcher, Professor James Miller-Jones from Curtin University and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). "If you hold your finger out in front of your eyes and view it with one eye at a time, you'll notice your finger appears to jump from one spot to another. It's exactly the same principle." "Over six days we observed a full orbit of the black hole and used observations taken of the same system with the same telescope array in 2011," Professor Miller-Jones said. "This method and our new measurements show the system is further away than previously thought, with a black hole that's significantly more massive." Co-author Professor Ilya Mandel from Monash University and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) said the black hole is so massive it's actually challenging how astronomers thought they formed. "Stars lose mass to their surrounding environment through stellar winds that blow away from their surface. But to make a black hole this heavy, we need to dial down the amount of mass that bright stars lose during their lifetimes" he said. "The black hole in the Cygnus X-1 system began life as a star approximately 60 times the mass of the Sun and collapsed tens of thousands of years ago," he said. "Incredibly, it's orbiting its companion star--a supergiant--every five and a half days at just one-fifth of the distance between the Earth and the Sun. "These new observations tell us the black hole is more than 20 times the mass of our Sun--a 50 per cent increase on previous estimates." Xueshan Zhao is a co-author on the paper and a PhD candidate studying at the National Astronomical Observatories--part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) in Beijing. "Using the updated measurements for the black hole's mass and its distance away from Earth, I was able to confirm that Cygnus X-1 is spinning incredibly quickly--very close to the speed of light and faster than any other black hole found to date," she said. "I'm at the beginning of my research career, so being a part of an international team and helping to refine the properties of the first black hole ever discovered has been a great opportunity." Next year, the world's biggest radio telescope--the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)--will begin construction in Australia and South Africa. "Studying black holes is like shining a light on the Universe's best kept secret--it's a challenging but exciting area of research," Professor Miller-Jones said. "As the next generation of telescopes comes online, their improved sensitivity reveals the Universe in increasingly more detail, leveraging decades of effort invested by scientists and research teams around the world to better understand the cosmos and the exotic and extreme objects that exist. "It's a great time to be an astronomer." ### Accompanying the publication in Science, two further papers focusing on different aspects of this work have also been published today in The Astrophysical Journal. Original Publication: 'Cygnus X-1 contains a 21-solar mass black hole - implications for massive star winds', published in Science on February 18th, 2021. Companion Papers: 'Reestimating the Spin Parameter of the Black Hole in Cygnus X-1', published in The Astrophysical Journal on February 18th, 2021. 'Wind mass-loss rates of stripped stars inferred from Cygnus X-1', published in The Astrophysical Journal on February 18th, 2021. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO) ("MINISO" or the "Company"), a fast-growing global value retailer offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products, today announced that it plans to release its December quarter 2020 financial results before the U.S. market opens on Thursday, February 25, 2021. The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 25, 2021 (8:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers: International: 1-412-317-6061 United States Toll Free: 1-888-317-6003 Mainland China Toll Free: 4001-206-115 Hong Kong, China Toll Free: 800-963-976 Access Code: 5981498 The replay will be accessible through March 4, 2021 by dialing the following numbers: International: 1-412-317-0088 United States Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529 Replay Access Code: 10152644 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.miniso.com/. About MINISO Group Holding Limited MINISO is a fast-growing global value retailer offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit http://ir.miniso.com/. Investor Relations Contact MINISO Group Holding Limited Email: [email protected] Jack Wang ICR, Inc. Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (212) 537-4056 SOURCE MINISO Group Holding Limited Related Links http://ir.miniso.com/ WASHINGTON - Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., attended a virtual House committee hearing Thursday with at least three large firearms prominently displayed behind her as she and her colleagues debated whether to ban lawmakers from bringing guns to committee meetings. The freshman lawmaker and gun-rights advocate, who owns a gun-themed restaurant in Rifle, Colo., had two assault-style rifles arranged like an X on a shelf behind her head and another rifle lying across books on the shelf below. There was also a handgun. The House Natural Resources Committee was holding its first organizational meeting, which included passage of the panel's rules. Republicans offered an amendment to remove a provision prohibiting lawmakers from bringing firearms to meetings. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., who has been on a one-man crusade for several years to tighten gun regulations on Capitol Hill, derided Boebert during the hearing. "If somebody wants to have a shrine to their gun fetish as a Zoom backdrop in their private life, they can do that," Huffman said. "But this is our hearing room, and at some point we will get past the covid epidemic and we'll all start showing up in person. "It's necessary that we lay down these ground rules that whatever your fetishes or feelings are about guns, you're not going to bring them into our committee room," he added. Boebert responded that the Democrats were infringing on her constitutional rights. "It doesn't matter how you feel, how you classify it. This is an enumerated right . . . to bear arms," she said. A 1967 law banned firearms anywhere in the Capitol building and grounds but gave U.S. Capitol Police the power to make exceptions. Later that year, Capitol Police decided that lawmakers could keep them in their personal offices and transport unloaded firearms "within the Capitol Grounds." There has been debate over whether that means they can bring guns into committee rooms. To clear up the ambiguity, Democrats on the Natural Resources Committee added an explicit rule forbidding it in at least that committee. Republicans argued that no other committee has done this and accused Democrats of using the panel politically. "This rule is deeper than just this committee, and the Democratic majority seeks to restrict our Second Amendment rights on public lands across this nation and erode those rights," said Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, the ranking Republican on the committee. After the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol, Capitol Police put up metal detectors outside the House and Senate chambers. Boebert led a revolt against them after setting off the detector and refusing to allow police to check her bag. Huffman believes that the way the law is written, a lawmaker could openly carry an AK-47 around the Capitol complex and it would be allowed. He said he was shocked to see Boebert prominently displaying her guns at the committee hearing. "It was jaw-dropping for all of us, and I'm sure that was the point," Huffman said in an interview. "I think what she doesn't seem to understand is that all of this strident waving around of guns doesn't make the people around you feel safe about the idea of you being heavily armed in their presence." On Twitter, Boebert faced criticism for unsafely storing her guns. "Who says this is storage?" she responded. "These are ready for use." Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine will give states more confidence to keep their borders open when there are future outbreaks. His comments came after Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said health authorities were working through what percentage of the population would need to be vaccinated before hotspots could be abolished. Prime Minister Scott Morrison with the AstraZeneca vaccine at CSL laboratories. Credit:Getty Images The people most at risk of spreading the virus - health workers and quarantine employees- will start receiving the vaccination from Monday, as well as aged-care staff and residents. About 678,000 people will be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine in the first few weeks as part of the first phase of the rollout in Australia. Insurance companies have been inundated with claims from Texas homeowners whose homes sustained burst pipes and related water damage. We have had as many, if not more, frozen pipe claims being reported in Texas right now than we had reported across the entire country all of last year, State Farm spokesman Chris Pilcic said in an email Thursday. State Farm handled more than 3,800 such claims nationwide last year, with the average claim around $15,500. The average Texas claim was $10,300. The winter storm that belted Texas likely will produce the largest number of insurance claims in the states history, according to Camille Garcia, spokeswoman for the Insurance Council of Texas. Hundreds of thousands of insurance claims are expected to be made by homeowners, renters, drivers and businesses. Insured losses from the storm for U.S. property and casualty insurers are expected to total in the billions of dollars, Moodys Investors Service said in a report Wednesday. Insurance companies have deployed adjusters from around the country to Texas to assist in claims handling. Claims already coming in range from smaller fender-benders to significant home and business damages due to burst pipes and everything in between, Garcia said. While homeowners and commercial property insurance policies generally do not cover losses from natural floods, they do cover water damage from broken pipes inside insured buildings, Moodys said. Homeowners may be surprised to learn their insurance policies just might cover the cost to replace perishable food items that were spoiled because of lengthy power outages. And they may not even have to pay a deductible. It varies by policy, but San Antonio-based insurer USAAs typical coverage for food spoilage is as much as $500, said Elizabeth Gulick, vice president of claims operations. A renter who lost insulin medication due to the power outage learned thats treated as food spoilage, which is generally part of most personal property coverage for a rental policy, Garcia said. USAA had received more than 20,000 insurance claims from the storm as of Thursday morning, with most of those coming from Texas. Homeowners insurance will cover any ensuing damage caused by a pipe leak, including soaked floors and drywall, Gulick said. If ice buildup causes a tree limb to fall and pierce a homes roof, that would be covered by a typical homeowners policy. If that damage is severe enough to make the home unlivable, then insurance would normally cover additional living expenses, such as temporary housing, while the home is being repaired, Garcia said. The coverage, however, often is for a specific dollar amount or time limit. Keep receipts, the Texas Department of Insurances website recommends. Homeowners or renters who escaped to a hotel because their residence lost electricity or heat are likely out of luck. Homeowners insurance does not generally cover the expenses of staying in a hotel because of loss of power/heat when its a widespread event like we experienced these last few days, Garcia said. Garcia recounted how a restaurant sustained damage due to pipe breakage, forcing it to close for repairs. Business insurance likely will cover their loss of income during the repair, she said. Garcia and insurers urged people to contact their agent or insurance company to discuss their policy. Even if you and your neighbor have the same insurance policy, you may have purchased an endorsement or optional coverage that makes your policy different, she said. With weather forecasts indicating a warm-up on the way, USAAs Gulick said that means pipes will begin to thaw. She urged USAA customers to locate their main water valve cutoff so they can shut off the water in the event of a cracked or burst pipe. Gulick also advised people to walk around their homes to look and listen for leaks around sinks, tubs and toilets. Garcia recommended documenting any damage with photos and video and to make a list of damage. All conversations with adjusters and contractors should be documented. Fraud is prevalent after severe weather events here in Texas, she warned. The Texas Department of Insurance advises getting multiple bids from contractors and to compare them with the adjusters report before settling a claim. Choose a contractor through references and dont hand over the insurance check to the contractor, Garcia added. Pay the contractor in increments as the work is satisfactorily completed. pdanner@express-news.net Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. There has been an outpouring of tributes from the Jamaican music fraternity on social media, following the passing of U-Roy, the man responsible for birthing the Dancehall genre. The Dancehall pioneer, born Ewart Beckford in Kingston, and popularly known as Daddy U Roy died Wednesday night in Kingston at age 78, after ailing for some time. U-Roy who is an awardee of the Jamaican Order of Distinction for his pioneering musical exploits, is renowned for coining the iconic phrase Wake The Town and tell The People. Shaggy and Sean Paul were among the first Dancehall artists to pay tribute on their Instagram pages, following the announcement of U-Roys passing. Today we lost one of our heroes! A true legend in this game of dance hall/ Reggae if your a fan of sound system, then your a fan of Stur Gav sound. With such greats as Colonel Josey Whales and Charlie Chaplin, pioneers in this game with a catalog of amazing recordings U Roy was a master at his craft. Rest Well daddy Roy!! R.I.P. walk good, Shaggy wrote. Sean Paul expressed his salutations in capital letters, noting that U-Roy had paved the way for artists like himself. R.I.P great one. Because u did what u have done people like myself can do what we do. I salute u 2 di full!!! Condolences 2 ur fam an friends an fanz!!! We will continue 2 wake the town an tell the people in ur honor, he noted. Beenie Man and Yellowman, who have had a longstanding battle over which of them is King of Dancehall, also paid tributes. Beenie made two posts, one of an older U-Roy which he captioned: RIP The GREATEST KING and the other with two younger pics of the late deejay for which he noted: YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED LEGEND. Yellowman, on the other hand wrote: Legendary. The world lost another king. Godfather @uroyofficial Mr. Vegas also posted a photo tribute noting: Walk in peace great one! Was a joy working with you!!!! Greatest! #DaddyURoy. U-Roys Rastafarian compatriots Sizzla, Anthony B, Buju Banton and Tony Rebel also paid homage to the artist known for hits such as Chalice In The Palace, Creation Rebel and Dread Inna Babylon. The father himself. OUR FOUNDATION. We bless your soul mi daddy. DADDY RASTA U ROY. HAILE KING SELASSIE I JAH RASTAFAR I. JAH LIVE ALWAYS, Ssizzla, a native of August Town wrote, while Anthony B noted: S.I.P To The Real DJ Teacher. (Daddy U Roy)****** . Wake the town an tell the ppl the musical hits is coming your way!!! he wrote amidst a slew of sad emoticons. The man, the legend. Rest well Daddy U-Roy, wrote Buju Banton wrote, while his former Penthouse stablemate Tony Rebel noted: Rest in power great teacher in our music & culture. We give thanks for your life. (Welcome King) Other IG photo tributes came from Popcaan who said, Rest good daddy U. legendary from the foundation and Mavado who wrote: God father U Roy RIP. Mr. Lexx added: Sleep well King, while Charly Black stated: RIP DADY U ROY- rest in power. Chino McGregor described the veteran as inspirational. Sleep well Godfather. Give thanks for your contribution and inspiration to myself and countless others #uroy #daddyuroy #thegodfatherofdancehall, Chino noted. Jamaicas top music selectors also hailed the King of Dancehall, among them the Man from Mars, Tony Matterhorn, who posted a video of the 2019 crowning of U-Roy, by Shabba Ranks. The greatest Jamaican DJ who started it all. R.I.P DADDY UROY, Matterhorn wrote, while his compatriot Ricky Trooper noted: S.I.P. DADDY U ROY KING DJ OF THE WORLD. Condolences to the family. Dancehall diva Spice was among the female artistes who expressed sorrow at U-Roys passing, paying her respects with a photo of herself and the legend taken some time ago. We just lost a true legend in dancehall One that I was fortunate enough to meet. Daddy U-Roy Wake the town and tell the people. #theoriginator. My condolences #RIP Sleep well King Spice wrote. Also expressing regret was Dancehall Bad Gyal Cecile who noted: So sorry to hear of the passing of Daddy Uroy. The original toaster. The Godfather. This man paved the way for what we call Djaying pon di Mic. (MC) His influence lives on. NOT JUST DANCEHALL BUT ALSO HIP HOP RIP general Ewart Beckford OD. #uroy Condolences to all his family, friends n fans worldwide, she said, while Macka Diamond noted: Sip #daddyuroy #legend. Internationally there were tributes from reggae lovers and media in countries in parts of Africa, North and South America and Europe. Of note was a photo tribute from BET which was captioned: Sending condolences and love out to the family of the late, great, legendary Reggae artist and Toaster #URoy. VP Records also posted a tribute noting Rest in eternal power, reggae icon, Ewart Beckford OD, known as Daddy U-Roy. Fortunately, U-Roy had his roses scattered by members of the Dancehall fraternity whilst he was still alive. In December 2019, he was officially crowned the true, undisputed King of the Dancehall and King of all deejays in Queens, New York, by Grammy kid Shabba Ranks during a surprise coronation staged by Irish and Chin in a bid to settle all arguments that have raged within the Dancehall space for decades. At the time, Garfield Chin Bourne, CEO of Irish and Chin, had said pioneers such as U-Roy ought to be honored whilst they are still alive. He also described U Roys crowning moment as one of the most meaningful moments in his professional career. RIP U Roy We have lost a pioneering icon of Jamaican music culture, Ewart Beckford known as Daddy U Roy, the God Father of Dancehall. His legendary toasting on sound systems is the precursor to todays Deejays & Rappers. Thankful @IrishandChin honoured him in 2019 pic.twitter.com/dJUNd95O3K Sound Chat Radio (@IrishandChin) February 18, 2021 The coronation took place during the 10th anniversary of Reeewind, a premier vintage Reggae/Dancehall stage show in New York, and came 58 years after U Roy started his journey in music at age 20. The unsuspecting U Roy had wept as Shabba Ranks, who had performed on Stur Gav early in his career, placed a crown on his head and a velvet cape around his shoulders to mark him Dancehall royalty. To di godfather of di music, di father who set it! Di greatest deejay of all times! God greatest creation toward our music. We will never, ever, ever, ever si or have another man fi represent di music like Daddy Roy. Daddy Roy is di Picasso of our music, Shabba had declared. The function had in attendance artistes such as Bushman and Professor Nuts, as well as British disc jockey David Rodigan, and selectors Rory of Stone Love and Johnny of the Body Guard sound system. At the time fellow artists Chronixx, Spragga Benz, Jesse Royal, and Beenie Man also scattered roses for the veteran whilst he was still alive when the video of the coronation was made public back then. The self-titled Dancehall Principal, Chronixx, had heaped praises on U-Roy who is credited as using his legendary King Stur Gav sound system, to propel deejays such as Super Cat, Josey Wales, and Charlie Chaplin, Frankie Paul, Tenor Saw and Early B to stardom. National and Cultural Hero. From the records to the sound system. The Originator. The Genius of Daddy U Roy. Love you mi elder!!! Perfect love! Big respect to the great legend Rastaman is the first Dj the first to Toastfirst to Rap! Without Daddy U Roy all your another favorite Djs wouldnt exist. Wake the town and tell the people!!!!!! Chronixx had posted on his Instagram page. The Place Pickney Jesse Royal had lauded U Roy as the Real Teacher, while Beenie Man crowned him The Greatest King. Spragga Benz had also heaped praises on the Dancehall icon, whom he said was one of the elders and foundations of the Reggae Dancehall Culture. Many Kings in Dancehall. This one though is the GREATEST of us all DADDY U-ROY BLESSINGS AND HONOR GODFATHER, Spragga had said. A New Jersey corrections officer has been charged for the murder of his girlfriend and her best friend in two separate shootings. John Menedez, 23, was charged in connection to the killing of Anna Shpilberg and her friend Luiza Shinkarevskaya, both 40. Menedez, a correction officer for Hudson County, is accused of killing the women who were found fatally shot just a mile apart in Newark on Tuesday night, NJ.com reports. A possible motive has not been released by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office but they did release the nature of the relationship between Menedez and Shpilberg. The man has been charged with two counts of murder and weapon offenses. John Menedez, 23, was charged in connection to the killing of Anna Shpilberg (right) and her friend Luiza Shinkarevskaya (left), both 40. Menedez, a correction officer for Hudson County, is accused of killing the women who were found fatally shot just a mile apart in Newark on Tuesday night Shinkarevskaya - a Riverdale resident - was found in the passenger seat of her vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound on the 100 block of haynes Avenue close to the Newark Liberty International Airport at around 9.53pm, according to prosecutors. Shpilberg was found roughly 20 minutes later at 9.55pm. The Randolph woman was found in the passenger seat of her vehicle near Edison Place and Bruen Street close to Newark Penn Station. The two friends had previously lived in Brooklyn, New York. They had both immigrated from the Ukraine as children, friends shared. Fabian Goni, Shpilberg's ex-fiance, said that he and his former love had been reestablishing communications in recent months after splitting 14 months ago. Fabian Goni, Shpilberg's ex-fiance, said that he and his former love had been reestablishing communications in recent months after splitting 14 months ago He described Menedez as 'controlling,' constantly demanding that Shpilberg 'report to him' about where she was. 'He wanted texts and videos as proof of where she was,' Goni added. Claudia Mercela Goni, the woman's friend and almost sister-in-law, said that Shpilberg would routinely send texts and videos to Menedez during her visits. Just before her death, Claudia shared that Shpilberg showed her a picture of Menedez. 'I thought he was too young for her,' she said. 'But it wasn't my business. We didn't talk about him after that.' He described Menedez as 'controlling,' constantly demanding that Shpilberg 'report to him' about where she was Claudia said that she texted a photo of her baby to the mother on Valentine's Day but didn't get a response. She added that Shpilberg read the text on Tuesday night at around 7pm, two days later. She was found dead just two hours later. 'It's so heart-breaking,' Claudia said. 'We connected and I really wanted her to be back in my life, in my house and around my family.' Juan Hernandez, a worker at the 56th Street Deli that was across the street from Menedez's apartment in West New York, said that the corrections officer was a easy-going regular. 'I'm from Guatemala, so he would always say, "Hey Guatemala" when he came in. Always a nice guy, no problems with him at all,' Hernandez said. 'I can't believe this happened and that he was arrested for it.' Menedez is currently being held in the Essex County Jail, according to jail records. A court date has not been set. Texas was 'seconds and minutes' away from 'monthslong' power outages the embattled CEO of ERCOT said Thursday as he defended the grid's rolling blackouts. A week of below-freezing temperatures knocked about a third of the state's generating capacity offline, resulting in the greatest forced blackout in U.S. history and exposing weaknesses of Texas' unique approach to power grid management. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, operates the power grid that covers most of the state and was behind the decision to have rolling blackouts which left up to 4 million people enduring outages in subfreezing temperatures. Its CEO Bill Magness told The Texas Tribune Thursday that if operators had not acted 'immediately' in implementing them Monday morning the state would have faced an 'indeterminately long' electricity crisis. He said: 'It was seconds and minutes [from possible failure] given the amount of generation that was coming off the system.' Texas was 'seconds and minutes' away from 'monthslong' power outages Bill Magness, pictured, the CEO of ERCOT said Thursday as he defended the grid's rolling blackouts Slide me A week of below-freezing temperatures knocked about a third of the state's generating capacity offline, resulting in the greatest forced blackout in U.S. history and exposing weaknesses of Texas' unique approach to power grid management. Cities in Texas are pictured on January 31 with power and then on February 16 without Energy officials had seen huge amounts of supply dropping off the grid as temperatures cropped cold enough to freeze natural gas supply lines and to stop wind turbines from spinning. Plunging temperatures also caused Texans to turn up their heaters, including many inefficient electric ones. Demand spiked to levels normally seen only on the hottest summer days, when millions of air conditioners run at full tilt. Magness added: 'What happens in that next minute might be that three more [power generation] units come offline, and then you're sunk.' Houston, Texas: Donated water is distributed to residents, Thursday. A water crisis was also unfolding after Texas officials ordered 7 million people to boil tap water before drinking it Houston, Texas: : A person carries empty propane tanks Thursday, bringing them to refill at a propane gas station after winter weather caused electricity blackouts Texans were on Thursday beginning to see power restored. But the storm has left at least 15 people dead across the state; In the Houston area, one family died from carbon monoxide as their car idled in their garage. A 75-year-old woman and her three grandchildren were killed in a fire that authorities said might have been caused by a fireplace they were using. And Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has accused ERCOT of misleading the public with messages that the grid was ready for the storm. Furious Texans are also demanding answers after it emerged energy producers were warned their equipment would not withstand such a cold snap. After the state's last major freeze, during the 2011 Super Bowl held in Arlington, Texas, a federal analysis found that energy producers' procedures for winterizing their equipment 'were either inadequate or were not adequately followed' in many cases. Wylie, Texas: Residents displaced by this week's severe winter weather take shelter in a school Austin, Texas: shopper walks past a bare shelf as people stock up on necessities at the H-E-B grocery store Thursday. Winter storm Uri has brought historic cold weather and power outages to Texas as storms have swept across 26 states Killeen, Texas: Vehicles at a standstill southbound on Interstate Highway 35 on Thursday Defending the grid, Bernadette Johnson, senior vice president of power and renewables at Enverus, told The Tribune: 'As chaotic as it was, the whole grid could've been in blackout. ERCOT is getting a lot of heat, but the fact that it wasn't worse is because of those grid operators. 'The operators who took those actions to prevent a catastrophic blackout and much worse damage to our system, that was, I would say, the most difficult decision that had to be made throughout this whole event.' But Ed Hirs, an energy fellow at the University of Houston, rejected ERCOT's claim that this week's freeze was unforeseeable. 'That's nonsense,' he said. 'Every eight to 10 years we have really bad winters. This is not a surprise.' Texas has a grid largely disconnected from others to avoid federal regulation. That means it is not linked to other states and so cannot borrow power from them, a system the state implemented in order to avoid federal regulation. The unique system, which avoids regulation in favor of market incentives, is now facing backlash for allowing power generators to shirk preparations for a once-in-a-decade winter storm. Rolling blackouts are usually triggered when reserves fall below a certain level. Grid operators say rolling blackouts are a last resort when power demand overwhelms supply and threatens to create a wider collapse of the whole power system. Slide me ERCOT operates the power grid that covers most of the state and was behind the decision to have rolling blackouts which left up to 4 million people enduring outages in subfreezing temperatures. Houston is pictured from space during the blackouts Usually, utilities black out certain blocks or zones before cutting off power to another area, then another. Often areas with hospitals, fire stations, water-treatment plants and other key facilities are spared. By rolling the blackouts, no neighborhoods are supposed to go an unfairly long period of time without power, but that was not always the case this week in Texas. Some areas never lost power, while others were blacked out for 12 hours or longer as temperatures dipped into the single digits. Hundreds of thousands of people in Texas woke up Thursday to a fourth day without power. A water crisis was also unfolding after Texas officials ordered 7 million people to boil tap water before drinking it. The latest breakdown sparked growing outrage and demands for answers over how Texas - whose Republican leaders as recently as last year taunted California over the Democratic-led state's rolling blackouts - failed such a massive test of a major point of state pride: energy independence. Chey stresses importance of academic and industrial cooperation in the battery technology sector By Kim Hyun-bin SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won is drawing attention for signing up recently for the invitation-only social network app, Clubhouse, to enhance communication with other industry leaders through the platform. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won The Indonesian Anti-dumping Committee has concluded that Vietnam is dumping cold steel sheets following a 16-month-long investigation. Indonesia will apply anti-dumping duties of 3.01-49.2 percent on imports from Vietnam. But some major exporters are set to get away with low duties, according to the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam. Hoa Sen Group will pay 5.34 percent and Ton Dong A Corporation will pay 3.01 percent. The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam said it has been informed by the committee that Vietnamese and Chinese cold steel sheets are being imported into Indonesia at a price lower than in those countries, hurting domestic companies. In August 2019, the Indonesian committee announced it was opening the anti-dumping investigation. In July last year, it made a preliminary conclusion that the item under investigation was indeed being dumped. Immediately TRAV sent a letter objecting to some unreasonable aspects of the preliminary conclusion. KADI decided to extend the investigation for six months. Its final conclusion was announced on February 17. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Three people were found shot to death on Wednesday in Arizona in an apparent double-murder suicide. This includes a 5-month-old infant in the case. Sierra Vista police identified the adult victims as Gerardo De La Torre, 47, and Raquel De La Torre, 30, and said all three had single gunshot wound, according to a Crime Online report. The bodies were found shortly before noon on Wednesday before a family before and alerted the police. Sierra Vista Police spokesman Corporal Scott Borgstadt said that investigators learned that Gerardo had cancer. Doctors then told him there was nothing more to be done. A suicide note was found and said that the adults had agreed to a suicide pact and that they were taking the baby with them, according to Borgstadt. The police spokesman added that the two adults had a single gunshot to the head, while the baby was shot in the chest. Borgstadt then said no further information would be released until autopsies are completed. Related story: Father Stabs 9-Year-Old Daughter To Death Before Killing Self in Murder-Suicide in Illinois Murder-Suicide Rates Studies show that death by murder-suicide is so rare as there is no official nationwide database to monitor how often it happens, according to a Tennessean report. "Like any health and safety issue, to get a good start on prevention, you need good data," Kristen Rand, legislative director for the Violence Policy Center, was quoted on a report. She added that the more data that they have across a broader set of murder-suicides, the more successful they will be at trying to prevent them. Murder-suicides are defined as cases where one person, usually an intimate partner kills a family member them kills themselves within a short period of time, according to the National Institute of Justice definition. Meanwhile, if a case involves the deaths of a whole family, it is referred to as femicide or family annihilation. An NIJ 2010 report shows that compared to Canada, the United States has three times more incidences of murder-suicides involving the whole family. If compare to Britain, it is eight times more, and 15 times more when compared to Australia. Meanwhile, an overwhelming number of familicide cases are done by non-Hispanic white men, accounting for 91 percent, according to NIJ, while 88 percent used a gun. Rand said that 70 percent of the killings involve an intimate partner, and most occurred at home. "These patterns are repetitive; that's what we're looking for. We want to look for the patterns that repeat themselves," Rand was quoted. NIJ states that there are certain risk factors when it comes to murder-suicide in families, including prior history of domestic violence, access to guns, threats with increased specificity, and poor mental health or substance abuse. Meanwhile, it was also reported that economic distress is a factor, but is only among several factors that trigger a man to murder his family. Although personal economics like the loss of a job may be one of several factors, most experts agree that the strength or weakness of the national economy is not related to the frequency of murder-suicides. Related story: Psychologist Mom Killed Twin Daughters Before Committing Suicide KALAMAZOO, MI The Kalamazoo Community Foundation is the latest organization end its membership investment with Southwest Michigan First, citing a misalignment of values and vision. Southwest Michigan First has taken heavy criticism after the regional economic development nonprofit hired former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield as its CEO last week. Related: Former House Speaker says politics not a factor in new role at Southwest Michigan First Chatfield, who served as a Republican in the House for 6 years, has taken fire for his policy stances while in the legislature, including in 2019 when he said he would not allow civil rights legislation to come before the House because it would restrict religious freedom. We are proud to support the LGBTQ civil rights advocacy agenda, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation said in a Thursday, Feb. 18 statement. Our vision of Kalamazoo County as the most equitable place to live can only be realized by centering equity in all our community strategies including economic development. Southwest Michigan Firsts values and vision for economic development do not align with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. We have ended our membership investment with Southwest Michigan First effective immediately, the statement continued. Communications officer Jordan Duckens declined to answer additional questions about what it means for the foundation to end its membership investment with Southwest Michigan First. Wed like to focus on the reason for our withdrawal which is a misalignment of values and vision between our organizations. We believe in centering equity in our community strategies including economic development, Duckens said in an email. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation was established in 1925 with a gift of $1,000 from one couple, W.E. and Carrie (Carol) Upjohn, who had a vision of a better community, according to the organization. Today, the local foundation works to provide funding to programs that ensure children have an equitable chance for success in school, that nurture and prepare all of our young people for life beyond school, that support individuals and families from all walks of life, that enhance community prosperity in every corner of Kalamazoo County and make life better for all, the foundation says on its website. As an institution continuously examining and reflecting on our own harmful practices, policies and choices, we extend ourselves to Southwest Michigan First to share resources and learning around the benefit of prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion for the benefit of all people in our region, the Foundation said Thursday. Chatfield said previously, during a 2019 media interview, that he would not support a change to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expanding anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The former lawmaker noted at the time he does not believe anyone should be discriminated against, but said he believed the proposed change would have infringed on religious beliefs. During a 2019 interview on Off the Record, Chatfield said, I probably would not allow a bill to come up that I believe would infringe on religious freedom. Related: Michigan House Speaker not interested in expanding civil rights law to include LGBT protections Chatfield told MLive, in an interview last week, that he believes in equal civil rights for everyone. The Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday, Feb. 15, voted to pull funding from Southwest Michigan First and encouraged others to do the same because of the views Chatfield has expressed. The county plans to consider pulling its $75,000 annual payment to the group as well. Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery, a Southwest Michigan First board member, said Chatfields policy positions do not align with WMUs values. Chatfield told MLive on Wednesday that his only goal is to serve the community. Im going to take the same energy I had in the legislature to build meaningful relationships across the aisle into this job, Chatfield told MLive. My work is cut out for me, but Im eager to meet and get to know the city and commission as well as the county commission. Chatfield has received words of support in his selection for the new role, including congratulations from U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and Kalamazoo County Republican County Chairman Scott McGraw. Read more: Western Michigan president: Southwest Michigan First CEOs policy positions dont align with WMUs values Kalamazoo County will consider cutting annual $75K payment to Southwest Michigan First Kalamazoo commissioners cancel membership with Southwest Michigan First over CEO selection Kalamazoo city commissioner says new economic development CEO does not share the regions values Former Michigan House Speaker named CEO of Kalamazoo-based Southwest Michigan First After the Second Karabakh conflict ended, dozens of Azerbaijani servicemen and internally displaced persons died or were wounded as a result of a mine explosion. Most of the civilian victims tried to see with their own eyes what was left of their cities and villages in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. The area remains closed to civilians until the clearance of unexploded ordnance is completed. RFE/RL informs that Shakir Hajiyev was in his 30s when war forced him to flee his village, southeast of Nagorno-Karabakh, in the early 1990s. The arrival of ethnic Armenian forces in Asagi Seyidhamadli, in Azerbaijan's Fuzuli district, cost Hajiyev his home and his job with the local government. For more than a quarter of a century, he was one of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced Azerbaijanis who dreamed of someday returning to their homes in the seven districts around Nagorno-Karabakh occupied by Armenian forces. Last autumn, when an Azerbaijani military offensive recaptured the war-ravaged territory where Hajiyev's village once stood, he was on the verge of seeing his dream fulfilled. So on November 28, at the age of 65, Hajiyev packed into a Toyota with his daughter Zibeyda Adilzade, his brother Firudin Hajiyev, and another man named Zulfugar Huseynov. They were among the first of Azerbaijan's internally displaced people (IDPs) who tried to return to the recently regained territory around Nagorno-Karabakh. But Hajiyev never made it home. On a road near the ruins of his former village, their car struck an anti-tank mine laid by retreating Armenian forces. All four of them were killed. The government in Baku has asked IDPs to be patient while mine clearance goes forward and it attempts to restore some basic infrastructure such as living accommodations and electricity supplies. On February 14, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited four of the retaken districts -- Fuzuli, Zangilan, Lachin, and Cabrayil -- to launch major infrastructure projects aimed at supporting the return of IDPs. Those projects include housing, manufacturing facilities, social services, agricultural infrastructure, power plants, and railway links. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev symbolically gets work under way on a project to build a railway link in territory near Nagorno-Karabakh on February 14 Aliyev has vowed "to revive the liberated lands and return our internally displaced people to those lands as soon as possible." "We have big plans," Aliyev said at the launch of a hydroelectric power plant in the Lachin district on February 14. "We will try to complete the demining work as soon as possible and assess the damage. At the same time, infrastructure projects have already been launched." Meanwhile, Azerbaijani IDPs tell RFE/RL they are eager to go back to their former towns and villages and start rebuilding. Many say they are only awaiting government word that demining work has made it safe enough to allow their return. Zabila Mammadova was a schoolteacher in the town of Susa before the war. She knows that one of her two houses there was destroyed while the town was controlled by Armenian forces, who call it Shusi. "We've been waiting almost 30 years for Susa to be liberated so we can return -- or how should I say it? -- to run back there," Mammadova tells RFE/RL. "It's true that it's difficult to return in the current situation," she says, "but perhaps our president will create all necessary conditions for us (IDPs)." Another IDP, Zamin Taghiyev, says he is ready to return to Susa regardless of what awaits him. "Of course I want to return there," Taghiyev says. "Everything there, even if it's now in ruins, is good for me." Safety first To be sure, the task of clearing mines and unexploded munitions from the battlefields in and around Nagorno-Karabakh is massive. Idris Ismayilov, the operations chief of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), estimated in December that it could take up to 10 years to completely demine all of the territory retaken by Azerbaijan. But Ismayilov said he expects enough explosives to be removed within three to five years to allow the safe return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Azerbaijanis. The worst-affected areas are along the fortified former front lines where land mines had been laid since the early 1990s to create a buffer zone between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces -- particularly near Tartar and Agdam, and in the districts of Fuzuli and Cabrayil. In interviews with RFE/RL, military experts from both Azerbaijan and Armenia have described the ground in those areas as being covered with "carpets of land mines." Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a December 11 report that much of the unexploded ordnance left by recent fighting is from both sides' use of cluster bombs. Cluster munitions scatter small bomblets that are meant to explode on impact. But HRW says they have a high failure rate, "leaving duds that act like anti-personnel land mines for years and even decades." Unexploded munitions also pose a grave safety threat in the formerly occupied districts of Azerbaijan that border Armenia. But the problem there is thought to be smaller. That suggests Azerbaijani IDPs from the districts of Kalbacar, Lachin, Qubadli, and Zangilan will be allowed to return sooner than others. Ghulam Isaczai, the United Nations' resident coordinator in Azerbaijan, says he expects the government in Baku to allow a "phased" return of IDPs after "a safe and secure environment" can be created. "In terms of the larger and older group of IDPs, their return very much depends on creating safe and appropriate living conditions," Isaczai tells RFE/RL. "Currently, the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance is a major impediment to the rehabilitation of these areas and the return of the IDPs." For now, Iscazai says, it is essential for mine-risk education and public-awareness campaigns to target "the IDPs who are desperate to return to their former villages and towns." He says the government's mine-awareness programs will help "to discourage the population from uncontrolled and unauthorized return -- as well as future risk of exposure." "We are pleased that the government has prioritized mine action, which the UN and other international actors are now supporting," Isaczai says. On February 2, the United Nations released $2 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the return of Azerbaijan's IDPs. Isaczai says about $700,000 of that disbursement has been allocated to the UN Development Program (UNDP) "to coordinate mine clearance activities" led by Azerbaijan's government. "A safe environment is also needed for the recovery and reconstruction of affected areas -- including rebuilding of key infrastructure and rehabilitation of agricultural activities such as farming and livestock, one of the main sources of livelihoods for the IDPs," Isaczai says. Recent photographs released by Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry from the worst-affected areas show that, with the absence of vegetation during the winter months, many land mines are now visible on the ground. But that is expected to change in the spring when they become covered with foliage. "A crucial early step would be a quick land and aerial survey of mine and unexploded-ordnance contamination in all affected areas using modern survey methods and technology before the onset of spring," Isaczai says. "This will help the government to prioritize areas and land for mine-clearance activities and their phased release for civilian use." Expanded demining Since November, President Aliyev has been expanding the capacity of the state demining agency beyond the 500 specialists it had employed before the Russian-brokered cease-fire. Within days of the November agreement, Russia's military sent a unit of deminers with trained dogs to search for and defuse mines and unexploded munitions in areas where Russian peacekeepers are deployed. Weeks later, Azerbaijan announced the arrival of 136 mine-clearance experts from Turkey's military -- along with metal detectors and protective equipment for deminers. The Turkish troops began in early December to train more Azerbaijanis to clear mines. The head of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry's Engineer and Fortification Service, Major-General Anar Karimov, says 20 "MEMATT" mine-sweeping vehicles supplied by Turkey also have been successfully tested and are being deployed in some of the most heavily mined areas. NASA has done it again. It has successfully landed yet another rover on the Martian surface. But it wasnt just a rover this time. The Perseverance rover was accompanied by the Ingenuity helicopter. Both successfully landed at 2:27 AM Indian Time on the Jezero Crater. Im safe on Mars. Perseverance will get you anywhere. #CountdownToMars NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) February 18, 2021 The two NASA exploration vehicles -- Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter -- are expected to be on Mars for one whole Martian year which is approximately 687 Earth days. The primary objective of this Mars mission is to denote how life existed on the Martian surface, if it ever did, as well as seek existing life forms if any and sending back a sample to Earth in 2026. NASA The Mars Mission 2020 will essentially help in continuing to create a foundation for the possibility of future human life on Mars while also seek existing life forms if any and sending back a sample to earth in 2026. The Perseverance rover is also capable of collecting samples and storing them in hermetically sealed tubes which will be collected by future manned missions on the Martian surface. NASA Manufactured at the facilities at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Perseverance rover specifically is loaded with a plethora of equipment and sensors that will constantly provide data about Mars. It has a total of 23 cameras, two microphones that allow capture of Martian winds. The rover also has lasers onboard for chemical analysis of the Martian surface. NASA One of these sensors is a special instrument - PIXL. (Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry) -- a precision X-ray device powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that will hunt for traces of microscopic life from billions of years ago on Mars. Ingenuity, on the other hand, is a mini helicopter. This is also the first aircraft to fly on the Martian surface. Designed by IIT Alum Bob Balram it was tested in a vacuum chamber at JPL to make the helicopter ready for the low-atmosphere of the Martian surface. NASA It has been constructed with state-of-the-art materials like carbon fibre for added strength while offering light-weightiness. Ingenuity is also capable of withstanding extreme cold temperatures thanks to better insulation along with onboard heaters to protect electronics, it also powers itself from solar energy. Local and federal authorities rescued more than 100 individuals from a mobile home in the Cheyenne Subdivision, authorities said. The incident unfolded at about noon Thursday in the 1000 block of Comanche Loop. The LPD Juvenile and Gang Enforcement Task Force and U.S. Border Patrol Field Intelligence Team rescued the individuals, who were determined to be immigrants who had crossed the border illegally. A Florida man who bragged about tricking local officials into letting him fly a massive Confederate flag at the corners of two busy interstates has died. Police officers say they found 73-year-old Marion Lambert dead on his small farm in southern Tampa on Wednesday. His only daughter, Blue Ayala, 38, says the family believes Lambert was killed after an accident with one of the bulls on his farm, reported The Tampa Bay Times. Officials said foul play is not suspected. David McCallister, heritage chairman of the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veteran, told The Times that the flag - which is still flying today - will be lowered to half-staff for several days in Lambert's honor. Marion Lambert, 73, from Tampa, Florida, died on Wednesday on his farm after his daughter said he had a 'run-in' with a bull that left him with head trauma. Pictured: Lambert poses on his farm in Tampa, Florida, August 2017 Lambert bragged that he tricked authorities into letting him fly a massive Confederate flag after he bought a sliver of land near Interstates 4 and 75 for $5,000 and asked for a permit to build 'a memorial to American veterans.' Pictured: The Confederate flag flown by Lambert. It is seen above being flown at half-staff In a 2017 interview with The Associated Press, Lambert said he started championing the Confederate flag in 1991, when someone from the NAACP called it 'an odious blight on the universe.' Lambert, a descendant of three Confederate soldiers, took offense and planted his flags around Florida and joined the group Sons of Confederate Veterans. He sued his home county, Hillsborough, for taking the flag out of the county seal, and lost. After that, Lambert wanted to do something that was a 'standout,' to make people take notice of Southern heritage. In 2004, not long after then-Gov Jeb Bush removed the battle flag from the capitol in Tallahassee, he bought a sliver of land near Interstates 4 and 75 for $5,000. When he asked county officials for a permit, he said he planned to build 'a memorial to American veterans'. 'I tricked them,' Lambert said. 'If they had done any research they would have known who I was.' Lambert and the Sons of Confederate Veterans raised $250,000 in donations and labor to erect granite slabs engraved with soldiers' names. In 2008, he set up Confederate Memorial Park and unfurled a 30-by-50-foot flag - at the time the biggest Confederate flag in the nation - much to the disgust of many. It was just in time for the celebration of the 200th birthday of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America. A granite monument in front of the flag pole reads that it is dedicated to the Confederate forces who 'fought, bled and died in defense of their homeland against ruthless invasion and who strove to protect America's birthright of Constitutional liberty & freedom dating from 1776.' Lambert (left and right) and the group Sons of Confederate Veterans raised $250,000 in donations and labor to erect granite slabs engraved with soldiers' names. Four years later, in 2008, he set up Confederate Memorial Park and unfurled a 30-by-50-foot flag The flag is no longer the largest Confederate battle flag in the nation - after it was replaced with a slightly smaller model - but it does stand out to passing drivers. Pictured: The Confederate flag in Tampa being flown at half-staff While it's no longer the largest Confederate battle flag in the nation - after it was wind-battered it was replaced with a slightly smaller model - it does stand out to passing drivers. 'It's very embarrassing,' Bishop Michelle B Patty, a black resident in the county, told the AP at the time. The flag was briefly removed in June 2020 after people on social media threatened to set it on fire, but was erected again not long after. Pictured: The Confederate flag in Tampa 'People ask me, what's going on in Hillsborough County? Why would we allow this to happen? But there's nothing we can do because it's on private property.' Confederate symbols have come under increased scrutiny in recent years as critics argue they symbolize racism, slavery and division. But Lambert was unrepentant about the flag. 'Am I sorry I put up the flag where I put it up? Not at all,' he said in 2017. 'I enjoyed waking up the mind of the public. According to The Times, Lambert later donated the property to the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The flag was briefly removed in June 2020 after people on social media threatened to set it on fire, but was erected again not long after, according to The Times. Lambert spent most of his days running his farm. His daughter, Ayala, told The Times that she, her husband, and two young children moved back to the farm where she grew up to help his run it. She told police that the family suspects Lambert was injured during a dust-up with a bull on the farm named Levy on Wednesday afternoon around 2.15pm. Lambert disagreed that the flag represents racism, slavery and division, and said he was trying to preserve Southern heritage. Pictured Lambert on his farm in 2011 The property now belongs to the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, whose members say the flag will fly at half-staff in Lambert's honor. Pictured: The third official flag of the Confederacy flies over Confederate Memorial Park, in Tampa, Florida, August 2017 Ayala told The Times that surveillance camera captured Lambert trying to get help from a neighbor when he collapsed. Another neighbor spotted him and called 911. Although the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner is still determining cause of death, Ayala believes her father died due to head trauma. 'He's had a lot of run-ins with animals and he never gave up,' Ayala said. 'He just did what he loved doing. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was stronger this time.' Family and friends have started a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses and for the future of the farm, which was a popular stop for fresh honey, eggs and milk in the city. Ayala and her husband Charlie told The Times they plan to keep on running the farm. 'I'm just like him. We're stubborn and we like the animals, and it's in my DNA to farm,' she told the newspaper. 'I'm a nurse but have always loved this. I'd rather work on land and keep milking cows and teach my kids that. It's a beautiful thing.' WASHINGTON (AP) Jolted by a sweeping hack that may have revealed government and corporate secrets to Russia, U.S. officials are scrambling to reinforce the nations cyber defenses and recognizing that an agency created two years ago to protect Americas networks and infrastructure lacks the money, tools and authority to counter such sophisticated threats. The breach, which hijacked widely used software from Texas-based SolarWinds Inc., has exposed the profound vulnerability of civilian government networks and the limitations of efforts to detect threats. It's also likely to unleash a wave of spending on technology modernization and cybersecurity. Its really highlighted the investments we need to make in cybersecurity to have the visibility to block these attacks in the future, Anne Neuberger, the newly appointed deputy national security adviser for cyber and emergency technology said Wednesday at a White House briefing. The reaction reflects the severity of a hack that was disclosed only in December. The hackers, as yet unidentified but described by officials as likely Russian, had unfettered access to the data and email of at least nine U.S. government agencies and about 100 private companies, with the full extent of the compromise still unknown. And while this incident appeared to be aimed at stealing information, it heightened fears that future hackers could damage critical infrastructure, like electrical grids or water systems. President Joe Biden plans to release an executive order soon that Neuberger said will include about eight measures intended to address security gaps exposed by the hack. The administration has also proposed expanding by 30% the budget of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, or CISA, a little-known entity now under intense scrutiny because of the SolarWinds breach. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have called for expanding the size and role of the agency, a component of the Department of Homeland Security. It was created in November 2018 amid a sense that U.S. adversaries were increasingly targeting civilian government and corporate networks as well as the critical infrastructure, such as the energy grid that is increasingly vulnerable in a wired world. Speaking at a recent hearing on cybersecurity, Rep. John Katko, a Republican from New York, urged his colleagues to quickly "find a legislative vehicle to give CISA the resources it needs to fully respond and protect us. Bidens COVID-19 relief package called for $690 million more for CISA, as well as providing the agency with $9 billion to modernize IT across the government in partnership with the General Services Administration. That has been pulled from the latest version of the bill because some members didnt see a connection to the pandemic. But Rep. Jim Langevin, co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, said additional funding for CISA is likely to reemerge with bipartisan support in upcoming legislation, perhaps an infrastructure bill. Our cyber infrastructure is every bit as important as our roads and bridges, Langevin, a Rhode Island Democrat, said in an interview. Its important to our economy. Its important to protecting human life, and we need to make sure we have a modern and resilient cyber infrastructure. CISA operates a threat-detection system known as Einstein" that was unable to detect the SolarWinds breach. Brandon Wales, CISA's acting director, said that was because the breach was hidden in a legitimate software update from SolarWinds to its customers. After it was able to identify the malicious activity, the system was able to scan federal networks and identify some government victims. It was designed to work in concert with other security programs inside the agencies, he said. The former head of CISA, Christopher Krebs, told the House Homeland Security Committee this month that the U.S. should increase support to the agency, in part so it can issue grants to state and local governments to improve their cybersecurity and accelerate IT modernization across the federal government, which is part of the Biden proposal. Are we going to stop every attack? No. But we can take care of the most common risks and make the bad guys work that much harder and limit their success, said Krebs, who was ousted by then-President Donald Trump after the election and now co-owns a consulting company whose clients include SolarWinds. The breach was discovered in early December by the private security firm FireEye, a cause of concern for some officials. It was pretty alarming that we found out about it through a private company as opposed to our being able to detect it ourselves to begin with, Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, said at her January confirmation hearing. Right after the hack was announced, the Treasury Department bypassed its normal competitive contracting process to hire the private security firm CrowdStrike, U.S. contract records show. The department declined to comment. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has said that dozens of email accounts of top officials at the agency were hacked. The Social Security Administration hired FireEye to do an independent forensic analysis of its network logs. The agency had a backdoor code installed like other SolarWinds customers, but there were no indicators suggesting we were targeted or that a future attack occurred beyond the initial software installation, spokesperson Mark Hinkle said. Sen. Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the hack has highlighted several failures at the federal level but not necessarily a lack of expertise by public sector employees. Still, I doubt we will ever have all the capacity wed need in-house, he said. There have been some new cybersecurity measures taken in recent months. In the defense policy bill that passed in January, lawmakers created a national director of cybersecurity, replacing a position at the White House that had been cut under Trump, and granted CISA the power to issue administrative subpoenas as part of its efforts to identify vulnerable systems and notify operators. The legislation also granted CISA increased authority to hunt for threats across the networks of civilian government agencies, something Langevin said they were only previously able to do when invited. In practical terms, what that meant is they werent invited in because no department or agency wants to look bad, he said. So you know what was happening? Everyone was sticking their heads in the sand and hoping that cyberthreats were going to go away. ___ Suderman reported from Richmond, Va. ___ This story has been corrected to show the relief package called for $690 million, not $690 billion, more for CISA. Donations by self-made entrepreneurs have positive impact Kim Bong-jin, founder and CEO of Woowa Brothers, is donating more than half his wealth to charity, according to the company, Thursday. Kim is expected to give away at least $500 million and become the first Korean to participate in the Giving Pledge, a global campaign comprised of billionaires who have promised to donate large amounts of money for charitable purposes. The announcement came a week after Kakao founder Kim Beom-soo vowed to give away half of his wealth, purportedly amounting to more than 5 trillion won ($4.5 billion). These are moving stories like a ray of light in darkness amid the deepening bipolarization of wealth, and aggravated living conditions suffered by the underprivileged due to the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants in the Giving Pledge should have more than $1 billion worth in net assets and must promise to give more than half of their total wealth away either during their lives or after they die. It was started in 2010 by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett. Prominent participants include Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Woowa Brothers, which created the nation's largest food delivery app, Baedal Minjok, said Kim and his wife Sul Bo-mi have been registered as the 219th members of the campaign. Kim's assets are estimated to surpass 1 trillion won including shares of Delivery Hero (DH), which he received when selling Baedal Minjok to the German company. In a message posted on the website of the Giving Pledge, Kim said, "I was born to a poor family on a tiny island in the Republic of Korea. I even had difficulty in paying tuition fees for art college." Thanks to God's blessing and luck, he said, he accumulated his current wealth. He revealed a plan to use the money to help promote equality in education and boost the activities of culture and art organizations, and charities. Kim has already donated more than 10 billion won to many charities including 7.1 billion won to the Fruits of Love. Kim is currently the chairman of the board of directors of the Woowa DH Asia, a joint venture firm between DH and Baedal Minjok, with the aim of targeting the Asian market. Asia's delivery market has been growing rapidly at more than 40 percent annually. The two Kims share a common bond in that they are both from less privileged families and achieved business success by themselves without receiving any money from their parents. This may have enabled them to make such an "uneasy" decision to donate huge amounts. Only those who know the value of hard earned money may be able to spend it on worthwhile purposes. We expect their donations will have a far-reaching impact upon all of society, hopefully giving birth to many other donors. The state and society should also back up the goodwill donations of the entrepreneurs. Tax and other administrative regulations in the way of donations should be eradicated to facilitate the potential giving away of wealth. The management of charitable and civic organizations should also be made more transparent so that more people can donate to them. Upstate New York was a hotbed in the 19th century for the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Names like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and Gerrit Smith are familiar. But there were also valiant figures from the region, white and Black, who fought for the end of slavery whose names have faded into history. During this Black History Month, after searching through old newspapers and websites, we take a look back at some of Upstate New Yorks forgotten abolitionists. *** It can be argued that the true character of a person can be seen by how they treat others, especially those who they violently disagree with. The story of John W. Jones of Elmira is an example of this. No resident of Elmira ever commanded greater respect than this noble Christian gentleman, wrote Clayton Wood Holmes of Jones in his 1912 history the Civil War prison camp at Elmira. He was born in 1817 in Loudon County, Virginia. His mother was a slave, and his father was sold before he was born. Jones never saw him. The young man worked in the fields and worried that he, like his father, would be sold to a strange plantation, especially after hearing that his owner was in poor health. On June 3, 1844, he and four others escaped and journeyed almost 300 miles to Elmira. His obituary in the Elmira Daily Gazette on Dec. 17, 1900 described Jones role in the citys Underground Railroad. Mr. Jones acted as one of the promoters of the underground railway. He was active in the cause of the slave. A website for his home which has since become a museum says that Jones aided in the escape of 800 runaway slaves by 1860. There were some nights he found shelter for up to 30 men, women and children. Of those 800, none were captured or returned to the South. In 1859, Jones became sexton of Elmiras Woodlawn Cemetery, where he would soon be asked to perform a most gruesome task. Of all the horrors of the Civil War, its prison camps were among the worst. Approximately 10 percent of the wars deaths were at these camps. Although smaller than the notorious prison at Andersonville, the prison for Confederate POWs at Elmira, or Hellmira as the prisoners called it, was just as deadly. An article from mentalfloss.com said if you were a prisoner at Elmira, there was a one-in-four chance you would die. After the Confederate government said they would not exchange Black soldiers, the Lincoln administration ended the practice of prison exchanges in 1864. The population at prison camps exploded. Elmira, meant to hold 5,000 men, soon bulged to 10,000 prisoners. The Confederate prisoners were stricken with scurvy, smallpox, pneumonia, typhoid and dysentery. It is believed that 2,973 men died at Elmira. The job to bury them went to a former slave, John W. Jones. Chemung County historian Ausburn Towner wrote about this irony in Jones obituary: There is something rather suggestive that the last rites of so many of those who had been enlisted in an effort to preserve slavery as an institution of their country should have performed by one who had escaped from that slavery and was a representative example of what freedom could do for the colored man. Jones might have buried the dead soldiers in a mass grave; that was what was done at Chicagos Oak Woods Cemetery where POWs who died at Camp Douglas had been buried. Jones treated each soldiers grave with an incredible amount of care. Overseeing a crew of 12, Jones recorded each soldiers identity, keeping detailed records. He placed a wooden marker at each grave. Only seven were listed as unknown. No one told him how to do that job, he did it in the way that he thought was righteven though the people he buried were fighting a war to keep people like him enslaved, Talima Aaron, President of the John W. Jones Museum Board of Trustees said in 2018. He even knew one of the young men who had died, and he reached back to the South and told the parents so they knew where their child was buried. That speaks to his compassion. Years after the war when members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy came to Elmira to explore the possibility of returning the remains to the South, they decided not to. Joness work was too well done. And when the families received the family photographs, treasures and, letters that Jones had kept for them, they were so moved that only three bodies were removed for reburial. When the Federal government turned Woodlawn into a National Cemetery, they referred to Jones detailed records to refurbish the headstones. (Jones did prosper from his labor. He earned $2.50 for each soldier he buried. By the time he was finished he was one of the ten richest Black people in New York State and was able to buy a 12-acre farm.) In 1900, Jones died and is buried in the very same cemetery as he had worked so hard. He rests at Woodlawn with Mark Twain, Ernie Davis and the thousands of enemy soldiers he so carefully buried there. Our series See all of our profiles of Upstates forgotten abolitionists here. Black History Month Black History Month in Upstate NY: Historical sites, monuments and more Black History Month movies: 20 great films to stream right now on Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, more Peterboros Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum offers free daily videos during Black History Month CNY Jazz brings L.A. to Syracuse for Black History Month cabaret Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle at jcroyle@syracuse.com or call 315-427-3958. We want to thank Dr. Kelley for six years of dedicated service to District 97 and the Oak Park community, board president Keecia Broy said. We are grateful for her leadership and unwavering commitment to equity, which has contributed to meaningful advancements in student learning and district operations. Although the board is disappointed to see her go, we know that this is a special opportunity for her to return home, and we wish her the best as she embarks on this new chapter. South Carolina Governor Signs Fetal Heartbeat Bill That Bans Most Abortions South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed the fetal heartbeat bill into law on Thursday, a day after the legislation passed the state lower chamber. Today, we made history. The Heartbeat Bill is now the law of South Carolina and we will defend it with everything in us because there is nothing more important than protecting the sanctity of life! McMaster, a Republican, said in a statement on Twitter. The law, known as the South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, will ban most abortions in the state once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is usually at around six weeks of pregnancy. The House gave its approval to the bill in a 7935 vote on Wednesday. The Senate had already passed the bill in late January. South Carolina joins dozens of states such as Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Ohio that have passed their own version of the heartbeat bills in recent years. Many of these bills have led to a series of legal challenges in courts. These states are hoping that the lawsuits could be a vehicle to challenge Roe v. Wade, which classifies the right to choose to have an abortion as fundamental, in the Supreme Court. Several courts across the country have already invalidated the heartbeat bill. In June last year, the Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law that required doctors who perform abortions to have hospital admitting privileges close to where the procedure takes place. The court said the law was unconstitutional. It found that the Louisiana law was almost identical to a 2016 Texas law that had already been struck down by the same court and that the Texas law placed a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking an abortion. The South Carolina law requires doctors to try and find a detectable fetal heartbeat before an abortion can occur. If a heartbeat is detected, then an abortion can only take place if the pregnancy was a result of rape, incest, or if the mothers life is in danger. A doctor who offers to do the procedure in cases of rape and incest is required to report the crime to local law enforcement. The requirements under the law are subjected to exceptions when a medical emergency exists. An abortionist who violates the law may be guilty of a felony and can be fined $10,000 and possibly face jail time of up to two years. The bill will not punish a pregnant woman for having an illegal abortion. In 2017, 5,120 abortions were performed in South Carolina, although not all of the abortions were provided to residents of the state, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Moreover, the abortion rate in the state fell by 17 percent between 2014 and 2017, from 6.4 to 5.3 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. South Carolina abortions represent o.6 percent of all abortions in the United States. Then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (R) and then Chinese Vice Chair Xi Jinping talk during an expanded bilateral meeting with other U.S. and Chinese officials in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington on Feb. 14, 2012. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Beijing Wants to Sway US Policy Using Climate Change, Experts Warn The Biden administration should not allow the Chinese regime to use climate change as a bargaining chip to extract concessions in other areas, according to China experts. The warning comes as the United States formally rejoined the Paris agreement on Feb. 19. President Joe Biden has described climate change as an existential threat and vowed to do more to reduce carbon emissions. But analysts are concerned that this may lead the United States to become cozier with the Chinese regime. While Biden officials have broadly indicated they would continue the Trump administrations tough-on-China posture, they have also pointed to cooperative aspects of the U.S.-China relationship. On the campaign trail, Biden said hed work with the regime in areas of common interest, such as climate change and preventing nuclear proliferation. Experts fear that U.S. cooperation on climate change could lead the administration to give ground in other key domains such as human rights, trade, and national security. The Chinese regime has already indicated that the United States would have to accept its own terms before the two sides could work together. China is ready to cooperate with the United States and the international community on climate change, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Jan. 28. That said, Id like to stress that China-U.S. cooperation in specific areas is closely linked with bilateral relations as a whole, Zhao continued, adding the regime has repeatedly emphasized that no one should imagine they could ask China to understand and support them in bilateral and global affairs when they blatantly interfere in Chinas domestic affairs and undermine Chinas interests. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has labeled a range of topics such as its repression of minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet, the crackdown in Hong Kong, and intimidation of Taiwan as part of its core interests, and not open for discussion. Zhaos comments were made after Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry pledged that important issues including the CCPs theft of intellectual property (IP) and military aggression in the South China Sea will never be traded for anything that has to do with climate. But Kerry added that climate is a critical standalone issue, noting that China is the worlds largest emitter of greenhouse gases at about 30 percent. So its urgent that we find a way to compartmentalize, to move forward, he said. Gordon Chang, author of The Coming Collapse of China, recently told The Epoch Times that it would not be possible for the United States to cooperate with the regime given the conditions it imposes. Chinas position is that you either have good relationships with us on everything, or on nothing, Chang said. If were given that choice, it should be nothing. Because China is trying to constrict those areas where we can have a constructive discussion. In any event, the United States does not need to offer anything to get the regime to take action on climate, Chang noted. The Chinese are on the same planet that we are, he said. So theyve got the same interest in preventing climate change to the extent that its occurring, so we dont need to give them anything for it. Any negotiations with the regime on climate change would also be a waste of time, according to Clyde Prestowitz, author of The World Turned Upside Down: America, China, and The Struggle for Global Leadership. Prestowitz, who was a trade negotiator for the Reagan administration, said China is not going to negotiate any deal that would be acceptable to us. You cannot rely on China to keep its word, he added. Former Trump security official Matthew Pottinger has similarly warned about getting stuck in negotiation traps set by Beijing. He said successive U.S. administrations squandered years in formal talks with China that did not yield concrete results, which allowed the regime to continue harmful actions against the United States such as IP theft. To cut emissions, Chang suggested the United States stop buying from China and start re-shoring manufacturing back to the United States, given that the shipping industry is a heavy polluter. That way will do a lot for the climate, in addition to having, of course, some other very critical knock-on benefits for us, he said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 27-year-old man allegedly had cocaine and a powerful form of ecstasy in his car during his arrest in Clifton. Christopher Baker, of the 100 block of Jersey Street, was apprehended in a car stop on Vanderbilt Avenue near Talbot Place on Feb. 13 at about 12:50 a.m., according to the criminal complaint and police. Although Baker did not have a valid drivers license, the suspect was alone and seated behind the wheel of a 2004 Volkswagen Passat, police say. The complaint alleges that Baker possessed a large quantity of narcotic drugs, including cocaine and MDMA, with the intent to sell. Officers recovered 51 MDMA pills, more than 500 milligrams of cocaine, two scales of the type commonly used in the sale of narcotics, multiple cell phones and an undisclosed large sum of cash, the complaint alleges. Authorities allege that Bakers license to drive was revoked or suspended. Baker has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Baker has been released on his own recognizance and is due back in Criminal Court on March 10. An attorney for the defendant declined to comment. (Natural News) The government of the United Kingdom has been collecting critical safety data on the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines, and the latest report doesnt paint a pretty picture. The first dose of the experimental Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been introduced into the arms of 5.4 million citizens, with 500,000 of these people receiving a second dose. Up until January 24, there have been nearly 50,000 reports of vaccine injury for this specific vaccine, including the sudden death of one hundred seven UK citizens. A minimum of 1 in 333 people suffer from serious vaccine adverse events in the UK Another 1.5 million doses of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine have been received in the arms of UK citizens, yielding another 21,032 adverse events. These adverse events were recorded up until January 24, 2021, in the Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agencys Yellow Card Scheme, and does not include all relevant, up-to-date injuries. The current rate of vaccine injury (being reported) is 1 in 333 people. This rate of vaccine injury is likely much greater because people are often hesitant and/or ashamed to report vaccine injury; many people see vaccination as 100 percent safe and effective solution and dont dare to question it. Many doctors refuse to accept that vaccine injury is real. The adverse events are not minor issues that resolve in a day, either. These adverse events can be life-altering, causing stroke, inflammation of the heart, muscle paralysis, blindness, and anaphylaxis shock. Before experimental mRNA vaccines were unleashed, drug companies signed contracts with every major government in the world, to subvert the rule of law and indemnify their company from taking responsibility for all the inevitable vaccine injuries they knew would occur. The most shocking reports are eye disorders. At least 634 people were diagnosed with eye disorders after vaccination. One person lost central vision, another person lost visual acuity, thirty-one people report impaired vision, and five people went blind! The Pfizer/BioNTech has caused sixty-nine incidents of Bells Palsy, a condition that paralyzes muscles on one side of the face. Government continues to downplay rampant vaccine injury and death, perpetrating genocide The experimental vaccines have a tendency to incite autoimmune attacks in the cardiovascular system, too. Twenty-one people experienced cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) after taking the vaccine. There were other serious cardiovascular events, including brain stem infarction, cerebellar infarction, cerebellar stroke, cerebral artery occlusion, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. According to regulators, pregnant woman are not supposed to be vaccinated with these experimental jabs. According to the manufacturers, there is limited amount of data on the use of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 on pregnant women. Animal reproductive toxicity studies have not been completed and therefore the vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. However, the Yellow Card reporting system reveals that some pregnant women bypassed this screening process and four pregnant women suffered from spontaneous abortion after the Pfizer vaccination and two suffered the same fate after the AstraZeneca vaccination. Instead of halting this mass vaccine experiment, regulators continue to downplay these injuries and blame them on a patients older age or underlying conditions. The UK government, defending the vaccine companies: A high proportion of people vaccinated in the vaccination campaign so far are very elderly, many of whom will also have pre-existing medical conditions. Older age and chronic underlying illnesses make it more likely that coincidental adverse events will occur, especially given the millions of people vaccinated. It is therefore important that we carefully review these reports to distinguish possible side effects from illness that would have occurred irrespective of vaccination. Ironically, months ago, when older people with underlying conditions passed away in hospitals, their cause of death was automatically coded as COVID-19. This sociopathic medical fraud has never been more appalling, ghastly, and genocidal. Sources include: PrincipiaScientific.com NaturalNews.com VaccineDamage.News Dennis Beaver Practices law in Bakersfield and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. And be sure to visit dennisbeaver.com. South Dakotas attorney general has been charged with careless driving but avoided more serious felony charges like manslaughter in connection with an accident in which he struck and killed a man with his car last September, prosecutors announced on Thursday. The attorney general, Jason Ravnsborg, a Republican, was also charged with using a mobile electronic device and failing to stay in his lane on the night of Sept. 12, Emily Sovell, the deputy states attorney for Hyde County, said at a news conference. All three of the charges against Mr. Ravnsborg are misdemeanors, which each carry a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, Ms. Sovell said. Mr. Ravnsborg, 44, had been traveling 67 miles per hour when the Ford Taurus he was driving hit Joe Boever on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 14 outside of Highmore, S.D., according to the authorities. Mr. Ravnsborg told the authorities at the accident scene that he believed he had struck a large animal like a deer. It wasnt until the next day, the authorities said, that Mr. Ravnsborg returned to the accident scene and discovered Mr. Boevers body. South Africa: Turnaround plan to tackle high crime rate The South African Police Service (SAPS) management will urgently execute a turnaround plan in four of the countrys provinces with worryingly high crime rates. Police Minister Bheki Cele, who released the 2020/21 third quarter crime statistics on Friday, said regressions were recorded in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Western Cape provinces. These four provinces recorded an over 10% increase in the crime of murder. Despite this, some of provinces, with the Eastern Cape in the lead, have shown significant progress in their crime fighting efforts. As the Police Ministry and police management, we have taken a decision to have operational oversight in the four provinces and monitor them closely. We expect a turnaround plan to be adopted, and executed urgently and effectively. We must all have sleepless nights over these crime numbers. We must exert ourselves in the quest to deliver our mandate as the SAPS, which is to protect and serve the people of this country, said Cele. This, he said, is a matter of life and death, and as such, complacency will not be tolerated. Despite a marked rise in crime incidents in the last three months of 2020, Cele has urged law enforcement and the public at large to do more to protect citizens. In spite of the bleak situation and also being in the midst of a pandemic, we must and we will do more to turn this crime picture around, said the Minister. Failure to do so must result in consequences, he said. Murder During the three-month reporting period, a 6.6 % increase in murder was recorded. This means 389 more people were killed compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year. Cele said Mpumalanga recorded a 13.7% increase in murder -- the highest in the country. Limpopo, the North West and Northern Cape provinces recorded a decline in their murder cases. About 193 of the murders were as a result of domestic violence, said the Minister. The top four factors in the murder cases were arguments, robberies at a household and businesses, mob justice incidents and gang-related killings. A total of 2 481 people were murdered in public places including the streets, open field, parking areas and abandoned buildings. A total of 1 643 murders occurred at home. Liquor outlets were the third most likely place for victims to be killed in South Africa. Overall, contact crimes committed against persons decreased by 1.4%, said the Minister. The statistics, Cele said, expose some gaps that exist in policing certain crime categories. They also lay bare some of the policing shortcomings experienced in certain provinces, Cele said. He conceded that the statistics do not paint a good picture, and force us to dig deep and put shoulder to the wheel. Between October and December, 19 people were killed in 18 incidents of murder on farms and small holdings. While most of the people died at the hands of criminals, some were killed by farm owners or farm managers. Moreover, 50 124 cases of assault were reported. Cele reiterated that many assault incidents were fuelled and aggravated by alcohol abuse. Sex crimes Turning his attention to sexual crimes, Cele said the country recorded a 5% increase in this regard. Just over 12 210 people were raped between October and December last year. This is an increase of 181 cases, amounting to a 1.5% increase compared to the previous reporting period. Over 4 900 of the rape incidents took place at the home of the victim or the home of the rapist. Exactly 570 of these were domestic violence related. Of these, 547 involved rape cases against women, with 23 of the victims being male. Inanda and Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Capes Lusikisiki police stations recorded the highest incidents of rape. Cele assured the country that SAPS stations are not experiencing a shortage of evidence collection kits. This comes after claims that 76% of the countrys police stations were experiencing a shortage. Cele said the three-year contract entered into with a supplier of the kits is still in place. The availability of the rape kits at all provinces is confirmed on a weekly basis and replenishment is done as per the stations request, he said. Gender-based violence (GBV), Cele said, remains a priority crime for the SAPS. We are on a daily basis improving our services and responses at station level. During the reporting period, the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS) secured 129 life sentences. I really hope these jail terms also reassure victims of GBV of our efforts as law enforcement to bring them justice, said the Minister. Trio crimes Aggravated robberies such as carjacking increased by 7%, with 77 more residential robberies in the months of October to December 2020. Cele said there were 374 less business robberies during this reporting period. All property related crimes decreased by 15.8%. In the three months, stock theft decreased by 6.9%, while vehicles theft declined by over 20%. COVID-19 impact Cele said 27 000 members contracted COVID-19, with 570 deaths. Over 25 000 police members have recovered and are back at work. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. For the first time in nearly a year, at least some San Francisco public school students went to their school campus Thursday to learn. But it wasnt to enter their classrooms. Instead, at 9:30 a.m., students and families sat outside Clarendon Elementary and logged onto their computers and into online classrooms at a park across the street to protest the lack of in-person instruction in the district. Organizer Decreasing the Distance said families would gather outside a different public school each of the next several days to continue putting pressure on the district to reopen. The gatherings are the latest in a series of news conferences, protests, lawsuits, political threats and coordinated actions on both sides of the citys reopening debate. Supporters of reopening say that it can be done safely with proper protocols and that children are suffering from the academic and emotional toll of distance learning, with students of color hit harder. Opponents say that while children may be harmed by distance learning, keeping them, their families and school staff safe must take precedence. Parent Viviane Safrin brought her two children to Clarendon, west of Twin Peaks near Forest Hill Station, early Thursday, where they were among 25 masked students running around the adjacent city park playground. They were so happy to see one another, Safrin said. My children couldnt sleep last night because they were so excited to see their friends. The students then settled for classes using neighborhood hot spots to access online learning. The activity was not meant as criticism of teachers, who are greatly respected and loved, Safrin said, but rather intended to demonstrate what it is like to learn on a computer all the time to bring it out of the home and into the community. Also Thursday, the districts teachers union, the United Educators of San Francisco, announced a virtual day of action calling for the unity we need to fight the virus and not each other! Union leaders called on teachers to post on social media or make videos to share why you stand with educators. Just a day before, the school district held a news conference at Sunset Elementary to show the districts progress in readying schools for reopening. Sunset is among six elementary schools out of 64 that meet county health and safety requirements for in-person learning. It will likely be at least two months before any of the districts 52,000 students start returning to schools, given ongoing bargaining with the teachers union over what the school day will look like as well as logistical issues related to coronavirus testing of students and staff and vaccine availability. The tension between the school board and parents over reopening intensified Wednesday evening after board President Gabriela Lopez was expected to attend a virtual public informational meeting, but canceled earlier in the day. Lopez said she was focusing all her time and attention on the reopening effort, but parents on social media said being accountable to constituents was part of her job. Board member Jenny Lam participated in the event, sponsored by community group TogetherSF. Im a SFUSD commissioner, but Im a mom first, Lam said Thursday. As a public school parent of a middle schooler and high schooler, I share the same concerns as the majority of parents in our community. I want schools to reopen safely and I want to know when this can happen. We are in a complex deliberation process to ensure that when teachers and students can return to a more traditional school schedule, it will be a safe and fostering environment. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 281.42 crore in connection with a land scam case in Gurugram. The law enforcement agency had registered a money laundering case based on an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. It was alleged that unknown public servants of Haryana government and other accused had cheated landowners. Also read: ED to examine findings in report on Amazon Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Robert Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are also under the scanner in the case, India Today reported quoting officials of the ED. ED attaches properties worth Rs. 281.42 Crores in Gurgaon Land Scam case - ED (@dir_ed) February 19, 2021 The Haryana government had issued notifications in August 2004 and 2005, under the Land Acquisition Act, to acquire 912 acres of land to set up an Industrial Model Township in Manesar, Naurangpur and Lakhnoula in Gurugram. However, a large number of landowners from the areas complained that they were forced to sell their lands at throwaway prices to private builders. "Investigation also revealed that most of the land was purchased by firms controlled by Atul Bansal, and after obtaining licences, he sold the licensed and unlicensed land to other private persons and developers. It was revealed that properties worth Rs 281.42 crore are proceeds of crime under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)," the ED said. Also read: I-T Dept conducts searches on Eluru-based group, seizes assets worth Rs 17.68 crore A victims' campaigner has said new images of loyalist killer Michael Stone enjoying a seaside walk after being controversially released on parole last month make for "difficult viewing". Kenny Donaldson was speaking after the first pictures emerged of the Milltown Cemetery bomber since being freed from jail. The 65-year-old, wearing a clearly visible bulletproof vest, was photographed strolling along the coast with his wife Karan and their dog. Mr Donaldson, the spokesman for Innocent Victims United, told the Belfast Telegraph: "It will be difficult viewing for innocents of Michael Stone's terrorist actions to see him once again walk around in public as a free man. "This is the same occurrence thousands of other innocent victims have had to absorb since the roll-out of the Early Prisoner Release Programme". The killer, who was not due for release until 2024, was freed on January 26. The move infuriated victims, who have taken a legal challenge over the decision by parole commissioners. "Only those who have been robbed of their own flesh and blood can truly empathise with each other in terms of the whirlwind of emotions felt at the point of seeing a convicted serial killer being again within their midst," Mr Donaldson added. "Terrorists, be they loyalist or republican or those individuals within the security forces who dishonoured the code and engaged in premeditated acts of criminal violence, need to finally show some honesty, contrition and restitute for the heinous actions they have committed which destroyed the lives of others." Since his release, Stone has been keeping a low profile, with these photographs marking his first public sighting in years. One of Northern Ireland's most notorious terrorists, Stone was jailed for life following a gun and grenade attack at Milltown Cemetery. He attacked the funerals of IRA members, shooting and lobbing grenades into the crowd in March 1988. Mourners had been attending the joint funerals of three IRA members, Daniel McCann, Sean Savage and Mairead Farrell, who were shot dead by the SAS in Gibraltar. Stone's attack killed three people - civilians Thomas McErlean (20) and John Murray (26), and 30-year-old IRA man Kevin Brady. After his arrest, he admitted to three other murders, including killing Catholic milkman Patrick Brady (36) in south Belfast in 1984. He also admitted the killings of joiner Kevin McPolin in Lisburn in 1985 and bread delivery driver Dermot Hackett near Drumquin in Co Tyrone two years later. Stone was released in 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. However, he was sent back to jail in 2006 after an attempt to murder Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Stormont. He entered Parliament Buildings armed with explosives, knives and an axe, but bizarrely claimed the episode was an act of performance art. He was told in 2013 that he must serve the rest of the 30-year tariff on his life sentence. Stone, a father-of-nine, married his third wife Karan in a ceremony at Maghaberry Prison in 2016. Last November the Court of Appeal overturned a decision that he must remain behind bars until 2024, with judges ruling that the six years he spent out on licence should count towards the 30-year tariff. You cant say Australia wasnt warned. Last September, Facebook responded to its plan to make tech giants pay for news content with a threat, or perhaps a promise: if the current draft becomes law, we will be forced to ban all Australian news from our service. That has not happened, but the House of Representatives did approve the Bill on Wednesday. That seems to have been enough for Facebook, which hit the nuclear button in the small hours of Australias morning. Facebooks move seemingly contradicts chief executive Mark Zuckerbergs stated mission to connect the world and increase free expression. Credit:Bloomberg As of that time, Australian news publishers are banned from posting on Facebook and users across the world will be prevented from sharing their links and posts. Whats more, Australian users will be unable to share any news at all, no matter its origin - assuming that Facebooks automated filters function correctly. Instagram will not be affected. It is a radical piece of brinkmanship, with little precedent in the companys 17-year history. It contradicts chief executive Mark Zuckerbergs stated mission to connect the world and increase free expression. It also cuts against the companys historical pattern of maximising the content on its service, even when that causes trouble. 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 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. Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced on Friday that he would oppose Neera Tanden, President Joe Biden's pick to run the White House budget office, citing the 'toxic' impact of her tweets insulting fellow lawmakers. The move could sink her nomination unless Biden can find a Republican to support Tanden, who Manchin faulted for overly partisan statements. It was the first major party defection of the young Biden administration, although it notably came from a centrist lawmaker who voted with his party on convicting Trump of inciting the Capitol riot and plans to vote for Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. Neera Tanden, President Joe Biden's nominee for Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), testifies during a Senate Committee on the Budget hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., February 10, 2021. She lost the support of Democratic West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin Tanden is Biden's choice to to head the Office of Management and Budget, a policy post that touches on nearly every aspect of major policy. Her nomination had been considered on the rocks had Republicans kept control of the Senate. But in the Democratic-run 50-50 chamber, she had a decent chance to survive confirmation problems. Biden told reporters as he returned to Washington from a trip to Michigan he was not pulling her nomination. 'I think we are going to find the votes and get her confirmed,' he said. Tanden has been criticized by Republicans over her past harsh comments on social media, such as calling Mitch McConnell, the party's leader in the Senate, 'Moscow Mitch' and saying 'vampires have more heart than (Senator) Ted Cruz.' 'I have carefully reviewed Neera Tanden's public statements and tweets that were personally directed towards my colleagues on both sides of the aisle from Senator Sanders to Senator McConnell and others,' Manchin said in a statement. Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.) is a prominent Democratic centrist who will hold key leverage in the Senate over the Biden agenda President Joe Biden has been gradually getting his nomination through the Democratic-run Senate She has tangled with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who chairs the Budget Committee Tanden attacked Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, one possible GOP centrist who occasionally crosses the aisle Tanden's comments have made adversaries on the right and the left Tanden referred to GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as 'Voldemort' in one tweet 'I believe her overtly partisan statements will have a toxic and detrimental impact on the important working relationship between members of Congress and the next director of the Office of Management and Budget,' he said. Many Democrats scoffed at such concerns, noting near-unanimous Republican support for former President Donald Trump, who was accused of inciting a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol partly via inflammatory comments on Twitter and was known for blasting those he saw as opponents - particularly women - as 'nasty' or criminals who should be locked up. Manchin cited Tanden's 'public statements and tweets' in his statement. If every Senate Democrat supported Tanden, she could have been confirmed without Republican votes since Democrats control 50 seats in the chamber and Vice President Kamala Harris can break a tie. However, Manchin's opposition means Tanden must be supported by a least one Republican to be confirmed. Tanden has a limited number of Republicans who might bail out her nomination. Just seven GOP senators voted to convict President Trump in his impeachment trial. She may have already burned a bridge with one relative GOP centrist she might ordinarily turn to, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine. 'Susan Collins' terrible treatment of Dr. Ford should haunt Collins the rest of her days,' Tanden tweeted during the contentious Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, when Susan Blasey Ford raised allegations against him. I recognize the concern. I deeply regret and apologize for my language, and some of my past language,' Tanden said at her confirmation hearing. When Biden picked Tanden, chief executive of the left-leaning Center for American Progress think tank in Washington, Republicans pointed to her past strong comments on Twitter, such as referring to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell as Moscow Mitch and saying vampires have more heart than (Senator) Ted Cruz. Following reports that she regretted 1,000 tweets, Tanden said she did so 'because I regretted the tone.' As OMB head she will interact with Senate Budget chair Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who reminded her of their past at her hearing. 'Your attacks were not just made against Republicans. There were vicious attacks made against progressives, people who I have worked with, me personally,' he told her. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina read one of them, which referenced the bitter 2016 nomination fight between Hillary Clinton and Sanders. 'Russia did a lot more to help Bernie than the DNC's random internal e-mails did to help Hillary,' Tanden wrote, siding with Clinton. In addition to calling Cruz a vampire, she once referred to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell 'Voldemort' from the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. Last week, former President Donald Trump called McConnell a 'dour, sullen', 'unsmiling political hack' and accused McConnell of 'destroying' the GOP.' NEW LONDON A 17-year-old high school football player was gunned down Wednesday night in what investigators believe was a targeted shooting. Detectives are aggressively pursuing leads Thursday in the shooting in the area of Grand and Elm streets, police said. [He] was a very popular young man in this city. He was athletic. He was a football player... He excelled on the football field, Mayor Michael Passero said in an afternoon press conference. The tight-knit city was mourning the loss Thursday, Passero said. When something like this happens to one of our families, we all suffer with them, Passero said. New London High School Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie said the death of a high school student was an incredibly sad loss in a letter Thursday to the school community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and to the entire school community of which this student was a beloved part, Ritchie said. This news is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions, especially for our staff and students. Police Capt. Brian Wright said the investigation was a priority for the police department. Theres a full cadre of detectives and investigators assigned to this case, Wright said. We are working closely with the states attorney's office, as well as the board of education, in regards to this tragic incident. Detectives have interviewed a number of people and are trying to confirm what led up to the deadly shooting, Wright said. Thus far, detectives have been able to collect very viable information and evidence in the investigation, he added. No arrests have been made and police did not yet determine what motivated the shooting. Passero said in the near future the city will reflect on how this high school student was killed. In the coming days weeks and months we will all pull together we will deconstruct what happened, Passero said. A GoFundMe was started to help with funeral costs. It had collected thousands in donations by Thursday afternoon. Anyone with information or who might have video footage related to the incident is asked to call 860-447-1481. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by texting NLPDTip and the information to Tip411. New episode, new record breaking ratings! Park Shin Hye and Cho Seung Woo's comeback on the drama scene never fails the viewers. In the recent first two episodes aired of the drama "Sisyphus: The Myth," viewers were all amazed by how the series started. Even those audiences who were not into sci-fi genres were all hooked up in this newest drama. After airing its pilot episode last Feb 17, the drama already garnered 5.608 percent, making a good start for a new drama. On the following day, Feb 18, according to Nielsen Korea, "Sisyphus: The Myth" was able to increase its viewership ratings to 6.677 percent. Due to its popularity, international audiences are all excited for the episodes to be released next week. After episode two, a new teaser was released on what to look forward to in the upcoming episode three. Spoiler Alert! Han Tae Sul (Cho Seung Woo) and Kang Seo Hae (Park Shin Hye) are seen running as if they are being chased by someone. Han Tae Sul was covered with blood on the left side of his ear. The two are running out of breath in order to save themselves from people who have been haunting them. In the middle of saving themselves, the two are caught having a small fight. In the next clip, they were seen visiting an unfamiliar place and became curious about what is happening around them. All the machines and technologies in front of them and the people whom they met for the first time will become their alliance for their future journey. This small but exciting teaser already received various reactions from the viewers. The journey of Han Tae Sul and Kang Seo Hae will finally start in the next forthcoming episodes, so you better watch out for it! Episode 1: Mission For Kang Seo Hae At the beginning of the first episode, Kang Seo Hae (Park Shin Hye) was asleep when her father went to her and started waking her up to remind that she already needs to go and fulfill her mission. Seo Hae wanted to start the journey with her father, but when she asked him to join her in the mission. He rejects her and gives Seo Hae advice that she should not trust anybody. She began crying in front of her father. Before leaving, Dong Ki (Kim Jong Tae) said to Seo Hae that she should protect Tae Sul (Cho Seung Woo) but she should be involved in his personal life. Episode 2: Future Meets The Present While in the middle of a flight from Saipan. Han Tae Sul keeps on having bad thoughts about the death of his brother making him take lots of medication to calm himself. Until he accidentally finds a key inside the suitcase. Tae Sul takes a look at the camera which is carved with the name Han Tae San (name of his brother). He takes Tae San's phone and gets back to his place. He opened the notes and read the strange content, and there he knew that someone kept calling his brother while he was away for just a matter of minutes. This leads to lots of intriguing events that may occur anytime soon in the upcoming episodes. It was just the first two episodes but there were already lots of things happening in the plot. Plus, new characters were already introduced in both episode one and two. Join the Hype and Start Watching "Sisyphus: The Myth" Meanwhile, proving her skills and the fact that she was from the future, Park Shin Hye's character as Kang Seo Hae made an unbelievable act. It started when she was in search of food under the dark lights, and a guy saw her and thought she was from a foreign country. Making him guess what language she is capable and comfortable of using, he tried speaking in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. But, he failed to get a response from her. Instead, Kang Seo Hae asks for food, and the stranger immediately brings her to his restaurant. While enjoying the food, a lottery draw was being broadcasted on television. The guy was waiting for all the number combinations, trying his luck to win this time. Upon the draw lots, Kang Seo Hae started to murmur numbers and confidently guessed the numbers. When the guy saw that the numbers that Kang Seo Hae had been saying and the numbers being picked on the lottery were the same, he couldn't help but feel amazed about the ability of the woman whom he just met a while ago. This was just some of the many more scenes that you should look forward to in JTBC's newest sci-fi drama, "Sisyphus: The Myth." Watch out for more! Are you also watching this drama? Let us know in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars. Kdramastars owns this article. Written by Shai Collins. The Blue Jays were among the teams in on southpaw James Paxton before he agreed to a contract with the Mariners over the weekend. However, Toronto never made a pitch to Paxton (via Gregory Balloch of Sportsnet 650). They showed a lot of interest, and I had interest too, but they never came forward with an offer, Paxton said. Paxton was a first-round pick of the Jays in the 2009 draft, but after the two sides couldnt reach an agreement, he joined the Ms as a fourth-rounder in 2010. The now-32-year-old, whos known as the Big Maple because of his Canadian roots, will earn a guaranteed $8.5MM in his return to Seattle in 2021. Sorry! This content is not available in your region (JTA) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleaded not guilty in his ongoing trial for corruption charges, then left the courtroom while the hearing was still underway. Later on Monday he dismissed the charges, as he has in the past, as fabricated. Netanyahu is on trial for fraud, bribery and breach of trust the first time a sitting prime minister has stood trial in Israeli history. The investigations of allegedly illicit payments and favors stretch back years. Netanyahu was officially indicted about a year ago, and his trial began in May in Jerusalem District Court. Succ... Eight people have been extradited to Poland today on foot of European Arrest Warrants. This morning, Gardai attached to the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) surrendered eight eight persons to the Polish Police (Policja) at Baldonnel Aerodrome on foot of European Arrest Warrants. These extraditions were sought by Polish Police in respect of a number of offences including armed robbery, false imprisonment, burglary and offences in relation to organised crime. Speaking today, Detective Superintendent Michael J. Mullen of the Garda Extradition Unit said: "This successful operation highlights strong international cooperation enjoyed by the Garda Extradition Unit. "This operation also highlights the continued commitment of domestic stakeholders including the Department of Justice, The Defence Forces and the Irish Prison Service all of whom work in tandem to ensure wanted fugitives are brought to justice." 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. In Ukraine, agriproduction on decline A 6.7% slide is reported for businesses, while households reduced their output by 4.3%. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter The Director-General of NADMO, Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh together with Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, who doubles as Member of Parliament for Bimbilla and Minister of Defence Designate visited Seven (7) communities hit by a wind storm in the Nanumba North District in the Northern Region on Thursday 18th February, 2021. It is unfortunate to note that in Chamba, 548 houses, schools, health centers, police station, barracks and Chiefs Palace have been heavily affected. The delegation empathized with the Chiefs and people of the affected area for the unfortunate happenings. NADMO staff are currently on the grounds in all the communities doing an assessment to enable government to support victims. With the current situation, there is no electricity and water due to the destruction of 16 high tension and 13 low tension poles and for which without electricity mechanized boreholes cannot function. In response, the MP of the affected areas Hon. Dominic Nitiwul has quickly organized 175 packets of roofing sheets from well-meaning friends as an initial support for the victims. 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 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. In a letter of December 21, 1817 John Keats wrote of negative capability, that is when a person is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason. In his terse remark, relevant to literature, Keats is implicitly rejecting the search for a single truth or solution. The remark is pertinent for challenging present day cancel culture and wokery that have been infiltrating their way in the U.S. and the UK with their double agenda: eschewing any uncertainties in their irrefutable mission of boycotting or censoring ideas and people they find offensive and erasing memories of past individuals whom they want to be condemned. The need for challenge of this double agenda is clear, as two recent happenings in Britain show. One is a survey published in the School Library Journal of January 2021 reporting that British woke teachers have called for the cancellation of teaching of Shakespeare because he is a token of white supremacy, misogyny, and racism, in order to make way for modern, diverse, inclusive voices. A long farewell to all his greatness. The second is the decision at Somerville College, Oxford, alma mater of Margaret Thatcher, that all students must complete an unconscious bias course to expose innate racism, homophobia, and disability discrimination. The principal of Somerville, Baroness Royal of Blaisdon, claimed there was irrefutable evidence that injustice in society was being fanned by unconscious biases we all have. During the test of the course, students have to admit they are susceptible to bias, and must concede that a black lecturer is more likely to be disliked by students than her white colleagues. This malevolent process of boycotting and erasing is not new and indeed can be traced back at least two thousand years to the Egyptian pharaohs in the 13th and 14th centuries B.C. In the Roman era it was common for public offices or deposed rulers to be erased from public memory by removing their names and images from public statuary, inscriptions, and coins. Historians have named this damnatio memoriae, condemnation of memory. Notable victims were Sejanus, powerful and disliked commander of the Praetorian Guard under Tiberius in AD 31, and Emperor Geta, murdered in AD 211 by his brother who banned his name. A letter of July 7, 2020 in Harpers Magazine written by more than 150 individuals, including J.K. Rowling, Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, and Noam Chomsky, held that the restriction of debate whether by a repressive government or an intolerant society invariably hurts those who lack power and make everyone else less capable of democratic participation. The writers are properly concerned with the weakening of open debate and of toleration of differences in favor of ideological conformity. Complex policy issues are dissolved in an attitude of moral certainty. Bad ideas should be defeated by exposure, argument, and persuasion, not by trying to silence them. Today, we in the U.S. and the UK are in the midst of self-proclaimed moralists who are as steadfast in their self-assurance as the bright star, who ignore the complexity of life and politics, seek to erase the memories of those with whom they disagree, and to impose their view of the past and the present in an intolerant fashion. The task of historians is to examine assumptions about the past and to deepen our understanding of what the past has bequeathed us. However, we face the problem that history is being hijacked for ideological purposes. In Britain the National Trust is the latest example of wokery and has now compiled a dossier of properties for which it is responsible that it sees as linked to slavery and colonialism. If this is not an exercise of self-flagellation, it is perversion of its official role which is to conserve the houses and artefacts it controls, not make them controversial objects. It is significant that increasing cancel culture and wokery is being challenged and that countermeasures are being taken or contemplated. This is being illustrated by recent developments in the UK which should be in interest in Washington, D.C. Potentially the most promising of these developments is the meeting planned for February 23, 2021 by Oliver Dowden, British Culture Secretary who invited leaders of 25 of the UKs main heritage bodies and charities to discuss how to defend our culture and history from the noisy minority of activists constantly trying to do Britain down. It is arguable that these charities and heritage bodies, involved in the assertion that many historical properties have a colonial past or are linked to slavery, are losing track of their official purpose, the protection and promotion of British heritage. A second event is the statement by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, who has expressed concern about the silencing of voices in Britain and the chilling effect of censorship. He has declared that the government will take new measures to strengthen the existing legal protections for free speech. These will ensure that student unions at universities will for the first time have a direct legal duty to ensure free speech for their members and guest speakers. In addition, individuals, academic staff or students, can seek compensation in the courts if they feel they have suffered from impinging of their free speech. This would apply to cases of students expelled, academics dismissed or demoted, and speakers deplatformed. Freedom of speech in British universities will be protected by these stronger legal measures. A new feature is to be a Free Speech and Academic Freedom Champion who will foster free speech and academic freedom, impose fines on those student unions and others that restrict speech unlawfully and redress the situation if individuals have been dismissed or demoted for their views. It will deal with disruptive protests that prevent a person from speaking and will end the practice of refusal to invite speakers because some groups might object. A third development is that Ofcom, the Office of Communications, the UK authority for regulating broadcasting, TV, radio, video, and the Internet, was given power to prevent users of the internet from harmful and illegal content. It does not have the power to remove specific posts from social media platforms, but it can get Facebook and Google to state what content and behavior they find acceptable, and then see that these standards are enforced consistently and transparently. Ofcom has been told by the government to ensure that broadcasters report with due impartiality. This came after MPs accused the BBC and Channel 4 of trying to appeal to a narrow band of north London politically correct lefties. It is laudable that these three developments are attempting to avoid or limit silencing, censorship, or erasure of past and present behavior. Bias of course is subjective and difficult to measure, but it is important to try to ensure that controversial subjects are treated with impartiality. It will be interesting to witness whether this will change the way in which institutions and people respond both to interpretation of history and to the current American and British practice of cancel culture. An inmate at Goulburn jail has been charged with terrorism offences for allegedly plotting to attack police, military and Corrective Services officers. Tuki Lawrence, 24, who was in prison for unrelated offences when he came under suspicion, was charged by counter-terrorism police over letters found in his cell that allegedly outlined plans to carry out attacks. Goulburn jail inmate Tuki Lawrence, 24, has been charged over an alleged terrorist plot. Credit:NSW Police Investigators linked Lawrence to Islamic State sympathisers two years ago, including Isaak El Matari, who wanted to create a Blue Mountains stronghold to launch guerilla attacks across Sydney, and Radwan Dakkak, 25. El Matari, from Greenacre, allegedly proclaimed himself the General Commander of Islamic State Australia and pleaded guilty in October to making preparations for a terrorist act and incursion into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities. Going to the moon, once a giant leap for mankind, now costs only $99. But your entire body doesnt get to go, however. For $99, the only part of you that gets to make the trip is a tiny droplet of your spit. Send a piece of you to the moon, says the sales pitch on the website for the LifeShip company. Your spaceship is now boarding! Its all part of a new offer from starry-eyed San Francisco entrepreneur Ben Haldeman, who has cut a deal with a commercial spacecraft company to put tiny fragments of human saliva aboard a privately funded United Launch Alliance lunar landing, scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral in the fall. Each spit droplet, according to the company, will contain the customers entire DNA sequence. You get to go on a space mission and send a piece of you where few have been, Haldeman said. You save your familys genes for the future. Haldeman, a 40-year-old engineer and former professional bike racer, said he got into the send-your-spit-to-the-moon business to help planet Earth save itself from self destruction and to enable human beings the ones with $99, anyway to perhaps live forever. Future scientists, he said, most earnestly, may very well come across the tiny bits of preserved spit on the moon and have the wherewithal to reconstruct entire people from them. He said it could work something like the dinosaurs in the Jurassic Park movies, which were based on genuine make-believe. Im not really making any money on this, he said. I havent paid myself a salary yet. So far, Haldeman said, about 1,000 people have ponied up their $99 via his website and licked the postage-paid saliva collection card. A lab in Berkeley extracts DNA strands from the spit and crams them with all the other customers processed spit into a 2-gram kernel of resin about the size of a pistachio nut. Thats the part that will go in the spaceship. The DNA of 1,000 people crammed together into something the size of a pistachio nut? Isnt that a tight fit? So was Noahs ark, said Haldeman. And the offer is not just for the living, Haldeman said. Dead people can go to the moon too, providing theyve been cremated. The cost to send an ever-so-small smidgen of cremains to the moon about one 30,000th of an ounce is $399. No, Haldeman said, its not like freezing your body in a giant thermos bottle, which was all the rage a few years back among people who thought living another few lifetimes might be just the thing. DNA sequencing is real. The moon launch is real. And his expenses are real. For example, each $399 kit for sending ashes to the moon comes with an elegant wooden spoon, which, the instructions say, is for transferring a small dollop of a loved ones ashes into the postage-paid envelope. You get to keep the spoon. The first batch of samples has been collected, according to the companys website, and are set to board the first mission scheduled for later this year. The next batch will board a second launch, planned for later this year or 2022. That part, like rebuilding people from their spit, hasnt been finalized. When it comes to immortality, Haldeman said, everyone has questions. Theyre all answered on the website. What could my DNA be used for? said one question. Perhaps it will be retrieved after an asteroid strike to repopulate earth, Haldeman wrote. Maybe it could be carried to the stars and seed a new world. What if the rocket ship blows up? says another. Space is hard, Haldeman wrote in reply. Rockets do explode. If you dont make it to the Moon then youll go again on our next mission for free. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted all aspects of our lives resulting in an unparalleled acceleration in digital transformation. The mobile community in sub-Saharan Africa responded to this crisis proactively to keep individuals and businesses connected. Nonetheless, nearly a billion people on the continent are still being left behind, and effectively and permanently remedying this, is the seminal challenge of our time. Vodafone Ghana is proud to join our Vodacom, Vodafone and Safaricom teams across Africa to invite governments, industry players and businesses to become part of our Africa.Connected campaign. We commit to accelerate our efforts to close the digital divide and ensure that every man, woman and child is equally and equitably connected with no one left behind. This campaign builds on our six-point plan to future-proof our network and infrastructure, accelerate support to governments, support e-education and e-health, enhance digital accessibility and literacy for the most vulnerable, promote widespread digital adoption for business, and ultimately support our societies to overcome the crisis brought by the pandemic through targeted digital adoption and better financial inclusion. The economic repercussions of the pandemic have been brutal, and sub-Saharan Africa is facing a significant economic crisis. According to The World Bank in Africa, growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to fall to -3.3% in 2020, pushing the region into its first recession in 25 years. A white paper by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that COVID-19 will drag African economies into an economic slump of about 1.4% in GDP. Preventative measures to restrict the spread of the coronavirus have generated significant setbacks for African economies mainly in terms of lost productivity and trade - both within and among countries. Specifically, these measures have significantly strained almost all key growth-enhancing sectors of many economies, and ultimately, on their overall income. To expedite Africas economic recovery post-pandemic, the continent must accelerate digitalisation and expand regional cooperation. We are on the cusp of a pan-African reset, one that could transform the entire continent, improving living conditions and economy opportunities for more than 1 billion people. But the time to act is now! That is why Vodafone is launching the Africa.Connected campaign. Together with our colleagues in markets across Africa, we are calling on governments, industry and business to join us in the journey to close the digital divide in Africa to make the continent more competitive, more resilient, more inclusive and greener. We must continue a collaborative approach to build a future that is fair, inclusive and sustainable. Initiatives such as the African Union Commission digital transformation strategy and the UN Digital Cooperation Roadmap provide sensible frameworks for how this could progress. The impact of Ghanas digital footprint has been felt with the implementation of the mobile money interoperability platform, biometric national identification card, paperless port operations, e-procurement and smart workplaces among other initiatives. These initiatives form part of government of Ghanas Digital Ghana Agenda, which is aimed at bridging the digital divide. Vodafone Ghana is already at the forefront of advocating for change and leading the digitalisation agenda in the country. Our National Coding Programme, the establishment of ICT Centres in Senior High Schools and driving digital payments and mobile financial services through our Mobile Money platform, complement the governments digital economy agenda. Our Internet of Things (IoT) solutions continue to power businesses and industries across the country. Additionally, we have been working with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) to improve rural connectivity in the country. We have developed digital platforms that are delivering end-to-end support for organisations within the agriculture and educational sectors. Vodafone is also offering tailor-made solutions for small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) that are addressing their challenges. Vodafone Ghanas various digital channels including My Vodafone App and our virtual assistant, TOBi, have also redefined customer engagement during this pandemic. Public-private partnerships are crucial to accelerate development Even with the COVID-19 pandemic hastening changes in digital adoption, the race towards a digital Africa will depend on collaboration as well as technology. There are many admirable, ambitious targets to close the current digital divide, but they cannot be achieved if we work in isolation. It will take a strategic and considered set of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to achieve Africas ambitions to compete in the global digital economy. During the pandemic, the mobile industry has worked hand-in-hand with governments and businesses to develop initiatives that alleviate the impact of the pandemic on citizens. From money transaction fee waivers to discounts on data tariffs for health and educational sites, as well as cash and equipment donations, mobile companies and other industry players have supported vulnerable communities during the pandemic, while also contributing to economic recovery efforts. In Ghana, Vodafone demonstrated leadership through a number of initiatives in partnership with government including our Data for Good initiative - the provision of anonymised and aggregated mobile network data to assist the government in data-driven policy making during the ongoing global pandemic. Vodafone also provided free access to education via the Vodafone Foundation Instant Schools platform and zero-rated e-learning platforms for over 60 schools and universities to enable them to continue their learning and teaching processes without worrying about data charges. In partnership with the Ghana Health Service, Vodafone Ghanas Healthline Call Centre was also reopened with over 50 specialists to offer accurate information on the pandemic and refer suspected cases to the Rapid Response Team. Connectivity is an economic imperative The numbers tell the story. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy 2020 report, mobile technologies and services generated 9% of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2019 a contribution that amounted to more than $155 billion of economic value added. The mobile ecosystem also supported almost 3.8 million jobs (directly and indirectly) and made a substantial contribution to the funding of the public sector, with $17 billion raised through taxation. By 2024, mobiles contribution will reach around $184 billion as countries increasingly benefit from the improvements in productivity and efficiency brought about by the increased take-up of mobile services. We must get more people online Internet connectivity across Africa is still low, and theres a need to use innovative ways to connect the unconnected and the underserved. The GSMA found that the mobile market in sub-Saharan Africa will reach several important milestones over the next five years: half a billion mobile subscribers in 2021, 1 billion mobile connections in 2024, and 50% subscriber penetration by 2025. These achievements will be underpinned by operators continued investment in network infrastructure. To support broader digitalisation, major infrastructure expansions will be required, including those in backbone networks and last-mile connectivity. It is estimated that governments, development finance institutions, companies, and investors will need to spend $100 billion on key ICT infrastructure by 2030 to achieve universal broadband access including 250,000 new 4G base stations and 250,000 km of fibre cable. And with 5G on the horizon, although not yet at the point of roll-out in most African countries, there is no question that there is a significant task ahead. The digitalisation of our continent will not happen overnight. This is a long-term commitment that is only possible through sustained, robust and authentic collaboration. Source: Patricia Obo-Nai, Vodafone Ghana CEO 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 For years, cars have gotten smarter and seemingly safer as companies loaded them up with sensors, cameras and connectivity. Scooters and bikes soon followed. But what about wheelchairs? Start-ups are vying to enhance the lives of those living with mobility challenges by adding artificial intelligence to wheelchairs. The thought is that computer vision and intelligent braking tools can make the devices safer and easier to operate. A few firms are gaining traction, so wheelchairs of the future may be able to do more than move people from one place to another. "There are things that the industry has been able to do over the past 24 months to make wheelchairs better," said Bill Mixon, CEO of National Seating & Mobility, one of the nation's largest assistive technology firms. "The fact that they're more connected will allow us to evolve these devices to become receptors for information and data." Companies in the field have been slow to innovate, partially because Medicare, Medicaid and most other insurers cover only basic equipment needs. The wheelchair manufacturing industry is also dominated by a few multinational organizations that have focused more on releasing products in new colors and sizes than bringing wheelchairs into the digital age, experts say. A few start-ups in the field want to disrupt that. This month, the assistive mobility company Luci announced a partnership with National Seating & Mobility to give power-wheelchair users across the country access to a new high-tech safety gadget that attaches to chairs. In December, Scottish inventor Andrew Slorance of Phoenix Instinct won a million-dollar mobility prize from Toyota to bring his company's "smart" wheelchair concept to market. The two companies address users with different needs. Luci's apparatus can be retrofitted onto existing electric wheelchairs for people with upper and lower limb challenges. Phoenix Instinct focuses on reinventing manual chairs, which the user propels. The primary issue both firms are seeking to solve is injuries caused by tip-over accidents. Most wheelchair-related injuries stem from tipping over. As users redistribute their weight, either going over a bump or reaching to grab an object, the chairs can fall backward and cause significant injuries. In one study, over 87 percent of wheelchair users reported at least one tip or fall in the past three years. Luci's co-founders, Jered and Barry Dean, started the firm in 2017 after researching ways to improve life in a power wheelchair for Barry's daughter, Katherine. The result is a mountable "smart frame" that's hard to detect once it's installed. The hardware and software system relies on radar sensors and a trio of cameras that enable the wheelchair to "see" what's around. Collision avoidance software then acts to prevent users from unwittingly bumping into walls and objects. The company baked in drop-off detection software to recognize nearby steps and sudden declines in the pavement. If a user is going up a steep ramp and is in danger of tipping over, the software sounds an alarm and can alert designated people nearby to help. Luci adds about 10% to the cost of power wheelchairs, whose starting price is around $1,500 and can go as high as $12,000. Wheelchair accidents are a problem Janette Aragon, 33, knows all too well. She is among roughly 4 million Americans who use wheelchairs. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a toddler, she has relied on power wheelchairs since she was 6. Her condition makes it difficult to see what's behind her, she said. Her clinician at the University of Colorado at Denver's Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering helped her add Luci's system to her wheelchair in December. "I wish this technology was out back when I was a kid, because it would've prevented a lot of accidents - me falling off stages, stairs, and flipping over," Aragon said. "It has really become my lookout. It's a huge change." The machine pairs with an app, providing health metrics and other data that the user can share with medical staff or relatives, the company says. The camera feed is used internally to create a map of the world. User data is anonymized before being stored in the cloud, Luci says; it doesn't share data with other companies. Strapping sensors, cameras and connectivity to wheelchairs is the first step toward possibly unlocking self-driving capabilities in the future, National Seating & Mobility says. The mobility firm's partnership with Luci gives Luci access to a network of 170 mobility clinics across the country. Scotland-based Phoenix Instinct has at least another year before people are using its carbon-fiber wheelchair alternative. Slorance, the company's founder, who uses a mechanical wheelchair, suffered a spinal injury as a teenager in the 1980s. Unsatisfied with standard, boxy wheelchair options, he set out to develop sleeker alternatives. "Nearly 40 years later, the wheelchair companies haven't actually done anything. They made wheelchairs lighter. They've made them smaller. But they're still a box on wheels," he said. Slorance sold his first wheelchair start-up, Carbon Black, 10 years ago. The company focused on modern, customizable chairs. His next idea is to roll out aesthetically pleasing wheelchairs equipped with the latest technology. The Phoenix I uses a leveling system that automatically adjusts its center of gravity, making it more stable and comfortable to maneuver. The company participated in a three-year competition backed by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and global innovation foundation Nesta Challenges to enhance assistive technologies. It won the competition in December and expects to receive the prize in March. Its prototype, a black, round-edged wheelchair, has a braking system that detects when users are traveling downhill to manage their descent. At under 10-pounds, it's lightweight and has power-assist features designed to minimize muscle strain on the user. The plan is to build it with ports so that third-party companies can develop additional sensors and components, Slorance says. Prices are expected to start around $7,000. Most people prefer an extra hour of daylight in the evening rather than the morning, except in the darkest months of the year. Since there are significant issues with permanent DST, strong consideration should be given to the option of keeping the very reasonable compromise time system that is now in use, which gives the many benefits of daylight saving time for eight months and yet avoids the numerous problems and hardships that would come with 120 days of winter DST. Russian aggression costs Donbas at least US$50 bln experts This is about 10% of the GDP produced by Ukraine in five years. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter 13651 Michael L Mathews, CIO, Oral Roberts University For over 50-years Oral Roberts University has given students from over 160 different nations around the world three distinct challenges while earning their degree. 1. Make No Little Plans while attending ORU. 2. Graduate with a purpose to reach into every persons world, no matter what vocation you choose. 3. Develop your whole person, which includes the spirit, mind, and body. These three distinct challenges produce world changers who are spiritually alive, intellectually alert, physically disciplined, socially adept and professionally competent for global achievement. Ironically, as the CIO at ORU in a global and digital era, I was born in the same year that Chancellor Oral Roberts made the proclamation of building the university with these distinct challenges (1961). 54-years later, I am privileged to sit in the same office where Oral started these initiatives. Our current day global and digital society now allow digital electronics to travel slightly faster than the speed of light -- exponentially accelerating the ability to reach into every persons world. The cliche that the world is getting smaller is now a reality from a speed, space, and time perspective. As we accelerate the methods of reaching into every persons world within in a digital society, we are capable of moving curriculum and students in what once was only a phrase -- at God-speed; which is the speed of light. The realization of this iconic 50-year vision in a digital society is being accomplished through ORUs Globalized Information and Education Systems (GIES). The GIES includes geospatial back-office interfaces to accommodate students from every corner of the world. However, the new front-end platform is called OneCampus, Global Education Network (GEN). OneCampus GEN is designed with all the back-office components referred to as Geovision technologies that accelerate the delivery of education while spatially connecting every global citizen to ORUs award winning Whole Person education. No matter where a person is located in the world, OneCampus provides the potential delivery of adaptive, micro and/or Nano-modules of learning to meet every students particular need within their space, their time, and their location in the world. ORU can literally Flip the University to every corner of the earth, and reach into every persons world at an accelerated rate. We are now capable of intelligently teleporting education around the world in Nano-byte style -- to the right person, at the right time, with the right education, 24x7x365. The cliche that the world is getting smaller is now a reality from a speed, space, and time perspective ORUs OneCampus GEN capabilities recently garnered the attention of the United Nations, who invited Oral Roberts University to present at the 2016 InfoPoverty Global Summit on April 14-15, 2016, to present the vision that digitally reaches into every persons world. The outcome is to accelerate the United Nations 2030 Agenda, which includes -- A world with universal literacy to achieve dignity and freedom for everyone. A world with equitable and universal access to quality education at all levels, including health care and social protection, where physical, mental, and social well-being is assured. Who could have known that Chancellor Oral Roberts was fulfilling a United Nations 2030 agenda/vision in the year 1961? ORUs OneCampus GEN recently teleported over 520 hours of academic coursework to-and-from locations around the world through our teleportation robots called Geo-teleportation robots. The Geo-robots shown in figure-1 allow students and faculty to teleport both students and education at the speed of light to-and-from any location in the world, into the Tulsa, Oklahoma Campus. In Figure-2, Dr. Seth Ablorh, a medical doctor from Accra, Ghana is shown on the Geo-robot Segway model with our College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Kenda Jezek and Dr. Albert Essandoh, who are connecting between Tulsa and Ghana on the Geo-robot table-top model. During this first teleportation Dr. Ablorh said It may not seem like a big deal for ORU, but for the people of Ghana, this was like watching the first man to land on the moon. Figure 1 Student from around the world being teleported and traveling the campus on their own via Geovision technologies Plans are now in place to leverage ORUs Geovision technologies to teleport critical micro-modules, and Nano-modules of nursing intelligence to the hospitals in Ghana from ORUs new Global Learning Center and Geo-robots. Other countries being included are South Africa, Pakistan, Nigeria, The Republic of the Congo, Russia, and Canada. ORUs vision became a reality through tight-knit relationships with education vendors who also have visions of reaching the global and digital society. These vendors include Brightspace (D2L), Steelehouse Productions, EON Virtual Reality, Revolve Robotics, Double Robotics, and rSmarts OneCampus. These vendors allow our curriculum to become globalized, modularized, and teleported to any location around the world in multiple formats including digital online programs, tele-presence, virtual reality, and content packets that can span the spectrum of being teleported in a micro-level to being mass-produced on tablets and e-Readers in areas where Internet connections do not exist. These vendors alongside ORUs OneCampus GEN with Geovision technologies is a revolutionary Global Information and Education System (GIES) that closely match the GPS, GIS, and Geospatial Information Systems for other industries. As education entities like ORU develop Global Information and Education Systems (GIES), Geospatial Information Systems, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), education will become mobile, fluid, and transportable to meet the goals of reaching every persons world, and the United Nations 2030 vision of equity and freedom for everyone to become literate. ORU has completed the first step to prove that education can make paradigm shifts and become leaders amongst industries. In 2015, ORU utilized their vast information system knowledge and became the first university to take data from a wearable watch and leverage wireless and cloud technologies to transport pieces of fitness intelligence (data) directly into student grade books of major ERP/SIS/LMS systems. This Geovision technology design allows students from anywhere in the world to wear the technology anyplace in the world, and complete a portion of their Whole Person education; while staying focused on their big plans of reaching into every persons world. What appears to some as mystical or a data phenomena of globally transporting data into thin-air; is really about Nano-sizing educational data in a geospatial data-structure. The science, behind this data phenomena was the initial intent of Geovision technology design. This same concept spanning educational courses, programs, and degrees will revolutionize how students will digitally meet, see, touch, take, and filter education in the future. Imagine Nano-sizing degrees into pieces of intelligence that are digitally teleported to the right person, at the right time, in the right corner of the earth? Summary: As the world considers Nano-sizing degrees into just-in-time digital pieces of intelligence to anyone-or-everyone in the world, we will break open the paradigm of cybernetics into a potentially new field of study. This new field of study is code-named Geonetics by ORU. Geonetics leverages the art and science of coordinating digitization of previous generations of knowledge and technology to reach into every persons world for global improvement. Geonetics is initially considered the digital phenomena that aligns and connects people via geospatial and global information systems on a global scale, to improve the education and well being of humanity. The microbial world at the touch of a button: handheld DNA sequencers show promise for monitoring microbes during food production Handheld devices are well suited to environmental monitoring during food production, and have key advantages in ease of use and in identifying a broad variety of bacteria, according to a new study published in the journal npj science of food (a Nature partner journal). The study, by researchers from the Teagasc Food Research Programme and APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre, is the first to test handheld DNA sequencers as a routine microbial monitoring solution for food production facilities. Identifying the microbes present in our food is important. After all, they can cause food spoilage and disease, so routine checks on the microbial life in food production facilities is a necessity. However, current techniques to achieve this, while tried and tested, have some limitations. Microbiology testing in the food chain has, and continues to, rely on older, classical microbiology testing such as the use of agar and petri dishes, explained the studys senior author, Professor Paul Cotter. This is a time-consuming approach and only microorganisms that are being specifically tested for are identified. DNA sequencing offers an alternative. Instead of culturing bacterial samples in petri dishes, it can rapidly analyse bacterial DNA and identify the species in a sample. The catch? Conventional DNA sequencing involves expensive lab-based equipment and only highly trained lab technicians can perform the procedure and analyse the results. This isnt a good fit for routine microbial surveillance in busy food production facilities. A newer technology offers rapid DNA sequencing with an easy-to-use handheld device, but no-one had tested its potential in food production - until now. Professor Cotter and colleagues, led by Dr Aoife McHugh, set out to investigate how such portable sequencing technology would compare with lab-based sequencing, using swab samples from a working dairy facility. Strikingly, the handheld device proved to be similar to the larger lab-based sequencing system in terms of the number of bacterial species it could identify in the samples, suggesting it has potential as a routine monitoring device in food production. However, the small device requires a minimum amount of DNA before it can function correctly. In the well-cleaned dairy facility there simply werent enough bacteria in many of the samples, so the researchers had to perform an extra step to amplify the bacterial DNA before there was enough to analyse. This is a minor hurdle, and further developments with the technology may help to overcome it. As microbiologists, the use of DNA sequencing has revolutionised our understanding of fascinating microbial communities at the bottom of oceans, the tops of icebergs and a huge range of other environments, said Professor Cotter. While such studies have the potential to impact on our lives in the longer term, the use of these technologies to enhance food quality and safety can have a very rapid impact on everyday life. This study represents a key step towards a day when non-experts can use DNA sequencing tools to carry out microbiology testing in the food chain. Full reference: Microbiome-based environmental monitoring of a dairy processing facility highlights the challenges associated with low microbial-load samples Aoife J. McHugh, Min Yap, Fiona Crispie, Conor Feehily, Colin Hill, and Paul D. Cotter (2021) npj science of food. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-021-00087-2 Goons with clubs and machetes had established a makeshift checkpoint outside Tahrir Square in Cairo to beat pro-democracy protesters, and my heart sank when I saw the thugs intercept two frail women and menace them. But the women, sisters named Minna and Amal, stood their ground that day during the Arab Spring a decade ago. I stepped forward to interview the women and also the thugs, who were holding straight razors and clubs with nails embedded; with violence oddly on pause for a joint interview, I asked Minna and Amal why they risked so much to seek political rights. We need democracy in Egypt, Amal said simply. We just want what you have. The quiet, indomitable courage of Minna and Amal is one of my most powerful memories from Arab Spring. There are so many like Minna and Amal who risk beatings, torture, rape and murder to stand up for democracy and I keep wondering why we Americans, with nothing to lose, too often over the years have been unwilling to do the same. The United States has been particularly complacent about human rights in Saudi Arabia. Loujain al-Hathloul, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, has been imprisoned, tortured and sexually abused for trying to promote womens rights. Instead of championing her and other imprisoned activists, the Trump administration protected their persecutor, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, often known as MBS, even though he also presided over the murder of a Washington Post columnist. In his spare time, MBS created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, in Yemen. Now change is in the air. The White House said Tuesday President Joe Biden is going to recalibrate our relationship with Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials see which way the wind is blowing. This month they finally released al-Hathloul, and they also seem ready to resolve the catastrophe in Yemen. In fairness, Saudi Arabia under MBS genuinely has improved for many women and has scrubbed textbooks of hateful language directed at Jews and Christians (the textbooks continue to disparage Shiite Muslims). Yet while al-Hathlouls release is welcome, she still cannot travel or speak about what she endured. Many other innocent Saudis remain behind bars, including several womens rights activists and the blogger Raif Badawi, who was sentenced to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison (950 of the lashes were dropped). The bottom line is that MBS is damaged goods. King Salman and other Saudi royals should understand the reality that if MBS indeed becomes the next king, the countrys relations with America may not recover for decades. Some practitioners of realpolitik see concern for human rights as wimpish and believe what really matters is that a nation is strong, feared and equipped with a mighty military. They warn that glib idealism leads to disasters like the civil war in Libya and what advances the interests of Americans and foreigners alike are stability and working relationships with sometimes odious strongmen. My answer is that we must balance our interests and our values. Weve seen the limits of raw idealism in Libya, but also the limits of raw military power in Iraq and Afghanistan. We achieve change sometimes by dropping bombs, yes, but sometimes by supporting education and human rights, including womens rights. The Taliban shot Malala Yousufzai because they understand that in the long run, the greatest threat to extremism isnt a drone overhead but a girl with a book. Tawakkol Karman, a Yemeni woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership during the Arab Spring, told me the world is waiting to see if Biden will press regimes to release detainees and uphold womens rights. The world is painted in grays. Barack Obama believed in human rights, but he allowed hundreds of thousands of Syrians to be slaughtered because he worried about entering a quagmire. Egypts repressive regime is already challenging Biden by detaining relatives of an Egyptian American activist, Mohamed Soltan. Its not clear what leverage Biden has to help pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar or dislodge a dictator in Venezuela, let alone end a cultural genocide in Chinas Xinjiang region. But we can at least find our voice. The Trump administration denounced abuses in Venezuela, China and Iran, but if you care about human rights only in countries you dont like, you dont actually care about human rights. And under Trump, disrespect for democratic rights abroad leached into disrespect for such rights at home. We should seek inspiration from brave women like Minna and Amal in Egypt or al-Hathloul in Saudi Arabia. If they, armed only with principles, can stand up to thugs and dictators abroad, then surely we can too. The Sparsholt trainer will be hoping to add more success this year TRAINER Harry Whittington has been discussing his options ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, which kicks off on March 16. He was due to see two of his stable stars, Simply The Betts and Saint Calvados, run this weekend, but they will now head straight to Cheltenham. Simply The Betts won the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase at last years Festival and Whittington believes that he is back to his best. He said: He didnt have a full check of health, so he didnt run in anything, but hes back to himself and hes in very good form. It is obviously getting close to Cheltenham, but he has only had one run this season and that was in the Paddy Power [Gold Cup]. I cant see any reason why he wouldnt run at Cheltenham because he has only had the one run this season. Meanwhile, Saint Calvados who is also on course for Cheltenham did hold an entry for the Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday. However, the Sparsholt trainer decided against the run and as a result, hell be going straight to the Festival. He was left in it, but the plan was to go straight to Cheltenham, admitted Whittington. We thought wed leave him in there so we can see what sort of form he is in this week. He only ran last weekend, and he fell earlier so he didnt have a whole race, but were getting very close to Cheltenham and he is a horse that is better when hes fresh. Saint Calvados was entered into this race last year, but pulled out before going on to finish second in the Ryanair Chase. We have left him in the Ryanair and the Gold Cup and I should think wed be making a decision very late on that. Whittington is due to have one runner at Newbury on Sunday as Sirobbie holds an entry for the Betfair Weighed-In Podcast Weekly Handicap Hurdle. Bengaluru, Feb 20 : A frontline warrior, who was vaccinated on February 10 in Karnataka's Chikaballapura town, died on the way to a hospital here on Friday, while 2 others, including a woman healthcare worker are in serious condition days after they received the first shot, said the state health bulletin. "The frontline warrior, 56, who received vaccine at Chikaballapura on February 10, died this afternoon when he was being shifted to the Jayadeva hospital in the city after he complained of chest pain," said the bulletin here. Chikaballapura, the hometown of Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar, is about 60 km northeast of Bengaluru. The victim, who was working in the state water works department in the town, was discharged from the hospital on Thursday after he recovered from an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) symptoms since February 11. In another AEFI case, a 45-year-old Anganwadi woman worker, who was vaccinated at Raichur in the state's northern region on January 20, developed pain in her lower limbs on January 27. "She was shifted to the state-run Nimhans hospital in this tech city on February 17 for treatment after she developed fever, chill and pain in abdomen on February 15," said the bulletin. In yet another AEFI case, a 40-year-old frontline warrior, who works in the state water works department at Mysuru and received vaccine on February 12, had suffered muscle twitching in right lower limb hours later. "The warrior was admitted to a state-run hospital at Mysuru on February 15 and shifted to JSS hospital on February 16 for further management," added the bulletin. A 26-year-old woman swab collector, vaccinated on February 17 in the city, who suffered giddiness, however, recovered after treatment at the state-run ESI hospital in the city's northwest suburb on Friday and is stable. Of the 40,575 vaccine beneficiaries across the southern state on Friday, the bulletin said one was reported to be a severe AEFI case and 3 serious AEFI cases. Of the cumulative 6,32,711 beneficiaries vaccinated in the state since January 16, two were with severe AEFI symptoms and 18 were serious AEFI cases. Iran says it will "immediately reverse" its actions that contradict a 2015 nuclear agreement once U.S. sanctions are lifted after Washington said it was ready to revive the deal that former U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018 before reimposing the crippling penalties on Tehran. When sanctions are lifted, "we will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. Simple," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a post on Twitter on February 19. In apparent moves to tamp down tensions with a bitter rival, the administration of President Joe Biden said on February 18 that it was prepared to meet with Iran over its nuclear program. It also extended a diplomatic olive branch, easing "extremely restrictive" limits on movements of Iranian diplomats accredited at the New York-headquartered United Nations as well as notifying the UN Security Council that it had withdrawn then-President Donald Trump's September 2020 invocation of the so-called "snapback" mechanism under which it insisted that all UN sanctions against Iran were to be reimposed. Reuters reported on February 19 that a senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering Washington's offer to talk about the revival of the deal. "But first they should return to the deal. Then within the framework of the 2015 deal, a mechanism to basically synchronize steps can be discussed," said the official, whom the news agency did not name. Despite leaving the deal, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had insisted the United States was still technically a party to it and that Washington was triggering UN sanctions for Iranian violations. However, even U.S. allies dismissed Pompeo's argument and the UN said no such sanctions would come into effect. The series of moves represents a change in tone with regard to relations between Washington and Tehran. Trump had taken a hard line with Iran, accusing it of fomenting extremist violence in the Middle East and of attempting to develop nuclear weapons, allegations Tehran has denied. In May 2018, Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran. In turn, Iran began breaching terms of the accord. President Joe Biden has expressed a willingness to reengage with Tehran, although he has insisted it must return to the terms of the 2015 deal before it would discuss the possibility of easing sanctions. The State Department said the United States would accept an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting of the signees of the nuclear deal. Washington has not participated in such meetings since Trump withdrew from the agreement. An invitation has not yet been issued, but one is expected shortly, following discussions on February 18 among top U.S., British, French, and German diplomats. An invitation has not yet been issued, but one is expected shortly, following discussions on February 18 among top U.S., British, French, and German diplomats. Meanwhile, the U.S. mission to the UN said the United States was easing tough restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on movements of Iranian UN diplomats. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that it was a "good thing" Washington was no longer calling for international sanctions on Iran, though ultimately work remained to bring back full adherence to the deal. "It is the restoration of the JCPOA regime that is important," he said, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as the Iran deal is formally known. Trump in 2019 barred Iranian diplomats from all but a few blocks around the UN headquarters and their mission. Iranian diplomats will still be subject to restrictions on diplomats linked to nations with poor relations with the United States, such as North Korea, the State Department said. Those require authorization to travel beyond a 40-kilometer radius from Manhattan. With on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Pelosi Says Commission to Probe Capitol Breach Should Have Subpoena Power House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday that a proposed commission to investigate the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol should have subpoena power. During her weekly news conference, Pelosi was asked if the commission, supposedly modeled after the one established by President George W. Bush to examine the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon, should be able to demand testimony from unwilling witnesses. You have to have subpoena power, Pelosi replied, adding that there is strong support in the country for the congressional effort to find the truth behind what she described as domestic terrorism. Following a failed attempt to link President Donald Trumps speech with the violence occurred in the nations capital, Pelosi announced in her Feb. 15 letter to lawmakers that there will be an outside, independent commission to probe the incident. The commission, she said, will investigate and report on the facts and causes of the breach, the interference with the peaceful transfer of power, as well as the preparedness and response of the United States Capitol Police and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement in the National Capitol Region. However, there are concerns that the probe will be yet another partisan effort against Republicans. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), a ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told CNN on Wednesday that he had yet to hear from Pelosi or anyone else in Democratic leadership about the structure of the commission. If Speaker Pelosis vision of a 9/11 Commission is to only stay focused on Republicans, then she is really not interested in a truly 9/11-type commission, Davis said. Prior to Pelosis letter to colleagues, four House Republicans sent a letter to the Speaker, questioning her role in a denied request by Capitol Police for National Guard support before and during unrest around the Capitol building. Five weeks have passed since the January 6th attack on the Capitol building, and many important questions about your responsibility for the security of the Capitol remain unanswered, reads the letter signed by Reps. Davis, Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), James Comer (R-Tenn.), and Devin Nunes (R-Calif.). As you are aware, the Speaker of the House is not only the leader of the majority party, but also has enormous institutional responsibilities. The Speaker is responsible for all operational decisions made within the House. WASHINGTON - Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., on Friday announced his opposition to President Joe Biden's choice to lead the White House budget office, imperiling her nomination in a narrowly divided U.S. Senate. Neera Tanden, tapped to be director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, has emerged as a lightning rod for criticism over her prior attacks against Republican lawmakers and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. If all Republicans vote against her nomination, Manchin's opposition would prevent Tanden from being confirmed through the Senate, where each party only controls 50 votes. Biden has so far secured approval for seven of his cabinet nominees, and Tanden was widely expected to prove among his most controversial choices. Asked while leaving Air Force One if he was going to pull Tanden's nomination, Biden told reporters "no" and expressed confidence that "we are going to find the votes and get her confirmed," according to a pool report. The White House also issued a statement defending Tanden. "I believe her overtly partisan statements will have a toxic and detrimental impact on the important working relationship between members of Congress and the next director of the Office of Management and Budget," Manchin said in a statement. "For this reason, I cannot support her nomination. As I have said before, we must take meaningful steps to end the political division and dysfunction that pervades our politics. At a time of grave crisis, it is more important than ever that we chart a new bipartisan course that helps address the many serious challenges facing our nation." With Manchin opposed, the path for Tanden to win the support of any Republican senator remains highly uncertain. At her contentious confirmation hearings this month, Senate Republicans repeatedly brought up Tanden's prior attacks on GOP lawmakers, particularly on Twitter. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, cited tweets from Tanden calling Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, "the worst" and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., a "fraud." He also cited a Tanden tweet that said, "Vampires have more heart than Ted Cruz," referring to the Republican senator from Texas. Tanden has also compared Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to "Voldemort," the villain in the Harry Potter series, and called him "Moscow Mitch." In August 2018, after Collins said she did not want to delay the hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh, Tanden wrote: "Pathetic." Tanden has posted more than 80,000 tweets, and she repeatedly apologized for her prior comments in front of Senate committees. At one point in the hearing, Portman said approximately nine pages of tweets about Cruz remained live. "I regret that language and take responsibility for it," Tanden said at one of her hearings. But those apologies seemed unlikely to mollify GOP opposition or save her nomination, particularly given some of her attacks have been against Collins - the moderate Republican typically considered among the most likely to break with party ranks. Republican support for Tanden's nomination is "highly unlikely," said one senior GOP Senate aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly describe internal dynamics. "I don't see any Republican, at this point, bailing out her nomination. She seems to have burned too many bridges," said Brian Riedl, a former Portman aide now at the Manhattan Institute, a right-leaning think tank. "Lawmakers are human, too, and do not like to confirm people who insult them." Even if Tanden can win the support of a Senate Republican, it is not clear Sanders would support her. Bitter fights emerged between Tanden and Sanders allies during the 2016 and 2020 presidential primaries. During her confirmation hearing at the Budget Committee, which he currently chairs, Sanders asked Tanden pointed questions about millions in corporate donations given to the Center for American Progress, the center-left think tank, under Tanden's tenure. Tanden said those donations would have no impact on her decisions at the budget office. Appearing on CNN, Sanders declined to comment on Friday when repeatedly pressed on how he would vote on Tanden's nomination but did say he would be speaking with her next week. A loyal Democrat and close ally of former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, Tanden was strongly supported by numerous Democratic lawmakers during her hearings. Several Democratic senators, including Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., forcefully defended her tweets and past actions in committee hearings this month. "A lot of people have said a lot of things on social media - probably people in this room - that they regret," Klobuchar said. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement Friday that the administration would continue working toward Tanden's confirmation. "Neera Tanden is an accomplished policy expert who would be an excellent Budget Director and we look forward to the committee votes next week and to continuing to work toward her confirmation through engagement with both parties," Psaki said. Manchin supported several of Donald Trump's divisive nominees over the previous four years. He was the only Democrat to vote for Kavanaugh. Manchin was also among a handful of Senate Democrats to support Trump sending conservative firebrand Ric Grenell to Germany as U.S. ambassador. Grenell was previously forced to delete tweets, including ones mocking Newt Gingrich and the appearance of his wife, Callista. San Antonio door-maker Steves and Sons Inc. has been waging a more than 4-year legal battle over a merger of two companies that it deemed anti-competitive. This week, a federal appeals court agreed that North Carolina-based door manufacturer Jeld-Wen Holding Inc.s 2012 acquisition of Craftmaster Manufacturing Inc. resulted in Steves suffering antitrust injury. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia affirmed an unusual lower court ruling that ordered Jeld-Wen to sell a door-skin plant in Towanda, Pa., that was part of the Craftmaster deal. Door skins make up the decorative front and back of interior doors. This case is a poster child for divestiture, the three-judge panel found, adding the merger created a duopoly. On ExpressNews.com: Leaders of San Antonio door-maker discuss industry changes The judges vacated the district courts decision awarding Steves $139.4 million in future lost profits in the event Jeld-Wen is unable to sell the Towanda plant. But Marvin G. Pipkin, a lawyer representing Steves, downplayed that part of the ruling. Steves never sought nor expected double relief of both divestiture and lost profits, he said in a statement. Our best-case all along was forcing Jeld-Wen to divest itself of the Towanda plant. The lost profits would only come into play if Steves were put out of business through Jeld-Wens continued ownership of the Towanda plant, Pipkin added. He declined to comment when reached Friday. More than $36 million in past damages awarded to Steves on its antitrust claims still stand. The damages now exceed $40 million with interest, Pipkin said. Jeld-Wen CEO and President Gary S. Michel said the company has not violated any antitrust laws. Requiring a divestiture of the Towanda facility is unprecedented and fundamentally incorrect as a matter of law, Michel said in a statement. We are disappointed with the Fourth Circuits decision to uphold the divestiture ruling and will use all available avenues of appeal. Michel added the company is pleased the appeals court agreed that Steves is not entitled to an award for future damages. That ruling greatly limits our financial exposure, he added. Steves is a 155-year-old family-owned company, one of San Antonios oldest, that makes about 16,000 doors a day. It has plants in San Antonio; Lebanon, Tenn., and Richmond, Va., where the appeals court is located. As of the fall, Sevens employed between 1,100 and 1,400 people, including about 800 workers in San Antonio. This has been a stressful and costly multi-year journey to restore real competition and choice in our industry, Steves President Sam Bell Steves II said in a statement. The divestiture of Towanda and the availability of those doorskins, with Towandas reported capacity to make 25 million doorskins per year for the marketplace, will enhance availability and competition. SA Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox Steves sued Jeld-Wen in 2016 in federal court in Virginia. A jury unanimously sided with Steves at trial in 2018. Judge Robert E. Payne subsequently directed Jeld-Wen to sell the Towanda plant. Steves has alleged Jeld-Wens merger with Craftmaster substantially reduced competition in the molded interior door skin market. Only two door skin manufacturers were left after the deal. Steves asked the lower court to restore competition by ordering Jeld-Wen to sell the Towanda plant. The lower court found the merger created a significant threat Steves would go out of business in 2021, when its supply agreement with Jeld-Wen was slated to end. Steves does not make its own door skins, though it considered building its own plant before concluding it wasnt feasible. According to the appeals courts ruling, internal documents suggest Jeld-Wen planned to raise prices, end contracts with customers and stop selling to independent companies like Steves. If the Towanda plant is eventually put up for sale, a special master would conduct an auction of the property. Steves preference for divestiture in lieu of a $139.4 million damages award may signify that it hopes to buy Towanda at a bargain price, the appeals court said in its ruling. In its statement, Jeld-Wen said the appeal courts ruling allows the company to continue to pursue its claims against Steves owners, CEO Edward G. Steves and brother Sam, for theft of trade secrets, in state court. pdanner@express-news.net By Crystal Caruana Sullivan, Executive Director of Campus Ministry Members of the University of Dayton community celebrate important religious holidays and cultural celebrations that span many different faith and cultural traditions. Beginning the evening of Feb 24 through Feb 28, 2021 members of the Bahai tradition celebrate Ayyam-i-Ha, or Days of Ha, These days are devoted to spiritual preparation for the month long fast, Ala that follows. These days are festive times in the community, characterized by hospitality, charity, service and gift-giving. They are celebrated during the four or five days before the last month of the Bahai year (which follows a lunar calendar). During Ala, the period of fasting, Bahais are obligated to suspend consumption of food and water from sunrise to sunset for 19 days. The period of fasting ends with the celebration of Naw-Ruz on Mar 20 or 21. Members of the UD community are invited to be conscious of those fasting during this time and can refer to UDs practices for religious accommodation for suggestions on how to support one another or ask for support. To understand more about the Bahai tradition, please visit www.bahai.org. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:55:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Hungarian Parliament Speaker Laszlo Kover via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu here on Friday held talks with Hungarian Parliament Speaker Laszlo Kover via video link, and they pledged to play positive roles of the two legislative bodies to enhance the state-to-state relations. Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that recent years have seen bilateral political mutual trust continue to deepen, cooperation yield fruitful results and the two countries' relations enter the best period in history. Facing the test of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have actively supported each other in fighting the virus and resuming work and production, Li said. Economic and trade cooperation has risen against the adverse trend, major cooperation projects have been implemented one after another, and vaccine cooperation has made positive progress. China will continue to view and develop bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to work with Hungary to implement the important consensus of the leaders of the two countries, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and benefit the two countries and their peoples, he said. Noting that legislative exchanges are an important part of the bilateral relationship, Li said the NPC is willing to deepen friendly exchanges with the Hungarian Parliament. Li called on the two legislative bodies to maintain close high-level exchanges and promote exchanges between their special committees and friendly groups, and provide legal protection for the cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and bilateral practical cooperation in various fields. Kover thanked China for its assistance in materials and vaccines in the joint fight against the pandemic. Kover said that Hungary firmly supports and actively participates in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and China, and hopes to further promote more project cooperation. Enditem Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she is giving up meat for Lent this year, and she's doing it to honor the late son of one of her colleagues. Rep. Jamie Raskin's son, Tommy, died by suicide late last year. "Ok everyone, I need help! A few weeks ago I told @RepRaskin that this year I wanted to adopt a vegetarian diet for Lent in memory of his son Tommy," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. Ok everyone, I need help!A few weeks ago I told @RepRaskin that this year I wanted to adopt a vegetarian diet for Lent in memory of his son Tommy.Jamie said, Well youd have to do it the way Tommy would, which means bring people along with you! So, I have 3 requests: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 18, 2021 "Jamie said, 'Well you'd have to do it the way Tommy would, which means bring people along with you!' So, I have 3 requests," she continued, adding her three requests. Firstly, she wanted others to join in and said the rules to do so are: No judgement, make the challenge to eat vegetarian your own, and be inclusive. The second request was that people share their favorite vegetarian recipes. "I would like to avoid 40 days of Easy Mac," she wrote. Shortly after tweeting about her vegetarian quest, countless twitter users replied with links to their favorite recipes. Ocasio-Cortez's third request was that those who are not going vegetarian, but are in a position to give, "consider doing so in the spirit of Tommy." "He loved the world so much and dedicated his life to reducing suffering around the world," she wrote. During Lent, Christians fast or give something up for 40 days as repentance ahead of Easter. The New York congresswoman recently mentioned her friendship with Raskin following the Capitol riots in January. On an Instagram live, Ocasio-Cortez said she and others feared for their lives during the siege. Story continues "Many children children of members of Congress children were there," Ocasio-Cortez said. She described Raskin as her close friend and mentioned that he had lost his son "tragically" just days before the attack. "His daughters were with him in the Capitol, days after that trauma, and they nearly lost their lives too," she said. Tommy Raskin, a second-year student at Harvard Law School and a graduate of Amherst College, died at the age of 25. "Tommy was pure magic. His brilliance and compassion knew no bounds. He passionately loved his family, friends, and animals, and was devoted to the cause of the global poor. We are devastated and demolished to be without him," his family said in a statement shared by Raskin. Dr. Fauci on when children may be able to get COVID-19 vaccines Deborah Archer, ACLU's first Black president, discusses the group's top priorities Analysis of Biden's foreign policy remarks at Munich Security Conference Married At First Sight Australia's 'virgin groom' Matt Bennett had viewers hooked when he appeared on the show in 2019. Now it seems like MAFS producers are hoping to revisit the virginal story line with new contestant Belinda Vickers, who will appear in the hotly anticipated upcoming season eight. On Friday, a newly released trailer heavily implied that 29-year-old sales manager from Melbourne had not yet been intimate with a man. Has Married At First Sight found another virgin? New bride Belinda Vickers (pictured) admitted she's 'never had a boyfriend or relationship' in a promo trailer for season eight In the video, she chatted with fellow bride Samantha Jayne Harvey, 31, who asked her why did she decide to take part in the social experiment. 'Well, I've never had a relationship before,' the brunette beauty said, before adding: 'I've never had a boyfriend.' The blonde bombshell was taken aback by her new friend's admission and asked her to further explain. Plenty of questions: In the video, she chatted with fellow bride Samantha Jayne Harvey (pictured) who asked her why did she decide to take part in the social experiment Revelations: The brunette beauty admitted to her new friend, 'Well, I've never had a relationship before,' before adding, 'I've never had a boyfriend.' Samantha replied: 'Mate, you really need help, oh s***' Belinda said: 'I've just never had a relationship. So, like, I need help.' 'Mate, you really need help, oh s***,' Samantha added. 'Okat, don't have to answer this, but are you a virgin?' she asked. The camera then panned to a nervous looking Belinda before the clip is cut. Perfect match? Belinda is set to marry F45 trainer Patrick Dwyer (right) who is also from Melbourne. The 27-year-old has a positive outlook and is looking to settle down Belinda is set to marry F45 trainer Patrick Dwyer, who is also from Melbourne. The 27-year-old has a positive outlook and is looking to settle down and start a family. He has said his ideal girl would be loyal, caring and friendly - definitely not 'fake' or 'plastic' looking. First timer: Married At First Sight producers promoted season six star Matt Bennett (right) as the show's first ever virgin groom. He tied the knot with makeup artist Lauren Huntriss (left) and they consummated the relationship during the honeymoon Married At First Sight producers promoted season six star Matt Bennett as the show's first ever virgin groom. He tied the knot with makeup artist Lauren Huntriss and they consummated the relationship during the honeymoon. She was left heartbroken when her 'husband' confessed to the other grooms at a dinner party that he wasn't attracted to her. Quick finish: She was left heartbroken when her 'husband' confessed to the other grooms at a dinner party that he wasn't attracted to her His remarks embarrassed her and the following week they decided to end their relationship at the commitment ceremony. Matthew has since moved on with Bella Jameson, originally from the UK. He recently revealed to MailOnline that thanks to his girlfriend, he has become more comfortable with showing affection. Now, the former virgin now has a scruffy beard and a far more muscular physique, and has launched a new career as a motivational YouTuber. A researcher works at the Brinkman Lab at Simon Fraser University, part of the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network, in Burnaby, B.C., in this undated handout photo. (Ho, Aleksa Nenadic, Canadian Covid-19 Genomics Network/The Canadian Press) Canada Aims to Double Genomic Surveillance for Variants of Concern VANCOUVERA national agency leading a network of labs hunting for variants of COVID-19 is aiming to double its efforts across Canada as part of a global surveillance initiative to keep up with new strains that may become more prevalent. Viruses naturally mutate over time, and several COVID -19 variants of concern have been identified, including those that were first associated with the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, and Nigeria, all of which have been detected in Canada. New variants, some of which are more transmissible, are identified using equipment that sequences the viruss genetic material or genome in patients to show that the main variant has developed a group of mutations on what could be considered the family tree of the virus. Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, executive director of the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network, which was created in April 2020 as part of Genome Canada, said the emergence of the variant linked to the UK led to an increase in capacity last December at six regional centres and public health labs. We needed also to develop a strategy to prioritize samples that we would sequence faster, she said of a greater focus on some samples, including from communities with large outbreaks as well as patients who had travelled or been infected again. The network involves a seven-days-a-week push to generate sequencing data with the help of a variety of experts, including bench scientists who do the sequencing, biostatisticians who analyze samples, and others who interpret the family tree of the virus as it produces new variants, some that could be concerning, Lopez-Correa said. She said an average of five percent of COVID-positive samples are currently being analyzed in Canada to determine if theres a change in the genetic blueprint of the virus, information that scientists in China decoded and shared with researchers around the world over a year ago. The networks goal is to sequence 10 percent of samples, Lopez-Correa said, adding the United Kingdom is sequencing eight to 10 percent of its positive cases while the United States analyzes less than one percent due to challenges co-ordinating efforts across jurisdictions. We actually were faster than the U.S. in identifying this (UK) variant in December, as soon as we started our sampling strategy. We were immediately able, in almost a week, to report some of those variants present in Canada, she said. Being at five percent is already a good number. Were trying to push that to be closer to what the UK is doing. Canadas national surveillance strategy is to strike a balance between the number of samples that are sequenced and prioritization of those deemed suspicious, she said. Iceland, for example, is sequencing almost all of its positive samples but Lopez-Correa said that plan in a small country with relatively few cases and huge capacities for genomics would not be helpful for Canada because theres no advantage to sequencing all or even half the samples of hundreds of people that may have been infected in a single outbreak. Scientists around the world are uploading thousands of sequences of existing and emerging variants into a non-profit international online database that serves as a watch list of mutations so over 100 countries can monitor for concerning variants in the samples they are sequencing. From a scientific perspective we are seeing something thats unprecedented. This is the first time in history that we are able to use these genomic tools at a global scale to see the virus evolving in real time, Lopez-Correa said. Almost half a million sequences are currently available in the database, to which Canada has contributed 15,000 sequences so far as part of a reserve of information that is also assisting policy-makers in seeing where variants are coming from and where they are moving, she said. The variant associated with the United Kingdom, for example, has been detected in 70 countries, Lopez-Correa said. Variants of concern have been identified in every province, and by Feb. 16, a total of 638 cases were detected, the Public Health Agency of Canada said. Of those, 601 cases were of the strain first identified in the UK, with Ontario and Alberta recording most of them. The agency said that of the 35 cases of the variant linked to South Africa, British Columbia had the most, at 19, while the province also identified the lone case associated with Nigeria. Ontario has one case of the variant first detected in Brazil. The National Microbiology Laboratory, along with the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network, are working closely with provincial and international partners to investigate and assess the risk of the variants, including the one associated with travel to Nigeria after one case was reported in British Columbia last week, the agency said in a statement. Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.s provincial health officer, said about 10 percent of COVID-positive samples are being sequenced in B.C., and one of the mutations of the variant linked to Nigeria could be concerning if it transmits the virus faster than the main variant. Thats why our lab decided to include it in the ones that we monitor for, she said. Multiple countries are looking for ways to scale up genome sequencing through a more cost effective and automated system that would allow for faster analysis of samples as COVID-19 races against the development and deployment of vaccines, Lopez-Correa said. The virus can trick our immune system. Its learning how it works. By Camille Bains A suspected firearms smuggler who was released in April due to COVID-19 protocols was arrested over the weekend as he tried to enter the country with 636 grams of pot, states an arrest affidavit. Leonel Avalos-Santoyo was charged with export and attempt to export firearms and ammo into Mexico. Avalos-Santoyo, a U.S. citizen, arrived as a bus passenger at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 13. In secondary inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers said they discovered six foil wrapped bundles within a stuffed animal in Avalos-Santoyos luggage. CBP officers said the bundles tested positive for 636 grams of marijuana. CBP officers learned about an ongoing investigation on Avalos-Santoyo by Homeland Security Investigations for firearms smuggling and contacted the special agents. The firearms smuggling attempt dates back to April 25, when CBP officers conducting outbound inspections at the Juarez-Lincoln bridge encountered Avalos-Santoyo. He was a passenger in a van and gave a negative declaration for weapons, ammo and more than $10,000 in cash, according to court documents. An inspection of his luggage revealed a Stoeger M3500, a Prieto Beretta AL-2 12 gauge receiver, a Prieto Beretta 12 gauge shotgun barrel, a Bersa Thunder .380 caliber pistol, a Taurus 9 mm pistol, a Smith & Wesson 22 LR, 100 rounds of 22 LR ammunition, 60 rounds of 223 REM ammunition, a foregrip bipod, a Bersa caliber 380 magazine, two PTIII Pro 9mm magazines, and one 22 LR 25 round magazine, according to court documents. The HSI Laredo Border Enforcement Security Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives responded to interview Avalos-Santoyo. He allegedly claimed he had purchased the weapons for his own use. Avalos-Santoyo was taking the weapons to Mexico for himself and claimed he was not involved in any organized crime. Avalos-Santoyo claimed he did not possess a license to export firearms and, or ammunition and had never applied for a license, states the affidavit. A firearms trace summary confirmed that Avalos-Santoyo had purchased the firearms between April 17-23, according to court documents. Following the seizure on April 25, authorities released Avalos-Santoyo due to emergency COVID-19 protocols, which prevented him from being taken into custody, the affidavit states. On Feb. 13, HSI and ATF questioned Avalos-Santoyo again. He allegedly admitted that the firearms from the April 25 seizure belonged to him. He added he was taking them to a ranch in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, states the affidavit. The judge dismissed the three bribery counts in the indictment dealing directly with campaign contributions, as well as elements of the overarching conspiracy count that alleged the same conduct. Lee left the door open for prosecutors to recharge the offenses if they offer new evidence. The operator behind Massachusetts online appointment booking system issued an apology after the website crashed Thursday morning. As the states biggest online appointment vendor, we deeply regret what happened [Thursday] in Massachusetts and are committed to ensuring this does not happen again, Prep Mod said in a statement. As public health servants and your partner, we are sorry for not meeting expectations. We accept full responsibility for the problem. Thursday morning, when nearly a million more Massachusetts residents became eligible to receive the vaccine, the Massachusetts COVID vaccine appointment website was down for more than two hours. A message appeared on the website - vaxfinder.mass.gov - as seen by MassLive at 7:30 a.m., with an image of an octopus with a question mark and informing visitors that the online application crashed and asking visitors to try again later. VaxFinder.Mass.Gov, as seen at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18 The states phone hotline for seniors struggling to use the website was also temporarily down Thursday morning. Multiple phone calls made by MassLive to the 211 line were disconnected shortly before 9 a.m. The hotline was later updated with a recording to notify callers about the technical difficulties online. The website crashed due to the high volume of interest. There was a sudden and unprecedented surge in traffic to the site, PrepMod said in a statement. Unfortunately, the system did not scale fast enough to accommodate the increased volume. We will work continuously to ensure that the system is responsive to and accommodating for the people seeking COVID-19 vaccinations. Residents 65 years and older, individuals with at least two comorbidities that make them high risk for COVID and/or residents and staff of low income and affordable senior housing can now receive the vaccine, Gov. Charlie Baker announced this week. They followed residents 75 years and older in eligibility, who were the first priority group in Phase 2. After announcing that the state is opening eligibility to priority group 2 of Phase 2, Baker told reporters Wednesday he felt the website would be in good shape for the additional traffic. On Thursday, the governor was livid. My hairs on fire about the whole thing, Baker told GBH in an interview. I cant begin to tell you how pissed off I am. People did a lot of work, but clearly they didnt do enough, he said. I know how important it is for people to get their shots. Thats why we started with hard-to-reach populations, which put us in the hole in terms of vaccine productivity. Thats why we got so aggressive in catching up, and weve made a lot of progress in the last two to three weeks. But (Thursdays crash) is not satisfactory. Its awful and Im going to work very hard to make sure it doesnt happen again. In addition to the massive influx of residents becoming eligible for the vaccine Thursday, tens of thousands more appointments were set to go live Thursday morning. Tens of thousands of appointments were to be added at large-scale vaccination sites across the state at 8 a.m. Thursday. Appointments were added later in the day, with 60,000 appointments booked by late Thursday when no more appointments were available for the week at large-scale vaccination sites in Boston, Foxborough, Danvers, Natick, Dartmouth and Springfield. While the mass vaccination sites are booked for the week, a small number of appointments for other locations will be posted over the next several days, a spokesperson for the commonwealths COVID-19 command center said in a statement. This includes pharmacies and regional collaboratives. Related Content: Heads up trivia fans BBC Studios Australia is looking for contestants for a new quiz show. Described as pub trivia on prime-time television it is offering cash prizes -meaning a public broadcaster is unlikely. The casting notice advises, A quiz show where everyone is invited to play. We are looking for individuals who arent afraid to have some fun, have a friendly but competitive nature and who can answer quiz questions or have a good time trying. The only thing we ask you to bring is a positive attitude and be ready to have some laughs. Filming will take place from April May in Melbourne. Applications close Friday April 9th 2021. Updated. Related U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, state media said on Friday, days after the White House said it would deal with the king, not his heir, and U.S. officials would engage their counterparties in the kingdom. Crown Prince Mohammed, who is also Saudi Defence Minister, reviewed bilateral relations with Austin, especially in defence cooperation, state news agency SPA said. Austin reaffirmed the importance of the strategic defence partnership between the two countries, and said the United States was committed to helping Riyadh defend itself, condemning attacks launched into the kingdom by the Houthi group in Yemen. Austin said in a statement he had a productive call. "We discussed the continued commitment to the 70 year US-Saudi security partnership, and I'm looking forward to working together to achieve regional security & stability," he said. U.S. President Joe Biden said this week he plans to recalibrate U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and will conduct diplomacy through Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz rather than his powerful son the crown prince, widely referred to as MbS. Biden is returning to "counterpart to counterpart" engagement, the White House said. Saudi has led a military coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen since early 2015. Austin thanked MbS for Saudi efforts towards a political solution in Yemen and said the two countries had a shared commitment to confronting the threat posed by the Iranian leadership in the region, the SPA report of the meeting said. Former U.S. President Donald Trump maintained steady contact with the crown prince through his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Short link: Women of the Miao ethnic group process clothes at a poverty alleviation workshop in Huawu Village, Xinren Miao Township of Qianxi County, Bijie City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 3, 2021. [Xinhua/Ou Dongqu] BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) An eight-episode documentary on how China fought and finally won the battle against absolute poverty will debut on the state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) on Thursday. Produced by China Media Group, the documentary features the theories developed by China during the process and practices, and demonstrates China's anti-poverty policies, models and ideas. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), nearly 100 million impoverished rural residents have escaped poverty since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. (Source: Xinhua) In a massive blow to the Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in Bihar, over 200 leaders of the party switched over to the state's ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) on Thursday. The development has come just a day after former MLA Rameshwar Prasad Chaurasia left the party. The LJP leaders, led by former party spokesperson Keshav Singh, joined the JD-U at the party's office. JDU President RCP Singh and Bihar unit president Umesh Singh Kushwaha inducted into their party all the members from LJP camp. According to sources, among the leaders who joined the JD-U also include president of many cells and district presidents. After joining the JD-U, former LJP leader Ramnath Raman Paswan slammed Chirag Paswan. Calling Chirag a 'thug', Ramnath said "someone who was not born in Bihar cannot be expected to know much about the state". Describing LJP as a party of thugs, he said that "no one can stop Chirag Paswan from going to the jail". Meanwhile, welcoming all the 208 LJP members JD-U President RCP Singh said his party will be strengthened by their arrival. Chirag Paswan's party had contested last year's Bihar assembly elections alone and it could manage to win only one seat 24929 Alfred Essa, VP, Analytics and R&D, McGraw-Hill Education Alfred Essa, VP, Analytics and R&D, McGraw-Hill Education Six decades into the computer revolution, four decades since the invention of the microprocessor, and two decades into the rise of the modern Internet, all of the technology required to transform industries through software finally works and can be widely delivered at global scale. Mark Andreesen In 2011 Marc Andreesen famously made the declaration that software is eating the world. Five years later softwares victory is complete. The world now runs on software and every competitive company, at its core, is a software company. Ironically, the software revolution is only just beginning. The next wave of the internets digital transformation is already upon us and it is being fueled by data, lots and lots of data. Digital data, which underlies the next generation of software, has three defining characteristics. Digital data is pervasive, it is connected, and it is cognitive. The pervasiveness of digital data is being driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), which means that everything in the physical world potentially transmits and receives data. The connectedness of digital data is being enabled by cloud computing, a digital fabric which connects disparate data, either by source or structure, and also provides the computational power to deliver new services at global scale. The cognitive nature of digital data is emerging from AI-powered software, whereby new techniques in statistical science, machine learning, and deep learning allows us to create intelligent software. What is intelligent software? Traditional software applications perform predefined tasks which are explicitly programmed by human programmers. Intelligent software can go beyond the pre-defined tasks by sensing, adapting, and learning automatically based on new data. A powerful example is the cognitive software underlying IBMs Watson. Imagine Watson offers an initial medical diagnosis based on machine learning. But then it goes further by carrying out a dialog with the attending physician to confirm the diagnosis and, going even further, to consider various treatment options. The most exciting direction of intelligent software is, therefore, augmented intelligence where machines augment but not replace the intelligence of humans. In the Valley of the Geeks (not to be confused with Silicon Valley) open source magicians are laying place a number of the foundational innovations for enabling the next generation of intelligent software. The first software revolution was made possible by open source technologies such as Linux, Apache, MySQL, PhP, TCP/IP, and Ethernet. Industry creatively co-opted these open source innovations and made it the basis of the first wave of software innovation. A similar dynamic is at play today. Open source, which includes the academic research community, is spawning new technologies and methodologies which are now beginning to be at the data-driven intelligent software. The pervasiveness of digital data is being driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), which means that everything in the physical world potentially transmits and receives data Hadley Wickham and Fernando Perez are two superheroes leading the open source charge in analytics and data science. Wickham, originally from New Zealand, comes from the world of statistics. He did a stint as a professor at Rice University and is now chief scientist at Revolution R. Fernando Perez, originally from Colombia, comes from the world of physics with expertise in applied mathematics. Wickham and Perez are leaders in the open source R and Python communities. R and Python are programming languages. But R and Python are also vibrant ecosystems of code, ideas and methodologies at the center of modern data science. Wickham and Perez have contributed to multiple projects in the R and Python communities. But each is responsible for at least one Big Idea in data science. Wickham is most well known in the R community for having authored ggplot2, which is arguably the most elegant and powerful graphics package in the data science world. John Tukey, the father of data science, emphasized the importance of visualization and exploratory data analysis as a necessary prelude to model and algorithm construction. Wickhams ggplot embodies a deep philosophy of visualization called the grammar of graphics. A grammar is the fundamental principles or rules of an art or science. Instead of approaching every visualization or graphic as a one-off, each with its own set of rules and logic, the grammar of graphics imposes a well defined structure for building any visualization. Much like in Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, visualization is built up in a series of layers or aesthetics while adhering to a set of simple rules. Working with a well-defined grammar frees up the data scientist to focus and reveal the underlying structure, pattern, and meaning of data. Wickham recently has gone further by creating a new set of powerful libraries called tidyverse, which is built on similar grammatical principles. At the core of tidyverse is a package called dplyr, which embodies a grammar of data manipulation. The two-by-four of the data science world is a data structure called a data frame. A large part of data analysis, especially during the exploratory data analysis phase, consists of manipulating, arranging, and re-arranging data frames. The set and sequence of operations on data frame is a core part of data analysis. It also has tended to be tedious and arcane. Wickhams dplyr package provides an elegant and consistent method for handling the most common data manipulation tasks faced by data scientists. Wickhams Big Idea has been to take a grammatical approach to data science and making that the basis of a series of innovative R libraries. His Big Idea has fundamentally transformed how data scientists approach their daily job. Perez comes from the world of modern science which is increasingly built on computation and data-intensive modes of scientific discovery. Alan Turing award winner Jim Gray referred to this new approach to scientific investigation as the Fourth Paradigm. If we look at the detection and confirmation of gravitational waves, for example, much of the experimental work relied on sophisticated data analysis and data science. The preferred tool set for the analysis of gravitational waves is Python. Indeed Python is now the de facto standard for scientific computing and data analysis. As a graduate student Perez, along with some of his colleagues, developed an interactive command shell tool called IPython along with a web-based interface called the IPython notebook. Now called Project Jupyter, Perezs work is utilized on a daily basis by tens of thousands of scientists and data scientists. Perezs great insight, which led to his Big Idea, was to notice that the available tools in the programming world dont support the iterative workflow of science. Empirical science progresses in a cycle: we pose questions, form hypotheses, conduct experiments, collect and analyze data. Based on the data we make adjustments to our questions and hypotheses. The cycle then begins all over again. Scientific innovation is sparked in part by how rapidly we can iterate each cycle. As an open source innovator Perez led the development of a tool set that more closely matches the scientific workflow. As an added benefit the Jupyter notebook paradigm provides a mechanism for ensuring reproducible research. Much like a laboratory notebook the Jupyter environment gives researchers the ability to annotate their work, collaborate in teams, share and disseminate their findings. It is inevitable that very soon research papers will be published in the style of a Jupyter notebook, where the narrative of the paper is only a part of the research. The published paper, in the form of an interactive notebook, will also contain the data (or links to it) and the computation in the form of code. As data-driven intelligent software begins to dominate the internet, spawning further software innovations, we need to acknowledge that the emerging technologies stand on the shoulder of giants like Hadley Wickham and Fernando Perez. See Also : Top Most Promising IBM Solution Providers Check Out Review Of CIOReview : Crunchbase, Glassdoor Check This Out : CIOReview Overview, Muckrack The Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to decriminalise public drunkenness after years of advocacy by the family of Yorta Yorta woman Tanya Day, who suffered a fatal fall while in custody. Ms Days family welcomed the passing of the legislation and said it was also a long overdue day for Aboriginal people in Victoria. Tanya Day, Yorta Yorta mother and grandmother. The 55-year-old had fallen asleep on a train from Bendigo when police arrested her for public drunkenness and took her to Castlemaine police station. She fell and hit her head while in a police cell and was taken to hospital where she died 17 days later. After a coronial inquest into Ms Days death, the government committed to removing the offence of public drunkenness, which was also a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody three decades ago. 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. OneWeb, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network owned by the UK Government, Bharti Global and other strategic investors, have announced the appointment of Srikanth Balachandran as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A press release issued by Bharti Global says that Balachandran has joined from Bharti Global, where he was CFO since October 2018, prior to which he was CFO of Bharti Airtel for seven years. The release says under his financial stewardship, Airtel engaged in some intense M&A, grew its customer base five-fold to become the worlds No.3 mobile operator in subscriber numbers, and expanded its operations to 18 countries. Balachandran was closely associated with Airtels launch and scaling up of the Satellite TV business in India and the expansion of the firm's global business. Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb, said, Having had the opportunity to work with Srikanth in his most recent role as CFO of Bharti Global, the team at OneWeb has seen first-hand the wealth of experience and expertise he will bring to his new position at OneWeb. He will assume responsibility for helping us deliver our ambitious business plan, securing additional funding and establishing high standards of governance. A chartered accountant and a commerce graduate from the University of Madras, Balachandran started his career as a management trainee at Unilever, where he spent 23 years across leadership roles in Finance, Supply Chain and HR in India and UK. Speaking about his appointment, Balachandran said, OneWeb has an unparalleled opportunity to create value for communities, businesses and governments. Our plans to create a telecom network in space will be game-changing and will help realise OneWebs vision of 'internet access everywhere, for everyone. He added that OneWeb has fantastic support from new investors in terms of funding, market access and customer reach. and said the company will invest responsibly for customer experience and profitable growth. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Lawmakers pressed Mr. Tenev on multiple fronts: After he repeatedly asserted that Robinhood customers had made $35 billion in realized and paper investment gains, Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, pushed him on more specifics, which Mr. Tenev ultimately declined to give. Thus, Robinhoods total assets under management remain a mystery. When he said that Robinhood had curbed some customer trades because clearinghouses demanded more collateral from his firm, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, shot back that the brokerage may instead have failed to manage its own capital risks. Anthony Gonzalez, Republican of Ohio, pursued a similar line of attack, making it a bipartisan affair. Several lawmakers criticized the Robinhood apps so-called gamification approach, where trades are celebrated with virtual confetti and made to feel more fun. You are encouraging your customers to tap 1,000 times a day, said Ritchie Torres, Democrat of New York. Mr. Tenev responded, We wanted to give our customers delightful features. Sean Casten, Democrat of Illinois, accused the company of taking advantage of inexperienced traders, including a customer who died by suicide after believing he had run up huge losses via the Robinhood app. To make his point, he called Robinhoods automated help line: A message told users to email for support, and then the call ended. Heres a clip of the hearings most noteworthy exchange. What else happened. Robinhood wasnt quite the only thing discussed (although it often seemed like it): Ken Griffin faced harsh questions about Citadel Securities practice of paying brokers like Robinhood to execute their orders, but was frequently cut off when trying to explain the intricacies of the business. The billionaire stressed that his hedge fund had nothing to do with Robinhood halting trading in GameStop and other stocks. Gabe Plotkin of Melvin Capital said his fund had been short GameStop for years, and the losses it suffered from the rise in the stock last month were big but manageable. Citadels investment in his firm during the frenzy was not a bailout, Mr. Plotkin said. Steve Huffman of Reddit said there were no signs of market manipulation on the sites forums where meme-stock traders gather, and asserted that the investment advice posted on Reddit is probably among the best. Keith Gill, the day trader who goes by Roaring Kitty on YouTube, got the most sympathetic treatment, and seemed to be enjoying it, slipping meme-inspired jokes (I am not a cat) into his testimony. He said he remained bullish on GameStops stock, in exchanges which may come up again in a class-action lawsuit filed this week that alleges he incited the rally via his social media channels. Over to you, Gary. The committee chair, Maxine Waters of California, said that she planned to hold more hearings, one of which will feature the S.E.C., the agency at the forefront of any regulatory response to the market frenzy. Gary Gensler, President Bidens nominee for S.E.C. chair, is expected to bring a tough enforcement stance on everything from investor protections to oversight of the arcane financial plumbing that came up in questions to Robinhood, Citadel and Melvin. The Senate is aiming for a confirmation hearing in early March for Mr. Gensler and the C.F.P.B. chair, Rohit Chopra, DealBook hears. (Nothing is final and the timing may slip.) Image HERES WHATS HAPPENING Uber suffers a big defeat in Britain. The companys drivers must be classified as employees, entitled to a minimum wage and vacation, instead of independent contractors, the countrys Supreme Court ruled. It may set a precedent for gig-economy workers in the British market and beyond. President Biden reportedly concedes that there wont be an increase in the minimum wage soon. Doesnt look like we can do it, he told a group of governors last week, according to Politico. Hes prioritizing his $1.9 trillion stimulus proposal instead. Separately, Walmart raised wages for hourly workers, with about half reaching at least $15 an hour, the level proposed by the White House. The U.S. and Novavax make big contributions to a global vaccination effort. The White House said it would make good on a pledge to donate $4 billion to a campaign aimed at making and distributing Covid-19 vaccines worldwide, while the drug maker Novavax committed to selling 1.1 billion doses to an alliance that aims for equitable global distribution of vaccines. A standoff between Steve Schwarzman and his scholars. Current and former participants in a masters program funded by the Blackstone C.E.O. called on him to cut ties with lawmakers who objected to certifying the 2020 presidential election results, The Timess Kate Kelly reports. Mr. Schwarzman has refused. Uttar Pradesh: In the recent developments in Unnao dalit girls death case the police officials revealed that two accused have been arrested in the case. The primary accused is identified as Vinay, who is also responsible for poisoning the dalit girls. The investigating officer said that Vinay had added pesticides to the drinking water, which killed the two dalit girls and resulted in serious condition of the third one. Both the accused reside in the neighbouring village and knew the girls beforehand. Vinay and another juvenile accused had brought snacks for the girls on the day of the incident. Vinay confessed that he became friends with one of the girls during the lockdown and they used to talk to each other in the fields. He confessed his love to her but she refused his advances. This is when Vinay decided to take such a drastic step and carried out the incident. The incident took place on Wednesday (February 17) night when three Dalit daughters were found delirious in the fields of Unnao. The Uttar Pradesh police on Thursday (February 18) registered a case of murder based on the complaint of family members of the two girls who were found dead in a field. According to reports, the Unnao Police has registered the murder case against unidentified persons under sections 302, 201 of the IPC. The FIR has been registered at the Asoha Police Station on the basis of the complaint filed by the victims' family. The UP police chief earlier had said that the cause of death of two of the three girls who were found unconscious in a field in Unnao district could not be ascertained, while poisoning has been confirmed in the third one, who is critical but stable at the moment. A panel of three doctors earlier performed the autopsy of the two girls who were found dead in a field in Unnao, the state police chief said. Meanwhile, the case has triggered a political storm with the Opposition demanding a high-level inquiry into the incident. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a serious note of the incident and sought a detailed report from the states DGP. Live TV One of the many unpretentious, apolitical workers who has tended thanklessly to the needs of parliamentarians for many years took it personally: If they do that to her one of their own what would they do to you and me? he posed to me. Hes right. If so many people with power and responsibility allowed the case of an enthusiastic, young Liberal to be overlooked, suppressed, covered up, what would they do to people who dont belong to their tribe if we were under their control? The implication is that they will do anything they think they can get away with. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit:SMH Parliament House has long been a hotbed of consensual sex and extramarital sex. Unlike much other parliamentary activity, its always been bipartisan business. No party has a monopoly on licentiousness. But consensual relationships largely remained out of public view until Barnaby Joyces affair with a staff member went public. Malcolm Turnbull decided to ban sex between ministers and their staff as a result. And less welcome sexual attentions in the form of sexual harassment also have been a standing problem. In decades past there was a discreet backchannel operating between the prime ministers office and the opposition leaders office to keep sexual misconduct in check. Each side kept an eye out for rogue behaviour by members of the other and duly alerted the leaders offices accordingly. That system fell into disuse years ago. And when sexual harassment and sexist bullying cases have intermittently broken out into public view, there have been internal inquiries and internal reviews which, inevitably, come to naught. Morrison himself launched just such a review in 2018. Like all the others, it came to naught. That is the very purpose of internal reviews. If you keep it internal, you can control it, muffle it, delay it until everyone forgets about it. Everyone except the victims. But the case of Higgins is in another category altogether. Rape is a grave crime. Apart from murder, its as serious a crime that one person can commit against another. The crime against Brittany Higgins sits unanswered. It is unanswered in the specific case of Higgins, but it is also unanswered in the wider case of the Australian Parliament. Until this alleged crime is answered for Higgins in particular and answered systemically by the Parliament for Australia, it is a standing challenge to the legitimacy of the government, the Parliament, and the exercise of power itself. When Scotland won its campaign for devolution of power from London, a Scottish parliament met for the first time in 300 years. At the opening ceremony in 1999, the man known as the father of the Scottish nation, Donald Dewar, told the new parliament: This is about more than our politics and our laws. This is about who we are, how we carry ourselves. This is a similar moment for Australia. The response to the crime against Higgins is about our politics and our laws. But it is also about who we are, how we carry ourselves as a nation. At the first parliamentary question time after News Corps Samantha Maiden broke the story on Monday morning, Scott Morrison expressed concern, offered support, and tried to duck. Reports today are deeply distressing. This matter is under consideration by police. At the time, while ACT police said the file on Higgins case was open, they said that they were not pursuing a complaint against the alleged rapist. Because, Higgins still hadnt filed one. A matter under consideration is not a matter under investigation or subject to the courts. So Higgins was refusing to give the political system an easy out. Uncomfortable as it was for the Prime Minister, Higgins was actually giving it an opportunity to reform itself. Prime Minister Scott Morrison initially ordered two reviews into Brittany Higgins allegations, both under his control. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen On day two Morrison tried to duck again. This time, it was the time-honoured internal review. Not one but two. One review by the Liberal Party and the other by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. In other words, reviews by two organs under Morrisons direct control. Guaranteed to come to no difficult conclusions and fade away like all the others. This is the business as usual reflex, suppression disguised as action. Its what a prime minister does with a political problem. Labor didnt let him get away with it. Anthony Albanese called for an independent, external review and offered Labors support. The House of Representatives crossbench joined the call. One of the crossbenchers, the independent member for Warringah, Zali Steggall, explained that she and two other independent MPs, Rebekha Sharkie and Helen Haines, met to discuss the shocking news. They asked themselves what they would do if one of their staff came forward with a similar experience. What resources do we have, what procedures are there, where would we take a matter like that? says Steggall. They couldnt say, didnt know. If the three of us cant come to a conclusion about where to go in a crisis, a 24-year-old wouldnt have a chance either. Steggall is a former barrister as well as former Olympic athlete. So Morrison committed to conducting a serious, independent review. We should expect to see the details next week. The crossbenchers dont want it to be limited to an issue of gender. One, Rebekha Sharkie, MP for South Australias Mayo, told the ABC: It is really important that we dont make this just about one gender because Im sure that there are many young men in this place who perhaps have felt the victim as a victim and perhaps they have left working here. We need to make sure that every person who is a pass holder in this place feels that they have an independent body to go to so that they can be well supported with their circumstances. Loading Higgins is handling herself well in the media and political melee so far. On Friday, she said she would proceed with a formal police complaint against the alleged rapist. On the systemic problem in Parliament, culture reviews cant hurt. And well now see a couple. But to change behaviour, incentives must change. Sharkie is right. The idea of an independent body is one way to change behaviour. We can be guided by successful precedents. After decades of politicians rorting their expenses, the solution was the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Agency, which is now operating well. After decades of parties squabbling over claims that their opponents are guilty of black hole budget costing disasters, the solution was the Parliamentary Budget Office, which is working brilliantly. The solution both times was an independent, expert umpire operating with high levels of transparency. Russia and the UN have discussed the strategy to create normal living conditions in Syria, writes SANA. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin has met with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen. The two sides exchanged points of view on the situation in Syria within the framework of the political settlement process and activities of the Committee of discussing the constitution, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement posted on its website. The statement added that talks pointed to the importance of the active participation of the relevant UN bodies to help in the reconstruction process in Syria and create normal living conditions in areas liberated from terrorism. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 18, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada remains committed to protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale. With only approximately 366 remaining in the world, it is imperative that Canada continues taking strong action to help support the species' recovery. Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, along with the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced the 2021 measures to help protect North Atlantic right whales from interactions with fishing gear and vessels in Canadian waters. To help prevent entanglements with fishing gear, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is building on last year's successful measures by continuing to close fishing areas wherever and whenever North Atlantic right whales are present in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Bay of Fundy, and Roseway Basin Critical Habitat, but the Department will improve its efforts to determine if right whales remain present in closed area before deciding to extend a closure. This change will maintain world-class protection for the whales while also ensuring that harvesters are not prevented from accessing lucrative fishing grounds. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is also establishing a new technical working group for harvesters, right whale experts, and departmental officials. This new collaboration will have regular, in-depth discussions about the right whale measures to ensure continued improvements. To help prevent collisions with vessels, Transport Canada will be re-implementing its 2020 season measures, including a restriction on vessel speed throughout much of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to protect areas where whales are detected, and issuing fines to those who are not compliant with these measures. In addition to these measures, Transport Canada will introduce the following modifications this year: the mandatory restricted area in and near the Shediac Valley will be refined by size, location, and duration to better protect right whales when they are anticipated to be present in greatest numbers; the speed limit exemption in waters of less than 20 fathoms will be expanded to all commercial fishing vessels. These combined measures with the work already underway by the Government of Canada on extensive right whale monitoring and surveillance program with aerial and on-the-water vessel surveillance, underwater stationary and mobile hydrophones, will further protect our marine environment and the navigational safety of all mariners. The Government of Canada, working closely with its partners and stakeholders, is using the best available data and science to better protect this iconic species in Canadian waters. Quotes "In 2020, we saw no North Atlantic right whale deaths or entanglements in Canadian waters, which is why we are building on those measures to ensure this trend continues. None of this is possible without the collaboration and partnership of fish harvesters across Atlantic Canada and Quebec, who have helped develop these measures with DFO year after year in order to protect these whales. Last season is proof that by working together, we can effectively protect North Atlantic right whales while also continuing to put high quality, sustainable seafood on dinner plates in Canada and around the world." The Honourable Bernadette Jordan Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard "Our government remains fully committed to protecting the marine environment while ensuring navigational safety. For the fifth consecutive year, we are implementing vessel traffic management measures for the 2021 season which incorporate evidence-based research and innovative tools to safeguard the North Atlantic right whales. Working together with vessel operators and the maritime industry, we will continue to support the recovery of this iconic species for generations to come. The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport Quick Facts The 2021 fishing measures will take effect in the Gulf of St. Lawrence as soon as the crab fisheries open. Measures will continue to be applied in fall and winter fisheries if whales are detected in areas where fixed-gear fisheries are operating. as soon as the crab fisheries open. Measures will continue to be applied in fall and winter fisheries if whales are detected in areas where fixed-gear fisheries are operating. The vessel traffic management measures will be in effect from April 28 to November 15, 2021 . . Transport Canada issued four penalties last year for non-compliance with the mandatory speed restriction. Vessel owners have 30 days to pay the penalty or to ask the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada to review the facts of the violation or the amount of the penalty. issued four penalties last year for non-compliance with the mandatory speed restriction. Vessel owners have 30 days to pay the penalty or to ask the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of to review the facts of the violation or the amount of the penalty. Budget 2018 included a $167.4 million Whales Initiative to help protect and support the recovery of endangered whale species in Canada , notably the North Atlantic right whale, the Southern Resident killer whale, and the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga. Under this fund, $1 million per year in ongoing funding, and an additional $4.5 million over four years, were committed to further enhance the Marine Mammal Response Program, which responds to marine mammals in distress, including disentanglement of North Atlantic right whales. Related Products: Associated Links Stay Connected Follow Transport Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Follow Fisheries and Oceans Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Subscribe to receive Fisheries and Oceans Canada's news releases and more via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/rss-eng.htm SOURCE Transport Canada For further information: Jane Deeks, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 343-550-9594, [email protected]; Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]; Allison St-Jean, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-290-8656, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, 613-993-0055, [email protected] Related Links http://www.tc.gc.ca/ Pune: Two new mutations have been found in coronavirus samples from Amravati and Yavatmal districts of eastern Maharashtra on Thursday, a senior official told PTI. However, the genome sequencing of the samples did not show the UK, South African or Brazilian strains of the virus. The researchers also discovered that the mutation can escape neutralizing antibodies. In the past one week, both Yavatmal and Amravati have shown a sharp rise in new COVID-19 cases. The genome sequencing was conducted on 24 samples -- four each from Amravati, Yavatmal and Satara and 12 from Pune, Dr Rajesh Karyekarte, Head of Department of Microbiology at the state-run B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital was quoted by PTI. "We were asked by the state government to conduct genome sequencing of samples. The D614G strain which is prevalent was found in all the samples," he said. But in Amravati, Yavatmal and Satara, they also came across different mutations, Dr Karyekarte said. "In Amravati, we came across a mutation named E484K in all the four samples. When we inquired if all samples belonged to one family, we were told they were taken from different locations, so the conclusion was that it was a common mutation," he said. In Yavatmal samples, they found a mutation named N440K. In Satara sample, a new mutation named V911I was found but the researchers could not find significant scientific references about this mutation in published journals. All these strains are of A2 type of coronavirus, which is common in India. Maharashtra on Thursday reported over 5,000 new cases after a gap of 75 days. Maharashtra on Thursday reported over 5,000 new cases after a gap of 75 days. These spurts in infections are due to the lax behavior amoong people during gatherings, weddings and various functions and noone following physical distancing rule. Meanwhile, a lockdown has been declared in Amravati, and restrictions inposed in Yavatmal amid rising COVID-19 cases. The Amravati district administration on Thursday announced a weekend lockdown in Amravati. The lockdown will be implemented from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Monday, a period during which markets and other establishments will remain shut. Maharashtra's health minister Rajesh Tope and water resources minister Jayant Patil -- tested positive for the virus. NCP leader Eknath Khadse and his daughter-in-law and MP Raksha Khadse too have contracted the infection. The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) on Thursday required that all people who have arrived in the city from Hai Duong Province since February 3, Vietnam's current COVID-19 epicenter, be sent to centralized quarantine facilities and tested for the novel coronavirus in order to prevent transmission. The same mandatory quarantine will be applied to all people who have traveled through Group 1, Quarter 6, Hong Ha Ward, Ha Long City, as well as Thuy An, An Sinh, Binh Duong, and Nguyen Hue Communes in Dong Trieu Town in northern Quang Ninh Province since February 3. The HCDC will also send all arrivals to Ho Chi Minh City from Yen My and Khoai Chau Districts in northern Hung Yen Province since February 10 to concentrated quarantine facilities. Ho Chi Minh City authorities ancitipate that people from across the country will return to the city to work and study after the Lunar New Year holiday, raising the risk of COVID-19 spread. Therefore, since February 17, the city has been expanding its random sampling program at the Saigon Railway Station and major passenger bus stations such as the old Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Binh Thanh District, the new Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Thu Duc City, and Nga Tu Ga Bus Station in District 12, with a total of 100 samples collected per location per day. The citys medical sector has also been conducting random COVID-19 tests on 10 to 20 percent of arrivals to Tan Son Nhat International Airport from Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and northern Hai Phong City. The process is meant to help detect cases of infection as early as possible and avoid community transmission. Ho Chi Minh City has reported 36 community cases of COVID-19 infection since the latest wave hit Vietnam on January 27. The countrys tally stood at 2,347 COVID-19 cases as of Friday morning, with 1,605 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. A total of 755 local infections have been detected in 13 provinces and cities since January 27. The majority of domestically-transmitted cases were traced back to Hai Duong and northern Quang Ninh Province, with 575 and 60 patients, respectively. Hung Yen has documented two locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases during the current wave. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 05:07:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, together with Democratic lawmakers, on Thursday formally rolled out a major immigration bill called U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, introducing legislations that would expand immigration and give nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants a path to U.S. citizenship in eight years. White House officials called the bill a chance to "reset and restart conversations on immigration reform," labeling the bill as Biden's "vision of what it takes to fix the system." The bill includes providing a shorter process to legal status for young people brought to the United States by their parents as children, known as Dreamers. The bill also triples the number of visas available to those who have been the victim of certain crimes including domestic violence, upping the number from 10,000 to 30,000. Employment-based visas also jump under the bill from 140,000 to 170,000. It would allow immigrant farmworkers and those with Temporary Protected Status, who came to the United States as far back as the 1990s amid natural disasters and other unrest in their countries of origin, to quickly gain green cards, said a The Hill report. Under the bill, undocumented people living in the United States would be able to seek green cards after five years, while the three- and 10-year bars that restrict people from reentering the United States if they've overstayed their visas will be lifted. The bill will make efforts to ease immigration timelines abroad, increasing numerous types of visa caps while seeking to reduce wait times for those who may currently wait as long as 20 years to join family in the country. It also includes an enforcement plan to deploy technology to patrol the U.S. border. The bill also lays out a plan to create refugee processing in Central America to discourage migrants from trying to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border, while setting aside 4 billion dollars in aid for Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras to address the root causes of migration. Democrats and Republicans are sharply divided on how to reform the country's immigration system. It remains unclear whether Democrats plan to keep the policy proposals in one large legislative package or try to enact individual elements of it in a piecemeal approach. "How it happens through the legislative process remains to be seen," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of the legislative strategy, "But it is a priority and we will be working on it." Some Republican lawmakers have already criticized the bill for the timing and failing to address more on border security. "No! This is not the right time and certainly not the right set of policies," House Republican Bill Johnson tweeted on Thursday. "Let's focus on those Americans who are struggling right now." Even with a Democratic-led Congress, passing an immigration bill will be a heavy lift given that Senate Democrats would need to secure 10 Republican votes to pass the bill through the regular legislative process. The last time comprehensive, bipartisan immigration legislation was brought up in U.S. Congress was in 2013, and comprehensive immigration reform hasn't passed in over 30 years in the country, according to a USA Today report. Enditem Leading Irish jockey Shane Foley claimed top honours in the stc International Jockeys Challenge in Riyadh on Friday. Riders from all over the world jetted in to Saudi Arabia for the second running of the competition, which acts as the perfect appetiser to Saturday's high-profile card at the King Adbulaziz Racetrack, which features the $20million Saudi Cup. Foley, who as stable jockey to Jessica Harrington has enjoyed big-race success aboard the likes of Albigna, Cadillac and Lucky Vega in the last couple of years, landed two of the four races that form the challenge, first striking gold on Emblem Star. The 3-1 favourite was drawn widest of all in the second leg of the event, but a smart start allowed Foley to navigate his mount across the track and take up a handy position before kicking clear from the home turn for a decisive victory. Expand Close Shane Foley riding Motawariyah wins the International Jockeys Challenge Handicap during the Saudi Cup 2021 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Shane Foley riding Motawariyah wins the International Jockeys Challenge Handicap during the Saudi Cup 2021 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images Foley was soon on the mark again, with Motawariyah (9-2) similarly impressive in the following race - and after being confirmed as the winner of the competition, the Kilkenny native was keen to dedicate his success to nine-times champion jockey Pat Smullen, who died last year following a long battle with cancer. Foley said: "It's fantastic to be involved, and maybe I wouldn't be here if Pat Smullen was here. He'd have probably got the invite as he was the go-to man and it's days like today that make you think of Pat, but he'd be proud of me I think. "When you're competing in these races it's a random draw, so you've a chance of getting on a fancied horse and I was lucky enough to draw two that had chances. I had a nice run around on both of them and they both won. "I know they're not Group races, but it's on the big stage with a lot of people watching and obviously good for your career. "It's up there as one of the most enjoyable nights I've had for a while - it beats Dundalk, anyway!" The first leg went to 7-2 favourite Mortajeh, with American legend Mike Smith taking over in the saddle from John Velazquez, who was unable to travel to Saudi Arabia due to travel complications. Expand Close Pat Smullen, who died last year, is pictured celebrating after winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Harzand at the Curragh in 2016 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pat Smullen, who died last year, is pictured celebrating after winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Harzand at the Curragh in 2016 Hall of Fame rider Smith was crowned champion in the inaugural contest last year after landing two of the four races, but was later demoted to third after one of of his winners, Sun Hat, was disqualified due to a positive test for cobalt. "I wasn't even meant to be riding in the jockeys' challenge - Johnny Velazquez couldn't make it, so I filled in for him. I only heard about two hours beforehand," said Smith, who this year finished third in the overall competition. "It was great to start out with a winner and I'm happy with the result. This is a great event and the prize-money is amazing." Smith will ride favourite Charlatan in the Saudi Cup, and said of the Bob Baffert-trained colt: "Charlatan is an extremely talented horse and I'm really excited about him running. I think he's going to really like this surface and hopefully he runs as well as I expect him to." Saudi Arabian rider Adel Alfouradi landed the fourth and final leg on 14-1 shot Zhabi Alhammad, which was enough to give him the runner-up spot. William Buick and Hollie Doyle finished out of the places in each of the races. Stephen Mills, of Blackburn, says he was bullied by a belligerent bar licensee and ordered to leave the hotel after Mills asked him politely to cover his nose. You must love [Premier] Dan [Andrews], was the attendants parting shot to Mills wife, when she remarked on the number of patrons not wearing masks. Diners, shoppers and pedestrians fill Centre Place post-lockdown on Thursday. Credit:Paul Jeffers Mills says he is frustrated the government has been strong on rules but weak on enforcement. Across the globe, measures by governments to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have exposed tensions between public safety and personal liberties. There are differing beliefs in our community about the level of restrictions that we should collectively undergo to avoid infection, says Professor Kathy Douglas, dean of the graduate school of business and law at RMIT and an expert in conflict and dispute resolution. Loading So when people see things playing out in the community that they dont agree with, they have an emotional reaction. The easing of lockdown restrictions in Britain last year revealed stark fault lines: more than half of the population said they felt angry with others because of their behaviour during the pandemic. Nearly one in five of 2237 British residents polled had confronted someone for not staying a sufficient distance away from others or being in too large a group, according to research published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. The study, by Kings College London and Ipsos MORI, also found 8 per cent said they had confronted someone for not wearing a face mask. Meanwhile, a small minority of people had confronted others for following the rules too closely. Professor Kathy Douglas is an expert in conflict and dispute resolution. Credit:Jason South Belief in the conspiracy theory that the government wants people to wear face masks only as a way of controlling them was associated with confronting someone for sticking to the rules too closely, with 21 per cent of believers saying they had done so. In Victoria, disputes over COVID-19 rules are continuing to play out on social media and in public, with many perceiving mask rules are being flouted more during the latest outbreak of the virus. Loading Douglas copped derogatory comments from a couple of young men while exercising in her local area, paradoxically because she was wearing a mask. It was a take that off, what are you doing with that? yobbo-type thing. She says mask wearing is a very visual example of whether you are compliant with COVID-19 rules. What it does is confront another person with your approach, and if they dont have the same value belief, they might react. Douglas believes that in July last year, when Victorias new COVID-19 cases surged to more than 700 a day, there was wider acceptance of strict precautionary measures. But now, with a low number of cases, she sees more people questioning Victorias approach, which is creating flashpoints in the community over adherence to mask and social-distancing rules. Because of those differing views, you dont have a harmonious view of how to address the pandemic, Douglas says. At the start, there was more of a coherent view. I think thats changing over time. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Darren Robinson is the administrator of Residents in St Kilda, a Facebook page for residents to talk about how to make life better for all people in St Kilda. Robinson says posts on the page which has 8700 members are normally about lost keys and cats, tradies and locals helping each other. But lately he has become concerned about a growing community vigilantism. We have rejected a number of posts wanting to shame people who are in public without masks on, Robinson felt compelled to post last week on the Residents in St Kilda page. Whilst I support and comply with all mandated rules on masks, we are not a site which will publish peoples faces who are walking, sitting down or doing whatever without a mask. If you feel strongly about these people, please approach them respectfully and ask them to put on masks. Make a complaint to the police. If you dont have a valid reason for not wearing a mask, I would encourage you to comply for the benefit of all. Robinson says social media has become a mechanism for shaming people and calling out what others see as non-conforming behaviour. Generally, I would say its a reflection of the division and politicisation of opinion, he says. Its all been played out over whether or not you wear a mask. Its significantly politically aligned but its really driving a wedge in the community. The reality is that some people have medical exemptions. Everyone needs to understand we are all in this together. Tim Boyce has chronic asthma and bronchiectasis, a disease in which there is scarring of the lungs, which makes it difficult for him to clear his chest of mucus. He says he would be medically exempt from wearing a mask, but chooses to do so, in part because he is vulnerable to catching COVID-19 but also because of the scorn he would attract for not wearing one. Boyce experienced this when running without a mask during lockdown, even though the guidelines stipulated that people engaging in strenuous exercise were not required to wear one. The best way for me to naturally clear my chest is cardio exercise, and when I wasnt able to go to the gym, it was really the only way for me to do it, so it was genuinely for medical purposes, says Boyce, of Forest Hill. Loading I stopped counting the number of selfish c--- or f--- you shouts I received, even though I carefully planned a route that allowed social distancing. Boyce feels the abuse got worse the longer Victoria was in lockdown and the angrier people got. I just think that in general, people feel they are being let down by both sides of politics, and have to take matters into their own hands. At their heart, public confrontations over COVID-19 rules are driven by worry, according to Dr Claire Hooker, a senior lecturer in medical humanities at the University of Sydney. You may be an older person who is worried about being exposed to COVID-19 for the sake of your health, but you may also be defending your view that people ought to put themselves out in small ways to keep others safe, she says. The flipside is somebody who abuses another person for wearing a mask is worried that their capacity to self-determine ... and to act freely, is being taken from them. Hooker says non-judgmental communication asking why someone isnt wearing a mask rather than telling them to wear one can be a useful tool. She suggests finding common ground: You might say, We both agree that its important to think critically about the information were getting from the media, I get that, but I am immuno-compromised and scared so, just in case, I would appreciate it if you could wear a mask on the train. Hooker points to The Dudes Who Wont Wear Masks, an article about male anti-maskers by Julia Marcus, an epidemiologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, that was published in The Atlantic last year. Marcus wrote that the public health messaging around masks in the United States had been muddled and confusing. As in Australia, the US government initially did not recommend all people wear face masks in public. She also acknowledged that when former president Donald Trump mocked mask-wearers for appearing weak, and saw face coverings as a political statement against him, it was no surprise that some Americans were loudly declining to wear them. Marcus later tweeted that she was contacted by men grateful to read something that didnt shame or demonise them and willing to listen to her views on why it might be worth wearing a mask. They said they felt ridiculous wearing a mask when there were few people around, like outdoors or in a spacious store, Marcus tweeted. When I agreed that masking isnt as important in certain settings, they became more amenable to wearing one when it matters most. Hooker says we are all likely to be affected by unconscious bias when we make judgments about peoples pandemic behaviour. Loading We know that people of colour in less-advantaged communities were disproportionately targeted by the police for not conforming to social-distancing orders back in about May last year, whereas, in fact, most of the actual flouting of COVID social-distancing orders was occurring in exactly the opposite suburbs, in well-heeled, white suburbs, she says. Knowing that, lets work harder to think, Whats driving this person in this situation? Like many people at some point during the pandemic, Hooker recalls finding herself in a supermarket without a mask. The people who addressed that the best with me indicated to me that they didnt think Im a terrible person because I didnt have my mask at that moment, Hooker says. They saw that I might have just forgotten it, or not be used to it, or was feeling pressured for time. 15130 Zhanna Golodryga, SVP Services and CIO, Hess Corporation Zhanna Golodryga, SVP Services and CIO, Hess Corporation The global oil and gas industry continues to face a lower-for-longer oil price environment that has challenged energy companies and their supporting businesses. Some in the industry, including Hess, have discovered through technology an opportunity for positive transformation, says Zhanna Golodryga, Senior Vice President, Services and Chief Information Officer at Hess Corporation. Three principals have guided our company: Preserve the strength of our balance sheet, operating capabilities and long-term growth options, Golodryga explains. By adhering to that disciplined approach, she says Hess has been able to use the slower pace in production and exploration as an opportunity to focus on process and efficiency improvements. Technology has been an enabler in improving operations performance and reducing cycle time. Golodryga admits that her industry fell behind in applying the advantages of cloud and other technological innovations. We had not taken enough advantage of big data, for example, she says, but now is the time to become leaders in some parts of the space, not to just look at technology as a path forward. We are making data-driven decisions, a leap forward from making decisions based on perceptions, exceptions or personal points of view Golodryga, who joined Hess in 2012 after more than a decade at BHP Billiton Petroleum, says Hess began leveraging the power of big data two years ago at its North Dakota Bakken operations and is now applying it in the companys drilling operations and offshore business. We are making data-driven decisions, a leap forward from making decisions based on perceptions, exceptions or personal points of view. She says the company has been actively migrating to the cloud, beginning two years ago when Hess divested its downstream business and has continued moving volumes of applications and data to cloud services a decision that has added agility, efficiency and cost savings. In the area of productivity, Golodryga says Hess is keen to make further use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) and the embedded electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity known as the Internet of Things. When you have sensors in place and you are able to collect massive amounts of data, you then have the opportunity to use the data to improve up-time and reduce non-productive and cycle time. This is the future, she says. Were working very closely with some of our suppliers to ensure they are getting the right data so they can properly support our projects and drilling and completions activities. We have identified key data types and are focusing on them to improve our productivity. Our efforts are paying off. Hess has adopted exception-based-surveillance at its well sites in North Dakota to support human supervision. Using improved field communications, data acquisition and standard work practices, the company is able to identify in real time exceptions to previously defined operations patterns and respond to them immediately. We are changing the way people work, and technology is the key to that change, she says. In the not too distant past, for example, Hess employees drove routes in territories across the state, regularly visiting well sites to verify they were operating well. Mostly, they would arrive at a site, find it fully operational and problem free and drive on to the next site. Using exception-based surveillance gives Hess the opportunity to provide services just in time and to be significantly more proactive. Employees are alerted to and then focus on equipment that needs work a system that is more efficient and which requires less road-time, is safer, more cost effective and more responsive to the needs of Hess operations. Our IT goal is to support an agile, efficient and smart business, says Golodryga, who was named among the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Oil and Gas by the Oil & Gas Diversity Council in 2014 and 2015. We are agile because we work together with service providers so that commodity IT is taken care of as a service. Then, we can focus on providing efficiency improvements such as exception-based surveillance and Lean techniques that lead to waste reduction and productivity improvements through automation and other activities. Smart business is probably the most interesting one. Thats where big data and analytics come to play, she says. Golodryga sees a future where desktop and network expertise is commoditized and IT technologists are data scientists who combine their understanding of the business and its technology to drive improvements in such areas as data visualization and predictive analytics that pave the way for cognitive computing or artificial intelligence. This is where we have a huge opportunity to take IT and our business to the next level, she says. This is where we can use big data and cognitive and machine learning to reduce cycle time. We know in our business that the time from discovery to first oil in deep water is between 15 and 17 years. By applying cognitive technology and machine learning, we know we can make higher quality decisions faster on the basis of targeted data analysis of vast quantities of data which will significantly reduce overall cycle time at various points along the timeline. That is breakthrough change, Golodryga says. Change can be both disruptive and transformative for an organization. It requires a different mindset a belief that computers and data can advise you on what good looks like, no matter where in the world or in which basin you may be. Human skill and experience will always matter, she says. But through technology we have an opportunity to improve all aspects of our business by using data and metrics that eliminate outliers and focus on possibilities. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 11:15:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Nov. 2, 2020 shows the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei) "These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behavior of BigTech companies who think they are bigger than governments and that the rules should not apply to them," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. William Easton, managing director of Facebook Australia and New Zealand, said the media bargaining law proposed in Australia "fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content." CANBERRA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for curbing Facebook's influence, after the technology giant banned Australians from accessing some news content on the social media platform in response to the government's proposed media bargaining code. The pages of health departments, governments, fire services and the Bureau of Meteorology were also wiped. In a post on Facebook on Thursday, Morrison vowed that his government would not be "intimidated" by the move. "Facebook's actions to unfriend Australia today, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing," he said. "These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behavior of BigTech companies who think they are bigger than governments and that the rules should not apply to them," added Morrison. "We will not be intimidated by BigTech seeking to pressure our Parliament as it votes on our important News Media Bargaining Code." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (R) and Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly attend a press conference at the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Jan. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Yue Dongxing) Under the media bargaining code, technology giants including Facebook and Google would be forced to pay Australian news outlets for their content. The lower house of the Australian parliament, the House of Representatives, passed the legislation on Wednesday night, paving the way for the Senate to pass it into law. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Friday morning that he had spoken to Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, about the news ban for the second time in two days. "We talked through their remaining issues and agreed our respective teams would work through them immediately," he said on Twitter. "I reiterated Australia remains committed to implementing the code. This is all about levelling the playing field, protecting public interest journalism and ensuring journalists are rewarded for generating original content." Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday slammed the decision by Facebook. Greg Hunt, minister for health, said that he was concerned that it could lead to the spread of irresponsible misinformation as Australia prepares to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines next week. "There is a risk that if you cannot have accurate information, that those who wish to promulgate falsehoods and fictions can do so without a response," he told a press conference in Canberra on Thursday. His concerns were echoed by Omar Khorshid, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), who said in a statement that Facebook was "putting the health of Australians at risk." Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is seen on a screen during the hearing of U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation titled "Does Section 230's Sweeping Immunity Enable Big Tech Bad Behavior?" on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 28, 2020. (Michael Reynolds/Pool via Xinhua) William Easton, managing director of Facebook Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement on Thursday that the law proposed in Australia "fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content." "Independent experts and analysts around the world have consistently outlined problems with the proposed legislation," he noted, saying that the value exchange between Facebook and publishers runs in favor of the publishers. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Simon Milner, Facebook's head of public policy for the Asia-Pacific, said the blocking of access to non-news pages reflected what they argued was a broad definition of "news" as defined in the law. Robot uses a hand-held power tool during the cutting task of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Robotics Challenge at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., on June 6, 2015. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Britain to Launch High Risk, High Reward Science Agency The UK is to launch a new high risk, high reward agency to quickly identify cutting-edge science and technology research, it was revealed on Friday. The Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) will allow world-leading scientists the freedom to find and back ground-breaking discoveries that could transform peoples lives for the better, the government said in a media release. It said ARIA will aim to seek out pioneers and support them to make innovations on a par with things like the internet and the Global Positioning System (GPS). The agencys hunt for research that is high risk but promises high rewards by making transformational innovations will be supported by 800 million ($1.1 billion) of government money. The funding will be aimed at the most inspiring inventors to turn their transformational ideas into new technologies, discoveries, products, and serviceshelping to maintain the UKs position as a global science superpower, the government said. But the opposition Labour Party called for clarity on exactly what ARIA would be doing with the money. Shadow Business Secretary Ed Milliband, according to BBC News, said the agency needed to have a clear mandate and to be subject to Freedom of Information laws, to ensure transparency of funding. ARIA will be modeled on the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), which was key to internet and GPS development, the government said: also, on ARPAs successor, DARPA, a vital pre-pandemic funder of mRNA vaccines and antibody therapies, leading to critical COVID therapies. Freedom to Fail Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said the UKs new agency would cut back unnecessary bureaucracy enabling it to drive forward the technologies of tomorrow. It will experiment with funding models including program grants, seed grants, and prize incentives, and will have the capability to start and stop projects according to their success, redirecting funding where necessary, the government explained. It will have a much higher tolerance for failure than is normal, recognizing that in research the freedom to fail is often also the freedom to succeed, it said. Citing mathematician Alan Turing who helped crack the Enigma Code allowing German strategic messages to be read and allied convoys directed away from enemy U boats during the Second World War, Science Minister Amanda Solloway said the UK has a proud history of discovery, producing iconic inventors. But to rise to the challenges of the 21st Century, we need to equip our R&D [research and development] community with a new scientific engineone that embraces the idea that truly great successes come from taking great leaps into the unknown. Industry chiefs also endorsed the government initiative. ARIA will create new opportunities for high-risk, high-reward research. As world leaders in R&D and home to the brightest and best scientists, the UK has a unique opportunity to play to its strength with this new agency, said Mathew Fell, Chief Policy Director at the Confederation of British Industry. Key to ARIAs success will be strong business engagement to make sure the brilliant ideas developed can make it through to market, he said. This [is] a prime chance for business, government, and the research and innovation community to work together and turn ambitions into realities, he added. The cash for the new agency was first announced by the Treasury last year as blue-skies funding in the 2020 budget. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Reports on Saudi Arabia Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Packaging Industry in the United Arab Emirates - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2026) under Packaging category. Packaging Industry in the United Arab Emirates projected to exhibit highest growth rate over report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports. The Packaging Industry in the United Arab Emirates was valued at USD 2813.5 million in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 3688.85 million by 2026, at a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period 2021 - 2026. The most important feature to be integrated into packaging is functionality. There is an increasing demand for secondary packaging in the country, because of the rising trend of folding cartons in categories, such as perfumes and skincare. As many consumers and companies are becoming more zero waste compliant, sustainability is becoming a key development agenda in the United Arab Emirates. Packaging manufacturers in the country are investing in innovative packaging, in terms of both design and materials used, considering the demographic and lifestyle changes. Request a free sample copy of United Arab Emirates Packaging Industry Report @ http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/sample/reports/2331719 - There is a shift to larger pack sizes in food packaging. For example, large pack sizes, like Nutellas 750 g pack, are proving to be increasingly popular, as they offer better value, while in baby food, the rising popularity of growing-up milk formula is also supporting the sales of larger packs. - There is slow growth in retail unit volume, due to the economic slowdown in the United Arab Emirates that hit the packaging industry, covering many packaging categories, including food, beauty and personal care, soft drinks, and home care. Companies are looking for alternative ways for offering multipacks and larger pack sizes, which are more economical, as well as smaller packs, which are more affordable. High taxation in canned packaging is a factor that impacts the demand adversely. - Government bodies are setting packaging requirements for food companies by making changes to comply with the regulations pertaining to beauty and personal care. New rules and regulations have been introduced for milk, juices, and other beverages. Innovative pack designs are seen in beauty and personal care. There is an increasing focus on environment-friendly packaging. Key Market Trends Food Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth The adoption of sustainable packaging is one of the vital food packaging trends in the United Arab Emirates that may impact the growth of the packaging market in the country. Factors contributing to the growth in the country are the increasing demand for convenience by consumers, increase in disposable income, and changing consumer behavior. Disposable income and improved global flight connectivity have further augmented the regional market demand. There is a rising demand for packaged food among consumers, owing to the changing eating habits, and the quickening pace of life is expected to have a major impact on the industry. Packaged food items offer extended and stable shelf life, high barrier properties, and safety, thereby, boosting the industry growth. Food safety is one of the primary factors driving the market, as the quality of food is a significant issue faced by the manufacturers and consumers of food products. With the rising environmental and health concerns, due to the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste, companies are focusing on adopting sustainable packaging options. For instance, Bemis, a leading food packaging company introduced BMET metalized sealant films, having 30% less material weight than usual three-ply films that replace materials, such as metalized OPET, OPP, or foil. Competitive Landscape The packaging industry in the United Arab Emirates is neither fragmented nor consolidated. Owing to the presence of some of the local producers of raw materials, the market has reached such a structure. Many companies are investing in R&D activities across the country to help the industry to grow further. - May 2019 - Amcor Limited and Bemis Company Inc. announced that they received regulatory clearance from the US Department of Justice, in relation to the combination of the two companies. A condition of this approval is the previously announced sales of certain Amcor assets located in the United States to Tekni-Plex Inc. - February 2019 - Amcor Limited launched Genesis, a new in-store recyclable laminate solution, targeting a wide range of segments, including fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen food, dried fruits, nuts, confectionery, chilled goods, and pet food. The product is adaptable to a variety of packaging types and is appropriate for specific medical, home, and personal care markets. - February 2019 - Gulf Printing and Packaging is paving the path for future growth, as it is looking for scope in the food packaging market and it is planning to expand further in the future. - January 2019 - Amcor Limited and Danone partnered to develop a new package for its new all-natural spoonable yogurt sold in Argentina. The new PET jar supports the 100% natural positioning of Danones La Serenisimas yogurt, with featured engraving, a finely finished base, and a body-wrap label. Browse our full report with Table of Contents: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/packaging-industry-in-the-united-arab-emirates-growth-trends-covid-19-impact-and-forecasts-2021-2026-/2331719 About Us Market Reports on Saudi Arabia provides you with an in-depth industry reports focusing on various economic, political and operational risk environment, complemented by detailed sector analysis. We have an exhaustive coverage on variety of industries ranging from energy and chemicals to transportation, communications, constructions and mining to Food and Beverage and education. Our collection includes over 3000 up-to-date reports all researched, analysed and published by top-notch international research firms. Contact us at: Market Reports On Saudi Arabia Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773 Email: info@marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com Website: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com Follow us on : Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Mutated coronavirus strains that emerged abroad are not spreading in Russia, Russias chief sanitary doctor Anna Popova assured. "We have practically no spread of the British strain. We are monitoring this very closely," said Popova, who heads the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. According to her, isolated cases have been recorded so far, which suggests that "there is no spread of other strains in Russia for now". "The shield works well in the country," she said in an interview with Nailya Asker-zade in Vesti program on Rossiya-1 television. The UK coronavirus variant was found in September 2020, but it drew attention of experts only in December because of its spreading rapidly across the country. News about new strains came from Brazil and South Africa at the end of December. Russian vaccines - Sputnik V and EpiVacCorona - proved their efficiency against the British coronavirus strain, Popova said. "Today, we have completed checking [] the efficiency [of the vaccines] against the British strain," she said. "There is no difference in efficiency between the normal strain [] and the British one, both for the Sputnik V and the EpiVacCorona. Both vaccines are efficient. People, vaccinated by either of them can consider themselves protected from the new strain," she said. Popova explained that, in order to test the efficiency of vaccines, the specialists analyzed the interaction of the virus with the blood of vaccinated people. "If the virus dies during such interaction, then the protection is good," TASS cited the official as saying. The South African variant caused a new outbreak of the infection in the country, which peaked in mid-January. According to some research, the existing vaccines may prove to be less efficient against this strain. The UN human rights office says it has asked the United Arab Emirates for evidence that an Emirati princess held against her will for almost three years is still alive. The Geneva-based Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said the case of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum was raised with the UAEs mission to the UN on Thursday. Earlier this week the BBC released excerpts from video diaries Sheikha Latifa said were recorded in a locked bathroom inside the Dubai villa where she was being held. She was detained by commandos off the coast of India in 2018 after she tried to flee Dubai in a yacht. Given the serious concerns about Sheikha Latifa, we have requested that the governments response comes as a matter of priority. We look forward to receiving and considering this response Elizabeth Throssell We raised our concerns about the situation in light of the disturbing video evidence that emerged this week, Elizabeth Throssell, a spokeswoman for the UN rights office told reporters. We requested more information and clarification about Sheikha Latifas current situation. We did ask for proof of life. Friends of the princess say they are concerned for her safety because she has not been heard from since she stopped responding to text messages six months ago. The 35-year-old is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the hereditary ruler of Dubai who also serves as prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates. Ms Throssell stressed it was standard practice for the UN human rights office to inquire about individual cases within its mandate, adding: That includes cases for whatever reason that have attracted wider focus. Her family has confirmed that Her Highness is being cared for at home, supported by her family and medical professionals UAE Embassy Given the serious concerns about Sheikha Latifa, we have requested that the governments response comes as a matter of priority. We look forward to receiving and considering this response. In the meantime, of course, we will continue to monitor and assess the situation closely. The UAE Embassy in London issued a statement on behalf of Sheikha Latifas family, saying media coverage of her situation certainly is not reflective of the actual position. Her family has confirmed that Her Highness is being cared for at home, supported by her family and medical professionals, the statement said. She continues to improve and we are hopeful she will return to public life at the appropriate time. The case had previously been raised by independent rights experts appointed by the global body. In December, the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances reported that it had decided to examine the case of Sheikha Latifa, who is reportedly being held in incommunicado detention at her family home in Dubai. AUSTIN, Texas - Southern cities slammed by winter storms that left millions without power for days have traded one crisis for another: Busted water pipes ruptured by record-low temperatures created shortages of clean drinking water, shut down the Memphis airport on Friday and left hospitals struggling to maintain sanitary conditions. A water bucket is filled as others wait in near freezing temperatures to use a hose from public park spigot Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in Houston. Houston and several surrounding cities are under a boil water notice as many residents are still without running water in their homes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AUSTIN, Texas - Southern cities slammed by winter storms that left millions without power for days have traded one crisis for another: Busted water pipes ruptured by record-low temperatures created shortages of clean drinking water, shut down the Memphis airport on Friday and left hospitals struggling to maintain sanitary conditions. In Texas, 7 million people a quarter of the population of the nations second-largest state were under orders to boil tap water before drinking it because low water pressure could have allowed bacteria to seep into the system. A man died at an Abilene health care facility when a lack of water pressure made medical treatment impossible. About 260,000 homes and businesses in the Tennessee county that includes Memphis were told to boil water because of water main ruptures and pumping station problems. Restaurants that can't do so or don't have bottled water were ordered to close. And water pressure problems prompted Memphis International Airport to cancel all incoming and outgoing Friday flights. Water is loaded into the trunk of a car at a City of Houston water distribution site Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Houston. The drive-thru stadium location was setup to provide bottled water to individuals who need water while the city remains on a boil water notice or because they lack water at home due to frozen or broken pipes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) In Jackson, Mississippi, most of the city of about 161,000 had no running water. Crews pumped water to refill city tanks but faced a shortage of chemicals for treatment because icy roads made it difficult for distributors to deliver them, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said. He said the city's water mains are more than 100 years old and not built to handle the freezing weather that hit the city as multiple storms dumped record amounts of snow across the South. We are dealing with an extreme challenge with getting more water through our distribution system, said Lumumba. The city was providing water for flushing toilets and drinking, but residents had to pick it up, leaving the elderly and those living on icy roads vulnerable. Car are lined up outside at a City of Houston water distribution site Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Houston. The drive-thru stadium location was setup to provide bottled water to individuals who need water while the city remains on a boil water notice or because they lack water at home due to frozen or broken pipes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Lisa Thomas said her driveway on a hill in Jackson was a sheet of ice. Her husband, who is on a defibrillator and heart monitor, has only enough heart medication to get him through Sunday because she hasnt been able to go to the pharmacy. People are in dire need here," Thomas said. Paul Lee Davis got to the front of the line at a water station set up by city officials only to have the water run out. He was still waiting for it to be replenished three and a half hours after arriving. We need water, the stores all are out. I dont see what choice we have," Davis said. Water to be loaded into vehicles is stacked at a City of Houston water distribution site Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Houston. The drive-thru stadium location was setup to provide bottled water to individuals who need water while the city remains on a boil water notice or because they lack water at home due to frozen or broken pipes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) The water woes were the latest misery for people across the South who went without heat or electricity for days after the ice and snow storms earlier in the week, forcing rolling blackouts from Minnesota to Texas. Texas electrical grid operators said electricity transmission had returned to normal for the first time since historic snowfall and single-digit temperatures created a surge in demand for electricity to warm up home buckling the states power grid and causing the widespread blackouts. Smaller outages remained, but Bill Magness, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said the grid now can provide power throughout the entire system. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into the failure for a state known as the U.S. energy capital. ERCOT officials have defended their preparations and the decision to begin forced outages Monday as the grid reached a breaking point. Snow begins to accumulate as San Antonio police officers gather near the Alamo, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in downtown San Antonio. Snow, ice and sub-freezing weather continue to wreak havoc on the state's power grid and utilities. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The storms also left more than 330,000 from Virginia to Louisiana without power. About 60,000 in Oregon on Friday were still enduring a weeklong outage following a massive ice and snow storm. Oregons governor ordered the National Guard to go door-to-door in the hardest-hit areas to ensure residents have enough food and water. The extreme weather was blamed for the deaths of at least 69 people, including many who perished struggling to get warm and a Tennessee farmer who tried to save two calves that apparently wandered onto a frozen pond. Federal Emergency Management Agency acting administrator Bob Fenton said teams in Texas were distributing fuel, water, blankets and other supplies. What has me most worried is making sure that people stay warm, Fenton said on CBS This Morning." Water is loaded into the trunk of a car at a City of Houston water distribution site Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Houston. The drive-thru stadium location was setup to provide bottled water to individuals who need water while the city remains on a boil water notice or because they lack water at home due to frozen or broken pipes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) In many areas, water pressure dropped after lines froze and because people left faucets dripping to prevent pipes from icing, authorities said. As of Friday afternoon, more than 1,300 Texas public water systems and 159 counties had reported weather-related operational disruptions affecting more than 14.9 million people, according to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality spokeswoman Tiffany Young. More than 1 million gallons (3.8 million litres) of water was being trucked Friday to the Texas capital. But Austin's water director, Greg Maszaros, implored residents to minimize the use of home faucets because "theres still a lot of unknowns as we pressurize the system. In Dallas, David Lopez said the plumbing company he works for received more than 600 calls for service over the last week. Pocahontas Volunteer Fire Department's Trace Tyson, left, and J.R. Holland, fill containers with water for Jackson metro area residents at the Metrocenter Mall in Jackson, Miss., Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. Jackson metro area residents have been experiencing water and power outages due to this week's winter storms. (Eric Shelton/The Clarion-Ledger via AP) Its pretty much first come, first served, said Lopez, as he and a colleague manhandled a new water heater out of their van on Friday. Everyones got emergencies." Houston residents probably will have to boil tap water in the fourth-largest U.S. city until Sunday or Monday, said Mayor Sylvester Turner. Water service was restored Friday to two Houston Methodist community hospitals, but officials still were bringing in drinking water and some elective surgeries were cancelled, spokeswoman Gale Smith said. St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis said it was forced to switch to bottled water and bagged ice for all consumption and that staff and patients were washing with hand sanitizer and no-rinse bathing wipes. All non-urgent surgeries were postponed. Market Street's assistant grocery manager Franco Franco restocks cases of Ozark water at Market Street Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Odessa, Texas. United Supermarkets Regional Vice President John Jameson stated that water was in high demand since the winter storm hit Odessa. (Jacob Ford/Odessa American via AP) Central Arkansas Water in the Little Rock area asked customers to conserve water to help protect its system as the ground began to warm and pipes thawed. The city of Hot Springs warned Thursday night that its water supply was critically low and also asked customers to conserve. In Little Rock, the Museum of Discovery reported that a broken pipe flooded its building causing extensive damage to theatres, galleries and offices and killing one display animal, a blue-tongued skink lizard. More than 192,000 Louisiana residents -- some still struggling to recover from last August's Hurricane Laura -- had no water service Friday, according to the state health department. Tens of thousands more remained under boil-water advisories. Bulk and bottled water deliveries were planned Friday to the hardest-hit Louisiana areas with a focus on hospitals, nursing homes and dialysis centres, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said, adding that he was hopeful that warmer weather expected during the weekend would speed up repairs. In the Louisiana community of Hackberry, Nicole Beard said her boyfriend crawled under his house to try to fix a broken water line but couldn't because he didn't have the right parts and it was too dark. She was using bottled water and sent her two daughters to stay at another home. "People are still just struggling over here, she said. Acacia Coronado is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Sainz reported from Memphis. Associated Press journalists Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas; Rebecca Santana in New Orleans; Gillian Flaccus in Portland; Jake Bleiberg in Dallas; Ken Miller in Oklahoma City; Leah Willingham in Jackson, Mississippi; Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Michael Warren in Atlanta; and Tammy Webber in Fenton, Michigan, contributed. The story was corrected to show that at least 69 people have died, not at least 70. 4813 David Behen, DTMB Director & State CIO, State of Michigan David Behen, DTMB Director & State CIO, State of Michigan One of the many things that I love about my job as director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and state chief information officer (CIO) is having the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of groups about how were improving technology to digitally bring state government to the people. At the end of my talks someone in the audience will inevitably ask, What keeps you up at night? and one of the first things that jumps to my mind is cybersecurity. After all, Michigan state government faces its fair share of cyber attacks. In fact, from January to April of 2014, more than 650,450 cyber attacks against the state of Michigan were blocked daily. Thats a twenty percent increase over the same period in 2013. As technology advances, so do the skills of would-be criminals. Those of us who work in the Information Technology field know all too well the looming threat that a significant cyber attack poses to our nation. Just last August former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano warned her predecessor that the United States will face, at some point, a major cyber event that will have a serious effect on our lives, our economy and the everyday functioning of our society. Lets face it; while cybersecurity is hot a topic that is front and center for chief information and security officers across the country, its not an issue that weighs heavily on the minds of most Americans, across the nation. People who are concerned about being prepared for a possible disaster such as a tornado, wildfire, flood, hurricane or earthquake are grossly unprepared. In fact, according to 2013 State University of New York Institute of Technology/Zogby Analytics study, only one in four Americans are concerned about an emergency situation like a terrorist attack, natural disaster or health pandemic. Far fewer are thinking about, let alone preparing for, a possible cyberattack. This is where we come in. As guardians of public data and private personal information, those of us working in government IT departments have to do everything possible to ensure that cybersecurity is a top priority for our enterprises. This is my opportunity to share some tips that have worked for the state of Michigan. One of the most important pieces of the puzzle for a successful cybersecurity initiative is executive buy-in. In order to launch and execute a successful cybersecurity strategy, you need support and commitment from your leadership. Im extremely lucky in my position to have a boss (Gov. Rick Snyder) who not only fully understands the importance of funding IT, but who particularly understands just how vital cybersecurity is to public safety. After securing executive support, make sure you partner with the private sector. In order to have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, its imperative to connect the dots between the two. Launched in November 2012, the Michigan Cyber Range allows for live fire exercises and simulations that will test the detection and reaction skills of participants in a variety of situations. The range has sites at Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University and Northern Michigan University, a hub at the Michigan National Guard 110th Airlift Wing in Battle Creek, and two more hubs planned for unveiling later this year. The cyber range is a perfect example of how state government, public universities and the private sector (Merit Network) can partner together to prepare for possible real world scenarios. Successfully responding to a cybersecurity incident will require individuals from both the public and private sectors to work together and the cyber range, allows for and helps foster both cooperation and preparation. Along the same line, another great tool to help drum up ideas and encourage cooperation across the state, is my CIO kitchen cabinet. This informal group of Michigan CIOs meets monthly to discuss a variety of issues, from cybersecurity policies to best practices to how to manage/implement a bring-your-own-device plan. While I originally started the group to help advice me in my new role as the state CIO back in 2011, the kitchen cabinet has transformed into an invaluable tool for me and the other CIOs involved. In 2012 I went to the group with the states cybersecurity challenge and came away with the Michigan Cyber Disruption Response Strategy to address significant cyber disruption events in the state. United States will face at some point a major cyber event that will have a serious effect on our lives, our economy and the everyday functioning of our society Lastly, if you dont already have a cybersecurity awareness training program in place to educate employees and ultimately help reduce security incidents as a result of user error, I strongly encourage you to consider the option. According to a recent study referenced by the Ecommerce Times, an overwhelming 80 percent of corporate security professionals and IT administrators indicated that end user carelessness constituted the biggest security threat to their organizations. People can have a significant impact in helping combat cyber attacks, but in order to achieve this goal you have to change user behavior, which requires making security awareness part of your enterprise culture. The awareness training program were using from Security Mentor has been well-received by our employees. To help change the culture in Michigan, we rolled out cybersecurity awareness training to roughly 47,000 state employees in 2012. Cybersecurity is serious business, but with support, collaboration, partnership, education and forward-thinking, we can stand prepared for the challenges ahead. Check Out: Top 10 Security Services/Consulting Companies 2805 David Behen, DTMB Director & CIO, State of Michigan David Behen, DTMB Director & CIO, State of Michigan One of the many things that I love about my job as director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and state Chief Information Officer (CIO) is having the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of groups about how were improving technology to digitally bring state government to the people. At the end of my talks someone in the audience will inevitably ask, What keeps you up at night? and one of the first things that jumps to my mind is cybersecurity. After all, Michigan state government faces its fair share of cyber attacks. In fact, from January to April of 2014, more than 650,450 cyber attacks against the state of Michigan were blocked daily. Thats a twenty percent increase over the same period in 2013. As technology advances, so do the skills of would-be criminals. Those of us who work in the Information Technology field know all too well the looming threat that a significant cyber attack poses to our nation. Just last August former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano warned her predecessor that the United States will face, at some point, a major cyber event that will have a serious effect on our lives, our economy and the everyday functioning of our society. Lets face it; while cybersecurity is hot a topic that is front and center for chief information and security officers across the country, its not an issue that weighs heavily on the minds of most Americans, across the nation. People who are concerned about being prepared for a possible disaster such as a tornado, wildfire, flood, hurricane or earthquake are grossly unprepared. In fact, according to 2013 State University of New York Institute of Technology/Zogby Analytics study, only one in four Americans are concerned about an emergency situation like a terrorist attack, natural disaster or health pandemic. Far fewer are thinking about, let alone preparing for, a possible cyberattack. United States will face at some point a major cyber event that will have a serious effect on our lives, our economy and the everyday functioning of our society This is where we come in. As guardians of public data and private personal information, those of us working in government IT departments have to do everything possible to ensure that cybersecurity is a top priority for our enterprises. This is my opportunity to share some tips that have worked for the state of Michigan. One of the most important pieces of the puzzle for a successful cybersecurity initiative is executive buy-in. In order to launch and execute a successful cybersecurity strategy, you need support and commitment from your leadership. Im extremely lucky in my position to have a boss (Gov. Rick Snyder) who not only fully understands the importance of funding IT, but who particularly understands just how vital cybersecurity is to public safety. After securing executive support, make sure you partner with the private sector. In order to have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, its imperative to connect the dots between the two. Launched in November 2012, the Michigan Cyber Range allows for live fire exercises and simulations that will test the detection and reaction skills of participants in a variety of situations. The range has sites at Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University and Northern Michigan University, a hub at the Michigan National Guard 110th Airlift Wing in Battle Creek, and two more hubs planned for unveiling later this year. The cyber range is a perfect example of how state government, public universities and the private sector (Merit Network) can partner together to prepare for possible real world scenarios. Successfully responding to a cybersecurity incident will require individuals from both the public and private sectors to work together and the cyber range, allows for and helps foster both cooperation and preparation. Along the same line, another great tool to help drum up ideas and encourage cooperation across the state, is my CIO kitchen cabinet. This informal group of Michigan CIOs meets monthly to discuss a variety of issues, from cybersecurity policies to best practices to how to manage/implement a bring-your-own-device plan. While I originally started the group to help advice me in my new role as the state CIO back in 2011, the kitchen cabinet has transformed into an invaluable tool for me and the other CIOs involved. In 2012 I went to the group with the states cybersecurity challenge and came away with the Michigan Cyber Disruption Response Strategy to address significant cyber disruption events in the state. Lastly, if you dont already have a cybersecurity awareness training program in place to educate employees and ultimately help reduce security incidents as a result of user error, I strongly encourage you to consider the option. According to a recent study referenced by the Ecommerce Times, an overwhelming 80 percent of corporate security professionals and IT administrators indicated that end user carelessness constituted the biggest security threat to their organizations. People can have a significant impact in helping combat cyber attacks, but in order to achieve this goal you have to change user behavior, which requires making security awareness part of your enterprise culture. The awareness training program were using from Security Mentor has been well-received by our employees. To help change the culture in Michigan, we rolled out cybersecurity awareness training to roughly 47,000 state employees in 2012. Cybersecurity is serious business, but with support, collaboration, partnership, education and forward-thinking, we can stand prepared for the challenges ahead. When Clements was born in 1891 in Memphis, Tennessee, the brief taste of freedom Southern Black people experienced after the Civil War was gone. They were resubjugated by the night riders of the Ku Klux Klan. Had she grown up there, her chance of getting even a minimal education would have been slim. She would have been lucky to find work as a domestic. In his virtual presentation before Congress, the minister showed various graphs featuring the death curves in the center, northern, southern, and eastern zones of the capital city. "All districts in central, northern, southern, and eastern Lima have similar curves in terms of trend (of deaths), but central Lima leads the growth, which is higher and a very important indicator to fine-tune the Government's strategies ," he indicated. Likewise, the high-ranking official showed an image confirming that Metropolitan Lima has already exceeded the number of COVID-19-related deaths if compared to the first wave of the pandemic "In Lima, the deaths have already exceeded those of the first wave; this is happening now; a turning point has not been achieved yet, and we hope that these can be lowered (...)," he added. Regarding mortality in regions, the Cabinet member mentioned that the composition of graphs has changed in relation to the first wave. "Although the central coast (Lima, Callao, and Ica) continues to lead in mortality (rates), the central Highlands (Huanuco, Pasco, Junin, Huancavelica, Ayacucho, and Apurimac) have also become a worrying component due to the high number of cases. The data will also help us focus the resources," he mentioned. Hospital and home deaths Moreover, Minister Ugarte explained that 87% of suspected deaths from COVID-19 occur in hospitals, while 13% happen at patients' homes. "There are 13% of people who die at home, and it (the rate) is growing. This is essential to explain why the strategies will prioritize, as it is already being done, the primary care and the community care," he stressed. 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. Psychobiotics are probiotics which yield specific mental health benefits. PS128, a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum , is able to modulate dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter levels. When these levels are abnormal, conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, and PD can arise. In separate prior studies, PS128 has been shown to be effective against autism and depression. In this pioneer study, PS128 was used as adjunct treatment for a group of twenty-five PD patients for three months. Participants continued to take their own prescribed anti-Parkinsonian medications throughout the study. Significant improvements were shown in motor symptoms and in subjective reported quality of life. "At Bened Biomedical, we keep serving the world as a leader in developing psychobiotics. We are glad to provide PS128 as a product that effectively complements therapies already being used for Parkinson's disease. It offers new opportunities to enhance treatment regimens for Parkinson's patients," said Dr. Alain Delpy, Head of International Development at Bened. PS128 reduces MPO, a possible source of Parkinson's Disease symptoms A disabling symptom known as akinesia, the loss of motor control, often manifests as disturbing clumsiness of limb movement in PD patients. Reversing this difficult aspect of Parkinson's would literally be life-changing, as akinesia impacts nearly all daily activities. Such symptoms of PD may be caused by a neuroinflammatory molecule known as MPO. The study showed MPO levels dropped after PS128 administration by disrupting neurotoxin transport at the pathway between the brain and intestinal system. "Research into the causes of Parkinson's has shown the disease being related to what goes on in the gut, which led us to believe probiotics may be an effective intervention," said Dr. Lu. PS128 improves patient's UPDRS scores by more than 10% Nightly administration of PS128 for 12 weeks demonstrated the overall Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale scores were improved by 11.3% in the on-state and 14.3% in the off-state. Interestingly, akinesia scores were improved by 16.8% in the off-state. Notably, administration of PS128 might ameliorate neuroinflammation and increase antioxidant activity. It might enhance levels of biomolecules that encourage growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons in PD-mouse models. According to Bened Biomedical, currently, the most common Parkinson's medication is levodopa, which replenishes dopamine. However, its effectiveness decreases over time, and PS128 may help compensate for this decrease. "This study shows PS128's potential for alleviating on- and off-state symptoms," said Delpy. "As a natural ingredient, PS128 also can be used without the worry of additional side effects that often come from Parkinson's drugs." Dr. Allen Wu, a chief scientist at Bened, added that the all-natural product may be a breakthrough for Parkinson's. "It's the first single-strain probiotic proven to be effective on PD," says Wu. PS128 is available in nearly 30 countries around the world, spanning Europe, North America, Australia, and throughout Asia. Looking forward, Bened Biomedical will be testing PS128 on Tourette syndrome and Rett syndrome patients in advance. About Bened Biomedical Bened Biomedical Co., Ltd. was founded in 2015 in Taipei, Taiwan, as a spin-out from Yang-Ming University(NYMU). The company focuses on advanced technologies and products in microbiome-based therapy for neuropsychological, aging-related, allergic, immunological, and metabolic disorders. Bened's main aim is to develop functional probiotic strains that can alter human microbiome to prevent and treat diseases. The name "Bened," derived from the Latin word for "full of blessings," affirms the brand's hope to bless the world through its products. For more information, please visit: https://www.benedbiomed.com/ SOURCE Bened Biomedical Co., Ltd. Related Links https://www.benedbiomed.com The Madras High Court on Friday issued notice on the plea filed by a participant of the COVISHIELD clinical trial who allegedly suffered serious side effects after receiving the first dose of the vaccine. The notice was issued to the Union Health Secretary, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), ICMR Director-General, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla, AstraZeneca UK CEO and the chairman of the Ethics Committee and the matter was adjourned to March 26. The petitioner claimed that he suffered from a 'Serious Adverse Effect' as per the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 owing to which he was hospitalized from October 11-October 26, 2020. According to him, the Participant Information Sheet promised that the vaccine was safe and if there was any side effect, it would be very mild. Instead, the petitioner noted that he was diagnosed with 'Acute Neuro Encephalopathy' causing various neurological issues such as trembling of hands, anxiety etc. Mentioning that he lost out on work opportunities because of these problems, he accused of trying to brush aside the adverse effect that the vaccine had on him. Therefore, he sought a declaration to the effect that the vaccine is unsafe and asked for a compensation of Rs.5 crore. Read: 21.5% Of The Population Exposed To COVID-19: ICMR's 3rd Nationwide Serosurvey Reveals COVID-19 vaccination in India On January 3, the Drugs Controller General of India accepted the recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, paving way for the approval of COVISHIELD and COVAXIN. Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India with technology transfer from Oxford University-AstraZeneca, COVISHIELD is a Recombinant Chimpanzee Adenovirus vector vaccine with its overall efficacy of 70.42 per cent. On the other hand, COVAXIN is a Whole Virion Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR and NIV. It wasapproved in "public interest" in the clinical trial mode so that there can be more options for vaccination in case of infection by mutant strains. Countering the charge that COVAXIN was approved hastily, Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has made it clear that all the recipients of this vaccine will be tracked and monitored as if they are in clinical trial mode. On January 16, PM Modi launched the pan-India rollout of the novel coronavirus vaccination drive via video conferencing. Congratulating the citizens for their resilient fight against the pandemic, he requested them to shun conspiracy theories about the vaccines. So far, the total number of vaccinations stands at 1,01,88,007. Read: India-Australia Will Play Important Role In Shaping Post-COVID World: PM Modi A team of over 20 health and science groups say health and care workers tackling the coronavirus are not being given good enough PPE as it emerged 930 of them have been killed on the pandemic front line. The coalition has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself in an usual move, cutting out the Department of Health to go straight to the top. They say new research suggests Covid-19 is an airborne pathogen, meaning it can float around us and is not just spread by droplets. Signatories on the letter include the Royal College of Nursing, British Medical Association, Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Royal College of Midwives. Professor Dame Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said this morning: 'We are very concerned because the UK infection and control guidance it doesn't accurately depict the airborne risk when sharing health and care setting. Professor Dame Donna Kinnair said groups were very concerned about the PPE guidance Medics at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, wearing all of the correct PPE 'We believe there has been a lack of emphasis of this. The current masks that healthcare workers are wearing in areas outside of intensive care units do not adequately protect them from inhaling these airborne particles. 'We are working with patients outside of intensive care units, we're working in their own homes, we're working in open wards, we've been putting patients on C-PAC, a form of ventilation and ll this means actually while we've taken care of one area people are unnecessarily exposed, we believe. 'They haven't adequately depicted the risk posed by these airborne droplets.' Only basic masks are currently being worn by doctors and nurses outside of intensive care. This week data from the British Medical Association showed one in five female staff were worried about catching coronavirus due to ill-fitting protective equipment. Some staff have also complained they have not been properly fitted for masks, the Independent reported. Boris Johnson greets nurse Michelle Bradford at a coronavirus vaccination hub in PPE The Prime Minister wore gloves and a facemask for a visit to a jab centre in south Wales The letter to the PM said: 'Measures to reduce airborne spread in high-risk health and care settings, which are mission-critical to the pandemic response, have thus far been inadequate. 'There is now no scientific doubt that Covid-19 spreads via the airborne route.' 'We believe that given the rapid emergence and evolution of new variants of concern, a change in approach must be implemented at speed to protect patients and staff consistently across the UK.' 'We have addressed this letter to you because your agencies and departments have not yet sufficiently responded to our concerns. While we are aware that a review of the guidance has been carried out, we cannot agree with its apparent conclusions that the guidance should remain the same,' the letter concluded. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care: 'At every stage of the pandemic, the safety of our NHS and social care staff has been our priority and we continue to work tirelessly to deliver PPE to protect those on the frontline. 'We also know good ventilation can greatly reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19, which is why it is listed in guidance to help businesses and health and care settings stay Covid-secure. 'The government will continue to closely monitor new and emerging evidence on airborne transmission, and update our advice where necessary.' Plymouth Police / Contributed Photo PLYMOUTH The owner of an electric contracting business has been charged after police say he charged older residents for items that werent delivered. Kevin N. Ouellet, 41, of Park Street, was charged with second-degree larceny. He was held on a $50,000 bond. Scott Morrison toured a vaccination hub with Gladys Berejiklian as doctors prepare to roll out the first Covid-19 jabs on Monday. The prime minister visited the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Sydney and said 'I've never felt more proud to be an Australian' after speaking to front-line workers who will administer the jabs. The facility is among dozens of hospitals around the country that will be used as hubs for the initial stage of the vaccine rollout. The government has distributed the Pfizer vaccine to states and territories to vaccinate all hotel quarantine workers within three weeks. They will also administer the jabs in 240 aged care home around the nation and then upscale the program until everyone is offered the free, voluntary jab by October. Logistics company DHL has been involved in distributing the vaccines (pictured) to states and territories Mr Morrison said the vaccine would allow the country to manage the virus differently and finally open the borders. 'I think it is a reasonable expectation that as time goes on, as the vaccination rolls out across the world and here in Australia, you should rightly expect that things will change. Why? Because the risk of someone getting seriously ill is addressed,' he said. It comes after Health Department Secretary Professor Brendan Murphy revealed on Thursday the government has a plan to quickly vaccinate at-risk people who live near any large outbreaks. 'If there were an outbreak, we would have a contingency to vaccinate people in that outbreak area,' he told reporters. 'If there were a significant outbreak in a particular part of a city then we would activate an AHPPC meeting and if they recommended a ring vaccination program for a group of people or an area then we would undertake that.' Asked how big an outbreak needs to be to trigger the contingency plan, Professor Murphy said: 'It depends what the cases are. 'If they were all in household contacts as they were in the recent Victorian outbreak then it's not so much a risk, if you had 19 community cases it would be a different circumstance.' The prime minister visited the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown and said 'I've never felt more proud to be an Australian' after speaking to front-line workers Pallets of the Pfizer vaccines - which are stored at -70C and were made in Belgium - arrived at Sydney Airport on a Singapore Airlines plane just after midday on Monday 'The eagle has landed,' jubilant Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters. 'Today is an important day. It is the next step in a careful plan based on safety, and this is about protecting Australians.' Mr Hunt said the vaccines will undergo 'security and quality assurance, in particular to ensure that temperature maintenance has been preserved throughout the course of the flight, to ensure the integrity of the doses, and to ensure there has been no damage.' Roughly 50,000 doses will be given to the states and territories who want to vaccinate quarantine workers as soon as possible and 30,000 will be used by the federal government for aged care residents and workers. Australia's first 142,000 does of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine have arrived in the country Pallets of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Sydney just after midday on Monday, with photos showing them being loaded of a plane ready for transport The remaining 62,000 vaccines will be kept aside to administer as second doses, 21 days after the first dose. The AstraZeneca vaccine has also been approved for use in Australia in adults over the age of 18. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is only the second regulator in the world - after the European Medicines Agency - to give the jab full approval after dozens of countries such as the UK rolled out the jab early under emergency approval. Aussies will be given two doses of the vaccine, which was produced at Oxford University, three months apart. The Therapeutic Goods Administration announced the approval shortly after 12pm on Tuesday. Pictured: A vaccination in Belgium Data suggests the vaccine will stop everyone who gets it from dying of Covid and will stop 82 per cent of people from getting ill due to the disease. It is not yet clear if it will stop asymptomatic transmission, which could be crucial to re-opening the country's border. 'The vaccine has met requirements for standards, for safety, quality, and efficacy, and will be provided free to Australians,' Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. Australia has ordered the vaccine from overseas and it will arrive in early March. The government is also making one million doses per week at the CSL factory in Melbourne, with the first local batch due in late 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. 23641 Michelle Peluso, CMO, IBM Corporation[NYSE: IBM] and Laurence Haziot, Global Managing Director & GM for the Consumer Industries (Retail, CPG), IBM Corporation [NYSE: IBM] Michelle Peluso, CMO, IBM Corporation[NYSE: IBM] Todays shoppers regularly abandon online carts, visit brick-and-mortar stores then make online orders and comparison-shop mercilessly; leaving retailers with the challenge of creating differentiated and personalized shopping experiences to win the majority share of the shoppers wallet. Global research by IBM shines light on the behaviors and expectations of the next-gen shopper. These customers embrace, and are empowered by the latest wave of technology advancesand have a strong appetite for a more personalized shopping experience. The 2017 Global Customer Experience Index by IBM Global Business Services (GBS) surveyed 507 brands across eight market segments in twenty-four countries. The study focused on seven areas of the shopping experience: personalization, digital experience, omnichannel supply chain, physical and digital integration, social media, mobile experience and the in-store experience. The results include finding significant opportunity for retailers to improve the customer experience: on a scale of 0 to 100, the overall Customer Experience Index average was only 33. Further, among the brands surveyed, only 3.4 percent are categorized as Leading Edge, scoring 60 points or more on the CEI, leaving great opportunity for a new approach to engage customers. Retailers must evolve from emphasizing transactions to focusing on building intimate, unique customer relationships with each individual consumer Even though over half of the brands were rated very good or excellent for their digital experience, research shows that it remains inconsistent. The study also found a mere 19 percent of brands offer more than a basic level of personalizing the online experiencewhich is far less than what todays customer expects. Also, 38 percent of brands provide either a poor mobile experience or none at all, and only 31 percent of brands allow customers to access their data on a mobile app. The need for a seamless experience across all digital channels is imperative for retailers to build and maintain customer loyalty. A frictionless shopping experience is particularly important for brands that want to appeal to the next big buying tribe: Generation Z. The births of U.S. Gen Zers outpaced millennials by 3 million, and globally represent a combined spending power of $44 billion. A survey by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) of 15,000 consumers age 13-21 from 16 countries shows that despite being digital natives98 percent of this growing and high-spending demographic surprisingly prefer to shop in-store. The study also analyzed their digital habits, finding 74 percent of respondents said they spend free time online, with 25 percent of Gen Zers spending five hours or more online each day. Their preferred channel is mobile, with 73 percent of the respondents stating they primarily using mobiles to text and chat socially with family and friendsand they want that engaging conversation to naturally extend into their brand relationships. 42 percent all respondents said they would participate in an online game for a campaign, 43 percent would participate in a product review, and 36 percent would submit ideas for product design. They love collaborative engagement and feel like theyre contributing to the brand. Not surprisingly, IBMs study found that 60 percent of Gen Z respondents will not use an app or website if it is too slow to load or hard to navigate. With their preference to shop in with the expectation of product availability, the Consumer Experience Index showed retailers are not serving up in-store innovations to meet their needs. The study found 84 percent of brands did not offer any in-store mobile services, plus 79 percent of brands did not give associates the ability to access customer account information via a mobile device. The slow integration of mobile and physical channels to serve the always-on customer leaves them with growing levels of dissatisfaction, which leads to a loss of the customerunless retailers make changes to their approach. Laurence Haziot, Global Managing Director & GM for the Consumer Industries (Retail, CPG), IBM Corporation [NYSE: IBM] The Retail Imperative: Shift from Transactions to Relationships Retailers must evolve from emphasizing transactions to focusing on building intimate, unique customer relationships with each individual consumer. One that not only keeps them engaged both in store and online, but also builds loyalty to ensure they will be a customer in the future. If you fail to engage your customers, someone else will. From traditional manufacturer brands going direct, to digitally native startups such as Dollar Shave Club and Bonobos, to disruptors like Uber-eatsconventional retailers are now experiencing an onslaught of new and unpredictable competitors. Retailers Blazing an Innovation Trail with Cognitive Cognitive computing is able to comprehend both structured data, such as customers past browsing history, and unstructured data, such as images, videos, and bodies of textand learns over time from previous interactions. In essence, it builds the capability to understand and reason much like humans dothrough senses, learning and experienceto personalize the customer experience. For example, YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP S.p.A. (YNAP)the worlds leading online fashion luxuryis working with IBM to develop one shared technology platform across all of YNAPs multi-brand and mono-brand online stores. The streamlined order management system with cognitive capabilities will provide a personalized shopping experience for high-value consumers. This will support all of its customers and luxury brand partners. Besides Net-A-Porter, the Milan, Italy-based company, powers the online stores of brands such as Emporio Armani, Valentino, Moschino and numerous others. The technology will provide customers access to one global virtual inventory, aimed at creating higher sell-through rates and retail margins. YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP is a pinnacle example of how brands can creatively use cognitive and cloud technologies to harness the customer to build relationships. Other technologies will form part of this approach in 2017 and beyondfor example, expect to hear and see more about chatbots, connected cars, and cognitive marketing solutions to help retailers identify hidden insights in massive amounts of data at industry events such as Januarys NRF Retail Big Show this past week. Consumers dont see channels; they see brands. Retailers must provide a consistent experience across all touchpointsand leverage innovative, value-add technologies to actively interact and engage with shoppers to affirm, build and grow the brand relationship. Tackling these challenges should not be seen as a project, but viewed as a mindset of continual transformation. Retailers who embrace this mindset will win the hearts and wallets of the next-gen shopper. Check out: Top Cognitive Technology Companies Information Minister Designate Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has provided a detailed update on the progress of the Right to Information (RTI) since it was passed into law in March 2019. According to him, 455 out of 526 RTI officers have been trained to occupy Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of a continuous effort to equip officers to make the implementation of the RTI successful and to ensure efficient compliance of the law by public institutions. Taking his turn at the Appointments Committee on Thursday, February 2021, the Ofoase Ayirebi legislator emphasized that the training of the RTI officers was meant to educate them on the RTI Act 989 in order to equip them on the legalities of the law and how they are to operate within the framers of the law. He said, specifically on RTI, if I may have some liberty Mr Chairman to speak on it briefly, the law assented to in 2019 took effect in 2020. We have done a number of things. First, we have created the RTI division at the Information Ministry. We have trained and deployed RTI officers to Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country as well as MMDAs and then independent constitutional bodies. We had a road map that records 26 different activities to execute for the implementation of RTI. Mr Chairman, I am happy to inform the committee that currently about 18 of those activities have been completed, 5 are ongoing are not due to be executed yet. In terms of training and work, for example, Ministries, Departments and Agencies out of 526 officers that we need to train, we have trained 455 who are on the job today responding to RTI requests that are coming in, he added Providing updates on the number of RTI officers trained across all districts in the country, the Minister-Designate for Information noted that 483 out of 552 personnel have been trained so far. This he explained that so far, a number of requests for information have been received with the majority of them granted access Across the districts, out of 552 that we are supposed to train, we have train 483 and they are working today. At the end of 2020, the RTI units across government have received 56 requests, have responded to all of them granting access to 44 of them, about 2 of them were transferred, 4 of them were referred, 1 application was withdrawn, 1 was denied and is now on an application for review, he said. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An armed man surrendered to police and was taken into custody almost 26 hours after he sparked a stand-off at a house in Brisbanes south where he was holed up with a three-year-old boy and a woman. Police remained tight-lipped about what led to the siege at the Sunnybank home, which started about 10.30am on Thursday. Specialist police escorted the man from the home, with a woman and boy also seen to exit the house unharmed. Credit:Nine Police revoked an exclusion zone around the Dyson Street home after the man walked out of the home with officers just before 12.30pm on Friday. A spokesman said the man surrendered himself without incident and the woman and toddler were safe and well. A French-Iranian dual citizen and a German national were arrested in Iran more than two weeks ago, a French newspaper reported on February 19. Without citing its sources, the Le Figaro daily said the two individuals were detained before February 4 as leverage in anticipation of the sentencing of Iranian diplomat Assadolah Assadi by a Belgian court that day. Assadi was handed 20 years in prison for planning to bomb an Iranian opposition rally in France in 2018, a sentence that was "strongly" condemned by the Iranian government. Le Figaro did not name the two individuals or their places of detention, but said the French-Iranian national was arrested while flying a small drone in the desert. French, German, or Iranian officials have not commented on the report yet. In recent years, Iran has imprisoned a number of dual nationals, mostly on espionage charges. Critics say Iran arbitrarily detains dual nationals as part of hostage diplomacy to extract political concessions from Western countries, which Tehran denies. If confirmed, the arrests of the French and German nationals would come at a sensitive time. The new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has signaled it was ready to talk with Iran about how both nations could return to a 2015 agreement that called for curbs on Irans nuclear program in return for the lifting of international sanctions. With reporting by Le Figaro and Reuters State Department of Health spokesman Barry Ciccocioppo responded to state Sen. John Yudichaks statement urging the Health Department to step away from its leadership role on COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Yudichak, I-14, Swoyersville, issued his statement Wednesday. In response, Ciccocioppo said the Health Department responded to the problem with the availability of second doses after it was discovered this weekend and immediately developed a plan to fix it. Department leadership worked with the bipartisan Legislative Joint Task Force to implement a plan moving forward to ensure that every Pennsylvanian who received a first dose of vaccine will be able to get their second dose from the same provider and, with minimal disruption to people seeking their first dose, Ciccocioppo added. Pennsylvania is facing the same problem as every other state, there simply is not enough vaccine being manufactured at this time to meet the incredible demand, Ciccocioppo said in an email. Pennsylvanias situation is further complicated because we have a higher number of people over age 65 than most other states. Since everyone over 65, plus all health care workers, and anyone over 16 with underlying medical conditions are currently eligible for the vaccine in Pennsylvania now, we are trying to meet the vaccine needs of more than four million people at the same time with a weekly allotment of vaccine totaling just 183,000 this week. Yudichak said Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration should immediately engage private sector logistic experts, appoint a single logistics czar to take over the leadership of the vaccine distribution plan, and deploy our talented Pennsylvania National Guard in an unprecedented public-private partnership to fully vaccinate every Pennsylvanian. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. (Natural News) Republican lawmakers in North Dakota are attempting to pass legislation that would give the states attorney general the power to push back against any unconstitutional executive order signed by President Joe Biden. H.B. 1164 was introduced in the North Dakota House of Representatives by State Rep. Tom Kading and eight other Republicans. The legislation instructs the states attorney general currently, the Republican Wayne Stenehjem, who has been in office since 2000 and is the longest-serving attorney general in North Dakota history to review the constitutionality of each executive order issued by the president. If the attorney general finds that an executive order is unlawful or unconstitutional, it would be nullified and any state, county or local agency or any other publicly-funded organization would be prohibited from enforcing such an order. (Related: KEEP FIGHTING: Texas AG Ken Paxton vows to fight Bidens unconstitutional orders.) H.B. 1164 highlights six issues. If an executive order is related to one of these issues, the attorney general is called to review it immediately and make a ruling on its constitutionality. These six issues are: Pandemics or other public health-related emergencies. The regulation of natural resources, including oil and coal. The regulation of the agriculture industry. How public land is to be used. The regulation of the financial sector, especially if it relates to social, governance or environmental standards. The regulation of the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. H.B. 1164 only covers executive orders. This is why Republican State Rep. Sebastian Ertelt introduced H.B. 1282, which would create a Committee on Neutralization of Federal Laws. This committee will be comprised of the leaders of the state legislature and several of their appointees. The committee will review federal laws and executive orders. If the committee finds that a law or regulation is unconstitutional, the North Dakota Legislative Assembly would be compelled to pass a concurrent resolution on whether the transgressing law or executive order should be nullified. Similar to Kadings bill, after the legislature passes the resolution, state, county and local agencies would be prohibited from enforcing the legislation or order. As of Thursday, Feb. 4, both H.B. 1164 and H.B. 1282 are being reviewed by the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. Given the fact that the North Dakota Republican Party has a supermajority in both state houses 80 to 14 in the House and 40 to 7 in the Senate and the states governor is a Republican, it is unlikely either legislation will be blocked by Democrats. South Dakota following North Dakotas example North Dakota is not alone in attempting to pass legislation to protect itself against federal encroachment. In South Dakota, Republican State Rep. Aaron Aylward is attempting to emulate his northern brethren by introducing H.B. 1194, which outlines a process of review for any presidential orders that have not been approved and signed into law by the U.S. Congress. The bill orders the state to set up an executive board that will review the constitutionality of all presidential executive orders. This board is known as the Executive Council of the Legislative Research Board. The process begins with the executive council reviewing the executive orders. If the council finds that an executive order is unconstitutional, it will refer the case to the states attorney general and the governor. Both offices are currently held by Republicans. Once the council has submitted its referral, the attorney general may examine the order to determine whether the state can either declare it unconstitutional or seek an exemption. The bill also allows the attorney general to block the implementation of executive orders that restricts a persons rights. It also allows the attorney general to block unconstitutional orders that involve one of the same six issues listed in its North Dakotan counterpart. When asked by local news outlet KELOLAND what the impetus was behind the bill, Aylward answered this: This isnt just a President Biden issue, but rather an overall executive overreach issue that weve been experiencing for a long time. The U.S. Congress has abdicated their duty for a long time in different areas. This bill is simply setting up a process to nullify acts that would be unconstitutional. When looking at the U.S. Constitution, the president only has the powers that are laid out in Article II. When KELOLAND asked how this bill will benefit the state, Aylward answered that it would give South Dakota much of its power back. H.B. 1194 has 11 co-sponsors in the South Dakota House of Representatives, and two in the State Senate. As of Feb. 1, it received its first reading in the House State Affairs Committee. While it still has a long way to go before it becomes a law, given how, much like North Dakota, both houses of the legislature have Republican supermajorities, it is likely the bill pass without too much difficulty. Learn more about how states are responding to the Biden presidencys first days in office by reading the latest articles at JoeBiden.news. Sources include: NationalFile.com TheBlaze.com Legis.nd.gov 1 Legis.nd.gov 2 KELOLAND.com SDLegislature.gov 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. M&A Regulators seek more info out of Lockheed & Aerojet U.S. antitrust regulators will take more time and will ask for more information about Lockheed Martins proposed acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne. The Federal Trade Commissions so-called second request for additional information was one Lockheed and Aerojet expected, the companies said in a release Friday. Lockheeds waiting period to close the transaction last for 30 days after Lockheed and Aerojet comply with the FTCs request or if the agency terminates that waiting period earlier. We are working cooperatively with the Federal Trade Commission as it conducts its review of the transaction and we continue to expect to complete the acquisition in the second half of 2021, Lockheed added. Mergers and acquisitions involving large defense platform companies can take up to one year to get through antitrust review processes that involve either the FTC or Justice Departments antitrust division, plus of course the Defense Department given supply chain implications. Competitors also can weigh in and Lockheed is seeking to bring down the concern level regarding Aerojet's ability to supply solid rocket motors to others. At a Barclays-hosted investor conference this week, Raytheon Technologies CEO Greg Hayes said they will share their concerns to the Pentagon and DOJ. Lockheed Chief Financial Officer Ken Possenriede pushed the counterpoint a few hours later. A doctor at the university hospital in Essen, western Germany, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images) Vatican Backtracks on Vaccine Directive After Backlash The Vatican on Feb. 18 backtracked on a decree signed earlier this month that threatened termination for any employee in the city-state who refused to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, following widespread condemnation against the policy. Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, the governor of the Vatican on Feb. 8 signed the directive that said employees who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, without providing valid medical resigning for doing so, could be punished by the interruption of the relationship of employment. The decree justified the measures by emphasizing the importance of protecting Vatican employees in the workplace, and guidelines issued by Pope Francis, who received the first shot of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine last month following the rollout of the states vaccination program. The pope has advocated that everyone should get the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus vaccine. It is an ethical choice because you are gambling with your health, with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others, he said last month. The 84-year-olds COVID-19 advisory commission suggests that people have a moral responsibility to get the vaccine given that refusing a vaccine can constitute a risk for others. Many Italians expressed concerns over the measure that threatens job stability, with some saying it went against the popes general call for mercy. Changing course, Bertellos office released a statement late Thursday, saying that alternative solutions would be found for those who do not wish to be vaccinated against COVID-19. It said the reference to the article in a 2011 law on employee rights and duties which specifically mentioned the possibility of dismissal should not be seen as sanctioning or punitive and that freedom of individual choice would be respected. The Vaticanthe worlds smallest state at 108 acresoperates independently of Italian law and labor protections. It has several thousand employees, most of whom live in Italy. Vaccines are not mandatory in Italy. Vatican City has had under 30 confirmed cases of the CCP virus, including a cluster among the Swiss Guard last fall. Iran will "immediately reverse" actions in its nuclear programme once U.S. sanctions are lifted, its foreign minister said on Friday, reacting coolly to Washington's initial offer to revive talks with Tehran aimed at restoring the 2015 nuclear deal. President Joe Biden's administration said on Thursday it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to the accord, which aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons while lifting most international sanctions. Former President Donald Trump left the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Tehran said Washington's move was not enough to persuade Iran to fully respect the accord. When sanctions are lifted, "we will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. Simple," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter. Since Trump ditched the deal, Tehran has breached the accord by rebuilding stockpiles of low-enriched uranium, enriching it to higher levels of fissile purity and installing advanced centrifuges to speed up production. Tehran and Washington have been at odds over who should make the first step to revive the accord. Iran says the United States must first lift Trumps sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was considering Washington's offer to talk about the revival of the deal. "But first they should return to the deal. Then within the framework of the 2015 deal, a mechanism to basically synchronise steps can be discussed," the official said. "We have never sought nuclear weapons and this is not part of our defence doctrine," the Iranian official said. "Our message is very clear. Lift all the sanctions and give diplomacy a chance." Adding to pressure for a resolution to the impasse, a law passed by the hardline parliament obliges Tehran on Feb. 23 to cancel the sweeping access given to U.N. non-proliferation inspectors under the 2015 deal, limiting their visits to declared nuclear sites only. The United States and the European parties to the accord have urged Iran to refrain from taking the step, which will complicate Biden's efforts to restore the pact. SHORT-NOTICE INSPECTIONS "We have to implement the law. The other party must act quickly and lift these unjust and illegal sanctions if they want Tehran to honour the deal," said the Iranian official. The IAEA's short-notice inspections, which can range anywhere beyond Irans declared nuclear sites, are mandated under the IAEAs Additional Protocol that Iran agreed to honour under the deal. In London, UK junior foreign minister James Cleverly reiterated that Iran had to resume compliance with the deal, adding the West should not send signals that it is prepared to overlook Tehran's breaches of the accord. Some Iranian hardliners said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's tough stance had forced Washington to cave in. On Wednesday he demanded action, not words from the United States if it wants to restore the deal. "They have reversed some measures ... It is a defeat for America ... but we are waiting to see whether there will be action on lifting sanctions," state media quoted Tabriz city's Friday prayer leader Mohammadali Ale-Hashem as saying. Biden has said that he will use the revival of the nuclear deal as a springboard to a broader agreement that might restrict Irans ballistic missile development and regional activities. Tehran has ruled out negotiations on wider security issues such as Irans missile programme. "I am happy, but not hopeful at all. I dont trust America. It's never been trustworthy. They may well be tricking us and the world again," Pirouz, an architect, told Reuters from Tehran. Short link: Dr. Anthony Fauci joins W&M President Katherine A. Rowe for virtual conversation Community conversation: W&M President Katherine A. Rowe (top row, left) and Student Assembly President Anthony AJ Joseph '21 (bottom row) spoke with Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci about, among other things, vaccines and the universitys role in helping dispel misinformation about public health matters related to the pandemic. Photo - of - Hide Caption Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert and chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, discusses recent developments concerning the COVID-19 pandemic William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe welcomed Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci for a virtual community conversation Thursday about recent developments concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Rowe, as well as Student Assembly President Anthony AJ Joseph '21, spoke with Fauci about, among other things, vaccines and the universitys role in helping dispel misinformation about public health matters related to the pandemic. Faucis response to the latter: Keep doing what youre doing. You followed by example the public health measures of wearing masks, of keeping physical distance, of avoiding congregant settings, said Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert and chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden. The optimal ways of doing things are to continue to implement your public health measures and when a vaccine becomes available, go get vaccinated. {{youtube:large:center|5HUcZ2NZg7s, Community Conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci}} William & Mary reduced the impact of COVID-19 in the fall because of a resounding commitment from students, faculty and staff. The universitys Healthy Together Community Commitment continues to emphasize preventative measures such as mask wearing, physical distancing and hand washing, and the university continues to employ robust testing measures to help ensure a healthy environment. William & Mary has been working with the City of Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Health Department, Peninsula Health District and other community partners as the commonwealth implements its vaccine distribution plan. The university has provided the vaccine clinic administration at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center with a list of employees that meet the criteria for Phase 1B. The university has also asked that all those who wish to be vaccinated sign up through the statewide registration system. Im incredibly proud of our town-gown partnership and the other leading institutions in our localities, Rowe said. We have built together, led by the city of Williamsburg and James City County, the ability to vaccinate about 3,000 people a day, so we can move fast and really efficiently when the vaccine supply is ready. We are ready. {{youtube:medium:center|G_glG_RPrGY}} Joseph said that they received hundreds of messages from members of the W&M community with questions for Fauci. Among those was when college students may expect to get vaccinated. We made the decision at William & Mary to maintain all safety requirements including masks in public spaces, said Joseph. On those vaccines, when is the latest that college students will be able to access [them]? Fauci said he expects vaccines to be available to the majority of college students in May, with those having underlying medical conditions being eligible earlier. He previously projected that timeframe for April, but quantities of one of the major vaccines have lagged to create a delay. {{youtube:medium:center|7CX8ohs4RMM}} A rise in COVID-19 cases following the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years saw an exponential increase of as many as 300,000 or more cases a day in the United States. William & Mary also saw an increase of cases as students made their way back to campus this month, but Fauci says the numbers are trending downward significantly. Fortunately now, we have a dramatic diminution going down, but we cant be complacent about that because there are variants, namely mutations, that could in fact turn it around again, Fauci said. The United States vaccine program is a reason for optimism. Fauci called the vaccine program a roaring success with multiple vaccine candidates that are 94% to 95% effective. You could start to see a dramatic diminution in the number of cases based on early results of vaccines, Fauci said. For example, if you get 30 or 40 or 50% of the population vaccinated, even though you havent reached the 85% of people vaccinated that you would need for herd immunity, you could still have a dramatic effect on diminishing the number of new cases. {{youtube:medium:center|2Mm2Wt3hAwQ}} Fauci said clinical trials have shown vaccines to be up to 95% effective in preventing symptoms. The impact of vaccines on the spread of COVID-19 is still unknown. Conceivably you could transmit it to someone else even though you have no symptoms at all, Fauci said. Thats why we say even though youve been vaccinated, you must continue to wear a mask when you are in the presence of people who have not been vaccinated in order to prevent you from theoretically infecting them. In addition to commending William & Mary for its attention to preventative health measures like mask wearing and physical distancing, Fauci highlighted the role of higher education in the prevention of future pandemics by training a vast group of professionals who work together in fighting and preventing pandemics. Fauci said that group goes beyond physicians, scientists and public health officials to also include environmental health professionals, veterinarians and people who study the animal-human interface. Fauci has seen many people come together to help fight COVID-19. Theres still work to be done, however. Where I would like to see it be is we have this outbreak under control and it is no longer the threat that it is, Fauci said. I believe were going to get there within this calendar year in the United States, but the problem is a global pandemic requires a global response. So its a two-phased thing: Get it under control in the United States and be an important part of the effort to control it globally. Fauci himself was a product of a liberal arts and sciences education from the College of Holy Cross, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in classical studies with a pre-med track before making his way to medical school at Cornell University. I think [my degree] prepared me as much, if not more than my scientific training, to be honest with you, Fauci said. That sounds somewhat paradoxical, but its true. I think understanding civilizations, understanding mankind, understanding a variety of aspects about the humanities was as important as the biology that got me to be able to do science, because of understanding the complexity of issues that go into outbreaks, about how humanity responds to outbreaks. A 'hero' frontline policeman has become the second officer in Manchester to die within a month of testing positive for Covid. PC Jonathan Wain, 49, was described as a 'true gentleman' and 'irreplaceable' by colleagues who worked with him in Bury. PC Wain, affectionately known as 'the Duke', had served with Greater Manchester Police since 2003. He died on Monday, leaving behind a partner and young sons. Friend and colleague PC Keith Redmond said: 'We are all stunned that he's gone and we're all going to miss that smile'. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: 'My sincere condolences to PC Wain's family. We are deeply grateful for Jonathan's service to our communities and thinking of you all at this time. ' PC Wain is the second officer with GMP to die within a month after testing positive for Covid. PC Jonathan Wain (pictured left with his sons), 49, was described as a 'true gentleman' and 'irreplaceable' by colleagues who worked with him in Bury. PC Wain, affectionately known as 'the Duke', had served with Greater Manchester Police since 2003 PC Wain (pictured with partner Gaynor) is the second officer with GMP to die within a month after testing positive for Covid Police constable Abbasuddin Ahmed, 40, was a serving officer on the Trafford district for Greater Manchester Police. He died in hospital In January, having tested positive for the virus in December, the force said. Police officers are told they can get a Covid-19 jab but must not wear their uniform at vaccination centres Police officers have been told they can get vaccinated at health centres with spare capacity but must wear plain clothes so as not to draw attention to themselves. Force leaders were said to have felt 'betrayed' when Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced this week that frontline officers may have to wait months for jabs. But the Mail has learnt of an arrangement with the NHS that lets police receive a vaccine if there is spare capacity at a centre and the jab would otherwise go to waste. In an internal memo, staff are advised that they cannot be seen to receive preferential treatment that would contradict the Government's decision not to prioritise police. It also emerged that some officers have sidestepped even this discreet arrangement by booking jabs through services meant for NHS staff. It comes after Scotland Yard said last month that five Met officers had died with Covid in little more than a fortnight. A custody sergeant, three constables and a traffic police community officer died between January 11 and January 26. Met Police bosses circulated the jabs memo after officers shared a link on WhatsApp that allowed them to ignore the agreed protocols and book in for vaccinations at Hillingdon Hospital in west London, via a link originally intended for health workers. Officers were urged not to use the link but if they had already booked an appointment then they should 'still attend but in plainclothes or a plainclothes jacket and not in marked vehicles'. The same dress code advice is given for officers who manage to book a spare vaccine at a health centre. Advertisement Following PC Wain's death, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'He was passionate about being a police officer and doing a good job; that was who he was and he was proud of it. 'He was a true gentleman and a man that is fondly remembered by all who have worked with him throughout his service. There is not a bad word to be said about Jon. 'On his current response team, he quickly became loved and highly respected and he was that go-to guy for many of the young in-service officers, which is a testament to his quick wit, knowledge and approachability. 'He wouldn't watch anyone struggle, as it wasn't in him to do so. 'To the response team he is irreplaceable. He will be in our thoughts and hearts forever and we will try to do him proud throughout our careers.' Inspector Carl Peterson, said: 'I first met Jon in 2014 when I joined the Bury district and I have since had the privilege of Jon being a member of my team for the past two years. 'With 17 years' service, Jon was one of the most experienced members of the team who the younger officers could turn to for advice. 'During his career, Jon experienced numerous changes and challenges within the service, some good and some bad, but he approached them all professionally and was always there to support his fellow officers. 'He would also be the first to volunteer for those incidents that require greater levels of compassion and patience. 'Jon just had a way of helping people through what, for some, would be the most difficult times in their lives. 'I think that is what people will remember most, Jon's compassion and his cheeky wry smile. He will be missed by all that knew him.' Chief Inspector Mike Brennan said: 'We are all truly saddened to have learnt of Jon's death on Monday evening. 'Jon was very much a true gentleman and a valued member of the team at Bury. 'His tireless work to make the lives of people within Bury that little bit better and to make the community that little bit safer had such a profound impact amongst colleagues and the wider community. 'He was everything that a police officer should be and more, and we are proud to have called him a friend, a colleague and a brother in blue. He will be missed so terribly by all.' A fundraising page has been set up in aid of his partner Gaynor and two sons. The other officer, Police Constable Abbasuddin Ahmed, known as Abbas or Abs, joined GMP in March 2017 but had been away from the front line during the pandemic, instead working from home 'to look after his health'. Tributes have been paid to 'completely fearless' police officer and father-of-two PC Abbasuddin Ahmed, 40, (pictured) who died after testing positive for Covid-19 Specialist financial investigator Detective Sergeant Darren Barker (pictured), 51, died after being admitted to hospital in late January The force said the officer was described by colleagues on the Stretford Response Team as 'the greatest brother in and out of work' and 'such a lovely man who was never seen without a smile on his face'. Another tribute, shared by the force, said he had 'lived up to his name meaning 'lion' brave, loyal, a fighter, protective, and completely fearless. Ministers urged health experts to vaccinate people by age and ethnicity rather than their professions Ministers will be urged to vaccinate people by age and ethnicity rather than their job during the next phase of the coronavirus jab roll-out, it was claimed on Tuesday. Number 10's leading jab experts are expected to advise that the UK continues with its age-based approach after the nine most vulnerable groups are inoculated. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will also urge ministers to prioritise some ethnic minority groups, who are at a disproportionate risk of dying from Covid, The Telegraph reports. Members are said to be particularly concerned about mortality rates among South Asians, who studies have shown are twice as likely to succumb to the virus as their white peers. Both Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock have previously said teachers, police officers, shop owners and other key workers could be bumped up the priority list once the top groups have been jabbed. But JCVI sources suggested this week that prioritising people based on their occupation would 'create too much complication' and 'risk slowing the roll-out down'. Advertisement 'Abs will live in our hearts forever.' Inspector Abid Sardar, co-chair of the GMP Muslim Police Association, said: 'I would describe him as a committed police officer, true friend and family man. 'Abbas will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.' On Thursday it was revealed that an 'extremely talented' detective who had a thirty year career at the Metropolitan Police had died after testing positive for Covid-19. Specialist financial investigator Detective Sergeant Darren Barker, 51, died after being admitted to hospital in late January. Det Sgt Barker, who had worked at the Met since 1992, was classed as vulnerable, Scotland Yard said. He been shielding from Covid but had continued to work on investigations from home during the pandemic. In a tribute, Detective Chief Superintendent James Harman, from the Met's Specialist Operations Command, said even while working from home Det Sgt Barker's leadership was 'truly invaluable'. He said: 'He will be remembered fondly by everyone he worked with, and will be greatly missed by us all. 'We are truly saddened by his loss and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.' Some have now called for officers to be prioritised in the Government's vaccine rollout plan. Jon Wain, 49, who had worked as a police constable in Bury for Greater Manchester Police for 17 years, passed away on Monday, February 15, leaving behind his partner, Gaynor, and two sons. Nick Oldfield, 48, who worked as a police constable for Staffordshire Police for ten years, died in hospital on January 21, almost a month after contracting Covid-19. He leaves behind his partner of 20 years Sarah and their three children aged ten, 15 and 18. Speaking of Mr Wain on behalf of Greater Manchester Police Federation, his colleague Brett Grange said it had been an 'honour' to work with him. In addition to a slew of other hardships stemming from this weeks winter storm, many San Antonians have battled spotty internet, cellphone and cable service. The problems are part of cascading effects of widespread power outages, and a lack of information has made a treacherous situation more so for those unable to receive updates from the city government and utilities. As of Thursday, DownDetector.com, which tracks service outages, showed problems with multiple San Antonio-area providers, including Spectrum, Grande, Suddenlink, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Other providers, including GVTC and HCTC, also reported outages. Even telephone landlines, which are usually less affected by power disruptions, have had problems. Rural phone companies have experienced some outages, mostly power-related, said Mark Seale, executive director of the Texas Telephone Association, a trade organization. Lack of commercial power remains our primary challenge at this time, Spectrum spokesman Brian Anderson said. Even if the lights are on at one location, power outages at other places in the network can still result in service interruptions. On ExpressNews.com: Mother Nature deals another blow to San Antonio businesses While most providers blame power outages and the extreme weather conditions, the storm is laying bare vulnerabilities with communication systems. Beyond AM radio, all modern communications need a whole separate set of power sources in order to operate, said Brian Kelley, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio. So power is intricately tied to them. Home internet runs to exchanges and data centers just as cellphone service travels through cellphone towers, or base stations, and data centers. Power disruptions at any of these hubs will affect connectivity, according to Kelley. Cell and internet providers have service agreements with utilities about guaranteed power at communication facilities, and the providers determine their emergency power requirements batteries or generators based on that information. Service providers are somewhat at the mercy of power companies because they can only plan for so much, he said. If the utility provider is not reliable or is not able to provide the service that is really needed, thats where their networks fail. Related: San Antonio coalition leading national push to protect power grids from electromagnetic threats Companies contacted Thursday didnt say how many of their customers were without service. In addition to power problems, the frigid weather also can cause hardware to fail, according to Bruce Forey, founder of BroadMax Group, an internet consulting company. Each internet service provider operates differently and has different strategies about how theyre going to handle their operations in times of inclement weather, Forey said. Everyone has different modes of crisis operations. And some, as were finding out with our power outage, are stronger than others as far as having the capability to overcome crisis situations. GVTC spokesperson John Hill said service problems fluctuate with the power outages. We do have backup generators that we are using to help provide support for our network, he said. Several companies have notices posted on their websites about service outages and extended wait times for customer service because of closures or decreased staffing. On Thursday, Grande tweeted, Customers may experience service disruptions, even when your power is back on, due to power outages that impact our equipment that transmit services to you. The outages, which decreased Thursday, are sporadic across the region. Customers lucky enough to have some connectivity expressed their frustrations with a lack of service and information on social media. One AT&T customer on Thursday tweeted: Fiber has been out in San Antonio near downtown for days now. We cant get any updates on a timeline to restore service. Very frustrating when my neighbors are online with Spectrum. On ExpressNews.com: Snow blankets San Antonio again as Texas cold snap performs its encore But Spectrum is having issues, too. Multiple people tweeted questions to the company, with most asking when theyll have their service back. T-Mobiles website said the company is providing unlimited talk, text and data for T-Mobile, Sprint and Metro by T-Mobile customers in Texas who are not already on unlimited plans through Saturday. Power and communications are critical to responding to natural disasters, according to Thomas Tunstall, senior research director at UTSAs Institute for Economic Development. These pieces of infrastructure must be hardened to withstand the most devastating forms of natural disasters, he said. Without the foundational components of energy and communication, the picture goes dark and relief efforts stumble about blindly or haphazardly. Brandon Lingle writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. brandon.lingle@express-news.net Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 02:03:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture launched a campaign to prevent the smuggling of agricultural products, aiming at protecting the Iraqi agricultural sector, an official newspaper said on Thursday. The campaign, which was backed by Iraqi security forces, resulted in the seizing of dozens of smuggler trucks who were smuggling agricultural products into and out of the country, Minister of Agriculture Mohammad al-Khafaji told al-Sabah Newspaper. Al-Khafaji pointed out that the ministry teams and security forces deployed in all checkpoints between the country's provinces and all wholesale vegetable markets to protect the local agricultural products to achieve self-sufficiency in the country's markets, the newspaper said. Moreover, al-Khafaji said that one of the procedures taken by the Iraqi authorities to protect local agricultural products is to impose taxes on imported agricultural products to stabilize vegetable prices in the country's markets, according to al-Sabah. For his part, spokesman of the ministry Hameed al-Nayf told the newspaper that the campaign began on Saturday, and the security forces took control of many border crossings with neighboring countries, in addition to checkpoints between Iraq's semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan and its neighboring provinces. Iraq seeks to exploit its agricultural potential by protecting the agricultural sector to boost the country's economy while reducing dependence on the export of crude oil, as the Iraqi economy relies heavily on crude oil exports, which represent more than 90 percent of the country's revenues. Enditem 27995 Robert Dickson, Executive Director of IMS, Omaha Public Schools Robert Dickson, Executive Director of IMS, Omaha Public Schools In todays landscape, technology is changing how we collaborate, communicate, and even the spaces in which we work. Many companies and in our case, school districts, are in the process of digital transformation. Sometimes this is planned, and sometimes this is forced. Over the last four years our district has been in transformation mode. Much of that transformation has been as leadership has transitioned and fueled by passing two of the largest bond issues in Nebraska history, $421 million in 2014 and $410 million in 2018. Those resources provided the necessary infrastructure to implement change. Change isnt easy; and later I will comment on how to address the forces that threaten that change. If technology is shaping the how in an organization, every role needs to have opportunities The need to drive the use of technology throughout the organization is being fueled by both sides, organically through users, our society, and systemically from leadership. This presents both opportunities and challenges. Mobile computing and social media have naturally increased the digital literacy of our end users. This organic approach allows staff to naturally adopt consistent change as they experience this through their use of their personal devices. Data privacy and security become top of mind as we support these users. The need to provide professional development to fill the gap left by organic growth in digital literacy becomes high priority for any organization today. These become initiatives for us to consider when we look to systemically change the landscape in the organization. For example, recently we changed device types in our refresh that were dramatically different in functionality (wirelessly displaying, tablet mode, etc) being deployed to staff members. Knowing we were deploying 4,000 or so devices, we made the decision to provide 1 hour of training on the device prior to staff members receiving them. We saw the trend moving away from static device types such as desktops and shifted to more mobile device types with multiple wireless functions. How does this effect the role of the CIO? Gone are the days of the traditional information technology component. Technology is the how in most processes in the organization. The role now demands shaping those processes without owning everything. Thats how digital transformation happens. Digital transformation isn't just about coming up with the most original ideas or recognizing an original idea when its presented. The success or failure of an innovative idea is often about timing, and it starts with the CIO understanding trends, communicating predictions in ways that make sense to others within an organization. Professional Development should become top of mind for any start of a digital transformation journey. In Omaha Public Schools, we started with providing 200 staff members with a Microsoft Innovative Educator Certification. This allowed us to reach all of our nearly 100 sites with some subject matter expert in our progress in this digital transformation. It is important to note that this cant happen in isolation, nor in just a departmental silo. If technology is shaping the how in an organization, every role needs to have opportunities. It is also important to meet everyone where they are at with technology as we have the largest workforce in terms of age in history. Communication is critical in making sure everyone is on board. You will have forces within your organization that fights anything that threatens the status quo. It will be necessary to identify those who are resistant and seek them out and show opportunities for growth we really don't want to keep them where they are at. We want to share through professional learning how technology can be a vehicle. In this area, you become the change agent for communication in digital transformation. The CIO role is an ever-changing dynamic. Its a leadership role that requires traditional leadership skills and the ability to apply them to the fast-paced world of innovation. To see our transformation journey, visit transformation.ops.org 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 Newly declassified documents reveal that in November 1983, at the height of Cold War tensions, the United States and the Soviet Union came closer to nuclear war than historiansand even many officials at the timehave known until now. The revelations arent mere details of history; they also hold relevant lessons for how leaders should think and act in ongoing crises in hot spots around the world today. The documents, released this week by the State Department historians office, focus on a massive military training exercise known as Able Archer, in which NATO simulated the transition from conventional to nuclear conflict in the event of a war in Europe. Advertisement It turned out, top Soviet leaders thought that the war game was realthat the U.S. and NATO really were about to launch a nuclear first strike against the USSRand top Soviet military commanders took steps to retaliate. 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. In one of those steps, the new documents reveal, the commander of the Soviet 4th Army Air Forces in Eastern Europe ordered all of his units to make preparations for the immediate use of nuclear weapons. As part of that order, crewmen loaded actual nuclear bombs onto several combat planes. Much about the Able Archer war game was first made public just six years ago, when, after more than a decade of legal battles, the National Security Archive, a private research organization, obtained a lengthy, extremely classified U.S. intelligence report detailing exactly what NATO forces did, and how Soviet commanders responded, during the exercise. Advertisement But the fact that the Soviets armed their aircraft with nuclear bombsa discovery based on U.S. and British intelligence intercepts of Soviet communications at the timehas not been declassified until now. The new fact elevates to a higher level the danger that the world briefly faced, even thoughunlike with other nuclear near misses, such as the Cuban missile crisisalmost nobody knew it at the time. The Able Archer crisis might not have been a near missit might easily have escalated to a shooting warhad it not been for a single American officer, Lt. Gen. Leonard Perroots, the intelligence chief for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, who saw the Soviet moves, interpreted them correctly, and stopped what might otherwise have been a deadly escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Most U.S. officers viewed Able Archer as a typical war game, nothing that would throw Soviet officers into a panic. But Perroots saw that, in fact, it was something different. It was a lot bigger than most of these games, involving a fleet of cargo transport planes flying 19,000 soldiers in 170 sorties from the United States to bases in Europe. And it was more realistic as well. The cargo planes maintained radio silence. B-52 bomber crews taxied their planes to their runways and loaded them with dummy bombs that looked remarkably real. The Strategic Air Command raised its nuclear alert levels to the highest level. The Soviets were monitoring all of this, of course, as they generally did and as the U.S. commanders knew they would. But they reacted in ways that they never had beforein ways similar to how they might have acted if the U.S. were gearing up for a real attackincluding, as we now know, loading nuclear bombs on aircraft in Eastern Europe. Advertisement Ordinarily, when the Soviets took such actions, U.S. intelligence agencies would notify senior military officers, either on the scene or back in Washington, who would respond with similar actions, if just to let the Soviets know that we were watching what they were doing and were ready to repel an attack. Advertisement When Perroots informed his boss, the commander in chief of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Gen. Billy Minter, of the Soviets unusual activity at the start of Able Archer, Minter was about to respond in the usual way, but Perroots advised him to hold off. He recognized that the Soviets were probably reacting to what we were doingand any further escalation on our part would worsen the situation, might even trigger war. Lets wait and see what happens next, he suggested. Advertisement And indeed, after Able Archer ended a few days later and the thousands of American troops flew home and SAC lowered its nuclear alert, the Soviets unloaded their bombs and canceled their nuclear alert as well. One of the newly declassified documents is a memo that Perroots wrote in 1989, as he was retiring from his final career post as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, detailing what hed seen and done during Able Archer six years earlier. The National Security Archive has long been trying to obtain the Perroots memo; DIA officials have told the archives lawyers that the memo was lost. On their own initiative, State Department historians found it in a file at the CIA. Advertisement Advertisement The Able Archer near miss did come to have consequencesin a good way. While the war game was unfolding, Oleg Gordievsky, a London-based KGB officer who had turned double agent, was providing his British handlers in MI6 with documents revealing that Soviet officials were viewing the exercise as a prelude to an attack by the United States and NATO. The British, as was customary, shared the intelligence with their American cousins. At first, and for more than a year after, the CIAs top officials were skeptical, dismissing the Soviets war scare as propaganda, designed to inflame anti-American sentiment in Western Europe. But President Ronald Reagan took the war scare seriously. Just days after the wrap-up of Able Archer, his national security adviser, Robert Bud McFarlane, showed him Gordievskys reports, which Reagan read withas McFarlane recalled years latergenuine anxiety. Advertisement Reagan had been pushing hard against the Kremlin, hoping the pressure might bring down the Soviet system. In 1981, his first year in office, an armada of 83 U.S., British, Canadian, and Norwegian ships sailed near Soviet waters, undetected. In April 1983, seven months before Able Archer, 40 U.S. warships, including three aircraft carriers, approached Kamchatka Peninsula, off the USSRs eastern coast, maintaining radio silence and jamming Soviet radar. As part of the operation, Navy combat planes simulated a bombing run over a military site 20 miles inside Soviet territory. An internal NSA history noted, These actions were calculated to induce paranoia, and they did. Advertisement Advertisement Still, as Reagan read the Gordievsky report, it did bother him, McFarlane later recalled, that the Soviets would seriously entertain the very idea that he would launch a nuclear first strike. On Nov. 18, 1983, one week after Able Archer was over, he wrote in his diary, I feel the Soviets are so defense minded, so paranoid about being attacked that without being in any way soft on them we ought to tell them no one here has any intention of doing anything like that. Advertisement The same day, Reagan met with his secretary of state, George Shultz (who died this month at the age of 100), to discuss setting up a back channel of communication with Moscow. The next morning, 12 senior officials met for breakfast in Shultzs dining room at the State Department to discuss reopening long-moribund talks with Moscowa topic so sensitive at the time that Shultz told them not to tell anybody that the meeting had even taken place. Two months later, on Jan. 16, 1984, Reagan gave a televised speech. The key linea dramatic departure from previous pronouncements on the Soviet Union as an evil empirewas this: If the Soviet government wants peace, then there will be peace. Let us begin now. Advertisement Advertisement He had to wait a little while. Two Soviet leaders, Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko, died while Reagans diplomats tried to arrange meetings. But then came Mikhail Gorbachev, a genuine reformer, looking for peace with the West so he could finance his politico-economic perestroika, and, soon enough, the Iron Curtain shattered and the Cold War ended. This might not have happened if Reagan hadnt realized, in the wake of Able Archer, that his belligerent rhetoric and aggressive actions had gone too farthat he had to dial things back and see if the two countries might get along, before their myriad causes for mutual distrust unleashed catastrophe. In some ways, the world today is less fraught with ultimate danger than it was 38 years ago. There is no cause for fear of a massive nuclear attack by or against the United States, Russia, or, really, any other country. But at the same time, the world is more densely laced with hot spots that could erupt into war, and war zones that could spread like lethal firestorms, and there are fewer power blocsno real superpowers, in the sense that the term once meantthat might contain the conflagration. Intelligence is scanty or ambiguous about many of these potential crisis areas. Assumptions about an adversarys ambitions or odd actions can more easily harden into dogma. In this light, Able Archer offers some cautionary lessons. Nobody running the war game back in 1983 thought it might look provocative to others. When the Soviets reacted, only one U.S. officerthe right person in the right place, by coincidencestopped to reflect that what the Soviets were doing might be a reaction to what we were doing, not a threat worth responding to. Some threats are real threats; some suspicious actions really are provocations. But sometimes theyre not, and its worth taking the time and harnessing the analytical acumen to make the distinction. Now that we once again have an experienced president backed by a real administrationand not a shallow man who thinks hes a tyrant, surrounded by minions whose main job is to avoid challenging his biasesmaybe the lessons of Able Archer will take hold. 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. Enniskillen actor and writer Ciaran McMenamin is celebrating a film deal for his newly published second novel, The Sunken Road, set in the First World War and during the partition of Ireland. The Sunken Road, which was published this week by Harvill Secker, is a story of love, loyalty and obsession. Events take place along the Western Front in the Great War and on the hills and rivers of Fermanagh four years later, as the War of Independence ignites along the border newly laid down by Partition the centenary of which takes place this year. McMenamin says his characters are shaped by many of the tumultuous events commemorated by recent centenaries. After enduring the Somme, then the subsequent conflict at home, the protagonists find themselves at a crossroads on the new border between the two Irelands in June 1922. Can you really fall in love again with someone irrevocably changed by killing?" he told The Guardian. In the war of independence, combatants from both sides had been brutalised beforehand in the trenches. The book explores a world where men who had fought together against the Germans on the western front, now fight against each other in Ireland. Award-winning producer Alan Moloney (The Siege of Jadotville, Brooklyn) and director Brian Kirk (21 Bridges, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones) have already obtained the rights to The Sunken Road for the big screen. Kirk will direct the film. McMenamins debut Skintown - so called after his hometown - was hailed as the Enniskillen version of Trainspotting when it was published almost four years ago. A film adaptation of Skintown is also in the pipeline, directed by Keiron J Walsh (Jump, When Brendan Met Trudy) and set in Northern Ireland. The film is out for financing and its hoped that with the Covid-19 vaccine, it wont be long before filming, which involves clubs and pubs, can begin. Its hard enough to make a film in normal times without this other stuff, Walsh said recently. McMenamin (45) is married to Annabel Scholey, the Yorkshire-born actress best known for her roles in BBC Ones legal drama The Split and musical romcom Walking on Sunshine. The couple married on the scenic Lusty Beg island in Fermanagh in May 2017 and have a young daughter, Marnie. A voracious reader all his life, McMenamin is a major fan of Ernest Hemingway. His writing has also been greatly influenced by his uncle JP McMenamin, the witty Tyrone writer who was known as the resident poet on the late Gerry Andersons radio show. A graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, McMenamin has worked extensively for over 20 years as an actor in television and theatre while his film roles include To End All Wars (2001), Any Time Now (2002) and Primeval (2007). McMenamin is the star of the TV films including David Copperfield and Saving The Titanic, a role which earned him a Best Supporting Actor accolade at the 2013 British Independent Film Festival. The High Court on Friday rejected Lalu Prasad's bail application in a fodder scam case, dashing the president's chance of immediate release from jail. Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh turned down Prasad's bail request in the Dumka treasury case, an offshoot of the multi- crore rupees fodder scam. The court said since the supremo has to serve two more months in jail to complete half of the tenure of his total sentence in the case, the bail plea is not granted and asked us to file a fresh application after two months,Prasad's lawyer Prabhat Kumar said. Prasad has already acquired bail in three out of the four cases of the fodder scam in which he has been convicted and acceptance of his request in the case related to illegal withdrawal of Rs 3.13 crore from the Dumka treasury could have helped him come out of the jail. The court was also slated to hear another matter relating to violation of jail manuals by Prasad, but it could not do so because of paucity of time and posted it for next hearing on February 26. On direction of the court, the Ranchi based RIMs has submitted reply on health of imprisoned leader and also sending him to AIIMS Delhi. The RJD chief was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi on January 23 last. The hearing into the RJD chief's bail application went for 2.5 hours. Prasad's lawyer Kapil Sibal, who participated in the hearing virtually from Delhi, argued that his client has spent 42 months while CBI contented that he has completed 37 months and 19 days and hence bail should not be provided. The court after perusing papers related to the claims of both the sides concluded that Prasad has spent 40 months of sentence in the case. The court asked him to file a fresh application after two months. A special CBI court in Ranchi had in March 2018 sent Prasad to 14 years in jail and fined Rs 60 lakh in the fourth pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of money from Dumka treasury in the early 1990s. CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh had awarded two separate sentences of seven years each to Prasad under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Acts. Both the sentences will have to be served consecutively. In the first fodder scam case, dating back to 2013, the RJD supremo was convicted for illegal withdrawal of Rs 37.7 crore from the Chaibasa treasury. He got five years' prison term in the case following which he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha. In Patna, Prasad's family members as well as party leaders were glued to their TV screens waiting for the good news from Ranchi. But, their hope did not come true. RJD spokesman Shakti Singh Yadav said outside Rabri Devi's residence in Patna that they were hopeful of an ailing Lalu ji getting bail and coming back home. "We have high regards for the judiciary and accept the court's verdict," 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.) No historical account of World War II would be complete without covering the Battle of Iwo Jima. At first glance, it seems similar to many other battles that happened late in the Pacific War: American troops fiercely fought their way through booby traps, Banzai charges and surprise attacks while stalwart dug-in Japanese defenders struggled against overwhelming U.S. power in the air, on land and by sea. For the United States Marine Corps, however, the Battle of Iwo Jima was more than one more island in a string of battles in an island-hopping campaign. The Pacific War was one of the most brutal in the history of mankind, and nowhere was that more apparent than on Iwo Jima in February 1945. After three years of fighting, U.S. troops didn't know the end was near for the Japanese Empire. For them, every island was part of the preparation they needed to invade mainland Japan. The 36-day fight for Iwo Jima led Adm. Chester Nimitz to give the now-immortal praise, "Uncommon valor was a common virtue." Here are six reasons why the battle is so important to Marines: 1. It was the first invasion of the Japanese Home Islands. The Japanese Empire controlled many islands in the Pacific area. Saipan, Peleliu and other islands were either sold to Japan after World War I or it was given control of them by the League of Nations. Then, it started invading others. Iwo Jima was different. Though technically far from the Japanese Home Islands, it is considered to be part of Tokyo and is administered as part of its subprefecture. Marines risk sniper fire atop Mount Suribachi as they gather to the great attraction of the day: 5th Division Marines raise the American flag. (National Archives/Pvt. Bob Campbell) After three years of taking control of islands previously captured by the Japanese, the Marines were finally taking part of the Japanese capital. 2. Iwo Jima was strategically necessary for the United States' war effort. Taking the island meant more than a symbolic capture of the Japanese homeland. It meant the U.S. could launch bombing runs from Iwo Jima's strategic airfields, as the tiny island was directly under the flight path of B-29 Superfortresses from Guam, Saipan and the Mariana Islands. Now, the Army Air Forces would be able to make bombing runs without a Japanese garrison at Iwo Jima warning the mainland about the danger to come. It also meant American bombers could fly over Japan with fighter escorts. 3. It was one of the bloodiest battles in the history of the Marine Corps. Iwo Jima is a small island, covering roughly eight square miles. It was defended by 20,000 Japanese soldiers who spent a year digging in, creating miles of tunnels beneath the volcanic rock, and who were ready to fight to the last man. When the battle was over, 6,800 Americans were dead and a further 26,000 wounded or missing. This means 850 Americans died for every square mile of the island fortress. Only 216 Japanese troops were taken prisoner. 4. More gallantry was on display at Iwo Jima than any other battle before or since. Herschel "Woody" Williams receives the Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House, October 1945. (Herschel Williams Medal of Honor Foundation) Iwo Jima saw more Medals of Honor awarded for actions there than any other single battle in American history. A total of 27 were awarded, 22 to Marines and five to Navy Corpsmen. In all of World War II, only 81 Marines and 57 sailors were awarded the medal. To put it in a statistical perspective, 20% of all WWII Navy and Marine Corps Medals of Honor were earned at Iwo Jima. 5. U.S. Marines were Marines and nothing else on Iwo Jima. The U.S. has seen significant problems with race relations in its history. And though the armed forces weren't fully integrated until 1948, the U.S. military has always been on the forefront of racial and gender integration. The Marines at Iwo Jima came from every background. Marines carrying a Japanese prisoner from stockade on Iwo Jima, 1945. (U.S. Navy) While African Americans were still not allowed on frontline duty because of segregation, they piloted amphibious trucks full of White and Latino Marines to the beaches at Iwo Jima, moved ammunition and supplies to the front, buried the dead and fought off surprise attacks from Japanese defenders. Navajo Code Talkers were instrumental in taking the island. They were all Marines. 6. The iconic flag-raising became the symbol for all Marines who died in service. Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal's photo of Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima's Mount Suribachi is perhaps one of the best-known war photos ever taken. Raising the American flag at the island's highest point sent a clear message to both the Marines below and the Japanese defenders. In the years that followed, the image took on a more important role. It soon became the symbol of the Marine Corps itself. When the Marine Corps Memorial was dedicated in 1954, it was that image that became the symbol of the Corps' spirit, dedicated to every Marine who gave their life in service to the United States. -- Blake Stilwell is a former airman who just did his best to honor the Marines who fought and died at Iwo Jima. He can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. ADVERTISEMENT The Shasa mayhem has once again brought to the fore the deep rooted animosity and distrust between members of the various ethnic groupings in Nigeria. A Nigerian federation structured along ethno-geographic fault lines has inevitable resulted in a set dichotomy between indigenes and settlers On the morning of Sunday, February 14, annually celebrated as the day of love, I woke up to sad news of hate-motivated killings in the suburb of Shasa, a commercial district in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State of Nigeria. In what was widely reported as a physical altercation between two people, a Yoruba cobbler and a Hausa cart pusher, which unfortunately resulted in the death of the Yoruba man, this soon degenerated into a cycle of revenge killings by members of the two ethnic groups. In the ensuing orgy of violence, an angry mob of the host Yoruba community, in a bid to avenge the death of their brother, attacked the Hausa people in the Shasa market, killing, burning and destroying their properties and merchandise, comprising mostly perishable agro-produce. By the end of the carnage on Saturday, which left about 10 people dead, the famous Shasa market had been reduced to a rubble of burnt buildings and charred bodies of livestock, with thousands of displaced members of the Hausa community taking refuge at the residence of their leader, the Sarkin Shasa. This unfortunate situation is condemnable, both in its depravity and barbarism. It is even more painful when one realises that Hausa traders and artisans are among the most hardworking, peaceful, honest, God-fearing and humane groups of Nigerians, for whom crime and criminality is almost alien. Criminal activities, such as armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, banditry and forceful land grabbing, are generally not associated with Hausa people. Hausa people from northern Nigeria do not usually live in the forests of their host communities in the southern parts of the country but settle in towns and villages in the midst of their fellow countrymen, and they tend to legally acquire land and other properties for the transaction of their legitimate businesses. Despite my sadness over the unfortunate orgy of violence that was visited on the Hausa community, the way and manner the Yoruba political leadership in the South-West has risen to the occasion to deal decisively with the unwarranted aggression of some of their irate kinsmen, has been quite heart-warming. For a group of people who are known to be generally law abiding and who often integrate and assimilate seamlessly into their host communities, while adopting the languages of their new environments, respecting the norms and customs of the people, and who for several generations have strengthened the bonds of community through continuous inter-ethnic marriages, the violent attacks on the Hausa community at Sasha in Ibadan were inexcusable crimes motivated by a misdirected form of ethnic hatred. The altercation between the Hausa cart pusher and Yoruba cobbler, which resulted in the death of the latter was an isolated case of a criminal offence that had nothing to do with the entirety of the Hausa community of Shasa. Rather than embark on the revenge killings of innocent and defenceless people due to ethnic profiling, the culprit should have been arrested and subjected to the due judicial process of a trial, conviction and sentencing, in compliance with the relevant laws of the land. Despite my sadness over the unfortunate orgy of violence that was visited on the Hausa community, the way and manner the Yoruba political leadership in the South-West has risen to the occasion to deal decisively with the unwarranted aggression of some of their irate kinsmen, has been quite heart-warming. Taking the lead was Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo, who unequivocally condemned the ethnic violence in Shasa, a place he described as a melting pot of Hausa traders from the North of Nigeria and their Yoruba brethren from the South-West, and cautioned against the resort of individuals to taking the law into their own hands. He also preached unity and called for peaceful coexistence between Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnicities, religions or places of origin. In the words of Vice President Osinbanjo, when a disagreement arises between individuals or a criminal act is committed by one against the other, we must ensure that we see it for what it is, a criminal act, which must be punished according to law. Not an ethnic conflict. Every Nigerian has a constitutional right to live, work and enjoy their lives in safety, peace under the law. It is the duty of government through the police and other law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute any person who commits a crime against a citizen of this nation. It is the role of the citizen to assist the police to identify the criminals. While taking his turn to condemn the mayhem in Shasa, which he described as strange to Yoruba values, the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, who is also the chairman of the regional governors forum, specifically addressed his message of condemnation to his fellow Yoruba kinsmen, when he said, As governor of Ondo State, who doubles as chairman, South West Governors Forum, it becomes very compelling for me to address all residents, in particular the Yoruba speaking people of our dear region as regards recent happenings bothering on security. Without doubt, the situation we have found ourselves as people is most despicableand abhorrently at variance with the values and hospitality for which our people are known. We have been known for thoroughness. We have identified with legality over the centuries; and our ethos as a civilised breed of people is such that we do not identify with lawlessness, not even illegality. Six decades after independence, Nigeria remains a primitive country of indigenous tribesmen, which has not evolved into a nation of citizens where a Nigerian can be Igbo and Kano, Ibibio and Ekiti, Hausa and Oyo, Yoruba and Anambra, Kanuri and Bayelsa and Ijaw and Borno. On the part of the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, he equally condemned the mayhem and has been on top of the situation by mobilising security agencies to the troubled scene to restore law and order, after imposing a curfew in the Shasa area. And 24 hours later, Governor Makinde in company of Governor Akeredolu was in the Shasa community to address the people of the area with a message of peace and unity, while promising to compensate the material losses of the victims of the mayhem. In the words Governor Makinde, Please, I want you to listen to me clearly. You cannot resort to self-help to solve the issue on the ground. All of you who are here are doing business with one another in one way or the other. The last time I came here, about six weeks ago, some shops belonging to Hausa and Yoruba people got burnt. So, you have been living together peacefully and all I am pleading to you is, no matter what is making anyone angry, we will solve it with patience. I was reluctant to declare curfew here because I feel the economic wellbeing of everyone here is important, and because this is where you get what you use to feed yourselves. I will engage with your leaders this evening. One thing is, if you allow those who dont have anything to lose here to blow this matter out of proportion, no one will be able to say where the crisis will end. By the grace of God, I pray we dont lose any more lives. We must not lose any life needlessly anymore. What the government will do to ensure that those whose houses, shops were burnt, we will rebuild immediately. But please, I beg of you, let us stop fighting with ourselves. The Shasa mayhem has once again brought to the fore the deep rooted animosity and distrust between members of the various ethnic groupings in Nigeria. A Nigerian federation structured along ethno-geographic fault lines has inevitable resulted in a set dichotomy between indigenes and settlers; a situation that renders Nigerians residing outside their places of origin as outsiders inside their country. The forceful ejection of the Hausa people of Shasa from their shops, sheds and homes is not only dehumanising but takes away the pride of fatherhood from their men and of motherhood from their women. Most significantly, it takes away the innocence of the young children of Shasa who until now saw themselves as one people and part of the larger community of humankind. Six decades after independence, Nigeria remains a primitive country of indigenous tribesmen, which has not evolved into a nation of citizens where a Nigerian can be Igbo and Kano, Ibibio and Ekiti, Hausa and Oyo, Yoruba and Anambra, Kanuri and Bayelsa and Ijaw and Borno. And until Nigeria evolves into a nation of citizens, the most populous black country in the world would remain at the bottom of the pyramid of human evolution, where life is nasty, brutish and short. Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached through dahirumajeed@gmail.com. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) A Filipino student won recognition at the 2020 International Literary Prize of the UK-based Hammond House Publishing, with his short story chosen as one of the winning entries under the Editor's Choice category. Christian Andrei Laplap, a University of the Philippines Cebu student, received the award for his piece "The Oddity That Is Them" which tackles mental health. This was confirmed by UP Cebu in a press release on Wednesday. According to UP Cebu, the winning literary works will be published in the annual Hammond House anthologies, expected to be released this February. Sponsored by the University Centre Grimsby, the annual writing competition attracts entries from over 20 countries for different categories including screenplay, short story, and poetry. Researchers from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, evaluated the frequency of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on various environmental surfaces in outpatient and inpatient hematology/oncology settings located within Rutgers Cancer Institute and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, an RWJBarnabas Health facility. The study revealed extremely low detection of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces across multiple outpatient and inpatient oncology areas, including an active COVID-19 floor. Andrew M. Evens, DO, MSc, FACP, associate director for clinical services and director of the Lymphoma Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute and medical director of the oncology service line at RWJBarnabas Health, is senior author of the work, which has been published in the February 18 online edition of Cancer. (doi: 10.1002/cncr.33453) Patients harboring hematologic malignancies, which are cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes, have demonstrated a potential higher mortality rate due to the virus. While COVID-19 is transmitted person to person through respiratory droplets, it has been hypothesized that there is a potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 spreading via contact with contaminated surfaces and equipment, especially in healthcare settings, creating additional concern for patients with blood cancers. For patients with blood cancers who may be at higher risk of developing complications from the virus, our findings provide a layer of assurance that these patients are safe when frequenting high impact areas where they receive their cancer care. The results of this study help us further understand how COVID-19 is transmitted in hematology/oncology and other medical settings, and confirm that strategies like enhanced cleaning and disinfecting policies are extremely effective." Dr. Andrew M. Evens, Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Environmental swabbing took place in two outpatient clinics including the malignant hematology and medical oncology units and infusion suites as well as inpatient areas which included the leukemia/lymphoma/CAR T-cell unit, and an inpatient unit caring for patients actively infected with COVID-19. Surfaces were sampled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from June 17, 2020 through June 29, 2020. Areas included waiting rooms, infusion areas, bathrooms, floors, elevator banks, doors, and exam rooms, computer equipment, pneumatic tubing stations, pharmacy benches, and medication rooms. Medical equipment was also swabbed from these areas including intravenous poles, chemotherapy bags, vitals monitor, telemetry stations, and linen carts. Analysis of the 130 samples collected were separated into three categories: patient/public areas (85), staff areas (22), and medical equipment (23). In the two outpatient clinics and inpatient leukemia/lymphoma/CAR T-cell unit, no SARS-CoV-2 was detected on any swabbed surfaces. In the inpatient COVID unit, one patient/public sample was positive for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in an area where a patient with recent infection was receiving treatment. Thus, the overall positive test rate for SARS-CoV-2 across all surfaces in the combined outpatient and inpatient hematology/oncology units was a low 0.5 percent. The authors note study limitations including the inability to analyze the complete surface area of the varied locations, which may have reduced sensitivity. In addition, researchers did not attempt to culture SARS-CoV-2 from the one positive sample; it is unknown if it contained live virus. Continued studies are needed to monitor rates of virus transmission and the environmental factors involved in the propagation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. In view of a spurt in coronavirus cases in Maharashtra, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued fresh Covid-19 guidelines in Mumbai amid a rise in cases. "Updated guidelines issued by Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to ensure that we don't let Covid-19 get the better of Mumbai," the city's civic body posted on its official Twitter handle. Updated guidelines issued by Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to ensure that we dont let #COVID19 get the better of Mumbai.#NaToCorona#MissionZero pic.twitter.com/Aq3xAdzdaf Mumbai, BMC (@mybmc) February 18, 2021 1) Buildings found to have more than five Covid-19 patients will be sealed. 2) The number of marshals deployed across Mumbai will be doubled to take action against citizens without masks, with the aim to catch 25,000 offenders every day. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot 3) Around 300 marshals will be deployed in suburban trains to take action against those travelling without masks. 4) All asymptomatic patients being treated at home (home quarantine) to be stamped as earlier. 5) The number of tests will be increased in wards having a rising number of cases 6) Use of the mask is mandatory in public places like social gatherings such as weddings, restaurants, cinema halls, etc. 7) Passengers arriving in Mumbai from Brazil will be put in compulsory Institutional Quarantine. The municipal commissioner also said that there should be adequate availability of regular and oxygen beds at Jumbo covid centres. 8) MCGM teachers will be deployed at all buildings, offices, hospitals, etc. managed by MCGM with powers to take punitive action against those roaming without masks. 9) Roaming without a mask, a gathering of more than 50 people at a time or any such violation will lead to punitive action. 10) Action will also be taken against those found in playgrounds and parks without masks. Meanwhile, a weekend lockdown was announced in Amravati district, from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Monday, a period during which markets and other establishments will remain shut, but essential services will remain unaffected. Amravati and Yavatmal fall in Vidarbha, a region which has been reporting a steady rise in Covid-19 cases since the start of February. Authorities in these two districts have announced the strict implementation of restrictions to stem the rising cases of Covid. Meanwhile, Maharashtra registered 5,427 fresh cases and 38 related deaths on Thursday, taking the respective tallies to 2,081,520 and 51,669. This is the third time in the last five days that there have been more than 4,000 new daily cases. Maharashtra's latest spike is its highest thus far this year. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. A top Pfizer Inc scientist said on Thursday the company is in intensive discussions with regulators to test a booster shot version of its coronavirus vaccine specifically targeted for a highly contagious variant that is spreading widely in South Africa and elsewhere. Phil Dormitzer, one of Pfizer's top viral vaccine scientists, said in an interview that he believes the current vaccine - developed with Germany's BioNTech SE - is highly likely to still protect against the concerning variant first discovered in South Africa. "We're not doing that primarily because we think that that means that we're going to need to change that vaccine," he said. "It's primarily to learn how to change strain, both in terms of what we do at the manufacturing level, and especially what the clinical results are. "So if a variant comes along for which there is clinical evidence of escape, we're ready to respond very quickly," Dormitzer added. Dormitzer, chief scientific officer of viral vaccines at Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, said the company has already made a DNA template for a prototype vaccine and plans to manufacture a batch of that prototype. The company is proposing to do a Phase I clinical trial of a booster shot of that prototype vaccine that it would test against a booster for the current vaccine. "This will be a immunogenicity study where you look at the immune response. And those studies are much, much smaller than the giant efficacy studies," Dormitzer said. "In immunogenicity studies you can look at the immune response of every person in the study. So that enables you to have much smaller, easier studies to run. It's not as definitive as efficacy data, for sure. But it can be gathered much more quickly," he explained. The US Food and Drug Administration has not yet released a roadmap for how companies should design trials of booster shots. A laboratory study released on Wednesday suggested that the South African variant of the coronavirus may reduce protective antibodies elicited by the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by two-thirds, but it is not clear how much that reduces the shot's effectiveness against the variant. Also read: South African variant could significantly reduce vaccine protection, says Pfizer Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Govt panel to review gap between two doses of Serum's Covishield Jason Hoch, seen in this file photo, announced on Friday that he was resigning from his position as town manager. Williamstown Town Manager Stepping Down The fallout from a federal lawsuit dropped late last year has seen the resignation of Town Manager Jason Hoch and the former Police Chief Kyle Johnson. Updated at 2:43 p.m. with comments from Select Board Chair Jane Patton. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Town Manager Jason Hoch announced Friday afternoon that he is leaving the position. Hoch has come under heavy criticism from many community members in the wake of a federal lawsuit that was filed in August against himself, the former chief of police and the town. On Friday, he said the calls for his firing played a role in his decision to ask the Select Board to negotiate a way for him to leave the post he has held for five and a half years. "It was certainly part of the consideration," Hoch said. "I can't say it's been a wonderful time for me or my staff. I think there's a point at which it's reasonable to question: Can I continue to be as effective as I'd like to be, and where is my attention landing?" Hoch said he will remain in the corner office for 60 days and through the end of May to serve as a resource in the transition process. "I think it was important to the board and me to find a path that recognized an orderly transition," Hoch said. "That was an important thing we all wanted to make happen. It's hard to believe, but after 5 1/2 years, given the change in the organization, I'm a large part of the institutional memory. "I want to leave the organization and the community in the best possible position. And an abrupt change is not going to do that." Hoch's departure comes a little more than six months after the announcement of McGowan vs. Williamstown, a federal discrimination lawsuit that alleged racism and sexual misconduct within the Williamstown Police Department. In mid-December, then-Police Chief Kyle Johnson announced that he was leaving the department. In the months following the McGowan suit (which was dropped after Johnson resigned), Hoch came under fire for, among other things, not notifying the Select Board of a complaint by McGowan to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination that predated the lawsuit and raised most of the same allegations. Select Board Chair Jane Patton brought up the MCAD complaint on Friday afternoon. My feelings about this are somewhat nuanced in that Jason has really, on the whole, been a very good town manager in terms of the stuff he mentions: completing the [police] building project, weve had public housing projects, our financial situation is very good, Patton said. He is incredibly well liked and respected by all of his staff. Not knowing about the MCAD complaint was hard. Since Johnson's departure, some residents' ire has turned more acutely on Hoch. He has been accused of covering up for and tolerating alleged offensive behavior at the WPD, some of which dates five years before Hoch's arrival at Town Hall. Much as Johnson framed his decision to step down as helping the Police Department move past the allegations in the McGowan suit, Hoch emphasized in his announcement that his decision was based on a desire for the town to move forward. "An opportunity to refresh the relationships between the town and the community offered a healthier path forward to allow more people to fully and constructively engage in that work," he wrote. "I care deeply about Williamstown and am committed to work supportively in the transition to position the community and the organization for future success." In a Friday afternoon telephone interview, Hoch said that he does not see his decision to step down as "giving in" to the public criticism or as a confirmation of the accusations that have been made against him. "I absolutely know who I am and what I've done, and it is not at all something I see as giving in," Hoch said. "I see it as our inability to move the conversation in the way we aspire it to be. "If this [controversy] continues to hold back the rest of the conversation, we're not going where we all say we want to go. I don't need to be so self-important to continue to be an obstacle to prove a point." Prior to August, Hoch's tenure received high marks for his efficiency and responsiveness from public officials on many boards and committees. The Select Board, which hires and oversees the town manager, praised him heavily in his last review, announced in December 2019. "This year, he was faced with the retirement of four senior staff, but he's prepared for this succession, made key hires and managed the transitions," then-Select Board Chair Jeffrey Thomas said in announcing the board's review. "Town staff continue to praise his leadership and his management style and say that the town is 'headed in a good direction.' "The town's financial position is healthy and trending toward greater strength. And there's also been good progress toward collaborations with other municipalities. Jason is known as an innovator and has a reputation for thinking outside the box. He's brought a lot of new technology to town hall and has been streamlining operations since he started. He's always looking to do things better." Hoch's 2020 annual review was delayed due to the board's decision to prioritize things like the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to address allegations of institutional racism at the Police Department. The body did begin a process of completing that review this winter. Patton said Friday that the board has discussed the review in light of Hochs decision to leave and decided to complete the review process anyway. Thomas said the decision to leave Town Hall was "Jason's alone." It came after several closed door meetings over the last couple of weeks for the purpose of conducting negotiations with non-union personnel; the town manager is the only town employee whose contract is the purview of the Select Board. Thomas, who is stepping down from the Select Board this spring with one year left in his three-year term, said the majority of the board was prepared to extend Hoch's annual contract. Patton, while being careful not to reveal specifics about the boards executive sessions, confirmed that, the direction of the board was not unanimously in favor of renewing Hochs contract. For his own part, Thomas continued to express his approval for the job Hoch has done. "Without doubt, Jason's departure is a significant loss for the community of Williamstown," he said. "Within municipal and state government, Jason is known as one the region's most knowledgeable town managers. My favorite adjective for him is 'ultracompetent.'" Thomas is the lone current member of the Select Board who was not on the five-person body when it tapped Hoch, a 1995 Williams College graduate, to replace Peter Fohlin, who was town manager for 15 years. Hoch returned to the town of his alma mater after being the town administrator or town manager in the New Hampshire towns of Litchfield, Plaistow and Littleton. In his announcement on Friday, Hoch noted accomplishments during his tenure like the construction of a new police station and a new middle-high school, in partnership with fellow Mount Greylock Regional School District town Lanesborough. "We have achieved many things over that period, completing two major public building projects, significant economic development and multiple environmentally sustainable initiatives all while maintaining and enhancing the town's solid financial position and keeping the tax impact for the cost of town services nearly unchanged," Hoch wrote. "This has only been possible through the support of the community and the phenomenal town staff with whom it has been a privilege to work alongside over that time." His statement recognized the support of "many in this community." But he said that for months he had wrestled with the question of whether it made sense for him to continue to serve the community. "For a while, every morning you get up and say, 'Am I all in or is it time to think about something different?'" Hoch said. "You always reflect on that. Having gone through that conversation with [Johnson], it was certainly something higher in my consciousness than it had been before. "For the past six months, it's been almost impossible to be the town manager I was five years before." Letter of Resignation by Jason Hoch by iBerkshires.com on Scribd Amelia Pang is an award-winning investigative journalist of mixed Chinese and Uyghur descent who was born and raised in the U.S. Although her maternal grandmother was raised according to Uyghur traditions in the capital of northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), her mother learned little of her Uyghur heritage or language due to forced assimilation policies that promoted Mandarin Chinese education and the study of majority Han Chinese culture. Pang said it was only after becoming aware of rights abuses in the XUARwhere authorities are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of internment camps since 2017that she made an effort to educate herself about her ancestral language and culture. As part of her investigation into the situation in the XUAR, which Washington last month officially designated as a form of genocide, Pang learned that amid increasing international scrutiny, authorities in the region have begun to send detainees to work at factories as part of an effort to label internment camps vocational centers, although those held in the facilities regularly toil under forced or coerced labor conditions. Her research into the issue led to a book, entitled Made In China: A Prisoner, An SOS Letter, And The Hidden Cost Of America's Cheap Goods, in which Pang details how many of the products we use on a daily basis were likely made by enslaved Uyghur workers. She recently spoke with RFAs Uyghur Service about the rights violations in the XUAR that have prompted widespread condemnation of Beijings policies in the region that Uyghurs refer to by their preferred name of East Turkestan, and how to hold China accountable. RFA: From your point of view, why do you think China is committing genocide against the Uyghurs? Pang: I think it is to protect trade The Uyghurs have always lived oppressed lives in China. But really, when you see the development of the [international infrastructure investment project] Belt and Road Initiative at certain key points, you see a spike. For example, in 2017, China invested U.S. $66 billion in the building infrastructure in Xinjiang or East Turkestan for the Belt and Road Initiative, because that region is of huge logistical importance to China. It's a transportation hub that connects China to the Middle East, to West Asia, and to Europe. It's hugely important trade routes there that go through East Turkestan. And the Chinese government is very afraid that this group of oppressed people might be interested in starting an uprising in the future and could potentially endanger their trade investments. Of course, we don't really see a lot of evidence that any kind of uprising would happen because it is just, I think, that most of the Uyghurs just want to live a decent life and not be in prison at this point. They are not going to engage in anything to upset the Chinese government. So, they just want to be freed and have decent access to jobs and education and things like that. But, you know, you see that since the crackdown on the Uyghurs is so closely tied to the Belt and Road Initiative investments, we can pretty safely say that trade is what started this. So, if trade is what started this, then there's things we can do about it to try to help the Uyghurs. If we take trade away from China, then that could be a really powerful tool to compel the Chinese government to revisit its policies towards speakers. So, things like [U.S. sanctions in December] banning all products made by the [key paramilitary group] bingtuan in Xinjiang is really important. That was a significant legislation because it was really one of the first legislations that really banned a larger [group] of products from China instead of one single type of product from a single company, because that's not really effective And what would really be more effective is the passing of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act [reintroduced this week to the U.S. House of Representatives], because that would be a huge loss of money to the Chinese government if all products from China could no longer be exported to the U.S. and money talksthat could be a significant tool to push China to release the Uyghurs. Farmers pick cotton in a field in Hami, in China's Xinjiang region, Oct. 14, 2018. AFP Changing consumer habits RFA: Other than that, what do you think the American people can do to pressure China to stop the genocide? Pang: During my research I found that a lot of times the reason why Chinese factories used Uyghur forced labor, the reason why they might subcontract to Uyghur forced labor, for example, is actually intricately connected to Western consumers like us and the way that we buy products. For example, we tend to support companies that can offer the lowest prices for the latest trends. We see a lot of us like to buy the latest fashion trend, for example, or the trendy productwhatever is new, newly produced. What happens is that a lot of corporations are really compelled to shorten the production deadline for products more and more and more over the years to the point where has reached a really unsustainable rate. That is the factor that contributes to making it lucrative for these factories to use forced labor. So, if we maybe start to see a cultural change among consumers where we stop chasing the latest trends for the cheapest prices, we can really remove some of the factors that really compel factories to use forced labor. RFA: But American consumers are so used to cheap products made in China and pretty much everything, everything is made in China. American consumers have a huge dependency on cheap products made there. So how likely is it that the average American will consume more conscientiously? Pang: That is a terrific point. And yes, everything is made in China and there are a lot of things that are only made in China, and even if it says it's made in the USA, the raw materials could be made in a labor camp in China, as you're seeing with the raw materials for solar panels that are being made in a Uyghur labor camps. I think it's not necessarily avoiding all Made in China products that can be an effective form of protest because it's very overwhelming, like you said, for a lot of Americans to actually do that, maybe even impossible for most people to do that, including even ones that are wealthy and can afford to pay higher prices. So, one way we can address this is to start pushing corporations to be more transparent about where they're actually sourcing from, because not every Chinese factory is necessarily bad or using Uyghur forced labor per se. I've heard that there are so many Chinese factories, they're all very competitive with each other. They all really want a contract with a big global brand like our American companies. And if they can get it, they don't want to do anything to upset that company. And if that company says very seriously, we don't want you to use forced labor, then they can follow instructions, if that's what it takes to keep that contract. But they have to know that the company cares about it, and right now our corporations are not sending that message to the labor camps. Psychologists have studied and found that, yes, consumers do like cheap prices. We feel immense joy when we can find a big, big bargain sale. But there's a certain threshold that if the information we learn about how this product is made is so disturbing, once it crosses that threshold in terms of how disturbed we are by that news, the price no longer matters. Our desire for that product no longer matters. We are human beings who do don't want to engage in the suffering of others. So, if we could really effectively promote the message that, hey, there are certain brands that there's hard evidence that they are, you know, partaking in literal genocide If you're not OK with that then you can find a different product to use. Maybe we can't do this to every company that is using Uyghur forced labor, but if we could get enough of this momentum going, it can create a fear among a lot of corporations to the point where they will start taking this issue a lot more seriously. Reported by Alim Seytoff for RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Alphabet Inc's Google on Thursday named Marian Croak, one of its few black executives, to oversee research on responsible artificial intelligence (AI) after weeks of internal anger over its firing of a prominent Black scientist. Google confirmed Croak will manage 10 teams, including a dozen scientists studying the ethical considerations of automated technologies known as AI. Ethical AI co-lead Timnit Gebru said in December that Google abruptly fired her for contesting company orders. Employees for weeks have expressed concern that Gebru's critiques of Google led to unfair punishment, and Croak has been among executives trying to broker a way forward between staff and management. Croak, a vice president of engineering who will report to Google AI chief Jeff Dean, told employees in a Thursday meeting that she respected Gebru and that what happened to her was unfortunate. In a video on Google's blog, she also acknowledged dissent in the research areas now in her purview. "There's quite a lot of conflict right now within the field, and it can be polarizing at times, and what I'd like to do is just have people have the conversation in a more diplomatic way," she said. Google employee Alex Hanna on Twitter called the news about Croak "a betrayal," saying it occurred behind the Ethical AI team's back and did not address demands the team made after Gebru's firing. Gebru said in a statement, "Marian is a highly accomplished trailblazing scientist that I had admired and even confided in. It's incredibly hurtful to see her legitimizing what Jeff Dean and his subordinates have done to me and my team." Croak, who previously was working on site reliability for Google, will also oversee teams doing research related to accessibility, social good and fairness in health algorithms. Also read: Google to invest Rs 109 crore to support small and micro enterprises in India Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Its nearly two months since turbulence erupted around China Huarong Asset Management Co.At the end of March, its 4% perpetual dollar bond was trading at 102 cents on the dollar as investors figured the January execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for bribery put a line under past wayward behavior. But the failure of the company to release 2020 results by a March 31 deadline, and a subsequent report by mainland media Caixin that the firm will restructure, sparked weeks of turmoil. The same bond is now at 57 cents.The heart of the matter is whether the central government will rescue a state-owned company thats integral to the smooth running of the financial system. While there are signs Beijing wants to ensure China Huarong can repay its debts on time, uncertainty prevails.Heres a look at the key events for China Huarong:May 28The company has wired funds to repay $978 million of notes maturing within the following week, according to Bloomberg News, the biggest bond payment since the 2020 results delay.May 27Liang Qiang, who currently heads another bad-debt manager, is on track to become president of China Huarong, reports Bloomberg News.May 24China Huarong dollar bonds climb after the managing editor of Caixin Media wrote in an opinion piece that the asset manager is nowhere near defaulting on its more than $20 billion of offshore notes.May 21Some of China Huarongs thinly traded onshore bonds slump after having held up better than the companys dollar-denominated notes, signaling broadening concern about the firms financial health.May 18China Huarong has transferred funds to repay a $300 million note maturing May 20, Bloomberg News reports, the first dollar bond to come due since the delayed 2020 results. Prices for the firms dollar bonds slump earlier in the day after the New York Times reports China is planning an overhaul that would inflict significant losses on both domestic and foreign China Huarong bondholders.May 17The company has reached funding agreements with state-owned banks to ensure it can repay debt through at least the end of August, by which time China Huarong aims to have completed its 2020 financial statements, according to a Bloomberg News report. That as at least two of its onshore bonds see big price declines in recent days, worrying some investors.May 13The firm says its prepared to make future bond payments and has seen no change in the level of government support, seeking to ease investor concerns after a local media report that regulators balked at China Hurarongs restructuring plan.May 6The company says it transferred funds to pay five offshore bond coupons due the following day, its latest move to meet debt obligations amid persistent doubts about its financial health.April 30China Huarong breaks its silence, with an executive telling media it is prepared to make its bond payments and state backing remains intact. The official also says the weeks rating downgrades have no factual basis and are too pessimistic.April 29Moodys Investor Service downgrades China Huarong by one notch to Baa1, adding the firm remains on watch for further downgrade. The cut reflects the companys weakened funding ability due to market volatility and increased uncertainty over its future, according to the statement.April 27China Huarong units repay bonds maturing that day. The S$600 million ($450 million) bond was repaid with funds provided by Chinas biggest state-owned bank, according to a Bloomberg News report.April 26Fitch Ratings downgrades China Huarong by three notches to BBB while dropping the companys perpetual bonds into junk territory. The lack of transparency over government support for the firm may hamper its ability to refinance debt in offshore markets, Fitch said.April 25China Huarong says it wont meet an April 30 deadline to file its 2020 report with Hong Kongs stock exchange because auditors needed more time to finalize a transaction the company first flagged on April 1. Securities and asset-management units said in the days before that they wouldnt release 2020 results by months end.April 22The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission asks lenders to extend China Huarongs upcoming loans by at least six months, according to REDD, citing two bankers from large Chinese commercial lenders.April 21China is considering a plan that would see its central bank assume more than 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) of China Huarong assets to help clean up the firms balance sheet, according to a Bloomberg News report. Peer China Cinda Asset Management Co. was said to be planning the sale of perpetual bonds in the second quarter.April 20China Huarongs key offshore financing unit says it returned to profitability in the first quarter and laid a solid foundation for transformation. Reorg Research reports that regulators are considering options including a debt restructuring of the unit, China Huarong International Holdings Ltd.April 19Huarong Securities Co. says it wired funds to repay a 2.5 billion yuan local note.April 16The CBIRC says China Huarongs operations are normal and that the firm has ample liquidity. These are the first official comments about the companys troubles. Reuters reports Chinese banks have been asked not to withhold loans to Huarong.April 13Fitch and Moodys both put the company on watch for downgrade. The finance ministry, which owns a majority of Huarong, is considering the transfer of its stake to a unit of the countrys sovereign wealth fund, Bloomberg News reports. Chinese officials signal they want failing local government financing vehicles to restructure or go bust if debts cant be repaid.April 9China Huarong says it has been making debt payments on time and its operations are normal. Bloomberg News reports the company intends to keep Huarong International as part of a potential overhaul that would avoid the need of a debt restructuring or government recapitalization. S&P Global Ratings puts China Huarongs credit ratings on watch for possible downgrade.April 8China Huarong is preparing to offload non-core and loss-making units as part of a broad plan to revive profitability that would avoid the need for a debt restructuring or government recapitalization, Bloomberg News reports.April 6Selling gains steam in China Huarongs dollar bonds, following a holiday in China. Huarong Securities says there has been no major change to its operations, in response to a price plunge for its 3 billion yuan local bond.April 1China Huarong announces a delay in releasing 2020 results, saying its auditor is unable to finalize a transaction. Stock trading is suspended and spreads jump on the firms dollar bonds while China Huarong tells investors its business is running as usual. Caixin reports the company submitted restructuring and other major reform plans to government officials and shareholders.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) There is no stopping Metro Manilas imminent shift to the most lenient form of community quarantine despite the recent detection of two COVID-19 mutations and rapid increase of coronavirus cases in Central Visayas, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Friday. The Department of Health said a sharp, alarming rise in COVID-19 cases has been recorded in Central Visayas, particularly in the Province of Cebu, Cebu City, Lapulapu, and Mandaue. Out of the 50 samples taken from COVID-19 patients in Region 7, 31 or 62% were found with both "mutations of concern to the global community. The mutations identified as E484K and N501Y were found in the United Kingdom and South Africa COVID-19 variants that are more transmissible. But for Duque, it remains unclear if the new mutations are to blame for the steep increase in cases in the Visayan region. He, however, said that the regions shift to modified general community quarantine this year could be one of the reasons for the continuous rise in coronavirus infections in the area. Marami tayong ibang factors na dapat alamin o obserbahan. Nag-MGCQ ang Region 7, so tumaas ang mobility ng mga tao. Kung tumaas ang mobility, ang contact rate tumaas din, so transmission rate ay tumaas din. Tingin ko iyan ang posibleng dahilan, pero pwedeng hindi lang siya ang dahilan. Maraming dahilan, he said in a media briefing. [Translation: There are many factors that need to be observed. Region 7 was placed on MGCQ so there was an increase in mobility. Once that goes up, the contact rate and transmission rate also go up. I think that is a possible reason. It may not be the only reason, there may be other reasons.] Despite this admission, he believes Metro Manila is ready to ease restrictions even if questions remain unanswered if the mutations will develop into variants or if it increases virus transmissibility. He said local officials need to scale up testing, tracing, and isolation efforts, adding minimum health standards should be continuously enforced. It will not affect it because NCR is a different region, he said. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. is also confident that the country is ready to shift to MGCQ by next month. The countrys COVID-19 task force has prepared for the eventual shift to MGCQ pending President Rodrigo Dutertes decision. Very confident ako ha, yung Metro Manila, kayang kaya nila yan. Kasi nakikita naman natin kahit nag GCQ, nag-open up na tayo ng economy eh. Pinaguusapan nga namin, na yung GCQ natin parang MGCQ na yan eh, he said in a separate event. [Translation: I am very confident that Metro Manila can do it. We saw how they handled GCQ that is almost similar to MGCQ.] Duque said they will continue to monitor Central Visayas if stricter lockdowns need to be enforced to arrest the spread of COVID-19 and its mutations. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has applied the right of veto to the law "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Resumption of Competitions for Holding Civil Service Positions and Other Issues in Civil Service" (No. 4531), the press service of the Verkhovna Rada reports. The bill card says that Zelensky returned the law with his proposals to parliament on Thursday. The website of the head of state notes that the president supports the restoration of competitions for public service posts, but asks the Verkhovna Rada to remove from the 2021 law the norms on limiting the exercise of powers by deputy ministers if the post of minister is vacant. In this regard, Zelensky returned this law to parliament with his proposals. The President supports the need to restore competitions for civil service positions, which were suspended due to restrictive measures in connection with the spread of the coronavirus. At the same time, Zelensky draws the attention of the Verkhovna Rada to the fact that the provisions that speak about the implementation by the first deputy minister or deputy ministers (during the period when the post of minister is vacant) of only certain powers of the minister are unacceptable, since they violate the constitutional provisions on appointment on the proposal of the prime minister members of the government, the message says. "If deputies do not appoint a minister for a long time, and this has happened in our country more than once, these norms of the law will lead to the paralysis of the activities of the entire ministry. This is unacceptable in a country that is at war and is struggling with the coronavirus crisis, when a decision must be made immediately," the president stressed. As reported, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the law on February 16. The next day speaker of parliament Dmytro Razumkov signed it and sent it to the president for signature. 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 National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory Wednesday morning that remains in effect ahead of a slow-moving system expected to bring up to 8 inches of light snow in parts of Massachusetts over a 36-hour period. The steadiest snow has been along and south of Interstate 91 and is expected through the night. Light snow may change to a period of freezing drizzle, or snizzle, north and west of the Massachusetts Turnpike late Thursday evening. A winter weather advisory is issued when there is an expected snowfall of up to 3 inches of snow in 12 hours, freezing rain and snow blowing snow. A winter storm warning is when some areas are expecting 6 inches of snow in 12 hours. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute, said meteorologists with the National Weather Service. The winter storm watch took effect on Thursday morning and remain active until 7 p.m., Friday. National Weather Service How much will we get? The National Weather Service reports there could be mixed precipitation with additional snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze, from the Berkshires to Worcester and Boston. The Pioneer Valley is expected to see up to 4 inches in Springfield, dropping to 3 inches in Amherst and back up to 4 inches of snow further north toward Greenfield. Sleet and rain could mix in at times on Friday over the Cape and Islands and along the South Coast. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening commute, the weather service said on Thursday morning. Slow down and use caution while traveling. National Weather Service Will the forecast change? The National Weather Service has released maps showing the likelihood the state will see different amounts of snow. The first shows the highest potential for snowfall, indicating there is only a 10% chance of hitting those snow totals. The other maps show the percentage chance of lower amounts. National Weather Service National Weather Service 8 probabilistic snowfall [520 PM Radar Update] Long duration light snow event continues. Steadiest snows have been along and south of the Mass Pike. Expect that to be the rule thru midnight. Light snow may change to a period of "snizzle"/freezing drizzle north and west of the Mass Pike late tonight. pic.twitter.com/N8rB3SLlDN NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 18, 2021 When will snow start to fall and stop? Snow began midday Thursday, touching the Islands and the Southern Berkshires first, then reached Worcester by Thursday afternoon. A potentially long-lasting snow, its impact on the area could last over 24 hours. It is currently forecast to continue snowing through Friday for some Massachusetts communities. National Weather Service People in Derry are being encouraged to share their views on organ donation before the end tomorrow of a consultation period on new 'Opt-Out' proposals. Launched in early December 2020 by Health Minister Robin Swann, the aim of the consultation is to capture the publics views on introducing new legislation to change the current system here from 'opt-in' to 'opt-out.' Under the proposed 'opt-out' legislation, it will considered that everyone will be willing to donate their organs unless they have formally opted out. The family will continue to be consulted about donation as well as considerations around faith and beliefs. This will not change. When the consultation was launched in December, Minister Swann said: Whilst over 80% of the population supports organ donation, only 48% have recorded this decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. This means that the NHS Organ Donor Register is not truly representative of Northern Irelands populations willingness to donate their organs and tissue after their death. I would urge everyone to have the conversation about donation with their families and friends and let your loved ones know how you feel about this vitally important issue I would also encourage responses to the consultation to inform the proposed change in legislation. Speaking about the importance of the consultation Dr Declan Grace, lead clinician for organ donation at the Western Trust Health and Social Care Trust, said: The value of an accurate and reflective Organ Donation Register cannot be overstated as one donor has the potential to save up to nine lives. Currently in Northern Ireland donation will only ever proceed if a person had given their express consent for organ donation, usually by signing on to the NHS Organ Donor Register and/or speaking to their family. In the absence of this, the family is asked to make a difficult decision on behalf of the patient. This new system would assume that consent has been given unless the individual has 'opted out'. This simple legislative change has the power to make a huge different to those people waiting on the register and gives everyone one of us the ability to save lives, he added. The consultation closes at 5pm today. Everyone is encouraged to read about the consultation and submit a response at: http://bit.ly/3by0mcb A member of the Uyghur American Association takes part in a rally in front of the White House on Oct. 1, 2020. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo) Crimes Against Humanity: Chinas Genocide of Uyghurs and Falun Gong Adherents The world is living right in the middle of two modern-day tragedies: the genocide of Uyghur Muslims and Falun Gong spiritual adherents in China. Independent investigations and researches have confirmed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has orchestrated twin crimes against humanity in the last 20-plus years. Gradually, the world is waking up to the gravity of these human rights violations, which cannot be overlooked any longer. According to the International Criminal Court: [T]he crime of genocide is characterized by the specific intent to destroy in whole or in part a national, ethnic, racial or religious group bycausing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; [or] deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. Genocide Against Uyghurs Since 2017, the Chinese communist regime has significantly scaled up its detention facilities in Xinjiang. Based on the satellite imagery data, researchers at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) have identified and mapped over 380 sites in the detention network across the Xinjiang region. According to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the communist regime has incarcerated over a million Uyghurs since the year 2017 and has subjected countless others from this ethnic minority to strict surveillance and forced sterilizations. The CFR reported that although the details of the atrocities unfolding in the Xinjian detention and re-education camps are limited, what those who escaped communist China have revealed is shocking. The detainees who managed to flee China have reported inhumane torture carried out behind the barbed, closed walls of Xinjiangs detention network. The detained Uyghur men and women are coerced to renounce their faith in Islam and pledge their loyalty to the CCP. Apart from severe physical and mental persecution, they are also subjected to forced sterilization. Uyghur women have also reported sexual abuse and forced abortions. In the recent past, the atrocities against Uyghurs have been extensively reported in the international media, leading to the global building up of momentum that can put a check on the CCPs gross human rights violations. On Feb. 8, a group of London barristers concluded in their 105-page legal opinion (pdf) that theres a very credible case that the acts carried out by the CCP against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region amount to crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide. Ethnic Uygur women protest during a demonstration in Urumqi in Chinas far west Xinjiang Province on July 7, 2009. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images) The Jewish community who survived the holocaust years ago hasnt shied away from lending their affirming support to the persecuted Uyghur ethnic minority in China. At the online Holocaust Memorial Day event hosted by the Doughty Street Chambers on Jan. 27, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberga leading writer and thinker who was born to a family of German Jewish originrecalled how his mother used to wait with fear for the postman to arrive with ashes of deceased family members, reported Bitter Winter. At the event, Wittenberg spoke to Uyghur exile Ziba Murat, whose mother, a retired medical doctor, has been subjected to a 20-year prison sentence by the CCP. Wittenberg said, It is the definition of our humanity that we stand up against this. Zibas mother, Dr. Gulshan Abbas went missing in China in 2018, six days after her sister Rushan Abbas, a founder and chair of Campaign for Uyghurs in Herndon, Virginia, spoke up at the Hudson Institute in Washington. However, only in December 2020 did the family learn from anonymous sources that Gulshan had been given a 20-year sentence in March 2019. Rushan strongly believes that her sister has been incarcerated by the regime in an attempt to warn others of the catastrophic consequences if they dare to speak out against the CCP, reported Bitter Winter. [Gulshan] and my aunt were abducted, although they live 1,400 km away from each other, Rushan said. This is no coincidence. My sister has committed no fault, and she is being arbitrarily held as a prisoner A prisoner without a crime. My free speech here in the U.S. has cost my sisters freedom. Urging the international community to take a stand against the CCP, Rushan said: If a country can imprison family members of foreign citizens, is this really the country you will choose to do business with? To the leaders of the European Union who feel comfortable trusting such a regime, I am holding you responsible for empowering them to commit these genocidal crimes. They are running concentration camps, normalizing slavery, and are punishing my sister for my exercising rights as a foreign citizen. Its barbaric and brutal beyond words, she said in a video from Campaign for Uyghurs. Rahima Mahmut, director of the World Uyghur Congress in London, also spoke at the Doughty Street Chambers event. She drew shocking parallels between the German Nazi holocaust and the CCPs genocide, according to Bitter Winter. The purpose of genocide wherever it occurs is the eradication of the memory of a people from the face of the earth, Rahima said, adding that Uyghurs sadly have the terrible honor of being the victims of Chinas technology-backed mass-murder campaign. We are not just talking about numbers of people. The Nazi Holocaust was not about the murder of 6 million Jews. It was about one murder, 6 million times. Persecution of Falun Gong After two decades of global efforts to raise awareness, the international community has eventually come forward to speak up against another simmering genocide unfolding on the communist land of China: The persecution of Falun Gong. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a mind-body cultivation system based on the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The peaceful meditation discipline is freely practiced around the world but is being violently persecuted in China since July 1999 after the CCP vilified it as a dangerous cult. According to state estimates, around 70 million to 100 million people were practicing the gentle meditative exercises of Falun Gong in China by the late 1990s. The former leader of the CCP, Jiang Zemin, perceived Falun Gongs moral presence as a threat to the Partys communist rule and launched an unprecedented persecutory campaign to eradicate it. Since then, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been wrongfully detained, brainwashed, tortured, raped, and even killed for their vital organs for Chinas state-run multi-billion-dollar forced organ theft. Recently, a top secret leaked document was obtained by The Epoch Times from a trusted source. The document, which was issued 20 years ago on Nov. 30, 2000, confirms that the CCP has been abusing the judicial system and manipulating the countrys security apparatus to commit genocide against Falun Gong adherents. The document clearly states that the political and legal departments at all levels must resolutely implement Jiang Zemins important instructions to eradicate Falun Gong. Chinese lawyer Liu Ping (alias), who has defended many Falun Gong adherents in China, told The Epoch Times in a previous interview: This is a war launched by the CCP against the Falun Gong community using state judicial power! Documents of a legal nature must be publicly announced before they can take effect. The CCP concocts a secret law, so how can people comply with it? Therefore, this kind of law is a shady means of persecution and shows its illegitimacy, Liu said. According to data compiled by Minghui.org, over 4,000 Falun Gong practitioners died due to the CCPs persecution between 1999 and 2020; however, as the communist regime maintains a tight control and full secrecy over the details of the persecution, tens of thousands of deaths remain unconfirmed. The persecution of Falun Gong reaches almost every corner of the country, with deaths confirmed in virtually every one of Chinas provinces, autonomous regions, and province-level municipalities, states Minghui.org. The report said that over 100,000 Falun Gong adherents have been sentenced to forced labor camps. Several thousand mentally-healthy practitioners have been locked up in psychiatric hospitals, brutally beaten, and drugged into submission with anti-psychotic drugs. Countless have been forced into brainwashing sessions to coerce them to renounce their beliefs. Tens of thousands have been detained and imprisoned. In 2006, two independent Canadian investigatorsDavid Matas, an international human rights lawyer, and David Kilgour, a former Canadian Secretary of State (Asia Pacific) and human rights advocatepublished a 46-page report, accompanied by 14 appendices, showing that Falun Gong prisoners of conscience in China are being murdered for their vital organs. In March 2020, the China Tribunal, an independent tribunal based in London, released a report stating that the CCP continues to kill and sell people for organs. The document also includes hundreds of pages of witness testimonies and submissions. The tribunal chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice QC reaffirmed the previous conclusions that were made on June 17, 2019. Forced organ harvesting has been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale and that Falun Gong practitioners have been oneand probably the mainsource of organ supply, the tribunal said. Arshdeep Sarao contributed to this report. 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. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is best known for her wild adventures on MTV's "Jersey Shore," but lately she's been hitting a different beach as host of a new renovation show, "Beach Cabana Royale." So what does Polizzi know about home renovation, you might ask? In the recent past, she's actually done her fair share of house flipping in New Jersey with her husband, Jionni LaValle, which was filmed for the FYI docuseries "Nicole & Jionnis Shore Flip." But for this latest one-hour special (now streaming on Discovery+), Polizzi's in Atlantic Beach, NY, to help (or more accurately, egg on) three competitors as they renovate cabanas for families who may adore their seaside surroundings, but aren't all that happy with their living quarters. As Polizzi succinctly puts it, "Their cabanas are driving them bananas." Once finished, these renovations are judged by "Build Me Up" star Orlando Soria and "Flipping Virgins" host Egypt Sherrod. To win, these designers need to get creative when it comes to storage and styling to make these tiny cabanas feel spacious and special. Here's how they pull it off, and the take-home lessons you'll be glad to know about how to add more function to a small space, along with a take-me-away vacation vibe. Save space with sliding doors Before: This cabana had too much going on. Discovery+ Seamstress and small-space designer Karla Graves gives her clients a Japanese-inspired cabana with lots of clean lines and minimalist decor. While the design is beautiful, Graves knows this cabana can't be all about style because she'll also have to consider functionality for this family. "With three boys, you really cant fully be minimalist; you also have to think smart," Graves says. "So I focused on how do we hide the storage and I focused on sliding doors. After: Small-space designer Karla Graves creates clever storage with sliding doors. Discovery+ Graves makes sure everything slides away, from the closet (which hides the TV, a design move Polizzi highy approves of) to the shower wall. By using sliders, Graves creates extra space in this cabana. Not only will the family get lots of storage, they'll also get to avoid the awkwardness of wide-swinging doors. In a small space where every inch counts, this is a serious space saver. Small spaces don't need to have an all-white design Before:This cabana needed an upgrade. Discovery+ Woodworker and reclaim specialist Wendell Holland works with his clients to create a cabana design with an art deco style. While many designers will advise making small spaces light and bright in order to make them seem larger, Soria says that Holland could have taken a risk with a darker color on the walls. After: The space looks great, but the walls might be too white. Discovery+ "Because the exterior of this building is white, I wouldve liked to see something different on the interior wallsa dark gray, a light gray, Soria explains. And he's right: There are simply too many white walls, and it's clear that a little more color would have added some personality. It just goes to show that, yes, there is such a thing as too much white, even in a small space. Add storage wherever possible There's room for storage, even in this small space. Discovery+ While Holland could have skipped the white walls, he makes a smart addition to his cabana when he adds some storage beside the entrance. There isn't much space in this cabana, so Holland has to get creative by building a tall, skinny shelf (which Polizzi sort of helps build) that can fit in the corner. It may not be big storage, but it's perfect for storing shoes and towels, which is exactly what this family needs. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi helps build a handy storage unit. Discovery+ "When I got here, they had cushions and towels hanging from the ceiling and just all over the place, Holland says. "So what I did, I built this storage unit." Make sure floor-to-ceiling cabinets look finished Before: This cabana needed a creative desk space solution. Discovery+ Delia Kenza, an interior designer, runs into a few problems with her cabanaincluding the uneven ceiling, which makes her new floor-to-ceiling shelving unit not quite reach the ceiling in some sections. When Soria sees this, he thinks it makes the cabana look unfinished. After: This cabana looks great! Discovery+ "One of the things that isnt working for me is the cabinet stops 4 inches from the ceiling. If you wouldve just had a trim piece that goes around that just to connect that, so there wasnt that dark shadow, I think it would look a lot more finished, Soria says. It's a good tip and a great lesson in remembering the finishing details. Sometimes a bit of trim or molding can give a space that extra touch to make it feel complete. Find a proper workspace, even in a small space This desk is a convenient addition for this family. Discovery+ One of Kenza's favorite features is the fold-out desk she creates for her client, who likes to catch up on work from the cabana. It's a great way to add some functionality and turn this vacation space into a part-time office. Of course, the judges love Kenza's creativity. "Opening that and seeing the hidden desk, I said, ah functionality,'" Sherrod says. "You know, everything should be able to serve more than one purpose when youre dealing with this space." Who won this beach-side competition? In the end, Soria and Sherrod choose Graves as their winner! They love her Japanese-inspired space and her clever storage. Overall, it's a great cabana with a great design. Nonetheless, all three cabanas look amazing, and go to show that even small spaces can feel functional and luxurious. The post Snooki ReturnsTo Renovate Beach Homes in 'Beach Cabana Royale' appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. 10432 Cynthia Johnson, VP & CIO, California Resources Corporation Cynthia Johnson, VP & CIO, California Resources Corporation Everyones talking about the technological trends these days. The latest outreach from a major computer systems vendor tells me that storage, content management, and big data are trending. However, when I hear of a trend, I think about something for right now that may be overshadowed when the next big thing comes along so, even though it interests me, I am cautious with my investment. A classic, on the other hand, is often worth more investment because it offers steady value over the course of time. As CIO for California Resources Corporation (CRC), the largest independent oil and gas producer in the state, my job is to define the strategy for business transformation through technology. I see it as an opportunity to steer a course through the many technology trends, seeking the new classics worth a strong investment. In a business strategy, a company identifies its unique position in the market; every CIO must identify and define an IT strategy which leverages the unique position of IT In any year as an oil and gas CIO, Im challenged by the company leadership to do more with less and 2015 has been an especially difficult year due to low commodity prices. The challenge to get more value from IT isnt unique to our industry; I hear it echoed from CIOs across all industries. In a business strategy, a company identifies its unique position in the market; every CIO must identify and define an IT strategy which leverages the unique position of IT. This will require first a deep understanding of the customer and second a thorough knowledge of services offered in the marketplace. For CRC IT, we have looked to the principles of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to set up business engagement processes which create a full picture of each business group, beginning with knowing the current technical issues as well as future strategy and business objectives. The opportunities identified for technology along with the information gathered in these engagements are shared internally across our IT disciplines. Our vision is that any interaction between a business group and an IT staff member is effective to get results, no matter the actual technology group where the IT staffer reports. Our strategy incorporates mission and vision statements of the IT organization, which describe how the company will be better, cheaper, and faster at achieving its business objectives. The business understanding developed during the CRM process is yielding timely opportunities for technology to impact the business. The bottom line question is how can we get the right information to the right individual at the right time? Although its tempting to rely on technology direction and selection for success, an execution plan is needed to deliver results and for that I rely on a strong IT team. Each individual on the team deserves an investment to understand his or her strengths and match them to the appropriate role in the organization as well as education programs. We are looking for ways to promote innovation by combining business analysis with breakthrough thinking and expanding project management expertise. Broadening the competency set of IT professionals is also offering an attractive, challenging workplace for top tier employees. A talented and motivated team focused on the business needs and innovative thinking will deliver results, collaborating with partners across the asset teams and support functions and navigating through the myriad choices for systems and technologies. Technology trends are opportunities to increase technology value to the company. As an example, recent technology introductions in big data and storage have gotten my attention for the potential value for CRC and its strong appetite for technology. The advances of seismic imaging to see deep beneath the earths surface combined with the coming of age of the digital oilfield has driven our storage consumption to new levels. The unknowns of our earth and its supply of hydrocarbons require an application of complex geological models based on historical production and operational data combined with numerous scenarios and projections. Highly specialized asset teams of geologists, geo-physicists, engineers, and planners work to understand the natural resource potential and commercial viability of each property. In addition to the multitude of geological and engineering permutations, unknown future market conditions heighten the need for a large number of repetitive calculations tabulating a massive amount of data in a short amount of time. Oil field properties go through analysis many times over with changes in technology, priority, or market conditions. Analysis work completed several years prior has value to a newly formed team if it can be utilized efficiently. Innovations to manage content so that extensive unstructured files and documents are indexed and correlated to operational data will enable us at CRC to accomplish this goal. Were exploring how big data can connect structured and unstructured data across todays data silos and enable cross-over utility across the drilling, engineering, operations, and commercial disciplines of the company. The opportunities are endless and the IT value proposition is to partner with the asset teams, operations, and support functions to turn one groups data in to another groups information. With an IT strategy built upon a vision of business transformation, we are positioning our IT team to test new technology trends and ferret out the next classics. By implementing innovative solutions, we will maximize ITs value to the company. Grounded: Air France KLM said it is operating at 40pc of 2019 capacity Air France-KLM is poised to get a fresh government bailout after burning through 2.1bn in the final quarter of last year as a resurgent Covid-19 pandemic delayed any recovery in air travel. Talks are ongoing between the carriers biggest shareholders, the French and Dutch governments, and the European Commission about a rescue package, according to chief financial officer Frederic Gagey. Air France-KLM reported yesterday it had 9.8bn of liquidity and credit lines at its disposal at the end of 2020 compared with 12.4bn three months earlier. Its a question of days or weeks, not months, Mr Gagey said on a conference call when asked about the timing of the recapitalisation plan. We arent in a situation that is too difficult, we still have time. The airlines cash outflow jumped from 1.2bn in the three months through September after governments imposed lockdowns in a bid to curb a fresh wave of coronavirus cases. The carrier painted a grim outlook for this quarter, saying it will operate at 40pc of 2019 capacity and expects losses to worsen. Read More The stock declined almost 1pc in early trade in Paris, after more than halving over the past 12 months. France and the Netherlands have been in talks for months on a fresh bailout for Air France-KLM following the 10.4bn in loans and guarantees granted last year. Both states have signaled their intention to support the carrier, while opposing European Commission demands that it relinquish airport slots in exchange for additional aid. While Mr Gagey declined to comment specifically about any so-called remedies that could be asked of the airline by the Commission, he acknowledged landing rights at Paris-Orly airport are among the issues on the negotiating table. There cant be elements that the group finds too negative for the future of its strategy, he said. Comparisons with the slots rival Deutsche Lufthansa AG had to relinquish in order to get state funding are complicated. The carrier plans to raise equity and quasi-equity, Mr Gagey said, though the precise instruments for the operation are still under consideration. While the airline aims to have an agreement by May, a decision is only expected to be made after the Dutch elections on March 17. ( Bloomberg) Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates said that social media companies should eventually take their muzzles off former President Donald Trump, despite his "corrosive" election fraud conspiracy theories. "I think at some point he probably will be allowed back on and probably should be allowed back on," the Microsoft co-founder told CNBC. He was asked whether he would let Trump back on social media if he were on Facebooks oversight board. That social media giant and others, including Twitter, had suspended Trump from their platforms after he spread an array of unfounded conspiracy theories and falsehoods about his election loss to President Joe Biden. Democrats and some Republicans have blamed Trump for fomenting the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol in which five people died. The Senate on Saturday fell 10 votes short of convicting Trump at his impeachment trial. "Its weird when youre, you know, saying that the election was stolen without any facts there. And how corrosive that is," said Gates, who also has criticized the Trump administrations handling of the coronavirus pandemic. "But Ill bet theyll find a way to let him back on," he added, saying that Trumps future false posts could get slapped with warning labels. "You know in a way ... peoples interest in what he says may go down quite a bit," Gates added. "Thatll be interesting to watch." By the center for promoting the Belt and Road Initiative under the National Development and Reform Commission of China Although the COVID-19 pandemic raging across the world landed a severe blow on the global economy in 2020, China and other countries along the Belt and Road have secured hard-won results and made solid progress in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has shown impressive resilience, vitality and appeal amid the pandemic. Last year, countries along the Belt and Road fought against the virus through solidarity and put into practice the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind in international anti-epidemic cooperation. When China was in the depth of its own fight against the COVID-19, countries along the Belt and Road actively supported the Chinese people. A total of 79 countries and 10 international organizations have provided anti-epidemic materials for China. While under huge pressure in containing the epidemic at home, China has offered assistance to more than 150 countries and 10 international organizations for their fight against the COVID-19, and sent 36 medical expert teams to 34 countries in need. As the largest producer of medical supplies, China has sent more than 220 billion masks, 2.25 billion protective suits and 1.02 billion testing kits to countries across the globe. Meanwhile, digital technologies of the country have played an important role in facilitating global anti-epidemic cooperation. Huawei Cloud, the cloud computing unit of Chinese telecoms company Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., has launched several digital medical devices. Chinese tech giant Tencent has provided digital communication tools for the United Nations and other international organizations. In addition, Chinese education software, such as DingTalk and Feishu, have entered the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommendations for global distance learning solutions, becoming the first choice in remote learning for 421 million students in 39 countries and regions. While preventing and controlling the pandemic, China conducted close consultations and signed cooperation documents on jointly building the BRI with the African Union, the International Seabed Authority, Ukraine, Kiribati and other parties. By the end of 2020, China had signed 203 BRI cooperation documents with 138 countries and 31 international organizations. China has managed to balance epidemic prevention and control with the construction of overseas projects, and greatly improved infrastructure connectivity in various countries. Seventy projects under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have progressed in an orderly manner, during which there has been zero COVID-19 infection among employees at the sites of these projects. The entire second phase of the Karakoram Highway and the Sukkur-Multan section of the Peshawar-Karachi Motorway in Pakistan have successfully opened to traffic, and the construction of the MatiariLahore direct current transmission line was fully completed during the pandemic. In the meantime, Tunnel No. 1 of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and all tunnels along the China-Laos railway were successfully holed through, the left line of the Belgrade-Zemun section and the left line of the Zemun-Batajnica section of the Hungary-Serbia railway in Serbia were opened to traffic, and the steel beam of the main structure of the Padma Bridge in Bangladesh was closed. China has taken the lead in resuming work and production, and gradually smoothened foreign trade industrial and supply chains, becoming an anchor of stability for global industrial and supply chains. In 2020, China steadily advanced economic, trade, and investment cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road. China's imports and exports with countries along the routes of the BRI totaled 9.37 trillion yuan ($1.45 trillion), up 1 percent year on year. During the first 11 months of 2020, China's non-financial direct investment in countries along the routes reached $15.96 billion, a year-on-year increase of 24.9 percent. The amount accounted for 16.8 percent of China's total non-financial direct investment in foreign countries during the period, 3.9 percentage points higher than that of the previous year. Last year, China-Europe freight trains carried badly-needed medical supplies and necessities for the resumption of work and production to various countries, helping ensure normal production and life in these countries. A total of 12,400 trips were made by China-Europe freight trains in 2020, marking a 50-percent year-on-year growth. With 98.4 percent of the containers being fully loaded with goods, these trains reached 21 countries and 97 cities in Europe. Words of the Week: American Tribalism The Labyrinth When King Minos imprisoned Daedalus and Icarus in the labyrinth, it was impossible to escape by foot, and the sea was guarded. Daedalus was the master craftsman, who designed the labyrinth for King Minos for reasons we will not go into here. Over a period, Daedalus and the king experienced a decline in their relationship. Consequently, the king placed Daedalus and Icarus in the labyrinth. Having made the labyrinth so ingeniously, Daedalus could not find his way out, but for one option. It was open to the sky. Daedalus made wings of wax for his son and himself and told his son not to fly too near to the sun because the wax would melt the wax wings, nor so low that the sea monsters would get him. His son was so thrilled to be flying that he forgot his fathers advice; the sun melted the wax and he plunged to his death in the ocean. Daedalus went on to escape alone. ADVERTISEMENT Martin Luther King Jr. said, Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. Is it possible that American Tribalism is systemic racism and the labyrinth in which African descendants are placed? Native Americans may be in a different kind of labyrinth called the reservation. This is far more obvious. The labyrinth of color of African Americans is not blending in with the majority of Caucasian Americans. The labyrinth gives the illusion of freedom. While some Blacks enjoy a higher level of freedom, the majority are constrained from escaping the labyrinth. As the sea, guarded, provided no route for Daedalus and Icarus to escape the labyrinth, so does skin color restrain Black Americans from escaping systemic racism? For Blacks, the nature of the labyrinth supports low education and poor development of industry as well as little integration into key organizational positions. Like Daedalus condition, only the air is open for Black Americans to escape. As Icarus fashioned wings for his son and himself to escape, the wings of escape for Black Americans must be created through education, wealth, and love. For these changes to come about, White America needs to see what is in this change for them. When the South was defeated by the North and ex-slaves were given land, it was not long after the union soldiers went back home before the Southern White folks took away the land, leaving Blacks just marginally better than they were as slaves. Escaping the labyrinth can and must be a win/win situation for a better and stronger America. Here, Daedalus must be a genius by committee. It must include local and the federal governments with fair laws. Gradually, there will be a thawing of the fear of change and ignorance regarding the stereotyping of color. This will heal the King Minos mindset of our dominant culture, blind to systemic racism by its sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity as King referred to it. ADVERTISEMENT The function of wise and spiritual leadership is to set the tone for our country for instilling attitudes for positive change. This light of hope is already shining in the new leadership at the helm of our America the shift from This is my land, to This is our land. The attitude of my and I is the King Minos syndrome absolute power, which corrupts absolutely. Minos was an absolute ruler. America is a We the people relational and ingenious vision. Who can deny that systemic racism, the offspring of slavery, has encouraged hostility of the strong toward the weak in atrocious ways. Knowing that we would not like our loved ones to be treated like this, we can let this common insight into our humanity be the starting point for positive change, to bring about a more perfect union. The function of family is to model communal unity. Homo sapiens are relational creatures living in a relational universe. From families, we became tribes, then nations. The next step is become more deeply spiritual to realize, as Jesus did, that we are from one source, or as Jesus expressed it, Our Father which is in heaven. By dismantling the labyrinth of systemic racism, where will be the win/win? It will be found in a new respectful society, a more creative people, and a modeling of an image of human relationship the whole world needs if we are to survive on the planet. When Black Americans and other marginalized segments of the population thrive and flourish, our whole country and the world will too. In this new maturity, American Tribalism will be outgrown and irrelevant and a vitality of quantum proportions will be achieved for all our people. By giving up the labyrinth of American Tribalism, we will be exchanging sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity for a wise and holistic America whose status in the world will grow as she nurtures the best in every one of her children. The Rev. Dr. Arthur Chang is the senior minister of Founders Church Los Angeles, A Center for Spiritual Living. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The European Commission lifted the threat of crucial data flows between Europe and Britain being blocked in a move that would have crippled business activity as it said Friday that privacy safeguards in the UK met European standards. In a key post-Brexit decision, the EU executive said that British authorities had sufficient measures in place to protect European users' personal data, freeing up data transfers for businesses as well as for police. The adequacy decision, to be formally adopted by the 27 member states, would ensure that data protection will "never be compromised when personal data travel across the Channel," said EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. Businesses will breath a sigh of relief at the decision, with more and more companies relying on cross-border cloud computing and other technology to function everyday. This was made especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic as companies, schools and governments increasingly went online, counting on big tech's networks to operate. A negative decision would have blocked the transfer of data from EU-based companies to the UK, crippling activity. Sensitive issue Britain is seeking similar adequacy decisions for its financial services, but this is proving far more contentious, with Brussels giving no clear indication of when a decision will be made. The EU currently has data adequacy agreements with 12 countries, including Japan, Switzerland and Canada and negotiations are underway with South Korea. Once approved, personal data transferring through Britain will be treated as if it was moving within the EU. Oliver Dowden, Britain's Secretary of State for Digital, said he welcomed the move "although the EU's progress in this area has been slower than we would have wished." "I am glad we have now reached this significant milestone following months of constructive talks in which we have set out our robust data protection framework," he added. The security of personal data has become a sensitive issue, with the EU's top court having struck down a similar arrangement between the EU and United States. The European Court of Justice has decided on several occasions that national security laws in the United States are in violation of European privacy standards making the deal illegal. For the UK, the commission assessed that country's Investigatory Powers Act of 2016 which contains extensive powers including the ability to carry out bulk data surveillance. The EU, however, found those powers were satisfactorily controlled by UK law and Britain's adherence to the European Convention of Human Rights. The Business Software Alliance, a lobby group for big tech companies including Microsoft, Oracle and IBM said it was "delighted" by the decision. "This will provide long-term confidence that data will continue to flow between the two partners post-Brexit," said BSA's Thomas Boue, policy chief for Europe. Max Schrems, an Austrian lawyer and activist who led the fight against the EU's data arrangements with the US, tweeted that there were issues with the UK proposal on security that will require "deep analysis". Explore further Facebook US data transfer case goes to Europe's top court 2021 AFP ANI Even two days after they were found dead in filed in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, the police are yet to make any significant progress in the suspicious death of two minor Dalit girls. On Thursday, police had registered a case of murder even as a post-mortem revealed no injury marks. Police ruled out the suggestion that the victims' hands were tied, citing the absence of any injury marks. Read more Here are the top stories of the day. COVID Crisis In Maharashtra As Lockdown-like Curbs Return Maharashtra logged more than 5000 cases on Thursday -- a new high after a gap of 75 days. Mumbai recorded more than 700 cases for a second straight day. This came a day after the state recorded 40 deaths a gap of over two months, pushing the authorities to issue fresh restrictions. While a 10-day lockdown was announced in Yavatmal, a weekend lockdown was imposed in Amravati. Read more BCCL US Has Already Reached H-1B Visa Cap For 2021 Just two months into the new year, the United States of America has reached H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2021, says US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The US immigrations service has further said it has already received enough petitions needed to reach the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master's cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2021. Read more Getty China Finally Admits Galwan Casualties In Clashes With Indian Troops For the first time since the deadly clashes between the Indian Army and the People Liberation Army, the Chinese side has opened up about the fatalities on its side. "Four Chinese soldiers, who were sacrificed in last June's border conflict, were posthumously awarded honorary titles and first-class merit citations, Central Military Commission announced. A colonel, who led them and seriously injured, was conferred with honorary title," state-run People's Daily reported. Read more ET Ramdev's Patanjali Reintroduces Coronil, This Time As 'First Evidence-Based Medicine For COVID' Agency In late June 2020, Baba Ramdev-backed Patanjali Ayurveda had introduced Coronil, what it claimed was medicine to cure COVID-19, long before some of the biggest names in the pharma industry could come up with a vaccine. But in the days that followed, Coronil and the claims made by Patanjali were extensively scrutinized and the conclusion was that things don't add up. In July Patanjali made a u-turn and said that it never claimed to have made medicine for coronavirus. Read more PLC's ( ) Chief Financial Officer, Kien Huynh joins Proactive London to discuss the next stage of its exploration and drilling programme. Huynh explains that the drilling has commenced across its primary flake graphite projects in Madagascar as part of its rigorous step by step strategy. He goes on to explain the involvement of SRK Mining Services (India) who will oversee the operation update the mineral resource statement (MRS) for the Vatomina and Sahamamy projects in Madagascar. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Edgemont Gold Corp. (CSE: EDGM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Arias to the newly formed position of Vice-President Corporate Development, effective immediately. Mr. Arias has worked in the investment community since 2003. He began his career at CIBC Capital Markets and worked in institutional trading at Scotia Capital and then later at Dundee Securities. Since 2015, Mr. Arias has worked directly with several publicly-traded companies active in the mining and mineral exploration sector in Alberta, Australia, Ontario, Idaho, Nevada, Colombia, Brazil and Kazakhstan. His roles have included management positions in the areas of corporate finance, business development and institutional investor relations. "I am very pleased to welcome Kevin to the Edgemont management team," commented Stuart Rogers, President of Edgemont Gold Corp. "With the completion of our recent private placement, Edgemont is well financed to capitalize on the opportunity for discovery through drilling now available at our highly prospective Dungate copper/gold porphyry project near Houston, B.C." "Kevin's role will be to support our growth strategy by enhancing our profile within the capital markets, developing strong and ongoing relationships with the local communities and providing all stakeholders with enhanced access to management." Edgemont has also agreed, subject to regulatory approval, to grant incentive stock options to directors, officers and consultants on up to 1,285,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.25 per share for a period of up to three years from the date of grant. About Edgemont Edgemont is currently actively exploring the Dungate copper/gold porphyry project located just 6 km south of Houston in the Omenica Mining Division of northern British Columbia. The property consists of five mineral tenures covering 1,582.2 hectares and can be explored year round by all-season roads. For more information, please visit our web site at www.edgemontgold.com. For further information, please contact: Stuart Rogers Chief Executive Officer Edgemont Gold Corp. Tel: (778) 239-3775 www.edgemontgold.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74978 ADVERTISEMENT The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, has again called for the immediate release of Leah Sharibu from her abductors. In a statement personally signed by the clergyman, he called on all pastors in the RCCG as well as all well-meaning people all over the world to intensify their prayers and efforts towards her release. Mr Adeboye charged every parent and people of goodwill all over the world to use whatever influence they have to ensure that Leah Sharibu as well as other children in captivity are released without any further delay. On February 19 2018, 110 schoolgirls were abducted by the Boko Haram terrorist group from the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, in Yobe State, Nigeria. Five of the girls reportedly died on the day of the abduction. While all the other girls were later released after some negotiation, only Leah Sharibu was left with the captors and she has since been in their custody New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is urging Big Apple residents to wear two masks instead of one to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as new variants of the coronavirus circulating in the United States are reportedly more contagious than the original. De Blasios Health Department has adopted the policy of recommending double-masking just days after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance. We know that even as the vaccine is here, the need to keep wearing a mask is paramount, its crucial, the mayor said. Its amazing of how all the things that weve learned in this crisis, maybe the most profound is the power of a mask. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's top health officials are recommending that residents of the Big Apple don two masks instead of one to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 Wearing a thicker fabric mask over a surgical one may act like a double-filter and improve the fit of face coverings. The image above shows a visitor in Times Square wearing a cloth in addition to a medical-grade face mask on December 10 Even one of these paper masks makes a huge difference, but what were saying today is, time to double up, the mayor said. Two masks are better than one. Make it a double. The mayor's comments came a day after it was learned that federal buildings in New York said they would start requiring people to wear two masks to enter. Chief Judge Colleen McMahon outlined the harsh new Covid measures in a public memo released last week. Anyone entering federal court in Manhattan, Westchester County and Dutchess county must follow strict protocols including doubling up on masks. People must also get their temperature checked and answer questions about their health during a screening on entry. The policy states that people may either wear a tight-fitting disposable mask under a cloth mask or an FDA approved KN95 of N95 respirator mask. Anyone wearing a gaiter, bandana or other material to cover their nose and mouth that is not an approved mask will be barred entry. The CDC updated its guidance, saying people can wear a cloth mask on top of a disposable surgical mask 'for better fit and extra protection.' But the agency stopped short of recommending that Americans wear two masks instead of one. If done correctly, the combination of two masks can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said. The agency also said it will take down a make-your-own mask page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission. Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe thats at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the US epidemic for the past year CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic. Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States. Last week, US government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread. The CDC last week reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other. The researchers found that wearing one mask surgical or cloth blocked around 40 per cent of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80 per cent were blocked. When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95 per cent of the particles were blocked, said the CDC's Dr. John Brooks. When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, US health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. 'Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!' then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago. Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public. Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of US adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household. Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto. 'But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then youre having the wrong conversation,' he added. New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said his departments new recommendation is based on the CDC guidance. The single most important thing remains - wearing a face covering consistently and properly so that it covers both your nose and mouth and you wear it both indoors and outdoors, Chokshi said. But he added: Using two masks is more effective at stopping the spread of the virus. People should avoid wearing two disposable masks one on top of the other, according to Chokshi. Instead, they should wear a cloth mask over a disposable mask. Two of the disposable masks will not improve fit, he said. Chokshi urged those 65 years and older as well as people with underlying health conditions to consider upgrading to a medical-standard mask like KN95. The mayor on Thursday said that 262 residents of the city were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Wednesday. City health officials reported 3,216 new cases. The rolling seven-day average of the positivity rate stood at 7.17 per cent. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Supreme Court said on Friday that it would like to see the view of Madhya Pradesh High Court while declining to entertain a plea challenging the validity of the controversial MP ordinance regulating conversions due to inter-faith marriages. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian told Vishal Thakre, the advocate for the petitioner, "Approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court. We would like to have the views of the high court." The bench added that it had already sent similar matters back to the high court. In the past, the top court had refused to entertain other pleas on the same issue. According to the latest plea, the law enacted by Madhya Pradesh, which mirrors an ordinance issued by the Uttar Pradesh government in the name of 'Love Jihad', infringes upon a person's right to privacy and freedom of choice. The plea argued that the law violated the fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution. On February 17, the Supreme Court had allowed an NGO to make Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh parties in a pending matter challenging their controversial laws regulating conversions due to inter-faith marriages. The court also permitted Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind to become a party in the matter. Advocate Ejaz Maqbool, representing the Jamiat, contended before the bench that a large number of Muslim men are being harassed under these laws in various parts of the country. On January 6, the top court had issued notices to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments on the pleas of the NGO 'Citizens for Justice and Peace' and others challenging the laws on religious conversions. The controversial UP ordinance is connected with not only inter-faith marriages, but all religious conversions, and lays down elaborate procedures for any person who wishes to convert to another religion. The Uttarakhand law entails two-year jail term for any person or persons found guilty of religious conversion through force or "allurement", which could be in cash, in kind or material benefit. Food services major said on Friday it will fully acquire Fides Food Systems Cooperatief UA Netherlands (Fides) for an agreed investment of 24.8 million pounds (about Rs 250 crore) through its wholly-owned subsidiary Netherlands BV. Fides is the beneficial owner of 32.81 per cent of equity shares of DP Eurasia NV, which is a public company listed with London Stock Exchange Plc and is the exclusive master franchisee of the Domino's Pizza brand in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. DP Eurasia and its subsidiaries offer pizza delivery and takeaway besides eat-in facilities at 771 stores (568 in Turkey, 190 in Russia, 9 in Azerbaijan and 4 in Georgia). Netherlands BV and Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (acting as a guarantor for investment obligation of its wholly-owned subsidiary) have entered into a purchase agreement with Turkish Private Equity Fund II LP which is the sole member of Fides. "We are happy to announce our acquisition of Fides for 32.81 per cent equity stake in DP Eurasia, one of the large master franchisee of the Domino's Pizza brand," said Chairman Shyam S Bhartia and Co-Chairman & Managing Director Hari S Bhartia. "We have been partners with Domino's in India for more than 25 years. With that experience, we hope to add value in DP Eurasia's business and also create value for our shareholders," they said in a statement. Jubilant Foodworks is India's largest food service company. Its Domino's Pizza franchise extends across a network of 1,314 restaurants in 285 cities. The company also has exclusive rights to develop and operate Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in India which has in operation 27 restaurants across 8 cities. (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 Angels could lose top starter Dylan Bundy to free agency next offseason, and the right-hander said Thursday (via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com) that they have not engaged in discussions regarding an extension. Bundy is due to earn $8.325MM in 2021. While the Angels havent had much luck in their rotation over the past few years, Bundy offered a rare outstanding performance for the team last season his first campaign with the club. Bundy was the fourth overall pick of the Orioles in 2011 and someone who was regarded as a cant-miss prospect in his younger days, but he couldnt quite put it together in parts of five seasons as a member of the Os, with whom he registered a 4.67 ERA/4.28 SIERA across 614 1/3 innings. Baltimore traded Bundy to the Angels in December 2019 for a handful of prospects. The Angels playoff drought reached six years in Bundys first season with the club, but it certainly wasnt his fault. The 28-year-old provided much-needed front-of-the-rotation production to the Halos with a 3.29 ERA/3.80 SIERA and above-average strikeout and walk rates of 27.0 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively, in 65 2/3 innings. If the Angels dont extend Bundy before next winter, and if he comes close to last years numbers during the upcoming season, he should be one of the most coveted free agents on the market. At the Family Place, a domestic violence shelter in Dallas, the power had been out for two days when the waterlogged ceiling caved in, unleashing a freezing waterfall onto the 120 women and children seeking refuge there. The water soaked their clothes and the few possessions they had brought, spoiling hard-to-replace legal documents. The hallways became streams. The residents and staff members tried to sweep out the water and piled up bedsheets to create dams, but soon gave up and hurriedly piled into five city buses to seek shelter at a church. They lost basically everything, Shelbi Driver, a resident advocate at the shelter, said. Advocates said at least three other domestic violence shelters around Dallas were also evacuated after pipes burst and flooded their hallways with frigid water, displacing hundreds of vulnerable people who did not have the option of going home. They went through one horrible trauma, came to our organization to get safe and had another trauma, Paige Flink, chief executive of the Family Place, said. It makes me want to cry just to say it, she said. It is a total nightmare. Jack Healy reported from Dallas, Richard Fausset from Atlanta, and James Dobbins from San Antonio. Maria Jimenez Moya contributed reporting from Houston, and Lucy Tompkins from New York. New Jersey will apply to the federal government to waive standardized testing for the current school year as districts across the state continue to cope with the constraints of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday. Murphy said the state has not yet received word from President Joe Bidens administration as to whether it will accept its application to waive the federal requirements that most students be tested in math and English each year. We also recognize the importance of statewide assessments to gauge where our students learning, the governor said during his latest COVID-19 briefing in Trenton. But given the need to ensure our students instructional time is maximized and the levels of stress on them, our educators, our school administrators, and our families are minimized, we are putting forward this waiver request. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage The announcement came the same day Murphy announced the state will soon allocate $1.2 billion in federal coronavirus education relief funds to school districts across the state including $105 million to help students who have struggled with learning and mental health issues during the pandemic. This has been a challenging year, Murphy said. I believe thats the understatement of the century. But we remain unwavering in our commitment to our educational communities. New Jersey has been under intense pressure to cancel standardized testing this school year. The states largest teachers union, local school administrators, and a chorus of Republican lawmakers have all called for the state to seek the waiver. The common argument against testing students this year is that schools already know students have fallen behind based on local evaluations and testing could be both needlessly stressful and logistically challenging for students who are still learning remotely. Isnt it obvious that there is going to be a delay in what theyve been able to learn? Millburn Superintendent Christine Burton said last week during a virtual hearing of the Legislatures Joint Committee on the Public Schools. Does standardized testing students to reveal the obvious pose an even greater detriment to students mental health? However, the state is also facing calls to develop a statewide plan to address learning loss based on statewide assessment data. State Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, chair of the Senate Education Committee, is pursuing legislation that would require the state to compile a learning loss report that identifies and quantifies the pandemics impact on learning. Ruiz released a statement after Murphys announcement Wednesday that she does not support a waiver request but is encouraged that acting state Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan is exploring the collection of data. While the data collected does not provide the same level of detail that a statewide summative assessment would, it can help us address the current need, the lawmaker added. The New Jersey Education Association, the states largest teachers union, commended the waiver application, saying Murphy and Allen-McMillan are standing up for students. In a year filled with challenges and disruptions, the last thing our students need is to lose a single minute of instructional time to take a test that would not yield valid and reliable data or support their learning, the unions leaders said in a statement. New Jersey on Friday reported another 2,679 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 64 additional deaths. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Adam Clark may be reached at aclark@njadvancemedia.com. Have a news tip or a story idea about New Jersey schools? Send it here. CORVALLIS, Ore. Benton County will be receiving millions in federal funding to support COVID-19 mass vaccination clinics. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved $3,116,229 for the efforts. County officials said the money will be allocated to the State of Oregon, which is responsible for directing the funds to them. RELATED: MASS VACCINATION CLINIC HELD AT RESER STADIUM We have been in some level of emergency response for over a year and the ability to receive expedited reimbursement for expenses will be integral for our ongoing success, said Bryan Lee, Director for the Benton County Emergency Operations Center. County officials said the funding and partnerships with Samaritan and Oregon State University will allow the county to administer a large number of vaccines as soon as the supply becomes available. The money will reportedly be used for additional staffing and supplies, improvements to the COVID-19 phone bank software and postage costs to provide information to residents. County officials say the amount of the award is based on a formula calculated by FEMA. on Friday reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation on regional priorities ranging from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, maritime security, infrastructure, supply chain resilience, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, cyber and critical technologies to countering disinformation, in a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade press release. Payne along with her counterparts Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in the third India-Australia-Japan-USA Ministerial Meeting on Thursday. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne further stated in the release, "We discussed the importance of deepening our cooperation to address climate change. We reiterated our serious concerns about the military coup in Myanmar and affirmed our commitment to its democratic transition." Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or is a four-member grouping of Australia, Japan, India and the US. "The Quad is a key pillar of Australia's international agenda, bringing together four like-minded democracies committed to respecting and upholding international rules and obligations through positive, practical engagement to protect and support the sovereignty, prosperity and security of the region," read the release. Payne also reaffirmed commitment to supporting an open, inclusive and resilient region where the rights of all countries are respected and disputes are resolved peacefully, free from coercion, and in accordance with international law. The foreign ministers of the four Quad countries agreed that they strongly opposed any attempts by China to alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific by force or coercion and reiterated their call for a free open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. China has been trying to increase its sphere of influence in the South China Sea as well as in the East China Sea region negating the international laws on seas. It has built artificial islands, Paracel and Spratly island chains in order to claim the 12 nautical miles of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In January this year, it passed a law that gave power to its coastguard to fire on foreign vessels and demolish structures built in disputed waters. Payne also reaffirmed steadfast support for ASEAN centrality and the principles set out in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Quad countries work with ASEAN and through ASEAN-led architecture, particularly the East Asia Summit, to advance a stable and prosperous region, read the release. (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.) [February 19, 2021] Move to Transact Mobile Credential Benefits 8,850 Students Plus Faculty and Staff at Mercer University More than 8,850 students, faculty and staff at Mercer University now benefit from contactless payment, contactless access, and contact tracing, thanks to implementation of Transact's mobile credentials technology last year. Transact, the leader in innovative payment solutions for a connected campus, partnered with Mercer University, a historically Baptist college founded in 1833, to implement mobile credentials on Mercer's campuses in Macon, Atlanta, Savannah, Columbus, and regional academic centers around the state of Georgia. The move provided multiple benefits: improving students' experience and satisfaction by delivering a capability they had advocated for, and promoting safety during the pandemic. "Mobile credentialing in this time of COVID was really a blessing to us," said Dr. James Netherton, executive vice president of administration and finance, Mercer University. "Without a mobile credential, we'd have had 900 students lined up out the door, and in COVID, that's not something you want. The mobile ordering has allowed a lot of students to place an order and then show up to pick it up without having to stand in a long line." "Last fall, we looked at the state and federal guidelines for reopening campus, and our partnership with Transact helped us apply mobile credentials and do contact tracing for the few numbers of cases that we've had on our campuses," said Ken Boyer, associate vice president, auxiliary services, Mercer University. "I really don't want to think about how we would have managed COVD-19 without mobile credentials. It's been so instrumental in our success here at Mercer." Near field communication readers were programmed to support the move to mobile credentials in both Apple Wallet and Google (News - Alert) Pay. Students can load their credentials on Apple or Android phones, and the Apple Watch, as well. Drew, a student at Mercer University, said: "It is very cool to use my watch with the Transact mobile credentials. It is super convenient if I have a lot in my hands. I get mail or I get food, and then I'm carrying it all around, so then I just tap my wrist, and I can go into my dorm or my building." "Our partnership with Mercer began more than 25 years ago, and while technology has changed over the years, their laser focus on students has only grown stronger," said Shaun Burns, vice president of strategic accounts, Transact. "The vision and leadership they've shown in adopting the first-of-its-kind mobile credential has allowed them to further leverage our solutions and provide the safest and most secure environment for their students during this pandemic." Burns continued, "At our core, we continually strive and push ourselves to find new ways to make a positive and meaningful difference for both our clients and the students they serve. The trust Mercer and our client community place in us is an honor, privilege and our greatest responsibility." Watch this video for more about Mercer University's implementation of mobile credentials, or visit www.TransactCampus.com. Follow Transact on Twitter and LinkedIn and join the conversation. *** About Transact Transact is the leader in innovative payment solutions for a connected campus. Its highly configurable, mobile-centric campus technology ecosystem simplifies the student experience across the full spectrum of student life. Transact's offerings include integrated solutions for tuition and other student expense payments, multi-purpose campus IDs, and campus commerce. With a long-standing reputation of serving the higher education community, Transact proudly assists millions of students each year with its innovative products and solutions. For more information, visit www.transactcampus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005036/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The lease on those sculptures ends in late April or early May, when the pieces will be removed, Gillins said. The city is eligible for another round of sculptures and while it usually chooses first, its selection would come toward the end this year. 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. Premier Brian Pallisters vaccine procurement plan is being called a "fantasy," just as doubt is cast on the Alberta company's ability to develop the vaccine before its too late. Premier Brian Pallisters vaccine procurement plan is being called a "fantasy," just as doubt is cast on the Alberta company's ability to develop the vaccine before its too late. Providence Therapeutics of Calgary is too far behind its vaccine development to ever catch up with current approved vaccines, a University of Ottawa professor said Thursday. "In no way do I think this is realistic, and the Manitoba government is holding out very speculative, almost certainly false, hope," said Amir Attaran, a professor in the faculties of law and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. "I think the prospect of Manitoba receiving vaccine from Providence by Dec. 31, which I understand to be the agreement, is in the realm of fantasy." Providence Therapeutics is too far behind its vaccine development to ever catch up with current approved vaccines, says Amir Attaran, a professor in the faculties of law and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa. (Justin Tang / Winnipeg Free Press) Meanwhile, the Alberta government confirmed Thursday it is working with other provinces to look for the most viable Canadian source of its own vaccine supply and there are a number of options, not just Providence, which Manitoba plans to bet $7.2 million on. On Wednesday, Pallister promoted Manitoba's deal with Providence to purchase two million doses of the vaccine for $18 a shot if and when it is ready, with a 20 per cent, $7.2-million non-refundable deposit up front. Pallister said he and other premiers who are "uncomfortable" with delays in federally procured Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccine shipments are looking for their own made-in-Canada supply. The premier defended Manitoba's deal with Providence, saying the vaccine may not be ready until 2022, but it's a risk worth taking to ensure a reliable supply. Manitobans will need COVID-19 booster shots down the road and Pallister wants to buy them from Providence because, he said, the vaccine can be manufactured in Winnipeg. Attaran said Providence is not well-positioned to meet Manitoba's expectations. "The company only just began phase one trials, it has a very long road ahead, it will be extraordinarily difficult to recruit trial subjects if some are offered placebo, and all of this is aimed at challenging established mRNA vaccine incumbents including one of the worlds biggest pharma companies," Attaran said Thursday. Premier Brian Pallister has an agreement with Providence to purchase 200,000 doses of the vaccine for $18 a shot with a 20 per cent, $7.2-million non-refundable deposit up front. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) A day after the premier promoted Manitoba's plan to buy its own vaccine from Providence Therapeutics, the federal government announced vaccine deliveries of Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna the only two COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada were back on track. "We're now coming out of this period of limited supplies," Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, the military commander leading Canada's vaccine logistics said Thursday. By the end of March, Canada will receive four million doses from Pfizer and two million from Moderna. The Public Health Agency of Canada said it expects enough doses to fully vaccinate the country's entire population by September. "It's an abundance of supplies for spring and summer, where we can have a significant scaling-up of immunization plans in provinces," Fortin said. This week, 403,650 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Canada the largest single delivery since shipments began in December. This "abundance" changes nothing about the need for a national, domestic supply of COVID-19 vaccines, a spokeswoman for Pallister said Thursday. "Manitobas investment in this initiative is about building a long-term, made-in-Canada solution to provide vaccine security and insurance to Manitobans and all Canadians," Olivia Billson said in an email. "Federal offshore procurement of vaccines was required because of no national vaccine production to draw upon." Providence Therapeutics' vaccine might not be ready until 2022. (Providence Therapeutics handout) The recent disruptions in delivery reinforce the need for Canada to have a strong, domestic vaccine production capacity, "a goal that every government in Canada shares," she said. "It happened once, it can happen again. The federal government cannot guarantee it wont happen again," she said. "Manitoba took this initiative to protect Manitobans and help support the development of a made-in-Canada vaccine capacity we sorely need." The province has not yet paid the $7.2 million non-refundable deposit to Providence, she said. The premier said Wednesday that Ontario and Alberta are also in talks with Providence. When asked Thursday if Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was looking to procure COVID-19 vaccine from the same Calgary developer as Manitoba, his spokeswoman referred to comments he made on Wednesday. Kenney told reporters that when Alberta effectively ran out of vaccine supplies three weeks ago, it became clear it couldn't rely on federal procurement. "That is why we have begun working with other provinces on examining all possible sources of domestic production," Kenney said. That includes Calgary's Providence Therapeutics, as well as other developers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and other provinces, he said. "I'm working with premiers across the country to share notes," Kenney said. "We're comparing notes on which look the most viable whether we can do something provincially as a Plan B." The spokeswoman for Ontario Premier Doug Ford did not respond to a request for comment. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Democrat Barack Obama holds a double-digit lead on rival Hillary Clinton three days before South Carolina's presidential primary, aided by a huge edge among black voters, a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll shows. Obama leads Clinton 43 per cent to 25 per cent in the rolling tracking poll, with John Edwards a distant third at 15 per cent heading into Saturday's contest. The poll has a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points. More than half of the Democratic primary voters in South Carolina are expected to be black. Obama, an Illinois senator who would be the first black US president, leads among African-Americans by 65 per cent to 16 per cent. Clinton and Edwards are virtually tied among white voters, with Clinton leading 33 per cent to 32 per cent, while Obama is third among whites at 18 per cent. Likely black voters make up slightly more than half of the poll sample. "Obama is doing very well among African-Americans but getting a decent share of the white vote in a three-way race," pollster John Zogby said. The town first entertained the notion in May 2018, when airport owner Paul Goldsmith and Craig Anderson, director and vice president of Griffith Aviation, approached the town about the possibility, the Post-Tribune previously reported. Anderson said at the time that new regulations have all but dried up any funds it had been getting from the state and Federal Aviation Administration. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has approved a bill that allows municipalities to go into the broadband business.The bill , which amends the Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 2013, was signed on Feb. 4. Under the new law, local governments "may acquire, construct, furnish, equip, own, operate, sell, convey, lease, rent, let, assign, dispose of, contract for or otherwise deal in facilities and apparatus for" broadband services. In the past, generally only cable or telephone companies in Arkansas had this ability.Republicans, including Sen. Ricky Hill, introduced the bill last month "This opens it up where we can get some new competitors into this field," said Hill, according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Under the legislation, there are restrictions, such as required partnerships with entities and mandatory public hearings, for local governments that want to use "bonds or other indebtedness" to finance municipal broadband infrastructure. However, the restrictions don't apply if the government owns an "electric utility system or television signal distribution system"; provides services solely for emergency management, law enforcement, education or health care; or has been awarded funding to connect unserved populations.The bill received unanimous approval from the Arkansas House and Senate.Last year, new research indicated that states with fewer restrictions on municipal broadband tended to have better Internet availability. Hamburg/Singapore, August 30, 2010 According to various recent studies, sixty to ninety percent of all mergers and acquisitions fall short of the expectations of managers and shareholders. That is, sixty to ninety percent fail to create the sort of synergies and strategic benefits originally used to justify these endeavors. In an effort to establish a set of practical guidelines aimed at helping managers to increase the likelihood for success Splendid activities were held both online and offline around the world to celebrate the Spring Festival, in hope of an auspicious Year of the Ox. Foreign dignitaries and heads of international organizations also sent greetings to Chinese people and overseas Chinese amid the Spring Festival. As foreign media reported, the high attention attached on the Chinese oriented festival by global countries heralds solidarity and strength in the extraordinary Year of the Ox. Chinese people's love for their families and country was well observed during the past Spring Festival. To better control the COVID-19 pandemic, over 100 million Chinese chose to skip returning home for the Chinese New Year, a festival that is considered the most important occasion for family reunion throughout the year. From Jan. 28 to Feb. 11, a total of 52.33 million railway passenger trips were made, down by 116 million or 68.8 percent from a year ago. However, China's courier industry collected and shipped 365 million express packages between Feb. 11, the Chinese New Year's Eve and Feb. 15, surging 224 percent year on year. Such figures mirrored the strength of "harmony." As Spanish news outlet El Pais remarked, China has entered the post-pandemic era. Besides, the Chinese people's caring for the whole mankind also touched the world. The country's sincere and active contribution to the global efforts to fight the pandemic didn't stop amid the Chinese New Year holiday, and the strength of "harmony" flowed to every corner of the globe. When attending a webinar to mark the Spring Festival, Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin spoke highly of the cooperation between China and Ireland to fight COVID-19. He expressed his thanks to China for assisting his country to purchase anti-pandemic materials. Pakistani President Arif Alvi also thanked China for helping Pakistan fight the pandemic and hailed the long-lasting friendship between the two countries. Vice President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue remarked the mutual assistance between Equatorial Guinea and China has left an indelible chapter of friendship when receiving vaccines donated by China. Many other state leaders also wished bigger successes of China in the new year, which demonstrates that the growth of China is a growth of peaceful power, and the country is bound to constantly make newer and greater contributions to the noble cause of peace and development. The happy and harmonious festivity brought warmth to the world haunted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Landmarks in New York, Tokyo and other places of the world were lighted to celebrate the Spring Festival. Dragon dancing and acrobatics shows were staged on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand after the country made this year's Spring Festival a legal holiday for the first time ever. Singapore hosted online Chingay, which means the art of costume and masquerade, themed Light of Hope. The event was joined by over 150 organizations and 2,000 people. Though countries celebrated the festival in different forms, they shared the same aspiration for a better life and encouraged each other to build the planet into a more beautiful place. Ox signifies diligence, sacrifice, endeavor and strength in Chinese culture. To strive like an ox and respond to challenges with concrete efforts is a common aspiration of the world. "The ox symbolizes energy, strength, and courage. These qualities are what the world needs now," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a video message for the Spring Festival. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the ox has a positive outlook, and this made her optimistic that together the world can overcome what is still a global crisis. Deputy Director-General Karl Brauner of the WTO remarked that the Year of the Ox will be a year of recovery. People across the world are wishing for a harmonious, smooth and auspicious year. On the global stage, China, by upholding the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, will sincerely join hands with global partners for closer cooperation and a better future. This 18-month celebratory event will feature new experiences at the resort's four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering EARidescent decor will appear as if by magic. Shining at the center of it all will be Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, which will add to its royal makeover from 2020 with new gold bunting, sparkling golden embellishments and other new enhancements, including a 50 th anniversary crest warmly welcoming guests to the join the festivities. Beacons of Magic at All Four Walt Disney World Theme Parks As part of "The World's Most Magical Celebration," icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow. Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust. will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust. At Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature. The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure. And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure's permanent new lighting will continue beyond "The World's Most Magical Celebration" as a defining feature of the park. Mickey and Minnie: Dressed for the Occasion As hosts of "The World's Most Magical Celebration," Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in sparkling new looks, custom-made for this special occasion. Highlights of these celebratory designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric all punctuated with pops of gold. Joining Mickey and Minnie, Walt Disney World cast members will be at the heart of this event. They will demonstrate yet again why they are renowned for their commitment to service, consistently exceeding guests' expectations by going above and beyond to make visits to The Most Magical Place on Earth special. More details about "The World's Most Magical Celebration" will be announced in the future. For more information, visit WDWNews.com, DisneyWorld.com/50 and DisneyParksBlog.com, plus follow #DisneyWorld50 on social media platforms. SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort Two dogs are missing after thieves drove off in their professional walker's van. The van, which was stolen around 1pm yesterday in Barnet, north London was later found abandoned with one dog inside. However, two other dogs remain missing and are believed to have been taken by the thieves. Melina Georgiou, pictured, has been left devastated by the theft of her one-year-old Maltipoo, Nala, from her dog walker in Barnet, north London Nala, pictured, was taken from the back of the dog walker's van in Barnet, north London Owner of one of the dogs, Melina Georgiou has launched an appeal on Facebook for the return of her pet Nala, a cross between a Maltese and a poodle known as as Maltipoo. Ms Georgiou, 27, trusted the safety of her pet with a professional dog walking service. However, as the dog walker went to another client's house in Barnet, north London, the thieves drove off in the van, she says. Nala, and a second dog, Chester, who has cancer, are still missing. According to a post of Facebook, Ms Georgiou wrote: 'Our beautiful little 1 year old maltipoo called Nala was stolen this afternoon while the dogs were being dropped home from a walk by our dog walker. 'As the dog walker walked out of the car to drop one of the dogs home IN BARNET NORTH LONDON, someone jumped in her van and drove off with Nala and two others.' Ms Georgiou told The Star: 'I cannot BELIEVE the support not only from locals but from the whole entire country. Its been absolutely overwhelming, weve had over 11k shares on Facebook alone, hundreds and hundreds on Instagram and Twitter and floods of loving messages or support and kind words which has been so motivating to never give up hope that well find her. Ms Georgiou released an appeal on Facebook for people to help her find her stolen dog 'ts been a horrible day but everyones local support has been a beautiful thing.' Organised criminals are turning to dog theft amid a rise in demand for puppies during lockdown, police have warned. Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), said the increase in potential profits had made the illegal trade more attractive to hardened lawbreakers. The charity DogLost saw reported pet thefts rise from 172 dogs in 2019 to 465 in 2020. Ms Blackman, who is the NPCC lead for acquisitive crime, said: 'Dog theft can be a devastating crime for families and causes considerable distress to owners. 'Whilst it is still a very rare crime, its sadly something we have seen increasing recently. 'During the coronavirus pandemic, criminals have adjusted their activities and are taking advantage of the big demand for pets over the lockdown period. At the time of her theft, Nala, pictured, was wearing a pink coat. She has been microchipped according to Ms Georgiou 'The cost of a puppy has considerably increased over the past year making this a lucrative market for organised criminals to exploit.' She warned pet owners to be careful posting pictures of their new puppy on social media, and for buyers to consider where the animal had come from. Recent cases of suspected dog theft include the discovery of several English bulldog puppies at a home in Wigan. Greater Manchester Police arrested three people after a member of the public saw someone carrying seven puppies into the house. In Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police found 80 dogs at a property in Carmarthenshire that are thought to have been stolen. Two people have been arrested and so far 30 of the animals have been returned to their owners. More bright side news, a benefit of Kansas City's slow street clearing performance . . . KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- The heavy snowfall on Tuesday helped Kansas City police arrest shooting and robbery suspects immediately after the crime. The suspects, 18-year-old Nova Warren and 22-year-old Mercury Davis, have both been charged with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action. Officers at 27th Street and Van Brunt Boulevard heard a gunshot about 2:45 a.m. EDWARDSVILLE Founding members Troy Walton and Steve Telken along with firm attorney Micah Summers of Walton Telken, LLC were selected as Illinois Super Lawyers for 2021. Firm attorney Adam Bragee was also honored as a Rising Star for the third year in a row. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. No more than five percent of attorneys in the state are given the honor of being named a Super Lawyer. Walton was also honored as a distinguished member of the Top 100: 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers List. Walton has been inducted into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum with membership reserved for the top 1 percent of lawyers in the United States, selected as a Leading Lawyer in personal injury, received the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards and recognized as one of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiffs Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. Telken said the firm has strived to find ways to continue to provide quality representation and personal service to clients during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Our clients come to us with difficult problems and serious injuries. Anytime we are recognized for the dedicated service that we provide, we are grateful, Telken said. In the past few years, the Walton Telken firm has handled cases resulting in the recovery of millions of dollars for clients. Walton Telken handles serious personal injury and wrongful death actions involving motor vehicle and trucking accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, premises liability and workers compensation. The firm also handles complex civil litigation including mass torts and class actions. Walton Telken is headquartered in Edwardsville and handles cases throughout Illinois and Missouri. For more information, visit www.waltontelken.com. Kendall Jenner announced her latest business venture on Tuesday with a post on Instagram explaining her years-long process of creating "the best tasting tequila." But after releasing the first images of the product named 818 after the area code of her hometown of Calabasas, Calif., people across the internet began to criticize the 25-year-old, calling it "gentrification." 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. Lucas Assis, a Los Angeles-based bartender from Brazil who has experience in the tequila industry from his wife's family in Mexico, tells Yahoo Life that he was "disappointed but not surprised" when he caught wind of Jenner's new brand. "There was just a lack of respect to the culture and the importance of tequila to Mexico. She didnt even know how to properly drink tequila," he says of Jenner's announcement post. "For an outsider to come out and say that in only four years and with no prior knowledge of the spirit she was able to make the best tasting tequila is disrespectful." Assis posted a video on his social media explaining his stance that Jenner's 818 brand is in fact an example of cultural appropriation. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. In it, he brings attention to a number of pain points that countless people throughout the Latinx community have talked about, including Jenner improperly tasting the tequila with ice cubes in her cup, failing to label the bottles in Spanish and even suggesting that four years was all it took to create what she says is the "best tasting tequila," when the agave a plant that tequila originates from takes double that time to mature. All of this goes to show that people infiltrating the industry, like Jenner, are overlooking the cultural importance of the agricultural product, Assis says. "The plant is embedded in the country's history and culture. Celebrities need to understand the detrimental effect their brands can have on the tequila industry but even most importantly on the agriculture of the agave plant," he explains. "Using Mexicos culture and history for nothing other than capital gain is culture appropriation. Not to mention leaving the family-owned small distilleries, who have been doing this for generations, struggling to keep up with the sky rocketing prices of the agave, due to farmers simply not being able to keep up with the demand." Story continues He continues, "Agaves take eight to nine years to fully mature, so now we see the mega distilleries harvesting them as young as three to four years old and using diffusers and chemicals to extract the sugars, essentially changing the whole process and the spirit itself, just to keep up with the demand created by the big brands and celebrity tequilas." 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. While many people talked about profiting off of the workers in Jalisco, Mexico, others discussed the issue of Jenner calling the brand 818 to appeal to the largely Latin demographic of the San Fernando Valley. 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. Still, some people pointed out that Jenner seems to be facing more backlash for appropriating Mexican culture than a number of other celebrities who have pushed out their own tequila brands in the past namely white male celebrities. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "Maybe there is a level of sexism from some people to see a young successful woman starting a tequila brand," Assis says. But while the general public might not have taken to hold George Clooney and Nick Jonas accountable for their tequila companies, Assis has. "I have been calling out celebrity tequilas in previous videos, before 818 was announced," he explains. "Ive called out Elon Musk and his Tesla tequila, Casamigos [by Clooney] and even Dos Hombres mezcal from Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. When it comes to Jenner's brand in particular, Assis suggests that "few have the level of influence she has," which might add to the attention both positive and negative that she's receiving. "If you want an authentic women owned and operated tequila look for 'La Gritona.' It's amazing, small batch and women owned," he says. While he maintains that "all celebrity tequila" should be avoided in favor of supporting Mexican brands, Assis explains that there is a right way to get involved in the industry. "Just dont use other peoples culture and history for nothing else other than capital gain. Respect the culture, dont pretend you know what it means, dont claim it your own," he says. "There are many ways to get involved in the industry and not exploit it." Read more from Yahoo Life: Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. A total of 19 entities, five aircraft, and eight individuals have been sanctioned in the latest move. The National Security and Defense Council at its meeting on Friday, February 19, imposed a package of sanctions on an MP with the pro-Russian OPZzh party Viktor Medvedchuk, a major political ally in Ukraine of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His wife Oksana Marchenko, as well as on a number of affiliated persons, have also been sanctioned, that's according to Interior Minister Arsen Avakov. Read also"Freudian slip" as Putin comments on Ukraine's move to ban pro-Russian TV channels"A meeting of the National Security and Defense Council has just ended, where a decision was made on the relevant sanctions against Mr Medvedchuk, [his wife] Oksana Marchenko, and several other persons affiliated with Medvedchuk's holding," Avakov said. Speaking at a briefing, NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said a total of 19 entities and eight individuals have been sanctioned in the latest move, according to an UNIAN correspondent. All property and assets owned by Mr Medvedchuk and his wife are subject to sanctions, Danilov elaborated to a clarifying question. The list also includes Russian nationals Vitaly Donchenko, Alexander Maslyuk, and Mikhail Popov, and Konstantin Vatskovsky, as well as two Ukrainian citizens Natalia Lavrenik and Serhiy Lisohor. Five aircraft and companies involved in operating them have also been sanctioned for flying to Russia despite the existing ban, Danilov said, according to the BBC. Security officials accuse Medvedchuk of "financing terrorism", as per Article 258 Part 5 of the Criminal Code, Romanenko added. Ban on pro-Russian TV channels President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 2 enacted a package of sanctions put forward by the National Security and Defense Council, effectively blocking a number of media assets, including 112 Ukraine, ZIK, and NewsOne TV channels that had been multiple times accused of preaching pro-Russian rhetoric, formally owned by Taras Kozak an MP and ally of Vladimir Putin's crony Viktor Medvedchuk. Commenting on own move, President Zelensky said he strongly supports freedom of speech, but not "propaganda financed by the aggressor country." SBU security service chief Ivan Bakanov said, "There is a big difference between freedom of speech and outright anti-Ukrainian rhetoric. Freedom of speech ends where signs appear of encroachment on territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine." U.S. diplomats in Ukraine have supported the move and called for joint efforts "to prevent disinformation from being deployed as a weapon in an information war against sovereign states." Meanwhile, the European Union's External Service said it was "assessing the implications" of the ban on TV channels. Following the ban on pro-Russian TV channels, NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said the authorities could introduce restrictive measures against more media assets if evidence was found proving they worked to the detriment of Ukraine's national security, playing in the hands of the adversary. Reporting by UNIAN Republicans in California are about evenly divided on whether or not to get the COVID-19 vaccination, while Democrats and voters with no party affiliation are much more likely to seek it, says a new Berkeley IGS poll. Credit: Wikimedia Commons As California struggles to bring the deadly COVID-19 pandemic under control, the state's Republican voters are far less likely to seek a vaccine and express less support for small businesses, health care workers and other at-risk workers, according to a new poll by UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS). Only 58% of Republican voters surveyed say they are very or somewhat likely to seek the vaccine, compared to 88% among Democrats and 72% among those with no party affiliation. More than one-third of Republicans37% in allsay they are somewhat or very unlikely to seek the vaccine, compared to 8% of Democrats and 22% of those with no party . The poll described the Californians' attitudes on the pandemic as "highly politicized," and found that Republicans are more likely to see vaccinations as a matter of personal choice, rather than as a shared responsibility to protect the health of all Californians. "COVID has brought to the forefront a tension between values about the individual and the community," said IGS co-Director Cristina Mora. But underlying that longstanding partisan disagreement, she said, are racial tensions and even a disagreement about whether the threat of the pandemic is real. An IGS poll last May found similar partisan divisions: Supporters of then-President Donald Trump were less concerned that they might infect others and more worried about the economy. Voters generally agreed on the importance of washing their hands, but were polarized about other core strategies to slow the spread of the virus, including shelter-in-place orders and the economic lockdown. Since the early days of the pandemic, the virus has exacted a deadly toll: Nearly a half-million Americans have died, 47,000 of them in California. The new poll, conducted from Jan. 23-29, suggests that the sharp partisan divisions have persisted, reflecting not just a split in perceptions of COVID-related risk, but a divergence in values about the role of individuals in their communities. Financial relief for small businesses: Overall, 52% of California voters favor government aid to small businesses so that they can shut down and protect the owners and employees, while 42% say government should allow businesses to remain open. Among Democrats, 73% favor financial aid. Only 16% of Republicans agree, while eight out of 10 prefer that government allow small businesses to remain open. Hazard pay for at-risk workers: Among Republican voters, 48% support "hazard pay" for grocery store employees, teachers and other front-line workers; 42% are opposed. Such measures win support from 92% of Democrats and 78% of those with no party preference. Risks faced by health care workers: 94% of Democrats and 81% of those with no party preference are very or somewhat worried that medical workers will become exhausted and reach their breaking point. Among Republicans, 69% share that concern, while 28% say they're not worried. Wearing face masks: Only four in 10 Republicans express worry about people not wearing face masks, compared to 86% of Democrats and 69% of those with no party identification. Among Republicans, 58% say they are not worried about those who don't wear masks. Overall, 70% of voters say they are very or somewhat worried about those who don't wear masks. Personal choice vs. community responsibility: Among Democrats, 78% say it is "everyone's responsibility" to get vaccinated to help protect the health of other people, followed by 57% of those with no party preference. Among Republicans, 28% agree, but 69% call it a matter of personal choice. The medical impacts of COVID-19 have fallen disproportionately on people of color, Mora said, and underlying racial tensions also have a bearing in the survey findings. "Those who say they're Democrats are much more racially diverse than those who say they're Republicans," she explained. "And if you look at the world, those who are grocery store clerks and those who are teachersthey are much more diverse." Those underlying tensions, compounded by the pressure of the pandemic, has had the power to creating surprising shifts in party values. For example, she said, "we think of Republicans as pro-business and pro-small business, and Democrats being less so"but that's reversed in the new poll. When Republicans argue that they prefer to support small business by allowing them to remain open, or when they do not support hazard pay for high-risk workers, that may seem a familiar ideological position. But in effect, she said, that goes beyond ideology into a more troubling realm. "The only way you can have that stance," she said, "is if you don't think this virus is very real." The latest Berkeley IGS Poll was conducted in English and Spanish from Jan. 23-29 among a random sample of 10,358 registered voters across California. More information: The troubling political dimension of the coronavirus in California: The troubling political dimension of the coronavirus in California: escholarship.org/uc/item/1zd014bk A coming-of-adulthood romp that could sit right next to The Big Chill, The Best Man follows a group of friends, in town for the wedding of one of their own, as they realize the best man played by Taye Diggs is about to sneakily release a book about their lives. The film, released in 1999, grew such a large following that they returned years later in The Best Mans Holiday, which was even more successful than the original. The cast has that kind of rare, lightning-in-a-bottle connection that makes you believe every relationship is thoroughly lived and true. The jokes fly high and the drama hits with full force. Just recently it was announced that the cast (and writer/director Malcom D. Lee, who also helmed Roll Bounce ) will return for a limited series to give this decades-spanning saga a fitting send-off. 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. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-18 23:46:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on May 21, 2020 shows red flags on the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's decision to pull BBC World News off the air countrywide is legitimate and reasonable, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said here on Thursday. Hua made the remarks when asked to comment on British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab's claim that the decision by China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) to ban the Britain-based BBC World News broadcaster was "an unacceptable curtailing of media freedom." She said that an investigation by the NRTA found that China-related reports made by BBC World News seriously violated China's radio and television regulations and the regulations on overseas satellite channels on China's mainland, and violated broadcasting rules on accuracy and impartiality, undermining China's national interests and ethnic unity, and failing to meet the requirements for overseas channels to broadcast on China's mainland. As such, BBC World News is not allowed to continue its service on China's mainland, and the NRTA will not accept its broadcast application this year, the spokesperson said. Hua emphasized that for some time the BBC has repeatedly produced and broadcast fake news with strong ideological prejudice against China, and spread false information on issues related to Hong Kong and Xinjiang, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the decision of Britain's communications regulator Ofcom to revoke the license of CGTN to broadcast in Britain represents the political repression on the Chinese media, she said, adding that as an international professional media organization, CGTN strictly abides by British laws and regulations and the professional ethics of journalism, and adheres to the principles of objectivity, fairness, truthfulness and accuracy in news reporting. CGTN is internationally recognized for its professionalism. However, in February 2020, Ofcom suddenly initiated an investigation procedure to revoke the license of CGTN in Britain on the grounds of its ultimate control and its political attributes. During the investigation, CGTN fully cooperated with Ofcom and sought to solve the problem in a constructive manner, she said. However, Ofcom repeatedly rejected the Chinese proposal and decided on Feb. 4 to arbitrarily revoke the license of CGTN English News Channel in Britain. Hua said that the facts have proved that Britain's move was an act of political suppression based on strong ideological prejudice. She stressed that it has fully exposed the hypocrisy of the British side, as on the one hand, the British side flouts the freedom of the press, and on the other hand, it keeps dragging the political attributes of the media into the spotlight. Noting that China has always welcomed foreign journalists, including the British media, to report in China, and facilitated their work and life in China, Hua said what China opposes is ideological prejudice against China, concocting fake news, and behaviors that violate journalistic ethics. "China urges Britain to immediately stop political manipulation and correct its mistakes. China reserves the right to make further legitimate and necessary responses," she added. Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. 23406 Artem Tymoshenko, CEO, Maxpay LLC Artem Tymoshenko, CEO, Maxpay LLC Earlier this month while speaking at Finovate Europe, Tinna Hung, Director of Marketing at EyeVerify, described how she has 97 separate passwords to remember. Following password security best practices requires that you change each of those passwords every 30 days. This means that she would need to come up with and remember over unique 1000 passwords every year! Some people turn to password managers, but could biometrics offer a better solution? Biometrics Biometrics is simply using some unique aspect of one's body as a means of authentication. Our brains are naturally wired for facial recognition, but computers are much more adept to checking fingerprints, finger veins, hand geometry, iris, retina, voice and DNA. Not only are biometrics secure, they can be much more convenient since it is hard to lose your biometric signature behind. If you can't find your finger, you likely have bigger problems than trying to access your email. Apple began using biometrics in 2013 with its fingerprint sensor integrated into the iPhone 5S. Once set up, it allows users unlock their device and make purchases online with the touch of the screen. Banks however, have be much more reluctant to adopt the technology. Recent polls show that 29 percent of consumers would be more likely to use a bank that offers biometric security. That represents a huge opportunity in the market. The primary goal is to increase security by accurately identifying the identity more quickly and reliably Given the clamor for biometrics among consumers, those banks who seize the moment and are able to introduce biometric security measures across the board are likely to attract new customers, says Clayton Locke, Chief Technology Officer at Intelligent Environments. Over the coming decade, biometrics and security more broadly will undoubtedly become a key battleground within the banking industry where we are likely to see some of the more innovative banks steal a march on their rivals. One of the early adopters into the system is India's Yes Bank that recently partnered with Lastmile.mobi to offer its customers a biometric point-of-sale terminal using iris scanning technology. The device has multiple uses for both retail and corporate customers right from e-KYC verification and ATM functionalities to disbursal of small loans to merchants, said Yes Bank Senior President Ritesh Pai in the announcement. Along with all the advantages that biometric authentication can offer to facilitate banking and POS, it could also be used to identify known fraudsters at ATMs or in bank branches, verify customers at the counter using fingerprints or using voice recognition to verify clients calling to call centers. The advantages don't stop there, many governments are also turning to biometrics to identify and protect their citizens: Saudi Arabia has launched a new program to fingerprint anyone buying a SIM card to tighten down on activities that threaten national security. Adil Al-Aid, an expert on biometric identification systems, said The Ministry of Interior is seeking to build a world-class and highly efficient database containing the biometric features of both citizens and residents through representation by the National Information Center. In mid-January, Hungary launched a new one-stop card that combines personal identification including fingerprint data, social security and tax identification information. It will be valid for six years for adults and will be a single point of identification for any interactions with government agencies. Turkish authorities have begun distributing new biometric identity cards in a pilot program that will combat problems with duplication, falsification and forgery. The biometric cards will be able to hold up to 1 GB of information, including the users finger and palm prints. The Aadhaar project in India is well underway. Launched in 2009, Aadhaar is now the world's largest biometric ID program. Aadhaar number provides access to services like banking, mobile phone connections and a growing list of other governmental and non-governmental services. It is continuing to expand and plans to eventually include 1.25 billion Indian citizens, meaning that this single program will contain biometric data for nearly 17 percent of the human population! More and more companies and governments are adopting biometrics to authenticate and service their constituents. The primary goal is to increase security by accurately identifying the identity more quickly and reliably. Not only does this simplify security, it also improves the overall user experience. A true win-win. Telstra noted that it is now blocking about 6.5 million suspected scam calls in a single month! This is around 500,000 scam calls a day! The company noted that this was thanks to automating the previous manual process that sat at a whopping 1 million scam calls per month. Telstra Clean Pipes program According to the story by ZDNet, the new system that Telstra reportedly built in-house now forms the third leg of the company's Cleaner Pipes program. Back in May, the company now kicked off with its DNS filtering in order to fight against trojans, botnets, as well as some other malware types. This also extended to blocking some phishing text messages all purporting to be from either Centrelink or myGov before they had hit the phones of their customers. The CEO, Mr. Andy Penn wrote in a particular blog post that scams calls are not just annoying, but they have also caused a real financial impact on Australians in general and are also estimated to have cost some ordinary Australians about AU$48 million or over $37 million USD in 2020. He then noted that for those thinking they are receiving a particular scam call, the simple thing to do would be to hang up and avoid the scammers altogether. How scams function Penn noted that the company would only call its customers between the hours of 9am all the way up to 8pm on weekdays and from 10am up to 3pm on Saturdays. However, there would never be calls on Sundays. The exception towards this, as noted by the president is when the user has an unpaid account or even a customer-initiated inquiry with the respect to a particular order, fault, or even complaint. It was also noted that they will respect the customers' wishes and even terminate the call for those that say no and that the company won't ever repeatedly call those that won't answer. These were noted as hallmarks of certain scam calls. Penn noted that in the future where scam calls of that particular type are now effectively ring-fenced as well as eliminated from the network. Read Also: HTC and Telstra Plan to Bring Android Jelly Bean to One XL and One S, Release Dates Uncertain Telstra revenue fall 10% It was also noted that it will also take more innovation and investment as well as continued support coming from the government, however, they have an ambition to be able to make these kinds of different changes to continue to improve the total level of trust that the Australians have in their own phones. Last week, Telstra has also reported a challenging first half of the known fiscal year that it had seen double-digit drops in both the earnings and revenue before the interest, the income tax, expense, amortization, depreciation, and consequently, it has also revised its own guidance downwards. For the very first half of December 31, the company noted that it saw revenue fall down 10% to AU$12 billion. Related Article: Telstra Launches First 600Mbps-Capable CAT11 Device BBC director-general Tim Davie has endorsed a statement from Womans Hour which says the programme will reflect on concerns raised by an interview with a prominent female Muslim. He was responding to an open letter signed by more than 100 figures including politicians, journalists and celebrities. It labelled the interview with Zara Mohammed, the first female leader of the Muslim Council of Britain, strikingly hostile and called for a greater representation of Muslims within the BBC. Read More The BBC also received 564 complaints over the interview, which saw presenter Emma Barnett repeatedly ask her guest about the number of female imams in Britain. The letters signatories included Tory peer Sayeeda Warsi and Labour MPs Diane Abbott and Naz Shah, which criticised the lack of representation of Muslims within the BBC. They said Barnett kept interrupting Mohammeds answer and the segment mirrored the style and tone of an accountability interview with a politician, rather than authentically recognising and engaging in what this represented for British Muslim women. Mr Davie said: As an employer and a broadcaster paid for by the public, we have a duty to reflect the whole of the UK in our staff and within our programmes. He added: You are correct, across the BBC, representation of Muslims within our staff is lower than the national average but it is not as low as you suggest. Mr Davie said the BBC is always looking for ways to improve knowledge of issues facing Muslims in the UK. His letter also included a response from the BBC Radio 4 programme, which said: Womans Hour has a long history of trusted journalism and thorough interviews. While we appreciate that people can sometimes have very differing responses to our live interviews and discussions, we believe it was legitimate for the programme to seek to explore some of the issues facing Muslims in the UK. Womans Hour however has always been a programme that listens to feedback and learns from the responses we receive; we will reflect on the issues and concerns you raise in this open letter. We always endeavour to reflect the experiences and issues impacting Muslim women as well as think hard about how we do so, and we will continue to do that. We commit to returning to this on air soon and to deepen our engagement with the issues that matter most to Muslim women, as well as looking at representation across Womans Hour as part of the BBCs plans to more accurately reflect the society we serve. Mr Davie said he agrees with their statement and added that he thinks it would be helpful for the signatories of the letter to meet senior staff at the BBC to discuss the issues they raise. People wear masks and face shields as they queue to board public buses and jeepneys during a community quarantine in Manila, Feb. 2, 2021. Updated at 11:36 p.m. ET on 2021-02-19 President Rodrigo Duterte may further ease coronavirus quarantine rules by March, his aides said Friday, even as the Philippines faces delays in the delivery of foreign-made coronavirus vaccines, which the government had earlier promised would begin arriving here in mid-February. The Philippines stands behind neighboring Indonesia as the countries in East Asia hardest hit by cases from the global pandemic. As of Friday, the Philippines had recorded more than 557,000 cases overall that resulted in 11,829 deaths since the virus was first detected here early last year, according to data from Johns Hopkins University in the United States. In Manila, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the new rules codified under the so-called modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) would be the most relaxed in the Philippines, which has been on various stages of a lockdown since March last year. The mayors of the 16 cities and one municipality, which make up Metropolitan Manila, had also recommended to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) that the same status cover the region and the rest of the country, he said. We expect that since both the IATF and Metro Manila mayors have sought the imposition of the MGCQ in the country, perhaps the president might agree, Roque announced over government television, adding that President Rodrigo Duterte was expected to decide on this next Monday. Lockdowns have been gradually eased and modified since March 2020. However, tighter restrictions remain in force in places still under a general community quarantine (GCQ) than in areas classified as under a modified general community quarantine. The difference could be hugely felt in the business sector, which has been in the doldrums since last year. And with the economy shrinking by 9.5 percent last year, many local businessmen are struggling to keep their heads above water, officials said. Based on the rules set by the inter-agency task force, businesses can operate at full capacity, subject to safety and health standards. But for those operating at 75 percent under the GCQ, they can now operate at 100 percent. And those at 50 percent under the GCQ can go to 75 percent under the MGCQ, officials said. For now, Metro Manila, the northern Cordillera region, Batangas province south of the capital, the central city of Tacloban and four other southern cities, including Dutertes hometown of Davao, remain under a general community quarantine. The rest of the Philippines has been under the more relaxed quarantine for the month of February. Earlier this week, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the economy had suffered much during the extended lockdowns, which he said had caused 23.7 million more Filipinos to go hungry and 4.5 million more to fall into poverty. The data is alarming because we are also seeing a higher hunger incidence in Metro Manila, Chua told a cabinet meeting this week. Many cannot earn because they cannot go to work or lost their jobs, and this means more Filipinos are going to be hungry. He argued that many people needed to generate income to be able to tap hospital care as well for non-COVID reasons. The trade-off is not between health and economy, but between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 threats, such as hunger, poverty, and other diseases, Chua said. The Philippine government had earlier promised that Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine developed by U.S. firm Pfizer in partnership with the German firm BioNTech, and another one developed by Anglo-Swedish firm AstraZeneca would arrive in the country by mid-February, but has since said that the deliveries faced delays. Last month, Philippine drug regulators cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency-use in the country, which is expecting to receive at least 117,000 doses of the vaccine. Meanwhile, Chinese firm Sinovac has also promised the delivery of about 600,000 doses of its vaccine. But that shipment cannot yet proceed because the company has not yet secured an emergency-use authorization from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the government has said. It has not given a new delivery schedule, but the IATF as well as the health department have said that vaccines would arrive by the first quarter of this year. On Friday, Roque said that Duterte was growing impatient with the delays in the procurement of vaccines. The president has already spoken. He said that he himself is getting impatient, Roque said. The vaccines should arrive by now, and because the president has already spoken it might help to get things to move along. This updated version clarifies information that government officials had given earlier about the timeline for vaccine deliveries. The Fat Boys rapper Prince Markie Dee dies Prince Markie Dee is dead at age 52, his manager Louis Uncle Louie Gregory announced. The Fat Boys rapper, whose real name was Mark Morales, died Thursday, one day short of his 53rd birthday; a cause of death has not been announced. Forever in my Heart, Gregory wrote on Twitter. Prince Markie Dee was more than a rapper; he was one of my very best and closest friends. My heart breaks today because I lost a brother. Ill always love you Mark and Ill cherish everything you taught me. Tomorrow is your birthday, swing my way big bro. Morales, Darren Robinson (aka the Human Beatbox), and Damon Wimbley (aka Kool Rock Ski), formed the influential hip-hop group in the 1980s, appeared in Krush Groove, and had hits like Wipe Out (with The Beach Boys) and Stick Em. Dee also had a solo hit with Typical Reasons (Swing My Way), produced tracks for artists like Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey, and worked as a radio DJ, most recently hosting The Prince Markie Dee Show on SiriusXMs Rock the Bells. Mortal Kombat trailer Finish him! The first trailer for Mortal Kombat, a new adaptation of the popular video game franchise, introduces MMA fighter Cole Young to a battle with the Outworld for the fate of the universe. Like the original 90s films, the film features popular characters like Sub-Zero, Shang Tsung, Jax, Raiden, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Kano, Mileena and more. Mortal Kombat debuts in theaters and on HBO Max (for 31 days) starting April 16. MORE BUZZ: Ed Sheeran hints at new album coming this year ( BB Police open investigation into Marilyn Manson abuse allegations ( RS Creepshow pulls Marilyn Manson episode amid abuse allegations ( ET Creepshow renewed for season 3 at Shudder ( SF Rick Astleys Never Gonna Give You Up video is gloriously remastered ( BB Natti Natasha reveals shes pregnant ( E! Kamala Harris stepdaughter hits runway at NY Fashion Week ( ET Ariana Grande releases deluxe edition of Positions album ( BB Haim releases new expanded album with Taylor Swift collab ( RS Brandy, Monica recreate The Boy is Mine on TikTok ( E! Buzz is a daily roundup of entertainment news about movies, TV, music and celebrities. 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. Indias largest manufacturer of industrial and medical gases, INOX Air Products (INOXAP) plans to invest Rs 2,000 crore to build 8 new air separation units across the country. This will be Indias largest greenfield plan in the industrial gases sector. This follows a manifold increase in demand for medical oxygen because of the Covid-19 pandemic though the company says it is looking ahead at the government's push for the manufacturing and infrastructure sector. With a combined capacity to make more than 1500 tonne a day (TPD) of liquid gases, the expansion will take INOXAPs total liquid gases production to 4800 TPD by 2024. The would be funded by a mix of debt and internal cash accruals. "The debt portion is yet to be worked out but it could be 40 per cent of the investment," Siddharth Jain, director - INOX Air Products, told Business Standard. INOXAPs new plants will be strategically located in proximity of high demand growth areas in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. The plants will produce liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and liquid argon and will be commissioned during the course of FY22-24. The bulk availability of industrial and medical gases will ensure constant supplies for the electronic manufacturing, pharmaceutical sector, besides helping iron, steel and automobile industries to ramp up their production capacities. The projects will generate more than 1000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in their respective regions. "The 8 plants would be set up on a sequential basis over the next 12 to 36 months. There is a demand for the gases both as feedstock and raw material," said Jain. Complementing the critical boost provided in Budget 2021 to the healthcare sector, INOXAPs expansion would also augment its liquid medical oxygen production capacity by 50 per cent, said the company. With an objective of rejuvenating the countrys economic landscape, Budget 2021 pronounced major investments and initiatives around manufacturing, infrastructure and healthcare. As we welcome the enhanced capex in these critical areas, we want to be prepared to service the countrys future-oriented and accelerated growth drive by ensuring capacity creation of industrial and medical gases across the growth corridors of the country. The expanded capacity will enable us to serve the core sectors," said Jain. INOX AP currently manufactures 3300 TPD of liquid gases across 44 locations in the country. During COVID, INOXAP has been catering to more than 60 per cent of the total medical oxygen demand in the country. All INOXAP units have been running 24x7 to ensure a continuous production and supply of medical oxygen to more than 800 hospitals nationwide through a dedicated fleet of 550 transport tanks. Jain said the medical oxygen demand had peaked to 4X of pre-COVID level in September 2020 but in February 2021 is down to 2X. It may come down further but the demand for oxygen will grow since different ways of taking it have come up. Demand for industrial gases, on the other hand, is back to the pre-COVID level after it had fallen to 10-15 per cent of the normal in April 2020. INOX Air Products is the largest manufacturer of Industrial & Medical Gases in India. The company offers a portfolio of gases, equipment and services and has a vastly diverse client ecosystem including more than 1800 small, medium and large manufacturing organizations. Established in 1963 by the Jain Family as Industrial Oxygen Company Ltd in Pune, the company aimed to augment and capitalize upon the rapid industrialization taking place in the country. In 1999, Air Products & Chemicals Inc., US acquired a 50 per cent stake in the company, after which it was called INOX Air Products. Jain said one of the major challenges for the industrial gas sector remained the cost of electricity. Sixty per cent of our cost is power since we are in the business of separation of air. We hope with the Budget announcement of deregulation of distribution sector, consumers will have the option of purchasing power from multiple sources. Broadly, air comprises 78 per cent nitrogen, 21 per cent oxygen and remaining other gases. Through the air separation process, different gases can be separately produced. Ingka Centres, part of the Ingka group, which also owns most stores worldwide, on Friday said that it was setting up its first shopping centre in India for an investment of Rs 5,500 crore. This will mark a significant step-up for the group's big-box retail plans in the country. The group already has two flagship stores in India, one in Hyderabad, the other in Navi Mumbai, measuring over 400,000 sq ft each. The proposed mall, to be launched in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, will add to Ingka Centres' growing list of properties across the world. The company has 45 shopping centres across Europe, Russia and China. It plans to enter the United States this year and is looking to foray deeper into existing markets of operation. The India shopping centre is expected to take around two to three years to build, industry experts said, given Ingka group's focus on quality. Land for the project, a 48,000-square-metre plot, has been acquired in Noida, the company said on Friday. The group also said that it was unveiling its 'Meeting Places' concept, providing a sustainable mixed-use destination that would bring many people together for multiple reasons. "Meeting Places are always anchored around an store and are designed to meet the needs of local communities bringing value for customers, communities, and partners," the company said. Peter Betzel, chief executive officer and chief sustainability officer, Ikea India, said that Delhi-NCR was an important market for the retailer. "This next step in our expansion is in line with Ikea's ambition to meet 100 million people in India in the coming years," he said. Ikea is also expected to open two smaller city-centre stores in Mumbai, another priority market for the retailer. The company has already launched online stores in Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad. It is also eyeing a store in Bengaluru, another priority market, in the future. The Army will soon start testing a Lockheed Martin anti-missile defense system designed to work with the service's M1 tanks and Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles. Under a three-year agreement announced Tuesday, Lockheed will provide its Modular Active Protection System, or MAPS, base kit, which includes a framework of vehicle sensors and countermeasures designed to detect, track and destroy rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles, according to a company news release. This is the latest step in the Army's decade-long quest to protect its armored vehicle crews without adding extra armor, which increases vehicle weight and degrades speed and mobility. Read Next: Sig Sauer Faces $10 Million Lawsuit over P320 Pistol After Alleged Accidental Discharge Wounds Federal Agent Lockheed began working with the Army to develop its MAPS technology in 2014. "Since then, the MAPS base kit has proven itself in multiple live-fire demonstrations," said David Rohall, program manager for Advanced Ground Vehicle Systems at Lockheed Martin. "We're ready to support integration and testing on a variety of Army combat vehicles, the final step before the Army makes a formal decision on fielding this capability." The service has been searching for an active protection system for more than 10 years. It selected the Quick Kill APS, made by Raytheon Co., to equip its manned ground vehicles under the Future Combat Systems program. The effort died, however, when then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates canceled FCS in 2009 -- the same year the Israel Defense Forces fielded the first Trophy APS systems. The Army launched an accelerated effort in early 2017 to equip its M1 tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and Strykers with commercially available active protection devices such as the Trophy system. The Army agreed to equip four brigade combat teams' worth of M1 tanks with the Trophy system and has tested the Israeli APS system, known as Iron Fist, to protect the Bradley. Equipping the lightly armored Stryker with APS has proven more challenging, Army officials told Congress in March. The APS systems the Army tested could defeat an incoming missile, but it was difficult to prevent the secondary effects of the destroyed enemy rocket from penetrating the vehicle. Under the new agreement, Lockheed Martin will deliver five production-ready base kits with an option for up to 20, and support Army integration and testing on Abrams tanks, the new Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, and Bradley and Stryker vehicles. The contract also covers developing the base kit for vehicle protection capabilities beyond active protection, such as underbelly blast protection, according to the release. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: No Anti-Missile Protection in Sight for Army Stryker Vehicles, General Tells Congress Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam Peoples Army, has been appointed Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Popularisation and Education. Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Popularisation and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia. The Politburos Decision No 06-QDNS/TW, dated February 18, on the assignment was announced at a meeting in Hanoi on February 19. Handing over the decision to Nghia, Politburo member and Permanent Member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat Vo Van Thuong said the Politburo believes that Nghia, with his rich experience gained during the time he served in the army, his deep understanding of ideological, cultural, press, and communications affairs, as well as his close connection with the Popularisation and Education Commission, will fulfill all assigned tasks. For his part, Nghia said the new duty is a great honour but also a heavy responsibility, stressing that he always keeps in mind and is determined to keep the oath of a serviceman that is being absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people, fulfilling every task, and weathering every difficulty. Born on March 6, 1962, he used to serve as Vice Chairman of the Political Department of Military Region 7, Political Commissar of Army Corps 4, Vice Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam Peoples Army, member of the Party Central Committee in the 12th and 13th tenures, and a deputy of the 14th-tenure National Assembly. At the first meeting of the 13th-tenure Party Central Committee earlier this year, he was elected to the committees Secretariat. VNA 29 military and police generals are members of 13th Party Central Committee Of the 180 official members of the 13th Party Central Committee, 23 are members of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Peoples Army and six are members of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security. Poor swelter as urban areas of US Southwest get hotter Acres of asphalt parking lots, unshaded roads, dense apartment complexes and neighborhoods with few parks have taken their toll on the poor. As climate change accelerates, low-income districts in the Southwestern United States are 4 to 7 degrees hotter in Fahrenheit -- on average -- than wealthy neighborhoods in the same metro regions, University of California, Davis, researchers have found in a new analysis. This study provides the most detailed mapping yet of how summer temperatures in 20 urban centers in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas affected different neighborhoods between 2018 and 2020. The researchers found even greater heat disparities in California than in other states. The largest disparities showed up in the Riverside and San Bernardino County urban areas. The unequal impact on Latino communities was especially apparent, the authors said. In Los Angeles on a hot summer day, for example, the most heavily Latino neighborhoods were 6.7 degrees hotter than the least Latino neighborhoods. "This study provides strong new evidence of climate impact disparities affecting disadvantaged communities, and of the need for proactive steps to reduce those risks," said the study's lead author, John Dialesandro, a doctoral student in geography in the Department of Human Ecology. The authors said that lower socio-economic groups often have less access to cooled housing, transportation, workplaces and schools. Excess heat can cause heat stroke, exhaustion, and ampli?ed respiratory and cardiovascular issues. It has long been known that paved surfaces of urban areas absorb and retain solar radiation, increasing urban temperatures. The surrounding suburbs -- with more plant life, parks or proximity to bodies of water -- will be cooler, creating heat islands in the denser areas. "There is a strong need for state and local governments to take action to mitigate heat disparities by reducing paved surfaces, adding drought-tolerant vegetation, and encouraging building forms that increase shade and reduce temperatures," Dialesandro said. The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Co-authors include Noli Brazi, assistant professor, and Stephen Wheeler, professor, each in the Department of Human Ecology, and Yaser Abunnasr, Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management, American University of Beirut. Researchers looked at U.S. Census data for each area studied, focusing on median household income and percentage of Latinx, Black and Asian populations in each. They also looked at education levels attained. They then assessed radiant and atmospheric temperatures recorded by satellite on the warmest summer days and nights in those cities over a two-year period. On average, the poorest 10 percent of neighborhoods in an urban region were 4 degrees hotter than the wealthiest 10 percent on both extreme heat days and average summer days, the study said. California's urban regions had much larger temperature differences between the wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods compared with regions in the rest of the Southwest. The greatest differences were seen in Palm Springs, Bakersfield and Fresno. The smallest differences were seen in Sacramento. On extreme heat days, the poorest California neighborhoods in each region were nearly 5 degrees hotter, on average, than the wealthiest neighborhoods. This compares to about 3 degrees difference in average temperatures for other Southwestern cities when comparing wealthier and poorer neighborhoods. The largest differences occurred in the Inland Empire and Palm Springs areas in Riverside and San Bernardino County, where disparities in average temperatures between wealthier and poorer differed by more than 6 degrees. "Programs to increase vegetation within disadvantaged neighborhoods and reduce or lighten pavements and rooftops could help reduce thermal disparities between neighborhoods of different socioeconomic characteristics," the authors said. While neighborhoods populated by Blacks in Southern California showed some disparities in temperature -- about 1 to 2 degrees, when compared with white neighborhoods -- this difference was not statistically significant. Black populations throughout Southwestern metropolitan areas are relatively small, authors said, meaning that findings on this demographic dimension were less pronounced. ### This story has been published on: 2021-02-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaycha Labs, a leader in Cannabis and Hemp testing technologies and methods, is adding three new states to its national network of labs. The company's nine labs are in California, Colorado, Florida (Fort Lauderdale/Davie and Gainesville), Massachusetts, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee. Kaycha Labs, a leader in Cannabis and Hemp testing technologies and methods, is adding three new states to its national network of labs, including Massachusetts, Oregon, and Nevada. In recent weeks, Kaycha has acquired Evio Labs in Medford, Oregon, signed a definitive agreement to acquire DB Labs in anticipation of Clark County and Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board approvals, and received a provisional license to open and operate a lab in Natick, Massachusetts. Both the Oregon and Nevada labs were early entrants to their respective markets; Evio Labs Medford commenced operations in 2014 and DB Labs was organized in 2014 and operates its ~11,500-square-foot lab several blocks away from the Las Vegas Strip. The Massachusetts lab is a new build and is strategically located in Natick near major interstate highways within a couple hours' driving time to all major customers. James Horvath, CEO of Kaycha Labs, commented, "We know that the Cannabis industry is rapidly consolidating and that national Cannabis companies are working hard to build national brands. As they grow, we appreciate that there is a need for a testing partner who can provide and apply a uniform and consistent process. Furthermore, all Kaycha labs will be equipped with back-up instrumentation so that client testing is not interrupted by an outage." Chris Martinez, Kaycha Labs' President, added, "We know clients value quality testing, fast turnaround times, and attractive pricing. And by adding to our network, we will be achieving even more scale, which will allow us to continue to lower our cost structure and pass these savings along to our clients." ABOUT KAYCHA LABS: Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kaycha Labs has testing labs in California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee. Kaycha's network of accredited labs is a recognized leader in testing precision and speed, delivering results within 48 hours with sample automation and technology innovation. Kaycha labs implements over 500 procedures and methods to test Cannabis and Hemp products using state-of-the-art equipment. These procedures and methods comply with standards set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Standards Organization (ISO), United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Services, and Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC). For more information, visit KaychaLabs.com and on social media @KaychaLabs Media Contact: Kara Pound Simply180, Inc. [email protected] 386-237-4500 Related Images kaycha-labs.jpg Kaycha Labs Kaycha Labs, a leader in Cannabis and Hemp testing technologies and methods, is adding three new states to its national network of labs, including Massachusetts, Oregon, and Nevada. Related Links kaychalabs.com SOURCE Kaycha Labs Footage of a ute rear-ending a stopped vehicle at a busy intersection has sparked a heated debate online over who was at fault. Dashcam vision captured the moment the accident unfolded along Grand Junction Road, in Adelaide, last Wednesday. The car slows to a halt and waits in the queue of traffic ahead of the intersection at Main North Road. A ute comes up from behind the stopped car and bumps into the rear of the vehicle. A Ute has been caught on camera rear ending a stopped vehicle at a busy intersection, dividing drivers on who is at fault Dashcam footage captured the moment the Ute ran into the back of the car along Grand Junction Road, in Adelaide, last Wednesday The car is sent rolling forward before it crashes into the silver sedan waiting in front of it. Video of the crash was uploaded to Facebook where it divided social media users on who was in the wrong. One person suggested the driver in the stopped vehicle was to blame. 'DC driver at fault,' they said. 'Should have left more room for car in front in the event of being struck from the rear.' Other social media users were quick to jump to the driver's defence and shifted blame to the ute. 'Are you joking? there was a lot of space in front. Watch it properly,' one person said. Another person commented: 'Bloke in the 4wd 110% at fault.' 'Should have been able to see what's ahead of him by a country mile and should have been on the brakes long before he got that close.' (CNN) As Texans continue to cope with the effects of deadly cold weather, much of the eastern half of the country was dealing with snow, ice or rain. The storm system that took shape this week in the South will "continue to bring significant impacts from the Mid-Atlantic to Northeast US (Thursday)," according to the National Weather Service. "Significant ice accumulations and heavy snowfall are expected." About 78 million Americans are under a winter weather alert and more than 27 million are going to bed under a hard-freeze warning. At least 38 people have died nationwide from winter storms or frigid conditions since last week, a time in which more than 2,500 records for the lowest maximum temperature for the date have been set. Eight other deaths are suspected to be weather-related but authorities are waiting on autopsy results. In Texas, communities are desperately seeking warmth and other necessities without electricity in freezing or near-freezing temperatures. Gov. Greg Abbott was reassuring citizens he will get to the bottom of why so many people lost power this week as grid operators struggle to provide electricity. "Texans deserve answers about why the shortfalls occurred, and how they're going to be corrected and Texans will get those answers," Abbott said. In San Antonio, Claudia Lemus said power returned to her home Wednesday night -- but many stores' shelves were empty. "We're able to get enough to get by ... but the grocery stores, most of them shut down," Lemus told CNN's Jim Sciutto on Thursday morning. "And when we tried the few that are open, you have to stand in line for 20-30 minutes at a time, and then you just go in and get whatever is available, because stores are (largely) empty." She said that during the times power has been off she and her husband have tried to keep their children's minds off the cold by keeping them busy and bundled up. To add a little warmth, the family ran the burners on the stove. "We have lived all over the States, being a military family. We heard of the snow coming. We never thought it was going to be like this," she said. "We never anticipated to have ... the challenges." Almost 300,000 Texas homes and businesses still were without power Thursday, down from around 4.5 million earlier in the week, according to utility tracker PowerOutage.us. Bad weather has helped knock out power to a further 480,000 customers in many other states, including Oregon, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina, according to PowerOutage.us. Texas officials say a deep freeze starting Sunday crippled utilities' power generation, causing rolling blackouts or continuous outages. The issues affect a Texas-only grid that covers 90% of the state and is isolated from the rest of the country, so the grid cannot import power from elsewhere to make up for the shortage. Days without power in freezing conditions have sent Texans scrambling for alternative heating, through generators, fireplaces, living in running cars, or sheltering in powered warming centers or businesses. About 13 million people are facing water disruptions, with boil-water notices, broken pipes and failing systems, state officials said. Austin and San Antonio issued boil-water notices to their residents on Wednesday evening. Firefighters at a large apartment blaze in San Antonio were having supply issues Thursday night. Hydrants were frozen and crews were having to go down the street to where they could get water for their trucks. "That's our problem. Once we make a little bit of advance on the fire, we run out of water," Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jerry Bialick said. Difficult weather conditions across the country, meanwhile, have had serious implications for the coronavirus pandemic: Some shipments of Covid-19 vaccines have been delayed, and some clinics have had to cancel vaccine appointments. The Houston Health Department said it will resume vaccinations this weekend with about 4,800 appointments. Texans struggle to find supplies Even when Texans have been able to turn to heating alternatives, some have been struggling to find firewood, food, water and other needed supplies. Ehren Williamson of Pflugerville spent six to eight hours searching several grocery stores for food on Tuesday. Thursday, he traveled to a store and it was an hour wait just to get in. All the bottled water was gone. Sylvia Cerda Salinas, a Texas mother, told CNN's Don Lemon on Wednesday night she was considering driving to Mexico to keep her family safe in a hotel. With another freeze expected, she said she was running out of options for three of her children whose insulin supplies were spoiling. "You either go to the shelter to get warm, or you stay home, stay cold, and stay away from the pandemic," Salinas said. Texas' major grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said Thursday that although utilities have made progress in restoring power, more rolling outages might be needed in coming days to keep the grid stable. Outages and slick roads in the South and East In the Louisiana city of Shreveport, some water main lines burst this week during freezing rain and other wintry weather forcing boil-water advisories and leaving some hospitals needing special water deliveries to keep their heating systems running. A local oilfield services provider, CNC Oilfield Services, delivered water to five hospitals and nursing homes, company representative Colton Sanders said Thursday. In Kentucky, winter storms this week have damaged utility infrastructure to the extent that some households might not see power restored until after Friday, state officials said. Some roads will have to be treated or cleared of downed power lines or trees. "State road crews and contractors have been focusing on high-priority routes, and in some areas they are tackling secondary routes as well," Gov. Andy Beshear said. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam used Twitter to ask resident not to drive. Travel conditions are very dangerous please stay off the roads," he wrote. Dozens of weather-related deaths over a week Dozens of deaths have been reported across the country in the past week, linked to cold conditions or weather-related wrecks. Texas has lost 15 residents to weather-related incidents, with causes including exposure to cold, carbon monoxide poisoning and vehicle wrecks. The rest of the toll is spread across Tennessee, Oregon, Kentucky, North Carolina, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning rises when people turn to unusual sources of heat or power during electricity outages, such as running generators or vehicles in enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas that can build up when any type of fossil fuel is burned gasoline, coal or natural gas. In Houston, the Memorial Hermann Health System has seen more than 100 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning since Monday afternoon, system representative Jade Waddy said Thursday. In Oregon where some areas may receive several more inches of snow Thursday four adults died of carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to stay warm from Saturday to Monday, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office said. One person appears to have ignited charcoal briquettes inside while three others were sheltering in recreational vehicles. This story was first published on CNN.com "Miserable winter weather is still hitting Texas and it's spreading to the East Coast" 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 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. 28400 Carmen V. Lidz, Vice Chancellor & CIO, City Colleges of Chicago Carmen V. Lidz, Vice Chancellor & CIO, City Colleges of Chicago We are in one of the coldest weeks in Chicago with the polar vortex looming over us and temperatures deep in the negatives. Im driving to Olive-Harvey College (one of the City Colleges of Chicago), situated on the far South Side, thinking that not a lot of students will decide to make the trek to our meeting to provide feedback on technology. Surprisingly, there are quite a few students on campuschatting, laughing, reading and listening to podcasts. Breaking the ice is hard, so we go around the table and make introductions. We have quite a variety of pursuits: criminal justice, engineering, pre-law, biology, and computer science among them. I can see the dreams in their eyes as they talk about the careers they will pursue. When I ask them to share their perspectives on the technology on campus and the impact it has on their learning and education, they become more tentative, perhaps even a little shy, but soon we have a lively discussion. City Colleges of Chicago is made up of seven colleges and five satellite facilities and serves over 80,000 students. My next trip is to the opposite side of the city, to Wright College, which is located in the northwest part of Chicago. Our students are as diverse as the city itself. One thing is common, though: students from all the colleges are eager to share their feedback and are generous with their ideas. Students are very receptive to online courses. While they often include less attention from the instructors, online courses require a lot more discipline and work from the students A few days later, the weather has improved slightly to a breezy six degrees. I join a couple of Harold Washington College (HWC) students in an effort to learn more about their perspectives, including their thoughts on our online programs. A large population of HWC Students take courses simultaneously at local four-year institutions and City Colleges. They provide a direct feedback loop into how we compare with other schools, sharing things they prefer and what they receive in one environment but not in another. Here are some of the highlights from my conversations: Our laptop loaner program is very popular. It allows students to do their homework online. However, we had not anticipated the demand for Chromebooks. Chromebooks are preponderant at Chicago Public Schools, where a large group of our students attend high school. Not growing up with smart phones, I assumed that devices with small screen space would be difficult to use for homework. But our students know differently, and they are anxious to show me how they can not only read and watch videos on their mobile devices, but also take quizzes, prepare math assignments, and even code. Our student portal has been very well received. The students feel it is very user friendly, asit shows all their to-do lists and is helpful in terms of keeping priorities in one view. They also werent widely adopting the Outlook application, as many didnt realized that there was an app version of Outlook because it wasnt advertised on campus. A mobile application programming group at Wright College is building an Android app for student use. As the CIO, I embrace this creativity and ambition apps for the students, built by the students is a wonderful thing. All my team does is support their enthusiasm and provide some mentoring by way of helping the students understand the practicalities necessary for an enterprise-level application, such as security and interoperability with other systems. The students set a high bar for use of technology. Some faculty dont use all the technology available to them. In some cases, the instructors teaching style and approach dont fit well with the technology. Understanding these habits and teaching styles is critical so that we can provide technology that support the variety of approaches used by our approximately 1,600 faculty. Also, it is critical to make sure that when new technology is rolled out, the campuses offer appropriate training for the faculty, provide concrete examples on how it can be used, and are available for questions. The students take their cues from the instructors when it comes to using these technologies. Students are very receptive to online courses. While they often include less attention from the instructors, online courses require a lot more discipline and work from the students. They are very convenient and students are happy with the platform. Everything is clearly outlinedthe expectations, the syllabus, the testsand there is a clear discussion group and a direct question line to the instructor. Conclusions My journey to talk to students at our colleges was much like the journey that any CIO would take to talk to key stakeholders. While students may not seem like the typical group that a CIO talks to, there is a lot to learn from them. Thankfully, our students are very engaged and forthcoming with ideas, suggestions, and criticisms. Im lucky to work in an environment with such a large variety of backgrounds and perspectives to drive my strategic planning and investment roadmap. All these people typify the stakeholders that many organizations will have in the future. Finally, Id like to highlight some critical learnings: understand your audience and how they want to interact with technology dont assume that you know what their needs are; ask instead technology should be adaptable to the different styles of the users change isnt easyeven for a population of people focused on learningso dont skimp on training for stakeholders when you deploy new things technology can be an equalizer for communities of all types, providing people with access to information and tools they may otherwise not be able to access For City Colleges of Chicago, these conversations, which start with students, allow us to have a better technology ecosystem for everyone students, faculty, and staff. They directly allow us to further our academic mission and improve the campus experience for all. See Also: Top Promising MS Dynamics Solution Companies HOUSTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As Texas deals with Winter Storm Uri and its ripple effects, BBVA USA has announced it will donate a total of $250,000 toward community relief efforts through the BBVA Foundation , and has begun offering customer assistance in the form of payment deferrals and fee waivers, among other items. "This has been a challenging week for so many people across Texas, and we wanted to act quickly to help our customers and communities through various avenues," said BBVA USA President and CEO Javier Rodriguez Soler. "Uri was a devastating winter storm with widespread negative impact that has left many people cold, hungry, and scared. We're committed to working with multiple organizations to help people get the essentials they need to get back on their feet. We're also intently listening to the specific needs of our customers as they look for ways to alleviate financial stress during this crisis." BBVA USA will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and its impact in the coming days and weeks in order to continue to respond appropriately to community and customer needs. Community Commitment As a first step in its response to the winter storm and its ongoing aftermath, BBVA USA is committing $250,000 from the BBVA Foundation to a select group of non-profit organizations working to address immediate needs. The Foundation will fast-track $125,000 in funding for area food banks across the state, including $50,000 to the Houston Food Bank, along with another $125,000 for immediate home repair needs. Organizations receiving grants to help with home repairs include West Street Recovery in Houston and Affordable Homes of South Texas. "We are working swiftly through nonprofit partner relationships across Texas to identify and fill immediate food shortages and help the most impacted members of our communities fix their homes and rebuild as quickly as possible," said BBVA USA Director of Communications and Responsible Business J. Reymundo Ocanas. "This is a rare and dire situation for many Texans, so we'll continue to work with these established partners to identify needs as the situation evolves and to deploy support as quickly as possible." Additional organizations are currently being identified as the bank works to finalize its list of grant recipients. Customer support BBVA USA is offering special customer assistance to those affected by the winter storm whose primary residence is in Texas. Assistance is available through March 31 to existing bank customers, upon request, at BBVA USA branch locations or by phone. Assistance offered to consumers and small businesses includes: Penalty-free CD withdrawals* Refunds on certain ATM, overdraft and insufficient funds fees Payment deferrals on existing loans and credit cards Waived late fees on loans, credit cards For payment deferral requests, customers can contact 844-222-3862. Customers can also contact consumer credit card services at 1-800-239-5175 and business credit card services at 1-800-316-0207. The availability of some offers may differ from the March 31 date. Offers are based on eligibility and certain limits apply. Customers are encouraged to call or visit a branch for more information. *Withdrawal penalty cannot be waived for withdrawals occurring within seven days of account opening. For more BBVA news visit, www.bbva.com and the U.S. Newsroom . Additional news updates can be found via Twitter and Instagram . For more financial information about BBVA in the U.S., visit bbvausa.investorroom.com . About BBVA BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a strong leadership position in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico, it has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States. It is also the leading shareholder in Turkey's Garanti BBVA. Its purpose is to bring the age of opportunities to everyone, based on our customers' real needs: provide the best solutions, helping them make the best financial decisions, through an easy and convenient experience. The institution rests in solid values: Customer comes first, we think big and we are one team. Its responsible banking model aspires to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society. BBVA USA In the U.S., BBVA is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 637 branches, including 328 in Texas, 88 in Alabama, 63 in Arizona, 61 in California, 43 in Florida, 37 in Colorado and 17 in New Mexico. The bank ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (6th). In the U.S., BBVA has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and ranked 14th nationally in terms of dollar volume of SBA loans originated in fiscal year 2019. SOURCE BBVA USA Related Links www.bbva.com Hundreds of thousands of the faithful stood before him, dressed in white and weeping inconsolably. Open their eyes so they can see Your glory, declared Naason Joaquin, leader of La Luz del Mundo (The Light of the World) church, as he raised his arms in the center of the atrium. Joaquin was holding forth in the largest religious temple in Latin America, a pyramid structure 83 meters high made from 5,000 tons of steel, and that took almost a decade to build. Behind him, the advent of the greatest feast on Earth the Holy Supper was announced by the chanting of the choir. It is the religious organizations most important celebration, to which the parishioners are summoned every August 14 inside the churchs flagship temple in Hermosa Provincia (Beautiful Province), in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, drawn by the promise of eternal salvation. Beneath the temple, which embodies La Luz del Mundos power, lies a series of tunnels or passages as they have been described by former members of the congregation, though the church itself describes the space as a basement. A secret place, this underground warren is the alleged scene of the terrible crimes that the leaders of the religious organization are accused of. I have seen the tunnels and I can vouch for the fact they exist, says Sochil Martin, a former assistant to Naason Joaquin who reported him for multiple cases of sexual abuse. In that same underground network, another former collaborator, Alondra Ocampo, was raped as a child, according to her lawyer. That Holy Supper in August 2018, was the last one led by Naason Joaquin, known as the Apostle of Jesus Christ to his followers. Ten months later, he was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles after landing there in a private jet. Joaquin was dressed in a suit; in one hand he held his phone and, in the other, a briefcase. Inside his luggage, the authorities found an iPad containing a video of a naked 14-year-old boy, masked and receiving oral sex. The woman performing the fellatio, according to testimonies presented by the prosecution, was the teenagers aunt. Other images of minors having sex were found on Joaquins electronic devices. Claiming to have more than five million followers in nearly 60 countries and proclaiming himself to be Gods representative on Earth, Joaquin was about to stand trial in California on charges of more than 30 crimes, including possession of child pornography, sexual abuse and human trafficking. Naason Joaquin, leader of La Luz del Mundo, standing at the altar inside the flagship temple in Hermosa Provincia, in August 2017. Fernando Carranza / CUARTOSCURO During the hearings, the prosecution claimed that Joaquin surrounded himself with a group of teenage girls who were selected to perform domestic chores for him. According to the prosecution, women who served as assistants were in charge of recruiting the minors, both at the Guadalajara headquarters and in Los Angeles. They would then put together a dossier with information about the candidates: their names, their photographs, their family tree and their families involvement in the congregation. The leader would instruct his close circle on how to approach them and explain what he was looking for in the girls. The younger the better, Joaquin said, according to the testimony of one former recruiter quoted in the trial. They are purer and have more love for me. Eliezer Gutierrez Avelar, the minister in charge of public relations for La Luz del Mundo, maintains that the accusations are false and unfounded, as does the church itself. Three weeks before Joaquins arrest, on May 15, 2019, La Luz del Mundo had been in the news on account of its political power. Thanks to contacts in the Mexican Senate, the apostle had received a unique tribute for his 50th birthday: the party was not held in the Hermosa Provincia temple but in the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, a landmark venue reserved for cultural events that does not usually celebrate any kind of religious act. According to Gutierrez Avelar, what took place in the Bellas Artes was a 100% cultural event and no religious activity was carried out. In the midst of public scrutiny, the cult leader flew to El Salvador to meet with President Nayib Bukele and together lay the first stone of La Luz del Mundo City, an architectural project covering more than 100 hectares of El Salvadors capital. That month of May, Naason Joaquin appeared to be at the height of his influence in Mexico and Central America. Less than a month later, he was sleeping behind bars in the United States. The accusations Serving and being close to the apostle was seen as an honor in the community; a blessing. But, according to the California Attorney Generals Office, the girls who were recruited to assist Naason Joaquin later realized that their tasks were not limited to cleaning and making coffee. Alondra Ocampo, a recruiter who found the group from Los Angeles, would later tell them that, as the Bible says, kings had the right to concubines and that, since this was Gods servant, any sins they committed with Joaquin would be forgiven. According to the prosecution, Ocampo bought them outfits, took them to hotels and organized photo sessions in which the girls were forced to pose naked or in lingerie, perform lewd dances or kiss each other while showering. The preliminary hearings, based on evidence presented by the prosecution, also alluded to scenes of explicit sex between Joaquin and the girls. The testimony of one of the complainants states that she was raped twice and forced to perform oral sex three times. According to Ocampo, should the girls refuse, they would be considered an abomination. Their families, moreover, would be devastated as they would have dishonored the apostle. After being singled out as an accomplice and accused of 35 crimes, Ocampo made a deal with the prosecution in October 2020 in a bid to reduce her sentence, and pleaded guilty to four charges. Three are related to contacting minors for sexual purposes and the fourth to penetrating another person against their will. The apostle is a living God, an unquestionable figure Elio Masferrer, anthropologist What we know for sure is that Naason asked her to find girls to be with him and pressured her to watch his back and do his dirty work, says Fred Thiagarajah, Ocampos attorney. Alondra did it because this man was Gods representative on Earth; she has been indoctrinated all her life to believe in that and in the Joaquin family. Ocampos family joined the church a year after she was born. Her lawyer says that when she was eight or nine years old, her parents took her to a large celebration at the Hermosa Provincia temple. The children were separated from their families and divided into groups by sex and age. One of La Luz del Mundos workers approached her and told her she had been chosen to meet Samuel Joaquin, Naasons father, who headed the organization for more than 50 years. Ocampo was taken through a secret tunnel and on meeting the apostle Samuel, she was told she was special and that he had selected her as his wife. He then raped her, says Thiagarajah. After the rape, Ocampo was told that what happened had been a blessing, but that she should keep it a secret because other people wouldnt understand instructions she would later impart to the girls under her care. According to Thiagarajah, the abuse continued for years throughout her childhood and adult life. Meanwhile, the church spokesman insists that these accusations are unfounded and deeply offensive to the churchs members. As far as Naason Joaquins lawyers are concerned, Ocampo is only seeking to curry favor with the prosecution. This is not the first time the leadership of La Luz del Mundo has had to wrestle with such accusations: the temple where Ocampos lawyer claims his client was raped by the apostle Samuel was built after the congregation became splintered in the 1940s, when a quarter of the flock left the church, alleging that the apostle Aaron Samuels father and Naasons grandfather had amassed wealth at the expense of the churchs poorest members, and had raped Guadalupe Avelar, a 13-year-old girl. For the organization, the accusations, past and present, are simply a sign that its leaders have been attacked and persecuted for their beliefs for generations. A messianic construction La Luz del Mundo was founded in December 1926, after Eusebio Joaquin had a revelation telling him to restore the original Church, far from the deviations of the Catholics after the death of Jesus. Influenced by the arrival of Protestant preachers in the north of the country, Eusebio Joaquin, who had fought in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), left military life for his religious calling and adopted the name of Aaron, the apostle of Jesus Christ. Partly due to its former participation in the Protestant-style Iglesia Cristiana Espiritual Spiritual Christian Church and also due to the Pentecostal tone of the religious services, La Luz del Mundo is often mistakenly described as an evangelical church. Rather, its theology revolves around the idea of restoring the true Christian faith and also around its leadership, which has an apostle to guide the congregation. The figure of the apostle is indisputable and his command is decreed by divine right: in practice, explains the anthropologist Elio Masferrer, this has made it easier for the Joaquins to establish themselves as a sacred dynasty among their followers. The apostle is a living God, says Masferrer. It was Pharaonic; they told us it wouldnt hold up Fernando Zamorano, in charge of structural design While Catholics have the Vatican and Mormons have Salt Lake City, the holy city of La Luz del Mundo emerged in 1952 in a popular neighborhood in the east of Guadalajara, the third-most-populated city in Mexico, with the purchase of 14 hectares. The Hermosa Provincia (Beautiful Province) colony consolidated the formative stage of the organization, but the Promised Land lacked something. Under the leadership of Samuel Joaquin the sixth of Eusebio Joaquins seven children who took control of the church after the founders death in 1964, La Luz del Mundo entered an era of expansion and it was decided a new temple should be built that would act as its headquarters and reflect the congregations growth. What this community needed was a symbol of unity and identity, something that would provide it with a face before the world, says Leopoldo Fernandez Font, the temples architect. It was Pharaonic, says Fernando Zamorano, the engineer in charge of the structural design. Lasting more than nine years, the construction of the temple began in July 1983 on an elliptical plot of land measuring 60 by 90 meters. At the beginning, Samuel knew what he wanted, but not how it could be done: he wanted to have a center of worship that would house the largest number of faithful, he wanted a unique design, and he wanted it to be taller than the Guadalajara Cathedral. La Luz del Mundo church gave the architects the Greek Parthenon as a reference for timeless quality, and the Islamic mosques for beauty, according to Fernandez Font. The architect came up with a pyramidal building, an enormous multi-layered cake with inward-curved shapes meant to symbolize open arms embracing the four cardinal directions. These concave spaces were fitted with skylights forming a kaleidoscope of 112 rays of natural light: the Light of the World. The top, which is 83 meters above the ground, is capped with a sculpture representing the duality between father and son. Nobody had ever seen or built such a design before. Authorities questioned its stability, and building licenses were a long time coming. They told us it looked like a castle made with beer cans, and that it would not hold up, laughs Zamorano. The structure finds inspiration in natural elements halfway between a whirlwind and a sea snail and its design required geometric calculations that tested the powers of the computers available at the time. It also required 5,000 tons of steel. To put it in perspective, the Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico City, the largest in the country, required 1,200 tons of laminated steel and 8,000 tons of rods to hold it up. But building Samuels pyramid required a lot of manpower. So he called his parishioners, who erected the temple without getting paid for their work. Their first task was to take down the old temple and rebuild it in Colonia Bethel, an area in the city of Guadalajara located just a few kilometers from Hermosa Provincia. The faithful worked like little ants, recalls Zamorano. There was a minority group of workers who were familiar with construction trades, but most were church members from other cities who received a couple of days of training and worked at the site for a few weeks. At the peak of construction, there were more than 500 people working simultaneously on tasks that could take up to two consecutive days to complete. Because the building site was located in the middle of a residential area, the use of heavy machinery was very limited. The speaker system that once played religious hymns and psalms was now urging volunteers to pick up concrete slabs. Nearby homes became shelters that offered food and accommodation to the workers. It was a messianic construction, says a source who was once part of the church leadership. Were talking about children, women, elderly folks... Extremely humble people who were working as though inspired, giving it everything they had, with nothing held back. The result was a building able to accommodate more than 12,000 people, and which can be opened so that tens of thousands more may follow the religious services. The monumental Temple of Solomon in Brazil, owned by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, can hold 10,000 people, making it similar in size to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. This is why La Luz del Mundo holds that theirs is the largest temple in Latin America. The former church official says that construction cost more than $50 million, but those who were involved in the process admit that there were practically no labor costs at all, with the exception of food. Notwithstanding the speculations that award disproportionate importance to the efforts and solidarity of the members of the church, the truth is that through love and unity, the members of the congregation of Hermosa Provincia were able to complete a beautiful temple to the greater glory of God, replies Gutierrez Avelar. An EL PAIS investigation published in September revealed that representatives of La Luz del Mundo in the United States requested a loan of hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Donald Trump Administration as a stimulus package to overcome the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The non-recoverable money was released despite the fact that, according to people who have since left the church, the latter does not pay salaries to or taxes on members on the lower rungs of the hierarchy, or that member contributions have not stopped flowing in even after Naason Joaquin was jailed. Asked about this matter, the church did not respond and merely said that its actions are within the legal bounds. It also denounced an attempt to politicize the support it has received. Ivan San Martin, a specialist in religious architecture at Mexicos Autonomous University, believes that the temples pyramidal design is a metaphor for the hierarchy within the church and for spiritual ascension. The base, where most of the faithful stand, is wide. But the higher one climbs, the narrower it becomes. And at the very top, there is only one individual: the apostle. Ultimately, the pyramidal and palatial inclinations of the so-called lineage selected by God were reflected in other temples built by La Luz del Mundo, such as a pyramid with Maya-inspired motifs in San Pedro Sula (Honduras) and a replica of the Taj Mahal in Tapachula (in the Mexican state of Chiapas). There is something else about the main temple that is peculiar. It is located square in the middle of Hermosa Provincia, and its elliptical base forms a roundabout with eight streets that open out to it, laid out diagonally. The colony has a panoptic layout, similar to a military citadel or an 18th-century penitentiary, with the temple towering over, and observing, everything that goes on around it, notes San Martin. Any reporter, intruder or curious onlooker will be immediately identified by church employees. Its not a coincidence, says the scholar. It is an expression of the churchs control over the earthly lives of its faithful. Underground When Naason Joaquin was arrested in L.A. and the charges against him began to emerge, the underbelly of Hermosa Provincia was also exposed: several media outlets published stories about the tunnels under the temple in Guadalajara. The architecture of the church of Hermosa Provincia has been well documented for decades, says Gutierrez Avelar. The insistence on asking this question only evidences a desire to present La Luz del Mundo as something secret or occult. It is common for centers of power with hierarchical structures to have underground channels allowing its leaders to move under the surface. A former collaborator of Samuel Joaquin who spoke with EL PAIS on condition of anonymity says that Naasons father ordered a tunnel system built that would allow him to move between key spots of Hermosa Provincia far from the gaze of his followers. According to this witness, the tunnel network had different access routes connecting, in one case, the apostles personal residence with the apostolic house, which served as one of his offices. From his desk, he could go down into a basement and walk down another tunnel to the back of the temple. From there, Samuel could look through a glass that was only visible on one side and observe what went on inside the meeting room for his ministers, who were in charge of running the churchs affairs. He used to go there because it was important to watch that area, said the source. When somebody suggested installing a security camera, he said that he wanted to be there in case he heard something he didnt like, so he could walk in and take charge of the situation. According to this source, the tunnel and passageway network had one main purpose: to serve as escape routes. Noting that this is not very different to what the headquarters of other religions do, the source adds: Hermosa Provincia is a bunker. Sketch of the inside of the temple of Hermosa Provincia. CAROLINA MEJIA Not just anyone could go into the tunnels. There were very few of us who had access, said Sochil Martin, a former assistant who reported being physically and sexually abused by Samuel and Naason Joaquin for 22 years, in an interview with EL PAIS in early 2020. Hundreds, if not thousands of children have suffered the same fate as myself, said Martin after filing civil charges against Naason Joaquin in February of last year. Even before the latest scandal that is putting the current church leader on the stand, his father Samuel Joaquin had already been singled out by the media over sexual abuse in 1997. The main difference is that Samuel was denounced in Mexico, and Naason in the United States. La Luz del Mundo holds that showcasing these accusations is nothing more than an attempt to try the Apostle Naason and our religious denomination in the media before the trial begins. Political and economic power In the 1990s, the relationship between La Luz del Mundo and the [then-ruling] Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was extremely close. Those were days when the public prosecution office was basically in the employ of the executive, says Masferrer. If the political power said that accusations should not go through a judicial process, then no action was taken. After decades of nurturing its relationship with the PRI, the victory of the conservative National Action Party (PAN) in 2000 led La Luz del Mundo to diversify its political contacts. Guests at the celebration of the Holy Supper, one of the churchs most important annual rituals, have included Margarita Zavala, the wife of former president Felipe Calderon and herself an independent candidate in the 2018 election; Jaime Rodriguez Calderon, or El Bronco, another independent candidate at the last election, and Enrique Alfaro , former mayor of Guadalajara and current governor of the state of Jalisco with a party named Citizen Movement, to name a few. The congregations political network spilled beyond the borders of Mexico: in April 2019 the church leader was honored with a resolution from the Senate of Texas on the grand occasion of his 50th birthday, just two months before his arrest in California. Following his arrest, Costa Rica lawmaker Maria Vita Monge, the first female member of La Luz to make it into Congress in her country, shared the following thoughts on social media: It was he who taught me that a good Christian is a good citizen, and I am fully confident that justice will be done. The secretary of state for Honduras, Ebal Diaz, who has admitted that he is the pastor of a small community, was more cautious in his public statements about his faith following the arrest. And the church has a longstanding relationship with Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, dating back to the days when he was the mayor of the capital (2015-2018). Despite the support that it has received, the religious organization says that it is, and always has been, apolitical. You dont need this acknowledgment, but it is an honor for us to bestow it upon you, said Bukele to Naason Joaquin in 2015, after naming him most distinguished son of San Salvador. In May 2019, as president-elect, Bukele joined Joaquin in laying the cornerstone of Ciudad Luz del Mundo, a development project on more than 100 hectares of land near the international airport of San Salvador. And back in December 2014, when Samuel Joaquin died, the National Assembly of El Salvador observed a minute of silence. La Luz has followed a similar path in Nicaragua, where in 2017 it announced the construction of another city covering 30 hectares in Granada. And in the United States, the church purchased land in the city of Flowery Branch, in the outskirts of Atlanta (Georgia). In Mexico, two members of the Chamber of Deputies came out in defense of their religious leader: Emmanuel Reyes, who ran with the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) but is now with the ruling Morena and Kehila Ku, of Citizen Movement. If there is a bloc representing a church inside Mexicos parliament, it is La Luz del Mundo. They are the sole confessional bloc, says Masferrer. EL PAIS sent interview requests to Reyes and to Israel Zamora , the first member of La Luz to reach the Mexican Senate, and allegedly the person behind the tribute to Joaquin held at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, but received no reply. Ku declined to talk to this newspaper, citing a busy agenda. It is a religious, political and business structure, adds Masferrer. After the California Attorney General provided ample descriptions of Naason Joaquins lavish lifestyle, Mexicos Financial Intelligence Unit froze church accounts and assets worth nearly 390 million pesos (over $19 million) in March of last year. The announcement of economic sanctions was made as the Mexican Attorney General simultaneously announced a public investigation into human trafficking within the church. By December, the office in charge of investigating financial crimes had filed five charges against La Luz del Mundo on suspicion of tax evasion, money laundering and irregular operations in tax havens. The church has replied that it is fully disposed to clear up any misunderstanding. After a year-and-a-half behind bars, the future of Naason Joaquin and of the church leadership is on hold. The pandemic has delayed the beginning of the final stages of the trial, a fact that has worn out both the defense and the witnesses. We, just like the Apostle, are awaiting the day in court when these unfounded accusations will be confronted and their falsehood proven, says La Luz del Mundo. After the case broke, the words Honorable and Innocent showed up in giant letters on the doors of the temple in Hermosa Provincia. But the battle cry has hit a wall of $90 million, the amount of bail set by a judge in California. I see the same techniques of permanent denial in the hierarchy, seeking to protect their source of income and manipulating the information that reaches the parishioners, says the source who was once a part of the churchs top echelons. It is difficult to pull out your roots because you are not just walking out on your religion, but also on your family. They view me as an apostate, an enemy. It is the same dilemma facing co-defendant Alondra Ocampo and her own relatives. No matter how much evidence you show them, the parents and siblings of Alondra will always believe in the church, they are blinded by their faith, says Thiagarajah. And as the trial proceeds, the line between accomplice and complainant is becoming increasingly blurred. I dont know where abuse ends and adult responsibility begins, although I can say that she is facing consequences for what she did, admits the lawyer. After more than 80 years of scandals, these truths and responsibilities will be defined by the courts. WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on scientists urging stronger workplace protections. "The International Brotherhood of Teamsters appreciates and supports the call-to-action letter written by leading scientists in the field of aerosol science, occupational health and infectious disease. This letter supports stronger workplace protections for COVID-19 and acknowledges the importance of utilizing the hierarchy of controls to mitigate workplace hazards. "This call to action further urges the federal government to acknowledge aerosol exposure and inhalation as the main route of COVID-19 transmission leading to significant outbreaks and community spread. The IBT supports President Biden's administration and their strategy to keep essential infrastructure workers and the American public safe. "We encourage the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Transportation and Mine Safety and Health Administration to develop COVID-19 policies based on science. Workplace policies must include and detail employer responsibilities for hazard identification and risk analysis, the development of a control plan, utilization of the hierarchy of controls and consideration of protective equipment based on employee exposure and risk. "Workplace protections against COVID-19 are essential to mitigating the impacts of this disease on workers, their families, and the larger community. Let us stay committed to keeping Americans working and safe." Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Ted Gotsch, (703) 899-0869 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters Related Links http://www.teamster.org Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 18:34:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A Cambodian nurse prepares a COVID-19 Sinopharm vaccine at the National Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Feb. 18, 2021. The Southeast Asian country launched an anti-COVID-19 inoculation drive on Feb. 10 after receiving the first batch of Sinopharm vaccine from China. According to an official report, as of Thursday, a total of 16,612 people including 2,169 women had been inoculated with the vaccine. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) Teachers encourage students as they enter an exam site at No 1 Middle School in Baokang county, Xiangyang, Hubei province, on July 7, 2020. YANG TAO/XINHUA The national college entrance examination, or gaokao, will be held on June 7 and 8 this year, the usual time slot for one of the most important exams for Chinese students, the Ministry of Education said on Friday. The gaokaowas postponed for a month to July 7 and 8 last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 10.7 million students signed up to participate in last year's gaokao, up by 400,000 from 2019, according to the ministry. Local education authorities and schools should strictly follow epidemic prevention and control measures and make detailed plans for the exam to ensure the safety of test takers and monitors, the ministry in a notice. Each test center should be equipped with isolation test rooms and enough epidemic control and prevention materials, while test takers and monitors should undergo daily health monitoring and temperature checks, the notice said. Chinese people often compare the highly competitive gaokaoto "crossing a narrow bridge", because for many students, especially rural students, enrollment at a good university would increase the prospects of landing a good job and thus shape their future. Srinivas was among the two who carried out the attack and both fled the spot after the incident and later dumped sharp weapons and their blood-stained clothes in a barrage, police said. (Photo: DC) Hyderabad: A local leader of TRS in Telangana and two others were arrested in connection with the gruesome daylight killing of a lawyer couple as the ruling party suspended him while advocates staged protests against the fatal attack. TRS Manthani Mandal unit president Kunta Srinivas along with another person allegedly made the murderous attack on Gattu Vaman Rao and his wife P V Nagamani on Wednesday as he bore some personal grudge, police said, ruling out as of now any political reason behind the killing. According to police, hours before the crime, Srinivas had attended a programme in Manthani in Peddapalli district as part of celebration of the birthday of Chief Minister K Chandrasekar Rao. Vaman Rao and his wife, both practising lawyers in Telangana High Court, were travelling in a car when the assailants intercepted the vehicle and attacked them using knives and other sharp weapons on the main road in Peddapalli district, with the incident drawing widespread condemnation. During his last moments, Vaman Rao had named the TRS leader as being responsible for the attack. Vaman Rao's family members have also alleged a local TRS leader was behind the gruesome act. During the course of investigation, Srinivas and two others have been arrested, police said. Srinivas was among the two who carried out the attack and both fled the spot after the incident and later dumped sharp weapons and their blood-stained clothes in a barrage, police said. Srinivas and another accused were arrested from Maharashtra border, Inspector General of Police (North Zone) Y Nagi Reddy told reporters here. Srinivas had certain differences with Vaman Rao and he hatched the conspiracy to kill him and his wife, the IGP said. During interrogation it was revealed, the accused bore grudge following differences regarding the construction of a temple and a house in Gunjapadugu village, the senior police official said. Based on the investigations so far, there was no political reasons behind the killing, he said. The TRS announced the suspension of Srinivas. The disciplinary action comes into effect immediately, TRS General Secretary M Srinivas Reddy said in a release. In a related development, the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC) on Thursday sought a report from the state DirectorGeneral of Police by March 10 over the gruesome murder of the lawyer couple. The commission on its own took cognisance of media reports about the killings. "Such types of crimes need to be curbed by the law and order maintaining agency with all its efforts otherwise the society does not have peace at all. It is the duty of the state to identify and have a watch in all its areas where crime zones are there, which are prone to such types of incidents," it said. The panel said it feels very bad about the manner in which the incident occurred. The lawyer couple had moved the high court in September last year complaining that police were harassing and threatening them after they wrote a letter (which was taken up as PIL) to the court over alleged custodial death of a man underManthani police station. The couple had also filed PILs on various public issues in different courts, including in the high court. Condemning the killing of the advocate couple, lawyers held protests here and some other places in the state on Thursday. They appealed to the government to set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the double murder and prosecute the accused in a fast-track court. They also demanded that the perpetrators be given sternest punishment. Meanwhile, a bandh was observed by different political parties except TRS party inManthani town on Thursday. Police said the bandh was partial and peaceful. 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. A Sudanese refugee stabbed an immigration officer to death in southern France after learning his asylum request had been rejected. Cyril Pierreval, a 46-year-old father of one, was killed on Friday by a 38-year-old Sudanese knifeman who faced deportation. The migrant attacked the head of the refugee welcome centre in the city of Pau around 11am, local media reported. The officer, a father-of-one, was found in his office with multiple stab wounds to his chest and died a short time later. Police told BMFTV that the migrant was known to them for acts of violence, and had been jailed twice in 2017 for armed assault. A Sudanese migrant, 38, stabbed to death the chief of a refugee welcome centre in the French city of Pau (pictured) today after learning his asylum application had been rejected The killer who has not been named was among a large group of men displaced from Calais over the past five years, where they had hoped to get across the Channel to the UK. They were instead taken by bus to the Isard Welcome Centre, in the South West city of Pau, some 650 miles away, where they were given the chance to claim asylum in France. It was one of these men who killed Cyril, who was in charge of the centre said an investigating source. The attacker came into the centre just before 11am and said he had a meeting with Cyril. Others in the building then heard screams, and called the police. Officers found the victim lying on the ground, and covered in ten knife wounds, including one in the neck. Despite emergency treatment, he died of his wounds. The attacker was overpowered by other staff, and held in a separate room until police were able to arrest him, under suspicion of murder using a kitchen knife. Police officers stand at the entrance of the Isard COS Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers (CADA) in Pau, southern France where the officer was stabbed to death by an asylum seeker Francois Bayrou, the Mayor of Pau, confirmed the attackers latest claim for asylum in France had just been rejected, and that he faced prison before deportation. This is a terrible tragedy, all the more because the victim spent his entire professional life helping migrants and asylum seekers, said Mr Bayrou. The man's asylum request had been rejected, and for good reasons. He then turned against the head of the service, this is extreme and absurd violence. In an interview in 2017, Mr Pierreval had complained of the short deadlines for asylum seekers, and the lack of translators made available to them. Requests are made in haste, Mr Pierreval said at the time. One of our big concerns is the lack of quality interpreters. Gerard Darmanin, Frances Interior Minister, attended the scene of the crime late on Friday afternoon, and offered his sincere condolences to the victims family and loved ones. Pictured: Pau's mayor Francois Bayrou described the attack as 'extreme and absurd violence' The assailant arrived from Sudan in 2015, and was originally among a large group of Africans trying to get to Britain, said an investigating source. At the time, there were thousands of UK-bound migrants sleeping rough in Calais, where there was a vast camp dubbed The Jungle. It was razed to the ground in 2016, and all of its inhabitants dispersed to Welcome Centres across France, including the one in Pau. The Pau attacker was arrested in 2017 for acts of violence and spent time in prison, but was not known to the intelligence services, and had no known links to terrorism. He was living freely in council accommodation in Pau, said the investigating source. On Friday night, Pau Prosecutor Cecile Gensac said the man was in custody and facing a murder charge. Raphael Diaz, director general of the asylum foundation that Mr Pierreval worked for, said: We are all deeply affected today by the sudden death of our colleague Cyril. Cyril was a really very experienced professional. The refugee welcome centre in Pau provides support services for recently arrived migrants, including housing. Workers said the head of the centre had agreed to meet with the man in his office after his asylum application was rejected, before being attacked. Washington: Since leaving the White House on January 20, Donald Trump has been remarkably quiet. Stripped of his Twitter account and told by advisers to lay low during his Senate impeachment trial, the normally garrulous former president has barely been seen or heard. That changed this week when Trump released his most extensive public comments since leaving the White House: a savage attack on Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell. As well as a feud between two very different men, the battle between these former allies is emblematic of a war for the soul of the Republican Party. Who is Mitch McConnell? The 78-year-old senator from Kentucky is the most senior Republican in the US Congress. Since 2007 McConnell has been the Republicans Senate leader, giving him enormous power over what becomes law in America and what does not. McConnell has gleefully described himself as the grim reaper - reflecting the fact the Senate became the place where progressive legislation went to die under his leadership. For more than three decades, Bishop J. Drew Sheard has served as senior pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ (COGIC), located on Detroits west side. Bishop Sheard has been lauded for his leadership in facilitating a ministry of excellence. The church is now recognized as one of the largest and most progressive COGIC congregations in Michigan. Bishop Sheards indelible fingerprints can also be found on other spiritual and kingdom building endeavors, broader empowerment of communities, and numerous humanitarian missions across America and on foreign soil. In his quest to further advance the Church of God in Christ on multiple levels, Bishop Sheard is seeking re-election to COGICs General Board. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the Church of God in Christ with 6.5 million members in approximately 100 countries will hold its Quadrennial Election to fill numerous positions. In addition to the General Board, other positions on the ballot are for Financial Secretary, General Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee Board, and Judiciary Board (General Assembly). ADVERTISEMENT According to the Church of God in Christs official website, the role of the General Board, comprised of 12 bishops, is to establish and execute policies for the COGIC membership, as well as sustain and perpetuate spiritual order within the Church. Bishop Sheard brings much experience to the General Board. He was first elected in 2012 and again in 2016, both times serving four-year terms. Every assignment that Ive been given as a General Board member, I have always left the assignment better off than I found it, said Bishop Sheard. As a General Board member, I will continue to serve with integrity, humility and dedication to ministry. The Bishops accomplishments as a two-term member of the General Board have been rooted in his commitment to God, dedication to Church, a commitment to elevate women to leadership positions in the church, and the commitment to reach and maintain fiscal and financial responsibilities. As chairman of COGICS Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention, the Bishop helped boost attendance, and demonstrated fiscal and financial responsibilities by sending an unpreceded amount of money back to the National Church. He facilitated the same level of fiscal and financial acumen as president of COGICs International Youth Departments Music and Youth Convention. Bishop Sheard is known among his peers as someone who respects the past, can lead in the present, and has great vision for preparing for the future. ADVERTISEMENT Im a bridgebuilder between the generations, said Bishop Sheard. We need to demonstrate that our seniors are not to be forgotten, and at the same time we must make room for the next tier of leaders because they are critical to the future of our church. I am grateful for the chance to publicly affirm my support and commit my vote to the candidacy of Bishop J. Drew Sheards re-election bid to the General Board of the Church of God in Christ, said Pastor Marcus R. Ways, Sr., Elected Vice Chairman of the General Counsel of Pastors and Elders. We grew up together as teenage preachers. I have observed Bishop Sheards leadership develop and continue into his adult years. I believe Bishop Sheard is a leader that will take our great church to the next level of its existence. In looking to COGICS future, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., senior pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, announced last year that he would not seek-re-election as a member of the General Board or Presiding Bishop. His decision means that the Feb. 23 Quadrennial Election will vote-in a new Presiding Bishop. While Bishop Sheard is a strong candidate for a third term on the General Board, he has expressed a great interest in the position of Presiding Bishop. The next Presiding Bishop, said Bishop Sheard, will be elected from members of the next General Board. If Im blessed to be re-elected to the General Board, with support, I will submit my name for Presiding Bishop, he said. I know in my heart and spirit that I can provide the leadership that the Church must have to move forward in bold ways. Real Times Media and our historic Black newspapers the Michigan Chronicle, Chicago Defender, Pittsburgh Courier, and Atlanta Daily World fully endorse Bishop J. Drew Sheard for re-election to COGICs General Board, said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO, Real Times Media. Bishop Sheard has proven himself to be a true man of God and a cross-generational thinker and leader in the Church of God in Christ locally, nationally, and internationally. And if Bishop Sheard chooses to pursue the position of Presiding Bishop, our emphatic endorsement will follow his pathway through the entire process. Bishop Sheards vision, if elected Presiding Bishop, would mirror the leadership, commitment and dedication he has shown as pastor of Greater Emmanuel in Detroit, and the contributions demonstrated over the last eight years as a member of the General Board. His focus of leadership is on COGIC reclaiming its spirituality and spiritual heritage, financial restructuring and economic empowerment, shepherding the growth and infrastructure of the church, and strengthening marriages and families. I strongly believe that the family is the cornerstone of the church, and there must be a restored focus on marriage, said Bishop Sheard, who with his wife, Karen Clark Sheard of The Clark Sisters, are the parents of two adult children and have two grandchildren. My plan is to facilitate a renewed commitment to marriage and families, by establishing ministry leadership to strengthen marriages based on biblical principles, while refocusing on training and educating our children. However, as we work to empower families, we must also ensure that the church is a refuge for the fatherless and offers healing for broken families. Bishop Sheard is also a major proponent of education. As a former schoolteacher, it is important that the Church of God in Christ has educational components that are competitive, said Bishop Sheard, who holds both a bachelors degree in education and a masters degree in mathematics from Wayne State University. We want to make our learning institutions stronger. I want our students who attend COGIC learning institutions to be right at the top and not be subserviate to any other educational system. Often called a difference maker, Bishop Sheards relief efforts has been greatly received by communities in crisis in Michigan, Texas, Louisiana, and internationally. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bishops STRETCH Ministry has secured funds to render technical support to pastors and their respective churches surrounding the issues of presenting virtual church services and other events. As the Feb. 23 Quadrennial Election draws closer, Bishop Sheard continues to work steadfastly in leading his own church, but first being obedient to Gods call. The Bishop knows, however, this is a pivotal election of great magnitude for COGIC and people of all dominations around the globe. I feel that Bishop Sheard is the best candidate for re-election to the General Board of the Church of God in Christ because his leadership has been proven and trusted, said Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole, Elect Lady, COGICs Department of Evangelism. My vote is secure with him because I trust the God in him, his vision and his ability to teach and lead our people in this hour. Just to be able to say that I know a man like Bishop J. Drew Sheard is a blessing, said Nicole Black of the Michigan Chronicle. Being a young woman in the faith-based community, I can truly say that Bishop Sheard is a true man of faith, who I have great admiration and respect for. He has served his family, his church and the community with class, poise and dignity and has proven that he is what the world needs as a global leader. As the Bishop prepares for the Election, he prays that he will be re-elected to the General Board, with the strong possibility of submitting his name for COGICs Presiding Bishop. Bishop Sheard knows whatever happens, his spiritual mantra remains the same Its Still a God Thing! For more information on Bishop J. Drew Sheards candidacy, log on to www.sheard2021.com. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden said Friday he plans to visit Texas next week following the states brutal winter storm that left millions without power but will only go when he determines his presence won't be a burden." "The answer is yes," Biden said of a visit to Texas, adding his plan originally was to go in the middle of next week. "But I dont want to be a burden. When the president lands in a city in America it has a long tail. The president said he will make the trip when he decides he wont get in the way of the state's recovery. A decision on a date is likely to come early next week, he said. President Joe Biden salutes before boarding Air Force One for a trip to Kalamazoo, Mich., to visit a Pfizer plant, Feb. 19, 2021, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Biden, who this week approved a federal emergency declaration for Texas, did not say where in Texas he might visit. He said he plans to sign a major disaster declaration for Texas as well. As I said when I ran, I'm going to be a president for all America all, Biden said, seemingly a reference to the Republican leanings and leadership in Texas. There's no red or blue. It's all about the commitment the American people make to one another. More: 'Climate change is real': Biden administration says Texas power crisis shows U.S. unprepared for extreme weather White House press secretary Jen Psaki pointed to the considerable resources required of a presidential trip. It is a significant footprint for a president travel to a state, especially for a state that is still recovering from a disaster, so we are taking all of that into consideration before making specific plans." Power outages numbered about 180,000 in Texas on Friday down significantly from more than 4 million earlier in the week but a crisis remains due to the lack of safe drinking water in many areas. Warmer weather is forecast over the next week across Texas after frigid temperatures led to the state's power grid failures. More: As winter storm moves into Northeast, Texans will see better weather ahead Story continues Biden spoke to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday night. According to a readout of the call from the White House, Biden expressed his support to the people of Texas in this trying time and reiterated the federal government will continue to work hand-in-hand with state and local authorities in Texas. Biden made his first official presidential trip outside of Washington, D.C., Delaware or the Camp David presidential retreat Tuesday, going to Milwaukee for a town hall hosted by CNN. He traveled Friday to Kalamazoo, Michigan to visit a Pfizer manufacturing plant that is producing COVID-19 vaccines. Staff reporter Doyle Rice contributed to this report. Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Joe Biden planning trip to storm-ravaged Texas next week 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. Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. Credit: NASA The University of Adelaide is sending pills to the International Space Station (ISS) to determine if it will be possible to produce medicine in space to enable longer-term space missions. Scheduled to launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Sunday 21 February, the pills will contain Ibuprofen and vitamin C as active ingredients, in addition to excipients that can be found on the moon's surface. These include silica, magnesium silicate (talcum) and calcium phosphate. University of Adelaide professor and research director for Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources Volker Hessel said the project was making the first step towards "autonomous on-board pharmaceutical manufacturing." The 60 pills will be packaged in blister packs and will be placed outside the ISS for six months to discover how exposure to microgravity and space radiation affects the stability of pharmaceutical tablet formulations. "Radiation protection was incorporated into the design of the pills," Hessel said. "By altering the interaction between the ingredients and the drug we will be able to examine how these variations affect their stability." Space technology companies Alpha Space and Space Tango have partnered with the University of Adelaide to send the pills to space. Alpha Space's Materials International Space Station Experiment platform, located on the outside of the ISS, will host the experiment. Alpha Spaces Materials International Space Station Experiment platform. Credit: University of Adelaide The university sent an initial batch of tablets to the ISS in partnership with Space Tango in October 2020. These pills are currently being exposed to the environment inside the space station. Currently, astronauts living in space 250 miles above the Earth's surface have a supply of medicines courtesy of commercial resupply missions. However, as various companies look to make trips further into space, such as a three-year trip to Mars, frequent resupply missions may not be possible. Most commercially-available pre-packed medicine, with an average shelf-life of two years, will likely expire during these longer trips. While extending the shelf-life of medicine is an option, future astronauts will also face issues such as storage capacity and variety of medicines. The ability to produce drugs in space and on-demand could be the best solution to both challenges. "Collecting data on medicine stabilization for long-term space missionsallows us to generate highly innovative data sets that will help direct future on-orbit and on-demand production of medicines," Hessel said. The mission will launch at 4:06 am ACDT, and can be viewed live on NASA TV. Explore further Image: Home away from home planet During his presentation before Congress' COVID-19 Commission, the high-ranking official recalled that Peru had signed a commitment with the Chinese laboratory for 38 million vaccines , which will enable the vaccination of 19 million people. Peru also signed a commitment with Pfizer for 20 million doses "This is very important because it is the second contingent, apart from that of Sinopharm, which allows guaranteeing the vaccination (...) of our entire population ," he expressed. The two respondents in the 2020 presidential election petition (Electoral Commission and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo) have filed their closing addresses. That is in conformity with an order by Supreme Court for the parties to simultaneously file written addresses on or before Wednesday [February 17, 2021]. However, the legal team for the petitioner, former President John Dramani Mahama is yet to file their written address as ordered by the court. This follows checks by Graphic Online at the Registry of the Supreme Court. Stay of proceedings The petitioner has rather filed a review application challenging the ruling of the court, dated February 11, this year, which overruled an objection by the lawyer for the petitioner, Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, against the decision of the Electoral Commission (EC) not to adduce evidence. He has also filed an application for stay of proceedings, and urging the court to put the petition on hold until the final determination of the review application. Former President Mahama, argues in his stay of proceedings application that he would suffer greatly if the petition, including the order to file closing addresses, is not put on hold until his review application is determined. For us to have to file closing addresses when there is a pending issue to be determined in the review application about whether or not my lawyers will cross-examine the Chairperson of the first respondent will cause irreplaceable harm to the conduct of my case, he argued. 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 15122 Paul Zikopoulos, VP, Competitive & Product Strategy, BigData and Analytics, IBM Paul Zikopoulos, VP, Competitive & Product Strategy, BigData and Analytics, IBM What does the number 62 mean to you? Would you be surprised to learn its the most important number in the world and affects everything that you care about (and perhaps dont for that matter). Within that number, life happens. Injecting data from the Karman Line (the name of 62 mile boundary between Earths atmosphere and space) will drastically change the way your business thinks, reacts, and decisions. Think about that for a moment: 62 miles (~100kms)thats shorter than some peoples daily commute, and yet within this distance all things happenagriculture, flights, traffic, rainbows, celebrations, disasters,and our economy (its been estimated that weather impacts one-third of global GDP daily). To Connect the Dots, You Have to Collect the Dots I always say, in a BigData world, to connect the dots you have to collect them, and thats exactly what wrapping weather as a first class citizen into your decision making processes is all about. When you start the journey where weather becomes a critical decisioning input variable, youre going to end up leveraging a cloud-based weather data provider. Think about it this way, Google has mapped the earth and it changed a lot of things in our day to day and professional lives; their location data services are laid atop data patterns and apps everywhere.Now think about how hard it would be to map the astrosphere, because weather is changing all the time! This data isnt static like a building. Companies need to wrangle weather with other data on a daily basis to figure how to get better clarity on the data they have and translate their existing data into meaningful action What would you do with a map of the atmosphere?Youd have access to a heck of a lot of data, thats for sure. Data from satellites, airplanes, radars, cars, weather stations, buildings, sensors in forests, lakes, rivers, and so much more. If there is one truism aboutthe Internet of Things (IoT) world in which we live in today, its that everything can be instrumented and measured. In fact, the BigData challenges I most often see today rarely have anything to do with data collection at allthats a 24x7 business the world has solvedperhaps all too well. Its the 24x7 decisioning category where we lack and factoring in the power of 62 in this process doesnt just have the potential to yield, it will yield tremendous business outcomes. Big Data Without Analytics is Just a Bunch of Data Wrapping weather as a first class citizen into your decision making processes and appreciating the influence of weather on your ability to generate better outcomes starts with a cultural shift. This involvesappreciation around data decisioning, and not collecting. The first industry that has to come to mind when thinking about industries can benefit from weather data has to be aviation (as it turns out, they are one of the most trodden industry paths using weather data). How does weather effect the comfort and safety ofyour journey (turbulence), on time departures or arrivals (storms) and what are the downstream costs associated with weather-related travel events (delays, re-bookings, baggage, lost fuel due to planes held in a waiting patterns, missed connections, and more). What about insurance? Consider this: a single hail storm in the middle of Phoenix once caused $20M USD in damages! In the US, there is a 1/1000thchance that an insured driver will file a claim for hail damage each year; and the average cost of a hail claim is $3,200 USD per car.Now consider the relationship between you and your auto insurance company? Most of todays auto insurance business models dont feel like a relationship at all because you pay a policy charge to get coverage in force, and live life fearful at using the policy because if you do, itll drive the costs of that policy up. Most digital insurance apps available for your mobile device are all about how to file a claim, not prevent them! Imagine an insurance company that as part of their digital transformation became partners in prevention of claims versus just administrators of them.Its been shown that 52 percent of people that receive a car-related weather alert with a damage warning take actionthis is a win-win situation for insurer and insuree. What should not be lost in this partnership is such a prevention app would serve as touch points to the client and when that happens more than 5 times a year, insurance studies suggest it assists in client retention. One company that caught my eye on such a journey is Security First Insurance (SFI) and their digital transformation partner Point Source. SFIs mobile insurance app allows even people that arent their customers to receive mobile weather alerts for their own of-interest assets (SFI is a home insurance provider). What a great idea! What a transformation! I could attach my grandmothers house in Florida to this app and not only understand impending events, but be in contact with her for personal safety. Thats a partner and is it any wonder why SFI grew their customer base with this digital transformation lead with a culture change and weather? Early warning systems and getting people out of perilous situations is another use case for BigData and weather. There are Asian populations that rely on weather and Twitter to warn entire populations about tsunamis and typhoons. They skip infrastructure because well they dont have it. They are using weather data to save lives and thats a pretty cool business outcome found at the intersection of weather and data. Its About Outcomes So what outcomes is your business hoping to achieve? Are you in the business of making people saferperhaps transporting them from point A to B in the safest and fastest way possible? Is your job to make your business smarterfrom EBIDTA to logistics? Weather has such a huge impact on all of us. Basically everybody on the globe lives their lives based on weather forecasts, so you can use that to see how it shapes consumer demand, what people need, what motivates them, and so on. Companies need to wrangle weather with other data on a daily basis to figure how to get better clarity on the data they have and translate their existing data into meaningful action. How ironic, the business of weather data is anything but a pure forecasting business. In El Paso, Texas, Fort Bliss officials have set up a second COVID-19 vaccination site for military personnel and eligible Tricare beneficiaries, including those age 65 and older, and those 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions. But at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia, retirees over age 75 who received their first COVID-19 vaccine in mid-January have not been able to get their second dose within the recommended time frame due to lack of availability. Likewise, at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Georgia and other locations across the military health system, vaccinations have been suspended sporadically for beneficiaries 75 and older due to supply problems. Read Next: 'They Know All About It': Pentagon Report Details Military Reach of Supremacist Groups Military dependents younger than 65 -- including those at risk for severe cases of COVID or caring for an at-risk child -- currently have no priority when it comes to receiving the vaccine through the military health system. The Defense Department is largely telling them to look for vaccinations elsewhere. The DoD adopted a policy Jan. 7 that gave the military service branches autonomy to determine their own vaccine orders and administration based on guidance from the Pentagon and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, the hospital-by-hospital determination means that retirees and some dependents are getting vaccines at some locations, but no one is receiving them through the military at others. And Tricare officials are telling beneficiaries to explore all available options for getting the vaccine. "[Each] military treatment facility and state serves a different population base and has a different level of ability," Tricare officials wrote during a Facebook chat on COVID-19 vaccines Thursday. "Our best recommendation is to stay in touch with your local military treatment facilities, state and local facilities and local pharmacy, and use the option that is available to you first." According to Tricare officials, appointments are largely dependent on availability, demand and "where the location is in the population schema." For the most part, military health facilities are in Phase 1a or 1b. Under Phase 1a, health care workers, first responders and security personnel were offered the vaccine first, followed by personnel in vital national security jobs, workers deemed essential, and those age 75 and older in Phase 1b, according to Defense Health Agency spokesman Peter Graves. To find out what phase a local treatment facility is in, Tricare recommends beneficiaries reach out to the individual location. But military families think there should be more updates and outreach from their health providers and Tricare. Maureen Elias, an Army spouse whose family receives health care at the Fairfax Health Center in Chantilly, Virginia, said she saw no signs or information about vaccine availability or access when she went to an appointment in early February. "We're hearing diddly-squat. And when I try to ask, I just get blank stares," Elias said. "We don't even know who to ask about it. If you try to look on any of the military websites, it's really hard to find something." "The DoD vaccine distribution process appears to be creating a 'have' and 'have not' policy," wrote Diana Ottignon, a Marine spouse, on Facebook. "Some military treatment facilities are vaccinating spouses now while [others] are still only vaccinating 75+. When can we expect clear and consistent policy so I can anticipate a shot?" The Facebook question-and-answer event was widely marketed as a resource to get answers on COVID-19 vaccines through Tricare. But officials kicked off the session by saying they would not be able to answer questions about specific locations because they "didn't know the status of vaccine availability at any particular location." "Are you working on a better contact list of bases that will be getting the vaccine and what the best contact number [is?]. ... Current guidance is basically, 'Look up some bases and try your luck. We don't know exact details so we aren't even making a contact list,'" asked Marc Coop. Tricare officials responded with a link containing the contact information of all military medical facilities for Coop to call directly. More than two months into the national effort to vaccinate all Americans against COVID-19, Defense Department officials won't -- or can't -- say how many non-military Tricare beneficiaries have received the vaccine. The Defense Health Agency referred such questions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which lists only the total number of vaccines distributed to the DoD and the number of first and second doses administered. According to the CDC, the DoD has received 1.146 million doses of the vaccine and has administered 791,494 shots, including 200,272 second doses. "These are the only official numbers publicly available," Graves said Feb. 12. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs said Wednesday that the DoD is collecting data on vaccine acceptance rates and demographics, but the Pentagon has not disclosed the data. During the Facebook event, poster Craig Brown said having those numbers might give him an idea of when he can expect the shot. "Those numbers seem to be pretty important," Brown wrote. "I'm guessing ALL Active duty will get vaccinated before ANY retiree is vaccinated including elderly and at-risk retirees. Knowing how many Active duty/Guard have been vaccinated might give us an idea when retirees will get a shot." But Tricare officials maintain that they are following CDC guidelines regardless of duty status. "For example, healthy adults who are active duty are not eligible for vaccines at this time, unless their job qualifies them in a group already eligible," they wrote. Yet during the chat, Tricare officials signaled that active-duty personnel are the DoD's primary focus for vaccines. Responding to a spouse who asked about eligibility because her husband is traveling, Tricare responded: "The DoD's focus is to provide a medically ready force. Active duty service members will go first. Essential workers will go next. This is a voluntary program based on the population schema." But several spouses of deploying troops or National Guard members who have been activated on short orders and come home after brief deployments say they should have priority. "Active duty cannot perform their missions if their spouses have COVID or are in the ICU. Who is going to take care of the family then?" asked Amy Vilela. Karen Ruedisueli, director of government relations for health affairs at the Military Officers Association of America, said many MOAA members -- primarily military retirees -- are anxious to get the vaccine and are understandably frustrated by the disparate distribution across the military health system. She recommends they explore other options in their areas, including hospitals and county health departments. "Most of [the retirees] understand they can try the MTF or their local pharmacies or other options in their local communities," Ruedisueli said. With most military families belonging to age groups that have yet to become eligible for the vaccine -- even those with illnesses that put them at risk for severe cases of COVID-19 -- they, too, should be looking to their communities, said Eileen Huck, deputy director of government relations with the National Military Family Association. "DoD has focused on essential workers, deploying service members and beneficiaries over age 75 in most locations. ... In the vast majority of cases, DoD is not close to getting to family members yet, even family members at high risk," Huck said. The DoD has seen at least 237,000 cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the outbreak, including 24,381 military dependents. Ten have died. Twenty-two service members also have died, as have 184 civilian DoD employees and 65 contractors. The CDC has said that, while the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should be administered as close to the recommended interval as possible -- three weeks and four weeks -- respectively, the shots can be delayed up to 42 days. Tricare officials said patients should get the second vaccine of the same type when it is available. "There is no need to restart the vaccination series if the second dose must be delayed," they wrote. Many on the Facebook chat said there needs to be more communication and active outreach from military treatment facilities regarding their phases and expected delivery process. Elias said the lack of communication to families seems reminiscent of the days of the phrase, "If the Army wanted you to have a wife, they would have issued you one." "I want to be sick of hearing about how I can get my vaccine. Everywhere I turn, I should be getting emails, I should be bombarded with it when I go to the clinic. ... It should be public on Army websites and, quite honestly, there should be an outreach effort for this information," she said. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: VA's Complicated Vaccine Priority System Causes Disparities, Confusion A 2001 pamphlet by Mrs. Glen Carson Henry titled McDonald & Environs published by the Bradley County Historical Society in Cleveland, Tn., gives a history of the McDonald area's early hotels. From around the 1880s to about 1933 there were six hotels and resorts that were erected to take advantage of the mineral spring water prevalent in McDonald. The area became well known for its summer resort hotels, springs and cabins and it was claimed that there are more springs in Bradley County than any other East Tennessee county. Baugh Springs, Mineral Springs, Powder Springs, Lauderback Springs and Tucker Springs were all widely visited resorts and each has its own unique history. These areas became popular summer vacation spots and were available to accommodate the citizens to get out of the city and enjoy the fresh country air and fine spring water for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Each of the five springs contained a wide variety of minerals which resulted in them being used for the treatment of different ailments. A map prepared by Ed Townsend in March 1997, which is included in Mrs. Glen Carson Henrys book, lists the location of the six hotels on pages 44 and 45. Baugh Springs was located about five miles northwest of the McDonald community in the extreme western part of Bradley County at the base of White Oak Mountain. There were two springs and it had rental cabins instead of a hotel. The springs contained iron, arsenic, magnesium sulfur and other minerals. It was popular with health seekers from Tennessee and other states. The meaning of the springs had some mystique about it as to original owner Michael Baugh, who was murdered by three individuals while he was serving as Justice of the Peace. They were convicted and hung in Bradley County. The 1957 movie Wild River included some scenes filmed at Baugh Springs and featured Montgomery Clift and actress Lee Remick. As recently as 1997 one of the small rental cabins remained in a decaying state along the creek bank although the spring had been covered by trees that had been blown over. Lauderback Springs Hotel - located at an elevation of 1,100 feet - was near three springs that produced chalybeate (made of iron) waters. In 1905 the Lauderback Springs Hotel was built on a spur on top of White Oak Mountain three miles southwest of McDonald. It was a two-story building with 29 rooms, a basement and wrap around porches but no electricity. Several different springs bubbled up and contained a variety of minerals, while one poured forth cool water with no ingredients. On one occasion a murder trial was held by Chattanooga Judge Sam McReynolds whose wife was staying at the hotel because of her health. It was held in the hotel living room. Hotel visitors came by train from Chattanooga to the McDonald depot. Because of the steep elevation they were met by a horse-drawn surrey that carried them to and from the hotel. The hotel operated until 1942-1943 and was a popular location with delicious family-style menus and weekly square dances. For years Lauderback Springs was the central gathering place for the young people of the McDonald area, especially on Sunday afternoons. The hotel burned on Friday night, July 29, 1960. Mineral Springs Inn was located three miles west of McDonald on U.S. Highway 11 (Lee Highway and 18 miles east of Chattanooga on what was the Southern Railroad line. The hotel was built around 1910, had 23 rooms and cabins and a dome pavilion. It was open year around and its main amenity was its location next to the railroad line. There were more than 40 springs in the complex and an investigation and analysis revealed that there was a greater variety of mineral substances in the springs than were found in any other site in the United States. From 1910 to 1912 Mineral Park was the site of the encampment of the Ocoee Baptist Association and attracted over 500 members to its meetings. Due to the popularity and success of the various spring resorts in Bradley there was a major expansion with the sale of lots. As business declined, Mineral Park Springs was sold through an auction of property which consisted of the hotel, springs, 10 cabins and adjoining property that included 60 acres of lots. The total parcel of 99 acres sold for slightly more than $12,000. Many plans were considered to renovate and develop the springs but the era of the hotel came to an end on March 2, 1933, when the facility burned. Although grown up in weeds, it was reported in 1947 that the springs were still open. However, in another alleged sign of progress, in 1982 a bulldozer covered up the springs while preparing a utility line. Powder Springs was located about 10 miles of Tucker Springs and continued mineral water containing chiefly iron, which was thought to be good for stomach trouble. It was not heavily developed and consisted primarily of log cabins situated about three-fourths of a mile in dense woodland. Two large rustic two-story cabins were located about two and a half miles east of McDonald across Bryer Creek. It was alleged Bryer was a deep creek and was enjoyed for swimming. Popular as a resort in the 1920s, it later became a popular camping area for Boy Scouts. Tucker Springs was occupied by Cherokee Indians in 1837. The Tucker Springs Hotel was allegedly built sometime after the Civil War and it and the springs were named after the great-grandmother, Polly Hagler Tucker, of the Summerfield Johnson family that today owns the large Bendabout Farms. The Tucker Hotel opened in June 1887 near the two springs on the property to accommodate the public. One was a chalybeate spring and the other was freestone. The two-story hotel was built on a hill just east of the springs. There were also a number of cabins that were privately owned nearby. It was a popular locale and enjoyed a brisk business that resulted in a three-story hotel opening in June 1891. Grand balls were held and the hotel expanded services. The hotel company was also concerned about the educational and spiritual interests as well as the physical well-being of its patrons. Elaborate plans were proposed, and some came into being while others did not. There were a few unfavorable events in the history of the hotel. In 1893 several policemen were arrested for misbehaving and in 1897 three Negro men were arrested for breaking into the hotel and stealing jewelry items. A post office designated as Tucker in 1892 was renamed Tucker Springs in October 1903. A railroad depot had been established around the turn of the century by the Southern Railroad but was removed around the 1920s though trains continued to run. Perhaps the largest event at the hotel was on June 11, 1896 when over 8,000 members of the Chattanooga Grocers travelled by train to the area and had their annual picnic. Unfortunately, the area had its share of shady dealings. In the Prohibition Era in 1924 and 1925 some of the five-gallon milk containers sent to Chattanooga by rail were filled with four gallons of illegal whiskey. Eventually the property was sold to a black ministers association around 1921 but they were unable to pay for the facility and it lay idle until 1939 until it was purchased by Summerfield Johnson. Thus it returned to the original family. It has been preserved and maintained as a model showplace. Each of the five springs described herein are part of the rich historical fabric of Bradley and Hamilton counties. * * * Jerry Summers (If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact Mr. Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com) One of Italy's most feared mob bosses who ruled the Neapolitan Camorra from a prison cell for most of his life has died. Raffaele 'the Professor' Cutolo, 79, was found dead on a prison bed in Parma on Wednesday morning after spending the last 42 years of his life behind bars. From jail he established the headquarters of the 'New Camorra' in the 1970s and orchestrated a bloody war against the Sicilian Cosa Nostra in the 1980s. He commanded a legion of 10,000 men who smuggled cocaine and ran protection rackets, fathered a child by artificial insemination, and also inspired a 1986 movie starring Ben Gazzara, all while serving multiple life sentences. The peasant boy from Campania even sat at the table with top politicians as he was asked to negotiate the release of President of Campania, Ciro Cirillo, who was abducted by the Red Brigades, Communist guerrillas, in 1981. Raffaele Cutolo appears in court in 1983 surrounded by prison guards. The book was thrown at the Professor that year as the bloody war with the Sicilian mafia in Naples came to a close Cutolo, also known as the Prince and the Monk, looks back at his supporters during a court appearance in 1997 In 1980, he bought a mansion, the Medici Castle of Ottaviano, a former nobleman's house, for 270 million lire (around 500,000 in today's money). The castle was later confiscated from him as his influence waned in the 1990s and its majestic halls have been lying derelict ever since. It's not clear if Cutolo ever set foot inside the building, having been locked up continuously since 1979. He married his wife Immaculate Iacone (pictured in 1986) in 1983, and in 2007, following a lengthy legal battle he was able to have a daughter with her through artificial insemination 'Cutolo was a piece of the Italian state,' Gomorrah writer and author, Roberto Saviano said. 'He was very powerful, more than a prime minister.' In 1964, 22-year-old Cutolo was jailed for murdering a man who had made a pass at his sister. He was sent to Naples' Poggioreale prison, infamous for its torture chamber, where he was challenged early in his 24-year stint by Camorra don Antonio 'the Badman' Spavone. The young Cutolo asked Spavone to arm himself with a flick knife and meet him in the courtyard. But the boss never showed and from that day on Cutolo was feared throughout the jail. Later when Spavone was released, a hitman, believed to be working for Cutolo, fired a shotgun at his face. Spavone survived but required plastic surgery after lumps of his face were blown off and immediately retreated from his role as head of the Camorra. Cutolo was venerated by his men, they called him the Prince ('o Princepe) and the Gospel ('o Vangelo), and inmates would kiss his hand as if he were the Pope By the 1970s, Cutolo had founded the 'New Camorra Organisation' (NCO), with a band of capos around him who were to forge criminal enterprises and serve their commander on release from prison. He lived in luxury with a cell all to himself, he was allowed to use the governor's phone to call anywhere in the world, and his chef and accountant lived in the room next door. He's even rumoured to have once slapped the governor of the Poggioreale prison around the face for daring to search his cell. The don befriended younger prisoners, providing them with protection, a sense of belonging and worth, which added to his ever-expanding network. Such was their loyalty that they sent money concealed in bouquets of flowers and Cutolo would use the funds on the inside to gain more influence. For example, he bought food for poorer prisoners and thereby created 'debts' which he would ask to recompensed for often with blood when they were released. Cutolo established a unique ideology, which some have even described as a 'death cult', which argued that 'the value of life doesn't consist of its length but in the use made of it.' Cutolo looks out from behind bars as he appears in court in the 1990s Cutolo speaks to a legal representative (left) and being led out of court in the 1990s (right) Cutolo fighting his case in court in 1986. He received multiple life sentence for the hits he ordered during the bloody early 1980s Hollywood star Ben Gazaara plays the role of il Professore in the 1986 film 'Il camorrista' He wrote a book called Poesie e pensieri (thoughts and poems) which was widely distributed throughout Campania and known as the 'Bible of the NCO.' Behind bars his writings and interviews with journalists cultivated a persona which his henchmen on the streets of Naples venerated. They called him the Prince ('o Princepe) and the Gospel ('o Vangelo), and inmates would kiss his hand as if he were the Pope. Cutulo even concocted an initiation ritual which included the phrase: 'The day when the people of Campania understand it is better to eat a slice of bread as a free man than to eat a steak as a slave is the day when Campania will win.' Cutolo is led in chains by police outside a courthouse in 1986. He died aged 79 in Parma on Wednesday In the rural villages of Campania, Cutolo a peasant boy himself struck a chord with the unemployed youth who struggled to find work as Italy's economy floundered. The Italian justice department estimate that by 1980, he was backed by 10,000 men. It was then that he launched his grisly internal war in the Camorra which would claim the lives of hundreds of gangsters, as well as dozens of innocents. There were two distinct branches of Camorra in Naples: Cutolo's NCO which dealt mainly in cocaine and protection rackets, and the rival clans who sold heroin and cigarettes, some of whom had alliances with the Sicilian Cosa Nostra. It was the latter connection which would spell disaster for Cutolo. The violence and ruthlessness of the NCO was overwhelming for the smaller Camorra clans who were unable to resist when Cutolo's mob demanded a 'sales tax.' By the late 1970s, these smaller clans were banded together to form the Nuova Famiglia which had strong ties to the Cosa Nostra. The ensuing war, waged from 1980 to 1983, was so bloody that the police were forced to intervene in the Mafioso affairs. The Cosa Nostra, however, were able to use their all-pervading influence to ensure that when the dust settled it would be NCO men who would be rounded up and arrested. The don's abandoned castle bought in 1980, it was confiscated by the local municipality in 1991 The dilapidated interior of his castle. It's not clear if he ever actually set foot inside The Medici Castle of Ottaviano which the mob boss owned for around a decade - while he was in jail Ben Gazzara appears as Cutolo in the 1986 film Cutolo is said to have overplayed his hand in taking on the Cosa Nostra and his former political allies turned on him. When his main military general on the outside, Vincenzo 'the Big Black' Casillo, was gunned down in 1983 it was the beginning of Cutolo's decline. Many abandoned the NCO to join the ranks of his enemies and his sister who directed the NCO from outside jail was arrested in 1993. Cutolo was shipped off to a prison on the island of Asinara, far from Naples, and he was no longer able to communicate with the outside world. He married his wife Immaculate Iacone in 1983, and in 2007, following a lengthy legal battle he was able to have a daughter with her through artificial insemination. 'I'll die in prison. My last wish is to give my wife a child,' Cutolo told newspaper La Repubblica. He had fathered another child, Roberto, from a previous marriage. The 28-year-old was shot dead in 1991 in Varese by enemies Cutolo had made from his 1980s war. The killers were later discovered dead themselves, their faces ripped apart by bullets. In 1980, he bought a mansion, the Medici Castle of Ottaviano, a former nobleman's house, for 270 million lire (around 500,000 in today's money). Last year, he fought yet another legal battle arguing that because he was sick he should be released and allowed to live his final days under house arrest. The state refused, arguing that Cutolo was still a powerful symbol that would strengthen criminal gangs who still pay homage to the don and the NCO (pictured in 1997) Cutolo gazes out from behind bars in 1986 as he makes one of the many court appearances he faced in his life Cutolo remonstrates behind bars as he appears before authorities in 1990 The castle was later confiscated from him as his influence waned in the 1990s and its majestic halls have been lying derelict ever since. It's not clear if Cutolo ever set foot inside the building, having been locked up continuously since 1979. Last year, he fought yet another legal battle arguing that because he was sick he should be released and allowed to live his final days under house arrest. The state refused, arguing that Cutolo was still a powerful symbol that would strengthen criminal gangs who still pay homage to the don and the NCO. This week, suffering from pneumonia, his condition deteriorated and he was reportedly diagnosed with septicaemia. His lawyers had made new legal representations for his release on Tuesday, but he died the following day. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Defense ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, agreed to send 3,500 soldiers to Iraq to help thwart the return of the Islamist state group (ISIS), reports say. The decision, reports Anadolu news agency, came on the second day of the virtual meeting of the NATO ministers. We will expand the NATO training mission in Iraq to ensure that ISIS (Daesh) doesnt return, the alliances Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced at a press conference. Stoltenberg indicated that ISIS is still active in Iraq and the increase in attacks prompted the NATO decision. Iraq is still reeling with attacks from the terror group which was defeated in 2017 after it seized large swaths of the territory in 2014. The alliance currently has 400 troops stationed in the Middle East country. As a scientist with 15 US patents, becoming a senior manager of a research and product development group at a corporation with revenue of nearly US$20 billion, Dr. Cong admitted he didnt know what major to pursue when he was younger. Dr. Trinh Cong (born in 1983) is a former math student at Hung Vuong High School in Phu Tho province. However, he chose to change his direction to chemistry and won national second prize in this subject. That achievement helped him get straight into the chemistry class for talented students of the University of Natural Sciences (National University - Hanoi). Dr. Trinh Cong, who holds 15 US patents. But for a semester here, Cong gradually realized that this environment was not suitable for him. I expect more at this level of education. But what I've learned here is just solving more difficult problems, balancing more complex reactions. After a semester of doing theoretical work, I felt disillusioned." That is why he became determined to find ways to study abroad. But with almost no English skills, it was impossible to apply for a scholarship to England, Australia or the US. I went looking for information in many places. Fortunately, at that time the Government had a policy to grant scholarships to study abroad for some of the best students. So, I started to set a target to be in the group of excellent students. As expected, in 2003, he was selected to go to Russia to study chemistry at St Petersburg University. Studying at the new school, Cong had to struggle with learning a foreign language. At all times, the Vietnamese student brought with him two heavy dictionaries to learn Russian. With his knowledge of maths since his high school years, Cong regularly taught difficult math lessons to Russian students; in return, his classmates would teach him to learn the language. After nearly a year of practicing Russian and mastering his major, Cong started scouring laboratories to apply for research. The school environment here was not heavy in theory, and prioritized practice. During his years sitting in the lecture hall, Trinh Cong was the main author of four scientific articles. All professors in the school said that this was an outstanding achievement for a university student, especially an international student who has to face language barriers. Cong also won first prize for student scientific research in his fourth year of college. Everything went well, ensuring that Cong would stay in Russia and continue his doctorate studies. But at the end of 2006, when representing the university to attend an international scientific conference in Finland, Cong had the opportunity to interact with a number of students who he later said: I was enlightened." In Finland, I met an Asian student with a beautiful, thin and light laptop. Curious, I approached, using my little English to ask what kind of laptop it was. This student answered a very long question that I barely heard: Apple. That night, I spent the night searching the Internet for what Apple was. After that I thought, American science is truly superb." The laptop, according to the Asian student, cost $2,000. Meanwhile, Congs scholarship in Russia was only $300/month." My friend said that this laptop is only equal to a month's scholarship in the US. At that time, I learned that it turned out that there was more money to go to study for a PhD in America." After that trip, Cong was determined to find a scholarship to study in the US. He still thinks that it was a pretty "bold" decision at that time, when his English skills were almost non-existent. Giving up the desire to be a professor Returning to Russia, unable to study English at foreign language training centers due to the expensive cost, after many hesitations, Cong decided to buy books to study by himself. Talking about learning English also has many memories. I bought all the books, from TOEFL, English Grammar in Use, VOA Special English... to learn English online for $15-20/month. In order to earn more money for studying English and buying materials, every day after school and going to the lab, I opened a barber shop in my dorm room for half the price outside the barbershop." For over a year, determined to practice by himself and stand in front of the mirror to learn pronunciation, Dr. Cong achieved 92/120 TOEFL iBT and was able write an application letter for the scholarship. Dr. Cong is one of 100 Vietnamese scientists in the world participating in the Vietnam Innovation Network. Thanks to a strong profile, he has been accepted by six institutes in Switzerland, Germany and the US. In 2008, he decided to choose to pursue a doctorate at the University of Southern California (USA) because he was "fascinated by a professor at the school". When I learned about the school, I came to know him - a scientist who has very practical research on OLED screens and electronic devices from organic materials. So, the first day I went to school, I went straight to his lab and made a suggestion: I chose this school because I adore this lab so much. I really look forward to studying here'." Thanks to that, he was accepted to work in the lab and started research from the first year in the US. But the research didn't give immediate results. After three years of researching with many failures, Cong twice wanted to stop studying for his doctorate. After three years of failure, I decided to spend two weeks thinking about the projects I did, analyzing the reasons for the failure and deciding to stop all projects that had no potential. "I talked to professors in the faculty, other researchers, and outlined two completely new research directions. I also communicated with professors more often so that my ideas were always open and accepted to listen to comments and suggestions." After six months, Cong's new research direction had good results and he received his first patent by accident after arguing with a researcher at the same lab. In the last two years of the graduate program, Cong made a breakthrough with three patents and six published scientific articles. Among the patented studies, there is one focusing on solar cells made from organic materials. If the traditional solar cells made of Si material are very big and heavy, with this technology, the batteries will be very light, can be hung on glass windows and allow to see through. It can also be used as a solar power generation coating on outdoor items. Cong works as a senior manager of product development at Applied Materials. Everything went well, but Cong said, with his major, if he returns to Vietnam, it will be difficult to have a working opportunity. I also do not want to participate in teaching or research. After studying, I want to apply the knowledge I learned into practice immediately. So, I set the goal to go to Silicon Valley - a good land for tech talent and a development ground for tech startups." And he set foot in Silicon Valley in 2013. Eight years later, he became a senior manager of a product research and development group at Applied Materials - the number one supplier of semiconductors in the world with sales reaching nearly $20 billion. I worked very hard even on weekends, always volunteering to do difficult things. However, that was not enough. I realize that I must have teamwork skills, use my knowledge and understanding to make an impact... "I spent a lot of time training new engineers, even though I wasn't paid or assigned to. This is how I influenced and won the trust of my colleagues and leaders." Dr. Trinh Cong is currently the owner of 15 patents and is awaiting patent approval for advanced nanomaterials and semiconductor processing. His invention has been used by many big names to make core chips, and OLED screens in smartphones and computers. Thuy Nga Britain needs to find a way of dealing with technology giants such as Facebook after the social media company blocked all news content in Australia, the government warned today. The warning comes as Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the country's fight to make Facebook pay for news content could go global as he has already had 'promising' talks with other world leaders. 'Ultimately, we've got to find a way of dealing with what is now a very very well established, a very important part of people's lives, which is social media,' Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly told the BBC. 'We need to find ways of making sure that the commercial relationships with these big tech giants work.' Scott Morrison, who angrily lashed out at Facebook yesterday after the site banned all news content, said today that he has spoken to India's Narendra Modi and Canada's Justin Trudeau about the ban. France's Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson are also 'watching closely' as Australia battles it out with Facebook, Mr Morrison said. Mark Zuckerberg was facing down an international backlash and calls for a boycott yesterday after he blocked all news content for Australian Facebook users in a row over paying for content. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says other countries could follow Australia and introduce media bargaining laws Britain needs to find a way of dealing with technology giants such as Facebook after the social media company blocked all news content in Australia, Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly warned today Morrison said he spoke with Canada's Trudeau (left) and India's Modi (centre) about the laws, and that UK PM Boris Johnson (right) and France's Macron are also 'interested' The decision means Daily Mail Australia's nearly five million followers can no longer access our news content on Facebook The move came after Australian politicians backed a new law that would force Facebook to pay news publishers for hosting their stories. The legislation only needs the approval of the Senate to become law. Google, which would also be affected by the law, has already begun striking deals with some of Australia's largest publishers to pay for content, even before the law comes into force. 'People are looking at what Australia is doing,' he said. 'I've had these exchanges also with Prime Minister Trudeau, and I know Prime Minister Johnson is very interested. 'I've spoken to President Macron about these things, in the same way we talk about that they should pay tax too. And we discuss that a lot.' Mr Morrison said he invites Google and Facebook to constructively engage with Australia's proposition as he expects other Western jurisdictions to swiftly follow. Policymakers in the UK have been working on sweeping regulations to reform the tech sector, and are expected to put forward the idea of paying for content in legislation to be brought before parliament next year. The new UK laws, which are likely to be included in the Digital Competition Bill, could force platforms such as Facebook to negotiate prices with publishers for hosting their content within a given time-frame under a 'mandatory bargaining code'. Facebook users called for a boycott of the site today amid fury after it blocked news sites in Australia amid a row over paying for content Others posted images showing their Facebook accounts have been scheduled for deletion If the sides cannot agree then they must take a 'best effort' offer to an independent arbitrator who would decide on the final price. While the exact workings of the system still need to be hashed out, it is likely it the arbitrator would be the Digital Markets Unit - a new regulator due to launch in April. In France, a group of publishers have already used a copyright directive brought forward by the EU to force Google into paying for content. Last week, Google agreed to pay $98milion over three years to a conglomerate of publishers to host their content - though the deal has been criticised as opaque and unfair to independent news outlets. Policymakers in the US are also thought to be watching moves in Australia, the EU and UK with interest as regulators in the country tighten the screw on tech companies after years of resistance. In a move which appears designed to head-off laws forcing tech giants to pay for content, Facebook last month signed voluntary deals with some US publishers. Under the terms of the deal, Facebook would pay $3million a year to the likes of New York Times, ABC News, the Washington Post and Bloomberg to display their stories on a new news portal. Mr Morrison's comments came after the social media giant banned Australian news from on its platform from Thursday in response to the proposed media bargaining code. Pictured: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg Mr Morrison said he applauded Google for the way they have 'engaged' and 'respected' the process - after the search-engine flagged concerns early on. 'But I would just say to Facebook, this is Australia you want to do business here you work according to our rules, and that's a reasonable proposition,' he said. 'We're happy to listen to them on on the technical issues of this, just like we listened to Google and came to a sensible arrangement. 'But the idea of shutting down the sort of sites they did yesterday as some sort of threat.' The prime minister was asked whether he expected to receive international support from other nations following Facebook's controversial ban. Mr Morrison said he spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday about the issue, among other world leaders including Canadian leader Justin Trudeau. He said the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and France's Emmanuel Macron were also monitoring the issue closely. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg remains determined to convince Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to accept the Australian government's media bargaining code. The pair spoke on Friday morning and will talk again over the weekend. 'We talked through their remaining issues and agreed our respective teams would work through them immediately,' Mr Frydenberg said. 'I reiterated Australia remains committed to implementing the code.' Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church Appoints New Reverend PITTSFIELD, Mass. Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in Pittsfield welcomed the Rev. Dr. Nina Ranadive Pooley as the parish's new rector. She assumes her leadership role this month. The Rev. Dr. Pooley has a BA in Religion and a BA in Psychology from The College of William and Mary and a Master of Education from the University of Virginia. She was formed for ordained ministry at The School of Theology, University of the South and was awarded the M.Div. in 2004. After ordination to the priesthood, she served for two years as Associate Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mt., Tenn. After Good Shepherd, Pooley served as Associate Chaplain at St. Paul's School, in Lutherville, Md. for a year (2006-2007). In 2007 Nina was called to be Rector of St. Bartholomew's, Yarmouth, Maine and provided that congregation with 13 years of faithful leadership. During her service in Yarmouth, she began work on a D.Min. at The School of Theology in 2009 and was awarded the degree in 2014. Upon accepting the call of the parish's Search Committee and Vestry, Rev. Pooley wrote: "There are so many reasons I feel St. Stephen's is a good fit for me. But at the top of the list are your commitment to social justice, your active investment in local mission and ministry, and your genuinely inclusive welcome of all of God's people." At the announcement of Rev. Pooley's selection, parish Co-Wardens Tom Dillon and Erin Sullivan shared with the church: "We are excited to have Nina guide us on the next part of our journey as a congregation. She has energy, vision, compassion, and an empathic way of relating to others." Pooley, her husband Ken, adult daughters, Mackenzie and Channing, dog Finn, and a few cats will live in Hinsdale. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - BlockchainK2 Corp. (TSXV: BITK) (OTCQB: BIDCF) (FSE: KRL2) today announced that the Company's shares are trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol KRL2 (ISIN: CA09369M1077; WKN: A2JM5R). The Company will continue to maintain its primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange. "Obtaining approval to trade on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange will provide greater exposure, accessibility and liquidity for our current and potential shareholders throughout the European investment community," said Sergei Stetsenko, CEO of the Company. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is one of the world's largest trading centers for securities and one of the largest stock exchanges in Germany. BlockchainK2's Frankfurt listing is expected to facilitate the process of trading in its shares by investors in Europe and internationally. BlockchainK2 has also retained the services of Aktiencheck.de AG (the "Consultant") to provide editorial write-ups, public relations, brand awareness, and digital marketing services to the Company. The Consultant has been paid consideration of 50,000. The Company and the Consultant maintain an arm's length relationship, and the Consultant does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company. About BlockchainK2 Corp. BlockchainK2 Corp. is a holding company investing in blockchain technology solutions for capital markets and other sectors that can be made more efficient through tokenization. The Company is currently invested in RealBlocks, a technology platform for private equity, private credit and real estate that provides tokenized secondary trading of LP interests. The Company also has executed a joint venture agreement with Standard Power, an industrial scale crypto currency mining facility with very low power costs in the United States. For information on BlockchainK2 Corp., please visit www.blockchaink2.com. For further information, please contact: Sergei Stetsenko, CEO 604-630-8746 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements", including information concerning the intentions, plans and future action of the Company described herein. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the general risks of a public company, currently with limited business and financial resources, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's continuous disclosure record available at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74931 31731 Adam Such II, President and Chief Operating Officer, Communication Security Group Inc. Adam Such II, President and Chief Operating Officer, Communication Security Group Inc. Organizations across the US are at increasing risk from cyberattacks due to VPN vulnerabilities, according to The National Security Agency. With an unprecedented percentage of the workforce dialling in remotely due to the ongoing global health crisis, the NSA has issued an advisory warning focused on the importance of properly securing VPNs. The report states VPNs are essential for enabling remote access and securely connecting remote sites, but without proper configuration, patch management, and hardening, VPNs are vulnerable to attack. Their instructions include the reduction of the VPN gateway attack surface, ensuring cryptographic algorithms are Committee on National Security Systems Policy 15-compliant, and avoiding the use of default VPN settings The warning comes against a backdrop of increasing concerns over the vulnerabilities associated with VPNs. Just this spring it emerged that millions of users were at risk from cyberattack due the compromising of the popular android app SuperVPN. Researchers have warned that the VPN, which has been installed over 100 million times, is vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks which could expose messages between user and provider and far more worryingly, could allow hackers to redirect users to malicious servers. A report issued last week by Comparitech claims that eight new VPN services, including SuperVPN and UFO VPN have reportedly leaked a massive 1.2TB of user data. The report explains, "Its not clear how many users are affected, but our findings suggest that potentially all users who connected to UFO VPN at the time of exposure could be compromised. UFO VPN claims to have 20 million users on its website, and the database exposed more than 20 million logs per day." The UFO VPN service is based out of Hong Kong, and while SuperVPN is in theory published by Singapore-based SuperSoftTech, in reality that company is owned by the independent developer Jinrong Zheng, who are also behind LinkVPN, and are most likely based in Beijing. Policy vs. Reality Against this backdrop, it has never been more important to examine VPN policy, usage and vulnerabilities. Government agencies and businesses around the world have focussed on their at-work security but are ill-prepared to cope with the distributed environments they currently face due to the crisis-driven push to work from home. Not only are workforces not trained in the correct usage of VPNs, but many of the organizations who should know better themselves are unaware there is even an issue. Unfortunately, many will only recognize how their perception and policies clash with reality once they have already been breached. The driver behind this VPN failure can be as simple as overload: tools designed to serve a small proportion of employees are struggling to cope with dramatically increased demand as living in lockdown means working from home for many. "Because of bandwidth capacity issues, many organizations are struggling to provide secure VPN connections for all of their remote employees. This can result in employees not using the VPN, or having a significantly poor experience as compared to when in the office" explains Justin Jett, director of audit and compliance at analytics company Plixer. Matias Katz, CEO of the endpoint security company Byos, puts it more simply: If Amazons 750,000 employees all simultaneously connect to the corporate VPN, it will likely crash. The reality is that many employees have only very limited remote access to their networks, even when their organizations VPN is fully functioning. The impact on productivity when staff can only access networks for less than an hour throughout an entire working day are considerable. Of course, every time an employee is forced to abandon using their VPN in the name of speed and efficiency they and the organizations they work for are exposed to bad actors and security risks. But the slowdowns and reduced quality of service can exacerbate the damage done in an attack. As Ian Paterson, data analytics expert and CEO of security company Plurilock explains "The IT operations team that's able to respond instantly to a security breach or systems problem when in the office is now at risk of being hampered by poor connectivity. Things that might previously have involved a five or 10-minute window to resolutionwhether a system outage or something more serious like an ongoing attack that needs to be stopped or addressedmay now involve double or triple that time due to slower connections." VPNs as a focal point for attack A VPN is effectively a data tunnel: the content in transit is only secured up to the VPN server, where it is stored in plaintext form. That then becomes a centralized point where all traffic can potentially be probed, making it a hugely valuable source of intelligence or data. China itself faced attack this year from hackers identified as DarkHotel, who are believed to be a state-sponsored group operating out of the Korean peninsula. The intrusions were spotted by Chinese security firm Qihoo 360, who say the hackers used a zero-day vulnerability to attack more than 200 VPN servers. Meanwhile, the crisis has seen Microsoft send a first of its kind notification to several dozen hospitals that their gateway and VPNs are being actively targeted by ransomware groups. US-based security firm Barracuda has warned that these sorts of Covid-19 attacks have increased 667% worldwide. However, intrusions may not be from external hackers, but can come from the server hosts themselves. A study by privacy and security research firm VPNpro has revealed 30% of the worlds top VPNs are secretly owned by six Chinese companies, while many others are based in countries with similarly lax or non-existent privacy laws. For example, at least seven prominent VPNs are owned by the Pakistani company Gaditek. The laws in Pakistan are such that, without a warrant, the government there can access any of the data held by these VPNs, and share with foreign institutions at will. All of which could make using a VPN counterproductive to an organizations privacy requirements. For these reasons it is unsurprising that VPNs are seen as a key weakness by many within defence and intelligence agencies. As agencies and organizations operate more in mobile or distributed environments, concerns over availability, severability and disruption, network capacity, stability, connectivity in bandwidth constrained environments and focused vulnerability points in a network increase significantly. What can you do to ensure your VPN protects you? Despite the various vulnerabilities detailed, there are steps you can take to ensure your VPN gives you the best protection possible. First and foremost, check that your VPN provider is identifiably reputable and ideally certified using established standards and recognized third parties. Updates are not optional they are vital to ensuring that new patches are installed, and your VPN is functioning optimally. Provide full staff training on how, why and when to use your VPN do not assume familiarity or capability. Perform tests as close to full capacity as possible, and if throttling or reduced service occurs talk to your provider. The National Cyber Security Centre in the UK has warned Protecting data in transit is one of the most important security aspects to consider when using mobile devices. Attackers with access to unprotected data (or inadequately-protected data) may be able to intercept and modify data, potentially causing harm. So, push back if colleagues are slow to get on board. Be pragmatic and realistic. It is the only way to close the gap between policy and reality. Perhaps most important of all, be aware of what your VPN is being used for, and do not overextend it. If your organization is using the VPN for Voice over IP (VoIP) calls and conference calling, that traffic is taking up valuable bandwidth and is likely to lead to problematic calls and could even bring down the VPN completely. Furthermore, even the most robust VPN is no replacement for end-to-end encrypted messaging and file transfers make sure you are using specialized tools for the purpose intended. Protect communications properly Cellcrypts mobile and desktop apps can be downloaded and used on existing smartphones, tablets and PCs in minutes, offering the highest level of end-to-end, certified encryption for voice calls, conference calls, instant messaging and file transfers. The platforms trusted security is relied on at the highest levels of Governments around the world, and is enterprise-ready: integrating with existing IT infrastructure (no need to rip and replace), with optional add-ons ranging from regulatory compliance auditing to private stacks that provide full management control. Cellcrypt Voice Gateway extends your existing PBX to Cellcrypt mobile enabled-devices; a lifeline in this remote-working environment. Cellcrypt was first FIPS 140-2 certified in 2010, with UK CESG CAPS certification in 2012 and US NIAP (National Information Assurance Program) Common Criteria certification in 2014. Cellcrypt exceeds the Suite B encryption mandated by the NSA for all US Government classified communications, up to Top Secret. Every single message and call has a unique encryption key, with each session authenticated at the end points, for true end-to-end encryption. At this time of great need, we are committed to supporting government and commercial enterprises affected by the global health emergency. We are proud to have launched our Secure Communications for Home Workers quick-start initiative, offering our military-grade encryption with unparalleled discounts on licenses and full enterprise solutions. Organizations needing to transition to telework while ensuring business continuity will be able to employ Cellcrypt rapidly to lessen the strain, costs and vulnerabilities during this emergency. Please visit our dedicated page for more information, and to learn more about how Cellcrypt is contributing our military-grade business solutions during this public health crisis. CROMWELL The town is better protected against COVID-19 this week following more than 100 additional vaccinations for the disease, health officials said. A total of 140 residents received COVID-19 vaccines at the latest clinic Wednesday, sponsored by the towns health department. It was the seventh such weekly clinic that has been held in the Town Hall gymnasium. The clinic is now inoculating Cromwell residents over the age of 65, in compliance with state Department of Public Health eligibility guidelines. The clinic is sponsored by the towns health department in conjunction with the regional coalition that includes health officials in Durham, Middlefield and Middletown. Residents who sign up for the clinics are being given the two-shot Moderna vaccine, according to Salvatore Nesci, Cromwells public health coordinator. The town receives its supply of vaccine doses from the DPH, Nesci said during Wednesdays clinic. The gymnasium has been set up as a semi-permanent home for the clinic, which Nesci described as being more like an infirmary. There is an emergency medical technician on duty, and each recipient is required to wait 15 minutes after being given the vaccine to ensure there is no adverse reaction. Residents are checked in by members of our medical reserve corps of volunteers who relieve residents of the need to enter their data into the state Vaccine Administration Management System, Nesci said. A licensed pharmacist delivers the shot in what Nesci said is a quick and safe experience. In addition to delivering the shots, the clinic also helps residents navigate their way through a registration process that can, at times, be very difficult to negotiate, Nesci said. And there is no fee to receive the vaccination, he added. Residents can call Town Hall to make a reservation to receive the vaccine. The health department telephone number is 860-632-3426. Volunteers are standing by to take those calls five days a week, from 8:30 a.m.to 4 p.m., Nesci said. As well, senior citizens can register through the Cromwell Senior Center, he said. During the first clinic that was held, 70 residents received vaccinations, and that has grown to 140 on Wednesday. By now weve given out hundreds and hundreds of the vaccine, Nesci said. Nesci said he receives a call from DPH at the end of each week informing him of how many vaccinations he can offer the following Wednesday. The town of Cromwell is pleased that we can provide our residents with these essential vaccinations in a safe and efficient manner, Town Manager Anthony J. Salvatore said Thursday. Ive been contacted by a number of people who said they are pleased by the manner in which the town has handled the vaccine process. Nesci said offering the vaccine is rewarding for town officials. It makes us feel good to be able to provide these vaccinations to our residents, Nesci said, adding, Well be here as long as they keep giving us the vaccines. jmill@middletownpress.com Two navy soldiers raise Taiwan's national flag during an official ceremony at a shipyard in Su'ao, a township in eastern Taiwan's Yilan County, on Dec. 15, 2020. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images) Taiwan Vulnerable to Chinas Aggression Commentary Consider Taiwan, the former Formosa, a tiny democratic and capitalist country that endures constant harassment from communist China, the third largest country in the world, a mere 90 miles away. For that matter, consider the 1.4 billion people of China who endure abuses and threats or face the ultimate cancellation by their own regime, as many have. Living in a sub-tropical paradise, the mostly ethnic Chinese in Taiwan and the 14 islands of the Taiwan group have since 1949 fashioned a democratic-industrial-agricultural success story. When Gen. Chiang Kai-shek moved his nationalist government to Taiwan in 1949 after Mao Zedongs victory in the civil war, the process of prosperity and industry truly began, with dictatorship eventually giving way to democracy. The statistics are sanguine. Taiwan ended 2020 as Asias top-performing economy. Taiwans statistics office pegs the nations economic growth in 2020 at 2.98 percent, which not only edges out China but also the 2.9-percent growth posted by Vietnam, which many had predicted would be Asias fastest-growing economy for the year. A recent column by banker John Manning in International Banker magazine points out even more: The ongoing trade war between the United States and China is also playing a major role in Taiwans economic recovery. The Taiwan central bank recently acknowledged that the nature of U.S. trade policies towards China in large part explains why its trade surplus with the United States has been on the rise. The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump had been particularly averse towards Chinese tech firms such as Huawei, whilst also expressing support for democratic Taiwan. He notes that both countries now view China with increasing concern. Theres a downside here that should not go unnoticed. Its economic successes are making Taiwan a particularly appealing fruit to pick right now. Chinas autocrats would dearly like to have this economic powerhouse performing for the Communist Party. As I warned in this space on Jan. 1, this is among the most dangerous periods for the world since the collapse of the USSR. This is partly because of the perception that the United States has been wounded by a disputed election and the COVID-19 contagion, and partly because of the reality of President Joe Bidens ambivalence on China. With Trump out of office, I believe Taiwan faces an imminent threat from the Chinese regime, which has never ceased to consider it a breakaway province that one day would return to the fold. By force, if necessary. Consider recent developments that augur well for war, and poorly for peace. On Dec. 26, Chinas National Peoples Congress approved several amendments in its defense law, rubber-stamping leader Xi Jinpings proposal of transferring powers for making the national defense policy from the State Council (which functions like a cabinet) to the Central Military Commission led by Xi himself. A former ambassador, Yogesh Gupta of India, notes also in a recent article in The Tribune of Chandigarh that this puts the gun directly into Xis hands. Participation of other Politburo members, who might not be so hawkish on such matters as Taiwan, will now be excluded. The question arises: Why has Xi centralized all powers in his person at this time? One answer could be that he is an old man who realizes his time is limited. For many years he has waited patiently for this moment, when American predominance in the world is clearly ebbing and its internal resolve visibly weakening, owing to the felicitous coincidence of a worldwide pandemic (spread from and by China) and the systematic undermining of liberal institutions by decades of Chinese infiltration, theft, spying, and corruption. Now, the final piece is in place: a weak and allegedly personally compromised U.S. commander-in-chief, who through a series of foolish electoral changes to supposedly accommodate the aforesaid virus, i.e. mail-in ballots, managed to acquire enough Electoral College votes to take the presidency from the strong and capable Trump. God help us all, because this could get very messy very soon. Xi has recently warned his armed forces to prepare for war. Hitler did the same prior to 1939. In fact the two political cultures share disconcerting features: both are fascist, race-based totalitarian systems; both are rooted in realism, meaning they embrace real politik or power politics, the belief that a stronger, better-prepared, and more daring state will win any international showdown over a lesser rival; both amassed military arsenals far in excess of what is needed for self-defense; and both took risks to feel out the democracies only to find them prone to appeasementHitler, with his demands for lands in the Rhineland and Czechoslovakia; Xi, with his aggression in the South China Sea. China ended Hong Kongs autonomy and fledgling democracy with hardly a whimper from the West. Since Bidens inauguration, it has increased provocative military flights into Taiwans airspace. It abuses foreign nationals, including at least two Canadians, with imprisonment on what are widely seen as false charges in retaliation for legal action against Chinese citizens. Its now poised to take Taiwan by force or threat of force. The tiny tiger of a state may soon face its worst nightmareand the question is an open one whether the West will lift a finger to help. Brad Bird is an award-winning reporter and editorial writer based in British Columbia who has a masters degree in political studies. He has reported on conflicts abroad since 1987, most recently the fighting in eastern Ukraine. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. 14056 Silji Abraham, VP & CIO, MilliporeSigma Silji Abraham, VP & CIO, MilliporeSigma Expectations of an Executive The biggest challenge is the failure of enterprise software companies to transform themselves at the rate consumerization occurs in software technology. The extent of innovation in user experience by the enterprise software companies is not fast enough to support the needs of the market. As a result, the enterprise software market has fragmented itself significantly, with hundreds of point solutions, all of which cover a small portion of business operations in terms of user experience and most does its job well. Proliferation of these, however, has made every enterprise equally fragmented in terms of data, and having a real-time view of the enterprise becomes almost impossible. The life science industry is about helping researchers solve the toughest problems facing humanity in the future Having a plug-in architecture with a global standard for enterprise data would be ideal for managing this complexity, but I dont believe this is something we can expect any time in the near future. Achieving the 360 Degree View In a world of digitalization and speed, having a 360-degree view of not only the customers but every entity that interacts with the business is becoming extremely important. Having this in real time is, indeed, the nirvana for enterprise users. Over the last decade, leading hypotheses by many experts suggested we build an enterprise bus to realize this. But the results are nothing that we can celebrate in terms of realization. Most organizations are still trying to build the correlations and 360-degree view with various business intelligence platforms; obviously, this ends up in unsustainable complexity and not at all real time. See Also: Life Sciences Review Magazine The only way to realize a real-time digital enterprise is by building the enterprise software stack in a homogeneous platform, as well as building a device-agnostic and application-agnostic user experience from the ground up that merges transactions and analytics together in one high performing platform utilizing in-memory computing advancements. Not easy, but doable if we apply the right thought leadership and abstraction. At the Life Science Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are already on a journey to build the first real-time digital enterprise of the future, integrating Sigma-Aldrich and EMD Millipore together to create the world leader in the life science industry. Competition The life science industry is about helping researchers solve the toughest problems facing humanity in the future. A leadership position in this industry is based on having a portfolio of hundreds of thousands high quality products in millions of different quantities and combinations for use in various research experiments. Another component of the competitive advantage is the ability to aggregate contents from various research sources and provide a single discovery platform for researchers across all content areas, allowing them to find the right products and protocols for their experiments in a quick, easy way. Finally, the last critical component of success is a well-orchestrated supply chain network, which allows for predictable, faster, high-quality deliveries that build trust. In other words, the life science business is about simplifying the complexity of our research customers lives every day. As a result of the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany,, a world leader in life science has been created. We have more than 300,000 products addressing every aspect of research for more than a million individual customers around the world, as well as the industrys leading e-business platform, backed by an unparalleled supply chain and distribution network. As we bring together these two organizations, we plan to transform the business into a true, real-time digital enterprise for the first time in the market. Effective Utilization of New Technologies We have seen unprecedented technology advancements in the last decade. I always believe that if we truly practice with curiosity and passion to transform the industry and the experience of our customers, we will have tremendous opportunities to apply each one of these advancements and make a difference. Of course, one always needs to understand the hype in the promises associated with any new innovation. Our organization is very much into big data with more than 72 million customer visits to our e-commerce platform. We truly understand the voice of our customers through this treasure of data, applying extreme computational techniques and predictive analytics. We don't consider mobile as a unique initiative anymore; everything and anything we do must be device-agnostic in terms of accessibility and experience in our organization. And if it makes commercial and business sense, cloud infrastructure is also something that we practice in everything we do today. IoT is indeed something we have as an additional focus now, as we start imagining the future possibilities for our external and internal customers. With sensors and a connected world, we are dreaming of a future of efficiency in eliminating human-based input and scanning. These take time both from a commercialization and implementation perspective, but I believe the future is amazing for our life science customers. The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market is expected to exhibit a strong 8.6% CAGR over the forecast period from 2018 to 2023, according to the latest research report from Market Research Future (MRFR). The global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market is mainly driven by the growing pharmaceutical industry and the growing demand for industry regulated checking of products in order to ensure high quality standards. The report provides a complete overview of the major drivers and restraints affecting the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market as well as an analysis of the impact of said drivers and restraints on the historical growth trajectory of the market. The historical growth trajectory of the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market is studied in detail in the report, in order to shed light on the major factors affecting the markets movement. Based on a detailed analysis of the markets historical growth trajectory, forecasts are made for the markets movement through the forecast period from 2018 to 2023. Get Free Sample Copy @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/7188 Pharmaceutical analytical testing and outsourcing have become important processes in the pharmaceutical industry due to the growing regulatory pressure to ensure high quality of the substances used in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to the risk of contaminating patients with inferior substances, the regulatory oversight on the pharmaceutical industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years. Due to the growing awareness about consumer rights and obligations, the pharmaceutical industry is likely to make increasing use of analytical testing processes in drug discovery applications in the coming years. The growing drug discovery activity in the pharmaceutical industry is likely to be a major driver for the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market over the forecast period. Increasing demand for effective drugs for various diseases and the growing prevalence of various diseases around the world are likely to be major drivers for the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market over the forecast period. The growing number of contract research organizations has also led to a growth in the pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market and is likely to remain a key driver for the market over the forecast period. Competitive Analysis: Leading players in the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market include Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC, Intertek Group PLC, Pace Analytical Services LLC, Eurofins Scientific, Toxikon, SGS SA, Source BioScience, WuXi AppTec, Merck KGaA, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Charles River Laboratories International Inc., Boston Analytical, and Exova Group plc. In October 2019, Eurofins Discovery announced a collaboration for drug discovery applications with Escient Pharmaceuticals. In February 2019, SGS SA launched a new study, the first malaria volunteer study undertaken by the organization, on behalf of a product development partnership working as antimalarial drug research. In October 2018, Toxikon announced a reopening of its European office in Almelo (Netherlands). This move was made in order to cater to the growing customer volume in Europe. In April 2018, WuXi AppTecs subsidiary STA Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. announced an investment agreement with the government of Shanghai to build a new R&D center. Segmentation: The global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market is segmented on the basis of product type, service, end user, and region. By product type, the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market is segmented into raw materials, finished products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. By service, the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market is segmented into bioanalytical testing, method development and validation, and stability testing. By end use, the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market is segmented into pharmaceutical and biopharma companies, and the biotech sector. Regional Analysis: North America holds the largest share in the global pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market due to the strong presence of the pharmaceutical industry in the region. Increasing drug development activities in North America are likely to be a major driver for the pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market in the region. Europe is also a major market for pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing. Browse Premium Research Report with List of Tables and Figures @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/pharmaceutical-analytical-testing-outsourcing-market-7188 About US: Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Princess Latifa with former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, in December 2018. Ms Robinson described the princess as "troubled" following their meeting. Photo: AP THE UN human rights watchdog says it has asked Dubai for more information about the status of Princess Latifa and proof that she is alive. The BBCs investigative programme Panorama published a video of Latifa, one of the ruler of Dubais daughters, saying that she was being held against her will in a barricaded villa. Princess Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum drew international attention in 2018 when a human rights group released a video, made by her, in which she described an attempt to escape Dubai. Friends say they are concerned for her safety because she hasnt been heard from since she stopped responding to text messages six months ago. Read More The 35-year-old is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the hereditary ruler of Dubai who also serves as prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates. Former Irish President Mary Robinson has said she feels horribly tricked by the family of Princess Latifa after she met her at a lunch event in Dubai in December 2018. Following this meeting, Ms Robinson described the princess as a troubled young woman. Nine days later, the UAEs foreign ministry used photographs of the two of them together as proof the princess was safe and well. Giving her reaction to the footage released by the BBC, Ms Robinson said: "I continue to be very worried about Latifa. Things have moved on. And so, I think it should be investigated. Ms Robinson told Panorama that she didnt have any objection to a photograph being taken as she intended to send it to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, for proof of life. I wasnt against the photograph. It was to be a private photograph." But she also said: "I was particularly tricked when the photographs when public. Horribly tricked. That was a total surprise. I was absolutely stunned." David Haigh, a long-time human rights advocate in Dubai and a supporter of Princess Latifa, said the princesss backers were encouraged by Saudi Arabias recent decision to release Loujain al-Hathloul, a womens rights activist who had been held for three years on charges supporters said were politically motivated. Her release came after the Biden administration froze some arms sales to Saudi Arabia. A National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has called for peace among all ethnic, tribal and religious groups in Nigeria. Mr Tinubu made the call on Friday during the Eighth-Day Fidau Prayer for the late Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State. He said the country was facing a crisis but all needed to live in harmony and give peace a chance. Nigeria is currently facing a crisis; a crisis of insurgency, banditry in all aspects of security, but God Almighty that made this country as one of the largest and most resourceful country will protect us. I appeal, in his memory today, for us not to turn whatever challenges we are facing right now into ethnic, tribal and religion crises. If there is a crisis, where do we go? We will submerge the entire West Africa, there will be no enough space to accommodate us. Those who have seen the effect of war, the effect of tribal conflict, of religion conflict, will never want it for Nigeria. We pray to God to strengthen our mind, guide our faith, put peace and bring peace unto this land, may Allah bless all of us, Mr Tinubu said. He said the clerics were very critical in the present situation, urging them to fast and pray for peace and stability in the country. According to him, the death of the first civilian governor, Jakande, is not just a loss to the family, but Lagos in general. Tinubu said Lagos and Nigeria at large were lucky to have a man like Lateef Jakande, drawing from his wealth of knowledge. Today, he is no more but he is still existing to the eternity, we pray for Lagos State, we pray for Nigeria to give us more people, more leaders that are prudent, honest, that give priority to the world in the future, he said. Honouring Jakande Others who attended the event include Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; all Executive Council members of the State; the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; former Ogun State governor Segun Osoba; former Inspector General of Police, Musiliu Smith; former senator, Ganiyu Solomon; and White Cap chiefs representing the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu. Also in attendance were Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; a senator, Ahmad Yerima; Lagos deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, and Chief Imam of Lagos, Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla. Mr Sanwo-Olu said the legacy bequeathed by Mr Jakande in public service would remain a reference point in the annals of governance in the country. Baba Jakande came into public service with sole determination to serve and leave good legacy for us, said Mr Sanwo-Olu. He only governed for four years and three months, but his marks and records are still visible almost 40 years after. What he did for Lagos and Nigeria are beyond what his family can bear alone. He was an enigma of our time and a national icon, whose leadership in public service remains a reference point. This is a time for all of us in position of leadership today to reflect on how our administration, our policies and programmes have impacted lives of the people. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Sanwo-Olu said the honour for the deceased would not end with the Fidau, disclosing that a formal day of honour for the late Jakande was being planned by the State Government and the family would be availed of the details. RAMALLAH, West Bank Palestinians welcomed the International Criminal Courts ruling Feb. 5 that it has jurisdiction to investigate war crimes alleged to have been committed in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, namely the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Yet the ruling also stirred concerns that the ICC could investigate leaders of the Palestinian factions in Gaza, such as the Islamic Jihad and the Hamas movement. He added, The peoples right to resist occupation is internationally recognized." If the ICC goes after Palestinians for resisting the occupation, it would be violating international laws and resolutions. "This would undermine the entire [judicial] international system, with unpredictable repercussions. Palestine formally joined the ICC in April 2015. At the time, most Palestinian factions including Hamas welcomed the move, with the exception of the Islamic Jihad. The Islamic Jihad's leader at the time, Khaled al-Batash, refused, saying the court and its rulings are politicized. The court reflects the balances of power in the international community, Batash said, expressing doubt that it could achieve justice for Palestinians. Hamas leader Osama Hamdan told Al-Monitor, Hamas has nothing to fear. It is resisting Israel and defending its people in accordance with international treaties and conventions. Hamdan continued, No court will be legitimate if it yields to pressure to implement policies that contravene the basic principles on which it was founded. The ICC was created to do justice to the oppressed and not to stand by the oppressor. If this principle is violated, no one would blame the oppressed for any subsequent behavior. Al-Monitor asked Hamdan about the possibility the ICC could issue a subpoena to Hamas leaders over events in Gaza such as the killing of people accused of collaborating with Israel during the 2014 war. There is a wide-scale campaign aimed at diverting the ICCs path, he said, in reference to US, Israeli and other Western countries pressure on the ICC to investigate Palestinian leaders for war crimes. If Palestinian leaders were summoned, it would most likely be over two incidents in 2014. The first is related to Palestinian factions firing rockets while responding to the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. The other is the execution of 18 Palestinians in the Saraya prison complex in the Gaza Strip, which was bombed by Israel. The prisoners had escaped the prison and were tracked down by Hamas militants who killed them in the streets after accusing them of spying for Israel. Al-Monitor was unable to obtain a comment from the Islamic Jihad about the possible ICC summoning. Ammar Hijazi, assistant to the foreign minister for multilateral affairs who is also in charge of the ICC file, stressed the need for Palestine to cooperate with the ICC prosecutor. He told Al-Monitor that cooperating with the ICC does not necessarily mean agreeing with its findings. If we feel a case is not right, we will raise our voice. Our position does not necessarily have to be in line with the ICC prosecutor, he said. One should not fear accountability for something one did not commit. The Palestinian side has not committed war crimes during the conflict with Israel and we have evidence to submit if the ICC prosecutor decides to investigate such allegations. On potential subpoenas Hijazi said, We have to cooperate. We have nothing to fear or hide. It is best to cooperate with the ICC prosecutor. The ICC could summon some Palestinian leaders in an attempt to appear fair, he said. The pleas and evidence against Palestine on committing war crimes will appear weak compared to those we can invoke against Israel. Shawan Jabarin, director of the Al-Haq Foundation, a Palestinian human rights organization based in the West Bank, argued that Palestinians underestimate the possibility of ICC summoning Palestinian leaders. The Palestinian side has yet to seriously refute the allegations raised in the international commissions about what happened during the 2014 war in Gaza, he told Al-Monitor, arguing that the internal divide further impeded a proper response. Jabarin noted, Several allegations were made and the Palestinian Public Prosecution ought to thoroughly examine them, but this did not happen. Reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas should create a favorable environment to properly deal with these allegations. He explained that reconciliation should unify the Palestinian judiciary, and an investigation committee must be set up to examine all allegations and respond to them. Jabarin continued, I believe the ICC does not examine war crimes committed by only one entity. It could take a more stringent position toward the Palestinians because we are [divided and vulnerable]. No Palestinian investigative bodies examined these war crime allegations, came up with answers and results and formulated a clear legal position to keep the ICC from intervening. He concluded, There is still an opportunity for the Palestinians to get things back on track by achieving reconciliation. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Lalu bail petition in Dumka case to come up on today Jharkhand HC defers to March 5 hearing on plea over alleged violation of jail manual by Lalu Prasad Yadav Dumka Treasury case: Lalu Yadav granted bail, may be out of jail soon Jail release likely on Monday but Lalu to return home from Delhi hospital after recovery Fodder scam case: Jharkhand HC rejects Lalu Prasad Yadav's bail plea; no immediate release from jail India oi-Madhuri Adnal Ranchi, Feb 19: The Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected bail plea of Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in connection with the fodder scam case and asked him to file a fresh petition after two months. The Dumka treasury embezzlement case is an offshoot of the multi-crore rupees fodder scam. The former Bihar chief minister has already acquired bail in three cases of over Rs 900 crore fodder scam and was expecting a favourable decision in the Dumka treasury case for release from jail. Now he has to wait for two more weeks to know verdict of the court on his bail plea. Last week, the Jharkhand High Court had deferred the hearing to February 19 hearing on the bail plea of former Bihar Chief Minister. Panchkula land scam: Bhupinder Hooda, 21 others named in ED chargesheet Prasad's lawyer Devarshi Mandal said that since an another important matter has been fixed for hearing on February 5 after a mention of it in the court, the bench gave February 12 as the new date for taking up RJD leader's bail application. The court said if the CBI has anything to say on the issue, it can do so during this period. CBI counsel Rajiv Sinha said he was ready for argument on the matter, but Prasad's lawyer Kapil Sibal said since all the relevant papers are not with the court at the momemt there was no point holding argument, following which the court posted the matter for a future date. On January 25, a report was submitted to the High Court on behalf of Prasad giving details that he has already completed more than half of the jail term awarded by a CBI court in the case and made a request for early hearing in the Dumka treasury matter. The court accepted the plea and fixed January 29 for hearing. The septuagenarian leader was air-lifted to Delhi AIIMS last week following reports of deterioration in his health. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News On March 24, 2018, CBI special judge Shivpal Singh had sentenced Lalu to 14-years rigorous imprisonment in the Dumka treasury embezzlement case of fodder scam. The RJD chief was convicted in four fodder scam cases and he has already secured bail in three other cases. Late last year Malaysia announced plans to push the introduction of 5G in the country back until at least 2022. Now, however, the governments position has changed and some form of 5G could be available towards the end of this year. The prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin this week announced plans to speed up the introduction of 5G communications. According to Nikkei Asia, he unveiled a digital economy blueprint that includes $3.7 billion for 5G network rollout. And although this blueprint extends over 10 years, by the end of this year, he suggested, some people will be able to use 5G. This would put Malaysia among Southeast Asias front-runners in terms of 5G internet and cloud service adoption. The 10-year blueprint has an upbeat assessment of a digital economy that will boost GDP and jobs and generate over $17.3 billion in domestic and foreign investments. What caused this change of heart is not clear. The government's previous stance had been to prioritize upgrading broadband and 4G and shutting 3G by the end of 2021. The next phase after this was meant to be the transition to 5G, but that was not expected to start until around 2022. Consumer concerns may have influenced the move. Many end users may welcome faster communications, especially given close to a year of pandemic-led restrictions. However, we are a long way from knowing how pricing, for example, will work. What we do know is that there are plans for a special purpose vehicle be created under the government to own and administer the 5G spectrum, with all telecommunications companies ensured a fair share. This may be a response to a controversy last June about spectrum allocations that were not subject to open tender and whose beneficiaries included a company run by an allegedly politically connected businessman. These allocations were reversed. Of all the questions were asked by corporate executives trying to unpack our data, the one we get most often is, How can my company be more innovativeyou know, like those in tech?" In light of our latest research, what they might want to ask instead is, How can my company be more innovative, like those in consumer staples?" Our findings are derived from a statistical model that was developed by the Drucker Institute and serves as the foundation of the Management Top 250, an annual ranking produced in partnership with The Wall Street Journal. Anchored in the ideas and ideals of the late management scholar Peter Drucker, it gauges a companys effectiveness"defined, to use Mr. Drucker words, as doing the right things well." The 2020 list was published in December. In all, we examined 886 large, publicly traded companies last year through the lens of 33 indicators that fall into five categories: customer satisfaction, employee engagement and development, innovation, social responsibility and financial strength. To construct our ranking, corporations are compared in each of the five areas, as well as in their overall effectiveness, through standardized scores with a typical range of 0 to 100 and a mean of 50. Innovation is sized up a bit differently than the others, however. In this category, we evaluate every companys performance relative to the average of its industry peers. This is to ensure that we arent comparing the total patents filed or high-tech job postings made by, say, a software firm and a hotel chain. Still, weve long wondered: What would happen if we took off this industry-specific lens and looked at innovation scores in nonrelative terms? And so, for our most recent analysis, we did just thatexploring how each companys level of innovation stacks up against the other 885 firms we cover, regardless of the kind of business that its in. The results were striking. Out of 11 industry sectors, the one with the largest concentration of highly innovative companiesthat is, those scoring 60 or above on our 0-100 scale, putting them squarely in the upper quintile of the entire universewas consumer staples, with 12.1% of the firms hitting that threshold. Procter & Gamble Co., Altria Group Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Co., PepsiCo Inc., Coca-Cola Co. and Walmart Inc. all made the grade. Next was information technology at 8.5%, followed by communication services at 4.5% and healthcare at 4.3%. Industrial companies that notched a 60 or greater in innovation when assessed on an absolute basis represented 3.5% of the sector, while for consumer discretionary companies it was 2.9%. Just 2.2% of energy producers and 1% of financial firms qualified. And three sectorsmaterials, real estate and utilitiesdidnt have a single company that met the mark. To be sure, consumer staples wasnt best in every respect. Taken as a whole, the IT sectorled by International Business Machines Corp., Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp.had the highest average raw innovation score, at 52.4. Consumer staples was second, at 51.5. Whats more, the 11 IT companies that scored at least 60 (out of 129 in the sector) were impressive across every innovation metric in our model, including their level of research spending, hiring in cutting-edge fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence, the active management of their patent portfolios and eight other indicators. By contrast, the seven standouts from consumer staples (out of 58 companies in the sector) excelled at a handful of things in particularand it is here where some broader lessons may lie. One such measure, supplied by wRatings, tracks customer perceptions of how innovative a company is according to seven attributes: usefulness, quality, simplicity, coolness, uniqueness, variety and competence. Gary Williams, founder and CEO of wRatings, says he isnt surprised that a good many consumer-staples companies fared well in this regard. In his consulting practice, he notes, he has seen major players in the industry deftly use data and technology to ferret out evolving customer wants and needsand respond by devising new products and ways to deliver them. He also praised the sector for generally being open to a diversity of ideas and willing to change. He described other industries, such as materials and real estate, as more hidebound. A good part of it is really based upon culture," Mr. Williams says. The most innovative consumer-staples companies also scored extraordinarily high in the quantity and breadth of their trademarksa type of intellectual property consisting of a word, phrase, symbol or design that distinguishes a product or service from that offered by others. Of course, this makes perfect sense given how companies in this fast-moving sector must be ruthlessly consistent when it comes to maintaining the values of their core brand while, at the same time, striving to stay fresh and relevantan imperative that brings about a steady stream of new trademarks. Consumers are always looking for a different taste, a different flavor, a different color," says Robert Reading, head of content strategy for the IP Group at Clarivate Analytics, which provides the trademark data that goes into our model. Although consumer-staples companies are naturally driven to generate trademarks, Mr. Reading believes that other sectorsincluding energy, finance and real estateshould aim to do more of that themselves. Its about creating an identity, whether its quality or quirkiness," he says. In all of this, the message is clear: If you want your company to be more innovative, youd be smart to pay as much attention to those that sell corn chips as to those that sell computer chips. Mr. Wartzman is the head of the KH Moon Center for a Functioning Society, a part of the Drucker Institute, and Ms. Tang is the institutes senior director of research. Email them at reports@wsj.com. 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. Abu Bakar Bashir (center) meets with school staff members and officials from the National Counterterrorism Agency at his residence at the Al-Mukmin Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo, Indonesia, Feb. 18, 2021. Cleric Abu Bakar Bashir on Thursday denied that he knew about the 2002 Bali bombings ahead of time and said he opposed violence in Islams name, as counterterrorism officials visited him as part of their monitoring of former terrorist inmates. The elderly Bashir spoke to officials from the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) as they dropped by at his home in Sukoharjo, Central Java, for the first time since his release last month after serving a decade in prison on terror-related charges. His lawyer, Achmad Michdan, said Bashir told the officials he had never supported acts of violence in the name of religion. What are you afraid of? I will not carry out a bombing, I will never carry out a bombing, Michdan quoted Bashir as saying. The 82-year-old radical cleric had no prior knowledge of the 2002 Bali bomb plot and claimed that no one told him about it or asked for his permission, Michdan said. The Bali bombing is straightforward, if they had told me or I found out, for sure I would have said no, Bashir said, according to his lawyer. Bashir, who co-founded Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), the al-Qaeda-linked group blamed for deadly attacks in Indonesia in the 2000s, was freed from prison on Jan. 8 after serving nearly 10 years of a 15-year sentence for funding a militant training camp. Authorities cut 55 months off his term for good behavior. JI was blamed for the October 2002 twin bomb attacks on Bali Island that killed 202 people. Most of the victims of Indonesias deadliest terrorist attack to date were foreigners, including 88 Australians. When he received the news of Bashirs release in January, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his nation would have to respect the Indonesian justice systems decision. [T]his is very distressing to the friends and families of the Australians, the 88 Australians who were killed in the Bali bombings of 2002. I still remember that day very vividly, like Im sure many Australians do, he said, according to an official transcript. Australians have called Bashir the alleged mastermind of the Bali bombings even as the U.S. Justice Department noted in 2005 that he was acquitted of a terrorism charge related to the attack. Morrison said that he and his predecessors had always called for the perpetrators of the Bali bombings to face tougher, proportionate and just sentences in these cases. However, Bashirs release was a matter of the Indonesias justice system, Morrison said. We have made clear through our Embassy in Jakarta the concerns we have that such individuals be prevented from further inciting others, the PM added. While Indonesian prosecutors could not link Bashir to the bombings, a Jakarta court found him guilty of falsifying documents and sentenced him to 18 months in prison. The conviction was dismissed after an appeal. He was arrested in 2010 and sentenced in 2011 to 15 years on charges that he had helped fund a training camp for Islamic militants in Aceh province and incited extremists to carry out terrorist attacks. Bashir: Pancasila good During the one-hour meeting with Bashir, Irfan Idris, BNPTs director for de-radicalization asked the cleric for his opinion about the state ideology known as Pancasila, to which Bashir replied that it was good. Pancasila has elements of monotheism, acknowledging that theres one and only God. It would be better if the law is also Gods law, Islamic law, Bashir said. But while he was in prison, Bashir refused to take part in deradicalization programs or pledge allegiance to the state. BNPTs head of community development, Col. Salahuddin Nasution, said the visit was in line with the agencys task of monitoring former terrorism convicts. Indonesia has no law that forces terrorism convicts to follow a de-radicalization program, Nasution said. There is no compulsion for convicts to accept deradicalization programs but guiding them is our job. So we stay in touch with them and monitor them. That they accept us is a good thing, he said. Michdan said Bashir was planning to visit BNPT and meet with its director, Boy Rafli Amar, to share views about fighting terrorism in Indonesia. Irfan said the agency would open its doors for Bashir. A victim of false information Authorities had also accused Bashir of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State extremist group in 2014, but his spokesman said at the time that the cleric was merely expressing support for the creation of an Islamic caliphate in Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority nation. A photo of Bashir sitting with known Islamic State followers in a prison against the backdrop of the IS flag circulated online at that time. His son, Abdul Rohim, said that his fathers views had softened after discussions with family members and that he had received no visits by people known to harbor radical views. He said Bashir had been misled into believing that the IS was a force for good. As weve always said, he was a victim of false information, Rohim told BenarNews. Last week, Bashir visited Gontor and Tebuireng, two of the most well-known moderate Islamic boarding schools in his hometown in Jombang, a regency in East Java province, where he prayed at the graves of clerics. Bashir himself is an alumnus of Gontor. Rohim said the visit was part of the familys commitment to distance Bashir from radicalism. This is also for the sake of re-establishing relationships that have been cut off for a long time, Rohim said. Tebuireng spokesman Teuku Azwani confirmed that Bashir had visited the boarding school and met with its caretaker, cleric Abdul Hakim Mahfudz. He came with his son and the conversation revolved around how they were doing, Azwani told BenarNews. According to a terrorism analyst at Malikussaleh University in Lhokseumawe, Al Chaidar, Bashirs trips to the boarding schools should be no cause for concern. Hes old and he wanted to visit his old school and his friends, he told BenarNews. And while Bashir remains a believer in establishing an Islamic state, he appears to have eschewed violence, said Muhammad Taufiqurrohman, a researcher at the Center for Radicalism and Deradicalization Studies (PAKAR). Muslims of the world must unite under one leadership, the caliphate. There should be no mass organizations and no political parties, Bashir told his congregation in a recorded January sermon heard by BenarNews. Taufiqurrohman said he believed that Bashir no longer recognized IS as the true caliphate by acknowledging that there was no single Islamic state in the world. I think his trips were intended to convey the message of unity, Taufiqurrohman told BenarNews. SAO PAULO, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2020, for the fourth consecutive year, ingredients from the multinational Duas Rodas feature among the most innovative in Brazil, according to Food Ingredients Innovation Awards. The award aims to promote innovation and recognise the creation of products from the sector that offer benefits to consumers. Associated with growing health and indulgence movements, Off-SAT is an exclusive technology that enables a reduction of up to 90% in saturated fat in laminated, extruded or moulded biscuits. Without altering the flavour, aroma or crispiness of the standard biscuit, the technology offers a vital alternative to the industry regarding nutritional food labelling, which highlights the large amount of fat and other ingredients in the final product. Made with naturally-sourced ingredients, the solution acts in combination with the use of vegetable oils that have a more healthy appeal, and can produce formulations with fewer calories but with proteins and fibre. It has no polyols, allergens, colourings or GMOs. Steven Rumsey, Director of Innovation and Technology at Duas Rodas, stresses that this excellent result acknowledges the work of the team of specialists focused on aspects of functionality and superior flavour in line with the global market needs. The exclusive saturated fat replacement technology is the result of two years' work undertaken by the specialists, which conducted in-depth studies on new raw material technologies as well as tests, assessments, comparisons and stability observations and performance in use. OFF-SAT is the result of the synergy between ingredients and technologies, and retains the same sensory attributes, structure and shelf life as the standard formulations that use saturated fat. "For us, innovation is the main driver of business competitiveness and sustainability, an assertive strategy that we are reinforcing by bringing this exclusive technology to the market," said Rosemeri Francener, International Business Director. With more than 10,000 customers in over 30 countries, Duas Rodas offers 3,000 items, including aromas, natural extracts, condiments, additives, ice-cream products, chocolate and confectionery. Established in Brazil by German immigrants 95 years ago, the company has seven factories in Latin America. It has products with international certifications such as Kosher, Halal, Organic Products and Fair for Life, in addition to FSSC 22000 and SMETA. More information: Suzana Klein, Duas Rodas Communications Department. E-mail: [email protected] l Telephone +55 (47) 3372-9016 SOURCE Duas Rodas Ace Ghanaian media personality and broadcaster, Fiifi Banson has urged owners of radio stations to improve the salaries of their presenters and DJs, in order to prevent them from taking payola from musicians. Payola is a local term for bribery in the music industry which is a form of payment made by an individual to a radio presenter or disc jockey to persuade them to play a song constantly or put a song on heavy rotation on radio. In an interview with Onua FMs Christian Agyei Frimpong on his show Anigye Mmre, Fiifa Banson confessed that he has taken payola several times in the past. The former Peace FM presenter entreated local radio station owners and managers to pay their presenters and DJs well so they will not be enticed by Payola. Owners of radio stations have cheated radio presenters for long. When you dont pay them well, people will influence them with GH200 Payola and they will begin to play any song on air because you are not paying them well. he said. Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/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 And Other Paradoxes of Our Broken Legal System By Jed S. Rakoff Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 193 pp. $27 - - - Judge Jed S. Rakoff caused a stir in 2011 when he rejected a $285 million settlement between the Securities and Exchange Commission and Citigroup over the bank's handling of mortgage investments leading up to the Great Recession. Dissatisfied with a sum he considered "pocket change" for the multibillion-dollar bank, he admonished the SEC for leaving "defrauded investors substantially short-changed." Further rankled by Citigroup's refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing, Rakoff characterized the settlement as unfair, inadequate and antithetical to the "public interest." This pronounced denunciation of the government's failure to prosecute those responsible for the 2008 financial crisis, combined with his refusal to rubber-stamp the settlement, made Rakoff a media darling. His peers, however, didn't share these views: Construing a narrower role for the courts, an appellate panel quelled his inchoate revolt months later. The setback hasn't stopped Rakoff from continuing to air his frustrations with the criminal justice system. Presiding over several high-profile white-collar cases has made him well positioned to condemn the evasion of justice by well-heeled companies and their executives. In "Why the Innocent Plead Guilty and the Guilty Go Free: And Other Paradoxes of Our Broken Legal System," Rakoff reaches far beyond corporate boardrooms to highlight an array of shortcomings within the criminal justice system. His proposed fixes are worthy of consideration but also lay bare a harsh reality: The entrenched interests tolerating the system's inequities and, in some cases, profiting from the status quo pose significant obstacles to reform. Rakoff realized that America's "system of justice is failing its mission" after becoming a federal district court judge a quarter-century ago. What's the nature of this failure? The country imprisons millions of indigent Americans yet routinely allows white-collar criminals to avoid punishment. Rakoff offers multiple explanations for this predicament but contends that the "diminishment in the power of the courts" is a key factor in the failure to rectify these injustices - a concept he returns to throughout the book. Noble intentions paved the road to mass incarceration. Desperate to counter the crime wave of the 1960s and '70s, legislators targeted nonviolent offenses, mandated long sentences, severely punished recidivists and reduced the role of the judiciary. These policies bore unintended consequences. Today, America spends approximately $180 billion annually to operate its law enforcement agencies, courts and prisons amid the nation's crumbling infrastructure, lagging education system and underfunded public pensions. The human toll is far worse. Despite plummeting crime rates - murders in New York City dropped by nearly 80 percent from 1990 to 2020, for instance - the United States houses one-quarter of the world's prison population, which is disproportionately African American. The fact that 1 in 9 prisoners is serving a life sentence contributes to these swelling figures. Though social scientists haven't been able to determine whether mass incarceration reduces crime, Rakoff argues that the public has shown little appetite for an overhaul. Most people, he writes, "are reluctant to tamper with the laws they believe made them safer." If last year's uptick in murders persists, it will probably suffocate any chance for reform. Perhaps nothing contributes more to mass incarceration than plea bargaining. With high mandatory sentences as a cudgel, prosecutors pervasively threaten defendants with draconian charges that could lead to years of imprisonment. As a result, only 2 to 3 percent of cases go to trial and about 9 to 10 percent of innocent defendants are coerced into pleading guilty, according to the National Registry of Exonerations and the Innocence Project. The practice is far more common among poor defendants, who lack the resources to counteract a prosecutor's built-in advantages. In spite of these flaws, most judges have accepted the widespread use of plea bargains to reduce their hefty caseloads, and the Supreme Court has blessed the practice. Consistent with his expansive vision of the judiciary's role, Rakoff proposes empowering magistrate judges, who assist federal district courts, to oversee plea bargains, injecting an unbiased voice into the process and altering the power dynamic between prosecutors and defendants. He would also require prosecutors to periodically represent indigent defendants so they could appreciate the "one-sided nature of the . . . plea-bargaining process." Just like his criticism of plea bargaining, the book's most compelling moments cast doubt on widely held assumptions about the justice system. Rakoff's revelation of the misplaced faith in witness testimony and forensic evidence outside of DNA, which he considers the gold standard, is eye-opening. The overreliance on these policing tools has wrongly imprisoned far too many Americans: One study of 2,400 false convictions found that 40 percent of these cases included "erroneous eyewitness evidence" and that 25 percent included "false or misleading forensic evidence." Unconvinced by the government's excuses since the Great Recession, Rakoff is equally vexed by the failure to prosecute corporate wrongdoing, a criticism he has reiterated during his tenure on the bench. "To a federal judge," he declares, the government's reluctance to hold executives accountable and instead enter into "cosmetic prosecution agreements" with corporations that are repeatedly violated and unenforced "is disturbing . . . in what it says about the DOJ's apparent disregard for equality under the law." Rakoff fittingly cites Pfizer to exemplify his point. The four deferred-prosecution agreements between the pharmaceutical giant and federal authorities from 2002 to 2009 - all devised to prevent future misconduct - failed to stop the company from flouting the law. Through it all, Pfizer's executives went unpunished, and the fines the company paid represented a fraction of its ill-gotten gains. The one hiccup in this pithy and persuasive work is a detour denouncing the broad scope of presidential authority. It is a brief diversion from the question at the heart of the book: Rakoff may paint a convincing picture of a broken and unfair criminal justice system, but will others sign on to his proposals? Making sweeping changes to plea bargaining, downgrading the emphasis on forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony, and reducing prosecutorial discretion have little traction among law enforcement groups and political leaders. Though few judges have joined Rakoff's push for reform, his message to fellow jurists is more likely to resonate: "Unless we judges make more effort to speak out against this inhumanity," he asks his colleagues, "how can we call ourselves instruments of justice?" - - - Michael Bobelian teaches journalism at Baruch College and is the author of "Battle for the Marble Palace: Abe Fortas, Earl Warren, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and the Forging of the Modern Supreme Court." We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The euro area private sector continued to contract in February, as extended lockdown measures weighed on the service sector, flash survey results from IHS Markit showed on Friday. The composite output index rose to 48.1 in February from 47.8 in January. The expected reading was 48.0. The score has been below 50.0 for the fourth consecutive month suggesting contraction. The survey revealed that the service sector downturn was offset by faster manufacturing growth. The services Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 44.7 from 45.4 a month ago. Economists had forecast a reading of 45.9. On the other hand, the manufacturing PMI surged to a 36-month high of 57.7 from 54.8 in the previous month. This was above consensus forecast of 54.3. Ongoing COVID-19 lockdown measures dealt a further blow to the eurozone's service sector in February, adding to the likelihood of GDP falling again in the first quarter, Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit said. The deterioration in output was driven by the service sector. In contrast, manufacturing output growth accelerated to the fastest since October. Business expectations improved to the highest for nearly three years as companies looked ahead to vaccine roll-outs. However, surging demand and constrained supply contributed to a further marked rise in prices during the month. Average prices paid for inputs by manufacturers rose at a rate not seen since 2011. At the same time, a more moderate rise in costs was seen in the service sector. Overall average rates charged for both goods and services were unchanged in February. France's private sector shrank at a faster pace in February. The composite output index fell to a three-month low of 45.2 in February from 47.7 in January. Service providers posted another decline in activity, while manufacturers saw a moderate expansion. The services PMI dropped sharply to 43.6 from 47.3 in January. The score was forecast to fall marginally to 47.0. The manufacturing PMI came in at 55.0 in February, up from 51.6 in January. The expected score was 51.4. Meanwhile, Germany's private sector expanded further driven by the strong rebound in manufacturing despite increasing supply-side pressures. The composite output index rose to 51.3 in February from 50.8 in January. Economists had forecast the score to fall to 50.5. While Covid-19 lockdown measures continued to weigh on activity across large parts of the services economy, factories reported strong and accelerated growth due in part to surging export orders. The manufacturing PMI surged to a 36-month high of 60.6 from 57.1 in January. The score was above economists' forecast of 56.5. Meanwhile, the services PMI fell to a 9-month low of 45.9 from 46.7 in the previous month. This was below the expected 46.5. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Stay at home restrictions set to remain in place headroom used for schools return This article is old - Published: Friday, Feb 19th, 2021 Wales first minister is expected to announce today that the strict stay at home message will remain in place for another three weeks. The current level four restrictions were introduced before Christmas due to rapidly rising cases. However the seven day average across Wales has dropped from 558.6 per 100,000 at the end of December 2020 to 83.7 per 100,000 yesterday. From next week those aged between three and seven will return to the classroom after First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that the existing headroom will be used to get children back to school. In Wrexham students will not return until the end of next week at the earliest due to the infection rates locally which although have decreased in recent weeks remain at 117.7 per 100,000. At this afternoons Welsh Government press conference Mr Drakeford will announce that the stay-at-home restrictions will remain in place in Wales for a further three weeks as the youngest children start return to school. The first minister is also expected to talk about encouraging green shoots of recovery and look ahead to the next review when the Welsh Government will be considering if all primary pupils and some older students can return to schools and colleges from Monday 15 March, if the public health situation continues to improve. The next review of the regulations in three weeks will consider the restrictions around non-essential retail and close contact services. No significant changes are expected to be unveiled, with Health Minister Vaughan Gething stating earlier this week that the Welsh Government were looking at whether any small changes could be made. However the first minister has been urged to be guided by data not dates by Plaid Cymru Leader, Adam Price. He added that he hoped the Government would put a sharp focus on re-introducing household bubbles in response to the increased loneliness and isolation as a result of current restrictions. Mr Price said: The picture seems to be improving by the week and everyone involved in the effort to drive down the rates of transmission should be commended. However, were not there quite yet in terms of being ready to relax restrictions on a national level. Infection rates remain high and the headroom we have remains low. At every step, action should be driven by data not dates. We cannot ignore the mental health crisis which has been brought about as a result of the pandemic. Its vital that everything possible is done to enable gyms to be among the first facilities to reopen. Loneliness and isolation are also a real challenge for many people, and we hope that the government will put a sharp focus on when and how it will be safe to return to extended household bubbles. Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, has called for the Welsh Government to extend the business rates holiday to help with the covid-19 recovery. He said: Its important ministers provide businesses with a path to reopening, and whilst they will be unable to provide guarantees, rough timescales would be beneficial to many in the retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors who are planning their survival. And given the likelihood of continued restrictions on these sectors into the spring, Welsh Conservatives also want Labour ministers to confirm that the 650 million of extra coronavirus support announced by the UK Government for Wales on Monday, will be used to save Welsh jobs including an extension the business rates holiday into next year MOSCOW, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Russian Railways revenues from foreign activities in 2020 amounted to 484 billion rubles as was announced by First Deputy General Director of Russian Railways Sergey Pavlov at the company's annual board meeting. He agreed that such a result was ensured by successful work in all three areas of foreign business: transit, international logistics and foreign projects. Pavlov also reminded that the company is taking part in the International Cooperation and Export project and fulfilling all of its obligations. "The volume of export services in general for railway transportation in 2020 is estimated at $1.3 billion. We predict it will reach one and a half billion US dollars in the next four years, which corresponds to the target annual growth rate in the strategy of export of services," he noted. At the end of last year, over 800,000 TEUs were shipped in transit through the Russian Railways network, which is 10% more than the planned indicator of the Long-Term Development program of the company. A total of 561,000 TEUs were transported on the most popular route, from China to Europe (+62% from 2019). This result, among other things, contributed to the attraction of new cargo flows. "In accordance with the decision of the Government of the Russian Federation on subsidizing transit traffic, systematic work with foreign clients was organized to attract new cargo flows to the Trans-Siberian. Emphasis was placed on developing new markets, including countries of the Asia-Pacific region, including Central and South Asia," he said In particular, he focused on the ongoing work to further replicate INTERTRAN information technologies at all Russian Railways stations that receive containers. One the main effects of the project, according to him, was a four-day reduction in cargo clearance for intermodal transportation. In total, INTERTRAN information technologies were used to transport 12,800 large-capacity containers. According to the top manager, Russian Railways plays an important role in more than ten specialized international organizations in the development of international shipping, including transit shipping. Its goal is to improve the legal regulation of transportation and the formation of strategic development priorities. Pavlov also noted how Russian Railways' image as a green company was gaining strength internationally: Russian Railways joined the UIC Declaration on Sustainable Mobility, thereby confirming its readiness to contribute to the Paris Accords to combat climate change. In the field of engineering, according to Mr. Pavlov, Russian Railways has managed not only to maintain its pace of work on current infrastructure projects abroad, but also expand cooperation with countries in Europe, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. He also said that new instruments for foreign economic and marketing activities were created in 2020. In particular, the export portfolio of Russian Railways has been developed and approved, and a digital project-management environment and interactive communication format are being built. In addition, the company continues to manage railways in Mongolia and Armenia. At the end of last year, record numbers were achieved in regards to freight traffic in Mongolia, including transit from China to Europe through the Russian Federation. The international goals for the current year, according to Mr. Pavlov, include the development of transit traffic and logistics activities, strengthening the position of Russian Railways in international organizations and improving the legal conditions for transportation, as well as continuing its projects abroad. He said that the revenue from the foreign activities of the company in 2021 is expected to be 500 billion rubles. SOURCE Russian Railways You are the owner of this article. Alina Gheghenozian, 27, slapped her boyfriend in the face and then tried to drive off with her car during an argument outside their home in Caringbah on New Year's Eve A nuclear radiochemist slapped her boyfriend in the face and yelled 'I'll f**k your life up' at him before trying to drive off with his car - but failed because she didn't know how to use a manual transmission. Alina Gheghenozian, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of common assault after hitting her then-partner across the face as they sat in his car in Caringbah in Sydney's south on New Year's Eve last year. After slapping her partner with an open palm she then locked herself in the vehicle and tried in vain to drive off. 'The accused said to the victim, "Ill f**k your life up",' agreed police facts read according to The St George Shire Standard. A neighbour saw the young woman hit her boyfriend of 16 months after he pulled over a short distance from their home. The facts said Gheghenozian moved into the driver's seat when her boyfriend got out of the car and, she tried to drive off. A neighbour saw Gheghenozian hit her partner of 16 months after he pulled over a short distance from their home 'This was not achieved due to the accuseds inexperience with the manual transmission,' the facts said. Her solicitor told Sutherland Local Court she was ashamed of her actions and took anger management classes to prevent future outbursts. 'She admitted to having lost control and having slapped the victim while they were in the car,' the solicitor said. Gheghenozian was given a 10-month conditional release order but no conviction was recorded. She must also follow a restraining order to protect her victim. Georgia Harrison has revealed she feared she would never get pregnant after she was hospitalised over the Christmas period last year. The Love Island star, 26, was rushed to a Dubai medical facility after suffering from a 'ruptured cyst', which severely infected her organs. During a new interview with OK! Magazine, Georgia admitted she found the whole ordeal 'scary', especially as she is living abroad. Candid: Georgia Harrison has revealed she feared she would never get pregnant after she was hospitalised over the Christmas period last year Although she has several family members also living in Dubai, they were not there at the time, which meant that had to spend Christmas alone in hospital. Georgia spoke about the worry she had when doctors told her they thought that one of her ovaries had 'twisted and burst'. She recalled: 'When they first took me away they sort of said to me, 'I just hope you're aware that we might have to put you under, we might have to remove your ovaries.' Scary: The Love Island star, 26, was rushed to a Dubai medical facility after suffering from a 'ruptured cyst', which severely infected her organs Sunny climates: Georgia is currently living away from the UK in Dubai 'I was on my own and I was really scared and I was saying, 'Will I still be able to have children?' and stuff like that.' Georgia described the experience as 'traumatic', as she revealed that doctors attempted to calm her down. She went on: 'Thankfully, it was just a burst cyst, which infected all my organs. 'As much as it left me really ill, I don't have any serious damage in the long term. I'm just so grateful.' Despite her previous fears, the TV personality is still hopeful she will have kids of her own in the future, adding that she would like to have 'three children' and become a 'self-made millionaire'. Georgia had previously updated fans from her hospital bed during her stay at the medical facility while she recovered from her infection. Update: Georgia had previously updated fans from her hospital bed during her stay at the medical facility while she recovered from her infection Taking to her Instagram Story, she explained: 'I had a ruptured cyst without knowing and it has caused multiple organs in my body to become severely infected, my kidneys being the worst. 'The doctors here are amazing and we're doing our best to fight the infection but currently I am still suffering with high fever, when not on paracetamol, and abdominal/back pain. 'Lots of you have been asking for an update so there it is, I've never been someone to shy of sharing my day to day life with my followers.' Thankful: Georgia called the doctors treating her 'amazing', while she thanked fans for their support She continued: 'I've never fallen ill like this before, the only time I've been in hospital was to pick up some boobs so it's been a real shock to me and quite scary. 'But I have lots of amazing friends in Dubai who have brought me presents, clothes, flowers, foods and I'm in extremely good hands when it comes to the medical team here.' The reality star had previously expressed her fears of the prospect of spending Christmas alone, as she told fans that doctors were keeping her in for a further three days, after she was sent to hospital on Christmas Eve. Treatment: Georgia was put on a drip during her stay in hospital Sharing a video from her hospital bed that showed a drip attached to her arm, she wrote: 'I don't want to panic you all because I'm in a stable condition, but I've got to be kept in for three days. 'That's why I'm not out with everyone tonight. I've never spent Christmas Eve on my own, let alone in hospital in Dubai. 'This has been the maddest week of my life. It's not COVID - they've done a COVID test, so that's one thing. Worries: The reality star had previously expressed her fears of the prospect of spending Christmas alone, as she told fans that doctors were keeping her in for a further three days, after she was sent to hospital on Christmas Eve 'My throat is fine. But it could be other things. I am a bit scared, but I'm going to keep everyone updated. I love you all.' Georgia added she was turning off her mobile phone as she was 'worried' about her mum being bombarded with messages regarding her welfare. The star did go onto praise hospital staff for their care, insisting that despite the prospect of spending Christmas alone, she was being well looked-after. Rachel Wolfe Goldsmith's new mural in West Oakland reminds passerby of the neighborhood's history and features the names of more than 250 women of the Black Panther Party. Plus, San Francisco is officially home to thousands of parklets; Guy Fieri now owns a NorCal meat company; and more local stories with happy vibes. Parklets proliferate from dozens to more than 2,000 in San Francisco, KTVU With endless parking spots converted to al fresco dining destinations during the pandemic, parklets have clearly helped many of San Francisco's beloved restaurants and bars survive. Expect an additional 1,000 coming soon. Read more. Black Panther Party women honored in West Oakland mural by Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith, East Bay Times The artwork features images sourced from Stephen Shames' photographs taken during the 1960s and '70s. Nearby, find the stretch of Ninth Street that was recently renamed for Black Panther Party cofounder Dr. Huey P. Newton. Read more. Guy Fieri purchases historic 118-year-old Northern California meat company building, SFGate The Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives host got his food-loving start making beef jerky after school at Ferndale Meat Company. Tune into his 2014 "hometown tour" to find out more about the company's old-fashioned curing and smoking techniques. Read more. Man proposes to girlfriend in elaborate SF Embarcadero setup on Valentine's Day, ABC7 News After waiting for over a decade, San Jose resident Edgar Lopez got down on one knee on the waterfront lawn before artist Claes Oldenburg's Cupid's Span. Read more. S.F. Asian Art Museum agrees to return allegedly stolen Thai relics following federal lawsuit, SF Chronicle After four months of negotiations, the Asian Art Museum announced that it will return two 1,500-pound carved lintels from ancient temples that were removed from Thailand without permission in the 1960s. Read more. The study of astrology and the information celestial events and movements can allegedly foretell about our daily lives has been around long before millennials became interested in the alignment of the stars at the moments of their births and what it means to be a Scorpio. However, modern horoscopes arent as ancient a practice as you may have thought, as they actually found their way into newspapers, and subsequently popular culture, around the 1930s, with the birth of Queen Elizabeth IIs younger sister, Princess Margaret. According to The Washington Post, following Princess Margarets birth on 21 August 1930,John Gordon, the editor of the British newspaper the Sunday Express, wanted a unique story to go along with the royal birth, so he commissioned a celebrity astrologer. The newspaper first reached out to William Warner, who was known as Cheiro, according to The Express, and who had reportedly read the palms and discerned the futures of notable individuals such as Oscar Wilde and Thomas Edison. When Warner turned out to be unavailable, the newspaper instead asked one of his assistants, RH Naylor. In Naylors column, titled: What the Stars Foretell for the New Princess, and published on 24 August 1930, three days after Princess Margarets birth, he hypothesised that the newest member of the royal family, who was a Leo, would have an eventful life. Naylor also predicted that events of tremendous importance to the Royal Family and the nation will come about near her seventh year, which, despite being a year off, later came true when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne of England to marry Wallis Simpson in 1936 when Princess Margaret was six years old. The abdication meant that Princess Margarets father George VI became king, and her elder sister became the heir to the throne, making her the younger sister of the future queen. Even before Naylors prediction became true, the column proved to be immensely popular with readers, who requested that the astrologer provide more forecasts. His success as an astrologer grew when, in October of that year, he wrote thata British aircraft [would] be in danger between Oct 8 and 15. While the dates were slightly off, on 5 October, a passenger airship R101 crashed in France and killed 48 people. As a result, Naylor was hired by the newspaper to write two weekly columns, with one dedicated to predicting world events and one focused on predictions for that weeks birthdays, according to Oprah Magazine. Naylor eventually changed his weekly forecasts, which he published under the column hed named Your Stars, to predictions for each of the 12 star signs rather than birthdays. While Time notes that the 12 star signs of the zodiac were first created in ancient Greece, when the signs were divided up and named after constellations based on their apparent relationship between their placement in the sky and the sun throughout the year, Naylor was reportedly the one who assigned personality traits to these signs. Naylors column continued to prove so popular among readers that eventually most other newspapers hired astrologers to write weekly horoscope predictions as well, forever changing the way that individuals access and interpret their zodiac signs. Decades later, many people continue to look to astrologers and their predictions based on the pseudoscience for weekly or daily guidance. DEARBORN (dpa-AFX) - Ford Motor Co. called back a total of 155,890 vehicles in two safety recalls in North America. The first recall involves 154,224 vehicles for obsolete driver or passenger Takata airbag inflator or module potentially installed during collision or theft repairs after the Takata recall was completed. The second recall involves 1,666 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles, recalled for faulty rear suspension modules. In the first recall, 153,107 Ford Ranger Model 2004-06 trucks were called back for airbag inflator replacement, if necessary. These included 144,340 in the U.S. and federal territories, 8,762 in Canada and five in Mexico. The second-largest U.S. automaker said these vehicles had the Takata recall permanent repair performed before the service parts were purged after the Takata recall. It added that it is possible that these obsolete Takata service parts were installed for repairs after collision damage or theft. The first recall also involves 1,117 vehicles with collision repairs that may have been done with an obsolete service part after the Takata recall was completed. These include certain 2004-11 Ford Ranger, 2005-14 Ford Mustang, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-12 Ford Fusion, 2009-11 Mercury Milan, 2010-12 Lincoln MKZ, 2007-10 Ford Edge and 2007-10 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Ford said it identified that certain Takata airbag modules were not purged from service stock after the parts for the permanent service fix became available. Ford could not account for some of the obsolete Takata service parts, indicating they may have been installed on vehicles as part of collision or theft repairs. However, Ford confirmed that it is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this issue. In the second recall, 1,666 recently delivered 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles were called back as the rear suspension modules of these vehicles may not be fully secured to the subframe. These include 1,640 vehicles in the U.S. and federal territories, 24 in Canada and two in Mexico. Ford warned that rear suspension modules with loose or missing bolts may affect the vehicle's stability, increasing risk of an accident, and may result in reduced rear impact crash performance, increasing the risk of injury. However, Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition. These new vehicles were built in Mexico at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant between July 22 and November 24, 2020. On January 20, Ford Motor was required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA to recall around 3 million vehicles of models from 2006 to 2011, including Ford Ranger and Fusion, to remove potentially defective Takata air bag inflators. The Takata airbag inflators have reportedly caused the death of around 27 people and injuries to around 400 people worldwide. The issues have resulted in the biggest auto recall in the U.S. history, with around 19 vehicle manufacturers recalling millions of vehicles worldwide so far. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX FORD-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de 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. Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community. Submit here Advertisement The northeast was on Thursday walloped by a major winter storm that dumped up to 10 inches of snow across the region and five on New York City. Winter weather advisories are in effect until early Friday evening due to a 'major' winter storm impacting an area stretching from Virginia up to the Northeast with dangerous, icy buildups and heavy snowfall, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. A total of 3.2 inches had fallen in Central Park by Thursday afternoon. In New Jersey, Mercer County saw up to 10 inches as did Norristown, Pennsylvania. An additional 1 to 3 inches of snow is possible into Friday in New York City. Manhattan could possibly see 6 to 10 inches of snow by the time the storm moves out of the area. New York City had already seen double its regular snowfall with 34 inches this year. That's compared to the usual 17.1 inches from December 1 to February 17. New York's snowiest winter was between 1995-1996 with 75.6 inches. According to AccuWeather, Philadelphia has recorded 19.7 inches of snow as of February 17 compared to the normal amount of 15.4 inches. Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey are all an ice risk. Baltimore, Washington, D.C. southern Virginia and northern North Carolina could see freezing rain and sleet. Guttenberg, New Jersey: The northeast was on Thursday walloped by a winter storm that dumped up to 10 inches of snow Brooklyn, NYC: Shoppers make their way across a sloppy intersection after several inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain Washington DC: Winter weather advisories are in effect from Thursday morning until early Friday evening due to a 'major' winter storm impacting an area stretching from Virginia up to the Northeast with dangerous, icy buildups and heavy snowfall McCandless, Pennsylvania: A Subaru Forester that broke through the ice at North Park Lake sits in the frigid water before emergency crews could remove it Thursday. Police say a 24-year-old male from Franklin Park drove his vehicle across the lake at North Park before it fell through the ice about 15 ft. from shore. The driver was was unharmed West Virginia National Guardsmen and members of the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority use side-by-side vehicles to check on residents in hard to reach areas during a Health and Wellness check mission in rural Wayne County on Thursday New York City: A city parks worker throws salt from a truck onto a bus stop after several inches of snow fell on the area Prospect Park, Brooklyn: A couple skis through Prospect Park, Brooklyn during second snow storm of the week for the city Washington DC: 'The swath of heaviest snowfall is forecast to occur from the Appalachians of Virginia and West Virginia to northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania ,' the NWS had said, warning of treacherous travel conditions NYC: John Burck, aka The Naked Cowboy, crosses the road during a snow storm in Times Square Thursday Washington, DC: The National Mall and the Washington Monument are seen as the sun goes down Thursday Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said: 'The storm in progress is actually a two-parter and will mean an extended period or second round of freezing and frozen precipitation from parts of the interior South to the Northeast.' That means another cold blast is forecast Friday. 'The swath of heaviest snowfall is forecast to occur from the Appalachians of Virginia and West Virginia to northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania,' the NWS had said, warning of treacherous travel conditions. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Courtney Travis added: 'For parts of the interior South and lower mid-Atlantic region, this is the third storm system with ice since last weekend.' The winter storm also is bringing ice and rain in some areas, prompting authorities to shutter at least three of New Jersey's coronavirus vaccination sites. By Friday forecasters expect snow to linger in New England, New York City, the Tri State area and the Hudson Valley. The National Weather Service said: 'Well below normal temperatures will exist throughout the central third of the country into the weekend. Travel disruption is likely to continue into Friday with continuing flight delays and cancellations. By Thursday afternoon more than 2,800 flights across the US had been canceled with 1,400 delayed. Brooklyn, NYC: A delivery worker makes his way down a slushy street in downtown Brooklyn Thursday Brooklyn, NYC: A woman drags her shopping cart behind her while crossing a sloppy intersection in downtown Brooklyn Brooklyn, NYC: Workers clear a sidewalk in front of a building in downtown Brooklyn after several inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain fell, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in New York Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said the so-called mega-sites in Burlington, Middlesex and Morris counties will reschedule appointments for the coming days. Murphy also ordered state government offices to close except for essential workers. He's restricting commercial vehicles on highways and asking people to stay home. New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti recommends watching a good movie. She says 'Frozen' is always a good choice.' This week's extreme weather has resulted in the deaths of at least 56 people, with a growing toll of those who perished trying to keep warm. On Thursday, the major winter storm impacted an area stretching from Virginia up to the Northeast, bringing icy buildups and 'treacherous' travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Snow fell steadily across New York City throughout the day, forcing the cancelation of about 200 flights and delaying the opening of two Covid-19 vaccination sites after the storm disrupted dosage delivery. The Big Apple has already been blanketed by the white stuff twice this winter during two separate storms. 'The occasional snowstorm is always good but as we're getting closer to March it gets a little tiring. I'm ready for it to start being warm again,' said 18-year-old student Kara Dickson. Huntington, West Virginia: A vehicle is left unattended along McCullough Road after an overnight snow piled on already ice-damaged areas on Thursday Guttneberg, New Jersey: Snow accumulation has shut down more New Jersey vaccine sites and has been a strain on timely vaccine delivery Wayne County, West Virginia: State Police Sgt. E. A. Blankenship leads the way as West Virginia National Guardsmen and members of the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority use side-by-side vehicles to check on residents in hard to reach areas during a Health and Wellness check mission in rural Wayne County on Thursday Huntington, West Virginia: Michael Reynolds with the West Virginia Department of Highways works to clear tree limbs from utility lines along McCullough Road after an overnight snow piled on already ice-damaged areas on Thursday Wayne County, West Virginia: West Virginia National Guardsmen and members of the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority use side-by-side vehicles to check on residents in hard to reach areas during a Health and Wellness check mission in rural Wayne County on Thursday Central Park, NYC: A historic winter weather system that brought bitter, record-busting cold to much of the southern and central US was pushing up the East Coast on February 18, with forecasters warning of heavy snowfall and dangerous, icy buildups Central Park, NYC: A woman walks through snow-covered Central Park, New York, on Thursday The historic frigid blast has over the past week seen Arctic cold envelope much of the US sun belt unfamiliar with such extremes, leaving dozens of dead in its wake and several million Texans told to boil water before consuming it. Many of the millions of Texans who lost power for days after a deadly winter blast overwhelmed the electric grid now have it back, but the crisis was far from over in parts of the South with many people lacking safe drinking water. About 325,000 homes and businesses remained without power in Texas on Thursday, down from about 3 million a day earlier, though utility officials said limited rolling blackouts were still possible. The storms also left more than 450,000 from West Virginia to Louisiana without power and 100,000 in Oregon were still enduring a week-long outage following a massive ice and snow storm. Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania: Conrad Krajewski clears snow from the sidewalk outside his home Thursday 2995 Bob Nutsch, GIS Coordinator, State of North Dakota Bob Nutsch, GIS Coordinator, State of North Dakota The North Dakota State Government has used GIS since the early 1990s. Since its first application, the technology behind and uses of GIS have continued to grow. It has now become an essential tool and an increasingly integral part of agency business processes. "The GIS Hub has helped reduce the cost, encourage collaboration among state agencies, and create a solid foundation for current GIS initiatives" History In 2000 the state hired a consulting firm to provide insight about the future of GIS for North Dakota. The goal of the review was to develop a statewide GIS program that established clear goals and a way to achieve those goals. We had data stored in multiple locations and formats, data currency issues (i.e. difficulty finding the most current data), and lack of metadata used to contextualize data. The report identified a number of obstacles that needed to be overcome, such as declining agency budgets and a shortage of GIS resources. The bottom line was that GIS was expensive to implement, and without a cost effective strategy, it didnt make business sense. In response to the widespread demand by state agencies and results of the study, in 2001 the North Dakota State Legislature appropriated general funds to develop a GIS infrastructure. Shortly thereafter and continuing today, Information Technology Department (ITD) and the GIS Technical Committee (GISTC) operate the GIS Hub, an infrastructure comprised of geospatial data storage, data services, and application interfaces. The GIS Hub supports state agencies in the development of their GIS and the dissemination of common interest data to other levels of government and the public. The GIS Hub has helped reduce the cost of GIS, encourage collaboration among state agencies, and create a solid foundation for current GIS initiatives. Current Status The GIS Hub has helped create a successful GIS program in North Dakota, which operates around two key drivers. The first goal is to efficiently deliver geospatial data, resulting in cost savings and protection of property and lives. One example of this is the use of GIS by the Abandoned Mine Lands Division of the Public Service Commission as a tool in their mission to eliminate potential or existing hazards associated with abandoned surface and underground coal mines. GIS is also used throughout the Oil and Gas Division for permitting tasks, day to day map generation, as well as general office uses. GIS is one of the most highly requested resources the Oil and Gas Division offers to the public in the form of maps and oil and gas data. The second key business goal is reduced project start-up costs thanks to the existing infrastructure and data provided by the GIS Hub. A great example of reduced costs and increased accuracy lies with the Department of Health and State Water Commission. The Department of Health has regulatory authority over the water quality of the state. The State Water Commission has regulatory authority of the water quantity of the state. Engineers, Scientists and Hydrologists in both agencies know that they are using the same data when using streams, lakes, water resource districts, and watershed boundary data from the GIS Hub. This saves time, increases accuracy, and lowers the cost of GIS for both agencies. The GIS Hub is operated through General Funds, which are part of the Information Technology Departments budget. ITD also provides the hosting infrastructure and support services for the GIS Hub. The support services include the State GIS Coordinator who serves as a liaison between ITD and the agencies and also chairs the GISTC. The primary role of the GISTC is to service the GIS Hub and provide a collaborative environment that supports state agencies GIS. A secondary role is to coordinate among federal, state, tribal, local government and the private sector. The GISTC is an excellent example of state agencies working together. This group has defined ownership and stewardship of data stored within their agencies, and provides a conduit for communication and data to other agencies and organizations. Moving Forward In the immediate future, the GIS Hub has three big initiatives. First, we are working to improve our disaster recovery posture. As GIS has become a critical asset, we need to ensure the system can continue running in the event of a disaster. Like with all disaster recovery plans,implementation is complex and costly. Second, we plan to use more virtualization in order to increase our ability to ramp up in the event of a disaster, such as flooding. Third, as part of our mobile strategy, we are increasing our use of software as a service. Senior diplomats of the United States, South Korea and Japan have held a teleconference to discuss the issues related to North Korea, the US Department of State said. The United States was represented by Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sung Kim, Japan by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi and South Korea by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Noh Kyu-duk. "The group discussed the ongoing U.S. DPRK policy review and stressed the importance of continued close cooperation and coordination. They each shared their assessments of the current situation in North Korea and expressed their continued commitment to denuclearization and the maintenance of peace and stability on the Korean peninsula," the Department of State said in a statement on late Thursday. The United States is currently reviewing its foreign policy after the victory of Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. (ANI/Sputnik) Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking nearly $2 billion to fund its 2021 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) for COVID-19 response which, was launched on Thursday in Geneva Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. SFPD The San Francisco Police Department is calling on the public to help find a 14-year-old girl who hasnt been seen by her family in days. Katlin Gallaread left home sometime between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday without telling her family, police said in a statement. She has not been in touch since. To the relief of Charleston's affordable housing advocates, the 50-year-old Bridgeview Village complex of 300 apartments has been sold to a company that plans to renovate the residences and keep them affordable for low-income tenants. Our market could not afford the loss of 300 units of housing," said Geona Johnson, the city's housing director. Bridgeview is the largest privately owned low-income apartment complex in the city. It was for sale in 2020 and the city was among the bidders, but Johnson said Bridgeview's sale to a nonprofit housing group that is leasing the buildings to Standard Communities is a good outcome. No one will be displaced, the rent cost to tenants won't increase and Standard Communities plans to invest $70,000 per unit on renovations, according to the company. We were very excited to be able to preserve it as affordable housing for the long term," said Tommy Attridge, the company's Charleston-based director of Southeast Production. Standard Communities valued the Bridgeview deal at $97 million. The renovation work accounts for $22 million of that amount. Bridgeview will be Standard Communities' second low-income apartment deal in the Charleston metro area. In 2020, the company acquired a long-term ground lease for Canebreak Apartments in Dorchester County and is now renovating the 120 apartments there, which will remain affordable. In both cases, the nonprofit Housing on Merit owns the properties. Standard Communities is long-term leasing them, using low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt state bonds to finance the deals. Renters pay 30 percent of their income, however little that might be, and federal Housing Assistance Payment vouchers "Section 8" vouchers cover the rest. Standard Communities' deal extends the federal requirement that the apartments remain affordable, for the next 30 years. Other apartment buildings in the city that accepted vouchers have been sold in recent years to investors that raised rents, and there were fears that Bridgeview, near the city's Neck Area and on the Cooper River, could go the same way. Luxury apartment buildings with high rents have been rising near Bridgeview, along the Morrison Drive Corridor, and an expansive new development is planned on the former landfill next to Bridgeview. In 2020 the 26-building apartment complex was put up for sale by then-owner Highridge Costa. "They were getting bids from across the country for this development," Johnson said. What is exciting for the city is that an organization like Standard Companies came in." Standard Companies is based in New York and Los Angeles and has a portfolio that includes 9,900 affordable housing units, which are managed by its affordable housing division Standard Communities. Attridge said renovation work at Bridgeview will begin within the next 30 days. Tenants will be temporarily moved to vacant units during the extensive renovations, and can then return to the same unit they were living in, he said. We want to make it feel like a really welcoming community," said Attridge. There will be new playground equipment and features for children." Renovations will include new windows, new siding, more landscaping, new flooring and kitchen upgrades, and a new amenity center that will include a community room, fitness center and business center. Also planned are site lighting, access-control systems, surveillance cameras and monitoring that will enhance safety at the complex, which has been known for violent crimes. On Dec. 29, a police officer was shot while responding to a domestic violence call at Bridgeview after 3 a.m., and the suspect was shot and killed by police. In March 2020, police charged a man with murder and firearm possession after authorities said he shot a woman and set fire to her apartment at Bridgeview. Facebook and Google could lose their bargaining power under a new proposed bill in the US that would force them to pay news outlets for content. The internet giants currently profit from the content that news organizations produce by hosting them on their respective platforms. They do not pay the publishers for the content, and the publishers are increasingly beholden to them for traffic; the more articles are promoted on Google or shared on Facebook, the more eyeballs the article attracts and in turn, the more it can charge for advertising. Under the proposed new law, Google and Facebook would have to pay the publishers for the content in some way. It was put before Congress last year and is expected to be brought up again in the coming weeks for lawmakers to debate. The bill is designed with smaller publishers in mind, rather than media conglomerates, but it would benefit news outlets of every size. Google and Facebook are opposed to the idea and are fighting it in Australia, where a similar law is being rolled out. Facebook blocked news articles from its platform entirely in Australia. Google has come up with an alternative that could make the law pointless - making private deals with publishers to buy their content and then host them on Google News Showcase. Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are trying to stop laws from being rolled out that would force their platforms to pay news publishers for content To try to get around the new proposed laws, Google has proposed News Showcase - a new feature - as an alternative. As part of it, they'll pay publishers for stories to highlight but then highlight them in the Showcase interface without forcing the reader to leave Google and go directly to the publisher's website Google has already made a deal with News Corp - the global media company owned and run by Rupert Murdoch - where it'll pay for some of its content and then host it in Google News Showcase, a new interface that is yet to be rolled out in the US. The deal is global - it doesn't just apply in Australia. In an announcement on Thursday, News Corp said: 'News Corp announced today that it has agreed to an historic multi-year partnership with Google to provide trusted journalism from its news sites around the world in return for significant payments by Google. 'Among the News Corp publications joining Google News Showcase will be The Wall Street Journal, Barrons, MarketWatch, and the New York Post; in the UK: The Times and The Sunday Times, and The Sun; and in Australia a range of news platforms, including The Australian, news.com.au, Sky News, and multiple metropolitan and local titles.' Rupert Murdoch has entered into a deal with Google to put News Corp content from around the world on Google News Showcase News Showcase is also already in Brazil and Germany. It's unclear when it will be rolled out elsewhere. But media experts have already raised concerns about Showcase, claiming it's just a way for Google to be seen to be compensating publishers but at the same time, quietly diverting traffic away from them. In Showcase, a reader does not have to visit the publisher's website to consume the content - they can read it all in Google. In some cases, content that is behind a paywall or part of a publisher's subscriber package will be also be included which threatens one of the only remaining ways for publishers to monetize their content. One executive told Digiday that it's just another example of Google building 'features and interfaces that actually have people not leaving their platform, where all of our stuff is just consumed there.' Companies are reluctant to speak out against the Silicon Valley giants and the power they hold over the news industry for fear of being punished for it by having their content pushed down in search results. 'Google and Facebook have such power that Im afraid of repercussions, so we play nice with them,' the executive added. Rep. Ken Buck, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committees antitrust panel, is championing the bill in the US. 'The biggest threat to the free market economy is big tech and it (potential legislation) should be fairly tightly focused on that,' he said. David Chavern, president and chief executive officer of the News Media Alliance, is also promoting the bill. 'What publishers have experienced is that platforms go to them one by one, make them sign NDAs and try to optimize per publisher without publishers being able to compare notes. 'Big national publishers probably have the capacity to get their own deals. If you look at smaller publishers, the only way to get some fair value is if they act together,' he said. Australians could be banned from entering restaurants, pubs and even shops if they fail to show proof of immunisation when the vaccine is rolled out on Monday. Safe Work Australia said while it's unlikely companies will be forced to ask customers for proof of vaccination under current work health and safety laws, they are free to do so if they please. The safety regulator recommended that businesses - including cafes, restaurants and bars - consider taking further precautionary action once the vaccine is administered. Quarantine and border staff, aged care residents and frontline health staff will receive their first jab of the Pfizer vaccine on Monday (pictured: nurse simulates administering Covid-19 vaccine at vaccination hub in Camperdown) Safe Work Australia recommends businesses to consider asking customers for proof of vaccination as an entry requirement (pictured: revellers at the Coogee Bay Hotel) 'However, you might still want to require this as a condition of entry to your premises,' the advice said. 'Before you take action to impose this kind of requirement, you should seek advice as there may be privacy and discrimination issues that apply.' Safe Work also recommends that employers can't force staff to get the jab, and workers aren't allowed to use their colleagues' inability to get vaccinated as an excuse to stay home. But at-risk industries such as hotel quarantine and workplaces that care for groups vulnerable to the virus, may have a better chance to encourage vaccinations. The advice from Safe Work recommends that businesses use pre-existing laws that allow companies to issue reasonable directions to staff. Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter said the Safe Work advice reinforced that vaccinations against Covid-19 should be voluntary. 'The government expects that the overwhelming majority of Australians will want to be vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones, and so they can get on with their lives without disruption,' Mr Porter said. Safe Work Australia said it's unlikely companies will need to ask customers for proof of vaccination but recommends implementing additional measures (pictured: revellers at the Coogee Bay Hotel) Australia is expected to receive its first 80,000 doses of the Covid Pfizer vaccine by next week. Pictured: Prime Minister Scott Morrison walks past vials of AstraZeneca vaccine during a visit to the CSL serum lab to inspect Covid-19 Immunoglobulin being produced in Parkville, Melbourne on Friday Poll DO YOU AGREE WITH MANDATORY COVID VACCINES? YES NO DO YOU AGREE WITH MANDATORY COVID VACCINES? YES 258 votes NO 459 votes Now share your opinion A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics survey found that three out of four Australians said they would happily receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The survey found men were more likely than women, at 76 per cent versus 71 per cent, to agree or strongly agree with getting a vaccine, as were people aged over 65 compared to those aged 18 to 64 (83 per cent versus 71 per cent). But 12 per cent said they did not want to get a vaccine, due to concerns about potential side effects or how effective the vaccine would be. From Monday, quarantine and border staff, aged care residents and frontline health staff around the country will receive their first jab of the Pfizer vaccine as phase 1a of the Australia's vaccination program begins. If you are in an at-risk group, you should contact your GP to ensure you receive the vaccine promptly. A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics survey found that three out of four Australians said they would receive the COVID-19 vaccine (pictured: nurse simulates administering Covid-19 vaccine at vaccination hub in Camperdown) To the Editor: Re Bolting to Cancun, Cruz Finds More Heat Than He Expected (front page, Feb. 19): In a time of despair and suffering in Texas because of extreme winter weather, the population is enduring power outages, a lack of basic necessities, and fragile infrastructure. With such arduous times, it is only natural to look to the leaders the people elected for comfort and relief. Senator Ted Cruz provided comfort and relief, not to the Texans he represents, of course, but to himself and his family. His selfish decision to flee the country to Mexico truly illuminates how out of touch with reality Mr. Cruz is. The lack of concern for his constituents and his state clearly highlights his self-centered mind-set. As more people begin to see the true nature of some politicians, we the people are left with a question: Do we believe that it is right for a public servant to leave his constituents behind to travel to another country for refuge? This answer will serve as a precedent for the future of this country. Jaisnav Rajesh Naperville, Ill. To the Editor: Congratulations to Ted Cruz for setting such a great example in good citizenship and compassion for his young daughters by heading to the beach in Cancun, while their fellow Texans froze in the dark. What a man. What a dad. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission gave the merger between the Bank of Queensland and ME Bank the green light in January, with chairman Rod Sims saying the deal could genuinely challenge the big four banks dominance. The two parties approached the competition watchdog last month for pre-approval during ME Banks private sale negotiations assisted by Industry Super Australia chair Greg Combet. The merger was granted pre-approval by the ACCC on January 20. If youre pre-assessing, its a pretty big deal, Mr Sims said. ACCC chair Rod Sims says the merger between ME Bank and BoQ could challenge the big four. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The ACCC reached its conclusion fairly quickly, he said, as the new bank could increase competition by becoming a thorn in the sides of the major banks Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Westpac and ANZ. New Delhi: Delhi has featured in the list of the Worlds Best Cities for 2021 and is the only Indian city to rank among the 100 best cities across the world. Delhi, the national capital of India, has been placed at the 62nd position in this list of the worlds best cities for 2021. Last year, Delhi was at the 81st position and has significantly improved its ranking this year. The continuous development work of CM Arvind Kejriwal has brought only great news for the citizens of Delhi. The ranking has been done by Resonance Consultancy Limited, a Vancouver-based company that has specialities in destination development, branding, marketing, design, tourism, data, and travel reports. Apart from Delhi, the other cities that have been featured in the list include San Francisco, Amsterdam, Rome, Washington DC, Abu Dhabi, Toronto, Prague, St Petersburg, among others. CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal said, "Such good news for all Dilliwalas. All 'dilli walas' have worked so hard in the last six years to make it happen. The world is noticing the positive changes happening in Delhi." Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, "Congratulations to all the proud people of Delhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the leadership. Our beloved Delhi is ranked 62 in World's Best cities. The only Indian city on the list. There is a significant improvement from the past ranking i.e. 81." The ranking, done by Resonance Consultancy Ltd, has given the national capital 62nd position, making it the only Indian city to feature in the list. Reportedly, the ranks have been given to 100 cities from across the world with a population of over 10 lakh. The ranking was based on the basis of 25 factors, including social media hashtags, number of check-ins, diversity, tourist attractions, weather and more. It also included factors like Covid-19 infections in July, income incongruity and unemployment. While Rome (Italy), Chicago (United States), Toronto (Canada), San Francisco (USA), Abu Dhabi (UAE), St Petersburg (Russia), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Berlin (Germany), Prague (Czech Republic) and Washington DC (United States), took the new few spots, Delhi in India was ranked 62 on the list, the only Indian city to have been featured on the list. Live TV A suspected gang of diamond thieves who posed as potential buyers to heist a purple-colored diamond worth several million euros in Barcelona has been busted by French and Spanish police, law enforcement officials said. Police in Spain's northeast Catalonia said Wednesday that eight suspected members of the criminal ring were arrested in Bondy, France, near Paris. The police investigation in Barcelona started after the January 2020 robbery of the rare diamond estimated to be worth up to 15 million euros (18 million US dollars), according to Catalan police. The investigation later linked the suspects to the robbery of another diamond worth 4.5 million euros (5.4 million US dollars) in Cannes, France, in August 2020.Police said the thieves pretended to be interested in the purchase of the stones, only to switch the diamond case for a similar one after distracting the seller. (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) 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. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Police in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi clashed on Friday with opposition activists, detaining 20 protesters near the parliament, a day after the prime minister resigned, the Sputnik Georgia news outlet reported. Giorgi Gakharia, who had been prime minister since 2019, announced his resignation on Thursday, citing a disagreement with his own team over the detention of Nika Melia, a prominent opposition politician. Melia, chairman of the United National Movement (UNM) opposition party, called for early elections in the South Caucasus country of 3.7 million people following the prime minister's resignation. Melia had been accused of inciting violence at street protests in June 2019, a charge he has dismissed as politically motivated. A court in the capital Tbilisi on Wednesday ordered that Melia be taken into custody for allegedly failing to post bail. Following Gakharia's resignation, the Interior Ministry announced it was postponing carrying out the order to take Melia into custody. The U.S. State Department expressed concern at recent developments in Georgia, and called on parties "to exercise restraint and avoid any actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions or result in violence." (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; additional reporting by Andrey Ostroukh; Editing by Edmund Blair and Jonathan Oatis) 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. (Newser) Jimmy Kimmel dedicated a huge portion of his opening monologue Thursday to Ted Cruz's trip to Mexico in the midst of disaster in his home state. "The hypocrisy is off the charts!" said Kimmel, who's made no secret of his dislike of the Texas senator. "This is the guy who two months ago lashed out at the mayor of Austin for going to Mexico," Kimmel went on, per the Daily Beast. And he didn't let up. "While his fellow Texans are freezing with the power out Ted Cruz did what any great leader would do when his state needs leadership most. He booked a flight to Mexico and said, 'Adios, amigos!'" quipped the Jimmy Kimmel Live host, offering up photos of Cruz on the plane. "There he is, snake on a plane right there! Headed, ironically, to the very place he tried to build a wall around." "But why settle for just being the planet's biggest hypocrite when you can be a world-class liar too?" Kimmel said. He then traced the story from Cruz's claim that he was only being a "good dad," accompanying his daughters on a trip with friends, to the revelation that Cruz had planned to stay in Mexico with his family through the weekend. In a statement, "he was careful not to say he was planning to fly back this afternoon because he wasn't," Kimmel noted. "He booked his return ticket at 6am this morning after he got busted. But I guess we were supposed to believe he was chaperoning his wife and kids to Mexico and was planning to come back the next day all along, with a carry-on bag stuffed like a pinata." story continues below "What were you thinking?" was the question from Daily Show host Trevor Noah. "Your people are literally eating snow right now, and you're jetting off to Cancun? I'm not even mad that you were selfishI'm mad that you were so stupid. How can you be in politics for 10 years and still have no idea how bad this would make you look?" "I mean, look, I get that Ted Cruz is tired. The man deserves a break after trying so hard to overthrow the government, but this is not the time, Ted!" Noah added, per the New York Times. "When your constituents said they need clean water, they didn't mean go find a wet T-shirt contest in Cancun." "And what is even worse is that when he got caught, instead of owning up to it and apologizing, he acted like a total Ted Cruz," Noah continued. "Seriously, Ted Cruz blaming his daughters for this is just gross. Being a good father means putting them on a bus, not throwing them under one." (Read more Ted Cruz stories.) Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. California and Texas, the countrys two most populous states, have each faced major energy crises within the past six months that share a primary cause: extreme weather. Last week, millions of Texans lost power amid a historic winter storm that blanketed the state in snow and ice and sent temperatures plunging to uncommonly frigid depths. People have died or been sickened by carbon monoxide poisoning as they struggled to stay warm, and officials in one county requested a refrigerated truck to store the bodies of people who died during the cold snap. The Lone Star States plight is many orders of magnitude worse than the rolling blackouts Californians endured over two blistering days in August. Yet both situations have exposed the extent to which the United States vital energy infrastructure is threatened by erratic and extreme weather conditions that are becoming increasingly common as climate change advances. In some sense, it is two states with very different approaches to electricity markets ending up with a very similar problem, which is poor planning, UC Berkeley energy economist Severin Borenstein said. Californias rolling blackouts occurred when electricity supplies ran unexpectedly short during a widespread heat wave that sent demand for air conditioning skyrocketing throughout the western United States. As a result, the states primary grid operator ordered temporary outages that affected hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses for limited periods on Aug. 14 and 15. The grid emergency that led to the blackouts lasted for about two hours on the first day and about 20 minutes on the second. In Texas, by contrast, millions of people had no power for days in a state that is not used to dealing with such extremely cold weather. There is no comparison between these incidents, said Ralph Cavanagh, the Bay Area-based energy program co-director for the Natural Resources Defense Council. He worked with Texas energy companies earlier in his career. California energy leaders have repeatedly said that climate change contributed to the heat wave that baked the West in August. Research has also pointed to a link between rising temperatures and extreme winter weather in the United States, though scientists are not certain about the exact relationship. Ricardo B. Brazziell / Austin American-Statesman Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasting at Atmospheric and Environmental Research, a weather consultancy, said climate change is one factor that can disrupt the polar vortex, sending Arctic weather south. In its normal state, the polar vortex is strong and stable, he said. Its like the fast, tight rotation of a top, and it keeps all the cold air very close to it. When it gets disrupted, just like the top when you bang on it or it knocks into something, it starts to meander, it starts to wobble. The fact that the two largest U.S. states by population have in such close succession been forced to confront weather-induced blackouts is a startling indication that the countrys energy systems may not be fully prepared for the uncertainties of climate change. And strengthening power grids to better withstand future events like major heat waves which California could see again in just a few months will require major infrastructure upgrades that wont be cheap. The really big thing to keep in mind here is that were at the beginning of a very, very challenging transition in terms of trying to entirely remake our energy system for decarbonization reasons, said Emily Grubert, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Georgia Tech. Were going to have to do some things that we dont want to do, and some of that is actually spending more money on our infrastructure. One of the major challenges facing states as they try to adapt their electric systems to the countrys more volatile climate will be ensuring that the costs do not fall disproportionately on low-income communities already struggling to get by, Grubert said. That is a particularly urgent task in California. While Californians have historically paid lower monthly bills on average than the rest of the country, that is in large part thanks to a typically temperate climate that demands less energy use. Despite the smaller bills, the state has some of the countrys highest electricity rates and prices will likely rise further. The California Public Utilities Commission forecasts a steady rise in rates for each of the states three main electric companies. Between 2020 and 2030, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers are expected to see annual average rate increases of 3.7%, a commission study concluded. Authors warned that the states policy goals influencing higher rates appear manageable over the long term, but if not managed correctly could trigger equity and affordability concerns for vulnerable customer populations over the short- to mid-term horizon. California has already taken immediate steps to reduce the likelihood of more weather-induced blackouts this year. The utilities commission has directed PG&E and its Southern California counterparts to line up more power supplies by this summer and is poised to take further action next month. But the state will need to take even more aggressive steps to fully transform its grid and achieve its goal of getting all of its energy from carbon-free sources by 2045. Thats why Assembly Member David Chiu, D-San Francisco, wants to see wind turbines installed in the waters off the California coast a type of renewable energy project already found off the coast of Rhode Island. Chiu has introduced a bill, AB525, that would set a short-term goal of producing 3 gigawatts of offshore wind enough to power about 900,000 homes by 2030 and 10 gigawatts by 2040. He sees it as a vital step to modernizing the electric grid and better preparing for harsher weather by making the states sources of power generation even more diverse. Weve gotten a preview of the havoc climate change will wreak on our state as we weather heat waves, wildfires and rolling blackouts, Chiu said. The good news is, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put people back to work and rebuild cleaner and greener. Regulators at the state utilities commission are currently studying the potential of offshore wind to play a role in the future of the electric grid, spokeswoman Terrie Prosper said in an email. But it will likely be at least several years before any projects are built. Some environmental groups and public officials feel state energy leaders havent done enough to respond to the rolling blackouts and hasten the transition to a carbon-free grid. Critics have been calling for more aggressive measures through public comments and letters sent to the utilities commission and the governor this month. Chris Field, director of Stanford Universitys Woods Institute for the Environment, said in an email that Texas power woes last week should be yet another reminder that California needs to invest more in preparing for disaster risk. A potential infrastructure package advocated for by President Bidens administration which also views climate change as a top priority could help, he said. Thats what we need in Texas and in California to address our electricity challenges, Field said in the email. Both states need a 21st century electricity system. And both states need to recognize that the creaky current systems are not up to the challenges they face. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Kellie Hwang contributed to this report. J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined other attorneys general to urge federal lawmakers to cancel part of student loan debts nationwide. The coalition is asking that resolutions that would cancel up to $50,000 in student loan debt be approved and sent to President Joe Biden. Amaravati, Feb 19 : Senior Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP V. Vijayasai Reddy on Friday lambasted Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National President N. Chandrababu Naidu alleging that he orchestrated the sale of 54 government companies. "Who sold Nizam Sugars Limited, dozen cooperative sugar factories, Allwyn watches, spinning mills and paper mills, all together 54 companies," Reddy alleged. He doubled down on the TDP Supremo following his censure of the state government and Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for failing to stop the Central government's decision of privatising Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). "Further, who emptied 100 more companies and sent lakhs of employees home with voluntary retirement service (VRS)? Don't people know your crocodile tears Babu," Reddy claimed attacking Naidu. According to the Rajya Sabha MP, the ruling YSRCP party leaders would undertake a 25-km 'padayatra' (walkathon) on Saturday in Visakhapatnam, starting from the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the city civic body office and terminating at the steel plant arch. He ridiculed that a leader like N. Chandrababu Naidu, who allegedly sold away 54 government companies, is now claiming to fight for the steel plant. "He (Naidu) spewed venom the moment it was announced that Visakhapatnam would be made the executive capital. Using media houses favouring him, he propagated that Vizag is prone to tsunamis and earthquakes," Reddy alleged. The 'padayatra' will traverse through Asilmetta Junction, Sangam Sarath, Kali Temple, Thatichetlapalem, Kancharapalem, Urvasi Junction, 104 area, Marripalem, NAD Junction, airport, Sheela Nagar, BHPV, Old Gajuwaka and Srinagar. Commenting upon the panchayat poll results, the YSRCP leader claimed that the ruling party aligned candidates won more than 85 per cent 'sarpanch' posts in the third phase of the polls. He alleged that people would remove oxygen support for TDP which is already on ventilator and claimed that the opposition leader filed petitions in the courts to stall 'Amma Vodi' and public housing schemes for the poor. Meanwhile, Naidu alleged that the panchayat polls were 'lawless' and it was democracy which got defeated. "TDP and its allies have posted good results and got 41.41 per cent seats in the third phase of panchayat polls. They have won more than 1,093 panchayats as the final results are emerging. The TDP has already won 38.74 per cent seats in the first phase and 39.52 percent seats in the second phase," Naidu claimed. COVID-19 vaccination efforts are about to significantly ramp up next week in Houston. The region's first vaccination "super site" will open on Tuesday at NRG Stadium, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on Twitter Friday afternoon. The site will vaccinate 42,000 people per week for three weeks, Hidalgo said. VACCINE TRACKER: How many Texans are vaccinated? Check our interactive map. The site is one of three in Texas backed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The two other Texas super sites are located in Dallas-Fort Worth at AT&T Stadium and Fair Park, the Houston Chronicle reported. The opening of the super site means Houstonians who signed up via the city or county's vaccine waitlist should keep an eye out for updates on when they may be able to schedule an appointment. Residents who have yet to sign up for either waitlist are encouraged to do so. The number of confirmed COVID cases in Texas is now at 2,574,272, while deaths have increased to 40,830, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis of state data. The Houston region case count is up to 516,334, while deaths are up to 6,634. As of Thursday evening, more than 4.29 million doses have been administered to Texans. So far 1,258,473 Texans are fully vaccinated. The historic winter storm halted vaccination efforts in Houston this week. Here's what to do if you need to reschedule your appointment. NOTE: COVID numbers may appear abnormal due to the historic winter storm impacting counting efforts at the county level. rebecca.hennes@chron.com The Turkish Foreign Ministry is concerned about February 17 detentions in Crimea and says Turkey will continue to support Crimean Tatars, according to a statement released by the ministry. "We are concerned about the raids and detentions that took place in Crimea yesterday (February 17th). We call for ending such practices against the Crimean Tatars, who are an integral part of the Crimean Peninsula," the statement said. The Turkish Foreign Ministry also said the country's position on Russia's occupation of the peninsula remained unchanged. "Turkey doesn't recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and will continue to stand by the Crimean Tatars," the statement reads. As was reported earlier, on February 17, mass searches took place in Bilohirsk, Bakhchisaray, Simferopol, Sevastopol and Sovetskyi district in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Lenur Seidametov, Timur Yalkabov, Azamat Eyupov, Yashar Shikhametov, Ernest Ibrahimov and Oleh Fedorov were taken to the Federal Security Service Department in Crimea after investigative measures had been conducted in their houses. FSB investigators told relatives that the detainees were charged under Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (creation of a terrorist organization and participation in the activities of such an organization). The Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea opened a criminal case on illegal searches and detentions of citizens. Criminal proceedings were instituted under Part 2 of Article 162 (violation of the inviolability of the home) and Part 2 of Article 146 (illegal imprisonment) of the Criminal code of Ukraine. Photo: AA Dianna Ortiz, a slight Catholic nun from New Mexico, arrived in Guatemala in 1987 against a backdrop of devastating violence: a decades-long civil war, pitting Marxist guerrillas against the U.S.-backed military, that would ultimately claim 200,000 lives. But as a member of the Ursuline teaching order who came to the country's western highlands to help Mayan grade-school children learn to read and write and understand the Bible, she said, she felt relatively insulated from the killings and disappearances. Over the next two years, she disregarded menacing letters and the male stranger on the street who knew her name and tried to intimidate her into leaving the country. "I didn't think that the threats were something that I should have taken seriously, because I was a U.S. citizen and I assumed that my citizenship would protect me," she later told NPR. "But what I learned - that was not the case." The Guatemalan military's subsequent abduction, gang rape and torture of Ortiz - who died Feb. 19 at 62 of cancer in Washington, D.C., - became a global news story when she claimed an American with ties to the U.S. Embassy had been complicit in her ordeal. She was forced to defend her credibility as a U.S. Embassy official at one point described her account as a "hoax" designed to derail an aid package to the government. The State Department eventually acknowledged there was "no reason not to believe" her. Settling in Washington, Ortiz became a prominent advocate of survivors of state-sanctioned violence and helped campaign to expose classified U.S. documents showing American links to human-rights abuses in Guatemala. As a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a Guatemalan defense minister, she shared in a $47.5 million judgment in a U.S. court that concluded she had been a victim of his "indiscriminate campaign of terror" against thousands of civilians. Despite her small frame - at 5-foot-3, she weighed less than 100 pounds - Ortiz exuded what Kerry Kennedy, president of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights group, called "a combination of absolute, angelic innocence and this indescribable inner strength to stand up again and again every time she was brutalized." On Nov. 2, 1989, assailants Ortiz identified as Guatemalan security forces abducted her from a convent retreat-house garden in Antigua and drove her to a detention center in Guatemala City. Targeted for working with the indigenous community - which the military had long brutalized for presumed left-wing sympathies - she said she was blindfolded and raped by three captors. They burned her with cigarettes as they demanded names of indigenous subversives, she said; a doctor who later examined her counted 111 burn marks. She was lowered into a pit with rats and decomposing bodies and later forced to dismember another captive with a machete. She was told the killing was photographed and videotaped, to be used as blackmail if she attempted to seek redress, Ortiz said. About a day into her imprisonment, a fourth man, called Alejandro but whose accented Spanish led her to believe that he was American, entered the torture chambers and ordered the others to stop. He said Ortiz's disappearance was making headlines in the local and American media. She said Alejandro apologized to her for what he claimed was a case of mistaken identity. During a ride to what he said was a safe haven - and what she assumed would be the place of her execution - the man advised her strongly to forget what had happened. She jumped out at a traffic stop and hid inside a store before calling members of her religious community to rescue her. After returning to the United States two days later, Ortiz experienced vast gaps in memory of her pre-Guatemala life; she recoiled from family and friends in the Ursuline community, many of whom she no longer recognized. She spent several years rebuilding her life, including intensive counseling. She said she had become pregnant through the rapes and had an abortion. "I felt I had no choice," she later told the Kennedy human rights organization. "If I had had to grow within me what the torturers left me I would have died." In the early 1990s, she filed Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain files from U.S. government agencies in the hope of identifying the suspected CIA operative. The Justice Department opened and then closed an investigation citing a lack of evidence. (She told The Washington Post she had stopped cooperating because of questions that made her feel revictimized.) She began recounting her story in media interviews, and on Palm Sunday 1996 began a weeks-long hunger-strike and vigil in Lafayette Square outside the White House. "I want to know why I was targeted," she told the Washington Times, "and why a U.S. citizen had the authority to give orders to my torturers, and why he had access to a clandestine prison." Ortiz was credited with other activists in helping to build political pressure that resulted in the release of classified documents about U.S. involvement in Guatemala and the murders, kidnappings and torture committed in some instances by paid CIA informants. "It was the first time the U.S. government was willing to openly question the way it had used killers in Guatemala to obtain intelligence," said Kate Doyle, a senior analyst at the anti-secrecy group National Security Archive. (The 36-year conflict officially ended with a United Nations-backed peace accord in 1996, and the head of a subsequent U.N. truth commission report confirmed CIA and other "constituent structures" of the American government lent direct and indirect support to illegal state operations.") In her own case, however, Ortiz said she continued to be "disappointed." State Department files she obtained were heavily censored. A reference to "Alejandro," Washington Post columnist Mary McGrory reported, "was followed by three pages of redacted material." The documents revealed that powerful figures within the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala had expressed doubts about the veracity of her account. Thomas Stroock, a Wyoming businessman and political appointee serving as ambassador to Guatemala, told The Post he was among those at the embassy at the time who questioned the "motives and timing" of her claims - noting they arose just before a U.S. congressional debate about financial aid to the country, then in the grip of economic crisis. "For a person who apparently knew little Spanish and did not know the capital well, had not slept for 24 hours, had suffered an intensive torture session including 50 to 70 cigarette burns, and in deep shock rendering her incapable of talking, Sister Dianna seemed to have little difficulty escaping by jumping out of a moving car, running at high speed, asking Guatemalans for protection . . . and then placing telephone calls to a retreat in Antigua she had only visited once," Stroock wrote in a 1989 cable, according to the Washington Times. Other notes from Embassy personnel suggested Ortiz was a left-wing propagandist orchestrating a "hoax." As part of what she called a smear campaign, Guatemalan military officials circulated a false rumor that she had invented the abuse story as cover for a sadomasochistic lesbian affair. Meanwhile, an investigation by the Organization of American States had found Ortiz's account credible. Backed by a public-interest law organization, Ortiz and eight Guatemalans filed suit in 1991 against former Guatemalan defense minister Hector Gramajo under a federal law that allows Americans and foreign U.S. residents to sue any individual, while the accused is living in the United States, for human rights violations committed anywhere. Gramajo was then in Massachusetts pursuing a degree in public administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. In 1995, a federal judge in Boston ordered Gramajo to pay $47.5 million to the plaintiffs, noting that Gramajo "was aware of and supported widespread acts of brutality committed under his command resulting in thousands of civilian deaths." Ortiz's share was $5 million but neither she nor the others collected from Gramajo, who denied the accusations and had returned to Guatemala without mounting a defense. In 2004, Gramajo died after being swarmed by killer bees on his avocado ranch, according to news reports. As an outgrowth of her work for the nonprofit Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA, Ortiz started a project in 1998 that became the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International. Her Washington-based group, where she spent a decade as executive director, sought to unite and amplify the voices of torture victims and help them repair their lives. "The reason that work is so difficult is because torture is deliberate, meant to control individuals and to break them," said Meredith Larson, a human-rights activist who survived political violence in Guatemala while working as a human rights observer. "For a lot of people who experience torture, you feel so broken afterwards, you feel so guilty. You are left as a shell of yourself. Like with Dianna, the process of trying to get the truth can be retraumatizing when you are not believed." Dianna Mae Ortiz was born in Colorado Springs on Sept. 2, 1958, and grew up in Grants, N.M., one of eight children. Her father was a uranium miner, and her mother was a homemaker. In 1977, she entered the Ursuline novitiate at Mount Saint Joseph in Maple Mount, Ky. She moved to Guatemala after teaching kindergarten in Kentucky. With human rights advocate Patricia Davis, she wrote a 2002 memoir, "The Blindfold's Eyes: My Journey From Torture to Truth." Survivors include her mother, Amby Ortiz of Grants; four brothers; and two sisters. Last year, Ortiz was named deputy executive director of Pax Christi USA, the American branch of the international Catholic peace movement. She lived in Washington at the Assisi Community, a Catholic community of lay and religious men and women. Her death, at a hospice center, was confirmed by her friend Marie Dennis, a Pax Christi colleague. At times, Ortiz said, she continued to struggle with the Christian ideal of forgiveness. "I leave that in God's hands," she told NPR. "The fact that I'm a Catholic nun and I'm not able to forgive, that makes me feel all the more guilty. I'm not sure what it means to forgive." VATICAN CITY, FEB 19 - A bilateral meeting between the Holy See and Italy on the anniversary of the Latern pacts and the Concordat's revision, initially scheduled for February 12, will now be held on March 2 with Premier Mario Draghi leading the Italian delegation and Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolini the Vatican one, sources at the Holy See told ANSA Friday. A traditional reception will not be held due to the COVID emergency, which will also impose restrictions, the sources said. The Lateran Pacts of 1929 were agreements between the Kingdom of Italy under King Victor Emanuel III and the Holy See under Pope Pius XI to settle the long-standing Roman Question. The treaty and associated pacts were named after the Lateran Palace where they were signed on 11 February 1929, and the Italian parliament ratified them on 7 June 1929. The treaty recognized Vatican City as an independent state under the sovereignty of the Holy See. The Italian government also agreed to give the Roman Catholic Church financial compensation for the loss of the Papal States. In 1948, the Lateran Treaty was recognized in the Constitution of Italy as regulating the relations between the state and the Catholic Church. In 1984, an agreement was signed, revising the concordat. Among other things, both sides declared: "The principle of the Catholic religion as the sole religion of the Italian State, originally referred to by the Lateran Pacts, shall be considered to be no longer in force". (ANSA). By Li Bin Arms control was once an important US approach to safeguarding national security during the Cold War. Since the end of the Cold War, arms control has become a bipartisan ideological label in the US. The Trump administration pushed this ideological struggle to the extreme and pulled the country out of a series of international arms control mechanisms involving disarmament and non-proliferation. Unlike its predecessor, Joe Bidens team takes a different approach toward arms control, which can be seen from the tradition of the Democratic Party, Bidens campaign program and the experience of his cast. As a starter, the Biden administration will try to repair the damage done by the Trump administration's withdrawal from several arms control agreements, with re-joining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) being a key step. After Trump abandoned the Iranian nuclear deal, he slapped sanctions on Iran and other entities having trade relations with Iran, which was met with Irans vengeful activities. The Biden administration will ask Tehran to get back to the original state, which is the precondition for Americas return to the deal. Like the Obama administration, the Biden administration will hold up high the banner of arms control. It is expected that the only purpose of the US development of nuclear weapons is to deter and counter nuclear attacks. The Obama administration also considered putting forth this policy at the end of its term but did not materialize in the end. Now Biden will make a second try even if some forces in the US will try to prevent it. When George Walker Bush was in office, he made the rule that Washington would not discuss with Beijing on the nuclear disarmament based on mutual deterrence because he thought that would raise China's status. Such a hidden rule had always been followed by some conservative politicians until the Trump administration, who tried to bring China into the US-Russia New START talks. Trump's successor Biden will also ask China to join the nuclear disarmament, but with a more ingenious logic and arrangement. For instance, it will propose for Washington and Moscow to continue cutting their strategic nuclear arsenal, but in the meantime will request all three parties to freeze the total number of nuclear warheads a proposal much more complex and more carefully designed than Trumps proposal. The Biden administration will put forth an arms control initiative fraught with technical details and covering a wide range of high-tech domains, including outer space, cyberspace, hypersonic aircraft, and military application of AI, and then peddle this initiative across the world, especially among its allies. The initiative will be hyped up as the blueprint during the arms control discussions among the communities, which will follow and reflect the American logic. While cooperating with allies, the Biden administration will also impose security considerations upon business in the name of non-proliferation and tighten the grip on high-tech export to maintain its technological superiority in a way stealthier and more elusive than what the Trump administration did. The Biden administration's arms control policy will bring both cooperation opportunities and competition for China and the US. Most importantly, its arms control initiative will be so complicated and nuanced that a simple "yes" or "no" will not be enough to deal with it. (The author is a guest researcher at the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) and a professor at the School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University.) (Editor's note: this article is originally published on inewsweek.cn, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.) Jaipur, Feb 19 : It was a different 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at the Kotkhawada area of Chaksu town in Jaipur district on Friday where a huge crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of their 'hero' -- Congress leader Sachin Pilot -- cheering loudly to give a loud shout of approval to every word the former Deputy CM uttered. The same crowd also hooted when MLAs from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's camp were seen joining Pilot on the dais. However, as thousands of people from all caste and creed, and not all necessarily farmers, joined the Mahapanchayat, it gave a clear indication that a new farmer leader is born in Rajasthan who is none other than Pilot, leading from the front while standing shoulder to shoulder with the farmers. While talking to IANS though, Pilot denied any such thing and said, "I'm strongly attached to the farmer community. In fact, my father and I have received full blessings from the farmer community across castes. Farmers are the backbone of our country's economy. This agrarian community plays a strong role in our country's development and hence the Congress is fully committed to their cause. As a Congress worker, I feel that it is my duty to remain committed to the farmers' issue and hence I am here addressing this rally." Speaking further, he said, "We passed three resolutions in today's rally. First, all the three laws farm should be withdrawn; second, farm purchase should be made on MSP; and thirdly, the hike in petrol and diesel prices should be rolled back. Everyone raised their hands and passed these three resolutions." "This movement goes beyond caste and religion. Everyone in the country is now saying that the government of India should reconsider its decision and withdraw the farm laws, shedding its stubborn nature. In fact, they should frame three new laws after consulting all the stakeholders," Pilot said, adding that every Indian feels that the farm bills were passed in haste without any consultation. Almost 200 farmers have lost their lives while trying to convince the government to repeal the farm laws, he added. Meanwhile, Friday's Mahapanchayat also reflected the strong confrontation brewing between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Pilot, indicating that the 'political war' is still not over. In the Mahapanchayat, Pilot had 16 MLAs with him on the stage, which gave a clear message to the Congress high command about his grip and strength on the ground. Similarly, Gehlot, PCC President Govind Singh Dotasara and several leaders of the Gehlot camp were invited to the event, but none arrived. Congress MLA Ved Prakash Solanki was coordinating the invitations and he had shared them with all the party leaders, Pilot told IANS. Pilot and Gehlot's confrontation became all the more evident when two MLAs from Gehlot camp joined the Mahapanchayat on Friday. While the pro-pilot MLAs included Vishvendra Singh, Hemaram Chaudhary, Murarilal Meena, Brijendra Singh Ola, Ramesh Meena, Ved Prakash Solanki, Harish Meena, G.R. Khatana, Indraj Gurjar, Rakesh Pareek, Amar Singh Jatav, Suresh Modi, Mukesh Bhakar and P.R. Meena, the presence of two other MLAs surprised many -- Niwai MLA Prashant Bairava and Dantaramgarh MLA Virendra Singh, the son of former Congress state president Narayan Singh. As soon as they arrived, the Pilot supporters started raising slogans against them as Bairava was initially in the Pilot camp, but joined the Gehlot fraction after a political crisis eurpted in the state in July last year. Three other MLAs belonging to the Pilot camp -- Deepender Singh Shekhawat, Ramnivas Gavadia and Bhanwarlal Sharma -- could not nake it to the Mahapanchayat. When Vishvendra Singh, an MLA from the Pilot camp, indirectly commented on Gehlot and said "first we got 99 seats, then 101", slogans were raised in support of Pilot. Looking at the response, Singh said, "You are smarter than me." Meanwhile, Pilot said, "Congress stands firmly with the demands of the farmers. The most remarkable thing is that the ongoing protest is being staged in a Gandhian way. The government has barricaded the roads, put nails on them besides trying to intimidate the farmer community. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has rallied 22 opposition parties against the farm laws. Priyanka Gandhi is also holding panchayats all over Uttar Pradesh while Rahul Gandhi has visited Rajasthan to support the farmers' movement. So we stand together with the farmers at this hour." For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. A taxi driver who murdered his wife with a hammer and a knife in a cocaine-fuelled frenzy while their children slept has been jailed for life. Sajid Pervez, 37, struck 38-year-old Abida Karim with a hammer over the head at least 15 times before using a knife to slash her throat, a court heard today. The heinous attack happened in the middle of the night on September 24 last year at the couple's family home in Leeds - as their children slept. Leeds Crown Court heard Pervez had subjected Mrs Karim, a mother-of-seven, to years of domestic abuse and that he was in a cocaine-fuelled frenzy at the time of the killing. Afterwards, Pervez left the property, dialled 999 and calmly told an operator he had killed his partner of 21 years but did not want his children to find the body. Sajid Pervez, 37, (pictured) was jailed for life today for the murder of his wife during a cocaine-fuelled frenzy while his children slept in the same house Abida Karim, 38, was found dead in bed - she had been hit with a hammer over the head at least 15 times before a knife was used to slash her throat Police and paramedics went to the property and found Mrs Karim dead in bed with the weapons near to her body. Peter Mouslon QC, prosecuting, said the victim had been struck on the head at least 15 times with the hammer and suffered deep knife wounds to her neck. The couple's eldest children provided statements to police describing how their dad had subjected their mum to years of physical and psychological abuse. A statement from the couple's eldest daughter read: 'I have pictured this day since I was five years old.' The attack happened ten days after Mrs Karim returned to Leeds from a trip to Pakistan to attend her father's funeral. And the court heard how at one point the defendant said: 'When Mum comes back from Pakistan watch what I do to her. I do not care about police and you will be shocked.' Pervez, who was described as 'horrible, abusive and manipulative' by his children, also bought a large knife which he brought into the house in the days before the fatal attack. The court heard Pervez had previously made threats to burn down the family home if his behaviour was ever reported to the police. The couple's eldest children provided statements to police describing how their dad had subjected their mum to years of physical and psychological abuse Describing the night of the murder, Mrs Karim's daughter said: 'My mum did not even scream. 'Normally when she is beaten up I can hear her shouting, I can hear her scream. I didn't hear my mum this morning. 'The timing of this killing may not have been settled in his mind but preparations for it certainly were made.' Pervez pleaded guilty to murder at a hearing on January 12 this year. After handing himself in he told officers at a Leeds police station he had taken around half a gram of cocaine. A doctor assessed him as having a personality disorder made worse by his use of alcohol, cocaine and cannabis. Nick Johnson QC, mitigating, said Pervez had witnessed domestic violence in his own family when he was growing up. He said: 'His life and life choices were decided and controlled for him from an early age, involving his arranged marriage from the age of 17.' The barrister said the use of cocaine had a 'disinhibiting' effect on Pervez. Pervez was given a life sentence and told he must serve a minimum of 22-and-a-half years in custody before he can apply to the parole board for release on licence. Judge Simon Phillips told Pervez he was satisfied that he had planned to kill his wife based on his behaviour towards his family before the incident. The judge said: 'You wanted them to know that you had the capacity and the preparedness to do something seismic and catastrophic within a family context.' Speaking after the sentencing, Mrs Karim's eldest daughter Sawaira Sajid said: 'Our mother was the most precious woman who dedicated her whole life to her husband and seven children. 'She was a devoted wife and mother who always put her family first. 'She was married to our father for 21 years and she experienced domestic abuse throughout her whole marriage. 'We tried to help her but she would say, "things will get better and you will always need him as he is your father". The court heard how Pervez (pictured) had warned his children to 'watch what I do to her' before she arrived home from a visit to Pakistan for a funeral 'She never disclosed what she was going through to the community, her friends or her family as she was holding on to the very little amount of hope she had that things would get better. 'On the night of September 23, we had no clue it would be the last meal our mother would cook for us, the last time we spent with her, the last time we got to see her smile and the last time we got to feel her presence. 'We did not know that we would be going to sleep and waking up with police officers in our home telling us that our mother has been murdered, leaving us absolutely heartbroken and devastated. 'Since that day we have craved her presence and our hearts have been empty. 'Our mother is a hero to us, she fought for her kids and family till her last breath.' After the case, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Natalie Dawson, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Inquiry Team, said: 'Abida Karim's family remain utterly devastated about her murder at the hands of her husband in appallingly violent circumstances in the family home. 'Sajid Pervez has robbed his own children of their mother and, although he has now been held accountable, we recognise that no amount of time in prison could ever properly compensate them for such a dreadful loss.' 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. There was great sadness in and Offaly community at the passing of much loved nun. It was with great sadness that the community of Killina learned about the passing of their dear friend and colleague, Sr Aine Walsh, RIP. Sr Aine's teaching career spanned over 70 years, and she would have no truck with the word or concept of retirement. Sr Aine was the embodiment of the word vocation: her calling was to the Presentation Order and to teaching, and she embraced both with a steadfast and inimitable energy and enthusiasm. Known as Sr Immacula in Mullingar, Sr Aine spent 46 years as a teacher and principal in Mullingar Presentation Primary School. Following her retirement in 1989, she spent a further 13 years teaching in California, before settling in Killina in 2002. Sr Aine's spirit and commitment to Killina Presentation Secondary School and to teaching was indefatigable. Whether a student was struggling with Irish or Maths, or if a student had outstanding aptitude, Sr Aine would make it her business to help, guide, inspire and improve them. There was no such thing as a challenge for Sr Aine- it was something intrinsic to her to help in a selfless, humble manner. It would be impossible to enumerate or measure the impact she had on so many students and colleagues. There will be so many anecdotes that will come to light in the coming days- everyone who ever encountered her will be able to tell a tale about how she helped or encouraged, about her kindness, about her sense of humor and fun, about her humility and her humanity. Speaking as a colleague, there was so much about Sr Aine that was admirable and astonishing in equal measure. Whenever there wasn't a computer free to look up a word or grammar point i nGaeilge, Sr Aine became the default go-to. On the very, very rare occasion that she might be stumped, she would be guaranteed to pop up somewhere the following day with the answer. But it wasn't just in Roinn na Gaeilge that Sr Aine's presence was such a boon, but in staff meetings her contributions and suggestions always came with the weight of wisdom and experience, and always, always permeated with the ethos and identity of the school. In the teachers' WhatsApp today, there are certain words that are recurring: friend, inspirational, humble, caring, kindness, humor, spirit. There's so much that could be said about Sr Aine's time in Killina since the early 2000s up to 2017, it's hard to fathom that even back then she had had an entire career before that, teaching both in Ireland and in the US. Yet for us it felt like she had only ever been in Killina- she became an institution within our institution. Whether taking a mainstream class or a resource class, or just working away quietly in the background to support either a struggling student or an exceptionally gifted student, her resolution and determination shone at all times. Occasional back trouble was only a minor inconvenience- the crutch would appear, and so too would Sr Aine, day in, day out- nothing could stymie her unwavering commitment to her vocation. Even in the summer months, St Aine's contributions to Scoil Ui Cheallaigh embodied her love of teaching and our native tongue. Indeed, her commitment to Score, Comhra Gaeilge, and her involvement over many years with Colaiste na bhFian was testament to her love of, and pride in, the Irish language. She also found time to pursue her love of art, using painting as both a creative outlet and a pastime. While many of us felt that the closure of the convent was a cruel blow to the likes of Sr Aine, she still maintained her interest in the school, being in regular contact with staff and management, keeping abreast with all the developments and happenings in the school. Perhaps a fitting final anecdote that is at once poignant and yet so uplifting, and sums the lady up- on Wednesday last, her last student, who she had been tutoring as an extern student for the November Leaving Cert exams, got the grade she required to pursue a teaching course. Sr Aine was ebullient, but like so many previous success stories, it wasn't Sr Aine's style to draw attention- we can only assume the quiet satisfaction she derived from helping others fueled and inspired her to keep going, and I have no doubt that once those exams were completed, she would already be mulling over her next project. While it was poignant to hear of the sad passing of Sr Aine the day after the school community celebrated the milestone of St Oliver's birthday, now we celebrate a legacy not far behind that of Sr Oliver, tinged with sadness though it may be. Sr Aine being Sr Aine, I know she's reading this because she always had the school at her heart. I know when the time comes, she'll upbraid me over this, because she hated any fuss or special treatment. I know she and Ms Horan are debating the new Junior Cycle Gaelige syllabus. I know that she has left an indelible mark on the history of Killina Presentation Secondary School, all the students she taught, and all the colleagues she taught with. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis, agus solas na bhFlaitheas uirthi go siorai. P.M. Samantha Armytage has reportedly signed accountant-turned-celebrity adviser Anthony Bell on as her new manager, after cutting ties with her agent Nick Fordham. According to The Daily Telegraph's Confidential on Friday, the Sunrise host, 44, who has one year left on her contract with Seven, was introduced by a mutual friend. The publication understands Anthony will represent her, no doubt with future partnerships, but also in contract negotiations with the network. New chapter: Sunrise host Samantha Armytage (pictured), 44, has 'signed with new manager Anthony Bell' after cutting ties with agent Nick Fordham in November last year, according to The Daily Telegraph's Confidential on Friday Anthony reportedly 'declined to elaborate' on their working relationship when contacted by Confidential. Daily Mail Australia has also reached out to Anthony for comment. In November, Sam claimed she was 'dumped' by her agent Nick Fordham, just one day after the tragic death of her mother Libby. According to The Daily Telegraph, Nick's talent management group The Fordham Company ended their working relationship with Sam the day after her mother died on November 3rd. Reports: The publication understands Sam and Anthony (pictured) were introduced by a mutual friend. The accountant-turned-celebrity adviser will reportedly assist Sam in contract negotiations with the Seven network The TV presenter told the publication: 'Out of the blue Nick dumped me from his management company the day after my mother died.' 'As you can imagine, this has been a harrowing time for me. This hasn't made it any easier.' However, Nick told Daily Mail Australia at the time that he was unaware Sam's mother had passed away when he contacted her on November 5th. What's next in store? Sam, who has co-hosted breakfast TV program Sunrise alongside David 'Kochie' Koch since 2013, has one year left on her contract with Seven 'We have ended our business relationship but Sam has been a friend for many years and I have an incredible amount of respect for her, not only as a journalist but also as a person,' he said. Sam signed with The Fordham Company in April last year. Nick represents a host of Australian media stars, including Sam's former breakfast TV rival, Lisa Wilkinson. Sam announced the tragic news of her mother's death in an emotional Instagram post on November 7. 'Last Tuesday afternoon, a little while after the Melbourne Cup was run, our beautiful mumma passed away, just 10 days before her 69th birthday,' she wrote. Cutting ties: In November last year, Sam claimed her agent Nick Fordham (pictured with Lisa Wilkinson) 'dumped' her just one day after the tragic death of her mother Libby. Nick told Daily Mail Australia at the time that he was unaware of her mother's passing 'She had fought bravely for a long time and suffered a lot, but finally her big-loving heart just couldn't do it anymore. 'Mums are the centre of a family and losing ours has thrown us all in a spin and left a huge, irreparable hole in each of our hearts,' Sam continued. 'We are very, very sad. She was wonderful; kind, loving, loyal, wildly wicked, funny & formidable.' In August last year, Sam's mum was hospitalised for heart failure while her dad was hospitalised after suffering a stroke. 21 runners killed during mountain race in northwestern province of Gansu; Indian variant of Covid-19 found in Guangzhou; Beijing willing to arrange for vaccines to be sent to Taiwan May 28, 2021 08:15 PM Srinagar: Three terrorist incidents were reported in the last three days in Kashmir, which resulted in killing of three terrorists in the valley. On Thursday (February 18) late night on a specific input of presence of militants a cordon search operation was launched by joint security forces in Badigam area of Shopian. Initial reports were that 2-3 militants were trapped. IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said, All civil people were first evacuated from the encounter spot and later the encounter was started. Three Al-Badr militants were killed in the encounter. Two AK-47 and one Pistol were recovered. During midnight another cordon and search operation was started in the Beerwah area of Budgam district in central Kashmir. Police said that as the suspected spot was cordoned the hiding militants fired upon the searching party injuring one constable and SPO (special police officer), who later succumbed to his injuries. Militants have fled from the spot where the encounter started first. The search is on. We are told that militants are injured. We followed the blood trail. Our two brave soldiers got injured and one later was martyred, said Vijay Kumar. A wreath laying ceremony was also held in district police lines where all security officials paid tribute to the martyred soldiers. Meanwhile at 12.10 PM terrorists attacked police personnel near one of the busiest places of Srinagars baghat while they were standing outside a shop in the area , CCTV footage of the incident shows that a terrorist in Kashmiri clothing takes out his gun and fires indiscriminately on police cops injuring them critically. The attack happened not only in the busiest market but just 100 meters away from a local police station. The two injured cops were shifted to a hospital but they succumbed to their injuries. Police identified them namely SgCT Mohammad Yousuf of Zurhama Kupwara and Ct Suhail Ahmad of Logripora Aishmuqam. While paying tributes to the martyrs IGP Kashmir said, Two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants including a foreign militant and a local who has been identified as Saqib, carried out the Baghat attack. The two policemen were on a routine duty and were at a shop to buy something. They were fired from the back. They were totally unarmed. The third terror attack also took place in Kashmirs Srinagar city on Wednesday (February 17) evening. The duo of militants attacked a shopkeeper at Durganag area injuring the owner, who survived the attack and today they targeted two police cops. Both incidents responsibility is taken by TRF (The resistant front) terror outfit on social media. Live TV Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 19:00:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Zhang Shuangnan (C), lead scientist of China's Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), speaks during a press conference at the Institute of High Energy Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 19, 2021. China's HXMT, the country's space science satellite also known as Insight, has found that a fast radio burst signal detected last year came from a magnetar in the Milky Way, Chinese scientists announced Friday. The discovery marked a milestone in understanding the nature of the mysterious signal emanating from the universe, the scientists said. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), the country's space science satellite also known as Insight, has found that a fast radio burst (FRB) signal detected last year came from a magnetar in the Milky Way, Chinese scientists announced Friday. The discovery marked a milestone in understanding the nature of the mysterious signal emanating from the universe, the scientists said. The research was conducted jointly by scientists from the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Normal University, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Tsinghua University and other institutions. The findings have been published in the latest issue of Nature Astronomy. In 2007, scientists detected bursts of extremely powerful radio waves in the sky lasting no more than a few milliseconds. The mysterious signal became known as FRBs. Dozens of FRBs have been detected in the following decade, and astronomers have been trying to figure out what causes FRBs. Some reports even speculated that alien civilization could have been beaming FRBs to Earth. One theory is that FRBs may come from magnetars, a type of neutron star. All neutron stars are the collapsed core of a dead star, not massive enough to become a black hole, while magnetars also have a shockingly powerful magnetic field. Until last April, every known FRB came from outside the Milky Way, making them near impossible to study. On April 28, 2020, two telescopes in North America, namely the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) and the U.S. Survey for Transient Astronomical Radio Emission 2 (STARE2) picked up a powerful millisecond-duration burst in our Milky Way. It has since been named FRB 200428, and was listed as the top 10 breakthroughs of 2020 by both Science and Nature. FRB 200428 was located about 30,000 light-years away, roughly the same direction as magnetar SGR J1935+2154. The magnetar was acting up when the FRB 200428 was detected, emitting bursts of x-rays and gamma rays. Although scientists believe that they had pinpointed the origin of FRB 200428, a final piece of the puzzle is still missing, which is needed to confirm SGR J1935+2154 produced the radio bursts. "It is pure luck that China's space telescope caught the significant signal," said Zhang Shuangnan, lead scientist of HXMT, in an interview with Xinhua. Zhang added that China's HXMT temporarily changed its observation plan last April to focus on SGR J1935+2154. Seven hours after the ground control sent the observation command, HXMT detected a very bright x-ray burst from SGR J1935+2154 which was about 8.6 seconds before FRB 200428. Zhang said the time difference is consistent with the time delay of the radio signal due to the interstellar medium, indicating that the x-ray and radio bursts are from the same explosion, and it found that two spikes of the X-ray burst are the high energy counterpart of FRB 200428. Compared with other space telescopes, HXMT provided the most detailed temporal and spectral information in understanding FRBs and magnetars, Zhang noted. "The discovery is not the end of FRB stories, but the start of a new era," said Zhang. The enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP) satellite developed by IHEP and many other domestic and international partner institutions, has entered phase-B (design phase), after more than 10 years of preliminary study and key technology development, he added. It will enable scientists to study FRBs, neutron stars and black holes from other galaxies. "The universe is much stranger than we think," said Shrinivas R. (Shri) Kulkarni, George Ellery Hale Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Science at California Institute of Technology, in an interview with Xinhua via Zoom. He called on scientists to keep on exploring. Kulkarni added that building astronomy telescopes is very expensive and no country can do astronomy all by itself, noting that China's telescopes like FAST and HXMT have become driving engines for new discoveries. "I am very happy for my Chinese colleagues that your government is supporting basic science. This is very exciting that a large country like China is contributing enormously to modern science," he said. Since its launch on June 15, 2017, HXMT has achieved a series of important scientific results on black holes, neutron stars and other objects or phenomena. The calibration of the detectors on board was supported by the National Institute of Metrology, Ferrara University in Italy and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. Enditem Residents at Northampton Countys Gracedale nursing home can now receive monoclonal antibody treatment to fight COVID-19 infections. County Executive Lamont McClure and Gracedale Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King announced the new initiative Thursday. Developed by Eli Lilly and Co., the treatment is called bamlanivimab and is being administered under an emergency use authorization issued last Nov. 9 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Gracedale staff will be working with St. Lukes University Health Network and Advanced PICC Support to administer the treatment, according to a news release from the county. St. Lukes has touted the treatment as providing quick relief to recipients that have numbered in the hundreds. The countys news release describes monoclonal antibodies as laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune systems ability to fight off harmful viruses. Bamlanivimab is an authorized treatment for patients who test positive for the coronavirus and are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 or requiring hospitalization. It is administered intravenously in a single dose. Residents of Long Term Care facilities have been hit the hardest by coronavirus, McClure states in the release. Were very grateful we can now administer this life-saving therapy to our residents. As of earlier this month, 369 staff members at Gracedale have been vaccinated against COVID-19, representing 50% of employees who received their first vaccination while 41% received their second shot. For residents, 87% received the first vaccination, and 60% received the second shot. CVS has scheduled additional distributions of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Gracedale through February. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. by Nirmala Carvalho The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India held a Day of Prayer to express closeness to the victims of sexual abuse of minors and raise awareness of the problem among the faithful. For Sister Arina Gonsalves of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, this provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the scourge of sexual abuse that continues in our society, especially in the digital world and to reiterate the Churchs zero tolerance policy towards the offence. Mumbai (AsiaNews) The Catholic Church of India holds a Day of Prayer for the victims and survivors of abuse every year on the first Friday of Lent. For the occasion, Sister Arina Gonsalves, of the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary (RJM) and a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, spoke to AsiaNews, explaining the significance of this appointment. Praying for the victims and survivors of abuse on the first Friday of Lent is a good practice to make the faithful aware of the emotional and spiritual trauma that survivors carry with them in their lives. It helps us understand that we have failed to protect and safeguard children from sexual abuse, said the nun. Praying with this intention offers support to victims on their way to healing their wounds. It also helps their families to understand their feelings of hurt and disappointment. Finally, it makes our communities aware of the reality of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults, which continues in our society, especially in the digital world. Sister Arina Gonsalves, who is also a member of the expert group for child protection of the Archdiocese of Mumbai, also highlighted what the Indian Catholic Church has already been done in this area. As president of the Bishops Conference, Cardinal Oswald Gracias has framed clear guidelines regarding the sexual abuse of minors in Church-run institutions. He has also asked all the bishops and religious leaders of the Indian Catholic Church to implement safeguard policies and guidelines in their dioceses. He has endorsed the zero tolerance stance taken by Pope Francis. In all the institutions of the Archdiocese of Mumbai we follow the child protection policy required by the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, approved by the Indian parliament in 2012. The UK is to launch a "high-risk" science agency to look for ground-breaking discoveries. The organization, Aria, will work along the lines of US counterparts that have played a part in the growth of the internet and GPS. They said that Aria, which has $1.1 billion support for four years, would have a "higher tolerance for failure than is normal." UK's Aria program The new organization - the Advanced Research & Invention Agency (Aria) - will the government said, finance high-risk, high-reward experimental research. But the amount of funding it will get is a fraction of the money pumped into existing government research bodies such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The government has committed approximately $14.46 billion to its research projects and bodies for 2020-21 alone. Nevertheless, the government said that Aria would "help cement the UK's position as a global science superpower." Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said that by "drive forward the technologies of tomorrow," the new organization would "stripping back unnecessary red tape." Kwarteng aims for the agency to be free of some of the laws that generally control investments made with taxpayers' money so that it can fund projects in the confidence that they could collapse, government sources said. According to him, the UK is steeped in technological discovery, from the steam turbine to the new artificial intelligence developments. Proactive, optimistic, and creative solutions are needed for today's range of problems - whether infectious outbreaks or climate change. "This new organization, led separately by our most excellent scientists, will concentrate on discovering and financing at the pace the most cutting-edge innovation and technology," said Kwarteng. It is also predicted that the department would be removed from the Freedom of Information Act. This decision creates fears that it may become a covert link between the government and the weapons industry. Related Article: World's First Plant-Based Face Mask Invented in the UK! High-Risk High-Reward Projects Former senior advisor, Dominic Cummings of Boris Johnson, was a leading advocate of "blue-sky" thought among small groups of scientists, suggesting that "high-risk high-payoff initiatives" should be granted funding in 2019. DARPA Aria would be based on the prominent US Advanced Development Projects Agency (Arpa), which sponsored internet and GPS research, and its successor, Darpa, which financed today's coronavirus vaccine precursors. Darpa, which has operated for over 60 years, operates directly with private-sector businesses in the US and has been active in the early development of numerous inventions that were initially designed for military applications but have been used even more extensively. Landmark For Innovation Amanda Solloway, Minister of Science and Innovation, said: "To rise to the challenges of the 21st Century, we need to equip our R&D community with a new scientific engine - one that embraces the idea that truly great successes come from taking great leaps into the unknown." In the coming weeks, a search for a chief executive and chair will commence for the agency. "The department is government-independent. "It will have its own chair and chief executive, which is for the agency to decide," said a source from the business department. The hope is that by 2022, the new body will be up and running. ALSO READ: Germans Did Impossible Thing: Paralyzed Mice Freely Walks Again! For the recent news about the scientific community, don't forget to follow Nature World News! WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Proxy voting results recently released from Tyson Foods' ( NYSE: TSN ) annual shareholder meeting show unprecedented levels of investor support for shareholder proposals seeking greater disclosure and accountability around the company's lobbying activities and human rights practices. The votes come amid intense scrutiny of Tyson's health and safety practices, and broader governance, after COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on its operations, infecting more than 12,500 workers and causing 39 deaths. While the Tyson family and other insider holdings control the voting power at the company, nearly 82 percent of shares cast by independent shareholders backed the two proposals, including shares held by BlackRock and Vanguard, who both issued special voting bulletins. Another proposal, calling for the elimination of the dual class voting structure, won over 88 percent support. "Tyson's current voting structure insulates its board and management from having to answer for failures, such as its deficient response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the company's operations and workforce," said New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. "Tyson's independent shareholders have sent a clear message to the company that changes to the company's voting structure are needed to ensure better management of ESG risks." "Investors, including the largest asset managers, are clearly outraged by Tyson leadership's failures to protect essential workers in its pursuit of profits. Shareholders demand accountability and transparency from the Tyson Board," said Ken Hall, International Brotherhood of Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer. "The board needs to take heed and adopt these much-needed reforms." The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and co-filer Oxfam America were the sponsors of the proposal calling for lobbying disclosure; a group of 23 investors led by the American Baptist Home Mission Society (ABHMS) put forth the proposal calling for Tyson's Board of Directors to prepare a human rights due diligence report; and the New York State Common Retirement Fund submitted the resolution calling for an end to the dual class share structure. The lobbying proposal calls on the company to expand its disclosures which currently fail to identify state lobbying expenditures as well as payments made to trade associations and other political organizations. The proposal follows Tyson's controversial efforts to ensure the meat industry would be designated an essential industry amid the pandemic and to accelerate line speeds despite the increased contagion risks to workers. "It was a clear case of production over people when Tyson put pressure on the administration to use the Defense Production Act to keep doors open despite clear threats to workers' health and safety," said Alex Galimberti, Senior Oxfam America Advocacy Advisor. "The result was disastrous for workers, and the company. Shareholders deserve to know how the company is doing business especially if it's endangering one of its primary assets, its workforce." Proponents of the human rights due diligence proposal also cited the precarious conditions facing Tyson workers. "Tyson's independent investors make clear that they stand with workers whose rights have been repeatedly violated by the company amidst the pandemic, and will continue to demand increased worker-driven solutions. Tyson insiders, the board, and senior management cannot ignore this clear call to address material human rights risks," said Gina Falada, Senior Program Associate at Investor Advocates for Social Justice. Contacts: Louis Malizia, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, [email protected] (202) 497-6924 Matt Sweeney, New York State Common Retirement Fund [email protected] (646) 584-2850 Kria Sakakeeny, Oxfam America [email protected] (401) 359-2219 Gina Falada, Investor Advocates for Social Justice (on behalf of ABHMS) [email protected] (973) 509-8800 Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Galen Munroe, (202) 439-7427 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters Related Links http://www.teamster.org Friday, February 19, 2021 Here is a good example of the pressure Garrison was putting on people in the gay community. You can find this document here. Informant No. 949-C is Betty Parent a.k.a. Parrot, who also provided information to Garrison. She will be turning up in an upcoming blog post. Here is a report on Bill McKenzie from Shaw's investigators. In the second page, McKenzie says that Sciambra has driven a lot of business away from his bar. and that "many of the homosexuals are lying low during this investigation." He notes that no offer was made to him to identify Shaw as Bertrand, but as we have seen above, an offer was made to him - at least for other information. Parrot supplied more information: To further illustrate some of the pressure on the gay community, or perhaps the entire French quarter, here is an excerpt from Dean Andrews' testimony in the Gordon Novel libel case against Playboy Magazine and Jim Garrison. BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Airways International Pcl on Friday said it had cut around 240 executive positions at the airline as part of its bankruptcy restructuring process. "The number of executive positions has been reduced from 740 to about 500," the airline said in a statement, adding that the move would increase efficiency by going from eight supervisory levels to five. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Ed Davies)(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is ... A siege in Brisbane has finally ended after 26 hours with the man who holed himself inside a home surrendering to police. Police surrounded a home in Sunnybank on Brisbane's south side about 10.30am on Thursday, where the armed man was allegedly holed up inside with a woman and a three-year-old boy. The standoff lasted until about about 12pm on Friday when a shirtless man, 36, was escorted by officers from the home in handcuffs. The man was then attended to by paramedics before he was loaded onto a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance to hospital. A man is now assisting with police inquiries after he was escorted away by officers from a Sunnybank home in Brisbane on Friday Police say the man is assisting them with their inquiries. A woman and young child were seen leaving the house uninjured. 'Police have taken a man into custody without incident,' a police statement read. 'A woman and child were also located inside the residence safe and well. Police will allege they are known to the man.' Police thanked the community for their assistance and understanding during the incident. 'There is no further information available at this time,' it said. Police confirmed no one was injured during the incident. 'A successful resolution has been achieved, we are very happy that the matter has been resolved peacefully,' Patrol Inspector Michelle Piket told reporters. A woman and young child were seen leaving the home safe and well after the incident ended A shirtless man (pictured) was attended to by paramedics before he was taken to hospital under police guard after midday on Friday Queensland Ambulance confirmed to Daily Mail Australia paramedics were on stand-by at the scene 'for quite some time' and assessed thee people at the scene. The man was taken to hospital while the other two didn't require hospital treatment. Police are expected to lay charges against the man later on Friday. Pictures from the scene showed the shirtless man, who appeared to have a chest injury, with paramedics on Friday. He wore a backwards cap and chinos as he was loaded onto a stretcher. Other pictures from the scene showed a young child holding hands with two women outside the property. A man is escorted by officers from the home in handcuffs shortly after midday Paramedics are seen at the house in Sunnybank, Brisbane, on Friday The man is pictured after being put onto a stretcher, before being taken to hospital on Friday Police negotiators had been called in to communicate with the armed man via microphones since Thursday night. 'This is the police. No one wants to harm you,' negotiators could be heard saying. Police earlier told reporters at the scene on Friday morning they were hopeful of a peaceful resolution to the incident 'soon.' Patrol Inspector Piket told reporters that police attended the home a day earlier on Thursday to 'investigate some serious offences,' but refused to comment further. An armed man was allegedly holed up in a Sunnybank home for more than 26 hours. Pictured are armed police (right) at the scene early Friday morning A 'emergency declaration' was still in place on Friday, 24 hours after the incident. Pictured are tactical police at the scene in Sunnybank on Friday morning The street was swarming with officers in Sunnybank on Brisbane's southside for 26 hours There were earlier reports of several gunshots heard from the home, which police later claimed were from fireworks or a vehicle backfire at another location unrelated to the siege. 'An emergency declaration made by police in Sunnybank yesterday afternoon remains in place this morning,' a police statement read on Friday. 'Residents within the exclusion zone are asked to continue to follow the advice of emergency services on the ground.' Locals were urged to avoid an exclusion zone between Dyson Avenue, Geddes Place, Beenleigh Rd and Ganda Place. The stand-off began when police investigating serious offences visited a duplex home near Banoon train station at Sunnybank about 11am on Thursday. Officers were confronted by a man armed with what was believed to be a gun and retreated before calling in backup. The Sunnybank home (pictured) where a man was allegedly holed up with a woman and a young child Services have resumed at the nearby train station at Banoon (pictured on Friday) Acting inspector Mick Ackery told reporters on Thursday police were doing everything to ensure the incident is resolved peacefully. 'Specialist police are making all attempts to engage with the person in the house. 'We're prepared to deal with the situation as long as it takes to ensure the safety of the community, the people inside that house and of course, our officers.' Police said on Friday morning that the situation was still ongoing. Pictured are camouflaged police officers at the scene early Friday morning The siege entered its 20th hour on Friday morning. Pictured are police in the cordoned off street on Friday Inspector Ackery said police were talking to the man but would not comment on an 'unknown' weapon reportedly involved or the other occupants inside the house as to not escalate the situation. 'You have to understand it's an ongoing matter, a dynamic, fluid situation, so therefore it's very hard for me and not appropriate for me to make further comments about that,' he said. 'I need to let the specialist police their job and that's all I'm prepared to say at this stage.' Locals were urged to avoid an exclusion zone between Dyson Avenue, Geddes Place, Beenleigh Rd and Ganda Place, which has since been lifted When asked if detectives visited the house prior to the siege, he said: 'Police had attended the address.' 'Contrary to some beliefs, the incident did not commence at the Banoon train station,' he said. 'There's a number of police here, including tactical, crime squad and detectives and other specialist police.' Trains that run along the Beenleigh line were initially skipping the nearby Banoon station but later resumed as normal. Neighbours who live in the usually 'very peaceful and lovely place,' claimed to have heard a man and woman arguing on Thursday morning. They then heard the woman screaming moments before police swarmed the area. 'There must have been about 40 police here in armour there were some guys in camouflage and holding rifles,' a resident told the Courier Mail. Ravi was surrounded by police as she arrived at Patiala House Court in New Delhi. Ravi, an environmental activist who is part of an organization founded by climate change activist Greta Thunberg, was arrested by Delhi police on Saturday (February 13), accused of sedition for her alleged role in the creation of an online "toolkit" intended to help farmers protesting reforms. Police say this document stoked the violence that took place on India's Republic Day last month when farmers stormed the famous Red Fort in the old quarter of Delhi. Sedition can be punished with a life sentence and Ravi's arrest has kicked off a firestorm of criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for using heavy-handed tactics to counter the farmers' agitation. A longtime school volunteer from Portland accused of buying and downloading child pornography from the darknet was granted pretrial release Thursday under a judges order that he have no internet access while he awaits trial. Alexander William Wiese, 30, who has a long history of working and volunteering at Portland area schools or camps that put him in direct contact with children, also admitted to investigators upon his arrest on Feb. 10 that he had sexual contact with three minors when he was in his 20s, including one he paid for sex, according to federal prosecutor Gary Sussman. The girls, 16 and 17 at the time, were not students he encountered in the schools where he worked or volunteered, according to court reports. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo ordered that Wiese be released on GPS monitoring. He must have no internet access at his apartment and his father will be asked to serve as a third-party guardian, required to report any violations of his sons conditions to the court. This is truly a zero tolerance situation, Russo said, warning that any violation of the release conditions will land Wiese back in custody. Wiese bought child pornography on the darknet on 11 separate days in September and October, Sussman said. The site he accessed said it contained immoral materials for acquaintance and satisfaction of sick fantasies, according to a federal affidavit. The arrest stemmed from a federal investigation that began in New York in April 2019 by agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security focused on a darknet website that sold and distributed child pornography. The hidden site advertised and sold packets of child pornography and customers paid for the packets with the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. The agents traced the purchase of certain packets to an account named Ogg Vorbis associated with Wieses name, according to a federal affidavit. Sussman vigorously argued against Wieses release, calling the child pornography case different than many others that come before the court because he said Wiese also admitted to hands-on illegal sexual contact with three minors. Thats what sets him apart, Sussman told the judge. Given the nature of his conduct in this case, given the fact that he has gone hands-on with three separate teenagers as an adult that we know of, can you trust that he wont engage in any further illegal conduct? Is that a gamble that youre willing to take? Sussman asked Russo. Because when it comes to protecting children, that is not a risk that Im willing to take, and it is not a risk, you should be willing to take either. Alexander W. Wiese is accused of paying for the downloaded child pornography using the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, according to federal investigators. Francesca Freccero, Wieses defense lawyer, said Wiese cooperated with agents, has no prior criminal record and can be monitored safely with the stringent conditions placed on his release. Sussman responded: Hes done things that warranted being arrested, he just got away with them and nobody knew about it. Federal agents raided Wieses apartment on Feb. 8 with a search warrant and seized laptops, a Kindle tablet and his phone. Wiese told federal agents that he had recently been hired by the Multnomah Education Service District as an outdoor science program instructor for sixth to eighth graders. He was employed for one week but hadnt yet taught any students when he resigned after the raid. Last summer, he was a camp instructor at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, working with children in kindergarten through eighth grade. He previously worked as an outdoor science instructor for the Emerald Cove Outdoor Science Institute in Running Springs, California, from October 2017 through April 2018, where he lived onsite in cabins and participated in three- to five-night overnight programs, according to Sussman. He also volunteered as an assistant music instructor at Portlands Da Vinci Arts Middle School, where he worked with sixth to eighth graders from September 2012 through May 2015. His volunteer status was revoked by the school district and he was permanently prohibited from being on any school district property for Facebook posts that his defense lawyer described as anti-Israel. Sussman told the court that Wieses social media posts included terroristic-type statements, saying thats how a Portland Public Schools official characterized them in a school district memo. But Sussman acknowledged he didnt know the nature of the alleged threats. After being banned from school property, Wiese visited Chapman Elementary School in Northwest Portland on Oct. 28, 2019, and the Creative Science school in Southeast Portland on Dec. 4, 2019, Sussman said. Wieses lawyer said the subsequent visits were permitted. -- Maxine Bernstein Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian The first 'real-world' data examining the impact of vaccines suggests the Oxford and Pfizer jabs cut two thirds of infections and transmissions. The data, which supports Britain's policy of widening the time between doses, will show one shot of either of the vaccines will have that effect on people of all ages. Boris Johnson is expected to hear evidence on the impact of jabs on transmission, infection, hospital admissions and deaths by the end of Friday. This will be ahead of the PM's highly-anticipated 'roadmap' out of England's lockdown on Monday. It comes as it was revealed Britons as young as 40 could be offered a jab within a few weeks. Government advisers are set to recommend the next phase of the vaccine rollout continues on the basis of age, rather than prioritising key workers. The data, which supports Britain's policy of widening the time between doses, will show one shot of either of the vaccines will have that effect on people of all ages. Pictured: A person gets the coronavirus vaccine in Westfield Stratford City shopping centre on Thursday Boris Johnson is expected to hear evidence on the impact of jabs on transmission, infection, hospital admissions and deaths by Friday This will come ahead of the PM's highly-anticipated 'roadmap' out of England's lockdown on Monday The 'real world' data, from Public Health England studies with 40,000 healthcare workers and 9,000 care homes, are to be released later this month. But Mr Johnson is reportedly going to get preliminary results - showing the positive impact of the Oxford and Pfizer jabs in cutting infections - early. Sources told the Telegraph the data was 'very encouraging' and will play a large part in when England is opened up again. Most of the data is on the effect of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine after doses were first given in December. But similar results were found with the Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs, just on a smaller scale due to it being rolled out later. A PHE spokesman said: 'We have been analysing the data since the start of the vaccination rollout and will publish our findings in due course.' Meanwhile it was revealed today Britons as young as 40 could be offered a jab within a few weeks. Government advisers are set to recommend the next phase of the vaccine rollout continues on the basis of age, rather than prioritising key workers. But the age brackets will be wider than before meaning 40 to 49-year-olds are likely to be invited to have a jab once the 32million people in the top nine groups have had their first dose. Earlier this week it emerged this target could be hit as soon as March 24, if the daily average is maintained. This would mean the over-40s being invited for a jab in less than five weeks. It would be a huge boost for Britain's vaccine programme and could add to the pressure on ministers to ease the lockdown sooner. The priority list for the rollout is determined by the Government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which met yesterday to draft its recommendations for the next phase. These are expected to be signed off by members today before being sent to ministers to approve at the start of next week. It is understood the committee rejected the idea of prioritising key workers or ethnic minorities in favour of a simple age-based approach. Vaccine age bands are set to be widened, with no priority for key workers, meaning that over-40s could get a first does of a Covid jab by the end of March. Pictured: A vaccinator administers an injection of AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 vaccine to a patient at the vaccination centre set up at Chester Racecourse, in Chester, England, on February 15 In further encouraging news Public Health England (PHE) said cases were still falling in all regions, while separate figures suggested deaths among the over-80s are down by two thirds in three weeks. Boris Johnson is due to unveil his roadmap out of lockdown on Monday after a meeting of his 'Covid O' committee and data expected today on how well the vaccine rollout is working. The Mail revealed this week that under the current plans, life is unlikely to return to normal until July. That has led to pressure on Mr Johnson to go further in easing restrictions. The first 15million people to receive the jab were prioritised by five-year age bands, and also included front-line health and social care workers. The current phase includes everyone over 50 as well as those who have certain underlying medical conditions. It had been thought this group would all have been offered the first dose by the start of May, but it emerged earlier this week that the target could be hit much sooner potentially in late March. A graph showing the number of vaccines per day in the UK. Over 16.4 million people have so far received at least one dose in the UK The issue of who should be prioritised next has been debated for weeks, with many arguing key workers such as police or teachers should be offered a jab first. It has also been suggested ethnic minorities should be prioritised as data from the first wave suggested they were up to twice as likely to die from Covid. Members of the JCVI are said to be satisfied that those at highest risk within the key worker and ethnic minority groups are already accounted for, due to being 'clinically vulnerable' or 'over 50'. However, they are believed to have suggested the age brackets could be widened from five years to ten in the next phase. This is because the difference in death risk between someone aged 30 and someone aged 39 is significantly less than between a 70-year-old and a 79-year-old. There is therefore no need to segment younger people into such narrow age categories. Ministers may still take a 'political decision' to prioritise teachers and other front-line workers, contrary to the committee's guidance. There is a chance some other medical conditions may be added to the priority list, too. A source said: 'Members are now close to an agreement on what the next stage of the vaccine rollout programme should look like.' (Newser) President Biden gave his first major speech to foreign leaders Friday in a virtual address to the Munich Security Conference. Two big themes: He declared that democracy was "under assault" in the US and around the world, and he stressed that the US would once again be working closely with allies. Coverage: New message: The New York Times sees the speech as a clear break from former President Trump's "America First" theme. "The trans-Atlantic alliance is back, said Biden, adding that the US is committed to NATO and determined to reengage with Europe, to consult with you, to earn back our position of trusted leadership. The New York Times sees the speech as a clear break from former President Trump's "America First" theme. "The trans-Atlantic alliance is back, said Biden, adding that the US is committed to NATO and determined to reengage with Europe, to consult with you, to earn back our position of trusted leadership. A 'fundamental debate': Biden also asserted that "we are in the midst of a fundamental debate about the future direction of our world," per the AP. The debate is "between those who argue thatgiven all of the challenges we face, from the fourth industrial revolution to a global pandemicautocracy is the best way forward and those who understand that democracy is essential to meeting those challenges. Biden also asserted that "we are in the midst of a fundamental debate about the future direction of our world," per the AP. The debate is "between those who argue thatgiven all of the challenges we face, from the fourth industrial revolution to a global pandemicautocracy is the best way forward and those who understand that democracy is essential to meeting those challenges. Democracy: "We must demonstrate that democracy can still deliver for our people in this changed world," he added, per Axios. "That, in my view, is our galvanizing mission. ... We have to prove that our model isn't a relic of history." At another point, he said, "In so many places, including in Europe and the United States, democratic progress is under assault. story continues below China: We have to push back against the Chinese governments economic abuses and coercion that undercut the foundations of the international economic system, Biden said, per the Washington Post. Everyoneeveryonemust play by the same rules. He predicted competition with China is "going to be stiff," adding: "That is what I expect. And that's what I welcome." We have to push back against the Chinese governments economic abuses and coercion that undercut the foundations of the international economic system, Biden said, per the Washington Post. Everyoneeveryonemust play by the same rules. He predicted competition with China is "going to be stiff," adding: "That is what I expect. And that's what I welcome." Russia: Biden also called out Moscow and pledged to rebuff its efforts to "bully and threaten" other nations. The Kremlin attacks our democracies and weaponizes corruption to try to undermine our system of governance, Biden said. Russian leaders want people to think that our system is more corrupt or as corrupt as theirs. But the world knows that isnt true. The Times notes that Biden referred to Vladimir Putin only by his last name, without his title. (Read more President Biden stories.) Facebooks decision to ban legitimate news from being shared in the middle of a global pandemic is a breathtaking display of defiance. It is also entirely consistent with the social media behemoths belligerent corporate character. The move - which inadvertently resulted in Facebook pages of health departments in Queensland, WA and ACT being wiped just before a critical vaccine rollout begins - shocked the Australian media and political establishment. But, in hindsight, nobody should have been surprised. This was vintage Zuckerberg. You dont blitzscale your way from Harvard dorm room to trillion-dollar titan in the space of a few years without putting lots of noses out of joint. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives to testify before a joint hearing of Congress. Credit:AP The Australian governments media bargaining code, which is at the centre of the dispute, has been endlessly debated over the past year. Media companies say they should be paid for producing journalism that benefits the platforms, but they lack the bargaining power to extract any value for it. Tech giants claim they do not really benefit from the existence of news, that news represents a small part of the overall activity on their platforms, and since they actually send these news organisations free traffic they shouldnt be paying them anything. There are merits to both sides of the argument. 'Cocaine Cassie' Sainsbury has started sharing racy photos on subscription only website OnlyFans in order to fund her life in Columbia after being released from prison. Sainsbury spent three years locked up in the notorious El Buen Pastor prison after being convicted for smuggling 5.8kg of cocaine hidden inside headphones in April 2017. She was released in April last year to serve the remainder of her six-year sentence on parole in the Colombian capital Bogota due to overcrowding in jails amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing a snippet of what's to come on her new raunchy account, Sainsbury posted a photo of her in lacy white underwear to her Instagram on Friday with a link to the site. 'Cocaine Cassie' Sainsbury has started sharing racy photos on subscription only website OnlyFans in order to fund her life in Columbia after being released from prison Sharing a snippet of what's to come on her new raunchy account, Sainsbury posted a photo of her in lacy white underwear to her Instagram on Friday with a link to the site The 25-year-old is charging subscribers $39.99 a month to check out her sultry snaps. She has so far shared two photos to the account with a caption reading: 'What happens next?' with a winky emoji. Sainsbury had earlier shot down rumours she was paid cash by men in Australia in exchange for semi-naked pictures while on parole. Photos surfaced in August appearing to show the South Australian lying on a bed wearing lacy underwear and showing her distinctive stomach tattoo. A media report claimed Sainsbury has been making $400 a week from a man who she sends explicit photos to and included an online exchange between the pair. 'Well I'm happy with the amount you offered, like I'm not the sort of person to be like, no that's not enough give me more,' she wrote to the man, according to the Courier Mail. She also wrote: 'How do I know that you sent the money?' and explained that the photo could be verified by her Facebook profile picture. According to her site, the 25-year-old is charging subscribers $39.99 a month to check out her sultry snaps But a week later, Sainsbury denied being paid for any photos during an interview with Brisbane radio station B105. 'It actually didn't go down the way it has come out in the media. I did not receive any money at all for any photo,' Sainsbury said. She was then asked by hosts Stav, Matt, and Abby if she had setup an account on adult site OnlyFans where users are paid for racy content. 'I had never even heard of this page until I got a whole heap of messages from people saying 'What's your OnlyFans ID?' And I was like 'What? What is that?' Sainsbury replied. She also revealed she had ended her engagement to fellow inmate Joli Pico, 29, from Venezuela after a nine month romance behind bars. Pico, who is still serving her sentence for theft in Columbia, had moved on with another inmate, according to Sainsbury. 'Unfortunately things with Joli, they didn't last. I came out of prison and then she became a different person, and she got with somebody else inside as well.' When asked if her former girlfriend had cheated on her she replied it was 'difficult' and had her doubts about whether the relationship would last once one of them was on the outside. Sainsbury spent three years locked up in the notorious El Buen Pastor prison in Colombia after being convicted for smuggling 5.8kg of cocaine hidden inside headphones in April 2017. She is pictured attending a court hearing in Bogota on August 9, 2017 Cassie Sainsbury was arrested with 5.8 kilograms of cocaine (pictured) concealed in her luggage at Bogota's El Dorado International Airport in April 2017 While behind bars, Sainsbury (pictured left) became engaged to fellow inmate Joli Pico, 29, (pictured right) from Venezuela Of her relationship with fellow inmate Pico, the South Australian had previously said she had not expected it. 'Honestly, it was the least thing that I expected to find in prison,' she told 60 Minutes in April. 'It started as a friendship and then out of nowhere it just turned into a relationship.' The pair were together for nine months before Pico - who is serving time for theft - proposed to Sainsbury in front of their cell mates late last year. Sainsbury and Pico (pictured) have ended their relationship that lasted for nine months while behind bars in Columbia In August, Sainsbury's mother Lisa Evans had pleaded with the Australian Government to help her daughter who she said was struggling to make ends meet while stuck in Columbia. 'I'm thinking about starting a petition to get help for my daughter Cassie,' Ms Evans posted on social media last week. 'I need our government to help this kid. I can't fight the Colombian judicial system by myself. I need them to help her while she is in the country. Or help me get her home.' 'Cassie receives no help from our government during this pandemic. She cannot work etc.' 'Side note... our government repeatedly ignores my requests for help!!!' Sainsbury has resorted to selling nude photos to Australian men to make money, prompting her mother Lisa Evans to call on Scott Morrison to intervene and bring her home Sainsbury's mother Lisa Evans (left) said she is going to start a petition for the Australian Government to help her daughter Three months earlier, Sainsbury took to Facebook to say she was struggling financially in locked down Bogota. 'To everyone that has been asking, yes I'm okay. The situation is definitely difficult here in Colombia and more so when there's no work and no way to receive my visa, but hoping things will get better soon. However I'm okay and staying safe,' she wrote in June. Sainsbury worked at Club 220 in western Sydney in a desperate bid to make ends meet in 2017, prior to her drug smuggling attempt Pictured: Sainsbury on the Club 220 website Sainsbury earlier last year spoke about her former job as a sex worker in western Sydney before her thwarted drug smuggling attempt. She worked at Club 220 in early 2017 in a desperate bid to make ends meet after her and then-fiance Scott Broadbridge's gym went under. 'Everyone makes mistakes and I was looking for a way to get out of the hole I was in. It got to a point where I had rent to pay and bills and shopping, everything was piling on top of me,' she told WHO Magazine. 'Everyone assumed that because I worked at the brothel, then I was guilty of being involved with drugs. For a lot of people, sex work and drugs go hand in hand.' Sainsbury claimed she only intended to work as a receptionist, but after arriving at the brothel her bosses convinced her to become a prostitute. 'I got there and [they said] ''you're not the type of person to be a receptionist, you're the sort of person who needs to try and be a sex worker'',' she said. 'I wasn't comfortable doing it, I didn't like doing it. [But] if it wasn't that then it was like ''what else?'' Sainsbury will have to stay in Colombia for the next year-and-a-half as part of her parole conditions. Hartford Police / Contributed Photo HARTFORD A Wednesday afternoon shooting landed one person in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. Patrol officers responded to the 400 block of Wethersfield Avenue around 4:30 p.m. for a report of a person shot inside an apartment. Ms. Tanden would be the first woman of color to head the Office of Management and Budget, an agency that is critical to the execution of the administrations economic and policy agendas. But Mr. Bidens decision to nominate her even before Democrats won control of the Senate in January stunned several lawmakers and aides on Capitol Hill, given the slim margins in the upper chamber and Ms. Tandens prolific venom on social media. A senior adviser to Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, Ms. Tanden had frequently clashed with Mr. Sanders and other prominent liberals long after the conclusion of the primary race that year. Once she was formally nominated to oversee the budget agency, Ms. Tanden deleted more than 1,000 negative tweets, and liberal senators rallied to her defense. But she faced tough questioning from both Republicans and Democrats during her two confirmation hearings this month, with lawmakers from both parties examining her previous tweets and statements and grilling her over the millions of dollars of corporate donations that her think tank, Center for American Progress, received. Republicans spent the first hour of her first hearing before a Senate homeland security committee asking Ms. Tanden to explain her past tweets and why she deleted more than 1,000 shortly after the November election. Bidens 2022 Budget A new year, a new budget: The 2022 fiscal year for the federal government begins on October 1, and President Biden has revealed what hed like to spend, starting then. But any spending requires approval from both chambers of Congress. Ambitious total spending: President Biden would like the federal government to spend $6 trillion in the 2022 fiscal year, and for total spending to rise to $8.2 trillion by 2031. That would take the United States to its highest sustained levels of federal spending since World War II, while running deficits above $1.3 trillion through the next decade. Infrastructure plan: The budget outlines the presidents desired first year of investment in his American Jobs Plan, which seeks to fund improvements to roads, bridges, public transit and more with a total of $2.3 billion over eight years. Families plan: The budget also addresses the other major spending proposal Biden has already rolled out, his American Families Plan, aimed at bolstering the United States social safety net by expanding access to education, reducing the cost of child care and supporting women in the work force. Mandatory programs: As usual, mandatory spending on programs like Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare make up a significant portion of the proposed budget. They are growing as Americas population ages. Discretionary spending: Funding for the individual budgets of the agencies and programs under the executive branch would reach around $1.5 trillion in 2022, a 16 percent increase from the previous budget. How Biden would pay for it: The president would largely fund his agenda by raising taxes on corporations and high earners, which would begin to shrink budget deficits in the 2030s. Administration officials have said tax increases would fully offset the jobs and families plans over the course of 15 years, which the budget request backs up. In the meantime, the budget deficit would remain above $1.3 trillion each year. Senator Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio and a former director of the Office of Management and Budget, read aloud posts in which she called Mr. McConnell Moscow Mitch and said that vampires have more heart than Ted Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas. Her second hearing was no less fiery, with Mr. Sanders confronting Ms. Tanden over her history of leveling personal attacks on social media. He also demanded details about the donations the Center for American Progress received from corporations under her leadership and a promise that it would not influence her work in the Biden administration. Ms. Tanden apologized to lawmakers during both hearings, saying she regretted many of her previous remarks, and she vowed that the donations would carry no weight over her role as budget director. (JTA) The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously rejected an appeal by Holocaust survivors and their heirs who wanted to pursue restitution claims in the United States after failing in the countries where the art was stolen. The opinion published Wednesday, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, agreed with the defense and with the U.S. government, which joined the defense, that allowing the lawsuits to go ahead would contradict international agreements. As a Nation, we would be surprised and might even initiate reciprocal action if a court in Germany adjudicated claims by Americ... India will file an appeal against the $1.2-billion arbitration case won by Cairn Energy, citing its sovereign right to tax. Uber drivers must be treated as workers rather than self-employed, the UK's Supreme Court has ruled. More on those stories in our evening headlines. India will file an appeal against the Cairn arbitration award soon and will defend its sovereign rights to tax, sources said a day after CEO Simon Thomson sought swift enforcement of the over-$1.2 billion award during his meeting with top finance ministry officials. Read here Cash-strapped states threaten Modi's double-digit growth Prime Minister Narendra Modis plan to boost capital expenditure to help India regain the fastest-growing major economy title risks being derailed by the nations cash-strapped states, which are cutting back on such spending. Read here planning first India shopping mall in Noida plans to open its first shopping centre in India after the furniture giant's shopping centres business - one of the world's largest - said it had bought a 48,000-square-metre plot in the city of Noida on the outskirts of Delhi. Read here China admits 5 killed in Galwan clash Five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the fierce clash with the Indian Army in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June last year, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) officially acknowledged for the first time on Friday. Read here UK's top says Uber's drivers are workers The UK Supreme Court ruled Friday that Uber drivers should be classed as workers" and not self employed, in a decision that threatens its business model and holds broader implications for the so-called gig economy. Read here Bennington, VT (05201) Today Showers this morning becoming less numerous during the afternoon hours. High 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Kolkata: West Bengal minister Jakir Hossain, who was seriously injured in a bomb blast, is stable now, an official of the state-run hospital where he is undergoing treatment said on Friday. Hossain, the minister of state for labour, was injured after unidentified attackers hurled a crude bomb at him at Nimtita railway station in Murshidabad district on Wednesday night. Jakir Hossain "He is stable at the moment and is responding to the treatment. He suffered multiple injuries and underwent surgeries on Thursday. Our senior doctors are monitoring his health condition," the official said. The Trinamool Congress MLA of Jangipur was brought to the SSKM Hospital here on Thursday morning and admitted to the Trauma Care Unit. Jakir Hossain The health condition of 13 others, who were also injured in the bomb blast and admitted to the hospital, are also stable, the official said. The Criminal Investigation Department of West Bengal and a special task force are probing into the incident. Early Wednesday morning, hours after our house went dark, the faucets went empty and my hands went mauve, a scene from Monty Pythons movie The Life of Brian flashed through my mind. At a meeting of the Peoples Front of Judea, the motley group of revolutionaries seeking to secede from Rome, the leader bellows What have the Romans ever done for us? After a pause, his fellow secessionists offer a few possibilities: Aqueducts. Roads. And, of course, wine. As the answers continue to cascade, the leader finally blurts Oh, shut up! Since last Sundays ice storm, Houstonians are doing anything but shutting up. Overnight, the city vaunted as the worlds energy capital had instead been vaulted into the role of its entropy capital. Nearly 1.5 million Houston households households, mind you, not individuals were without power and often without water for four days. If the energy suppliers overseen by Electric Reliability Council of Texas could tap into the ire of private citizens and public officials now struggling to meet this unprecedented crisis, they could power the entire Gulf Coast. But our anger, while understandable, is also partly misdirected. In fact, it leads us back to that scene in Life of Brian. First, it seems ERCOT was doing more or less what it was designed to do: pick the winners in a statewide energy market with little regulatory oversight. The bottom line was, quite literally, the bottom line for the participating energy suppliers. Their logic was clear: the minimization of long-term investment in their operations to guarantee a maximum of corporate return in the short term. The entire scheme, one portfolio manager told the Washington Post, amounted to a Wild West market design. In the mid-1970s, Texas decided to secede or, more accurately, maintain its independence from the national power grid. As Richard Cudahy explains in his article The Second Battle of the Alamo: The Midnight Connection the moniker given to the series of court cases that allowed Texas utility companies to renegotiate their independence freedom from national oversight was the cherished goal of Texas utility companies. In effect, our energy providers, which assigned ERCOT the responsibility for running their rodeo, affirmed the desire, not unlike the Peoples Front of Judea, to free itself from the regulatory constraints imposed by our modern-day Rome aka, Washington, D.C. But like the story of the Alamo, the story of energy independence is rife with myths. Over the past few days, Texans have become all too familiar with an acronym ERCOT, an organization most of us had never even knew existed. We have also become all too familiar with what took place on the watch of ERCOT: fossil fuel operators and wind energy operators who, spurred by the cherished goal of maximum profit, allowed Texans to perish. They failed to invest in hardening their natural gas plants and winterize their air turbines for severe freezes. They neglected to plan for adequate energy reserves in case of a crisis, as they are wont to do, erupted unexpectedly. They created the structural inability to turn to suppliers outside the state for essential megawatts. But the dream of secession is not limited to these particular entities or state political leaders who have allowed them to go about their business undisturbed. Secession has seduced the rest of us, too a kind of cognitive secession that allows us to ignore known unknowns. While politicians are now calling for the heads of those responsible for this mess, the fact is that all Texans including ostensibly environmentally enlightened folks like myself are also responsible. We have all been willing victims of what the psychologist Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, called WYSIATI what you see is all there is. Since the early 2000s, what Texans have seen is a smorgasbord of consumer energy plans. While it is debatable if this dazzling choice of plans translates into real energy savings, it at least offers us the illusion of lower prices and priceless freedom. In this example of fast thinking, we embraced the illusion because we believed it would help with our own bottom lines. And, of course, it abetted the grander illusion that Texas is best off riding alone toward the sunset when it comes to the national energy grid and, yes, federal regulations. If we had thought more slowly, we might have seen what was hiding behind the illusion: the terrible risks inherent in such profit-driven calculations oiled by the lack of regulatory oversight. As that claque of Judean secessionists might remind us, our Rome gave us roads, if not wine, and continues to give us tens of billions in federal aid every year. But this spirit of secessionism which also led to our rejection of Washingtons offer of Medicaid expansion carries terrible human costs. Rather than offering Oh, shut up! to those claiming Texans are willing to bear outages for their freedom, we might instead suggest they think more slowly before speaking. Zaretsky teaches at the University of Houston and is the author of The Subversive Simone Weil: A Life in Five Ideas. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Village at Glencliff (TVG) has been awarded a grant for $270,000 to provide medical respite community on the campus of Glencliff United Methodist Church (GUMC) for those experiencing homelessness in Nashville, Tennessee. This award is one of nine national grants provided by the Center for Disease Control Foundation (CDCF) and the National Institute for Medical Respite Care (NIMRC). The grant funds will be used to support three units, medical equipment, staffing and operational expenses. The grant includes 2 years of customized technical assistance from the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council's National Institute for Medical Respite Care. "We are incredibly grateful to CDCF, NIMRC and all of our community supporters for recognizing the importance of compassionate, transformative medical respite care in Nashville," said the Rev. Ingrid McIntyre, executive director of The Village at Glencliff. "Through this grant, we are one of a growing community of organizations making long-term impact in addressing the cycle of healthcare and homelessness. Participation in this national pilot that models collaboration across sectors of housing and healthcare is an honor." TVG provides a dignified, loving, and hospitable medical respite/bridge housing community of twenty-two micro homes on the five-acre campus of GUMC. This community serves Nashville's most medically-vulnerable citizens experiencing homelessness. By meeting each individual's most basic needs, residents are empowered to focus on healing and permanent supportive housing. The Village at Glencliff will open Spring 2021. The Village at Glencliff Contact Executive Director, Rev. Ingrid McIntyre: [email protected] villageatglencliff.org Original Story: https://nimrc.org/news/grantmaking-partnership-of-cdc-foundation-nimrc-awards-1-6-million-to-programs-in-seven-states-and-washington-d-c/ SOURCE The Village at Glencliff Related Links http://www.villageatglencliff.org A LITTLE GUN HISTORY In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control: From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ In 1911, Turkey established gun control: From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ Germany established gun control in 1938: From 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ China established gun control in 1935: From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ Guatemala established gun control in 1964: From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ Uganda established gun control in 1970: From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. Cambodia established gun control in 1956: From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ----------------------------- 56 million defenseless people were rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control . ------------------------------ You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information. Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens. With guns, we are 'citizens'; without them, we are 'subjects'. During WW II, the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED! Gun owners in the USA are the largest armed forces in the world! If you value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun-control message to all of your friends. The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. SWITZERLAND ISSUES A GUN TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD! SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT ISSUES AND TRAINS EVERY ADULT IN THE USE OF A RIFLE. SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!! IT'S A NO BRAINER! DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET. I'm a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment! If you are too, please forward this. If you're not a believer, please reconsider the true facts. This is history not the BS that's being aired on TV, sanctioned by our illustrious but delusional leaders in Washington. 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. YANGON, Myanmar A young woman who was shot in the head by the police last week during a protest against the military coup in Myanmar died on Friday, her family said. Hers was the first confirmed death among the thousands of protesters who have faced off against security forces since the junta took power on Feb. 1, detained the countrys elected leaders and prevented Parliament from convening. The woman, Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, was shot during a demonstration in the capital, Naypyidaw, on Feb. 9, two days before her 20th birthday. Video showed her sheltering from water cannons and suddenly dropping to the ground after a bullet penetrated the motorcycle helmet she was wearing. She had been on life support in a hospital since then. Her sister, speaking from the hospitals mortuary, urged people not to give up their struggle to restore democracy. COLUMBIA, Md., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The explosive growth of technologies such as the Internet, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence has created huge business opportunities for Technology companies, but they require a skilled sales force to achieve their potential. UMBC Training Centers has partnered Orange County-based Virtanza to deliver a 10-week intensive Technology Sales Program to its learner population to answer the surging demand for technical sales expertise by major employers. UMBC Training Centers Offers Tech Sales Bootcamp "We have an explicit goal: train and empower students to succeed in the Technology Sales employment market. The program beginning on March 29, 2021 is designed to accelerate career opportunities for our students with affordable, efficient training, and we anticipate program graduates will go on to make major contributions to their employers' business," says Jon Lau, President of UMBC Training Centers. Students begin with a thorough introduction to modern IT and computing technologies, focusing on the Cloud, Big Data and Cybersecurity. With industry knowledge as a foundation, learners then assess their sales aptitude, competencies, and strengths and position themselves for specific technology sales opportunities in which they know they will be successful. Role plays with real business cases, interactive guest speakers, and group assignments allow learners to fine-tune the sales cycle in real time, including needs assessment, writing proposals, negotiating, and handling objections. Critical lessons in sales technology and sales enablement platforms, as well as other digital tools, give students immediately transferable, in-demand skills. Upon completion, program graduates receive a digital badge from UMBC Training Centers and will have earned five Salesforce.com badges for their sales profiles. Throughout their training, students will also be prepared to earn two highly relevant Information Technology certifications: CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner. The Technology Sales Program will be offered throughout the year, with the first cohort scheduled for March 29th. Future dates and other important details can be found at www.umbctraining.com/courses/technology-sales-program . About UMBC Training Centers UMBC Training Centers is a part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and delivers practical, hands on training in areas such as Big Data Analytics, Cloud and DevOps, Cybersecurity, Project Management and Leadership and Innovation. Training Centers also offers courses to prepare students to sit for industry-leading certification exams from Red Hat, EC-Council, CompTIA, (ISC)2, PMI and more. Training Centers supports individuals and organizations with programs that can be offered in one of our training facilities, onsite or online. Our robust public training schedule includes daytime and evening offerings for individuals, and our comprehensive organizational programs can be tailored to suit the specific needs of our clients. To learn more about UMBC Training Centers, visit www.umbctraining.com . About Virtanza Headquartered in Orange County, California, Virtanza white labels professional sales training in virtual, synchronous classrooms to universities and colleges. Fifteen higher ed partners currently provide the company's collection of sales curricula for degreed and open enrollment formats, including Virtanza Professional Sales Ready Certificate, recommended for ACE CREDIT, as well as Professional Sales Management One and Two programs, Technology Sales Bootcamps, Sales for Entrepreneurs, and more. In early 2021, Virtanza will introduce its proprietary Employer Portal to complete the connection of highly trained sales professionals to promising careers with hiring companies across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.virtanza.com . Media Contact: Natalie Petersen, [email protected], 714-386-9176 SOURCE Virtanza Related Links https://www.virtanza.com/ Guzman y Gomez co-founder Steven Marks has bought a $14million home in one of Sydney's most exclusive beachside suburbs. The fast food CEO bought a four-bedroom home on 23 Dellview Street in Tamarama in the eastern suburbs, which has ocean views and is a short stroll to the beach. Mr Marks co-founded Guzman y Gomez in 2006, which was valued at $868 million in December with 168 restaurants in Australia, Singapore, Japan and the US. Guzman y Gomez co-founder and CEO Steven Marks bought a four-bedroom home for $14million on 23 Dellview Street in Tamarama in Sydney's eastern suburbs His new luxury home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double garage, a gym, a steam room, a wine cellar and a swimming pool spread across three storeys. At the top of the house is a master bedroom with two walk-in wardrobes as well as a double ensuite. The house resembles a hotel with a kitchen bar that leads out into the pool and views of the nearby Tamarama beach, which is just a three minute walk away. The house resembles a hotel with a kitchen bar that leads out into the pool The property also has views of the nearby Tamarama beach (pictured), which is just a three minute walk away It was last traded for $9million in 2017 but Mr Marks has now bought the house off-market for $14million. The CEO and his ex-wife, TV host Penne Dennison, sold their North Bondi home for $1.9million in 2014. Mr Marks has been renting in Tamarama and the Gold Coast ever since. He is the co-founder and CEO of Mexican fast food chain Guzman y Gomez, which now has a total of 168 restaurants in Australia, Singapore, Japan and the US. Mr Marks (right) and his ex-wife, TV host Penne Dennison (left), sold their North Bondi home for $1.9million in 2014 Mr Marks co-founded Guzman y Gomez with business partner Robert Hazan with a single restaurant in Newtown in 2006. They opened stores in Bondi Junction and Kings Cross within a year and eventually became a franchised business, allowing them to expand to 12 stores by April 2012. There are now 150 locations in Australia, 13 in Singapore, four in Japan and one in Chicago in the US, with plans for further American expansion. Mr Marks made a decision to only serve free-range chicken in 2017, following which the company went 'clean', meaning there are no added preservatives, artificial flavours, added colours or unacceptable additives in food. Magellan Financial Group paid $86.8 million for a 10 per cent stake in Guzman y Gomez in December last year, placing the company's total value at $868million. Guzman y Gomez is currently a private company but is rumoured to make an Initial Public Offering (IPO) later in 2021. 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. FIVE members of one of the country's most prolific burglary gangs have been arrested during a garda surveillance operation this evening. The gang were detained following a house burglary in south Dublin and all five men remain in garda custody. Independent.ie has learned that they are central members of the notorious Cock Wall burglary gang who have been linked to crime waves across the country. They were arrested after targeting a house in the Watson Road area of Dun Laoghaire shortly before 7pm this evening. A senior source said that armed detectives had placed them under surveillance and were watching their every move as they burgled the home. "They went into every room; the occupant was in the house at the time but was completely unaware of what was going on. "It shows how good they are at what they do that they can creep into the property without drawing attention to themselves. "Fortunately, gardai had an operation in place watching them and once they left the premises, they were all arrested," a senior source said. The men in garda custody are understood to be aged between their early 20s and 40s and are being held at separate garda stations in the capital. Three are currently being quizzed in Dun Laoghaire Garda Station while two are being held for questioning in Dundrum. Two of those arrested are senior members of the 'Cock Wall' gang who are suspected of leading the mob's nationwide crime waves. The men, both aged in his 40s, cannot be named for legal reasons as they are currently facing serious charges before the courts. The three other suspects in garda custody are believed to be related to the senior associates. This evening's operation was carried out by members of the Garda's anti-burglary unit attached to Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) The gang are also expected to be questioned in relation to a number of other burglaries. A source said: "These are very significant arrests for gardai as part of their ongoing investigations into organised burglary gangs. "The gangs, in particular the 'Cock Wall' crew, have been terrorising communities in across the country." The 'Cock Wall' gang have been prime targets for gardai for decades and have around 80 key associates based across the east coast. The gang has been linked to break-ins nationwide, travelling in groups of four or five to blitz a rural town before using the countrys motorway network to flee. Detectives previously identified a new generation of thugs aged in their teens and early 20s who they now believe are the predominant burglary team for the Cock Wall gang. WESTFIELD With the state shifting its supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses from municipal clinics to mass vaccination sites, Mayor Donald F. Humason said Friday that Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito has pledged to help get doses into Westfield pharmacies. Humason also said he is working with Agawam Mayor William P. Sapelli and West Springfield Mayor William C. Reichelt on a regional vaccine clinic possibly at the Big E that would meet state rules to get an allotment of doses. Humason said Westfield State University and its president, Roy H. Saigo, have offered the campus as a possible vaccination site. Six Flags New England in Agawam was also suggested as a possible site. But there are no guarantees, Humason said. We are not happy with the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The Big E was in the running to be a COVID-19 vaccination site, officials with the fair have said, but the state decided to locate the site at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield instead. Humason said hed like to offer vaccines at the citys senior center because its a spot older residents are familiar with The $7.5 million building opened in 2015, has parking and is close to downtown. The city and its public health director, Joseph Rouse, have planned for months to host a COVID vaccination clinic at the 45 Noble St. center. They had traffic patterns, logistics planned out, Humason said. They had volunteers lined up. This week, the state sent a letter to cities and towns saying that in March it will stop making vaccine doses available for clinics run by individual cities or towns, instead prioritizing higher volume sites. Humason, a former Republican state senator, said the exceptions are communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. In Western Massachusetts, Holyoke and Springfield received the designation. The same state directive, meant to make the best use of a limited supply, stymied locally run vaccination efforts in Northampton and Longmeadow. Current lawmakers, including State Sen. Adam Gomez Sr, D-Springfield and West Springfield, have asked for the state to reverse course and supply towns and cities with vaccine. The state said it will supply co-operative regional clinics run by groups of cities and towns, Humason said. But the minimum requirements are daunting. The state wants banded-together cities and towns to have the capacity to complete at least 750 vaccinations a day, five days a week. The state isnt guaranteeing that many doses, Humason said, but thats the capacity it requires. Our health department is not that big, he said. I cannot commit public health nurses, workers, volunteers, to that big an effort. They have other things they need to do, like contact tracing. In the meantime, Humason knows of no one in Westfield giving the shots not a drug store or a clinic. Humason said he knows that as time goes on, the supply of vaccine will increase and itll be more available in more places. People are trying to be patient, he said. But they are scared and they want their doses. Related Content: Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. (TSXV: MOS) ("Mobi724" or the "Company"), a fintech enabler of AI-enhanced payment card-linked incentives, announces that effective March 15, 2021 (the "Effective Date"), and subject to regulatory and exchange approvals, Mathieu Laurin, CPA, CGA, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer from Allan Rosenhek, who has been acting as the interim CFO since April 18, 2019 and who will continue to oversee the transition until the Effective Date. Allan Rosenhek, a co-founder, board director, and significant shareholder of Mobi724, was named Interim CFO in April 2019 in order to assist the company until a replacement was found. Allan continued to exercise this role for a longer period than had initially been expected given the unprecedented challenges brought about by COVID-19. Allan will continue his strategic guidance as an active board member with a focus on the M&A activities. Mathieu Laurin has been working in close collaboration with Allan and the rest of the senior management team, the Company's directors, and the audit committee since 2018. Mathieu is a graduate of UQAM, and holds a CPA certification. Marcel Vienneau, CEO of Mobi724 said: "Allan has been instrumental in a number of important developments during his tenure as an interim CFO. Allan with his knowledge and experience played a key role in getting the company through the challenges of COVID-19. We are very grateful for his contribution in this role, especially considering that he served for a significantly longer period than was initially anticipated. We are delighted to be able to promote Mathieu to this new executive position as he has demonstrated leadership and a strong dedication to Mobi724." Allan Rosenhek, CFO of Mobi724 said: "I have been impressed with Mathieu's financial skills during his 2 years with the Company. Mathieu played an invaluable role during the worst days of the pandemic. I have enjoyed working closely with him and I look forward to collaborating with him in his new role." About Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. (TSXV: MOS) is a fintech company which provides a platform, that enables banks and merchants to offer their customers real-time payment card-linked incentives, in a white-label format. Mobi724's objective is to add a layer of AI-driven actionable intelligence to every payment transaction, creating engaging consumer experiences & generating incremental commercial opportunities to its clients. Legal Disclaimer Mobi724 cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by Mobi724 are subject to risks and uncertainties, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 'Risk Factors and Uncertainties' in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis, available on SEDAR. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell any securities in the United States. Investor Relations: For further information, please visit www.MOBI724.com or contact: Marcel Vienneau, CEO Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. T: 514-394-5200 ir@mobi724.com Eli Rozhansky, Investor Relations Coordinator Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. T: 514-394-5200 ir@mobi724.com NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74900 The dispute raises questions about how a democratic state should draw the line between what is and isnt politically acceptable, especially when extreme opinions seem to foster violent action. In the United States, these questions have become more urgent in the wake of the storming of the Capitol last month. Germany has been wrestling with them for years and with renewed focus since the Alternative for Germany won its first parliamentary seats in 2017. The German experience suggests that democracies must establish defense mechanisms against such internal extremist threats. This includes drawing clear lines for acceptable democratic behavior and formally penalizing parties and movements that cross them. The Alternative for Germany party widely known by its German initials, AfD was founded in early 2013, driven largely by concerns about the countrys involvement in international debt relief. The party became a major political force by protesting the influx of refugees into Germany in 2015 and 2016. It has grown more radical over the years, often blurring the lines between its official party structures and the countrys informal network of right-extremist movements. Some in the party, for example, have ties with organizations like Generation Identity, a far-right youth group opposed to political liberalism and non-European immigrants. Andreas Kalbitz, an AfD leader in the eastern German state of Brandenburg, was ejected from the party last year after he was accused of belonging to a banned neo-Nazi youth organization and failing to disclose his membership. The Constitution that Germany adopted after World War II establishes what is often called a defensive democracy, with several provisions aimed at preventing a far-right extremist force like the Nazis from taking power again. Not only can the domestic intelligence service gather information on any political movement or party that it deems a threat to the democratic order, but the constitutional court can also ban parties based on what the intelligence service finds. (Such bans have occurred twice since 1949, first with the neo-Nazi Socialist Reich Party in 1952 and again with the Communist Party of Germany in 1956.) Publicly displaying Nazi symbols is illegal in Germany, as is denying the Holocaust, and hate speech is less protected under the law than it is in the United States. 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 part one of a series. Logically, Priscilla Purvis, a full-time secretary at a Boston hospital, knows that obsessing over her familys budget until 2 a.m. every night is not going to fix the fact that shes behind on her rent. But for months on end, every night since she first began to miss 10-day chunks of work because of COVID-like symptoms, her nightly routine includes wiping down her apartments doorknobs and kitchen countertops with disinfectant, attempting to calm her mind with an Audible book, and slumping into bed with her laptop, where she tries once again to make her nearly nonexistent checking account cover her familys basic expenses. Advertisement The 41-year-old checks and rechecks her bank account, as if magically money is going to appear, she said wryly. Advertisement Advertisement Next come her exhaustive Google searches for COVID-19 funding for low-income wage earners. Those can happen before, after, or in the middle of the budget wrangling. One of her recent, bleary-eyed decisions that came after applying for local emergency funding: She would feed her family breakfast for the rest of the week from a pack of six bagels, allowing her to take the last $25 allotted from her food budget and spend it on washing her familys clothes at the local laundromat. During that mental machination, Purvis did what she always does: She held onto the only real goal she says will bring her a decent nights sleep. Advertisement All I need is to take the rent money to my landlord. Its all about that roof, she said. Forget the light bill or the internet bill. Forget the sleeping pills and doctors instructions on how to sleep. I need my rent money. Sleep doesnt generally come until 3 or 4 a.m. She often awakens still bent over her laptop. Her wife is either sleeping next to her or is in their sons bed. Before Purvis shared the personal details of how her financial footing became so pre-pandemic thin, she spoke to the stigmas that she often finds herself facing as a low-income Black woman. Advertisement This is not because I was being irresponsible, she said about the status of her bank account, which held at a total of $247.09, eight days before her February rent was due. Its not because I was buying things that were inappropriate. Thats the conclusion people jump to. Advertisement In an impromptu tour via Facebook Messenger around her apartment, Purvis revealed walls decorated with portraits of her late mother and sister, and responded to a compliment about the chocolate-brown leather couch in her apartment with: That was a hand-me-down from a friend. We are not spending money on expensive furniture or on big flat-screen TVs here. We are trying to pay the rent. She once had a savings account with at least a few hundred dollars floating around, Purvis said. But in August, Purvis said, she fell ill with COVID-19-like symptoms and took 10 days off from work. In September, she came down with the same symptoms and took another 10 days off. Then in December, her 4-year-old son tested positive for the virus, and Purvis stayed home with him for another 10 days. Advertisement Purvis isnt a salaried employee with an automatic allotment of sick day benefits. Her first round of illness wiped out all her previously accrued sick days, she said. So the other paychecks she received during those times away from work were slashed accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Millions have joined her in a sudden and deep dive into financial insecurity as well as sleeplessness. At the end of last year, an estimated 30 million to 40 million Americans faced the possibility of imminent eviction because of circumstances stemming from COVID-19, according to a report from the Aspen Institute. Not surprisingly, an October MarketplaceEdison Research poll reflects the emotional ramifications of that kind of economic terror: Thirty-five percent of Americans surveyed were losing sleep over their financial situations, specifically pandemic-related issues that included income loss, layoffs, and missed rent or mortgage payments. Advertisement At the end of January, Purvis was a month and a half late with the $1,741 a month rent on her two-bedroom, subsidized apartment. Advertisement Earning approximately $42,000 a year, she qualifies as low incomea population experiencing disproportionate economic stress during the pandemic, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey that found that 1 in 4 Americans in general have had trouble paying their bills since the COVID-19 outbreak started in March. Adding even more pressure to Purvis situation is the indelible memory of the three years she spent living in homeless shelters, and sometimes even on the streets, when she was in high school. Being homeless is very degrading, she said. I remember the nights when I couldnt get into a shelter and I didnt have a place to go and I had to put my face on the concrete. That is a feeling youll never forget once you have done it. And its a position I never want to choose to be in again. That keeps me up at night. Advertisement Even in that poverty, she saved money; for six months she went to school while working a full-time job as a production assistant at an educational television network, she says, saving 60 percent of her income, a condition of staying at Rosies Place, one of the shelters where she lived back then. When Purvis graduated from Muriel S. Snowden International High School, she had saved enough money to pay the first months rent and security deposit on an apartment of her own, and she began to fill it with furniture with more money she had saved during her homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement That experience taught her about the importance of community, she said. She became homeless after leaving a bad home situation, she said, and found herself unsupportedsave for a group of older, long-term homeless women, who watched out for Purvis by sewing and ironing her clothes so she could be prepared to go to school every morning. They even made sure Purvis had presents for Christmas, Purvis remembers. Advertisement Yet Purvis clarity about her past, and her desire not to repeat it, fills her nights with rumination over the reasons she doesnt want to ask the people in her current support network for help. Everybody is basically in the same boatafter all this COVID, theyre tapped out, too, she said. Purvis wife, a recently retired social worker, contributes to the household income with her Social Security benefits. But after taking care of their childwhom they adopted when Purvis sister died suddenly in 2016 of an asthma attackthe couples combined income barely covers the necessities. And a recent spate of emergencies in Purvis immediate family has wiped them out. Two years after her sisters death, Purvis mother was diagnosed with a terminal disease and died months later. Purvis says she emptied her 401(k) to pay her sisters and mothers funeral expenses. Advertisement I come from generational poverty, so for me, finances are top priority, Purvis said. Im a person who usually has money under the cookie jar and under the cabinet. But having to clean myself out two years in a row left me destitute. These days, at the end of some of her workdays, Purvis runs into emotional obstacles that make her stop and cry. As soon as I get a quiet moment, I go into my bedroom and shut the door to pull myself together before my son sees me, Purvis said. When I asked her where she finds her resilience, she said that when she opened her eyes the other morning, she saw her wife singing Lovely Day while urging their son out of bed. Purvis lay there, watching her wife help the 4-year-old wash his face. By the end of the ritual, the little boy was singing and dancing. It really touched me, Purvis said. In early February, I called Purvis to see what happened with her rent situation. She said that a Boston agency had told her to fill out an application for rental assistance and that Purvis would hear from them soon. Said Purvis, I will definitely get some sleep once that rent is totally paid, you know what I mean? This story was supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project. No end in sight for the internets growth Tim Berners-Lee, recognized as the creator of the World Wide Web, began working on its software in 1989. In 1990, Berners-Lee wrote the software code for a hyper-linked website on a NeXT computer made by a California company founded by Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs. WorldWideWeb is the name of the web browser code application written by Berners-Lee. In providing a system for manipulating this sort of information, the hope would be to allow a pool of information to develop which could grow and evolve. This is why a web of notes with links (like references) between them is far more useful than a fixed hierarchical system, Berners-Lee wrote in March 1989. Internet Live Stats is an analytics website that Berners-Lee has quoted. The website claims its statistical information is gathered by an international team of developers, researchers, and analysts with the goal of making statistics available in a dynamic and time relevant format to a wide audience around the world. Internet Live Stats statistics are referenced in more than 400 books, and cited in more than 150 professional journal articles, including this column. Worldwide, there are more than 4.9 billion active internet users, and 4.2 billion people use mobile devices for accessing the internet. Of the 2 billion websites on the planet, 191.5 million are currently active. Every minute, people upload more than 500 hours of video to YouTube. As of December 2019, studies by Statista report the age group with the highest number of internet users worldwide is 25 to 34 years old. People 45 to 54 make up 14 percent, and those 55 to 64 represent 10 percent. Folks 65 and better make up 7 percent of internet users worldwide. Chrome is the most popular web browser, used by 65 percent of the population. Safari is second, at 16.8 percent, and Firefox comes in third, with 4.1 percent. According to the StatCounter website, the most popular web search engines are Google, with a 92.7 percent market share; Bing, with 2.8 percent; and Yahoo, at 1.6 percent. According to statistical data gathered by Alexa, the top 10 most popular websites on the internet are: Google.com. Youtube.com. Tmall.com. Baidu.com. Qq.com. Facebook.com. Sohu.com. Taobao.com. 360.cn. Yahoo.com. Note: 360.cn is not missing an o for .com. The internet top-level domain abbreviation .cn is the country code abbreviation for China. The top 10 countries with the highest number of internet users at the start of 2021: China, 854 million. India, 560 million. US, 313.3 million. Indonesia, 171.2 million. Brazil, 149 million. Nigeria, 126 million. Japan, 118.6 million. Russia, 116.3 million. Bangladesh, 92.2 million. Mexico, 88 million. There are 35.5 million Canadian internet users as of Oct. 15, 2020, and Vatican City has 480 internet users as of Dec. 31, 2020. I also found the top 10 most popular non-gaming apps installed on smartphones: Tiktok, 63.3 million. Zoom, 52.2 million. Snack Video, 43 million. Google Meet, 38 million. Instagram, 36 million. WhatsApp, 34 million. Snapchat, 24 million. Telegram, 22 million. Facebook, 20 million. Messenger, 17 million. The total number of recorded internet users on the planet reached 1 billion in 2005, 2 billion in 2010, 3 billion in 2014, and 4.95 billion as of Dec. 31, 2020. The 2020 population of the United States is estimated to be 331,002,651, with 94.65 percent having internet access. Minnesotas current population is a little over 5.6 million, with 85 percent having access to the internet from any location within the state. It is predicted the worlds population to be 8.5 billion by 2030, with an estimated 7.65 billion having internet access. By 2030, the population of the United States will have reached an estimated 360 million. Currently, six people inhabit the International Space Station as it orbits 250 miles above the Earth. I imagine each of those folks has internet access. By 2040, we will probably have internet users on the moon and Mars. There appears to be no end in sight for the internets growth into the foreseeable future. Stay safe out there. Meladys Monet is getting up in age but remains young at heart. The 12-year-old male trotter has three wins and a second in four starts this season and will look for career victory No. 71 when he visits The Meadowlands for Saturdays $22,500 conditioned trot. Hes doing really good, trainer Hermann Heitmann said. Nothing has changed with him (over the years). He is still acting like a young horse, actually. He likes to play around in the paddocks, he enjoys his lunch, he doesnt look like he wants to slow down yet. He just likes to race. Meladys Monet is a son of Revenue S out of Keystone Melady. He was bred by Ester Balenzano and her husband Luca, who passed away last year. Ester remains the horses owner under the Melady Enterprises banner. For his career, Meladys Monet has won 70 of 224 races and $1.73 million. He has earned more than $125,000 in each of the past eight years. Meladys Monet, winning at The Meadowlands in March 2017 He won the 2016 Vincennes Invitational at The Meadowlands and later that season was second to Bee A Magician in the $250,000 Yonkers Invitational. In 2015, he won The Meadows Maturity and had third-place finishes in the Cutler Memorial and Crawford Farms Open Trot. In recent years, he has remained a consistent performer in top-level trots at various East Coast racetracks, particularly Yonkers. The gelding was sidelined for five months in 2018 because of colic surgery but has earned a paycheque in 49 of 54 starts since his return. Hes like the horse of a lifetime, Heitmann said. There are not too many around like him. On Saturday, Meladys Monet heads to The Meadowlands to race for the first time since December 2019. He will start from post five with driver Scott Zeron and is 9-2 on the morning line. Kenziesky Hanover is the 5-2 favourite. Im sure he will put in a good effort, Heitmann said. What makes Meladys Monet successful in fending off rivals as well as Father Time? His attitude, Heitmann said. He knows when were going to the races and he likes the competition. He tries unbelievably hard, always. He never gives up. Attitude is everything with him. He just wants to do it. You cant teach that to any horse, they either have it or they dont. He wants to do it. Racing begins at 6:00 p.m. (EST) at The Meadowlands. The Big M and TrackMaster have teamed to regularly provide free past performances for each race card. Past performances can be found on The Meadowlands' website. (USTA) There is a reason Manitoba has fully immunized more people per capita against COVID-19 than most provinces: it has more doses of the vaccine. There is a reason Manitoba has fully immunized more people per capita against COVID-19 than most provinces: it has more doses of the vaccine. Manitoba has been boasting for weeks it ranks second among the provinces for providing both required shots of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. Manitoba had fully immunized 1,536 per 100,000 people as of Feb. 17, behind only P.E.I. While that may have something to do with Manitobas more conservative planning approach to administering second doses, its also because it has been shipped more vaccine doses per capita than any province except P.E.I. Manitoba had received 61,800 doses from the federal government since December (as of Feb. 11, the most recent data available from Ottawa). That works out to 4,480 doses per 100,000. P.E.I. had received 7,517 per 100,000; Newfoundland was third, at 4,021 per 100,000; New Brunswick was last, at 3,433 per 100,000. Manitoba has secured more doses of the Moderna vaccine to account for its high proportion of Indigenous people living in remote locations where the vaccine is easier to ship. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) Manitobas allotment has been 18 per cent above the national average. One reason may be because Manitoba has secured more doses of the Moderna vaccine to account for its high proportion of Indigenous people. (Moderna is easier to transport to remote locations.) The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended adult Indigenous people in remote communities should be prioritized for vaccinations because they are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Manitoba had received more than its share of Moderna (1,653 doses per 100,000, compared with the national average of 1,356). However, it also received a greater portion of Pfizer than any province except P.E.I. The federal government says allocations may not match each provinces per capita allotment because of packaging dimensions. The Pfizer vaccine, for example, is shipped in trays of 975 doses and cannot be split up. Federal officials say the numbers should equalize in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Manitoba has been given a head start. It had received 15,275, or 25 per cent, more doses than neighbour Saskatchewan, another province with a high proportion of Indigenous people. (Manitobas population is roughly 17 per cent larger than Saskatchewans.) However, there are still delays shipping vaccines to First Nations in Manitoba. The province received its latest shipment of Moderna on Feb. 6. Some First Nations did not receive the product until 10 days later, which delayed second doses beyond the manufacturers prescribed 28-day period. The province is also failing to prioritize the elderly. Manitoba has received 15,275 doses, 25 per cent more than Saskatchewan. (Mary Altaffer / The Associated Press) People over 70 have, by far, the highest risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. One in five people over 70 who contract the disease die from it. However, less than a quarter of the 57,702 vaccines administered to date in Manitoba have gone into the arms of people over 70. That should be expected to some degree. NACI recommended front-line health-care workers, most of whom are under 70, should be vaccinated first. It also recommended people over 80 from the general population should be part of the first stage. Manitoba is not following that recommendation. Instead, the province has started immunizing community services workers in congregate settings, such as shelters and child and family services facilities. That contradicts the evidence those at highest risk of a severe outcome should be immunized first. A provincial spokesperson said Manitoba has different stages than NACI, and the two cant be perfectly compared. Thats a cop-out. The province announced Wednesday people over age 95 can make appointments next week to be vaccinated. That should have started weeks ago. Every week of delay could mean more deaths. The province had the doses to start immunizing the elderly much earlier. It chose not to. It could cost lives. tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca LORAIN, Ohio -- A Lorain County grand jury will consider charges against a 24-year-old former Cleveland police officer accused of stealing more than $200,000 from the ATM company where she worked. Tyra Parker of Euclid appeared in Judge Mark Mihoks courtroom Friday and pleaded not guilty to aggravated theft, tampering with evidence and obstructing official business in the Feb. 3 incident, according to Lorain Municipal Court records. Lorain police and U.S. Marshals arrested Parker Thursday after a lengthy investigation. Parker remains in the Lorain County Jail on a $150,000 bond, according to Mihoks office. Lorain police determined that the theft of ATM cash is related to a Feb. 13 double homicide, but Parker is not charged in that incident. Lorain police are currently investigating the tie between the theft and homicide. Lorain police Det. Sgt. Tabitha Angello said the department would not release any additional information besides what they said in a Thursday press release. Due to it being an ongoing investigation, we are keeping information to a minimum while still piecing the case together, Angello said. In the end, I will be sure to answer all these questions and more. Lorain police also declined to release the incident reports for both the theft and the homicide as it is an active investigation, they said. Lorain police received a call from Parker the day of the incident and told them she worked for an ATM company. She said someone stole money from her truck during one of her stops, according to a news release from Lorain police. Police would not disclose the name of the ATM company. Parkers job involved taking cash to local ATMs in the Lorain area and filling the machines with said cash, the release says. She reported that she was on her way to her third delivery at an undisclosed location when she noticed the money for that delivery was missing, police say. Instead of contacting the police immediately, she drove back to her prior location (Family Dollar on West 21st Street near Iowa Avenue) and asked to check the cameras at the store; however the area she parked in did not capture her delivery vehicle, which police learned later was clearly against company policy, Lorain police said. Officers continued to investigate further and learned Parker was missing $200,000 dollars. Parkers account of events began to change after further questioning by road patrol officers. Investigators concluded the lockbox where cash is stored showed no evidence that someone forcefully opened the box, police said. During the investigation of this incident, Lorain police responded to the double homicide on F Street near Iowa Avenue. for a shooting. Police found Lorain residents Abril Mills, 28, and Jerhonda Edwards, 29, dead from several gunshot wounds. Cleveland police hired Parker as an officer in 2018. She resigned Sept. 16, 2020 amid an internal investigation in which she was accused of improper conduct, according to city records. Read more crime stories on cleveland.com: Ex-Cleveland cop charged in $200,000 theft connected to double homicide in Lorain, police say 7-year-old shot in Akron apartment building Suspect escapes empty-handed after trying to rob Beachwood bank Shooting in Akron wounds 15-year-old male Family of Cleveland man beaten to death by his cellmate sues Cuyahoga County jail officials, administrators Australias peak foreign aid body has urged the government to give its diplomats and consular staff posted overseas priority access to COVID-19 vaccines, saying it has a responsibility to protect Commonwealth employees putting themselves at risk on the nations behalf. The Australian Council for International Development said any failure to give Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade employees working in some of the countries hardest hit by coronavirus swift access to a vaccine threatens Australias national interest. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary Frances Adamson and Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen DFAT staff are able to access the vaccine through local rollouts but many programs are plagued by supply problems and delays and some countries are only using vaccines that have not been approved for use in Australia. This masthead revealed on Thursday some embassies pleas to have their staff vaccinated had been rejected. 30320 Janak Kalaria, Senior Director, ICF Janak Kalaria, Senior Director, ICF Government services are in the market for a new vision that offers a slightly different world to the one we operate in now. A world defined by high levels of citizen trust in their government. One where sensitive citizen data sets are never compromised. A reality where the public sector demonstrates high levels of operational efficiency in delivering various citizen services effectively. A world where taxpayer money is optimally utilized with minimal fraud, waste and abuse allowing for the appropriate benefits to reach the right people at the right time. This is the vision for whats possible when we capitalize on new opportunities powered by emerging technologies such as Blockchain that can be applied to making government more efficient, effective, and transparent. According to the Pew Research center, less than 20% of Americans say they can trust the government to do what is right most of the time. That figure is similar, if not lower, in most parts of the world. Sensitive personal data breaches are happening too often e.g. the 2017 Equifax database breach and 2015 Office of Personnel Management (OPM) database breach. In both cases, data on millions of Americans were exposed, then outright stolen. Government officials are required to meet mission objectives with limited resources and budget deficits. And taxpayer money is squandered due to inefficient operations and bad actors trying to exploit the system. The U.S. Medicare (government provided health insurance) program alone sees annual fraud estimates range from $20 billion to $70 billion. While the potential for massive tech-driven change exists, the current reality is quite different. Risks to data security and citizen welfare provide opportunities to leverage disruptive technologies like Blockchain. In practice, Blockchain provides several benefits to government: It protects critical data through robust cryptography. For example, following a number of cyber-attacks from Russia, the country of Estonia has leveraged Blockchain for securely storing citizen electronic health records effectively protecting them from external breaches. Blockchain provides a high degree of transparency through fundamental decentralization, which allows participants to see and verify data in real-time. A Blockchain solution for certain citizen services could allow for independent verification of governmental claims. For example, the respective governments of Sweden, Estonia, and Georgia are experimenting with Blockchain-based land registries, enabling multiple parties to er hold copies of each registry securely. If other nations join them in adopting this model, it could help to resolve property disputes quickly or prevent them altogether. Blockchain can streamline intra-governmental operations. For example, consider the U.S. federal governments ongoing challenge with reconciling intragovernmental transfers. At any given time, there are trillions of dollars in unreconciled funds lurking in the federal budget. The process of reconciling these funds is time-consuming, expensive, and creates budget uncertainty. A Blockchain-based accounting system could provide a permanent audit trail and facilitate faster reconciliation. Despite all the inherent benefits provided by Blockchain, its imperative for public sector leaders to understand the main risks and challenges of adopting Blockchain for the government. First, there are no widely accepted standards for Blockchain technologies or the networks that operate them. As a result, government IT organizations may have a hard time assessing the quality of available Blockchain solutions and determining how best to integrate them within their existing IT infrastructures. Second, since many Blockchain providers are small startups, it may be difficult for IT procurement departments to identify stable enough partners who can see through the project implementation. Third, leaders in government agencies will need to understand the legal and regulatory implications of Blockchain. Specifically, theyll need to answer the following questions: To what degree will smart contracts be binding? Can Blockchain audit trails be used as evidence in court? Lastly, the government operates in a centralized manner whereas Blockchain is fully decentralized with no single ownership, rendering them fundamentally different modes of operation. To overcome these challenges, governments should consider following this five-step strategic approach for effective adoption and implementation of Blockchain: 1. Establish an overarching vision and connect with organization priorities: Its critical to have this initiative be an integral part of an agencys strategic planning process to ensure it gets the right attention and resources. Executive support and buy-in at the highest levels of the organization are important. Government organizations need to find a champion, ideally a technical or, at least, a tech-savvy executive who can shepherd the adoption and implementation of Blockchain. The champion can be supplemented by a small, highly efficient team looking for viable use cases where Blockchain can make a significant impact. This team should understand the agencys mission and the new technology to identify the right use cases. These use cases should be prioritized based on quantifiable return on investment (ROI) and measurable outcomes such as a reduction in cost or processing time, increase in citizen experience, etc. 2. Integrate with existing enterprise architecture: Blockchain should be integrated with an organizations legacy systems and support the overall IT infrastructure. This is critical to avoid creating siloed systems that operate in a vacuum and lead to disconnected operations. Blockchains capabilities can be augmented by implementing additional emerging technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Exhibit 1 provides a sample reference architecture depicting Blockchain integration with legacy systems along with RPA and AI. Exhibit 1 - Blockchain reference architecture 3. Create a roadmap and governance framework: Micro-level (e.g. organization/ministry) and Macro-level (e.g. inter-organization) roadmaps can, and should, guide any Blockchain implementation plan. A national roadmap could guide both public agencies and Blockchain technology providers concerning technical standards, best practices, and interoperability norms. 4. Prototype technologies and partner with providers: Work with technical staff to build rapid prototypes based on researched viable use cases with the highest impact and scalability. Seek feedback from end users during pilot programs to measure factors like user experience that are key for new technology adoption. Government organizations can explore partnerships with Blockchain providers that allow for joint opportunities to showcase and road-test products. Collaboration and partnerships also enable public agencies to accelerate their learning about Blockchain without having to add internal resources significantly. 5. Institutionalize change management: Since Blockchain operates in a decentralized and thereby fundamentally different mode of operation, its imperative to implement a change management model within the organization to support continuous adoption, facilitate sustainable behavior, and guide attitudinal change. Effective adoption and implementation of Blockchain can improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of government services and operations while minimizing disruption to mission outcomes. When implemented effectively, Blockchain-driven solutions benefit citizens directly and allow public sector leaders to govern with transparency. Successful adoption can secure data and offer new opportunities to revamp government services completely. When are schools expected to open across Britain? England Boris Johnson has repeatedly said the Government will target March 8 to reopen schools across England. But it is still unclear exactly how the reopening will work, with the PM due to unveil his lockdown exit roadmap on Monday. The PM is said to want to see all pupils return on the same day but some union bosses are adamant there should be a phased return to classrooms, with the Health Secretary also said to be advocating a cautious approach. Scotland The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on February 16 that schools in Scotland will begin a phased reopening from Monday. Pupils between the ages of four and eight will be the first to return to classes on that date. No other pupils will return until at least 15 March, it was said. Wales Children aged between three and seven will resume face-to-face classes in Wales from Monday. There will also be returns for some vocational learners, including apprentices, to colleges in order to access training or workplace environments for their practical qualifications. Mark Drakeford today confirmed that all primary school pupils as well as those in Years 11 and 13 could return from March 15. Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said last month that schools in Northern Ireland will not reopen until at least March 8. Advertisement All primary school pupils and those facing exams will return to classrooms in Wales by March 15 so long as the Covid-19 situation 'continues to improve,' Mark Drakeford said today. The First Minister will announce no further changes to the country's level four restrictions - which have been in place since December 20 - as stay-at-home rules are extended for at least another three weeks. Children aged between three and seven will resume face-to-face classes from Monday, Mr Drakeford confirmed. There will also be returns for some vocational learners, including apprentices, to colleges so they can access training for their practical qualifications. 'I'll be saying today that on Monday March 15, provided things continue to improve, all primary school children will be back in face-to-face education and those students in secondary schools who are facing examinations, we aim to get them back in the classroom as well,' the Labour leader said. 'And then we will carefully review as part of our deal with our teaching unions and local education authorities. We take a step, we collect the evidence, we decide what to do next.' Mr Drakeford added the Welsh Government would take a 'careful and cautious step-by-step approach' to easing lockdown restrictions in Wales. Self-contained accommodation could reopen in time for the Easter period, he said. Mr Drakeford told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I met our tourism taskforce yesterday, we'll be having some detailed discussions with them now over the next couple of weeks to see if there's anything that we might be able to do around the Easter period. 'The most that would be would be the reopening of self-contained accommodation where there aren't shared facilities and there isn't social mixing. 'But if we could do that - and six weeks is a very long time in this business - if we could do that in six weeks' time, I know that that would be a boost to the industry and a big boost to hundreds of thousands of families in Wales for whom going down the caravan for a few days or a break would be a very welcome prospect.' It comes as levels of Covid-19 in Wales are now at their lowest since September last year, with the country's seven-day case rate now at 84 per 100,000 people, while one in three adults have received a vaccine. The Welsh government closed schools to the majority of pupils amid growing fears about the Kent variant of coronavirus, which was blamed for the rise in cases seen before Christmas. Schools have since remained shut except to vulnerable children, and those whose parents are key workers. Mr Drakeford previously said that schools will look to use a mix of face-to-face teaching and online lessons when they do return to classrooms, with pupils only in school 'some of the time'. However, the Labour leader also recently warned that schools could close again if cases rise following a further review into the restrictions which will take place on March 12. Authorities in Wales review the situation every 21 days, and the next review of regulations will consider reopening non-essential retail and close contact services like hair salons. Non-essential retail has remained closed in Wales since Christmas Eve under tough level four restrictions which have been in place since the end of 2020. First Minister Mark Drakeford will today announce there will be no further significant changes to the country's level four restrictions - which have been in place since December 20 - as stay-at-home rules are extended once again. Pictured: Drakeford Public Health Wales yesterday said a total of 822,633 first doses of the vaccine had been given, an increase of 15,282 from the previous day, while second doses increased by 6,345 to a total of 19,342. The agency also said there were a further 290 cases of Covid-19 in Wales, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 200,456. It also reported another 14 deaths, taking the total in the country since the start of the pandemic to 5,189. It comes as teachers in England warned mass-testing could mean some pupils won't go back to school until April - as Boris Johnson continued to face backlash over his plans to reopen classrooms on March 8. An academy chief was yesterday leading calls for a staggered return for pupils, insisting a secondary school with around 2,000 students would likely have to invite one year group back each week to carry out testing on such a scale. A graph showing the number of vaccines per day in the UK. Over 16.4 million people have so far received at least one dose in the UK The percentage of 70 to 74-year-olds who have been given their first dose of the vaccination Even if it did begin early next month as the Prime Minister proposes, such a process would not realistically be completed until the week of April 19, education bosses claim. The comments by Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis multi-academy trust which runs more than 50 schools nationwide, comes as Mr Johnson is facing opposition to his plan for widespread, simultaneous returns from teaching unions and Matt Hancock. Mr Chalke told the Telegraph: 'You need a waiting area, a testing area, a holding area, an administrative area and an isolation area for people who test positive. 'You need to have someone in charge of it all, someone to assist with the testing, someone in charge of the collation of the data, someone in charge of the hosting area, someone in charge of waste disposal, someone to oversee the isolation area it is quite an operation.' Children aged between three and seven will resume face-to-face classes in Wales from Monday, after they were deemed the least likely to transmit coronavirus. Pictured: Stock image It comes as teachers in England warned mass-testing could mean some pupils won't go back to school until April - as Boris Johnson continued to face backlash over his plans to reopen classrooms on March 8 He added that schools would become 'a medical centre' if more than one year group was being brought in for testing at the same time. The Prime Minister has repeatedly said the Government will target March 8 to reopen schools across England. But it is still unclear exactly how the reopening will work, with the PM due to unveil his lockdown exit roadmap on Monday. The PM is said to want to see all pupils return on the same day but some union bosses are adamant there should be a phased return to classrooms, with the Health Secretary also said to be advocating a cautious approach. Elsewhere in Britain, Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on February 16 that schools in Scotland will begin a phased reopening from Monday. Pupils between the ages of four and eight will be the first to return to classes on that date. No other pupils will return until at least 15 March, it was said. It is also understood that schools in Northern Ireland could reopen on March 8. A fire early Wednesday morning has left a family of five temporarily displaced and two firefighters injured, officials said. Chief Joey Boyd of the East Limestone Volunteer Fire Department said the call came in around 3:30 a.m. of a structure fire on Hall Road. While responding, two volunteer firefighters were injured. Boyd did not release the identity of their injured firefighter but said the firefighter was injured in a fall. On Twitter, ELVFD said the firefighter sustained a broken leg but was at home. They offered prayers to the affected family. The other volunteer firefighter was identified as Cody Thomas of Elkmont Volunteer Fire Department, which had responded to a call for backup at the blaze. Susan Pylant, who also works with the department, said Thomas broke his ankle in three places after a piece of the home fell on top of him. Athens Fire & Rescue and Piney Chapel and Oak Grove volunteer fire departments also responded to the fire, Boyd said. American Red Cross Bob Rolf said the Red Cross provided assistance to the family, and that the family wished to keep their identities hidden. ___ (c)2021 The News Courier (Athens, Ala.) Visit The News Courier (Athens, Ala.) at enewscourier.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The US will not donate any coronavirus vaccine doses to developing countries until there is a plentiful supply of jabs in the US, Biden administration officials said on Thursday in a firm rejection of a proposal made by Emmanuel Macron, president of France. Macron told the Financial Times this week that Europe and the US should urgently donate up to 5 per cent of their current vaccine supplies to developing countries, including in Africa, where Covid-19 inoculation campaigns have barely started and China and Russia are offering to fill the gap. Our current focus is on vaccinating Americans, getting shots in arms here, one official said during a briefing with reporters. Another official said US President Joe Biden had asked administration staff to look into options for donating surplus vaccines once there is a sufficient supply to meet domestic demand. However, the second official said the US would make $2bn of funding available almost immediately to Covax, the global initiative to supply vaccines to developing countries, with a further $2bn over the next two years. While were not able to share vaccine doses at this time . . . were working hard to support Covax and strengthen global vaccination around the world, the official added. The official said it was absolutely imperative to end the pandemic globally: Pandemics travel, as we know. And we also know that the more disease thats out there, the more likely we are to see additional mutations and variants. The funding commitment from the White House came as US vaccine developer Novavax, one of the surprise success stories in the race to develop jabs, announced a deal to supply 1.1bn doses to Covax. Seth Berkley, chief executive of Gavi, one of the partners behind Covax, said the agreement brings them one step closer to ending the acute phase of the pandemic. It helps us close in on our goal of delivering 2bn doses in 2021 and increases the range of vaccines available to us, he said. Maryland-based Novavax has received $400m in funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, another Covax partner, and $1.6bn from the US governments Operation Warp Speed, to develop a vaccine and scale up its manufacturing. The company is collaborating with the Serum Institute of India to expand manufacturing for low- and middle-income countries. Novavax is close to getting its first approval, probably in the UK, after it showed strong efficacy of 89 per cent in interim data from its phase 3 trial. Scientists have cloned a black-footed ferret from the genes of an animal that died over 30 years ago in a first for US endangered species. The cloned ferret, named Elizabeth Ann, was born on 10 December and the successful cloning was announced on Thursday. The young animal is a genetic copy of a ferret named Willa who died in 1988 and whose remains were frozen in the early days of DNA technology. The cloning of Elizabeth Ann marks the first cloned black-footed ferret and the first-ever cloned US endangered species. The ferret species, which has characteristic dark eye markings resembling a robbers mask, is charismatic and nocturnal and feeds exclusively on prairie dogs. Shes holding her own, US Fish and Wildlife Service black-footed ferret recovery coordinator Pete Gober said on Thursday. Elizabeth Ann was born and is being raised at a Fish and Wildlife Service black-footed ferret breeding facility in Fort Collins, Colorado. The species was previously thought to be extinct until 1981, and scientists gathered the remaining population for a captive breeding program that has released thousands of ferrets since the 1990s. However, lack of genetic diversity prevents an ongoing risk, and Elizabeth Ann and future clones of Willa will form a new line of black-footed ferrets for studies to assist conservation. Elizabeth Ann was cloned from Willas tissues that were kept in a frozen zoo run by San Diego Zoo Global. There currently are no plans to release the young ferret or future clones of Willa into the wild, Mr Gober said. Elizabeth Ann, the first cloned black-footed ferret and first-ever cloned US endangered species, at 50-days old on 29 January, 2021 (AP) Texas-based cloning company Viagen cloned Willa through coordination by Revive & Restore, a wildlife conservation organisation focused on biotechnology. Ben Novak, the lead scientist of the biotechnology-focused conservation nonprofit that coordinated ferret cloning, said such techniques can really make a difference. Biotechnology and genomic data can really make a difference on the ground with conservation efforts, he said. The nonprofit in Sausalito, California, promotes genetic research into imperiled life forms ranging from sea stars to jaguars. Revive & Restore co-founder and executive director Ryan Phelan said the company asked: How can we actually apply some of those advances in science for conservation? Because conservation needs more tools in the toolbox. Thats our whole motivation. Cloning is just one of the tools. Cloning could eventually bring back extinct species such as the passenger pigeon and the groups projects even include trying to bring back a woolly mammoth, a creature extinct for thousands of years. With these cloning techniques, you can basically freeze time and regenerate those cells, Mr Gober said. Were far from it now as far as tinkering with the genome to confer any genetic resistance, but thats a possibility in the future. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 00:07:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BERLIN, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Germany Wu Ken has refuted accusations over the suppression of Uygurs in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, calling it a lie spread by anti-China politicians. "If you speak to the members of the ethnic minorities in China on site, you will surely get a completely different picture than what anti-China 'actors' want the world to believe," Wu made the remark in a recent interview with the German media WirtschaftsWoche. "I have the impression that no matter what the Chinese government does, western media quickly come to the conclusion that Beijing is suppressing," he said. There is no and has never been so-called "re-education camps" in Xinjiang but vocational education and training centers established in accordance with the law, Wu said. The centers are "not that different from the 'anti-extremism centers' in France or similar institutions in the United States," he said, adding that they are designed to dry up the breeding ground for religious extremism and helped those at risk from extremism to have a better future. The so-called "forced labor" in Xinjiang is a catchphrase of the targeted smear campaign against China, he said. Foreign visitors are welcome to take a walk in and have a look at Xinjiang to understand the real situation, Wu said. Enditem (Newser) After decades of failed attempts to pass comprehensive immigration legislation, congressional Democrats and President Biden are signaling openness to a piece-by-piece approach, the AP reports. They unveiled a broad bill Thursday that would provide an eight-year pathway to citizenship for 11 million people living in the country without legal status. There are other provisions, too, but the Democrats are not talking all-or-nothing. Even though I support full, comprehensive immigration reform, Im ready to move on piecemeal, because I dont want to end up with good intentions on my hands and not have anything, said Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar. Id rather have progress. The pragmatic approach is a clear recognition of the past failures to deliver on a large-scale immigration overhauland how success could be even more difficult in a highly polarized, closely divided Congress. story continues below The Democrats' legislation reflects the broad priorities for immigration changes that Biden laid out on his first day in office, including an increase in visas, more money to process asylum applications, new technology at the southern border, and funding for economic development in Latin American countries. The legislationwhich includes a pathway to citizenship, but not much in the way of the enhanced border security that's typically offered to win Republican votesfaces long odds with Democrats holding only a slender majority in Congress. Even before the new bill was unveiled, Democrats were reining in expectations for their final result. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin has said that any final Senate bill likely will not reach the same levels as Bidens proposal. (Much more here, including one advocate who says, "This will be the fight, the defining fight.") 3693 Michele Norin, CIO, University Of Arizona Michele Norin, CIO, University Of Arizona It is difficult to refute the ubiquitous nature of technology on college campuses these days. From the products used in the classroom, to the tools students used to navigate their coursework, and the pervasive use of mobile devices and apps to do everything from checking grades to getting discounts on student services, technology is everywhere. As universities try to keep up with attracting, retaining and graduating more students, connecting with students mobile lifestyles and offering quality educational experiences for an increasing number of remote learners, the critical nature of Information Technology to meet these demands has never been more important than it is to todays higher education institutions. Staying the Course Each semester at the University of Arizona (UA), over 30,000 undergraduates meet with their advisors to determine their course schedules. The challenge is making sure those students graduate with a college degree, and preferably do it in four years. Smart Planner, a tool developed by the university as an extension to the UAs PeopleSoft student administration system, is helping students take the guess work out of selecting the correct classes to meet their degree requirements. The initiative began in 2011 as a collaborative campus effort between Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and the Office of the CIO. Smart Planner utilizes information from a students record, such as transfer credits, test scores and prior completed courses to predict future course enrollment. A students 4-year plan is continually updated based on the courses they complete, allowing students to see their progress towards graduation. From the universitys perspective, one of Smart Planners major benefits is allowing advisors more time to focus on student development and success with less emphasis on the details of course scheduling. Now advisors can provide interventions for at-risk students, coordinate mentoring, career and graduate school advising, and help students develop time management, study, and other skills required to be successful in college. The university has the ability to know in advance the demand for specific courses and plan accordingly for scheduling classrooms and securing instructors. I think what this project really cemented for us and much of the campus is that we cant really talk about academic experience or support experience without also talking about how technology is going to be used to deliver it, said Melissa Vito, Ed.D., Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives and Student Success. Another planning resource for students is Degree Search, a UA website that helps students make informed decisions about selecting a college major. Students are able to search a database of major offerings and customize their search based on individual preferences to discover majors that fit their interests and career aspirations. Degree Search matches students interests with potential majors and provides a comprehensive list of degree requirements. Using Degree Search and Smart Planner together provides students with a powerful set of tools to help them explore college majors and plan their path to graduation. Anytime, Anywhere, Anyway Student ownership of mobile devices is exploding on college campuses. It represents the growing ability to get information on demandanytime, anywhere, anyway. According to the 2013 Educause Center for Analysis and Research (ECAR) Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 76 percentof college students own smartphones and 58 percentof students own three or more internet-capable devices. To keep up with students demand for instant access, higher education institutions must offer a variety of tools that make it easy for students to consume campus information. Essentially, we need to make information as mobile as our students. At the University of Arizona, we launched the first Arizona Mobile app in May 2011 for the campus community to access university news, information and resources all in one convenient location. Since then, we have continued to enhance the app by upgrading the technology platform and adding new features. In April 2014, Arizona Mobile app was refreshed with new branding and now displays a customizable home screen based on a users preference as a prospective student, current student, or alumni. Students can navigate campus with an interactive map, connect to social media, sign up for meal plans, and access student systems, such as learning management and email, and much more. Mobile device usage on college campuses continues to increase at a rapid rate. Implementing a mobile strategy as part of a long-term IT plan for campus will serve universities and their constituents well for years to come. Transforming the classroom Another area where technology is constantly changing is inside the classroom. With the increasing popularity of flipped classrooms, online learning and other creative teaching pedagogies, the technology used to deliver these capabilities is becoming more important. At the University of Arizona, the Classroom Technology Upgrade program is charged with implementing a platform of technologies on campus that enhance instruction and learning, innovative teaching pedagogies and campus safety. As part of the program, technology equipment in centrally managed classrooms receives regular upgrades for a consistent teaching and learning experience. We offer a lecture capture service for campus and are piloting the use of telepresence to enhance our online learning capabilities. In an ever-changing world, one thing is for certain. Our dependence on technology in higher education is increasing and there is no going back. Our desire to serve and help students be successful will continue to drive demand for new technological innovations at colleges and universities across the country. A transgender beautician who once shoved a police officer onto Tube tracks has been jailed for nine months for barging a grandmother to the ground a day after she was released from prison. Paris Bregazzi, 33, left elderly Dena Roneau traumatised and in fear when she shoulder barged her to the ground at London Bridge station on 21 June last year. She then smashed through the disabled gate to the Jubilee line and deliberately knocked Martje Kreners to the floor on the platform concourse. Ms Kreners angrily confronted her attacker and was told Youre in my way you c***, go f*** your husband. Paris Bregazzi, 33, has been jailed for nine months following the incidents at London Bridge In a separate incident also at London Bridge, on October 17, she stormed up to partially-sighted Agnes Page who was on her way to Moorfields Eye Hospital and slapped the back of her head. Bregazzi, of Hale Road, Tottenham, north London, admitted two counts of assault by beating and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Ms Kreners told Inner City Crown Court: Nothing like this has ever happened to me it felt so aggressive, the violence of it really shocked me. Ive never felt scared like that, I work in nightclubs, coming home late at night its never bothered me. Since this happened Im looking around, I just dont feel as confident. Sebastian Cox, defending, said on both occasions Bregazzi was in a mental health crisis and her medication was incorrect or had run out. Bragazzi, who once shoved a police officer on to tube tracks, shoved two women and slapped another on the back of her head He said: Certainly by October she had run out of all medication, she was unable to get that prescription. She reports hearing voices, and still does to this day. The negative voices of her family, who simply cant accept her for who she is. Deeply ingrained is the trauma of her identity, not being helped by a family who simply cant accept it. Sentencing her to nine months imprisonment as well as a 100 fine, Judge Freya Newbery told her: You hadnt been released that long from prison and walked towards a woman not known to you and you threw some coffee around and exhibited some angry traits. She was pushed to the floor heavily and the effect on her was both physical and mental. Not stopping there you walked towards the Tube and walked to Ms Kreners, who you assaulted by heavily knocking her to the floor. There has been an increase in your offending, including of violence, battery, assault harassment. Of course I have to protect the public. Bregazzi was previously handed a suspended sentence in 2018 for pushing PC Sam Chegwin onto the tracks at Hanger Lane station and jailed weeks later for kneeing PC Florina Russ in the chest. She has previous convictions for more than 60 offences including assault, harassment and shoplifting designer frocks and handbags dating back to 2007. New house church resource encourages Christians to walk in 'power of the Holy Spirit' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment About two years ago, God gave John Stewart Hill a vision. God gave me this vision of connecting the body of Christ outside the brick and mortar walls, the Dallas-based author and entrepreneur shared with The Christian Post. The vision is really much bigger than just the house church movement; its what I would call the new church of Acts, where everyday Christians were truly walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. Where God leads me, I will follow, he added. In obedience to Gods call, Hill, who is also founder and CEO of The Good Contractors List, developed a site called FindAHouseChurch.com, a free resource for house churches, large churches that are starting small groups, churches that are unable to meet due to COVID, and for people seeking a smaller, more intimate church experience. The site has the stated aim of Connecting the Body of Jesus Christ (outside the walls) to fulfill the Great Commission and give to those in need. In the wake of the pandemic, churches have been forced to largely flip the script, Hill said. He explained that while pastors have historically been in the spotlight, churches of the future will look more like equipping stations for the entire Body of Christ. What I mean by that is, these talented ministers, prophets, pastors, and teachers will do what they're actually supposed to do, which is support the ministry of the multitude, he said. Hill stressed that he is not anti-traditional church, adding he doesnt believe God has an Im right, youre wrong opinion on church. But he noted that due to COVID restrictions, many members of large churches across the U.S. have been joining together to watch services online anyway. So I felt it was important to help people invest in a more intimate church experience, he said. These smaller groups are becoming house churches themselves, using their churchs programming, but gathering in their homes. In 2011, Hill suffered a catastrophic heart attack that damaged 40% of his heart. Since then, he said, hes lived to listen to the voice of God and answer His call. The truth of the matter is, God speaks to us. I felt like the Lord was saying to me, There is a new sound when it comes to my church, he shared. I want everyone to know that they're important to the Body of Christ, that they do have a part to play. You dont have to have the credentials. You just need to love the Lord, and He will show up if you gather together in His name. Its so simple, yet weve made it very complicated. FindAHouseChurch.com operates free of charge and allows users to create an account and search for terms they're interested in, such as meets on weeknight, Baptist church, or special needs ministry. Churches can also create a page sharing the styles and vision of their house churches. With dark days for Christianity looming on the horizon, Hill said he believes its essential for the church to reflect Acts 20:20, in which the Apostle Paul speaks of the importance of preaching house to house. Hill said that the Church in the West has become complacent and too comfortable and COVID-19 has been nothing short of a wake-up call. We need to wake up and realize that just checking off a list of 'what I did this week to be a good Christian isnt going to work. There's more to this Christian life than just showing up on Sunday and paying my tithes to a church, he emphasized. We have to be sold out, 100 percent for Jesus. We need to wake up from our slumber, Hill added. While its still day, we need to use every tool that we can to connect each other outside of those traditional church buildings and place the focus back on discipleship. London, Feb 19 (UNI) UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will call on Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States to speed up the process for developing new vaccines, treatments and tests for common pathogens, as he chairs the first G7 leaders meeting under UKs presidency on Friday, his office announced. According to the statement, Johnson will urge the heads of state or government of the organization to cut the time to develop new vaccines by two-thirds to 100 days, following the unprecedented global achievement that saw a coronavirus vaccine develop in approximately 300 days. By harnessing our collective ingenuity, we can ensure we have the vaccines, treatments and tests to be battle-ready for future health threats, as we beat Covid-19 and build back better together, the prime minister said ahead of the meeting. Johnson will also encourage G7 leaders to increase their funding for the COVAX initiative for equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines. On Thursday, he confirmed that the UK will share the majority of any future surplus coronavirus vaccines from its supply with COVAX procurement pool to support developing countries, the statement added. Fridays virtual closed-door meeting will be the first gathering of G7 leaders since April 2020 ahead of the groups face-to-face summit scheduled for Cornwall, England, in June. UNI XC- GNK 0439 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 OTTAWA - The federal government has agreed to boost its funding for vaccine rollouts in lower-income countries, pledging $75 million more to the COVAX international vaccine-sharing program as other wealthy countries step up their commitments as well. In this Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 file photo, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left, welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during official arrivals for a NATO leaders meeting at The Grove hotel and resort in Watford, Hertfordshire, England. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Francisco Seco OTTAWA - The federal government has agreed to boost its funding for vaccine rollouts in lower-income countries, pledging $75 million more to the COVAX international vaccine-sharing program as other wealthy countries step up their commitments as well. The announcement came as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted Justin Trudeau and their G7 counterparts for a virtual leaders' summit aimed at bringing renewed momentum to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Johnson confirmed Britain will send all its surplus doses to the COVAX Facility, a development that could place Trudeau in a hot seat because Canada is the only G7 country using its membership in the program to get extra vaccines for its own population. The Liberals have been under fire from international organizations and some opposition parties for the decision to accept 1.9 million doses of vaccine from COVAX for domestic use in Canada by the end of June. Trudeau gave no indication Friday he would reverse that plan even as vaccine shipments are ramping up six million total doses scheduled before April 1 and deliveries are expected to be greater than previously anticipated by the end of June. We will make decisions in the best interest of Canadians every step of the way," he said, when asked about the incoming COVAX load. Trudeau has defended the decision on the grounds that countries that contribute to COVAX are allowed to receive vaccines of their own and he has noted that Canada is one of the leading contributors to the globalprogram. COVAX is a partnership created last year under the World Health Organization to help deliver billions of expensive vaccine doses to countries that can't afford them. Canada has pledged $220 million to COVAX and another $865 million $940 million as of Friday to the ACT Accelerator, which tries to ensure low- and middle-income countries have equitable access to medical treatments during the pandemic. Britain has pledged $971 million to COVAX. The announcement comes the same day as the European Union's executive commission promised to double its contribution to one billion euros. "We will only be safe if the whole world is safe," said Ursula Von der Leyen, the European Commission's president, in a statement before the leaders of the G7 gathered in a virtual meeting Friday. G7 contributions to COVAX more than doubled to US$7.5 billion on Friday, the group said in a joint statement. It called on its partners in the G20 and at financial institutions to add to the cash injection for developing countries. Trudeau has said it is too soon to say what Canada will do with any excess vaccines, but that the country is committed to helping end the pandemic everywhere because that is in Canada's interest. Canada's top-up comes as welcome news to advocacy groups. "Todays new investment comes at the right time: the pandemic does not end until it ends everywhere, so investing to ensure everyone has access to vaccines and other tools is smart," Stuart Hickox, director of the One Campaign anti-poverty organization's Canadian chapter, said in an email. The organization is asking Ottawa to commit to investing one per cent of its emergency COVID-19 spending in the global fight against the pandemic. "More work needs to be done, but the Trudeau government is on the right path," Hickox said. Johnson, who himself became seriously ill after contracting COVID-19 last year, is using Britain's presidency of the G7 this year to drive a health plan that would enable the speedy creation of new vaccines to combat other deadly diseases and pandemics that might emerge in the future. The U.K. prime minister wants the G7 to endorse a target to cut the time to develop new vaccines by two-thirds, from 300 days to 100 days. Johnson wants the WHO and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI, to find ways to speed up vaccine development as well as treatments and tests for common pathogens. "Perhaps more than ever, the hopes of the world rest on the shoulders of scientists and over the last year, like countless times before, they have risen to the challenge," Johnson said in a pre-summit statement. "The development of viable coronavirus vaccines offers the tantalizing prospect of a return to normality, but we must not rest on our laurels. As leaders of the G7 we must say today: never again," he added. "By harnessing our collective ingenuity, we can ensure we have the vaccines, treatments and tests to be battle-ready for future health threats, as we beat COVID-19 and build back better together." Johnson also wants G7 leaders to support a new treaty on pandemic preparedness that would be administered through the WHO. Trudeau said Friday the leaders discussed shared challenges such as the pandemic as well as climate change, the global economy and alleged human rights abuses by China against its Uighur minority. Weve taken careful note of conclusions drawn by experts around the world, including findings of crimes against humanity and genocide," he said. Trudeau stressed a multilateral approach to dealing with China's treatment of its population Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang province, which has prompted calls for relocating or boycotting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The meeting was the first G7 leaders' meeting since last April, when they convened for an emergency virtual gathering as the pandemic was sweeping the globe. The regular 2020 annual leaders' summit, which was to have been hosted by former U.S. president Donald Trump, was ultimately scrapped as America battled with a surging death count due to COVID-19. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2021. With files from Christopher Reynolds ADVERTISEMENT Toyin Falola, a renowned Nigerian professor of history and African studies, has been awarded the doctor of letters at the University of Ibadan. The teaching professor at the University of Texas, USA, thus becomes the first academic awardee of the D.Litt. in the humanities at the University of Ibadan. The transcript of the academic feat seen by this newspaper showed that the University of Ibadan conferred the award on Mr Falola on Wednesday, effective from December 31, 2020. The D.Litt is awarded by universities and learned bodies to recognize the superior accomplishment of an individual in the humanities, contributions to the creative or cultural arts, or scholarship and other merits. It may be conferred as an honorary degree, or conferred as an earned degree upon the completion of a regular doctoral course of study, which comes with the usual academic ritual of development and defense of an original dissertation, or may be conferred as an earned higher doctorate after a high profile and sustained scholarship is considered. While Mr Falola, 68, is a recipient of 13 D. Litt honorary degrees, with the most recent being in 2019 from Babcock University, Nigeria, his latest D. Litt. Academic was earned through rigorous internal and external examinations of his works. It has been over 40 years since I was a student. But learning never ends. The commitment to acquire more knowledge makes me restless. I cant help it. This is why I enrolled for it. It was not difficult because, as a writer of many books, I get reviewed all the time. It felt normal, and it was over before I knew it, Mr Falola said in a statement released by his office Thursday. Having had over a dozen honorary degrees in the same humanities, I guess you could say that those who conferred these honors on me were indirectly passing a message to me that I still have a field they want me to explore, the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker chair in the humanities added. Born in 1953, Mr Falola, who is based in Texas, had his first degree in 1976. He earned his PhD in 1981 in history from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). His teachings border on African history, African methodologies, diasporic, and decolonial studies. Instacart on Friday raised its prices in California because of Proposition 22, a ballot measure that gave gig workers some benefits and earnings guarantees, while keeping them as independent contractors rather than employees. It is the sixth major company to do so. Customers will now pay an 8% service fee up from 5% to have Instacart gig workers buy and deliver groceries. In other words, for a $100 grocery order, customers will now pay $8 instead of $5. People who subscribe to the companys Express plan, which is $9.99 a month or $99 a year, will not see an increase. Express customers get free delivery on orders over $35 and pay a 1.9% service fee on smaller orders. Five gig companies Instacart, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Postmates spent more than $220 million to persuade voters to pass Prop. 22, saying their businesses depend on the flexibility of not having employees. One of their arguments was that prices would rise if Prop. 22 did not pass. Voters passed the measure, and now all the companies that backed it, plus GrubHub, which is also affected, have tacked on new fees to help pay for it. Instacarts business has boomed during the pandemic and stay-at-home orders. The company said it now has more than 500,000 gig shoppers, up from fewer than 200,000 a year ago. It added more than 150 new retailers and more than 15,000 store locations in 2020, bringing its total to more than 600 retailers with 45,000 store locations, Instacart said. Prop. 22 gives gig workers accident insurance, a health care stipend if they average at least 15 active weekly hours per quarter and a guaranteed 120% of minimum wage plus 30 cents per mile while en route to and fulfilling a ride or delivery order. Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available. Besides its gig workers, Instacart also has employees who do in-store shopping. In January, it laid off 1,877 of them in the Midwest and East Coast, saying its grocery store partners wanted to use their own employees for shopping and have Instacart handle deliveries. The layoffs included 10 shoppers at a Skokie, Ill., Marianos, who were Instacarts only unionized workers. Their union, the United Food and Commercial Workers, decried the move as ruthless, but Instacart said union status was not a factor. Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid State Rep. Malcom Kenyatta announced his run for Pennsylvanias 2022 U.S. Senate seat Thursday night. Kenyatta, a Philadelphia Democrat currently serving his second term in the Pennsylvania House, made his candidacy official with a two-minute video announcement on Twitter and other social media channels, and an appearance on The Reid Out, a news talk show hosted by MSNBC personality Joy Reid. Kenyatta, 30, will seek the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by Republican incumbent Pat Toomey. Toomey has said that he will not seek a third term next year. In his launch, Kenyatta said that he is running to focus on fixing problems in health care, the criminal justice system and poverty, and to work with Democratic majorities in Congress to pass policies that actually speak to working families and lift them up, and to help America complete its turn from the Donald J. Trump era. The reality is that theres nothing written on a tablet somewhere that says: America has to succeed, Kenyatta told Reid. America succeeds because every generation steps to protect and expand the promise of America. This effort, he said, is him stepping up. Kenyattas candidacy seeks to shatter several barriers: He would be the first Black elected to the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania, and he would also be the first openly gay man to win a statewide office. But he will also face a diverse field for the Democratic nomination that already includes Pennsylvanias Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Norristown businessman John McGuigan, and that is expected to gain see several more contestants at least test the waters this year. Kenyatta said he hopes to succeed in that race by building a coalition including young voters, African-Americans and suburban voters who feel the Republican Party is not addressing their needs. Kenyatta has drawn a fair amount of attention in a variety of way through his brief career in the House: In 2020, he was selected for Out magazines Out100 list of members of the LGBT community who are making outsized impacts; and he was selected last summer to be one of 17 speakers to deliver a joint keynote address to the Democratic National Convention. On Reids show, Kenyatta also said he has received early primary campaign endorsements from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the Pennsylvania Working Families Party, a grassroots organizations that seeks to recruit and elect progressive leaders. The Texas Railroad Commission may not have the authority to enforce the Texas Governors mandate to ban natural gas exports out of the state as it would interfere with corporate contracts of exporters, one of the three elected Commissioners told Reuters in an interview. Earlier this week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott banned the exports of natural gas until normal power supply in the state is restored. The export ban is in effect until Sunday, February 21, with Abbott noting, That will also increase the power thats going to be produced and sent to homes here in Texas. The Texas Railroad Commission issued on Wednesday a notice to operators, saying that Operators should take notice that under this mandate, all sourced natural gas be made available for sale to local power generation opportunities before leaving the state of Texas, effective through February 21, 2021. However, one of the Commissioners, Jim Wright, told Reuters that the Commission might lack the authority to prevent companies from exporting natural gas because they have contracts to honor. Natural gas producers in Texas are certainly focused on selling everything they can into Texas, but theyre obligated under contract, Wright told Reuters. Im not sure we have authority to mess with that, nor do I really want to, Wright added. Texas exports a lot of its natural gas output to other states and to Mexico via pipelines, while Freeport and Corpus Christi ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) out of Texas. Pipeline operators, including Enterprise Product Partners, that have extra supply of natural gas are selling those supplies in Texas whenever possible, said Wright, who had spoken to operators. According to data and analytics firm Enverus, less natural gas is being exported out of Texas this week, but this was mostly because output had fallen with producers shutting-in wells due to power outages and frozen equipment. You cant just stop a pipe at the border and turn it around, Bernadette Johnson, vice president at Enverus, told Reuters. The systems are not designed with these crazy orders in mind. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: In the fall of 2019, a British historian tracked down 98-year-old Berta Berkovich Kohut at her home in San Rafael to record her World War II story. The tale took three days to tell. Kohut was the last among 40 young Jewish women who survived Auschwitz by sewing cocktail dresses, ball gowns and fancy fashions for the wives of Nazi officers. A resilient and optimistic person, Kohut lived through a death camp and a 50-mile death march through the snow, and she was determined to live to see the book Dressmakers of Auschwitz which tells her story and that of the other seamstresses make it into print this fall. But she couldnt survive the coronavirus. She died on Valentines Day of pneumonia and COVID-19, said her son, Tom Areton of San Anselmo. She was 99. She was such a fighter that we were sure she was going to win this battle against COVID, because shed won so many of them in her life, Areton said. Even though she was a slave laborer, she was proud of her seamstress work and proud of her professionalism. After the war, Kohut returned home to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, where she married Leo Kohn Kohut, who had also survived the death camps and went on to become an author. In 1987, they immigrated to the United States to live near their two sons in Marin County. They found a community of Holocaust survivors to socialize with, both at Jewish Family and Children Services in San Rafael and in their modest two-bedroom home on the west side of town. People would come to my mothers house and she would cook lunch for them, Areton said. They were not commiserating or depressed. They were actually upbeat and my mothers cooking of Central European dishes like goulash and creamed spinach was excellent. She would cook, but she would not sew. Only when pressed would she open up and talk about the extermination of 57 out of 62 of her and Leos family members. Three of her siblings, plus her parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, were all either gunned down in the Lublin Ghetto in Poland or gassed at Auschwitz or the Sobibor death camp. In March 1942, the family had gathered at a bar mitzvah for what was to be their last group photo. Three weeks later, the Berkovich sisters were rounded up by the police, herded onto a cattle train and shipped to Auschwitz. My mother dressed nicely, as a tailors daughter would, Areton said. She didnt know she was being sent to Auschwitz to die. She was 21. The Nazis branded her with the number 4245 on her left forearm to indicate she was in the fourth train, of 999 girls each, to enter Auschwitz. What saved Kohut and her younger sister Katarina was the trade theyd been taught by their father, a tailor. The Nazis first sent her to help build roads and crematories. Then she was assigned to sort the clothes of those who had been killed, looking for hidden gold and gems to turn over to the Nazis. It was nearly two years before she and her sister were assigned to the sewing workshop. They worked there until January 1945. As the Red Army closed in, the Auschwitz seamstresses were marched out through the gates and off to another camp. After the war, when they were liberated, the Berkovich sisters rode a train back to Bratislava to find their family members. No one was left. But Berta ran into a boy shed known, Leo Kohn, whod changed his name to Kohut in an effort to avoid detection. They were married in 1947. Kohut wanted to come to America, but her husband convinced her to stay in Czechoslovakia. My father was a young socialist who wanted to help build a society where there will be no discrimination and no poverty, Areton said. By 1954, he was completely disillusioned, but by then they couldnt leave because the whole country was surrounded by 500 volts of electric fence. Leo and Berta both worked in publishing until they finally made it out of Czechoslovakia. Her younger sister, Katarina, immigrated to Israel and continued as a seamstress. Four years ago, Berta Kohut left her San Rafael home to make an emergency flight to visit Katarina, who was terminally ill. She arrived one day too late. That left my mother the very last of her family, Areton said, and the last member of the sewing workshop at Auschwitz. Based on his mothers life story, Areton and his wife, Lilka, in 1980 started Cultural Homestay International, a nationwide nonprofit student exchange program that has served 400,000 foreign students from 114 countries, headquartered in San Rafael. Because my parents suffered from intolerance, we build bridges of friendship and understanding among all the cultures of the world, he said. Leo Kohn Kohut died at age 97 in 2013. Berta Berkovich Kohut was buried Friday in the Kol Shalom (Voice of Peace) section of Mount Tamalpais Cemetery in San Rafael. Next to her grave will be a cenotaph (empty grave) to commemorate the 57 members of the Berkovich and Kohn families who perished in the Holocaust and never got a proper burial. A memorial ceremony will be held in August. Survivors include sons Tom Areton of San Anselmo and Emil Areton of Novato, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Donations may be made to the JFCS Holocaust Center, 2245 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @samwhitingsf A mechanic has been crushed to death by an elevator he was attempting fix inside a New York City apartment building on Thursday, authorities have revealed. The 25-year-old male victim, who hasnt yet been named, was assisting a colleague with repairs to an elevator inside a residential building in Mount Eden, the Bronx, at around 9:30am. According to police, the elevator suddenly gave way, falling on top of the man and trapping him underneath. First responders were able to pull the man from the shaft but he was unconscious and unresponsive, police said. Footage captured at the scene showed members of the FDNY escorting the man out the building on a stretcher while performing chest compressions on him. However, the man could not be saved. He was pronounced dead shortly after at the nearby Bronx Lebanon Hospital. The 25-year-old male victim, who hasnt yet been named, died on Thursday morning at a Bronx hospital The man was assisting a colleague with repairs to a lift inside a residential building (above) in Mount Eden, the Bronx, at around 9:30am Its currently unclear what caused the elevator to give way. Tenants said the elevator in the six-story apartment block had been out of order for months, the NY Daily News reported. According to the Department of Buildings (DOB), the victim and his colleague were performing modernization work on the lift when suddenly fell of top of the 25-year-old. Officials with the DOB and New York Citys Emergency Management Department were on scene in the wake of the incident, with an investigation into the matter ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim. However, the man was identified as an employee of Champion Elevator Corp. and had recently gotten married, the company said. Our condolences go to the family, Joseph Corrado, a spokesman for Champion Elevator Corp. said, adding that the company will be cooperating with the investigation into the death. The colleague who was working alongside the victim at the time was unharmed. First responders were able to pull the man from the shaft but he was unconscious and unresponsive, police said Footage captured at the scene showed members of the FDNY escorting the man out the building on a stretcher to an ambulance while performing chest compressions Tenants inside the building reported hearing a loud boom when the elevator fell. His body was crushed, one woman who saw the victim at the bottom of the shaft said. It was horrible. Another resident told the NY Post: Its such a sad thing, for a 25-year-old to be gone at such a young age, it sucks. The New York Police Department has not yet returned a DailyMail.com request for further comment. If there is a silver lining to covid, it is the exposure of the corrupt underbelly of public education. Our childrens lives have been devastated at the behest of the all-powerful teachers unions, and many parents are fed up. Are bureaucrats and school boards listening? Generally not. For the most part, they are in the pockets of the unions. A case in point: Oakley Union Elementary School District, in northern California: A northern California school board discussed ways to limit the publics ability to speak at meetings and mocked parents who desperately want schools to reopen. They want their babysitters back, Lisa Brizendine, a trustee of Oakley Union Elementary School District, told her colleagues during a pre-meeting session that they believed was not open to the public. School board member Kim Beede mentioned a negative interaction with some frustrated parents? a frustrated parent, then described her own mindset: Bitch, if you are going to call me out, I am going to fuck you up. Another member of the board theorized that parents want their kids to go back to school so they can spend the day getting high. Lovely. How ridiculousparents wanting teachers to actually do the jobs for which they are being paid. The board did not respond to a local reporters request for comment. Ill bet they didnt. It is interesting, though, to learn that at least one school board member considers her teachers to be babysitters. Maybe she has a point. Our public schools are so bad that if they successfully babysit kids through the day, they are probably average or better. The catch, of course, is that if they are running a babysitting service, our teachers and school administrators are grossly overpaid. Via InstaPundit. PAUL ADDS: I agree with John that there is a silver lining to the pandemic here. Post-pandemic, I think public school enrollment will decline, surely a good thing. I expect that the standing of teachers in the publics estimation will also decline significantly another good development. UPDATE: The entire Oakley Union school board has resigned. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 17:15:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- To prevent the sporadic resurgence of COVID-19, China had encouraged people to stay put over the Spring Festival holiday this year, which lasted from Feb. 11 to Feb. 17. -- Thanks to the stay-put measure, manufacturing enterprises in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, widely known as the "factory of the world," have resumed production straight after the holiday, weeks earlier compared to the usual schedule. -- The stay-put measure has helped enterprises shore up holiday production, eased post-holiday labor shortages, and improved order delivery capacities, ushering in a "warm spring" for China's manufacturing sector. by Xinhua writers Che Xiaohui, Huang Haoyuan, Zhan Yijia, Ma Xiaocheng, Xu Ruiqing GUANGZHOU/HEFEI, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- With machines roaring, factories in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, known as the "factory of the world," are heating up production. The scenes are in sharp contrast to the usual happenings as factories traditionally shut down for a couple of weeks after the Chinese Spring Festival holiday. To prevent the sporadic resurgence of COVID-19, China had encouraged people to stay put over the holiday this year, which lasted from Feb. 11 to Feb. 17. Dongguan, a city with more than 11,000 major industrial enterprises, has more than 5 million registered workers, of which over 3 million chose not to visit their hometowns during the holiday. According to a survey covering the 200 largest manufacturing enterprises in Dongguan, about 60 percent were operational during the holiday. Besides, more factories quickly resumed production right after the holiday, at least two weeks earlier than the usual schedule. The humming factories in Dongguan offer a glimpse of the bustling production activities across the country after the holiday. The stay-put measure has helped enterprises shore up holiday production, eased post-holiday labor shortages, and improved order delivery capacities, ushering in a "warm spring" for China's manufacturing sector. HUMMING FACTORIES Dongguan's economic growth is highly reliant on foreign trade, with many factories surviving on export orders. In previous years, enterprises would cut orders in the first quarter of the year due to post-holiday labor shortages. A laborer works at a workshop of AE (Tianjin) Automotive Equipment Co., Ltd. in Tianjin, north China, Feb. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) However, things have changed this year. "Over 60 percent of our employees didn't go back home this Spring Festival. Our factory has been running except the holiday period," said Zhou Hongchun, vice general manager of Huamei Group, a food company in Dongguan. Zhou added that sufficient workers have increased the company's capability to deliver orders and ensured quick resumption of production after the holiday. "We have more than 1 million yuan (about 154,900 U.S. dollars) of subsidies for employees who chose to stay, but the cost is much lower compared with that of employing new workers after the holiday," Zhou said. Similar to the food company, Hefei Chang'an Automobile Co., Ltd. in east China's Anhui Province also saw boisterous production activities. Staff workers work at a home textiles company in Binzhou, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 17, 2021. (Photo by Zhang Chunfeng/Xinhua) The automaker resumed production on Feb. 14. More than 1,700 employees, or around 85 percent of its staff, clocked in on the first day of work, including over 800 migrant workers who stayed during the holiday. The manufacturing capacity has returned to the pre-holiday level, with 703 vehicles rolled off the production line on Tuesday, according to the company. "Another production line resumed operation on Wednesday, with a capacity of around 300 units a day. Cars rolled off from this assembly line will be exported to Saudi Arabia, Chile and Brazil," said Xue Wen, an engineer with the company. "WARM SPRING" FOR MANUFACTURING SECTOR Dongguan is considered an important indicator for China's manufacturing industry. In the first quarter of 2020, the value-added industrial output of the city's major industrial enterprises fell by 17.9 percent year on year due to the impact of COVID-19. However, with the pandemic under control and the gradual resumption of production, the growth decline of the value-added output of its major industrial enterprises narrowed month by month, with an annual decline of 1.1 percent last year. Employees work at a machinery company in Suining, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 18, 2021. (Photo by Liu Changsong/Xinhua) "With the pandemic raging globally, many overseas factories are still closed, and orders have been shifted to China, which has stimulated our production," said Li Zhongquan, general manager of Ampenol FCI Connectors Dongguan. "We didn't stop production even for a single day during the COVID-19 outbreak." In 2020, the company's operating revenue increased 30 percent year on year to 1.63 billion yuan. To complete the increasing orders this year, the company resumed production right after a three-day break. Peng Yiping, general director of Guangdong NBTM Huajing New Materials, a company mainly producing smart wearable devices, is confident about this year's market prospect. The orders have continued to increase, Peng said, noting that the company's output is expected to reach 182.5 million yuan in the first four months of this year, an increase of 53 percent compared to the same period last year. Employees work at an electronics components enterprise in Shatian Town of Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 2, 2021. (Xinhua) Echoing similar thoughts, Zhan Zhibin, director of the bureau of industrial and information technology of Dongguan, said the manufacturing enterprises will have a bright market prospect this year despite the lingering impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The city's industrial investment rose 11 percent year on year in 2020, injecting impetus into its manufacturing industry, Zhan added. "We expect the city's GDP to increase by 6 percent this year, with the value-added output of its major industrial enterprises up 5 percent, maintaining a strong growth momentum," said Zhan. (Video reporters: Zhan Yijia, Wang Ruiping, Wang Pan; Video editors: Yang Zhixiang. Liu Fangqiang also contributed to the story) "We are enthusiastic to participate at IDEX and impressed at the level of coordination and support that the organizers have provided so that we can have a safe and successful show during these challenging times," said Nguyen Trinh, AM General Executive Vice President of International Defense. "We are also extremely excited to debut the NXT 360 to our international customers as this is the first opportunity for them to have a hands-on experience with this ground-breaking vehicle." The company will display the all-new HUMVEE NXT 360 ES a rugged light tactical vehicle that is redefining survivability. Built with proprietary technology, this vehicle allows for 360-degree kinetic energy threat protection as well as blast threat protection. Currently offering two variants (Base and ES), the NXT 360 leverages the existing HUMVEE platform and includes additional enhancements. The ES model will offer a 6.5L V8 turbocharged engine with 250 Hp and is equipped with a long travel suspension for increased agility no matter the terrain all optimized for exceptional transportability via land, sea, and air. AM General representatives will also be available to discuss the wide variety of mobility solutions the company offers, as well as provide in-depth information on its logistics services, award-winning global supply chain management, and field service support. About AM General AM General designs, engineers, manufactures, supplies and supports specialized vehicles for military and commercial customers worldwide. Through its military business, the company is widely recognized as the world leader in design, engineering, manufacturing and logistics support of Tactical Vehicles, having produced and sustained more than 300,000 vehicles in over 70 countries. AM General has extensive experience meeting the changing needs of the defense and automotive industries, supported by its employees at major facilities in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and a strong supplier base that stretches across 43 states. Please see more information about AM General at www.amgeneral.com. Media Contact: Deborah Reyes, Global Marketing and Communications Director / AM General E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE AM General Related Links https://www.amgeneral.com Since its inception nearly 90 years ago, the National Labor Relations Board has had a strong policy favoring in-person secret balloting absent extraordinary circumstances. That policy has been upended as so much else in 2020 by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Immediately prior to the pandemic, over 90% of representation elections were by secret ballot, whereas during the first eight months of the pandemic, March 15 and October 31, 2020, 90% of elections were by mail balloting It is a troubling statistic. The secret ballot is far superior to mail balloting in fulfilling the fundamental purpose of the National Labor Relations Act -- to have the question of union representation decided by a majority of employees in free and fair elections. Board statistics consistently show that from 20% to over 30% more employees vote when the election is in person. There are several other reasons: Employees are able to vote in the privacy of a voting booth, protecting them from outside pressure or coercion. A Board agent supervises the election guarding against improprieties. And during in-person voting, the election is held with great solemnity -- the unfurling of an American flag and sealing of the ballot box by the Board agent in the presence of observers for the union and the employer -- impressing on employees the importance of the choice they are about to make. A mail-in ballot election is not comparable. The solemnity of the election and its importance can be lost as the ballot is received with the days junk mail. The ballot itself can be completed anywhere, in the car or at a voting party where the employee may be pressured to vote the right way. While interference by fellow employees or misconduct by the employer or the union may never occur, the potential for it in a highly-charged election is real and can undermine employees faith in the results of the election, interfering with the long-term interests of both the union and the employer for workplace harmony. Absent cancelling elections for a period of time, denying an in-person election may have been necessary during the early stages of the pandemic when there was so much uncertainty over how the virus spread and widespread business closures. But we know a lot more about the virus today. Consumers no longer leave packages at the door for days at a time, there are more effective treatment regimens and, most importantly, employers have reopened with the CDCs recommended safety protocols in place such as face masks, social distancing and shields, enabling millions to go to work without unreasonably risking their health. Nevertheless, some agency regional directors appear unwilling to let go of mail balloting. In late-January, the Boards acting regional director in Atlanta denied Amazons (Amazon.com LLC Services) request for an in-person election for its 6,000 employees at a massive Robotics Sortable Fulfillment Center in Jefferson County, Alabama. The acting regional directors conclusion that the safety of all election participants and the enfranchisement of all voters . . . weigh in favor of a mail ballot election is either outweighed by other considerations or not supported by the facts. Mail balloting may permit the enfranchisement of all employees such as those who are sick the day of the election but that pales in comparison to the 20% or more of employees who will not vote in the election if it is by mail. The employees have been working at the facility since the pandemic began under a myriad of safety precautions - from daily temperature checks, gloves, masks and shields to an 11-member team enforcing social distancing with the aid of cameras. The acting regional director never explains why marking a ballot while the employees are at the facility under these safety protocols imposes an unacceptable risk of coronavirus warranting they do so on a mailed ballot at home or in their car. The decision fails to contain facts sufficient to determine the increased risks to the Board agents supervising an in-person election. We are told the agents come from several unnamed states and presume they are not locked down, they are working out of their homes, but the acting regional director never says so. She expresses concern the agents will be coming into Alabama that has a high incidence of Covid but she never identifies the incidence of Covid in the states they would be coming from. We dont know how far the agents are from the facility (there is a resident office 20 minutes away, the Atlanta regional office is 6 hours away), and why agents traveling alone by car, which is likely, presents an unacceptable risk to them of contracting Covid. The acting regional director summarily rejects all of Amazons proposals for enhanced safety during the election that would eliminate the need for agents to enter the facility private exterior rest rooms and eating facilities and that would have provided added protection for all the election participants. These included erecting a large tent to provide a continuous flow of fresh air, Covid free testing and contactless balloting. The acting regional director was correct, some of Amazons proposals could give the appearance that the employer was in control of the election processes, but why wouldnt a notice to employees that the Board was allowing one or more of these protocols be sufficient to demonstrate the Board remained in control. And why reject the tent? In-person elections are normally held at the employers facility, whether inside or outside, and a tent could fairly be considered part of the employers premises who is obligated to protect the safety of persons invited onto its property. As to the arrangements for agent-only exterior restrooms and eating facilities, the acting regional director never addresses their need or why they could not be satisfied by her office or the agents themselves. The Board has a resident office 20 minutes away in Birmingham, Alabama and Jiffy Johns are easy to rent. The acting regional directors decision is on appeal to the Board. It will give the Board an opportunity to revisit a November decision it issued intended to promote a return to the secret ballot but that was used by the acting regional director in this instance to support denying one. The decision identifies specific conditions, if any one is met a regional director is permitted, but not required, to order mail balloting. The Amazon facility clearly met one condition: the 14-day testing positivity rate for Covid in Jefferson County is 5% or higher (although 2.88% in the facility). But that statistic alone leaves unanswered whether the extent of Covid in the county increases the risk to board agents of contracting Covid that they do not already have. For the acting regional director determining whether extraordinary circumstances warrant the need for mail balloting, the current circumstances of the employees and board agents are irrelevant. On appeal, the Board will have to decide whether she is correct. Being recognized by CRN as one of their 2021 MSP Pioneer 250 organizations is validation of our commitment to delivering a seamless experience from implementation and knowledge transfer to ongoing management and security, while embracing a truly vendor-agnostic, personalized approach for each client InfoSystems, Inc., a trusted infrastructure, IT optimization and cybersecurity partner headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named InfoSystems to its 2021 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 segment. The list, released annually, recognizes the leading North American solution providers that have demonstrated innovative and forward-thinking approaches to managed services. These services help end users improve operational efficiencies and navigate the ongoing complexities of IT solutions, while maximizing their return on IT investments. With cutting-edge approaches to delivering managed services, MSPs have become an integral part of the success of businesses worldwide. They help empower organizations to leverage complex technologies, keeping a strict focus on their core business without straining their budgets. CRNs 2021 MSP 500 list identifies the markets key managed services players who are setting themselves apart with best-of-breed solutions that provide the business outcomes customers need. The MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on-premises and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services. InfoSystems strives to lead the adoption of emerging, impactful technologies to create positive outcomes for both their clients and their community. InfoSystems solutions and managed services offerings are built on impartiality, honesty and, above all, trust. InfoSystems can provide around-the-clock solution support, plus managed services for network monitoring, user management, inventory tracking and professional guidance on cybersecurity and overall IT strategy. Their team members average over 15 years of industry experience, along with a multitude of technical certifications in Microsoft, Red Hat, Cisco, VMware, CISSP, HCISPP, IBM, Dell, HP, Carbon Black and more. Effective MSPs enable companies to focus on their core objectives while improving the quality and reliability of their cloud computing capabilities, said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. The solution providers on CRNs 2021 MSP 500 list deserve recognition for their innovative and forward-thinking approaches to managed services, and the ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems to maximize return on investments. Being recognized by CRN as one of their 2021 MSP Pioneer 250 organizations is validation of our commitment to delivering a seamless experience from implementation and knowledge transfer to ongoing management and security, while embracing a truly vendor-agnostic, personalized approach for each client, said Kelly Nuckolls, Vice President of Marketing and Alliances at InfoSystems. The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2021 issue of CRN and online at http://www.CRN.com/msp500. About InfoSystems Since 1994, InfoSystems has provided reliable IT solutions to build and maintain strong and secure systems for both SMB and enterprise organizations. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, InfoSystems trusted team of experts specialize in traditional infrastructure, IT optimization and cybersecurity services, as well as next-gen solutions such as hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence. http://www.infosystems.biz InfoSystems Contact: Kelly Nuckolls InfoSystems kellyn@infosystems.biz About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelcompany.com 2021. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. The Channel Company Contact: Jennifer Hogan The Channel Company jhogan@thechannelcompany.com The Huron Area Technical Center has been helping prepare students for careers of college since 1986. During the month of February, which was recently deemed Career and Technical Education Month by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the Michigan Department of Education, the tech center has spotlighted many students and their love for the programs provided there. As part of its celebration of CTE month, the Huron Area Technical Center is featuring various students on its Facebook page, asking them why they enjoy their program of choice at the tech center. Many students, such as Jameson McKnight, who chose to attend the mechanical/architectural engineering and design program, enjoy the hands-on approach the tech center offers. I enjoy learning topics Im interested in, McKnight said. I appreciate the hands-on experience with software, machines, and tooling used in the workplace. Others, like Sydney Richmond, who participates in dual enrollment through the tech center, said students shouldnt be afraid to try different things there is always the opportunity to find a different programs that interests them. The programs available through the tech center include automotive technology, careers in education, construction/building technology, cosmetology, electrical technology, health sciences, hospitality/food service, law enforcement/public safety, marketing, mechanical, architectural, engineering, and design technology, power technology, and visual communications. Its a great time to highlight career and technical education programs, said Lane Walker, CTE director and principal of the HATC. We have a whole calendar full of fun things for students throughout the month, from sharing their stories to T-shirts with their specific program on the back. We are taking this opportunity to highlight the students and their chosen careers or colleges, he added. The tech center is a stepping-stone into their futures, and we want to give our students as much of an edge as possible. With educators facing one of their most challenging years, the tech center is thankful to have only had to close for a couple weeks before Christmas break. While some programs can adapt and function through an online platform, others rely heavily on the hands-on environment that is provided at the Huron Area Technical Center. Career and technical education is meant to be administered in a hands-on, face-to-face environment, Walker said. Ideally, we want to function that way as often as possible because thats what our students want. Our staff was prepared to be online, giving us the opportunity to keep the programs moving forward by any means necessary, he added. We are thankful that we only had to resort to that for a couple weeks. Walker said he is overall very impressed with how students and staff have handled the changes made this year. The tech center has seen high attendance and participation with students adhering to the mandated precautions. Students seem to have a new appreciation and drive to be in school, Walker said. Last spring, when it was supposed to be a closure lasting a couple weeks, I think students were excited, as most would be, for a break from school. But as the year continued and we're still seeing closures and changes, many students just want to return to that normalcy that came with being in school, he added. Students see the value in the school setting and our staff can feel their appreciation. The Huron Area Technical Center is also able to socially distance and separate students to keep them as safe as possible, within their programs. Each program generally has one classroom setting and one lab setting, that plus students diligently wearing masks and strict cleaning procedures being in place has set the HATC up for success in the long run of this pandemic. While we have had some individual COVID cases within the tech center, we are proud to say that there has not been any spread within our facility, Walker said. Individuals who show symptoms or test positive are quarantined for the required amount of time and any close contacts are monitored to make sure any possible spread is contained quickly. In addition to their career and technical education programs, seniors taking advantage of the tech centers programs have the opportunity to participate in work-based learning. Also known as on-the-job training, students can work in their selected field off-campus, gaining real-world experience. The HATC also has CDL and CNA training courses and a virtual reality room. We are always looking to add new accreditations to our program roster, to prepare students for their chosen career or college, Walker said. Last year we were able to hire a career and college readiness instructor, who works with students on soft skills, such as writing resumes and non-verbal communication. We have fantastic students and we want to provide them with world class education in Huron County, he added. Rural living doesnt mean a lack of quality education. New Delhi, Feb 19 : Ramdev, yoga guru and co-founder of Patanjali, on Friday released a scientific research paper prepared by the Patanjali Research Institute on the "first evidence-based ayurvedic medicine" against coronavirus named Coronil. The paper was launched in the presence of Union ministers Harsh Vardhan and Nitin Gadkari at an event organised by Patanjali. "Coronil has received the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) from the Ayush section of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation as per the WHO certification scheme," Patanjali said in a statement. Under CoPP, Coronil can now be exported to 158 countries. "Amid the global struggle to make Covid-19 vaccine, Patanjali Research Institute has accomplished to bring the first evidence based corona medicine through India's ancient medical system Ayurveda," the company added. Commenting on the development, Ramdev said the drug will help the humanity while providing affordable treatment based on naturopathy. "On the basis of presented data, the Ministry of Ayush has recognised the Coronil tablet as a medicine for supporting measures in Covid-19," he informed. The drug was first introduced by Patanjali in June 2020 with a claim to counter Covid-19, but ended up changing its label use to "immunity booster" after it failed to produce supporting evidence. Coronil was under scrutiny earlier due to lack of scientific evidence and trials that could determine its efficacy in combating the deadly virus that has claimed more than 156,000 lives in the country. Coronil was first advertised as a cure for the coronavirus infection. However, when the controversy erupted over its trial data and composition, the firm changed its licenced use from cure for corona to immunity booster. It had also received a notice from the Uttarakhand drug department. In its reply to the department, the firm clarified that it never claimed the drug to be a cure to coronavirus. Ramdev said that the aim of the research was to accredit the ancient Indian medical science globally by providing scientific evidence and fulfilling the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in healthcare. While praising the efforts of modern medicine which aided the highest recovery rate and the lowest case fatality rate in the country, he said that due credit must be given to Ayurveda medicines and yogic lifestyle which also assisted in keeping the damaging parameters of Covid-19 disease low. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan emphasised the need of using modern scientific tools to highlight the importance of Ayurveda at the international level. "Patanjali under the leadership of Acharyaji and Swamiji will help Ayurveda get the recognition it deserves at the international level," he said. The minister also cited the conversation between WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The global body is impressed with India's work in the field and would want to establish a global centre for Ayurveda in India," he said.. The minister also noted that Ayurveda's economic contribution to the country has significantly increased after the pandemic. "During the pre-Covid era, it (Ayurveda industry) used to contribute Rs 30,000 crore to the national economy with a growth rate of 15-20 per cent. This economy has risen by more than 50 per cent after the pandemic hit the world, with increased interest from FDIs as well," Harsh Vardhan said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There is a reason some of Lake Eries ice fishing guides have been relying on airboats in recent years to ferry fishermen on the winter ice in a quest for some of the biggest walleye of the year. The safety of being in an air boat is comforting when you venture out on a patch of ice thats thin, or on thick ice that could break off on a windy day and take anglers and shanties for a ride. Guides who own propeller-powered ice boats will help to assure that youll make it back to shore. Local safety forces, including the U.S Coast Guard Station in Marblehead and the Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Department, rely on air boats to rescue ice fishermen in winter. Some fishermen are already heading out from Catawba Island State Park, South Bass Island, and Camp Perry to access the ice, and test the waters for walleye. Walleye hot in December, cool right now: While the late season boat fishing for walleye fishing was really good on many days at the end of 2020, the February walleye ice fishing has been exceedingly slow. The huge Lake Erie walleye population in recent years, however, gives promise to possible limits of big fish caught through holes in the ice. Checking with one ice angler who returned to Catawba Island State Park a couple of days ago on the thickness of the ice, he and his friends said they felt safe on the six to seven inches of March hard water they were fishing. One mentioned that he had strayed out a little further in search of walleye. After finding himself standing on just two inches of ice, he quickly turned around. One snowmobiler a mile or so off Port Clinton earlier this week went through the ice, but made it back to shore. Camp Perry opens the gates to ice anglers: One of the most popular areas for accessing Lake Eries ice in winter is Camp Perry, the Ohio National Guard installation just west of Port Clinton on State Route 2. Camp Perry was opened again to ice fishermen and their vehicles on Tuesday, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The base has 200 parking spaces available each day and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Ice fishing parking is available from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. All vehicles are required to exit the base prior to the closing time. All vehicles are required to check in upon arrival. A $15 daily fee is charged by Camp Perry per vehicle, and parking is permitted only in designated areas. Questions can be directed to Camp Perry at 888-889-7010. Anglers are reminded that no ice is safe ice. Visit ohiodnr.gov for ice fishing safety tips and additional information. Rainbow trout stockings still a Cleveland area hit: The Cleveland Metroparks rainbow trout stockings continue to lure fishermen to its parks lakes, and catches had been very good. Wallace Lake in Berea gets the best reviews because it receives the biggest share of the trout. The other stocked lakes are Shadow, Ledge, Judges and Ranger. The standard rig is to attack a tiny float to your fishing line, perhaps add a very small lead split shot on the line, and finish off the rig with a small hook or 1/16-ounce or 1/32-ounce lead head jig. Tip the hook or jig with maggots, a waxworm or a small hunk of Berkley PowerBait, a putty-like substance trout seem to relish. [February 19, 2021] Santander Bank's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Rating Upgraded to "Outstanding" by the OCC Santander Bank, N.A. ("Santander" or "Bank") today announced that it has earned an upgraded Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) overall rating of "Outstanding" from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for the 2017 - 2019 CRA performance exam period, including receiving the highest possible rating on the Lending and Investment tests, and a "High Satisfactory" rating for Service. The OCC's CRA performance evaluation notes the major factors supporting Santander's improved rating, including the Bank's excellent responsiveness to assessment area credit needs, outstanding mortgage and small business lending by geography, high levels of community development lending, significant community development investments and grants, ensuring that services to all geographic areas and people of different income levels are accessible, and providing excellent levels of volunteerism. Santander also received "Outstanding" region-specific ratings in the major metropolitan areas of Boston, Greater Providence, Hartford, New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia. Santander will place the performance evaluation in the Bank's public file by March 20, 2021. "Of the many operational improvements that Santander has made in recent years, receiving an Outstanding assessment of our Community Reinvestment Act efforts is particularly meaningful," said Santander US CEO Tim Wennes. "Santander has an unwavering commitment to provide credit and banking services equitably across all the communities we serve, including investing in and promoting economic growth to low- and moderate-income communities. We are proud to have earned the highest possible CRA rating in recognition of our work to help people and businesses prosper." In its full report, the OCC called out several areas where Santander excelled: ul > Excellent overall lending activity, with note of Santander's several affordable mortgage products targeted to low- and moderate-income individuals and geographies. Recognition of Santander's investment strategy, which demonstrated a focus on investments in affordable housing, primarily using low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs). The OCC noted that these are complex transactions that deliver substantial impact to low- and moderate-income individuals and communities in the form of affordable housing. Demonstration of consistent fair lending across its entire service area, noting that there was no evidence that Santander has engaged in discriminatory or other illegal credit practices. Additionally, in 2020 Santander announced the following long-term impact commitments: $3 million over three years for the Bank's Community Development Finance Grant Initiative, which is focused on advancing diverse small businesses, as well as addressing the lack of capital, resources and technical assistance investment within communities of color; $1 million over two years to expand the Bank's Cultivate Small Business program, which provides curriculum, mentors and micro-grants to food industry and small business entrepreneurs, with a focus on owners of color; and $1 million over two years for diverse leadership training, and racial and social equity initiatives. "Despite the significant challenges that communities continue to face, Santander remains committed to driving positive change in the places where we have a presence," added Wennes. "We're proud of our employees, our inclusive products and services, and our charitable giving. We believe we are making positive impact." Santander Bank, N.A. is one of the country's largest retail and commercial banks with $89.5 billion in assets. With its corporate offices in Boston, the Bank's approximately 9,200 employees and more than 3 million customers are principally located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madrid-based Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) - one of the most respected banking groups in the world with more than 148 million customers in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. It is overseen by Santander Holdings USA, Inc., Banco Santander's intermediate holding company in the U.S. For more information on Santander Bank, please visit www.santanderbank.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005450/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE New Mexico lawmakers ended a bruising, two-year debate Friday with passage of a bill repealing the states 1969 anti-abortion law delivering on a longtime priority of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The legislation, Senate Bill 10, won approval in the House 40-30 on Friday and now goes to the governors desk. Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, D-Mesilla, said passage of the bill would guarantee abortion rights, in case the U.S. Supreme Court revisits its 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ I know we can each hold our own personal beliefs about abortion and still fundamentally trust New Mexicans to make these private decisions for themselves, Lara Cadena, a co-sponsor of the bill, said during Fridays three-hour debate. Speaking shortly before the vote, Lujan Grisham said she would sign the bill as soon as it reaches her desk. Decriminalizing abortion, she said, could save womens lives. Fridays debate in the House was tense and sometimes emotional. Republican Rep. Rebecca Dow of Truth or Consequences spoke about her own unexpected pregnancy at 19 and hearing a heartbeat during an ultrasound. It changed the trajectory of my life, Dow said. My daughter has been one of the most wonderful things Ive done to choose life for her. She and other Republicans voted against the bill. The legislation repeals a state law now largely unenforceable making it a crime to end a womans pregnancy, except in certain circumstances, such as rape. The law on the books also says the procedure must be approved in writing by a hospital board. Lujan Grisham, a Democrat and former state health secretary, has pushed for repeal of the criminal abortion law since taking office in 2019. This is about women who deserve the right to participate (in an abortion) when there are untenable circumstances, and to have a relationship with their provider and with their own bodies, Lujan Grisham told reporters during a remote news briefing. Debate over the bill has reshaped the composition of the Legislature. It emerged as a key issue in the 2020 primary election, when five Democratic senators who opposed the measure lost to challengers from the left. House action on the bill Friday came about a week after it cleared the Senate 25-17 last week. Conscience debate Supporters said urgency to pass the measure intensified as conservative justices joined the Supreme Court under then-President Donald Trump, opening up the possibility of a new decision on abortion rights. Legislative opponents focused much of their criticism on the bills repeal of a conscience clause, which states that health care providers may refuse to provide an abortion and cant face retaliation. But health care and hospital leaders have said passage of the bill wont result in anyone being forced to participation in abortion. Other state and federal laws, they say, already provide conscience protections. The states Uniform Health Care Decisions Act, for example, allows health care practitioners to decline to participate in any health care decision or instruction for reasons of conscience. But they have to make reasonable efforts to assist in transferring the patient to someone else who is willing to comply. Republicans said the health care decisions act isnt adequate protection. We are impacting the physicians who have no desire to be apart of this, Rep. Ryan Lane, R-Aztec, said. Rep. Cathrynn Brown, R-Carlsbad, described abortion as horrific. Its the issue that will never go away until theres justice, she said. Changing Legislature Democrats said the bill was necessary to ensure no woman has to seek a back-alley or unsafe abortion. We dont want to go back to the days when I was a teenager when women had to take their chances, Rep. Joanne Ferrary, D-Las Cruces, said during Fridays debate. Rep. Georgene Louis, an Albuquerque Democrat and member of Acoma Pueblo, said passage of the bill would be an important step for Native American and other women who have faced a history of sterilization without informed consent. Women in New Mexico, especially Indigenous women, have long had their health care decisions taken away from them, Louis said. Fridays passage of the measure marks a reversal from the outcome just two years ago. Eight Democratic senators crossed party lines in 2019 to join all 16 Republicans to reject the bill. Just two of those eight Democrats remain in office. The lead Senate sponsors this year were Senate Majority Whip Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque, and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe. Fridays vote in the House split largely along party lines. All Republicans voted against the bill. One independent, Phelps Anderson of Roswell, voted in favor of the bill. He was elected as a Republican but recently changed affiliation to independent after facing criticism for a committee vote in support of abortion rights. Six Democrats crossed party lines to vote against the bill Anthony Allison of Fruitland, Ambrose Castellano of Las Vegas, Harry Garcia of Grants, Doreen Wonda Johnson of Church Rock, Patricia Lundstrom of Gallup and Candie Sweetser of Deming. Journal Capitol Bureau Chief Dan Boyd contributed to this article. PORTAGE, MI It is about a 20 minute drive from Oshtemo Township, where Patti Newman lives with her husband and their daughter, to the Portage factory where COVID-19 vaccines are now being produced. They have been waiting to get the vaccine for months. Newman said she worries about how COVID-19 could affect her family members who suffer from other medical conditions. They have spent most of the last year inside to try and avoid it, going out only for essentials, she said. As President Joe Biden prepared to travel by Air Force One to tour the Portage plant Friday, Feb. 19, Newmans family and thousands of others across Kalamazoo County are stuck in their homes, waiting for the lifesaving vaccine. Related: Pfizer workers, past and present, cheer on vaccine maker ahead of President Bidens Portage visit Newman and her family members are wondering what is taking so long, and why the vaccines are being distributed to others but not them, she told MLive on Feb. 17. Newman, 66, who is retired, said her 77-year-old husband, Dan, signed up seven weeks ago through the Kalamazoo County Department of Health and Community Services. He has not yet been given an appointment, she said. Newman is worried that for her husband, who has emphysema, and their 20-year-old adopted daughter Sarah, who was born with a condition that led to development of tumors, catching the virus may be deadly. She wants to get the vaccination herself, too, Newman said. But she is more worried about the others in her family. Her question for President Joe Biden, and others involved in the vaccination effort, is simple. I want to know why, Newman said. Why arent they doing more? Biden, 78, was vaccinated on Dec. 21, nearly two months ago. He traveled to Portage as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a plan to purchase an additional 100 million COVID-19 doses from the Portage-based company as part of the nationwide effort to accelerate vaccine distribution. Newman questioned the rollout of the vaccine, and wondered why teachers are designated to get it in Michigan before others who could more likely die if they get the virus. They should be taking care of the seniors, she said. Related: Kalamazoo County nears halfway point for teacher vaccinations Newman also questioned why some states or counties get more vaccines than others, and asked why a friend in Gratiot County has received both doses already, while her family has been unable to get their first shot even though they live in the same county where the vaccine is being made. Newman said she has tried to get her daughter on a list to be vaccinated, but has been unable. Her daughter suffers from PTSD because of what she has been through with her medical conditions, and suffers from panic attacks that are related to the virus, Newman said. Locally, she said she thinks Kalamazoo County could be better organized with its vaccine rollout. Despite the frustrations community members have expressed, county health officials and hospitals report they are are making steadfast efforts to give out as many shots as they can to meet the demand, which has outpaces a limited supply. Were ready to go, Health Officer Jim Rutherford said, to scale up and administer more doses. We just need the product. He gave an update to the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The county has held 25 clinics, to date, he said. It takes 21 minutes on average for a person to go through the system and get a dose, Rutherford said, not counting observation time. Were very proud of that, he said. That people can get in and get their shot relatively quickly. The county health department had given out 17,594 vaccine doses as of Tuesday, he said. Kalamazoo County is currently ahead of the state average when measuring vaccination progress of certain groups, he said. The planning they have done in recent months means they are ready to give out more shots once they get the needed shipments. Were in a very good spot in Kalamazoo County in terms of that capability to scale up very quickly, Rutherford said Tuesday. Healthcare organizations and private businesses are working to get shots out to the community as well. In addition to its own vaccine clinics, Bronson HealthCare has partnered with other organizations to help vaccinate underserved communities. Those include clinics hosted by the Family Health Center in Kalamazoo, InterCare in Bangor and an upcoming collaboration with the Burma Center and Grace Health in Battle Creek. Bronson representatives are also taking part in public forums and Q&A sessions to reach other groups, spokeswoman Carolyn Wylie said. Read more: Rite Aid now offering COVID-19 vaccinations at its Michigan stores Still, with the whole world seemingly watching for vaccinations to progress, it is not hard to find people waiting for a shot and wondering why they cant get it yet. Angela Newton, 66, lives in Kalamazoo Countys Alamo Township. She registered with the county in January, the day after applications were accepted for people 65 and older, she said, and was put on a waiting list. Newton, as of Feb. 17, had not received the vaccine and is still waiting to receive information about setting up an appointment. I was so proud that Kalamazoo is the one that came up with the vaccine, but I personally dont known anyone my age that has had the vaccine, she said, mentioning talk among her group of friends. Newton said she sees more young people getting vaccinated, like her daughter who works for social services and her other daughter who works as a secretary in a school. I think Im high-risk, because Im on oxygen, and I think its because Im not affiliated with an organization that Im not getting a vaccine, she said. Angela Newton and her granddaughter, Emma Wrobleski. She worked as a teacher for nearly 40 years, she said, and retired in 2020 after doing some virtual teaching. Her children have tried to get her access to the vaccine, too, inquiring with another county and looking elsewhere, she said. Newton checked with two of her regular doctors and they could not provide one. My children want their mom to be safe, she said. Their only parent. They feel bad that I havent been given a shot yet. Related: 1.1M Michiganders have gotten first dose of COVID-19 vaccine For Patti Newman and her family, the vaccine would mean relief, Newman said. Traveling is one of the things they miss the most. As the pandemic lockdown nears the one-year mark in Michigan, Newman reminisced while sharing a photo of the family smiling while on a previous trip to Disneyworld. A lot of people feel this way, Newman said. Theyre just tired of being stuck. Read more: COVID-19 herd immunity may be elusive, but theres still light at end of tunnel, experts say 11,400 dump trucks worth of dam sludge befouls Kalamazoo River stretch Advocates will ask President Biden to help end the coup in Myanmar during Friday visit to Michigan Son charged with two counts of open murder in death of Portage couple Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today applauded the country for crossing the one crore mark in Covid vaccination saying: Congratulations India on crossing a major milestone! With exactly 34 days counting, India today has crossed a major milestone of vaccinating 1,01,88,007 healthcare workers and frontline workers so far. According to the Union health ministry, India's vaccination coverage ranks third in the world, after the US with 55.2 million doses and the UK with 16.12 million doses. Both, the US and the UK have completed over 60 days of vaccination. In fact, India is the second-fastest country to reach the one crore mark after the US, which completed it in 31 days. Meanwhile, the UK took 56 days to vaccinate one crore citizen. Following this, Harsh Vardhan took to Twitter to say: 1,01,88,007 COVID19 vaccine doses administered! Congratulations India on crossing a major milestone! Till 8 am on Friday, the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered to healthcare workers and frontline workers in the country was 1,01,88,007. "A total of 1,01,88,007 vaccine doses have been administered through 2,11,462 sessions, as per the provisional report till 8 am. These include 62,60,242 HCWs (1st dose), 6,10,899 healthcare workers (2nd dose) and 33,16,866 frontline workers (1st dose)," the ministry said. The second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination started being administered to those who have completed 28 days since the receipt of the first dose from February 13. The vaccination of the frontline workers started on February 2. As on the 34th day of the vaccination drive, a total of 6,58,674 vaccine doses were administered, of which 4,16,942 beneficiaries were inoculated across 10,812 sessions for the first dose (healthcare workers and frontline workers), while 2,41,732 healthcare workers received the second dose, the ministry stated. The country is witnessing a progressive increase in the number of vaccinations day by day, it underlined. Eight states account for 57.47% of the total vaccine doses administered in the country. Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for 10.5%(10,70,895). Seven states account for 60.85% of the second vaccine doses administered. Telangana leads the chart with a 12% (73,281) share of the second doses administered in the country. (With inputs from agencies) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Unnao : , Feb 19 (IANS) Two youths have been arrested in connection with the death of two Dalit girls in Unnao, police said on Friday. The arrested youths were identified as Vinay and Raju. According to Inspector General, Range, Laxmi Singh, the crime was a result of jilted love. The accused was in love with one of the girls but she did not respond to his advances. The youth mixed pesticide in water with the help of his friend and gave it to her to drink. The girl drank the water down and the two other girls also drank it, without realising the consequences. The youths fled when the girls started frothing at the mouth and fainting. According to the official, a police informer who had seen the youths in the village on the day the girls were found in the field, led to the arrest of the two accused who belong to a neighbouring village. The police said that further details would be known after proper interrogation of the youths. Meanwhile, the condition of the third girl who is in hospital after the incident, is showing signs of improvement. Doctors at the Regency hospital said that she had started responding to treatment which was a positive sign. ST. IGNACE, MI An Ohio man accused of illegally climbing the Mackinac Bridge in November has been charged in Michigan. Issac Kendall Wright, 25, of Cincinnati was arraigned in the 89th District Court of Cheboygan County on Thursday on a charge of felony trespass upon a key transportation facility, WLUC-TV reported. Wright had previously been charged with second-degree burglary in Cincinnati after he allegedly broke into an office building and took pictures from atop a skyscraper near Great American Ballpark, according to Law and Crime. Michigan State Police were alerted to Wrights actions after photos taken atop the Mackinac Bridge were posted to social media in November 2020. The Mackinac Bridge Authority called the stunt inexcusably reckless. This person risked his own life and put people crossing the bridge in danger, said MBA executive secretary Kim Nowack in December 2020. If a rescue had been needed, the lives of emergency personnel and bridge staff would have been also been at risk. Wright reportedly triggered a bridge alarms one morning in early November 2020, but staff couldnt determine what triggered it at the time. Several hours later, another alarm went off and a person was seen leaving the bridge. Local police were called to investigate but couldnt find the individual. Wrights photos on social media later tipped police off, according to a November release from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Detectives from multiple states were eventually able to arrest Wright in Winona, Arizona. He was extradited to Cincinnati to face his first set of criminal charges before being arraigned virtually on the Michigan charge, according to WLUC-TV. Wright remains lodged in the Hamilton County Jail in Ohio. His preliminary exam on the Michigan charge is scheduled for March 5, the TV station reported. Crowdfunding has seen Natalie and her colleagues now raise 1.2million after campaign included going door-to-door to encourage fundraising A stable which provides a lifeline to disabled and at-risk young people has been saved after reaching their fundraising goal of 1million - with just one week to spare. Park Lane Stables in Teddington, south-west London, launched a campaign to safeguard their centre after learning that the landlord was going to sell the lucrative portion of land where their yard is located. Centre manager Natalie O'Rourke appeared on This Morning today, with mother Helen Clarke and son Christian, who has ADHD, to share her delight over the stable hitting its fundraising goal - and raising another 225,000 to boot. The stables provides 3,000 riding lessons a year for the children, teaches them how to care and groom for the animals, provides a wheelchair-friendly carriage and offers special equine-assisted therapy. Scroll down for video Centre manager of Park Lane Stables in Teddington, Natalie O'Rourke (pictured left) appeared on This Morning today to share her delight that the stables has hit their 1M fundraising goal - with just a few days to spare The London-based stable launched a campaign to safeguard their centre after learning their landlord was going to sell the land. Pictured, one of the children who attends Park Lane stables 'We've done it!', said a joyful Natalie. 'With the power of the people, we have now become a people's stables and it's owned by the people. So thank you, that's all we can say to every single person that's helped us.' The stables, which is also a space for at-risk young people to be referred by schools or local authorities, were tasked with finding the money by February 25th, and their total is currently at 1,222,889 and still growing. Helen, whose son Christian developed a love of horses before his ADHD diagnosis, went on to praise the 'power of horses' and explained how it inspired her child to pursue a career working with animals. 'We're not at all a horsey family so it's been a surprise to us really, the power of horses to really help people', said Helen. The stables provides 3,000 riding lessons a year for children as well as teaching them how to care and groom for the animals The centre has wheelchair-friendly carriages and offers special equine-assisted therapy to people with disabilities 'So we realised that horses were helpful before he got his ADHD diagnosis, and we then were too lucky to find Nat and Park Lane. 'Just being here, Nat has enabled him to have access to many opportunities. Christian is now considering a career working with horses as a direct result of his time at Park lane.' Christian wants to eventually become a jockey, and said the first time he was able to race a pony at the stable was the 'best day of his life.' 'I'd love to become a professional jockey', he said, 'I did pony racing here at Park Lane which I really loved and enjoyed, it was the best day of my life, my first race and now I work in a racing yard and go every Thursday and Saturday and love it.' When asked whether there's ever any risk with the animals, Natalie insisted that the horses have a 'sixth sense' about the needs of a child. Natalie appeared with mother Helen Clarke and son Christian, who has ADHD, (pictured right) who regularly attends the stables and has been inspired to work with horses in the future Christian wants to eventually become a jockey, and said the first time he was able to race a pony at the stable was the 'best day of his life' 'We know the horses so well and obviously the horses are really well trained to do the job that they do', she told. 'But they also have a sixth sense, they know what people's needs are and respond to people's needs. They are really gentle really kind horses.' The manager said she could 'fill hours' with examples of children and parents who benefited from the animals, telling stories of children who sleep better when they see the horses, and one who learned 'emotional connection' from his time at the stables. She told: 'One example is a child that came here riding lessons for many weeks and his mum said that now, as a result of that, she can hold his hand. The manager said she could 'fill hours' with examples of children and parents who benefited from the animals. Pictured, the exterior of Park Lane Stables 'He'll look her in the eye and he can walk around the supermarket with her because he's learned emotional connection from the horses. 'There's another child who comes here, the only time he sleeps is when he's been riding, that's the only respite his mum gets, that's the magic of horses.' Speaking of hitting their fundraising goal, Helen added: 'It means this place is here for the future, for more people like Christian and all the people Park Lane helps. 'Going around door-to-door, masked and socially-distanced, even people who had not had personal contact were so keen to keep the stables. It really is the centre of the whole community and the heart of Teddington really'. 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 a book that I needed to write my whole life, Elizabeth Brina said of Speak, Okinawa, her brilliant new memoir of discovering the truth of her mothers life. I knew these feelings would come out eventually. Those feelings the complex struggle of a biracial, bicultural young woman growing up in the 80s are at the heart of this book, years in the making. I was 33, just at the age when I wanted to know, Who was my mom? Who is she really? You want to know your mother as a woman when youre becoming a woman, Brina said. And as a gesture toward that, she traveled to New York to witness her mothers baptism in the Greater Rochester Japanese Baptist Church. I knew the church was all Japanese, all Christian, Brina said, but what I didnt know was that almost all the members were women, were my mothers age, and every single one of them was married to a white American man who had served in the military. "It was quite a revelation to me. I had always thought my mothers marriage to my father was an isolated incident, a love story. Seeing all these women together, I thought, theres got to be something behind this. So much happened to bring all those women there, to bring me there to that baptism and to convey the importance of that epiphany to me. Brinas mother, Kyoko Makiya, was working in a restaurant when she met the handsome American GI Arthur Brina. They fell in love and got married. Elizabeth is their only child, born in Illinois in 1981. They lived in Chicago and New Jersey before settling in upstate New York. Throughout their lives, cultural differences made things difficult between Kyoko and Elizabeth, not the least of which were language challenges. +2 Diving deep and surfacing: Former Times-Picayune restaurant critic writes her first novel The Mermaid from Jeju began, as the best fiction sometimes does, with an unexpected vision. Sitting by her fathers hospital bedside after h We dont speak the same language, Brina said. And I didnt grasp how that dictated everything, how it set us up for this power imbalance within my family. Not only did my father speak English, but hes like a master of it, an incredible storyteller. "When I heard my mother, I was disappointed in her because she couldnt articulate herself in a way that I thought was the standard of intelligence. Its something I deeply regret and am ashamed of. "Sometimes she couldnt understand me, and I thought that she would never really know me. What did come about eventually is that we sort of developed our own language, simple phrases that accumulate meaning when you say them over and over again. Language is a metaphor for all the distance and separation and also that power imbalance. I always perceived the way she said it was wrong, but its not wrong, its her accent. An accent isnt wrong I love the way she says it, it belongs just to her. Along this journey to forgiveness and understanding, we see Brina coping with prejudice in her own life, worrying about her mothers drinking, trying to navigate two cultures, looking for meaningful work and love, living in different parts of the country before she landed at the University of New Orleans Creative Writing Workshop. Part of her quest went into understanding the history of her mothers island home. Interweaving Okinawan history that was really important for me to claim those episodes as my own, even though I didnt experience them firsthand, Brina said. At 34, I didnt really know where my mothers pain came from, where my pain came from. As I learned history, I learned thats why my mother drinks and cries all the time and I felt like I was discovering myself. My mother witnessed all the bases being built and all the horrible things that happened because of military bases in Okinawa. She grew up in the aftermath of the Battle of Okinawa and absorbed all that grief and trauma. "I grew up with her sadness the drinking, the isolation and I absorbed it too, and that set me up for how I was going to navigate the world. Just learning the history was like, oh, its not my fault. It helped me understand my mother, helped me to forgive her, not that there was anything to forgive really, just to understand it all. +11 New Orleans and Louisiana authors will gladly tide you over for the holidays with these books In Iceland, they celebrate Christmas Eve with a tradition of jolabokaflo, the Yule Book Flood. People give books on Christmas Eve and spend Once, Kyoko asked her daughter, Are you writing about my hard life? And when Brina replied in the affirmative, her mother said, I want people to know about my hard life. That was everything, that permission, Brina said. I was really, really worried about it. Did I have a right to share this? And that common language? Thats evolving, too. We dont have explicit ways of expressing how we feel but we say I love you and Im sorry over and over again. And what could be more important than that? Susan Larson hosts The Reading Life on WWNO. 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. A view of the barrel room at Psagot Winery in the Binyamin region mountains of Judea and Samaria. (JNS) - The Psagot Winery sits on the peaks of the Binyamin region mountains in Judea and Samaria, north of Jerusalem and just east of Ramallah. Though Psagot and many Israeli-owned businesses operating over the 1967 armistice lines have historically experienced boycotts in Europe and throughout the Arab world, many say that in the context of the Abraham Accords, this may be changing. When Yaakov Berg and his wife, Naama, established the Psagot Winery in 2002, they made fewer than 3,000 bottles. Today, that number has grown to 750,000 bottles per year - 70 percent of which are exported to 3... With the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began. In just over a year, the virus has caused over 109 hundred million documented infections and taken more than 2.4 million lives. A new preprint on the bioRxiv* server describes the development of a live attenuated vaccine candidate to counter this growing threat. The pathogen SARS-CoV-2 is primarily a respiratory pathogen belonging to the Betacoronavirus genus of coronaviruses. Such viruses have especially large RNA genomes, about 30 kb in size, with multiple open reading frames that encode two large polyproteins and four structural proteins. The polyproteins, named open reading frames (ORF), are cleaved into 16 non-structural proteins (NSPs) by NSP3 and NSP5 proteases. The spike antigen is one of the four structural antigens which mediates virus attachment to and entry into the target host cell. It binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor via its receptor-binding domain (RBD). Therefore, RBD antibodies are expected to neutralize virus infection, and most vaccine candidates today focus on eliciting antibodies to the spike or RBD. Live attenuated virus vaccines Live attenuated virus (LAV) vaccines have been a reliable means of inducing effective long-term immunity against various specific viral pathogens, such as polio and measles. These are developed by passaging the pathogen under heterogeneous conditions. For instance, the LAV measles strain called AIK, used for vaccine production, was produced by passaging in sheep kidney cell lines and then in chicken embryo cells at 33C. This allows it to replicate at 35C but not at 37C or 39C. Such temperature-sensitive strains are suitable for LAV vaccines. An end result is a weakened form of the virus that cannot replicate easily within human cells. This allows the virus to generate an immune response but not to establish a productive infection. Temperature-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 mutants In the current study, the researchers created a library of randomly mutated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from a B-1 strain obtained from a clinical isolate. They screened the resulting ~650 viral plaques to identify four temperature-sensitive (TS) mutants of SARS-CoV-2. All four TS strains caused cytopathic effects (CPE) at 32C on day three post-infection (dpi) but not at 37C. Individually examined at 32C, 34C or 37C, they found that one of these strains, A50-18, had a replication profile that indicated its suitability for intranasal inoculation. While it showed equivalent replication to the parental B-1 strain at3335C, no infectious virus was found at 37C, indicating its inability to proliferate in the lungs. A50-18 contained six missense mutations in NSP14 and the three structural proteins S, E, and N. Unlike the other three TS strains, it did not have the characteristic NSP3 mutation associated with this phenotype. This mutation is similar to that found in TS strains of another coronavirus, the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV). Instead, the A50-18 strain was found to owe its TS phenotype to the NSP14 mutations, three of which are being reported here for the first time. NSP14 is involved in viral genome replication, participating in complex formation with other NSPs. One of the mutations observed here is the G416S mutation in the methyltransferase domain of the NSP. Another is the G248V mutation in the exo-ribonuclease domain. The latter was the only mutation to revert to the wildtype form in revertant studies. This makes it probable that this is a key mutation in the development of temperature sensitivity. The mutant enzymes may be temperature-dependent in their activity. Alternatively, the structure of the NSP may be altered by temperature, hindering complex formation with other NSPs and therefore preventing viral replication. Pathogenicity reduced Pathogenicity studies showed that this strain failed to replicate in Syrian hamsters, a model of SARS-CoV-2 in wide use. No loss of body weight was observed in hamsters inoculated with this strain, vs a 10% or 20% loss in animals who received low or high doses of the parental B-1 strain, respectively. On pathological examination, the lungs of hamsters infected with the B-1 strain showed edema, bleeding and destructive lesions. Those inoculated with the A50-18 strain had no serious lung lesions, on the other hand. The virus titer in the nasal wash samples was comparable with both strains, but the lung titers were 3,500 times lower in the hamsters infected with the A50-18 strain. These findings indicated successful attenuation of this strain, impairing its replication within lung cells. Antigenicity retained The researchers also found that the A50-18 strain could be inoculated intranasally into Syrian hamsters, protecting them against reinfection with wildtype B-1 virus after 21 days. In unexposed hamsters, B-1 exposure caused significant weight loss. This was not seen with hamsters pre-infected with either the B-1 or the A50-18 strains. This indicates that the attenuated A50-18 strain still induces protective immunity against the wildtype virus. The neutralizing antibody titer in the sera of mock-infected hamsters was below 20 but went up to 160640 after infection with the A50-18 strain. While considerably lower than the titer of 6405120 obtained with the wildtype B-1 virus, this titer was found to be adequate to prevent reinfection of Syrian hamsters. What are the implications? The study reports the A50-18 strain of SARS-CoV-2 as a potential LAV candidate. When tested against a Syrian hamster model, it was found to be incapable of producing lung damage or weight loss, unlike the wildtype virus. When exposed to the A50-18 strain initially, the animal was protected against disease induced by the wildtype virus. The phenotype of the A50-18 resembles that of the measles AIK strain and other LAVs already approved for clinical use. Despite the risk of reverting back to the pathogenic wildtype form, LAVs offer the attractive benefits of inducing durable and robust immunity similar to that following natural infection. In addition, their ability to induce mucosal immunity via IgA in mucosal secretions indicates its high potential to protect against SARS-CoV-2, which is transmitted through the nasal cavity, with its high ACE2 expression. It also induces specific T cell immunity. Further study is required to understand the potential for this strain to revert and whether the intranasal proliferation of this strain could cause neurological complications, similar to those in COVID-19 patients. These results suggested that A50-18 may be a novel live attenuated vaccine candidate for the prevention of COVID-19. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. After a brief pause in November, the rally in UPL stock has resumed its momentum. It is up almost 40% since November lows and analysts see further gains. The strong Q3 performance posted by the company has added to investor confidence. The demand for agrochemicals in the country continues to remain firm led by good reservoir levels after the strong monsoon season, robust winter crop sowing and increased farmer income. Growth in India market provided support to UPLs performance during Q3, while Latin America, the key market for UPL, saw some weakness. European markets too reported a robust growth, compensating partly for weakness in LATAM. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot Europe region grew 30% YoY and was led by sales in Poland, Benelux, Ukraine, Italy, and Spain. The strong demand from the newly launched Argos, which is used to stop sprouting in stored potatoes, helped. Launching alternative products to fill the gaps created by banned product too have helped say, analysts. With India sales growing strong 21% YoY, overall revenues grew 3% despite LATAM sales declining 8% year-on-year. Sowing had been hit by drought in Brazil and Argentina during October-November, leading to weak demand in Q3FY21. Though Argentina supported, the currency headwinds in the entire region pulled down the overall show in Latin America. Analysts see LATAM growth rebounding in Q4. With domestic prospects already strong, and Europe, North America and other geographies too seeing satisfactory growth, forward prospects remain firm. The company too has maintained its guidance on 6-8% revenue growth and 10-12% Ebitda growth for FY21. The companys margin expansion continues to be supported by improving synergies from Arysta acquisition. Cost synergy in Q3FY21 was 260 crore and revenue synergy was 410 crore, said analysts at Elara Securities (India) Pvt Ltd. The higher synergy benefits add to Street confidence too. Price increases in local currencies and cost savings will support margin, said analysts at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (MOFL). However, they added that high debt remains a key concern for the stock". In its 2QFY21 conference call, the management guided at reducing debt by $700 million in 2HFY21. Of this, $410 million of debt has been repaid in December. Company is targeting net det/Ebitda of 2x by FY21 end say analysts and further debt reduction in Q4 remain to be watched for. The stock has traded at an average P/E (price to earnings) the ratio of 13.5x over the last three years on a one-year forward basis. At current levels, it is trading at about 11.5 times FY22 estimated earnings. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Wells Fargo Invests in Six Black-Owned Banks Investment is part of a $50 million pledge to help minority institutions and the banks larger commitment to foster an inclusive recovery Wells Fargo today announced equity investments in six African American Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) as part of its March 10, 2020, pledge to invest up to $50 million in Black-owned banks. As part of the capital investment, the banks will have access to a dedicated Wells Fargo relationship team that will provide financial, technological, and product development expertise in order to help each institution grow and benefit their local community. In the ongoing pandemic, communities of color have been disproportionately impacted, and this investment is part of Wells Fargos effort to generate a more inclusive recovery across the country. These investments are designed to help the banks become stronger and more impactful to the minority communities they serve, which leads to economic revitalization and job opportunities, said Bill Daley, vice chairman of Public Affairs at Wells Fargo. So many communities have suffered over the past year. MDIs need capital, but they can also benefit from access to other resources, and Wells Fargo is committed to building lasting, strategic relationships with these institutions in support of their goals. ADVERTISEMENT Todays announcement includes investments in the following institutions: Broadway Federal Bank* , in Los Angeles, California , in Los Angeles, California Carver Federal Savings Bank , in New York, New York , in New York, New York Citizens Savings Bank & Trust , in Nashville, Tennessee , in Nashville, Tennessee Commonwealth National Bank , in Mobile, Alabama , in Mobile, Alabama M&F Bank , in Durham, North Carolina , in Durham, North Carolina Optus Bank, in Columbia, South Carolina February is Black History Month, and we are proud to announce these investments at this time because they reflect our dedication to helping African American communities, many of which continue to fight the destructive economic impact of the pandemic. Wells Fargo wants to help drive stabilization and recovery by using our financial resources and our ability to act as a partner in order to generate better outcomes, said Kleber Santos, head of Diverse Segments, Representation & Inclusion at Wells Fargo. Wells Fargos financial commitments are in the form of critical equity capital, which is foundational to the MDIs ability to expand lending and deposit-taking capacity in their communities. The investments, primarily non-voting positions, are designed to enable the banks to maintain their MDI status. Wells Fargo is also supporting each MDIs development through a banking relationship in the form of a single touchpoint coverage model that will help them access Wells Fargos expertise and pursue strategic priorities like entering new markets, expanding locations, designing new products, and hiring staff to support loan growth. The investment and support from Wells Fargo will allow us to substantially increase our impact on closing the racial wealth gap. We are grateful and committed to ensuring that this capital helps drive transformational wealth building opportunities for our communities and customers, said Dominik Mjartan, president and CEO of Optus Bank. External partners that assisted Wells Fargo include the National Bankers Association (NBA) and Sullivan & Cromwell. External advisory committee members are Kim D. Saunders, president and CEO of NBA; Aron Betru, managing director of the Center for Financial Markets at Milken Institute; and John W. Rogers, Jr., chairman, co-CEO, and CIO of Ariel Investments. Wells Fargos financial commitment announced today complements additional initiatives that aim to serve all of our customers and communities: Wells Fargo was one of the first banks to sign the Office of the Comptroller of the Currencys Project REACh MDI Pledge, which encourages banks to develop meaningful partnerships with MDIs to help them remain a vibrant part of the economic landscape and better promote fair, equal, and full access to financial products and services in their communities. The companys Open for Business Fund invests all gross processing fees we received from the Paycheck Protection Program in 2020 approximately $400 million to nonprofits helping small businesses navigate the pandemic, with an emphasis on Black, African American, and other minority-owned small businesses, as businesses with nonwhite owners are closing at a rate faster than industry peers. The Wells Fargo Diverse Community Capital program is a $175 million program with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide capital and technical assistance for diverse small business owners in the U.S. Approximately 75% of awardees are led by leaders from underrepresented communities. The DCC program has enabled CDFIs to lend nearly $350 million to Black and African American small business owners across the country since the program launched in 2015, according to Opportunity Finance Network. In the 10 years spanning 2009 to 2018, Wells Fargo was the No. 1 financier of home loans to African Americans and originated more mortgages to help Black buyers purchase homes than the four other largest bank lenders combined. In 2017, the company pledged to create 250,000 Black homeowners by 2027 through lending $60 billion for home purchases, increasing the diversity of the sales team, and supporting homebuyer education and counseling. In the first three years of the commitment, 60,527 African American homeowners have been created with $15.2 billion in financing. Wells Fargo is donating $5.4 million in grants to 15 legal assistance organizations across the U.S. that work to keep people and families housed through services and advocacy efforts. This first-of-its-kind effort seeks to enable these nonprofit organizations to provide free or low-cost legal representation to people at risk of eviction. These organizations have track records of serving, on average, more than 60% people of color. *Broadway is expected to merge with City First Bank in early 2021 and will become the largest African American MDI. Wells Fargos investment will close upon completion of the merger. Facebook could be prosecuted for 'unconscionable conduct' in Australia for its decision to wipe the pages of Australian businesses and charities. The tech giant has also opened itself up to class-action lawsuits, former head of Australia's consumer regulation body Professor Allan Fels has said. He also suggested the company could be charged a digital transaction tax, which would force the tech giants to lose a lot more money the proposed media code. Facebook could be prosecuted for 'unconscionable conduct' in Australia for its decision to wipe the pages of Australian businesses and charities. Pictured: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg Mr Fels said some small businesses and publishers who rely heavily on Facebook were 'devastated' after having their Facebook pages decimated last week. 'It's one thing to withdraw your services with a lot of notice to give dependent businesses the opportunity to adjust, Mr Fels told the Daily Telegraph. 'To do it overnight in this fashion could put them in breach of unconscionable conduct laws and could possibly be a class action.' Unconscionable conduct is applied to business dealings that are 'particularly harsh or oppressive and is beyond hard commercial bargaining' the ACCC website states. Mr Fels chaired the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for eight years from 1995 - 2003. The tech giant has also opened itself up to class-action lawsuits, said former head of Australia's consumer regulation body Professor Allan Fels (pictured) He has also said the government could bring Facebook and Google into line by threatening a digital transactions tax which could cost the companies millions. 'The government and the ACCC have anticipated [their refusal] and drawn up draft legislation that'll be harder to avoid,' he told the AFR. 'And also they've got a very big stick in the cupboard. They could drop the code and just apply a tax a general tax on digital transactions. And the platforms have far more to lose from that.' Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has not commented on the idea of a digital transactions tax but on Tuesday he slammed Facebook's threats. Mr Fels said some small businesses and publishers who rely heavily on Facebook were 'devastated' after having their Facebook pages decimated last week. Pictured: A notification on Facebook advising Australian's they could not share news Facebook users called for a boycott of the site today amid fury after it blocked news sites in Australia amid a row over paying for content 'Australia makes laws that advance our national interest. We don't respond to coercion or heavy handed threats wherever they come from,' he said. Facebook executive Will Easton said the Australian government falsely assumed social media giants benefited most from their relationships with news organisations. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured) wants the tech giants to pay news organisations 'Assuming this draft code becomes law, we will reluctantly stop allowing publishers and people in Australia from sharing local and international news on Facebook and Instagram,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. 'This is not our first choice - it is our last. 'But it is the only way to protect against an outcome that defies logic and will hurt, not help, the long-term vibrancy of Australia's news and media sector.' Facebook's actions have also motivated millions of users from across the globe to call for a boycott of the social media giant. 'Delete Facebook', 'Boycott Zuckerberg' and 'Facebook We Need To Talk' began trending on rival site Twitter on Friday as fury at the move spread around the globe. David Cicilline, a Democrat politician from Rhode Island in the US, even went so far as to say 'Facebook is not compatible with democracy' as people were also urged to give up Instagram and WhatsApp because Facebook owns them. British MP Julian Knight said Facebook appeared to be using Australia as a 'test case' for how democracies would react to having news banned, and called for legislators around the world to bring the tech giant 'to heel'. Five Arrested, Two Sought in Drug Investigation By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - Five people were arrested, and two more are being sought after a drug investigation in McCracken County.Thursday afternoon, McCracken County detectives obtained a search warrant for a home on Oaks Road. The search reportedly uncovered methamphetamine and assorted drug paraphernalia.Authorities arrested 24-year-old Racheal Land, 34-year-old Darrell Franklin, 29-year-old Beatrice Ford, 34-year-old Matthew Robertson, and 35-year-old John Tucker.Additionally, authorities obtained arrest warrants for 43-year-old Misty Henderson and 21-year-old Sierra Scott for felony drug offenses related to the investigation.Anyone with information regarding Henderson or Scott's whereabouts is asked to contact the McCracken County Sheriff's Office.Land is charged with possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest.Franklin, Ford, Robertson, and Tucker are all charged with possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.They were lodged in the McCracken County Jail. Over the past week, the story of an Ohio mother's arrest has been making headlines - and sparking a conversation about systemic inequities, as well as the difficulty of balancing child care and work. Last Thursday, Shaina Bell, 24, left two of her children alone in a Motel 6 room to work at a Little Caesars Pizza shop in Liberty Township, Ohio. A tip to police led authorities to find her 10-year-old and 2-year-old daughters by themselves at the motel, where the elder child told officers her mom was expected back around 10 p.m., WFMJ reported. Bell reportedly told officers that she usually has someone check in on her children every hour while she is at work. Bell was booked in county jail on two counts of child endangerment and had her mug shot blasted across the Internet, to the horror of many parents, who said they know the challenges of caring for children. (Bell was released the next afternoon, according to jail records, and has a court hearing scheduled for April.) Many who heard about the incident poured out sympathy on social media. "This sad cause I know she's just trying to [do] her best," one Twitter user wrote. Another posted, "She was arrested for leaving her kids alone while she worked to keep them housed which is a choice no one should have to make. All too common in our profoundly inequitable society." A GoFundMe account, started by her mother, has raised more than $130,000. Bell's story underscores the structural problems that fail to support struggling parents - especially women of color - in a society too quick to render someone's fate to the incarceration system, experts say. Mario Cardona, chief of policy and practice at Child Care Aware of America, said high-quality child care just isn't an option for many families. "Even before the pandemic and the associated closures of child-care programs, the supply of child care was decreasing," he said. "When covid-19 was layered onto the already fragile child-care system, it shattered." Before the pandemic, more than half of states reported a decline in the number of child-care centers and 79% of states reported a dip in family child-care providers between 2018 and 2019, according to data from Child Care Aware of America. Cardona and his colleagues estimate that it will take a year or more to understand the impact of the pandemic on child-care services. As of July, the group found that 35% of centers and 21% of family child-care programs remain closed across the country. The lack of affordable child care is what's driving many women out of the workforce amid the pandemic. That was the Catch-22 of this case, many on social media said, pointing out that Bell needed her job to be able to provide for her children in the first place. What's more, locking up someone like Bell does little to address the underlying issue of poverty and the lifelong devastation that can occur when children are separated from parents, according to Sydney McKinney, executive director of the National Black Women's Justice Institute. "In our society, Black people and Black families are more likely to be poor than White families. . . . That's what's responsible for Ms. Bell's situation," she said. "The pandemic has really exacerbated or worsened those inequalities." Black and Hispanic families were less likely to have adequate financial reserves once the pandemic hit, had a more difficult time keeping up with monthly expenses, and were harder hit with deaths and infections, according to data from the Pew Research Center. The financial relief that is likely to emerge from Bell's GoFundMe account can ease some of the collateral burden that follows an arrest, a conviction, fees and the cost of child care, McKinney said. Bell and her mother, Danielle Hosey, didn't respond to requests for comment. Jail records didn't show whether she retained a lawyer. "Incarceration doesn't address underlying problems and causes here," McKinney said, noting that many women behind bars are mothers to young children. "We need to figure out new responses that aren't harmful and punitive but uplift and support families." - - - This story first appeared in The Washington Post's The Lily publication. Jason Hartkemeyer couldnt count on his power staying on for more than a couple of hours at a time for three freezing nights, forcing the Cypress resident to crank up his portable generator and ignite a gas fireplace to keep his family warm during this weeks historic winter storm. More than 740 miles away in El Paso, Kitty Schild and her neighbors were comfortably warm during the cold snap as the power never wavered. The longtime El Paso judge heard of the power crisis in the rest of Texas only when a friend in San Francisco texted her Tuesday to ask if she was OK. The difference between Hartkemeyer and Schild? Hartkemeyer gets his power from the electricity grid overseen by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, while Schild gets hers from the El Paso Electric grid that is connected to a web of power systems in the West. On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas lawmakers call for more fossil fuels in power grid Im just very, very grateful, Schild, 72, said. What happened to the rest of Texas is awful. Theres no excuse. The vastly different experiences illustrate the unique nature of the Texas Interconnection, the states self-contained power grid. The failure of the power system during the storm reignited a debate over the independence of Texas power system, which if connected to other state grids could have been spared the catastrophic effects. Texas leaders have called for an investigation into the failure of the states grid and ways to prevent another catastrophic failure. Meanwhile, former Gov. Rick Perry suggested that Texans would be willing to go days without power if it would keep the state power system free from federal regulations, sparking outrage on social media. Texas independence Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business, Perry said in a blog post Wednesday. Electricity grids, made up of power generations, transmission lines and substations, began to connect with one another across state lines in the late 19th century as the nations population boomed in cities. The interconnections accelerated during the first World War as factories ramped up to aid the war effort. Interconnections and their power-sharing agreements allowed generators to pool resources, expand markets and avoid investing in costly backup power, said Julie Cohn, an energy historian affiliated with Rice University and the University of Houston. But after a 1935 act of Congress created a federal commission to oversee interstate power transactions, Texas power companies retreated within state borders to avoid federal regulations and wholesale price controls. On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas grid fails to weatherize, repeats mistake feds cited 10 years ago Texas is blessed with two time zones, all kinds of economic activity and power generation, Cohn said. For Texas power companies, the incentive to hook up with a power company in Louisiana or New Mexico wasnt as high because they could achieve economies of scale and efficiencies within the state without having extra federal regulations. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas was created in 1970 to manage the flow of power in the state and to manage the wholesale power market. ERCOT covers about 75 percent of the states area and 90 percent of its power load. Several utilities in border communities such as El Paso, the Panhandle and along the border with Louisiana didnt join the Texas Interconnection, crossing state lines to get power for nearby communities. El Paso Electric Co. which serves 441,800 customers from Van Horn in West Texas to Hatch, N.M. is connected to the Western Interconnection. The company owns and operates three natural gas plants in El Paso County, one natural gas plant in Sunland Park, N.M., and a nuclear plant in Wintersburg, Ariz. We are closer to California than we are to Dallas, El Paso Electric spokesman George De La Torre said. Our generating assets were in the West, which made more geographic and economic sense to connect to the western grid. The difference between the Texas grid and others became apparent this week after a polar vortex plunged much of Texas into a deep freeze, taking out much of ERCOTs natural gas power plants, wind turbines and nuclear facilities. At the same time, demand for electricity and natural gas for residential heating soared. ERCOT said it lost some 34,000 megawatts of power, about 40 percent of the grids generating capacity. ERCOT responded by instituting rolling blackouts to ensure that the grid remained operational. Grid operators on Thursday said they were minutes, if not seconds, away from the electricity systems collapse, which could have knocked out power in much of the state for months. Instead, rolling blackouts and power outages affected more than 4 million Texans about 11 percent of customers on the Texas grid. Stark contrast None of El Paso Electrics power plants went offline because of the storm, although their performance fell, De La Torre said. A five-minute outage Sunday affected fewer than 1 percent of El Paso customers about 2,680. Another 875 customers were without power for three to seven hours much less than the 30 to 50 hours on the Texas grid. The storm only slightly affected El Paso Electric because the utility has invested in winterizing power plants and transmission lines to withstand subzero temperatures, but also because it relies on an Arizona nuclear plant for about 665 megawatts of base load electricity in Texas. Our nuclear facility and local generation were the main reasons why we were able to provide and maintain reliable power to our customers during the winter storm, De La Torre said. The outages were related to damaged poles or downed wires. They were not generation related. Experts say its uncertain whether interconnections with outside grids would have made a difference for Texans suffering in the frigid darkness. Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox This polar vortex hit everybody, said Ed Hirs, an energy economist at the University of Houston. Other neighboring states didnt have any excess electricity to sell. They didnt have enough for themselves. Still, for a state that has been hit with a variety of natural disasters such as wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes and ice storms in recent years, the prospect of having backup power just outside the state line remains alluring. Hartkemeyer, the 48-year-old Cypress resident, pushed back against the notion that Texans would be willing to sacrifice electricity and all the modern necessities that come with it just to keep federal regulators out of Texas independent grid. I think most of us would have had power were we connected to a national grid, Hartkemeyer said. Instead, we got people who are dying and uncomfortable. This is a travesty that should never have happened. paul.takahashi@chron.com twitter.com/paultakahashi Roads have reopened and power is expected to be restored Friday morning to nearly every Entergy customer as warming temperatures signal the near-end of a nightmarish winter week. By noon Thursday the Texas Department of Transportation had reopened all Beaumont roads, and Entergy signaled that most outstanding power outages could be resolved as soon as Thursday night. Entergy is still working on restoring power in its service area, but most of Jefferson and Orange counties had service returned by Thursday afternoon. By 3 p.m., there were about 8,000 Entergy customers without power, down from 11,700 early in the day. Almost 20,000 people had been in the dark the night before when the utility asked for customers to keep conserving power as it dealt with new issues from sleet at the northern end of its multi-state territory. Representatives with Entergy said workers would be shifting focus to the Conroe and Huntsville area, where over 12,000 customers combined were still out of power. In the meantime, the companys grid manager extended its advisory for utilities to prepare for potential outage order until Saturday. Along with downed lines and energy issues, the utility is also battling issues with sensory equipment used to help customers track outages in the area on its website. We continue to experience a delay in reflecting restoration status on the outage map, causing temporary discrepancies in information presented and available through two-way text and outage reporting status updates, representatives wrote in an update. We are working to correct the issues and apologize for the inconvenience. A final bluster of frozen rain swept the region Thursday morning, but rising temperatures melted ice and snow off a majority of roads. Temperatures were expected to plunge back into the 20s overnight Thursday, said National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Patrick, but a warming trend and dry conditions will begin Friday. One last freeze is in the forecast for Friday night before a mild weekend with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. While elecricity is returning, water systems across the region continue to experience problems. Boil-water notices are in effect for many cities across the region resulting from issues with water pressure caused by thousands of pipes in schools, homes and businesses that ruptured during the hard freeze. As officials work to identify leaks and balance the low-water pressure, homeowners and school officials are beginning to make assesmnets and repairs. Nederland reported modest progress in restoring pressure to its city system, but was still asking for residents to conserve water as of Thursday evening. Groves was able to make further progress with its system issues, but officials said another 36 hours would be needed before regular service could possibly be restored. Officials in Port Neches said crews made significant progress on restoring pressure, but still asked for water conservation so it could end the boil water notice. Beaumont also was still under a boil water advisory Thursday afternoon with no projected end, but water pressure had started to stabilize in some areas. The city also decided to open public offices Friday, which it had closed during the storm while water was still out for most of the area. Residents across the region are still dealing with leaks in their homes and business, which contributed to the issues with municipal water systems, and caused some extensive home damage. The Texas Department of Insurance urged residents to document their damage with photos and videos, and contact their adjusters as soon as possible if they experienced water damage. TDI also warned of fraud. Jefferson County had to issue its own fraud alert Thursday, warning residents to be on the lookout for door-to-door contractors or people soliciting repair work. Officials are urging everyone to conserve water and electricity as services are restored. Buna ISD delayed opening their schools for the rest of the week as Special Service Director John Blim and others worked to repair and replace pipes that burst amid the freezing temperatures. Weve had multiple pipes bust at our elementary and high schools, Buna Superintendent Donny Lee told The Enterprise. This has caused our heaters to go out and water to leak in multiple places. Repairs are expected to be made in time for school to open as scheduled on Monday. Busted pipes have also caused Little-Cypress Mauriceville to cancel classes as crews work to repair weather-related damage. As the dangerous weather conditions continue and converge with both power and water crises across the state, the Texas Education Agency has taken the relatively rare step of extending missed-day waivers into next week for schools that have to remain online or remain closed due to damaged facilities or loss of power. Many schools and colleges across the region do not plan on opening until Monday, with some like Silbee and Nederland asking students to attend school virtually as power permits. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism Hold on to your hair gela home made famous on the "Jersey Shore" spinoff "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" is now for sale for $1.4 million. The 6,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom, six-bath manse, which was built in 2003, initially hit the market in April 2017. But three months later, the listing was withdrawn once film scouts saw its potential as a great backdrop where Jenni "JWoww" Farley, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, and pals could live it up, Jersey style, in a reboot of their classic MTV series. Relive every "Jersey Shore" moment in this Manalapan, NJ, mansion. realtor.com Starting in 2018, the house served as one of the locations for "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" (other locations were homes in Miami and Las Vegas) for three out of the show's four seasons. But since the show's fourth season was relocated entirely to Vegas, the property is up for sale once more. (Fans who watched Season 4 in 2020 may be thrilled to learn that production of Season 5 is now underway, also in Vegas.) Get your GTL on! (Gym, tan, laundry, of course) realtor.com Interestingly, the mansion, located in Manalapan, NJ, isn't on the beach, but a full 45-minute drive from Jersey Shore proper. Still, with an array of luxe amenities within, who needs a beach? Whether the show's crazy drama makes you cringe or you're dying to pump your fist and eat a pickle, here's a peek inside the house made famous on "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation." This over-the-top entry was featured in three seasons of "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation." realtor.com Probably the best part of this famous listing is the pool, with its funky rock formation fountain and wide slide. Bronze your bod by the backyard pool. realtor.com Moving indoors, shiny chandeliers bedeck this two-story Colonial-style home, which also boasts a three-car garage and sits on a plot of just under 2 acres. Soaring arched windows are in both the living room and foyer. realtor.com Other excellent features here include a heated basement, custom pool, hot tub, balcony, and upgraded modern kitchen. Pull up a stool in this all-white kitchen. realtor.com And if you need more room to cook up the foods to match the cast's faves (ravioli night! chicken cutlet night!), there's a second kitchen in the basement. Snuggle up to the fireplace in this double-height TV room. realtor.com Equipped with a huge gym, this house makes it easy to get your GTL onwhich, as true "Jersey Shore" fans know, stands for gym, tan, and laundryan acronym that's truly a way of life in these parts. Step out onto the balcony via a set of double doors. realtor.com Meanwhile, the master bedroom is more than just a place to catch a few winks. It also features its own sitting area, a master bath, and a spot where you can set up a home office. There are six full baths and one powder room. realtor.com And when it's "T-shirt time," just step in one of a half-dozen bathrooms to shower and preen so you can look your Jersey best. Because, as we all know, once the T-shirt announcement is made, you'd better get your "shirt before the shirt" ready. Don't have $1.4 million lying around to bid on this palace? In that case, the Seaside Heights, NJ, house used in the original "Jersey Shore" series can be rented, complete with the big ol' Italian flag plastered on the garage, for just $1,200 a day. The post A Wild Tour of the 'Jersey Shore: Family Vacation' MansionNow for Sale appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. A man has been stabbed in the stomach and his brother has been shot in the thigh in western Sydney, with police saying the incidents are linked. The 30-year-old man was on Friday afternoon found with stab wounds to the stomach in Ermington and taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Later on Friday, the man's 28-year-old brother admitted himself to Sydney's Westmead Hospital with a gunshot wound to the thigh. Police say the incidents are linked and no culprit has yet been caught. New Delhi: The eighth and the last instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) for FY 2020-21 is likely to come by the end of March. Under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, every year, cash transfer is disbursed to the farmers in three instalments. First instalment - April- July. Second instalment - August-November Third instalment - December-March Here is how to check your name via PM Kisan website Log on to pmkisan.gov.in website On the right hand side, you will see Farmers Corner Click Farmers Corner Now from the option, click Beneficiary Status You will have to furnish a few details like your Aadhaar number, bank account and your mobile number to see your status After you complete the above procedure, you will find your name if it is there in the list How to check your name in PM KISAN via mobile App To check your name via Mobile App, you will have to first download PM Kisan Mobile App. Once you have downloaded the App, you will have access to all the details. PM-KISAN Scheme 7th instalment Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 7th instalment of benefits under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) on December 25. PM Modi transferred Rs 18,000 crores to more than 9 crores beneficiary farmer families via video conferencing on December 25, which was also the birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme was launched by PM Modi in 2019. The Scheme aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions. Under the Scheme, an amount of Rs 6000 per year is released in three 4-monthly instalments of Rs 2000 each directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. PM-KISAN Scheme for only Small and Marginal Farmers' families? ln the beginning when the PM-KISAN Scheme was launched (February, 2019), its benefits were admissible only to Small & marginal Farmers' families, with combined landholding upto 2 hectare. The Scheme was later on revised in June 2019 and extended to all farmer families irrespective of the size of their landholdings The Central Government had notified a decision to extend the benefit of Rs 6,000 per year under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to all 14.5 crore farmers in the country, irrespective of the size of their landholding. Who are excluded from the PM-KISAN Scheme? Live TV #mute Those excluded from the PM-KISAN include institutional land holders, farmer families holding constitutional posts, serving or retired officers and employees of State or Central government as well as Public Sector Undertakings and Government Autonomous bodies. Professionals like doctors, engineers and lawyers as well as retired pensioners with a monthly pension of over Rs 10,000 and those who paid income tax in the last assessment year are also not eligible for the benefits. The government will file an appeal against Cairn arbitration award soon and will contest its sovereign rights to tax, sources in the finance ministry said. The ministry sources said that the government will also strongly contest other suits filed by Cairn Energy at various other international courts. An international arbitral tribunal had in December 2020 ruled against India's decision to retrospectively tax the capital gains made when Cairn UK Holdings Ltd sold shares in Cairn India Holdings Ltd, a Jersey company, to Cairn India Ltd, an Indian company. The arbitration court unanimously ruled that India breached its obligations to Cairn under the UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty and awarded Cairn damages of $1.2 billion plus interest and costs. India has been asked to pay this amount. Cairn Energy Plc Chief Executive Simon Thomson on Thursday met finance ministry officials with the hope of resolving this issue. The government has said that while it welcomes Cairn Energy's move to reach out to the government, it maintains that any dispute resolution to be sought by Cairn will have to be within already existing laws. The government sources have reiterated the fact that Cairn had conducted transactions via tax havens to evade taxes. The Cairn issue has its roots in the tax demand by the Income Tax Department against Cairn UK Holdings Ltd. for its failure to pay capital gains tax when it sold shares in Cairn India Holdings Ltd, a Jersey company, to Cairn India Ltd, an Indian company. The Cairn Energy case is similar to Vodafone tax case, when the government had made a tax demand against Vodafone for failing to withhold tax from the payment it made to Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited after the latter sold its 67 per cent of Hutchison Essar Limited (HEL Ltd), an Indian Company. The government had also got an adverse award in the Vodafone case in September 2020. It has already filed an appeal against the order. Also read: Cairn threatens to seize Indian assets overseas to collect $1.4 billion arbitration award Also read: India may offer Cairn oilfield against $1.4 billion arbitration award by Sumon Corraya In the Diocese of Barisal, a 43-year-old mother of one was sexually assaulted at her home by a neighbour and his friend. Beaten, she was left unconscious on the floor. Her husband filed a complaint with the police, who arrested the attacker identified by the woman. The attackers thought the Christians were very weak and would not report the crime. In their village, Muslims sympathise with the man in prison. Barisal (AsiaNews) - A 43-year-old Catholic mother of one has accused two Muslims of rape. Rumi Costa (not her real name) lives in the Diocese of Barisal. On 5 February, she was attacked in her home and had to be hospitalised until last Wednesday because of the injuries sustained during the incident. Her husband, Fabian Gomes (also not his real name) filed a complaint on 8 February at Bakerganj Police Station against Mohammad Alam, a neighbour recognized by the woman, and one of his friend. Gomes works as a night watchman at a Catholic school and his only son is in Dhaka studying, which is why his wife was home alone at the time of the attack. When he returned home the next morning he found the door open and his wife on the floor, undressed and unconscious. Mohammad Alam and his friend managed to get into the house by picking the lock. With their faces covered, they looked like thieves, Rumi Costa told AsiaNews, but instead they wanted sex and started beating me up. As I tried to disentangle myself, I recognised Mohammed Alam's face. They kept beating me; I was scared and helpless. I asked for some water and they gave me a glass mixed with a sleeping pill that made me unconscious for three days. The woman is still weak and bears the scratch marks of the attackers on her body. The two also stole her gold earrings, but according to Costa they only did it to humiliate her. Bakerganj police arrested Alam, but his accomplice is still on the run. The woman did not obtain a medical certificate attesting to the sexual assault. Alam thought that since we were very weak Christians we would not raise our voices, she said. Now she wants justice. Her husband told AsiaNews that they live in a predominantly Muslim village. Right after the incident, neighbours showed their solidarity and denounced the attack; but when Gomes filed the complaint local Muslims sided with Alam, claiming he could not have done it. His brothers also offered me money to withdraw the complaint, but I told them that I want punishment for the attackers, he said. We are very concerned about what happened in Barisal, said Nirmol Rozario, president of the Bangladesh Christian Association, speaking to AsiaNews. We call for an exemplary penalty so that incidents of this kind do not occur again. A robo-call scam has convinced Australians to hand over more than $100,000 to fraudsters pretending to be tax officials. The Australian Taxation Office warned there has been a spike in scammers impersonating tax authorities to swindle money from unsuspecting victims. The ploy has now been tried more than 600 times and the government department said seven people have already fallen for it. The ATO says most calls claim your TFN has been suspended or compromised and order you to transfer your money to a safer account, which is run by fraudsters. Australians have been warned about a new scam where fraudsters pose as officials from the Australian Taxation Office (stock image) Scammers have so far made off with $118,000, with one unlucky victim handing over $36,000. 'While the number of people paying these scammers is low, the large amounts being lost per person is alarming,' Assistant Commissioner Trent Jakubowski said. 'We're seeing that instead of scammers asking for a specific amount of money, they're requesting victims transfer every last dollar in their bank account.' He said it was malicious that fraudsters were now stealing money under the guise of saving victims from other scammers trying to access their accounts. Scammers impersonating the ATO have so far made off with $118,000, with one unlucky victim handing over $36,000 (stock image of myGov app) Jakubowski said the victims who had lost the largest amounts of money had unexpectedly been younger people aged 18-24. 'This is a reminder for everyone to keep their guard up when answering an unexpected call,' Mr Jakubowski said. 'While we more often hear stories of older Australians being targeted by scammers, these devastating losses show that anyone can be a target.' Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is an "integral and inalienable part of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday hit out at two UN Special Rapporteurs (SRs) for criticising its policies for the region and advised them to develop a better understanding of issues before jumping to hasty conclusions. "The SRs disregarded the fact that J&K is an integral and inalienable part of India and that the decision on the abrogation of Article 370 was taken by the Parliament of India," said MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, in response to media queries on the press release. The UN Special Rapporteurs, in a press release on Thursday, criticised the changes in Jammu and Kashmir, from the abrogation of Article 370 to enacting new laws. "The loss of autonomy and the imposition of direct rule by the Government in New Delhi suggests the people of Jammu and Kashmir no longer have their own government," the Special Rapporteurs stated. "Press Release disregards the fact that J&K is integral& inalienable part of India," says External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on 'Press Release on J&K issued today by Special Rapporteur on minority issues& Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief'. pic.twitter.com/o0As9h24mW ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2021 READ | Foreign Envoys Meet J&K Police & Army; Counter-radicalisation And Other Issues Discussed Srivastava asserted that the statement by the SRs was deliberately issued during the visit of foreign ambassadors to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. "It is deplorable that the SRs, after sharing their questionnaire on February 10, did not even wait for our response. Instead, they chose to release their inaccurate assumptions to the media. The press release has also been deliberately timed to coincide with the visit of a group of Ambassadors to Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Foreign diplomats from Chile, Brazil, Cuba, Bolivia, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Bangladesh, Malawi, Eritrea, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Malaysia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the European Union were on a two-day visit to J&K on February 17-18. The latest visit of foreign envoys came in the backdrop of District Development Council (DDC) polls and restoration of 4G mobile internet after 18 months, indicating the return of full normalcy in the Union Territory. READ | 'Assembly Elections In J&K After Delimitation Process Is Complete': LG Sinha Tells Envoys Press Release ignored the positive impact of new laws The MEA pointed out that the press release fails to take into account the steps aimed at ending decades of discrimination, enshrining democracy at the grassroots level through successful conduct of local elections for the District Development Councils, and ensuring good governance through back to village program. "Special Rapporteurs has ignored the positive impact of extending laws applicable to the rest of India to Jammu and Kashmir, enabling the people of the region to enjoy the same rights as available to people in other parts of India," Srivastava said. READ | Delegation Of 24 Foreign Envoys Arrives In J&K For 2-day Visit; Interacts With Locals On the apprehensions of demographic change, the MEA said that the fears are baseless as an overwhelming majority of domicile certificates issued in the Union Territory are to the erstwhile Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) holders. It said that this press release calls into question the larger principles of objectivity and neutrality that the SRs are mandated by the Human Rights Council to adhere to. "We expect the Special Rapporteurs to develop a better understanding of the issues under their consideration before jumping to hasty conclusions and issuing press statements," he added. READ | Indian Army Briefs Foreign Envoys Visiting J-K On Role Of Pak In Running Terror Factories Across LoC An alley is overgrown with vegetation in a redevelopment zone in Jangwi-dong, northeastern Seoul. / Courtesy of Lee Joo-young By Jon Dunbar When artist Jooyoung Lee started studying Jangwi-dong, a seemingly innocuous neighborhood in northeastern Seoul, she had no idea that its name would soon receive national attention. The site of several urban redevelopment projects in various stages of completion, it is also home to the Sarang Jeil Church, a controversial conservative church that was blamed for the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic for organizing a political demonstration, Aug. 15, where some infected members spread the coronavirus to others. A self-portrait of Jooyoung Lee in Jangwi-dong / Courtesy of Joo-young Lee The neighborhood surrounding the church was barricaded to prevent forced evictions, and trucks for protestors laden with anti-government slogans were parked in the alleys, amid dumped trash, broken glass and stray cats. "I wanted to explore more in the area where the church is, but I was stopped by a lady from the church," Lee told The Korea Times. "She kept on asking me whether I was a journalist or not. She kept on following me and asking what photos I was taking. Since then I sort of had to avoid the church. I would like to go back there." Lee seems uninterested in chasing sensationalism as she conducts her "forensic" analysis of the neighborhood. In her art career she's turned her attention to the smallest parts of the city many times, including in her "Fantasy Real Estate Agency" in 2012-13 and "Cul De Sac Ville" projects, which she began in 2017 with German artist Klega. At that time, she lived in Samseon-dong, another doomed Seoul neighborhood now being ground to rubble. From there, she moved to Jangwi-dong where she started the "Cul De Sac Ville" project while there was still time. Joo-young Lee poses with a mirror in Samseon-dong. / Photo by Ryan Berkebile "There are many layers in Jangwi-dong. You can see traces of the urban architecture from the 1960s to redevelopment projects," she said of the area. According to her, the Jangwi-dong we see today was constructed in the late 1960s and 1970s, when the area was developed as a residential part of Seoul with the introduction of modern and foreign forms of architecture, erasing its rural character. As of 2005, the area was 1.87 square kilometers and was home to 20,000 households, or about 80,000 people. Although it may seem humble and working-class today, historically it has been a place of diverse social classes. She cited a wealthy housing complex built by Dongbang Insurance (now rebranded under management by Samsung), as well as the former home of the important architect Kim Chung-up, now a cultural center (affiliated with the exhibition), located in the same area as sewing factories and early public housing. A traffic bollard improvised out of concrete and brick is identified next to one of artist Joo-young Lee's forensic number cards. / Courtesy of Joo-young Lee As Lee documents these places, she maintains a dispassionate attitude, looking at the area objectively and categorizing what she observes. She places little markers with numbers from 1 to 24 in view when she takes a picture, classifying the subject matter to isolate particular traces. The categories include "buried (decomposed)," "blocked windows," "artificial material," "trees," "gates," "railings" and "roofs," although the list is always expanding. "The result should be a differentiated sensibility towards what is or is not visible," she said. "These are categories of desperate images, these are images that impose a feeling of destruction, death and decay. It also gives direction to our interpretation, opens up our habits to narratives of the past, and the possibilities of the future." Her exhibition is at a house that was abandoned about a decade ago and bought up by the city government for artists to use. Inside, the house offers several artistic displays. One room has traditional photo prints on display, with a brick installation in the center made of material meant to be disposed of in the renewal process. On one table are several photos of roughly formed sculptures serving as traffic bollards in the area's narrow alleys. Some are made of poured concrete, shaped by hand, tools or old paint buckets that weren't fully removed, as well as other material such as bricks or stones, and it is clear Lee sees art in them. "These objects are reminiscent of the surface and debris of brutalist architecture developed by Le Corbusier, using material such as raw concrete, brick and tiles as they are," she explained. "Traditionally, rocks have been an object of worship for Koreans Standing stones are generally 1 to 2 meters in height, generally natural, rarely carved. Most of them were erected at the village entrance or in the middle of open fields. The act of making such a sculpture is similar to the act of blocking bad energy by using towers or sculptures in each village, believing in the magical power of rocks. Built by humans, these objects sometimes symbolize a phallus. Humans constantly post and mark signs in their space, leaving both symbolic and practical traces. These bollards, which we encounter in everyday life and passed by without knowing, remind us of the guardians of the village and certainly play a role in the care and maintenance of the residence." Artist Joo-young Lee sorts through printed photographs at the "Everybody's House" exhibition in Jangwi-dong, northeastern Seoul, on Jan. 27. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar At the top of the little ladder leading up to the tiny attic, there's a video screen playing back a relentless series of her forensic photos of Jangwi-dong, and another similar video on display in the kitchen. The videos feature a jarring soundtrack made by New Zealand artist Ian-John, featuring various percussion instruments and a harmonica, based on the sound of a construction site on a rainy day, with various bird sounds. Meanwhile, phrases from Yi Sang's poems, such as "Story of a Street Outside of a Street" flash across the screen, with lines like, "my rotting follows a path" and "stifling trash that came out of sweeping my vast room." As she arrives one day to open the exhibition for visitors, she leaves out persimmons on top of the gate to feed the birds. She observes that the previous persimmons left there have vanished without a trace. Persimmons are left for birds on top of the gate at the venue for Jooyoung Lee's exhibition in Jangwi-dong. / Courtesy of Jooyoung Lee Persimmon trees have been a feature of Koreans' yards, which served as the social center of families, where anything from weddings to shaman ceremonies would be performed. She sees their disappearance as symbolic of the total erasure of the city brought about by redevelopment. "I saw many persimmon trees that had been marked to be cut down after the residents moved out from Samseon-dong as well as from Jangwi-dong during the autumn. There was a guy trying to pick them up in Samseon-dong. Some persimmons were falling and lying on the ground after the heavy rain. The thudding sound of falling persimmons seemed louder than the noise from construction. Every time a persimmon fell, I was startled and looked around," she said. "I am concerned that natural spaces will be lost. It seems that nature is on the verge of being further destroyed. I know you have to protect trees more than 100 years old according to a forest protection law, but sadly not persimmon trees. That's another important reason I left persimmon fruits on display during the show so as to feed birds and also show awareness of nature, as it is being destroyed." Jooyoung Lee appears in a Korea Times article published Jan. 22, 2005. / Korea Times Archive The "Everybody's House" exhibition, which "Cul De Sac Ville" is part of, is being held at Jangwi-dong 219-330. Visitors are recommended to contact the artist prior to visiting, due to social distancing rules. Call 02-6906-3136 to arrange a visit, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays. Visit for more information. 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. ADVERTISEMENT The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday sentenced an awaiting trial inmate to four years in prison for organising an Indian hemp smuggling operation from his cell in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Osaro Egberamwen, also known as Osas, contacted one Perpetual Sixtus Okpa via Facebook and successfully hired him to smuggle the banned drug into the prison. Mr Okpa, however, got a four-month sentence for his role in the operation. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned the duo before Ayokunle Faji last year on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful dealing in 240 grammes of Cannabis sativa, popularly called Indian hemp The offences, according to the prosecutor, Ichakpa Aigoga, contravened sections 14(b) and 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, 2004. Messrs Egberamwen and Okpa pleaded not guilty. During the trial, the prosecutor told the court that Mr Egberamwen, on September 24, 2020, while in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCos) awaiting trial for murder, contacted and hired Mr Okpa via Facebook to smuggle the banned substance into the prison. Prior to hiring Mr Okpa. Mr Egbetamwen had also contacted and hired another Facebook contact, Nwachukwu Amara Grace, in June 2020. The lady smuggled 1.02 kilogrammes of Indian hemp into his cell at the Ikoyi Prison. Ms Grace was convicted in August last year and sentenced to three months in prison with an option of N50,000 fine, after she pleaded guilty to the act. ALSO READ: Man beheads colleague in Ondo Indian hemp farm The court learnt that Mr Egberamwens murder case involved an incident in 2017 where he allegedly strangled to death an Uber cab driver named Alex. The accused fled with the car a KIA Rio to Delta State, where it was sold. Mr Egberamwen was said to have committed the murder to raise money to return to his hometown in Edo State where he planned to start a new life. Following the testimony of and exhibits tendered by the prosecution witnesses, the judge convicted and sentenced the duo on the two counts. The jail terms, according to the judge, begin from the date of their arrest. A San Francisco programmer has been found dead after vanishing on his home CCTV footage five weeks ago. Christopher Woitel was found by police during a search of his home in a three-foot-high crawl space above his bathroom that was hidden from plain view, police say. Fire officials had to cut into the ceiling to retrieve the 50-year-old's body. He was first reported missing by his mother on 13 January, who had not heard from him since 9 January. Investigators say Mr Woitel most likely accessed the crawl space from the roof and not from inside his apartment. Police say no sign of forced entry was found in his home and that no foul play is suspected. The cause of death has not been announced and is subject to a medical examination. CCTV footage showed Mr Woitel entering his apartment on 8 January, but never showed him leaving. During some time before his disappearance, he had been sending family and friends paranoid messages about the Capitol riot in Washington, DC on 6 January. He said he wanted to escape to the mountains. The messages stopped in the afternoon of 9 January, Mission Local reported. Childhood friend Mark Guarino told Mission Local that Mr Woitel was "inquisitive, adventuresome and, as a voracious reader, very smart". He added: At a very young age, he showed compassion for the vulnerable, including animals, and it was a quality that continued into adulthood. He was a gentle soul with a very big heart. Everyone who knew him remembers him fondly. He will be missed. Mr Woitel was someone neighbours knew they could ask for help with computers and other technical issues. One of those neighbours, Hargan Nelson, said Mr Woitel helped him get medical care when one of his kidney's failed before the pandemic lockdown of March last year. Mr Woitel rode with Mr Nelson in the ambulance and stayed with him at the hospital. Mr Nelson told Mission Local: I would have died if it werent for him. I owe him my life. Other neighbours say Mr Woitel often helped out homeless residents in the area, getting them food and letting them use his shower. His younger brother Michael said that he was "a very giving soul and added that: Hes definitely a guy youd want in your corner if you ever wanted someone there for you." Police say they searched the apartment on 12 and 15 February, but Mr Guarino was frustrated with the inaction of the police when speaking to TooFab, claiming that the police first searched the apartment on 15 February. He said: "It wasn't an extra search. It was just a search. They didn't search until this week, so it wasn't extra. They just didn't do anything until this week." Saying that he didn't know why police were slow to investigate, Mr Guarino told TooFab: "Friends of mine, who have experience with other stories in the area, have said that Chris was gay and that one of the persons questioned was homeless, and maybe those were two factors that the police have been slow to react on." He added: "Maybe if Chris was an executive with a tech company out there they would have responded quickly? I really don't know." Saying that Mr Woitel's family was "devastated and really frustrated," he continued: "That's the frustrating thing, his body had been sitting there for so long. It seemed natural just to search the building... and it didn't happen until Monday. He could have been buried by now." In an email to The Independent, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department said that the investigation remains open and that new evidence may arise. They also said that when the initial report was filed, there was nothing to indicate that the subject was at risk or that there was any suspicious circumstance involved. The family reached out to SFPD regarding the case and provided new information. The SVU Missing Persons Unit reviewed the case. Based upon the new information provided by the family, the Missing Person Unit assumed the investigation. They added: As a matter of policy we do not comment on, nor go into great detail, an open investigation as to preserve the integrity and not compromise the investigation. Based on our investigation thus far, and pending the autopsy report of the San Francisco Medical Examiner, we believe that Mr Woitels death was not the result of foul play. Zencastr Team "We are overjoyed to launch our video podcasting tool out of private beta. Thank you to the 40k users who patiently waited and then tested in private beta, our team for their brilliant work commitment to delivering this first in class product." - Josh Nielsen Zencastr, the leading high-end cloud-based podcasting platform, has announced its first-ever round of funding, led by Utah-based venture firm Kickstart. Zencastr has long been profitable, but the $4.6 million seed round will set the stage for the forward-leaning tech companys next evolution of growth. Zencastr will leverage the infusion of capital to move its game-changing video podcasting offering into open beta. The round will also allow the company to focus on bringing the podcast creation process to a much wider audience of users a mission central to the original vision of the founders and particularly valuable at this time. Zencastr was founded in 2015 by tech entrepreneur Josh Nielsen as a way to put the power of creating interest-based communities in the hands of anyone with a message and a desire to be heard. Today, Zencastr facilitates hundreds of thousands of hours of recorded content every month and services roughly 6% of all podcasts. The companys vision has always been to make the technology seamless but the results pristine. From this vision was born the platform that allows creators and guests with zero production background and simple technology to log in from wherever they are and seamlessly create studio-quality content. This seed round of funding will allow the company to even more fully realize that vision. With a background as an engineer for video sharing companies Flipagram and ByteDance (owner of TikTok), Co-Founder and CPO Adrian Lopez has a strong feeling for the power of podcasting to connect people. As a listener, the intimacy you feel as you get to know a podcaster is one of the greatest forms of connection in media today. We see podcasting as a medium for fostering understanding and discourse and we want to remove all barriers preventing listeners and creators from connecting through podcasts. While the company has set the standard for podcasting content creation since 2015, Zencastrs video offering, which moved into an open beta stage on February 16th, in many ways represents that visions fullest realization. The open beta strives to put the power of studio-quality, remote video production into the hands of anyone with a story to tell. Features will include HD Video Recording, Studio-Quality Sound, Built-in VoIP, Chat and Footnotes, Live Soundboard Editing, Automatic Postproduction, and Secured Cloud Backup - all running right from a users browser so they can record from anywhere, without ever installing anything. Important to the founders will be the multi-tiered offering levels, to ensure that there is a use case for everyone with an interest. At the beginning of COVID-19, Zencastr lifted restrictions on its free plans and is delighted to continue to offer those benefits to its creators. Co-Founder and CEO, Josh Nielsen notes, We are overjoyed to launch our video podcasting tool out of private beta. Thank you to the 40k users who patiently waited and then tested in private beta, our team for their brilliant work commitment to delivering this first in class product. At a time when the world feels as far apart as ever, were working to bridge that divide. In describing the fit between the company and lead investor, Kickstart, Nielsen adds, Zencastr is a fully distributed team that has no office anywhere, this opened up great opportunities to partner with the right venture firm that might not be situated in traditional centers of tech power. We found Kickstart out of Salt Lake City, Utah to be the best fit for our mission. They are founder-friendly, have a deep passion for the podcasting space, and believe strongly in our vision for the platform. Echoing this sentiment, Kickstart Managing Partner, Gavin Christensen offers, In an age of social isolation, the world's communities have become separated. Our stadiums, offices, and schools are now more remote than ever. Podcasting has always been about fostering a deep connection at scale. Anyone in the world can download podcast audio and start an intimate relationship with its creator. We think there has never been a better time to amplify this medium to help the world connect via podcasting and we are thrilled to support Zencastr in their efforts to do so. Private investors in this round include former Flipagram (acquired by ByteDance/TikTok) executives, Brian Dilley and Farhad Mohit. Dilley explains, In Zencastr, I see so many similarities to the early days of video creation and social media networks like Flipagram, TikTok, and Instagram a technology-enabled product, pushing the limits of digital creation. Zencastr is truly leading the wave by taking podcasting and video creation to the next level. Investors also participating in the seed are audio industry veteran, Jeremy Andrus, the former CEO of Skullcandy, as well as serial technology leaders Austen Allred, founder of the Lambda school, Aaron Skonnard, founder of Pluralsight, and Karl Sun from Lucid along with his executive team. To learn more about the history of Zencastr, tune into the Digital Nomads podcast, featuring the Zencastr founders and team, describing how we got here, and where were headed. About Zencastr Zencastr is a modern web-based solution for high-quality audio and video podcast production. With a full suite of professional tools, Zencastr allows podcasters to quickly and seamlessly record their guests remotely and produce their podcasts in studio quality. Esther Rantzen: Living With Grief Rating: Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby Rating: The phrase I loathe, which is urged on us constantly by social media, is 'making memories'. Apparently, we're supposed to spend all our spare time and money doing just that. It's as if we're being told: 'Don't enjoy this lovely moment now, when it's happening. Store it up for a dose of bittersweet sadness in the future, when it can be a reminder of everything that's gone.' Esther Rantzen was skirting around her memories in the heartbreaking documentary Living With Grief (C5), a discussion of the ways bereavement shatters lives. Dame Esther's hectic career has never been about making memories. She's got shelfloads of them on VHS and film reels, all the programmes she made with her late husband, TV producer Desmond Wilcox, and the miles of family footage they shot together. Esther Rantzen was skirting around her memories in the heartbreaking documentary She can hardly bear to watch them. 'I don't look back, I'm not interested in my own emotions,' she declared defensively. For the sake of the cameras this time, she forced herself to view a recording from a birthday party in the 1990s, when her husband who died in 2000 hired a plane to fly a banner over their house, proclaiming his love. It was a beautiful scene, lit up by the couple's deep affection for each other as much as the glorious sunshine. Esther managed about a minute before snapping shut the lid of the laptop. She didn't want to relive her past. The more wonderful a moment was, the more it burns when the person who shared it has gone. But she hasn't been able, until now, to clear out those shelves either. To reclaim her husband's sprawling office, which filled a barn at her Hampshire home, would feel almost like exorcising him, she said. Poetry recital of the night: Boxer Chris Eubank told Piers Morgan on Life Stories (ITV) his chat-up line, when he met his wife, was to spout a poem by Kipling not the inspiring If, but The Female Of The Species (Is More Deadly Than The Male). Well, it beats Roses Are Red... Advertisement Attempts at analysing her own grief stuttered, halted either by flippant remarks or her famously brisk dismissals of anything she perceives as self-indulgence. Instead, she sat down to interview people who had suffered their own losses, and here she was on firmer territory. As a sensitive yet persistent interviewer, she is peerless. The rawest story came from Mandy, 61, who was taken to hospital with coronavirus at the same time as Larry, her husband of 40 years. She survived, he didn't and restrictions meant she wasn't even allowed to visit his body in the morgue. All Esther's subjects had useful insights to offer, eloquently expressed. As she emphasised, there's no right or wrong way to grieve, but anyone who is mourning a loved one would find slivers of consolation somewhere in this 90-minute programme. If you're the sort who does believe in 'making memories', the Swinton Estate on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales might be a charming spot to do it. But you'd better hope your stay is more memorable than presenters Giles Coren and Monica Galetti made it look, in Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby (BBC2). After last week's astonishing visit to a breathtaking cliffside palace in St Lucia, this was a painfully slow and dull trudge. Giles and Monica learned to cast a fly-rod on the lawn, and were so absorbed that they managed to do or say nothing interesting whatsoever. Then Giles went fishing. He was bored, we were bored, it dragged on and on. At least BBC2's riverside chums Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer can feel their jobs are safe for now. Meanwhile, Monica admired the blue paint on the walls of the library. She might as well have watched it dry. It couldn't have been any less exciting. Rashtriya Janatad Dald leader Tejashwi Yadav Rashtriya Janatad Dald leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday said the class 10 exam paper of the Bihar School Examination Board was leaked and Chief Minister and Education Minister of Bihar do not have any knowledge about it. After the conclusion of day one of the budget session in the Bihar assembly, Yadav said it is a reflection on the NDA government in Bihar. "It is simply unimaginable that the Social Sciences question paper of class 10 leaked at several places and the Chief Minister and the education minister do not know about it. What kind of government is Nitish Kumar running in Bihar? If they were aware of it, why are they hiding it?" asked Yadav. "When I informed the assembly about the paper leak, neither Chief Minister Nitish Kumar nor or Education Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary clarify the matter in the House," Yadav further said. "Papers of every examination in Bihar are leaking these days and the mentors of education are doing nothing. In fact they are playing with the lives of students," Yadav said. He further claimed that during his speech, Governor Phagu Chauhan said the state government is buying paddy on MSP but there is no buying on the ground. Farmers are selling paddy in Rs 700 to 800 in several districts. "Over 260 farmers have died during the last three months during the agitation. When we asked to pay respects to the farmers in the house, our request was turned down. It that the BJP and Nitish Kumar are anti-farmer." World leaders and Australian politicians have blasted Facebook and accused it of bullying, after its drastic decision to block news content in Australia. The Government may extend Level 5 restrictions for another nine weeks until May as part of a cautious and phased plan to reopen our country, it emerged last night. As the vaccination programme begins to gather pace and hospital numbers continue to fall, leaders have signalled a slow and steady reopening of society as a counterbalance to the more transmissible UK variant. The B117 UK variant is estimated to be 56pc more transmissible than previous dominant strains in the UK and Ireland, according to recent European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data. The EU body has also said the variant of concern may cause more severe infection. If the Government does sign off on these prolonged restrictions at Cabinet next Tuesday, it will mean over four months of continuous Level 5 restrictions since retail and hospitality were shut on December 24. We have compiled a need-to-know list as Ireland faces another two months of lockdown. Further Restrictions News broke last night that the Government may extend the current Level 5 restrictions until late April or early May due to the stubbornly high case numbers and the dominance of the more infectious UK variant in Ireland. It is understood that small sections of the construction industry and school reopenings will be the only relaxation of measures until April. Restrictions will then be reviewed at the start of April and case numbers, hospital figures and ICU levels will all be considered before any decision is taken on extending or relaxing restrictions in any way. Read More Vaccination rollout There have been 293,752 vaccine doses administered to people as of Tuesday, according to latest HSE figures - 187,893 first doses and 105,859 second doses. People over the age of 85 started receiving their first dose of a vaccine this week, with the programme set to ramp up as more supplies become available. 110,000 vaccines will be administered next week, Paul Reid said at the weekly HSE briefing yesterday. Mr Reid said he understood the publics frustration over the rollout of the vaccination programme and said the HSE was committed to delivering all the supply it receives and it was administering 95pc of any supply of vaccines it receives so any issue was a supply one. By the end of March, Ireland will have received nearly 1.25m doses of Covid-19 vaccines and will receive at least a million doses a month from April onwards. The plan is still to offer a vaccine to all adults that want one before the end of September. Read More Effect of the UK variant Covid-19 is still transmitting at a very risky level across the community, HSE Chief Paul Reid has said, despite Ireland case numbers falling to 10pc of early January figures. While there are good trends across the board when it comes to the profile of the virus, hospitalisations and ICU admissions, case numbers are not falling as quickly as they have been in previous weeks. One in three household close contacts of a positive case are now contracting the virus, double the rate in previous waves before the UK variant arrived in Ireland. The B117 UK variant is now responsible for over 90pc of new cases. It is thought the variant is responsible for an increase of 0.4 in the reproduction rate (R number) of the virus within the community. Hospital Numbers There are 754 patients in hospital with Covid-19 this afternoon, including 151 who were in ICU. 200 coronavirus patients were receiving advanced respiratory care on hospital wards, Mr Reid confirmed yesterday. The number of people admitted to hospital with the virus had fallen by more than 25pc in the last week and ICU admissions were down 11pc. These figures are almost 50pc less than they were in the most recent peak but they are still far too high with respect to relaxing restrictions. Healthcare workers are still under huge pressure due to the disease and have endured almost a full year of working under Covid conditions. Hospital numbers will need to fall appreciably before restrictions will be eased. Positivity rates at community testing sites are ranging from 16 to 20pc currently, a level Mr Reid said is still very risky. Close Contacts The number of contacts of confirmed new cases of Covid-19 is drifting upwards, Professor Philip Nolan of Nphet has said. Irelands R number is currently below 1, meaning the profile of the virus is shrinking, but the case numbers have remained at a stubbornly high level in the last two weeks, with the rate of decline slowing. If the average number of close contacts for a positive case rises in the coming weeks, it could lead to progress being undone, health officials have warned. Virus clusters have been noted in universities NUIG and UL in recent days, with housing estate outbreaks in Limerick City also a cause for concern, Public Health MidWest have said. This may be a sign people are dropping their guard as lockdown fatigue takes hold but officials are urging people to stay with this, while Taoiseach Micheal Martin recently reminded people that the prize is worth fighting for. As a result of a traffic accident on the Sharm el-Sheikh-Cairo highway in Egypt, three citizens of Ukraine have been injured, said Oleh Nikolenko, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. "Egypt: on the highway Sharm el-Sheikh - Cairo, a tourist bus got into an accident. It is known about three injured citizens of Ukraine. They are hospitalized. The consuls of the Ukrainian Embassy in Egypt are interacting with local authorities to provide consular assistance to Ukrainians and clarify all the circumstances of the accident," wrote Nikolenko on Twitter on Friday. According to media reports, the accident happened on the Sharm el-Sheikh - Cairo highway on Friday morning. There were up to 60 passengers on the bus, including Ukrainians. The injured were taken to the hospital. Left: Minibuses from the Windward formed an impressive caravan on their way into Kingstown. Right: Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves was firm as he proceeded to expose what could be considered the folly in the minibus operators demands. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has indicated that the government is prepared to assist minibus operators with a temporary economic subsidy, and that it will assist with the sanitization of vehicles used for public transport. The Prime Minister was responding to a list of demands made of his government by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Transportation Association (VINTAS). This after minibus operators had withdrawn their services on Monday 15th February. The withdrawal of service had to do with the operators disgust with a recent COVID-19 protocol that obligated 18-passenger mini buses to carry a maximum of seven paying passengers. Public transportation service returned to some degree of normalcy after what VINTAS said was a meeting of members of the organization and the government, including the Prime Minister. Prefacing his attention to each of the demands, the Prime Minister stressed that he "can only make policy on a rational basis and within the context of reasonableness and the economic circumstances. He added that he knew that an overwhelming number of members of the public did not support the minibus operators action and referenced the tight economic projection for the year, including a EC$50 million deficit. Reduction in fuel price Dr. Gonsalves, not for the first time, said that the fuel price here was amongst the cheapest within the CARICOM member states, except for Trinidad and Tobago. "We get some taxes from fuel, Dr. Gonsalves conceded but asked rhetorically, "What was the government to do? Reduce the extent of the taxes? Then how would the government pay salaries? The Prime Minister also alluded to the unfairness of reducing prices for minibus operators only, in a country where there were over 30,000 vehicles. Continuation of sanitization Dr. Gonsalves said that it was agreed that the government will continue this service, which never stopped. He complained that there were some minibuses who instead of going to the points where sanitization was taking place, turned around and continued along their route. Duty free concessions This prompted the Prime Minister to remind the minibus operators current and future, that persons can get up to 80 percent concession on brand new 26-seaters or similar buses. There was also a 75 percent concession on the importation of vehicles to being used to transport students. Economic subsidy The request for a permanent economic subsidy of EC$500 was scrapped. Dr. Gonsalves pointed out that if computed on the basis of 600 minibus operators, it would cost the government EC$3.6 million a year. "Add a little more on that and you could build a primary school, the PM quipped. Provisions will be made for the payment of a temporary subsidy for a period of two months initially. Waiver of all vehicle licence fees The Prime Minister cited that the revenue generated from vehicle and drivers licenses along with the registration of vehicles and inspection fees, add up presently to about EC$22.7 million. Alluding to what this money might be earmarked for, Dr. Gonsalves said that there were roads in the country that cost more than that to rehabilitate, and there were still a number of other roads that needed attention. Waiver of all traffic tickets And on the request by VINTAS for a waiver of all traffic tickets issued to minibus operators for picking up or dropping off passengers at undesignated points, Dr. Gonslaves reminded the Association that there was no instrument by which government was able to interfere with the judicial process. "I would have thought that the Association would want to see proper regulation. They said the system would be properly regulated, but some of the elemental regulations you want to cast aside. I cant go to the Mercy Committee with this because this is not a sentence, Dr. Gonsalves said. The new understanding subsidy, sanitization, etc., has been put in place for a month. Ongoing support will be decided on later in the year. ROME, FEB 19 - Turin Mayor Chiara Appendino and Piedmont Governor Alberto Cirio have been put under investigation by criminal prosecutors over smog levels in Turin along with their predecessors, Piero Fassino and Sergio Chiamparino respectively, sources said on Friday. The city and regional environment chiefs of recent years are also set to get notification they are being probed, the sources said. They are accused of not taking the necessary measures to adequately combat the problem. Among other things, they alleged failed to "take account of the vulnerability of sensitive groups" such as children in their policies. Fassino, an MP for the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), said he was "dismayed and astounded" at the news because "my administration always chose to protect the city's environmental quality". He said he had not yet received the notification and had learned of the investigation from the media. (ANSA). Late December and early January with the northern beaches restrictions and the NSW and Queensland borders being shut really whacked forward and existing bookings, he said. In some cases, they went from 100 per cent to zero. There are two or three speeds in the tourism industry right now ... they didnt all get the bounceback they expected [over Christmas/New Years]. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video ATIC members have reported a 35 per cent drop in rolling forward bookings, which are now at such a low level many businesses report they wont be able to remain open without assistance. Up to a third of operators say they will either shut their doors or shed staff once JobKeeper ends. Among Victorian businesses, 57 per cent of those surveyed said they were still on JobKeeper, with about half of these saying they will significantly reduce staff numbers after March 28. Labour and workplace agreements require a minimum four-week notice period and businesses need to cover redundancy provisions. Tourism businesses operational and labour decisions are now being made on the assumption of no new assistance. Loading The federal government privately believes JobKeeper has become a crutch for the states, which can shut down their borders knowing there will be financial support for local businesses. It believes by removing the wage subsidy safety net, states will be forced to more closely consider the economic fallout of future snap shutdowns. The federal governments COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund has already provided $1 billion in extra funding for industries such as tourism, including grants and fee waivers. Mr Westaway said a new round of assistance could be similar in format to previous one-off business payment schemes and administered by the Tax Office to enterprises with a proven substantial drop in revenue. For many tourism businesses, forward booking levels are insufficient to sustain jobs and core operations when JobKeeper ends in March, ATICs briefing materials say. Timing around further support is now critical. A Qantas spokesman confirmed the airline was talking to the federal government about continued support for the aviation sector and for our people, especially those connected to our international operations who are likely to be without work for some time to come. Those conversations are ongoing and its fair to say the particular challenges facing the industry are well understood, he said. Late December and early January ... really whacked forward and existing bookings. Australian Tourism Industry Council executive director Simon Westaway Virgin Australia has been vocal in its push for government support to be extended, joining with the union movement last month to call for an AviationKeeper subsidy to run until flight operations return to normal. A Virgin spokesman said on Friday the company remained in discussions with the government about sector support and the importance of aviation in the countrys broader economic recovery. The governments expenditure review committee spent Friday discussing key elements of another major program, JobSeeker, which will return to its pre-virus level of $40-a-day when the COVID supplement ends on March 31. Bunnings was one retail outlet to benefit from the ban on international travel as customers spent their savings on home improvements. Credit:Wayne Taylor A decision to lift the base payment was taken late last year but the debate within the government now is over its level, whether it should be rolled in with other welfare payments and if tighter restrictions on accessing JobSeeker should be imposed. While the government has been concerned about state border closures, some parts of the domestic tourism industry and economy are benefiting from the effective ban on Australians leaving the country. In December 2019, a net 226,000 people left Australia on short-term holidays on Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. In December last year, a net 6980 people left the country. Economists estimate the international border ban has become a $25 billion stimulus, with money that would have been spent overseas now going into domestic bank accounts or to local retailers. Expenditure on household and gardening goods alone climbed by more than 10 per cent during 2020. Half-yearly results from Coles, Bunnings owner Wesfarmers and BCF parent company Super Retail Group referred to significant increases in spending due in part to travel restrictions. Loading Coles said customers were spending more time working, studying and staying at home, supporting demand in some product categories. Home and hardware giant Bunnings first-half revenue jumped 24.4 per cent to more than $9 billion. Travel restrictions and customers spending more time undertaking projects at home continued to support sales growth, Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said. Boating, camping and fishing store BCFs total sales increased 50.9 per cent to $427.7 million as COVID-19 restrictions eased and domestic tourism and leisure activity increased, with Western Australia, Queensland and NSW performing strongest. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said a rollout of the coronavirus vaccine would change how things are down here in Australia. I think it is a reasonable expectation that as time goes on, as the vaccination rolls out across the world and here in Australia, you should rightly expect that things will change in how we manage the virus, he said. NASA has launched an 'interactive map' of Mars that lets you track the Perseverance rover as it begins its exploration of the Jezero crater on the Red Planet. Perseverance landed on Mars after a nail biting 'seven minutes of terror' on Thursday that involved plummeting through the atmosphere at 12,000 miles per hour. It was a particularly complicated landing as the area in the crater is littered with jagged rocks and obstacles, requiring thousands of lines of code to allow the rover to negotiate the complicated terrain without human input. To allow people to continue tracking the location of the rover, nicknamed 'Percy' as it trundles along at 152 meters per hour (0.09mph), NASA released a live map. The landing area is marked with a blue ellipse and the rover is a light blue pin. As Perseverance moves throughout the landscape, you'll be able to track its location. NASA has launched an 'interactive map' of Mars that lets you track the Perseverance rover as it begins its exploration of the Jezero crater on the Red Planet. The interactive map is made up of two layers: a grayscale Jezero Crater map created with images from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and a true-colour base map taken by the ESA Mars Express camera. The goal of the Perseverance mission is to seek out signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and dust for a possible future return to Earth. The car sized rover will slowly trundle around the crater over the next few years, taking images, gathering data and placing rock samples in tubes. To allow people to continue tracking the location of the rover, nicknamed 'Percy' as it trundles along at 152 meters per hour (0.09mph), NASA released a live map The goal of the Perseverance mission is to seek out signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and dust for a possible future return to Earth. It is the 9th NASA lander on Mars By the end of the decade another rover, the European Space Agency Fetch vehicle, will be sent to Mars to gather those tubes and return them to Earth. For the interactive map there is some 'not true' colour processing applied to highlight key surface features to look for within the crater. 'A high-resolution Digital Elevation Model was created from the images to provide critical information for rover drivers, who need to know how steep the hills are as they plan a path forward through this rocky terrain,' the agency wrote in a blog. NASA's Perseverance rover will attempt to collect 30 rock and soil samples in sealed tubes, to be eventually sent back to Earth sometime in the 2030s for lab analysis 'Engineers created this experience with software used by the mission team who decide where Perseverance will explore, and how to get there. 'Each dot represents the end point of a drive and is labeled with the day, or sol, on Mars, that the rover stopped.' This means you'll not only be able to see where the rover is at that moment, but also monitor where it has been and how far it has travelled. At just 0.09 miles per hour, it is unlikely the $2.2 billion rover will get very far, but speed and distance aren't its purpose - it is there as an astrobiology lab. NASA has sent a number of orbiters to Mars, which allowed them to find Perseverance's target the 28-mile Jezero Crater (pictured). The Jezero Crater is thought to be an extinct lake and is also close to curious rock formations, all of which are of great scientific interest back on Earth The spacecraft carrying the rover separated 10 minutes before atmosphere entry and Perseverance then entered Mars' atmosphere at around 12,000 miles per hour quick enough to travel from London to New York in 15 minutes Mars Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter form a pairing on the Red Planet that will help in the search for signs of ancient Martian life JEZERO CRATER: ONCE HOME TO A ROARING RIVER DELTA NASA picked the Jezero crater as the landing site for Perseverance out of more than 60 candidate locations. Scientists believe that around 3.5 billion years ago, the Jezero Crater was home to a river that flowed into a lake, depositing sediment in a fan shape known as a delta They spent five years studying the potential sites - each with its own unique selling points - before settling on Jezero due to its link to a wet Mars. Jezero tells the story of the on-again, off-again nature of Mars' wet past. Over 3.5 billion years ago river channels spilled over the crater walls, creating a lake. There is evidence water carried clay minerals from surrounding area into the crater lake. This means that microbial life 'could have' lived in the Jezero crater during one of these wet periods. If so then signs of their remains could be found in lakebed or shoreline sediments due to be studied by the rover over the coming years. Advertisement Just before 21:00 GMT on Thursday the rover safely landed on the Red Planet and sent back images, marking an 'amazing accomplishment'. Perseverance's twitter account marked its arrival on Mars, tweeting that it had landed safely, and posting pictures from the rover of it's 'forever home'. The arrival of this image, and second taken from behind the rover, showing a flat, rocky surface, was met with a round of cheers from mission control. More images, videos and sounds from the landing and the Jezero crater are expected to start arriving from the rover over the weekend. The Jezero crater where Perseverance landed is a 28 mile wide depression that contains sediments of an ancient, long-dried up river delta. Early indications suggest Perseverance landed on a relatively flat surface, and not too far from sand dunes which will have to be navigated in order to reach the delta. Images from NASA showed the rover had landed in tiny safe space, surrounded by red areas that would have been very difficult to land in. Scientists know that 3.5 billion years ago, Jezero was the site of a large lake, complete with its own delta. They believe that while the water may be long gone, somewhere within the crater, or maybe along its 2,000-foot-tall (610 metre) rim, evidence that life once existed there could be waiting. At each stop along the way Perseverance will be performing a number of science experiments and sending data back to Earth for scientists to review. Thanks to the new tracking map, Percy fans sitting at home can also monitor where the rover is, has been and is going in the future. In May the Chinese space agency will be landing the Tianwen-1 rover on the Red Planet, if successful, becoming only the second nation to have a rover on Mars. They will be joined in 2023 by the British-built, European Space Agency Rosalind Franklin rover, that will compliment efforts to find signs of ancient life. The young Nigerian entrepreneur, Obinwanne Okeke, who was on Tuesday sentenced by a U.S. court to 10 years in prison for multi-million-dollar wire fraud, has been ordered to undergo treatment for fraud mentality and drug abuse. A judge of an Eastern District court of Virginia, Rebecca Smith, ordered Mr Okeke to be incarcerated in a medical facility where he would be subjected to full medical and mental health evaluation and treatment. The evaluation cum treatment is part of the rehabilitation process to reform his conduct before he completes his jail term and is reintegrated into the society, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. PREMIUM TIMES, on Thursday, obtained the sentencing documents of the court where 33-year-old Mr Okeke, also known as Invictus Obi, had pleaded guilty to wire fraud before being sentenced on Tuesday. Profile Mr Okeke, the Chairman of his Abuja-based Invictus Group, was until his arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in the U.S. in August 2019, a globally renowned businessman, public speaker, and philanthropist. U.S. authorities revealed after his arrest that he connived with some individuals, who remained at large, to defraud companies and individuals within and outside the U.S. over a period of at least four years. He and the other conspirators defrauded the United Kingdom office of Unatrac Holding Limited, which has its headquarters in the United Arab Emirate (UAE), of nearly $11 million in 2018. Fraud mentality, drug abuse treatment After sentencing him to 120 months (10 years) in jail on Tuesday, the judge in her recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons, recommended that the defendant be incarcerated in the facility at the Federal Medical Centre at Butner, North Carolina or a similar medical facility. The defendant shall undergo a full mental health evaluation and receive all appropriate mental health treatment and counselling, in particular for his fraud mentality, the judge added. She also said Mr Okeke shall receive a full medical evaluation and shall receive all appropriate medical treatment for any conditions he may have. On drug abuse, she ordered that the defendant shall undergo a substance abuse evaluation and receive all appropriate substance abuse treatment and counselling. Post-offence rehabilitation In an earlier pre-sentencing filing, Mr Okekes lawyer, John Iweanoge, had while canvassing factual and legal arguments for a lesser sentence for his client, confirmed that the convict would undergo post-offence conduct rehabilitation. He said the rehabilitation included drug abuse and anger management programmes. He said: in terms of rehabilitation, Mr Okeke, who has been separated from his 19-month-old daughter, family, community, and country, has learnt his lesson from this case and a strong deterrence value in the fact that Mr Okeke has already served about 18 months of any sentence that is being asked to be imposed by this court with treatment. His post offence conduct rehabilitation included but (is) not limited to substance abuse and anger management programmes. Mr Iweanoge said the convict had additionally completed six (6) other Christian fellowship programs from the South Eastern Missionary, Inc, while at Western Tidewater Regional Jail. He said Mr Okeke had also been mentoring some inmates at the same facility. Background Mr Okeke was arrested on August 6, 2019, after a criminal complaint about computer and wire fraud aimed at defrauding Unatrac Holding Limited was levelled against him. ADVERTISEMENT He was arrested at Dulles International Airport, Virgina, as he prepared to depart the U.S. after a visit to witness the birth of his 19-month-old daughter born on July 15, 2019. On September 9, 2019, he was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud. Mr Okeke, who initially denied the charges, later entered into a plea bargain agreement with the U.S. authorities and pleaded guilty to count 1 on June 18, 2020. The guilty plea helped Mr Okeke to secure the withdrawal of the second charge that carries lesser sentence and fines. Scheme U.S. authorities accused him of playing a leading role in a sophisticated West African based business email compromise and computer fraud conspiracy between 2015 and 2019. It said Mr Okeke and his conspirators defrauded hundreds of victims within and outside the U.S by sending phishing emails to various businesses in a bid to obtain log-in credentials of employees. Mr Okeke, a celebrated young Nigerian citizen who operated a group of companies known as the Invictus Group, was said to have operated behind a number of email addresses and accounts. He used the emails to engage in extensive discussions with other conspirators about creating fraudulent web pages, designed to trick unsuspecting users into providing their account credentials. The prosecution said he and his conspirators obtained legitimate credentials of other individuals which they used to commit fraudulent acts targeting businesses and individuals to obtain money and other property. The fraudsters, through this means, gained access to protected computers without any authorisation, sent fraudulent wire transfer requests, used fake invoices, viewed and downloaded files belonging to other individual and business victims. They then compiled and coopted the credentials of hundreds of victims throughout the United States and other countries, through which they obtained the funds of individuals and business entities. The U.S. prosecution said he and his conspirators, sometimes in 2018, defrauded the United Kingdom office of Unatrac Holding Limited of nearly $ 11 million through the fraudulent techniques. The code is good for large media organisations but it is not as good for smaller publishers that rely on these social media services, Mr Douglas said. Edith Cowan University digital journalism lecturer Dr Laura Glitsos said the specific and deliberate flex from Facebook should not have swept up smaller publishers, including the universitys student news website. There is a lot of confusion around who should be included in this stoush between the government, the massive news organisations and the social media giants, Dr Glitsos said. I woke up and saw the Facebook I had attached to the [ECU news] platform had been completely wiped of all of its posts. We dont want to be involved in the stoushes with the big boys, we dont need to be involved, we arent going to get anything out of it. Admittedly Facebook is frustrated and I understand that point of view because they do provide us a service but they are punishing the smaller platforms so that all of these smaller voices put pressure on the government. I think it is a really unfair way to do it and it is irresponsible because smaller publications often showcase marginal voices or serve certain communities. Ivan Leung is the founder and editor of the West Australasian Media Network (WAMN), which provides a growing audience of predominantly younger West Australians with breaking political news. Since it launched locally in 2013, it has used Facebook to live stream video news and its weekly bulletin. During Perths recent five-day COVID-19 lockdown, Mr Leung said WAMN reached 622,000 people with its news updates. If Facebooks news ban is sustained, Mr Leung said WAMN would find ways to adapt to survive but would need to invest significantly in diversification. Facebook and the government are two Godzillas fighting each other and we are the buildings below their feet, Mr Leung said. The biggest hit to us is the traffic numbers we can continue distributing our content on other channels but obviously when it comes to numbers we have to start from scratch. Loading If it removed the ban, we would continue to use Facebook because we need to reach out to our audience, we have an obligation to. But this is a big wake-up call to everybody. Mr Leung said WAMN would put more energy into its other channels YouTube and Twitter and continue to try and drive organic traffic to its website. Perth is OKs Mr Whelan said about 25 per cent of visitors to its website came from Facebook, with the majority, about 50 per cent, coming from Google. Its a similar story for the So Perth website, which counts Facebook as its second-largest traffic source after Google. Both sites said their major concern was finding ways to continue to service their clients, which pay for editorial content or place advertisements. Mr Whelan said Perth is OKs clients had been understanding as the site worked to find alternative solutions. [Facebook] havent taken away the paid feature, which is quite ironic, Mr Whelan said. They are more than happy to take our money still at Facebook but they wont let us use the pages we spent hundreds of thousands of dollars building and curating. So Perth founder Adam Barrell said if the blackout was sustained it would be quite detrimental to us and negatively impact our business capability under the current business strategy we have. If it was to remain as-is, we would have to look at other ways to drive revenue, Mr Barrell said. The whole [government media] code was meant to be fostering a more diverse and stronger news media in Australia but this has happened as a result, and it definitely makes things harder for us not easier it is to the detriment of the whole media landscape in Australia. Loading There is a mutual benefit between Facebook getting our content and us getting engagement, but we definitely benefit more from it than Facebook does. It allows us to tap into an ecosystem that has already been built people are time poor and they like that Facebook and Instagram can serve up content in a stream form for them to engage with. People dont know what they are looking for until they find it on social and Facebook was obviously very good at doing that. Sites like ours need that and the community needs us we may be small but we have grown up here, we are localised and we have built our following from scratch in Perth. 23720 Jan Geldmacher, President, Sprint Business [NYSE:S] Jan Geldmacher, President, Sprint Business [NYSE:S] The world is experiencing an unprecedented paradigm shift from the physical to the virtual. Everything that can be connected will be, including people, places and things. This shift is at the center of business transformation worldwide and it is mandating that IT leaders continue to reinvent themselves even more. This necessitates IT leaders to transform from technologists to business strategists. The IT decision makers ability to integrate data and applications with the cloud, mobile and the IoT to bring innovation to the forefront in a compelling, reliable manner will determine if a business will prosper in this new world. Three overarching trends will impact nearly every individual and business, and those CIOs who readily leverage these opportunities will help make sure their business has a deeper, more meaningful relationship with their customers and other important constituents. The first is mobilization. Four, sometimes even five generations of people, are in the same workplace and must collaborate and communicate with each other. The youngest of these generations are digital natives, while more experienced generations sometimes still like to print their e-mail to read it. Amid the challenge of such a diverse workplace, technology leaders have to find solutions to reduce the complexity and mobilize each individual so they work as an efficient and productive team. Two recent trends in mobility is an increase in BYOD devices and the advent of both a business and personal line on one phone, which allows employees flexibility and convenience. On these multi-line devices, companies would want to ensure security of the companys proprietary data and protocols, regardless of whether the individual or the company owns the device. The question to answer however remains open in many cases: How do you make sure employees use their own devices in the most productive and efficient way? The power of a smartphone should be used to increase corporate productivity. In a global economy, one of the CIOs most business-critical responsibilities is to select the IP network architecture that assures impeccable reliability Managed mobility services are also being used more, offloading the device-management and IT burden, freeing CIOs and other technology leaders to focus in areas that drive revenues and growth. The as-a-service model also relieves their companies of capital costs, while assuring their employees will have the most innovative devices on an annual basis. The second part of the paradigm shift is globalization. It used to be if you owned a business, especially a small business, you had customers and competition only in your own city or region. Now a small business in Kansas City can have customers in China or India and certainly has competition all over the world. That requires an infrastructure and tools to help businesses communicate seamlessly and do business worldwide. In a global economy, one of the CIOs most business-critical responsibilities is to select the IP network architecture that assures impeccable reliability. This helps make sure customers, prospects and employees have access online to the companys applications, products and services, as well as to its sales people and customer care professionals. Globalization also has ramifications for cybersecurity, supply-chain management, reputation management and many other key business-critical topics. For example, a company name can quickly surface in a negative light on a worldwide platform like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and a host of other social networks. Thats why its important to be keenly aware and integrated into every operational element of a company to maintain, or repair, access and connectivity issues before the problem is magnified globally. The third leg of the transformation is digitalization. Everything will be connected. Machine to machine. Places to people. People to people. There are an estimated 20 billion connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). The connectivity boom including sensors, IoT, Bluetooth, WiFi, GSM, LTE, and 5G in the future, is ubiquitous. Robotics and automation continue to make processes less expensive and more efficient in manufacturing, financial services, hospitality and many more industries. 5Gs latency of a millisecond will allow humans and robots to work side by side at similar paces on, for example, production lines or in service industries. CIOs are leading a digital transformation. According to 2,600 CIOs in Gartners 2017 CIO Agenda Survey, digitalization will increase from 18 percent of their budget in 2017 to 28 percent in 2018. Companies are transforming their go-to market strategies to emphasize online access to their customers or to customer service functions. All of this takes better communication, a reliable network and connectivity of people to places online. To keep up with the waves of mobilization, globalization and digitalization, technology leaders need more than just capital and technology resources. They need talent. However, a Harvey Nash Global CIO Report found that 65 percent of CIOs surveyed believed there is a deficiency in the expertise and talent needed. CIOs, therefore, may rely more on managed services offered by companies to fill the void. According to a 2015 KPMG study, 20 percent of respondents said more than 25 percent of their IT budgets were controlled or managed outside of the IT organization. A CIOs responsibilities extend broader and deeper than ever before. An IT world that primarily delivered access and efficiency for a company now must also focus on reliability of its chosen network to reduce down times that impede sales. It must ensure security to fight off the myriad vulnerabilities that exist from intentional threats and those that happen without reason or intent. CIOs must show their strategies can generate an ROI through integration of technology assets that speed time to market; assure customer/prospect access points are open 24/7, 365 days a year; and that customer care channels have the ability for seamless dialogue with people who want their problem resolved immediately. The demands and challenges are at a peak. Fortunately, so are the assets, partners and resources available. To increase the chances of achieving all of a CIOs many objectives, its a matter of selecting the right ones. On Thursday, congressional Democrats and the Biden White House announced legislation that would make significant changes in the US immigration system but which both the corporate media and the Democrats themselves said had little chance of ever becoming law. In effect, the 353-page billcalled the US Citizenship Act of 2021introduced by Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Representative Linda Sanchez of California and ten other Democrats, is a public relations gesture, aiming at showcasing the sympathy of the Biden administration for immigrants, as opposed to the vicious hostility of Donald Trump and his fellow bigots. Detention facility in McAllen, Texas, Sunday, June 17, 2018 (Photo US Customs and Border Protection). The real purpose of the bill, however, is to start a process of negotiation with Senate Republicansand some Democratsover what watered-down compromise, if any, will eventually be adopted. It is his vision of what it takes to fix the system, one White House aide told the Los Angeles Times, and its also a chance to kind of reset and restart conversations on immigration reform after the last four years. The bill provides two different versions of a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants. The majority, at least seven million, would have temporary status for five years, and then become eligible for a green card, giving them permanent resident status for another three years, for a total of eight years. The minority, about four millionthose brought here as children and eligible for DACA protection, farmworkers employed under the H-2A visa plan and refugees with Temporary Protected Statuswould be immediately eligible for green cards, with a three-year wait for citizenship. While Senator Menendez told reporters on Thursday, We have an economic and moral imperative to pass big, bold and inclusive immigration reform that leaves no one behind, two other pieces of legislation have already been introduced for a much smaller scale legalization. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act creates a pathway to citizenship only for agricultural workers employed under the H-2A visa. The Dream and Promise Act creates a pathway to citizenship only for DACA recipients. As reported by Politico, White House officials wouldnt say if Biden is considering passing elements of immigration reform through a second budget reconciliation process later this year or if they are already talking to lawmakers about passing smaller items. But they conceded the end result could be very different. An unidentified White House official confirmed that Biden was fully prepared to give up provisions of the expansive bill when he said of the president on Wednesday evening, He was in the Senate for 36 years and hes the first to tell you the legislative process can look different on the other end of where it starts. As Politico put it, Sources close to the White House have said for weeks that the administration is open to passing targeted bills that could be more likely to garner 60 votes. It is widely recognized that the Democrats do not have enough votes in the Senate to reach the 6040 majority needed to pass the legislation. It is not even clear how many of the 50 Democrats would support such a bill. Four Democratsboth senators from Michigan and both from Arizonavoted for an amendment that would bar undocumented workers from receiving any aid under Bidens proposed coronavirus recovery bill. Another anonymous White House representative expressed the cynicism behind the draft immigration law, This bill was not designed to get to 60. Theres no pathway to 60. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi also expressed the willingness of the Democrats to use the rights of immigrant workers and their families as a bargaining chip, when she told reporters, I salute the president for putting forth the legislation that he did. There are others who want to do piecemeal and that may be a good approach today. Thats up for the Congress to decide. As explained on the World Socialist Web Site on January 20, the 8-year path to citizenship aspect of the legislation is terribly inadequate for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US and can be reversed before the eight-year process has been completed. One aspect of the bill that has been touted as significant by the Democrats is the removal of the word alien from US immigration laws as dehumanizing and its replacement with the word noncitizen. However, in all the discussion and news reporting about this terminological modification, there is hardly a mention of the right-wing nationalist, xenophobic and racist hatreds and attempts to criminalize being immigrant workers by prominent members of the US political establishment that stands behind the phrase illegal alien. Another component of the bill that is being given scant attention is Title II which advances a plan for responsibly managing the southern border. While the Democrats have claimed that the legislative proposal is a radical departure from the immigration policies of the Trump Administration, the language in this section proves just the opposite. While the fascistic Donald Trump promoted the construction of a wall at the US southern border, the Biden plan calls for a strategy to manage and secure the southern border of the United States by deploying smart technology This strategy includes an assessment of the physical barriers, levies, technologies, tools and other devices that are currently in use along the southern border of the United States. The bill then outlines a plan of action for selecting and deploying technologies to achieve and maintain situational awareness of the southern border and for the goal of evaluating the performance and identifying the effectiveness rate of U.S. Border Patrol agents and operations. In other words, while Trump was building an expensive and ineffective wall, the Democrats are proposing use of sophisticated technologies to militarize the southern border and to establish cost effectiveness calculations for each technology, tool, or other device that will be deployed, including an analysis of the cost per mile of border surveillance. The correspondence of Bidens immigration policy with that of Trump is also evident in the immigrant deportations carried out by the new administration. According to a report in the American Prospect on Thursday, The deportation machine polished and perfected under President Trump appears to be running without a hitch under President Biden. The liberal publication points out that last week the Biden administration carried out 21 removal flights to six different countries, which is on a par with the weekly average of the Trump administration. Flights to Mexico and Central American countries as well as Haiti, Jamaica, Cameroon, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been carried out every single day, since February 1, according to Guerline Jozef, president of the Haitian Bridge Alliance. On Wednesday, a letter signed by more than 40 Democrats in Congress was sent to Biden and the new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling for an 18-month pause in deportations to Cameroon, which have become known as death planes because those being returned are guaranteed to go to prison or be killed by the government of the central African country. The website UnitedWeDream.com is publishing a live count of the number of confirmed deportations under Biden. The counterwhich has reached 26,248 as of this writingis accompanied by the following language, Under the Biden-Harris Administrations watch, deportations are taking place daily, despite a promise to stop deportations. The site also has a database of human rights atrocities committed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and says that there is a mountain of evidence proving that the abuse is taking place and that politicians are trying to hide it. Late Thursday, the Biden administration released a memo on its new guidance for ICE which the ACLU has characterized as a return to form viz. immigration enforcement under the Obama administration. Some of the new provisions are likely to be of extreme concern to immigrants, immigrant communities and immigration rights activists/advocates. During the eight years when Biden was vice president (20092017), President Barack Obama became known as the deporter in chief for his aggressive immigrant deportation policies. These were then picked up and further developed during the Trump administration. An undocumented immigrant mother from Mexico was reunited Thursday with her three children after she spent more than three years in sanctuary at a church in Ohio to avoid a deportation order. 'Finally, I can go home,' Edith Espinal said at a press conference outside the ICE building Thursday in Westerville. 'I hope this can open doors for other people living in sanctuary.' Espinal was ordered to self-deport by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2017 after her request for asylum was turned down. The 43-year-old, who in 1995 fled her western Mexico hometown of Michoacan due to violence, stayed in the US and avoided deportation by obtaining refuge in October 2017 at the Columbus Mennonite Church in Columbus, Ohio, where she has lived since 2000. Living at the church offered her a level of protection, as the agency's policy is to avoid apprehending immigrants at schools or churches. Edith Espinal, a 43-year-old mother of three children, rejoined her family in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday after spending three years hiding from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a church Edith Espinal holds her pet dog Bella as she is greeted by a supporter following her meeting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Westerville, Ohio Edith Espinal had been living at the Columbus Mennonite Church in Columbus, Ohio, since October 2017 after ICE instructed her to self-deport to Mexico after the agency turned down her application for asylum WOSU radio reported that on Thursday, Espinal appeared before ICE officials at the agency's offices with her lawyer Lizbeth Mateo, Democratic activist Morgan Harper and church pastor Joel Miller, and requested to have her deportation order revoked. ICE turned down her request, but awarded her an order of supervision. Under the ruling, Espinal is not subject to immediate deportation but is required to report to ICE periodically. Her next scheduled check-in is in a few months. While there is an order of deportation, Mateo said Espinal is not a priority of ICE at the moment. 'It is not the end of her case. We're still going to have to fight,' Mateo said. 'There is nothing guaranteed tomorrow or in the next few months. So we will have to be on the lookout to make sure that she's safe.' The Columbus Mennonite Church provided a safe haven for Edith Espinal, a Mexican mother-of-three children, in October 2017 after ICE informed her that she was required to self deport. She refused and found refuge at the church, which she left Thursday after ICE granted her an order of supervision Edith Espinal meets with the press after learning that ICE had agreed to grant her an order of supervision Members of the Columbus City Council also backed Espinal and decried the 'broken immigration system' on Thursday. 'Edith is a long-time and welcomed resident of Columbus, and until we see comprehensive federal reform to fix our broken immigration system, it is imperative that we exercise our values as a nation through common sense steps that allow her to remain with her family,' council president pro tem Elizabeth Brown wrote. The news came on the same day President Joe Biden's administration introduced a bill to overhaul the United States immigration system. Edith Espinal, a Mexican national who fled her country in 1995 due to violence, still has a deportation order on file with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but is not being considered a priority as the agency is now more focused on apprehending undocumented immigrants who pose a threat to national security and public safety After seeking refuge at a Columbus Mennonite Church in Columbus, Ohio, since October 2017, Edith Espinal was back home with her family Thursday after officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement granted her an order of supervision. The 43-year-old is a mother-of-three and has been living in the United States since 1995 after fleeing her Mexican hometown of Michoacan due to violence Under Biden's proposal, nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants who were living in the United States as of January 1, 2021, will be eligible to become American citizens in eight years. They will receive a permanent residency card, otherwise known as a 'green card' after five years if they pass certain requirements including background checks, and would be able to petition for citizenship after three years. As part of Biden's plan, ICE announced Thursday that it 'will focus the agency's civil immigration enforcement and removal resources on threats to national security, border security and public safety.' Mateo hopes Espinal and other undocumented immigrants will benefit from Biden's immigration reform bill, a far cry from the stringent immigration policies enacted by the administration of former President Donald Trump. 'We're going to continue pressing the Biden administration to do the right thing, and try to get rid of that order of deportation against Edith, so she can walk freely like everyone else does without fear,' Mateo said. And look, Im not here to flyspeck Burrs record he voted to support Trumps positions 89% of the time over the last four years so I could argue all day with him but to note that Meachams onto something important: History tends to judge us by the tough decisions we make. And those who care about how theyll be remembered always ought to take the long view. The Biden administration will release an intelligence report that concludes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Washington Post reported Thursday that an unclassified report produced by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence will be made public as early as next week. 'I dont have an update on the timing,' press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday when asked about the coming release. Khashoggi was writing columns critical of the Saudi government for the paper before he was drugged and dismembered after being lured to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, to pick up the paperwork required for his marriage to a Turkish citizen. President Joe Biden's administration is expected to release an unclassified report as early as next week that concludes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) ordered the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi (right) The Biden administration is acting more critically toward the Saudis, with the president expected to engage with King Salman bin Abdulaziz instead of 'MBS,' the crown prince. Biden already announced the U.S. will end support for Saudi Arabia's controversial war with Yemen The Biden administration has already indicated the president will snub 'MBS,' as the crown prince is called, and instead engage with his father, the 85-year-old Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin did speak with Crown Prince Mohammed, who as the Saudi Defence Minister is Austin's counterpart, Saudi state media said Friday. Biden is returning to 'counterpart to counterpart' engagement,' the administration said, despite MBS being considered the country's de facto leader. The president also announced earlier this month that he will end support for Saudi Arabia's controversial war in Yemen. President Barack Obama began support for Saudi Arabia and President Donald Trump ramped it up, but Biden announced during his visit to the State Department that it's ending. 'We're also stepping up our diplomacy to end the war in Yemen, a war which has created a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe,' Biden said. Trump made the U.S.'s relationship with the Saudis a priority, making his first trip abroad in 2017 to Riyadh. Jared Kushner was a known friend of the crown prince. The brutal Khashoggi killing didn't change much. In Bob Woodward's book 'Fear,' the veteran Washington Post journalist wrote that Trump had said, 'I saved his a**,' about Mohammed. 'I was able to get Congress to leave him alone. I was able to get them to stop,' Trump said. Trump saw the relationship with Saudi Arabia in dollar figures, warning lawmakers that the Saudis could go into business with Russia instead. In May 2019, Trump also bypassed Congress allowing the Saudis to buy $8 billion in arms. Trump took MBS' denial at face value, the Woodward book indicated. 'He will always say that he didn't do it. He says that to everybody, and frankly I'm happy that he says that. But he will say that to you, he will say that to Congress, and he will say that to everybody. He's never said he did it,' Trump told Woodward. Woodward asked if Trump believed that he ordered Khashoggi's killing. 'No he says he didn't do it,' the then president replied. 'He says very strongly that he didn't do it. Bob they spent $400 billion over a fairly short period of time.' That dollar amount was massively inflated. Trump also ignored a law passed in early 2019 that instructed his administration to give Congress an unclassified ODNI report with 'a determination and evidence with respect to the advance knowledge and role of any current or former official of Saudi Arabia ... over the directing, ordering or tampering of evidence in the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.' In February of last year the ODNI told congressional leaders it was 'unable to provide additional information ... at an unclassified level,' instead sending them a copy of the classified CIA report. In July, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe reiterated to lawmakers that he would not be releasing an unclassified report because 'the disclosure of additional details surrounding Mr. Khashoggi's murder would undermine U.S. intelligence sources and methods.' He also said, 'I have determined that there is only a marginal "public interest" argument for this declassification.' During her confirmation, Biden's DNI pick Avril Haines said she would release the ODNI report. A number of sunshine groups have also filed suit to get the report released through the courts, if the Biden administration doesn't make good on its promises, or if the unclassified report it too heavily redacted. Australias peak foreign aid body has urged the government to give its diplomats and consular staff posted overseas priority access to COVID-19 vaccines, saying it has a responsibility to protect Commonwealth employees putting themselves at risk on the nations behalf. The Australian Council for International Development said any failure to give Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade employees working in some of the countries hardest hit by coronavirus swift access to a vaccine threatens Australias national interest. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary Frances Adamson and Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen DFAT staff are able to access the vaccine through local rollouts but many programs are plagued by supply problems and delays and some countries are only using vaccines that have not been approved for use in Australia. This masthead revealed on Thursday some embassies pleas to have their staff vaccinated had been rejected. 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. Manitobans who have received COVID-19 vaccines can now prove it after the province launched an online portal for the immunization records. Manitobans who have received COVID-19 vaccines can now prove it after the province launched an online portal for the immunization records. A record of vaccination, which includes the persons name, personal health information number, birthday, vaccine brand, and date of immunization, is now accessible through the same website where the province publishes COVID-19 test results. "This is another proactive measure to ensure people have access to their own health information," Health Minister Heather Stefanson said in a press release Thursday. "We know many Manitobans have asked for their COVID-19 vaccination information from our public health offices." The new tool comes nine weeks after the province launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Dec. 16. Sample COVID-19 immunization record Manitobans must have a valid Manitoba Health card and a personal email address to use the website. Previously, people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine were asked to contact the public health office in their region to request a record of immunization. The province doesnt provide COVID-19 vaccination records at clinics or update existing immunization cards when an injection is given. On Thursday, a provincial spokesman said public health offices were being "inundated" with requests for COVID-19 immunization records. "To me its disappointing that the province has vaccinated tens of thousands of people but still hasnt figured out how to give them proof of vaccination," Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew said Thursday. "This seems like this is going to be something that causes a lot of problems down the road." Kinew said plans should have been in place to offer vaccine records in advance of the COVID-19 immunization campaign. At the same time, the possibility that people may be asked to show proof of immunization in order to receive services remains a major concern, he said. "We dont want to create have and have-nots in our system," Kinew said. "And it may be just as simple as even somebody who did get vaccination but because of their living circumstance maybe isnt able to provide that vaccination record upon command. "The solution here would be to set up a regulatory framework that actually says that its inappropriate for an employer to be asking for this record, as one example," he said. "So we need to see those rules in place to prevent some of the negative things from happening." Cara Zwibel, a lawyer and director of the Fundamental Freedoms Program with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, said there is no precedent for requiring specific immunizations to access services, venues or employment within Canada. Health Minister Heather Stefanson referred to the province's newly-launched tool that allows individuals to print a COVID-19 immunization record as a proactive measure that addresses ongoing requests from Manitobans. The new tool comes nine weeks after the province launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Dec. 16. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) Should that happen with the COVID-19 vaccine, Zwibel said there is cause for concern, especially as doses remain scarce in Canada. Vaccine products currently available in Canada have not been approved for children under age 16, and are still being studied in pregnant and breastfeeding women, she noted. Meanwhile, some people, including those with precarious immigration status and temporary workers, may not have equitable access to vaccines. "If we start doing that, I think theres this idea that we start to designate people as safe and dangerous, it is just a recipe for inequality and discrimination," Zwibel said. Stefanson said employers and other parties should not ask for proof of immunization "for any purpose." Meanwhile, provincial public health officials reiterated that while the government encourages people to get immunized against COVID-19, it is not mandatory. A spokesperson for Shared Health said COVID-19 immunization is not a condition for employment or a requirement contained in any collective agreements. The same guidance also applies to the annual flu vaccine as well as regional health authorities in Manitoba. However, new employees are required to confirm they are immunized against some communicable diseases, including rubella, measles, Hepatitis B and chickenpox, if they are working in a clinic or health-care practice. Come spring, Stefanson said a permanent and "secure" COVID-19 immunization card will be available to Manitobans. No further details about the card were provided Thursday. The province added the information currently provided online is not a vaccine passport or an official government document. According to the province, immunization records can be accessed as early as 48 hours after doses are administered but it could take as long as a week for updated information to be posted. Those without internet access or a health card should continue to call their public health office. danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca When the news hit the fan, the Springsteen Corp. (The Boss, worth half a billion, is Big Business) swung into action to tone down the harsh media glare with the soft, filtered light of Bruces side of things. The New York Post, quoting a source close to Springsteen, said Bruce was provided the pricey Patron by one of his fans who stopped him for selfies. So far, none have stepped forward with the pics or to accept partial blame. And Bruce, known for loquacious storytelling during hourslong concerts, has been as quiet as a Jersey boardwalk in winter. Hes due in court Wednesday. Patna, Feb 19 : Rashtriya Janatad Dald leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday said the class 10 exam paper of the Bihar School Examination Board was leaked and Chief Minister and Education Minister of Bihar do not have any knowledge about it. After the conclusion of day one of the budget session in the Bihar assembly, Yadav said it is a reflection on the NDA government in Bihar. "It is simply unimaginable that the Social Sciences question paper of class 10 leaked at several places and the Chief Minister and the education minister do not know about it. What kind of government is Nitish Kumar running in Bihar? If they were aware of it, why are they hiding it?" asked Yadav. "When I informed the assembly about the paper leak, neither Chief Minister Nitish Kumar nor or Education Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary clarify the matter in the House," Yadav further said. "Papers of every examination in Bihar are leaking these days and the mentors of education are doing nothing. In fact they are playing with the lives of students," Yadav said. He further claimed that during his speech, Governor Phagu Chauhan said the state government is buying paddy on MSP but there is no buying on the ground. Farmers are selling paddy in Rs 700 to 800 in several districts. "Over 260 farmers have died during the last three months during the agitation. When we asked to pay respects to the farmers in the house, our request was turned down. It that the BJP and Nitish Kumar are anti-farmer." 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. Germany's vaccine regulator said on Thursday AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine is "highly effective" and reactions to it are short-lived, issuing a message of reassurance after some essential workers refused the shot. Health authorities in some European countries - including Germany - are facing resistance to the vaccine after side-effects led hospital staff and other front-line workers to call in sick, putting extra strain on already-stretched services. In a statement retweeted by Health Minister Jens Spahn, the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) said the vaccine "prevents COVID-19 disease in the majority of cases or alleviates symptoms when disease occurs." "Vaccine reactions occur relatively frequently after administration of the vaccine. But they are short-lived and usually reflect the body's normal immune response to vaccinations," it added. The PEI said it had been notified of reports from some clinics of increased sickness among personnel given the AstraZeneca vaccine, with reactions including fever, chills, headache, muscle and limb pain, and a general feeling of illness. The Institute said clinical trials of the vaccine had shown "reactions usually occur shortly after vaccination and are not associated with more severe or prolonged illness." Spahn responded on Wednesday to reports that essential workers were reluctant to receive the AstraZeneca shot after some experienced strong side-effects, saying it was both safe and effective. "I would be vaccinated with it immediately," Spahn told reporters. Short link: Highlights The Android 12 developer preview was launched today and can be downloaded by Pixel users. The beta for Android 12 is set to launch later this year which will be more polished and is recommended to general users. Google warns users to download the developer preview on a test device as they will have to reset their whole device to access the Android 12 preview. The Android 12 developer preview is here, and it is not meant for everyday users as it is bound to have bugs and battery issues. The developer preview is meant for app developers to test it before it is released more widely. This is the reason why Google has reportedly made it more difficult for general users to download the Android 12 developer preview. The beta for Android 12 is set to launch later this year which will be more polished and is recommended to users. However, if you are okay with bugs and issues and completely resetting your phone to factory reset it again to get access to Android 11, you can give the developer preview a shot. Google warns the risk-takers to install the update on a separate test device and not on their everyday-use phone because there is no guarantee the preview will be stable enough for everyday use, several reports have noted. Tech-savvy users should download the system image using the Android Flash Tool or sideload an OTA update using ADB commands. Google has shared files and instructions on its Android 12 site to help users manually download the preview. For now, the Android 12 can be accessed on a PC, macOS, or Linux, phones from Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, or Pixel 5. A cable will be required to connect the two. The Google developer page notes that users can alternatively install Android SDK tools and the USB drivers in case they are using Windows. To get the USB drivers, users should: -- Click Tools > SDK Manager in Android Studio -- Click the SDK Tools tab. -- Select Google USB Driver and click OK. -- Proceed to install the package. -- Using the SDK Manager helps you keep the driver up to date by notifying you when your current driver is out of date. -- Download the Developer Preview OTA image for your device. -- Connect your phone to your computer. -- Reboot into recovery (via ADB/USB debugging or the key combination) and enter sideloading mode power+volume up opens the Recovery menu, scroll via the volume keys to "apply update from ADB," and select it with a tap of the power button. -- Check that this worked by entering "ADB devices" (no quotes) in a shell or command prompt. If ADB is installed and your phone is in the correct mode, you should see an identifier for your phone, and a "sideload" state reported. -- Flash the OTA via a shell or command prompt, using "adb sideload your_file_name_here.zip" with no quotes, where the filename is the name of the OTA image you downloaded earlier. On some platforms, you'll need to precede adb commands with "./" for it to work correctly. -- Reboot when done. Google has also made DP1 available with the Android Flash Tool, making the process pretty linear and straightforward, with no tools to install. Users should access this link, connect their device through a USB cable, select the software they want to install and install the software on their device or follow the instructions by clicking on the link. . Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was as shocked as anyone when he learned that Inc had blocked news content from its website in his country at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday. He had been in direct contact with CEO Mark Zuckerberg and, he thought, was making progress toward an accommodation over proposed rules that would force the tech titan to pay publishers to link to their news. Yet this was a shock four years in the making - a potential global turning point for regulation of big social media that began with Australia's complex, provincial politics in 2017. The fight between the world's largest social media company and the 13th-largest economy is the result of a bill, scheduled for debate next week in Australia's Senate, that was foisted on Frydenberg and his boss at the time. Then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull wanted to relax media merger-and-acquisition laws to let Australian news outlets like Rupert Murdoch's News Corp scale up and survive a revenue crash as advertisers took their business to internet heavyweights like and Alphabet Inc's Google. Turnbull's conservative government needed support from outspoken independent Nick Xenophon, who held the balance of power in the Senate. He made the government promise an inquiry into "internet giants such as Google and Facebook". This week's blowup "is something I'd be very happy to take responsibility for," said Xenophon, now a private sector lawyer. "If there is a viable rival to Facebook in years to come, its genesis will be the event that occurred in on the 18th of February," he told Reuters. "Facebook has exposed the level of its market power. It's behaving like a monopoly." Turnbull's treasurer, Scott Morrison, honoured the Xenophon deal by tasking the antitrust regulator with examining Google and Facebook to "fully understand their influence in Australia". The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) inquiry ground on, Morrison became prime minister and Frydenberg became his treasurer. Meanwhile, Facebook's image in as a harmless online gathering spot was marred by revelations it sold third-party marketers the personal data of millions of people to target in the 2016 U.S. election. Concilation vs Bombshell When the ACCC delivered its report in mid-2019, Frydenberg called out Facebook's $5 billion fine for the election-related privacy breaches, saying it and Google "need to be held to account and their activities need to be more transparent". He left it to Australian media and Big Tech to thrash out a framework to negotiate the price of links that draw clicks - and advertising dollars - to their platforms. When that failed the ACCC stepped in, saying it would appoint an arbitrator to set fees in the event of stalemate, a model suggested by News Corp. The tech titans responded last September with threats to cancel their services in the country if the bargaining code took effect. They repeated the threats in January. With parliamentary votes looming, Prime Minister Morrison revealed that Microsoft Corp CEO Satya Nadella had offered its search engine Bing if Google's disappeared. Frydenberg said he was talking with Zuckerberg. As the bill moved through and passed the lower house, Google struck deals with free-to-air network Seven West Media Ltd and rival Nine Entertainment Co Holdings, which also owns the Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne's The Age newspapers. "None of these deals would be happening if we didn't have the legislation before the parliament," Frydenberg said on Wednesday. Then, in the early hours of Thursday morning Canberra time, News Corp announced a global deal with Google. News Corp and Seven thanked Morrison, Frydenberg and ACCC commissioner Rod Sims for forcing the issue. Murdoch's company said Xenophon was "instrumental in having adopt a world first, highly innovative policy approach". As Google turned conciliatory and the bill looked set to become law next week, it was Facebook's turn. Frydenberg was dressed for tennis on Thursday morning when he learned Facebook had taken a dramatically different approach - pulling the plug on Australia's news sites and, inadvertently, on many government disaster-information pages and other public-service outlets. Facebook said on Thursday that because the bill "does not provide clear guidance on the definition of news content, we have taken a broad definition in order to respect the law as drafted." Frydenberg cancelled his tennis game and arranged another call with Zuckerberg, and another the next day. "We certainly weren't given any notice by Facebook," the treasurer told reporters. But he said his half-hour call was "constructive". "We'll hear from them in the coming days and we'll see if we can find a pathway forward." Prince William today held a Zoom call to thank members of the military for their Covid vaccine efforts in footage released by Kensington Palace amid a dramatic afternoon for the royal family. The Duke of Cambridge shared footage of himself on Instagram as he dialled into calls with members of the Armed Forces as the Queen prepares to hand Prince Harry's military patronages to 'working members of the Royal family'. It will no doubt raise speculation that William, who rose to the rank of Major during his time serving with the British Army, is preparing to step into his brother's role as Captain General of the Royal Marines. Harry was today stripped of his titles, including Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington and Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Commands' Small Ships and Diving. The Queen, 94, will make a decision on who should inherit the roles and patronages this summer. The Duke of Cambridge dialled into video calls today to discuss how Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force members have found the atmosphere in jab centres across the country. In the short video shared to the kensingtonroyal Instagram account, the 38-year-old royal is heard asking: 'Are people maybe seeing there is light at the end of this tunnel?' Scroll down for video The Duke of Cambridge, pictured at his laptop earlier this week, quizzed some of the 5,000 Armed Service members employed in the vaccination programme in online Zoom calls One personnel member is heard telling the Prince, in the video shared to the kensingtonroyal Instagram account, that 'we've still got a long way to go' but that 'it's a joy and a privilege' to be involved in vaccinating people In a video call with five uniformed staff, the Prince highlighted that over 5,000 military personnel are currently working alongside the NHS in vaccinating priority groups. William, seen on two separate calls, is heard saying on one of them: 'Are you hearing hope and optimism coming out now? People are maybe seeing there is light at the end of this tunnel?' One service personnel member responds: 'We've still got a long way to go but I think a lot of people come in with that keen, eager, enthusiasm because they do start to see light at the end of the tunnel now.' He added: 'It's a real joy and a privilege to be there to help get them done.' The royals have been vocal in support of the vaccination programme in recent weeks. Yesterday, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall carried out their first public engagement of the year amid news of Prince Philip's hospitalisation. Vital role: An image shared on the Kensington Royal Instagram account on Friday highlighting the work the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force are doing to support NHS staff One member of the Armed Services told William there was an enthusiasm from those coming into the vaccination centres. Right, William, in a teal blue jumper and navy blazer as he chatted with personnel Prince Charles, 72, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, put safety first as they met with frontline workers at a Birmingham hospital during their first public engagement of the year on Thursday Royal effort: The Prince of Wales has joined Prince William in thanking those working in the vaccination centres The Duchess of Cornwall donned a blue and red tartan coat featuring a faux fur collar (Pictured, meeting front line health and care workers) Prince Charles, 72, who along with the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where they were greeted by Health Secretary Matt Hancock for the visit, toured the hospital to meet volunteers taking part in clinical trials for Covid-19 jabs. The couple, who have both had their first doses of the jab, also met healthcare staff receiving their inoculations in their first joint official public event for two months. They carried out the engagement despite news that Charles' father Prince Philip, 99, has been admitted to the private King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London, as a 'precautionary measure'. The roles and patronages revoked from Harry and Meghan Military roles Royal Marines RAF Honington Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving Organisations The Queen's Commonwealth Trust The Rugby Football Union The Rugby Football League The Royal National Theatre The Association of Commonwealth Universities Advertisement The Duke of Edinburgh's illness is not Covid-related and it is understood the decision to admit him on Wednesday was taken with an 'abundance' of caution. Meanwhile, organisations today started severing ties with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after they were stripped of all royal roles and patronages. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have told the Queen they will not be returning to frontline duties following their year outside the Firm. Buckingham Palace said their decision meant 'it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service'. A statement said: 'The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by the Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.' Within minutes of the midday announcement, organisations released their own statements confirming they had parted ways with the Sussexes. England Rugby tweeted: 'Prince Harry will be stepping down from his role as RFU Patron. We would like to thank Prince Harry for his time and commitment to the RFU both in his position as Patron and Vice Patron.' 'The RFU has greatly valued his contribution to promoting and supporting the game.' Only this month the Duke recorded a video for England Rugby to mark the 150th anniversary of the first international match against Scotland. He also holds the same role with the Rugby Football League, which this afternoon parted ways with a tweet. It said: 'The Rugby Football League thanks The Duke of Sussex for his time, care and commitment in supporting Rugby League at all levels in recent years from the children's game to the Challenge Cup, the England teams and RLWC2021.' Meghan's patronage of the National Theatre, which she was awarded by the Queen in 2019, also came to an end. In a statement the organisation said it was 'very grateful' for her support and commended her championing of its work. She will also lose her patronage of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and has to give up her role as vice-president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust. She keeps her two private patronages: Smart Works and animal charity Mayhew. Prince Harry, (L) speaks with England rugby player James Haskell during a visit to an England Rugby Squad training session at Twickenham Stadium on February 17, 2017 The Queen's Commonwealth Trust - only founded in 2018 - of which the Duke and Duchess were president and vice-president respectively said it was 'lucky' to have had their support. The trust said in a statement: 'The Queen's Commonwealth Trust exists to support young people around the world who are delivering practical help to those who need it most. 'We have been very lucky to have had the keen support and encouragement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in our formative years. 'They have enabled us to make fast progress and have helped us to take the organisation to readiness for its next phase. We are glad that they remain in our circle of supporters.' It added: 'Our focus, as always, is on the young people we work alongside. We will be pressing on with vigour to help them reach even more people with the essential services they provide.' Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a visit to The National Theatre on January 30, 2019 in London 'They have enabled us to make fast progress and have helped us to take the organisation to readiness for its next phase. 'We are glad that they remain in our circle of supporters. Our focus, as always, is on the young people we work alongside. We will be pressing on with vigour to help them reach even more people with the essential services they provide.' Harry is also no longer patron of the London Marathon Charitable Trust. The role was on a three-year term, which was renewed twice, covering nine years. It came to an end in January, and it was decided it would not be renewed. The Invictus Games, which was the brainchild of the Duke, released a statement confirming he would stay as its patron, as it was not a royal role. It said: 'We are proud to have The Duke of Sussex as our Patron. The Invictus Games was founded by him, it has been built on his ideas and he remains fully committed to both the Games and to the Invictus Games Foundation.' He also retains the following private patronages or presidencies: African Parks, Dolen Cymru, the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, MapAction, Rhino Conservation Botswana charity, Sentebale, and WellChild. It is not yet known whether Harry will retain his two other rugby-related patronages of the Rugby Football Union All Schools Programme and the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit as senior working royals in March 2020 to earn their own money in the US, where they have signed deals with Spotify and Netflix estimated to be worth more than 100million. Stepping down as working royals also means the couple, who now live in an 11million mansion in Montecito, California, will not be able to hold on to their military, Commonwealth and some other patronages. The decision was made after conversations between the Duke of Sussex and members of the Royal Family. The Duchess of Sussex keeps her two private patronages: Smart Works and animal charity Mayhew The Sussexes, who announced on Sunday that they expecting their second child, are poised for their 'intimate' interview about their lives with chat show queen Oprah Winfrey on March 7. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family. 'Following conversations with the Duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. 'The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by the Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family. 'While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.' A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: 'As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role. 'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.' You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The Fun Police: Law Enforcement Comes to Carnival Events like JOuvert in New York and Carnival in London have seen violent incidents. But the way they are policed says a lot about what happens when Black people gather. JOuvert has its roots in denial. In the late 1700s, French colonists in Trinidad began hosting masquerade balls that the enslaved Black Caribbean population was banned from attending. Undeterred, the enslaved peoples hosted their own festivals, often as a way of mocking their enslavers. Upon emancipation in 1838, Black Caribbean peoples participated in the Carnival celebration, bringing in their own customs and cultural traditions. The event spread to other parts of the globe as Caribbean-born people migrated. Similar celebrations made their way to New York City in the 1940s first concentrated in Harlem, then moving to Brooklyn in the 1960s to London (the Notting Hill Carnival) and to Toronto (Caribana, launched in 1967). All of these festivals were outgrowths of the Carnival celebrations already flourishing in Trinidad, Antigua, Barbados and the Dominican Republic. The celebration known as JOuvert is a raucous, colorful, jubilant affair that takes place at daybreak. (The word itself, pronounced joo-VAY, is likely derived from the Antillean Creole French word jou ouve, meaning dawn.) In New York, it happens on Labor Day, hours before the West Indian American Day Parade. There are steel pan drum bands, as well as huge sound systems, that give way to thousands dancing in the street: colorful revelers who got that way either by their own adornment or because of the various shades of paint, mud, and oil that are splashed at all comers. It is a joyful, exuberant celebration rooted in an act of defiance and then liberation, a bold expression of freedom, whether it is fulfilled or still yet to be won. But JOuvert in New York and the Notting Hill Carnival in London and Caribana in Toronto have also become known for another familiar element: a heavy police presence. Youve no doubt seen the photos and videos: Uniformed officers cavorting with Carnival revelers. (This video of a dancing officer at Notting Hill Carnival went viral in 2017.) The appeal of these images lays, in part, in a sort of implicit expression of unity between the police and the partyers. The images are often published and passed around in the same spirit as photos from last summers Black Lives Matter protests that showed officers kneeling in solidarity with protesters. Xiaomi is set to launch the Redmi K40 series in China on February 25 and it is expected to come up with Snapdragon 888. The company has already confirmed that the phone will come up with a chipset and a battery capacity exceeding 4,000 mAh. Before its launch, Xiaomi has officially teased the camera module of the Redmi K40 series which shows a vertically-aligned triple-camera setup, with two big camera sensors and a smaller cutout in the middle for presumably a third camera sensor. Specific details of the camera haven't been revealed yet. The Redmi K40 series phones are also expected to run on Android 11 and they could be equipped with a 4,500 mAh battery. The Pro model is expected to have a 5,000 mAh battery. Xiaomi has not yet revealed more details of the smartphone. A man was charged with murder in a May 2020 shooting in Trenton after witnesses helped identified the alleged gunman, authorities said Thursday. Bobby Vazquez, 41, also faces counts of weapons offenses and was being held at the Mercer County jail, according to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, who said his office filed a motion to have the city man remain in custody pending a trial. The attack occurred May 23 around 1:40 p.m. on Brunswick Avenue in Trenton, where police rushed to an alert from the citys gunshot detection system, Shot Spotter, according to the county prosecutors office. At the scene, officers discovered Watson Cogdell shot several times, authorities said. The 58-year-old died a short time later at a local hospital. Investigators with the countys homicide task force recovered four .40 caliber shell casings and a projectile from the scene, according to the prosecutors office. Detectives also retrieved surveillance camera footage and spoke to witnesses. Multiple witnesses were interviewed who observed the suspect shoot Cogdell, the prosecutors office said in a statement. An assailant, identified at the time as Bobby, was spotted running into a residence on Sanford Street after the shooting, authorities said. A search of the abandoned property turned up a Taurus .40 caliber handgun, unidentified drugs and paraphernalia. Authorities did not release a possible motive for the shooting. The Memorial Day weekend shooting came in a period where at least five people were killed in seven days in New Jerseys capital city, which saw murders soar to the highest level on record last year. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. When Linda Hezel and her husband, Richard Moore, bought a family farm in Clay County, Missouri, in 1993, Hezel sought to provide her family with good nutrition and high-quality food. Hezel, Ph.D., R.N., has a nursing background and was formerly an associate professor of nursing at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her expertise continues to influence her decisions as a farm steward and artisanal producer. I taught health and ecology with a biologist at UMKC, and we connected health to biological principles, she said. My background is community health nursing, and that's really about health and population, which fits perfectly into the concept of small-scale, urban agriculture. You know, it just works. Genes linked to skin color have may be the strongest indicator of whether or not a person is deficient in vitamin D, a new study suggests. Researchers found that African American participants with a specific mutation had vitamin D levels up to three times lower than what is considered the normal range for a healthy person. Scientists have found that having low levels of Vitamin D are linked to several cancers including breast, colon, rectal and prostate, as well as COVID-19. The team, from City of Hope - an independent biomedical research and treatment center based in Duarte, California - says the findings suggest that, in the future, doctors could better prescribe the correct dose of vitamin D supplements and help decrease black Americans' risk of these illnesses. Researchers from City of Hope looked at three genes - SLC24A5, SLC45A2 and OCA2 - with strong links to skin color among African Americans (file image) The team hopes doctors can use the findings in the future to better prescribe vitamin D supplements and help decrease the risk of certain cancers (above) 'We should not shy from this new study looking at the genetics of skin color and its effects on vitamin D deficiency because being "colorblind" is what has led to the widespread health disparities that we as a society are now trying to address,' said Dr Rick Kittles, director of the Division of Health Equities at Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope. Vitamin D is sometimes called the sunshine vitamin because the skin naturally creates it when exposed to sunlight. It is found in foods such as milk, cheese, egg yolks, tuna and salmon, although often in low amounts, which is why supplements are sometimes needed. Epidemiological research has suggested that incidence and death rates for certain types of cancer are lower among people living at southern latitudes, with high levels of sunlight exposure, compared to those living at northern latitudes. In addition, previous studies have found that having 'adequate' levels of vitamin D reduces the risk of severe complications and death from COVID-19 What's more, race is one of the biggest predictors of low vitamin D levels. 'Skin color has strong social and biological significance - social because of race and racism and biological because over 70 percent of African Americans are vitamin D deficient, resulting in increased risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease,' Kittles added. For the study, published in the journal PLOS Genetics, the team looked at the data of 1,076 people who self-identified as African American. Researchers collected blood samples, which they used to analyze DNA and vitamin D levels. They also measured the skin covering the area of the inner upper arm using a digital reflectometer. Normal levels of the 'sunshine vitamin' range between 20 and 40 ng/mL for a healthy person They looked at three genes with strong links to skin color: SLC24A5, SLC45A2 and OCA2 All three provide instructions for making a protein that is located in melanocytes, which are specialized cells that produce melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Black participants with a genetic variant in the gene called SLC24A5 were more likely to have vitamin D levels of 12 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or less. Normal levels range between 20 and 40 ng/mL for a healthy person. The team hopes to use their findings to create a risk score assessment that can be used in doctors' offices one day. For example, in the future, a doctor could assess a person's skin tone and lifestyle and use the tool to prescribe the proper dosage of vitamin D supplements. 'This study is an example of the interplay of race and skin color on health and how if we ignore things such as the color of a person's skin, we may be ignoring potential medical issues, thus contributing to health care disparities,' Kittles said. 'Our study provides new knowledge about an easily modifiable factor such as vitamin D supplementation and inherited genetic factors affecting vitamin D deficiency in African Americans. 'With more research, in the future doctors could offer patients of color with an inexpensive way to reduce their risk of vitamin deficiency, which ultimately could help protect against certain cancers.' 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. 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. "Texans running out of food as weather crisis disrupts supply chain" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. The state's week of weather hell started with a deadly 133-car pileup outside of Fort Worth. A winter storm unlike any Texas has ever seen quickly followed, and seven days later, millions are without power and reliable water. And now Texans are running out of food. From farm to table, freezing temperatures and power outages are disrupting the food supply chain that people rely on every day. MEANWHILE: Senator Ted Cruz accused of flying to Cancun as home state of Texas froze Across the state, people are using up supplies they had stockpiled and losing more as items start to spoil in dark refrigerators. Some are storing their remaining rations in coolers outside, and trips to the grocery store often do little to replenish pantries. It was out of meat, eggs and almost all milk before I left, Cristal Porter, an Austin resident, said about her local Target which she visited Monday. Lines were wrapped around the store when we arrived. Shelves were almost fully cleared for potatoes, meat, eggs and some dairy. Two days later, one of Porters neighbors went to that same Target, and the store was completely out of food, with no sign of additional shipments arriving or employees restocking shelves. With grocery stores across the state shuttered for lack of power, supermarkets that remain open have seen supplies dwindle, shortages that ripple over to food pantries that count on grocery store surplus to keep their own shelves stocked. Meanwhile, fruit and vegetable crops in the Rio Grande Valley have frozen over in what The Produce News described as a Valentines Day produce massacre. School districts from Fort Worth to Houston have halted meal distributions to students for the next several days, and Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said dairy farmers around the state are pouring $8 million worth of milk down the drain every day because they can't get it to dairies. Celia Cole, the CEO of hunger-relief organization Feeding Texas, said that so far, eight food banks have asked the state for extra help feeding their communities. Several food banks affiliated with Feeding Texas have also started providing food supplies to emergency warming shelters in the states major cities. Wednesday afternoon, the Central Food Bank of Texas canceled its deliveries scheduled for Thursday in Austin and Rockdale. The Food Banks fleet, equipment, facilities and operations have been adversely impacted by the extremely low temperatures, and hazardous road conditions are hindering our staff and volunteers from getting to our building safely, the organization announced in a media alert. These conditions are also keeping us from distributing food safely. Food pantries also rely on donations from retail stores and grocery chains like Kroger and H-E-B, so when shelves run bare at the stores, there is less to share with the food pantries, Cole added. For Texas residents, disruptions to the food supply chain, often combined with continued power outages, mean eating non-perishable canned goods or leftover items, like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Porter has used a camping stove to make hot meals since losing her power, while others have resorted to heating their food in the fireplace. Andrez Rodriguez in Mission told The Texas Tribune that he hasnt had power for over 80 consecutive hours now, and had to throw out most of the supplies left in his fridge before going to his brothers home for a warm meal. I only come to sleep at my house to make sure nothing gets stolen, Rodriguez said. Residents around the state have also taken to social media to share their stories about struggling to find food or an open grocery store. Wes Wilson, a producer for KXAN News in Austin, tweeted a video of the line for fast food takeout in downtown Austin Wednesday afternoon and said there is a significant food shortage in this city right now. WHERE TO GET WARM: Here are the warming centers and shelters now open in the Houston area Meanwhile, officials said Wednesday that disruptions to the states long-term food supply could present even more problems. Miller said livestock growers across Texas are out of feed, while a lack of available natural gas has caused some chickens and calves to freeze to death. All of the milk processing plants are full, they cant get enough electricity to run, and if they could, they cant get enough natural gas to pasteurize the milk, Miller said. So grocery store shelves are basically empty. Theres no dairy products flowing to Kroger or H-E-B or places like that, so were as bad as it was when COVID hit, could possibly get worse. Citrus and vegetable farms in the Rio Grande Valley also anticipate massive losses. Dale Murden, president of Texas Citrus Mutual, said 60% of the regions grapefruit crop and 100% of the late orange crop will be lost. With the area producing 230,000 tons of grapefruit per year, farmers in the Valley are expecting to lose an estimated 138,000 tons of that crop. There are also 40 different vegetable varieties grown in the area, including cilantro, kale and dill. Those will be affected by the storm, as well. I'd say if youre looking for Texas citrus, [the effect] is going to be immediate, Murden said. If youre looking for Texas vegetables its going to be immediate. Between the current strain on grocery stores and the potential for huge damages to the states agricultural sector, this storm could hamper food access for weeks to come. Miller and Cole emphasized that its impossible to know the extent of the losses until power returns, but the food supply will continue to drain unless farmers and stores get electricity back soon. Theyve been very, very badly hit the agricultural sector, generally by the pandemic, so theyre already struggling, Cole said. And so I think although the impact if the power gets restored quickly might not be huge in absolute terms, its hitting a sector thats already reeling from the pandemic. Disclosure: Feeding Texas, H-E-B and Texas Citrus Mutual have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Phoenix, Arizona, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veritas Global protection, a leading auto warranty provider has earned its reputation in the industry for being steadfast and resilient even at the time when hundreds of its clients are filing claims, a recent market survey has indicated. For this reason, many vehicle owners are now exuding confidence in the company's long years of experience and undoubted customer service. While new vehicles will come with the maker's warranty, this default protection covers the owner for just a certain short period and covers specific repair issues. But as the car ages, a majority of problems will begin to set in and this is the time you need the coverage most. Many people looking to buy a vehicle are out to look for coverage so they are protected from huge out-of-pocket expenses that go into an emergency or unexpected repairs. If you are one of those looking to be cushioned against the ever-rising cost of car maintenance, you certainly are the right candidate for extended service contracts or simple warranties. If you get the right auto warranty provider, you are going to get covered for all potentially expensive repair problems at an affordable cost. A few tips to help you find the right extended vehicle contract provider. A company that is not out to make a sale is one that will ensure that you get value for every cent you spend on buying their warranty. Therefore, they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure you are a satisfied customer who can either recommend them to other car owners or whose loyalty should not be compromised. Therefore, relationship companies are always forward-looking and not blinded by the immediate cash from the sale of their protection plans. Get an Experienced Company There are excellent companies out there that will provide you top-class vehicle service contracts but there are scam companies as well that will defraud unsuspecting customers. Many of the scam companies will lose shop immediately the number of claims begins to trickle in. To avoid scam companies, it is crucial for any car owner looking for a warranty plan to go for companies that have been around for a comparably longer period. This is because a company that has been there for many years has seen it all, accommodated as many different clients as possible, and has stood the test of time. Clearly, such a company is to be trusted with your money in exchange for a promise to take up all the specified repair costs that may arise in the course of the contract period. Get to Understand What's in the Plan Everyone looking to purchase a vehicle already knows or can guess the kind of car repair issues he or she wishes to be covered against should anything wrong happen. Some people will prefer minimum coverage while others may want comprehensive coverage. Because what is extensive coverage in one provider may not be for the other company, it is important for you to find out what it is the provider is calling full coverage. Getting accurate information regarding what the provider is offering will allow the potential buyer to make comparisons and decide which offer is the best. Check Whether the Packages are Customizable Some providers of extended warranties offer strict packages while others tailor their packages to suit the needs of individual clients. A good company will allow for customization so that you get exactly what you desire and at an affordable rate. Why use a Company that is looking for relationships If you are planning to keep your car for some years to come, finding a company that is looking to create and sustain relationships is all you need. Having one trusted and reliable warranty provider allows you the ease of renewal since the company has all your details and they will be able to monitor your protection and alert you before it expires so you remain protected and eligible for repairs when anything wrong happens. When choosing an extended service provider, it is worth doing your due diligence to be sure you are signing up with a company whose reputation is not in doubt. The above tips will help you find that kind of a provider, like Veritas Global Protection, that will give you maximum protection at the minimum cost. (Natural News) The number of households and businesses in Texas that are still without power due to the states catastrophic power failure has dropped to around 2.5 million as of this writing, but this still means that at least 2.5 million people are having to sleep in frigid temperatures without heat. As a result, a number of North Texas cities are reportedly opening up warming centers in an effort to help. According to reports, the Salvation Army has opened inclement weather shelters in Dallas, Garland, Arlington, Plano, McKinney, and Lewisville, which are among the many Texas population centers where people are suffering without utilities in record-breaking sub-freezing weather conditions. Several YMCA locations in Dallas, Denton, Ellis, and Rockwall counties have also opened their doors to people in need between the hours of 10am and 5:30pm. In the event that electricity in these areas does not turn back on by midweek, area residents will be allowed to warm up at these locations through Thursday or Friday. Weve had several calls of people needing a facility to come and get warm, said Tricey Love of the Park South YMCA location in Dallas. This particular YMCA in general is like the light of this community. Area resident Stephen Yarmak reportedly took advantage of the offer by heading to the YMCA in Park South to warm up and get his bearings. Its tough, you know, Yarmak is quoted as saying. You have a nice place to come to stay warm and stay safe. Its good. It makes you strong. Among the YMCA locations that have opened up as warming centers to help those in need are: Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff Park South YMCA Waxahachie Family YMCA White Rock Family YMCA J.E.R. Chilton Family YMCA at Rockwall Richardson Family YMCA Cross Timbers Family YMCA Semones Family YMCA Texans are helping other Texans amid the power outage crisis At each of these locations, hot coffee, charging stations, WiFi access, and water stations are available to those who need these things. Locker rooms have also been opened up so individuals and families can use them for hot showers. Families are being allowed to stay at a location for up to three hours at a time, though they are being asked to wear a mask and stay with their family unit the entire time. If not at capacity, each location will allow a family in need to stay longer than three hours. Families may also bring food to warm up in microwaves where available, reports NBCDFW. Spaces will be set up to maintain social distancing. Cities with additional warming centers and other options for people in need throughout the Dallas Metroplex area include (more details can be found at this link): Arlington, which has two warming centers and several hotel partners offering discounted rates Dallas, which has a 24-hour warming center and several other warming locations Denton, which has a new warming center at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center, as well as one at the Civic Center DeSoto, which has an emergency shelter at Faith Bible Church Euless, which opened a warming center at the Euless Family Life Rec Center Fort Worth, which opened up its convention center as a warming location Grand Prairie, which opened up the Ruthe Jackson Center as a warming location Hurst / Eudless / Bedford, which opened a warming and overnight center There are also warming centers in the cities of Irving, Kennedale, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Parker County, Plano, Richardson, Sachse, and Southlake. More of the latest news about the weather situation and power outages in Texas can be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: NBCDFW.com NaturalNews.com She spoke out earlier this week of how she's been trolled relentlessly about her age following her departure from the Love Island villa in 2018. And Laura Anderson put on a defiant display on Instagram on Friday as she showcased her incredible figure in a slew of sexy snaps. The Love Island star, 31, flaunted her tanned and toned physique in a silk lingerie pyjama set from Missy Empire. Wow factor: Laura Anderson put on a racy display on Instagram on Friday as she showcased her incredible figure in a slew of sexy snaps Laura teased a hint of her cleavage and abs in the plunging pink bralet which came complete with a lace trim. The matching bottoms meanwhile showcase the television personality's thigh tattoo thanks to a racy side split. Laura styled her hair in glamorous curls and enhanced her bronzed tan with a full face of make-up. She captioned the trio of photos: 'Cute sets'. Gorgeous: The Love Island star, 31, flaunted her tanned and toned physique in a silk lingerie pyjama set from Missy Empire Sexy: Laura teased a hint of her cleavage and abs in the plunging pink bralet which came complete with a lace trim It comes after Laura spoke out earlier this week about how since leaving the villa she has been trolled relentlessly about her age. In an interview with The Sun, the television personality revealed the fickle side of fame and detailed how she lost out on jobs to her peers due to being 'past it'. Speaking about the hate she gets regarding her age, Laura said: 'I get called a "wrinkly, washed-up has-been" or they'll say, "You dont look a day over 50", tell me I'm "past it" or ask, "Why are you in a club? Go home, Grandma". Tough: It comes after Laura spoke out earlier this week about how since leaving the villa she has been trolled relentlessly about her age 'If I'm pictured with a guy, theyll say I look like I could be his mum. There is this obsession with age and so much judgment over a womans appearance, which men simply dont get.' Laura continued: 'I just hadn't experienced ageism before. But on the island it became very apparent that I was the older girl.' During her stint on the ITV2 show, the Scottish beauty said she was horrified when her father had to get her birth certificate to prove she wasn't lying about her age. Trolling: Speaking about the hate she gets regarding her age, Laura said: 'I get called a "wrinkly, washed-up has-been" or they'll say, "You dont look a day over 50" And following her exit, Laura said she was constantly compared to her female co-stars who 'would definitely get jobs over me because they were younger'. Laura said she was dropped from a high fashion brand campaign, which many Love Islanders go on to work with, because her 'age didn't fit the demographic' and because she 'wouldn't get any younger' the retailer couldn't commit to working with her. The reality star admitted the feedback, delivered by her agent, made her feel 'ashamed of my appearance and years on this planet'. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 281.42 crore of several NCR-based real estate companies, including that of former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, in connection with a money laundering case wherein land was "illegally" acquired in Haryana with the alleged connivance of senior government functionaries and bureaucrats. Several farmers and landowners have allegedly been cheated to the tune of about Rs 1,500 crore in the case, in which former Haryana Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda is one of the accused. An ED official here said that the agency has attached properties worth Rs 281.42 crore of various accused entities and their associates in connection with the Gurugram land scam under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The official said that 95.09 bighas of agricultural land at Behror and Neemrana in Rajasthan valued at Rs 13.31 crore pertaining to Lalit Modi have been attached in connection with the case. The official said that the financial probe agency has attached 54 per cent of a project in the name of Dove Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. pertaining to Atul Bansal or his group companies at Faridabad amounting to Rs 108.86 crore. He said that 50 per cent of the 'Business Bay Project' in the name of Seriatim Land and Housing Pvt. Ltd. pertaining to Bansal or his group companies amounting to Rs 78.09 crore has also been attached. The official said that flats and FDR pertaining to Anglique International Ltd amounting to Rs 3.39 crore, Rs 25.53 crore refund from HSIIDC sanctioned to Guru Nanak Infrastructures Developers Pvt. Ltd., 13.77 acres and 5.65 acres of land valued at Rs 29.48 crore pertaining to Frontier Home Developers Pvt Ltd, 20 flats valued at Rs 22.72 crore pertaining to Frontier Home Developers Pvt. Ltd. have also been attached. The ED had registered a case of money laundering on the basis of a CBI FIR. It has been alleged that initially the Haryana government issued a notification under the Land Acquisition Act for acquiring land measuring about 912 acres for setting up an industrial model township. After this, all the plots had allegedly been grabbed from the land owners by private builders at meagre rates. It was also alleged that an order was then passed by the the competent authority, which is the Director of Industries, on August 24, 2007 releasing this land from the acquisition process in violation of the government policy in favour of the builders, their companies and agents, instead of the original land owners. The probe agencies found that in this manner, land measuring about 400 acres, the market value of which at that time was above Rs 4 crore per acre, was allegedly purchased by the private builders and others from the land owners for only about Rs 100 crore. The official said that during investigation, it was revealed that most of the land was purchased by the ABWIL Group controlled by Bansal and after obtaining licences, ABWIL had sold the land and the licences to other private persons or developers, thus making profit worth crores of rupees. He said the ED probe revealed that the above properties worth Rs 281.42 crore are proceeds of crime under PMLA. The agency had earlier attached properties worth Rs 108.76 crore in connection with the case. The ED had earlier filed a chargesheet along with two supplementary chargesheets in this case against 30 persons before a special PMLA court in Panchkula and cognisance of the same was also taken by court. The ED had named private builders and entities like Bansal of ABW Infrastructure Limited, ABW Infra Limited (ABWIL), Bansals's wife Sona Bansal, Mahamaya Exports Private Limited, Shashikant Chaurasia, Dilip Lalwani, Varinder Uppal, Vijay Uppal, Viney Uppal, Ravinder Taneja, TDI Infrastructure Limited, Wisdom Realtors Private Limited and AB Rephcons Infrastructure Private Limited. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns received two pieces of good news on Thursday if theyre looking to spend big in free agency this offseason. First, the league, in conjunction with the NFLPA, agreed to increase the minimum for this years salary cap from $175 million to $180 million. The $180 million figure is not the final number for the cap -- that is yet to be determined -- but it is the lowest number they can land on once they do set the cap figure. More importantly, the Browns will carry over the most cap space of any team, according to a tweet from the NFLPA, at $30.4 million, nearly $4 million more than the second-place Jets at $26.7 million; $7 million more than the third-place Jaguars, carrying over $23.5 million; and almost $8 million more than the Eagles at $22.8 million. A look at the salary cap carryover for 2021: pic.twitter.com/Q5JELBem2u NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 19, 2021 The carryover cap for each team is added to the base salary cap to determine each teams final cap number. The Browns rank 10th in cap space at $20.2 million based on a $180 million figure, according to Overthecap.com, before adding in carryover cap. - Browns playoffs shirts, hats for sale: Heres where Cleveland Browns fans can order shirts and hats celebrating the team qualifying for the 2020 NFL playoffs. More Browns coverage For once, you can like Browns chances better than Steelers without dreaming! Pluto Has Zach Wilson surpassed Justin Fields as second-best QB? NFL mock draft 5.0 Diving into the Browns prolific use of 3 tight ends: Gotta Watch The Tape Colts acquiring Carson Wentz from Eagles for two draft picks: Report Why signing J.J. Watt would be a big deal: What you need to know Watt: Free agency is wild Steelers non-committal on return of QB Ben Roethlisberger More Bark Week: Diving Deep on Myles Garrett How would signing J.J. Watt impact Garrett? Hey, Mary Kay! What is the lesson from Garretts time with the Browns? Pluto Where does he rank among post-1999 Browns players? Projections: Where is he in five, 10 and 25 years? How Garrett improved, and why hell be the next great pass rusher -- Film Review Transformation to versatile edge rusher continued in 2020; now he needs new partner A look back at his 2020 season as our Bark Week begins Hey, Mary Kay! Has Garrett delivered on his top pick status? Podcast The incidence of surgical site infections after an operation is an important quality indicator for hospitals. An overview from six European countries published in 2017 documented increased costs and, in some cases, significantly poorer surgical outcomes due to SSIs. The European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) and authorities in the U.S. have therefore defined criteria for recording and documenting the rate of surgical site infections per procedure. Swissnoso has issued binding guidelines for Switzerland based on these criteria. The study investigated to what extent surgical site infection rates correlate with the audit results in Swiss hospitals. Seek and you shall find: low SSI rates with low audit score The study was able to establish a clear correlation between a low surgical site infection rate and the results from on-site surveillance quality audits (audit score). The better a hospital scored on the 50-point audit, the more infection cases had been detected or reported. This was true for all three surgeries studied (knee and hip implants as well as colorectal surgeries). The study shows that the quality of the respective surveillance systems must be systematically considered when interpreting surgical site infections - and this independently of the type of surgery and infection rate." Andrew Atkinson, Study's Lead Author What exactly was measured? The study analyzed 81 957 hip and knee surgeries from 125 hospitals and 33 315 colorectal surgeries from 110 hospitals. At least two external audits per hospital were carried out to assess surveillance quality. The study was based on the Swissnoso guidelines. The detailed audit results were ranked in an overall score between 1 and 50. The audits were carried out by three specifically trained investigators. Results in detail The following values refer to the median of the results. The SSI rate for knee and hip implants was 1.0% with an audit score of 37. As expected the infection rate for colorectal surgery was much higher at 12.7% with a slightly higher audit score of 38. It appeared that higher infection rates correlated with higher audit scores. A discernible range of scores among hospital types could be observed, with private hospitals forming a cluster in the lower range of audit scores and infection rates. How can a possible systematic error be corrected? The research team makes a specific proposal for future evaluations and national comparisons of surgical site infection rates. A computational correction (normalization) and inclusion of the audit score are proposed for discussion. Prof. Jonas Marschall summarizes: "For the first time, this study provides us with a basis for rendering the number of infections more comparable and better understood throughout Switzerland. Now we have to work hard to establish regular comparisons among Swiss hospitals even more meaningful and the incentive to be at the forefront even greater." While like many youth organizations, membership in Girl Scouts has dipped slightly, locally and across the U.S., Wright said the support and camaraderie provided to girls many of whom are struggling with social isolation and the challenges of remote learning has never been more important. A community that recovered from decades of trauma is now helping neighboring refugees currently suffering from war. *This is the second of a two-part series by Dennis Kilama, who survived more than two decades of violence by the Lords Resistance Army in Uganda. Yesterday, Dennis wrote about his personal experience surviving, healing and now helping others heal from trauma. Today, he explains how to do so at a national level, using the country of Uganda as an example. The children of Israel are reminded of how to treat the foreigner justly based on their experience in Egypt. "Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners because you were foreigners in Egypt." (Exodus 23:9, NIV). The Israelites knew how It felt to be a foreigner and this experience was to shape their response to the foreigner in their land. I write as an Acholi from northern Uganda. For decades, the Acholi were forced to live in Internally displaced peoples camps as they fled from the LRA rebels. The Acholi know how it feels to be in war and be traumatized. Now, the Acholi have welcomed the refugees from South Sudan, partly because they know how it feels to be a stranger in a foreign land. According to the UNCHR, 889,054 South Sudanese refugees live in Uganda alone. These refugees are in northern Uganda, a region that suffered the wrath of Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army for 22 years. A community that recovered from decades of trauma is now helping South Sudanese that is currently suffering from war. A community that recovered from decades of trauma is now helping South Sudanese that is currently suffering from war. During the Joseph Kony war, the Acholi people were severely traumatized. The trauma in my community manifested in the form of depression and sadness, numbness towards gun violence, constant thoughts about the terrible events as expressed in music, mental illness in the community, increased suicide, alcoholism, domestic violence mainly affecting women and children, and homicides, among other things. This was the situation in northern Uganda for over two decades. A community that recovered from decades of trauma is now helping South Sudanese that is currently suffering from war. Today, South Sudan is the youngest country in the world to have such prolonged conflict. This conflict has forced the people to flee their homes into northern Uganda. This prolonged war causes much trauma. The effects of the prolonged civil war in South Sudan have left people emotionally wounded, in need of healing. According to UNHCR, the number of suicides and suicide attempts among South Sudanese refugees has more than doubled in 2019 compared to the previous year. There were 97 suicide attempts, with 19 deaths. The key factors contributing to a high rate of suicide include traumatic events both before and after fleeing South Sudan, extreme poverty, and lack of meaningful access to education and jobs. South Sudan needs help. Uganda, a country that has previously experienced decades of war, has helped to host South Sudanese refugees. Uganda stands out in this area, hosting more displaced people than any other country in Africa. Like the Old Testament nation of Israel, Uganda knows how it feels to be a foreigner. Uganda stands out in this area, hosting more displaced people than any other country in Africa. Humanitarian experts applaud Ugandas open-door refugee policy as the most generous in the world. The governments strategy integrates refugee issues into its national planning framework. Uganda's refugee policy guarantees freedom of movement and the right to employment, education, and health, as well as the right to start a business. The government also provides refugees with plots of land so they can farm and construct shelters. It empowers refugees to become economically self-reliant while granting them the same rights that citizens enjoy. The command in Exodus 23:9 and Exodus 22: 21 is given while Israel was still in transition, not while they were living in the promised land. Uganda hosts refugees not because it has arrived, but because it continues a journey of recovery by the grace of God. It is important to recover from trauma and the effects of war. As the community recovers it is better placed to help others that are suffering. The journey towards the healing of the Acholi people has enabled them to express kindness and compassion to people fleeing the violence in South Sudan. Scars from past painful experiences can be a tool that can be used to help others with wounds from trauma. Resources: Hill et al, Healing the Wounds of Trauma, 2004, p.24 UNCHR, Suicide Raise Among South Sudanese Refugees UN, Uganda stands out in refugee hosting Dennis Kilama holds degrees from Africa International University, Nairobi Evangelical School of Theology and Makerere University. He will graduate in 2021 with a M.A. in Humanitarian Disaster Leadership from Wheaton College. He currently pastors Lugogo Baptist Church and teaches at Africa Renewal University, both located in Kampala, Uganda. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Hunter Biden arrives to the inauguration of Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Former Owner of Repair Store Where Hunter Biden Dropped Off Computer Sues Twitter for Defamation The man whose computer store received a laptop computer from President Joe Bidens son has sued Twitter for alleged defamation. John Paul Mac Isaac owned a computer repair store in Delaware before closing it last year. He says Hunter Biden dropped off a damaged computer several years ago and would not return calls to pick it up after it was repaired. Mac Isaac spoke to former President Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who provided materials from the computer to news outlets. The first report came from the New York Post. Twitter blocked the spread of the report, claiming it violated its hacked materials policy. It said in a statement that its rules on the distribution of hacked material were violated. The statement was defamatory, Mac Isaacs lawyers said in the new filing. A hack is defined as an intrusion or access to a computer or other device that was either unauthorized or exceeded authorized access. Hackers are defined as people who illegally gain access to computer systems and the term hacker is widely viewed as disparaging, the attorneys said. Plaintiff is not a hacker and the information obtained from the computer does not constitute hacked materials because Plaintiff lawfully gained access to the computer, first with the permission of its owner, BIDEN, and then, after BIDEN failed to retrieve the recovered data despite Plaintiffs requests, in accordance with the Mac Shops abandoned property policy, they wrote. But as a result of Twitters actions and statements, Mac Isaac is now widely considered a hacker. The actions led to a torrent of negative reviews and threats, the attorneys said, eventually forcing him to shutter his business. Mac Isaac said in a video last year that being labeled a hacker is a death sentence in my industry. For the record, I am not, nor have I ever been, a hacker. Those guys make so much more money than I did. I was hired, and never paid, to perform a data transfer from a MacBook Pro to an external hard drive, he added. The new suit includes what Mac Isaac says is authorization from Hunter Biden to work on the computer and an invoice for the work. The new suit notes that Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey told Congress that the company made a mistake and corrected it within 24 hours. The New York Post account fell afoul of the hacked materials policy, Dorsey said. We realized that there was an error in that policy and the enforcement. The suit alleges Twitter was grossly negligent in publishing the allegedly defamatory statement and seeks damages in excess of $75,000. Brian Della Rocca, one of the attorneys representing Mac Isaac, told The Epoch Times via email that the team has been in touch with Twitter and requested an apology. Twitter has not issued an apology as of yet. Twitter declined to comment on the suit. Mac Isaac sued Twitter in the same court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Southern Florida, late last year, but saw the suit dismissed by a federal judge. DAMASCUS, SYRIA. 1988 He was known to the CIA's clandestine service as "the chemist," and few at headquarters would ever know his real name. A professor and a gifted scientist, he had been perfectly positioned for spy work, with a job that entitled him to privileges not accorded to ordinary Syrians, including a broad latitude to travel and to meet with foreigners in the crowded souks and smoke-filled cafes of the old city. He drew little attention to himself as he moved about, a small, clean-shaven man with owlish glasses and gray-flecked hair, in a modest suit that might have belonged to a salesman or bureaucrat. Only when he spoke English was there a hint of something exotic: a distinct American accent. It was the only detectable residue from a youth spent partly in the United States, where he attended school, ate cheeseburgers, played sports, and even joined the Boy Scouts, all before returning to his homeland to become an expert in making chemicals designed to kill human beings. He was proud of his professional work - so proud, in fact, that analysts suspected at times that his spying was motivated less by hatred of the regime or greed than by a compulsion to boast. His first attempt at establishing contact had occurred at a scientific conference in Europe, where he had asked a friend to pass along a note to an American at the nearest U.S. Embassy. Many months passed before the CIA followed through, yet he seemed unsurprised when a stranger approached him after one of his evening lectures at Damascus University. "I've been expecting you," he told the visitor, a 20-something CIA case officer who would soon be entrusted with an extraordinary military secret. "Call me Ayman." The author agreed to withhold the spy's surname because of the risk of retaliation against surviving family members. When civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, CIA officials were seized with the fear that Damascus might lose control of its vast stores of sarin and other deadly nerve agents. As revealed in this excerpt from the new book "Red Line," those fears were bolstered by more than 14 years of secret reports fed to the agency by one of Syria's top military scientists. The CIA knew much of what materials Damascus possessed and where they were hidden - thanks mostly to one agent. The previously untold story of this man, who offered his services to the U.S., is based on interviews with three former U.S. intelligence officials familiar with the case as well as a Syrian scientist and defector who was a contemporary of Ayman. The chemist seemed to take an instant liking to the American, and the two spent long hours in conversation as each quietly sized up the other. One day the scientist invited the young officer to his home in downtown Damascus, a small apartment he shared with two different women he had wed legally under Syria's permissive polygamy laws. He seemed compelled to justify his living arrangements, as another man might explain an extravagant impulse purchase: His first wife was an excellent cook, he said, but he had decided to marry a second, considerably younger woman - his secretary - out of a purely carnal attraction. Who could have foreseen such turmoil? The two women squabbled constantly, except for the times when they united to direct their scorn at him. He had wanted a spicier love life and ended up with a case of perpetual heartburn. "I don't recommend it," the scientist counseled his guest. The two wives politely served coffee as Ayman spoke of his high school and college years in the United States, and of the kindly American couple who took care of him when he arrived as a wide-eyed teenager with a suitcase and an academic scholarship. He showed off his stereo and musical collection, playing a few tracks of moody electronica from his favorite artist, French New Age composer Jean-Michel Jarre. And then, after the women left the room, the Syrian turned to the subject that he had waited anxiously to talk about. That evening, in the first of multiple meetings between the two men, he told his incredible story as the case officer sat transfixed, the sludgy coffee turning cold in his cup. - - - On a hill overlooking the capital stood a complex of heavily guarded laboratories where Syria's military establishment carried out experiments on new weapons. The foreign intelligence services were well familiar with the Scientific Studies and Research Center - commonly known as CERS, its French initials - as the place that supplied the engineering muscle behind Syria's modest line of missiles designed to deliver conventional warheads to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. But hidden within CERS was a secret unit called Institute 3000, and Ayman was one of its leaders and senior researchers. Its primary work was making a line of exceedingly lethal poisons to be placed inside those warheads. The scientists called their project al-Shakush, or, in English, "The Hammer." In part because of his own contributions, Institute 3000 had made remarkable strides, the chemist said. Syria's chemical weapons program had started simply, with mustard gas, famously used in the trenches of Europe during the epic battles of World War I. But now it had moved to a far deadlier class of poisons called nerve agents, which Institute 3000 was beginning to produce in an underground factory just outside the capital. These were nightmare weapons, and the Syrians had created multiple variations so they could adjust to changing battlefield conditions. One of them, sarin, had been around for half a century and still was regarded as one of the deadliest substances ever made. Another one, called VX, was even deadlier than sarin, and longer lasting. It left behind an invisible oily coating that could kill for days, since the slightest brush against bare skin is nearly always fatal. The case officer listened thoughtfully. The CIA had long known of Syria's interest in making chemical weapons, but the extent of Damascus's progress was unclear. Twice in public statements in the late 1980s, Syrian officials had hinted about a new "deterrent," a made-in-Syria answer to Israel's nuclear bombs. Was this what they meant? If the chemist felt the slightest ambivalence about his work, he gave no sign of it. The United States and the Soviet Union had developed entire weapons systems based on such poisons in the 1950s and 1960s. Why shouldn't Syria have the same right to deter aggression by its nuclear-armed neighbor? Whenever Israel came up in conversation, it was clear that subject was intensely personal. Twice in the chemist's lifetime, Syria had endured the humiliation of having its southern border overrun by Israeli tanks: in 1967, when the Jewish state captured the Golan Heights; and again during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when the Israeli army chased retreating Syrian battalions to within 25 miles of Damascus. From now on, things would be different, the scientist said. Future invaders would find themselves engulfed in a fog of suffocating gases that would leave their bodies strewn across the dusty valleys of Syria's southwestern frontier. Those who survived would be among the first to see the contrails of Syrian missiles heading south to deliver the same fate to distant Israeli cities. The chemist eyed his guest with a look that conveyed both satisfaction and deadly earnestness. "You should warn the Jews," he said. The chemist became particularly animated whenever the conversation turned to sarin. Of all the weapons under development within Institute 3000, the chemist was clearly proudest of his sarin work. Sarin is a perfect killer, as the Nazis learned when they inadvertently discovered the compound while testing new kinds of pesticides in the 1930s. Military-grade sarin is 26 times deadlier than cyanide, and it works by attacking the nervous system, quickly paralyzing the muscles used in breathing, so that the victim dies an agonizing death of asphyxiation. Just a whiff of vapor and the poison would grasp a man with the deadly intensity of a python's embrace, squeezing him until he lacked even the breath with which to utter a final prayer. - - - Making pure sarin - the kind that the Soviets and Americans manufactured by the ton during the Cold War - is hard for a small country with a modest industrial base. And lesser grades of the poison tended to deteriorate with time. So the chemist devised a clever work-around. His laboratories would make a form of binary sarin: two stable liquids that could be stored separately and blended only at the last minute. One of the two liquids was ordinary isopropyl alcohol. The other, a toxic brew called DF, contained all the other ingredients, including an exclusive additive - which Ayman helped discover - that helped ensure that the sarin lost none of its potency during the short interval between the mixing and the arrival at the target. Over the decades, perhaps a dozen countries had manufactured sarin for use as a weapon. But no one had developed a formula exactly like this one. After the meetings, the case officer relayed the gist of the conversations via secret cable to CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., where analysts pondered the chemist's assertions with a mixture of astonishment and concern. The information was extraordinarily detailed and credible - indeed, almost too good. The agency's new spy was now being paid for his information, in the form of cash transfers to a foreign bank account, but he was asking the Americans to take him at his word. Where was the evidence? The chemist appeared to anticipate the question. One late December day, he sent a cryptic signal to the case officer requesting a meeting. He had something to give the young American, but it had to be in private - not at his house, and not in a cafe or another public place where the exchange might be seen. The arrangements were set. On the agreed evening, the spy and the case officer sat together in the front seat of a Peugeot parked on a quiet Damascus street a few blocks from the U.S. Embassy. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the scientist produced a small package. "It's nearly Christmas. You're a Christian," the chemist said, handing over the bundle. "Here's a Christmas present." A few minutes later, the American was left alone to ponder what was inside the parcel's plain wrapping. The younger man had an inkling, so, as a precaution, the CIA arranged to send a pair of technical specialists to his Damascus apartment to help with the initial assessment. Donning respirators and protective suits, the specialists carefully removed the outer packaging to reveal a small box. Inside the box was a sealed plastic vial. And within it, visible through the plastic casing, was a clear liquid. The chemist had boasted of his prowess in making exceedingly effective nerve agents. Now he had given the Americans a sample. Several days passed before the liquid could be fully analyzed. The vial was first repackaged and placed in a shatterproof container, then stuffed inside a diplomatic pouch to be flown out of the country. Once in the United States, it was rushed to a military laboratory, where scientists in hazmat suits gingerly opened the vial for a first look at what was inside. The results of the tests, when finally known, caused a sensation at CIA outposts on both sides of the Atlantic. In a bare-bones lab, in a backward, autocratic state that had been shunned and blacklisted by the industrial powers of the West, the Syrian chemist had produced a weapon of astonishing quality and elegant simplicity - a deadly chemical masterpiece. - - - Years passed, and the hilltop laboratory complex steadily grew. By the early 2000s, the network of laboratories and production centers gradually blossomed into a mature manufacturing complex that encompassed some 40 buildings and storage bunkers at two dozen secret locations scattered across the country, from the capital to the northern city of Aleppo. The lab's researchers still experimented with new products, but by the early 2000s the program had achieved a kind of equilibrium: a steady reserve of 1,300 to 1,500 tons of binary sarin, mustard gas, and VX. With Syria at peace, there was no need to make more. The meetings in the alleys and cafes also went on, for 14 years, though the faces on the American side changed as new handlers came and went. Over time new methods were devised for communicating, so that Ayman could transmit messages to the CIA simply by passing the U.S. Embassy building. The cash transfers continued as well, and the spy became a wealthy man, with a bank account grown fat with American dollars as well as dinars he received as kickbacks from vendors. The sound system and Western music collection grew larger, and Ayman, approaching 50 now and gray-haired, moved his querulous wives into separate, lavishly appointed households. He was on top of the world professionally: respected by peers and admired by younger scientists. He commanded a large staff and a generous budget, and he led a highly successful military program that was prized by Syria's leaders, including the president himself. But something, somewhere, went wrong. The chemist could see it in the faces of the security men who arrived at CERS unannounced one morning in late 2001, looking to speak to him. Could the scientist accompany them to their office for a private meeting? Ayman felt a tinge of panic. Did these men suspect something? But how? The interrogation began at the headquarters of Syria's Mukhabarat intelligence service, where a high-ranking officer - Assef Shawkat, the deputy director of military intelligence and the president's own brother-in-law - laid out his cards at once. "You have been betrayed," Ayman was told. Shawkat proceeded to explain to the frightened scientist that the government knew all about his secret activities. It would be far better for you, Shawkat said, if you confessed and asked for leniency on account of your years of service to the Republic. So Ayman confessed - to everything. He told his interrogators about his many years of contact with the CIA. He talked about the meetings with his handlers, the secrets he had passed, and the large sum of money he had amassed in an offshore bank. No one else had been aware of his spying, he said; not his co-workers, or his business associates, or even his wives. He had done it all by himself. Shawkat and the other security men listened, confused at first, and then fascinated. The intelligence chief had decided to question the scientist after learning of a bribery scheme in which Ayman, in his greed, had demanded payoffs from foreign companies in return for contracts to sell supplies to his institute. That was the entire reason for his arrest. Of the far more consequential betrayal - the selling of state secrets to the CIA - the intelligence service had known nothing at all. At that moment, throughout the Middle East, a new era was dawning, and old battles were being refought with new ferocity. Syria's new president, Bashar Assad, had just ended his flirtation with free expression, a brief flowering of dissent that became known as the Damascus Spring following the death of Assad's father in 2000. Eerily foreshadowing the Arab Spring revolt that would occur a decade later and lead to civil war, Assad firmly cast his lot with the security forces who had kept his father in power for nearly 30 years, giving his police free rein to arrest, torture, and murder until the last tendrils of the fledgling movement had been ripped from the earth. From hard men such as these, there would be no leniency for an accomplished scientist and poison-maker who had betrayed his own country. Ayman was found guilty of treason, a verdict rendered in a closed proceeding that was kept out of the public eye but described in detail, as a warning to the other scientists at CERS. Prisoners convicted of capital offenses in Syria are usually executed by hanging, but Ayman, who had been a national hero as well as a traitor, was given special treatment. His two wives and their children were permitted to leave the country to start new lives abroad. Then, on the gray, blustery morning of April 7, 2002, he was awakened in his cell at the country's infamous Adra Prison and escorted into a courtyard where a firing squad stood waiting. He was blindfolded, tied to a post, and shot to death. As he died, teams of workers in protective suits were mixing a new batch of the chemist's binary sarin in an underground factory in the Adra hills, less than five miles from the prison. In a locked chamber beyond the production hall, the finished product sat in gleaming 2,000-liter tanks, arrayed in row after tidy row, waiting for the unthinkable day when they would be put to use. - - - From the book RED LINE: The Unraveling of Syria and America's Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World by Joby Warrick, published by Doubleday, an imprint of The Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright 2021 by Joby Warrick. New Jersey is asking a judge to force Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. to hand over internal documents, the latest twist in an ongoing legal fight over how the gun manufacturer advertises to residents. The state first demanded marketing information in October. The Springfield-based company sued soon after, arguing that it wasnt obligated to provide anything. The gun manufacturer claims that it is above the law that it can deceive consumers and potential consumers of its products without consequence, the state attorney generals office wrote in court documents filed Friday. The states subpoena was lawful and a court should enforce it, a deputy attorney general wrote. A spokesman for New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal declined comment. Smith & Wesson representatives did not respond to a request for comment, nor did they comment on their lawsuit earlier. The subpoena came after Grewals office asked outside lawyers to help investigate how gun companies promote their products. Smith & Wesson said in its lawsuit that this all amounted to an unconstitutional fishing expedition designed to weaken the Second Amendment. Grewals office pushed back, saying last week that state law allowed them to dig into anyone advertising within New Jersey. The review was not about the product Smith & Wesson sells, but the representations and omissions in its marketing and advertising, state officials argued in court documents, and the investigation has shown that some ads may misrepresent the impact owning a firearm has on personal safety. Some Smith & Wesson ads also promoted carrying concealed firearms without mentioning that New Jerseyans needed a permit to conceal carry, state officials wrote. Grewals office asked that Smith & Wesson be held in contempt of court for ignoring the subpoena. The state has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation, and New Jersey has previously gone after outside groups that overstepped local laws. The State Police also track what types of weapons are used in crimes, and Smith & Wesson guns have topped recent lists, according to state data. Some reports listed SMITH & WESSON OR SWAZILAND as the top manufacturer linked to gun crimes. A State Police spokesman said the inclusion of the word Swaziland was a computer error, and the newest report from November listed only Smith & Wesson as the top manufacturer. In September 2019, the state brought on the New York-based firm Lovell Stewart Halebian Jacobson, LLP to support litigation and an investigation Regarding Gun Manufacturers Deceptive or Misleading Advertising, according to a retention agreement obtained by NJ Advance Media through a public records request. Grewals office declined to provide more details about the firms potential fee, arguing that it was allowed to withhold information that could reveal legal strategy or privileged material, a records custodian wrote. However, there were no invoices to report as of Jan. 12, Grewals office added. Smith & Wessons previous lawsuit is ongoing, according to federal court records. Fridays brief was filed in New Jersey Superior Court in Essex County and can be read here: Chris Hemsworth spent his week hard at work on the set of Thor: Love and Thunder in Sydney. On Friday, the 37-year-old chartered a private jet back home to Byron Bay, and to his wife Elsa Pataky and their three young children. Instead of opting to do the eight-hour drive home, the actor was seen at a Sydney airport chatting to jet staff before boarding his one-hour flight up north. Home for the weekend: Chris Hemsworth (pictured) chartered a private jet to fly from Sydney back home to Byron Bay on Friday after a week of filming scenes for Thor: Love and Thunder It was his second trip by private jet in four days, with the actor also boarding a chartered flight to Sydney alongside his co-star Matt Damon on Sunday. Despite his penchant for private flights, Chris is known to be a climate change activist. He marched alongside daughter India in a strike at Byron Bay in 2019, calling for action on the issue. Commute: Instead of opting to do the eight-hour drive home, the actor was seen at a Sydney airport chatting to jet staff before boarding his one-hour flight up north In good company: He appeared to be accompanied by a personal trainer, dressed in a white top and black cap, who also enjoyed a short conversation with the staff In an Instagram post at the time, the Avengers star shared a clip of himself carrying young India in crowd shouting: 'What do we want? Climate action. When do we want it? Now.' He also wrote in a lengthy post that we must, 'move away from the burning of fossil fuels, no more new oil, gas, coal projects'. Chris added: 'The climate crisis is upon us. Children understand the basic science that if we continue to pollute the planet climate change will worsen and they wont have a future. None of us will. The planet will die'. Looking good: Chris looked ready to kick start the weekend with his family, dressed in a casual ensemble. He wore a sleeveless shirt - that drew attention to his bulging biceps - along with black shorts Travelling comfortable: The Marvel star teamed the look with black trainers and a beige cap, and also carried with him a black and brown holdall tote In October 2020 he joined Priyanka Chopra for a special session of TED Countdown, where he discussed the climate crisis. For his flight on Friday, Chris appeared to be accompanied by a personal trainer, dressed in a white top and black cap, who also enjoyed a short conversation with the staff. Chris looked ready to kick start the weekend with his family, dressed in a casual ensemble. Busy week: His flight back home comes after a week working on the set of Thor: Love and Thunder. The film is the latest installment in the Thor franchise, which began filming at Sydney's Fox Studios, last month He wore a sleeveless shirt - that drew attention to his bulging biceps - along with black shorts. The Marvel star teamed the look with black trainers and a beige cap, and also carried with him a black and brown holdall tote. Chris is no doubt ready to kick up his heels and enjoy quality time with his children - daughter India Rose, eight, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, six. Travel: It was his second trip by private jet in four days, with the actor also boarding a chartered flight to Sydney alongside his co-star Matt Damon on Sunday He and wife Elsa live in a $30million mansion in Broken Head, near Byron Bay. His flight back home comes after a week working on the set of Thor: Love and Thunder. The film is the latest installment in the Thor franchise, which began filming at Sydney's Fox Studios, last month. Outspoken: Despite his penchant for private flights, Chris is known to be a climate change activist. He marched alongside daughter India (pictured) in a strike at Byron Bay in 2019, calling for action on the issue Chris also wrote in a lengthy post that we must: 'move away from the burning of fossil fuels, no more new oil, gas, coal projects'. In October 2020 he joined Priyanka Chopra for a special session of TED Countdown, where he discussed the climate crisis The highly anticipated blockbuster will see astrophysicist Jane Foster, played by co-star Natalie Portman, take up the mantle of Thor after transforming into a female version of the Norse god. The Black Swan star was absent for 2017's Thor: Ragnarok, but was a key player in the first two Thor films in 2011 and 2013. Starring alongside Chris and Natalie will be Tessa Thompson, Christian Bale and Chris Pratt. Thor: Love and Thunder is scheduled to be released in February 2022. A Mexican man accused of trafficking young women into the United States for over a decade and forcing them into prostitution will face charges in New York City, federal prosecutors said Friday. Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez, 45, was extradited to Brooklyn on Wednesday and will make his initial court appearance Friday. He was arrested in Mexico last August. Hes accused of luring young women into romantic relationships in Mexico, then coercing them into moving with traffickers to the United States, according to prosecutors. The victims were forced into sex work in more than 15 states, but Hernandez-Velazquezs trafficking headquarters was in Queens, prosecutors said. His group also forced the victims to get abortions if they got pregnant, according to court papers. The young women were beaten and told their families in Mexico would face retribution if any of them tried to flee, the documents said. Hernandez-Velazquez is charged along with his sister, Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, 47, and his brother, Ernesto Hernandez-Velazquez, 40, in Brooklyn Federal Court. The two siblings were already in the United States awaiting trial. He was hit with racketeering, sex trafficking, fraud, interstate prostitution, alien smuggling, money laundering and other charges. The three siblings allegedly ran the prostitution business for 18 years, trafficking women starting in 2001 and continuing up until charges were first filed in 2019. Six unnamed women were identified as victims of the scheme in an indictment filed by prosecutors in 2020. Hernandez-Velazquezs brother and sister were arrested in New York in 2019. His sister handled much of the day-to-day operation, feds said. She lived in a Queens apartment on 18th St. where traffickers and victims were housed. She monitored the prostitutes and accompanied them to buy condoms and tracked their sex work proceeds, prosecutors said. When she learned of the investigation, she also tried to stop victims from cooperating with the government, the feds said. All three siblings face life in prison if convicted. Fluctuating power and burst pipes have caused fire alarms to randomly go off in residential and commercial buildings, the San Antonio Fire Department said. These types of alarm calls increase during thunderstorms and have been triggered by this week's winter weather. The calls over he last few days, however, have added to the workload for an already slammed fire department, said SAFD spokesman Joe Arrington. Since Monday at midnight, the fire department has received more than 1,100 calls for automatic alarms, 50 of which required crews to respond, Arrington said. On the first day of the storms, Arrington said SAFD received 2,608 calls, three times its normal call volume. "So from that, you can see how taxing these false alarms can be on our department," Arrington said. READ ALSO: San Antonio police flooded with calls for winter-related calls for service On Thursday night, the residents of the Cevallos Lofts, located at 301 E Cevallos Street, evacuated the building several times because a leak in the fire sprinkler system set off their fire alarms. "We noticed that everyone was just in this like state of emergency and this panicked mood," said resident Jordan Lewandowski, a resident of the complex. "People were so frustrated; it was such an inconvenience." Lewandowski and his girlfriend Reann Dvorscek said they needed to evacuate at 11:30 p.m., 3:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. for fire alarms that lasted anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. The two said they watched elderly residents and families with newborns wrapped tightly in blankets trying fend off the freezing cold as they waited for the fire department to turn off the alarm. "You had people running to their cars to try and stay warm and we realized that this definitely emotionally affected us, but it didn't personally affect us like we saw for some of our neighbors," Lewandowski said. "It was just an eye-opener to see." Arrington said the fire department has had to prioritize what calls to respond to this week based on such factors like the type of facility and if there is smoke or fire detected. "And even having the fire department come over here without there being a fire thank goodness for that but it just takes away so many resources that are actually needed around the city," Dvorscek said. Residents and businesses can help by working with their maintenance crews and their alarm companies to remedy the alarms, SAFD said. Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc. Lara Trump and Eric Trump speak during a rally of supporters of US President Donald Trump on The Ellipse outside of the White House on January 6, 2021, in Washington. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) Lara Trump: Americans Have to Stand Up to Cancel Culture Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, told the audience of her weekly show on Feb. 17 to not be afraid to voice their opinions and to stand up to cancel culture. I just want to tell people out there, I know that its really frustrating, this cancel culture, but we have to stand up to it. We have to take a stand and dont be afraid. If you have something to say, say it. Post it on social media. Do not be afraid to voice your opinion, Lara Trump said. They want you to be scared. They dont want any of us to have free thought anymore. It is to scare Americans, to scare you into submission, and were not going to do it. We are not going to take this lying down, she added. The presidents daughter-in-law made the comments in the last segment of her hourlong show, The Right View. She prefaced the comments by pointing out that President Trump repeatedly warned Americans on the campaign trail about America being on a slippery slope toward communism. When everybody is told you have to conform your thinking, you have to conform everything you do to this way, otherwise you dont have a place here, thats a communist mentality, plain and simple, Lara Trump said. Lara Trump made the comments in the wake of the impeachment trial acquittal of President Trump. The presidents attorneys faced the brunt of cancel culture, with one, David Schoen, losing a prospective teaching position at a law school, and another, Michael van der Veen, finding his house vandalized. Lara Trump said that the impeachment trial itself was a way to put a lid on the Make America Great Again populist movement. She urged Americans to not back down in the face of pressure. We are not going to take this lying down. This is the greatest country in the history of the world. No one said it would be easy to remain the greatest country but we have to do it. We have to fight for it, she said. You gotta fight for it because its worth it. This country is so great. I want it to be the best country in the world for my children and generations beyond, but were slipping down a scary path and we cannot allow it to happen in this country. COLUMBIA A federal judge temporarily halted South Carolinas abortion ban Feb. 19, a day after Gov. Henry McMaster signed the measure into law. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis granted a 14-day temporary restraining order blocking the ban and said she would renew that order when it expires in advance of a March 9 hearing on a more extensive preliminary injunction. The order from Lewis means the law prohibiting most abortions in the state is no longer in effect as the lengthier court cases begin, a process that legal experts say could ultimately take years. The six-page order from Lewis referred to the ban as "plainly unconstitutional." The legislation, known by supporters as the "fetal heartbeat" bill, would ban abortions after around six to eight weeks of pregnancy. McMasters signature added South Carolina to close to a dozen other states that have approved similar bills, all of which have moved into court challenges and are not in effect. In an hour-long hearing over Planned Parenthood and Greenville Women's Clinic's request for the temporary restraining order, Lewis repeatedly questioned a lawyer representing S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson's office on how the state could square the ban with U.S. Supreme Court precedent that women have a constitutional right to abortion access. Lewis and Julie Murray, an attorney representing Planned Parenthood and the clinic, noted that the Supreme Court has held that women have a right to choose to have an abortion up until the point at which a fetus can be viable outside of the womb, which is generally considered to be after 24 weeks of gestation. "That's just the way the law is," Lewis said, adding that she does not have the authority as a district-level judge to "create law," only to apply it as is. Lewis pointed out that South Carolina's proposed ban is not even close to what current Supreme Court precedent allows. "I mean, my God, we're not talking about a week or two" before viability, Lewis said. "We're talking about way before viability, months before." South Carolina Deputy Solicitor General Emory Smith argued the law is in "a state of flux" and a new Supreme Court with a different composition could decide to reverse the court's precedent in the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Three of the current justices were nominated by Republican former President Donald Trump in recent years. Lewis, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2011 and confirmed to the federal bench in 2012, said the future of abortion law is not for her to determine. "In the meantime," Lewis said, "a lot of harm can happen." Smith did not dispute that a ban at six to eight weeks is well before a fetus could be viable outside of the womb. But he repeatedly noted the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the similar "fetal heartbeat" legislation in other states, some of which are now in appeals. The state will not be able to appeal the temporary restraining order, but it will be able to appeal if Lewis grants the more permanent preliminary injunction March 9. Lewis voiced skepticism that any argument from the state could prevent that preliminary injunction, though she said she would give them until March 2 to submit briefs laying out their case. "I don't think there's anything else that would assist me," Lewis said. Murray said Planned Parenthood will be seeking summary judgment to strike down the law for good, a decision that could also be appealed. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! After the ruling, Wilson said he believes the ban "is constitutional and deserves a vigorous defense to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary." "Every generation has a right and a duty to revisit issues as important as this one," Wilson said. "The Heartbeat Law protects life. Nothing is more important or fundamental. Todays temporary restraining order is only a first step, but the legal fight has just begun. We look forward to further arguing why this law should be valid." Malissa Burnette, one of the attorneys representing Planned Parenthood and Greenville Women's Clinic, said there's always a possibility the Supreme Court may reverse Roe v. Wade. "But I don't think (the Attorney General's Office) should count their chickens before they hatch," Burnette said, "because that court, with the Republican appointees, has already surprised some of the folks with their decisions that are based on law instead of politics." The law's passage caused Planned Parenthood to temporarily halt its abortion services in South Carolina. Murray said the law's passage had "thrown into chaos" abortion services in the state. If the law was not blocked, Murray said abortion providers would have needed to cancel 60 appointments in the coming days. "Today, abortion remains safe and legal in South Carolina, and politicians' plan to restrict access to health care has failed," said Jenny Black, CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. "Gov. McMaster: South Carolinians need a COVID-19 plan, not an abortion ban. Our patients deserve more from their elected leaders." McMaster tweeted that the state would "defend this law every step of the way." "No lawsuit can weaken our resolve to fight for life," McMaster said. About 55 percent of abortions in South Carolina are conducted after six weeks of gestation, according to 2019 data from the states health department. The in-person hearing in federal court featured a socially distant audience of only 12 people, mostly reporters. In an episode reflective of the coronavirus pandemic experience, Murray faced a few minutes of technical difficulties as she sought to join the hearing virtually by video conference, but the problems were eventually resolved. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic spokeswoman Molly Rivera said the organization halted their abortion services at clinics in Columbia and Charleston after the bill was signed into law but were planning to resume after the court ruling. There is only one other abortion clinic in South Carolina, the Greenville Women's Clinic. A staffer there told The Post and Courier on Feb. 19 that they had not halted their abortion services, but a spokeswoman later said they actually had halted abortion services and were forced to turn away patients after the law was signed. The clinic will now be resuming abortion services after the law was suspended in court, the spokeswoman said. Doctors who violate the law would be guilty of a felony, subject to a $10,000 fine and a maximum prison sentence of two years. South Carolina's current law bans abortions after around 20 weeks, but it ties the fetus age to conception, rather than a womans monthly cycle. Since this date cannot be scientifically pinpointed, the ban actually refers to what doctors consider a gestational age of 22 weeks. Wilson's office also represented two of the other defendants named in the lawsuit, 9th Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson and 13th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins, who were included because of the abortion clinics in their respective jurisdictions of Charleston and Greenville. But the third local solicitor named in the lawsuit, 5th Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson of Columbia, represented himself in court and said that his office does not oppose the temporary restraining order or the preliminary injunction. Richwood, TX (77531) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. LANSING, MI - Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, already battling criticism over accusations of sexism and use of the word hoax when describing the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, attracted more scrutiny this week with another questionable claim. The Republican from Clarklake asserted in a radio interview Tuesday that dead people voted in Michigans November election, but not enough to change Michigans results. Shirkey made the comment in a Feb. 16 interview with Jackson radio station WKHMs Greg OConnor. Read more: Dead people voted, Shirkey claims, despite debunking from Michigan election officials In the Tuesday interview, Shirkey said Trump lost Michigan by more than 150,000 votes, but added that the election was a little too lose, despite officials saying it was the most secure in state history. Too many dead people voted and there was too much confusion at absentee counting boards, which is going to be the new reality, he said in the interview. So we need higher levels of training for those who are poll workers, poll watchers, poll challengers to keep the tension down in those locations. Shirkey did not offer any evidence supporting his claim that votes were cast under the names of dead people. The Michigan Secretary of States office has been debunking similar theories since November. Shirkey was also the butt of jokes in the national media. John Oliver of HBOs Last Week Tonight played the clip of Shirkey talking with members of the Hillsdale County Republicans, who censured Shirkey for not pushing hard enough against Gov. Gretchen Whitmers COVID-19 restrictions. Read more: John Oliver lampoons Mike Shirkeys hoax comments on Capitol attack In response to Shirkey saying the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was a hoax and prearranged, Oliver raised the question: What the f*** are you talking about? To the extent Jan. 6 was prearranged by anyone, it was clearly by Trump, Oliver said on the show, later adding, I know that man looks like he answers the question, What if Steve Martin was awful? but the fact is hes the Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate. He has real power. Shirkeys top spokeswoman Amber McCann later in the week stepped down from her position to become a special projects director for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Attorney Generals Office confirmed Thursday. McCann, who has not yet commented publicly on the move, starts in the new role March 8. Read more: Spokesperson for Senate leader Mike Shirkey departing for new role at Attorney Generals office Amber has been a trusted advisor, a consummate professional and integral part of my senior staff team for the past two years, said Shirkey in a statement. She has been a fixture in the majority leaders office for some time and like many staff in this term-limited environment, she sought an opportunity outside the legislature where she can still be of service to the public. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Amber. More: Michigans Mike Shirkey problem is not going away House of Representative speaker Jason Wentworth during a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2020 in Lansing. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com Transparency training now required in the House Members of the Michigan House of Representatives attended ethics training Thursday as part of an ongoing push for more government transparency by Michigan House Speaker Jason Wentworth. Michigan House Republicans completed a two-hour training Thursday with Jennifer Belveal, a Detroit-based attorney with the firm Foley and Lardner who specializes in legal ethics, government investigations and white-collar crimes. House Democrats are also expected to complete a separate, similar training session. The effort is intended to bring lawmakers up to speed on appropriate conduct in interactions with lobbyists and constituents, set clear expectations for ethical government operations and start the momentum for ethics and transparency-related legislation, Wentworth, R-Clare, said in a Wednesday interview with MLive. Just like people on the outside are held to certain things, we have to be held to a certain standard in the Legislature, too, he said. For me, its about that expectation level setting right out of the gate, and then ensuring that we set a stage for starting to rebuild that trust of the people of our state. Read more: Michigan House Speaker requiring ethics training for lawmakers as part of government transparency push Michigan House sends COVID-19 relief package to Senate for review The Michigan House voted unanimously to send a COVID-19 relief supplemental to the Senate for review. House Bills 4018, 4020 and 4021 are all currently placeholders as both chambers hammer out details to eventually send a bill to Whitmer for final signing. The Senate plans to vote on the bills in session next week. Sponsor Rep. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, said negotiations are progressing without Whitmer or her offices input. He echoed a statement he made when Whitmers office made its own budget proposal earlier this month. We will afford the governor as much input on the budget as she has afforded the people of Michigan during this pandemic, he said. DUI expungement, tampons and more: Lawmakers reintroduce bills that fizzled late last term Lawmakers from both parties and both chambers reintroduced legislation that didnt get over the finish line last session. After Whitmer declined to sign drunken driving expungement in January, House Republicans and Democrats are pushing again for first-time violations to become eligible for removal from criminal records. House Bills 4219, sponsored by Rep. Tenisha Yancey, D-Harper Woods, would make drivers with a conviction of operating a vehicle while intoxicated eligible to remove their first offense from state record books, as long as it didnt lead to the death or serious injury of a victim. The expungement would apply to violations of local, state and federal laws, as well as those that occurred on Native American territory. House Bill 4220, sponsored by Rep. Joe Bellino, R-Monroe, would allow for the first-time offender to apply for expungement from a judge. Legislators hope support from Nessel can help grease the skids for a Whitmer signature. Read more: Michigan House renews bipartisan push for first-time drunken driving expungement Female Democrats in both chambers introduced bills addressing a pair of race and gender discrimination issues. Sens. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids and Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak introduced Senate Bills 0153 and 0154, respectively. The first would repeal the sales tax on feminine hygiene products such as tampons, while the second would do the same for the use tax on those products. McMorrow said similar bills she introduced with Brinks last session died without seeing a committee hearing. We cant let that happen again, she wrote on Twitter. Whitmer, who has supported a repeal of the tampon tax in the past, once again offered her approval of this push from Winks, McMorrow and House Reps. Padme Kuppa, D-Troy, and Tenisha Yancey, D-Harper Woods. The Governor said that the bills would ensure womens needs are tax exempt like any other medically necessary purchase in Michigan. Related: Michigan women sue state over tampon tax, demand refund And just like that:The #MICrownAct has been re-introduced in MI. The bill seeks to ban race-based hair discrimination. The bill specifies that hair is a trait historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. Photo credit: @KyraHBolden pic.twitter.com/rh7oL71tTn Sarah Anthony (@SarahAnthony517) February 18, 2021 Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, also introduced House Bill 4275, which would amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to outlaw race-based hair discrimination. The bill specifies that hair is a trait historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles, Anthony wrote on Twitter. If passed, it would restrict a business from treating an employee differently due to hairstyles historically associated with race. These would include hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists. The sun rises over Chippewa Harbor at Isle Royale National Park. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)MLive/The Grand Rapids Press Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, is spearheading another effort to cull the moose population on Isle Royale by urging the National Park Service to establish a tag lottery hunt. House Resolution 30 is a repeat of the resolution passed last session by Johnson and fellow Republicans such as Reps. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, and Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock. Read more: Should a moose hunt be allowed on Isle Royale National Park? Some Michigan lawmakers think so The resolution aims to stop the growth of a moose population that feeds on trees on Isle Royale National Park. The National Park Service has attempted to curb the population by introducing wolves to the ecosystem, but inbreeding, disease and other issues among the wolves necessitates human hunters now, Johnson said. Hunting is the best wildlife management tool we have, said Johnson in a statement. Its time the National Park Service bring in hunters to help manage the out-of-control moose population. In 1980, there were 50 wolves hunting moose at Isle Royale, according to National Park Service statistics. In 2019, there were only 14 wolves. The resolution would also be economically beneficial for the national park, as hunters would flock to the area for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Johnson said. Its not often we have the opportunity to give hunters a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that also helps protect Michigans most pristine national park, while spurring economic growth in the western U.P., said Johnson in a statement. This is a true win-win-win. The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation for further consideration. Final notes: The Michigan Senate approved Senate Bill 46 , which would exempt property taxes on broadband equipment provided to underserved areas. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, passed 20-15 without debate on the floor. The states Unemployment Insurance Agency said Thursday its highly unlikely it will run out of money 2021. The reassuring update could eliminate the need to shore up the fund via either a supplemental budget bill or an automatic business tax hike, which has been a point of contention between the Legislature and the governors office. More: Despite draining 89% of unemployment funds, Michigan says it wont run out in 2021 A building in Anchorage that once housed a Key Bank office is undergoing a $41 million renovation inspired by Alaskas glaciers. The project developer said the former Key Bank Plaza will be modernized and draped in glass instead of concrete, with an inward-sloping facade above the entrance, the Anchorage Daily News reported Sunday. The nine-floor building that has stood for 50 years was battered and left vacant by the 2018 Anchorage earthquake. Developer Derrick Chang said the buildings entrance will look like an ice cave, so you create an Arctic phenomenon. We wanted to capture the Alaska glacier as an inspiration, Chang said. The upgraded office building will be larger than the original and seismically reinforced to withstand future earthquakes, Chang said. Key Bank is no longer a tenant, and the building will be renamed 601 5th Ave. A key goal of the project is to revitalize downtown Anchorage after many businesses left for newer midtown offices, Chang said. We believe its the heart of the community, so its important to take this step now, Chang said. An official tracking the project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, said it will essentially be a new building. Technically, it will be a renovation, but in spirit, its a new construction building, said Andrew Romerdahl, senior director of real estate for Cook Inlet Region Inc. The ground floor will feature retail and dining space, Romerdahl said. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will be replaced, along with the stair tower damaged by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake in 2018. Modern elevators and a freight elevator also will be installed, architecture firm Perkins & Will said in a statement. The improvements will benefit from a 10-year exemption from property taxes for deteriorated properties, which the Anchorage Assembly approved last year. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Speaking at the funeral of a presidential top aide, Tanzania's President John Magufuli has spoken about coronavirus and called for three days of prayer and fasting. He said the East African nation had defeated Covid-19 last year and would win again this year. The president said it might be a "test from God" and urged Tanzanians not to panic. His chief secretary, John Kijazi, died of an undisclosed illness while undergoing treatment. "It is possible this is another test but with God we will win. Let's not scare each other because we will not overcome. It's possible we have offended God or we're being tested and I'm urging that we stand by God.""It is possible this is another test but with God we will win. Let's not scare each other because we will not overcome. It's possible we have offended God or we're being tested and I'm urging that we stand by God." "I ask you Tanzanians if we have slipped let's continue praying to God and fasting from today, tomorrow and the day after. Religious leaders continue encouraging prayers, we will win. God cannot forsake this nation." For months the government has insisted the Covid-19 pandemic was under control and encouraged the use of herbal remedies. The vice-president of Tanzania's semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar, Seif Sharif Hamad, died on Wednesday - nearly three weeks after his party said he had contracted Covid-19. He was the most prominent political figure in Tanzania to have openly declared that he had Covid-19. The government has not published data on coronavirus for months Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Le Minh Tan, a lecturer of Vinh University, central Nghe An Province, not only follows a green-living lifestyle but also encourages people around him to take a leaf out of his book and follow in his footsteps. Members of Go Green Vietnam clean up an area in the outskirts of Vinh City. Photo zingnews.vn Over the past three years, he has initiated a series of campaigns encouraging young people in his community to categorise garbage at source, recycle old items and raise their awareness about plastic waste. We can all protect the environment with the smallest action, said Tan, a 31-year-old teacher at the Foreign Language Education Faculty of Vinh University. One of his projects that attracts the participation of young people is Go Green Viet Nam oi a green journey with activities aiming at creating sustainable, environmental values. He hopes the project will encourage everyone to live green and make it a habit, not just a short-term campaign. Tan started green living three years ago when he got married. The amount of waste he and his wife discharged everyday surprised him. The waste amount increased when we bought items for our baby. Items we buy at the supermarket are wrapped with plastic, he told zingnews.vn. People living in suburbs are suffering from waste overload more than those living in the cities due to the growing of unmanaged waste dumps. Empty roads have become places to dump waste or construction materials. Solutions of local authorities are short-term. We really need to change public awareness to tackle the root of the problem," he said. Go Green Vietnam set challenges like cleaning waste and shopping without using plastic bags. A lot of young people in Vinh City accepted the challenges, recorded videos, photos and posted them on social networks to spread the word. Shopping without single-use plastic bags. Photo zingnews.vn Tans projects also changed his wifes habit of taking plastic bags while shopping. Instead, she takes her own bags to go to the market, sorts out garbage at home and makes compost from waste. Go Green-Go Sharing, a campaign of Go Green Vietnam, was recently launched sending the message of sharing utensils, reducing shopping and reducing waste. The project has created a network of nearly 200 people trying to live green and are always ready to take part in environmental activities. Tan said videos clips of environmental protection activities of Go Green Vietnam had been widely shared. An English teacher in Indonesia used the videos to spread the environmental spirit to his students. Go Green Vietnam has the ambition to create a network of people interested in making compost from waste in Vinh City. The compost will be used to grow vegetables and plants. If the project is maintained regularly in households, a huge amount of domestic waste discharged into the environment each day would be significantly reduced, Tan believes. He also wants to find a young team with a large amount of time, creative ideas, and enthusiasm for environmental issues to continue the mission. He added: Environmental protection is not the responsibility of just the government, company or organisation, but the responsibility of everyone. Every little action has a direct impact on the environment. VNS Live greener day by day A group of young people are helping each other to live a greener lifestyle, and hope their actions will spread into the wider community. It does not deliver uniformly safe and quality care for older people. It is unkind and uncaring towards them. In too many instances, it simply neglects them, it said. The commissions final report will be handed to the government next Friday, and the Prime Minister has promised to respond by the May budget. Experts, workers and the sector want to see big changes to a system that is currently a national disgrace. Time to Act Geriatric medicine specialist Professor Joe Ibrahim, who has been looking at aged care resident aggression, suicide, preventable injuries and preventable deaths since 2014, says these are not new problems. Many stem from the Aged Care Act of 1997, he says, which drove a more corporate style of practice focused on bottom lines and led to the reduction of nurses employed in the homes. Ibrahim wants to see the Act torn up. Theyve got to change the act governing aged care so it has a human rights framework, he says. Aged care expert Professor Joe Ibrahim wants the current Aged Care Act torn up. Credit:Jason South The Australian Aged Care Collaboration - a new, unified force combining the countrys largest aged care peak bodies - also wants a new Aged Care Act that will address longstanding issues. We need to create a total overhaul of the system that designs a whole system around the needs of the individual and their rights, says Sean Rooney, a representative of the new body and chief executive of Leading Aged Services Australia. And weve got to get this right, because not only do we have, you know, 1.3 [million] older people now receiving care in the system, but weve got an ageing population. Quality first Professor Henry Cutler, director of the Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, believes the key reform will be developing a consistent way to measure quality of care across aged care facilities, and ensuring the regulator has enough teeth to enforce standards. At the moment, the government decides whether aged care providers meet accreditation standards. But there is no national quality framework people can use to compare residential care in a similar way to childcare facilities or even hotels. Because people dont shop around, ie. they dont attend different aged care facilities and experience the care within an aged care facility, theyre not really too sure as to what is good quality care, he says. So its really important for quality to be measured so consumers can say, hang on, I want to know what the facility down the road, how that compares to another facility up the road, because I cant do that myself. Rooney agrees quality should be a priority. We need to be really clear about what it is that were measuring with regards to outcomes for older people, and if we can be absolutely clear about that, then well know whether were delivering value for money or not, he says. But we also want to ensure that weve got the measures right that incentivise innovation and continuous improvement in quality, and not just have a regulator thats just marking our homework. Putting the nurse back in nursing homes Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation federal secretary Annie Butler says the Aged Care Act has led to a gradual decline in regulatory mechanisms to ensure there were the right numbers of staff to ensure quality care. Roughly 80 per cent of aged care residents have high healthcare needs, Butler says. Conversely, the number of nurses working in the sector has been steadily declining since 2003, according to the National Institute of Labour Studies. Loading On top of that, care workers who do the bulk of work with residents have little if any qualifications in the sector, as there are no consistent minimum qualification requirements. What weve seen is a composition of workforce change that does not leave people with enough high-level skills to ensure elderly people have their health needs met - coupled with the fact theres just not enough [staff], Butler says. Shes aware of some facilities in NSW with no registered nurses on shift overnight, while other facilities might have one personal care worker looking after 10 to 20 dementia patients alone. Merle Mitchell, who testified during the Royal Commission about a lack of compassion from staff, would like to see workers stay in aged care facilities for two nights and two days as part of their training. I think that would make an enormous difference to the service that could be provided, she said. Because then they would actually understand what its like to live in a place like this. Loading Opposition health and aged care spokesman Mark Butler, who was Minister for Mental Health and Ageing during the Gillard government, says its widely accepted the biggest challenge in the sector is having enough qualified staff to care for older Australians. One of the first decisions of the Abbott government was to abolish a workforce compact I negotiated with aged care providers, unions and consumer groups to start to lift the qualifications and wages of aged care staff, he said. This short-sighted, ideological decision by the government has meant that the workforce challenges identified almost a decade ago have only got worse. Annie Butler (no relation) says the federation is pushing for staffing ratios, to ensure residents receive an average 4.3 hours of care per day - up from the current average of just 2.8 hours. We are just overflowing with research and evidence that shows if you increase staffing, and increase registered nurse staffing, you are going to have better outcomes for residents, she says. The price of reform All these reforms will come at a cost. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation calculated their proposed staffing ratios would take five years to implement and require an added $5 billion in funding. The Australian Aged Care Collaboration worked out a further 88,000 places will be needed in residential aged care over the next 10 years, at a cost of $55 billion. Mark Butler said Australians should have no faith in the governments ability to fix aged care. Loading Scott Morrison has neglected older Australians and the aged care system - its a national disgrace, he says. A spokesman for Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt says the government has already begun work to improve the system, but acknowledges more reform will be needed. The Morrison government has been listening and consulting, and has commenced reform across the aged care sector to address priority areas, including those identified by the Royal Commission in its interim report and response to COVID-19, the spokesman says. For example, home care packages will increase from 60,308 in 2012-13 to 195,597 in 2023-24, an increase of 224 per cent. The government is also delivering record investment across the entire aged care system from $13.3 billion in 2012-13, to $24, $25, $26 and $27 billion over this year and the coming three years. Merle Mitchell in 1993, when she was president of the Australian Council of Social Service. Credit:Neale Duckworth The government will also carefully consider the Royal Commissions recommendations and respond in the next budget. Mitchell, with her years of experience working in social policy, says she has confidence the Royal Commission will make strong recommendations but is not so sure the government will implement them, after the October budget failed to deliver major reform despite recommendations in the Commissions interim report. If they didnt do it then, why would they do it now? she says. The Duke of Cambridge has thanked NHS staff in the Western Isles for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. William spoke on the phone with Barra charge nurse Frances MacNeil on Thursday. They discussed her role as a vaccinator in the Covid-19 programme, and William passed on his thanks to all NHS Western Isles staff. Barra and Vatersay moved into the highest level of lockdown restrictions in mid-January following an outbreak of the virus, while the rest of the Western Isles moved into Level 4 at the end of last month after a spike in cases. Nurse Frances MacNeil spoke to William on the phone (NHS Western Isles/PA) Ms MacNeil said she enjoyed speaking with William, known as the Earl of Strathearn in Scotland, who she said was very relaxed. She said: Prince William was very knowledgeable about the vaccination programme and the geography of the islands. He asked about the logistics of getting the vaccine to the islands and how we were managing. We spoke a little about the challenges of unpredictable weather and reaching people in their own homes. He commented that of course so many of them had been unable to leave their homes during the past year because of the pandemic. I did mention to him that his grandmother knew Barra and Vatersay well as she visited on several occasions with her young family on the royal yacht Britannia. MARYVILLE Officials from the hotel, restaurant and convention industries told a state Senate panel Thursday that they need a clear plan for how they will be allowed to reopen as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes. Without a plan, they said, many will go out of business permanently. We need to know a strategy, we need to know the metrics as we move forward because we cannot, we cannot lose another summer here in the state of Illinois, Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, told the state Senates newly-formed Tourism and Hospitality Committee during its first virtual hearing. State Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, vice-chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee, said a strategic plan is needed to help Illinois businesses, hotels and restaurants recover from the pandemic. While I understand the importance of keeping residents safe, it has been difficult to watch local businesses suffer as residents cross our borders to support restaurants and shops in neighboring states, she said. Illinois has so much to offer, and Im looking forward to discussing our states recovery plan to re-ignite our unique tourism and hospitality industries. Last month Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, said he expects a turnaround in the tourism industry will at least begin this year. The American Hotel & Lodging Association recently reported business travel is expected to be down 85 percent, compared to 2019, through April and then will only tick up slightly. Travel for leisure will be the first to return, the report said, with 56 percent of consumers expecting to travel in 2021 roughly the same as in an average year. Business and group travel is not expected to return to pre-pandemic travel levels for the next two years. We represent six counties and whats good for us is that we are a second- or third-tier destination in terms of leisure travel, Jobe said. We anticipate a pretty good rebound this summer and fall because consumers are looking for a place for a road trip. We see vacation rentals and B and B (bed and breakfast) and those sorts of things coming back in the summer and the fall, he said. But we dont see a full robust return to the 2018 or 2019 numbers until at least early 2024. In 2019 visitors spent $718.5 million in the Riverbend region which includes Madison, Jersey, Greene, Calhoun, Macoupin and Montgomery counties. The region received local tax receipts of $19.37 million from visitor spending in 2019 and $18.64 in 2018, according to the Illinois Department of Commerces Office of Tourism. Currently, all of Illinois is under Phase 4 mitigations which limits private gatherings to no more than 50 people. Toia said many restaurants can handle larger numbers of people safely, and there should be a more specific plan to let bars, restaurants and hotels gradually move out of Phase 4 toward Phase 5 (ull reopening). Michael Jacobson, president/CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, said with no plan hotels risk losing not just another season but another year. Meeting planners are making their plans right now for events booked this summer and beyond, he said. Because of how long these planners book in advance, we cannot take a day-by-day approach to these restrictions. Otherwise, we are putting months and months of future business at risk of leaving our state. And once a meeting leaves Illinois, it becomes so much harder to convince that organizer to come back to our state. Jacobson said the statewide average occupancy rate for hotels in Illinois in December was only 27 percent roughly half what it was a year earlier. It has become clear that we will be among the last industries to recover from this disaster, he said. In fact, we dont anticipate a recovery to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 at the earliest. And that is assuming that the recovery accelerates here in the next couple of months. Capitol News Illinois contributed to this story. Covid-19 vaccine doses allocated for Week 10 have been delayed in New York state due to winter storms across much of the U.S., Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced late Thursday night. The doses were scheduled to be delivered between Feb. 12 and Feb. 21, according to a statement from the governors office. Every dose that should have shipped on Monday was held back, and only a limited number of Pfizer vaccines left shipping facilities on Tuesday and Wednesday, Cuomo said. This delay will undoubtedly pose a logistical challenge for New York but as we have shown over the last 350-plus days, we are New York Tough, and we are up to the challenge. The Department of Health is working closely with all providers, including local health departments, hospitals, pharmacies, and FQHCs to minimize the impact on their operations and reduce the number of appointments that must be rescheduled. Its not immediately clear how many vaccine appointments will need to be rescheduled due to the delay. New York receives a total of about 315,000 doses per week. Cuomo said the state is working with the federal governments to expedite the delayed shipments and will provide an update in the coming days. To date, New York has administered the first dose of its coronavirus vaccines to 2.1 million residents, representing 90% of its allotment. Nearly 1.3 million New Yorkers have also received the required second dose. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources As millions get their Covid shots, heres what we still dont know about the vaccines Alone and sad, CNYs kids suffer: I just want to feel better and I dont know how As NY Covid rules ease, arts promoters imagine a unique return to summer music and plays Syracuse hospitals reeling from Covid asked to pay millions due to government mistake Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com 10824 Scott Self, CIO, Tennessee Valley Authority Scott Self, CIO, Tennessee Valley Authority In an unassuming room anywhere in the world, a shadowy figure faces a computer screen. He isnt armed with a gun or a bomb, because he doesnt need one; he is a criminal who does his work with a keyboard and mouse. And if he is able, he can use his skills to hack into a power companys entire system not just computers, but electric power infrastructure and create harm. "In addition to protect customer and employee personal information, utilities must be concerned about cyber espionage and protecting critical systems and infrastructure" Although this sounds like something out of a movie, this keeps security personnel in the utility industry awake at night. Connectivity has enabled smart grids, distributed generation, rapid load shift management and ability to spot issues that were unimaginable 20 years age. However, this interconnectivity also creates vulnerabilities. As technology becomes increasingly interconnected, so do the risks. Cyber security is a top concern for our nations utilities, said Scott Self, CIO, and Tennessee Valley Authority. Utility IT professionals understand that, and they must be on the cyber security front lines in order to protect the nations power grid. The media has written a lot recently about concerns over utility cyber security, raising fears. But, what the public may not realize is that cyber security for the utility industry is highly regulated and compliance is not an option. For example, all utilities in the United States must comply with the standards set forth by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards, among others. Utilities recognize that today the cyber security game has changed. According to the ICS-CERT Monitor Newsletter, a publication of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 32 percent of the 245 reported cyber incidents that happened in 2014 occurred in the energy sector. In the past, cybercriminals looked to exploit information for financial gain or to attack a companys reputation. In addition to protect customer and employee personal information, utilities must be concerned about cyber espionage and protecting critical systems and infrastructure. Why utilities are considered cyber targets? Unlike other industries, utilities are one of the few businesses, where the cyber and physical worlds intersect. For example, a utilitys network supports many important physical assets within energy delivery systems generating facilities, substations, switch yards, power lines and oil or gas pipelines. Protecting these systems keeps utility IT professionals laser-focused on security every day. Therefore, the new normal in utility industry is to use advanced technology to secure both physical and cyber assets equally. As the largest public power utility in the United States, Tennessee Valley Authority serves nine million people across seven states with a 99.999 percent reliability rating. Any interruption in power could result in serious health and safety risks and threaten hardship across the entire Tennessee Valley. TVA fully understands the environment and takes cybersecurity extremely seriously. We recognize that there is no single solution to cybersecurity. Protecting the TVA network from multiple threat vectors takes extensive planning, flawless execution and constant diligence, said Philip Propes, TVAs Chief Information Security Officer, adding that TVAs goal is to blend cyber-security and physical-security for predictive modeling and analysis. Managing cyber threats requires TVA to go beyond the compliance standard through robust, layered security protocols. A strong cybersecurity strategy and culture is key along with tactics such as: Risk-based multi-tiered threat analysis Highly skilled cybersecurity professionals 24/7 enterprise-wide monitoring control center Strong network security and authenticating Predictive analytics and analysis Resilient systems TVA believes in a defense-in-depth security approach that has proper segmentation, monitoring and redundancies that will allow us to address a wide-range of cyber-scenarios, said self. While there are many facets to the TVA security program, the company is sharing some of their best practices. Clear Organizational Security Structure While each utility may manage their cybersecurity differently, we found that a mix of centralized and decentralized security functions works best for our business, said Self. Monitoring, incident response, forensics and intelligence are more efficient when they are centralized. On the other hand, functions such as server maintenance, patching and antivirus updates work better as decentralized functions. The key takeaway is that utilities must understand and implement security processes that work best for their organization. Information Security Training Another best practice TVA follows is maintaining an aware and well-trained workforce. TVAs cybersecurity team works directly with their HR department to help develop a strong information security culture. This security culture is supported by clear information security policies as well as training developed by the cybersecurity team. Information security is not a spectator sport. Everyone at all levels of TVA is engaged and understands that they are part of the security solution, said Self. Each year TVA employees and contractors receive mandatory annual training on recognizing and reporting perceived cyber threats. Additional training may be required for some employees roles within the organization. This training is especially important now, because while the number of emails containing spam has fallen recently, the amount of malware discovered has spiked, almost doubling from 29.2 million in April 2015 to 57.9 million in June 2015. Our goal at TVA is to educate our workforce to prevent them from falling victim to phishing attacks and clicking on malicious links that download malware or spyware, Self explained. Employees are encouraged to report cybersecurity issues through TVAs See Something, Say Something philosophy.In addition, TVAs information security policy addresses the use of hardware, such as prohibiting employees from plugging in unapproved USB devices into company computers. Preparation and Drilling Constant drilling is another lesson learned at TVA. According to a 2015 survey released by Lieberman Software, 63 percent of companies run cybersecurity drills. Drills keep recovery plans updated and build relationships within organizations. The first time you meet your business partners should not be on the day you tell them that there is a problem, said self. In addition to coordinating national drills like GRIDEX - the utility industrys crisis response to simulated coordinated cybersecurity and physical security threats TVA conducts internal red-team exercises in which TVA teams probe computer systems to test reactions and the remediation processes. These exercises provide a safe environment that allows TVAs cybersecurity specialists to be prepared to aggressively respond in the event an attacker gets through countermeasures. Lessons learned are incorporated back into TVAs processes, creating a cycle of continuous improvement. Outreach, Educate, Share TVA works with the cybersecurity teams from a variety of local, state and federal government agencies to share information. As a government agency, TVA is in a unique position to collect and share information to others in the utility industry. TVA regularly meets with governmental peers and local power company customers to stay informed about emerging issues and to support organizations who need assistance solving problems. While TVA cannot reveal details of its security program, there are many actions TVA is taking, to protect its power grid and the people who depend on it. Scott Self explained, Growing our knowledge in cybersecurity is vital to our industry. As an industry, we need to work together to reduce vulnerabilities and put safeguards in place to ensure the security of our generating and transmission systems. As technology changes, so must cybersecurity. We will stay ahead of the curve and maintain our focus to move beyond security compliance to proactively address emerging issues. Vitaliy Bunechko, Head of the Zhytomyr Regional State Administration How to overcome the imbalance in the Ukrainian labor market? The experience of the Zhytomyr region is ready for scaling: to turn the "PTU" (technical colleges) into modern educational and practical centers that give students the opportunity to practice at the enterprises-customers of personnel It was once trendy to send children to study to become an accountant, manager, economist and lawyer. Now we are reaping the fruits of these decisions - and those who have mastered these professions in Ukraine experience the greatest difficulties in finding a job. Only in the Zhytomyr region (as of February 1), 37 thousand citizens received state employment services, of which 18.5 thousand were unemployed (this is 21% more than last year on the corresponding date). 42% of these people have a university degree. Despite the fact that 62% of vacancies are booked for blue-collar occupations. So, the main problem of the labor market in Ukraine and the Zhytomyr region in particular is the imbalance between the demand and supply of labor. There is a surplus of graduates from universities, while business is experiencing a significant shortage of specialists in professions where you need to work with your head and hands - a welder, an electrician, a locksmith, a road and agricultural machine operator, a driver, a seamstress, a machine operator of woodworking machines. Get down to the ground It would seem that this is a chance for Ukrainian vocational and technical education (VTE) to hit a kind of "jackpot" and prove its usefulness. But de facto, it cannot train specialists who meet business needs. How do we tackle these challenges in the Zhytomyr region? Practice has shown that the transformation of VTE institutions into educational and practical centers (EPC) with modern equipment and programs is the best option. It is in such establishments that students receive competencies that are in demand on the market and are well paid. But closer to specifics. Zhytomyr region during 2021-2025 will closely follow the progress of two pilot VTE projects - "Modernization of institutions" and "Introduction of elements of a dual form of education". Modernization of VTE institutions and launch of modern industry-specific training and practical centers on their basis In 6 institutions of V(VT)E there are 12 sectoral EPC functioning. 8 of them were created at the expense of state subventions, 4 - public-private partnership. Finances come from various sources - the Ministry of Education (the opening last year of the EPC in Golovino, Chernyakhovsky district), the Fund of Regional Development (several projects in 2021), and others. Educational institutions themselves, local authorities and the regional budget also co-finance this process. To the amount of UAH 3.794.000, provided for in 2020 by a subvention from the state budget, for the first time from the regional budget funds were allocated for co-financing the project in the amount of UAH 1.056.000 (30%). The transformation of an ordinary "vocational school" into modern training centers is bearing expectedly good results. For example, the Golovinsky Higher School for nonmetallic technologies turned into two EPC - welding technologies and operation and maintenance of road-building machines and equipment. In the first institution there is a winding line of those who seek to enter, because now welders easily find work. The second center, opened at the end of last year, teaches professions using construction equipment Volvo Car Ukraine - a modern loader and excavator. For the creation of this EPC, the Ministry of Education allocated more than 3 million UAH, of which 320,000 are funds of the institution itself. The company-supplier of equipment additionally provided the center with spare parts in the amount of UAH 600 thousand. Graduates of the Golovinsky Higher School will definitely be in demand by employers, because last year, thanks to the program of the President of Ukraine "Big Construction", we saw the rapid development of the mining industry and the restoration of transport infrastructure. Another EPC in the region was opened at the beginning of this year in Novograd-Volynsky. The institution will train specialists for the woodworking industry. Students will be taught on 20 modern machines and equipment made in Austria, Sweden, Belgium and Bulgaria. Every year this EPC will be able to prepare up to fifty specialists for the market, which is in dire need of workers in this profession. What is the employers' feedback on the graduates of these centers? Positive. They are not only happy to hire former students, but also send their workers to the centers to improve their qualifications. If in previous years 81-85% of graduates of institutions were employed, then last year - already 90%! The introduction of the dual form of training elements in the professional training of skilled workers The main advantage of this modern approach is the opportunity for applicants for vocational education to undergo industrial training and practical training at the enterprises-customers of personnel. That makes a difference. As of January 1, of this year, the elements of the dual form of training are being introduced in 10 VTE institutions for 16 blue-collar occupations together with more than 160 enterprises of the region. This is how 949 students receive education. We observe the best cooperation practices in: - Malinsky vocational lyceum (together with "Malinsky sewing factory "Elfa"(specialties Seamstress and Tailor)) - Berdychiv High School (together with "Zhytomyrski Lasoschi" (specialty Candy-maker)) - Novograd-Volynskiy High School (together with the furniture factory "Mirt" (Construction joiner and Machine operator of woodworking machines)) - Vocational school 16 of Korosten (together with "Korosten chemical engineering plant" (Electric welder)). To perspectives The vocational education system, like the knowledge of languages, needs to be constantly developed. So, in the Zhytomyr region, we will expand the list of professions whose specialists are needed by business, attract a much larger number of enterprises for the dual form of education and create a network of VTE institutions capable of providing high-quality professional education. This year alone, we plan to open 12 sectoral EPC for the funds of the State Regional Development Fund in the amount of UAH 24,700,000. [February 19, 2021] HGCmore launches entry-level smartphone Samsung Galaxy A12 offers for leave home safe HONG KONG, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong is finally experiencing a reduction in new coronavirus cases, allowing for the reopening of many public leisure spaces and the easing of social distancing rules on businesses such as restaurants. It is announced that the public will either have to scan the QR code through 'LeaveHomeSafe' mobile app or register contact details at venue. According to statistics, however, nearly 35% of elderly people aged 65 or above in Hong Kong do not have a smartphone^. To cater to market needs, HGCmore, a B2C one-stop-shop platform of HGC Broadband, is launching an entry-level smartphone Samsung Galaxy A12 offers*. If people register as a member on HGCmore website (www.hgcmore.com), they can purchase Samsung Galaxy A12 (Black Color) at a discounted price of HK$1,499, with a 5GB/90-day local data SIM card. HGCmore will continue to search for different grades and models of mobile phone options for customers to meet their different neds. * Offers are subject to relevant terms and conditions, please refer to: https://www.hgcbroadband.com/en/pages/terms-conditions ^ Source: The Census and Statistics Department "Thematic Household Survey Report No. 69" For promotion details, please refer to https://www.hgcmore.com/en/c04552 About HGC Global Communications Limited HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) is a leading Hong Kong and international fixed-line operator. The company owns an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas and provides various kinds of services. HGC has 23 overseas offices, with business over 5 continents. It provides telecom infrastructure service to other operators and serves as a service provider to corporate and households. The company provides full-fledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate and mass markets. HGC owns and operates an extensive fibre-optic network, five cross-border telecom routes integrated into tier-one telecom operators in mainland China and connects with hundreds of world-class international telecom operators. HGC is one of Hong Kong's largest Wi-Fi service providers, running over 29,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Hong Kong. The company is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions. HGC is a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities and transport in North America, Europe and selected fast-growing economies. To learn more, please visit HGC's website at: www.hgc.com.hk SOURCE HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] (Alliance News) - Stock prices in London were mixed at midday on Friday as the pound breached the USD1.40 mark, hindering the FTSE 100 index after days of flirting with surpassing that round-number barrier. Sterling is up 2.4% versus the greenback so far this year as investors grow increasingly confident the UK is on the road to economic recovery as the country progresses with its mass-vaccination rollout. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce his "road map" for easing lockdown restrictions in England on Monday next week. The UK government is on track to hit its target of giving 16 million people their first dose by mid-February. The internationally exposed flagship index was essentially flat, down just 0.94 of a point at 6,616.21. The domestic-focused FTSE 250 index was up 30.14 points, or 0.1%, at 20,963.97, and the AIM All-Share index was up 0.2% at 1,209.07. The Cboe UK 100 index was up 0.2% at 658.13 points. The Cboe 250 was up 0.2% at 18,555.22 and the Cboe Small Companies up 0.2% at 12,788.71. The CAC 40 index in Paris was up 0.6% and Frankfurt's DAX 30 up 0.5%. The pound was quoted at USD1.4001 at midday Friday, up from USD1.3955 at the London equities close Thursday, shrugging off dire UK retail sales numbers. Sterling hit an intraday high of USD1.4008 in late morning trade - its highest level since April 2018. AJ Bell's Russ Mould said: "A strong pound isn't helping the [large-cap] index - crimping the relative value of its dominant overseas earnings in the latest reminder that the multi-national index is in no way a proxy for the UK economy. "The run for sterling towards the USD1.40 mark against the dollar reflects, in part, optimism about what a rapid vaccine roll-out would mean for reopening in the UK, setting quite high expectations ahead of Boris Johnson's statement on the easing of restrictions on Monday." In the meantime, UK retail sales plunged in January as tighter nationwide coronavirus restrictions closed non-essential shops, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showed. On an annual basis, UK retail sales fell 5.9% in January having posted growth of 3.1% in December. The print missed market consensus, cited by FXStreet, for just a 1.3% drop. Retail sales plunged 8.2% month-on-month in January, having risen 0.4% in December. The latest reading was worse than the 2.5% decline expected. FTSE 100 retailers Kingfisher and B&M European Value Retail - which have massively benefited from stringent lockdown restrictions over the past year - were down 0.8% and 0.5% respectively. Elsewhere, a reading on the UK private sector's downturn was not as bad as anticipated for February amid confidence in the country's mass-vaccination rollout. IHS Markit said its February survey of UK companies indicated only a fractional decline in UK private sector output, which contrasted with the sharp reduction seen at the start of the national lockdown in January. The IHS Markit/CIPS UK services purchasing managers' index jumped to 49.7 points in February, up from 39.5 in January. Though still below the neutral mark of 50 points, the latest reading was well above market expectations, cited by FXStreet, of 41.0 points and was the highest in four months. UK manufacturing PMI increased to 54.9 points in February, up slightly from 54.1 in January, beating market forecasts of 53.2. The UK composite PMI score rose to 49.8 points in February, up sharply from 41.2 in January and well above market consensus of 42.2. In the FTSE 100, Segro was up 1.5%. The warehouse property investor raised its dividend after posting positive annual results. For 2020, pretax profit was GBP1.46 billion, up 62% from GBP902 million in 2019 and adjusted pretax profit was GBP296.5 million, up 11% from GBP267.5 million in 2019. The company saw a record leasing and asset management performance with GBP77.9 million of new headline rent in 2020, including GBP41.1 million of new pre-let agreements. The company declared a full-year dividend of 22.1 pence, up 6.8% from 20.7p paid in 2019. Shares in large-cap banks turned higher, reversing early morning losses, as earnings season for financial services firms rolls on. NatWest Group was up 1.4%, despite the UK state-backed lender swinging to loss in 2020, as it confirmed it will withdraw from the Republic of Ireland. For 2020, NatWest posted a swing to pretax loss of GBP351 million from a profit of GBP4.23 billion in 2019. In the fourth quarter alone, NatWest managed a profit, but pretax profit came in 96% lower year-on-year at GBP64 million. Total income - a measure which includes net interest income as well as non-interest income such as fees - was sharply lower in 2020. Total income fell 24% to GBP10.80 billion from GBP14.25 million. In the fourth quarter alone, it was down 43% to GBP2.42 billion. For 2020, the lender posted impairment losses amounting to GBP3.24 billion, up sharply from GBP696 million in 2019. NatWest declared a 3.0 pence per share dividend for 2020, following peer Barclays, which on Thursday offered a 1p dividend plus a share buyback. UK lenders had cancelled final payouts for 2019 under orders from the Bank of England amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Peers Barclays and Lloyds Banking were 1.1% and 0.1% higher, respectively. Lloyds posts annual results next Wednesday. NatWest confirmed it will "begin a phased withdrawal" from the Republic of Ireland, a "multi-year process", while remaining in Northern Ireland. NatWest - formerly known as Royal Bank of Scotland Group - has agreed to sell a EUR4 billion portfolio of performing commercial loans to Dublin-based AIB Group. The sale remains subject to due diligence. NatWest is also in early talks with Permanent TSB Group Holdings and others about their potential interest in buying other Ulster retail and small and medium enterprise assets. AIB and Permanent TSB were up 5.1% and 5.5% respectively. At the other end of the large-caps, oil majors BP, Royal Dutch Shell 'A' and 'B' were down 0.8%, 0.7% and 0.5% respectively, tracking spot oil prices lower. Brent oil was quoted at USD63.00 a barrel Friday at midday, sharply lower from USD64.49 late Thursday in London. In the FTSE 250, Future was up 3.5% after the magazine publisher said it benefited from high levels of online engagement in the four months ended January 31 - particularly during Black Friday and Christmas. Looking ahead, Future forecast that profitability for its financial year ending September 30 will materially exceed expectations. For financial 2020, it posted pretax profit of GBP52.0 million on revenue of GBP339.6 million. The dollar was weaker across the board after data showed US jobless claims unexpectedly rose by more than expected on Thursday. The euro was priced at USD1.2141, higher from USD1.2076. Against the yen, the dollar was trading at JPY105.37, lower against JPY105.72. Analysts at ActivTrades explained: "Having started the week on the front foot, the US dollar is now into its second consecutive session of losses, following the disappointment caused by the latest US employment data, which was published late on Thursday. The state of the US labour market is perhaps a reminder that the country's economy is far from being out of the woods, and that the recent focus on the possibility of fiscal stimulus triggering a rise in inflation, and bringing about a pivot in the Federal Reserves monetary policy, could be premature." On the European continent, the eurozone's struggling service sector contrasted with a resurgent manufacturing economy, which registered further growth in February. Markit's flash eurozone composite PMI climbed to a two-month high of 48.1 points in February. Though still below the 50.0 no-change mark, it topped January's 47.8 tally, suggesting the eurozone's private sector decline is easing. In February, the eurozone's manufacturing sector had its best showing in three years. The manufacturing flash PMI rose to 57.7 in February, a 36-month high, from 54.8 in January. Problems mounted for the services sector, however, as Covid-19 restrictions continued to take their toll. The eurozone flash services PMI activity index fell to a three-month low of 44.7 points from January's 45.4 points. Meanwhile, business activity in Germany expanded at the fastest pace in two months amid a rally led by the manufacturing sector, survey results from Markit showed. The latest purchasing managers' index readings from Europe's largest economy showed a "further divergence" between the manufacturing and services sectors. Manufacturing surged, while the services sector was hit by Covid-19 restrictions. The flash Germany PMI composite output index improved to 51.3 points in February, a two-month high, from 50.8 in January. The flash Germany manufacturing PMI roared to a 36-month high of 60.6 points, from the already decent 57.1 points in January. However, the services flash PMI dropped to a nine-month low of 45.9 points in February, from January's tally of 46.7, remaining firmly in contraction territory. Gold was trading at USD1,774.09 an ounce, down from USD1,776.28 late Thursday, trading at its lowest levels in seven months. US stock futures edged higher Friday after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said a large Covid relief package is still needed for a full recovery. US President Joe Biden's USD1.9 trillion economic rescue package remains in Congress awaiting passage. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was called up 0.1%, the S&P 500 up 0.2% and the Nasdaq Composite up 0.4%. Speaking on CNBC's Closing Bell late Thursday, Yellen said: "It's very important to have a big package that addresses the pain this has caused. The price of doing too little is much larger than the price of doing something big." In the economic calendar for Friday, the US PMI is out at 1445 GMT. By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. She is part of her family business as a model. And Bella Hadid was a smoldering sensation in the new fashion shoot she posted to her Instagram page this Thursday. The 24-year-old was pictured emerging from a car while wearing a pair of white leather knee-high boots that played up her knockout legs. 'Thank you to my dream team': Bella Hadid was a smoldering sensation in the new fashion shoot she posted to her Instagram page this Thursday Sweeping her hair tightly back into a ponytail, she accentuated her screen siren features with makeup and wrapped herself in a sleek coat. Her picture was a campaign for the fashion brand Miss Sixty which originated in Italy but is now based in Guangzhou, China. 'I have so many vintage pieces that I have collected over the years and I cant wait to pair it all with the new! This is a dream, Im so excited to see what we do together in the future!' Bella gushed in the caption of her latest post. She also credited her hair to Evanie Frausto and her makeup to Sam Visser while sharing that her nails were done by Mei Kawajiri. Legging it: Bella is pictured emerging from lockdown in New York City this Tuesday The younger sister of Gigi Hadid had her look put together by Haley Wollens in order to be snapped by fashion photographer Hugo Comte. Bella was forced to deny she was on drugs after taking weeks off Instagram in January and returning with an upload that had a New Age bent. She posted photo album that included crystals and called herself 'an instrument of peace & love' leading one commenter to write: 'Girl just say you did shrooms.' 'I wish it was that easy, lol! I haven't touched any type of that sorta thing. Bless,' replied Bella whose mother Yolanda used to be a Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills. Throwback chic: Recently she brought back the 1980s in a sensational cover shoot for thew new March issue of Vogue Espana Her Instagram album when she returned included religious artwork as well as a picture showing piles of some of her books in front of the fireplace. The books included The 11 Karmic Spaces by the late Ma Jaya whose Kashi Ashram, who denied allegations of abuse by former members, per the Miami New Times. After Ma Jaya died her daughter claimed that when she was 14 an adult male member of the religious group raped her multiple times at her mother's instruction. Bella's booklist also included The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, Create Your Own Calm by Meera Lee Patel and I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't) by Brene Brown. Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that nursing home visits were not allowed in New York. Visits are allowed in accordance with certain restrictions. Albany, N.Y. New York nursing homes will soon have rapid Covid tests available to visitors on site, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday. The state Health Department will provide the tests to nursing homes at no cost, Cuomo said. The department will recommend all nursing home visitors take a rapid test before entering. Visits to nursing homes in the state are allowed at facilities that have been without Covid for at least 14 days. Thats in line with federal guidance on the matter. Current state guidance also requires visitors test negative for Covid within seven days before a visit and outlines numerous other rules facilities must follow. New guidance on nursing home visits in the state is expected Monday, according to Cuomos office. New York barred nursing home visits completely in March as the pandemic began to take hold, but later relaxed restrictions somewhat. The 14-day requirement has been in place since September. Just two days ago, Cuomo said visits to nursing homes still present a risk. But officials also said theyd move to expand them when they felt it was safe. All nursing home residents and staff in the state have been offered Covid vaccines at this point, Cuomo said. A total of 73% of residents and 49% of staff have taken the shots. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Onondaga County considers reducing 6-foot distancing in schools to let more kids into class Amusement parks in New York can open this spring; is the State Fair next? As millions get their Covid shots, heres what we still dont know about the vaccines Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo attends a briefing at the Office of the Governor of the State of New York, N.Y., on June 12, 2020. (Jeenah Moon/Getty Images) NYs Cuomo Vows to Aggressively Take on Lies Amid Nursing Home Scandal New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was defensive of his states handling of nursing home patients during the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, saying he would aggressively take on lies as a growing number of officials call for an investigation. Cuomo, a Democrat, has come under fire from members of his own party in recent weeks over how his administration in March chose to require nursing homes to accept patients recovering from COVID-19. On Friday, Cuomo again stated it was the best option at the time to help free up desperately needed beds at the states hospitals, adding that the move did not cause additional deaths. Cuomo said Friday he felt he needed to address the criticism more forcefully because lies about his handling of the pandemic were angering people whose loved ones had died. Im not going to let you hurt New Yorkers by lying about what happened surrounding the death of a loved one, Cuomo said during a news conference in Albany, the state capital. So, Im going to take on the lies and the unscrupulous actors, especially when they cause pain and damage to New York. In the conference, Cuomo praised his health committee for a great job done during the pandemic. Im sorry you have to do it in a lousy political environment. But thats where we are, he said. Sorry that you had to deal with COVID, sorry that you had to deal with a pandemic. Im sorry that you had to miss your family working seven days a week and Im sorry then you have to be abused in the partisan politics of the day. Cuomo has come under increased pressure in recent days after a New York Post report found that one of his top aides, Melissa DeRosa, told lawmakers in a private call that the administration withheld CCP virus data regarding nursing home deaths because the state was being investigated by the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump last year. In January, Attorney General Letitia James released a report accusing the state government of deliberately undercounting COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes by as much as 50 percent. The report triggered a cavalcade of calls for an investigation from Republicans and also Democrats, including socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. Thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers lost their lives in nursing homes throughout the pandemic, Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement on Friday. Their loved ones and the public deserve answers and transparency from their elected leadership, and the Secretary to the Governors remarks warrant a full investigation. Separately, Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim, also a Democrat, accused Cuomo of threatening to destroy him if he didnt place a more positive spin on DeRosas statement. Cuomo adviser Rich Azzopardi told the New York Daily News that Kim fabricated details about his conversation with the governor. At no time did anyone threaten to destroy anyone with their wrath nor engage in a coverup, he said, according to the paper. Thats beyond the pale and is, unfortunately, part of a years-long pattern of lies by Mr. Kim against this administration. You are the owner of this article. Editor's Note This article is brought to you by Ochsner Health. Ochsner Health has been named one of the Top Workplaces in the United States based on survey feedback from employees. The award is presented by Energage, which determines winners by calculating survey results against industry benchmarks. This is not the first time Ochsner Health has received such an honor, but it still resonates deeply, said Tracey Schiro, Ochsner Healths Senior Vice President of Risk Management and Chief Human Resources Officer. She noted that the system has a key focus on supporting employees from the hiring process all the way through training and career growth. This award is very meaningful because its a true reflection of that support coming together. Its the greatest thank you the employees could have given us, she said. Schiro said the Ochsner leadership team is focused on maintaining a values-driven culture with a special emphasis on a patients first mentality, as well as excellence and innovation in all aspects of Ochsner operations. I firmly believe that you have to lead by example. Were very aware of that as an executive team, Schiro said. If other staff members see us displaying those values in our behavior, they will do the same. We also continually poll our staff so we can be aware of what they are thinking. We take that feedback very seriously and build programs with that in mind. We have a very strong rhythm of communication and are constantly keeping people informed about our organization. Having open and honest communication has become more important than ever over the past year as the Ochsner team treated thousands of COVID-19 patients, stretching staff and resources to their limits. Schiro said that once the magnitude of the pandemic became apparent, the Ochsner leadership immediately took steps to meet employee needs. When schools closed, Ochsner partnered with a local childcare organization to provide spots for 1,500 children of employees. They also provided free meals for employees and redeployed staff members to the areas with the greatest needs. That meant there were no layoffs or furloughs because of the pandemic. In addition, Schiro said the Ochsner leadership added more resources to address employee well-being, including speakers, virtual seminars and an employee assistance program to help with mental health and financial needs. We did many of these things in a crisis situation, but we continue to offer them. Its kind of become a part of who we are, Schiro said. The well-being of employees continues to be an even stronger focus for us now than ever before. We want to support them as individuals. Part of that support also includes encouraging employees to further develop their careers. In recent years, the system has created Ochsner Scholars, in which the system covers tuition for workforce programs that give employees an opportunity to advance their education and certifications in order to progress in their careers. In turn, those employees must commit to remaining with Ochsner for at least five years. Growing employees is a big part of our culture, Schiro said. We dont expect people to come here and do one thing for their entire time with us. We actively promote career advancement opportunities at all levels of the organization. Schiro said that when Ochsner is hiring new talent, managers look for people who have the proper credentials but who also have a positive attitude, an appreciation for teamwork and a desire to progress in their careers. For us, its also about empathy, she said. We believe it is really important to express empathy with a sick patient or their family. It takes all of us to deliver the excellent patient care people have come to expect at Ochsner. For more information about Ochsner, including employment opportunities, visit www.ochsner.org. ALTON Local Teamsters are expressing surprised at a recently announced political endorsement. Last week a statement sent to the media said Alton Teamsters Local 525 had endorsed David Goins in the Aril 6 election for Alton mayor. On Thursday, 24 members of the Local said they were surprised at the announcement and the question of who they would support in the Alton mayoral race was never brought before the membership. We are disappointed the our leadership didnt talk to all of our members, particularly those who live in Alton, before making a decision about whom to support for mayor, the members said in a letter. As proud members of the Teamster, we believe that we should have a choice in who we support and endorse. Alton Mayor Brant Walker said he was surprised by last weeks announcement. I would have gladly met with the Locals members to discuss my record as mayor and my vision for the future of Alton prior to their decision, he said. As the son of a union president, I have always been a strong supporter of collective bargaining rights, and my administration has always supported and operated under the City of Altons Project Labor Agreement with our local unions. To my knowledge, any project the City of Alton has been unable to do in-house with our employees has been completed using union contractors, he said. Scott Eklund/Associated Press (Bloomberg) -- The natural gas producer owned by Dallas billionaire Jerry Jones is cashing in on a surge in prices for the fuel as a brutal freeze grips the central U.S., leaving millions without power. Comstock Resources Inc. has been able to sell gas from its Haynesville Shale wells in East Texas and northern Louisiana at premium prices since Thursday. As demand jumps amid the cold, gas at some regional hubs has soared past $1,000 per million British thermal units. HELSINKI, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Caverion has signed an agreement with Metsa Fibre, part of Metsa Group, for the installation of electrical and ICT systems in the world's most modern sawmill under construction in Rauma, Finland. The project includes all electrical installations for the building solutions, such as electricity distribution, lighting, telecommunications, fire alarm and emergency lighting installations. "We want the best professionals and experts in their fields as our partners to build the new pine sawmill in Rauma. Caverion Industria is a long-standing partner of Metsa Fibre, so both already know how the other one operates. It is important for the Rauma sawmill project that our partner is committed to the project's goals in terms of safety, quality and schedule," says Harri Haapaniemi, Project Director at Metsa Fibre. "We are proud to bring the expertise of Caverion's professionals to this largest sawmill investment in the history of Finland. Caverion is the largest provider of maintenance services and technical solutions for industrial customers in Finland. Thanks to our comprehensive range of services, we can participate in large and demanding customer projects," says Elina Engman, Head of Caverion Industry division. Metsa Group is one of Caverion's industrial partnership customers. Caverion and Metsa Fibre have a joint venture, Botnia Mill Service, which is responsible for the maintenance of Metsa Fibre's pulp mills. Caverion assigns 20 expert technicians to this sawmill project and the realisation schedule is from January 2021 to June 2022. For further information, please contact: Elina Engman Head of Caverion Industry division tel. +358 (0)44 351 4673 elina.engman@caverion.com Harri Haapaniemi Project Director Metsa Fibre Rauma sawmill project tel. +358 (0)50 036 1632 harri.haapaniemi@metsagroup.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/caverion/r/caverion-to-carry-out-installations-of-electrical-and-ict-systems-for-metsa-group-s-new-sawmill-in-f,c3290091 The following files are available for download: The petitioners urged the university to provide the list of 43 students but the varsity ignored the request. Hyderabad: In utter disregard to the Telangana High Court, the Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) ignored to comply with Chief Justice Hima Kohlis directive to file a counter affidavit in a case pertaining to an MBBS admission row. The Chief Justice, while hearing a petition filed by two students in Writ Petition (WP) 437/2021, asked the KNRUHS to file a counter by February 11 and posted the case for Friday for final hearing. The university authorities, however, chose not to file any counter. When contacted to question the reasons for not complying with the directions of the High Court, Vice-Chancellor Dr B. Karunakar Reddy and Registrar Dr D. Praveen Kumar chose not to respond. Two medical students, G. Apoorva and A. Harshita, had filed a case questioning the counselling procedure of the varsity, which allowed less meritorious students, majority of whom are from Andhra Pradesh, in the otherwise meritorious unreserved open category. This resulted in an equal number of students from Telangana losing seats in the local category. Both the Telugu states initially did not join the All-India quota, but later allotted 15 per cent seats each to the national pool. For the remaining 85 per cent seats, the two states have been mandated to follow the Presidential Order, as per the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. Accordingly, the KNRUHS should fill 15 per cent unreserved open category with meritorious students irrespective of region, Telangana, Andhra or Rayalaseema. The varsity must fill the remaining 85 per cent only with local students of Telangana. The petitioners counsel Vedula Srinivas explained to the Bench that in any phase, irrespective of students applying for a subsequent phase or not, the merit order should always be such that top meritorious students should occupy the unreserved open category. The university strictly implemented this provision in the first phase, but violated it in subsequent phases, he argued. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice M. S. Ramachandra Rao had, on January 8, directed the petitioners counsel to implead 43 students from Andhra Pradesh, who according to the petitioners, are ineligible to get admission in medical colleges in Telangana. The petitioners urged the university to provide the list of 43 students but the varsity ignored the request. Following their universitys defiance of the Court order, the petitioners filed an additional affidavit, informing the court of their inability to find details of 43 students. The petitioners appealed to the court to dispense with impleading of those students. 23086 Bill Miller, CIO, EMS USA, Inc. Bill Miller, CIO, EMS USA, Inc. Cryptocurrencies, digital currencies that are based on cryptography, are becoming a pivotal focus area for capital markets in 2016. As these new currencies become more widely accepted, the potential for massively disruptive technological change is clearly looming. Some analysts estimate that there are over 700 new cryptocurrencies already circulating, though many are admittedly in their infancy, and most will never be widely used. That said, the biggest of them, Bitcoin, has already surpassed over $6Billion in market capitalization, and is growing rapidly. Other options include Ethereum and Litecoin, both of which are already over $100Million. Ripple is yet another story, which includes a payment exchange as well as its own cryptocurrency. What is bitcoin? As quoted in US Congressional Research Service, Bitcoin: Questions, Answers, and Analysis of Legal Issues, January 28, 2015, like the U.S. dollar, Bitcoin has no intrinsic value, meaning it is not redeemable for some amount of another commodity, such as an ounce of gold. Unlike a dollar, a Bitcoin has no physical form, is not legal tender, and is not backed by any government or any other legal entity, and its supply is not determined by a central bank. The Bitcoin system is private, but with no traditional financial institutions involved in transactions. Unlike earlier digital currencies that had some central controlling person or entity, the Bitcoin network is completely decentralized, with all parts of transactions performed by the users of the system. Cryptocurrencies are likely here to stay, and financial institutions serving the capital markets need to start aggressively preparing for the inevitable, and highly disruptive, impact. What is 'Blockchain? As stated by Investopedia, Blockchain is a public ledger of all Bitcoin transactions that have ever been executed. It is constantly growing as completed blocks are added to it with a new set of recordings. The blocks are added to the blockchain in a linear, chronological order. Each node (computer connected to the Bitcoin network using a client that performs the task of validating and relaying transactions) gets a copy of the blockchain, which gets downloaded automatically upon joining the Bitcoin network. The blockchain has complete information about the addresses and their balances right from the genesis block to the most recently completed block. From a much broader standpoint, as quoted by Inside Bitcoins, various research groups have determined that cryptocurrency disruption is becoming much more likely, and soon. For example, back in December of 2014 Technology Strategies International (TSI), a research from out of Canada, concluded that cryptocurrencies would be a major disruptive force within five years. Clearly, this is a new and exciting market, but there are many questions. They include: What happens when traders and investors want to use cryptocurrencies instead of dollars, euros, or yen? How will trading platforms be impacted? How will funds be deposited, traded, reported, and paid? How will firms utilize Swift-based infrastructure in a cryptocurrency environment? How will firms quickly verify ownership of the currency in high-frequency trades? What are the tax and regulatory impacts? The list is endless. With so many questions pending, what are leading financial institutions doing to respond? Through early 2016, financial institutions have demonstrated mixed responses to this development. For example, a team from RBS recently won the Deloitte Digital #GoneHacking capital markets hackathon, presenting a trading platform based on Ripple integration with other cryptocurrencies. The win demonstrated significant resource commitment by RBS to developing a solution for trading and capital markets integration. Other top-tier firms are exploring how to make Bitcoin more efficient than current payment systems. They see potential for cryptocurrencies to offer lower-cost transaction processing and settlement, assuming the infrastructure can be adequately standardized. Meanwhile, other firms are simply taking a wait-and-see approach, while the questions surrounding the new technology get addressed, and standards are developed. The central banks, since they control the current monetary system, seem to see the new digital currencies as a threat. They are already working on their own alternative versions, such as RSCoin, which was developed by computer scientists in the UK in coordination with Bank of England. The difference with this approach is that it would maintain state control over the currency, whereas the previous prototypes were not controlled by any political or state-sponsored entity. While this would make most digital currency enthusiasts cringe, it may become the eventual reality as the primary monetary authorities assert themselves in this arena. Government Response Beyond the financial sector, governments are reluctantly adjusting to the potential these new currencies represent. To date, the direction is clear: Follow the law and standards set for existing currencies, or face stiff penalties. Recent legal decisions focus on disclosure and reporting requirements, and have applied the same standards necessary for non-digital fiat currency. Yet, governments will likely want to leverage these currencies to increase visibility to financial transactions, because, in the current market environment, cash-hungry entities seem to be much more focused on increasing tax revenue than protecting privacy or financial freedom. For background, simply review the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FACTA) or Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) legislation to understand their motivations. As expected, the technology is far out-pacing the regulatory landscape, while securities enforcement agencies are relying on existing laws to regulate new transactions and digital currencies that are vastly different from the government-sponsored fiat of years past. Much remains to be decided on the legal and regulatory standards; however, the market is not waiting for official guidance. Innovation will continue, and governments will ultimately have to respond. Whats Next? There are more questions than answers at this point, but the clock is ticking. Firms that seize the opportunity will have a decisive advantage, and will reap big rewards if they execute properly. Institutions that are late to the game may have a chance to adopt, but the risk of waiting is very high. Regardless, everyone will need to balance significant technological investments with unclear regulatory requirements from multiple entities and jurisdictions, increasing the risk of failure. In the end, cryptocurrencies are likely here to stay, and financial institutions serving the capital markets need to start aggressively preparing for the inevitable, and highly disruptive, impact. 18160 Matt Goodman, President of Global Trade Management, Livingston International Theres been much ado about the impact of Big Data and the degree to which corporations and their IT departments are adequately prepared to harvest the full potential of the information they generate on a daily basis. At the same time, the advent of Big Data has unquestionably and irreversibly transformed the role of business technology managers away from day-to-day infrastructure maintenance and upgrades and toward a critical executive function rooted in strategic business planning. These concurrent trends will become of paramount importance to organizations with global supply chains over the next few years. Heres why: Trade Agreements Anyone following the U.S. presidential race will know that the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the degree to which theyre favorable to the United States has been a point of debate and contention. There is a strong possibility that a review of NAFTA may very well take place, regardless of who becomes president. Given the volume of trade that goes on between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, changes to the terms of NAFTA will have a profound impact on the construct of North American supply chains. To optimize supply chains, global companies have to continually gather, analyze and interpret data and make changes in response As the candidates debate the merits of NAFTA, Britons have already concluded they want out of the European Union and the triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is all but inevitable in 2017. This will set in motion a two-year timetable to renegotiate the UKs terms of trade with the European Union with extensions that could make the full exit extend into the beginning of the next decade. While the UK looks to loosen its ties with Europe, numerous nations, including the U.S. and Canada are working toward building bridges with the Old World, both through new trading blocs such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which would open trade doors to Asia, the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP), the US-EU free trade agreement being negotiated, and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a multilateral treaty to break down trade barriers with European nations. Meanwhile, the massive Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is contemplated to join the ten ASEAN countries with China, Japan, India, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. RCEP may have a big impact on the western hemispheres access to Asian markets. The transformation or ratification of these agreements will generate both opportunities and risks for global companies. Not Just a Money Pit Traditionally, the money spent on transport, supply chain infrastructure and customs duties have been viewed as inevitable and necessary costs of doing business across geographies. However, CFOs are increasingly looking at supply chains as a means of bolstering the bottom line. To this end, they are putting global supply chains under a microscope, using Big Data to examine them in a more strategic manner and making efforts to optimize the flow of goods across borders as a means of maximizing revenue. Free trade agreements play a pivotal role in these strategies and changes to these FTAs will force CFOs to reevaluate the way their global supply chains operate. The degree to which global supply chains can be optimized so that the flow of goods takes place in the most cost-effective mannertaking into account not only the cost of Goodman transport and duties, but also exchange rate fluctuations, potential political and geographic risks, the opportunity costs associated with longer transport times and/or warehousing costs and a bevy of other considerationscan mean hundreds of millions of dollars to high-volume shippers. The Role of Data Management To optimize supply chains, global companies have to continually gather, analyze and interpret data and make changes in response. That is no easy feat when one considers the volume of data sources involvedfrom partner and source-of-origin data to border delay times/instances, compliance-related fees and penalties, not to mention actuarial risk predictions related to any number of volatile variables. This is where CIOs can provide invaluable support to the broader executive team. For those organizations on the cutting edge of supply chain optimization, internal data gathering and analysis is frequent. The numbers are constantly being evaluated to see where tweaks can be made to minimize costs, reduce risks and maximize opportunities. To this end, in-house IT managers will use sophisticated software to track all the aforementioned data and work with teams of internal supply chain specialists to identify critical changes. More data will be expected and available by the various customs jurisdictions as they implement single-windows to collect data in uniform data sets to support customs requirements and other agencies concerned with regulating imports. This uniformity is beginning to extend beyond borders as the World Customs Organization (WCO) data model continues to be adopted by more countries and it evolves to handle more and varied kinds of regulatory data. Initiatives like the U.S. Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and EU Union Customs Code (UCC) are evidence of this. External Remedies As much as there are great benefits to careful global trade management, the collection and use of internal data is relatively rare even among more sophisticated global corporations. Far too often the information is gathered but inadequately leveraged, or not gathered at all. This presents executive strategists, including CIOs, with the challenge of navigating the changing trade landscape in an information vacuum. For those organizations with accrued data, there is an opportunity to work with a third party, not only to analyze data with the aim of identifying risks and opportunities, but to garner counsel on how to get the most out of their global supply chain, with careful consideration of the unique needs of that organization. Similarly, CIOs can work with those third parties to identify gaps in data collection and/or implement the software necessary for future data management where none currently exists. It is essential that this kind of data be collected and analyzed. Trends and anomalies can raise needed questions to bolster compliance and identify opportunities. Preparing for the New Normal Even among more progressive corporations, there is typically a slow response time to significant changes in the trade landscape. That is precisely why CIOs should be considering today the potential impact of changes to or ratification of the trade agreements noted above, even if they dont have a tangible impact until years from now. Once the changes come into effect, global corporations should already have in place the relevant modifications to internal supply-chain tracking software (where it exists) so that theyre able to nimbly and seamlessly transition their data gathering and continue to monitor the opportunities and risks associated with whatever the new normal may be. The clock is already ticking. Sergo Karapetian died early in the morning as a result of what the director of a Yerevan hospital described as complications caused by the coronavirus. The 72-year-old had served as Armenias agriculture minister from 2010-2016 during Sarkisians rule. Karapetians former deputy and another trial defendant, Samvel Galstian, died from COVID-19 one month ago. Sarkisian, Karapetian, Galstian and two other men went on trial on corruption charges one year ago. Sarkisian stands accused of giving privileged treatment in 2013 to his longtime friend and businessman Barsegh Barseghian which allegedly cost the state over $1 million in losses. According to prosecutors, he made sure that a government tender for supplies of subsidized diesel fuel to farmers is won by Barseghians Flash company, rather than another fuel importer that offered a lower price. The ex-president rejects the accusations as politically motivated. They are reportedly based on Karapetians incriminating pre-trial testimony against him. The former minister was jeered by Sarkisian supporters who gathered outside the court building at the start of the trial in February 2020. He repeatedly refused to talk to reporters about the high-profile case. The judge presiding over the trial has held few hearings on the case over the past year due to the frequent absence of defendants and their lawyers. Sarkisian, who ruled the country from 2008-2018, remains the chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). HHK representatives have said he was indicted in December 2019 in retaliation for his public criticism of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. Law-enforcement officials and Pashinians political allies have denied that. Pashinian has repeatedly implicated Sarkisian, his family and political entourage in corruption both before and after coming to power in 2018. To the editor: As many of you know from the article published in the Midland Daily News on Friday, Jan. 15, the Midland Area Schools Chromebook Replacement Fund that our foundation was proud to initiate was a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity of many individuals and organizations from the Midland area and elsewhere. As mentioned in the article, the fund received contributions from 130 individuals or organizations from 11 states in addition to Michigan. Although space limitations make it impractical to list all who contributed, we would like to specifically recognize the following: the Midland Kiwanis Club Foundation, Midland Morning Rotary Club, Midland Rotary Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, Harry and Margaret Townsley Foundation, Kiwanis International Children's Fund, Midland Branch of AAUW, Alpha Delta Kappa sorority and many generous individuals. It has been extremely gratifying to see so many people and organizations come together to support our students in this critical time of need. Thank you so much! BRUCE RAYCE President, Kiwassee Kiwanis Foundation FRED HONERKAMP Project director During the 26th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), one of the MPC members - Jayant R. Varma, Professor, Finance and Accounting, IIM Ahmedabad - made an interesting observation, which many in government institutions would barely admit to. "Anecdotal evidence suggests that in several sectors which are characterised by an oligopolistic core and a competitive periphery, the oligopolistic core has weathered the pandemic well and it is the competitive periphery that has been debilitated. Rising profits and profit margins, improving capacity utilisation and lack of new capacity additions create ripe conditions for the oligopolistic core to start exercising pricing power," he had said. An oligopoly is a form of market form where a sector/industry is dominated by a small group of large companies. Professor Varma refused to comment on the issue and name the companies when Business Today contacted him, saying "there were some constraints on MPC members commenting on MPC matters." In the last couple of years, many large businesses fell by the wayside as mounting debt forced them to distress-sell or sell their assets after being put through the insolvency process. Reliance Communications, Reliance Infratel, Essar Steel, Bhushan Steel, Future Retail and Videocon Industries were sold off either through merger & acquisition (M&A) deals or the insolvency process. So, whether it's Future Retail selling out to Reliance Retail, Adani Port and SEZ acquiring a controlling stake in Krishnapatnam Port from the CVR Group, Adani Group picking up 74 per cent stake in Mumbai International Airport from GVK, or JSW buying out Bhushan Power and Steel and Monnet Ispat or Vedanta buying out 13 group companies of Videocon and Electrosteel - the deals saw old sectoral giants giving way to new business leaders, and creating a more concentrated market. Business Today tried to reach out to the companies, but did not get a response. As consolidation picks up pace and few firms get bigger, India Inc. is seeing market share, revenue and profit concentrating among a handful. According to Saurabh Mukherjea, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Marcellus Investment Managers, large swathes of the Indian economy are controlled by 20-25 families. "The top 20 companies in India generated 70 per cent of profits of the corporate sector (in 2019/20), compared to only 15 per cent in 1992/93." Mukherjea thinks this will only increase over time. CMIE data over the last 20 years corroborates Mukherjea's claim. In 2000-01, Sensex 30 companies accounted for 35 per cent of the profit of all the listed companies. In 2019-20, it rose sharply to 75 per cent. So, are Indian markets becoming more concentrated and less competitive? Is the balance tilting in favour of a few companies in certain sectors? Globally, companies including technology giants such as Google, Facebook and Amazon, have been criticised for too much market power. How grave is the situation in India? Are these concerns genuine and is such market dominance always bad? Market Concentration Much of this debate was triggered by a few of the following developments - a flurry of investments received by Reliance Industries and its subsidiaries, and its subsequent acquisition of Future Retail; Adani group's acquisition of a 74 per cent stake in Mumbai International Airport, after it had won the rights to manage six other airports also fuelled the talks. Sectors, including cigarettes, non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), small cars, paints, adhesives, baby milk powder, hair oil, pharma APIs and health diagnostics, also throw up such examples. Nestle, for example, has an 85 per cent share in the baby foods market. ITC has a 77 per cent share in cigarettes, Pidilite has 70 per cent in the adhesive segment, Bajaj Corp has 60 per cent in hair oil, and Asian Paints around 40 per cent in the paints market. But, how genuine are these concerns? The Reliance-Future deal will put Reliance Retail beyond the reach of most players. Reliance Retail will add 1,500-1,700 more stores to its existing network of 13,000 stores across more than 7,000 cities and towns across India. The distant second will be D'Mart with close to 250 stores. Besides consolidation in the brick-and-mortar segment, the Jio platform gives Reliance Retail an edge over others for its online retail play. And even if it only controls 20-25 per cent of the modern retail market (the largest market share in the sector), experts see it growing much bigger, thanks to its revenues increasing over nine times - from Rs 17,640 crore in 2014/15 to Rs 1,63,000 crore in 2019/20 - and the leverage that Jio offers. Says Arvind Singhal, Chairman, Technopak Advisors, a management consulting firm, "Reliance (Retail) will become bigger and bigger for multiple reasons - its strategy is fundamentally sound, it offers multiple products and services on the same platform. You have services through Jio platforms, and as far as physical retail is concerned, they are trying to partner with independent retail outlets for cash and carry. The numbers show that it is working." Even rivals agree. Govind Shrikhande, former Managing Director, Shoppers Stop, says none of Reliance Retail's competitors have 400 million mobile subscribers like Jio has. "A telecom customer interacts with the network every second. He is on the network and that's one advantage which none of the (other) players have. Reliance has tied up with Facebook to get the WhatsApp tie-up in. Now, WhatsApp is ready for payments. It will give Reliance an upper hand, as India is WhatsApp's single-largest market globally with over 400 million users. It will give them a large base of customers who are interacting with them every day, every second." While critics may raise a hue and cry, the anti-trust regulator, Competition Commission of India (CCI), does not see the Reliance-Future deal affecting competition in the retail sector. Approving the acquisition, the CCI said in its order that "the proposed transaction will not lead to any change in the competitive landscape or cause any appreciable adverse effect on competition in India, irrespective of the manner in which the relevant markets are defined." Entry Barriers According to experts, some of these businesses have created entry barriers - regulatory or technology driven - which are insanely high. Mukherjea of Marcellus Investment Managers cites the example of the infant milk powder segment, where, he says, no one can compete with Nestle, partly because advertising is prohibited. Infant Milk Substitutes (IMS) Act, 1992 bans any kind of promotion of infant formula, feeding bottles and infant foods for 0-2 year-old children. Nestle India spokesperson refused to comment on the issue. Then there is Asian Paints in the paint segment with 40 per cent market share. "Asian Paints removed all layers of channel partners and reached out directly to paint dealers on the high street, while also compressing their channel margins. The incentive offered to these dealers was supply chain efficiencies (of three-four deliveries per day), which helped them generate healthy returns on capital employed. This capability was built using tech investments to forecast demand with greater accuracy compared to their competitors," explains a note by Marcellus. In January (2020), JSW Paints filed a complaint against Asian Paints with the CCI, saying the latter had denied access to the distribution channels in the relevant market to JSW Paints by threatening and coercing such dealers through various means. The CCI found merit in the complaint and launched an investigation into the charges. Or take the example of Bajaj Finance, the leader in consumer loans. "Bajaj Finance leveraged technology to develop credit algorithms to capture data points which are not captured in credit scores generated by a credit rating agency, and built a huge data-based lending engine to identify the credit worthiness of retail borrowers," says Mukherjea. Reliance's foray into telecom with the launch of Jio in 2016 offering free voice, zero roaming charges and free data rates, is probably one of the most strategic business moves in the last decade, keeping in mind the future potential of digital economy and Big Data. Within three years of its launch, Jio emerged as the leader by number of subscribers, ahead of incumbents such as Airtel, Vodafone and Idea. Jio currently has a 35 per cent market share (in terms of the number of subscribers), followed by Bharti Airtel (28.7 per cent) and Vodafone Idea (25.5 per cent). Jio is also the leader in broadband (wired and wireless) with a 55.6 per cent share, followed by Airtel at 23 per cent. Of course, approval to its consumer plans was objected to as crony capitalism by the then incumbents - both Airtel and Vodafone - accusing the regulators of favouring Reliance Jio. "Over the last two years, we had many regulatory outcomes that were against everyone in the market except Jio," Vodafone CEO Nick Read had said in February 2019. Former Telecom Regulatory of India (TRAI) Chairman Rahul Khullar had said in 2018 that Jio's entry had to be disruptive as it was the only way for it to succeed. However, he was quick to mention the regulatory action that became the 'invisible hand' determining Jio's economic fortunes. Much has also been said about Gautam Adani and his turn of fortune since 2014. Adani is the second-richest man in India, after Reliance Industries' Mukesh Ambani. His personal wealth has more than doubled to $32 billion compared to Mukesh's $75 billion in the last one year. Adani owns a group of companies in varied businesses - ports, power, food and airports. It has also won the right to upgrade and operate six airports - Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru - for 50 years. GMR, which handles three airports - Delhi, Hyderabad and Goa - is the only other airport operator handling more than one airport. While discussing the proposal to lease out the six airports of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), an appraisal note by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) had suggested that not more than two airports be awarded to the same bidder, 'duly factoring in the high financial risk and performance issues'. However, the note was ignored during bids and Adani has won all the six airports offered in this round. The DEA appraisal also argued that awarding them to different companies would facilitate yardstick competition and that 'in case of project failures there would be capable bidders available'. Business Today has a copy of the appraisal note. CCI Chairman Ashok Kumar Gupta tells Business Today that sectors which are more innovation-driven and technology-based may be more concentrated, and in some instances, may give rise to monopolies. "Platform markets in the digital space may have a tendency to 'tip' in favour of a single market player as a result of network effects," he says. The Indian anti-trust regulator recently ordered an inquiry into a complaint against Google for 'pre-installation and prominence of Google Pay on Android smartphones', search manipulation and bias by Google in favour of Google Pay, etc. Earlier in 2018, the CCI found Google violating the provisions of competition law for abusing its dominant position in the online search market and imposed a penalty of Rs 136 crore. Recently, the US Federal Trade Commission, an independent consumer protection agency, has sought the break-up of Facebook, asking it to sell Instagram and WhatsApp. It alleges that Facebook buys out rivals to curb competition and kills start-ups that it cannot buy by limiting access to its tools. Being a dominant social media player, Facebook's failure to curb fake news and hateful content have also invited a lot of criticism across the globe as well as in India. Globally, in 1984, US-based AT&Ts local telephone service was broken up into seven Baby Bells, giving consumers access to more choices and lower prices. However, by 2018, most of the Bells were together again as a single company called AT&T, which is currently the worlds largest telecommunications firm. CCI chairman Kumar points to 'natural monopolies in the provision of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, etc'. In utility services, the markets are not contestable, he says. "However, if the provisioning is unbundled, some segments such as generation of electricity are amenable to competition. The role of a competition regulator in these markets is to ensure that monopoly service providers do not abuse their market powers." In July last year, Mumbai residents complained about a sharp increase in electricity bills after Adani group took over retail electricity distribution from Anil Ambani's Reliance Infrastructure. As people took to social media airing their grievances, Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd issued a clarification that work from home along with prevailing weather conditions had resulted in an increase in electricity consumption. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly So, what is wrong with a company growing bigger than the rest through hard work, smart strategy and better technology adoption? Why would one fault Reliance's Retail strategy of using its telecom subscriber base to reach out to a larger market or Pidilite's strategy of targeting carpenters, educating them about the benefits of its products and then skilling them to use those to create a demand in the market (Pidilite has a 70 per cent share in the adhesive market)? Or could one blame Adani for its vertical integration efforts in the power sector, or for expanding its energy offerings by diversifying into the gas distribution business? Indian competition law does not define monopoly, but it describes 'dominant position' as a position of strength, enjoyed by an enterprise, in the relevant market, in India, which enables it to operate independently of competitive forces prevailing in the market, or affect its competitors or consumers or the relevant market in its favour. When asked by Business Today about the growing discomfort due to the emergence of monopolistic and oligarchic forces with the help of the government, a senior Niti Aayog official says, "They are just conjectures." He does not see any statistical evidence to buttress these claims. "These are fears that are being created to generate a false narrative," he adds. According to competition experts, and market dominance do not always mean market abuse. Unless there is evidence of past misconduct of dominance, which is abusive and harming - for the market, other stakeholders and consumers - there is no justification for maligning a company or a firm. A partner at a law firm says market monopoly in itself should not be a cause of concern for the regulator. "In case of competition law, without having any evidence of abuse the regulator should not try to discipline big companies just because it doesnt like them. This is not the intent of competition law," he says. CCI Chairman Gupta says "possession of high market power is not frowned upon in the antitrust framework. Taking such a stance would damage incentives to innovate." The anti-trust watchdog, he says, follows a nuanced assessment where the facts of the case, the underlying market and technology take centre stage. "Our approach is calibrated in nature, so that intervention remains effective and targeted; it does not restrain innovation and would in turn help the market to regulate itself." So while competition experts do not see companies with a higher share as an automatic threat to the rest of the market or consumers, stock markets also view them favourably in certain cases. Famously called economic moat, stock market analysts love the competitive advantage that a company has/likely to have over its peers. Mukherjea of Marcellus Investment Manager says such companies are the source of investment, innovation and wealth creation. "Monopolists (or those with a higher market share), through intelligence and hard work, have built very high barriers for entry, which allow them to earn a return on capital of, say around, 40-45 per cent - three times the cost of capital. Inequality And More No matter how dispassionately competition experts or stock market analysts view the debate around monopolies, oligopolies, dominance and corporate biggies, a large section of activists and economists fear that not all dominance is being created through best business practices, strategies and innovations driven by technology. "Western regulators paid a heavy price for blindly following the doctrine that monopoly itself is not bad, only its abuse is. Now, they are considering splitting up big tech companies. Our regulators seem to be not paying any heed and are turning a blind eye towards some disturbing monopolistic tendencies across sectors," says Shiju PV, Senior Partner, IndiaLaw. According to an Oxfam India spokesperson, in certain cases, large corporations do influence policy initiatives. "Let us not forget that it was not too long ago that India was ranked ninth in crony capitalism by The Economist," he says. An OECD discussion paper on market concentration suggests that in many markets, firms that have built market power, perhaps through innovation or efficiency, and have capitalised on the success by engaging successfully in lobbying and rent-seeking for regulatory protection. The paper also hints that regulation and (poll) campaign spending are responsible for an increase in mark-up of 1-2 per cent. Mark-ups measure the extent price exceeds the marginal cost, and an increased mark-up suggests a firm has a better ability to raise and maintain price above the level that would prevail under competition. Economist Geeta Gauri, also a former member of the CCI, says a competition regulator can intervene as long as the barrier is created by the firm, but cannot do anything if the barrier is created by the government. She even goes on to say that if the government wants to favour national champions, it is a political decision, and the regulator cannot do much about it. The process of consolidation would be expedited once the suspension of the insolvency law is lifted in March and more bankrupt companies come up for sale. More companies would be up for grabs when the government expedites its privatisation of some of the profitable public sector units (PSUs). More churn and disruption is likely to happen across India Inc. over the next couple of years, as companies with weak operational and financial capabilities make way for better run or 'better-connected' companies. But whether they tilt the balance in the market in their favour only time will tell. (With inputs from Ajita Shashidhar) @dipak_journo WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden is expected to announce $4 billion U.S. aid to boost an international effort to purchase and distribute coronavirus vaccine to poor nations, White House officials said on condition of anonymity. Biden will make the pledge at the virtual meeting of G-7 countries Friday. He will join leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan to mark his presidential debut on the world stage. Biden had confirmed after his inauguration last month that the United States would rejoin the World Health Organization to strengthen global health. He also promised to contribute to Covax, an initiative by WHO to improve developing nations' access to anti-COVID vaccines through a multilateral mechanism. The Congress had approved $4 billion in US funding late last year. At a White House briefing Thursday, press secretary Jen Psaki indicated that there would be more news 'in the next 24 hours on our engagements and contributions to the overall global effort.' 'Our commitment is to work with and through COVAX to ensure that there is equitable distribution of vaccines and funding globally, and also that there is a standard through which these vaccines are considered and distributed,' she told reporters. Ahead of the summit, leaders of Britain and France had called for G7 support to facilitate the roll-out of vaccines to poorer countries. In an interview with the Financial Times, French President Emmanuel Macron urged the governments of Europe and the U.S. to urgently send up to 5 percent of their COVID vaccine supplies to poor nations. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) The Inter-Agency Task Force has permitted more foreign nationals with valid visas to enter the country, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced Friday. A previous IATF rule that limits foreigners who can travel to the Philippines to those who have been issued visas as of March 20, 2020, subject to quarantine and testing requirements, has been changed, he added. "Kasama rin sa binago ng IATF ang IATF Resolution No. 98 kung saan tinanggal na ang reckoning period na March 16, 2020 sa visas para sa foreign nationals na pinapayagang makapasok sa Pilipinas," Roque, who is the spokesman for the IATF, told a televised briefing. [Translation: Among the policies amended by the IATF is IATF Resolution No. 98, wherein they removed the reckoning period of March 16, 2020 for foreign nationals allowed to enter the Philippines.] Holders of Special Residents and Retirees Visa and Section 9(A) visa for diplomats are among those allowed to come to the Philippines. The full list of foreigners who can enter the country can be found here. Roque also said the country still imposes entry restrictions to foreign tourists. "Sa aking pagkakaalam ko, hindi parin po pinapayagan ang turista bagamat case-to-case basis. Pwede po silang kumuha ng exemption," Roque said. He did not elaborate on the exemptions. [Translation: As far as I know, tourists are still not permitted to come here although this is on a case-to-case basis. They can apply for exemption.] If you're ready to get out of the house and see some animals, the San Antonio Zoo has you covered with its reopening on Saturday. The local attraction closed this week due to the extreme freezing weather that resulted in power outages and a water shortage. The cold temperatures forced the zoo the move some of its animals to warmer areas. Craig Pelke, Director of Ectotherms, told MySA.com they moved 14 crocodiles and alligators and more than three dozen turtles into the zoo's Africa Live! building, which is typically filled up with guests who are visiting its resident hippo, Timothy. The staff also relocated its flamingos, King Vultures, and Toucans into its Riverview restaurant and other indoor areas at the zoo. Both areas will be closed to the public this weekend, the zoo said. RELATED: Chimpanzee, monkeys and lemurs are dead after animal sanctuary near San Antonio is left without heat, electricity Pelke said the decision to relocate the animals came after the rolling power outages cut off electricity to the city's well pump, which he says is the "heart of the zoo." "It's our lifeblood because the water comes up at 74 degrees, so when the rolling blackouts occurred, it basically stopped the heart of the zoo," Pelke said. "Like other businesses, we don't have a plan for this, but we knew we had to get the animals out of the cold." On Thursday, the pump's power was restored. The zoo plans to relocate the rest next week. READ ALSO: 'Travel is not possible': National Weather Service cautions against driving As of Friday afternoon, all of the power has been restored to the zoo along with the water. However, the zoo said it is following all protocols under the city's boil water notice, so all water fountains will be closed this weekend. The zoo, the train, and the Starbucks will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to the recent closures, the zoo is asking supporters to please consider donating to its emergency fund. Click here to donate. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Save Nepal is passing through interesting times. As I have said before, the pandemic, the pathetic condition of the migrants and above all transitional Justice for the victims of the civil war have all been pushed into the back burner and the task of all the politicians now appears to be how to survive and grab power. by Dr. S. Chandrasekharan It looks that Nepal is heading towards a Constitutional crisis. There are many reasons. 1. The Case against dissolution is going at a very slow pace in the Supreme Court. Going by the time taken for the arguments in the Court, it is said that the earliest date for closing the case will not be before June 17th. 2. Elections are scheduled for April 30 and May 10. Unless the Supreme Court gives its verdict on the validity of dissolution, preparations for elections cannot be made. 3. The Election Commission is yet to decide as to which of the two factions of the NCP is the rightful one. There will be court cases, stay orders etc. Even to decide on the true inheritors of the Nepal Communist Party, the Commission has to hear their views and counter views and then take a decision. Here Oli is acting as if the Commission will recognise his own faction as the true inheritors. Last week he visited the Office of the Election Commission and told them not to bother themselves as to who would represent the NCP but to go on with the election preparations. 4. According to the Constitution, it is mandatory to convene the Parliament within six months of its dissolution of the House. June 20th is the last date by which time, the elections will have to be completed and the House convened with the elected members. Is it possible with the present pace in which the Supreme Court is moving? Will there not be a Constitutional Crisis if the House is not convened by June 20th? Does Oli have a Plan B to continue as the Prime Minister? He could do it by declaring an emergency and continue. Will the International community particularly India and China accept the arrangement? India has so far avoided criticising Olis move and had distanced itself from the crisis on the ground that it is an internal matter. China for reasons of its own, may not back Oli and its continuing efforts to seek reconciliation and unity of the NCP has not borne fruit. Other Foreign Missions are divided over the current crisis. One media report suggested that the Foreign Missions are in no hurry to take any position as they do not see Olis House dissolution merely as a political take over unlike the one orchestrated by former King Gyanendra in 2005. Another major factor is that the case against the dissolution of the House is before the Supreme Court and so they will have to wait. Curiously, Dahal and his group have been repeatedly calling for international intervention though in the past Dahal has been strongly critical of Indias supposed involvement. The four former Chief Justices who had made a statement that the dissolution of the House was unconstitutional have maintained in their written response to the Supreme Court that their statement comes under the freedom of expression and does not attract contempt proceedings. It is not yet clear whether Oli has given any written response to the notice of the Supreme Court. But he is going around supremely confident that elections will take place and all his meetings and Rallies have the flavour of election meetings. In the meetings he boasted of his great achievements in governance while in the affidavit to the Supreme Court he had said that despite a near two thirds majority he was being hampered by his colleagues in running the country efficiently and hence the dissolution! On 11th of February, Oli held a cabinet meeting and transferred over a dozen Secretaries in violation of the Electoral laws. Elections have already been announced for April 30th and May 10 and the Government machinery is fully moving on the premise that elections will take place on the specified dates. The transfer orders were considered by many as inappropriate. But Oli does not care as he thinks that he represents Nepal and anything goes! The Nepali Congress is also acting in a funny manner. It has distanced itself completely from the Dahals group and had acquiesced in the constitutional appointments made by Oli knowing very well that Oli did not permit a Parliamentary Review of the appointments. Someone has said that the Nepali Congress is playing a politics of convenience with its feet on two boats. While condemning Olis move of dissolution of the House, the Nepali Congress seems to feel that it has an advantage in the coming elections. Fake news is also spreading around that Oli may hand over power to the Nepali Congress President, Sher Bahadur Deuba in April. The Nepali Congress has also not strongly denied it. But Oli is too clever for Deuba and his hidden agenda as said before is to somehow continue in power! Nepal is passing through interesting times. As I have said before, the pandemic, the pathetic condition of the migrants and above all transitional Justice for the victims of the civil war have all been pushed into the back burner and the task of all the politicians now appears to be how to survive and grab power. (Newser) Even Mafia bosses have the right to music, judges in Italy have ruled. Domenic Strisciuglio, who has been in prison since 1999 for crimes including murder, has won a legal fight to be allowed to listen to music in his solitary prison cell, the Guardian reports. Judges in Sardinia ruled Thursday that the 48-year-old should be allowed to have a CD player in his cell as part of his constitutionally guaranteed right "to exercise a cultural activity." They described the right as part of the "residual personal freedom" that can't be violated by any form of detention, per La Repubblica. Under an Italian law criticized by human rights groups, Mafia inmates face much harsher prison regulations than other inmates to stop them communicating with each other or associates outside of prison. (Read more Italy stories.) The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. State railway workers in Myanmar continued to strike Thursday despite a police rampage the previous night targeting them in a sign of the military juntas concern over growing civil disobedience by public workers protesting the coup. Three-quarters of the countrys civil servants are on strike, all private banks are closed and the protests have weakened the economy significantly, said Tom Andrews, the independent U.N. human rights expert on Myanmar. Andrews said the protesters have weakened the economy significantly and are looking for the international community to act. The most important thing the international community can do now is focused, targeted, tough economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure, he said in an interview from Virginia, where he lives. Aggressive actions by security forces Wednesday night in a Mandalay city neighborhood where state railway workers are housed reflected the increased focus of the protests on businesses and government institutions that sustain the economy. Railway workers began their strike on Sunday, joining a civil disobedience movement against the Feb. 1 coup that ousted the elected civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Truck drivers have also staged work stoppages. The railway strike has received support from ordinary citizens who have placed themselves on railroad tracks to stop trains that the military has commandeered. Efforts by Mandalay residents to block a rail line on Wednesday apparently triggered retaliation that night. Less than an hour after Wednesdays 8 p.m. curfew started, gunshots were heard as more than two dozen men in police uniforms with shields and helmets marched past railway workers housing. Numerous videos posted on social media showed muzzle flashes as shots were heard. Several reports included photos of people with small wounds, which they said were caused by rubber bullets. Unconfirmed reports said several railway workers were arrested. 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. Pool, Pool / Getty Images WASHINGTON President Joe Biden said Friday that he will sign a major disaster declaration for Texas as soon as Friday afternoon and is planning a trip to tour the winter storm-ravaged state soon. Biden last weekend signed a federal disaster declaration, but Gov. Greg Abbott this week requested that he sign a major disaster declaration which will free up more federal resources after the winter storms left millions of Texans without power and water. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Matica Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMJ) (FSE: 39N) (OTCQB: MMJFF) ("Matica" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company's subsidiary, RoyalMax Biotechnology Canada Inc. ("RoyalMax) has signed a Supply Agreement for Non-Medical Cannabis with the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch, which is the sole wholesale distributor of non-medical cannabis for the province. "We are very pleased to be further expanding our distribution network and look forward to providing British Columbians with our premium craft cannabis," stated Matica CEO, Boris Ziger. "We welcome the opportunity to introduce our OUESTTM brand of craft cannabis in British Columbia, a province that has always been at the forefront of cannabis culture in Canada." About Matica Matica is a multi-faceted, innovative company in the Quebec cannabis space. Its subsidiary, RoyalMax Biotechnology Canada Inc. is a Dorval, Quebec based Health Canada Licence Holder with standard cultivation licence, standard processing, medical sales and sales licences. Matica continues to work with Yunify Natural Technologies, a Quebec based health and personal care research and innovation company to develop proprietary products for Matica and RoyalMax, including topicals and ionic mists. Through its acquisition of Trichome Treats, an award winning chocolatier, Matica and RoyalMax intend on introducing edibles into the RoyalMax product mix. For more information on Matica Enterprises please visit the website at: www.maticaenterprises.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors MATICA ENTERPRISES INC. Boris Ziger Boris Ziger, CEO & Chairman The Company's public filings are available for review at www.sedar.com and www.thecse.com. For further information, please contact Boris Ziger, at: Telephone: 416-304-9935 E-mail: info@maticaenterprises.com Website: www.maticaenterprises.com , www.maticammj.com Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Corporation assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Corporation. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Corporation's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com. This news release contains statements about the Company's information that may be made available on the S&P Capital IQ Corporation Records Listing Program and the business of Matica that are forward-looking in nature and as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. We seek Safe Harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74937 Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene (DCB, CAS 99-54-7) Market Outlook 2019-2024 offers detailed coverage of 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene industry and presents main market trends. 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We all have a responsibility to do more to combat climate change, he continued, adding that NATO was well aware of the need to reach net zero.Specifically, Stoltenberg cited the NATO tanks and other military vehicles and the high emissions they generate. He detailed that alternative fuel sources are in order, from a double perspective: cutting the troops reliance on fossil fuels and effectively doing a part in tackling climate change. The issue is a tad more nuanced than just slap some solar panels or a battery on a tank, to be sure.We know that heavy battle tanks or fighter jets and naval ships, they consume a lot of fossil fuel and emit greenhouse or CO2, greenhouse gases, CO2, and therefore we do have to look into how we can reduce those emissions by alternative fuels, solar panels, other ways of running our missions, the Secretary General explained.By eliminating reliance on fossil fuels, NATO will be able to do away with vulnerable supply lines and combat climate change. In turn, this will mean increasing military effectiveness and the resilience of troops. So we are working on that with different projects to look into how we can make our militaries greener and less dependent on fossil fuels, he added. As mayors on the front line of the pandemic response, we have taken necessary steps to keep our communities safe and continue flattening the curve to save lives, the letter sent Thursday said. Undoubtedly, these steps have come with severe financial hardship. Not only have tax revenues been dropping drastically, but funding essential services critical to the health and safety of our residents has and continues to be challenged. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: A week after his death, my father's few possessions came back from the care home, kept there in case of 'infection'. Yet I was told that he had died in his sleep. The things I'd packed on January 5 when he first went into the home clothes, family photographs, a favourite cushion, a special simple 'Alzheimer's' music player, the little teddy bear mascot he liked so much all made me intensely sad. Yet in truth, Dad had been visibly fading for months. His cough a result of long-standing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was worse, and so were his frustrated moods and confusion, caused by vascular dementia. You long for the person you love to have peace, yet the finality of death makes you cry. But here on my desk, his official death certificate ignites that sorrow into anger. Believing all along that we were being lied to, he has (in a strange way) been proved right. I do not believe in conspiracy theories. Nor do I have any doubt that a pandemic called Covid-19 afflicted the world more than a year ago, causing fear and death. And yet, confronting the timeline of my own dear father's last weeks on this earth, I feel as bewildered as I am angry This is not because Ted Mooney contracted coronavirus in the very good (and expensive, it must be said) care home three miles from our house, as statistics will now state. Because he did not. Yet the principal cause of death is set down officially as Covid-19 and that, in my view, is a bizarre and unacceptable untruth. You read of such things, but dazed by an accumulation of figures, as we have all been for nearly a year you can fail to take them on board. The nightly shroud-waving and shocking close-ups of pain imposed on us by the TV news bewildered and terrified the population into eager compliance with lockdowns. We were invited to 'save the NHS' and to grieve for strangers the real-life loved ones behind those shocking death counts. Why would the public imagine what I now fear, namely that the way Covid-19 death statistics are compiled might make the numbers seem greater than they are? It is a bitter irony to our family that, because of the ways in which Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics list data related to Covid and deaths, we are deprived of the happy certainty that Dad died peacefully in his sleep. Bel Mooney is pictured with her daughter Kitty, son Daniel, parents Gladys and Edward and grandchildren Chloe and Barnaby Equally ironic is that this blameless man 99 and very frail had always refused to accept coronavirus existed, even though I had tried patiently two or three times a week to explain that it did. 'What is this plague?' he'd ask crossly, peering (blind in one eye, macular degeneration in the other) at the TV news. And now he is just another one of their statistics. Believing all along that we were being lied to, he has (in a strange way) been proved right. I do not believe in conspiracy theories. Nor do I have any doubt that a pandemic called Covid-19 afflicted the world more than a year ago, causing fear and death. And yet, confronting the timeline of my own dear father's last weeks on this earth, I feel as bewildered as I am angry. Why would a country wish to skew its mortality figures by, I believe, wrongly certifying deaths? What has been going on? One day the truth may reveal panic and ineptitude rather than wilful deception. But I believe the way 'Covid deaths' have been counted is a national scandal. In our family (as in many others), things had reached crisis point before Christmas because my mother, at 96, simply could not cope with taking care of Dad at home. Ted Mooney is pictured as a young soldier She had tried for more than two years but her health was suffering. We agreed to give him one last happy family Christmas four generations in our home, noisy with the excitement of the great-grandchildren he adored. I had chosen a local care home with a specialist dementia floor and an excellent reputation and (they were proud to tell me) no Covid cases at all in 2020. On New Year's Eve, Dad went there for a Covid test. His 99th birthday was the next day and then (the test being negative), on January 5, my husband and I took him for what he thought was respite care, to give Mum a break. After that, things moved quickly. Two days later, my husband saw Dad in the special visiting 'pod' created in a ground-floor room so that patient and care worker would be behind glass. He seemed cheerful, though he couldn't see or hear much behind the screen. But he joked about 'leaving all my money' to the sweet young (female) care worker! Same old Dad. I made an appointment to visit the next week but before then, the shutters came down. Obeying the latest local authority rules, the home closed itself off to visitors. I felt terrible. On January 12, they tested Dad for Covid again. It was negative. On January 26, I had an email from the experienced male nurse in charge of the dementia patients, saying that once again Dad had tested negative. But a phone call from another care worker gave disappointing news that 'Mr Ted' had refused the vaccine. Have YOU got a similar story? Email: femailreaders@dailymail.co.uk Advertisement I was rather frustrated but Dad could be difficult and I could easily imagine him irritably rejecting a needle for something he didn't believe in. On the next day, January 27, we learned there had been an outbreak of Covid in the home among staff and residents, although the home had clearly taken all the Covid precautions it could. I was in constant phone contact with helpful care workers who told me Dad was spending most of his time in his room, sleeping a lot and off his food. My heart warned me he was reaching the end of his life. On Monday, February 8, Dad's care worker called to say she had summoned a GP because he was 'chesty'. As he had COPD, this was no surprise. The GP wanted to test for Covid again but Dad refused. I think he'd just had enough by then. So antibiotics were prescribed and the care worker telephoned again early that evening to reassure me he had gone quietly to bed. My father did not wake up. The 8am call on February 9 (please note, 14 days after the last negative Covid test) informed us that Dad had died in his sleep. I was (in truth) relieved that at last all his discomfort was at an end and he was at peace. My mother was tired and sad; my two adult children cried; we all wished we could have said goodbye. That night, the GP who had seen Dad the day before and was called to certify his death kindly telephoned to express his condolences. He told me that, apart from the chestiness, Dad seemed 'well cared for'. Then I asked what he had put as the cause of death. 'Covid-19,' he replied. When I challenged this, he explained that it was because there had been deaths from Covid on the dementia floor . . . so they consider it reasonable to assume . . . 'But Doctor,' I protested, 'an assumption isn't a diagnosis.' He sounded sympathetic but uncomfortable, as he acknowledged my point and assured me that all Dad's underlying health conditions were also recorded. But as the secondary cause of death. He seemed cheerful, though he couldn't see or hear much behind the screen. But he joked about 'leaving all my money' to the sweet young (female) care worker! Same old Dad. Ted Mooney is pictured above with daughter Bel on Ainsdale Beach, Liverpool in 1954 I do not blame that perfectly decent and sympathetic GP he was just doing his job. But my deep disquiet became worse. For when I registered Dad's death by telephone (as you have to these days), the registrar told me there had been very many other cases like ours where 'the deceased' had not tested positive for Covid, yet it was recorded as the cause of death. They agreed that, yes, it must distort the national figures 'and yet the strangest thing is that every winter we record countless deaths from flu, and this winter there have been none. Not one!' So, I asked, did the registrar wonder if deaths from flu were being misdiagnosed and lumped together with Covid deaths? The answer was a puzzled 'Yes'. The funeral director said the same thing, saying they had lost count of the number of families upset by the same issue. I imagined daughters and sons, husbands and wives all over the country with the melancholy task of registering the death of a loved one all the time believing they had been told a lie. Somehow it adds insult to injury nothing will bring your family member back, yet you feel a visceral objection to them being listed as what my poor father might have called a 'plague victim'. To start to disentangle some of these mysteries, you have to understand that normally two doctors are needed to certify a death, one of whom knows the patient. But early last spring, this changed; for Covid-19, the certification of death could be made by one doctor and from March 2020, 'Covid deaths' included all cases where Covid-19 was put on the death certificate, even if the person had not tested positive. You don't have to be a Countdown presenter to see that this doesn't add up at all. Yet as the distinguished retired pathologist John Lee wrote: 'I can think of no time in my medical career when it has been more important to have accurate diagnosis of a disease and an understanding of precisely why patients have died of it.' And how could we begin to understand the frightening new Covid-19 if, from the beginning, nobody was bothering too much about accuracy? How many of the 30,851 (as of January 15) care home resident deaths with Covid-19 on the certificate (32.4 per cent of all deaths so far) were based on an assumption, like that of my father? And what has that done to our national psyche? When it comes to the data, confusion reigns. First of all, there are two different sources of statistics, often spoken of as if they are interchangeable: those compiled by Public Health England (PHE) and those compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The young Ted Mooney who rode his Army motorcycle through the blackout carrying dispatches at the start of World War II always believed in the family as the bedrock of society and his own life Although many people don't realise it, PHE's statistics are not of 'Covid deaths' but of the number of deaths of people who died within 28 days of having a positive Covid test. These statistics do not mean the person died of Covid although it might be likely that they did just that they died following a positive test. The cause of death could well have been something else. The ONS statistics reflect deaths 'involving' Covid or 'due to' Covid essentially, any death where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate but they do not take into account whether the deceased had ever tested positive for the virus. My father will now become one of these ONS statistics, even though I don't believe that he ever had Covid-19. So why is this going on? Why do the 'Covid death' statistics not require both Covid to be listed on the death certificate and for the deceased to have had a positive test, for the sake of certainty? And why have the families heartbroken and shocked to have Covid-19 on their loved ones' death certificates after the terrible distress of being forbidden care home visits not had any word of explanation for this? Yes, we can be flummoxed by statistics. But it is vital to examine them rather than blindly go on feeding the nation's fear. I'm no expert but it's obvious to me that it is essential to look beyond what is recorded on death certificates and to recognise that none of the official numbers tell the full story. Most people will accept the narrative they are fed, so panicky governments here and in Europe witnessed the harsh measures enacted in totalitarian China and jumped into lockdown. Headlines about Covid deaths tolled like the knell that would bring doomsday to us all. Fear stalked our empty streets. Politicians parroted the frankly ridiculous aim of 'zero Covid' and shut down the economy, while most British people agreed that lockdown was essential and (astonishingly to me, as a patriotic Brit) even wanted more restrictions. For what? Lies on death certificates? Never mind the grim toll of lives ruined, suicides, schools closed, rising inequality, depression, cancelled hospital treatments, cancer patients in a torture of waiting, poverty, economic devastation, loneliness, families kept apart, and so on. How many lives have been lost as a direct result of lockdown? We can join in a national chorus of shock and horror at reaching the 120,000 death toll which is surely certain to have been totally skewed all along. But what is worse than the sad deaths in care homes of people like Dad, who would have died anyway because it was their time? I'll tell you. During the lockdown last spring, according to the British Medical Journal, there was a 1,493 per cent increase in cases of children taken to Great Ormond Street Hospital with abusive head injuries. Sheltered folk won't know that some children are safer at school than at home. Did the appallingly intransigent Left-wing National Education Union know or care about that terrible result of lockdown, when it continued to urge school closures? I doubt it. When I told her about my shock and anger at what was on her grandfather's death certificate, my daughter Kitty said bleakly: 'If this has happened all through the epidemic and all the stats have been skewed, then our kids' education and mental health, and our family lives, have been brought almost to the point of disaster . . . for what? And why?' This is the key question. It is not for me to supply the answer and none of this will bring my father back. He was old and sick, it was time for him to die and I wish that as a society we could face up to the fact of mortality. There is indeed 'a time to be born and a time to die' as the book of Ecclesiastes says in the Bible, and although I would have loved for my dad to die with me holding his hand, it was not to be. Such things must be accepted. But we do not have to accept lies told in our name. The young Ted Mooney who rode his Army motorcycle through the blackout carrying dispatches at the start of World War II always believed in the family as the bedrock of society and his own life. Perhaps the most shocking thing about all this is that families have been kept apart and obeyed the most irrational, changing rules at the whim of government because they believed in the statistics. They succumbed to fear, which his generation rejected in that war fought for freedom. Dad (God rest his soul) would be angry. And so am I. 25382 Andrea Tinianow, Director, Global Delaware Over the last several years, blockchains reputation has done a 180. Once linked (negatively) with bitcoin, the technology is now mainstream as leaders in every sector scramble to understand the technology and explore how it can best be deployed. The State of Delaware has taken a leadership position in the space, pushing blockchain into the limelight with its embrace of the technology through the Delaware Blockchain Initiative (DBI). The DBI was born from a suggestion that the State provide the regulatory framework and the technological means for a corporation to live its entire lifecycle, from formation to dissolution, on a blockchain. Information filed with the States Division of Corporations would flow directly to a stock ledger maintained on a blockchain, resulting in fewer errors, greater efficiencies, and much less friction. Corporate records on a blockchain would be easy to track and verify. Corporations with records maintained on a blockchain would be able to avoid over-issuances or other unauthorized stock issuances. And, with respect to publicly traded companies, stockholders would own their shares directly, potentially eliminating the need for intermediaries. Corporations with records maintained on a blockchain would be able to avoid over-issuances or other unauthorized stock issuances In the fall of 2015, Mark Smith, CEO of Symbiont, an industry-leading smart securities company, along with legal counsel, Marco Santori, Esq., (now at Cooley LLP) suggested that the Division of Corporations offer blockchain-enabled services to better serve its corporate constituents. In the end, everyone involved in the development of the Initiativefrom Rick Geisenberger, Director of the Division of Corporations, and Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock, to Matt OToole, head of the Delaware Corporation Law Council, to Delawares Governor Jack Markellagreed. Effective August 1, 2017, the State enacted the so-called Blockchain Amendments to its General Corporation Law. These amendments expressly authorize corporations to issue and maintain their stock ledgers on a blockchain. The technology integration is a work in progress. Delaware selected Symbiont as its blockchain partner for several reasons. Symbiontsblockchain was created for the financial markets, so it met all of Delawares security requirements. Because the blockchain is permissionedand not a public blockchain, like the Bitcoin or Ethereumonly vetted parties can participate. There is no associated cryptocurrency (as the participants power the blockchain), which means it is extremely efficient and fast. Finally, unlike all of the other blockchains in production, Symbiont permits the participants to upload documents right onto the blockchain. It was as if Symbiontsblockchain was made for the State of Delaware. Delawares foray into blockchain for corporations is exciting, ambitious and groundbreaking. And, obviously, the State is still at the beginning stages. But the takeaway here is about much more than Delaware. The Delaware model can be used as a template for other states, counties, cities and other municipalities to supercharge their economies, not only with respect to the lifecycle of corporations, but to the lifecycle of individual citizens. Just as Delaware plans to allow corporations to live (through their records) on a blockchain, so too can states provide the technological platform to enable its citizens to live on a blockchain through the records and data that states issue and maintain, i.e., birth certificates, school records, drivers licenses, marriage licenses, home deeds, car titles, death certificates. Of course, states would continue to adhere to all privacy laws related to the release of private information. Blockchain-savvy jurisdictions could offer their citizensboth individuals and corporationsand, potentially, the citizens of other states (and countries), new, high-value services which would be created through innovative partnerships with technology and other traditional companies. These partnerships would also allow states to revamp traditional services to make them more secure, less expensive, more convenient, and more efficient. Meanwhile, corporations and other organizations (in the public and private sectors) would use their partnerships with the state, and their access to state-maintained data, to create highly efficient processes that could lead to new products and markets, as well as breakthrough opportunities that would set them apart from their competitors and catapult them into the economic stratosphere. States, counties, cities and other municipalities are sitting on a trove of valuable information, and blockchain technology can unlock that value for the benefit of everyone in the ecosystem, including the state, its citizens and private industry. When states deploy blockchain technology as a node on a permissioned blockchain in collaboration with private industry, the results can be transformative, disruptive and, lucrative for the state and its collaborators. Since the launch of the Delaware Blockchain Initiative in the spring of 2016, I have been meeting with innovators at companies across several sectors from logistics, to commercial finance, from healthcare to insurance, to consider how they might develop blockchain solutions that will revamp their business processes. These companies recognize that if they do not take a decisive and early role in shaping their new blockchain-enabled destiny, other companies will do it for them. And the competition may come from the most unlikely places, as companies deploy blockchain technology to create new types of service offerings outside of their traditional marketplace. For example, in Delaware, innovative organizations have already begun to develop groundbreaking blockchain-enabled services. Richards Layton & Finger (RLF), one of Delawares oldest and largest law firms, is exploring with Symbiont the development of a smart contract application for the management of key aspects of a corporations internal affairs. Such an application has the potential to introduce significant efficiencies and could assist in preventing defects in corporate authorization before they occur. RLF is also studying additional potential blockchain applications, including in connection with the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements. Additionally, The Medical Society of Delaware has partnered with Medscient, a Symbiont affiliate in the healthcare space, to develop healthcare solutions that could lead to lower (or eliminate) medical pre-authorization costs and better patient outcomes. Blockchain technology will become the next great national infrastructure for our country (and the world), as important and as transformational as the railroads were in the 1800s. States and companies that are early adopters have the most to gain. Those that are waiting on the sidelines will either be swept aside or play by someone elses rules. See Also : Top Most Promising Blockchain Startups Top Blockchain Solution Companies Top Blockchain Consulting/Service Companies Mel Gibson's adopted gay brother Andrew has spoken about his troubled life in Sydney and being rejected by his father because of his sexuality. The one-time aspiring actor, who now lives in a housing commission flat in Surry Hills, said on Friday he was never accepted by Mel's conservative Christian dad Hutton Gibson. '[Hutton] didn't want anything to do with me because I am tragic,' Andrew told News.com.au. Inside the troubled life of Mel Gibson's brother: How one-time aspiring actor Andrew Gibson is living in a Sydney housing commission flat and faces sentencing after pleading guilty to drug driving. Pictured: Mel Gibson and his wife Rosalind Ross 'My sexuality is an issue. [Mel] has never been anti-Semitic or anti-gay, but the decision was made. Hutton didn't accept you for who you were,' he added. 'He barred me from the family, told me he wished he'd never adopted me, called me a son of a b***h. He called my genetic family criminals.' Mel's parents had 10 children before they decided to adopt Andrew. Rejected: Andrew, who lives in Surry Hills' 'suicide towers', told News.com.au on Friday he was never accepted by Mel's conservative Christian dad Hutton Gibson. Pictured: Mel Gibson on November 16, 2017, in London Hutton, who denied the legitimacy of John Paul II as Pope and claimed the Holocaust was a hoax, died last year. Andrew said he felt like he didn't fit in after most of his siblings left home, and he decided to move out when he was 16. By the time he left home in 1985, Mel's acting career had taken off following the release of the Mad Max films. Family: Mel's (pictured) parents had 10 children before they decided to adopt Andrew Meanwhile, Andrew is due to face sentencing after pleading guilty to drug driving with ice and cannabis. He has lived in his apartment at the Northcott housing commission estate for the past five years. Known as 'suicide towers', the complex is Australia's largest single block of public housing units and has a notorious reputation for drug abuse, mental health problems and unemployment. Andrew said that despite three internal locks on his door, he doesn't feel safe. He said his 70-year-old neighbour recently confronted him with a knife in the corridor outside their flats. Titular de la PCM: Es politica de la gestion del presidente @FSagasti actuar con transparencia. Como Ejecutivo, somos los primeros interesados en que los hechos se esclarezcan y se identifiquen las responsabilidades sobre las vacunas administradas de manera irregular. pic.twitter.com/YJFJYdBvye Myanmar protests report first death Myanmar protests report first death A young protester died on Friday, more than a week after being shot in anti-coup demonstrations in Myanmar, offering a fresh source of anger inside the country as international pressure grows on the generals who seized power. Much of the country has been in open revolt since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with disparate strands of society uniting to protest against a return to military rule. Security forces have steadily stepped up the show and use of force, by deploying troops against peaceful protesters, and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. A rally on February 9 in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw turned violent when police fired rubber bullets at demonstrators, though doctors at the hospital later told AFP that at least two people had been critically wounded by live rounds. Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who turned 20 last Thursday as she lay unconscious in a hospital bed, was shot in the head. A doctor confirmed her death on Friday, adding that her body will be examined as it is a "case of injustice". The young protester, a grocery store worker, is the first official death from the anti-coup movement since hundreds of thousands started gathering across the country two weeks ago to protest against the return to military rule. She has since become a symbol of resistance for protesters, hoisting her photos high in demonstrations and even unfurling a massive banner of artwork from a bridge showing the moment she was shot. Her sister Poh Poh told reporters on Friday: "Please all join this protest movement to be more successful. That's all I want to say." She added that the burial will be on Sunday. Military spokesman-turned-deputy information minister Zaw Min Tun said this week that authorities were investigating the case. He also said a police officer had died in Mandalay after a confrontation with protesters on Sunday. Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing's death comes after an overnight announcement from Britain, Myanmar's former colonial power, and Canada that several generals would be sanctioned over their roles in the junta's security forces. Freezing the assets of three top generals, the UK also said it was beginning a review to stop British businesses working with the military. Canada sanctioned nine Myanmar military officials and accused the junta of engaging "in a systemic campaign of repressions through coercive legislative measures and use of force". These actions come after US President Joe Biden last week announced Washington would cut off the generals' access to US$1 billion in funds in the US. Burma Campaign UK's Wai Hnin Pwint Thon said she was encouraged by the UK's review of severing business ties with military-linked companies as "it will have an impact" if it hits coffers filled from lucrative gems, beer, and banking sectors. But so far, "it is more a symbolic gesture than an effective one", she said. Her famed activist father Mya Aye was detained the night of the coup, and she said her family still has no news of his whereabouts. The country endured its fifth consecutive night of "curfew-style shutdowns", according to monitoring group NetBlocks, reporting that the internet returned around 9am local time. By noon, tens of thousands including railway workers and teachers dressed in their uniforms to show they are boycotting work amassed across Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, carrying posters of Suu Kyi that read "Free our leader". "Don't go to the office!" they chanted. "Go strike! Go strike!" In the northern city of Myitkyina, a small group of protesters were forcefully dispersed by police and military wielding batons, according to video posted online and witnesses. One teacher who was there, and now in hiding for fear of arrest, said she saw dozens arrested in the scuffle, including two of her colleagues. "They arrested those who tried to take photos and videos... this is real injustice," she told AFP. Before Friday, more than 520 people have been arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group, many of them civilians taking part in the so-called "Civil Disobedience Movement". The junta has justified its power seizure by alleging widespread electoral fraud in November's elections, which Suu Kyi's party won in a landslide. The Nobel laureate, who has not been seen since she was detained in dawn raids, has been hit with an obscure charge for possessing unregistered walkie-talkies and for flouting coronavirus restrictions during campaign events. Her hearing is expected on March 1. (AFP) New Delhi, Feb 19 : As a part of Delhi Police Week 2021 celebrations, the police hosted a commemorative function at Adarsh Auditorium, New Police Headquarters on Friday. S.N. Shrivastava, Commissioner of Police Delhi was the Chief Guest and Taj Hassan, Special CP, Traffic the guest of honour on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Shrivastava emphasised on the importance of inculcating correct road user behaviour in the minds of youngsters so that by the time they grow up they imbibe good road safety values. He appreciated the efforts on the part of Delhi Traffic Police, especially the Road Safety Cell, in spreading road safety awareness among the masses as well as schoolchildren, which has gone a long way in reducing the number of fatalities on Delhi's roads. He also emphasised on the importance of inculcating good road user behaviour among citizens so as to ensure proper and safe use of roads and transportation. Phage-assisted protease positive and negative selection systems and their application to BoNT/X LC proteases. Credit: Science 19 Feb 2021: Vol. 371, Issue 6531, pp. 803-810, DOI: 10.1126/science.abf5972 A team of researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.S. has developed an evolutionary method for reprogramming proteases. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes how their technique works and how well it performed when tested. Pal Stenmark, with Stockholm University has published a Perspectives piece in the same journal issue outlining efforts to re-engineer Botox and how the work by the researchers in this new effort could apply to such research. Proteases are types of enzymes that break down proteins and peptides. In many cases, they cut proteins at certain spots as parts of natural bodily processes. For several years, scientists have been looking at ways to program proteases to cut enzymes in desired ways. It is believed that doing so would allow for the development of a host of new therapies and biotechnological applications. In this new effort, the researchers have developed a means for doing just that using an evolutionary approach. The work involved creating a variant of a phage-assisted, evolution-based process that allowed for both simultaneous positive and negative selection of certain protease activities over time. It relied on putting together the properties of a given protease domain with the infectivity aspects of a bacteriophage and then letting the protease evolve over several generations until desired characteristics appeared. The effort involved working with botulinum neurotoxins, which are widely known to be toxic under some circumstances and therapeutic under others. They can present as botulism, for example, a well-known kind of food poisoningbut they are also used in another form to make Botox, which is used to treat migraines and as cosmetic therapies. The method they developed allowed them to first recognize desired substrates and then to select for them while selecting against others as an evolutionary process unfolded. The researchers used their technique to reprogram a protease to make it cut one of the substrates of botulinum neurotoxin E in a way that they desired. They also showed that their technique could be used to reprogram a protease to create entirely new substrates. Stenmark notes that the work done by the team could have a major impact in some areas of medical researchreprogramming proteases on demand could lead to cleaving proteins involved in pain sensation, for example. Explore further Research team discovers new control mechanism in the innate immune system More information: Phage-assisted evolution of botulinum neurotoxin proteases with reprogrammed specificity, Science 19 Feb 2021: Vol. 371, Issue 6531, pp. 803-810, science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6531/803 Journal information: Science Phage-assisted evolution of botulinum neurotoxin proteases with reprogrammed specificity,19 Feb 2021: Vol. 371, Issue 6531, pp. 803-810, DOI: 10.1126/science.abf5972 2021 Science X Network February 18, 2021 While there was a gradual increase in the number of people working from home before 2020, these figures skyrocketed once the coronavirus pandemic saw companies forced to implement remote work protocols to keep their businesses running. While this presents a chance for companies to save costs on office space and other expenses, remote working also brings into play a new set of headaches for employers. Primary among these is the risk that remote working presents to a companys cybersecurity. Here are some risks and how to mitigate them: Movement of information Employees are now working on systems and devices from home, often emailing files and documents between themselves. Sometimes, they work on live systems that continuously update and upload data to a server. The risk here is that this information can be intercepted by hackers looking for ways to get inside a companys network and commit cybertheft. Fortunately, secure file transfer software ensures that no harm can come to your company data while it is in transit. GoAnywhere offers MFT (managed file transfer) solutions to companies looking to streamline data transfer without compromising safety. This includes securing email correspondence, which experts have identified as a vulnerable point for hackers to exploit. Recent hacks have proven that the easiest place for hackers to enter a system is via its email setup. Lack of training Many data breaches occur due to human error, with someone being careless with their password, leaving their device unattended while logged in, or trying to circumvent the system by sending emails from their private account. Typically, this is down to a lack of understanding of the nature and significance of cyber risks. Few employees would deliberately put their employers future at risk. Therefore, it comes down to ignorance, which the company can remediate by providing employees with sufficient training about cyber risks and the strategies and solutions in place to mitigate them. Education and training about cybersecurity can be the difference between its success or failure. This should be done during induction processes and whenever there are updates to current measures. Getting employees to understand the need for cybersecurity and their role in ensuring it is at least half the battle won. From there, it is a case of equipping them with an understanding of how your systems work. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks Employers who do not work from your companys offices rely on other Wi-Fi connections to get online. As most work from home, they use their existing internet setup. However, it might not be as secure as it should. As an employer who pays someone to work from home, you should be able to ask that person about their Wi-Fi setup and what security measures they have in place to prevent unauthorized access. This should include robust passwords. Employees should be cautioned against using public Wi-Fi networks. These typically have no password requirements, making them a hackers paradise. It would be a substantial cyber risk for an employee to work on their laptop accessing sensitive information about your company while sitting at their local coffee shop. Physical safety of devices When someone knows that you have sensitive information on your computer that could earn them money, you become a target. In several instances, company employees have been attacked on the street and had their devices stolen. While this might sound like an ordinary mugging, this is not the case when a person was targeted for the data they have access to. Employees should avoid working on their devices in public spaces or be extremely vigilant while doing so. They should not allow family members to use this computer for personal reasons. Retired AFL star Dane Swan and his girlfriend Taylor Wilson welcomed their first child, a baby boy, last Saturday, announcing the happy news on breakfast radio. And on his podcast, Hump Day with Swanny and Friends, on Thursday, the sportsman, 36, revealed Taylor had first choice in naming the newborn. 'So Taylor won. His name is Tait Hale, which is my mum's maiden name, and Wilson Swan. So Tait Hale Wilson Swan,' Dane said. 'It wasn't my numero uno': Retired AFL star Dane Swan revealed his newborn son's name on his podcast, Hump Day with Swanny and Friends, on Thursday. The 36-year-old said girlfriend Taylor Wilson (pictured together) 'won' with the choice The former Collingwood player went on to reveal that he has the final say in choosing the name for their second child. 'I had another [name] I liked. I [said], "righto, you can have this one, the next one I get final decision",' he said. 'I like Tait but it wasn't my numero uno,' Dane added. Dane first announced Tait's arrival during an interview with KIIS FM's Jase & PJ breakfast show on Monday. Final say in the future: 'So Taylor won. His name is Tait Hale, which is my mum's maiden name, and Wilson Swan. So Tait Hale Wilson Swan,' Dane said, before adding: 'I had another [name] I liked. I [said], "righto, you can have this one, the next one I get final decision"' 'We had [the baby] on Saturday. He's good. Mum and baby are healthy, happy and a little tired,' he said. Dane went on to say that Taylor 'has also been amazing so far, which has been great'. 'She was only in labour for 90 minutes. Her midwife and the gynaecologist didn't even make it,' he added. Baby joy: The former Collingwood player first announced Tait's arrival during an interview with KIIS FM's Jase & PJ breakfast show on Monday 'She did it all natural without any drugs. She was pretty incredible.' He also described the experience as 'surreal', adding that he's 'not sure' his baby's arrival 'has sunk in yet'. Dane and Taylor have been dating since 2010. All doing well: 'We had [the baby] on Saturday. He's good. Mum and baby are healthy, happy and a little tired,' he said Sharing the news: The sportsman first announced Taylor's pregnancy on the same radio show on November 27 He had announced Taylor's pregnancy on the same radio show on November 27. 'The cat's out of the bag!' Dane said at the time, before revealing their baby was due in February. 'Not that I was hiding it, it's very, very hard to hide a pregnant woman for the rest of your life, or hide a kid in the basement for the rest of its life,' he joked. 'Heard that doesn't end well.' The United Arab Emirates is dismantling its military base on the Horn of Africa. The move follows the UAEs lessening involvement in the Yemeni civil war. Satellite images obtained by The Associated Press show vehicles and other materials being loaded onto a ship and the dismantling of structures at the base in Assab, Eritrea. The UAE built the base in 2015 and used it to send Sudanese troops and heavy weapons to Yemen, according to the outlet. The base in the Assab port is the UAEs first outside its borders. The UAE and Eritrea are close allies. The news of the dismantling follows the UAE pulling back from Yemen. The UAE joined the Saudi-led coalition in intervening on behalf of the Yemeni government in 2015 in the civil war with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. However, the UAE began withdrawing its forces in 2019 and finished last year. The UAE still provides support to the Southern Transitional Council, which separated from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The two sides have since reconciled. The UAE received considerable criticism internationally for its participation in Yemen due to allegations of human rights abuses by Saudi Arabia and its allies. In January, US President Joe Biden paused an arms sale to the Emirates that had been announced by the Trump administration. President Barack Obamas eight years in the White House strengthened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus hold on the Israeli right at large, not just its extremes. Throughout that time, the prime minister cultivated the myth that if he did not stand firm against Obama, the Iranians would race toward their goal of obtaining a nuclear bomb and Israel would be forced to evacuate the settlers. At the start of Obamas first term, Netanyahu was taken aback by the president's chilly attitude toward him. He was concerned by Obamas decision to skip Israel when he travelled to Cairo to deliver his historic speech calling for a new beginning in the relationship between the United States and the Arab world June 4, 2009. The trip came just one month after Netanyahus first meeting with the president in the White House, where Obama asked Netanyahu to stop all settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. At first, Netanyahu seemed traumatized, but must have soon realized that Obamas stubbornness could benefit him politically among the Israeli right. Obama was perceived as pro-Palestinian and soft on Iran. Netanyahu nurtured this sentiment, at least behind the scenes at first. By the end of Obamas second term, however, the prime minister liked to boast that he was the only person who dared stand up to the US president. Then Joe Biden got elected and took his time making his first phone call to the Israeli prime minister. The delay was political gold for Netanyahu, especially before an election. As vice president, Biden was a full partner in Obamas Middle East policy. As a result, many on the Israeli right regarded the snub as a badge of honor. Earlier this week right-wing publicist Nave Dromi tweeted, The longer Biden waits to call Netanyahu, the more strength he gives him. People only play these games with someone they see as posing a threat, someone powerful that you want to educate. If the US administration werent afraid of standing up to Netanyahu, he would have called him, just like he called all the other world leaders. The way they are acting now positions Netanyahu several degrees above the others. It was only very late last Wednesday, Israel time, that the long-anticipated phone call came, 27 days from when Biden entered the White House. There is no doubt that the president was sending a message. During these 27 days, Netanyahus rivals ridiculed him, saying it was payback time for the way he treated Obama, Biden and the Democratic Party over the last decade. The new administration would not easily forget the prime ministers close relationship with Donald Trump. As the days passed and no call came, the issue became a major news story in Israel. Whenever he was asked about it, Netanyahu repeated the same line: His relationship with Biden is excellent and extends back three decades, to his days as Israels ambassador to the UN when the president was still a senator from Delaware. Netanyahu also instructed his Likud ministers to fan the flames when talking about the White House and to speak officially and on the record, whenever asked about it. Nevertheless, Netanyahu was quick to tweet about the warm and friendly call, which lasted about an hour. The prime ministers office reported, The two leaders noted their longstanding personal connection and said that they would work together to continue strengthening the steadfast alliance between Israel and the US. Attached to the statement was a photo of Netanyahu, phone in hand and grinning ear to ear. While it is unclear whether the photo was taken during this particular phone call, Netanyahus message was obvious: Everything is under control. His relationship with the new US president is as good as ever. This image is very important to Netanyahu, especially now while he is campaigning as a national leader. The polling Netanyahu conducts show that the right continues to perceive of him as the person best suited to manage Israels foreign policy, especially now, when dealing with a Democratic US president. His clashes with Obama remain fresh in Israeli memory. He is seen as having prevented the evacuation of settlements after his predecessor, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, made an offer to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, that would have meant the effective partition of the country. That is why Netanyahu has no need to rage against Biden. He already has right-wing support in spades. He does, however, lack voters from the center, who left him because he is seen as such a divisive figure who evokes such intense antagonism. In briefings to the press, his staff stated repeatedly that Netanyahu was the first leader in the Middle East to receive a call from Biden and noted that the two men spoke nostalgically of the past they shared. They played down that Biden called Netanyahu only after he spoke with the leaders of Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, India and Australia, and with the heads of the other superpowers: President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and President Xi Jinping of China. But the relationship between Israel and the United States is not the central issue in Israels political discourse in the month leading up to the March 23 election: the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Netanyahu used Trump to his advantage in every election over the past two years, presenting his friendship with the president and the gifts he received from him as a strategic advantage. Now, in his dealings with the new administration, he needs to minimize the damage to his image that the tactic caused. Netanyahu will argue that the alliance between the two nations is firm and that Biden is a close friend of Israel while hoping that there is no crisis in his relationship with the White House in the month leading up to the election, as happened more than once during Obamas time in office. That is also why Netanyahu is being careful not to fan the diplomatic flames, given recent reports that the Biden administration made an official offer to Iran to renew negotiations over the nuclear accords just a few hours after Netanyahus phone call with Biden. It was a devastating blow to the policy that he had led together with Trump especially just a month before the election. As much as Biden is not Obama, Netanyahu still realizes that we are at the start of a new era in the White House. His good friend Trump left in disgrace and is holed up in his estate in Florida. Now Netanyahu needs to win a complicated election. Bidens icy attitude toward him may serve Netanyahu on the right, but it embarrasses him among voters focused on national, and not just sectoral interests. Without their support, Netanyahu could lose everything. 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. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Bachelor couple Matty Johnson and Laura Byrne welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lola Ellis, earlier this month. And Matty, 33, had fans in stitches this week when he revealed his tongue-in-cheek list of things men shouldn't say to their partners when they go into labour. He filmed a video for TikTok of himself in a hospital birthing suite as he warned expectant fathers of the phrases they should definitely try to avoid. He's not wrong! The Bachelor's Matty Johnson had fans in stitches this week when he revealed his tongue-in-cheek list of things men shouldn't say to their partners when they go into labour He began with: 'Yeah, I know it's painful but you've never been kicked in the balls, have you?' A woman, presumably Laura, could then be heard moaning in pain as Matty pulled a face and said: 'Babe, could you keep it down?' Other no-go remarks included: 'Come on, you can push harder than that!' and 'There's no way we could get a TV in here? Because the footy starts in 15.' Risky: Matty (pictured with his fiancee Laura Byrne) filmed a video for TikTok of himself in a birthing suite as he warned expectant fathers of the phrases they should definitely try to avoid He then sat down on a hospital chair and complained: 'You couldn't give me one of those pillows, could you? These chairs are so uncomfortable.' He finished the video by saying: 'That was all pretty easy. We should start thinking about when we will have [baby] number three.' Matty appears to have filmed the TikTok video in hospital as his fiancee Laura was actually in labour with their second child, Lola. New addition! Laura and Matty, who met on The Bachelor Australia in 2017, announced Lola's arrival on February 4 The couple, who met on The Bachelor Australia in 2017, announced Lola's arrival on February 4. They are also parents to one-year-old daughter Marlie Mae. The new season of The Bachelor is believed to have started production in Sydney this week and will air on Channel 10 later this year. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A semi crash shut down one lane of eastbound traffic around 10 A.M. Thursday. The vehicle began to spin after hitting ice on the Wabash Valley Bridge. The cab of the semi and engine block ended up separating during the crash. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was treated with non-life-threatening injuries. Indiana State Police suggest giving yourself extra time when traveling in winter conditions. A MAN jailed for harassing a Cork woman in 2015 by setting up a fake website of a sexual nature and adding ordinary pictures of the young woman and giving directions to her home, involved himself in exactly the same type of harassment again. Detective Garda Aonghus Cotter said that Stephen Downey of Lissadell, Maryborough Hill, Cork, picked on the same victim for the harassment. Now six years later he has been jailed again this time for two years. The detective said two male callers came to her house looking for her, causing her deep upset and anxiety. He said Downey, 30, created a false profile of the woman and directed people to her home. He used images of her from normal social media and also used images of others that were sexual in nature on the same false profile. Considering what sentence to impose in this case on Downey, the judge said, Obviously the fact that it happened in 2015 weighs very heavily. The latest harassment occurred in March/April 2020. Judge O Donnabhain said, This is a very distressing case of harassment. False profiles set up and males directed to the unfortunate victim. It is most distressing. Her home, her person invaded in a really appalling manner. And to think this is a repeat offence from 2015 is to say the least an aggravating factor. It is invasive and very abusive. His level of empathy was almost non-existent. There is a significant amount of work to be done. He did undertake a lot of that but much is left to be done. The victim is entitled to be protected the fact that people were sent to her house. Four years is merited. In everyones interest he is to be supervised on his release and I will suspend two years of that. I order that he has no contact with the injured party in the indefinite future that is forever direct or indirect. Sinead Behan defence barrister said the accuseds family were appalled by his actions which were entirely out of character for the family and they supported him in his counselling and rehabilitation. In November 2015, the evidence in that similar harassment case was that up to 30 men called to a house believing it was the home of the same young woman depicted on the website. In that case, Judge O Donnabhain imposed a one-year sentence with half of it suspended on Downey, who was 24 at the time. Six years ago the victim said she felt degraded and her self-esteem was shattered, she felt used in a vile manner and felt ashamed and did not know why Downey had done this to her as she had never done anything to him. She wondered what pleasure he could have gotten from what he did to her. The victim impact statement in the present case was not read in open court. Instead it was handed directly to the judge who read it privately. The judge said the defendant could be identified but not the victim. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office said approximately 150 immigrants on Thursday fled from an 18-wheeler parked at a gas station in South Bexar County and used in a suspected human smuggling operation. Sheriff Javier Salazar said during a news conference that deputies detained 50 people from the truck but the rest ran off into a wooded area near a QuickTrip gas station. An individual inside the truck called 911 from the location at around 6 p.m. pleading for help because they were running out of air, the sheriff said. Officials could not immediately locate where the call was coming from but deputies near the area of Interstate 37 and Loop 1604 spotted a truck matching the description at a QuickTrip. Soon after deputies pulled into the gas station, a "large amount of people came pouring out of the truck and ran into the woods," the sheriff said. READ ALSO: 'We are dying': BCSO says 911 calls report 80 people trapped inside 18-wheeler The incident is similar to another BCSO is investigating. On Feb. 15, dispatchers received several panicked 911 calls from individuals inside an 18-wheeler saying they were running out of air. Deputies, however, could not locate the truck but a man was arrested in connection with the case. The sheriff's department did not say if the truck or the people inside were found. Salazar said he didn't know if this recent incident is linked to last week's arrest. According to the sheriff, the truck used in Thursday's incident was carrying individuals from Guatemala and El Salvador. He said the truck was refrigerated but was modified to minimize detection from the outside with foam used to seal airways. The occupants inside the truck had to rip a gasket off for fresh air, Salazar said. "This tells me that there is little regard for human life," the sheriff said. "These people are a commodity to the smugglers and if they lose a few in the process, then that's just the cost of doing business." Salazar said the cold temperatures are also concerning because many of the individuals who ran were wearing only jeans and a T-shirt. The low Friday morning was 19 degrees and the temps at the time of the incident were below freezing. "We've got subzero temperatures and its snowing, so our concern is that people will suffer from exposure and the elements," Salazar said. "We fear some of these people may be in distress here soon. We want to get these folks and get them the medical attention and the help they need." Salazar said he believes the suspected smugglers are among the 50 immigrants they are questioning in order to avoid arrest. (Natural News) A joint venture is reportedly in the works between SWIFT, the worlds largest electronic payment messaging system, and the department in charge of Chinas proposed central bank digital currency. The move is being used as a sign that Beijing is exploring the global use of its planned sovereign digital currency, aiding in its desire to internationalize the yuan. Amid the countrys deteriorating relations with the United States, many in China have called for Beijing to reduce its reliance on the U.S. dollar by increasing the global use of the yuan. It remains unclear what the scope of the joint venture between SWIFT and both the Digital Currency Research Institute and the China National Clearing Centre within the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) is. But the development of a digital yuan could help promote its international use and support Chinas push to rival the U.S. as a global economic power. As a global neutral cooperative, SWIFT always acts in the interests of the entire member community, SWIFT said in an email to the South China Morning Post. We have been part of Chinas financial markets for more than 30 years and, as we do everywhere we operate, we make adjustments as necessary to remain compliant with regulatory requirements. Beijing ramping up deployment of digital yuan In August of 2020, Chinas Ministry of Commerce released fresh details of its pilot program for the countrys central bank digital currency to be expanded into several metropolitan areas. This expansion, which included the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and Yangtze River Delta region, was the inevitable culmination of a process that started back in 2014. Then, in October Peoples Bank of China published a draft law that sought to give legal status to the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP) system. As part of this, the digital yuan had been included and defined as part of Chinas sovereign fiat currency. The draft law would also forbid any party from making or issuing yuan-backed digital tokens to replace the renminbi in the market, the SCMP added. This law allowed for a trial run in Shenzhen where the government ran a lottery that gave away 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) worth of the digital currency. This was done to both test the technology behind the digital currency as well as boost consumer spending in the wake of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. SWIFT joint venture could give China more power in economic battle with the US In the past, the SWIFT system has afforded the U.S. government broad powers to impose economic and financial sanctions against countries. At the flick of a switch, it could leave these countries unable to receive payments for exports, pay for goods or own U.S. dollar-denominated assets. With this in mind, the new joint venture seems to have emerged after concerns were raised that the U.S. might cut off China or Hong Kong from SWIFT, especially as the administration of former President Donald Trump was penalizing individuals involved in undermining Hong Kongs autonomy. (Related: China retaliates after Trump closes consulate, threatens real pain.) A joint venture with SWIFT then would likely help China avoid this. In addition, it also helps Chinas efforts to internationalize the yuan. It is true that China was trying to develop an alternative system [to SWIFT], but from a realistic perspective it has always been difficult for such system to gain traction, hence this new joint venture, said Oriol Caudevilla, management and strategy consultant at AirHelp.One of the main goals of this joint venture is to help internationalize the yuan. Should the yuan become internationalized, the SWIFT tie-up could also allow Beijing the same broad powers as Washington. Any countries using an internationalized yuan then could very much be made subject to Chinas influence. Follow CommunistChina.news for more on Beijings efforts to challenge America on a global stage. Sources include: CreativeDestruction.com SCMP.com 1 ZeroHedge.com SCMP.com 2 12977 Massimo Risi, VP, Global Head of Lean Manufacturing, VS&EMAYCO Massimo Risi, VP, Global Head of Lean Manufacturing, VS&EMAYCO Many years ago I was a young Plant Manager in a huge Production facility in south of Italy, belonging to a well-known OEM. At that time the Company had decided to start a journey towards Lean Manufacturing and a Japanese University Professor, a guru in Lean Processes, had been hired to assess our facilities. An effective improvement plan may only be realized through the involvement of every single The plant where I was working was chosen as the first one in the group to be visited, so I had the Professor coming one day to my office. I didnt have a clue of what he had in mind to ask me, which check list he was going to use, but I prepared all the numbers and graphs ready to answer to any question. The Professor entered my office for a quick espresso and ignoring all the folders I had on my desk, he requested to go directly to the shop floor. So, leaving all the paperwork I prepared on my desk, we went towards the Final Assembly building and he asked to me: Mr. Risi, how many forklifts you have in your Plant? I looked at him and before answering, I thought: why a Professor comes from Japan to ask me how many forklifts I have? Shouldnt we be speaking about Productivity, or Quality? But finally I gave him the answer, the number exceeding 100, and he raised his eyebrows and exclaimed: Too many! Disaster, Big Disaster!!!leaving me midway between a shocking surprise and the question: how else should I feed the line with components?. In the years that followed, I had a great collaboration with the Professor and many concepts became clearer to me, including the comment about forklifts it became very clear to me how using forklifts jeopardizes the one-piece-flow concept, creating complication to the workplace layout and increasing the level of non-value-added activities for the operators. This episode remained vivid in my memory, being an example, in my opinion, of a plant manager who was not able to see all of his plants losses and their root causes. In all the various experiences I had in my work life, this became evident as an absolutely pivotal point: if youre aiming to implement a lean process in your facilities and make it as a real way of life, the plant manager and his team have to be able to comply with each of the following points: Be completely committed to improve performances through a change of their mindset Be open minded to admit that they have losses in their processes See where the losses are Drive management in defining a very detailed data collection system Involve employees in an improvement action plan, following an established priority list Lets go in order. The first reaction you have, if you propose a Lean Manufacturing approach to a plant manager, might be defensive: My people really have no time for this, even if I know its important or You dont know how Lean we already are. In these cases the plant manager is a roadblock. A proactive plant manager instead, is a very strong Leader, able to convince himself first and then his management team that the improvement journey is a never ending story and that, by definition, there are opportunities. Based on my experience, if you ask a plant manager, who has not been trained on Lean principles, which is the percent of Total Production Cost that he considers to be a Loss in his facility, he will most probably answer a number close to 15 percent. If you then begin to ask how this number has been calculated and which are the items/areas where he has the most evident opportunities, you may discover that the number he offers you is a guesstimate based on the knowledge he has of his own process and, also, on the willingness to show an admittance of some existing losses in his organization. A plant manager is sincerely in difficulty if he has to admit that his processes have huge losses and this is because his is honestly convinced that his daily commitment and that of his team is strongly focused on improving every anomaly they see and reacting to every failure that happens. In the following graph there is a representation of the frequency of the problems that a plant manager has to face in his daily work and their amplitude. Now lets consider that managers are people who feel a high level of responsibility for their role and this is normally seen as a strong attitude to face all problems that may come out of the blue even taking this as a personal challenge. So they have a great memory of the big problems and focus their attention on them, up to the degree that under a certain alarm level, a failure is considered normal, acceptable and even inevitable. If you make the experiment of asking them which are the five most important problems they are managing, they will clearly make reference to the most harmful episodes of last three months, completely ignoring the losses under the alarm level. Only after a very detailed analysis of their processes, jointly with their Team after being educated on using Lean analysis tools, will they discover an unexpected Loss Pareto that will give them the right priorities. Once the management team accepts the need of a better Loss analysis, Data Collection becomes the key. But Im not referring to the mere list of Key Process Indicators that the team weekly reads to check if they are on track with targets. Im referring to the capability to measure failures and losses with a level of detail that has to reach each of the work stations. The capability to properly weight them and create a list of priorities has only one solution: dollarize correctly every Loss and define their impact on the balance sheet. In this phase, plant managers deep diving of the criteria that his team is using to collect data is crucial. An effective improvement plan may only be realized through the involvement of every single employee/operator in the company. Plant manager Leadership will be strained to the limit now, having the task to make everyone in the company change their mindset, understanding losses, being able to identify root causes, attacking them instead of apparent phenomena, and finally find solutions using proper problem solving tools. He has to be able to create an environment that is stimulating people participation in projects with a healthy competitive approach and respecting them with the recognition they expect. Plant Manager plays a real Pivotal role and his footprint in the facility is always evident. With his (mandatory) commitment and his capability to follow the steps listed before, it becomes tangible that an effective application of Lean principles is possible, with a concrete impact on Safety, Quality, and Cost. A new investigation by RFA out this week explores the multi-million dollar investments made in Australia by Cambodias ruling elite over the last five years. These investments appear to have been made in tandem with a campaign of intimidation orchestrated by Prime Minister Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) against Australias Cambodian community. On Monday, RFA sat down with Julian Hill, an Australian member of parliament representing the city of Melbourne, home to the highest concentration of Cambodian-born Australians. In the interview, reproduced below, Hill blasted as pathetic the Australian governments response to the millions of dollars flowing from Phnom Penh to cities like Melbourne and Sydney, labelling the Cambodian authorities a gangster regime. The following day, Hill addressed the Federation Chamber of the Australian parliament, where he referenced RFAs investigation in a speech calling on the Australian government to take a firmer stance with the Cambodian authorities. : Julian Hill speaks in the Australian parliament on Feb. 16 where he urged Australia to take a firmer stance on Cambodia. The constituency you represent, Melbourne, is home to one of the highest concentrations of Cambodian-born Australians. Over the last five years, the CPP has deployed a mixture of charm and bullying tactics in the hope of stifling dissent among Australia's Cambodian community. What RFAs latest investigation found is that over the same five years, the CPPs top families have invested tens of millions of dollars in Australian businesses and real estate, much of it in Melbourne. Do you see a connection between these two trends? It's of enormous concern to me as someone who loves the Cambodian community and believes in democracy and human rights to really understand more about what's going on. I congratulate you and RFA on the investigative work that you've done to uncover this. I'm deeply concerned, as (opposition party spokesperson) Kem Monovithya said, that Australia has become the number one destination for Cambodia's thugs. And, the Cambodian diaspora tell us, the favorite place for the corrupt elite of Hun Sens gangster regime, his family, and cronies to take corrupt money money gained from human rights [abuses] and invested in Australia. That's an enormous concern. Like many countries, Australia offers visas to foreign nationals willing to invest in the local economy. What we found is that, over the last five years, wealthy Cambodians invested a total of A$38.5 million ($29.7 million) in support of successful investor visa applications. And while Australias Department for Home Affairs insists that all funds and applicants are rigorously vetted, a lot of observers aren't so convinced. Do you think when it comes to authoritarian countries like Cambodia that the Australian immigration authorities need to be doing more to vet the applicants for these visas? You've raised in your work really important questions. And the question that no doubt concerns millions of Cambodians is, where is this money coming from? The people who are investing this money, if you look at it, they're not paid big salaries by the government. And yet they're able to afford multi-million-dollar apartments and houses and businesses in some of the most expensive suburbs in Australia. It just doesn't add up. I think the example you gave that the son of Land Management Minister Chea Sophara, in 2016 with his wife, bought an A$11 million ($8.1 million) house in Sydney. And that's just one example. There are many of these. So, it does raise serious concerns about where the money is coming from. When I was in Cambodia just over a year ago, I met with democracy groups, human rights groups. I sat down with farmers who'd had their land stolen by the government and big corporations. And the consistent message that we got back was that Hun Sens government is not treating us fairly. They're not respecting human rights. They've stopped any pretense of having a democracy and democratic norms. [The people I spoke to] did not want Western countries like Australia to be aiding and abetting these crimes to give a safe haven for these corrupt elites and their children and family to have a lovely life here and buy property using money that's been stolen from ordinary Cambodians. I believe Australia does need to do more, to make sure that every dollar that comes in the country is not gained from the proceeds of human rights abuses or corruption. To that end, I've been a big supporter of the new Magnitsky laws that the parliamentary committee unanimously recommended should be introduced in Australia, which would give Australia the power to target not countries, but individuals accused of serious or gross human rights violations. In other countries such as America, there are a number of senior Cambodian generals and some of the corrupt elite that have now been targeted. Which means, [if Australia does the same] that they will never get visas to visit Australia, and they never would be able to take their money out of Australia or bring more money. These are the kind of things which we need to have a serious look at, given the scale of what we understand may be going on. Late last year, you filed a parliamentary question drawing the Australian Government's attention to pair of investigations by RFA and Al Jazeera linking senior figures in the Cambodian regime to fraudulent investment schemes that were shut down by the Australian financial regulators. Tell me a little bit about what the Australian government's response has been to that question. I actually got the response only a few days ago, and the response is pathetic. They did not respond in any meaningful way. Frankly, they were like schoolchildren, not government ministers, they went through the questions and they said, We can't direct the criminal intelligence organization or the organization that looks at money coming into the country because they're independent. Well, of course, sure. They can't direct them, but they could have taken the concerns seriously, and even referred them to those bodies. So, it's an incredibly disappointing response. What it shows is that they're not taking these concerns seriously. And that's a great disappointment. The Magnitsky sanction law is one tool, but we already have anti money-laundering laws. Many of these concerns have been reported by others to the Australian authorities, but I think Australian government ministers need to take these concerns far more seriously. I don't know why the government's avoiding these questions. What have they got to hide? Cambodian protesters near the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in a Sept. 26, 2014, file photo. Credit: AP The city you represent is home to Australia's largest Cambodian community. What impact has this influx of CPP-linked money and political activities over the last half decade had on your constituents? Over the last five years or so, we have seen reports and heard reports that there's been a much more concerted effort by Hun Sens gangster regime and his cronies to infiltrate Australia and to try and shut down dissent in the diaspora. So that's taken a range of forms. I call this foreign interference and Australia introduced a few years ago laws against foreign interference. I've raised concerns. And, again, I don't think the Australian Government's taking this issue nearly seriously enough. We've seen reports of intimidation, actual threats against people in Australia, Australian citizens who speak up for democracy and human rights in Cambodia, concerns about the safety of their family and friends in who live in Cambodia. We've seen a very deliberate effort by the CPP, Hun Sens political party. This is the party that won 125 seats out of 125 seats in the election. I mean, it's a joke, it wasn't a democratic election. We've seen that political party now set up chapters in every state and territory in Australia. Each of these chapters is headed by a senior general or one of the operatives in the Hun Sen regime. Their purpose is not benign. Their purpose is to put pressure on activists and outspoken people in Australia to shut dissent down to stop people criticizing what's going on in Cambodia from Australia. The latest tactic, which I'm deeply concerned about, and I'll be speaking again in the parliament about, is that Hun Sens now started these mass trials of hundreds of people who don't live in Cambodia. Many of them have not been to Cambodia for years or decades. But what they've done, their so-called crime, is to speak up publicly, be it in Australia, or Canada, or the U.S. or Europe, or other countries. To speak up and say what's happening in Cambodia is not good. The government is stealing money from people, the government is taking people's land, the government is not respecting human rights. And apparently now, in Hun Sens world, someone in Australia saying these truths is now (committing) a crime because they're creating dissent. And so, I think this is a terrible new tactic, and the Australian government needs to also push back on it. Our ambassador has raised these concerns with the Cambodian minister for justice, but we need stronger action. This is completely unacceptable, that citizens in democracies around the world will be threatened by this gangster simply for speaking up in support of democracy and human rights, common human values. [Note: Proceedings in a Phnom Penh court commenced in mid-January against 59 former opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) lawmakers and activists. Theirs were the first mass trials of some 136 defendants over their alleged involvement in acting party president Sam Rainsys attempt to return to Cambodia in 2019. International observers have described the trials as politically motivated and called on the government to drop them.] Members of the Cambodian community in Australia protesting in Sydney ahead of an ASEAN special summit in March 2018. Credit: AP The impression I get from speaking to you, is that the CPPs activities in Australia and in Cambodia, as they relate to Australian citizens, are effectively curtailing the fundamental civic rights of Australian citizens. And I'm just wondering, I know you said that you're not sure why the Australian government seems so reluctant to take a firmer stance on these issues. But, do you have any idea as to why it might be that they're so reluctant? Well, youre absolutely right. I mean, these are issues that go to our democratic rights and freedoms in Australia and the freedom of speech rights that any Australian citizen whatever their cultural, ethnic or religious background that anyone who is an Australian citizen living here in Australia can express their mind. They can say what they want, within reason. They can't incite violence, but they can pretty much speak their mind. I don't agree with everything that people say to me; but it's a free country, as we say. That's a good thing. I don't understand why the Australian Government is not speaking up more in support of people's rights here in Australia. There was one reason and it was in place for some years. Our current Prime Minister Scott Morrison is not a man that I like or support, but he's the prime minister. He was originally the immigration minister. He was seen in Cambodia, drinking champagne with Hun Sen and his generals and cronies, when he signed an appalling refugee deal in which Australia gave Cambodia some tens of millions of dollars, in return for Cambodia taking a few refugees. I think only three or four people went there in the end, it was a ridiculous arrangement. Now, that made a political constraint for some years on Scott Morrison from speaking out, but that deal is no more, it's gone. So, that constraints not there. I do not understand why the Australian government is so weak, so shameful, so silent. But, myself and other Labor members of parliament and, I would hope, decent members of the government would expect that the Australian government, whatever their politics to defend and protect the rights of Australian citizens to speak their mind to speak up for Australian values here in Australia. One of the people charged is a guy called Hong Lim, who's a friend of mine. He was a state member of parliament. He's of Cambodian descent. I think he was the first Cambodian-born person to be elected to parliament in a Western democracy anywhere in the world. For 20 years he served with distinction, and he's been charged by Hun Sens regime simply for speaking up for democracy and human rights. So, on that basis, I could receive a criminal charge from Hun Sen, so could just about any member of the Australian parliament. It can happen in the U.K., anywhere around the world, and it's not acceptable. This interview has been edited for clarity. The audiobook business is booming in Sweden although physical book stores are fighting for survival due to social distancing rules, according to statistics released on Thursday. While total revenues of audiobooks were up by 8.7 percent in 2020, the sales of physical books took a hit with a 19.1 percent decline, showed the annual report by the Swedish Book Dealers' Association and the Swedish Publishers' Association. They conclude that the pandemic has been a boon for the audiobook business, as the sales increased more than ever before, including 2020 when the VAT on books was reduced. "This shows that there is a great desire to read throughout the country," the report's author Erik Wikberg told news agency TT. "The dry explanation is that we have had a lot of free time and not so much competition from anything else. It could also be that we have needed literature on existential issues and escapism." While reading in the time of COVID-19 might have relieved what some may perceive as one hundred years of solitude, audiobooks too have gained popularity. Wikberg also had a theory regarding this: "When it comes to audiobooks, we also know that the social factor itself -- hearing a different voice -- may be important for so many who are alone during the pandemic." The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a transmissible viral disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen responsible for the ongoing global pandemic. The virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 and to date has caused over 109 million infections worldwide. With over 2.4 million deaths, this virus can cause severe disease in certain high-risk groups such as those with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and an abnormally high body mass index (BMI). A new preprint on the bioRxiv* server describes the common features shared by this condition with lung cancer. Lung cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among all cancers globally. While smoking is the dominant risk factor, it can affect people who do not smoke as well. Recent research shows that both COVID-19 and lung cancer share common symptoms, diagnostic criteria and management. For instance, both are more likely to occur in older people and in those with underlying medical conditions. Risk factors for COVID-19 include those with lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and those being treated for cancer. Both the first and third categories may be at increased risk due to immunosuppression. The poor lung function in patients with lung cancer may vitiate the outcome of COVID-19 in this group. SARS-CoV-2 infection SARS-CoV-2 is known to irritate the airway mucosa, and with the progression of the disease, the infection involves the lungs. The result is severe inflammation of the alveoli and surrounding tissues, associated with fluid build-up within the lungs. Pneumonia may be exacerbated, and the lungs fill up still more with fluid, mucus, blood and immune cells. As the immune response becomes exaggerated, the body requires more oxygen in order to produce more energy. This is the mechanism underlying shortness of breath and the high breathing rate. The cytokine storm underlying severe and critical COVID-19 is responsible for the causing the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The exaggerated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines lead to multi-organ damage, a feature of critical disease associated with a high mortality rate. Protein-protein interaction analysis Viruses adapt to their preferred host, following infection by taking over the cellular machinery in order to replicate itself, produce viral proteins, and evade the cellular immune response by causing changes in the most important host cell factors. The current study used computational analysis of the interlinked activity of the host cell proteins with the viral proteins the protein-protein interaction (PPI) data. This was followed by gene network analysis to identify pathways of interaction. The aim was to develop new avenues for cancer therapy by identifying the hub genes that participate in the clinical course of both COVID-19 and lung cancer. Hub genes They identified ten hub genes, all involved in cell communication, metabolic pathways, stimulus responses and regulatory pathways. The ten essential genes were ALB, CXCL8, FGF2, IL6, INS, MMP2, MMP9, PTGS2, STAT3 and VEGFA. The majority of them also participate in cell proliferation and development, cell organization, multicellular organism-level processes, and growth and reproduction. With respect to the cellular component encoded, most of these genes were found to be expressed extracellularly, but also within membranous spaces and in the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus complex. By molecular function, all were found to participate in protein binding, with six in ion binding. Only two genes participated in the binding of nucleic acids, antioxidant activity and hydrolase activity. Several genes overlapping in the two conditions were found to be involved in regulating smooth muscle proliferation and cell migration and regulators of chemokines, growth factors, and other cytokine regulatory molecules. Many of these are deeply involved in bladder cancer, diabetic complications, various signaling pathways, hepatitis B, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection, and cytomegalovirus infection. Individual functions of hub genes C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) is a major inflammatory response mediator, while fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is involved in limb and neurological development, cell proliferation, and tumor growth Interleukin 6 (IL6) encodes a pro-inflammatory cytokine that induces B cell proliferation as well. Along with CXCL8, it is released at high levels during COVID-19, triggering the cytokine storm. With this pathway in common, lung cancer patients are at particularly high risk for death following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Matrix Metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 are zinc-dependent enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix components and signal transduction proteins. MMP2 is unique in being susceptible to activation on the cell membrane. MMP-9 is markedly increased in lung diseases in which tissue remodeling is a characteristic, including asthma and COPD, or lung fibrosis. It is released by neutrophils in acute lung injury, causing swelling of the tissue and loss of alveolar-capillary barrier integrity. It also promotes inflammatory cell migration and lung tissue destruction. As such, therapies directed specifically at this enzyme or neutrophil activation could play a key role in managing COVID-19-related lung disease. Earlier research indicates it could be an early marker of respiratory failure in these patients, which underscores the contribution of these remodeling and fibrotic processes to this outcome. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) is key to the prostaglandin biosynthetic pathway, probably in inflammation and cell proliferation. It was earlier suggested to be part of the mechanism by which nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) arises, along with furin, a protease that, in dysregulated conditions, increases tumor growth by increasing the bioavailability of growth factors and hormones. Furin is also known to cleave the SARS-CoV-2 spike into its subunits to accomplish viral entry and infection. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is part of a protein family activated to its dimeric form by cytokines and growth factors. The dimers act as transcription activators within the cell nucleus. This molecule regulates many immune and inflammatory pathways and is involved in the emergence of many cancers. During viral infection, STAT3 is hyperactive in response to viral components, as in COVID-19. This triggers the release of CXCL10, MMP9 and PAI1, from type 2 alveolar cells. PAI-1 is found at high levels in NSCLCs. A spiraling cascade of STAT3 and PAI-1 activation occurs in severe COVID-19 and is linked to very poor outcomes. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a protein that stimulates endothelial differentiation and proliferation, causing vascular growth in both normal and abnormal situations. COVID-19 is known to be associated with high VEGFA levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Neuropilin receptors NRP1 and NRP2 are upregulated in lung tissue, and earlier research shows that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein uses NRP1 signaling to increase the pain mediated by VEGFA. Thus, diffuse pain could be an early symptom of COVID-19. Albumin (ALB) encodes the most abundant plasma protein, with a multitude of essential functions. Severe COVID-19 is often linked to hypoalbuminemia. It is thought that albumin production in the liver is suppressed by the exaggerated release of inflammatory cytokines in this condition. Low albumin thus predicts severe COVID-19 and death in hospitalized older patients. The low oncotic pressure of plasma secondary to albumin loss into the extracellular space may exacerbate the oncotic pressure in this space, aggravating ARDS. Insulin (INS) is essential to normal energy metabolism in the body. This peptide hormone also promotes ACE2 expression via modulation of the attenuating disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM-17) protease. ADAM-17 takes part in many biological functions, such as the shedding of the ACE2 ectodomain. Thus, it may compete with the TMPRSS2 protease that cleaves the ACE2 receptor within the cell. TMPRSS2 also primes the SARS-CoV-2 spike for viral entry. Inhibitors of this enzyme may thus prevent viral entry. Conclusion The study shows the importance of protein-protein interactions and network analysis in uncovering how proteins behave during SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung cancer patients. The ten hub genes common to both conditions were identified. Most of these genes encode proteins intimately involved in biological pathways. This knowledge may advance the understanding of COVID-19, lung cancer, and therapies against both these conditions. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Recreational hunting -- especially hunting of charismatic species for their trophies -- raises ethical and moral concerns Recreational hunting -- especially hunting of charismatic species for their trophies --raises ethical and moral concerns. Yet recreational hunting is frequently suggested as a way to conserve nature and support local people's livelihoods. In a new article published in the journal One Earth, scientists from the University of Helsinki in Finland and Flinders University in Australia have reviewed more than 1,000 studies on recreational hunting -- the first such attempt to summarize the scientific literature examining the biodiversity and social effects of recreational hunting globally. Co-lead author University of Helsinki Associate Professor Enrico Di Minin says while it might seem counterintuitive, there is evidence to suggest some recreational hunting can deliver environmental and social benefits. University of Helsinki colleague and co-lead author Dr Hayley Clements says more analysis is needed to understand how and why recreational hunting can work for good, and those areas where it can be detrimental. Flinders University Professor Corey Bradshaw says it's a paradox that goes to the heart of the pros and cons of recreational hunting. "We determined the geographic spread and diversity of species hunted around the globe, and investigated and summarized the main topics surrounding recreational hunting to consider both the positive and negative implications of recreational hunting for nature conservation and the livelihoods and well-being of people" says Professor Bradshaw, who leads Flinders' Global Ecology Lab. "On the one hand, recreational hunting can reduce the number of individual animals in a population, whereas on the other, diverting land from agricultural or other types of development to priority hunting areas can in fact benefit entire ecosystems", he says. Hunting research has focused mainly on the behaviour and population dynamics of large mammals in North America, Europe and Africa. Dr Clements says evidence is still lacking, however, to answer the pressing questions of why hunting contributes to sustainable conservation of biodiversity in some places and not others. "Two-thirds of the hunting research is focussed on mammals. Red deer, white-tailed deer, wild boar, moose and lion are the most well-studied. Of these species, only the lion is of conservation concern, with many recommendations on how hunting can be made sustainable through quotas or seasonal limits", says Dr Clements. "Far less research has tried to examine the broader impacts of hunting on ecosystem integrity and function, and how it affects the livelihoods of local people, or to document local people's perceptions about hunting", she continues. For example, approximately 1,394,000 km2 of land is dedicated for trophy hunting in sub-Saharan Africa, yet there is little research on how effective these areas are in conserving ecosystems, and how local communities benefit from hunting. Associate Professor Di Minin, who leads the Helsinki Lab of Interdisciplinary Conservation Science contends future research should focus on the contribution of recreational hunting towards meeting both biodiversity and social objectives. "We have outlined a research agenda to assess the role of recreational hunting in diverse social-ecological systems, and to consider local people's values and needs. The need for such evidence is urgent given declining numbers of recreational hunters in some regions and increasing opposition to trophy hunting in others", says Associate Professor Di Minin. "We should also expand research beyond charismatic and common species to assess the impact of recreational hunting on threatened and less charismatic species", he concludes ### Article reference: Di Minin, Enrico; Clements, Hayley; Correia, Ricardo; Cortes-Capano, Gonzalo; Hausmann, Anna; Haukka, Anna; Kulkarni, Ritwik; Bradshaw, Corey J. A. Consequences of recreational hunting for biodiversity conservation and livelihoods. One Earth doi: 10.1016/j.oneear.2021.01.014. Federal officials have told Pennsylvania that shipments of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been delayed because of bad weather affecting much of the country, meaning some vaccination appointments might have to be rescheduled. Some vaccine providers will likely be contacting people to reschedule appointments, acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said Friday morning. Beam said its too early to know which vaccine providers are affected. We know that the federal government is working with manufacturers and we know that local vaccine providers will be ready when the shipments do get through. Unfortunately, weather delays will impact the ability to get vaccine into arms and providers are working to reschedule appointments as necessary, Beam said. Pennsylvania is due to receive 183,575 first doses of vaccine this week, including 112,400 doses of Moderna and 71,175 doses of Pfizer vaccine. That doesnt include vaccine for Philadelphia, which receives its own supply. The state health department noted on Friday that the Moderna distributor made no shipments on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. No Pfizer vaccine was shipped on Monday, but limited amounts were shipped Tuesday and Wednesday. A news release from the health department said There will be a significant backlog of orders for distribution as the federal government and the distributors work to begin shipping again. The federal government is working to catch up as efficiently as possible. People can get more information about vaccination in Pennsylvania from the states Your Turn vaccination tool or by calling the health department hotline at 1-877-724-3258. He claimed that although the BHK is part of an opposition alliance trying to oust Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian many of its senior members have not adequately participated in anti-government rallies held after the autumn war in Nagorno-Karabakh. When I went [to opposition rallies] people shamed me, saying Where is your party? Why is it not participating in this rally? Petrosian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. We are accused of being false opposition. I dont want to be labeled false opposition, he said. The BHK is the sole member of the opposition alliance, called the Homeland Salvation Movement, represented in the parliament. The movement is scheduled to hold its next rally on Saturday. Tsarukian is expected to attend it. Like other opposition leaders, he has repeatedly demanded Pashinians resignation. Petrosian complained that other senior BHK figures did not like his harsh anti-government rhetoric. He said they did not stand by him when a leading member of Pashinians My Step bloc demanded recently an end to his derogatory attacks on Pashinian and other senior officials. Petrosian announced his decision to leave the BHK and remain in the parliament as an independent deputy on Tuesday. The BHK spokeswoman, Iveta Tonoyan, said afterwards that the decision took her and her colleagues by surprise. She said that Petrosian did not discuss his grievances with them. Petrosians exit reduced to 23 the number of seats controlled by Tsarukians party in the 132-member National Assembly. The 48-year-old lawmaker has already had a turbulent relationship with the BHK leadership in the past. He left the party in 2010 but rejoined it five years later. He was expelled from the party ranks in 2016 only to be elected to the parliament on BHK ticket the following year. Texas Power Grid Was Minutes From Months-Long Blackout: Energy Council The Texas power grid was just moments away from a total blackout in the midst of a winter storm and record low temperatures, said the head of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). We were at a level of frequency where we needed to take action, ERCOT CEO Bill Magness told reporters during an online briefing on Feb. 17. If we hadnt taken action, it wouldnt have been we would have waited a few days and see what happens. It was seconds and minutes, given the amount of generation that was coming off the system at the same time demand was still going up, he added. ERCOT operates the power grid that covers most of the state. Elaborating further, if operators hadnt acted, the state would have been suffering from blackouts for months, Magness said. Magness received criticism from state officials, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who asked for his resignation after the rolling blackouts. He also said that Texas would not be better off joining the national power grid. A water bucket is filled as others wait in near-freezing temperatures to use a hose from a public park spigot in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 18, 2021. (David J. Phillip/AP Photo) Our neighbors, who power could have come in from, were having similar problems to us. The power grids on the east and to the west and that are in Texas were having similar issues, he added during an appearance on CNN. According to PowerOutage.us on Friday, about 189,000 customers in Texas are still without power. Ice that downed power lines during the week and other issues have utility workers scrambling to reconnect homes to power, while Texas powerful oil and gas sector has looked for ways to renew production. Hospitals in some hard-hit areas ran out of water and transferred patients elsewhere, while millions of people were ordered to boil water to make it safe for drinking. Water-treatment plants were knocked offline this week, potentially allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate. In Houston, a mass distribution of bottled water was planned at Delmar Stadium on Friday for residents needing drinkable water, the citys Office of Emergency Management said. Lina Hidalgo, the top elected official in Harris County, which encompasses Houston, said she was pleased with progress in the past 24 hours, but warned residents to brace for more hardship. The grid is still fragile, she said, noting that cold weather would remain in the area for a few days, which would put pressure on these power plants that have just come back on. Reuters contributed to this report. 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 Opinion Article 19 February 2021 To help our advertising partners stay informed and ahead of trends and opportunities to reach potential travelers amidst the rapidly evolving landscape, we're expanding on our recent global research and regional snapshots for the Americas and Europe and taking a closer look at how COVID-19 has impacted travelers in Asia Pacific, including China, Japan, and Australia. Overall, Chinese travelers are more optimistic about travel in 2021 than travelers from other Asia-Pacific countries, with more than three-fourths expressing positive sentiment, the highest across all 11 markets surveyed. Japanese travelers need the most reassurance, as only one-third have a positive outlook, while Australian traveler confidence is more evenly split1 in 2 are optimistic about future travel. Australians expect to take 2.7 leisure trips from January to October 2021, while in Asia Pacific, the average number of anticipated trips during the same time is 2.2. Travelers from Japan are more conservative, at only 1.8 trips. Photo: Expedia Group Media Solutions Looking across the 300 petabytes of exclusive Expedia Group global traveler intent and demand data, in the Asia-Pacific markets of Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, India, and Korea, domestic searches in December led in all markets, except Singapore, where international searches showed a slight edge over domestic, likely due to the green lanes and travel pass arrangements with partner countries. Expedia Group data on the top 10 destinations searched for by Asia-Pacific travelers reveals country capitals and larger cities, such as Melbourne, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, Taipei and Osaka, and as we saw in other regions, the top booked destinations are their respective home countries. We expect many of the rationales that drove travel in Asia-Pacific during COVID-19 - such as needing a change of scenery, using vacation days, or visiting friends and family - will carry over to this year. However, marketers should take into consideration variances by country when developing messaging and content. For example, family-specific images and messaging may be especially appealing to Australian travelers, while Japanese travelers may be influenced by rejuvenation or relaxation-themed content, as these were the leading trip types during the pandemic. Highlighting local offers and domestic getaways can help further influence and engage travelers across Asia-Pacific, who are largely traveling closer to home at this time. Instilling Traveler Confidence Various factors drive travel confidence across Asia-Pacific, though travelers across the region agree that a widely available vaccine would make them more comfortable with travel; 67% in China, 62% in Australia and 46% in Japan. Traveling with full cancellation and refunds on transportation (53%) and not having to worry about health care expenses or coverage while traveling (51%) can also help instill confidence among Asia-Pacific travelers. Marketers can help reassure travelers with content that highlights flexible booking and cancellation policies, while destinations offering free or discounted travel or health insurance for travelers should spotlight this information to help inspire and engage potential visitors. Photo: Expedia Group Media Solutions What Influences Travel Decisions? Health regulations and requirements, particularly mask enforcement and proper COVID-19 hygiene protocols, are the leading factors influencing destination, transportation, and accommodation decisions in Asia-Pacific. Mask use and enforcement is the leading factor influencing transportation decisions in Japan (51%) and China (42%), while budget considerations (54%) and refund or cancellation policies (50%) lead for Australian travelers. The importance of transportation price and flexibility in Australia aligns with our prior global studies, as travelers often travel via air and for long distances due to the vastness of the country and proximity to other countries. When considering destinations, 64% of Asia-Pacific travelers are influenced by health regulations and requirements - such as mandatory mask rules. For marketers targeting Asia-Pacific travelers, information on pandemic measures should be at the forefront of marketing communications, supported by reservation flexibility or full refunds to provide financial peace of mind. Photo: Expedia Group Media Solutions Influential Content Pictures and information on destination sites and online travel agencies (OTAs) remain leading influences for Asia-Pacific travelers planning future trips, along with pictures and information in travel advertising. When comparing pre-pandemic and future influence among Asia-Pacific travelers, content on destination sites increased by 19%, while content on OTAs increased by 18%. Marketers should use consistent messaging and imagery across owned websites, social media channels, advertising and other content platforms to effectively reach potential travelers, and layer in regional and country-specific insights to drive engagement. For example, a destination targeting Asia-Pacific travelers should use images highlighting the use of masks by both travelers and employees, such as airline crews, hospitality workers or restaurant staff, and underscore with informative messaging on protocols or requirements. Photo: Expedia Group Media Solutions For further insights on the attitudes, motivations, and influences that will drive future travel decisions in Asia-Pacific, listen to the on-demand webinar for our Asia-Pacific Insights Summit. Looking for more regional data and insights from our custom research and Expedia Group first party data? Check out our recently published regional research insights and infographics covering Europe and the Americas. Nikki Haley Accuses Liberal Media of Inciting Republican Civil War Whats good for them is bad for America Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley issued sharp criticism to left-leaning media in a new op-ed, accusing them of dividing Republican members over their views on former President Donald Trump. Haleys piece, published in the Wall Street Journal, argues that these media outlets are engaging in a calculated strategy to pit conservatives against one another by demanding that Republicans take strong positions one way or the other about the former president. It wants to stoke a nonstop Republican civil war. The media playbook starts with the demand that everyone pick sides about Donald Trumpeither love or hate everything about him, Haley wrote in the piece published on Wednesday. The moment anyone on the right offers the slightest criticism of the 45th president, the media goes berserk: Republicans are trying to have it both ways! But she pointed out that real life is never that simple as people can do both good and bad things. She said that when people on the left and right make judgements about specific Trump actions that they like or dislike, theyre not trying to have it both ways but rather are exercising common sense. Her remarks come amid media speculation of the Republican Partys political future post Trump presidency. Many media outlets have been paying close attention to the positions of various GOP lawmakers, especially during the Senate impeachment trial of the former president, in which many Senate Republicans were heavily scrutinized over their votes and comments. Haley argues that if Americans are unable to make judgments beyond their party affiliations, then the United States cant face its biggest challenges. We separate into two camps that always hate each other. We become estranged from family and friends over politics, she warned. Is that really what the anti-Trump media wants? Maybe. Hatred and polarization draw attention, ratings, and clicks. But whats good for them is bad for America. She argued that if the media succeeds in stirring up the division, the Republican party would dissolve into endless warfare, ensuring extreme liberal government for years to come. Instead, Republicans need to be honest about what worked and what didnt over the past four years, she said. Haley, who founded the advocacy group Stand for America, drew media attention in recent weeks after speaking to Politico Magazine in a lengthy profile interview where she seemingly broke from Trump over his post-election efforts. She said she was disappointed and angry in the way Trump conducted himself following the election and on Jan. 6. We need to acknowledge he let us down. He went down a path he shouldnt have, and we shouldnt have followed him, and we shouldnt have listened to him. And we cant let that ever happen again, Haley told Politico. Despite her comments, she continued to praise Trump in her op-ed for his work during his four years as president, saying that his major policies were outstanding and made America stronger, safer, and more prosperous. She added that in her view, Trumps actions after the election will be judged harshly by history. I will gladly defend the bulk of the Trump record and his determination to shake up the corrupt status quo in Washington. I will never defend the indefensible, she wrote. If that means I want to have it both ways, so be it. Its really the only way forwardfor the party and the country. Haley has been tapped as a presidential frontrunner for the GOP in 2024. Trump has not indicated whether he will run again in 2024, saying that it was too early to make a decision on his political future. MEXICO CITY, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Aeromexico" or the "Company") (BMV: AEROMEX). As a follow up to our previous relevant events regarding (a) securing the commitment of a US$1,000 million senior secured superpriority multi-tranche debtor in possession term loan facility (the "DIP Facility"), (b) the initial funding of US$100 million of Tranche 1 loans under the DIP Facility, (c) the final approval of the DIP Facility by Judge Shelley C. Chapman of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Chapter 11 Court"), and (d) the second disbursement of the undrawn portion of the Tranche 1 facility (US$100 million) and of the initial funding of US$175 million of Tranche 2 loans, the Company announces that the conditions to drawing the remaining undrawn commitments of the Tranche 2 facility (US$625 million) have been met and, accordingly, the Company has requested such final disbursement. Andres Conesa, CEO of Aeromexico, commented: "The funding of the final disbursement is a key milestone in Aeromexico's ongoing, voluntary restructuring process that will provide us with sufficient liquidity to support our continued operations during this time and with the flexibility to continue our orderly restructuring process with the objective of emerging stronger. We recognize and appreciate the continuing support from my fellow co-workers, Board of Directors, authorities and all stakeholders." As we reported in our relevant event of August 13, 2020, the Tranche 2 DIP Facility may be converted, at the lenders' option, into shares of reorganized Aeromexico, subject to certain conditions and the applicable corporate and regulatory approvals (including at the Aeromexico's shareholders meeting) for the issuance of the corresponding shares. In order to effectuate (i) the debt-into-equity conversion of the allowed unsecured claims recognized in our Chapter 11 process at a to-be-determined ratio, and (ii) the conversion of the Tranche 2 DIP Facility, the shareholders meeting of the Company would need to approve a capital increase. As we had anticipated, if the lenders exercise the option to convert the Tranche 2 DIP Facility, following the corresponding capital increase, the shareholders will be almost fully diluted so that their remaining equity stake will likely be minimal (if any), provided that shareholders (other than those that have agreed not to exercise preemptive rights pursuant to the Shareholder Support Agreement) will be allowed to exercise their preemptive rights subject to several conditions that are yet to be determined. The price of our common stock has been volatile following the commencement of our Chapter 11 process and may significantly decrease in value in the future. Therefore, any trading in our common stock during the pendency of our Chapter 11 process is highly speculative and involves substantial risks to buyers of our stock. Future recoveries in our Chapter 11 process for our shareholders will depend upon our ability to negotiate and confirm a Plan of Reorganization, the terms of such Plan, the recovery of our business from the COVID-19 pandemic and the future value of our assets upon conversion of our liabilities. Although at this stage we cannot predict how our common stock will eventually be treated under a Plan, we believe that it is unlikely that stockholders would receive a recovery through a Plan since it is expected that the holders of unsecured indebtedness will not be paid in full and will need to convert their claims into new stock to be issued by the Company. Consequently, there is a significant risk that our stockholders may receive no recovery, or a nominal recovery, under our Chapter 11 process. Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference in this relevant event include "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include information concerning the Company's liquidity and its possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategies. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "project," "potential," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "seek," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," "forecasts" or similar expressions. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made in light of its experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in these circumstances under our chapter 11 process. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, that may be revised or supplemented in subsequent relevant events. Among other items, such factors could include: the Company's ability to navigate the chapter 11 process, including obtaining Chapter 11 Court approval for certain requirements, complying with and operating under the requirements and constraints of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, negotiating and consummating chapter 11 plan, developing, funding and executing the Company's business plan and continuing as a going concern; the value of the Company's common stock due to the chapter 11 process; levels of travel demand, particularly with respect to business and leisure travel in Mexico and in global markets; the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the Company's business as a result of travel restrictions and business closures or disruptions; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken in response to the pandemic on global and regional economies and economic factors; general economic uncertainty and the pace of economic recovery, including in key global markets, when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides; the risk of an "ownership change". Our investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements; all such statements speak only as of the date made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or otherwise. Aeromexico will continue pursuing, in an orderly manner, its voluntary financial restructuring through Chapter 11, while continuing to operate and offer services to its customers and contracting from its suppliers the goods and services required for operations. The Company will continue to strengthen its financial position and liquidity, protect and preserve its operations and assets, and implement the necessary adjustments to face the impact from COVID-19. About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, has its main operations center in Terminal 2 of the Mexico City International Airport. Its destination network has reach in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia and Europe. The Group's current operating fleet includes Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft, as well as the latest generation Embraer 190. Aeromexico is a founding partner of SkyTeam, an alliance that celebrates 20 years and offers connectivity in more than 170 countries, through the 19 partner airlines. Aeromexico created and implemented a Health and Hygiene Management System (SGSH) to protect its clients and collaborators at all stages of its operation. www.aeromexico.com www.skyteam.com SOURCE Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. 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 company, focused entirely on mining gold and silver in South Korea, has a number of projects on the go and expects a transformative 2021. The company is exploring seven projects and has made three new discoveries Southern Gold Ltd ( ) non-executive chairman Gregory Boulton has demonstrated his faith in the companys South Korean gold-silver exploration strategy with the purchase of shares in an on-market transaction. Boulton acquired 100,000 shares on February 3 at 10 cents each in an indirect interest, increasing the number of securities held in that interest to more than 3.57 million. South Korean 2021 drilling program The company is going all-in on its unique one-country mining strategy, with drilling for gold and silver ongoing at seven projects across South Korea. SAUs focus is to discover high-grade gold and silver deposits in South Korea, deploying a team of local Koreans targeting epithermal gold-silver precious metals formed from hydrothermal fluids at shallow levels in the Earths crust. It is actively exploring seven projects in South Korea, all well south of Seoul: Aphae, Weolyu, Deokon, Beopseongpo, Hampyeong, Dokcheon and Neungj. On top of these, it has also made three new discoveries - Janghwal, Geum Mar and Daeam Valley - with initial assessments revealing that all three hold significant potential ahead of scout drilling to be undertaken in the first half of this year. Whenever considering any type of cosmetic procedure, consumers should always consult with a board certified dermatologist to ensure theyre using the right treatment and avoid any adverse events. Facial injections require an in-depth knowledge and expertise of anatomy. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) wants to alert the public about children buying and using hyaluron pens to inject hyaluronic acid filler into the epidermal and upper dermal layers of the skin. ASDSA members, who are all board certified dermatologists, have found questionable social media videos in which children use these pens to self-inject and promote their use to peers. These pens are medical devices and were first developed for insulin delivery. The use of air pressure technology causes these pens to deliver the hyaluronic acid to insert Nano Scale molecules of the filler through the skin. Consumers are told that these devices can create volume and shape and lift lips, nasolabial lines, marionette lines, 11 lines and forehead wrinkles. Whenever considering any type of cosmetic procedure, consumers should always consult with a board certified dermatologist to ensure theyre using the right treatment and avoid any adverse events, said ASDSA President Mathew Avram, MD, JD. Facial injections require an in-depth knowledge and expertise of anatomy and, when left to untrained consumers, pose the risk of serious injury. While marketing materials for the pens claim that the hyaluronic acid only reaches the papillary layer of the dermis making this a safe treatment with no occlusion as well as no sharp tips that would puncture blood vessels, ASDSA members feel that the risk of injury remains. ASDS member Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) shared, TikTok is proving to be an extremely powerful platform to communicate, entertain and even educate, which is why many physicians are getting involved and finding success there. Unfortunately, just like the world wide web, there is misinformation there and even dangerous lies. It's very concerning to see young people posting a How To on injecting their own lips with hyaluronic acid serum using an "airgun" pen, which acts much like a BB gun to push with force the product under the skin. So many things can go wrong. Additionally, the California Society for Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery, CalDerm, is also very concerned and supportive of ASDSAs efforts. ASDSA and CalDerm member, Elan Newland, MD said, We are concerned about California children falling prey to products that are not appropriate and safe for them to use. The power of social media is very strong, especially for impressionable teenagers. CalDerm supports alerting consumers and regulators of the dangers of these pens. ASDSA has contacted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with its safety concerns and hopes to work together on keeping medical devices in the hands of trained and properly educated medical professionals. Additionally, ASDSA is alerting state medical and estheticians boards regarding these patient safety concerns and alerting consumers directly about the risks through social media and other education materials. Contact advocacy@asds.net if you have questions. # # # About ASDSA With a membership of 6,400+ physicians, ASDSA is a 501(c) (6) association, dedicated to education and advocacy on behalf of dermatologic surgeons and their patients. For more information, visit http://asds.net/ASDSA Follow @ASDSAdvocacy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn! 24918 Neil Strother, Principal Research Analyst, Navigant Research [NYSE:NCI] The Internet of Things (IoT) keeps popping up on many a CIOs radar. Yet, many struggle with how to intelligently harness promising IoT technologies and platformsit can be an elusive endeavor. Is this you? You are not alone. A global SAP survey of 3,000 corporate executives conducted this year found that 3 percent of the respondents said their firms had completed company wide digital transformation projects, which can be interpreted as IoT deployments of one kind or another. The flip side is that the overwhelming majority (97 percent) have not done so. Nonetheless, more than half (55 percent) of the respondents said their companies are conducting pilot projects. Although they are on the IoT journey, theyve just begun trying to figure it out. Confusion Rampant? One of the big hurdles is defining the IoTand its cousin, the industrial IoT (IIoT). It helps to step away from the broad, ill-defined IoT concept. Navigant Research defines IIoT as the use of digital and Internet technologies and tools (e.g., hardware, software, cloud, and analytics) for the benefit of business processes. Many companies have latched onto the term superficially to ride the hypewave or out of fear of falling behind competitors. Doing so has helped create rampant confusion in the market, according to Stan Schneider, CEO of Real-Time Innovations (RTI). RTI is an IIoT connectivity platform solutions provider and an influential member of the Industrial Internet Consortiums (IIC) steering committee. Confusion also stems from the hundreds of vendors promoting a myriad of platforms and/or solutions. The uncertainty dissipates by some measure when the focus narrows to IIoT. The idea is better defined, and there is traction for IIoT technologies among companies in diverse industrial sectors that are early adopters. Case Studies to the Rescue Consider several case studies from companies that have adopted or shifted to IIoT solutions or platforms: Alpiq is a leading electricity provider and energy services company in Switzerland. Corporate executives decided to transform the company into a digital innovator and market leader. To do so, the company needed to connect data from across its silos and consolidate it into an IIoT platform that could support smarter applications leveraging artificial intelligence for improved grid management, and other internal processes. The executives chose a cloud-based platform from DigitalRoute. This platform mines data from disparate assets in real time, analyzes it, and provides actionable insights for operational efficiency gains. Specific results have not been made public, but the company expects to generate increased margins, deploy new services and business models, and lower total operational costs. United Parcel Service (UPS), the global shipping and delivery giant, has transformed into a manufacturer in part by setting up a 3D printing plant for its customers. The problem that company executives needed to solve was how to help customers streamline their supply chains and better control inventory. The solution was for UPS to expand into 3D printing itself, building customers parts on demand. Working with partners SAP, for supply management software, and Fast Radius, a provider of on-demand manufacturing platforms, UPS set up a 3D printing facility near one of its hubs in Louisville, Kentucky. UPS can now replenish stock for a customer in as little as 24 hours. It delivers on an as-needed basis across the United States, which simplifies the supply chain and avoids inventory buildup. The result for UPS is an expanded business model and new revenue streams. The idea is better defined, and there is traction for IIoT technologies among companies in diverse industrial sectors that are early adopters Boston Medical Center is a large medical facility that logs nearly 900,000 patient visits per year across its 30-building campus. Executives saw a need to upgrade its indoor wireless network so it could improve care for patients and increase staff efficiency. They chose a cloud-based mobile platform from HPE subsidiary Aruba Networks that enables improved tracking of patients through sensors. The system also quickly delivers critical patient information to nurses or staff using mobile devices and automates the loading or changing of hundreds of medication infusion pumps, which lessens the need to physically touch each one. The result has been a dramatic improvement in productivity and lower operational costs. These three case studies might not be viewed as amazing technological breakthroughs, but they do show how processes can be transformed to drive business benefits by leveraging IIoT platform solutions to orchestrate devices, data, systems, and analytics. Admittedly, stubborn barriers exist to hinder adoption, namely security concerns, interoperability challenges, initial added costs, and unclear outcomes. But IIoT is the future for enterprises and innovative businesses are overcoming the barriersas the case studies prove. How to Get Moving To move your business in the IIoT direction, Navigant Research recommends these sensible steps or best practices: Name an IIoT champion or be one yourself Start small; focus on one problem to solve and avoid scope creep Clarify specific business outcomes or achievable targets Choose a vendor, or several, if warranted Fast-track a trial Deploy Stop wincing at the mention of anything with those three letters (IoT) and get moving. Start with a simple IIoT project and build from there. 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. Chandigarh, Feb 19 : The Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government will present its budget for 2021-22 on March 8. A cabinet meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday approved to summon the 14th session (Budget Session) of the 15th Vidhan Sabha from March 1 to 10 and recommended the same to the Governor V.P. Singh Badnore, who is to officially summon the state legislature. An official spokesperson said after the cabinet meeting that the Chief Minister has been authorised to approve the Governor's Address for the session. Besides, the state budget estimates for the next fiscal, the session will see the presentation of the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year 2018-19 (civil and commercial) and financial accounts of the state for the year 2019-20, as well as appropriation accounts for the year 2019-20. Supplementary demands for grants for the year 2020-21 and appropriation bill on supplementary demands for grants for the year 2020-21 will also be laid on the table of the House. American values, attitudes, and activities have changed dramatically during COVID-19, according to a new study of online behavior. Researchers from UCLA and Harvard University analyzed how two types of internet activity changed in the U.S. for 10 weeks before and 10 weeks after March 13, 2020 -- the date then-President Donald Trump declared COVID-19 a national emergency. One was Google searches; the other was the phrasing of more than a half-billion words and phrases posted on Twitter, blogs, and internet forums. The study is the lead research article in a special issue of the journal Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies dedicated to the pandemic. Patricia Greenfield, a UCLA distinguished professor of psychology and senior author of the research, said the study determined that the pandemic inspired a resurgence of community-oriented values, with people thinking more about supporting one another. The use of the word "help" on Twitter increased by 37% in the period after March 13, while the use of the word "share" increased by 24%. Thinking about others The research also found that the use of the word "sacrifice" more than doubled on Twitter from before the pandemic to the period after March 13. "'Sacrifice' was a complete nonstarter in U.S. culture before COVID," Greenfield said. The change, the authors wrote, signified that Americans were placing more value on the welfare of others -- even if it meant putting their own lives at risk. One example was people's willingness to participate in the large Black Lives Matter demonstrations, even in the midst of a pandemic, said Noah Evers, a Harvard undergraduate psychology major and the study's lead author. At the same time, there was strong evidence of the nation's collective mindset returning to a more rural form of society. The use of words referring to basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter increased significantly across Google searches, Twitter, internet forums, and blogs. For instance, Google searches increased by 344% for "grow vegetables" and by 207% for "sewing machine," while Twitter mentions of "Home Depot" increased by 266%. Drawing conclusions about shifting psychology from search engine and social media activity might seem to be a stretch, but Greenfield said there are good reasons to put stock in the findings. For one thing, Greenfield said, "language provides a window into people's concerns, values, and behavior." In addition, the same types of shifts were evident in both types of internet activity the authors studied. Internet activity also revealed a dramatic increase in people's concerns about mortality. After March 13, when the death toll began increasing dramatically, search activity for the word "survive" increased by 47%, for "cemeteries" by 41%, for "bury" by 23%, and for "death" by 21%. And during the 10 weeks after Trump's emergency declaration, there were 115% more mentions on Twitter of the phrase "fear of death" than in the 10 weeks before. "Death went from something taboo to something real and inevitable," Evers said, adding that he frequently discussed plans for death with his family for the first time during that period. Survival mindset Of all the words the authors analyzed, the one whose usage increased the most during the pandemic was "sourdough," as baking bread became a trendy pastime while people were instructed to stay at home. Google searches for "sourdough" increased by 384% after the pandemic began, and Twitter mentions shot up by 460%. "Baking bread" surged as well: Google searches for the phrase increased by 265%, and Twitter mentions rose 354%. Given that bread is considered the most basic food, the fact that increases in 'sourdough' and 'baking bread' were so large across Google searches and social media suggests that the survival motive is an important factor in shifting values and activities during the pandemic." Patricia Greenfield, Study Senior Author and Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California - Los Angeles Greenfield said the psychological and behavioral changes remind her of social interactions she observed in an isolated Mayan village in Chiapas, Mexico, that she has studied since 1969. When she began her work there, life expectancy was very low, approximately 35% of children died before age 4 and basic resources like food were scarce. "Death was very much a part of life," she said. "People would go to the cemetery every week to put food and drink on family graves and would look after one another," she said. "With a greater focus on mortality and helping others, we're moving in that direction. "It's remarkable how quickly these changes have occurred in the United States during the pandemic. As mortality rose during the pandemic and people lost their jobs, the lifestyles of 21st century America began, in many fundamental ways, to increasingly resemble those of that Maya village." How lasting will the changes be? Greenfield expects the behavioral trends will likely reverse as the threat from COVID-19 recedes and Americans feel more prosperous and safer. However, based on the aftermath of the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009, she predicts the changes will be more enduring for American teenagers and people in their 20s, whose values are more likely to be shaped by the pandemic. Said Evers: "Perhaps this means that today's youth will, in the future, create a country more attuned to sharing and helping others, or just that baking sourdough bread will always have a special place in our hearts." 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. Looks like exceptional actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is all set to make a comeback in Kollywood with Thalapathy Vijay's forthcoming film. Yes, you read that right! If reports are anything to go by, the makers recently approached the Bollywood actor to play the antagonist in #Thalapathy65. It is said that the director of the film Nelson Dilipkumar has also narrated the story to the actor, who was recently shooting in London for his next, Sangeen. Though there is no confirmation regarding the same, reports are rife that Nawazuddin's inclusion in the film will be soon announced by the makers. Well, if all goes well and good, the two versatile actors will share screen space for the first time. If you may recall, Nawazuddin played an unapologetic antagonist in Rajinikanth's Petta. The actor essayed the role of an influential politician and father of a ruffian, played by Vijay Sethupathi. The 2019 film marked the actor's first Kollywood venture, which highly impressed the cine-goers. Coming back to #Thalapathy65, the film is expected to go on floors in June 2021. The team is currently busy with the film's pre-production work, which is going on in full swing. If reports are to be believed, Pooja Hegde has been confirmed for Thalapathy 65. However, a confirmation is yet to be made by the makers. #Thalapathy65 was announced on December 10, 2020, and a video featuring Vijay, Nelson and the chairman-founder of Sun Group, Kalanithi Maran was shared on the official page of Sun Pictures. Notably, Sun Pictures is bankrolling the film, which has music scored by renowned composer Anirudh Ravichander, who had also composed music for Thalapathy's previous blockbuster film Master. Also Read: Thalapathy 65 Photoshoot Is Finished; The First Look Of The Vijay Starrer To Be Out Soon? Also Read: Thalapathy 65: Vijay-Nelson Dilipkumar's Film To Start Rolling From April? Although the COVID-19 pandemic raging across the world landed a severe blow on the global economy in 2020, China and other countries along the Belt and Road have secured hard-won results and made solid progress in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has shown impressive resilience, vitality and appeal amid the pandemic. Last year, countries along the Belt and Road fought against the virus through solidarity and put into practice the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind in international anti-epidemic cooperation. When China was in the depth of its own fight against the COVID-19, countries along the Belt and Road actively supported the Chinese people. A total of 79 countries and 10 international organizations have provided anti-epidemic materials for China. While under huge pressure in containing the epidemic at home, China has offered assistance to more than 150 countries and 10 international organizations for their fight against the COVID-19, and sent 36 medical expert teams to 34 countries in need. As the largest producer of medical supplies, China has sent more than 220 billion masks, 2.25 billion protective suits and 1.02 billion testing kits to countries across the globe. Meanwhile, digital technologies of the country have played an important role in facilitating global anti-epidemic cooperation. Huawei Cloud, the cloud computing unit of Chinese telecoms company Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., has launched several digital medical devices. Chinese tech giant Tencent has provided digital communication tools for the United Nations and other international organizations. In addition, Chinese education software, such as DingTalk and Feishu, have entered the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommendations for global distance learning solutions, becoming the first choice in remote learning for 421 million students in 39 countries and regions. While preventing and controlling the pandemic, China conducted close consultations and signed cooperation documents on jointly building the BRI with the African Union, the International Seabed Authority, Ukraine, Kiribati and other parties. By the end of 2020, China had signed 203 BRI cooperation documents with 138 countries and 31 international organizations. China has managed to balance epidemic prevention and control with the construction of overseas projects, and greatly improved infrastructure connectivity in various countries. Seventy projects under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have progressed in an orderly manner, during which there has been zero COVID-19 infection among employees at the sites of these projects. The entire second phase of the Karakoram Highway and the Sukkur-Multan section of the Peshawar-Karachi Motorway in Pakistan have successfully opened to traffic, and the construction of the MatiariLahore direct current transmission line was fully completed during the pandemic. In the meantime, Tunnel No. 1 of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and all tunnels along the China-Laos railway were successfully holed through, the left line of the Belgrade-Zemun section and the left line of the Zemun-Batajnica section of the Hungary-Serbia railway in Serbia were opened to traffic, and the steel beam of the main structure of the Padma Bridge in Bangladesh was closed. China has taken the lead in resuming work and production, and gradually smoothened foreign trade industrial and supply chains, becoming an anchor of stability for global industrial and supply chains. In 2020, China steadily advanced economic, trade, and investment cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road. China's imports and exports with countries along the routes of the BRI totaled 9.37 trillion yuan ($1.45 trillion), up 1 percent year on year. During the first 11 months of 2020, China's non-financial direct investment in countries along the routes reached $15.96 billion, a year-on-year increase of 24.9 percent. The amount accounted for 16.8 percent of China's total non-financial direct investment in foreign countries during the period, 3.9 percentage points higher than that of the previous year. Last year, China-Europe freight trains carried badly-needed medical supplies and necessities for the resumption of work and production to various countries, helping ensure normal production and life in these countries. A total of 12,400 trips were made by China-Europe freight trains in 2020, marking a 50-percent year-on-year growth. With 98.4 percent of the containers being fully loaded with goods, these trains reached 21 countries and 97 cities in Europe. Lawyers for three of the Minneapolis cops charged for the death of George Floyd have filed motions to dismiss their cases, claiming leaked plea-deal negotiations with Derek Chauvin will 'taint' the jury pool. The three ex-officers - Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane - have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. The former cops are scheduled to stand trial on August 23, separately from the 44-year-old Chauvin - who was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter after he was caught on video kneeling on Floyd's neck. Last week, The New York Times revealed that Chauvin had agreed to plead guilty to third-degree murder just days after Floyd's death. Scroll down for video. Ex-officers Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Kiernan Lane are awaiting trial for the murder of George Floyd Last week, The New York Times revealed that Derek Chauvin agreed to plead guilty to third-degree murder just days after Floyd's death Officials have said security in Minneapolis will be boosted ahead of the trial for Chauvin, who is accused of murdering Floyd, pictured The terms of the deal were not known until the Times story. Now, the three former cops' lawyers argue that Minnesota's attorney general either 'directly or indirectly' leaked the details of the plea agreement to the outlet - thereby making a fair trial for their clients impossible when it comes to picking a jury. Thao's attorney Robert Paule filed a motion in Hennepin County District Court on Tuesday that was obtained by the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. In the motion, Paule asked that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and prosecutors Matthew Frank and Neal Katyal to attend a hearing to face sanctions for allegedly 'directly or indirectly' leaking 'highly prejudicial information.' Paule argued the information about Chauvin's now-canceled plea deal could 'irreversibly taint the jury pool' and would deny Thao 'his constitutional right to a fair trial by impartial jurors,' according to the motion. Floyd, on the ground, was arrested for using a counterfeit $20 bill in a grocery store in Minneapolis. Chauvin, pictured in uniform, is charged with second-degree murder Under the terms of the deal, Chauvin would have faced more than 10 years in prison to avoid conviction on federal civil rights charges, the Times reported. But it's now moot because the deal fell apart when former U.S. Attorney General William Barr rejected it, saying it deal was too lenient, three anonymous law enforcement sources told the Times. On June 10, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said negotiations with Chauvin had been underway but fell apart, ABC News reported at the time. Chauvin now faces trial, which begins next month. Minneapolis leaders announced on Wednesday they are bolstering security measures in the city, including bringing thousands of National Guardsmen and additional police officers for Chauvin's March 8 trial. Meanwhile, Kueng's attorney, Thomas Plunkett, filed a second motion on Tuesday also seeking for the case to be dismissed and calling for sanctions against AG Ellison, Frank and Katyal, the prosecutors. Plunkett accused them of 'prosecutorial misconduct' and trying to 'cheat' the defendants from due process by allegedly mishandling how prosecutors shared evidence with defense attorneys. 'Leaking prejudicial information mere days before trial is loathsome and underhanded. The State's conduct has been pervasive, malicious and an affront to the dignity of the Office of the Attorney General,' the motion reads. The state's attorney general, Ellison, defended his office's handling of the case, saying in a statement: 'It's sad that the defense would stoop to peddling baseless conspiracy theories rather than prepare a serious defense of their client to address the grave crimes with which he is charged.' Cell phone video footage shows George Floyd on the ground shows him on the floor as Derek Chauvin kneels on his neck In anticipation of the trial, the city has already started installing a security perimeter around the Hennepin County Government Center and City Hall (pictured on Wednesday) 'Unlike the defense, we are confident in our case and look forward to presenting it to a jury,' he wrote. Eric Nelson, Chauvin's attorney, has filed documents sharing his 'absolute anger and frustration' with how prosecutors handled the discovery process, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported. Nelson, however, has not yet weighed in on the leak of the reported plea deal. Lane's attorney Earl Gray filed a motion Wednesday asking to join on to the motions filed by lawyers for Thao and Kueng, the outlet reported. During the encounter with Floyd, Lane allegedly held Floyd's legs while Kueng was positioned on his back and Thao held off angry bystanders who witnessed Floyd's death, prosecutors said. Jury selection in Chauvin's trial is scheduled to begin on March 8 with opening statements scheduled to begin March 29. The city has already started installing a security perimeter around the Hennepin County Government Center, City Hall and nearby buildings. Barricades are seen around City Hall in preparation for Chauvin's March 8 trial Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said law enforcement presence in the city will increase in coming weeks and will peak during the trial, with the help of up to 2,000 National Guard members and 1,100 law enforcement officers from 12 agencies. 'No one is going to give away the ghost on exactly how many, and who is going to be where and when, because that's just not good strategic planning,' National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Scott Hawks said of the preparations. 'But what I can say is that it will flex and those numbers are certainly a number that has been discussed,' On Monday, the Democratic-controlled Minnesota House pulled a bill that would have created a $35million fund to bolster security during Chauvin's trial. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had highlighted the proposal for the $35million fund. 'We know we can't predict every public safety challenge that may arise, but we can and must be prepared to protect Minnesotans' safety,' Walz tweeted. Frey said Wednesday that its time to pass that measure, noting that Minneapolis has seen a dramatic loss in revenue due to COVID-19. 'There is no place for gamesmanship or politics over these next couple of months in ensuring the city of Minneapolis is safe,' he said. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. The European Court of Human Rights delivered the decision of Samadov v. Armenia (application no. 36606/08) on February 18, ARMENPRESS reports the representation of Armenia to the ECHR informs. The applicant was allegedly forced to flee from his home and property in Kalbajar (a district surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh) in 1993. The present application had been introduced in 2008 more than six years after Armenias ratification of the Convention and its entry into force in 2002 and, at the time of introduction, more than fifteen years since the applicants forced displacement from his alleged property and home. His inability to return to his former domicile or to have any other access to or compensation for his property and home had thus remained unchanged for a considerable period of time, during which there had been no domestic petitions made or proceedings conducted and no political solution in sight. There had been no property claims mechanisms or other procedures in either Armenia or Azerbaijan whose conclusion the applicant and other potential claimants had to wait for before applying to the court. Moreover, there had been no other indication that the applicant had been unable to introduce his application with a shorter delay: more than a thousand similar applications had been lodged with the Court in the years 2004-7. Even with due regard had to the applicants personal status as a displaced person, the period of six years had to be considered excessive. Thus, the Court has declared the application inadmissible. Inside Fairfax County's government center one recent morning, elderly residents streamed in to get their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, underscoring a problem that has vexed officials across the greater Washington region. In a county of 1.1 million residents, where 26% of the population is Black or Latino, nearly everyone getting a shot was White. Amid a vaccine shortage where savvier residents have snapped up online appointments, local officials are working to more evenly administer doses through such initiatives as mobile vaccination clinics and free rides to appointments. So far, however, those efforts have had little impact, fueling concerns that the blue-collar workers and immigrants who have suffered the most during the pandemic will remain vulnerable to severe illness. "A lot is at stake," said Jeff McKay, D-At Large, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. "It makes it much more difficult to stop the spread of the virus because those people have to go to work. They live in communities where people are in close quarters, and they potentially are exposing others." Vaccination data broken down by race and ethnicity in the region has been incomplete, prompting Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam this week to sign emergency legislation that requires demographic information to be taken when doses are delivered. Of the 947,000 Virginians who shared their demographic details while receiving vaccinations, 12% were Black and 5% were Latino, even though those groups make up 29% of the state's population. In Maryland, where African Americans and Latinos are 40.6% of the population, Black residents received 16% of the vaccine doses in cases where demographic details are known, and Latinos received 4%. The District reports that among vaccinated residents who shared their information, 17% are Black and 3% are Latino, despite the fact that those groups make up nearly 57% of the city's population. Some of the discrepancy may be due to the fact that some of the groups that are currently eligible for vaccinations - including teachers, firefighters and elderly residents in pricey long-term care facilities - tend to be predominantly White, local officials say. But many health care workers - including in nursing homes - are overwhelmingly people of color, which should help offset that disparity. Officials say the poor showing is also due to a lack of internet access in some households, limited transportation options for vaccine appointments and an array of untrue claims about vaccine safety that has fostered a sense of hesitancy. Several efforts to reverse the trend are underway. In the District, Baltimore and Prince George's County, health officials and local hospitals have started using mobile clinics to vaccinate elderly residents in public housing and apartment buildings in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods. D.C. officials also recently launched a pilot program to stage vaccine clinics inside neighborhood churches. Montgomery County and the District prioritize residents of certain hard-hit Zip codes for vaccine appointments, and Montgomery is holding virtual town halls about vaccinations for African Americans and Latinos and enlisting community groups to distribute informational fliers outside ethnic grocery stores and other businesses. Fairfax also relies on community organizations and religious groups, and offers free rides to seniors who can't make it on their own to the county government center, which serves as the primary site for first doses while neighborhood clinics handle second doses. But the service so far has not reached much of its intended audience. John Niles, 77, who is White, was among the fewer than 30 people who had taken advantage of the free ride service as of Thursday. Niles, who lives a short drive from the county government center, found out about the service on social media after his car died a few days before his appointment. While waiting in front of his house for his driver last week, the retired cellist marveled at how confusing the vaccination process has been so far. "I'm lucky," he said just as Barry Wickersham drove up in his SUV to ferry him to his appointment. "There is a lot of fear out there about this whole thing." Wickersham, whose nonprofit Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke contracts with the county for shuttle services for the elderly, said his organization has tried to service the Route 1 corridor in southeastern Fairfax, where lower-income Blacks and Latinos live about 22 miles from the main government center. But, "we haven't gotten much interest," he said. "There is a certain distrust of organizations that are not them or their church." Fairfax health officials said they hope to boost interest in inoculations among immigrants and African Americans through virtual town halls that explain the safety of vaccinations. During a recent session with Latino immigrants in the Herndon area, county epidemiologist Rene Najera encountered the anxiety that many undocumented immigrants have over a government-run vaccination program. Some are convinced the vaccinations are unsafe, while others see an appointment inside a county government center as an invitation to get deported. "This is good for all residents of the United States," Najera told the group in Spanish. "When I say 'residents,' I don't mean just legal residents." McKay said the county's limited supply of vaccine - part of a national shortage that should be alleviated in coming months - means more aggressive initiatives, including mobile vaccine units, are likely to be "many weeks" away. "We can't go out with vaccines into the community and administer them until we can get through the list of people who have already preregistered," McKay said, noting that there are 103,000 residents in the county's queue for appointments. "If we were in those neighborhoods now, aggressively going after folks, we don't have the vaccines to actually vaccinate them." Baltimore Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa said her city can't afford to wait for its vaccine supply to increase. African Americans in Baltimore, who represent 60% of the city population, have been slammed by the virus, representing the majority of the city's covid-19 deaths so far. But only 30% of vaccine recipients whose demographic information is known are Black, and 3% are Latino, according to the city health department. In partnership with the Johns Hopkins University schools of medicine and nursing, the city recently launched mobile vaccination teams to inoculate elderly residents in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods. Skepticism about vaccine safety has played a role in the low uptake rate, Dzirasa said. But, mostly, residents in those neighborhoods have told the mobile teams that they were confused by the process of registering for a vaccine appointment online. "It can be a little bit challenging to navigate, even if you have access to the internet, even if you're technically savvy," Dzirasa said. So far, she said, nearly all of the residents who've been approached by the mobile teams have signed up for the vaccine. In Montgomery County, council member Nancy Navarro, D-District 4, said she's worried about immigrants who work as nannies, part of an informal economy in the region that includes housekeepers and home contractors who regularly interact with people but are not yet eligible for vaccinations. Navarro said the state health department requires 100 doses per week to be set aside for licensed child care providers in the county, but does not account for the thousands who are unlicensed. "Even when you say: 'OK come, and please make sure you preregister,' the fact that they are not able to access the vaccine creates a real disconnect and a real problem," Navarro said. "We're a county with a lot of resources, and still it's a challenge." 32049 Mitch Magee, Director Global Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Aerospace. PPG Industries [NYSE: PPG] Mitch Magee, Director Global Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Aerospace. PPG Industries [NYSE: PPG] According to global survey data released by Deloitte Insights, 84% of aerospace and defense executives said they considered leveraging new digital technologies as key to market differentiation. However, only a quarter of the aerospace and defense companies surveyed are currently using these technologies and tools to access, manage, analyze and leverage data from their digital assets to inform decision-making in real time. The impacts of digitalization and evolving customer needs are reshaping industries at a rapid pace. Although the aerospace industry has historically been slower to adapt automated processes over manual ones, it is imperative that we begin to proactively embrace a more digital approach if we wish to stay relevant in a competitive industry driven by specifications and qualifications. Aerospace manufacturing involves various levels of complexity from small batch sizes to mass customization which can lead to quality control and on-time delivery challenges. Automation of manufacturing processes can not only reduce these pain points, but it can also improve safety and productivity for those within the industry. Many organizations have already started to place a greater emphasis on the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 (the use of automation and data exchange in manufacturing), as well as interconnectivity through the Internet of Things (IoT), access to real-time data, 3D printing and augmented reality to create smarter and more efficient processes. For example, at PPG we are in the process of utilizing LEAN manufacturing tools to drive automation by way of digital work instructions, AI technologies and use of robotics on our shop floors, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) monitoring and reporting and quality assurance automation. PPG is also working towards networking multiple standalone unit operations within the business Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, including but not limited to the integration of IoT machines. Effective implementation of Industry 4.0 and other autonomous systems wont happen overnight, as these initiatives require well-defined, high-level strategies in order to be successful. It also wont be without its challenges limited internal expertise, budget overruns and inefficient data quality are just some of the hurdles companies might be faced with throughout the implementation process. From shop floors to top floors, the fourth industrial revolution is set to change the way the aerospace and defense industries operate and ready or not we all must prepare for takeoff. To learn more about PPGs aerospace business, visit www. ppgaerospace.com. About Mitch Magee Mitch Magee is global advanced manufacturing director for PPGs aerospace business unit. As a veteran of PPG, Magee joined the company in 1985 and has more than 30 years of manufacturing experience. He advanced through various roles of increasing responsibility in plant operations, global quality, and environmental health and safety roles within PPGs automotive, industrial and packaging business units. Magee currently serves as a national advisory board member for NIST/MEP and has served as a board member for various organizations including the Delaware Workforce Investment Board, Western Pennsylvania Air and Waste Management Association, Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and as a Pickaway County, Ohio trustee. He is also actively engaged in workforce development and was the past chair of the Delaware Manufacturing Association. Magee has a Bachelor of Science in liberal arts from Allegheny College, a Master of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and is a licensed professional engineer. Scents have the ability to evoke memories, from summers freshly mowed grass to a crackling, winter fire. And the right scent can not only make your home smell great but also make you feel good too. Now that youve been living in quarantine with your spouse, kids, and pets for the last year, your stress levels are most likely at an all-time high and your sanctuary might be smelling, well, less-than-pleasant. Sure, you can crack open a window, but it is the middle of winter after all. Or you can leave it to 128-year-old Japanese incense maker Kunjudo to fill your space with the scent of better days and a feeling of calm. Set fire to one of the brands beautiful HA KO paper incense leaves to deodorize a room and calm your mind. The six different leaves represent the various seasons with natural scents like green grass, agarwood, spicy jasmine, and citrus. The leaves can also be left unburned and used as potpourri that lasts for up to three months. Six different scented paper leaves come packaged in a wooden box that includes a felt mat and ceramic burning dish. $82, imogeneandwillie.com, or as single leaves for $6 at shop.cooperhewitt.org Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Friday tweeted extending her support to climate activist Disha Ravi, arrested for allegedly being involved in sharing a "toolkit" on social media related to the farmers' protest. This comes on a day when a Delhi court sent Ravi to three-day judicial custody. Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Greta opined that freedom of speech, the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights. These must be a fundamental part of any democracy, she added, along with the hashtag Stand With Disha Ravi. "Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights. These must be a fundamental part of any democracy. StandWithDishaRavi," tweeted Greta. Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights. These must be a fundamental part of any democracy. #StandWithDishaRavi https://t.co/fhM4Cf1jf1 Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) February 19, 2021 Earlier, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain sent Ravi, 21, to jail after Delhi Police produced her before the court on expiry of her five-day custodial interrogation. Police said that her custodial interrogation was not required for the time being and the agency may seek her further interrogation once her co-accused -- Shantanu Mukul and Nikita Jacob -- join the interrogation. Police said Ravi was evasive during her previous interrogation and tried to shift the blame on the co-accused. Mukul and Jacob have been asked to appear before the investigating agency on February 22, the agency told the court. The defence lawyer opposed the police plea and urged the court to release Ravi. He further said that there was an apprehension of tampering of the evidence by police as the case diary is not properly made...And in volume form. There's no ground to keep her in any custody, police custody or judicial custody. I (Ravi) ought to be released right now. The court was also informed that the accused has moved a bail application which will come up for hearing on Saturday. Last Sunday the court had sent Ravi to five-day police custody after it said her custodial interrogation was required to probe an alleged larger conspiracy against the government of India and to ascertain her alleged role relating to the Khalistan movement. Ravi, arrested by a Cyber Cell team of the Delhi Police from Bengaluru on Saturday, was produced before a court here and police had sought her seven days' custody. While seeking her custody, the police had told the court that the activist had allegedly edited the "toolkit" on February 3 and many other people were involved in the matter. A "toolkit" is a document created to explain any issue. It also provides information on what one needs to do to address the issue. This might include information about petitions, details about protests and mass movements. Earlier, the Delhi Police had asked Google and some social media giants to provide information about email id, URLs and certain social media accounts related to the creators of the "toolkit" shared by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and others on Twitter in connection with the farmers' protest. The Cyber Cell had lodged an FIR against "pro-Khalistan" creators of the "toolkit" for waging a "social, cultural and economic war against the government of India". The case against unnamed persons was registered on charges of criminal conspiracy, sedition and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The "toolkit" was aimed at spreading disaffection and ill-will against the government of India and creating disharmony among various social, religious and cultural groups, the police had claimed. 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 brief: YouTube this week said it won't be reopening physical YouTube Spaces in major markets after the pandemic. Instead, the company plans to shift its focus to a hybrid model that involves both virtual events like workshops and pop-up Spaces in order to reach a more diverse audience. Its been close to a decade since YouTube first introduced Spaces, dedicated production facilities located in strategic markets around the globe. These Spaces were equipped with everything a budding YouTuber would need to create content with high production value all one needed to do was bring their own film crew. In 2016, YouTube started experimenting with pop-up Spaces, smaller and more nimble temporary locations that could reach creators in other parts of the world. Over the span of four years, YouTube hosted more than 45 pop-up events that welcomed over 15,000 creators and artists. Then, the pandemic hit, prompting YouTube to close all of its facilities and adopt a completely virtual model. During 2020, YouTubes virtual events reached more than 70,000 people across 145 countries. Moving forward, YouTube said it is going to double down on its strategy to be more flexible. Part of this plan includes not reopening physical YouTube Spaces in several locations including Los Angeles, Berlin, London, Paris, New York, Rio and Tokyo, but rather, focusing on a hybrid model that includes both virtual and pop-up events. Image courtesy Chrispictures, MBLifestyle The COVID-19 pandemic's heavy toll on older Americans highlights the need to strengthen the nation's safety net for people in need of long-term services and supports, an Oregon Health & Science University researcher and co-authors argue in a new report published by Milbank Quarterly. The report proposes a system of universal coverage to support the long-term care of all older Americans. This approach would protect against financial catastrophe and end the current system that is based on the need to be financially destitute in order to access coverage via Medicaid. Such an approach would benefit both individuals and families and would also create a far more stable and more generous funding stream to providers." Study Authors Walt Dawson, D.Phil., assistant professor of neurology in the OHSU School of Medicine, said he believes the pandemic could be an inflection point to improve the U.S. system of long-term services and support. Dawson, also a senior Atlantic Fellow of Equity in Brain Health with the Global Brain Health Institute, studies the public policy implications of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias - including the financial impact on families and the public programs that finance care. The report lays out a series of recommendations to repair what it characterized as a fragmented and patchwork system of long-term services and supports for older Americans living with physical and cognitive impairments. Long-term recommendations Universal coverage: The report calls for establishing universal coverage for all Americans' long-term care needs through Medicare. "Universal coverage is essential to achieving greater equity in access and coverage, but it is also essential to the fiscal viability of the financing mechanism (e.g., everyone pays into the system)," the authors write. Creating an age-friendly health system: The report calls for better collaboration between public health, health care systems and long-term care to safeguard the health and safety of older adults. Near-term recommendations Improved reporting of COVID-19 infections: The report calls for improving a "lack of publicly available information" nationally about COVID-19 infections among people receiving long-term services and supports and the workforce caring for them. Support for unpaid caregivers: Family caregivers could be identified through Medicare and compensated at the rate of home health aides. In addition, the report calls for improved lines of communication between acute care facilities and other forms of long-term services and support. Equitable treatment: The Medicaid reimbursement system should provide resources to support independent long-term care and home care providers who often care for the most vulnerable and medically fragile older adults. "Although these are not new problems, the pandemic has exacerbated and amplified their impact to a point that they are impossible to ignore," the report concludes. "The opportunity for reform is now." Rainbow Six Siege Gets Two Rick and Morty Crossover Costumes 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. Today the country marks seven years since the beginning of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine has urged the Russian Federation to stop its aggression and withdraw troops and weapons from the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas. "Ukraine demands that Russia stop its aggression, return to the framework of international law, and withdraw from the occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, and in Donetsk and Luhansk regions," according to the Foreign Ministry's statement entitled "On Seven Years since the Beginning of Russia's Armed Aggression against Ukraine." "Russia's aggression against Ukraine has radically changed the geopolitical situation in Europe and in the whole world. The standing of international law and the entire system of European and world security has been severely undermined. The international community has condemned Russia's actions in various documents adopted by such international organizations as the United Nations, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe. Dozens of countries imposed sanctions on Russia because of its violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity," it said. Read alsoMaidan anniversary: Yanukovych again dubs Revolution of Dignity 'coup'The diplomats also call on the international community to increase political and sanctions pressure on Russia to make the Russian authorities end the occupation of the currently held Ukrainian territories, release prisoners of war and political prisoners, and abide by international court rulings. "We are convinced that through joint efforts, including within the framework of the Crimean Platform, we will not only restore Ukraine's territorial integrity, but also strengthen the authority of international law, and ensure the return of peace and stability onto the European continent. And the Russian Federation will be held fully responsible for all crimes committed against Ukraine and its citizens," the statement says. Russian occupation of Crimea Russia occupied Ukraine's Crimea in March 2014 after its troops had seized the peninsula. An illegal referendum was held amid the aggressive takeover on the issue of the peninsula's accession to Russia. De-facto Crimean authorities claimed that 96.77% of the Crimean population had allegedly supported the move. On March 18, 2014, the so-called agreement on the accession of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation was signed off in the Kremlin. Western powers never recognized the seizure of Crimea and imposed sanctions on Russia over aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine's parliament voted to designate February 20, 2014, as the official date for the start of the temporary occupation of Crimea. The Russian Federation supplies weapons and sends mercenaries and its regular troops to occupied Donbas. The hostilities in Luhansk and Donetsk regions have been going on since mid-April 2014. Reporting by UNIAN Placement to Progress Gold and Copper Exploration Adelaide, Feb 19, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resolution Minerals Ltd ( ASX:RML ) is pleased to announce it has received firm commitments for a placement of fully paid ordinary shares in the Company to sophisticated investors to raise a total of $3.25 million (before costs) at an issue price of $0.028 per Share (Placement) to progress the Company's gold 64North Project in Alaska and the Company's copper-cobalt projects in Australia at the Wollogorang and Benmara Projects in the Northern Territory. Resolution is very pleased to have cornerstone support of $2m from Fresh Equities.Managing Director Duncan Chessell Commented:The funds will be directed to drill testing large-scale potential gold and copper prospects across the Company's portfolio of projects in Alaska and Australia. We will also be generating new targets on the copper-cobalt Wollogorang and Benmara Projects in Australia. Global uncertainty and volatility retain gold's attractiveness and the voracious appetite for copper, cobalt, nickel, aluminium and other battery metals required to convert the world from fossil fuels to green electrical alternatives is now a short-medium and long-term reality. These factors position Resolution to create short and medium-term value for shareholders on exploration success.Participants in the Placement will also receive options to acquire Shares, on a one (1) for two (2) basis with an exercise price of $0.042 per share and expiring 1 year from the date of issue (Options). The issue of Options will be subject to shareholder approval. The full terms of the Options are included in the appendix to this announcement.Funds received from the $3.25 million Placement will be used to test high priority drill targets at the Sunrise and East Pogo Prospects on the 64North Project which surrounds Northern Star's Pogo mine ( ASX:NST ).Additionally, the company will use funds for geophysics and drill testing Company's Northern Territory Wollogorang and Benmara Projects which are prospective for battery metals - copper and cobalt.A total of 116,071,443 shares will be issued at $0.028 (2.8 cents) per share to raise $3.25 million under the Placement - 50,000,000 shares will be issued under the Company's share placement facility approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM, 32,571,443 shares will be issued under the Company's 15% placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1 and 33,500,000 shares will be issued under the Company's 10% placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1A.About Fresh EquitiesFresh Equities is an Australian-owned firm connecting family offices, sophisticated and institutional investors with capital raising opportunities. The firm specialises in supporting emerging ASX listed companies who are looking to access timely and efficient capital from a reputable and stable investor base. Since 2018, Fresh Equities have facilitated over $350m of syndicated and direct investment demand.About Resolution Minerals Ltd Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) is a mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and battery metals - such as gold, copper, cobalt, and vanadium. The company is led by Managing Director Duncan Chessell and an experienced team with proven success in corporate finance, marketing, metallurgy and geoscience. This equips Resolution Minerals with the tools to meet the changing demands of the mining markets. Resolution Minerals Ltd Listed on the ASX in 2017 with a focus on the exploration of the Wollogorang Copper Cobalt Project. It has since aquired the Snettisham Vanadium Project and more entered into a binding agreement witth Millrock Resources to earn up to 80% of the highly prospective 64North Gold Project. PET scan of a human brain with Alzheimer's disease. Credit: public domain Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have launched a first-in-human Phase I clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a gene therapy to deliver a key protein into the brains of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes full-blown dementia. The protein, called brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF, is part of a family of growth factors found in the brain and central nervous system that support the survival of existing neurons and promote growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. BDNF is particularly important in brain regions susceptible to degeneration in AD. In previous published research, principal investigator Mark Tuszynski, MD, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience and director of the Translational Neuroscience Institute at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and colleagues described the prevention and reversal of brain cell degeneration and death in animal models. "We found that delivering BDNF to the part of the brain that is affected earliest in Alzheimer's disease the entorhinal cortex and hippocampuswas able to reverse the loss of connections and to protect from ongoing cell degeneration," said Tuszynski. "These benefits were observed in aged rats, aged monkeys and amyloid mice." Amyloid mice are genetically engineered to inherit a mutation in the gene encoding the amyloid precursor protein, and as a result develop amyloid plaquesaggregates of misfolded proteins in the brain that are considered a hallmark characteristic of AD. BDNF is normally produced throughout life in the entorhinal cortex, an important memory center in the brain and one of the first places where the effects of AD typically appear in the form of short-term memory loss. Persons with AD have diminished levels of BDNF. But BDNF is not easy to work with. It is a large molecule and cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier. As a result, researchers will use gene therapy in which a harmless adeno-associated virus (AAV2) is modified to carry the BDNF gene and injected directly into targeted regions of the brain, where researchers hope it will prompt production of therapeutic BDNF in nearby cells. The injections are precisely controlled to contain exposure to surrounding degenerating neurons since freely circulating BDNF can cause adverse effects, such as seizures. The three-year-long trial will recruit 12 participants with either diagnosed AD or MCI to receive AAV2-BDNF treatment, with another 12 persons serving as comparative controls over that period. This is the first safety and efficacy assessment of AAV2-BDNF in humans. A previous gene therapy trial from 2001 to 2012 using AAV2 and a different protein called nerve growth factor (NGF) found heightened growth, axonal sprouting and activation of functional markers in the brains of participants. "The BDNF gene therapy trial in AD represents an advance over the earlier NGF trial," said Tuszynski. "BDNF is a more potent growth factor than NGF for neural circuits that degenerate in AD. In addition, new methods for delivering BDNF will more effectively deliver and distribute it into the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus." Despite billions of dollars of research investment and decades of effort, there are only two symptomatic treatments for AD. There is no cure or approved way to slow or stop progression of the neurological disorder that afflicts more than 5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Numerous clinical trials are ongoing to assess pharmaceutical remedies. Tuszynski said gene therapy, which debuted in 1980 and has been tested on multiple diseases and conditions, represents a different approach to a disease that requires new ways of thinking about the disease and new attempts at treatments. "We hope to build on recent successes of gene therapy in other diseases, including a breakthrough success in the treatment of congenital weakness in infants (spinal muscular atrophy) and blindness (Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a form of retinitis pigmentosa)," Tuszynski said. "BDNF gene therapy has the potential, unlike other AD therapies currently under development, to rebuild brain circuits, slow cell loss and stimulate cell function. We are looking forward to observing the effects of this new effort in patients with AD and MCI." Explore further Potential new biomarker for depression and bipolar disorder (Photo : Photo by Hugh Hastings/Getty Images) THE LIZARD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18 : Ian Jones, CEO of Goonhilly Earth Station, watches live signals arrive from NASA's Perseverance rover as it lands on the surface of Mars on February 18, 2020 on The Lizard, England. Two antennas, GHY-3 and GHY-6, at Goonhilly Earth Station have been modified over two years to be compatible with NASA and ESAs' Deep Space Networks. GHY-6 will be receiving data from NASA's JPL. NASA's Perseverance Rover successfully reached Mars and sends the first images of the Red Planet. NASA's spacecraft was able to enter Mars' atmosphere and deliver the space agency's on its surface on Feb 18. Instead of resting for a little bit, the space agency's car-sized space bot immediately captured its first images and sent them back to Earth so that the public can see what is on the Red Planet. Although they look like an old black-and-white television set, they still look very stunning. According to Yahoo Finance's latest report, the photos grabbed by NASA's Perseverance Rover were already shared on the internet. To give you more idea, here's what the actual picture looks like. Mars Perseverance Rover's first image of the Red Planet The photos taken by the Mars Perseverance Rover show off the desolate rock-covered surface of the Red Planet. These images were also captured using multiple camera angles from a single spot, highlighting the Mars Perseverance Rover's advanced capabilities. Also Read: SpaceX's Falcon 9 Crashed in the Ocean as Newest Starlink Mission Failed to Stick the Landing On the other hand, one of the pictures that have no shadows were taken by a camera in the machine's back using its onboard Rear Right Hazard Avoidance Camera. If you are looking for the best camera shot of a popular Mars bot, that will be the photo that shows Mars Perseverance's own shadows, which shows the space machine's near the front. It was taken with the onboard Front Left Hazard Avoidance Camera A, which is the same camera lens used for the obstructed photo of the bunch. However, the captured images of the Mars Perseverance Rover still don't offer the most detailed view of Earth's celestial neighbor. Although this is the case, these initial raw photos just show that NASA's Mar Perseverance Rover is efficiently built to work on the Red Planet. On the other hand, NASA is expected to release the high-resolution versions of the current images. You can click here to see more photos. Mars' recorded sounds to arrive soon! On the other hand, NASA is also expected to record the sounds that Mars generates on its surface. The international space agency is currently planning to send two microphones. They are specifically the "SuperCam Microphone" and "Entry Descent and Landing Microphone." Popular Mechanics stated that if the new mission becomes a success, NASA can soon allow the people of Earth to hear the whistling winds of Mars' surface. For more news updates about NASA and its upcoming space missions on other planets, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Hope Mars Orbiter: UAE Releases First-Ever Image Transmitted by Its Martian Probe This article is owned by TechTimes. Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The incident began at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday on Hartle Court near South Napa Century Center. Deputies saw a pickup truck that matched the description of one reported stolen. They tried to pull it over, leading to a pursuit, sheriffs spokesperson Henry Wofford said. Speeds reached 60 mph. The pickup driver eventually tried to negotiate a left turn onto Monroe Street, lost control and hit the southeast corner of a house on the 600 block, breaking a gas main, Wofford said. Officers chased the suspect on foot and arrested him. They took him to Queen of the Valley Medical Center to make sure he had no injuries. Neither the suspect or anyone at the house was injured, Wofford said. Meanwhile, police, fire and Pacific, Gas and Electric vehicles converged near the house amid the gas leak. Barriers were set up for about a block around the home. The evacuation order for the residential neighborhood was lifted at 10:30 a.m. Both the pickup and house had major damage, Wofford said. Damion Chance Schacht, 33, of Napa was booked into Napa County jail on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle, receiving stolen property, fleeing a peace officer, driving without a license and a probation charge, according to the booking log. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the families of two deceased corona warriors. Noting the loss that families of Om Pal Singh and Raj Kumar have faced is irreplaceable, he said that the financial assistance would give them some relief. "The past one year has been very tough for all of us. But during this one year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Covid warriors of Delhi fought this battle from the front," he said. Kejriwal said that he visited the family of the Om Pal Singh, who was the Principal of the government boys senior secondary school, Kalyanpuri, but working at a hunger relief centre run by the Delhi government during the pandemic and the lockdown. "Unfortunately during the work, he got affected by Covid and then lost his life. Today I also visited the family of late Raj Kumar who was a security guard at the Rajiv Gandhi Hospital. He was a frontline worker and he got affected by Covid and lost his life." "Today, I want to salute all the Covid warriors of Delhi. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they have worked relentlessly for the citizens of Delhi. The Delhi government has already announced that we will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of Covid warriors who have lost their lives during Covid duty." Soldiers, police officers and other officials move a container filled with AstraZeneca vaccine at a logistics center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, Friday, during an exercise before the start of the administration of vaccines to an initial group of medical workers and patients at nursing homes and other high-risk facilities. Yonhap Gov't finalizes list of first groups to be vaccinated By Jun Ji-hye The health authorities are bracing for a possible fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, as new daily cases have begun to surge again this week after the four-day Lunar New Year holiday, which ended Feb. 14. The number had stayed in the 300 range for three consecutive days until the last day of the holiday, with the decline partially attributed to fewer people getting tested during the period. The third wave of infections in Korea, which began in mid-November, peaked at 1,240 daily cases Dec. 24. This decline led the government to lower social distancing regulations by one notch from Level 2.5 to Level 2 the third-highest in the five-tier system for the Seoul metropolitan area, and from Level 2 to Level 1.5 for other parts of the country, beginning Monday. But the number of infections increased to the 400 range that day, and to 600, Tuesday and Wednesday. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Friday, the country added 561 more COVID-19 cases, including 533 local infections, for Thursday, raising the cumulative number of cases to 86,128. Six more patients died from the disease, raising the death toll to 1,550. The latest number of new cases slightly decreased to below 600 from Wednesday. But the authorities are still on high alert as the recent increase in infections has come before possible cases traced to family gatherings during one of the country's traditional holidays have yet to be reflected, considering the virus' incubation period of 10 to 14 days. "COVID-19 infections, which have been decreasing, are showing signs of increasing again," Sohn Young-rae, a senior health official, said during a media briefing. "We call upon people to take extra care in their daily lives." Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a government meeting on COVID-19 responses at the Government Complex in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap University of Queensland scientists have developed an ultraviolet 'television' display designed to help researchers better understand how animals see the world. Until now, standard monitors on devices like televisions or computer screens have been used to display visual stimuli in animal vision studies, but none have been able to test ultraviolet vision - the ability to see wavelengths of light shorter than 400 nanometres. Dr Samuel Powell, from the Queensland Brain Institute's Marshall lab, said this new technology will help unveil the secrets of sight in all sorts of animals, such as fish, birds and insects. "Human TVs generally use three colours - red, green and blue - to create images, but our newly-developed displays have five, including violet and ultraviolet," Dr Powell said. "Using this display, it's now possible to show animals simple shapes, to test their ability to tell colours apart, or their perception of motion by moving dot patterns. "We affectionately call it the 'UV-TV', but I doubt that anyone would want one in their home! "You'd have to wear sunglasses and sunscreen while watching it, and the resolution is quite low - 8 by 12 pixels in a 4 by 5 centimetre area - so don't expect to be watching Netflix in ultraviolet anytime soon. "This very low resolution is enough to show dot patterns to test fish perception, in what's known as an Ishihara test, which would be familiar to anyone who's been tested for colour blindness. "In this test, humans read a number hidden in a bunch of coloured dots, but as animals can't read numbers back to us, they're trained to peck the 'odd dot' out of a field of differently coloured dots." Dr Karen Cheney from UQ's School of Biological Sciences said this technology will allow researchers to expand our understanding of animal biology. "There are many colour patterns in nature that are invisible to us because we cannot detect UV," Dr Cheney said. "Bees use UV patterns on flowers to locate nectar, for example, and fish can recognise individuals using UV facial patterns. "We've recently started studying the vision of anemonefish or clownfish - aka, Nemo - which, unlike humans, have UV-sensitive vision. "Our research is already showing that the white stripes on anemonefish also reflect UV, so we think UV colour signals may be used to recognise each other and may be involved in signalling dominance within their social group. "Who knows what other discoveries we can now make about how certain animals behave, interact and think. "This technology is allowing us to understand how animals see the world, helping answer significant questions about animal behaviour." ### The research has been published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution (DOI: 10.1111/2041-210X.13555). A man uses a snow blower during a winter storm in New York on February 18, 2021 A fierce and deadly winter storm that wreaked havoc in the southern and central US and blanketed the East Coast in snow was forecast Friday to start tapering off. After days of bone-chilling cold that left millions without power and caused water pipes to burst in oil-rich Texas, temperatures were forecast to be well above freezing on Friday in much of the Lone Star state and rise into the 50s Fahrenheit (10 to 15 Celsius) into the weekend. Lingering snow showers will continue in the Northeast US and New England, the National Weather Service said. But the worst of the extreme weather system appears to be over. "A much quieter weather pattern is in store for the CONUS over the next few days," the NWS said, referring to the continental United States. On Thursday, the storm slammed an area stretching from Virginia up to the Northeast, bringing icy buildups and treacherous travel conditions. Snow fell steadily across New York City throughout the day, forcing the cancelation of about 200 flights and delaying the opening of two COVID-19 vaccination sites after the storm disrupted dosage delivery. The Big Apple has already been blanketed by snow twice this winter during two separate storms. The Capitol is seen on a cold winter evening in Washington, DC, on February 18, 2021 "The occasional snowstorm is always good but as we're getting closer to March it gets a little tiring. I'm ready for it to start being warm again," said 18-year-old student Kara Dickson. Across Texas, which has been hardest hit by the cold snap, utility companies were gradually restoring power. But even as relief came into sight for many, nearly 190,000 homes and businesses remained without electricity as of early Friday, according to PowerOutage.us. And as the lights came back on, some Texas residents were dealing with the misery of water pipes that had burst in the frigid temperatures. "It was like a waterfall was coming down and it was starting to come out of the bathroom and to the other rooms," said Birgit Kamps of Houston. "We grabbed buckets and towels, tried to mop it up before it started flooding the house," she said, adding that a neighbor helped switch off the water at the break, leaving her without running water. Water pressure problems meant nearly seven million Texans were being advised to boil their water before drinking it or using for cooking, said Toby Baker, who heads the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, adding that nearly 264,000 people were impacted by non-operational water systems. After causing days of misery in the south, the storm is now affecting the US east coast, including Washington 'Failed state' Texas power companies implemented rolling blackouts to avoid grids being overloaded as residents cranked up the heat. The surge in demand came as generating capacity dropped thanks to power stations and wind turbines freezing. Texas authorities opened about 300 emergency "warming centers" across the state. President Joe Biden spoke Thursday evening with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, pledging that the federal government would work "hand-in-hand" with state authorities to offer relief, the White House said. Texas's woes have sparked outrage in the Lone Star State, the only one of the US's 48 continental states to have its own independent power grid. Anger soared Thursday after it was revealed Texas Senator Ted Cruz had flown to the Mexican holiday resort of Cancun during the crisis. As political rivals called for his resignation, Cruz justified the flight by saying his one-night stay was to drop his children off before he flew home. The snow has given New York a different look, but some residents say they are getting fed up with the cold Water and power has been knocked out across Texas, with residents told to boil water before drinking it He later called the trip "obviously a mistake." Biden ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts in Oklahoma and Louisiana after local officials declared emergencies. Biden was forced to postpone until Friday a visit to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing site in Kalamazoo, Michigan while federal government offices in Washington were closed Thursday. More than 40 storm-related deaths have been reported by US media since the cold weather arrived last week, many in traffic accidents. Animal deaths Houston police said a woman and a girl died from carbon monoxide poisoning after sitting in a car in a garage with the engine running to keep warm. Emergency medical authorities around Texas said dozens of others have been treated for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. A dozen animalsincluding one 58-year-old female chimpanzeedied during the freeze at rescue sanctuary Primarily Primates near San Antonio, the organization said on its website. Explore further Deadly winter storm blankets eastern US in snow 2021 AFP A photo shows the logo of the the American online social media and social networking service, Facebook and Twitter on a computer screen in Lille on Oct. 21, 2020. (Denis Charlet/AFP via Getty Images) Poland Proposes $13.5 Million Fines for Tech Giants Engaging in Ideological Censorship New laws proposed by Poland could implement massive fines for tech giants who censor users or remove posts for ideological reasons, according to the countrys Deputy Minister of Justice Sebastian Kaleta. Speaking to Fox News, Kaleta said social media companies have been targeting conservatives, Christianity, and traditional values by banning them or removing posts. We see that when Big Tech decides to remove content for political purposes, its mostly content which praises traditional values or praises conservatism, Kaleta said, adding, and it is deleted under their hate speech policy when it has no legal right to do so. Under the new legislation, any platform that bans a user or removes posts for ideological reasons would face fines of $13.5 million unless the content is also illegal under Polish law. An arbitration committee will be set up to oversee disputes. Polands decision comes following the banning of former President Donald Trumps accounts by the social media companies Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, after he was blamed for inciting violence at the Jan. 6 demonstration at the U.S. Capitol. Freedom of speech is not something that anonymous moderators working for private companies should decide, Kaleta said. Instead, that is for the national body; duly elected officials and all industries, car, phones, finance, were unregulated till they grew too large; the same should happen with Big Tech. Its very disturbing because if Big Tech sees themselves as an organization empowered enough to ban a sitting president of the U.S., it sends a message to the worldthat we can ban anyone, whenever we want, he added. Advancing the new legislation, Kaleta noted that Poland has spent 45 years under communisman experience he said has taught it the value of free speech and the need to know when to draw a line amid disturbing new trends toward censorship. Last month, Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced the introduction of laws to protect freedom of speech on the internet, while denouncing Big Tech for stifling free speech on social media platforms. In a lengthy Facebook post on Jan. 13, Morawiecki wrote that the internet, over time, has come to be dominated by international corporations that treat peoples online activity as a source of revenue and a tool to increase their global domination. They have also introduced their own standards of political correctness, and they fight those who oppose them, Morawiecki added. We are now increasingly faced with practices we believed were left in the past. The censoring of free speech, once the domain of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, is now back, but in a new form, run by corporations, who silence those who think differently. Discussion consists in the exchange of views, not in silencing people. We do not have to agree with what our opponents write, but we cannot forbid anyone from expressing views that do not contravene the law, he added. Morawiecki said the country would adopt appropriate national laws to regulate the operations of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other similar platforms. Hungary is also following Poland in the fight against social media censorship, with Justice Minister Judit Varga last month stating that Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government will not tolerate intrusions on free speech. In a Facebook post, Varga raised the prospect of sanctioning social media firms over what she called systematic abuses of free speech and indicated that she was going to submit a bill later this year to regulate the domestic operations of large tech companies. She alleged that she herself had also been shadow-banned by Facebook, and complained that mainstream social media sites limit the visibility of Christian, conservative, right-wing opinions and accused power groups behind global tech giants of having the power to decide elections. Varga said in her post the matter should be regulated at the European Union level, but said swifter action may be needed. Due to the systematic abuses, however, we may need to step up sooner, she said. Reuters contributed to this report. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has stated that Australian government's new legislation to compel Facebook and Google to pay domestic media for news content has been attracting interest from other world leaders. "People are looking at what Australia is doing," he said. He noted that he has already talked about this situation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AFP reported. The Australian government and Facebook conducted high-stakes discussions on Friday. This was after Facebook blacked out news for its Australian users thus sparking global outrage against the social media platform. The Australian government has refused to back down from introducing a new law that would require Facebook to pay for journalistic content on its platform. On Thursday, Facebook, which has been resisting the introduction of the new law, stopped showing its Australian users pages of news media outlets and is not allowing its users to share news content. Australian Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg stated that he talked with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Friday in order to find a solution to this showdown between the government and the social media platform. "We talked through their remaining issues and agreed our respective teams would work through them immediately," Frydenberg said. PM Morrison has urged Facebook to "move quickly past" what he terms as threatening behaviour. He has asked Facebook to "come back to the table". The new law in question, titled News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code, was passed by the lower house of the Australian Parliament this week. The Senate (Upper House) will take up the bill for discussion on Monday. The bill is expected to be passed by the end of next week. Also read: Facebook scrubs Australian news feeds as content payment row escalates We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Can business interruption insurance help firms that have been hurt by the pandemic? Businesses have sought different ways to stay afloat. Some have applied for available federal government assistance, such as through the Payroll Protection Program. Government relief generally has been tailored to help cover payroll and other business expenses. Firms have been left to identify and pursue other means to recover the income lost due to government-ordered closure, or from losses naturally flowing from the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, businesses increasingly have been pursuing relief under their private commercial property insurance policies for business interruptions caused by COVID with, at best, mixed results. The chance of success is highly dependent on the language of the individual insurance policy at issue. Business interruption coverage most commonly applies when there is a natural disaster, such as a fire or storm. This insurance covers damages flowing from the closure of a business, and also may cover damages flowing from the closure of customers or suppliers businesses. The key to recovery is the ability to demonstrate that there was a direct physical loss or damage to covered property caused by the natural event. Some policies also include what is called Civil Authority coverage, which permits recovery for damages flowing from government orders that cut off access to ones property. This coverage, although not requiring proof of damage to the insureds property, often requires a showing that the government order arose from underlying property damage. In the recent cases claiming losses for COVID under Civil Authority provisions, courts have focused on whether the government order is based on a finding that COVID is actually present on the subject property. In analyzing any policy, it makes sense to first look for any provisions that expressly exclude the claim. Many policies contain what are called virus exclusions. While virus exclusion language varies from policy to policy, and has evolved over time, an example is language that excludes recovery of damage caused directly or indirectly by ... any virus, bacterium or other microorganism that induces or is capable of inducing physical distress, illness or disease. One Connecticut District Court has held this language to preclude recovery for any damages resulting from COVID. In the absence of an applicable exclusion, the central question becomes whether the presence of the coronavirus that is spread through the air, but survives on surfaces for days, and interferes with the ability to use property, causes tangible property loss or damage. The insurance industry has argued that COVID claims are not covered because the existence of the virus on property surfaces does not actually cause physical damage to that property, claiming that actual physical property damage is a prerequisite to coverage. By contrast, where the policy language covers physical loss or damage, insureds have argued that deprivation of the use of property is covered. Insureds rely on several arguments, including the use of the word or, the lack of suitably defined terms, and that any ambiguities in the policy language must be interpreted as against the insurance company. There are a variety of other arguments that may be made by insureds seeking business interruption coverage depending on the applicable language in each case. It is important for businesses considering available coverage to thoroughly review the policy language so that arguments for coverage can be carefully tailored to address the particulars of that policy. Indeed, at the litigation stage, the skill with which the complaint is drafted may be the difference between winning and losing a business interruption case. Hardworking businesspeople should take advantage of all available remedies to combat the losses due to COVID. One such remedy may already be available with the right commercial property coverage. Attorney David A. Slossberg leads the business litigation practice at Hurwitz, Sagarin, Slossberg &Knuff. He is an editor of the definitive treatise on unfair trade practices in Connecticut. He can be reached at dslossberg@hssklaw.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. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March An armed man surrendered to police and was taken into custody almost 26 hours after he sparked a stand-off at a house in Brisbanes south where he was holed up with a three-year-old boy and a woman. Police remained tight-lipped about what led to the siege at the Sunnybank home, which started about 10.30am on Thursday. Specialist police escorted the man from the home, with a woman and boy also seen to exit the house unharmed. Credit:Nine Police revoked an exclusion zone around the Dyson Street home after the man walked out of the home with officers just before 12.30pm on Friday. A spokesman said the man surrendered himself without incident and the woman and toddler were safe and well. Wild swings in GameStop shares have put a spotlight on Wall Street and the predatory ways of some hedge funds, the chair of the US House of Representatives Financial Services Committee Maxine Waters said at a hearing into the share trading frenzy. Ms Waters, a California Democrat, pledged to dig into conflicts of interest in the stock market and said: Many Americans feel that the system is stacked against them and, no matter what, Wall Street always wins. The panel is holding the hearing to get to the bottom of one of the wildest periods for the US stock market in recent memory. A confluence of events retail investors banding together on Reddit message boards to drive stocks to astronomical levels, hedge fund short-sellers getting hammered with losses, and Robinhood Markets and other brokerages temporarily halting the rally gripped Wall Street and Washington last month. The saga triggered questions about the fairness of markets and whether stock prices detached from reality pose a threat to financial stability. The proceedings are the first chance for many lawmakers to grill the four executives at the heart of the controversy Vlad Tenev of Robinhood, Ken Griffin of Citadel, Gabe Plotkin of Melvin Capital and Steve Huffman of Reddit. But the drama may be blunted by the need to hold the hearing virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read More For House members, the likely hours of testimony may be more about scoring political points against Wall Street titans than drilling down into the minutiae of the stock market. Getting a major policy response through a bitterly divided Congress is unlikely. Still, some issues are certain to gain attention at regulatory agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). That includes potential additional protections for the millennial investors who have been drawn to Robinhood because of its commission-free trades and easy to use mobile phone app that some liken to a video game. Many of the committee members have made clear that theyre siding with the small investors who pushed GameStop to record highs, despite concerns raised by ex-regulators and some finance executives that the wild trading exposed those fuelling the surge to potentially crippling losses. A point frequently made is that GameStops jump to as high as $483 last month had no basis in the unprofitable video-game retailers business prospects, and it has since plunged below $50. Democrats plan to use the saga to bash hedge funds, including ones that were hit with huge losses after betting against GameStop and other companies. One focus is on whether the system is stacked against the retail traders who during the run-up had their purchases frozen by Robinhood and some other online brokerage firms, causing some to argue that the losing hedge funds and Citadel were behind the stoppage an assertion that Robinhood and Citadel have aggressively denied. (Bloomberg) Ulster Bank Ireland DAC has announced it is pulling out of the Irish market following a prolonged period of speculation. The announcement comes following a strategic review undertaken by its parent company NatWest Group (NWG). Ulster Bank says it will commence a phased withdrawal "managed in an orderly and considered manner, from the Republic of Ireland over the coming years." The decision to withdraw from the market does not impact Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland. Announcing the phased withdrawal, Ulster Bank Chief Executive Officer, Jane Howard said: The decision by NatWest to withdraw from this market is hugely disappointing and today will be a difficult and worrying time for our colleagues across the Bank. It may also lead to customer questions and concerns as to how this decision may impact them and their day-to-day banking needs. I want to be clear that there will be no change for customers today, changes will happen over the coming years. Ulster Bank will continue to offer a full banking service in our branches, online and through normal channels for existing and new customers for the foreseeable future. Customers do not need to take any action as a consequence of this announcement. We will communicate with customers in a timely manner over the coming weeks and months. We will now consult with employee representative bodies to determine how best to plan and manage an orderly withdrawal of the Bank over the coming years. There will be no new compulsory departures from the Bank this year. I am acutely conscious of our responsibilities to our colleagues and I am wholeheartedly committed to managing this process in a fair and responsible manner. The phased withdrawal will include the careful and responsible execution of a strategy over time to deliver constructive solutions for our customers and their banking services within the Republic of Ireland. As part of this phased withdrawal, a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. has been agreed for the sale of a 4bn portfolio of performing commercial loans, and the transfer of the colleagues wholly or mainly assigned to this loan book. The potential sale contemplated by the MoU remains subject to due diligence, further negotiation and agreement of final terms and definitive documentation. This process is subject to all of the relevant supervisory engagement and assessment, regulatory and other approvals. The proposed sale may not be concluded on the terms contemplated in the MoU, or at all. Ulster Bank relationship managers will continue to actively engage with business customers throughout this process. Natwest is also in early discussions with Permanent TSB Group Holdings p.l.c. among other strategic banking counterparties about their potential interest in buying certain retail and SME assets, liabilities and operations. These discussions may or may not result in agreement, Ulster Bank has stressed. "Our preference is to continue to focus our discussions with counterparties who can provide customers with full banking services in the Irish market. Ulster Bank will continue to communicate with customers throughout this process and remains open for business, new and existing through all business channels," a statement read. Jane Howard continued: We will engage with customers, colleagues, their representatives and our communities in the coming months to listen to their concerns and to work with them and alongside them and to update on how change will be responsibly managed through the phased withdrawal process. "Despite the disappointment of this decision, Ulster Bank and NatWest, will work hard to minimise the impact on colleagues and customers and ultimately to provide a successful banking transition for customers. In the meantime, we remain open for business across all of our channels for both existing and new customers. The withdrawal of Ulster Bank from the Irish market has been described as a real disappointment by Dundalk Senator, John McGahon. Senator McGahon said: After weeks of speculation, todays announcement is not a surprise, but it is still a real disappointment and upsetting time for the staff and customers of Ulster Bank here in Dundalk. Over the coming hours and days, the banks 1.1 million customers and 2,800 staff across their 88 branches deserve certainty and support. Thankfully there are huge employment opportunities in the financial services sector but that will be of little succour to those employees who face a worrying period at the height of a global pandemic. "I spoke with the Corporate Affairs Section within Ulster Bank after their announcement and they confirmed that they are committed to managing this withdrawal on a phased basis and in a way which secures the best outcome for staff, customers and communities in order to minimises the impact as much as possible. Ulster Bank confirmed to Senator McGahon that for the next number of months they will engage with a wide range of stakeholders including customer and staff representatives, suppliers, community and political leaders. There will be no immediate change for customers with full banking services to continue across all channels for existing and new customers. While the Government, rightly, plays no role in commercial decisions such as these, the regulatory frameworks and conditions governed by the Central Bank must be assessed. Today is a sad day for their staff and customers and we must bring as much certainty and clarity to the matter as soon as possible," Senator McGahon concluded. In response to the announcement Louth TD and Labours Finance spokesperson Ged Nash said: This devastating news is a hammer blow for the 2,800 Ulster Bank staff, for their customers and for businesses across Ireland. My immediate thoughts and concerns are with the banks dedicated staff whose future is uncertain. Any sale or potential merger must respect the right of staff to have their existing terms and conditions transferred with them and compulsory redundancies should be off the table. The Minister for Finance has repeatedly said that any decision by NatWest on the future of Ulster Bank is for them to make. Now that decision has been made there is an onus on the Minister to take on the responsibility to chart a way forward in the interests of staff, customers and competition. "What we need to avoid is the piecemeal dismantling of the bank and it's operations by vulture funds and other Irish banks which will damage any effort to create a real third force. It is incumbent on the government and the Minister for Finance to drive such an outcome rather than acting as commentators. The bank and its assets are now vulnerable and any fire sale of assets to vulture funds must be categorically ruled out. This challenge for the banking sector represents an opportunity if the Minister for Finance is willing to grasp it. The State is the majority shareholder in Permanent TSB and has behaved like a sleeping partner and not a majority owner. With some imagination from government the long hoped for third banking force could be formed out of the ashes of this crisis for Irish banking. The Labour Party and other stakeholders are prepared to be constructive and engage with government to secure as many jobs as possible and to help reframe the Irish banking sector in a way that will provide choice for consumers and support our economic recovery. I am urging the Minister to arrange an urgent meeting with all stakeholders and opposition spokespersons on this basis. Like millions of his constituents across Texas, Sen. Ted Cruz had a frigid home without electricity this week amid the states power crisis. But unlike most, Cruz got out, fleeing Houston and hopping a Wednesday afternoon flight to Cancun with his family for a respite at a luxury resort. Photos of Cruz and his wife, Heidi, boarding the flight ricocheted quickly across social media and left both his political allies and rivals aghast at a tropical trip as a disaster unfolded at home. The blowback only intensified after Cruz, a Republican, released a statement saying he had flown to Mexico to be a good dad and accompany his daughters and their friends; he noted he was flying back Thursday afternoon, though he did not disclose how long he had originally intended to stay. BACK TO BITE: Hypocritical tweet comes back to haunt Ted Cruz after Cancun trip Text messages sent from Heidi Cruz to friends and Houston neighbors on Wednesday revealed a hastily planned trip. Their house was FREEZING, as Heidi Cruz put it and she proposed a getaway until Sunday. Heidi Cruz invited others to join them at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, where they had stayed many times, noting the room price this week ($309 per night) and its good security. The text messages were provided to The New York Times and confirmed by a second person on the thread, who declined to be identified because of the private nature of the texts. For more than 12 hours after the airport departure photos first emerged, Ted Cruzs office declined to comment on his whereabouts. The Houston police confirmed that the senators office had sought their assistance for his airport trip Wednesday, and eventually Cruz was spotted wheeling his suitcase in Mexico on Thursday as he returned to the state he represents in the Senate. As the Cruzes were away, millions of Texans were still without electricity, many had no running water and the icy air that swept into the state was so severe that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated to send supplies, including generators. Some searched neighborhoods for discarded fallen trees to burn for warmth. Whats happening in Texas is unacceptable, Ted Cruz told a television crew at the Cancun airport. He was wearing a Texas state flag mask and a short-sleeved polo shirt tucked into his jeans; the temperature in Cancun was above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius) on Thursday, and in the 30s in Houston. CANCUN CRUZ: Ted Cruz gives explanation for Cancun trip as Texans froze Cruzs critics quickly circulated hashtags mocking his trip: #FlyinTed, a play on former President Donald Trumps derisive nickname for Cruz during the 2016 primary race, and #FledCruz, among them. Some Democratic groups sought to fundraise off the episode, and the state Democratic Party renewed its calls for Cruzs resignation. This is about as callous as any politician can get, said Gilberto Hinojosa, the Texas Democratic Party chairman. Hinojosa said he was shocked but not surprised by Cruzs international excursion: Hes a politician that really has never cared much about anybody but himself. If Cruz intended to leave the impression that he meant to stay for only a day, his large suitcase and the group text messages Heidi Cruz had sent planning a longer itinerary suggested he had cut his trip short. NBC reported separately that Ted Cruz had rebooked his return ticket Thursday morning. With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends, Ted Cruz said of his daughters, who are 10 and 12, in his statement Thursday. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon. Untimely vacations and opulent splurges have long ensnared politicians in scandals and public-relations headaches: the international trips arranged by the disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff in the early 2000s for members of Congress; Chris Christie, then the governor of New Jersey, sitting on a state beach in 2017 after he had ordered such beaches closed because of a government shutdown; and, more recently, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California dining without a mask during the pandemic last year at the high-end restaurant the French Laundry. Ted Cruzs decision to leave his state in the middle of an emergency was an especially confounding one for an ambitious politician who has already run for president once and is widely seen as wanting to run again in 2024 or beyond. It was clearly an error in judgment, said Ray Sullivan, an Austin-based Republican strategist who served as chief of staff to former Gov. Rick Perry. While a senator cannot personally restore the power grid, Sullivan said, people expect their elected officials to be fully engaged during a crisis. Cruz, 50, narrowly won reelection in 2018 against Beto ORourke, a Democratic former congressman, carrying less than 51% of the vote. In that race, Cruz had aggressively highlighted his efforts during a past emergency, Hurricane Harvey. He is not up for reelection until 2024. While the city of Houston was gripped by the freezing weather Wednesday, a member of Cruzs staff contacted personnel with the Houston Police Department at George Bush Intercontinental Airport before his flight requesting assistance upon arrival, according to Jodi Silva, a department spokeswoman. Silva said the police had monitored his movements before he departed. Officers were seen accompanying him upon his Thursday return. Cruz insisted in his statement Thursday that he and his staff had been in constant communication with state and local leaders during his brief Cancun trip. This has been an infuriating week for Texans, he said. In his statement, Cruz noted that the private school his daughters attend in Houston was closed this week. But some other parents at the school were incensed when they heard about his international trip because of the pandemic and school policies that have discouraged such travel abroad. Two parents provided a copy of the written school policy for students not to return to classrooms for seven days after international travel, or to take a COVID test three to five days after returning, which would keep the Cruz children out of school for the following week. (Separately, an aide to Cruz said he had taken a virus test before his return flight Thursday; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires a negative result.) When Heidi Cruz wrote to the group text chain of neighbors trying to weather the extreme conditions early Wednesday, she said the family had been staying with friends to keep warm, but quickly pivoted to offering an invitation to get away. Anyone can or want to leave for the week? she wrote. We may go to Cancun. She teased a direct flight and hotels w capacity. Seriously. Heidi Cruz promptly shared details for a Wednesday afternoon departure, a Sunday return trip and a luxurious stay at the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton in the meantime. No one appeared to bite, but Heidi Cruz did extend a more practical offer. We have gas stove so at least we can heat water little that there is happy to help anyone we can too, she wrote. The Times shared the contents of the messages with Ted Cruzs Senate office, but his aides did not comment. Heidi Cruz did not return a call seeking comment. Ted Cruz has long rankled members of both parties as a self-promoter since his arrival on Capitol Hill in 2013. Later that year, he became the leading actor in the drama that forced a government shutdown over the Affordable Care Act, and in 2016, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., famously joked during a speech, If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you. But if Cruz annoyed his colleagues, he just as quickly won over the Tea Party wing of the GOP. He ran as an anti-establishment champion in the partys 2016 presidential primary and finished as the runner-up to Trump, brandishing his colleagues disdain as a badge of honor. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, a Democrat who represents Cruzs Houston neighborhood in Congress, said Thursday that the state was facing an all-hands-on-deck situation and that its leaders were needed to help marshal the federal response on the ground. Fletcher was out of power herself until Wednesday and charged her phone in her car to continue to make calls to the House speaker, FEMA and other agencies too busy, she said, to think about Cruzs decision to leave the state at this time. Leadership matters, she said. Cruz had been acutely aware of the possible crisis in advance. In a radio interview Monday, he said the state could see up to 100 deaths this week. So dont risk it, he said. Keep your family safe and just stay home and hug your kids. Cruz had attacked a Democrat, Mayor Stephen Adler of Austin, in December for taking a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, while telling constituents to stay home during the pandemic. Hypocrites, Cruz wrote on Twitter. Complete and utter hypocrites. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Railway Minister on Friday dedicated a series of projects for the development of rail infrastructure in poll-bound West Bengal, which he said will not only enhance passenger experience but also help in faster movement of goods. He inaugurated a second foot over-bridge at Santragachi, Freight Terminal at Sankrail (Phase-I) and Vivekananda Meditation Centre at Howrah and an executive lounge at Sealdah station. He also dedicated to the nation, two escalators at Sealdah station, two lifts at Sealdah station and a premium lounge at Kolkata station. "The Sankrail freight terminal has eight full electrified lines. It will provide the facility of quick freight movement from industrial areas around Sankrail. New elevators, escalators at busy Sealdah station will provide facilities to the passengers. "A new foot over-bridge at Santragachi will connect such platforms and will facilitate passenger movement. It shows the railways' commitment to offer best services to our passengers and also enhance movement of goods," Goyal said while inaugurating these facilities digitally. He also launched the integrated security system at Barddhaman station, foot over-bridge at Jhamatpur Baharan and Nimo stations, extension of platform shed at Balagarh and Guptipara stations and escalator at Barddhaman, Tarkeswar and Nabadwip Dham stations through video conferencing. Goyal also expressed his condolences on the tragic incident that took place at Nimtita railway station. minister Jakir Hossain was seriously injured after unidentified attackers hurled bombs at him in Nimtita railway station in Murshidabad district on Wednesday night. Santragachi station is one of the busiest stations over the Howrah-Kharagpur section. It is being developed with all modern amenities. The second foot-over bridge at Santragachi constructed at a cost of Rs 20 crore is 12 metre wide and 166 metre-long connecting platforms numbers one to six of Santragachi station, the Railways said in a statement. This facility will improve and ease the dispersal and mobility of incoming and outgoing passengers at Santragachi station, it said. The Sankrail Freight Terminal (Phase-I) has been developed with modern facilities for freight rake handling to ensure faster turnaround of rakes for speedy transportation of inward/outward consignments serving major industries like iron and steel, textile, garments, plastic, food and beverages, foundries, cement. This freight terminal will serve around 40 sqkm industrial belt spreading over Kolkata and Howrah in has been constructed at a cost of Rs 109 crore, it said. The Vivekananda Meditation Centre at Howrah has been constructed at a cost of Rs 65 lakh of which Rs 30 lakh has been arranged from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund of MP Pradip Bhattacharya. The total built up area of this centre is 3,528 sqft and the meditation hall area is 2,100 sqft. It has a capacity to hold 70 persons. The executive lounge at Sealdah station covers an area of 2,000 sq ft and is provided with a separate capsule lift for easy access. A fully air-conditioned premium waiting lounge has been set up at Kolkata station. This has been developed at platform number one of Kolkata station at a cost of Rs 85 lakh on a covered area of 2,000 sqft, the Railways said. In order to augment security of passengers and railway property, an Integrated Security System has been commissioned at Barddhaman station. This will strengthen security checking at all entry/exit gates, frisking of passengers through Hand Held Metal Detector (HHMD), screening of passenger luggage through Luggage Scanner Machine (LSM) and Door Framed Metal Detector screening. The total cost incurred to complete the Integrated Security System Work is Rs 2.3 crore. Commissioning of this system will ensure better surveillance through CCTV control rooms and enable the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to discharge their duties and responsibilities in an organised manner, the Railways 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.) Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, arrives at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex, Feb.18, 2021. A Malaysian court on Thursday ordered that the trial of the flamboyant wife of former Prime Minister Najib Razak go forward, declaring prosecutors had convincingly argued that she took bribes to approve a multimillion-dollar solar project for schools in Sarawak. Rosmah Mansors trial will proceed even as Najib, who was convicted and sentenced in 2020 to 12 years in prison for corruption during his time in office, stands trial in a second case related to the looting of billions of dollars from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a sovereign wealth fund. I have given the prosecution case a maximum evaluation. I find that the prosecution had succeeded in proving a prima facie case against the accused, Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan of the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled. I now call upon the accused to enter her defense. The judge spent five minutes delivering his decision after announcing that he would not summarize his findings. Prosecutors began their case more than a year ago Feb. 5, 2020 and wrapped up on Dec. 11 after calling 23 witnesses. Rosmah, the former self-styled first lady of Malaysia, who during her husbands nine years as prime minister was known for her expensive taste in clothes and handbags, showed up in the courtroom on Thursday in a headscarf, facemask and a flowery cream-colored traditional Malaysian dress. Her husband, who fell from power in the May 2018 general election over the 1MDB affair, accompanied Rosmah to court. Najib was seen hugging and consoling her, before leaving to appear in a nearby courtroom, where he is standing trial on more charges linked to the financial scandal. Rosmah was charged with seeking and receiving a bribe to influence approval of a 1.25 billion ringgit (U.S. $309.2 million) school-related energy project. Prosecutors alleged that she had asked for 187.5 million ringgit ($46.4 million) between March and April 2016 from Jepak Holdings, a company that sought a contract with the Ministry of Education for a solar project and to maintain and operate diesel generators for 369 rural schools in Sarawak state. She also was charged with allegedly receiving 1.5 million ringgit ($371,000) on Sept. 7, 2017, from the company and 5 million ringgit ($1.2 million) from Saidi Abang Samsudin, the managing director of Jepak Holdings, through her former aide, Rizal Mansor. Rosmah and Rizal are not related. All three charges are under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. Each carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence and a minimum fine of five times the value of money involved. In his opening statement last year, lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram said that Rosmah had wielded power during her husbands tenure as PM (2009-2018). By herself, she occupied no official position. However, she wielded considerable influence by reason of her overbearing nature, Gopal said. Unfamiliar territory Rosmah appeared to be agitated during Thursdays courtroom deliberations. She spoke loudly when asking a court official to talk without a mask on when she was asked how she would defend herself. After a brief exchange with her lawyer, Jagjit Singh, Rosmah told the judge that she planned to testify. My lawyer advised me to give evidence under oath in the witness box. I am sorry, honorable judge, this is unfamiliar (to me), Rosmah told the court. I needed to get some advice. By doing this, Rosmah will face cross-examination by the prosecution. She could have chosen to give an unsworn statement which could not be examined by any parties or to remain silent during the proceeding. The judge set nine days for the defense team to present its case, beginning on June 9 and concluding on July 15. As he left court, Jagjit said his team was frustrated that the judge did not reveal his summary of findings. To say we are disappointed is an understatement. His lordship called us to enter [a] defense but did not give his reason why he held a maximum evaluation, he told reporters, adding, this is our concern but we will do our best. Jagjit said Rosmah was emotionally upset and distressed by the ruling. We had to comfort her a little bit and we told her to go back and relax at home, he said. Rosmah also faces a dozen money-laundering charges and five tax-evasion charges involving 7 million ringgit ($1.7 million) filed on Oct. 4, 2018. No trial date has been set. The money laundering charges call for a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds of unlawful activity, or 5 million ringgit ($1.2 million), whichever is greater, upon conviction. The tax evasion charges, filed under the Income Tax Act 1967, required Rosmah to furnish returns for the years 2013 to 2017. Millions seized from couple Police in Kauala Lumpur swooped in on Najib and Rosmah properties just days after Mahathir Mohamad succeeded him as prime minister in the wake of a historic election, which swept Najib and his United Malays National Organization party out of power for the first time in 61 years. During the raids officers seized more than 500 handbags mostly made by French luxury brand Hermes 12,000 pieces of jewelry and 117 million ringgit ($29 million) in cash in different currencies. Officials estimated the total value of all items seized was between 900 million ringgit ($225 million) and 1.1 billion ringgit ($273 million). Najib had set up 1MDB in 2009 ostensibly to spur economic development, but the fund amassed billions in debts. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice accused Malaysian Official 1 later identified as Najib and associates of embezzling and laundering more than U.S. $4.5 billion (18.8 billion ringgit) in 1MDB-linked money between 2009 and 2014. Najib, who was convicted last July on seven charges linked to 1MDB-subsidiary SRC International, faces a total of 42 criminal counts. He is appealing that conviction but is standing trial on 25 those charges alleging abuse of power and laundering of money connected with 2.3 billion ringgit ($551 million) that went missing from 1MDB. Rosmahs son from her first marriage, Riza Aziz, 44, made a deal with prosecutors to recover more than $100 million in stolen 1MDB funds. In exchange, five counts of money laundering involving about $248.7 million (1 billion ringgit) were dismissed in May 2020. Saint Kitts and Nevis:--- : Governor Timothy Antoine of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has confirmed that his organization will be approving the sale of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) operations in several territories in the Eastern Caribbean. The RBC assets will be sold to a consortium of indigenous banks within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) jurisdiction, viz. 1st National Bank (St. Lucia), Antigua Commercial Bank, National Bank of Dominica, Bank of Montserrat, and Bank of Nevis. The sale includes operations in Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking at a press briefing following the conclusion of the 98th Meeting of the ECCU Monetary Council on Friday 12 February 2021 at ECCB headquarters in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, Governor Antoine was accompanied by the chair of the Monetary Council, Dr. Honourable Timothy S. Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis. The governor said that whereas an official announcement would be forthcoming in short order, he was in a position to confirm that the process was progressing smoothly. Said Governor Antoine: On the question of RBC, the ECCB has approved the application for the sale of the RBC operations in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union to a consortium of indigenous or national banks. That process is now moving forward, and an announcement will be made in due course. But the idea is to conclude that transaction not too long from now. So that is moving forward. In fact, I can tell you only yesterday [on Thursday, 11 February 2021] we submitted to the finance ministers a vesting order or vesting orders, which is an important legal instrument to transfer assets from one bank or banking entity to another. So that process is moving forward." The governor also briefly addressed the recent announcement by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) that its bid to sell a majority stake in FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited (FCIB) failed to meet the approval of Caribbean regulators. In terms of the sale of CIBC, I would simply confirm that regulators across the region considered it. Central Bank of Barbados is the lead regulator, based on the jurisdiction of CIBC FCIB. But all regulators, including the ECCB, were involved in that discussion, and came to that decision which has been conveyed and you are correct the application was denied. In 2019, the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) completed the sale of much of its stake in the Eastern Caribbean to the Trinidad and Tobago-based Republic Bank. In October 2020, BNS declared that it had reached an arrangement for the sale of its services in Antigua and Barbuda to the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank Limited (ECAB). The settlement is subject to regulatory permissions and other conventional closing requirements. Related Thousands of Algerians rally ahead of Hirak protests anniversary Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Thursday announced the dissolution of the lower house of parliament and called early legislative elections. Addressing the nation on state television, Tebboune announced a government reshuffle in the next 24-48 hours and ordered the release of 60 detainees of a protest movement that forced his predecessor, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, from power in 2019. "I decided to dissolve the assembly and call elections to build a new institution," he said, without giving a date for the elections. The current lawmakers of the lower house had been elected for five years in May 2017, with Bouteflika's allies having an overwhelming majority. Tebboune said the dissolution decision was part of reforms after amendments to the constitution in November last year aimed at giving parliament more powers. Algerians have been awaiting the implementation of economic and political reforms Tebboune promised after succeeding Bouteflika, who stepped down in 2019 following mass protests after two decades in power. The North African OPEC member country has been under financial pressure due to a sharp fall in energy earnings, forcing the government to cut spending and delay some planned investment projects. Elected in December 2019, Tebboune has vowed to take steps aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil and gas, which account for 60% of the state budget and 94% of total export revenue. Tebboune returned home earlier this month from Germany where he underwent surgery on his foot for complications after a coronavirus infection. Tebboune, a former prime minister under Bouteflika, was elected amid protests demanding the departure of the whole ruling elite, with many of them boycotting the vote as they saw it as unfair and not transparent. Several activists have been in detention since the protests broke out on Feb. 22. Tebboune said in his speech 55-60 detainees would be released immediately, a demand that has been repeatedly raised by the leaderless protest movement known as Hirak. The release comes amid calls on social media to stage street marches in the capital, Algiers, to mark the second anniversary of the demonstrations. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets on Tuesday in the eastern town of Kherrata, the first protests since the government banned marches in March last year as part of measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus. "We have vowed to meet all demands raised by the Hirak," Tebboune said in the speech. Short link: Aboudia: Its possible to grow up on the street and become someone Ahead of a dedicated online sale, the acclaimed Ivorian artist discusses the ideas behind his distinctive work and its links to the African street children who find escape through graffiti Nouchi, it seems, is many things. Literally, its a combination of two words from the West African Malinke language that together mean moustache a reference to the bad guys of 1970s westerns who inspired a group of imitators on the streets of Abidjan, the capital of Cote dIvoire. From there, it became the name of the slang spoken on those streets a fusion of Ivorian vocabulary and French that is now so widely popular it has its own writing system and admirers throughout the French-speaking world. Then, it became the term used by the celebrated Ivorian artist Aboudia (aka Abdoulaye Diarrassouba) to describe his distinctive style influenced by the graffiti of Abidjan and the traditional wood carvings of West Africa which has led to comparisons with Basquiat. Given a different spelling, Noutchy, it is also the name of the artists dog and companion during lockdown, which Aboudia largely spent in Abidjan, his home city. Hence Aboudia: Noutchy in New York City, the title of a dedicated online sale, from 25 February to 12 March, of paintings and works on paper created by the artist over the past year. It is accompanied by a solo exhibition of the works on sale, in Christies Rockefeller Center galleries from 4 to 8 March. Aboudia was born in 1983 in Abengourou, 200km from Abidjan, and discovered art which he describes as this little thing in me, a place for drawing at school. After winning a competition called Draw Me Your Dream, he left home, aged 15, to study at the Centre Technique des Arts Appliques in Bingerville, sleeping in the classroom when the other students had left for the night. He graduated from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Abidjan in 2005. His work came to the attention of the wider world in the wake of the conflict that followed Cote dIvoires presidential elections in December 2010. While other artists fled Abidjan, Aboudia stayed in his studio, hiding in the cellar as the bullets whistled overhead, then venturing outside and painting what he saw. Despite creating 21 canvases during this time, he insists he is not a war painter. I was simply describing a situation, to create a record of my countrys recent history, he says. Artists, writers, filmmakers are spokespersons for an entire nation, their nation, and the world. His enduring subject remains the children who live on the streets of Abidjans toughest neighbourhoods, and, by extension, everywhere else. There arent many things more important than kids, he says in our short film above. Children are the next generation, the pillars of the country, of every country around the world. The street doesnt make children. Is it the children who are leaving home? Or their parents who are throwing them out? I ask myself these questions constantly. Like the street kids murals, Aboudias own works heavily layered canvases mixing collage, acrylic paint and oil stick incorporate found materials such as newspaper and magazine cut-outs. I pick them up from the street, he says. Out of rubbish bins, off the pavement. I use cardboard, charcoal and pencil, to reflect the reality of these children. They draw their dreams using chalk and charcoal and anything else they can find. Aboudias phantasmagorical visions can be dark and brutal, often featuring skulls and guns, but the children themselves are outlined in vibrant oil stick, their startled faces retaining an innocence that belies their privations and the violence that surrounds them. You have to show that, despite the pain and the sadness and the suffering, these children are happy, says the artist. Thats what I do with colour, show the joy of these children. Im treating something negative with joy, with colour, with verve. Today, Aboudia is one of the biggest names in contemporary African art. He was included in both of the Pangaea exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery in 2014 and 2015, is represented by galleries in London, New York and Barcelona as well as Abidjan, and has exhibited at major art fairs from Art Basel in Basel and Miami to 1:54 in London, New York and Marrakech. Championed by Jean Pigozzi and Charles Saatchi, his work is highly sought-after by private collectors. In October 2020, Untitled, from 2013, sold at Christies in London for 52,500, setting a new auction record for the artist. Earlier in the year, Famille Seule, executed in 2018, fetched 43,750, nearly five times the high estimate. With success has come a sense of responsibility towards other artists and the street kids who inspire him, whom he supports through his cultural centre and foundation in Bingerville. Thats my modest contribution, because it is thanks to their story that I have my story, and we have to help each other, he says. The foundation helps them access health and education, and it encourages them not to lose hope. It shows them that life on the streets doesnt have to be a death sentence, that its possible to grow up on the street and become someone. Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe 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. Teachers should be given a pay rise of up to 15 per cent over the next two years, an inquiry into the NSW public school workforce has found, and an extra two hours a week off class to plan classes and work with colleagues. The NSW Department of Education should also create new career pathways for teachers, including roles as advisers on issues such as curriculum or disability, as well as new expert and master teacher roles, the inquiry found. Former West Australian premier Geoff Gallop led an inquiry into the changing nature of teachers work. Credit:James Brickwood The inquiry was commissioned by the NSW Teachers Federation and chaired by former West Australian premier Geoff Gallop, who spent 12 months examining evidence on the changing nature of teachers jobs since 2004. The NSW Industrial Relations Commission held similar work-value inquiries into teaching four times between 1970 and 2004, ordering pay rises of between 9.5 and 23 per cent. It no longer holds such inquiries. Through this agreement, Hawaiian Electric demonstrates its commitment to renewable resources and the multiple benefits they can provide to the grid. Open Access Technology International, Inc. (OATI) is pleased to announce the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved the second Grid Services Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with Hawaiian Electric. With this agreement, GSPA, OATI will continue to expand the provision of grid services to Hawaiian Electric. The Grid Services Program in Hawaii is widely acknowledged as the new model for power system operations. It has a unique design linking the utility, grid service suppliers, and end customers. This new phase of the innovative effort to deliver grid reliability services from demand-side resources was approved by the Hawaii PUC on December 31, 2020. The Grid Services project uses members of OATIs Energy Alliance for access to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) from solar PV battery energy storage systems, and traditional demand response resources such as water heaters with smart controls. OATI and its Energy Alliance members will work cooperatively with Hawaiian Electric to subscribe customers to this program who will receive incentives from Hawaiian Electric for their participation. The OATI cloud-based system will manage the delivery of the grid services from DER-based virtual power plants (VPPs) to assure even greater reliability on Hawaiian Electrics island grids and savings to Hawaiian Electric customers. OATIs system dynamically supports the delivery of Fast Frequency Response, and scheduled load-shifting through Capacity Build, and Capacity Reduction grid services to Hawaiian Electric to ease the integration of renewable energy. The frequency response service is fulfilled by a setpoint trigger or droop control function that provides Hawaiian Electric with additional emergency response capabilities. OATIs system solution is applicable to all markets throughout North America as it includes aggregators, suppliers, and wholesale operations, opening a multitude of benefits that allow for renewable assets to produce ancillary revenue. Aggregators working with OATI can provide wholesale grid services, enhance grid operations, and increase revenues to the owner of the renewable asset. This project builds on OATIs work to cover all aspects of the recent FERC Order 2222 which allows for distributed assets to be leveraged by wholesale markets. We would like to thank Hawaiian Electric for extending our partnership on a paradigm-shifting project. said Sasan Mokhtari, president and CEO of OATI. Through this agreement, Hawaiian Electric demonstrates its commitment to renewable resources and the multiple benefits they can provide to the grid. Our islands have small, stand-alone grids with the highest levels of renewable generation in the nation, which makes them sensitive to supply and demand imbalances, said Yoh Kawanami, co-director of customer energy resources at Hawaiian Electric. This project is another important opportunity for Hawaiian Electric and OATI to continue to develop an innovative portfolio of customer-sited resources that meet a variety of grid requirements, while providing additional choices and benefits for our customers. About OATI OATI provides innovative solutions that simplify, streamline, and empower the operational tasks required in todays energy commerce and Smart Grid. Working alongside Utility providers and their customers, OATI successfully deploys and hosts diverse mission-critical solutions committed to industry standards and stringent security guidelines. OATI (http://www.oati.com) is a leading provider of Smart Grid, Distribution, Energy Trading and Risk Management, Transmission Scheduling, Congestion Management, and Market Management products and services. OATI is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with offices in California, Punjab, Telangana, and Singapore. For more information, please contact sales@oati.net. About Hawaiian Electric Since 1891, Hawaiian Electric has provided the energy that has fueled Hawaiis development from a Polynesian kingdom to a modern American state. Hawaiian Electric serves 95 percent of the states 1.4 million residents on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Lanai and Molokai. Hawaiian Electric is committed to empowering its customers and communities with affordable, reliable, clean energy and achieving a 100 percent renewable energy future for Hawaii. In 2020, close to 35 percent of the energy used by Hawaiian Electric customers came from a diverse mix of renewable sources including waste-to-energy, biomass, geothermal, hydro, wind, biofuels and solar, both utility-scale and customer-sited rooftop systems. Hawaiian Electric is a leading employer with more than 2,700 team members across its five-island service territory. It is owned by parent company Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE: HE). For more information, visit: http://www.hawaiianelectric.com. (Reuters) - A young woman protester in Myanmar who was shot in the head last week as police dispersed a crowd died on Friday, her brother said, marking the first death among opponents of the Feb. 1 military coup since they began demonstrating two weeks ago. News of her death came as police and soldiers arrested about 50 people in the northern town of Myitkyina, a human rights activist said, after breaking up a procession carrying banners of detained government leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who had just turned 20, had been on life support since being taken to hospital on Feb. 9, after she was hit by what doctors said was a live bullet at a protest in the capital, Naypyitaw. "I feel really sad and have nothing to say," said her brother, Ye Htut Aung, speaking by telephone. Her death could become a rallying cry for the protesters who were again on the streets on Friday. "I'm proud of her and I'll come out until we achieve our goal for her," protester Nay Lin Htet, 24, told Reuters at a rally in the main city of Yangon. Friday marks two weeks of daily demonstrations against the military's seizure of power and the arrest veteran democracy campaigner Suu Kyi. The protests in towns and cities throughout the ethnically diverse country have been more peaceful than the bloodily suppressed demonstrations during nearly 50 years of direct military rule up to 2011. But police have fired rubber bullets several times to break up crowds. The army says one policeman died of injuries sustained in a protest. In Myitkyina, baton-wielding police and soldiers sent protesters scattering down a street lined with shops, video on social media showed. Rights activist Stella Naw said about 50 people had been detained. "The military truck is just picking people up from the protest," she said. Clashes have occurred in the town, the capital of Kachin State, over the past two weeks with police firing rubber bullets and using catapults to disperse crowds. Story continues Police in Yangon sealed off the city's main protest site near the Sule Pagoda, setting up barricades on access roads to an intersection where tens of thousands have gathered this week. Hundreds of people gathered at the barricades anyway, a witness said, while a procession of several thousand formed at another protest site near the university and set off for the city centre. 'SYMBOLIC' SANCTIONS As well as the protests, a civil disobedience campaign has paralysed much government business and international pressure is building on the military. Britain and Canada announced new sanctions on Thursday and Japan said it had agreed with India, the United States and Australia on the need for democracy to be restored quickly. The junta has not reacted to the new sanctions. On Tuesday, an army spokesman told a news conference that sanctions had been expected. There is little history of Myanmar's generals giving in to foreign pressure and they have closer ties to neighbouring China and to Russia, which have taken a softer approach than long critical Western countries. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing was already under sanctions from Western countries following the 2017 crackdown on the Muslim Rohingya minority. "Sanctioning military leaders is largely symbolic, but the moves to sanction military companies will be much more effective," said Mark Farmaner, director of the Burma Campaign UK group, in a reaction to the sanctions. Youth leader and activist Thinzar Shunlei Yi applauded Britain's asset freezes and travel bans on three generals as well as steps to stop any aid helping the military and to prevent British businesses working with the army. Canada said it would take action against nine military officials. After decades of military rule, businesses linked to the army have a significant stake across the economy in the country of 53 million people, with interests ranging from banking to beer, telecoms and transport. The army seized back power after alleging fraud in Nov. 8 elections won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, halting a transition to democracy that had begun in 2011 and detaining her and hundreds of others. Myanmar's Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said 521 people had been detained as of Thursday. Of them, 44 had been released. Protesters have called for the recognition of last year's election as well as the release of Suu Kyi and other detainees. Suu Kyi, 75, faces a charge of violating a Natural Disaster Management Law as well as charges of illegally importing six walkie talkie radios. Her next court appearance has been set for March 1. She spent nearly 15 years under house arrest for her efforts to bring democracy and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her struggle. (Writing by Matthew Tostevin, Robert Birsel; Editing by Lincoln Feast & Simon Cameron-Moore) Focusing on Your Core Competence The telecom industry is undergoing a constant change. This is why we at Ciena continue to foster innovation by focusing on what we do best and create an environment that encourages open lines of communication with our customers and employees. Focusing on what you do best is essential. For example, much of Cienas success can be attributed to our focus of being an industry specialist. We are an organization that focuses on specific segments of the networking market. This has led to impressive innovations from our research and development teams. For example, at the GLIF 2014 conference in New Zealand we demonstrated the ability to transport a live, encrypted, 4K video stream spanning approximately 30,000 km with latency of less than one-quarter of a second. This is truly amazing when one considers the possible real life applications for enabling a state of the art telemedicine practices. It is also important for companies to create an open communication environment where every voiceis considered. The relationship with our customers have taught us that productive business relationships are not transactional. They are involved in collaborative engagements that helps us understand whats happening within the customer network, and what the impact isor could beto their business. This methodology has become something very cultural to Ciena, and has resulted in trust being earned over the long term. The company culture promotes meaningful relationships inside the organization whichis also incredibly important. The employees who develop the products and solutions are the people who deserve the recognition for Cienas innovation. Ciena's Technical Awards of Distinction program, which celebrates the customer-driven ingenuity of Cienas engineering community, is an example of employee recognition. Last year, we recognized a group of Ciena scientists who hold a combined 300 plus patents and have a history of innovation in the telecom industry. We value these programsas they portray our companys commitment to its employees. When people work for an organization that value its employees, they dont feel like they are walking on eggshells, instead there is a form of candor where people can speak their mind. In such an environment, information and authority flow freely, there is a velocity about getting things done that is special, and there is a form of commitment from individuals to the organization. Defining Internet of Things in Telecom Terms The Internet of Things (IOT) will cause a substantial shift in the way telecom networks are designed, deployed and operated. The concept of the IOT is to install sensors on consumer or commercial hardware to communicate application-relevant information to a centralized storage or decision-making facility. This means that the IOT is dependent on the networkwithout the ability to share the newly created data, it becomes useless. It is only once a high quality connection is in place that the IOT and its applications becomes a powerful tool that both consumers and commercial actors are sure to benefit from. The Networks began by connecting places (as telephones do), then evolved to people (as mobile devices do). Now we are targeting atconnecting devices. As more things become connected legacy networks that were designed for connecting people will require a drastic overhaul. No longer can static connections support the staggering amount of data being created, next generation networks must possess intelligence to enable the network to store, transport and analyze large volumes of data in a secure and efficient manner. Newly emerging Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technologies, when deployed properly offer this needed network intelligence. Mobile networks are a great example to illustrate how next generation technologies can support the IOT. Since many of the devices in the IOT will be connected by mobile devices. Mobile networks will need to evolve to accommodate the transfer of the wide dynamic range of classes of service that are required. The network must be able to differentiate between critical, important or best effort information transfers and make intelligent decisions in real time. As society continues to become more connected, it is important for companies to ensure that their networks are able to support the surging demand for applications and devices, and understand that the IOT requires a fundamental re-architecting of the network, not just a near-term optical upgrade. Gearing Up for the Demands of Tomorrow Meeting the needs of todays application-centric end user continues to be a challenge for network operators. The shift to the cloud is now in full swing and is causing a seemingly unabated growth in data. The cloud has rapidly increased the capacity needed from the network and has drastically changed the bandwidth needed in the network, making it far less predictable and much harder to manage. Over the top (OTT) applications offer a great illustration of just how unpredictable traffic demand can be. Netflix is the most obvious example of an OTT application that creates unprecedented demand and shows how meeting this demand will be a significant challenge. A recent Ciena study conducted by ACG research found that average household bandwidth requirements are poised to increase by 31 percent annually over the next five yearsfrom a peak hour average usage per household of 2.9 Mbps in 2014 to 7.3 Mbps in 2018. Much of the traffic increase is the result of the adoption of mobile technologies. It is also worth noting the increasing d e v e l o p m e n t of both IOT and 4K video as the two will create additional demand for bandwidth. Today, both enterprises and consumers expect 24/7 connectivity and it is up to network operators to ensure that their demands are met while also living within both CAPEX and OPEX constraints of their businesses. To attain this goal, they must transform their network infrastructure from having traditional rigid connections that managed predictable traffic demands to one that leverages more efficient, flexible, virtualized architectures that can help operators differentiate their services. The converged packet optical and software solutions can help in such situations. They can not only provide the necessary bandwidth needed, but also transform the network to be more agile, programmable and fully capable of supporting a plethora of specialized network services. The technology is available today and it is now up to the telecom industry and its stakeholders prepare their networks today, for the demands of tomorrow. Pro-democracy protesters display portraits of Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha (bottom right) and his ministers during an anti-government demonstration outside the parliament, while MPs debate an upcoming no-confidence vote, in Bangkok, Feb. 19, 2021. Thailands parliament on Friday wrapped up four days of debate on a no-confidence motion pushed by the opposition over the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, its vaccine strategy, and the economic fallout from the year-old health crisis. However, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and his nine cabinet members this weekend are expected to survive the second no-confidence vote brought against them since last February. The governments pandemic response was flawed, causing Thailand to lose billions of dollars in revenue last year from the countrys lucrative tourism industry, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP with the oppositions Move Forward Party, said in parliament during debating this week. From tourism alone, which employed 8 million people in 2020, we lost 1.5 trillion baht (U.S. $50 billion) last year, Wiroj said. The governments response to COVID-19 had caused damage to the country, Prasert Jantararuangthong, secretary of Thailands largest opposition party, Pheu Thai, said in early January, when the party was planning to introduce the latest no-confidence motion, Bloomberg reported at the time. Prayuth had been slow in signing vaccine deals, which will delay the country in reopening its borders and prevent a recovery in the tourism industry, according to Wiroj. Prayuth and [Health Minister] Anutin [Charnvirakul] know well that every month the vaccine rollout is delayed, it costs people 250 billion baht (U.S. $8.3 billion). Every day Prayuth Chan-o-cha wastes his breath, the nation loses 8.3 million baht (U.S. $276 million) - daily, the opposition lawmaker said during the debate. Thailand is among five Southeast Asian countries that have yet to begin COVID-19 vaccinations. The others are Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Prayuth, for his part, defended the governments vaccine policy on the parliamentary floor. The government has never been slow, but vaccine delivery cannot be done at once. There are negotiations and signings of contrast. We have to be careful, the prime minister told MPs. Im concerned that too much talk on vaccine could affect the willingness of the providers to send us vaccines. Wiroj and others also criticized the government for relying heavily on coronavirus vaccines from one developer, in this case, Anglo-Swedish firm AstraZeneca. Why is the government risking the lives of all Thais while waiting for the AstraZeneca vaccine? Wiroj said in parliament, according to the Reuters news agency. Thailand signed a contract in November with AstraZeneca to acquire 26 million doses of the vaccine for 13.5 million people. Prayuth later said he planned to order an additional 35 million doses from AstraZeneca, but didnt give details about their expected delivery dates or whether they would be produced locally. In November, Thailand also signed a technology transfer agreement with AstraZeneca to enable local drug maker Siam Biosciences to produce the vaccine. The government said this week that the local company would produce the first batch of 26 million AstraZeneca doses. Thailand also has a deal to buy vaccines from Chinas Sinovac Biotech, but that order is for just 2 million doses. The first lot of AstraZeneca vaccines was expected be ready in June. In late January, Anutin, the health minister, said 50,000 emergency doses from the first AstraZeneca order would arrive by mid-February, but European Union restrictions on the export of COVID-19 vaccines delayed their arrival. On Thursday, Anutin said that the first batch of the Sinovac vaccines order was expected this month and the first COVID-19 inoculation would happen immediately after. I can confirm herein that the first lot of 200,000 [Sinovac] doses will arrive in February and we will administer the first dose as soon as possible, Anutin said at a press conference. Deliveries of another two batches of Sinovac vaccines will be complete by no later than June, Anutin added. Also last month, the minister said that with the AstraZeneca and Sinovac deals, the orders were enough to cover about 63 percent of the targeted population of 50 million who will be vaccinated. Protesters demonstrate outside parliament As lawmakers were concluding their discussions tied to the no-confidence motion, hundreds of pro-democracy protesters held a mock no-confidence debate outside parliament on Friday. Protest organizers set up a big screen, on which they played the debate that was underway in the legislature. They shouted anti-government slogans and banged on pots and pans to show their dissent, just like protesters in neighboring Myanmar, where a military coup toppled Aung San Suu Kyi, the countrys civilian leader, on Feb. 1. Prayuth is a former army chief and ex-head of a junta that seized power after he led a military coup against the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra in May 2014. He was again installed as prime minister after a general election in 2019, but critics charged that the polls were skewed in the militarys favor through a new constitution that enabled it to hold onto power. Despite these protests and the accusations from the opposition, Prayuth and his ministers will survive the no-confidence vote scheduled for Saturday, Pittikorn Panyamanee, a PhD researcher at Chiang Mai Universitys social sciences faculty, said on Friday. No matter how strong the evidence of whether the government mishandled the pandemic response, the parliament will vote in favor of the government. The parliament is a just a rubber stamp, Pittikorn told BenarNews. He was referring to how Prayuths coalition commands a parliamentary majority. Worst economic performance in 2 decades In mid-January 2020, Thailand became the first country outside of China to confirm a case of the novel coronavirus virus disease, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. Thailand announced restrictions on travel and businesses last March, forcing hundreds of thousands of foreign workers to go home. Although the country had limited the spread of new coronavirus infections and allowed businesses to reopen, migrant laborers who had returned to their countries began coming back in late 2020 via illegal border crossings. Until mid-December, Thailand had been among countries least affected by the global pandemic but the coronavirus caseload shot up after hundreds of new infections were detected around then, mostly among migrant workers at the countrys largest seafood market-complex in Samut Sakhon, near Bangkok. The country has now recorded more than 25,000 coronavirus cases and a total of 83 virus-related deaths, although new infections have been on a downward trend this month. Concurrent with the pandemic, Thailands economy contracted by 6.1 percent in 2020 the worst performance in two decades according to data released on Monday by the National Economic and Social Development Council. The pandemic hammered the tourism, manufacturing and export sectors, data showed. The council lowered its 2021 growth forecast to between 2.5 and 3.5 percent, from the 3.5-4.5 percent it projected last November. Kunnawut Boonreak contributed to this report from Chiang Mai, Thailand. A Melbourne man who allegedly posed as a 19-year-old woman and disseminated child abuse material in an online chat group called Sharing is Caring has been charged by federal police. The 57-year-old from Lysterfield, in the citys south-east, was arrested last week and charged with transmitting and possessing child abuse material after a tip-off from US Homeland Security Investigations. US officers had arrested a person in Boston, Massachusetts and informed the Australian Federal Police that they believed someone in Australia had shared images of children being sexually abused to an online social media chat group. An investigation by the AFP led to the identification of a 57-year-old man as the alleged user of the account, which purportedly belonged to a 19-year-old woman. The mans home was raided by Victorian and federal police on February 12. Officers seized a mobile phone and other electronic devices, which are being forensically examined. 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 Bergen County man was arrested Tuesday and charged in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 4-year-old boy and left a 6-year-old classmate in critical condition after he dropped them off at a school in New York, authorities said. Yehiel Guzi, 76, of Old Tappan, is charged with criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and acting in a manner injurious to a child, the New York City Police Department said in a statement. Police said the crash occurred about 9 a.m. on Jan. 4 in the 2000 block of 62nd Street in Brooklyn when the driver of a van moved south on 67th Street from a parked position and struck the two boys. Yoshi Balaban, 4, of Staten Island, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 6-year-old who also lives on Staten Island was taken to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition, police said. The boys were being dropped off for school by Guzi at Yeshiva Ketana when they were hit by the van, sources told SILive.com. Guzi stopped the van to let out a group of schoolchildren from the passenger side, which included the two boys, SILive.com reported. He then allegedly hit the children as they crossed in front of him. An NYPD patrol unit was stationed outside Yeshiva Ketana of Bensonhurst on Monday, hours after a 4-year-old boy was killed and a 6-year-old boy injured after police say they were struck by a 76-year-old driver who had just dropped them off. (Staten Island Advance/Kyle Lawson) The New York Daily News reported that Guzi drove off after the crash, circled the block, parked and walked back to the school. When he tried to leave the area, he was called back by school administrators at the request of the police, according to the report. Guzi, who was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday, was released on bail, according to published reports. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. (JNS) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Monday at his office in Jerusalem with the head of the research project at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital), where an anti-coronavirus drug is being developed and has shown promising results. "If this succeeds, it will be huge, simply huge," Netanyahu said to professor Nadir Arber about the new drug, called EXO-CD24, according to the Prime Minister's Office. "This is of global significance. This is amazing. I wish you success. If you need anything, say it and we will help you. This little thing could change the... MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) Security forces in Somalia's capital fired on hundreds of people protesting the delay of the country's election on Friday as at least one explosion was reported at the international airport and armored personnel carriers blocked major streets. The chaos occurred hours after Somalias government and opposition leaders said gunfire erupted overnight near the presidential palace. There was no immediate word of deaths. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed is under pressure as the Feb. 8 election date came and went without resolution of issues related to how the vote is conducted in the Horn of Africa nation. Information Minister Osman Dubbe said armed militia attacked a military post in Mogadishu overnight but was repulsed. But former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed asserted that the government had raided the hotel near the presidential palace where he and another former president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, were staying ahead of the protest. The fresh gunfire began shortly after a former prime minister, Hassan Ali Khaire, began leading the protest march. Khaire in a statement asserted that shells fired against the protesters landed inside the airport grounds. As protesters scattered, some angry Somalis warned the president that retaliatory violence could occur. If this is what (the president) wants, he will get more of it because this is what we know best, said one demonstrator, Mohamed Abdi Halane, a militia leader for one of Somalia's powerful clans. One clan leader, Mohamed Ali Had, said that trying to suppress our views was what forced us to oust late dictator Siad Barre, which led to the destruction of the country three decades ago. The United Nations and others have urged Somali political leaders to solve their differences quickly. The U.N. on Friday said the new clashes underscore the urgent need. This attack is yet another example of the governments desperate attempts to suppress the voice of the people who oppose (the) federal governments failure to hold national elections, one presidential candidate, Abdinasir Abdille Mohamed, tweeted. Bankruptcy proceedings against former Browder's company completed flickr.com/World Economic Forum 10:51 19/02/2021 MOSCOW, February 19 (RAPSI) The Commercial Court of the Republic of Kalmykia has completed bankruptcy proceedings against a firm believed to be formerly controlled by William Browders Hermitage Capital Management, according to court records. The court has granted a petition lodged by Kirill Nogotkov, a bankruptcy manager of the former Browders company. In November 2019, the Sixteenth Commercial Court of Appeals upheld recovery of 388,400 rubles ($5,200) from HSBC Bank and HSBC Management in favor of Dalnaya Step, denying granting its claim in full. Dalnaya Step therefore lost an appeal filed against a lower courts ruling of August 16 ordering the two companies to pay Dalnaya Step this sum instead of 125.3 million rubles (nearly $2 million) demanded by the claimant. According to Nogotkov, these costs accumulated during review of his claim on recovery of 1.2 billion rubles ($16 million at the current exchange rate) in debts of the Dalnaya Step from the HSBC Management and HSBC Bank (RR). In June 2017, the plaintiff filed a claim to collect funds totaling to 1.2 billion rubles, $255,500 and 1,800,000 from the defendants, who were formerly in control of the company. In August of that year, the Commercial Court of the Republic of Kalmykia granted the lawsuit. The Sixteenth Commercial Court of Appeals upheld the ruling in October 2017. However, in November, the North Caucasus District Commercial Court reduced the amount to be collected from the defendants in favor of Dalnaya Step by $255,500 and 1,800,000 respectively. On March 21, 2016, the court ruled to resume bankruptcy proceedings with regard to Dalnaya Step. According to an acting manager back then, proceedings were still in effect and there was a need to make former controllers of the company accountable. In 2015, the department of Russias Federal Tax Service (FTS) for the Republic of Kalmykia filed a motion with the court to declare void a decision made in October 2007 to complete the liquidation of Dalnaya Step. The FTS department said the reason for the petition was that Russias Interior Ministry was investigating Alexander Dolzhenko, a former bankruptcy manager at Dalnaya Step, on suspicion of premeditated bankruptcy. Criminal cases The conflict between Russian authorities and Hermitage Capital CEO William Browder is long-lasting. In December, Browder was arrested in absentia as part of a new criminal case over organizing a criminal network. Browder is to be detained for two months from the day of his potential arrest, extradition or deportation. The defendant did not show up for the hearing as he lives in Great Britain. The new case was launched against Hermitage Capital CEO on November 16. Browder is charged with organization of a criminal community and faces up to 20 years in prison. According to Russian law enforcement, the defendant is on the international wanted list and the damage he allegedly caused is estimated at 10.5 billion rubles ($142 million at the current exchange rate). Investigators believe that Browder created and leaded an organized criminal group to make grave crimes in Russia including tax evasion, fraud, deliberate bankruptcy, money laundering. In December 2017, a Moscow court sentenced Browder to 9 years in prison in absentia for deliberate bankruptcy and tax evasion. His business partner Ivan Cherkasov received 8 years in prison. The defendants were also fined 200,000 rubles (about $3,000) each. Moreover, Moscows Tverskoy District Court granted a civil lawsuit and recovered 4.3 billion rubles (about $65 million) from the defendants in favor of the Russian Federation. In June, the sentence was upheld. In 2013, a Russian court sentenced Browder in absentia to 9 years in a penal colony. It was found that between 1997 and 2002, Hermitage Capital auditor Sergey Magnitsky created and applied an illegal tax evasion scheme in the interests of Browder. Magnitsky worked for Firestone Duncan and represented Hermitage Capital, which the Russian authorities accused of tax evasion. Magnitsky was arrested on fraud charges in November 2008 and found dead in a Moscow detention center in November 2009. The lawyers death provoked an international outcry, including international sanctions against Russia. In July 2013, Moscows Tverskoy District Court found Magnitsky guilty of tax evasion and closed the case due to his death. According to the case materials, Magnitskys and Hermitage Capital director William Browders actions cost Russia over 500 million rubles (about $7 million at the current exchange rate). (Natural News) An industry that is above the law, indemnified from legal responsibilities, wields absolute power over the peoples lives and is capable of blaming its products defects on the victims that they harm. The media is now rife with stories of coronavirus vaccine injury, but these injuries are being blamed on the immune system of the recipient, not on the faulty science of the vaccines. Jane Roberts of the Daily Memphian reports on the sudden death of a young orthopedic surgeon at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. According to the report, Dr. J. Barton Williams (36) passed away not long after receiving the covid-19 vaccine. The previously healthy surgeon began to experience multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS) after vaccination. MIS is one of the twenty-six adverse events that the FDA initially warned about when the covid-19 vaccines were rushed through clinical trials and approved for emergency use. MIS is an autoimmune reaction that involves life-threatening inflammation of the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs and can lead to death. Hospital conspires to rule out COVID vaccine as the cause of young surgeons death Instead of investigating the role that the vaccine caused in the doctors death, his former colleagues are trying to rule out any link to the vaccine. We want to be sure there is no indication that there is any relationship to the vaccine at this point, said Baptist infectious disease expert Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, in an official statement. Baptist physicians admitted they are working with the CDC to eliminate any notion that the mans death was related to the vaccine. The infectious disease experts are trying to blame the doctors immune system for the death and are making the absurd claim that a previous COVID infection was the culprit behind his death, despite the hospital never recovering the virus from him. The deceased Dr. Williams had never tested positive for covid-19 and was even vaccinated to ensure that the virus would never affect him. The hospital is trying to declare that the doctors death was the first case of someone who died of a delayed immune response to COVID and had received the vaccine. In actuality, this is the latest incidence of MEDICAL FRAUD where medical professionals are conspiring to coverup a vaccine injury by blaming COVID for the death of the man who was vaccinated for COVID and showed no positive test for COVID. The hospitals baseless theory hinges on the results of an antibody test they administered after the doctors death. Because the doctor had antibodies to coronavirus infection, his death can suddenly be blamed on a presumed infection that occurred months ago. The medical authorities are blaming the deceased doctors immune system, right after the covid-19 experimental technology failed his body. Medical establishment covering for the vaccine industry by blaming the victims of vaccine injury Dr. Scott Strome, executive dean of the College of Medicine at University of Tennessee Health Science Center, is blaming the deceased doctors sudden onset of MIS as an immunological response to a previous COVID infection, not a reaction to the vaccine. Dr. Threlkeld went along with the theory, dismissing the deceased doctors multiple negative COVID tests and pretending COVID was behind it all. Dr. Threlkeld believes the patient could have had a COVID infection long ago, an infection that could have caused systemic inflammation and death long after the man recovered from the infection. Dr. Strome postulates that the patients immune system did not turn itself off. It [the immune system] has to know when its done, he asserted. If it doesnt have that, you get an autoimmune situation. Whatever the reason, the body still thinks it has a threat and doesnt turn itself off. Then you get this systematic inflammation. With the mans cause of death outstanding, and with autopsy results still pending, Dr. Threlkeld, said, This is not a reason to not get the vaccine. This is a reason to get the vaccine. Only people who have had COVID-19 have developed this life-threatening process. It is now apparent that the medical establishment is trying to set new deceitful precedent to cover for the vaccine industry and protect the doctors who administer them by blaming all complications and deaths post vaccination on the victims own body. Sources include: DailyMemphian.com NaturalNews.com 27944 Dr. Thomas L. Miller, MD, Chief Medical Officer, University of Utah Health Dr. Thomas L. Miller, MD, Chief Medical Officer, University of Utah Health It was in Prague, a city dating back to the 9th century, where inspiration initially struck for a digital innovation aimed at serving patients at University of Utah Health. On a family vacation, my wife and I used an online travel site for the first time. In this case, it was Trip Advisor and it was transformative. My family had information, at our fingertips, on which to base our decisions. That vacation went more smoothly than any previous trip because we werent forced to spend the usual amount of time making plans, booking reservations, and leafing through guide books. The younger generationmy daughters-- were especially wowed. What if patients could have information at their fingertips when making choices, making decisions regarding their health care? What if patients could select potential providers based on verifiable reviews from a broad collection of previous patients? Thus, University of Utah Health became the first health care system in the country to post unedited online physician reviews, and comments, from patients. That innovation boosted our reputation for a high level of patient satisfaction and it has been a prominent factor in a nine-year string of top-ten placements in Vizients annual Quality Rankings for the nations top academic centers. Since we began our online review process, weve seen the number of page views for physician information skyrocket. Our online reviews went live in December of 2012. A year later, traffic to physician profiles had more than doubled. In the year leading up to the innovation we recorded 681,914-page views. In the last 12 months, until November 2018 there were 2,262,094-page views. Any digital marketing strategist would flip handsprings for that kind of growth. The decision to move patient-review data from behind a firewall gave health care consumers a powerful tool to make informed decisions about their physicians The decision to move patient-review data from behind a firewall gave health care consumers a powerful tool to make informed decisions about their physicians. There have long been commercial vendors with sites for ratings and comments but there is no way a reader knows if those opinions truly come from patients. All are anonymous. The surveys could very well come from a providers spouse, or neighbor, or colleague or competitor or even from the provider himself. One goal of ours is to be as transparent as possible. University of Utah Health only publishes reviews of doctors who have worked six months within the system and accumulated at least 30 surveys. Thats far more than the shop-a-doc sites, making ours ring truer for consumers. We dont edit comments. The public is not foolish, people are going to be distrustful if there is not a wide spectrum of comments. We see negative comments as an opportunity to improve. We want to be held accountable. And, as for the positive comments? Theyre far more effective and affordable than advertising. To continue the business metaphor, our online reviews have paid dividends. The transparency not only gives patients more information but encourages providers to change behavior. When confronted with data, physicians have two options. They can ignore it, or they can own it and, if needed, make changes to improve. Most of our faculty intuitively chose the latter. Patient satisfaction scores improve every year. When we started, we had only 1 percent% of providers in the 99th percentile. That climbed to 25 percent% by 2013 and has maintained ever since. For 2017,24 percent% were in the top percentile. Other health centers have started going public with their reviews and have sought our expertise on making it happen. At the US News Healthcare of Tomorrow National Leadership Conference I attended last month in Washington, DC, it was reported that between 125 and 150 medical programs are now online. That amounts to 10 percent% to 15 percent%of all programs in the United States. It cannot be done by just flipping a switch. A medical operation must put an infrastructure in place, to accomplish the conversion. University of Utah Health partners with Press Ganey to survey our patients. Looking to the future: Ultimately, we would like to offer patients satisfaction reviews on long-term outcomes. The surveys we use now are well-designed to assess how well providers are doing in- the-moment. They judge accessibility and whether a physician gets patients involved in their treatment plan. Wed like to know how patients review knee surgery, one year later, for example. But those are not easy to measure. Ideally, we want to establish a process for measuring our clinical success once a patients life goes on. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size On the momentous day of January 6, as a huge mob of rabid Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol, spurred on by a rogue president set on whipping up mayhem on his way out of Washington, Bill Gates was sitting quietly at home in Seattle, glued to his television. Weirdly, I was actually pretty free that day, recalls the co-founder of Microsoft and billionaire philanthropist, leaning forward over a pristine white desk, dressed in his trademark light woollen jumper, button-up shirt and rectangular glasses. I watched the Trump speech and the events at the Capitol; the next thing I knew it was past midnight because Id waited for the confirmation of the electoral votes. Fourteen hours of TV-watching was a record for me; a day of mostly lows, although the ending was positive. Did he break out the bubbly in the wee hours when Congress voted overwhelmingly to confirm Joe Bidens presidential victory? No, everybody had gone to bed, so it was just me. I dont drink champagne on my own. I sent emails to a whole ton of people. Gates has a particularly personal connection with Americas citadel of democracy. Back in 1971, nearly five decades before it would be invaded by an army of rioters driven by false claims of vote-rigging, this tousle-haired 16-year-old boy was rushing up and down its polished corridors, breaking a sweat. I was a messenger boy during my summer break, he tells Good Weekend, smiling at the memory. So I know the Capitol really well: by delivering messages you get to know all the stairwells, elevators and passages. Seeing those unbelievable events take place there it was pretty vivid. Which made Gates suspect, given how easily the rioters wound their way through the byzantine hallways of the building, that it involved a degree of planning. In the days afterwards, news organisations did an amazing job of piecing together video of the insurrection or the attack on the Capitol, whatever words you want to use so I became way more knowledgeable about some of its horrific elements. There is horror, and there is luck, and Gates agrees it could have been a whole lot worse if the house chamber hadnt been swiftly evacuated as the rioters attempted to breach its doors. But the assault, from the moment Trump told his supporters to walk down to the Capitol, was also dolefully symbolic, because this glistening, white, neo-classical pile has long represented a larger vision of America, one that looks outwards, not inwards. While Trumps lawyers in his second impeachment trial claimed his fight like hell speech was not an incitement to riot, Gatess wife Melinda didnt mince words in a speech last month: I think we need to reckon with the fact that this president incited this mob. That is not us as an American people. That is not us as a democracy. Up close, under the unflattering blue tinge of a computer screen were chatting by video link Gates looks every inch his 65 years, his face comfortably crumpled in a road map of lines and age spots. But as he warms to a topic, as his hands move about animatedly and his eyes sparkle, glimmers of the teen geek who dissected code at Seattles private Lakeside School and built computers in his garage remain visible. Perched on a shelf behind him, above an exquisite wooden chess set, is his new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster. Advertisement Gates has a brisk, naturally propulsive way of speaking (If you want to understand the damage climate change will do, take the disruption of COVID-19 and spread it over a much longer time frame). Twenty years ago, Gates would never have predicted hed be speaking publicly about climate change. I certainly wasnt looking for a new cause, he writes in the books introduction. Although the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, regarded as the worlds largest private philanthropic foundation, was established back in 2000, it was actually a follow-on from earlier foundations and charities managed by Gatess father, William H. Gates snr, and by Bill and Melinda themselves, who were married in 1994. (Collectively, the foundations have to date paid more than $US54 billion in grants.) Trips to developing countries in Africa by the couple helped to deepen the foundations work in fighting malaria, HIV/AIDS and polio, and to improve sanitation and health care for women. Gates, who stepped down from Microsoft in 2008, has long said that foreign aid makes the US safe, by stabilising vulnerable parts of the globe and yes, preventing the spread of disease around the world. Bill Gates in Tanzania in 2017. At such places, he says, I wish others could come along and get to meet the people I get to meet. Credit:@thisisbillgates/Instagram The pivot to climate change presents his biggest challenge to date. He was mobilised by a series of meetings in 2006 with climate scientists and former Microsoft executives who were funding R&D into renewable energy sources. Since then, he has outlaid more than $US1 billion on clean-energy projects, including low-emissions cement, steel, meat and more around the world. We have no time to lose, he says, warning that even rich countries like the US and Australia may find themselves becoming net importers of food by the end of this century as their prime agricultural land becomes drier and drier. Loading Gates was especially gratified by Joe Bidens opening salvo of executive orders, signed in the Oval Office immediately following his presidential inauguration: including re-joining the World Health Organisation and the Paris climate agreement, and revoking a permit for the Keystone XL gas pipeline from Canada to the US. In a major policy reversal of the Trump administration, which according to Columbia Law School had rolled back more than 100 environmental protections, Biden vowed to move swiftly on climate change, including launching a $US2 trillion economic plan to propel the transition to clean energy sources. Biden has assembled a really good team of experts and scientists, notes Gates, including making [former secretary of state] John Kerry the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate. Can the new president also go some way towards bridging the great divide that has busted open American society? If anyone has a feel for building consensus, its Biden, according to Gates. Ive known Joe since long before he ran for president, he tells me. I worked with him when he was a senator and as a vice-president, and hes a great listener and negotiator, a thoroughly decent man. Melinda and I havent been with him physically since he was elected, but we had a great phone call where the two main topics were the pandemic and climate change. Im excited about the team hes picked to tackle the health and climate crisis. Advertisement Gates in 1985; 10 years earlier, he had co-founded the software giant Microsoft. Credit:Getty Images It would be a feeble understatement to say that Bill and Melinda Gates were dismayed by the Trump administrations response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which as we go to press has infected more than 27 million Americans and killed nearly 468,000, approximately double the toll of India, a country of 1.38 billion people compared with 330 million in the US. Furious might be a better word to describe their reaction. Only months before COVID started infecting people in Wuhan, the Trump administration ended a $US200 million early-warning program set up to alert the federal government to potential pandemics. In a hauntingly prophetic TED Talk back in April 2015 that has now received more than 33 million page views on YouTube, Gates warned that the world wasnt prepared for another outbreak after the 2014-16 Ebola epidemic, which claimed more than 11,000 lives in Africa. If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, its likely to be a highly infectious virus rather than a war, he announced while striding the stage, at one point pausing beneath a slide of the 1918-20 Spanish flu. We need to do simulations of germ games rather than war games. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Gates says his The Next Outbreak? Were not Ready TED Talk was less a prophecy than an affirmation of the public-health warnings scientists had been issuing since the early 2000s. The mainstream media, notably Time magazine (for which Gates has been a frequent profile subject and contributor), had flagged the increasing risk of a global pandemic through its coverage of the epidemics of SARS, MERS, Ebola, Zika, swine flu and bird flu. But even Gates admits to having initially underestimated the scale of COVID, writing in his blog last year: Even though our foundation had been concerned about a pandemic for a long time especially after the Ebola epidemic in West Africa we were shocked by how drastically COVID-19 ravaged economies, education, around the world. Gates is admiring of Australasias extraordinary success in combating the spread of the virus, partly a consequence of our good luck (geographical isolation and low population density) but also smart government policies (swiftly introduced strict lockdown measures, the closure of national and state borders, sturdy if not foolproof quarantine measures). Most of my conversations with Australian politicians have been about health policy and theyve been positive, says Gates, who has come to our shores multiple times for work and pleasure. Hes currently keen to see the Pilbaras iron-ore mines, believing Australia is missing out on the potential to value-add to our iron ore via you guessed it clean energy. Advertisement How would he rate, on a scale of one to 10, the Trump administrations handling of COVID-19? Probably a two, he replies thoughtfully. A clear message of leadership and a faster reaction to diagnostics would have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. The reason Im giving it a two and not a one is because the US government quickly got $US10 billion to vaccine manufacturers. With wife Melinda in 2013. Credit:Getty Images Bill Gatess consciousness of climate change was initially raised through the problem of energy poverty, which he knows a lot about through his foundations work fighting malaria, AIDS and Ebola in Africa. Nearly 1.6 billion people around the world have no electricity, and a third of the worlds population cook their food and keep warm by burning biomass such as wood, crop waste and dung. Its hard to be productive if you dont have lights to read by, he writes in his new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster. Gates has never been a radical environmentalist, expecting the worlds poorest countries to stunt their economic growth and living standards to reduce carbon emissions. We cant tell the poorest billion people in the world that they cant escape extreme poverty, he says. The world needs to provide more energy so the poorest can thrive, but we need to provide that energy without releasing any more greenhouse gases. The world needs to provide more energy so the poorest can thrive, but we need to provide that energy without releasing any more greenhouse gases. The solution, he says, is to make clean energy sources such as wind and solar so cheap that every country will choose it over climate-warming fossil fuels. In 2015, Gates and a coalition of private investors set up Breakthrough Energy, which researches new technologies and enhancements that can lead to net-zero emissions. Gates is counting on a new generation of entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth through clean energy, regardless of climate-change deniers holding on for dear life in government. This is not pie-in-the-sky fantasy, he insists, and the figures back him up. In 2019, for the first time, renewable energy consumption surpassed coal consumption in the US, despite all the incentives the Trump administration introduced for the fossil fuel industry. Advertisement But even multi-billionaire philanthropists with the best intentions can only do so much. In his book, Gates writes that it is up to governments to design policies that drive research out of the lab and into the market. In 2018 he told Time magazine: The big money is with government. Its over 10 times bigger than all philanthropic things put together. Gates in 2016 at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where he announced a multi-billion-dollar collaboration with the UK government to help end malaria. Credit:Getty Images I mention to Gates the studies showing how one of the prime contributors to climate change unprecedented deforestation is increasing the odds animals will pass on disease to humans by exposing more people to the novel pathogens contained in wildlife habitats. Last year, Gatess good friend Anthony Fauci, Americas top infectious diseases expert, and co-author David Morens warned in the journal Cell that we have reached a tipping point that forecasts an inevitability of an acceleration of disease emergencies. Another study published last year found that virus spillover events from animals to humans have been tripling every decade since 1980. Future frequency is a top question, Gates tells me. A lot of risk is coming out of Africa, where population growth is resulting in destruction of habitat and various species mixing in dangerous ways, and China, where the wet markets also mix different species. The mortality of coronavirus is 1 per cent; with the common form of smallpox it was 30 per cent, so it could have been a lot worse. There will be another one. The mortality of coronavirus is 1 per cent; with the common form of smallpox it was 30 per cent, so it could have been a lot worse. There will be another one. Perhaps more revealing than Gatess 2015 Ted Talk about future pandemics was one delivered five years earlier, which has drawn far less attention. In Innovating to Zero, Gates says how, if he were granted one of three wishes for the next 50 years to be able to pick a president, a vaccine or an energy technology with zero CO2 emissions at half the cost of fossil fuels hed opt for the latter. This is the wish with the greatest impact, he says, because it may determine our survival as a species. Until we get to near zero, the temperature will continue to rise. Some energy experts claim Gates is pinning far too much faith on breakthroughs in energy technology in the fight against climate change. Only 25 per cent of the worlds greenhouse gases, for example, comes from electricity. But Gates would be the first to admit well be using fossil fuels for decades to come. In a zero carbon future, well still be producing greenhouse gases, but have the ability to remove the carbon they produce. Advertisement Police officers in riot gear walk towards the U.S. Capitol as a group protesters breached the Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) 35 Capitol Police Officers Under Investigation, 6 Suspended Over Capitol Breach: Department At least 35 Capitol police officers are being investigated and six were suspended following the U.S. Capitol breach on Jan. 6, officials said on Thursday night. Our Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the actions of 35 police officers from that day. We currently have suspended six of those officers with pay. Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not in keeping with the Departments Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement to local news outlets. Officials did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation, although videos show police officers standing motionless as groups made their way into the Capitol building on Jan. 6. Some of those who entered the building claimed that officers allowed them inside. In January, two officers were suspended by the department, according to Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), who chairs the House Appropriations Committee. Ryan alleged that one of the officers took a selfie photo with one of the protesters. And following the breach, a number of the Capitol Police departments leadership resigned. Capitol Police union leader Gus Papathanasiou told CBS8 in late January that the departments leadership failed officers on Jan. 6, saying: Between USCP and our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police Department, we have almost 140 officers injured. U.S. Capitol Police deploy during the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021. (Allison Dinner/AFP via Getty Images) I have officers who were not issued helmets prior to the attack who have sustained brain injuries. One officer has two cracked ribs and two smashed spinal disks, he alleged. Earlier this week, the union delivered an overwhelming vote of no confidence to Pittman, who became the departments chief two days after the Capitol breach. Around 97 percent voted no confidence in Capitol Police Captain Ben Smith, according to the union. Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf told CBS News this week that Capitol Police were given intelligence suggesting there was a heightened threat on Jan. 6. Why they did not execute a plan, if they had a plan in place, to further protect that Capitol I think is an ongoing question, Wolf said. The Justice Department charged more than 250 people for storming the Capitol during the Joint Session of Congress. The incident also led to the Democratic-led impeachment of former President Donald Trump, which ultimately failed in the Senate earlier this month. Trump, for his part, told supporters on Jan. 6 to protest peacefully and patriotically, while House Democrats said he was solely responsible for the breach. In the aftermath of the breach, thousands of National Guard members were deployed and a chain-link fence with barb wire was erected outside Capitol Hill. The Epoch Times has reached out to the Capitol Police for comment. President Biden committed the U.S. to "working in lockstep with our allies and partners" to protect democracy and promote prosperity, telling the Munich Security Conference on Friday: "Democracy doesn't happen by accident. We have to defend it. Fight for it. Strengthen it. Renew it." Why it matters: In his first major speech to world leaders, Biden acknowledged that four years of former President Trump's "America First" foreign policy has left the transatlantic relationship in disrepair. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free He pledged to reengage with Europe as it confronts unprecedented global challenges ranging from the pandemic to climate change to assaults on democracy by the likes of Russia and China. What they're saying: "Let me erase any lingering doubt the United States will work closely with our European Union partners and capitals across the continent, from Rome to Riga, to meet the shared challenges we face. We continue to support the goal of a Europe whole and free and at peace. The United States is fully committed to our NATO alliance," Biden declared. The president went on to refer to NATO's Article V commitment to collective defense which provides that an attack on any member state is an attack on the whole alliance as an "unshakeable vow." Biden's posture toward NATO stands in stark contrast to that of former President Trump, who didn't mention Article V on his first visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels and later questioned the U.S. commitment to defending newer members of the alliance like tiny Montenegro if they were attacked. The big picture: "We are in the midst of a fundamental debate about the future and direction of our world. We're at an inflection point. Between those who argue that given all of the challenges that we face, from the fourth Industrial Revolution, to a global pandemic, that autocracy is the best way forward, " Biden said. Story continues "We must demonstrate that democracy can still deliver for our people in this changed world. That, in my view, is our galvanizing mission. ... We have to prove that our model isn't a relic of history," he continued. The intrigue: Biden, whose administration has adopted elements of Trump's harder line on China in response to its growing authoritarianism and aggression, acknowledged that competition with the rising superpower is "going to be stiff." "That is what I expect. And that's what I welcome," Biden said. "Because I believe in the global system that Europe and the United States together, with our allies in the Indo-Pacific, worked so hard to build over the last 70 years. We can own the race to the future." More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free 13175 Christopher MacLuckie, Solution Director, A&D Aftermarket Services, SAP Labs, LLC Christopher MacLuckie, Solution Director, A&D Aftermarket Services, SAP Labs, LLC Before talking about the last mile, we need a common understanding of our Digital Aviation vision. First, lets think about what we want from Digital Aviation and then look at how to get there in the last mile. Flying combat missions in a Vietnam-era C-130E provides a good starting point for this discussion. In 2003, my US Air Force Reserve unit was tasked with providing airlift support in Afghanistan with our 1963 C-130E model aircraft. Although capable for the mission, a C-130E definitely lacks the creature comforts and flight deck automation of modern day aircraft. As a Flight Engineer, I found myself, on many occasions, having to respond to inflight emergencies with the help of the information contained in my flight bag. Unlike the modern electronic flight bag, our flight bag was literally a 40-pound leather bag full of technical publications. Dont get me wrong, the US Air Force did an excellent job training us for the mission. We had all the information we needed to deal with complex inflight emergencies. The challenge was that the information was dispersed across different publications in the bag. So when you were flying NVG missions in the mountains of Afghanistan, quickly retrieving this information during an inflight emergency was a real challenge. Needless to say, situational awareness is quickly lost in this situation. In contrast, when the same inflight emergencies occur in the cockpit of a modern day aircraft, electronic flight bags automatically provide air crew with the information they need to diagnose and respond to the situation. With the click of a button, contextual information appears that directly relates to the system failure along with the applicable system schematics, limitations, troubleshooting guides and emergency procedures needed for resolution. This flight bag comparison provides a compelling illustration of the real end game for Digital Aviation, in my opinion. Digital Aviation should do what electronic flight bags have done for aircrew over the years, but for other roles on the ground in Maintenance Control, Reliability and Safety departments, and on the flight line. At its core, Digital Aviation should offer the ability to provide the right information, to the right person, at the right time, even without them asking. In other words, act as an enabler for true decision support. It means automatically delivering all the relevant technical and policy-related information, so that the failure can be diagnosed and the remedy executed quickly. Now, its possible to go the last mile in the industrys evolution by expanding the view of the network to include the business network The Power of a Business Network The Internet of Things (IoT) is defined by Gartner, Inc. as a network of physical objects that contains embedded technology to communicate and interact with internal states or the external environment. While, IoT is not new for aviation, the ability to expand its application beyond the flight deck is. With the hardware, software and connectivity now in place, aviation has crossed the tipping point from a technology point of view. Now, its possible to go the last mile in the industrys evolution by expanding the view of the network to include the business network. Its this business network and the resulting new business models that will bring Digital Aviation to its full potential. Why? Because any piece of capital equipment is basically a system of systems. To realize the true value, these systems can no longer run in isolation. Just as operators dont fly engines in isolation, so neither do the military nor airline operators want multiple, disconnected solutions for every system or subsystem installed across their mixed fleet of aircraft. Instead, the last mile for Digital Aviation requires a business network that aligns the service eco-system for the benefit of the operator. The challenge is that current processes and systems used for support are typically very disconnected across the A&D ecosystem. Stakeholders traditionally rely on a model of request/receive, which is no longer efficient as equipment gets more complex. To progress to the next level of efficiency, large amounts of data needs to be continuously exchanged between regulatory authorities, operators, OEMs and service providers. A neutral business network is needed to bring together all stakeholders onto a common environment to facilitate collaboration across the ecosystem. A neutral third-party business network would enable standardized master data management, more collaborative service processes and an environment for delivering new innovative services. Standardized Master Data Management- OEMs publish, Operators Consume The network should enable OEMs to publish product data in a way that is easily consumed by operators and service providers. A critical component to Digital Aviation is visual processes. For example, OEMs should have the ability to publish their model data in 2D and/or 3D formats, so it can be reused across the ecosystem. Examples are visual work instructions tied directly to operational task lists and visual part ordering processes to speed the requisition process. Once published on the network, the ecosystem now has one place to go for information and a single version of the truth, saving time and money for the entire ecosystem. Collaborative Service Processes - Operators Publish, OEMs Consume OEMs and service providers also need better visibility into operational data to support the execution of service contracts and to drive product improvements. This is enabled by a flow of information about how the equipment is being used, where it is installed, what failures have occurred, FMEA from the operator and what service bulletins have been embodied thus far. The network should provide the platform for OEMs, service providers, and operators to collaborate around equipment design improvements, which will increase safety of flight, improve reliability and reduce lifecycle costs. Like the publishing of the equipment master data, access to this information would be controlled by means of a subscription-based approach. Next Generation of Digital Services As the business network enables the collection and access of more data across the ecosystem, exciting new applications become possible. Advanced algorithms will be able to predict equipment performance. With open and anonymized access to data, operators can now open up a competitive marketplace to solicit and compete for the most effective algorithms and analysis of their operational data. The business network could even provide a place where business partners can connect with other third parties to competitively source the best intelligence for their equipment. With a solid foundation of equipment information in the network, a new class of potential enterprise solutions becomes possible. The creation of a neutral business network may be the missing piece in the Digital Aviation journey. Of course, there are many obstacles to overcome. The aviation industry has a long history and culture of not sharing information due to intellectual property rights and security concerns. Also, there is a never-ending debate around standardizing model, engineering and transactional data. The question is what will get the entire A&D ecosystem pulling in the same direction? The vision outlined above is only achievable when we get a critical mass communicating in the same language on the same network. This is when the ecosystem comes together and acts as the force multiplier for value creation for operators. Now that the technology exists and the vision is laid out, its time to take the first step together on a journey down this last digital mile. 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. It was easy to root for Phil Mickelson at the PGA Championship last weekend. The little boy who learned to play golf left-handed by standing opposite his right-handed dad and mirroring dads swing has long been a crowd favorite. He is not only immensely gifted; he is imaginative and willing Historian Charles Spencer is sending divers to the wreck site of the White Ship, which sank 900 years ago with the only heir of King Henry I on board. The ship plummeted to the depths of the English Channel on November 25, 1120, after hitting the notorious submerged Quillebuf Rock, off the French coast. Carrying Henry's heir William Aethling and many other members of the Anglo-Norman nobility, it had only just left the coastal town of Barfleur, in Normandy, and had been bound for Southampton. Everyone on board - bar one lucky butcher - was killed, leading to a succession crisis and civil war in England. Earl Spencer - who is also the brother of the late Princess Diana - released a much-praised book on the sinking last year. Now, in a tweet written from his official 'bookshop' account, the historian announced plans to explore the wreck site. The tweet said divers would be searching for 'surviving metalwork', including nails and rivets. Historian Charles Spencer is sending divers to the wreck site of the White Ship, which sank 900 years ago with the only heir of King Henry I on board Earl Spencer - who is also the brother of the late Princess Diana - released a much-praised book on the sinking last year King Henry I was the fourth son of William the Conqueror, who led the successful Norman invasion of Britain in 1066, in which English forces were defeated at the Battle of Hastings. His son and only heir, William Aetheling, had embarked on the White Ship to follow his father from Normandy to England on the night of November 25 in 1120. On board with William were his siblings - Henry's illegitimate son Richard of Lincoln and his illegitimate daughter Matilda - and many other nobles. The tweet announcing the dive on the wreck site read: 'We will be diving on the remains of The White Ship in early June. 'The Quillebuf Rock, off the Norman coast, is where The White Ship foundered. 'It's surviving metalwork - nails, rivets, etc - that we will be looking for. More details to follow.' The ship plummeted to the depths of the English Channel on November 25, 1120, after hitting the notorious submerged Quillebuf Rock, off the French coast. Carrying Henry's heir William Aethling and many other members of the Anglo-Norman nobility, it had only just left the coastal town of Barfleur, in Normandy, and had been bound for Southampton. Pictured: A 1905 illustration showing Henry being informed about the death of his son The tweet announcing the dive on the wreck site read: 'We will be diving on the remains of The White Ship in early June. The Quillebuf Rock, off the Norman coast, is where The White Ship foundered. 'It's surviving metalwork - nails, rivets, etc - that we will be looking for. More details to follow' A spokesman for Earl Spencer said they could not yet share any no further detail on the plans because the dive date is 'so far away'. Earl Spencer outlined in his book, titled The White Ship - Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I's Dream' - how everyone on board had been drinking wine. With their drunkenness perhaps to blame, the ship hit the notorious Quilleboeuf rock shortly after leaving Barfleur harbour and its hull was ruptured. The vessel quickly capsized and everyone on board was thrown in to the sea. Although William had been bundled into the ship's single longboat by his bodyguards, he fatefully ordered his men to turn the vessel around to save his beloved sister Matilda la Perche. The ship sank just a mile from Barfleur Harbour on November 25, 1120 The longboat was quickly swamped as the drowning members of the elite desperately tried to clamber aboard. The vessel then capsized, leading to the death of William, his sister and everyone else apart from a butcher from Rouen, named Berold. It was his witness testimony which forms the basis of current knowledge about what happened. The White Ship - Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I's Dream was published last year Earl Spencer explained in his book how the sinking and loss of life was not only a devastating personal tragedy for King Henry, but also for the wider Anglo-Norman ruling class. As well as William and his brother and sister, 18 countesses drowned, along with numerous knights. Expanding on the gravity of the disaster, Earl Spencer previously tweeted in August: 'Imagine the Titanic, but with the heir to the throne, his siblings, cousins, & many of the leading political & military men aboard. Only one man survived to tell the tale.' The ship's sinking was a disaster for England because it suddenly made the royal succession a dangerous uncertainty. Now that there was no clear male heir, Henry had to look to his legitimate daughter, who was also named Matilda. However, on his death in 1135, Henry's nephew Stephen took up arms against Matilda, prompting a near 20-year civil war which was known as The Anarchy. The conflict finally ended in 1153, shortly before Stephen died of a fever and Matilda's son became King Henry II. VASS, N.C., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- China Rescue Dogs, an organization committed to rescuing and saving dogs from China and adopting them into homes in the U.S., is calling on the public to help them save over 200 additional dogs. One hundred forty-five (145) newly rescued dogs will arrive via three cargo planes on March 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2021 at (JFK) John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. An additional sixty (60) will, hopefully, arrive in the United States at the end of March -- but it all depends on donations. Dogs in China awaiting to be adopted by a forever family here in the United States. Jill Stewart, President & Founder of China Rescue Dogs, welcomes a flight of dogs into JFK airport in January. These dogs were saved from the inevitable. Many were saved off meat trucks, from slaughterhouses and rescued from abuse, and neglect. "What was once the end of their lives, is now a new beginning for these beautiful babies," said Jill Stewart, President and Founder of China Rescue Dogs. "They all have been quarantined, micro-chipped, and received all the necessary vaccinations. Now, it is time for them to live the rest of their lives being safe and happy with their forever families." China Recue Dogs is a 501c3 organization founded by Jill Stewart, an ardent advocate of animal rights worldwide, and especially in China. Their global mission is to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from China and provide them with loving forever homes in North America. Stewart, along with her small team of volunteers are calling donors and fund-raising for this new life saving project. They now need to raise an additional $30,000 so they can bring in all two hundred (200) dogs and not have to turn any away. "Funding is crucial," admits Stewart. "We never say no to any dog -- mixed breeds, banned breeds, disabled dogs and seniors. We try to rescue them all. Unfortunately, we cannot do that without the public's continued support." About China Rescue Dogs China Rescue Dogs is a 501c3 rescue with the purpose of rescuing dogs from the meat trade, abuse and neglect in China and providing them with loving homes. To learn more about their work, visit https://chinarescuedogs.org/. Recent article about China Rescue Dogs on People.com: https://people.com/pets/200-dogs-saved-dog-meat-trade-flying-to-new-york/ Media inquiries: Sam Scaman Phone: 952-239-6370 Email: [email protected] Media Content: Pictures can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kjk4n4u0pcn5aog/AADKNut6XOz7D4tyhE5kb9Bea?dl=0 SOURCE China Rescue Dogs The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an officer of Standard Chartered Bank, Chennai, in a case of demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 3 lakh from a borrowing company. The CBI recovered Rs 18 lakh, property documents and locker keys after raids in the premise of the accused - Rajendran, Authorised Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Group Special Assets Management, Rajaji Salai, Chennai. A case was registered against an authorised officer on the allegations of demanding a bribe of Rs 3 lakh from the complainant, a representative of borrower firm, to help one-time settlement of a loan dispute case pending in Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT). The complainant's firm had availed OD/Term Loan facilities of Rs 27.70 crore from Standard Chartered Bank, D B Branch, Coimbatore from 2005 to 2016 with sufficient collateral. The accounts became NPA with outstanding of Rs. 26.37 crore as on 30 April 2017. The Standard Chartered Bank initiated action Under SARFAESI Act, 2002. The accused was the Authorised Officer to dispose of the immovable properties of the borrowers which were mortgaged as collateral. The properties were allegedly sold by auction for a total amount of Rs 22.11 crore in January 2021 against market value of Rs 61.5 crore as claimed by the borrower. Aggrieved by the sale, the borrower filed a case before the Debt Recovery Tribunal court in Coimbatore in February 2021 and got stay order against the sale. Since the matter was pending before the DRT, the accused demanded Rs 3 lakh as bribe from the complainant to help the borrower settle the case. CBI laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting the bribe of Rs 3 lakh from the complainant. The accused was arrested and produced before the court of Principal Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai and was remanded to judicial custody till 3 March 2021. Also Read: CBI books Cambridge Analytica, Global Science Reseach on illegal data harvesting charges Cookies (Not the type you eat) This page gives you information about cookies. It has been created in order to explain what cookies are, how we use them on our sites and how you can control them. What are cookies? How do we use cookies? 1. Session Cookies 2. Preference Cookies 3. Analytics Cookies 4. 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The website wrote that it had been made aware of another decision to lift the precautionary seizure imposed on the funds of the Al-Fattal Company Limited Liability, owned by businessperson Muhammad Aziz al-Fattal. The seizure was imposed at the end of July 2017. At the end of September, the Finance Ministry imposed the precautionary seizure decision on charges of smuggling goods worth 4,987,000 Syrian pounds, in addition to the charge of violating import laws. Nahas owns more than 30 companies in Syria, the most prominent of which are Technology Construction, Ibn Zahr Pharmaceuticals, and the Chemical Industries Company, in addition to an iron manufacturing plant in Sudan, and Al Majid Travel in Dubai. Nahas is the exclusive agent for Volvo, Peugeot, and Honda in Syria, and is a prominent partner in many companies around the world. Arabian Business magazine chose him as one of the 50 most important Arab businessmen in 2009. He was named the richest businessman in Syria in the same year, with a net worth estimated at 300 million dollars. Nahas served as the Honorary Consul of Syria in Mexico, President of the Arab Side, first Vice President of the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Syrian Russian Business Council. Nahas currently holds the position of Honorary Consul of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Syria. He contributes to coordinating Syrian relations with Germany, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, in addition to contributing to coordinating Syrian-French relations. He started his economic empire, which he based on religious tourism, in 1965. He founded the company, Transitor, in the Sayyidah Zaynab area, south of Damascus, and later built many hotels in the vicinity of the holy shrines and opened branches of his company in several countries around the world. Nahas was known for having close ties with the Lebanese Hezbollah and the Shiite milieu. Among them, he was known as Hajj Abu Subaih. The Syrian Ministry of Finance imposed a similar precautionary seizure on Nahas money in 2015, only to lift it a month later. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. A firefighter who was sacked after calling a gay colleague half a man 'because of his height,' has lost an unfair dismissal claim as a judge ruled it could have been interpreted as homophobic. Phillip Staines told an employment tribunal he nicknamed fellow fireman Jonny Metcalfe 'Arthur' because he was half his size - adding that the two had known each other for 16 years. But Mr Metcalfe took it to be a derogatory reference to his sexuality. An employment tribunal heard that when a colleague asked Mr Staines why he called him 'half a man', Mr Staines replied 'well, I can't call him Stumpy or Dwarf'. When concerned colleagues flagged his behaviour to bosses at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Mr Staines claimed it was 'just banter'. Phillip Staines told an employment tribunal he nicknamed fellow fireman Jonny Metcalfe 'Arthur' because he was half his size. However, following an exchange at Grassington fire station, Mr Metcalfe said he took the nickname as a derogatory reference to his sexuality He denied that it was in any way a derogatory homophobic reference to Mr Metcalfe's sexuality, adding: 'I call him Arthur, Arthur man, half a man... because of his size. 'I can't call him Stumpy or anything else. It's just banter.. We were just laughing and joking. 'He came into the recreation room and I said "Hi Arthur". It's not degrading.' Mr Staines added that following this exchange at the station in Grassington, North Yorks, he then offered Mr Metcalfe 'a brew'. However, the tribunal heard Mr Metcalfe told the investigation the conversation had left him 'offended and emotionally upset' and he believed it was degrading as it referred to him being gay. The fire service investigation concluded that Mr Staines had not intended it to be homophobic but 'it is recognised that Mr Metcalfe has reasonably interpreted the wording to have a homophobic connotation and it has caused offence'. As a result, a full disciplinary hearing was held, where Mr Staines again claimed it was simply 'banter'. The tribunal, in Leeds, was told: [Mr Staines] stated that he had said "Arthur, do you want a cup of tea." It was banter as he had known Mr Metcalfe as a friend/colleague for 16 years. 'He said "Arthur" because Mr Metcalfe is half the size of him. He has never said half a man as a derogatory comment.' After hearing Mr Staines had also made degrading comments to a female colleague, Area Manager Jonathan Dyson decided to summarily dismiss him on the basis he had breached the service's Code of Conduct, Bullying and Harassment policy and organisational values. He noted that Mr Staines had previously been warned for using inappropriate language and his conduct 'did not demonstrate self-improvement after his previous written warning'. Nor did it 'demonstrate understanding in relation to dignity at work and inappropriate use of language'. When Mr Staines lost an appeal against his dismissal he launched his claim for unfair dismissal and breach of contract against North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Employment Judge Buckley ruled that it was 'reasonable' for Mr Metcalfe to have viewed the comments as a reference to his sexual orientation and taken offence. She said: 'It appears obvious to me that 'half a man' might be interpreted by a gay man as an offensive comment on their sexual orientation. In my view [Mr Staines] ought also to have appreciated that.' She also ruled that Mr Staines had belittled a female worker by joking to a colleague 'you've' got her well trained' when she answered the telephone. The tribunal dismissed his claim of unfair dismissal. However, the judge added: 'In my view, the conduct was certainly sufficient serious to merit dismissal with notice because the claimant was under a final written warning, but I find that the respondent was not entitled to dismiss the claimant without notice.' As a result the tribunal awarded Mr Staines his notice pay plus 10 per cent for breach of contract. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global 2,5-Dichloronitrobenzene (CAS 89-61-2) Market Outlook 2019-2024 offers detailed coverage of 2,5-dichloronitrobenzene industry and presents main market trends. The market research gives historical and forecast market size, demand, end-use details, price trends, and company shares of the leading 2,5-dichloronitrobenzene producers to provide exhaustive coverage of the market for 2,5-dichloronitrobenzene. The report segments the market and forecasts its size, by volume and value, on the basis of application, by products, and by geography. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from key industry participants. The global 2,5-dichloronitrobenzene market has been segmented into five major regions, namely, North America (U.S., Canada, and others), Europe (U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and others), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, and others), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and others), and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and others). Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key vendors operating in this market. Request for Report Sample: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/3755 Key Regions North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Key Vendors Aarti Industries Limited (AIL) ChemieOrganic Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Group Co., Ltd. Panoli Intermediates (India) Pvt. Ltd. Suzhou Huifeng Material Technology Co., Ltd. request free sample to get a complete list of companies Place a Direct Purchase Order @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/checkout/3755/Single Key Questions Answered in This Report Analysis of the 2,5-dichloronitrobenzene market including revenues, future growth, market outlook Historical data and forecast Regional analysis including growth estimates Analyzes the end user markets including growth estimates. Profiles on 2,5-dichloronitrobenzene vendors including products, sales/revenues, SWOT, and market position, recent developments. Market structure, market drivers and restraints. Request for Report Discount: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/3755 Today Becoming warmer with clouds breaking for sunshine. There might be a lingering shower very early in the morning well north. Tonight Party cloudy. Tomorrow Nice with sunshine and some clouds. When you think about pole dancing, you probably think about strippers. A new Netflix documentary would like to change that, and strippers are understandably unimpressed. The documentary, Strip Down, Rise Up, explores the world of pole dancing beyond strip clubs, following both newcomers and long-time pole dancers who engage with the practice as a hobby or sport, rather than as professional strippers. The film focuses largely on a group of women who signed up for S Factor, a studio class created by Sheila Kelley and designed to harness the erotic energy of pole dancing sans the male gaze as a form of female empowerment. Strip Down, Rise Up director Michele Ohayon has said the film is simply a different focus on the pole community that in no way minimizes or excludes the experiences of strippers. However, since the films premiere earlier this month, current and former strippers have come forward to accuse the documentary of sex-work erasure and appropriation in failing to include the narratives or insight of actual strippers in its coverage of a practice that has its origins in the sex industry. How are you about to have a whole documentary called strip down rise up and not include anything about strippers, like nothing. Chloe (@ChloexJames535) February 16, 2021 i have a lot of feelings about strip down rise up and im n out even halfway thru lol but the sex worker/stripper erasure is cringeylike modern day pole dance would not exist without them and theyre almost completely excluded from the narrative mg (@randompotato84) February 9, 2021 Speaking to BuzzFeed News, former stripper Alyssa Aparicio, who experienced the S Factor firsthand, said she found the classs lack of discussion on the sex-work-centric origins of pole dancing disappointing. I think it being an empowerment class, it doesnt necessarily have to speak directly to sex work. But I think, having brought pole into it, that they had a responsibility to address that, Aparicio told the outlet. Its good that Strip Down Rise Up on @netflix is all about women empowerment but pole is not just a new fitness trend. You cant dissociate the contribution and culture of strippers and sex workers. I would love to see them as well, not only S Factor instructors. Sanane Be (@avarebaykus) February 6, 2021 Meanwhile, others have taken issue with an implicit juxtaposition the S Factors ethos of empowerment seems to establish between pole dancing as sex work and pole dancing outside of the sex industry. Set in a mirrorless room entirely devoid of the male gaze, S Factor classes take great pains to distance themselves from the traditional context in which pole dancing has historically taken place in an attempt to reframe the pole and allow for personal reclamation of the feminine body, as Kelley, the S Factor founder, explains in a voiceover at one point in the film. Implicit in this reframing, some current and former strippers have argued, is a whorephobic attempt by the S Factor to distance itself from stripping while appropriating the practice that has long been an integral feature of that industry and culture. Oof. Started watching Strip Down, Rise Up & the whorephobia is palpable. Shades of "We do pole dance. We're not like those icky strippers." A little respect for those who originated the art form and aesthetic, exiled off social media, you find so empowering would go a long way. Nadin Hadi (@Nadin_Hadi) February 9, 2021 As a stripper and just as a woman watching that movie, I definitely felt that there was a juxtaposition of bad and good. And it seemed like bad was always in the context of real-life, sex work. And good was always in the context of being as separate as we can from that history, Aparicio told BuzzFeed News. In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the S Factor told BuzzFeed news that Kelleys mission continues to normalize sensual feminine movement in the everyday world, with the eventual goal of allowing women to feel comfortable expressing themselves through their own unique body movements and sensuality without fear of reprisal from the patriarchy. However, some strippers have argued that the S Factors insistence on removing pole dancing from the male gaze in the name of female empowerment frames strippers as victims, if not abettors, of the patriarchy. To think that were just complicit, its kind of really disrespectful to us and just takes away our autonomy, which a lot of people want to do all the time, April Haze, a 24-year-old stripper, told BuzzFeed News. I feel like [Kelley] framed it in a way that we are victims of the male gaze almost. And its like, No, I use the male gaze to empower myself and reclaim my sexuality. Mumbai: Filmmaker Aanand L Rai is set to release his upcoming directorial 'Atrangi Re', featuring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan and South star Dhanush, on August 6. The film went on floors last March before the coronavirus pandemic halted its shoot. The team of 'Atrangi Re' resumed filming in Madurai last October and followed it up with a schedule in Delhi. "With theatres up and running, 'Atrangi Re' is all set for a release this year. The AR Rahman musical will be hitting the screens on August 6, 2021," the film's makers said in a statement. The film, which reunites Dhanush and Rai after their 2013 critical hit 'Raanjhanaa', will feature Kumar in a "special role." 'Atrangi Re' will be Kumar's third release of 2021. The 53-year-old actor will also be seen in espionage thriller 'Bell Bottom', scheduled to release on May 28, and Yash Raj Films' 'Prithviraj', which will hit the theatres this Diwali. 'Atrangi Re' is written by Rai's long time collaborator, Himanshu Sharma, with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil. The project is a joint production of Colour Yellow Productions, T-Series and Kumar's Cape Of Good Films. Hi everyone, I want to address a sensitive situation about an employee that you may be aware of. Yesterday, one of our Principal Engineers decided to leave Mailchimp. This employee shared the news on social media and included allegations about bullying and sexism. While the specifics around their decision to leave the company are confidential, please know that we've thoroughly and independently investigated the allegations that were raised and found them to be unsubstantiated. I want to be clear that Mailchimp does not tolerate any type of mistreatment, including discrimination, bullying, or harassment. It's important to me, to Ben and Dan, and to all of our leaders, that Mailchimp is a place where all employees feel included, respected, and safe. Mailchimp is also committed to pay equity. In 2016 we made a public pledge to pay equity for women and employees of color, and since then, we've implemented several measures to make sure our hiring practices and compensation structure are equitable. This included updating our hiring processes so we don't ask people what they're currently paid, moving promotions to a quarterly schedule with a mandatory review process, and updating our salary structures to promote equity-our latest update in 2020 more closely aligned our pay structures to the competitive market. We know that many of you are looking for more transparency around employee pay. We're committed to that and already have a plan for increased transparency this year, but we'll start here and now by providing some details about our recent pay equity study and the results. Last year, we proactively commissioned an independent study by Aon Radford, a leading global compensation consultancy. The study was also supervised by external legal counsel to help mitigate any bias we might have internally, and importantly, managers were not involved in the compensation review of their teams and had no influence on the outcome. Aon Radford took an objective look at the drivers of pay and any influence that a particular factor, such as gender or race, can have on pay differences. The goal was to understand and account for valid reasons we use internally to set pay (e.g. tenure with Mailchimp, job family, location, performance). The analysis found that gender and race/ethnicity are not statistically significant indicators of differences in pay, and that differences in pay can be attributed to those factors we've established within our compensation system that are fair and reasonable. In other words, Aon Radford determined that our pay packages are equitable for women and people of color, and that our existing measures are working to ensure pay equity. While we did identify a small percentage of employees paid below our new salary ranges, it was not related to equity discrepancies. Based on this data, we're increasing base salaries for those impacted in order to bring them into their new competitive pay range during the upcoming annual merit cycle. While the results of the study show that we're on the right track, we also know that people may still feel they're paid unfairly compared to their coworkers. That's not the experience we want our employees to have-we want everyone to feel valued, respected, and to have confidence that they're fairly compensated alongside their peers. We know there's a lack of trust that we need to restore. It will take an ongoing commitment from our leaders, greater transparency, and tangible action to cultivate the environment we want. We'll continue to listen to your feedback and review our processes and compensation structure at least annually to ensure our people are paid fairly. One way we'll do this is through more frequent third-party reviews to help hold us accountable. I hope this has answered some of your questions, and we'll continue to share more information in the coming weeks. In the meantime, there will likely be more news articles about this situation. We're monitoring it closely but are not commenting publicly at this time. If you receive any media inquiries asking for comment, please forward them to pr@mailchimp.com. Please feel free to raise any concerns or questions with your manager or your department's People Partner. Thank you. RW Cross-border travel decreased by a quarter last weekend, gardai said (Liam McBurney/PA) Cross-border travel decreased by nearly a quarter last weekend, gardai have said. The force continues to find groups gathering including for house parties, social occasions and exercise in breach of coronavirus regulations. A Garda statement said: Recent surveys have shown that the majority of people believe that they are doing the right thing, but the reality is that the level of casual contacts remains high. An Garda Siochana will be continuing nationwide checkpoints and high-visibility patrols at public amenities across the country this weekend in support of public-health regulations. Regulations and guidelines are still to stay at home and reduce contacts, and only exercise within five kilometres of home. Fines of 100 euro for non-essential cross-border travel in Ireland came into operation on February 8. Gardai said: Traffic data over last weekend showed approximately a 23% decrease in cross-border travel compared to previous weekends. The force has issued approximately 7,950 Covid-19 fines across the range of breaches. They include: Non-essential travel; Non-essential journeys to air or sea ports; Organising or attending a house party; Not wearing a face covering. Deputy commissioner John Twomey said: This week the tragic milestone of 4,000 Covid-19 deaths was reached. That is 4,000 people that were loved. That is 4,000 people that had family, friends and neighbours. That is 4,000 of our fellow citizens. While the vast majority of people are heeding the advice, there are still some who are not complying with public health regulations, he added. In doing so, they are putting themselves, those they love and those they know at risk of catching of a virus that could, unfortunately, result in serious illness or death. ALBANY A one-of-a-kind draft of President Abraham Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation is on display at the University at Albany this month. The State Museum and the New York State Writers Institute have partnered to bring the "First Step to Freedom" exhibit to the Albany campus in honor of Black History Month, state Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said Thursday. The manuscript is the only surviving version of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in Lincoln's handwriting. The exhibit also includes the only known audio recording of a speech written and delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. in New York City in September 1962 marking the centennial of Lincoln's issuance of the proclamation. "These documents stand as important markers in the path to freedom and equality for African Americans and are among New York States greatest treasures," Rosa said. Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in the midst of the Civil War on Sept. 22, 1862, ordering that in 100 days the federal government would deem all slaves free in states still rebelling against the Union. The document has been in the collections of the New York State Library since 1865. The exhibit also includes historical background and interpretation. Photos and a transcript of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation are available on the State Librarys website. The recording of King was discovered in 2013 by UAlbany student Daniel Barker, who had an internship at the State Museum during a project to digitize the museums collection of thousands of audio recordings and videos. Kings voice comes to life in the speech recorded on Sept. 12, 1962, at the Park-Sheraton Hotel in New York City. Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller had convened his New York State Civil War Centennial Commission for a dinner celebrating the centennial anniversary of the proclamation. In this exceptional recording, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is heard saying that while the Emancipation Proclamation proved government could be a powerful force for social justice, the promise of equality remained unfulfilled, Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. Today the proclamation is a stark reminder that America is still a work in progress." The exhibit includes portraits of Lincoln and King by artist Robert Francis Whelan, of Valatie. Kings portrait is exhibited for the first time in public. "What makes this project uniquely powerful and relevant is the way it connects the civil rights movement and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., university President Havidan Rodriguez said. "'First Step to Freedom' is emblematic of the universitys strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are very grateful to the NYS Museum for making it possible to display this extraordinary exhibit." The exhibit opened on Presidents Day and will be open to UAlbany students, faculty and staff through March 15. "First Step to Freedom" is now open in the Campus Center West Great Hall on UAlbanys uptown campus. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to visit and can use their smartphones to scan a QR code to listen to the speech. The audio of Kings speech, as well as a transcript and information on how he came to speak at the celebration dinner, can be found on the museums website. 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 Mountain States TRUSTED news source. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to The Charleston Gazette-Mail. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Learn more about HD Media 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. On the first day back after the holiday, a Shandong mill raised its tender for heavy scrap by 50 yuan per tonne on Thursday to 3,050 ($472) yuan per tonne delivered, excluding value-added tax, a trader in eastern China said.Chinese bid prices for bulk imports of heavy recycled material (HS) supplied from Japan also increased on Thursday.Fastmarkets daily price assessment for steel scrap, heavy recycled steel materials, cfr China was $465-470 per tonne on Thursday, up $5 per tonne from the previous assessment on February 10 - prior to the Chinese New Year break - of $460-465 per tonne cfr.Two Chinese mill sources said that bids for Japanese HS were at $450-460 per tonne cfr China on Wednesday, but trading sources said that buyers would be willing to go up to $465-470 per tonne cfr.The previous deals heard into China before the new year break were for HS material from South Korea at $460-465 per tonne cfr A Japanese scrapyard source said the bid price from China was "aggressive" given it is higher than the fresh bid price given by South Korea, where a large steelmaker launched a public tender for Japan HS at 44,500 ($420) per tonne fob on Tuesday. That would work out to around $435-440 per tonne cfr after adding freight costs.Although bids from China have increased, Japanese offer prices have increased even more sharply in recent days.Offers from Japan were heard at $490 per tonne cfr on Thursday, but many sellers are unwilling to name a price currently given the rising steel scrap markets across Asia.We have received very few offers from Japanese suppliers - they are watching to see how the market changes, a trader in Japan said.And while some Chinese mills raised their bids to replenish inventories, there was also some trepidation on the Chinese buyer side.People are watching Chinas domestic changes, so no price negotiations [are likely to] take place [on Thursday], an steelmaker source in eastern China told Fastmarkets.The Chinese steel markets, meanwhile, were buoyed on Thursday by the release of positive financial data, with the futures market and physical steel prices both pushing higher.Fastmarkets' price assessment for steel reinforcing bar (rebar) domestic, ex-whs eastern China was 4,450-4,480 yuan ($688-693) per tonne on Thursday, up by 170-180 per tonne from February 5. 5248 Boyce Nyanga, Country Head of IT, BancABC Boyce Nyanga, Country Head of IT, BancABC Africas transformational journey to modernity is on the cusp of revolutionary change. There is a great rural-urban divide waiting to be bridged. There has to be a harmonious progression and technology is the de facto agent that can ring in wholesome changes. Banks would do well to realize their central role in enabling this transformation and should take conscious recourse to relentless adoption of technology. It doesnt stretch ones imagination to understand that the scale of banking in Africa has undergone tremendous change in the last 20 years. The evolving Banking paradigm presents unique opportunities and challenges. Channel Technologies do bring about closer integration between the rural and urban populace. The hitch is that the pace of technology adoption, a key feature of the urbanized world, cannot be forced upon the rural population. Another challenge non-branch channels throw up is the lack of human touch that previously characterized banking transactions. The rather impersonal banking technology-enabled touch screen key presses and automated answering systems might intimidate and overwhelm newly urbanized users who are by enlarge technology-illiterate. It becomes therefore imperative for banks to ensure that their products and services are tailored to the needs of different sections of people in the region, and are also backed by suitable humane yet quick measures. User Literacy Banking in Africa is still at a nascent stage as we are talking about a continent that still has around 70-80 percent of unbanked population and has tremendous potential to grow. The approach to retail banking in Africa is very different to what one can see in matured markets as the continent is vast and poses a real challenge to traditional distribution models based on branch networks. Technology and new distribution models are playing a vital role in how banking is being brought to the masses in Africa. Indirect distribution models relying on agency, retail and mobile networks seem to be more popular in driving penetration and reach across the 54 African states which are all very different to one another. Internet Connectivity Africa has made considerable progress in the area of broadband connectivity with the landing of submarine cables in East Africa (TEAMS, EASSy and SEACOM) and others in West Africa (SAT3, Main One, Glo-1) and the expansion of national backbone networks. International bandwidth that was 25 TB in 2012 expanded to exceed 50 TB in 2014, a capacity that could meet the demand of governments, financial institutions, household and business users for the medium term. Despite this encouraging progress, a large deficit remains in expanding access to broadband and the internet. A wide gap also exists in national backbone networks and in interconnecting cities in the continent. The broadband deficit is unevenly distributed among countries: some, such as Morocco and South Africa, has a significant density in terrestrial networks; others, in central Africa, has virtually no national infrastructure. In simple quantitative terms, such as the Internet band width available to African countries, significant improvements to Africa's Internet connectivity has taken place in the last ten years. Enormous investment in telecoms infrastructure has characterized these improvements, particularly in terms of intercontinental connectivity and terrestrial fibre networks. However, these infrastructure investments are necessary, but not sufficient in many African countries, to improve connectivity services experience for banks across Africa. Mobile Banking and Payments The use of mobile-banking and payment services in Africa has rocketed in recent years, but the rapid advance of this type of payment technology is throwing up challenges over how to manage this growth while protecting the end-user. We can only sustain this if we make sure the products are safe and consumers are given education, and recourse. A report by management consultant McKinsey and the Gates Foundation has forecasted that mobile payments in sub-Saharan African could reach up to $16 billion in the coming years if current trends continue across the continent. To facilitate access to finance to unbanked Africans, some MNOs has launched non-bank led mobile payment programs in some SSA countries. Africa is a vast region of 54 countries covering 30 million square kilometers and one billion people. Treating Africa as a single entity would be to overlook the complexities of life within a huge diversity of peoples, languages and cultures within and across national boundaries. It would be impossible to cover all of these in the detail that they deserve. Kenya can be used to illustrate the impact of mobile payments on the unbanked in low-income African countries. Financial Crime Risk The exponential increase in connectivity and technology has been a two-sided coin for banks. New risks in data protection, banking systems, privacy, electronic money transfers, and mobile banking are emerging and growing in importance. At the same time, the ability to collect and analyze data streams and change processes gives banks new opportunities and the means to more accurately measure and control risks. Therefore, the increasing prevalence of financial crime in Africa has made fraud management and investments in prevention technology a long-overdue priority to banks within the region, just like it is across the globe. As a result, banks learn that the consolidated software platform approach to fraud detection is fundamentally flawed and falls short on detecting and preventing fraudulent transactions. Business ContinuityDisaster Recovery Banks operating in Africa today need to find noledgeable experts to help develop a consistent and deliverable Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery solutions that adhere to ever-changing domestic and international standards. The entry of multinational institutions into African markets, along with increased attention and investment in disaster recovery and business continuity, has led to the growth of cloud services on the continent, analysts say. State-run PrivatBank (Kyiv) has applied for the removal of members of the Scientific Advisory Board Kostiantyn Husarov and Denys Sybiliov from hearing the case on appealing the decision on the procedure of execution of the court decision made in 2017 on PrivatBank's obligation to service the Surkis family, who estimates the bank's liabilities at $347.4 million. The press service of the bank said on Friday that Head of the Civil Department of the Yaroslav the Wise National Law University Husarov in the same case drew conclusions at the request of the plaintiffs, and therefore had no right to express his position at the request of the court as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board to the Supreme Court by virtue of a direct legislative prohibition. In addition, PrivatBank said that another identical conclusion about the need to close the cassation proceedings was prepared by associate professor of the same department Sybiliov, who is directly dependent on its head Husarov and is an assistant consultant to MP Oleksandr Lukashev, which, according to the bank, may indicate the presence of signs of bias in the preparation of the conclusion. The press service reminded that PrivatBank appealed with the Supreme Court seeking to disqualify Judge Serhiy Pogrebny, on whose initiative the findings of the Scientific Advisory Board under the Supreme Court were added to the case materials, the essence of which is the need for the Supreme Court to close the proceedings and uphold the decision of Pechersky District Court of Kyiv without providing an assessment of its legality. 31024 Bill Conati, Director of Technology, Arizona Care Network Bill Conati, Director of Technology, Arizona Care Network As IT leaders working in an industry that is undergoing a massive transformation, we have an exceptional opportunity. Using disruptive technologies, we can drive real and meaningful change to make healthcare more efficient and deliver better outcomes for patients. One technology destined to drive such change is blockchain. The financial services sector has already proven the value in using blockchain technology to transmit funds and log information as a means of lowering the worldwide cost of cross-border payments, security trading and compliance. As a result, the technology is poised to save the global banking industry an astounding $20 billion by 2020, according to estimates by the management consulting firm Accenture. Now, some savvy healthcare organizations are taking note and using blockchain to address some of the industrys thorniest problems: coordination of care, quality transparency and administrative inefficiencies. What makes blockchain so promising for healthcare is that it delegates more authority to physicians and patients without losing control of cost and utilization. With annual healthcare spend that now tops $3 billion about 18 percent of the nations GDP the need to replace inefficient processes, data systems, silos and a duplication of services has never been more important. Arizona Care Network has seen the benefits of this revolutionary technology firsthand. In 2018, our organization partnered with Solve. Care, a worldwide healthcare technology platform, to deploy blockchain as the foundation for smart, decentralized healthcare applications. The result was Care.Wallet, an application allows for true coordination of care administration by replacing duplicative processes with a synchronized model that is efficient and effective. In addition, the Care.Wallet creates a permanent record of online transactions that can be securely stored and selectively shared with targeted users via a network of personal devices. Phase 1 of the Care. Wallet was deployed to Arizona Care Network primary care practices and providers, giving them a transparent view of their performance data and the ability to compare their success to the larger network. Just five weeks after the launch, the mobile application was in use by 75 percent of eligible practices. The key to the Care.Wallets success is that it was designed specifically for physicians. As they used the prototype and suggested improvements, Arizona Care Network was able to respond with changes to meet their needs. The Care.Wallets actionable insights also enabled providers to see clinical care gaps and results for in-network care coordination and patient satisfaction. The next evolution of the Care.Wallet is already under way. Its focus: patients. Specifically, we are launching a Care.Wallet specifically for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Through the Diabetes Care Administration Network, patients will be educated and empowered to monitor their condition and enlist help, as needed. Thats critical, given that about 9.4 percent of the population about 30 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Left unmanaged, diabetes can be a gateway to kidney problems, heart disease and other serious conditions that are not only disruptive to the patient but drive higher healthcare costs. In the future, the Care.Wallet aims to give patients a simpler way to find network doctors, understand their insurance benefits and the costs before services are rendered, secure pre-authorizations, and reduce the often-duplicative paperwork associated with insurance billing and payments. From better clinical outcomes to alleviating administrative burdens and reducing waste in the nations healthcare system, blockchain is the wave of the future. By embracing this and other disruptive technologies, IT professionals can lead the way in making healthcare and benefits work better for everyone patients, providers, and our society. See Also: Top Healthcare Technology Solution Companies 10198 Greg Gardner, Chief Architect, Government and Defense Solutions, NetApp Greg Gardner, Chief Architect, Government and Defense Solutions, NetApp The Dept. of Defense (DoD) and the Aerospace and Defense Industrytwo entities heavily reliant on collaborationstill grapple with siloed legacy systems, processes and IT infrastructures. That said, both are turning to cloud computing to address this issue. Last year, Deltek forecast federal agency demand for cloud computing services would balloon from $2.45 billion in FY2014 to $6.5 billion in 2109citing DoD movement to the Cloud as a factor in this growth. However, accelerating organization-wide cloud computing adoption across the DoDthe largest potential consumer of cloud computing services in the U.S. federal government is slowed by security concerns. Every organization, public and private, that considers cloud computing is forced to confront a conundrum. While cloud computing is arguably both more effective and more efficient than legacy alternatives, the fact remains when data is moved off-premise to some form of cloud storagewhether government, private, hybrid, or publicthe organization gives up the stewardship of that data to a third party. Unlike the entities that generate and own the data, those who provide cloud services are motivated to bring in and manage more clients to either generate profits or justify its existence. Further, clouds expose more attack surfaces (more data is accessed by more users through more applications all co-located in the same cloud) and introduce more people (e.g., Cloud Administrators).That puts data even more at risk. Those considering a move to cloud computing find this very worrying. Organizations deal with this challenge in a variety of ways. Many in the private sector have very specific rules limiting the use of external cloud services and expressly restrict data that may be stored off premise to that in the low risk category with waivers requiring both legal review and Vice President approval. Those in the public sector rely on cloud-related government policies. Under the umbrella of the Department of Defense Cloud Computing Strategy, for example, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) recently released a Security Requirements Guide (SRG) for cloud computing, which is intended to make it easierand quickerfor Defense Department agencies to procure commercial cloud services while still ensuring security. The new SRG closely follows the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) used by civilian federal agencies while adding additional requirements in areas where extra security is needed. And, yet, an unchanging baseline of security standards would fail to keep pace with security threats. So government cloud security standards are destined to continually change. In fact, the Office of Management and Budgets 2014 Federal Information Security Management Act cited many agencies and contractors that were not NIST compliant and did not meet evolving cloud security standards and guidelines. Data sharing between cloud service providers must improve and issues surrounding the liability of both government and private sector data and the ramifications if data is breached through the cloud must be addressed Additionally, data sharing between cloud service providers must improve and issues surrounding the liability of both government and private sector data and the ramifications if data is breached through the cloud must be addressed. Technical and procedural guidelines continue to evolve as well. Where once the government talked of Cloud Access Pointsthe means by which commercial cloud service providers were to connect to government networksthat concept is no longer even discussed. And with all these policies and limitations, questions inevitably emerge about cloud computings true return on investment and whether the actual effectiveness of cloud computing will eventually allow governmental agencies to save money by repurposing some of its workforce. But when cloud computing works it can be exceptionally valuable. Take, for example, the case of the Armys Logistic Support Activity (LOGSA) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The Army employs hybrid cloud computing services from a commercial provider to bolster services provided by LOGSA. This cloud architecture is responsible for some 40 million unique Army data transactions per day. LOGSA houses the Logistics Information Warehouse, which serves as the Armys storehouse for logistics data and also provides relevant business intelligence to ensure the Armys material needs worldwide are met. LOGSA transitioned to its hybrid cloud model in 2014. Today, the cloud service provider is securely adding new data analytics capabilities to LOGSA to maximize returns from the cloud environment. The hybrid cloud model allows the organization to better make use of the enormous amount of logistics data the Army collects. That, in turn, enables sharper insights and better services to units across the Army. Critical logistics data like equipment inventories and movement information are just a few of the data points LOGSA manages in the cloud. LOGSAs hybrid cloud modelwhich securely connects various on-premise IT systems and adds the providers capabilities to the mixhas slashed costs by 50 percent over its previous model. In addition, the new model is less prone to downtime; reliability has improved from 99 percent to 99.999 percent. All things considered, best practices for the use of cloud computing are best addressed in terms of a data-lifecycle management model. When data stores are first established and both technical and procedural issues are being hashed out, it makes sense to leverage cloud storage to hold down the costs of development and testing. When the system moves into production however, logic dictates that critical data must be both well protected and provisioned close to compute to meet the demands of daily operations. This can be done on-premise or in some form of cloud structure but the standards of security and performance are intensely high as are implementation costs. For disaster recovery or as data ages and has not been touched for many months or years, it makes sense to move that data to a less expensive but less functional form of cloud storage. But this data must also be well secured. Many organizations find that it makes the most sense to protect these workloads within the cloud and keep copies separated by region, login credentials, or even cloud providers. One approach to securing aging, untouched data or provisioning backup/recovery stores involves using physical or virtual appliances to compress, de-duplicate, encrypt and then seamlessly and securely back-up data and workloads to the cloud. For example, storage teams can now quickly spin up a cloud-based appliance with a cloud service provider and move their data to that cloud with enterprise class speed and security. They pay only for what they use and they retain the encryption keys. This approach is becoming increasingly popular amongst government organizations. In sum, cloud computing is here to stay. It is functional, low cost, and enterprise-class. Nevertheless, security challenges persist and will continually evolve. Private sector and government must aggressively work to balance the security, usability, and performance of their data stores and workloads and cloud computing must be a key part of those deliberations. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister-nominee for Fisheries and Aquaculture has blamed her infamous government cannot construct meaningful dams comment on a misinterpretation by the writer of the said publication. Hawa Koomson who appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for her mandatory vetting stated that she was taken out of context. According to her, she was misunderstood by the writer due to how she communicated her message. She reaffirmed her position that the government through the One-District-One-Factory initiative constructed dams which are serving the needs of farmers. There was a question whether the dams we were constructing were that of the Akosombo dam, and I said no. We are constructing community earth dams, and those dams are dams constructed within the community and for sure we dont expect big dams and as we all know, English is not a language for all of us. So maybe, the way I wanted to put it was. Well, I said English is not our mother tongue, so what I really meant was not the word I used, and not to say that the dam was not a meaningful dam. Source: ghannaweb.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 Pune, India, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report, Automotive Infotainment market size is projected to reach USD 20.05 Billion by 2027. Automotive Infotainment Market was worth USD 11.94 billion in 2018 and will exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Enhancement in Navigation Systems to Boost Market. The rising shift towards enhanced in-vehicle experience will augment the healthy growth of the automotive infotainment market revenue during the forecast period. The efforts of automotive manufacturers for adding new features and infotainment solutions to provide ease and comfort in driving will boost the automotive infotainment market growth in the forthcoming years. In addition, the rising integration of V2X connectivity solutions, ADAS systems, telematics devices, sensors, and others in automotive will have a positive impact on the automotive infotainment market share in the foreseeable future. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/automotive-infotainment-market-102676 Automotive Infotainment Market: Rising Integration of V2X Connectivity Solutions to Spur Opportunities The increasing production of technologically advanced infotainment systems in automobiles owing to the necessity for safe and smart vehicles will enable speedy growth of the market in the forthcoming years. The rising emphasis on improved in-vehicle experience will spur opportunities for the market. For instance, the innovative and advanced infotainment systems are equipped with pre-trip planning, parking recommendations, predictive navigations, cloud-enabling syncing, and other important features. The rising popularity of smartphone connectivity in cars will fuel demand for advanced infotainment systems. For instance, smartphones can be paired with the infotainment system using WiFi hotspot or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the user to access features such as outgoing, incoming, and conference calls on the system. Moreover, the growing improvement and advancement in navigation systems such as voice command, touch screen GPS navigator, maps and directions clarity, driver alert, and user-friendly features will contribute positively to the automotive infotainment market trends. The report is fixed at delivering a comprehensive description of the automotive infotainment market dynamics and structure by identifying and providing information regarding the key market segments. It also focuses on an all-encompassing analysis of leading market players by financial position, product, product portfolio, price, growth strategies, and regional presence. It offers PORTERs analysis and SWOT analysis to record the question of shareholders and highlights the investment potential in the upcoming future. Click here to get the short-term and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on this Market. Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/automotive-infotainment-market-102676 High Adoption of Electric Vehicles to Stimulate Growth in Asia Pacific The market in Asia Pacific stood at USD 6.36 billion and is expected to witness high growth rate during the forecast period owing to the high automotive sales in the region. The growth in region is also attributed to the rising adoption of electric vehicles in China and Japan. The growing government implications and initiatives for electric vehicles will aid the market in the region. The rapid technological advancements in manufacturing facilities in emerging regions such as China, India will have a positive influence on the market. Europe is predicted to hold the second-largest share in the market owing to the presence of major car brands. The rising shift from conventional cars to hybrid cars will bolster the healthy growth of the market during the forecast period. The market in North America is predicted to observe healthy growth during the forecast period owing to the presence of major automotive manufacturers in the region. Quick Buy - Automotive Infotainment Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/102676 2019: Acura, unveiled new infotainment with a 10.2-inch screen and a "True Touchpad Interface," in its newest RDX crossover, which uses a touch-sensitive pad on the center console. Currently, it only offers Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto support will be soon integrated MMI navigation Harman International Industries Inc. Visteon Corporation Denso Corporation Robert Bosch Aptiv PLC Alpine Electronics Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/automotive-infotainment-market-102676 Global Automotive Infotainment Market Segmentation: By System Type: Dashboard Rear Seat By Vehicle Type: Passenger Cars Light Commercial Vehicles Heavy Commercial Vehicle Electric Vehicle By Market Type: OEMs Aftermarket By Geography: North America (USA, Canada) Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia and Rest of Europe) Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, Southeast Asia and Rest of Asia Pacific) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America) Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC, and Rest of Middle East & Africa) Get your Customized Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/automotive-infotainment-market-102676 Have a Look at Related Reports: Automotive Sunroof Market Size , Share & Industry Analysis, By Material Type (Glass, Fabric), By Product Type (Pop-Up, Inbuilt, Tilt & Slide, Top Mount, Panoramic), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, Electric Vehicles), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Locomotive Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Technology Type (IGBT Module, GTO Thyristor, and SiC Module), By Propulsion Type (Diesel and Electric) and Regional Forecasts, 2020-2027 Automotive Electric Turbocharger Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Fuel Type (Gasoline and Diesel), by Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Light Commercial Vehicle, and Heavy Commercial Vehicle) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2027 Automotive ECall Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Automatic and Manual), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars Light Commercial Vehicle and Heavy Commercial Vehicles) and Regional Forecasts, 2019-2026 Automotive V2X Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Connectivity Type (DSRC and Cellular), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle), By Communication Type (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P), and Others), and Regional Forecasts, 2020-2027 About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data. At Fortune Business Insights we aim at highlighting the most lucrative growth opportunities for our clients. We, therefore, offer recommendations, making it easier for them to navigate through technological and market-related changes. Our consulting services are designed to help organizations identify hidden opportunities and understand prevailing competitive challenges. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 308, Supreme Headquarters, Survey No. 36, Baner, Pune-Bangalore Highway, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. ROCHESTER, Minn. A man accused of shooting the family dog in front of a small child is pleading not guilty. Richard Taylor Jordan, 33 of Rochester, is charged with felony animal mistreatment and intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety. He was arrested in early November 2019 after an incident in the 13000 block of Highway 52 SE. The Olmsted County Sheriffs Office says after the dog nipped at him, Jordan got a 12-gauge shotgun and shot the dog in the neck, killing it. Deputies say a child was five to six feet away during the shooting. Jordan was found not competent to stand trial in March 2020 but was re-examined and ruled competent in November 2020. He entered his not guilty plea Thursday. No trial date has been set. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com High Criminal Court imprisoned two public service employees for misusing their official positions to pass driving test candidates illegally. The court also jailed five others for their role in the crime syndicate. The first and the third suspect received prison terms of seven years each, and the second suspect a jail term of six months. The Head of the Financial Crimes and Money Laundering Prosecution said, Two of the suspects are employees of the General Directorate of Traffic. The court deferred the punishment of the second suspect by three years. The High Criminal Court also ordered the deportation of the third suspect after his jail term ends. The court also jailed another suspect for three years and ordered to deport him after completing jail terms. Court files say the first defendant misused his official powers to assist the third and second suspects in passing driving test candidates illegally. Investigators found that the third and fourth defendant took cash from the fifth, sixth and seventh defendants to pass candidates and obtain a license. 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. [February 19, 2021] SES Government Solutions to Provide New Portable Maritime Solution SES (News - Alert) Government Solutions (SES GS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, today announced the award of a new portable maritime solution task order against the single-award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) low-latency High Throughput Satellite (HTS) services. The solution leverages the O3b MEO satellite constellation operating 8,000km away from Earth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210218006174/en/ O3b Satellite (Credit: Marie Ange Sanguy) The Department of Defense procured a portable MEO service to support forward deployed U.S. military personnel. Initial deployment of the service exceeded customer expectations and was very well received. This represents a significant breakthrough with the DoD using O3b MEO capabilities for portable high-throughput, low-latency services. SES GS's solution integrates the O3b MEO system with a portable antenna and is designed to support both portability and freedom of movement. The self-contained ruggedized design houses all equipment in a rack system with AC unit, power distribution and a battery backup system and can achieve upwards of 400 Mbps x 200 Mbps of throughput over the O3b network. "The need to provide resilient and diverse satellite communications is critical to meeting Department of Defense SATCOM requirements," said President and CEO of SES Government Solutions, Brigadier General Pete Hoene, USAF (retired). "This industrial-grade, hih-throughput, low-latency capability has been integrated into a turnkey MEO terminal and can be scaled up or down based on the number of users and support requirements. The demonstrated throughput is unsurpassed in a portable maritime system of this size." With its new portable maritime solution, SES GS is proud to provide unprecedented connectivity in support of the deployed U.S. DoD personnel and looks forward to continuing mission support with its next-generation O3b mPOWER capability. Follow us on: Read our Blogs > Visit the Media Gallery > About SES Government Solutions SES Government Solutions (SES GS) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, the leader in global content connectivity solutions. SES GS operates under a proxy board allowing them to provide services through contracts with the U.S. Government, including classified work. SES GS is exclusively focused on meeting the satellite communications needs of the U.S. Government. Leveraging more than four decades of experience in the government SATCOM market, SES GS offers robust and secure end-to-end satellite communications solutions. Further information can be found at www.ses-gs.com. About SES SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the world's only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world's leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES's video network carries over 8,200 channels and has an unparalleled reach of 367 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210218006174/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] FTSE 100 slipped lower on confirmation UK government borrowing hit a record high of 8.8bn in January. Londons leading index slipped 11 points to 6,605 in early trading. The Office for National Statistics reported UK retail sales also dropped 8.2% in January compared to December because of widespread store closures. Online sales accounted for over a third of total spending for the first time. PLC ( ) slumped to a full-year post-tax loss of 753mln due to a 3.2bn bad debt charge while it confirmed it is pulling out of Ireland. On the plus side, the dividend is back and bonuses went up at the taxpayer-owned bank. ( ) said full-year profits will be materially ahead of market forecasts. The publisher said online subs and advertising were very strong during Black Friday and Christmas. ( ) is to support the roll-out of mobile COVID-19 testing in the UK as part of the Department of Health and Social Cares new pilot scheme. It will oversee all laboratory operations and processes. ( ) announced the start of rig mobilisation for the Merlin-1 well, in Alaska, where drilling is scheduled to start in the first week of March. "Commencement of drilling at Merlin-1 is now just around the corner, said Dave Wall, managing director. Horizonte-Minerals-PLC ( ) confirmed the closing of a share placing with the nickel mine developer raising 18mln in total. 12.2mln was raised in the UK and 5.8mln in Canada. 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. Texas has been plagued by power and water failure for three days now and there is still no clear end in sight. A quick drive around Katy confirmed that the cuts had not been uniform, with certain subdivisions faring worse than others. Power outages also meant parts of the city were left without working traffic signals and streetlights. After 24 hours without light or heat, residents in some areas were relieved when power was restored for a few hours on Tuesday, only to go out again and then assume an unpredictable come-and-go pattern. On HoustonChronicle.com: Sugar Land nonprofit Sienna Women's League gives $30,000 in grants to area charities Katy residents, however, have resiliently adapted to the unprecedented extreme weather, charging phones in cars (make sure garage doors are open), boiling pots of water and foraging for firewood. Francisco Ribera, long time resident of Grayson Lakes, said he and his family were lucky to lose only electricity and not water, the arctic temperatures having caused several water pipes to freeze and burst. Monday around 2 am, the house got cold and I woke up, Ribera said. Actually, in February of 73, it snowed a lot for about a week, and I remember missing school, but since then, Ive never seen anything like this. Weve layered up, kept the gas fireplace on. The stove was working so we put big pots of boiling water on to keep moisture in the house. Last fall, I was thinking about getting a whole house generator, then I put it off, thinking Ill install it in spring, before hurricane season. I had no idea that something like this would happen during winter. On HoustonChronicle.com: Winter Storm Uri puts icy talons on Friendswood Ribera said he planned to buy more firewood and brush up on board games, since that is how his family had been passing the time without gadgets. Amanda Barrier, who lives in Mason and Highland Knolls said power outages in her area had lasted well into Tuesday. I woke up Monday morning and there was no power, Barrier said. Around 4 pm Monday my power was turned back on for two hours, but then it was gone again. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston boil water notice still in effect. Here's what to do once faucets are running again. Seventeen-year-old Timothy Guerrero said he and his neighbors had fortunately not experienced any power outages as of Tuesday afternoon, and he hoped that did not change. I live on the outskirts, between Brookshire and Katy, he said. We have not been without power and we have water. On HoustonChronicle.com: Gallery Furniture stores are now warming shelters Memorial Parkway resident Ashley Zammit said this was the first time she had seen snow in Texas. Texas doesnt do snow, she said. We lost power Monday morning at 3 am, we got it back Tuesday afternoon. We have cold water in one bathroom, but our other faucets dont seem to be working, I think the pipes froze. Zammit said her home was equipped with a fireplace and she planned to stock up on firewood. Friends and neighbors have reported power outages, no Wi-Fi signals, no internet, some people do have power but theyre on the other side of town, she said. Everyones having a different experience it seems. We play cards and charge our phones in the car. juhi.varma@hcnonline.com GREENVILLE Its been seven months since a concert at Lavish Lounge club turned into a burst of gunfire that killed a young mother and a security guard, and wounded eight others. The events surrounding the Independence Day shooting are still being reviewed in various levels of the legal system, both civil and criminal. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which is handling the ongoing criminal investigation, has to date arrested one person, ATF spokesman Corey Ray said. Meanwhile, four lawsuits have been filed on behalf of victims of the violence, including one in representation of 23-year-old Mykala Bell, who died in the shooting and left behind two young children. Bell wasnt a part of what authorities say was a gang-related beef that prompted a member of Atlanta trap rapper Foogianos entourage to open fire in the club. Neither was 51-year-old security guard Clarence Sterling. The Post and Courier reviewed the lawsuit filed in Greenville County and found those being sued range from major corporations to local contractors. Both Foogiano and well-known rapper and promoter Gucci Mane are named. One suit, filed in full this month, extends the grievance to the record label both are signed to music titan Atlantic Records. Locally, the owner of the Lavish Lounge building, the man and associated companies who ran the club, a security contractor hired for that night and the Georgia man arrested and charged in the shooting are all named in suits that allege wrongful death, assault and battery, and premise liability. In three of the suits, Sterling and his estate are listed as defendants. On Feb. 17, Circuit Judge Perry Gravely delayed a request by the owner of the building, Rommie Khalil, to be removed from two of the suits. Khalils attorney argued in a motion to dismiss hearing that Khalil simply owned the building and had no other interest in the club. It all dates back to 1:45 a.m. July 5, when a concert carried on into the night with a crowd packed into a nightclub that has since been forced to close. The rapper Foogiano, whose given name is Kwame Brown, was the headliner. Two days after the shooting, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis laid out the series of events told through witnesses and video at the club at 1701 White Horse Road near Interstate 85. Sign up for our Greenville weekly update newsletter. Sign up for weekly roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Upstate. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Greenville news staff. Email Sign Up! Just before shots were fired, several men, all identified as being part of the rappers entourage, presented guns, Lewis said. In all, 12 rounds were fired inside the club in what Lewis said was gang-related violence. Bell and Sterling were innocent bystanders. Eight others were injured. Everyone involved with the shootings left immediately. Sheriffs Lt. Jimmy Bolt at the time said that there were two shooters and that authorities were looking for three men. To date, only Jarquez Kezavion Cooper of Athens, Ga., has been arrested. Cooper faces two murder charges and eight counts of attempted murder. As the sun rose, authorities were sorting through evidence and public leaders decried the violence. The ATF later took over the investigation. Ray said he wasn't able to provide more information about how many other potential suspects the agency might be looking at. The civil claims in motion now paint a picture of negligence, though the parties involved have denied wrongdoing across the spectrum of lawsuits. The suits allege that the nightclub run by Antonio Quiroga was operating illegally without a license to conduct business and serve alcohol and failed to check IDs. The club also violated "crowd restrictions." Under Gov. Henry McMaster's executive order limiting large gatherings during the pandemic, the club should not have been open. The suits allege that the club failed to check for guns, whether at the door or through other entrances, and when the shooting happened, there was inadequate means for the crowd to exit. In one particular suit alleging assault and battery, a main target is the performers, promoters and record company being held responsible for the actions of someone acting as an employee or agent the entourage member charged with being the gunman, Cooper. Both Foogiano and Gucci Mane, the Georgia-based rapper and promoter whose given name is Radric Delantic Davis, are signed with Atlantic Records, which operates under the umbrella of one of the three-largest record companies in the world, Warner Music Group. Also listed are Charleston-based A-List Booking LLC, and Midlands-based Sierra Six Safety & Security Consulting LLC, which was hired to provide security services. In a response to the actions against his company, Sierra Six owner Alan Geathers, in representation of himself, asked to be dismissed from action because the company was only responsible for securing the Lavish Lounge parking lot and not anything at the door or within. Loading the player... COVID-19 in Mumbai: State govt fights to curb coronavirus crisis; BMC issues fresh guidelines In the light of a rise in COVID- 19 cases, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has decided to register offences against people who violate safety guidelines, an official said on Thursday. The civic body has intensified action against people found without masks in public, and will take action against function halls, gymnasiums and other establishments that don't follow safety norms, the official said. Google to invest Rs 109 crore to support small and micro enterprises in India Google on Wednesday said it would invest $15 million (around Rs 109 crore) to support small and micro enterprises in India in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment is a part of Google's $75 million commitment to help small businesses outside of the US. Google is working with non-government partners who have a record of providing resources to businesses that are generally overlooked by traditional lenders. COVID-19 vaccine: Bharat Biotech seeks approval in over 40 countries India's indigineous coronavirus vaccine developer Bharat Biotech is in the process of filing regulatory documents for approval of its vaccine, Covaxin, in more than 40 countries. The Hyderabad-based biotech on Wednesday said that the process for filing the documents is underway, reported Reuters. The company has also entered into an agreement with US drug developer Ocugen for the commercialisation of Covaxin in the United States. Zoom user base sees 70x growth in India amid Covid pandemic: CEO Yuan The pandemic-induced lockdowns resulted in a 70 times increase in the user base for Zoom in the four months to April 2020, the video conference app's founder and Chief Executive Eric S Yuan said. He said the app, which enjoyed a runaway jump in valuations after the pandemic, will continue to be relevant for its users as the world switches to a hybrid mode of working, which entails dividing time between home and offices. Air pollution led to around 54,000 premature deaths in New Delhi in 2020 - study Air pollution caused an estimated 54,000 premature deaths in the Indian capital New Delhi last year, a higher toll than in any other big global metropolis, according to a study released on Thursday. In Delhi, the PM2.5 reading peaked in November when it was 30 times above the World Health Organization's safe limit, the study showed, in line with the Indian government's air quality index reading at the time. Highlights A man reportedly took out his iPhone XS when it slipped out of his hands and went straight into the freezing waters of Victoria, Canada. He waited till the next day when there was light and the tide was relatively low when he jumped into the ice-cold water to rescue his iPhone XS. The iPhone XS, which was launched in 2018, comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water protection. If Darwin's 'survival of the fittest' theory were to apply to phones in today's age, iPhones could fit the bill seamlessly. In the most recent case of an iPhone's survival, a man from Victoria, jumped into the chilling Victorian waters to rescue his iPhone XS, which was working fine despite being submerged in the water for a few hours. The man, Roman Czarnomski, was walking on the harbour on February 14 when he stopped to take a picture of the harbour freezing over near the Empress. Czarnomski reportedly took out his iPhone XS when it slipped out of his hands and went straight into the freezing waters of Victoria. Czarnomski waited till the next day when there was light and the tide was relatively low when he jumped into the ice-cold water of Victoria's harbour to rescue his iPhone XS. "I dropped my phone the night before. Then grabbed it the next day when the tide was low. It was refreshing," Czarnomski told Victoria Buzz. "I had a feeling it would work. I wasn't really sure though until it buzzed in my pocket when the guy who took the videos sent them to me after I got out," he added. The iPhone XS, which was launched in 2018, comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water protection. In Czarnomski's case, his iPhone XS was submerged in the cold, deep water for a few hours, and was working fine despite the harsh weather. India Today Tech gave the iPhone XS a 9 out of 10 back when it was launched in 2018 for its longevity, combined with top-of-the-line hardware. During its launch, Apple had noted the glass back and the glass layer on the screen of the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max is more durable. Now, this is not the first time Apple has survived a fall. Last year in December, a Brazil-based documentary filmmaker named Ernesto Galiotto was shooting a video on his iPhone 6S from a plane and accidentally dropped his phone. The report states that he was holding his phone with just one hand to capture something from the plane window when his phone could not endure the pressure caused by the winds and slipped out of his hands. "For a few meters I could have hit a person and, at that height I was flying, 2,000 feet, it was going to be a tragedy, can you imagine? But it wasn't a tragedy, it had many emotions," Galiotto had said. His iPhone not only survived the fall but also recorded it. As reports of Senator Ted Cruz's family vacation trip to Cancun were confirmed Thursday morning, it didn't take long for eagle-eyed social media users to spot a hypocritical tweet from the Houston native. In December, Cruz responded to a CNN story reporting that several Democrat politicians weren't following the same COVID-19 precautions they were preaching to their constituents. FLYIN' TED: Ted Cruz flies to Cancun while his home state freezes At the time, Cruz tweeted: "Hypocrites. Complete and utter hypocrites. And don't forget @MayorAdler who took a private jet with eight people to Cabo and WHILE IN CABO recorded a video telling Austinites to 'stay home if you can ... this is not the time to relax.'" In November, Austin Mayor Steve Adler recorded a video urging the city's residents to stay home due to COVID-19, but Adler was vacationing in Cabo San Lucas when he recorded the message. Two months after tweeting about Adler and other Democrat politicians, Cruz also flew to Mexico as more than 1.3 million CenterPoint customers in the Houston area were without power and dealing with freezing temperatures. The temperatures in Cancun are in the 80s Thursday, while Houston is expected to dip back into the 20s on Friday morning, which has sparked outrage as people give Cruz new nicknames like "Fled Cruz" and "Flyin' Ted" - a takeoff on Donald Trump's former nickname for the Senator "Lyin' Ted." Similar throwing-stones-in-glass-houses tweets came back to haunt Cruz earlier in the week. As the Arctic blast shut down much of the power grid in Texas, peopled pointed out Cruz's tweets from the summer where he mocked California for enduring rolling blackouts during a heat wave. As California suffered, Cruz pointed out: California is now unable to perform even basic functions of civilization, like having reliable electricity." Six months later, the same could be said for Texas. To Cruz's credit, he didn't try to defend those tweets. On Tuesday, he responded to the outrage over his old tweets by saying "I got no defense. A blizzard strikes Texas and our state shuts down. Not good. Stay safe!" A day later, Cruz was on a plane to balmy Cancun, and he hasn't tweeted since. AS the white pirogue drifted in the waters just off Belle Garden in Tobago early yesterday morning, fishermen working nearby knew something was wrong. What they saw in the small vessel stunned them. Fourteen bodies, all of them male, along with a skull and other skeletal remains, were piled inside the vessel as it floated four miles off Belle Garden, police confirmed. The bodies were all clad in tracksuits and green rain jackets and were severely decomposed, police investigators 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. New Delhi, Feb 19 : Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has asked Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to conduct an investigation into the role of Amazon supplier, Cloudtail India owned by N.R. Narayan Murthy. CAIT in a letter to Goyal has sought a point wise investigation including mockery of the law by Cloudtail India Limited and Appario Retail (P) Limited, joint ventures with Amazon India Limited. "In this context, we reiterate that not only Amazon, its joint ventures in India too are hand in glove and knowingly helping it desecrating our country's rule of law. It is also deeply worrying that some banks are colluding with Amazon by helping it keep prices lower than the market through exclusive policies giving cashback," CAIT said. "We draw your kind attention towards Cloudtail India (P) Limited, a company owned by Sh Narayan Murthy, Appario Retail (P) Limited, owned by Mr. Ashok Patni, Darshita EtelDarshita Mobiles, STPL-Green Mobiles and Rocket Kommerce", CAIT said. It added that these together control 80% of business on Amazon marketplace. Though according to law and policies, the marketplace (Amazon) should not have relation or control over the retailer (eg Cloudtail), these retail companies are fully controlled by Amazon. Thus, Amazon's "marketplace" narrative is a mere myth, CAIT said. "In Cloudtail and its holding company, Prione Business Services, it is no coincidence that the managing directors, CFOs, key persons are (so-called) former employees of Amazon. Even the majority of board members of Cloudtail are (so-called) former employees of Amazon. No surprises that Sh Murthy owns 76 per cent in Cloudtail (and Prione owns 100 per cent of Cloudtail) yet the board of directors have Amazon in majority. To reiterate, Cloudtail and Prione are managed and operated by Amazon via (so-called) former employees", CAIT said. In Cloudtail and its holding company, Prione Business Services, MD, CFOs, senior employees are all (so-called) former employees of Amazon. Even the Board of Cloudtail is a melange of present and (so-called) former employees of Amazon, including Amit Agarwal, Amazon; Sandeep Varaganti, MD, former Amazon employee; Rajesh Jindal, MD, former Amazon employee; Komal Patwari, Prione legal counsel; Amit Ranade, Catamaran; Nithyanandan R (former Infosys Global Counsel), Catamaran; Arjun Narayanswamy, Catamaran; Sheetal Bhat, Catamaran, whereas the Board of Cloudtail include S/Shri Rajesh Jindal, MD, Prione a former Amazon employee; Komal Patwari, Prione legal counsel; Sumit Sahay, MD; Cloudtail, former Director of Category Leadership, Amazon; Amit Ranade, Catamaran; and Nithyanandan R (former Infosys Global Counsel), Catamaran, CAIT said. "The above structure lays bare the brazenness and intent of Amazon. Even though Murthy holds the majority of shares, he has allowed the (so-called) former employees of Amazon on the driver's seat of both Cloudtail and Prione. This points to complicity of Murthy and possible financial contributions by Amazon, making Murthy and each of the named individuals wilful "partners in crime." The role of Murthy requires appropriate investigation," CAIT said. "We draw your kind attention towards various schemes of the different banks for giving 10% discount/cash back on a regular basis from time to time for purchase of any product from the portal of e-commerce companies Amazon & Flipkart. The banks include, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Citi Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HSBC, Bank of Baroda, RBL Bank, Axis Bank," CAIT said. CAIT said the above are providing these cash discounts only on purchase of goods from ecommerce by making payment through their Debit/Credit Cards but if the same goods is purchased from a Brick & Mortar shops of crores of our members, this discount is not provided. This is amounts to between two sets of traders thus violative of the Preamble to the Constitution of India which guarantees "Equality" and restricts the consumers to purchase goods from offline (read Amazon & Flipkart) shops and violative of Article 19 and Article 301 guaranteeing freedom to trade and commerce in the country. In this Nov. 28, 2019 file photo, smoke and steam rise from a coal processing plant in Hejin in central China's Shanxi Province. After years of complaints from environmental advocates, China seems to be headed for an interagency showdown over the construction of new coal-fired power plants. In a blistering report released on Jan. 29, the government's Central Environmental Inspection Team (CEIT) blasted the National Energy Administration (NEA) for allowing new coal power projects at a time when President Xi Jinping has pledged greater efforts to combat climate change. Findings from the supervisory team's investigation were reported by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and posted on both the MEE and NEA websites in what appeared to be a highly unusual "naming and shaming" attack on a government agency. "Never before has a high-level central government agency been inspected and openly criticized for multiple 'failures' related to energy development," the environmental website carbonbrief.org said. The CEIT investigators charged that the NEA had not put environmental protection "at a high level," leading to uncoordinated decisions on project approvals. "New coal power capacity at key areas for air pollution was not strictly controlled, leading to what should be built was not built and what shouldn't was built," Reuters quoted the report as saying. The inspectors cited divisions within the NEA and failure to implement "Xi Jinping's thoughts on ecological civilization." "Some comrades of the National Energy Administration believe that the most important thing in the energy sector is to ensure supply." Those officials raised concerns that environmental requirements will increase industry costs, the inspectors said. Other officials were said to believe that industry is "not yet qualified" to meet environmental requirements. Still others argued that the energy sector's problems have been caused by other agencies or localities, the CEIT said. The result is that "coal power installations are still increasing in 12 provinces (and provincial-level municipalities), and the energy industry is more intensively distributed in key areas for air pollution prevention and control," the report said. The CEIT ordered the NEA to formulate a "rectification plan" and submit it to the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the cabinet-level State Council within 30 working days. March madness The deadline appears to coincide with the start of China's annual legislative sessions in early March and the possible presentation of the government's 14th Five-Year Plan for 2021-2025. The timing may signal that decisions regarding the NEA have already been made. In a Carbon Brief interview, Daniel Gardner, a Smith College history professor and an expert on China's environmental affairs, suggested that the agency's existence may be on the line. "This is a strong, unambiguous censure of the NEA, which leads me to wonder whether the stage is being set to reduce its authority or, perhaps, even to eliminate the agency altogether and move its administrative responsibilities elsewhere," Gardner said. By publicly cracking the whip at the NEA, the supervisory group has also highlighted its authority as a direct report to Vice Premier Han Zheng, a member of the powerful Politburo. The NEA has been a target of several corruption crackdowns. Most notably in 2019, Nur Bekri, described as an architect of China's coal policy, was given a life sentence for bribery after leading the NEA from 2014 to 2018. But the CEIT report and the sequence of events may raise questions about who is really responsible for the decisions on building new coal-fired plants. The NEA is subordinate to both the State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the central government's top planning agency. The greenlighting of new coal projects has arguably been the product of government policy rather than the exclusive responsibility of the NEA. "It's mainly a problem at the NEA/NDRC level, but also at the provincial and local level, which is a classic problem of policy in China," said Mikkal Herberg, energy security research director for the Seattle-based National Bureau of Asian Research. The MEE lacks power to force policy change without outside support, like that from the CEIT inspectors, Herberg said. Power also rests with the NDRC, but so do conflicts over policy, "The number one priority for the NDRC above all else is always jobs and economic growth, especially the case during the pandemic year," Herberg said by email, So, when push comes to shove, the environmental goals usually get watered down or ignored when they really get in the way of boosting growth," he said. The conflict over policy goals has been playing out for years. In a report this month, the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) and the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said that last year, "China built over three times as much new coal power capacity as all other countries in the world combined -- the equivalent of more than one large coal plant per week." In the history of coal plant approvals over the past decade, environmental groups have been warning since 2014 about the consequences of the central government's decision to devolve the approval authority for new projects to provincial and local governments as a way to speed development by cutting red tape. The NDRC subsequently tried to slow down the wave of approvals as generating overcapacity rose and utilization rates fell to 50 percent or less. Coal as stimulus But reports for the past year have highlighted the government's policy of allowing more coal projects to go forward in the interests of local employment and stimulus for the economy. The conflicts between development and environmental policies have come to a head with Xi's surprise announcement in September that China would accelerate its timetable for cutting emissions, reaching a peak before 2030 and achieving "net-zero" carbon neutrality before 2060. Progress over the past year has been stymied, first by China's drive to assure economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and then by an unusually cold winter and high energy demand. Total power consumption rose 3.1 percent last year to 7.5 trillion kilowatt hours (kWh), while thermal power generating capacity increased 4.7 percent to 1,245 gigawatts (GW), according to NEA data reported by Reuters. Despite Xi's recent pledges to cut carbon emissions, "the growth in coal plant development has been enabled by lax central government oversight, including the loosening of restrictions on new coal plant builds and permits across most Chinese provinces," the GEM report said. It is unclear whether the CEIT crackdown will lead to project cancellations. Despite surplus capacity, China has 247 gigawatts (GW) of new coal power generation under development, including 88.1 GW under construction and 158.7 GW proposed for construction, GEM said. The new projects are likely to extend overcapacity for decades, turning the plants into "stranded assets" that will be unable to pay a return on investment. In a November report, CREA estimated that China's operating fleet of coal plants should be reduced by 38 percent by 2030 in order meet Xi's net-zero goal. "Instead, coal and power interests are pushing to increase the country's coal fleet into the 14th Five-Year Plan ..., potentially adding over 200 GW of new coal power at an estimated investment of U.S. $200 billion (1.28 trillion yuan)," the GEM report said. Ultimately, the conflicts over economic and environmental policies come together at the top levels of the party and the government. "I suspect that Xi and Han ... have become uncomfortable about the really bad optics of rising coal output and coal- fired power building that has been highlighted by the increasingly active climate community in China and outside," said Herberg. "I would expect a bunch of coal-fired power projects to be cancelled soon," he said. A credential stealer infamous for targeting Windows systems has resurfaced in a new phishing campaign that aims to steal credentials from Microsoft Outlook, Google Chrome, and instant messenger apps. Primarily directed against users in Turkey, Latvia, and Italy starting mid-January, the attacks involve the use of MassLogger a .NET-based malware with capabilities to hinder static analysis building on similar campaigns undertaken by the same actor against users in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Hungary, Estonia, Romania, and Spain in September, October, and November 2020. MassLogger was first spotted in the wild last April, but the presence of a new variant implies malware authors are constantly retooling their arsenal to evade detection and monetize them. "Although operations of the Masslogger trojan have been previously documented, we found the new campaign notable for using the compiled HTML file format to start the infection chain," researchers with Cisco Talos said on Wednesday. Compiled HTML (or .CHM) is a proprietary online help format developed by Microsoft that's used to provide topic-based reference information. The new wave of attacks commences with phishing messages containing "legitimate-looking" subject lines that appear to relate to a business. One of the emails targeted at Turkish users had the subject "Domestic customer inquiry," with the body of the message referencing an attached quote. In September, October and November, the emails took the form of a "memorandum of understanding," urging the recipient to sign the document. Regardless of the message theme, the attachments adhere to the same format: a RAR multi-volume filename extension (e.g., "70727_YK90054_Teknik_Cizimler.R09") in a bid to bypass attempts to block RAR attachments using its default filename extension ".RAR." These attachments contain a single compiled HTML file that, when opened, displays the message "Customer service," but in fact comes embedded with obfuscated JavaScript code to create an HTML page, which in turn contains a PowerShell downloader to connect to a legitimate server and fetch the loader ultimately responsible for launching the MassLogger payload. Aside from exfiltrating the amassed data via SMTP, FTP or HTTP, the latest version of MassLogger (version 3.0.7563.31381) features functionality to pilfer credentials from Pidgin messenger client, Discord, NordVPN, Outlook, Thunderbird, Firefox, QQ Browser, and Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Opera, and Brave. "Masslogger can be configured as a keylogger, but in this case, the actor has disabled this functionality," the researchers noted, adding the threat actor installed a version of Masslogger control panel on the exfiltration server. With the campaign almost entirely executed and present only in memory with the sole exception of the compiled HTML help file, the significance of conducting regular memory scans cannot be overstated enough. "Users are advised to configure their systems for logging PowerShell events such as module loading and executed script blocks as they will show executed code in its deobfuscated format," the researchers concluded. Authorities in central Europe warned on Friday that they are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases across their region amid the discovery of new variants. The Polish health minister, Adam Niedzielski, said the first case of a variant first found in South Africa had been discovered in Poland, and that some 10% of all cases now involve the variant that emerged in England. ``We are entering a crisis situation again. It is up to us where the peak of this third wave will be'' Niedzielski said. ``Responsible behavior is key.'' The Czech Republic, one of the hardest-hit countries in the 27-member European Union, moved Friday to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of the English variant. The government said the worsening situation has forced it to abandon its plans to reopen all stores as early as next week. Neighboring Slovakia is also badly hit. It became the country with the most COVID-19 deaths by size of population in the world this week amid a surge of the English variant. The number of COVID-19 patients in Slovakia's hospitals reached a new record high of 3,900 on Thursday _ a situation that has prompted leaders to appeal for outside help. So far, Austria, Poland and Hungary have agreed to deploy medical staff to Slovakia. In Hungary, where a steady decline in daily infections and deaths from December reversed course early this month, there are now fears of a new surge even as the country began receiving shipments of Russian and Chinese vaccines. ``We are clearly in the ascending phase of the third wave,'' Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Muller told an online press briefing Friday. Czech Health Minister Jan Blatny said residents will also have to wear better masks in places where large numbers gather, including stores, hospitals and public transportation. He said cloth masks used so far by many will no longer be good enough and medical-grade masks, safety respirators or two surgical masks will instead be required. ``We've agreed that it's necessary to do all we can to prevent the infection from spreading,'' Blatny said. In Poland also a debate has opened about the need to require better masks. The health minister said there would only be recommendations for now, but the government wants to discourage the use of scarfs and plastic face shields. The central European region saw very few infections when the virus first arrived in Europe a year ago, only to see a huge spike in infections and deaths in the fall of 2020. In the Czech Republic, the three hardest-hit counties, on the border with Germany and Poland, are under a complete lockdown. The number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days there is around 1,000. Further measures, including a complete lockdown of more counties, will be discussed over the weekend. The government is also planning to make COVID-19 tests mandatory for all employees not working from their homes. The Czech government wants to go ahead with a plan to partially reopen schools, with the students of the final grade at high schools coming back on March 1. All students will have to get tested regularly, with the government providing all necessary tests, while teachers will be preferentially vaccinated. Some Czech hospitals have been in a critical situation and have to transport COVID-19 patients to other clinics across the country. The number of patients needing intensive care was at a record high of over 1,200 this week. Only 14% of all ICU beds remain still available. Officials in Germany are also warning that a recent decline in infections could be reversing. 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. PORTAGE, MI -- President Joe Biden said Pfizers rapid production of COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan is a key reason the country could return to normalcy by the end of the year, but significant logistical challenges still need to be overcome to deliver enough shots to meet demand. Biden praised the work of Pfizer employees working around the clock to produce the first coronavirus vaccine after the president toured the 1,300-acre manufacturing facility in Portage on Friday. Surrounded by a banner reading Science will win, Biden said his administration is making progress toward meeting the high demand for doses while emphasizing the rapid and equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccines is a matter of life and death. I came here because I want Americans to understand the extraordinary work thats being done to undertake the most difficult operational challenges this nation has ever faced, Biden said. The White House contracted with Pfizer for an additional 100 million vaccines last week, adding to an order for 200 million doses secured by the previous administration. The White House expects to vaccinate all adult Americans by July. The president said his predecessor failed to mobilize an effort to administer the shots at the end of last year, but said the situation is improving. Biden said he hopes next Christmas will be different than the last, when families were encouraged not to gather. I cant give you a date when this crisis will end, Biden said. I can tell you were doing everything possible to have that day come sooner rather than later. All of you here are doing some of the most important work in this facility, right here, that can be done. Bidens visit to Pfizers vaccine facility underscores his administrations effort to vaccinate every adult by summer. Michigan health officials said theyre ready to scale up distribution operations to meet larger allocations of doses from the federal government. The president was accompanied by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, who campaigned on Bidens behalf last year. Biden thanked the two Democratic officials for their work to manage the crisis, calling Peters a workhorse and Whitmer a good friend who has been on the frontlines of the pandemic. New cases and deaths linked to infectious respiratory disease are on the decline, but Biden said America remains in the teeth of the pandemic as new strains of the coronavirus are being confirmed across the country. Biden said the country will likely reach 500,000 COVID-19 deaths by next week. Friday marked Bidens first visit to Michigan as president. His victory over former President Donald Trump was challenged by a small group of protesters who gathered outside the Pfizer facility. Protesters, including one person who brought a stop the steal sign, yelled across the street that they would not take the vaccine. If theres one message to cut through to everyone in this country, its this: Vaccines are safe, Biden said. Please -- for yourself, your family, your community, this your country -- take the vaccine when its your turn. Thats how to beat this pandemic. The president also encouraged people to keep practicing safety measures like wearing masks in public. Look, I know its inconvenient, but youre making a difference, Biden said. The new president also made passing a COVID relief bill a top priority for his first 100 days in office. Biden is pushing a $1.9 trillion economic aid proposal that includes $1,400 stimulus checks, boosted unemployment benefits and funding for state, local and tribal governments, schools, vaccination programs and other provisions. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said even before Biden took office, he demonstrated compassion for people whose lives have been impacted by the pandemic. Bourla said Biden has shown an unwavering belief in the ability of both science and American ingenuity to help us bring an end to this public health crisis. Bourla said Pfizer is working to expand its manufacturing capacity to double the number of doses it can create each week. Pfizer will produce 120 million doses by the end of March and 200 million by the end of May, he said. Mr. President, the challenge is accepted, Bourla said. Related: How Pfizers coronavirus vaccine was produced and distributed from Michigan plant in record time Pfizer and its partner BioNTech, a German company, set out last April to develop a vaccine by the end of 2020. The goal was reached in record time; trucks carrying the first federally approved COVID-19 vaccine rolled out of the Portage facility on Dec. 13. The facility increased staffing to run three shifts around the clock without interruption. Pfizer President of Global Supply Mike McDermott told the Associated Press that employees are on track to deliver 2 billion doses of the vaccine by the end of 2021. Pfizers manufacturing campus was established in 1948 and has continued to develop a larger footprint in the area, becoming one of the largest employers in Portage. A spokesperson said Pfizer employs approximately 2,800 full-time employees and contractors. Pfizers engineers in the Kalamazoo manufacturing plant also supported the invention and design of ultra-cold vaccine thermal shippers used to transported millions of doses of vaccine across the country. Biden viewed the freezer farm, a warehouse of 350 cold storage units holding a total of 360,000 doses. Related: 14% of Michigan adults have gotten at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose; see numbers in your county A second vaccine developed by Moderna received FDA approval at the end of 2020. Vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna are administered in two doses scheduled a few weeks apart. CDC figures show 57.7 million Americans have received at least the first dose of coronavirus vaccine, while 16.1 million people have received both doses. A third vaccine being developed by Johnson & Johnson would only require a single shot. During a Wednesday press conference, Whitmer praised Bidens focus on increasing access to vaccines. Whitmer said the state is making progress toward its goal to equitably vaccinate 70% of people over the age of 16, but still faces a shortage of doses. A total of 1.74 million shots were administered in Michigan as of Feb. 17, including 1.17 million people who received the first dose and 569,314 people who received the second booster shot. There are 2,280 vaccination sites in Michigan, according to the state. Related: 5 reasons coronavirus cases are falling in Michigan The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the states 41 Federally Qualified Health Centers will begin administering vaccines to people over the age of 65. The health centers primarily focus on patients in underserved areas who would otherwise lack access to services. Biden repeatedly highlighted the importance of ensuring marginalized communities have access to the coronavirus vaccine. People of color and economically distressed communities were among the hardest hit by the virus. Michigan is trying to vaccinate 50,000 people per day, stating with health workers and people over the age of 65. We have hit that goal on several occasions, Whitmer said Wednesday. Once we get enough vaccines we will hit it every day. READ MORE ON MLIVE: Portage beaming with pride in anticipation of Bidens Pfizer visit 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. Sofia Lazo and Nick Knoblauch met at U.C. Davistwo 20-year-olds who seemed vastly different. He "wore weird outfits" and she would "hang out with the jocks." But eight years later, they were ready to spend the rest of their lives together. They tied the knot at the groom's family home in Wine Country, the same place where his parents had married more than 20 years earlier; they never even considered another venue. Months were spent preparing the backyard for the party. The land was, fortunately, untouched by the recent Napa fires, making the couple's big day and extra special celebration. Both students of philosophy and spirituality, the bride and groom's fathers served as officiants; Lazo's dad translated the ceremony for her Spanish-speaking family. The color palette and design echoed the surrounds, with rustic decor and wine-hued florals; the bride wore velvet wine-toned sandals and carried a plummy bouquet, and the bridesmaids wore burgundy dresses to match. A long wooden table was embellished with a woven Peruvian table runner and worry dolls, a DJ spun records, and the couple's dog, Belka, marched down the aisle with the lovebirds. It all culminated in a dance party under the stars. Venue: Private residence Dress: Alexandra Grecco Shoes: Aerosoles Photography: Dia Photography Event planner: Blue Daphne Events Catering: Sazon The coronavirus vaccine is so coveted that two women in Florida went to extremes Wednesday to get inoculated: They dressed as if they were elderly, health officials said. The women, both younger than 45, wore bonnets, gloves and glasses to disguise themselves as older than 65, the age cut-off to be prioritized to get the coronavirus vaccine in Florida, according to Raul Pino, the director of the health department in Orange County, where Orlando is located. He attributed the deception to growing interest in the vaccine, giving the example of the women while explaining how high demand is in the area. TRAGIC: Texas family suffers house fire, death of father due to COVID in matter of weeks "This is the hottest commodity that is out there right now so we have to be very careful," Pino said at a press briefing Thursday. The geriatric guise is the latest instance of people trying to cut the line to get vaccinated from the deadly virus. Last month, authorities identified a wealthy Canadian couple who had posed as locals in a remote Indigenous community to take doses meant for elders. Meanwhile, an Indiana health department issued a warning earlier this month against what they called "a substantial lack of morality" after people had lied to vaccination site workers about their addresses, jobs and ages. The Florida women's costumes may have succeeded before - both had the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention card indicating they had received their first doses. Pino said he did not know how they could have been previously vaccinated, but on Wednesday, workers at the site at the Orange County Convention Center caught on. Once the staff at the site noticed the discrepancy with their birthdays listed on their drivers' licenses, the women, 44 and 34, were referred to deputies, who issued trespass warnings against them, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said. ASTRO AID: How Astros players are helping with winter storm relief from Spring Training camp The women, whom The Washington Post is not identifying because they have not been charged, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday evening. They did not get their second shot, and security at the site was heightened in the wake of the incident, said Kent Donahue, a spokesman for the health department. Pino said there has been a "few" cases of people trying to trick health workers into getting vaccinated, including a man who had the same name as his elderly father. "As we are engaged in this process trying to move quickly, some people could squeeze in, so it's probably higher than we suspect," he said of the number of people who might lie to get vaccinated. Asked if it was frustrating to him that the two women skipped the queue, Pino said it wasn't up to him to determine who should be next in line, referring to the prioritization scale set up by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican. "Our job as a health department is to vaccinate as many people as possible," Pino said. DeSantis was criticized this week after he unveiled a "pop-up" clinic offering vaccines in an affluent, mostly White neighborhood of Manatee County, Fla. The state has been allocated 3.4 million doses and administered more than 2.5 million first doses, according to data compiled by The Post. Orange County has vaccinated more than 200,000 people, Pino said, adding that the county is increasing its capacity to keep up with desire in the community. "It's great to see that demand," he said. "We haven't had any lack of willing arms to get vaccinated... we have people faking to be old to get vaccinated." 23468 David Cagigal, CIO, State of Wisconsin David Cagigal, CIO, State of Wisconsin In early September, the State of Wisconsin learned that it had earned an A- in the Center for Digital Governments 2016 Digital States Survey, along with first place in the Adaptive Leadership category. Adaptive Leadership reflects our ability to ensure the states technology investment strategies match the top policy priorities of the Governor and Legislature, and this distinction was a great honor for the State of Wisconsin. I believe enthusiastically in our enterprise governance model, but it has taken time and persistence on the part of many administrators and staff to make it effective. And the results have been entirely worth the effort. The cornerstone of our governance model is the ITESC the Information Technology Executive Steering Committee. This group approves all enterprise IT initiatives and ensures they align with the Governors priorities and agency business needs. The ITESC consists of the State CIO and deputy secretaries of the 10 largest cabinet agencies. Meanwhile, the Agency CIO Steering Committee (ACSC), which includes CIOs from the same agencies represented on the ITESC, serves to operationalize the strategies approved and sponsored by the ITESC. The ACSC provides guidance, recommendations and support to the ITESC as both groups work to advance the vision for IT expressed by the Governor and Legislature. With advance analysis of enterprise IT issues conducted by the State CIO in collaboration with the ACSC, the ITESC gets to evaluate and decide on clearly articulated and researched options for moving forward. I cant stress enough how these two groups need to work in tandem. What happens when a deputy secretary, who is an important high-level manager but may not have a technology background, gets asked by the State CIO to make a key enterprise IT decision? That deputy secretary will likely go back to the agency and ask the IT director what he or she thinks. This is an individual the deputy works with on a daily basis, and usually knows and trusts a great deal. And if I were pushing a decision that goes against what the IT director might recommend, I have already lost an essential ITESC member, both in terms of getting consensus on a decision in the first place and regarding the prospects of a smooth implementation in that agency. Adaptive Leadership reflects our ability to ensure the states technology investment strategies match the top policy priorities of the Governor and Legislature Therefore we rely extensively on the IT directors in the ACSC to help formulate the options that go to the ITESC. The states pursuit of Unified Communications (UC) provides a good example of how this works. Our current enterprise phone system is being phased out, so stay the course was not an option this time (though it often can be, depending on the issue). But implementing an on-premise solution vs. the cloud definitely were options, so the ACSC focused on those alternatives and their respective costs. We did an exhaustive evaluation with the IT directors, and the cost difference was marginal. And, in light of that, maybe we dont want to be a telephone company, we collectively decided. The UC scenario is the appropriate place for a cloud solutionimplementing UC is a key strategic objective for us, but the functionality constitutes a commodity we can hand off to a vendor, and we can devote our internal resources to those efforts where state employees are in a better position to add value for the business. So the cloud-based solution was ultimately what the ACSC endorsed when the decision went to the ITESC. And ITESC members, understandably, had many of the same cost concerns that IT directors had. But the ITESC members didnt have to just take my word for it. They knew their IT directors had already hammered on these questions, and had arrived at a consensus recommendation, which the ITESC approved. The depth of buy-in this two-stage process generates in agencies is absolutely worth the effort of bringing important decision items to the ACSC first. We have several other governance groups that conduct important preliminary analyses for the ITESC. Our successful ERP project, STAR (State Transforming Agency Resources), was implemented during the past two years, despite its extensive scopeSTAR replaced 140-plus systems with one comprehensive system. The key to an accelerated ERP implementation is minimizing customizations, and the STAR Decision Council, consisting primarily of agency division administrators, reviewed any customization requests, as well as other major configuration decisions, prior to them being advanced to the ITESC. Ultimately, the ITESC determined only three customizations to the off-the-shelf software were justifiable for business reasons, thanks to the Decision Councils earlier research and evaluations. Likewise, we have an eGovernment Business Management Team (EBMT) that provides oversight for the state of Wisconsins self-funded portal contract and advises the ITESC on the annual eGovernment business plan, as well as any decisions about applications that might collect fees. Since the states partnership with its self-funded portal vendor began in 2013, the eGovernment program has designated more than 70 applications for development, and 50 are currently in production. Even with the advance analysis of enterprise IT issues done by the ACSC and EBMT, I am still amazed at the level of follow-up questions and investigation the ITESC members ask of me and my staff. I often compare the circuitous deliberations of the ITESC to those of a trial jury. But I understand that is how the process should work, and I truly enjoy working with a governance team at this level. I respect their conscientiousness, and I know their ultimate decision will have impact and drive our IT investments. Once I get a Yes from the ITESC, then I get to work with state employees on the execution, and their focus and determination to implement never fails to energize me, project after project. Its the most fulfilling aspect of my job. We have the Yes now from the ITESC for Voice over IP, Unified Communications, Office software in the cloud, and a document management solution that integrates with STAR. Were digitizing old paper-based systems and enabling analytics. State employees will be able to work together, and work productively, in ways never before possible. All of this is on track, however, because we didnt try to short-circuit the governance process. The time we put in up front with governance teams ensures these implementations wont get interrupted or have to go back to square one. And employees know the end result will be a great environment in which to do their jobs, and they will have efficient and powerful tools to serve both internal and external customers. That is what state service was always meant to be, and its a privilege to work with both managers and staff to help make this transformation happen. While cumulative Covid-19 vaccine doses administered to healthcare and frontline workers in India have crossed one crore, the country may have to rework the strategy and further expedite vaccination drive to reach the target of 30 crore by July. While the target in the first phase is to cover 3 crore people (1 crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers) with two doses, it took 34 days to reach one crore dose of vaccination. The Government is yet to finalise a strategy for vaccinating 27 crore elderly in India in the next phase. The Government target was to vaccinate over three million people per day. A couple of days ago, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan had said three weeks from now, the government would start giving doses of coronavirus vaccines to priority group, people above the age of 50. The expert group for Covid-19 vaccination is still working on the final strategy, he said. The health ministry today said India is the second-fastest to achieve the landmark feat of 1 crore vaccinations. The US was the fastest with 31 days, followed by India (34 days) and the UK (56 days). In early January, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had approved two vaccines, Covaxin of Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India's Covishield, for "restricted use" in "emergency" conditions. According to the Government, a total of 1,01,88,007 vaccine doses have been administered through 2,11,462 sessions, as per the provisional report till 8 am today. These include 62,60,242 HCWs (1st dose), 6,10,899 HCWs (2nd dose) and 33,16,866 FLWs (1st dose). The 2nd dose vaccination started on 13th February for those beneficiaries who have completed 28 days after receipt of the 1st dose. Vaccination of the FLWs started on 2nd Feb 2021. As on Day-34 of the vaccination drive (18th February ), a total of 6,58,674 vaccine doses were given. The Government said the country is witnessing a progressive increase in vaccinations day by day. Sources said public sector HLL Lifecare, the designated agency for vaccine procurement and distribution to states, had procured about 11 million doses of Covishield from Serum Institute, and nearly 5 million doses from Bharat Biotech by early February. Serum had stockpiled over 50 million doses of Covishield before the approval. Currently, Serum is making 10 million doses a month, with a strategy of reserving half the production for India. There are a couple of factors that led to vaccine hesitancy even among health care workers, sources said. Emergency approval for Covaxin was given even before final data clearance and many healthcare workers were reluctant to take that vaccine. Besides, healthcare workers have to travel to designated centres for receiving the doses, instead of getting the injection at their workplace itself, or the hospitals. The Government is yet to rope in private hospitals in a big way in the vaccination process, which is likely to happen only in the next phase. Seven states - Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Himachal, and Telangana - accounted for 60.85% of the second vaccine doses so far administered in India. At present, 87% of all new cases reported are in only six states, led by Maharashtra (5427 cases) and Kerala (4584 cases), as 13,193 cases were reported yesterday. India's total Active Caseload currently stands at 1.39 lakh (1,39,542) today. The active caseload now is 1.27% of India's total positive cases. Also Read: Cars, flights, hotels! N Chandrasekaran says Tata Super App to have all categories Also Read: Drug marketing firms, manufacturers to be made equally responsible for medicine quality Also Read: Tax-saving mutual funds gave up to 60% returns in 1 year! Will the trend 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. Millionaire Cara Delevingne and her family are claiming cash from the Covid furlough scheme for their property business. The model, 28, is a director of the family's company, Harvey White Properties Ltd, alongside her father Charles, 71, and two sisters Poppy, 34, and Chloe, 35. According to The Sun, the business, which has an impressive portfolio of real estate thought to be worth 45.5m, has been made to halve rents during the pandemic. Making use of the help: Cara Delevingne and her family are claiming cash from the furlough scheme for their property business Harvey White Properties Ltd (pictured in November 2020) Cara's father Charles confirmed to the publication he's been claiming from the scheme. It is not known how many members of staff have been furloughed but the company is thought to employ five people. A source close to Mr Delevingne said: 'Just because Cara has loads of money, doesn't mean the company does.' While another added: 'It has been a tough year for everyone and landlords have obviously been hit hard, but it's still surprising people who are known to be very wealthy appear to have claimed taxpayer-funded handouts. They added that there's 'no suggestion of any wrongdoing' at all, saying that it's 'just not necessarily what the public would expect.' MailOnline has contacted Cara and Charles' representatives for a comment. Family: The model, 28, is a director of the company alongside her father Charles, 71, and two sisters Poppy, 34, and Chloe, 35 (pictured with mother Pandora, who is not a director) Any eligible business can claim for taxpayer money from the scheme to help pay staff wages while the pandemic and national lockdowns continue. The Delevingnes' Harvey White Properties Ltd, was featured in a list published in January of thousands of companies which have made use of the scheme. Cara is thought worth around 30million and earned an impressive 15.7million last year, making her Britain's top paid model. London native Cara also earns big thanks to modelling for some of the industry's biggest and cosmetics brands, including Burberry, DKNY, Jimmy Choo and Rimmel. In 2019 interview, Cara, who is also a director of her father Charles' 45million real estate firm, admitted that money isn't everything for her. She said: 'I had a very privileged upbringing in terms of being able to travel and growing up in London, which was incredible for me. 'Having a wonderful family and my father... he didnt grow up with a lot of money and he is extremely ambitious and driven to look after his family and all of us. I realised money isnt everything.' The furlough news comes after it was reported that Cara and her model sister Poppy had put their Hollywood Hills home on the market for $3.75 million, four years after purchasing it for $2.5million. A source close to Mr Delevingne said: 'Just because Cara has loads of money, doesn't mean the company does' (Charles and Pandora are pictured with Cara in 2014) The pair, who are descended from British aristocracy, jointly bought the two-storey house on America's West Coast in 2017, but are now keen to make a substantial profit by putting it up for sale. Formerly owned by Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto, the home measures at a sizeable 4,021 square feet and offers space, seclusion and privacy courtesy of its prime location on a 'quiet' Hollywood street. Cara and Poppy worked with architect Nicolo Bini for 18 months to redesign the home to their exact specifications, with the interior displaying a series of light-hearted and highly distinctive flourishes. According to the Observer, Poppy and Cara bought the 1950s style four-bed, three-bath home from actor Jared Leto in 2017 for $2.05 million. Controversial Ghanaian preacher, Bishop Ajagurajah has revealed that a certain Ghanaian rapper is married to a demi-goddess. Bishop Ajagurajah who is known for his strange doctrines of the gospel made this revelation during an interview with Ghanaian blogger Zion Felix in a video published on Youtube. According to the Bishop, the said rapper whose name he did not disclose is married to a demi-goddess and his wife is vital to his success in his music career as he is where he is because of her. He gave a vivid description of the rapper and noted that the rappers career will die instantly if he divorces his wife. I dont do things for fame so Ill not mention any names. The rapper himself knows what Im saying is true, he stated emphatically. There is a popular rapper in Ghana. His wife is a demi-god and Ill never stop saying it. He is dark in complexion and likes to wear dark sunglasses a lot. Youll never hear any news about his wife. The day that rapper leaves his wife, he will go back to square one. If he thinks Im lying, he should try it because it is her spirit that is backing his career. It is his wifes spiritual backing that has brought him this far so when he wakes up every morning, he kneels and worships her like a god and says thank you to her. Anytime they fight at home, his day gets messed up. That particular day, he gets trolled on social media. I have eyes so I can see a lot of things going on in the country.. Watch the full interview below: Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/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 Toyota West Virginia Announces $210 Million New Investment and 100 New Jobs The $210 million investment will upgrade TMMWV's current six-cylinder engine production line with new equipment and machinery, creating flexibility based on market demand for Toyota's vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. and Canada. The 100 new jobs will create a third shift due to a significant increase in RAV4 engine production at the Buffalo site, increasing assembly of an additional 5,900 engines per month, or more than 70,000 engines per year. The upgrade project and hiring will be complete in the second half of 2022. Information regarding available positions at TMMWV can be found at www.tourtoyota.com. "Toyota's commitment to increase its investment in West Virginia and into our hard-working West Virginians prove they continue to be a wonderful business partner right here in the Mountain State," West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said. "This is such exciting news for West Virginia's business community as well as our families that businesses are choosing to grow their organizations here. Toyota is a wonderful example of how a global company can be successful right here in West Virginia." Toyota has created a tremendous value chain in the U.S., with more than $28.4 billion direct investment in the U.S., nine manufacturing facilities, 10 including our joint venture with Mazda, nearly 1,500 independently owned dealerships and approximately 180,000 people working across the U.S. TMMWV currently employs approximately 2,000 team members and has invested more than $1.8 billion into its nearly two million square-foot facility. TMMWV will commemorate its 25th anniversary this year. It annually produces nearly one million engines and transmissions for North American-assembled vehicles, including Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Lexus ES, Lexus RX350, RAV4, Sienna, and Sienna Hybrid. Additional Quotes Available for Media Use: United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) "Since Toyota first came to West Virginia more than 25 years ago, they have expanded their operations multiple times in Buffalo and proven to the country that our state has the skilled and dedicated workforce necessary for any company to be successful here. I have seen this dedication and strong work ethic of the Toyota Team Members firsthand during facility visits, and I'm glad that today's announcement will create new job opportunities for hardworking West Virginians to pursue," Senator Capito said. "I'm thrilled that the Buffalo engine plant is continuing to play a key role in producing the engines and motors that power U.S. vehicles as Toyota continues to develop and incorporate exciting new technologies into their fleet. West Virginia has a long and productive relationship with Toyota, and this announcement today further solidifies the company's commitment to investing in our state and our workers." United States Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) "In 2005 as Governor, I had the opportunity to travel to Japan to meet with Dr. Toyoda and company officials and since then they have been a strong partner for West Virginia. I've had the pleasure of working with Toyota as they continue to build on their investments in the state, which now total more than $1.8 billion and support 2,000 good-paying jobs," said Senator Manchin. "Today's announcement of 100 new jobs and its continued investment in the state is testament to the team in Buffalo and the West Virginia workforce. The partnership between Toyota and West Virginia is stronger than ever and I look forward to continuing to work with Toyota officials to foster more long-term investments in our economy, communities and people." About Toyota Toyota has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021. A row has flared up over a consultation plan on the burning of solid fuel such as turf and timber with a Laois Offaly colleagues in Government on either side of the fence. Laois Offaly Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen has pledged to fight against proposals to ban the cutting and burning of turf saying it was never in the coalition deal. However, his Green Party Minister of State Senator Pippa Hackett says a review is 'timely'. Environment Minister Eamon Ryan TD, leader of the Green Party, has launched a public consultation on solid fuel regulations, in advance of an expected ban on the use of all smoky coal. Currently, smoky coal burning is outlawed in all towns with a population of over 10,000, including Portlaoise and Tullamore. However, the consultation will also examine the use of other solid fuels, including peat and wood, with the Department of Climate Action saying regulation would improve air quality for the benefit of all. The Department says rules on the maximum moisture content level at which wood be can be sold could be introduced because wood with high moisture content is significantly more polluting than wood with low moisture content. The Climate Action Department also said EPA research shows that the contribution of peat to air pollution levels is significant. It said consideration needs to be given to options which may restrict the sale and marketing of sod turf, while respecting the traditional practice of turf cutting for personal use only. Green Party Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister for Biodiversity, welcomed the consultation, which opened today (Thursday, February 18). The quality of our air is fundamental to our health. In 2018, there were 1,410 premature mortalities arising from air pollution in Ireland and many people in this country suffer horribly from respiratory diseases that are exacerbated by poor air quality. In turn, that puts pressure on our health services, Minister Hackett said in a statement. So its timely that we should have a public consultation about how we can lessen the harm from the fuels we burn in our homes the fuels that pollute our air. Some fuels are more damaging to our health than others. Smokeless coal and seasoned wood, for instance, are less harmful to regular coal, turf and greenwood. Retrofitting will help to reduce our dependency on burning fuel to keep our homes warm, and Midlands counties have been the first to start retrofitting local authority homes, which will help the air quality here. The purpose of this consultation is to get the best ideas on how to change our fuel-burning habits to reduce deaths from air pollution, and to ensure a better quality of life for those with breathing difficulties. I would encourage everyone to have their say. Speaking on the Claire Byrne Show on RTE this morning, Minister Hackett played down speculation about a ban on turf and asked people not to jump to conclusions now but to read the consultation document first. In advance of the opening of the opening of the consultation, Deputy Cowen pledged at Wednesday night's Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting to oppose any moves to ban turf. He said Fianna Fail will resist and reject what he said were Minister Ryan's proposals to outlaw households using turf whether cut by themselves or purchased from commercial cutters. He said retrofitting will continue to drive down turf use anyway and added that it is important that Fianna Fail win this argument with the Minister. Longford/Westmeath Minister of State Peter Burke said he is also concerned about the forthcoming consultation. The public consultation is open until 5.30 p.m. on Friday, April 2 next. It can be accessed online HERE (Natural News) Republican Sen. Ted Cruz wasnt pleased with the comments and actions concerning China made recently or in past years by President Joe Bidens nominees for Cabinet and other important posts. In a recent video post, Cruz called the Biden administrations apparent rush to embrace the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) a dangerous political strategy. The Texas senator told the Epoch Times via email that China poses the single greatest geopolitical threat to the United States over the next century. We need serious, clear-eyed policymakers to confront that threat, Cruz stated in the email. One of the really disturbing patterns weve seen with Biden nominee after Biden nominee is their rush to embrace the worst elements of the Chinese Communist Party. I will continue working with my colleagues to protect our national security. Bidens team seemed to have a different approach in confronting that threat. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on his first day in office that the U.S.-China relationship was arguably the most important relationship that we have in the world. Blinken favored cooperating with China on climate change and other issues of shared concern. Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, Bidens nominee to be the secretary of the Department of Commerce, refused to commit to keeping Huawei Technologies on the Commerce Departments Entity List, which would stop it from acquiring American technology. Chinas Huawei has received bipartisan scrutiny over security concerns as Beijing requires its companies to share information with the CCPs intelligence sector. Washington has repeatedly stated that Huawei founded in 1987 by a former Peoples Liberation Army engineer is an extension of the Chinese regime. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Bidens nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations, received criticisms over her 2019 remarks at an event sponsored by the Confucius Institute, which is backed by the CCP. Thomas-Greenfield spoke glowingly about China in the 2019 event. She told the audience that China has invested in Africa in a number of ways, including railway projects and other infrastructure development. Thomas-Greenfield said Africa would not benefit from the competition between the U.S. and China, adding that the U.S. could learn from China and its recent success on the continent. The U.S. should be focused on building a strong partnership with Africa which is based on shared values of peace, prosperity, sustained economic growth and development, and a firm commitment to good governance, gender equity, and the rule of law. I see no reason why China cannot share those values. In fact, China is in a unique position to spread these ideals given its strong footprint on the continent, she said. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho, noted the lack of acknowledgment of the malign activities of China in Thomas-Greenfields speech. Thomas-Greenfield told the senators that she has a long track record of acknowledging those activities and expressed regrets for accepting the invitation to speak at the Savannah State University Confucius Institute. Alejandro Mayorkas, the recently confirmed Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, was under investigation in 2013 on allegations that he personally intervened to win approval for Gulf Coast Funds Management a financing company then headed by the late Anthony Rodham, the brother of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Emails obtained by the office of Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, showed that after winning approval to participate in the foreign visa program, at least one of the visas sought by Rodhams firm was for a vice president of Huawei Technologies. Biden once told Xi Jinping America believes anythings possible On his first day in office, Biden referenced a conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping when they were both were vice-presidents while administering an oath of office virtually to nearly 1,000 of his appointees. I was asked a long time ago when I was with Xi Jinping, and I was on the Tibetan plateau with him, Biden said. Xi asked me in a private dinner, he and I, and we each had an interpreter. He said can you define America for me, and I said yes and I meant it. I said I can do it in one word, one word: possibilities. We believe anythings possible if we set our mind to it, unlike any other country in the world. (Related: Former DNI John Ratcliffe confirms that China, not Russia, had a very large role interfering with our 2020 election.) That may include the possibility of undoing years of efforts by his predecessor to counter the CCP. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. began responding to Beijings unrestricted warfare strategy by ratcheting up its war of words and escalating its countermeasures. The new administration appeared to be threading in a different direction, carrying out a number of actions that many viewed would be beneficial to the CCP. Under Biden, the U.S. rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement. The country formally left the Paris accord in November 2020, though former President Donald Trump had talked about leaving as early as 2017. Under the agreement China will be able to increase these emissions by a staggering number of years 13, Trump said at the time. They can do whatever they want for 13 years. Not us. China is the worlds largest financier and builder of both fossil fuel and renewable infrastructure worldwide, according to the Climate Action Tracker. It is the largest emitter of CO2 emissions in the world. The U.S. also rejoined the World Health Organization (WHO). Trump accused the WHO of refusing to act on reforms recommended by the U.S., including providing proof of its independence from the CCP. The Biden administration also delayed a Chinese military-related investment ban. In a statement posted on the Treasury Department website, the Biden administration said most investments in companies whose name closely matches, but does not exactly match, the name of a Communist Chinese military company would be allowed until May 27, extending the deadline which was originally set Jan. 28. Follow JoeBiden.news for more news and information related to Joe Biden and his administration. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com 1 Yahoo.com TheEpochTimes.com 2 Cybersecurity CISA eyes changes to combat future supply chain hacks The acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency today acknowledged the weaknesses in a premiere cybersecurity program and previewed a range of issues CISA is now examining in the wake of the massive breach into multiple federal networks. "There are things that clearly need to be done to enhance our ability to stop attacks like this in the future. One that we are working on is better insights and visibility into the end points," Brandon Wales, acting CISA chief, said today at an event hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding. Wales' comments come the day after Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, said the White House is planning "executive action" both to mitigate the damage done by the breach involving SolarWinds Orion as well as options for a response against those responsible. "We're also working on close to about a dozen things," Neuberger said in a Wednesday press briefing in the White House. "Likely, eight will pass to be part of an upcoming executive action to address the gaps we have identified in our review of this incident." Wales on Thursday when asked about Einstein, a core component of the government's National Cybersecurity Protection System, acknowledged the program could not stop the supply chain attack the government discovered in December 2020. "Einstein is actually a collection of capabilities, but they're all focused on the perimeter of monitoring network traffic that's going from outside U.S. government networks to inside the networks," he said. "In the case of a supply chain attack, [the threat] kind of bypasses that. It immediately places itself inside of a network and no perimeter security measure is going to stop it," he continued. Wales said CISA is exploring ways to monitor activities internally for "anomalous activities" such as a network management system communicating through an encrypted channel to an entity outside the network. He also said work needs to be done on software assurance. While it would be unrealistic for the government to review every line of code for every piece of software it deploys, there are improvements that can be made through contractual language to ensure private vendors have appropriate levels of security in place. "What made SolarWinds so devastating was that SolarWinds devices are normally configured to have broad administrative rights on a network. If a system is like that, if it has broad administrative rights then it requires further hardening inside of your network," he said. Jason Hartkemeyer couldnt count on his power staying on for more than a couple of hours at a time for three freezing nights, forcing the Cypress resident to crank up his portable generator and ignite a gas fireplace to keep his family warm during this weeks historic winter storm. More than 740 miles away in El Paso, Kitty Schild and her neighbors were comfortably warm during the cold snap as the power never wavered. The longtime El Paso judge heard of the power crisis in the rest of Texas only when a friend in San Francisco texted her Tuesday to ask if she was OK. The difference between Hartkemeyer and Schild? Hartkemeyer gets his power from the electricity grid overseen by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, while Schild gets hers from the El Paso Electric grid that is connected to a web of power systems in the West. On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas lawmakers call for more fossil fuels in power grid Im just very, very grateful, Schild, 72, said. What happened to the rest of Texas is awful. Theres no excuse. The vastly different experiences illustrate the unique nature of the Texas Interconnection, the states self-contained power grid. The failure of the power system during the storm reignited a debate over the independence of Texas power system, which if connected to other state grids could have been spared the catastrophic effects. Texas leaders have called for an investigation into the failure of the states grid and ways to prevent another catastrophic failure. Meanwhile, former Gov. Rick Perry suggested that Texans would be willing to go days without power if it would keep the state power system free from federal regulations, sparking outrage on social media. Texas independence Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business, Perry said in a blog post Wednesday. Electricity grids, made up of power generations, transmission lines and substations, began to connect with one another across state lines in the late 19th century as the nations population boomed in cities. The interconnections accelerated during the first World War as factories ramped up to aid the war effort. Interconnections and their power-sharing agreements allowed generators to pool resources, expand markets and avoid investing in costly backup power, said Julie Cohn, an energy historian affiliated with Rice University and the University of Houston. But after a 1935 act of Congress created a federal commission to oversee interstate power transactions, Texas power companies retreated within state borders to avoid federal regulations and wholesale price controls. On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas grid fails to weatherize, repeats mistake feds cited 10 years ago Texas is blessed with two time zones, all kinds of economic activity and power generation, Cohn said. For Texas power companies, the incentive to hook up with a power company in Louisiana or New Mexico wasnt as high because they could achieve economies of scale and efficiencies within the state without having extra federal regulations. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas was created in 1970 to manage the flow of power in the state and to manage the wholesale power market. ERCOT covers about 75 percent of the states area and 90 percent of its power load. Several utilities in border communities such as El Paso, the Panhandle and along the border with Louisiana didnt join the Texas Interconnection, crossing state lines to get power for nearby communities. El Paso Electric Co. which serves 441,800 customers from Van Horn in West Texas to Hatch, N.M. is connected to the Western Interconnection. The company owns and operates three natural gas plants in El Paso County, one natural gas plant in Sunland Park, N.M., and a nuclear plant in Wintersburg, Ariz. We are closer to California than we are to Dallas, El Paso Electric spokesman George De La Torre said. Our generating assets were in the West, which made more geographic and economic sense to connect to the western grid. The difference between the Texas grid and others became apparent this week after a polar vortex plunged much of Texas into a deep freeze, taking out much of ERCOTs natural gas power plants, wind turbines and nuclear facilities. At the same time, demand for electricity and natural gas for residential heating soared. ERCOT said it lost some 34,000 megawatts of power, about 40 percent of the grids generating capacity. ERCOT responded by instituting rolling blackouts to ensure that the grid remained operational. Grid operators on Thursday said they were minutes, if not seconds, away from the electricity systems collapse, which could have knocked out power in much of the state for months. Instead, rolling blackouts and power outages affected more than 4 million Texans about 11 percent of customers on the Texas grid. Stark contrast None of El Paso Electrics power plants went offline because of the storm, although their performance fell, De La Torre said. A five-minute outage Sunday affected fewer than 1 percent of El Paso customers about 2,680. Another 875 customers were without power for three to seven hours much less than the 30 to 50 hours on the Texas grid. The storm only slightly affected El Paso Electric because the utility has invested in winterizing power plants and transmission lines to withstand subzero temperatures, but also because it relies on an Arizona nuclear plant for about 665 megawatts of base load electricity in Texas. Our nuclear facility and local generation were the main reasons why we were able to provide and maintain reliable power to our customers during the winter storm, De La Torre said. The outages were related to damaged poles or downed wires. They were not generation related. Experts say its uncertain whether interconnections with outside grids would have made a difference for Texans suffering in the frigid darkness. Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox This polar vortex hit everybody, said Ed Hirs, an energy economist at the University of Houston. Other neighboring states didnt have any excess electricity to sell. They didnt have enough for themselves. Still, for a state that has been hit with a variety of natural disasters such as wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes and ice storms in recent years, the prospect of having backup power just outside the state line remains alluring. Hartkemeyer, the 48-year-old Cypress resident, pushed back against the notion that Texans would be willing to sacrifice electricity and all the modern necessities that come with it just to keep federal regulators out of Texas independent grid. I think most of us would have had power were we connected to a national grid, Hartkemeyer said. Instead, we got people who are dying and uncomfortable. This is a travesty that should never have happened. paul.takahashi@chron.com twitter.com/paultakahashi Life Beyond the Pandemic Understanding the long-term symptoms of the coronavirus, it is clear that the virus will continue to impact public health in the future. The first vaccines have been administered in the UK, hopefully spelling the beginning of the end for the pandemic. While it is expected that social distancing and other coronavirus-related regulations will continue well into 2021, there is optimism about an eventual return to normality. However, the historic effects of the pandemic will continue for those who have contracted the virus, as well as for those who have served as carers, parents, and essential workers. After the pressure of the pandemic is eased, many people will begin to feel the effects of mental burnout and Long Covid. Understanding the long-term symptoms of the coronavirus, it is clear that the virus will continue to impact public health in the future, even when the risk of the pandemic is reduced. Here, we look at the people suffering from the consequences of COVID, and how these effects can be relieved. Fatigue Since the initial peak of the coronavirus pandemic, reports of continuing symptoms of COVID-19 after the infectious period have raised concerns as to the long-term effects of the illness. Appropriately, this was coined as "Long Covid." Lasting symptoms of the coronavirus can include: Fatigue Joint pain Muscle pain Anxiety Depression A recent study by Kings College London showed that one in 20 people will experience symptoms of the coronavirus lasting longer than eight weeks. This would suggest that over 87,000 people had suffered the effects of Long Covid by mid-December. However, there are suggestions that the effects of Long Covid can be alleviated by natural supplementary support. With symptoms similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, some medical professionals are advocating, for example, the use of Coenzyme Q10 as a vitamin for recovering from Long Covid. Dr. Chris Steele addressed Long Covid symptoms on national television, suggesting that quality counts when it comes choosing the Q10 supplement. Studies have shown significant benefits with supplementation of Q10 effecting their fatigue status one of the demobilizing effects of post-virus life. Press Release February 19, 2021 POE: BALANCE REOPENING OF ECONOMY, SAVING LIVES Saving lives and moderating economic damage require a balancing act amid the ongoing pandemic, Sen. Grace Poe said. "A strong vaccination program should accompany the reopening of businesses," Poe stressed. Pending the arrival of the vaccine, the senator stressed that concerned government agencies should be laying the groundwork for a smooth implementation of the inoculation program. This includes ensuring the preparedness of hospitals and other designated vaccination sites, training of personnel and vetting of master list of sectors and individuals who will be prioritized to get the doses. Poe also earlier filed Senate Bill No. 1994 or the Vaccine Passport Act that seeks to issue free vaccine passports to individuals who have gotten the shots, including students, local workers and overseas Filipino workers. The document that will serve as the individual's proof of vaccination will help expedite the return to work of workers, including OFWs sidelined by the pandemic. "The vaccine certificate will give our workers the advantage to get hired as they already have the proof of protection from the virus. Getting more Filipinos employed will boost our comeback from the economic downturn," Poe said. Under her bill, the vaccine record will contain types and purposes of vaccines administered to the holder, the batch numbers the vaccines belong to, dates administered, and the persons and institutions that administered the inoculation. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) earlier approved the recommendation of Metro Manila mayors to place the capital region into the loosest modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) from the current general community quarantine. The decision followed the pitch of the National Economic Development Authority that easing the quarantine will help bring about more economic activities and spur growth. The President will give the final approval to the IATF recommendation. If such planned shift to MGCQ is deemed proper, it should be complemented by allowing more public vehicles to ply the road and increasing passenger capacity to accommodate the expected influx of commuters. "With strict adherence to health protocols, the readiness of the transportation system is important to shield the people from the hardships of commuting when they go out of their homes," she said. Denton, TX (76205) Today Light rain with thunderstorms by evening. High 78F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low around 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavier rainfall possible. The public is being hereby informed that further to the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2015 effective as from 01 January 2016, additional plastic bags will be banned under the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2020. Accordingly, as from 01 March 2021, no individual shall possess, use, sell, distribute, import, export or manufacture the following non-biodegradable plastic bags: (i) roll-on plastic bags; (ii) pocket type small plastic bags commonly used for dholl-puris and fruits confits among others; (iii) plastic bags containing items purchased in duty free shops, carried by passengers disembarking from an aircraft or a ship; and (iv) all such types of non-biodegradable plastic bags manufactured for the purpose of exportation. The following types of exempt plastic bags may still be imported, exported and manufactured: (i) those designed to be used for the disposal of waste, including quarantine and clinical waste; (ii) those designed to be used for the purpose of agriculture; (iii) those designed to be used for medical purposes; (iv) those designed to be used for the purpose of sampling or analysis; (v) those constituting or forming an integral part of the packaging in which goods, materials or products are sealed prior to sale on the local market or for export; and (vi) transparent re-sealable bags with security tamper used by a passenger or carried by a passenger on transfer to carry liquids, aerosols or gels at an airport or on board of an aircraft. Furthermore, as from 01 March 2021, all plastic bags exceeding 50cm2 should conspicuously display the following information: (i) exempt non-biodegradable plastic bags: (a) the name and contact address of the manufacturer or importer and (b) the type of exempt plastic bag set out in Part II of the First Schedule of the Regulations; and (ii) biodegradable and compostable plastic bags: (a) the name and contact address of the importer; (b) the country of origin; (c) the batch number and production date; (d) the standards complied with and the materials used; and (e) the expiry date of the bag. The above labelling requirements shall not apply to the following types of plastic bags: (i) all exempt non-biodegradable plastic bags and biodegradable or compostable plastic bags of size 50 cm2 or smaller; (ii) exempt non-biodegradable plastic bags and biodegradable or compostable plastic bags used by manufacturers for the inner and outer packaging of products such as biscuits, cereals, clothes, electronic and medical devices; (iii) exempt non-biodegradable plastic bags and biodegradable or compostable plastic bags imported as an integral part of the packaging of another product; and (iv) exempt non-biodegradable plastic bags and biodegradable or compostable plastic bags meant for exportation either as stand-alone items or when constituting an integral part of the packaging of another product. A moratorium up to 31 August 2022 is being provided with regard to the application of part of regulation 2, which, inter alia, provides that biodegradable or compostable plastic bags should not contain petroleum-based materials or their derivatives. The attention of importers and manufacturers is being, hereby, drawn to the requirement for them to still comply with the Third Schedule of the Regulations with regard to applicable standards for biodegradable or compostable plastic bags. Importers and manufacturers of the above non-biodegradable exempt plastic bags and biodegradable or compostable plastic bags are required to register themselves with the Ministry as per prescribed application forms. Exporters of exempt non-biodegradable plastic bags used as packaging materials, who are not already registered as manufacturers or importers, should also register with the Ministry with immediate effect. Following registration, importers should apply for a clearance in respect of each consignment of biodegradable or compostable bags at least 30 days prior to placing an order while manufacturers of biodegradable or compostable plastic bags should apply for a clearance on an annual basis. Any person who contravenes the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2020 shall commit an offence and shall be liable to the payment of fines as follows: (i) possession or use of banned plastic bags- fine not exceeding Rs2,000; (ii) sale or distribution of banned plastic bags fine not exceeding Rs20,000; (iii) manufacture, importation or exportation of banned plastic bags fine not exceeding Rs100,000; and (iv) importation or manufacture of biodegradable or compostable plastic bags not compliant with the authorisation conferred by this Ministry under Part 6 of the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations- fine not exceeding Rs100,000. Temporary facilities have been put in place by local authorities for the collection of all non-biodegradable plastic bags that will be banned. Application forms in respect of the above Regulations can be collected at the Registration Desk of the Ministry, Ground Floor, Ken Lee Tower, Cnr Barracks and St Georges Streets, Port Louis or downloaded from the Ministrys website at the following address: https://environment.govmu.org Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Washington: Since leaving the White House on January 20, Donald Trump has been remarkably quiet. Stripped of his Twitter account and told by advisers to lay low during his Senate impeachment trial, the normally garrulous former president has barely been seen or heard. That changed this week when Trump released his most extensive public comments since leaving the White House: a savage attack on Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell. As well as a feud between two very different men, the battle between these former allies is emblematic of a war for the soul of the Republican Party. Who is Mitch McConnell? The 78-year-old senator from Kentucky is the most senior Republican in the US Congress. Since 2007 McConnell has been the Republicans Senate leader, giving him enormous power over what becomes law in America and what does not. McConnell has gleefully described himself as the grim reaper - reflecting the fact the Senate became the place where progressive legislation went to die under his leadership. Update (March 23): The Alberta, Canada, pastor who refused to comply with public health orders during the pandemic spent a month in jail before being released on Monday. James Coates pleaded guilty to breaching bail and was issued a fine of $1,500, with his time spent in prison counting as credit for the fine, CBC News reported. His congregation, GraceLife Church, has continued to meet for Sunday worship without complying with the provinces restrictions around capacity, masks, and social distancing. Coates defended his stance before the judge saying, Im simply here in obedience to Jesus Christ, and it's my obedience to Christ that has put me at odds with the law. The court is aware that I'm contesting the legitimacy of that law but please, make no mistake ... Im not trying to make a point. Im not a political revolutionary. The pastor is scheduled to go to trial in May for one remaining charge over violating COVID-19 guidelines on gathering size. ----------------------------- Original post (February 19): A Canadian pastor arrested for violating public health orders remains in police custody after refusing the conditions of his bail: that he stop holding services that defy COVID-19 regulations. The case of GraceLife Church pastor James Coates has reignited a religious freedom debate over worship gatherings during government lockdowns. GraceLife Church in Edmonton, after shifting to livestream for the first few months of pandemic, resumed worship over the summer and has met every Sunday without incident, it says. But authorities repeatedly flagged the church for not capping attendance at 15 percent of capacity, requiring masks, or social distancing, as required by health regulations in Alberta. GraceLife had been fined $1,200 in December, and this month officers found the church again in violation and issued an undertaking requiring Coates to comply. When the church met as usual last Sunday, they called for his arrest. Coates was preaching on Romans 13:1-4, a message titled Directing the Government to Its Duty. Ultimately Coates turned himself in on Tuesday and was arrested on charges of contravening the Public Health Act and refusing the undertaking, the CBC reported. He has twice refused to agree to the conditions of his release, the network said. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, which is representing Coates and Grace Life, said the pastor could not, in good conscience, agree to stop holding church services, as ordered. The commander of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the county said in a statement that it has escalated from education, an opportunity for compliance, and lastly, enforcement in regards to GraceLife and its objective is not to interrupt church services, prohibit services, nor deny peoples right to practise their religionmerely to ensure that public health restrictions are adhered to while doing so. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects freedom of conscience and religion as a fundamental freedom. But it also acknowledges the possibility of reasonable limits in the law, as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. Like John MacArthur and Grace Community Church in California, which resumed in-person worship against state regulations in July, Coates and GraceLife have continued to meet to stand against what they see as unjustifiable regulations on their religious freedoms and, more broadly, civil liberties. Im doing what Im doing in obedience to Christ. I am quite content to let the Lord Jesus Christ himself decide whether or not this is persecution, Coates said in his February 14 sermon, according to the Edmonton Journal. He promises that those who are persecuted for his namesake will be blessed. Hes the one that blesses, and Im content to leave that in his court. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney issued a statement Thursday, after the Justice Centre petitioned him to revoke the health regulations, which it says unfairly discriminate against houses of worship. The suggestion that Alberta has any restriction on preaching is completely false. Under Alberta law, no one has been or will be fined or sanctioned for preaching, Kenney wrote on Facebook. Anybody in Alberta can preach their faith and, and religious communities are encouraged to gather in congregational worship within the safe guidelines laid out by Alberta Health. Kenney described attending Ash Wednesday services this week and applauded thousands of congregations in the province who are complying with the public health guidelines. GraceLife, though, issued a 1,600-word statement suggesting the response to the pandemic has been overblown, and the negative effects of the government lockdown measures on society far surpass the effects of COVID-19. The churchs lawyer, James Kitchen, said, Their first loyalty is to obey their God, not government. They are committed to gathering, as they always have, for in-person worship services. The province said it has allowed the church and others to continue to gather according to current public health orders. Coatess next court date is Wednesday, February 24. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is back on top again reclaiming the title of the world's richest person. The eccentric billionaire's wealth shot up to $199.9 billion after SpaceX concluded another funding round. This vaulted him atop the Bloomberg Billionaires Index for the second time this year. Musk surpassed Amazon's Jeff Bezos, who briefly dethroned him as the world's richest person after Tesla shares fell, dragging Musk's net worth. Bezos's net wealth is valued at $194.2 billion. Musk's space startup, SpaceX raised $850 million in fresh funding this month from a group of investors led by Sequoia Capital. The rocket company is valued at $74 billion after the round, which is a 60% jump from August. Also Read: Jeff Bezos world's richest person again; Elon Musk's short stint at top ends This has helped push up Musk's net worth by around $11 billion, according to the index. Besides, the billionaire also invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to a chat on Clubhouse, the audio-chat-based social media app. A spokesperson for the Kremlin said that although Putin isn't active on social media, Musk's invitation was "undoubtedly very interesting." Bezos, who had held the title of the world's richest person for over three years until last month, had regained his number one position with a net worth of $191.2 billion for a brief period of time this week, knocking off the Tesla chief from the top spot. Also Read: Funding alert: Elon Musk's SpaceX raises $850 million, valuation zooms $74 billion Musk has been at the front and center of some of the biggest market events so far this year. The eccentric billionaire fanned the flames of GameStop Corp share rally and sent the stocks of Shopify Inc., Signal Advance Inc., Etsy Inc., and CD Projekt SA rolling with his booster shot tweets. He also stirred up the price of Bitcoin and even Dogecoin, a little-known cryptocurrency that surged after his tweet earlier this month. Meanwhile, Bitcoin raced past $50,000 days after Tesla disclosed that it had bought $1.5 billion worth of the cryptocurrency. The State of Illinois began an ambitious journey in late 2015 to transform and modernize technology. For decades, the state operated with antiquated systems that lacked reporting and historically functioned in silos, with a lack of interoperability. The disparate IT environment consisted of hundreds of solutions that created duplicative processes hindering the efficiency of the State. When Governor Bruce Rauner took office in 2015, he placed IT modernization as one of the key strategies of his new administration. A first step in the process was to analyze the current state of technology, which included over 400 different financial, payroll and grant management solutions across approximately 80 different government entities. The environment included 3,000 total applications, 30,000 server instances, 7 data centers and over 1,700 IT employees spread across the state helping the government deliver services to citizens and businesses. Additionally, at the beginning of the journey, more than 5 petabytes of data existed, 1 percent of citizen interaction points were mobile enabled, less than 2 percent of the states computing workload existed in the cloud and approximately 2 percent of the state agencies were effectively utilizing data analytics. That, along with an out-of-balance cost to delivery structure, heightened the need to improve information technology. While the landscape was daunting and the goals ambitious, Illinois set out on a transformation journey. The transformation effort in Illinois is built upon the IllinoisFIRST IT strategy that focuses on Fast, Innovative, Responsive, Smarter Technology deployment, all built upon the concepts of establishing a borderless culture for IT across the state and breaking the effort down into a series of 75-day sprints with the premise of running IT as a business. The establishment of key performance indicators for the new technology agency and making those KPIs available and visible at any time The borderless culture is an important aspect of driving transformation deep enough in the organization so that it becomes sustainable for the future. The culture effort cannot be simply a check mark on a project plan, as it needs to engage the entire team and not just the IT team. It also needs to leverage the relationship with major businesses and companies in the state as well as work closely with universities and innovation centers. Done through advisory boards, meetings, hackathons and other methods, we come together as a state to solve our collective challenges and opportunities. The journey is built on four key foundational pillars, moving to a common back-office enterprise ERP system, transforming the business of IT, going-mobile in Illinois and establishing a statewide data analytics practice. Working with leading strategy and systems integrators, the initial results have been positive and astounding for the state. As a team, we have worked to remove some of the traditional barriers of IT and moved it to a full services model. Some of the early results include the following; Selected SAP Hana Enterprise Cloud solution and implemented it for the initial (4) pilot agencies in just 15 months. Launched a new Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT); the almost 1,700-person-organization represents a $1B technology investment annually and is overseen by an Advisory Board of Directors made up of 13 business leaders from across the state. Focused on key threads of transformation including governance, applications rationalization, infrastructure modernization, service delivery management, talent management and communications. Launched a Going Mobile in Illinois initiative focused on delivering 1 new app a month for state agencies. In the first six months, we ended up launching 25 new apps/mobile responsive websites across Illinois that can be accessed via the IllinoisFIRST mobile app available free for download from the Android and Apple app stores. Established a statewide data analytics practice, hiring the states first chief data officer and first data scientist. Delivered the new Ed360 (Education 360) solution providing cross state data regarding students performance. In addition, executed an enterprise memorandum of understanding (eMou) that enables agencies to share data statewide. Cybersecurity is also a key part of this journey as the state named our first CISO for Illinois and embarked on an aggressive plan of education, eradication and preventive measures around information security. Progress is occurring quickly and it is crucial that we continue to build and maintain a robust cybersecurity capability, which can keep pace with the ever-increasing threats. In state government, you cannot overlook the sheer challenges associated with procurement. As part of the transformation journey, the Department of Innovation & Technology, working with the states Central Management Services (CMS) and the statewide Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), has taken on responsibility for statewide master IT contracts and has negotiated major agreements or published RFPs and RFIs for services that can be used by all government entities across Illinois, such as key technology enablers including cloud computing, smart street lighting and advanced emerging technology segments including blockchain/distributed ledger technologies. Establishing the DoIT Rhythm of the Business is a key focus of the transformation and to help support the borderless culture, it has included transparency and visibility pertaining to the progress of the agency to date. As part of that, another key step in the transformation journey and our commitment to run IT as a Business, is the establishment of key performance indicators for the new technology agency and making those KPIs available and visible at any time. The KPIs are delivered and reviewed as part of the quarterly business reviews (QBRs) held for each of the states(7) verticals, where the 80+ agency leaders participate and review progress to date. The KPIs for the new agency include the following; 1. Number of apps rationalized 2. Number of services with ITSM processes in place 3. Amount of cost avoidance through effective governance oversight 4. Percent of phone lines on VoIP 5. Percent of workload in the cloud 6. Service Desk customer satisfaction rating 7. Percent of mobile enabled citizen interaction points 8. Percent of agencies migrated to Illinois.gov (common domain) 9. Percent of IT purchases on master contract 10. Percent of agencies using enterprise analytics Rachel Thulborn (pictured) from Caboolture, Queensland, suffered through five years of a controlling and abusive relationship with her partner Mark Stephen Pringle A mother-of-three desperately trying to leave her abusive partner was stabbed to death in front of her children. Rachel Thulborn from Caboolture, Queensland, suffered five years of a controlling and abusive relationship with her partner Mark Stephen Pringle. On a quiet Sunday afternoon in October 2008, Ms Thulborn finally decided to escape with her three young children aged 17 months, two and four. She packed their bags but when she emerged from the bedroom, she saw Pringle had screwed all the windows and doors shut. A massive fight ensued between the pair as Ms Thulborn begged to leave before Pringle choked her to the point of unconsciousness. He also locked up their children in a bedroom. 'Rachel was lying on the floor in an unconscious state and he went into the kitchen and got one of her kitchen knives,' brother-in-law Tim Class-Auliff told The Courier Mail. 'And the kids broke out of the room to watch him pushing that knife through her body several times into the floor.' Pringle was charged with murder but only convicted of manslaughter after a Mental Health Court judge found he was suffering from a delusional disorder and jailed him for to nine years. However, he was released from prison just five-and-a-half years into his sentence. Mr Class-Auliff and his wife pushed to gain custody of their niece and nephews when Ms Thulborn died. They succeeded just three months before Pringle was released. He has since been working to support other victims of domestic violence in the hopes of them not ending up like his sister-in-law. He also welcomed the Queensland's Government decision to criminalise coercive control as a form of domestic violence saying there were 'alarm bells' when Ms Thulborn was involved with Pringle. 'We knew that coercive control was going on so we got her out but he did all the lovely things the roses and chocolates and the promise to get counselling and she went back,' he said. Pringle grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Ms Thulborn repeatedly (stock) Pringle would follow her to work, check her phone, emails, messages, and even threatened to kill her if she left him again, Mr Class-Auliff recalled. There were also times Pringle would threaten to kill Ms Thulborn's parents. Mr Class-Auliff said the whole family 'went through hell' following Ms Thulborn's death. The eldest child, who was only four at the time of his mother's manslaughter and is about to turn 17, 'still has vivid nightmares'. Ms Thulborn's father, who was an Anglican Minister, 'never recovered' after hearing his daughter was brutally killed. Mr Class-Auliff called on the local community to speak up and take action against domestic violence to make a difference. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 A look at Friday's major share movers in the London Stock Exchange PLC ( ) motored 24% higher to 971p after selling Hobsons for about US$410mln (293mln). The EdTech business, which was restructured in 2017 to focus on high-growth opportunities in Student Success, will be sold in two separate transactions. Hobsons' Naviance and Intersect businesses are being sold to US-based PowerSchool, for around US$320mln while the Starfish business is being lobbed out to EAB, a US-based education company, for around US$90mln. 2.20pm: Kanabo Group slips after investor halves holding ( ) slipped 19% to 32.06p in the early afternoon after plc ( ) sold off some shares in the cannabis firm. The investing company, which focuses on early stage and pre-IPO long-term disruptive technology investments, offloaded 1mln shares at 23.5p, bagging 233,801. Vela originally subscribed for 2mln shares in Kanabo at 6.5p each so it has made a net profit of 168,801. Following the disposal, Vela will hold 1.31 mln shares in Kanabo, equivalent to approximately 0.36% of the issued share capital. 12.10pm: Kingspan surges after overhauling insulation arm following Grenfell disaster Kingspan PLC ( ) surged 10% to 62.50 at noon after apologising for what it says was unacceptable employee conduct at its UK Insulation Boards business" in the run-up to the Grenfell Tower disaster. Witnesses at the official inquiry into the fatal fire have accused the company of hiding the results of fire tests on its K15 product used at Grenfell and ignoring safety concerns. The building materials group is implementing widespread changes to its insulation board division practices, including the publication of all fire test reports, and would act on recommendations by legal firm Eversheds Sutherland. 11am: Idox jumps after confirming takeover proposal Idox PLC ( ) jumped 21% to 74p after confirming it has received three non-binding indicative proposals regarding possible cash offers for Idox from Dye & Durham. The document management specialist received the latest proposal received on Thursday for a possible cash offer at 75 pence per share. It added that it has entered into discussions with Dye & Durham, a cloud-based software provider, but there is no certainty that an offer will be made. 10am: Path Investments tumbles after placing heavily discounted shares Path Investments PLC (LON:PATH) tumbled 39% to 0.5p after raising 3.5mln by placing 1.4bn shares at 0.25p each. The price represents a 70% discount to Thursdays closing price of 0.82p. The energy and natural resources investment company said the proceeds will be used to support its strategy of owning and operating a diversified portfolio of long-life assets, while it focuses on cutting carbon intensity. Meanwhile, plc ( ) lost 7% to 26.5p after announced that its Heathrow depot at Stanwell, Middlesex suffered a fire in its administrative offices. The UK bus operator said no staff were injured and the fire is not thought to have been malicious. The AIM-listed firm added that damages amount to 250,000 but are expected to be fully recoverable from insurance with more than one insurer, so there shouldnt be any long-term financial consequences. 8.45am: GSTechnologies tops early morning risers with Singapore subsidiary update GSTechnologies Limited ( ) was the top riser early on Friday as it shot 22% higher to 3.12p on the back of an update from its Singapore subsidiary. The information and communication technology infrastructure solutions provider confirmed that GS Fintech Singapore has now been established. Alongside the recently established UK subsidiary, the new arm will support the firms expansion into blockchain-related technologies and services. Elsewhere, ( ) advanced 5% to 204p after revealing it will support the roll-out of mobile COVID-19 testing in the UK as part of the governments new pilot scheme. The provider of lab services and products will oversee all laboratory operations and processes and will have responsibility for clinical governance, quality assurance, staff training, sample processing and information management. The AIM-listed firm said it will run the service on behalf of outsourcing specialist Mitie for the remainder of this early phase, adding that it is working towards involvement in a potential UK-wide programme. Proactive news headlines BASE Resources PLC ( ) has passed an important milestone in its bid to increase the mine life of its mineral sands operation in Kenya. ( ) has announced the start of rig mobilisation for the Merlin-1 well, in Alaska, where drilling is scheduled to start in the first week of March. ( ) confirmed the closing of its share placing, with the nickel mine developer raising 18mln in total. ( ) announced the convening of a general meeting, including a proposed consolidation of the company's share capital. A shareholder circular explaining the reasons for the consolidation and other proposals is being posted to shareholders and will be available on the company's website at www.unionjackoil.com under the AIM Rule 26 section. PARIS (Reuters) - French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday he was heading to an asylum seekers centre in the city of Pau in southwestern France after media reported an immigration official has been stabbed to death. He said on Twitter he would make the trip, but gave no further details on the assault. "I extend my sincere condolences to the victim's family and loved ones", Darmanin said. (Reporting bu Tangi Salaun; Writing by Matthieu Protard; Editing by Alison Williams) For bankers like everyone else, 2020 was a year of dealing with COVID-19: making sure branches were safe, customers cared for and employees healthy while processing a mountain of Paycheck Protection Program loans. It also was a busy year for home loans single-family home sales were up across the region and a year when many Americans saved more money than usual. The Personal Savings Rate, figured as a percentage of income, spiked in 2020 when people were working but had fewer places to spend. That spike subsided as the summer wore on, but saving still remained higher than it was in 2019. In 2021, bankers are looking for more traditional lines of business commercial loans, home mortgages to replace PPP loans from the federal government. Between savings and PPP, Monson Savings grew its assets quickly by $30 million to $510 million. Its a funny time for bankers, said said Steven E. Lowell, the outgoing outgoing CEO and continuing chairman of the board. What we need are loans, Lowell said. Our challenge will be to put that money back out to work. Banks ability to loan will largely depend on the willingness of businesses to borrow. Loan demand and business optimism go hand in hand, said Matthew S. Sosik, president and CEO of Hometown Financial Group, the parent of BankESB. Were hopeful. Associated Industries of Massachusettss 100-point Business Confidence Index ended 2020 essentially neutral at 49.3. The organization said that represented a 10-point gain since its April survey. Massachusetts companies are optimistic about their own prospects, which provides hope that the economy will rebound once the nation gains control of the pandemic, Raymond G. Torto, professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and chair of the AIM Board of Economic Advisors, said in a statement last month. Local bankers have long relied, even in an increasingly online world, on the promise of branch offices where customers can talk to a person, get a problem resolved and seal that resolution with a handshake. Then came the pandemic. Phone and online banking have flourished while people have been reluctant to out of in public and risk contracting or spreading the coronavirus. COVID has changed a lot, said Lowell. And banking habits have changed dramatically. Many local banks closed their branch office lobbies for most of the spring and summer, reopening in the fall as infection numbers fell. As COVID-19 cases rose again in the winter, banks relied on drive-thrus for in-person contact with customers. Some people always knew they could bank online but they just wanted to come into the bank, said Kevin OConnor, executive vice president and chief banking officer of Westfield Bank. Weve had very good online and on-our-website tutorials. But they were also on the phone. Westfield Bank started publishing phone numbers for individual branches. That meant folks could easily contact a teller in the their branch, OConnor said, instead of being routed through a central call center. Small things, but I guess they make a difference, he said. Like all banks, Westfield processed PPP loans. Massachusetts businesses received more than $14 billion through the federal program. A second round of the loans became available thanks to the $900 billion federal stimulus package passed in December. Some banks farmed out the work to outside contractors, with mixed results. Westfield Bank kept the process in-house, but did automate it halfway through the summer. We are in the forgiveness process, OConnor said. Its going well. Sosik said BankESB processed all its PPP loans by hand. That was and continues to be a laborious task, he said. But those loans kept business customers operating during the worst of the pandemic. Thats been a real lifesaver, he said. Area banks opened a number of new brick-and-mortar branches in 2020 despite the pandemic. Monson Savings opened a branch in East Longmeadow in August, a former Farmington Savings Bank, said incoming CEO Daniel R. Moriarty. Farmington, which opened there in 2016, had been through a number of mergers and had closed the branch. Monson Savings knew it already had customers in the area. The bank also opened a loan and operations center in Wilbraham over the summer. BankESB opened a branch at 235 Triangle St. in Amherst. Westfield Bank opened three new branches in 2020, OConnor said. Two West Hartford and Bloomfield were in the central Connecticut region where Westfield Bank hopes to grow. The third was in Huntington, Massachusetts, where United Bank closed its branch after going through a series of mergers. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. (Newser) Protests over the imprisonment of a rapper convicted of insulting the Spanish monarchy and praising terrorist violence were marred by rioting for the third night in a row Thursday. The plight of Pablo Hasel, who began this week to serve a 9-month sentence in a northeastern prison, has triggered a heated debate over the limits of free speech in Spain and a political storm over the use of violence by both the rapper's supporters and the police, the AP reports. The ruling coalition's junior partner, the far-left United We Can (Unidas Podemos) party, on Thursday filed a petition for a "total pardon" for Hasel and another rapper, Valtonyc, who fled to Belgium in 2018 to avoid trial on charges of glorifying terrorism. But potentially deepening the tension, court authorities in the northeastern Catalonia region announced that Hasel lost a recent appeal and is looking at an additional prison sentence of 2 years for obstructing justice and assault in 2017. The sentence can be appealed again before the Supreme Court. story continues below Like the two previous nights, the protests began Thursday with large gatherings in several cities that were, at first, mostly peaceful. In Barcelona, hundreds sang, rapped and shouted "Pablo Hasel, freedom!" and "Spanish media, manipulators!" at a central square before dozens broke off to set alight a barricade of trash containers and a construction skip that blocked a main city artery, hurling stones and bottles at riot police. Flames threatened to extend to nearby buildings before firefighters arrived. In the coastal city of Valencia, police used batons to disperse protesters and arrested at least eight people, government officials said. Nearly 80 people have been arrested and more than 100 injured since Hasel was taken away from a university where he had sought refuge after refusing to show up at prison. The rapper and his supporters say Hasel's nine-month sentence for writing a song critical of former King Juan Carlos I, and for tweets that judges said glorified some of Spain's defunct terrorist groups, violates free speech rights. (Read more Spain stories.) Burak Sur/iStockBy CHEYENNE HASLETT, ABC News (GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C.) -- Since late fall, 60,000 students and teachers across Greenville County, South Carolina, have been filing into the classroom for school the old-fashioned way: in-person, five days a week. They've done it, Greenville superintendent Burke Royster said, by enforcing mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing -- mostly by about 3 feet with plexiglass barriers when 6 feet isn't possible -- using high-quality ventilation and launching their own contact-tracing program. Royster said he believes his schools have lower transmission than its surrounding community -- a finding that is supported by research. "I think it simply reinforces that this is a workable, viable solution," Royster said of his school's mitigation methods. Greenville County is one of many examples across the U.S. of schools that have charted their own path forward since fall in the absence of a clear federal standard on what it means to reopen a classroom safely. That all changed Friday when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the first time issued specific steps schools could take depending upon their level of viral transmission in the community. Still, since Friday's release, health experts, teachers unions and political pundits have continued to debate whether the guidance is too strict or not strict enough, particularly when it comes to its suggestion of 6 feet of social distancing in "red" zones. Districts like Greenville that have already reopened are unlikely to retrofit their plans precisely to fit the new CDC guidance, nor does the CDC have the power to enforce its recommendations. Still, other schools that haven't reopened yet remain at a standstill, finding the guidance too stringent to meet completely. "I know that not everybody was happy with how the school guidance read," Rochelle Walensky, the new CDC director picked by President Joe Biden, said in a JAMA interview on Wednesday. "I sleep at night because I know that it was science-based and it was that children and teachers who go to school based on what we recommended could and should be safe," she added. But in the days since it was announced, it's become clear that the CDC's input didn't settle the debate. Dr. Joe Allen, director of the Healthy Buildings Program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, took issue with the CDC connecting school reopening with coronavirus transmission, which he doesn't believe accurately predicts how safe schools will be. The key factors to keeping schools safe are good masking, ventilation and hand hygiene -- regardless of case count in the area, Allen said. "If we do these basics, we know we can keep kids and adults safe in schools," he said. "What happened is that CDC layered this other level on top -- these community spread metrics -- and they are so strict or conservative that it's unlikely any of these metrics will be met for the remainder of the year." Allen and his colleagues have also pushed back on the CDC's guidelines to keep students 6 feet apart, which parents and schools have also argued would be impossible to do if everyone returned in-person, given the number of students and the size of the classrooms. "We want to encourage as much distancing as possible, but we have to recognize the extreme and devastating costs and consequences of having millions of kids out of school, and that the 6-foot rule is what's keeping a lot of them out of school," Allen said. The CDC insists in its guidelines that infections in schools "reflects transmission in the surrounding community." The CDC also has maintained since the beginning of the pandemic that 6-feet of distance is what's been proven to work. And, its guidance also suggests other ways to "layer" mitigation, such as surveillance testing of staff and students. "I wouldn't even say we did the best we could," Walensky said of the plan, which pulled research from schools in the U.S. and Europe that have been open since the fall. "We did the best that science could inform." Walensky also said she has hope that the recent decline in cases nationwide will allow schools to be "a little bit more liberal in terms of what we're able to do to bring the kids back to school safely." When the guidance was released last week, 90% of school districts were in the red zone, an area the CDC deemed unsafe for in-person learning in middle or high schools unless all other mitigation efforts were strictly maintained. That number has now fallen to 75%, Walensky said. Other health officials and advocacy groups have praised the guidance, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which called it "right on target." "These public health protocols should continue to be the model schools follow as they increasingly transition to in-person learning," Lee Savio Beers, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a statement after the guidance was released. Former CDC Director Rich Besser said the CDC guidelines show a path forward. "The science shows that if schools have what they need and are able to decompress classrooms, ensure people are wearing masks, do some screening, improve ventilation -- you can have kids in classroom learning, very safely, even before you have vaccination of staff and teachers," Besser told ABC's "Good Morning America" after the guidelines were released. "That gives me hope." "You have to get the numbers down in communities and those are moving in the right direction as well," he added. In Greenville, the superintendent of schools has seen another benefit to bringing kids back to the classroom: widespread mask-wearing because the teacher said so. "Every day, if you count the students that are in person and our employees, that's over 60,000 people that for somewhere between seven and nine hours a day are doing what the CDC, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and medical experts say they should," Royster said. His district has continued to see cases rise dramatically over school breaks when students are free to spend that time in the community without stringent mitigation measures, Royster said, but fall within a week of students returning. To Allen, there's clear science to back up Royster's anecdote. "What we've seen in the data is that when kids are in school with good control measures in place, this can actually be an environment that's where risk is controlled for both kids, as well as the teachers and other adults in the school," Allen said. Given the unsettled debate, even after the CDC released its long-awaited guidelines, reporters and public health experts have consistently asked the Biden administration for clarity. Conservatives have used the debate to criticize Biden for issuing restrictive guidance despite his initial pledge to open schools within his first 100 days. But the Biden administration has struggled to navigate the debate, attempting to walk a fine line between telling reluctant teachers to return to school while also trying to jumpstart the nation's education system. In December -- prior to Biden's inauguration -- he announced that "if Congress provides the funding we need," he would work to see that a majority of schools would open in his first 100 days of office. After taking office, his press secretary said that could mean being in-person just one day a week, but Biden clarified at a CNN Town Hall on Tuesday night that his goal is now to get K-8 students back to school five days a week. The goal raises questions, however, about how a majority of students can return to school in the next two months if 75% of the country currently falls under the "high-transmission" category. Under the CDC guidelines, much of the county would remain in virtual or hybrid learning until case numbers declined. On vaccines for teachers, the White House has also confirmed that they do not believe teachers need to be vaccinated before returning to school, though they recommend teachers be prioritized for vaccine eligibility. Ultimately, however, the White House and the CDC said it's still up to local school boards. "What we're trying to do is evaluate the risk of COVID in the school, a potential outbreak ... versus the counterfactual, which is all the education loss, all of the food security loss, all of the mental health," Walensky said. "I think a year from now, we'll start understanding all of those losses and we'll really need to think about what the risk we were willing to take at the time." ABC News' Sophie Tatum contributed to this report. Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Due to winter storms, on February 11, 2021, Governor Kate Brown declared a state of emergency for Benton, Clackamas, Hood River, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill counties. Here you can find all information related to the ongoing winter weather news impacting motor carriers. Oregon Chain Law: Winter conditions continue to be extremely hazardous, especially along the I-84 corridor. Motor carriers must comply with chain laws or drivers will be cited. Motor carriers with multiple citations may face civil monetary penalties for continued non-compliance with department rules and regulations. Theres no shortage of questions about how the Baker administration has approached its effort to vaccinate more than 4 million people. Legislators have critiqued everything from the governors decision to allow healthy young people to get vaccinated alongside at-risk seniors to the delay in having a call center set up for people unable to book appointments online. And after Thursday, both Democrats and Republicans want answers as to why the states appointment website crashed, despite the predictable surge in traffic as people aged 65 and older were allowed to try to sign up for the first time. Next week a legislative committee is seeking to get answers to those questions straight from the top, inviting Gov. Charlie Baker to testify before the panel at the first oversight hearing of the new Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness, according to the Senate chair. Sen. Jo Comerford, who is co-chairing the committee with Rep. William Driscoll, told the News Service in an interview Thursday that she doesnt know if Baker will accept the invitation to testify next Thursday. I hope he does, Comerford said. Wed like to hear from him. The committee has also invited Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, Assistant Public Health Commissioner Jana Ferguson and Assistant Public Health Commissioner and Director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences Kevin Cranston. In addition, three other committees -- Health Care Financing, Public Health, and Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion -- have been asked to assemble expert panels to present to the oversight committee. What has caused such a turbulent vaccine rollout? The answer has been elusive, too elusive frankly, Comerford said. If the Legislature felt we were getting the answers that our constituents were demanding and we were demanding and if we were seeing a righting of the ship, perhaps we wouldnt have needed to form this committee, she continued. A spokeswoman for Baker wouldnt say whether Baker planned to testify, pointing back to comments made by the governor during a Wednesday press conference when he was asked about the oversight hearing. We talk all the time to the Legislature. I talked to the speaker and the Senate president over the weekend. Marylou does calls at least once a week with both the House and the Senate. We provide them with a lot of information and material, and obviously, well look forward to talking to them about this, Baker said then. Sudders was also working the phones on Thursday talking to lawmakers who have been hearing the vaccine rollout complaints from frustrated constituents. I am currently on a call w Secretary Sudders and the rest of the legislature trying to find answers as to whats happening with the website. Its unacceptable, Rep. Smitty Pignatelli of Lenox tweeted on Thursday. Baker has defended certain decisions that he says led to a slower vaccine rollout than in some other states, including the prioritization of residents and staff at long-term nursing and congregate care facilities, but he has also admitted to being late with things like the call center. Even after the call center was set up, it took multiple days and pressure from lawmakers before evening and weekend hours were added. My hairs on fire about the whole thing. I cant even begin to tell you how pissed off I am, Baker said Thursday on the radio about Thursdays crash of the appointment website. The new Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness was established this month by Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka, signaling a desire on the part of top Democrats to play a more active role in the states pandemic response, which has largely been run by Baker using a steady wave of executive orders. Comerford, of Northampton, comes from a background in social work, while Driscolls area of expertise is disaster response and emergency preparedness. The senator described her and Driscolls backgrounds as a good marriage for the committee. While the decision to focus right away on the states vaccination effort was an easy one, according to the two chairs, Driscoll said he does envision the new committee branching out at some point beyond the pandemic. The Milton Democrat noted that its been a decade since multiple tornadoes touched down in western Massachusetts, cutting a 40-mile-long swath of damage through Springfield, destroying business and homes. That gives us an opportunity to see what do we think we learned 10 years ago after that event and have we applied what we learned, Driscoll said. Driscoll said hes also spoken with Rep. Dan Hunt, a Dorchester Democrat and the chair of the new Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight, about ways they could work together. But for now, the immediate concern is the pandemic and the vaccination effort. Massachusetts through Wednesday had administered 1,267,262 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, including 937,273 first doses, according to DPH. Over the past week, the administration has highlighted strides the state has made, with about 285,000 doses given last week. Baker has said the state also stacks up well against other states with more than 5 million people, and CDC data puts Massachusetts ninth in the country for first doses administered. But questions remain about the states technology, the prioritization plan for vaccines, lines of communication to local boards of health, and the equity -- both racial and geographic -- of vaccine distribution. There is a false dichotomy being set up that either we need to move quickly or we need to center equity. We can and should do both, Comerford said. I do believe the initial vaccine plan had that care at the center and somehow the call for speed has caused Baker to pivot in ways that have forsaken equity. These are false pivots. Comerford specifically mentioned the companion policy that allowed young, healthy residents to get vaccinated if they accompanied someone 75 or older to get a shot, website foibles, and the abrupt decision and short notice given to local vaccine clinics that supplies would be redistributed to mass vaccination sites. There is a reality when it comes to a shortage at the federal level. That is something we should be talking about clearly, but its hard to get out that message when there so much state-focused turbulence, she said. Driscoll said he was particularly frustrated by the rollout of the 2-1-1 call center. For me, we all understand that patience is really paramount. The vaccine will still take months to reach many of us. But when we have to pivot over and over again, with very little notice of whats going on to the public and organizations and agencies involved, it begs a lot of questions. The planning for future phases is my concern, Driscoll said. We need the next few months to go a lot smoother, Driscoll said. WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheila Morgan-Johnson, executive director of the District of Columbia Retirement Board (DCRB), Washington, DC, is retiring. DCRB manages $10 billion in assets of the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund and the District of Columbia Police Officers and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund (collectively referred to as the Fund). In the role since 2017, Ms. Morgan-Johnson will step down on March 26, 2021, the agency has announced. Previously, Ms. Morgan-Johnson served as the agency's Chief Investment Officer, from 1991 to 2017, and as CIO and Chief Operating Officer, from 2005 to 2017. "I feel extremely grateful and privileged to have been able serve the people of the District of Columbia for nearly 30 years. And I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to have served the members of the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund and the District of Columbia Police Officers and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund over that time." In the agency's December Board of Trustees meeting, Ms. Morgan-Johnson also expressed her thanks for the "support, friendship, and guidance" she has received from DCRB trustees and staff during her tenure with the agency. DCRB Chair Gary Hankins remarked, "Ms. Morgan-Johnson has been an essential component of DCRB's unprecedented success. In cooperation with the Board, Ms. Morgan-Johnson has guided the plans to a fully-funded status. We are grateful for her service and bid her every success in the next chapter of her professional career." Ms. Morgan-Johnson currently chairs the Investment Committee of the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, and is a member of the District of Columbia Other Post-Employment Benefits Fund. She also is a former member of the Investment Committee of the Children's National Medical Center, and former member of the Lab School of Washington and Baltimore's Board of Trustees. DCRB will conduct a national search for a new Executive Director. SOURCE DC Retirement Board Related Links http://www.dcrb.dc.gov/ 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. (Natural News) Back on December 21st of 2020, we published this story on ANP titled More Signs 2021 Will Hit Ludicrous Levels Of Insanity As Chaos Abounds With Vaccine Rollout Nationwide, With No End In Sight To The Madness Spreading Worldwide Like A Pandemic. (Article by Stefan Stanford republished from AllNewsPipeline.com) Within that story we had warned that while we have now had nearly nine months of being treated like utter imbeciles, we have lots of evidence why things would likely continue to deteriorate in 2021, like a snowball growing bigger and picking up speed as it makes its way toward its rendezvous with oblivion. With a recent study finding that Covid-19 is being linked not only to mental illnesses (as people remain confined as prisoners within their own homes) but to a brain disorder as well, as Paul Joseph Watson asks in the first video at the bottom of this story, Whats causing this rampant hysteria? And what kind of future impact will people being so terrorized by the proximity of other people have on society? As the video and this story show, a grocery store surveillance camera caught a scene of a man bizarrely freaking out and running away, while pulling his grocery cart along, from a woman who had gotten her own grocery cart a wee bit too close to his: Covid-19 mental illness on steroids. And with new calculations predicting that this coronavirus pandemic crisis will last for at least 7 years, putting us well past 2025 by the time some are predicting this beast will be over, as well explore within this ANP story, can you imagine being locked down for 7 years? With Democrats now attempting to unveil political tyranny in America, completely demonizing the 1st Amendment and the US Constitution, America locked down for 7 years would be the straw that broke the camels back. From this story over at the Guardian saved over at Archive before we continue.: One in eight people who have had Covid-19 are diagnosed with their first psychiatric or neurological illness within six months of testing positive for the virus, a new analysis suggests, adding heft to an emerging body of evidence that stresses the toll of the virus on mental health and brain disorders cannot be ignored. The analysis which is still to be peer-reviewed also found that those figures rose to one in three when patients with a previous history of psychiatric or neurological illnesses were included. Yet as Nature had reported back on February 3rd, most of this depression is due to the lockdown itself. And even once Covid-19 is done and gone, that depression could linger on for many. From that story titled COVIDs mental-health toll: how scientists are tracking a surge in depression Researchers are using huge data sets to link changes in mental health to coronavirus-response measures. As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, new fast-spreading variants have caused a surge in infections in many countries, and renewed lockdowns. The devastation of the pandemic millions of deaths, economic strife and unprecedented curbs on social interaction has already had a marked effect on peoples mental health. Researchers worldwide are investigating the causes and impacts of this stress, and some fear that the deterioration in mental health could linger long after the pandemic has subsided. Ultimately, scientists hope that they can use the mountains of data being collected in studies about mental health to link the impact of particular control measures to changes in peoples well-being, and to inform the management of future pandemics. More than 42% of people surveyed by the US Census Bureau in December reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in December, an increase from 11% the previous year. Data from other surveys suggest that the picture is similar worldwide (see COVIDs mental stress). I dont think this is going to go back to baseline anytime soon, says clinical psychologist Luana Marques, at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, who is monitoring the mental-health impacts of the crisis in US populations and elsewhere. And note that study was done prior to this warning that Covid-19 could be around for 7 years. How much worse will things get before this is done and past? The fact that COVID cases continue to fall in all four regions of the U.S. as the seven-day average in the Midwest drops to a QUARTER of its peak and hospitalizations decrease nationwide is more proof the American people are being lied to. The coronavirus pandemic will drag on for another seven years at the current rate of vaccinations worldwide, new calculations predict. It will take that long to reach Dr Anthony Faucis estimate for the herd immunity threshold of 75 percent of people inoculated globally, according to Bloombergs vaccination calculator. More than 4.5 million vaccines are being administered a day, for a total of 119.8 million shots given worldwide. The US has vaccinated 8.7 percent of its population thus far, at a rate of 1.3 million shot given a day. After a slow start, the rollout is picking up steam and saw a record 1.7 million people vaccinated Thursday. Despite ranking sixth in the world for the pace of its vaccinations, the US is predicted to reach herd immunity just in time for New Years 2022. But all of this depends on whether the vaccines are effective against variants like those that emerged in South Africa and Brazil, which appear to dull the potency of shots. Interestingly, the top-voted comment on that Daily Mail story was: What difference does it make now? The coup was successful and Biden was installed, tons of Boomers were killed and the toxic jab from Gates/Fauci has been injected into millions. Very dark days lie ahead!. Just what the globalists want for America. Refuse to give in. So with Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations continuing to drop across America but the globalists now pushing the whisperings that this thing could actually continue to go for at least 7 more years, who and what are we to believe? With Democrats now in the White House and running both houses of Congress nothing less than the lunatics running the insane asylum, none of us should be the least bit surprised that theyre also now pushing an Orwellian-style re-writing of history. Hoping to cement their own big lie into place for the rest of time, the fact that the same group who blatantly lied about the Russian collusion hoax of the 2016 election are now pushing that this pandemic could last for 7 years should be a huge, red-flag warning sign flashing: LIES. As weve reported numerous times on ANP, none other than the Washington Post had labeled All News Pipeline as being Russian propaganda following the 2016 election, along with more than 200 other pro-America websites, despite the fact that it was utter bullsh*t. With the Washington Post never even bothering to reach out to ANP to find out if we had any ties at all to Russia, please forgive for choosing to never believe another report that they put out as news. And with mainstream media and Democrat party lies helping to lead to the establishment of the lunatic fringe that we see growing across America now, with 50% or America or more still completely dumbed-down to what is nothing less than Democrat/deep state/globalist propaganda, we owe it to our families and loved ones to remain grounded in the truth, loaded for bear and prepared for absolutely anything in the days ahead. With their lies perfectly illustrated in the fact that theyre locking Americans into their own homes for their own safety but then allowing a countless number of illegal immigrants into the country under Joe Bidens immigration policies, and Biden planning on legalizing 11 million more illegals in this country, Americans nationwide can be forgiven for believing this entire scam-demic is just that. As mentioned previously, in the 1st video below, Paul Joseph Watson takes a look at the lunacy spreading across America and the world due to Covid-19, the seemingly never-ending lockdowns, the masking requirements and social distancing and everything else that has come along with Covid-19. And in the 2nd/final video below, Mike Adams takes a look at the neuro-psychological warfare operations that Americans are now under, with the deep state being like a stage magician carrying out their sleight of hand before our very eyes. Nothing less than weapons of mass distraction Adams warns us in that video. Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com and Deception.news. Unions were willing to agree to longer pay agreements for major construction projects during secretive industrial relations talks last year as long as Australian jobs, apprentices and workplace diversity were made a legal priority. But employers rejected the unions plan for five-year agreements, seen by this masthead, on the basis that it would not do enough to stabilise labour costs and encourage investment. Unions fear workers could be locked out of real pay rises for years on big construction projects such as for stadiums. Credit:Brook Mitchell The Morrison governments proposed industrial relations overhaul would instead let pay deals run for up to eight years, rather than the current four, on big projects. The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union fears this will leave workers with negligible wages growth for almost a decade. Business representatives and unions spent months last year in secret negotiations on the future of Australias industrial relations system after the government urged both sides to find a consensus to get Australians back to work post-pandemic. Lucknow, Feb 19 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has signed an MoU with IKEA, the largest furniture and home applications company of the world, which will invest Rs 5500 crore in Uttar Pradesh during the next five years. The state government has provided 50,000 square meters of land in Noida for an IKEA an outlet which will be one of the biggest outlets. The MoU with IKEA was signed virtually in the presence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday. The company has already made payment of Rs 850 crore for land in Noida while the state government earned revenue of Rs 60 crore through stamp duty . IKEA, which has opened more than 433 centres in 52 countries of the world, is preparing to invest big in UP. Starting with Noida, IKEA plans to open at least three major outlets in Purvanchal and central UP. The plans for other outlets will be finalized with the opening of Noida Centre. The company will start all its outlets by 2025 according to the state government spokesman. According to experts, the company will sell its products online as well as open franchises and showrooms in different cities, through which a large number of people will get the opportunity of trade and employment. In December 2018, the company had signed an agreement with the Uttar Pradesh government to invest Rs 5,000 crore in Noida and other cities of the state. IKEA started its first centre in Hyderabad at a cost of Rs 700 crore in 2016. IKEA plans to open a total of 25 centres in India by 2025 by investing Rs 10500 crore. About half of the investment will be made in UP alone. Apart from the investment, this venture will generate direct and indirect employment of about 50,000 in the next five years. The company will take services of local artisans and workers in its venture which will create another ecosystem of jobs at the local level also. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed By Charles Lipson (JNS) No country has been more successful in getting the coronavirus vaccine to its citizens than Israel. Why? Three reasons stand out, and the third one is likely to help people around the world. Israel can vaccinate the population quickly because it has a very competent, comprehensive national health system, based on several Health Maintenance Organizations, all supervised by the Ministry of Health. The system includes digitized medical records for everyone in the country. Israel bought enough vaccine. Earlier in the pandemic, it contracted for millions of doses from... Good morning. Usually, major museums begin planning their exhibitions three to four years ahead of time, Thomas Campbell, director and chief executive of the Fine Art Museums of San Francisco, told me on Thursday. They have to figure out loans from other museums and write the catalog of pieces. The de Young Open an exhibition that ran last year at one of the two institutions Mr. Campbell leads was, however, very unusual. First, theres the fact that it was a contest, open only to Bay Area artists. Nearly 6,200 artists submitted more than 11,500 artworks for the show, which included 877 works from 762 artists. The pieces could also be sold. Then, theres the biggest reason the show was singular: It was conceived, assembled and shown essentially entirely during the pandemic, as a way to mark the de Youngs 125th anniversary. 18174 Maike Sievers, Director of Logistics Planning, Sales and Marketing, BLG Logistics BLG Logistics has received the German and European Award for Logistics this year, entitled Stargate junctionlogistics at the interface between humans and robots. When I look at that project it reflects perfectly what I see as the unique challenge for an IT Innovation project in the supply chain: A) You need to keep it simple. B) You need to keep it expandable and flexible. C) You need to keep it affordable. Point A is our mantra. Logistics is a science; there is no doubt about that (as one of my customers mentioned to me just the other day, being rather surprised by that fact). But it is also about common sense. Your weakest link in the supply chain will determine the strength as a whole. So you want to make sure to identify early the potential weakest point, check possibilities to overcome that weak point and implement the simplest solution of your options. Because that means that you will also be able to react very quickly if something in your parameters changes, see B) Supply chains change all the time and ever faster than before. With digitization influencing customer behavior and therefore ultimately every B2B relationship the order cycle time decreases and changes become a more permanent fixture in your SC than ever before. Therefore your IT and hardware solution needs to be flexible and expandable. But keep it simple C) it is imperative that the solution is affordable in the best of senses. With more and more options to choose from and sources changing from China to Mexico or vice versa in a heartbeat you need to make sure that you have an affordable solution on hand that has an Return on Investment preferably of less than 2 years. We have established a number of low tech solutions that improve the processes and have an incredible big effect on our balance sheet So in my opinion when you look for an innovative solution you should always look at 3 scenarios: 1) what happens if I dont change anything in my processes. 2) what is a small investment solution 3) what is my maximum investment solution. If you look at those options you might find that there is a middle way between scenario 2 and 3 and that often depends on what your assumption is how long this business will run in the way that you design that new process. In my experience there is often a low cost, low tech approach that will work perfectly and will be fulfilling all of my A to C mantras. But in other cases there is a beautiful high tech approach that will still be simple to manage, reacts flexible to change and is affordable within the parameters of the project. On the other hand, it is astonishing for instance how high tech the world gets and how advanced some of the Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are being developed: you still end up with exporting data in spreadsheets, doing pivot tables and trying to interpret the data that you just extracted. Can this really be true? X number of Transfer Orders in Y amount of time? Did I take the right timeframe for my analysis? Did I catch all transactions? Thats where your experience has to kick in and the science of logistics begins. But that science needs to be in your head, in your brain, you need the right education to interpret the data to even start an innovation or your project is doomed from the start. We have established a number of low tech solutions that improve the processes and have an incredible big effect on our balance sheet. A lot of those are a matter of interpreting your data correctly, and then write a simple code in a spreadsheet and work with it diligently on a daily basis. That might also have an impact on your organization, you might have to create a different department that will work with these solutions and that in turn means you will have to deal with change management. That should not be taken lightly but it is rather important detail that is often overlooked in introducing new IT solutions. If the people working with the solution will not support it, then your solution is doomed. Get everyone involved from the start, Managers and Team Members alike and make them part of the project. Keep them updated on what you want to achieve and what you have already achieved. Get their input and feedback, a lot of times that will give you insight not only on this project but ideas for other improvements. On the other end of the scale for example is a rather high tech IT solution: slotting software, a must-have in my opinion with nearly every WMS that you are running. The amount of transactions needed to optimize your slotting and therefore your routing, staging and picking processes are far exceeding any spreadsheet solution. There are very good IT systems out there that are easy to combine with your WMS and will have a return on investment of less than 6 to 12 months easily. And therefore they fulfill my A to C parameters perfectly. We might use the vaccine internationally to buttress our relationships with allies, to potentially establish some positive cooperation with China, to deal with humanitarian issues in less developed parts of the globe, Richard J. Danzig, who was the secretary of the Navy to President Bill Clinton, said in an interview late last year, lamenting the Trump administrations indifference to the idea. Such an effort, he said, could yield us very substantial national security advantage. The Biden White House appears to be headed in that direction. After taking office, Mr. Biden directed federal agencies to come up with a framework for donating surplus vaccines, once there is sufficient supply in the United States, to countries in need, including through the international program. But, an official said on Thursday, the United States will not share vaccines now, while the domestic vaccination campaign is expanding. The administration has secured 600 million doses of the two vaccines that have emergency authorization, enough for 300 million Americans. Those doses are expected to be in hand by the end of the summer, and Mr. Biden said this week that vaccines would be available for every American by the end of July. If additional vaccines are approved, as is most likely, that would add to the United States supply. The international vaccine effort, known as Covax, has been led by the public-private health partnership known as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as well as the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the World Health Organization. It aims to distribute vaccines that have been deemed safe and effective by the W.H.O., with an emphasis on low- and middle-income countries. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- VanDyke Software , a developer of multi-platform secure file transfer and secure terminal emulation software, today announced the official release of VShell 4.6 server. New Trigger Variables Expand Automation Capabilities VShell triggers facilitate automation of data and business processing. For example, commands can be executed or files can be moved when an event such as a file upload occurs. VShell 4.6 expands automation capabilities with new trigger variables that enable customized file renaming and allow creation of file transfer summaries. Options for renaming files and folders include the insertion of parameters such as dates, timestamps, session IDs, protocols, and more. Summaries with the number and list of files transferred can be created when a user logs out, then used in commands that are executed automatically. On Windows, notifications with file transfer summaries can be automatically generated and sent via email. Windows Single Sign On (SSO) Support for HTTPS Connections VShell Enterprise Edition with HTTPS offers a simple web interface for secure file transfer on Windows, Linux, and Mac servers. VShell 4.6 allows HTTPS users to log in using Single Sign On (SSO), increasing convenience for users and reducing IT workload. "Single Sign On makes managing user accounts even easier," said Danielle Argiro, Product Manager for VShell. "With SSO, Windows users can log on to the VShell HTTPS server without entering a username or password. This improves the user experience and also increases IT productivity." Other VShell 4.6 Enhancements VShell 4.6 adds support for rsa-sha2-256 and rsa-sha2-512 key types as server host keys and client authentication public keys. Supported Linux platforms now include Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. VShell 4.6 Includes Technical Support During Evaluation Fully-functional evaluation copies of VShell 4.6 can be downloaded from the company's website: https://www.vandyke.com . VShell evaluators have full access to VanDyke Software's expert technical support to assist with installation, configuration, and testing during the 60-day VShell evaluation period. Argiro said, "Our multi-protocol file transfer server combines security with convenience and flexibility. And, it's backed by real people who will be there to help when needed. With VShell, you can offer a wide range of file transfer capabilities to your organization and external partners with confidence." About VanDyke Software, Inc. Busy IT professionals depend on VanDyke Software to deliver rock-solid, easy-to-configure software for secure remote access, secure file transfer, terminal emulation, and remote administration. VanDyke Software offers a fully-supported evaluation of its products prior to purchase, providing both evaluators and customers with a higher level of service. The company's product offerings include the SecureCRT Secure Shell terminal emulator, the SecureFX secure file transfer client, the VanDyke ClientPack, and the VShell secure file transfer server. The company also offers a mobile app, SecureCRT for iOS, which is available for purchase from the Apple App store. For more information about VanDyke Software, visit the company's website at www.vandyke.com. SOURCE VanDyke Software, Inc. Related Links http://www.vandyke.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. Victoria Toth, 26, (pictured) and her boyfriend, Johnathan Pursglove, 27, were both charged with aggravated manslaughter over the death of Toth's son Jayce Martin in Orlando, Florida, in 2018 The mother of a two-year-old boy who died when a 'sucker punch' to the stomach caused his intestines to 'explode' has pleaded guilty to aggravated child neglect. Victoria Toth, 26, and her boyfriend, Johnathan Pursglove, 27, were both charged with aggravated manslaughter over the death of Toth's son Jayce Martin in Orlando, Florida, in 2018. Now Toth faces 15 years in jail after pleading guilty to child neglect yesterday as part of a deal that saw the more-severe charge dropped. Officials have not revealed who they suspect beat Jayce. But they pointed out Pursglove has a history of domestic violence. His plea hearing is scheduled for March 3, The Orlando Sentinel reports. Jacye was malnourished and bruised when he was found unresponsive and surrounded by vomit and bile on the floor of his bedroom, medics said. An arrest affidavit for Toth said her son was likely tortured to death - and found Jayce could have been saved if he'd been seen by a doctor. Toth said she left her son with her boyfriend Pursglove when she went to work, but came home on July 15 to find the youngster unusually tired. Jayce was seriously ill for three days when Toth found him lying face down in a pool of vomit at around 6.30am on July 18 - prompting her to call 911. His biological father Robert Martin had told Toth to seek medical attention for the toddler sooner, but she did not. Jacye was malnourished and bruised when he was found unresponsive and surrounded by vomit and bile on the floor of his bedroom, medics said. An arrest affidavit for Toth said her son was likely tortured to death - and found Jayce could have been saved if he'd been seen by a doctor Pursglove (pictured) - who has a history of domestic violence - has a plea hearing scheduled for March 3. Pursglove was performing CPR on Jayce when emergency crews arrived at the house in Washington Shores and pronounced him dead. Investigators have said they believe Toth watched for days as her child slipped into a coma because she was 'scared of getting in trouble'. Police found a 'broken toilet lid and broken toilet seat' in the bathroom in Jacye's bedroom, leading them to suspect this was the weapon used to beat the boy. The toilet lid and seat appeared to be clean which indicated a 'recent struggle or fight.' Jayce (pictured) had been seriously ill for three days when Toth came home July 18 and found him lying face down in a pool of vomit at around 6.30am - prompting her to call 911 Toth (pictured in court) faces just 15 years in jail after pleading guilty to child neglect as part of a deal that saw the more-severe charge dropped There were also fist-sized holes in the walls, according to police. Doctors said the 'sucker punch' to the boy's stomach was so severe his intestines 'exploded', which lead to an infection. Judge Mark Blechman accepted Toth's plea deal and she will be sentenced at a later date. In 2019, Toth claimed Jayce's ghost visited and comforted her while she was behind bars. She has since been released. It was also revealed that Toth and Pursglove had been keeping in contact even though the were ordered not to. Orange County jailhouse records showed that the two had been in communication, WFTV reports. Conversations focused on Jayce. 'I talk to Jayce and he tells me that this is something that we are supposed to go through,' Toth said at the time. 'Hearing Jayce tell me that we're going to get through it gives me something to hold onto.' Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 03:35:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TIRANA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Albania reached 97,909 on Friday as the Health Ministry registered 1,071 new infections in the past 24 hours. This was the fourth consecutive day that the country registered over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases. On Friday, 930 people were reported as recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries in Albania to 61,605. Nineteen patients diagnosed with COVID-19 lost their lives in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities in Albania to 1,636. On Friday, the Albanian State Police said that in the past 24 hours 1,181 citizens were fined for not wearing a protective mask and for not complying with the restrictive measures imposed by the authorities to limit the spread of COVID-19. Friday also saw the start of the vaccination campaign in the city of Fier in southwest Albania. Vaccination is already ongoing in Tirana, Shkodra and Vlora. Erida Nelaj, head of the National Immunization Program in the country, told local media that over 3,000 citizens had already been vaccinated. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in many European countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines. Meanwhile, 250 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 69 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 Feb. 16. Enditem Downtown guests resorted to collecting San Antonio River water to help with utility issues plaguing Texas in the wake of winter weather. Photos shared with MySA.com show people using the famed waterway to fill trash cans and other containers on Wednesday night. The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) said under normal conditions the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality would issue fines to individuals or businesses for taking large quantities of water. This week's weather has put an unprecedented strain on basic necessities across the state. RELATED: 'Bring anything:' San Antonio breweries team up to supply residents with clean water Taking river water from the San Antonio River requires a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Hotels directing staff and/or residents to collect river water in buckets to flush toilets potentially risk getting a fine from the TCEQ," a spokesperson for the San Antonio River Authority said. TCEQ was not immediately available to return requests for comment. It's unclear how much a fine would be or if individuals could be fined. According to witnesses, the people were instructed by hotels to collect water to flush toilets. SARA is working with SAWS to ensure wastewater service is functional throughout the crisis, the spokesperson said. Philip Stamm, area vice president and general manager of Hyatt Regency San Antonio where some of the people said they were staying said safety and security remain a "top priority." RELATED: NEISD to distribute meals to San Antonio kids this weekend "Like many residents and other businesses and venues in San Antonio, our hotel is experiencing water pressure challenges at this time," Stamm said in an email to MySA.com. "We continue to provide frequent communications to all guests regarding the evolving situation, and we are providing non-drinking water on all guestroom floors in an effort to ensure guests have water supply for guestroom toilet facilities. We continue to work diligently with local utilities providers on restoring water pressure as quickly as possible." Stamm apologized for the inconveniences and said he was grateful for the "extraordinary" efforts his colleagues made to care for guests and each other. Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 16:35:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian president's special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov arrived in Pakistan on Friday on a day-long visit for talks on the Afghan peace process, the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said. During the visit, Kabulov will call on Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and meet with Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq for exchange of views on the latest developments in the Afghan peace process, a foreign ministry statement said. "The visit of Ambassador Kabulov is part of Pakistan's diplomatic outreach in support of the Afghan peace process," the statement added. Besides the exchange of views on the Afghan peace process, the visit will contribute to further strengthening Pakistan-Russia bilateral cooperation, according to the statement. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a negotiated political settlement is the only way forward, according to the Prime Minister Office of Pakistan. Enditem As the Biden administration works to bring legislation to Congress to address the endemic problem of immigration reform in America, on the other side of the nation a small California startup called SESO Labor has raised $4.5 million to ensure that farms can have access to legal migrant labor. SESO's founder Mike Guirguis raised the round over the summer from investors including Founders Fund and NFX. Pete Flint, a founder of Trulia, joined the company's board. The company has 12 farms it's working with and is negotiating contracts with another 46. The company's other co-founder, Jordan Taylor, was the first product hire at Farmer's Business Network and previously of Dropbox. Working within the existing regulatory framework that has existed since 1986, SESO has created a service that streamlines and manages the process of getting H-2A visas, which allow migrant agricultural workers to reside temporarily in the U.S. with legal protections. At this point, SESO is automating the visa process, getting the paperwork in place for workers and smoothing the application process. The company charges about $1,000 per worker, but eventually as it begins offering more services to workers themselves, Guirguis envisions several robust lines of revenue. Eventually, the company would like to offer integrated services for both farm owners and farm workers, Guirguis said. SESO is currently expecting to bring in 1,000 workers over the course of 2021 and the company is, as of now, pre-revenue. The largest industry player handling worker visas today currently brings in 6,000 workers per year, so the competition, for SESO, is market share, Guirguis said. America's complicated history of immigration and agricultural labor The H-2A program was set up to allow agricultural employers who anticipate shortages of domestic workers to bring to the U.S. non-immigrant foreign workers to work on farms temporarily or seasonally. The workers are covered by U.S. wage laws, workers' compensation and other standards, including access to healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. Story continues Employers who use the visa program to hire workers are required to pay inbound and outbound transportation, provide free or rental housing and provide meals for workers (they're allowed to deduct the costs from salaries). H-2 visas were first created in 1952 as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which reinforced the national origins quota system that restricted immigration primarily to Northern Europe, but opened America's borders to Asian immigrants for the first time since immigration laws were first codified in 1924. While immigration regulations were further opened in the sixties, the last major immigration reform package in 1986 served to restrict immigration and made it illegal for businesses to hire undocumented workers. It also created the H-2A visas as a way for farms to hire migrant workers without incurring the penalties associated with using illegal labor. For some migrant workers, the H-2A visa represents a golden ticket, according to Guirguis, an honors graduate of Stanford who wrote his graduate thesis on labor policy. "We are providing a staffing solution for farms and agribusiness and we want to be Gusto for agriculture and upsell farms on a comprehensive human resources solution," says Guirguis of the company's ultimate mission, referencing payroll provider Gusto. As Guirguis notes, most workers in agriculture are undocumented. "These are people who have been taken advantage of [and] the H-2A is a visa to bring workers in legally. We're able to help employers maintain workforce [and] we're building software to help farmers maintain the farms." Opening borders even as they remain closed Farms need the help, if the latest numbers on labor shortages are believable, but it's not necessarily a lack of H-2A visas that's to blame, according to an article in Reuters. In fact, the number of H-2A visas granted for agriculture equipment operators rose to 10,798 from October through March, according to the Reuters report. That's up 49% from a year ago, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor cited by Reuters. Instead of an inability to acquire the H-2A visa, it was an inability to travel to the U.S. that's been causing problems. Tighter border controls, the persistent global pandemic and travel restrictions that were imposed to combat it have all played a role in keeping migrant workers in their home countries. Still, Guirguis believes that with the right tools, more farms would be willing to use the H-2A visa, cutting down on illegal immigration and boosting the available labor pool for the tough farm jobs that American workers don't seem to want. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images. David Misener, the owner of an Oklahoma-based harvesting company called Green Acres Enterprises, is one employer who has struggled to find suitable replacements for the migrant workers he typically hires. They could not fathom doing it and making it work, Misener told Reuters, speaking about the American workers he'd tried to hire. "With H-2A, migrant workers make 10 times more than they would get paid at home," said Guirguis. "Theyre taking home the equivalent of $40 an hour. The H-2A is coveted." Guirguis thinks that with the right incentives and an easier onramp for farmers to manage the application and approval process, the number of employers that use H-2A visas could grow to be 30% to 50% of the farm workforce in the country. That means growing the number of potential jobs from 300,000 to 1.5 million for migrants who would be under many of the same legal protections that citizens enjoy while they're working on the visa. Protecting agricultural workers through better paperwork Interest in the farm labor nexus and issues surrounding it came to the first-time founder through Guirguis' experience helping his cousin start her own farm. Spending several weekends a month helping her grow the farm with her husband, Guirguis heard his stories about coming to the U.S. as an undocumented worker. Employers using the program avoid the liability associated with being caught employing illegal labor, something that crackdowns under the Trump administration made more common. Still, it's hard to deny the program's roots in the darker past of America's immigration policy. And some immigration advocates argue that the H-2A system suffers from the same kinds of structural problems that plague the corollary H-1B visas for tech workers. "The H-2A visa is a short-term temporary visa program that employers use to import workers into the agricultural fields Its part of a very antiquated immigration system that needs to change. The 11.5 million people who are here need to be given citizenship," said Saket Soni, the founder of an organization called Resilience Force, which advocates for immigrant labor. "And then workers who come from other countries, if we need them, they have to be able to stay H-2A workers dont have a pathway to citizenship. Workers come to us afraid of blowing the whistle on labor issues. As much as the H-2A is a welcome gift for a worker it can also be abused." Soni said the precarity of a worker's situation and their dependence on a single employer for their ability to remain in the country legally means they are less likely to speak up about problems at work, since there's nowhere for them to go if they are fired. "We are big proponents that if you need peoples labor you have to welcome them as human beings," Soni said. "Where theres a labor shortage as people come, they should be allowed to stay H-2A is an example of an outdated immigration tool." Guirguis clearly disagrees and said a platform like SESO's will ultimately create more conveniences and better services for the workers who come in on these visas. "Were trying to put more money in the hands of these workers at the end of the day," he said. "We're going to be setting up remittance and banking services. Everything we do should be mutually beneficial for the employer and the worker who is trying to get into this program and know that theyre not getting taken advantage of." .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca should have been focused on the needs of his military constituents. Instead, he played a game of identity politics and likely lost a bit of their respect in the process. Baca, R-Belen, actually asked an African American Cabinet nominee during a Senate committee hearing last week if she felt comfortable adequately representing both cultures, citing his Hispanic heritage and the states low African American population of 3%. His question was insensitive and insulting and totally off point. Sonya Smith, the governors nominee to lead the Department of Veteran Services, responded perfectly, saying she was nominated because of her skill set and ability to lead, not her race. I dont think when Gov. Lujan Grisham tapped me for this position, she was concerned about my color. For the record, Smith is a Gulf War veteran with a background in health care. Later Friday, Baca issued a statement applauding Smiths commitment to minority inclusion while attempting to remove the proverbial foot from his mouth. (I) hope I was clear that as a minority veteran myself, I view this role as one that must consider every facet of our diverse culture in New Mexico, he said. That standard non-apology apology sorry if you were offended failed to recognize Smiths service to our country, experience in the medical field, and the needs of N.M. veterans to have someone in charge who understands them and who can navigate the bureaucracy. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Baca said during a hearing Monday and again on the floor Wednesday he apologized directly to Smith, admitting to an inappropriate line of questioning. He and other senators voted 38-0 Wednesday to confirm Smith. Going forward, the new leader of Senate Republicans should make it clear qualifications are what matters. 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. Mayor Sylvester Turner said his office has heard from the White House during this weeks winter freeze, but Gov. Greg Abbott has not reached out at all. The mayor first raised the lack of communication in an interview Friday morning with MSNBC, telling Stephanie Ruhle he had not heard from the governors office as millions went without power and water this week. I have not talked to the governor at any time during this crisis, Turner said. I have not talked to the governor, but were pushing forward. At a press conference later Friday morning, Turner said the state has sent National Guard troops to help staff a warming center at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Texas Department of Transportation also has been very, very helpful, the mayor said. Between TxDOT and the National Guard, they have provided some assistance, Turner said. Asked whether he or his staff has reached out to Abbott, Turner said: I have been very laser-focused on dealing with the situation right here in the city of Houston. The White House has reached out to me several times, and weve had those communications. The governors office did not respond to a request for comment. Turner, a Democrat, said his staff notified him that President Joe Biden plans to sign a disaster declaration for Texas, which could free up relief money for those affected by the storm. Turner said he has been working with other mayors to send a letter to the federal government asking them to reimburse residents damages as much as possible. The Biden administration has reached out several times, according to the mayor, and has sent bottled water to the state. The White House has been very, very encouraging, Turner said. Theyve also inquired about things that can be done to not be in this situation again. The state and the city have been at odds several times in recent years. They have sparred about a partial state takeover of the citys Hurricane Harvey recovery program, property taxes and a new law that stripped millions in telecommunication and cable fees from the city budget, among other disputes. Likewise, Turner and Abbott have butted heads several times over the years, most notably trading barbs over the pace of Harvey repairs. Turner served in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years before being elected mayor in 2015. Staff writer Jasper Scherer contributed to this report. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com Feb. 19An Anchorage man was sentenced to more than three years in prison on a federal weapons charge related to a 2018 shooting outside an elementary school that left a man seriously injured. Laquinton Tyrone Dashawn Robbins, now 28, is also facing a charge of attempted murder in Anchorage Superior Court for the same shooting. Police were called to Denali Montessori Elementary School on Oct. 3, 2018, in response to a report of a shooting that happened about a half-hour into the school day. Robbins had dropped off his girlfriend's daughter at school that morning and began to argue with a man outside the school, according to a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers. The men were seen fighting inside Robbins' car. As the man was walking away, Robbins pulled a Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun from his backpack and fired at him, according to the sentencing memorandum. The man made his way to the foyer at the front of the school, where police found him with a gunshot wound to his neck, the sentencing memorandum said. The doors of the school were locked, so he was not able to get inside the building, Ivers wrote. Robbins placed the gun in his backpack and drove away from the school. In a sentencing memorandum filed by his attorney, Danee L. Pontious, Robbins said he left the area to get safely away from the man, who he believed was possibly armed. He returned shortly afterward and tried to find someone to render aid to the injured man, Pontious wrote. Robbins called the police for help and waited in the parking lot until they arrived, the sentencing memorandum filed by his attorney said. The man sat in the foyer for about nine minutes until police arrived and he was taken to the hospital, the memorandum said. The school went into lockdown after the shooting and Robbins was arrested shortly after police arrived. The entire encounter and shooting was captured by school security cameras. Robbins claimed he shot the man out of self defense, saying the victim had previously threatened him and that Robbins feared for his life when he was approached by the man, according to the memorandum filed by his attorney. The man was not armed when Robbins shot him. Robbins is facing charges of attempted murder and first-degree assault in the state case and pleaded guilty in February 2020 to the federal charge of possessing a firearm within a school zone. On Wednesday, he was sentenced to 40 months in prison on the federal charge. He was also ordered to spend three years on probation following his release from prison. Tammie Squire has been allowed to manage her disabled youngest daughter's benefits for 18 years, but still faces a trip to court to try and unlock more than 7,000 she has saved for her future. The mother-of-two, from Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton, saved thousands of pounds into a Child Trust Fund, and later a Junior Isa, with Nationwide Building Society for her daughter Hollie, who turns 18 this October. Hollie, who her mother says has an 'endless list' of disabilities including ataxia and epilepsy due to a rare gene mutation, does not have the mental capacity to manage her own money when she turns 18. Tammie Squire's daughter Hollie turns 18 in October. She has 7,000 saved into a Child Trust Fund but won't be able to access it due to lacking mental capacity to manage money But a combination of account rules and legislation designed to protect vulnerable children from financial abuse means Tammie has struggled to access the funds on her behalf without applying to the Court of Protection, which she has now resigned herself to doing. 'I have saved for her future, for equipment she may need in the future or possibly a replacement vertical lift or wheelchair', she said, 'and we all know if it's for a special needs child it adds an extra zero to the price tag.' Hollie and Tammie's situation is one up to 200,000 disabled youngsters have found themselves in, thousands of whom have already come of age since the first Child Trust Funds matured last September. Some 1,000 children a month, around 5,000 in total, have been unable to access their frozen funds after turning 18, according to figures from the representative body TISA. Only around 50 have. The Government has made it clear 2005 legislation must stay in place to protect children from any risk of abuse and has refused to publicly endorse alternative workarounds proposed by TISA and CTF providers covering balances of up to 5,000. Those with higher balances will likely have to go to the Court of Protection to apply to become a deputy, a process which could entail 47 pages of forms, thousands of pounds and up to a year of waiting. The Government has however pledged that no one applying to the court solely to access a CTF or Jisa will pay fees, and a working group has been set up to find more ways of making the access process easier. The attitude has baffled parents like Tammie, many of whom have spent years managing the benefits of their disabled children. 'It's Hollie's savings', she said, 'if I was going to spend it, I would not have opened up the account. Hollie has a rare gene mutation which has left her unable to talk and walk and has ataxia and epilepsy, her mother said. She is one of up to 200,000 disabled teenagers denied her money 'The Department for Work and Pensions have trusted parents for 18 years and continue to do so when further benefits have to be claimed from Universal Credit.' She previously told This is Money: 'I presumed wrongly that if you are awarded the "appointee" status to manage benefits then that would be that. 'It's disgraceful that I have to go to the Court Of Protection to ask them for permission and then prepare a set of yearly accounts with possible checks and also pay for this service and continue to pay yearly.' Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who set up the accounts in 2005 as Chancellor, last week called for the Treasury and Ministry of Justice to change the law so no one would have to go to court. Gordon Brown has called on the Government to change the rules on Child Trust Funds 'The law was changed to enable the families of young people with life threatening conditions to access their Child Trust Fund', he said in a statement on his website. 'A similar change in the law can help those currently unable to secure the release of their fund.' But in the meantime parents like Tammie are likely to have to continue to go to court. What makes things particularly frustrating, she said, is that parents were never informed about the issues which would arise when their child turned 18. 'I'm quite annoyed Nationwide were not upfront when I transferred from a Child Trust Fund to a Junior Isa in 2015. 'If I had been informed, I would have left the CTF with minimal funds and continued to save into an account that gave me access to Hollie's money, as and when she required it. I presumed naively that I would be able to gain access, as I was her mother and also her appointee.' Britain's largest building society actually scrapped Junior Isas in 2018, replacing them with a new children's savings account after customers said they 'wanted more control over the money held in it'. 'Some parents also wanted to have the option of accessing the money in case of emergencies', it said, although it told This is Money this was not a result of the problems faced by parents like Tammie. Nationwide is one of a majority of Child Trust Fund and Junior Isa providers which have developed a workaround for some, but not all, disabled young people Like other providers and the Government itself, it said it had only recently become aware of the 'trust fund time bomb' which has begun to detonate. Nationwide has a 37 per cent share of the CTF and Jisa market, with the average balance 2,311 and 4,500 maturing each month, according to figures released last August. It did not have any details on how many holders were affected by the same problems which have affected Hollie. The mutual has not placed an upper limit on balances which can benefit from its workaround but the strictness of the legislation means the alternatives to going to court can be similarly restrictive. In Tammie's case, she could make withdrawals from the account until Hollie turns 18 in October, provided she gave Nationwide invoices for the things she wanted to purchase, or a cheque would be paid out in Hollie's name and the account closed in October. Justice minister Lord Wolfson told Parliament last week the Government would not give the green light to 'private sector schemes', a remark which was criticised by trust fund providers Another mother of a disabled child, who turned 18 on 10 January, said both had also been frozen out of more than 5,000 held with Nationwide. The building society said she could withdraw sums of money from her son's account provided 'there was anything we needed to get for him now', otherwise she would have to go down the Court of Protection route. 'It seems that legally banks and building societies feel their hands are tied as it is a trust fund that the Government set up and so they have to follow their rules', she told This is Money. However, the options she was given left Tammie 'frustrated' as someone who had banked with the building society for 'many years', and she has decided to go down the route of applying to the Court of Protection instead due to the lack of fees, which she fears will be an 'immense' wait. 'Maybe the Government's principles will change in the future and I respect their rules on protection', she said, 'but in our case and many others, it seems a bit unnecessary when we have been the savers for them. 'But we are just hitting a brick wall and have to play by their regulations.' In response to Tammie and Hollie's case, Nationwide's direct of banking and savings, Tom Riley, said: 'We're very aware of the difficulties that members in this situation can experience and have developed a process to support. 'This is designed to enable access to the money in the Child Trust Fund or Junior Isa while ensuring that it is used in the best interests of the young person. 'Each case is reviewed individually by our Specialist Support Team and there is no time limit on the support we offer these members, but we do review the situation with them every 12 months to ensure it is still required and that their needs haven't changed.' He encouraged customers in the same situation to get in touch. A jury has been discharged after they were unable to reach a verdict in the trial of a police officer accused of driving dangerously when his car crashed into another car in Sydneys south, leaving the other driver with head injuries and a permanent disability. Harry Thomas Little, 42, was trying to catch up to another driver on The Kingsway in Cronulla just before midday on September 5, 2018, when he crashed into the drivers side of a Mercedes driven by Gai Vieira. Harry Little (wearing mask) arrives at court this week. Credit:Rhett Wyman Mrs Vieira was crossing three lanes of traffic and attempting to turn onto the opposite side of the road, with crash investigators putting her speed at about 2.7km/h. Mr Little was driving at 135.4km/h, but heavy braking reduced his speed to 87.5km/h at the moment of impact. The officer accepted during the trial that his car did not have its flashing lights on, but he said he pressed the button to activate them and believed they were on. Penn State President Eric Barron told university trustees Friday that he expects to gracefully head into retirement at the end of his current contract, which runs through June 2022. In confirming his plans to leave his $1 million plus-per-year post Friday, Barron, 69, essentially gave the board a final set of priorities that he would like to see the university tackle. He also allowed plenty of time for Penn States board to begin a search for the universitys 19th president. Barron came to Penn State in 2014, as the first president hired at Penn State after the upheaval caused by the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. His predecessor, Rodney Erickson, had been serving as provost when he was asked to step up after the resignation-under-pressure of former President Graham Spanier on the heels of Sanduskys November 2011 arrest. In the years since, he has led Penn State to several years of record applications for admission, seen the Penn States research enterprise crack the $1 billion threshold in annual contracts and commissions, and generally - with the aid of time - helped the school steer away from the fissures created by the scandal. It has been my greatest professional honor to serve as president of Penn State and to be able to collaborate with and learn from our amazing faculty, staff and students every day, Barron told the board. Together, we have elevated Penn State as a leader in higher education poised to meet the future and to attract the best and brightest students. Among his closing goals identified Friday, Barron said he hopes to: * Bring a successful conclusion to the universitys current $2.1 billion capital campaign; * Get support from Gov. Tom Wolf and state legislators for regular state funding - not unlike that dedicated to Penn States ag extension program now - for Invent Penn State, a program designed to help launch and incubate new businesses through regional hubs across the state; * Continue efforts to increase access and affordability to Penn State by fully funding scholarship and other programs aimed at helping more students graduate in four years, and working to control expenses in university operations to keep tuition rates as low as possible. Barron also faced his own set of crises, probably none more brutal than the scrutiny Penn State faced after the death of sophomore fraternity pledge Timothy Piazza in 2017 after a booze-fueled party. In the aftermath of Piazzas death, Barron oversaw a set of major reforms to Greek life at Penn State. Like many schools, Penn State has also been deeply challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. The school moved about 2,000 staff to half-pay at the end of the 2019-20 academic year in the face of a $100 million loss as the campuses were shuttered, and total undergraduate enrollment last fall had declined by 2.2% from 2019 levels, to 74,446 in 2020. But the university plowed forward with a Back to State program that brought most students back to campus this year, and - with the help of broad salary freezes for all faculty and staff and an infusion of cash reserves and the establishment of new lines of credit - Barron has said he believes Penn State is in a good position to move into the new normal. President Barrons outstanding leadership and support for the ongoing success of our students, faculty and staff have helped make a great public university even greater, Board of Trustees Chair Matt Schuyler said in a statement released after Fridays public meeting. As we look toward the future, the university is well-positioned for our next leader, he said. As various other trustees congratulated him at the conclusion of Fridays meeting - including for his management through the pandemic - Barron stopped them short, noting: I would have like to have skipped COVID. Schuyler said the upcoming search process will be led by a Presidential Recruitment and Selection Committee that will be co-chaired by trustees Mark Dambly and Julie Anna Potts. In its initial phase, it will include a Next Gen Penn State listening phase designed to get feedback from various Penn State stakeholders on desired qualities and qualifications theyd like to see in Barrons successor. Schuyler said the full composition of the Presidential Recruitment and Selection Committee and more details about the Next Gen Penn State process will be announced next month. Barron, who will be 70 at the expiration of his current contract, signed his latest extension in 2018. Its terms included a base salary of $834,364, plus an additional $200,000 retention payment upon the completion of each contract year, for annual compensation well over $1 million. The board has the ability to make annual adjustments to the base going forward based on its annual assessments of the presidents performance, and Barron did receive a raise to $855,228 for 2019-20. At the completion of the deal, Barron would be able to qualify for a one-year consultancy period, paid at the same salary of the last year of his full-time service as president. Finally, Barron will be eligible to return to the faculty of Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences upon completion of his presidential service, at a salary equal to the average of the top three tenured faculty there. (That was $232,000 at the time of the extension). After a difficult search process that saw an initial top candidate withdraw in the face of salary-padding allegations, Penn State hired Barron away from Florida State University, where he had served as president from 2010 through 2014. It was a homecoming for Penn States 18th president. A climate scientist by trade, Barron initally came to Penn State in 1986 and eventually became director of the universitys Earth System Science Center. In 2002, he became the dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Barron left Penn State in 2006 to establish a school of geosciences at the University of Texas in Austin, an opportunity he said at the time he could not pass up. Barron also served as director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., from 2008 to 2010. Opposition is mounting to the continued opening of unsafe schools in Spain. There are growing calls by educators and parents to close schools, and strikes have broken out among students as infection rates in education centres soar. Coronavirus cases in schools have rapidly increased since children returned to classrooms after the holidays, with the number of outbreaks in education centres more than quadrupling in only two weeks. In the week ending January 22, the Ministry of Health reported 95 new outbreaks in a seven-day period; by February 5, this had risen to 413 individual outbreaks in schools in a single week, the highest figure since the government began recording this data. An outbreak is defined as a cluster of three or more linked cases in a single area. Podemos party leader Pablo Iglesias speaks as Spains caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez looks on after signing an agreement at the parliament in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul White) The number of schoolchildren who have had to self-isolate due to coronavirus infections has also shot up. In the Madrid region, the number of children in quarantine doubled in a week, from 12,051 in the last week of January to 25,540 at the start of February. In the same period, the number of classrooms forced to close tripled, increasing from 357 to 1,025. In Catalonia, the number of classrooms placed in quarantine doubled in two weeks, with 25 percent of schools in the regional capital of Barcelona having at least one class closed. Meanwhile, in the Basque Country, this figure has increased 12-fold since the return to school after the holidays, and multiplied by 11 in the region of Castilla y Leon. Across Spain, nearly 6,000 classes are quarantined. While the number of daily coronavirus cases reported across Spain has been gradually falling since the end of January, deaths have continued to rise. An average of 480 people died of the virus every day last week, taking the official death toll to over 65,000. Last Tuesday, Spain reached the horrific milestone of 3 million cases, only the fourth European country to have done so. Despite the explosion of cases in schools, the Podemos-PSOE (Socialist Party) government has ruled out moving to online learning while the pandemic rages. In a press conference last week, PSOE Education Minister Isabel Celaa insisted on maintaining in-person education, because education centres are the safest environments that they [children] could be in. In-person education is irreplaceable, a social conquest. Similarly, Fernando Simon, director of the Centre for the Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies, claimed in a press conference last week that Schools continue to be safer than most other areas of social life, cynically declaring that closing schools would in fact make children less safe than being at home! We cant remove from their day-to-day [life] the part of the day in which students are the most protected with masks and preventative measures, he pronounced absurdly. Simons claim that schools are one of the safest places for children and teachers is belied by the governments own data. Health Ministry figures from the first week of February show that schools are the site of far more infections than care homes, where 161 outbreaks were recorded, workplaces (270 outbreaks), or other social settings (407 outbreaks). This compares to the 413 outbreaks reported in schools. As far as the ruling class is concerned, schools must remain open whatever the cost, to act as holding pens for children while parents are sent back to unsafe workplaces to continue generating profits for the bourgeoisie. This criminal policy is meeting increased opposition among workers and youth, however. Last Thursday, students at over 60 different institutions in the region of Valencia went on strike, protesting the devastating impact of the pandemic on public education. The student strikers demanded that stay-at-home lock-down measures be imposed and that all non-essential production and school activity be halted to protect the population from the virus. Students also called for the cancellation of all exams, to be replaced with other forms of assessment, and for all parents to receive paid leave and have their jobs protected so that they can stay at home to care for their children. Other demands included: to reduce class sizes, to hire new teachers and health care professionals in all education centres and to install high-quality air filtration systems. Parents from the Valencian Confederation of Parents Associations also called for the immediate closure of schools, as well as the vaccination of all education workers. Meanwhile, in Salamanca, in the region of Castilla y Leon, parents organisation DERPA (Derecho a Ensenanza sin Riesgo en PandemiaThe Right to Education without Risk in the Pandemic) has demanded that the regional government allow parents the choice of whether or not to send their children into school. [School attendance] is a very significant risk, said Veronica Gonzalez, president of DERPA, and there are families with [underlying] conditions. In many regions, parents have taken matters into their own hands, refusing to send their children into schools. In Andalucia, absence rates in primary schools doubled in the first term of the year as compared to last year. In the first term of the 2019-20 school year, 6,152 cases of absenteeism were reported in this region; in 2020-21, this increased to 11,427. In the Andalucian town of La Linea de la Concepcion, which borders the British enclave of Gibraltar, over 90 percent of schoolchildren have been kept away from classrooms by their parents since the Christmas break. The town has had one of the highest incidence rates of the virus in Spain. Many parents fear an outbreak of the far more contagious British strain due to its proximity to Gibraltar. Education unions in Andalucia have made very weak statements of support for schools to be temporarily closed. Public sector union Central Sindical Independiente y de Funcionarios (CSIF) spokesperson Pilar Gonzalez stated that the prompt and temporary closure of education centres in these [worst-hit] areas, which would be reviewed after 14 days , would serve to contain the spread of contagion in the autonomous region [Andalucia] and to prevent schools from becoming unsafe places for students and teachers. At the end of January, the Workers Councils (CCOO), one of Spains largest unions, also called for schools in some of the worst-affected regions of Spain to temporarily move to online teaching in cases where public health officials deem it [necessary]. Where in-person education is still possible, the CCOO proposed that teachers receive FFP2 masks. While there is no lack of willingness to fight among educators, parents and students, the unions have refused to call for strike action to force the closure of schools. Their supposed opposition is limited to politely worded letters asking regional governments to take action, requests which they know full well will be ignored. The unions calls for school closures are restricted to only a few regions or sub-regions, thereby working to prevent a coordinated struggle across Spain and internationally. The unions seek not to organise opposition to unsafe schools, but to demobilise it. Their impotent pleas to the central and regional governments aim to give the impression that they have tried to oppose in-person schooling, and so to convince workers that nothing more can be done. Workers must break with these bought-and-paid-for tools of big business, turning instead to their class brothers and sisters internationally. Strikes and protests have already broken out across the world, with educators and students mobilising in opposition to unsafe schools in Brazil, India, Germany, the USA and many other countries. The way forward for workers in Spain is to join their struggle with these international movements. Rank-and-file committees, completely independent of the trade unions must be formed, to prepare the way for a European-wide general strike, to close schools and save lives. Police in California have arrested a suspect in connection with a 2000 cold-case murder of a 22-year-old barber, who was found shot to death inside his car. The Pittsburg Police Department in the Bay Area on Thursday announced the arrest on Paea Tasini, 45, for the murder of Danny Guyse. Tasini, of Elk Cove, was also charged with attempted murder in connection with a separate shooting that also took place in 2000. Police in the Bay Area have arrested Paea Tasini, 45 (not pictured), for the September 2000 murder of 22-year-old Danny Guyse (left, and right with his mom) in Pittsburg, California Guyse was found shot twice in the head behind the wheel of his car in the 1600 block of Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg, California, on September 27, 2000 According to the police, Tasini's arrest 21 years later came after cold-case detectives served a search warrant and obtained new evidence 'critical to the case.' The case began unfolding on the night of September 27, 2000, when police in Pittsburg received a 911 call about a man who had been shot while sitting in his car at 1605 Railroad Avenue. The victim, Guyse, was found slumped over the steering wheel with two gunshots to the head. He was taken to Sutter Delta Medical Center, where he died of his injuries less than an hour later. The victim was remembered as a talented young barber who was about to start a new job as a custodian at Pittsburg Unified School District, reported East Bay Times. The only lead detectives had at the time was that the gunman possibly fled the scene of the shooting in a light-colored Ford Mustang. Guyse was remembered as a talented young barber who was about to start a new job as a custodian at Pittsburg Unified School District The case was ultimately assigned to the police department's cold-case unit, which spent the next 20 years looking into numerous persons of interests and suspects. A break in the case came in 2019, when detectives identified Tasini as a possible suspect. Police have not said what led them to him. After securing a search warrant and obtaining new information related to the case, detectives took it to the Contra Costs Attorney's Office for review. DailyMail.com on Friday reached out to the police seeking comment on the cold-case investigation. On Wednesday, prosecutors filed a criminal complaint, charging Tasini for Guyse's murder and for the January 2000 shooting of Kenneth Brown Jr. The suspect was arrested at his home in Elk Cove that same evening. Tasini remained jailed on $10million bond at the Martinez Detention Facility on Friday. The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East says the U.S. military is looking for so-called fallback bases in Saudi Arabia to protect forces in the event of raised tensions with Iran. "What we would like to do, without shutting down [current] bases...is to have the ability to go to other bases to operate in a period of heightened risk," General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the U.S. Army Central Command (Centcom), said on February 18. He made the comments while on a tour of the Middle East, during which he also assailed the Taliban for increased violence in Afghanistan. Referring to Saudi Arabia, McKenzie stressed that the Pentagon is not looking for new permanent bases, but rather sites that could be quickly utilized in time of crisis. "These are things that any prudent military planner would want to do to increase their flexibility, to make it more difficult for the adversary to target them," he added. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the Pentagon is exploring plans for potential use of a Red Sea port and two additional Saudi airfields amid heightened tensions with Iran. The U.S. military has an array of bases in Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf Arab states, many of which are bitter rivals of Iran. Traditionally close U.S.-Saudi relations, while strong during the administration of President Donald Trump, are uncertain under new President Joe Biden, who is expected to take a harder line against human rights violations in the country. Biden has also expressed a willingness to reengage with Tehran following Trumps hard-line approach to Iran. Meanwhile, McKenzie also said that Taliban militants are "clearly" responsible for a recent surge in violence in Afghanistan. The Taliban has denied responsibility for the violence that has intensified as U.S.-brokered peace deal with the Afghan government has stalled, blaming instead other Muslim extremist groups. McKenzie, however, directly blamed the Taliban. "Certainly ISIS [the Islamic State militant group] has launched some attacks. It pales against what the Taliban is doing. It's a combination of their countrywide attacks against the Afghan forces, their targeted assassinations in some of the urban areas, McKenzie said. "This is clearly the Taliban. There is no way it's anyone else. That's very clear," he added. "Violence is not directed at us or our coalition NATO friends, it is directed against the Afghan military and security forces and against the people as well. And that is principally coming from the Taliban," he stressed to reporters. During the Trump administration, U.S. negotiators struck a deal with the Taliban that called for U.S. troops to pull out of Afghanistan in the coming months in exchange for security guarantees from the militants, who have been fighting the Kabul government since their ouster from power by U.S.-led forces in 2001. The Biden administration is reviewing the Taliban deal to determine if the militant group is meeting its commitments, including reaching a cease-fire and engaging in meaningful negotiations with the Afghan government. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance did not make a final decision on whether or when to withdraw troops out of Afghanistan during a virtual meeting on February 18. With reporting by AFP and The Wall Street Journal India has vaccinated 1,01,88,007 healthcare workers and frontline workers so far. The vaccination drive in the country had begun on 16 January. According to the Union health ministry, India's vaccination coverage ranks third in the world, after the USA (55.2 million doses) and the UK (16.12 million doses). Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot "India is third globally, after the US and the UK, in highest cumulative vaccination numbers," the Union health ministry said on Thursday. The US and the UK have completed over 60 days of vaccination while India has completed 32 days. Meanwhile, 13,193 new Covid-19 cases were reported across the country in the last 24 hours. With the new cases, the coronavirus tally in the country has reached 1,09,63,394 including 1,39,542 active cases and 1,06,67,741 discharges. The death toll has mounted to 1,56,111 with the loss of 97 more lives due to the disease in the last 24 hours. The total number of samples tested up to Wednesday was 20,94,74,862, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research. The ICMR also said that 7,71,071 samples were tested on 18 February. Vaccines for new strains Interim results of the ongoing clinical trial indicate that the indigenous Covid-19 vaccines would be effective against the mutated virus strains reported from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Thursday. "The interim analysis report should be out in a week," said ICMR director-general Dr Balram Bhargava Bhargava said that the third clinical trial of Covaxin BB152 had been completed as all the 25,800 volunteers involved in the exercise had been administered both doses. He pointed out that India was the fifth country in the world to isolate the Covid-19 virus as part of the efforts to develop a vaccine for the pandemic. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in predicting the behavior of neurons in large networks operating at the mysterious edge of chaos. New research from the University of Sussex and Kyoto University outlines a new method capable of analyzing the masses of data generated by thousands of individual neurons. The new framework outperforms previous models in predicting and assessing network properties by more accurately estimating a system's fluctuations with greater sensitivity to parameter changes. As new technologies allow recording of thousands of neurons from living animals, there is a pressing demand for mathematical tools to study the non-equilibrium, complex dynamics of the high-dimensional data sets they generate. In this endeavor, the researchers hope to help answer key questions about how animals process information and adapt to environmental changes. The researchers also believe their work could be effective in reducing the massive computational cost and carbon footprint of training large AI modelsmaking such models much more widely available to smaller research labs or companies. Dr. Miguel Aguilera, Marie Sklodowska-Curie research fellow in the School of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Sussex, said: "Only very recently have we had the technology to record thousands of individual neurons in animals while they interact with their environment, which is a tremendous stride forward from studying networks of neurons isolated in laboratory cultures or in immobilized or anesthetized animals. "This is a very exciting advancement but we don't have the methods yet to analyze and understand the massive amount of data created by non-equilibrium behavior. Our contribution offers the possibility to advance the technology forward to find models that explain how neurons process information and generate behavior." The paper, published today in Nature Communications, develops methods to quickly approximate the complex dynamics of neural network models that capture how real neurons observed in the lab behave, how they are connected and how they process information. In a significant step forward, the research team have created a method which works in significantly fluctuating, non-equilibrium situations that animals operate in when interacting with their environment in the real world. Dr. Aguilera said: "The most efficient manner of learning how large systems work is using statistical models and approximations, and the most common of these are mean field methods, where the effect of all interactions in a network is approximated by a simplified average effect. "But these techniques often just work in very idealized conditions. Brains are in constant change, development and adaptation, displaying complex fluctuating patterns and interacting with rapidly changing environments. Our model aims to capture precisely the fluctuations in these non-equilibrium situations that we expect from freely behaving animals in their natural surroundings." The statistical method captures the dynamics of large networks specifically in the region at the edge of chaos, a special region of behavior between chaotic and ordered activity, where intense fluctuations in neuronal activity, known as neuronal avalanches, take place. As opposed to previous mathematical models, the researchers applied an information geometric approach to better capture network correlations which allowed them to create simplified maps approximating the trajectory of neural activity which in reality travel extremely complex routes that are difficult to compute directly. Dr. S. Amin Moosavi, research fellow in the Graduate School of Informatics at Kyoto University, said: "Information geometry provides us a clear path to systematically advance our methods and suggest novel approaches, resulting in more accurate data analysis tools." Prof Hideaki Shimazaki, Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Informatics at Kyoto University, said: "In addition to providing advanced calculation methods for large systems, the framework unifies many existing approaches from which we can further advance neuroscience and machine learning. We are glad to offer such a unifying view that expresses a hallmark of scientific progress as a product of this intense international collaboration." Dr. Aguilera will next apply these methods to model thousands of neurons of zebrafish in the lab interacting with a virtual reality setup as part of the EU-funded DIMENSIVE project, which aims to develop generative models of large-scale behavior and provide important insights into how behavior arises from the dynamical interaction of an organism's nervous system, body and environment. Explore further A NEAT reduction of complex neuronal models accelerates brain research Dr. Stephen Henderson, a physician for Penn State Health, has seen the hesitancy in some Black patients when it comes to getting the COVID-19 vaccines. Even though he is Black, Henderson said some of his Black patients remain wary of the vaccines. Its challenging for me as a Black physician to convince my patients to get the vaccine, Henderson said. Most of my patients trust me, he said. Some of my patients, they still have a lot of issues. Im a physician and part of the system. So they still have the distrust Thats not easy. Pennsylvanias COVID-19 vaccine distribution, which has been widely criticized for going too slowly, is struggling in another critical area. Only a fraction of those who have been vaccinated are Black. The early figures show the vast majority of those vaccinated are white, and the disparity goes well beyond population differences. More than 760,000 white residents have been fully or partially vaccinated, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Conversely, about 26,000 Black residents have had at least one shot, representing about 3% of those vaccinated where race is known. Statewide, Black residents account for 12% of Pennsylvanias population. (The state lacks the data on race for many who have been vaccinated.) The state figures dont include Philadelphia, which is doing its own vaccine distribution. In Philadelphia, about 20% of those who have been vaccinated are Black, while around 56% are white. Black residents in Philadelphia make up 42% of the citys population; white residents account for 40%. Healthcare officials have acknowledged a vaccine hesitancy among some Black residents who dont trust the medical community, with some merit. But advocates and health care experts are worried that Black residents who want to be vaccinated are having a harder time getting vaccines. Health care officials say its critical for Black people to get vaccinated, since they are more likely to get seriously ill or die due to COVID-19. Black people are three times more likely to be hospitalized than whites and are twice as likely to die, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal health officials project the average lifespan of Black Americans has dropped nearly three years due to the pandemic. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Alison Beam told PennLive earlier this month that the state is working to improve its messaging to reach Black residents and to gauge skepticism of the vaccine. Learning about what the hesitancy is and understanding the rationale behind it is how were going to get ahead of it, Beam said. Most of those who have been vaccinated in Pennsylvania are healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. In recent weeks, the rollout has expanded to those over 65 and those 16 and older with high-risk factors. Still, since many of those vaccinated are in the healthcare field, some experts said its troubling to see the low rate of Black people getting the shots. While many Black healthcare professionals are getting vaccinated, some remain reluctant, Henderson and others said. Some said they are waiting to be sure it is safe. In such instances, Henderson points out the risk of waiting to be vaccinated, including getting infected and possibly contracting one of the variants of COVID-19. Regina Davis Moss, associate executive director of public health policy and practice for the American Public Health Association, said many Black residents remain skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine. Data is lacking States around the country are seeing low numbers of Black people getting vaccinated, said Regina Davis Moss, the associate executive director of public health policy and practice for the American Public Health Association. Davis Moss notes its difficult to grasp the scope of the disparity in vaccinations by race, since less than half the states have good data on race. If we had that data, we could be more proactive, Davis Moss said. With better data, health care systems could examine cases by zip code to identify hot spots in minority communities that need attention, she said. Last week, Beam called on healthcare providers to collect data on race in their vaccination records. We also need to collect race and ethnicity data to ensure vulnerable communities and communities of color are being vaccinated, Beam said in a news conference. As the vaccine gets rolled out to the wider population, health care systems must work to ensure Black residents have fair access, particularly because many minority neighborhoods have long had disparities in health care outcomes. It only works if we are paying attention to the health inequities, Davis Moss said. If not, were going to exacerbate those health inequities. Doctors must address the lingering mistrust many Black people, even those in the healthcare field, have regarding the medical community. Such fears have persisted for decades, dating back to the notorious Tuskegee Institute study of syphilis in Black men, who werent informed of the study and werent given medication to treat it. As a Black public health professional, Davis Moss said that well-warranted mistrust in Black communities must be acknowledged. For a long time, African Americans have been experimented on and treated like the guinea pigs, she said. We really do have to do a yeomans job in terms of helping communities of color understand its safe, the research is strong and we have to look at the risk-benefit. The mistrust goes beyond abuses of decades past, Davis Moss said. She cited recent cases of Black people being told they needed a hysterectomy or amputation and later learning they had other options. Black patients have had plenty of experience of having their health concerns minimized, she said. Health care systems and state should form partnerships with leaders in communities of color, Davis Moss said. She said the efforts need to include people from outside of politics, so the vaccine outreach isnt perceived as a partisan message. Such leaders could involve church groups and non-profit organizations. Its going to take hearing from people that they really trust to tell them that the vaccine is really safe and its being distributed fair and equitably, David Moss said. Jill Johnson adminsters the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Sharee Livingston, an OB-GYN with UPMC Lititz. UPMC frontline workers receive the first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg hospital, December 18, 2020. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Listen to the patient A poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows Black Americans have misgivings about the vaccines. The poll found 57% of Black respondents said they had received the shot or would definitely or probably get vaccinated (compared to 68% of white respondents). Henderson said his patients are leery for a number of reasons. Some are worried that the vaccine was developed too quickly. Henderson said the name of the federal effort, Operation Warp Speed, doesnt reassure some patients of the vaccines safety. He explains to patients the vaccines have been tested on tens of thousands of people, including Blacks and others in minority groups. Henderson said he has convinced some who were hesitant to get the vaccine. But he stressed doctors must understand the fears of their patients and cant dismiss them. Its so important to listen to the patient, listen to why they have the reservation and whats their fear, Henderson said. And Henderson said for those still weighing the risks, I try to explain how disproportionately COVID has affected the African-American community. Jill Johnson adminsters the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Malinda Lampley, a patient care technician with UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg. UPMC frontline workers receive the first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg hospital, December 18, 2020. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Ensuring access The limited supply of vaccines remains the most vexing challenge in the rollout. There isnt nearly enough supply to match the overwhelming demand. So far, more than 1.3 million have had at least one shot; about 467,000 are fully vaccinated. Pennsylvania has 12.8 million residents, so roughly 1 in 10 have been at least partially vaccinated. As more vaccines arrive, health care providers must go into neighborhoods where Black people live, said Dr. Graham Snyder, medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology at UPMC. Snyder cited a vaccination effort in Erie in a neighborhood with the greatest need: a high minority population with older residents with the least resources. In Philadelphia, the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium has organized a 24-hour walk-up vaccination event at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia beginning Friday. The event is geared to city residents in hard-hit minority communities; those attending must bring proof of residency. The group is dedicated to testing and vaccinating Black residents in Philadelphia. Health systems are going to have to pay attention to scheduling vaccines, since many, particularly in minority communities, work during the day, Snyder said. And many hold jobs that cant be done remotely. Many providers have relied on web-based systems to reserve appointments, putting seniors and many Black residents at a disadvantage. The state is now requiring providers to offer phone numbers to set appointments. Regardless, healthcare experts note the vaccine rollout is riddled with inequalities, since some Black residents and others hold jobs that dont allow people to search the web or work the phones to get appointments. Snyder said he has heard of people spending 40% of their day scouring websites to find appointments. For people working multiple jobs or dont have computer access, you cant do that, Snyder said. Davis Moss noted some employees, like grocery store workers, cant use part of their workday for vaccine hunting. They dont have time to repeatedly refresh the website and hold on the phone for hours, she said. Healthcare systems have to ensure Black and minority employees within their own ranks who want the vaccine have a fair chance to get it. UPMC is aiming to do that, Snyder said. Its not just doctors and nurses on COVID units. We focused on everyone who had person to person contact, Snyder said, including aides, transporters and those in departments such as environmental services. That was one way in our health care system we tried to help reduce disparities in our health care distribution. Each vial contains five doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The demand for the vaccines in Pennsylvania far exceeds the supply. But as more vaccines become available, healthcare officials say it's critical to ensure they are distributed equitably and reach communities of color. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Volunteers are needed Dr. Bolanle A. Limann serves as chief medical officer at Hamilton Health Center, a federally qualified health center in Harrisburg that serves many residents with lower incomes. Limann said most staff have been eager to get the vaccine, but some expressed hesitancy. Among patients, the views on the vaccine vary. My older patients have been very eager and asking for the vaccine, Limann said. But some patients in their 40s and 50s have shown some reluctance, she said. Hamilton is devising plans to vaccinate community members when supplies are available. Limann said doctors have volunteered to assist Hamilton in vaccinating patients. Since Hamilton doesnt have the staff of larger health care systems, the volunteers assistance will be critical. This is going to be in part dependent on volunteers, she said. More from PennLive New Pa. COVID-19 vaccine policy favors big players, causes worry for the small, the isolated Child stricken with mystery COVID-related syndrome: People just dont know about it Kuleba: There is no need to talk about lack of communication between Ukraine and U.S. Work on organizing a conversation between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States continues, despite the fact that U.S. President Joe Biden is now focused on the domestic political agenda, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. "We are working on organizing this conversation. There is no need to talk about the lack of communication between Ukraine and the United States. The proof is at least my recent conversation with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken," Kuleba said at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday. The head of the Foreign Ministry said that the day before he received the latest report from the Embassy in Washington on contacts with representatives of the new administration. "They also discussed the future contact between our presidents. Normal planned work, preparations for this conversation are underway. And I see no reason for concern," the minister said. Kuleba also noted that the U.S. President "practically reduced to zero" all international contacts and is currently mainly focused on U.S. internal affairs. "You can look at the White House website and see what telephone conversations U.S. President Joe Biden has had lately. And you will see that the number of his international contacts has been reduced to almost zero. Moreover, the White House announced that due to quarantine, meetings are transferred to online mode. President Biden is now really focused on the domestic political agenda," the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry concluded. 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. Burning methane in natural gas contributes to carbon emissions, but methane converted to liquid methanol is a cleaner fuel. Credit: Aditya Prajapati and Meenesh Singh/UIC Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a way to convert the methane in natural gas into liquid methanol at room temperature. This discovery, reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could potentially provide a cleaner energy source for many of our everyday activities. When burned, natural gasthe fuel used to heat homes, cook food and generate electricityproduces carbon dioxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. consumed approximately 31 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2019, contributing roughly 1.6 gigatons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. A better way to use natural gas would be to convert it to methanol, a liquid fuel that burns more cleanly and can be used to produce gasoline and plastics. But converting the methane found in natural gas into methanol requires a lot of heat and pressure and generates a significant amount of carbon dioxide itself. "Researchers have been interested in ways to convert methane to methanol at ambient temperatures to sidestep all the heat and pressure that is currently required in industrial processes to perform this conversion," said Meenesh Singh, assistant professor of chemical engineering at the UIC College of Engineering and corresponding author of the paper. Methanol also is thought to be the "fuel in the future," driving a "methanol economy" where it replaces fossil fuels in transportation, energy storage and as the dominant precursor material for synthetic chemicals and other products. Methanol is currently used in fuel cell technology that powers some city buses and other vehicles. Its lower emission potentials and higher volumetric energy density make it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels, Singh said. "Besides being a cleaner-burning fuel, methane can also be stored safely in regular containers, unlike natural gas, which has to be stored under pressure and which is much more expensive," Singh said. High amounts of heat and pressure are required to break the hydrocarbon bonds in methane gas, the first step in producing methanol. But Singh and UIC graduate student Aditya Prajapati have identified a catalyst material that helps bring down the energy needed to break these bonds so that the reaction can take place at room temperature. "We have been able to reduce the temperature of the industrial process from more than 200 degrees Celsius to room temperature, which is around 20 degrees Celsius," Prajapati said. Their catalyst is composed of titanium and copper. The catalyst, together with a small amount of electricity, facilitates the breaking of the hydrocarbon bonds of methane and the formation of methanol. The process uses much less energy than traditional methods, and because it doesn't require machinery to produce high pressure and heat, it can be set up quickly and inexpensively. "Our process doesn't need to be centralized," Singh said. "It can be implemented in a space as small as a van and is portable for distributed utilization of natural gas and manufacturing of methanol." Singh and colleagues have filed a provisional patent for the process and expect that it could convert a few liters of methanol a day. The patent is being managed through the UIC Office of Technology Management. Explore further Researchers identify new process to produce ammonia with a much smaller carbon footprint More information: Aditya Prajapati et al, Fundamental insight into electrochemical oxidation of methane towards methanol on transition metal oxides, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Aditya Prajapati et al, Fundamental insight into electrochemical oxidation of methane towards methanol on transition metal oxides,(2021). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023233118 Israeli Prime Minister Benajmin Netanyahu's office announced early Friday that it had completed a Russian-mediated prisoner swap to bring home a young Israeli woman who crossed the border into In a statement, Netanyahu's office said the woman was on her way home, hours after announced it had returned to two shepherds who crossed into Israeli territory in recent weeks. According to Israeli media reports, the 25-year-old woman was sent by to Russia, where an Israeli plane was dispatched to retrieve her. Netanyahu thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping engineer the deal, saying he had reached out to the leader for help. I asked for his help, and he indeed acted, Netanyahu said, calling the Russian leader my friend. Little is known about why the woman entered Syria. Israeli media have said she is a former resident of an ultra-Orthodox West Bank settlement, but she has not been publicly identified. Syrian media said she accidentally entered Syrian territory after crossing from the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Official Syrian media first reported the emerging deal on Wednesday, saying that two Syrians were to be exchanged for the Israeli woman. The two Syrians were identified as Nihal al-Makt, who had been under house arrest in her village in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, and Ziyab Qahmouz, detained in 2016 and serving 14 years in Israeli jails. But the deal ran into complications after al-Makt and Qahmouz, who are both from the Golan, refused to be transferred to Syria. captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed the territory in 1981, a move that is not widely recognized internationally. Syria's official SANA news agency said al-Makt was serving a three-year suspended sentence, along with a year of community service. She said those restrictions were lifted on Wednesday and speaking to Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV through Skype, she said she was now free. Netanyahu's office confirmed Thursday her sentence had been shortened by three months. Al-Ikhbariya said Qahmouz remained in Israeli custody. Syria's SANA said late Thursday that two more Syrians apparently the two shepherds returned home to their villages in Quneitra province. (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! 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. To 7-year-old A.J. Webking, the snow that blanketed her Oregon City neighborhood was a welcome sight when it started to fall Friday. But she feels very differently about the ice that made the lights in her familys home flicker on and off that night, before knocking the power out the following day. I want to keep the house safe and I want to get rid of the ice, she said. The girl in the Hello Kitty mask was one of hundreds who filtered through Oregon City High School Thursday after district officials offered up the building as a storm resource center for residents of the Portland-area county hardest hit by the weekends storms. As of 5:20 p.m. Thursday, nearly 42,000 Clackamas County homes were without power even after Portland General Electric dispatched hundreds of workers throughout the week to restore service. Ever since their power went out, A.J. and her mother, Sarah Magistrale, have kept warm by huddling together with their upstairs neighbors Magistrales tenants and an 80-year-old gentleman theyve adopted as their grandfather. Oregon City School District spokesperson Lisa Normand said volunteers distributed some 500 food boxes Thursday, each of them weighing around 30 pounds. The district provided blankets, coats, toiletries and portable chargers for anyone who walked through the door. Pretty much everyone who came did so for a different reason. One man walked through the schools main doors and declared that he needed a hot shower and to charge his phone. A mother and daughter sought fresh food because their perishables spoiled due to the power outage. And a school psychologist who responded to a district email asking for volunteers drove in from near Eagle Creek, navigating around downed power lines on a route that typically takes him 30 minutes to complete. Instead, it took a full hour. A.J. and her mother needed a little of everything. And so, with Christina Kissack and Kenneth Cox in tow, they set off for Oregon City High after a neighbor told them they could resupply there and charge their devices. Oregon City High School is temporarily serving as a base to provide services for people who have lost power or are otherwise suffering in the aftermath of the snow and ice the region has dealt with recently. Food, toiletries, blankets and other essentials are available, as are showers and outlets to charge electronic devices.The Oregonian Cox, who has lived in Oregon City for 51 1/2 years and called Portland home for nearly three decades before that, said he cant recall a worse storm. The lifelong Oregonian has been without power for a day or two at a time. But never a week. This is the worst year Ive ever experienced here, Cox said, noting that last summers epic wildfires and a once-in-a-generation pandemic added to his woes. Kissack, 37, has rolled with the punches over the last 12 months. Her family went stir crazy when the air was too toxic to venture out during the wildfires and remote learning has her two children aching to get back into a classroom. It wasnt until this week that she sent the kids to stay with her parents, who still have power. Kissack and her husband stayed behind to watch the house with Magistrale and make sure falling branches didnt damage the home or that the pipes didnt burst. Still, after nearly a year of navigating a cascading series of once-in-a-lifetime events, Kissack broke down this week. This is the emotional straw that broke the camels back, she said. District officials began planning how best to put sprawling Oregon City High, built in 2003, to use when the building regained power Wednesday. Normand told The Oregonian/OregonLive that decision-makers reached out to the county and local relief agencies, even the high schools National Honor Society Chapter, to offer their services. We really wanted to provide something for our community, Normand said. It just felt like, you know what? We can just open this up. LoveOne, a local nonprofit that distributes food boxes in Clackamas County and provides portable showers for folks it serves, asked its workforce to set up a drive-through station to dole out 30-pound supply packages. Normand said hot showers and batteries were some of the biggest draws Thursday. A cascade of visitors hit the center starting at 10 a.m. and slowed to a trickle by about 2 p.m. McKayla Parrish (left) and Bre Parrish are among those who are still without electrical power in Clackamas County. Oregon City High School is temporarily serving as a base to provide services for people who have lost power, and food, toiletries, blankets and other essentials are available, as are showers and outlets to charge electronic devices.The Oregonian The high school will serve as a resource center again Friday and Normand expects shell have 600 food boxes to distribute. The center closes at 4 p.m. and with a half hour to go Thursday, volunteers doled out the last supply package. Given how widespread Clackamas Countys outages are, its likely Friday wont be any different. Julie Harmon, who lives outside of Estacada near Milo McIver State Park, lost power on Feb. 11, making Thursday her eighth straight day without power. Portland General initially told her it would likely be restored by Tuesday. When that deadline came and went, she called the power company again. Portland General said that if she hadnt yet seen crews working in the area, it was likely their power wouldnt be restored for another 10 days. Were doing fine, and I realize theres a lot of people in worse situations, Harmon said. But it would be nice to have an idea. How do you prepare? I dont want to buy 10 gas cans or pellets for the wood stove if we dont need it. Harmon said an automated message told her there were 1,180 customers in her area without power. She said no one in her neighborhood has electricity. Harmon and her husband have been managing, using a generator to power their fridge and freezer during the day, and turning it off at night. They use a pellet stove to warm their house. But she said in the two decades theyve lived in their home, theyve never seen a power outage this bad or for this long. Theres not just downed wires but transformers, major repair, Harmon said. PGE told us that theres crews here from out of state, doing all they can but the destruction is horrific. Downed electrical equipment along S. Gerber Road in Oregon City on Wed., Feb 17, 2021. Snow and ice have brought down many power lines recent days, leaving thousands of people without electrical service.The Oregonian Some neighbors have been trying to clean up fallen trees and debris themselves, and they can travel the roads near their home but its disheartening to see a lack of response in their area. I know there are people completely without power or who dont have heat, so it could definitely be worse, Harmon said. Its just that unknown. She and her husband did not travel to Oregon City High Thursday. But Bre Parrish and her daughter McKayla, whos a senior at the high school, did and told The Oregonian/OregonLive theyve also been using a generator to power their fridge. Their home relies on a single power line that runs to their house from a main line on the street their rural Clackamas County home sits off of. On Friday night, a falling branch took the tributary line with it. Now, every time Bre Parrish approaches the generator-powered appliance full of perishable food, she prays the light turns on when she opens the door. What if I do, and I made the power go out because I wanted a bottle of water? she said. Oregon City High School is temporarily serving as a base to provide services for people who have lost power or are otherwise suffering in the aftermath of the snow and ice the region has dealt with recently. Food, toiletries, blankets and other essentials are available, as are showers and outlets to charge electronic devices.The Oregonian The trip to Oregon City High provided a respite from such worries for the Parrishes and other families who stopped in Thursday. Cheery volunteers guided visitors, peppering them with questions about their needs and directing them to tables stocked with snacks, charging docks and other amenities. Around 3 p.m., workers in one hallway were jolted by the sound of someone belting Andrew Lloyd Webbers Angel of Music from one of the restrooms. I went in there and noticed it was super echoey, said Magistrale, A.J.s mother. We figured we would sing some Phantom of the Opera. --Eder Campuzano | 503-221-4344 | @edercampuzano | Eder on Facebook Eder is The Oregonians education reporter. Do you have a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email ecampuzano@oregonian.com. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Nutritional High International Inc. (CSE: EAT) ("Nutritional High" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has elected to release the remaining shares associated with the conversion of the 10% senior unsecured convertible debentures (the "10% Debentures") described in the Company's management information circular dated September 17, 2020. In accordance with the amendment approved at the meeting of the debenture holders held on October 8, 2020, the Company has completed the conversion of the 10% Debentures at $.02 per share. Further, 50% of the common shares issued upon the conversion of the 10% Debentures were to have a contractual restriction on transfer which was subject to early release, in whole or part, at the discretion of the Company. The Company has elected to allow for the early release from such restrictions. The final outstanding balance of the 10% Debentures which was converted as of October 28, 2020 was $5,673,000. As such, on October 29, 2020 the Company issued to holders of the 10% Debentures, 141,825,000 common shares. With the release of the remaining shares from the contractual transfer restriction, the remaining 141,825,000 shares will be issued on or about February 25, 2021. With the issuance of the above shares, in addition to debenture conversions which took place up to the date of forced conversion, the Company will now have total basic shares outstanding of 995,587,157. About Nutritional High International Inc. Nutritional High is focused on developing and manufacturing branded products in the cannabis industry, with a specific focus on edibles and oil extracts for medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law. Nutritional High has brought its flagship FLI edibles and vape product lines from production to market in various markets including Colorado where its award winning FLI products are manufactured by Palo Verde, LLC. The Company signed a purchase agreement for Palo Verde and on January 28, 2021, received conditional regulatory approval to close the acquisition. The Company also owns Psychedelic Science which is working with KGK Science Inc. and Rangsit University in Thailand to conduct research and development of various cacti products targeted at the functional food pharmaceutical markets. For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com. For further information, please contact: Robert Wilson Chief Financial Officer Nutritional High International Inc. 888-262-4645 Email: rwilson@nutritionalhigh.com NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Risks that may have an impact on the ability for these events to be achieved include receipt of applicable approvals. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking information expressed in this press release include, but are not limited to: obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization, market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74954 Domestic violence shelters in Texas are struggling to meet the immediate basic needs of survivors during the states winter crisis and fear the long-term impacts of the natural disaster will result in another spike in rates of abuse. On top of prolonged periods without heat and power, many shelter facilities have flooded because of broken pipes, according to the Texas Council on Family Violence, a nonprofit that works with shelters across the state and has been in contact with more than 40 during the storm to assess need. All of the organizations the council has been in touch with have limited food and water supplies as grocery store shelves are empty and water boil orders have been issued across the state. Hundreds of survivors were evacuated from facilities that could no longer shelter them this week, said Gloria Terry, CEO of the nonprofit. More than 100 people were moved from shelters in Arlington, 132 in Dallas and 45 in Beaumont. The Houston Area Womens Center main campus was able to run on a generator during power outages, said the nonprofits president and CEO, Emilee Whitehurst. But the shelter had to move clients from one of its Safe Harbor hotels because it lost power and had difficulty getting food to the other location. Power outages at the homes of advocates who were taking calls forced the center to direct its hotline calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which was able to connect survivors with local services. Water and supply shortages are the main concern now, Whitehurst said. On HoustonChronicle.com: Resources for domestic violence victims The sad part about this is that domestic violence doesnt stop during this, said Terry. A man was killed in a domestic violence shooting Thursday night in northwest Harris County, according to police. A 35-year-old woman was killed as a result of suspected domestic violence Wednesday in Abilene. It makes you think about the state of this issue, she said. It continues to be the scourge of our society. The extenuating circumstances dont matter domestic violence doesnt care about those things. The strain put on the shelters comes at a time when they were already running on depleted resources because of COVID-19. The pandemic has driven rates in family violence up in Texas for nearly a year, increasing demand for services while charitable donations and adequate staffing are harder to come by. It really feels like being a punching bag, Whitehurst said. We keep getting hit. All we can do is get back up. Because many studies show that family violence increases for prolonged periods of time after natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey and the pandemic, advocates say the stressors of what the Lone Star State is going through now will likely have the same effect. There will likely be an increase in family violence on top of the increase we were already seeing due to COVID, Terry said. And all of the infrastructure problems were seeing will further compound the challenges for organizations to serve the community. So far, theres been a decrease in hotline calls to HAWC, Whitehurst said. The shelter is receiving about 20 calls a day, which may be an indication that survivors arent able to reach out or help. We experienced a similar phenomenon when COVID first hit, Terry said. Hotline calls dipped, and before they shot up. Any event that isolates victims, makes housing harder to find and puts a strain on the economy is a recipe for compounding family violence, Whitehurst said. Incredible stressors keep piling on for them, Terry said. First it was COVID health concerns and economic uncertainty. Now in this event, they have no control of even basic comforts like warmth and food. hannah.dellinger@chron.com Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 19 : A fresh row began on Friday after Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala slammed the Kerala Fisheries Minister J.Mercykutty for handing over deep sea fishing in the state to US firm. The minister denied the allegation. Chennithala who is on his state-wide yatra broke the news of the "huge corrupt deal", while speaking at Kollam, the home town of Mercykutty. Not only did he slam the flawed policy of the Left, he also released crucial documents pertaining to the deep sea fishing deal. Chennithala said the precious fisheries wealth of Kerala has been handed over on a platter to an US firm -- Emcc, which has operations in India. "The present Left government has inked an MoU to this effect, which first started in the US when Mercykutty was on a visit to the US in 2018. Later the project was taken forward," said Chennithala. He also released a letter dated February 11, 2021, of the Emcc company that was written to the State Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan . It speaks of the MoU that was inked last year between the Kerala Government and Emcc International India Pvt Ltd for the project," Fisheries Research & Development for the up-gradation and Promotion of Deep Sea Fishing Industry" in Kerala with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore. "This is a company that was floated just two years back and the project was one which had no tender and I challenge Mercykutty that this is one which will sound the death knell of our fisheries sector. "This project will see 400 trawlers and five mother ships which will be fishing in our seas. When I raised this issue, I heard her remarks that I have lost my bearings. But now everyone knows, as documents speaks the truth and all know whose bearing has gone haywire," said Chennithala while speaking at the public meeting on Friday in the capital district outskirts. "If Mercykutty is not convinced, I will be forced to release more documents on this deal. The State Industries Minister E.P.Jayarajan also will be in trouble. Are you not ashamed to speak to a US firm, which will finish off the hardworking fishing community of our state," added Chennithala and said a probe is needed to find out what happened. Mercykutty reacted by saying its unfortunate that Chennithala has lost his bearings by raising baseless allegations. "These are nothing but baseless allegations and has no merit in it. He is speaking of an imaginary contract, as there exist no such contracts. If the Industries Department has inked any, the permission for this has to be given by the Fisheries Department. No application for this is there and no permission has been given," said Mercykutty. This issue is going to create lot of heartburns for Vijayan, as the upcoming assembly elections are round the corner. Uncharacteristically, the mainstream media in Bihar has been reporting news on Bihars corruption and urban chaos in Patna for the last few months. While the muck raised by the opposition on the score of dozens of scams could be dismissed as malicious propaganda, the admission of Sri Jitan Ram Manjhi, the CM of Bihar, that corruption had gone up in and in fact as a minister in the previous government he himself had to pay a bribe of Rs. 5000 to get his electricity bill rectified cannot be dismissed lightly.1 Bihars mythical rise from the ashes as the model of good governance - its peace and tranquility, double digit growth, transparency in governance - had caught the imagination of the nation. So the two views of the Bihari reality are deeply confusing. Is it a crisis in mimesis or is this apparent free fall for real? In November 2005 the Nitish Kumar government came to power in Bihar riding the popular wave of anger against the RJD regime which had acquired a place in the history of political infamy for corruption, mismanagement and lawlessness. An abundant fund of goodwill had accrued to the incumbent regime even before it had given any account of itself - good or bad - merely because it had dispatched the seemingly invincible RJD regime into oblivion. It also carried a heavy burden of public expectation and the government did take up the task of rapid development and good governance in right earnest. The post Animal Husbandry scam RJD regime had severely restrained public spending; it was difficult to get past the treasury for anything but the most essential housekeeping expenses and regulatory functions like police etc. Deferral of financial decisions became the norm in bureaucracy for anyone who valued his career. However, a confident government armed with peoples trust and mandate for rapid development was not afraid to unshackle its bureaucracy and the financial rules were liberalized much beyond their dreams. The several fold increase in public spending in Bihar dramatically enlarged the corruptive interface for the public servant. More and more areas of our concern became the subject matter of bureaucratic scrutiny and control due to the enactment of many new, legislations and regulations etc. The opportunities for rent seeking and corruption increased enormously. So did the need for much greater vigilance. But there was a huge asymmetry between the capability of the anti-corruption agencies - ill equipped, poorly staffed, unprofessional, disheartened and above all placed largely under risk-averse officers - whose own past record could not bear much scrutiny - and the enormous challenge at hand. The situation was ideal for the loot to commence and the need of the hour was to crack the whip in earnest. The government seemed to be serious about its efforts. But at the same time it was even more serious to be perceived to be doing that much often more - to earn the maximum political dividend. So with equal energy it set about the task of building its image on a global scale. In a professional manner, it set about projecting the change in government as a millennial event. 25th November 2005 became the temporal marker separating two distinct periods in history, two different modes of being in Bihar. As a matter of considered strategy Biharis were never allowed to forget the nightmare that they had left behind nor of the ever present danger of reverting to the same state of undifferentiated chaos, should the governments hands be weakened. Aware of the huge potential and global reach of the social media the non-resident Biharis were feted and treated by the government like royalty at the state sponsored annual conclaves. They in turn, became the greatest messengers of the gospel of resurgent Bihar to the four corners of the earth. They patrolled the social media sites with great energy and hundreds of guardian spirits would materialize from the cyberspace to stamp out with finality even mildly critical references to the government on the social network sites. (They seem to have departed now or have they taken up other causes.) It was a fertile climate for mythologies and superstitions to grow and proliferate! One of them was that the public sphere had been cleansed and this transparent government free from corruption was a model to be emulated. The media was more than compliant in reinforcing the beliefs. Its efforts were supplemented by the implacably hostile elements of privileged society, civil servants, industrialists, businessmen, and intellectuals who had been tirelessly reporting about the misrule of Lalu Prasad .Their opinion constituted the common sense on Bihar and now they became the self-appointed troubadours, the intellectual outriders of the new regime. The media appeared keener than the government itself to propagate its drive against corruption. It recycled and endlessly highlighted seizure of one house, raid against one IAS or IPS officer creating an illusion of a hyperactive vigilance. Instead of deploying its resources to verify the extravagant official claims, expose the fake and fictitious and of course endorse the sincere efforts, a large section of the media generally took the government hand outs as the authorized version of truth. Non-official versions of reality were all but obliterated through a clever sleight of hand. Reporting of news can make inroads in the public consciousness only if relayed on particular frequencies; there are levels above which they are reduced to being endless background chatter just as the low key positioning of others drowns it in a cacophony of insignificant verbiage. This became a specialized media industry. On the other hand to advertise the Bihari millennium became a collective, coercive creed imposing a moral obligation linked as it became with the issue of Bihari pride. Some said it was voluntary servitude; others called it paid labour. That Bihar was in the grips of a different kind of tyranny was soon evident - the tyranny of (manufactured?) public opinion. Sadly, the government of the day had begun to live by the image of its infallibility and incorruptibility created by the media. The consequences were disastrous. In absence of uncomfortable questions to the government, as the years passed by, the crowd sourced version of the extent of corruption in Bihar diverged more and more with the official reality, much to the delight of the corrupt. In the fissure between the fact and the projection of it they could operate peacefully, thank you very much. The same tendency to earn money through misuse of public office made worse by a noticeable slide towards unashamed casteism, whose reality no one had imagined or foreseen, became evident to neutral and impartial observers quite early. But those who reported contrary to the official line ceased to be credible witnesses. In the absence of standard outlets it spawned a samizdat whose co-evolution took place with the over ground story. But this one was whispered behind the ears. Or published in little known news portals - notably Bihar Times which kept flagging off issues of urgent concern for the more resourceful media to pick up. They rarely did. To illustrate the point two quotes from media insiders, reporting back to us about what they think, and also as outsiders, as shocked and angry about it as ordinary citizens might be quite apposite. Amarnath Tewari quoting2 Press Council of India wondered aloud: Has the fourth state in Bihar been sold out?... The state government is using media for its own publicity and propaganda and the newspapers in the state have totally surrendered to the government for their only sources of revenue, government advertisements. Saroor Ahmad, another well respected journalist from Bihar, was even more forthright and blamed the media for being complicit in the loot by refusing to highlight repeatedly ..rampant loot right from secretariat to panchayat level . Nine years down the line there was the devil to pay on both sides. The ruling party took its punitive drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections 2014 for rampant corruption as a verdict against transparency and good governance. So it appears to have, more or less, abandoned the agenda of good governance and reverted to its old terms of appeal: in caste identity, in the priming of the latent psychological markers, and exploiting the innate hostility and suspicion between castes. We in Bihar discovered at considerable cost to ourselves that if the media essays the role of a lap dog instead of its appointed role of a watch dog it can have disastrous consequences for democracy as well as for media itself. Marching confidently all the while, to the applause and encouragement of a large section of the media, we have hit the tunnel at the end of light! 1 http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/when-bihar-cm-manjhi-had-to-pay-a-power-bribe/1/377015.html http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/bihar-cm-confesses-nitish-couldnt-cut-graft-i-paid-a-bribe/ 2 http://asiancorrespondent.com/97706/bihar-an-indian-state-muzzles-its-media/ India Today magazine once referred to Manoje Nath, a 1973-batch IPS officer, as being fiercely independent, honest, and upright. Besides his numerous official reports on various issues exposing corruption in the bureaucracy in Bihar, Nath is also a writer extraordinaire expressing his thoughts on subjects ranging from science fiction to the effects of globalization. His sense of humor was evident through his extremely popular series named "Gulliver in Patiliputra" and "Modest Proposals" that were published in the local newspapers. By Linda Schwimmer New Jersey requires those who can afford health insurance to purchase coverage. For those who need help paying for coverage, there is free and subsidized health insurance. And if you still cant afford coverage because of financial hardship, you are not penalized. Indeed, our state legislators and Gov. Phil Murphy have crafted thoughtful policies to strengthen the Affordable Care Act so more people could get covered. Unfortunately, legislation now advancing would throw a wrench into a key element of the very successful policies that have resulted in lower premiums and more New Jersey residents getting health insurance. To encourage as many New Jerseyans to obtain coverage as possible, the law includes a penalty for those who chose not to obtain coverage. To account for hardships, including economic setbacks, the existing law contains 12 exemptions that waive the penalty. With Assembly Bill 4807, lawmakers are proposing a new exemption that is not tied to the ability to pay. The intent may be well-meaning during the pandemic but the repercussions would be harmful. The mandate was designed with the understanding that when everyone gets insurance, whether they think they will need it or not, the risk is spread among more people, which lowers overall premiums. Lower premiums enable more people to afford insurance, creating a virtuous cycle. The opposite is true when people only buy insurance when they know they will need health care. Thats called adverse selection, which creates a premium death spiral in the market. Rates go up and eventually no one can afford insurance. The mandate and penalty began with the federal Affordable Care Act. After former President Donald Trump and Congress eliminated the federal insurance mandate penalty, New Jersey lawmakers and Gov. Murphy recognizing its importance created a state-based mandate and penalty. This bill would, unwittingly, undermine the existing marketplace. It broadens the existing economic hardship exemptions to allow anyone who has received unemployment or lost at least half of their income during the pandemic to avoid the penalty for not having health insurance, regardless of the persons remaining income or financial status. By creating a blanket exception that is not tied to a persons ability to pay for health insurance, this bill would enable people who have the economic means to obtain health insurance to forgo coverage without any consequence. We dont want to create unnecessary, non-financial-based excuses for people to not even shop for insurance. The bill may have been introduced out of concern for the many New Jerseyans who have been economically harmed during the pandemic. But it would mean more people who could afford health insurance would forgo coverage increasing costs for all those who remain in the market. The adverse selection that would result from the passage of this bill would harm our health insurance market at exactly the wrong time. The insurance covers everything from hospital care to prescription drugs, COVID-19 tests and immunizations. We are in the middle of a pandemic; people need coverage. When it comes to health insurance, this is not the time to normalize or encourage people to go without health insurance. Rather, we should incentivize people who lost their jobs and, subsequently, their health insurance, to explore their health insurance options. They may be surprised about what they are eligible for. New Jersey last year launched its own health insurance marketplace called GetCoveredNJ. Gov. Murphy extended the open enrollment period because of the pandemic. Even now, residents can still purchase subsidized insurance on the marketplace. They can also determine if they qualify for NJ FamilyCare, which is free. There is no enrollment deadline for that insurance. Since November of last year to the end of last month, 269,560 state residents signed up for health insurance under GetCoveredNJ. We need to promote the benefits of having health insurance and make it more affordable, not create pathways for people to avoid coverage. We are not telling drivers that they dont need car insurance or doctors that they can skip malpractice insurance. We know the negative consequences under either scenario. The same is true here. We want a healthy state with everyone insured. We have free and subsidized insurance. The state added more subsidies this year and expanded the enrollment period. Assembly Bill 4807 may look like a kind gesture of help but the measure is dangerous. It undercuts our health insurance system in the middle of a pandemic and must be rejected. Linda Schwimmer is president and CEO of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute. 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. Part of the inaugural class of more than 1,000 female Scouts nationwide since the organization opened to girls in 2019, the Schererville resident is one of 14 young women in the Chicago metropolitan areas Pathway to Adventure Council to earn the Eagle Scout designation. She is the lone Black female in the council to do so. Nationally, Jackson is one of 21 Black females to join the elite rank. 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. Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Pune Municipal Corporation has issued an order making it mandatory for passengers arriving from to undergo RT-PCR test on arrival. Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol on Thursday said that the number of patients in the last 8-10 days has been increasing. "In last 8-10 days, the number of patients has been increasing but the situation is not worrisome. We are on alert. We have decided to increase COVID-19 testing. We may bring strict COVID-19 rules if the number of cases rises," Mohol said. The Union Health Ministry on Thursday informed and Maharashtra alone account for 75 per cent of new cases, 72 per cent of new recovered cases and 55 per cent of new deaths. continues to report the highest daily new cases at 4,892. It is followed by Maharashtra with 4,787, while Tamil Nadu reported 454 new cases, the ministry said. Maharashtra reported 5,427 new COVID-19 cases and 38 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state health department said on Thursday.As many as 2,543 patients have been discharged in the past 24 hours. The total count of COVID-19 cases in the state stands at 20,81,520 including 19,87,804 recovered cases. The state has 40,858 active cases and the death toll has mounted to 51,669. (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.) Daniel Knighton/Getty ImagesHere's a roundup of new music from Chris Brown, Mulatto and more upcoming stars including Warner Records newest signee, CJ. Chris Brown and Young Thug recruited Mulatto, Lil Durk, and Future for a star-studded remix to their Slime & B hit "Go Crazy." Lil Durk hopped on the remix to another hit song making airwaves around the world. To amp up her buzzing single, "No More Parties," Atlanta rapper Coi Leray tapped the Chicago native to rap about elevating their careers, while Durk speaks on his relationship with longtime girlfriend, India Royale. "I'm different when it comes to trust / Yeah, I'd never leave my bros / Voice of the streets plus Me and India relationship goals," raps Durk. Up next, Long Island rapper CJ shares his debut album, Loyalty Over Royalty, featuring his BillboardHot 100 single "Whoopty" and hot track "I'm Lit" with New York rapper French Montana. Montana also made an appearance on "Bada Bing," a special track from Jim Jones' new joint project,The Fraud Department, with producer Harry Fraud. Trippie Redd joined forces with former Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker to executive produce his new album, NEON SHARK vs Pegasus, a deluxe version of Trippies 2020 album Pegasus. The 14-track project caters to Trippie's rap-rock style, boasting appearances from rockstar Machine Gun Kelly on the track "Red Sky. While speaking with Shirley Ju on her YouTube show, Shirleys Temple, Trippie explained the deluxe title was inspired by one of his favorite rock bands, Deftones, and their 2000 album, White Pony. "I like the fact that they used...some type of animal to symbolize what they felt on the album. So, I made a rock album called, Neon Shark. It was supposed to be its own album, but I was like, Imma make it the deluxe for Pegasus." By Rachel George Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Reports on Saudi Arabia Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Home Insecticides in the United Arab Emirates under House Supplies category. The Home Insecticides in the United Arab Emirates is projected to exhibit highest growth rate over report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports. The hot temperatures in the United Arab Emirates and the emergence of new species of insects in the country has driven a growing interest in home insecticides over the review period. The weather in the United Arab Emirates is hot and humid for most of the year, which makes insects a problem in the country, especially for those closest to the sea, where humidity is at its highest. The new types of insects, which are predominantly flying mosquitoes and crawling insects, have been known to enter co... Home Insecticides in United Arab Emirates market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (historic date range), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2025 illustrate how the market is set to change. Product coverage: Electric Insecticides, Insecticide Baits, Insecticide Coils, Other Home Insecticides, Spray/Aerosol Insecticides. Request a free sample copy of United Arab Emirates Home Insecticides Market Report @ http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/sample/reports/343553 Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data. Why buy this report? * Get a detailed picture of the Home Insecticides market; * Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change; * Understand the competitive environment, the markets major players and leading brands; * Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop. Table of Contents Home Insecticides in the United Arab Emirates LIST OF CONTENTS AND TABLES KEY DATA FINDINGS 2020 IMPACT Increase in local fauna drives interest in home insecticides Despite health hazards, COVID-19 changed consumers attitudes towards home insecticides Spray/aerosol insecticides remains the most popular format RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES Players amp up promotions to attract thrifty consumers Consumers to demand more innovation in the coming years Private label and local manufacturers hindered by strong international presence CATEGORY DATA Table 1 Sales of Home Insecticides by Category: Value 2015-2020 Table 2 Sales of Home Insecticides by Category: % Value Growth 2015-2020 Table 3 Sales of Spray/Aerosol Insecticides by Type: % Value 2015-2020 Table 4 NBO Company Shares of Home Insecticides: % Value 2016-2020 Table 5 LBN Brand Shares of Home Insecticides: % Value 2017-2020 Table 6 Forecast Sales of Home Insecticides by Category: Value 2020-2025 Table 7 Forecast Sales of Home Insecticides by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY COVID-19 impact on home care COVID-19 country impact Company response Retailing shift What next for home care? MARKET INDICATORS Table 8 Households 2015-2020 MARKET DATA Table 9 Sales of Home Care by Category: Value 2015-2020 Table 10 Sales of Home Care by Category: % Value Growth 2015-2020 Table 11 NBO Company Shares of Home Care: % Value 2016-2020 Table 12 LBN Brand Shares of Home Care: % Value 2017-2020 Table 13 Penetration of Private Label in Home Care by Category: % Value 2015-2020 Table 14 Distribution of Home Care by Format: % Value 2015-2020 Table 15 Distribution of Home Care by Format and Category: % Value 2020 Table 16 Forecast Sales of Home Care by Category: Value 2020-2025 Table 17 Forecast Sales of Home Care by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025 GLOBAL MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT GLOBAL INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT DISCLAIMER SOURCES Summary 1 Research Sources Browse our full report with Table of Contents: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/home-insecticides-in-the-united-arab-emirates/343553 About Us Market Reports on Saudi Arabia provides you with an in-depth industry reports focusing on various economic, political and operational risk environment, complemented by detailed sector analysis. We have an exhaustive coverage on variety of industries ranging from energy and chemicals to transportation, communications, constructions and mining to Food and Beverage and education. Our collection includes over 3000 up-to-date reports all researched, analysed and published by top-notch international research firms. Contact us at: Market Reports On Saudi Arabia Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773 Email: info@marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com Website: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com Follow us on : Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside-down. We need information like we never have before. How many new cases were there on Staten Island today? How many deaths? How many people have been released from the hospital? What are President Joe Bidens plans to end the pandemic? What are Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio doing to keep New Yorkers safe? More importantly, when are we going to get back to normal, whatever normal is? Its almost too much to keep up with. So every day around 4 p.m., Mark Stein and I take to Facebook Live to give you all the Island information you need. You can then look for this written wrap-up on SILive.com at the end of the day. Well give you the numbers and all the latest news. Well answer your questions. Well follow up on your news tips. Well share the good news too, the way that the Staten Island community is coming together in this time of crisis. Or well just share this strange and unique pandemic moment with you, as fellow Staten Islanders. On Thursday, Mark and I talked about how de Blasio had issued new mask guidance, asking New Yorkers to double-mask by wearing both a cloth mask and a disposable mask. Two are better than one, the mayor said. Make it a double. The citys new guidance reflects suggestions previously made by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, winter storms across the U.S. delayed vaccine deliveries to New York and elsewhere, forcing the city to delay the opening of the mass vaccination site at the Empire Outlets mall in St. George until Friday. Staten Island hospitals reported treating 197 people for COVID-19 on Thursday, 12 fewer than were being treated the day before. Borough President James Oddo on Thursday also called for the city to consider putting South Shore vaccination sites at the closed Sears store at the Staten Island Mall or at the shuttered St. Joseph-St. Thomas School. The city has yet to announce a mass vaccination site for the South Shore. Were all in this together. Well all get through this together. Register with JOC.com and receive 5 free pieces of content for the first thirty days. After thirty days, you will receive 3 pieces of content and after sixty days you will receive 1 piece of content. To receive full access, Subscribe Today . You can also subscribe to our daily newsletter. Register Millions of people in the United States are facing frigid, stormy weather, although the number of people without power in the southwestern state of Texas dropped below a half million on Thursday for the first time in four days. Electricity in Texas, the country's second-biggest state, was restored to about 2.5 million people. The head of the cooperative that is responsible for most of the state's electricity said there was progress Wednesday in boosting available power and that officials hoped that soon people would only have to deal with rolling blackouts before service is fully restored. But the state faced a new problem, with officials ordering 7 million people, about a quarter of its population, to boil tap water before drinking it because of damaged infrastructure and frozen pipes. Texas Governor Greg Abbott urged residents, if possible, to shut off water to their homes, to prevent pipes from bursting and preserve water pressure in municipal systems. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Friday Excluding Google from the news media bargaining code would 'completely diminish' the law and leave smaller publishers unable to negotiate with the tech giant, a leading digital think tank has warned. The new law, which is set to pass Parliament next week, was drawn up to tackle the huge power of Google and Facebook by forcing them to pay media companies for the news content they host and reveal some of their closely-guarded algorithms and data. Google has responded by striking multi-million-dollar deals to sign three big media companies - Seven, Nine and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp - up to its News Showcase project while Facebook has banned Australians from viewing news on its site in a 'disgraceful' protest at the new rules. Once the code - which has bipartisan support - becomes law, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will have the power to designate which digital platforms need to comply. On Thursday he revealed he is considering excluding Google as a reward for making deals, saying: 'If commercial deals are struck that changes the equation. 'I'm not just talking just about deals with Channel Seven or Channel Nine and News Ltd, we're looking for a broader range of deals including with the regional players and the smaller players. 'And, as I understand it, that is happening,' he said. But experts have warned not designating Google would be a big mistake that would undermine the code and leave smaller publishers high and dry. The code is just not just designed to make sure money changes hands, but also contains 'minimum standards' that ensure platforms share data about how Australians interact with news and require them to give media companies 14 days' notice of any important algorithm changes that could affect their referral traffic. Australia's competition regulator, the ACCC, has said these requirements are crucial to overturning the 'bargaining imbalance' between the tech giants and news businesses. Currently Google and Facebook can suddenly change their algorithms and leave publishers scrambling to work out why they are not getting any hits on their stories. Chris Cooper, CEO of Reset Australia - a think tank focussed on the threat to democracy posed by digital platforms - said excluding Google 'completely diminishes' the code. 'Google should definitely still be included, removing them completely diminishes the ACCC's intention, which was about bringing balance to the news media ecosystem and the digital advertising market,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Google Australia boss Mel Silva 'This would be removing the single biggest player from that equation. 'This bill was always meant to be broader than just arbitration. Algorithm changes and minimum standards were meant to fundamentally shift the dominance of these platforms and they've already been watered down,' he added, noting that originally platforms were going to be required to give 28 days' notice of an algorithm change. 'Arbitration was never going to be enough to rectify the problems. This is a market that needs oversight and regulation, not just deals.' Mr Cooper said the only winners so far are the huge media companies that have signed lucrative deals with Google. 'If the intention is about the public interest and a healthy news media ecosystem then smaller and regional publishers should be prioritised - and it's hard to argue that they have been,' he said. 'At this point it looks like the winners are not the Australian public and certainly not the small publishers.' His comments echo concerns voiced last year by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young who feared the code was being designed by Prime Minster Scott Morrison to 'deliver a sugar hit to Murdoch' whose papers back the Coalition government. The Greens supported the code after public broadcasters the ABC and SBS were included. The ACCC declined to comment but Chairman Rod Sims has previously said that Google's News Showcase deals do not address the bargaining imbalance the code aims to fix. 'The decision about what Showcase will look like, how it will operate and whether to offer a news business a Showcase deal is entirely up to Google,' he told the Senate Economics Committee on January 22. 'This is why this product does not address the imbalance in bargaining power that the code is designed to remedy.' Shadow Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the Treasurer's comments are 'confusing for some news media businesses because the Code is intended to be a backstop for commercial deals that may be struck'. Google responded to the new law by striking multi-million deals but Facebook has banned Australians from viewing news on its website in a 'disgraceful' protest at the new rules. Pictured: Posts were blocked on the Daily Mail Australia Facebook page But she said she was not concerned about Google being excluded as long as deals are made. 'Labor is outcomes-focused when it comes to addressing the bargaining imbalance between news media businesses and the digital platforms,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'Money flowing to Australian news media businesses from the digital platforms, with or without regulation, is a good thing.' Mr Frydenberg and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher drew up the law after a three-year inquiry by the ACCC which found Google and Facebook have 'an imbalance in bargaining power' when dealing with news companies. The world-first code states that if a negotiation breaks down then an independent umpire will step in and decide the fee based on a 'final offer' method, which chooses one side's position as the resolution. For every $100 spent on digital advertising, $53 goes to Google, $28 to Facebook and only $19 goes to others. Australia's battle with Big Tech is being keenly watched by governments across the world, not least in London, Washington DC and Brussels, where concerns have been raised over the 'advertising duopoly' of Google and Facebook. Google and the Treasurer declined to comment. Arrangements and consultations are ongoing between the government of Niger State and some bandits for the purpose of releasing the abducted 27 students, three staff and family members of Government Science College, Kagara, the state government has confirmed. Gov Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger State said the state government was at the final stage of negotiation for the release of the victims in a state live broadcast in Minna on Friday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that 27 students, three staff and family members of Government Science College Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area of the state, were abducted by gunmen on Wednesday. The governor said the government was doing everything through interfacing with the federal, local government and the state authorities to rescue the victims. At the moment, there is no additional information apart from the one we have at hand. Our priority is to make sure we bring back the students safely, things are speculated or rumoured, but we cannot work with these at situations like this, he said. The governor noted that the state was using kinetic and non-kinetic measures to bring back the children to safety and assured parents and families of the victims to be hopeful as everything possible was being done. He disclosed that an Islamic scholar, Ahmed Gumi, had offered to assist the government voluntarily and had both agreed that a comprehensive memo was sent to the government on his findings. He urged traditional leaders to support government efforts by giving useful intelligence on criminals hiding in their communities and suspected movements in their domains. On the dilapidated state of Government Science College, Kagara, the governor said the school was already listed in the whole school approach of the state government. Mr Gumi also said in an interview with journalists that there was a positive outcome from his interaction with the bandits as they were in various factions. He said the grievances of the bandits were simple as they complained of being persecuted, arrested and lynched and urged the federal government to grant them blanket amnesty. The Niger State Government has appealed to bandits across the state to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue and reconciliation for peace and security to prevail. Also, in a statement issued by Tanko Lawal, information officer to the Secretary to the Government of Niger state, Ahmed Matane, in Minna on Friday, said the state government told the bandits to surrender arms. Mr Matane made the appeal in Dutsen Magahi, Mariga Local Government Area of the state, while addressing some group of people suspected to be bandits and their commanders. Mr Matane, who was accompanied by Mr Gumi, Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, called on other elements such as kidnappers and cattle rustlers to join in the peace dialogue process to put an end to the security challenges that have bedevilled the state. He enjoined leaders of the bandits to support the government to secure the release of the abducted passengers of the state transport authority vehicle and students of Government Science College, Kagara, adding that the unfortunate incidents in recent days called for sober reflection. Mr Matane reaffirmed that the government would continue to ensure the security of lives and property by strengthening the security architecture of the state and the need for people to collaborate with the government in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements. He stressed the need for religious leaders and other stakeholders to embark on how to get the bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers to key into the peace initiatives of the government. ADVERTISEMENT In his remarks, Mr Gumi expressed optimism that dialoguing with the bandits would put an end to the current insecurity in the state and country at large. He reminded the bandits that Islam is against taking the lives of innocent people and appealed to them to embrace peace by laying down their arms. Mr Gumi said he would continue to discuss with the state government to explore whatever assistance and support the government would give to them with a view to achieving the set objectives. Some leaders of the bandits, in their separate remarks, lauded the state government for the peace process, adding that it would go a long way in restoring peace across the state. They appealed to the state government to assist in the release of their members arrested by security agencies and detained across the state for the peace process to thrive. The highlight of the event was the distribution of Islamic books to the bandits by Mr Gumi so as to teach them the doctrine of Islam. (NAN) 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 Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission is part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the Red Planet. The Mars 2020 mission addresses high-priority science goals for Mars exploration, including the search for past microbial life and the collection of rock and soil samples for a possible return to Earth. Perseverance will test new technology for future robotic and human missions to the Red Planet. That includes an autopilot for avoiding landing site hazards called Terrain Relative Navigation and a set of sensors for gathering data during the landing. A new autonomous navigation system will allow the rover to drive faster in challenging terrain. ODU is proud to participate in NASAs Mars Exploration Program and to provide their high-speed & high-density connector solutions. The M2020 spacecraft utilizes ODU AMC High-Density connectors to transmit the video of the parachute inflating in the Martian atmosphere and the separation of the rover from the Descent Stage (aka rocket jet pack). You can follow along with the landing of the Perseverance rover at the following location: https://mars.nasa.gov/ The Perseverance Rover will land on Mars on Feb. 18, 2021. The mission duration is at least one Mars year (about 687 Earth days). For more information about the ODU High-speed & high-density connector solutions go to: https://www.odu-usa.com/connector-solutions/push-pull-circular-connectors/odu-amc/odu-amc-high-density/ ODU Group: Global Representation with Perfect Connections The ODU Group is one of the worlds leading suppliers of connector systems, employing 2,300 people around the world. In addition to its company headquarters in Muhldorf am Inn (Germany), ODU also has an international distribution network and production sites in Sibiu/Romania, Shanghai/China and Tijuana/Mexico. ODU combines all relevant areas of expertise and key technologies including design and development, machine tooling and special machine construction, injection, stamping, turning, surface technology, assembly and cable assembly. The ODU Group sells its products globally through its sales offices in China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Romania, Sweden and the US, as well as through numerous international sales partners. ODU connectors ensure a reliable transmission of power, signals, data and media for a variety of demanding applications including medical technology, military and security, automotive, industrial electronics, and test & measurement. Elsa Hosk revealed the reason she named her daughter, Tuulikki Joan, on Thursday as she expressed gratitude towards her body and said there is 'no pressure to be a size zero'. The supermodel, 32, rested in bed with her newborn as she admitted 'postpartum can be pretty tough,' but thanked her tiny tot for being her 'medicine.' She captured a series of videos in response to an Instagram Q&A at home as she said: 'We call her Tuuli which is short for Tuulikki. Candid: Elsa Hosk revealed the reason she named her daughter, Tuulikki Joan, on Thursday as she expressed gratitude towards her body and said there is 'no pressure to be a size zero' 'It wasn't hard to choose her name because I always knew I wanted a Finnish name, Finnish names are so cute. 'Tuulikki is my mom's middle-name as my mum's side of the family is from Finland and they all have Finnish names and they're so cute. 'And when I told Tom about this name he loved it too which is kind of a sign, because it's a very unique name, so for him to love it, I thought we have to name her. 'So Tuuli means "wind" and Tuulikki means "little wind" and it also is the name of a forest goddess'. Wow! The supermodel, 32, rested in bed with her newborn as she reflected on her 'new curves' (pictured on the Victoria's Secret runway in 2018) and admitted 'postpartum can be tough' Elsa also admitted her physique has changed since giving birth, but declared she is appreciative for her 'new curves'. She continued on social media: 'I also get so many questions about my postpartum body, and I'm guessing they're from people who haven't had kids because when you go through pregnancy and child birth, you just look at your body in a new way and instead of seeing flaws, you feel very grateful for what our bodies can do as women. 'It's truly magical and amazing and we're so incredible, and I'm trying to give myself time to heal and not put a lot of pressure on to be a size zero. 'More than anything, I look at my body with gratitude and with a new perspective of feeling beautiful and loving all these new curves.' Sweet: She captured a series of videos for an Instagram Q&A at home and said: 'Tuulikki is my mom's middle-name as my mum's side of the family is from Finland' Peaceful: She continued by explaining her daughter's moniker, adding: 'We call her Tuuli which is short for Tuulikki... Tuuli means "wind" and Tuulikki means "little wind"' Elsa revealed she welcomed her first child last Friday with her partner of five years Tom Daly. She also shared a candid photo from her labour, as she rested in a birthing pool in between contractions while holding Tom's hand. The catwalk model admitted that being a first-time mum is challenging due to the lack of sleep and breastfeeding. Elsa explained: 'Postpartum can be pretty tough because you don't sleep much, you're waking up. 'I'm breastfeeding her. I expected that though, and the healing and the body. Honest: When opening up about her changed physique, she added: 'It's truly magical and amazing and we're so incredible and I'm trying to give myself time to heal and not put a lot of pressure on to be a size 0' Journey: She went on to share a candid photo from her labour, as she rested in a birthing pool in between contractions while holding onto her partner Tom' Daly's hand Little personality: According to the Victoria's Secret model, her partner has been great at changing their baby, as she revealed that Tuuli doesn't like to be swaddled 'But your baby is your medicine so when you look at her you feel everything doesn't matter because you have that baby to look at.' According to the Victoria's Secret model, her partner has been great at changing their baby, who doesn't like to be swaddled. 'We are good, we are chilling,' she said. 'She's got little mitts on because she scratches her face a lot. Baby is so good, I'm recovering, not sleeping so much... 'Tom is amazing and he's doing all the changing but she hates swaddling so we never swaddle her, she likes to have her little hands out.' When asked if she is still suffering from pain after labour, she responded: 'Yes I do, I think it's really rare to go through labour and not have any pain afterwards, but I think it's really important to take the time and let yourself heal.' The mysterious appearance in October 2018 of a rainbow-hued bird in Manhattans Central Park inspired Bette Midlers The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable, a picture book featuring full-color photographs by Michiko Kakutani and black-and-white illustrations by Joana Avillez. Released this week by Random House with a 100,000-copy print run, the book underscores the power of an extraordinary creature to bring city dwellers together and to focus on the natural beauty around them rather than on their cell phones. Kakutanis photos laid the groundwork for the project. This longtime regular visitor to Central Park, who told PW that photography has been a hobby since my days as a failed art student, and the days of dark rooms and Kodak film, discovered the mandarin duck one day as she was walking across Central Park. There were hundreds of people at the pond near Central Park South, she said. Kids, parents, tourists, folks in business suits and running clothesall gathered at the waters edge, peering intently at this small, brilliantly colored duck who was swimming alongside the mallards and Canadian geese. The newcomer was so dazzling that some onlookers could not believe he was real, Kakutani noted, recalling that one boy wondered if the duck ran on lithium or solar-powered batteries, while his mother explained natures ability to invent creatures that exceed our imaginations. People were so excited about the duck that they forgot their busy schedules and their buzzing phones, and chatted happily among themselves, marveling at the beauty of this bird and the mystery of his arrival. Dinner and a Book The idea for The Tale of the Mandarin Duck, Midlers first childrens book in more than 20 years and Kakutanis first ever, was hatched at a 2018 Thanksgiving dinner hosted by mutual friends of the two. The entertainer (recipient of multiple Grammy, Emmy, Tony, Golden Globe, and American Comedy Awards) and the Pulitzer Prize-winning literary critic were seated next to each other, and the conversation turned to the visiting ducknative to the Far Eastthat was enthralling New Yorkers. When she passed her phone around the table to share the photos she had taken, Kakutani said, Bette was instantly captivated and said she had an idea for a story. The photographer was startled to receive, within days, an email from Midler with a picture-book text included. She had written out the entire storyalmost word for word what appears in the book! she said. The tale of the ducks visit to New York and his magical effect on people seemed to have come to her in a flash. After taking some additional photos of Central Park to accompany Midlers text, Kakutani turned to her friend Maya Mavjee, president and publisher of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, for advice. Mavjee put her in touch with Random House Childrens Books president and publisher, Barbara Marcus, who then contacted executive v-p Mallory Loehr, who offered the book a publishing home. Mallory, with art director Nicole de las Heras, helped us turn our words and photos into an actual book, Kakutani said. Without their wisdom and support, The Tale of the Mandarin Duck would not exist. Loehr was immediately impressed by Midlers natural storytelling voice and Kakutanis range and depth as a photographer. She has fond memories of the collaborators pre-pandemic visits to her office to work on the project together. They are both such wonderful and unique people, and it was incredibly special to see them both so engaged in the book and so passionate about its message, she said. It is so important for children and adults to look up from their phones and see the world around them. And the fact that this extraordinary duck made them do that is really transformative. And Its a Wrap The editor noted that Avillezs line art, depicting Manhattanites who are mesmerized by their screens suddenly shifting their attention to the alluring duck, is a key component of the book. Since this is very much a story about people, I realized that, in addition to Michis wonderful duck- and landscape-centric photos, the book needed to show New Yorkers in a way that is both sophisticated and kid-friendly, Loehr said. Joana did a wonderful job finding that balance in her illustrations, which have the feel of New Yorker cartoons. Midler, in a statement, expressed similar sentiments, noting, I am so delighted with the way this project turned out. I have known Michi for years, but I never knew her as a photographer, and when I saw her pictures, I knew there was a story there. It came to me practically overnight: the duck that had enchanted an entire city. I wanted to memorialize his visit and let readers know that the natural world is full of creatures just like himif we only take the time to raise our eyes and actually see them. Much to the chagrin of many, the mandarin duck has not returned to Central Park since departing in spring 2019, yet Kakutani reported that the recent arrival of another feathered phenomenon has uplifted park visitors spirits: a snowy owl, a species that hasnt been spotted in the park in 130 years. Many New Yorkers have flocked to the parkin the midst of the pandemic and 18 inches of snowin an effort to catch a glimpse of this owl, she said. Like the mandarin duck, he is a symbol of resilience and hope and the possibility of change, and offers the opportunity to take part in communal moments that have become so rare in the last year. The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable by Bette Midler, photographs by Michiko Kakutani, illustrations by Joana Avillez. Random House, $18.99 Feb. ISBN 978-0-593-17676-4 The flares of hope on some classes returning to school on March 1 are welcome but parents are right to hold off on the celebrations and remain wary that a return for everyone else may slip and slide until Easter and beyond. Concerns about their children are running high and confidence about an imminent return for all is running low because we saw what happened in January with previous efforts to partially reopen. I know this because they tell me. Last week myself and 13 parents decided to channel our frustration and we formed a group to beg the Government, the unions and Nphet to work together to start reopening all schools on March 1. We set up a petition and because of this weve had many parents and those working with children get in touch. There is a lot more suffering than we suspected, which gives us encouragement to plough on. Some tell us they find our petition to be against teachers, which is ironic because we have many teachers who support us they tell us they want to go back asap and are struggling with working remotely, especially those with children. Some ask us whether we realise we are in a pandemic and that more circulating viruses means more mutations so we need to wait until cases are really low and we have more people vaccinated before we reopen schools. Without exception these people dont seem to have ever met a vulnerable child. These are the kids that should have been kept in school last March and again in January. Children that are known to Tusla and those who have a childs plan. Children in and on the edge of care, with additional needs, with parents experiencing poor physical or mental health, experiencing domestic abuse and bereavement and poverty. They dont seem to be in contact with the many children who do not come from a disadvantaged background but who are now feeling sad and fed up. Teenagers get in touch and tell us they want to start their own petition. Parents of children with special needs in mainstream schools tell us they feel forgotten. Read More Essential worker parents tell us they have to leave their kids at home alone and cant take it much longer and other parents say they have lost jobs and are too depressed to help their kids. And so, for us it is simple Ireland does not have the luxury to be overly cautious on schools and keeping kids out of school is the least safe option. We look at the evidence, which shows certain things like outside activity and attending primary school are low risk. Secondary schools represent higher risks but we feel the response should be to tackle this head-on; testing teachers every Sunday to give them more peace of mind, keeping the genuinely clinically vulnerable teachers at home until they are vaccinated. The solution can no longer be to shut children out of the classroom for weeks on end while we monitor the case numbers. Because who is monitoring the damage to kids? There are too many reports issuing strong warnings to ignore. The brutal fact is we do not have leeway for a staggered return over many weeks because, unlike other countries, we have not kept school open for kids who need to be there. A counterfactual in epidemiology is when you compare different scenarios what happens if you do this, what happens if you do that. From the start, evidence suggested children were at lower risk yet nobody stood up last March and said, Right, if we keep, say, 15pc of our school population going in essential workers kids (including teachers children, which would have solved a lot of problems), vulnerable children from marginalised backgrounds and special schools what happens? Nobody did but thankfully the tide is turning. This week leading childrens charities teamed up with the National Parents Council Primary and launched a campaign called Childrens Futures urging Government and education partners to come together and prioritise reopening schools and limiting the negative impact of lockdown on a generation of children. They have strong research from a survey last week that showed that, for many, remote learning was not workable, and they pointed out the outcome of our blunt closures there are children for whom no educational provision is being made and this falls short of the States obligations. I had a chat this week with a man called Thomas McCarthy who works with the Core Youth Service in Dublin. He told me the majority of the children he works with are out all day and not engaging in remote learning. He describes the years of intervention that have gone into supporting some children to stay in school who wont have a hope if the closures go on much longer. If you look for reasons not to do something you will find them and parents fear this will be the case with the schools unless we have a change in messaging and mindset. Nphet needs to get specific when it wheels out the fear around schools involving the mobilisation of people. It could run public health campaigns saying: Just because your child is at school does not mean you can go to the office or into your neighbours house. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will make a massive difference but we cant relax any other restrictions until this happens. For the past 11 months, we have been asked to protect our elderly and now we need to focus on protecting another vulnerable section of our population our children. The closures have caused many problems and the only solution is to fully reopen for everyone else and to do this over a short period. Getting all children back to school asap should be a non-negotiable; our blunt closures to date mean we dont have the luxury to drag this out. 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, Feb 20 : The number of crimes against women in the national capital saw a decline in 2020, with rape cases going down by 21.63 per cent, of molestation by 25.16 per cent and insult to modesty of women by 12.32 per cent, the Delhi Police said on Friday. As per Delhi Police officials in their annual press conference, the involvement of strangers in rape cases has been 1.77 per cent in 2020 as against 2.20 per cent in 2019. Police said that in rape cases, 44 per cent of the persons involved were either family or family friends while 26 per cent were other known persons. In 2 per cent of the rape cases, the employer or the co-workers were involved, while in 12 per cent of the cases, the neighbours were found to be involved. Overall, the Delhi Police registered 2,66,070 cases under the Indian Penal Code in 2020, a drop of more than 15 per cent as against 2019. In 2019, a total of 3,16,261 cases were registered. Last year also witnessed a drop in the number of PCR calls received. A total of 18,08,384 were received in 2020, against 29,25,531 PCR calls in 2019, a drop of 38.19 per cent. Murder cases in the city have gone down by 9.40 per cent. A total of 472 such cases were registered in 2020 while 521 were registered in 2019, the police said. Cases of kidnapping for ransom dropped by 26.67 per cent, burglary cases went down by 27.33 per cent, motor vehicle theft cases by 24.23 per cent and other theft cases by 30.52 per cent, it added. However, the number of snatching cases in 2020 saw a surge and went up by 27.11 per cent from 2019. As many as 7,965 such cases were registered last year as against 6,266 in 2019. According to Delhi Police, there was a marginal rise of 0.35 per cent in the number of robbery cases. A total of 1,963 cases were registered in 2020 as compared to 1,956 in 2019. First author Manolo Rivera Lam (left) and principal investigator Dr. Andrea Alberti (right) at the Institute of Applied Physics at the University of Bonn. Credit: Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn Even in the world of the smallest particles with their own special rules, things cannot proceed infinitely fast. Physicists at the University of Bonn have now shown what the speed limit is for complex quantum operations. The study also involved scientists from MIT, the universities of Hamburg, Cologne and Padua, and the Julich Research Center. The results are important for the realization of quantum computers, among other things. They are published in the prestigious journal Physical Review X, and covered by the Physics Magazine of the American Physical Society. Suppose you observe a waiter (the lockdown is already history) who on New Year's Eve has to serve an entire tray of champagne glasses just a few minutes before midnight. He rushes from guest to guest at top speed. Thanks to his technique, perfected over many years of work, he nevertheless manages not to spill even a single drop of the precious liquid. A little trick helps him to do this: While the waiter accelerates his steps, he tilts the tray a bit so that the champagne does not spill out of the glasses. Halfway to the table, he tilts it in the opposite direction and slows down. Only when he has come to a complete stop does he hold it upright again. Atoms are in some ways similar to champagne. They can be described as waves of matter, which behave not like a billiard ball but more like a liquid. Anyone who wants to transport atoms from one place to another as quickly as possible must therefore be as skillful as the waiter on New Year's Eve. "And even then, there is a speed limit that this transport cannot exceed," explains Dr. Andrea Alberti, who led this study at the Institute of Applied Physics of the University of Bonn. Cesium atom as a champagne substitute In their study, the researchers experimentally investigated exactly where this limit lies. They used a cesium atom as a champagne substitute and two laser beams perfectly superimposed but directed against each other as a tray. This superposition, called interference by physicists, creates a standing wave of light: a sequence of mountains and valleys that initially do not move. "We loaded the atom into one of these valleys, and then set the standing wave in motionthis displaced the position of the valley itself," says Alberti. "Our goal was to get the atom to the target location in the shortest possible time without it spilling out of the valley, so to speak." The fact that there is a speed limit in the microcosm was already theoretically demonstrated by two Soviet physicists, Leonid Mandelstam and Igor Tamm more than 60 years ago. They showed that the maximum speed of a quantum process depends on the energy uncertainty, i.e., how "free" the manipulated particle is with respect to its possible energy states: the more energetic freedom it has, the faster it is. In the case of the transport of an atom, for example, the deeper the valley into which the cesium atom is trapped, the more spread the energies of the quantum states in the valley are, and ultimately the faster the atom can be transported. Something similar can be seen in the example of the waiter: If he only fills the glasses half full (to the chagrin of the guests), he runs less risk that the champagne spills over as he accelerates and decelerates. However, the energetic freedom of a particle cannot be increased arbitrarily. "We can't make our valley infinitely deepit would cost us too much energy," stresses Alberti. Beam me up, Scotty! The speed limit of Mandelstam and Tamm is a fundamental limit. However, one can only reach it under certain circumstances, namely in systems with only two quantum states. "In our case, for example, this happens when the point of origin and destination are very close to each other," the physicist explains. "Then the matter waves of the atom at both locations overlap, and the atom could be transported directly to its destination in one go, that is, without any stops in betweenalmost like the teleportation in the Starship Enterprise of Star Trek." However, the situation is different when the distance grows to several dozens of matter wave widths as in the Bonn experiment. For these distances, direct teleportation is impossible. Instead, the particle must go through several intermediate states to reach its final destination: The two-level system becomes a multi-level system. The study shows that a lower speed limit applies to such processes than that predicted by the two Soviet physicists: It is determined not only by the energy uncertainty, but also by the number of intermediate states. In this way, the work improves the theoretical understanding of complex quantum processes and their constraints. The physicists' findings are important not least for quantum computing. The computations that are possible with quantum computers are mostly based on the manipulation of multi-level systems. Quantum states are very fragile, though. They last only a short lapse of time, which physicists call coherence time. It is therefore important to pack as many computational operations as possible into this time. "Our study reveals the maximum number of operations we can perform in the coherence time," Alberti explains. "This makes it possible to make optimal use of it." Explore further Single-atom probe uses quantum information for the first time More information: Manolo R. Lam et al, Demonstration of Quantum Brachistochrones between Distant States of an Atom, Physical Review X (2021). Journal information: Physical Review X Manolo R. Lam et al, Demonstration of Quantum Brachistochrones between Distant States of an Atom,(2021). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.11.011035 Former prime minister Julia Gillard has praised the bravery of Brittany Higgins in going public about her alleged rape in Parliament House, expressing horror at the incident and the way it was handled. In a powerful statement of support, Ms Gillard called for genuine change to the workplace culture of Parliament House to make it safe for all its workers. Brittany Higgins will go to the Australian Federal Police about her alleged rape in Parliament House. The statement came as Ms Higgins told Prime Minister Scott Morrisons office she wanted a say in a sweeping review of Parliament House so others would not have to go through her experience. Ms Higgins also said she would proceed with a formal complaint to the Australian Federal Police, a key point that will authorise a series of steps including renewed access to closed-circuit television footage. Mozambiques failure to provide sufficient security to the operators of Mozambique and Rovuma LNG has triggered ample speculation in oil and gas market lobbies as potential investors assess the risks of East Africa degenerating into long-standing conflict. Although Maputo has suffered a lot more than any other adjacent country and still struggles to control the province of Cabo Delgado, the revival of Christina-Muslim tensions in Mozambiques most oil-prolific territories also bodes well for Tanzania just across the border. To be fair, Tanzanias prospect of kickstarting its upstream sector was debilitated long before Ansar al-Sunna appeared on the horizon, meaning that seeing its plentiful hydrocarbon resources moving closer to the commissioning part will remain a Sisyphean task. Looking just at Tanzanias resource potential, one wonders how come this African country remains so devoid of media publicity. Discoveries in Mozambiques Rovuma basin in the 2000s have compelled oil companies to seek for further oil across the border in Tanzania, Rovuma itself is a river that separates the country countries and forms the basis of their maritime border. Up to 2010, Tanzania was home to 2-3 mid-sized onshore gas fields that were utilized for domestic purposes within some 3-4 years the country increased its aggregate gas reserves eightfold to more than 40 TCf and freeing up drillers imagination on how much gas might actually be in its offshore zone. A total of 16 discoveries was made in 2010-2015, with operators ranging from Statoil to BG Group (now part of Royal Dutch Shell) and Ophir. Equinor remains the largest acreage owner in offshore Tanzania, boasting some 18 TCf discovered across 8 fields) and describing the sandstone reservoirs it has encountered along its acreage as having excellent quality. Within Block 02 the Norwegian NOC is partnered by the US major ExxonMobil that also happens to have interest in Mozambiques LNG projects, eliciting the inevitable question whether it would want to run the risk of competing two of its own assets in an environment that is by definition constrained by relatively high costs of extraction. Regardless of the exact stakeholder composition, Tanzanias favorable location vis-a-vis South and East Asia, i.e. the main prospective market for its LNG exports, as well as its own utilization of natural gas in electricity generation (accounting for roughly 50% of its electricity output), point towards a bright future for gas, provided the economics work for the offshore fields. Graph 1. Map of Tanzanias major gas discoveries. Source: Natural Gas World. Should Tanzania witness a string of FIDs on the fields discovered, the idea of creating a liquefaction terminal in Lindi, a port town in the southeastern part of the country where the gas would be aggregated and processed before the liquefaction might take a resolute step towards materialization. It was assumed that Lindi LNG would have three or four trains and a total capacity of 7.5 or 10mtpa LNG. Considering the assumed cost of $30 billion for Lindi LNG, international majors have somewhat unsurprisingly shied away from committing to Tanzanias LNG Equinor has even dropped it from its 2020 balance sheet, saying that for now it would rather negotiate the most suitable financial terms that would allow Block 2 fields to be launched. Officially Lindi LNG was expected to start the construction phase in 2022 and start up in 2028, however the coronavirus delays might push the commissioning date even further out into the future. Tanzanias challenges in developing its offshore oil and gas resources remain multifaceted and might be best assessed as belonging to three main categories structural, psychological and technological. The structural challenges revolve around the ineluctable competition between Tanzanias LNG with Mozambiques two concurrently developed LNG projects and the fact that Mozambique has so far outclassed its neighbor in terms of gas reserves in place. Mozambique also happens to enjoy the advantage of a more stringent and delineated set of upstream terms, most notably it has set the domestic NOC participation at 10% whilst Tanzania regulates it at 25%. The psychological effects hinge on the 3-year hiatus in offshore exploration drilling (as well as spudding appraisal wells) further aggravated by safety concerns of the COVID-era. Interestingly, the last exploration well (Pilipili-1) that Statoil spudded in February 2018 turned out to be a gas discovery and was assumed to be commercial, hence it cannot even be said that the drilling halt was triggered by unfavorable results. Arguably the hardest task to master would concern the technological side of extracting gas in Tanzanias offshore. The thing is that in contrast to Mozambique where most of Rovuma Basin discoveries are located in moderately deep depths, the heretofore discovered gas bounty of Tanzania tilts towards the ultra-deepwater. For instance, Tanzanias largest gas find Zafarani was drilled in water depth of 2400 metres, whilst Rovuma fields in offshore Mozambique are within the 1000-1500 metres range. This means that higher cost of extracting the gas from ultra-deepwater fields will put Tanzania in a competitive disadvantage to Mozambique. This being said, the prospect of Tanzanian LNG taking its rightful place under the sun is by no means lost. Tanzanian authorities have plentiful instruments to aid the process, for instance forgoing its insistence on the oil companies adhering to Tanzanian law and disallowing any foreign court of justice might alleviate oil companies concerns that upstream terms remain vulnerable to arbitrary government changes. Without a tangible government push the move from its current on-hold status towards actual construction seems somewhat utopian. It has taken the Tanzanian authorities 2 years to review its own Production Sharing Agreements, only to be subsequently delegated to the Prime Ministers Office for further reviewing (already taking another year). This dillydallying needs to stop if Tanzania wants to appear on the global LNG map. By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Telangana: 9-day National web conference on Rule of Law from Feb 20 Hyderabad, Feb 19 (UNI) Former CJI Justice M N Venkatachaliah will inaugurate the 9-day national web conference on "Rule of Law" on Saturday, officials said here on Friday. The Foundation for Democratic Reforms (FDR) under the leadership of Dr Jayaprakash Narayan, in association with Indian School of Business (ISB) and University of Hyderabad (UoH) is organizing the conference in virtual mode from February 20 to 28. This is the second in the series of annual conferences being organised under the forum "Indian Democracy at Work", the Foundation said in a release here on Friday. Winter storms that dumped additional snow and ice on the Deep South plunged more than 300,000 homes and businesses into darkness early Thursday and left roads impassable across a wide area. While temperatures were expected to warm over the weekend, some people could be without power until next week. Parts of Interstate 20 were at a standstill in Louisiana, state police said, and multiple roads were icebound in Mississippi, where almost 200,000 utility customers were without power, including thousands near the capital in Jackson. In northern Mississippi, the picturesque square in Oxford has been white with snow since late Sunday. As much as 4 inches (10 centimeters) of fresh snow and ice fell as far east as northwest Alabama, where electrical service has been spotty for days, and Spanish moss coated with ice hung from trees west of New Orleans. Extreme cold weather caused water-pressure problems in Mississippis capital of Jackson, where the city told customers to boil water as a precaution, and roads remained icy in much of the state. Authorities in multiple states also reported deaths in crashes on icy roads, including two people whose vehicle slid off a road and overturned in a waterway in Kentucky on Sunday, state police said. A Mississippi man died after losing control of his vehicle, which overtuned on an icy road Monday night near Starkville, Oktibbeha County coroner Michael Hunt said Tuesday. Temperatures didnt rise much above freezing across a wide area Thursday followed by another night of frigid temperatures, forecasters said, so problems could persist. Entergy Mississippi, one of the largest electrical providers in the state, said 1,400 people were working on repairs and additional crews from Arkansas where headed into the state to assist. But 90,000 customers were out and progress will be slow until roads improve, spokesperson Mara Hartmann said. We expect this to be a multi-day event which could very easily stretch into early to mid-next week, Hartmann said. We are asking our customers to please be patient as we work to safely restore their service. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has asked the White House for a federal disaster declaration because of the icy weather. More than 48,000 state residents did not have water and more than 956,000 live in areas where residents have been told to boil water before drinking it or using it for cooking. In Jackson, Jonathan Callahan sought shelter at a community center in Jackson as winter bore down on the city late Wednesday. Homeless after losing his job cleaning trucks during the pandemic, freezing weather has added stress and uncertainty to life for the 40-year-old man. I was definitely worried, thinking `What am I going to do? Where will I go? Callahan said. Its way too cold to be out there now. Reggie Wiggins, an outreach worker with the Mississippi Continuum of Care, a coalition of service organizations that help the homeless, has been driving around the city picking up people who need help. We have connections in the community, so we know people and where they usually stay, we go out trying to find them, we put out calls, `Have you seen this person? Have you seen this person? In northwest Alabama, crews driving heavy machinery most often used for warm-weather road work cleared snow off roads and parking lots. Dozens of roads were covered with snow or icy spots, and scores of school systems in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama canceled classes, opened late or switched from in-person teaching to virtual instruction because of the weather. ___ Reeves reported from Birmingham, Alabama. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Windstorm Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on February 19, 2021 2021/02/19 Xinhua News Agency: A Washington Post article titled "Squeezed Out of the Race for Western Vaccines, Developing Countries Turn to China" says that amid the pandemic, the world faces a major problem. As wealthier nations have locked up so many doses of Western vaccines - in some cases twice or three times their population, impoverished developing countries cannot secure contracts with Western vaccine companies. The Chinese vaccine is a solution for the developing countries squeezed out of the race, and it has become most reliable when fighting COVID-19. Also, reports say eight foreign leaders have been inoculated with Chinese vaccines. What's your comment on this? Hua Chunying: Indeed, in the recent couple of days we read and heard a lot about Chinese vaccines going overseas and embraced by many developing countries. Some media reports said the vaccines became Spring Festival presents that these countries wanted the most. We are glad that Chinese doses can be a solution to their urgent problems at this critical juncture in the fight against the virus. Many countries sent chartered flights to China for vaccine delivery, and many heads of state or government received the vaccines at the airport. As a foreign leader noted, while still needing vaccination at home, China provided developing countries with vaccine doses which can be compared to the "light at the end of the tunnel". As far as I know, at least eight heads of state or government have publicly received Chinese vaccine jabs, casting votes of confidence in the safety and efficacy of Chinese vaccines. I'd like to stress that by participating in international vaccine cooperation, China is trying to make vaccines a global public good. We believe all countries should work together to reject vaccine nationalism, promote fair and reasonable distribution especially in developing countries. China will continue cooperating with relevant countries on vaccines and contributing to the final victory of the global fight against the virus. Beijing Daily: According to a Politico report, Beijing's flow of cash under its Belt and Road Initiative supplies 70 percent of the financing for the world's new coal-fired plants. China, the world's top greenhouse gas emitter, aims to take a leading role in international climate change efforts. What is your response? Hua Chunying: The Belt and Road Initiative is pro-development, but more specifically it is pro-green development. Under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, China pursues open, green and clean energy cooperation with relevant countries, and works towards high-standard, people-centered and sustainable development. China's cooperation in the renewable energy sector, such as hydro, wind and photovoltaic power, with countries along the BRI route has accelerated their transition towards efficient, clean and diversified energy supplies, which brought along economic, social and environmental dividends. Nearly 70% of the world's photovoltaic power is produced by Chinese PV manufacturers, which represents not a small contribution at all to driving down costs for PV layout and on-grid price and promoting global energy transformation. That said, relevant countries along the BRI route are home to the majority of the almost 800 million people around the world who don't have full access to electricity. Some countries opt for coal-fired power generation first in light of their national conditions and available resources so that they could at least manage to have access to affordable electricity. Chinese companies, based on the needs and requirements of cooperative partners as well as market principles, offered clean, reliable and safe energy supply solutions featuring high standards, low emission and low energy consumption. Such cooperation has not only improved people's livelihood, but also contributed to local economic development and social stability. China's status as the largest developing country, its population, economic volume and development stage mean it has a unique role to play in global climate governance. Our biggest contribution is that we've been taking active steps to conserve energy and cut emissions, and exerting ourselves to do our best to deal with climate change. Last year, China announced a series of important climate policies, including to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, and four new measures to scale up nationally determined contributions (NDCs). These policies, designed in accordance with our national condition and capacity, represent our best efforts in dealing with climate change. They meet the Paris Agreement article on the NDCs reflecting the highest possible ambition of each Party, showcase China's firm determination to actively address climate change and have won wide acclaim from the international community. Climate change is a global challenge that calls for concerted efforts and leadership from all parties. China will work with all sides to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, jointly forge a fair, reasonable, win-win global climate governance system, and lend impetus to the global transformation to low-carbon development and post-pandemic green recovery. YTN: First question, the Chinese MFA spokesperson said in 2015 that the forced recruitment of "comfort women" was a serious humanitarian crime committed by Japanese military during World War II. And also last night, the U.S. government also criticized the Japanese military's recruitment of "comfort women", saying that it was human trafficking for sexual purposes and a terrible violation of human rights. I'd like to ask the Chinese government's current position on this issue. And the second one is recently, a professor of Harvard University wrote a paper to argue that the "comfort women" were voluntary prostitution. I'm curious about your comment on this issue. Hua Chunying: I understand that the core of your two questions is China's official position on the "comfort women" issue, so let me take the two questions altogether. China's position on the "comfort women" issue is consistent and clear. The forced recruitment of "comfort women" is a grave crime against humanity committed by the Japanese militarism against the people of Asian and other victimized countries during the Second World War. It is an internationally recognized historical fact with iron-clad evidence. We have been asking the Japanese side to earnestly face up to and deeply reflect on history, properly handle the "comfort women" issue in a responsible manner, and take concrete actions to win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. China opposes all erroneous acts that whitewash the war of aggression in an attempt to deny and distort history. China Daily: U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on February 18, "For the moment, we have kept the tariffs in place that were put in by the Trump administration, ... and we'll evaluate going forward what we think is appropriate," adding that Washington expected Beijing to adhere to its commitments on trade. Besides, a report released on February 17 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shows that a full decoupling will cost the United States billions of dollars and American aviation, semiconductor, chemicals and medical devices industries will suffer heavily. I wonder if you have any comment? Hua Chunying: We've also taken note of the report. The former American administration's decision to wage a trade war against China met with a lot of opposition at home. People believe this won't help solve domestic problems. What's more, American businesses and consumers will end up footing the bill. As we've stated time and again, the economic and trade relations between China and the US are mutually-beneficial in nature and there is no winner in a trade war. This has been proven by a lot of facts. The report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce further confirms this. Decoupling with China is decoupling with opportunities, the future and the world. We hope the U.S. side will heed the call of the business community and visionary people at home and abroad, correct its wrong approach, work with China to enhance dialogue and communication, expand trade cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, focus on cooperation, properly manage trade frictions, and work for the sound and stable development of bilateral relations. Beijing Media Network: According to a British Foreign Policy Group report released on February 16, 41 percent of the interviewed see China as a critical threat, while only 22 percent support any economic deals reached between the British government and China, and 13 percent support China in participating in the UK's infrastructure building. What's your comment on this? Hua Chunying: I also read the reports. I think it reminds us once again the importance of media authenticity and objectivity. Some British media agencies, entrenched in ideological bias, have been making and spreading too many lies, rumors and too much disinformation on China-related matters that misled and deceived the British public. This doesn't help Chinese and British people to have a fair mutual understanding, or help mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. We hope people in the UK and around the world can be sharp-eyed and make independent judgment based on facts, and we hope the press can play a constructive role in this process. Facts are facts. We are convinced that someday the scales will fall from their eyes and people in Western countries will really see China. 24kz: Can you tell us the significance of China's cooperation and exchange on giant pandas with other countries? Which are the countries that China has gifted or loaned giant pandas to? Hua Chunying: Adorable cuddly giant pandas are China's national treasury that is also cherished and loved by people all over the world. They are messengers of friendship and cultural exchange between China and the world. In the meantime, as a flagship species in the area of wildlife protection, they also play a positive role in advancing global bio-diversity protection. Currently on giant panda protection and research, China is cooperating with 22 zoos in 18 countries, namely Japan, the United States, Austria, Thailand, Spain, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Singapore, Belgium, Malaysia, the ROK, the Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia, Finland, Denmark and Russia. Such cooperation has helped to promote academic exchanges on protection of endangered species, improve scientific research, and strengthen species protection. The Paper: There are reports that the Canadian foreign minister said his government is gravely concerned about human rights conditions in Xinjiang and hopes independent investigators can conduct work in China. Canada's Conservative Party moved to officially designate China's actions in Xinjiang "genocide". Several U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced the updated version of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in the House of Representatives. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne earlier urged China to "allow international observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to be given immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang at the earliest opportunity". Do you have any comment? Hua Chunying: Indeed, lately certain people in Canada, the United States and Australia have been clattering noisily and spreading lies on Xinjiang. But frankly speaking, every time they do so, the world just sees more clearly their ignorance and absurdity, and their self-claimed moral high ground of democracy and human rights is further chipped away. As to the true situation in Xinjiang, the Chinese side, including the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, has given detailed information in many ways. Regrettably though, these people apparently don't want to listen and couldn't hear it. I would like to stress the four points today. First, allegations of "genocide" and "forced labor" are lies of the century. They were ugly farces directed by a handful of colluding individuals in the political, media and academic fields in Western countries including the United States, Canada and Australia. These people have never been to Xinjiang. They have no idea what a beautiful place it is and how residents are enjoying their lives. Xinjiang's Uyghur population more than doubled in the past 40 years. Have they ever seen this kind of genocide? Perhaps in their mind, ethnic minorities in Xinjiang can only live with poverty, unemployment and discrimination just like minority groups in their own countries. Do they mean to deny the ethnic minorities in Xinjiang their right to choose a profession of their own free will, get equal treatment in seeking employment, and create a better life with their own hands? Foreigners, including many of you here, are free to learn Chinese. Don't ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, as citizens of the People's Republic of China, have the right to learn the common language of their own country? We can see the Uyghur language printed on the RMB banknote. Isn't this a token of ethnic equality in China? In 2019, Xinjiang received over 200 million tourists. If those accusing China truly wish to know the real Xinjiang, they are most welcome to visit the region, talk with the residents and see for themselves. That being said, we are firmly against the so-called investigation based on presumption of guilt. Second, genocide actually took place in Canada, the United States and Australia. In the 1870s, the Canadian government included assimilation of indigenous people in its official agenda and openly advocated the killing of the Indian bloodline. Starting with indigenous children, residential schools were set up to carry out cultural genocide policies. School-age children of indigenous communities were forcibly taken from their families, converted to the Christian church and taught the English language. Incomplete statistics show over 150,000 indigenous children were sent to such schools, of which more than 50,000 died of abuses. The crimes the Canadian government has committed against the indigenous people throughout many years include depriving them of their land and resources and assimilating their language, heritage and culture. As a result, there is a disproportionately high occurrence of depression, drug use, alcoholism, suicide and crimes in the indigenous community. In Canadian prisons, 60 percent of inmates are indigenous residents. Indigenous women and children are 12 times more likely to be murdered or to go missing compared with other groups, with the likelihood being 16 times higher than white people. In the United States, in nearly 100 years after the country was founded, native Indians were expelled and killed during the Westward Expansion. Their population dwindled from 5 million to 250,000, less than one twentieth of the original. In recent years, in the name of fighting terrorism and upholding human rights, the United States roiled turmoil in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Afghanistan, causing millions of innocent casualties. Caught in the conflict are without exception Muslim countries. In Australia, there was the infamous White Australia Policy. Under genocide policies, 100,000 aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families, separating children from parents and leaving them heart-broken. The lingering pain inflicted on the Stolen Generations can still be felt clearly today across the whole society. These true episodes in these countries' history would probably not come to people's mind today if certain individuals were not turning a blind eye to domestic issues while leveling groundless accusations against China. I wonder what the politicians from the three countries you mentioned have to say to the record of blood and tears of their minority communities? Will they condemn it? Third, some in the West like to talk about human rights with other countries condescendingly, acting as a judgemental "lecturer". But I believe, no matter when and no matter which country or society we are talking about, the first order in protecting human rights is to ensure every individual's right to life and health and defend the value and dignity of every life. To live a life free from want, with food on the table and a roof over one's head, that is what I call basic human rights. During the recent Spring Festival holiday, the usual mass movement in China was not possible due to COVID-19. However, the Chinese people had a safe and happy holiday strolling in parks, going to the cinema and enjoying the company of loved ones at home. Over this period, movie theaters sold 160 million tickets; express delivery service increased by 260 percent; local tour booking saw over 300 percent increase in orders. At the same time, a cold spell gripped the southern U.S. state of Texas, causing power outages affecting millions of households. Without electricity to heat their homes, people are in dire straits. Dozens of lives have been claimed. All this has given us a deeper understanding of what human rights truly mean and how to better protect them. We are more convinced that we are on the right path and have every confidence in the future. Fourth, relevant individuals in the three countries disregard plain facts and keep concocting and disseminating lies about Xinjiang with no moral scruples. Their true aim is to use human rights as a cover to meddle in China's internal affairs, undermine China's security and stability and contain its development. But these attempts are all futile. A word of advice to them: attend to their own people and focus more on addressing domestic problems. Should anyone choose to harm Chinese interests, we will surely make firm and necessary responses. Bloomberg: India has been slow to issue visas to Chinese engineers who are needed to set up factories in India. Do you have a comment? Has China clamped down on allowing skilled workers from India to travel to China? Hua Chunying: On Chinese citizens applying for Indian visas, I am not aware of the relevant issue, and I suggest you place your inquiry with relevant authorities in India. The global COVID-19 situation remains grave and complicated. Referencing the practices of other countries, China adjusts its management measures on in-bound travelers accordingly as the epidemic situation evolves. This is temporary arrangement the Chinese side has to make in response to the current outbreak. On the basis of ensuring adequate epidemic containment, China will work to ensure healthy, safe and orderly personnel exchanges with other countries. In fact, as far as I know, on the premise of following epidemic prevention requirements, we have provided the greatest possible assistance and convenience for people coming to China from other countries. Macao Monthly: According to reports, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will host a G7 virtual meeting to form a united front in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. White House Press Secretary said President Biden will talk about global response to the pandemic, rebuilding the economy and tackling economic challenges such as those posed by China. Do you have any response to this? Hua Chunying: You mentioned that the British side wanted to take the G7 meeting to form a united front against COVID-19. Well, on fighting the virus, the words we prefer are solidarity against the pandemic. Indeed, we saw the severe challenges posed by COVID-19 to all countries. We always believe countries should make concerted efforts, assist one another, strengthen solidarity and collaboration, and make contributions to the full, complete victory against the virus. You said some countries will discuss "challenges posed by China" at the G7 meeting. I don't know what specifically they will discuss since the meeting isn't convened yet, but I think the world has witnessed China's positive role in fighting the pandemic and reviving the world economy. China is ready to continue having close communication with all sides and advancing world economic recovery. On the specific mentioning of China, I'd like to say, the world is facing many challenges, and the international community's common aspiration is to make it better rather than worse, more peaceful rather than turbulent, and more united rather than divided. No matter what kind of dialogue and cooperation these countries will have, we hope they can bear in mind that humanity longs for solidarity, not division. We oppose the imposition of rules made by several countries on the international community under the pretext of multilateralism. We also oppose the practice of ideologizing multilateralism to form values-based allies targeting specific countries. We hope the relevant sides will be open and inclusive and jointly deal with the urgent challenges that the world faces. South China Morning Post: U.S. Secretary of State Blinken said, if Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end. State Department spokesperson said on Thursday the United States has accepted an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting with relevant sides to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue. Do you have any response to that? Could you update us on the communication between China and other parties in this regard? Hua Chunying: Yesterday I also stated China's view and position on the Iranian nuclear issue. The Iranian nuclear situation is at a critical stage and there is a rare opportunity to bring the JCPOA back on track. China believes the unconditional return of the United States to the JCPOA as soon as possible is the key to breaking the deadlock. To this end, we've made active efforts toward holding an international meeting attended by JCPOA participants and the United States to come up with a roadmap for U.S. resumption of compliance through negotiations. We are in close communication with all parties on relevant issues. China welcomes the positive gesture by all parties to push forward the political settlement process of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic dialogue. We also call on relevant parties to step up efforts to implement the consensus reached at the foreign ministers' meeting last December and bring the JCPOA back on track at an early date. Phoenix TV: The People's Liberation Army Daily published a report on the heroic stories of troops serving along China's border with India, which confirmed that during the border conflict in June last year, four Chinese soldiers died and one regimental commander was seriously injured. We'd like to know China's consideration in releasing this information at this moment. Hua Chunying: The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense already responded to a reporter's question on the heroic deeds of Chinese frontline officers and soldiers during the border clash. The Galwan Valley conflict in June last year resulted in casualties on both sides. The responsibility lies entirely with the Indian side. Bearing in mind the overall interests of relations between the two countries and the two militaries, China has exercised a high degree of restraint to cool down and ease the situation, which shows its magnanimity and high sense of responsibility as a major country. However, the Indian side has repeatedly sensationalized and hyped up this incident with the casualties and distorted the truth to mislead the international public opinion. Now, as the PLA Daily reveals the truth on the matter, people will have a better understanding of what really happened and who is right and who is wrong. It is the least we could do to pay tribute to these martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the country's border. I read the report again and again. I am so touched by their deeds and my heart is choked with emotion. Chen Hongjun would have become a father in another four months, and Xiao Siyuan was looking forward to marrying his beloved girl. My heart aches to think that they will never see that day. Time stopped for them and they laid down their lives on the plateau where they devoted their youth to safeguarding the country's territorial sovereignty and border tranquility. The 18-year-old Chen Xiangrong wrote, "the purest piece of my heart is reserved for my country". It was really very moving. The peace we have today does not come easily, and every hero and martyr should be remembered and respected. We will always remember them, the motherland will not forget them, and the people will hold them dear to their hearts. I also want to emphasize that China's position on solving the border issue with India is consistent and clear. We are always committed to properly resolving disputes through dialogue and maintaining peace and stability in the border areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to safeguard border peace and tranquility and promote long-term healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. This is in line with the common interests of the two peoples. Kyodo News: According to Indian media, Chinese and Indian troops have fully disengaged today and will hold the tenth round of commander-level talks tomorrow. Can you confirm it? Hua Chunying: As we've said, the two sides have been disengaging in an orderly way. We hope the process can be completed smoothly. If there is any new information, we will keep you posted. Prasar Bharati: There is obvious curiosity that the revelation of the names by Chinese side 8 months after the incident and just ahead of the 10th round of military talks and the completion of the first round of disengagement. I would like to hear your comments on this. Hua Chunying: The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense already responded to a reporter's question on this. I also talked about just now. What happened last June at Galwan Valley was deeply tragic. The responsibility lies entirely with the Indian side. Some Indian media have been spreading misinformation about this incident. The international community is misled. By making the truth public, we hope that people will have a better understanding of what really happened and who is right and who is wrong. It is not only to pay tribute to these martyrs who laid down their lives defending the border for the country, but will also help the two sides to better protect border peace and tranquility in the future. We hope that the border issue will be put in a proper place in bilateral relations, and the Indian side will make joint efforts with us to properly settle the relevant issue and safeguard overall bilateral relations. PTI: Now the disengagement process is taking place in the Pangong lake area and there are other areas where the disengagement was expected to take place. Do you think that now this process of disengagement is expected to be extended to other areas where there have been tensions for the past 8 months? Hua Chunying: What I can tell you is that both sides are in close communication via diplomatic and military channels on the border situation, and both are advancing the disengagement process. As for the specifics, I refer you to the Ministry of National Defense. China's position on the border issue is clear-cut. India is an important neighbor, and the restoration of a sound, stable China-India relationship serves the common aspiration and interests of both peoples. We hope the Indian side can work with China in the same direction. Pa. lawmaker who called for doxing of pro-life teens announces run for lieutenant governor Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Pennsylvania state lawmaker who called for the doxing of pro-life teenagers last year has announced that he is running for lieutenant governor. State Rep. Brian Sims, a Democrat who represents the Philadelphia-based 182nd district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, announced his bid for lieutenant governor of the commonwealth Monday. The incumbent lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, has decided not to run for re-election and is instead seeking the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvanias open seat in the U.S. Senate. After 10 years in the State House, Ive taken the lessons that my parents taught me & reinforced them in my work as a legislator: to take responsibility, commit to service, be courageous, & push for fairness, Sims wrote in a tweet accompanying his announcement video Monday. After 10 years in the State House, Ive taken the lessons that my parents taught me & reinforced them in my work as a legislator: to take responsibility, commit to service, be courageous, & push for fairness. Im ready to take these values to lead the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/lcNmYQghgr Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) February 15, 2021 My time in the Pennsylvania legislature has taught me a lot about not only how Pennsylvania government works, but a lot about how it doesnt. Its taught me a lot about how to work with people who dont always agree with me. Simms said that he believes it is time for me to take what Ive learned in the House and to be able to bring that leadership to the direct service of the Governor. We need adults in the room and I want to bring bold, visionary leadership based on lived experiences and shared values to the Commonwealth, he added. Sims, who describes himself as an LGBTQ activist and a civil rights advocate, made headlines in the spring of 2019 over his confrontations with pro-life protesters demonstrating outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Philadelphia. In a video posted to his Twitter account, Sims filmed himself outside the clinic, calling the pro-life protesters a bunch of pseudo-Christian protestors who have been out here shaming young girls for being here. The state representative offered $100 to anybody who will identify any of these three, as the video panned to show a woman and two teenage girls. After the woman, Ashley Garecht, told Sims that were actually here just praying for the babies, he complained that a bunch of white people [were] standing out in front of a Planned Parenthood, shaming people. He argued that theres nothing Christian at all about what youre doing. As he continued to assert that there was nothing Christian or loving or godly about what youre doing, he turned his attention to another protester, remarking that it would be easier if you just give me your name and your address. On May 2, 2019, Sims sent out a tweet criticizing pro-life protesters demonstrating outside Planned Parenthood clinics. Push back against Planned Parenthood protestors, PLEASE! Theyre racist, classist bigots who NEED & DESERVE our righteous opposition. Push back please! Push back against Planned Parenthood protestors, PLEASE! They prey on young women, they use white privilege, & shame. Theyre racist, classist, bigots who NEED & DESERVE our righteous opposition. Push back, please! #YouAreStrongEnoughhttps://t.co/rYQOiAhC0D Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) May 2, 2019 In a video accompanying the tweet, which has since been deleted, Sims went on a tirade against an elderly pro-life protester.Shame on you, maam, for standing out here thinking you know whats right for other peoples bodies. An old white lady telling people what to do with their bodies? Shame on you This is disgusting, he said. If youre a white person like I am, we have a lot of catching up to do, we have a lot to apologize for, and Im going to start by apologizing for this woman. Shame on you. What youre doing here is disgusting. Dont convince yourself that what youre doing isnt extremely racist. In a May 7 tweet, Sims apologized for his behavior, stressing that two wrongs dont make a right. He vowed to do better, for the women of Pennsylvania. In a subsequent apology, issued in October 2019, he wrote a letter to Garecht and her daughters. I regret the harm that I caused and I have learned a great deal from this, he wrote. I can only ask for your forgiveness and I wish you all the best in the future. Joe Garecht, Ashley Garecht's husband, told the Washington Examiner at the time that the family had forgiven him. On May 10, shortly after Sims posted his first apology video, pro-life activists gathered in front of the Philadelphia Planned Parenthood, where the confrontations took place for a Pro-Life Rally Against Bullying. Lila Rose, the founder and president of the pro-life group Live Action, served as moderator. Other speakers included blogger Matt Walsh and activist Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood employee. Reacting to the news that Sims is running for lieutenant governor, Rose took to Twitter to remind her followers of Sims actions. In 2019, PA State Rep @BrianSimsPA offered his followers $100 if they were able to identify three TEEN girls he was filming & harassing as they quietly prayed outside Planned Parenthood, Rose tweeted. Her tweet was accompanied by the hashtag #ResignBrianSims. Should Sims win the Democratic primary for the lieutenant gubernatorial election, he will run on the same ticket as the Democratic nominee for governor. Incumbent Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, is term-limited and cannot run for a third term in office. The next Pennsylvania gubernatorial election will occur on Nov. 8, 2022, occurring simultaneously with the 2022 midterm election. 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 White House said it would make good on a U.S. promise to donate $4 billion to manufacture and distribute vaccines around the globe. Kamala Harris said that the 2.5 million women who have left the work force since the beginning of the pandemic constituted a national emergency. New York legislators moved to strip Gov. Andrew Cuomo of his pandemic powers. Get the latest updates here, as well as maps and vaccines in development. New rules in a vaccinated society Israels vaccination campaign is the fastest in the world, and in the coming days it will reach a milestone, inoculating half of its population with at least one dose. The rapid rollout is giving the rest of the world a first glimpse into the rules that may govern a vaccinated society and theyre raising thorny questions. This week, the government is allowing the reopening of shopping malls, gyms, sport events, hotels and other venues for the first time in months but only for people who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19. Under a new Green Badge system, customers and attendees will have to carry a certificate of vaccination with a QR code to gain entrance to many areas of public life, from restaurants and event halls, to conferences and swimming pools. The system is fueling a heated debate about personal rights versus the greater good. But for the countrys health minister, the situation is cut and dry: Getting vaccinated is a moral duty. It is part of our mutual responsibility, he said. Whoever does not get vaccinated will be left behind. A health worker administers a dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine to a pregnant woman at Clalit Health Services, in Israel's Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on Jan. 23, 2021. (Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images) Pfizer Launches Trial to Evaluate COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnant Women Pfizer and its partner company said this week that theyre launching a clinical trial to see if their COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for pregnant women. The phase 2/3 study will test approximately 4,000 healthy, pregnant women 18 years of age or older, according to Pfizer and BioNTech. The women will get the shot between 24 to 34 weeks of gestation in the randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blind trial. Pfizers mRNA vaccine requires two doses spaced apart approximately 21 days. Some of the women will get the two doses; others will get a placebo administered three weeks apart. Volunteers will be drawn from multiple countries, including the United States, Argentina, and South Africa. We are proud to start this study in pregnant women and continue to gather the evidence on safety and efficacy to potentially support the use of the vaccine by important subpopulations, Dr. William Gruber senior vice president of Vaccine Clinical Research and Development at Pfizer, said in a statement. Pregnant women have an increased risk of complications and developing severe COVID-19, which is why it is critical that we develop a vaccine that is safe and effective for this population. We are deeply thankful to the volunteers who are enrolling in the trial, and site investigators who are leading this work. Enabling broad access to our highly effective COVID-19 vaccine is an important goal for us. Now that we are seeing successful initial implementation of vaccine campaigns with BNT162b2 across the globe, it is time to take the next step and extend our clinical program to other vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, to potentially protect both them and future generations, added Dr. Ozlem Tureci, chief medical officer for BioNTech. A pharmacist prepares a syringe with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site at NYC Health + Hospitals Metropolitan in New York on Feb. 18, 2021. (Mary Altaffer/AP Photo) The women will participate in the study for 7 to 10 months, as researchers evaluate safety in the infants of the vaccinated women and whether protective antibodies are transferred to the babies. The infants will be monitored until theyre about 6 months old. After a womans baby is born, she will get a vaccine if she previously received a placebo. Pfizers shot is one of two to receive emergency authorization in the U.S. by drug regulators. The Food and Drug Administration required Pfizer to conduct at least one post-authorization study to evaluate the association between its vaccine and a list of adverse events, along with deaths and hospitalizations. The study population was also recommended to include pregnant women. Available data for the vaccine administered to pregnant women are insufficient to inform vaccine-associated risks in pregnancy, the FDA said in a fact sheet about the authorization. In a memo about the vaccine, officials added: There are currently insufficient data to make conclusions about the safety of the vaccine in subpopulations such as children less than 16 years of age, pregnant and lactating individuals, and immunocompromised individuals. If women are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, they should tell their vaccination provider before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Boy With Cerebral Palsy Saves Family, Crawls to Parents Room to Warn Them of a Gas Leak The parents of a 7-year-old boy with cerebral palsy are crediting their heroic son for saving their lives. Hearing an ominous beeping sound while his family slept, the young boy, who is wheelchair-bound, crawled into his parents bedroom to warn them. As it turned out, the beeping was coming from their carbon monoxide detector. The house had a gas leak, originating from the stove, and no one was aware of it. Michael Martinez with his family. (Courtesy of Angie Casas Martinez) I was shaking because I was scared, Michael Martinez told KHOU 11, recalling the late January night he sounded the alarm. Hes our little hero, said mom, Angie. He saved our family. Angie and her sister, who was also sleeping at the familys Atascocita, Texas, home, woke up with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning but later recovered. Symptoms of exposure to the colorless, odorless gas can include headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Martinez family firmly believes that brave Michael saved their lives. Michael Martinez as a baby. (Courtesy of Angie Casas Martinez) Michael has met a great number of developmental milestones but has struggled with mobility since his birth. He was born at 27 weeks weighing just 3 pounds (approx. 1 kg). I thank God hes here, said his mother. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Michael cannot walk unassisted and relies on a wheelchair, occasionally a walking frame, to get around. However, he admitted that I dont want to be in a wheelchair. Angie laments the ways in which her son cant join in with his peers at school. Whenever I take him to school the kids stare at him, she explained. He wants to play, and he wants to run like the other kids. We have our moments where we Michael and I just cry and just hold each other, she shared. In hopes of improving their sons mobility, comfort, and confidence, The Martinez family wants to upgrade Michaels manual wheelchair to a motorized one. Michaels aunt, Evelyn Vargas, set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the $15,000 needed for the upgrade. After hearing of Michaels heroics, said Evelyn, the 7-year-olds school teachers reached out to the news media to cover his story. Since then, Angie has received numerous messages from good Samaritans wishing to contribute to the familys fund. Michael will be undergoing future surgeries and therapies to help him be able to walk, Evelyn wrote. That is his [sic] desire of his heart, to one day walk. Lets help out this hero. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter here: TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This release is issued by King & Spalding: On Feb. 16, 2021, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) entered a default judgment against E.G. Plastics, Inc., an importer of plastic grocery and shopping bags from Thailand, for antidumping duties owed on its imports of polyethylene retail carrier bags (PRCBs). See https://www.cit.uscourts.gov/sites/cit/files/21-17.pdf (Default Judgment). The antidumping order on PRCBs from Thailand became effective on June 18, 2004, after a petition to offset the unfair pricing of PRCBs from Thailand was filed by the Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bag Committee (the PRCB Committee), an ad hoc coalition of U.S. plastic bag manufacturers. Entries of PRCBs originating from Thailand are subject to antidumping duties of up to 122.88 percent. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Customs), E.G. Plastics entered PRCBs from Thailand and failed to pay over $1.1 million in antidumping duties and interest. The default judgment against E.G. Plastics demonstrates that Customs and the U.S. government will continue to take action, provide notice, and bring to court parties that seek to avoid paying countervailing and antidumping duties. Michael Taylor, a partner at the law firm of King & Spalding and counsel to the PRCB Committee, explained that "the U.S. producers of these products want to express their appreciation to the government for actively continuing to enforce the antidumping orders on PRCBs. Enforcement helps ensure that PRCBs are being sold at a fair and normal value in the United States." Taylor elaborated by saying that "the orders on PRCBs promote fair competition and help ensure a strong manufacturing base for customers of grocery and shopping bags." Currently, there are antidumping orders on plastic grocery and shopping bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. There is also a countervailing duty order on such plastic bags from Vietnam, which offsets unfair government subsidies received by Vietnamese bag producers. The antidumping and countervailing duty laws are intended to provide relief to U.S. manufacturers and U.S. workers by requiring antidumping and countervailing duties to be collected on unfairly traded imports. The failure by importers to declare entries as being subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order undermines that relief and may result in severe civil or criminal penalties, including imprisonment. SOURCE K&S Related Links www.kslaw.com Canada-based AK Motor International Corporation, an automotive intellectual property management company, is launching a new electric vehicle brand: Maple Majestic. Arising from AK Motors project CANU (Canadian Automotive New Utilities), Maple Majestic is intended to excel in difficult environments. According to AK Motor, many electric vehicles still remain woefully ill-prepared for harsh climates. This in turn translates to lower sales in relatively cold regions of the world. As befits an EV from Canada, this is one of the key niche focal points as a problem to solve during Maple Majestics development. While AK Motor has a multi-brand / multi-model vision, the first Maple Majestic EV is intended to be a world leader in Climate Friendly Drivingi.e., as friendly to the environment as it will be friendly to drive in difficult environments. AK Motor views key electric driveline elementsbatteries, inverters, electric motors>as commodity components, and is choosing to focus on other areas of innovation. In particular, two key areas will be extreme weather driving dynamics and occupant hospitality. Climate Friendly driving does not necessarily mean an SUV, says the company. The frontal projection of an SUV always means increased drag on account of its height, which impacts fuel efficiency, and the accompanying top-heaviness impacts cornering stability. However, AK Motor recognizes the markets preference for SUVs and the Maple Majestic concept will offer an adjustable ride height suspension with a target of up to 150 mm ride height adjustability. This means a variable ground clearance from a sporty 140 mm up to 290 mm in some conditions that may involve heavy snow. The overall height will vary from 1440 mm up to 1590 mm which enters the territory of some mid-size SUVs. Both front and rear axles have an identical track which makes it easier to drive through snow. Perhaps the most striking visual feature will be the extended wheel-base at 3100 mm. Chamfered corners allow for excellent urban driving and parking maneuverability. There is a strong packaging logic to the extended wheelbase which not only aids in straight-line stability in adverse weather conditions, and improves rear passenger comfort, but also allows for potentially larger batteries in the floor. AK Motor envisions that the vehicle may accommodate different battery sizes depending on the owners geographical location and expected driving habits. AK Motor has also considered provisions for a hybrid version of the Maple Majestic EV. The space ahead of the rear axle can potentially house a small ICE intended as back-up power generation. The number of cases of the UK's B117 coronavirus variant in the US is doubling about every 10 days, a new study estimates. It comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that the variant could become dominant in the US by March - a message reiterated by the agency's director Dr Rochelle Walensky yesterday. But experts are divided over what that might mean. University of Washington computational biologist Dr Trevor Bedford says the variant - as well as others that have emerged or been imported into the US - will likely drag out the pandemic, but he's not convinced they will lead to a massive spring wave of infections and deaths. On the other hand, an economist and modeler at Pantheon Macroeconomics estimates that the slow pace of vaccination coupled with lax restrictions could allow new cases of the variant to spike to 400,000 a day by the end of April. Their conflicting predictions mirror the advice of public health officials like Dr Walensky and Dr Fauci, which can sound paradoxical: The worst of the pandemic may well be behind the US, but it will take work to keep it that way. US cases of the UK variant are doubling about every 10 days, new research estimates, with the greatest density of cases in Florida and California (dark blue) As of Thursday, there are at least 1,367 cases of the UK variant in the US. It has reached nearly every state - all but eight - and has taken a firm hold in two states with similar epidemic curves, but drastically different attitudes toward the pandemic: California and Florida. The variant rose to dominance within a few months of its discovery in the UK in December. It is thought to be about 70 percent more infectious and led to a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the UK and, in turn, the nation's strictest set of lockdowns, which began in early January. The US has seen a sustained five-week down turn in coronavirus cases, and even daily deaths - which lag behind other metrics - have begun to decline. US health officials are relieved that the post-holiday surge in infections, hospitalizations and deaths is finally subsiding. But they warn that this progress is delicate, and could be reversed by the fast-spreading variants. Public health experts have been by and large been puzzled over the what exactly is driving the downturn, but Dr Bedford isn't. 'After a ~2 month plateau from mid-Nov to mid-Jan, the US #COVID19 epidemic has undergone a steady week after week decline and is now back to daily case counts last seen in late October,' he wrote in a Thursday Twitter thread. He used daily COVID-19 case numbers in US states and compared them to the Rt - or figure that estimates the rate of transmission according to how many additional cases of coronavirus each infection leads to. The rate of transmission has declined - though not without some bumps along the way - in every state in the US since November, driving down the cases, deaths and hospitalizations The Rt - or rate of transmission - is now below 1 (blue) in nearly every US state, suggesting that the outbreak is ebbing, compared to November (top left) when the Rt was about one in every state and cases were about to surge When that number is above one, the outbreak is likely growing. When it is at one, the pandemic is considered stable, and when Rt falls below one, an outbreak is likely ebbing. The UK has used this figure as a critical metric to determine whether it needs to tighten restrictions or can begin to relax them. Dr Bedford notes that the Rt in the US was greater than 1 in November and December - meaning that each infection led to more than one additional infection, on average. It led to an explosion of cases, which led to surging hospitalizations and, weeks later, a soaring death toll, with more than 5,000 Americans dying of COVID-19 on the nation's deadliest day. 'Generally, Rt > 1 in Nov and Dec corresponding to rising cases and drops below 1 in Jan corresponding to falling cases. We've seen a steady decline in Rt from Nov to Feb. Thus, current decline is not a sudden shift in circumstance, but resulted from reaching Rt < 1,' Dr Bedford wrote. 'Solely based on continued improvements to seasonality and continued increase in population immunity due to natural infection and vaccination I'd expect this trend to largely continue and the US fall/winter surge to be brought further under control. 'However, the rapid take-off of B117 will push against these gains.' In the UK, Denmark and Switzerland, the variant had a growth rate of about 0.7, allowing it go from a fraction of a percent to 20 percent of all cases within two-and-a-half months in the latter two countries, and from 20 percent to dominance in the UK. In the US, the new study - posted as a pre-print, ahead of peer review on MedRxiv.com - the researchers from Helix and the Scripps Research Institute estimated B117 to be 35 percent to 54 percent more transmissible. That means that cases are doubling about every 10 days, and the variant likely arrived in the US as early as late November. 'Our study shows that the U.S. is on a similar trajectory as other countries where B.1.1.7 rapidly became the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, requiring immediate and decisive action to minimize COVID-19 morbidity and mortality,' they wrote. Studies suggest that the variant is not immune to vaccines, but is more transmissible and perhaps some 30 percent more deadly. Dr Bedford takes this seriously too, but takes a more optimistic view. 'It's not clear to me at this point whether biological increase in transmissibility of B.1.1.7 will "win" against further improvements to seasonality and immunity in ~6 weeks time at the end of March,' he wrote. He added that California and Florida might be the best bellwethers for how B117 will progress in the US, because they are 'further along' with 186 and 416 cases of the variant, respectively. So far, cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all declining in both states. But public health officials will certainly be keeping close watch in the coming weeks to see whether the fast-spreading variants change that. Geneva, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Feb, 2021 ) :The World Health Organization on Thursday urged Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers to make good on their commitments as the planet's poorest countries await their first doses. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Covax facility -- the global Covid-19 vaccine procurement and distribution effort ensuring poorer countries can access doses -- was now ready to begin. Around 336 million AstraZeneca-Oxford doses and 1.2 million Pfizer-BioNTech doses -- the only two vaccines with WHO approval -- are set to start being shipped out later this month through Covax. "At the beginning of the year I issued a call to action to ensure that vaccination of health workers was under way in all countries within the first 100 days of the year," Tedros told a news conference. Friday "marks the half-way point, and we have made progress, but we are not there yet. "With the emergency use listing of two versions of the AstraZeneca vaccine this week, Covax is ready to roll out vaccines and is waiting for several manufacturers to make good on their commitments," he said, without elaborating. - Concerns for small states - On Monday, the WHO gave the seal of approval to the AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured in plants in India and South Korea, meaning it can now be shipped out via Covax. The facility is set to issue its final distribution list for the first wave of deliveries next week. The first doses will be delivered by the end of February, with the bulk in March. Around 145 economies are set to receive enough doses to immunise 3. 3 percent of their collective population by mid-2021. During his news conference, Tedros noted that countries in Europe -- which have been striking their own deals with manufacturers --- were aiming to vaccinate 70 percent of their populations in a similar same time frame. Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Keith Rowley, chairman of CARICOM, the 15-member Caribbean Community, voiced fears that small states, lacking bargaining power, would be shut out of the global vaccination drive. - 'Invisible destroyer' - "As there is the understandable rush to receive the vaccines and inoculation of our various populations, we are more than a little bit concerned that there is, or is to be, hoarding and price-gouging as well as undue preference in some quarters," Rowley told the WHO press conference, via video-link. "We are all yoked to an invisible destroyer. It is my hope and plea that... on this occasion, the rich take care of the poor. "All we ask as members of the family of nations is that we not be forgotten, ignored -- or worse, taken advantage of in this business of life and death."The WHO launched its annual Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for 2021 on Thursday, saying $1.96 billion was needed to fund another year of battling the pandemic. The plan's six objectives are to suppress transmission; reduce exposure; counter misinformation; protect the vulnerable; reduce death and illness; and accelerate equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category PM Modis five point plan to deal with COVID-19 backed by Pakistan, other neighbours India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Thursday proposed a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses to facilitate their quick and unhindered movement within the region during health emergencies. The PM also called for a regional air ambulance agreement for medical contingencies. The PM was addressing a virtual workshop on COVID-19 comprising health officials from India's South Asian neighbours, including Pakistan. The workshop also included the Indian Ocean countries, Mauritius and Seychelles. Strong India-Australia partnership, key in shaping post-COVID world: PM Modi The proposal by the PM was agreed to by all countries, including Pakistan, sources tell OneIndia. The source also said that all countries proposed a structural discussion for regional cooperation on these proposals in order to take them forward. Pakistan was represented by Faisal Sultan, the special assistant to PM Imran Khan. PM Modi also called for creating a regional platform for collating, compiling and studying data about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among the people of the region. The PM asked if all could similarly create a regional network for promoting technology driven epidemiology for preventing future pandemics. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News The PM also said that India was also willing to share its successful public health policies and schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Arogya Schemes. It may be useful for case studies for our friends in the region. Such collaboration could become the pathway for greater regional cooperation among us, the PM also said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 12:04 [IST] Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time 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. Groups representing major tech companies filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging Marylands new online advertising tax, contending it is an improper levy on the internet. The suit in U.S. District Court in Maryland challenges the states recently enacted gross receipts tax on digital advertising revenue as unconstitutional and illegal under a federal internet tax moratorium. The plaintiffs include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Internet Association, NetChoice and the Computer and Communications Industry Association. Big tech companies including Facebook Inc., Alphabet Inc.s Google unit and Amazon.com Inc. are represented by the groups. The suit will be closely watched, as other cash-strapped states look to the burgeoning online economy as a new source of tax revenue. Representatives of the tech companies contend that the tax will unfairly hit small businesses that depend on the internet during the Covid-19 pandemic. In light of the current pandemic and economic uncertainty, increasing taxes on services used by small businesses to keep themselves running is a particularly poor and ill-timed policy," said Caroline Harris, vice president for tax policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. But Maryland legislators who pushed for the tax argued that big online advertising companies havent been paying their fair share in the state. At a time when Marylands budget is being impacted in unforeseen and astronomical ways due to COVID-19, Maryland families and small businesses can foot the bill, or big tech can start paying their fair share," Maryland Senate Democrats tweeted a few days ago. A number of states that have seen their revenues hit by the pandemic have begun to consider new taxes on aspects of the internet economy. That has the online advertising industry preparing to challenge efforts similar to Marylands in other states including New York, Connecticut, South Dakota and Nebraska. Any state that follows Maryland is on the same path to the courthouse," said Stephen Kranz, a lawyer with McDermott Will & Emery who is representing the business plaintiffs. Supporters of the tax say it reflects the dominant role played by digital businesses in the economy. For two decades, these companies have grown exponentially by availing themselves of the privileges of statesand been free riders to Marylands investments in our civic infrastructure, Bill Ferguson, a Democrat and president of the Maryland Senate who introduced the bill, said in a statement. Under the law, companies with annual gross revenue between $100 million and $1 billion globally will have to pay a 2.5% tax on their digital ad revenue in Maryland. Companies that make over $15 billion in global gross revenue a year will qualify for the top tax rate of 10% on ad revenue in the state. News and broadcast media companies are exempt. Dan Jaffe, executive vice president of government relations for the Association of National Advertisers, said the law will be difficult to enforce, as technology companies that sell ad space typically dont break out their revenue by state. Instead, digital ads often target different groups of people around the country based on data about their personal traits. The Maryland state comptroller will ultimately be responsible for tax collection services. The state has had conversations about using location-tracking techniques like geofencing and IP addresses that identify individual devices, Mr. Ferguson said in an interview. Its complex and complicated and it is a new area," he said. I imagine over time those regulations will have to adjust to the changing technologies." Agencies that broker deals between advertisers and media companies are also unclear, based on the language in the bill, about whether they would be considered an ad seller, and thus get taxed, said Alison Pepper, executive vice president of government relations at 4As, which represents advertising agencies. Mr. Ferguson said he doesnt believe that a company reselling ad space to a marketer client would get taxed in addition to the company that sold the advertising real estate in the first place. The intention is to tax the digital company selling the original advertising space, 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. 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. Patrick Leading Panel on Low Vaccinations in Communities of Color PITTSFIELD, Mass. Former Gov. Deval Patrick will lead a virtual panel of local health professionals on Tuesday to address the low numbers of COVID-19 vaccinations in the state's communities of color. The novel coronavirus is disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic people. Long-standing structural health and social inequities have increased the risks of sickness and death, which coupled with historic and systemic issues of maltreatment, have created an environment of mistrust with the vaccine process. According to the latest report by state Department of Public Health, only 3.3 percent of Hispanic or Latinx residents, 2.8 percent of Asian American and Pacific islanders, and 2.6 percent of Black residents make up those who have been vaccinated across the commonwealth. To help build vaccine trust, which is critical to protecting lives and ending the pandemic, several organizations have joined together to provide a dedicated space for communities of color to learn, ask questions, and share concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. "It is important to acknowledge that there is distrust in health care and the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines by people of color," Dr. Adrian Elliot of Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington said. "We have to understand why people have the perspectives they have. This is an urgent moment for us to listen, answer questions, and build trust in the medical system." Patrick will lead the health-care and cultural competency professionals who will brief the audience on the safety of the vaccines and address the treatment of minorities in U.S. medical history. Panelists include Elliot, chief of emergency medicine at Fairview; Eden-Renee Hayes, director of the Davis Center at Williams College, and Rosa Tobango, a licensed practical nurse at Laurel Lake Nursing Home in Lee. There will be time for questions from the audience. The free virtual event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available. Registration is required here The event is co-sponsored by NAACP Berkshire Chapter, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Immigrant Center, Berkshire Pride and Community Health Programs. New Delhi, Feb 19 : A CISF constable, posted at the Indraprastha Metro station, saved the life of a passenger who suddenly collapsed on the platform, officials said on Friday. On Thursday, constable Anil Gunja noticed that a male passenger, who de-boarded from the metro, suddenly fell unconscious. Informing his seniors, he rushed to the man's side and found he was unconscious and was not breathing properly. As per the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), he started giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) due to which the passenger, identified as Javed Ali, 45, resident of Uttam Nagar, regained consciousness. The CISF shift-in-charge and station controller also reached the spot and thereafter, an ambulance was called and Ali sent to the G.B. Pant Hospital for further medical assistance. Later, doctors informed that his condition was stable. BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has praised what he called "allied ties" between Bishkek and Moscow, and expressed confidence that his planned trip to Russia will lead to the further strengthening of bilateral ties. "The course to bring our ties with Russia to the highest level of allied ties and strategic partnership corresponds to Kyrgyzstan's national interests, Japarov wrote in a commentary published in Slovo Kyrgyzstana (The Word Of Kyrgyzstan) state newspaper on February 19. Last month, Japarov's office said the president would travel to Russia for his first official trip abroad since his election on January 10. It remains unclear when the visit will take place. In his commentary, Japarov also said he would always oppose "any attempts of political manipulations" around the official status of the Russian language in the Central Asian nation. "For many years, Kyrgyzstan lived and developed hand in hand with Russia, and the Russian language is not just an official language but also the language of interethnic communication, the president wrote. Kyrgyzstan has been in crisis since parliamentary elections in October 2020 led to protests that triggered the toppling of the government and the resignation of then-President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. Japarov 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 denied the charge. The 52-year-old's landslide victory came in an election that international observers said "generally respected" fundamental freedoms even though the vote was not "fully fair." The mass power and water outages from the winter storm has led to more than 500 complaints from Harris County residents of price gouging, where customers complained of exorbitant costs for gas, water and lodging, officials said. The complaints none of which have yet been substantiated are more than double than the number of grievances lodged at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said. Menefee, while scrolling through the complaints Thursday, found hiked prices on water to be among the most egregious offenses during the historic winter storm, which plunged households statewide into darkness and frigid temperatures for more than 24-hour stretches at times. In Houston, many homes lost water from burst pipes sending citywide pressure down with it. A boil order then deemed what water was available on tap unsafe to drink. More Information To lodge a price gouging complaint, email consumerhelp@cao.hctx.net, text (346) 354-7459 or go to https://www.harriscountycao.org/pricegouging with the name and address of business, picture of receipt and details on what happened. See More Collapse Some sellers were reported to have been selling water for twice the price, or unwrapping cases to hawk bottles individually, he said. Water is a necessity, especially during a power outage and with water pressure issues, Menefee said. The complaints started rolling in Wednesday at the start of a reporting program authorities initiate after disasters and continued to rise Thursday. A similar initiative happened early on in the coronavirus pandemic. State law known as the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act prohibits businesses to take advantage of consumers during a disaster declaration, such as demanding excessive prices for fuel, food, medicine, lodging, building materials, construction tools or other necessities. Officials with the Texas Attorney Generals office declined to disclose the number of complaints lodged statewide so far during the winter storm. The county attorney flagged at least one report of unleaded gas alleged to have cost at least $3.50 per gallon during his review of the complaints. Varying prices of gas were found as motorists idled in Houston streets Wednesday to wait in line for a chance at fuel. At least one station in the East End charged drivers at least $2.38 per gallon with a card. In Third Ward, some stations listed their prices at $2.49 and $2.68 per gallon. Wednesdays average in Houston, however, was $2.19 per gallon 3 cents more than last week, according to AAA records. He compared the buying spree as a run on a bank. Ive seen people gassing up additional storage tanks, for generators. I feel like people are feeling the need, he said. But he warned, its illegal for you to sell fuel at an excessive price. High lodging rates hotels charging $500 to $1,000 a night to cold Houstonians desperate for a warm bed and electricity were also reported. County investigators have already been handed stacks of complaints to pursue. The next step, Menefee said, is to look into the business records. Most businesses will correct their prices will others result in cease-and-desist letters or lawsuits, at which time the state attorney generals office may also get involved. During the early stretch of the pandemic, out of nearly 200 similar complaints investigators found 135 substantiated claims. Thirteen complaints escalated to cease and desist letters, while no lawsuits were filed, Menefee said. High electrical bills are also a growing concern but, so far, thats out of their purview. Its not entirely clear whether electrical companies can be held accountable out of a public utility commission, Menefee continued, adding that state law applies to necessities but it comes down to whether electricity falls into that bucket. Its something well be looking at. nicole.hensley@chron.com Please reference CCSO Case # 21-001216 Photos: At about 4 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2021, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Patrol deputies responded to a residence on Old Barn Ln. in Damascus to make an arrest on a warrant. The subject at the location they were attempting to arrest was John Rendenbo, who was wanted for a parole violation stemming from an Assault II charge. Deputies saw Redenbo at the residence before he went inside and barricaded himself. Deputies attempted contact with Redenbo, but they were unsuccessful. At about 6 p.m., two people came out of the house. One of them was identified as Sade Cleora Geraldine Hollis, 29, of Damascus, who had a warrant for Failing to Appear on an Identity Theft charge out of Washington County. Based on the situation and the seriousness of the criminal charge, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Team was consulted, and they responded to the scene at about 7 p.m. Members of the Clackamas County Sheriffs Crisis Negotiations Team responded to the scene, as well, and began attempting communication with Redenbo. They were initially able to communicate wtih somone inside the residence, but Redenbo ignored their attempts to speak with him. At about 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 18, SWAT team members were able to take Redenbo into custody without further incident. John Redenbo, 59, of Damascus, was transported to the Clackamas County Jail and booked on a no bail parole violation. This was a successful mission, with no one injured and the suspect safely arrested. Sheriff's Office detectives are now investigating possible weapons charges against Redenbo. [END] Sgt. Marcus Mendoza Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Public Information Unit Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of 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. Mainland fighters buzz Taiwan's air zone Taiwans Defence Ministry said mainland fighter jets, including four JH-7s (pictured) flew into its air defence zone on Friday. File image: Shutterstock Taiwan's air force scrambled on Friday after eight Chinese fighter aircraft flew into the southwestern part of its air defence zone in another display of stepped-up military activity around the island. Beijing said it is responding to what it calls "collusion" between Taipei and Washington, Taiwan's main international backer and weapons supplier. The Taiwanese Defence Ministry said four mainland J-16s and four JH-7s as well as an electronic warfare aircraft flew near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the top part of the South China Sea. The air force scrambled, with "radio warnings issued and air defence missile systems deployed to monitor the activity," the ministry said. Mainland aircraft fly in the southwestern corner of the zone on an almost daily basis, though the last such large-scale incursion was on January 24 when 12 Chinese fighters were involved. There was no immediate comment from Beijing. Shortly before the ministry's statement, Taiwan announced a reshuffle of senior security officials including a new, US-trained defence minister, to help bolster military modernisation and intelligence efforts. President Tsai Ing-wen has pledged to defend the island and has made modernising its armed forces a priority, including developing a fleet of new submarines, buying new F-16 fighters from the United States and upgrading its warships. National Security Bureau Director-General Chiu Kuo-cheng, who graduated from the US Army War College in 1999, would replace Yen De-fa as defence minister, Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang told reporters. The president expected Chiu to complete the next stage of military reforms, including planning for "asymmetric warfare", focusing on high-tech, mobile weapons designed to make any Chinese attack as difficult as possible, Chang said. Chiu's old job as intelligence chief will be taken by Taiwan's top China policy-maker, Chen Ming-tong, now head of the Mainland Affairs Council. "The most important task of the National Security Bureau is to understand and have a grasp on China," Chang said. They will take up their posts next week. (Reuters) I know for many this may be a very anxious process and I think the plans here have taken that into account, he said. Mr Morrison said he and Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly would be receiving the Pfzier vaccine, which is being used in the first stage of the rollout, very, very soon. But other political leaders, including Ms Berejiklian and federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, would be waiting for the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is expected to be available from March. It is important for us as leaders - and this is my health advice that I demonstrate, Mr Morrison said. Im happy to get it: I think it is important people understand it is safe. There is no way I can say that more than rolling up my sleeve and getting the vaccination. Strictly under the strategy, Mr Morrison, aged 52, should be having his vaccine later in the year in phase 2a, using the AstraZeneca vaccine, the same phase in which Ms Berejiklian, aged 50, is scheduled to receive her dose. Loading The Prime Minister said he supported the Premiers intention to choose workers for her states hotel quarantine system based on willingness to have the vaccine, although his health advice was not to mandate it. Ms Berejiklian said all feedback she had received on the issue was that workers involved in the hotel quarantine system were enthusiastic about receiving their vaccine. Asked if she would make this mandatory in a Public Health Order, the Premier said she would watch and see. Im completely happy and comfortable for there to be incentives for people to take the vaccine. I think thats a positive way to do it rather than penalised people who dont take the vaccine. The Premier said she was looking at implementing Victorias plan to vaccinate families of quarantine workers early, but the larger numbers of people involved in NSWs system meant the workers themselves would be prioritised. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video There were 16,970 tests reported to 8pm last night, a slight drop on the previous days total of 20,906. The Premier urged residents to continue to come forward for testing even as the states frontline is progressively vaccinated. The second that were complacent, community transmission will occur, and well go backwards and thats something we dont want, she warned. She said she was extremely pleased and excited to see the first doses administered next week. It is no doubt going to change the way in which we live with COVID, she said. It does change the way in which we will think about the restrictions and life. However, in the meantime, until theres a critical mass of our population who have been vaccinated, we all have to stick to the rules as strictly as ever. Thousands of police on standby THAILAND: More than 12,000 crowd control officers will be deployed to handle anti-government demonstrations planned outside parliament today (Feb 19) and other important places in Bangkok this weekend. politicspolice By Bangkok Post Friday 19 February 2021, 09:43AM A group of anti-government demonstrators clash with riot police near parliament building who prevented them from reaching the building last November. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul. A Facebook page named Mob Fest yesterday also posted a message urging supporters to rally outside parliament at 5pm today. We will watch a live broadcast of the no-confidence debate on a big screen, the page declared. We will yell at the government and debate on 10 urgent issues proposed by the people. Over the past seven years since Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha seized power, he has taken the people on a roller-coaster ride with a host of promises and it has all come crashing down. Parliament will vote on the oppositions no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Prayut and nine of his cabinet ministers tomorrow. The Facebook page of the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, which is part of the anti-government Ratsadorn (Peoples) Movement, announced yesterday the group would hold a rally tomorrow, with the time and location to be announced today. There are two days to go before the deadline. People who champion democracy are requested to prepare for it, the group said. Arnon Nampa, a co-leader of the Ratsadorn Group, took to Facebook to urge demonstrators to avoid using violence when confronting authorities. He is being detained at Bangkok Remand Prison on a range of charges, including lese majeste. Using violence in retaliation to the state which provoked violence will not bring victory, he posted. Pol Maj Gen Piya Tawichai, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), said yesterday that 12 companies of 1,800 crowd control officers would be sent to handle protesters over the weekend. Police expect the protesters to gather at Democracy Monument and outside parliament at the Kiak Kai intersection. A police source said deputy national police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas had also mobilised 69 companies of 10,350 officers from the nine provincial police regions to support the MPBs crowd control operation. Wanwichit Boonprong, a political science lecturer at Rangsit University, predicted the anti-government movement would not be as active as before, but that confrontations between protesters and security officers could still turn violent. The movement did not have new issues to engage public attention, Mr Wanwichit said, but the delay in the charter amendment process and economic problems could be thorny issues for the government. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court yesterday accepted a petition seeking its ruling on the legality of proposed charter amendments. The court said it was authorised by the constitution to rule on problems related to the duties and powers of the House of Representatives, the Senate, parliament, cabinet and independent agencies, so the petition was within its scope. On Feb 9, parliament agreed the court should rule on the legality of the charter amendment process following a motion proposed by Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) list MP Paiboon Nititawan and Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn. They said they were concerned that proposed amendments paving the way for the creation of a charter drafting assembly (CDA) could be unconstitutional because parliament was only authorised to change the charter, not create a new one. PPRP list MP Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn said yesterday the courts decision to accept the petition would not affect parliaments second reading of the proposed charter amendments on Feb 24-25. Pheu Thai secretary-general Prasert Jantararuangtong, however, expressed concern the charter amendment process could be delayed further if the court ruled against it. After the no-confidence debate ends tomorrow, parliament will have one weeks work left before going into recess on Feb 28. House Speaker Chuan Leekpai has set Feb 24-25 for the second reading of proposed charter amendments. They are expected to take some time because more than 100 parliamentarians have requested to fine-tune two charter amendment bills, one proposed by the government and the other by the opposition. Parliament adopted the two bills in the first reading on Nov 18 last year. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Did you ever hear the song that begins with the words, We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord? The lyrics are very simple, with the repeated refrain, And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yeah they'll know we are Christians by our love. Today, we might want to change that refrain to they'll know we are Christians by our hate, by our hate. We have become terribly disfigured in recent years, in many ways, the opposite of Gods intent. How on earth did this happen? If you dont believe me, visit some of our personal, Bible-affirming, Jesus-believing, social media pages, where we savage each other and attack each other and spread hearsay and even lies about one another with reckless abandon. They are hate-filled pages, pages filled with venom and poison, yet pages that ultimately reflect what is in our own hearts. I ask again: how on earth did this happen? To give one recent, case in point, when my younger colleague Jeremiah Johnson publicly apologized for wrongly prophesying Trumps reelection, he received a torrent of hate mail of the basest sort, almost all of it from professing Christians. This is the fruit of the Spirit? This is the result of our fellowship with God? This is what happens when we are changed into the likeness of Jesus? Obviously not. Yet I see this every day. We are vile. We are vicious. We are mean-spirited. We treat each other with disrespect and disdain. There is little honor. Little humility. Little grace. Perhaps worse still, we have been taught to hate and we have found justification for our hatred. After all, the Democrats (or Republicans or whatever people have our ire at the moment) are downright demons. They are Satan incarnate. They are pure evil. They deserve nothing but damnation. They are worthy of our ridicule. To treat them with even a modicum of decency is beneath our high Christian calling, a calling we now demonstrate by our condescending, cruel, mocking, and merciless attitudes. Oh, how holy we have become! The truth is that we can hate sin without becoming hateful. We can stand against corruption and evil without becoming vile. We can even be righteously indignant without becoming venomous. Yet we get in the flesh and violate hundreds of scriptural exhortations, all while puffing out our self-righteous chests. This is a stench in Gods nostrils. At all points, God calls us to speak the truth in love. At all points, God calls us to exercise self-restraint. At all points, God calls us to follow the example of Jesus. Some will say, I agree. We should follow the example of Jesus the Jesus who overturned the tables of the money changers in the Temple and the Jesus who rebuked the Pharisees in the strongest possible terms. Thats the Jesus I emulate. Sorry friend, but youre barking up the wrong tree. First, youre not the unique Son of God, and neither am I. Yet when He overturned the tables in the Temple, He did so as the Son of God, taking action on behalf of His heavenly Father. Where, in Scripture, did He ever tell us to go and do the same? Where, in the Bible, is it recorded that the apostles followed His lead and repeated His acts? Second, it was the perfect, sinless Messiah who rebuked the Pharisees, men who were highly respected religious leaders of their day. Today, He might be rebuking some of us. Not only so, but He did more than simply rebuke them for their hypocrisy. He also died for their salvation. When we have that kind of love, the love that is ready and willing to die for those we rebuke, then our words will sound and feel a lot different. That is the kind of love that weeps in secret before it rebukes in public. Third, Jesus explicitly told us how we are to conduct ourselves, saying this: You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48) Listen to those words again: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Are we living as children of our heavenly Father? Whose image and likeness do we bear? Paul wrote, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-24). What kind of fruit are we bearing? We should analyze everything we post or text or say against this grid. Is it in harmony with the fruit of the Spirit? Do our words and attitudes reflect true love? Or do they reflect the works of the flesh, which include hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions (Galatians 5:20, CSB)? According to Paul, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). One of my colleagues, the leader of a major, international media ministry, said that everywhere he has traveled in the United States, he has seen Christians angry and divided over politics. Is that what has infected us? Have we become so consumed with partisan politics to the point that our Christian identity is now completely intertwined with a fleshly, angry, divisive, and accusative spirit the very spirit of worldly politics? Or does the problem run deeper still? Could it also be that we have drifted from our first love with the Lord, drifted from intimacy with Him, drifted from the beauty and wonder of the cross, drifted from fellowship with the Spirit, drifted from being transformed by the Word? Peter exhorted, Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22). John wrote, We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:14-15). Are we getting the message? Jacob (James) added this: Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Does that describe us? Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus said, By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). Today, we are better known for our hate than for our love. It is high time no, it is way past time for some deep, serious soul-searching and repentance. It is time for radical change. May we learn to love again. 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 delegation of envoys from 23 countries concluded their Kashmir visit on Wednesday evening, militants made their presence felt by attacking the son of the owner of a famous eatery, Krishna Dhaba, at Sonawar in uptown Srinagar. Aakash Mehra (22), son of Ramesh Kumar Mehra, was fired upon by the gunmen when he was busy with his work. On December 31, 2020, when Kashmir was filled with tourists, militants shot dead a 65-year-old jeweller in Sarai Bala area of Srinagar. The goldsmith Satpal Nischal, son of Amarnath Nischal, owner of Nischal Jewellers living in Indira Nagar area in Srinagar, was fired upon by the militants at his shop. The deceased was a non-state subject but was living in Kashmir for the past 50 years. He had received the Domicile certificate just a few days before his killing. Guns of militants turning towards members of the minority community, who stayed in Kashmir even after 1990, indicates the desperation and frustration of their bosses sitting across the Line of Control as all their strategies have failed. Strike calls are not working. Militants are not being allowed to sneak in as they are being neutralised at the LoC itself. People of Kashmir seem least interested in taking part in street protests and becoming a part of the separatist politics. Businessmen from minority community becoming soft targets, has not gone well with the members of the majority community. After Nischal was killed, Sarai Bala and other areas of the city centre observed a complete shutdown to express solidarity with the bereaved family. It appears that ISI is trying to repeat 1990. When militants appeared in the streets of the Valley in the nineties, the first thing they did was they carried out selective killings of Kashmiri Pandits which led to their mass exodus from the Valley. After the scrapping of J&K's special status the union territory has been thrown open for all. Anyone who has been staying in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 15-years is eligible to get a Domicile Certificate. It looks like attacks on members of the minority community are being carried out to create fear psychosis as lakhs of Domicile Certificates have been issued till date. Kashmiris not opposing the new domicile law has disturbed the militant handlers and their bosses. The huge influx of tourists during the past few months has infused new life into the ailing tourism industry in Kashmir. People are busy with their daily chores and the revival of night life has turned the Valley vibrant once again. After the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan made desperate attempts to send militants into Kashmir but the robust counter infiltration grid along the Line of Control and alert soldiers foiled the nefarious designs of our rogue neighbor. After failing on all the fronts the militants are trying to use Improvised Explosive Devices to target the security forces as they are aware of the fact that it's an easy way but the security agencies have been detecting these IEDs and thwarting their plans. On the second anniversary of Pulwama attack this year, Jammu Police arrested an Al Badr militant Suhail and seized 6.5 kilogram IED from him at Jammu bus stand. The arrested militant had been given three to four targets, including the bus stand and railway station. He had been instructed to place the explosive at one of the spots. But the attempt failed. The developments that have taken place post August 5, 2019-when the Centre announced its decision to bifurcate J&K into two union territories and scrapped the Article 370-have left Pakistan guessing. None of their strategies and plans are working. Their attempts to cause disruption and once again put Kashmir are on fire seem to have no takers. People have outrightly rejected the idea of separatism. No one in Kashmir is talking about Azadi anymore. Another factor which is proving to be the last nail in the coffin of Pakistan sponsored militancy in Jammu and Kashmir is that the strength of militants is depleting and they are running short of weapons. In the recent past many local militants have given up arms and have returned to the mainstream. Youth seem to be choosing life over death as the realization seems to have dawned upon them that the life span of a militant is too short. Kashmiri youth for a long time have been used by Pakistan as cannon-fodder to fight its own war. The envoys who visited Kashmir didn't find anything unusual as they were greeted warmly by everyone. People who met them spoke about development and other governance related issues. No curbs on the internet and no strike call on their visit made the envoys feel the change. It's high time for Pakistan to realise that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has changed for the better and its machinations are not going to work anymore. The handful of militants who have been left cannot survive for long as the fear of the gun is disappearing fast. The attacks on members of the minority community are not going to change the fact that J&K has merged completely with the Union of India and people getting the Domicile Certificates has become a norm. J&K is changing fast and this time around no adversary will be allowed to disrupt the normal life. (The writer is a student of Craft Management and Entrepreneurship and a resident of Lolab Kupwara. He is doing his research on peace initiatives in Kashmir) Lee Universitys online program, surveyed along with more than 1,200 regionally accredited institutions by U.S. News and World Report, was ranked 75 among 337 U.S. schools with online bachelor's degree programs. Theres big news in higher education today, and Lee University is a part of the story, said Mark W. White, vice president of U.S. News and World Report. The U.S. News 2021 Best Online rankings evaluated the most respected and in-depth of U.S.-based degree-granting programs that are designed to be administered online. Best Online Bachelor's Programs is one of four rankings Lee received for the 2021 assessment. Other rankings include being number 75 in Best Online Bachelors Programs for Veterans, number 79 in Best Online Bachelors in Business Programs, and number 197 in Best Online MBA Programs. These rankings can be found at usnews.com/education/online-education/lee-university-220613/rankings. It is humbling to see U.S. News and our peer institutions recognizing Lees work in producing high quality online programs, said Dr. Joshua Black, executive director for Lees Division of Adult Learning (DAL). There are plenty of excellent universities on the U.S. News list and to be listed among them is an honor. Since offering its first online class in 1999, Lees online program has grown to a current enrollment of over 800. The Lee University DAL offers six undergraduate degree programs, four master's degree programs, and five certificate programs. The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs include Bible and Theology, Business Administration, Christian Studies, Criminal Justice (with two emphases options), Ministry Leadership (with eight emphases options), and Liberal Studies. Our faculty and staff work hard to produce a top notch Lee Experience for our online students literally all around the world, said Dr. Black. Founded in 1933, U.S. News and World Report is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with advertising, sales, and corporate offices in New York and New Jersey. U.S. News measures progress across institutions, products, services, and governments locally, nationally, and globally and has earned a reputation as the leading provider of civic journalism, expert consumer advice, rankings, and data analysis. To find out more about DALs online programs, visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/online/. Every entrepreneur is curious about the lives of those who have managed to create large companies, but who would be willing to pay $175,000 (3,534,877.50 Mexican pesos) for a sheet with Steve Jobs' handwriting? The Appe co-founder's job application was sold for $ 175,000 in 2018 and is now up for auction that closes on March 24 of this year. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday urged efforts to pool wisdom to improve the government's work and promote sustainable, healthy economic and social development. When chairing a State Council executive meeting, Li was briefed on the handling of suggestions from deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and proposals from members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in 2020. In 2020, offices and departments under the State Council coordinated the handling of 8,108 suggestions from NPC deputies and 4,115 proposals submitted by CPPCC members, taking up 88.3 percent and 84.9 percent of the total, respectively, according to the meeting. The meeting pointed out that relevant departments adopted about 3,700 pieces of advice and subsequently introduced some 1,500 policy measures. Concrete results must be achieved concerning the adopted advice, the meeting noted. This year's "two sessions" will be held soon. The meeting required that hearing advice from NPC deputies and CPPCC members and handling proposals, as an essential part of the government's work, should be integrated into the government's decision-making process and policy implementation, to help secure a good start for fully building a modern socialist country. The meeting urged efforts to effectively collect and take in the advice and recommendations from NPC deputies and CPPCC members during the two sessions. Proposal handling shall be closely incorporated into the work of the government, the meeting noted, adding that the quality of proposal handling should be raised. It also called on relevant departments to fulfill their due responsibilities in this regard. The European Commission said yesterday it was suing Slovakia for years-long breaches of legal limits on air pollution and started legal action against Germany and Slovenia for falling short on nature conservation and water treatment. Air pollution in Europe has eased in the past decade, but remains the continents biggest environmental health risk. Fine particulate pollution caused 379,000 premature deaths in the EU in 2018, according to the European Environment Agency. Brussels has set legal limits on particulate matter since 2005, resulting in a series of legal actions against countries flouting the rules. The commission yesterday took Slovakia to court for breaching EU particulate matter limits in every year from 2005-2019, except for 2016, in Banskobystricky kraj, a mountainous region in central Slovakia. The eastern city of Kosice breached the limits each year from 2005-2019, except for 2015 and 2016, the commission said. Slovakias efforts to fix the problem have failed to reduce pollution in line with legal limits or minimise the length of breaches, it said. Slovakian Environment Minister Jan Budaj said the national and local governments would mobilise support to address air pollution. We need a new political and social acceptance to clean the air of Slovakia and I am convinced that we will achieve that, he said. If found guilty, Slovakia would join a list of nine EU states that the blocs top court has found guilty of illegal air pollution, including Romania, Italy and Sweden. Particulate matter is produced by industry, vehicle emissions and home heating, as well as some agriculture, and is associated with cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. (Reuters) 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 change to the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS) is to cap contributions based on farm and business assets at three years where a family successor commits to continuing the operation when the owner is in care. The long-awaited Fair Deal scheme should be operational by the summer Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said. Speaking in the Dail this week, in response to questions from Fianna Fail Clare TD Cathal Crowe, the minister said: The Bill is due to come before Dail Eireann this term. The objective is to have it in place and operational by summertime. Crowe said many farm families are waiting with bated breath to see what new legislation will be introduced regarding the Fair Deal scheme. Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin earlier this month said the Government was committed to getting the legislation introduced, but did not commit to a time frame. Legislation will cap how much farmers and business owners have to contribute towards nursing-home costs. Delays over the last few years on the Fair Deal scheme, Martin said at the IFA agm have been inexcusable and I know have been a source of considerable anxiety. The Taoiseach did not commit to a time frame for introduction of the legislation, only that he would be working with the various ministers and petitioners and the Attorney Generals office to make sure we can get the legislation through, formulated effectively, and getting it through the house. We are committed to getting it done." The change to the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS) is to cap contributions based on farm and business assets at three years where a family successor commits to continuing the operation when the owner is in care. The current system sees farm families and small business owners required to set aside 7.5pc of the value of their land annually to fund a place in a nursing home and there is no cap on contributions. In order to qualify for the new scheme the farmer/business owner, their partner or nominated family successor must have worked the farm or business for three out of the previous five years. Candidates for the upcoming Orange County Board of Supervisors' District 2 election include, from left: Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon, lawyer Janet Rappaport, Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo, and former Sen. John Moorlach. Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley is not pictured. Orange County Supervisor Candidates Share Strategies on Combatting Homelessness With the race for the Orange County Board of Supervisors second district seat gearing up, The Epoch Times reached out to all five candidates regarding their views on some of the countys top issues. The topic of homelessness has been a major county problem for years, and is one cities throughout the county continue to address. Each candidate was asked, If elected, what would you do to address homelessness in Orange County? Former State Senator John Moorlachwho once held the District 2 seatemphasized his past work in helping mentally ill and homeless residents. He said he would bring his state experience to continue working to address the crisis. When I served as the Orange County Supervisor for the Second District from 2006 to 2015, I was the inaugural Chair of the Commission to End Homelessness, Moorlach told The Epoch Times. We worked to collaborate with key members of the nonprofit community, like Mercy House, HomeAid, the Orange County Rescue Mission, Illuminaire and others. He cited one of his major accomplishments as obtaining the financing to implement Lauras Law, which applies to those with severe mental illness whove had psychiatric hospitalizations or incarcerations and displayed violent behavior. He said he has pursued other legislation to help the mentally ill as well, including an effort to bring more psychiatric beds to hospitals, and to expand the definition of gravely disabled people. If elected, he said he would continue to help the underprivileged. I would like to pick up where I left off. I will bring my state experience and work with Projects Homekey and Roomkey, he said. I will also work with the Commission to End Homelessness, the County, the nonprofits, 2-1-1 and now CalOptima and Be Well/Mind OC, to address this crisis. Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon said that, if elected, he would work with various organizations to address mental health. We need to deal with the core issue of substance abuse and mental health that affect a large portion of the homeless population, Muldoon told The Epoch Times. By working with all stakeholders, including non-profits and mental health professionals, we must work to find practical solutions that not only provide temporary relief, but long-term solutions. International tax attorney Janet Rappaport said there are different types of homeless people and the county needs to create new solutions instead of simply throwing money at the issue. The county has a role to play, providing coordination, communication and funding, Rappaport said. We must not look at outdated solutions. My approach is not simply about a capital investment. We need to understand our homeless constituencies and different needs. Various types of displaced individuals include those suffering from chronic homelessness, living in their cars, and those whove lost their home as a result of the pandemic, Rappaport said. Understanding homeless will provide appropriate solutions, she said. Building a facility does not solve the problem. Historically, the Board of Supervisors has not been proactive, this needs to change. She also called on Orange County to obtain state and federal funding to better help cities. County social services monies need to increase, successful homeless solutions have large social services spend, she said. This is a county budget issue. Michael Vo Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo said the county must work with agencies to help homeless residents who want to be helped. I believe there is a role for the county to play when it comes to homelessness, Vo told The Epoch Times. That role is providing a hand-up, not a hand-out. If we proactively work with municipalities, surrounding agencies, and non-profit organizations we should be able to assist those who want help with the resources they need, such as temporary housing, job placement, and navigation towards permanent housing. However, he added, efforts to reduce homelessness should not come at the expense of public safety. I am not supportive of permanent housing or encampments, Vo said. The unfortunate fact is, many of those suffering from homelessness do not want to be helpedthese individuals should be returned to their respective homes. Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley did not respond to request for comment from The Epoch Times. The District 2 supervisorial election happens March 9. The candidate who receives the majority of votes will win the seat. Kat Dennings plays Darcy Lewis in the Disney+ series WandaVision. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe star might be surprised to learn where she grew up. But fans might be more shocked to know that they can stay in Dennings childhood home. Fair warning the house Dennings grew up in is said to be haunted. Kat Dennings | Marvel Studios The Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced Kat Dennings in Thor Before she got her start with Marvel, Dennings was in television series like Raising Dad and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She went on to star in films like The House Bunny and Nick and Norahs Infinite Playlist. From 2011 to 2017, Dennings played one of the starring roles in the sitcom 2 Broke Girls. More recently, she voiced Leah Birch in Nick Krolls cartoon comedy Big Mouth. Nowadays, Dennings is part of the WandaVision cast. Fans of the MCU first met Dennings when she appeared as Darcy Lewis in the 2011 release Thor. She reprised the role in Thor: The Dark World in 2013. Now, the fictional political science major is putting her experience to good use in WandaVision. Kat Dennings is proud of her role in the WandaVision cast In the Thor films, Darcy was a student. Now, shes become the scientist she was meant to be, which is huge for the role and the actor playing it. You rarely get to pay off a role that started out kind of small and it becomes something else, Dennings explained to Collider. Dennings loves hearing fans say theyre proud of Darcy starting as an intern and working hard to become a scientist. Its so cool that people like her and can recognize that journey shes been on, Dennings added. But before she became the famed Marvel character charged with helping the people of Westview, Dennings was battling a different kind of villain. Kat Dennings grew up in a haunted house in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania Dennings grew up in a haunted 17th century home in the Keystone State. Its called Wynnewood, for anyone in the know, Dennings explained of her hometown during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel. She also talked about the oddities she saw in her childhood home. I lived in a very old house, it was built in 1694. The house one of the first in the area, so today, its a historical landmark. Dennings remembered people touring her home while they were living there. RELATED: Marvel: Kat Dennings Confirms Shell Be In More MCU Projects Aside from the daunting spiral staircases, Dennings said one of the most challenging aspects of her childhood home were the ghosts that roamed there. It was haunted as h*ll, she told the late-night host. Dennings said she had some intense experiences growing up in a haunted house. From lights going on and off to things going missing and showing up weird places, Dennings had many strange experiences in home as a kid. WandaVision fans can stay in the Darcy Lewis actors childhood home As Dennings revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, her former house is now a rentable property. Dennings brother recently rented the house out with his wife. They were so creeped out, they left under cover of night, Dennings said. Now she is eager to rent the house and see if she has a similar experience. Any MCU fans who are willing to brave the haunts in Dennings childhood home can! Stream WandaVision Fridays on Disney+. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... New Mexico PBS is always looking for ways to reach the biggest audience. The station has expanded to offer World and Create programming to Channels 5.4 and 5.5. The move began on Feb. 15, and the new channels will join the NMPBS lineup of Channel 5.1 (PBS), Channel 5.2 (NMPBS Kids 24/7), and Channel 5.3 (FNX First Nations Experience: Native and Indigenous programs from communities and filmmakers around the world.) ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Its always been part of the plan, says Franz Joachim, New Mexico PBS general manager & CEO. Im actually watching the impeachment hearings on Channel 5.4. Weve been testing the quality and setting the parameters for the hew channel. Ive been watching and giving my feedback. Joachim says the station has been working on the move for a few years. At some point, we would need to replace the encoders, he says. We knew the equipment was old. We also has people in Taos and Farmington that wanted to see World and Create channels. Now we have the capacity to do so. Joachim says the addition of the two new channels is one more way NMPBS is fulfilling its mission of bringing enlightening, entertaining programs to viewers. Joachim says the following areas can watch the channels on the 5.1 channel: Santa Fe, Taos, Espanola, Gallup, Socorro, Farmington, and many other communities. Viewers with older televisions and/or converter boxes, may need to rescan/search for channels to begin receiving Channel 5.4 (World) and Channel 5.5 (Create). Using the television remote, go to Menu, and then Scan for all channels. The way it breaks down is that Channel 5 and 9 transmitters are on Sandia Crest, he says. Channel 5 goes to Oklahoma, West Texas, Navajo Nation and southern Colorado. Were up to 36 translators. Moving the new channels to Channel 5 gives viewers more content. Our viewers wanted it, and we tried to make it happen as quickly as we could, he says. Joachim says the cost of providing the new channels is part of its normal capital renewal. It does cost money, but it wasnt out of the way, he says. When people donate to us, some of that money is being put aside for equipment upgrades. The technology changes rapidly. Luckily, the new technology is often cheaper. The World channel presents a variety of PBS and public television programs from midnight to 4 p.m. From 4 p.m. to midnight, the programming is scheduled by NMPBS for New Mexico audiences, as an alternative to what is appearing on Channel 5.1 at that time, including encores of Masterpiece, Nova, Nature and American Experience. Create presents cooking, travel, crafts, how-to and self-improvement programs 24/7, such as Rick Steves Europe, A Chefs Life, Patis Mexican Kitchen, Martha Stewart, and Jacques Pepin. Online To learn more about the changes at New Mexico PBS, visit newmexicopbs.org SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART. Denton, TX (76205) Today Light rain with thunderstorms by evening. High 78F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low around 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavier rainfall possible. New Delhi, Feb 19 : Andhra Pradesh has told the Supreme Court it is administering its own territory and had not infringed upon territory of the neighbouring Odisha, which moved the court seeking initiation of contempt against its senior officials. Contending that the Odisha government plea seeking action for contempt is not maintainable, the Andhra Pradesh government, in an affidavit, said: "It is most respectfully submitted that the State of Andhra Pradesh has not taken any step in violation of any Agreement/Direction. The state of Andhra Pradesh has been duly administrating its own territories and has not infringed upon the territory of the Petitioner." Odisha has sought contempt action against Andhra government officials for notifying panchayat polls in three "disputed area" villages, which it claims lies within its boundary. On February 13, the panchayat elections were held by Andhra Pradesh in the disputed areas. The Andhra government said it has conducted local body elections in these three villages since inception of the Panchayat Raj Act. It insisted that Odisha government appears to be raising a substantive dispute in respect of these villages in the guise of a contempt petition. "This court has already, vide 2006 judgment, categorically ruled that this court does not have jurisdiction to entertain such matters. The Petition is therefore grossly misconceived," added the affidavit, seeking dismissal of contempt plea. Andhra Pradesh told the top court that Odisha is seeking to achieve indirectly what it failed at in 2006, after the top court dismissed its suit on the ground that it was not maintainable under Article 131 of the Constitution. It said that the top court was not at all influenced by the agreement by the parties in passing the 2006 judgment. "The Hon'ble Court categorically noted, after the dismissal of the suit, that it was merely recording the fact that parties had entered into a mutual agreement. Therefore, by no stretch of imagination, can it be stated that there was a breach of undertaking or that of any order/direction passed by this Hon'ble Court. The contempt petition is therefore liable to be dismissed on this ground alone," the affidavit said. On Friday, the top court granted four weeks to Odisha to reply to the Andhra Pradesh government affidavit. A bench comprising Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari took note of the submission of senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing the Odisha government, who sought time to file its reply on the affidavit. The villages under dispute are part of Pottangi taluka in Odisha's Koraput district. There are 21 villages in the Kotia group, which are entangled in dispute. In 1968, the status quo order was passed by the top court and the same order is holding till date, the Odisha government contended. "Administratively and otherwise as well, the state of Odisha has been in control of these villages throughout. However, of late, clandestinely the contemnors (Andhra Pradesh government) have entered into the impugned act of contempt by which the order of this court has been violated," the Odisha government had said in its plea. ISRO has embarked on a mission to take startups in the space sector to a higher orbit with a string of initiatives to help them realise their business potential. It is keen on formulating an exclusive space startup programme -- "Space Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development (SEED)", Secretary in the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) K Sivan said. SEED is conceived as a competitive early stage encouragement programme to startups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises) keen on developing products/services in focus areas of interest to ISRO with the space agency helping them to use its facilities, officials said. A formal mechanism for the programme was expected to be announced soon, they said. With recent reforms opening up doors for enhanced private sector participation in the space sector, ISRO is thrilled to receive several proposals from industries and startups, Sivan said. "These proposals reflect the true ambitions of young, innovative minds looking to make a mark in the space domain", added Sivan, describing startups as new-age industry partners of the space agency. Bengaluru--headquartered ISRO, under the Department of Space (DoS), has set up three space technology incubation centres -- at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Tiruchirappalli, Jalandhar and Agartala. Three more are in progress. DoS has also collaborated with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Niti Aayog, to launch three challenges in space domain -- 'ARISE' programme as a part of Aatmanirbhar Atal New India Challenges [ANIC] for promotion of applied research and innovation in small enterprises (MSMEs-Startups). Under this initiative, 28 proposals have been received from 24 private entities and are under evaluation, Sivan said. "Many start-ups approached us for direct collaboration and help in the area of launch vehicles, satellites and applications", he said. ISRO officials said various opportunities and provisions, including buy-back arrangements, are being created within the agency to encourage startups. Recently, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and ISRO jointly organised a workshop on "Incubators/Accelerators for a dynamic space start-up ecosystem," in virtual mode. The primary objective of this workshop was to bring forth a greater synergy between the DoS and incubators/accelerators in India, showcasing intent of the Department to provide support and guidance to the start-ups working in the space sector. Earlier this month, DoS entered into a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., The NDA will enable the company access the facilities and technical expertise available in ISRO centres to proceed with their launch vehicle development programme, ISRO officials said. In December, the DoS had inked a similar pact with Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd, a Chennai based start-up company located in the National Centre for combustion R&D, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, building private small satellite launch vehicle. 'Anand' remote sensing satellite built by Bengaluru-based start-up, Pixxel, is among the payloads to be launched by ISRO rocket PSLV-C51 on February 28. "We are looking into lot of things which are helpful to this (space start-up) sector", Director of ISRO's Capacity Building Programme Office (CBPO), P V Venkitakrishnan said. Venkitakrishnan said ISRO is in the process of compiling into a book "innovations and ideas" -- captured from various ISRO centres -- which can be converted into products with viable market potential by startups. He said as much as 63 per cent of the business in the space sector is in the area of ground systems and space applications, which is a vast area with low risk and short gestation period, and start-ups can tap into opportunities in those segments. "Twenty to 25 space startups have come up in a big way (India)", Venkitakrishnan said. Also Read: Google names executive to monitor responsible AI research after staff unrest Madison citys mayor and council are going to take two actions very soon that will affect all of us. First, the council is scheduled to vote on the creation of a Citizen Advisory Committee for the Police Department Monday, Feb. 22 after the first reading of the proposed ordinance on Feb. 8, and second, they are going to appoint a new chief of police. The people of Madison should contact the mayor and council members to ask that they create a Citizen Oversight Board rather than an advisory committee. I applaud their recognition that a problem exists, and that citizens should be active participants in solving it, but they have unnecessarily and unwisely limited their input at an advisory level. It is the people who give the police the right to use physical force, even deadly force, to protect public safety. It also is the people who suffer and die if the police abuse or misuse that authority, or if city management or police leadership fail to exercise proper discipline. A board offering advice that need not be heeded to people who may not be held accountable is not adequate assurance that the peoples interests will be protected. Only an oversight board, having collateral authority in creating and reviewing procedures and in ensuring proper discipline, will do that job. Police procedures, training, and leadership have failed to eliminate racial bias and the overreaching of authority across many cities and counties. So has the civilian leadership exerted by mayors, city councils, and county commissions. We know from past experience that violent encounters between police and people have caused controversy and left unanswered questions. A few examples are the grave and life-threatening injuries caused to Sureshbhai Patel, the Indian grandfather in February 2015, the killing of a young Black man, Dana Fletcher, on Oct. 27, 2019, the planned and abandoned secret ceremony to award medals to the police officers involved in the Dana Fletcher shooting after the secret ceremony news broke from AL.COM, and the retention and turnover issue of police officers. The City Council members should show their respect for the citizens they serve and demonstrate their resolve to create a strong police-citizen bond of trust by creating a Citizen Oversight Board. I urge every concerned citizen in Madison to contact the mayor and the council members and ask them to hold off on the advisory committee vote. The council should appoint a competent, unbiased, and non-political new chief of police from out of state. Friendships, alliances, buddy buddy culture, and politics have far too great a chance of replacing competence in the selection process if an insider is chosen as the chief of police. To serve all the people, the city and police officials should secure the trust of all the people. The city should adopt comprehensive reforms: 1) A thorough investigation by the real outside agency, the FBI, of the Fletcher death. 2) Release the Internal Review Board report, the videos, and the 911 calls. 3) Conduct a thorough audit, review, and assessment of MPD by an out of state third party law enforcement private consulting company. 4) Establish an independent Citizen Oversight Board 5) Model and refine policies and procedures with the help of International Association of Chiefs of Police. Cities across the nation have faced successful lawsuits, innocent people have been killed, and police officers have endured unfair criticism that could have been avoided with effective leadership supplemented by active citizen involvement. Please ask the mayor and council members to do what is best both for the police and the community by selecting an out of state person as the new chief of police, and by creating a Citizen Oversight Board. Hanu Karlapalem is a resident of Madison, a small business owner and an elected member of the State Democratic Executive Committee from state House District 4 LORAIN, Ohio -- Authorities arrested a former Cleveland police officer accused in participating in the theft of $200,000 from an ATM company where she worked. Authorities now believe the theft is tied to a double homicide. Tyra Parker, 24, of Euclid was arrested Thursday by Lorain police and U.S. Marshals on charges of felony theft, falsifying a police report and obstructing justice. It is unknown when shes expected in court. She is not charged in the double homicide. Cleveland police hired Parker as a police officer in 2018, according to three law enforcement sources and city records. She resigned Sept. 16, 2020 amid an internal investigation in which she was accused of improper conduct, according to city records. A Lorain police detective said no one was available to answer questions about the case until Friday morning. The department said in a Facebook post that Parker called police Feb. 3 and reported the theft. She said she worked for an ATM company and that her job was to stock the machines with cash. Police did not disclose the name of the company. Parker initially told police she made two stops, including one at the Family Dollar store on West 21st Street near North Leavitt Road. She told investigators she left and went to her next stop and realized the money was missing, police said. She returned to the Family Dollar store and asked to check the stores cameras, according to police. She parked out of the range of the surveillance cameras, a violation of her companys policies, according to police. Parker reported she was missing the $200,000. Officers noted that Parkers truck and lockbox that held the cash had no signs of forced entry. As officers questioned her, and she changed her story, police said. After further questioning, Parker appeared extremely nervous and stopped cooperating with police, the Facebook post said. Lorain police said detectives later found evidence that Parker was involved in the theft. Police also said theyve developed information that the theft case is related to a double homicide that happened Sunday in Lorain. In that case, Abril Mills, 28, and Jerhonda Edwards, 29, were shot to death on F Street near Kansas Avenue. Police made no arrests directly to the homicides, but police said theyve developed additional persons of interest. The Facebook post did not say why police believe the theft and fatal shootings are connected. Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia did not return messages seeking comment on Parkers history with Cleveland police. Parker filed two complaints with the city in the months before she resigned, according to records obtained by cleveland.com. In one submitted on June 8, Parks wrote that she faced harassment after someone started a rumor that she was involved in the May 30 protest that turned into riots in downtown Cleveland. She said other officers accused her of throwing rocks at on-duty officers and said that she broke into businesses during the riot, all of which she denied. In the other submitted three days later, she accused a fellow officer of harassment. Read more from cleveland.com: Family of Cleveland man beaten to death by his cellmate sues Cuyahoga County jail officials, administrators Man throws two children out of a car in Cleveland after stealing vehicle from their mothers driveway Lakewood woman dies, teen hurt in fatal car crash in wrong-way crash on Clevelands Shoreway An aerial photo taken on Nov. 3, 2020 shows the container dock of Yangshan Port in Shanghai, east China. [Photo/Xinhua] According to Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union (EU) Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC), the opening up of the services sector and more pro-trade measures could help EU businesses as well as Chinese enterprises further expand their growth. In an interview with Xinhua on Thursday, Wuttke reacted to the EU statistical office Eurostat's Monday announcement that China overtook the U.S. as the EU's top trading partner for the first time last year. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU and China have both seen an increase in exports to each other's markets. Wuttke said he saw opportunities for both sides to further boost bilateral trade ties. "We need to keep in mind that the U.S. remains the EU's number one trading partner when you include services," he said, adding that this really highlights the untapped potentials of EU-China trade. "The current headwinds include decoupling dynamics, politicized trade, import bans and export controls," he said. "Although the underlying economic forces for trade between the EU and China remain strong, we cannot take it for granted that it will continue to be that way indefinitely." The EU's imports from China in 2020 jumped by 5.6 percent year-on-year to 383.5 billion euros (463 billion U.S. dollars), Eurostat said, while exports grew by 2.2 percent to 202.5 billion euros. At the same time, the EU's trade with the U.S. saw a substantial decline in both directions, according to Eurostat. In December last year, China and the EU concluded their seven-year negotiations on a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). The two sides also signed an agreement on geographical indications, which is likely to come into force on March 1, 2021. "If ratification can be achieved, we hope that there will be the political will to go beyond the implementation of the agreement as it stands, and to continue reforming the Chinese economy to benefit not only EU businesses but also competitive and innovative Chinese private enterprises," Wuttke said. "The current situation could act as the EU's 'Sputnik moment'. Obviously, the focus should not be Moon-bound endeavors, but artificial intelligence, biotechnology and information and communication technology. After all the EU is still an engineering superpower," he said. (1 euro = 1.21 U.S. dollars) BANGKOK Like many online news outlets, the Malaysian news site Malaysiakini allows readers to post comments at the bottom of articles. That proved expensive on Friday, when a Malaysian court ruled that the news site was legally responsible for reader comments deemed insulting to the judiciary. A seven-judge appeals court panel found Malaysiakini guilty of contempt of court and ordered it to pay a fine of nearly $124,000, more than double the amount sought by prosecutors, for five comments left by readers. The news outlets co-founder and editor in chief, Steven Gan, who was acquitted of the same charge, said the hefty penalty appeared to be an attempt to drive Malaysiakini out of business. It will have a tremendous chilling impact on discussions of issues of public interest and it delivers a body blow to our continual campaign to fight corruption, Mr. Gan said after the hearing. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI Sledders and their parents have already made a Whitehall parking lot their hangout, and its about to get a lot nicer with the addition of benches and a fire pit. The city parking lot at the top of the Hanson Street sledding hill is set to get nearly $1 million in improvements. They wont be ready in time for this years sledding season, but they will offer a chance to gather and enjoy warm-weather views of White Lake and the White River and the annual July 4th fireworks display. Were trying to enhance the gathering that currently takes place, and perhaps add a few other amenities, Whitehall City Manager Scott Huebler told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. What started as a need to repave the parking lot off North Mears Avenue behind businesses fronting West Colby Street grew into a community project. The Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club is donating $10,000 toward the fire pit, estimated to cost around $20,000, that will be surrounded by seating. The fire feature isnt really a pit its a circular gas fireplace that will be on a timer and controlled by the city. Other features of the complete rebuild of the lot are four landscaped islands that will be recessed to allow storm water to drain into them for watering, Huebler said. There will be other landscaping, benches and an overlook deck as well. I think its going to be really something when we get done, Huebler said. Its going to be a real good mix between greenery and asphalt as well as vehicle and pedestrian traffic. I think it will be real nice gathering place on the north side of downtown. The site known as the North Mears Plaza also will become the home of an evergreen tree that will be decorated each holiday season as the community Christmas tree. The plaza is the latest downtown improvement effort of the citys Tax Increment Financing Authority, which uses increases in property taxes from downtown properties for such improvement projects as streetscapes, burial of utility wires and an ongoing business facade grant program. This is another step of redoing downtown, Huebler said. The total cost of the project is $974,000. Prein & Newhof of Grand Rapids was awarded a $170,000 contract for engineering and McCormick Sand of Twin Lake was awarded an $804,000 construction contract. Trevor Edgar and children Brock, 4, and Winsley, 2, enjoy sledding at the Hanson St. sledding hill in Whitehall on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2021. (Hope Davison | MLive.com)Hope Davison Also on MLive: Senior center warned of possible eviction over claims of repeated COVID safety order violations Police identify victim in Muskegon shooting death Anonymous nonprofit offers to buy costly community fitness center from Muskegon college For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. Thousands of Americans have experienced bad reactions after receiving coronavirus vaccines, a new report finds. Nearly 7,000 people had an 'adverse event' after being given either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna shot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed on Friday. However, fewer than 10 percent of patients had a reaction like anaphylactic shock that was classified as 'serious' by the agency's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). What's more, around 1.5 percent of people died after being immunized between mid-December and mid-January, but two-thirds of these deaths occurred among long-term care facility residents, most of whom had underlying conditions. As of Friday, more than 57.7 million people in the U.S. have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of 6,994 adverse events following coronavirus vaccination, a total of 90.8% reactions were classified as non-serious such as a headache and chills after the Pfizer vaccine (above), a new CDC report found The remaining 9.2% were classified as serious with reactions such as anaphylactic shock. Pictured: Non-serious reactions reported after the Moderna vaccine There were 113 reported deaths, but two-thirds occurred among long-term care facility residents, most with underlying conditions. Pictured: Tyson Foods team members receive COVID-19 vaccines from health officials at the Wilkesboro, North Carolina, facility, February 2 For the report, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the agency looked reports sent to VAERS between December 14, 2020 and January 13, 2021. During this period, the first and second doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the first dose of Moderna vaccine were being administered. Over the course of a month, there were 13,794,904 vaccine doses administered, and 6,994 reports of adverse events that were submitted to VAERS. This means just 0.05 percent of all patients during this time experienced some type of reaction. About 98 percent were among people not living in long-term care facilities. Of those reports, 90.8 percent, or 6,354, were classified as non-serious while the remaining 9.2 percent, or 640, were classified as serious. PFIZER VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS British regulators are advising that anyone who has a history of 'significant' allergic reactions to medicines, food or vaccines should not get the Pfizer coronavirus jab. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are 'very rare', according to the trials involving more than 40,000 people. Pfizer found a 'very small number' during its phase three clinical studies, or 137 out of 19,000 people who got the vaccine. But 111 people who were given a placebo also had allergic reactions. They also identified 12 possible side-effects from the vaccine, with seven identified as 'very common' meaning they are likely to affect more than one in ten people. Below are the known side effects. The patient safety leaflet for the vaccine cautions that anyone with an allergy to any of the active substances in the vaccine should not receive the jab. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are: Very common (Likely to affect more than one in ten people) Pain at injection site Tiredness Muscle pain Chills Joint pain Fever Headache Common (Likely to affect up to one in ten people) Injection site swelling Redness at injection site Nausea Uncommon (May affect one in 100 people) Enlarged lymph nodes Feeling unwell Advertisement The majority of the reports - more than three-quarters - occurred in women. However, this may be due to the fact that frontline healthcare workers were among the first to be vaccinated, most of whom are female. The most common side effect reported from either vaccine was headache, which was experienced by 22.4 percent of patients. This was closely followed by fatigue and dizziness, which was reported by 16.5 percent of patients each. Other symptoms included myalgia, chills, fever, injection site swelling, joint pain and nausea - most of which disappeared after seven days. During this time period, there were sixty-two confirmed cases of a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergy from food, medicine or even a type of material. The immune system releases chemicals that flood the body, blood pressure suddenly drops, and airways narrow, which prevents someone from breathing normally. Symptoms usually occur within minutes and include hives, a weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and a swollen tongue or throat. If not treated immediately, it can lead to death. Of the 62 cases, 74.2 percent occurred after patients were given the Pfizer vaccine and 16 cases after receipt of the Moderna vaccine. Previous reports from the CDC have indicated this reaction is more common in the Pfizer vaccine, although why is unclear. The CDC says the rate of the life-threatening allergic reaction is 4.5 cases of per million doses compared with one case per million for the flu. About 1.6 percent of patients, a total of 113, died after receiving the vaccine. Of the total, there were 35 serious reports of death among non-long term care facility residents. Record collection is ongoing but the CDC has reviewed 16 death certificates or other data indicating underlying heart disease, cancer, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and otherwise frail health as the causes of death. The remaining 78 deaths occurred in patients living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. A total of 57.7 million people have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, with an average of 1.6 million and 1.7 million being vaccinated every day Currently, 41 million people - 12.5% of the U.S. population have received one dose while 16.1 million people - 4.9% - are fully immunized Forty-two were in residents in hospice care or with a do-not-resuscitate status while another 17 had death certificates with causes of death including cardiac disease, dementia, pneumonia, and failure to thrive. The CDC says the findings show that reactions to the vaccine were rare with no unusual or unexpected reporting patterns detected. 'Health care providers and vaccine recipients can be reassured about the safety of Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines,' the authors wrote. 'Counseling vaccine recipients to expect transient local and systemic reactions might ease concerns and encourage completion of the 2-dose vaccination series.' According to the CDC's tracker, a total of 57.7 million people have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. About 41 million people - 12.5 percent of the population have received one dose while 16.1 million people - 4.9 percent - are fully immunized. Between 1.6 million and 1.7 people are being vaccinated every day, and President Joe Biden is on track to reach his goal of 100 million shots in arms in his first 100 days in office. Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March The is back in the Paris climate accord, just 107 days after it left. While Friday's return is heavily symbolic, say they expect America to prove its seriousness after four years of being pretty much absent. They are especially anticipating an announcement from the US in coming months on its goal for cutting emissions of heat-trapping gases by 2030. The US return to the Paris agreement became official Friday, almost a month after President Joe Biden told the United Nations that America wants back in. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, Biden said in his inaugural address. A cry that can't be any more desperate or any more clear now. Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office reversing the pullout ordered by his predecessor, President Donald Trump. The Trump administration had announced its withdrawal from the Paris accord in 2019 but it didn't become effective until Nov. 4, 2020, the day after the election, because of provisions in the agreement. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that the official American re-entry is itself very important, as is Biden's announcement that the US will return to providing climate aid to poorer nations, as promised in 2009. It's the political message that's being sent, said Christiana Figueres, the former United Nations climate chief. She was one of the leading forces in hammering out the 2015 mostly voluntary agreement where nations set their own goals to reduce greenhouse gases. One fear was that other nations would follow America in abandoning the climate fight, but none did, Figueres said. She said the real issue was four years of climate inaction by the Trump administration. American cities, states and businesses still worked to reduce heat-trapping carbon dioxide, but without the federal government. From a political symbolism perspective, whether it's 100 days or four years, it's basically the same thing, Figueres said. It's not about how many days. It's the political symbolism that the largest economy refuses to see the opportunity of addressing climate change. We've lost too much time, Figueres said. United Nations Environment Programme Director Inger Andersen said America has to prove its leadership to the rest of the world, but she said she has no doubt it will when it submits its required emissions cutting targets. The Biden administration promises to announce them before an Earth Day summit in April. We hope they will translate into a very meaningful reduction of emissions and they will be an example for other countries to follow, Guterres said. Already more than 120 nations, including No. 1 emitter China, have promised to have net zero carbon emissions around midcentury. (HealthDay)After a week of brutal winter storms that stalled the country's coronavirus vaccination rollout, U.S. health officials said Thursday that vaccination efforts will have to ramp up rapidly as soon as the bad weather ends. "We're going to just have to make up for it: namely do double-time when this thing clears up," Dr. Anthony Fauci told MSNBC on Thursday. "Obviously it's an issue. It's been slowed down in some places, going to a grinding halt. We're just going to have to make up for it as soon as the weather lifts a bit, the ice melts and we can get the trucks out and the people out." Plunging temperatures, snow and ice have delayed the delivery of hundreds of thousands of doses just as vaccine distribution was gaining ground in the United States. Two vaccine shipping hubsa FedEx facility in Memphis and a UPS facility in Louisville, Ky.that were shut down by the bad weather were a big reason why vaccine distribution faltered, the Times reported. But shipment delays were also reported in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Utah and Washington, among other states, forcing vaccination sites to temporarily close and coveted appointments to be canceled or rescheduled. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said that more than 2,000 vaccine sites were in areas with power outages, the Times reported. In Texas, where millions of residents lost power during the first snowstorm, a delivery of more than 400,000 first doses and 330,000 second doses was delayed, the Times reported. Chris Van Deusen, a spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services, said Thursday that the state was "asking providers that aren't able to store vaccine due to power outages to transfer it elsewhere or administer it so it doesn't spoil." Meanwhile, the Houston Health Department said Thursday it would restart vaccinations for second doses this weekend and schedule additional first- and second-dose appointments next week. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference that "a vast majority of the resupply" the city was expecting for this week had not yet shipped. The city has had to hold off on scheduling upward of 35,000 appointments for first vaccine doses because of delays and shortages, the Times reported. In Los Angeles, the city said that appointments for about 12,500 would be delayed, the newspaper said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that while 136,000 Pfizer doses had arrived this week, the state had not received its weekly shipment of 200,000 Moderna doses. He said the shipment could be delayed until Monday. "Because of the storms we are seeing in the rest of the country, it's basically sitting in the FedEx warehouseand I don't think they can even get into it because of everything," DeSantis said at a Thursday news conference. As of Friday, nearly 58 million people had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including just over 16 million people who have received both doses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pfizer, Moderna vaccines less effective against South African variant Two of the world's leading coronavirus vaccines don't work as well against a more contagious South African variant, though both did manage to neutralize the virus, two new studies show. But experts pointed out that what level of neutralization is needed to actually protect against the variant is still unclear and these latest studies on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were done in a lab setting, and not the real world, the Washington Post reported. Both reports were published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. "These are in vitro studies and we don't know if there is a threshold for neutralization that defines protection. In fact, we don't even know that there is a quantitative correlation between antibodies levels and protection," NEJM Editor-in-Chief Eric Rubin said in a podcast on the findings. "It is very concerning that we don't know the clinical significance of these findings." The two studies used genetically engineered versions of the South African variant against blood samples from vaccinated volunteers, the Post reported. The strain has been identified in many countries, including the United States, along with a variant first identified in Britain that scientists say is also highly contagious. Moderna's research letter in the NEJM on its COVID-19 vaccine showed a sixfold drop in antibody levels against the South Africa strain, the newspaper said. The shot's efficacy against the variant has not yet been determined. Pfizer, in testing its vaccine against the variant in a lab, found the shot generated about a third of the antibodies that are normally mobilized with the original strain. The activity, however, appeared to be enough to neutralize the virus. Still, Pfizer said in a statement that it was "taking the necessary steps to develop and seek authorization" for an updated vaccine or booster shot that could better combat the variant. New evidence that British COVID variant could be more deadly More evidence has emerged that suggests a coronavirus variant already known to spread faster is also likely to be more deadly. The B.1.1.7 variant, which is thought to have originated in Britain, is already firmly entrenched in America and could soon become the dominant strain, according to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. Speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation" earlier this week, she said "we know now that, or we estimate now that about 4% of disease in this country is related to B.1.1.7," she said. "And we have projections that it may be the dominant strain by the end of March." As of Friday, there were 1,523 cases of the British variant found in 42 U.S. states, according to the CDC. Walensky's warning came on the heels of research released by British scientists that shows B.1.1.7 might be more likely to trigger more lethal cases of COVID-19. "The overall picture is one of something like a 40 to 60 percent increase in hospitalization risk, and risk of death," Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist and scientific adviser to the British government, told the Times. Vaccines already being distributed in the United States are believed to be effective against B.1.1.7, so Walensky said it's imperative that the massive rollout already underway continues. At the same time, and in the face of other new variants, other steps are underway, she told CBS. Pharmaceutical companies are tweaking their research to fight the B.1.1.7 variant, she said, and the CDC is monitoring how people who've already gotten the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are faring. "But we're not waiting for that," she said. "We're doing the science to scale up different vaccines in case we either need bivalent vaccines, that is a vaccine that has two different strains, or booster vaccines. Both are happening." A global scourge By Friday, the U.S. coronavirus case count passed 27.9 million while the death toll was nearly 493,000, according to a Times tally. On Friday, the top five states for coronavirus infections were: California with over 3.5 million cases; Texas with nearly 2.6 million cases; Florida with over 1.8 million cases; New York with more than 1.5 million cases; and Illinois with nearly 1.2 million cases. Curbing the spread of the coronavirus in the rest of the world remains challenging. In India, the coronavirus case count was more than 10.9 million by Friday, a Johns Hopkins University tally showed. Brazil had just over 10 million cases and more than 243,000 deaths as of Friday, the Hopkins tally showed. Worldwide, the number of reported infections neared 110.4 million on Thursday, with more than 2.4 million deaths recorded, according to the Hopkins tally. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus. Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. In a key development, the Kerala High Court rejected the NIA's plea challenging the order granting bail to 14 persons accused in the gold smuggling scam. As per the FIR filed on July 10, 2020, the accused have been charged under Sections 16, 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. A division bench of the HC comprising Justices A Hariprasad and MR Anitha on Thursday ruled that gold smuggling with a mere illegal profit motive does not fall within the definition of a terrorist act in the UAPA. Endorsing the trial court's view, the court highlighted that materials prima facie did not indicate that the persons released on bail had acted with an intention to damage the economic security of India. Taking cognizance of the fact that the bail order has imposed necessary conditions, the HC stressed that it found no reason to think that the accused will abscond or interfere with the investigation. At the same time, the bench clarified that the NIA can apply for the cancellation of the bail if it unearths material to show the complicity of the accused in a terrorist act. In paragraph 33 of the verdict, the bench noted, "In other words, gold smuggling clearly covered by the provisions of the Customs Act will not fall within the definition of terrorist act in Section 15 of UA(P) Act unless evidence is brought out to show that it is done with the intent to threaten or it is likely to threaten the economic security or monetary stability of India. In our view, what is made an offence under Section 15(1)(a)(iiia) of UA(P) Act is causing damage to the monetary stability of India by way of production or smuggling or circulation of high quality counterfeit Indian paper currency, coin or any other material relatable to currency or coin". It added, "Arrangement of words indicating the things mentioned in the provision does not prompt us to think that gold smuggling with a mere illegal profit motive will fall within the aforementioned definition of terrorist act". Read: M Sivasankar Granted Bail In Dollar Smuggling Case; Walks Free After 98 Days In Custody What is the gold smuggling scam? On July 5, 2020, Customs officials seized 30 kg of gold worth Rs.15 crore at the Thiruvananthapuram Airport from a diplomatic cargo addressed to a person in the UAE Consulate. Sarith PS who worked at the UAE Consulate was arrested in this regard. Reportedly, he told the Customs about the role of Swapna Suresh, an ex-Consulate employee now working as the manager of the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited. Following the backlash over her appointment, she was sacked by the state government. On July 16, Vijayan announced that the suspension of his former Principal Secretary M Sivasankar pending the departmental inquiry. It was reportedly found that he had violated the All-India Services Conduct rules due to his connections with the gold smuggling accused. In January 2020, the NIA filed a chargesheet before the Special Court. Claiming that the conspiracy started in June 2019, the agency alleged that the aforesaid persons raised funds and smuggled 167 kg of gold between November 2019 and June 2020 through the import cargo addressed to diplomats at the Consulate General of UAE in Thiruvananthapuram. Moreover, it added that the main accused had planned to smuggle more gold from countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Holding them responsible for threatening the "economic security of India", the agency revealed that the probe against absconding persons and others who facilitated the crime is underway. Read: 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan 'open To CM Post' If BJP Wins Kerala; Refuses To Be Governor After spending 13 months in an Egyptian prison for reporting the news, foreign correspondent Peter Greste, 55, was released in 2015. Back in Australia, he met journalist and author Christine Jackman, 51, who helped him rebuild his life. Christine Jackman and Peter Greste: Everyone thought Peter would be dealing with trauma from prison, but hed been through worse on the front line. Credit:Paul Harris Peter: I met Christine about six months after I got out of prison in Cairo. It was 2015, a crazy time. My colleagues were still in jail and Id been travelling to New York, London and Paris, lobbying, trying to get them out. I didnt have a home. A classic whirlwind. Christine dropped me a note to see if there was anything she could do. I knew a bit about her that shed been a political reporter but little more. Id been living overseas for 26 years. We hooked up and had a drink one evening in Brisbane. We just hit it off in a way I didnt at all anticipate. A few months later, she joined me in Kenya for Christmas. I threw her on the back of my motorbike and we rode up to Mount Kenya to a safari camp. She loves giraffes and we spotted one off the track and took off through the bush after it, which is probably not the correct thing to do, but I love that she was prepared for that kind of adventure. 19 February 2021 Type Event Proceeding On the latest episode of The Signpost Series webinars, which took place on Friday, 19 February, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by Dr Tom ODwyer, Head of the Teagasc Signpost Programme to discuss The Signpost Programme - Leading climate action by Irish farmers. Tom's presentation was followed by a Q&A session which was facilitated by Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT, Teagasc. View presentation below The Signpost Programme - Leading climate action by Irish farmers (PDF) Dr Tom ODwyer, Head of the Teagasc Signpost Programme View webinar recording below: Find out more about the series here: Sustainable Agriculture Webinars 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. Haiti - News : Zapping... 13 kidnappings in 5 days Kidnappers are still very active. From Sunday February 14 to Thursday 18 reported no less than 13 people kidnapped in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince. "There is no dictatorship in Haiti" dixit Jouthe Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe challenges anyone to prove that there is a dictatorship in Haiti, affirming "There is no need to talk about a dictatorship in Haiti [...] The intentions attributed to President Jovenel Moise are completely unwound [...] democracy is healthy in Haiti". Health : 10 million euros agreement with France France has signed agreements worth more than 10 million Euros to support the health sector in Haiti. Thus, the French Development Agency (AFD) has provided support of 2.25 million to Zanmi Lasante in order to respond to Covid-19. The Solidarity Development Law led by Jean-Yves Le Drian will strengthen these commitments. The PM alongside the police officers Following the recent attacks and acts of vandalism against public buildings in Artibonite hhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33024-haiti-news-zapping.html, the Prime Minister, Joseph Jouthe, visited the Commissariat des Gonaives in order to renew to the police the Government's determination to combat all forms of indiscriminate violence. Two years without cholera Two years have passed since the last case of cholera was confirmed in Haiti in early February 2019. Last year, only 81 possible cases of cholera were reported by the Ministry of Public Health and population and none were confirmed after analysis. Tennis : Congratulations to Naomi Osaka "Congratulations to Naomi Osaka for her great victory over her idol Serena Williams https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33053-haiti-news-zapping.html I already wish you all the best for the grand finale of the Open of Australia," declared the Ambassador of Haiti in Washington, Bocchit Edmond HL/ HaitiLibre 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. Ukraine will not abandon the implementation of the Minsk agreements, at least until another platform is found with the involvement of additional partners, said Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov. "The Ukrainian authorities will not leave Minsk and do not plan, because these are political and diplomatic commitments we took in 2014-2015. And our partners in the Normandy format, Germany and France, insist on this, and they warn us that we adhere to a single current working logistics platform, namely TCG, which was a product of the Normandy format," Reznikov said on the air of the Right to Power (Pravo na Vladu) program on the 1+1 TV channel on Thursday evening, February 18. At the same time, he recalled that the Minsk agreements are not ideal, they require modernization. "Our task is to sit down at the table with our partners and calmly, honestly and frankly convince them that certain points do not work and will never work," the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories is convinced. According to him, it is the Russian Federation that violates the Minsk agreements and this should be discussed, including in the UN General Assembly. "Let me remind you that in the 'Set of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements' it was clearly stated that the contact line should run in certain positions. According to the agreements, Debaltseve should be in the territories controlled by the Ukrainian government. More than 1,400 square kilometers of the territory are under the control of Russia, and not Ukraine, and this is incorrect only from the point of view of the Minsk agreements. That is, Russia has been violating them for a long time. At the same time, it is trying to make Ukraine a subject that allegedly left the Minsk process. We will not give them such a gift. We will defend our positions in Minsk agreements," said Reznikov. To the host's question, "What can be the 'last straw' for Ukraine to start using a different strategy in relation to the implementation of the Minsk process, for example, can an aggravation at the front or Russian passportization in Donbas become such a factor?" Reznikov replied that "if Ukraine suspends any contacts with the TCG, people will suffer, therefore, regardless of any conditions, Ukraine must continue to work in the negotiation process to ensure the humanitarian needs of the people." When Myah Genung saw the disastrous interview between "The Bachelor" host Chris Harrison and former franchise star Rachel Lindsay, she was reminded of a saying: "I'm shocked, but I'm not surprised." "If you even just pay attention to some of the interviews that Chris Harrison has given over the years, his responses were always in defense of why (they didn't have a lead of color) instead of how this is something that needs to happen," says Genung, who works as an associate director of industry relations at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism. "Almost like, 'We have a winning formula right now. Why are you asking us to be something that we aren't?'" Genung has been a fan - and a critic - of the franchise for years. An avid "Bachelor" viewer since she was a preteen, her hopeless romantic side melted at the show's premise. What started off as a guilty-pleasure watch became a vehicle of critique for Genung and other fans of color to gossip about and deep dive into issues of racism and sexism in the show, all in the same breath. In pockets of the show's wide-reaching online "presence in groups such as Brett's Bachelor Buds, formed and moderated on Facebook by by "Bachelor" Twitter personality Brett Vergara, and r/TheBachelor_POC subreddit have a through-line of comfort for many viewers of color: validation. "As a Black viewer, I can't escape that aspect," Genung says. "I can't watch the shows without that lens of critical analysis." Fans of color have long understood that "The Bachelor" wasn't quite made for them. The optics of the show are "embarrassingly White," as this newspaper has previously described, and others have criticized its slow, often nonexistent strides in representation. But these fans see through the tiresome tokenization in the franchise's belated attempts at inclusivity and want visible, genuine change on a series they hate to love and love to hate. The franchise's laundry list of issues - which include contestants of color rarely making it to the final rounds and a dismissed lawsuit alleging discrimination against people of color - culminated last week in a much-maligned interview between Harrison and Lindsay. After Harrison was called out for interrupting and talking over her, and he walked back comments in which he asked for "grace" toward this season's front-runner Rachael Kirkconnell's racially insensitive actions, he announced a leave of absence from the franchise. Everyday discussions on these online forums include big news like Harrison's temporary departure, but also allow for rants and raves that let participants feel they're not alone for being invested in (and disturbed by) issues surrounding the series. Yes, others also felt strange about former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe, a White woman, promoting a hair vitamin by likening her relationship with her tresses to Chelsea Vaughn's, a Black contestant on James's season who had a vulnerable on-air conversation about her decision to shave her head. Yes, others thought Hannah Brown's Instagram apology was not enough after she was recorded singing along to a track that included the n-word. Brett Vergara sees the conversations in the group as unavoidable and important - "a mirror of society, for better or for worse" - and openly welcomes the discussion in his own group. "If I'm casually watching with my parents, and (the contestants and lead) are talking about Black Lives Matter, we can have a more natural discussion than me bringing that up out of the blue," says Vergara, who runs the Brett's Bachelor Buds Facebook group. "The show's like a conduit for entering some of those conversations." "These issues still exist in this country, outside of my liberal New York bubble," Vergara says. "I think it's important for a franchise (like this) with such a huge megaphone to middle America to have messages around Black Lives Matter and mental health. It's reaching the people who need to be reached." And while other "Bachelor" groups like Bristowe's "Off The Vine" and the main r/TheBachelor Reddit thread deprioritize talk about politics, religion and race, Vergara's space and r/TheBachelor_POC do the opposite. Why even watch something so overwhelmingly White and behind on the times? New fans and long-haulers alike have all sorts of reasons as to why they joined #BachelorNation. The franchise, an inescapable cultural force that prompts thousands of live tweets an episode, has remained the blueprint and touchstone for reality dating shows since its premiere in 2002. Some viewers feel an overarching social pressure to wade into the national conversation, so they tentatively test out an episode. (Given how the show frequently snags the prize viewership in adults 18 to 49 years old, surrendering to the pressure is warranted.) Some fans, particularly people of color, started watching when Lindsay was selected as the first Black Bachelorette. And some, like Genung, just want to see some good, old-fashioned romance grace their screens for a few hours each week. Matt James's season was supposed to mark a new change in the Bachelor sphere: the first Black Bachelor and the most diverse cast the show has ever seen. Yet, these historic (by series standards) strides have been overshadowed by a birdbath of histrionics fixated around "the White Contestants and their drama," as Genung puts it, and a front-runner who participated in an antebellum-themed formal in college and has been accused on TikTok of racism. "I watch 'The Bachelor' because reality TV is a form of escapism. I can focus on these people for two hours and not anything else in the world," says graduate student Grace Chitam. "But I can't separate the real structural issues that are happening on 'The Bachelor' as I watch it. So, am I really escaping?" At its core, the franchise promises a happily-ever-after despite life's odds. But the romance operates alongside silence and slow progress, a paradox that has long frustrated viewers. In the wake of protests against racial injustices and police brutality last summer, a few members of color from the Brett's Bachelor Buds group started discussing concerns they had and what they wanted from the series. That turned into the Bachelor Diversity Campaign, a group that released a Change.org petition that directly called on the nearly two-decade-old franchise to "feature Black, Indigenous, People of Color ('BIPOC') relationships, families, and story lines" that should "reflect and honor the racial diversity of our country - both in front of and behind the camera." The campaign acknowledged the "diversity of casting Juan Pablo Galavis, JoJo Fletcher, and Peter Weber as Bachelor franchise leads" but urged the franchise to "build upon this and further diversify casting." "We had a whole list of things we hope production takes into account, and (with James's casting) they went with the most visible one," says Ariana Arestegui, a member of the campaign. "I'm glad they did do that. But it's just a starting point." The campaign and general audience backlash prompted the series' executive producers to drop a brief statement promising significant changes in representation on-screen, ending with a pledge: "We can and will do better to reflect the world around us and show all of its beautiful love stories." Yet Ayanna Maddox-Semper, who also worked on the initial petition, notes how BIPOC, particularly Black audiences, have been consistently excluded from substantial conversations about the series. Maddox-Semper saw viewers make excuses as to why there hadn't yet been a Black Bachelor - that because Lindsay's season had low ratings, there wouldn't be any interest in another Black lead. "I know so many more Black women who tuned in the last two seasons (with Tayshia Adams and James) than any other season," Maddox-Semper says. "(The series) being more diverse is going to pull more audiences, more people from different backgrounds, even more than they even realize." The contestants from the current season have also signaled their frustration with the franchise amid the recent firestorm of controversy with a singular message of solidarity reposted by many on Feb. 11, which reads in part: "We are the women of Bachelor Season 25 ... Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals. These experiences are not to be exploited or tokenized." "What's clear about this season is that the show is really not equipped to handle race in a nuanced manner," says Genung. Viewers point out how several episodes have revolved around the brash antics of "Queen" Victoria, whose proclamation of royalty and penchant for bullying has taken precious time away from getting to know the other contestants. Educator Stef Woods wonders whether a woman of color who spoke the way Victoria did would have garnered the same attention (and a "Good Morning America" debut). And contestants and fans are fed up with how "The Bachelor" has consistently treated its contestants of color. After Lindsay and Harrison's talk, r/TheBachelor_POC called for boycotts of the show. Former and current series members have thrown support behind Lindsay, who recently decided not to renew her contract with the franchise. Since her season ended, Lindsay has simultaneously been an outspoken voice for diversity and a target for graphic, racist bullying, proving that the series' diversity problem can't be repaired by a Bachelor or Bachelorette of color every few seasons, but should be treated with nuance and care, on- and off-camera. "I think at the end of the day, we as fans love this franchise and want it to be better and do better," says Ria Ali, another Bachelor Diversity Campaign organizer. "It's in the best interest of production to create a product that is diverse and inclusive - both of which are inherently good things. And because it opens up a wider audience and helps them not feel alienated and enjoy what's on the screen." Richard OHalloran, an Irish businessman banned from leaving China for two years, is seen talking to Yvonne Murray (not visible) from RTE in Shanghai, in this image taken from a video interview broadcasted on Feb. 18, 2021. (Courtesy of RTE) Nobody Will Tell Me Anything: Irish Father Banned From Leaving China for 2 Years Speaks Out An Irish businessman and father of four whos been banned from leaving China for two years has spoken out to the media for the first time. Richard OHalloran, 45, a director of China International Aviation Leasing Service (CALS), left his Dublin home in February 2019 for Shanghai, China. What he thought was a short business trip turned out to be two years in limbo, after he was caught up in an investigation into his employer Min Jiedongs crowdfunding activities. Im innocent. Ive done nothing wrong, in an interview aired on Thursday, OHalloran told Yvonne Murray from Irelands public broadcaster RTE. Richard OHalloran, an Irish businessman banned from leaving China for two years, is seen talking to Yvonne Murray from RTE in Shanghai, in this image taken from a video interview broadcasted on Feb. 18, 2021. (Courtesy of RTE) Min, OHallorans employer, invested in dozens of countries around the globe, including aircraft leasing company CALS Ireland, in which he was the chairman and the main shareholder. Mins funding had been raised through peer-to-peer crowdfunding, in what he boasted as a pioneering business model P2F2B+PDP (Person-to-Financial institution-to-Business+Pre-Delivery Payment). Mins business model was widely praised in Chinese media outlets and business magazines as being innovative, until he was accused of defrauding investors in July 2018 when Chinese authorities launched a crackdown on lenders and landed in prison. The fundraising took place before OHallorans employment. OHalloran told RTE that he went to China to assure investors that their problem could be solved. I felt duty bound, that there had been many investors whove been stung, not just in China but all over the place, and I wanted to do the right thing, he said. OHalloran is not charged with or accused of any wrongdoing, and he said he had cooperated with the Chinese authorities in Mins investigation. However, hes not been allowed to leave China. Nobody Will Tell Me Anything A Jan. 31 report by Independent.ie said that a judge had confirmed that there was no exit ban in place but told him [(OHalloran)] that he would be in China for a very, very long time, according to OHallorans lawyer David Maughan. Richard now fears that the judge intends to force him to remain in the country to manage the sale of an aircraft in five years time when its lease runs out, Maughan told Independent.ie last month. OHalloran told RTE that this is worse than a sentence, which does have a term limit. Its not like Ive been sentenced to a finite period of time. This is open ended, he said. This could go on and on and on, to the point where I asked one of the judges last month: Do you expect that I tell my wife to get on with her life? And for my kids to try and forget about me? Is that what youre trying to do? OHalloran bought a ticket home on Jan. 10, the same day he was told he could leave China during an interrogation, but was denied boarding yet again at the airport with no legal grounds whatsoever, according to Maughan. We dont know who has a travel restriction on me now, at all. I asked the immigration officers: Was it the police, or was it the courts? And they wouldnt confirm what was going on, OHalloran told RTE. Nobody will tell me anything, he said. Richard OHalloran, an Irish businessman banned from leaving China for two years, is seen talking to Yvonne Murray from RTE in Shanghai, in this image taken from a video interview broadcasted on Feb. 18, 2021. (Courtesy of RTE) $36 Million Ransom Independent.ie said that OHalloran was interrogated by Chinese police without a lawyer present after CALS sent $200,000 (165,000) to the Chinese court in a good-faith gesture as part of a proposal to the Chinese to allow the Irishman return home, asking him about the source of the money. Maughan said it was fundamentally wrong on many levels. It was a phenomenally scary piece of interrogation. During it they demanded he pay $6 [million] personally to the court in order to assist with his freedom, Maughan told Independent.ie. The report said it was understood that the Chinese authorities then asked OHalloran for $36 million (30 million). OHalloran recently moved to a hotel from an apartment he stayed in because he suffers from seizures and a lung problem. We felt that leaving him alone in an apartment just wasnt safe, given the state of his mental and physical health, so now he is in a hotel and getting better care, his wife Tara OHalloran said. A debate in the Senate (upper house of Parliament in Ireland) on getting OHalloran has been postponed at the request of Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, so it wouldnt set back the process of negotiations for him return, which was at a delicate stage. As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the details of this case, nor to comment on matters pertaining to a legal process in another jurisdiction, a spokeswoman from the Department of Foreign Affairs told The Epoch Times in an email. On Jan. 21, European Parliament passed a resolution on the crackdown on the democratic opposition in Hong Kong, which includes an article that says the European Parliament urges China to release unjustly detained EU citizens, such as Irish citizen Richard OHalloran. The Chinese Embassy in Ireland didnt respond to The Epoch Times request for comment at the time of publishing. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Its nearly two months since turbulence erupted around China Huarong Asset Management Co.At the end of March, its 4% perpetual dollar bond was trading at 102 cents on the dollar as investors figured the January execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for bribery put a line under past wayward behavior. But the failure of the company to release 2020 results by a March 31 deadline, and a subsequent report by mainland media Caixin that the firm will restructure, sparked weeks of turmoil. The same bond is now at 57 cents.The heart of the matter is whether the central government will rescue a state-owned company thats integral to the smooth running of the financial system. While there are signs Beijing wants to ensure China Huarong can repay its debts on time, uncertainty prevails.Heres a look at the key events for China Huarong:May 28The company has wired funds to repay $978 million of notes maturing within the following week, according to Bloomberg News, the biggest bond payment since the 2020 results delay.May 27Liang Qiang, who currently heads another bad-debt manager, is on track to become president of China Huarong, reports Bloomberg News.May 24China Huarong dollar bonds climb after the managing editor of Caixin Media wrote in an opinion piece that the asset manager is nowhere near defaulting on its more than $20 billion of offshore notes.May 21Some of China Huarongs thinly traded onshore bonds slump after having held up better than the companys dollar-denominated notes, signaling broadening concern about the firms financial health.May 18China Huarong has transferred funds to repay a $300 million note maturing May 20, Bloomberg News reports, the first dollar bond to come due since the delayed 2020 results. Prices for the firms dollar bonds slump earlier in the day after the New York Times reports China is planning an overhaul that would inflict significant losses on both domestic and foreign China Huarong bondholders.May 17The company has reached funding agreements with state-owned banks to ensure it can repay debt through at least the end of August, by which time China Huarong aims to have completed its 2020 financial statements, according to a Bloomberg News report. That as at least two of its onshore bonds see big price declines in recent days, worrying some investors.May 13The firm says its prepared to make future bond payments and has seen no change in the level of government support, seeking to ease investor concerns after a local media report that regulators balked at China Hurarongs restructuring plan.May 6The company says it transferred funds to pay five offshore bond coupons due the following day, its latest move to meet debt obligations amid persistent doubts about its financial health.April 30China Huarong breaks its silence, with an executive telling media it is prepared to make its bond payments and state backing remains intact. The official also says the weeks rating downgrades have no factual basis and are too pessimistic.April 29Moodys Investor Service downgrades China Huarong by one notch to Baa1, adding the firm remains on watch for further downgrade. The cut reflects the companys weakened funding ability due to market volatility and increased uncertainty over its future, according to the statement.April 27China Huarong units repay bonds maturing that day. The S$600 million ($450 million) bond was repaid with funds provided by Chinas biggest state-owned bank, according to a Bloomberg News report.April 26Fitch Ratings downgrades China Huarong by three notches to BBB while dropping the companys perpetual bonds into junk territory. The lack of transparency over government support for the firm may hamper its ability to refinance debt in offshore markets, Fitch said.April 25China Huarong says it wont meet an April 30 deadline to file its 2020 report with Hong Kongs stock exchange because auditors needed more time to finalize a transaction the company first flagged on April 1. Securities and asset-management units said in the days before that they wouldnt release 2020 results by months end.April 22The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission asks lenders to extend China Huarongs upcoming loans by at least six months, according to REDD, citing two bankers from large Chinese commercial lenders.April 21China is considering a plan that would see its central bank assume more than 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) of China Huarong assets to help clean up the firms balance sheet, according to a Bloomberg News report. Peer China Cinda Asset Management Co. was said to be planning the sale of perpetual bonds in the second quarter.April 20China Huarongs key offshore financing unit says it returned to profitability in the first quarter and laid a solid foundation for transformation. Reorg Research reports that regulators are considering options including a debt restructuring of the unit, China Huarong International Holdings Ltd.April 19Huarong Securities Co. says it wired funds to repay a 2.5 billion yuan local note.April 16The CBIRC says China Huarongs operations are normal and that the firm has ample liquidity. These are the first official comments about the companys troubles. Reuters reports Chinese banks have been asked not to withhold loans to Huarong.April 13Fitch and Moodys both put the company on watch for downgrade. The finance ministry, which owns a majority of Huarong, is considering the transfer of its stake to a unit of the countrys sovereign wealth fund, Bloomberg News reports. Chinese officials signal they want failing local government financing vehicles to restructure or go bust if debts cant be repaid.April 9China Huarong says it has been making debt payments on time and its operations are normal. Bloomberg News reports the company intends to keep Huarong International as part of a potential overhaul that would avoid the need of a debt restructuring or government recapitalization. S&P Global Ratings puts China Huarongs credit ratings on watch for possible downgrade.April 8China Huarong is preparing to offload non-core and loss-making units as part of a broad plan to revive profitability that would avoid the need for a debt restructuring or government recapitalization, Bloomberg News reports.April 6Selling gains steam in China Huarongs dollar bonds, following a holiday in China. Huarong Securities says there has been no major change to its operations, in response to a price plunge for its 3 billion yuan local bond.April 1China Huarong announces a delay in releasing 2020 results, saying its auditor is unable to finalize a transaction. Stock trading is suspended and spreads jump on the firms dollar bonds while China Huarong tells investors its business is running as usual. Caixin reports the company submitted restructuring and other major reform plans to government officials and shareholders.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. The PFS is expected to examine a nine-year open-pit operation producing 150,000 ounces per annum on average through a 3.5 million tonne per annum CIL plant. The price target for the company is $0.80 per share and the rating remains unchanged at SPECULATIVE BUY. ( ) could be one of the next gold mine builders in West Africa, with predicting the company will release its pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the Abujar Gold Project in Cote d'Ivoire sometime this quarter. Recent progress at the Abujar Gold Project in Cote d'Ivoire includes: The granting of the mining lease; Talks with the Government around the mining convention; The appointment of a COO to lead the development of Abujar; Increased project ownership; Early site works planned; Nearing completion of the PFS; and Infill drilling to feed DFS planned in late 2021. Canaccord has set the price target for the company at $0.80 per share with a rating of SPECULATIVE BUY. Mining licence and mining convention In late December, the Cote d'Ivoire mines ministry granted the mining licence for the Abujar project. The company and the Ivoirian Government will now work on agreeing terms for the mining convention in the first half of 2021. Canaccord said: This will involve negotiating tax holidays and rates, government ownership and other fiscal terms. The government will likely take a 10% free-carried interest and allow for a tax holiday (we model 2.5 years). COO with proven track record The company has appointed Matt Wilcox to the role of chief operating officer (COO), tasked with progressing studies, followed by construction and ramp-up of Abujar. Canaccord stated: We see this as an excellent appointment given Wilcox has a proven track record of building gold mines in West Africa. He was most recently responsible for building West African Resources ( ) Sanbrado mine in Burkina Faso, ahead of schedule and under budget, and has also held senior roles with Nordgold over a 20-year career. This is a timely appointment for TIE given that it's readying its PFS for release to the market this quarter. We believe Wilcox will want to put his stamp on the PFS so we would expect it to be released sometime next month. Additionally, the board has approved US$2.5 million for early site works including access upgrades, camp improvement and purchase of long-lead items. Increased ownership Notably, the company has purchased (cash and scrip) an additional 3% of the tenement containing the 3.02-million-ounce Abujar resource from the third party owner, taking its ownership to an expected 88% (assuming the Cote d'Ivoire takes 10%). Total consideration (including option value) is around A$8 million. Upcoming PFS Canaccord is eagerly awaiting the release of the Abujar PFS this quarter, stating: We expect to see a nine-year operation producing 150,000 ounces per annum on average through a 3.5 million tonne per annum CIL plant (and perhaps a small heap leach). We see a strong potential for a high-grade starter pit to deliver 200,000-250,000 ounces per annum for years 1 and 2 to drive early capital payback. We model a funding requirement of US$230 million with LOM ASIC of US$900-950/ounce, and much lower in the initial years. This is likely an open pit scenario, but we wouldnt write off seeing a small underground in the PFS. Infill drilling Infill drilling at the project continues and will feed into an interim resource in May this year. Latest results from seven holes of 28 drilled (drilling 28,000 metres of infill) include: 6 metres at 6.3 g/t gold from 389 metres (including 1 metre at 25.2 g/t); 1 metre at 17.2 g/t from 48 metres; and 5 metres at 4.9 g/t from 63 metres. Geotech drilling is also being conducted (2,500 metres) as part of a large, six rig program to drill 70,000 metres with all data expected to flow into the definitive feasibility study (DFS). Canaccord said: Observations are that mineralisation pinches and swells like many other shear hosted gold deposits, so infill is key for a robust mine plan. The next, interim resource in May is likely going to yield more confidence (increased indicated material) than growth, with growth expected late in the year in the DFS. (JNS) Reading a biography about a friend is a mixed experience. On the one hand, the protagonist is familiar. On the other, hes a complete stranger, whose story unfolds like that of a fictional character being introduced in a novel. This is the sense of duality that I had while curled up with Lone Voice: The Wars of Isi Leibler, a tome by renowned Australian-Jewish historian Suzanne D. Rutland. Before meeting Leibler in person 20 years ago, I knew about the human-rights activist from Australia and his long-standing fight on behalf of Soviet Jewry, his tireless battle against... President Joe Biden speaks during a virtual event with the Munich Security Conference in the East Room of the White House, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Washington. Patrick Semansky/Associated Press Biden delivered his first major speech on the global stage. Taking a different tone from Trump, he underscored that the US is committed to diplomacy. Biden also called out Russia and China on their aggressive policies and tactics. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. President Joe Biden moved to try to restore confidence in US leadership after the Trump era in his first big speech on the global stage on Friday. In a virtual address to the Munich Security Conference, the president underscored America's commitment to democracy and diplomatic engagement. "Let me erase any lingering doubt: the United States will work closely with our European partners," Biden said. "I know the last few years have tested our transatlantic relationship. But the United States is determined - determined to reengage with Europe, to consult with you, to earn back our position of leadership." Biden took a starkly different tone from former President Donald Trump during his remarks, especially on the NATO alliance and Russia. Trump spent years bashing NATO and attacking fellow members on the subject of defense spending. Biden reassured NATO allies that the US has their back. "We'll keep faith with Article 5," Biden said, referring to NATO's founding principle of collective defense. Similarly, while Trump habitually avoided criticizing Russia, Biden in his speech on Friday took swipes at Russian President Vladimir Putin, an authoritarian who has held the reins of power for five successive US presidential administrations. "Putin seeks to weaken the European project and our NATO alliance. He wants to undermine the transatlantic unity and our resolve. Because it's so much easier for the Kremlin to bully and threaten individual states then it is to negotiate with a strong and closely united transatlantic community," Biden said. Biden said addressing "Russian recklessness and hacking into computer networks in the US" and other parts of the world has "become critical to protecting our collective security." Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. As Republican critics in Congress accuse Biden of being too soft on Beijing, the president also used Friday's speech as an opportunity to call out China on its economic practices. "Competition with China is going to be stiff," Biden said, calling for the US and Europe to "push back against the Chinese government's economic abuses and coercion." The president said he does not aim to pit "east against west" and doesn't seek conflict. "We want a future where all nations are able to freely determine their own path without a threat of violence or coercion," Biden said. "We cannot and must not return to the reflective opposition and rigid blocs of the Cold War." Biden's speech was designed to reassure allies that the US would not continue Trump's go-it-alone approach to foreign affairs, while offering a sense of self-awareness that America lost credibility over the past four years. Polling has shown that European countries, in particular, increasingly lost faith in US leadership under Trump. "We cannot allow self-doubt to hinder our ability to engage each other or the larger world. The last four years have been hard, but Europe and the US have to lead with confidence once more," Biden said. "I know we can do this." Read the original article on Business Insider Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time The U.S. Department of Justice wont pursue criminal charges against West Linn police or anyone else after investigating the 2017 wrongful arrest of Portland resident Michael Fesser, Oregons U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced Friday. Williams said there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that officers willfully violated Fessers civil rights or federal public corruption laws. The FBI and federal prosecutors found they couldnt prove officers acted with the specific intent to violate laws. It is not enough to show that an officer made a mistake, acted negligently, acted by accident or mistake, or even exercised bad judgment, Williams said in a statement. Here, the government cannot prove that the manner in which Mr. Fesser was arrested violated a federally protected right, or that the actions taken by law enforcement officials were willful as defined above. The decision comes a year after the Justice Department announced it would lead a civil rights investigation into Fessers arrest on theft charges and nine days before Williams leaves office. Williams met with Fesser and his lawyer for more than an hour Friday morning. READ all Oregonian/OregonLive coverage of the Michael Fesser case The U.S. Attorneys Office interviewed 18 people, including Fesser, current and former police officers, current and former West Linn city employees and community members in the investigation. It also examined about 28,000 pages of documents in response to 24 subpoenas for investigative, training, disciplinary, phone and financial records. Three members of Congress last February called for federal prosecutors to examine the actions of West Linn police in building a questionable theft case against Fesser, who is Black, after The Oregonian/OregonLive revealed that West Linn had paid $600,000 to Fesser to settle his federal discrimination and wrongful arrest lawsuit. West Linn police arrested Fesser in an investigation instigated by former Police Chief Terry Timeus as a favor for a friend. The police chiefs friend was Fessers boss, Eric Benson, a West Linn resident and owner of A&B Towing Co. in Southeast Portland. Benson targeted Fesser because Fesser had complained about racist comments and harassment at work. All theft charges against Fesser were dismissed, and Benson paid Fesser $415,000 to settle a separate civil suit. Because the investigation raised issues concerning the broader policies and practices of the West Linn Police Department, " the U.S. Attorneys Office has offered to connect West Linn and its police to federal technical assistance on national community oriented policing, Williams said. West Linn and its police remain committed to earning back the respect and trust of our community, said Jerry Gabrielatos, West Linns city manager, in a statement. Since the case was publicized, West Linn fired the lead investigator in the case, Sgt. Tony Reeves, and West Linn Chief Terry Kruger, who took the job in June 2018. Fessers notice of intent to sue West Linn police arrived on the first day Kruger started as chief. Last May, the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office said it would no longer call Reeves as a witness after finding he colluded with Timeus to pursue an unsupported arrest of Fesser for a personal friend of the chiefs. That investigation also found that Reeves withheld key evidence, engaged in an illegal recording of Fesser, deleted racist and vulgar text messages he received from Fessers boss on his cellphone and disclosed Fessers confidential attorney-client information to Fessers boss. West Linn police targeted Fesser using " inappropriate and offensive investigative tactics, and lacked transparency, honesty and any sense of fair play, the Clackamas County district attorneys report said. Paul Buchanan, Fessers lawyer, said he recognized the high bar required to support a federal criminal civil rights case and isnt surprised by the outcome. He said he believes the federal inquiry was thorough. Its healthy that local police had to undergo the scrutiny of this process from the federal government. I understand that, unfortunately, under current law, proving a federal criminal civil rights violation by the police is extraordinarily challenging, Buchanan said. As Cory Booker in the U.S. Senate has been advocating, we need a change in federal law to alter the kind of casual impunity that officers involved in this wrongful arrest displayed. Buchanan said he was disappointed that the U.S. Attorneys office didnt consider actions by then-West Linn Lt. Mike Stradley as criminal conduct, namely a November 2017 report Stradley made to his former colleagues at the Portland Police Bureau. Stradley had contacted a Portland police gang enforcement officer that month after a grand jury indicted Fesser on first-degree theft charges. Stradley told the gang enforcement officer that there was a warrant for Fessers arrest and to be on alert because Fesser had made threats to assault his former boss, Benson, at A&B Towing, as well as Bensons employees and made threats to damage his business, according to the police report. That was blatantly false, Buchanan has argued, directly contradicting sworn statements that Stradley and Benson gave in the course of Fessers federal civil suit. Both said they had no knowledge of any threats Fesser had made. Stradleys information led Portland police to flag Fesser in the computer dispatch system as a potential danger. Mr. Benson repeatedly testified that Mr. Fesser had never threatened in him in any way. Stradley said that he knew virtually nothing about Mr. Fessers activities in the past several decades, Buchanan said Friday. I believe Mike Stradley was attempting to bring about an aggressive arrest of Michael Fesser by making false statements in that police report. He put Michaels life in danger. Maybe that doesnt violate a federal criminal civil rights statute. But it should, Buchanan said. Making a false police report certainly violates Oregon state law. That should be especially true for a police officer. Stradley, who left West Linn police in 2018 to work as a training supervisor for the states basic police academy, was placed on paid leave a year ago. He remains on paid leave pending an active investigation, by the Oregon Department of Justice, said Linsay Hale, interim training director for the state Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Buchanan said Stradley shouldnt be allowed to return to teach the next generation of officers. U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., who along with Oregons two U.S. senators had called for the federal inquiry into Fessers arrest, also expressed dismay on the outcome. I find it incredibly upsetting that Trumps outgoing U.S. Attorney for Oregon has decided that he cant make a case out on the clearly illegal and unjustified arrest of Michael Fesser, Blumenauer said in a statement. However, in two weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would directly impact cases like this by making it easier for people to prove civil rights violations, he said. Mr. Fesser and all of those who have been wronged by police misconduct deserve justice. -- Maxine Bernstein Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian Channel 10's long-running children's program Totally Wild was axed earlier this month after 29 years on the air. Stacey Thomson, who hosted the show since its inception in 1992 and became known to fans across the country as 'Ranger Stacey', bid a heartfelt farewell during an appearance on The Project on Friday. Sporting a plunging leaf print frock, the TV veteran, 56, looked like she hadn't aged a day since her television debut, showing off a youthful and glowing complexion. TV veteran: '90s favourite and Totally Wild host Stacey Thomson bid an emotional farewell to the show after 29 years on the air, on The Project on Friday. Pictured on the left following the show's debut in 1992, and on the right on The Project Her glossy blonde locks were styled in their signature fashion, out and straight, and her striking facial features were enhanced with elegant makeup. Asked by the hosts as to what she's most proud of, looking back on her time with the show, Stacey did not bold back, bidding a heartfelt farewell. 'I'm most proud of our longevity because there's not many shows on commercial television that have lasted 29 years. Pity we couldn't make it to thirty, but that's the way it goes,' she said. 'I'm just so proud that kids have grown up watching Totally Wild, and I know that Totally Wild has inspired so many people to do something good for the environment.' Proud: Asked by the hosts as to what she's most proud of, looking back on her time with the show, Stacey said that she's 'just so proud that kids have grown up watching Totally Wild' and have become inspired 'to do something good for the environment' Channel 10 announced earlier this month that the show won't be renewed. It was once considered the benchmark for Australian children's television - a news-style educational show that focused on nature, science, technology and sport. The decision was made because Channel 10 is refocusing its children's programming on drama rather than factual content. In a note to staff at the time, content boss Beverley McGarvey confirmed some presenters and crew would be losing their jobs. Cancelled: Channel 10 announced this month that the long-running program won't be renewed. Pictured: Totally Wild presenters Stacey, Emily Dickson, Jack Kelly and Jesse Baird 'The children's department will remain an integral part of the programming department and our broader business and will remain based at [Channel 10's Brisbane station] TVQ,' Ms McGarvey said in her email to staff. 'Unfortunately, this means we will say goodbye to some incredibly talented colleagues and friends who have made important contributions to our business. 'I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for the great work, commitment and enthusiasm the department staff have shown to their jobs and our company. It is in no way a reflection of their talent, contribution or passion.' End of an era: Once considered the benchmark for Australian children's television, Totally Wild was a news-style educational show that focused on nature, science, technology and sport Iconic: Stacey hosted the show since its inception in 1992. Pictured with puppet Agro in the 1990s The show will continue to air twice a week on 10 Peach until July. Stacey previously spoke to David Robinson on ABC Sunshine Coast about the moment she realised Totally Wild's future was in jeopardy. '[Totally Wild] moved from our beautiful time slot that used to be in the afternoon a few years ago, and then we went on to [10] Peach in the mornings, and then we went to the new one, which is called [10] Shake only recently,' she explained. 'Our time slot was all over the place. It was like Totally Wild was just kind of fizzing. It just felt like it was fizzing away, and we knew something was not quite right,' Stacey added. 12154 Matt Riley, CIO, University of Montana Matt Riley, CIO, University of Montana One of the great challenges of IT in a university setting is web presence among the many academic and administrative units and departments across campus. The University of Montana, located in the college town setting of Missoula, Montana has been able to meet the web content management challenge for most of the nearly 500 unique sites associated with the university. I think that you need some compelling reasons to approach web content management at an enterprise scale in a university setting, says UMs CIO Matt Riley. For UM in 2013, factors including a need for consistent/coordinated branding, web accessibility across all sites, and a budget crisis were all factors in UMs ability to mobilize the campus around the need for a unified effort. "Cascade Server platform from Hannon Hill, that provides a robust and scalable environment for UMs needs" As the campus realized the need for coordinating website presence and the resources behind it, central IT was ready with a web content management solution, Hannon Hills Cascade Server. The central solution could be housed on multiple servers, virtual servers and/or in the cloud. Additionally, UM found it possible to bring together Amazon cloud services for storage and virtualization in conjunction with Cascade Server to create a robust and highly scalable web platform for the campus. Through the opportunity created with the technical back-end, members of the web community throughout UM were poised to meet the challenges of bringing UM an accessible, functional, coordinated and highly marketable web presence. Now the issue focused on getting the web-focused people around the university working together. For UM, the guiding force was with our leadership in Marketing, who helped initiate a team of web designers and developers around campus to come together under a project that would both build marketable web presence for UM on the Cascade Server content management platform, and create a set of web templates that departments and units all over campus. The project, deemed Ponderosa by the team, was something where central IT found value in the utilization of the platform, collaboration with distributed units, ability to address website accessibility and security concerns. Distributed units web development, support and design personnel throughout UM found value in the Ponderosa project through its compelling offering of a platform, shared support and alignment with campus goals. In reality, many problems with web servers, web presence and support existed in distributed units, for which they had neither the funding, nor manpower to address. Buying into a concept of a centralized a web platform took pressure off these units locally, allowed them to influence web template design and ultimately allowed them an opportunity to provide robust, contemporary web presence in a way that met compliancy and came under a shared support modelwhich are all things that are difficult to achieve within distributed departments and units across a university campus. By late 2013, UM had deployed a new campus web presence, exhibiting the beauty and functionality needed for our marketing efforts. In addition, project resources continued working into 2014 and beyond, creating a set of web templates to complement the new site, strategically working with major academic units design and migrate more of the marketable web presence, and creating processes allowing the campus to take advantage of web design, support and self-help resources. The effect or outcome is that web presence at UM, once a highly distributed and uneven mess that was difficult for anyone to get their heads around, is now a highly centralized, yet collaborative effort across campus that affords opportunity at an institutional level to rapidly adjust web presence based upon strategic goals of the institution, while allowing departments and units across campus a platform for creativity in design and utilization of sites. All of this is accomplished on one unified platform, the Cascade Server platform from Hannon Hill, that provides a robust and scalable environment for UMs needs that is especially cost effective for the opportunity the platform provides. Feb. 18Overeating, anxious tendencies and more antidepressant prescriptions local pediatricians say those are among the most common pandemic impacts on their young patients. Some believe the cure is inside school buildings that remain mostly shuttered. A medical practice compelled to speak out in a letter to The Eagle-Tribune is among in-person learning advocates. "In schools that have accommodated full in-class learning, we have seen their students fare much more favorably, with far less detrimental effects and very low rates of transmission," the letter signed by the five doctors from Andover Pediatrics reads. "We are asking our superintendents, principals, school committee members and teachers to have full confidence in their ability to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our children." Their reasoning and concerns align with new information released Friday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Education. The organizations said jointly in a public statement, "It is critical for schools to open as safely and as soon as possible, and remain open, to achieve the benefits of in-person learning and key support services." Most recent evidence suggests that K-12 schools with strict mitigation strategies mask wearing, social distancing and frequent cleaning have been able to remain open. Experts say lower incidence of COVID-19 among younger children compared to teenagers suggests that elementary schoolers are at a lower risk of in-school transmission compared to older students, in middle and high school. Andover Pediatrics Doctors Elizabeth Lentini, Nancy Hurley, Jennifer Hensley, Kenneth Chan and Robert Nelken said collectively in their letter that despite the daunting challenges everyone has faced, they have seen "a very encouraging trend" as more information is learned. The doctors said school officials "should not allow fear of in-school transmission to be a major consideration in their decision making." Story continues Dr. Daniel Summers, of Children's Medical Office of North Andover, said he has certainly seen children fall into similar hardships, but has also witnessed the opposite. "For some kids remote learning has been fantastic," he said. "They've taken to it. It's suited them well; it hasn't been a negative for everyone, but it has been a negative for many people, kids and parents alike." During countless conversations with families, Summers says the decision is a highly individualized one. "Schools have worked hard, at the best of their abilities, to mitigate risk," he said. "That being said, I also understand people's reluctance to send their kids back. While I would love to have every kid back in the classroom, I don't think hesitation is unreasonable." Summers said he has not personally treated COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms. The majority of tests given to kids at his office were only because of direct known exposure, he said. "I've had patients with a minor stuffy nose," he said. "Generally speaking, the data is pretty clear that children are the population that has the least risk of the disease." The Andover doctors say of the "many children and parents in our practice who have contracted COVID-19," none have been traced to school transmission. Summers makes clear that prioritizing school means added vigilance about mitigating risk for community-based spread everywhere else. "For people who feel strongly that school reopening needs to be a priority, that means that there has to be an equal commitment to conforming to social distancing recommendations everywhere else," he said. The CDC has added new guidance to its website regarding daily operations and classroom setups, including printable posters and graphics. Pfizer Inc's Covid-19 vaccine is 85% effective after the first shot, a study of healthcare workers at an Israeli hospital has found. The Sheba Medical Center's said that among 7,214 hospital staff who received their first dose in January, there was an 85% reduction in symptomatic Covid-19 within 15 to 28 days. The overall reduction of infections, including asymptomatic cases detected by testing, was 75%. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot However, Sheba epidemiologist Gili Regev-Yochay cautioned that the cohort studied at the hospital were "mostly young and healthy". Unlike with Pfizer's clinical trial, "we don't have many (staff) here aged over 65," she told reporters. But she also noted that the Sheba study took place during a surge in Covid-19 infections in Israel, which flooded hospitals with new cases. The findings compare with the overall efficacy of around 95% in a two-dose regimen 21 days apart for the vaccine. This may lead to a debate over the recommended two-dose schedule as Canadian researchers had earlier suggested that the second Pfizer dose be delayed given the high level of protection from the first shot developed with Germany's BioNTech. Their research showed the efficacy of 92.6% after the first dose, based on an analysis of the documents submitted by the drugmaker from its late-stage human trials to the US Food and Drug Administration in December. The FDA said in December data from those trials showed that the vaccine began conferring some protection to recipients before they received the second shot, but more data would be needed to assess the potential of a single-dose shot. Pfizer declined to comment on the data, saying in a statement it was doing its own analysis of "the vaccines real-world effectiveness in several locations worldwide, including Israel, reported Reuters. It hopes to use Israeli data to look at the potential of the vaccine to protect against Covid-19 arising from emerging variants, the drugmaker said. Vaccination in Israel Israel has rolled out the fastest Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the world, inoculating more than 42% of its population since late December. The small countrywith roughly nine million people, about the same as New York Citynow aims to inoculate the majority of its population by March. Against South African variant A top Pfizer Inc scientist said on Thursday that the company is in intensive discussions with regulators to test a booster shot version of its coronavirus vaccine specifically targeted for a highly contagious variant that is spreading widely in South Africa and elsewhere. Phil Dormitzer, one of Pfizer's top viral vaccine scientists, said the current vaccine is highly likely to still protect against the concerning variant first discovered in South Africa. A laboratory study released on Wednesday suggested that the South African variant of the coronavirus may reduce protective antibodies elicited by the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine by two-thirds, but it is not clear how much that reduces the shot's effectiveness against the variant. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. MCKEES ROCKS, Pa. (AP) Authorities charged a western Pennsylvania man with killing his brother and the brothers girlfriend, police said. Allegheny County Police arrested Timothy Gumm, 60, of Stowe Township, on Thursday night. Earlier in the day, police had found the decomposed bodies of his 55-year-old brother, Christopher, and his brothers girlfriend, 47-year-old Sally Sines, in their Liberty Street home. Authorities determined the pair had been shot earlier in the week. Timothy Gumm was charged with two counts of criminal homicide, tampering with evidence and a firearm offense. He was held in the Allegheny County Jail and was awaiting arraignment. It could not be determined whether he had retained an attorney. More: Harrisburg man could spend up to a half-century in prison after pleading guilty in Carlisle murder case Pa. man charged in murder-for-hire plot after would-be killer turns out to be undercover trooper Patrick Nip (3rd R), Secretary for the Civil Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, and Sophia Chan (3rd L), Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR government, attend the press conference in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 18, 2021. Hong Kong will begin to give the COVID-19 vaccine to its residents for free on Feb. 26 as the first 1 million doses from Sinovac Biotech will arrive on Friday afternoon. At a press conference on Thursday, Patrick Nip, Secretary for the Civil Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said that people in priority groups, including medical workers and the aged, can book their first shots online from next Tuesday. Nursing home staff, public service providers such as street cleaners, postmen and disciplined force members, workers in cross-border transport, including truck drivers and crews, will also be the first to get the vaccine. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai) HONG KONG, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong will begin to give the COVID-19 vaccine to its residents for free on Feb. 26 as the first 1 million doses from Sinovac Biotech will arrive on Friday afternoon. At a press conference on Thursday, Patrick Nip, Secretary for the Civil Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said that people in priority groups, including medical workers and the aged, can book their first shots online from next Tuesday. Nursing home staff, public service providers such as street cleaners, postmen and disciplined force members, workers in cross-border transport, including truck drivers and crews, will also be the first to get the vaccine. Apart from the Sinovac vaccine, 1 million doses of the vaccine developed by Fosun Pharma and BioNTech are expected be shipped to Hong Kong by the end of this month. As the vaccines are about to come in succession, the inoculation will be carried out in phases, Nip said. The HKSAR government has secured a total of 22.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, enough to cover Hong Kong's 7.5 million population, as each person needs to take two jabs. 2 1 [ Editor: WXL ] First-year medical residents normally shadow doctors in order to help them decide which medical fields to study smart glasses allowed that rite of passage to continue despite the virus As a result of these findings, the school is exploring how it could implement smart glasses in gross anatomy labs to supplement a virtual anatomy curriculum ( ) announced that its M400 Smart Glasses were part of a winning submission to an American Medical Association (AMA) competition highlighting meaningful learner-led activities or projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project involving Vuzix glasses was a clinical study led by med student Lekha Devara at the University of Louisville. First-year medical residents normally shadow doctors in order to decide which medical fields they will study, but in March 2020, the university barred students from entering clinical settings to slow the spread of the virus The study equipped doctors with Vuzix Smart Glasses, allowing 320 medical students to virtually shadow them without physically being in the hospital. The results were striking. Students have been able to get an unprecedented view of doctor-patient interaction and procedures that were previously difficult to witness during conventional shadowing, the study noted. The glasses have given students views of everything from suture technique to nuances in nonverbal communication between patients and caretakers. As a result of these findings, the school is exploring how it could implement smart glasses in gross anatomy labs to supplement a virtual anatomy curriculum for third- and fourth-year clinical faculties to record procedures, and perform demonstrations to supplement their teaching, the study said. "We're excited to see the impact our Vuzix M400 Smart Glasses have had on the clinical experience for students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine to deliver new experiences in clinical shadowing that was not available during conventional shadowing, Vuzix CEO Paul Travers said in a statement. The study appeared alongside the other most impactful submissions in the 2020 COVID-19 Edition of the AMAs Health Education Systems Science Student, Resident and Fellow Impact Challenge. Healthcare and telemedicine is a rapidly evolving and very important market vertical for business growth and innovation for Vuzix as we continue to set the standard for industry-leading telemedicine usage around the globe, Travers added. Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her historic appointment as the new Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. In a letter addressed to the new WTO boss, President Akufo-Addo expressed delight at the fact that her election was by consensus of the General Council of the WTO, thereby making Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the first woman and first African to occupy the of Director-General of the Organisation. This, according to the President is a tribute to black women the world over, particularly to African women Her appointment, the President explained, comes at a time when Africa has taken steps to liberalise intra-continental trade through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, and the challenges brought about by COVID-19. I am of the firm conviction that you are eminently qualified to lead the Organisation in these momentous times, and I assure you of the full support of the Government of Ghana in your new role, President Akufo-Addo added. The President, in a letter dated 17th February, sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, on the appointment of Dr Okonjo-Iweala to her new position. President Akufo-Addo assured the people of Nigeria and her Government of the support of the Government of Ghana in her new role. 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 Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 00:08:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed full, accurate and comprehensive implementation of the new development philosophy, as well as the crucial role of reform in establishing a new development paradigm. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while presiding over the 18th meeting of the central committee for deepening overall reform. Li Keqiang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy heads of the central committee for deepening overall reform, attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed and approved the work summary of the central committee for deepening overall reform in 2020 and its work plan in 2021. The meeting also reviewed and approved a series of guidelines including those on improving the price control mechanism of important livelihood commodities, promoting high-quality development of public hospitals, enhancing regulatory capacity-building for pharmaceuticals, and establishing and improving the value realization mechanism of ecological products. Significant progress has been made in deepening overall reforms over the past year, the meeting said. The meeting stressed the essential role of reforms in establishing new development paradigm, while calling for efforts to remove institutional barriers that restrict the improvement of core competitiveness of science and technology. The meeting underscored breaking through the bottleneck of core technologies and industries, and firmly grasping the initiatives of innovation and development. More targeted measures will be introduced to improve fair competition system, strengthen the protection of property rights and intellectual property rights, unleash the vitality of market entities, promote the upgrade of industrial and supply chains, establish a modern logistics system and build a unified national market. The meeting urged efforts to expand domestic demand in deepening reform, improve systems and mechanisms for coordinated regional development and integrated urban-rural development, as well as accelerate the development of a new type of urbanization that puts people at the core. China should push forward high-level opening-up, speed up fostering a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment, and facilitate the establishment of an open economy at a higher level, the meeting said. The meeting stressed efforts to promote overall green transformation in deepening reform. China will formulate an action plan for peaking carbon emissions before 2030 to ensure its development based on efficient use of resources, strict protection of ecological environment and effective control of greenhouse gas emissions, the meeting said. The meeting stressed strengthening integration of reforms in different areas and putting the implementation and effective results of reforms in a more prominent position. In the process, people who advance reforms should adopt a systematic concept, dialectical thinking, an innovative mindset and a spirit of perseverance, according to the meeting. Enditem remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in Sadiq Khan says there should be so return to the tier system after lockdown. (Getty) There should be no return to the coronavirus tier system, London mayor Sadiq Khan has said as he branded it a "catastrophic failure". Khan said the tier system, first introduced in October, hadn't worked and the government should "learn the lessons" of its past mistakes. Boris Johnson is expected to announce a roadmap out of the latest national lockdown on Monday. He has indicated he will proceed with a national approach rather than a return to tiers, saying a whole-country system "might be better this time round". Watch: Labour leader fears England tier system 'not strong enough'. Khan said on Friday: "I think the governments tiering system hasnt worked, it has been a catastrophic failure and thats why I think we need to look towards the country as a whole. "The reality is what we cant do is lift lockdown because weve seen good progress in one part of the country, which inadvertently leads to a lack of progress in another part of the country. "I think weve got to learn the lessons of the mistakes made in the past." Read more: Pubs' 10pm curfew had little effect on reducing spread of coronavirus, study suggests Khan's comments echo earlier sentiments from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who has called for a national approach rather than regional measures depending on local infection rates. Professor Dame Angela McLean, chief scientific adviser at the Ministry of Defence, told the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee this week that the government was too slow to move areas into higher tiers under the previous system. She said: It was the way we used the tier system we waited until prevalence was high before putting it into a more restrictive tier. What we should have done was say: Look, this part of the country, the number of infections is starting to grow, and (we should have) put them into higher tiers while their infection (rates) were still low. Story continues She added: It was the way that we used the tier system that we need to do different this time to use the tiers to act when prevalence is low but growing. In November, experts criticised the tier system, saying it "was not very well thought out". Professor John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said at the time: "The problem with the tier system is Tier 1 doesn't do much at all, Tier 2 probably has some effect, but not a great deal, and Tier 3 seems to be able to hold the epidemic. "The problem with the tier system is that inevitably you end up with quite a lot of places with high incidence under those circumstances. "Because the Tier 1 and Tier 2 ones just eventually drift up into Tier 3 with a high incidence, and then Tier 3 holds it there." He added: "It wasn't a very well thought through strategy, frankly." Watch: What you can and can't do during England's third national lockdown Pfizer/BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine is 85 per cent effective after the first dose, according to an Israeli study Pfizer/BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine is 85 per cent effective after the first dose, according to an Israeli study that bolsters Britain's decision to delay the second injection. The UK drew criticism in January when it pushed back the second dose from three weeks to three months because the jabs were never trialled using that dosing regimen. But the latest research on 9,000 healthcare workers, published in The Lancet, found that a single shot reduced the number of people developing symptomatic Covid by 85 per cent after three weeks. Separate research by Pfizer/BioNTech published today showed their vaccine can now be stored at the same temperature as a household freezer (-15C to -25C) for two weeks rather than at the ultra-cold -70C. This could dramatically expand the rollout of the jabs, and rule out the logistical nightmare of moving doses in specialist containers keeping them at ultra-low temperatures. The study on the effectiveness of the jabs after one dose was carried out by the Sheba Medical Centre, one of Israel's top research hospitals. It reported a 75 per cent drop in the number of people testing positive for the infection, suggesting the single shot will have a significant impact on blocking asymptomatic infection and transmission. A positive PCR swab would signal that even someone who is vaccinated is carrying fragments of the virus in their nose or throat which they could pass on. Reducing Covid's spread is critical for country's to achieve 'herd immunity', when so many people are immune that a disease peters out. Lead researcher Professor Arnon Afek, deputy director-general at Sheba, said: 'This groundbreaking research supports the British government's decision to begin inoculating its citizens with a single dose of the vaccine.' The UK has also been spacing out Oxford University's vaccine doses in a bid to get better coverage quicker, with the nation in a race against time to vaccinate as many vulnerable Britons as possible before the end of March. An Oxford study earlier this month found a single shot of that jab was 76 per cent effective for 12 weeks at stopping symptomatic disease and blocks seven in 10 people from spreading it. Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine CAN be stored at same temperature as household freezer results show The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine can be stored at the same temperature as a household freezer, results show, in a dramatic change bound to speed up the rollout. The pharmaceutical companies have submitted their study to the US-based Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval, reports the Financial Times. It is not clear if the results have been submitted to the UK regulators. Stability data shows the shots store just as well when kept at normal freezer temperatures (-15C to -25C) as they do when at ultra-cold levels (-60C to -80C). Current requirements say they must be kept at the ultra-cold temperatures, which has led to countries building specialist supply chains using dry ice to distribute the jabs. But allowing them to be moved at warmer temperatures means industrial freezers can now accommodate them, and opens the door to a faster rollout in third world countries. The jabs will still need to be defrosted before they are used. Professor Peter English, an infectious diseases expert, said he thought it was likely the companies had been unable to test their jab being stored at different temperatures before it was distributed. 'My guess would be that they store the product that way (ultra-cold temperatures) in their research facilities, and had not been able to do the necessary testing in time, prior to release as soon as possible so the product could be used, to ensure that lower temperature storage would suffice.' Advertisement Sheba epidemiologist Gili Regev-Yochay cautioned that the cohort studied at the hospital were 'mostly young and healthy'. Unlike with Pfizer's clinical trial, 'we don't have many (staff) here aged over 65,' she told reporters. But she also noted that the Sheba study took place during a surge in Covid-19 infections in Israel, which flooded hospitals with new cases. Pfizer declined to comment on the data, saying in a statement it was doing its own analysis of 'the vaccines real-world effectiveness in several locations worldwide, including Israel'. It hopes to use Israeli data to look at the potential of the vaccine to protect against Covid-19 arising from emerging variants, the drugmaker said. Pfizer's original trial of the vaccine found efficacy was 95 per cent if two doses were given 21 days apart. Other countries including Israel and the US are trying to stick more closely to the three-week gap proven in the clinical trial. It comes after England's Covid vaccine postcode lottery was laid bare last night. It emerged parts of London have jabbed just 60 per cent of over-70s - while almost every elderly person has had their first dose in one district in Hampshire. The NHS England statistics, which go up to February 14, also show that some parts of the country have dished out nearly 300 times as many second doses as others. The capital was hardest hit by the lottery overall, accounting for the worst 10 areas for uptake. Bottom of the pile was Westminster, in the city centre, where only 60.9 per cent of residents over 70 have had their first injection. West London was second, where 67.5 per cent in the same age group have been jabbed. On the other hand, North East Hampshire and Farnham which had got 99.8 per cent of its over-70s their first doses, the highest level in the country. East Leicestershire and Rutland was second, at 99.3 per cent. Somerset and Sunderland have both also jabbed more than 99 per cent of over-70s with either Pfizer's or Oxford's vaccine. Health chiefs fear vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups is behind the poorer uptake in London's culturally diverse boroughs. It follows reports of GP surgeries in London having to close early because not enough people have been turning up to get their injection. The figures do not take into account health and social care staff or extremely clinically vulnerable younger people, such as those with terminal illnesses, who are both also at the top of the vaccine priority list. Instead, they look solely at over-70s, who are most at risk of dying from the illness. Britain has already vaccinated more than 16million people and ministers have pledged to dish out jabs to all 32million in the top nine groups by April. With the Government taking a cautious approach to easing lockdown this time around, it is widely accepted that all of the nine top vulnerable groups will need to have had at least one dose of vaccine before curbs can be significantly eased. This week, too many Texans were stuck shivering inside our homes, wondering how our states electric system could fail so massively. Whos to blame? And more important, how do we make sure this doesnt happen again? In this bonus episode of the podcast "Q&A with Lisa Gray," Kaiba White of Public Citizen Texas explains. Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Today American Green (OTC Pink: ERBB ) announces for the six-month period ending December 31, 2020, it has reached all-time highs in sales and gross profits. The Company's cannabis grow management operation in Phoenix, called "Sweet Virginia," delivered a record $892,265 in revenue compared to the same six-month period in 2019 of $773,079. Along with this revenue growth, the grow management operation booked gross profits of $636,848 compared to $511,510 in the same period of the previous year. Its revenues and gross profits were 15% and 24% higher than the same periods in the previous year. Company president David Gwyther said, "I am extremely pleased that we booked these record numbers. Our team put in an amazing effort last year during very trying times and for us to report our best numbers ever is a credit to them and to the people who believe in our company and products," Our online CBD division also hit record sales numbers for the same sixth-month period ending December 31, 2020. Revenue was up 10% and profitability was up a significant 41% as a result of greater overall efficiencies and bulk purchasing power. American Green continues to gain momentum with the American Green Online Emporium and is very pleased with the sales of selected American Green products offered through Amazon which began a few months ago. Look for additional Hemp products to be released for sale on Amazon in March and in the coming months. "A great number of Cannabis and CBD opportunities have opened up for American Green in Arizona, our home state and throughout the United States. We plan to take full advantage of these expansion opportunities appearing right in front of us. This will allow for continued record-setting revenues and gross profits. We are looking forward to a great year for American Green and our shareholders." concluded Mr. Gwyther. Shareholders and interest holders may also stay current with American Green Updates: American Green's Main Website at www.americangreen.com Twitter: @American__Green (two underscores), or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americangreenusa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americangreenusa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicalnipton/ About American Green, Inc. In 2009, American Green, Inc. became America's second publicly-traded company in the cannabis sector. American Green now, with its more than 50,000 certified beneficial shareholders, is one of the largest (in shareholder count) in the cannabis sector. American Green's mission is to lead the cannabis and premium CBD industry. Leveraging our team of professionals in cultivation management, manufacturing, extraction, wholesale, retail, and community outreach, we strive to develop sustainable initiatives in the cannabis-adjacent and CBD industries, laser-focused on adding company and shareholder value. For more information: Contact: American Green, Inc. Investor Relations 2902 W. Virginia Ave Phoenix, AZ 85009 480-443-1600 X555 investor@americangreen.com NOTES ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission reports and filings. Certain statements contained in this release that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by that Act. Reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from thoseexpressed or implied. Forward-looking statements maybe identified by words such as estimates, anticipates, projects, plans, expects, intends, believes, be should and similar expressions and by the context in which they are used. Such statements are based upon current expectations of the Company and speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which they are made. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74924 A dog has helped its hiker owner survive seven nights in the freezing Italian alps after the man broke his ankle and was stranded in the wild. The 33-year-old man was rescued on Thursday after he was spotted lying near a stream in the mountains north of Udine, north-eastern Italy. He said his mixed-breed dog Ash had kept him alive through the ice nights without much food or water. A dog named Ash has helped its hiker owner survive seven nights in the freezing Italian alps after the man broke his ankle and was stranded in the wild. Ash is being pictured with a rescuer The 33-year-old man was rescued on Thursday after he was spotted lying near a stream in the mountains of Julian Alps in Udine, north-eastern Italy. Pictured, rescuers are airlifted out of the mountains with the injured hiker, who is being wrapped in a sleeping bag (pictured) The Italian hiker was left stranded for seven nights after he fell and broke his ankle while travelling in the mountains north of Udine, north-eastern Italy The unnamed hiker, from the north-eastern city of Trieste, had begun his hike a few days earlier, spending nights in various mountain huts and makeshift shelters, as he does every year with the company of his dog. He fell and broke his ankle while travelling through a part of the Venzonassa Valley, which is unreachable by mobile phone. Although unable to move around, the badly injured man managed to drag himself to a stream and get some water there. A dog has helped its hiker owner survive seven nights in the freezing Italian alps after the man broke his ankle and was stranded in the wild. Pictured, the injured hiker wrapped in a sleeping bag is being prepare for airlift by rescuers on Thursday after they spotted the man The 33-year-old man was found covered in leaves before being rescued on Thursday after he was spotted lying near a stream in the mountains north of Udine, north-eastern Italy His dog Ash had stayed with him and helped him survive, the man said. After he had not returned on Monday as expected, the hiker's girlfriend alerted the Friuli mountain and cave rescue service (CNSAS). Rescuers in a helicopter spotted the hiker lying on the ground near the forest track. He was found covered in leaves with his foil blanket nearby. The man was said to be conscious when the rescuers arrived, but he had suffered serious injuries. After he had not returned on Monday as expected, the hiker's girlfriend alerted the Friuli mountain and cave rescue service (CNSAS). Pictured, rescuers tend to the injured hiker Rescuers in a helicopter spotted the hiker lying on the ground near the forest track after being alerted by his girlfriend. The man was found covered in leaves with his foil blanket nearby Pictures show the rescue staff tending to the injured man by wrapping him in a sleeping bag before airlifting him out of the mountains. He is being treated at a local hospital in Udine Pictures show the rescue staff tending to the injured man by wrapping him in a sleeping bag before airlifting him out of the mountains. He is now being treated at a local hospital while Ash is being looked after by the rescue team. The incident came to light after the local rescue services revealed it in a Facebook post on Thursday. SARATOGA SPRINGS In an effort to lead the city in blotting out systemic racism, the City Council unanimously vowed to promote racial equity and fairness, and to eliminate discriminatory systems and practices. As part of the pledge, introduced by the Commissioner of Public Safety Robin Dalton, the all-white, five-member council also agreed to develop and cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that recognizes the strengths that come from giving everyone the opportunity to contribute, participate, grow and succeed. The pledge, crafted by the citys Community Outreach Committee, also insisted that the citys elected officials strive as a government to do what is right and just for all people. Committee Chair Shaun Wiggins, who at the meeting encouraged the council to agree to the pledge, said he realizes that passing a resolution is a simple task. The challenge, he said, will be turning this into action. Previously: Saratoga Springs' police reform efforts to include civilian board, de-escalation policies Before urban renewal, Saratoga Springs was a different world Use of pepper spray on Saratoga Springs protesters haunts reform efforts More Information Saratoga Springs Community Outreach Committee Conversation with Denee Mwendwa, Howard University PhD 5 p.m. Friday, March 5 Zoom http://www.saratoga-springs.org/2564/Community-Outreach-Committee Healthcare disparities in the Black community See More Collapse The reality is if this is truly important to the city, there would be actions in place already. There are not, said Wiggins, who is Black. The committee chairman is a former CIA operative and the owner of Soteryx Corp, a city-based risk management firm. We hope to target concrete actions the city will adopt. Wiggins said the committee will recommend an increase in the diversity among city employees and those the city does business with. There is a state mandate that 30 percent of government contracts should be targeted to minority/women-owned businesses, Wiggins said. Ive seen government contracts come and go in the city and I never heard mention about minority/women-owned businesses getting a play This is about stepping up and increasing the diversity here. We dont feel the effort is there, frankly. But before any of that can happen, Wiggins said, city officials must acknowledge racism exists, thus the pledge. Ive been here for nine years. I have had conversations with people who said there is no racism in Saratoga Springs. They were vehement about it, Wiggins said. I said, listen, I promise you there is racism. Now is this a major metropolitan city where it is rampant? No, but trust me, it does exist. The sense of this is youve got to get them to recognize that absolutely there is a problem and the problem must be resolved. Initially, the committee sought support for the pledge from the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. Chamber President Todd Shimkus said he never saw the pledge. Prosperity Partnership President and CEO Shelby Schneider said she supports anti-racism efforts, but that there was a "miscommunication between the volunteers on the committee" and the partnership regarding the pledge proposal. Schneider said she would talk with Wiggins about it this week. "If I sign off on this pledge, as a public organization that supports operational transparency it would need to be reviewed, discussed and considered at the board level," Schneider said. "The only impediment to the process is the actual receipt of the pledge." Shimkus would not say if he would consider the pledge specifically. "I get lots of requests every day," he said. "I consider all of them." Dalton formed the Community Outreach Committee last spring after George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. She said the city council passed a similar resolution after Donald J. Trump was elected president. That December 2016 resolution promised support for mutual respect and unity. Dalton said that this pledge advanced that with a promise of the unequivocal recognition of that fact that we may begin to address the problem together and an understanding that white privilege is not an insult, but a challenge. Dalton agreed with Wiggins that actions are essential. If nothing is done, then its another set of words. Its meaningless, Dalton said. We want people to say, yes, there is racism and we will not stand back silently. Wiggins said that requires education. With that in mind, the committee has hosted a series of speakers to address issues of race. The next speaker is Denee Mwendwa, a professor in the psychology department at Howard University, who has done research in healthcare disparities. She will address bias and racism in healthcare in a community forum from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 5, via Zoom. Joe Biden will use his first big presidential moment on the global stage at Friday's Group of Seven meeting of world leaders to announce that the U.S. will soon begin releasing $4 billion for an international effort to bolster the purchase and distribution of coronavirus vaccine to poor nations, White House officials said. Biden will also encourage G-7 partners to make good on their pledges to COVAX, an initiative by the World Health Organization to improve access to vaccines, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview Biden's announcement. Former President Donald Trump declined to participate in the COVAX initiative because of its ties to WHO, the Geneva-based agency that Trump accused of covering up China's missteps in handling the virus at the start of the public health crisis. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the WHO, but Biden moved quickly after his inauguration last month to rejoin and confirmed that the U.S. would contribute to COVAX. International debut: Joe Biden will speak to world leaders at a summit for the first time Friday with a session of the G-7 held virtually, where he will promise $4 billion to help poorer countries get vaccines Shot: The U.S. is on course to have 600 million doses delivered by July but there are fears poorer countries will turn to China and Russia for vaccines handing them a diplomatic victory The $4 billion in U.S. funding was approved by Congress in December and will be distributed through 2022. The U.S. is committed to working through COVAX to ensure 'equitable distribution of vaccines and funding globally,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Thursday. It remains to be seen how G-7 allies will take Biden's calls for greater international cooperation on vaccine distribution given that the U.S. refused to take part in the initiative under Trump and that there are growing calls for the Biden administration to distribute some U.S.-manufactured vaccine supplies overseas. French President Emmanuel Macron, in an interview Thursday with the Financial Times, called on the U.S. and European nations to allocate up to 5% of current vaccine supplies to developing countries - the kind of vaccine diplomacy that China and Russia have begun deploying. And earlier this week, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sharply criticized the 'wildly uneven and unfair' distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, noting 10 countries have administered 75% of all vaccinations. Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also raised with Biden the prospect of Canada getting the vaccine from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer's facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, according to a senior Canadian government official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to describe a private conversation. Canada has been getting all its Pfizer doses from a company facility in Puurs, Belgium, and has experienced disruptions in supply. But Biden, who announced last week that the U.S. will have enough supply of the vaccine by the end of the summer to inoculate 300 million people, remains focused for now on making sure every American is inoculated, administration officials say. Precious commodity: The COVAX program has already missed its own goal of beginning coronavirus vaccinations in poor countries at the same time that shots were rolled out in rich countries. WHO says COVAX needs $5 billion in 2021 The president, in his first national security memorandum last month, called for his administration to develop a framework to donate surplus vaccines once there is a sufficient supply in the U.S. The COVAX program has already missed its own goal of beginning coronavirus vaccinations in poor countries at the same time that shots were rolled out in rich countries. WHO says COVAX needs $5 billion in 2021. Guterres said Wednesday that 130 countries have not received a single dose of the vaccine and declared that 'at this critical moment, vaccine equity is the biggest moral test before the global community.' The Group of Seven industrialized nations are the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, France, Canada and Italy. Friday's meeting of the G-7, the first of Biden's presidency, is being held virtually. In addition to discussing vaccine distribution, Biden also plans to use the meeting to discuss G-7 countries' collective competitiveness and economic challenges posed by China, according to the White House. Biden is also scheduled to deliver a virtual address to the Munich Security Conference on Friday before traveling to Michigan to visit Pfizer's vaccine manufacturing facility. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) The Department of Health confirmed on Thursday night the detection of two new COVID-19 mutations in Central Visayas. "Following the enhanced genomic biosurveillance in the country, the Department of Health and the University of the Philippines - Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) today confirm the detection of SARS-CoV-2 mutations of potential clinical significance in samples sequenced last week from Central Visayas," the Health Department said in a statement. The DOH clarified the current available data on the two new mutations of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19, are "insufficient to conclude [these] will have significant public health implications." On Thursday afternoon, the DOH-Central Visayas office (DOH-7) announced that two COVID-19 "mutations of concern" have been detected in Cebu. In a press briefing, DOH-7 spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said these mutations identified as E484K and N501Y were found in the first batch of samples they sent to the PGC for genomic sequencing. This batch covers the period Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 and contained samples from Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cebu province. "Out of 50, there were 37 samples equivalent to 78% that had two mutations of concern," Loreche said. "And out of these again, 29 out of 50 meaning 58% had a co-occurrence of the two mutations." These mutations are now called "a variant under investigation or a variant of concern," according to Loreche. The health official explained there is no name yet, as the entire sequence has yet to be identified. 'No cause for panic' DOH-7 Regional Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas, meanwhile, clarified that these mutations still need further study. The DOH Central Office reiterated that it is natural for viruses to mutate, but that not all mutations and variants necessarily cause negative effects. "Nevertheless, the DOH recognizes the potential public health implications of these reported mutations in samples from Region 7," the DOH said. It assured that local health officials have already initiated measures to contain viral transmission in the region, as well as to characterize the cases and areas of concern. In the briefing, Loreche also bared the two mutations are "also of global concern...as these are mutations that are related to increased transmissibility." While they are believed to be more contagious, Loreche said they have yet to establish if they are more virulent or can cause a more severe disease. "But for now, based on our data on rising cases...clustering cases, ayan [there], most likely, this is the cause of the high transmissibility," she said. In its latest report, independent research group OCTA noted a spike in cases in a number of areas in Cebu. The group also said Cebu Citys positivity rate over the past week stood at 13%, way above the ideal rate of below 5% as recommended by the World Health Organization. The DOH-7 has tallied 5,240 active cases in Central Visayas as of Feb. 17. Of the regions currently ill patients, Cebu City accounts for 2,668, while Cebu province has 1,029. According to Loreche, they are also awaiting results of the second batch of 90 samples they sent to PGC for genome sequencing. CNN Philippines' Cebu-based correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report. U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, whose son was killed by a gunman who was targeting her last summer, said the killer may also have been targeting a Supreme Court justice, the judge said in a recent 60 Minutes interview. Salas said the gunman, Roy Den Hollander, an anti-feminist attorney, had a dossier on Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. They found another gun, a Glock, more ammunition, Salas said, adding they were recovered after Den Hollander died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound. But the most troubling thing they found was a manila folder with a workup on Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Who knows what could have happened? Salas continued. But we need to understand that judges are at risk. That we put ourselves in great danger every day for doing our jobs. The revelation comes as Salas continues to push for legislation to be passed to better protect federal judges and their families after the attack on her North Brunswick home last July. She previously said Den Hollander had a complete dossier on me and my family and knew where they lived and where they went to church. Den Hollander targeted Salas presumably because they she was involved in Den Hollanders lawsuit to end the U.S. militarys male only draft. He resented her for the pace the case was moving, but also because she was a Latino woman, based on a 1,500-page manifesto police found, authorities said. When he came to her home disguised as a FedEx driver, Den Hollander started shooting when Salas son, Daniel Anderl, and her husband, Mark Anderl opened the door, killing the 20-year-old and critically injuring her husband. Authorities later identified Den Hollander as the gunman who killed a California attorney just days before the attack at Salas home. According to the New York Times, Den Hollander had a list of other targets, including New York States chief judge, another federal judge in New Jersey and a state judge in Manhattan. In the interview on 60 Minutes, authorities discovered the file on Sotomayor after recently searching a locker Den Hollander had in New Jersey. She described it as chilling. More than on his list, Salas said of Sotomayor. On his sights. Salas also reveals in the interview that she continues to receive threats after the attack, including one that said, We must start killing these corrupt politicians and judges, and their families. In November, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Daniels Law, which protects the home addresses and telephone numbers of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers from public disclosure. New Jersey federal lawmakers introduced similar legislation shortly after Salas son death. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. With Prime Minister Narendra Modis efforts to promote electronics manufacturing and create jobs in the country, technology majors are looking to shift their production bases to India. Reuters // Apple CEO Tim Cook with iPad Apple has been on the same lines since long and a new report suggests that the Cupertino tech giant might be looking to expand its footprint in the country. With the shift, Apple will be looking to take advantage of a new performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme that the government of India is reportedly coming up with. Citing sources close to the matter, a report by Reuters mentions that the scheme will try to boost the local production of tablets, laptops and servers in India. Under the new PLI scheme, the government will offer cash-back to manufacturers for exports. Expected to be launched by the end of February, the scheme will have a budget of up to Rs 7,000 crore over five years as per the sources. Apple // iPad Air With Apples long-sought plans to shift its production from China to other countries, the company has been boosting the manufacturing of its products in India. Taking advantage of the Indian governments upcoming scheme, Apple is now reportedly also eyeing to produce its laptops and iPads in India. It is, however, lobbying for a bigger budget under the scheme, to the amounts of Rs 20,000 crore. It cites that India doesnt yet have the scale or the supply chain for making IT products as per the sources cited in the report. Apples push comes at a time its iPhone supplier Wistron is just restarting operations at a southern Indian plant after angry workers went on a rampage last year. Apple is yet to take the Taiwan manufacturer off of probation. Majority of Apples current assembly lines for iPads are in China. The tech major, however, is fast diversifying this production strategy to markets such as India and Vietnam. The shift in manufacturing capacity will also minimise the impact of the U.S.-China trade war and the ongoing pandemic on its business plans. (Representative Image: Reuters) The report mentions that the shift, hence, could take place as early as this year. Apple will likely give the contract for assembly of these iPads to one of its existing suppliers in the country. The government is asking Apple to get iPads assembled by its contract manufacturers here, the non-Chinese companies a government official told Reuters. It is easy to see how such an increase in Apples production in the country will help India establish its IT industry and generate local jobs at global standards. A German scientist says he is '99.9 per cent sure' that coronavirus leaked from a Wuhan research lab. Dr Roland Wiesendanger, a physicist from the University of Hamburg, has published a 100-page paper laying out what he claims is evidence pointing to a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, in the city where the pandemic began. The professor says the fact that no animal host has been found, safety concerns about the lab, and the fact that researchers were involved in controversial 'gain-of-function' research to make viruses more infectious to humans all confirm his view. But others have slammed his 'research' - saying it is unscientific, relies on newspaper reports and YouTube videos as sources, and point out that he is not a virus expert. His paper was published just 10 days after WHO scientists probing the origins of Covid in Wuhan urged scientists to dismiss lab leak theories, saying the possibility is 'extremely unlikely'. Dr Roland Wiesendanger, a physicist from the University of Hamburg, insists he is '99.9 per cent sure' coronavirus leaked from a lab and has published a 100-page paper on it Dr Wiesendanger argues the fact that no natural host for Covid has been found and safety concerns about the Wuhan Institute for Virology (picture) suggest the virus leaked from there Dr Wiesendanger openly admitted to German media that he has no 'scientific basis' for believing the virus escaped from the Wuhan lab. But he insisted that there is plenty of 'circumstantial evidence' that suggests a lab leak is the most likely explanation. 'I am 99.9 percent certain that the coronavirus came from the laboratory,' he told German newspaper ZDF. Among the evidence that Dr Wiesendanger puts forward is the fact that, despite China's insistence that thorough searches have been carried out, no natural host for the virus has yet been found. The closest relative of Covid to be found in nature is a coronavirus found in bats living in a mine in Mojiang in 2012 - labelled RaTG13 by researchers. Dr Wiesendanger points out that these bats live some 1,200 miles from Wuhan, meaning it is unlikely they carried the virus to the city. WHO scientists also pointed out in their own report that contact between citizens of Wuhan and bats is uncommon. But while WHO researchers conclude that the virus must therefore have jumped to a secondary host which does come into contact with humans before making the jump, Dr Wiesendanger goes a different route. WHO scientists led by Peter Embarek insist that lab leak theories are 'extremely unlikely' and have called for no further study into them He argues the most logical way for the coronavirus to have reached Wuhan was via samples collected at the Wuhan Institute of Virology for research. He says the virus was then adapted by humans in so-called 'gain-of-function' research, designed to make it more infectious and potentially more deadly. Dr Wiesendanger points to evidence showing that Covid is well-adapted to infecting human cells and multiplying as his reason for believing this. He says safety concerns raised about the lab before the start of the pandemic show that a leak would have been possible, and further claims that scientists working at the institute were among some of the first infections. He argues that his paper is not intended for the scientific community, but to spark public debate - particularly around 'gain-of-function' research, which some scientists believe should be banned due to the risks involved. Dr Wiesendanger's conclusions agree with some US officials, who have argued that a laboratory leak is the 'most credible' explanation for the pandemic. But WHO researchers led by Dr Peter Embarek, an expert in how viruses jump from animals to humans, disagree. Having visited the Wuhan Institute at the centre of leak theories, Dr Embarek said it is 'extremely unlikely' the virus leaked and called for no further study of the theory. That stance has since been walked back by WHO chief Dr Tedros who insisted that all theories remain on the table, though it is unclear if or how he proposes to study laboratory leaks further. 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 European Investment Bank (EIB) is ready to allocate 700 million euros to Ukraine for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said. "The bank has expressed its readiness to allocate 700 million euros for credit assistance, in fact, these are loans with a zero rate, 0.12% per annum to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine," Shmyhal said during an hour of questions to the Government held in the Verkhovna Rada, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. He added that the Finance Ministry would work to obtain appropriate funds from the EIB and focus on business support. As reported on February 12, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and President of the European Investment Bank Werner Hoyer agreed on the allocation of 50 million euros for the purchase of vaccines for the Ukrainian people and modern refrigeration equipment for the network of vaccination centers. The parties also signed a Guarantee Agreement for the development of Boryspil Airport to obtain a loan of EUR 270 million for the reconstruction of flight zone No.2. iy 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. FLINT, MI Flint Community Schools will no longer be returning students to the classroom this Monday, Feb. 22, as planned. School officials announced at about 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, the district would delay its plans for students to return to classrooms through a hybrid in-person model. The announcement comes fewer than three days before some families were prepared to send their children back into school buildings for the first time since March. At Flint Community Schools, we are highly confident in the return to school plan we have in place, a letter from Superintendent Anita Steward reads. Unfortunately, there were concerns regarding the sneeze guardsan additional safety measure that, while not a requirement for in-person learning, is something our Board members, families and staff have expressed a strong desire to have in place. For that reason, we are delaying the return to in-person learning until the issues regarding the sneeze guards have been resolved. Related: Flint school board votes to offer hybrid in-person class options by end of February All students should plan to continue with distance learning on Monday, Steward said. On Jan. 8, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer strongly encouraged schools to offer an option for in-person instruction no later than March 1. Students at Flint schools have not been back in the classroom since March when the state issued a shutdown for all in-person classes. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our families and staff members, Steward said. The safety of our scholars and teachers is our number one concern. We will keep the community updated and announce a new date for the return as soon as possible. Flint Community Schools Board of Education members and members of the public raised concerns about returning to school during the boards Wednesday, Feb. 17, meeting. When the district resumes hybrid learning it will adhere to all of the health and safety guidelines outlined in its Safe Return and Recovery Plan, which was developed with the input of administrators, teachers, staff, community partners, board of education members, union representatives and parents, Stewards letter states. It is our belief that this plan will guide the continued academic, social and emotional growth of our scholars while maintaining, first and foremost, our commitment to safety and well-being, she wrote. Read more on MLive: Michigan governor calls for in-person learning to resume by March 1 Flint school board elects president and officers in contested vote, new board members sworn in Flint school board fills vacancy through appointment at special board meeting Flint schools will pay $207,000 to ousted superintendent, void disciplinary record Flint-area administrators reflect on school year amid coronavirus pandemic Jeffrey Hannon, a 34-year-old real estate agent, has alleged that he was catfished by one of Andrew Cuomo's aides in 2010 on a gay dating website and unintentionally fed him personal information about his family and job An ex-campaign staffer and nephew of Andrew Cuomo's rival has alleged that he was catfished by one of the now-New York governor's aides on a gay dating website and unintentionally fed him personal information about his family and job. Jeffrey Hannon, a 34-year-old real estate agent, made the allegations in a lengthy Twitter post on Thursday night as Cuomo faces mounting criticism over COVID-19 nursing home deaths and a tirade against a lawmaker who was critical of his handling of the pandemic. Hannon, who was 23 at the time, claimed in a 33-tweet thread that he was catfished by the aide during the 2010 gubernatorial election campaign after he and other staffers who were working for his anti-gay uncle Carl Paladino embarrassed Cuomo in front of his daughters on the campaign trail. He did not reveal the identity of the aide and only said he had his suspicions. Hannon did not offer any evidence as to why he believed a Cuomo aide was responsible. Cuomo and Hannon did not respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com about the allegations. Hannon, who worked on his uncle's GOP campaign despite being a registered Democrat, insisted that he wasn't accusing Cuomo of 'anything illegal or corrupt' but he believed his story 'sheds some light on the kind of person he is'. Hannon already made headlines back in 2010 during the campaign after his uncle caused outrage when he told congregants at a Hasidic Jewish synagogue that homosexuality is 'not the example that we should be showing our children'. Hannon quit the campaign soon after. Hannon, who is gay and was living in Buffalo at the time, noted in his tweets that he started working for his uncle's campaign as an aide and social media coordinator. Hannon, who was 23 at the time, claimed in a 33-tweet thread that he was catfished by the aide during the 2010 gubernatorial election campaign between his Republican uncle Carl Paladino (left) and then attorney general Andrew Cuomo (right) Hannon claims was catfished by the aide during the 2010 gubernatorial election campaign after he and other Paladino staffers embarrassed Cuomo in front of his daughters on the campaign trail at an event at the Wyoming County Fair (pictured above) He said that the Paladino campaign had received a tip during the summer of 2010 that Cuomo, who was attorney general at the time, was going to make a secret stop at the Wyoming County Fair outside Buffalo for a 'Make New York Great Again' tour. 'We jumped at the opportunity to try and get him to take a position on a number of hot-button issues at the time. Up until then he'd avoided actually campaigning and taking any public stances on any issues. He preferred to do press releases in his official capacity as AG,' Hannon said. 'We got there just in time, and had a volunteer dress up in a duck costume and hold signs saying Cuomo needs to stop 'Ducking' the issues. We all had duck calls and blew them as loud as we could. 'Looking back, it was juvenile. We embarrassed him in front of his daughters and his entourage of press, staff, and volunteers.' Hannon said they followed Cuomo and his family around for 10 minutes before the local sheriffs got involved. 'I remember it like it was yesterday: the look on his face and the anger in his eyes,' he said. He claims the alleged catfishing incident occurred soon after. 'I didn't think much of it then, but shortly thereafter, I met a man on a gay website who went by the name Daniel Wilhelm. He was so handsome and charming. He was only a few years older than I and was visiting Buffalo for the day for work,' he said. 'We exchanged photos right away, traded phone numbers, and started talking on the phone nightly. We really hit it off over the phone. He shared with me some of his deepest and darkest secrets about his childhood and his family, and I did the same. 'We made plans to meet that always somehow fell apart. I told him about my personal issues with my uncle and my work drama, including issues with campaign co-workers. Some of our conversations would last for hours and go until 2 or 3 a.m. 'I fell in love with him. Hannon said he and Paladino supporters had dressed up in duck costumes and carried signs saying: 'Cuomo needs to stop 'Ducking' the issues' at the fair. Hannon said they followed Cuomo around for 10 minutes embarrassing him before sheriffs got involved. Pictured is Paladino supporter in September 2010 protesting near where Cuomo was giving a news conference Hannon, who was 23 at the time, claimed in a 33-tweet thread that he was catfished by the aide during the 2010 gubernatorial election campaign. His social media page at the time is pictured above Hannon, pictured on the left, is now 34 and works as a real estate agent in New York City Hannon claims his conversations with Daniel continued through August before he suddenly vanished and his phone went straight to voicemail and his online account was deleted. He said the following month, his uncle won the Republican primary. A few weeks after that was when Paladino made the remarks to the Jewish synagogue. Hannon described his uncle's comments as 'disgusting homophobic statements'. 'Within the hour I started to receive texts and phone calls. First it was from family and friends, then the press. And then the next day, out of the blue, Daniel Wilhelm reappeared,' Hannon said. 'He had interviews already lined up for me with his friends at People Magazine, Good Morning America, and CNN, and wanted to fly me down to NYC that night to tell my story. I immediately hung up after realizing what had happened. 'Daniel's phone number was deactivated, his photo was of some male model, and his stories were all made up. I had been tricked. I was devastated, heartbroken. I felt so vulnerable and violated. 'Not only had I been catfished, but I had also unintentionally been feeding this man all sorts of deeply personal information about me and my family. 'I will remember Daniel's voice for the rest of my life. I have my suspicions who that person is, but it's not even important at this point. The bottom line is what kind of person would catfish a 23-year old to win a campaign.' Hannon said he didn't share what had happened at the time because he was ashamed that he had used the gay website because it was 'primarily used for hooking up'. He said he still felt shame for working on his uncle's campaign in light of Paladino's gay comments and insisted he wasn't sharing his story now because of 'sour grapes'. Hannon said he hadn't had anything to do with his uncle politically since the campaign. Despite being a registered Democrat, supporting Barack Obama and interning for NY Gov Eliot Spitzer in college, Hannon said he believed 'with all my heart' that Paladino was going to clean up the state government. He said he joined the campaign after becoming fed up with 'NY State's corrupt Democratic party machine' and was infuriated when the state senate failed to pass the marriage equality in 2009. Hannon's twitter feed is filled with criticism of Cuomo. His allegations regarding the Cuomo aide came in a week where the governor continues to face scrutiny over his administration's handling of nursing home data amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuomo, who has become known for slamming those who oppose him, drew fresh condemnation this week in the wake of a tirade against Assembly member Ron Kim after he questioned his handling of the pandemic. Kim told reporters on Wednesday that when Cuomo called him February 11 to complain about a quote he'd given to the New York Post, the conversation devolved into a stream of threats. Kim said Cuomo yelled at him and threatened to 'destroy' him if he didn't get the paper to retract a statement in which he said the administration admitted it was withholding data about deaths in nursing homes because it was 'trying to dodge having any incriminating evidence' that might get it in trouble with the Justice Department. Days later, Cuomo appeared to follow through, castigating Kim during a conference call with reporters as chronically unethical. Cuomo's staff strongly denied that a threat to 'destroy' Kim was made. His spokesperson, who was listening to the February 11 call, called Kim a habitual liar, and said the governor was just trying to defend himself against a false accusation of a cover up. Kim's story, however, prompted sympathy from other Democrats who said that they, too, had been on the receiving end of similar blasts from Cuomo. 'Many times,' said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose punching-bag relationship with the governor has been a running story in state politics. 'I don't think it's just government,' de Blasio said. 'A number of your colleagues in the media will tell you about calls where they were berated and belittled. It's something that a lot of people in New York state have known about for a long time. I can't get into the why. That's a deeper question, I can only say it's a very unfortunate way to treat people.' Cuomo has long defended his hard-edged strategy as effective politics. 'This is a governor who works night and day to move the ball down the field for New Yorkers and they know that, which is why he has been elected and re-elected three times over the last 10 years,' his senior advisor, Rich Azzopardi, said in a statement in the aftermath of the Kim controversy. Separately, the Justice Department has been examining the governor's COVID-19 task force and are trying to determine whether the state intentionally manipulated data regarding deaths in nursing homes, two sources told The Associated Press this week. In recent weeks, Cuomo's administration revealed that 15,000 long-term care residents have died, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed. Cuomo's top aide, Melissa DeRosa, also told Democratic lawmakers that the administration delayed releasing data to the legislature about the deaths because officials 'froze' over worries the information was 'going to be used against us' by the Justice Department. Azzopardi said Wednesday that it wasn't true that the administration had withheld records from the Justice Department, though he acknowledged that some data requested in October had taken time to collect and produce. 'We responded to the entire August request and have been in the process of responding to the October request on a rolling basis as suggested by the Department of Justice at the time, with a production as recent as January 8, 2021,' Azzopardi said. 'As we publicly said, DOJ has been looking into this for months. We have been cooperating with them and we will continue to.' New Delhi, Feb 19 : A day after Maharashtra state President Nana Patole said that Congress workers will not allow shooting and release of films by Amitabh Bachhan and Akshay Kumar, Congress Chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the party respects freedom of speech but raised questions about the two actors. He said the cause of concern is that many celebs have been tweeting in a simlar patten in favour of fhe government. He assured that Congress workers will not obstruct films or shooting of Bachchan and Kumar. "The Congress believes in freedom of speech. I have spoken to Nana Patole and he has assured that no such thing (stopping shooting or release) will happen." The Maharashtra Congress had on Thursday warned that it would stop shooting or screening of Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar films as "they have failed to speak up" on burning public issues. In a strong statement, Patole said that the Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hiked petrol-diesel-gas prices exorbitantly, while farmers have been protesting outside Delhi for the past nearly three months. However, in the midst of these grave crises, many celebs including Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay, who had raised their voices against the Congress-led UPA Government in the past on various issues, are now absolutely silent. He warned that the party would stop their film shootings/screenings for keeping aloof. "The Modi regime has hiked fuel prices with petrol going up to Rs 100, domestic cooking gas cylinders up to Rs 800. Life has become miserable for the common masses. Even the farmers are protesting outside Delhi, demanding the revoking of the three new farm laws," Patole said. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:46:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) China has welcomed the U.S. return to the JCPOA, saying it is the only right way to break the Iran nuclear deadlock. WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- After a virtual meeting with Britain, Germany, and France, also known as E3, the United States said on Thursday that it was ready to attend talks with Iran and other major countries to discuss the Iran nuclear issue. Iran on the same day noted the important role of the European Union (EU) in brokering the high-profile 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but also asked the United States to show its sincerity by taking the first step to solve their impasse. U.S. WILLING TO RETURN TO JCPOA "The United States would accept an invitation from the European Union High Representative to attend a meeting of the P5+1 and Iran to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Iran's nuclear program," American State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. Earlier in the day, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Iran nuclear issue with his counterparts from Britain, Germany, and France in a virtual meeting. The joint statement by the four foreign policy chiefs expressed concerns over Iran's recent actions to produce both uranium enriched up to 20 percent and uranium metal, calling on Tehran not to limit the verification of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The statement also indicated that Washington is ready to engage with Tehran over JCPOA. "The E3 welcomed the United States' stated intention to return to diplomacy with Iran as well as the resumption of a confident and in-depth dialogue between the E3 and the United States," said the statement, adding that Washington and its European allies would consult the issue with China and Russia, which are among the P5+1 countries. China has welcomed the U.S. return to the JCPOA, saying it is the only right way to break the Iran nuclear deadlock. "All parties should act with greater urgency, work together to implement the consensus reached at the foreign ministers' meeting last December, and push for the unconditional return of the United States to the JCPOA as early as possible and lift all sanctions against Iran," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Thursday, while calling on Iran to resume full compliance with the JCPOA. In eyes of Barbara Slavin, an Iran expert and director of Future of Iran Initiative at the Atlantic Council, the U.S. move is "a good start" acting in "a multilateral fashion." People take pictures during a rally to mark the 42nd anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 10, 2021. (Photo by Ahmad Halabisaz/Xinhua) IRAN'S RESPONSE During his telephone conversation with European Council President Charles Michel on Thursday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the EU foreign policy chief plays an important role in helping coordinate all concerned parties in the future. Noting that the JCPOA is a significant fruit of multilateral diplomacy, Rouhani said the EU should take appropriate action to oppose the U.S. unilateralism. In the joint statement with his E3 counterparts, Blinken said, "If Tehran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same." He said Washington "is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end." Iran, however, insisted the United States take the first step. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday that as soon as the United States returns to its commitments, Iran will do the same. On Thursday night, Zarif said on Twitter, "Instead of sophistry & putting onus on Iran, E3/EU must abide by own commitments & demand an end to Trump's legacy of #EconomicTerrorism against Iran." "Our remedial measures are a response to US/E3 violations. Remove the cause if you fear the effect. We'll follow ACTION," he added. U.S. REVOKES SOME SANCTIONS U.S. State Department officials told reporters Thursday afternoon in a phone call briefing that America removed travel restrictions on Iranian diplomatic personnel assigned to the UN issued by the previous U.S. administration. Meanwhile, the United States also notified the UN Security Council of rescinding the snapback sanctions against Iran that were unilaterally imposed by the Trump administration last year. "I think they are good symbolic gestures, and there are many more sanctions that need to be removed," said Slavin, the Iran expert. He said it's "time for everybody to deescalate" and expected the United States to make some goodwill gestures toward Iran in terms of COVID relief and things like that. Noting that there still are many hurdles, Slavin said he is just mildly optimistic over the future of the nuclear deal. In response to the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and the re-imposition of sanctions, Iran has suspended implementing parts of its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has threatened to stop implementing the Additional Protocol of the IAEA if the parties to the JCPOA do not adhere to their commitments. In January, Iran launched a 20-percent uranium enrichment process as part of its Strategic Action Plan approved by its parliament in December 2020. (Newser) A widow takes to the open road in the wake of the Great Recession in Nomadland, the Golden Globe-nominated film considered a frontrunner for the Best Picture Oscar. In case that's not enough of an indication of how critics are receiving it, the film streaming Friday on Hulubased on Jessica Bruder's nonfiction book of the same name, from writer-director Chloe Zhaohas a 94% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Four takes: The film gets the honor of "Critic's Pick" from the New York Times' AO Scott. Star Frances McDormand's "grit, empathy and discipline have never been so powerfully evident" as she lends support to real vagabonds "playing versions of themselves," writes Scott. "It's hard to describe the mixture of sadness, wonder and gratitude that you feel in their company," he adds. "It's like discovering a new country, one you may want to visit more than once." "This film is a small miracle and a uniquely meditative experience," writes AP critic Lindsay Behr, who named Nomadland her top film of 2020. (It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, winning the People's Choice award.) "McDormand disappears into Fern, which is no small accomplishment for an actor as recognizable as she is." We hear little from herthere's no "show-stopping monologue railing against the system." But "for the most part, this is a film full of kind souls," Behr adds. "They're just not the ones were used to seeing on film." story continues below "Economic anxiety is a major theme" of the film, which "speaks to both the promise and the lie of a uniquely American mythos," reads Angie Han's September review at Mashable. It "does not shy away from the harder details of Fern's life" but it also "savors moments of joy" and "you may find yourself moved to tears or to ecstasy by the poetry of its images." In fact, "Nomadland might be enough to make you yearn to hit the open road yourself, and get lost in the wilderness so you can be found again." At the Washington Post, Ann Hornaday gives the film four stars out of five. "Under Zhao's assured hand, what starts as a tone poem to the idiosyncratic urges that drive us swells into an ecstatic hymn to the ties that bind us," she writes. It's a "visually lush, emotionally complex journey," in which "McDormand holds the camera with an utterly disarming combination of self-effacement and command." (Read more movie review stories.) The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) made a decision to impose sanctions against 19 legal entities and eight individuals. "By the decision of the National Security and Defense Council, sanctions were applied to 19 legal entities and eight individuals, including five aircraft on which flights were carried out on the Kyiv-Moscow route," Zelensky's press service said following the NSDC closed meeting on Friday, February 19. As announced at a briefing on Friday evening, on February 19, NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov, among the persons who have come under sanctions are five citizens of the Russian Federation (Vatskovsky Konstantin Borisovich, Donchenko Vitaly Valerievich, Lisogor Sergei Viktorovich, Popov Mikhail Yuryevich and Masliuk Alexander Nikolaevich), and also three citizens of Ukraine. Among Ukrainians are Natalia Mykolaivna Lavreniuk (common-law wife of Taras Kozak, against whom sanctions were imposed on February 2), Oksana Mykhailivna Marchenko, wife of MP Viktor Medvedchuk and Viktor Medvedchuk himself. According to Danilov, companies registered in the territory of Russia, as well as companies, parts of which are registered in Moldova and other countries, fell under the sanctions. He said the sanctions were also imposed on five aircraft on which flights were carried out on the Kyiv-Moscow route. The NSDC decision is put into effect by the presidential decree. There is no information about such a decree yet. Israel is expanding the Dimona nuclear facility in the Negev desert, where it has historically produced fissile material for its nuclear arsenal, The Guardian reported. New satellite imagery published by the International Panel on Fissile Materials (IPFM) shows construction work. The area to be treated is a few hundred meters southwest of the domed reactor and reprocessing point at the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center, near the desert city of Dimona. Pavel Podvig, a researcher with the programme on science and global security at Princeton University, said: It appears that the construction started quite early in 2019, or late 2018, so its been under way for about two years, but thats all we can say at this point. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not comment on the new photos. Israel pursues a policy of deliberate ambiguity about its nuclear arsenal, neither confirming nor denying its existence. The Federation of American Scientists estimates that Israel has about 90 warheads, made from plutonium produced in the Dimona heavy water reactor. The nuclear facility is reported to have been used by Israel to create copies of Iranian uranium centrifuges to test the Stuxnet computer worm, which was used to sabotage Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment program. But that was over 10 years ago, long before the current expansion began. Israel built the Dimona reactor in the 1950s with extensive covert assistance from the French government. By the end of the decade, about 2,500 French citizens were living in Dimona. Dimona's role in Israel's nuclear weapons program was first revealed by a former technician at the facility, Mordechai Vanunu, who told his story to the Sunday Times in 1986. Before publication, he was lured from the UK to Italy by an Israeli female agent and kidnapped by the Mossad. Vanunu spent 18 years in prison, 11 of them in solitary confinement, for revealing Dimona's secrets. After completing the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of Pangong lake, India and will hold a fresh round of high-level military talks on Saturday to take forward the disengagement process in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, official sources said on Friday. The tenth round of Corps Commander-level talks are scheduled to start at 10 am at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control, and will be the first engagement between the two sides at a senior level after conclusion of the disengagement process in Pangong lake areas, they said. Sources said pulling back of troops, weapons and other military hardware as well as dismantling of bunkers, tents and temporary structures in north and south banks of Pangong lake were completed on Thursday and both sides have carried out a verification of the same. "Both sides will also carry out a comprehensive review of the disengagement process in Pangong lake areas," said a source. Also on Friday, for the first time officially acknowledged that four of its e soldiers were killed in the fierce clash with the Indian Army in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June last year. India had lost 20 soldiers in the fierce hand-to-hand combat. Sources indicated that during Saturday's talks, India will insist on a faster disengagement process in remaining areas to bring down tension in the region, which has witnessed a tense standoff between the two militaries for over nine months. On February 11, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament about an agreement between India and on disengagement in the north and south banks of Pangong lake that mandated both sides to "cease" forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. Under the agreement, he said China will pull back its troops to east of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank of Pangong lake while the Indian personnel will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region. Similar action would take place on the south bank of the lake, he said. The sources said troops of both sides have retreated to positions that were agreed to by both sides. The disengagement process began on February 10. The Indian delegation at Saturday's talks will be led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps while the Chinese side is expected to be headed by Maj Gen Liu Lin, the commander of the South Xinjiang military district of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). In his statement in Parliament, the defence minister also said that it was agreed to convene the next meeting of senior commanders of both sides within 48 hours of completion of the disengagement in the Pangong lake areas so as to resolve all other remaining issues. Days later, the defence ministry said other outstanding "problems" including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry even as the two sides continued military and diplomatic talks. Last year, the Chinese military built several bunkers and other structures in the areas between Finger 4 and 8 and had blocked all Indian patrols beyond Finger 4, triggering strong reaction from the Indian Army. In the nine rounds of military talks, India had specifically insisted on withdrawal of Chinese troops from Finger 4 to Finger 8 on the north bank of Pangong Lake. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers. On its part, the Chinese side was insisting on withdrawal of Indian troops from several strategic peaks on the southern bank of the lake. Around five months back, Indian troops occupied a number of strategic heights in the Mukhpari, Rechin La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank after the Chinese PLA attempted to intimidate them in the area. Both sides had rushed a large number of battle tanks, armoured vehicles and heavy equipment to the treacherous and high-altitude areas of eastern Ladakh region after tension escalated following a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June last. On Tuesday, the Indian Army released short videos and photographs showing thinning down of troops and dismantling of bunkers, camps and other facilities by the Chinese military in the areas around the Pangong lake. The visuals also showed Chinese military using a bulldozer to flatten some structures, and vehicles with troops and equipment preparing to retreat to rear bases as part of the infantry disengagement. The photos and videos largely depicted fast-paced disengagement process in both north and south banks of Pangong lake that included withdrawal of troops, removal of machinery and dismantling of temporary structures like bunkers, posts and tents. (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.) Tursunay Zinavdin talks to CNN about her so-called 'mass rape' in Xinjiang. The details of Tursunays testimonies with different media outlets at different times are inconsistent and full of loopholes. The only source behind several Western media outlets sensational reports accusing China of implanting female detainees with contraceptive IUDs in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has been found to have provided self-contradictory testimonies over the past years, while her claim of mass rape in local training centres has been dismissed by those who had previously studied and lived there. On February 18, Tursunay Ziawudun, a so-called victim who claimed to have been gang-raped in a training center in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region told CNN that she was kicked and beaten by guards until she blacked out, and was also gang raped. She further said that the local authorities had also implanted Uygur women in the training centres with contraceptive IUDs. This is not the first time Tursunay has made such heart-wrenching and sensational accusations against Chinas Xinjiang policies. On February 2, in an interview with BBC, she told the same story she shared with CNN, without solid evidence to back up her claims. Ironically, the stories Tursunay recently shared with Western media are quite different from her previous interviews. Tursunay first spoke to the media in October, 2019 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. At no point in the interview with Radio Free Asia, one of the US governments overseas broadcasting agencies, did she make any direct claim that she had ever been raped. On February 15, 2020, she told BuzzFeed News in another interview that she was terrified she might be raped, while she wasnt beaten or abused. The details of Tursunays testimonies with different media outlets at different times are inconsistent and full of loopholes. For instance, Tursunay told BBC that her earrings were yanked out which caused her ears to bleed, but in her 2020 interview with Buzzfeed News, she said police told the women to take off their necklaces and earrings. Both CNN and BBC have admitted that Tursunays claims are difficult to verify, while the main evidence they have been able to provide are her identification and immigration records. Unlike Western media outlets, which accepted most of Tursunays stories without further evidence and facts, the Xinjiang authorities have provided abundant information about Tursunay, pointing out she is nothing more than a liar. Turdigul Nur , a trainee who graduated from the vocational education and training center in Kashgar City. (Photo by Chinese MFA) At a press conference by Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region authorities on Xinjiang-related issues held in Beijing on February 10, Xu Guixiang, the Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of the Communist Part of China Xinjiang Autonomous Regional Committee, revealed some background information on Tursunay, adding that her real name is Tursunay Zinavdin, she is 43 years old, and her accusations against Xinjiang are groundless. Tursunay lied that women in the vocational education and training centers had to either accept sterilisation or take menstruation terminating pills, and also claimed that the tubal legation she was forced to have was conducted in an irreversible manner, but all her relatives know that she is infertile, and the truth is she has never undergone contraception, noted Xu. In addition, it was revealed that Tursunay has been married twice: The first one ended in divorce with her ex-husband Tursunjan Ahmetjan because of her infertility. She has had no child with her present husband either. Her so called "biological daughter" in Kazakhstan is the daughter of her current husband's niece, and people like her do not need "forced sterilization". Tursunays stories of mass rape and forced sterilisation have also been dismissed by female trainees who have graduated from vocational education and training centers across Xinjiang, with many accusing media outlets like BBC and Tursunay of telling lies and ruining Uygur trainees reputations. Zaynura Namatqari, a trainee who graduated from the vocational education and training center in Shufu County. (Photo by Chinese MFA) During the press conference, Zaynura Namatqari, a trainee who graduated from the vocational education and training center in Shufu County, told the public that all the rights of the female trainees were fully guaranteed. I solemnly state that no female trainee has been sexually abused in the vocational education and training center. The BBC talked nonsense and fabricated bullshit. All the female trainees were irritated. We want to tell those rumor mongers in the BBC that if you continue to humiliate us female trainees, we will hold you accountable through legal channels. We will protect our reputation, she said. Mihrensa Qari, a graduate of the Kashgar vocational education and training center, said that Tursunay lied about female trainees being forced to inject unknown drugs or implant contraception rings while at the vocational education and training centers. This kind of news made me very indignant! I have two children now. According to the national law, I am entitled to have one more child. My roommate Gulbar Amat got married as soon as she graduated from the vocational education and training center, and she gave birth to a lovely girl last year, she said. Mihrensa Qari, a graduate of the Kashgar vocational education and training center. (Photo by Chinese MFA) She and her husband plan to have more children when her daughter grows up. Some people abroad talk nonsense all day, and are as annoying as flies to us, she added. During her interview with CNN, Tursunay said that as she had lived 5 years in Kazakhstan, Chinese authorities want her to admit that she has been influenced by American propaganda and foreign agencies. Her remarks are highly debatable, but according to media reports, she does have connections with US-based and US-funded anti-China organisations, and that might be the main reason leading to the U-turns in her stories. According to a Global Times report, the US-based Uygur Human Rights Project (UHRP) picked Tursunay up and began to use her for their agitation against China, while BBCs report also confirmed that the organisation helped Tursunay get to the US, where she is applying to stay. Based on Grazyzones report, UHRP is part of the US-backed World Uygur Congress, which is generally believed to seek the fall of China. The project is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The NED granted UHRP a whopping $1,244,698 between 2016 and 2019. It can be confirmed that after the UHRPs interference, Tursunays testimonies started to change, with multiple versions involving details she had formerly denied or not mentioned, such as mass rape. In order to gain refugee status, Tursunay was willing to be an actress manipulated by anti-China forces. She fabricated her experience in the vocational center, but her lies have been repeatedly proven wrong by the facts, said Xu. The first global-scale assessment of the role ecosystems play in providing sanitation finds that nature provides at least 18% of sanitation services in 48 cities worldwide, according to researchers in the United Kingdom and India. The study, published February 19 in the journal One Earth, estimates that more than 2 million cubic meters of the cities' human waste is processed each year without engineered infrastructure. This includes pit latrine waste that gradually filters through the soil--a natural process that cleans it before it reaches groundwater. "Nature can, and does, take the role of sanitation infrastructure," said Alison Parker, a Senior Lecturer in International Water and Sanitation at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom and one of the authors of the study. "While we are not marginalizing the vital role of engineered infrastructure, we believe a better understanding of how engineered and natural infrastructure interact may allow adaptive design and management, reducing costs, and improving effectiveness and sustainability, and safeguard the continued existence of these areas of land." Wastewater treatment infrastructure that converts human feces into harmless products is an important tool for global human health. However, more than 25% of the world's population did not have access to basic sanitation facilities in 2017 and another 14% used toilets in which waste was disposed of onsite. While some of this waste may be hazardous to local populations, previous research has suggested that natural wetlands and mangroves, for example, provide effective treatment services. The Navikubo wetland in Uganda processes untreated wastewater from more than 100,000 households, protecting the Murchison Bay and Lake Victoria from harmful contaminants, while in the United States coastal wetlands in the Gulf of Mexico remove nitrogen from the Mississippi River. "We realized that nature must be providing sanitation services, because so many people in the world do not have access to engineered infrastructure like sewers," adds Simon Willcock, a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Geography in Bangor University, UK, and another author of the study. "But the role for nature was largely unrecognized." To better understand how natural ecosystems process waste, the team from Bangor University, Cranfield University, Durham University, University of Gloucestershire, University of Hyderabad (India) and the Fresh Water Action Network, South Asia quantified sanitation ecosystem services in 48 cities containing about 82 million people using Excreta Flow Diagrams, which leverage a combination of in-person interviews, informal and formal observations, and direct field measurements to document how human fecal matter flows through a city or town. The researchers assessed all diagrams that were available on December 17th, 2018, focusing on those coded as "fecal sludge contained not emptied" (FSCNE), in which the waste is contained in a pit latrine or septic tank below ground but does not pose a risk to groundwater, for example, because the water table is too deep. Conservatively, Willcock and colleagues estimate that nature processes 2.2 million cubic meters of human waste per year within these 48 cities. Since more than 892 million people worldwide use similar onsite disposal toilet facilities, they further estimate that nature sanitizes about 41.7 million tons of human waste per year before the liquid enters the groundwater--a service worth about $4.4 billion per year. However, the authors note that these estimates likely undervalue the true worth of sanitation ecosystem services, since natural processes may contribute to other forms of wastewater processing, though these are harder to quantify. Willcock and colleagues hope that their findings will shed light on an important but often unrecognized contribution that nature makes to many people's everyday lives, inspiring the protection of ecosystems such as wetlands that protect downstream communities from wastewater pollutants. "We would like to promote a better collaboration between ecologists, sanitation practitioners and city planners to help nature and infrastructure work better in harmony, and to protect nature where it is providing sanitation services," said Parker. ### This work was prepared as part of the ESRC and ICSSR funded Rurality as a vehicle for Urban Sanitation Transformation (RUST) project. One Earth, Willcock et al.: "Nature provides valuable sanitation services" https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(21)00049-X Biden Scraps Trumps Industry-Focused Apprenticeship Program President Joe Biden, in one of his latest executive actions, has discontinued an industry-led apprenticeship system that was initiated under the Trump administration, shifting the control of those programs back to the federal government. The Trump initiative, known as the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP), was created in 2017 as a parallel to the existing Registered Apprenticeships, which are certified by the Labor Department or authorized state agencies. The IRAP model, however, allowed third-party private entities, such as trade and labor groups, to develop and certify apprenticeship programs they considered appropriate for each industry. The idea was that the industry groups, rather than Washington, knew better what kind of apprenticeship programs would meet their industry standards. Trump, when announcing the IRAP, said federal regulations have prevented many different industries from creating apprenticeship programs. He said he expected the program to empower employers to create apprenticeships for millions of our citizens. The IRAP was met with opposition from congressional Democrats, who blocked funding, arguing that the new apprenticeships wouldnt be able to meet quality standards and uphold worker protections without being overseen by the federal government. It wasnt until October 2020 when Raytheon Technologies, an aerospace and defense company, announced the nations first IRAP. Biden, who criticized the IRAP as watering down the quality of the apprenticeship system during his presidential campaign, signed an executive order on Feb. 17 to revoke Trumps June 2017 order that created the program. Industry-recognized apprenticeship programs have fewer quality standards than registered apprenticeship programs, a White House statement explaining Bidens order on IRAP reads. For example, they fail to require the wage progression that reflects increasing apprentice skills and they lack the standardized training rigor that ensures employers know they are hiring a worker with high-quality training. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), the top Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee, condemned the scrapping of the program, calling the move mind-boggling. President Bidens move to end IRAPs will kill jobs. Period, Foxx said in a statement. In the last four months, 131 IRAPs have been created, the vast majority of which are for nursing credentials. Instead of catering to union bosses and increasing Washingtons overreach into the private sector, we should support and encourage efforts to cut the regulatory red tape that stops too many employers from filling in-demand jobs, she said. Employer-led apprenticeship programs account for more than 80 percent of all apprenticeship programs nationwide. The success of these programs should come as no surprise, employers know best what skills their employees need to excel in the workplace. 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 Friday, February 19, at 15.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Changes in Citizens' Electoral Mood, their Assessment of Socio-Political Situation" based on the results of a joint nationwide study conducted by KIIS and SOCIS from February 11 to February 16, 2021. Participants include KIIS Director General, Professor of the Department of Sociology of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Volodymyr Paniotto, SOCIS Center Director General Oleksandr Chashkovsky (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Gettyimagesbank By Park Jae-hyuk Mid-tier foreign life insurance companies appear to be losing their customers here, in contrast to their Korean peers, which have successfully prevented their clients from terminating their insurance contracts despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Data compiled by the Korea Life Insurance Association showed Friday that the combined size of terminated insurance contracts with four foreign life insurers here increased from a year earlier, due to lapses and surrenders during the first 11 months of last year. These data can be interpreted as resulting from a rise in the number of customers surrendering insurance policies without paying insurance premiums for a certain period of time. In particular, the size of cancelled contracts with BNP Paribas Cardif Life Insurance over lapses and surrenders, jumped to 648.9 billion won ($585 million), up 88.6 percent from 344.1 billion won a year earlier. Chubb Life Insurance Korea's cancelled contract amount also rose 19.7 percent to 1 trillion won, from 843.7 billion won. Cancelled contract amounts of ABL Life Insurance and MetLife Insurance Company of Korea showed 3.6 percent and 0.2 percent increases, respectively. Some observers may attribute this phenomenon to the year-long coronavirus pandemic, given the fact that insurance policyholders generally terminate their contracts or decide not to pay premiums during economic recessions. However, the total size of the cancelled contracts with 24 Korean life insurers here due to lapses and surrenders, declined 5.1 percent to 208 trillion won during the same period, because more customers of these Korean life insurers did not miss their premium payments. Insurance industry insiders pointed out that aggressive marketing by foreign life insurers over the past few years was the main reason behind this phenomenon, saying such tactics have caused problems in their contracts. "Foreign life insurance companies have faced more complaints from consumers over the past few years because their solicitors have tended not to provide enough explanation to customers to increase their market shares more rapidly," a Financial Supervisory Service official said. The recent exodus of global insurance giants from the Korean market is regarded as another reason for the trend of Korean consumers becoming reluctant to maintain their long-term contracts with foreign firms. Prudential Financial sold its entire stake in Prudential Life Insurance Company of Korea to KB Financial Group last year. In 2013, ING sold its majority stake in ING Life Korea to MBK Partners, a private equity firm that resold the life insurer to Shinhan Financial Group in 2019, after changing its name to "Orange Life Insurance." Lina Korea, a local subsidiary of the U.S. insurer Cigna, is also rumored to be getting sold off in the near future. In the non-life insurance industry, AXA reportedly started attempts to sell its entire stake in AXA General Insurance last year, 13 years after it entered the Korean market. Women of minority races and ethnicities and with less education and income have had relatively lower access to 3D mammography, a technology that can improve breast cancer detection and decrease false alarms, according to research published today. "This study was about whether adoption of this technology is equitable. We're showing that it has not been, even though it has been FDA-approved for a decade now," said Dr. Christoph Lee, professor of radiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. "Black and Hispanic women, and less-educated and lower-income women have not been able to obtain 3D mammography as easily as white, well-educated, and higher-income women." Lee was lead author of the paper, published in JAMA Network Open. The research team reviewed 2.3 million breast-screening exams collected by the national Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, making it the largest-ever study of U.S. access to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), commonly called 3D mammography. In February 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved DBT as an alternative to digital mammography, then the standard of care. Subsequent observational studies have shown that DBT is more accurate than digital mammography by detecting more cancers and yielding fewer false-positive readings. This study included patients' screening exams from 92 imaging facilities across five states, and spanned January 2011 through December 2017. The researchers analyzed whether the facilities offered DBT onsite at the time of a screening exam, and compared the use of DBT and digital mammography across patient populations at those facilities. "Given the large research sample and our longitudinal data collection, we were able to evaluate use by minority and traditionally underserved populations," said Diana Miglioretti, Ph.D., professor and division chief of biostatistics at the University of California Davis and senior author on the study. "Unfortunately we were not surprised to find that these traditionally underserved populations were less likely to attend facilities that offered 3D mammography, and even when they did, they were less likely to receive a 3D mammogram." In 2011, only 3% of women in the study could access DBT at the time of their screening; by 2017, that figure had grown to 82%. Despite facilities' adoption of 3D technology over those seven years, the improved availability was not experienced equally. When both 2D and 3D mammograms were available onsite at time of screening, DBT was obtained by: 37% of Black women vs. 43% of Asian-American women, 44% of Hispanic women, and 53% of white women 41% of women with less than a high school education vs. 50% of women with a college degree 44% of women living in zip codes with the lowest quartile of median household income vs. 51% of women living in zip codes with the highest quartile of median household income "These subpopulations of women with poorer access to 3D are already traditionally underserved and more at risk for greater morbidity and mortality from breast cancer," Lee said. The study did not address whether structural racism in healthcare environments or out-of-pocket costs might contribute to the lower access and use of new technologies among women of minority race/ethnicity. However, these may be real barriers, the researchers said. "DBT costs more than 2D because it generates digital 'slices' of breast tissue, which take more time to acquire and to interpret," Lee said. "In 2018, Washington state enacted a law requiring facilities not to charge more for 3D screening images and interpretation. So, even if a patient's insurance doesn't cover 3D, they can still get it for the same cost as 2D screening, which is free. But most other states don't have such a law and, depending on a patient's insurance, they may be told that they will have to pay out-of-pocket for the difference." In assessing education's potential effect, Lee said women with higher achievement might have more opportunity to explore healthcare options and to know about 3D mammography's benefits. They might seek facilities where 3D mammography is available and perhaps even ask for it directly, he suggested. According to the FDA, more than two-thirds of U.S. screening facilities now offer DBT on at least one of their mammography units, but fewer than half of all certified units are actually DBT-capable. Perhaps surprisingly, facility location - urban vs. rural - was not found to be a major factor of 3D mammography availability. Lee offered context. "If there is a rural site that has one digital mammography machine, and they switch to DBT, automatically their entire patient population has DBT access - whereas large, urban facilities may have several mammography units but can only afford to replace one at a time (at a cost of about $750,000 per) to become 3D-capable. More of those patients will still be directed to the 2D technology." He expressed concern that subpopulations of women are not receiving 3D mammography even when they have that option at their facility at the time of screening. "We're going in the wrong direction. You have a lot more women in certain subpopulations benefiting from new technologies and other subpopulations not. Existing disparities in breast cancer screening outcomes could widen unless these factors are addressed," he said. Health insurers that have so far taken "stalwart" positions toward covering 3D mammography have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to underserved women, he added. ### The study received funding from the National Institutes of Health (National Cancer Institute - P01CA154292, U54CA163303); the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCS-1504-30370); the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (R01 HS018366-01A1); the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (P20 GM103644) and the American Cancer Society (MRSG-14-160-01-CPHPS), among other organizations. New Feb 19 : The Congress is trying to make inroads in Western UP which has become a BJP fortress since 2014 and the party is now seeking an opportunity to dislodge it through holding Kisan Panchayats. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, for instance, is scheduled to address a Kisan Panchayat in Baghra on Saturday and in Mathura on Feb 23. The Congress has divided the 27 districts of the state into three zones. Ajay Lallu, Aradhna Mishra Mona and Deepak Singh have been assigned the responsibility to galvanise support in these districts respectively. Many leaders are being roped in from different states including Hardik Patel from Gujarat and Navjot Singh Sidhu from Punjab. The Congress has begun block-level meetings to highlight the plight of the farmers and Priyanka Gandhi on addressed a farmers panchayat in Bijnore on Feb 15. Ajay Kumar Lallu, President of the state Congress, said: "Not just Priyankaji, all the leaders have been tasked to highlight farmers' issues and we will stand with the farmers till the farm laws are withdrawn." Priyanka Gandhi, too, will be addressing the farmers issue with all her might. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had reiterated her support to farmers and slammed the central government saying that those who cannot pay the cost of sugarcane won't be able to understand the cost of human life. Addressing a Kisan Panchayat in Chandpur, Priyanka said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spent Rs 16,000 crores in buying two aircraft for himself. "With his money, the entire cane dues of farmers could have been paid. The Prime Minister has money to travel but not for farmers. These farm laws will enable capitalists to fill their coffers but farmers will not get the minimum support price," she said. She had said further, "I have not come here to make a speech. I have come here to talk to you. You have reposed faith in Narendra Modi twice because you thought that he would bring prosperity through his policies. But has this happened? Your faith has been shattered because the Prime Minister does not have money for you." "When the Congress comes to power again, we will immediately repeal these farm laws. We will also ensure MSP for all farmers," she had said while addressing a 'Kisan Panchayat' in Chilkhana in Saharanpur district. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Clare Crawley and Dale Moss are reportedly giving their relationship another shot, after abruptly calling off their engagement earlier this year. A source says Clare, 39, and Dale, 32, are 'figuring things out' after recently getting back together following their shock split, according to Us Weekly. 'Dale has been pretty secretive with friends when they're asking if he's back with Clare, but it's obvious to everyone that they're back together,' the insider told the site. Back on! Clare Crawley and Dale Moss are reportedly giving their relationship another shot, after abruptly calling their engagement quits earlier this year 'They're just figuring things out and enjoying spending time together.' The couple have yet to make it official on Instagram, though Dale did get fans talking after revealing he had 'a lot to smile about' on Thursday. The reality star posted a snap of himself wearing a black tank top with a thumbs up design, along with the telling caption: 'A lot to smile about lately. #GodIsGood (prayer hands emoji).' News of the reconciliation may not come as a complete shock to Bachelor Nation, after the exes were spotted hanging out in Florida together earlier this week. Hmm: The couple have yet to make it official on Instagram, though Dale did get fans talking after revealing he had 'a lot to smile about' on Thursday The former couple were spotted enjoying drinks at Nokomo's Sunset Hut on Tuesday, where Clare kept a low profile with dark sunglasses. Sources told TMZ that Clare and Dale 'downed a couple of Moscow mules as they hung out by the bar for about 45 minutes, then they left together and walked down the waterfront.' Though they did not pack on the PDA during their get together, the pair looked more than comfortable, while grabbing a seat at the quaint bar - they 'even hugged a few times.' The way they were: The couple posted a slew of loved-up snaps on Instagram after getting engaged on The Bachelorette Love at first sight: Clare instantly thought Dale was her future husband when she first met him on the most recent season of The Bachelorette Dale famously unveiled that he and Clare had called off their brief engagement via a 'mutual' statement, which he shared to Instagram on January 19. Despite Dale saying the statement was 'mutual,' Clare claimed she only learned he would be announcing the devastating news after he posted it. It was originally love at first sight for Clare, who instantly thought Dale was her future husband when she first met him on the most recent season of The Bachelorette. The couple did ultimately wind up getting engaged, and Clare even left the show early in order to be with him, paving the path for Tayshia Adams to step in her place as The Bachelorette. Ouch: Despite Dale saying the statement was 'mutual,' Clare claimed she only learned he would be announcing the devastating news after he posted it 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 Dalkeith Hot Pool is set for a comeback with a $25 million redevelopment proposed to turn a tired reception centre on prime riverbank real estate into a world-class wellness retreat. The proposal from Tawarri Hot Springs, whose main shareholder is Melbourne-based property and investment company PGA Group, is located next to the Perth Squadron Flying Yacht Club on the Esplanade along the shores of the Swan River. A $25 million redevelopment of the Tawarri Hot Springs in Dalkeith has been lodged with the State Development Assessment Unit. A restaurant, cafe, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and a two-storey treatment centre are all part of the plans designed by Plus Architecture. The proposal will use a bore and geothermal heating out of the Yarragadee aquifer to fill the pools, with groundwater to be injected back into the water source. A bride has narrowly escaped death in India after a speeding car crashed into her wedding convoy, killing a groomsman and injuring several other guests. The woman, named Hema, can be seen in footage dancing through the open sunroof of a car along a busy highway in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. With festive music blaring through the speakers, the guests crowded around the newlyweds procession when a car zoomed past and smashed into the vehicle, sending one of the groomsmen flying in mid-air. The woman, named Hema, can be seen in footage dancing through the open sunroof of a car before a car smashed into the procession on a busy highway in Uttar Pradesh, northern India The groomsman was killed instantly, but the bride luckily survived. Several other wedding guests were injured after being knocked to the ground by the speeding car. People can be heard screaming in horror at the terrifying scene that unfolded before their eyes. The groomsman killed in the incident was the grooms cousin, identified as Pramod. He died at the scene. With festive music blaring through the speakers, the guests crowded around the newlyweds procession when a car zoomed past and smashed into the vehicle, sending one of the groomsmen flying in mid-air. The groomsman, Pramod, died on the scene The injured guests were rushed to a local hospital where they are undergoing treatment. The driver who caused the crash allegedly fled the scene. Police have recovered the abandoned vehicle. An investigation for the incident is underway, police said. The National Assemblys Public Investment Committee (PIC) has summoned former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) chief executive Halakhe Waqo after he was adversely mentioned in the multimillion-shilling graft scandal at Kenya Medical Supplies Authority(KEMSA). The committee wants Waqo to explain his links with a company that won a Sh347 million State contract to supply 50,000 boxes of face masks despite the companys limited financial capacity and lack of experience in medical supply. The former anti-graft czar allegedly helped Aszure Commercial Services Limited secure a Sh347 million loan from First Community Bank (FCB) to supply KN95 masks to Kemsa. Though Mr Waqo is not listed as a director or shareholder of the company, he was a signatory of the firms Kemsa transaction account at First Community Bank. The company did not have the cash. We applied for a loan from the First Community Bank and Mr Waqo gave us the assurance that they (bank) needed to approve it, Aszure director, Zubeida Nyamlondo Ngobi, told the committee. Ms Nyamlondo was at pains to explain how a furniture company won the contract to supply 50,000 boxes of face masks, each containing 10 packs of KN-95 at Sh690 each. We want Mr Waqo summoned to appear before this committee. We want to know how he was a signatory to an account of a company that he is not a shareholder, Paul Katana, the MP for Kaloleni, said. Adding: Now that Waqos name has been adversely mentioned, we have summoned him to come and explain how he ended up being a signatory of a company that he is not a shareholder. The committee chairman, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, added: We will invite him(Waqo) to appear before us and explain all the matters raised. People have been talking about Covid millionaires; we are now getting to the bottom of it. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also noted: The real faces of Covid millionaires are now coming out. We need Mr Waqo here. We have the wrong person in front of us. Ms Nyamlondo did not reveal how she met Mr Waqo citing memory loss. The committee was also shocked to learn that the company won the tender without producing a letter of intent. Nyamlondo told MPs that she just walked into the procurement managers office, Charles Juma, who is now suspended, where she was asked to produce samples of the masks. Four days later, she won the tender. I simply walked into the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) and went to procurement office and told them I could supply KN-95 masks. I went and saw Mr Charles Juma, the head of procurement Mr Juma asked me if I am able to supply and I said yes. He then asked me to bring a sample, she said. I said I could supply 50,000 boxes in packs of 10 at a cost of Sh690 for one KN 95 mask. After four days, they gave us a commitment letter to supply masks worth Sh347 million because it was an emergency procurement and they needed it with emergency, she added. The committee directed the company to provide all its audited accounts since its inception and the volume of work it has done with various organisations. The MPs also want to establish from Mr Waqo whether he is the faceless owner of Aszure and only fronted Ms Nyamolondo as a proxy. Five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the fierce clash with the in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June last year, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) officially acknowledged for the first time on Friday. Five Chinese frontier officers and soldiers stationed in the Karakoram Mountains have been recognised by the Central Military Commission of China (CMC) for their sacrifice in the border confrontation with India, which occurred in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, the PLA Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese military reported on Friday. Those killed included Qi Fabao, the regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command, state-run Global Times quoted PLA Daily report as saying. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15 in Galwan Valley, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades. The CMC, the overall high command of the PLA headed by President Xi Jinping, has awarded Qi Fabao, the regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command, the title of "Hero regimental commander for defending the border," Chen Hongjun with "Hero to defend the border," and awarded first-class merit to Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran. This is the first time China has acknowledged casualties and details of these officers and soldiers' sacrifice, four of whom died when dealing with the Indian military's "illegal trespassing" of the Galwan Valley Line of Actual Control (LAC), the report said. While India has announced the casualties immediately after the incident, China did not officially acknowledge the casualties until Friday. The Russian official news agency TASS reported on February 10 that 45 Chinese servicemen were killed in the Galwan Valley clash. According to an American intelligence report last year, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35. Qian Feng, director of the research department at the Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times that China unveiled the details of the incident to refute previous "disinformation" that stated China suffered greater casualties than India or China incited the incident. Both countries had rushed a large number of battle tanks, armoured vehicles and heavy equipment to the treacherous and high-altitude areas of eastern Ladakh region after tension escalated following a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June last. The admission of the casualties by the PLA coincides with the disengagement of troops by both sides at the North and South banks of the Pangong Lake, the most contentious part of the standoff which began in May last year. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the U.K. will donate surplus coronavirus vaccines to developing countries, joining a similar commitment by President Emmanuel Macron to boost the global battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. The majority" of any future U.K. surplus coronavirus vaccines will be shared with the World Health Organization-backed Covax program, Johnsons office said late Thursday in a statement. Thats on top of the 548 million pounds ($766 million) the country has already donated to the program, which is aimed at supplying some of the worlds poorest nations with inoculations. Coming ahead of a Friday video call among the leaders of the Group of Seven nations hosted by Johnson, momentum may be building toward a coordinated effort thats been absent to date on the part of the worlds advanced economies to address the pandemic, especially among countries least equipped to cope. Weve got to make sure the whole world is vaccinated," Johnson said at the start of Fridays call. Its no use one country being far ahead of another, weve got to move together." Macron has committed to sending 5% of Frances secured Covid-19 vaccine supplies to poorer countries through the Covax program, and Johnson plans to encourage fellow leaders to increase their funding. The French president has called on the U.S. and Europe to back his proposal to share 4% to 5% of their coronavirus vaccine supplies, and in an interview with the Financial Times, said that German Chancellor Angela Merkel supports the idea. Johnsons office didnt say how many doses the U.K.s prepared to contribute from its stock. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also use the call on Friday to announce a doubling of the European Unions cash commitment for the Covax program, according to an EU official familiar with the matter, bringing the blocs contribution to the vaccine supplier for poorer nations to 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion). U.S. Support U.S. officials, speaking to journalists on condition of anonymity ahead of the call, said that President Joe Biden would announce a total of $4 billion in funding for COVAX but that the country did not plan to share any of its doses with other nations until its domestic vaccination needs were met. The U.K. prime minister also plans to call on his counterparts to back efforts to speed up the development of vaccines for new diseases, setting a target of slashing the period to 100 days from the approximately 300 days it took to develop coronavirus vaccines. The U.K. has already secured more than 400 million doses from seven manufacturers to vaccinate its population of 67 million people. An assessment will be made later in the year to determine what can be donated to Covax, based on supply chain reliability and whether new vaccines are needed to tackle variants or as booster doses in the fall. (Updates with Johnson comments in fourth paragraph.) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Pistols and other weapons are displayed at a shooting range during the Rod of Iron Freedom Festival in Greeley, Penn., on Oct. 12, 2019. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Albertas Justice Minister Criticizes Liberals Bill to Repeal Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Gun-Related Crimes Albertas justice minister has spoken out against the Liberal governments firearms legislation for the second time this week, expressing concerns about the decision to remove mandatory minimal sentencing for gun crimes. On Feb. 18, the federal government introduced Bill C-22, which seeks to amend the Criminal Code to repeal several mandatory minimum penalties for drug offences and gun crimes. In Canada, when a judge gives sentence to an offence punishable by the mandatory minimum penalty, the verdict must be equal to or greater than the minimum term for the offence. If this legislation is passed into law, judges would have more discretion in sentencing. While Ottawas new justice bill (Bill C-22) contains some reasonable measures, I am deeply concerned about the decision to gut tough sentencing provisions for gun crimes, Alberta Justice Minister Kaycee Madu said in a news release. Ottawas draft law removes mandatory prison sentences for serious crimes such as illegal possession of a loaded handgun, robbery with a firearm, and possession of a firearm obtained through crime. Federal Justice Minister David Lametti said during a press conference on Thursday that the minimum penalties are ineffective in safeguarding Canadian communities, and have instead created a discriminating system for indigenous and black offenders. According to Lametti, indigenous adults represent 5 percent of Canadas population but account for 30 percent of federally incarcerated inmates, which is double the number to what it was 20 years ago. He said black inmates represent just over 7 percent of the federal offender population, but only about 3 percent of Canadas population. Lametti said the mandatory minimum penalties is the centre-piece of Canadas punishment through imprisonment sentencing system, which contributes to the high incarceration figure. This rigid, one-size-all approach makes it impossible for judges to take into account mitigating factors, in order to impose a sentence that fits the crime, Lametti said. Madu said by removing tough mandatory penalties for actual gun crimes would undermine the safety of the minority communities that are often the actual victimis of brazen gun violence. Once again, Ottawa appears to be going soft on the criminals who perpetuate real gun violence while symbolically targeting law-abiding Canadians, Madu said. I also find it disingenuous for Ottawa to exploit a genuine issue like systemic racism to push through their soft-on-crime bills. Earlier this week, the Liberals tabled Bill C-21, a bill that would allow municipalities to ban handguns through bylaws that restrict possession, storage, and transportation. Madu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said that the majority of guns used in committing crimes in Canada are illegally smuggled over the United States border. He urged the Liberal government to crackdown on gun smuggling, rather than Canadians firearms owners who purchased their property legally, and have used that property legally and safely for many years. For the federal government to gut sentences for real gun crimes just days after scapegoating duly-licensed, law-abiding firearms owners (Bill C-21) is especially rich, Madu said on Thursday. Newt Gingrich Urges Pelosi to Tear Down the Fence Around Capitol Complex Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to remove the fencing around the U.S. Capitol, calling the security measure an eyesore and an embarrassment for the Unites States around the world. There is no excuse for razor wire to be blocking the American people from our Capitol. It is the Peoples House. The fencing is more than an eyesoreit is an insult, Gingrich wrote in an op-ed published by Fox News, suggesting further that the fence is part of a campaign to vilify conservatives. American conservatives, according to the Left, are so dangerous we must keep the National Guard in our nations capital and surround the Capitol Building with razor wire and fencingnever mind that the group of thugs who attacked the Capitol in January in no way represent the 74 million people who voted Republican in 2020, he wrote. The fencing was erected amid security concerns following the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, fueled by fears of a repeat of that days violence at President Joe Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration. Inauguration Day came and went, yet the fence remained, prompting more than 40 Republicans to sign onto a letter two weeks ago calling on Pelosi to remove it. We write with concerns about the security measures and enhanced fencing around the U.S. Capitol even though high profile events like the inauguration are over, they wrote. In particular, we are concerned with recent reports that the fencing surrounding the Capitol may become permanent. Its time for healing and its time for the removal of the fencing so the nation may move forward, they said in the letter. Gingrich picked up on the theme of unity, praising D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton for introducing the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, a bill that would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the Capitol complex. This is an opportunity for a genuinely bipartisan step away from hysteria and toward sanity, Gingrich wrote, encouraging people to urge their congressional representatives to back the bill. I hope every American will call your House and Senate members today and urge them to cosponsor the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, he wrote. Also, send a note to Delegate Holmes Norton congratulating and thanking her for her leadership and courage, he added. The acting Capitol Police chief has said vast improvements are needed to improve the physical security of the Capitol complex and that she would recommend permanent fencing to help better secure Congress. I can unequivocally say that vast improvements to the physical security infrastructure must be made to include permanent fencing, and the availability of ready, back-up forces in close proximity to the Capitol, the acting chief, Yogananda Pittman, said in a statement last month. The Senate is scheduled to hold its first hearings next week to examine the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, calling in the former chief of Capitol Police and the former heads of security for the House and Senate, all three of whom resigned in the wake of the incident. American Express and Hilton CEOs to Participate in Joint Conversation at Citi Virtual Global Property CEO Conference American Express (News - Alert) Co. (NYSE: AXP) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Squeri will participate in a joint question-and-answer session with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Nassetta at the Citi 2021 Virtual Global Property CEO Conference on Tuesday, March 9 at 12:15 p.m. (ET). A live audio webcast will be accessible to the general public through the American Express Investor Relations website at http://ir.americanexpress.com. An audio replay of the presentation will be available after the event at the same website address. ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress. Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, InAuth, corporate card, business travel, and corporate responsibility. Location: Global View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005443/en/ The Nigerian military cannot solve the ongoing insurgency ravaging parts of the North-east alone, since they did not start it in the first place, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said. He made this comment when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for his screening. The screening exercise is for a possible confirmation of his appointment as non-career ambassadors. Mr Buratai and other former service chiefs appeared one after the other before the committee. They are the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin; former Chief of Air Staff, Ete Ibok Ibas; and former Chief of Naval Staff, Abubakar Sadique. They were all nominated as non-career ambassadors by President Muhammadu Buhari. The presidents media aide, Femi Adesina, had on February 4, announced that the president had forwarded the ex-service chiefs names to the Senate for confirmation as non-career ambassadors. This was barely a week after they resigned from service and their replacements announced. The screening exercise comes barely two weeks after they were nominated by President Buhari. Screening At the screening, the former service chiefs were grilled one after the other by members of the panel. They were asked questions ranging from their successes in their previous jobs to their diplomatic plans in the new appointment. Mr Buratai was the second to be screened. And reeling out his successes, he said he was one of those that worked out the concept of operation of the Multinational Joint Task Force a project for which the federal government pledged $100 million. He went on to explain the challenges facing the military with regards to tackling insecurity. The frustration, he said, is that of asymmetric warfare, a complex operation and something that started more than 30, 40 years ago. He lamented that insurgents have penetrated communities both in Nigeria, Chad, Niger. He said the military alone cannot solve the problem of insecurity, especially without the federal government playing its part by providing necessary infrastructure. They have won the communities to their side. It requires the whole government approach to deal with this. Military activities or military action is just one aspect. And this is one mistake we have been making only the military that is seen to solve this thing it is not. Military cannot solve this action, in the first place, it wasnt the military that started it. There were political, social, economic factors that need to be addressed from the beginning. Development should be progressive. There should be roads everywhere. There should be employment, hospitals, schools all over. He said many local governments in the north do not have good access roads and have become easy targets and until the right amenities are provided, the menace will persist. Unless these things are donedespite the diplomatic effortsinternally, we must get it right. That is the essence of this diplomacy, foreign policy is a protection of your domestic policy. If we can contain this internally, well project to other countries. ADVERTISEMENT These are the realities, the truth must be told because this cannot end at the dictates of time and may take another 20 years and that is the truth. Multi-pronged approach Earlier, Mr Olonisakin told the panel that the solution to insecurity is multi-pronged and that insurgency is a hybrid warfare where everyone is involved. He narrated how he conducted research on the forests in the country three years ago and predicted that the next crisis will be in the forest. Some governors were invited and we told them because most of the forests are the prerogative of states. The states took over all the forest reserves. I told them that we have to protect the forests. We have to send troops to protect the forests. We did the research in 2018 for six months. I said that the next problem we are going to have is in the forests. But again, it is with us right now. It requires a multifaceted approach. Like Mr Buratai, he said everyone has to come on board for Nigeria to be able to address the insecurity situation. You can never have enough weapons, personnel and so on but there are issues we must address and then it has to be all about the nation, he added. Other service chiefs gave similar suggestions as they made promises to represent the nation well in their new jobs. Their appointments have been trailed by condemnation. Many Nigerians have said the Presidents decision was aimed at shielding the former military officials from possible prosecution for alleged rights abuses, especially by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Allegations levelled before the military chiefs, especially Mr Buratai, range from the 2015 massacre of more than 350 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), violent attacks on members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to last Octobers shooting and of innocent Nigerians who took part in the #EndSARS protest at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, the extrajudicial killings in Oyigbo, an Igbo settlement in Rivers State, among others. Experts have called on the National Assembly and even countries where they will be posted to reject them as ambassadors. The committee is to submit a report of the exercise to the Senate on another legislative day. This will be considered and the nominees either confirmed or rejected. LONDON Prince Harry was stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronage appointments, Buckingham Palace said on Friday, cementing the split between him and the royal family that opened up last year when he and his wife, Meghan, announced that they wanted to step back from their official duties. Meghan will also give up her patronage appointments, the palace said in a statement, noting that Queen Elizabeth II would parcel out the titles and appointments to other family members. The decision came after conversations between Harry, who now lives in California, and his grandmother, the queen. In stepping away from the work of the royal family, the palace said of Harry and Meghan, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The announcement, which was widely expected, underscored the deep personal rupture between the family and Harry, who is sixth in line for the throne, that followed his fairy-tale wedding to Meghan, an American actress, in May 2018. The United States is seeing a large decline in new Covid-19 cases -- but there's a major caveat. According to a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University, the US is seeing a 29% decline in new Covid-19 cases compared to this time last week, the steepest one-week decline the country has seen during the pandemic. Improvements have been made; in a White House briefing Friday, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the US continues to see a five-week decline, with the seven-day average of cases declining 69% since peaking on January 11. But it's unclear exactly how much of the decline can be attributed to the winter weather that's gripped much of the country, forcing officials to close testing sites, which affects the collection of crucial data. Several states impacted by winter storms are seeing large declines in new cases this week, per Johns Hopkins data, including Texas, where cases are down 56% compared to last week. The COVID Tracking Project said Thursday it had been unable to update the daily number of tests performed in Texas for four days because of the winter weather. Overall, the US has seen nearly a 13.5% decrease in testing compared to this time last week. Again, that's not to say the United States hasn't made progress in driving down case numbers. Early this week, Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, and Dr. Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University, both pointed to increased mask-wearing as one reason for declining numbers. Whatever progress has been made, however, is also threatened by the rise of Covid-19 variants, some of which appear to be more transmissible. And while they could spell trouble, pharmaceutical companies and scientists are confident vaccines will evolve with them, according to senior White House adviser Andy Slavitt. 'Racing ahead of the variant' 'I spoke to all the pharmaceutical companies and scientists, and they all say the same thing: Even if these vaccines diminish a little bit, they will be able to continually update them,' Slavitt, who is responsible for the Covid-19 response, told CNN's Chris Cuomo Thursday. With more than 1,500 cases of variants reported in the US, officials have been racing to administer vaccines quickly to get ahead of further mutations, with about 59.5 million doses administered so far across the country, according to the CDC. 'Even though the numbers look promising in terms of new cases going down, that's misleading,' said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of tropical medicine at Baylor College in Houston, pointing to the UK Covid-19 variant. 'I think we're about to get hit very hard, so we have to race ahead of the variant.' New research out of Israel and Canada has found that only a single dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine offers significant protection against the virus, but Slavitt stressed that does not mean people should skip the second dose. 'We don't know how long or how durable that benefit is without the booster,' he said. 'We don't know how effective it is against variants.' Dr. Anthony Fauci echoed that in Friday's White House briefing, saying he had not changed his mind after reading the Israeli report. He said the US would 'stick with the scientifically documented efficacy and optimal response' of two doses. He added he worried that if a large number of people received just one dose and had less optimal immune response, they could be exposed to the virus and start incubating viral mutations. 'You might theoretically be inducing new variants,' he said. Fauci says we need a universal vaccine Because coronaviruses like Covid-19 have pandemic potential, the world needs a universal coronavirus vaccine, Fauci said Friday in an interview hosted by Georgetown University. 'I believe that we have the capability scientifically to develop what we call the universal coronavirus vaccine,' he said. 'In other words, one that really covers at least all of the SARS-CoV-2 mutations, but also the entire spectrum of the family of coronaviruses.' Also on Friday, the CEO of Pfizer said the company is adding a facility in Kansas to its Covid-19 fill-finish vaccine production process and expanding Covid-19 vaccine production capabilities at locations in Michigan and Connecticut. CEO Albert Bourla said production improvements have allowed the company to reduce their timelines 'from approximately 110 days from start to vial ready' and are now closer to 'an average of 60 days, which is an almost 50% improvement.' The press conference was held jointly with President Joe Biden after he had toured the Pfizer production site in Kalamazoo, Michigan. US will have to work 'double time' after winter weather More than 41 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and more than 17 million have received two doses, CDC data shows. But that means just 4.9% of the US population has been fully vaccinated. A number of states have reported delays in vaccine deliveries, forcing providers to cancel or reschedule appointments for vaccinations. But Slavitt said Friday night that states will receive more doses of Covid-19 vaccines than they 'have ever received before' in the coming days. 'Starting tomorrow, Saturday, we're going to be shipping more doses than states have ever received before,' Slavitt told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. 'Because we're going to be shipping this week's doses and next week's doses.' Slavitt said it means that 'for all the governors and all the states that have said we want more vaccines, they're going to have to be ready, they're going to have to make more appointments, they're going to have to extend their hours.' UPS and FedEx will make deliveries of vaccines on Saturday, and employees at the Moderna vaccine packaging plant will be working through the weekend to package backlogged orders to make them available for delivery early next week, Slavitt said. The government is also asking vaccine sites to extend their hours and schedule additional appointments to make up for lost progress, on top of rescheduling the canceled appointments. Black and Hispanic people are getting fewer vaccinations Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) researchers analyzed state-level data for the 34 states that collect demographic information on Covid-19 vaccinations as of February 16. In most of those states, Black and Hispanic people have received a smaller share of vaccinations compared to their share of cases, deaths and percentage of the population, the researchers noted. The opposite is true for White people in most states. In Texas, for example, Hispanic people account for 42% of coronavirus cases, 47% of Covid-19 deaths and 40% of the state's population -- but they have gotten just 20% of vaccinations. Among 27 states that report ethnicity data for those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, White people have been vaccinated at a rate three times higher than Hispanic people and twice as high as Black people. The KFF team noted that some states don't record the race or ethnicity of those vaccinated. Vaccine studies continue for more groups Fauci said Friday the US should have vaccine safety data for high school-age youths by the beginning of the fall, though data for younger children will probably not be available until next year. In the White House briefing, Fauci pointed to Pfizer, which he said was set to study their vaccine for 12-year-olds down to 5- or 6-year-olds beginning in April. But information from those studies will likely not be available until the first quarter of 2022. 'However, we anticipate data on high school age individuals, namely individuals 12 years old to 17 years old, by the beginning of the fall,' Fauci said. 'Maybe not exactly coinciding with the first day of school, but sometime in the fall we will have that.' A Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine trial for pregnant women gave their first participants doses on Thursday. The doses were administered to US participants, though the trial will be conducted in nine countries: the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mozambique, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Spain. The company said the trial is designed to evaluate the vaccine in pregnant women, but also their infants, who will be monitored for safety and for the transfer of potentially protective antibodies until they're about 6 months old. Pfizer/BioNTech also expects to expand trials to children ages 5 to 11 in the next couple of months, according to a company news release. In this undated handout photograph released by the Indian Army on February 16, 2021 shows People Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers during military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the India-China border in Ladakh. (Indian Ministry of Defence / AFP) Beijing: Five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in last year's Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh with the Indian Army, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) officially acknowledged for the first time on Friday. Five Chinese frontier officers and soldiers stationed in the Karakoram Mountains have been recognised by the Central Military Commission of China (CMC) for their sacrifice in the border confrontation with India, which occurred in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, the PLA Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese military reported on Friday. Those killed included Qi Fabao, the regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command, state-un Global Times quoted PLA Daily report as saying. A total of 20 Indian soldiers died in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15, regarded as the worst in over four decades at the India-China border. The CMC, the overall high command of the PLA headed by President Xi Jinping,has awarded Qi Fabao, the regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command, the title of "Hero regimental commander for defending the border," Chen Hongjun with "Hero to defend the border," and awarded first-class merit to Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran. This is the first time China has acknowledged casualties and details of these officers and soldiers' sacrifice, four of whom died when dealing with the Indian military's "illegal trespassing" of the Galwan Valley Line of Actual Control (LAC), the report said. A total of 20 Indian soldiers died in the Galwan Valley clash regarded as the worst in over four decades at the India-China border. While India has announced the casualties immediately after the incident, China did not officially acknowledge the casualties until Friday. The Russian official news agency TASS reported on February 10 that 45 Chinese servicemen were killed in the Galwan Valley clash. Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times that China unveiled the details of the incident to refute previous "disinformation" that stated China suffered greater casualties than India or China incited the incident. The admission of the casualties by the PLA coincides with the disengagement of troops by both sides at the North and South banks of the Pangong Lake, the most contentious part of the standoff which began in May last year. South Carolina has identified 24 cases of new, more transmissible versions of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, signaling that the variants were not fully contained when they were first detected in January. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control reports that as of Feb. 17, South Carolina has at least 21 cases of a variant that first emerged in South Africa and three cases of the variant that traces back to the United Kingdom. DHEC had previously disclosed only three cases of the variants two cases of the South Africa virus and one from the United Kingdom. The agency didnt immediately respond to questions about whether the new cases were linked to each other. The newly identified cases likely dont account for the true number of variant cases in the state, however. Detecting a variant is more complicated than diagnosing a case of COVID-19 because it requires scientists to first decode the genetic material of the virus. Relatively few virus samples undergo that analysis, though DHEC and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently ramped up genome sequencing efforts. Where variants have been found Region Cases of B.1.351 (South Africa variant) Cases of B.1.1.7 (U.K. variant) Lowcountry 5 2 Pee Dee 15 1 Midlands 1 0 Upstate 0 0 Source: S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, as of Feb. 17 South Carolina in January became the first state to detect the South Africa variant, which still hasn't been found widely in the United States. The variant, officially named B.1.351, has only been found in 10 states, according to the CDC. In its most recent update, published Feb. 18, the CDC had reported a total of 21 cases of B.1.351. DHEC's disclosure will bring the nationwide total to at least 40, including 15 from the Pee Dee region in South Carolina's northeast corner. Another five have been found in the Lowcountry, which runs from Beaufort and Charleston up to Calhoun County in DHEC's definition. Sign up for our new health newsletter The best of health, hospital and science coverage in South Carolina, delivered to your inbox weekly. Email Sign Up! Meanwhile, the U.K. variant, named B.1.1.7, has made fewer inroads in South Carolina, even as it has spread more widely across the country, reaching all but eight states. The CDC reports more than 1,500 cases across the United States. B.1.351 and B.1.1.7 are two of the three coronavirus mutations that the CDC has described as "variants of concern" because they appear to spread more readily than older versions of the virus. And new studies have found evidence that COVID-19 vaccines might not elicit as strong of a response against the South African variant, though the vaccines still prevent severe disease and death. The third variant of concern, first found in Brazil, has not yet been detected in South Carolina. The three variants evolved separately of each other. Public health officials say the measures that reduce the risk of catching the virus like wearing a mask and keeping distance from others still work against the new variants. While there is indication that these variants may be more transmissible than the original strain, that doesnt change our public health recommendations, said Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolinas state epidemiologist. And while the emergence of new variants has raised concerns about increased spread of COVID-19, they dont appear to have changed the course of the pandemic in South Carolina to date. The number of new cases has fallen steadily since January as the states winter wave has crested, although the virus is still widespread. The state is diagnosing an average of 1,903 new infections every day, which is close to the peak of South Carolinas summer wave. On June 18, CBS 21 news anchor Robb Hanrahan suffered a heart attack that stopped his heart. Twice. I had died, my body had stopped functioning, Hanrahan said. But I hadnt actually passed, I guess the way you would put it. It was the most profound, enlightening experience Ive ever had. And is the one thing that Ive experienced that I just cannot find the right words yet to [describe]. Following several months of recovery, Hanrahan announced on Feb. 8 that he would be retiring from his position at CBS 21. He had been an anchor for the station since 2010, and his work there capped a 38-year career in journalism, which included working for TV stations in Miami and New York City. Prior to his departure from CBS 21, he recorded a video along with his wife Stacey (who also works at CBS 21 as a meteorologist and assistant news director) explaining the dramatic story of his trip to the hospital. At one point, while on the phone with Stacey, he went from joking with doctors to the sudden feeling that he was about to die. Fortunately, he was revived, but not before going through a similar sensation described by many who have a brush with death a sense of love and light that defies explanation. READ MORE: CBS 21 anchor Robb Hanrahan announces retirement And despite being a self-professed skeptic prior to that experience, Hanrahan said that it has left him with appreciation and gratefulness for every moment, and every, every little thing. Its odd how, when you understand the whole is greater than the sum, it draws your attention to little things rather than the big things, he said. It seems like its the opposite of what you would end up doing. A lot of cardiac patients end up really counting the blessings of the little things in life. According to Hanrahan, his retirement was just one of several ways in which, he said, I have changed my life completely. And following a momentous year of massive local, national and global news stories, the timing seemed right for him to step away. The stress of that daily deadline, although that was what attracted me to [journalism], is also what made me decide that maybe thats not the right thing to go forward with, he said. We all struggle with those deadlines every day in journalism. Im going to miss the adrenaline rush of live TV. But I just reevaluated everything and thought, You know, this is a good time. We spoke to Hanrahan last week about his decision to retire and what might come next for him. Here are some of his responses: On his heart attack: There were five doctors and nurses standing around me, talking to me, when I arrested the first time. I literally was talking to Stacey on the phone, and they were all watching and chuckling, because I was joking with her about [how] they couldnt find what was wrong with me. And all of a sudden, I felt that pain start back. And she was talking on the phone and I suddenly said, Stacey, its time for me to go now. And I dropped the phone and, and I remember then going into arrest. You know the rest of the story. It was crazy. The reaction from it has been amazing, especially from people who had their own near-death experience like I had. And their own families didnt believe them until they saw my story. Ive always been a super skeptic of all that kind of stuff. So I think its kind of funny that I ended up going through it. On being in the hospital during a pandemic: I got off the ventilator after six, seven days I guess. I was terrified to be put on a ventilator in the first place, because all we did was stories about COVID and how people would never come off ventilators. But they brought me back to life after two arrests. And the doctor said, we have to intubate you. And I said, Do what you have to do. I knew they were going do everything they could to save me, but at that point I really didnt think it was going to work. But I got off the ventilator. And I remember the first night, I laid awake most of the night. And the overnight nurse, she and I cried a lot, until three in the morning talking, because she was relating stories about how shed lost a lot of friends over COVID, because they didnt believe it was real. And she was watching people die in the hospital. That struck me so hard. That shows you how our health care workers are heroes. Theyre stepping it up. They never once deviated from taking care of me, and taking care of the rest of the people who are in the ICU. That was an added burden put under our health care system that it is still struggling with today. Its tough out there and they wont tell you - theyre working too hard to take the time to stop and tell us that story. Ill just say, were working really hard. ... I cant thank them enough. I wouldnt be sitting here having this conversation with you [without them], and just being happy to be alive. On his wife (and CBS 21 assistant news director) Stacey Hanrahan: As I approached Valentines Day this year - which never meant anything to me [before] - I was the worst Valentine ever. I was the drugstore cowboy. I was the guy stopping at the drugstore to buy a card or a flower or something. And, you know, this year, on Valentines Day, I want everybody to know how much my wife Stacey saved my life and how much I love her and cannot express my thanks to her. It got me thinking - its a heart. Its really fitting, and I am so grateful for all the people that helped me. But Stacey - can you imagine being the spouse of somebody that, in the middle of the night, the hospitals calling you and letting you know that you know your best friend, your husband or wife or partner, has died twice? And theyre not sure whats next? And then all the hours in the ER waiting to find out what was happening to me. And then in the days and weeks and months after just helping me. Thats a true Valentine. Retired CBS21 news anchor and reporter Robb Hanrahan at his home on Feb. 17, 2021. Hanrahan suffered a massive heart attack in June of 2020 leading to his retirement. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com On working with a spouse: It is [unusual]. Whats more unusual is that shes not only an on-air meteorologist, but shes the assistant news director. So she was my boss. And I just think the dynamics of that were very interesting, and it proves that she and I can work together in any environment, especially the stress of the newsroom, and do it professionally. Wed worked together before we arrived in Harrisburg. We met at work actually in Miami. It was great to work with her. And thats one of the harder parts of the decision [to retire] was the fact that I wouldnt be working with her. But we both decided this was the best move for all of us in the family, and my extended family. Theyre all happy. On covering 9/11 as a reporter in New York: It took until a few years ago that every anniversary, when they would start replaying all of the video and everything, that I wouldnt tear up and cry. It was that impactful. I was a local journalist in New York. So every day for two years I had to go out and do a follow-up story on the towers being knocked down. That was incredibly wearing. I mean just tiring, mentally, emotionally. Every story was another family who lost another person, or another business that had to close. It was always something sad. There were some inspiring stories out of 9/11, but they were all very emotionally tiring as I remember. Exhausting. And it was one of the reasons I decided to leave New York. On what drew him to central Pennsylvania: For us personally, its a hub. We have family in Pittsburgh. New York City, New Jersey, Washington D.C. So this is a great hub for that. But its a great news market, and really great people. I saw how great the people in Central Pennsylvania are when I was in UPMC Harrisburg hospital, essentially hanging by a hair. And these folks, to them its a job, but they do it with such care. And that I think is something special to our area. Thats what always draws me back. So I dont have any intention of going anywhere. On his proudest accomplishments: Im proudest of taking the worst thing that could possibly happen in my life, which is dying, and turning it into something thats been really positive for me and my family. And that all has to do with a healthy outlook and lifestyle and faith and all those things together. Its been quite a journey. Thats all I can say. Some certain things stand out - awards dont really get me going. I think its great you know, the awards Ive won, I think Ive applied and paid to enter two or three. Im proud of the [Edward R. Murrow Award], because I didnt even know I had won it until I won it. That wasnt something that I tried to get, you know what I mean? So that was neat. But as far as being proud - you know what Im proud most of? Doing the everyday work that everyday local journalists do. I had my shots at network and things like that, but I always felt it was really important that local news continues. On the importance of local news: I want to take my hat off and salute all our local journalists at PennLive, and of course CBS 21, and all our local TV stations, our local internet news services our local journalists are working so hard. And I think thats kind of lost on our audiences. You write and you investigate and you do the stories, and we are so much appreciated out there as journalists. And I want to pass along to all my journalist friends that when I was in the hospital, to a person, everybody - all doctors, nurses, everybody in the hospital - talks about how important local news is to them. Its a time when I hope journalism gets a lot more support from the top. Journalists play a very important role, but everybody thats consuming information needs to be really aware of where theyre getting it from. Its up to every consumer now to watch out for what theyre getting. And you and I can look at everything with an impartial eye and see where the bias is. But since Ive been out for a few months recovering, Ive been able to get back to watching. And I realized that if you take a look at it with new eyes, you can easily see how cable TV and things like that, how opinions can get changed by, unfortunately, organizations that disguise themselves as news outlets. But your local news people, those are the ones who are out there doing the footwork and doing the stories and tell them the things coming about the things that we need to know. Retired CBS21 news anchor and reporter Robb Hanrahan at his home on Feb. 17, 2021. Hanrahan suffered a massive heart attack in June of 2020 leading to his retirement. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com On whats next for him: [Journalism] is a hard job. Now, Im not hoping to find an easy job, but I am looking for something more organic in its approach to the time, and a little more reflective and thoughtful and, of course, something that will allow me to spend a lot of time with Vann, my son, and with Stacey. I dont feel like Im done contributing to our community. I just feel it was time to hang up the microphone. I feel like Im in the hallway, Ive closed the door behind me and I know that doors will open. So, you know, Im letting it all sink in. and Im going to try to do evaluations. Reach out to some friends and figure out would be a good direction for me to go into contribute using the skills that I have. Pope Francis will make the first papal visit ever to Iraq in March to encourage the dwindling faithful. War and terrorism have hemorrhaged the nations Christians, but he hopes they might return. Meanwhile in Lebanon, Michel Abs, recently selected as the new leader of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), agrees with the pontiff. But in an interview with CT, he said that schools and hospitals have distinguished Christians, who he hopes might even increase in numberand quality. And Protestants, he said, have a lever effect that raises the whole. Representing only 7 percent of the regional Christian population, they have a full one-quarter share in the council. The MECC was founded in 1974 by the Protestant, Greek Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox denominations. Catholics joined in 1990 to complete its diverse Christian mosaic. According to the Pew Research Centers 2010 Global Christianity report, Orthodox believers represent 65 percent of the Middle Easts Christians, with Catholics an additional 27 percent. But it was the Protestants who helped give birth to the ecumenical movement that joined them together. The 1934 United Missionary Council became the Near East Christian Council in 1956, and the Near East Council of Churches in 1964. It was renamed the Middle East Council of Churches when the Orthodox joined 10 years later. Today it includes Protestant church associations in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Sudan, Iran, Kuwait, Algeria, and Tunisia. Council leadership rotates between the four denominations. Last September, Patriarch John X. Yazigi of the Greek Orthodox Church nominated Abs for the Eastern Orthodox four-year term. (Protestants are next in line.) Despite the difficulties we face today, being one is the solution, Abs said in his acceptance address last October. This vine that the Lord planted two millennia ago will continue to spread, to include ever-growing areas of the planet. A Lebanese Orthodox, Abs represents the ecumenical diversity of the Middle East. His father was educated by Protestants, and married a Catholic. An economist and sociologist, he is a lecturer at the Jesuit St. Josephs University in Beirut. CT interviewed Abs about the regional influence of Christians, the nature of persecution, and the witness of the gospel in the Middle East: Congratulations on your election as general secretary. From this position, how do you describe the current situation of Christians in the Middle East? It has been a difficult decade. The emerging movement of fundamentalism has harmed both Christians and Muslims. Everyone is in danger. We have to deal with turbulent times with much wisdom and solidarity. We need a long-term vision. But I dont think we will be eradicated from this area. Maybe we will diminish in numbers, or increase later on, but numbers are not the most important thing, despite their importance and their psychological effects. The quality of their presence is important too. Christians are known for the quality of what they do. With respect to others, they developed efficient institutions, like universities, schools, and media. This helps, but I am still concerned with the numbers. You should not diminish in number, so that you do not become a psychological minority. Hasnt this happened already? Or has the situation stabilized after ISIS, and considered to be improving? The numbers are low, but Christians have their place in society. There are enough Christians in the Middle East. It is not as much as it should be, or as much as it was last century, but we are still visible. When you are seen, people are concerned not with your number but your role. If you are the salt of the earth, you will remain the salt. What is the role of Christians in the Middle East? It is to love. Caritasthe Latin term. It is to teach love and to be a reconciliatory bridge among all other groups that are continuously fighting. As St. Francis of Assisi said, to be an instrument of the peace of God. It is also to fulfill their functional role, in institutions. By osmosis they will communicate a sense of excellency. Religious groups are a partner in the state, with even 1 percent you cannot be eliminated. You have your place, and everyone will respect you. The people most concerned with Christian presence are the non-Christians. [Most] Muslims are very much concerned with the Christian presence. They see it as necessary for the equilibrium, diversity, and prosperity of the area. In the US, we often think the Christians of the Middle East are persecuted. In history, there were persecutions. But ISIS killed more Muslims than Christians. [However] because Christians are the weak link, they suffered more. In some countries, Christians are second-degree citizens, without access to certain posts in government. But it can also be the law of probability, or it may be a hidden persecution. But when there is aggression, war, fundamentalists killing and massacring people, it is a mess. No one understands anything anymore. Terrorists killed Kurds, Yazidis, Shiites, Sunnis. You cannot say it is [primarily] against Christians. But when two big people are fighting, the small person will be hit. I am told that Muslims are now buying Christian lands in Syria. But they could just take the land if the Christians leave. They are speculating on real estate, buying it cheaply because Christians are leaving. This is not persecution. Sometimes in Egypt it happens. There is kidnapping and killing. But if you take the whole population, it is not like this. Egyptians are kind people, they love Christians. If 12 percent behave poorly, you cannot take it as a rule. So how should Christians strengthen their relations with Muslims, to prevent fundamentalists from damaging their position in society? Through dialogue. These are two different religions, and the differences are greateven among similar principles. We will never reach anywhere with religious dialogue. We engage in a dialogue of life, where we develop common values and become united. Then it is hard to divide unless there is a systematic plan to do so, from outside. From my point of view, confessionalism can be divided into three levels: First, at the religious level, there can be no dialogue, just respect. You wouldnt believe how many Muslims visit our shrines, and seek intercession through our saints. And while Christians do not believe in the prophet Muhammad, they respect him. Second, at the social level, people live with one another, and respect each other. They share in social and family events, and throughout history they developed common values and customs. The problem exists at the third level, the political, where there is money and power. The supposed leaders of communities secure their interests, and it is very easy to mobilize people by religion, and to fight the other in its name. This is cheap, but it is being done, and [they] win. What is the role of the MECC? What is your vision? It is to strengthen the ties between churches, but also to better integrate in society. Our actions are a token of love, because love makes a better society. We serve in the name of the churches, wherever they cannot do it individually, with groups that cannot be reached by them. We do relief, for everyone. We show that the church is open to everyone. The Muslim is not our enemy. Maybe at times he could be our rival. But he is my neighbor, and Christ told us to love our neighbor. Relief is necessary in times of emergency. But soon we hope to shift more towards development and education. We need to root people to their land. My roots are 6,000 years deep. It is part of our consciousness, but this is not enough. The church has land, schools, and hospitals. But if its people leave, this means that it should target better its action. We need to do vocational training, and support small businesses, housing, education, and medical care. My vision is to help people stay. But when quality of life deteriorates, people leave. Moreover, Christians are more prone to leave than Muslims. I dont know why, but maybe it is a self-fulfilling prophecythat no Christians will remain in the East. I dont believe this. Maybe Christians will return. Maybe they will increase in number. If you make a plan, you could double in number. Im not in a race with Muslims; were not rabbits. But numbers are important for psychological security, equilibrium, and diversity. When life and democracy deteriorate, people leave. What can help them stay? Having a better political regime, and better services. A better standard of living. Can you do something about this, as a council? No. We can create awareness. On my agenda are plans to promote human dignityagainst corruption, harassment, and exclusion, and for democracy and human rights. Im trying to find people to implement it the proper way. But we will lead through conferences, seminars, and webinars to raise awareness, without taking a political position. What about the spiritual role? We are developing a program on the role of spiritual revival in preserving Christian presence. It is spiritual renewal. We are the salt of the earth; we should be everywhere and spread good things. When salt is kept in its jar, it hardens and becomes like a stone, unusable. This is the land of Christ. Others are doing this elsewhere; we have to do it here. God put us here, and we love our countries. Protestants developed the values and government of America. They did their job; we have to do ours. Sometimes evangelicals in America see Christians in the Middle East as nominal. Is this fair? What is their spiritual vitality? It is not fair. There is no vitality because it went through centuries of problems. Not just Christians, but everyone. The Ottomans and the periods of underdevelopment. But Christians are living their life in their faith. How is this visible? By the very fact of staying here for 2,000 years. By the development of saints during this time. By their institutions. And with due respect to Protestants, our Christians view the West the same way [as nominal]. Our churches were dormant; they were under suppression. But now we have all sort of institutions, from schools to television stations to publishing houses to universities. There is a big revival. Maybe the West had something to do with this. Rome with the Catholics; Protestants, with their institutions. The Orthodox were far away because Orthodoxy was under communism. We had an induced renaissance, by the intervention of the West. We couldnt do it from within. It came with the churches that came here. The Syrian Protestant College [now the American University of Beirut] made the glory of this area. This is our pride, like the Jesuit university where I studied, lectured for decades, and still. And also the social NGOs working through the churches. Are Middle East Christians going to church, reading their Bible, or spreading the gospel? The concept is different. You are a disciplined society, we are not. People here go to church, stick to their faith, develop institutions. During my childhood, I have witnessed the presence of illiterate priests. The church was very poor. My father became literate through learning the gospel with the Plymouth Brethren. Today, our clergy hold MAs and PhDs. They are multilingual, computer literate, opened to social media. Fully up to date. So in the scope of history, the Christian presence is strengthening? The revival is in a race with destruction. It is always this way: chaos and cosmos are fighting. But ecumenism helps to solve our differences, to accept the other. How does the MECC view the gospel and its proclamation? Is there a vision for bringing the gospel to Muslim people? This is a main topic of my research, but it is not part of my job in the MECC. I can foresee where things are going. You will be surprised, and maybe your children will be surprised too. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church, because it is based on love. I know what love, consciousness, and media can do. When you have beautiful things, you must share them with people, and they will admire them. Elizabeth Olsen comes from a showbiz family, with her older sisters Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen starring on Full House, though she wanted to find time to make her own way. The 32-year-old WandaVision star addressed her own nepotism in a wide-ranging new interview with Grazia Magazine. Olsen revealed that she was always aware of nepotism in Hollywood, but she wanted to succeed on her own. On her own: Elizabeth Olsen comes from a showbiz family, with her older sisters Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen starring on Full House, though she wanted to find time to make her own way Interview: The 32-year-old WandaVision star addressed her own nepotism in a wide-ranging new interview with Grazia Magazine 'Nepotism is a thing and Im very aware of it. And of course, Ive always wanted to do it alone,' she said. Olsen studied at New York Universitys Tisch School of the Art and made her acting debut in Martha Marcy May Marlene in 2011. Now she returns as Wanda Maximoff, a.k.a. Scarlet Witch, in Marvel's WandaVision, which airs its seventh of nine episodes on Friday on Disney Plus. Alone: 'Nepotism is a thing and Im very aware of it. And of course, Ive always wanted to do it alone,' she said. 'I thought it was perfect for television, and a very original idea that made me excited,' Olsen said. She made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut with a brief cameo in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, before starring in 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron. In subsequent films, she developed a relationship with Paul Bettany's Vision, leading to the duo reuniting in WandaVision. Original: 'I thought it was perfect for television, and a very original idea that made me excited,' Olsen said 'Hes very precise, like me,' Olsen said of her co-star, who returns as Vision in the critically-acclaimed series. The show explores several tropes throughout television history, with Olsen explaining this show is right in her wheelhouse. 'I was a very hammy, performative child. So, I do think I got to live out some sort of childhood dream doing the show,' she added. Precise: 'Hes very precise, like me,' Olsen said of her co-star, who returns as Vision in the critically-acclaimed series WandaVision started filming before the COVID-19 pandemic with the second half filmed during the pandemic, with a six-month break in between. When asked about her character, she saw her, 'as a victim of extreme trauma, who does not understand how to process it.' 'She has been a human experiment,' she added of Wanda. 404 Activists demand Calif. DA drop felony charges against vandals who toppled Junipero Serra statue Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Months after the statue of a Catholic saint was vandalized and toppled by rioters, activists are calling on a California district attorney to drop charges against the perpetrators. On Columbus Day last year, referred to by some as Indigenous Peoples Day, a group of vandals toppled a statue of St. Junipero Serra located outside the Mission San Rafael in San Rafael, California. As The Christian Post previously reported, five people were arrested on vandalism charges for knocking over the Serra statue, leaving only the feet attached to the base. According to the Marin Independent Journal, A complaint filed by [Marin County District Attorney Lori] Frugolis office in November accuses five suspects of causing at least $10,000 in damage. Under state law, vandalism is considered a felony if the damage exceeds $400. A group called Decolonizers Defense has set up a petition calling on Frugoli to Drop the Charges Against the Indigenous Peoples Day 5. The petition noted that felony charges were filed against five of the 50 protesters. 5 Indigenous women and two spirit racial justice activists are being charge(d) with felonies, read a graphic accompanying the petition. The graphic, which urged Frugoli to Drop the Charges, was also emblazoned with the phrase no more monuments to murderers. The petition suggests that the monument's destruction was justified because Serra was a notoriously violent mission leader known for imprisoning and enslaving Indigenous people. It also slammed the city of San Rafael for refusing to recognize the harms perpetrated against Indigenous people and maintained that this is a critical moment to resist increasing repression and support decolonial activists in your community. As of Thursday afternoon, the petition had garnered more than 75,420 signatures out of a goal of 150,000. Statues of the 18th century priest were targeted because of his ties to Spanish expansion in North America. In 1769, Serra led the first group of missionaries into California. In addition to calling on Frugoli to drop the charges against the Indigenous Peoples Day 5, the petition offered additional suggestions on how to help support the aforementioned protesters. These tips included a call to encourage Mission San Rafael to consider how they might begin to reconcile with the violence of their founding and learn about the history of the land you are on, learn about the Indigenous People it was stolen from, (and) find a way to recognize your place in this lineage and contribute to its healing. A letter written by a group called The Indigenous Peoples Day 5 Coalition accuses Frugoli of targeting "Indigenous women and two Spirited People." According to the signatories, the charging of the five protesters constitutes a continuation of the legacy of anti-Indigenous violence that persists to this day. By charging only Indigenous people, you are aligning yourself with the dangerous trend toward repression of BIPOC activists and those speaking up against violent, genocidal figures such as Junipero Serra, they wrote in part. This is the moment to take a stance in support of recognizing that the removal of this statute was in and of itself a response to the brutal and racist violence that is central to Junipero Serras legacy. We are writing to urge you to act in accordance with your own stated values, those of standing against racism in Marin, and drop the charges now against the Indigenous Peoples Day 5, the letter continued. More than 40 groups and individuals signed the letter, including First Congressional Church in Ripon, California, University of California Davis professor Erin Gray, the Ohio Womens Alliance and CodePink Women for Peace, East Bay Chapter. The website for the Indigenous Peoples Day 5 Solidarity Coalition described Serra as a murderous abuser of Indigenous people, notorious for imprisoning and enslaving Indigenous people in what is now known as California. Last summer, Bishop Robert Barron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles delivered a homily defending Serra's legacy. Do you know in 1773, Junipero Serra made his way, of course, by foot, in constant pain from Carmel all the way to Mexico City to argue for a bill of rights for the Native peoples? he asked. Barron also pushed back on the depiction of evangelization as some sort of cultural aggression, explaining that Serra wanted to share what he quite rightly took to be the most precious give you could ever give. Similarly, the California Catholic Conference of Bishops and Salvatore Cordileone, the archbishop of San Francisco, said critics of the saint were making false claims that he was involved in the genocide of indigenous people. "St. Serra made heroic sacrifices to protect the Indigenous people of California from their Spanish conquerors, especially the soldiers," Cordileone said in a statement released in July. "Even with his infirmed leg which caused him such pain, he walked all the way to Mexico City to obtain special faculties of governance from the Viceroy of Spain in order to discipline the military who were abusing the Indians. And then he walked back to California. "And lest there be any doubt, we have a physical reminder to this day: everywhere there is a presidio (soldiers barracks) associated with a mission in the chain of 21 missions that he founded, the presidio is miles away from the mission itself and the school. St. Junipero Serra also offered them the best thing he had: the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ, which he and his fellow Franciscan friars did through education, health care, and training in the agrarian arts, he added. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 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 chief executive of University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has welcomed planning permission for its new 96-bed unit. In a letter to Oireachtas members and councillors, Colette Cowan confirmed the news of the green-light for the block, which will be located over the current emergency department. The detailed design process is ongoing, she added. Council planners granted permission for the multi-million euro project at the end of January. The building will see the hospital move a crucial step closer to easing its long-standing overcrowding issue. Expected to cost in the region of 25m, the development will comprise a four-storey structure, and will include 96 single beds. There will also be an extension to an acute inpatient ward block and an extension to the existing outpatient departments on the ground floor. While it is already part of the Governments multi-year capital plan, the projects progress has been subject to years of scrutiny and discussion among TDs and senators in the region. Local Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler, a member of the HSE West forum, has welcomed the news, saying: "It's hugely welcomed, the bed capacity is what we need for the place to thrive. It's great to see planning is now in place and they are pressing ahead with the design and delivery team. It's a further step in addressing the very obvious capacity issue at UHL." On February 16, as NATO prepared its summit to prosecute strategic rivalry with Russia and China, Iranian and Russian warships launched ongoing naval drills in strategic waters of the Indian Ocean, south of Iran and the oil-rich Persian Gulf. They are to soon be joined by Chinese warships which were reportedly delayed by the Chinese New Year festival. The drills highlight the global war tensions that are at explosive levels as the Biden administration takes office. These are the second such exercises, continuing a format inaugurated by joint Iranian-Russian-Chinese Maritime Security Belt naval drills held in December 2019. Shortly afterwards, Washington ordered the brazen assassination of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was murdered in a US drone strike at the Baghdad airport on January 3, 2020. A warship sails while approaching Irans southeastern port city of Chahbahar, in the Gulf of Oman. Irans navy on Friday kicked off the first joint naval drill with Russia and China in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. (Iranian Army via AP) This years Iranian-Russian-Chinese exercises take place as Irans economy reels under the impact of US sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic. As he maintains devastating financial sanctions that Trump imposed on Iran after unilaterally scrapping the 2015 Iranian nuclear treaty, Biden ordered last month a provocative flyover of the Persian Gulf by a lone B-52 Stratofortress bomber escorted by Saudi F-15 fighter jets. The Iranian-Russian-Chinese drill underscores that with its threats against Iran, Washington is prosecuting a far broader, global conflict that threatens to erupt into war. This drill comes shortly after the larger Malabar 2020 naval exercise in November with US, Indian, Japanese and Australian ships including aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and INS Vikramaditya. This joint naval mobilization of the so-called Asian Quad of US allies was, as Voice of America reported citing Indian naval spokespersons, an effort to contain China. Shortly after these exercises, top Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh died on November 27, near Tehran, in what US intelligence officials described as an Israeli assassination. Irans Navy Chief Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi announced that the current drill aims to ensure collective security in the region and in the northern Indian Ocean. Khanzadi implied that the drill aims to expel US influence from the region: It means that global arrogance which until today dominated the region must realize that it needs to leave it. While Khanzadi also initially reported that Indian warships would join the joint exercise, Indian navy officials subsequently denied that India is participating in the exercises. The Russian Baltic fleet press service reported that the corvette Stoyky and the tanker Kola would participate in the exercise. It said that Russian and Iranian sailors will carry out joint maneuvers, the freeing of a merchant ship hijacked by pirates, as well as extinguishing a simulated fire on a ship in distress. It added that the ships would practice artillery firing at surface targets, searchlight signaling, and defense against piracy or sabotage operations. On February 8, as Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan announced the exercises, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, the commander of the US Central Command that leads US military operations in the Middle East, denounced them at the Middle East Institute in Washington. He said, The CENTCOM [area of operations] is and always has been a crossroads of global interests and, historically, a prime arena for foreign powers to compete for influence for resources and for access. In 2020, Russia and China exploited an ongoing regional crisis; financial infrastructure needs; perception of declining US engagement; and opportunities created by COVID-19 to advance their objectives across the Middle East and central and southern Asian nations to gain or strengthen footholds in the region. While branding Iran as a supporter of terrorist organizations and for supposedly driving instability seen in Syria and Yemen, McKenzie also attacked Moscow and Beijing. He said Russia would continue to challenge US presence as opportunities present themselves. He cited Moscows attempts to serve as an alternative to the West by trying to mediate regional conflicts and to increase its influence by participating in regional and multilateral organizations and military exercises. He added that China uses its Belt and Road initiative and the China-Pakistan economic corridor to expand Chinese influence and presence in the Middle East. US imperialism faces an insoluble crisis amid its catastrophic response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the debacle of its Middle East policy. In the three decades since the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 removed the main military counterweight to US imperialism, Washington waged aggressive wars from Iraq to Afghanistan, Libya and Syria. Costing millions of lives and trillions of dollars, these wars did not reverse but hastened US decline. US forces withdrew or left behind skeleton forces in countries they had invaded, discredited at home and abroad. While Washington retains regional military superiority with vast naval and air forces in heavily-guarded strategic bases across the Middle East, this cannot resolve a crisis rooted in profound shifts in global economy and class relations that have matured over decades. Russia and Iran both intervened in Syria to oppose the Al Qaeda-linked militias NATO supported in the proxy war for regime change it launched against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. With US, European, Russian, Iranian and Turkish forces all intervening in Syria, the country lost over a half-million dead; 10 million Syrians were made refugees. The NATO defeat in the war, with its proxies now consigned to a small portion of Syrias territory, has gone hand in hand with a reorientation in the region as China emerges as the main trading partner for many countries in the region, and the debacle of the US response to COVID-19. Last July, the New York Times broke news that China and Iran has signed a 25-year treaty of commercial and military cooperation. In an alarmed article, it wrote: At a time when the United States is reeling from recession and the coronavirus, and increasingly isolated internationally, Beijing senses American weakness. The draft agreement with Iran shows that unlike most countries, China feels it is in a position to defy the United States, powerful enough to withstand American penalties, as it has in the trade war waged by President Trump. The Times called the alliance a sweeping economic and security partnership based on $400 billion of Chinese investment in Iranian industry and infrastructure. It added, The partnership, detailed in an 18-page proposed agreement obtained by The New York Times, would vastly expand Chinese presence in banking, telecommunications, ports, railways and dozens of other projects. In exchange, China would receive a regularand, according to an Iranian official and an oil trader, heavily discountedsupply of Iranian oil over the next 25 years. The Times pointed to growing Chinese influence in regional infrastructure and the potential for a corresponding growth of Chinas influence in naval affairs and in the regions critical oil trade. Chinese ports built under the BRI program in the Indian Ocean region, like Hambantota in Sri Lanka and Gwadar in Pakistan, it wrote, constitute a necklace of refueling and resupply stations from the South China Sea to the Suez Canal. Ostensibly commercial in nature, the ports potentially have military value, too, allowing Chinas rapidly growing navy to expand its reach. While Beijing is attempting to balance its relations with Iran with its close commercial relations with Irans regional rivals, like Saudi Arabia, this treaty was nonetheless confirmed. Moreover, as Chinese firms recently completed railroads linking China to Tehran via ex-Soviet Central Asia, US diplomatic sources speculated that China might finance the post-war reconstruction of Syria, estimated at between $200 billion and $1 trillion. These events are, in the final analysis, a warning to the working class. There can be little doubt that Washington will respond to the growing weakness and crisis of its position with renewed wars and reactionary intrigues, even though it faces nuclear-armed opponents in both Russia and China. As for the Iranian, Russian and Chinese capitalist regimes, they have no progressive solution to imperialist aggression or the crisis of the imperialist-dominated world order. Oscillating between desperate attempts to cut deals with Washington and to threaten it with their militaries, they leave the world teetering on the brink of global nuclear war. It is urgent to build an international, socialist movement in the working class. Such a movement can not only fight for a scientifically-driven world policy to halt the COVID-19 pandemic, but end the danger of war by overthrowing the capitalist system which gives rise to the drive to war. GRAND RAPIDS, MI U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer hosted a discussion Thursday with minority-owned business leaders to learn how COVID-19 has affected them and to gather input on what they want included in a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package moving through Congress. He also sought feedback on federal coronavirus relief efforts such as the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The takeaway is that a one-size-fits all approach is not going to work, Meijer, a Republican from Grand Rapids Township, said after the roughly one-hour meeting wrapped up. He emphasized the importance of having future economic relief funding for businesses that can be distributed in a discretionary way at the local level, and pointed to the Kent County Small Business Recovery Program as one example of that approach. Thursdays meeting was hosted in partnership with the Grand Rapids Chamber, which administered the $25 million Small Business Recovery Program. It took place at the chambers headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids, and featured 10 small business owners representing industries ranging from real estate and construction to grocery stores and cleaning services. Sterling Massey, the owner of Massey Insurance and Financial Services, said communities of color have been hard-hit by the pandemic, and have higher rates of coronavirus infections and deaths than the population as a whole. Those people are not, as much as we would like to think, in a vacuum, he said. Theyre in a community, and those communities have people who come to work for me and for other small businesses who dont have the means of redressing those issues. Moving forward, he said its important that the COVID-19 vaccine is distributed in an equitable way that doesnt leave behind communities of color. Nationally, an examination of COVID-19 vaccine data conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 5.4 percent of the roughly 13 million doses of the vaccine distributed between Dec. 14 and Jan. 14 went to Blacks. The vaccination rate for Hispanics was 11.5 percent, while the rate for whites was 60.4 percent, CDC data show. Keith Morgan, owner of Professional Cleaning Services, said increased unemployment benefits designed to help workers who have been laid-off during the pandemic has hurt businesses like his. Some of his employees, for example, have said can I not come in because Im making more with unemployment than what I would be making here. If I had my way, the restraints that are being put on businesses as a whole could be loosened, he said, when asked what he would like to see changed to help business owners. As a business owner, I think we can make a lot of our own decisions. Following Thursdays event, Meijer said he will attempt to use the feedback he received to shape the Biden administrations $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. Meijer said the existing proposal is being negotiated by Democratic leadership with zero input from anyone who isnt in their closed committee hearing rooms. Our goal is to increase payments to eligible Americans, to make sure were working on doing everything that we can to get out the vaccines, Meijer said. That direct cash relief will not only allow folks who need it to be able to pay off bills, to put some money back into the economy as businesses are reopening, but also increase that consumer confidence as our hospitalization rates are going down as vaccinations are going out so we can see our way through to the end of this pandemic. The Biden administrations plan includes $1,400 checks for most Americans, as well as rental, food and childcare assistance, according to the Associated Press. It also calls for $350 billion for first responders and other essential workers, as well as grants for small businesses, tribal governments and transit agencies. Meijer said he favors increasing checks to $2,400 for individuals making $50,000 and below and $80,000 and below for married couples. The congressman had another meeting following the chamber event and was not available to discuss in detail his alternative to the Biden administrations coronavirus economic relief plan. Thursdays meeting focused on minority-owned business leaders because they represent some of the communities that have been hardest hit during the pandemic, Meijer said. Theyre the communities that we need to make sure are well positioned to bounce back if were going to close some of the gaps in our society. he said. Read more: Spokesperson for Senate leader Mike Shirkey departing for new role at Attorney Generals office 3 charged in Burton home invasion that left 1 intruder dead, prosecutor says Michigan reports 888 new coronavirus cases, 85 deaths Thursday, Feb. 18 Senior diplomats of the United States, and Japan have held a teleconference to discuss the issues related to North Korea, the US Department of State said. The United States was represented by Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sung Kim, Japan by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Noh Kyu-duk. "The group discussed the ongoing U.S. DPRK policy review and stressed the importance of continued close cooperation and coordination. They each shared their assessments of the current situation in and expressed their continued commitment to denuclearization and the maintenance of peace and stability on the Korean peninsula," the Department of State said in a statement on late Thursday. The United States is currently reviewing its foreign policy after the victory of Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 32431 Bill Baumel, Managing Director, Ohio Innovation Fund Bill Baumel, Managing Director, Ohio Innovation Fund At a post-9/11, 2001 investment conference, a company CEO presented a single-slide deck a picture of a train wreck. Sequoia released an infamous investment memo at the start of the 08- 09 financial crisis. The key takeaway? The world has ended. In March of 2020, Sequoia released another memo following similar talking points. No, really this time, the world has ended. So, why do I have renewed hope for innovation and startups despite the effects of COVID-19? I was investing in Silicon Valley post-9/11 and during the Great Recession, and what I saw was companies hoping to fit into one of two buckets: Survive or Thrive and to avoid the dreaded third bucket of Perish. Companies that I invested in during 01-02 and 08-09 went on to become some of the most successful Ive worked with, including several what are now called unicorns ranging in exit value from a few billion to over $30 billion. Why have hope now? Because I see the same potential for exceptional companies to grow within the current COVID-19 environment. First, seek to thrive create a new business model or pivot/optimize your existing business model to one that provides a must-have solution within the pandemic, and for what the world will likely look like post this time period. If you cannot thrive today, but its likely that as the height of the pandemic passes things should improve seek to survive. Preserve the core of your existing business and whichever team members are absolutely critical for your startup to weather this storm. You can see this economic downturn as the world ending or a more innovative world just beginning Take two Ohio Innovation Fund portfolio company examples of thriving: Aware is a collaboration management and monitoring tool for next-generation collaboration platforms such as Workplace by Facebook, Microsoft Teams, Yammer, and Slack. In the onset of Stay at Home orders across the United States in mid-March, the company saw more demand for its product in 45 days than it had in all of 2019. Aware was positioned to lead the shift to remote work and risk management, which was initially forecast to progress over 3-5 years. With COVID-19, the shift accelerated and was a necessity overnight, and Aware leveraged their technology to accommodate the rapidly increasing demand. ScriptDrop is a prescription delivery service partnered with Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, Rite-Aid, Giant Eagle, and thousands of independent pharmacies across the United States. As COVID began to spread, demand for safe, contactless prescription delivery skyrocketed. The ScriptDrop team sprang into action and accomplished one and a half years of product development in the span of two months in order to satisfy demand. I dont mean to suggest that there hasnt been or wont continue to be incredible stress, however, diamonds are only formed under extreme pressure. While everyone is feeling this strain, there are several positives in the current environment similar to those in past crises: 1) Talent is more available Hiring top talent is much easier in a downturn as many companies are cutting costs across the board, including laying off employees with high impact and potential. Now is a great time to build or improve your core team. 2) The gift of time Time to think, plan, hire, connect, and build a strong stakeholder network for your company with less distractions due to the environment we find ourselves in. Take advantage of the most valuable commodity you have time. 3) Value creation efficiency The biggest bang for your buck in terms of a dollar invested to dollar created happens during downturns. Unnecessary marginal spending goes away thanks to a renewed commitment to getting more done with less, and importantly, out of the box, breakthrough thinking is at a high point. Tough circumstances bring out the best in human ingenuity and creativity. This economic downturn is starkly different than those previously experienced by the US as a result of significant underlying economic issues for example, the tech and housing bubbles. In this case, there is no fundamental economic issue, pushing us into uncharted territory with the exact ways the world will be impacted post-COVID-19 yet to be fully determined. Overall, this pandemic has brought to light the inefficiencies and challenges inherent in our current systems, and adversity could become an opportunity if we can find solutions that will better prepare us for whatever the future will bring. You can see this economic downturn as the world ending or a more innovative world just beginning. 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 Tumkuru : , Feb 19 (IANS) Two persons died while 40 others were injured when a private bus, carrying a marriage party, lost its balance and fell into a roadside ditch in Karnataka's Tumkuru on Friday, police said. The police said the accident occurred on the Sira-Bukkapatna state highway. The deceased were identified as Krishnamurhty, 42, and his wife Bhagyamma, 35, and all injured are residents of Shambhonahalli Gollarahatti hamlet near Tovinakere of Koratagere taluka. The police said all the people were travelling from Bukapatna to take part in a small post-wedding ceremony that was organised by the bride's village in Sira. The police said that Bukapatna-Sira highway has been relaid recently but in some patches, repair work is going on. "Construction of bridge work is in full swing and in this spot, the road becomes quite narrow... the bus perhaps was overspeeding, due to which it has lost its balance and fell into roadside ditch," an investigation officer said. The injured have been shifted to the hospitals in Sira and Bengaluru. "As many as 40 persons who sustained injuries have been rushed to the Sira government hospital and 11 of them with multiple fractures were referred to the district general hospital," the police said. Police have quelled fears several loud bangs that rang out across a Brisbane southside suburb on Friday were gunshots coming from the scene of an ongoing siege. A man remains holed up inside a Sunnybank home with other people, in a standoff that has passed the 24-hour mark, but reports of gunshots were incorrect, according to police, and the series of loud noises heard in the area was not related to the ongoing situation. Negotiations continue and specialist heavily armed officers remained at the scene on Friday, with the exclusion zone still in place too, after residents inside the cordon were evacuated on Thursday. Police remain tight-lipped about the details of the incident and what led to the standoff, which started about 10.30am on Thursday when officers visited the Dyson Street address. New York Citys largest union endorsed Maya Wiley, the former MSNBC analyst and legal counsel to Mayor Bill de Blasio, in the race for mayor on Friday, giving a lift to her campaign as she tries to prove that she is a leading candidate in the crowded Democratic field. The powerful union, Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union, provided one of the first big labor endorsements in the wide-open mayors race and hoped to use its political weight to help elect a Black woman as mayor for the first time. The endorsement was a major win for Ms. Wiley, who is running as a progressive who wants to lead New Yorkers out of the pandemic in a city that has elected only one Black mayor and no women. For Ms. Wiley, who did not qualify for public matching funds this week despite having announced that her campaign had met the threshold, the unions support comes at a critical time. The union was a key early endorser for Mr. de Blasio in 2013, helping him demonstrate that he was a viable candidate in a similarly competitive race. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus A.Guryanov meets the Ambassador of Tajikistan On February 19th, 2021, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Guryanov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Republic of Belarus Makhmadsharif Khakdod. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of Belarusian-Tajikistan trade and economic cooperation, interaction on the platforms of international organizations and integration associations, as well as the schedule of joint events in 2021. print version Today, activism exists at every point in the food supply chain: how its produced (unsustainable farming practices; unsafe working conditions and exploitation of undocumented immigrants and prison labor; abuse of animals), who gets to produce it and how its sold (racial disparities in lending and investment; the corporate advantage of scale; misrepresentation and erasure of minority cultures) and who gets to eat it (poverty and hunger; neighborhoods lacking access to fresh, healthy food; moralizing over how food stamps are used). Some of these issues have been championed by high-end chefs, who in our obsessive food culture command a certain reverence, although their public exhortations tend to be more celebratory than confrontational embracing seasonality and farm-to-table dining, for example and stop short of policy recommendations. That might be changing with the pandemic: The Spanish-born Jose Andres, who runs restaurants in Las Vegas, Miami and Washington, D.C., and who has provided disaster food relief for millions in the wake of hurricanes and disease, recently criticized the government for failing to end hunger due to a lack of political will. But much of the deep work is happening out of sight, in grass-roots efforts like the community gardens that Karen Washington, 66, has built in the Bronx, which started in 1988 with a single garbage-strewn lot across the street from her home. She didnt have a grand plan it was enough at first just to have transformed an eyesore into an oasis she called the Garden of Happiness, and to be able to share fresh vegetables with her neighbors but she soon found herself joining forces with other urban gardeners to fight the citys attempt to evict them and auction off these once-neglected and now thriving sites for development. (In the end, conservation groups stepped in to buy some of the lots.) She has since cultivated many gardens and drafted policy proposals for government officials, but the heart of her work is still local, done in and for her community. During the pandemic, she went around the neighborhood checking that the elderly had enough to eat, and much of her harvest has gone to food pantries and soup kitchens. If were cooking, we cook a little extra, she says. At the same time, she knows this is only a stopgap solution. For so long weve been beholden to charity, she says. Food is given out; we stand on line. No one asks, Why are we on the line? THE FIELD OF food activism is so vast, its inevitably fragmentary, with many constituencies, from migrant blueberry pickers in Washington state, choking on the smoke of wildfires in summer, to Black urban farmers in Atlanta, contending with a racial legacy of land dispossession, to taco truck and halal cart operators on the streets of New York City who lost up to 80 percent of their sales at the start of the pandemic and were excluded from government relief because they deal mostly in cash, with limited documentation, at the fringes of the official economy. Many found themselves down to their last few dollars after working for years, sometimes 14 hours a day, and had to turn to food pantries to survive. Its shameful, says Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, 30, the deputy director of the Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center in Manhattan, which has a staff of six to advocate on behalf of around 20,000 street vendors, that the people waiting in line for food are the people whove spent their lives serving food to others. Yet, since the 1980s, the primary message of the food movement to reach the broader public has been not a call to arms but rather a vaguely feel-good mantra: to eat more healthily by shopping at the farmers market and buying organic, unprocessed, non-mass-market foods. Certainly these strategies help the environment and support small businesses, but this sometimes seems like just a side benefit, with the emphasis on personal wellness, as if the only way to persuade people to vote with their fork on behalf of laborers or the planet were by appealing to their self-interest. It points to a tension in food activism between trying to influence individual acts of consumption, in hopes of bringing about incremental change, and taking direct political action. The belief that we will change things through individual market choices is a way of not questioning the market itself, says Eric Holt-Gimenez, 67, an agroecologist and the former executive director of the Oakland-based think tank Food First. We tend to concentrate on the romantic the small farmer growing organic vegetables when all this time we couldve been fighting for parity and antitrust laws. 30 Raj Koneru, CEO, Kony, Inc. Raj Koneru, CEO, Kony, Inc. What significant changes did enterprise mobility sector witness in 2013? What did these changes mean to vendors and customers? 1. Acceptance of BYOD strategies across a wide variety of companies and industries 2. Implementation of corporate security strategies , policies, and EMM (enterprise mobility management) to accommodate BYOD 3. Growing awareness of "responsive design" for mobilizing publishing activities; the jury is still out for defining how best to mobilize interactive enterprise applications 4. Wider and quick adoption of tablets in the enterprise 5. Speed of development and deployment cloud-based solutions 6. The decline of BlackBerry in the enterprise 7. Graying lines between consumer and employee facing apps What are some of the changes you had anticipated would happen in 2013, but did not happen? 1. Excitement around Microsoft Surface tablet 2. Office apps running on iOS & Android platforms 3. By now I thought Microsoft would have established a beachhead around enterprise mobility. There's nothing in the SharePoint story or with collaboration messaging. It's hard to believe that Microsoft is going to cede leadership in the conversation around enterprise mobility to others --but that's what happened in 2013. Frankly, I don't expect any change until 2015 -- after Ballmer's replacement has run through a full planning cycle and even then it's hard to predict where the company will go. How will you comment on the statement "Enterprise mobility as a standard operating procedure in 2014"? 1. With the consumerization of enterprise IT , digitally savvy workers are going to expect the same experiences in the workplace as they find with consumer-oriented apps. 2. Many enterprises will standardize key tasks of field operations using tablet-based apps. 3. Mobile app development will become a core competency of enterprise IT groups, fueled by the ready availability of cloud-based application development services Can you paint us the picture of how the landscape for enterprise mobility sector will change in 2014? What are some of the broader trends you are closely watching? 1. Experience, experience, experience employee facing apps will be as user-friendly and intuitive as consumer apps 2. Multi-channel will become more of a reality with a layer of M2M (Internet of Things) added to the mix. 3. Smart mobile apps that are able to deliver on the moments of engagement, due to the added intelligence of a "context layer" being introduced into the enterprise application infrastructure 4. Interconnected experiences that shift gracefully between one device and another. (For instance, as a banker walks into her office talking to a client on her mobile phone, the business documents & transaction histories they are discussing automatically appears on her large screen desktop device.) 5. HTML5 powered apps become main stream once an underlying enterprise app infrastructure is in place. (Again, the importance of the "context layer") How will customer spends change in 2014 for enterprise mobility sector? What makes you think customers will be buying more/ less? 1. More spending on company-owned tablets to support business operations which will drive out all traces of "paper based processes," -- and which in turn will reduce costs and mitigate risks 2. With the spread of the "internet of things " from all kinds of sensor data, mobile devices become important collection points for interacting with enterprise apps. 3. More demonstrated ROI and proven apps will help drive the sheep mentality and companies that want me-too solutions. What's in store for your company in 2014? 1. Broader expansion and growth in markets outside of North America in particular Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Peru), Europe and Asia-Pacific. 2. Continued double digit growth in terms of company size and revenue. 3. Growing our partner ecosystem to include OEMs, system integrators and professional services. CIO Review Press Release: CIO Review | Cryptzone CIOReview | Qognify STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Larissa Schiano-Gonzalez often goes to her business, Be Yoga & Dance in Rosebank, to dance and/or meditate -- alone. It helps relieve the stress she has endured because her business has been closed for almost a year, as fitness class still arent allowed in New York City amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic -- even though they have resumed in the rest of the Empire State. My yoga practice and my meditation practice have been a great support for me, said Schiano-Gonzalez. I go into the studio a lot and just dance alone. Its like therapy fo me. My movement practices have been helping me feel emotionally healthy ... But there are days where Im grieving the loss of my space. And shes not alone -- Staten Island boutique fitness studios have been shuttered for almost a year. And many, like Schiano-Gonzalez, have signed on to be part of a lawsuit against Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City to allow them to resume classes. Schiano-Gonzalez practicing with her daughter, Lila, at the studio. (Courtesy of Larissa Schiano-Gonzalez ) While Gov. Andrew Cuomo said gyms across the state could reopen Aug. 24, he said that local elected officials -- in New York Citys case thats de Blasio -- may choose to delay resuming fitness classes. While many big box gyms were able to open Sept. 2, 2020, the mayor wont allow fitness classes to resume indoors. This has left boutique fitness studios, like the Max Challenge, yoga centers, CrossFit and Pilates studios, which rely on classes as the main draw to their business, unable to reopen. We are filing an Article 78, which says Mayor de Blasios decisions are arbitrary and capricious, said Charlie Cassara, president and founder of the New York Fitness Coalition (NYFC), noting that the lawsuit will be filed on behalf of many individual boutique fitness studio owners in a few days. We want to get this rule that de Blasio is allowed to enforce, as per the governor, removed so we can get fitness classes open. ...We are asking to have de Blasio overruled. A city Law Department spokesman told the Advance/SILive.com that the office will review and respond to the complaint once it is filed. Boutique fitness studios are among the last types of businesses that are still required to be closed under coronavirus mandates. And the lawsuit that will be filed is one of several since the pandemic began. One filed last year in Richmond County was unsuccessful. No judge has yet to overturn de Blasios ruling against fitness classes. NO MEANS OF INCOME And there is no timeframe for when fitness classes can resume. This leaves many boutique fitness studio owners on Staten Island with reduced or no means of income -- indefinitely. This is an utter sin right now. Having all the data and science that we know, all it is is just cruel. All the mayor is doing right now is putting people out of business permanently. Its unconstitutional, said Cassara. Regarding the timeframe for resuming fitness classes in the city, de Blasio said: We want everything decided by the data and the science. As the doctors have said, theres a particular sensitivity around those sites. ...I want to see life continue to improve for the people of the city. I want to see more and more things open -- reopen. I want to see businesses survive and their employees have jobs, but job one is the health and safety of all New Yorkers, and those sites do come with a special sensitivity. STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE Roseann Camarda, who owns three popular fitness studios -- in Grasmere, Woodrow and Great Kills -- under the Max Challenge franchise on Staten Island with her husband, Anthony Camarda, said she is barely holding on. Roseann Camarda, who owns three popular fitness studios -- in Grasmere, Woodrow and Great Kills -- under the Max Challenge franchise on Staten Island with her husband, Anthony Camarda, said she is barely holding on. (Courtesy of Roseann Camarda) Im behind on my rent. We still have to pay all types of insurance. Im keeping the utilities on, she said, noting she has lost a large share of her membership by only being able to offer virtual classes. I just heard Gov. Andrew Cuomo is opening amusement parks, why are we the only ones closed? I just read Mayor de Blasio wants women-owned businesses to flourish. Im a woman-owned business, but hes destroying me. Joseph Cannizzo, owner of Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo in Annadale, said he is having trouble paying the mortgage. Said Joseph Cannizzo, owner of Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo in Annadale: We are approaching the one-year anniversary of the mandated closure of my martial arts school. My dojo is facing bankruptcy as a result of outstanding property tax, mortgage payments and cooperative fees, which have not been paid for almost one year. Politicians have failed at passing swift and efficient legislation focused on subsidizing small businesses like mine. ... We have been absolutely destroyed. Schiano-Gonzalez said she often goes to her business, Be Yoga & Dance, to dance and/or meditate -- alone. (Courtesy of Larissa Schiano-Gonzalez ) VIRTUAL CLASSES Schiano-Gonzalez started yoga classes through Zoom at Be Yoga & Dance the day after she was forced to shutter on March 17, 2020. While she has many loyal members of the studio who take the classes, her revenue has dropped by 75%. She said shes able to pay her rent, but not much else. Im literally just paying the rent and my teachers. Im able to stay afloat, but I have had to work extra hard and do outside things to support the studio, she said. One way to raise funds has been with the sale of a sweatshirt that says, Belonging Begins with Being. Karen Torrone, owner of 5 Boro Power Yoga, said she was forced to close her Tottenville studio, and only her New Dorp location remains in business. (Courtesy of Karen Torrone) Like Schiano-Gonzalez, Karen Torrone, owner of 5 Boro Power Yoga, has been offering online classes since her studio has been closed. She was forced to close her Tottenville studio, and only her New Dorp location remains in business, she said. I have lost over half our members and more than 60% of revenue. Since we understand the needs for health, wellness and connection, we have been offering four free online yoga classes a week, including one class for anyone affected by addiction. These free online classes have been a lifeline for those who are suffering from anxiety and stress and need an outlet, but dont have the means right now, said Torrone. Camarda, of the Max Challenge franchise, said she is barely holding on. (Courtesy of Roseann Camarda) She said she has been operating using limited funds that are coming in each month from the members we have left and the EIDL [Economic Injury Disaster Loan] loan we received. We continuously file for grants, including the one from Bar Stool Sports, but have not received anything to date. We just got a small amount from the second PPP [Paycheck Protection Program] and that will give us a little help for the next month or two, Torrone added. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER WASHINGTON - Usually, it takes at least one full day in Cancun to do something embarrassing you'll never live down. But for Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, it took just 10 hours - from when his United plane touched down at Cancun International Airport at 7:52 p.m. Wednesday to when he booked a return flight back to Houston around 6 a.m. Thursday - for the state's junior senator to apparently realize he had made a horrible mistake. Cruz landed back home in Texas almost exactly 24 hours after he departed, saying he was ready to take on the devastating winter storm that has left millions of Texans without power or safe drinking water and left at least 21 people dead in the southern United States. But his brief tropical sojourn yielded at least two unflattering nicknames on social media - Cancun Cruz and Flyin' Ted - and prompted a Twitter-fueled news cycle that seemed to unite a broken nation. On Cruz's trip, at least, almost everyone could agree: "Nope. This is politics 101. Incredibly stupid move," tweeted Charlie Spiering, White House correspondent for the conservative Breitbart News. The international kerfuffle began organically enough, when photos surfaced online Wednesday night of a masked Cruz and his wife, Heidi Cruz, waiting at a gate to board a flight to Cancun. "Well Senator Cruz is flying to Cancun while millions of Texans do not have electricity #Priorities #ThanksforNothingSenator," wrote one Houston-based Twitter user, above a photo of Cruz looking like any airport traveler in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. The reaction online was instantaneous, and also disbelieving: Could it . . . really be . . . that Ted Cruz - the senator from a state in the middle of a once-in-a-decade national weather emergency - was just peacing out to Mexico? Cancun-gate checked nearly every possible box of a scandal. The sad-sack black roller suitcase and oversize canvas tote, awaiting its beach debut! The fleece half-zip as part of the classic frumpy Dad ensemble! The 6 a.m. scramble to book a return flight! The politician seeming to blame his preteen daughters! The adorable family dog, possibly left home alone! The police escort! The leaked text messages, with a "Real Housewives of Houston" mood! And the hypocrisy of a man who has trashed fellow politicians for vacationing during crises - vacationing in Cancun during a crisis himself. Cruz's Cancun jaunt proved to be ideal for a frivolous Twitter pile-on, with ample opportunities for crowdsourcing, amateur sleuthing and vicious mocking - all playing out Thursday in real time, as the country spent another day trapped in front of their screens. After the initial photos surfaced - and Cruz's office remained curiously silent - Punchbowl's Jake Sherman added a clue to the ledger when, shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday, he posted a screenshot of an "R. Cru" - the senator's full name is Rafael Edward Cruz - on the list awaiting an upgrade for a flight from Cancun to Houston. Soon after, Cruz's team released a statement from him that, after some outrage about the situation back home in Texas, offered a Blame-the-Kids strategy masquerading as an Upstanding-Parent defense. "Like millions of Texans, our family lost heat and power too," Cruz wrote. "With school cancelled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon. My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas." Then, again, the plot thickened. Just after noon, Edward Russell, the lead airlines reporter at Skift, a travel industry publication, tweeted that a source of his at United Airlines had informed him that "Senator Ted Cruz rebooked his flight back to Houston from Cancun for this afternoon at around 6 a.m. today (Thursday). He was originally scheduled to return on Saturday." Russell's scoop was later confirmed by NBC News, among others. Just when the situation seemed like it couldn't get much worse for Cruz - his statement about coming back Thursday, after all, had been misleading at best - a cute pooch entered the narrative. Houston-based journalist Michael Hardy had driven by Cruz's house Thursday and snapped a photo of the front of his home - lights off, tiny white fluff ball staring out of the glass front door. "Also, Ted appears to have left behind the family poodle," Hardy tweeted, before later offering an addendum: "Just to clarify, this was taken around 1 pm central on Thursday. It's possible Ted brought the poodle back from Cancun with him, or that a family member was staying behind to take care of the dog." Hardy later wrote in New York Magazine - in an article titled "Ted Cruz Abandons Millions of Freezing Texans and His Poodle, Snowflake" - that after he shared the photo of the Cruz's dog on Twitter, "all hell broke loose." A Ted Cruz's Poodle account popped up on Twitter, retweeting the NBC story about Cruz's initial plan to stay through the weekend and writing, "I was left with a bathtub of water & a bucket full of kibble so Saturday sounds about right." And so, by early afternoon, what Cruz no doubt had hoped would be a discreet flight back home had turned into a national walk of shame, with each step of his return journey documented and scrutinized and widely lampooned. There was his arrival at the Cancun airport where, clad in a Texas flag mask and gray polo shirt, Cruz repeated his initial cover story. "Yesterday my daughters asked if they could take a trip with some friends, and Heidi and I agreed, so I flew down with them last night, dropped them off here, and now I'm headed back to Texas, and continuing to work to try to get the power on," he said. "What's happening in Texas in unacceptable. A lot of Texans are hurting." His deplaning in Houston was also chronicled in near-real time, with a cellphone video following along as Cruz walked up the ramp with two police escorts. And he was greeted by reporters and photographers when he returned home, all eager to document each step of his poor decision-making. On Thursday evening, text messages among some of Cruz's neighbors emerged, showing Heidi Cruz growing increasingly frustrated with the power outage at their home and inviting the text group - known as the "lovelies" - to join them on a possible trip to Cancun, where they planned to stay at the Ritz Carlton Cancun. "Our house is FREEZING," Heidi Cruz wrote to the group, adding that their family "couldn't stand it anymore" and had to stay elsewhere the night before. She also shared information for flights departing Houston on Wednesday and returning on Sunday. The text messages - which were first reported by the New York Times - were provided to The Washington Post by American Bridge, a Democratic group, and confirmed by a recipient on the text chain who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversation. The leaked text messages added an element of pathos to the already rich narrative of the trip. Group text chains, after all, are among the most intimate and sacred forms of communications, and if you can't trust your "friends" not to leak them, then who can you trust? Playing the villain is nothing new to Cruz. In 2013, he helped shut down the government, and the next year, in the weeks before Christmas, he attempted a repeat performance, forcing the Senate into a rare weekend session that recalled all its members - furious with Cruz - back to Washington. In 2016, former House speaker John Boehner of Ohio, a fellow Republican, called him "Lucifer in the flesh," and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., quipped, "If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you." Longtime Cruz chroniclers say they generally view the Texas senator as a method actor, one who fully commits to the bit, consequences be damned. He is the sort of man who seems to delight in getting himself hated in Washington, booed in Cleveland (at the 2016 Republican convention) and, this week, shamed into fleeing Cancun. Yet by Thursday night, even Cruz seemed chastened. Speaking to reporters outside his home, he offered an explanation that doubled as a mea culpa. "From the moment I sat on the plane, I began really second-guessing that decision and saying, 'Look, I know why we're doing this, but I've also got responsibilities,'" he said. "Leaving when so many Texans were hurting didn't feel right, and so I changed my return flight and flew back on the first available flight I could take." He reiterated that the trip was as the urging of his daughters, but he seemed also to take responsibility. "Look, it was obviously a mistake," Cruz said. "In hindsight, I wouldn't have done it. I was trying to be a dad." And in that moment - clad in a Patagonia puffer jacket, unshaven and slightly haggard, seeming equal parts exhausted and exasperated and even perhaps a bit contrite - Ted Cruz did, in fact, look a lot like a dad. - - - The Washington Post's Amy B Wang contributed to this report. 23356 Kyle Okamoto, VP of Network, Technology and Operations, Verizon Digital Media Services Kyle Okamoto, VP of Network, Technology and Operations, Verizon Digital Media Services It was the best of times, but it could have been the worst of times. The goal: add a whopping ten terabits per second of network capacity to Verizon Digital Media Services Content Delivery Network while simultaneously redoing our entire network foundation. The deadline: 18 months. The number of things that could have gone wrong: too many to count. But our employees rose to the challenge, and our customers saw 30 percent improvement in quality, n+1 to n+2 in terms of redundancy and less impact from routine maintenance procedures. Now that the smoke has cleared, I can pinpoint the lessons that this massive undertaking taught us. They may involve fiber networks and point-of-presence (PoP) access points, but theyre applicable to anyone whos undertaking an ambitious new project. Build yourself a crystal ball During any sort of major company change, youre probably asking a lot of questions. Ours went something like this: If we add a PoP (a physical location that connects to and helps other devices connect to the internet) in Oman, what impact does it have on London and Ashburn and Amsterdam? If a customer traditionally uses us for small downloads but then decides to start downloading massive amounts of information, how will that affect our modeling and forecasting? If our traffic base is growing at a steady rate, but then a slew of new customers get added onto the platform at unpredictable times due to our expansive growth in media, how does that impact the overall network outlook? During times of great scaling, its especially important to use your resources smartly To find the answers, we constructed something I like to call a smarter crystal ball. We built statistical scaling models using regression and sensitivity analyses to better predict where traffic would grow, how quickly and on which specific networks. This data was given to our partners. We then automated this functionality to accommodate traffic engineering methods, spiky customers, and the impact a new PoP or partner would have on other PoPs and partners. This allowed us to get a holistic look at our network, to predict and understand asymmetrical growth and to communicate better downstream. For successful scaling up, its not enough just to ask the right questions. You need to make sure you build the correct tools to give yourself the answers. Dive into a parallel universe Another major question we faced: how to keep everything running smoothly for our customers as we rebuilt the network foundation behind the scenes? Testing, testing and testing. We ended up building a completely separate environmenta parallel universe, if you willthat we termed Shadow. We directed .001 percent of our traffic through this lateral environment, which was running on new equipment, new processes, new everything. This allowed us to test out our network on real traffic instead of solely relying on predictions. Shadow, our parallel universe, allowed us to segregate our resources and assets at a very granular level and then dole out those resources to specific applications or customers. We tested various hypothetical scenarios out on our parallel environment and came up with innovative ways to manage traffic, such as carving out a network within a network. In short, we grew familiar enough with our parallel universe that by the time we began implementing changes in the real world, we were more than confident that everything would work as it should. Keep calm and empower employees As we strove to become a billion-dollar company, we couldnt keep doing what we were doing and expect it to work on a larger scale. Researchers have learned that large companies have trouble making changes, especially when it comes to implementing innovative ideas (which fail 70-90 percent of the time), because of inertia. We wanted to make sure we didnt fall into that trap. As Entrepreneur points out, large companies would do well to take inspiration from the fertile, beta stage of startups: let employees take on active roles in creative problem solving, drop hierarchies, take chances and move fast. So instead of continuing to run everything through the C-suite, we simply released the reins. We empowered the working level to make decisions, form their own teams, sign contracts and run their corners of the business; this meant we were taking the gamble of giving employees with 1-2 years of experience an immense amount of responsibility and accountability. This wasnt a blind gamble, though. Researchers have studied what happens when you give back some of the power to your employees, and guess what? It works. One study found that high empowerment leads to higher job satisfaction and lower attrition. Another learned that psychological empowerment was strongly related to job satisfaction and commitment to the organization at large. I personally watched my employees respond instantly to this new bottom-up structure. For example, a woman on my team who had been here for a mere four months spearheaded an initiative for us to adopt Kanban, the uber-efficient Japanese scheduling system, on our operational side. This helped us to streamline our workflow, which ended up being so successful that other teams adopted it all across the company. By maintaining a start-up attitude and a bit of irreverence toward hierarchy, employees who are practically brand-new feel empowered enough to suggest ideasand you never know which idea will change everything. Hire wisely, especially on a deadline During times of great scaling, its especially important to use your resources smartly. It can seem that throwing money at the problem will speed things up, but taking time to find the righttool, the righthire, will more than pay off. When we took the time to find unicornslike the network engineer in Latin America who can speak Portuguese and Spanish, has a deep Rolodex, and knows how to facilitate regulatory and legal contracts over the entire continentwe ended up saving time and money in the long run. Studies have shown that when you find the right high-performing employee, he or she can deliver deliver 400 percent more productivity than your average worker. Now thats what I call scaling up fast. How robots would help the Post Office Congress should pass reform legislation that would establish a Technology Innovation Fund for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to enable robotic last-mile postal delivery, a new report states. Of particular promise are sorting and delivery robots, which could sort mail, including into local delivery orders, deliver mail to homes, or both, according to A New Vision for Postal Reform in the E-commerce Age, a Feb. 11 report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). One could imagine a postal worker driving to particular routes with a fleet of 10 or so robots, letting each one off to walk a particular mail route, and then picking them back up at the end of the route. This funding would help support innovation at USPS, the report states, likening the approach to those at the Defense Department and NASA, which get federal funding for automation and robotics research. Although robotics is not sophisticated or inexpensive enough yet to sort and deliver mail, progress is happening. The report cites work at Ford Motor Co. and the Toyota Research Institute to test robots that can deliver packages to homes. A fund would help bolster USPS relatively small capital expenditures and research and development investments, the report states. In 2019, the agency spent $1.7 billion, or 2.3% of revenue, on capital equipment, compared with $10.3 billion, or 11.8% of sales, in the private-courier industry. That same year, USPS spent $26.7 million on R&D, while in 2018, the transportation and warehousing sector invested 10 times that amount. Congress should appropriate at least $1 billion a year to a USPS robotics development and adoption fund, the report states. USPS could use the funding to start a robotics initiative to sort, move and deliver mail, and to buy robotics systems, configure plants to use them and start and expand testing. Whats more, the agency could design and build new sorting centers that would enable maximum use of robotics and reduce labor costs. If successful, such an initiative would dramatically lower USPS delivery costs, and more importantly, lead to a significant advancement in robotics (and U.S. competitiveness in the industry), which would help a wide array of sectors, the report states. However, such an initiative should be focused on automation of USPSs core mission of delivering mail to all households in America six days a week, not on using robotics to compete with other companies involved in one-off deliveries. The idea of using robots for mail delivery is not new. A USPS Office of Inspector General report from April 2018 lauds the potential autonomous mobile robots offer the agency: They can potentially help the Postal Service cut costs, increase efficiency, and enable new services. It goes on to say that despite the high costs of robotics right now, it would still be worthwhile for the Postal Service to conduct small-scale tests and pilots, as other worldwide posts have done, to test how the technology fits into the Postal Services unique operating environment. The ITIF report also recommends that USPS experiment with autonomous trucks for long-haul mail movement and drone delivery, particularly in rural areas. Read the full report here. 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 Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill attending the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey. Photo: Liam McBurney THE findings of the investigation into Belfast City Councils handling of Bobby Storeys cremation was like the RHI report the proverbial damp squib . No smoking gun was found, and the general conclusion was that a cock-up not a conspiracy led to up to 30 mourners being allowed to attend the service in Roselawn Cemetery while eight other families were kept at the gate. Many questions still remain as to how this appalling situation came to pass. Its important to note that this was not a public inquiry with statutory powers of compulsion over witnesses and documentation. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions Nation fighting COVID-19 with all its strength: PM Narendra Modi at Mann ki Baat PM Modi to visit Puducherry on February 25 India oi-Deepika S Puducherry, Feb 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a one-day visit to poll-bound Puducherry on February 25, the BJP''s Puducherry unit said on Friday. Modi will address a public meeting at AFT mill Thildal here during his visit, the party''s Puducherry president V Saminathan, MLA, said, adding, other programmes were not finalised. This would be the Prime Minister''s second visit to the Union Territory since February 2018 when he participated in the golden jubilee celebrations of Auroville International township. 3 more Cong MLAs to quit in Puducherry, govt sure to lose trust vote: BJP Modi''s visit comes at a time when the ruling Congress has lost its majority in the territorial assembly following resignations of two ministers and two MLAs and has been asked to prove its majority by Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan in the House on February 22. With Puducherry going to Assembly polls in the next couple of months, leaders of various political parties are visiting Puducherry to address public meetings. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News BJP president J P Nadda had addressed a public meeting here on January 31 while AICC leader Rahul Gandhi on February 17. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 15:43 [IST] Mumbai, Feb 19 : Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands has entered into a purchase agreement with Turkish Private Equity Fund II L.P. to fully acquire Fides Food Systems Cooperatief U.A. for around 24.80 million pound sterling. Fides Food Systems holds 32.81 per cent stake in DP Eurasia N.V., the exclusive master franchisee of Domino's Pizza brand in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Jubilant Foodworks Ltd has also executed the Purchase Agreement as guarantor in connection with the investment obligations of Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B.V., the former said in a regulatory filing. Shyam S. Bhartia, Chairman, Jubilant Foodworks Ltd said: "We are happy to announce our acquisition of Fides for 32.81 per cent equity stake in DP Eurasia, one of the large master franchisee of the Domino's Pizza brand. "We have been partners with Domino's in India for more than twenty-five years, with that experience we hope to add value in DP Eurasia's business and also create value for our shareholders." Jubilant Foodworks has the exclusive rights to develop and operate Domino's Pizza and Dunkin' Donuts in India. Pune, India, Feb. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global industrial wood pellet market size is set to flourish stoked by the increased demand for clean energy, observes Fortune Business Insights in a report, titled, Industrial Wood Pellet Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Feedstock (Forest Wastes, Agricultural Waste, and Others), By Application (Power Generation, and Combined Heat and Power [CHP]), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027. The market size was USD 5.54 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to reach USD 7.69 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.56% during the forecast period. Widespread Shutdowns to Adversely Affect the Energy Sector amid COVID-19 COVID-19 has been a leading disruptor of the global market for energy in 2020. Several businesses stumbled upon the outbreak due to widespread lockdowns and production shutdowns. In May 2020, the future value of crude oil reached the zero mark. Leading industry players are working closely with governments to strategize their way out of the crisis. At Fortune Business Insights, our team of experts is closely analyzing the current situation to help you resolve the latest issues. Request Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/industrial-wood-pellet-market-104844 Highlights of the Report: The Industrial Wood Pellet Market report comprises insights on the revenue generated by key market players, which we have availed through secondary sources such as company websites, corporate filings, annual reports, and investor presentations. Our next step included tracking and analyzing competitive developments of these players such as partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, new product launches, and research & development activities. We have also conducted extensive interviews with key industry experts, such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and executives. Top-down and bottom-up procedures were used to arrive at the overall size of the market. Drivers & Restraints- Rising Concerns Regarding Increasing Carbon Emissions to Drive Growth As per a report published by Statista on the global climate change, in 2019, the earths surface temperature was nearly 0.95 C warmer than the total average temperature of the 20th century. Rising concerns regarding the increasing carbon emission are estimated to drive the industrial wood pellet market growth. In addition, the increasing demand for these pellets from various end-user industries is projected to further enhance their growth. However, stringent sustainability certification criteria from governments may hinder the demand. To get to know more about the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market, Please Visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industrial-wood-pellet-market-104844 Segment- Forest Waste Segment to Dominate the Market Based on the feedstock, the forest waste segment is estimated to dominate the Industrial Wood Pellet Market with a share of 92.1% in 2019 as by-products from actively managed forests are the primary source of producing industrial wood pellets. A large portion of these by-products comes from traditional forestry operations such as sawmills and finished wood products manufacturing. Regional Insights- High Consumption of Pellet-based Energy to Help Europe Dominate Europe is projected to dominate the global industrial wood pellet market with a value of USD 2.76 billion in 2019. The highest consumption of pellet-based energy at nearly 8 million tonnes in the U.K. is a major factor driving the growth of wood pellets in the region. In addition, the high demand from large-scale power plants in countries including the U.K., Belgium, and the Netherlands is anticipated to strengthen the demand in the region. The Industrial Wood Pellet Market in Asia Pacific is estimated to flourish in the forecast timeline. This region is expected to hold a considerable industrial wood pellet market share in the foreseeable years. The rapidly increasing demand for wood pellets from China, South Korea, and Japan is the major factor driving their growth in the region. Ask For Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/industrial-wood-pellet-market-104844 Competitive Landscape- Introduction of New Products to Aid Key Players in Business Expansion Key players operating in the global Industrial Wood Pellet Market are focused on expanding their production capacities. They are doing so by introducing new plants or expanding the existing ones. For instance, in July 2019, Pinnacle Renewable Energy entered into a limited partnership agreement with Tolko Industries Ltd. in order to build a new industrial wood pellet production facility in High Level, Alberta. Industry Developments- In October 2018, Pinnacle Renewable Holdings Inc. announced that it had completed the acquisition of a 70% share in an industrial wood pellet production facility located in Aliceville, Alabama from the Westervelt Company. In December 2019, Enviva LP, one of the largest producers of wood pellets, received the approval of a permit for the construction of a wood pellet facility in Sumter County. The permit was approved by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). A List of Key Manufacturers Operating in the Global Industrial Wood Pellet Market Report: Drax Group (U.K) Enviva (U.S.) Pinnacle Renewable Energy Group (Canada) The Westervelt Company (U.S.) Fram Renewables Fuels LLC (U.S.) AS Graanul Invest (Estonia) Bluesky Biomass Georgia (U.S.) Thunderbolt Biomass Inc. (U.S.) Energex Pellet Fuel, Inc. (U.S.) An Viet Phat Group (Vietnam) Others Quick Buy - Industrial Wood Pellet Market: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/104844 Table Of Content : Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Emerging Trends For Major Countries Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc Latest Technological Advancement Regulatory Landscape Porters Five Forces Analysis Qualitative Analysis Impact of COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on the Industrial Wood Pellet Market Steps Taken by the Government to Overcome the Impact Key Developments in the Industry in Response to COVID-19 Potential Opportunities and Challenges due to COVID-19 Outbreak Global Industrial Wood Pellet Market Analysis (USD Billion) (Thousand Tons), Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Feedstock Forest Waste Agriculture Waste Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Application Power Generation Combine Heat & Power (CHP) Industrial Wood Pellet Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World TOC Continued! Speak To Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/industrial-wood-pellet-market-104844 Have a Look at Related Research Insights: Gas Insulated Switchgear Market Size , Share and Industry Analysis, By Voltage (Up to 66 kV, 66 kV - 170 kV, 170 kV - 550 kV, and Above 550 kV), By Installation (Indoor and Outdoor), By End User (Utility, Industrial, Commercial, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026. 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We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data. At Fortune Business Insights, we aim at highlighting the most lucrative growth opportunities for our clients. We therefore offer recommendations, making it easier for them to navigate through technological and market-related changes. Our consulting services are designed to help organizations identify hidden opportunities and understand prevailing competitive challenges. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) ("Battery" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated February 16, 2021 announcing the completion of its qualifying transaction, the common shares of the Corporation will resume trading on the TSX Venture Exchange at the open of trading on February 23, 2021 under the new trading symbol "BMR". About Battery Mineral Resources Corp. Battery is a Canadian-based, multi-commodity resource company. Battery is engaged in the discovery, acquisition and development of battery metals (cobalt, nickel & copper) and precious metals (silver & gold) mining projects in Canada, with additional cobalt, lithium and graphite projects in the United States and South Korea. Battery is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp, Canada, with various high-grade primary cobalt silver-nickel-copper targets located in the Cobalt Belt of Ontario and Quebec. In addition, Battery owns approximately 89.2% of ESI Energy Services, Inc., a pipeline equipment rental and sales company with operations in Leduc, Alberta and Phoenix, Arizona. For further information, please contact: Battery Mineral Resources Corp. Lazaros Nikeas Telephone: +1 (604) 229 3830 Email: LNikeas@bmrcorp.com NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74982 In J&K, foreign envoys briefed on Pakistans lies, benefits of repealing Article 370 India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: The foreign envoys who were on a two day visit to Jammu and Kashmir were appraised about how Article 370 was discriminatory in nature. They were also given an account on the positive impact repealing Article 370 had on the lives of the people of the Union Territory. Vandana a woman Sarpanch from Nagbani said, " I told them how the article was grossly discriminatory against the women of Jammu and Kashmir, who after marrying men from other states were denied their right to ancestral property and how they used to lose their citizenship of Jammu and Kashmir." The envoys sought to know about the revocation of Article 370. We told them that we are very happy over its revocation because it was hampering development and it was highly discriminatory against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, she also said. Indian Army briefs envoys visiting J&K on role of Pak in running terror factories Another Sarpanch from Mathwar, Anjali Sharma told the envoys how Pakistan has been peddling lies at the international forum to mislead the world community on Jammu and Kashmir. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News Jammu Mayor, Chander Mohan Gupta said, " I told them how the elections to the local bodies could be held and the 73rd and 74th amendment to the Constitution could be implemented in J&K only after Article 370 was repealed. Manisha and Akash from the Valmiki community told the envoys about the worst kind of slavery their community faced due to the successive Kashmir centric governments. They also said that Article 370 had deprived them of jobs, property and voting rights. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 11:42 [IST] EDWARDSVILLE It took a lot of time and effort, but Lana Maue and her husband, Mark, discovered a new way to take a road trip. The Edwardsville couple are the proud owners of a Skoolie, which is a school bus that has been retired from its school district and then gutted and refitted as a tiny home on wheels. We bought the bus in June of 2018 because my husband is a YouTube junkie and watches all kinds of videos, Maue said. At first, it was van lifers, which is people that redo vans and either travel in them or live in them. I told him I thought it was a little small, so he told me there is a whole network of people that refit school buses and they are called Skoolies. We have three grown kids and when they were younger, we had a camper and used to go camping. My husband said this was something different and I told him Im all about different, so lets go for that. Maue and her husband have spent about $10,000 on the project, including the cost of the bus. They bought the bus for $3,500 from a crabby older gentleman in Missouri, which turned out to be an adventure in itself. He had an ad on Craigslist, so we went to test drive it, Maue said. When we got back, he started yelling at us because of how long we were gone, but we literally got it on the highway up to the next exit and turned around. We went back and forth about the price and it was just a mess. We left and we actually sent my husbands friend back with money to buy the bus for us. Maue and her husband worked on the Skoolie every night after they got home from work and on weekends, and they basically had the refurbished bus completed by September of 2018. Their first trip on the bus was to the upper peninsula of Michigan, all the way to the Canadian border. Last year, they took a three-week trip to Idaho, South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. We do stay in campgrounds, but thats not our favorite, Maue said. We like to do what they call boondocking, which is staying on government-owned land, or just finding a Walmart parking lot. Were all about being frugal. In a year that will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Skoolie provided a ready means of escape for the Maues. With 2020 being crazy, it was hard for us personally. We had two deaths in the family and two pet deaths, and I had an unexpected hospital stay, Maue said. This bus was a blessing for us because when travel kind of stopped, we were happy to hop in the bus and take off and go to different places. Fun facts about the Skoolie include: Its a 2002 Bluebird on a Chevy B7 chassis. Its 28 feet bumper to bumper. In the Skoolie world, it is referred to as a 7 window. It has a Caterpillar 3126 engine with an Alison transmission. It is wired so that when the Maues are driving, they are charging the batteries they use for their outlets, lights, phone chargers, etc. Thats all my husbands doing because he is very handy and can do just about anything, Maue said. We bought a deep freeze from Home Depot and we converted that to a refrigerator by using an external device called a CoolBot, which controls the temperature. It starts and stops the power to keep it at a temperature a refrigerator would keep. A typical 12-volt refrigerator for an RV will cost $1,000, but this was $150 from Home Depot. The Skoolie has a queen-size bed, kitchen, a sort of bathroom, and a couch Maue and her husband built themselves, as well as two closets. They cut a hole in the roof and made a skylight. They welded a platform on the back to hold one of their mopeds and a platform on the front to hold the other. They painted the entire exterior themselves with direct to metal paint from Sherwin Williams in Edwardsville. They also built a deck on top of the bus and even had nine people on it to watch fireworks. When I say bathroom, we literally took a Home Depot bucket and cut it in half and built a base to set it down in, Maue said. We then attached a toilet seat on top of that. Its our own version of a composting toilet, but youd pay $1,000 for a real composting toilet. The Skoolie has allowed the Maues to meet so many people in their travels because everyone is interested in the green bus. Were driving on the highway and we get the peace sign a lot, Maue said. Maue and her husband are often asked, Why didnt you just buy an RV? but their answer never changes Anyone can buy an RV. Still, they caution that building a Skoolie is not a project for the fainthearted or those that dont have a do it yourself streak. You need to have a lot of tools and you need to have some knowledge, Maue said. We dealt with electrical and plumbing and even though we made it kind of basic, there is some know-how involved. We want to retire a little earlier than most people, so wed like to sell our house and travel for a year in the Skoolie. Then we can decide where we want to settle down and live smaller. The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Friday awarded N10 million as compensation to two victims of police brutality. The petitioners, Adebayo Abayomi and Hannah Olugbodi, were compensated for the loss and disability they suffered as a result of misuse of firearms by officers of the Nigerian Police Force. Mr Abayomi had approached the panel over the death of his mother, Kudirat Abayomi, who was the breadwinner of the family. He told the panel that his mothers corpse was left on the ground at the mortuary after she was hit by a stray bullet from police officers. The incident happened on April 4, 2017, at the Onipanu area. He said his mother, who was selling bean cake in the area, was hit by a bullet and taken in a police vehicle to Olosan police station. Mr Abayomi said the DPO of the station said he had paid for the deceased to be embalmed but when he got to the mortuary the next day, he met his mothers body on the bare floor, swollen. Although Fatai Owoseni, the then commissioner of police, commiserated with the family and instituted an investigation into the matter, Mr Abayomi said the outcome of the investigation was not disclosed. Mrs Olugbodi, on the other hand, narrated how her left leg was shattered by a stray bullet from officers of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The incident happened on June 6, 2018, while the SARS officers were trying to arrest a suspected internet fraudster at Ijesha, Lagos. She narrated that the officers began shooting sporadically at Ogun City Hotel where the suspect was and which was close to a market. The stray bullet hit her where she was at the market, shattering her left leg. The mother of two said she could not get adequate treatment and surgery for her leg because her husband and the family had no money. Panels decision Disclosing the decision of the panel on Friday, Doris Okuwobi, a retired judge heading the panel, awarded both victims N10 million each. Addressing Mr Abayomi, Mrs Okuwobi said his younger brother will be awarded a scholarship, in addition to the N10 million awarded as compensation. The panel finds that the late Mrs Kudirat Adebayo was extrajudicially killed by officers of the Nigerian Police which is a clear infringement of her right to life as guaranteed by section 33, Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. There was no evidence of any attempt to offer first aid to the deceased after she was shot. There was poor engagement with the family of the deceased by the Nigerian Police Force. The panel finds evidence of systemic error and ineptitude on the part of officers of the Nigerian Police, Mrs Okuwobi said. She said the panel recommends prosecution of the erring officers of the Nigerian Police responsible for the death of the petitioners deceased mother. ADVERTISEMENT N10 million is hereby awarded as compensation to the family of the deceased person, educational scholarship for the deceaseds ward, Ayomikun Olusoji whose fees were paid by the deceased. The panel also ruled that the Nigerian Police should write a letter of apology to the family of the deceased by for unlawful killing of the deceased by officers of the Nigerian Police. Disclosing the decision of the panel on Mrs Olugbodis case, Mrs Okuwobi said with the evidence given by the petitioner and the respondent, the panel finds that the petitioner was shot by officers of the Nigerian Police Force without any justification in law. The gunshot led to grievous bodily harm on the petitioner. The family of the petitioner has been driven to penury in a bid to pursue the recommended treatment to the petitioner. Mrs Okuwobi added that there is no evidence that Mrs Olugbodi received any support from the Nigerian Police, despite suffering distress and anxiety from the incident. Taken into account the extent of injury suffered, the period the petitioner spent in the hospital for treatment, we hereby make an award of N10 million to the petitioner, she said. The panel also recommended that the Nigerian Police Force should investigate cases of sporadic shootings by its officers and subject police officers to a minimum of four years in training. Both petitioners were awarded N10million each as compensation by the panel. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) - The House of Representatives has removed the proposal to allow local government units to directly purchase COVID-19 vaccines from manufacturers. The amended version of House Bill 8648, which seeks to speed up the procurement of anti-coronavirus shots, states that LGUs can only buy vaccines through a multi-party agreement involving the National Task Force against COVID-19, the Health Department, and the vaccine supplier. Amendments were introduced to the bill at the plenary on Wednesday, February 17. Quirino Rep. Junie Cua, chairman of the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries, said lawmakers agreed to strip LGUs of the proposed power to directly purchase vaccines since suppliers may be overwhelmed if they have to deal with several officials. He said it would be better if vaccine procurement is centralized since the government can also get the best price from pharmaceutical firms. "Biruin mo we have more than 80 provinces, 1,500 municipalities. Hindi pa kasama cities, tapos 44,000 barangays. Hindi magiging organized, magulo, at magcocompete pa sa limited volume, magpapatayan sa presyo, kawawa tayong lahat. Mas tama na meron taga-negotiate. That would be the role of the national government," the lawmaker said Thursday, February 18. [Translation: We have more than 80 provinces, 1,500 municipalities. The number does not include cities, then we have 44,000 barangays. The vaccine procurement will not be organized, unruly, and there will be competition with the limited volume. We will also fight for the vaccine's price, so we're on the losing end. It's better to have someone to negotiate. That would be the role of the national government.] Cua said lawmakers are set to propose another amendment to the bill next week, providing a half a billion peso fund to compensate those who will develop adverse effects after vaccination. The amount, which is the same as the Senate's proposal, will come from the government's contingency fund or savings from debt service interest payments. "'Yan ang ating inaayos. Magkaroon ng legal cover para makakilos, makapag-respond ang national at local government sa anumang terms and conditions na i-impose ng pharma companies. In that sense, you allow them agility, some elbow room to transact," Cua said. [Translation: We are fixing the amount. We want to have a legal cover so the national and local governments can move and respond to any terms and conditions that will be imposed by pharma companies. In that sense, you allow them agility, some elbow room to transact.] The House aims to pass House Bill 8648 on final reading next week. BRIDGEPORT, N.Y. A third man is facing charges in connection to a shooting at a home in the town of Vienna earlier this month. Todd A. Estes, 42, and 35-year-old Nicholas C. Damanski were both charged after they two got into a fight during which Damanski allegedly shot Estes in the upper torso. According to police, it was Estes gun, but Damanski grabbed it during the altercation. Both men are facing weapons charges, and Damanski was also charged with assault. On Thursday, police arrested 33-year-old Brian D. Streeter, of Bridgeport, for allegedly selling the gun and ammunition to Estes in 2020 for $600. Streeter is charged with: Criminal sale of a firearm Criminal possession of a weapon Criminal possession of a firearm Unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device Streeter was taken to Oneida County jail for arraignment. When I told arts associates I was lunching with Kate Mulvany there were envious exclamations of Youll love her,, Shes fabulous, Lucky you!. I find a newspaper article which says she twinkles and she does.Mulvany is a warm, witty, clever and engaging companion. Later, the theatres publicist says: We were amazed you talked for so long! If she hadnt needed to return to a rehearsal, it would have been easy to linger over another coffee, another glass of wine. Marrickville Burrata with vine ripened tomato, sourdough wafer, aged balsamic and basil. Credit:Wolter Peeters Mulvany, who grew up in Geraldton in Western Australia, catalogues the pain she lives with in frank and straightforward detail. She was in her early 30s when she decided that she should openly reveal the extent of her disability and to use that word. I would never have used it as a teenager. But people need to know, especially when I am having a day which is high pain, when my threshold is almost unbearable. I wont ever complain and I just have to make roads around it, she says. But other people should know. Kate Mulvany has a disability and she works perfectly well. So the more the merrier to make this word acceptable. Fortunately we are now in times that are more encouraging. As she tells it: One side of me is the Incredible Hulk and the other side of me is a limp piece of cabbage. So it is really painful to get through...life, I guess. Kate Mulvany, left, in her award-winning role in Tartuffe with Geraldine Hakewill. Credit:Pierre Touissaint Indeed for many years she did not realise that living with extreme pain was not normal. For me I have just had this pain forever. Even when you have a bad day you have such a love for your own body. You think Well done body. Not well done me, well done body, she says. Somehow my body has adapted in a way that allows me to be as upright as possible. I have to make allowances, the older I get. But you just do it, it could have been much worse. It is clear from her substantial resume that Mulvany has workaholic tendencies and admits that she has only recently stopped trying to juggle multiple projects and working 18 hours a day. Playing Beatie Bow is her second Ruth Park project, she also adapted the epic, multi-award-winning production of The Harp in the South: Part One and Part Two which wowed STC audiences in 2018. Other writing gigs have included an adaptation of the stage production of Craig Silveys Jasper Jones, Friedrich Schillers play Mary Stuart, Euripides Medea and the Foxtel series Upright with Tim Minchin. Her own plays include The Rasputin Affair. Acting roles have included Tartuffe, The Great Gatsby and Lambs of God. For 23 years I was swimming and running at the same time which is exhausting even for someone who doesnt have a spinal disability, she says. Has excessive work been a form of over-compensation for her disability? There is a pause before she replies. I come from a very working-class family...but I dont think it is over-compensation. I think it is a distraction if I lose myself in a story which I get to do as a professional, she says. As an actress, I get to step into someone elses body and as a writer I get to travel somewhere that is far enough away to distract me from the pain. I can do that for 18 hours a day if need be...then you come up for air and think Ohhhh...I shouldnt have done that. But it is a wonderful distraction, yeah. I dont think it is over-compensation. I think it is a distraction if I lose myself in a story which I get to do as a professional. Kate Mulvany on work and pain Mulvany thinks there is a great fallacy around the abilities of people with disabilities. They can do it. They just do it differently from what the average person expects. They are so strong, they are so resilient, they are so imaginative. They have to work their way through a world that doesnt take them into consideration and that makes them incredibly strong human beings. Its like a super power, she laughs. Having said that, there are days when I am on the floor in pain...but as long as I am open about it. It is hard to comprehend the level of everyday pain experienced by Mulvany. Last year she discovered that she had broken her back a few months earlier - probably doing a stunt in Hunters, the Jordan Peele-produced Amazon Prime series, in which she plays Nazi-hunting nun Sister Harriet alongside Al Pacino. She will return to the US soon to work on the second season. That was a bit of a wake-up call for me to slow down. I didnt notice it. If I have a new pain, usually I just think it will sort itself out, you just add it to the layers but there was something a bit different about this one which made me a bit afraid. I really couldnt walk. I had to hobble to the bathroom every morning. Lockdown allowed her to take a deep breath and she scored an appointment with a fantastic pain specialist who told her to slow down and stop doing what you have been doing. Take time to get the right meds, the right personal training, get a staff. I said what people to look after me? and he said, No, like a wizard. Enter Yorick. Baby Octopus and Cannellini Beans with polenta, piquillo peppers, nduja and parsley Credit:Wolter Peeters Enter too our lunch. With the restaurant and revamped theatre due to open in a matter of weeks, the kitchen is using us as guinea pigs and has chosen a delightful menu which we supplement with a bottle of Robert Oatley chardonnay. First come share plates of Baby Octopus and Cannellini Beans with polenta, piquillo peppers, nduja and parsley plus Marrickville Burrata (who knew?) with vine-ripened tomato, sourdough wafer, aged balsamic and basil. After a suitable interval, its on to Seared Tasmanian Salmon with grilled asparagus and salsa crudo plus Crispy Bangalow Pork Belly Agrodolce with wilted Italian greens and Sardinian couscous. We send our compliments to the chef only to discover the kitchen has planned an encore of Sicilian Cannoli with roasted strawberries, ricotta and micro basil. Richard (Kate Mulvany) claims he is the victim of witchcraft to catch out the credulous Lord Hastings (Ivan Donato) in Richard III. Credit:Prudence Upton Looking out the window towards the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks, our conversation appropriately turns to Playing Beatie Bow, a timeslip novel for older children written by beloved Sydney author Ruth Park. The story is set in The Rocks and moves between 1873, when the suburb seethed with struggling families and gangsters, and the present day (which Mulvany has updated from Parks original 1980). Playing Beatie Bow, directed by STC artistic director Kip Williams, is the story of Abigail (Catherine Van-Davies), a teenager dealing with her parents messy separation and coming-of-age issues, who follows the mysterious young girl Beatie Bow (Sofia Nolan) back through time. The most important thing to me is not about a girl going back in the past. Its about human beings calling out to each other. The lessons of their time, Mulvany says. Not surprisingly, Mulvany starts an adaptation by immersing herself in the book (she first read Beatie Bow in late primary school) before researching the writer and the history of the location which, in the case of The Rocks was easier last year when the coronavirus kept tourists away. With Beatie Bow, the city does half the job for me, she says. Kate Mulvany with her husband Hamish Michael (left) and John Gaden who starred in the Ensemble Theatres production of her play The Rasputin Affair in 2017. Credit:James Alcock Using a multitude of coloured highlighters, she dissects the themes and the action chapter-by-chapter. I consider what would work theatrically, what doesnt need to come on stage and whats missing in terms of a modern context. Who I would rather hear from right now in 2021. If she senses a gap, she will go back to Parks broader work for inspiration. Shes betting Ruth fanatics will go ha ha when they hear Abigail described as looking like a muddleheaded wombat: her ode to Park who also wrote that book. It was also important to Mulvany to have an Indigenous character in the play even though there wasnt one in the book (and she believes Park would have approved). I researched First Nations people in the area at the time but unfortunately, as we know, so many people had been pushed out. But I found that the Chinese gold diggers often worked hand-in-hand with Indigenous troopers they were called so I could add a voice that might need to be there now. Loading As with Harp in the South, Mulvany endeavoured to get into the mindset of Park whom she sometimes felt was sitting on her shoulder as she worked. I feel a great deal of responsibility for her words. Mulvany lives in a converted convent in Tempe, which, she says, is haunted by a child ghost called Anne who died of tuberculosis. Her husband, Hamish Michael, is currently working on the ABC series Frayed and they have two rescue cats, Bowie and Heisenberg. In 2008 Mulvany was devastated when her then-partner, actor Mark Priestley, took his own life. The bill. Credit:Fairfax Media Our lunch is drawing to a close. While traditionally playwrights exit the rehearsal room after the first week, Williams, who also directed The Harp in the South, is happy for Mulvany to stay on. Its a new play so as a writer it is important to see what is working and what doesnt. If an actor is glitching on a line or it doesnt come naturally we can change it or get rid of it. WASHINGTON - Sen. Ted Cruz was met with a wave of fury Thursday on his return to Houston from Cancun, Mexico, as critics questioned his decision to travel abroad while millions of Texas residents were without power and safe drinking water amid freezing temperatures that have left at least 21 people dead in the southern United States. Public outrage has mounted in recent days as officials in Texas have sought to deflect blame for the state's lack of preparedness for the storms - and Cruz, a prominent Republican figure widely seen as a potential 2024 presidential contender, immediately became an object of scorn for Texans already incensed by state leaders' response to the crisis. In an exchange with reporters outside his home in Houston on Thursday night, Cruz said he decided to return from Cancun, after flying there Wednesday, because he "didn't want all the screaming and yelling about this trip to distract even one moment from the real issues that I think Texans care about." "It was obviously a mistake," Cruz said of his decision to go on the trip. "In hindsight, I wouldn't have done it. I was trying to be a dad." He expressed regret and said he had decided to come back earlier than he originally intended. "Leaving when so many Texans were hurting didn't feel right, and so I changed my return flight and flew back on the first available flight I could take," Cruz said, adding that he took a coronavirus test Thursday morning, tested negative and then got on an afternoon flight. "From the moment I sat on the plane, I began really second-guessing that decision and saying, 'Look, I know why we're doing this, but I've also got responsibilities.' . . . I needed to be here, and that's why I came back, and then as it became a bigger and bigger firestorm, it became all the more compelling that I needed to come back," Cruz said. He also cast his actions as something any Texan would do on behalf of their family. "Well, what I would say is I was taking care of my family, the same way that Texans all across the state were taking care of" theirs, Cruz said. "It certainly was not my intention for that to be understood - as critics have tried to paint it - as somehow diminishing the hardship that other Texans have experienced." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates the risk of the coronavirus in Mexico at Level 4 - the agency's highest level of warning - and says on its website: "Travelers should avoid all travel to Mexico." Photos that rapidly circulated on social media Wednesday night showed what looked to be the senator at an airport and on a plane. In some photos, a gray mask was visible that appeared to be similar to one Cruz wore at President Joe Biden's inauguration. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said Thursday that a member of Cruz's staff had contacted the department to ask for assistance for the senator's departure on Wednesday. As Cruz returned to Houston on Thursday, he was seen wearing a Texas-themed mask and wheeling a large black suitcase as he walked through the airport accompanied by two uniformed police officers. The trip, which lasted about 24 hours, triggered calls from Democrats for Cruz's resignation as well as a cascade of questions about why the senator decided to leave Texas while millions of his constituents are suffering during the storms and at a time when public health authorities have cautioned against international travel because of the pandemic. Some Republicans suggested the trip could become fodder for Cruz's potential rivals for the White House, as well as in his 2024 Senate reelection bid. "Texas Democrats are going to go after him aggressively on this," said Republican consultant Doug Heye, who previously was communications director for the Republican National Committee. "And if he runs for president, certainly other Republicans are going to draw that dichotomy with Cruz and say, '[Look at] what I did for my constituents in a time of need.' " Heye noted that Cruz and his team appeared to have been unprepared for the images of him at the airport to spread online. He said the photos were reminiscent of the images of President George W. Bush peering through the window of Air Force One to survey the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, lounging on a beach that was closed to the public during a 2017 government shutdown. In Texas, more than 3 million customers were still in the dark Wednesday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages nationwide. As of Thursday afternoon, Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said the figure was about 325,000. Millions were advised to boil water as the frigid temperatures caused pipes to freeze. In a statement, Cruz said he and his staff were communicating with state and local leaders to "get to the bottom of what happened in Texas. We want our power back, our water on and our homes warm." Cruz was first elected to the Senate in 2012 and narrowly beat former congressman Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat, to win reelection in 2018. He ran unsuccessfully for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016 and, after being one of Donald Trump's sharpest critics during the primaries, went on to become one of Trump's staunchest defenders in Congress, helping to spearhead efforts to challenge Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election. Cruz is among the featured speakers at next week's Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando. Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, which runs the event, said in a text message, "Of course we are looking forward to having Ted Cruz at CPAC." In the days since the storms hit, Abbott and some other state Republicans have put blame on frozen wind turbines - an argument contradicted by Abbott's energy department. Former Texas governor Rick Perry, a Republican, has drawn criticism, as well, for saying that Texans would spend even longer in the freezing cold to "keep the federal government out of their business." The Texas Democratic Party called on Cruz to resign over the Cancun trip. In a statement, Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said Cruz "is proving to be an enemy to our state by abandoning us in our greatest time of need." "Cruz is emblematic of what the Texas Republican Party and its leaders have become: weak, corrupt, inept, and self-serving politicians who don't give a damn about the people they were elected to represent," he said. The trip also prompted a political action committee, No Excuses PAC, to launch a five-figure radio ad buy against Cruz. The 30-second ad, which calls the senator "Cancun Cruz" and denounces him as "an embarrassment to Texas," will air on 147 radio stations in Texas, according to the group's co-founder, Corbin Trent. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, whose district includes part of Dallas and its suburbs, also sharply criticized Cruz's decision to "fly to Mexico for a vacation while the city that he lives in, Houston, they're under a boil-water notice, and so many folks are burning whatever they can to stay warm." "This is just beyond anything that you would expect - regardless of party - during a crisis like this," Allred said in an interview on CNN on Thursday afternoon. "You expect public officials to use whatever airtime they have to tell the truth, to give folks information they need to survive and to help with the recovery." While outrage at Cruz was growing online, O'Rourke highlighted his efforts to assist Texans during the crisis. "We made over 151,000 calls to senior citizens in Texas tonight," O'Rourke tweeted on Wednesday night. "One of our [volunteers] talked to a man stranded at home w/out power in Killeen, hadn't eaten in 2 days, got him a ride to a warming center and a hot meal. Help us reach more people, join us tomorrow." In an interview Monday with San Antonio-based radio host Joe "Pags" Pagliarulo, Cruz said he was fortunate not to have lost power at his Houston home at that point. He urged his fellow Texans to stay home and noted that he had spoken over the weekend with a meteorologist who said the combination of storms could cause as many as 100 deaths in the state this week. "So don't risk it," Cruz said. "Keep your family safe, and just stay home and hug your kids." A Cruz spokesman said the senator lost power at his home Monday night after that interview. Cruz has previously criticized Austin Mayor Steve Adler, who in November hosted a wedding and then traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, as coronavirus cases surged across Texas. "Hypocrites. Complete and utter hypocrites," Cruz said in a December tweet, referring to Adler and other Democrats who had flouted guidelines on travel and large group gatherings amid the pandemic. Cruz also traveled to Jamaica during the Senate's Fourth of July holiday break last year, flouting public health recommendations to minimize travel during the coronavirus pandemic, said two people with knowledge of Cruz's schedule, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the senator's private travel plans. Cruz was visiting a longtime friend from college, the people said. At the time, the CDC had issued a recommendation that Americans "avoid all nonessential international travel," in an attempt to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. Cruz's office did not respond to a request for comment. According to CDC guidelines, after returning to the United States, Cruz should stay home for seven days to quarantine and get tested three to five days after traveling. New rules put in place by the Biden administration require all passengers on planes returning to the United States to have a negative coronavirus test result before boarding their flight. While Cruz was being hammered at home over the trip, the reception was different among tourism authorities in Quintana Roo, the Mexican state where Cancun is located. "We appreciate his visit," said Marisol Vanegas, the state's secretary of tourism, "and the visit of everyone else, always." - - - The Washington Post's Kevin Sieff in Mexico City and Dan Diamond, Mark Berman, Amy B Wang, Colby Itkowitz and David Weigel in Washington contributed to this report. RBI Tightens Norms for Digital Payments; Asks Banks, FIs To Protect Consumer Confidentiality, Data The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its master directions, has asked regulated entities (REs) like banks and financial institutions, to put in place adequate safeguards to protect integrity of data, customer confidentiality and security of data in digital payment products and related services for channels like internet, mobile banking and card payments, among others. RBI says , "REs shall develop sound internal control systems and consider the operational risk before offering digital payment products and related services. For digital payment applications that are licensed by a third-party vendor, REs shall have an escrow arrangement for the source code for ensuring continuity of services in case the vendor defaults or is unable to provide services." Earlier, the National Payments Corporation of India (NCPI) was tasked to set the ground rules, both as a service-provider and as a quasi-regulator for digital payments. This is for the first time that RBI has issued detailed directions on digital payments for REs, including all commercial banks, small finance banks, payment banks and credit card-issuing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). In view of the proliferation of cyber-attacks and their potential consequences, RBI has asked REs to implement, except where explicitly permitted or relaxed, multi-factor authentication for payments through electronic modes and fund transfers, including cash withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATMs), micro-ATMs and business correspondents, through digital payment applications. "At least one of the authentication methodologies should be generally dynamic or non-replicable. This includes the use of one-time password (OTP), mobile devices (device binding and SIM), biometric, public key infrastructure (PKI), hardware tokens, Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) chip card (for card present transactions) with server-side verification could be termed either in dynamic or non-replicable methodologies," RBI says. Properly designed and implemented multi-factor authentication methods are more reliable and stronger fraud deterrents and are more difficult to compromise, the central bank says, while directing REs to adopt adaptive authentication to select the right authentication factors depending on risk assessment, user risk profile and behaviour. RBI has also asked REs to set maximum number of failed log-in or authentication attempts after which access to the digital payment product or service is blocked. "They (REs) should have a secure procedure in place to re-activate access to blocked product or service. The customer should be notified for failed log-in or authentication attempts," it added. Often, customers face delays while receiving refund for failed transactions and in case of suspicious transactions. In the master directions, RBI has asked RE and all other stakeholders such as payment system operators, business correspondents, card networks, payment system processors, payment aggregators, payment gateways, third-party technology service providers and other participants to put in place a real time or near-real time (not later than 24 hours from the time of receipt of settlement files) reconciliation framework for all digital payment transactions. RBI also specified that digital payment products and services should be provided to customers only after obtaining specific written or authenticated electronic requisition along with a positive acknowledgement of the terms and conditions. Further it says, "REs should provide a mechanism on their mobile and internet banking application for their customers to, with necessary authentication, identify or mark a transaction as fraudulent for seamless and immediate notification to his RE. On such notification by the customer, the REs may endeavour to build the capability for seamless or instant reporting of fraudulent transactions to the corresponding beneficiary or counterpartys RE; vice-versa have mechanism to receive such fraudulent transactions reported from other REs. The objective of this mechanism is to accelerate early detection and enable the banking or payment system to trace the transaction trail and mitigate the loss to the defrauded customer at the earliest possible time." Mobile apps of majority banks and financial institutions are always in work-in-progress mode where the less said the better. Most of these apps are developed and maintained by third party vendors for banks and financial institutes. Most important issue with all such apps is there are no periodic updates, especially in terms of security and user-friendliness. However, with the new master direction, RBI wants these REs to detect any anomalies or exceptions for which the mobile application was not programmed and ask the customer to remove this app and install a new one. "...the customer shall be directed to remove the current copy or instance of the application and proceed with installation of a new copy or instance of the application. REs shall be able to verify the version of the mobile application before the transactions are enabled." As if this is not enough challenge for REs, the central bank wants them to verify if the device is not rooted or jailbroken. It says, "REs may explore the feasibility of implementing a code that checks if the device is rooted or jailbroken prior to the installation of the mobile application and disallow the mobile application to install or function if the phone is rooted or jailbroken." RBI also asked REs to ensure device binding of mobile application. This means, the customer has to use the same device on which she is using her mobile SIM registered with the RE. According to the directions, the mobile application should require re-authentication whenever the device or application remains unused for a designated period and each time the user launches the application. "Applications must be able to identify new network connections or connections from unsecured networks like unsecured wi-fi connections and must implement appropriate authentication, checks and measures to perform transactions under those circumstances." "The mobile application should not store, retain sensitive personal or consumer authentication information such as user IDs, passwords, keys, hashes, hard coded references on the device and the application should securely wipe any sensitive customer information from memory when the customer or user exits the application," RBI added. According to RBI, while the guidelines are technology and platform agnostic, it will create an enhanced and enabling environment for customers to use digital payment products in more safe and secure manner. LG Electronics Inc said on Wednesday that it will introduce new C with its artificial inte Pennsylvania reported 2,778 new COVID-19 infections and 67 more deaths on Friday as winter weather continues to complicate the states messy coronavirus vaccine rollout. The new cases and deaths in the Pennsylvania Department of Healths daily report bring the pandemics toll to at least 908,773 people sickened and 23,480 lives lost since the virus was first detected almost a year ago. The rate of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths continue to drop across the state, returning to levels last seen in the fall. But locally Northampton County, driven in part by a Lehigh University outbreak, leads the state with the highest rate of daily new cases over the last week. Pennsylvania is nearing 1.4 million people vaccinated with one or two doses, but vaccine appointments are likely to be hard to come by in the next week. A mistake that led to a shortfall of coronavirus vaccines in Pennsylvania is now being compounded by vaccine delivery delays because of significant winter weather across the country. (Cant see this map? Click here.) About 4 millions Pennsylvanians are currently eligible, so demand continues to outpace the available supply. The states administered 1.86 million doses thus far which breaks down to 907,646 people who have received their first dose and 479,479 people who are fully vaccinated. (These figures do not include Philadelphia, which receives its own vaccine allotment.) Pennsylvanias allotted 2.7 million doses through Saturday, but winter weather nationwides delayed shipments, so many providers dont have the vaccines in hand yet. The state continues to rank in the bottom nationwide for its vaccine delivery. But Lehigh and Northampton counties continue to rank in the top of the state for vaccine delivery. St. Lukes University Health Network on Friday celebrated delivering its 100,000th shot. The state health department continues to emphasize that 86% of first doses have been given, while 41% of second doses made it into arms. State officials for weeks have argued its system ensures that when people become eligible for their second dose the medicine automatically ships to providers. Yet, this week the health department revealed that some providers mistakenly gave out some 200,000 Moderna shots that should have been set aside for second doses. Officials have not identified the providers. Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam estimated 30,000 to 60,000 second-dose patients could be affected by the delay, as well as 30,000 to 50,000 first-dose appointments. Following the news, the Lehigh Valleys two main hospital groups began rescheduling appointments since the state did not have enough vaccine to cover all the scheduled return visits. The states plan was to correct the shortfall in two to three weeks, but now both vaccine manufacturers are dealing with delivery delays because of snow and ice storms this week. Lehigh Valley Health Network sent out an email alert Friday explaining that about 3,200 Moderna second-dose appointments over the next three days would be pushed back a week due to the shortage. But LVHN says it is still holding a mass vaccine clinic Wednesday at Dorney Park to administer second doses and all scheduled first-dose appointments will happen. LVHNs weekly replenishment of vaccine doses has been delayed until at least Monday, forcing the network to reschedule Moderna second-dose appointments on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The rescheduling plan keeps people in the proper time sequence between doses, the network said in an email alert. The second Moderna vaccine is effective if given anytime between 28 and 42 days after the first dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LVHN will do everything possible within our control to meet that target, according to the email. Coronavirus in Pa. and the Lehigh Valley Over the past week, Pennsylvanias averaged 2,931 cases per day and 74 deaths, a drop of 26% and 33% from the average two weeks ago. The daily average of hospitalized patients is also down 30%. These are all encouraging trends as levels are dropping, but all of the rates do remain high comparatively. The health department noted the current 14-day average of hospitalized patients is similar to the height of the spring peak on May 3. (Cant see this chart? Click here.) The Lehigh Valley surpassed 56,000 total coronavirus cases on Friday with the addition of 199 new infections across the two counties. The region also recorded four more deaths bringing the death toll to 1,369. Northampton County now leads the state as a virus hot spot over the last week with an average of 42 new cases per 100,000 people. This jump in the rate of new cases coincides with outbreaks at Lehigh University and a Bethlehem homeless shelter. Lehigh currently has 305 active cases amongst students and 617 students in quarantine. A total of 600 students have tested positive since Jan. 1. Although, the 1,979 new cases over the last two weeks is well below Northampton Countys post-Thanksgiving surge in cases. Northampton peaked on Dec. 17 with 3,827 new cases over the last 14 days. The county reported three new deaths on Friday bringing the death toll to 626 people. The majority of deaths statewide have been amongst senior citizens. About half of the people who died were living in long-term care facilities. Lehigh County surpassed 30,000 cases on Friday with 76 new reported cases and one death, which brings the death toll to 743 people. Pennsylvania reported 67 new deaths on Friday, with the majority of them occurring this month. December remains the pandemics most deadly month thus far with 6,330 lives lost, followed by January with 4,624 deaths. So far in February, 1,034 people have died from COVID-19. (Cant see this chart? Click here?) Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. A man has been charged with sending threatening emails to MPs, including calling former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a 'terrorist' who 'should be hung'. Paul Ritchie, 34, is alleged to have also warned other victims, including former home secretary Amber Rudd, they faced being assassinated. Court documents show Ritchie has been charged with nearly 30 counts of sending a letter, communication or article conveying a threatening message against a series of politicians. Alleged victims include former Commons Speaker John Bercow, former attorney general Dominic Grieve QC and ex-Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson. Paul Ritchie, 34, has been charged with almost 30 counts of sending threatening emails to MPs, including calling former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) a 'terrorist' One-time London mayoral candidate and ex-Cabinet minister Rory Stewart, SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, and current Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey were also all allegedly targeted. Court documents show Ritchie is accused of sending Mr Corbyn an email in March 2019 containing the message: 'You should be hung for treason you f****** terrorist' [sic]. Ritchie, from Lanarkshire, Scotland, also told former Home Secretary Amber Rudd (pictured) she 'faced being assassinated', it is alleged The same month he allegedly sent an email to the Speaker's office, saying '1 in 17 million is bad odds for some nutter to pull a Jo Cox on you and your staff', the indictment said. A week later he allegedly added in another email: 'Be careful... [y]ou wouldn't want to get run over'. In other messages to Mr Bercow's office, Ritchie is alleged to have threatened: 'I'm going to milkshake you you p****', and made references to Brexit and democracy. In an email on May 2019 to former politician Chuka Umunna, who represented several parties, Ritchie is alleged to have written: 'You have been warned... shut your f****** mouth boy'. In July that year, he is said to have followed up with: 'If you kill brexit... [w]e will kill you and your entire family' [sic]. And he allegedly told Mr Stewart in June 2019: 'If you block Brexit... you like likely [sic] be assassinated'. Chuka Umunna (left) and John Bercow were also the victims of malicious communications allegedly sent by Ritchie Court documents alleged he told Ms Swinson she deserved to be hanged, and claimed to Ms Rudd that she was 'definitely going to be assassinated'. In a couple of messages to Mr Blackford in June 2019, court documents claim Ritchie sent the threats 'I hope you die' and 'I dare you to come to the pub in Westminster and say some of the shit you do in the house'. A court official at Westminster Magistrates' Court said Ritchie, of Dolphinton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, would be called to enter his pleas on February 25. Andhra Pradesh: CM Jaganmohan Reddy inaugurates Antarvedi temple chariot India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Amaravati, Feb 19: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy on Friday inaugurated the Chariot (Ratham) of Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple at Antarvedi in East Godavari district coinciding with the auspicious day of 'Ratha Saptami'. The Chief Minister offered puja and aarti and dragged the giant 40-feet high chariot with his cabinet colleagues to herald its inauguration, an official release said. Do not invite BJP leaders to wedding events: BKU National President Naresh Tikait A 60-year-old wooden chariot of the Antarvedi temple was gutted in a mysterious fire in September last year, sparking a political and religious row which forced the state government to seek a CBI inquiry. The new chariot was built at a cost of Rs 1 crore after a fire gutted the previous one on September 5. The Chief Minister had instructed replacement and work on the new chariot was completed in record time ahead of the annual 'Kalyanotsavam', it said. 3 more Cong MLAs to quit in Puducherry, govt sure to lose trust vote: BJP Opposition parties BJP, TDP and Jana Sena had blamed the state government for the chariot burning incident and it also acquired religious hues, with some groups alleging the lackadaisical attitude of the state government in safeguarding Hindu temples. Jagan, who was given a traditional welcome on his arrival, had a darshan of the main deity and participated in the puja after which he was given Vedic blessings (vedasirvachanam), the release said. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News The seven-tier Chariot was inaugurated with the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues formally dragging it forward. The new chariot with six wheels and seven tiers was made out of 1330 cubic feet of wood and is equipped with hydraulic brakes and has a protective shed with iron gates. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 15:19 [IST] President Donald Trump speaks to media before departing on Marine One en route to Ohio and Texas, from the White House South Lawn in Washington on Aug. 7, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Trump Not Planning to Try to Replace Irreplaceable Rush Limbaugh Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday, hours after the death of Rush Limbaugh was announced, that he will not try to replace the popular radio host. Theres a lot of people that are mentioning that and no, its not anything Ive thought about. But hed be a hard one to replace. You know, we talked to a friend of yours, Sean Hannity, he said, Hes irreplaceable. And I view that too. I say hes irreplaceable, Trump said during an interview with Newsmax TV. You wouldnt want to follow Rush, its the old story, you get somebody like that, you dont want to follow him, because some things just cant be done. He was unique. Trump repeatedly called Limbaugh irreplaceable during an earlier interview on Fox News, saying: He had an audience that is massive. He would just talk for two hours or three hours, just talk. Thats not an easy thing to do. Limbaugh once told the former president that he did study hard before going on air, Trump also said. Talk show host Rush Limbaugh introduces President Donald Trump on the eve of the U.S. mid-term elections at a campaign rally at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo., on Nov. 5, 2018. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) Rush Limbaugh reacts as he is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by First Lady Melania Trump during President Donald Trumps State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Feb. 4, 2020. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actually, the big secret, he did work hard. I would ask them, When you go on, do you just go on and wing it? And he goes, No, I actually worked very hard to, to learn about the current events, mostly, largely. But he said I worked very hard for every show. And he did. He did. I always thought maybe he didnt, but he did, Trump told Newsmax. Trump showed his appreciation for the longtime radio host in 2020, when he awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The White House at the time described Limbaugh as a legendary radio host with millions of loving fans. Here tonight is a special man beloved by millions of Americans, Trump said in his State of the Union speech before Limbaugh was draped with the medal by First Lady Melania Trump. Trump sat down with Limbaugh for a lengthy interview last year, telling him that he was a fantastic man, a friend of mine. Its an honor to be with you for two hours. You have no idea. Its a great honor, Trump added later. Limbaugh, 70, died at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, his wife said on his radio show on Wednesday morning. Limbaugh was diagnosed in 2020 with late-stage lung cancer. 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. Earlier this week, health officials announced a problem with the COVID-19 vaccine distribution that could affect tens of thousands of people in Pennsylvania. Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam said Wednesday some providers have been giving out second doses of the Moderna vaccine intended as first doses. And it will mean some people will see delays in getting their second doses and being fully vaccinated. Here are answers to questions about the situation and other concerns related to the vaccine distribution effort. Q: How many people are affected? A: Up to about 200,000. Q: Who is affected? A: A relatively small portion of the nearly 1.4 million Pennsylvanians who have been vaccinated so far. Pennsylvania has been receiving two brands of vaccine Pfizer and Moderna. Moderna accounts for the smaller portion roughly 200,000 doses, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Moderna vaccine, like Pfizer, requires two doses, ideally 28 days apart for Moderna. According to the health department, vaccination providers receive first doses and then, some weeks later, receive second doses for those who are due. Somehow its unclear exactly how and why this happened as many as 100,000 second doses were given out as first doses. That leaves providers uncertain of where the needed second doses will come from. Appointments for second doses are being postponed as a result. Q: How bad is it for the people affected? A: From a medical point of view, first doses and second doses are the same, so theres no harm from getting a second dose first. The important thing is to get two doses. Q: What happens if someone doesnt get a second dose on schedule? A: Ideally, the second dose is received 28 days later. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently said that, if necessary because of a situation such as a shortage, its OK for the doses to be spaced up to six weeks, or 42 days, apart. Q: Will second doses be available within 42 days for affected Pennsylvanians? A: The health department says yes, although its not crystal clear how that will be accomplished. The department said its doing an inventory of unused doses around the state and scouring for available Moderna doses. It further said it has reached out to the federal government regarding the needed doses. The health department said affected people should expect to have their second dose appointments pushed back a week or two. But the department is assuring them theyll get their second dose within 42 days of the first. Q: Is the weather affecting the vaccine effort? State officials said that shipments of both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been delayed this week because of severe weather around the country. But health officials said it shouldnt prevent anyone from getting their second dose of the Moderna vaccine within 42 days of their first shot. Q: What if theres not enough Moderna vaccine to address this problem? Could a Pfizer dose be used in its place? A: Pennsylvania health officials havent discussed that scenario. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are based on the same technology. The CDC has discouraged mixing and matching of vaccine except in exceptional situations such as a shortage. Doctors believe its theoretically possible mixing vaccine types could actually expand the level of protection. Its also possible targeted benefits could be lost. Mixing and matching is being studied. Q: What if I cant get my second shot within 42 days of the first? A: There is little data available on the effectiveness of the vaccines administered beyond the 42-day window, according to the CDC. But the CDC said if the vaccination goes beyond the scheduled intervals, there is no need to start the series of shots all over. Q: How do people know they are affected and what actions must they take? A: The state said people will be contacted by their provider to reschedule their appointment. Q: Which vaccine providers mistakenly gave out second doses as first doses? A: That health department wouldnt say on Wednesday when it announced the mistake. PennLive was contacted by a western Pennsylvania resident who received a Moderna dose from an independent pharmacy. The pharmacy told him his second dose appointment must be rescheduled. York-based WellSpan said it has distributed Moderna vaccine, but has made no mistakes regarding doses. UPMC Pinnacle said it has made no mistakes regarding doses, but didnt say if it has distributed Moderna vaccine. A spokeswoman for the long-term care industry said she believes most residents of nursing homes, assisted living and personal care facilities received the Pfizer vaccine. Q: Whose fault is this? A: Beam, the acting health secretary, cited a perfect storm of circumstances and eagerness to get vaccine to residents, incredible pent up desire by the public to get this vaccine, dedicated providers trying to to deliver what their customers are demanding, inconsistent vaccine allocations, confusion about [U.S.] Operation Warp Speed vaccine deliveries, and the need for more frequent and clear communication from the department. Q: How and when did the state discover the problem? A: According to Beam, the problem began, undetected, in early January, when some providers began giving out doses that were supposed to be saved as second doses. The problem compounded for weeks. The state discovered it recently when the number of requested second doses of Moderna approached the entire weekly allocation. Q: Has there been any issue with the Pfizer vaccines given out in error? A: The error is strictly related to some Moderna vaccines intended as second doses being given out as first doses. Beam stressed the issue is not related to the Pfizer vaccine distribution. As part of his commitment to the Information Communications Technology learning in his constituency, the Member of Parliament for Pru West constituency of the Bono East Region Hon.Stephen Jallulah in collaboration with Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic (GIFEC) which is under Ministry of Communications has donated Ten brand new set of computers to Abease D/A basic junior high school in Pru West constituency. Hon.Stephen Jallulah stated that the need to invest in the ICT education cannot be overemphasized since ICT is now rules the market space.In this regard, he called on the students to make ICT study a priority to make them competitive in the job market. He said no investment in ICT education is a waste and he together with Nana Addo government which has implemented the biggest flagship policy in education; Free Senior High School education was more determined to provide the needed assistance to all schools across the constituency. The Mp admonished other basic schools in the area which are yet to benefit from the provision of computers to stock their ICT Lab to exercise patients because he is committed to reach out to all schools with the needed computers to facilitate ICT learning. The hardworking MP said apart from that, other schools have also benefited from his educational commitment. He therefore tasked all stakeholders in the Pru West District to put their hands on deck to ensure that, they build the human capacity of the people of the area especially the youth who are the future leaders because they have no land for them to cultivate Cocoa among other produces. Hon. Stephen Jallulah who was very grateful to the hardwork and commitment of the teachers and head teachers of the various schools in the constituency announced plans to institute PRU WEST TEACHERS & HEAD TEACHERS AWARD and the first one expected to be done before the end of 2021 as part of motivational package to encourage them to continue to give out their best. He encouraged the Assembly members in the constituency whom he described as very closed to these teachers to liaise with circuit supervisors of Ghana Education Service among other key stakeholders to identify hard working and committed teachers and head teachers from both basic schools to Senior High Schools in the constituency for pending award scheme. The MP hinted that, the prizes for the award will be very attractive. He also used the opportunity to encourage the students to take their studies serious and that plans are far advanced to organize training seminar for the students to anable them to handle the computers well. Whiles advising them to take very good care of the computers to ensure the purpose of which it was provided , he indicated that, an examination will be conducted later to give award to best ICT students in the area. He finally advised both the students and he teachers to adhere to the covid-19 safety Protocols. Mr.Boam Kwadwo Eric, the Head Master for Abease D/A school on behalf of the school authorities expressed their profound gratitude to the MP and GIFEC for their kind guesture. According to them, the donation is God-sent because even though, they had ICT lab but it was virtually empty because of lack of Computers. They also used the opportunity to appeal to individuals,NGOs, Churches, Corporate Institutions among other philanthropists to emulate the good example of the MP and come to their aide with more computers since the MP and government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility. Source: Kwabena Manu/Peace fm/Bono East correspondent. 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 IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. Former Ambassador of Armenia to the Vatican Mikayel Minasyan wrote the following on his Telegram channel: All us Armenians see that the war is not over. We understood that defeat is not suffered once. The lack of self-love of Nikol and his team and their flirting with the enemy arent letting the Armenian people come to their senses, self-organize and try to start from scratch. Every day Nikol and his team continue to humiliate all us Armenians. Azerbaijan and Turkey make threats, but Nikols team talks about regional cooperation. Azerbaijan and Turkey hold new military exercises, but Nikol talks about the opening of borders. This has been going on for the past four months. Pasinyan and his capitulation team continue to be humiliated, deliver new territories, destroy the positions in the negotiations and any prospect for fixing the situation. They hope to be able to gain at least something by playing with Aliyev in order to help maintain power. One of the steps of this game is the upcoming meeting of Director of the National Security Service of Armenia Armen Abazyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, Rustam Muradov and Chairman of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan Ali Nagiyev. The secret meeting that Armen Abazyan agreed on during his recent visit to Moscow will take place over the next few days on the line of contact, not far from Mataghis. Abazyan, Harutyunyan and Nagiyev are planning to discuss infrastructure-related issues and, in essence, the actions to integrate the remains of Artsakh into Azerbaijan. We Armenians need to understand that this is not just another meeting, but the implementation of the plan for elimination of Armenian statehood for which Nikol is still in power. Armenias willingness to be humiliated only boosts the desire of Turkey and Azerbaijan to gain territories, concessions and guarantees from Nikol. One person cant and must not cruelly humiliate his own homeland and people and remain unpunished. This means that the hour of historic, legal and moral liability is close, very close. Two men who were wounded by an Orleans Levee District police officer last year are suing him, flood protection authorities and New Orleans government, alleging they were wrongfully shot and that an investigation failed to hold the officer accountable. A driver and passenger who were trying to leave a lakefront lot where theyd been doing donuts in a car on Feb. 16, 2020, say officer Daniel Biggs fired at them even though they posed no threat. They say tire tracks and a bystanders mobile phone video back their account. Biggs told New Orleans Police Department investigators he shot because driver Glendale Hamptons car was headed toward him. Hampton faces a state felony charge for the incident. The conflicting accounts are the latest dispute arising from an incident where police shot at a moving car, a controversial tactic that has divided police chiefs. New Orleans Police Department policies strictly limit when its officers may fire at moving vehicles, in order to avoid harm to passengers or bystanders, but those rules dont apply to other agencies such as the levee police. The civil lawsuits, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, have been assigned to Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. The Levee District shooting unfolded in a matter of seconds, according to bystander video and witness accounts. At about 2:40 p.m., someone called police to complain of drivers performing donuts in a Lakeshore Drive parking lot near Franklin Avenue. Biggs responded in his levee police department SUV. The bystander video shows him pull up in front of two Chevrolet Camaros and flip on his blue lights. As he steps from his vehicle, a silver Camaro begins moving forward and four gunshots are heard. The silver Camaro spins out of control and comes to a stop with Hampton and Jevin Williams inside. Hampton, 26 at the time, was shot once in the left arm. Williams, who turned 25 on the day of the shooting, was hit on the left side of his body. The video, which police estimated was taken at a distance of 386 feet, appears to show Biggs stand near his cruiser for more than 60 seconds after the shooting. Other officers arrived on the scene. Paramedics took Hampton and Williams to a hospital. The New Orleans Police Department's force investigation team took over the investigation. That unit was created under the Police Department's 2012 reform agreement with the federal government. Its specially trained detectives are tasked with providing an independent assessment of the use of deadly force, and the New Orleans Police Department generally steps in to investigate other agencies' shootings within city limits. 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 +6 After a carjacking, suspect fired at an Orleans Levee District officer, NOPD says An Orleans Parish Levee District police officer was fired on in New Orleans East on Monday morning, with authorities quickly detaining one 19- Several witnesses backed Biggs story that he warned the Camaros occupants to stop. But from there accounts diverged. Biggs asserted he shot because the Camaro was headed toward him. "I fired to protect my life. I didn't want to die. I didn't want to get hit by that car," he said in an interview three days after the shooting. A witness backed Biggs' account in a interview with this newspaper. "He revved his engine looked like he was going to hit the police officer," said the witness, Raymond Price. But Williams lawsuit, which was brought by the MacArthur Justice Center in New Orleans, argues that the video undermines the officer's story. The suit says the video shows that the Camaro was never headed straight toward him and had turned past him when he fired at Hampton and Williams, resulting in Biggs shooting Williams in the left side and Hampton in the rear left arm; the drivers side window of the Camaro was shot through and broken out. The New Orleans police sergeant who investigated the shooting, Clinton Givens, concluded that Biggs shot when the Camaro began to spin out of control. "As the vehicle did so, officer Biggs, believing that the vehicle was going to strike him, fired multiple shots at the vehicle, causing the driver to further lose control of the vehicle, which ultimately came to rest in the same parking area," Givens wrote in a report. The lawsuit lists as defendants Biggs, Levee District police supervisors and the small department's parent agencies, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East and the Lakefront Management Authority. The suits also take aim at City Hall. They argue that the New Orleans police investigation was wrong to call the shooting justified even though the Camaro wasnt heading toward Biggs. They also say New Orleans should enforce its Police Department's consent decree on other local law enforcement agencies. City Hall partnered with the Levee District police, the lawsuits say, and when it did so it knew that such practice would result in the persistence of unconstitutional police practices such as shooting at moving vehicles. In a statement, the city said questions about Levee District police should be directed to that agency, which declined comment. "The city of New Orleans is very proud of the historic reforms accomplished by the New Orleans Police Department in constitutional policing and would never undermine the hard work and efforts of the men and women of our department, a City Hall spokesperson said. Hampton is represented by Raynique Keelen in his civil suit. The Orleans Parish district attorneys office charged him with aggravated assault with a vehicle upon a peace officer in Criminal District Court in August. The criminal case is pending. [February 19, 2021] BYT Holdings Announces Changes to Chairman of the Board /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 19, 2021 /CNW/ - BYT Holdings Ltd. (CSE: BYT) ("BYT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on January 29, 2021, Mr. Li Cunkou (Sunny Li) was appointed as Executive Chairman to the board of directors of the Company. Mr. Vincent Lim will continue to serve as a director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. A biography of Mr. Sunny Li is provided below: Mr. Sunny Li has over 30 years of business experience in Asia. He founded a marine equipment technology company that supplies products and services to the oil and gas, ship building, sea safety and rescue, marine logistics industries. As an angel investor, Mr. Li has ivested and nurtured companies in the various fields of technology and supported their growth in the Asia Pacific region. "BYT has built a solid foundation in the EPCM and waste management services industries. We will be leveraging on this track record to enhance our technologies and product offerings, expand our customer base, and develop into a regional market leader. In position as Executive Chairman, I am very much looking forward to guiding the Company's development and creating value for our stakeholders," said Mr. Li. Vincent Lim, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased that Mr. Li has taken on an executive role within the Company. Mr. Li has the vision and experience to lead the Company and I look forward to working with him as we grow the business." About BYT Holdings BYT's operations are based out of Singapore, with its primary business being to provide one-stop turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction management solutions that range from consultancy and design to the construction of projects involving high technology production facilities, primarily in Singapore and mainland China. BYT is also developing its waste management services division in Shanghai, China, which focuses on converting waste into organic compost. ON BEHALF OF BYT Holdings "Vincent Lim" Vincent Lim Chief Executive Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE BYT Holdings Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. 404 Head of Monitoring Unit of the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assist traders by reducing import duties. He noted that prices of commodities have suddenly shot up due to the huge charges at the port. Charles Owusu revealed that charges on commodities at the various ports have rapidly hiked up, making it difficult for the traders to clear their goods and those able to clear it too are challenged to increase the prices. To him, just as the President cushioned Ghanaians by providing freebies during the lockdown season, he equally wishes for the President to come to the aid of the traders. He believed reducing import duties will help alleviate the financial burdens on Ghanaians. "The government should address these concerns. There are people whose commodities have remained at the port because they can't clear it and those who can clear their goods too are faced with huge charges...Prices of commodities are rapidly rising, so I plead with the government to take measures to ensure the prices reduce. We will be much grateful to the President to address these issues; we have confidence in President Nana Akufo-Addo to resolve this issue," he appealed on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'' morning programme. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 21:00:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- By banning China's law-abiding television network in Britain and blasting Beijing for pulling BBC World News off the air over regulation violation, London has laid bare its true colors of playing a hypocritical double-standard game on press freedom. London's ban on China Global Television Network (CGTN) is political oppression based on blunt ideological bias. Over the past 18 years, the Chinese broadcaster has been strictly observing British laws, regulations as well as professional ethics, and has made positive contributions to enhancing mutual understanding and cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the Chinese and British people. Nevertheless, Britain's communications regulator Ofcom launched an investigation early last year of the Chinese TV broadcaster, citing the so-called CGTN's "editorial control" and "political nature," and then blatantly revoked CGTN's license earlier this month despite CGTN's full cooperation in the probe. Britain's ploy to portray itself as a defender of press freedom imploded when it attacked Beijing for punishing BBC for biased reporting and sometimes even making fake news. In contrast to CGTN's upholding the principles of objectivity and accuracy, BBC has many a time produced and broadcast fake news with strong ideological bias against China, and spread disinformation on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the COVID-19 pandemic to smear and attack China. On Hong Kong, BBC reporters turned a blind eye to the rioters' savageness and described Hong Kong police's normal law-enforcement measures as acts of brutality; on Xinjiang, based only on several non-photorealistic satellite images and reports fabricated by anti-China activists, BBC journalists concocted fake news to slander China's Xinjiang policy; and on the pandemic, BBC even exploited a counter-terrorism drill video as a so-called proof of China's violence in epidemic prevention. What the British government and BBC have done once again proved that the freedom of press, if left abused, can only lead to freedom of disinformation. The hypocritical double standard also attests to those China bashers' lack of pluck to learn about China. "Fear of hearing the truth about China is why Ofcom banned CGTN," John Ross, former director of Economic and Business Policy of London, wrote in an opinion piece. As China has taken enormous strides in economic development, and "has just had such great success in dealing with COVID-19 and in economic recovery compared to the situation in Britain," "it is crucial for those who favor a 'new Cold War' that people in Britain do not understand the reality about China," he said. A more deep-seated problem is their obsession with the western-centric mentality. Martin Jacques, a British scholar and political commentator, once warned, "we think of ourselves as open-minded, but our sense of superiority has closed our minds." With such a closed and overweening mindset, it is unlikely for those zero-summers in Britain and elsewhere in the Western world to take an objective view of the progress made in the non-Western world. Worse still, the Cold-War style thinking pattern will propel them towards choosing confrontation over cooperation at a time when the world community desperately needs to build up mutual understanding and cement unity in the face of mounting global challenges. Press freedom should never be employed to legitimize bias news reporting or fake news, nor should it be manipulated as an excuse to fulfill some self-serving ideological purposes. London needs to call off its double-standard farces, or it will ruin the very freedom it claims to protect and promote. Enditem Cleveland Police imposed the fines after the children repeatedly breached COVID rules (Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images) The parents of two children who continually breached lockdown rules have been issued with 200 COVID fines by police. The pair, aged 12 and 16, were repeatedly reported for lockdown breaches and antisocial behaviour in the Brambles Farm and Netherfields areas of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. The fines were issued by the Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team after their parents, who had been previously spoken to about their children's antisocial behaviour, failed to prevent it from happening again. Following warnings from the community team that fines would follow there were further incidents - including causing issues for the Fire Brigade as they attempted to deal with two abandoned cars on fire in a residential street, and antisocial behaviour at a parade of shops. Watch: What you can and can't do during UK's third lockdown A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police told Yahoo News UK tht the fines wer a result of failing to ensure that the children were compliant with current regulations, despite the previous warning. Read More From Yahoo News UK: Developers ridiculed after building house behind roadsign, making it impossible to access Man jailed for five years for strangling wife to death was given unduly lenient sentence COVID tiering system has been 'catastrophic failure', says London mayor Sadiq Khan Inspector Vas Khan, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team, said in a statement: We dont want to have to issue people with fines, however, where behaviour continues to flout regulations and put people at risk, we have no other option but to take enforcement action. We would like to ask parents, please speak with your children and explain the risks to themselves, their friends, their family and anyone they may come into contact with. Where we identify youths involved in this kind of behaviour, we will take action to stop it. Our primary aim throughout the pandemic has been to engage with people and encourage them to follow the rules, but we are in lockdown with high infection rates in Middlesbrough. Whilst were sympathetic to the current situation, breaching the COVID rules causes great risk to peoples health and we will issue fines. Story continues In November the parents of children who broke lockdown rules by throwing eggs and attending a Hallowe'en party in Cardiff, Wales, were fined by police. South Wales Police said fixed penalty notices were issued to parents for the covid breaches and anti-social behaviour in the St Mellons area. A number of parents were also fined when their children attended a party the same weekend in nearby Neath Port Talbot. Calls to the force spiked at 1,500 on Saturday and 30 fines were issued in just one weekend. And in February, 14 adults were fined a total of 11,200 for attending a children's birthday party in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Watch: What UK government COVID-19 support is available? DUBLIN, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Antimicrobial Wound Dressings Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global antimicrobial wound dressing market by revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% during the period 2021-2026. The global antimicrobial wound dressings market is witnessing an introduction of several advanced dressing materials. Chitosan is one of the natural polymers that hold promise for advanced antimicrobial agents. This polymer is a biodegradable and non-toxic material, which promotes rapid healing. Similarly, to combat bacterial infections, vendors have developed the cellulose membrane equipped with antimicrobial peptides. This skin-friendly membrane made of the plant-based material kills the bacteria effectively and achieve an antibacterial effect. Hence, the introduction of innovative and advanced dressing materials is likely to have an impact on the market as they have proven healing capacities. Global Antimicrobial Wound Dressings Market Segmentation The global antimicrobial wound dressings market research report includes a detailed segmentation by product, wound type, end-user, geography. Considered an ideal solution to maintain an optimal balance between moisture and bacterial growth, the demand for foam-based dressings is growing worldwide. These dressings are compliant with the existing wound care protocols as they are effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, along with fungi and yeast infections. With the rise in management of post-surgical incisions, pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers, donor sites, abrasions, lacerations, dermatologic disorders, foam-based dressings are highly popular, thereby influencing market prospects. The rise in surgical site infections (SSI) is a key factor for the growth of acute wounds. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare systems across the world and has adversely affected the global market. To reduce the risk of infections among patients and healthcare providers and conserve critical resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and intensive care beds enacted a temporary ban on elective surgeries for a short period, which limits the usage of advanced wound care products. Moreover, the number of surgical procedures is increasing in the geriatric population as the elderly are prone to acute and chronic diseases, which need the usage of antimicrobial dressing materials worldwide. A high percentage of chronic wound patients are turning to hospitals for treatment as they are equipped with the latest machines and technology for diagnosing, treating, and healing wound conditions. All high-risk diabetic foot cases requiring intensive care services and major amputations take place in hospitals. Hence, the increase in diabetic foot cases is likely to augur well for the market. With the outbreak of COVID-19, patients opting for hospitals for wound management has decreased, which has reduced the demand for antimicrobial dressings temporarily. In 2020, specialty wound management clinics accounted for a share of over 26%. Non-healing wounds require specialized care due to underlying, complex conditions, which prevent abrasions from healing. The outbreak of the pandemic has brought specialty wound care clinics to prominence as most hospitals prioritize the treatment of COVID-19 patients. INSIGHTS BY GEOGRAPHY The US is a major revenue contributor to the global antimicrobial wound dressings market share. The usage of advanced wound care healing products in the country is higher than other countries across the world. The application of antimicrobial wound dressing materials is high as patients suffering from chronic and acute wounds are growing. For instance, in the United States, over 6.5 million patients are affected by chronic wounds, costing more than $50 billion annually. Chronic wounds represent a large and growing threat to public health in the US. Around 3% of the population over 65 years of age have open wounds. In 2020, the US government estimated that the elderly population is over 55 million, suggesting that chronic wounds will continue to be a persistent challenge. The APAC region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. It is poised for significant growth on account of the growing geriatric population, the increase in accident and burn cases, and the high prevalence of diabetes. 3M, Smith+Nephew, Molnlycke Health Care, ConvaTec, Coloplast, and 3M are key players operating in the market. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED What is the market size and growth rate of the market? What are the key factors driving the antimicrobial wound dressings market growth? Which is the largest revenue-generating region in the market? Who are the key manufacturers in the antimicrobial wound dressings market space? What are the market restraints challenging the growth of the market? What are the latest technological innovations in antimicrobial wound dressing? Key Topics Covered: 1 Research Methodology 2 Research Objectives 3 Research Process 4 Scope & Coverage 4.1 Market Definition 4.1.1 Inclusions 4.1.2 Exclusions 4.2 Base Year 4.3 Scope of The Study 4.3.1 Market Segmentation by Geography 5 Report Assumptions & Caveats 5.1 Key Caveats 5.2 Currency Conversion 5.3 Market Derivation 6 Market at a Glance 7 Introduction 7.1 Overview 7.2 Antimicrobial Wound Dressings: Market Snapshot 8 Market Opportunities & Trends 8.1 Introduction of Advanced Antimicrobial Dressing Materials 8.2 Increased Role of Wound Care Management Companies In Hospitals 8.3 Telemedicine Changing Wound Care Dynamics During COVID-19 9 Market Growth Enablers 9.1 Increased Prevalence of Acute & Chronic Injuries & Wound Infections 9.2 Technological Advances & Product Launches 9.3 High Demand for Foam-Based Antimicrobial Wound Dressings 10 Market Restraints 10.1 Increased Availability of Substitutes for Antimicrobial Dressing 10.2 Lack of Clear Classification And Stewardship Of Antimicrobial Dressing 10.3 Increasing Price Pressure and Demand For Value-Based Products 10.4 Negative Impact Of COVID-19 On Wound Care Market 11 Market Landscape 11.1 Market Overview 11.1.1 Product 11.1.2 Wound Type 11.1.3 End-User 11.1.4 Geography 11.2 Market Size & Forecast 11.3 Five Forces Analysis 12 Product 12.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 12.2 Market Overview 12.3 Hydrogel Dressing 12.4 Foam Dressing 12.5 Alginate Dressing 12.6 Collagen Dressing 13 Wound Type 13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 13.2 Market Overview 13.3 Acute Wounds 13.4 Chronic Wounds 14 End-Users 14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 14.2 Market Overview 14.3 Hospitals 14.4 Specialty Wound Management Clinics 14.5 Long-Term Care Facilities 14.6 Home Healthcare Settings 14.7 Other End-Users 15 Geography 15.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 15.2 Geographic Overview Competitive Landscape Prominent Vendors 3M Coloplast Smith+Nephew Molnlycke Health Care ConvaTec Other Prominent Vendors Argentum Medical Aspen Surgical Axio Biosolutions B.Braun Melsungen BD BSN Medical Covalon Technologies Cardinal Health CellEra Dermarite DeRoyal Industries Eloquest Ferris Mfg GEMCO Medical Paul Hartmann Hollister Integra Lifesciences Lohmann & Rauscher (L&R) Milliken Medline Organogenesis Pharmaplast Safe n' Simple South West Technologies URGO MEDICAL Tricol TRIAGE MEDITECH For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/w9zj09 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Two parents provided a copy of the written school policy for students not to return to classrooms for seven days after international travel, or to take a COVID test three to five days after returning, which would keep the Cruz children out of school for the following week. (Separately, an aide to Cruz said he had taken a virus test before his return flight Thursday; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires a negative result.) UK fibre broadband network provider CityFibre has started work to extend its full fibre network to reach almost every home and business across Brighton & Hove as part of an 80m private investment. Construction work has started in Brighton & Hoves Bevendean area, with the rest of the city set to follow over the next four to five years. Lanes-i is delivering the construction programme on CityFibres behalf, and the team is also working closely with CityFibre, Brighton & Hove City Council and local communities to manage disruption and ensure a fast and successful roll-out. Residents are being kept informed by mailings ahead of works in their streets. In November, CityFibre awarded 1.5 billion in construction contracts for full fibre rollouts across 27 towns and cities, addressing up to three million premises. Anne Krause, CityFibres city manager for Brighton & Hove, said: It is exciting to be part of bringing a first-class full fibre network to the vibrant and diverse area of Brighton & Hove. We are building future-proof infrastructure to support the digital needs of residents, both now and in the future, ensuring that the area can continue to embrace digital developments at home, work and in our leisure time as data consumption grows. The investment also comes at a critical time of economic recovery. Next generation full fibre connectivity can drive innovation and productivity, ultimately giving businesses the platform they need to realise their growth ambitions, while also creating the conditions for new start-up activity and investment. We look forward to working with Brighton & Hove Council, residents, businesses and the wider community to harness the power of full fibre. Brighton & Hove City Council leader Phelim MacCafferty added: Its great news that the city will soon have access to faster, more reliable internet connection speeds... this represents real progress, not just for our residents but it will play an incredibly important part in supporting the local economy as we plan our recovery from the pandemic. Working with our partners at the Greater Brighton Economic Board, we have been pushing for faster and better internet connection for a number of years. This is a significant investment, and, while there may be some disruption during installation, we have been assured by CityFibre that this will be kept to a minimum. The benefits of full fibre will be important for the citys economy in both the short and long term and were looking forward to working with CityFibre on this exciting roll-out. Once the network is activated, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next generation broadband services, with TalkTalk and other providers expected to join the network soon. Earlier this month, CityFibre announced it had begun work to transform Sheffield into one of the world's best digitally connected cities, with a 115 million investment. WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- William Loiry, an American business leader and philanthropist, urged a massive national response today to mitigate the unfolding humanitarian disasters in Texas, Louisiana, and other states as a result of snow storms and power outages. "What's happening in Texas, Louisiana, and other states is not just a bad weather event, it's a humanitarian disaster affecting power, heat, water, food, medicine, and other essentials for millions of Americans," said Loiry, who has been a leader for decades in U.S. and international disaster response and reconstruction. Loiry urged the following immediate national responses: 1) FEMA needs to be sending more than 60 generators to Texas, a state so large it is bigger than many countries. 2) The EPA needs to be sending more than two water testing mobile labs to Texas and they need to get the labs to Texas immediately. 3) National Guard units throughout the U.S. should send large quantities of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) packages and purified water bottles to Texas and Louisiana as fast as they can. Loiry applauded the Texas National Guard for activating "warming centers" throughout Texas and urged residents to discover the nearest warming center by visiting https://tdem.texas.gov/warming-center/ or by calling 211. Loiry made a financial contribution today to http://www.feedingtexas.org/ and urged other Americans nationwide to do the same. Loiry also urged Americans to make financial contributions to the American Red Cross ( http://www.redcross.org/ ). The following NBC News article lists local Texas organizations needing additional financial support so they can further help storm victims: https://news.yahoo.com/help-victims-texas-power-crisis-210100901.html Loiry stated that the financial damages from the winter storms are expected to be historic and urged insurance companies to help victims without delay. Commenting on Texas Governor Greg Abbott's call for the Texas Legislature to investigate the collapse of the state's power system and other infrastructure during the storms, Loiry said a broader investigation is needed, invoking the work of the 9/11 Commission and the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. "Solutions need to include a broad spectrum of leaders," stated Loiry, "including state legislators but also including the power industry, Texas water systems, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas National Guard, FEMA, EPA, hospitals, and relief organizations." About William Loiry: William Loiry is an American business leader and philanthropist. For decades, Loiry has worked to respond to the effects of wars, natural disasters, and terrorism by bringing key stakeholders together to explore the best possible solutions. More than 1,000 key decision-makers have spoken at his conferences and more than 100,000 leaders have attended. Loiry's forums have included the first conference on the reconstruction of Bosnia in 1996, the top homeland security briefings in Washington following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the major response conferences in Louisiana and throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast following both Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill disaster, major Gulf Coast restoration conferences focused on how to spend BP's billions in restoration monies, and the C-SPAN filmed reconstruction forum in Washington following Superstorm Sandy. Visit http://www.williamloiry.com/ Media Contact: William Loiry [email protected] 202-375-9587 SOURCE William Loiry Despite a number of short fields and a fierce blast of winter weather it was a solid return to racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday evening. The Campbellville oval featured a nine-race program with an average field size of 7.5 horses, but that didnt stop handicappers from hammering away at the keyboards of their laptops and the keypads on their smart phones to place wagers on the card. A total handle of $1,862,446 was the end result, with the average handle per race checking in at a solid $206,938. Earning doubles on the program were driver Jody Jamieson and trainer Patrick Shepherd. They joined forces to take Race 4 with newly-acquired Art Of Fire, who was claimed for $8,000 following his 1:56.3 triumph. Jamieson clicked one race earlier with the Carmen Auciello-trained Hes Swift in a time of 1:55. Shepherds other win came in Race 9 with another new recruit Portrstownchris IR in a time of 1:56.1. Doug McNair mapped out the winning trip for the gelding who was claimed for $10,000 from the winning effort. Another nine-race program will be offered at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday evening. Post time for the first race is scheduled for 7 p.m. To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results Woodbine Mohawk Park. DOVER, Del. (AP) The judge presiding over the Boys Scout of America bankruptcy is weighing a request by insurance companies for permission to serve document requests on 1,400 people who have filed sexual abuse claims and to question scores of them under oath in an effort to determine whether there is widespread fraud in the claims process. The insurance companies maintain that tens of thousands of sexual abuse claims that have been filed in the case appear to be barred by the passage of time based on statutes of limitation in many states. Thousands more lack essential information needed to determine their validity, such as identifying a connection with the Boy Scouts or the name of a perpetrator, according to the insurers. In addition to wanting to question alleged abuse survivors, the insurance companies on Wednesday requested permission to question and collect documents from 15 plaintiffs attorneys who personally signed hundreds of claims. Claim forms typically must be signed by the claimants themselves, but in the days leading up to the deadline last November, some attorneys signed several hundred claim forms a day. The insurers contend that a large percentage of attorney-signed claims are missing critical information, and that many appear to be submitted machine-gun style, with photocopied attorney signatures and signature pages generated before the proofs of claim were even created. Bankruptcy rules state that by signing a document submitted to the court, an attorney certifies that he or she has reviewed the contents to ensure it has evidentiary support. The requests for discovery have been met with strenuous objections from many plaintiffs attorneys, but the Boy Scouts and the official committee representing sexual abuse survivors did not file any papers in response. The legitimate claimants should welcome this discovery, said James Ruggeri, an attorney for the insurers. We want to make sure dollars are paid to those who deserve it. The insurance companies argue that the sheer number of claims that have been filed should raise doubts about the process. We have a problem in this case, Ruggeri told Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein. And I think the problem starts with the numbers. Ruggeri, a veteran of mass tort bankruptcies, noted that the Boy Scouts of America, before seeking bankruptcy protection, had been named in 275 lawsuits and told insurers it was aware of another 1,400 claims. Now we have more than 95,000 claims that have been filed, he said, describing the 55-fold explosion in claims as unprecedented. Insurers attribute the explosion in claims to aggressive advertising by plaintiffs attorneys working with for-profit claims aggregators. Eric Goodman, an attorney representing a group calling itself the Coalition of Abused Scouts for Justice, argued that the insurers have much of the information they claim to lack. He also said the request for more information from hundreds of claimants is premature, given that BSA has yet to file a reorganization plan and the insurers have not acknowledged they have coverage obligations. We dont know if the debtors are willing to propose a plan that that will impact the insurers rights in any way, Goodman said. We dont know if the insurers will fund anything. An attorney for the Boy Scouts told Silverstein that the Irving, Texas-based organization needs to exit bankruptcy by late summer and hopes to file a plan within the next few weeks, with a hearing in April seeking court approval of the proposal. Meanwhile, plaintiffs attorneys say its not surprising that many claims were submitted by attorneys shortly before the deadline on behalf of their clients. They contend that attorneys for the insurance companies are basing their arguments on questionable statistics involving claims that have been submitted, and that they should not be allowed to rummage through the files of plaintiffs attorneys based on speculation that some lawyers are abusing the claims process. But Tancred Schiavoni, an attorney for the insurers, noted that while Silverstein authorized plaintiffs attorneys last year to sign claim forms on behalf of their clients, she also cautioned that doing so was ill advised, and could result in attorneys becoming fact witnesses who could be subject to deposition. They were warned, but they went ahead and did it anyway, Schiavoni said. The judge gave no indication on when she would rule. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. India and Sri Lanka: Fishing in troubled waters: The Palk Strait dispute flares up by Jeevethan Selvachandran February 19,2021 | Source: The Diplomat A maritime dispute between India and Sri Lanka remains unsolved, despite an agreement 47 years ago. Notwithstanding the 1974 Indo-Lanka Maritime Boundary Agreement, Indian fishermen tend to cross the maritime border into Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait, which in turn leads to assaults by the Sri Lankan Navy. The latest incident, which led to the death of four Indian fishermen, has once again brought the dispute to the fore. On January 18, four Indian fishermen went missing as they ventured into Palk Strait. A few days later, the Sri Lankan Navy announced that it had recovered four bodies, suspected to be of the missing fishermen. As news reached the shores of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, protests erupted as more than 200 fishermen blocked roads. They demanded 1.5 million Indian rupees (about $20,620) in compensation for the affected families and the filing of murder charges against the Sri Lankan Navy. However, the latter rejected the allegations and issued an official statement, blaming the fishermen instead. In an interview with The Hindu, the Tamil Nadu representative of the Alliance for the Release of Innocent Fishermen, U. Arulanandam, alleged that the fishermen were beaten to death by Sri Lankan naval officers. The pictures of the bodies bear many injuries and deep cuts. Blood clots and stains could be seen. There wouldnt be blood clots if they had drowned, he said. He further stated that even if the fishermen had crossed the maritime boundary, they should have been arrested and not killed. Reacting to the death, India lodged a strong demarche with the Sri Lankan high commissioner in New Delhi and with the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry via the Indian High Commission in Colombo. While announcing compensation of one million Indian rupees (about $13,746) and a job for each victims next of kin, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inquire about the incident through the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka. The latest incident is an addition in a long list of cases of harassment of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Why do Indian fishermen cross the maritime border despite the obvious risks? For centuries, Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen communities have been fishing in each others waters without conflict. The scenario changed when India and Sri Lanka signed four Maritime Boundary Agreements between 1974-76, which defined their respective understanding of the international maritime boundary between the two countries. The idea behind these agreements were that theyd facilitate law enforcement and resource management in the Palk Strait. Through the agreements, the Katchatheevu Island was ceded to Sri Lanka by the Indian government without consulting the Tamil Nadu state government. Since then, Indian fishermen have only been allowed access to the island for resting, drying of nets and the annual St. Anthonys festival, but not for fishing. Despite the agreements, there is no well-defined maritime boundary between the two countries, leading to Indian fishermen trespassing into Sri Lankan waters in search of a better catch. Between 1983 and 2009, Indian fishermen had easier access to the rich Sri Lankan waters as the maritime boundary in the Palk Strait was not heavily guarded. Since 2009, the Sri Lankan navy has tightened surveillance of its northern maritime boundary to halt a potential return of Tamil insurgents. This, in turn, has had the secondary effect of increasing the number of arrests of Indian fishermen, even as Sri Lankan authorities argue that they are simply protecting the maritime boundaries of the country against poaching, and securing the livelihood of Sri Lankan fishermen. Is the dispute solvable? Following the latest incident, the Sri Lankan Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Minister appointed a three-member committee to find a lasting solution to the issue). According to the minister, India had accepted a draft solution submitted by Sri Lanka in January last year, but further progress was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indian and Sri Lankan representatives met again in December as part of the Joint Working Group on fisheries, where Sri Lanka had suggested joint patrols and operations between the two countries to guarantee effective results on illegal fishing and trespassing. Despite having met more than once since 2016, a solution is yet to be finalized. Irrespective of the circumstances, a potential solution to the dispute relies on the response from the respective governments of India and Sri Lanka. If both countries are unable to settle the dispute, then they could seek assistance from international maritime experts through the United Nations. 2021 Diplomat Media Inc. Besides, 'zero tolerance for corruption' has been evident in crackdowns on public servant Patna: The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar on Friday asserted that it was working with an aim to boost industrialisation of the state which would support its rapid pace of development and also lead to job creation. In his customary address to the state legislature as the budget session began, Governor Phagu Chauhan said that in the industrial policy formulated in 2020 a provision has been made for "additional capital subsidy" which would incentivise setting up of new units. The governor, who spoke for more than half-an-hour, also said the state government has succeeded in keeping the COVID-19 pandemic under control, and had excellent rates of testing and recovery while the mortality rate stood way below the national average. Chauhan also said that the state government has remained committed to establishing rule of law, which has fostered an environment of social and communal harmony. Besides, "zero tolerance for corruption" has been evident in crackdowns on public servants accused of corruption and confiscation of assets worth Rs 45.81 crore, amassed by 45 people facing action under the Money Laundering Act, he said. The state government has remained committed to providing its citizens with an efficient and transparent administration and empowered the people through measures like the Right to Public Services Act, he added. About the government's plans for the future, the governor's speech touched upon 'Saat Nishchay 2', the second phase of the chief minister's seven resolves, a key component of which is the pledge to irrigate every field. Another key component is 'Yuva Shakti Bihar Ki Pragati', under which 'a culture of enterprise' would be promoted in the state through measures like making entrepreneurship a part of the curriculum, the governor said. The governor mentioned that the state government was commited to environmental preservation and improvements in health and education. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy CMs Tarkishor Prasad and Renu Devi, leader of the opposition Tejashwi Yadav and minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain were among those present in the House during the governor's address. The governor's address was followed by Tarkishor Prasad, who also holds the finance portfolio, tabling the economic survey. Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha adjourned the House till Monday after reading out condolence references for deceased former members of the legislature and also Buta Singh and Rama Jois, both of whom had held gubernatorial assignments in the state. A suggestion by Tejashwi Yadav that tributes be paid to the "more than 260 farmers", who have died during the ongoing agitations against the farm laws, was turned down. This was protested by the members of the RJD and its MLA Bhai Virendra trooped into the well and announced that all members of the party shall be observing a two-minute silence on the floor of the House. Members of the opposition party, which has the largest number of MLAs, thereafter stood in silence for two minutes, in an expression of solidarity with agitating farmers, before leaving the House. 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. Fran Ruchalski/The Enterprise Members of the Beaumont Homeless Coalition are making plans to better secure two buildings near downtown Beaumont that are expected to soon become a homeless shelter after multiple incidents of senseless and extreme vandalism, City Councilman Mike Getz said Thursday. At this time, a police report lists that a hole was cut in the fence surrounding the building at some point between Feb. 5 and Feb. 8, spokeswoman Carol Riley of the Beaumont Police Department said. Advertisement Only half of appointments for Covid vaccines are being taken up at Manchester's mass vaccination centre, it was revealed today as Andy Burnham urged ministers to expand the roll-out to younger age groups so precious doses don't go unused. The mayor of Greater Manchester warned jabs are just 'sitting in fridges' at the Etihad Stadium's hub, and said that he fears the situation was similar at some of the other 89 mass jabbing locations across the country. Mr Burnham claimed too many elderly residents - who are in the top priority groups because their age makes them more vulnerable to the coronavirus - were opting to wait for appointments at local clinics, rather than booking at the major centres. The former Labour health secretary, who has publicly spoke of his ambitions of leading the party and has been a vocal critic of No10 for their handling of the pandemic, BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Strictly proceeding by age as the Government is doing at the moment is leading to a massive underuse of resources. 'When people are getting the letter, as people in the 65-70 age group have got recently, saying 'do you want to go to the regional centre at Etihad or do you want to wait to go local?', most people are going local. That is leading to a situation where we've got plenty of slots that are just going unfilled. 'So our message to the Government is why not open up the mass vaccination centre to a younger, more mobile cohort who then can go and use that and free up then more slots at the primary care level for people who might struggle to get to the regional centre.' Wales has already began inviting over-50s, while some parts of England have began jabbing people in their early sixties. Despite a handful of areas storming ahead, parts of London have yet to dish out first doses to two thirds of over-70s. Health chiefs fear vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups is behind the poorer uptake in the capital's culturally diverse boroughs. Britain is in a race against time to dish out as many first doses to as many over-50s as possible before the end of March, when millions of second jabs must be administered en masse. Ministers are unlikely to ease draconian restrictions drastically until the majority are inoculated. So long as the mammoth operation stays at the current speed, the UK could offer jabs to all 32million vulnerable Britons before the end of March. But not everyone will get vaccinated, meaning No10 may be able to expand the roll-out even sooner. The Mail today revealed that Britons as young as 40 could be offered a jab when phase two of the roll-out is finished. Government advisers are set to recommend the next phase of the operation continues on the basis of age, rather than prioritising key workers. It was also revealed today that that the Oxford and Pfizer jabs cut two thirds of infections and transmissions. The findings come from the first real-word data of the UK's massive vaccine drive, seen by The Telegraph and handed to Boris Johnson before he unveils his roadmap out of lockdown on Monday. Top scientists hailed the promising data, which will pile further pressure on the Prime Minister from anti-lockdown Tory MPs to commit to easing restrictions even sooner. 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson, whose Covid death estimates spooked ministers into the first lockdown last spring, said the findings were still 'early days' but said life could look 'a lot more normal by May'. It was revealed today that half of appointments at the Etihad mass vaccination centre (pictured) in Greater Manchester are not been used Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham today called on the Government to further expand the rollout so that 'younger, more mobile' priority groups could get jabs. (Left: Etihad centre) Parts of London have yet to dish out first doses to two thirds of over-70s. Health chiefs fear vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups is behind the poorer uptake in the capital's culturally diverse boroughs So long as the mammoth operation stays at the current speed, the UK could offer jabs to all 32million vulnerable Britons before the end of March. But not everyone will get vaccinated, meaning No10 may be able to expand the roll-out even sooner Professor Adam Finn, on the Joint Committee of Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) which made the priority list, said they were seeing the first sign of jabs 'doing the job' and infections falling in the over-70s. Professor Neil Ferguson, a Sage adviser, today warned ministers not to loosen restrictions too quickly In other coronavirus developments today: SADIQ KHAN, 50, GETS FIRST COVID VACCINE AFTER BEING INVITED BY GP DUE TO SEVERE ASTHMA Mr Khan receives his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the church in Streatham this morning London Mayor Sadiq Khan received his first coronavirus jab today as he urged fellow Londoners to follow suit as the capital lags behind the rest of Britain in the rollout. The 50-year-old Labour politician was given his first dose this morning in Streatham, South West London, after being invited by his GP because he has severe asthma. Mr Khan, who takes steroid tablets to manage his condition, had the jab at a vaccine centre at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church where his daughter used to perform ballet. He was given the Pfizer jab by Reverend Dr Sue Clarke, a retired hospital consultant he knows who got her licence back to volunteer to give the jab to him and others. Asked whether he was wearing an 'I've had my Covid jab' badge, a beaming Mr Khan told Sky News: 'Absolutely, and I'm wearing it really, really proudly - and just for the avoidance of doubt, I didn't wince when I had the jab, I was a real brave boy.' People aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions are among those being given their jabs at the moment in the second phase of the vaccine delivery scheme. These conditions can include any kind of chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and severe asthma. Mr Khan said today: 'I'm relieved and very grateful to have received the first dose of my COVID-19 vaccine today. 'I was asked by my GP to take the vaccine as I have severe asthma, and I urge everyone who is offered it to take it as soon as possible. 'These vaccines are a testament to the hard work of scientists around the world and we owe them, and the NHS staff and volunteers who are helping to deliver the jabs, a great deal of thanks. 'The widespread rollout of these vaccines will protect us from serious illness, will help us all to get back to the things we have missed and let us see the people we love.' He added that more than 1.5million Londoners had already received their first dose, saying: 'I again urge all Londoners to have the vaccine as soon as you are offered it. It is safe and it will save lives.' Advertisement Ministers are 'increasingly positive' that foreign summer holidays will be possible this year amid hopes vaccine passports will soon make international travel 'straightforward'; A group of 75 cross-party politicians said as many as 100,000 people could miss out on cancer treatment due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with many dying unnecessarily; Tony Blair published his own exit strategy as he called for the Government to adopt a traffic light system for easing rules, localised crackdowns on outbreaks and a full Treasury analysis of the costs of the roadmap; London Mayor Sadiq Khan, 50, got his first dose of the Covid vaccine due to his severe asthma; Pfizer's Covid vaccine is 85 per cent effective after first dose and blocks 75 per cent of transmission of the disease, Israeli study finds; NHS hospitals are now treating fewer coronavirus patients than they were during the darkest days of the first wave - and the total number of infected patients in hospital has halved since January; Boris Johnson is set to announce that Britain will donate millions of surplus vaccine doses to poorer countries, which could see developing nations benefit before the end of the year if the UK vaccination programme goes to plan. Mr Burnham warned ministers that rolling out jabs by age groups is leaving thousands of vital doses just 'sitting in the fridge' at mass jabbing centres. 'I don't think the picture we have is unique', he said. 'I think other mass vaccination centres around the country are reporting something of the same. He added: 'What I'm saying to the Government is in the spirit of wanting to see the vaccination programme continue to succeed and recognising the good job that they've done it makes sense now to use these mass vaccination centres to the full so that we can make more inroads getting more people vaccinated, and then that will build more confidence about reopening the economy.' The Labour mayor told a press conference earlier this week that only 50 per cent of appointments available at the Etihad centre were actually being used, local media reports. This means vital jabs at the major hubs are left sitting in fridges, because people aren't booking appointments for them. Some will also be transferred from the centre to other sites, a spokesman for the operation in the North West said, to ensure they are available where there is the most demand. The senior officer responsible for the vaccination programme in the North West, Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu said: 'Most importantly for the people of Greater Manchester we are making excellent progress in vaccinating people most at-risk of Covid-19. 'Our sites work as a network, which means people are offered a range of convenient places to get their dose, with any spare doses offered to at-risk groups, all of which means more than nine in 10 people in the top priority groups across the North West have now had their first dose'. Professor Finn, a member of the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that decided the jabs priority list, said today the vaccination programme was beginning to drive down infections with the virus. 'Weve now got to the point with the study were doing in Bristol where we can say with certainty that there is definitely an effect,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'Its just hard to put an exact number on it at this point because the numbers of cases coming through are still building up, the number of people whove been vaccinated are still going up, but its becoming clearer for the Pfizer vaccine, which weve been using for a month longer, since early December, and itll take slightly longer for us to get a firm handle on just how well the AstraZeneca vaccine is preventing hospitalisations too, but theyre definitely doing the job.' Professor Ferguson, a Sage adviser, echoed his upbeat tone, but added the trade off ministers now face is between how quickly they can relax restrictions against how quickly they can protect the population. 'Theres still risks at the moment in relaxing too quickly when we dont have enough immunity in the population bearing in mind that no vaccine is a panacea, no vaccine will offer perfect protection,' he said. 'I am encouraged by the cautious approach being taken, an incremental approach which I think will be adopted, namely relax one thing and see what the impact is, relax again. And it still may well be that by the end of May, were in a very different country than we are today.' He said some rules - likely to include wearing face masks - will still be in place by the summer, but that society on the whole would be 'a lot more normal' providing the vaccination drive continues to steam ahead. 'There are threats out there, we dont know for instance quite how effective the vaccines are, how long immunity will last, there is the threat of variants. So we have to be driven by the data and the trends we see.' The Imperial College London professor also said he had not booked a summer holiday, but added people would be isolating 'forevermore' if the desire was to eliminate Covid. 'Were not going to eliminate globally so we wont eliminate here,' he said. 'I would like to see this virus become like influenza and managed in similar ways. 'And I think the one thing this pandemic has generated is a whole new generation of vaccines which frankly are much more effective than the influenza vaccines we typically use year to year. 'And so I think long-term we do have very promising prospects for pulling down the burden of disease, the mortality caused by this virus, quite dramatically.' It comes after the head of the Francis Crick Institute in London said last week that only 10 per cent of appointments at their centre were being used. He urged ministers to provide clarity and ensure that more appointments were used, pointing out that Britain needs to get doses to as many people as possible. The mayor of Greater Manchester warned jabs are just 'sitting in fridges' at the Etihad Stadium's hub, and said that he fears the situation was similar at some of the other 89 mass jabbing locations across the country (pictured, the centre today) Mr Burnham warned ministers that rolling out jabs by age groups is leaving thousands of vital doses just 'sitting in the fridge' at mass jabbing centres. Workers at the Etihad Stadium vaccination centre were left standing around this morning Mayor of London Sadiq Khan receives his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, administered by Dr Sue Clarke, at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church in South West London this morning Mr Khan joked that he was a 'real brave boy' after receiving his first dose of the vaccine today PFIZER'S COVID VACCINE IS 85 PER CENT EFFECTIVE AFTER ONE DOSE AND BLOCKS 75 PER CENT OF SPREAD, SAY SCIENTISTS Pfizer/BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine is 85 per cent effective after the first dose, according to an Israeli study that bolsters Britain's decision to delay the second injection. The UK drew criticism in January when it pushed back the second dose from three weeks to three months because the jabs were never trialled using that dosing regimen. But the latest research on 9,000 healthcare workers, published in The Lancet, found that a single shot reduced the number of people developing symptomatic Covid by 85 per cent after three weeks. The study by the Sheba Medical Centre, one of Israel's top research hospitals, reported a 75 per cent drop in the number of people testing positive for the infection, suggesting the single shot will have a significant impact on blocking asymptomatic infection and transmission. A positive PCR swab would signal that even someone who is vaccinated is carrying fragments of the virus in their nose or throat which they could pass on. Reducing Covid's spread is critical for country's to achieve 'herd immunity', when so many people are immune that a disease peters out. Lead researcher Professor Arnon Afek, deputy director-general at Sheba, said: 'This groundbreaking research supports the British government's decision to begin inoculating its citizens with a single dose of the vaccine.' The UK has also been spacing out Oxford University's vaccine doses in a bid to get better coverage quicker, with the nation in a race against time to vaccinate as many vulnerable Britons as possible before the end of March. An Oxford study earlier this month found a single shot of that jab was 76 per cent effective for 12 weeks at stopping symptomatic disease and blocks seven in 10 people from spreading it. Advertisement The rollout was expanded to the over-65s last week, and in some areas where they are steaming ahead the over-60s have now being added to the list. But it has been accused of failing to pick up the pace and dish out more doses as the UK remains in lockdown. The latest figures from the Department of Health show an average of 423,000 doses were being got into Britons arms every day by Wednesday this week. While a very high number, this is below the average from the same time last week, when 434,000 were being administered, and two weeks ago, when 434,000 were also been administered. It comes as the Daily Mail today revealed over-40s could get their first shot of the vaccine within weeks as Government advisers are set to recommend the next phase continues on the basis of age rather than prioritising key workers. But the age brackets will be wider than before meaning 40 to 49-year-olds are likely to be invited to have a jab once the 32million people in the top nine groups have had their first dose. Earlier this week it emerged this target could be hit as soon as March 24, if the daily average is maintained. This would mean the over-40s being invited for a jab in less than five weeks. It would be a huge boost for Britain's vaccine programme and could add to the pressure on ministers to ease the lockdown sooner. It comes as the head of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said age should be the dominant factor in deciding the next phase of the jab rollout. Professor Wei Shen Lim told an online audience of doctors age 'dominates by a long way' while underlying health conditions contribute 'some increased risk'. It comes as England's Covid vaccine postcode lottery was laid bare today after it emerged parts of London have jabbed just 60 per cent of over-70s - while almost every elderly person has had their first dose in one district in Hampshire. Over-40s could get Covid jabs by end of MARCH Britons as young as 40 could be offered a jab within a few weeks, the Mail can reveal. Government advisers are set to recommend the next phase of the vaccine rollout continues on the basis of age, rather than prioritising key workers. But the age brackets will be wider than before meaning 40 to 49-year-olds are likely to be invited to have a jab once the 32million people in the top nine groups have had their first dose. Earlier this week it emerged this target could be hit as soon as March 24, if the daily average is maintained. This would mean the over-40s being invited for a jab in less than five weeks. It would be a huge boost for Britain's vaccine programme and could add to the pressure on ministers to ease the lockdown sooner. It comes as the head of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said age should be the dominant factor in deciding the next phase of the jab rollout. Professor Wei Shen Lim told an online audience of doctors age 'dominates by a long way' while underlying health conditions contribute 'some increased risk'. Advertisement The NHS England statistics, which go up to February 14, also show that some parts of the country have dished out nearly 300 times as many second vaccine doses as others. The area with the poorest uptake of the first dose was Westminster, in central London, where only 60.9 per cent of residents over 70 have had their first injection. The figure was almost as low in West London, where just 67.5 per cent of people in the age group have been jabbed. The worst 10 areas for uptake were all in the capital. Health chiefs fear vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups is behind the poorer uptake in London's culturally diverse boroughs. It follows reports of GP surgeries in London having to close early because not enough people have been turning up to get their injection. North East Hampshire and Farnham, on the other hand, has given out the most first doses to over-70s in the country, with 99.8 per cent uptake. East Leicestershire and Rutland was second, at 99.3 per cent. Somerset and Sunderland have both also jabbed more than 99 per cent of over-70s with either Pfizer's or Oxford University's vaccine. While London is being hit hardest by the postcode lottery, overall, uptake across the country appears even. The figures show 114 out of 135 NHS areas in England have vaccinated more than nine in 10 over-70s. But uptake of the second dose is far more inconsistent, with some areas jabbing up to 300 times as many patients as others. Portsmouth, for example, has seen 14.7 per cent coverage compared to 0.05 per cent in Morecambe Bay, in Lancashire. Number 10 decided last month to delay the second dose for up to 12 weeks in an attempt to get the first injection to as many Brits as possible, which may partially explain the disparity. The figures do not take into account health and social care staff or extremely clinically vulnerable younger people, such as those with terminal illnesses, who are both also at the top of the vaccine priority list. Instead, they look solely at over-70s, who are most at risk of dying from the illness. 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. Preparations for the telephone conversation between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Joe Biden are ongoing, and there are no causes for concern. "Just yesterday, I received the latest report from our embassy in Washington, D.C. about contacts with representatives of the new administration, and I see no causes for concern. In particular, they discussed future contact between our presidents. Scheduled, planned work is underway, preparations for this conversation are ongoing, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said at an online briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. As Kuleba noted, the U.S. President is currently focused on the domestic political agenda and the number of his international contacts has been reduced to "almost zero." The minister also recalled that the White House had announced holding all meetings in online format due to quarantine restrictions. Certainly, we work to organize this conversation. There is no lack of communication between Ukraine and the United States, the proof is my recent conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Kuleba assured. As reported, Dmytro Kuleba and Antony Blinken discussed strengthening of Ukraine-US strategic partnership and prospects for contacts at all levels, including the highest, in a telephone conversation on February 2. ol Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Embark Delta Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Embark Health Inc. ("Embark" or the "Company" ) is pleased to announce the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), the provincial regulator responsible for permitting and monitoring the operation of local cannabis wholesalers and retailers in the Province, has authorized Embark Delta to supply cannabis 2.0 branded products directly to the province's retail and wholesale markets. Embark is thrilled to be launching their portfolio of Brands in the province including The Hank Co. ("Hank") and "Hazel" with best in class solventless concentrates, combined with their "Distilled + Infused" brand of nano-infused Liquid and Powder beverage mixes and the luxurious "Meridian" all-in-one THC and CBD wellness and beauty creams. "This is the third province in a matter of weeks in which Embark Delta has signed agreements for sales in the Canadian recreational market. We are excited to announce the further expansion of our distribution network and access to our robust product portfolio as we move into new provinces," said Dr. Luc. C. Duchesne, Embark's CEO. "Saskatchewan represents another province in which Canadians will be able to purchase Embark's products and has a unique model that allows both the sale and distribution of Cannabis 2.0 by the private sector. We are thrilled to be entering this market which forms another component of Embark's distribution network, providing premium-branded products to both the government and private sectors across Canada and further positioning the Company for global markets," stated Dr. Duchesne. The Company is in continued discussions with the remaining provinces, territories and private retail outlets. Embark's advanced 2.0 product portfolio will continue to expand into the adult-use market through 2021 with the inclusion of additional concentrate and EmbarkNano products. About Embark Health Inc. Embark Health Inc. is an emerging leader in cannabis extraction, with a focus on the formulation and production of advanced 2.0 products for the Contract Manufacturing and Adult-use markets. Embark continues to be at the forefront of production of solventless concentrate products including Bubble Hash, Traditional Pressed Hash, Rosin and Dry Sift. With the acquisition of Embark Nano (formerly, Axiomm Technologies Ltd.) Embark is preparing to launch a suite of next generation Cannabis 2.0 products. The acquired portfolio of products and formulations support the mass production and distribution of advanced 2.0 products including cannabis-infused beverages, topicals, edibles and water-soluble powders. For more information, please visit www.embarknano.com. Embark's mandate is to pursue best in class production processes resulting in premium quality commercial and consumer extraction products. Embark is dedicated to unleashing the full potential of the cannabis plant through scientific approaches to extraction and the production of quality products to enhance everyday life. For more information, please visit www.embarkhealthinc.com . For Further Information Contact Investor Relations Contact: IR@embarkhealthinc.com FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including statements regarding the future growth and profitability prospects for Embark, the demand for Embark's products, timing for the launch and sale of its products, the success of Embark's products in the market and the ability of Embark to successfully execute its business plan. Although Embark believes in light of the estimates by management, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them. Accordingly, Embark can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, changes in economic conditions or financial markets; regulatory delays; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and technological or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking information. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74995 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. Echoing a similar beach access controversy thats still unresolved, a proposal by the Borough of Deal to sell a quarter-acre lot to an adjacent property owner for $1 million has drawn objections from the state Department of Environmental Protection and waterfront activists who say the proposal violates rules governing public access to the sand and surf. But the Monmouth County shore communitys top administrator said the sale of the lot will not keep sun bathers, surfers or anglers from going down to the sea. And he insisted the borough was working on a response that would satisfy the DEP, if not the waterfront watchdogs wary of Deals waterfront deal-making. During a Feb. 5 meeting, the boroughs 3-member board of commissioners introduced an ordinance providing for the sale of the lot, which is on the eastern end of Roosevelt Avenue, adjacent to a storm water pump house three blocks from the boroughs northern border with Long Branch. The board, which is led by Mayor Samuel Cohen, could finalize the sale by adopting the measure, Ordinance 1230, during a meeting scheduled for 9 a.m on March 6. Word of the ordinance quickly spread among beach access advocates who had successfully opposed what they insisted were Deals violation of the ancient Public Trust Doctrine and state access law, and began alerting each other and state officials of the proposed sale. On Feb. 9, a coalition of beach access advocates including the Surfrider Foundation, the American Littoral Society and the Citizens Right to Access Beaches, or CRAB, wrote to the DEP complaining the sale would violate terms of a $361,000 hazardous mitigation grant and a Coastal Area Facilities Review Act permit awarded by the DEP to Deal in 2015. The grant and CAFRA permit had allowed the borough to shore up the property underlying the pump house following erosion during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The coalitions Feb. 9 letter, penned by attorney Andrew Chambarry, a Jersey Shore native and former Surfrider official, also cited remarks in a 2016 story on NJ.com quoting a borough official vowing never to sell the property. This is the second time in two years that the borough has attempted to sell beachfront property to an adjacent homeowner, Chamberry wrote. Having already been contacted by activists, the DEP didnt take long to react to the letter. Hours after receiving it, the agencys regional supervisor, Michele Kropilak, sent a notice of violation, also dated Feb. 9, to Deal Borough Administrator Stephen Carasia. Kropilak told Carasia the town had failed to meet its obligation to notify the Monmouth County Clerks office of the CAFRA permit, which included a guarantee of public beach access at the pump house site. The requirement is intended to ensure that easement is honored in the event the property is transferred. Carasia told NJ Advance Media in a phone interview Tuesday that the borough would address the issues, then proceed with the sale. Carasia also insisted that public access to the beach would be maintained at the site, with a landscaped path immediately south of the pump house, and referred to a diagram of the access path accompanying the sale ordinance. Chamberry, meanwhile, said he was looking into whether the sale would violate federal law and be blocked permanently. Chambarry told NJ Advance Media that if Deal does go ahead with the sale, the borough should at least reimburse the state for the grant money, which also helped to shore up the parcel being sold. Carasia said the bulk of the sale proceeds would go toward constructing the access path. He said the reimbursement question was being reviewed by Deals borough attorney, Paul Fernicola, who also happens to be the mayor of nearby Loch Arbor. If the Roosevelt Avenue case sounds familiar, it may be because in 2019 Deal tried a likewise controversial sale, for the same price and involving a similar piece of borough-owned property. In that case, which was also led by Cohen, commissioners approved the sale of a small parcel at the end of Neptune Avenue, near Deals southern border with Allenhurst. The American Littoral Society then filed a lawsuit to block the transaction, citing the lots status as a waterfront access point designated by both the borough and the State of New Jersey. But Cohen insisted at the time that the spot was for visual access only, which he said would be maintained, and that the property owner, who had plans to build a house on the adjacent lot, had pledged not to erect any structure on the parcel and to limit plantings on it to a height of two feet high. Cohen also noted that the parcel had been assessed at just $160,000, or 16% of the proposed sale price, and he defended the deal as a win for borough taxpayers. The case is pending. Deal is among a minority of Jersey Shore towns that have no boardwalk or beach-related businesses to speak of, and neither rely on nor try to attract tourists. Deal lacks even an oceanside drive where passing motorists can look out over the beach and the Atlantic. Instead, its shore is lined with mansions fronting on Ocean Avenue with large lots that back onto the beach. The Deal Casino Beach Club occupies a six-block stretch in the middle of Ocean Avenue , between the roadway and the surf. There are several streets perpendicular to the shore, including Roosevelt Avenue, that cross Ocean a few lots in from the beach and then dead-end at the sand. Deals median home value of $1.45 million in 2019 was quadruple the statewide median of $344,000, according to DataUSA.com. And while Deal is not the only residential shore community accused of trying to keep out the riff-raff, beach access advocates say the borough has been particularly bold and persistent in its defiance of the ancient Public Trust Doctrine still invoke in modern case law and current state statute governing beach access. Among other examples, in 2015 and 2016 the borough tried to require parking permits on streets near the beach. Those plans were successfully quashed by opponents the Citizens in Opposition to Beach Restrictive Access, or COBRA, who found them particularly galling after the Army Corps of Engineers had just spent $38 million in federal taxpayer funds on a post-Hurricane Sandy beach replenishment project in Monmouth County that included Deal. It just seems like it never ends in the attempts to restrict access from the public, Chambarry said. Thats why its so important to keep an eye on whats going on, not only in Deal but up and down the coast. Deal officials say a landscaped path adjacent to a pump house at the end of Roosevelt Avenue will provide public access to the beach despite the sale of a publicly owned parcel to an adjacent homeowner.Borough of Deal Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. ALTAMONT As a young Marine, Thomas J. Lemme watched his comrades raise the American flag over Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima before he was wounded by a grenade. While recuperating in a U.S. naval hospital, the ward was abuzz about a visit from Shirley Temple. He didnt care, but ran into her. Someone took a picture and the nickname Hollywood Tom stuck. Lemme died last November. Porter E. Bidleman followed two days later, joining Francis Dick Varone who died in September. All were 94 and part of a rapidly dwindling group of local Battle of Iwo Jima survivors who met regularly at the Home Front Cafe in Altamont to reminisce and swap stories. Every Feb. 19, they would recall their friends who never made it home. Bidleman, a Navy man, was hard of hearing and tended to avoid the hubbub of crowds. But he would break into a wide smile upon arrival despite the room buzzing with activity. When he came in, he so much enjoyed the camaraderie, said Mark Yingling, a Clifton Park resident and member of Patriot Guard. The group's members attend the funerals of veterans. The deaths of Lemme and Bidleman reduced local surviving members of the group from six to three while another has relocated downstate. Last year was particularly brutal for all veterans in Yinglings network not just Iwo Jima survivors. Yingling knows of 16 veterans who have died in 12 months, none felled by COVID-19. Its just time catching up, he said. While their ranks are fading into history, so has the Home Front Cafe, which has permanently closed, making this years 76th anniversary on Friday particularly bittersweet. Yingling has been attending the meetups for years. It was not to celebrate themselves, but for so many of their friends they saw die, Yingling said. When World War II veterans returned to civilian life, the climate wasnt like it is now, with survivors groups and therapy sessions. They remained silent and went on with their lives, whether working for General Electric like Varone or running small businesses: Archery for Lemme, a funeral home for Bidleman. They were encouraged not to bring it up for various reasons it was just bad memories, Yingling said. But once they got together, they realized no one was trying to pull these stories out of them. It came naturally and it was cathartic. Ambrose Cowboy Anderson, 5th Marine Division, Sal Famularo and Dr. Thomas Smith of the 4th Marine Division, are the remaining three local survivors. A fourth, Nils Mockler, recently relocated to Westchester County from Altamont. Each is well despite the pandemic, Yingling said, noting Smith, who is 95, actually called him recently to check in. While far from the usual digs of the Home Front Cafe, Mockler and Anderson traded stories on a recent conference call. Neither knew each other during the hard-fought battle to capture the island in the Pacific from the Japanese and both participated in dramatically different aspects of the 36-day fight following the Feb. 19, 1945, invasion. Mocker, who is white, worked as an intelligence scout; Anderson, who is Black, was a corporal whose squad in the 8th Ammunition Company was relegated to hauling ammo. (Anderson was a member of the Montford Point Marines, the first-ever Black Marines). En route to Iwo Jima, Andersons convoy was attacked by kamikaze pilots. He took cover and began feeding ammo to a machine gunner. We just started doing what we had to do, Anderson said. We have never trained for that. The squad leader glanced around afterwards and saw corpses bobbing in the water. When I saw driftwood, thats when I knew I was at war, Anderson said. I was from Gloversville, New York, and thought Id never be coming home again. From his perch in intelligence, Mocker sat in on briefings and was told capturing Iwo Jima would be a cinch. It was supposed to be the two easiest days in Marine Corps history, Mockler said. We were going to be rolling in with a barrage which hadnt been used since World War I, and we were going to get Mount Suribachi and the airfield on the first day without question. I knew what was supposed to be going on and I knew what was going on. The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted for over a month, killing nearly 7,000 Marines and injuring over 19,000. Marines captured 216 Japanese soldiers, and the rest were killed in action. Mocker saw his fair share of carnage, like when a mortar hit a freshly covered mass grave, blowing decaying and burned flesh skyward. We did what we had to do, Anderson said. I dont know how I got back here. Mockler responded, Its because you didnt get hit. While horror surfaced in their chat, the conversation eased into levity as the pair reminisced about mundane details of life on the front: protocols, commanding officers, how far they made it up Mount Suribachi and the unpleasantness of everyday life. Did you have a change of socks or a change of skivvies?" Mockler teased Anderson. Anderson, now 95, chuckled. Both are acutely aware of their own mortality, and spoke in frank terms about death. Maybe we can do it again when the virus is over, Anderson said. Or if we live long enough. Mockler, who turns 95 in April, brought back soil from a visit to the island on the 50th anniversary in 1995, and aims to incorporate it into his final plans. Im making plans for a peaceful exit, he said. We went through hell and went back to hell, he said. And it was still the best thing I ever did. My only regret is I didnt get to do more. BRANT LAKE An exclusive Adirondack summer camp is being sued by the parents of a 9-year-old boy who say he was sexually molested on the first night of his second summer there. As first reported by the Post-Star, the complaint filed in the Supreme Court in Manhattan claimed that staff at Brant Lake Camp knew of the abuse and did nothing to prevent it. The filing claims that camp Director Richard Gersten turned a blind eye to Dylan Stolz, a Long Island elementary school teacher who worked at the camp as a counselor for 33 years. And by doing so, the camp, that the New York Post reported hosted the sons of Ralph Lauren and Jerry Seinfeld, allowed other boys to suffer abuse. The camp directors and personnel at Brant Lake Camp were warned about inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature by Stolz and did absolutely nothing about it, said the boys attorney Marijo Adimey. By turning a blind eye and claiming ignorance to the inappropriate sexual actions of Dylan Stolz, they knowingly and willfully allowed my client and several other boys to become victims of Stolzs repugnant pattern of behavior. Stoltz was arrested in July 2018 after 11 boys claimed he touched their genitalia and/or buttocks, the Post-Star reported. Four of the charges were dropped before the trial. Others were dropped as part of the plea deal, which ended with Stolz taking an Alford plea, avoiding a trial. He was convicted of sex abuse and is now serving 4.5 years in the Otisville Correctional Facility in Orange County. According to the state Department of Corrections, Stolz will be eligible for parole in February 2023. Camp personnel hung up the phone when a Times Union reporter called to ask for a comment about the lawsuit. Camp attorney Michael Stonberg did not respond to a request for comment. Adimey called the camps inaction unconscionable. Worse, she said, is the "shocking audacity " of the camps defense that the boy failed to take reasonable precautions for his own safety. Simply put Brant Lake Camp failed to prioritize the safety of its young campers and as a result, my client and others have suffered and will continue to suffer the horrors of being a victim of sexual abuse, Adimey said in a statement. This lawsuit sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and that the innocent lives of our young children need to be protected. Our clients are looking forward to their day in court and to obtaining justice for a crime that never should have happened. A court date has yet to be set. Millions of Americans may still be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms months after recovering from the infection, a new study suggests. Researchers found that nearly one-third of patients reported at least one persistent symptom of the disease. What's more, the most common lingering effects were fatigue and the inability to taste or smell - affecting more than 10 percent of people in the U.S. at least six months later. The team, from the University of Washington, in Seattle, says patients who have what is known as 'long-haul COVID' can occur in not just those who are hospitalized but also among those with mild symptoms and more research is needed on what can be done to improve their quality of life. Of the 30% of recovered COVID-19 patients who reported at least one persistent symptom, the most common 'long-haul' symptoms were fatigue and the loss of sense of smell or taste, reported by 13.6% of patients each (above) Many said they still had symptoms six months or more after recovering from their illness (above) and 30 % reported a worse quality of life For the study, published in JAMA Network Open, the team looked at 234 patients at the University of Washington. A total of 177 had been tested positive for the virus, known as SARS-CoV-2, and has since recovered from the infection while 21 were healthy control patients. Participants were contacted between August and November 2020 and those who had had coronavirus were asked to complete a single follow-up questionnaire between three and nine months after first experiencing symptoms. Of the COVID-19 patients, the majority - 84.7 percent - had experienced mild symptoms with 6.2 percent being asymptomatic and nine percent having moderate or severe illness requiring hospitalization. Overall, 30 percent of patients reported at least one persistent symptom. With total of 27.8 million confirmed cases in the U.S., this could mean as many as 8.3 million people in the U.S. are experiencing the same thing. Among them, 49 out of 150 patients that had mild or no symptoms, or 32.7 percent - reported this as did five of out 16 hospitalized patients, or 31.3 percent. The most common persistent symptoms were fatigue and the loss of sense of smell or taste, reported in 13.6 percent of patients each. Most said this was occurring as long as six months after recovering. In March, the American Academy of Otolaryngology called for the CDC to add anosmia - the inability to smell - to its list of potential signs of coronavirus. At the time, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was investigating a possible link between the two, but evidence was preliminary. Now, many recovered patients say that, months later, neither of those senses have returned, or they're very muted. Some say they can't things like perfume or a fire and that some of their favorite foods, such as pizza, now taste like 'cardboard.' Researchers say they don't know when some COVID-19 survivors will get their senses back or have their symptoms recover, if at all. The study found that another 13 percent reported other symptoms, like brain fog, muscle and body aches and trouble breathing. What's more 30.7 percent, of 51 patients, reported worse health-related quality of life due to their ongoing symptoms. Of that group, 7.9 percent reported negative impacts on at least one activity of daily life, the most common being household chores. 'With [millions of] cases worldwide, even a small incidence of long-term debility could have enormous health and economic consequences,' the authors of the study wrote. 'Our research indicates that the health consequences of COVID-19 extend far beyond acute infection, even among those who experience mild illness. 'Comprehensive long-term investigation will be necessary to fully understand the impact of this evolving viral pathogen.' AIM and Media Release 19 February 2021 BASE RESOURCES LIMITED Updated Kwale North Dune and Maiden Bumamani Mineral Resources Estimates Key Points As part of the pre-feasibility study currently underway to assess the viability of mining the Kwale North Dune and Bumamani deposits, seeking to extend the mine life of Kwale Operations, additional drilling and mineralogy assessments have been conducted. The Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate has increased by 13% to 194 million tonnes at an average HM grade of 1.5%, containing 2.9Mt HM, based on a 1% HM cut-off grade. 99% of the Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate is now reported in the Measured and Indicated categories. The maiden Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate is 5.9 million tonnes at an average HM grade of 1.9%, containing 0. 115Mt HM, based on a 1% HM cut-off grade. HM, based on a 1% HM cut-off grade. The pre-feasibility study for the Kwale North Dune and Bumamani deposits is due for completion early in Q2 2021. African mineral sands producer, Base Resources Limited (ASX / AIM: BSE) (Base Resources) is pleased to provide an update to the Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources (2021Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources) estimate and announce a maiden Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate (2021BumamaniMineral Resources) at its 100% owned and operated mineral sands operations in Kwale County, Kenya (Kwale Operations). The 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources and 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimates are being presented together because of the close proximity of the underlying deposits and as these deposits are the subject of a single pre-feasibility study (the Kwale North Dune PFS) being undertaken to assess their potential to extend the mine life of Kwale Operations. The Kwale North Dune PFS commenced in early 2020 and is due for completion early in the second quarter of 2021. Since announcement of the maiden JORC 2012 North Dune Mineral Resources estimate in May 2019 (2019Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources)1, Base Resources has carried out additional drilling, assaying and mineralogy studies of the Kwale North Dune to improve the confidence of the Mineral Resources estimate and further the Company's understanding of the deposit. As a result of this additional work, 99% of the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate is now reported in the Measured and Indicated categories. Material tonnage for the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate has also increased by 13% and contained heavy mineral (HM) has increased by 12% from the 2019 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate. The 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources are now estimated to be 194 million tonnes (Mt) at an average HM grade of 1.5% for 2.9Mt of contained HM, at a 1% HM cut-off grade. The Bumamani deposit is situated approximately 1.5km south of the North Dune deposit (Figure 1) and was discovered by Base Resources in 2017 when drilling to test for mineralisation in the north-east sector of the Kwale Prospecting Licence PL/2018/0119 (PL119). At that time, taking into account the results at hand and the small size of the deposit indicated by such results, it was decided that any Mineral Resources estimate would be deferred until the full drilling program planned for the north-east sector was able to be completed and the full results incorporated into the estimation process. Due to ongoing community access issues, Base Resources has not been able to complete that program. However, with commencement of the Kwale North Dune PFS, the Bumamani deposit has now been revisited due to its proximity to the Kwale North deposit and a Mineral Resources estimate completed to allow its inclusion in that study. The maiden 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate was developed from 2,977.5m of drilling from 183 holes and is 5.9Mt at an average HM grade of 1.9% for 0.115Mt of contained HM, at a 1% HM cut-off grade. The 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources and the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimates are reported in accordance with the JORC Code. Base Resources has a net attributable interest of 100% in the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources and the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources. The information prescribed by the ASX Listing Rules, including a summary of the information material to understanding each Mineral Resources estimate in respect of the prescribed matters, is set out in the sections below. For each Mineral Resources estimate, such information should be read in conjunction with the explanatory information provided in respect of the applicable estimate for the purposes of Sections 1 to 3 of Table 1 of the JORC Code - see Appendix 1 to this announcement in the case of the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate and Appendix 2 in the case of the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate. Figures (graphics) referenced in this announcement have been omitted. A full PDF version of this announcement, including all figures (graphics), is available from Base Resources' website: https://baseresources.com.au/investors/ announcements/. [Note (1): Refer to Base Resources' market announcement "Mineral Resource for Kwale North Dune deposit" released on 1 May 2019, which is available at https://baseresources.com.au/investors/announcements/] Table 1: 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate compared with the 2019 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate. 2021 as at 19 February 2021 2019 as at 1 May 2019 Category Tonnes (Mt) HM (Mt) HM (%) SL (%) OS (%) HM Assemblage Tonnes (Mt) HM (Mt) HM (%) SL (%) OS (%) HM Assemblage ILM (%) RUT (%) ZIR (%) ILM (%) RUT (%) ZIR (%) Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources Measured 119 1.8 1.5 37 1 42 13 6 - - - - - - - - Indicated 73 1.0 1.4 37 2 50 14 6 136 2.1 1.5 38 2 45 12 5 Inferred 2 0.0 1.2 37 3 50 15 7 34 0.5 1.4 36 3 46 13 6 Total 194 2.9 1.5 37 2 45 13 6 171 2.6 1.5 38 2 45 12 5 Table subject to roundingdifferences, resources estimated at a 1% HM cut-off grade. Table 2: Maiden 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate. 2021 as at 19 February 2021 Category Tonnes (Mt) HM (kt) HM (%) SL (%) OS (%) HM Assemblage Tonnes (Mt) HM (Mt) HM (%) SL (%) OS (%) HM Assemblage ILM (%) RUT (%) ZIR (%) ILM (%) RUT (%) ZIR (%) Bumamani Mineral Resources Measured 3.0 66 2.2 19 2 48 15 7.5 N/A Indicated 2.6 45 1.7 23 5 47 16 7.7 Inferred 0.3 4 1.4 27 6 41 14 7.8 Total 5.9 115 1.9 21 4 47 15 7.6 Table subject to roundingdifferences, resources estimated at a 1% HM cut-off grade. Further information relevant to both Mineral Resources estimates Kwale Operations is located on Special Mining Lease 23 (SML 23), which lies within PL119. The Prospecting Licence covers an area of 88.7km2, which includes the Kwale North and Bumamani deposits, and is located approximately 50 kilometres south of Mombasa and approximately 10 kilometres inland from the Kenyan coast (Figure 1). The Kwale Project initially comprised three areas that contained concentrations of heavy minerals. They were the South Dune, Central Dune (now totally depleted by mining and currently the repository for sand tailings from the South Dune) and the North Dune deposits (Figure 2), with the Bumamani deposit only being discovered in 2017 after mining operations had commenced. The project was initially owned by Tiomin Resources Inc. (Tiomin) which conducted drilling in 1997 and then by Base Titanium Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Base Resources) which purchased the project late in 2010 and commenced confirmatory drilling of the Central, South and North Dune deposits. The North Dune deposit was initially excluded from the project's Mineral Resources on the basis of HM grade and the then prevailing economic conditions. However, in 2018, it was decided to re-evaluate the potential of the North Due in light of improved economic conditions, refined resource definition methodology and with insights gained from five years of operations on the Central Dune. Following that decision, the 2019 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate was announced. The rocks of the area are of sedimentary origin and range in age from Upper Carboniferous to Recent. Three divisions are recognised: the Cainozoic rocks, the Upper Mesozoic rocks (not exposed within the area) and the Duruma Sandstone Series giving rise to the dominant topographical feature of the area: the Shimba Hills. The Shimba grits and Mazeras sandstone are of Upper Triassic age and form the Upper Duruma Sandstone. The Magarini sands form a belt of low hills running parallel to the coast. They rest with slight unconformity on the Shimba grits and Mazeras sandstone. This formation was deposited during Pliocene times and consists mainly of unconsolidated fluviatile sediments derived from the Duruma Sandstone Series. The Kwale deposits are an aeolian subset of the Magarini sands and are generally poorly stratified and contain a fraction of clay, which for the North Dune and Bumamani deposits is approximately 37% and 21%, respectively. Heavy minerals, mainly ilmenite, rutile and zircon, are locally concentrated and are abundant in some places, giving rise to the deposits. Further information specific to the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate The geological interpretations for the Kwale North Dune deposit considered the data in the drill logs, HM assay results, microscopic logging of HM sinks, detailed mineralogy and knowledge gained from mining the Central Dune and South Dune deposits. Four geological domains have been identified at the Kwale North Dune deposit. These were used and honoured during the geological modelling (Figure 3). The uppermost zone at the Kwale North Dune deposit, referred to as Ore Zone 1, is a dark brown, predominantly fine grained, well sorted silty sand with very little induration and is similar to the Ore Zone 1 units in the other Kwale deposits. Mineralogically, it is characterised by clean, glossy and rounded HM grains with an average valuable heavy mineral (VHM) content of approximately 75%. Ore Zone 4 lies below Ore Zone 1, with an indurated paleo-surface separating the two zones, as observed in the field through difficult drill bit penetration, and in HM sink logs, exhibiting elevated iron oxides. The Ore Zone 4 host is higher in slimes with difficult washability and the grain sorting is generally poor. It is slightly lower in VHM content (71%), often with elevated iron oxides and alumino-silicate minerals (kyanite, andalusite and sillimanite). Ore Zone 4 is considered a fluvial deposit based on the difficulty of wash and the poor grain sorting. Ore Zone 5 lies below Ore Zone 4 and is separated from that zone by a lateritic paleo-surface and is also hosted in a fluviatile clay-rich, poorly sorted formation. It is distinguished mineralogically by an increased amount of almandine garnet that reports to the magnetic fraction, significantly increasing magnesium, manganese, aluminium and silicon in the oxide chemistry. As a result of this, Ore Zone 5 has a notably lower average VHM content (44%). The Basement Zone lies below Ore Zone 5 and is typically hosted in weathered variants of the Mesozoic (Permo-Triassic) Duruma Sandstones. It does contain mineralisation which was reported in the 2019 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate as Ore Zone 10. However, it has a VHM content of just 10% being predominantly titano-haematite (<40% TiO2) to which no value is ascribed, with zircon enrichment in the non-magnetic fraction. This mineralisation was assessed at scoping level. It is not considered to hold potential for eventual economic extraction due to its low VHM content, depth of burial, high slime content (42%), high grade variability, presence of induration and the fact that most of it lies below the water table (significantly increasing the cost and complexity of mining) and is therefore not reported. For Ore Zones 1, 4 and 5, a strong correlation between the field logs, HM sink logs and XRF oxide chemistry and QEMSCAN mineralogy gives confidence to these interpretations. Following acquisition of the Kwale Project, subsequent resource drilling by Base Resources' wholly-owned subsidiary, Base Titanium Limited, of the Kwale North deposit was completed using the reverse circulation, air core (RCAC) method and conducted in three campaigns: November 2010, December 2012 to April 2013 and June 2018 to May 2019 (Figure 4). A total of 745 holes were drilled for 27,429 metres and generated 15,441 samples for assay. Tiomin drilled 37 holes in 1997 but, due to poor twinned hole assay repeatability at other areas of the Kwale Project, no Tiomin drilling information was used by Base Resources for the 2019 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate and this is also the case of the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources. The predominantly three metre sample intervals in the 2010 and 2012/13 drilling were replaced by sampling at 1.5 metre intervals for the 2018/19 drill program to provide greater control on geological boundaries. Sample sizes averaged close to 3kg at this sample interval when collecting 25% of the rotary splitter cycle. Samples were dried, weighed, and screened for material less than 45 micrometres (slimes) and +1 mm (oversize). Approximately 100 grams of the screened sample was subjected to a HM float/sink technique using the heavy liquid, lithium polytungstate (LST) with a specific gravity of 2.85 grams per cubic centimetre. The resulting HM concentrate was dried and weighed as were the other separated constituent size fractions (the minus 45 micrometre material being calculated by difference). Mineral assemblage analyses were conducted by Base Resources to characterise the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of specific mineral species and magnetic fractions. These mineral assemblage samples were subjected to magnetic separation using a Mineral Technologies induced-roll magnetic separator which captures magnetic (mag), middling (mid) and non-magnetic (non-mag) fractions. The mid and mag fractions were combined and, with the non-mag fraction, were subjected to XRF analysis using a Bruker, S8 Tiger XRF. Data from the mag and non-mag XRF analyses are processed through an algorithm (Minmod) that runs approximately 100,000 iterations in assigning key chemical species to derive a calculated mineralogy determination. Drill hole collar and geology data was captured by industry-specific, field logging software with on-board validation. Field and assay data were managed in a MS Access database and subsequently migrated to a more secure SQL database. Standard samples were generated and certified for use in the field and laboratory. Accuracy of HM and slimes (SL) analysis was verified by using the standard samples and monitored using control charts. Standard errors greater than three standard deviations from the mean prompted batch re-assay. A standard precision analysis was conducted on the key assay fields: HM, SL and Oversize (OS) for both laboratory and field duplicate samples. Normal scatter and QQ plots were prepared for HM, SL and OS for laboratory and field duplicates. A twin drilling program was introduced for the 2018 program to quantify short-range variability in geological character and grade intersections. A water injection versus dry drilling assessment was included in the twin drilling analysis. Field and laboratory duplicate, standard and twin drilling analysis show adequate level of accuracy and precision to support resource classifications as stated. A topographic DTM was prepared by Base Resources based on a LIDAR survey. Construction of the geological grade model was based on coding model cells below open wireframe surfaces, comprising topography, geology (Ore Zones 1, 4, and 5) and basement (Figure 3). Model cell dimensions of 50m x 50m x 1.5m in the XYZ orientations were utilised. Interpolation was undertaken using various sized search ellipses to populate the model with primary grade fields (HM, SL and OS), and index fields (hardness, induration percent, mineralogy). Inverse distance weighting to a power of three was used for primary assay fields whilst nearest neighbour was used to interpolate index fields. Figure 5 shows an oblique view of the model coloured by HM grades. A fixed bulk density of 1.7 (t/m3) was applied to the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources model. This bulk density was selected based on operational experience in the Kwale Central and South Dune deposits and because no bulk density sampling was undertaken. This is considered to be a conservative estimate of bulk density. The Kwale North Dune deposit, being similar in nature to the Kwale South Dune deposit currently being mined, is considered amenable to being mined and processed in the same way. That is, by using the existing plant and equipment at the Kwale Operations: hydraulic mining, spiral concentrator and mineral separation plant with magnetic, electrostatic and further gravity separation. The only departure from current methodology is that, for the Kwale North Dune deposit, the fine and coarse tailings are likely to be co-disposed together. Apart from that, there is no indication that the mining, metallurgical and operating cost modifying factors for the Kwale North deposit would be materially different to those derived from mining the Kwale South Dune deposit. The criteria used for classification was primarily the drill spacing (predominantly 100m x 100m) and sample interval (predominantly 1.5m), with consideration also given to the continuity of mineral assemblage information. The ore zones exhibit spatially different classifications mainly because of differing density of mineralogical information and variography. The reason for the increased material tonnes between the 2019 and 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimates is that the area covered by assays has increased. The reason for the increased confidence levels in the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate is refined variography assessments for Ore Zones 1 and 5 which indicate increased ranges in the primary and/or secondary directions of grade continuity compared to the 2019 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources. The 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate used a 1% HM bottom cut because the economic cut-off grade at the nearby Kwale South Dune deposit mine is near to this, and resource estimates for Kwale Operations have historically been reported at this cut-off grade. Figures 4, 6 and 7 show the distribution of the resource classifications for Ore Zones 1, 4 and 5, respectively. Further information specific to the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate The geological interpretations for the Bumamani deposit considered the data in the drill logs, HM assay results, microscopic logging of HM sinks, detailed mineralogy and knowledge gained from mining the Central Dune and South Dune deposits. Three geological domains have been identified at the Bumamani deposit. These were used and honoured during the geological modelling (Figure 8). The uppermost zone at the Bumamani deposit, referred to as Ore Zone 1 (Figure 9), is a dark brown, predominantly fine grained, well sorted silty sand with very little induration and is similar to the Ore Zone 1 units in the other Kwale deposits. It averages 1.9% HM, 21% SL and 4% OS. The zone gets sandier to the east with reduced silt content. Mineralogically it is characterised by clean, glossy and rounded HM grains with an average VHM content of approximately 70% VHM. Ore Zone 4 (Figure 10) lies below Ore Zone 1, with the two zones separated by a lateritic paleo-surface which may imply a time-gap in depositional history. Ore Zone 4 is a fluviatile unit represented locally with poorly sorted sandy clays and gritty sands. The Ore Zone 4 domain averages 1.8% HM, 23.6% SL and 6.4% OS. Ore Zone 4 is mineralogically similar to Ore Zone 1. The Basement Zone at the Bumamani deposit lies beneath Ore Zone 4 and comprises compacted clays, sandy-clays, limestone and fluvial sands. The grain sizes range from silt to pebbles and boulders, with generally poor sorting and is characterised by trace concentrations of HM typically with low VHM content. For Ore Zones 1 and 4, a strong correlation between the field logs, HM sink logs and XRF oxide chemistry and QEMSCAN mineralogy gives confidence to these interpretations. Drilling by Base Resources' wholly-owned subsidiary, Base Titanium Limited, of the Bumamani deposit was completed using the RCAC method and conducted in two campaigns in 2017 and 2018, both employing 76mm diameter, 3m long NQ drill rods. A total of 183 holes were drilled for 2,977.5m at 1.5m sampling intervals and generated 1,968 assayed samples. Holes were drilled 50m apart on lines 100m apart. Samples were split using a rig mounted rotary splitter which delivered an average of 2.7kg of dry sample per interval. Samples were dried, weighed, and screened for material less than 45 micrometres (slimes) and +1mm (oversize). Approximately 100 grams of the screened sample was subjected to a HM float/sink technique using the heavy liquid, lithium polytungstate (LST) with a specific gravity of 2.85 grams per cubic centimetre. The resulting HM concentrate was dried and weighed as were the other separated constituent size fractions (the minus 45 micrometre material being calculated by difference). Mineral assemblage analyses were conducted by Base Resources to characterise the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of specific mineral species and magnetic fractions. These mineral assemblage samples were subjected to magnetic separation using a Mineral Technologies induced-roll magnetic separator which captures mag, mid and non-mag fractions. The mid and mag fractions were combined and, with the non-mag fraction, were subjected to XRF analysis using a Bruker, S8 Tiger XRF. Data from the mag and non-mag XRF analyses was processed through the Minmod algorithm that runs approximately 100,000 iterations in assigning key chemical species to derive a calculated mineralogy determination. Drill hole collar and geology data was captured by industry-specific, field logging software with on-board validation. Field and assay data were managed in a MS Access database and subsequently migrated to a more secure SQL database. Standard samples were generated and certified for use in the field and laboratory. Accuracy of HM and SL analysis was verified by using the standard samples and monitored using control charts. Standard errors greater than three standard deviations from the mean prompted batch re-assay. A standard precision analysis was conducted on the key assay fields: HM, SL and OS for both laboratory and field duplicate samples. Normal scatter and QQ plots were prepared for HM, SL and OS for laboratory and field duplicates. A twin drilling program was introduced for the 2018 program to quantify short-range variability in geological character and grade intersections. A water injection versus dry drilling assessment was included in the twin drilling analysis. Field and laboratory duplicate, standard and twin drilling analysis show adequate level of accuracy and precision to support resource classifications as stated. A topographic DTM was prepared by Base Resources based on a LIDAR survey. Construction of the geological grade model was based on coding model cells below open wireframe surfaces, comprising topography, geology (Ore Zones 1 and 4) and basement (Figure 8). Model cell dimensions of 50m x 50m x 1.5m in the XYZ orientations were utilised. Interpolation was undertaken using various sized search ellipses to populate the model with primary grade fields (HM, SL and OS), and index fields (hardness, induration percent, mineralogy). Inverse distance weighting to a power of three was used for primary assay fields whilst nearest neighbour was used to interpolate index fields. Figure 11 shows an oblique view of the model coloured by HM grade. A fixed bulk density of 1.7 (t/m3) was applied to the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate model. This bulk density was selected based on operational experience in the Kwale Central and South Dune deposits and because no bulk density sampling was undertaken. This is considered to be a conservative estimate of bulk density. The Bumamani deposit, being similar in nature to the Kwale South Dune deposit currently being mined, is considered amenable to being mined and processed in the same way. That is, by using the existing plant and equipment at the Kwale Operations: hydraulic mining, spiral concentrator and mineral separation plant with magnetic, electrostatic and further gravity separation. The only departure from current methodology is that, for the Bumamani deposit (like for the Kwale North Dune deposit), the fine and coarse tailings are likely to be co-disposed together. Apart from that, there is no indication that the mining, metallurgical and operating cost modifying factors for the Bumamani deposit would be materially different to those derived from mining the Kwale South Dune deposit. The criteria used for classification was primarily the drill spacing (predominantly 100m x 50m) and sample interval (1.5m), with consideration also given to the continuity of mineral assemblage information. The ore zones exhibit spatially different classifications mainly because of differing density of mineralogical information. The 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate used a 1% HM bottom cut because the economic cut-off grade at the nearby Kwale South Dune deposit mine is near to this, and resource estimates for Kwale Operations have historically been reported at this cut-off grade. Figures 9 and 10 show the distribution of the resource classifications for Ore Zones 1 and 4 respectively. Competent Persons' Statements 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate The information in this announcement that relates to the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by Mr. Greg Jones, who acts as a Consultant Geologist for Base Resources and is employed by IHC Robbins. Mr. Jones is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation, type of deposits under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code and as a Qualified Person for the purposes of the AIM Rules for Companies. Mr. Jones has reviewed this announcement and consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate and supporting information in the form and context in which that information appears. 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate The information in this announcement that relates to the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by Mr. Scott Carruthers. Mr. Carruthers is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr. Carruthers is employed by Base Resources, holds equity securities in Base Resources, and is entitled to participate in Base Resources' long-term incentive plan and receive equity securities under that plan. Details about that plan are included in Base Resources' 2020 Annual Report. Mr. Carruthers has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation, type of deposits under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code and as a Qualified Person for the purposes of the AIM Rules for Companies. Mr. Carruthers has reviewed this announcement and consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate and supporting information in the form and context in which that information appears. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in or in connection with this announcement contain or comprise forward looking statements. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and may be outside Base Resources' control. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic and market conditions, success of business and operating initiatives, changes in the regulatory environment and other government actions, fluctuations in product prices and exchange rates and business and operational risk management. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or relevant stock exchange listing rules, Base Resources undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this announcement (or any associated presentation, information or matters). To the maximum extent permitted by law, Base Resources and its related bodies corporate and affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisers, disclaim any liability (including, without limitation, any liability arising from fault, negligence or negligent misstatement) for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising from any use or reliance on this announcement or its contents, including any error or omission from, or otherwise in connection with, it. Nothing in this announcement constitutes investment, legal or other advice. You must not act on the basis of any matter contained in this announcement but must make your own independent investigation and assessment of Base Resources and obtain any professional advice you require before making any investment decision based on your investment objectives and financial circumstances. This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation, solicitation, advice or recommendation with respect to the issue, purchase or sale of any security in any jurisdiction. Appendix 1 - 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate JORC Code, 2012 Edition Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data (Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.) Criteria Explanation Comment Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g., cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g., 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g., submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Reverse circulation aircore drilling was used to collect downhole samples for the project. Of the 745 drill holes used for this resource update, 21 of them (drilled between 2010 - mid 2012) utilised 3m sample intervals. The remaining 724 drill holes used 1.5m sample intervals from mid-2012 to 2019 using an on-board rotary splitter mounted beneath the rig cyclone. Sample gates were set to collect 25% of the splitter cycle, which delivered about 2.5 - 3.5kg of sample per interval on average. Duplicate samples were collected at the splitter for every 20th sample simultaneously with the original sample. A representative grab sample from the sample bags was routinely washed and panned for a visual HM content estimate. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g., core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g., core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). 122 holes in the 2010, 2012/2013 campaigns were drilled with a RCAC Wallis Mantis 75 drill rig using NQ drill tooling of about 76mm in diameter. 567 holes in the 2018 campaign and the 56 holes in the 2019 campaign were drilled with a more modernised Mantis 80 drill rig, also using NQ drill bits. For the 2010 and 2012/13 campaigns, the mast was oriented vertically (90) by sight. For the 2018/19 drilling campaign, the rig mast was orientated vertically by spirit level prior to drilling to adhere to best practice for geological boundary delineation. Drilling was recorded in geological logs as either dry or water injected, depending on ground conditions. Water injection was employed to assist with penetration through clays/rock and maintain sample quality and delivery. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Sample condition was logged at the rig as either good, moderate or poor, with good meaning not contaminated and appropriate sample size (recovery), moderate meaning not contaminated, but sample over or under sized, and poor meaning contaminated or grossly over/undersized. Slightly damp ground conditions with approximately 36% silt/clay meant that best sample quality was found to be achieved via slow penetration with water injection to aid in the sample recovery. No relationship is believed to exist between grade and sample recovery. No bias is also believed to occur due to loss of fine material. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Field logging was recorded for all 16,257 fixed, down-hole intervals and was conducted as drilling and sampling proceeded. Logging was based on a representative grab sample that was panned for heavy mineral estimation and host material observations. Logging codes were designed to capture observations on lithology, colour, grainsize, induration and estimated mineralisation. Any relevant comments e.g., water table, gangue HM components and stratigraphic markers were included to aid in the subsequent geological modelling. A qualitative estimate of how representative a sample was of the drilled interval was recorded by Base Titanium Limited (BTL) field geologists whilst logging. This sample condition field records whether the hole was drilled with injected water or dry and sample size (and the influence of contamination or sample loss) directs the quality assessment of each sample. Heavy mineral sinks from assayed samples were logged routinely under a reflected-light, stereoscopic microscope. This work was carried out to capture information relating to VHM content, mineralogy, HM grainsize and quality. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Rotary split at the sampling cyclone on the rig. Approximately 25% of the original sample retained. Duplicate samples were collected at every 20th sample. The drill rods and cyclone were routinely cleaned between holes using pressurised water to avoid inter-hole contamination. The sample size is considered appropriate for the grain size of the material because the grade of HM is measured in per cent, and a 2.5-5kg sample contains in excess of 50 million grains of sand. The sample preparation flow sheet departed from standard mineral sand practices in one respect; the samples were not oven dried prior to de-sliming, to prevent clay minerals being baked onto the HM grains (because the HM fractions were to be used in further mineralogical test work). Instead, a separate sample was split and dried to determine moisture content, which was accounted for mathematically. Pre-soaking of the sample Sodium (Tetra) Pyrophosphate (TSPP) dispersant solution ensured a more efficient de-sliming process and to avoid potentially under-reporting slimes content. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g., standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e., lack of bias) and precision have been established. The assay process employed included a Sample Preparation stage, completed by BTL staff, followed by a heavy liquid separation (using lithium polytungstate: SG = 2.85g/cm3), completed at Kwale Operations' site laboratory. Improvements to the sample preparation stage were made to ensure industry best practice and to deliver a high degree of confidence in the results. These included the following: A formalised process flow was generated, posted in all sample preparation areas and used to train and monitor sample preparation staff Regular monitoring was completed by BTL senior staff Field samples were left in their bags for initial air-drying to avoid sample loss TSPP was introduced to decrease attrition time and improve slimes recovery.A range of attrition times (with 5% TSPP) were trialled and plotted against slimes recovery figures to determine optimum attrition time (15 minutes) Staff were trained to use paint brushes and water spray rather than manipulate sample through slimes screen by hand to remove the potential for screen damage A calibration schedule was introduced for scales used in the sample preparation stage The introduction of ruggedized computers allowed the capture of sample preparation data digitally at inception.This greatly reduced the instance of scribe and data entry errors Slimes screen number recorded to isolate batches should re-assay be required due to poor adherence to procedure or to identify screen damage Various quality control samples were submitted routinely to assure assay quality. A total of 809 duplicate field samples, 809 lab duplicate sample preparation samples, 279 field certified standard samples, and an unspecified number of internal laboratory standards, repeats and blanks have been assayed at Kwale Operations' site laboratory. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. The use of twinned holes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. The Kwale North Dune deposit is a moderate to low HM grade, dunal-style accumulation that does not carry excessive mineralisation or suffer from 'nugget' effects, typical of other commodities. No external audit validation was completed for the HM analyses included in the 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate. This is not considered material given the adequate performance of results from extensive QA/QC verification and on account of low HM grade variance and deposit homogeneity. A twin drill hole procedure was introduced for the 2018/19 program at a recommended rate of 5% of the total number of holes. These twins were used to quantify short-range variability in geological character and grade intersections and ideally should be placed throughout the deposit. A total of 41 twin drill holes were completed during the 2018/19 Kwale North Dune drilling program, which represents about 5.7% of the total program. The spatially well-represented twin hole paired data shows very good correlation considered material to the integrity/quality of the resource data. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. Specification of the grid system used. Quality and adequacy of topographic control. Proposed drill holes were sited on the ground using hand-held GPS. After drilling, surveyors recorded collar positions via DGPS RTK unit registered to local base stations. The accuracy of the DGPS unit is stated at 0.02m in the X, Y and Z axes. The survey Geodetic datum utilised was UTM Arc 1960, used in E. Africa. Arc 1960 references the Clark 1880 (RGS) ellipsoid and the Greenwich prime meridian. All survey data used in the 2021 Kwale North Mineral Resources estimate dataset has undergone a transformation to the local mine grid from the standard UTM Zone 37S (Arc 1960). The local Grid was rotated 42.5o, which aligns the average strike of the deposit with local North and is useful for both grade interpolation and mining reference during production. All drill collars were projected to the local LIDAR survey, digital terrain model, captured over the resource area in 2018/19 at a 2x2m grid spacing. This was performed prior to interpretation and model construction to eliminate any elevation disparities for the block model construction. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Whether the data spacing, and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Whether sample compositing has been applied. The drill data spacing for the 2018/19 Kwale North Resource drilling was nominally 100m X, 100m Y and 1.5m Z. Variations from this spacing resulted from terrain/traverse difficulties and ground access. A sample spacing of 3m, with occasional 1.5m intervals at geological contacts, was employed in the 2012/2013 drilling campaign by BTL. A 3m, down-hole block size was applied to model construction and for consistency in the interpolation processes. This spacing and distribution is considered sufficient to establish the degree of geological and mineralisation continuity appropriate for the resource estimation procedures and classifications applied. No sample compositing has been applied for HM, slimes and oversize in the interpolation processes. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. With the geological setting being a layered dunal/fluviatile sequence, the orientation of the deposit mineralisation in general is sub-horizontal. All drill holes were orientated vertically to penetrate the sub-horizontal mineralisation orthogonally. Hole centres were spaced nominally at 100m. This cross-profiles the dune so that variation can be determined. Down hole intervals were nominated as 1.5m. This provides adequate sampling resolution to capture the distribution and variability of geology units and mineralisation encountered vertically down hole. The orientation of the drilling is considered appropriate for testing the horizontal and vertical extent of mineralisation without bias. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Sample residues from the prep stage were transferred to pallets and stored in a locked shed beside the warehouse at Kwale Operations. Residues from the Kwale Operations site laboratory were placed in labelled bags and stored in numbered boxes. Boxes were placed into a locked container beside the laboratory. Sample tables are housed on a secure, network-hosted SQL database. Administration privileges are limited to two BTL staff: Exploration Superintendent and the Business Applications Administrator. Data is backed up every 12 hours and stored in perpetuity on a secure, site backup server. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. In-house reviews were undertaken by the Base Resources' Resources Manager, Mr. Scott Carruthers who is a Competent Person under the JORC Code. Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results (Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.) Criteria Explanation Comment Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. The Kwale North Dune is situated on a Prospecting License (PL) 100% owned by Base Titanium Limited - PL/2018/0119 located in Kwale County, Kenya. Base Titanium Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian and UK-listed resources company, Base Resources Limited. The 88.7 km2 Prospecting License was granted on the 26th of May 2018 for a three-year term ending 25th May 2021. The PL is in good standing with the Kenya Ministry of Petroleum & Mining at the time of reporting, with all statutory reporting and payments up to date. Local landowners generally supportive of exploration activities with over 90% of planned holes drilled. The existing Special Mining Lease 23 lies within the Prospecting license area and covers the Kwale Central Dune deposit and some of the Kwale South Dune deposit but does not include the Kwale North Dune deposit. The Kenya Mining Act 2016 includes provision for the amendment of an existing SML and for the conversion of an existing PL to SML. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. In 1996, Tiomin carried out reconnaissance surface and hand-auger sampling. Following the encouraging results obtained, mud-rotary drilling was undertaken in 1997 and 37 holes for a total of 1,824m was achieved for the North dune, at 3m sampling intervals. Prior to acquisition of the Kwale Project by Base Resources, Tiomin prepared and published a North Dune Mineral Resources estimate of 116 Mt @ 2.1% HM using a 0.5% HM cut-off grade. The current resource model omits the Tiomin data. This followed a twin drilling analysis of the Tiomin Mud Rotary holes with Base Resources' RCAC to determine relevance of historical data to the Kwale South Dune Mineral Resources estimate in 2016. A total of 18 twin-hole pairs from a geographically dispersed area within the South Dune were included for analysis. A very poor correlation in HM values between the two methods (R2 = 0.1522) resulted from the study. It is assumed that the poor correlation would extend to the North Dune. This is expected, given the open-hole method of drilling employed by Tiomin and supports the decision to exclude Tiomin data from the current interpolation. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. The North Dune is part of the extensive Kwale Dune systems comprising of reddish, windblown Magarini sand formations that overlie a sequence of mineralised clay-rich fluviatile units, which in turn overlie a Mesozoic sandstone Base, known as the Mazeras formation. These three units are separated by lateritic paleo-surfaces which signify a time-gap between the geological formations. The Mazeras Sandstone, derived from the disintegration of the Mozambique Belt metamorphic rocks, has likely provided the supply of heavy minerals to the Magarini sand dunes and the fluviatile formations. Exploration of the Kenyan coastline is yet to be successful in terms of mineralised paleo-strandlines related to fossil marine terraces, as these are likely buried beneath recent barren fluvial overburden or were just not developed owing to reduced energy levels from a fringing coral reef that has acted as a barrier to effective winnowing and reworking of HM deposits. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. Drilling by year (max, min and average depths) used for the resource model build are as follows: 2010 11 drill holes (depth: max 72m, min 24m, avg 56m). Total 582m drilled. 2012 31 drill holes (depth: max 75m, min 18m, avg 60m). Total 1,681.5m drilled. 2013 80 drill holes (depth: max 75m, min 27m, avg 55m). Total 3,792m drilled. 2018 567 drill holes (depth: max 117m, min 6m, avg 45 m). Total 20,477m drilled. 2019 56 drill holes (depth: max 30m, min 9m, avg 30m). Total 897m drilled. See drill hole location plan, Figure 4. All drill holes drilled vertically. Exploration results are not being reported at this time. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g., cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Exploration results are not being reported at this time. No equivalent values were used. No aggregation of short length samples used as samples were consistently 3m and 1.5m intervals. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g., 'down hole length, true width not known'). The deposit sequences are sub-horizontal, and the vertically inclined holes are a fair representation of true thickness. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. See figures 3-7. Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Exploration results are not being reported at this time. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. The proprietary Minmod mineralogy technique, developed and employed by Base Resources, comprises an XRF analysis of the magnetic and non-magnetic fractions of each composite or sample, the results from which are then back-calculated to determine in-ground mineralogy. Minmod represents an improvement on the previous method (Geomod) that was not as effective at determining accessory minerals in the Kwale assemblage. Minmod has been validated by external quantitative analysis (QEMSCAN and SEM EDX) and is considered sufficiently certified to support quoted resource confidence in this report. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g., tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. Additional 100 x 100m aircore drilling to in-fill gaps and extend mineralisation in the open NW part of the deposit. Recommended 50 x 50m aircore drilling across strike primarily to improve across strike variography for Ore 4. Generation of further Ore Zone 5 QEMSCAN composites for a more confident mineralogical modelling. Detailed tests to establish accurate bulk densities. Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources (Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.) Criteria Explanation Comment Database integrity Measures taken to ensure that data has not been corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying errors, between its initial collection and its use for Mineral Resource estimation purposes. Data validation procedures used. Field data was captured in LogChief logging application and automatically validated through reference to pre-set library table configurations. Typing or logging code errors, duplication of key identifiers (e.g., HOLE_ID, SAMP_ID) and conflicts in related tables (e.g., down-hole depth) are quarantined by the software and require resolving immediately before logging can proceed. The SQL Database also has identical automated validation features. Data import is unsuccessful until these data issues are resolved. Field logging and survey data from the SQL database were imported into Datamine Discover (MapInfo) for sectional interpretation. Validation steps included a visual interrogation of collar versus geology depths, a review of hole locations against the drilling plan and a check for missing or duplicated logged fields and outliers. Any spurious or questionable entries were resolved by the supervising Geologist. At the completion of each hole, an entry was made to the hand-written drilling diary. The diary recorded the hole name, date, depth, number of samples, time of start and finish, a description of the location of the hole in relation to the last hole and other things. Such a diary provides valuable evidence if there is an error in hole naming or surveying. A geologist was employed to manage digital data capture at the sample preparation laboratory to reduce the potential for data entry error by unskilled labourers. A number of validation checks were made of sample preparation data to ensure accurate data entry and application of correct procedure by BTL staff. This included: comparison of pre- versus post-oven weights comparison of split weight versus de-slimed weight comparison of split weight versus field sample weight all sample preparation data were sorted by each individual field and outliers investigated Assay results were delivered via email in 45 sample batches from Kwale Operations' site laboratory. These were in the form of CSV text files and imported by batch number directly into the SQL database tables where pre-set algorithms converted weights to percentages and removed the moisture content. The calculated assay results were then checked manually for missing records and out of range or unrealistic values. Site visits Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent Person and the outcome of those visits. If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this is the case. Base Resources' Resources Manager Scott Carruthers made one site visit to review the SQL database and the geological interpretations. The Competent Person is satisfied with the integrity of the database as well as the delineation of the geological boundaries. Geological interpretation Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of) the geological interpretation of the mineral deposit. Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made. The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on Mineral Resource estimation. The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral Resource estimation. The factors affecting continuity both of grade and geology. The geological interpretation was undertaken by the BTL Exploration Superintendent using field logs and observations, assays, HM sachet logs, XRF oxide chemistry and mineralogy data. The oversize grades were particularly useful in determining the lateritic paleo-surfaces between the geological zones. The data spacing for the project is considered sufficient for grade and mineralogical continuity. Four mineralised geological zones and a basement zone were identified and are used as constraints in the Mineral Resources estimation. The uppermost zone at Kwale North, referred to as Ore Zone 1, is a dark brown, predominantly fine grained, well sorted silty sand with very little induration. It is also characterised by a clean, high value heavy mineral assemblage. Ore Zone 4 lies below Ore Zone 1 with a clear lateritic boundary observed in the field with slightly difficult bit penetration, and in HM sink logs, exhibiting elevated iron oxides. Ore Zone 4 is lower in valuable heavy mineral content, often dominated by iron oxides and Al2SiO4 polymorphs (kyanite, andalusite and sillimanite). It is considered a fluvial deposit based on the difficulty of wash and the poor grain sorting. Ore Zone 5 lies below Ore Zone 4 and is separated from that zone by a lateritic paleo-surface. It is unique mineralogically due to an increased amount of almandine garnet that reports to the mag fraction, significantly increasing the magnesium, manganese, aluminium and silicon in the oxide chemistry, and this is also reflected in QEMSCAN mineralogy. For Ore Zones 1, 4 and 5, a strong correlation between the field logs, HM sink logs and XRF oxide chemistry and QEMSCAN mineralogy gives confidence to these interpretations. The grade and mineralogy continuity is abruptly truncated at the western edge by an interpreted normal fault that pushed basement material to the surface with resultant low grades and trash HM. Dimensions The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource. The 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate is approximately 6,300m along strike and about 1,200m across strike on average. The average thickness of Ore 1, Ore 4 and Ore 5 are approximately 10m, 7m and 5m respectively. Estimation and modelling techniques The nature and appropriateness of the estimation technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including treatment of extreme grade values, domaining, interpolation parameters and maximum distance of extrapolation from data points. If a computer assisted estimation method was chosen include a description of computer software and parameters used. The availability of check estimates, previous estimates and/or mine production records and whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate account of such data. The assumptions made regarding recovery of by-products. Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-grade variables of economic significance (e.g., sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation). In the case of block model interpolation, the block size in relation to the average sample spacing and the search employed. Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining units. Any assumptions about correlation between variables. Description of how the geological interpretation was used to control the resource estimates. Discussion of basis for using or not using grade cutting or capping. The process of validation, the checking process used, the comparison of model data to drill hole data, and use of reconciliation data if available. The 2021 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimation was undertaken using Datamine Studio RM software. Inverse Distance Weighting to the power of three was used to interpolate assay grades (HM, Slimes, Oversize) from the drill hole file. Nearest Neighbour was used to interpolate the composite ID and mineralogy data. This is an update to the previous (and maiden JORC 2012) 2019 Kwale North Dune Mineral Resources estimate, which was 171 Mt @ 1.5% HM using a 1.0% cut-off grade. No mining has been undertaken. No assumptions have been made as to the recovery of by-products. The parent cell size used in the grade interpolation (50m x 50m) was half the average drill hole spacing on the X and Y axes, which was 100m x 100m. The vertical thickness of the cell was the nominal average drill sample interval i.e., 1.5m. No assumptions were made behind modelling of selected mining units. No assumptions made about correlation behind variables. Validation was undertaken by swathe plots, population distribution analysis and visual inspection. The geological zones were used to control the resource estimate by constraining grade interpolations and reporting. Moisture Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and the method of determination of the moisture content. The Mineral Resources estimate is on a dry tonnes basis. Cut-off parameters The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality parameters applied. The economic cut-off of Kwale Operations is between 1% and 1.5% HM, and historically Kwale Operations Mineral Resources estimate reporting focuses on a 1% HM cut-off grade. Mining factors or assumptions Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods, minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made. It is assumed that the hydraulic mining method used at the neighbouring Kwale Operations would be used. The high slime content and generally low levels of induration in the North Dune deposit provide support for this mining method. This mining method is being re-assessed as part of the Kwale North Dune PFS. Metallurgical factors or assumptions The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential metallurgical methods, but the assumptions regarding metallurgical treatment processes and parameters made when reporting Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the metallurgical assumptions made. The existing concentrator, modified to accommodate the increased slimes, and mineral separation plant at Kwale Operations are assumed capable of processing the material with recoveries expected to be aligned with present production. Environmental factors or assumptions Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process residue disposal options. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider the potential environmental impacts of the mining and processing operation. While at this stage the determination of potential environmental impacts, particularly for a greenfields project, may not always be well advanced, the status of early consideration of these potential environmental impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not been considered this should be reported with an explanation of the environmental assumptions made. Tailing disposal is likely to utilise co-disposal of fine and coarse tails together, initially into the Kwale Central pit void. Once space is available, tailings would be co-disposed into the Kwale North pit void. Bulk density Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the basis for the assumptions. If determined, the method used, whether wet or dry, the frequency of the measurements, the nature, size and representativeness of the samples. The bulk density for bulk material must have been measured by methods that adequately account for void spaces (vugs, porosity, etc), moisture and differences between rock and alteration zones within the deposit. Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used in the evaluation process of the different materials. A fixed dry bulk density of 1.7 (t/m3) was assumed for the Mineral Resource estimation, based on operational experience of mining the Kwale Central Dune and South Dune deposits. Classification The basis for the classification of the Mineral Resources into varying confidence categories. Whether appropriate account has been taken of all relevant factors (i.e., relative confidence in tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data, confidence in continuity of geology and metal values, quality, quantity and distribution of the data). Whether the result appropriately reflects the Competent Person's view of the deposit. The Mineral Resource classification for the Kwale North deposit was based on drill hole spacing, sample interval and the distribution and influence of composite mineralogical samples. The classification of the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Mineral Resources was supported by the uniform grid spacing of drilling, uncomplicated and consistent geology, relatively good continuity of mineralisation particularly along strike (and supported by the domain controlled variography), confidence in the down hole drilling data and supporting criteria as noted above. As Competent Person, IHC Robbins Geological Services Manager, Greg Jones, considers that the result appropriately reflects a reasonable view of the deposit categorisation. Audits or reviews. The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral Resource estimates. Peer review was undertaken by Scott Carruthers, Base Resources' Resources Manager, with focus on the process and output of the geology interpretation, database integrity, whether wireframes reflect the geological interpretation, and model vs. drill hole grades. Mr. Carruthers was satisfied with these facets. Discussion of relative accuracy/ confidence Where appropriate a statement of the relative accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral Resource estimate using an approach or procedure deemed appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the application of statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the relative accuracy of the resource within stated confidence limits, or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative discussion of the factors that could affect the relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate. The statement should specify whether it relates to global or local estimates, and, if local, state the relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to technical and economic evaluation. Documentation should include assumptions made and the procedures used. These statements of relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate should be compared with production data, where available. Variography was undertaken to determine the drill hole support of the selected JORC classification. Validation of the model vs drill hole grades by direct observation and comparison of the results on screen. The resource statement is a global estimate for the entire known extent of the Kwale North deposit within the tenement area. Appendix 2 - 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate JORC Code, 2012 Edition Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data (Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.) Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g., cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g., 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g., submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Reverse circulation aircore drilling was used to collect downhole samples for the project. Sample sub-splits were collected at 1.5m down-hole intervals for holes drilled, using an on-board rotary splitter mounted beneath the rig cyclone. Sample gates were set to collect approximately 25% of the splitter cycle, which delivered about 2.7kg of sample per interval on average. Rig duplicate samples were collected at the splitter for every 20th sample simultaneously with the original sample. A representative grab sample from the sample bags was routinely washed and panned for lithological logging and HM grade estimate. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g., core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g., core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). 40 holes in the 2017 campaign were drilled with a RCAC Wallis Mantis 80 drill rig using NQ drill tooling of about 76mm in diameter and a drilling capability of 100m. 143 holes in the 2018 campaign were similarly drilled with a Mantis 80 drill rig, also using NQ drill bits. For both drilling campaigns, the rig mast was orientated vertically by spirit level prior to drilling to adhere to best practice for geological boundary delineation. Drilling was recorded in geological logs as either dry or water injected, depending on ground conditions. Water injection was employed to assist with penetration through clays/rock and maintain sample quality and delivery. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Sample condition was logged at the rig as either good, moderate or poor, with good meaning not contaminated and appropriate sample size (recovery), moderate meaning not contaminated, but sample over or under sized and poor meaning contaminated or grossly over/undersized. Slightly damp ground conditions with approximately 20% silt/clay meant that best sample quality was found to be achieved via slow penetration with water injection to aid in the sample recovery. No relationship is believed to exist between grade and sample recovery. No bias is also believed to occur due to loss of fine material. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Field logging was recorded for all 1,968 fixed, down-hole intervals and was conducted as drilling and sampling proceeded. Logging was based on a representative grab sample that was panned for heavy mineral estimation and host material observations. Logging codes were designed to capture observations on lithology, colour, grainsize, induration and estimated mineralisation. Any relevant comments e.g., water table, gangue HM components and stratigraphic markers were included to aid in the subsequent geological modelling. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Rotary split at the sampling cyclone on the rig. Approximately 25% of the original sample retained. Duplicate samples were collected at every 20th sample. The drill rods and cyclone were routinely cleaned between holes using pressurised water to avoid inter-hole contamination. The sample size is considered appropriate for the grain size of the material because the grade of HM is measured in per cent, and a 2.5-5kg sample contains in excess of 50 million grains of sand. The sample preparation process departed from standard mineral sand practices in one respect; the samples were not oven dried prior to de-sliming, to prevent clay minerals from baking onto the HM grains (because the HM fractions were to be used in further mineralogical test work). Instead, a separate sample was split and dried to determine moisture content, which was accounted for mathematically. Pre-soaking of the sample TSPP dispersant solution ensured a more efficient de-sliming process and to avoid potentially under-reporting slimes content. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g., standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e., lack of bias) and precision have been established. The assay process employed by Base Resources includes a Sample Preparation stage, completed by BTL staff, followed by a heavy liquid separation (using lithium polytungstate: SG = 2.85g/cm3), completed at Kwale Operations' site laboratory. Recent improvements to the sample preparation stage were made to ensure industry best practice and to deliver a high degree of confidence in the results. These included the following: A formalised process flow was generated, posted in all sample preparation areas and used to train and monitor sample preparation staff. Regular monitoring was completed by BTL senior geology staff. Field samples were left in their bags for initial air-drying to avoid sample loss. TSPP was introduced to decrease attrition time and improve slimes recovery.A range of attrition times (with 5% TSPP) were trialled and plotted against slimes recovery figures to determine optimum attrition time (15 minutes). Staff were trained to use paint brushes and water spray rather than manipulate sample through slimes screen by hand to remove the potential for screen damage. A calibration schedule was introduced for scales used in the sample preparation stage. Samples prepared and submitted systematically in 40 -sample batches, with each batch routinely containing QC samples - one standard, two field duplicates and two lab duplicates. Slimes screen number recorded to isolate batches should re-assay be required due to poor adherence to procedure or to identify screen damage. Various quality control samples were submitted routinely to assure assay quality. A total of 95 field duplicates, 95 sample prep duplicates, 47 field standard samples, 61 lab repeats, and an unspecified number of internal standards, repeats and blanks have been assayed at Kwale Operations' site laboratory. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. The use of twinned holes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. The Bumamani deposit is a moderate to low HM grade, dunal-style accumulation that does not carry excessive mineralisation or suffer from 'nugget' effects, typical of other commodities. An external audit validation was completed for the HM analyses included in the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate by IHC Robbins in 2020. A total of ten twin drill holes were completed between the 2017 and 2018 drilling program, representing about 5.5% of the total drillholes. These twins were used to quantify short-range variability in geological character and grade intersections and were placed throughout the deposit. The spatially well-represented twin hole paired data shows very good correlation considered material to the integrity/quality of the resource data. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. Specification of the grid system used. Quality and adequacy of topographic control. Proposed drill holes were sited on the ground using hand-held GPS. After drilling, surveyors recorded collar positions via DGPS RTK unit registered to local base stations. The accuracy of the DGPS unit is stated at 0.02m in the X, Y and Z axes. The survey geodetic datum utilised was UTM Arc 1960, used in E. Africa. Arc 1960 references the Clark 1880 (RGS) ellipsoid and the Greenwich prime meridian. All survey data used in the 2021 Bumamani Mineral Resources estimate dataset has undergone a transformation to the local mine grid from the geodetic datum. The local Grid was rotated at 42.5 which aligns the average strike of the deposit with local North and is useful for both grade interpolation and mining reference during production. All drill collars were projected to the local LIDAR digital terrain model captured over the resource area in 2018 at a 2x2m grid spacing. This was performed prior to interpretation and model construction to eliminate any elevation disparities for the block model construction. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Whether the data spacing, and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Whether sample compositing has been applied. The drill data spacing from the 2017 and 2018 Bumamani Resource drilling programmes was nominally 50m X, 100m Y and 1.5m Z. Variations from this spacing resulted from terrain difficulties or ground access issues. This spacing and distribution is considered sufficient to establish the degree of geological and mineralisation continuity appropriate for the resource estimation procedures and classifications applied. A 1.5m downhole compositing has been applied for HM, slimes and oversize in the interpolation processes. This is necessary in Geovia Surpac software which cannot estimate grades directly from the drillhole database. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. With the geological setting being a layered dunal/fluviatile sequence, the orientation of the deposit mineralisation in general is sub-horizontal. All drill holes were orientated vertically to penetrate the sub-horizontal mineralisation orthogonally. Hole centres were spaced nominally at 50m. This cross-profiles the dune so that variation can be determined. Down hole intervals were nominated as 1.5m. This provides adequate sampling resolution to capture the distribution and variability of geology units and mineralisation encountered vertically down hole. The orientation of the drilling is considered appropriate for testing the horizontal and vertical extent of mineralisation without bias. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Sample residues from the prep stage were transferred to pallets and stored in a locked storage facility beside the warehouse at Kwale Operations. Residues from the Kwale Operations site laboratory were placed in labelled jars and stored in numbered boxes. Boxes were placed into a locked container beside the laboratory. Sample tables are housed on a secure, network-hosted SQL database. Administration privileges are limited to two BTL staff: Exploration Superintendent and the Business Applications Administrator. Data is backed up every 12 hours and stored in perpetuity on a secure, site backup server. Data is also backed up on Maxwell GeoServices servers in Perth. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. Base Resources' Resources Manager, Mr. Scott Carruthers reviewed the Bumamani geological interpretations, wireframes and assay and mineralogy data interpolations. IHC Robbins Geological Services Manager Greg Jones validated the resource data and reviewed the completed block model. Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results (Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.) Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. The Bumamani deposit is situated on a Prospecting License (PL) 100% owned by Base Titanium Limited - PL/2018/0119 located in Kwale County, Kenya. Base Titanium Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian and UK-listed resources company, Base Resources Limited. The 88.7 km2 Prospecting License was granted on the 26th of May 2018 for a three-year term ending 25th May 2021. The PL is in good standing with the Kenya Ministry of Petroleum & Mining at the time of reporting, with all statutory reporting and payments up to date. Local landowners are generally supportive of exploration activities with over 90% of planned holes drilled. The existing Special Mining Lease 23 lies within the Prospecting license area and covers the Kwale Central deposit and some of the Kwale South deposit but does not include the Bumamani deposit. The Kenya Mining Act 2016 includes provision for the amendment of an existing SML and for the conversion of an existing PL to SML. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. No known prior exploration has been undertaken by other parties. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. The Bumamani deposit is part of the extensive coastal Plio-Pleistocene Magarini Formation, which comprises aeolian dunal sands and clay-rich fluviatile units that overlie down-faulted Jurassic and Tertiary formations. The presence of a thin, discontinuous laterite layer seen at the base of the dune sands is considered to indicate a change of climate in contradistinction to the underlying fluviatile sediments. These units are locally enriched with heavy minerals, primarily ilmenite, rutile and zircon as well as significant silicate gangue in the lower fluviatile units. The hinterland 'Mozambique Belt' metamorphic formations are considered the likely HM feed source for the Kwale deposits. Exploration along the Kenyan coastline is yet to be successful in terms of mineralised paleo-strandlines related to fossil marine terraces, perhaps due to low wave energy levels caused by the fringing reef acting as a breakwater, thus preventing effective HM winnowing and trapping. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. Drilling by year (max, min and average depths) used for the resource model build are as follows: See drill hole location plan, Figures 9 and 10. All drill holes drilled vertically. All collars projected to the LIDAR surface DTM Exploration results are not being reported at this time. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g., cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Exploration results are not being reported at this time. No bottom and top cut grades were employed. No equivalent values were used. No aggregation of short length samples used as sample interval was consistently 1.5m. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g., 'down hole length, true width not known'). The deposit sequences are sub-horizontal, and the vertically inclined holes are a fair representation of true thickness. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. See figures 8-11. Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Exploration results are not being reported at this time. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. The proprietary MinMod mineralogy technique, developed and employed by Base Resources, comprises an XRF analysis of the magnetic and non-magnetic fractions of each composite or sample, the results from which are then back-calculated to determine in-ground mineralogy. MinMod represents an improvement on the previous method (GeoMod) that was not as effective at determining accessory minerals in the Kwale assemblage. MinMod has been validated by external quantitative analysis (QEMSCAN and SEM EDX) and is considered sufficiently certified to support quoted resource confidence in this report. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g., tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. Test pits for bulk sample mineralogy test work. Generation of more Ore4 downhole composites for MinMod mineralogy. Infill drilling to improve Mineral Resource confidence in the Indicated and Inferred areas. Drilling of the Magaoni prospect which is a northern extension of the Bumamani Deposit. Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources (Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.) Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Database integrity Measures taken to ensure that data has not been corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying errors, between its initial collection and its use for Mineral Resource estimation purposes. Data validation procedures used. Field data was captured in LogChief logging application and automatically validated through reference to pre-set library table configurations. Typing or logging code errors, duplication of key identifiers (e.g., HOLE_ID, SAMP_ID) and conflicts in related tables (e.g., down-hole depth) are quarantined by the software and require resolving immediately before logging can proceed. The SQL Database also has identical automated validation features. Data import is unsuccessful until these data issues are resolved. Field logging and survey data from the SQL database were imported into Geovia Surpac for database build and sectional interrogation. Validation steps included a visual interrogation of collar versus geology depths, a review of hole locations against the drilling plan and a check for missing or duplicated logged fields and outliers. Any spurious or questionable entries were resolved by the supervising Geologist. At the completion of each hole, an entry was made to the hand-written drilling diary. The diary recorded the hole name, date, depth, number of samples, time of start and finish, a description of the location of the hole in relation to the last hole and other things. Such a diary provides valuable evidence if there is an error in-hole naming or surveying. Several validation checks were made of sample preparation data to ensure accurate data entry and application of correct procedure by BTL staff. This included: comparison of pre- versus post-oven weights comparison of split weight versus de-slimed weight comparison of split weight versus field sample weight all sample preparation data were sorted by each individual field and outliers investigated Assay results were delivered via email in 45 sample batches from the Kwale Operations site laboratory. These were in the form of CSV text files and imported by batch number directly into the SQL database tables where pre-set algorithms converted weights to percentages and removed the moisture content. The calculated assay results were then checked manually for missing records and out of range or unrealistic values. Site visits Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent Person and the outcome of those visits. If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this is the case. Base Resources' Resources Manager Scott Carruthers, the Competent Person, has visited the site several times to review assaying, geological interpretation and resource estimation processes, which are considered appropriate. Geological interpretation Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of) the geological interpretation of the mineral deposit. Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made. The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on Mineral Resource estimation. The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral Resource estimation. The factors affecting continuity both of grade and geology. The geological interpretation and zoning were completed by the BTL Exploration Superintendent by considering field logs, assays, microscopic HM sink descriptions and mineralogy data. The data spacing for the project is considered sufficient for grade and mineralogical continuity. Two mineralised geological zones and a basement zone were identified and were used as constraints in the Mineral Resource estimation. The uppermost zone at Bumamani, referred to as Ore Zone 1, is a dark brown, predominantly fine grained, well sorted silty sand with very little induration. It is also characterised by clean, polished HM with minimal gangue minerals. Ore Zone 4, underlying Ore Zone 1 is a sandy-clay fluviatile unit with low-level sorting and common lateritic fragments. The HM from this zone contains more lateritic aggregates. The Basement zone is a low-grade, clay rich, fluviatile unit with a difficult to impossible washability. The HM from this zone is notably enriched in gangue silicates. For Ore Zones 1 and 4, a strong correlation between the field logs, HM sink logs and XRF oxide chemistry and QEMSCAN mineralogy gives confidence to these interpretations. Dimensions The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource. The Bumamani Mineral Resource is approximately 1,600m along strike and 500-700m across strike on average. The deposit thickness averages 10m. Estimation and modelling techniques The nature and appropriateness of the estimation technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including treatment of extreme grade values, domaining, interpolation parameters and maximum distance of extrapolation from data points. If a computer assisted estimation method was chosen include a description of computer software and parameters used. The availability of check estimates, previous estimates and/or mine production records and whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate account of such data. The assumptions made regarding recovery of by-products. Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-grade variables of economic significance (e.g., sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation). In the case of block model interpolation, the block size in relation to the average sample spacing and the search employed. Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining units. Any assumptions about correlation between variables. Description of how the geological interpretation was used to control the resource estimates. Discussion of basis for using or not using grade cutting or capping. The process of validation, the checking process used, the comparison of model data to drill hole data, and use of reconciliation data if available. The Bumamani Mineral Resource estimation was undertaken using Geovia Surpac version 6.8 software. Inverse Distance Weighting to the power of three was used to interpolate assay grades (HM, Slimes, Oversize) from the assay composite string file. Nearest Neighbour was used to interpolate the mineralogy data from the mineralogy composite string file. This is the maiden Mineral Resource estimate for the Bumamani deposit and no previous estimates, or mining production records have been prepared by Base Resources. No assumptions have been made as to the recovery of by-products. The parent cell size used in the grade interpolation was half the average drill hole spacing on the Y and X axes, which was 100m x 50m. The vertical thickness of the cell was the nominal average drill sample interval i.e., 1.5m. No assumptions were made behind modelling of selected mining units. No assumptions made about correlation between variables. Validation was undertaken by swath plots, population distribution analysis and visual inspection. The geological zones were used to control the resource estimates. Grade interpolations were controlled by ore zone. Moisture Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and the method of determination of the moisture content. The Mineral Resources estimate is on a dry tonnes basis. Cut-off parameters The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality parameters applied. The economic cut-off of Kwale Operations is between 1% and 1.5% HM, and historically the Kwale Operations Mineral Resources estimate reporting focuses on a 1% HM cut-off grade. Mining factors or assumptions Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods, minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made. It is assumed that the hydraulic mining method used at the neighbouring Kwale Operations would be used. Moderate slime content and generally low levels of induration provide support for this mining method. This mining method is being re-assessed as part of the Kwale North Dune Cornerstone Research, a leading provider of economic and financial consulting and expert testimony, announced today that Senior Vice President Michael D. Topper has been elected to a four-year term as chair of the firms board of directors. A leading antitrust and competition economist, Topper has more than 25 years of experience in antitrust merger review, complex business litigation, and regulatory proceedings. A longtime member of Cornerstone Researchs board of directors and executive committee, he also served as head or cohead of the firms antitrust and competition practice from 2004 to 2015, and as head of the Silicon Valley office from 2012 to 2017. Mikes commitment to our vision and core values is well established, and he is a role model for collaboration and teamwork, Cornerstone Research CEO Rahul Guha said. He is an outstanding choice for this critical position in our firm governance. Topper succeeds Cornerstone Research cofounder Cynthia L. Zollinger as the boards chair. Zollinger takes the title of managing director and director emerita. As a highly respected leader both inside and outside the firm, Mike consistently takes a thoughtful, long-term and strategic approach to issues relevant to our clients, experts and staff, Zollinger said. I valued working with him on both our board of directors and executive committee, and his experience will continue to serve us well as he takes on his new leadership role. It is an honor to be elected to this important role, Topper said. I am proud to have served Cornerstone Research in varied capacities over many years, and I am excited to support our continued growth and success as we look to the future. Topper continues to be actively involved in high-profile client matters, both as a consultant and an expert. Some of his recent representative work includes U.S. v. AT&T/Time Warner; FTC v. Qualcomm; Commercial Metal Companys Acquisition of Certain Assets from Gerdau S.A.; In re: Whirlpool Corp. Front-Loading Washer Products Liability Litigation; and Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation. Topper holds a B.S. degree from the University of Virginia, and M.S., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. About Cornerstone Research Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting and expert testimony in all phases of complex litigation and regulatory proceedings. The firm works with an extensive network of prominent faculty and industry practitioners to identify the best-qualified expert for each assignment. Cornerstone Research has earned a reputation for consistent high quality and effectiveness by delivering rigorous, state-of-the-art analysis for more than thirty years. The firm has over 700 staff and offices in Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington. See Cornerstone Researchs website for more information about the firms capabilities in economic and financial consulting and expert testimony. http://www.cornerstone.com Twitter: @Cornerstone_Res New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was traveling to Houston on Friday with more than $2 million to help Texas recover from a week of catastrophic blackouts and water outages. Ill be flying to Texas today to visit with Houston Rep. Sylvia Garcia to distribute supplies and help amplify needs & solutions, Ocasio-Cortez said on Twitter. Earlier in the week, Ocasio-Cortez sent out fundraising appeals to her massive campaign donor network and her nearly 13 million social media followers. Please chip in what you can afford today and 100% of your donation will automatically be split between these organizations on the ground providing immediate relief, the fundraising pitch said. Those organizations include the Houston Food Bank, the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, Family Eldercare, Feeding Texas, Corazon Ministries, Central Texas Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank and Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Her outreach to Texas comes just days after Gov. Greg Abbott slammed her support for the Green New Deal, warning that the push for renewable energy was part of the problem that resulted in millions of Texans losing power. This shows how the Green New Deal would be a deadly deal for the United States of America, Abbott said to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday. Our wind and our solar got shut down, and they were collectively more than 10 percent of our power grid, and that thrust Texas into a situation where it was lacking power on a statewide basis. ... It just shows that fossil fuel is necessary. But Abbott didnt point out that freezing temperatures shut down natural gas, coal and nuclear plants that were not weatherized. Those fuel sources represent more than 80 percent of the states electricity grid, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. AOCS TIES TO TEXAS: How Texas became home away from home for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Although Ocasio-Cortez represents the Bronx, she has ties to Texas. Ocasio-Cortez spent more than a decade growing a bond with Texas through an education program called the National Hispanic Institute. She said she spent many hours traveling between San Antonio and the Texas border working with Latino families when she was the groups education director in 2017 just before running for Congress. People understand that now is the time for collective action and doing what we can w/ whatever weve got, Ocasio-Cortez said on Twitter on Friday before heading to Houston. jeremy.wallace@chron.com By Kerry Benninghoff Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have already made significant progress in setting the stage for Pennsylvanians to take control of our needed economic recovery and we will continue to advance an aggressive, yet practical, forward-thinking agenda to prime the Commonwealth for its return to normal. Our strategy has been simple: provide short-term relief while working toward long-term solutions. Seeing the need for short-term relief, Republicans in the legislature recently appropriated nearly $1 billion in federal and state aid to small businesses, families, and the hospitality industry impacted by the economic restrictions resulting from this pandemic. This short-term economic stimulus will help get Pennsylvania through what we hope are the last months of this pandemic. But short-term relief is not enough. Pennsylvanians need long-term solutions. Without them, there is no clear path forward out of this pandemic. We know that no long-term recovery will be possible without Pennsylvanians having certainty that their health will be protected. The only way we get there is through rapid and efficient vaccine deployment. Yet, now that a vaccine has arrived, Pennsylvania has floundered in getting the supply we have out to those who need it the most. It is clear the Department of Health was flat-out unprepared to deploy the vaccine supply we have been given and millions of Pennsylvanians looking to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus have gone wanting. Knowing that correcting this failure is the surest way to get back to normal, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives stepped up to the plate to lead where others have failed. Recently, we passed a legislative solution that will utilize the Pennsylvania National Guard to develop vaccine deployment infrastructure to help get future doses into the arms of Pennsylvanians. Since we expect our vaccine supply from the federal government to increase, and a correlating need to ramp up distribution as we get closer to spring and summer, this development is crucial to better vaccine deployment going forward. Once health care assurances are provided, Pennsylvania will need an economic boost that can be sustained with new jobs and new opportunities. That effort started in earnest last month with the formation of a House Republican Economic Recovery Task Force, whose primary objective is to develop proposals to help jump-start Pennsylvanias economic recovery. The task force is currently undertaking the work of examining creative solutions, legislative proposals, opportunities for tax relief and regulatory changes to put Pennsylvania on a path to real recovery and then sustainable, long-term growth. The best recovery legislation can only be effective if Pennsylvanians have confidence that their jobs will not be taken away, their businesses will not be shut down, and that their livelihoods will not be taken away again by executive fiat. Seeing the devastating effects of the governors unilateral, emergency authority over the past year, coupled with his refusal to work with the legislature in responding to COVID-19, it became readily apparent that the only way to make sure Pennsylvanians could return to normal on their own terms was to take the peoples voice back and rein in this emergency power. To accomplish this, we advanced a Constitutional amendment to ensure the people, speaking through their representatives in the General Assembly, have a say in whether or not to extend any state of emergency and the extreme executive authority attached to it. That amendment was supported by Republicans and Democrats alike, and soon will be before you, the voters. You will get to decide whether or not to take your power back and ensure that no Pennsylvania governor obtains unchecked power during an emergency. House Republicans believe no one person should stand in the way of a reasonable and bipartisan approach to emergency management and recovery. Despite the good things being done in the legislature, we know our work will not be done until each Pennsylvanian finds their way out of this unprecedented time and can feel safe in their future and ability to support themselves and their families. Pennsylvania House Republicans will continue to look ahead and lead to provide a road to recovery that gets us out of this pandemic and into a better tomorrow. State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff is the Majority Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He has represented portions of Centre and Mifflin counties since 1997. 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 polar vortex that caused power outages across Texas for the past week also will bring more insurance claims than any event in the states history, the Texas Insurance Council said Thursday. I hate to say the word unprecedented but it is unprecedented for us in Texas to have this week-long freeze event, said Camille Garcia, director of communications for ICT. Karen Clark & Co. projected that insured losses from the cold weather event could reach $18 billion, six times the yearly average, Bloomberg News reported Friday. Garcia said the cold snap is expected to cause significantly more than $1 billion in insured losses in fact, $2 billion in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area alone is likely. And she said claims will be more numerous than the natural disaster events that commonly strike Texas, such as hurricanes and hailstorms, because the Arctic weather impacted the entire state. Homes became iceboxes as power was left off for days at a time, bursting interior pipes. Tree limbs snapped under the weight of ice and dropped on cars and roofs. Cars skidded on black ice off highways and into guardrails. Multiple crashes on Thursday morning brought traffic to a standstill on Interstate 20 in both Texas and Louisiana, according to local news reports. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a Feb. 11 pileup on Interstate 35 in Forth Worth that involved 130 vehicles. With its headquarters in Georgetown, Texas, Brush Country Claims is in the heart of the freeze zone. Joshua Cruce, director of strategic operations for the company, said in an email that Brush Countrys own staff is experiencing burst pipes and coping with shortages of food, fuel and lodging. Cruce said the company is deploying personnel from out of state to support local adjusting teams. Most are coming from the Northeast, where adjusters are familiar with ice damming and pipe bursts the types of claims generated by deep freezes. We typically do not publicly share our exact deployed numbers, but this event will likely rival Hurricane Laura, with resource needs potentially reaching into the 100s, he said. Cruce said for now, most of the claims are from burst pipes and falling trees. The conditions will worsen as the region lifts from the freeze and once frozen pipes have water flowing again, uncovering previously hidden ruptured water supply lines, he said. Insured losses are not limited to Texas. Crawford & Co. is seeing a significant increase in claims related to winter weather for both commercial and personal lines throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, said international communications director Lynn Cufley. We are deploying in excess of 1,000 people as a result of this event, so you can see the scale of the event, she said. AIR Worldwide described the weather that precipitated the mayhem in a press release Thursday. From Feb. 13 to Feb. 16, several atmospheric phenomena combined to wreak havoc across the continental United States, the likes of which has not been seen in many years, the catastrophe modeling firm, a division of Verisk, said. AIR said weeks before the southern freeze, a polar vortex broke loose and traversed the northern United States. The extreme cold air remained stationary for days in southern Canada as a low-pressure system moved into the West Coast. That system weakened after it crossed the Rocky Mountains, but redeveloped in an unusual southern location in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast. As the low-pressure system rotated, it funneled cold air from the Northern Plains to the south and pushed moist air from the Gulf to the north, creating snow storms. The abnormal weather brought winter weather advisories or storm alerts to 39 states, AIR said. More than 100 million Americans were impacted. AIR said there were power outages at least 10 states from Louisiana to Oregon. Texas, which has its own electric grid, was particularly hard hit, with 4.3 million outages reported. AIR said oil wells and refineries had to be shut down because of the extreme cold. Agriculture also took a hit. The Texas grapefruit harvest was only half complete when the cold weather arrived, according to AIR. From Washington to Maine, the winter storm of mid-February 2021 is a strong reminder of the shear mass (and scale) of disruption and destruction that extra tropical cyclones are capable of, AIR said. Verisks Property Claims Services has designated the cold snap as a catastrophe, meaning that insured losses are expected to exceed $25 million, said PCS head Thomas Johansmeyer. He said PCS will publish a loss estimate for its subscribers, but its still early days. Theodore Gregory, director of operations for PCS in Austin, Texas, said during a telephone call that the power outages will also likely lead to a large number of business-interruption claims. He said the potential for those claims varies greatly because many insurance policies exclude coverage for the first 24, 48, or even 72 hours of a power outage. The impact on insurers may be mediated in areas that experienced rolling blackouts, he said. Gregory said burst pipes will generate a large number of residential and commercial property claims. Icy roads will drive claims for commercial and personal auto, he said. While uncommon, deep freezes are not unheard of in Texas. In fact, Gregory said PCS recorded a $1 billion loss event associated with a winter storm in 2018. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data shows that 16 winter storms caused at least $1 billion in damages from 1980 to 2020. According to an April 2020 report by the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms caused 6.7% of catastrophe losses from 1997 to 2016. By comparison, tornados and hurricanes each caused more than one third of catastrophe losses. The winter losses follow a disastrous year for U.S. insurers. As the Claims Journal previously reported, there were 22 natural disaster events in 2020 that caused $1 billion or more in insured losses, according to a report by Aon. That was the highest number of disasters ever recorded. About the photo: City of Richardson workers prepare to work on a water main pipe that burst due to extreme cold in a neighborhood Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Richardson, Texas. Water service providers in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas and other states hit hard by frigid winter storms and mounting power outages are asking residents to restrict usage as reports of water main breaks, low pressure and busted pipes emerge. (AP Photo/LM Otero) U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced a South Carolina man Thursday to 18 months in federal prison for assaulting another inmate at United States Penitentiary Canaan in 2019. Justin Petty, 44, of Charleston, and another inmate at the Waymart prison in Wayne County struck the victim several times on Feb. 28, 2019, in retaliation for that inmates past cooperation with law enforcement, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced in a press release. The office announced in January that Troy J. Blanchard, 31, of Portland, Maine, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for the assault. The victim was not named in either release. The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the FBI investigated the case. The true cost of life as a single woman in Sydney has been revealed by a radio producer and self-professed 'collector of kind-of-boyfriends'. 'Perennially single' Jana Hocking, who works at the Harbour City's Triple M station, argues everything from rent and meals to holidays and nights on the town are considerably more expensive when you're paying for one. While couples halve costs, the 35-year-old - who writes about her ill-fated relationships and romantic escapades - says singles are shouldered with the full financial burden. Her examples include furniture, groceries, and weddings, as well as hotels that charge single room supplements and one-bedroom apartments which are unaffordable for a single income but perfectly reasonable split between two. Single radio producer Jana Hocking (pictured) says life is expensive when you're single in Sydney The Triple M producer (pictured) argues everything from rent and meals to holidays and nights on the town are considerably more expensive when you're paying for one Ms Hocking said it's unfair that couples house hunting for a rental are spoiled for choice while singles are left to battle it out over the rare listings suitable for a solo pay packet. Aside from cost, Ms Hocking says there is also social stigma and accepted bias to contend with when going it alone. She cited a recent study from the University of Virginia that found real estate agents are more likely to pick a married couple over a single person when choosing between rental candidates. Ms Hocking also noted the minor expenses that quickly add up when you're footing bills singlehandedly, including streaming services, food delivery fees and Ubers. Ms Hocking (right, with a friend) claims casual dating can set you back well over $100 each week What is more expensive when you're single? * Renting * Ubers * Holidays and hotel rooms * Weddings * Nights out * Streaming services * Food delivery fees * Groceries * Furniture Advertisement Then there's the cost of dating, which Ms Hocking claims can total 'well over' $100 each week. She says first date spending is likely to include the cost of an Uber to the bar or restaurant, dinner, half of whatever amount of wine you drink and another Uber home. But while constant socialising will put a considerable dent in your bank balance, Ms Hocking believes singles cannot put a price on a healthy dose of time with friends. While it may diminish bank balance, Ms Hocking (pictured) believes singles cannot put a price on a healthy dose of time with friends 'One too many weekends of laying low can really give you a yucky dose of loneliness,' she said. 'If there's one thing I've learnt about the single life, it's that your social life is incredibly important. Interactions keep the ol' mental health in check.' And despite the extra cost of single life, Ms Hocking says she wouldn't trade her freedom and the absence of judgment for eating snacks at 3am for the world. 'Really, at this current stage of my life I wouldn't have it any other way,' 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. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Delhi government is likely to complete the installation of the much-awaited smog tower at Connaught Place area by June this year, sources told IANS. The direction in this regard came during a review meeting chaired by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai at his office on Friday. During the meeting, the minister directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) to expedite the process of sprinkling water on roads. "To combat the city's air pollution, the Delhi government is also planning to strengthen its green war room monitoring," Gopal Rai said in a review meeting. The AAP-led Delhi government in October last year had approved a proposal to install a smog tower in Connaught Place to combat the city's air pollution. Smog towers are structures designed to work as large-scale air purifiers. They are usually fitted with multiple layers of air filters, which clean the air of pollutants as it passes through them. Meanwhile, the minister has also directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), IIT Delhi and Delhi Rail Metro Corporation (DMRC) to prepare an action plan to control dust pollution in the national capital. It was announced yesterday that BT Sourced, the new procurement arm of global communications provider BT, is starting a recruitment drive for more than 70 roles. BT Sourced is a new, standalone procurement company within the BT Group, established to challenge the traditional ways of buying goods and services by simplifying processes and introducing new technology and partnership-based approaches to the way BT works with suppliers and start-ups. Based in Dublin, the company will manage and influence a budget of around 14.8bn as it builds its presence in the Republic of Ireland. The company will also lead BTs drive towards sustainable sourcing, using its buying power to influence the companys supply chain and boost supplier diversity. BTs ambition is to reduce carbon emissions in its supply chain by 42% by 2030/31. The roles will be based at BT Sourceds Grand Canal Plaza Head Quarters and range across a number of procurement management disciplines including IT, Networks, Connectivity and Services plus procurement analytics and transformation. Welcoming the news yesterday, Tanaiste & Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said, "This announcement by BT Sourced will see the creation of 70 new roles in Dublin. BT, which is a world leader in the telecommunications sector, will join the growing number of innovative, multinational companies who have made Dublin their home. The company can look forward to accessing a rich pool of talent which will allow it to embed and grow its operations here. I wish BT every success with this expansion." Chief Procurement Officer for BT Group, Cyril Pourrat added, "Dublin is a vibrant city with a truly global outlook, and were excited to be building our innovative new procurement company at its very heart, taking advantage of the fantastic talent pool Ireland has to offer in the global sourcing arena. Were looking for diverse, entrepreneurial and talented professionals to join our organisation and help build something from the start." Source: www.businessworld.ie * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Reynolds sets out to investigate the legal foundations for such a claim. He argues that the initial British assertion of sovereignty was entirely bogus, not only by the standards of today, but, more importantly, according to the accepted doctrines of the time. In 2017, Indigenous representatives unveiled a proposal for a permanent Indigenous Voice to parliament and a Makarrata Commission to oversee a South African-style truth and reconciliation process. The Uluru Statement also insisted that Indigenous sovereignty has never been ceded or extinguished, and co-exists with the sovereignty of the crown. In Truth Telling, Henry Reynolds brings his considerable weight as a scholar to bear on the debates arising from the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a document that, he says, contains a challenge to legal doctrine more unsettling than the jurisprudential revolution ushered in by the High Courts Mabo judgement in 1992 and the Wik judgment four years later. The British government justified the establishment of its colony by claiming the interior of the continent to be largely unpopulated. It also asserted that the Indigenous people on the coast possessed no ties to land, could not negotiate, and would quickly disperse. All these assumptions were untrue, as Arthur Phillip and the other leaders of the First Fleet soon acknowledged. Where, then, did that leave a colony, the legality of which had been based on falsehoods? As Reynolds notes, even in 1788, a considerable literature governed claims of sovereignty. No one, for instance, believed a nation could, with any legitimacy, just grab vast swathes of inhabited land. Did Britain possess Australia by right of conquest? Certainly, many colonists saw settlement as a military operation. In the 1820s, a certain JE (probably the surveyor James Erskine Calder) wrote in a Launceston newspaper: They have never been subdued, therefore they are not rebellious subjects but an injured nation, defending in their own way, their rightful possessions, which have been torn from them by force. Again, though, well-understood principles governed claims arising from war. In his 1758 text Law of Nations, the much-cited jurist Emerich de Vattel explained that a successful military campaign might depose the enemy sovereign but it gave the victor no claims over defeated individuals or their possessions. In other words, even if the British had acknowledged theyd seized Australia by force, their victory wouldnt have given them the legal rights they asserted over Indigenous land. The growing recognition that different Indigenous groups saw themselves as separate peoples with their own language and customs meant they should have been treated as a sovereign country. Most fundamentally, sovereignty has always depended on a state exerting effective control over the territory it claims. Yet, as Reynolds notes, as late as 1901, there were still many parts of the continent where white men had barely visited, let alone governed something that rendered British (or even Australian) assertions of sovereignty entirely risible. In the last leg of BJPs Poribrton Yatra, Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday paid tribute to the icons of West Bengal and urged the youth to read about the life of Subhas Chandra Bose. He emphasised that his life journey will teach the youth a lot. Amid a teething fight between BJP and TMC ahead of West Bengal assembly elections, Amit Shah, who is on a two-day visit to the state, paid tribute to the icons of the state today. Marking his attendance at the Shauryanjali Program, Shah urged the youth to read about the life of Subhas Chandra Bose as his life journey will teach them a lot. He also said that a committee has been constituted under PM Modi to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose and this decision will mark a big change in the country. Flagging off the last leg of BJPs Poribrton Yatra, Shah had earlier expressed BJPs resolve to end the syndicate raj in the state and make Bengal Sonar Bangla. Addressing a rally in Kakdwip in West Bengal, Shah said that the partys aim is not just to usher in a BJP government by defeating Mamata Banerjee but to main Bengal Sonar Bangla. Urging people to end syndicate raj by bringing BJP to power, the minister said that they should leave the illegal immigrants alone as not even a bird from across the border will be allowed to enter the state. In a direct jibe at dynastic politics, Shah said that TMC is only interested in bhatija kaliyan and is not interested in working towards the welfare of people. Further alleging a cut money culture in TMC, Shah said that if BJP comes to power, it would initiate a probe against disbursement of relief fund in the state post cyclone Amphan. Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah attends 'Shauryanjali Program', a program to pay tribute to icons of Bengal, at National Library pic.twitter.com/HvDQab0Cj5 ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2021 Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah attends 'Shauryanjali Program' at the National Library#WestBengal pic.twitter.com/FiLjeKV6yk ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2021 Retorting to Shahs remarks, Mamata Banerjee, later in another rally, said that BJP keeps talking about Bua Bhatija rhetoric day and night. Challenging Amit Shah to first contest against her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and then her, the TMC leader warned that the BJP leaders family will not go unscathed if he continues to attack the family of another politicians. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Reuters Biden is willing to hold talks with Iran on the 2015 nuclear deal along with European allies. The president has made restoring the deal a major foreign-policy goal. Trump abandoned the deal in May 2018, which raised tensions with Iran to historic heights. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. The Biden administration on Thursday said it was willing to hold talks with Iran on the 2015 nuclear deal along with European allies. "The United States would accept an invitation from the European Union High Representative to attend a meeting of the P5+1 and Iran to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Iran's nuclear program," Ned Price, a State Department spokesman, said in a statement. Price was referring to the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (the US, France, the UK, China, and Russia) and Germany. Offering to hold diplomatic talks with Iran is step forward for President Joe Biden's vow to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - the formal name for the 2015 nuclear deal. The JCPOA was a crowning diplomatic achievement for the Obama administration. It was designed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. But President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the deal in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran in what the administration called a "maximum-pressure" campaign. The move was condemned by US allies and ratcheted up tensions between the Iranian capital of Tehran and Washington to historic heights. It sparked fears of a new war in the Middle East. After Trump in January 2020 ordered a drone strike that killed Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani, Tehran effectively abandoned the JCPOA altogether. With Trump out of the White House, Iran has demanded that Biden lift sanctions. But the Biden administration has maintained that Iran must come back into compliance with the deal for sanction relief. There were few signs of the impasse breaking - until Thursday. Story continues Beyond its willingness to hold talks with the Iranians and Europeans, Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said the Biden administration was rescinding the Trump administration's reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran. But nothing is guaranteed, and it's unclear what happens next. Iran's top diplomat, Javad Zarif, on Thursday reiterated calls for all sanctions to be lifted before Tehran makes any moves. In a tweet, Zarif said the US must "unconditionally & effectively lift all sanctions imposed, re-imposed or re-labeled by Trump." "We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures," Zarif added, alluding to the steps Iran has taken away from the JCPOA, such as increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium and violating limitations on enrichment set by the deal. Zarif and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani have signaled that they would be willing to consider an approach in which both countries came back into compliance with the 2015 agreement simultaneously. Read the original article on Business Insider [February 19, 2021] AM Best Assigns Preliminary Credit Assessment to ASMI Auto Group Members AM Best has assigned a Preliminary Credit Assessment (PCA) to ASMI Auto Insurance Company, ECMI Auto Insurance Company and ESMI Auto Insurance Company, with a Financial Strength Assessment of A- pca (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Assessment of "a-" pca. The outlook assigned to these PCAs is stable. These companies are collectively known as the ASMI Auto Group and are domiciled in Northbrook, IL. The PCA reflects the ASMI Auto Group's balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, very limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The PCA also reflects the risk management and service agreement support of its ultimate parent, The Allstate Corporation (Allcorp). The PCA does not assume any further capital support from Allcorp or its affiliates to the ASMI Auto Group. The PCA considers ASMI Auto Group's projected risk-adjusted capitalization at the level of very strong, as well as its conservative investment allocation and adequate liquidity metrics, which anchor the overall balance sheet assessment. The very limited business profile is reflective of the run-off nature of the group, which was created to house certain inactive Michigan auto policies with active injury claims that represent the majority of Allcorp's Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) recoverables. AM Best therefore anticipates that operating performance will be primarily driven by net investment income and will be consistently and modestly profitable. Risk management for the group is integrated with Allcorp under the corporae-wide enterprise risk management framework. The PCA considers the overall integration that ASMI Auto Group will benefit from through various administrative and servicing agreements that are expected to be maintained between the group and Allstate Insurance Company. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005342/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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. Agartala, Feb 20 : Antagonising the ruling BJP, its junior ally IPFT on Friday night forged an alliance with another smaller tribal based parties to fight the upcoming polls to the tribal autonomous body. Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) President Narendra Chandra Debbarma and General Secretary Mevar Kumar Jamatia, both are ministers of the BJP led council of ministry headed by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, however, said that they are still in coalition with the saffron party. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman Nabendu Bhattacharjee told IANS on late Friday night that the IPFT did not share their decision with them. "However, our senior leaders are discussing the latest political development," Bhattacharjee said. Tripura royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, who was earlier state President of Congress but subsequently quit the party in 2019, on Friday formed an alliances of few tribal based parties and named TIPRA, the Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance. Deb Barman told the media that for the greater cause of the "Tipra land" (a territory for the tribals) they would fight together in the ensuing elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), a politically important constitutional body. Deb Barman later in the Friday evening held a close door meeting with Debbarma and Jamatia and other senior IPFT leaders before he announce to contest the TTAADC polls together. The IPFT leaders also told the media that they are still with the BJP led government and part of BJP floated regional body Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA), convener of which is Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Political circles observed that the IPFT took the decision after the BJP leaders yet to allot majority of the seats to field party (IPFT) candidates in the TTAADC elections likely to be held before May 17. BJP leaders are also keen to contest a majority of the 28 TTAADC seats to strengthen their political base in the tribal areas. The BJP in alliance with IPFT won the 2018 assembly polls defeating the CPI-M led Left Front. In the 60-member Tripura assembly, BJP has 36 seats and the IPFT eight and CPI-M has16.Another tribal based anti-BJP party -- Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) leaders also on Friday night announced to maintain alliance with the grouping floated by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman. The IPFT has been agitating since 2009 for the creation of a separate state by upgrading the TTAADC, which has jurisdiction over two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 sq km area and home to over 12,16,000 people, 90 per cent of whom are tribals. The IPFT's demand, however, is strongly opposed by all the political major parties including the BJP, the CPI-M and the Congress. The five-year tenure of the TTAADC expired on May 17 last year and the state government promulgated Governor's rule by appointing a retired IAS officer as Administrator next day for a period of six months and then extending the term for another six months on November 17 last year. Vishal-starrer Tamil film Chakra has finally released today (February 19, 2021), and as expected, it is getting a positive response from the masses. Apart from Tamil, the film's Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada versions are also out today. Talking about its Hindi version, the Vishal-starrer is titled Chakra Ka Rakshak. Notably, renowned voice-over artist Sanket Mhatre has dubbed for Vishal. Recently, Filmibeat got in touch with the dubbing artist. He talked about his experience lending his voice for Vishal in Chakra Ka Rakshak. While sharing his experience, Sanket Mhatre said, "It's always a pleasure voicing for Vishal, I love how he tries to tackle socially relevant issues in his movies. I especially enjoyed voicing for Irumbu Thirai and now for Chakra Ka Rakshak, since they speak of issues which are present around us." For the unversed, Sanket Mhatre has earlier lent his voice to Vishal for the Hindi versions of the actor's popular films like Ayogya, Aambala, Villain, Pattathu Yaanai and so on. Interestingly, the voice-over artist gives voice to more than 20-30 South Indian movies every year. When asked about how people react to his work, Sanket said, "I'm fortunate that a lot of people love and appreciate my work, be it Vishal, Allu Arjun, Surya, Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR, Ram Charan Teja or the others that I've voiced for, people have shown immense support for these voices. I've had people messaging from Nepal, London, Canada, Bangladesh and even Pakistan saying they've enjoyed the films. I'm glad I have had the opportunity to voice for these legends and take their voice to so many people." Coming back to Chakra, the film also stars Shraddha Srinath, Regina Cassandra, Robo Shankar, Manobala, KR Vijaya, Srushti Dange and Ravikanth in pivotal roles. Directed by MS Anandan, the film has music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Also Read : Chakra Twitter Review: Audience Lauds The Vishal-Shraddha Srinath Starrer Also Read : Chakra Release Issue: Will Vishal Starrer Get Postponed? Here's The Truth! Meanwhile, Moscow seeks to time construction completion to coincide with the national holiday, Russia Day, celebrated on June 12. Russia's efforts to implement its Nord Stream 2 gas pipe, which is the Kremlin's political project, threatens the energy security of European countries, as well as draws worrying prospects for maintaining balance in the Baltic Sea ecosystem, Ukrainian intelligence says. In particular, Russia neglects technological protocols and environmental restrictions as it seeks to complete the pipeline's Branch B," the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (SZR) has reported. "It's about the observance by maintenance vessels of the approved route during navigation from the port of Mukran (Germany) to a construction side in the exclusive sea economic zone of Denmark," the report reads. In recent months, intelligence analysts note, the Finval and Umka vessels, as well as Vladislav Strizhov and Yuriy Topchev icebreakers, while in Germany's territorial waters, have repeatedly passed through the birds' wintering zone, where any navigation is prohibited. As reported earlier, Russia has resumed and paced up construction works toward the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipe. At 65 to 70 m depths, the pipe is being laid twice as fast as at much shallower depths. Such haste, SZR says, is due to a political decision taken by the Kremlin to complete construction as soon as possible and, in line with Soviet traditions, to time it to coincide with the national holiday, Russia Day, marked annually on June 12. Nord Stream 2: Background The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It should connect Russia's Ust-Lug and Germany's Greifswald. This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline. Read alsoGermany may freeze Nord Stream 2 after September elections mediaThe construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019. The pipeline will be 1,220 km long. The project is being implemented by Russia's Gazprom in alliance with a number of European companies. Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country, while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US$3 billion annually. The project is also highly criticized by the U.S., Poland, and the Baltic States. According to media reports, U.S. President-elect Joe Biden intends to do his best to prevent the construction of Nord Stream 2. On December 6, 2020, United States Charge d'Affaires to Germany Robin Quinville called on the EU and Germany to declare a moratorium on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. On December 9, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with expanded restrictions against the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Read alsoPoland's PM hits back at German president over Nord Stream 2 remarksOn December 11, 2020, the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline resumed. Germany's maritime regulator BSH says the construction works on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline could be stopped for an indefinite period in German waters but opponents still need to give detailed reasons to justify the halt. On February 7, 2021, the Nord Stream 2 operator announced the start of pipe-laying in Danish waters. Reporting by UNIAN During his presentation before Congress' COVID-19 Commission, the high-ranking official recalled that Peru had signed a commitment with the Chinese laboratory for 38 million vaccines , which will enable the vaccination of 19 million people. Peru also signed a commitment with Pfizer for 20 million doses "This is very important because it is the second contingent, apart from that of Sinopharm, which allows guaranteeing the vaccination (...) of our entire population ," he expressed. THE population of Ireland is expected to increase by more than a million over the next 20 years, but where will all these people live? The country is already struggling to house its current population, so clearly drastic plans are required. The issue is tackled in the next episode of Eco Eye on RTE1 on Tuesday at 7pm. Without an integrated approach to planning, Irelands cities are on track for a future with continuing sprawling growth, stagnation and a detrimental impact on our environment. The National Planning Framework has never been clearer or joined up in terms of infrastructure investment following planning rather than the other way around. Under this new plan, over 40% of all new housing has to be delivered within existing urban areas on brownfield sites which could transform city life. In Eco Eye, Duncan Stewart travels to Cork and Limerick to find out if we can retrofit our cities and build communities suitable for families within the city limits. Hell show how individuals and communities together can feed into the planning and development process that shapes the development of our communities into the future. (Natural News) According to the mainstream media, Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was killed by a pro-Trump mob on Jan. 6, the alleged fallout of President Donald Trumps election fraud rhetoric. If this is truly the case, though, then why has nobody been prosecuted yet? More than a month has passed and prosecutors have still not even put together a murder case, let alone released any evidence that Sicknick died at the Capitol. In fact, conflicting reports suggest that Sicknick was fully alive and well until the time he was supposedly taken to a hospital, where he suddenly and mysteriously died. Early on, The New York Times and others ran with crazy headlines they appear to have manufactured out of thin air that claimed Sicknick was a victim of Trump-supporting white supremacy. That narrative later shifted to one where Sicknick merely got caught in the fray and died, for some unknown reason, while the so-called insurrection was taking place. The whole thing stinks of a false flag, which we already knew it was from other revelations that surfaced following the incident. Now, many are wondering if Sicknick was sacrificed by the very people spreading the false flag lie in order to blame Trump supporters while ratcheting up the tyranny. Officer Sicknicks death is the only purported death by a largely tourist crowd that was let into the building by police, stayed inside the velvet ropes, seemed at least partly there out of confusion, for social media clout, or just for the memes, and that even the New York Times conceded caused limited property damage, reports Revolver. Thats a far cry from murder. Yet MAGA is being blood libeled with a felony murder charge in the court of public opinion and at Donald Trumps impeachment, while potentially exculpatory evidence is silenced or sealed. Was Sicknick murdered by the same people falsely accusing Trump supporters of insurrection? Revolvers excellent reporting on the issue is a work in progress with more installments soon to come. And what has come to light thus far is damning, raising serious questions about why Sicknick died and who did it. We now know that Sicknick was not assaulted with a fire extinguisher like the Times claimed, nor did he suffer a bloody gash or any type of blunt force trauma. In fact, Sicknick was reported to be in good shape by his own brother, having returned to his office after the insurrection. It would appear as though the fake news media contrived the phony narrative and spread it around until eventually it became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Sicknick was just fine, despite being reported dead at the hands of a Trump mob, but then was suddenly dead for no apparent reason. Since Sicknicks reported death, no autopsy report has been released, and neither has any footage or evidence whatsoever to incriminate anyone other than the mainstream media for first lying about his death, followed by him actually dying under strange circumstances. What is worse, Sicknicks body has reportedly been cremated rather than buried, which means not further forensic analysis can even be conducted. Instead, complicit members of Congress have simply declared, as the media did, that Sicknick died because of Trump supporters, which means Trump needs to be impeached a second time. Why, one must wonder, would a family still searching for answers, who has no autopsy results, no death certificate, and no medical report, authorize a cremation? Revolver rightly asks. Did they? As the Washington Uniparty mulls domestic terror laws over a MAGA Bloodbath, it increasingly looks like MAGA may have been Bloodbathed. Time is of the essence for the Feds to release all evidence, damn the guilty, or the clear the MAGA movement of these serious allegations. More related news about the Capitol false flag incident can be found at FalseFlag.news. Sources for this article include: Revolver.news NaturalNews.com Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Political theories masquerading as sound economics (free-market rhetoric better known as Thatcherism and Reaganism) are back with a bang. Statements like "government has no business to be in business" or that "wealth creators (in private sector) are important for India, only then can wealth be distributed, and jobs be generated" are hitting the headlines again. The context now involves handing over public ownership of two banks and a general insurance company to the private sector, the recent budget announced. The government has already identified four mid-sized state-run banks for this - Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and Central Bank of India. For those who believe the private sector is more efficient at running businesses, investing in wealth creation that are then distributed among ordinary citizens or benefiting them by way of job creation, here is a reality check. Also Read: Rebooting Economy 67: Set the record straight before setting up a Bad Bank Wealth creation for private growth and by cutting jobs Two recent instances will demonstrate how popular rhetoric about private wealth creators is grossly misplaced. The RBI's Fiscal Stability Report (FSR) of January 11, 2021 carried a "systemic risk survey" conducted during October-November 2020 to capture the perceptions of experts, including market participants, on the major risks faced by the Indian financial system. The number one risk it listed was: "Lack of robust private sector investment". That begs a question: Why do experts the RBI consulted are worried about private wealth creators not investing enough for growth, especially when there is no paucity of easy credit (low-interest liquidity infusion by the RBI) or tax sops, including a massive corporate tax cut of Rs 1.45 lakh crore gifted in September 2019 amidst tight fiscal situation? Also Read: Rebooting Economy 66: Is India facing credit deprivation to warrant corporation banks? What the corporate tax cut did instead of investing in growth and creating jobs that was promised was explained by the RBI in its annual report of 2019-20: "The corporate tax cut of September 2019 has been utilised in debt servicing, build-up of cash balances and other current assets rather than restarting the capex cycle". The next two risks the RBI's FSR listed provide some clues: "Declining consumer confidence/spending" and "Supply chain disruptions". When demand is weak, production of goods and services remains subdued, hence the need for fresh investment is also subdued. Supply chain disruptions, caused by the prolonged and unplanned locking and unlocking of the economy, remain a worry because of continued threat perception from the pandemic. The RBI's fifth major risk was about jobs: "Workforce reduction/Employee stress". The apex bank didn't explain what workforce reduction/employee stress is or why even when it was public knowledge that the corporate sector had registered a high profit in Q2 of FY21 amidst the pandemic ruins of the economy and people. A few days earlier, on December 29, 2020, leading business information company Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) had released its analysis of the financial statements of 4,234 listed companies which had filed for Q2 of FY21. Titled "Why companies cut wages when profits soared", it highlighted two key findings: The listed companies made "their highest ever profits" amidst a severe lockdown and 53% profit growth companies (2,228) slashed wages. Apparently stumped by these developments, this report explained what slashed wages meant: "A cut in the wage bill could mean a combination of layoffs and wage rate cuts. It is likely that the wage bill was contained largely through a cut in the wage rate for the permanent staff... The axe on headcount is more likely to be through a slashing of contractual labour. Payments made to contractual labour do not show up as wages on the company's financial statements since these payments are made to contractors... Hiring of labour through contractors has been on the rise in recent years..." Also Read: Rebooting Economy 65: IBC has failed; will a bad bank succeed? Is private investment for India's economic growth? Even before the pandemic hit, investment by the private corporate sector (private wealth creators) was not exactly booming. The following graph maps investment trends for private corporate sector companies as percentages of GDP and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), the latter reflecting capital investment in the economy that boost growth. The graph also maps the GDP growth rate for a better perspective. What the graph tells is: (i) the co-relation between private corporate sector investment and growth of the economy (GDP) is tenuous at best for the most part and (ii) that private corporate sector's investment remains confined to a narrow band of 11.2-12.7% during the past nine years of 2011-12 GDP series from FY12 to FY20. FDI inflows and outflows through tax havens and shell companies Another way to look at private investment is through FDI inflows (foreign companies investing in India) and FDI outflows (Indian companies investing abroad). The most significant element of both FDI inflows and outflows is that these are almost entirely routed through tax havens which have zero or near-zero tax rates in which shell companies play a critical role. Also Read: Rebooting Economy 64: Budget numbers don't add up to 10% or more growth in FY22 While how many shell companies are working is not known, the Department of Industrial Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPP) statistics show that an average of 80% FDI inflows came through well-known tax havens in the past two decades - from April 2000 to June 2020 - for which it provides data. The RBI's data for FDI outflows for FY18 and FY19 shows more than 82% of FDI went away through tax havens. The following graph maps the shares of tax havens of Singapore, Mauritius, Netherlands, US, UK, Cayman Islands and Cyprus which are common to both inflows and outflows for FY18 and FY19 for the purpose of illustration. Global studies show that at least 37.5% of FDIs flowing through tax havens are "phantom" FDIs or FDIs meant for tax evasion, rather than real investment. These FDIs pass through empty corporate shells that have no real business activities and primarily exist for tax evasion. (For more read: Taxing the untaxed VI: What are tax havens and why they matter to India ). Round-tripping (funds coming back to the country of origin after a series of fake transactions) is a well-known phenomenon in the Indian economy about which the RBI has done nothing to check despite a growing body of evidence. (For more read: Reality Check: RBI's casual approach to round-tripping menace ) How much of these FDIs are 'phantom' or involve round-tripping in the case of India is not known. What is known is that the FDI inflows have not brought technology transfers, marketing expertise, promotion of exports and creation of jobs etc. Quantity, rather than quality, has been India's focus despite all these pointed out in studies. (For more read: Decoding Slowdown: FDI inflows trend shows all's not well; growth drops to single digits ) Wealth creators fleeing with both own and public wealth What is very well known is that private sector wealth creators of India have saddled PSBs with huge piles of NPAs because they don't repay their loans and the government has been generous in writing those off as a matter of standard banking practice. The RBI data shows the share of private sector in total NPAs of PSBs is 98.6% in the past 18 years between FY03 and FY20 for which data is available. (For more read: Rebooting Economy 67: Set the record straight before setting up a Bad Bank ) It is also well-known that dozens of private wealth creators like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Jatin Mehta and Sandesara have fled India in recent years without paying back their loans to PSBs and taken up citizenship abroad. Here is a third shocker. More and more private wealth creators are fleeing India with their wealth through 'residence-by-investment', or 'citizenship-by-investment' programmes offered by other countries. These are dollar billionaires and millionaires (High Net-worth Individuals or HNIs) that are tracked by the Mauritius-based AfrAsia Bank. Also Read: Rebooting Economy 63: Budgeting FY22 with critical information gaps According to the bank's Global Wealth Migration Review of 2020, 7,000 Indian HNIs (2% of India's total HNIs) migrated out in 2019 alone - India's was the second largest contingent after China. Such migrations entail investment of $300,000 to $3 million in those economies and globally, about 30% of HNIs migrating out exclusively opt for this route. The huge migration of wealth creators is a jump from 2018 when 5,000 Indian HNIs migrated out. The numbers were high in the previous years too - 7,000 in 2017, 6,000 in 2016 and 4,000 in 2015. This means 29,000 Indian dollar billionaires and millionaires have shifted base, whether with their wealth fully or partially isn't known. Here is more bad news. More wealthy Indians are likely to have fled in 2020, as a London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm is quoted as telling a leading national daily. The firm said the number of enquiries for 'residence-by-investment' or 'citizenship-by-investment' programmes went up by 62.6% in 2020, compared to 2019. What is government business? Weakening PSUs and creating monopolies? While it is said that the government has no business to be in business, the Indian govenment built PSUs with public money to industrialise and make itself self-sufficient (AatmaNirbhar) after gaining independence from the colonial rule in 1947. Now all these are being systematically damaged. The government has already sold public stakes in five PSUs - HPCL, REC, HSCC, NPCC and DCIL) - which were paid for by another set of PSUs - ONGC, PFC, NBCC, WAPCOs and public sector consortium of ports. The money went to the government, but the PSUs were sucked dry of their cash reserves. (For more read: Budget 2020: Strategic disinvestment, a questionable source of off-budget financing ) For the first time, cash-rich oil PSU ONGC was forced to borrow money from the market (Rs 24,881 crore) in 2018 to pick up the disinvestment tabs in another public sector oil company HPCL, having already exhausted its cash reserve in 2017 by being asked to take over the bankrupt and scam-tainted public sector oil company Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC). The ONGC's "cash and bank balances" has fallen to Rs 968.2 crore in FY20 from Rs 10,798.9 crore in FY16 - a fall of 91% - and is also saddled with a huge "net debt" of Rs 11,704 crore in FY20, according to its annual report of 2019-20. As a result, the ONGC is forced to cut down on oil exploration and development work. Also Read: Rebooting Economy 62: Economic growth for whom and for what? Similar is the case with other PSUs which were forced into buying public stakes in other PSUs, the proceeds of which went to the government kitty for running its affair. PSUs have also been sucked dry of their financial resources through large transfers of dividends and surpluses that the government demands from time to time. A 2019 CAG report (number 2) said the central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) paid Rs 76,062 crore in FY18 to the central government by way of dividend and surplus. This included RBI's contributions of Rs 40,659 crore. In August 2019, the RBI further transferred Rs 1.76 lakh crore as surplus/dividend. (For more read: Coronavirus Lockdown XV: Not just stimulus 2.0, getting fiscal mathematics right is critical too ) After weakening PSUs, the government plans to handover ownership to private wealth creators. The change in ownership of public assets is not limited to two public sector banks and a general insurance company. Niti Aayog has already drawn up a list of 48 PSUs, including Air India and some assets of NTPC and Steel Authority of India, which have played a major role India's development and growth. Wealth accumulating at the top at the cost of the poor Ironically, while the pandemic deprived millions of their livelihoods, pushed them into extreme poverty and deprived them of healthcare and education India's private sector wealth creators created more wealth and stock markets boomed. The Oxfam International's January 22, 2021 report, which tracked the impact of COVID-19, said that India's 100 billionaires saw their fortunes increase by Rs 12,97,822 crore since March 2020 while millions lost their livelihoods. This was also the time when the economy was sinking and India turned into one of the slowest growing economies, from the fastest one in 2015. The World Bank, IMF and Brookings Institute have estimated that India would see 40-85 million Indians slip into 'extreme poverty' (per capita per day living expense of $1.9) due to the pandemic. The Oxfam International's January 22, 2021 report said inequalities in health and education had risen sharply. (For more read: Rebooting Economy 63: Budgeting FY22 with critical information gaps ) It has become fashionable to blame the "Nehruvian socialism" for all that ails India's economy, without knowing that the PSUs built then with public money industrialised India; income of the bottom 50% grew the fastest then than any other time and income equality was at its lowest. It was the real era of wealth distribution. The following graph is taken from French economists Thomas Piketty and Lucas Chancel, who studied India's income inequality from 1922 to 2015, to demonstrate how the Nehruvian socialism created and distributed wealth. The situation reversed with liberalisation when private sector enterprises were hailed as the saviours of India and PSUs were handed over cheaply to them. There is no evidence that private sector wealth creators are more efficient in running business, creating wealth or distributing wealth. On the contrary, they have been surviving and thriving on public money and support. (For more read: Rebooting Economy XII: Is private sector inherently more efficient than public sector? & Rebooting Economy IX: Why is private sector dependent on public money in times of crisis? ). The Oxfam International's January 2020 report "Time to Care" highlighted how high inequality has risen in India. It said: "India's top 10% of the population holds 74.3% of the total national wealth. The contrast is even sharper for the top 1%. India's top 1% of population holds 42.5% of national wealth while the bottom 50%, the majority of the population, owns a mere 2.8% of the national wealth. In other words, the top 1% hold more than 4 times the amount of wealth held by 953 million people (or the bottom 70% of the population). The bottom 90% holds 25.7% of national wealth. Wealth of top 9 billionaires is equivalent to the wealth of the bottom 50% of the population." Yet, politicians and economists don't hesitate to tell people the virtues of private wealth creators at the drop of a proverbial hat. If any wealth has been redistributed in recent years, it is certainly not to the millions of Indians who live in utter poverty or those who have lost their livelihoods and slipped into extreme poverty in the past few months. Also Read: Rebooting Economy 61: All that's wrong with guaranteed MSP outside APMC Sara Ali Khan is often seen dressed in sprightly colours and prints. It resonates with her personality and vibe completely and she never fails to impress us. Floral outfits are a regular in her wardrobe essentials. She is often seen stepping out and about in cute floral dresses or her signature floral ethnic ensembles. She usually goes for a vivid colour palette but she has gone for subtle shades too with floral being the primal print she opts for. On that note, here is a list of 5 floral outfits of hers that left us impressed. The mini floral dress Her Maldives vacation had a stunning wardrobe collection. The diva was spotted in floral outfits many times, right from her beachwear to her midi dresses. One of her looks had her wearing a blue mini floral dress by Asos. It looked very dreamy with the tiered skirt silhouette and the pastel colour palette. Keeping her makeup minimal she let her fuss-free outfit speak for itself. The 3D floral blouse Sara made quite a statement at the beginning of her film career when people were just getting to know the sartorial queen that she is. She wore this one of a kind 3D floral applique blouse with a mesmerizing white organza lehenga. It was an Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla creation and looked stunning on her. She as usual kept her makeup minimal as the outfit was the show-stealer. The floral Kurta set Comfy kurta sets are Sara's go to fashion pick. It is her signature style when she's not gracing a red carpet or major events. Her floral outfits have not gone past our observant eyes as they are all one of a kind. One of our favourite floral ethnic looks of her's is when she stepped out in a mint green kurta with dainty floral prints on the top whereas there were checkered prints on the pants. The colour palette was extremely soothing and looked lovely on her. The floral co-ords Co-ords are one of the most trending clothing styles in millennial fashion. Especially, all the young starlets in B-Town have sported the co-ord outfit once and Sara is no different. Sara went her quintessential way with this yellow co-ord set which had floral prints all over it. The top had ruffled sleeves while the skirt had a belt to go with it. She even went for a pair of floral print glitter heels to finish off her look. The Floral fusion look The Indo- western look is quite a fetching Fashion trend. Sara Ali Khan had sported one of her all time best floral looks during Kedarnath's promotions when she wore a red floral crop top with a floor length red floral Cape. She paired it with flared pants in the same red shade. The bright colour was an instant attention stealer and Sara looked ethereal in this elegant outfit. TBILISI -- Police in downtown Tbilisi have brawled with dozens of opposition and civil rights activists who unsuccessfully tried to set up a tent in front of the parliament building. The Interior Ministry told RFE/RL on February 19 that 20 people were detained for allegedly not complying with a lawful order or demand of a law-enforcement officer. The tent was confiscated. The activists have been protesting near the parliament for several months against what they call the rigging of October 31, 2020 parliamentary elections and an ongoing political crisis in the country. The political crisis in Georgia that followed the elections deepened after a court ruled on February 17 to send Nika Melia, chairman of the United National Movement opposition party, to pretrial detention in a case denounced by the opposition as a political witch hunt. Melia is accused of organizing "mass violence" during 2019 anti-government protests, a charge he rejects as politically motivated. The ruling Georgian Dream party denies that. The 41-year-old politician faces up to nine years behind bars if convicted. On February 18, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia resigned amid the crisis, and Irakli Gharibashvili was named new prime minister. Gharibashvilis appointment needs to be confirmed by parliament, which is being boycotted by the opposition. Following Gakharias resignation, Melia called for early elections, while the Interior Ministry said they had temporarily postponed detaining the opposition leader. The court ruling on Melia's pretrial detention followed his refusal to pay an increased bail fee of 40,000 laris ($12,000). The opposition leader initially posted bail in 2019 but the amount was increased after he publicly removed his electronic monitoring bracelet during a postelection rally in November 2020. The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times Eastern): The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times Eastern): 6:35 p.m. British Columbia's health minister says the province administered 12,251 doses of vaccine yesterday, the highest number for a single day. Adrian Dix says half the 12,251 shots were second doses, and that number is expected to climb as more vaccine becomes available. The province recorded 508 new COVID-19 cases, and Dix says that is still too high, reminding residents to adhere to pandemic measures. Six more deaths have been reported in the province, for a total of 1,327 fatalities. 3:15 p.m. The Alberta government says Phase 2 of its vaccine program will begin in April. Premier Jason Kenney says the second phase will be done in four groups and, by the end, anyone over 50, anyone with high-risk health conditions and First Nations and Metis people aged 35 and older will be vaccinated. Kenney says thats almost 1.8 million people. Kenney says they cant announce any details beyond Phase 2 because the vaccine supply is too unstable. 2:50 p.m. Health officials are reporting 146 new cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. Three residents aged 50 and older have also died from the virus. The Ministry of Health says 172 people are in hospital, with 19 in intensive care. To date, the province says it has given around 53,000 doses of vaccine to vulnerable residents like those in long-term care and people in remote northern communities. The Opposition NDP says Premier Scott Moe's government needs to come out with a plan on how to deal with the threat of more contagious COVID-19 variants. 2:45 p.m. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control says new preliminary data shows that a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of the virus by 80 per cent within two to three weeks of receiving the shot. The agency says in a statement that researchers came to the conclusion after analyzing COVID-19 cases in long-term care homes between December 2020 and February 2021. B.C. has administered more than 180,000 doses of vaccine as of Thursday. 1:40 p.m. Manitoba is reporting 92 new COVID-19 cases and two additional deaths. However, two cases have been removed from the province's total due to a data error and one death recorded in December has been removed after further investigation determined it was not due to the novel coronavirus. Health officials also say they have found three more cases of the variant first found in the United Kingdom, and all three are related to international travel and have recovered. 1:35 p.m. A stay-at-home order will remain in place for the Ontario COVID-19 hot spots of Toronto and Peel Region, as well as the North Bay area, for at least two more weeks. Health Minister Christine Elliott says it was a difficult but necessary decision to keep the areas under tight public health measures. Top health officials in Toronto and Peel had called for the order to stay in place, saying loosening measures too soon would lead to more illness and death. The province says a stay-home order will lift for York Region as it moves to the second-strictest category of Ontario's tiered pandemic restrictions framework next week. The stay-home order was lifted for the majority of the province earlier this week. 1:25 p.m. Nova Scotia is reporting two new cases of COVID-19 today. Officials say one case was identified in the eastern part of the province and is related to travel outside the Atlantic region, while the other is in the region that includes Halifax and involves a close contact of a previously reported case. Mobile testing units will be dispatched to a community centre north of Halifax for families and staff of Beaver Bank-Monarch Drive Elementary School, after a case was recently tied to the school. The province has 15 active reported infections. 1 p.m. Canada's vaccination efforts hit its first milestone Friday, passing one million people getting at least one dose. As of 1 p.m. EST, provinces reported vaccinating 1,007,578 people, according to an online vaccine tracker run by Noah Little, a student at the University of Saskatchewan. Deliveries of the Pfizer-BioNTech soared this week, with more than 403,000 doses arriving, and provinces have injected more than 50,000 doses in the last 36 hours alone. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says provinces are ready to inject more than 1.5 million doses in the next three weeks. 1 p.m. New Brunswick is reporting six new cases of COVID-19 today. Health officials say five cases are in the Edmundston region and one case is in the Miramichi area. The number of active reported cases in the province is 105, and five patients are in hospital with the disease, including one in intensive care. New Brunswick has reported a total of 1,417 COVID-19 infections and 24 deaths linked to the pandemic. 12:45 p.m. Newfoundland and Labrador is reporting 60 new cases of COVID-19 and nine presumptive cases. Health officials say 34 of the cases reported today were previously listed as presumptive. The province has 863 active reported infections. It has reported a total of four deaths linked to the virus. 12:15 p.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is warning that COVID-19 variants could fuel a third wave worse than the first two unless strong public health measures continue. Trudeau notes that new cases and hospitalizations are down, but that more contagious mutations of the virus represent a real threat to Canadians. New federal forecasts project that variants could drive a surge of 20,000 new cases per day by mid-March if public health restrictions are relaxed further. 11 a.m. Quebec is reporting 800 new cases of COVID-19 today and 14 more deaths linked to the virus, including one within the past 24 hours. Health officials say hospitalizations dropped by 24, to 723, and 127 people were in intensive care, a drop of two. The province says 9,202 doses of vaccine were administered yesterday, for a total of 311,651. 10:30 a.m. Ontario has added 1,150 new cases of COVID-19 to its tally today. It also counted 47 more deaths linked to the virus. Health Minister Christine Elliott says the hot spots of Toronto, Peel and York Region are still seeing the most cases. Premier Doug Ford is expected to announce today whether Toronto and Peel will remain under a stay-at-home order as local officials have requested. 10 a.m. New federal forecasts project that COVID-19 variants could fuel a surge of 20,000 new cases per day by mid-March if public health restrictions are relaxed further. The Public Health Agency of Canada released modelling today suggesting that while infections continue to decline nationally, the spread of virus mutations threatens to reverse that progress. Canada's chief public health officer says there are currently fewer than 33,000 active cases in Canada, a 60 per cent drop compared to a month ago. But with COVID-19 variants detected in all 10 provinces, Dr. Theresa Tam says Canada may not be able to avoid a rapid acceleration of the epidemic without continued vigilance. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2021. 2811 Chris Estes, State CIO, North Carolina Office of Information Technology Services Chris Estes, State CIO, North Carolina Office of Information Technology Services The Raleigh-Durham area has long been known for the Research Triangle Park, where Fortune 100 firms rub elbows with high-tech start-ups and university spin-outs. Now that culture of innovation, fueled by the private sector and State universities, is expanding to the heart of North Carolinas capital city. Innovation is also evolving in what may seem to be an improbable place state governments information technology operations. North Carolina opened its Innovation Center in 2013, a working lab where CIOs, state employees, students and industry collaborate in a try before you buy approach to evaluating technology systems. The iCenter is located a few blocks from the capitol in the Green Square Building, the LEEDcertified offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Red Hat moved its global headquarters and 900 employees, along with their video games and ping pong tables, to downtown Raleigh in 2013. New Citrix offices that will be home to five hundred employees and a rooftop yoga studio are under construction in the warehouse district, and the company recently hosted a Shark Tankstyle competition for local start-ups. Public-private partnerships are thriving, with North Carolina State University leading a U.S. Department of Energyfunded advanced manufacturing hub that will develop next-generation power electronics. The State, like the private sector, must shift from a technology-centric view to one that focuses on the needs of customers The premise is simple: technology products are put through the paces and must be proven to work as promised. That approach may be routine for the Innovation Centers private sector neighbors, but it represents a major shift for state government. During our testing process, more than a dozen state agencies and two state universities have identified technology that provides real solutions and moved forward with those that meet the States needs. Our testing has already influenced our purchasing decisions, such as a successful proof of concept that led to the rollout of Office 365. At a time when state government is tightening its belt, immersive virtual meeting hardware and software has allowed us to avoid travel costs while expanding our access to businesses and schools. State agencies identified user personas that informed our evaluation of hosted virtual desktop technology, and form factor testing by employees in the field helped us determine which mobile devices to buy. The innovative solutions that are chosen through the iCenter will also improve customer service and support our vision of making interactions with the government as simple as checking scores or shopping on a smart phone. Citizens are accustomed to a digital world in which they can work or shop anytime, anywhere, on any device. The State, like the private sector, must shift from a technology-centric view to one that focuses on the needs of our customers. Computer science students from NC State are developing a mobile-ready website that helps entrepreneurs start businesses in North Carolina by integrating the current multi-agency manual process. Our collection of incongruent and dated state agency websites is also being redesigned with a common look and feel that will simplify and enhance the customer experience. As we move toward offering our citizens more digital services, the changes required are more than cosmetic. The web redesign, and all future digital efforts, will use quantitative and qualitative data including usability testing to design and refine our online interactions. Emphasis will be placed on the content that is most essential to the users context, and on how to present that content as clearly and quickly as possible. Were working to deliver these improvements amid the usual challenges associated with government IT, such as a technology deficit caused by years of underinvestment. We are fortunate, though, to have state leaders who recognize the importance of improving our technology capabilities. Our governor understands that technology is the key to making state government more efficient, and was the first in North Carolina to elevate the State CIO to a Cabinet position. In 2013, the governor recommended and the General Assembly approved a $60 million fund that puts us on the path toward fixing and modernizing our IT capabilities. Just as North Carolina building an expansive highway system in support of economic development, we are now committed to building the technology infrastructure of the future. Were also bringing more cost-effective business practices to government. Centralizing and virtualizing servers resulted in immediate savings with the potential for more cost-cutting in the future. Along with the iCenters, try before you buy principle, were taking a consumption-based, pay for what we use approach to licensing agreements. Renegotiating two contracts for software, licenses and support saved the State $3 million last year. We will continue to negotiate more favorable terms with our vendor partners as opportunities become available. Our goals for modernizing our IT infrastructure are lofty and the challenges we face are many, but the States culture of innovation is thriving amid the collaboration between our public and private entities. As innovation extends from the business community to State government, our technology ecosystem is growing in a way that will make State services more efficient and accessible for everyone who lives, works, and plays in North Carolina. PHILIPSBURG:--- The relatives of slain Methodist Agogic Center (MAC) teacher Rhonda Thomas will be holding a candlelight vigil in honor of their slain relative. The vigil will be held on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Caribe Lumber Ball Park. The organizer of the event Neville Mars said the event is being organized in order to condemn violence against women as well as hatred. Persons desirous of attending the vigil are asked to wear Red and White clothing as a symbol of love since Thomas was murdered on Valentine's Day. The late Rhonda Thomas migrated to St. Maarten over 20 years ago from her native country Guyana. She was a dedicated Arts teacher, she also worked as a security guard and an interior decorator. She leaves to mourn her two daughters, relatives, close friends, students, and teachers of the MAC schools as well as her colleagues of Sonesta Maho Group. Persons are asked to maintain all COVID-19 procedures with social distancing and wearing masks. The Vatican has told employees they may risk losing their jobs if they refuse to get a Covid-19 vaccination without legitimate health reasons. A decree by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, effectively the governor of Vatican City, said getting a vaccine was the responsible choice because of the risk of harming other people. Vatican City, at 108 acres the worlds smallest state, has several thousand employees, most of whom live in Italy. Its vaccination programme began last month and Pope Francis (84) was among the first to get the jab. The seven-page decree says that those who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons may be given another position, presumably where they would have contact with fewer people, but will receive the same pay even if the new post is a demotion. But the decree said those who refuse to get a vaccination without sufficient reason would be subject to a specific provision in a 2011 law on employee rights and duties. The legislation says employees who refuse preventive measures could be subjected to varying degrees of consequences that could lead to dismissal. The decree was signed on February 8 and later posted on the website of the governors department. Pope Francis is a big supporter of vaccines to stem the spread of the coronavirus. It is an ethical choice because you are gambling with your health, with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others, he said in an interview with an Italian television station last month. The Vatican has made a Covid-19 vaccination obligatory for journalists accompanying Pope Francis on his trip to Iraq next month. Cardinal Bertello, who signed the decree, tested positive for coronavirus in December and went into self-isolation. There have been fewer than 30 cases of coronavirus in the Vatican City, most of them occurring amongst the Swiss Guard, who live in a communal barracks. What happens when Australia takes something it does really well and sells it to the world? International education is a success story of this kind. Our universities are among the best on the planet, and each year students arrive from more than 150 countries. Even in the midst of COVID, international education is Australias fourth largest export, and Victorias largest. To have built such a successful export industry in a few decades should be cause for celebrationand yet too often this success is viewed with suspicion, if not outright hostility. Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to students from China. Foreign students make up 13 per cent of Australias university enrolments. Credit:Glenn Hunt According to recent research by Innovative Research Universities, in 2019 we had 133,000 Chinese students in Australia, comprising 13 per cent of total University enrolments, and just under a third31 per centof our total education exports. Certainly, this is a big chunk of the education we provide to overseas students. But are we over-exposed and how does education compare with other Australian exports? The latest trade figures (June 2020) show that China accounts for 48.8 per cent of all Australias traded goods exports. Thats a much higher share than higher education (31 per cent). Our agricultural and fishing industries sell 32 per cent of their exports to China. So, education is a tiny bit less reliant on China than agriculture. What about mining? The Commonwealth Government regularly points out the importance of the mining sector to Australias economy. Well, mining sells just on half (much higher for iron ore) of its product to China. So, the education sector is significantly less exposed to China than mining. If our education sector is to be criticised for selling too much to China, then the resources and agricultural sectors should be criticised even more. And yet mining and agriculture are rightly celebrated as success stories in Australias engagement with global markets. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday expressed concern over the current level of violence in and urged all sides to take measures towards a ceasefire in the war-torn country. He was talking to Afghan leader Ahmed Wali Massoud, who is head of Massoud Foundation and is visiting Pakistan, according to the Foreign Office (FO). During the meeting, the two focused on the Afghan Peace Process and Pakistan- bilateral relations. The foreign minister expressed serious concern at the current level of violence and underscored that all sides must take measures for reduction in violence leading to ceasefire. He also underlined the need for being vigilant about the role of spoilers. Highlighting that had no favourites in Afghanistan, Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan's message to all sides was to work together constructively for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, which would open new vistas for trade, economic cooperation and regional connectivity. He reaffirmed that Pakistan, on its part, will continue to play a constructive role. The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan's facilitation of the US-Taliban Peace Agreement and the commencement of Intra-Afghan negotiations. He stressed that this historic opportunity must be seized by the Afghan leaders to achieve an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement. Qureshi highlighted that had taken a number of steps to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and people-to-people linkages including opening of border despite COVID-19, introduction of friendly visa regime, and scholarships for Afghan students. In another development, Incoming Commander of US Central Command, General Kenneth F. Mc Kenzie Jr, on Friday discussed the Afghan peace process with Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. The army said in a statement that Kenzie Jr met with Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. Matters of mutual interest, regional security situation with particular reference to ongoing reconciliation process were discussed during the meeting, according to the statement. The two officials expressed unanimity of views on the importance of political resolution of Afghan situation. (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.) [February 19, 2021] CUPE: University of Toronto Academic Workers Vote Overwhelmingly for Strike Mandate CUPE 3902 (Unit 1) academic workers have given a strong strike mandate to their Local leadership with 90 per cent voting this week in favour of job action as negotiations continue with the University of Toronto. The bargaining unit comprises about 8,000 academic workers including teaching assistants, course instructors, and exam invigilators who are dealing with increased workloads, mental health challenges, lack of job security and financial stress, all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. "The strike vote is an expression of our members' determination to fight for a fair contract that meaningfully improves our experience as workers and students, and thereby the quality of education at the university," said Amy Conwell, CUPE 3902 Chair and a course instructor. "We are hoping to resolve these issues amicably but are ready for collective action if U of T doesn't accept our reasonable demands." Conwell said that many of the Local's members take-home pay keeps them below the poverty line in the expensive Greater Toronto Area, without sufficient job security and untenable workloads. "Many of our members balance multiple teaching assistant jobs while struggling to complete their own degrees. The financial stress and the mental toll of being precarious impacts our ability to excel as students. It also negatively affects our capacity to focus on the needs of the students we serve," Conwell said. Although the two parties have made some progress on the bargaining table, U of T has not yet meaningfully addressed the union's high priority issues including hiring and pandemic-related working conditions. "The university has agreed to some of our proposals and we would like to continue making progress. However, we have been told not to expect any improvement on pandemic-related matters. That is unacceptable. Our demands such as expansion in paid sick days are more than reasonable and the university must commit to our wellbeing as workers and students." About CUPE 3902 CUPE Local 3902 represents nearly 11,500 workers across the University of Toronto's three campuses in downtown Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga. Unit 1 of the Local is currently involved in bargaining a new collective agreement for about 8,000 of its members including teaching assistants, course instructors, and exam invigilators. lf/cope491 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005368/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] | By Laura Hager The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) has launched agreements of dual admission with Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and Allegany College of Maryland (ACM), thus completing formal partnerships with every community college in Maryland that offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Agreements enable a smooth transition from ADN programs to UMSONs Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Partnerships with Hagerstown Community College and Allegany College of Maryland mean any Maryland student enrolled in an Associate Degree in Nursing program can begin earning credits toward their Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. As part of UMSONs continued effort to increase the number of collaborative pathways to earning a BSN in Maryland, HCC and ACM become the 14th and 15th community colleges in the state, respectively, where students can apply to, be admitted to, and begin taking classes in UMSONs BSN program while still working toward their ADN, saving them time in completing both degrees. HCC and ACM students will receive credit from UMSON for completed coursework at the community colleges. In addition, UMSON is currently covering the cost of its BSN courses for students participating in the dual-admission partnership while they are still enrolled in the ADN program, an opportunity made possible with funds from a gift from Bill and Joanne Conway through their Bedford Falls Foundation. UMSON is excited to begin the dual-admission partnerships with HCC and ACM, said Linda Aveni Murray, DNP 16, MS 84, CPNP-Ped, assistant professor and director, RN-to-BSN program, UMSON. The partnerships will afford nurses in Western Maryland an opportunity to begin pursuing their BSN online while still enrolled at their local community colleges. Once they graduate from their community college program, they will be able to seamlessly complete the BSN program online. Connecting UMSON with Marylands western counties, where there are health professions shortages, the new dual-admission agreements encourage and support ADN students to obtain their BSN by streamlining prerequisites, creating a seamless process for the transfer of credits, and allowing them to begin taking courses in UMSONs BSN program while still enrolled at their community college. For Western Marylands rural and medically underserved areas, these partnerships will help meet a critical need for health care providers by educating students who frequently provide care in their local communities. We are thrilled to launch these dual-admission agreements with Hagerstown Community College and Allegany College and look forward to our collaboration, said Jane Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Our agreements with the 15 community colleges across Maryland that offer the Associate Degree in Nursing ensures that in every part of our state from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore nurses have the opportunity to more easily earn their BSN degree and to do so at a lower cost. With over 67 percent of Maryland nurses now holding a BSN degree or higher, our state is a national leader in the effort to reach the recommended 80 percent level. This is good news for health care in Maryland given the link between higher levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes. It means that throughout Maryland, nurses are well equipped to provide excellent care in our increasingly complex health care environment. The present Dual-Admission Partnership program, initiated in 2015, is helping to further the mission of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, an initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the AARP to transform health care through nursing. The campaign, based on the recommendations set forth in the Institute of Medicines 2010 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health report, aims to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree or higher nationwide to 80 percent. To matriculate to UMSONs BSN program, students must graduate with an ADN and satisfy UMSONs progression criteria. To date, more than 160 students have matriculated and nearly 50 students have graduated after having completed both their ADN and UMSONs BSN program through the Dual-Admission Partnership program. You might think that the decision of Bill Gates to throw his resources, energy and intellect into the infernal problem of climate change would be universally welcomed by those who have been battling the issue for a generation. Embers light up a hillside behind the Bidwell Bar Bridge as the Bear Fire burns in Oroville, California during Americas deadly 2020 fire season. Credit:Noah Berger This weeks publication of Gates new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, has revealed an intellectual and philosophical schism in the climate field, one most pronounced between those who have battled in the field for a generation, and newer entrants like Gates. In his book Gates does an admirable job in breaking down the complex problem of climate change into understandable building blocks. When I started learning about climate change, I kept encountering facts that were hard to get my head around, he writes. For one thing, the numbers were so large they were hard to picture ... Another problem was that the data I was seeing often appeared devoid of any context. 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. By Ding Wendong and Liu Pan BEIRUT, Feb. 19 -- The 19th Chinese peacekeeping multi-functional engineer contingent to Lebanon passed with high standards the military capability assessment of the first quarter of 2021 conducted by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on February 17. The UNIFIL inspection team paid particular attention to the examination of mine clearance and explosive removal, engineering and construction tasks, and the building of the Level 1 hospital. Being briefed on the Chinese peacekeepers participation in the UNIFIL's most dangerous "Blue Line" mine clearance and passage maintenance tasks, as well as in the reconstruction assistance operations after the Beirut blast, the inspectors fully affirmed the Chinese peacekeepers professionalism and dedication. Upon comprehensive inspection and evaluation, all the UNIFIL inspectors agreed that all indicators of the military capabilities of the 19th Chinese peacekeeping multi-functional engineer detachment to Lebanon met the standards. Military capability assessment is an important task for the UN to regularly check whether peacekeeping forces have the capability to conduct peacekeeping tasks and deal with emergencies effectively. The evaluation involves a wide range of subjects, including 99 assessment items in 11 categories, such as combat training, equipment management and logistics support. As everyone knows, real-life crimes are always more interesting than the movie equivalent. The average movie heist involves backflipping through a grid of lasers while firing a gun at the deadly supermodel who betrayed your crew. Whereas the average real heist involves a sweaty guy with his foot stuck in a mop bucket waving a "Federal Money Inspector" card at bank officials and somehow running off with $2 million in treasury bonds. Which would you rather hear about? Let's hope it's the second one, because we've assembled yet another collection of the dumbest, weirdest crimes known to man. 4 A Fake Spy Agency Almost Scammed Its Way Into US Intelligence And A $3.7 Billion Payout Back in 2012, rumors began to circulate through the murky world of American espionage. They involved a secret new CIA project called Alpha-214, which was supposedly carrying out shadowy special operations around the world. Before long, major defense contractors began to be approached by representatives of the program, with an intriguing proposal. To carry out their secret missions, Alpha-214 agents needed cover jobs with legitimate private companies. Obviously, the CIA couldn't create a paper trail by directly paying the company for this. However, if they would agree to put an Alpha-214 agent on the payroll at $10,000 a month, the government would reward them by quietly granting them priority status when bidding for lucrative contracts. Over a dozen companies jumped at the opportunity. Which was unfortunate, because Alpha-214 was actually a fake operation run by a former TMZ reporter named Garrison Courtney. Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress In fairness, like 90 percent of the people who work at Langley initially wandered in off the street trying to steal copper wiring. Continue Reading Below Advertisement After leaving TMZ, Courtney found himself at a bit of a loose end. So he started pretending to be a CIA spy, introducing himself as a former special forces operator with "hundreds of kills" under his belt. He regaled contacts with stories of daring intrigue, like the time enemy agents slipped ricin into his food. In reality, Courtney was never even in the military and his only previous government service was a stint as a media guy for the DEA. But his act was apparently so convincing that multiple companies agreed to give him a lucrative no-show job as "cover" for his CIA work. Before long, he was raking in millions and enjoying a life of luxury in Washington. And then things started to get crazy -- Garrison Courtney got so good at pretending to be a spy that he started to fool the government itself. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Many of the defense contractors Courtney was scamming were retired military officers or intelligence agents. And naturally, they started introducing him to their friends who still worked for the government. Before long, everyone was convinced that Alpha-214 was real. Courtney even started "recruiting" actual intelligence officials to assist with the program. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency let him use their high security conference rooms for meetings, while the Office of the Director of National Intelligence was happy to vouch for him. And when his "employers" started asking for the lucrative government contracts they had been promised, Courtney simply informed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that the CIA had chosen them to funnel payments to Alpha-214 participants. The NIH was on the verge of granting $3.7 billion in "classified contracts" to Courtney's employers when the FBI swooped in. Continue Reading Below Advertisement The feds had been tipped off by a former associate of Courtney, but their investigation quickly ran into trouble, since most of the victims still believed Alpha-214 was a top-secret CIA program that they were forbidden from discussing. Meanwhile, Courtney had his contacts in the intelligence agencies lean on the FBI to drop the investigation (one official even threatened to have the agents arrested). He also came very close to getting official security classification for Alpha-214, which would effectively have immunized him from prosecution. Fortunately, he was arrested before this could happen and is currently serving 7 years in a (hopefully real) prison. Two Oregon men were killed in a crash Thursday on a highway in Tillamook County, troopers say. Tillamook resident Jonathan Moreland was driving east on Oregon 22 in the Hebo area when he crossed into the opposite lane and collided with another driver, the Oregon State Police said, citing an early investigation. Moreland, 28, and passenger Jimmie Toll, a 46-year-old Bay City resident, suffered fatal injuries. Two other passengers were taken to a hospital with undescribed injuries. The other driver, 25-year-old Joshua Brown of Newberg, wasnt hurt. The Oregonian/OregonLive Shamima Begum whose potential return to the UK to challenge the deprivation of her British citizenship will be decided on by the Supreme Court next week. Shamima Begum will find out if she can potentially return to the UK to pursue an appeal against the removal of her British citizenship when the Supreme Court gives a ruling on her case next week. Ms Begum was 15 when she and two other east London schoolgirls travelled to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State group (IS) in February 2015. Her British citizenship was revoked on national security grounds shortly after she was found, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp in February 2019. Ms Begum, now 21, is challenging the Home Offices decision to remove her British citizenship and wants to be allowed to return to the UK to pursue her appeal. Expand Close CCTV of the three schoolgirls leaving the UK (Met Police/PA) Press Association Images/Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp CCTV of the three schoolgirls leaving the UK (Met Police/PA) In July last year, the Court of Appeal ruled that the only way in which she can have a fair and effective appeal is to be permitted to come into the United Kingdom to pursue her appeal. The Home Office challenged that decision at the Supreme Court in November, arguing that allowing her to return to the UK would create significant national security risks and expose the public to an increased risk of terrorism. The UKs highest court will give a judgment next Friday on whether Ms Begum should be granted leave to enter the UK to pursue her appeal against the deprivation of her British citizenship. The Supreme Court will also rule on whether, if Ms Begum is refused leave to enter the UK, her appeal against the removal of her British citizenship should be allowed. Expand Close The remote hearing was heard at the Supreme Court (Yui Mok/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The remote hearing was heard at the Supreme Court (Yui Mok/PA) At the hearing in November, her lawyers said Ms Begum was currently in the al-Roj camp in northern Syria, where conditions are dire. Lord Pannick QC told the court that the Syrian Democratic Forces, which control the al-Roj camp, do not permit visits from lawyers nor do they permit detainees to speak to lawyers. He said the case against Ms Begum was no more than that she travelled to Syria and aligned with IS', and that it is not alleged that she fought, trained or participated in any terrorist activities, nor that she had any role within IS. Lord Pannick added that if Ms Begum could not return to the UK to pursue an effective appeal the deprivation appeal must be allowed, as there is no other fair or just step that can be taken. Sir James Eadie QC, representing the Home Office, told the court: If you force the Secretary of State to facilitate a return to the UK, or if you allow the substantive appeal, the effect is to create potentially very serious national security concerns. He said of Ms Begum: She married an IS fighter, lived in Raqqa, the capital of the self-declared caliphate, and remained with them for about four years until 2019, when she left from, in effect, the last pocket of IS territory in Baghuz. Sir James argued that individuals who went to Syria to join IS pose a real and serious risk to national security whatever sympathy might be generated by the age of the person when they travelled. Expand Close Kadiza Sultana, Shamima Begum and Amira Abase at Gatwick airport, before their flight to Turkey in February 2015 (Metropolitan Police/PA) Press Association Images/Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kadiza Sultana, Shamima Begum and Amira Abase at Gatwick airport, before their flight to Turkey in February 2015 (Metropolitan Police/PA) Ms Begum and Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, then 16 and 15 respectively, boarded a flight from Gatwick Airport to Istanbul, Turkey, on February 17 2015, before making their way to Raqqa in Syria. The three schoolgirls from Bethnal Green Academy left London shortly after Sharmeena Begum, who is no relation, travelled to Syria in December 2014. Ms Begum claims she married Dutch convert Yago Riedijk 10 days after arriving in IS territory, with all three of her school friends also reportedly marrying foreign IS fighters. She told The Times in February 2019 that she left Raqqa in January 2017 with her husband, but her children, a one-year-old girl and a three-month-old boy, had both since died. Her third child died in the al-Roj camp in March 2019, shortly after he was born. The Supreme Courts decision will be announced at 9.45am next Friday. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Nearly 40% of New Mexicans who have died from COVID-19 were Hispanic, or Latino, a group that accounts for 44% of those who have tested positive. Yet the percentage of Hispanics vaccinated in the state has been disproportionately low, according to new data from the state Department of Health. The DOH online vaccine dashboard lists Hispanics/Latinos as the largest of five identified ethnic groups in New Mexico, with 780,908 persons eligible for the vaccine. But the group is second from the bottom in the percentage vaccinated. About 12% have received at least one shot and just under 6% were fully vaccinated as of Thursday. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ African Americans have fared even worse, with 9% partially vaccinated and less than 5% fully vaccinated. Whites eligible for the vaccine total 686,030, according to DOH data. Of that group, which accounts for about 29% of deaths in the state, the agency reported that 17.4% had been partially vaccinated and 8% fully vaccinated. Native Americans, the hardest hit ethnic group, had the highest percentage of population vaccinated, with 22% receiving at least one shot. Overall, 311,904, or 39% of those currently eligible to be vaccinated in New Mexico, have received one shot, and about 19%, or 153,811 people, have received two. Further reinforcing the appearance of disparity regarding Hispanics is the vaccination rate in the states second most populous county, Dona Ana, in southern New Mexico. That county, which is about 68% Hispanic and home to Las Cruces, has the fourth-lowest percentage of residents vaccinated of any of the states 33 counties. Only Eddy, Chaves and Torrance counties are lower, according to the most recent state data. Two other counties with sizeable Hispanic populations, Santa Fe and Valencia, ranked in the bottom seven, with less than 17% of residents vaccinated, according to the latest DOH data. Dona Ana County Commission Chairman Manuel Sanchez told the Journal on Thursday he believes the low vaccination rate in his county isnt due to lack of interest or socio-economic obstacles, but because the state isnt sending enough vaccine doses to the area. Were trying every way we can to get people registered and vaccinated, Sanchez said. All our local leaders are getting emails and calls from constituents saying, Why arent we getting a larger share? Why arent we getting more people vaccinated in Dona Ana County? Sanchez said local officials, anticipating some people might not have computer access, have set up a local phone line for residents who might need help registering through the DOH vaccine website. The helpline number is 575-528-5119. Reaching out The state is urging New Mexicans to register for vaccines at the website cvvaccine.nmhealth.org or by calling a state hotline. (The number is 1-855-600-3453 press option 0 for vaccine questions and then option 4 for tech support.) Some providers are also independently scheduling vaccinations for people who meet the current state criteria, which includes people over 75, and those 16 and older with an underlying medical condition. Medical personnel, people in congregate settings and first responders have first priority. About 632,400 people, less than half of those aged 16 and older in New Mexico, have signed up on the state registration site and are expecting to be notified when and where they can get a shot. The state uses a randomized process to make appointments. So far, of 306,721 total primary shots administered statewide, 7%, or 21,846 initial doses, have gone to Dona Ana County residents. About 10% of the states population lives in the county. Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima told the Journal on Thursday, It looks like the state is doing the best it can (to deliver doses of the vaccine). He appointed a vaccine task force more than a month ago to make preparations for the day when the vaccine flow starts coming in really fast. The task force is also being asked to reach out to various sectors or communities who might be hesitant to be vaccinated. Las Cruces assistant city manager Eric Enriquez said vaccination promotion will include inserting flyers in utility bills and putting advertising wraps on buses. The joint effort includes New Mexico State University, the Dona Ana Community College and Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, which has about 75 students prepared to give shots in the arm. Addressing equity Asked this week about the low number of Hispanics vaccinated statewide, DOH secretary designate, Dr. Tracie Collins, responded, Basically, were working to address equity in the state, and we need to keep looking at the numbers and evaluating what are the factors that are influencing vaccine uptake, vaccine access and, as we begin to move forward, our vaccine equity plan will be able to address these concerns, and get more New Mexicans vaccinated across all races and ethnicities. The DOH relies on self-reporting of ethnicity that occurs during registration for the vaccine, Collins added. According to data reported Thursday: Blacks ranked last in New Mexico, with 9% partially vaccinated and less than 5% fully vaccinated out of a reported population of 36,934. At the top are American Indian or Alaska Native, which show 22% of a New Mexico population reported as 145,589 have received an initial dose, with 9% fully vaccinated. In the Asian or Pacific Islander category, 10% have been fully vaccinated out of a population the DOH reported as 31,147. Some 20,000 others vaccinated in the state either reported another race, or their ethnicity was unknown. Of those testing positive for the virus in New Mexico, about 44% were Hispanic, and 1,385 Hispanics have died, representing about 39% of COVID-19 deaths. About 29% of the deaths were people identified as white, with Native Americans accounting for 28% of New Mexicos coronavirus deaths. Statewide, about 49% of New Mexicans are Hispanic, compared to some 37% who are white/Anglos, according to census and other national data. Identifying disparities The trend of disproportionate vaccination rates in New Mexico mirrors national trends, with Hispanic and Black populations continuing to receive smaller shares of vaccinations compared to their share of coronavirus cases and deaths, and compared to their proportions of the total population. President Biden has stressed racial equity in vaccine distribution and has appointed a COVID-19 equity task force. In a recent town hall meeting, Biden said he believes access is a problem and hopes to provide mobile vans to go into underserved neighborhoods to vaccinate populations there. He also advocates mass vaccination centers, such as stadiums or auditoriums, in a bid to get more shots in more arms. Not everyone may know how to sign up to be vaccinated, Biden added. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website states that, because people who are Black, Native American and Hispanic have been found to have more severe outcomes from COVID-19 than persons who are white, careful monitoring of vaccination by race/ethnicity is critical to ensure rapid detection of, and response to, potential disparities in COVID-19 vaccine administration. Jurisdictions should monitor the demographic characteristics of vaccinated persons to identify emerging disparities. The CDC also advises that communities that might need focused immunization efforts should be identified to provide equity and ensure that no persons are left behind. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 21:37:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Indian paramilitary troopers walk near the site of a militant attack in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 19, 2021. Three militants and three policemen were killed, and a policeman was wounded Friday in three different acts of violence across the restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. In the fresh incident, two policemen were killed after a militant attacked them in Baghat-Barzulla area in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. (Xinhua/Javed Dar) SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Three militants and three policemen were killed, and a policeman was wounded Friday in three different acts of violence across the restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. In the fresh incident, two policemen were killed after a militant attacked them in Baghat-Barzulla area in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "Today a militant fired indiscriminately upon policemen on duty in Baghat-Barzulla area of the city here, wounding two of them," a senior police official said. "Both the policemen were immediately rushed to the hospital. However, they succumbed there owing to their critical condition." The policemen were fired upon from a point-blank range, CCTV footage of the attack showed. Following the attack, reinforcements of police and paramilitary were rushed to the spot to trace the attackers. "The area has been cordoned off and search operation is in progress," the police official said. So far no arrests were made. Militants were believed to have managed to escape from the area after carrying out the attack, reports said. The attack triggered panic in the area and people were seen flee from the spot to prevent themselves from being hit, locals said. Earlier in the day, a policeman was killed and another wounded in a fierce gunfight in the adjacent Budgam district. According to police, the militants have managed to escape from the village in wounded condition. In a separate gunfight in the region's Shopian district, three militants were killed in the morning. The government forces have not suffered any damage in the stand-off. Police officials said government forces cordoned off the villages in Budgam and Shopian on specific intelligence information suggesting the presence of militants in the area. A guerilla war has been going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989. Gunfights between the two sides take place intermittently across the region. Enditem * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Hon. Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the former Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem North, has lauded the Administrator of the District Common Fund, Hon. Naa Torshie for her efficient way of managing the Persons with Disability Fund. The fund has led to the setup of thousands of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in self-sustaining businesses. Speaking on the Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show, the former MCE cited examples from the Akuapem North Municipality where he utilized his common fund to benefit one Mr. Otu, a person living with disability by setting him up in a sustainable and self-sufficient venture. Explaining the model, he explained how the Common Fund administrator insisted all support from the fund should be geared towards Entrepreneurial setup, Educational support and Health related issues. He tasked the chief executives to develop a photo album of all persons with disability within the district to capture their bio data as well as the kind of support they would need and the assemblies provide these assistance based on the skill set, educational background or the aspirations of the persons with disability. He therefore directed all the people with disabilities who are willing to make change in their life to visit their district assembly or social welfare department to register their names for their share of the national cake. 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 LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT.L) announced Friday that it has agreed the sale of Hobsons, its EdTech business, in two separate transactions, for total proceeds of approximately $410 million. Hobsons' Naviance and Intersect businesses will be sold to US-based PowerSchool, a provider of K-12 education technology solutions, for approximately $320 million, and are expected to be part of PowerSchool's unified platform. The timing of completion is subject to the customary closing conditions. Further, Hobsons' Starfish business will go through an internal restructuring where it will be spun-out from the rest of Hobsons. Then, the business will be sold to EAB, a US-based education company, for approximately $90 million. The timing of completion is subject to the customary closing conditions. Naviance is a K-12 college and career readiness solution and Intersect is a higher education student match and fit business. Starfish is a higher education student retention and success platform. In fiscal 2020, Hobsons generated 6 million pounds adjusted operating profit from revenues of 85 million pounds. Hobsons was restructured in 2017 to focus on high-growth opportunities in Student Success. Paul Zwillenberg, DMGT CEO, said, 'Consistent with our strategy, the divestitures will increase the focus of the DMGT portfolio, resulting in the Group operating in four sectors, compared to ten in 2016. The proceeds will strengthen DMGT's existing net cash position, further enhancing DMGT's significant financial flexibility.' In the deal, Centerview Partners is acting as exclusive financial adviser and Baker McKenzie as exclusive legal adviser to DMGT. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX DAILY MAIL-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de 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 TWO men have been remanded in custody after they were charged with the murder of a grandfather in a shooting in Dublin last year. They were arrested on Friday morning by gardai investigating a fatal gun attack on Thomas McCarthy on July 27 in Ballyfermot. Expand Close Thomas McCarthy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Thomas McCarthy Mr McCarthy (55) a dad and grandfather, lived in the UK with his wife and children, but had returned to Ireland to visit relatives. He was shot at the front door of his mother's home in the Croftwood Park. Mr McCarthy was pronounced dead a short time later despite efforts to resuscitate him. The gunman fled and three cars were subsequently found burnt out. Cailean Crawford, 25, from Clifden Terrace, Ballyfermot, and Charles McClean, 32, of St Marks Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin were arrested this morning. Both were charged with the murder of Mr McCarthy. They then faced separate hearings before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court. Detective Sergeant Ronan McDermott told the court that Mr McClean made no reply to the charge after caution. Mr Crawford greeted the judge saying good afternoon when he entered the courtroom. He also made no reply to charge, Judge Blake was told. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment and they can be sent forward for sentence on a signed plea, should that arise, Detective Sergeant McDermott said. Solicitor Michael French, acting for the two defendants, said books of evidence will be required. McClean said no problem when told by the judge that his application for legal aid was successful. Judge Blake remanded them in custody to appear again at the same court via video-link next Friday. The district court cannot consider bail applications in murder cases. The books of evidence have to be prepared before they be sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court. There was no Garda objection to legal aid. Mr McCarthy had returned to his family home in Croftwood Park a week before the shooting. He had been living in Southend on Sea in England, where he had raised a family. The historic storms and power outages pummeling Texas are shutting down water and heat at hospitals across the state, forcing some facilities to turn patients away and take drastic steps to conserve resources. Health systems are reporting hundreds of their employees sleeping overnight because of perilous road conditions. Many patients who are ready for discharge are stuck because they have no power at home. And many others are showing up at hospitals in search of a warm place to sleep or to keep lifesaving medical equipment powered. "For Texas hospitals, this is an emergency on top of a pandemic," Carrie Williams of the Texas Hospital Association said in an email. "They have been on the front lines now with broken pipes, dwindling supplies and water restrictions." Hospitals are going to great lengths to protect their water supplies, including in Austin where staff used trash bags to remove feces from toilets, a nurse told KVUE. A hospital in Houston relied on buckets of rain water from the roof to flush toilets. Elsewhere, staff are cleaning themselves with hand sanitizer instead of soap and water. Some hospitals said the situation improved Thursday as temperatures warmed and water trucks arrived. But authorities fear more pipes will burst, heating systems will fail and water pressure will plunge at hospitals as temperatures dip below freezing for the next several nights. In a stretch of Southeast Texas from Houston to Corpus Christi, 45 of roughly 100 hospitals declared an "internal disaster" status Wednesday night to dissuade emergency medical crews from taking patients to them. The area is home to about 8 million people. While Texas is no stranger to hurricane seasons - including Hurricane Harvey, which flooded Houston in 2017 - health care leaders say the strain on hospitals is particularly acute this year with a natural disaster impacting the entire state during a pandemic. "For me, this is worse than Harvey because of the enormous swath of Texas that this has covered," said Darrell Pile, chief executive of the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council, who oversees preparations for and management of medical crises for the 25-county region. "We have never had this many hospitals impacted simultaneously." Some are now moving patients to other facilities for their safety - if they can find anywhere with the ability to take them. "No one hospital currently has the capacity to accept transport of a large number of patients," David Huffstutler, CEO of St. David's HealthCare, which operates four hospitals in the Austin area, said in a statement. St. David's hospital in Austin lost water pressure Wednesday, which also meant losing heat because water feeds the boiler. The entire city is under a boil water advisory that could last days. Patients washed their hands with jugs of water and staff emptied toilets with bags as a result. The hospital also transported about 30 of 300 patients elsewhere. Huffstutler said the hospital restored heat after bringing in water trucks to create a closed-loop warming system. While water trucks were working to recharge water pressure, another Austin facility lost water pressure and a third continues to experience low pressure. Other hospitals in Austin, as well as hospitals in Arlington and San Antonio, also had low water pressure issues. "One of our biggest challenges has been the inability to discharge patients due to mobility and transportation issues, as well as power and water outages at their homes, and limited access to shelters in the area," Huffstutler wrote. "Fortunately, so far, we have been able to manage through that, and things should get better over the next couple of days." In Houston, which is also under a boil water notice, Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat, pleaded with residents to stop running water to prevent pipes from freezing to help conserve resources for hospitals. Pipes have already burst at multiple Houston Methodist hospitals, and at least two facilities are operating without water The lack of water forced some quick thinking, said Roberta Schwartz, executive vice president and chief innovation officer at Houston Methodist. She described a swiftly rigged system to sluice rainwater from the roof into a large laundry bin, then used to fill buckets and flush toilets. Across the seven-hospital system, emergency rooms were inundated with patients who, in addition to typical medical emergencies, slipped on ice, needed batteries for medical appliances and sought dialysis treatments after their usual centers closed. One large emergency room treated nearly twice the usual 110 daily patients. Ben Saldana, the medical director for the Houston Methodist's emergency departments, said the threat of coronavirus complicated an already fraught situation. Each patient had to be evaluated to see whether they might be suffering from the virus. "We were teasing it out," Saldana said. "Is it also covid?" Turner, who has already dipped into a water supply bookmarked for irrigating parks, has instructed grocery store chains to send whatever available water they can spare to hospitals. He also said the city parks and recreation department delivered water to hospitals Wednesday night. The Houston Fire Department has separately sent water to at least one facility, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. Rural health care providers with far fewer resources than big-city hospitals faced especially tough challenges trying to deliver care in the storm-battered state. "We have not had power outages at our clinics like this before that have kept us from seeing patients," said Lynn Falcone, CEO of Cuero Regional Hospital, a rural system with five clinics based about a hundred miles south of Austin. The clinics shut down Monday after losing power and water and are not expected to reopen until next Monday. One requires significant repair after burst pipes left two to three inches of water on the floor. The main 49-bed hospital is still operational with staff sleeping overnight, Falcone said, but has struggled to find others willing to accept patients with more complicated cases. One patient traveled four hours to Laredo because roads were safer. A mother and her newborn stayed an extra night because they lacked water and power at home. Ari Espinosa, 18 of San Antonio, spent about four hours trying to find a doctor after suffering an allergic reaction Wednesday morning. He had no WiFi or data on his phone to look up options. He and his mother first drove to a nearby urgent care clinic where the lights were off and parking lot empty. They braved slippery roads with reckless drivers to try another two clinics before regaining connection to the Internet and discovering most were closed. They tried a large hospital where the parking lot was so overrun that staff allowed patients to park illegally. "It was completely packed, and there were really really sick people," Espinosa recalled. "Someone was vomiting and moaning in the corner. Some guy walked in and his hand was bleeding all over the place." He finally saw a doctor at the fifth facility they tried, capping off a treacherous search. As routine medical care goes interrupted, ongoing coronavirus vaccine drives have ground to a halt too. "This is as challenging of a weather situation in our area than I've ever seen," said George Roberts, CEO of the Northeast Texas Public Health District, which canceled vaccinations until next week. "We have a generational weather event associated with a generational pandemic." Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:19:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BUCHAREST, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Two groups of 18 young Afghan migrants were caught hiding in four trucks at border crossings between Romania and Hungary, border police in the western Romanian city of Arad announced on Friday in a press statement. The migrants were trying to enter Hungary through two border crossings at Nadlac, a town in western Arad, according to the statement. Nine migrants were found hidden inside the cargo compartments of two trucks driven by two Bulgarian drivers who were carrying metal pipes and sanitary ware for companies in the Czech Republic, it said. The preliminary checks showed that "those persons are citizens of Afghanistan, aged between 16 and 19, asylum seekers in our country," according to the statement. The other nine migrants, also asylum seekers in Romania, were caught at another border crossing in Nadlac, hidden in two trucks driven by two Turkish drivers. Local media said those migrants will likely be investigated on charges of attempting to cross the border illegally, while the four drivers will likely be charged with human trafficking. Enditem 3663 Chris Kielt, CIO, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Chris Kielt, CIO, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Earlier in my career, I was an administrator for a University-owned, health maintenance organization (HMO) caring for 40,000 faculties, staff, students and their dependents. My boss would hold weekly senior staff meetings, often for upwards of two and half hours each week. We were an organization focused on re-shaping itself and I was responsible for the administrative side of the houseInformation Technology, member services, human resources, communications, finance, claims and purchasing. What I learned during those protracted meetings changed the way I think about almost everything in my life as a CIO. Meeting topics were numerous and wide-ranging, and everyone had their say. After we were all finished laying out our views, my boss would circle back and point to an empty chair in the room and ask us: if a patient were sitting there in that chair, what would they say? That empty chair was our reminder that every decision we made was in some way going to impact patients and had to be informed by what we felt was the right thing to do by our patients. These days I hold my own weekly senior staff meetings from an office overlooking the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, one of our many fine professional schools here at Carolina. It is a great vantage point to observe the energy of our Universitys enterprise: the teaching and learning, the research, the patient care and the administration that supports our Carolinas key missions. Just as I sat with colleagues trying to do whats best for patients more than a decade ago, each week I now sit with my IT leadership team and try to do whats best for our faculty, students and staff. And it is a challenge. Driven by many of the same circumstances as health care systems, the Information Technology services required in eminent research universities are evolving and expanding more quickly than ever. They serve a continually broadening spectrum of needs and interests. So, what chairs do I point to when we have our weekly senior team meetings? One chair certainly belongs to Carolinas faculty, who deliver an extraordinary academic and research experience for all of our students. Our faculty deserves consistent, capable technology in their classrooms, labs and offices. Sometimes that means a lecture hall wired for interactivity, live polling and video conferencing. Other times, that means facilitating the introduction of MOOCs in Coursera or the upgrade to our learning management system Sakai. It, of course, means reliable hardware and software in their offices and labs. We cant forget the support needed to help faculty feel comfortable and confident with the technology, and up to speed with their use in these emerging technological and educational settings. Our brilliant and diverse researchers also have a seat at our table. From a marine scientist studying rising sea-levels to researchers studying the long-term effects of pre-K education in North Carolina, to a neuroscientist creating a new microscope that allows the unprecedented study of the human brain, our researchers are at the forefront of their fields. What does this mean for IT? It means a continual assessment of our research computing storage capacity and compute clusters performance. Improvements made in 2013 drastically improved computing wait times while also decreasing the cost for use. Our research computing resources allow our distinguished researchers to focus on what they do bestand to help support their contributions to the Carolina community, our state and the world. We need and want to employ efficient strategies for service that enable us to focus on meeting the distinct needs of our most important constituents There is a featured chair at the table for the student body. Our students are smart, motivated and informed consumers of around-the clock mobile connectedness that expect their University IT experience to mirror the commercial services they enjoy in a non-university setting. In the past year alone, we have moved student email to the cloud with Microsoft 365, brought wireless internet to all on-campus residence halls, improved cellular coverage across campus and collaborated on an official University mobile app created by the students themselves. As students experience and experiment with emerging technology, it drives us to stay on our toes and remain current. Finally, our staff has a seat at the table. All of the technology initiatives previously mentioned exist with the underlying expectation that we can continue to register students, pay bills, secure our systems, manage programs, keep the network operationalall the fundamental capabilities associated with the mature operations expected of any IT organization. As private companies have adapted and strengthened their service differentiating technologies by sourcing less strategic aspects of their business, so too have we looked to the cloud and key technology partners for services best suited for their expertise. Whether it is cloud-based call center applications or email, we need and want to employ efficient strategies for service that enable us to focus on meeting the distinct needs of our most important constituents and partners: Carolinas faculty, students and staff. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A carjacking Thursday in Dongan Hills ended with the arrest of a teenage suspect in Newark, after the victim and multiple law enforcement agencies gave chase. It was about 12:15 a.m. when the armed, male suspect jumped into a 2016 white Range Rover on Richmond Road, near Burgher Avenue, an NYPD spokesman said Thursday. The teen allegedly displayed a firearm to the vehicles owner before fleeing toward the Staten Island Expressway, officials said. The car owner and another male ages 31 and 48 pursued the suspect in a different vehicle, police said. Upon reaching the Goethals Bridge, the victim flagged down Port Authority Police officers. The suspect continued toward Routes 1 and 9 North with Port Authority police and New Jersey authorities in pursuit. He then crashed on Route 22 in Newark, at which point he was taken into custody, a PAPD spokeswoman said. No injuries were reported. Are your car mirrors talking behind your back? Mirrors on newer model luxury cars auto-fold when the car is off and locked. Thieves are targeting cars with mirrors still out, hoping that they are not only unlocked, but have the key fobs in them. #100PercentPreventableCarTheft pic.twitter.com/H3h5DJUtU5 NYPD Crime Prevention Division (@NYPDCPD) February 8, 2021 The suspect was charged in New Jersey with eluding authorities. It wasnt immediately clear what additional charges he might face in New York, authorities said. His age and address were not immediately available, an NYPD spokeswoman said. The carjacking comes after a surge in grand larceny autos last year in neighborhoods across Staten Island. Earlier this week, police in the 123rd Precinct were warning car owners about a tactic adopted by thieves targeting certain luxury vehicles, on which the side mirrors stick out if left unlocked. On Tuesday, an 18-year-old male from Rahway, N.J. allegedly crashed a stolen vehicle into a car occupied by a 68-year-old woman and a 70-year-old man in Graniteville. The woman died and the man was critically injured. In April, a 23-year-old Newark man allegedly crashed a stolen Lexus into a car occupied by a 32-year-old mother from Tottenville. The woman was killed, with the defendant now facing felony charges in Richmond County state Supreme Court. In September, a masked burglar/car thief rummaged through a multi-million dollar home in Todt Hill while a family slept, before making off with a $200,00 BMW. Today is the National Democracy Day in Nepal. On this day, seven decades ago, Nepal welcomed democracy for the first time. This was the result of a revolution. This was a political movement against the tyrannical Rana regime that eventually resulted in the end of the 104-year-long Rana rule in the country. Lets celebrate this day that marked the awakening of the democratic movements in Nepal, by learning some of the facts that revolved around it: 1. King Tribhuvans exile It is an open secret that Kind Tribhuvan always had an anti-Rana attitude and wanted to overthrow the Ranas from power. Hence, he also worked with Nepal Praja Parishad, a political party formed under the leadership of Tanka Prasad Acharya to remove the Rana dictatorship. In the very process, King Tribhuvan along with his family took refuge in the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu in November 1950. Only Prince Gyanendra, a grandson of King Tribhuvan, was left in the palace. At that time, Mohan Shamsher JBR was the prime minister of Nepal. Then, on November 10, 1950, King Tribhuvan accompanied by his family fled to New Delhi on two Indian military planes from the Indian Embassy. 2. Gyanendras first stint as the king Being infuriated by the move of King Tribhuvan, Mohan Shamsher JBR called an emergency cabinet meeting on November 7, 1950, in Singha Durbar and declared the three-year-old Prince Gyanendra as the new king of the country. He was enthroned during a function at the Hanuman Dhoka Palace the same day. However, many countries including India, the UK, and the USA refused to recognise the new king of Nepal. Women march demanding Nepal be declared a democracy in 1951. Photo: Sahana Pradhan Collection/Nepal Picture Library 3. Mukti Senas rebellion On the same day when child Prince Gyanendra was crowned as the new king, mass demonstrations and protests against this act started in every corner of the country including the Kathmandu valley. Also, the Mukti Sena, the military wing of the Nepali Congress party, also known as the liberation army of the Nepali Congress, started an armed revolt against the Rana regime. They were successful in taking control of many places in Terai. 4. The Delhi Accord King Tribhuvan was formally welcomed in the capital of India by the Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, and other high-ranking officials. After some months in the third round of negotiations, a tripartite agreement was signed in New Delhi among the Ranas, Nepali Congress, and King Tribhuvan. Later, it was known as the Delhi Accord. In the accord, the three parties agreed to create a democratic constitution within two years by an elected constituent assembly, to not restrict any political organisations, to free the political prisoners, to hand over all the arms and ammunitions to the governments, and to make an interim cabinet having 10 ministers, five from Nepali Congress and the remaining half from the Ranas under the premiership of Mohan Shamsher and the ultimate power lies in the monarch. Then Prime Minister Mohan Shumsher with Tribhuvan and his children. Photo: Nepal Royal Family. 5. Return of King Tribhuvan Following the agreement, on February 15, 1951, King Tribhuvan returned to Nepal as the head of the state along with the leading members of the Nepali Congress party. They were welcomed and cheered by a huge flock of supporters. 6. The proclamation and the joint government On February 18, 1951, King Tribhuvan declared Nepals first steps to democracy with a historical proclamation. After that, this day is celebrated as Democracy Day. Also, a cabinet was formed headed by Mohan Shamsher JBR including the members of the Rana family and the Nepali Congress Party. 7. Continuity of Mohan Shamshers premiership Even after the end of the Rana regime, Mohan Shamsher JBR headed the cabinet as the Prime Minister of the country and was also able to enact the new constitution named the Interim Government of Nepal Act, 1951 until November 16, 1951. For several years now, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been in lockstep on foreign policy. The close friendship of their de facto rulers, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, is the Middle East s most important alliance. It allows them to boss around the Gulf Cooperation Council, to the disquiet of other members, and set the agenda for the wider Arab world. Better known as MBS and MBZ, the two leaders share a fear of Iran and a loathing of Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood. Their countries have formed coalitions with other Arab states to fight a war in Yemen and impose an (only recently lifted) embargo on Qatar. Beyond the Middle East, they have collaborated to broker a peace deal between Ethiopia and Eritrea and pursue military and security alliances in Asia and Africa. They have even, on occasion, pledged economic partnership, at home and farther afield. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot Although they are mostly united by their mutual interests, there is one shared goal that threatens to divide them. Both are keen to reduce their dependence on hydrocarbon exports by diversifying their economies and this puts them on a collision course. The Saudis and Emiratis are pursuing diversification into the same sectors: tourism, financial services, logistics, petrochemicals, technology. Since they both lack the talent pools required to serve these industries, they must vie with each other for expatriate expertise as well as investment. The contest is destined to grow fiercer as the Arab monarchies burn through the wealth accumulated from decades of oil and gas exports; the International Monetary Fund reckons their collective treasure chest will be empty by 2034. The pandemics impact on oil prices has also concentrated minds across the GCC on the urgency of diversification. The UAE has first-mover advantage here: The biggest emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have been attracting skilled white-collar workers for decades. The country has long been the preferred regional hub for multinational companies. Only over the past couple of years has there been an intense competition for talent between Dubai and the Saudis, with the latter offering a larger market to offset the UAEs more liberal lifestyle. The Saudis have now raised the stakes: Starting in 2024, foreign companies seeking contracts from the government and its institutions will be required to base their regional headquarters in the kingdom. This is an unsubtle signal to companies currently based in the UAE: Move to Saudi, or miss out on opportunities worth trillions of dollars in the GCCs largest market. The kingdom is offering carrots, too. MBSs social reforms have loosened some of the lifestyle restrictions for instance, women can now drive and cinemas have been allowed to open that made cities like Riyadh and Jeddah unattractive to expatriates and liberal-minded Saudis. The Red Sea city of Neom, the crown princes pet project, is being touted as a more freewheeling place to live and work. There are even sporadic, tantalizing rumors that the taboo on alcohol may soon be dropped. The Saudis are hoping that this combination of come-on and or-else will accelerate a trend. At MBSs Davos in the Desert" investment conference in January, 24 multinational companies, including Deloitte, Bechtel and PepsiCo, said they were moving their regional HQs to the kingdom. But analysts point out that some of these companies already have offices in Saudi Arabia, and may simply rename these as headquarters" while maintaining their dominant presence in the UAE. Others may avoid debate on terminology by running their regional operations from Europe. And it is very likely that some companies, especially those in sectors Riyadh deems critical to its diversification ambitions, will be able to negotiate exemptions. The UAE, meanwhile, will undoubtedly respond with counteroffers. It is giving expatriates a bigger stake in its economy by amending laws to allow them full ownership of companies. Some categories of expats will soon have a path to citizenship, a move specifically designed to deepen its talent pool. More categories will likely be added to preserve the Emirati advantage. The Emiratis will also count on the network advantages of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the size of the existing expat community and the critical mass of social and cultural services catering to it exerts a pull on foreigners looking to relocate to the region. It helps that the UAE has a well-established international image of being relatively liberal in practice, whereas Saudi Arabia has only recently begun to liberalize its laws. But it is still only early days in the economic contest between the regions closest allies. Tougher tests of their partnership lie ahead. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Bobby Ghosh is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He writes on foreign affairs, with a special focus on the Middle East and Africa. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion 2021 Bloomberg L.P. 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. (Photo : Screenshot From Pexels Official Website) Israeli Study Says Pfizer Vaccine First Shot is Only 85% Effective: Country Successfully Vaccinates Two-Thirds of Population The very first dose of the said Pfizer vaccine is reportedly 85% effective according to a study by healthcare workers over at an Israeli hospital. This could potentially fuel a debate over the said recommended two-dose schedule as the government is trying to sketch out supplies. Study by Sheba Medical Center The official Sheba Medical Center's reported findings compare overall efficiency of about 95% for the two dose regimen taking place 21 days from each shot developed along with BioNTech from Germany. According to the story by Reuters, the said Sheba study, which is to be published in the official The Lancet medical journal, would come a day after certain Canadian researchers had suggested that the Pfizer vaccine second dose be delayed due to the high level of protection from the initial shot in order to increase the total number of people getting the supposed vaccine. Their own research had shown a 92.6% efficiency after the initial dose based on the analysis of the documents that were submitted by the said drugmaker from its very own late-stage human trials towards the United States FDA back in December. The FDA then noted that data from the trials showed that the vaccine actually started conferring some protection to the participants before they have even received the said second dose. More data, however, would still be needed in order to assess the single-dose shot's potential. Is Pfizer vaccine effective? Pfizer noted that the alternative dosing regimens of the said vaccine have yet to be evaluated and the final decision still falls on health authorities. Sheba noted that among the 7,214 staff that have received the first dose back in January, there was reportedly an 85% reduction in the symptomatic COVID section within 15 up to 28 days. The overall reduction of infections which included the asymptomatic cases that were detected through testing was at 75%. According to a certain Sheba epidemiologist known as Gili Regev-Yochay noted that the said cohort studied at the hospital were actually mostly young and healthy. Pfizer then declined to comment on the given data in a statement noting it was doing its very own analysis of the said real-world effectiveness of the vaccine in different locations around the world, this included Israel. Read Also: Philadelphia Vaccine Scandal: Philly Fighting COVID Is a Tale of Inexperienced Startup Company Israel vaccinates two-thirds of its population According to RepublicWorld, Israel recently said that the country has already inoculated a whopping four million of its people with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This implies that the country was able to administer doses among the reported two-third of their total population. The Health Minister Yuli Edelstein mentioned to the state-run press that Israel has actually been able to achieve the landmark threshold of 4 million meaning 2,612,000 have reportedly received the second dose. It was also noted that Israel was already able to vaccinate close to a whopping 156,000 people daily as of February 16. Related Article: 'Confidential' Document Shows Diagram of 5G Chip Within COVID-19 Vaccine, But Truth is Far From It This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian Buenconsejo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On the third floor of a cream-coloured building in Camperdown, a face-masked pharmacist extracts a benign concoction of red dye and water from a glass vial no bigger than a thumbnail as if thousands of lives depended on the task. But Friday was the final dress rehearsal. Come Monday morning, the vials will be filled with Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine and Sydneys quarantine and border workers will be among the first Australians to roll up their sleeves to receive the shot at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals new COVID Vaccination Hub. The target: to vaccinate 1138 frontline workers every day. Over the next three weeks, roughly 35,000 quarantine and healthcare personnel will get their injection across Sydneys three hubs at RPA, Westmead and Liverpool hospitals. I cant describe how exciting this is, said Dr Teresa Anderson, chief executive of the Sydney Local Health District, which oversees the operation. A growing number of Internet tycoons in Korea are donating huge sums of their wealth to charity. Kakao chairman Kim Beom-su pledged earlier this month to donate more than half of his W10 trillion in assets to charity, followed by Woowa Brothers founder Kim Bong-jin, who joined the Giving Pledge campaign started by Microsoft founder Bill Gates (US$1=W1,108). Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju already in 2018 promised to donate more than W100 billion of his assets to charity and has been helping to build rehabilitation hospitals for children in major cities across the country. Ten years after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, killed 185 people and devastated the city, some of those profoundly affected are sharing their journeys. One woman channeled her anger to ensure buildings are safer, and others have found peace after heartbreaking losses. Ann Brower was the sole survivor from a bus crushed under a building facade. After recovering from her injuries, she successfully fought for changes to building regulations. Brower was taking a bus from the seaside suburb of Sumner into the central city when the earthquake struck. Bricks rained down as a building facade collapsed, crushing the roof of the bus and killing all 12 others on board, as well as four more people nearby. Brower was in excruciating pain, pinned under the collapsed roof. The pressure kept building until her pelvis snapped and she passed out. Originally from North Carolina, Brower, an associate professor of environmental science, had been shaken awake years earlier by the 1994 Los Angeles quake when she was living in Claremont, California. In Christchurch, she awoke on the bus, realizing she was trapped and alone. People eventually came to dig through the rubble, pulling up the roof with their bare hands, talking to her about fishing, asking her about her hopes and dreams, anything to take her mind off what was happening. Strangers took her in the back of a truck to a hospital, where she would stay for two months. After surgeries and rehabilitation, she was finally able to walk again without crutches.She was furious to learn the city council had inspected the building after a previous earthquake five months earlier and found the facade was unsafe, but hadn't enforced a fix. Brower also remains concerned after touring the U.S. that cities from Seattle to Charleston, South Carolina, face similar problems with their older buildings, which can lend character to cities but also danger. In New Zealand, Brower wanted older buildings to be covered by building codes and for regulators to prioritize fixing those parts that would fall off first in a quake, like parapets and unreinforced masonry. But she ran into resistance. She wrote opinion pieces, did radio and TV interviews but it seemed lawmakers wouldn't budge. She finally got a five-minute meeting with the minister in charge at the time, Nick Smith, and he ended up agreeing a higher priority was needed for unsafe facades. In what lawmakers called the "Brower Amendment," New Zealand cut in half the time owners had to get dangerous buildings fixed. Smith called Brower a true New Zealand hero. Prue Taylor lost her husband Brian in the quake and was comforted by the kindness of a city in mourning. After the earthquake, Taylor wasn't unduly worried at first when she didn't hear from her husband Brian. She knew he had a lunchtime meeting in town and loved to linger and chat, and he thought he would be busy helping people after the quake. But it turned out Brian had left the meeting promptly that day to see off a group of Japanese students at the CTV building where he worked as director of the English language school King's Education. The building collapsed, killing 115 people, including Brian.When Prue Taylor arrived at the building it was a surreal sight, a huge pile of rubble with smoke rising and an elevator shaft still standing. She stayed there with her son Hamish for hours as rescuers searched for survivors. "It was hard to leave the place, not having found him or knowing whether he was alive or dead or anything about him," Taylor said. Brian and Prue met as undergraduates and had been married more than 40 years. Prue was principal of Christchurch Girls' High School but she and Brian had been talking about retiring, about traveling more. After Brian died, Prue focused on work. Taylor remains angry about the construction of the CTV building, after an investigation found its design was fundamentally flawed and should never have been approved. Jonathan Manning helped guide his teenage children through their grief after their mother Donna Manning was killed. Jonathan Manning had been keeping vigil near the collapsed CTV building with his children Kent, who was 15 at the time, and Liz, 18, when a police officer told them she had horrible news. "That's the moment when it really sunk in for all three of us. The kids fell apart. I did, too," Jonathan Manning said. Jonathan and Donna, a television presenter and producer, had separated nine years earlier. Now Jonathan felt the responsibility of helping guide his children through their grief. He wished he could shield them from it but knew he couldn't. He rented a place so they could all live together, something Liz initially opposed but eventually accepted.He said the next two years were tough, as Kent finished high school and Liz ventured into paid work. "They very much struggled in a fog, in a malaise," Manning said. And then over time, slowly, things just began to move forward and pick up. Grief is a very personal journey, a long journey, and recovery takes time," he added. Manning, who works with bequests at the Salvation Army, said he's incredibly proud of the adults his children have become. Liz is now living in Western Australia, studying to be a counselor, and engaged to be married and Kent is an apprentice joiner in Christchurch and has just bought his first home with his partner. Manning says he's grateful to his family and friends, and Donna's siblings, who have helped them since the quake, and to people from around the world who contributed to a trust fund which helped the kids get started in their adult lives. He thinks his children have become more empathetic since the tragedy. Each anniversary brings up emotions, he says, but these days they are all feeling more at peace. Image: AP (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) President Joe Biden is seen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb. 17, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Speaks to Texas Governor as Federal Government Helps With Storm Response President Joe Biden late Thursday called the governor of Texas, pledging to work relentlessly to get the state what it needs to get through its current crisis. Texas has seen an unusual winter storm thats left thousands without power. Biden conveyed to Gov. Greg Abbott his support for Texas residents while reiterating that the federal government will continue to work hand-in-hand with state and local authorities in Texas to bring relief and address the critical needs of the families affected, the White House said in a call summary. He also shared his intentions to instruct additional federal agencies to look into any immediate steps that could be taken to support Texans at this time, the White House said. The President also expressed that his administration was at the ready should the State of Texas or any other impacted region need additional federal disaster support or assistance as severe storms move across the U.S. Biden and Abbott shared a phone call earlier in the week and the president is updated on the situation in Texas and surrounding states more than once a day, according to the White House. A water bucket is filled as others wait in near freezing temperatures to use a hose from public park spigot in Houston, Texas on Feb. 18, 2021. (David J. Phillip/AP Photo) Biden over the weekend approved a federal emergency declaration request for Texas from Abbott due to the severe weather. The declaration authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to mobilize and provide assistance. I thank President Biden for quickly issuing a Federal Emergency Declaration for Texas as we continue to respond to severe winter weather conditions throughout the state, Abbott, a Republican, said at the time. This disaster declaration provides Texas with additional resources and assistance that will help our communities respond to this winter weather. Since then, FEMA has sent 60 generators and fuel to support water treatment plants, hospitals, and nursing homes. FEMA has also provided 729,000 liters of water, over 60,000 blankets, and 225,000 meals. The storm has crippled swathes of Texas, leaving people without power in freezing temperatures. Some 325,000 Texans did not have power as of Thursday afternoon, though power had been restored to nearly 2 million others. ERCOT, the organization that operates the states power grid, initially asked for rotating outages after the storm hit. The council said Thursday that it made significant progress restoring power and is continuing to work around the clock. Abbott told reporters in a briefing that he will seek a major disaster declaration from Biden, which would allow people to apply for individual assistance from FEMA to restore damage to their homes. Overhead power lines are seen during record-breaking temperatures in Houston, Texas on Feb. 17, 2021. (Adrees Latif/Reuters) Texas officials have taken aim at ERCOT believing the grid was mishandled amid the brutal cold. We have already begun the process to make sure that events like this never again happen in Texas. And that starts with reforming the agency in charge of electric reliability in Texas, which is ERCOT, Abbott said at the briefing. The agency had assured officials five days before the storm hit that they were ready for the cold weather, the governor said. Abbott also said he has asked the state legislature to mandate the winterization of generators and the power system. Liz Sherwood-Randall, deputy national security advisor, told reporters at the White House that the Texas grid is siloed on purpose and that it wouldnt be physically feasible for the federal government to connect it to the national grid. I do think, going forward, theres an important conversation to be had around how we can enhance the resilience of our critical infrastructure to meet the needs of all our citizens, she said. For now, were focused obviously on these days. Israel has opened a Covid vaccination centre in a bar and is offering a free drink to anyone who gets a shot to encourage young people to get vaccinated. Tel Aviv's Jenia gastropub, which has been closed for long period during the pandemic, opened its doors to serve punters a different type of shot on Thursday. More than 43 per cent of Israel's 9million population has already received at least one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, health ministers say, mostly among older people. But there are fears that younger people, who are much less at risk from Covid, will be less eager to get the jabs - leading to novel ideas to tempt them in. A bar in Tel Aviv is now offering punters a very different kind of shot after being turned into a temporary vaccination centre Young people arriving to get vaccinated at the bar are being given free drink tokens that can be redeemed at the bar 'I thought it is a really good opportunity to come and get the vaccine, because I didn't have either the time or the ability to go to other places,' said May Perez, among dozens of people who turned up for their first shots. Israel has been hailed for running a world-beating vaccine programme that has seen it vaccinate a greater share of its population than any other country. But the rate of people taking up the vaccine has dropped drastically in recent weeks as the roll-out extends beyond the elderly and vulnerable and into lower-risk groups. Meanwhile, doctors have reported seeing an increase in younger people ending up in hospital - the vast majority of whom have not been vaccinated. While that is encouraging, because it means the vaccine works, health officials say the challenge now is in convincing more people to get it. Professor Eyal Leshem, an infectious diseases expert at Israel's largest hospital, Sheba, told Sky News: 'You really need to convince them. 'You need to prepare your communication, move to work in social media, move and work with community leaders, opinion leaders, even celebrities, just making sure that people understand it's safe and it's really important for everyone to get vaccinated so we can get back to normal life.' Meanwhile promising studies from Professor Leshem's hospital suggested that a firt dose of Pfizer vaccine is 85 per cent effective against coronavirus infection between two and four weeks after inoculation. Israel has been running the world's fastest inoculation programme but it has begun slowing down as the jab is offered to younger people, who are less at risk from Covid Doctors in Israel say they are seeing increasing numbers of young people end up in hospital as the vaccine protects older people from serious illness Studies carried out in Israel suggest Pfizer's jab, which the country is using for its roll-out (pictured), could be up to 94 per cent effective at preventing the disease The survey was carried out on healthcare workers at the hospital. The Lancet report focused on more than 9,000 medical staff at Sheba hospital near Tel Aviv. Some 7,000 of them received the first dose, and the rest were not inoculated. From the group, 170 were diagnosed with Covid-19 after tests carried out only on those showing symptoms or who had been in contact with coronavirus carriers. Fifty-two percent of them were found to have not been vaccinated. Comparing the two groups, the Sheba study calculated that the vaccine was 47 percent effective between one and 14 days after inoculation, rising to 85 percent after 15 to 28 days. 'What we see is a really high effectiveness already right after two weeks, between two weeks to four weeks after vaccine, already high effectiveness of 85 percent reduction of symptomatic infection,' Gili Regev-Yochay, co-author of the study, told a small group of journalists. He said that despite the vaccine being 'amazingly effective', scientists are still studying whether fully vaccinated people can transmit the virus to others. 'That is the big, big, question. We are working on it. This is not on this paper and I hope we will have some good news soon,' said Regev-Yochay. Israel has delivered a shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to 4.23 million residents, or 47 percent of its nine million population, 2.85 million of whom have received the recommended full course of two jabs, latest health ministry figures show. Christian school drops lawsuit after Oregon lifts ban on in-person classes for religious schools Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Christian school in Oregon that sued the state over not being allowed to hold in-person classes during the ongoing lockdowns has ended its lawsuit after being allowed to reopen. Hermiston Christian School, a private K-12 school located in Hermiston, Oregon, dropped the suit in district court on Wednesday. According to the stipulated dismissal, both Hermiston and the defendants, which included Gov. Katherine Brown and Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill, agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice and pay their own court costs and attorneys' fees. Mark Lippelmann, senior counsel with the Alliance Defending Freedom, which helped represent the school, said in a statement shared with The Christian Post on Thursday that the dismissal came due to changes in state policy toward private school openings. The governor had no legitimate reason for allowing public schools with 75 or fewer students to provide in-person instruction while denying the same opportunity to small private schools, said Lippelmann. Because this disparity no longer exists and Hermiston Christian School can now operate like public schools nearby, we are voluntarily withdrawing our lawsuit but will review any future orders to ensure that they comport with the [U.S.] Constitution. Last October, the ADF filed a lawsuit on behalf of Hermiston over Brown's order that closed small private schools while allowing small public schools to open that had 75 or fewer students. In addition to Brown and Gill, other defendants named in the lawsuit included Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority; Joseph Fiumara Jr., director of the Umatilla County Public Health Department; Travis Hampton, superintendent of the Oregon State Police; and Terry Rowan, Umatilla County Sheriff. Hermiston Christian School operates in the same county as a public school that is open, and it operates with the same number of students, who are performing the same type of activity, working in an even larger physical environment, and complying with the same health and safety protocols, stated ADF Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker last year. Browns refusal to extend the same treatment to Hermiston Christian School as she does to small public schools violates the U.S. Constitution and discriminates against parents who choose to provide a religious education for their children. The dismissal of the lawsuit comes the day before Brown announced an expansion to the number of students who would be meeting in-person for class instruction. According to Brown, the process will result in more school districts having hybrid instruction, citing recent research that there is little risk in spreading COVID-19 in schools. As districts implement the more than 160 health and safety protocols outlined in Oregons Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance, we can reopen our school buildings in a way that protects students, staff, and our communities, stated Brown. Our students only grow up once. We cannot let the school year end with the class of 2021 never having set foot in Oregon high schools. I know that some have had their doubts. But we can do this, by continuing to work together. Reporter Heather Bellow, a member of the investigations team, joined The Eagle in 2017. She is based in the South Berkshire County bureau in Great Barrington. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the U.S. Nairobi (Kenya), 19 February 2021 (SPS) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Personal Envoy of the President of the Republic, Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, was received on Thursday by President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, who delivered a letter from President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali. The Sahrawi minister of foreign affairs had earlier held a working session with his Kenyan counterpart, Rachel Umamu, focused on the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries and the two peoples. The latest developments in the Sahrawi issue also received the attention of the two delegations, especially the resumption of the liberation war after the aggression of the Moroccan occupier on November 13th, and the blatant violation of the agreements signed with the Sahrawi party. The talks also dealt with the barbaric campaign of repression waged by the Moroccan occupation against the heroines and heroes of the uprising, using methods similar to the methods of Nazism and Apartheid. (SPS) 062/SPS/T New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Congress is planning to hold a nationwide protest against rising fuel prices in the country. Taking a swipe at the Centre for the steep hike in fuel prices, the chief spokesperson of the Congress, Randeep Surjewala, said, "Hum Do Hamare Do, Diesel Nabbe Petrol Sau," adding that the BJP has become 'Bhayankar Janloot Party', terming the government as 'Petroljeevi'. "The Congress has directed the state units to organise protests from the block level to the state level and then to the national level against the rising fuel prices," he said. Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal has written to all the states regarding this, and Madhya Pradesh has called for a half-day 'bandh' on Saturday to protest against the rising fuel prices in the country. The Congress has been demanding withdrawal of taxes on petrol and diesel which the Centre has imposed in the last six years. "This in itself will reduce petrol price to Rs 61.92 per litre and diesel price to Rs 47.51 per litre. Every common Indian deserves this relief immediately," party leader Gaurav Vallabh said. "In the last six years, the government has earned more than Rs 20 lakh crore by imposing additional excise duty on petrol and diesel. In May 2014, the international crude oil price was $108 per barrel and petrol was selling at Rs 71.51 per litre in Delhi, while diesel was selling at Rs 57.28 per litre. In Sriganganagar in Rajasthan, petrol price has shot up over Rs 100 per litre to Rs 100.49 a litre," Surjewala added. Petrol and diesel prices have increased 22 times in 2021 with the two auto fuels increasing by Rs 6.17 and Rs 6.40 per litre, respectively, so far this year. The constituency you represent, Melbourne, is home to one of the highest concentrations of Cambodian-born Australians. Over the last five years, the CPP has deployed a mixture of charm and bullying tactics in the hope of stifling dissent among Australia's Cambodian community. What RFAs latest investigation found is that over the same five years, the CPPs top families have invested tens of millions of dollars in Australian businesses and real estate, much of it in Melbourne. Do you see a connection between these two trends? It's of enormous concern to me as someone who loves the Cambodian community and believes in democracy and human rights to really understand more about what's going on. I congratulate you and RFA on the investigative work that you've done to uncover this. I'm deeply concerned, as (opposition party spokesperson) Kem Monovithya said, that Australia has become the number one destination for Cambodia's thugs. And, the Cambodian diaspora tell us, the favorite place for the corrupt elite of Hun Sens gangster regime, his family, and cronies to take corrupt money money gained from human rights [abuses] and invested in Australia. That's an enormous concern. Like many countries, Australia offers visas to foreign nationals willing to invest in the local economy. What we found is that, over the last five years, wealthy Cambodians invested a total of A$38.5 million ($29.7 million) in support of successful investor visa applications. And while Australias Department for Home Affairs insists that all funds and applicants are rigorously vetted, a lot of observers aren't so convinced. Do you think when it comes to authoritarian countries like Cambodia that the Australian immigration authorities need to be doing more to vet the applicants for these visas? You've raised in your work really important questions. And the question that no doubt concerns millions of Cambodians is, where is this money coming from? The people who are investing this money, if you look at it, they're not paid big salaries by the government. And yet they're able to afford multi-million-dollar apartments and houses and businesses in some of the most expensive suburbs in Australia. It just doesn't add up. I think the example you gave that the son of Land Management Minister Chea Sophara, in 2016 with his wife, bought an A$11 million ($8.1 million) house in Sydney. And that's just one example. There are many of these. So, it does raise serious concerns about where the money is coming from. When I was in Cambodia just over a year ago, I met with democracy groups, human rights groups. I sat down with farmers who'd had their land stolen by the government and big corporations. And the consistent message that we got back was that Hun Sens government is not treating us fairly. They're not respecting human rights. They've stopped any pretense of having a democracy and democratic norms. [The people I spoke to] did not want Western countries like Australia to be aiding and abetting these crimes to give a safe haven for these corrupt elites and their children and family to have a lovely life here and buy property using money that's been stolen from ordinary Cambodians. I believe Australia does need to do more, to make sure that every dollar that comes in the country is not gained from the proceeds of human rights abuses or corruption. To that end, I've been a big supporter of the new Magnitsky laws that the parliamentary committee unanimously recommended should be introduced in Australia, which would give Australia the power to target not countries, but individuals accused of serious or gross human rights violations. In other countries such as America, there are a number of senior Cambodian generals and some of the corrupt elite that have now been targeted. Which means, [if Australia does the same] that they will never get visas to visit Australia, and they never would be able to take their money out of Australia or bring more money. These are the kind of things which we need to have a serious look at, given the scale of what we understand may be going on. Animal shelters have halted adoptions but continue to look out for the welfare of animals during the winter storm. Leah Lewis, director of Animal Services for the city of Midland, said the shelter is closed to the public, and while it hasnt been affected by any blackouts, the shelter has adjusted the temperature accordingly and provided bedding when necessary in order to ensure the animals are warm. Grand Companions Executive Director Laura Langham said their Midland adoption center has been affected by blackouts but the power is back on however, the shelter doesnt have running water currently. In Midland, thanks to the generosity of a sponsor we ordered some really nice condos for pets and got those in the shelter last Thursday, Langham said. Fortunately, all of the pets were safe. We were without power, but we will not have running water for many days. Not only did our water freeze but our well pump cracked which we are working to get fixed as soon as possible but it might be days. Grand Companions started in Fort Davis in 1989 and took over the Midland SPCA shelter in 2013 then opened their doors in Midland in 2015. Langham said the organization has been very fortunate to keep pets in their care in both Midland and Fort Davis warm. However, keeping up with laundry has been another issue due to outages and lack of running water. The Grand Companions Midland adoption center is currently housing 12 pets but it will be transporting animals from Fort Davis to the adoption center when the weather allows. This week, 20 to 40 pets were supposed to be transported to the Midland adoption center, Langham said. At this time most of our animal intake comes from Midland and Odessa as well as the surrounding areas, she said. We work with 34 partners across the Trans-Pecos region. Twice a week our transport van goes to Midland to pick up homeless pets. As far as donations go, the Midland Animal Shelter is in need of blankets and towels, which can be dropped off at the shelter located at 1200 N. Fairgrounds Road. The shelter is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Grand Companions biggest need has been jugs of water because staff is currently hauling water in for the animals. The Midland location is also taking laundry pods and towels for donations. Midland Adoption Center is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2701 S. County Road 1206. During inclement weather, animal control tends to receive an increase in calls in reference to welfare concerns about animals outside in the wintery elements, Lewis said. Officers are available to follow up on welfare concerns. Those who observe an animal in unsafe conditions, can call the Midland Police Department non-emergency line at 685-7108 and they will notify our on-call officer. The Midland Animal Shelter has assisted with rescues during the weather. On Tuesday, rescue groups assisted with pulling a dog with special needs in our care, Lewis said. Despite the weather conditions, all involved were determined to safely transfer this dog so it could be further evaluated and treated. We greatly appreciate all the rescue groups and their dedication to assist year-round. Adoptions at local shelters havent been happening this week, but both the Midland Animal Shelter and Grand Companions are looking to restart adoption processes. If interested in adopting, please call the shelter at 685-7420 to schedule an appointment, Lewis said. We have experienced some weather-related issues with are phone lines and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused or be causing. Lewis said that owners have options to keep their pets warm even if they cant bring them inside. In the event owners are unable to bring pets indoor during inclement weather, make sure it has access to adequate shelter in order to get out of the elements (sun, wind, rain, snow). Straw is a recommended source of bedding for animals as it repels moisture unlike a blanket. Also, heat lamps can be helpful in ensuring pets have a designated warm area. Rose of Tralee host and TV Presenter, Kerrys Daithi OSe is now the voice of King Poseidon in the all-Irish film He's a native of the Kingdom and has long reigned over the Rose of Tralee festival as host, but now our Daithi O'Se can boast of another regal link on his CV after his latest gig was announced. The Feothanch native was last week revealed to be the voice of none other than King Poseidon in the first-ever Irish language film on Netflix, which will be an Irish language version of the film Spongebob: Sponge on the Run' The children's show has been a huge hit as Gaeilge for many years now on TG4, and this is another huge step forward in bringing the language before more young people. The Irish-language broadcaster has supported Netflix in bringing the film to the service. Speaking last week, Daithi said that he got the call about the film around this time last year and that, once he heard what they were going to be doing, he said that it was a very easy yes. Hailing Netflix's decision as a 'positive move' for the Irish language, he confessed he had no idea how he got the call. Expand Close Spongebob Squarepants is a beloved children's character whos latest film is now available entirely as Gaeilge / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Spongebob Squarepants is a beloved children's character whos latest film is now available entirely as Gaeilge He said that he hopes that if people watch the film, that it will help to get more people and especially a younger audience to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the Irish language. Due to the COVID restrictions, Daithi said that he had to record all of his voice-over work from his own living room, adding that he had great fun playing the part. The Irish language film of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on The Run is now available on the streaming giant under the title 'Spongebob an Scannan: Rith, Spuinse, Rith.' Kolar Sharex and Rajkumar Basantanis Registration as Brokers Cancelled by SEBI for Repeated Violations of Norms Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cancelled registrations of Kolar Sharex Pvt Ltd and its director Rajkumar C Basantani for repeatedly violating norms and regulations. Mr Basantani is also trading member of the National Stock Exchange (NSE). A summary of the SEBIs action taken report (ATR) showed that actions were initiated against them at least 12 times. In August 2012, SEBI had suspended Mr Basantani, who was also promoter and chairman of Soundcraft Industries, for one year while brokerage firm Kolar Sharex was suspended for three months. Mr Basantani and Kolar Sharex were registered with NSE and BSE, respectively. The market regulator observed that Kolar Sharex had a membership of BSE and Inter Connected Stock Exchange (ICSE) before it was expelled from the exchanges in October 2014 after a decision of the disciplinary action committee (DAC) of the BSE, which had considered various irregularities by the broker. Mr Basantani kept himself away and did not cooperate with SEBI during the proceedings, the market regulator says. SEBI in an email on 25 February 2014 advised BSE and ICSE to examine whether Mr Basantani fulfilled the fit and proper person criteria to continue as a member and take suitable action, as deemed fit. SEBI had also taken various regulatory and enforcement actions against the Mr Basantani in his capacity as a stock broker, as an individual and as a director of various companies. The actions include suspension of certificate of registration as trading member, debarment as an individual, imposition of monetary penalty in the capacity of proprietor and individual, prosecution proceedings for failure to pay the monetary penalty and recovery proceedings for recovering the amount of penalty due to be paid. SEBI had appointed a designated authority (DA) which found various violations of stock broker regulations by the registered member. The DA noted that Mr Basantani had failed to comply with the fit and proper person criteria and had violated the conditions of grant of registration by failing to pay SEBI registration fees and had not complied with the provisions of code of conduct prescribed for the stock brokers, the market regulator said in two separate orders. SEBIs whole time member G Mahalingam while imposing the suspension on the entities observed in the case of Rajkumar C Basantani, I find that the Noticee grossly fails to meet the criteria for being a fit and proper person and thus is non-compliant with the provisions of Regulation 5(e) of the Stock Brokers Regulations. Further, by not paying the SEBI registration fees and the monetary penalties imposed by the Adjudicating Officer, as mentioned above, the Noticee has violated the provisions of Regulation 9(d) and 9(f) of the Stock Brokers Regulations read with Clauses A(1) and (5) of the Code of Conduct specified for the stockbrokers in Schedule II of the Stock Brokers Regulations. In the matter of the Kolar Sharex, the SEBI WTM noted, while the Noticee, by virtue of having been expelled from the membership of BSE and ICSE, has become non-compliant with one of the basic conditions prescribed for holding a certificate of registration from SEBI as a stockbroker, the various enforcement actions taken against it by SEBI over the years are ample proof of the fact that the continuation of the Noticee as a registered intermediary is detrimental to the interest of the securities market and the investors at large. Considering all these factors in totality, I am in total agreement with the recommendation of the DA that the certificate of registration of the Noticee is cancelled. Any certificate of registration granted to a stock broker by SEBI is subject to the condition that he holds the membership of any stock exchange. However, SEBI says the registered member has already been expelled from the exchanges with effect from 20 October 2014. It also failed to obtain prior and post approval from SEBI or BSE for change in control of the management, which amounted to non-compliance with market norms. The regulator thus cancelled the registration certificates of the entities through two separate orders, in accordance with the recommendation of the DA that the certificate of registration be cancelled. An armoured personnel carrier on a sealed off street during fighting between Somali government forces and opposition troops - REUTERS/Feisal Omar Protests turned violent in Somalias capital Mogadishu on Friday when demonstrators took to the streets to march against delayed elections, and security forces loyal to the government and armed guards protecting the opposition exchanged fire. President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajos four-year term expired on 8 February without a way forward for an election, throwing the country into a political crisis. Opposition parties have called for the formation of a transitional government in the interim. On Wednesday, the federal government suspended public gatherings citing a rise in Covid-19 cases. The ban was ignored by opposition parties, who were seen marching on the street with masks and placards in a video uploaded to social media, before gunfire erupted. Hours before the clashes with demonstrators, a hotel near to the Presidential Palace where a former prime minister and president and leaders of the opposition were staying came under heavy gunfire. The second round of gunfire began shortly after Hassan Ali Khaire, the former prime minister, began leading the protest march. Mr Khaire in a statement claimed that shells fired against the protesters landed inside the airport grounds. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Farmajo's predecessor, blamed the government for shedding the blood of citizens preparing for peaceful demonstrations. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia on Friday said it was deeply concerned about the armed clashes and called for calm and restraint, urging all parties to open lines of communication. Abdi Aynte, a former Somali minister for Planning, Investment and Economic Development, said that the biggest winner of the escalation would be the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group, Al-Shabaab. They're [Al-Shabaab] revelling at the spectre of security forces fighting political opposition instead of chasing their sleeper cells in Mogadishu, he said, referring to the groups underground terrorist networks. Somalias outgoing prime minister, Mohamed Husein Roble, said in a video address that the clashes in the capital were unfortunate but that armed forces would protect citizens. Jihan Abdullahi Hassan, the former director general for the Ministry of Defence, told The Daily Telegraph: "Last night we couldn't sleep as we were hearing gunshots. That amount of energy and ammunition could be used to fight the real enemy of Somalia, which is Al-Shabaab." She added: "Al-Shabaab benefits from chaos, so they are celebrating today." Long ago, one balmy summer's evening in Malaga city centre, I was singing in the street to raise a bit of money for charity. About half an hour in, a man in his thirties with a young daughter walked to towards me, encouraging the girl to drop a couple of coins into my guitar case. The fact that she performed a little dance as she did so, only added to the magic of the moment. At the end of the song, the proud father stepped forward again in order to introduce himself. He said that he owned a bar, told me where it was, and suggested I should pass by some time. Lord knows how many years have elapsed since then, but I became a regular visitor to Manolo's place, turning up at least once a week for a couple of pints and to sample a range of quite exquisite tapas. I wasn't the only one. Every night of the week (except Mondays when it closed) the good people of Malaga would descend on Manolo's bar in their droves and you would need to get there ever earlier to stand any chance of a decent speck. Latterly, tourists had cottoned on to a good thing and, truth be told, the frequency of my visits had faltered to a trickle. Nonetheless, its popularity with the locals never waned; we're talking about a veritable institution here in Malaga, we're talking about El Cortijo De Pepe. Sadly, El Cortijo De Pepe announced its permanent closure this week, just a couple of months shy of celebrating what would have been its fiftieth anniversary. Amid the current flurry of businesses pulling down their shutters for the last time, there was, I think, something particularly poignant about this example. Maybe it's simply because of the memories it holds for so many, or maybe its about losing another symbolic representation of how different the city used to be all those decades ago. Whatever the reason, the news of its closure has provoked a profound sense of melancholy which is proving hard to shake. Generally speaking, I'm not one for dwelling on the past but I've found myself making an exception in this case, taking the time to reflect on some of those memories: of gambas pil-pil, Russian salad and crestas; of toasting friendships and milestones to an unyielding soundtrack of crashing plates and yelling waiters; of reading the newspaper alone at the end of the bar in the early evening heat, clutching a pint glass and feeling like the luckiest man in the world. And of Manolo's daughter dancing. The Hudson County corrections officer charged in the shooting deaths of his girlfriend and her best friend in Newark confessed the killings to a police officer before he was arrested, according to court documents. John Menendez, 23, of West New York, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths Tuesday night of his girlfriend Anna Shpilberg and her best friend Luiza Shinkarevskaya, both 40 and Morris County residents. The women were found fatally shot in the head in different parts of Newark. They had just returned home from a trip and Menendez picked them up at Newark airport, authorities said. Shpilberg was found dead in the passenger seat of her car near Bruen Street and Edison Place near Newark Penn Station. Menendez, who had blood on him, walked up to a city police officer sitting in his patrol car near the scene, according to an affidavit of probable cause. I killed both of them. Just arrest me, bro, Menendez allegedly told the officer. When the officer read Menendez his rights and handcuffed him, the suspect made further admissions, according to the affidavit. This is crazy. I cant believe I did this, Menendez told the officer, according to court records. In a recorded interview, Menendez told detectives he was angry that Shpilberg had gone on vacation without him, according to the affidavit. Both women had just been on vacation and Menendez said that Anna had been ignoring his calls, police wrote in court records. He said he lost it and killed them. John Menendez, 23, of West New York.Essex County Jail He again said he killed her and her friend, police wrote in the affidavit. When the officer asked where she was, Menendez said she was in the car. Shinkarevskayas body was found at about the same time on Haynes Avenue near a Newark Liberty International Airport parking lot, the affidavit states. Police said they found the murder weapon, a 9mm handgun, near Shinkarevskayas body. Anna Shpilberg, left, and Luiza Shinkarevskaya, both 40, and Morris County residents, were killed Tuesday in Newark. Shpilberg boyfriend, a Hudson County corrections officer, has been charged with murder. The women returned from the vacation Tuesday evening, according to a witness, who is not identified in court papers. The witness spoke to Menendez on the phone earlier in the evening and knew that Menendez was going to pick up Anna and Luiza, according to court records. Shpilberg was the mother of a 15-year-old son and worked as a dental hygienist. Both women had previously lived in Brooklyn, New York, having emigrated to the United States from the Ukraine when they were children, friends said. Menendez, who has worked for the Hudson County Jail for about a year, remained in the Essex County Jail on Friday. A court date has not been set. Shpilbergs ex-fiancee Fabian Goni and other friends told NJ Advance Media that Menendez was controlling and demanded she send video showing where she was. He wanted texts and videos as proof of where she was, said Goni, whose relationship with Shpilberg ended more than a year ago, though they remained in contact. Anna Shpilberg, 40, of Morris County.Courtesy of Fabian Goni Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 20 years since it first aired on Australian television, the rumour mill suggests The Weakest Link is heading back to Australian television. A Quizical casting notice for trivia experts is believed to be for a new version of The Weakest Link for Nine: A quiz show where everyone is invited to play. We are looking for individuals who arent afraid to have some fun, have a friendly but competitive nature and who can answer quiz questions or have a good time trying. The only thing we ask you to bring is a positive attitude and be ready to have some laughs. It comes as personality-led quiz show Hard Quiz draws big numbers for ABC and the USA reboots The Weakest Link with former Glee star Jane Lynch. TV Tonight recently reflected on who could host a new version in Australia Gretel Killeen, anyone? But a host for a new version is still a guessing game. Cornelia Frances hosted the series for Seven in 2001 2002. Nine as been contacted for comment. Related Lasser said one trend that could be growing is for a tenant to lease and pay for a space, but will sublease that space to a different tenant. Sindone said while the Region continues to be home to several significant local businesses, such as Centier Bank and Monosol, both with offices in Merrillville, that are established and growing, it could also attract companies now located in Illinois with the West Lake and Double Track expansions of the South Shore Railroad moving forward. A lovely and pretty spot-on homage to San Francisco is embedded in one of Bangkok's biggest tourist stops. At the heart of the Terminal 21 megamall is a massive Golden Gate Bridge spanning two floors, complete with miniature cars driving through. There are the heart sculptures inspired by Tony Bennett, cable cars, lanterns in the floors' Chinatown district and myriad references to Boudin and sourdough bread. A whole ramen restaurant is themed to the Haight, and boat's wheels advertise a mini-Pier 39 tucked into the space. It is delightful and swanky and cartoonish in the best way, a little slice of how tourists view San Francisco extended to an entire mall concept. Each of the nine floors in the 40,000 square foot Terminal 21, which has three locations throughout Thailand, is themed with a tourist destination in mind: The Caribbean, Hollywood, London, Tokyo and Istanbul rank among the cities honored in the jet-setting consumerist paradise. But two whole floors are reserved for San Francisco. (Not even Paris gets two floors!) According to Soranews24.com, the fourth floor is dedicated to the city proper, while the fifth is a tribute to the city's famous piers. The latter floor, aptly named Pier 21, is the mall's expansive food court. (On its Facebook page, they advertise seafood delights of all sorts, from standard Thai fare to Italian fusion seafood pasta.) Rapisan Swangphon / 123RF A Reddit user in Thailand pointed out the stunning portrayal of the City, thousands of miles away from its origins. "It was just wild seeing a little taste of home so meticulously replicated on the other side of the world," the user said. But perhaps most delightful is not the mall's aesthetic or its cheap, well-reviewed gustatory treats, but its bathrooms: The fourth-floor bathroom is themed to bread. Pastry boards are hung up right above urinals, and the Boudin logo is faithfully depicted on the bathroom walls. The mirrors also are shaped like bread boards. And, on the fifth floor bathrooms, each toilet stall has a faux-porthole hung on the door (not actually transparent, for obvious reasons). True to its nautical theme, there's also crabs painted on barrels underneath each sink, and as one visitor points out, an entire mural of fishermen surrounded by crabs. All Terminal 21 really needs are some Painted Ladies and a whole lot of tech references to round out the San Francisco tourist experience. A North Carolina nursing student is inspiring others, battling cancer after fighting the disease for nearly two years. Video Transcript VICTORIA GLOSSON: I didn't want cancer to take over my life. TYLER HARDIN: In May of 2019, Victoria Glosson was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma. The 22-year-old was in the middle of nursing school. VICTORIA GLOSSON: And they just said, you lit up like a Christmas tree. And that's how they found the cancer. I just didn't know what to do with myself, because cancer doesn't run in my family, and it was just a surprise to all of us. TYLER HARDIN: Instead of letting it defeat her, Victoria started to fight. Chemotherapy began in June, 2019, and she went back to finish what she started at Forsyth Technical Community College. VICTORIA GLOSSON: Day by day-- that's what we had to do is take it day by day, clinical by clinical, test by test. TYLER HARDIN: She graduated in nursing school, but the cancer came back in August of 2020. It meant a stem cell transplant and another six-month battle. VICTORIA GLOSSON: I expect bad news with every doctor's visit. So I'm like, there's no way. And my doctor was like, yes, you did it. Like, you're cancer free. And so it took me a while for it to sink in. TYLER HARDIN: That news came February 11. Her father, who's a Guilford County sheriff's deputy, was just as shocked as she was. - When she said cancer-free, I lost it. It-- we were just so relieved. And it was like 1,000 pounds came off my shoulders, like, oh, my god. Because every day, we were walking on eggshells. Are we going-- what kind of news are we going to get? And as a parent, that's-- the glory of God just touched us. TYLER HARDIN: Victoria now plans to help people with their battles in the hospital. VICTORIA GLOSSON: Going through this process and this experience really has made me a better person, and it really makes you appreciate life so much more. TYLER HARDIN: Tyler Hardin, Fox 8 News. Actor Steve Bastoni reckons its high time Australia acknowledges that, for many, alcohol has become a way of trying to cope with stress. It puts a BandAid on an axe wound its crazy. We know from watching a bloody pot on a stove that if you suppress something, it will boil over. Best-known for roles in Police Rescue and Neighbours, Bastoni is happy to speak on the record about his struggles with addiction. Until nearly 40, he was trying to self-medicate with various substances. The turning point was having his son and finding recovery. The first step of that is obviously admitting youve got a problem, and the second part is reaching out for help which is the hardest part. Actor Steve Bastoni has launched three film festivals around the country. Credit:Justin McManus Without those things, I hate to think where Id be today. I doubt Id be alive, to be honest. The only way through it is through it. There are no shortcuts, theres no way around it. You have to feel your feelings, he says. Sooner or later, your relief becomes your prison. Were dining at Di Stasio Citta on a balmy Melbourne summers day; its a favourite venue for the Rome-born actor. On offer is a three or five-course set menu, with several options for each course. He slips easily into Italian to order, opting for pasta with black truffles, veal Milanese and chocolate mousse. For me, its baked scallops, pan-fried skate in lemon and butter and vanilla torte. We both skipped breakfast in anticipation. KINDERHOOK Columbia County deputies responding to an emergency call at a fellow deputys home last summer told superiors that a man injured there in a fight at a late-night Fourth of July party was not severely hurt and that partygoers were too drunk to be interviewed, according to a deposition taken by State Police and obtained by the Times Union. It turned out that Harold Handy, the assault victim and a local business owner, suffered injuries that sent him to the intensive care unit that night at Albany Medical Center Hospital and the sheriffs department started an investigation into the party at the home of Alex Rosenstrach and Deputy Kelly Rosenstrach. In the days and weeks after Handy was assaulted, residents and politicians raised concerns about how the Columbia County Sheriffs Office was handling the investigation of the Rosenstrachs in the face of apparent conflicts of interest. Alex Rosenstrach donated to Republican Sheriff David Bartletts 2017 campaign and Kelly Rosenstrach was an employee of the department. The elite State Police Investigations Unit took over the case which led to the Rosenstrachs and two other partygoers being charged with gang assault in Columbia County Court in October. Lt. Louis C. Bray III told the State Police Special Investigations Unit on Aug. 10 that Sgt. Peter Grzeskow, who commanded the overnight shift, called him at 2 a.m. July 5 to report an assault at Deputy Kelly Rosenstrachs residence. A 911 call sent deputies and the emergency squad to the Rosenstrachs at 1:27 a.m. on July 5. He told me that there was a gathering there and that someone was assaulted. He told me that the rescue squad was tending to the victim, who was uncooperative and intoxicated, Bray said in his deposition for the State Police. Bray has been promoted to captain since he was interviewed by State Police. The information I received was that there was nothing severe and that no one was in any condition at this time to aid the investigation. I instructed Sgt. Grzeskow to have the deputies conduct whatever initial investigation that they could at that time and to get contact information for everyone that was present, Bray continued. I also told him that patrols would follow up with the victim once he sobered up and received any needed medical treatment, Bray said. Later on July 5, Bray said in his deposition that Bartlett called him about the incident and he was told the victim was in the ICU. Bray said he contacted on-call Senior Investigator William Foster of the sheriffs office Criminal Investigations Branch to start an investigation on either July 6 or July 7, according to his interview with State Police. A veteran detective in Albany County and a long-time Rensselaer County law enforcement official, both of whom are retired, said officers responding to a crime scene would be expected to take statements from witnesses and victims at the scene even if they were intoxicated. They added that investigators would want the initial statements so those at the crime scene would not be able to leave and later consult each other to come up with a story about what happened. The sheriffs office situation where a crime allegedly took place at the Rosenstrachs' home at 3193 County Route 21 shows the problems small police agencies have, according to Maria Haberfeld, professor of police science at the John Jay School of Criminal Justice in New York City. We have all these police departments where everybody knows everybody where its hard to investigate your own, Haberfeld said. An officer who would have to determine whether a person is too intoxicated to be interviewed is compromised in making that decision if it involves a coworker, Haberfeld said. The best thing is to immediately notify an external agency. Bartlett, who is running for re-election this year, said the case was properly handled. I cant comment on the case, but I can tell you the case was investigated thoroughly by members of this agency as well as the State Police, Bartlett said. There was ultimately a successful indictment brought down by the grand jury. Currently, thats awaiting trial, Bartlett said. The sheriffs office saw issues during the investigation when Deputy Kelly Rosenstrach was found to have accessed department files related to the case, according to depositions given to the State Police. I had a conversation with Sheriff about this and told him that I thought Kelly should be restricted from having access to this case file, and shortly thereafter, the sheriff placed Kelly on administrative leave, Bray said. Alex Rosenstrach, who owns a gym, ClubLife Health and Fitness; his wife, Deputy Kelly Rosenstrach; Bryan Haag, an IRS law enforcement agent; and Cory Galord, a contractor, were each indicted on felony counts of second-degree gang assault and first-degree unlawful imprisonment and accused of restraining and attacking Harold Handy during the party. All four face additional charges. Haag's attorney, Paul DerOhannesian, said about the depositions, That information is a very small piece of the puzzle of what happened. Its dangerous to draw conclusions from such a small piece of information. Defense attorneys said previously the case would show that Handy provoked the fight at the party. William Roberts, the attorney representing Kelly Rosenstrach, and Stephen Coffey, the layer representing Galord, declined to comment. Mark Portin, who represents Alex Rosenstrach, could not be reached for comment. Half a million Texas households still had no power Thursday and "Texans have been lining up for clean water from public spigots, boiling their own, or even trying to melt snow," Trevor Noah said on Thursday's Daily Show. "But the saddest part is that these people are the lucky ones. Because it turns out one poor Texan had to travel 800 miles just to get heat, water, and electricity." Noah's first question about Sen. Ted Cruz's ill-advised, very short vacation in Cancun is how he could be so stupid. "Look, I get that Ted Cruz is tired the man deserves a break after trying so hard to overthrow the government but now is not the time," he said. "What's even worse is that when he got caught, instead of owning up to it and apologizing, he acted like a total Ted Cruz," Noah added. "Seriously, Ted Cruz blaming his daughters for this is just gross. Being a good father means putting them on a bus, not throwing them under one. Although to be fair, maybe Ted Cruz just doesn't know what a good dad is I mean, his dad killed JFK." The Daily Show did turn Cruz's Cancun misadventure into a fun travel ad. So did Jimmy Kimmel Live, with a "Ted Cruise" vacation package. But first, Kimmel recapped Cruz's "Flyin' Ted" scandal in all its inglorious detail. First, Cruz "loads his family onto a plane to get the hell out of town," and because he's been on TV so much, "everyone recognizes him even with his mask on, they post all these pictures of him, there's so much backlash he has no choice but to immediately book a flight home," he said. Since almost nobody bought Cruz's first excuse for his early return, "Ted decided to kinda come clean," saying he had second thoughts the moment he sat down on the plane. "Yes, yes, as soon as people started posting pictures of him on the plane, he looked up and knew he shouldn't be on the plane, Kimmel said. "How did he think he was going to get away with this? You know your judgment is terrible when this haircut is only the third-worst decision you've made this month." Story continues Kimmel interviewed a Ted Cruz blobfish puppet, showed a fake United Airlines ad, and ended up finding a kind of silver lining: "At least his vacation was ruined." More stories from theweek.com 5 outrageously funny cartoons about Ted Cruz's Cancun getaway Resign, Andrew Cuomo The boom in 'green' energy Developing a Covid-19 vaccine was a result of unprecedented global collaboration, but getting people to take it will take an act of local leader collaboration in vaccine-hesitant regions. Ministry of Health statistics released this week revealed almost a quarter of all surveyed were hesitant about taking the Medsafe approved, Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. Sixteen per cent said they will refuse it outright. Massey Universitys Dr Jagadish Thaker, a communication lecturer who specialises in science messaging, says overcoming vaccine hesitancy in regions which have high rates of people declining vaccinations is key to ensuring uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine. Jagadish says studies have showed a person who previously declined at least one vaccination will be less likely to take the Covid-19 but this can be overcome with repeated messages from trusted leaders and personalities. Building public trust and willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 is as important as developing an effective vaccine, he says. This will be vital in areas where vaccine uptake is low. Statistics from district health boards reveal these areas to be the West Coast has just 78.2 per cent of five-year-olds listed as fully vaccinated. Northland sits at 78.5 per cent and Bay of Plenty at 85.3 per cent. Jagadish says these areas need to have clear, repeatable messages from trusted community leaders to ensure the Covid-19 vaccine has a good update. This can directly oppose strong, anti-vax messages. Anti-vaxxers keep repeating the same messages as often as they possibly can on any media they can, he says. This is something scientists do not do well. We often think we have published that work and why do we need to repeat it, but it is important we do that. The Ministry of Health is already gearing up an information campaign targeted to Maori and Pasifika communities which tended to higher levels of vaccine hesitancy. Deputy director-general, of Maori Health John Whaanga, says an information campaign has been developed specifically for Maori while Director of Pacific Health Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone says Pacific health leaders, academics and community leaders will be mobilised as trusted sources of information. Staff at the Founders theatre Covid-19 community testing site in Hamilton following the announcement of a local case. Tom Lee/Stuff. On the streets of Bay of Plenty vaccine hesitancy is evident. Out of ten people spoken to by Stuff on the streets of Tauranga, four said they did not intend to immediately take the Covid-19 vaccine but would wait and see what happens after others receive it. The primary concern was a perception the vaccine had been rushed or developed too quickly even from people who supported vaccination as a whole. Jagadish says that is the latest line anti-vaxxers have used, and it was present as a fear during the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine development. Public perceptions of a rushed vaccine development or inadequate testing may lead them to question the safety of the vaccine and increase distrust with vaccination in general, he says. Individuals rely on trusted sources of information to make judgments in uncertain information context, such as the rapid, multinational effort to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Building public trust in scientific experts, particularly among historically disenfranchised communities who may already harbour high distrust with government and scientific elite, by building community relationships, is particularly important. Tu Turoa Manu medical centre practice manager Donna McArley says they are expecting to field questions from patients about the vaccine and will collate peoples concerns to allow them to best answer queries. She says they expect some to take the "wait and see approach. There is not the same level of urgency as there is overseas, she says. Deputy head at the University of Aucklands school of population health, Professor Chris Bullen, says New Zealanders can take reassurance in the safety of the vaccine due to its use overseas. England, which topped four million cases of Covid-19 and 117,000 deaths, has just celebrated vaccinating 15 million people. There's very few serious side effects for people to be concerned about, says Chris. Stuff spoke to two adult care workers who were among the first million to receive the Pfizer vaccine. They say the peace of mind it gave was enormous despite suffering some very mild side-effects. One suffered a headache and the other a sore arm for a day. They say they have seen the public opinion switch towards getting vaccines, particularly in younger people as more information comes to light. People at my work had refused it, says one of them. Then people in the family caught it, or they know of deaths or someone seriously ill in hospital. Theres been quite a change over the last month with people saying they wish they didnt refuse it. Matt Shand/Stuff. The Capital Region Greek Festival is an annual spring tradition in May. More than 40,000 visitors stop at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 1000 Yverdon Drive in Wormleysburg for Greek food, ranging from leg of lamb dinners to Greek fries, flaming cheese and pastries. This year, festival organizers say that due to the coronavirus pandemic and timeline for vaccinations, they will not host a full-scale event. Instead they are planning a smaller, food-driven festival. We still want to find a way to share our traditions, culture, and of course our food with you, so stay tuned, reads a post on PAGreekFests Facebook page. We are looking at a variety of options including outdoor only and drive-thru. Last years festival in May was canceled due to the pandemic, but in the fall church members hosted several drive-thru food sales with limited menus. Festival spokesman Dimitri Zozos said organizers are ironing out plans for a possible two-day festival on the third weekend of May. It will include a limited menu of favorites such as baklava, shish kabobs, chicken gyros and take and bake frozen Greek pastitsio and moussaka casseroles. In addition, he said there will be a new menu item, baked feta. We do have a reputation for providing really good food, Zozos said. The reputation was always the pastries and now has shifted a little bit to the a la carte gyro line. Forces veterans are to be counted for the first time in this year's census following a campaign by the Royal British Legion. The RBL hopes that including former troops will increase understanding of their needs, leading to more effective policies and services. Last night the charity's director general Charles Byrne said: 'There is currently very little definitive information about where veterans are located or what their needs may be. Forces veterans will be counted in this year's census following a campaign by the Royal British Legion. (Stock image) 'So this question will have a huge impact on service personnel, veterans and their families well into the future. 'Given its significance, we would urge all members of the Armed Forces community, both regular and reservists, to record their status.' The national census, run by the Office for National Statistics, is a once in a decade survey of all households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. The inclusion of ex-military is part of the Government's goal to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran. Former defence minister Mark Francois last night welcomed the move, saying it would 'help us to understand the challenge of providing veterans with the support they truly deserve'. Mark Francois, former defence minister, welcomed the move, saying it would 'help us to understand the challenge of providing veterans with the support they truly deserve' This year's poll, on March 21, will shed light on the needs faced by different communities to inform government policy and funding decisions. Census 2021 will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a unique access code next month. Paper questionnaires will also be available on request. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... We caught a glimpse of Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton in Aaron Sorkins superb and spiritually truthful The Trial of the Chicago 7, with Kelvin Harrisons Hampton advising fellow Black Panther Bobby Seale early in the trial. In the equally powerful and resonant Judas and the Black Messiah, were back in the Chicago of the late 1960s, but this time the focus is on Hamptons rapid rise through the Black Panther ranks and the coordinated efforts by national and local law enforcement to stop him by any means necessary, resulting in the notorious predawn raid when Hampton and Mark Clark were shot to death by Chicago police. Despite law enforcement claims that the Panthers fired first, it eventually was shown that the police fired 90 shots, and the bullet holes supposedly left by Panthers gunfire actually were nail holes, the Chicago Sun-Times proved. The specter of Hamptons death hovers over the proceedings in director/co-writer Shaka Kings superbly rendered period piece. We know the story is going to end in a hail of bullets. While theres no shortage of violence, including some shootouts prior to the night of the raid, Judas and the Black Messiah also has its moments of great inspiration, expertly played quieter scenes, and a touching romance between Daniel Kaluuyas Fred Hampton and Dominique Fishbacks Deborah Johnson. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ At first, Deborah is captivated by Hamptons mesmerizing oratory skills and his ability to organize. But she falls in love with the thoughtful, caring, loving and even shy man who courts her. Kaluuya is one of the best actors of his generation, and this is some of his finest work. But more screen time is devoted to the story of LaKeith Stanfields William ONeal, a car thief who avoids a lengthy prison sentence by agreeing to become an informer for the FBI. With the coldly calculating FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) and the vile and cunning J. Edgar Hoover himself (Martin Sheen, under unfortunate prosthetics) pushing and prodding ONeal every step of the way, ONeal infiltrates the Chicago branch of the Black Panthers, so impressing Hampton with his fiery dedication to the cause that Hampton makes him chief of security and takes him into the inner circle. Writer-director King does an admirable job of showing all sides of the story. Hampton and the Panthers want to feed and clothe and educate the children and build free medical clinics in the poorest and most oppressed of Chicagos neighborhoods. But we also see Hampton working up a crowd with an impassioned speech about how good it would feel to kill pigs. And theres a scene in which an associate of Hamptons guns down two police officers making an arrest in a convenience store. Its only a matter of time before the escalating tensions between the Panthers and the police will reach a point of no return. This is a well-paced and expertly edited saga. For every elaborately staged production scene with Hampton giving speeches in packed halls or the Panthers and police facing off, there are equally impactful set pieces: for example, when ONeal visits Mitchell at home for cigars, barbecue and fine whiskey, and we see ONeal getting quite comfortable with the spoils of being a rat. Or when ONeal is in a bar and has an unsettling encounter with a flashy motormouth (Lil Rel Howery) he assumes is a pimp but actually is working for the FBI. Every performance, whether its the leads or a one-scene wonder such as Howery, is masterful. Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad, The Irishman) has the chameleon qualities of a Philip Seymour Hoffman, and hes at the top of his game as Roy Mitchell, who is horrified by J. Edgar Hoovers racism but doesnt flinch at requiring ONeal to provide him with a floor plan of Hamptons apartment in advance of the raid. Stanfield captures the screen with his multilayered performance as the tortured ONeal. Kaluuya has been nominated for a best supporting actor Golden Globe and should merit Oscar consideration as well. What an impressive track record hes already built, and what an incredible future he has. Judas and the Black Messiah was filmed in Cleveland (unfortunately), and there are a couple of exterior shots that do NOT look like Chicago. But with so much of the action taking place in bars and living rooms and offices or on a small stretch of one street, its only a distraction once or twice. Shaka King and the production team have done a stellar job of plunging us into the tinderbox that was late 1960s Chicago, when the city was in the national spotlight far too often for the wrong reasons. JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH 3.5 stars RATED: R (for violence and pervasive language) WHEN: Now streaming WHERE: HBO Max The American space agencys Mars explorer, Perseverance, landed successfully on the Red Planet Thursday after a seven-month trip. The six-wheeled explorer, or rover, is on a NASA mission to collect Martian soil and rocks as part of the search for signs of ancient life. Ground controllers at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California cheered after receiving confirmation of the landing on Mars. It took 11-and-one-half minutes for the confirmation signal to reach Earth. Moments later, controllers received the rovers first pictures of Mars. Perseverance landed in an area of Mars called Jezero Crater, just north of the planets equator. The area contains a large ancient lakebed. NASA considers the area a promising place to find possible signs of microbial life. Scientists believe if life ever existed on Mars, it would have been present 3 to 4 billion years ago, when water flowed on the planet. However, rough ground around Jezero Crater presented possible landing dangers for the Perseverance spacecraft. Al Chen is a member of JPLs landing team. He told reporters that while the area was full of things scientists want to study, it did not offer the most favorable landing conditions. The successful landing marked the third recent visit to Mars. Last week, spacecraft from the United Arab Emirates and China entered the planets orbit. All three of the missions launched in July to take advantage of the shorter distance between Earth and Mars at the time. This closeness between the planets happens every two years. Perseverance is NASAs fifth rover to explore Mars. The first, named Sojourner, was sent in 1997. Then came Spirit and Opportunity, which landed in 2004. The fourth rover, Curiosity, has been exploring the planet since 2012. Those missions all resulted in valuable information about the Red Planet. NASA says Perseverance aims to take the next step in searching for signs of ancient microbial life. It is NASAs largest, heaviest and most technology-loaded vehicle ever sent to Mars. It has 19 cameras, two microphones and a two-meter-long robotic arm. A machine connected to the arm will dig into the ground to gather rock and soil. The rover is equipped with X-ray and imaging systems to study Martian chemistry and to identify possible organic compounds. Perseverance is also carrying a small experimental flyer called Ingenuity. NASA says the 1.8 kilogram vehicle will attempt its first flight in the coming months. NASA officials hope it will be the first vehicle to fly on a planet other than Earth. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English, based on reports from NASA, The Associated Press and Reuters. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _________________________________________________ Words in This Story mission n. the flight of a spacecraft to perform a task or job microbial adj. relating to microbes (very small living things) advantage n. something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed organic adj. chemical that contain carbon Hitting record high, the petrol and diesel prices in the national capital were hiked again on Friday for the eleventh day. While the price of petrol was increased by 31 paise, diesel rates jumped up by 33 paise. This has pushed up the retail rates, which differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT and freight charges. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot The hike took the petrol price in Delhi to 90.19 per litre. Diesel rate climbed to 80.60 a litre. Petrol at 100 After fuel rates were increased for the tenth straight day in a row, the petrol price on Thursday crossed the 100 per litre mark in Madhya Pradesh. In Anuppur of Madhya Pradesh, petrol was priced at 100.25 per litre and diesel at 90.35. Earlier on Wednesday, the price of regular petrol consumed by the masses shot up to 100.13 a litre in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar. The record price in Rajasthan is despite the state government late last month cutting VAT on petrol and diesel by 2%. VAT on petrol, after the cut, at 36% plus 1.5 per litre road cess is still the highest in the country. On diesel, the state levies 26% and 1.75 per litre road cess. Diesel in Sriganganagar is priced at 92.47 a litre. In Mumbai, petrol price rose to 96.32 a litre and diesel was priced at 87.32. Why are costs rising? Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had blamed output cut by oil-producing nations for the rally in international oil prices that have translated into higher retail rates in India. However, consumers in India are paying much higher than what they were paying last January, even though crude prices are yet to reach levels of early last year. International oil prices have been rising since Saudi Arabia pledged additional voluntary output cuts of 1 million barrels per day in February and March last year under a deal between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. A Scottish woman suffering from a rare condition called misophonia is so annoyed by the sound of other peoples breathing that she once asked doctors to surgically make her deaf. Misophonia is described as a strong dislike or hatred of specific sounds, which triggers strong emotional or physiological responses that would be considered unreasonable by most people. Also known as sound sensitivity syndrome, this condition can trigger all kinds of reactions, from anger to panic, or the need to flee and escape the maddening sound. Think of a sound that drives you crazy, multiply it by a factor of 100 and you can get an idea of what experiencing misophonia feels like. Photo: @chairulfajar/Unsplash While some people believe that misophonia is only caused by generally annoying sounds, like loud chewing or the scratching of fingernails on a blackboard, in reality, it can be triggered by virtually any sound. For example, a sufferer from Scotland recently appeared on British TV program This Morning to detail her experience with misophonia triggered by one of the most ubiquitous sounds, other peoples breathing. So its the noise of people breathing. When I hear it, the more angry I get. The louder I hear it, the angrier I get, the woman, named Karen, said. If someone is deliberately breathing to annoy me that doesnt bother me. But if its somebody just breathing, that triggers me. Interestingly, its not heavy breathing or panting that bothers Karen, but the faint sound of normal breathing. She just wants the noise to stop, and that obviously cant happen, because people need to breathe, so theres nothing she can do about it. At one point, things got so bad that the woman asked a doctor if there was any chance that she could get an operation to make her deaf, just so she wouldnt have to deal with the annoying sound of breathing anymore. Obviously, no doctor would not carry out such a procedure. Karens case and the exposure it got in the media got a lot of reactions from other misophonia sufferers who confirmed that living with the condition is a nightmare. It ruins my life on a daily basis and Id give ANYTHING for a cure. Instead of being basically laughed at by doctors and told to get over it, one person wrote on social media. Glad misophonia is being highlighted, the sound of people chewing, tapping keyboards etc. makes me wanna literally tear my hair out, it makes me SO enraged, its absolutely awful, I have to put my earphones in to block it out, someone else commented. The sun was out Friday over a battered San Antonio, lifting spirits, melting the snowscape onto slippery sidewalks and streets and giving residents a chance to get outside to take stock of plumbing problems, food shortages and dead gardens. After five nights of brutal cold, access to water remained a widespread problem, but electricity was back for all but an unlucky few. Its warmer out here than inside, Jesse Castro, 64, said from his wheelchair in the sunshine at the Granada Homes, an apartment building for low-income seniors downtown, where he and other residents had gone without running water since Monday. Tenants said they had drawn water from the nearby San Antonio River or harvested snow so they could at least flush their toilets. Plumbers were in high demand and short supply across the city, a condition expected to last for weeks. Robert Puente, CEO of the San Antonio Water System, said Thursday that perhaps 100,000 homes and businesses in Bexar County had burst pipes. Anne Hayden, a spokeswoman for SAWS, said crews were making progress restoring water pressure to neighborhoods where lack of electricity had prevented pumps from operating earlier in the week. But around 30 percent of the utilitys customers still had no running water, she said. The outlook for a warming trend allowed public safety workers to exhale. The cold had been dangerous. It was a factor in five fatality accidents since Feb. 13, police said, including two Thursday night that killed the driver of an 18-wheeler who skidded on ice while trying to avoid a disabled SUV on Interstate 10 East and a pedestrian struck in a hit-and-run on Medina Base Road. Twenty police vehicles were damaged during the week, police Lt. Jesse Salame said via email. He said Officer Travis Gossett was still at University Hospital after being hit by a vehicle while directing traffic Sunday morning. He is in stable condition, but his injuries are very severe, Salame said. Were all hoping for a full recovery. The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office identified a man who died Feb. 12 of hypothermia as Mark William Guerra, 56. He was found in the 900 block of River Road, near the San Antonio River north of downtown. Numerous others in the week since have been treated for hypothermia, a drop in body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold. But it was a heart condition, not hypothermia, that killed a 78-year-old man outside his home on the North Side on Monday, the medical examiners office said. The San Antonio Housing Authority asked people to drop off donations of water, nonperishable food and adult diapers at its headquarters at 820 S. Flores St. from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to help its residents. With another hard freeze expected Friday night, the shelter at the Convention Center was to stay open until 5 p.m. Saturday, said Carlos Valenzuela, a city spokesman. It housed 180 people at midweek, but only a few were left, he said. On ExpressNews.com: Survival mode: Amid wintry weather and power and water outages, San Antonio dialysis patients go without for days Water service was restored at the Granada, originally a luxury hotel built in the late 1920s. But the water pressure downtown was still low, a SAWS official said, so it will take a while to fill and fire up the boiler that the 230-unit, 12-story complex uses for heat. Some residents resorted to dangerous measures such as using their ovens and stoves for heat. For days, volunteers and family members have brought them meals and drinking water. On Friday, the restaurant Arizona Cafe donated tacos. The Devils River Distillery supplied 200 gallons of water. Others brought fresh-made tortillas. Its been rough, but Im sure everybodys going through the same thing, said Ester Rivas, a 73-year-old resident. Some families have at least temporarily taken their loved ones out of the building, said Queta Rodriguez, a former candidate for county commissioner who was helping out. But some 160 people were still in the building, she said. Many turned down the offer of a bus sent earlier this week to ferry residents to the Convention Center. Theyre very fearful of COVID, Rodriguez said. So they just decided to hack it out. That included Olivia Lopez, 77, a former hospital worker. She refused her familys offer to take her, in part because shes been helping a neighbor who cant leave. Lopez sat outside the building in a leather jacket and blue hoodie, smoking a Pall Mall cigarette the first shed had in several days. Once we get the heat and the water on, Im going to get in that tub and give me a real good bath, Lopez said. CPS Energy officials apologized Friday for the very difficult situation that San Antonians have endured the past five days. We are sorry, we cant say that enough, CPS President and CEO Paula Gold-Williams said, promising that the city-owned utility will be prepared for any future unprecedented weather event. It was still working to restore electricity to the relative handful of customers fewer than 400 who remained without it, she said. Earlier in the week, the number had been well over 200,000. She also expressed gratitude to San Antonians for conserving power and urged them to continue despite the improving weather. County Judge Nelson Wolff acknowledged criticism of the utility but objected to calling it a monopoly, saying it was a far better asset to its owners, the residents of San Antonio, than anything the private sector could provide. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which had starved utilities on the electrical grid it controls because not enough power plants could meet demand until Thursday, ended its emergency operations Friday. On ExpressNews.com: Bulk water distribution sites in San Antonio opened Friday Police Chief William McManus and Fire Chief Charles Hood both expressed pride and relief for officers and firefighters who worked virtually nonstop since Sunday and continue to staff a Public Safety Headquarters that is without water. There were officers and first responders who werent able to take a shower, even, yet continued to come to work and tend to their families, McManus said. Police officers found time to take people to dialysis, make deliveries from the San Antonio Food Bank to shut-ins and drive them to pharmacies to pick up prescriptions, he said. Hood praised the resiliency, ingenuity and leadership of firefighters and paramedics who handled record numbers of structure fires per shift and put together a program to visit homes to refill peoples medical oxygen tanks. Hood called it a week unlike anything most of us have ever seen before in our careers. The struggle to replenish kitchen food supplies, if not the ready availability of food itself, was made easier by the improved weather. H-E-B stores were running on curtailed hours after days of not being able to fully stock meat, dairy products and produce. Half an hour before it was to open, 88 people waited patiently in line outside the H-E-B on Olmos Drive north of downtown, masked and socially distanced. The H-E-B at Perrin Beitel and Thousand Oaks was crowded with shoppers about 4 p.m., with most paper goods gone and the chips and cookies half gone from the aisles. But there was bread, milk, tortillas and eggs, and a truckload of water had just arrived. I found everything I needed, said Elizabeth Arevalo, 38. My Diet Coke. They even had orange juice for the kids. They dont have a lot of variety of fresh chicken, but they have plenty of beef and pork. A man passing by with a full cart interjected, The only thing missing is money. Yes, Arevalo laughed ruefully. Lets see if theres a paycheck after all of this. A spokesperson for the grocery giant said it had more than 1,500 trucks on the road Friday to restock our stores as quickly as possible. H-E-B has limited purchases of water, milk, meat, eggs, bread, ice, charcoal, propane and other items, a list that can be found at newsroom.heb.com/product-purchasing-limits. San Antonio stores will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The H-E-B on South Flores Street near downtown is closed. The Food Bank has been distributing meals at area shelters and on Friday was preparing to staff several large distribution sites, each able to help about 5,000 people with groceries, said Michael Guerra, the organizations chief resource officer. About 50 Texas National Guard soldiers are helping at the food banks main facility at 5200 Enrique M. Barrera, which will distribute food Saturday and Sunday. Checking in at 5738 Castroville Road before going to the site was recommended but not required. On ExpressNews.com: The story behind this viral photo of the San Antonio Food Bank during coronavirus shutdowns On Saturday, distributions will open at Harlandale Independent School Districts Memorial Stadium and the River City Church. The Food Bank had issued a call for 500 volunteers, and San Antonio came though again, Guerra said. All the slots were filled, and some people have been placed on waiting lists. Staff writers Emilie Eaton, Mark Dunphy, Mike Sutter, Diana Fuentes and Bruce Selcraig contributed to this report. EZavala@express-news.net German Health Minister Jens Spahn, right, and Lothar H. Wieler, left, president of the Robert-Koch-Institute, address the media during a press conference in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, pool) Elementary students in more than half of Germany's 16 states returned to school Monday after more than two months at home, the first major relaxation of the country's pandemic measures since before Christmas. Kindergartens also reopened their doors for pre-school children, giving much-anticipated relief to stressed parents trying to juggle working from home and childcare during the lockdown. The move was agreed at a meeting between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and state governors two weeks ago, and stuck to despite signs that the decline in case numbers seen in the country is flattening out again and even rising in some areas. Education Minister Anja Karliczek has defended the decision to reopen schools, saying younger children in particular benefit from learning together in groups. Schools should use "all available means to prevent virus transmission," Karliczek told German news agency dpa, expressing confidence that state education officials who are in charge of school matters in Germany would consider the infection numbers when deciding where to reopen. Germany's disease control agency says there were 4,369 newly confirmed cases and 62 deaths in the past day, though Monday's numbers are often low due to reporting delays at the weekend. A helper vaccinates a pensioner in a so-called "rolling vaccination centre", which is in Bannewitz, Germany, near Dresden for a test run on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. Starting this weekend, such vaccination centres will be used in three Saxon municipalities. (Robert Michael/dpa via AP) The spread of more contagious virus variants has caused particular concern in Germany. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert noted that a recent review of positive tests found that the variant first detected in Britain is now present in almost a quarter of all cases. "In general, experts expect that ... the next measurement will result in a higher figure," he told reporters in Berlin. Elementary school students in Berlin and elsewhere are required to wear masks in class and some will continue to do part of their schooling from home, to help reduce class sizes. Officials have pledged to install air filtration devices in all classrooms. So far that effort hasn't progressed very far and teachers instead have to regularly open windows to avoid stale, potentially virus-laden air from building up. Education officials and Germany's health minister agreed Monday that teachers in primary and special needs schools, and kindergarten staff, will be given greater priority in getting vaccinations. The governor of Bavaria said Monday that Germany should aim to do rapid testing of 1 million people each day, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of regular PCR tests conducted daily. Markus Soeder also announced that his southern state, which has seen a sharp rise in cases in some counties on the border with the Czech Republic, will reopen flower and gardening stores Monday. A helper prepares vaccine against Covid-19 from Biontech/Pfizer for a vaccination in a so-called "rolling vaccination centre", which is in Bannewitz, Germany, near Dresden for a test run on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. Starting this weekend, such vaccination centres will be used in three Saxon municipalities. (Robert Michael/dpa via AP) Officials have already agreed to let hairdressers nationwide reopen on March 1. A prominent German doctor warned against relaxing the lockdown further at the moment, citing the so-called R-number that shows how many people each person with COVID-19 infects. The number has increased to 1.1, indicating an upward trend in cases. Frank Ulrich Montgomery, the chairman of the World Medical Association, told the Funke media group that it was "absolutely irresponsible" to talk about easing the lockdown at this stage. German officials say they are discussing with their French counterparts this week whether to impose further restrictions on the border between the two countries due to high numbers of infections on the French side. Earlier this month, Germany introduced a requirement that travelers from the Czech Republic and Austria's state of Tyrol produce negative test results before they can cross the German border. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Eight schools from five countries will unite in song in the upcoming Boys Town Jerusalem International Virtual Choral Festival on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. EST. For the past 13 years, the annual Boys Town Jerusalem Choral Festival, in support of the Israeli schools underprivileged students, has been held in London. This year, the pandemic has compelled the creation of a virtual festival, which now opens the event to participation by choirs from Jewish Day Schools across the world. The following schools will be participating in this landmark event: KTC (Australia), Mt. Sinai (... A man who allegedly spat at several gardai and a female Polish interpreter while under arrest for a section 3 assault yesterday (Thursday, February 18) has been remanded in custody following todays sitting of Granard District Court. Marcin Rosada of 6 Oaklandsdale, Longford, was charged with one count of section 3 assault on a female and three counts of section 2 assault on a number of gardai, with further charges pending. Sgt Enda Daly, for the state, told Judge Seamus Hughes that Mr Rosada spat at gardai on numerous occasions and that the state would be strongly objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges. It is a serious offence. He put several members of An Garda Siochana in fear of being spat at. He attempted to bite one of the gardai while in custody. Fortunately, he didnt succeed, said Sgt Daly. And he hasnt been tested, so nobody knows if hes positive for Covid. Its worrying to say the least. Im surprised theres no charge for spitting on the interpreter but I understand additional charges will be brought, said Judge Seamus Hughes. For the full report, see next week's Longford Leader. Francesca Paris covers North Adams for The Berkshire Eagle. A California native and Williams College alumna, she has worked at NPR in Washington, D.C. and WBUR in Boston, as a news reporter, producer and editor. Find her on Twitter at @fparises. DeBlasio Backs Lawmakers Claim Against Cuomo: The Bullying Is Nothing New New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio took aim at Gov. Andrew Cuomo over allegations that he threatened New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim during a heated phone call. Cuomo reportedly called Kim on Feb. 11, after news broke of an alleged coverup of New York COVID-19 nursing home deaths, according to the New York Post. In the phone call, Cuomo reportedly threatened that Kima fellow Democratwill be finished and destroyed, according to the outlet. De Blasio commented on the report in an interview on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Thursday. Yeah, its a sad thing to say, de Blasio said. But thats classic Andrew Cuomo. A lot of people in New York State have received those phone calls. Kim earlier criticized Cuomo after Cuomos secretary Melissa DeRosa admitted that his administration withheld nursing home death numbers apparently out of concern it might be politically damaging. As legislators, we have the duty to uncover the truth behind the nursing home deaths and the governors explanations do not add up, Kim said in a statement. While he claims he was taking time to answer the Justice Department, we saw him gallivant around on a book tour and victory lap across prime time cable shows. Again, all while his top aide deliberately hid the information in fear of political and legal consequences. Kims remarks regarding the Justice Department refer to DeRosas comments last week on a conference call with state legislators, during which she appeared to tell them that the Cuomo administration withheld how many nursing home residents died from COVID-19 because they feared the numbers would be used against us by prosecutors. At the time, the Justice Department was probing nursing home deaths in four states, including New York. DeRosa issued a statement on Friday in which she disputed the characterization that the data had been withheld to foil federal investigators. I was explaining that when we received the DOJ inquiry, we needed to temporarily set aside the legislatures request to deal with the federal request first. We informed the houses of this at the time, DeRosa said. We were comprehensive and transparent in our responses to the DOJ, and then had to immediately focus our resources on the second wave and vaccine rollout. As I said on a call with legislators, we could not fulfill their request as quickly as anyone would have liked. But we are committed to being better partners going forward as we share the same goal of keeping New Yorkers as healthy as possible during the pandemic. Cuomo has said that things should have been done differently, telling reporters during a recent briefing that the state prioritized the federal requests over state requests. We have to learn from it, we have to correct it, he added. We were managing a pandemic. The number one priority was saving peoples lives every day. Allegations of a cover-up to thwart a DOJ probe have led to calls for Cuomos impeachment. At a press conference Wednesday, Cuomo also accused Kim of having a vendetta against him. After the Post reported on the alleged threat against Kim, Cuomo adviser Rich Azzopardi accused Kim of misrepresenting parts of their conversation. Mr. Kim is lying about his conversation with Governor Cuomo Thursday night. I know because I was one of three other people in the room when the phone call occurred, Azzopardi said. At no time did anyone threaten to destroy anyone with their wrath nor engage in a coverup. Thats beyond the pale and is unfortunately part of a years-long pattern of lies by Mr. Kim against this administration. We did ask for Mr. Kim to do the honorable thing and put out a truthful statement after he told the Governor he was misquoted in a news article, which he said he tried to correct but the reporter refused, Azzopardi added. Kim said he would correct the story and then broke his word. No surprise. Instead over the last six days he has baselessly accused this administration of pay to play and obstruction of justice. De Blasio told MSNBC he believes Kims account. You know, the bullying is nothing new. I believe Ron Kim, and its very, very sad, de Blasio said. No public servant, no person whos telling the truth should be treated that way. But yeah, the threats, the belittling, the demand that someone change their statement right that momentmany, many times Ive heard that, and I know a lot of other people in this state have heard that. Kim has also released a statement criticizing Cuomo for issuing a controversialand since-revokedMarch 25 order that sent thousands of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes. The March 25 directivesubsequently reversed in Mayessentially prohibited nursing home operators from refusing to accept residents even if they tested positive for COVID-19. No resident shall be denied readmission or admission to a nursing home solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19, the order said. Under the order, if hospital staff determined residents were medically stable, nursing homes were prohibited from requiring that the patient be tested for COVID-19 prior to admission or readmission. Experts warned at the time that the order would lead to a surge in COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. Cuomos new order, issued in May, required hospitals to keep elderly COVID-19 patients until a negative test was confirmed or move them to another state-run facility that wasnt a nursing home. Cuomo has repeatedly rejected links between the since-repealed policy and the thousands of nursing home deaths in the state. Last year, the Cuomo administration flatly denied the allegations. Admission policies to nursing homes were not a significant factor in nursing home fatalities. And data suggests that nursing home quality is not a factor in mortality from COVID, New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said. A state Department of Health study (pdf) essentially corroborated this stance, concluding that it was infected nursing home staff that fanned the spread. This study highlighted a critically important fact that the overwhelming majority of hospital patients sent back into nursing homes were not only medically stable, they were no longer contagious, and that 81 percent of the nursing homes receiving COVID patients from New Yorks hospitals already had the virus, said Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, in a release. However, questions have been raised about the reliability and impartiality of the study, and a number of lawmakers have called for a probe. Jack Phillips and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. (@FahadShabbir) The World Health Organization already has 20 experts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) working with the country's health authorities to stop the recent Ebola outbreak, WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti said JOHANNESBURG (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th February, 2021) The World Health Organization already has 20 experts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) working with the country's health authorities to stop the recent Ebola outbreak, WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti said. The new outbreak of Ebola started in DR Congo in early February. Earlier in the day, the number of confirmed Ebola cases reached six, while two people died. "WHO already has around 20 experts on the ground supporting national and provincial health authorities," Moeti said at a press conference on Thursday. According to Steve Ahuka Mundeke, a microbiology professor at the University of Kinshasa, there are currently enough tools to control Ebola in Africa. "Therapeutic and vaccine in combination with traditional measures, community-based surveillance, IPC, risk communication and community engagement and of course strong coordination and partnership. Also early detection with laboratory close to the epicenter of the outbreaks," Mundeke told Sputnik. The Ebola virus is transmitted to humans from wild animals and is estimated by the World Health Organization to have a 50-percent fatality rate. Ebola is named after the DR Congo's Ebola River, near which the virus was discovered by Belgian microbiologist Peter Piot and his team in 1976. The largest Ebola outbreak took place in West Africa in 2014-2015, with more than 11,000 people having died and some 28,000 cases having been reported. This story originally appeared in The Guardian. Zack Harold is a freelance writer and radio producer in Charleston, West Virginia. He is a regular contributor for West Virginia Public Broadcastings Inside Appalachia and formerly served as the Charleston Daily Mails entertainment editor and managing editor for WV Living, Wonderful West Virginia and WV Focus magazines. 25669 Paige Francis, Associate CIO, University of Arkansas Paige Francis, Associate CIO, University of Arkansas Per the US Census, women outnumber men by a hair in the United States. Within higher education, the divide is much greater given women routinely outnumber men in both college enrollment and graduation rates by double digits. Despite this, only 18 percent of undergraduate computer science degrees are awarded to women. That number shrinks further at top research universities. According to The Tambellini Group, women are becoming invisible in the thriving technology and computing sector. The very sector with the highest starting salaries, 35 percent increased the likelihood to have a job, and a nearly recession-proof industry anticipating job growth between 12-37 percent through 2022. Why should we care? We hear time and time again that a strong, sustainable workforce needs to reflect a population; people like seeing people like them. Meredith Lowry, Patent Attorney for Wright, Lindsey, Jennings and co-chair of the 2017 NWA Tech Summit, states, With technology, like with most things in life, there isnt a one-size-fits-all model. Its imperative that we have more female and diverse voices in constructing technology solutions to help address problems faced by our entire population, rather than a discrete segment.A consumer wants a product designed for them that is attractive to them. For that to happen, we need a workforce with representative insight. As everything these days seems to have some level of connective tissuethick or thinattached to technology, clearly, input for design, creation, marketing, service needs to be reflective of the population. The question is and continues to be, how do we attract more women to STEM, to technology leadership, to technical fields? Despite the exhaustive current outreach within the industry, K-12, summer camps, kids toys, you name it, its not working. How are we investing so much time, energy, publicity, and funding resulting in so little movement in the right direction? Within higher-education, and education in general, I do believe we are in a unique position to dramatically improve tech career adoption for all genders knowing that with even minimal traction, given current enrollment data, this should intrinsically move the dial on women in STEM and help support our future economy. But to be impactful, weve got to mean it. How do we increase adoption? We need more talent, across genders, within an industry that needs a complete branding overhaul Based on my experience Ive concluded that the entire technology industry needs to be rebranded. Hard stop. HGTVs Love It or List It is a television show described, When a house no longer feels like home, homeowners are left with a big financial and emotional question: renovate or sell it? In many ways, I feel as if this is where we are with IT. And obviously, we cant simply sell the career path and move on as statistics show that by 2020, 1.4 million computer science jobs will be available in the US, yet well have just 29 percent of the qualified graduates to fill them and less than three percent will be filled by women. We need more talent, across genders, within an industry that needs a complete branding overhaul. Yesterdays technical career features are todays inaccurate assumptions they are the peeling vinyl floors, Formica countertops and shag carpeting (without the retro chic part, of course). Yes, building systems, 24/7 work schedules and coding in dark rooms still exist, but they are the exception these days, not the rule. The assumptions held by most on careers in technology in very few (and continuously shrinking) ways accurately match todays technology landscape. In fact, current girls-in-STEM initiatives focus almost solely on girl-ifying engineering technology the science of perfume and bath bomb making through building pink robots. Of course, scientists, chemists, and network engineers will always be in demand and the careers are innovative and cool by any standard, but there are many, many more flavors of computer science jobs today, like analysis (business, technical, application, data), search engine optimization, digital marketing, social media management, user experience, coding (video games, apps), technical writing, project management, web content management, training, sales and development, with each spawning professional consultant careers to externally support all of the above. We are trying to increase engagement in an industry based on horrifically outdated information on that industry. There needs to be a complete renovation on how we sell STEM as a career, a to-the-studs demolition. We have seemingly impossible numbers to reach and currently, Women are the minority in technology positions and its time to level the playing field. Technology touches every aspect of our lives and its important to open these doors for the next generation of women. Celebrating and encouraging women to pursue technology careers needs to be part of the strategic plan for every company. I look forward to the time when we do not have to be concerned with the statistics, shares Debbie Griffin, EVP/COO of the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce and Director of the Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit. From all perspectives, I challenge anyone anywhere to produce a successful, replicable model to increase engagement in technology as a degree, as a career, as a future across genders. For a CIO, I encourage a high visibility presence on campus or across the workplace selling technology as a futuristic, ever-evolving, strategic option for career choice. Be the change. For academia, we are present when most students make the decision to pursue STEM or not pursue STEM. We are perfectly poised to help re-introduce technology as a not only viable but enviable and smart choice for their whole person. For industry, more women in technology are simply good business. Our numbers need to at minimum match our male counterparts numbers to reflect the current population. In addition, more women in STEM help ensure our nations consumers alongside staffing industry demands. As a woman in STEM, I believe for starters we need to be visible, we need to advocate and we need to support others who have made the smart choice to join us on this path. So here I am. Your turn. Lets do this. Texas's state is in the grip of the worst winter storm, "Uri," which has taken lives. A huge power outage has left numerous homes without heat and more problems. Overwhelming cold weather freezes everything to a halt In San Antonio, Texas, a follow-up winter storm ran over the southern United States on Wednesday. It added to the troubles where 18 people died, probably from the cold. Many of these households had no electricity, and millions had no power at home. Making things worse is less potable drinking water and food stores. These were the conditions that were in a report by The Washington Post on MSN. Bad news came from the National Weather Service in a grim advisory last Wednesday, indicating more bad weather will compound Texas. Warnings that 100 million Americans in parts of the USA are under threat from extreme weather. For many Americans, the forecasted severe weather is not a good prospect, as south states are hobbled by extreme cold. Another winter storm will affect a large area through Friday - from the Lower Mississippi Valley into the Mid Atlantic and Northeast. pic.twitter.com/GpVMtFo7U3 NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 17, 2021 Reports say that storm was responsible for packing extra snow and ice in Texas, with other southern spots in the US. Mentioned areas were the Mississippi, Tennessee valleys last Wednesday, with movement to the Mid-Atlantic and New England,and residents in Louisiana, Arkansas, and central Tennessee added the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang. Also read: Bill Gates Plans to save the World from Climate Disaster Big Chill in the south shuts power Last Wednesday, there were 3 million customers in Texas freezing in the dark, cold afternoons, said poweroutages. It tracks all blackouts in the US and registers similar power outages in about nine states. These states that are having rolling blackouts are Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. However, the condition in any other state than Texas was less troublesome. Texas is suffering from irregular and disrupted water supply in several cities. Worse is restoring power to these cities will be days and other locations in the state. Large-scale power outages have spurred investigations on what is the cause of the power grid shutdown. Many state officials are not sure and not taking total responsibility for it. One of the reasons said Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is that wind turbine could not work and are frozen stiff. He told Fox News last Tuesday that renewables like wind and solar failed. The governor explained that green energy is only a small factor in a bigger problem. He cited that natural gas that powered thermal plants stopped due to extreme cold. Abbot had qualms about green energy, but he kept quiet in a conference last Wednesday. He last said frozen wind farms are not the main problem. ERCOT questioned Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) was investigated by both Republican and Democrats slammed the body for failure to deal with snowstorm "Uri effectively." The operator said it would take weeks to restore power or resolve the problem. OUTAGE ALERT: @ERCOT has issued an order to AEP Texas to shed load once again. Please prepare for more power outages and expect current power outages to continue. AEP Texas stands ready to restore electric service as soon as power is available. #WeAreAEPTexas pic.twitter.com/KlZ2DwHjUq AEP Texas (@AEPTexas) February 17, 2021 Abbot held ERCOT responsible and asked their officials to leave their posts. Democrat lawmakers cited five of the executives weren't Texans, the chair and vice-chair. But the officials, Uri is the worst winter storm, but the end is not in sight. Related article: Sen. Kennedy on Biden's Energy Policy: Anti- American, Destroys US Energy Independence Texas Suffer Worst Winter Storm Power Outage Causes Statewide Problems for Governor emv: 16 @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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. Houston: A woman who was trying to burn a bug inside her apartment's bedroom in US ended up in setting fire to the building which resulted in the evacuation of people from the building and an estimated USD 140,000 damage to the property. The incident took place at an apartment complex in Topeka, Kansas, with Topeka Fire Marshal Mike Martin saying that an investigation determined the blaze occurred in the master bedroom of an apartment. The cause was listed as being accidental, resulting from an "occupant trying to kill a bug with a lighter", the Topeka Capital-Journal reported. Ausha Scott said she was inside the apartment unit at the time of the fire with her mother, Monique Quarles, and 2-year-old child, Avionna Scott-Quarles. Quarles said the blaze started on Monday after she tried to burn a bug that was found in the unit's master bedroom with a flip-style lighter that malfunctioned. Quarles said she had picked up the first bug, put it in her hand "and lit it on fire". She said she and her daughter then looked under the mattress to see if there were any other bugs. They then found what Quarles said was a "medium-sized bug". "When I grabbed the bug and I had it, I went to light it and then the lighter started sparking, so these sparks then went onto the box springs," Quarles said. "The sparks just started flying on it and inside of it." The flames and heavy smoke led to the evacuation of the three-floor building. By the time the smoke had cleared, Topeka Fire Department officials estimated USD 140,000 in damage had occurred. No serious injuries were reported in the blaze. Multiple fire companies responded to the two-alarm blaze and remained on the scene for about six hours, clearing the scene. Quarles said her daughter saw the fire, then ran into the kitchen to get water to put it out. "As she's coming, I'm going. By the time I came back, I was really seeing fire in there, so I knew we really shouldn't keep trying to put it out. I said, 'Get out ? get the baby, call 911.' And that's what we did," she said. Authorities said everyone was out of the building by the time firefighters arrived on the scene. For all the Latest Viral 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. 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. 6858 Pablo Ciano, CIO, DHL Express Americas Pablo Ciano, CIO, DHL Express Americas An important task at global companies like DHL Express, a key business unit of Deutsche Post DHL, is the modernization of the organizations IT landscape migrating from legacy silo applications to a service-oriented architecture. It is a vital transformation, but its magnitude and complexities are not fully appreciated for those outside of the IT function. This is a significant undertaking in terms of time and personnel for a large international enterprise since it not only involves information systems but also aligning the underlying processes. Like other large firms, over time we absorbed many different companies with different systems, while our own units in different countries developed their own systems. We have been working on converging all those systems (and processes) to the global standards while also building an entirely new platform in ITthe ESB (Enterprise Service Bus)through which all these services connect. This new platform will allow us to move to a true SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) with more functionalities, reusability and agility for bringing new capabilities to the business. Moving a company from apps to services is a major effort from the IT perspective, but it brings significant benefits. Tracking, for example, is one of the key services for internal and external clients. Used by at least ten different clients in different departments, tracking was developed for internal operations and for customers, and having one single global Tracking service will allow us to have a single globally reusable standard; easier to maintain and modify. In my previous position at DHL Express, as CIO for the U.S., I executed a convergence program that led to decommissioning 300 applications and migrating to global standards. We also developed and implemented new capabilities like Paperless Trade, Advance Notification Services and Denied Party Screening Workflow. I took over in 2012 as CIO for DHL Express Americas, which covers 55 countries and territories, including U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. So far weve sunsetted more than 4,000 silo apps globally and migrated most of them to services. To give you an idea of the enormous scope of all this, weve been working on the overall migration project for more than four years, and we still have two to three years to go. Big Data Big Data has been a favorite new topic for the media recently. But in reality, weve been processing and manipulating Big Data at DHL Express for many years, long before it was a popular term. We move millions of packages every day over thousands of routes around the world and keep track of millions of check points. You need to have a very sophisticated Big Data capability to manage the routings and coding for this enormously complicated system, and delivery routes are analyzed every day in terms of performance. Recently, though, we have been using all this data a little differently for predictive analytic projects. For example, we look at performance data to identify which customers are at risk of leaving the company. This way, we can make adjustment in route performance ahead of time. Also, for a major customerlike a leading hi-tech company with stores all over the world we use our Big Data capacity to gather and disseminate vital information. Supply chains have been shortened and goods that formerly went to distribution centers are now being shipped directly to stores requiring much more frequent and precise data that goes with the package. Our scans and check point data tell stores when a shipment of new products has been picked up in China and where it is now. This allows the retailers to decide when they can commit to customers. One big customer wants all its stores to have access to check points within minutes of the event taking place, and we can do this. Another trend which continues to add complexity to supply chains is that companies are outsourcing more and more the manufacturing of their products to a diverse set of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) which means that DHL needs to integrate with these manufacturers fast and with different IT standards. This requires flexibility and agility like we have not seen before. For instance, when a client launches a new product and needs to integrate output at 10 factories in China, we can help accelerate that integration so the different plants can ship quickly according to our standards, build the final product and reach markets on schedule. There is a significant shift from apps to services and a major transformation from a small scale to a large international enterprise The Cloud Another currently popular topic cloud computinghas been part of DHL Express strategic toolkit for years. We have been using private clouds for over 15 years, and could do that because of the scale of our company. Currently, we have our own data centers in Europe, Asia and North America. Cloud has become popular recently for SMEs which can now rely on flexible and agile computing capacity; we have been doing that for a while. Security and Hacking Different to other industries, Logistics has been considered as an area exposed to terrorist attacks or used for perpetrating terrorist attacks. Good example of that was in 2010, when terrorists in Yemen used international express services to carry plastic explosives hidden in toner cartridges. The packages, though, were intercepted and disarmed before they could be placed on planes. We need to be extremely disciplined with anything that has to do with IT security. Like any other large company, we are very vigilant against viruses and cyber attacks and run a very secure IT operation. The challenge of e-commerce With the growth of e commerce the logistics needs and landscape has changed; what was before a b2b move now is a b2c or c2c one. The Amazons of the world are changing the logistics landscape, and that is a challenging situation. We need to use technology to revamp our entire online presence to provide better capability for our customers (product suppliers) and their customers the end consumers. We need to offer more flexibility and delivery options to the receivers while improving productivity for the company. This is the future for express services. And we are preparing for that future. Pablo Ciano was appointed CIO for DHL Express Americas and a member of the DHL Global IT Executive Committee in 2012. The Americas division has15,000 employees and serves more than 300,000 customers in 55 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to holding his current position, he was named CIO for DHL Express in the United States in 2010. During his tenure, his organization was selected as one of the Top 100 IT places to work. Before that, he was Chief of Staff for the CEO of DHL Express during the restructuring of U.S. operations and was instrumental in the planning and execution of the companys turnaround. In addition, he led Customer Service and Telesales functions to record levels of performance and productivity. A native of Argentina, Mr. Ciano earned an MBA degree from the University of Virginias Darden School of Business. There is a front row seat for everyone this year at the National St Patrick's Festival. Duisigh Eire! Awaken Ireland! is the theme of this years festival, a clarion call to the Irish across the world to throw off the long, dark months and rise to embrace the brighter days ahead. Duisigh Eire! Awaken Ireland! promises to be a positive and uplifting celebration of our incredible people, our beautiful island, our community bonds, our young people, artists, creators and makers, and our diaspora across the world. The Festival will connect our global family, to mark our national day, through remembrance and celebration, song and story, laughter and tears, exploring the unique ties that bind us as a people. The Festival Programme is now available HERE. Many further collaborations will be announced shortly including #RTEVirtualParade with St. Patricks Festival, an exciting visual arts project with Damn Fine Print and some very special spectacle moments sure to thrill and delight! For this years online Festival, a rich and dynamic series of events are being safely created and recorded by hundreds of artists, musicians, performers, makers, creators, arts and live events workers and community organisations across Ireland. These events will run on St. Patricks Festival TV (SPF TV), a dedicated online TV channel at www.stpatricksfestival.ie, which launches on March 12 and runs over six great virtual days and nights, and will be accessible globally. Through St. Patricks Festival TV, the world is invited to take a front row seat at St. Patricks Festival 2021, connecting our family of 80 million through music, theatre, art, performance, poetry, storytelling, traditional arts, virtual tours, food, culture and much more. The full SPF TV schedule with days and times for each event will be announced in early March and viewers will be able to playback all the events on the SPF TV Player until March 21. The Festival will tell the stories of our dynamic, modern, diverse culture, and uplift and celebrate our proud ancient traditions. With more than 100 events taking place across six great virtual days and nights, there is something for everyone at the Festival this year. SPF Og offers a boisterous collection of events, performances, workshops and fun experiences for families and young people; Sounds is a packed programme of contemporary and traditional music from Ireland, recorded by our finest artists and musicians; Stories invites the world to explore Ireland through the lens of film, poetry, literature, performance and art; while Living Ireland is a reflection of Ireland now, how we live and love, work and play, make, create, remember and celebrate. In a year when our arts, culture, live events and tourism communities have been amongst those hardest hit by the pandemic, St. Patricks Festival has channelled more than 85% of its programme funding directly back into these communities all across Ireland, enabling the creation of events and experiences to fill our hearts with joy, hope and positivity, a truly national festival. Speaking of the 2021 St Patricks Festival, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin said: I was pleased this week to announce funding to support the vibrant, exciting programme of events for this years St. Patricks Festival. "This re-imagined programme, Duisigh Eire! will allow us all come together virtually to celebrate our national festival safely, but also provide us with an opportunity to reflect on what has been a very difficult year. "The engaging programme - for the first time ever - will also be broadcast live for almost a full week and includes something for everyone. I am particularly delighted that resources for the adapted festival are fueling arts, culture, live and tourism community activities - some of the worst impacted during these challenging times. Tabharfaidh se seo deis iontach duinn teacht le cheile go fioruil mar phobal chun cultur agus oidhreacht shaibhir na hEireann a cheiliuradh. Anna McGowan, Interim Director of St Patricks Festival, said: As we move from winter into spring, people across the country and our diaspora awaken with a new hope, a new shared vision of positivity for our future. "Duisigh Eire! Awaken Ireland! will capture this sense of hope and optimism, presented online this year through St Patricks Festival TV, with a huge range of events for every age and curiosity, celebrating our contemporary culture and those who have influenced us. We recognise a year of loss and isolation, and also one of community action, local and international heroes and the indomitable spirit of the Irish. We really cant wait to share this wonderful programme of events today. Artists and performers set to take part in the diverse 2021 Festival Programme include comedians Foil, Arms & Hog and Michael Fry , legendary poet Pat Ingoldsby, treasured writers and broadcasters such as Marian Richardson, Brendan Balfe and Manchan Magan. Failte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly commented: While we cant celebrate St Patricks Day in the same way this year, we hope to keep Ireland front of mind and St Patricks Festival 2021 will be a vibrant virtual showcase of the very best of Irelands culture, people and places. We look forward to welcoming international visitors to celebrate our national festival with us in 2022 once it is safe to travel again. St Patricks Festival is made possible through the continued support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Failte Ireland, Dublin City Council, and many generous partners and funders. Etawah : , Feb 19 (IANS) Around 13 turtles, belonging to an endangered species, have been found dead in the Sarsai Nawar lake of Etawah district, which was declared a Ramsar site last year. The dead turtles were identified as Indian flap shell turtles. A forest department team that visited the spot, has sent the dead turtles to a veterinary hospital for autopsy. District forest officer, Etawah, Rajesh Verma, said, "Recently, nearly 1,324 turtles seized in Kanpur were released in the Sarsai Nawar lake of the district. It appears that the majority of the turtles that died, could be from the same lot. "But this aspect is a matter of investigation. Also, we have to wait for the autopsy report to get the actual cause of death of turtles. Sample of water from the lake have also been collected and sent to the laboratory for forensic examination. "As per the rescue team, the death toll is likely to increase as counting of dead turtles is still on and further investigation is underway in this regard," he added. The death of turtles was first reported on Tuesday and the number kept increasing thereafter. Experts are of the view that such a large number of turtles has not been found dead in the lake in recent years. "A detailed protocol on rehabilitation and release of seized turtles is required. It is quite possible that most of these turtles have died of shock due to their poor handling by the poachers. In the absence of a standard protocol, high mortality among seized turtles is quite possible," said an official of the Society for Conservation of Nature. "They need proper medication first and should be kept at rehabilitation centres, which should be equipped with adequate infrastructure to follow approved standard operating procedures for quarantine, captive management and healthcare of aquatic animals," he added. The Union government gave the Ramsar site tag to Sarsai Nawar wetland in Etawah in 2020. The aim of the Ramsar list is to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the maintenance of their ecosystem components, processes and benefits. Page Content The City hopes a newly launched multimedia exhibition on the historic Rivonia trial ignites public interest in some of the seminal moments of South Africas struggle history and will help stimulate tourism in Johannesburg. Dubbed Courts as Struggle sites The Rivonia trial: 1963-1964, the exhibition at MuseuMAfricA lays bare a historical timeline of events to portray how the 10 accused used the court system to challenge the oppressive apartheid government, says Cllr Margaret Arnolds, the MMC for Community Development. Curated by Fanie Motsoeneng and David Kola, the long-term installation examines an assortment of ground-breaking changes that swept through South Africa in the 60s. It features print, including newspaper clippings, audio, text and photographic materials. Through weaving various narratives of the landmark Rivonia trial as captured by the media during that time, the exhibition marks a spectacular display of some of the countrys momentous moments. Cllr Arnolds says a brief walkabout of the exhibition offers visitors a perspective on the stark difference in the reportage between the British and the Afrikaans media during the trial. All accused individuals in the Rivonia trial were influential South African political figures at the time, including Andrew Mlangeni, Denis Goldberg, Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Rusty Bernstein, James Kantor, Elias Motsoaledi and Raymond Mhlaba. Some of them were arrested during a police raid of Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, in northern Joburg, in which police confiscated an Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) document titled Operation Mayibuye, a systematic plan to turn to violence to overthrow the apartheid government. Under the then Suppression of Communism Act, some of the defendants faced the death penalty, but Judge Quartus de Wet handed down four life sentences to eight of the 10 accused instead. Bernstein and Kantor were acquitted and the rest were flown to Robben Island to start their sentences. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is also a prominent political figure in the exhibition. Affectionately known as Mama Winnie, shes seen in several photographs with then-husband Nelson Mandela during the trial at the Palace of Justice in Pretoria, the capital city. Although the suspects were charged with and convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the state violently, their trial gained global traction and intensified political turmoil and the fight for liberation, altering the course of South African history. Cllr Arnolds says visitors can expect to discover what the impact of the trial that marked a global watershed moment in the resistance and condemnation of apartheid really was. Youll be taken on a guided tour of the exhibition to witness the history that is documented. Its a walk down memory lane. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the exhibition will also feature a digital instalment, she explains. Located in the suburb of Newtown Joburgs arts and culture precinct MuseuMAfricA in downtown Johannesburg is the Citys social and cultural history institution. It is housed in what was once the citys fruit and vegetable market, with a block-long facade, towering pillars and enormous interior space. MuseuMAfricA is a rich treasure trove of knowledge and nostalgia pertaining to socio-political, geological, and economic affairs of South Africa, with a particular focus on urban life in Johannesburg since the discovery of gold in 1886. Apart from historical displays, MuseuMAfricA also features the South African Rock Art Museum, the Bensusan Museum of Photography and the Geological Museum. It is the only museum that attempts to relay the story of life in Southern Africa from the Stone Age to the nuclear age and beyond, using extensive collections, recent research, and the advice of experts in the fields of geology, archaeology, anthropology and history. Theres also an interesting section on a more recent phenomenon squatter camps and shebeens. Cllr Arnolds invites members of the public to view the long-term exhibition at MuseuMAfricA on Lilian Ngoyi Street in Newtown. Entrance is free for children, students and pensioners. Exhibition hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, Day of Reconciliation, Good Friday and the Day of Goodwill. Telephone the museum on 011 833 5624 for more information. Written by Gugu Zwane Iran will "immediately reverse" actions in its nuclear programme once U.S. sanctions are lifted, its foreign minister said on Friday, reacting coolly to Washington's initial offer to revive talks with Tehran aimed at restoring the 2015 nuclear deal. President Joe Biden's administration said on Thursday it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to the accord, which aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons while lifting most international sanctions. Former President Donald Trump left the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Tehran said Washington's move was not enough to persuade Iran to fully respect the accord. When sanctions are lifted, "we will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. Simple," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter. Since Trump ditched the deal, Tehran has breached the accord by rebuilding stockpiles of low-enriched uranium, enriching it to higher levels of fissile purity and installing advanced centrifuges to speed up production. Tehran and Washington have been at odds over who should make the first step to revive the accord. Iran says the United States must first lift Trumps sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was considering Washington's offer to talk about the revival of the deal. "But first they should return to the deal. Then within the framework of the 2015 deal, a mechanism to basically synchronise steps can be discussed," the official said. "We have never sought nuclear weapons and this is not part of our defence doctrine," the Iranian official said. "Our message is very clear. Lift all the sanctions and give diplomacy a chance." Adding to pressure for a resolution to the impasse, a law passed by the hardline parliament obliges Tehran on Feb. 23 to cancel the sweeping access given to U.N. non-proliferation inspectors under the 2015 deal, limiting their visits to declared nuclear sites only. The United States and the European parties to the accord have urged Iran to refrain from taking the step, which will complicate Biden's efforts to restore the pact. SHORT-NOTICE INSPECTIONS "We have to implement the law. The other party must act quickly and lift these unjust and illegal sanctions if they want Tehran to honour the deal," said the Iranian official. The IAEA's short-notice inspections, which can range anywhere beyond Irans declared nuclear sites, are mandated under the IAEAs Additional Protocol that Iran agreed to honour under the deal. In London, UK junior foreign minister James Cleverly reiterated that Iran had to resume compliance with the deal, adding the West should not send signals that it is prepared to overlook Tehran's breaches of the accord. Some Iranian hardliners said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's tough stance had forced Washington to cave in. On Wednesday he demanded action, not words from the United States if it wants to restore the deal. "They have reversed some measures ... It is a defeat for America ... but we are waiting to see whether there will be action on lifting sanctions," state media quoted Tabriz city's Friday prayer leader Mohammadali Ale-Hashem as saying. Biden has said that he will use the revival of the nuclear deal as a springboard to a broader agreement that might restrict Irans ballistic missile development and regional activities. Tehran has ruled out negotiations on wider security issues such as Irans missile programme. "I am happy, but not hopeful at all. I dont trust America. It's never been trustworthy. They may well be tricking us and the world again," Pirouz, an architect, told Reuters from Tehran. 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. There have been calls for firefighters in Louth to be given a greater priority in the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Sinn Fein councillor Joanna Byrne said that firefighters should be in the same category as frontline healthcare workers as they are relied on to assist the medical services. Cllr Byrne, speaking at the recent Louth County Council meeting, highlighted that Louth is one of the worst hit counties by Covid-19 and our hospitals are under immense pressure and said firefighters who are assisting medical services need to be protected. Louth County Council is calling on the Minister for Health to give a greater priority to firefighters in the vaccination rollout. Cll Byrne tabled a motion at the local authority meeting saying: "Calling on Minister Stephen Donnelly to review the rollout of vaccines and expedite the place of firefighters and other essential local authority staff, like those in homeless services, water services who cannot work from home and have to come in contact with other people as part of their day to day duties. Louth has consistently been one of the worst hit counties with Covid-19 cases, our hospitals are at breaking point and our firefighters are and will continue to be relied upon to assist the medical services in this county. It is imperative they are considered in the same category as frontline healthcare workers and protected in order to allow them continue providing the invaluable service they do for our communities." Cllr Byrne highlighted that 23 members of Louth fire service have been out of work temporarily over the last six weeks due to Covid-19 matters. She said the minister last week expedited firefighters in the regions of Dublin City Council up to category two and thankfully they will receive their vaccines this week alongside frontline healthcare workers. Cllr Byrne said that Louth fire service also assists on medical and ambulance calls and should be moved up to category two. The firefighters are way down the pecking order in the list of vaccines rollout in category six with key workers as opposed where I believe they should be in category two alongside frontline healthcare workers, she said. Our own fire service personnel in Louth do assist ambulance calls and medical assists. We are in a region where we have two hospitals. Our Lady of Lourdes has been under severe strain over the pandemic and may continue to come under strain in the near future. I believe to relieve that burden the fire service will be called upon, and have been called upon and will continue to be called upon. I think it is unfair of us to expect them to work in this line of work when we are not protecting them. Councillor Emma Coffey supported the motion saying it is very important that all firefighters should be prioritised, particularly as they are assisting medical staff. The Minister designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Miss Sarah Adwoa Safo, has revealed her plans to rebrand witches camps to serve as homes to the people who found themselves there if given the nod to head the ministry. Witches camps have been cited for human right abuses and there have been several calls from the public to close down the camps. Answering questions at Parliaments Appointments Committee, she said the approach of the past had not worked, for which reason the new approach would be more collaborative. The minister designate said she would consider restructuring the camps to make them more comfortable for the people living in them. Ms Safo said she would also educate the women for them to know that the abuses meted out to them were not legal so they could speak out and report such abuses to the police. Attempts to withdraw these women have proven difficult in the past, that is why I believe that another and a novel approach to dealing with the matter will be more prudent, she explained. The minister designate said if they saw the camps as homes and the ministry supported them with the necessary social amenities, gave them food, clothing and put on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the negative tag attached to the witches camps would be erased. LGBTQI groups Commenting on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) issues, she said practising such sexualities was criminal in the country and that was non-negotiable. She said not only did the Ghanaian culture and customs frown on such actions but it was also criminal under the laws of the country. The issue of LGBTQI is an issue that when mentioned creates some controversy but what I want to say is that our laws are clear on such practices. It makes it criminal. On the issue of its criminality, it is non-negotiable, on the issue of cultural acceptance and norms too. These practices are also frowned upon and that is my stand on it, the minister designate stated. Reviewing policies on orphanage homes Ms Safo also indicated that she would review all policies concerning orphanage homes, saying that was to enable her to ascertain their weaknesses and strengths. When I get to the ministry, I will review existing frameworks and see where we need to tighten up to make it more regulated, more modern, more human right sensitive and not be used as a tool to extort, she stated. Ms Safo said she wanted to live a legacy touching the lives of others. God used powerful women in the Bible like Deborah, Esther to impact the lives of many. This ministry deals with the most vulnerable in our society, this will be an opportunity for me to impact many lives positively, she 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 The vice-president of the Junta de Andalucia and Minister of Tourism, Juan Marin, has called on Spains central government to liaise with all the autonomous regions to establish a plan to guarantee safe national mobility during the Holy Week at Easter. If we lift the perimeter closure of Andalucia and there is no such national coordination between regions then we will find ourselves in a situation in which there will be a fourth wave of the coronavirus, he said. We will really have taken a step backwards that we could neither afford nor forgive, said Marin warning that the measures must be uniform throughout the country and must be adopted in good time. Health passport Around 70 per cent of tourists at Easter are national travellers and if we want to recover tourism and activity there are tools available for it, but we cannot wait for them to be adopted in the month of April or the day before," said the vice president, recalling that for a year Andalucia has been calling for a health passport to be established to allow safe travel and regain confidence. This is not about opening up total mobility or opening airports, but about coordination. For a year we have been asking to implement a health certificate or a health passport and here we are still waiting for an answer," he said. Marin insisted that decisions on mobility at Easter should be standard across the entire national territory. Security Now in each region there are different restrictions. This is a puzzle and whoever is going to travel needs confidence. If we want people to come to Andalucia, we must give them that security. Shortly afterwards, in another press appearance, the vice-president of the Junta made it clear that whatever experts decide about Easter will be followed. If they say that we can open mobility, it will be done. If they consider that everything needs to be closed, we will close it. That is what we have to do because they are the ones who have brought us here, they took us out of the first and second waves. It is true that making economic activity compatible with saving lives is not an easy task, he concluded. No, Ted Cruz didn't tweet in 2016 that he'd believe in climate change if Texas ever froze over. A screengrab of the supposed tweet is circulating around social media as an a-ha moment for liberals, who bask in thinking they've somehow tricked the longtime climate denier into believing in the science of climate change. Too bad he doesn't. CANCUN CRUZ: Senator Ted Cruz accused of flying to Cancun as home state of Texas froze But anyone who's been on the internet for more than a month should be able to spot it's a fake. The font is wrong. It's rendered fuzzy. Both are telltale signs of a fraudulent post. A quick search of tweets from the senator's personal account show no such tweet on Sept. 8, 2016, let alone ever. Tweets can be deleted, of course, but even noted fact-checker Daniel Dale called the tweet out as a fake. Cruz is a noted climate denier, affirming to NPR in 2015 that a consensus among climate scientists didn't cut it for him. The phony post is the latest in a days-long Cruz news cycle that kicked off when he fled to Mexico after losing power in his Houston home, then stretched the truth about what led him to take the trip. He ultimately called the decision a mistake. What does Cruz tweet? Cruz has a documented reputation for tweeting blunders, spats and contradictions. For those wanting to put the senator's Twitter profile in a bad light, they needn't fabricate a tweet. The fake claims to have been sent in early September 2016, but as it doesn't exist, here's what Cruz was really tweeting about then: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's emails: Trying to foil net neutrality: Advocating for funding amid the Zika outbreak: Since returning home Thursday, Cruz retweeted a clip of his apology for fleeing Texas amid the weather crisis. He also tweeted a clip of his appearance on Fox News later that night. While the fake tweet continues making the rounds online, it's disproved quite easily: Texas froze, and Ted Cruz still doubts that the climate is changing. Opposing government's privatisation plans, on Friday staged protest in all the state capitals and plan to march towards Parliament next month if their demands are not met, All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget speech earlier this month announced plans to privatise two About 10 lakh bank employees and officers under the banner of United Forum of Unions consisting of nine unions AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF, INBOC, NOBW, NOBO are agitating against government's proposal, AIBEA said in a statement. The bank unions, after Friday's dharna, will stage protests across the country in the next 15 days. "On 10th March, we will hold a protest demonstration before Parliament during the Budget session," AIBEA said. Thereafter, 10 lakh employees and officers of the banks will observe two days of continuous strike on 15-16 March, 2021. "If the government proceeds further, we will intensify the agitation and go for prolonged strikes and indefinite strike. We demand of the government to reconsider their decision," AIBEA added. The union said after India got independence no private sector bank came forward to help the economic development of the country that necessitated the nationalisation of major private sector banks in 1969. Since then, banks have made great strides and have played a significant role in the country's development and from 8,000 bank branches in 1969, today there are as many as 100,000 bank branches across India, of which many are in rural areas. AIBEA said from 2010 to 2020, have earned a total profit of Rs 14,57,000 crore. "The only problem facing banks is the bad loans. Most of the bad loans are by the corporates and rich industrialists. Instead of taking action on them, the government wants to privatise and hand over the banks to them," AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam said. Throwing light on the condition of private sector banks today, the bank union said many of them have collapsed, last year Yes Bank was in trouble and recently Lakshmi Vilas Bank was acquired by a foreign bank. "We have seen the problems in ICICI Bank. Hence one cannot accept that private sector banking is very efficient. Only give loans to common people, poor people, agriculture, small-scale sector, etc. Private Banks help only the big corporates," AIBEA said. Moreover, the public sector banks have given permanent jobs to young unemployed, while in private banks, it is only contract jobs. "There will be no reservation in jobs for SC/ST category employees if banks are privatized." Citing government claims that crores of poor people have opened their accounts in banks under Jan Dhan Yojana as public sector banks with 75 per cent of total branches have opened 40.50 crore of new accounts but the private sector banks with 25 per cent of total branches have opened only 1.25 crore accounts under this scheme. AIBEA said the has total deposits worth Rs 146 lakh crore currently, which is hard-earned public savings. "We cannot allow private hands to play with this huge public savings. Hence privatisation is a bad idea. If the government is serious about economic development, public sector banks should be strengthened. In public interest, in people's interest, in the country's interest, we oppose privatisation of public sector banks," Venkatachalam said. In 2019, the government had given the controlling stake in IDBI bank to insurance behemoth LIC. Besides, in 2020, 10 public sector banks were consolidated into six big size banks last fiscal. With this the number of public sector banks in India now stands reduced to 12 from 27 in 2017. (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.) Beto ORourke may be just another private citizen now, after unsuccessful bids for president in 2020 and the U.S. Senate in 2018. But his response to the grid failure in Texas is rekindling speculation about his political plans. While Republican leaders in Texas have come under fire this week over their handling to the crisis, Mr. ORourke, a Democrat from El Paso who served in Congress from 2013 to 2019, organized volunteers to make more than 784,000 wellness calls to senior citizens around the state. Mr. ORourke also took to the airwaves, lambasting Senator Ted Cruz, his Republican opponent in the 2018 Senate race, after Mr. Cruz slipped away to Cancun while millions of Texans endured blackouts and water shortages. In an oil-rich state that Republican leaders often extol as a cutting-edge energy colossus, the sense of alarm around the crisis especially in major Democratic-led cities in Texas is giving Mr. ORourke a chance to go after opponents on the right. EDWARDSVILLE More and more city departments are networking, not with each other but joining state networks of similar groups either for economy of scale cost savings or inter-operability to help one another out after a disaster, natural or not. On Jan. 28, the Edwardsville Fire Department asked the public safety committee for permission to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with five partner fire departments and submit an application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). This is a further explanation of the grant, said Fire Chief James Whiteford. With the AFG, you can apply for it as a local entity or you can apply for it as a regional grant, where its pulling in two or more local FDs to allow them inter-operability among departments. AFG gives additional credits to regional grants so the citys chance of receiving it is higher if they approach it from a regional perspective rather than a local one, Whiteford added. Partner fire agencies include: East Alton, Long Lake, Mitchell, Rosewood Heights and Wood River. One of the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) requirements is this MOU to explain each partys responsibilities. Edwardsville Fire Department will serve as host agency for application submission and act as grant administrator for the other parties. It must provide accountability for any assets acquired under the regional AFG award. More Information Before fire and public works, Edwardsville's Police Department has been a member of its own networking group, the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) that formed in 2002 in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York, Washington D.C and Pennsylvania, said Chief Jay Keeven. ILEAS is a joint venture of the Illinois Association of Police Chiefs, the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and the state emergency management agency. ILEAS opened a homeland security training center in Urbana in 2008 and has bought lots of equipment for police agencies, including 1,000 mobile digital computers for squad cars. ILEAS has responded to recent disasters by sending officers to assist - Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Louisiana in the mid-2000s; to St. Paul, Minnesota to the Republican National Convention in 2008 and to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the G20 Summit in 2009. Fifty troopers were sent to New Jersey in 2012 to help with Superstorm Sandy. Keeven said ILEAS also provides SWAT teams for high-risk search warrants and training for crowd control and civil unrest. See More Collapse Were all buying the same type of equipment, so if we were working a large fire at one of the warehouses and wed used up all of our air bottles on our self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), we could go to one of the mutual-aid departments thats there with us, take equipment off of their truck, it would work seamlessly with the equipment our firefighters are using and they would be able to continue firefighting, Whiteford explained. A potentially thorny historical question surrounding mutual aid was, if your community sends its firefighters to another community to help fight a fire and at least one of them gets hurt, whose responsibility is it. An answer came out of Chicago during the early part of the 1970s with the advent of the mutual aid box alarm system (MABAS). Back in the early 70s, Chicago decided it needed a formalized mutual-aid agreement that would allow fire departments to help each other, Whiteford said. The box alarm part references the old fireboxes on New York City streets that were prevalent before the telephone was invented. If you saw a fire, you ran to one of these boxes, opened it and pulled a lever inside, he said. That would ring a bell at the dispatch center and firemen would arrive. Now, every Illinois county has MABAS, using a box card system. If a communitys fire service is contacted to help another with a fire call and they have enough personnel to keep their own community safe, theyll send a unit. If that community doesnt have the staff to spare, they will decline and the caller seeking help moves to the next agency on the box card. There are 64 divisions in Illinois and in Madison County, Edwardsville is in Division 35. Whiteford is the division president and they have 54 departments, the largest number in any division. Separately, the committee approved a local cost share resolution from the AFG for 32 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and three automated CPR devices. The local cost share is $32,900. Its a 90 percent federal, 10 percent local cost share. Whiteford said the departments four automated CPR devices are all at least 15 years old. The 2020 AFG has been funded with $319 million for assisting fire departments nationwide to improve safety and equipment. Whiteford said the fiscal year 21-22 budget will need funding to support the 10 percent local cost if the city receives the grant. Going forward, he said he hopes to buy a new, automated CPR device every year. The city council unanimously approved the MOU and local cost share resolution on Feb. 2. On Feb. 9, the public works committee unanimously approved an agreement with the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network agreement (IPWMAN) for citys public works department. Director of Public Works, Eric Williams, said the city had not previously participated in this program but the department would like to join. Theres a $250 fee involved. What this allows, if there is a widespread disaster, it is a statewide mutual-aid agreement that is for public works, Williams said. It would allow us, hypothetically, if there was a tornado or an ice storm and we needed a lot of debris cleaned up, we could seek assistance through the network to have other agencies come assist us. Conversely, he said, if another agency needs the citys help, it could respond to them. Alderman Jack Burns asked if this is a free service. The first five days of service after an incident are free, after that it could be billable, Williams said, for anything over five days. If there is eligible federal or state emergency management agency funds involved, it has to be accounted for and agreed to upfront that it is a reimbursable expense. Alderman Craig Louer asked what kinds of assistance would public works provide? It could be anyone, our sewer guys, our water guys, Williams replied. Typically, what they have responded to is mostly natural disasters. If we have specialized equipment that another member community doesnt have, we could respond just with that equipment. He added theres no obligation to respond if the city has no availability or manpower. IWMAN is approaching 400 member agencies. Locally, Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Grant Fork, St. Clair County, OFallon, Fairview Heights, Mascoutah, Freeburg, Fairmont City, Chouteau and Nameoki township highway departments and Centreville Township are all members. Williams said the majority of members are in northern Illinois. The city council unanimously passed the IWMAN agreement on Tuesday. Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at 618-659-5735 New Delhi: Vice Chancellor Dr Sanjay Deshmukh of the University of Mumbai has expressed his inability to meet the deadline on Friday as lakhs of students are waiting for their result . At a meeting convened by Ramraje Nimbalkar, Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Dr Deshmukh said that while the results of some streams such as Management and Technology would come in before July 31, the university cannot meet the deadline for faculty of Commerce, Law and Arts, as a large number of papers are yet to be evaluated. If sources are to be believed, Tawde asked the VC to ensure that the results are declared without any errors, even if it means a delay of two-three days. State Education minister Vinod Tawde was also present at the meeting, along with Niranjan Davkhare, Dhananjay Munde, Anil Parab, Sanjay Dutt and others. Tawde also added saying that an inquiry would be conducted against whoever responsible for the delay and not meeting the deadline the company which was given the contract, or the VC and university officials. Deshmukh said that the university will try its best to declare the results of all the major faculties by first week of August, after which a few members raised concerns about the fate of students seeking admissions abroad. As on Friday, a total of 3,70,290 papers were yet to be assessed. 78,506 papers were assessed and moderated on Friday by 3620 teachers, a number lower than the last three days. "We are trying to declare a few results by tonight and in the next two days," said Vinayak Dalvie, Officer on Special Duty (OSD). The assessment work had not started until Friday evening even after system was set up for assessment at Aurangabad University as the teachers of the university were not tagged into the system by the service provider. Tawde said in the legislative assembly on Friday that the government would prepare a masterplan to tackle the issue of delayed results at the university. Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam demanded the resignation of MU VC Sanjay Deshmukh and State Education minister Vinod Tawde at a press conference held on Friday. "The university is blaming the service provider Meritrac for the glitches," he said. "There seems to be a nexus between some senior BJP leaders and the company as the tendering process has not been done properly. A Judicial inquiry should be conducted into the case. The VC and State education minister should resign for playing with the future of lakhs of students." Tracy Bratcher, left, of the Montana Masonic Foundation presents grant checks to Jody Brown, who will be starting the astronomy club at the school and Megan Genthner, school librarian. Posted Thursday, February 18, 2021 5:41 pm A Colorado man is being held without bail at the Lewis County Jail for allegedly threatening to bomb the Centralia Police Department on Feb. 15. Tony James Mattingly, 47, of Grand Junction, Colorado, allegedly called 911 upset because nothing was done regarding his vehicle theft he reported, according to Lewis County Superior Court documents. Mattingly allegedly told a dispatcher that he would kill nine police officers because it had been nine months since his vehicle was stolen, and subsequently demanded $100,000 and threatened to bomb the Centralia Police Department. Mattingly allegedly left four voicemails for the Centralia police records department and in one of the messages, left on Feb. 14, Mattingly allegedly stated that he was going to bomb the police station on West Maple Street at 6 a.m. on Feb. 15. On Feb. 15, Mattingly allegedly left another voicemail saying there was going to be a U-Haul truck leaking propane thats going to blow your fing police station up. Mattingly allegedly called 911 again on Feb. 15 and named a police officer who had supposedly called him and then told the dispatcher to tell the officer his family is fing dead. Mattingly was booked into the Lewis County Jail just before 4 p.m. on Feb. 17 and has been charged with three counts of threats to bomb or injure property, three counts of harassment of a criminal justice participant performing official duties and one count of intimidating a public servant. The most serious charges, threatening to bomb and intimidating a public servant, each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. During his preliminary hearing in Lewis County Superior Court on Feb. 18, defense attorney Rachael Tiller said that while she was able to communicate effectively with Mattingly regarding the charges against him, she had concerns about Mattinglys competency. Judge Joely A. ORourke appointed an attorney to represent Mattingly and pushed Mattinglys preliminary hearing to Feb. 25, in order to give his new attorney time to review the case and consider filing for a competency review, and approved a no-bail hold in the meantime. As the old saying has it, comprehensive immigration reform begins with a single step. No, wait -- thats not it. Its the longest journey that begins with a single step. But since the path to comprehensive immigration reform surely seems like the longest journey, its easy to get confused. It has been 35 years since Congress passed, and a president signed, a significant immigration reform package. As such, one might be willing to wager that a new reform bill from the White House and congressional Democrats will be going exactly nowhere. It wont take even a single step, one could rationally suggest. But with President Joe Biden reportedly receptive to splitting the package into its component parts, seeking to pass reform bit by bit, piece by piece, he could, in the end, move things a long way toward where hed like the Democratic Party to be. Take, for just one example, the so-called dreamers, the term used for those who were brought to our country illegally as young children and have lived here for year upon year. Many of these folks have known no country besides the United States of America as their home. Theyve played by the rules, gone to school, gotten jobs -- but cannot become citizens. Because of something they had no say in. Because of something that many likely dont even remember. Even people who are vehemently anti-immigrant should be able to admit that someone in such a situation is quite different from, say, a 45-year-old who came to America on a temporary visa -- and then just decided to stay on. No matter the law. A sensible bill that would provide a pathway toward citizenship for the dreamers should be able to gain the support of a sufficient number of rational, moderate Republicans in the Senate to get to Bidens desk. The new president says he wants bipartisanship; heres the perfect place to start. And then, one hopes, he could work to build on that success. If Biden cannot find the 10 Senate Republicans hed need to pass a bill on the dreamers, then his hopes for any sort of bipartisanship may, in fact, be lost. But its absolutely worth a shot. Try to get GOP Sens. Susan Collins, of Maine, Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, and other moderates on board with sensible reform. If that fails, consider Plan B. Even though he was still in bed after 2 p.m. on Tuesday under a pile of blankets in their unheated mobile home in Conroe, Texas, Maria Elisa Pineda wasn't concerned when she checked on her son. After all, Cristian Pavon, 11, was known for sleeping in, his mother told Univision. But when Pineda nudged the boy, Cristian did not respond to her touch. It was too late by then. Cristian was pronounced dead that afternoon, and authorities are investigating whether the otherwise healthy boy died of hypothermia after the family's home lost power over the weekend and temperatures in Conroe dipped to single digits earlier this week. "He was OK," Pineda told Univision. "I never imagined this could happen. We think it was because of the cold because he was doing well. He had dinner, played and he went to bed." Cristian is among the youngest to die since Sunday, when winter storms left millions without electricity and water. So far, at least 47 people have died in the frigid cold weather, a figure authorities say is likely to rise as freezing temperatures continue and future wellness checks reveal the full magnitude of the tragedy. At least 30 of those deaths came in Texas, The Washington Post reported, a state where continuous power outages have exposed residents to dangerously low temperatures. Some have died of carbon monoxide poisoning after turning to their ovens or trucks to stay warm. Others, like a 75-year-old man in Crosby, Texas,whose oxygen machine stopped working after his home lost power, have been found dead of hypothermia inside their homes or cars. Cristian, who was born in the coastal city of Tela, Honduras, came to Texas in 2019 to reunite with his mother, who he had not seen for over a year, Univision reported. On Monday, he saw snow for the first time after the winter storm dumped a coating in his backyard. For about a half-hour, the sixth-grader, who wore a red winter jacket with a hoodie, skipped in the snow, leaving tiny footsteps behind him as his mother snapped pictures and recorded the memorable occasion with her phone. "That's why he was excited outside," Pineda told the Houston Chronicle. "Everything was well. He was happy that day. He was not at all sick." By the time the snow soaked his winter mittens, his mother brought the boy back inside the trailer, Pineda told the Chronicle. Although the temperature dipped to 9 degrees by early Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, the boy did not complain about feeling cold nor ill, Pineda said. By 11 p.m., after having dinner and playing, the boy was already in bed with his 3-year-old stepbrother. At some point during the night, the boy's stepfather woke up to check on both children, who were still responsive, his aunt Jaliza Yera told KTRK. "He made sure they were OK," Yera told the local station. "They were still breathing. He covered them up, patted them and went back to sleep." The next day, around 2:30 p.m., Pineda tried to wake up Cristian, Univision reported. "He was already dead," Pineda told the Chronicle. The 3-year-old boy did not suffer any injuries, Pineda said. Pineda and the boy's stepfather, Manuel Moreno, 38, immediately called 911, she said. Yera arrived shortly after and attempted to revive him, the aunt said to KTRK. "We still did CPR until the fire department came and they took over and within a minute they told us it was too late," Yera told the local station. The Conroe Police Department arrived on Tuesday afternoon and stayed until about 8 p.m., the Chronicle reported. Both parents, who have been screened for drugs and given blood tests, have cooperated with authorities, Sgt. Jeff Smith told the Chronicle. "By all other means, he was a normal, healthy child," Smith said. An autopsy was performed on Thursday and it could be several weeks before a cause of death is confirmed, Smith added. For now, the family is raising money to repatriate Cristian's body to Honduras. The boy had told the family he wished to return to Honduras to see his grandparents. One day, he assured his mother, he would work to build them a small house. "But it was not to be," Pineda told the Chronicle. "Those wishes were not fulfilled." Republic of San Marino - the world's oldest constitutional republic, has approved Sputnik V MOSCOW, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund) announces the approval of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of San Marino - the world's oldest constitutional republic. The vaccine was approved under the emergency use authorization procedure. San Marino has become the 30th country in the world to approve Sputnik V. The vaccine is one of the world's top three coronavirus vaccines in terms of the number of approvals issued by government regulators. Sputnik V had been approved earlier in Russia, Belarus, Argentina, Bolivia, Serbia, Algeria, Palestine, Venezuela, Paraguay, Turkmenistan, Hungary, UAE, Iran, Republic of Guinea, Tunisia, Armenia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Republika Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Lebanon, Myanmar, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bahrain, Montenegro, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Gabon. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said: "San Marino, the oldest state in Europe, has joined 29 other countries around the world where Sputnik V will become one of the key tools in the fight against coronavirus. The vaccine is widely recognized globally by medical professionals and regulatory authorities thanks to its high efficacy, safety and affordability." Sputnik V has a number of key advantages: Efficacy of Sputnik V is 91.6% as confirmed by the data published in the Lancet, one of the world's oldest and most respected medical journals; it is one of only three vaccines in the world with efficacy of over 90%; Sputnik V provides 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. The developers of the Sputnik V vaccine are working collaboratively with AstraZeneca on a joint clinical trial to improve the efficacy of AstraZeneca vaccine. 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 Songwriters who have captured the essence of the pandemic As we approach a year of lockdown, many of us have been stewing alone with our feelings for some time, including several great songwriters. Here, we look a few standout compositions from 2020 that encapsulate what the past year of pandemic life has been like. Guest post by Sammy Hakim of Soundflys Flypaper Quarantine has given us all a little too much time to sit around and think about our feelings. Well, lucky for us, were not alone. It seems like a lot of great songwriters have felt the same way too. Weve been tracking songs released in 2020 that respond directly to what weve all been living through for a year now, and there have been a few wonderful standouts. Here are a handful of our favorite songs that captured this past year perfectly. Avenue Beat F2020 Perhaps the most famous quarantine song of them all, Avenue Beats F2020 took Tik Tok by storm earlier this lockdown. This track features witty lyrics like December 31st I grabbed a beer, threw it up said 2020 is my year, and Yo my cat died, and a global pandemic took over my life, and I put out some new music nobody liked, so then I got really sad and bored at the same time. Its obvious that Avenue Beat has felt all the same feels that weve being going through too. And theyre right: F2020! Plus, check out the lyric video where they take you through a look at their COVID-19 experiences. Justin Bieber & Ariana Grande Stuck With U Bieber and Grande joined forces to release this happier take on the quarantine, earlier this year before it started to drag on endlessly. With verses sung individually that cover a ton of familiar and emotional themes, the two mega-stars joined together to sing the iconic chorus: So lock the door, baby throw out the key, cant fight this no more, its just you and me and theres nothing I, nothing I, I can do. Im stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you. That feels pretty accurate to the current situation doesnt it? Todrick Hall Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs Stocked full of clever lyrics and iconic lines this incredible remix of Todrick Halls Nails, Hair, Hips Heels had us all feeling some key lockdown vibes. With too many iconic lines to count every single one of which referencing stuff that weve all experienced like Tiger King, Febreze, and way too much GrubHub and a fun socially distanced video to dance along to, well just leave you with his memorable chorus: I dont go to work (work), I dont leave, I stay (stay), I dont care I eat, eat, eat, and sleep all day (okay), And then I watch TV (yup), Thats just the tea, hunty (yes maam), Until they set us free (free), Then Imma let you see, Whatchu gonna let them see? My mask, gloves, soap, scrubs, Mask, gloves, soap, scrubs. Luke Combs Six Feet Apart Throughout the pandemic, the term six feet apart has become a global go-to. Luke Combs capitalizes on that in his beautiful lyric about the world today, and how the resolution will come in the world tomorrow. This intimate yet epic song is a beautiful message of hope that we all need to hear right now. I miss my mom, I miss my dad, I miss the road, I miss my band, Givin hugs and shakin hands, Its a mystery, I suppose, Just how long this thing goes, But therell be crowds and therell be shows, And there will be a light after dark, Someday when we arent six feet apart. Bon Jovi & Jennifer Nettles Do What You Can When you cant do what you do, You do what you can. Its become impossible to do the things wed become accustomed to doing in our day to day life. With that old life seemingly coming to an end, this songs iconic tag line is a little reminder that we must keep on doing what we can even amongst the uncertainties of today. Things like wear a mask, stay home, and stay safe, we just need to push through. And I mean cmon, its Bon Jovi. Of course it was going to be great. Tonight theyre shutting down the borders, And they boarded up the schools, Small towns are rolling up their sidewalks, One last paycheck coming through, I know youre feeling kind of nervous, Were all a little bit confused, Nothings the same, this aint a game, We gotta make it through. Dolly Parton When Life Is Good Again A classic from a classic, Dolly Partons When Life Is Good Again is a heartfelt and warm nudge to begin making amends. The songs music video features Dolly by herself in a dark room, playing tape of past adventures and life before the pandemic and simply reflecting. Life will go on, and its okay to reflect on our past lives. Were allowed. Weve been brought to our knees, Weve been so ill at ease, There are no guarantees, But you know life goes on, This too shall pass away, Bring new and different days, We need to change our ways, And right our wrongs, Lets open up our hearts, And let the whole world in, Lets try to make amends, When life is good again. Bon Iver PDLIF PDLIF (which stands for Please Dont Live in Fear) is yet another beautiful reminder that even though the future may seem unclear right now, we have an open mind to the new tomorrow. This song by Bon Iver urges us to not be taken prisoner by the situation, and to remember the new tomorrow might be more beautiful than we ever could have imagined. We cant see from here right now, Send it off from here, And free your mind. OneRepublic Better Days OneRepublic hit us with this amazing reminder that, just around the corner, there are Better Days to come. Its just the daily dose of hope that we needed with memorable melodies that will keep us singing along, and a hopeful video once again reminding us that even though life is hard right now, there will be brighter moments ahead. Oh, I know that therell be better days, Oh, that sunshine bout to come my way, May we never ever shed another tear for today, Cause oh, I know that therell be better days. Alexander 23 IDK You Yet Though this song is applicable both pre-and post-quarantine, Alexander 23 really captured the loneliness of these times beautifully. How can you miss someone youve never met? Cause I need you now but I dont know you yet is such a beautiful sentiment and it hits so incredibly deep in a world where we only truly (safely) interact between screens. The music video features him riding down the streets and tossing roses at doorsteps, and it really brings out that sentiment of loneliness in a way that hits especially hard. How can you miss someone youve never met? Cause I need you now but I dont know you yet, But can you find me soon because Im in my head? Yeah, I need you now but I dont know you yet. Randy Newman Stay Away An adorable, and to the point love song for the ages (of the pandemic), Randy Newmans Stay Away is a beautiful ode to the people were bunkered up with. It details the hardship of being a couple right now, but also the feeling of unconditional love and comfort that comes along with trusting ones partner or quaranteam. And as Newman helpfully reminds us: Dont touch your face! Stay away from me, Baby, keep your distance, please, Stay away from me, Words of love in times like these, Im gonna be with you 24 hours a day, Lot of people couldnt stand that, but you can, Youll be with me 24 hours a day, What a lucky man I am, Stay away from me, Wash your hands, Dont touch your face, How do you like that? Wash your hands, Dont touch your face, I saw you. Of course, there are tons of other songs that could make this list, even those that werent even released in 2020. How perfect is this new rendition of Julia Michaels and JP Saxes If the World Was Ending released to support Doctors Without Borders at the height of the pandemic? https://youtu.be/uZb7we7O8hk Im sure there are tons of others that didnt quite make our list; thats where you come in! Tell us your favorites in the comments below. This is hard, but like everything else in life, this too shall pass. Stay safe out there, and happy listening. Sammy Hakim is an up-and-coming young songwriter based in New York City. In May, 2018 she graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Major in songwriting and a focus in music business. These days she spends most of her time in songwriting sessions with artists all over the country. Share on: One of the many unpretentious, apolitical workers who has tended thanklessly to the needs of parliamentarians for many years took it personally: If they do that to her one of their own what would they do to you and me? he posed to me. Hes right. If so many people with power and responsibility allowed the case of an enthusiastic, young Liberal to be overlooked, suppressed, covered up, what would they do to people who dont belong to their tribe if we were under their control? The implication is that they will do anything they think they can get away with. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit:SMH Parliament House has long been a hotbed of consensual sex and extramarital sex. Unlike much other parliamentary activity, its always been bipartisan business. No party has a monopoly on licentiousness. But consensual relationships largely remained out of public view until Barnaby Joyces affair with a staff member went public. Malcolm Turnbull decided to ban sex between ministers and their staff as a result. And less welcome sexual attentions in the form of sexual harassment also have been a standing problem. In decades past there was a discreet backchannel operating between the prime ministers office and the opposition leaders office to keep sexual misconduct in check. Each side kept an eye out for rogue behaviour by members of the other and duly alerted the leaders offices accordingly. That system fell into disuse years ago. And when sexual harassment and sexist bullying cases have intermittently broken out into public view, there have been internal inquiries and internal reviews which, inevitably, come to naught. Morrison himself launched just such a review in 2018. Like all the others, it came to naught. That is the very purpose of internal reviews. If you keep it internal, you can control it, muffle it, delay it until everyone forgets about it. Everyone except the victims. But the case of Higgins is in another category altogether. Rape is a grave crime. Apart from murder, its as serious a crime that one person can commit against another. The crime against Brittany Higgins sits unanswered. It is unanswered in the specific case of Higgins, but it is also unanswered in the wider case of the Australian Parliament. Until this alleged crime is answered for Higgins in particular and answered systemically by the Parliament for Australia, it is a standing challenge to the legitimacy of the government, the Parliament, and the exercise of power itself. When Scotland won its campaign for devolution of power from London, a Scottish parliament met for the first time in 300 years. At the opening ceremony in 1999, the man known as the father of the Scottish nation, Donald Dewar, told the new parliament: This is about more than our politics and our laws. This is about who we are, how we carry ourselves. This is a similar moment for Australia. The response to the crime against Higgins is about our politics and our laws. But it is also about who we are, how we carry ourselves as a nation. At the first parliamentary question time after News Corps Samantha Maiden broke the story on Monday morning, Scott Morrison expressed concern, offered support, and tried to duck. Reports today are deeply distressing. This matter is under consideration by police. At the time, while ACT police said the file on Higgins case was open, they said that they were not pursuing a complaint against the alleged rapist. Because, Higgins still hadnt filed one. A matter under consideration is not a matter under investigation or subject to the courts. So Higgins was refusing to give the political system an easy out. Uncomfortable as it was for the Prime Minister, Higgins was actually giving it an opportunity to reform itself. Prime Minister Scott Morrison initially ordered two reviews into Brittany Higgins allegations, both under his control. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen On day two Morrison tried to duck again. This time, it was the time-honoured internal review. Not one but two. One review by the Liberal Party and the other by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. In other words, reviews by two organs under Morrisons direct control. Guaranteed to come to no difficult conclusions and fade away like all the others. This is the business as usual reflex, suppression disguised as action. Its what a prime minister does with a political problem. Labor didnt let him get away with it. Anthony Albanese called for an independent, external review and offered Labors support. The House of Representatives crossbench joined the call. One of the crossbenchers, the independent member for Warringah, Zali Steggall, explained that she and two other independent MPs, Rebekha Sharkie and Helen Haines, met to discuss the shocking news. They asked themselves what they would do if one of their staff came forward with a similar experience. What resources do we have, what procedures are there, where would we take a matter like that? says Steggall. They couldnt say, didnt know. If the three of us cant come to a conclusion about where to go in a crisis, a 24-year-old wouldnt have a chance either. Steggall is a former barrister as well as former Olympic athlete. So Morrison committed to conducting a serious, independent review. We should expect to see the details next week. The crossbenchers dont want it to be limited to an issue of gender. One, Rebekha Sharkie, MP for South Australias Mayo, told the ABC: It is really important that we dont make this just about one gender because Im sure that there are many young men in this place who perhaps have felt the victim as a victim and perhaps they have left working here. We need to make sure that every person who is a pass holder in this place feels that they have an independent body to go to so that they can be well supported with their circumstances. Loading Higgins is handling herself well in the media and political melee so far. On Friday, she said she would proceed with a formal police complaint against the alleged rapist. On the systemic problem in Parliament, culture reviews cant hurt. And well now see a couple. But to change behaviour, incentives must change. Sharkie is right. The idea of an independent body is one way to change behaviour. We can be guided by successful precedents. After decades of politicians rorting their expenses, the solution was the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Agency, which is now operating well. After decades of parties squabbling over claims that their opponents are guilty of black hole budget costing disasters, the solution was the Parliamentary Budget Office, which is working brilliantly. The solution both times was an independent, expert umpire operating with high levels of transparency. The committee has been looking at different aspects of pet sale regulation, from both those who favor the Humane Ordinance, and those who are against it, including pet store owners and some breeders. REDDING, Calif. - One group in Shasta County is looking to add a splash of color to the Downtown Redding area. Local LGBTQ+ group Wolfpack Clubhouse would like to see a rainbow crosswalk. Ideal locations would be near the Cascade Theater or near Sundial Bridge. Wolfpack Clubhouse says an LGBTQ+ rainbow crosswalk would show acceptance, create awareness, and build a stronger community. To bring a symbol, an established symbol, such as the LGBTQ+ in our community, would show a greater acceptance for everyone, Addie Carter said, the public affairs officer for the Wolfpack Clubhouse. It would generate a conversation, it would generate awareness, and it would help us build our community stronger together. Wolfpack Clubhouse says its still in the planning stages and doesnt have a set date as to when they will bring this to the city of Redding. So far more than 1000 people signed the petition. Other cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego also have rainbow crosswalks. Aspen, CO (81611) Today Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 63F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 39F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. 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. About 702,000 of Californias vaccine doses have been delayed due to a winter storm crippling the Midwest, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday. The missing doses make up more than half of the states expected 1.2 million vaccine supply this week. The delays primarily affect Moderna vaccines. Newsom said he does not know when the delayed doses will arrive. In the Bay Area, the result was canceled or delayed appointments. Sutter Health said it was rescheduling some second-dose Moderna appointments due to storm delivery delays, and it has also paused scheduling new first dose appointments because of supply constraints. A Kaiser Permanente spokesperson said shipping delays affected some vaccine supply and the company was reaching out to affected patients to reschedule appointments. Contra Costa County Health Services said Friday afternoon that one of its pharmacy partners is having to cancel nearly 500 first-dose appointments. County spokesman Will Harper estimated that about 1,000 doses are still in transit, but didnt know how long they would be delayed. Marin County Health Department spokeswoman Laine Hendricks said the county is rescheduling up to 400 vaccine appointments this week, including second-dose appointments, that require a Moderna vaccine. Affected people will be contacted by email with options to reschedule next week, Hendricks said. Second-dose Pfizer vaccinations and most first-dose appointments will proceed. Marin County delayed scheduling appointments for Feb. 22 to Feb. 27 because of the uncertain situation. Delays also affect the scheduling of appointments through other providers including MarinHealth and Safeway. In Alameda County, 3,000 Moderna doses are delayed. The county has enough vaccines to continue operating county sites this week and hopes to receive supplies to do so next week. Another 2,000 Moderna doses never reached Napa County this week. San Mateo County expected to receive 14,200 Moderna doses, but hasnt received information on when the shipment will arrive, and will adjust plans for vaccination clinics as needed, county spokesman Preston Merchant said. In Santa Clara County, Moderna vaccines expected to arrive this week were delayed, with no timeline on arrival. Providers have enough vaccine to cover appointments scheduled through early next week, and more allocations are still anticipated by Tuesday. San Franciscos City College site reopened for second shots Friday, and the Kaiser-run Moscone Center mass vaccination site in San Francisco, shut down because of limited supply this week, will reopen Thursday. The vaccine supply coming to San Francisco is limited, inconsistent, and unpredictable, making vaccine planning difficult, the citys COVID Command Center said. San Francisco resident Alex Lau got an automated call from Sutter Health on Friday afternoon that his 86-year-old fathers appointment for a second shot was being postponed for two weeks. It was disappointing but were still living our lives more or less the same not going out of the house, said Lau, who was grateful it was at least his fathers second shot and not the first. Nada Sanders, a supply chain management professor at Northeastern University, said that although accidents can happen, supply chains should have contingencies built to cope with bad weather since it is known in advance. This is so predictable and its extremely frustrating, Sanders said, adding: Everything that we have is resting on this, and we are botching this up. Once the winter storm delays pass, a vaccine ramp-up is expected. Newsom said the state is anticipating modest increases every week in vaccine allotment from the federal government. Chronicle staff writer Michael Williams contributed to this report. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, has launched an investigation into whether the board members of Viking Energy Group, Inc. (Other OTC: VKIN) breached their fiduciary duties or violated the federal securities laws in connection with the companys acquisition by Camber Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CEI). Click here to learn more and participate in the action. On February 18, 2021, Viking announced that it had signed an agreement to be acquired by Camber in an all-stock merger. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Viking will be acquired through a reverse triangle merger structure where Camber will issue newly-issued shares of common stock in exchange for the balance of Vikings common stock on a one-to-one basis. Accordingly, Viking shareholders will receive one share of Camber common stock for each share of Viking common stock owned. The deal is scheduled to close in mid-2021. Bragar Eagel & Squire is concerned that Vikings board of directors oversaw an unfair process and ultimately agreed to an inadequate merger agreement. Accordingly, the firm is investigating all relevant aspects of the deal and is committed to securing the best result possible for Vikings stockholders. If you own shares of Viking and are concerned about the proposed merger, or you are interested in learning more about the investigation or your legal rights and remedies, please contact Melissa Fortunato or Alexandra Raymond by email at investigations@bespc.com or telephone at (646) 860-9157, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
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The announcement comes following a strategic review undertaken by its parent company NatWest Group (NWG). Ulster Bank says it will commence a phased withdrawal "managed in an orderly and considered manner, from the Republic of Ireland over the coming years." The decision to withdraw from the market does not impact Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland. Announcing the phased withdrawal, Ulster Bank Chief Executive Officer, Jane Howard said: The decision by NatWest to withdraw from this market is hugely disappointing and today will be a difficult and worrying time for our colleagues across the Bank. It may also lead to customer questions and concerns as to how this decision may impact them and their day-to-day banking needs. I want to be clear that there will be no change for customers today, changes will happen over the coming years. Ulster Bank will continue to offer a full banking service in our branches, online and through normal channels for existing and new customers for the foreseeable future. Customers do not need to take any action as a consequence of this announcement. We will communicate with customers in a timely manner over the coming weeks and months. We will now consult with employee representative bodies to determine how best to plan and manage an orderly withdrawal of the Bank over the coming years. There will be no new compulsory departures from the Bank this year. I am acutely conscious of our responsibilities to our colleagues and I am wholeheartedly committed to managing this process in a fair and responsible manner. The phased withdrawal will include the careful and responsible execution of a strategy over time to deliver constructive solutions for our customers and their banking services within the Republic of Ireland. As part of this phased withdrawal, a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. has been agreed for the sale of a 4bn portfolio of performing commercial loans, and the transfer of the colleagues wholly or mainly assigned to this loan book. The potential sale contemplated by the MoU remains subject to due diligence, further negotiation and agreement of final terms and definitive documentation. This process is subject to all of the relevant supervisory engagement and assessment, regulatory and other approvals. The proposed sale may not be concluded on the terms contemplated in the MoU, or at all. Ulster Bank relationship managers will continue to actively engage with business customers throughout this process. Natwest is also in early discussions with Permanent TSB Group Holdings p.l.c. among other strategic banking counterparties about their potential interest in buying certain retail and SME assets, liabilities and operations. These discussions may or may not result in agreement, Ulster Bank has stressed. "Our preference is to continue to focus our discussions with counterparties who can provide customers with full banking services in the Irish market. Ulster Bank will continue to communicate with customers throughout this process and remains open for business, new and existing through all business channels," a statement read. Jane Howard continued: We will engage with customers, colleagues, their representatives and our communities in the coming months to listen to their concerns and to work with them and alongside them and to update on how change will be responsibly managed through the phased withdrawal process. "Despite the disappointment of this decision, Ulster Bank and NatWest, will work hard to minimise the impact on colleagues and customers and ultimately to provide a successful banking transition for customers. In the meantime, we remain open for business across all of our channels for both existing and new customers. As Rep. Deb Haaland prepares for a Senate hearing Tuesday that could make her the first Native American in history to lead the Interior Department, her supporters are listening to Republican opposition to her nomination with worry - and anger. Haaland, a New Mexico Democrat,is expected to face sharp questioning from GOP members on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee regarding her opposition to new oil and gas drilling leases on federal land - a position she shares with President Biden. Her lifetime score on environmental issues with the League of Conservation Voters is 98 percent. In addition to breaking a barrier at Interior, Haaland would be the first Native American Cabinet secretary. In a letter to Biden last month, congressional Republicans asked him to revoke her historic nomination over their concerns. At least one Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, the committee chairman, has said he has not decided how he will vote. But in a mid-January interview with The Washington Post, Manchin said he's "always been deferential to whoever the president" picks for his Cabinet. Unlike the bipartisan approvals enjoyed by the last two nominees to run Interior, Haaland's nomination may face a tie vote on the committee, which is composed of 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans. In that case, Democrats would still be able to bring Haaland's nomination to the full Senate for a vote following several procedural steps. Native Americans are letting the senators know they're watching. On reservations, at think tanks, in cultural groups and lobbying organizations, American Indians who celebrated Haaland's selection are working to push it through to confirmation. They are organizing a multicultural coalition stretching from Washington, D.C., to her home state of New Mexico to Montana and Oregon to voice support for Haaland. The Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council erected two billboards Thursday with Haaland's picture in Billings and Great Falls, Mont., the state represented by Haaland's harshest critic, Sen. Steve Daines (R). Tom Rodgers, president of Global Indigenous Council, said the group wants to send a message to Daines, who has said he may try to block Haaland's nomination. Daines has questioned Haaland's qualifications to run a department that manages 73 million acres of land with vast energy resources, criticized her support for the Green New Deal, and has labeled her positions "radical." "Even though he's a senator from the state of Montana, his statements did not reflect the views of the tribes at all," Holly Cook Macarro, chairwoman of the American Indian Graduate Center, said of Daines. Native people are nearly 10 percent of Montana's population, she said. "We are not invisible." As the billboards were erected in Montana, Haaland's supporters have lined up speakers for a virtual town hall to be held Monday before the hearing. Organizers plan a tweetstorm that will exhort supporters to contact their senators. They want the tweeting to continue the following day throughout the hearing. "You're watching a big campaign unfold right now," said Crystal EchoHawk, executive director of Illumanative, a nonprofit group that works to use pop culture and media to undo Native American stereotypes. "There was a groundswell of support of her nomination and it was diverse and big," EchoHawk said. "People have been hanging back and waiting, and now that we finally have a hearing date, we're taking action. I think obviously part of the catalyst has been the absolute outrage that people have been expressing after seeing these statements Republicans have been making." Judith LeBlanc, director of the Native Organizers Alliance, said the criticism of Haaland at such a historic moment stings. In addition to managing land, Interior oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Country. "American Indians, we suffer from being erased from history. We were brought to our knees and forced into treaties. A huge majority of people think we don't even exist," LeBlanc said. "This department has the most impact on our daily lives. Land use, water use, health care, education and tribal governance. "This nomination has such grass roots pride about the fact that one of our people is being nominated. I'm an elder. I'm 69. I've never seen anything like this. We are being rewritten back into history." Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo Nation in New Mexico, where 30,000 drilling wells and numerous mineral mines dot the landscape. Native people have complained about the pollution caused by mining excavation for decades, along the failure of companies to restore the land they damage to unearth resources. According to the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, industry revenue put $800 million into state coffers in the last year and supports 134,000 jobs directly and indirectly. During the Trump administration, the Department of the Interior increased federal leases, expanded drilling on public land and relaxed regulations against pollution and harming wildlife. That prompted Haaland to say, "The last thing we need are more fossil fuel projects on public land," according to a 2019 story posted on her website. A U.S. Geological Survey study noted that a quarter of all carbon emissions in the United States comes from fossil fuel production on federal land. Haaland, who attended the protest of the North Dakota Pipeline at Standing Rock, was an early backer of the Green New Deal that seeks to dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy. Republicans have attacked the plan as an attempt to erase the fossil fuel industry and cut jobs. The Jan. 26 letter from Republicans that asked Biden to revoke Haaland's nomination said her goal to stop all oil and gas leasing on federal lands would kill "an industry that provided more than $8 billion in revenue to the United States in 2019 alone." Not only does Haaland reject "America's leadership as a net exporter of petroleum, but also has actively fought to oppose high-wage mining jobs," according to the letter. Montana state Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder Reservation and Fort Belknap, scoffed at the criticism: "She has enough sense not to oppose anything and everything," he said. "They don't think she's qualified . . . based upon her views," Windy Boy said. "It's unfortunate because they haven't given her the chance to do anything. Look at four years ago. People were nominated who didn't have the qualifications Deb has now and [Republicans] didn't question any of those unqualified candidates." Windy Boy was referring to Ryan Zinke, a former U.S. representative from Montana who was Trump's first interior secretary. Zinke was a staunch advocate of drilling and coal excavation whose nomination was approved 16-6 in committee. "There's been that thread of conversation that has been misogynistic," Macarro said. "The bar they're setting for Deb to gain their support is ironic given their support for Ryan Zinke." Julian Noise BraveCat, one of the architects of the Green New Deal, said, "She's a progressive, sure, that's undeniable. But all of her colleagues love working with her, including Republicans who sing her praises. It makes me wonder as a Native person if they would be treating someone with a different background differently, and I think Native people have the same question." Republicans would be unwise to overlook the historic significance of Haaland's nomination, BraveCat said. Native Americans live in the West, within deep red states, and have cultivated relationships with Republicans and don't lean as heavily Democratic as African Americans. BraveCat said the treatment of Native Americans by Republicans could push them to lean even more to the political left. "I think that one thing that could be happening here is that we might be seeing a realignment of Indian issues becoming a Democratic issues." Jim Enote, chief executive of the Colorado Plateau Foundation, which funds Indian initiatives to protect food, water and historical artifacts, said he's not a part of the campaign to support Haaland but understands it. "Many people are rising in support of Deb Haaland because she embodies the fact that 21st century Native Americans are not a generation of sufferers," Enote said. "We are capable of solving the most difficult problems facing our world. She's is in touch with the land and water issues that are so emblematic of the problems we face as a nation." "She is a powerful message to Native Americans and Americans that we are stepping into higher ground," he said. "We are not your mascots." - - - The Washington Post's Dino Grandoni contributed to this story. Nation uses its strength in production chains to help boost capacity, FM says China is contributing its fair share to help ease the global shortfall in COVID-19 vaccines as it expands assistance to countries in dire need, advances vaccine-related cooperation with eligible partners, boosts vaccine exports and gears up production. Concerns are lingering globally about the widening gap between immunity and development around the world as high-income nations acquire more doses of vaccine than poorer countries, observers and international health agencies have warned. China has offered COVID-19 vaccine assistance to 53 developing countries at their request, and it has exported or is exporting vaccines to 22 nations, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. The nation has also been using its strength in production chains to help other countries manufacture vaccines in China or locally in order to boost global production capacity, Wang said on Wednesday via video link at a United Nations Security Council open briefing on ensuring equitable access to vaccines. During the Spring Festival holiday, China delivered vaccine shipments to seven countries. Leaders of countries such as Hungary greeted the shipments' arrival at airports and expressed heartfelt thanks to China, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news conference in Beijing on Thursday. China has never sought geopolitical advantage in carrying out international cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines, never calculated any economic gains and never attached any political conditions, Wang said. But countries continue to face "deficits" in vaccine production capacity and global distribution, Wang warned. He said all parties should join hands to oppose nationalistic vaccine-related moves, promote fair distribution of vaccines, and in particular, make them accessible and affordable for developing countries, including those in conflicts. "We must ensure that no country in need of the vaccine is left behind and no individual waiting for vaccination is neglected," Wang said. As of Thursday, the coronavirus had infected more than 109 million people globally and killed over 2.4 million of them, according to the World Health Organization. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who also attended the virtual meeting, said vaccine equity is the biggest moral test before the global community and 130 countries have yet to receive a single dose of vaccine. Major producers of COVID-19 vaccines in China are working around the clock to increase supply to meet global needs. The currently available vaccines made by China cost less than others and can be preserved safely at higher temperatures, which makes them more accessible to developing countries, experts and industry insiders said. Honoring commitment Yang Xiaoming, chairman of Sinopharm's China National Biotech Group, a major COVID-19 vaccine producer in China, said Beijing's decision to supply 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to COVAX, the World Health Organization's global vaccine initiative, delivers on the commitment to make the vaccines a global public good. The company's production capacity is expected to exceed 1 billion doses this year, Yang said. "We will try our best to produce more high-quality vaccines as quickly as possible on the basis of safety and standards to contribute to fairer distribution of COVID-19 vaccines," he said. In addition, a second COVID-19 vaccine production line has been completed by Sinovac, another of China's leading vaccine makers. If the new line is put into use before the end of February, it will lead to the doubling of the company's annual production capacity for the vaccine, which will exceed 1 billion doses, Sinovac said. Facing great demand in China and overseas, Sinovac is producing its CoronaVac vaccine around the clock and at full capacity. More than 1,200 of the company's employees gave up their Spring Festival holiday and continued working. "The pandemic is still spreading globally, and the virus fight is far from over," said Yin Weidong, chairman of Sinovac. The company will continue advancing clinical research of the vaccine and its registration and application in other countries and regions to boost the global fight against the pandemic and improve the accessibility and affordability of COVID-19 vaccines globally, he said. Since January, CoronaVac has won approval for emergency use in countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil and Argentina. More than 10 million doses of the vaccines have been administered overseas since the end of last year. Subscriber content preview WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. home construction fell 6% in January but applications for building permits, which typically signal activity ahead, rose sharply. The decline pushed home and apartment construction down to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.58 million units last month, compared with 1.68 million in December, the Commerce Department reported Thursday. . . . Film Review: The Map of Tiny Perfect Things: A Perfect Valentines Day Thing PG-13 | 1h 38min | Fantasy | 12 February 2021 (USA) America loves its time-loop movies: Groundhog Day, Edge of Tomorrow, Palm Springs, to name a few, and even Back to the Future has time-loop elements. Arriving in time for St. Valentines Day, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things adds a quirky, fun, teen comedy-romance entry to the genre. Mark (Kyle Allen) and Margaret (Kathryn Newton) are teens stuck in a time loop, in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. (Amazon Prime Video) Hes Got It All Wired Mark (Kyle Allen) is a Ferris Bueller-type high schooler from Fairhope, Alabama. He seems awfully prescient. In fact, he seems like some kind of advanced honor student who really ought to already be at MIT or something. But not in an academic sense. Its just that hes got exquisite timing. He does stuff like breezing into the kitchen for breakfast, snatching the toast exactly as it pops out of the toaster, staying a quick verbal step ahead of his derogatory little sister (Cleo Fraser), while blithely solving his dads crossword puzzle. Then he heads out the door, where more uncanny timing sequences occur. Like ditching his bike for the bed of a moving pickup truck, snatching a serendipitous cup of coffee off the top of a car, bounding up a rooftop, and diving through a window to hang out with his bro Henry (Jermaine Harris), who seems to do nothing but play mercenary-bot-type video games where his merc-bot keeps getting its head shot off. While stuck in a time loop, Mark (Kyle Allen) looks for ways to help people, in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. (Amazon Prime Video) At this point, you will encounter a creeping sense of deja vu. Where have we seen this before? Weve seen it when Bill Murrays snide weatherman Phil has been stuck down in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, for a few centuries. You know what Im talking about. Mark has a version of Phil memorizing all of Ritas (Andie MacDowell) personal details, in order to string them into a dazzling, brilliant come-on, which inevitably ends with him getting slapped in the face. Marks version involves saving a girl at the local pool from the ignominy of getting hit in the head with a beach ball. But it doesnt end with a slap, more of a rejection fizzle. Mark, like Phil, though, knows that exactly 16 hours after his morning alarm goes off, when the clock strikes 12 a.m., theres a massive reset and he wakes up in bed again, not hearing Sonny and Chers I Got You Babe, but his mom pulling away in her car for work. Monkey Wrench Margaret Mark (Kyle Allen) and Margaret (Kathryn Newton) meet in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. (Amazon Prime Video) Except one day, one of Marks routine timelines is unexpectedly bisected by a girl named Margaret (Kathryn Newton, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), who has her own daily time-loop sequence, also consisting of benevolent minor-disaster interventions. Shes elusive, though, but eventually he corners her with the line, Are you experiencing any kind of temporal anomaly in your life? Mark and Margaret join forces to figure out their mutual time dilemma, but not before she clarifies that shes strictly off-limits: got a boyfriend, not even a little bit interested. Mark (Kyle Allen) and Margaret (Kathryn Newton) work on their Perfect Things map, in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. (Amazon Prime Video) Mark and Margaret make it their mission to manufacture a magic map. What of? They scour their neighborhood to find all the tiny perfect thingsdelightful, exquisite synchronicitiessuch as big, bad bikers stopping traffic to let a box turtle plod unhindered across an avenue; a young skater girl outclassing a pack of sk8terbois with a perfect skateboard jump; and a man on a bus-stop bench, perfectly framed by the angels wings stenciled on a moving van behind him. Whats all this supposed to do for them? Theyre hoping that if they can successfully find all the eggs on this Easter egg hunt, theyll have gleaned all the teachings this time loop has to offer and can move on. Mark (Kyle Allen) and Margaret (Kathryn Newton) have a diner breakfast, in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. (Amazon Prime Video) Not So Fast Mark, of course, has the additional ulterior motive that this will all somehow win Margarets heart. But she keeps acting as if there might be some situation thats compelling her to hang out indefinitely in the time loop. It doesnt seem to be the boyfriend. And then you go, AhhhI know what this is. This is another dying girl movie. Maybe it is, maybe it isnt. Im not saying. Mark (Kyle Allen) and Margaret (Kathryn Newton) are teens stuck in a time loop, in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. (Amazon Prime Video) The two loop-castaways bond and share their ideas, theories, fears, and hopes, and you root for Mark to figure out Margarets mystery. But while Kyle Allen as Mark is a perfectly fine workaday casting choice, Kathryn Newton is already at the level of stardom that should she land that one perfect role, it will elevate her into the fame stratosphere overnight. And so hers in not an everyday level of charismashe owns this film. Enjoyably, Map isnt just a tale of a lovelorn boy in pursuit of hard-to-get girl, trying to get back to the future. It gives one food for thought, with surprisingly deep questions about time, space, loss, gain, love, and existential meaning. Of course, none of these time-loop movies can satisfyingly explain quantum leaps, wormholes, reincarnation, and so on. But they do continue, if not exactly to teach, then to expand our minds a little bit to the point where many people today believe in things like The Akashic Chronicle, which has been talked about since ancient times. Its now showing up in kids cartoons like Jim Carreys A Christmas Carol. The best thing about the movie, given the rapid, morally down-sliding times we live in, is that heres a movie about two attractive teens who spend their time trying to do only good deeds. OK, it does have a tiny bit of teen beer-drinking. And an extremely innocent kiss. But the time-loop construct also begs the question of whether it makes sense that such a loop could exist with zero karmic consequences. Because how realistic is it to think that, in a situation where you could get away with everything under the sun with no karmic blowback, after boredom sets in, the situation wouldnt rapidly deteriorate morally? Idle hands are the devils workshop, and after finding all the tiny perfect things, the kids, I dont care how good they are, after another 100,000,000 go-rounds, will be looting, fighting, spraying graffiti, hoovering up drugs, raping, pillaging, and killing. And, as Bill Murrays Phil found outeven that gets boring. So this movie highlights for us the need for the lessons of karmic checks and balances in human existence, because the modern time-loop movie is really a metaphor for human reincarnation and karma. Which is different from The Akashic Chronicle, which, as its name implies, is basically cosmic record-keeping. All that occurs, in all the myriad time-spaces and levels and dimensions and worlds throughout the cosmos, is chronicled in the form of repeating messages and visual records (visual for those with the supernormal ability of clairvoyance) of deeds done in the past, present, and future. Theyre just messages. Just time loops. All in all, if The Map of Tiny Perfect Things were a tiny bit more, hmm I dont know if the chemistry between the two leads was electrifying, and the soundtrack super catchy, this would have been a time-looper for the ages. But as a fun Valentines Day watch or for a romantic evening, you could do much worse. The movie poster for The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. (Amazon Prime Video) The Map of Tiny Perfect Things Director: Ian Samuels Starring: Kyle Allen, Kathryn Newton, Jermaine Harris, Anna Mikami, Josh Hamilton, Cleo Fraser, Al Madrigal, Jorja Fox Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes Release Date: Feb. 12, 2021 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars Greg Rutherford's pregnant fiancee Susie Verrill was rushed to hospital on Thursday night after their baby girl 'stopped moving'. The Olympic long jumper, 34, admitted he 'almost cried' with relief when doctors found their baby's heartbeat and she kicked. Greg said that he and Susie, 32, grew worried after their baby girl 'stopped moving' because she is usually very active, as he updated his followers via Instagram. Update: Greg Rutherford has revealed that his pregnant fiancee Susie Verrill was rushed to hospital on Thursday night after their baby girl 'stopped moving' Posting a picture of his pregnant fiancee in hospital, the former Strictly contestant penned: 'So last night was stressful. 'After a busy day of tidying and clearing Susie suddenly realised she hadn't felt the baby move in a while. 'We went through all the steps to try and make her move and nothing happened. The worry was caused by the fact that normally she doesn't stop moving! 'We jumped in the car and headed to the hospital. They found the heartbeat and then in typical fashion, she kicked! 'This apparently made Susie feel like a weather person though so silver linings.' Emotional: Taking to his Instagram Story, the Olympic long jumper, 34, admitted he 'almost cried' when doctors found their baby's heartbeat and she kicked (pictured in October) Worried: Greg said that he and Susie, 32, grew worried after their baby girl 'stopped moving' as she is usually very active Recalling the worrying incident, he added: 'I almost cried when the heartbeat was found. The stress of being pregnant never gets any easier.' Most women begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, and the movement is typically described as a kick, flutters, swish or roll. There is no set number of normal movements. A baby will have their own pattern of movements that mothers-to-be should get to recognise. The NHS website states that expectant mothers should call their midwife or maternity unity immediately if they notice their baby is moving less than usual, they can't feel any movement or there is a change of pattern. THE FLUTTERS, SWISHES AND ROLLS: WHAT THOSE MOVEMENTS MEAN Reduced foetal movement is a reduction in a baby's regular pattern of movement. Most women begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, and the movement is typically described as a kick, flutters, swish or roll. The type of movement may change as pregnancy progresses. There is no set number of normal movements. A baby will have their own pattern of movements that mothers-to-be should get to recognise. From 16 to 24 weeks on, women should feel the baby move more and more up until 32 weeks, then the moves will stay roughly the same until birth. Usually, afternoon and evening periods are times of peak activity for a baby. During both day and night, a baby has sleep periods that mostly last between 20 and 40 minutes, and are rarely longer than 90 minutes. A baby will usually not move during these sleep periods. There is no set number of kicks a woman should be feeling. What is important is that they know what is normal for their baby. There is a common misconception that you should be feeling ten kicks over a set period, but this is no longer suggested as all babies are different. Women who are concerned that their baby has slowed down or stopped moving should contact their midwife or maternity unit immediately. Advertisement Medical professionals will then be able to check the baby and its heartbeat to ensure everything is okay. Greg also took to his Instagram later on Thursday evening to thanks his 161K followers for their concern and well-wishes. Posting the same picture of Susie as his Story update, he penned: 'I've been inundated with messages since posting the story earlier so just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your concern. 'Everything really is ok, baby's fine, Susie's fine and we're just really grateful we could be seen so quickly and reassured.' Thankful: Greg also took to his Instagram later on Thursday evening to thanks his 161K followers for their concern and well-wishes Greg went on to thank the NHS for looking after his family amid the coronavirus pandemic. He continued: 'The NHS are under so much stress and strain at the moment but we couldn't have felt more looked after, even when we had to show up close to ADAU closing time (which we kept apologising for I promise!) 'This is our third baby so we know this sort of thing happens and we used every trick in the book to get some movement going but sometimes you just have to admit defeat and accept professional help.' Signing off his post, he wrote: 'Just looking forward to having her here now. Not long to go!' Greg and Susie announced they were expecting their third child, a baby girl, in December. Family of five: The couple are already parents to sons Milo, six, and Rex, three, and they announced their third pregnancy in December - they are expecting a baby girl Susie, who is also mum to Milo, six, and Rex, three, has since spoken out on her experience with Hyperemesis gravidarum - which causes extreme morning sickness, a condition she was also diagnosed with in her previous pregnancies. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is defined as severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Up to 20 per cent of sufferers experience symptoms up to weeks 14-to-20, however, most have relief in the later stages. Unlike morning sickness, which affects up to 80 percent of pregnant women, HG causes severe dehydration and prevents sufferers from keeping any food down. In a video diary posted on her popular Instagram page, Susie is seen throughout the first six months of her pregnancy, documenting the extreme symptoms of HG. Explaining she was keen to help others suffering with the condition to feel less isolated, Susie said she spent months in bed alone, even struggling to go downstairs in her home. Tough time: Susie has since spoken out on her experience with Hyperemesis gravidarum - which causes extreme morning sickness, a condition she was also diagnosed with in her previous pregnancies One particuarly emotional entry comes when Susie cries as she tells the camera: 'It is sometimes not enough to know that there is a baby coming at the end of this.' The diary also follows the blogger as she is taken to hospital after she was sick 15 times in just eight hours. She also experiences hair loss as the condition worsens. Susie tells viewers that she has her 'safe spot' in her bedroom but even going downstairs triggers bad anxiety. 'I had smell aversions the last two pregnancies but this time it's really strong,' she is seen saying. 'The smell downstairs are so strong and horrible and it makes my house feel like I don't want to be here.' Thankfully as Susie reaches her 20 week scan she reveals she is beginning to feel better, and is operating at '70%' most days. Sickness: In a video diary posted on her popular Instagram page, Susie is seen throughout the first six months of her pregnancy, documenting the extreme symptoms of HG In the accompanying caption, she explains that both she and Greg had reservations about trying for a third child. 'Our decision to try for baby number 3 began with terror (from me), apprehension (from Greg) and a treatment plan/prophylactics (meds to take before conceiving as a prevention, from the doctor),' she wrote. 'While I felt dreadful and existed on a cocktail of drugs, it wasn't as bad as Rex's pregnancy which I'm thankful for. I only needed to visit the hospital for a drip once, managed to keep vomiting to once every 1.5 hours and 'only' lost 5% body weight.' 'Anyway, you can see from the video (so sorry, it's not cheery, but I did leave out the worst parts!) how much of a battle just existing is. And how low it can leave you feeling.' Susie went on to thank Greg and her mum 'for every ounce of their support.' Lonely: Susie is seen throughout the first six months of her pregnancy in the video diary, explaining she wanted to share her experience to help others suffering feel less alone 'From keeping me mentally together, to washing my bedding, to putting up with the incessant switching of 'safe' foods & endless trips to the supermarket to get me anything obscure I might fancy trying to nibble for a couple of seconds. 'I'm so grateful I can be back to being a mum & while I'm not fully recovered, I'm so grateful to get to this point.' Greg and Susie announced their pregnancy on Instagram in December, sharing photos of Susie showing off her growing bump in a cream shirt. She wrote: 'Really happy to share we've got someone new joining the family early next year. The boys are very excited to meet their sister and we've been buying lots of miniature pairs of tights... 'It's been another difficult HG pregnancy and a long, tough road to get here but we're so very grateful.' She said yes!: Greg proposed to Susie in May 2019 during a hike in Arizona, with the couple later proposing their planned 2020 wedding in the US due to COVID Greg shared the same photo, writing: 'Absolutely thrilled to let you all know baby no 3 is on HER way. WE MADE A GIRL!' Greg and Susie met in 2012, exchanging messages for two months before enjoying a bowling date together - and hit it off instantly. They welcomed first son Milo in Oct 2014 with Rex arriving in July 2017. Greg won Olympic gold in 2012 and is the British record holder, both outdoors and indoors. Greg proposed to Susie in May 2019 during a hike in Arizona, with the couple later proposing their planned 2020 wedding in the US due to COVID. Trade between Ukraine and Turkey in 2020, despite pandemic restrictions and slowdowns, has remained at pre-pandemic levels and amounted to about $5 billion, Ukraine's Ambassador to Turkey Andrii Sybiha has said. He said this in his speech at the first constituent meeting of the Ukrainian part of the Ukrainian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "Last year's turnover was about $5 billion. We have managed to maintain the levels of the pre-pandemic year. This is important," Sybiha said. The diplomat also noted that trade between the two countries had been growing by about 10-15% for the last four years. He recalled that tourist flows from Ukraine to Turkey reached 1.5 million tourists before the pandemic and about one million tourists last year. "We have reached such a level of strategic partnership, when every element of it works. We must convert the achieved level of political dialogue into concrete economic projects," Sybiha said, addressing Ukrainian business representatives. He said the signing of a free trade agreement was promising for Ukrainian businesses. "We are now on a very positive track of concluding a free trade agreement. It will contain important elements for Ukrainian businesses and its prospects will definitely be significant. Now we have $5 billion in turnover, and we clearly see that following the conclusion of the agreement, we will reach $10 billion very quickly," Sybiha said. The diplomat also noted Turkey's opportunities to enter the markets of third countries, including the Middle East and Africa, Turkey's positive experience in implementing public-private partnership projects, and supplying value-added products. According to him, work is now underway to reach agreements on providing soft loans to businessmen for the implementation of joint Ukrainian-Turkish projects. The diplomat welcomed the establishment of the Ukrainian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the holding of the first constituent meeting of its Ukrainian part and the election of the governing body. op When youre weary, the idea of traveling to Midtown Manhattan to ride a giant seesaw probably isnt at the top your wish list. It certainly wasnt for Sonya Keshwani and Sahil Suleman Navodia one day in January of 2020, when a group of friends from their jamatkhana, a house of prayer, invited each of them to an installation of glowing seesaws that had been set up in the garment district. Mr. Navodia, then 27, had just returned from a trip to India; he was still jet-lagged. Ms. Keshwani, who had just turned 31, had recently completed treatment for breast cancer. She had been out and about all day, and she was tired. But she was also in a period of her life when she was determined to put herself out there; her fight against cancer had left her with a renewed sense of the value of friendships and relationships at large. I was kind of like, If I want to meet someone, if I want to have these chance connections, I need to go out, I need to not overthink these things, she said. If theres an opportunity to go out, I should just do it. Although Mr. Navodias circumstances were less intentional, he too had reason to put extra effort into being social: He was a relative newcomer in the group. He wanted to demonstrate that he wasnt flaky. So he shelved his fatigue, and headed to Manhattan. (Newser) Texas grid operators said Friday that the electrical system has returned to normal for the first time since a winter storm knocked out power to more than 4 million customers, per the AP. Smaller outages still remained Friday. But Bill Magness, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, says the grid again has enough capacity to provide power throughout the entire grid. As electricity and heat returned to Texas homes, water problems remained as cities continued boil-water notices and repaired broken pipes and water mains. More than 180,000 homes and businesses remained without power in Texas according to poweroutage.us, down from about 3 million two days earlier. Winter storms also left more than 330,000 from Virginia to Louisiana without power, and about 71,000 in Oregon were still enduring a weeklong outage following a massive ice and snow storm. story continues below The snow and ice moved into the Appalachians, northern Maryland, and southern Pennsylvania, and later the Northeast. The extreme weather was blamed for the deaths of at least 58 people, including a Tennessee farmer trying to save two calves that apparently wandered into a frozen pond and a 17-year-old Oklahoma girl who fell into a frozen pond. A growing number of people have perished trying to keep warm. And in and around the western Texas city of Abilene, authorities said six people died of the coldincluding a 60-year-old man found dead in his bed in his frigid home. Rotating outages for Texas could return if electricity demand rises as people get power and heating back, said Dan Woodfin, the council's senior director of system operations. (Ted Cruz remained the butt of jokes after his ill-timed trip to Mexico.) (Read more Texas stories.) * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Chinese fishing firms recruiting internationally as domestic labor sources dry up by Mark Godfrey February 19,2021 | Source: SeafoodSource Chinese distant-water fishing firms are stepping up their international recruiting as they fail to compete for domestic labor on wages. The latest China Fisheries Yearbook, based on 2019 data, shows declining numbers of workers in the fisheries sector, even as incomes rise. Per capita income for fishermen rose by 6.15 percent in 2019 to CNY 21,108 (USD 3,377, EUR 2,744) up considerably on the figure for 2015, which was CNY 15,594 (USD 2,495, EUR 2,027), according to data from the yearbook, published by Chinas Ministry of Agriculture. But while the average income for fishermen rose in China, it remains low next to the average pay for a manufacturing job in southern China. A factory recruitment agency in Donguan advertised monthly rates of CNY 6,000 (USD 960, EUR 780) in December 2020, including dorm lodging and meals, for workers on a five-and-a-half-day week. These wages have increased significantly from CNY 3,500 (USD 560, EUR 455) quoted by SeafoodSource from the same labor exchange in 2017. The Chinese manufacturing sector has thrived due to the global demand for personal protective equipment and other medical products created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinas fishing companies, which are based in the countrys more prosperous coastal regions, have faced rising costs as Chinas labor rates have risen. Chinas key distant-water port of Zhoushan has in recent years sought to attract workers from inland China to staff its vessels by offering social entitlements and access to education for their children. Other fishery companies have contracting with employment agencies to recruit in less wealthy inland cities and even in detention centers. The Chinese labor pool shrank for the first time in 2017, as did the total number of those who describe their primary occupation as fisherman. According to the fisheries yearbook, there were 18.2 million engaged in fisheries full-time in 2019, down 2.6 percent year-on-year. Numbers fell from 20.65 million in 2013 to 19.31 million in 2017, a 6.4 percent decrease. There has been a similar decline in workers engaged in fisheries including processing and distribution it stands at 12.9 million, down 2.57 percent year-on-year and down from 13.8 million in 2016. Employment agencies to recruit in less wealthy inland cities and even in detention centers. At the same time, Chinese distant-water fishing firms continue to run afoul of international norms for social standards onboard their vessels. The U.S. recently added the Chinese distant-water fishing industry to the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor, claiming it is using forced labor to catch tuna, which is shipped hope to China for either domestic consumption or processing for sale to foreign buyers. Recently, the nonprofit organization Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) publicized the story of an Indonesian crew that claimed they were subject to abuse onboard the Chinese-owned, Fiji-flagged fishing vessel He Shun 38. The crewmen were repatriated to Indonesia with some of their back pay, though nine months of wages are still due, according to HRAS. In response, the Fiji Fishing Industry Association (FFIA) delisted the He Shun from its Marine Stewardship Council certificate. This comes after a series of incidents in 2020 involving Chinese tuna firms accused of mistreating their Indonesian workers, resulting in worker deaths, with one major Dalian-based Chinese supplier of sashimi currently the focus of an Indonesian government investigation. 2021 Diversified Communications. All rights reserved. Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. Opening of Schools The Department of Education says it is pleased that it will be able to welcome all students back to school on Monday 22nd February as recently announced. Schools will open their doors to students in line with Public Health Guidance. All COVID-19 measures for health and safety and hygiene will continue to operate as they did before schools closed in December. 'Although staff have been in regular contact with students and families everyone at Education is excited at the prospect of having our students back in our school buildings to resume their learning and social development journeys.' Students will now be able to be reunited with their peers and enjoy social interaction within their social bubbles which they have missed out on since schools closed at Christmas. Director of Education, Jackie Mason said; "Teachers are ready to continue the curriculum provision for the students and address emotional and social issues that may have developed as a result of our last COVID lock down. As students return to school, teachers will now be in a position to evaluate their learning journey and where it may need supplementing to support their academic development alongside their social and emotional development. Minister for Education, John Cortes commented; I am delighted that schools will be back next week. Partly of course because this is a reflection of the decrease in the prevalence of COVID-19 we have seen in the last couple of weeks. But also because our children deserve the opportunities that school gives them. I am extremely grateful to the teachers who have been carrying on with their curriculum work online, and to the parents, grandparents and other carers who have supported them at home for two months. I cant wait to resume my school visits and see everyone getting back into the way teaching and learning should be." The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, said; "Monday will be a seminal moment. After over two months, our children return to school, to learning and to their friends. The sacrifices we have all been asked to make these lockdown months are for our elderly and vulnerable but they have had an effect on our youngest also. I want to expressly thank parents for their home schooling efforts and teachers for their remote learning work. I know this has been a hugely challenging time for both parents and teachers. All have wanted nothing but the best for our children at this remarkably difficult time. We are now coming to the end of the worst of these difficulties and I know we will all be delighted to see our schools active and full of learning, play and enjoyment." 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 Opposition have called on the Housing Minister to scrap the reckless proposed shared equity scheme in the Governments plan for cheap homes. This comes as the Irish Independent revealed that the Central Bank has doubts about the scheme in the Affordable Housing Bill, proposed by Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien. Sinn Fein housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin has called for the shared equity scheme to be scrapped completely from the Bill while it undergoes pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas Housing Committee. Read More He said that he wasnt surprised at all to hear that the Central Bank has serious concerns over the scheme. We have empirical evidence to show that this scheme does not work and could be very dangerous, he said. We know from the Celtic Tiger if you increase mortgage credit into the market it increases house prices. Fianna Fail, when they were last in Government, very regularly ignored the advice of experts and regulators. Darragh OBrien is behaving exactly like his predecessors did when they were in Government. He said that the scheme will have negative consequences. This is not an academic matter. This is about the single biggest purchase of a single person or a couple, buying their home, he continued. For the Government to act in such a reckless way, not only potentially pushing up house prices but straddling some working people with an unsustainable level of debt, its just reckless in the extreme. Labours housing spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan also called for the Housing Minister to either reform the scheme or scrap it completely. She said that the Government had a Trumpian response to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) warning on Tuesday that it may hike house prices. The reaction of the Government this week, by this Trumpian, coordinated attack on an independent institution showed a lack of willingness to engage on the real detail of the scheme and its very, very concerning. Ms Moynihan said that the Minister is ignoring all independent advice and said that shoving money to developers is not going to solve the housing crisis. Meanwhile, Social Democrat housing spokesperson Cian OCallaghan said that if the shared equity scheme is scrapped from the Affordable Housing Bill, it should not be revisited. 75m has been allocated for that scheme but it should be transferred directly into building cost rental homes, he told Independent.ie. He also raised concerns that the Central Bank is the second body to raise concerns about this scheme, after the ESRI warned that it may hike house prices. We now have multiple credible sources raising very strong concerns that the scheme could push up house prices. Its very worrying that the Minister is not listening to these concerns, he said. Speaking on RTEs Drivetime, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke said that the shared equity scheme is only one piece in all our armour to try and increase affordable and social homes in the Affordable Housing Bill. He said that if the shared equity scheme is looked at in isolation he can see how there may be concerns. If you look at this proposal in isolation, yes you can see how people would be concerned about the demand side, but there are 23 heads of the Bill and 20 out of the 23 deal with other measures to increase supply outside of that scheme, he said. He said that the Government is engaging with the Central Bank and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, who has also raised concerns about house price hikes in relation to the scheme. Theyre engaging to ensure that this proposal will be passed, it will be passed with the approval from the Central Bank and the Department of public Expenditure and Reform, Mr Burke added. NGen consortium led by MDA commits over $11 million to build smarter, more resilient production systems. HAMILTON, Ontario, Feb. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), the industry-led organization leading Canadas Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, has co-funded a private sector consortium led by MDA that will enable the integration of artificial intelligence, industry 4.0, data sharing, and collaborative robotics into highly flexible, adaptable manufacturing environments. MDA along with partners Promark Electronics (Montreal, QC) and AV&R (Saint-Bruno, QC) seek to transform the Canadian manufacturing landscape by applying advanced manufacturing technologies into production environments where constant changes and the ability to maintain flexibility are essential competitive advantages. The Supercluster project demonstrates a leading collaboration between Canadian companies of varying size and capability and will improve the capacity of Canadas manufacturers and technology companies to manage technology development, adoption and scale-up for manufacturing in Canada. Each project partner will develop highly transferable technologies that can assist other Canadian manufacturers achieve long term success. Aimed at New Space manufacturing challenges, MDA will develop industry 4.0 solutions in automated assembly and testing for high-volume satellite constellations. Promark Electronics will develop new solutions in flexible robotic systems for small parts electronics assembly, and use artificial intelligence for production planning and business insights. AV&R will develop new solutions to apply AI in manufacturing for robot & cobot task management and optimization, data management and analysis inside automated systems, 3D metrology capabilities and reconfigurable robotic systems. The resulting responsiveness opens opportunities for Canadian manufacturers to out-compete global producers who rely on traditionally slower, inflexible, labour-intensive production methods. This improved competitiveness can increase penetration into existing markets and expand the partners reach to compete in novel, non-traditional markets. These projects are part of the increasing portfolio of NGen-funded advanced manufacturing initiatives under the Canadian Governments Innovation Supercluster Initiative. Rather than small, incremental improvements to stretch existing manufacturing systems, NGen support and funding allows project teams to reach beyond and rebuild operations that ensure long-term competitiveness. QUOTES Canadas manufacturing sector is becoming increasingly flexible and technologically advanced, thanks to initiatives such as the Innovation Superclusters, said the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. This NGen project is a great example of how collaboration between research and development experts can give Canadian companies a competitive advantage in global markets. Were happy to support this once again proudly Canadian company, as it expands its operations in Canada. This project demonstrates the role that NGen can play in facilitating initiatives whose outcomes present a strategic advantage for Canadian Manufacturing, said Jayson Myers, CEO, NGen. Through collaborative partnerships, companies are sharing knowledge and risk, leading to truly transformative outcomes. The Supercluster creates an opportunity for partners to collaborate and learn from shared experience, said Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA. NGen support makes possible the ambitious vision of this project that will allow partners to leapfrog ahead of incremental customer requirements to truly lead market demand. NGen support allows for the execution of a larger amount of development than normal operational R&D funds. This type of applied innovation is exactly what we look for to deliver value and exciting innovation to our customers, our employees and our country. said Jarred Knecht, President, Promark Electronics. This is critical because projects of this size are more difficult to finance through normal business expenses. Absent the NGen context, the partners would likely continue working in isolation developing incremental improvements year-on-year to keep up with market changes, instead we are taking a giant leap forward "For AV&R, this collaboration is a unique opportunity to work with other Canadian companies to develop tomorrows manufacturing technologies", said Jean-Francois Dupont, AV&Rs CEO. "Industry 4.0, robotics and artificial intelligence are concepts and technologies we integrate in our solutions. With the collaboration of the NGen partners, we will design technologies that will help manufacturers stay competitive." About NGen - Next Generation Manufacturing Canada NGen is the industry-led not-for-profit organization that leads Canadas Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster. Its mandate is to help build world-leading advanced manufacturing capabilities in Canada for the benefit of Canadians. NGen works to strengthen collaboration among its membership of more than 3,100 manufacturers, technology companies, innovation centres, and researchers, and provides funding and business support to industry-led initiatives that aim to develop, apply, or scale-up transformative manufacturing solutions in Canada for commercialization in global markets. About MDA Serving the world from its Canadian home and global offices, MDA is an international space mission partner and a robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 50-year story of firsts on and above the Earth. With over 2,000 employees across Canada, the US and the UK, MDA is leading the charge towards viable Moon colonies, enhanced Earth observation, communication in a hyper-connected world, and more. With a track record of making space ambitions come true, MDA enables highly skilled people to continually push boundaries, tackle big challenges, and imagine solutions that inspire and endure to change the world for the better, on the ground and in the stars. About Promark Electronics Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Promark Electronics is a state of the art electronics manufacturer, serving OEMs in industries with complex production processes and applications, including E-mobility, Industrial Technology, Medical, Mining, Aerospace, Space and Defense industries. www.PMK.com About AV&R A leader in industrial automation for 26 years, AV&R is a Canadian robotic engineering company with more than 70 employees. It offers robotics and vision solutions for manufacturers around the world. AV&R designs high-tech robotic systems that have been developed specifically for critical and complex parts such as gas turbine parts or orthopaedic implants. AV&R offers robotic finishing systems (profiling, polishing, deburring) and automated visual inspection systems to manufacturers of aircraft engines, energy turbines or medical implants. Media contact: Robbie MacLeod, Director, Strategic Communications Next Generation Manufacturing Canada robbie.macleod@ngen.ca +1-613-297-3578 Pharmacy program The federal government is scheduled to send more vaccine through the federal pharmacy program, according to the state Department of Health. Three more pharmacies will be added to the program: Walmart, Rite Aid and Kroger. They will join Safeway, Costco and Health Mart Independent Pharmacies. This week, the state received about 22,500 doses through the program. Allocations havent been released for next week, but the federal government said the nationwide program is doubling in size. February 19, 2021 The No Change Presidency After a month as president Joe Biden has already broken several major campaign promises. There will be: No $2,000 checks. No minimum wage rises. No student debt forgiveness. No halting of deportations. No end of the war on Yemen. No return to the JCPOA. As Alan MacLeod summarizes: Biden began his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in June 2019 at a Manhattan hotel, telling wealthy donors that nothing would fundamentally change under his presidency. After one month in office, it appears as if that is one campaign promise he is likely to keep. The U.S. will also continue its wars on Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. We are left to guess where, not if, Biden will start another one. Posted by b on February 19, 2021 at 18:46 UTC | Permalink Comments next page Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions grants $390,000 in support to the Distillerie du St. Laurent and helps create one job and maintain another one. RIMOUSKI, QC, Feb. 18, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) The vitality and dynamism of communitiesfounded on strong, resilient, innovative SMEsensure sustainable economic growth for all and quality jobs for Canadians. Keen to understand clearly the particular realities of Quebec's regions and to support the businesses that make them strong, the Government of Canada, listening now more than ever, is investing in projects that will be promising for the economic recovery. In the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, the agri-food industry counts several dynamic businesses with innovative ideas whose work is boosting the region's reputation across the country. Tested by the challenges posed by COVID-19, these SMEs are now ready to rebound. And as Quebec's regional prosperity relies on strong local economic fabric, where businesses are able to innovate and lead promising projects, the Government of Canada is signalling its presence to support them as they pursue their activities and to foster their growth. The Distillerie du St. Laurent receives close to $400,000 for promising agri-food project With this in mind, Elisabeth Briere, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), the Honourable Melanie Joly, today announced $390,000 in financial support for the Distillerie du St. Laurent Inc. This repayable contribution will enable the business to acquire production equipment, including an automated canning system, a still, vats and a self-regulating electric steam boiler. The project, which aims to improve productivity and expand the Distillerie du St. Laurent by building a new distillery and a cellar, relocating the production unit and acquiring equipment, will lead to the creation of one parttime job and transform one part-time job into a full-time position. The Government of Canada is proud to recognize and support businesses and organizations working in sectors of activity that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec's future and economic recovery are founded on the flagship industries of regional economies. They contribute significantly to Quebec's economic growth and will be key assets to rebuild a stronger, more resilient and more just economy for all. Quotes "The Government of Canada recognizes the need to intervene based on the strengths and assets present in each region. As such, CED's support for the Distillerie du St. Laurent will enable the BasSaint-Laurent region to position itself at an advantage to participate in the coming recovery." Elisabeth Briere, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec) "The Government of Canada has a mission to accompany the country's businesses and regions into tomorrow's economy and to help them seize the business opportunities that will arise. That is why we are providing our support to the specific assets of Quebec's different regions; they will be essential elements in ensuring an inclusive recovery and in creating good jobs in all of our communities." The Honourable Melanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED Quick facts The Honourable Melanie Joly , Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, is also the minister responsible for the six regional development agencies (RDAs), including CED. , Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, is also the minister responsible for the six regional development agencies (RDAs), including CED. CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy. regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across into tomorrow's economy. The contribution given to this SME has been granted under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, which aims to support Quebec SMEs as they develop through innovation, among other things. Associated links Stay connected Follow CED on social media Consult CED's news SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Catherine Mounier-Desrochers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, [email protected] Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) from March 1 will resume a number of flights that were canceled due to quarantine restrictions, and will increase the frequency of flights on the most popular routes. According to the press service of UIA, in particular, in early March it is planned to resume flights from Kyiv to Geneva and Prague, at the end of March - from Kyiv to Larnaca, Vilnius, Barcelona and Chisinau. In addition, communication between Odesa and Istanbul will be resumed. The company plans to increase the frequency of flights on the Kyiv-Dubai route (to six flights a week), and from May - to Istanbul (to 21 per week). Additionally, UIA will operate flights on the following routes: Kyiv-Delhi (February 25, March 5, March 13 and March 18) and Kyiv-Tashkent (February 28, March 10, March 21 and March 31, return flight the next day). In March, it is also planned to increase the frequency of flights to daily (seven times a week) on routes from Kyiv to Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Tbilisi, Yerevan and Tel Aviv. At the same time, with the beginning of summer navigation on flights to Tel Aviv, it is planned to increase the frequency to 11 flights, from May - to 14. As reported, UIA plans a gradual long-term restoration of the original route network in 2021. In particular, from the beginning of the 2021 summer season, it is planned to launch flights on 43 international and seven domestic routes, which will restore full-fledged air traffic from the regions of Ukraine with numerous European countries through the hub at Boryspil International Airport (Kyiv). Starting from April 2021, UIA plans to restore its own route network by 64% of the 2019 volume. Just 7.4m passengers travelled through the airport last year, an estimated loss of 25m flyers in 2020. Photo: DAA. Passenger numbers at Dublin Airport declined by 78pc last year to 7.4m, the lowest figures to pass through the airport since 1994. The DAA confirmed that more than half of all those who travelled through Dublin Airport in 2020 did so in January and February before the Covid-19 pandemic put international travel on ice. Some 4.1m people passed through the airport in the first two months of 2020 while between March and the end of December, passenger numbers fell by 89pc to 3.3m. Read More Dublin Airport lost an estimated 25.5m passengers last year, which is the equivalent to the entire population of Australia. The last time it had fewer than 8m passengers in a calendar year was in 1994, 27 years ago. Passenger numbers at Dublin Airport have fallen further since the end of last year, with January passenger numbers down by 90pc. Daily passenger traffic is currently down by up to 98pc compared to the same period in 2020, the DAA said. Dublin Airport has played a vital role in the importation of PPE and other medical equipment, facilitating the arrival of 6.2m tonnes of equipment on 357 separate cargo flights, operated by 16 different airlines. Passenger numbers to and from continental Europe declined by 77pc last year, while travel between Dublin Airport and Britain was 76pc lower at 2.4 million. Transatlantic traffic from the capitals airport declined by 84pc to just 690,000 passengers. Aviation was one of the sectors of the Irish economy that was hardest hit by Covid-19, and this is reflected in the passenger numbers for last year, said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison. It was a hugely challenging year for Dublin Airport and for the entire Irish aviation sector, as the reduction in air travel and the introduction of travel restrictions in most markets had a very significant impact on passenger numbers during the year. It has been a year like no other for Dublin Airport, for our airline customers, our commercial partners and our employees, and for the entire aviation and tourism sectors, Mr Harrison said. In 2019, Dublin Airport had flights to more than 190 destinations in 42 countries operated by almost 50 airlines. In April 2020, Dublin Airport had flights to just 22 destinations in 11 countries operated by seven airlines. Aviation plays a vital role in Irelands economy, and it will be a key sector in helping that economy to recover in the wake of the pandemic, according to Mr Harrison. Global air traffic fell by 60pc last year, bringing air travel totals back to 2003 levels, according to ICAO, the UN agency for civil aviation. Data from Eurocontrol, which co-ordinates the management of air traffic across Europe, shows that flights to and from Ireland were among the most affected by the pandemic last year. Flights to and from Irish airports fell by 63pc in 2020, making Ireland the fifth worst affected country among the 41 member states within Eurocontrol. Only Armenia, Moldova, Morocco, Israel, and Georgia had larger air traffic declines than Ireland. NHS hospitals are now treating fewer coronavirus patients than they were during the darkest days of the first wave, official figures have revealed. Department of Health data shows 20,156 beds were taken up by Covid-infected Brits on February 16, the most recent day figures are available for. For comparison, there were more than 21,000 coronavirus patients needing hospital treatment on the worst days of the original outbreak last April. The data also shows the number of Covid patients in hospital has nearly halved since January. Almost 40,000 beds were taken up by the infected during the peak of the second wave last month. And the number of patients on ventilation beds has also plunged by 36 per cent in a month. It comes as official data released yesterday showed cases have plummeted to their lowest levels since September before the second wave spiralled out of control. Department of Health bosses recorded 12,057 new infections, marking a 10.6 per cent drop from last Thursday. Another 454 deaths were also announced, a 33 per cent fall on last week. Separate Public Health England figures revealed cases among school-age children have plunged to their lowest levels in five months. Around 86 cases were recorded per 100,000 10 to 19 year olds in the week ending February 14 the lowest rate since September. The encouraging fall in hospitalisations comes as the Prime Minister faces growing clamour for a speedier lifting of lockdown measures. Boris Johnson is set to unveil his 'roadmap' back to normality on Monday, with his approach set to make pubs and restaurants among the last places to reopen. But there are indications the fall in cases is beginning to slow, with scientists urging the public to continue to obey lockdown rules. Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, told The Times that the country was at a 'critical juncture', with hospital staff 'exhausted. She urged Boris Johnson to wait for 'a return to more normal levels of NHS capacity' before lifting restrictions. She said: 'Lessons must be learnt from the past year if this is to be the last national lockdown.' Some 2,614 patients requiring intensive care on mechanical ventilation beds on Wednesday, compared to 4,077 on January 25. Public Health England's data yesterday showed the infection rate among children aged 10 to 19 was at 86.2 per 100,000 in the second week of February, the latest available. This is below every week since the seven-day spell ending September 26, when it was 53.4 per 100,000. Public Health Englands medical director Yvonne Doyle said: 'Our efforts are working as case rates, hospitalisation rates and deaths are slowly falling. 'The number of new infections is higher than the end of September and remains concerning. 'This could increase very quickly if we do not follow the current measures. Although it is difficult, we must continue to stay home and protect lives.' Covid cases also dropped in every age group and plunged by 38 per cent among the over-80s - who are most at risk of being hospitalised or dying if they catch the virus - to 129.6 per 100,000. The infection rate was highest in 30 to 39-year-olds (192.5 per 100,000), followed by 20 to 29-year-olds (173.4 per 100,000) and 40 to 49-year-olds (162.9 per 100,000). 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Mark Freeman had 22 points and 13 assists as Tennessee State narrowly defeated Tennessee Tech 91-86 on Thursday night. Monty Johal had 16 points for Tennessee State (4-16, 3-14 Ohio Valley Conference), which ended its six-game losing streak. Shakem Johnson added 15 points. Yusuf Mohamed had 13 points. The 91 points were a season best for Tennessee State, which also posted a season-high 24 assists. Tennessee Tech totaled 48 second-half points, a season high for the team. Jr. Clay had 26 points for the Golden Eagles (3-21, 3-14). Damaria Franklin added 23 points and seven rebounds. Shandon Goldman had 10 points. The Tigers leveled the season series against the Golden Eagles with the win. Tennessee Tech defeated Tennessee State 74-71 on Jan. 16. ___ 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 Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 03:52:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANJUL, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Gambian president Adama Barrow called for national unity on Thursday in Banjul as the West African nation celebrated its 56 years of nationhood since gaining independence from Britain in 1965. "As always, I plead for national unity, reconciliation and tolerance. The true Gambian nature is marked by warmth, sympathy, generosity and willingness to support one another. Let us apply these values wherever we may be," he told the crowd gathering in the capital city Banjul. President Barrow said the independence has brought about political independence and national sovereignty as portrayed by recognition, dignity, freedom and self-determination of a people. "We need to give a new meaning to national independence through our relationships, interactions and service to the nation within the framework of good governance, speedy development and peaceful coexistence in a nation and government for all citizens," he said. Barrow has called against division based on partisan politics, ethnic differences, and asked his people to reject drugs and crimes. Enditem Fishermen required to mask up at all times in US waters by Laine Welch February 19,2021 | Source: The Bristol Bay Times Fishermen in the United States must wear masks while they are underway, even while sleeping, and the Coast Guard intends to enforce it. That's an edict issued as a public health emergency by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a Marine Safety Bulletin issued on Feb. 1. It requires the wearing of masks at all times in U.S. waters on all commercial vessels "when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel" to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The action states that "conveyance operators traveling into or within the U.S. may transport only persons wearing masks and must use best efforts to ensure that masks are worn." Best efforts include allowing entry to a vessel only to those who wear masks, instructing persons that failure to comply constitutes a violation of federal law, and removing any person who refuses to comply. Exemptions apply to children under 2 years of age, a person with a disability who cannot safely wear a mask or a person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety or job duty, or if an operator is "the sole occupant of the vehicle." Exceptions to the rule apply while eating or drinking, or communicating with a hearing-impaired person or if a person is unconscious. National Fisherman Editor Jessica Hathaway was the first to break the news on Feb. 11, and said she was advised by the U.S. Coast Guard that fishing vessels are included under the rule "at this time." When she requested further guidance, Hathaway was directed to the CDC. "Enforcing this rule would certainly be difficult," Hathaway wrote. "However, it clearly opens the door for being boarded and fined. The Coast Guard has clarified that the rule will be enforced." The mask requirement will remain in effect "unless modified or rescinded based on specific public health or other considerations, or until the Secretary of Health and Human Services rescinds the determination." Fishermen and others can submit comments and questions via email at wearamask@uscg.mil. The state Board of Fisheries will meet online on March 8 to decide when, where and how to fit in a double slate of meetings upended by the COVID-19 pandemic that spans from Southeast Alaska to the Arctic. The Board would normally be wrapping up a roster of 275 proposals for Southeast, Prince William Sound and statewide shellfish next month. But those regions are likely to be bumped to next winter or mixed in with already scheduled meetings for other regions this fall. "We currently have the work session in October and then that's followed immediately by a Pacific cod meeting, which is for the Alaska Peninsula, Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea and Chignik. So those are currently slated for this coming October," said Glenn Haight, executive board director. "And Bristol Bay will happen in December. It's possible you could put in a Prince William Sound or Southeast meeting in November, and then continue on into January with some of the other ones. It's just a matter of putting things in the right places so people have a chance to react to them and we have time to do all the factors that go into it." The call for fishery proposals for Bristol Bay, the Alaska Peninsula, Chignik, the Arctic, Yukon, Kuskokwim and Bering Sea regions has been extended from April 10 to May 10. "The board did not reopen the call for proposals for Southeast, Yakutat, Prince William Sound and shellfish statewide," Haight explained. "So what we currently have for proposals is what the board will take up next year. There was a note though, that if there are some conservation issues, or if there are other kinds of pressing matters, people from those regions can submit an agenda change request by Aug. 23 and the board will review those requests at their October work session." Public comments for the special March 8 meeting are accepted through March 2. Meanwhile, four of the seven Fish Board members, only one who hails from a coastal community, have yet to be confirmed by the Alaska Legislature even as they are making decisions. It's taken nearly three decades but genetically tweaked salmon is set to hit supermarket shelves in a month or two. The fish, dubbed Frankenfish, is the first animal to get approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is manmade from an Atlantic salmon with genes spliced from Chinook and an eel-like ocean pout. The faster growing fish can go from egg to 11 pounds in 18 months, 10 months faster than normal salmon. Once the market normalizes after the coronavirus pandemic, Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies plans to produce nearly 3 million pounds annually at its recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Indiana, the company told Undercurrent News. Another land-based farm is planned in the U.S., and a smaller farm at Prince Edward Island in Canada already is selling the genetically modified salmon there. Push back to the manmade fish has been fierce, even before it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015, and it has steadily increased. Numerous polls over the years show that consumers simply don't want it. Recently, major foodservice supplier Aramark said it will boycott the gene-tampered fish, joining the ranks of Compass Group and Sodexo. Also, more than 80 retailers have said they won't sell the salmon, including Costco, Walmart, Target, Albertsons, Kroger and Whole Foods. Still, in other supermarket fish cases, consumers won't be sure what they're getting because no clear labeling will be required. Instead, the makers will be allowed to use bar codes on labels or provide 800-numbers that refer customers to more information. The U.S. green light on genetically engineered salmon has opened the door for other creatures. At least 35 other species of fish as well as chickens, pigs and cows engineered to fit in factory farming systems are currently under development. Meanwhile, Undercurrent reported that AquaBounty announced last week it has raised over $127 million in a public offering of stock that included 14,950,000 shares at a price to the public of $8.50 per share. One unexpected plus to the COVID-19 pandemic is how it has brought fishing industry information, workshops and training to far more people through web-based events, no matter where they are located. Two are in the pipeline: Up first is the annual Fishermen's Expo on Feb. 22, hosted by the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association in Sitka. "We're going to focus more on loan programs for folks that are interested in getting involved in fishing. We have a speaker from the Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank that provides financing for fishermen, and we'll also have a loan officer from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to talk about some of the loan programs that they have for commercial fishermen," said Natalie Sattler, ALFA communications director. Emergency skills will be featured by the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association along with ALFA's crew apprentice program. Also, there will be updates on years of local ocean floor mapping, called bathymetry, that helps fishermen target catches better and avoid harmful fishing practices. Go to www.alfafish.org to register for the Expo links and updates. Then, on March 4 and 5, a who's who of big names is in the lineup for the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference. It will feature mariculture, regional broadband, fish forecasts, marketing updates, legislative leaders and commissioners, Senator Lisa Murkowski, COVID-19 relief programs, community roundtables and much more. Find links to register for the SWAMC Summit at www.swamc.org. Topics at both virtual events will appeal to anyone interested in Alaska's seafood industry as well as those far removed from fishing. Anchorage Daily News Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. 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. Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya says that by prosecuting journalists the authorities in Belarus are sending a message to the media: "Either you're with the regime, or you're in jail." Tsikhanouskaya made the comments during an exclusive, wide-ranging video interview with Current Time on February 18, the same day that a judge in Minsk sentenced two journalists to two years in prison each for reporting live from a rally in the capital in November. Katsyaryna Andreyeva, 27, and Darya Chultsova, 23, have repeatedly rejected the charge that they "organized public events aimed at disrupting civil order" while covering the rally commemorating the death of an antigovernment protester. The two work for Belsat, a Poland-based satellite television station that covers Belarus, and say the case against them is politically motivated since their only reason to be at the rally was to do their job as reporters. "What is happening cannot be called either a fair trial or a fair investigation. Therefore, it is painful for all people that such sentences are handed down," said Tsikhanouskaya, who believes she was the rightful winner of the presidential election in Belarus in August. "This applies not only to Darya [Chultsova] and Katsyaryna [Andreyeva], but also to all the others, both political prisoners and those who are in prison. "You know, this is a message to journalists: either you're with the regime, or you're in jail," said Tsikhanouskaya, who went into exile abroad over fears she would be arrested and separated from her children amid mass protests against the results of the election, which long-serving leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka claimed to have won by a landslide. Ongoing Crackdown The European Union and rights watchdogs have criticized the sentences against Andreyeva and Chultsova as part of an ongoing crackdown against independent media in Belarus. The crackdown began during the run-up to the election and has heightened as Belarusians continue to take to the streets to call for Lukashenka to step down and for a new vote to be held. The anti-government protests have lived on despite the arrests of thousands of demonstrators, documented beatings by police, and raids against journalists, rights activists, and Lukashenka's political opposition. "Everyone understands that it is impossible to return to the life that we lived before this level of violence that we saw from the state," Tsikhanouskaya told Current Time, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. "No one will forgive Lukashenka for these crimes, and Lukashenka will never become legitimate in the eyes of Belarusians. People do not trust him." Tsikhanouskaya -- who decided to run for president after her husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski, was jailed after expressing interest in taking part in the August election against Lukashenka -- also addressed the ongoing trial of former banker Viktar Babaryka. Babaryka, a would-be candidate who was once seen as Lukashenka's toughest rival, was detained in July and barred from competing in the election on embezzlement charges that his supporters say were trumped up. Tsikhanouskaya said the charges dating back more than a decade when Babaryka headed Belgazprombank were "fabricated" and "absolutely political." "In 2020, when he expressed his desire to run for president, it all surfaced," she said. "Previously, no one cared, before everyone was happy with everything. And now all of a sudden so many accusations were made against him." Tsikhanouskaya said that "maximum publicity" of the treatment of Lukashenka's opponents and imprisonment of demonstrators could help them. "The attention of the whole world to our problems, to our movement for rights, for a new Belarus, will force the world community to put more pressure on the regime, talk about justice, talk about lawlessness, and thus try to help Belarusians cope with our problem." As for her personal situation, Tsikhanouskaya said she has not spoken to her husband since October, right after Lukashenka spoke with him and other opposition representatives at a pretrial detention center. "Syarhey has been in jail for nine months now," she said. "He holds on. He is very strong, he is very brave. He will never deviate from his principles." The couple's son, she said, knows that his father is in jail and is old enough to "understand that it hurts me, and I know that it hurts him, and we often talk about his dad." Their daughter, Tsikhanouskaya said, thinks her father is on a business trip. "We cannot return to Belarus, because of the coronavirus," Tsikhanouskaya said. "So far, such a fairy tale comes to her. We very often watch videos showing her dad so that his image does not fade from memory." 14493 Andrew Greissman, Content Author for the ProcureCon Series Andrew Greissman, Content Author for the ProcureCon Series The role of procurement in sourcing IT solutions has been rapidly growing within most businesses. With IT spending having developedinto one of, if not the largest areas of indirect spend, procurement practitioners are being called uponto control costs, limit risk, and add value simultaneously.In addition to these internal pressures, conditions surrounding the available technology are also causing businesses to consider the benefits of a more active role for procurement in IT sourcing. Increased complexity around contract negotiations due to saturation of SaaS products, as well as a sellers market controlled by a core group of major ERP providers sets the scene for an IT landscape well suited to benefit from the skills procurement can bring to bear. Given the constantly evolving nature of the IT category, sourcing executives have a need to stay ahead of developments in the market, as well as quickly and effectively implement best practices. For many of the most influential leaders in IT sourcing, the venue where theyve seen it all come together has been the ProcureCon for IT Sourcing conference. Taking place this year in Denver, Colorado, the gathering brings together procurement executives from a diverse range of industries to benchmark and identify the strongest techniques for managing the IT category. The conference offers a valuable opportunity to meet face to face with procurement leaders who are actively involved in combating similar challenges. Its an environment where the best and the brightest have come together to identify and overcome common problems, having developed as a specialist event out of the ProcureCon conference series. For many, last years conference came at a time of building bridges between procurement and the IT department it serves. According to data from last years ProcureCon IT benchmark report, 43% of executives reported that their transitions from a tactical to a strategic focus were behind schedule. In many cases, a lack of adequate resources will be what slows procurement down. Especially around the category of IT, it can be difficult for leaders to keep strategy front of mind when there is a considerable tactical workload needing to be addressed, and perhaps not enough staff to handle it.The speed with which a procurement department can transition will also depend on the maturity of the business at large. Typically, procurement will only be able to evolve to a fully strategic role as key business stakeholders come to a point where they see the need for savings to be built into the strategy of the company at large. Gaining credibility with the IT organization was another major theme in 2015. Procurement team leaders focused onbringing in employees with the technical backgrounds that could give them the credibility with IT. An emphasis on internal salesmanship bolstered by effective category knowledge has become part of the package of anideal hire for IT procurement. In part, this reflects the reality that integrating with IT can still pose challenges for many procurement teams. In most cases, procurement will have a demonstrated track record of creating value for their businesses before they are asked to become involved in IT sourcing. However, as the process of sourcing would have formerly been owned from start to finish by the IT organization, involvement from another department can be viewed as an incursion. Last years ProcureCon IT benchmark found that procurement is granted final decision-making power around ITin only 10% of cases. Its still much more common for IT to retain final say, which will likely remain the case for the majority of businesses even as procurement builds expertise in the technology category.The key to advancing the relationship is to demonstrate a consultative approach, where procurements value creating ability merges with the know-how native to the IT organization, creating the strongest possible outcomes. In particular, when managing contracts with major ERP vendors, a team mentality is critical. Looking forward into 2016, procurement is continuing to solidify its relationship with the IT organization.Department leaders are engaged with advancing KPIs centered around innovation, and keeping pace with the rapid advance of technology. While last year navigating SaaS product contracts and definingservice level agreements were a challenge that many teams were looking at, this yearstartups, disruptive apps, and other cutting edge tech promises to further complicate the landscape around sourcing for technology. ProcureCon IT Sourcing 2016 is set to reinvigorate the strategies of sourcing executives, with many returning to share how theyve improved their processes over the past year. Managing vendor relationships that range from ERP giants, to medium sized cloud based platform providers, down to startups will be at the forefront of the two-day agenda, taking place this year at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center from the 6th to the 8th of June. An emphasis on internal relationships with IT, key business stakeholders and the C-suite will also feature prominently in both official sessions as well as the causal roundtables and networking the event is known for. To learn more and book your spot at the conference, visit ProcureConIT.wbresearch.com today. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Sometimes even to live is an act of courage. Lucius Annaeus Seneca We read for a variety of reasons. We read to explore new worlds and cultures, to learn, to feel comfort, to feel understood and of course to escape into another persons head for a while. Our latest read feels particularly timely during the pandemic as it follows a familys struggles to survive the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression and the wretchedness of poverty during the 1930s. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah In her latest novel, Kristin Hannah weaves a tale of resilience during the Great Depression. The Four Winds is told from the perspectives of Elsa and her daughter, Loreda, as they struggle to survive on their Texas farm during the Dust Bowl. When Elsas husband abandons his family, Loreda blames her mother and offers her the special cruelty only a teenager can fling at her mother. Elsa is doggedly hopeful that life at the farm can turn around, while Loreda thinks the family should leave their barren and battered farmland behind. When the family realizes staying in Texas is no longer an option, they travel to California in hope of finding work, only to find that the locals hate their poor neighbors and the large farms are more than willing to exploit their labor. The Four Winds is not a happy story, but it is a beautifully written novel about poverty and hardship that forces people to reexamine how they perceive poverty and gain an understanding of just how dire the struggle to survive was for people during the Great Depression. Hannah explores how the Dust Bowl migrants were otherized by their wealthier peers simply for having the tenacity to build a life for their families. This otherization feels particularly poignant when we look at how divided and polarized society has become today, with tensions increasing throughout the pandemic. When times are hard, people often try to push the blame on those they deem different from themselves. While socioeconomic divisions are prominent in The Four Winds, the complex relationship between a mother and daughter is at the heart of Hannahs novel. Elsa and Loreda each display incredible bravery throughout the novel in different ways. Elsas bravery comes across through her dogged efforts to keep her family fed, while Loreda expresses hers through a fiery need for action. From the book jacket My land tells its story if you listen. The story of our family. Texas, 1921. A time of abundance. The Great War is over, the bounty of the land is plentiful, and America is on the brink of a new and optimistic era. But for Elsa Wolcott, deemed too old to marry in a time when marriage is a womans only option, the future seems bleak until the night she meets Rafe Martinelli and decides to change the direction of her life. With her reputation in ruin, there is only one respectable choice: marriage to a man she barely knows. By 1934, the world has changed; millions are out of work and drought has devastated the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as crops fail, water dries up and the earth cracks open. Dust storms roll relentlessly across the plains. Everything on the Martinelli farm is dying, including Elsas tenuous marriage. Each day is a desperate battle against nature and a fight to keep her children alive. In this uncertain and perilous time, Elsa like so many of her neighbors must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or leave it behind and go west, to California, in search of a better life for her family. If you enjoy Readers looking to examine complicated mother-daughter relationships might also enjoy Amy Tans classic novel The Joy Luck Club. tinamarie.craven@hearstmediact.com NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 11,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXV: CCE) (FSE: D7H0) (OTCQX: CMRZF), an exploration and development company with a focus on deposits of rare metals, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Commerce Resources Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market. Commerce Resources Corp. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "CMRZF". U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com. Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Commerce Resources Corp. President Chris Grove states, "It is our pleasure to trade on the OTCQX Best Market once again. We have many shareholders in the United States, and we look forward to better serving them and to be more visible to new American investors who are interested in the rare earth elements and the rare metals we have been working on for years now. We are at an extremely exciting time with more positive global market fundamentals than we have ever seen before, and with the ability to deliver on our current development programs." Burns Figa & Will PC acted as the company's OTCQX sponsor. About Commerce Resources Corp. Commerce Resources Corp. is a junior mineral resource company focused on the development of the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit located in Quebec, Canada. The Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth producers globally, with a specific focus on being a long-term supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide to the global market. The Ashram Deposit is characterized by simple rare earth (monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime) and gangue (carbonates) mineralogy, a large tonnage resource at favourable grade, and has demonstrated the production of high-grade (>45% REO) mineral concentrates at high recovery (>70%) in line with active global producers. In addition to being one of the largest rare earth deposits globally, Ashram is also one of the largest fluorspar deposits globally and has the potential to be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets. The company also owns outright the Blue River tantalum & niobium deposit in British Columbia. About OTC Markets Group Inc. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com. OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are SEC regulated ATSs, operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed Media Contact: OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected] SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc. Related Links http://www.otcmarkets.com By Jana Kadah Bay City News Foundation Latinx seniors in Santa Clara County are the most at-risk community from COVID-19 but the least vaccinated, so local leaders are asking for community help. On Thursday, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, County Supervisor Cindy Chavez and Gardner Health Services CEO Reymundo Espinoza held a virtual briefing encouraging residents to volunteer and help inform and assist residents eligible for the vaccine. Spanish-speaking volunteers would be the most needed, Liccardo said, so that they could communicate effectively with the Latinx community. Of the roughly 144,000 vaccinated residents 65 years and older, Latinx people make up about 12,000 or 8 percent, the mayor noted. However, Latinx people make up 51 percent of COVID-19 cases and 28 percent of deaths. County data also shows that of residents 65 years and older, only 25 percent of the Latinx population has been vaccinated as opposed to 50 percent of the Asian population and 38 percent of the white population. Espinoza noted that the reason for the disparity is likely because of misconceptions of vaccine safety or fear of side effects. "Other things that we've heard is difficulty registering for appointments, mobility issues like weather," Espinoza said. "And I think a historical fear and the distrust of government." Chavez worried the reason for the inequity is not fear of vaccine, but rather lack of access. "There is no cookie-cutter approach when trying to vaccinate a population as economically and culturally diverse as we have in Santa Clara County," said Chavez. That means relying on large private health care providers or waiting for residents to book appointments through the county website is not enough. "We must have mass vaccination centers in large urban areas hard hit by coronavirus and we must go directly to the residents of diverse, disproportionately COVID-infected communities with pop-up vaccinations tents and mobile units," Chavez said. But regardless of the reason Latinx seniors are not getting vaccinated, the local officials on the call all agreed: "we need volunteers." "We particularly need volunteers who speak Spanish and other languages, who can help us in outreach and to ensure that we are getting information to everyone," Liccardo said. "So that they can make good decisions and hopefully, so that they can be vaccinated, to protect themselves and their families." But anyone who speaks a different language like Vietnamese, or is simply eager to help, is wanted. Volunteers could do anything from door-to-door outreach, phone calls, staff vaccination sites or help distribute food. "We're needing people to get online and be able to talk to their neighbors to get them to come because they want to talk to trusted folks," Chavez said. Throughout the pandemic, Liccardo said the city has relied on more than 40,000 volunteers to help in a plethora of ways like directing traffic at testing sites or packing at food banks. Mass and equitable vaccination is another task that requires community support, he noted, especially as vaccine eligibility expands at the end of the month. Starting Feb. 28, workers in education and childcare, emergency services, and the food and agriculture industries can get vaccinated. On March 15, those with at least one severe health condition will also be eligible for the vaccine, at the directive of the state. Health conditions include cancer, stage four or higher kidney disease, pulmonary diseases necessitating oxygen, Down syndrome, a weakened immune system due to an organ transplant, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart conditions like coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathies. The county has already opened several pop-up and mobile sites around the county and particularly in East San Jose and Gilroy, which have been COVID-19 hot spots. On Wednesday, a pop-up site at the Gilroy Senior Center opened. In recent weeks, the county also opened two drop-in sites in San Jose that do not require appointments. The first is Public Health Story Road Hub at 1775 Story Road: open Wednesday through Friday. Sign-ups start at 9:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The second site is the Mexican Heritage Plaza at 1700 Alum Rock Ave., which is open Tuesday through Thursday. Sign-ups start at 9 a.m. also on a first-come, first-served basis and vaccinations are given from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. "Vaccination provides the only viable route for us to get to the other side of this pandemic," said Liccardo. "And we can all play a role in helping our community get access to safe and effective vaccines." Those interested in volunteering can sign up at SiliconValleyStrong.org. For more information on vaccines or to make an appointment, visit sccfreevax.org or call 211. Copyright 2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. will purchase 10 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India, officials here have said. In January, under India's neighbourhood first policy, received 500,000 doses of free vaccines. They were administered as a priority to frontline health workers and members of the Armed forces. The State Pharmaceutical Corporation has signed the order with Serum Institute of India (SII) for 10 million doses, officials said. This agreement has been approved by the Attorney General on Monday. Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield is being manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute. The SII has collaborated with Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for making the vaccine. Earlier this week, the vaccination was extended to the general public and MPs. About 250,000 out of 500,000 OxfordAstraZeneca Covishield vaccines have been administered so far, General Shavendra Silva, the Army chief who heads the COVID-19 prevention operations said on Friday. He said, the WHO has assured that it would provide vaccines for 20 per cent of the local population free of charge. He added that China and Russia had also agreed to donate vaccines to the local population. The Indian Army and the Russian military have also agreed to provide a quantity of vaccines to the Sri Lankan military. Sri Lanka has recorded 78,420 cases by last night with 71,000 of them having recovered. At least 430 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak in mid-March last year. India is one of the world's biggest drug makers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring the vaccines. India has sent consignments of domestically produced vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles. It is also undertaking commercial supplies of the doses to a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Brazil and Morocco. (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.) New images captured by the SITELLE instrument on the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope (CFHT) in Mauna Kea, Hawaii, reveal an intricate honeycomb-like arrangement of gas filaments in the center of the Crab Nebula. In the year 1054 CE, Chinese astronomers were startled by the appearance of a new star, so bright that it was the brightest object in the night sky, second only to the Moon, and was visible in broad daylight for 23 days. The stellar explosion was also recorded by Japanese, Arabic, and Native American stargazers. Today, the Crab Nebula is visible at the site of that bright star. Also known as Messier 1 (M1), NGC 1952 and Taurus A, it lies approximately 6,500 light-years away in the constellation of Taurus. The nebula was first identified in 1731 by English doctor, electrical researcher and astronomer John Bevis and was rediscovered in 1758 by French astronomer Charles Messier. It derived its name from its appearance in a drawing made by Irish astronomer Lord Rosse in 1844. Despite the rich history of investigation, many questions remain about what type of star was originally there and how the original explosion took place. Universite Laval astronomer Thomas Martin and colleagues aimed to answer these questions using a new 3D reconstruction of the nebula. Astronomers will now be able to move around and inside the Crab Nebula and study its filaments one by one, Dr. Martin said. The astronomers used the powerful SITELLE imaging spectrometer on CFHT to compare the 3D shape of the nebula to two other supernova remnants: 3C 58 and Cassiopeia A. Remarkably, they found that all three remnants had ejecta arranged in large-scale rings, suggesting a history of turbulent mixing and radioactive plumes expanding from a collapsed iron core. The fascinating morphology of the Crab Nebula seems to go against the most popular explanation of the original explosion, said Dr. Dan Milisavljevic, an astronomer at Purdue University. The Crab Nebula is often understood as being the result of an electron-capture supernova triggered by the collapse of an oxygen-neon-magnesium core, but the observed honeycomb structure may not be consistent with this scenario. SITELLE was designed with objects like the Crab Nebula in mind; but its wide field of view and adaptability make it ideal to study nearby galaxies and even clusters of galaxies at large distances, said Dr. Laurent Drissen, an astronomer at the Universite Laval and the Universite de Montreal. It is vital that we understand the fundamental processes in supernovae which make life possible. SITELLE will play a new and exciting role in this understanding, Dr. Milisavljevic said. The results were published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. _____ T. Martin et al. 2021. 3D mapping of the Crab Nebula with SITELLE I. Deconvolution and kinematic reconstruction. MNRAS 502 (2): 1864-1881; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staa4046 Most people know the lowest bidder does not always provide the most reliable product. Making sure a vendor can actually deliver the product also seems like common sense. ERCOT, the Texas electric grid manager, though, does neither of those things because Republican politicians who have controlled state regulations for two decades have failed to heed 13 years of dire warnings. Instead, they believed free-market advocates who argued financial incentives would encourage responsible planning. The Texas Blackouts prove them wrong. Now our political leaders are giving us misleading scapegoating, political gamesmanship and another front in the culture wars. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Don't blame Texas energy players for blackout, blame the electricity grid's irresponsible game People died because of this pitiful behavior, and our leaders need to turn down the volume and roll up their sleeves. The solutions are easy and obvious. The present situation was first anticipated in a report in the Texas House Select Committee on Electric Generation Capacity and Environmental Effects Report published Jan. 12, 2009. We live during a time of great uncertainty about the future of the electric grid, the committee, led by former House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, concluded. The debate over electric generation should be primarily pragmatic, not idealistic. Texas has the only American electricity grid with no rules for resiliency. Instead, the GOP majority argued that a system that pays higher prices when demand goes up would incentivize generators to make sure their systems work during extreme weather. Another polar vortex almost exactly 10 years ago triggered blackouts. Natural gas lines froze, coal piles froze like piles of ice. Wind turbine blades glazed over because operators had skimped on the cold-weather package. The Legislature appointed another investigative committee in 2012 but ignored the advice to set resiliency standards. Instead, lawmakers concluded Texas electricity customers should pay generators even higher prices. The state Public Utility Commission raised the maximum payment per megawatt hour from $4,500 to $9,000 in a market that normally pays $25. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who served on that House Committee, registered his doubts. I expressed my concerns to the PUC prior to its vote and asked the commissioners to state the impact on the costs to consumers, Turner wrote. The Texas Blackout proved that even $9,000 an hour was not enough to convince companies to weatherize properly. The generation companies that stayed online made a fortune last week, but 185 powerplants went offline and let two dozen people die. Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle Spending more on resiliency would hurt companies in the long run in the current market. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas buys the cheapest electricity first and then buys more expensive power until the states needs are met. Generators do not get paid to be resilient, only to produce cheaply. All other grids are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which requires weatherized pipelines and equipment. All other grids pay companies to build and maintain weatherized backup generators. Texas lawmakers have debated following those best practices since they put ERCOT in charge of the wholesale electricity market in 1999. But the Texas GOP despises regulations, and generators prefer to pay out high profits to shareholders than invest in sturdier equipment. To understand why ERCOT did not raise the alarm, look at who sits on the 13-member board. Nine currently work or have worked in the energy industry. One works for the City of Dallas and one represents industrial customers. Residential consumers have a single advocate appointed by a governor who is an unabashed advocate of the energy industry. One seat is empty. Now that the system has catastrophically failed, Gov. Greg Abbott is demanding the heads of the people who did nothing more than follow the rules the Legislature imposed. He is going on national television, denouncing renewable energy even though it outperformed during the crisis. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Evolving Texas grid marks beginning of the end for fossil fuel electricity Houston-area Rep. Dan Crenshaw is taking to Twitter to boost his friends in the fossil fuel industry and spread misinformation. The GOP is turning hatred for clean energy into another culture war cry and partisan talisman, even though it is the cheapest source of new, reliable generation. Consumers need to watch closely as Texas authorities begin debating reforms. Lobbyists see an opportunity to gain subsidies for their industries. The reforms we need, though, are simple. First, connect to the rest of the country via the national grid and accept federal regulation so we can import electricity when we run out. Texas should also require generators to prove they are prepared for the weather events climate change will bring before they can offer their power to the wholesale market. That would reduce the risk of failure and force generators to weatherize. Power prices will rise, ever so slightly, but it will reduce the risk of another Texas Blackout. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and politics. twitter.com/cltomlinson chris.tomlinson@chron.com FRONT PAGE An article on Wednesday about Oregons halting efforts to return children to public school classrooms misidentified the grade levels that Seattle had proposed for in-person learning before later scrapping the program. They were prekindergarten through first grade; second grade was initially considered for inclusion but not part of the official proposal. NATIONAL An article on Thursday about Democrats public anger at Texas Republicans response to the collapse of the states power grid misstated the name of the operator of the states grid. It is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, not the Electricity Reform Council of Texas. NEW YORK An article on Thursday about a New York City restaurant that fired a waitress for refusing to get vaccinated misstated the day that the waitress got a message from her employer informing her that she would be required to get a Covid-19 vaccine to continue working there. It was Friday, Feb. 12, not Sunday, Feb. 14. SCIENCE TIMES An article on Tuesday about the virus surveillance system pilot program, Global Immunological Observatory, misstated the number of people who died in a 2018 measles outbreak in Madagascar. It was 1,000, not 10,000. The article also misspelled the name of a plasma donation company. It is Octapharma, not Octopharma. Its my party, and Ill cry if I want to, sang Lesley Gore in 1964, in the chorus to a song about a young teen betrayed in the worst way by her guy. You would cry too if it happened to you! The Republican Party in Pennsylvania appears to be having its own Lesley Gore moment now, as a number of county party committees have taken action this week to condemn the U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, the Republican from the Lehigh Valley, for his vote last week to convict former President Donald J. Trump of inciting violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Saturdays 57-43 vote fell short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction, but the seven Republican senators who voted yes made this the most bipartisan impeachment verdict on the trial of a president yet. And thats not sitting well with some of the Republican partisans. Its their party, these members say, they still love Trump, and theyre sick to death of those in the party who dont have his back against, in their view, the united forces of Democrats in Congress and the mainstream media. It was a reaction that was best summed up Monday, in comments made by Washington County GOP Committee Chair Dave Ball to a Pittsburgh television station on its resolution condemning Toomeys vote: We did not send him (Toomey) there to vote his conscience, we did not send him there to do the right thing, whatever he said he was doing. We sent him there to represent us, and we feel very strongly that he did not represent us. Washington County had joined Republican organizations in Clarion, Fayette, Lawrence, Westmoreland and York counties in censuring Toomey through Wednesday afternoon. The chair of the Republican State Committee, Lawrence Tabas, has also sent an email to state committee members alerting them to a future meeting to discuss Toomeys vote. Others are actively pushing back on the idea, arguing its best to let the issue fade away. So, what is with all this handwringing over a vote that the Republicans actually won, cast by a guy who long ago announced that he wont be seeking re-election in 2022? As such, as one GOP source told PennLive Wednesday, the censure resolutions have the practical effect of putting a note in Toomeys personnel file. It may be part exhibition season for the fights ahead in 2022, as the party tries to settle on nominees for an open gubernatorial and Senate races, and - in a larger sense - its post-Trump direction. Its also, partly, just those who are in firm control of the party at the moment having their say on a matter of internal party politics. But does it help in the wider world? Some have real concerns about that. The Republican Party needs unity, not a purge, said Joseph DiSarro, a political science professor at Washington & Jefferson College in southwestern Pennsylvania, who also happens to be a member of the Republican State Committee. We dont want to start purging. We need the big tent. As Karl Rove (the former political strategist for former President George W. Bush) has warned... this party is in disarray in the post-Trump era. The last thing the party needs is a purge. The last thing the party needs is a discussion of who is a true Republican, and who is a RINO, DiSarro said, using the acronym for Republican-In-Name-Only. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., departs on Capitol Hill in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, after the Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. Trump was accused of inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and the acquittal gives him a historic second victory in the court of impeachment. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP Recent national polling suggests the delicacy of the problem. While Trump one month removed from his presidency is still the dominant figure on the Republican landscape, recent polling suggests that as much as one-fifth of voters who identify as Republicans say they dont want to see him play a major role in the party going forward. What the smart folks see, very clearly, is that you can not win a national election with 75 percent of the Republican Party, said Alison Dagnes, a political scientist at Shippensburg University. You will never have the numbers that way. Dagnes said recent actions like the Toomey censures also can have a chilling effect on future candidate recruitment. This is not just an internecine fight within the Pennsylvania Republican Party. I think this is far more existential. By doing this they are discouraging the more, non-Trumpy Republicans from running, she said. That, she added, could hurt the party in statewide races, and in local races in the more purple parts of the state. Some party leaders say those observers are missing the point. To them, this is about the majority within the party having its say over an issue of great frustration. They will have their voice heard now, and the party building can follow. Keep in mind, said York County Republican Chairman Jeff Piccola where the county committee voted to censure Toomey after Saturdays impeachment vote party activists were already angry at what they see as mistreatment of Trump from Day One by a media establishment that never liked him and a Democratic Congress that actively worked to undermine his presidency. Toomeys vote, a betrayal by one of their own, seemed like the last straw, he said. It wasnt my idea to bring up this resolution, Piccola said. This came from the bottom up. It did not come from the top down... This was a vote by people who worked diligently for Republican candidates some for years, including Pat Toomey to get them elected and re-elected, and it was an expression of their disappointment and frustration in him specifically. I think its retaining people that were not necessarily Republicans but who were for Trump, and are now going to be Republicans, because we stood up for what we believed in, said Piccola. Tell the pundits were fine. Some state leaders, however, arent so sure. And they have mounted a rear-guard effort to try to stop the censure Toomey movement in its tracks. They counted some temporary wins in the postponement of a vote on a censure resolution in Chester County Tuesday night, although county GOP Chairman Gordon Eck told reporters it could still come up next week. And in the Republican stronghold of Lancaster County, a proposed censure effort that had support from a majority of committee members present failed to get the 75 percent super-majority needed to get formal consideration Tuesday night, according to LNP.com. Elsewhere in the midstate, the Lebanon County Republican Committee has a Toomey censure resolution on the agenda for its March meeting, and Cumberland County Republican Committee members are circulating a petition for a special meeting to discuss a censure there. The stop-the-censure voices are most prominent in the larger counties with densely-populated suburban areas where local party leaders are desperately trying to hold off gains by Democrats. They include leaders like Sam DeMarco, the chair of the Allegheny County Republican Party who said this to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Monday: One of the things that concerns me as a chairman is the reflexive group-think from those who believe if you dont agree with them 100 percent of the time on 100 percent of the things, youre a RINO [Republican in Name Only], spineless, a fake Republican or worse. In Cumberland, Republican County Commissioner Gary Eichelberger agreed the party has to be about more than unswerving loyalty to Trump. Invoking another Republican hero, he noted (former President Ronald) Reagan was the biggest proponent of a big tent. He would be appalled at all of this. A lot of the current friction, DiSarro believes, is the result of the partys ongoing assimilation of the new faces brought in by the Trump movement with the establishment conservative who traditionally aligned with politicians like former Gov. Tom Ridge, or Toomey; and the even more moderate Republicans in places like the Philadelphia suburbs. The movement, he said, has pushed new faces to the forefront in many counties, and those leaders want to be responsive to their committee members and registered voters. Toomey is far from the only Republican feeling heat at home. In the U.S. House, Republican members beat back a widely-publicized effort to remove U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, from leadership ranks after her criticisms and vote in favor of Trumps impeachment last month. But Cheney was still censured Feb. 6 by the state Republican Party organization, which asked for a return of all party donations to her last campaign. Two of Toomeys seven Senate GOP colleagues who voted to convict Trump Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, and Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana have also already been censured by their state party organizations. The Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania, meanwhile, had not set a date for a statewide discussion as of Wednesday evening. One state committee member who said he personally opposes censure, said hes counting on President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his thin Democratic Party majorities in Congress to help reunite the party in the long run. If people really want to get excited, they ought to look at what Bidens proposing, and that should get em revved up, said Dick Stewart, of the state committees South Central Caucus. (Newser) Last July, Daniel Anderl, the 20-year-old son of US District Court Judge Esther Salas, was murdered at their North Brunswick, NJ, home by Roy Den Hollander, a lawyer who'd posed as a FedEx deliveryman. Now, in a 60 Minutes episode set to air in full Sunday on CBS, Salas reveals that Hollander also had another, more high-profile target in mind. Details: Salas tells Bill Whitaker that the FBI found a locker that Hollander had used before he died of an apparent suicide, containing another firearm and ammo. "But the most troubling thing they found was a manila folder with a workup on [Supreme Court] Justice Sonia Sotomayor," Salas says. "Who knows what could have happened?" Salas uses this new piece of information to underscore that "judges are at risk, that we put ourselves in great danger every day for doing our jobs." CBS News backs that up with a disturbing statistic: Over the past five years, threats to federal judges have spiked 400%, with more than 4,000 incidents. story continues below NPR notes Salas has been on a "crusade" since her son's murder, advocating for laws that would protect judges from being targeted by getting rid of their identifiable info online, such as home addresses, contact details, vehicle and home photos, and where immediate family members work and go to school. In December, Salas penned a New York Times op-ed detailing her push for bipartisan legislation named after her son that would offer federal judges further protections. Senior District Court Judge James Robart also appears on 60 Minutes , telling Whitaker he received 40,000 messagesincluding 100-plus death threatsafter he temporarily blocked then-President Trump's travel ban and Trump mocked him. , telling Whitaker he received 40,000 messagesincluding 100-plus death threatsafter he temporarily blocked then-President Trump's travel ban and Trump mocked him. Meanwhile, CentralJersey.com notes that a 48 Hours airing Saturday on CBS will look at the ties between Anderl's murder and that of attorney Marc Angelucci, killed in California days before Anderl by someonepossibly Hollanderalso posing as a deliveryman. (Read more Sonia Sotomayor stories.) Mobile technology has never been as powerful as it is today. Portability is vital in todays dynamic world. In the age of non-stop connectivity, people are constantly in search of newer, faster, and easier ways to connect. Within the past five years weve watched the mobile phone evolve from a personal calling gadget to the smartphonea powerful multi-media device that is always on and connected. The mobile user has changed as well. Today, we expect our mobile device not only to make calls and send texts, but also provide unlimited highspeed data, store a mountain of apps, serve as a shopping cart, and help us navigate and locate us anytime and anywhere. "Studies have shown that introducing 10 new mobile telephones per 100 people in the developing world can add between one half to one percent to a countrys GDP growth rate" Mobile has changed the world and cheap mobile devices and calling plans have accelerated the spread of mobile to over seven billion subscriptions globally. Today, mobile penetration in developed countries stands at 128 percent, which means that there are more mobile phones than people. So far mobile operators have found ways to continually grow their customer basebut as the market becomes more competitive, it will become even more important for operators to optimize and personalize the customer experience to increase loyalty and customer retention. In this environment, telecom operators will need to master how to best protect their customer base and to identify the right customers and strategies to approach them. Better understanding of customers will only further expand the benefits of mobile that were already seeing. Studies have shown that introducing 10 new mobile telephones per 100 people in the developing world can add between one half to one percent to a countrys GDP growth rate. The mobile industry has been expanding all over the globe, giving people the power to stay connected and have unlimited opportunities to improve their lives and businesses. It has been especially transformational for emerging economies. In 2013, the mobile industry in China grew 40 percent. In Kenya, 25 percent of the countrys GNP flows through the mobile phones in the form of mobile commerce. In parts of rural South Africa, where there are hardly any paved roads, small shop owners are able to do so much more with phones saving time and money. Technology can enable not only a better customer experience, but also better Big Data management and predictive analytics to increase brand loyalty. By understanding customer data, providing faster information, and creating a simpler and more enjoyable service, mobile providers are able to keep their customers empowered and informed. The mobile industry has been challenged by mountains of unstructured data that results in slow response to customer needs which makes it difficult to realize true customer insight. This often leads to a poor customer experience but now this is changing. For instance, T-Mobile has used the latest technology, including our SAP HANA in-memory platform, to create a new customer engagement model targeting the latest customer needs. Just recently T-Mobile reported its best ever quarter with 2.4 million new customers. Introducing a new sales model with new installment plans, the elimination of early termination fees, and pay-offs to its competitors customers for switching networks has proved that there are new ways to improve customer experience. In the end of 2013, AT&T followed this same approach and created their own version of the new model by offering unlimited services and more usage sharing capabilities for new customers. To stabilize their market position, many operators in developed countries have also been keen to introduce innovative services to retain high-income customers whose data usage is higher than average. Near 100 percent broadband coverage has allowed television channels to offer live programming through their mobile apps, which answers the demand of the dynamic style of living in todays fast-paced environmentto always be informed no matter where you are. Targeting customer needs has built a path to success in the competitive mobile market. Moreover, to be the leader in the market many mobile providers use the customer interaction and history data captured across channels in order to build an intelligent data base that would provide targeted offers and responses based on previous customer behavior. Mobile operators are increasingly targeting the younger generation, as they constitute the most demanding segment of global mobile users. Since most millennials in the U.S. watch less TV than their parents, services like HBO GO, Netflix and Hulu have seen a spike in subscriptions. The younger generation doesnt want to waste time sitting on the couch in front of the TV they want to watch it on mobile phones and tablets on the go. As developed markets try to keep their customers interested, emerging economies are rapidly driving growth. Last year, the North American market grew less than one percent, while Latin America grew over five percent. Though the drive may be different, I expect we will see a continued laser focus on customer centricity in both developing markets, where the industry growth is still occurring, and mature markets, where its a zero sum game and net new subscribers have to be cajoled away from the competition, over the coming months and years. In my opinion, the only way to effectively engage more with subscribers is by leveraging the vast amounts of data available to service providers in order to understand customers and their preferences and by building a next generation marketing and technology platform that enables real-time actions on those insights. For the service providers that really grasp and implement the next levels of true customer engagement the rewards will be enormous as it puts them in the pole position for the consumer oriented technology advancements that we will see over the next five to ten years. With a Chinese brush in hand, two Pakistani students, Amar Razzaq and Waseem Abbas, wrote down the Chinese character "Fu." "Fu means blessing in Chinese, and I hope the Year of the Ox will bring good luck to us," said Amar. It was part of the Spring Festival activities organized recently by Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, which attracted a number of international students. "We missed the Spring Festival last year as Wuhan was then hit hard by COVID-19. Now, the city has come back to its normal bustle, and we want to make up for the missed Spring Festival atmosphere this year," said Waseem. Amar and Waseem are Ph.D. students with majors in agricultural economic management and functional genomics of rice in the university. "Wuhan is well-known for its education, with over 1.2 million college students. It's also a modern metropolis with rapid development, which offers sufficient opportunities for international students to study and work," said Amar, who has developed a deep affection for Wuhan. "The epidemic in Wuhan has been brought under control and we can really enjoy this winter vacation," he said, adding that international students are cherishing this winter holiday as they recall the tough days Wuhan has been through last year. At the beginning of 2020, Amar and Waseem had planned to visit their Chinese friends and have the New Year's Eve dinner with them. But the plan fell through after Wuhan suffered the sudden COVID-19 outbreak and announced an emergency lockdown. "Everything changed overnight," Amar recalled. "But we decided to stay." "We believed China would be able to overcome such a difficulty, and the 'lockdown' is a reasonable measure to curb the spread of the virus," Waseem said. To keep international students from getting infected, Amar and Waseem devoted themselves to distributing epidemic prevention materials and food to foreign students at the university. Amar was also in charge of taking the body temperature of students and recording their health condition during the lockdown. "The epidemic prevention work went smoothly and more and more students participated in the volunteering work," Waseem said. "There were rumors that international students in Wuhan didn't have protection during the time, but we posted on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to show people that we were well protected and leading a comfortable life," Amar said. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. Not long ago, China decided to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Pakistan to battle the coronavirus. Amar and Waseem cheered as a batch of the vaccines was sent from Beijing to Pakistan on Jan. 31. "Thanks to China for providing vaccines to Pakistan. It will consolidate the bilateral relationship between the two countries," Amar said. Technology is capable of helping mankind defeat the virus, and we will tell our families to get vaccinated as soon as possible." SYDNEY (Reuters) - A woman who says she was raped by a colleague in Australia's parliament two years ago said in a statement given to Australian media on Friday that she would lodge a formal complaint with police to open an investigation into the incident. "Firstly, I want a comprehensive police investigation into what happened to me and for my perpetrator to face the full force of the law," Brittany Higgins said in the statement, reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Reuters has been unable to contact her. Police in the capital Canberra confirmed they had spoken to a woman in April 2019 over the alleged incident though she chose not to make a formal complaint at that time. Higgins, who worked as a media advisor to then Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds, says she had not been encouraged to make a police complaint. Reynolds, who is now defence minister, denies Higgins was pressured against making an official complaint. The prime minister has repeatedly told the parliament that I should be given agency going forward, Higgins said in her statement. I dont believe that agency was provided to me over the past two years but I seize it now. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologised to her for the way her complaint was handled at that time, ordering a probe into the government's workplace culture. Morrison has since announced three investigations to look at what support is available to staff, processes in place for dealing with complaints as well as the broader workplace culture issues and steps needed to bring parliament in line with other institutions. In her statement, Higgins said she has advised the Prime Minister's Office that she expected to have a voice in framing the scope and terms of reference for the review, ABC reported. Morrison's Liberal Party has been dogged by allegations of improper behaviour towards women. In 2019, female backbench lawmakers said they felt bullied to support a move to oust then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, while a former female Liberal staff member last year made an official complaint of improper behaviour by then immigration minister Alan Tudge. Tudge has denied the allegation. (Reporting by Swati Pandey; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 18:34:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Thong Kimsoklina, a nurse at the National Pediatric Hospital of Cambodia, receives an interview with Xinhua in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Feb. 18, 2021. The Southeast Asian country launched an anti-COVID-19 inoculation drive on Feb. 10 after receiving the first batch of Sinopharm vaccine from China. According to an official report, as of Thursday, a total of 16,612 people including 2,169 women had been inoculated with the vaccine. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) 30399 David Montague, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Risk & Security, Expedia Group David Montague, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Risk & Security, Expedia Group The increase in online personal data digitization, sharing and availability, combined with a surge in unintended data exposures, is leading to increased regulation, larger fines, higher costs and complexity in risk management for everyone. While new regional and governmental compliance requirements aim to minimize risks and make it easier for consumers to manage their personal information, these directives (e.g., GDPR, PSD2, digital taxation, etc.) require increased scale and complexity, driving up costs. In some cases, the growing concern about how businesses use personal data is leading to entirely new ways of looking at the use of this data across the enterprise, as well as with other business entities. At the same time, the rise in personal data breaches has led to more serious implications for breaches or non-compliance. Over the past 10 years, we have seen fines for security incidents increase significantly, including the recent case where a large tech company was fined five billion dollars for privacy violations. Identity Theft Resource Center Data Breach reports 2005-2018 https://www.idtheftcenter.org/images/breach/Overview2005to2016Finalv2.pdf https://www.idtheftcenter.org/2018-data-breaches/ https://www.idtheftcenter.org/2017-data-breaches/ From a compliance standpoint, companies are more acutely aware that risk events can have a material impact from a profit and loss perspective, driving changes in both program funding levels and organizational structures. In todays highly data-driven business environment, it can be difficult to define exactly where your data ends and where business partners data begins. Many companies are delving deeper to better understand and manage the risks from a partner data breach, as it may put their brand at risk, in the news, or even on the hook for reporting to regulators. The CISO role must evolve. Simply put, we cant be caught running to stand still. Its not enough to manage to todays known risks and regulations. The digital and platform economy is moving at an ever-increasing pace, and todays CISOs need to be business-minded and able to anticipate the technology and security needs for risk management down the road. This strategic view keeps companies nimble, helping ensure they arent trapped in a reactive cycle of trying to manage to the new regulation or threat of the week, which can end up distracting and slowing down growth and innovation. U.S. context all references to privacy and data protection rules inside the U.S.: U.S. state legislation: IAPP State Comprehensive Privacy Law Comparison, July 2019 - https://iapp.org/media/pdf/State_Comp_Privacy_Law.pdf US GLBA 2005: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Final Guidance on Response Programs, April 2005 - https://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2005/fil2705.html HIPAA HITECH: HITECH Act Enforcement Interim Final Rule, June 2017 - https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/hitech-act-enforcement-interim-final-rule/index.html Global context all references to privacy and data protection rules outside the U.S.: IAPP Changing Global Data Breach Notification Laws: Regulatory Trends, November 2018 - https://iapp.org/media/wcr_pdf/WCR-CGDBNL-I.pdf IWIK Pro 6 New Privacy Laws Around The Globe You Should Pay Attention To, July 2019 - https://piwik.pro/blog/privacy-laws-around-globe/ At the same time, its no longer sufficient to manage within the company confines. Businesses are part of a complex ecosystem comprised of extensive vendor and partner relationships, alongside increasing compliance and regulatory requirements. It wasnt long ago that vendor and partner security compliance was managed with a simple clause in a contract. Today, its much more cumbersome and challenging, requiring CISOs to understand and manage risks both inside the enterprise and across their partners and suppliers. With the growing complexity surrounding privacy and utilization of personal data, it is a given that CISOs will face additional oversight and management requirements as companies reevaluate the role of user data in business operations. CISOs should expect to manage data differently than they do today. For instance, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives California residents the right to know what personal data is collected about them and whether its being sold or disclosed to other parties, among other things. GDPR requires companies to support and allow consumers to request to be forgotten. I expect well see more and more of these directives across the U.S. and the world at large. Therefore, CISOs must stay abreast of the overall risk landscape, while remaining aware of the immediate threats, to ensure they are planning for compliance beyond what is just here today. The inherent ambiguity of policies, regulation and directives provides ample grey area to maneuver. Dont get too comfortable in the grey zone. Todays quick fix may lead to tomorrows fire drill Prepare for the future, today. Think big! With cybercriminals constantly developing new avenues to exploit enterprise vulnerabilities and the digital risk management landscape becoming more complex, CIOs need to move beyond current risk prevention strategies to adopt more proactive approaches, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence and data science for real-time detection and elimination of risks. At the same time, CIOs and CISOs must change their mindset and will likely be forced to understand compliance trends in their geography and across the globe to be effective. Think small. From a personal information (PII) standpoint, today is the best time for CIOs to revamp their technology stacks and employ concepts around the segmentation, tokenization, and mapping of data to align it with their deployed technologies. In the vendor landscape, I expect to see solutions emerge that focus on applying techniques to ensure personal information is collected, stored, maintained and transported in a highly secure manner. Looking ahead, an area that should be on your radar (if its not already) is the significant and rising risk of account takeover and credential management. Never forget, cybercriminals are constantly working your technology stack for weaknesses, from inside and outside your enterprise, and poor practices in these areas can fast-track their path to monetization. As CIOs and CISOs, ensure you are solving the real business risks, not just meeting a risk management framework or regulation. Saying you were compliant when you have a breach wont change the outcome, it will only change the credibility of your statement of compliance. The inherent ambiguity of policies, regulations and directives provides ample grey area to maneuver. Dont get too comfortable in the grey zone. Todays quick fix may lead to tomorrows fire drill. I make a habit of asking my leaders are we secure? If the answer is no, I ask then what do we need to do to be secure? And, what are we going to do about it? Its simple, to the point, and grounds the group in the desired outcome versus checking the box. Finally, make sure you are helping your team think big and small. Invest in capabilities that will allow your risk organization and company to leap frog through regulatory and security demands for what they can become in the future, not just what they are today. What you do today to manage risk will not be what youre doing two years from now so, what is your plan? See Also : Top Enterprise Risk Management Service Companies Top Enterprise Risk Management Consulting Companies The BJP will always support the cadre for their sacrifices for protecting Hindutva, he said and urged party cadre to instal the Shivaji statues in every colony and galli. DC file photo Hyderabad: BJP leaders, including Union minister of state G. Kishan Reddy and state party president Bandi Sanjay Kumar, paid floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji to mark his birth anniversary here on Friday, Kishan Reddy offered tribute to the Shivaji statue at Warasiguda of his Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency. Speaking at the event, he stated that youth will be inspired by Shivaji who protected the nations culture. Bandi Sanjay participated in the Shivaji Maharaj arati at Borabanda and paid floral tribute to the Shivaji statue. He alleged that the state government had prevented the installation of statues of Shivaji in Hyderabad. Sanjay asked if Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao was interested in installing idols of the Mughal emperor Babar in Telangana state. He asked why the government had not installed Shivaji statues and why it had instructed the police to object to installing the statues. He said that BJP leaders and activists need not worry about police restrictions. The BJP will always support the cadre for their sacrifices for protecting Hindutva, he said and urged party cadre to instal the Shivaji statues in every colony and galli. If the government obstructs the programme, we will see to the downfall of the government, the BJP state prsident said. Sanjay also said that only saffron flags should fly in the coming election and no flags of any other colour should be seen in the state. The cadre should work hard to win every election from galli to Delhi, there should be no scope for other parties, Sanjay said. New Delhi: Pakistan on Saturday violated ceasefire in Digwar sector of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Army is retaliating strongly. Exchange of fire started at 7:45 PM. This is first ceasefire violation after the resignation of Nawaz Sharif. Earlier on July 18, Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Mandher sector in Poonch of Jammu and Kashmir. On July 17, a minor girl and an Indian Army jawan were killed in a cross-border firing by Pakistan on Monday near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch's Balakote. The army jawan killed in the crossfire has been identified as Naik Muddasar Ahmed, a native of J&K's Tral region. Also read: J-K: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Poonch; Army giving befitting response For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Advertisement Hillary Clinton has blasted Senator Ted Cruz and his family for leaving behind their poodle Snowflake as they jetted off to the Ritz-Carlson hotel in Cancun, Mexico. Cruz, his wife and his daughters headed south of the border on Wednesday, but the dog was left alone in the unheated Houston house. 'Don't vote for anyone you wouldn't trust with your dog,' Clinton tweeted Friday morning. At the time of publication, the tweet had been liked more than 186,000 times and retweeted more than 23,000 times. Cruz is not up for reelection as a U.S. Senator until 2024, but Clinton is telling voters to remember this situation when election season rolls around. Snowflake, which was adopted as a puppy by the family in 2014, was spotted by a reporter at 1pm on Thursday, looking out the front door. A security guard stationed outside the property said that he had been tasked with feeding and tending to the dog, in the freezing home. Hillary Clinton blasted Texas Senator Ted Cruz for leaving behind his dog while he and his family fled to Mexico to escape freezing temperatures by tweeting: 'Don't vote for anyone you wouldn't trust with your dog' At 1pm on Thursday, when the entire Cruz family was still in sunny Cancun, a reporter, Michael Hardy, spotted Snowflake looking out the door of the family's Houston home Cruz said his home lost power at around 6pm on Tuesday night. 'It got cold, in the 30s in the house,' he told Sean Hannity's Fox News show on Thursday night, having returned that afternoon, chastened, following an outcry. 'It stayed without power for two days.' Cruz and Heidi, a managing director in Goldman Sachs' Houston office, flew out of Houston airport at 4pm on Wednesday, with their daughters Caroline and Catherine, 10 and 12. Their trip was met with a great deal of criticism, as Cruz was lambasted for jetting to a fancy hotel while his constituents went without power, hot water and heat. Cruz landed back at Houston airport at around 5pm on Thursday. Snowflake, the Cruz's poodle, was left behind in their freezing home while they went to Mexico The Texas senator is seen at Cancun airport on Thursday, returning home after 24 hours away His wife and daughters remained in Mexico, enjoying temperatures in the high 70s at their $300-a-night resort on the beach in Cancun. Twenty four people have died so far amid the coldest temperatures in decades. Cruz admitted on Thursday that his trip, which sparked a furious outcry among his freezing constituents, had been a mistake. 'It was obviously a mistake and in hindsight I wouldn't have done it,' he said on arrival back at his Colonial Revival home, in the River Oaks district of Houston. 'I was trying to be a dad,' he explained. 'And all of us have made decisions - when you've got two girls who have been cold for two days, and haven't had heat or power, and they are saying: 'Look, we don't have school, why don't we go, let's get out of here.'' Cruz later admitted to Hannity that he intended to stay at the beach resort 'through the weekend', working to help his freezing people from Cancun. Cruz, in footage obtained by CNN, is seen descending an escalator on arrival at Houston airport, after his Cancun trip Ted Cruz was seen on the plane flying home from Cancun to Houston after his one-night trip He changed his flight, he said, on realizing it wasn't a good look. 'We lost power for two days, we lost power, we had no heat,' he said. 'We were huddled around the fireplace behind me because it was the only heat in the house. 'After a couple of days, with it being really cold, in the teens outside, my girls said school's been cancelled, can we take a trip and go somewhere warm. 'And Heidi and I, as parents, we said OK, sure. 'So last night I flew down with them to the beach. And I flew back this afternoon. 'I had initially planned to stay through the weekend and work remotely there. 'As I was heading down I started to have second thoughts almost immediately,' he said. 'Because the crisis here in Texas you need to be on the ground, because as much as you can do by phone and Zoom, it's not the same. 'So I returned this afternoon and I'm here working to do everything we can to get the power turned on.' The Cruzes' decision to leave their pet sparked further fury on social media. 'They left the dog behind? Okay - now I'm really really really mad!' said one person. Another said: 'Animal cruelty too?' Some suggested that animal welfare charities should step in. 'The local humane society should take it away and find a real home with a loving and caring family,' said one. 'I am more focused on him leaving the dog in a freezing house,' said another. 'WTF?' 'Texans have long been fine with Cruz's corruption, dishonesty and hypocrisy,' said one, noting that leaving behind their dog was 'a bridge too far'. NEW YORK - In the first television interviews of his post-presidency, Donald Trump repeated his false claims that the election was stolen from him 10 times each instance unprompted and unchallenged. FILE - In this Wednesday, July 17, 2019 file photo, President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd as he arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Williams Arena in Greenville, N.C. Former President Donald Trump repeated false claims that the election was stolen from him 10 times during interviews this week on Fox News Channel, Newsmax and One America News Networks. The claims were unprompted but also unchallenged in each case. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) NEW YORK - In the first television interviews of his post-presidency, Donald Trump repeated his false claims that the election was stolen from him 10 times each instance unprompted and unchallenged. Trump emerged this week for interviews with Fox News Channel, Newsmax and One America News Network tied to the death of Rush Limbaugh. Each network actively appeals to Trump's base conservative audience. And the way the interviews were conducted illustrates how difficult it may be to change the minds of supporters who believe the former president's unfounded narrative. Nearly a month after he left office, Trump drove his point home on each network: "The election was stolen," he told OANN's White House correspondent Jenn Pellegrino. "We were robbed. It was a rigged election." "We did win the election, as far as I'm concerned. It was disgraceful what happened," he said to Greg Kelly on Newsmax. "You would have had riots going all over the place if that happened to a Democrat," he said when interviewed by Harris Faulkner and Bill Hemmer on Fox News Channel. At no point did an interviewer interrupt Trump to correct or challenge the claims. He brought up the election grievances six times with Kelly, twice with Pellegrino and twice with the Fox team. The subject didn't come up in a later interview with Fox's Sean Hannity. No interviewer introduced the topic. Except for Kelly, each questioner stuck strictly to the subject of Trump's relationship with Limbaugh. "We probably have 100 questions for you, but so many of these are not appropriate for this venue, so we'll keep it on this topic for now," Hemmer said. Hemmer arguably teased the subject, though, when he asked Trump if he had spoken to Limbaugh post-election. "Rush thought we won, and so do I," Trump said. So, in fact, do many of his supporters. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll taken between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1 found that 65% of Republicans say that Joe Biden was not legitimately elected president last November. When Trump supporter Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow, started making election fraud claims in a Newsmax interview on Feb. 2, anchor Bob Sellers interrupted him to read a statement saying that "election results in every state were certified and Newsmax accepts the results as legitimate and final. The courts have also accepted that view." When Lindell pressed his claims, Sellers walked off the set. But a day later, Sellers apologized, saying "there is no question I could have handled the end of the interview differently." Kelly read no statement about certified election results after Trump's claims. Asked about the exchange, Newsmax spokesman Brian Peterson said, "while we believe the former president is entitled to his own opinion on the matter, Newsmax has accepted the election result as final and legal." Only on Fox News was Trump even called a "former president" on air during his appearances. Kelly referred to "President Trump" and "Joe Biden." "A lot of people are in awe of you, and I am one of those people," Kelly told Trump. Television ratings from last week's impeachment trial starkly indicate the extent to which Trump supporters resist news that shakes their world view. Trump fans weren't much interested in the trial, anyway, but during coverage of the second day of the impeachment managers' argument to convict Trump, Fox News Channel's audience was only 815,000, the Nielsen company said. The next day, when Trump's lawyers offered their defence, Fox's audience more than doubled to 2.21 million, Nielsen said. CNN and MSNBC, which appeal to more liberal audiences, had differences, too, but not to that extent. MSNBC had 3 million viewers for the second day of prosecution, and 2.67 million for Trump's defence. CNN's audience went from 2.87 million to 2.54 million. Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, in a statement this week explaining his vote in favour of Trump's conviction, spoke about the need for Americans to accept the truth. "There is one untruth that divides that nation today like none other," he said. "It is that the election was stolen, that there was a massive conspiracy, more secret and widespread than any in human history, so brilliant in execution that no evidence can be found of it and no observer among the tens of thousands in our intelligence agencies will speak of it." Now, post-impeachment, it falls on everyone to affirm Biden's election, he said. "The division in America will only begin to heal in the light of this truth," Romney said. In this Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, file photo, medical workers move a covid-19 patient into an ambulance at a hospital overrun by the covid pandemic in Cheb, Czech Republic. The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Union's nations. At the same time, the worsening situation has forced the Cabinet to abandon for now its plans to reopen all stores as soon as next week. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek/File) Authorities in central Europe warned on Friday that they are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases across their region amid the discovery of new variants. The Polish health minister, Adam Niedzielski, said the first case of a variant first found in South Africa had been discovered in Poland, and that some 10% of all cases now involve the variant that emerged in England. "We are entering a crisis situation again. It is up to us where the peak of this third wave will be" Niedzielski said. "Responsible behavior is key." The Czech Republic, one of the hardest-hit countries in the 27-member European Union, moved Friday to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of the English variant. The government said the worsening situation has forced it to abandon its plans to reopen all stores as early as next week. Neighboring Slovakia is also badly hit. It became the country with the most COVID-19 deaths by size of population in the world this week amid a surge of the English variant. The number of COVID-19 patients in Slovakia's hospitals reached a new record high of 3,900 on Thursdaya situation that has prompted leaders to appeal for outside help. So far, Austria, Poland and Hungary have agreed to deploy medical staff to Slovakia. In this Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, file photo, medical workers move a covid-19 patient at a hospital overrun by the covid pandemic in Cheb, Czech Republic. The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Union's nations. At the same time, the worsening situation has forced the Cabinet to abandon for now its plans to reopen all stores as soon as next week. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek/File) In Hungary, where a steady decline in daily infections and deaths from December reversed course early this month, there are now fears of a new surge even as the country began receiving shipments of Russian and Chinese vaccines. "We are clearly in the ascending phase of the third wave," Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Muller told an online press briefing Friday. Czech Health Minister Jan Blatny said residents will also have to wear better masks in places where large numbers gather, including stores, hospitals and public transportation. He said cloth masks used so far by many will no longer be good enough and medical-grade masks, safety respirators or two surgical masks will instead be required. "We've agreed that it's necessary to do all we can to prevent the infection from spreading," Blatny said. In this Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, file photo, Policemen stop a car to check documents of a driver near the city of Sokolov, Czech Republic. The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Union's nations. At the same time, the worsening situation has forced the Cabinet to abandon for now its plans to reopen all stores as soon as next week. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek/File) In Poland also a debate has opened about the need to require better masks. The health minister said there would only be recommendations for now, but the government wants to discourage the use of scarfs and plastic face shields. The central European region saw very few infections when the virus first arrived in Europe a year ago, only to see a huge spike in infections and deaths in the fall of 2020. In the Czech Republic, the three hardest-hit counties, on the border with Germany and Poland, are under a complete lockdown. The number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days there is around 1,000. Further measures, including a complete lockdown of more counties, will be discussed over the weekend. The government is also planning to make COVID-19 tests mandatory for all employees not working from their homes. In this Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, file photo, medical workers move a covid-19 patient into an ambulance at a hospital overrun by the covid pandemic in Cheb, Czech Republic. The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Union's nations. At the same time, the worsening situation has forced the Cabinet to abandon for now its plans to reopen all stores as soon as next week. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek/File) The Czech government wants to go ahead with a plan to partially reopen schools, with the students of the final grade at high schools coming back on March 1. All students will have to get tested regularly, with the government providing all necessary tests, while teachers will be preferentially vaccinated. Some Czech hospitals have been in a critical situation and have to transport COVID-19 patients to other clinics across the country. The number of patients needing intensive care was at a record high of over 1,200 this week. Only 14% of all ICU beds remain still available. Officials in Germany are also warning that a recent decline in infections could be reversing. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Sri Lanka has officially sought India's support ahead of next week's UNHRC sessions on the island nation's rights and accountability record, a top foreign ministry bureaucrat told a state-run channel on Friday. Speaking to Hitu TV, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Jayanath Colombage said India was the first country that Sri Lanka had turned to for support. During the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva next week, Sri Lanka's record in human rights and related accountability will be probed. "We sent a special communique to the Honourable Indian Prime Minister seeking his help... ," Colombage said. The senior foreign ministry official's comments came after the UNHRC Core Group on Sri Lanka, in a joint statement earlier in the day, said a resolution would be moved next week to focus on Sri Lanka's rights accountability. The Sri Lanka Core Group consists of the UK, Germany, Canada, Malawi, North Macedonia and Montenegro. "The Core Group restates the ongoing importance of addressing Sri Lanka in the Human rights Council. Informed by the report the core group intends to present a resolution to promote reconciliation accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka," the statement read. Colombage expressed confidence that India would support Sri Lanka for the sake of regional solidarity. "This is unwanted interference by powerful countries, still talking about the war time in Sri Lanka when our country is now a peaceful democratic nation," Colombage said. Colombage said he was expecting support from Russia and China as well. The previous Sri Lankan government, headed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, had co-sponsored the resolution in 2013, calling for accountability in alleged war crimes committed by the government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam during the final phase of the near-three-decade-long civil war in May 2009. The current government, led by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, has officially withdrawn from the resolution. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) The US has officially returned to the Paris global climate accord as Joe Biden and other leaders declared the nation could not afford to sideline the growing climate crisis again. We can no longer delay or do the bare minimum to address climate change. This is a global existential crisis, and all of us will suffer if we fail, the US president told European leaders at a Munich security conference by video. Were back, he added. Officially, Donald Trumps removal of the nation from the worldwide global climate pact stood for only 107 days, as part of his withdrawal from global allegiances in general and his often-stated but false view that global warming was a mistaken take by the worlds scientists. The US return to the Paris agreement became official almost a month after Mr Biden told the United Nations that America wanted back in. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, he said in his inaugural address. A cry that cant be any more desperate or any more clear now. While Fridays return is heavily symbolic, world leaders say they expect America to prove its seriousness after four years of being pretty much absent. They are especially anticipating an announcement in coming months on its goal for cutting damaging emissions from burning coal and petroleum by 2030. The Biden administration says it will settle on a tougher new target for the US emissions cuts by the time he hosts a planned Earth Day global summit for world leaders on April 22. The president signed an executive order on his first day in office reversing the pullout ordered by Mr Trump. The Trump administration had announced its withdrawal from the Paris accord in 2019, but it did not become effective until November 4 2020, the day after the election, because of provisions in the agreement. United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that the official American re-entry is itself very important, as is Mr Bidens announcement that the US will return to providing climate aid to poorer nations, as promised in 2009. For too long, we have been waging a senseless war on nature. Climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution threaten our viability as a species. Without natureas help, we will not thrive or even survive. Itas time to make peace with nature. https://t.co/joOanKGaPe AntAnio Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 18, 2021 Its the political message thats being sent, said Christiana Figueres, the former United Nations climate chief. She was one of the leading forces in hammering out the mostly voluntary 2015 agreement in which nations set their own goals to reduce greenhouse gases. One fear was that other nations would follow America in abandoning the climate fight, but none did, Ms Figueres said. She added that the real issue was four years of climate inaction by the Trump administration, as American cities, states and businesses still worked to reduce heat-trapping carbon dioxide but without the federal government. From a political symbolism perspective, whether its 100 days or four years, its basically the same thing, she said. Its not about how many days. Its the political symbolism that the largest economy refuses to see the opportunity of addressing climate change. Weve lost too much time. A gunbattle erupted on Friday in central Mogadishu as Somali government forces sealed off streets to prevent a protest over delayed elections, hours after fighters loyal to the government and to the political opposition exchanged gunfire. Between those clashes, prominent opposition figure Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame Wadajir posted a video of himself leading a small crowd of demonstrators into the street in defiance of a government ban on demonstrations. Somalia's former president, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, accused government troops of attacking a hotel where he was staying with another former president ahead of Friday's rally. Somalia's minister of security, Hassan Hundubey Jimale, accused the opposition of starting the fighting. Any spillover of political rivalries into open conflict will dismay Somalia's allies, and play into the hands of the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgency, which mounts attacks on civilians in East Africa in its bid to impose strict Islamic law. Short link: New Delhi, Feb 19 : Global aerospace major Airbus will collaborate with FlyBlade India (BLADE) to develop the on-demand helicopter services market in South Asia. Accordingly, Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FlyBlade India (BLADE) - a joint venture between U.S.-based technology-powered air mobility company Blade Urban Air Mobility Inc. and Indian investment firm Hunch Ventures. "Airbus and Blade will collaborate to create awareness about on-demand helicopter services, among helicopter operators, customers and other stakeholders in the region," a joint statement said. "The two will also work together to identify ways to increase Blade's fleet size in South Asia." As per the statement, one of the ways to boost on-demand helicopter services in South Asia will be by supporting Blade to gain access to the Airbus fleet of helicopters available with its operators in the region. "Airbus believes in the region's potential as a top helicopter market in the world," said Remi Maillard, President & Managing Director, Airbus India & South Asia. "To this end, we are pleased to support Blade India's aim of expanding their on-demand helicopter mobility services to more people in more places in South Asia and pave the way for the introduction of new technologies and services." Blade is a technology-powered, global urban air mobility platform operating in some of the most congested ground routes in the US and abroad. In India, Blade is currently offering regular services in Mumbai, Pune and Shiridi routes in Maharashtra. The company also offers special shuttle services in this region and is planning to start new routes. The government has abandoned the current system of collecting TV licence Information Minister-designate Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has said. Instead, the proposed Digital Access Fund would be used to replace TV license fee. Mr Nkrumah said this when he took his turn to respond to questions from members of the vetting committee of parliament on Thursday, 18 February 2021. The TV License Fees which was established by the Television Licensing Act 1966 (NLCD 89) was re-introduced in 2015 to ensure TV owners pay fees. The Akufo-Addo led government in 2018 made the payment mandatory and insisted on prosecuting offenders. Many Ghanaians kicked against it arguing that the money will be given to the state broadcaster (Ghana Broadcasting Corporation), which provides content they see as less useful. Answering further questions on the operations of GBC, Mr Nkrumah said when he took office as Information Minister, GBC was owing GHS 25 million and suggested that the state should bear some of the cost of live broadcast of state functions through the Ministry of Information. The status of the Broadcasting Bill and recent attacks on journalists were some of the questions the Committee asked the nominee. Mr Nkrumah assured the Committee that work is being done on the Broadcasting Bill to make it possible for media owners who want to operate websites and other social media networks to register with the National Media Commission (NMC) just like the newspapers. On other matters, the nominee hinted that there will be an update on the COVID-19 vaccines and how it would be rolled out today while assuring the Committee that the Presidential Task Force on COVID is working to fight the pandemic. Source: classfmonline.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 (CNN) - The tiny remote Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean could become the first island to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the British Military said Friday. The island a UK overseas territory has a population of just over 800 inhabitants. At least 1,950 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Ascension earlier this week on a special support flight by the Royal Air Force. Staff at the islands Georgetown Hospital have begun administering the vaccine and the first people to vaccinated were hospital employee Sylvia Isaac and her husband Mervyn. In a statement Ms. Isaac said: I feel very privileged to be able to receive this vaccine, and that the, vaccination itself was quick and painless. This vaccine will hopefully protect us against the worst effects of COVID-19, and also help to protect family, friends and the rest of the community, she said. Given the number of inhabitants the Ascension Island Government anticipates, that first doses will be administered to all those offered it by the end of next week. Gov. Philip Rushbrook of Ascension said: I am pleased to be on Ascension at this time to see first-hand the arrival and distribution of the vaccines. I would like to thank personally everyone involved in making this happen. And said the delivery of the vaccines, represents the culmination of a lot of hard work across several UK government departments, the RAF and within Ascension Island Government. Royal Air Force Flying Officer George Cox, Officer Commanding Cargo said: Places like Ascension Island are notoriously difficult to get to. The vaccines arrived on an A400M Atlas cargo plane as the RAF can get out to remote locations that commercial aircraft can not necessarily access, said Flying Officer Cox. Where is the Ascension? A volcanic island of 33 square miles, Ascension, is approximately 1,000 miles from the coast of Africa and 1,400 miles from Brazil. Their nearest neighbors are on the island of St. Helena 700 miles to the north. Ascension Island is part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha and has its own Constitution is self-governing and makes its own laws. This story was first published on CNN.com, "This island could be the first fully vaccinated territory in the world" Portland,OR, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the report published by Allied Market Research, the global control valve market was pegged at $5.40 billion in 2019, and is expected to reach $7.96 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.0 % from 2020 to 2027. Surge in need for automation in the process industry, rise in investments in the oil & gas industry and pharmaceutical infrastructure, and increase in demand from the food & beverages sector have boosted the growth of the global control valve market. However, intense competition from domestic manufacturers hampers the market growth. On the contrary, surge in number of infrastructure projects in emerging economies such as Japan and India would open lucrative opportunities for the market players in the future. Download Sample PDF (276 Pages with More Insight): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1513 Covid-19 Scenario Due to the Covid-19 outbreak and followed lockdown, several manufacturing hubs temporarily suspended their daily operations to curb the spread of infection. This lead to a disrupted supply chain and shortage of raw materials. The demand for control valves decreased during the pandemic as the construction, chemical, and oil & gas sectors reduced their day-to-day operation. However, the demand is expected to grow post-pandemic as operations would increase and new investments will be made. The global control valve market is segmented on the basis of type, operation, application, and geography. Based on type, the market is divided into linear and rotary. The rotary segment is projected to portray the highest CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. However, the linear segment held the largest share in 2019, accounting for nearly three-fifths of the market. Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Control Valve Market Request Here Based on application, the market is classified into pneumatic control valve, hydraulic control valve, and electrical control valve. The water & waste-water management segment is estimated to portray the highest CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. However, the oil & gas segment held the lions share in 2019, contributing to around one-fifth of the global control valve market. The global control valve market is analyzed across several regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The market across Asia-Pacific dominated in 2019, contributing to around two-fifths of the market. Moreover, this region is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 7.9% from 2020 to 2027. Schedule a FREE Consultation Call with Our Analysts/Industry Experts to Find Solution for Your Business @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/1513 Leading Players: The global control valve market report includes an in-depth analysis of the major market players such as Crane Co., Alfa Laval Corporate AB, Emerson Electric Co., Flowserve Corporation, Schlumberger Ltd., Metso Corporation, KSB SE & Co. KGaA, KITZ Corporation, Samson Aktiengesellschaft, and Velan Inc. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Get more information: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Similar Reports: Explosion Proof Solenoid Valves Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027 Double Block & Bleed Valves Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027 Thermostatic Radiator Valve Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027 Continuous Aerosol Valve Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027 Antisurge valves market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027 Expansion Valve Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027 About Allied Market Research: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP, based in Portland, Oregon. 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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 New York, Feb 19 : China figured in the Quad ministerial meeting with the four leaders concurring that its "forceful attempts" to change situation on the seas in the region should be strongly opposed, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Ministers Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan and Marise Payne of Australia participated in the virtual meeting on Thursday. Only Japan named China in its statement after the meeting, while the Indian and the US statements made no direct mention of China, and Australia had not issued one after the meeting as of Thursday evening in New York. Japan's statement was also more forthright in recognising the challenge to the "international order" from "unilateral attempts to change the status quo" -- diplomatic-speak for aggressive actions. It said, "Foreign Minister Motegi expressed serious concern with regard to China's Coast Guard Law, and the four Ministers concurred to strongly oppose unilateral and forceful attempts to change the status quo in the context of the East and South China Sea." The Coast Guard Law passed last month by Beijing is seen as a threat to countries in the region, including Japan, which are embroiled in maritime disputes with China as the law permits its forces to destroy structures in areas claimed by it and to fire on vessels in the waters it claims as its own escalating the danger of clashes a" which has already happened with India on land in the Himalayas. The Indian External Affairs Ministry statement said without naming China, "The ministers emphasised their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas and peaceful resolution of disputes." However, a joint statement issued by Blinken, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Foreign Ministers Jean-Yves Le Drian of France and Heiko Maas for Germany after a similar virtual meeting on Thursday was explicit about China, saying, "The ministers agreed to closely coordinate to address the global challenges posed by China." The South Block statement said that "India's efforts at providing vaccines to 74 countries was recognized and appreciated" when the ministers "discussed ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccination programmes." "They expressed their commitment to cooperate in addressing this challenge, enhancing access to affordable vaccines, medicines and medical equipment," it added. The Indo-Pacific region, the focus of the Quad, figured in the discussions with the ministers agreeing to "strengthen cooperation on advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including support for freedom of navigation and territorial integrity," State Department Spokesperson Price said. Jaishankar tweeted that they "exchanged perspectives on regional issues across the Indo-Pacific. Highlighted practical cooperation in different domains to give our agenda a concrete shape." The Japanese statement, which was the most detailed, said, "The four ministers concurred on further advancing practical cooperation in various areas towards the realisation of a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific', such as quality infrastructure, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, education and human resource development." It added, "They also welcomed proactive efforts by other countries including those in Europe toward a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific'." Myanmar was one of the topics discussed according to the three countries. "In the discussion pertaining to recent developments in Myanmar, the upholding of rule of law and the democratic transition was reiterated by India," the New Delhi statement said. Japan's statement said that "the four ministers shared the view on the need to recover the democratic regime early" in Myanmar. Motegi expressed "grave concern" over the existing situation in Myanmar and said that Tokyo wanted the military to stop violence against its citizens and swiftly release State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and others who have been detained. The three statements said that the Quad ministers expressed their support for ASEAN, the Southeast Asian group of nations. Expanding on it, the Tokyo statement said, "The four Ministers reaffirmed their strong support for the "ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific", which is ASEAN's proactive efforts, and ASEAN's unity and centrality as well as the ASEAN-led regional architecture." Japan also said that North Korea was also discussed by the ministers. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) ALBANY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday suggested legislators should have pestered his administration with follow-up requests and perhaps even issued subpoenas if they had been determined in their quest to gain access to data on COVID-19 nursing home deaths. "They did not call up or send a demand letter or send a subpoena," Cuomo said. "I said no, I'm not answering your request now. We have a lot going on, we are managing the pandemic. I said no they didn't like the answer." The governor again seemed to point fingers back at state legislators over his delay in answering their questions and releasing requested data surrounding the state's handling of the pandemic in nursing homes. Cuomo has insisted that legislative staff were informed that his administration was delaying its response to the Legislature's request due to a parallel inquiry by the federal Justice Department; legislative aides, however, deny ever being given the explanation that the federal inquiry was taking precedence. Cuomo's remarks were made during a coronavirus task force briefing Friday in which he again took responsibility for creating a "void" by not releasing data to the public in a more timely fashion, a failure that allowed "conspiracy theories and misinformation" to seep into the conversation surrounding New York's handling of the virus in nursing homes. "It is politicians making stuff up to get their face on TV, I get it but you have to knock it down and counter it, and counter it aggressively," he said. "Here the people who were listening to it were people who were in pain and looking for answers." The nursing home scandal continues to plague Cuomo's administration, with the latest revelation being that a top aide to the governor falsely claimed Cuomo regularly speaks with a top health expert. Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa made the claim as she met in private with top lawmakers last week, and explained the administration's consultations with top medical professionals across the nation in helping guide the state's pandemic response. Others that she said the administration consults with are Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Thomas R. Frieden, former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and an infectious disease expert. "The governor speaks on a regular basis with Dr. Fauci, and Dr. Michael Osterholm," DeRosa told the group of lawmakers, according to a transcript of the meeting released this week by the governor's office. "I would say those are two of the people that are chief advisors." Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said in an interview this week with PBS' "Firing Line with Margaret Hoover" that DeRosa's claim was "absolutely not true." Ive had one five-minute conversation (with Cuomo), which was a surprise. ... He had seen me on MSNBC, and just wanted to call and say what a great job I did," the epidemiologist said. "And thats my sole total Ive ever had a conversation with him. I have a paper trail on all the emails and all I was ever asked to do was (say) did this meet the red, green, or yellow zone (infection) numbers? And that was it." DeRosa said the medical experts, including Osterholm, who is a member of President Joe Biden's coronavirus advisory team, had helped guide the administration's strategy to shut down areas in "micro-clusters" rather than larger zones following ZIP code boundaries. "When we created the micro-clusters back in September," she told lawmakers, "if you actually remember what was going on, (New York City Mayor Bill) de Blasio came out and said, 'We're seeing spikes in these areas, we want to shut down these ZIP codes.' We went back to Dr. Osterholm and pulled in Tom Frieden, whom, I'm sure you guys know is the (former) head of the CDC and used to be head of New York City (health department). ... Then they came to us and said ZIP codes aren't a way to define a region because the virus doesn't respect it really, you guys should be looking at census tracks. ... They agreed with the strategy. Michael Osterholm was actually out on MSNBC selling the plan as New York is leading the way and it's an innovative way of thinking because it doesn't have to be all open or closed." Fauci, in an interview with CNN this week, said he was "not really sure of all the details" of a controversial March 25 directive by Cuomo's administration requiring nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients discharged from hospitals. The directive was rescinded less than two months later. In a press conference on Monday, Cuomo restated a claim his administration has made that "COVID did not get into the nursing homes by people coming from hospitals. COVID got into the nursing homes by staff walking in to the nursing homes when we didn't even know we had COVID. Staff walking into a nursing home even if they were asymptomatic because the national experts all told us you could only spread COVID if you had symptoms and they were wrong." Subscribe to our podcast "The Eagle: A Times Union Podcast" takes readers inside the newsroom for an in-depth look at the week's top stories. Subscribe and listen on Apple, Google, Spotify or click the play button below to hear the latest episode. Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for Cuomo, has told reporters that Osterholm's contact with the administration was primarily through their coronavirus task force members, including SUNY Chancellor James Malatras and Dr. Howard Zucker, the state health commissioner. Azzopardi characterized the discrepancy in DeRosa's remarks as "short hand." 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. The San Antonio Food Bank needs volunteers to help with a series of distributions this weekend to help people whose supplies have run out when they were left stranded by ice and snow. The food bank said its ramping up emergency outreach to respond to the effects of a crippling weather system that has produced prolonged sub-freezing temperatures and power and water outages, after helping some 50,000 homeless and transient people and others displaced by the storm this week. Volunteers are in critical need, with more than 500 sought this weekend. On ExpressNews.com: SA Food Bank plans to build $9 million complex in New Braunfels Our community is hurting. We have been meeting the emergency food needs all week for the homeless and those in shelters across our community. Now its time to reach those in homes through our distributions and home deliveries, said Eric Cooper, food bank president and CEO. Volunteers can register at www.safoodbank.org/volunteer. Seven daily mega mobile distributions are planned, with a goal of replenishing food supplies for well over 35,000 people. Those with internet access can visit https://safoodbank.org/cvresponse/getfood/ to preregister. People without online capability will be able to access food while it lasts. Additional information is available at the Food Banks helpline: 210-431-8326 on Friday or Saturday. On ExpressNews.com: Food bank projects big need to continue in 2021 The food bank also runs the kitchen at Haven for Hope shelter for the homeless, which had backup generators for electrical power. But sometimes, like many San Antonians, the kitchen staff has encountered problems with water pressure. The challenge for us was water. It was an off-and-on challenge, Michael Guerra, the food banks chief resource officer, said. He noted the staff is complying with the San Antonio Water Systems precautionary voluntary boil water notice for customers whose water quality might have been affected for consumption. These are the planned food distributions: San Antonio Food Bank main facility, with pre-check required at Camargo Park, 5738 Castroville Road; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. More than 100 pounds of food and water will be distributed to 1,000 households, estimated to be more than 5,000 individuals. NISD Gustafson Stadium, 7001 Culebra Road; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday; 2,000 households. Rackspace Technology, 1 Fanatical Place; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 2,000 households. Harlandale ISD Memorial Stadium, 1109 Apollo St.; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 1,000 households. River City Church, 16765 Lookout Road; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday; 2,000 households. shuddleston@express-news.net South Africa: Ex-OR Tambo Municipality accountant guilty in R9.8m fraud case A former OR Tambo District Municipality capital expenditure accountant will be sentenced in March after she was this week convicted of fraud and money laundering charges. The Umtata High Court on Wednesday convicted Nyameka Qongqo of the charges emanating from a 2014 case when the accused was still an employee at OR Tambo Municipality. In a statement, the Hawks said Qongqo effected duplicate payments to the value of R9.8 million to her husband's business account, Zingce Trading, as well as her sister's business account, Ogiyonke Construction. The case was reported to the Hawks for investigation and upon conclusion of the investigation, five people, including juristic persons, were charged with fraud and money laundering. Qongqo was yesterday found guilty on both charges, the Hawks said. Qongqos sentencing was postponed to 25 March 2021, while she is out on bail. Meanwhile, Qongqo's husband, Thobani Alex Ntshokovu, and his company were convicted early in 2020 and sentenced to five years wholly suspended and to further pay an amount of R50 000 as a fine. The case is still continuing against the accused's sister and her company, and is also remanded to 25 March 2021. The Serious Corruption Crime Investigation unit was applauded by the Eastern Cape Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, for a job well done. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. BJP leaders, including Union Ministers, hit out at former Congress president Rahul Gandhi after he claimed there was no separate ministry for fisheries like agriculture as they said such a ministry already exists and accused him of practising politics of "lies". During an interaction with fishermen in Puducherry, Rahul Gandhi described them as the "farmers of the sea" and asked if the farmers of the land can have a ministry, why can't they? 'Appoint Giriraj as ambassador to Italy': Manoj Jha to PM Modi Now, RJD has come out in support of the Congress leader and slammed Union Minister Giriraj Singh for tweeting in Italian mocking Rahul Gandhi. RJD MP Manoj Jha on Wednesday said that he would request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make Singh the Ambassador to Italy. "We know the reality of his (Giriraj Singh's) ministry. Today I saw his tweet in Italian and I would urge the Prime Minister that since he is not interested to work for his ministry, and has such immense knowledge about Italy, he should be appointed as the ambassador to the country. His knowledge about the country will help in bettering the relationship between the two countries," ANI quoted Jha as saying. BJP leaders take aim at Rahul Gandhi On Wednesday, addressing the Congress leader in his tweets, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Giriraj Singh said he should know that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had created the new ministry on May 31, 2019. Singh added that he was willing to inform Gandhi of the fisheries ministry's work across the country, including in Puducherry. The BJP leader also posted a tweet in Italian that said there is no separate ministry of fisheries in Italy and that it comes under agriculture and forestry ministry, an apparent reference to the Italian origin of Rahul Gandhi's mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Caro Raul (@RahulGandhi), Non esiste un Ministero della pesca separato in Italia. Viene sotto Ministero delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali. https://t.co/Lv9x3r8ozK Shandilya Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) February 17, 2021 In a jibe, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "Hum Do (the duo) of the Congress. Rahul Gandhi: "Why there is no Ministry of Fisheries". We have a ministry of fisheries but Rahul Gandhi doesn't know what is in India. Priyanka Gandhi: Govt. didn't repay the UP sugarcane farmer. Brother and Sister don't know the facts." READ | Petroleum minister seeks 'responsible pricing' from Oil countries amid soaring fuel prices READ | Sri Lanka cancels Imran Khan's speech to its Parliament; visiting Pakistan PM embarrassed #HumDo of @INCIndia @RahulGandhi : "Why there is no Ministry of Fisheries". We have a ministry of fisheries (@FisheriesGoI ) but Rahul Gandhi doesn't know what is in India.@priyankagandhi :Govt. didn't repay the UP sugarcane farmer. Brother and Sister don't know the facts. Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) February 17, 2021 Mocking Rahul Gandhi, Union minister Anurag Thakur said the Congress is again left red-faced due to its "politics of lies". Union minister Smriti Irani also joined her colleagues in targeting the Congress leader and posted a tweet in Italian. Caro @girirajsinghbjp Sanno solo una cosa. Diffondere bugie, paura e disinformazione. https://t.co/mBY7amqcqX Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) February 17, 2021 READ | UP's Unnao: 2 minor girls found dead in field, third battling for life; Probe launched READ | Vaibhav Rekhi's ex-wife Sunaina Rekhi posts message on his wedding with Dia Mirza (With PTI inputs) President Moon Jae-in, left, and justice minister Cho Kuk, Moon's first senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, head toward a meeting room after an appointment ceremony for new Cabinet ministers at Cheong Wa Dae in September 2019. Moon appointed Cho as justice minister despite fierce protests from the opposition. Korea Times file Four senior secretaries for civil affairs at center of political controversies By Do Je-hae President Moon Jae-in has had four senior secretaries for civil affairs since taking office in May 2017, all of whom have ended up causing controversies that have damaged the public's trust in Moon's leadership. The senior aide for civil affairs is among the most powerful positions within Cheong Wa Dae Moon himself served in this position for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun from 2005 to 2006. One of the primary duties of the post is to oversee affairs related to the prosecution. It has been a longtime practice at the presidential office to name a prosecutor to the position, but the practice has not been followed so far in the current administration. Moon has hired people from outside, such as law professor Cho Kuk, who ultimately went on to serve as justice minister as well, to spearhead prosecutorial reform, one of President Moon's key campaign pledges. Supporters of the Liberty Korea Party, precursor of the main opposition People Power Party, hold a rally in protest of Cho Kuk's appointment as justice minister, Aug. 31, in central Seoul. Korea Times file The controversial saga of Moon's senior civil affairs secretaries began with Cho, who left the post in August 2019 after serving two years and two months, and went on to become justice minister in September 2019. He became a subject of public indignation when various allegations of corruption and illegalities involving himself and his family members were revealed during his National Assembly nomination hearing. Despite the hugely negative public sentiment against Cho and protests from the opposition, Moon named him as justice minister anyway. In particular, the allegations about favors for his children's education, a very sensitive issue for the Korean public, ended up severely hampering the public's trust in Moon, who had underlined fairness and justice as the core values of his administration. During this time, Moon's job approval rating dropped under 40 percent for the first time since he took office in May 2017. Moon replaced Cho Kuk with Kim Jo-won, a former BAI official and KAI CEO. An owner of two houses in the affluent district of Gangnam, he left Cheong Wa Dae at the height of the public uproar over Moon's housing policy in summer 2020. Korea Times file Moon replaced Cho with Kim Jo-won, a former KAI CEO and senior official at the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI). But Kim ended up causing trouble for Cheong Wa Dae as well, for seemingly going against then-presidential chief of staff Noh Young-min's recommendation for senior presidential officials to sell real estate holdings other than their main residence. Kim, who owns two apartments in the affluent Gangnam district, reportedly clashed with the chief of staff about the one-house-per-person policy imposed by the presidential office an effort to give the public the impression that Cheong Wa Dae was doing all it could to contain speculative purchasing. Kim retained his two houses and left the presidential office in August 2020, at the height of a public uproar against the government's policy failures to contain housing prices. Kim was succeeded by Kim Jong-ho, another former senior official at the BAI, but his tenure was cut short after only four months on the job amid the conflict between former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who had been initiating investigations into sensitive cases for the Moon administration, such as the allegations that Cheong Wa Dae meddled in the election for Ulsan mayor. Kim Jong-ho resigned in order to take responsibility for the political fallout from the Choo-Yoon conflict, which also had a profound impact on the President's job approval rating. Kim Jong-ho, Moon's third senior secretary for civil affairs, took office on Aug. 13, 2020, but resigned only four months later amid an escalating conflict between the justice ministry and the prosecution. Korea Times file Moon named Shin Hyun-soo to the post Dec. 31, 2020, which was the first time for Moon to name a prosecutor to the position. Shin has expressed his intention to resign several times although he has been serving only a few weeks to protest being left out in the decision to retain controversial senior figures under the Supreme Prosecutor's Office in a recent reshuffle of key public prosecutors. According to the presidential office, Shin is on leave and will return to work Feb. 22, but the offer of resignation has rattled Cheong Wa Dae, coming only weeks after his appointment Shin is said to have protested new Justice Minister Park Beom-kye's decision to retain Lee Sung-yoon, head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, known to have been a fervent supporter of former Justice Minister Choo. The conflict between the prosecution and the justice ministry peaked under Choo, who resigned in December 2020 after failing to suspend Yoon from duty over allegations of misdeeds. The presidential office has explained that Moon has not accepted Shin's resignation offer and is expecting him to return to the job soon. But the opposition claims that controversies surrounding key presidential aides signals a weakened leadership. "Signs of a lame-duck presidency are deepening with the series of crises regarding the civil affairs secretaries," said Rep. Kim Sung-won, a vice floor leader of the main opposition conservative People Power Party, during a party meeting, Friday. "All of the civil affairs secretaries under this administration have had issues." Shin Hyun-soo, Moon's fourth senior secretary for civil affairs, offered to resign this week over differences with the justice ministry regarding a latest reshuffle of senior prosecutors. The offer of resignation has rattled Cheong Wa Dae, coming only weeks after his appointment on Dec. 31. Korea Times file Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time BCI will target a cumulative $5 billion investment in sustainability bonds by 2025 (based on initial participation) and reduce the carbon exposure in its global public equities portfolio by 30 per cent by 2025 (using 2019 as a baseline). "BCI always works in the best financial interests of our clients. Assessing and managing the opportunities and risks presented by climate change is core to that responsibility. These targets will help ensure our clients benefit from the shift to a low-carbon economy," said Gordon J. Fyfe, BCI's chief executive officer / chief investment officer. "Importantly, they set concrete near-term goals that will help us track our progress as we continue to champion long-term and sustainable growth." The setting of these targets represents a carefully considered evolution of the objectives set out in BCI's 2018 Climate Action Plan, and further complements BCI's strategic approach of leveraging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) for both value creation and risk management. As a growing number of governments, companies, and institutional investors establish strategies to help achieve the Paris Agreement objective of limiting global warming, BCI believes that it is in its clients' best financial interests to set targets that align with this international treaty. The goals are consistent with the guidance of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). "These targets balance ambition with feasibility and provide a clearly defined pathway for BCI to seize on climate-related investment opportunities and reduce the climate transition risk of our public markets portfolio," said Daniel Garant, executive vice president & global head, public markets. "BCI believes that gradually lowering exposure to carbon-intensive companies and engaging with companies and regulators to adapt to the low-carbon economy will lead to better financial outcomes for our clients." The commitment marks another milestone in BCI's climate-related work, including becoming a founding signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2006, supporting the TCFD recommendations, actively participating in Climate Action 100+ since 2017, and publishing its Climate Action Plan in 2018. "BCI is committed to continuously improving and adjusting our approach to climate change to benefit our clients and their investments," said Fyfe. BCI will report on progress in meeting these targets through its TCFD reporting, on its corporate website, BCI.ca, and in its ESG Annual Report. About BCI With $171.3 billion of managed assets as at March 31, 2020, BCI is the leading provider of investment management services to British Columbia's public sector. We generate the investment returns that help our 31 institutional clients build a financially secure future. With our global outlook, we seek investment opportunities that convert savings into productive capital that will meet our clients' risk and return requirements over time. We offer investment options across a range of asset classes: fixed income; public and private equity; infrastructure and renewable resources; real estate and mortgages. About BCI's Public Markets Program BCI's public markets program manages a global portfolio of fixed income and public equity investments representing $112.8 billion and totalling 65.9 per cent of BCI's assets under management (as at March 31, 2020). The program invests in Canada, the U.S., and internationally in developed and emerging markets utilizing index and active management strategies. More than 80 per cent of the program's assets are managed internally using a diverse mix of financial instruments. About BCI's Climate-Related Targets Fixed Income: The investment target of $5 billion builds on BCI's historical participation in sustainability bonds of $887 million (as at December 31, 2020 ). builds on BCI's historical participation in sustainability bonds of (as at ). The setting of transition finance targets aligns with best practice on financing the transition and contributing to a net-zero economy. The target will help BCI increase allocations to sustainable issuances of interest and leverage our competitive advantage in this space. Public Equities: The 30 per cent reduction target will be measured using Weighted Average Carbon Intensity (WACI) as recommended by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The 2019 baseline aligns with best practices among global investors and closely reflects BCI's current investment strategy based on more active, internally managed mandates. BCI began measuring and publicly reporting the carbon footprint of the public equities portfolio in our ESG Annual Report in 2017. SOURCE British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) Related Links http://www.bci.ca/ The "Digital Sovereignty Can Europe's Digital Industry Keep Pace With the Rest of the World?" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report explores the emerging issue of digital sovereignty which, more and more, is being viewed as critical, especially in Europe. It begins by analysing perceptions of sovereignty in the various Member States, and in other regions around the world that have historically been more proactive in this area, such as Russia and Asian countries (China, Japan, South Korea). The report then provides a benchmark of six key enabling ICT (micro-electronics, quantum computing, cloud, cybersecurity, connectivity, artificial intelligence), associated public R&D funding and industry rankings in the different regions. It identifies the areas where Europe has an opportunity to reposition itself and secure market leadership. Finally, it delivers a complete snapshot of the regulatory framework being adopted in Europe to develop digital sovereignty. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Methodology 2.1. Scope: Focus on the enlarged ICT sector 2.2. Benchmark of public funding programmes 2.3. Definition: What is technological sovereignty? 3. National and European strategies 3.1. European visions of sovereignty 3.1.1. Europe 3.1.2. France 3.1.3. Germany 3.1.4. The United Kingdom 3.1.5. Italy 3.1.6. Spain 3.1.7. Sweden 3.1.8. Poland 3.2. Other countries' visions of sovereignty 3.2.1. The United States 3.2.2. China 3.2.3. Japan 3.2.4. South Korea 3.2.5. Russia 4. Public initiatives: Funding schemes for different technologies 4.1. Synthesis 4.2. Quantum computing 4.3. Electronics 4.4. Cybersecurity 4.5. Network services 4.6. Cloud services 4.7. Artificial Intelligence 5. Private initiative 5.1. Industrial leadership 5.1.1. Leading digital industry players 5.1.2. Synthesis 5.2. R&D intensity 5.2.1. Overall R&D spending 5.2.2. Focus on private R&D 5.3.3. Start-up funding 6. Regulation and public policies 6.1. European Regulatory Framework 6.1.1. Digital Markets Act (DMA) 6.1.2. The Digital Services Act (DSA) 6.1.3. A common European market for data 6.1.4. The Data Governance Act (DGA) 6.1.5. Focus on EU cybersecurity initiative 6.1.6. NIS Directive 6.2. Other key actions 6.2.1. Data regulation 6.2.2. Taxation 6.2.3. Online platforms competition regulation List of tables and figures National and European strategies The digital sovereignty issue Key Enabling Technologies as defined by the EC in 2018 Public initiatives Total public funding on all ICT technologies in EU, Germany, France, Italy Total public funding on AI, quantum computing and cybersecurity in EU, Germany, France Total public funding on 5G and other digital technologies in EU, Germany, France, Italy Total global public funding of AI, quantum computing and cybersecurity Total global public funding of ICT technologies Total global public funding of ICT and digital technologies Quantum computing initiatives Electronics initiatives Cybersecurity initiatives Network services initiatives Cloud services initiatives Artificial Intelligence initiatives Private initiative World's top digital market players in 2019 by revenue World's leading companies in micro-nano electronics in 2019 Europe's top digital market players in 2019 (by revenue earned in Europe) Breakdown of the different digital markets in Europe by suppliers' country of origin Comparison of R&D spending in China, the US and Europe R&D in the digital sector in 2018 Regional distribution of the World's Unicorns in 2020 Distribution of European Unicorns in 2020 Comparison of R&D spending in China, the US and Europe Regulation and public policies Illustration of the "Double Irish" and "Dutch Sandwich" schemes Comparison or corporate tax rates in Europe Companies Mentioned Airbnb Alibaba Alipay Alphabet Amazon Apple Baidu China Telecom Cisco Criteo Dassault Systemes Deutsche Bank Deutsche Telekom Didi Chuxing Ericsson Facebook Fujitsu Google Huawei IBM iQiyi KDDI KT LG UPlus Mail.ru McAfee Microsoft MTS Netflix Nokia NortonLifeLock NTT DoCoMo Oracle Orange Rakuten Salesforce Samsung SAP SFR Siemens SK Telecom Softbank Telefonica Tencent Tesla Thales TikTok Uber Vodafone WeChat Xiaomi Yandex ZTE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cmt64e View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005290/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 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. Most black Americans attend black churches but want diversity: study Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment While most black Americans believe historically black congregations should become more racially and ethnically diverse, the majority prefer to attend predominantly black congregations that feature distinctive expressions of worship like praying in tongues. The observation was among the key findings of a Pew Research Center survey of 8,660 black Americans, conducted from Nov. 19, 2019, to June 3, 2020. The study is the Pew Research Centers first large-scale, nationally representative survey designed primarily to help understand distinctive aspects of the religious lives of black Americans. On the issue of diversity, while 61% of black Americans say their historically black congregations need to be more diverse and the race of attendees wasnt a priority, the survey showed that most black Americans are drawn to black churches for reasons beyond race. Sermons are a prime example: Black Americans who attend black Protestant churches are more likely to say they hear messages from the pulpit about certain topics such as race relations and criminal justice reform than are black Protestant churchgoers who attend multiracial, white or other race churches, researchers said. The distinctive worship style of black churches is also noted as a compelling attraction. Protestants who worship in predominantly black churches are more likely than other Black Americans to say their congregations feature worshippers calling out amen or other expressions of approval (known as call and response). They also are more likely to feature expressive forms of worship that include spontaneous dancing, jumping or shouting. And 54% of Protestants in black congregations say the services they attend feature speaking or praying in tongues, a practice associated with Pentecostalism, Pews report on the survey explained. While most respondents participated in the survey in early 2020 prior to May 25, 2020, when a handcuffed George Floyd died as two Minneapolis officers pressed their weight on his torso and a third pressed his knee into is neck, resulting in global protests recent polling from July 2020 supports the observation that black Protestants are far more likely than Protestants of other races to have recently heard sermons supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Last summer, Doug Weaver, professor of Baptist Studies and director of the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies at Baylor University, told The Christian Post that many churches, particularly white congregations, dont see racial reconciliation as an actionable priority even though they may acknowledge that it is important. Recent research from Barna, also shows that less than 30% of American churches are actively engaged in addressing racism or racial inequality even though most pastors agree that churches should oppose the social ills. Its not that different racial groups dont think these issues [of race] arent important. Its that theres this question of how important they think it is. If you have a hierarchy of values, which ones are most important to you? I do think thats where the Church at large can be indicted, and that race has not been at the top of the list even though it should be. Churches tolerate racial discrimination, it should never be tolerated, but history shows that, he said. The new Pew report focused on describing the rich diversity of black people in the United States and included not only single-race, U.S.-born African Americans but also Americans who identify as both black and some other race or black and Hispanic, as well as black people who live in the U.S. but were born outside of the country. Two warehouse workers on opposite sides of a shelving system suddenly feel a buzz. It's a tag alerting them they are within six feet of another person, a distance considered too close during the COVID-19 pandemic. That's the newest use of location tracking hardware and software created for manufacturers by Ghent, Belgium-based Pozyx. A spinoff from public research university Ghent University in 2015, the startup has found success in Europe and Asia. Its first office outside Belgium recently opened in Greenville on Woodruff Road. Yves Ghys, chief commercial officer and lead on the U.S. expansion, arrived three weeks ago after first flying to Mexico due to pandemic direct flight restrictions. He said the company picked Greenville for the startup's U.S. hub after its Simpsonville-based business partner, Gemba Systems, highlighted the state's strong manufacturing economy. Ghys said he is impressed with the warm welcome, which included a meeting with Mayor Knox White. Its local office currently has nine employees three of them local hires including one sales engineer and two software engineers. Ghys, who previously worked as a global account manager for Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Belgium, plans to stay for a year before finding a local managing director to take his place. The company's ultra-wideband technology tracks locations to within eight inches. This is done through a system of anchors, which are clipped on walls or other stationary items, and tags, which are clipped on anything that moves employees, crates and other portable objects. Using the Pozyx software, a manufacturer can tell exactly where everyone and everything is in its space. Pozyx claims the system improves efficiency by eliminating time spent looking for items in a large warehouse. One 24-person team that used the system found that it spent three days per quarter looking for missing crates, said Gemba Systems CEO Stijn Van de Velde. "It was like a daily goose chase," Van de Velde said. "Now they can be more competitive." Other uses include helping food manufacturers and distributors know where their oldest perishable items are so they can ship those out first. A more universal use is mandating that employees wear tags around their necks so they are clocked in and out of work automatically. Sign up for our Greenville development newsletter. Get all the latest updates on the Upstate real estate market, more openings and closings, exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email Sign Up! Right now, most of its customers in the U.S. are located in the Michigan and upper New York area. The 25-person company hopes to hit $5 million in revenue this year, representing 30 percent year-over-year growth. Currently, between 20 and 40 percent of its revenue is from U.S. customers, Ghys said. "We're pretty happy with that considering until a year ago, there was no sales team," he said. Globally, Pozyx has 4,000 customers in 80 countries that have at least bought its $6,000 test kit online. There are approximately 10 companies in South Carolina that have bought the test kit, and at least one has gone on to do a full rollout of the technology. While small in size, the company has been able to successfully expand beyond Belgium due to its partner model with companies like Gemba. The four-person team behind Gemba, founded in 2017, meets with companies in the south and helps them figure out how to best use the product. As it expands, Pozyx may find partners in other U.S. regions. One issue frequently raised with tracking products is privacy. The tags can track exactly where employees are and for how long, which is largely a calculation of how productive an employee is for a company. But Ghys said more often the tags show when two people are doing the same job and one is then given a different role. He also said the company doesn't want to invade employee privacy and that the system should make life easier for both the company and employees. French company Bonduelle, a big player in the processed vegetables production industry, used the tracking setup to increase its warehouse efficiency by 3 percent, according to one case study provided by Pozyx. That equated to hundreds of saved hours per warehouse each year. In another case study, a San Paolo, Italy-based salad packing factory that made more than 1,400 pallet movements each day as part of getting vegetables from production lines to different areas of the warehouse. The company now can be sure it is selecting the right pallets. "It's all about finding the most productive and most efficient use of employees," Ghys said. [February 19, 2021] Superior School of Real Estate Brings Bill Gallagher Back as Instructor for Continuing Education Courses Superior School of Real Estate, the leading real estate educator for both online and classroom learning in North Carolina, today announced that Bill Gallagher is back to teach continuing education (CE) courses. Starting in March, Gallagher will be returning to the company as an instructor of a variety of real estate CE courses. "While I have tried to ease into retirement this past year, I honestly just miss teaching and helping students," said Bill Gallagher, founder of Superior School of Real Estate. "By jumping back into the world of real estate simply as an instructor, I can focus on my favorite part of the job, which is to help professionals and emerging professionals continue their learning requirements with as much interaction and enjoyment as possible." Superior School of Real Estate transitioned all courses last year to an online, synchronous distance-learning format to minimize risk of COVID-19 to students, staff and the community. The company continues to focus on its LiveStream courses with the instrutor and students separated only by distance and not time, allowing for real-time monitoring of student participation. These courses are available across all stages of real estate education, from pre-licensing and post-licensing, to continuing education. "We are excited to bring Bill back and share his 'laugh and learn' style in the digital classroom," said Kyle Wentz, education director at Superior School of Real Estate. "His lighthearted personality and dedication to real estate will always be welcome." Bill Gallagher founded Superior School of Real Estate in 2005 and retired in 2020. His experience of over 36 years in the real estate industry has touched the lives of many students and professionals in North Carolina. A schedule of his upcoming continuing education courses is now available on the school's website. For more information on Superior School of Real Estate, visit https://www.superiorschoolnc.com. ABOUT SUPERIOR SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE Superior School of Real Estate is a leading provider of Qualifying and Continuing Education across North Carolina, helping more than 20,000 licensees and Realtors annually to advance their career. DREI instructors and trainers further the mission of Superior School founder Bill Gallagher, a leading expert in real estate and a speaker, instructor and mentor. Superior School of Real Estate is part of Colibri Group, which helps millions of professionals manage and advance their careers through online learning solutions for licensing and continuing education. For more information, visit superiorschoolnc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005041/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE, N.M. Watchdog groups want the Biden administration to reconsider the decision by a U.S. agency not to conduct a more extensive environmental review related to production of the plutonium cores used in the nations nuclear arsenal. The renewed request comes as federal installations in New Mexico and South Carolina face a deadline of making 80 cores per year by 2030, with the first 30 due in five years. With jobs and billions of dollars in spending at stake, the effort to modernize the nations nuclear arsenal has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress over the years, especially among New Mexico Democrats whose districts stand to benefit from the economic windfall. The Biden administration has taken swift action to reverse some policies by the Trump administration, but has yet to say whether it plans to push ahead with making more plutonium cores. It does say that work is being reviewed. Nuclear Watch New Mexico, South Carolina-based SRS Watch and California-based Tri-Valley Communities Against a Radioactive Environment sent a letter to the U.S. Energy Department last week asking that a rigorous environmental review be done before production is ramped up at Los Alamos National Laboratory in northern New Mexico and the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The groups have cited provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, saying plutonium core production would significantly increase the amount of radioactive and toxic waste generated at the two locations and that the collective environmental effects need to be considered. We are hopeful that a review of programs with significant environmental impacts under NEPA will return to normalcy with the new presidential administration, said Leslie Lenhardt, an attorney with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, which is representing the groups. She said the Energy Department and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) have a new opportunity to revisit their Trump-era refusal for a more thorough environmental review. The nuclear security agency said in an email to the Associated Press that the issues raised by the groups were considered during previous public participation opportunities. The agency opted last fall to prepare a supplemental analysis of an environmental review done for Los Alamos more than a decade ago, despite criticism that ramping up production at the lab goes beyond those initial plans and should be reexamined. A separate review was done for Savannah River. NNSA spokeswoman Ana Gamonal de Navarro said the decisions were consistent with the agencys legal obligations and there has been no guidance to revisit the decisions amid the presidential transition. But she also noted that its common for programs and activities to be reviewed under new leadership. NNSAs approach to plutonium pit production will be included in this review process, she said. Until such a review is completed, NNSA will continue its current overall pit production timeline and strategy. U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, both New Mexico Democrats, did not respond to questions about whether they would support a more extensive environmental review for the work planned at Los Alamos. The city of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County in January passed resolutions seeking further study. Watchdog groups have raised concerns about contamination if new plutonium warhead factories are established in New Mexico and South Carolina that resemble the Rocky Flats facility in Colorado, which had a long history of leaks, fires and environmental violations, and needed a $7 billion cleanup that took years to finish. The mission of producing the plutonium cores began at Rocky Flats in the 1950s and was eventually moved to Los Alamos in the late 1990s. Dogged by safety problems and concerns about a lack of accountability, production at Los Alamos has happened in fits and starts over the years. Its been shut down at times and only a handful of prototypes were made in fiscal year 2019. The cost of the work also has spurred criticism. A 2019 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office estimated that expanded pit production plans could cost up to $9 billion over the next decade, but that the estimate was very uncertain. The Government Accountability Office last year pointed to NNSA and independent studies that have cast doubt on the agencys ability to prepare the two planned factories in time. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 25022 Rob Phocas, Energy & Sustainability Manager, City of Charlotte Rob Phocas, Energy & Sustainability Manager, City of Charlotte I like the latest smart technology as much as the next person. Be it a smart streetlight, a digital kiosk, or a solar powered bench that charges your smart device and counts passers-by, it is hard not to find futuristic features appealing. But as a sustainability director and public servant, I must look past that cool factor. At a recent smart cities conference at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the conference organizers asked the presenters to answer a question during their remarks: Can innovative smart city technology create coherent and inclusive cities? For those following the arch of the smart cities conversation, this is a very timely question, as we see more and more cities beginning to focus their smart city efforts on their residents first rather than on the technologies. What started as an industry-lead effort focused on promoting the latest gadgets to municipalities is shifting to a municipal-lead effort to understand which of these gadgets can help staff achieve their mayor and/or city councils goals of creating a great quality of life for their residents. Charlottes approach is no different, which is why my answer to the question about technology creating coherent and inclusive cities was, No. It is people, after understanding the unique needs of their residents, who will use these innovative smart technologies to create coherent and inclusive cities, not technology alone. Succeeding at equitable community engagement will take more than just meeting with neighborhood presidents This concept of building with our residents and not for them, was recently summarized by my colleague at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Douglas Shoemaker, when he wrote. Worldwide, the dominant smart city narrative is a futuristic vision of how new digital infrastructure will allow us to wire, monitor and efficiently control the urban milieu: a Fitbit for the city. While this is a useful and feasible approach particularly from the viewpoint of governance, this story of quantifiable city is unable to speak to the real-world problems generated by this new world: how to be a citizen when your presence must not be simply geographic but also digital? How to take advantage of emerging opportunities when new skills and costly new hardware are needed? Getting these answers wrong has real consequences: being left behind in a digital urban revolution. This is the digital divide. As enablers of this smart technology, we run the risk of widening this digital divide if we do not work hand in hand with those we seek to empower through its use. Truly smart cities will require concurrent investments in human and social capital as well as upgrades to traditional sector infrastructures in order to realize broadly distributed benefits and sustainability gains. This is the approach Charlotte is taking as we develop and implement the North End Smart District (NESD), a 3.6 square mile area with eight distinct neighborhoods due north of Charlottes Uptown. For this project, we have defined a smart city as one that collaborates to use data and technology to inform decision-making and action on issues such as mobility, safety, energy efficiency, community services, education, and environmental health. Our vision for the NESD is to create a vibrant center for economic development and job growth with a great quality of life fueled by data, innovative technologies, and collaboration on a foundation of equitable community engagement. Equitable community engagement is the cornerstone of the work being done and we began it by meeting with the eight leaders of the neighborhoods in the NESD. At the initial meeting we shared our vision, which we based on our colleagues understanding of the needs of these residents, but we spent just as much time listening and discussing. We have followed this initial meeting with several more aimed at fleshing out what it will mean to build with the NESD residents rather than for them. But succeeding at equitable community engagement will take more than just meeting with neighborhood presidents. There are many obstacles that must be overcome and that go much deeper than learning new technology. To this end, Charlotte applied for and recently was awarded a grant from the Partners for Places Equity Pilot Initiative-a project of the Funders Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities. This grant will enable us to move our conversation to much larger audiences of residents in the NESD. As Diane Ives, fund advisor for The Kendeda Funds People, Place and Planet program, stated, We need to put equity at the heart of community-based sustainability efforts to ensure that everyone has a chance to live in a vibrant, healthy, resilient community regardless of their zip code. Our goal is to create an accessible smart city platform where residents provide input, align community goals and needs, and collaborate on meaningful projects. Through engagement, we will work with the NESD residents to develop and implement together four projects: Healthy Communities; Neighborhood Transportation; Smart Homes/ Neighborhoods; and Technology Training Programs/Pipeline. Partners will develop relationships, a shared understanding, and test engagement components related to reaching residents, who may not already be a part of the conversation. From past experiences and our recent dialogues, we understand there are many obstacles to sustained participation in projects: childcare; meals; transportation; convenient times and locations; cultural and racial barriers; and a shared language around the projects. Our work will be the foundation of our future engagement strategy, action, results, and feedback loop in the NESD and hopefully in other projects in Charlotte. We understand that we face a difficult task. Effective, sustained community engagement is already difficult without adding in innovative smart technologies that are foreign to many. However, we believe the promise of these technologies when combined with a people-centric approach, will allow us, and many other municipalities, to reach their respective goals. Read Also Top Smart City Technology Companies Top Smart City Consulting Companies Restaurants will no longer be allowed to sell pre-packaged meals through arrangements with supermarkets and other outlets, as Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley definitively closed this loophole yesterday. Rowley said this would not be allowed to continue, as it defeats the purpose of the public health regulations. Restaurants and street food vendors were among those businesses ordered to close to limit the movement of people and curb the spread of Covid-19. ADVERTISEMENT The police in Lagos have arrested four teenagers for allegedly raping a girl at the Ejigbo area of Lagos. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson in Lagos State, disclosed this in a statement on Friday. The four suspects, all 16 years old, were arrested by operatives attached to Ejigbo Police Division on Tuesday. Mr Adejobi said the teenagers raped the girl in a room at 33, Alhaji Obe Street Ejigbo, around 10 p.m., adding that they belong to a group called Ejigbo Boys. The mother of the victim, One Tawa Abbey, of No 20, Mafo Bus Stop, Idimu Road, Ejigbo, reported the incident to the police that her daughter (name withheld) went to buy food at Lafenwa Street, Ejigbo, when a group of boys attacked the victim with dangerous weapon, threatened to kill her and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her in a room at No 33, Alhaji Obe Street Ejigbo, the police said. The suspects arrested in connection to the incident are; Jimoh Kamoru, Lukman Basit Aleshinloye Sunday and Ifeoluwa Alabi. Other suspects in the gang fled the scene, the police said. The police recovered items including cutlasses and substances suspected to be Indian hemp from the teenagers. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Hakeem Odumosu, ordered the Divisional Police Officer to go after the fleeing members of the group and intensify efforts in ridding Ejigbo of bad boys who are fond of attacking and gang-raping innocent ladies and causing pains to them, Mr Adejobi further said. Mr Odumosu said the police would work with other governmental agencies and interest groups in fighting against all sorts of social vices particularly rape, defilement and domestic violence. The suspects have been transferred to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba for discreet investigation and prosecution. Dr Emer Holohan (nee Feely), the wife of Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, has passed away after a long illness. She died today surrounded by loved ones at Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross in Dublin. She had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012. Taoiseach Micheal Martin was among those to pay tribute. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, and his children, Clodagh and Ronan, today following the sad passing of his wife Emer," he said in a statement. "Dr Emer Holohan made a significant contribution to the health service, including her work on the Health Strategy when I was Minister for Health. "Tony and his entire family have given so much to this country since the start of the pandemic. At this time, I would ask for as much space and privacy to be given to them as possible." Dr Tony Holohan, who took time out from his CMO role to care for his wife last year, has family throughout Kilkenny. The Mayor of Kilkenny John Coonan has expressed his sadness at Dr Emer Holohan's death, and said his thoughts and prayers are with her family. "As Mayor of Kilkenny City, I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to Dr Tony Holohan, his children Clodagh and Ronan and extended Feeley and Holohan families with the passing of Dr Emer Holohan, a loving wife and mother," he said. "Dr Holohan, I wish to thank you for your dedicated service and calm leadership throughout this pandemic. In particular the personal sacrifice you and your family have made in the past year. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May she rest in peace." The U.S. vaccine supply is poised to double in the coming weeks and months, according to an analysis by Bloomberg, allowing a broad expansion of doses administered across the country. Currently, the U.S. is administering 1.6 million doses a day, constrained by the recent supply of about 10 million to 15 million doses a week. But COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers and U.S. officials have accelerated their production timelines and signaled that the spigots are about to open, providing hundreds of millions of doses to match the growing capacity to immunize people at pharmacies and mass-vaccination sites. A review of drugmakers public statements and their supply deals suggests that the number of vaccines delivered should rise to almost 20 million a week in March, more than 25 million a week in April and May, and over 30 million a week June. By summer, it would be enough to give 4.5 million shots a day. Bloombergs analysis is based on company and government statements, data on the number of shots already delivered and conversations with people familiar with the manufacturing effort who spoke on condition of anonymity. The analysis assumes drugmakers will meet their new delivery targets not a guarantee in a year-old pandemic where much has gone wrong. Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc. have promised to deliver more than 500 million additional doses by the end of July, and Johnson & Johnson is expected to deliver 100 million doses of its one-shot vaccine by the end of June. Taken together, thats enough to vaccinate 400 million people more than is needed to cover all of the U.S. before the end of July. Additional details from the companies make it possible to model their deliveries more precisely. Pfizer has said it will have shipped 120 million doses by the end of March more than 10 million a week from now until then. Moderna this week said it would deliver 30 million to 35 million doses a month in February and March, and 40 million to 50 million a month after that. Because of differences in how doses are manufactured and then made available, Bloombergs projections may not exactly match when doses will be or have been delivered. What we are going to see is every week a continued ramp, said Andy Slavitt, White House senior adviser for COVID response. By the end of March, he said, there should be 200 million doses available for distribution to states about 90 million more than the current total, according to U.S. figures. That implies there will be a whole lot more than there are today, Slavitt said during an online interview with the Washington Post Thursday. Drugmakers have missed some previous projections following scientific setbacks and manufacturing failures. To mitigate those risks, the U.S. reached agreements to buy at least 1.21 billion doses, far more than whats needed to cover all Americans. Even if the promised doses are delivered, the U.S. would face a daunting logistical challenge of administering them, and President Joe Bidens administration has remained conservative in its own projections. On Wednesday, Jeff Zeints, White House coronavirus response coordinator, said the government hoped to have enough vaccines to cover 300 million Americans by the end of July about 100 million people less and a month later than what Bloombergs analysis indicates is coming. There are opportunities for things to go better, but like this weeks weather proves, there are surprises in store as well, Slavitt said, referring to winter storms that have slowed vaccination efforts across the country. Administration officials including Zeints as well as Bidens chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci, have also talked down J&Js expected production, saying they expect it to be backloaded toward the summer. In a statement this week, J&J said it intends to distribute vaccine to the U.S. government immediately following authorization, and expects to supply 100 million doses to the U.S. in the first half of 2021. In the meantime, expectations of an increasing amount of vaccine are being matched by an expanding on-the-ground capacity to get it into arms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been preparing mass-vaccination centers, such as a temporary site in Delaware that aims to perform 18,000 vaccinations over a week. Around the country, the federal government has begun to gradually feed vaccine doses to pharmacies with 6,500 locations so far to start giving shots to the broader public. In early January the White House said it would allow retired nurses and doctors to return to work to help administer vaccines. We need to increase the number of places where people can get vaccinated, and also at the same time increase the number of vaccinators, Zeints said on Jan. 27, describing the program for retired health workers. States have made clear they are ready for more doses than they are currently getting. Michigans top health official said early this month that the state could perform 80,000 vaccinations a day at least 30,000 more than its recent daily average. In California, officials are opening sites like the Levis Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, where they will be able to perform 15,000 doses a day. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city had delayed opening several mass-vaccination sites while waiting for doses. We have the infrastructure in place to deliver half a million doses per week. All thats missing is the supply to get it done, de Blasio said in a statement Wednesday. The story of the COVID-19 pandemic has been frustration and disappointment, and one lesson the Biden administration may have learned from the previous occupants of the White House is that theres little upside in over-promising and under-delivering. Biden came into office targeting 100 million doses in 100 days, a daily rate that was achieved 72 hours after he was sworn in on Jan. 20 (the U.S. has administered 57.4 million doses as of Wednesday, according to the Bloomberg Vaccine Tracker). His administration has benefited from the vaccine programs started under the Trump administration to develop and buy the shots. And while Biden White House officials have often talked-down the handoff of the program, much of the manufacturing and delivery momentum was created months before Biden took office. In New Jersey, the state has given first doses to 1.07 million people as of Wednesday. Commissioner of Health Judith Persichilli said at a briefing Wednesday that the state has another 2.5 million people in line, ready to get the shots. With the number of points of dispensing in New Jersey, we could easily get up to three-and-a-half million people vaccinated in a short period of time, said Persichilli, if we had the vaccine. ___ Drew Armstrong and Tom Randall of Bloomberg News wrote this story. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-18 23:43:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A grand national flag-raising ceremony is held as part of the celebrations for the New Year's Day at the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday urged efforts to pool wisdom to improve the government's work and promote sustainable, healthy economic and social development. When chairing a State Council executive meeting, Li was briefed on the handling of suggestions from deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and proposals from members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in 2020. In 2020, offices and departments under the State Council coordinated the handling of 8,108 suggestions from NPC deputies and 4,115 proposals submitted by CPPCC members, taking up 88.3 percent and 84.9 percent of the total, respectively, according to the meeting. The meeting pointed out that relevant departments adopted about 3,700 pieces of advice and subsequently introduced some 1,500 policy measures. Concrete results must be achieved concerning the adopted advice, the meeting noted. This year's "two sessions" will be held soon. The meeting required that hearing advice from NPC deputies and CPPCC members and handling proposals, as an essential part of the government's work, should be integrated into the government's decision-making process and policy implementation, to help secure a good start for fully building a modern socialist country. The meeting urged efforts to effectively collect and take in the advice and recommendations from NPC deputies and CPPCC members during the two sessions. Proposal handling shall be closely incorporated into the work of the government, the meeting noted, adding that the quality of proposal handling should be raised. It also called on relevant departments to fulfill their due responsibilities in this regard. Since I started writing this column on technology a couple of years ago, two things have been eminently predictable. One is Elon Musk, the richest man in the world now, doing unpredictable things: Boring tunnels, implanting chips in pigs brains, and christening his son unpronounceably. The second is the unpredictability of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencyvolatile, erratic, yo-yoing between $3,000 and $50,000 in this short time, and being simultaneously hailed as the next big thing or dismissed as a digital tulip, as speculative as the tulip mania of the mid-1600s. So, it was interesting when the two came together in a rather risque cartoon tweeted by Musk, showing a pious priest getting distracted by an unusually clad lady with the word bitcoin written over a certain part of her anatomy. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot A few days later, Tesla announced that it had bought $1.5 billion of Bitcoin and will soon accept cryptocurrency as legitimate payment for its cars. Mastercard followed by announcing that it will incorporate select cryptocurrencies on its global payment network. BNY Mellon, incidentally the USs oldest bank, announced holding and transferring digital currencies for asset management clients. JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs announced executive positions to look at cryptocurrencies. Even the iconoclastic mayor of Miami, US, tweeted that his city would accept taxes in Bitcoin. All of this served as rocket fuel for Bitcoin, and its younger sibling, Ethereum. The former rose 358% over 12 months to its highest ever, and latter went up from $1 in 2015 to over $1700 this week. Roger MacInnes, an investment director, observed that rather than an odd bunch of bros" and computer geeks", Bitcoin is now populated by alumni of prominent investment banks, hedge funds and consultancies, with many crypto companies professionalized and regulated. Its grown up." The other predictable occurrence in the world of cryptocurrency was yet another avowal by Indias government to ban it through a proposed legislation, the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, and also set up a legal structure for an official digital currency". While the latter step is laudable, the former seems to be a response Luddites would love. India tried to ban cryptocurrency once before, in 2018, before it was reversed by the Supreme Court. The Bill promises to allow for certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of cryptocurrency (blockchain, we presume) and its uses." But this is precisely why it gives rise to the belief that the government has not understood the technology. The way the technology is built, an ownerless, consensus-driven, distributed ledger like a blockchain needs cryptocurrency to grease its wheels. To be interested in blockchain, not Bitcoin, is like saying that you are interested in the economy, not money. This step has many ramifications. One is how it will kill innovation. Blockchain, along with artificial intelligence, augmented/virtual reality and internet of things, is seen as a technology that will shape the future. India has more than 30,000 blockchain innovators and practitioners, according to Akshay Aggarwal, founder of Blockchained India, and they will now be looking at moving out to friendlier regimes like the US, Switzerland, Singapore and Estonia. International tech companies will freeze blockchain and crypto-exchange investments and the step will undermine Indias reputation as a technology hub. India is the second-largest Bitcoin trading nation in Asia, and all those trades will move to overseas exchanges. The thing with digital technology is that you actually cannot shut it down. It just moves elsewhere. To shut down cryptocurrency, you will have to shut down the internet. Sumit Gupta, chief executive officer, CoinDCX, notes that China has large crypto trading and mining operations, and an Indian ban on Bitcoin will leave that space open for it. Also, Bitcoin is called digital gold for a reasonit is limited, fungible, and a potential store of value. If this were to emerge as a global currency reserve, as gold did in the previous century, a ban could be suicidal. No doubt, there are many problems with cryptocurrencyit is volatile, sucks energy, and is often abused by criminals. But the answer is not to ban it, but regulate it. Meanwhile, just as Indias Bill was being drafted, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey tweeted this: JAY-Z/@S_C_ and I are giving 500 BTC to a new endowment named to fund #Bitcoin development, initially focused on teams in Africa & India...." Go figure. Jaspreet Bindra is the author of The Tech Whisperer, and founder of Digital Matters Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. China has named and shared details of four soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) who died during the border clash with the Indian Army in eastern Ladakh's Galwan valley after almost nine months. While 20 Indian Army soldiers were killed in these clashes, China had refused to reveal the number of casualties on their side. Instead, China termed all reports of PLA soldiers killed in the eastern Ladakh face-off as "fake news". This is the first time that China has acknowledged casualties and unveiled the details of the four officers and soldiers killed in the clashes with the Indian Army on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Global Times, the Chinese government mouthpiece said in its report that the Central Military Commission of China "recognised" five Chinese frontier officers and soldiers "for their sacrifice in border confrontation with India." The Central Military Commission of China awarded the title of "Hero regimental commander for defending the border" to Qi Fabao, the regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command. Chen Hongjun was conferred the "Hero to defend the border" title whereas the first-class merit was awarded to Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran. Also read: China planned Galwan clash, including 'possibility for fatalities': US panel report The Global Times report also accused India of trespassing and provocations in May 2020. "Since April 2020, relevant foreign military (Indian Army) violated the previous agreement... they trespassed the border line to build roads and bridges and intentionally incited troubles, changing the status quo along the border... they even violently attacked Chinese soldiers that were sent for communication." according to a PLA daily report. The border conflict between India and China began in May 2020 and the stand-off escalated of June 15, when Indian and Chinese troops clashed near Patrol Point 14 in Galwan valley, which also marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in 45 years. Also read: Clash between Indian, Chinese soldiers in Sikkim 'minor face-off', says Centre The Chinese used stones, clubs, and sticks embedded with nails to attack Indian soldiers. After multiple rounds of talks at both military and diplomatic levels following the clash, Indian and Chinese armies reached an agreement to disengage their troops in the north and south banks of Pangong Lake. This agreement mandates both sides to avoid forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. Submit an Obituary Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. Obituaries submitted by family members are also accepted pending proper verification of the death. Submit an Obituary 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. 22712 Chad Williams, President and CEO, Klondike Strike Chad Williams, President and CEO, Klondike Strike Crowdfunding is an innovation that is slowly catching up with the mining industry. Some old investors may think it's odd for the sector; some might typically associate it with young people raising funds online for worthy causes or to realize and sell inventions. However, crowdfunding or more formally known as Crowd Sourced Equity Funding (CSEF), is now penetrating many, if not all, sectors, as a way of raising venture capital. Just earlier this year, Red Cloud Klondike Strike made waves for aggressively promoting what could be the first regulated equity crowdfunding platform for the sector, according to Forbes. The website is seen as a game-changer in the coming years for the mining sector, which has been struggling for investment capital in the past years. Together with the first two companies, Banyan Gold Corp and Radisson Mining Resource, that adopted the crowdfunding platform, Klondike Strike showed Canadian investors that they can access funding deals from mining and resource companies through them. Investors would also receive shares of the company since it is a regulated crowdfunding website. In the future, I think we are going to see that crowdfunding will be a viable way for companies to raise money, Radissons financial director Hubert Parent-Bouchard. Klondike Strike Canada also ensured potential investors all companies that apply will go through rigorous background checks, pass their investment checklist and are all a good fit for the investors on the platform. I believe we are the first to create this type of website and that is a bit daunting but I believe this is going to be the future of financing, not just in the mining sector but in all sectors, said Chad Williams, Klondike Strike President, and CEO. A number of global miners have since taken the crowdfunding path. AIM Exploration Inc. (OTC: AEXE) is currently running a crowdfunding campaign to raise US$100,000 in a small round of investment. The company is a US-based junior mining company focused on global mining, exploration, and production. Currently, it has two projects in focus: one in Peru and one in the Philippines. These projects are dedicated to the exploration of feldspar, anthracite coal, and silica sand. Other crowfunding websites for the mining sector have also emerged. Mineral Intelligence (MI) has branded itself as a comprehensive, global mining investment platform that connects owners of current mining projects of all stages with investors. Just like Klondike Strike, MI promises that each project circulated for the crowdfunders consideration has been assessed technically and commercially. The MI platform will put up CSEF opportunities annually. Stratum International reported that Cameron McLean and Joe Treacy, who are behind MI, said that their crowdfunding campaign aimed to be a niche platform similar to Klondike Strike. However, MI is catering to junior exploration companies in Australia. The two are also pushing for Australian legislation to accommodate such a system and, in turn, to make investment opportunities in mining possible to anyone with at least $500. The move towards crowdfunding comes at a time when traditional methods of raising capital for early-stage exploration ventures have dried up. There have only been a handful of new resources IPOs on the ASX this year, and the smallest listed explorers are struggling to raise fresh equity to keep their activities going, The Australian wrote about the initiative, as quoted by Stratum International. Check out: Metals and Mining Review A series of leaked text messages have thrown cold water on Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs claims his trip to Cancun, Mexico, was part of a vacation for his daughters and their friends. The Republican senator left Texas on Wednesday as his state faced a crisis from a deadly winter storm that left millions without power or clean drinking water. Cruz initially claimed he only accompanied his family as a chaperone for his children, who were on school break, and didnt plan to stay. But texts obtained by The New York Times and local news publication Reform Austin reveal Cruzs wife messaged friends about the trip to get away from the FREEZING weather. They also suggest the family planned the getaway at the last minute and intended to stay in Cancun for close to a week. Anyone can or want to leave for the week? We may go to Cancun there is a direct flights at 4:45pm and hotels w capacity, Heidi Cruz wrote early Wednesday morning. Seriously. Covid test to come back which we will take there. She reportedly invited friends and neighbors to join them at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, where she noted that the price for a hotel room was $309 plus tax. Are you guys warm enough . We have a fireplace! Let us know. Our house is FREEZING tho is why we stayed w .. last night couldnt stand it anymore, she added in the thread, which was partially redacted. Even before the text messages emerged, Cruz was facing criticism from leaders in both parties, as well as his constituents. He returned to the U.S. Thursday and admitted the trip was obviously a mistake. In hindsight, I wouldnt have done it, he told reporters Thursday. Ted Cruz initially claimed he was trying to be a good dad but also let it slip on Thursday night that he had planned to stay in Cancun through Sunday. During an interview on Fox News, Sean Hannity attempted to defend Cruz. You went and you took your daughters to Cancun and you came back, Hannity said. I think you can be a father and be the senator of Texas all at the same time and make a round-trip quick drop-off trip and come home. Cruz agreed, but later contradicted Hannitys claims. The Texas lawmaker said his house had lost power and heat for two days, so his girls asked if they could travel someplace warmer. I had initially planned to stay through the weekend and work remotely there, Cruz said. But as I was heading down there, you know, I started to have second thoughts almost immediately because the crisis here in Texas, you need to be here on the ground. As much as you can do by phone and Zoom, its not the same as being here. The controversy has opened up the two-term senator, a key ally of former President Donald Trump and may run for president again in 2024, to bipartisan criticism. Protesters greeted Cruz at the airport Thursday with signs and chants saying Resign! Thats something that he has to answer to his constituents about, Texas GOP Chair Allen West said. The Associated Press reports about 325,000 homes and businesses remained without power in Texas lat Thursday, down from about 3 million a day earlier. Utility officials said limited rolling blackouts were still possible and a boil water order was issued for 7 million residents in Texas, the nations second largest state, after record low temperatures damaged infrastructure and froze pipes. The winter storm has also been blamed for at least 56 deaths across the South. Federal emergency officials sent generators to support water treatment plants, hospitals and nursing homes in Texas, along with thousands of blankets and ready-to-eat meals, officials said. DUBLIN, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Text-to-Speech Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis by Offering (Software, Services), Vertical (Enterprise, Consumer Electronics, Education, Retail), Deployment, Language, Organization Size, Voice Type, and Geography - Forecast 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global text-to-speech market was valued at USD 2 billion in 2020 and is estimated to reach USD 5 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period. The rising demand for handheld devices, increased government spending on education for differently-abled, the dependence of the growing elderly population on technology, and the rising number of people with different learning disabilities or learning styles are factors driving the growth of the text-to-speech market. However, the lack of prosody and pronunciation of naturally occurring speech may restrain the growth of the market during the review period. Large Enterprises are the leading adopters of text-to-speech software and services in 2020 Large enterprises are the leading adopters of text-to-speech software and services with the increasing need for speech recognition, virtual assistants, and chatbots. Hence, large enterprises accounted for significant share in 2020. SMEs have been gradually recognizing the importance of text-to-speech solutions and have started deploying them to enhance customer experience and gain a leading edge in the market. Owing to the availability of cost-effective cloud solutions, text-to-speech software and services are expected to witness a prominent growth rate among SMEs during the forecast period. English and Mandarin Chinese, by language in the text-to-speech market, will hold the highest and second-highest share in the coming years The demand for English and Mandarin Chinese languages in text-to-speech software tends to increase as roughly 1.1 billion or 15% of the global population can speak English followed by Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, and Spanish. The English language holds a major share of the text-to-speech market in 2020 while the market for Spanish is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2021-2026. APAC is attributed to grow at the highest CAGR in the text-to-speech market during the forecast period APAC is witnessing increased traction for speech recognition solutions integrated with text-to-speech due to growing penetration of AI, analytics, and IoT devices in the region. This is creating a favorable market environment, and the region is witnessing rising adoption of voice-activated technology in the Asian markets, such as India, China, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. The countries are developing various favorable policies to increase AI penetration among enterprises for improving industry performance and customer experience. This has proliferated the use of Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA), chatbots, and smart speakers in the daily activities of people. In Japan and China, text-to-speech systems have been deployed at airports and ATMs. Other countries, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are looking forward to integrating new technologies into their businesses. The market is dominated by Nuance Communication (US), Microsoft Corporation (US), IBM Corporation (US), Google, Inc. (US) and Amazon.com (US). Market Dynamics Drivers Rising Preference for Handheld Devices Increased Government Spending on Education of Differently-Abled Students Dependence of Growing Elderly Population on Technology Increasing Number of People with Different Learning Disabilities Restraints Complexity in Generating Prosody and Pronunciation of Naturally Occurring Speech Opportunities Seamless Communication Between Human Beings and Robots Growing Artificial Intelligence Market Text-To-Speech Solutions for Temporarily and Permanently Disabled Students Growing Inclination Toward Cloud-Based Deployment Mode Challenges Creation of a Generic Acoustic Database That Covers Language Variations Slow Network Speed in a Few Regions Limits Adoption of Cloud-Based Text-To-Speech Services Supply Chain Analysis Core Industry Segments Research and Product Development Manufacturers System Integrators End-users Technology Trends Adoption of Text-To-Speech Solutions by People with Listening Disabilities or Listening Fatigue Role of AI in Text-To-Speech Market Regulatory Implications Americans with Disabilities Act Office of Communications Polish Civil Code Federal Communications Commission General Data Protection Regulation Company Profiles Key Players Nuance Communications Microsoft Corporation Amazon.com Inc. Google IBM Sensory Inc. Readspeaker LumenVox LLC Acapela Group CereProc Speech Enabled Software Technologies (SESTEK) iFlytek Other Company Profiles TextSpeak Nextup Technologies iSpeech Nexmo Inc. Baidu, Inc. Facebook Research Govivace GL Communications For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9i6l6a Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Haim sisters to soundtrack The Witch Boy, an animated Netflix film By Curt Schleier (JTA) The Jewish sister rock band Haim have gone from being paid in matzah ball soup to scoring a feature film. The trio will soundtrack the Netflix animated feature The Witch Boy, based on a three-book graphic novel series of the same name by Molly Knox Ostertag. The fantasy musical is set in a magical community where all the girls become witches and the boys grow into shapeshifters. It centers on a boy, Aster, who discovers he has witch powers and needs to use those powers when a mysterious... Nicola Sturgeon has ordered that the EU flag must be flown on Scottish government buildings even though the UK has left the bloc. New rules demanded by the First Minister state that the European Union flag should be flown every day along with the Saltire. But the Union Flag will only be flown once a year, on Remembrance Day, outside Scottish government offices. Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon has ordered that the EU flag must be flown on Scottish government buildings even though the UK has left the bloc. Pictured: The Union flag, the Saltire and EU flag flying outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh It has led to fresh claims that Miss Sturgeon refuses to accept the results of referendums she doesnt agree with. She is seeking a fresh vote on Scottish independence after losing one in 2014 and, despite Brexit, she wants Scotland to rejoin the EU. Conservative MSP Dean Lockhart said: The UK has left the EU, so Nicola Sturgeons personal decision to order the flying of the EU flag on Scottish government buildings makes no sense. It reconfirms the SNPs refusal to accept referendum results and their ongoing focus on constitutional issues at the expense of more important priorities. But we should not be surprised. Like all nationalists, Sturgeon is obsessed with flags. It comes amid a row between the First Minister and her predecessor, Alex Salmond, who claims she misled the Scottish parliament about when she knew of sex assault complaints against him. He was cleared of wrongdoing in the High Court. The move has led to fresh claims that Miss Sturgeon (pictured on February 17) refuses to accept the results of referendums she doesnt agree with. She is seeking a fresh vote on Scottish independence after losing one in 2014 and, despite Brexit, she wants Scotland to rejoin the EU Mrs Sturgeons request to keep flying the EU flag a circle of gold stars on a blue background emerged in new Scottish Government guidance, which states: The First Minister has instructed that the European flag is flown from Scottish Government buildings on a daily basis except for specific flag flying dates. Last year the SNP won a vote to keep the EU flag flying outside Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament building. A spokesman for the Scottish government said: The EU flag is flown to reflect the overwhelming vote of the people of Scotland to remain in Europe, and as a mark of solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of EU citizens who to call Scotland home despite Brexit. Kevin Y. via Yelp Muddy's Coffee House, located at 24th and Valencia streets in the Mission, is closing after 27 years. Owner Elham Massarweh told Mission Local that the closure is the result of failing to negotiate a rent reduction with their landlord. It is with a very heavy heart that we have to close the doors to Muddys Coffee House, read a note on the door at Muddy's. "Without your loyalty, love, warmth, candor and, of course, coffee addictions, we would not have made it 27 years! These trying times have changed everything." Workers with the Department of Social Welfare and Development gesture to indigenous children during a raid by police at a school on the premises of the University of San Carlos campus in Cebu City, central Philippines, Feb. 15, 2021. Human rights groups have criticized a Philippine police raid on a school for displaced indigenous children in Cebu and the filing of criminal charges against seven people for allegedly training students as communist combatants, saying authorities must stop harassing tribespeople. National police said the seven arrested during the operation earlier this week in the province in the central Philippines were training 21 students 19 of them minors to become guerrillas for the New Peoples Army (NPA), the armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). On Wednesday, police filed criminal charges of kidnapping, serious illegal detention and human trafficking against two teachers, three adult students and two tribal elders, local media reports said about those arrested from the school located on the campus of the church-run University of San Carlos in Cebu City. The raid on USC to supposedly rescue Lumad children and arrest students and teachers is deeply alarming, Emerlynne Gil, a deputy research director at Amnesty International, said in a statement late on Wednesday, using the local term for tribal groups. The University of San Carlos and Cebu Citys social welfare services who have been talking to the Lumad children have already dismissed police claims that the children were being held captive and trained as future armed combatants. Gil said the police should drop the charges against the seven people and release them. We call on the authorities to drop the charges against the [seven] individuals arrested and order their immediate release, unless there is credible evidence of any wrongdoing on their part, Gil said. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch said the police raid was part of a string of violent incidents in recent years targeting indigenous communities and their schools. Philippine authorities should stop harassing indigenous peoples with baseless allegations. They should release those wrongfully arrested in the raid and ensure the children are reunited with their families, Carlos Conde, HRWs Philippine researcher, said in a statement late on Wednesday. Future armed combatants The children in the school raided by police were from the Manobo tribe, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas told reporters after the operation on Monday. They had been recruited by community organizers in Davao del Norte province in Mindanao and brought to Cebu City to undergo revolutionary training as future armed combatants of the NPA, Sinas said. The New Peoples Army has been waging a 52-year insurgency against the state Asias longest-running armed rebellion. The raid was planned after six parents accompanied by social workers from their hometown of Talaingod in Davao del Norte sought police help to recover their children whom they said they had not seen for two years, said Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, head of the police regional office in Cebu. HRWs Conde said that ever since Rodrigo Duterte was elected president in 2016, the military has alleged that tribal schools have links with the NPA. The military has repeatedly claimed tribal schools serve as New Peoples Army training camps, prompting the Department of Education to shut many down, Conde said. The Save Our Schools Network says as many as 178 tribal schools around the country have been closed since 2016, forcing affected children to seek education in cities like Manila and Cebu. Tribal communities have for years been caught in the middle of clashes between the military and armed groups, Amnestys Gil said. In 2017, Duterte threatened to bomb these schools, accusing them of having been infiltrated by communist guerrillas who indoctrinate students into their rebellion. BenarNews contacted military officials about the rights groups statements but they declined to comment. Children said nothing about being indoctrinated Meanwhile, a social worker in Cebu province, who was present during Mondays raid, denied police claims that communists had recruited the schools children and were training them to fight. The minors never mentioned they were training to be child warriors, said Annie Suico of the Cebu City Department of Social Welfare Services. We interviewed all of the children. They said nothing about being indoctrinated. All their guardians taught them were reading and writing, Suico told the Philippine Star newspaper. Videos of the police operation taken by local media showed young children scared and crying as officers roughed up and then cuffed two men, who were later identified as adult students. The Cebu-based Childrens Legal Bureau, which is helping represent those arrested by the police, said there was a serious breach of protocol as children were subjected to a horrendous and traumatic experience of being taken from a situation of safety to uncertainty. The group said that police could have acted with greater prudence, by coordinating with church authorities who run the university where the school was located. If the claims of authorities were true that the parents of the students sought assistance from the police, their reunion would have been arranged more humanely and peacefully without subjecting the children to unnecessary anguish and trauma, the child welfare group said. The children did nothing wrong. Seeking refuge to finish school is not a crime, the group added. The authorities failed to have the best interest of these children in mind, or they would have sought a child-friendly way to take custody of the children. The Air Force Station at Sulur here on Friday hosted Air Fest 2021 to mark the 50th year of the nation's victory in the war against Pakistan in 1971, resulting in the liberation of Bangladesh. With college and school students in attendance, the fest began with an air show of coordinated aerobatic display. The first event was the flying of the indigenously developed light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas followed by an operational display by An-32 transport aircraft and Mi-17 V5 helicopters. The show concluded with the world famous aerobatic teams of Suryakiran and Sarang exhibiting manoeuvres involving split-second reactions and extreme mastery, an official press release said. This was followed by a static display of various aircraft with their armament and equipment, as Swarnim Vijay Varsh (50th year) commemorative celebration in 2021 was special for the Indian armed forces, the release said. "We are very proud of our heritage and the active participation of two of our units in the 1971 war. The only Param Vir Chakra recipient of Indian Air Force Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhom is from the squadron located at Sulur," Air Commodore Samir J Pendse, Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Sulur, said. An-21 squadron presently at Sulur was a key participant in the historic Tangail Drop of 1971 which proved vital in the defeat of Pakistan and also flew General Niazi from Dacca to Kolkata after the 1971 surrender, he said. The Executive plan for a phased return for schools has been welcomed as sensible and logical - but there are still many questions to be answered before pupils in P1 to P3 arrive back in the classroom on March 8. All children aged 4-7 will be the first group of pupils to return to face to face learning following Thursdays announcement. Teaching unions, though, are still awaiting more clarity on how the return will be handled, with pupils in exam years 12-14 set to return on March 22 to allow for assessments at A-level, GSCE and AS-level and other vocational qualifications to begin under the latest plan, with P1-P3 pupils reverting to remote learning during the final week before the Easter holidays. But Education Minister Peter Weir is working with the health department and schools themselves to ensure face coverings are worn by pupils and teachers in the classroom, new signage will be placed at school gates warning parents of the danger of contact and a robust system of testing of pupils is also likely to be introduced. TUV leader Jim Allister said the plan for school returns was a shameful way to treat pupils and teachers. Read More It is often difficult to find logic in the Covid restrictions announced by the Executive but the announcement yesterday around schools is particularly baffling, he said. I just do not understand the hokey cokey nonsense of P1-3 in, then out, and years 12-14 in. Where is the logical linkage between primary and secondary pupils at different schools? He said all primary pupils and examination years in secondary schools should be back from the outset. Mr Allister added: I will continue to oppose the illogical approach to restrictions mindful that the criteria for ending lockdown keeps changing - it used to be about reducing the R number, then it was about vaccinations and now no one seems clear. It is a shameful way to treat pupils and teachers and our economy which is emblematic of a shambolic system of government. Teachers union NASUWT said the phased return was the basis of a good plan to get children back to school. Were glad to see that the Executive is operating on the basis of putting public health first, following the science and monitoring the impact of reopening before deciding on the next steps, said spokesman Justin McCamphill. Read More However, Mr McCamphill added concerns remain over exam year pupils going into school. We see that the minister has said that all exam year pupils go in, our view is they only really should be going in if they need to carry out assessments, he said. We want to know what the Department of Education is going to do to ensure all risk assessments in schools are updated, that control measures are reinforced, that we have proper ventilation, that we have social distancing in place and those measures should now be more achievable when there are fewer pupils in the schools. Pupils in P4 to P7 at primary school and those in and years 8 to 11 in post-primary will not be back in school until after the Easter break at the earliest. The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said that the phased return to schools from the executive has posed as many questions as answers and said that more talks with the Department are needed before the March 8 return date. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), though, said it was very sensible and logical to open schools on a phased basis. Read More Regional officer in Northern Ireland, Robert Wilson, said that allowing the youngest pupils to return first was a sensible first step. For those in secondary education who would have faced important examinations this summer, the planned return to the classroom on 22 March is very important, although the timing just a week before the start of the Easter holiday is debatable, he said. Our exam-age pupils in particular have suffered a difficult and distressing year of disruption and lost learning. What is crucial is that pupils return in a way which is safe and sustainable, and which inspires the confidence of education staff and the public. Nobody wants to see schools having to close their doors again having collectively worked so hard to reopen them. Mr Wilson also called on the Executive to give teachers priority for Covid-19 vaccination. Stephen McCord, president of the Ulster Teachers Union said that further talks are now planned with the department to map out the path ahead. A phased approach to the return to school is welcome and we will meet with the Department in the coming days to further discuss the detail, he said. The decision to bring back the youngest children first is a welcome initial step. Young people in exam years too are being prioritised which will hopefully bring some clarity to them. There are still uncertainties ahead though for those students and the timing of their return a week before Easter isnt ideal. The key thing is to get out children back to school, but only in a managed, safe and sustainable way which does not bring us back to a further full closure. We all want to see our schools open and staying open but this must be based on robust health information which reassures the schools and the public that its safe to do so. First Minister Arlene Foster said there would have to be mask wearing in classrooms for the first pupils to return, as well as on school buses. The Education Minister is working with the health department and the schools to roll that out, she said. She added that Mr Weir is also working on making sure appropriate signage is placed in all schools. Its not just schools that are the difficulty,she said. Its outside the schools where contact happens when kids are dropped off or picked up from school. A testing regime is also going to be rolled out in schools, particularly in post primaries and thats where transmissibility is higher. Ex-President Trump lashed out Biden's honesty for saying there weren't vaccines ready for emergency use. Maybe Joe forgot vaccines were prepared by the time he moved in the oval office. Honesty has always been an issue with politicians, and Biden has been recorded and on tape. Critics have cited that he hasn't been very consistent on the record. Vaccine gaffe added to many more Recently Donald Trump had an ax to grind as he went all out on the new president. Like last elections during the campaign period, he went after Biden for double speaking. He alleged that the current president is not honest or has cognitive problems, reported the Epoch Times. Biden's claim that his administration did not produce the vaccines under project Warp Speed. The ex-president made sure that several biotech companies would have a vaccine ready, whether he was the president or not. Trump lashed out at the new administration. Last Wednesday, the ex-president interviewed the pro-Trump Newsmax TV. He did not mince his words. He alleged that Joe was not speaking the truth, or he was mentally slipping into his famous gaffe, adding that whatever is happening can be one or the other since Biden is not so mentally cognizant or worse. During the interview, Trump said that Joe forgot vaccines and got burned for his false statement. After Biden was scorched on social media, the ex-president referred to it, retorting later what Joe said was not intelligent or becoming of a president. Also read: Failed Attempt to Impeach Trump Angers Pelosi, Says Censuring Is Not Enough On February 16, during a town hall of CNN, which is known for its anti-Trump bias, Joe Biden was not in a controlled interview which led to a monumental blunder. He was asked about the vaccines and answered allegedly incorrectly, which prompted his predecessor's response on Newsmax. Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine. To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible thank you. We owe you an awful lot. And to the American people know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it. pic.twitter.com/QBtB620i2V Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 22, 2020 He was asked by the host and answered there were no vaccines when he stepped into the presidency. Seemed convinced that the vaccines from Project Warp speed came in when only in office. He contradicted when he stated earlier that 50 million doses were all ready for use. More contradiction came back to bite at Biden when he got the two-dose vaccine before the inauguration on January 20. By the 24th, about 1 million doses were given to Americans before Christmas day, which contrasted with Biden's reported statement. Donald Trump's critical views of the Biden administration The ex-president talked about his opinion on the Biden administration and what he thought of the first weeks. Two positions on China and illegal immigration got his attention which he was not pleased. Speaking of the responses and his conduct on the China policy got the former president expressing disappointment. Saying that his administration got China on the ropes, there was no follow-up to squeeze the CCP more. On February 17, the ex-president had several interviews and talked about rigged elections. Also, the passing of conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh who was his friend. Trump then added more about imitating a third-world republic and a social media ban. But still scorched Joe forgot vaccines that were his contribution. Related article: New Poll Reveals Most Americans Think President Biden More Responsible for Capitol Riots @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic taking hold in New Orleans, the endless lockdowns and disruptions to our daily lives have taken a significant toll on all of us. Even for adults who have found some amount of balance, it continues to be a struggle. For families, the stresses of everything from the constant close contact to parents adjusting to being teachers while also holding down a job, its been particularly tough. There are some signs of normalcy on the horizon. The vaccine is slowly gaining speed, more and more schools are increasing in-person learning and summer camp programs are preparing to resume in a few months. But despite those glimmers of hope, its important to remember the pandemic is continuing to also take a toll on children. One of the biggest problems with Covid, of course, is the uncertainty of it all. Because its a newly discovered virus, we still dont really know how it works in the short-term, let alone what the long-term implications will be, particularly on kids mental health. Thats why its important for parents to redouble their efforts to help their kids cope. Childrens Hospital New Orleans has put together a helpful guide for building resilience in kids. The guide, which can be found on the hospitals website chnola.org, lays out some easy, common-sense ways to help kids cope, including making them feel safe by keeping to routines, talking with them about the pandemic, being sensitive to their emotions and involving them in family decisions. They also suggest remaining positive and taking advantage of safe activities that are available to your family. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions tips for talking with kids about Covid stresses being open, honest and calm. That means being realistic in how we talk about not only the virus but also the vaccine, when normal may return and what that will even look like. But while its easy to focus on the dark side of the pandemic, there can be an unexpected silver lining in it all. For instance, European researchers last year noted that in some cases the changes in routine caused by lockdowns "seem to actually reduce child and adolescent mental illness symptoms and even improve well-being. Some kids seem to experience alleviation of social and sensory pressure and enjoy the more intensive family life. According to those researchers in the Netherlands, where a broad lockdown was put in place nearly overnight, there has been evidence to suggest Nuclear family life was forcefully reinvented in many homes in sharp paradox with their usual busy normal routines of balancing work and family. Many parents became homebound schoolteachers whilst trying to keep their own professional lives going through online interactions. In the clinic, this led to mixed reports of being tied up in their houses whilst also being able to pay unprecedented amount of time and attention to each other. Closer to home, doctors at Childrens Hospital here in New Orleans have seen similar changes in some families. Dr. Amy Henke, a clinical psychologist at Childrens Hospital, noted last spring that without a tight timeline of endless after-school commitments and potentially loosened academic pressures, some families may be experiencing their first taste of unstructured leisure and relaxation. That, in turn has in some cases resulted in a reshaping of family relationships. There have been reports in our clinics of families having their first meals together in years, parents and children engaging in slow and deliberate activities like putting together puzzles or baking, and hours of homework being replaced by pleasure reading and family walks or bike rides around the neighborhood, according to Henke. Theres no one right way to talk to children about the pandemic. But here are some tips for helping kids cope with COVID-19 from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The full list can be found at aacap.org/coronavirus. Create an open and supportive environment where children know they can ask questions. Answer questions honestly. Children will usually know, or eventually find out, if youre making things up. Acknowledge and validate the childs thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Let them know that you think their questions and concerns are important and appropriate. Remember children tend to personalize situations they may worry about their own safety and the safety of immediate family members. Be reassuring, but dont make unrealistic promises. Let children know that there are lots of people helping the people affected by the coronavirus outbreak Children who are preoccupied with questions or concerns about the coronavirus outbreak should be evaluated by a trained and qualified mental health professional. Although parents and teachers may follow the news and the daily updates with interest and attention, most children just want to be children. +5 New Orleans summer camps brace for a second Covid summer Last summer, COVID-19 was rapidly spreading across the world, and local summer camps like everyone else had to make adjustments from their Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 03:03:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIGA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian government decided on Thursday that schoolchildren in the first four grades will return to classrooms as of next Monday, while hair and nail salons will be allowed to reopen on March 1. After months of strict safety measures, including a complete switch to distance learning, banning various services and closing shops that sell non-essential goods, the government this week started to cautiously consider relaxing some restrictions amid a gradually declining rate of COVID-19 infections. According to the government decision, kids will be able to resume learning in classrooms in those municipalities where the two-week COVID-19 incidence is below 200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. COVID-19 incidence in 19 municipalities is currently low enough to reopen schools, according to the health authorities' data. The government agreed that the list of municipalities where children can go to school will be updated weekly. Some beauty services providers like hair salons, manicurists and pedicurists will be allowed to resume work on March 1 after nearly two months of closure. Next week, the government might decide on expanding the range of beauty services allowed to reopen on strict epidemiological safety conditions. "Let's go step by step," Health Minister Daniels Pavluts said at a cabinet meeting. Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said that the limited resumption of services will allow around 6,000 of the 8,000 people employed in the beauty industry to resume work. Latvia on Thursday reported 708 new COVID-19 cases as its two-week infection rate dropped to 521.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 10:38:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CANBERRA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for curbing Facebook's influence, after the technology giant banned Australians from accessing some news content on the social media platform in response to the government's proposed media bargaining code. The pages of health departments, governments, fire services and the Bureau of Meteorology were also wiped. In a post on Facebook on Thursday, Morrison vowed that his government would not be "intimidated" by the move. "Facebook's actions to unfriend Australia today, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing," he said. "These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behavior of BigTech companies who think they are bigger than governments and that the rules should not apply to them," added Morrison. "We will not be intimidated by BigTech seeking to pressure our Parliament as it votes on our important News Media Bargaining Code." Under the media bargaining code, technology giants including Facebook and Google would be forced to pay Australian news outlets for their content. The lower house of the Australian parliament, the House of Representatives, passed the legislation on Wednesday night, paving the way for the Senate to pass it into law. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Friday morning that he had spoken to Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, about the news ban for the second time in two days. "We talked through their remaining issues and agreed our respective teams would work through them immediately," he said on Twitter. "I reiterated Australia remains committed to implementing the code. This is all about levelling the playing field, protecting public interest journalism and ensuring journalists are rewarded for generating original content." Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday slammed the decision by Facebook. Greg Hunt, minister for health, said that he was concerned that it could lead to the spread of irresponsible misinformation as Australia prepares to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines next week. "There is a risk that if you cannot have accurate information, that those who wish to promulgate falsehoods and fictions can do so without a response," he told a press conference in Canberra on Thursday. His concerns were echoed by Omar Khorshid, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), who said in a statement that Facebook was "putting the health of Australians at risk." William Easton, managing director of Facebook Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement on Thursday that the law proposed in Australia "fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content." "Independent experts and analysts around the world have consistently outlined problems with the proposed legislation," he noted, saying that the value exchange between Facebook and publishers runs in favor of the publishers. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Simon Milner, Facebook's head of public policy for the Asia-Pacific, said the blocking of access to non-news pages reflected what they argued was a broad definition of "news" as defined in the law. Enditem His wife worried for his safety. A co-worker said he was crazy to do it. But Pablo Pedraza was undeterred. A toddler needed her medicine, never mind the bad weather and ice-slicked highways. On Wednesday, the professional driver embarked on a route different from the one he usually takes in Houston for his part-time job. This route was from Houston to San Antonio and he drove it at considerable risk. Pedraza, 40, works for Atlas Delivery Service, which contracts with the Texas Childrens Hospital specialty pharmacy in Houston. Each month, the pharmacy ships anti-rejection medicine via UPS to Alexis Padilla-Villegas and her husband, Reynaldo, for their 18-month-old daughter, Evangelina, in San Antonio. The girl needs the medicine because she received a heart transplant at Texas Childrens after she was diagnosed with a rare condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Because of the severe weather conditions, however, UPS drivers had been sidelined for days and the toddlers supply of medicine was down to one dose. A backup option to deliver by helicopter was out of the question because of the harsh weather. A pharmacy clerk called Padilla-Villegas and assured her the hospital would find a way to get the medicine to her. On ExpressNews.com: It feels good to know someone cares says recipient of San Antonio nonprofits goodwill and food box Pedraza set out two hours later on the 197-mile journey. As he made his way to San Antonio on Interstate 10, he passed a wrecked 18-wheeler and saw car after car abandoned on the side of the road. There were lots of red-and-blue flashing lights as emergency vehicles responded to numerous accidents. The sky grew darker and cloudier as the trip wore on. Pedraza thought of the TV news footage he had watched with his wife, Leticia, showing a fatal pileup in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Pedraza kept to a safe speed on the slick roads he simply had to get the medicine to San Antonio. The Villegas family was staying at a Drury Inn and Suites, where Reynaldo Villegas, 39, works. The hotel had reserved a suite for Villegas, his wife and three daughters when the power went out at their home earlier in the week. Through all the disruption, Padilla-Villegas said Evangelina remained happy and smiling. Its like she knows she had a second chance at life, said Padilla-Villegas, 34. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio pastor extends delivery of food, good will to homeless in surburbs Pedraza reached San Antonio around 8 p.m. Wednesday. He tied on a blue mask and walked into the hotel lobby with the box of medicine. Several employees, clustered around the front desk, acted as if they knew why he was there. A clerk asked him to wait; Reynaldo Villegas wanted to thank him personally. We were very humbled, the father said in an interview. Had he not done this, she wouldnt have gotten her medicine. The family offered Pedraza a room for the night, but he declined. He wanted to get back home. When Villegas offered a tip for his service, Pedraza wouldnt accept that either. The grateful dad slipped some cash into a pocket of Pedrazas jacket, but the driver politely gave the money back. I cant take this, Pedraza said. Im just doing my job. During their 15-minute conversation, Villegas took out his cell phone and swiped the screen to a Facebook page. This is my daughter, this is who you are helping out, he said as he showed Pedraza a page called Evangelinas HLHS Journey. On ExpressNews.com: East Side auto shop owner proud of serving his community Pedraza was moved by the familys gratitude. He rarely meets clients or knows their conditions. He understood the parents love for their daughter; he has a daughter of his own, 11-year-old Yvette. In the grand scheme of things, it makes you think, But for the grace of God, Pedraza recalled. It puts everything in perspective. Keenly aware of the freezing temperatures and possible ice on I-10, he said goodbye and set out on the return trip to Houston. The family had one request: that Pedraza let them know when he had arrived home safely. At 11 p.m., they received his text. Pedraza is now a part of Evangelinas journey. Before he left, Villegas had a co-worker take a picture of the girl and the driver side by side, with Pedraza holding the box of lifesaving medicine. The photo is now on the familys Facebook page, among other images of the toddler. Her parents call Evangelina their fearless warrior. They call Pedraza a lifesaver. Literally, Padilla-Villegas said. It was a huge blessing. vtdavis@express-news.net Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 19:56:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Aerial photo taken on Feb. 19, 2021 shows farmers harvesting lotus roots at Shizi Township of Quanjiao County, east China's Anhui Province. Farmers in Shizi Township are busy harvesting lotus roots to meet the market demand in early spring. (Photo by Shen Guo/Xinhua) Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Its nearly two months since turbulence erupted around China Huarong Asset Management Co.At the end of March, its 4% perpetual dollar bond was trading at 102 cents on the dollar as investors figured the January execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for bribery put a line under past wayward behavior. But the failure of the company to release 2020 results by a March 31 deadline, and a subsequent report by mainland media Caixin that the firm will restructure, sparked weeks of turmoil. The same bond is now at 57 cents.The heart of the matter is whether the central government will rescue a state-owned company thats integral to the smooth running of the financial system. While there are signs Beijing wants to ensure China Huarong can repay its debts on time, uncertainty prevails.Heres a look at the key events for China Huarong:May 28The company has wired funds to repay $978 million of notes maturing within the following week, according to Bloomberg News, the biggest bond payment since the 2020 results delay.May 27Liang Qiang, who currently heads another bad-debt manager, is on track to become president of China Huarong, reports Bloomberg News.May 24China Huarong dollar bonds climb after the managing editor of Caixin Media wrote in an opinion piece that the asset manager is nowhere near defaulting on its more than $20 billion of offshore notes.May 21Some of China Huarongs thinly traded onshore bonds slump after having held up better than the companys dollar-denominated notes, signaling broadening concern about the firms financial health.May 18China Huarong has transferred funds to repay a $300 million note maturing May 20, Bloomberg News reports, the first dollar bond to come due since the delayed 2020 results. Prices for the firms dollar bonds slump earlier in the day after the New York Times reports China is planning an overhaul that would inflict significant losses on both domestic and foreign China Huarong bondholders.May 17The company has reached funding agreements with state-owned banks to ensure it can repay debt through at least the end of August, by which time China Huarong aims to have completed its 2020 financial statements, according to a Bloomberg News report. That as at least two of its onshore bonds see big price declines in recent days, worrying some investors.May 13The firm says its prepared to make future bond payments and has seen no change in the level of government support, seeking to ease investor concerns after a local media report that regulators balked at China Hurarongs restructuring plan.May 6The company says it transferred funds to pay five offshore bond coupons due the following day, its latest move to meet debt obligations amid persistent doubts about its financial health.April 30China Huarong breaks its silence, with an executive telling media it is prepared to make its bond payments and state backing remains intact. The official also says the weeks rating downgrades have no factual basis and are too pessimistic.April 29Moodys Investor Service downgrades China Huarong by one notch to Baa1, adding the firm remains on watch for further downgrade. The cut reflects the companys weakened funding ability due to market volatility and increased uncertainty over its future, according to the statement.April 27China Huarong units repay bonds maturing that day. The S$600 million ($450 million) bond was repaid with funds provided by Chinas biggest state-owned bank, according to a Bloomberg News report.April 26Fitch Ratings downgrades China Huarong by three notches to BBB while dropping the companys perpetual bonds into junk territory. The lack of transparency over government support for the firm may hamper its ability to refinance debt in offshore markets, Fitch said.April 25China Huarong says it wont meet an April 30 deadline to file its 2020 report with Hong Kongs stock exchange because auditors needed more time to finalize a transaction the company first flagged on April 1. Securities and asset-management units said in the days before that they wouldnt release 2020 results by months end.April 22The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission asks lenders to extend China Huarongs upcoming loans by at least six months, according to REDD, citing two bankers from large Chinese commercial lenders.April 21China is considering a plan that would see its central bank assume more than 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) of China Huarong assets to help clean up the firms balance sheet, according to a Bloomberg News report. Peer China Cinda Asset Management Co. was said to be planning the sale of perpetual bonds in the second quarter.April 20China Huarongs key offshore financing unit says it returned to profitability in the first quarter and laid a solid foundation for transformation. Reorg Research reports that regulators are considering options including a debt restructuring of the unit, China Huarong International Holdings Ltd.April 19Huarong Securities Co. says it wired funds to repay a 2.5 billion yuan local note.April 16The CBIRC says China Huarongs operations are normal and that the firm has ample liquidity. These are the first official comments about the companys troubles. Reuters reports Chinese banks have been asked not to withhold loans to Huarong.April 13Fitch and Moodys both put the company on watch for downgrade. The finance ministry, which owns a majority of Huarong, is considering the transfer of its stake to a unit of the countrys sovereign wealth fund, Bloomberg News reports. Chinese officials signal they want failing local government financing vehicles to restructure or go bust if debts cant be repaid.April 9China Huarong says it has been making debt payments on time and its operations are normal. Bloomberg News reports the company intends to keep Huarong International as part of a potential overhaul that would avoid the need of a debt restructuring or government recapitalization. S&P Global Ratings puts China Huarongs credit ratings on watch for possible downgrade.April 8China Huarong is preparing to offload non-core and loss-making units as part of a broad plan to revive profitability that would avoid the need for a debt restructuring or government recapitalization, Bloomberg News reports.April 6Selling gains steam in China Huarongs dollar bonds, following a holiday in China. Huarong Securities says there has been no major change to its operations, in response to a price plunge for its 3 billion yuan local bond.April 1China Huarong announces a delay in releasing 2020 results, saying its auditor is unable to finalize a transaction. Stock trading is suspended and spreads jump on the firms dollar bonds while China Huarong tells investors its business is running as usual. Caixin reports the company submitted restructuring and other major reform plans to government officials and shareholders.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Advertisement NHS bosses today insisted no-one in their fifties without an underlying medical condition should be getting invited to have their Covid jab yet, even if they live in a region storming ahead with the roll-out. Health chiefs say only over-65s and adults deemed at risk should be invited for their first coronavirus vaccine. Any appointments made in error should be cancelled and ID checks should be used to ensure only eligible residents are getting their jab currently. It comes amid fears the vaccine roll out has become a postcode lottery. Several areas in England including in London have reportedly started offering jabs to people in their fifties who have no underlying health woes, such as diabetes or liver disease. This is despite the capital lagging massively behind in the vaccine roll-out, which is crucial to Britain getting out of the relentless cycle of lockdowns. Westminster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the local health board in charge of NHS services in that part of London, has only dished out first doses to 60 per cent of over-70s, official figures suggest. However, some areas of the country including Farnham in Hampshire have vaccinated almost every elderly person. All ten areas with the worst uptake are in the capital, MailOnlines analysis shows. Health chiefs fear vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups is behind the poorer uptake in London's culturally diverse boroughs. As more and more anecdotal reports of younger people getting vaccinated roll in, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham today called for the roll-out to be widened nationally to lower age groups because half of appointments at a mass vaccination centre in his region are going to waste. It was also revealed today that Britons as young as 40 could be offered a jab within a few weeks. Government advisers are set to recommend the next phase of the roll-out continues on the basis of age, rather than prioritising key workers. An NHS spokesperson said: Local services should continue to vaccinate people in the priority groups, set out by the JCVI, which now includes the wider group of people who are clinically vulnerable and people aged 65-69. If a practice has invited anyone in error, the appointment should be withdrawn, with ID checks happening in local areas to ensure that people who are currently eligible are vaccinated. Millions of people in their fifties and below are still eligible for their vaccines because they have underlying conditions that make them clinically vulnerable. In other coronavirus developments today: Ministers are 'increasingly positive' that foreign summer holidays will be possible this year amid hopes vaccine passports will soon make international travel 'straightforward'; A group of 75 cross-party politicians said as many as 100,000 people could miss out on cancer treatment due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with many dying unnecessarily; Tony Blair published his own exit strategy as he called for the Government to adopt a traffic light system for easing rules, localised crackdowns on outbreaks and a full Treasury analysis of the costs of the roadmap; London Mayor Sadiq Khan, 50, got his first dose of the Covid vaccine due to his severe asthma; Pfizer's Covid vaccine is 85 per cent effective after first dose and blocks 75 per cent of transmission of the disease, Israeli study finds; NHS hospitals are now treating fewer coronavirus patients than they were during the darkest days of the first wave - and the total number of infected patients in hospital has halved since January; Boris Johnson is set to announce that Britain will donate millions of surplus vaccine doses to poorer countries, which could see developing nations benefit before the end of the year if the UK vaccination programme goes to plan. NHS figures show that by February 7 about 504,500 aged 50 to 55 had received their first Covid vaccine dose, although many will have underlying conditions or be prioritised because they are health or care workers. The figures also reveal that 1.9million people under 50 have had the first dose, though again this will be driven by similar reasons. For comparison 2.58million people over 80 have had at least one jab, 1.85million aged 75-79, two million aged 70-74, 553,000 aged 65-69, 474,000 aged 60-64 and 541,00 aged 55-59. Britain must vaccinate or offer jabs to 32million adults in the top nine priority groups before they can move on to the next groups. Figures suggest around 2million people in the top four cohorts, or 13 per cent, have still yet to be jabbed, despite being invited. But so long as the mammoth inoculation drive continues at the current pace, Britain could hit that 32million target before the end of March before the need to dish out second doses has any impact on supplies. SADIQ KHAN, 50, GETS FIRST COVID VACCINE AFTER BEING INVITED BY GP DUE TO SEVERE ASTHMA Mr Khan receives his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the church in Streatham this morning London Mayor Sadiq Khan received his first coronavirus jab today as he urged fellow Londoners to follow suit as the capital lags behind the rest of Britain in the rollout. The 50-year-old Labour politician was given his first dose this morning in Streatham, South West London, after being invited by his GP because he has severe asthma. Mr Khan, who takes steroid tablets to manage his condition, had the jab at a vaccine centre at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church where his daughter used to perform ballet. He was given the Pfizer jab by Reverend Dr Sue Clarke, a retired hospital consultant he knows who got her licence back to volunteer to give the jab to him and others. Asked whether he was wearing an 'I've had my Covid jab' badge, a beaming Mr Khan told Sky News: 'Absolutely, and I'm wearing it really, really proudly - and just for the avoidance of doubt, I didn't wince when I had the jab, I was a real brave boy.' People aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions are among those being given their jabs at the moment in the second phase of the vaccine delivery scheme. These conditions can include any kind of chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and severe asthma. Mr Khan said today: 'I'm relieved and very grateful to have received the first dose of my COVID-19 vaccine today. 'I was asked by my GP to take the vaccine as I have severe asthma, and I urge everyone who is offered it to take it as soon as possible. 'These vaccines are a testament to the hard work of scientists around the world and we owe them, and the NHS staff and volunteers who are helping to deliver the jabs, a great deal of thanks. 'The widespread rollout of these vaccines will protect us from serious illness, will help us all to get back to the things we have missed and let us see the people we love.' He added that more than 1.5million Londoners had already received their first dose, saying: 'I again urge all Londoners to have the vaccine as soon as you are offered it. It is safe and it will save lives.' Advertisement Not everyone will get vaccinated, with several million Britons likely to refuse the jab. It means ministers may be able to reach the target of offering jabs to all over-50s even sooner, before embarking on a final push to boost uptake even further. It comes as the vaccine drive's postcode lottery was laid bare this week. Wales widened their jab roll-out on Monday to include everyone in the next phase at the same time meaning all over-50s can now expect an invite within weeks. England has only officially expanded the inoculation drive to catch all over-65s and at-risk adults. However, some areas including in London have started offering appointments to people in their 50s with no underlying health woes, it has emerged. NHS data shows parts of the nation are lagging behind, despite warnings that an unsuccessful vaccination drive could scupper the UK's chances of enjoying a summer without heavy restrictions. Westminster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in central London has only managed to dish out first doses to 61 per cent of all over-70s, who were at the top of the priority list because of their age. However, some areas of the country including Farnham in Hampshire - have vaccinated almost every elderly person. All ten areas with the worst uptake are in the capital, according to NHS statistics analysed by MailOnline. Health chiefs fear vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups is behind the poorer uptake in London's culturally diverse boroughs. It has led to clinics in London moving down the jab priority groups to use up their vaccine stocks. GP surgeries in Battersea, south London, appear to have moved to over-50s and above, with one 52-year-old with no underlying health conditions claiming they had been inoculated on Tuesday. Parts of north London, as well as Bolton in Greater Manchester, have also seen vaccines rolled out to the over-50s. One vaccination centre volunteer told The Telegraph today her shift was 'mainly people between 40 and 60'. There have also been unconfirmed reports on social media of people in their thirties being invited for the jab in Scotland. One Twitter user, from Lanarkshire, wrote: 'I'm 35 with no underlying health conditions and I've got my vaccine appointment for next Wednesday before my 58 year old mother and her 63 year old partner, who do. Why?!' It was also revealed today that that the Oxford and Pfizer jabs cut two thirds of infections and transmissions. The findings come from the first real-word data of the UK's massive vaccine drive, seen by The Telegraph and handed to Boris Johnson before he unveils his roadmap out of lockdown on Monday. Top scientists including 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson hailed the promising data, which will pile further pressure on the Prime Minister from anti-lockdown Tory MPs to commit to easing restrictions even sooner. It comes after Mr Burnham revealed today that only half of appointments for Covid vaccines are being taken up at Manchester's mass vaccination centre. The mayor of Greater Manchester warned jabs are just 'sitting in fridges' at the Etihad Stadium's hub, and said that he fears the situation was similar at some of the other 89 mass jabbing locations across the country. Mr Burnham claimed too many elderly residents - who are in the top priority groups because their age makes them more vulnerable to the coronavirus - were opting to wait for appointments at local clinics, rather than booking at the major centres. The former Labour health secretary, who has publicly spoke of his ambitions of leading the party and has been a vocal critic of No10 for their handling of the pandemic, BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Strictly proceeding by age as the Government is doing at the moment is leading to a massive underuse of resources. 'When people are getting the letter, as people in the 65-70 age group have got recently, saying 'do you want to go to the regional centre at Etihad or do you want to wait to go local?', most people are going local. That is leading to a situation where we've got plenty of slots that are just going unfilled. 'So our message to the Government is why not open up the mass vaccination centre to a younger, more mobile cohort who then can go and use that and free up then more slots at the primary care level for people who might struggle to get to the regional centre.' Britain is in a race against time to dish out as many first doses to as many over-50s as possible before the end of March, when millions of second jabs must be administered en masse. Ministers are unlikely to ease draconian restrictions drastically until the majority are inoculated. Mr Burnham warned ministers that rolling out jabs by age groups is leaving thousands of vital doses just 'sitting in the fridge' at mass jabbing centres. 'I don't think the picture we have is unique', he said. 'I think other mass vaccination centres around the country are reporting something of the same. He added: 'What I'm saying to the Government is in the spirit of wanting to see the vaccination programme continue to succeed and recognising the good job that they've done it makes sense now to use these mass vaccination centres to the full so that we can make more inroads getting more people vaccinated, and then that will build more confidence about reopening the economy.' The Labour mayor told a press conference earlier this week that only 50 per cent of appointments available at the Etihad centre were actually being used, local media reports. This means vital jabs at the major hubs are left sitting in fridges, because people aren't booking appointments for them. Some will also be transferred from the centre to other sites, a spokesman for the operation in the North West said, to ensure they are available where there is the most demand. The senior officer responsible for the vaccination programme in the North West, Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu said: 'Most importantly for the people of Greater Manchester we are making excellent progress in vaccinating people most at-risk of Covid-19. 'Our sites work as a network, which means people are offered a range of convenient places to get their dose, with any spare doses offered to at-risk groups, all of which means more than nine in 10 people in the top priority groups across the North West have now had their first dose'. Professor Finn, a member of the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that decided the jabs priority list, said today the vaccination programme was beginning to drive down infections with the virus. 'We've now got to the point with the study we're doing in Bristol where we can say with certainty that there is definitely an effect,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'It's just hard to put an exact number on it at this point because the numbers of cases coming through are still building up, the number of people who've been vaccinated are still going up, but it's becoming clearer for the Pfizer vaccine, which we've been using for a month longer, since early December, and it'll take slightly longer for us to get a firm handle on just how well the AstraZeneca vaccine is preventing hospitalisations too, but they're definitely doing the job.' Professor Ferguson, a Sage adviser, echoed his upbeat tone, but added the trade off ministers now face is between how quickly they can relax restrictions against how quickly they can protect the population. 'There's still risks at the moment in relaxing too quickly when we don't have enough immunity in the population bearing in mind that no vaccine is a panacea, no vaccine will offer perfect protection,' he said. 'I am encouraged by the cautious approach being taken, an incremental approach which I think will be adopted, namely relax one thing and see what the impact is, relax again. And it still may well be that by the end of May, we're in a very different country than we are today.' He said some rules - likely to include wearing face masks - will still be in place by the summer, but that society on the whole would be 'a lot more normal' providing the vaccination drive continues to steam ahead. 'There are threats out there, we don't know for instance quite how effective the vaccines are, how long immunity will last, there is the threat of variants. So we have to be driven by the data and the trends we see.' The Imperial College London professor also said he had not booked a summer holiday, but added people would be isolating 'forevermore' if the desire was to eliminate Covid. 'We're not going to eliminate globally so we won't eliminate here,' he said. 'I would like to see this virus become like influenza and managed in similar ways. 'And I think the one thing this pandemic has generated is a whole new generation of vaccines which frankly are much more effective than the influenza vaccines we typically use year to year. 'And so I think long-term we do have very promising prospects for pulling down the burden of disease, the mortality caused by this virus, quite dramatically.' Prince Ernst August, head of the house of Hanover and husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco is dragging his son to court for selling the royal family's castle to the government for just one euro, i.e., Rs 87.98 only. Prince August has accused his son of 'going behind his back' in papers filed this week in the district court of Hanover. He accused his son of improperly appropriating antiques and artworks owned by the family. The 66-year-old Prince transferred the reigns of the Marienburg castle and the neighbouring Calenburg estate to his son also called Ernst August in the mid-2000s. After this, the Duke of Braunschweig and Luneberg announced in 2018 that Marienburg castle would be sold to the government for a nominal fee. The mid-nineteenth century Gothic-style castle was haemorrhaging money instead of being a profitable resource for the royal family. It was costing a lot to keep the doors open to around 200,000 visitors each day and required renovations pegged at around $2,79,10,960. According to a DailyMail report, the younger Ernst called this a 'historic turning point' for the family. Germany's federal parliament Bundestag had already voted in favour of contributing $ 1,45,64,880 towards renovations, while around 100 paintings and other artefacts from the castle have been handed over to the Hanover state museum. This, however, is not the first public spat for the aristocratic family. Ernst August senior has been in a long-standing conflict with his son over the family's properties. Things reached a passe in 2017 when Ernst August senior refused to give his official consent to his son's marriage to Russian fashion designer Ekaterina Malysheva and avoided the wedding. Also read: NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars; sends first image Police in Georgia's capital Tbilisi on Friday detained dozens of pro-opposition demonstrators demanding snap polls, as a political crisis sparked by last year's elections deepened Tbilisi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :Police in Georgia's capital Tbilisi on Friday detained dozens of pro-opposition demonstrators demanding snap polls, as a political crisis sparked by last year's elections deepened. Hundreds of protesters rallied outside parliament to back the opposition's calls for fresh elections after Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia resigned Thursday over the ruling party's plans to arrest a top opposition leader. The move to detain Nika Melia -- the chairman of the United National Movement (UNM) of exiled ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili -- sparked outrage among the opposition and warnings from the Caucasus nation's Western allies. The growth in podcast audiences has driven a frenzy of deal-making led by music streaming purveyors Spotify, Apple and Amazon. Now, industry giant Acast is looking to boost its reach through a major acquisition of its own. The company has purchased the New York Times-backed podcast technology start-up RadioPublic for an undisclosed price. As part of the deal, Acast will get get its hands on RadioPublic's listener discovery platform, designed to help podcasters identify and connect with new fans, and its experienced management team which has been instrumental in the rise of the medium. Co-founders Chris Quamme Rhoden (CTO) and Matt MacDonald (Chief Product Officer), who helped build the first generation of apps for This American Life and WNYC, are both making the transition to the Acast fold. Their fellow co-founder Jake Shapiro left to join Apple Podcasts as Head of Creator Partnerships in September. RadioPublic started life in 2016 as a public benefit corporation from non-profit Public Radio Exchange. The move allowed the new venture to make money while balancing its public service mission. An eponymous app followed in 2017 along with the aforementioned audience-building tools. On top of the Times, the company's investors include some notable media and audio tech players in Graham Holdings, the Knight Foundation Enterprise Fund, NPR affiliate WGBH, and Bose's venture capital arm. Acast now plans to scale up RadioPublic in a bid to grow its audience and revenue. The Sweden-based company already hosts 20,000 podcast feeds and recently partnered with creator membership platform Patreon to offer patron-only podcasts across major platforms. Acast said the acquisition would not affect RadioPublic's app or services. The deal is the latest in a long line of acquisitions steered by music streamers looking to give users long-form episodic content as a means of keeping them glued to their services. Spotify has been leading the charge by snapping up popular media company, The Ringer, and locking in The Joe Rogan Experience as an exclusive. Earlier this month, it reported that its investment was paying off, with a quarter of its 345 million users now listening to podcasts. Meanwhile, Amazon (a late-entrant to the sector) played catch-up by acquiring podcast maker Wondery in December. And industry stalwart Apple is reportedly working on a podcast subscription plan as part of its focus on services. The end of the Trump presidency does not clearly mark an end to Iranian-Western tensions over Tehrans nuclear activities. On Monday, Iran said it will be obliged to suspend the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol if parties to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) did not fulfill their obligations. It does not mean ending all inspections by the UN nuclear watchdog... All these steps are reversible if the other party changes its path and honours its obligations, Irans Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated. However, Irans envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already told the UN body that his country will block all inspection powers given in accordance with the nuclear deal. Controversial statements by Iranian officials began earlier this month when its Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi, said the West is pressing Iran to fight like a cornered cat. The Supreme Leader has explicitly said in his fatwa that nuclear weapons are against Sharia Law and the Islamic Republic sees them as religiously forbidden and does not pursue them, Alavi told state TV, adding that cornered cat may behave differently from when the cat is free. And if [Western states] push Iran in that direction, then its no longer Irans fault. It can be argued that Irans nuclear policy is somehow surprising, especially considering the US President Joe Biden was the vice president in the Obama administration, whose team members are credited with finalising the JCPOA. Later Trump withdrew from the JCPOA, imposed severe economic sanctions on Iran and pressed Europe to do the same. This came at a time in which Iran had just started to rebuild its economy after suffering from isolation for long decades. In the last few years, according to a Reuters report, Irans currency lost 70 per cent of its value against the US dollar, 40 million Iranians have been living below the poverty line and hundreds of factories have been shut down. The vice president of the Washington-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Trita Parsi, an Iran expert who regularly provides policy recommendations for Western governments, told Al-Ahram Weekly that Iran will probably continue to escalate until the Biden administration fully rejoins the deal. The reality is that Iran is inside the deal, though it has reduced some of its commitments, while Biden is still outside the deal, almost a month in his presidency. It appears that the Iranians are getting nervous about Bidens intentions, but overreacting can also ruin the opportunity for the JCPOA to be revived, Parsi argued. The implications of the Iranian approach to the nuclear crisis seem to be unacceptable to Europeans. Britain, Germany and France three powerful states that have played key roles in nuclear diplomacy throughout the past six years recently warned Iran against undermining the opportunity for renewed diplomacy to fully realise the objectives of the JCPOA. In a joint statement issued after the IAEA accused Iran of producing uranium, the European countries said Iran has no reliable civilian justification for these activities, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon. CBS Evening News, which interviewed Biden on 7 February, said he nodded affirmatively when the interviewer asked him if Iran has to stop enriching uranium first ahead of lifting US sanctions. The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also stressed that exact same policy orientation in several media appearances. Jason Brodsky, policy director for United Against Nuclear Iran, said the current developments do not mean that the window is closing on diplomacy, for Irans supreme leader has authorised talks under both hardline and moderate presidencies. The Rouhani administration is trying to make it appear as if the window for diplomacy is closing, Brodsky explained, because the Rouhani presidency is in its final months. But he has an ulterior motive here in trying to bolster his own legacy at home and, in the process, attempting to improve the political fortunes of the pragmatists ahead of Irans presidential election. The JCPOA came into being in July 2015 following hectic negotiations between Iran and the so-called P5+1, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany. The agreement says that Washington and the European Union would terminate all nuclear-related sanctions on Iran in return for Irans approval of increased monitoring by the IAEA and severe limitations on nuclear research, production of enriched uranium, operations of centrifuges and accumulation of heavy water. Kanishkan Sathasivam, professor of international relations at Salem State University, believes that fixing the fundamental flaws of the JCPOA has to be included in any discussions. The JCPOA has to demonstrate that even if not now then at least after some years it will permanently close off Irans access to a bomb. If you dont have this, then you dont really have a deal. And I believe the current British government also now understands this problem, so the US is not alone here. Furthermore, the secondary issues such as Irans meddling in the internal affairs of various Arab states, support for terrorist groups and continuing development of long-range ballistic missiles have to be addressed in some form as well. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 February, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. A US federal judge is weighing what she called a first-of-its-kind lawsuit that would hold an employer responsible for a workers spouse getting sick with COVID-19. Plenty of American families have sued businesses, from retailers to meatpacking plants, claiming that unsafe workspaces during the pandemic caused a workers sickness. But Corby Kuciemba and her husband Robert Kuciemba are going an extra step by blaming his employer, Victory Woodworks, for spreading the illness into his household. This is the first time someone is making the claim that if you have COVID and you live with someone who has a job, you can sue the employer for potentially having given you COVID, said Bill Bogdan, a lawyer for the company. Its the first legal case of its kind: If your partner contracts the coronavirus at work, is their employer liable? Credit:AP US District Judge Maxine Chesneys decision about whether to let the case proceed will serve as a barometer for similar suits throughout the worlds largest economy. Photo: (Photo : Screenshot from Facebook) Military dad surprises daughter in Florida while she was in her internship. The dad, Special Agent Dalrymple, was deployed to Afghanistan. The daughter, Katheryn, on the other hand, works in a local aquarium in Florida. Over the years, military dads and moms have surprised their children once they return from deployment. Most of the time, children of military moms and dads are filled with joy and are rushing towards their parents when they see them. This sweet reunion of the father and daughter from Florida is no different. The father and daughter's sweet reunion was captured on video by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the daughter works as an intern. ALSO READ: Viral Video: Father and Daughter Duo Dancing Together Military dad surprises daughter According to the Facebook page of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Florida dad was deployed since last March. It was during that time that Katheryn also took the internship in the aquarium. The place of her work was 500 miles away from home. According to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Katheryn did not know that her dad will come home this month. The daughter was expecting that the military dad will come home in March. ALSO READ: Florida Mom Who Works in the Navy Surprises Kindergarten Daughter in Her School The reunion of the father and daughter In the video that Clearwater Marine Aquarium uploaded on Facebook, you can see that as the military dad surprises his daughter, Katheryn was busy interacting with a dolphin. Katheryn was clueless about what was about to happen. She did not even notice that her dad was sneaking behind her for the surprise. That is why when she turned around and looked at the surprise behind her, she was out of words. She immediately gave her dad a tight hug. After the tight hugs shared by the father and daughter, they started wiping tears, and another lady joined them. ALSO READ: Illinois Dad Surprises His Family with a Bachelor's Degree The netizens' reactions to the sweet reunion The video, which was uploaded last February 17, already garnered thousands of views. It also received a lot of reactions from netizens. One of the netizens shared how she observed the excellent relationship that the father and daughter had, "I have seen this intern flourish and work hard for the past few years. She has a very strong relationship with her father." Other netizens loved the sweet reunion. Some of them also thanked the service of the military dad for the country, "That's so special! I am sure the family is thrilled to have him home. We thank him for his service." Another netizen said, "So happy for you, Kat. What a wonderful surprise. Thank you to your family for your dad's service!" In another comment, a netizen mentioned how the video also made her emotional, "Oh snap...yall made me cry...lol... Welcome Home sir and Thank You for your service." ALSO READ: Viral Video: Couple Finally Reunites After 215 Days [They Have Been Married for 60 Years] Tom Hallberg covers a little bit of everything, from skiing to long-form feature stories. A Teton Valley, Idaho, transplant by way of Portland and Bend, Oregon, he spends his time outside work writing fiction, splitboarding and climbing. 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 Bennington, VT (05201) Today Showers this morning becoming less numerous during the afternoon hours. High 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. By Ritah Kemigisa Uganda Airlines has signed a total care agreement with automobile maker, Rolls-Royce for the exclusive Trent 7000 engines that power the newly acquired two Airbus A330neo aircrafts. Rolls-Royce says the agreement will give Uganda Airlines a secured cost of operating and maintaining their Trent engines, through a dollar-per-flying-hour payment mechanism. Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President Customers, John Kelly says the signed Total Care agreement will ensure Uganda Airlines, the latest member of the family of Trent operators, receive its flagship standard of service, maximizing aircraft availability and the ability to plan forward financially. According to the Uganda Airlines CEO, Cornwell Muleya, the agreement will ensure that the Airbus Trent 7000 engines are maintained to world-leading levels of service. The Trent 7000 exclusive engine for A330 neo is environmental friendly since it is quieter than previous generation engines and also has a fuel burn per seat that is 25% less than that of previous generation competitor airliners. The Trent engine family recently celebrated its 25th birthday and has moved more than 150 million engine flying hours. 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. Dr Emer Holohan, the wife of Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, has passed away following a long illness. Dr Holohan (nee Feely) passed away at Our Ladys Hospice in Harolds Cross surrounded by her husband and children following a battle with cancer. Tonight, Taoiseach Micheal Martin paid tribute to Dr Emer Holohan. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, and his children, Clodagh and Ronan, today following the sad passing of his wife Emer. "Dr Emer Holohan made a significant contribution to the health service, including her work on the Health Strategy when I was Minister for Health. "Tony and his entire family have given so much to this country since the start of the pandemic. "At this time, I would ask for as much space and privacy to be given to them as possible." She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, in 2012 and had been receiving palliative care since last year. She is survived by husband Tony and two children Clodagh and Ronan. Dr Tony Holohan took a leave of absence from his role as Chief Medical Officer in July to be with his wife and family, returning to the position in October. Due to current Government restrictions regarding COVID-19 regulations on gatherings, a private funeral will take place for immediate family members only. Dr Holohans funeral Mass will be streamed live from St. Pius X Church, Templeogue on Monday at 12.30pm. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The euro appreciated against its major rivals in the European session on Friday, as encouraging flash PMI data from the euro area and Germany signaled a recovery in activity from the downturn. Flash survey results from IHS Markit showed that Germany's private sector expanded in February driven by the strong rebound in manufacturing despite increasing supply-side pressures. The composite output index rose to 51.3 in February from 50.8 in January. Economists had forecast the score to fall to 50.5. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index surged to a 36-month high of 60.6 in February from 57.1 in January. The score was above economists' forecast of 56.5. Separate data showed that the euro area private sector activity improved in February. The composite output index rose to 48.1 in February from 47.8 in January. The expected reading was 48.0. The manufacturing PMI surged to a 36-month high of 57.7 from 54.8 in the previous month. This was above consensus forecast of 54.3. The currency was also lifted by a weaker U.S. dollar, as an unexpected increase in weekly jobless claims dampened the economic optimism. The euro jumped to a 3-day high of 1.2145 against the greenback, up from Thursday's closing value of 1.2089. Next key resistance for the euro is seen around the 1.24 level. The euro spiked up to a 2-day high of 127.95 against the yen, compared to 127.77 hit late New York Thursday. On the upside, 129.00 is possibly seen as its next resistance level. The European currency advanced to 1.0855 against the franc, its highest level since January 8. If the euro extends rise, 1.10 is possibly seen as its next resistance level. The euro edged higher to 0.8678 against the pound, after falling to 0.8646 at 5:00 pm ET. Further uptrend may take the euro to a resistance around the 0.88 area. Survey results from IHS Markit and Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply showed that the UK private sector output contracted only marginally in February reflecting a near-stabilization in services activity amid continuing recovery in manufacturing. The flash composite output index climbed more-than-expected to 49.8 in February from 41.2 in January. In contrast, the 19-nation currency dipped to more than a 2-year low of 1.5462 against the aussie and a 10-day low of 1.6676 against the kiwi, from yesterday's closing values of 1.5560 and 1.6729, respectively. The next immediate support for the euro is seen around 1.49 against the aussie and 1.62 against the kiwi. Pulling back from a 3-day high of 1.5379 hit at 3:30 am ET, the euro declined to 1.5316 against the loonie. The euro is seen finding support around the 1.51 region. Looking ahead, Canada retail sales for December and U.S. existing home sales for January are set for release in the New York session. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Aliyu Adamus house was one of the many properties burnt in the Sasha Market riot in Ibadan. Three days later, he mustered the courage to check what remained of the duplex. Accompanied by a PREMIUM TIMES reporter, Mr Adamu suddenly stopped at the gate, his lips quivering. Then he took two steps back and fainted. Water! Water!! Water!!! neighbours screamed in commotion. After receiving first aid treatment, Mr Adamu was helped to a nearby hospital. Mr Adamu, a foodstuff dealer, is Hausa and had lived in Sasha for about 20 years until the deadly riot at the market on Friday, February 12. All my life investment is gone, was all he would say later when our correspondent visited him in hospital. The Sasha Crisis What quickly turned into a full-scale violence began as a mere misunderstanding between a cart pusher and a woman stall owner at the Sasha market on Thursday, February 11. A cobbler, Sakirudeen Adeola, who had his shed nearby, intervened on the side of the woman. What followed remains unclear. An account said the cart pusher stabbed Mr Adeola with a knife but another said it was a blow with his fist. Whatever it was, Mr Adeola landed in hospital and was reported dead the following day. The news of his death ignited the violence that pitted some Yorubas against some Hausas in the area. The rioters slaughtered or maimed passers-by and torched houses, shops, vehicles and other valuables estimated at hundreds of millions of naira in an orgy of lawlessness. By Friday evening, nowhere was safe in Sasha and its environs. From unity to disunity Traders and residents of the two ethnic groups in the area told PREMIUM TIMES in a series of interviews that the cart pusher whose altercation with the shop owner started the crisis was not a resident or a known face in the community. The Yorubas and Hausas have been living together without crisis for years, Idrisu Muhammadu, a Hausa trader whose tomato shop was burnt in the riot, said. The man at the centre of the incident came from another place to work here. Isaac Fijabi, a Yoruba who operated pepper grinding machines at the market, said people interacted peacefully in the market because traders just want to do good businesses. Most of the people who caused the chaos are not even the Hausas in this market and the Yorubas who attacked the Hausas too were youth from outside, Mr Fijabi said. Long-term Sasha neighbours and senseless killings The violence continued into the next day, Saturday, as thugs capitalised on the situation, blocking highways and attacking people they identified as Hausas. A witness shared pictorial evidence with PREMIUM TIMES of hoodlums dragging men out of vehicles. Sources said at least 20 people died in the disturbance and hundreds of persons were displaced. PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the casualty claims and the police did not provide official figures. The police spokesperson in the state, Olugbenga Fadeyi, did not respond to calls and text messages from our reporter. ADVERTISEMENT The police also did not speak on arrests in connection with the riot. Mr Fadeyi only said in a statement that normalcy has been returned in the area. Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday declared a dusk-to-dawn-curfew in the market and its environs, warning perpetrators of violence that they would be made to face the wrath of the law. Bitter Tales When Omonike Odejobi noticed our correspondent approaching her, she started hurrying away. I was scared because I dont know you. I thought you were an Hausa man, the elderly woman said eventually. Mrs Odejobi, a Yoruba, was a witness and victim of the riot. It happened all of a sudden. My house and shops have been destroyed. We are currently squatting with friends and family members outside Sasha. I dont know where to start from. Her son, Solomon, who deals in foodstuff, also had a shop at the market. When the incident started, we did not think it would lead to a disaster like this, he said. It started around 7 a.m. on Friday when some Yoruba and Hausas thugs were throwing stones and bottles at themselves. It was when they started burning houses and shops that we realised it was war. My family house was destroyed after all of us ran for our lives. Two of my friends and two of my customers were killed in the crisis. A youth leader in the community, Akeem Lakotan, said he has lived in Sasha all his life but has now been rendered homeless by the crisis. I ran for my life while my house and shops were razed. It was a real war. Some people were burnt to ashes with their shops. No one can give you the exact figure of the casualties. It was terrible, Mr Lakotan, a Yoruba, said. Isa Abdullahi, an Hausa who traded in onions in the market, said two of his shops were burnt in the crisis. I lost over a million naira. I have sent my wife back to the north. One of my children is in Bodija (another area of Ibadan) but I have not set my eyes on him since the day of the incident, Mr Abdullahi told PREMIUM TIMES. This newspaper also gathered that some traders died as a result of shock over their losses. Two of my friends died as a result of shock. One of them, Iya Mariam, owned three shops filled with bags of rice. All were burnt. It was the shock that killed her, a woman, Azeezat Showunmi, said. She said another friend, who traded in food seasoning in the market, also died of shock. She borrowed Lapo money from five different places to stock her stores. She slept and did not wake up the following day, she said, pointing to the remains of the shop of the said deceased trader. Heroism and humanity The violence, however, also produced remarkable stories of heroism and humanity, with some people of Yoruba descent shielding their Hausa neighbours from attacks and vice-versa. Mr Adamu said it was his Yoruba neighbours who protected him from being killed by Yoruba hoodlums during the crisis. It was also his Yoruba neighbours who took him to a hospital after he fainted on Wednesday. One of his neighbours said: Alhaji is a good man. He is nice to all the children in the neighbourhood. We made sure he was safe during the crisis. Another Yoruba resident of the area, Ronke Aremu, also said her Hausa neighbours saved her from lynching on Friday. I have three grinding machines for corn, pepper and cassava flour. That has been my business in the market for the past 10 years and my shop is in the midst of Hausas, Mrs Aremu told PREMIUM TIMES. When the crisis started, people were running helter-skelter. One of my Hausa neighbours dragged me into one of their shops and locked me there. I was was the only Yoruba with them and they were like 10. Around 5 p.m., the Hausa man who rescued me told us he wanted to check if the situation was calm so we could all run for our lives, but he was shot in the head when he stepped out. We later heard voices from outside that the shop we were hiding inside was about to be burnt. We forced the door open and fled. While running, I saw a man being macheted but I could not help. Now my shops and all my grinding machines are gone. A Looting Spree As the shops and homes went up in flames, thugs embarked on a looting spree in the deserted community. There was no one to challenge them, Mr Lakotan said. Moses Akinbode said although he managed to lock his house before running for safety, his properties were still looted. I remember locking all the doors in my house on Friday morning before leaving Sasha. But they looted our homes including those of others who are yet to return. Authorities intervene During a visit to the community, some state governors pleaded with Nigerians to live in harmony despite their ethnic differences Representing the Southwest governors, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Sunday urged residents to embrace peaceful coexistence. Concerning the issue on ground, we have come to beg you. We have been living together for a very long time and this is not the time to start fighting ourselves. So, let us consider that. There are some things that could be making us angry but dont let us look at that because things cannot be like this forever. I have come here on behalf of my colleagues in Ekiti, Lagos, Osun and Ogun. All of them have sent messages. Ogun has its own crisis it is battling with, so does Lagos. But as the chairman, I decided to come around to appeal to us. Though we are here in our fatherland, our own sons and daughters are in another persons fatherland. So, let us think about this and continue to live in peace with one another. We dont need to fight ourselves. We have security agencies that you can call their attention to any issue that could cause crisis. Let us not take the law into our hands. I have a brother in Abuja and others living in Hausaland. Governors Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, Abubakar Bello of Niger and Bello Matawalle of Zamfara states also made an on-the-spot assessment of the damages on Tuesday on behalf of the NGF. Speaking on behalf of the governors, Mr Badugu said: We saw the destruction, but more than the destruction was the regrettable loss of lives that were caused by an unfortunate and condemnable spontaneous response to emotions. First, there had been contention over the leadership at Market. Both the Seriki and Baale of are in agreement about the leadership tussle, but other interested groups were not, hence, there was an undercurrent for trouble to brew. What was the trigger? There was somebody pushing a wheelbarrow with tomatoes and the items fell in front of a shop. Ordinarily, that is normal in markets. But when emotions rose and social media posts instigating crisis became strident, we had the situation we had. We are also glad that the Seriki and Baale of Shasha are firm that everyone is free to stay and conduct his or her lawful activities. We are not against Hausas Baale of Sasha The Yoruba traditional head (Baale) of Sasha, Akinade Ajani, told PREMIUM TIMES that he was not interested in the eviction of any ethnic group, but wants some bad eggs flushed out of the community. The matter has come and gone and we dont pray to witness such again. We have appealed to the government to reconstruct the market and also ensure that the bad elements are flushed out of the community. The governor agreed to lock the market and that he will rebuild it. He saw how our homes were destroyed by the bad ones. We are not against Hausa or Igbo. We are not against any tribe. We just want the bad eggs among them out of our community and the governors agreed to with us. There are just about eight people causing crisis in the community. Asked who the eight persons are, he said: I already disclosed them to the governor. When the eight individuals leave, there will be peace because those people are only pursuing their personal interests. Troublemakers not residents of Sasha Seriki Hausa PREMIUM TIMES also visited the Seriki Hausa in Sasha, Haruna Maiyesin, at his palace. He said those who triggered Fridays crisis were not residents of the community. Anybody creating problem should be tackled by the government. Those that burnt and killed people are not from here. Both the Hausas and Yorubas who caused the mayhem are not faces we know. On Saturday and Sunday, I had over 5,000 people, including Yoruba and Hausas, in my palace who ran for their lives. We have settled our differences and we have decided to live in peace. We should join hands together to tackle the bad eggs. We have sat down together and we have answers to how to live peacefully. On Nigerias dire security situation, Mr Maiyesin said, when the governors came, the first thing I did was to tell them about insecurity in Nigeria and I sent them to the president. If not for lack of security, there wouldnt have been destruction. I just pray that God will keep us. We are not secured generally in Nigeria. Govt needs to be proactive Speaking on the riot, Timothy Avele, a security expert with Elint Armourcop Humint Intelligence, blamed it on failure of security intelligence. The Oyo incident is a result of anger but it still boils down to a failure of security intelligence which authorities have failed to respond to. A public affairs analyst, Rotimi Majaro, said politics had magnified the differences between the Yoruba and Hausa. There is weaponisation of the crisis by some political elites whose interest is 2023. People have lost their humanity to the extent that when two people are fighting, we are quick to take sides. Many people support their own in every dispute without even listening to who is right or wrong. If that continues, then our brothers in the northern part and in the east are not safe. We allow thugs to shine in Nigeria and a mere disagreement was hijacked because the society is encouraging thuggery. This last incident was not the first in Sasha but they often resolved their issues amicably. But there is a mutual mistrust this time which government must quickly address, Mr Majaro said. In her comments, Ler Jonathan, a member of the Nigeria Mourns Coalition, a non-governmental organisation that tracks violent incidents from newspaper reports and family sources, said the government has failed in its responsibilities to citizens. The simple truth is that government has failed to secure lives and properties, he said. We have a biased government who look away when things are going wrong. The government looks partial and people are now fighting for themselves because the government fails to do its job. This is the real challenge and it is more than any ethnic crisis. WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. Passenger traffic at Bradley International Airport through the first 11 months of 2020 was down 63% compared with the year before, with just more than 2.2 million people getting on or getting off airliners. In 2019, more than 5.6 million people had traveled through Bradley by the end of October, and the airport was on its way to drawing 7 million passengers in 2019, besting its 2018 mark of 6.7 million by more than 2%. This year, in a sign of the times of life amid a global pandemic, Bradley used on-arrival COVID testing to boost traffic by travelers whod otherwise have to quarantine. The latest numbers are actually something of a recovery, as back in April and May the airport was running 90% or more behind its passenger traffic from the spring of 2019. They are not numbers that Bradley and the Connecticut Airport Authority can sustain long term even though airports in Boston and New York City were down 80% to 85% in star-crossed 2020. Recovery, says Connecticut Airport Authority executive director Kevin A. Dillon, will be difficult. Airlines took a beating in 2020 with a net loss of $118.5 billion globally. They expect to face a net loss of $38.7 billion in 2021. Kevin A. Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority which oversees Bradley International Airport. That means, according to Dillon, that when airlines emerge from the pandemic itll be slowly and with fewer aircraft and employees and also with a thirst for revenue. We know that the competition that existed pre-pandemic will only be more intense, Dillon predicts. Bradley depends on airlines willingness to deploy resources flights, crews, ground personnel handling luggage and selling tickets, marketing money to Bradley and the Hartford-Springfield market it serves. Thats where its going to be very, very important for us to continue the philosophy of differentiating ourselves from the airports in New York and from Logan, Dillon says. We feel we are positioned very well. Aer Lingus, which had been Bradleys lone transatlantic flight prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, wants to resume flights from Connecticut to Dublin, according to Dillon. But that anticipated return date wont be until the end of 2021 or into 2022. They would like to return as soon as possible, he says. It wasnt until September that Aer Lingus even had the legal ability to fly the route due to COVID restrictions, and international travel is still highly restricted. To compete, Bradley must offer not just a good market of travelers but cheap operating expenses when it comes to renting space and fees for landing and taking off. The Connecticut Airport Authority instituted a hiring freeze, pay cuts and cuts to operating expenses just to make it through 2020. The authority also deferred $20 million in capital projects, according to Dillon. Bradley did continue as scheduled all year with work on its long-awaited ground transportation center, a $210 million project. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking in July 2019. The ground transportation center will have host all the rental-car operators, be a bus station and have the capability to expand into a rail transit hub someday in the future. Financed through a surcharge on car rentals at the airport, its still scheduled to be completed in May 2022. There have been bright spots for Bradley. COVID-19 testing for travelers has been popular as it facilitates travel without quarantining. The Connecticut Airport Authority and Hartford HealthCare also ran a drive-through COVID-19 testing site for Connecticut residents who were not traveling. The idea was to keep the general public, especially if they were exposed or symptomatic, out of the terminal, Dillon says. Bradley International Airport received the Airport Health Accreditation from Airports Council International World. And Bradley had a banner year for freight traffic with Amazon, UPS, FedEX and DHL all up, according to Dillon. That happened industry wide with more folks ordering online. Related content: About half as many bus and train passengers pass through Springfields Union Station now compared with traffic prior to the emergence of COVID-19 last year. Transportation boosters and elected officials including U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, who spearheaded the $103 million rehab of the century-old station are looking beyond the pandemic as they see a moment of opportunity for the long -awaited expansion of passenger rail service through Springfield to include east-west service from Boston through Worcester, Springfield and to Pittsfield with stops along the way. Neal has said repeatedly a large-scale infrastructure bill that would include rail is the only way to grow the economy out of the post-pandemic recession. Now, with President Joseph R. Biden Jr., a passenger rail fan nicknamed Amtrak Joe, in the White House, and Pete Buttigieg, who is amenable to big projects is the new federal transportation secretary, the outlook is improving. Even the state long a holdout in the east-west rail push seems more amenable to moving forward. The east-west train project has the potential to solve eastern Massachusetts housing crisis, says state Sen. Eric P. Lesser, D-Longmeadow. Itll link a less expensive housing market in Western Massachusetts with the burgeoning jobs market in the east, a concept thats already earned the backing of the Boston City Council, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and MassMutual CEO Roger Crandall. People are leaving Massachusetts because they cant afford to live here, Lesser says. In January, the state released a final rail study showing enhanced passenger rail service could attract 278,000 to 469,000 riders per year. The cost for extensive track upgrades would range from $2.4 billion and $4.6 billion. At that ridership and cost, the project doesnt meet guidelines for federal funding. Riders board a passenger train at Union Station in Springfield, Jan. 5, 2021. (Don Treeger / The Republican) Authors of the state report acknowledged they are likely missing some important data. That includes the potentially transformative economic and demographic impacts and benefits of a rail line connecting cities like Springfield and Pittsfield to Boston. And, it doesnt include the changes in behavior spurred by the arrival of rail. In addition, the report doesnt use ridership numbers from big cities with burgeoning tech sectors Boston or San Francisco and the Silicon Valley with outlying suburbs like Portland, Maine, or Stockton, California, The study also doesnt examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and, in particular, the rise in working from home. The states new $16 billion transportation bond bill includes $50 million toward east-west rail. Lesser says of that amount, Its a drop in the bucket, but its a start. And, it could begin the design process. Still, people havent been traveling lately, a direct result of the pandemic. Over the past year, there were about 136,606 passengers passing through the station each month, 5,100 of those train passengers and 126,687 were Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus passengers, according to Appleton Corp., the management company that runs Union Station on a day-to-day basis. Thats compared with about 265,749 total passengers a month in 2019. Of those, 12,695 were on the trains and 226,785 on PVTA buses. Christopher J. Moskal, executive director of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority that owns Union Station, says its a sad fact of the COVID world that Union Station is now as quiet as it is. The Redevelopment Authority expects both Amtrak and Peter Pan bus Lines, which uses the station as its regional hub, to restart service as the nation recovers. People still need to get where they are going, Moskal says. The Redevelopment Authority has a contractor now building out unfinished space on the stations second floor into a vanilla box with walls, plumbing and wiring in preparation for a new office tenant. A number of prospective tenants, including two law firms, have been looking at the space in recent months, he says. Declining numbers were mirrored elsewhere on Amtraks state-funded north-south Knowledge Corridor service called the Valley Flyer. According to Amtrak, Holyokes station saw just 774 riders in 2020, down from 1,718 in 2019. Northampton had 10,943 in 2020, down from 22,284 in 2019. And, Greenfield had 3,233 passengers at its Amtrak stop in 2020, down from 6,750 in 2019. Amtrak, the nations rail passenger provider, has suspended its Vermonter train north of New Haven, Connecticut, during the pandemic. So the train no longer serves Springfield, let alone reaches Vermont. Amtrak says itll start bringing service back, but has no timelines. The Connecticut Department of Transportation says it remains committed to New Haven- Hartford - Springfield service. Late last year, Connecticut announced a CTrail eTix mobile app which allows folks to buy tickets on the Hartford and Shore Line East lines through a mobile phone. Related Content: Investors piled this week into stocks exposed to the hot investment sectors, namely Bitcoin, COVID-19 and cannabis. A lot of successful investment involves 'joining the dots' and so although there was no real news flow from Online Blockchain it is little surprise that the stock was one of the week's best performers, rising 158 per cent to 107p as the Bitcoin buying frenzy continued, helped by some external combustion provided by Elon Musk, the founder of electric vehicle maker, Tesla, who has been banging on about cryptocurrencies. Braveheart Investment and Scancell, meanwhile, both felt obliged to put out statements commenting on their respective share price movements and both essentially said: 'nothing new to see here, please refer to our earlier announcements'. Those 'earlier announcements' were both related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Cryptocurrency firm Online Blockchain was one of the week's best performers, rising 158 per cent to 107p as the Bitcoin buying frenzy continued, helped by Elon Musk In Braveheart's case, the investment firm updated at the end of January on progress by its subsidiary Paraytec's collaboration with the University of Sheffield on a COVID-19 test. There was nothing new to add to that announcement but that did not stop the share price from soaring 147 per cent to 113.5p. As for Scancell, in attempting to account for its share price rise it could do no more than point to its late January announcement in which it gave an update on its COVIDITY programme, where it is looking to develop a differentiated vaccine against COVID-19 that would potentially be active against new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The shares stormed 89 per cent higher to 26p. Investor enthusiasm for all things related to the fight against COVID-19 can be a two-edged sword, however, as Remote Monitored Systems found out, as its shares plunged 41 per cent to 1.7p after it launched a strategic review and overhauled its board following more delays in getting production of its Covid-19 facemask established. The only consolation for long-term holders of the stock is that the shares are still five times higher than they were a year ago. London does not have a lot of medicinal cannabis companies but the numbers are swelling, reflecting increasing interest in this sector. Kanabo Group, which makes an inhaler that is nicknamed the 'cannabis Nespresso', made its market debut on February 16 and is already up 577 per cent at 31.5p. The London Stock Exchange does not have a lot of medicinal cannabis companies but the numbers are swelling, reflecting increasing interest in this sector MGC Pharmaceuticals has been around a little longer, having listed in London on February 9 at 1.475p. Its shares now trade at 7.21p after rising 72 per cent in a week in which it announced its first deal to supply its food supplement product. FastForward Innovations, up 42 per cent this week to 14.375p, was another stock high on cannabis connections. The investment company's acquisition of a 0.9 per cent interest last week in Little Green Pharma (LGP) was well-timed as LGP revealed it will exclusively supply medicinal cannabis oil products to enrolled patients in the University of Sydney's QUality of life Evaluation Study, commonly known as The QUEST Initiative. This initiative will look at how much medicinal cannabis can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic disease. Away from these sexy sectors, a couple of companies with Indian connections had a good week. Oilex doubled in price to 0.19p after it reached an agreement with the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) over the Cambay production sharing contract (PSC). The two parties have been at loggerheads but GSPC has now agreed to sell its participating interest in the PSC. Mercantile Ports & Logistics Limited climbed 96 per cent to 0.715p after two parties signed contracts to use the London-listed company's under-development port and logistics facility in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Albany, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, under fire for concealing nursing home deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic, announced today a series of reforms designed to improve the safety of nursing home residents. The proposals would increase transparency around nursing home staffing, increase accountability for public health law violations and other misconduct, and ensure nursing homes prioritize patient care and safety over profits. These facilities must be transparent and we have to have the tools necessary for holding bad actors accountable, he said. Cuomo said he wont sign a budget that doesnt include the reforms. Here are some highlights of his proposals. Nursing homes would be required to spend a minimum of 70% of revenue on direct patient care and a minimum of 40% of revenue on staffing. Civil monetary penalties against nursing homes for violations of public health law would be increased to $25,000. The process to appoint a receiver to protect nursing home resident health and safety would be streamlined. A requirement giving adult care facilities 30 days to fix violations before a penalty is imposed would be eliminated. Establish a nursing home profit cap and a cap on nursing home executive and management salaries. Cuomo has come under intense criticism after one of his top aides admitted his administration withheld information about the full scope of nursing home deaths so former President Trump couldnt use it against New York. A report from NYS Attorney General Letitia James last month showed the state health department undercounted Covid-19 deaths among nursing home residents by approximately 50%. The AGs findings were similar to those of a Syracuse.com investigation published earlier. Cuomo also has been criticized for issuing a March 25 directive barring nursing homes from refusing people who had Covid-19. While that order helped free up space in hospitals swamped with patients, it also may have fueled the spread of the virus among vulnerable nursing home residents. James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com It was an interesting day in the world of technology today. On one hand, Motorola launched the Moto E7 Power in India. On the other hand, Nokia 3.4 went on sale in India. In addition to that, Bitcoin touched the $1 trillion mark. So, here's what happened in tech today: Nokia 3.4 goes on sale in India The Nokia 3.4 went on sale in India today. It costs 11,999 and it will be available across retail outlets and online platforms including Nokias e-store, Amazon and Flipkart in India. Moto E7 Power launched Motorola launched the Moto E7 Power in India today. It starts at 7,499 in India. Bitcoin touches $1 trillion mark The cryptocurrency market hit a record high on late Friday evening as the value of Bitcoin touched the $1 trillion mark. You can check all the details here. Microsoft announces Office 2021 for Windows and macOS Microsoft has announced the launch of Office 2021. The suite of Microsoft apps will be available later this year for Mac and Windows users. Clubhouse surpasses 8 million mark on App Store As per the data by App Annie, Clubhouse grew from 3.5 million downloads globally at the start of the month, to 8.1 million on February 16. President Joe Biden (C) leaves Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, on Jan. 24, 2021. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Needs to Stop Defining Himself as a Devout Catholic, Archbishop Says President Joe Biden needs to acknowledge that his support for abortion contradicts his Catholic faith, Kansas City Archbishop Joseph Naumannn said in a recent interview. The archbishop, who serves as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, discussed Bidens Catholic faith during a February interview with the Catholic World Report. Media outlets and reporters frequently describe Biden as a devout Catholic, though Biden has drawn criticism for supporting and advocating for policies that the Catholic Church explicitly opposes. Naumann suggested that Biden himself should take a more honest approach to his faith. The president should stop defining himself as a devout Catholic, and acknowledge that his view on abortion is contrary to Catholic moral teaching, Naumann said. It would be a more honest approach from him to say he disagreed with his Church on this important issue and that he was acting contrary to Church teaching, the archbishop added. Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden departs St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., on Sept. 6, 2020. (Jim Watson/AFP) The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is a crime against human life, constitutes a grave offense and that a person who obtains an abortion is automatically excommunicated from the Catholic Church. When he says he is a devout Catholic, we bishops have the responsibility to correct him, he added. Although people have given this president power and authority, he cannot define what it is to be a Catholic and what Catholic moral teaching is. The Kansas City archbishop said that Biden is usurping the role of the bishops and confusing people by acting as though faithful Catholics can support abortion. The bishops need to correct him, as the president is acting contrary to the Catholic faith, he added. Biden has already enacted policy allowing taxpayer dollars to fund abortions abroad and marked the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade by promising to both appoint judges who respect the ruling as precedent Friday and to codify Roe v. Wade. He also directed the Department of Health and Human Services to review the Title X family planning regulations and is expected to reverse former President Donald Trumps Protect Life Rule, which prohibited Title X Family Planning Program funds from going to organizations that perform or promote abortions. Mary Margaret Olohan From The Daily Caller News Foundation HANGZHOU, China, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hangzhou Sciwind Biosciences Co., Ltd. (Sciwind), a clinical-stage, fast-growing biopharmaceutical company focusing on research and development of innovative biologics, today announced the closing of an US$37 Million series B financing. The financing was led by LYFE Capital and joined by the existing investors, Legend Capital and Haibang Venture Capital. Sciwind focuses on research and development of innovative biologics in the therapeutic area of chronic metabolic and immunological diseases and has driven multiple projects into clinical trials. A phase 1 clinical study of XW003, has been completed in an overseas clinical site, and phase 2 clinical trials including type II diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are expected to be initiated in China in 2021. Two more Investigational New Drug (IND) applications are expected to be filed in 2021 including an oral formulation of a highly active GLP-1 analogue. ''Sciwind is now entering an exciting new era. We welcome the new investors and greatly appreciate the strong support of existing investors. The successful completion of series B financing shows the confidence of the investors in Sciwind team and R&D projects,'' said Hai Pan, Ph.D., Sciwind's founder and CEO. "The new investment will help to drive current clinical projects and push forward other First-in-Class/Best-in-Class drug candidates from our pipeline into clinical development. It also helps the expansion of our talent team and we hope to -attract more talents to join Sciwind team to provide patients with products of high clinical value and bring sustained financial return to the investors." Mr. Gang Chen, Partner at LYFE Capital, said "We are very pleased to be an investor and partner of Sciwind. LYFE Capital is committed to invest in biopharmaceutical companies with extraordinary management teams and great prospects. Sciwind stands out due to its strong R&D capability and highly experienced management team, which makes us very confident about the future of Sciwind. In addition to financial support, we will make every effort to provide Sciwind with more support, such as global partnerships, collaborations, regulatory guidance and local market access." Mr. Tan Hong, Managing Director at Legend Capital, said "Sciwind is one of the elite biopharmaceutical companies in China and its innovative and entrepreneurial culture has always impressed us. Since our last investment on Sciwind in 2019, we are delighted to see a series of progress achieved by Sciwind. We look forward to working closely with the talented team at Sciwind and other investors to improve patients' quality of life" About Sciwind Biosciences Sciwind Biosciences is focusing on the therapeutic area of chronic metabolic and immunological diseases and devoted to research and development of global First- or Best-in-Class biologics. Sciwind owns multiple proprietary technologies, including oral peptide and inhaled protein therapeutics platforms. Sciwind establishes a series of R&D pipelines based on these core platform technologies. For more information, please contact us via [email protected]. About LYFE Capital Founded in 2015, LYFE Capital is a dedicated healthcare fund with $1.3 billion in assets under management. LYFE Capital is actively seeking healthcare companies with exceptional management teams and expansive vision geared towards global markets. LYFE Capital focus spans biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. LYFE Capital work closely with portfolio companies to support their needs by providing capital and active support in global partnerships, collaborations, regulatory guidance and local market access. At LYFE Capitalportfolio companies are not just investments, but rather long-term partners. About Legend Capital Legend Capital, founded in April 2001is the independent Venture Capital investment subsidiary under Legend Holdings. In February 2012, Legend Capital took the new Chinese name "(Junlian)". Legend Capital is now managing several USD funds and RMB funds with a total AUM RMB 50bn, and focuses on innovation and growth enterprises with operations in China or related to China. By 2020, Legend Capital has invested in over 500 companies, nearly 80 are successfully listed on domestic or overseas capital market, besides, more than 60 companies achieved exit through M&A. SOURCE Hangzhou Sciwind Biosciences Co., Ltd. Farmers fear the potential sale of their loans to vulture funds following the announcement by NatWest that it is to wind down Ulster Bank in the Republic of Ireland. Irish Farmers Association (IFA) president, Tim Cullinan, said the bank must commit to not selling any of its loan book to a so-called vulture fund, but to banks that can offer a full service to customers. NatWest Group confirmed this morning that it plans to wind down its operations putting close to 3,000 jobs at risk and dramatically lessening competition in the Irish market. There are 88 Ulster Bank branches with 20.5bn in home loans and corporate lending in the Republic. This withdrawal has significant consequences for competition in the sector, but the first priority must be to ensure that the loan book ends up with a bank that provides a full banking service and not a faceless fund, Mr Cullinan continued. NatWest has a moral responsibility to their customers to ensure this does not happen and it is positive to learn of the engagement NatWest is having with AIB and PTSB. Meanwhile, Ulster Bank confirmed that AIB will buy 4bn of its commercial loans, with a final agreement over price still to be struck. It also said it was in talks with Permanent TSB and other strategic banking counterparties over the sale of its retail and small business loans. Ulster Banks departure will be another crippling blow to competition in the sector and the lack of choice for borrowers will further drive up the cost of borrowing in Ireland, Mr Cullinan added. The bank plays a critical role in agri-lending, accounting for approximately 16% of the market share in agri-customers and is an active participant in any SBCI schemes which came on the market. Ulster Bank has a duty of care to its existing customers, so it must quickly reverse the lack of engagement on the issue and reduce the stress for existing customers. Cindy Schultz/Times Union CLIFTON PARK A 29-year-old Troy man rammed two State Police troop cars Thursday night as he fled Schenectady where he was a suspect in a burglary, State Police at Latham said Friday. Troopers were monitoring the developing vehicle pursuit at 11 p.m. Thursday. Troopers joined the chase when a vehicle driven by Shaquille Daniels crossed the Mohawk River into Clifton Park. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, remains in a London hospital where he was admitted as a precautionary measure for a few days of observation and rest. The 99-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II was taken to King Edward VII Hospital in London on the advice of his doctor on Tuesday and spent a third night there on Thursday. According to royal sources quoted in the UK media, his hospital admission is not said to be related to coronavirus. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to the King Edward VII hospital in London, on Tuesday evening, said. The duke's admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness's doctor, after feeling unwell. The duke is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest, it added. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his best wishes to the royal, with a Downing Street spokesperson saying: The Prime Minister sends his best wishes to the Duke of Edinburgh as he undergoes a few days of rest in hospital. The Queen has remained at Windsor Castle and there have been no reports of any visitors to the hospital. The 94-year-old monarch performed her first face-to-face event of this year on Thursday, when she knighted royal aide Vice-Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt as the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order during a private socially-distanced ceremony at Windsor. According to the BBC, the couple have been spending the recent lockdown in England at Windsor Castle with a small household staff, nicknamed HMS Bubble. The Duke, who turns 100 in June, was admitted to the same London hospital as a "precautionary measure" for treatment for a "pre-existing condition" in December 2019. He spent four nights in hospital at the time. In November 2020, the Queen and marked their 73rd wedding anniversary by releasing a photograph of themselves opening a card made for them by their great grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis the children of Prince William and Kate Middleton. (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.) New Delhi, Feb 19 : A Delhi court on Friday sent climate activist Disha Ravi to three-days judicial custody in connection with the 'toolkit' case. The 21-year-old activist was produced before the court amid high security at the end of her five-days police custody. Ravi was arrested from Bengaluru on February 13 in connection with allegedly editing and sharing a 'toolkit' on social media related to the farmers' protest. During the course of proceedings, the Delhi Police told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain that Ravi has been evasive in giving replies during the interrogation and shifted the blame onto co-accused Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk. The police requested the court to send her to three-days judicial custody, as they have served a notice to co-accused Shantanu, who will join the investigation on February 22, following which both will be confronted. "She has been evasive in giving replies. We have served notice to co-accused Shantanu who will be joining the investigation on February 22. She has to be confronted with co-accused," Public Prosecutor Irfan Ahmed told the court. The prosecutor added, "During the course of interrogation, Disha Ravi has shifted the blame on Nikita and Shantanu. All the accused need to be confronted with one another. That's why three days judicial custody is being sought." The court was also informed that Disha Ravi has moved a bail application which will come up for hearing on February 20. The Cyber Cell had lodged an FIR against "pro-Khalistan" creators of the "toolkit" for waging a "social, cultural and economic war against the Government of India". On February 14, the Delhi Police took to microblogging website Twitter to elaborate on the case. It wrote, "Disha Ravi, arrested by Delhi Police, is an Editor of the Toolkit Google Doc and key conspirator in document's formulation and dissemination." She started WhatsApp Group and collaborated to make the Toolkit document, the police said, adding that she worked closely with them to draft it. "In this process, they all collaborated with pro Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation to spread disaffection against the Indian State. She was the one who shared the Toolkit Doc with Greta Thunberg," the police wrote on Twitter. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Wednesday destroyed approximately 23,100 stems of cannabis sativa at the Kayole dumpsite in the outskirts of Naivasha town. The marijuana with an estimated street value of Sh27 million was uprooted from the privately-owned Kedong Ranch last week Thursday. Acting on a tip-off from the public, a multi-agency team raided the cannabis plantation on a one-acre piece of land located inside the expansive ranch and arrested 14 suspects. During the destruction of the plants, Naivasha Sub-County Criminal Investigations boss Adan Hassan said police were hot on the heels of the owner of the farm. Hassan said preliminary investigations indicated that the ganja farmers could have sneaked through non-formal routes into the hidden part of the ranch and cultivated the marijuana. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Hydro66 Holdings Corp. (CSE: SIX) (the "Company" or "Hydro66") is pleased to announce that an overwhelming majority of the securityholders who cast votes online at the Special Meeting of shareholders held on February 16, 2021 (the "Meeting") have voted in favour of the special resolution approving the sale by the Company to Northern Data AG of all of the shares of Hydro66 UK Limited ("Hydro66 UK"), including the data center in Sweden operated by Hydro66 UK's wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hydro66 Services AB, Hydro66 Svenska AB and Hydro66 Property Services, as originally announced on January 7, 2021. The Company will retain its wholly-owned subsidiary, Megamining Limited. The asset sale may constitute the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. In total 99.97% of shares represented at the meeting voted to approve the transaction. About Hydro66 Hydro66 owns and operates an award-winning colocation data centre in Sweden specializing in High Performance Computing ("HPC") hosting. The Company hosts third party IT infrastructure, utilizing 100% green power, at amongst the EU's lowest power prices and within an ISO27001 accredited facility. Hydro66 is uniquely positioned to capitalize on opportunities in blockchain infrastructure as well as the traditional Enterprise colocation data centre market. The Company provides truly green power at a leading price, purpose-built space and cooling, telecoms, IT support services and 24/7 physical security in their facility in Boden, Sweden. For more information please visit: www.hydro66.com FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Paul Morrison Chief Commercial Officer paul.morrison@hydro66.com (+44) 7789 915 147 Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74948 Police officers at the closed road at Ballyarnett Village where searches for a device continue. Picture Martin McKeown. 19.02.21 Police in Londonderry are investigating reports that a device has been left in the Racecourse Road area of the city. A search operation has been launched and police said the Skeoge Link Road will be closed for several hours to facilitate it. Diversions are in place via Culmore Road and the city centre. There have been a number of similar incidents in the area in recent weeks. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the incident was causing "more disruption and inconvenience for people for the third time this week". "Those responsible need to wise up and stop putting communities on edge," the Foyle MP said. PSNI Superintendent Catherine Magee said: We appreciate the inconvenience this road closure may cause for people affected by this incident, and I want to thank them for their patience and understanding while our officers work to ensure their safety. "As we continue with our enquiries, Im appealing to the local community, and to people travelling through the area, that if they notice anything suspicious they should contact police immediately on 999. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 576 14/02/21. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. 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. Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell's deputy Sen. June Thune is striking out at state parties who have censured or condemned fellow Republicans who voted to convict Donald Trump at his impeachment trial. Thune, who has worked his way up the leadership ladder and is a key ally to McConnell, warned of 'cancel culture' within the state parties and party activists a stinging dig that Trump himself has used to blast those who would silence him or seek to pressure conservative opinion. He has a Capitol office located just steps from where angry rioters breached the Senate chamber, but decided not to vote to convict Trump of incitement of insurrection. In his first interview since he voted to acquit Trump, the Senate's No. 2 Republican defended fellow Republicans who sided with Democrats on the 'vote of conscience' and warned against shutting out dissenting voices in the party. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said House impeachment managers made a 'strong case' against former President Donald Trump in the impeachment trial, and warned activists against imposing 'cancel culture' on Republicans who parted with Trump 'There was a strong case made,' Thune said of the Democrats' impeachment presentation. 'People could come to different conclusions. If were going to criticize the media and the left for cancel culture, we cant be doing that ourselves.' His comments come after McConnell accused Trump of 'a disgraceful dereliction of duty' for his role in the Jan. 6th riot. Trump spoke to a crowd of supporters urging them to 'fight' just minutes before a MAGA mob stormed the Capitol. McConnell wrote in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal that 'There is no question former President Trump bears moral responsibility. His supporters stormed the Capitol because of the unhinged falsehoods he shouted into the world's largest megaphone. 'His behavior during and after the chaos was also unconscionable, from attacking Vice President Mike Pence during the riot to praising the criminals after it ended.' Thune's pushback comes after a number of state parties went after Republicans who parted with Trump. Among those censured was retiring Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Ben Sasse of Nebraska. Thune's comments come amid a public feud between former President Trump and Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky Republican Senator from North Carolina Richard Burr, who voted to convict Trump at the impeachment trial, was censured by his own state party Trump has lashed out and McConnell and Thune as well as senators who criticized his effort to overturn the election results Trump even tried to talk up a primary challenge to Thune, causing Gov. Krisi Noem to issue a statement denying interest Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., leaves the chamber as the Senate voted to consider hearing from witnesses in the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, at the Capitol in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021 Trump mocked Thune, calling him 'Mitch's boy' two days before Christmas, amid Trump's effort to overturn the election results, then torched him again on January 1, tweeting: 'I hope to see the great Governor of South Dakota @KristiNoem, run against RINO @JohnThune, in the upcoming 2022 Primary. She would do a fantastic job in the U.S. Senate, but if not Kristi, others are already lining up. South Dakota wants strong leadership, NOW!' Trump, now banned from Twitter, publicly struck from his new home at Mar-a-Lago, back in a blistering statement trashing McConnell. He called McConnell a 'dour, sullen', 'unsmiling political hack' and accused McConnell of 'destroying' the GOP and urged the party's senators to end his leadership. He also has vowed to get involved in GOP primaries to try to force out people he considers 'RINOs.' Thune's remarks were his first explaining his vote in Trump's trial and assessing the turbulent GOP politics the former president has left behind. Thune, who is facing reelection next year in deeply conservative South Dakota, is among several establishment Republicans grappling with how to reclaim control of a party dominated by Trump and his most ardent supporters for years. The senator only rarely criticized Trump while he was in office. But he called the former president's actions after the election 'inexcusable' and accused him of undermining the peaceful transfer of power. Still, Thune last week sided with most Republican senators and McConnell in voting to acquit anyway. Thune and others argued that Trump could not be impeached because he was already out of office. Thune said after his vote that he was concerned with the idea of 'punishing a private citizen with the sole intent of disqualifying him from holding future office.' Democrats fell 10 votes short of the 67 need to convict. Since then, Trump has lashed out at McConnell and repeated the baseless claim that he won the election. The comments have inflamed a feud that is likely to play out in GOP primaries between Trump-backed candidates and those supported by the establishment wing. Thune suggested he would be taking steps to assist candidates 'who dont go off and talk about conspiracies and that sort of thing.' He praised Rep. Liz Cheney, a Wyoming Republican, who was censured by the Wyoming GOP for voting to impeach Trump, for doing an 'exceptional job on most issues' and said he was ready to jump into primary battles like the one she is sure to face. 'At the grassroots level, there's a lot of people who want to see Trump-like candidates,' he said. 'But I think we're going to be looking for candidates that are electable.' Thune himself was hit by Trump last year after he said efforts by some GOP members in the U.S. House to reject Electoral College results would 'go down like a shot dog' in the Senate. Trump called Thune a 'RINO,' meaning Republican In Name Only, and 'Mitchs boy,' in reference to McConnell. The attacks inspired some Trump loyalists in South Dakota to huddle for a primary challenge to the state's senior senator, whose candidacy has gone unchallenged in previous elections. On Thursday, the senator attempted to downplay those attacks, likening them to 'food fights within the family' that hurt Republicans' goals, He noted there was no evidence to support Trump's claim of voter fraud. 'Youve got to face the music, and at some point, its got to be over and youve got to move on,' he said, adding, 'I think its just important to tell people the truth. The most important responsibility of any leader is to define reality.' The Government was forced to deny last night that Chris Whitty felt 'very unhappy' about plans for a 'big bang' reopening of schools on March 8. Downing Street knocked down claims that the chief medical officer had concerns that a full return rather than the staggered approach called for by unions would cause a spike in infections. Boris Johnson has made it clear that he wants all ten million schoolchildren and staff to return on March 8. But education sources told The Guardian Mr Whitty was 'very unhappy' with this. N0 10 knocked down claims that chief medical officer Chris Whitty (pictured) had concerns over a full return rather than the staggered approach would cause a spike in infections Some officials fear a mass return will increase infection rates and create problems administering pupils' Covid tests. Ministers and senior advisers want Mr Whitty to back a full return publicly to reassure parents and teachers, but he is said to remain 'lukewarm'. The Guardian has reported that he has not endorsed any media materials being distributed ahead of Monday's announcements. An education source told the newspaper that they believed the issue could be resolved and added: 'No 10 will come up with a formulation of words that Whitty can live with.' Last night a Department of Health source branded the claim 'absolute b******t' and a Whitehall source also said it was 'categorically untrue'. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), which advises the Government, has modelled the impact of sending all children back at once against a staggered, year-by-year approach. It believes the first option will lead to a bigger rise in the so-called 'R value' which measures how quickly the virus will spread. But it insists ministers must weigh up the risks against pupils' wellbeing. Officials including Mr Whitty have repeatedly stressed the damage to children of being forced to stay at home. Mr Johnson is set to meet senior ministers today to hammer out the final details. The committee will examine the latest data on the impact of lockdown and the vaccine rollout, so they can decide how quickly to lift restrictions. Cabinet will then rubber stamp the plans on Monday morning, before they are revealed to the Commons that afternoon. The blueprint is likely to see schools return on March 8 along with more relaxed rules on outdoor exercise; the return of outdoor sports like golf and tennis at the end of next month and non-essential shops opening soon after Easter. Pubs and restaurants may also be able to serve people outdoors from April although not indoors until May but sources have warned dates could be pushed back if the data doesn't support the restrictions being lifted. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), which advises the Government, has modelled the impact of sending all children back at once against a staggered, year-by-year approach. Pictured, children arriving at Manor Park School in Cheshire last month A Downing Street source told the Guardian: 'If we need to move things to the right because of our assessment of the pandemic, then we may have to do that.' Teaching unions want a phased return to schools. Nine organisations representing teachers, heads, support staff and governors united to warn against the Prime Minister's plan. They said getting all children back at once on March 8 seemed a 'reckless action' that could 'trigger another spike in Covid infections, prolong the disruption of education and risk throwing away hard-won progress made in suppressing the virus'. In a statement, they called on the Prime Minister to only commit to the March 8 date if the scientific evidence was 'absolutely clear that this is safe', and he should 'go no further than a phased return'. Mr Johnson is due to set out a roadmap out of lockdown on Monday. But Geoff Barton, of the Association of School and College Leaders, wrote on the Times Educational Supplement website to urge caution rather than 'risking a big bang that could blow up in our faces'. A Department for Education spokesman said: 'Schools are the best place for young people's education, development and wellbeing. Pupils will return from March 8 at the earliest.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'The Guardian story is categorically untrue and the reported disagreement is a fantasy. 'The Chief Medical Officer, and all the other CMOs, have repeatedly made clear they agree with prioritisation of education and the low risks to children.' Education unions join forces to try to block the return of ALL pupils to school on March 8 telling Boris Johnson it would be 'reckless' and he should use a 'phased' reopening that only restarts classes slowly By David Wilcock, Whitehall Correspondent for MailOnline Boris Johnson was warned yesterday that it would be 'reckless' to send all children back to school in a fortnight's time amid calls for the reopening of classrooms to be sped up. Nine trade unions ganged up on the PM yesterday to demand a 'phased return' only for millions of children who have been out of the classroom since the start of January. Mr Johnson is expected to unveil his roadmap out of lockdown on Monday, with a March 8 restart date anticipated for schools in England. But how many children will go back straight away is still being debated by ministers. Schools in Scotland will reopen on Monday February 22, but only to a few primary and secondary years at first, with more returning later in March. In a letter orchestrated by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), education union leaders said they were 'increasingly concerned' that the Government could go ahead with a full return of all pupils in England on March 8. The joint statement said: 'This would seem a reckless course of action. It could trigger another spike in Covid infections, prolong the disruption of education and risk throwing away the hard-won progress made in suppressing the virus over the course of the latest lockdown. Nine trade unions ganged up on the PM today to demand a 'phased return' for millions of children who have been out of the classroom since the start of January. All primary school pupils and those facing exams will return to classrooms in Wales by March 15 so long as the Covid-19 situation 'continues to improve,' Mark Drakeford said today When are schools expected to open across Britain? England Boris Johnson has repeatedly said the Government will target March 8 to reopen schools across England. But it is still unclear exactly how the reopening will work, with the PM due to unveil his lockdown exit roadmap on Monday. The PM is said to want to see all pupils return on the same day but some union bosses are adamant there should be a phased return to classrooms, with the Health Secretary also said to be advocating a cautious approach. Scotland The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on February 16 that schools in Scotland will begin a phased reopening from Monday. Pupils between the ages of four and eight will be the first to return to classes on that date. No other pupils will return until at least 15 March, it was said. Wales Children aged between three and seven will resume face-to-face classes in Wales from Monday. There will also be returns for some vocational learners, including apprentices, to colleges in order to access training or workplace environments for their practical qualifications. Mark Drakeford today confirmed that all primary school pupils as well as those in Years 11 and 13 could return from March 15. Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said last month that schools in Northern Ireland will not reopen until at least March 8. Advertisement 'The science around the role that schools play in the overall rate of transmission is uncertain. ' It adds: 'What we do know is that the full reopening of schools will bring nearly 10 million pupils and staff into circulation in England - close to one fifth of the population. This is not a small easing of lockdown restrictions. It is a massive step. 'These factors necessitate a cautious approach with wider school and college opening phased over a period of time.' As well as the ASCL, the statement was signed by the GMB, National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), NASUWT, National Education Union (NEU), National Governance Association (NGA), Sixth Form Colleges' Association (SFCA), Unison, and Unite. It came as a school leader warned mass-testing will mean some pupils won't go back to school until April. The comments by Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis multi-academy trust which runs more than 50 schools nationwide, comes as Mr Johnson is facing opposition to his plan for widespread, simultaneous returns from teaching unions and Matt Hancock. The academy chief is leading calls for a staggered return for pupils, insisting a secondary school with around 2,000 students would likely have to invite one year group back each week to carry out testing on such a scale. Even if it did begin early next month as the Prime Minister proposes, such a process would not realistically be completed until the week of April 19, education bosses claim. Mr Chalke told the Telegraph: 'You need a waiting area, a testing area, a holding area, an administrative area and an isolation area for people who test positive. 'You need to have someone in charge of it all, someone to assist with the testing, someone in charge of the collation of the data, someone in charge of the hosting area, someone in charge of waste disposal, someone to oversee the isolation area it is quite an operation.' He added that schools would become 'a medical centre' if more than one year group was being brought in for testing at the same time. All primary school pupils and those facing exams will return to classrooms in Wales by March 15 so long as the Covid-19 situation 'continues to improve,' Mark Drakeford said yesterday. The First Minister will announce no further changes to the country's level four restrictions - which have been in place since December 20 - as stay-at-home rules are extended for at least another three weeks. Children aged between three and seven will resume face-to-face classes from Monday, Mr Drakeford confirmed. There will also be returns for some vocational learners, including apprentices, to colleges so they can access training for their practical qualifications. 'I'll be saying today that on Monday March 15, provided things continue to improve, all primary school children will be back in face-to-face education and those students in secondary schools who are facing examinations, we aim to get them back in the classroom as well,' the Labour leader said. 'And then we will carefully review as part of our deal with our teaching unions and local education authorities. We take a step, we collect the evidence, we decide what to do next.' PORTAGE, Mich. (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc Chief Executive Albert Bourla said on Friday that the drugmaker expects to be able to double the weekly number of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine it will supply to the United States in the next few weeks. Bourla, speaking after U.S. President Joe Biden toured his company's vaccine manufacturing facility in Michigan, said Pfizer was currently sending out an average of 5 million doses per week and expects to "more than double that number" in coming weeks. "We have improved our processes to double the batch size and increase yield and we have deployed more efficient lab test methods to reduce release times," Bourla said in his remarks. He said those measures allowed the company to reduce the time it takes to make the vaccine from 110 days to 60 days. Bourla said that by Feb. 17, Pfizer had supplied the United States with 40 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine it developed with German partner BioNTech SE. The company has agreed to supply 300 million doses to the United States by the end of July. Bourla said Biden had challenged the company to beat that target, and it would look for ways to improve its production. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper; Writing by Michael Erman; Editing by Leslie Adler and Bill Berkrot) As a life-long voter who believes in the importance of free and fair elections, I am concerned about the new redistricting occurring in our state this spring. The supermajority in our Republican legislature has no incentive to draw fair districts and this will continue to result in gerrymandered districts and, therefore, voter suppression in our state. Federal reforms are needed now for basic accessibility standards to protect voters in every state to be able to cast their ballot in fair federal elections. I encourage Senators Young and Braun to support Senate Bill 1, which will require states to use independent redistricting commissioners to draw federal congressional districts and ban racial and partisan gerrymandering and urge all voters to contact them to support this legislation as well. 25674 Elsa M. Nunez, President, Eastern Connecticut State University Elsa M. Nunez, President, Eastern Connecticut State University Fascinating new technology tools are being used by Eastern Connecticut State University faculty to prepare students for a global economy driven by technological change. The latest technology is allowing students to see and react to the world differently in and outside the classroom, as they get ready for a variety of career fields. 3-D Printing: From the Abstract to the Concrete Using digital models, students can now fabricate three-dimensional objects in Easterns 3-D printing lab, located on the fourth floor of the J. Eugene Smith Library. The lab has five 3-D printers that print in a variety of colors using recyclable plastic. Faculty and students in academic departments ranging from Environmental Earth Science to Theatre are finding exciting new applications for the 3-D printing technology. The latest technology is allowing students to see and react to the world differently in and outside the classroom, as they get ready for a variety of career fields Environmental Earth Science faculty are using the printers to create everything from topographical models of Connecticut rock formations to replicas of dinosaur tracks found at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT. Working with fellow professors Peter Drzewiecki and Bryan Oakley, Professor Drew Hyatt has created quarter-scale models of the dinosaur tracks for future inclusion in science kits used by middle school and elementary school children. Computer Science Professor Joel Rosiene uses 3-D printing in his Game Design course to introduce students to 3-D modeling, which is a component of video game development.Through the use of the modeling software and the resulting printed object, students see their abstract concepts rendered into concrete (plastic) form. Associate Professor of Theatre Kristen Morgan and her students use the 3-D printers to design theatrical scenery. Students create scaled pieces of scenery and furniture for models of their stage designs, said Morgan. They can create unusual shaped pieces relatively quickly and can save hours of work by finding an existing model of a particular piece of furniture and printing it, rather than carving it by hand. In her Introduction to 3-D Animation course, Boya Li, assistant professor of art and art history, uses the printers to introduce students to 3-D modeling techniques such as polygonal modeling, image texturing, lighting and rendering a scene. They are learning the basic skills of building polygonal models using industry standard 3-D software to expand their awareness of digital imaging applications in commercial fields. Motion Capture Opens Up New Horizons Eastern now owns an eight-camera Optitrack system with two motion capture suits to record human motion on a digital medium. The equipment is housed in the Fine Arts Center, but the system is portable and can be used anywhere on campus. We currently have it set up in the Delmonte Studio Theater, said Morgan, and my student Zach Parisella, is doing an independent study on the installation and running of the system. Morgan collaborated with Greg Kane, associate professor of kinesiology and physical education, to purchase the system with a 21st Century Technology-Rich Learning and Teaching grant from the federal government. Applications of the new technology range from analyzing sports-related body movements to creating animated movies such as Avatar and Lord Of The Rings. Digital Lab Brings History to Life Through the diligence of the History faculty and a large gift from an anonymous donor, Eastern opened its Digital History Lab on the fourth floor of Webb Hall this past fall. The new lab, which formerly served as an Information Technology workroom, features a variety of computers and specialty equipment such as a machine that digitizes microfilm to provide students with fingertip access to historical resources from around the globe. The Easterns Digital History Lab is the only lab of its kind serving undergraduates in Connecticut and one of only a few in the nation. The lab allows students to create and analyze relational databases, visualize data in new ways, and work collaborativelyeven remotelyusing shared digital resources. "The lab also contains an interactive touch-screen display that allows hands-on manipulation of digital data, said Jamel Ostwald, professor of history. Specialized historical software supplements standard software suites, which allows the lab to be used for a variety of digital history projects, ranging from historical databases to oral history projects to online history exhibits to historical mapping. In addition to Ostwalds own work, other history professors using the new lab include Stefan Kamola, whose students are studying The Silk Road, the trade route that connected China and Europe 2,000 years ago; Thomas Balcerski, whose research interest is the U.S. presidents of the Antebellum Era; and Bradley Davis, who is using the lab to examine the Yao language of the Yao People of Vietnam. 3-D Projection System Gives Theatre Students More Multi-Media Options. In the New Media Studies program, a 3-D projection system uses two different computer technologiesPandoras Box and Watchoutto provide students with the ability to project three-dimensional images and motion video onto live theatrical scenes. Theatre Professor Kirsten Morgan and her theatre students used the system to create and project images onto backgrounds during the recent production of Thread City, a multi-media drama about the history of Easterns hometown of Willimantic, CT. As technology continues to define the careers of tomorrow, Eastern students are in good stead, thanks to the innovative approaches and technology acquisitions undertaken by our faculty. New Delhi, Feb 19 : Spelling more trouble for e-commerce giant Amazon, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will examine its documents over allegations that it dodged India's regulators, sources said on Friday. An ED source related to the development told IANS, "We will examine the documents of Amazon, as it has been alleged that it favoured big sellers on its India platform, and used them to maneuver around rules meant to protect the country's small retailers from getting crushed by e-commerce giants, internal documents show." This will be the second time in the span of 20 days that the ED will be probing the e-commerce giant in India. In January, the ED had initiated a probe against Amazon for Foreign Exchange Managaement Act (FEMA) violations. The probe is being conducted under various sections of FEMA after the central probe agency recently received a communication from the Union Commerce Ministry seeking "necessary action" against e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart pertaining to certain multi-brand retail businesses and an observation made by the Delhi High Court in relation to Amazon. The source said that the financial probe agency's examination of documents is based on the report of a global newswire, which reported that it dodged India's regulators. The report said that two sellers on the e-commerce giant's India platform - merchants in which Amazon had indirect equity stakes - accounted for around 35 per cent of the platform's sales revenue in early 2019. It means some 35 of Amazon's more than 400,000 sellers in India at the time accounted for around two-third of its online sales. The source, however, refused to share further details. 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 Anticipated, Williams Sees Bump in COVID-19 Positive Students WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Williams College saw the expected number of positive COVID-19 test results in its student population as it moved into the spring semester, officials said on Thursday. Most of those positive tests were found among students before they returned to campus. "We were kind of running three different [predictive] models, all using publicly available data sets," said Jason Rivera, the college's director of institutional research. "What it was doing was giving us a range of where we could possibly expect cases to go depending on how you want to plug in the numbers. "As we got closer and closer to students arriving, we were looking at somewhere between 15 and 20 students who were likely to be positive based on where our students were coming from." In the last seven days, the college's testing program has reported 11 positive results, all in the student population, officials said. Those are in addition to 14 students who tested positive before arriving on campus and were asked to remain at home until they were cleared by local medical officials. Eleven cases or 25, depending on how you look at it is up dramatically from the start of the fall semester. Since the advent of college's testing program for students and staff on Aug. 17, there have been 35 positive tests, meaning 31 percent of those positives have come in the last week. And more than half of the 18 total positive tests among students have come in the last seven days. But it also is worth noting that the college program's seven-day positivity average, based on 11 positives and 4,476 tests, is 0.25 percent, well below Massachusetts' statewide seven-day positivity rate of 2.13 percent or Berkshire County's 14-day positivity rate of 1.1 percent. The recent bump of positive tests among students, who have largely not been on campus since the start of the Thanksgiving weekend, was predictable based on nationwide trends. "It is obviously higher than what we saw when students were here in the fall, but you have to remember that the national COVID rates in the fall versus what we saw in January and February were drastically different," Rivera said. Williams' vice president for finance and administration, who co-chaired the school's working group on reopening in the fall, put those differences into perspective. "On the first day of arrival in the fall, the nationwide seven-day average of cases was 43,000, this spring, it is 105,000," Fred Puddester said. "And, importantly, two weeks prior to arrival the nationwide numbers were 47,000 [in the fall] and 165,000 [this winter]." Rivera said he looked at national COVID-19 numbers in the summer in preparation for the fall semester but was not able to run the same kinds of models he ran in January and early February because good data was not as readily available at the time. But in retrospect, the data modeling he used for the spring semester would have done a good job anticipating the positivity rate in the fall. "One of the models that we've been using, it's one of The New York Times models, that was pretty predictive," Rivera said. "We were able to use the data that we had and the rates we kind of backdated things that was pretty close to what we saw in the fall. That's why we were comfortable moving forward with what we were seeing and the projections this time around. "We had something we could trust on that front." The students who tested positive on their return to campus were placed in isolation on campus according to the college's protocols and procedures. In addition, 20 students who were considered "close contacts" of those who tested positive were quarantined in campus housing where they will be monitored for symptoms and tested before they are allowed to have the run of the campus. And, as it did in the fall, Williams is restricting students' movement to the campus, including Spring Street, and selected exercise venues in town. The school once again will assess the rate of community spread of the novel coronavirus before deciding whether to ease up on that restriction. College administrators said that once again they are happy to see the level of students' compliance with masking, social-distancing and college-specific rules around preventing COVID-19 spread. They are more concerned about compliance in the rest of the community. "I was just out and about, and there were two police officers standing next to each other, unmasked having a conversation," Williams Associate Vice President for Finance Matt Sheehy said. "That's not exactly the public health campaign that you want. "But I think the students overall are doing a very good job. It's something that we're monitoring. I think that was one of the great successes of the fall, how well our students took it, and we continue to stay on top of that with them." President Joe Biden said he wants to visit storm-battered Texas, but only if his trip doesn't suck resources away from the state's residents. 'If in fact it's concluded that I can go without creating a burden for the folks on the ground while they're dealing with this crisis, I plan to go,' he told reporters at the White House Friday. Biden said he'll make the decision 'probably next week.' 'It is a significant footprint for a president travel to a state, especially for a state that is still recovering from a disaster, so we are taking all of that into consideration before making specific plans,' press secretary Jen Psaki reiterated on board Air Force One Friday. President Joe Biden said Friday that he wanted to visit Texas, but only if his visit wouldn't suck away resources from the state's residents Millions of Texans remain under a boil water order because broken pipes created low water pressure, which can lead to problematic bacteria Bottled water was being doled out to residents in Austin, Texas on Friday, as frozen, broken water pipes have created a widespread shortage of drinkable water in the state The president said he would sign a major disaster declaration for Texas possibly as soon as Friday afternoon. After winter storms pummeled Texas' powergrid, leaving millions in the dark, on Friday around 7 million Texans are still under a boil water order, as broken pipes created low water pressure, which can lead to problematic bacteria. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is already on the ground in Texas helping with the response. Biden spoke to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday night, releasing a photo of the president on the phone afterward. On Friday, the White House released a list of Texas officials - mayors and judges - that the administration had been in touch with. Some conservatives, however, were not happy with Biden's response. Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity, an ally of former President Donald Trump, called out Biden for not making any public appearances Thursday, after it had snowed in Washington. Biden delayed a planned trip to Michigan, making the trek to a Pfizer vaccine facility Friday instead. On Thursday, the White House called a 'lid' at 8 a.m. - meaning the president would not be leaving the complex, nor inviting press into any of his meetings. During the campaign, Trump and his allies would mock Biden for calling early lids - though Biden was often participating in virtual events at home, due to the coronavirus pandemic. 'By the way, where's our commander-in-chief, you know, the new guy?' Hannity asked on his show Thursday night. 'Oh, that's right, this morning he decided to take a snow day.' 'He took the day off in the middle of this natural disaster,' Hannity added. While Sean Hannity went after Biden for taking a 'snow day' on Thursday, a much larger political chorus was going after Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who flew to Cancun with his family amid his state's winter weather disaster A much larger political chorus was going after Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who decided to fly to Cancun while millions of his constituents didn't have power or water. Cruz flew back Thursday and admitted the brief trip was a mistake. On a phone call with reporters, that the White House press secretary Jen Psaki held instead of an in-person briefing - again, thanks to the Thursday snow - she didn't take the opportunity to go after Cruz. 'Well I don't have any updates on the exact location of Sen. Ted Cruz. Nor does anyone at the White House,' she said when asked if the president had a reaction to reports that Cruz had gone on vacation. 'But our focus is on working directly with leadership in Texas and the surrounding states on addressing the winter storm and the crisis at home, the many people across the state that are without power, without the resources they need,' she continued. 'And we expect that would be the focus of anyone in the state or the surrounding state that was elected to represent them, but I don't have any update on his whereabouts,' the press secretary added. On Friday, on board Air Force One en route to Michigan, Psaki again refused to knock Cruz. 'We're not spending any time, energy or breath analyzing Sen Cruz's whereabouts or his group chat,' she told reporters then. Christian Brother Rex Francis Elmer will be classified as a serious sexual offender for the rest of his life after being sentenced for abhorrent and depraved historic abuse of children at a Melbourne orphanage. Elmer, now 76, fronted the County Court of Victoria on Friday dressed in a white forensic suit and blue gloves where he was jailed for two years, with a non-parole period of nine months, for abuse against two further boys. Christian Brother Rex Francis Elmer leaves court in 2019. Credit:Simone Fox Koob The court heard his victims suffered sustained and ongoing abuse while aged between 10 and 13 and living at St Vincent Boys Home where Elmer worked at South Melbourne in the 1970s. Its the third time Elmer who remains a Christian Brother has been jailed for sexual offending against children in his care after previously pleading guilty to crimes against 13 other school-aged boys in the 1970s. Ekotechnik Nikopol LLC (TIU Canada) will contest the decision of the Kyiv Economic Court, which rejected the company's claims to Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant (NFP), which disconnected its 10.5 MW solar power plant from the power grid in March 2020. "TIU Canada has announced the intention to file an appeal against the decision of the first instance court in the case against NFP on the illegal shutdown of the power plant. This action is due to the decision of the Kyiv Economic Court dated January 26, which ruled in favor of NFP, despite the significant amount of evidence that was presented by the legal team of the company," according to a press release. TIU Canada noted that such a court decision is not the only case for international investors in Ukraine, which leads to a decrease in foreign direct investment in the country due to lack of the rule of law and the spread of corruption. "Ukrainians and foreign investors are tired of oligarchy and injustice. The Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Ukrainian people will never bear fruit if the administration does not carry out real judicial reform and a complete deoligarchization of the economy and power. Today, the efforts of the state are insufficient and useless against entrenched interests that regularly undermine the efficiency of activities of Ukrainian institutions - judicial or bureaucratic," President of TIU Canada Michael Yurkovich said. As reported, the 10.5 MW solar station was disconnected from the power grid by NFP in March 2020. TIU Canada noted that NFP took advantage of the fact that the solar station was connected to a substation located on its territory, and explained the need for disconnection by carrying out repair work. The shutdown caused the company losses exceeding EUR1.5 million, which continue to grow. TIU Canada has been operating in Ukraine since 2016. The company put into operation a 10.5 MW solar power plant in Nikopol in January 2018, an 11 MW solar plant in Mykolaiv region in April 2019. In addition, TIU Canada launched a 33 MW solar power plant in Odesa region. The company's investments in solar energy, which became the first investor in Ukraine under the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), amounted to over $ 65 million. Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant is controlled by EastOne Group, created in the fall of 2007 as a result of restructuring Interpipe Group, and also by Privat Group (both based in Dnipro). The frigid temperatures, snow and ice that have devastated parts of the country are having an impact on Covid-19 vaccinations, delaying deliveries and appointments for shots. "It's been slowed down in some places going to a grinding halt," Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said in an interview with MSNBC on Thursday. To get back on track, Andy Slavitt, the White House senior adviser for Covid response, told CNN's Chris Cuomo officials are going to to have to extend appointment and shipping hours. "We're just going to have to ask everybody in the country to work double time next week, presuming the weather improves," Slavitt said. Here's what we know about how weather is affecting vaccinations in each state. Alabama Dr. Karen Landers of the Department of Public Health said weather conditions could delay some shipments. "Vaccine allocated to Alabama will be shipped when weather conditions allow, and clinics will be scheduled accordingly," Landers added. A Monday news release said multiple health department locations would be closed Tuesday due to weather. The release said health officials will assure residents the opportunity to get their second Covid-19 dose over the next two weeks, with extended clinic hours "as staffing availability permits." Arizona Steve Elliott, a spokesperson for the Health Department, said all allocations of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are delayed due to weather -- but that doesn't mean residents expecting shots over the next few days will have appointments canceled. "This situation is fluid and will depend on each provider's current supply," Elliott said. "At this time, there are enough Pfizer doses available for all sites, including state PODs in Maricopa County, to maintain operations without interruption. These PODs handle a large proportion of vaccination in Maricopa and Pima counties, which are positioned to work with the rigorous storage requirements and large lot sizes of the Pfizer vaccine." As for rural counties, and smaller providers in Pima and Maricopa counties, they can administer the Moderna vaccine, Elliott added. "Counties are the local allocators for vaccine across Arizona, and specific information on any impacts on appointments in each local jurisdiction would come from the individual counties," the spokesperson added. "For those living in rural Arizona or having appointments for first or second doses at providers administering the Moderna vaccine, we recommend checking with your county health department or the provider in question." Arkansas A state spokesperson said Wednesday that delays were possible but have mostly been on schedule. "Vaccinations through our statewide system of providers are continuing as possible, but some appointments will be rescheduled and certain clinics that had been planned this week have been moved into next week," the spokesperson added. California Local leaders have provided updates on how vaccinations will be affected. San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said local officials were notified that expected vaccine shipments will not arrive. "It's very likely that as early as tomorrow a number of vaccination sites will have to pause, some appointments that were made will have to be rescheduled, and then we will have limited dosages until the supply chain opens up," Fletcher said Wednesday. Monterey County health officials also said Wednesday there were vaccine delays. Santa Barbara health officials announced in a news release Wednesday they had been notified by the California Department of Public Health that their allotment of the Moderna vaccine "is continuing to be delayed due to severe weather conditions across the country." "CDPH has indicated that they do not have information on expected delivery time frames for the order, however will communicate as soon as shipments of all held orders are resumed," the release said. Some Thursday and Friday appointments will be rescheduled, the release said. Colorado In Colorado, state officials said in a news release Tuesday that winter storms affecting a vaccine distribution hub in Tennessee have caused a delay in vaccine shipments. The release said health officials were working with local providers and public health agencies to make adjustments "to make sure appointments and clinics do not need to be canceled." "In anticipation of the holiday weekend, Colorado requested and received doses Friday that were originally scheduled for this week. This decision helps us have enough on hand to work with providers to move doses around to prevent cancellations," the release said. Connecticut Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said Thursday the state's vaccination efforts had seen minimal impact. "Look, there are disruptions," said Lamont. "Fortunately, we've got almost all our doses for this week and so far so good. No cancellations are anticipated, but time will tell." Delaware Jennifer Brestel, spokesperson for the Division of Public Health, told CNN on Wednesday that weather conditions in other parts of the country are having an impact on vaccine deliveries from the federal government to the state. "While this is not directly impacting our vaccination activities currently, we are keeping an eye on supply and will continue to coordinate with our vaccine partners," Brestel added. Florida Florida's Department of Emergency Management said in a tweet Thursday that it had been notified shipments of the Moderna vaccine were "still delayed by severe weather." "The state is working closely with providers to reschedule appointments as needed & we will continue to provide updates as they are received," the tweet said. Georgia The health department said Tuesday that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines scheduled to arrive early this week would be delayed due to weather. "As a result, many providers statewide, including health departments, are being forced to reschedule appointments for vaccination. Rescheduling appointments will depend on when shipments resume and when the vaccine arrives in Georgia. Delays are expected to continue through the week," the department said in a news release. Idaho Niki Forbing-Orr, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Welfare, told CNN on Wednesday Moderna didn't ship any vaccine Monday or Tuesday and Pfizer shipped "only very limited quantities." Officials are aware of some delays that vary by health district and provider. "If people with appointments are not contacted and told that their appointments have been canceled, they should assume it is still on schedule," Forbing-Orr added. Indiana Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver said Wednesday more than 43,000 vaccine appointments have been affected by weather this week, with more than 80 clinics around the state closed. Weaver added the state has not received its Moderna vaccines for the week and more appointments could be rescheduled over the next couple of days. Iowa During a Wednesday news conference, Kelly Garcia, director of the Department of Human Services, said officials will make up for supply-chain delays within the week. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release regional vaccination centers will stay open Thursday. People can reschedule online if they need to, the release said. Louisiana According to the Department of Health website, vaccine shipments to the state are delayed. "As we learn more information and have greater understanding of estimated times of arrival, we will share that information," a message reads. Officials encourage residents with vaccine appointments this week to contact their providers for updates. Maryland Maryland health officials said they anticipate delays in their vaccine shipments, with limited vaccines sent to the state in recent days due to winter weather that "created a significant backlog." The state says stopped shipments could have a "significant impact on providers' ability to hold clinics as scheduled." "We anticipate a significant backlog of orders for distribution once operations resume and every effort will be made to catch up as soon as possible while safely delivering the vaccines," officials said in a bulletin shared with vaccine providers. The Baltimore City Health Department said Wednesday it was postponing all Covid-19 testing and vaccine operations Thursday, including several mobile vaccination clinics. "The Baltimore City Health Department will reschedule everyone with a 2/18 appointment to Saturday, February 20th. Those with second-dose appointments scheduled for Thursday will be receiving an email this afternoon detailing their rescheduled appointment time, as well as an opportunity to change your second dose appointment if Saturday does not work for your schedule," the department said in a Facebook post. Massachusetts After the federal government had initially told Massachusetts winter weather would delay Covid-19 shipments by only a few days, Gov. Charlie Baker said he was told Wednesday the state might see "significant" delays. Baker said Massachusetts and other states are trying to "take this one into our own hands," and are currently talking to the National Guard about going down to Kentucky and Tennessee, where the vaccine shipments are currently located, to bring the vaccine allotments back to the respective states. Michigan Health officials wrote Tuesday on Twitter, "We recommend confirming vaccine appointments scheduled in the next couple days as there may be some delays in vaccine shipments as a result of the inclement winter weather." Minnesota A spokesperson said Wednesday local public health agencies in the state were having some delivery delays. "We are adjusting our vaccination schedules to ensure the most efficient delivery of vaccine possible under those circumstances," the spokesperson said. Nevada Greg Cassell, with the Southern Nevada Health District, said Wednesday the Moderna vaccine shipment for the week did not come, so all Moderna second doses are canceled. Appointments will be rescheduled for next week if vaccines are available by then, Cassell added. New Jersey Officials said Wednesday shipments were delayed this week and vaccine sites have been relying on their inventory on hand to keep scheduled appointments. If vaccine sites don't have enough vaccine, there should be plans to reschedule appointments, officials said. New Mexico Matt Bieber, Health Department spokesperson, said some Pfizer shipments were delayed and public health offices had to cancel some vaccine events this week. "We expect this to be a momentary blip in our operations," Bieber said Wednesday. New York Nearly all vaccine doses scheduled for delivery between February 12 and February 21 are delayed due to winter storms, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday. New York City, where Mayor Bill de Blasio said officials were already dealing with a short supply, is also seeing vaccine shipment delays. Vaccines that were scheduled to come in by Tuesday or Wednesday will be arriving later, the mayor said. "That means we're going to have to hold back appointments that New Yorkers need, because the vaccine isn't arriving," he said. As many as 30,000 to 35,000 or more appointments will have to be held back and not scheduled, he added. "So, this is now a real challenge on top of everything else we're facing," the mayor said Wednesday. "We're watching it hour to hour." North Carolina Shipments of vaccines to North Carolina have been impacted as well, according to a news release Thursday from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The agency said it was notified by the federal government of "continued delays in some shipments and deliveries of COVID-19 vaccine this week due to severe weather," impacting shipments of both first and second doses. At the time, the NCDHHS said the Moderna vaccines had not been shipped this week, and only a limited number of Pfizer vaccines had been shipped. "These delays may cause vaccination appointments to be postponed or rescheduled," the release said, and the NCDHHS told providers to "assess current appointments and notify recipients accordingly based on on-hand supplies." The state is working with the CDC and vaccine providers to "help minimize the potential effects of these delays," the release said. Ohio Officials said Tuesday they were advised both Pfizer and Moderna shipments could be delayed by one or two days. "Many providers are continuing with their scheduled vaccination appointments, but some have canceled appointments due to snow emergencies," officials said. Providers that have canceled appointments are contacting patients by phone, email or posting on social media. "Ohioans who haven't heard from their provider and are concerned about whether or not their appointment is still scheduled should contact their provider or visit their website," officials added. "Ohioans who need to cancel their vaccination for any reason should contact their provider to reschedule." Oklahoma Keith Reed, Deputy Commissioner of Health, said Wednesday weather conditions were impacting the state's ability to get shots into arms and have "forced many cancellations and reschedules." "Shipments have been delayed, too," Reed added. Shipments that normally come during the week will this time likely come over the weekend. "We have had to very closely monitor storage of vaccine as well to ensure we do not lose anything to power outages. So far so good. We have had to move vaccine around to more secure/stable environments, but no loss of vaccine so far." The state was planning to ramp up its vaccine efforts starting this weekend to make up for "lost ground," Reed added. "We are also sending vaccine to some targeted health systems such as dialysis centers to help us reach our comorbidities population," Reed said. Oregon Health Authority spokesperson Jonathan Modie said Wednesday about 67,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine were expected to arrive in Oregon this week but will likely be delayed until next week. "Severe weather in the Midwest has delayed COVID-19 vaccine shipments across the country, including in Oregon," Modie said. "In addition, the severe weather in Oregon impacted the ability for vaccine sites to actually administer vaccines." Residents who are scheduled to have their vaccine and have questions on possible delays can check in with their vaccine providers for updates, Modie added. Pennsylvania Maggi Barton, deputy press secretary for the Health Department, told CNN Wednesday vaccine shipments would be delayed. "Since the vaccine is sent directly from the federal government to providers, they will work to ensure vaccine is delivered safely and efficiently despite winter weather," Barton said. Local health leaders will reschedule appointments if necessary, Barton added. "If a resident is unable to make their appointment due to the weather, they should contact their provider to cancel and find time to reschedule that appointment." Meanwhile, James Garrow, a spokesperson for Philadelphia's Health Department, said the city had not received its expected deliveries of vaccines. "At this time, the Health Department has been able to transfer doses between sites to ensure that clinic operations can continue. If delays continue for much longer, operations may be affected and some clinics may be forced to close until they are resupplied," Garrow said. Utah Tom Hudachko, a Health Department spokesperson, told CNN Wednesday some vaccine providers had to reschedule clinics from this week to next week because of shipping delays. "Other providers are working together to transfer doses among themselves to cover appointments. We do not have an official count of appointments that have been rescheduled," he said. Virginia In a news release Thursday, the Virginia Department of Health said it expected the delivery of approximately 106,800 doses to be delayed, "due to distribution channels in the Midwest and elsewhere that are currently shut down." There could be additional delays for orders the state is placing this week, the release said, because of weather. "Even if the roads are clear in Virginia, the fulfillment of orders and the movement of these vaccine and ancillary supplies may be delayed in other parts of the country." Providers have also been forced to postpone multiple vaccination events that were supposed to take place in the next few days. Individuals who had appointments will be contacted about rescheduling. Washington state Shelby Anderson, spokesperson for the Department of Health, said Wednesday officials were informed that Moderna vaccines were not shipped this week. "A limited number of Pfizer vaccine shipments were processed Tuesday and a similar plan is in effect for today. I do not have the number of doses impacted, but I am told it is a very significant amount of the state's allocation this week," Anderson said. Wyoming A Health Department spokesperson told CNN on Wednesday officials were made aware that some Moderna vaccine shipments were delayed but did not have information on how those delays could affect scheduled appointments. "We are hoping to get more information soon, as is everyone else affected," the spokesperson said. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in KY Relaxing COVID Rules at Long-Term Care Centers By The Associated Press FRANKFORT - Kentucky is relaxing coronavirus-related restrictions at some of its long-term care facilities.Gov. Andy Beshear says indoor visitation will resume at non-Medicare-certified facilities that have been through the COVID-19 vaccination process.Group activities, communal dining and visitations among vaccinated residents will resume.Included in the updated protocols are assisted living facilities, personal care homes, intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities and independent living centers.State officials say people will be expected to schedule their visits with the facility.Up to two visitors from the same household can visit a resident at one time. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th February, 2021) The United States is concerned over China's recently enacted coast guard law, State Department spokesperson Ned price said on Friday. "The United States joins the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and other countries in expressing concern with China's recently enacted coast guard law, which may escalate ongoing territorial and maritime disputes," Price said. Price said they are specifically concerned about language in the law that ties potential use of force, including armed force, to the enforcement of China's claims in territorial and maritime disputes in the East and South China Seas. (CNN) Sen. Ted Cruz said that flying to Cancun, Mexico, as a winter disaster in his home state left millions without power or water "was obviously a mistake" and that "in hindsight I wouldn't have done it." Cruz, a Texas Republican, spoke to reporters after returning to his Houston home Thursday evening from a trip that has earned fierce criticism on social media and in his own backyard. "I started having second thoughts almost the moment I sat down on the plane, because on the one hand, all of us who are parents have a responsibility to take care of our kids, take care of our family. That's something Texans have been doing across the state," said Cruz, who had said in an earlier statement that he flew to Mexico because his daughters had asked to take a trip and he was trying to be a "good dad." "But I also have a responsibility that I take very seriously for the state of Texas and frankly, leaving when so many Texans were hurting didn't feel right and so I changed my return flight and flew back on the first available flight I could take," Cruz continued. With protesters audible outside his home, Cruz said he understands the anger many Texans feel toward his decision. "Of course, I understand why people are upset. Listen, we're in a strange time where Twitter's been going crazy and the media is going crazy and there's a lot of venom and vitriol that I think is unfortunate frankly on both sides," Cruz said. "I think everyone ought to treat each other with respect and decency and try to understand each other more particularly at a time of crisis." Analysis: Cruz's Cancun trip violates an unwritten rule of politics. Cruz had confirmed the trip in a statement to CNN earlier in the day, saying he flew down for a night because his daughters "asked to take a trip with friends." "With school cancelled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon," he said in the statement. "My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas. We want our power back, our water on, and our homes warm. My team and I will continue using all our resources to keep Texans informed and safe." Cruz arrived at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport later Thursday, according to a source who was on the flight with him. "I couldn't take a morning flight because the current restrictions require a Covid test, so I had to get a Covid test this morning, before I could get on a flight back, so I took the first flight I could get after getting the Covid test and testing negative," Cruz told reporters Thursday evening. Cruz's first statement came hours after multiple Twitter users posted photos showing Cruz and his family at Houston's airport and aboard a flight bound for Cancun, Mexico. A source familiar with the situation told CNN that some of the senator's senior aides did not know he flew down to Mexico until the pictures appeared on social media and inquiries started to come into the office. It is one of the reasons they weren't ready with an explanation for many hours. The trip was immediately criticized, including by Texas state Rep. Gene Wu, a Democrat representing southwest Houston, who tweeted a photo of Cruz aboard a flight, saying Cruz was flying south "while the state was freezing to death and having to boil water." Cruz's office also requested that the Houston Police Department assist the senator during his departure from Bush Intercontinental Airport on Wednesday, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo told CNN Thursday. The police request from Cruz's office is not unusual as members of Congress have been advised by law enforcement to seek police assistance as they travel by air. Congress is not in session this week following the President's Day holiday. Cruz, who was retweeting notices about electricity and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday, has been silent on social media Thursday. In a radio interview Monday, Cruz told people to "stay home" and not "risk it. Keep your family safe and just stay home and hug your kids." As an official elected to federal office, Cruz doesn't have an on-the-ground role in the response to the storm, but natural disasters are often a time in which constituents often reach out to their elected officials for help and access to resources. The blame for the outages has largely been placed on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Abbott said Wednesday afternoon that he spoke with both the lieutenant governor and the state speaker and that an investigation of ERCOT is slated to begin next week. But in the meantime, millions of Texans were left without power or running water in the wake of the storm. Power is slowly being restored to homes. Since last Thursday, 16 Texans have died due to the extreme weather, according to a CNN tally. This story has been updated with additional developments. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Cruz calls Cancun, Mexico, trip 'a mistake' as Texans remain without power amid historic winter storm." 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. 6844 Scott A Snyder, President Chief Strategy Officer, Mobiquity and Robert McCarthy, Principal Technical Advisor, Mobiquity In 2007, Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone, ushering in a new wave of high-end smartphones and native apps. Within a year, Google followed suit with the introduction of the Android operating system, an open OS powering a consortium of handset manufacturers. It was also the year that Intel, one of the largest employers at the time, relented to pressures from its employee base to allow personal devices in the workspace, coining the term BYOD and establishing the first policies surrounding personal device usage in the workplace. BYOD, Bring Your Own Device, was initially heralded as a way for enterprises to make their employees more satisfied with their work environment by letting them choose devices with which to work, while simultaneously reaping the short-term CAPEX benefits of reduced device procurement costs. Every BYOD policy could be refined down to a few common steps: 1. Evaluate the impact of personal devices for regulatory compliance 2. Align your BYOD and business goals 3. Define your BYOD policy, including data and services protection, employee compensation, and technical support 4. Educate your employees on the proper use of personal devices in corporate environments 5. Deploy appropriate resources and services to support your policy 6. Monitor and refine the policy and process to ensure a balance between productivity and risk exposure Unfortunately, following those steps has caused endless amounts of pain and suffering for many organizations throughout the world as consumer technology innovation continues to outpace the speed of change within enterprises. BYOD has always been a balancing act between delivering a consumer-like user experience to employees while mitigating the risk of exposure to security breaches through those same devices. When an organization gets this balance wrong, it suffers from, at best, low adoption of its mobile apps, and at worst, a security incident resulting in the exposure of corporate or customer sensitive data. Meanwhile, employees continue to be a significant source of security incidents, representing 25 percent of all data breaches in 2014. The end result has been an ever-increasing investment in procedures, tools and people to make these BYOD policies work for both the employees and IT. Robert McCarthy, Principal Technical Advisor, Mobiquity In the four short years since BYOD introduction, the hi-tech industry has increased its pace of delivering new products and technologies to the consumer market, demolishing the already-blurred lines between consumerism and enterprise mobility. The advent of cloud computing, crowd funding and open-source hardware has empowered researchers and entrepreneurs to push the envelope of innovation with new concepts, designs and devices, increasing the number of devices per user by a factor of 5-10x by 2020. The rise of these new devices, under the collective moniker of the Internet of Things, or IoT, presents increasing challenges to IT. Each new IoT device represents a new spigot of data that needs to be controlled, monitored and protected. And its no longer simply about protecting corporate and customer-sensitive data as its traverses employee personal devices; it is now as much about protecting personal employee information as it flows out from these devices and across corporate infrastructure. This added problem of employee personal data privacy, and the rights of employees to dictate the lifecycle of data ownership, places significant burden on already over-extended BYOD policies. As employees bring new devices into the workplace, full of personal information like financial or health data, enterprises must employ the appropriate controls to ensure that employees are fully empowered to manage the data being generated from sources such as wearables, proximity and environmental sensors, remote monitors and vehicle logistics. Beyond device and data management, IoT has given rise to personal data protection services and jurisdictional regulations throughout the world that limit the scope of global BYOD policies and force continuous modifications and exemptions to occur. Extreme data privacy regulations being enacted in countries like Germany and Brazil stretch the capability of IT systems to support forget me laws. Each new IoT device represents a new spigot of data that needs to be controlled, monitored and protected The fact of the matter is that many corporate security policies have not kept pace with these new sets of challenges, and instead have remained relatively rigid in their implementation since the early days of device and application management. These policies have more often than not been constructed on the basis of restriction and least privilege, excluding the employee rather than embracing their participation. But Information Security is an imperfect science that centers around risk mitigation more than absolute security, and one of the most cost-effective methods of mitigation is an empowered employee who is more aware and more vigilant in the daily battle to keep data safe from bad actors. Its time that we as an industry start to think about security and data privacy through a more user-centered lens, co-opting the employee as part of the solution, rather than the problem. This starts with some key steps: 1. Build trust in your employees to do the right thing with respect to security and privacy, and trust from your employees that they will be a part of the stewardship of their own personal data inside the firewalls of the corporate environment. In exchange for this trust, you must deliver a great user experience that spans touch points and delivers real benefit to employees in conducting their everyday activities, wherever they need it. 2. Design policies with more input from employees, and with more flexibility baked in for the ever-changing landscape of IoT devices and services and jurisdictional demands. 3. Incorporate new tools into enterprise security strategies, including tools that give control to employees to manage how, where and when their personal data is used, stored and destroyed. 4. Incorporate situational privacy models that adapt data sharing requirements for employees to their specific situation or need. For instance, there may be certain situations where knowing an employees location is critical for safety or productivity reasons, but in other cases, it provides little to no utility while being highly invasive. The first case involving this type of situational privacy invasion has already started in a CA courtroom. 5. Adopt low friction identity management and access control solutions, such as multi-factor biometric authentication (like Apple touch ID), lowering the user experience barriers to higher levels of security. 6. Apply new training techniques that give the employee base practical methods and knowledge to be that first line of defense in the protection of not only their own identities and data, but that of the corporation. With these strategies in place, your IT teams will no longer have to fight the security and privacy battle on its own. Instead, you will have an army of empowered employees as part of your extended security team. LINCOLN, England, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One day while reading, author Keith M. Melton saw reference to a rebellion in Lincolnshire, England, during Tudor times. It seemed the action was started by commoner called Nicholas Melton. Intrigued that this fellow might be an ancestor, the author `adopted Nicholas into his family` and delved deeply into the background of the rebellion. Captain Cobbler: The Lincolnshire Uprising, 1536 (published by iUniverse) presents his findings and the full story of this unassuming shoemaker. It is 1536 and the kingdom of Henry Vlll is in turmoil with Ann Boleyn having just been executed and the king hastily marrying his third wife and, at the same time, Henry`s chancellor, Lord Cromwell, is dissolving the monasteries, trampling religious traditions and unsettling the community. Rumors are circulating that Cromwell is about to steal the church silverware as well, much of it donated by community efforts over the years. Nicholas Melton, a shoemaker at the heart of such a community in a well-off market town of Louth in Lincolnshire, inspires his friends to protect the church treasures and his actions unexpectedly develop into a full-blown rebellion against the king, earning Nicholas the respect of common people throughout the land and the unusual title of Captain Cobbler. Captain Cobbler: The Lincolnshire Uprising, 1536 tells a David and Goliath type of story where a commoner challenges a king for the betterment of the ordinary folk. Here, readers get a glimpse of life during the Tudor dynasty, especially the life and times of Henry VIII. They will also see why religion and community played such a large role in the populaces life. When asked what he wants readers to take away from the book, Melton responds, The enjoyment of a real story and a better understanding of the effects upon the population of England of King Henry`s selfish and misogynistic life as an all-powerful monarch, caring nothing for his subjects. Also the fact that passionate individuals can make a difference by standing up to tyranny (even if, in this case, tyranny eventually won the day - it was a close run thing - and they didn`t know how easily they could have won if they had just carried on marching south!). Visit https://www.iuniverse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/450874-Captain-Cobbler to purchase a copy. Captain Cobbler: The Lincolnshire Uprising, 1536 By Keith M. Melton Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 630 pages | ISBN 9781475997798 Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 630 pages | ISBN 9781475997781 E-Book | 630 pages | ISBN 9781475997804 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Keith M. Melton was born and brought up in North Hykeham, near Lincoln, England. He attended UMIST in Manchester, where he studied mathematics and management sciences. He was founding Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development in Business at Nottingham Trent University, where he advised businesses on environmental issues. Currently, he is the Chair of the Green Liberal Democrats. Melton divides his time between homes in Brazil and England with his Brazilian-born wife, Fatima. More information can be found at www.captaincobbler.com . iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Rising Star and Editors Choice designationsself-publishings only such awards program. iUniverse is headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. Attachment Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources recorded a significant drop in Manila Bay's coliform level. American-based Water Research Center defines fecal coliform bacteria as a group of bacteria passed through the fecal excrement of humans, livestock, and wildlife. The higher fecal coliform count in water means it is contaminated with heavy presence of bacteria which may cause diseases to humans like ear infections, dysentery, typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, and hepatitis A. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said Manila Bay's coliform level dropped from 7.16 million most probable number per 100 milliliters (mpn/100ml) in 2020 to 4.87 million mpn/100ml in February 2021. Cimatu added fecal coliform level in the waters near the controversial Manila Bay dolomite beach nourishment project has dropped from 2.2 million mpn/100ml last January 4 to 523,000 mpn/100 ml on February 8, based on the average count from three monitoring stations. The significant decline in the bay's coliform level, however, is still a far cry the ideal 100 mpn/100ml for coastal waters. The ideal standard means the water is safe for swimming and other related recreational activities. The DENR chief vowed to further decrease the fecal coliform bacteria in Manila Bay to meet the right level. "We will make sure that we continue to clean the waters of Manila Bay until it becomes safe again for contact activities," Cimatu said in a statement. Cimatu's remark was an apparent response to former Manila Mayor and now Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, who said on Wednesday the waters of Manila Bay are "several times filthier" as compared to its situation in 1999. The House Deputy Speaker explained that in 1999, the bay's fecal coliform level only stood between 50,000 and 80,000 mpn/100ml. "This is really not surprising because up to now, of the 16.3 million water-served population in Metro Manila, only 15% or 2.4 million are connected to a sewerage system. Clearly, the bulk of Metro Manila's household toilet waste continues to drain into waterways, including the Pasig River, that all empty out into the bay every day," Atienza said. Cimatu also said additional water quality monitoring stations have been installed along the Manila Baywalk at Roxas Boulevard to monitor the coliform level within major tributaries leading to the bay. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Manila Bay's massive rehabilitation in January 2019, which focuses on cleaning up the bay and waterways leading to it. Informal settlers and some establishments located near the bay and its connecting waterways were removed to help clean the 2,000-kilometer body of water. In 2008, the Supreme Court issued a mandamus which orders 13 government agencies to clean up Manila Bay. Former petroleum company looking for new venture C$50M Capital/NOL tax loss to play with Executives bring decades of experience in tech, life sciences What DXI Capital does: DXI Capital Corp ( ) (OCTQB:DXIEF), formerly , has a useable capital/NOL tax loss worth roughly C$50 million Capital/NOL tax loss at its disposal, and the former junior oiler is currently pursuing new positive tailwind business interests. The Vancouver-based company sold its energy assets in the summer of 2020, including its 99%-Woodrush production facility in British Columbia and its Kokopelli gas project in Colorado. DXI told shareholders that the decision stemmed from current affairs beyond the companys control, namely, the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on oil prices. In early April, when DXI first put its assets up for sale, the US Energy Information Administration lowered its 2020 forecast for West Texas Intermediate and prices by 23% to US$29.34 a barrel and 24% to $33.04, respectively. With petroleum in the rearview mirror, DXI Energy became DXI Capital, and CEO Robert Hodgkinson, returning to his position at the helm after stepping down in December 2018, began to forge a new path. How it is doing: To help the company find its way, DXI hired high-tech and life sciences industry veteran Sean Hodgins (not to be confused with Hodgkinson) as its chief operating officer and CFO in December 2020. The company also said had it engaged Tandem (TIG) to assist in the search for a suitable business transaction. Hodgins is co-founder of the TIG, a professional advisory services firm with a network of over 175 part-time CFO advisors and business consultants across North America. At its annual general and special meeting of shareholders in August, voters approved a 1:100 share consolidation and the aforementioned name change. The share consolidation allowed the company to relist on the Toronto Stock Exchange after voluntarily delisting in July and a brief stint on the NEX, a trading forum for companies that fall below TSX standards. The company settled its roughly C$4.3 million worth of debt by issuing more than 9 million shares at a price of C$0.475 in a pair of tranches in October and November. A remaining balance of 355,894 shares will be issued upon confirmation that one of the companys former officers has made the required tax remittances on the salary debt being settled, the company said at the time. Inflection points: Finding a positive tailwind business Wielding its capital to get a new venture off the ground Leveraging its executives experience in tech and life sciences Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel Members representing the amicus curiae in a case against Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's dissolution of the House of Representatives have argued before the that his move was unconstitutional, according to a media report on Friday. plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Oli, in a surprise move, dissolved the House of Representatives, amidst a tussle for power with his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. His move to dissolve the 275-member House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party. The hearings in the case, which were going on in the since December 23, were scheduled to conclude on Friday after the presentation of the last member of the amicus curiae, the Kathmandu Post reported. An amicus curiae is someone who is not a party to a case but assists a court by offering information, expertise, or insight that has a bearing on the issues in the case. Putting his point forward, one of the five members of the amicus curiae, senior advocate Purna Man Shakya said that the Constitution of deprives the country's executive head of prerogative power to dissolve the House. This is not a political issue, but a constitutional one. The court should interpret it accordingly, he was quoted as saying in the news report. He said constitutional articles and provisions should be the sole basis for making any decisions when there is a written Constitution. The Constituent Assembly, where people had their representatives, provided limited authority to the prime minister, Shakya was quoted as saying in the report. The authority to dissolve Parliament that was endowed upon prime minister in the 1990 Constitution was taken away while drafting the Constitution of Nepal 2015, he said. According to the news report, Article 53 (4) of the 1990 Constitution authorised the then king to dissolve the House on the recommendation of the prime minister. Shakya said that the provision did not get continuity because the country was victimised due to the misuse of the authority given to the prime minister to dissolve the House. At least four prime ministers had attempted to dissolve Parliament between 1994 and 2002, the report said. Countering those defending Oli's move citing practices, Shakya said such examples cannot be cited when the law of the land clearly provides for conditions for the dissolution of the lower house. The other members of the amicus curiae are Badri Bahadur Karki, Satish Chandra Kharel, Bijaya Kant Mainali and Gita Pathak Sangraula. Kharel called the dissolution of the House unconstitutional. Karki said that the dissolution was done with a mala fide intention, adding that there were some ambiguities in the statute that need to be cleared up by the court. Mainali, however, argued that the prime minister had the prerogative to dissolve the House, the news report said. In his letter to the last month defending his move to dissolve the House, Oli said that he was forced to take the step after his opponents in the ruling party made it difficult for him to work and accomplish various tasks. He said that he took the decision as he enjoyed the inherent power as the leader of a majoritarian government. According to officials at the Supreme Court, the five-member Constitutional Bench led by Cholendra Sumsher Rana, will study the hearing notes from the plaintiffs and defendants and arguments from other lawyers and organisations as well as members of the amicus curiae before making the final decision, it said. The Prachanda-led faction has been holding anti-government protest rallies and public gatherings in various parts of the country, including Kathmandu. Both Prachanda and the rival Oli group claim to control the Nepal Communist Party and the issue is being disputed at the Election Commission. Oli-led CPN-UML and Prachanda-led NCP (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections. The Prachanda-led faction, which is currently launching agitation to get official recognition from the Election Commission as the legitimate NCP, held a massive rally last week in a bid to show its strength. (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.) On 9 February Egypts oldest political party, the Wafd, announced the expulsion of nine senior members, including one member of the House of Representatives and one of the Senate. Wafd Party Chairman Bahaa Abu Shoka accused the expelled members of conspiring to take over the party. His expulsion decision, however, provoked angry responses within the party. A group of younger members say they will organise a sit-in at the partys headquarters in Giza on Saturday to protest against Abu Shokas undemocratic decisions. Some members of the Wafds Higher Council say Abu Shokas decision violates the partys internal bylaws and they will turn to the courts to overturn the expulsions. Hussein Mansour, a member of the Higher Council, said party members will not allow Abu Shoka to turn the party into a battleground to settle personal vendettas. Abu Shoka is using the Wafd to promote his personal interests, claimed Mansour. Not only did he canvas the support of the majority Mostaqbal Watan Party to be named head of the Senates Legislative and Constitutional Affairs Committee, he petitioned Mostaqbal Watan to help his daughter secure a seat in the House of Representatives. Yasser Al-Hodeibi, the Wafds deputy chairman, a Senate member and one of the nine members expelled, revealed that a majority of Wafd members were about to withdraw confidence in Abu Shoka leading him to make a pre-emptive strike to try and save himself. Abu Shoka has claimed the plotters were planning to hold a meeting of the partys Higher Council on 19 February on the pretext of discussing the partys financial affairs but with the intention of tabling a vote of no confidence to unseat the chairman. Abu Shoka argues the expulsions are in line with party bylaws which give the chairman the authority to protect the party from internal divisions. He accused the plotters of waging a war of rumour and illegal money to carry out their conspiracy. Al Hodeibi was joined on the nine-member list by Mohamed Abdel-Alim Dawoud, a member of the Wafds Higher Council and the House of the Representatives, Nabil Abdallah, Mohamed Abdou, Tarek Sabak, Himdan Al-Khalili, Hatem Raslan, Mohamed Sweilam, and Hussein Mansour. Parliament Speaker Hanafi Gibali told MPs on Sunday that he had received a message from Abu Shoka informing him that MP Mohamed Abdel-Alim Dawoud had been expelled from the party and would be replaced as the Wafds parliamentary spokesman by MP Suleiman Wahdan. Gibali added that the matter had been referred to parliaments Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee for review. Egypts 2014 constitution and the House of Representatives law stipulate that MPs must retain the party affiliation under which they were elected to automatically keep their parliamentary seat. In cases in which affiliation changes they can lose membership of the House if two thirds of MPs agree they be removed. On 19 January, Gibali referred Dawoud to the Ethics Committee to be questioned over bad behaviour and misconduct. Gibali had accused Dawoud of defaming the majority Mostaqbal Watan Party. Dawoud told reporters last week that recent moves against him, including the Ethics Committee referral, were part of a campaign to contain any real opposition in parliament. All I did was request an investigation into allegations that election bribes were paid, said Dawoud. I am sure that Abu Shoka is acting on the orders of outside forces who want to kill my political future and make sure parliament has no opposition voices. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 February, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link: Emily Mieure covers criminal justice and emergency news. She also leads the News&Guides investigative efforts. She has reported for WDRB TV in Louisville, Ky., WFIE TV in Evansville, Ind., and WEIU TV in Charleston, Ill. In response to eradicating COVID-19 worldwide, the U.S. government will give up to $4 billion to the global COVAX campaign to help developing countries with their battle against the deadly disease. President Joe Biden is set to announce on Friday the plan to contribute a total of $4 billion to the global COVID-19 vaccine program aimed at assisting developing nations. The President would announce it during a virtual meeting of G-7 leaders about the COVID-19 pandemic. According to NBC News, the U.S. will contribute an initial $2 billion before the end of the month to a World Health Organization-backed program called COVAX that supports access to vaccines in about 92 countries. The remaining $2 billion will be given over the next two years. A senior administration official said the first $500 million of that pledge would be available "rather quickly" to encourage other donations from rich nations. The official noted that this is an effort by the U.S. to secure more donor commitments to the global vaccination effort, The Hill reported. Related article: WHO Clears AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use Implications of Funds to be given to the G lobal COVAX Campaign Administration officials said that contributing the funds appropriated by Congress in December for foreign pandemic assistance would benefit the country. The officials noted that it would help Americans reduce the risk of further mutations that could prolong the pandemic. They added that helping other countries would also help in lessening the transmission. According to a The Conversation report, the mutated variants of the virus from the unvaccinated population will be able to infect even people in the vaccinated population. The report noted that vaccines might not work against mutated variants due to changes in their genetic code. It added that a vaccine creates an immune response through antibodies designed to recognize the virus' protein structure, and this structure might be altered when it mutates. When the transmission is taken into account, the report said it would not be realistic for countries with people already inoculated to close their borders against countries that are not vaccinated unless they shut their government to the rest of the world. It emphasized that interaction between their citizens and citizens from other countries is inevitable. What is COVAX? Launched in April 2020, the BBC said that COVAX or COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility is led by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Poor and middle-income countries will benefit from the program. COVAX targets to deliver more than two billion doses to countries across the globe by the end of the year. WHO noted that 64 higher-income economies have joined the COVAX facility and will be able to insure themselves against any individual vaccine candidate's failure and secure successful vaccines in a cost-effective way. Experts fear that if rich nations hoard the COVID-19 vaccines, the coronavirus will continue to mutate and could return to threaten not just the U.S. but other countries as well. More contagious variants are already circulating globally. Read also: Religious Leaders Announce $150 Million Plan to Vaccinate Black, Latino Churchgoers Across US WATCH: COVAX: Ensuring Global Equitable Access to COVID-19 Vaccines From Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance A Belfast man has been fined 3,000 for illegally importing unlicensed prescription medicines. Following an investigation by the Department of Healths Medicines Regulatory Group, Elias Warnemunde (33) was sentenced on Friday at Belfast Crown Court for unlawfully importing over 70,000 tablets of the narcolepsy prescription drug Modafinil. He had previously pleaded guilty to three counts before the court of illegally importing the unlicensed drugs, unlawful possession and intention to supply. In February and March last year, a multi-agency operation saw Border Force officers intercept a total of 21 packages containing the unlicensed drugs, imported from Hong Kong via the postal system. The packages had been addressed to several Belfast addresses which were subsequently searched under warrant by the PSNI where further stashes of the drugs were found. Warnemunde was arrested and charged with offences under the Human Medicines Regulations. A total of 70,929 tablets with an estimated value of 71,000 were seized, together with a quantity of cash in sterling and euro. An investigation established had sourced the drugs via the internet and had intended to sell them online. The Department of Healths Medicines Regulatory Group Senior Enforcement Officer, Peter Moore, said: It is vital that we continue to get the message across that the use of any medicines sourced in this way, no matter what they are, is a real risk. He added that the authorities would continue to be diligent in fighting against the harm caused by unlicensed medicines. I would urge the public to be on the alert to ensure that they do not put their health at risk or fund this type of crime by purchasing medication from unregistered or unregulated internet sites or any other illicit source," he said. Canice Ward, Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, added: The Department has made it very clear that it will continue to be vigilant and proactive in the regulation of medicines in Northern Ireland. My advice to the public is that they should only take Prescription Only Medicines after an appropriate consultation with their GP or other appropriate healthcare professional. Only healthcare professionals can take into account risks and benefits associated with every medicine. The City of Winnipegs flood-preparedness rating has been watered down. The City of Winnipegs flood-preparedness rating has been watered down. Researchers at the University of Waterloos Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation grade Canadian cities on flood preparedness every five years. While Winnipeg earned a B+ in 2016, it slumped to a D in 2021 the worst mark among the 16 cities on the list (tied with Yellowknife). The reports average rating was a C+, the same as it was five years ago. "What Winnipeg is good at, its very good at, in terms of addressing flood risk. And what its not so good at, its almost fallen off the radar screen," lead researcher and Intact Centre head Blair Feltmate said in an interview. Where Winnipeg has excelled is in identifying where flood risk exists whether its overland flooding or sewer backups, Feltmate said. The research also found Winnipeg has a proven track record of preventing future construction in the high-risk flood zones. Some of the areas where the Manitoba capital has lacked action: lowering risks posed to homes, and no assessments have been conducted in the past five years on stormwater infrastructure. "Where it really stood off the page... was that relative to critical infrastructure maintaining the integrity of telecommunications, electricity supply, water supply, financial services, water treatment facilities, etc. they reported that they have limited capacity to review the vulnerabilities of those aspects of critical infrastructure to flooding," Feltmate said. The report surveyed city documents, as well as relied on anonymous interviews with civic staff. Interviewees said the importance of these aspects of flood preparedness were recognized within the administration, but resources havent been allocated to address problems, Feltmate said. In a request for comment, a City of Winnipeg spokesperson pointed out many ways staff have prepared the city for flooding events, most of which were recognized in the report. The spokesperson also said a community emergency preparedness campaign had begun prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since been put on hold. Coun. Matt Allard, chairman of the public works committee, said the report raises concerns. It also drew attention to the fact the City of Winnipeg does not employ anyone full-time on climate change adaptation strategy a position filled in most Canadian cities Winnipegs size or bigger. Local environmental groups lobbied to have such a post created during the last round of municipal budget negotiations, but it was ultimately not included. "Thats interesting. And that may be just the type of thing that gives a city councillor like me an opportunity to move a motion, ask for a report and get costing on it. So before committing to that, Ill make sure to talk to my colleagues in the public service about it, though," Allard said. The Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation is named after an insurance company, and the insurance industry has a vested interest in ensuring cities prepare for the impacts of climate change such as flooding. sarah.lawrynuik@freepress.mb.ca Rockefeller Capital Management Continues to Expand Private Wealth Business, Announces First Colorado Team in Central Division Rockefeller Capital Management ("Rockefeller" or the "Firm") today announced The Richeda and Farr Group has joined in Denver, marking the Firm's first entrant into the Colorado market. Joining the Central Division directed by Michael Armondo, The Richeda and Farr Group is led by Matthew Richeda, CAIA, CRPC, CFP, Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor, and Christopher Farr CPWA, CPFA, CRPS, First Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor, and also includes Christopher Nazzaro, Associate Vice President and Senior Client Associate and Anna Miller, Client Associate. The team joins from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. "Building on the steady growth our private wealth business experienced last year, we are thrilled to welcome The Richeda and Farr Group as our first team in Colorado," said Armondo. "The robust and integrated capabilities of Rockefeller, coupled with this team's decades of experience and success in delivering unparalleled client service, will bring a new and differentiated wealth management experience to clients throughout this region." In late 2020, Rockefeller also announced its expansion into several new key markets, including Private Wealth Management Groups in Scottsdale, Chicago and Walnut Creek. With the addition of The Richeda and Farr Group, Rockefeller's Private Wealth business now includes 45 teams across the United States. More about the new team can be found at: rcm.rockco.com/richedafarrgroup About Rockefeller Capital Management Rockefeller Capital Management is a leading independent, privately-owned financial services firm offering global family office, asset management and strategic advisory services to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, institutions, and corporations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005481/en/ TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A Terre Haute radio station is hosting a radiothon to help fight childhood cancer. Hi99 is working to help St. Jude's Children Hospital. The radio station's radiothon will take place Thursday and Friday. Hi99 says they're glad they've been able to do this for 31 years. If you want to help all you have to do is call 1-800-455-9201. You can call until 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. The today issued a notice to the Centre on a petition to declare the Serum Institute's Covishield vaccine unsafe. The notice was issued in response to a writ petition filed by a Chennai-based business consultant who volunteered for the trial. He claims he suffered from side effects, for which he sought a compensation of Rs 5 crore. Legal team representing the Serum Institute said, "Allegations made in the petition are unfounded and frivolous. Serum will respond to same appropriately before the " In November 2020, the litigant sent a legal notice to Serum Institute of India (Serum) seeking a compensation of Rs 5 crore and asked the Government and ICMR not to approve the manufacture and distribution of the vaccine. He claimed he filed the plea when his health condition worsened after taking Serum's vaccine. In turn, Serum sent a notice asking for Rs 100 crore compensation from the litigant. The litigant has now filed a petition, a copy of which is available with Business Standard, asking the to declare that the severe side effects and the hospitalisation of the Petitioner from October 11 to October 26 constituted a serious adverse event caused by the administration of trial vaccine. The Petitioner claimed he took the jab as a volunteer on October 1, 2020. ".....serious adverse reactions on me one after another, after taking the trial vaccine prima facie prove that the vaccine is not safe and could have serious side effects. Therefore the balance of convenience is in favour of stopping the administration of continuance of vaccines to the public. Hence it is prayed that the Honble Court may be pleased to grant an ad interim injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd Respondents from continuing administering the Covishield' vaccine manufactured by the 4th Respondent (Serum) to the public pending final disposal of the Writ Petition," stated in the petition. He also stated that he took an opinion of the experts in the field and they have said the serious adverse reaction occurred to him was due to the trial vaccine that was administered to me on October 1, 2020. The petitioner also alleged that the Independent Expert Committee constituted by the Drugs Controller of India neither heard him nor physically examined him before it submitted its report, said the petitioner asking the Court to form an Expert committee to go into the issue and submit its report pending l disposal of the Writ Petition. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help An economic development expert has called on Diane Dodds to "consider her position", claiming her opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol conflicts with her civil servants' promotion of its benefits. The Department for the Economy said she would be remaining in her post, with Mrs Dodds insisting her priority was resolving issues around trade with Britain. Invest NI, which comes under the Economy Minister's remit, has published details on its website about Northern Ireland's new position under the protocol, and why it makes us an attractive location. Unionist parties are against the protocol on the basis that it erodes links to Britain and has erected trade barriers. But John McGowan, chief executive of Enterprise North West, claimed we have never before been in such a strong economic position. During a period when he worked to attract investment from the US, he said our higher rate of corporation tax compared to the Republic had been a recurring disadvantage. He added: "Now, with this competitive advantage, I am shocked we are not at it full tilt. "There are opportunities falling off the page. "It really gets to the point where if Diane Dodds isn't going to lead on this, as politically she's against it, she probably should consider her position as a minister." Mark O'Connell, head of economic advisory firm OCO Global, said it had received enquiries from two US manufacturers with operations in the UK interested in setting up here. German manufacturers are also looking at us as an investment location. OCO Global advises the Department for International Trade on making the UK an attractive location for investment, but he said politics here were sensitive. Mr O'Connell added: "The department is naturally keen to showcase the diversity and capabilities of all parts of the UK, and especially the new NI proposition for continued European market access from a UK base thanks to the border in the Irish Sea. "However, the department is equally sensitive to the challenges that may come from other devolved administrations and the risk of upsetting some of our local politicians, who reject the notion of a special status... even if it is highly attractive economically and could deliver a significant bounty of high value jobs and investment in a region that genuinely needs it." He said First Minister Arlene Foster had campaigned extensively for a cut to corporation tax while Enterprise Minister, which he said would have created a similar difference in status to that given in the protocol. Last night Mrs Dodds said resolving issues around trade with Britain was her priority. She added: "This is our largest market. In 2018 sales of goods and services from Northern Ireland to GB totalled 10.6bn and made up 49% of all external sales. In the same year NI companies purchased goods and services from GB worth 13.4bn. "There are real challenges for businesses at present, and I make no apology for seeking to resolve these." She said the department's officials also worked to help business to increase external sales more generally. "However, we must recognise that exports rely on inputs. Overwhelmingly our businesses, no matter where they sell to, rely on purchases from GB," she said. She insisted there was no difference of approach on the protocol between the department and Invest NI, adding: "The job of Invest NI is to attract investment and help indigenous companies grow their external sales... of course, Invest NI is also continuing to help local businesses work through the challenges as a result of the protocol or EU exit more generally." Yesterday Mrs Foster said she was "disappointed" at what she said was the small number of unionists representing civic society in a meeting with European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic. Finance Minister Conor Murphy said it was "very important" that the EU showed it was prepared to listen. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in Kacey Musgraves joined other celebs in helping Texas weather the winter storm that pummeled the state for a week, but she did it in her own way. Musgraves, known for her a sharp lyrical tongue, launched a T-shirt fundraiser for Texans benefiting Feed The People Dallas, Casa Marianella, and the American Red Cross of Central & South Texas. READ MORE: Twitter calls out Stephen King for 'shameful' tweet about Texas' winter crisis The fundraiser? A Cruzin' for a Bruzin' white ringer tee with all proceeds going to the nonprofits listed. As of Friday morning, the east Texas native has already raised more than half of her 100K goal. The shirt pokes fun of Senator Ted Cruz, who chose to "be a good dad" and take his daughters to Mexico to escape the winter weather that millions of other Texans were forced to endure sans water, heat, and food. RELATED: Senator Ted Cruz gives explanation for Cancun trip as Texans froze Cruz left for Cancun on Wednesday evening for the Ritz-Carlton Cancun. He returned Thursday evening, though some speculate the junior senator was planning to stay through Saturday. Texts from his wife Heidi, where she tried coaxing other families to join them in Mexico, were shared with the New York Times. It also appears as though the family left behind their dog Snowflake, in the care of one of their security guards. Musgraves tweeted at Cruz this morning saying, "Petition for @tedcruz to retweet this link. A quick and easy way to really help from the comfort of your home! Were halfway to raising $100k for Texas! Come on, Ted." Texans are still currently experiencing water and power outages throughout the state. In San Antonio, another hard freeze is expected through Friday night. A DISQUALIFIED driver who was observed driving erratically before 11 O'Clock in the morning was nearly five times the legal alcohol limit a court has heard. Deividas Tautkevicius, 37, who has an address at Cluain Arra, Newcastle West was before the local court in relation to a detection in the town on March 2, 2020. Inspector Andrew Lacey told Judge Mary Larkin that after gardai stopped the vehicle at Churchtown, Newcastle West they could smell alcohol and see that Mr Tautkevicius was "highly intoxicated". This was later confirmed when he supplied a breath sample following his arrest. The inspector said the defendant has two previous convictions for driving without insurance and that he was disqualified for two years in January 2019 for a separate drink-driving offence. Solicitor Michael O'Donnell said his client, who is originally from Lithuania, had "taken to drink" around the time as his marriage had "gone by the wayside". He said he had Mr Tautkevicius, who is working in a factory, had had a "very bad day and night" and that he had no excuse for driving on the morning he was stopped. Judge Larkin imposed a 200 fine and a four-year disqualification. NSDC rules to nationalize section of major petroleum pipe Law enforcement are working to uncover circumstances in which state property ended up in the hands of a privately-owned business. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter 12593 Francis Louis Charbonneau Jr., President and CEO, ACI-Aerospace Consultants International Francis Louis Charbonneau Jr., President and CEO, ACI-Aerospace Consultants International Over the last several months, suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers that support the hardware and software needs of the U.S. Department of Defense have been scrambling to replace current contracts that are ending or will end. As the U.S. begins to bring troops home from Afghanistan and Iraq, the needs of the Department of Defense are beginning to lessen. Consequently, this has those companies that support the D.O.D. on edge as they begin to seek alternatives to their existing contracts in order to retain profitability, their workforce, and their market share. While the D.O.D. is slowing ramping down its projects, the U.S. Department of Energy has been ramping up several large federally funded projects for which they critically need suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers. In fact per the D.O.E., because they cannot find enough suppliers implementation during construction requires using NQA-1 qualified vendors and suppliers. The current vendor base in the United States poses challenges for many DOE and commercial facilities. The D.O.E. notes that the existing gaps in the vendor base in the United States are a result of the contraction of the nuclear industry that took place after the Three Mile Island accident in 1979. As new plant construction halted, many U.S. vendors either consolidated or went out of business. And per the D.O.E., the disappearance of some of these capabilities in the United States has left no alternative to reliance on foreign suppliers. For example, there is only a limited number of suppliers worldwide capable of manufacturing heavy forgings for reactor vessels. In recent years this has led to lengthy backlogs as more facilities around the world have initiated construction. And, the D.O.E. needs suppliers that are compliant to ASME NQA-1. Since foreign suppliers are not required to follow NQA-1, which is an American industry standard, organizations purchasing foreign equipment can conduct a gap analysis of the standard used against NQA-1 to demonstrate equivalence. A commercial-grade dedication process can also be employed to assure the quality of foreign equipment. For DOE facilities, the use of foreign suppliers is also bounded by national security concerns an regulations. According to the D.O.E. the current gaps in the U.S. vendor base manifest themselves in one of two ways: 1) in some parts of the supply chain or construction industry, there are not enough vendors with NQA-1 programs 2) those that had active NQA-1 programs in decades past often do not have recent experience in the nuclear industry and do not understand the associated rigor. So what is NQA-1? And, what projects are occurring right now with the D.O.E. such that suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers can take advantage of if they implement an ASME NQA-1 Program? First, ASME NQA-1 is a national consensus standard for quality assurance and safety for nuclear applications, structures, systems, and related components to the nuclear industries and facilities. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers began the development of what we know now as ASME NQA-1 back in the 1970s. While possessing some similarities with the ISO 9000 family of standards, there are key differences. ISO enables companies to make their quality assurance relevant throughout the company and such that it results in customer satisfaction in the end. Health authorities in some European countries are facing resistance to AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine after side-effects led hospital staff and other front-line workers to call in sick, putting extra strain on already-stretched services. Such symptoms, as reported in clinical trials for the AstraZeneca shot, can include a high temperature or headache and are a normal sign that the body is generating an immune response. They usually fade within a day or so. The other shots approved in Europe, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, have been linked to similar temporary side-effects, including fever and fatigue. But with the AstraZeneca shot the latest to be rolled out, health authorities in France have issued guidance to stagger giving the shot, two regions in Sweden paused vaccinations, and in Germany some essential workers are refusing it. A spokesman for AstraZeneca said: "Currently, the reactions reported are as we would expect based on the evidence gathered from our clinical trial programme." People receiving the vaccine are closely monitored through routine pharmacovigilance activities, the Anglo-Swedish drug maker said, adding that it was continuing to keep a close eye on the situation. "There have been no confirmed serious adverse events," the spokesman said. 'MORE SIDE-EFFECTS' In France, which started administering the AstraZeneca shot on Feb. 6, staff at a hospital in Normandy experienced stronger side-effects than seen with the alternative vaccine from Pfizer and German partner BioNTech. "AstraZeneca caused more side-effects than the Pfizer vaccine," said Melanie Cotigny, communications manager at Saint-Lo hospital in Normandy. "Between 10% and 15% of those vaccinated may have side-effects from this vaccination, but it is only a feverish state, fevers, nausea and within 12 hours it goes away." Following similar reports from other hospitals, the French medicines safety agency said on Feb. 11 that such side-effects were "known and described" but should be subject to surveillance with regard to their intensity. It also issued guidance to stagger vaccinations of front-line staff working together in teams to minimise the risk of disruption to operations. The agency put out the advice after receiving 149 alerts of often strong flu-like side-effects from the AstraZeneca vaccine. During this period a total of 10,000 people received the shot nationwide. Some U.S. hospitals and other organisations with front-line staff adopted a similar strategy when the country's vaccination programme started in December. The United States is administering shots from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. In Britain, home to the AstraZeneca vaccine developed at Oxford University, the policy has been to make vaccinations readily available to hospital staff. As many work shifts, that naturally spaces out the process. The issues in France highlight how some doctors and hospitals are still learning how best to administer vaccines as governments race to tame the pandemic and get shots in arms as quickly as possible. It's also the latest setback for the French vaccination campaign which has been criticised for a slow start. Last week, the government said just over 3% of the population had received their first dose. In Sweden, two of 21 healthcare regions paused vaccinations of workers last week after a quarter called in sick after getting the AstraZeneca shot. The Sormland and Gavleborg regions said that around 100 out of 400 people vaccinated had reported fever or fever-like symptoms. Most cases were mild and in line with previously reported side-effects. Both regions said they would resume vaccinations, and the Swedish Medical Products Agency saw no reason to change its vaccination guidelines. NO SHOWS AstraZeneca's vector-based vaccine is the third to win regulatory approval in the European Union. As part of the European Medicines Agency's positive recommendation on Jan. 29, the watchdog concluded it was about 60% effective, compared to more than 90% for the vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. It also deemed the product safe to use and it will monitor reports of side-effects as a matter of routine. In Germany, Health Minister Jens Spahn responded on Wednesday to reports that essential workers were reluctant to receive the AstraZeneca shot after some experienced strong side-effects, saying it was both safe and effective. "I would be vaccinated with it immediately," Spahn told reporters. Like most European countries, German states typically do not offer people a choice of which vaccine they will get, leading in some cases to people not turning up to appointments to get the AstraZeneca vaccine. Germany has taken delivery of 737,000 doses from AstraZeneca but only administered 107,000, according to figures from the health ministry and the Robert Koch Institute that leads its pandemic response. "This vaccine is an excellent way to prevent serious COVID disease," said the health ministry in the eastern state of Saxony. "Still, we note that there are still vacant vaccination dates for AstraZeneca. "From our point of view, it is wrong that this vaccine is available but not being used," it said, adding that it was reallocating spare shots to teachers and public health workers. Also read: Pfizer plans to test coronavirus vaccine booster engineered for South African variant 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. Tech retailer JB Hi-Fi has been a surprise winner during the pandemic, with online sales tripling during the pandemic. JB Hi-Fi's e-commerce store has been a hit with Australians forced to stay indoors during lockdown, adding to the success of the company's brick and mortar stores. Online sales were 2.6 times greater in the first half of 2021 than the year before, but most Aussies still opted to head into stores to buy their goods. Tech retailer JB Hi-Fi has been a surprise winner during the pandemic, with online sales tripling during the pandemic. Pictured: Online sales over the past three years While their e-commerce store has been a hit with Australian's forced to stay indoors during lockdown, the retailers insist shop fronts will still remain open (stock image) JB Hi-Fi CEO Richard Murray told news.com.au sales were still better in brick and mortar stores than online. 'The harsh reality is when customers come in store we sell them more and they buy more,' he said. 'We have a store network that we really believe in. Most of those stores turn over about $20 million [annually].' Unlike markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany, Australian customers have been slow to start shopping online. But Mr Murray said Covid might have helped changed consumer habits as lockdown forced them to browse the web for the goods they wanted. 'In Victoria, given the prolonged period of the lockdown, more people have decided to shop online and maybe got more comfortable with that than other states,' he said. The company struggled to keep up with demand and may have had even bigger returns if they didn't have issues with stock, Mr Murray admitted. He said 'out-of'stocks' appeared to impact January sales, as hordes of customers upgraded their television sets. People were desperate to get 75-inch flat screens, but the company was unable to keep up shipments from China fast enough. 31403 Carvent Webb, Law Enforcement Officer, Transportation Security Administration Carvent Webb, Law Enforcement Officer, Transportation Security Administration 9 /11 changed the dynamics of our country forever. In 2002, the U.S. Congress passed the Homeland Security Act, and like never before our country permanently focused on ensuring the security and safety of the homeland. Seventeen years later, we have learned that protecting the homeland starts with federal law enforcement agents working overseas. There is a new frontier of loner terrorists in which individuals are radicalized through the internet of things (IoT), social media. Terrorist organizations are no longer confined solely to the Middle East region, and the nexus to terrorism is becoming harder to identify. The strategic environment is changing rapidly, and the United States faces an increasingly complex and uncertain world in which threats are becoming more diverse and interconnected. While the Intelligence Community (IC) remains focused on confronting conventional challenges to U.S. national security, advances in technology drive evolutionary and revolutionary change across multiple fronts. Federal law enforcement agencies must become more agile, innovative, and resilient to deal effectively with these threats and the more volatile world that shapes them. As counterterrorism apparatus continues to innovate, the U.S.C. Codes that gives our Federal Law Enforcement Agencies operational and legal authority should be reviewed to ensure they remain current within our new arenas of operation. The increasingly complex, interconnected, and transnational nature of these threats also underscores the importance of continuing and advancing Homeland and Intelligence (H/IC) outreach and cooperation with international partners and allies. The world of law enforcement and Homeland Security are no longer black and white and, similar to our U.S. Special Operating Forces (SOF), our agencies are now operating in the gray zone. In a 1962 address to U.S. Military Academy graduates, President John F. Kennedy described the gray zone still prevalent today: This is another type of war, new in its intensity, ancient in its originwar by guerrillas, subversives, insurgents, assassins, war by ambush instead of by combat; by infiltration, instead of aggression, seeking victory by eroding and exhausting the enemy instead of engaging him. Currently, the Department of Defense has been the most successful at providing a general definition of the gray zone as it relates to SOF, and it is imperative that our policymakers extend that definition to federal law enforcement agencies. With the increase in joint agency missions (e.g., Federal Air Marshals deployed to the Southwest border) and the expansion of Federal Agents working in advisory capacities in host nations (e.g., Border Patrol deployed to Guatemala, DEA FAST Team in Afghanistan, etc.), defining the gray zone provides our federal law enforcement agencies greater flexibility as agency mission priorities change, as well also removing traditional Memorandum of Understanding (M.o.U) limitations when operating in joint capacities. Federal law enforcement agencies no longer have the luxury of static roles within the National Security Framework, and, as counterterrorism apparatus continues to innovate, the U.S.C. Codes that gives our Federal Law Enforcement Agencies operational and legal authority should be reviewed to ensure they remain current within our new arenas of operation. [February 19, 2021] Freeport Financial Expands Lower Middle Market Debt Team with New Appointments Freeport Financial Partners, LLC ("Freeport"), a U.S. lower middle market direct lending manager, today announced the appointments of James Colletti and Ryan VanDagens as Associates, responsible for sourcing, structuring, and managing middle-market debt investments for the Freeport loan funds. Both Mr. Colletti and Mr. VanDagens are based in Chicago. Mr. Colletti joined Freeport after three years at Deloitte (News - Alert) where he was a Senior Auditor in the firm's Chicago office. Mr. VanDagens joined Freeport from PricewaterhouseCooopers where he served as an Associate in the Financial Due Diligence practice. "Following the close of our most reent investment vehicle in January, and the continued growth in our business, we are excited to continue to grow our team of investment professionals," said Josh Howie, Managing Director at Freeport. "The accounting and financial due diligence backgrounds of James and Ryan are highly complementary to the skills of our existing team members." About Freeport Financial Freeport has the industry expertise, product knowledge and flexibility to serve the financing needs of private equity investors and the management teams with whom they invest. Freeport's principals have invested together since 2005 and have provided $7.2 billion in loan commitments to more than 300 companies. Freeport became part of Moelis Asset Management LP in 2012, and is committed to providing highly competitive financing solutions to middle-market companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005357/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Urges GoI, NPGs to sit across the table for conclusion of pol negotiation Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), which adopted a four-point resolution on the Naga political issue on the fourth day of the ongoing assembly session, Thursday urged the Government of India and the Naga political groups (NPGs) to sit across the table for the conclusion of the political negotiation, which was honourable, inclusive and acceptable to the people as one solution without any further delay. The resolution, moved by state chief minister Neiphiu Rio and seconded by TR Zeliang Leader of Opposition, was adopted by voice vote. In honouring and adhering to the voice of the people, the House endorsed and reiterated all past resolutions of the NLA on the Indo-Naga political issue, and resolved to work unitedly in facilitating the Indo-Naga political negotiations. The House also appreciated the continued efforts made by the Government of India to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue through peaceful means and for acknowledging the unique history and identity of the Nagas by upholding the Naga political talks. Further, the House acknowledged and appreciated the efforts made by all NPGs, political parties, civil society organisations, Churches and NGOs towards finding a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue and appealed to all to continue working towards strengthening Naga unity, and come together in the spirit of oneness for larger interest of the Naga people. If we were not still dealing with a global pandemic, we would be looking forward to New Yorks Maple Weekends. Sponsored by the New York State Maple Producers Association, they're usually held the last two weekends in March. Maple farms across New York would be preparing to welcome visitors to their sugar houses to experience how maple syrup and other maple products are made. Unfortunately, but understandably, out of an abundance of caution due to potential risks from COVID-19, the 2021 statewide Maple Weekends have been cancelled. However, there may a few local maple producers who can safely operate utilizing online ordering with drive-thru or curbside pickup, or are able to offer limited, socially distanced customer experiences. The New York State Maple website (nysmaple.com/buy-local) can help you find if there is an operator near you, and what they are currently offering. Disappointed you cannot visit the sugarhouse in person? Why not take a virtual tour at mapleweekend.nysmaple.com? So, what is a sugar house and how is maple syrup made? The sugar house is a structure where sap collected from maple trees is boiled into maple syrup. Other names for these structures include sugar shack, sap house or sugar cabin. [February 19, 2021] 5 Best Essay Writing Services in 2021: Report on Paper Writing Services and Sites Online San Diego, USA, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magnolia Media announces the release of the report, Essay Writing Services: Market Leaders Report: Essay writing has become a popular online service that many students rely on. From 2010 to 2020 the industry saw growth of 310% from 30m to over 90m. Although the industry has seen setbacks, such as legislation in Australia blacklisting certain paper writing services, demand continues to grow. By 2025 the market is expected to be worth 200 million, with 80% controlled by the 5 most popular essay writing websites. View the Most Visited Essay Service According to SimilarWeb This report has evaluated the traffic and pricing of best essay writing services to estimate their yearly revenue over the past decade.. How the Best Essay Writing Services Were Evaluated Price - Essay writing services tend to charge on a per-page basis that includes turnaround time, academic level, topic, and so on. In this report, sites that offered quality at great prices scored higher on this list. Quality - Its no secret that these essays will be handed in at schools, colleges, or even universities. Even if the student does rewrite the content in their own words, the quality of the original piece cannot be overlooked. Thats why this article took into consideration the quality of content provided when ranking the best essay writing services on the market. Writers - Building on quality, the writers hired by the platform should be professional, experienced, and capable of handling any paper thrown at them. As such, this article carefully looked at how each platform screened writers and what methods were available for the customer to contact the writer. Customer Support - Customers are bound to run into issues with any online service at some point. Therefore, this article made sure to look at how customer service on each site dealt with complaints, revisions, and any negative feedback. The 5 Best Essay Writing Services in 2021 1. Grademiners - Best Essay Writing Service Overall Experience counts, and with this writing service, students are getting over ten years' worth of industry experience. Grademiners have been around for a while and, therefore, know how to provide quality papers. Why choose Grademiners? Simple, easy-to-understand pricing policy 100% money-back guarantee Easy communication between staff, writers, and clients Onsight calculator Proofreading services available The process is straightforward. Users simply need to provide details of what they want in their paper and use the online calculator to estimate the price. Grademiners vet their writers, making sure they pass a grammar test and a screening interview to guarantee your papers are handled by people who know their stuff. Their pricing is competitive, and depending on the length, deadline, and other details, customers can pay as little as $16 a page. $8 per page if proofreading is all that's needed to make sure your paper is perfect. This company also offers discounts, a money-back guarantee as well as 24/7 communication through different chat, e-mail, and other messaging options. Users can stay in constant contact with the company while waiting for a quick deadline to be met. Finally, their online reputation is quite good, and the professional attitude helps make sure customers get treated as they should. 2. 99Papers - Best Essay Writing Service for Short Deadlines This is said to be one of the more ethical writin services people can use to get their homework done. The pricing starts at roughly $9 per page and goes up from there depending on length, etc. Why choose 99Papers? Competitive pricing Handles all types of writing assignments Flexible deadlines Easy-to-use platform Money-back guarantee 99Paper offers a 5% first-time discount adds to your savings and makes sure customers can afford their services without emptying their piggy bank. There is an on-site calculator to figure out your costs before you sign up and order a paper. Plus, users can order essay writing, research papers, citations, and even dissertation projects, as well as other content projects they need to be completed by a pro. There is also a money-back guarantee. Customers just have to look on the website to find the requirements that have to be met to get their money back. With the simple ordering process, users simply have to click on the particulars for their specific needs, and the order will reflect those requirements when the writer picks up the project. The company does pride itself on making sure your deadlines are met, guaranteeing you won't have to request an extension or turn your paper in late to your teacher. 3. Essaybox - Best Writing Service for College Students & Graduates The focus of this writing service is more for college students and graduate students. They work with clients worldwide and employ about 1800 writers, give or take a few, who live in different countries. Why choose Essaybox? Native English writers Competitive pricing Covers a wide range of subjects Works with students up to Ph.D. level Easy-to-use payment system Like every other writing service, their per-page costs are competitive, with the minimum price starting at $11.40. If you want plagiarism-free papers, customers may need to pay a little extra. Still, Essaybox's plagiarism detection will make sure students won't get in trouble. This writing service also offers the same services as their competitors, including but not limited to a money-back guarantee, original work, 24/7 customer service, unlimited revisions, and so on. There is also a first-time discount, but long-term clients can get other bonuses if the paper is long enough. Plus, they use native English speakers from Canada, America, the UK, and other western countries. Their area of expertise covers a wide range of subjects making sure their company is ready to handle the needs of its many different clients. The maximum fee that customers can be charged should be around $60 per page, but that is for a Ph.D. level paper with a 3-hour deadline. 4. EssayFactory - Best Essay Writing Service for UK-Based Student More for students who live in the United Kingdom than any other country, this writing service prides itself on its good customer service, often responding to early morning inquiries quickly. Why choose EssayFactory? Attractive website Easy-to-use interface Competitive pricing Extensive range of subjects Wide variety of services and extras EssayFactory is also supposed to be a very ethical writing service as it maintains a strong "meeting the deadline" policy. This company also has a money-back guarantee policy, but it is a graduated guarantee depending on where the paper is currently at during the writing process. If the paper has not been assigned, most likely, you will receive a 100% return on your money. But if the writer has started work on the paper, customers will receive between 50 to70% of their money back. Along with the normal paper writing service, this company offers editing and proofreading services to make sure papers are given the best treatment before turning them in. With an easy ordering process, customers should be able to get their assignment on the board within a few minutes. The cost is roughly 11 British Pounds per page if you put a 15-day deadline. 5. Essay-Company - Most Affordable Essay Writing Service Eassy-Company provides great writing service that comes through with its promises. Why choose Eassy-Company? Good quality papers On-time delivery Looks after their clients Negative reviews quickly addressed VIP service available Eassy-Company provides a good writing service to work with. They makes sure the assignments are all returned on time and at high-quality levels. Also, they do contact those Who are not satisfied with the writers and talk to them about the service they received. In addition, the company does offer a fair money-back guarantee as well as provide their clients with confidentiality. Like their competitors, this writing company also has a wide range of services it provides. Their prices per page are said to be one of the lowest around, and an on-sight calculator helps users figure out their costs before they click that payment button. Then the paper is returned with high-quality content that should impress any professor. The company's clear policies help the client know that nothing is being hidden from them when using this company for their writing needs. Best Essay Writing Service Guide Use These Services With Caution While they are not illegal to use, you could be charged with cheating and potentially face expulsion if your school finds out. To use papers written by these companies, you should rewrite them in your own words before turning them in. Use a Plagiarism Checker Make sure to use your own plagiarism checker, as the ones employed by these companies are not known to be the best in the world. Keep an Eye Out for Fake Sites There are a lot of fake writing services on the internet. They may be clones of reputable ones and exist only to steal your credit card information. Look Out for Non-Native English Writers Watch out for the writers, as not all of these writing services employ native English speakers. 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Media Details Company Name - Magnolia Media Network Email address - info@magnoliamedianetwork.com Website URL - https://magnoliamedianetwork.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Delhi Police on Friday told a city court that climate activist Disha Ravi has been evasive in giving replies during the interrogation and shifted the blame onto co-accused Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk. The police requested the court to send her to three-days judicial custody, as they have served a notice to co-accused Shantanu Muluk, who will join the investigation on February 22, following which both will be confronted. "She has been evasive in giving replies. We have served notice to co-accused Shantanu Muluk who will join the investigation on February 22. She has to be confronted with the co-accused," Public Prosecutor Irfan Ahmed told the court. The prosecutor added, "During the course of interrogation, Disha Ravi has shifted the blame on Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk. All the accused need to be confronted with each other. That's why three days judicial custody is being sought." Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain will pronounce the order on the police application seeking three-day judicial custody at 4 p.m. The court was also informed that Disha Ravi has moved a bail application which will come up for hearing on February 20. The 21-year-old activist was produced before the court amid high security at the end of her five-day police custody. Disha Ravi was arrested from Bengaluru on February 13 in connection with allegedly editing and sharing a 'toolkit' on social media related to the farmers' protest. She was then remanded to five-day police custody. The Delhi Police sought it to identify Pro-Khalistani Group -- Poetic Justice Foundation and its active members, and to recover the deleted WhatsApp Group. The Cyber Cell had lodged an FIR against "pro-Khalistan" creators of the "Toolkit" for waging a "social, cultural and economic war against the government of India". On February 14, the Delhi Police took to microblogging website Twitter to elaborate on the case. It wrote, "Disha Ravi, arrested by Delhi Police, is an Editor of the Toolkit Google Doc and key conspirator in document's formulation and dissemination." She started WhatsApp Group and collaborated to make the Toolkit document, the police said, adding that she worked closely with them to draft it. "In this process, they all collaborated with the pro Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation to spread disaffection against the Indian State. She was the one who shared the Toolkit Doc with Greta Thunberg," the police wrote on Twitter. 15077 Mark Orttung, CEO, Nexient Mark Orttung, CEO, Nexient Election Day is fast approaching and the presidential candidates will undoubtedly continue the debate over how to best restore prosperity and economic vitalitybuilding on the now near seven-year recovery from the Great Recession. There is much on the line for voters, many of whom feel that even with notable private sector job growth, a low unemployment rate of five percent and huge stock market gains; the American dream may not be as attainable as it once was. Millions of Americans worry about stagnant wages over the past decade, declining incomes, the availability of high quality jobs and sluggish economic growth. A common theme surrounding the current economic environment is the issue of how America can continue to be the global leader in job and wealth creation, innovation and strong and sustainable economic growth. One area long considered as a staple in the formula for a robust economy is trade. Increasingly though, because of offshoring decisions made by companies competing in an increasingly connected and competitive global marketplace, trade has become a hot-button issue and heavily debated. Critical, however, for U.S. companies is the ongoing ability to drive innovation in the global marketplace, create commercial opportunities here and abroad, and spur hiring and generate dynamic economic activity. The first place to find the genius of tomorrow is right in corporate Americas backyard from coast to coast Job Migration As manufacturing, along with service and technology jobs move to lower wage countries such as China, India, Vietnam and others; Americans who once attained a solid middle class lifestyle are now looking around with confusion as they are forced into low-wage positions that provide little room for upward mobility. According to one estimate 2,382,000 jobs were outsourced overseas in 2015. The high profile public corporate sector, which for decades provided the platform for career opportunity and wage growth has for the last 25 years embraced employment models that see labor as a cost to be controlled rather than an asset to be managed. For example, companies took an assembly line approach to information technology (IT), in order to cut costs to stay competitive. Wall Street took center stage as cost cutting permeated the C-suite and decisions such as offshoring and outsourcing exemplified an over-emphasis on cutting costs at the expense of the ability to drive innovation. Crossing the Line Perhaps even more disturbing, some companies are gaming the system in order to maintain their margins. In recent cases: HCL, Cognizant, Infosys, Disney and Southern California Edison were accused of abusing the prominent H-1B visa program to their advantage. The immigration statute is designed to provide companies access to specialized talent with expertise in fields such as mathematics, engineering and technology that may not be readily available in the U.S. However, the law governing the process strictly forbids American workers being displaced in favor of foreign workers. According to the language a limit of 65,000 visas are available for new hiresand 20,000 additional visas for foreign professionals who graduate with a Masters or Doctorate from a U.S. university. In these corporate cases, H1-B visas were apparently granted inappropriately to foreign workers entering the country. At Disney, 300 workers were replaced with lower cost foreign counterparts, and at Edison over 500 existing employees lost their positions to high-tech workers from India. It was reported in both instances that American workers doing the jobs in question were displaced at their sites in favor of imported talent, clearly in violation of the statute. The Need for Action Tactics such as these, though discomforting and crude, are just a piece of the larger problem associated with the broader issues of American competitiveness, immigration, trade policies and off-shoring activities. Despite the claims from business about how the U.S. is not producing quality candidates, the reality is that students coming out of American universities are exceptional and provide a significant opportunity for U.S. firms. American companies need incredible talent to build their brands, so it is imperative that these U.S. trained graduates and professionals already in the workplace are the ones to build the next wave of entrepreneurial energy, global leading businesses and disruptive technologies.The first place to find the genius of tomorrow is right in corporate Americas backyard from coast to coast. Outsourcing versus On-Shoring Critical to the process of building strong organizations and creating American opportunities is understanding the benefits and risks associated with outsourcing versus hiring workers here. Offshoring, which has long been relied on by organizations as low-hanging profitability fruit, may not be as ripe as once considered. While employment costs may be initially lower, owners and executives are learning that long-term issues of quality, reliability, cohesiveness in operations and potential uncertainty in product and service offerings may not be worth the risk. While corporations pursued global outsourcing to lower costs, a few things happened. Most importantly, internal technology teams were hollowed out, leaving organizations unprepared for the transformative role technology is playing across every industry. Without internal talent or a partnering model to access the talent, many corporations are under a severe, in some cases, existential threat. At the same time, the H1-B process was hijacked to meet the needs of a few global outsourcers and corporations at the expense of the local workforce and the truly innovative U.S. businesses. Many technology companies have successfully opted to focus on innovation fueled by local labor. Companies in Silicon Valley and across the technology industry realized the value of local talent and largely built their local workforces to drive innovation while using a global workforce to build peripheral products and support expansion to new geographies. The success of these technology companies creates a call to action for companies across all industries to focus on creating American jobs and find a value proposition for customers, employers and employees over the long-run. Creating this tight partnership between companies and customers is exactly what todays U.S. job market largely comprised of millennials is looking for in employment. Todays candidates have a strong social conscience and are looking for roles where they can create meaningful value. An American Business Solution At Nexient, the American-centric model of job growth is one of the leading reasons for organizational success. Collaboration, innovation, team-building, and productivity are at the root of a model that blends the ingenuity of Silicon Valley with the deep-rooted American work ethic built in the Midwest and flourishing nationwide that simply is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. Companies looking at American-based hiring can capture the synergies of U.S. talent and deploy its capacity and capability towards bringing customers superior products and services. Along the way, the myopic benefit of lower labor costs associated with offshoring activities fades away to the long-term realized gains in ROI, quality labor/management relations, customer satisfaction improvements and organic competencies growth. This model also creates an upward life-cycle trajectory in which higher quality of work generates more customers, leading to greater revenue, profits and ultimately more hiring of American workers. Over the long-term this architecture trains, grooms and develops the managers and C-suite executives of the next decade, who will spawn new industries, technologies and American-led innovation. And of course, this framework is more than just a company or an industry winning, it is about communities teeming with new opportunities, employees earning great wages and benefits and America gaining strength from a renewed and vibrant economy. Made in the USA is taking on a whole new meaning as technology companies, such as Nexient and others are embracing the utilization of American workers to enhance their future growth. Check out: Top Technology Companies By Indians Booking app TheFork has launched a six-week 'festival' that allows Australians to enjoy up to 50 per cent off the total bill at more than 150 restaurants across the country. TheFork Festival will take place from February 15 until March 28 and will inspire customers to return to the dining scene, discover new restaurants and support local favourites. To take part in the food festival and make use of the huge promotion, customers simply need to book a table via TheFork app or website. TheFork Festival will take place from February 15 until March 28 and will inspire customers to return to the dining scene, discover new restaurants and support local favourites To take part in the food festival and make use of the huge promotion, customers simply need to book via TheFork app or website Guests will be spoilt for choice and will have the opportunity to try specially curated menus and one-off deals. The festival will also help restaurants fill empty seats during off-peak times, such as during the week. Participating venues in Sydney include leading wine bar DeVine, Italian favourite Capriccio Osteria and Pasture of Balmoral located on Balmoral Beach. The festival will also help restaurants fill empty seats during off-peak times, such as during the week TheFork Australia Country Manager Gary Burrows said: 'TheFork Festival encourages Australian diners to really explore the amazing array of restaurants in their cities. 'Our data shows that 97 per cent of customers who book during TheFork Festival are dining at a restaurant for the first time - so we are introducing hundreds of diners to new restaurants each year. 'We know that TheFork Festival is even more important this year, both reminding diners of what's out there and driving new customers to restaurants when they need them. 'We hope to help eliminate as many empty seats across Australian restaurants as we can,' Restaurants taking part are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart. There were no casualties in the past day. The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported four violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Thursday, February 18. "In the past day, February 18, four ceasefire violations were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone," the press center of the Ukrainian JFO Command said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February 19, 2021. In particular, the Russian Federation's armed formations fired automatic and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers, as well as automatic rifles near the village of Shumy. Read alsoUkraine presses charges against Russian defense official over Donbas killings, territorial encroachmentAlso, the enemy used heavy machine guns near the village of Pivdenne, and rifles near the village of Mayorsk. The Joint Forces fired back, the report said. The violations were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) on the ceasefire and stabilization in Donbas. There were no casualties in the past day. Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian military say the situation is under full control. 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 Is this really a shocker? Reply Thread Link not at all Reply Parent Thread Link Only to Meghan and Harry. Reply Parent Thread Link Soooo.....no more Duke & Duchess titles, yes?? Hopefully theyre truly happy now, being away from all that, the British press is truly sickening. You just know that Meghan has a doula and a midwife all lined up. Reply Thread Link i think the agreement was that they would basically take on the divorced stylized titles? so no HRH Reply Parent Thread Link no they still keep those titles you know to profit from the institution they hate so much Reply Parent Thread Link The Queen has said since they are not working members, they will lose their royal patronages and Harry will lose his appointed military honors. Wait, didn't he work for those? Also this whole thing is so weird and awkward but ok Reply Thread Link no. he gets to keep anything he actually earned but they were still the honorary given by queen mean nothing really honors Reply Parent Thread Link I thought he already lost them when they left the first time? They went to that military benefit thing and there was a big deal made about his fellow soldiers applauding him for like 5 min or whatever and how he wouldnt be able to wear that particular uniform again because it was an appointed military title. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm simultaneously impressed and appalled at how truly and completely Elizabeth has devoted her entire life to the crown. She is 95 years old, her husband is 99 and in the hospital, and still, she doesn't relax for a second. Like, if there was ever a time to not give a fuck about procedures and fake titles, it's during a worldwide pandemic at the end of your life. (rereading this comment, I read the above as 'fake tittes' even though I actually wrote it only a few second before) Reply Thread Link I agree tbh. I know very little about (British) royalty but I feel like so many of those people are selfish leeches who use their position only for their own gain and don't care about anyone else, and I'm not trying to romanticize her and I understand that she probably has loads of problematic views, but she seems genuinely hard-working and dedicated and I think (given her age in particular) that's impressive. Reply Parent Thread Link Besides this... How the Queen lobbied for changes in the law to hide her wealth podcast https://t.co/SjqDID1jgT The Guardian (@guardian) February 10, 2021 Edited at 2021-02-19 02:28 pm (UTC) What else is she doing though? She's been sitting in her palaces for years doing....WHAT????Besides this... Reply Parent Thread Link At this point, strict adherence to procedure may be the only thing keeping her alive. Just sheer will to continue meaningless royal "duties" Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Don't forget protecting her paedophile son! Reply Parent Thread Link If there's anything I've learned from the small amount of royal-related media I've consumed it's that they're not really a family. The most charitable lens on it would be that they love each other, but the duty of the crown is a crushing weight that demands to be superseded above all else, even family. More realistically, it's a cycle of psychological abuse and emotional repression that has been handed down for generations. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link here's hoping that this means philip is so far gone she cant really do much also brexiteers should be happy that's one southern European (ish) immigrant living off the benefits gone Reply Parent Thread Link why TF did I think Prince Philip was her brother all this time?!?!?! granted I don't pay much attention to the British monarchy, but still O_o Reply Parent Thread Expand Link My main takeaway from watching The Crown was the sheer pointlessness of it all. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link On the one hand I get this take on the other...that's what a monarchy is all about. You are chosen by God to enact his rule in the earthly realm, the Crown is the symbol of this burden. You can't just be like "ah fuck God, I'm gonna do things my way". These modern royals want to have it both ways, they want to money, comfort, status, and pedigree that comes with being part of the royal court but then want responsibilities of a regular person. When the whole point is all of those nice things are yours BECAUSE enacting God's will is like really hard work. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Whatever. This was expected. He abandoned his country for a woman. What kind of King would have he made? His sense of duty for his country is not really much. Taking his toys and leaving at the nearest sign of not getting his way/ trouble Reply Thread Link This is not daily mail, hon Reply Parent Thread Link lmao, imagine not prioritizing your wife above everything. couldn't be me. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm not saying that, but he had a duty to his country who gave him an enormous privilege. With great power comes great responsibility. Harry chose to desert his country at the first sign of trouble. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Girl what? He never had a shot at the throne, he might as well live his life how he wants Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol King? He was like 6th in line. Reply Parent Thread Link Harry was never going to be King. I'm glad they decided to leave, the amount of hate Meghan gets in this country from racist scumbags is unbelievable. Maybe now they'll be left alone. Reply Parent Thread Link It literally doesn't matter, he will never be king. Reply Parent Thread Link He's an irrelevant royal. His brother and kids are ahead of him so his duties are basically nothing. His wife was treated horribly. He never wanted to be a working royal. Let them leave. Reply Parent Thread Link tbh to an extent i agree but only because he was mooching off the British taxpayer for years so if he was gonna become a normal citizen and pay taxes in any country it low key should be the UK or at least he should pay them back since they bankrolled his whole useless existence Reply Parent Thread Link He has zero chance for the throne, this is not King Ralph. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Harry wasnt raised with the sense of duty William was. They knew William would be king and they made him understand he would have to make sacrifices his whole life for his country. Harry was always allowed more freedom. Reply Parent Thread Link " at the nearest sign of not getting his way/ trouble'' ...am I the only one asking "what trouble was this". Reply Parent Thread Link qt misogyny Reply Parent Thread Link Do you need a hug? Because you seem abnormally obsessed and angry with two people living their lives. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Lmao, this aint it Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, the guy who's so far down the line to be King ,that it is nearly a statistical impossibility, decided to live his own life with his wife and children, what a BASTARD. Reply Parent Thread Link "Duty for his country" lmfao we're not in the 1500s anymore. Royalty doesn't mean jack shit. If the royal family were to disappear tomorrow, the UK would be absolutely fine. Cheers from a country that abolished the monarchy over 100 years ago. Reply Parent Thread Link He was never going to be King? Reply Parent Thread Link People take royalty waaaay too serious these days. It's an outdated concept. They don't do shit for the country other than cut ribbons and pose for photos. Give me a break. Reply Parent Thread Link just say you hate meghan, royalhive Reply Parent Thread Link lmao imagine writing this in 2021 worldwide pandemic going on, massive wealth inequality and you still cape for an outdated colonizing institution that adds literally nothing to society Reply Parent Thread Link You sound insane. Just want you to know. Reply Parent Thread Link this is one of the weirdest takes I've seen on ONTD in a while LOL Reply Parent Thread Link What kind of king would he have made? He would have made NO king. And I'm willing to bet if EVERYONE in line ahead of him died, he'd use his power as king to abolish the monarchy, the way things should be. Reply Parent Thread Link Time to go back to that hellish LSA thread from whence you came. Reply Parent Thread Link This is not the Daily Mail (2) Reply Parent Thread Link You know hes called the spare right? Reply Parent Thread Link Comment of the year lmao Reply Parent Thread Link being known as "the spare" really instilled that sense of duty in him Reply Parent Thread Link Duty to his country? He literally went to war for his country. But aye, you keep on believing this pish youre spouting about a man who was never in line to be king. Go take a nap Reply Parent Thread Link Responding to my own post but this was expected and is better for all involved, especially since Harry and Meghan wanted to make money. So it all worked out! Reply Thread Link yeah i dont see the big deal? they live in LA! theyre going to be normal celebs now. its fine Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, i don't get the bitterness from EITHER side, it's fine! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link So theyre not gonna make people call them Prince and Duchess anymore right? Reply Thread Link All this back and forth is annoying, just cut the ties and get on with it! Reply Thread Link my response is a genuine good for meghan and also a deep hope this is another symbol that the BRF's relevancy will continue to fade till there can be real republican action in the UK after Lizzie passes Reply Thread Link Do they want to become celebrities? Like work in the business, maybe Megan can get her Instagram back, I liked looking at it before it was deleted Reply Thread Link Basically. Apparently they initially broke off from William and Kate's foundation because they wanted to be more commercial and WK wanted traditional. Now everyone got what they wanted. Reply Parent Thread Link i think they want to be like george clooney Reply Parent Thread Link yeah i think theyre going for the george/amal route except you know.... as much as i hate him in terms of Hollywood george is an a lister and meghan was a c/d lister at best. also out of the 4 of them amal is the only accomplished one which really helps george's useless existence Reply Parent Thread Link They want to be glorified influencers Reply Parent Thread Link yeah or like the obamas. what they're really going to be are philantrophic influencers Reply Parent Thread Link a lot of people online seem mad about this but what was the other option? they live in LA and are going to run their own foundation. seems like the only realistic option Reply Thread Link I really don't get it- Sussexes fans are calling the royals every name under the sun but this is what they WANTED (except they wanted to keep the royal titles and privileges while making money, which they want everyone to forget now). Everyone got what they wanted, their fans should be happy. Reply Parent Thread Link like this actually makes their life significantly easier, no? they can do what they want and not have to worry about getting approval or mixing funds. if they REALLY wanted part time duty they would have stayed in the UK. plus i think when charles becomes king they'll have them come around a lot i think Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It is also Prince Andrew's birthday..... Reply Thread Link Fuck him, remove HIS titles. Reply Parent Thread Link Yep, read this as 'remove HIS titties' and burst out laughing Reply Parent Thread Expand Link *remove his LIFE Reply Parent Thread Link More like remove his dick Reply Parent Thread Link not to defend him but the way that mf has stayed hidden since he stepped down is kind of impressive lol Reply Parent Thread Link ch.. electric chair Reply Parent Thread Link Maybe now that old hag the Queen and the British press will move on to making life hell for Rapist Andrew? (lol jk we know that won't happen) Reply Thread Link oof, the way that british people have been more mad at Harry & Meghan than Andrew? ION LIKE THAT! Reply Parent Thread Link well duh, they were never going to come back (until Phillip dies i guess) Reply Thread Link I believe Harry is currently in isolation, preparing to head back to the UK ASAP. Reply Parent Thread Link ooh is Phillip finally going to kick it?? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link So is Prince Harry just Harry Windsor now? Reply Thread Link I'm not an expert on this but I think because he was born a prince, that part can't be taken away. My understanding of the announcement is that he's losing the HRH but is still a prince and a duke which means that Meghan is also still a duchess. Reply Parent Thread Link Thanks I thought so. They can still market themselves as prince and duchess so I doubt their upset by this. I wonder how popular their Netflix projects will be now as their quite boring really apart from the royal titles. Reply Parent Thread Link GEORGIA, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Timothy Clark of Sanders Phillips Grossman LLC has been appointed Co-Lead Counsel in the ParaGard intrauterine device (IUD) multidistrict litigation (MDL). Sanders Phillips Grossman attorneys petitioned the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) in September 2020 to create the ParaGard MDL. The JPML approved the MDL and assigned the cases to Judge Leigh Martin May in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (In Re: Paragard Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2974). On February 18, 2021 Judge May issued an order appointing the Plaintiffs' Leadership Committee (PLC), which includes Timothy Clark as Plaintiffs' Co-Lead Counsel. Clark and other members of the PLC are "highly skilled counsel with diverse backgrounds and experience" who will "provide the Court with an effective committee to advance this litigation in an efficient and just manner," Judge May wrote in the order. Co-Lead Counsel duties include conducting the litigation and overseeing the PLC. "Tim was instrumental in establishing the MDL over defendants' objections, and he is now in a position to continue leading this important litigation," said SPG Managing Partner Marc Grossman. Grossman also acknowledged the three-year effort of team members Lauren Welling, Randi Kassan, and Victoria Maniatis to move the litigation forward and give a voice to the hundreds of women SPG represents. ParaGard IUD lawsuits allege that the device, implanted in the uterus and designed to provide birth control for up to ten years, has a propensity to break upon removal, causing complications and injuries that include surgeries to remove broken piece of the device, infertility, and pain. ParaGard is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. The Court is scheduled to hold a status conference on March 9. Currently, there are 123 cases on the Paragard MDL docket, according to the JPML, but Clark expects thousands of additional women to come forward with similar claims about the device. Sanders Phillips Grossman is a nationwide leader in defective medical device litigation. The firm's attorneys have held leadership positions in many national drug and device cases, including the ongoing Elmiron MDL. SPG is a partner firm of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC. Since 1965, Milberg and its affiliates have recovered over $50 billion for their clients. Media Inquiries: Email: [email protected] | Phone: (646) 906-9205 SOURCE Sanders Phillips Grossman, LLC Related Links http://spglawfirm.com Good morning. The weekend is nearly upon us, and the forecast is very different from last weekends, when a cold weather warning remained in effect. With an expected high of 0 C on Sunday, the temperature might even surpass the freezing mark. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will not be returning to royal duties, Buckingham Palace confirmed today. When the couple stepped away from full-time royal life, it was agreed that the situation would be reviewed after a year. Security forces in Mogadishu opened fire on hundreds of people protesting the delay of Somalia's election today, and at least one explosion was reported at the capitals airport. The United Kingdoms Supreme Court ruled today that Uber drivers are workers" and not self-employed, a decision that threatens the ride-hailing company's business model. Adam Treusch, assignment editor Despite more than 60 per cent of Australian households having a pet, policies remain restrictive across many housing sectors in Australia. Credit: Chen on Unsplash New research has found people living in private rental housing are much more likely to have had to give up a pet due to their housing circumstances than people living in other tenancies. The research was undertaken by six Australian universities including Swinburne University of Technology for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI). It found that of those who have had to give up a pet to keep their housing, 52 percent were tenants and 40 percent were homeowners (usually living in strata title units that restrict pet ownership). The study is the first of its kind internationally to examine the relationship between living with pets and the entire housing system. The study found that: Despite more than 60 percent of australian households having a pet, policies remain restrictive across many housing sectors in australia the rental market is the most restrictivean estimated 1525 percent of pet relinquishments are related to rental mobility/access and pet restrictions property damage by households with pets is no more likely than for households without pets progression to pet-inclusive housing policies is critical to enable people living with pets in unsafe and precarious living situations such as domestic violence, or homelessness, to transition to safer housing. Previous international evidence found widespread social, health and economic benefits of having a pet for both individuals and communities, with better health outcomes in both adults and children. The right to keep pets varies Despite the benefits and the high value that households place on pets, the right of households to keep pets varies markedly depending. "Our research finds that some housing tenures are more progressive than others, and even homeowners can face restrictions in what pets they can have," says lead researcher Leader, Housing Futures Research at Swinburne's Centre for Urban Transitions Professor Wendy Stone. "For example, strata title regulations across the country empower housing complexes that use strata title rules to determine whether pets are permitted. However, legislation is gradually changing across the country with a recent ruling in Victoria stating that pets cannot be unilaterally banned." Professor Wendy Stone with her rescue dog Lilli Pilli. Credit: Swinburne University of Technology In general, tenants in the private rental market face the strongest restrictions, with New South Wales, Western Australian and South Australian legislation giving landlords the right to determine whether a property will consider renters with pets. In Victoria and the ACT residential tenancy laws require that landlords do not unreasonably refuse tenants' requests to keep a companion animal. "While landlords frequently cite concerns about property damage for refusing pets, there is little evidence to support this," Professor Stone says. "There are mechanisms, such as insurances and 'pet bonds', available to manage risks, and these costs are currently borne by tenants. Indeed, there is some evidence that pet-friendly rentals return higher rents and are leased more easily than equivalent quality properties that do not allow pets." Openly providing pet-friendly housing also directly addresses issues with illegal pet keeping. When pets are kept illegally, landlords and owners' corporations are less able to regulate or monitor companion animal practices, for examplethrough requiring bonds or including property cleaning and maintenance requirements in property agreements. Tenants in public housing usually have good rights to have a pet, but people living in community housing, in crisis accommodation or in housing leased from the private rental sector and re-rented to social housing tenants can face restrictions similar to those experienced by private rental tenants. The need for pet-inclusive policies The research highlights some models of innovation where discretion is used very well. "Launch Housing in Victoria started a pilot program in 2018 which allows people to bring their pets into their crisis accommodation services," says Professor Stone. "This is significant as most homelessness support services do not allow pets in their accommodation, meaning many pet lovers who are experiencing homelessness fall through the cracks of the housing system. In addition, pets entering Launch House accommodation are given a vet check by Lort Smith Animal Hospital, who also fund any health treatment the animals require." Such pet-inclusive policies can help prevent people remaining in unsafe and precarious living situations so that they can keep their pets, such as after a natural disaster or in cases of domestic violence. Explore further Landlords play vital role in helping tenants create a home, say experts More information: The study is available online: The study is available online: www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/350 Lenovo has announced Smart Clock Essential in India, in an attempt to extend its smart home solutions portfolio. The new digital smart clock offers full voice support with Google Assistant and is Lenovos first smart device to support Hindi language commands. The Smart Clock Essential sport a 4-inch LED display and features smart alarm suggestions based on the next days calendar events. It also comes with far-field microphones, which can pick up questions or requests from far away in the room. It also offers feature parity with other Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers and supports voice match for up to six users at a time. Lenovo Smart Clock Essential specifications 4-inch LED display with 31 Lumes night light Amlogic A113X processor 3W Speaker 2 x Microphone Array 4 GB RAM and 512 MB ROM Microphone Mute Toggle (1), Volume +/- (1), Play Button, and Alarm Button WLAN : 2.4G/5G Dual Band, IEEE 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0 121mm x 64mm x 83mm Weight: 240 g Lenovo Smart Clock Essential comes in Soft Touch Grey colour and is priced at Rs. 4,499. It will go on sale at midnight on 19th February 2021 across Lenovo.com, Flipkart, and will be later available in Lenovo offline retail channels. Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Harjai, Director Tablets and Smart Devices, Lenovo India said: China in Focus (Feb. 18): Trump Dismayed by Bidens China Policy Former President Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Pompeo respond to a recent Biden comment on China. Pompeo said the new presidents language echoes Chinese propaganda. A Chinese media mouthpiece reports on counterfeit vaccine doses. But experts say Chinese authorities may have an ulterior motive for publicizing the issue. A leaked document suggests Beijing officials knew the CCP virus was contagious close to a month before warning the public. They reportedly discussed measures to stop the spread in advance. And two Baltic countries take a hard line toward China. Estonia warns against a world silenced by Beijing. While Lithuania bans a Chinese companys equipment from scanning its airports. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China. For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter. 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. What you need to know in Vietnam today: Politics -- The Politburo and Secretariat of Vietnam's 13th-tenure Party Central Committee held their first session in Hanoi on Thursday to discuss key tasks for the first quarter and policy for purchasing and using COVID-19 vaccines, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Society -- A human body was found washing ashore in Vung Tau City, around 100km from Ho Chi Minh City, on Thursday. -- The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control on Thursday required that all people coming to the city from Hai Duong Province since February 3, Vietnam's current COVID-19 epicenter, be sent to centralized quarantine and tested for the coronavirus to prevent transmission. -- Vietnam's former Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong passed away at 79 in Ben Tre Province on Friday, Phan Van Mai, secretary of the provincial Party Committee, confirmed the same day. -- Authorities isolated a company in Hai Duong and tested 1,635 employees on Thursday after a COVID-19 patient was confirmed there. Business -- European Business Leaders are more optimistic about Vietnams trade and investment than at any point since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Vietnam News Agency reported, citing the Business Climate Index from the European Chamber of Commerce. Sports -- Vietnam ranked 93rd in the world, were in the top 15 in Asia, and led Southeast Asia in the FIFA World Rankings announced on Thursday. World News -- China said on Friday four of its soldiers died during a bloody Himalayan border clash with Indian troops in June last year, Reuters reported. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Surely consumers who regularly get news from Facebook are not digital simpletons who dont know how to access news from radio, TV and other online resources. If Facebook is getting too powerful, we should be glad that this is the first step we can to extricate ourselves from our reliance on this media juggernaut. - Vincent Wong, Killara I remember a university lecturer who said something that made me pay attention: Power is invested in the follower. If people stopped following Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg would be nothing. - Phyllis Codd, Bellingen Theres a special connection between real live people no algorithm will ever control. - Valerie Little, Tathra Face it: Facebook is dispensable. - Peter Baker, Blacktown Facebook, by its action to selectively remove news content, has now demonstrated conclusively that it is a publisher. This should open the way for action to hold it responsible for publishing false and harmful information on its platform. - John Moyse, Dora Creek Getting it right? No, Coalition gets it all wrong Scott Morrison told Parliament this week: Everyone here tried to do the right thing. Really? Even though its now clear that a growing band of senior Liberal figures staff and politicians knew the seriousness of the allegation against one of their own a man earlier described as a rising star in the party (Rape bombshell puts focus on PMs failures, February 19). It beggars belief that none of these people considered an allegation of rape serious enough to bring it to the PMs attention. - Nick Franklin, Katoomba What exquisite irony. The only Coalition minister to be punished for the industrial-scale rorting of public funds by the Coalition government across numerous portfolios was minister Bridget McKenzie. The only minister likely to lose their position because of the toxic misogynistic culture at Parliament House is Linda Reynolds (Minister under pressure to resign, February 19). Am I the only one seeing a pattern? - Jennifer Raines, Newtown Morrison should reconsider setting gender equality targets for his cabinet if he plans on sacrificing a female minister every time he wants to deflect attention from heinous misconduct in his government. - Colin Stokes, Camperdown As a matter of national interest, what did the male staffer actually get the sack for? - Patrick Thompson, Randwick A notice in the Herald (February 19) that a new political party The New Liberals is applying to the AEC comes as no surprise when judging the old Liberal Partys ongoing difficult problems. - Zuzu Burford, Heathcote Outlaw coercive control The anniversary of the murder of Hannah Clarke and her children reminds us that coercive control is a strong indicative factor leading to domestic violence. If there had been a law that made coercive control a criminal offence, there might have been some hope for Hannah and her children. Scotland has enacted such a law. More than 400 crimes were recorded by Police Scotland in the first three months after a new domestic abuse law was introduced. Australia needs a similar law. - Kathy Chase, Newport Shades of green Energy Minister Angus Taylor clearly understands the importance of holding corporates to account for delivering on their net-zero emissions promises (Climate register for corporate green goals, February 19). So why wont the government make the same public commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and put in place a process for transparent sharing of progress? - Suzy Bessell, Cremorne Practise what you preach NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell expects schools and teachers to be accountable for student improvement but says its an impost on the government to demonstrate accountability for the allocation of the first round of funding from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (Tracking down relief red tape delays dollars, February 19)? Practise what you preach, Minister. Mitchell hints at it and John Barilaro clearly threatens it will delay the allocation of the second round of funding. It sounds like the Berejiklian government needs to be put on an improvement plan until it can demonstrate accountability and effective, non-partisan governing. - Laura Beaupeurt, Callala Bay Injection of bias? Given the recent unashamed admissions of pork-barrelling at the highest levels in the federal and state governments, I would like to know the rationale for deciding which geographical areas are to receive the vaccine first, and who is making those decisions (First jab off the rank? Its Woy Woy, February 19). - Matthew Boylan, Leichhardt I know Woy Woy (part of the Robertson electorate) is known as Gods waiting room and maybe that is why it is first jab off the rank. But it could also be because the seat of Robertson is a swing seat and was picked up by the Liberal Party at the 2013 federal election. Lets hope that there is no pork-barrelling on this occasion with targeted seats getting preference for the first vaccines. - Helen Simpson, Curl Curl Spike Milligan would have had a jab at this one (First jab off the rank? Its Woy Woy, February 19). - Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook The pandemic revealed we had shortages of ventilators, PPE for health workers and quarantine facilities. Now we learn there are not enough appropriate needles for the vaccination campaign (Syringe shortage to waste 7000 doses, February 19). Is there anything the federal government can do properly, except sit on the fence and criticise the states that had to fill in the vacuum left by federal inaction and ineptitude? - Alberto Bizcarra, Rozelle By what medical or other criteria does Scott Morrison go to the head of the queue for the COVID-19 inoculation (PM to get vaccine in first phase, Berejiklian to wait her turn, smh.com.au, February 19)? - Michael Chapman, East Albury Choice: life or death There is only one salient point that those who are against, or who are even in two minds about vaccination need consider. Pick a town. Any town. Find the cemetery and wander the rows. Imagine if you can, particularly if you are a parent, how it must have felt to lose those two or three or maybe even four children to diseases that medical schools hardly bother to teach about now. Hygiene and vaccination. Its not rocket science. - Dr Bill Burke, Yarralumla (ACT) A fail in history The Catholic Church is busy promoting the supposed 200th anniversary of Catholic education. Pity the bishops and bureaucrats have the wrong date, school and location. Prior to the arrival of Fr John Therry (1820), trained Irish teachers ran schools in the colony. James and John Kenny operated an official Roman Catholic School in Sydneys Rocks district from 1805, which later transferred to Wilberforce. Fr James Harold established a school on Norfolk Island in 1802. Farrell Cuffes eclectic school in Pitts Row (Street) had been operating for 13 years when Therry arrived. So, too, the accomplished Catherine Milling, who provided valued education to Irish Catholic children. The bishops do these teachers and Australian history a disservice by denying primary evidence and scholarship. - Damian Gleeson, Crookwell All icare, no responsibility If ever there was a misnomer for an insurer, icare is it. Surely, c-if-icare would be more appropriate (Golden parachute for icare executives, February 19). While failure is so rewarding, where is the incentive to do a good job? Or did I read that article incorrectly? Ah, perhaps those failed employees repaid those large amounts. That would make sense. - Kathleen Hollins, Northmead Lifeline for fishing fans The lure of rock fishing makes it hard to give up (Another close call highlights safety laws failure: experts, February 18). As a rock fisher for many years and having experienced those rogue waves, I cant see why stainless steel poles cant be embedded in rocks so that fishers can clip themselves on with a long safety cord. Obviously long enough not to interfere with movement. Could be funded by licence fees. At least give it a try. - Paul Gallagher, Summer Hill Tatts all folks Im not going to suggest that everyone who isnt inked is dull and going to age poorly, but a lack of dermal artwork on a person does cause me to raise an eyebrow (Like telling the same joke day after day: Why tattoos are a bad idea, smh.com.au, February 18). Live a little. You might enjoy it. - Earl White, Oyster Bay Futile search Ian Macdonald (Letters, February 19), Ive looked all over my local nursery for a Clitoria ternatea, but I just cant find one. - Paul Sztelma, Concord There has been some interest in the botanical Latin name pinus and its pronunciation. Although it might look it, this word like other trees in Latin is not actually masculine but feminine. - Alison Waters, Leura A bridge too far Many correspondents talk of poor promotions (Letters, February 19). Is everyone aware of the Peter Principle? Employees are promoted based on their success in previous jobs, until they reach a level at which they are no longer competent. - Chris Sinclair, West Pennant Hills RSL special Thank you Beverly Izzard (Letters, February 19). The Ballad of Rooty Hill by the Rocky Thomas Band remains a great but forgotten Australian classic. Brightens my day whenever I hear it. - Joy Heads, Wollstonecraft Like millions of his constituents across Texas, Sen. Ted Cruz had a frigid home without electricity this week amid the states power crisis. But unlike most, Cruz got out, fleeing Houston and hopping a Wednesday afternoon flight to Cancun with his family for a respite at a luxury resort. Photos of Cruz and his wife, Heidi, boarding the flight ricocheted quickly across social media and left both his political allies and rivals aghast at a tropical trip as a disaster unfolded at home. The blowback only intensified after Cruz, a Republican, released a statement saying he had flown to Mexico to be a good dad and accompany his daughters and their friends; he noted he was flying back Thursday afternoon, though he did not disclose how long he had originally intended to stay. EDITORIAL: Ted Cruz got a ticket to paradise. Paradise can have him. Text messages sent from Heidi Cruz to friends and Houston neighbors on Wednesday revealed a hastily planned trip. Their house was FREEZING, as Heidi Cruz put it and she proposed a getaway until Sunday. Heidi Cruz invited others to join them at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, where they had stayed many times, noting the room price this week ($309 per night) and its good security. The text messages were provided to The New York Times and confirmed by a second person on the thread, who declined to be identified because of the private nature of the texts. For more than 12 hours after the airport departure photos first emerged, Ted Cruzs office declined to comment on his whereabouts. The Houston police confirmed that the senators office had sought their assistance for his airport trip Wednesday, and eventually Cruz was spotted wheeling his suitcase in Mexico on Thursday as he returned to the state he represents in the Senate. As the Cruzes were away, millions of Texans were still without electricity, many had no running water and the icy air that swept into the state was so severe that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated to send supplies, including generators. Some searched neighborhoods for discarded fallen trees to burn for warmth. Whats happening in Texas is unacceptable, Ted Cruz told a television crew at the Cancun airport. He was wearing a Texas state flag mask and a short-sleeved polo shirt tucked into his jeans; the temperature in Cancun was above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius) on Thursday, and in the 30s in Houston. 'MISTAKE': Cruz said he regretted Cancun trip as soon as he got on the plane Cruzs critics quickly circulated hashtags mocking his trip: #FlyinTed, a play on former President Donald Trumps derisive nickname for Cruz during the 2016 primary race, and #FledCruz, among them. Some Democratic groups sought to fundraise off the episode, and the state Democratic Party renewed its calls for Cruzs resignation. This is about as callous as any politician can get, said Gilberto Hinojosa, the Texas Democratic Party chairman. Hinojosa said he was shocked but not surprised by Cruzs international excursion: Hes a politician that really has never cared much about anybody but himself. If Cruz intended to leave the impression that he meant to stay for only a day, his large suitcase and the group text messages Heidi Cruz had sent planning a longer itinerary suggested he had cut his trip short. NBC reported separately that Ted Cruz had rebooked his return ticket Thursday morning. With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends, Ted Cruz said of his daughters, who are 10 and 12, in his statement Thursday. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon. Untimely vacations and opulent splurges have long ensnared politicians in scandals and public-relations headaches: the international trips arranged by the disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff in the early 2000s for members of Congress; Chris Christie, then the governor of New Jersey, sitting on a state beach in 2017 after he had ordered such beaches closed because of a government shutdown; and, more recently, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California dining without a mask during the pandemic last year at the high-end restaurant the French Laundry. Ted Cruzs decision to leave his state in the middle of an emergency was an especially confounding one for an ambitious politician who has already run for president once and is widely seen as wanting to run again in 2024 or beyond. It was clearly an error in judgment, said Ray Sullivan, an Austin-based Republican strategist who served as chief of staff to former Gov. Rick Perry. While a senator cannot personally restore the power grid, Sullivan said, people expect their elected officials to be fully engaged during a crisis. Cruz, 50, narrowly won reelection in 2018 against Beto ORourke, a Democratic former congressman, carrying less than 51% of the vote. In that race, Cruz had aggressively highlighted his efforts during a past emergency, Hurricane Harvey. He is not up for reelection until 2024. While the city of Houston was gripped by the freezing weather Wednesday, a member of Cruzs staff contacted personnel with the Houston Police Department at George Bush Intercontinental Airport before his flight requesting assistance upon arrival, according to Jodi Silva, a department spokeswoman. Silva said the police had monitored his movements before he departed. Officers were seen accompanying him upon his Thursday return. Cruz insisted in his statement Thursday that he and his staff had been in constant communication with state and local leaders during his brief Cancun trip. This has been an infuriating week for Texans, he said. In his statement, Cruz noted that the private school his daughters attend in Houston was closed this week. But some other parents at the school were incensed when they heard about his international trip because of the pandemic and school policies that have discouraged such travel abroad. Two parents provided a copy of the written school policy for students not to return to classrooms for seven days after international travel, or to take a COVID test three to five days after returning, which would keep the Cruz children out of school for the following week. (Separately, an aide to Cruz said he had taken a virus test before his return flight Thursday; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires a negative result.) When Heidi Cruz wrote to the group text chain of neighbors trying to weather the extreme conditions early Wednesday, she said the family had been staying with friends to keep warm, but quickly pivoted to offering an invitation to get away. Anyone can or want to leave for the week? she wrote. We may go to Cancun. She teased a direct flight and hotels w capacity. Seriously. Heidi Cruz promptly shared details for a Wednesday afternoon departure, a Sunday return trip and a luxurious stay at the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton in the meantime. No one appeared to bite, but Heidi Cruz did extend a more practical offer. We have gas stove so at least we can heat water little that there is happy to help anyone we can too, she wrote. The Times shared the contents of the messages with Ted Cruzs Senate office, but his aides did not comment. Heidi Cruz did not return a call seeking comment. Ted Cruz has long rankled members of both parties as a self-promoter since his arrival on Capitol Hill in 2013. Later that year, he became the leading actor in the drama that forced a government shutdown over the Affordable Care Act, and in 2016, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., famously joked during a speech, If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you. But if Cruz annoyed his colleagues, he just as quickly won over the Tea Party wing of the GOP. He ran as an anti-establishment champion in the partys 2016 presidential primary and finished as the runner-up to Trump, brandishing his colleagues disdain as a badge of honor. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, a Democrat who represents Cruzs Houston neighborhood in Congress, said Thursday that the state was facing an all-hands-on-deck situation and that its leaders were needed to help marshal the federal response on the ground. Fletcher was out of power herself until Wednesday and charged her phone in her car to continue to make calls to the House speaker, FEMA and other agencies too busy, she said, to think about Cruzs decision to leave the state at this time. Leadership matters, she said. Cruz had been acutely aware of the possible crisis in advance. In a radio interview Monday, he said the state could see up to 100 deaths this week. So dont risk it, he said. Keep your family safe and just stay home and hug your kids. Cruz had attacked a Democrat, Mayor Stephen Adler of Austin, in December for taking a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, while telling constituents to stay home during the pandemic. Hypocrites, Cruz wrote on Twitter. Complete and utter hypocrites. This article originally appeared in The New York 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. 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 Central Bank is concerned the Governments new Affordable Housing Scheme may increase property prices and saddle mortgage holders with unaffordable debts. The Irish Independent can reveal Housing Minister Darragh OBrien is facing a fresh crisis as the Central Bank has serious reservations about the design of the shared equity scheme and the impact it may have on lending rules. It is understood the Central Bank believes the scheme, as proposed in the Affordable Housing Bill, will have immediate policy implications for the regulator due to banks being centrally involved in the new housing plan. It can also be revealed significant concerns were raised at a high-level meeting on September 25 between the Department of Finance, the Central Bank and the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), where minutes show it was noted the shared equity scheme could impact on prices and therefore increasing levels of personal debt. Read More Minutes from the meeting, seen by the Irish Independent, also show it was observed the supply deficit is what needs to be addressed in dealing with the housing crisis. The meeting also heard it is not clear that the scheme will to any extent promote additional supply and further information would help the decision-making process. At the meeting, it was also noted the interaction between the scheme and mortgage rules will need to be further considered by the regulator before the Department of Housing finalises the scheme. It is understood there will be immediate implications for mortgage regulations should the shared equity scheme proceed as currently designed. State aid requirements will be a key consideration, the Department of Finance noted. The Central Bank will also be considering if the scheme adheres to its mortgage rules. The regulator will examine the legislation to determine if borrowers will be able to repay the loans associated with the scheme. Officials will seek to ensure it does not lead to a credit-driven house price boom and if banks will lose money due to the scheme. Upon finalisation of the scheme design, the Central Bank will consider the interaction between the scheme and the mortgage measures as well as the proposed operation of the scheme from the perspective of our consumer protection mandate, it said. Mortgage rules aim to strengthen the resilience of both borrowers and the banking sector and prevent a damaging credit-driven house price spiral. It is also understood the Central Bank Commission will have to decide whether it wants to change the anti-avoidance clause in the mortgage rules, which states banks should not engage in any practice which would avoid loan limits. The shared equity scheme would see the State take a 30pc stake in the homes of first-time buyers, who will take out a mortgage with the bank for the remainder of the cost. This is a fresh blow in a bad week for Housing Minister Darragh OBriens Bill, after the Economic and Social Research Institute warned on Tuesday the shared equity scheme within the bill would hike house prices. The ESRI told the Oireachtas Housing Committee that because housing supply is so constrained, increasing purchasing power through a shared equity scheme will hike costs. After Government TDs and Senators put pressure on the think tank to change its opening statement, the ESRI refused to do so. Read More FILE - In this July 23, 2003 file photo, Steven Caruso sits in Middlesex Superior Court in Cambridge, Mass. Caruso, 48, is charged with murder in the January 2000 death of Sandra Berfield. Caruso is serving a life sentence for killing Sandra Berfield in 2000 with a pipe bomb in a package that exploded on her porch. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is scheduled to hear arguments in his appeal on Sept. 9, 2016. (George Martell/Boston Herald via AP, Pool) Boston After Sandra Berfield was killed when a package bomb exploded in her arms, police immediately zeroed in on a man she said had stalked her for months and vandalized her car. Steven Caruso was a regular at the restaurant where Berfield worked as a waitress for 12 years. He would come in every day, sometimes twice a day, and spend hours sitting in Berfields section, staring at her. Berfield complained that after she rejected Carusos request for a date, he began stalking her. He was convicted in 1999 of slashing the tires on her car and pouring battery acid in her gas tank. Eight months later, in January 2000, Berfield walked out to her front porch and picked up a package addressed to her. The pipe bomb inside exploded, killing Berfield instantly. Now, 13 years after Caruso was convicted in Berfields killing, he is asking the states highest court to grant him a new trial. The Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments Friday in the highly publicized case, which led to new protections for women against stalkers. In his appeal, Caruso insists he is not the person who put the mail bomb on Berfields porch. He also cites a litany of legal reasons he should get a new trial, including the testimony of a jailhouse snitch who Caruso says fabricated a story about him incriminating himself in Berfields killing during a conversation the two inmates had in a prison hospital cell. So much of the evidence is so obviously unreliable that he plainly did not receive a fair trial, said David A.F. Lewis, Carusos attorney. Prosecutors, however, say there was plenty of evidence for the jury to convict Caruso of first-degree murder, including his history of stalking her, a ripped-up manual on how to build a bomb found in the trash at his home and detailed dossiers he had on Berfield and her relatives. Berfield, 32, worked at a Bickfords restaurant in Medford, just north of Boston. According to testimony at his trial, Caruso, a longtime regular customer, began insisting on sitting in Berfields section beginning in 1996. For a couple of years, they had what Berfield described as light conversations. But in August of 1998, after Berfield declined Carusos invitation to go to a movie with him, she told her manager she felt uncomfortable because Caruso insisted on sitting in her section, where he would stare at her while smirking. The manager asked Caruso to sit in a different area of the restaurant. The next month, Berfields car was vandalized four times. Caruso was later convicted in three of the episodes and spent several months in jail. After the vandalism of her car, Berfield obtained a civil restraining order against Caruso. In court documents, Berfield accused Caruso of stalking her at home and at the restaurant. He was told that I wouldnt wait on him anymore ... because he was scaring me and making me uncomfortable, she wrote. Caruso denied the allegations, attributing them to Berfields hysteria, according to court documents. At the time, criminally enforceable restraining orders were only granted for people who were related to or dating their alleged stalkers. Because Berfield never had a relationship with Caruso, that option was not available to her. After Berfields death, her family waged a decade-long campaign to change the law. In 2010, the law was changed to extend criminal protection orders to victims of stalking and sexual abuse who do not have a dating or familial relationship with their perpetrators. Yves here. Honestly, I dont see how its possible to agree with the thesis of this post, at least as far as the US presidential election was concerned. With no Covid, the economy would have been strong by post-financial crisis standards, which always favors the incumbent, and Trump would have been able to conduct rallies, his favorite rouse the base technique. Moreover, absent the pandemic, Sanders would also have been able to hold rallies. Ive suspected that end of big meetings, which enabled Sanders to demonstrate the scale and intensity of support, played a big factor in his decision to suspend his campaign. But readers may see things differently. By Leticia Abad and Noel Maurer, Associate Professor of International Affairs and International Business, George Washington University. Originally published at VoxEU While the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to have affected the 2020 US presidential elections, it had remarkably little effect on the electoral returns. This column compares the situation to the 1918 influenza pandemic and examines whether the flu pandemic affected US congressional, gubernatorial, and presidential elections during 19181920. Flu deaths did have a small effect on elections voters did indeed blame incumbent parties for bad health outcomes. However, it appears they cared about other things much more. The COVID-19 pandemic changed almost everything about the 2020 American elections. The Biden campaign made much of the federal failure to combat the disease. President Trump politicised the response, appearing to run against practices like mask-wearing that are designed to slow infections (Milosh et al. 2020). Campaign techniques changed dramatically, particularly on the Democratic side, with door-knocking and in-person rallies falling off and outreach moving to video and virtual realms. Polls showed that most Americans disapproved of President Trumps response to COVID-19 a 17-point chasm by election day. A cross-country analysis of polling data showed that governments that failed to contain COVID-19 infections suffered falling approval rates (Herrera et al. 2020). And yet, the pandemic appeared to have remarkably little effect on the American electoral returns (Wilson 2020, McMinn and Stein 2020). In fact, when we ran a simple set of correlations using county-based data (Abad and Maurer 2021), we found that COVID-19 death rates were weakly correlated with a swing towards Donald Trump between 2016 and 2020 (Figure 1). Figure 1 Associations between county-level characteristics and the swing towards the GOP in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections Notes: Blue bars indicate a swing towards the Democratic Party; red towards the Republican Party. Can this be right? Did the pandemic really not matter to the pandemic election of 2020? A good way to start analysing this question is to ask what effect we should expect a pandemic disease to have on election results. The best parallel history provides is the 1918-19 influenza pandemic, which broke out during an election year and killed over 600,000 Americans (Abad and Maurer 2021). In September 1918, the second wave of the flu arrived in the US at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and rapidly spread across the country (Figure 2). Excess mortality exceeded 600,000. Children lost their parents; grandparents outlived their adult children. Figure 2 The spread of the second wave of the Spanish flu, 1918 We assembled a county-level dataset of votes by party for three levels of government: the 1918 congressional elections, the 1918, 1919, and 1920 gubernatorial elections, and the 1920 presidential election. We combined these data with new estimates (derived from census data) of county-level excess mortality. We obtained county-level economic and demographic controls from the census. We found no discernible effect on turnout. The arrival of womens suffrage was not the reason for low turnout. New York was the only state in our sample to allow womens suffrage for the first time in the 1918 election; state-level fixed effects absorbed other states that switched in 1919 as a result of the ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing American women the right to vote. But we did find that the more the Spanish flu hit a county, the more the voters swung away from the incumbent governor and congressional Democrats. These findings are in line with Heersink et al. (2017), who found that counties hit hard by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 punished Herbert Hoover in 1928. The relationship held up when we used the underlying disease environment and a countys distance to military camps (which spread disease) as instruments (Figure 3). Figure 3 Effect of Spanish flu excess mortality on vote shares In short, our regression results indicate that voters did indeed blame incumbent parties for bad outcomes. But it is one thing to find an econometric result; it is another to show that the result makes sense, given what we know about the history. There are a lot of misconceptions about the context of the Spanish flu. The first is that voters were unaware of the flu outside their immediate locality because of wartime censorship. The second is that the government didnt react to the pandemic. The third is that voters had no reason to believe that the government could, would, or should protect them against infectious disease outbreaks, which meant that the pandemic never became a political issue. The view that wartime censorship kept the pandemic out of the papers appears to come from an interview with historian John Barry in which he asserted that 1918 newspapers provided lots of war coverage but very little about the pandemic. This struck us as odd, given that Barry (2004) contains no evidence of such censorship. We analysed 495 daily newspapers from the beginning of September 1918 to the end of 1918 and found that flu coverage exceeded war coverage during the peak of the pandemic (Figure 4). Figure 4 Flu to war mentions in the newspapers In addition, the federal government printed tens of millions of pamphlets and posters to alert the public and encourage behaviour that would slow the spread of the flu. In Alfred Crosbys words, If influenza could have been smothered by paper, many lives would have been saved in 1918. Figure 5 US Public Health Service pamphlet Did the federal government fail to react to the crisis? It is true that President Wilson remained oddly silent. But once Philadelphia and Chicago succumbed, Congress appropriated $1 million (the 2019 equivalent of $253 million as a share of GDP) to mobilise civilian doctors into the US Public Health Service (USPHS) and placed the Army and Navys health departments bloated to a huge size by the war mobilisation at the USPHSs disposal. Public laboratories in New York and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota worked overtime to develop a vaccine. They achieved one in record time, but the problem was that they did not understand the aetiology of influenza and they vaccinated against the wrong pathogen. Pfeiffers bacillus was a secondary invader of flu victims but did not cause the disease. Scientists realised that they had the wrong cause by July 1919 but that was too late to stop New York and Illinois from spending millions on useless vaccines. The pandemic, meanwhile, dominated state politics. State and local governments banned public gatherings, shut down bars and restaurants, closed schools, staggered hours, and mandated mask-wearing. In California, the state had to crack down on San Diego when the city council tried to revoke closure orders and mask mandates. San Franciscans organised an Anti-Mask League and the jails filled up with people who refused to wear them. (Several people were shot in altercations over masks and someone sent a mail bomb to the head of the Board of Health.) In New York, the governor mysteriously discovered outbreaks in towns where his Democratic opponent planned to speak. An angry Al Smith proclaimed that GOP officials want to prevent the spread of Democratic doctrine rather the spread of Spanish influenza. Governor Whitmans ploy did not work and when the New York GOP lost they blamed their defeat on the flu. In short, we found a significant effect of flu deaths on election outcomes which we failed to erase despite myriad attempts. The effect we found, however, was relatively small. Roughly speaking, an increase of one standard deviation in flu deaths implied a shift of 2.8 percentage points against the congressional Democrats and a 0.8-point shift against the governors party. Most congressional elections, however, shifted by significantly more than that. Only in Maryland were deaths high enough to have swung the gubernatorial election. In a sense, we have the best sort of null result a very precisely estimated small effect! Voters cared about the Spanish flu and they held politicians accountable. They just cared about other things much more. See original post for references In the 1970s, President Jimmy Carter supposedly worried that Americans were suffering from collective malaise, the French word for an underlying feeling of discomfort, uneasiness. Carter was roundly ridiculed. A few years later, President Ronald Reagan campaigned in 1984 on the theme, in sharp contrast: Its morning again in America. Whether that were true, the Reagan positivity fueled his successful re-election. But today, I do feel a sense of personal malaise about how things are going in our country. Do you feel like I do? And if so, why, and what can we do about it? The present brutal winter doesnt help, of course, and the prolonged pandemic has made me appreciate how much I miss my former, lively social life with friends. Yet, I think my malaise goes deeper. For example, I am sorely distressed by the continuing, deep polarization, even enmity, in Washington and across the country between otherwise generally decent people on both sides of the Trump/anti-Trump divide. Second, the pandemic has resulted in a lost year of effective schooling for many, maybe most kids. I fear this will worsen the gaps that exist in American education. We cant seem to reduce much the yawning gap between the achievement of minorities and whites. Nor, for that matter, the big gap in achievement between whites and Asian-Americans, as well as overseas Asian students. Further, there appears to be American probably worldwide obsession with the pursuit of things, as if owning stuff will comfort, amuse, satisfy us. Yet, we seem no happier overall. To me, the above adds up to a worry over general American decline. Worse, I have the sense that many of my friends are resigned to this. Alas, malaise. But what to do about it? First, short-term and practical, I think we need a massive program of summer school for kids of all ages, to help them catch up. Chinese students have not lost a school year, and as I have hectored readers before, we face intense economic competition from that former, extremely proud Middle Kingdom. With apologies for this inapt comparison, I feel like Winston Churchill in the 1930s, crying out for his countrymen to take Hitlers military preparations very seriously, which plaints were ignored. As for summer school, or some such show of determination not to fall behind, we should tax ourselves to pay the significant costs of operating a major summer program. We cannot continue to overheat the printing presses with the production of endless streams of what I call funny money. First it was the $2 trillion Trump tax cut in 2017, paid for wholly with debt, and now the multi-trillions in pandemic relief, all unsupported by tax revenue. On a larger scale, we could use a nice little war, to rally Americans. As to a war, Thats a joke, son, as Sen. Beauregard Claghorn of old-time radio used to say. Yet rulers around the globe have done just so through history, to unify citizens and distract them from problems at home. The only alternative issue I can think of that could conceivably rally most of us is that of, Will it be good for our grandkids? After all, I see bumper strips: Ask me how much I love my grandkids! I wonder if the people in the auto really know what we are bequeathing the little ones. The unprecedented amount of debt I speak of above (approaching that of World War II) will sure not be good for our youngsters. My very smart young friend, Jake Secrist of Farmington, suggests that our nation needs to think about updating our mission statement. Maybe, after the pursuit of happiness, we should, I say, add, the pursuit of harmony, at home and around the world. I dont know. You fill in the blank. Can President Joe Biden, our governors and community leaders provide the leadership to rally us somehow? And would their leadership arouse energized followers? After all, if you and I dont rise to the occasion, it wont happen. Life is a struggle; always will be. I know the above paragraphs sound hokey, yet it is bedrock. Civilizations rise and fall. Yet our present, relative national slide, if it be such, is not foreordained. For many years, Jim Nowlan was a senior fellow and political science professor at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He has worked for three unindicted governors and published a weekly newspaper in central Illinois. Haiti - UN : Human rights violation very concerning indicates the BINUH report on the situation in Haiti In its Report to the Secretary General on the situation in Haiti (S/2021/133) of February 11, 2021, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) indicates that the human rights situation in Haiti continued to be negatively affected by the activity of gangs and the continued failure of State authorities to adequately protect citizens rights to life and security. Moreover, conditions of detention, already qualified by the Human Rights Committee as cruel and inhuman treatment, remained alarming. The mission documented the ongoing occurrence of human rights violations and abuses, primarily in the context of gang violence in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. BINUH observed an increase in human rights abuses, mainly related to kidnappings by gangs. Between 1 September 2020 and 31 January 2021, BINUH registered 337 alleged human rights abuses attributed to gang members and unidentified armed men, among them 63 killings (including those of 2 women and 3 boys), 44 injuries (including 4 women), 15 rapes (all women) and 215 kidnappings (including 32 women, 8 boys and 9 girls). That represented a 95.9 per cent increase compared with the previous reporting period. All segments of the population had been targeted, exposing the difficulties faced by law enforcement in protecting the lives and security of the Haitian people. The kidnapping, rape and murder of a 21-year-old high school student from Port-au-Prince, sparked large protests throughout the country as citizens demanded that the Government of Haiti protect its population. Gang violence continued to affect entire communities, preventing them from the full enjoyment of human rights such as food, housing, health and education. For instance, in the Bel-Air neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, schools, health centres and shops remained closed, while 407 households displaced from the area as from in August 2020 were still unwilling or unable to return to their homes owing to gang clashes and reprisals against the general population. The lack of protection by the State, including the lack of accountability for human rights abuses committed by prominent gang members, especially those who were already the subject of national police warrants, such as Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, fuelled the recurring cycle of violence. Cherizier, who was suspected in the emblematic cases of the Grand Ravine (2017), La Saline (2018) and Bel-Air (2019) massacres, had eluded several arrest attempts made during police operations in Port-au-Prince (West Department) and remained at large despite continuing domestic and international appeals for justice. The lack of accountability for human rights violations committed by law enforcement officials also persisted. From 1 September 2020 to 31 January 2021, BINUH documented 81 human rights violations by officers of the Haitian National Police, resulting in 12 people killed (including 1 girl) and 25 injured (including 2 women). That represented a 12.3 per cent decrease compared with the previous reporting period. The General Inspectorate of the Haitian National Police opened 122 investigations into alleged acts of misconduct by police officers, 22 of which were later closed, leading to the adoption of administrative sanctions in 16 cases, of which 4 were transmitted to judicial authorities. Moreover, the General Inspectorate investigated 68 additional violations related to incidents that occurred prior to the period covered by the present report. In 14 instances, it recommended sanctions. Notably, only two of those cases were transmitted to judicial authorities. Finally, the continued lack of action by law enforcement officials and judicial authorities to investigate serious crimes and establish accountability and the lack of public trust in those institutions contributed to practices of so-called popular justice. From 1 September 2020 to 31 January 2021, BINUH documented 20 cases of lynching, none of which had been investigated to date. Efforts also continued to seek accountability for the murder of Monferrier Dorval, the slain president of the Port-au-Prince Bar Association, whose case was transferred to an investigative judge on 17 September. The shocking disappearance of crime-scene evidence from the premises of the Port-au-Prince Tribunal of First Instance in early October sparked public outrage and highlighted the need to dedicate adequate resources to the ongoing investigation, including to protect it from third-party interference. The Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers sent a letter to the Government on 20 November to share his concerns about the case, including both the aforementioned theft and a 13 November attack on the car of the investigating judge. As mentioned above, conditions of detention remained very concerning, despite sustained efforts by stakeholders to improve them. Detainees were kept in extremely overcrowded and unsanitary cells for up to 23 hours per day, had restricted or no access to health care and were given food of limited quantity and inadequate nutritional quality. From 1 September 2020 to 15 January 2021, 47 persons died in detention, a 2.1 per cent increase compared to the previous reporting period. The deaths resulted mainly from diseases the inmates contracted while in the custody of the State, for which they did not receive adequate care. BINUH notes that the responsible authorities failed to systematically organize the transportation of persons in pretrial detention to the location of their hearing, effectively denying them the right to be tried within a reasonable time. As mentioned above, the lack of improvement regarding the large number of persons held in pretrial detention is highly concerning, notably in its violation of the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33046-haiti-un-mounting-insecurity-indicates-binuh-report-on-the-situation-in-haiti.html HL/ HaitiLibre ADVERTISEMENT Facebook has barred Australians from finding or sharing news content on its services, defying a controversial proposed law by the Australian government. The companys action comes after months of tension with the Australian government, which has proposed a law that would require technology companies to pay publishers when their articles are posted by users, CNN reported The move on Thursday prevented Australian users from posting or sharing news content on the platform. According to the social platform, people and publishers in Australia will no longer be able to share or see any news from local or international outlets. This decision appears to be the most restrictive move Facebook has ever taken against content publishers. Australian Bargaining Code The proposed Australian bargaining code designed by the government and competition regulator is to address a power imbalance between the social media giants and publishers when negotiating payment for news content used on the tech firms sites, Reuters reports. Under the code, news outlets will be required to negotiate commercial deals individually or collectively with Facebook and Google. If they cannot reach an agreement, an arbitrator will decide whose offer is more reasonable. If Facebook or Google break any resulting agreements, they can be fined up to A$10 million ($7.4 million) in civil penalties. The law also requires tech firms to give media outlets notice when they change search algorithms in a way affecting the order in which content appears. They must also share their use of consumer data extracted from news content on their sites. What the proposed law introduced in Australia fails to recognize is the fundamental nature of the relationship between our platform and publishers, Campbell Brown, Facebooks vice president of global news partnerships said. Contrary to what some have suggested, Facebook does not steal news content. Publishers choose to share their stories on Facebook. I hope in the future, we can include news for people in Australia once again, she added Meanwhile, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morison on his Facebook page blasted the company, saying its action to unfriend Australia today, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing. These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behaviour of Big Tech companies who think they are bigger than governments and that the rules should not apply to them, Mr Morrison wrote on Thursday. They may be changing the world, but that doesnt mean they run it, he added. We will not be intimidated by BigTech seeking to pressure our Parliament as it votes on our important News Media Bargaining Code. Just as we werent intimidated when Amazon threatened to leave the country and when Australia drew other nations together to combat the publishing of terrorist content on social media platforms, he said. The University of Georgia reported 105 COVID-19 cases over the week of Feb. 8-14, a decrease from the 115 cases a week before. Since the start of 2021, the university has reported 1,181 positive 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. The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday arrested three men, who were allegedly involved in an attack on a restaurant owner's son in Srinagar on February 17, the day a 24-member delegation of foreign envoys arrived on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, said a senior police officer. "We have arrested three men, who were involved in the attack at the Krishna Dhaba in which one civilian was injured," Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar told reporters. He said acting on a tip-off that the attackers had come on a two-wheeler, a special investigation team headed by an officer of the rank of superintendent of police got the leads on them after going through the CCTV footage obtained from the area. READ | Srinagar dhaba owner's son injured, incident near hotel of 23 foreign envoys Subsequently, two of the accused were arrested, Kumar said, adding that the two-wheeler and the weapon used in the commission of the crime were seized from their possession. During the questioning, the duo revealed the involvement of another accused in the crime, who was also arrested. The IGP said the three men were lured into militancy by a commander of the proscribed terror outfit, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). They were tasked with carrying out a strike at the Krishna Dhaba, a popular eatery with tourists and locals. "The purpose of the attack was to instil fear among the tourists," the officer said. The popular food joint Krishna Dhaba is located in a high-security area of Srinagar. The victim, Akash Mehra, was immediately rushed to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital. Incidentally, the area is just one kilometre from the hotel where foreign envoys have been staying. Banned terror outfit Muslim Janbaz Force/TRF has claimed responsibility for the attack. At about 7.45 pm Srinagar Police received information about a terror crime incident at Krishna Daba area of Dalgate Srinagar where terrorists had fired upon a civilian. Senior police officers reached the spot. The terrorists used a pistol for crime and two empty cartridges were recovered from the spot. Mehra is the son of Krishna Dhaba's owner Ramesh Kumar Mehra, a resident of Janipora in Jammu. The police have registered a case in this regard under relevant sections of law. The investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of this terror crime. An eyewitness and uncle of the Akash, Subhash Chandra had said, "I was inside the shop few people came inside the shop and shot Akash he got two bullets they left and fired outside also." As per the official sources, Krishna Dhaba was full of tourists at the time of the firing. The eatery, which is famous for serving vegetarian food, is located in the Durganag area of the city. Several high-profile installations like the office of UN Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and the residence of the Jammu and Kashmir chief justice are located within 200 metres of the food joint. The attack came on a day when a group of envoys including those from several European Union countries and a few Organisation of Islamic Countries' member states began a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to get a first-hand account of the situation in the newly carved union territory, especially after the recently-concluded local body elections. The envoys which have representation from four Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC)--Malaysia, Bangladesh, Senegal and Tajikistan -- were taken to Magam in central Kashmir amid heightened security arrangements in the city and elsewhere in the Valley, officials had said. This was the second attack on non-Kashmiri residents in the city after the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier in January, a jeweller, Satpal, settled in Kashmir for the last five decades, was shot dead. The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, had claimed responsibility for the attack. Ben F. Windham P.C., Henry County Personal Injury Lawyer, discusses some reasons why auto insurance profits are sky high while claimants cannot settle their claims against insurance companies over the past year. CLAYTON COUNTY, GA / ACCESSWIRE / February 19, 2021 / The deaths and serious illnesses inflicted upon the United States and the World by the Covid-19 virus has rivaled even the great Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. Automobile Insurance carriers across the country are using the veil of an international pandemic to hoard cash from premiums and claims reserves and are in a seemingly all out claims-settlement freeze. Insurance Business America posted an article in September 2020 bragging about how some carriers in the industry had given partial premium refunds because of the reduction in driving during the first few months of the Covid-19 pandemic. The article quotes a principal at Deloitte Consulting, LLP as stating the net-net in Q2 was that the industry actually had better results than they had before COVID and that although there was a return of premium, the reduction in losses was greater than the premium returned. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) countered the insurance industries engagement in self-flattery and puffery stating that customers have not benefited as much as they should have. The PIRG released a state by state / company by company analysisof how much various insurance companies actually used their billions of dollars of profits realized during the pandemic in genuinely helping their insureds in the form of premium refunds. Car and Driver published an article by Sebastian Blanco in December 2019 that quotes the PIRG with stating that for the 10 largest insurers of personal vehicles in each state it found that only 18 of them returned at least 50 percent of one month's premium to its customers. Just eight returned at least a full month's premium payment. As personal injury lawyers in the trenches fighting for justice for our clients, most publications, both pro insurance and not, have ignored the real elephant in the room and the real reason for large insurance carrier profits. What is the elephant, you ask? There has not been a civil, personal injury jury trial in the State of Georgia since the beginning of March 2020 and only a handful anywhere else in the country. The Courts are closed! What does this mean and why does it matter? While injury lawsuits may be filed, discovery performed and motions argued, there is no available outlet for an injured party to ultimately hold an insurance company accountable and obtain recovery for their claims. All of this has not been lost on the Property and Casualty insurance industry. How they adjust personal injury claims brought in good faith against their insureds as well as how they adjust claims brought against them by their own insureds has become a new low, even for the insurance industry. Insurance companies have always engaged in a "wear them down" battle of attrition with injury claimants as well as their insureds in UM / UIM claims. This is done to break the will of the injured party and get them to accept less than the actual value of their claim. The Covid-19 pandemic and the cessation of civil jury trials has been simply magical for the automobile insurance industry. Not only are there no trials, by the time the courts re-open the back log and delay for personal injury plaintiffs will be years long. Some automobile insurance companies are now at times offering less than medical bills to claimants who are involved in car accidents that are high impact, total loss wrecks where the insured negligent party was clearly liable. In some cases, the carriers are offering nothing at all. This is happening in cases where there are serious injuries and extensive medical treatment. Why? Without a means for an injured person to present his or her claims to the Court and ask to be made whole again, the insurance companies don't have to do anything. Many state bars have held roundtable webinars with judges, plaintiff's personal injury attorneys and insurance defense attorneys exploring the possibility of conducting jury trials by Zoom or virtually. The message is clear. Insurance companies continue to resist virtual jury trials and the Courts, it seems, cannot force them to agree to participate in them. A feature in the Associated Press indicates that Auto Insurance Companies are expected to rake in over one hundred billion dollars in profits in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While there was a reduction of claims through August of 2020, it is the continued restriction of an individual's access to a jury trial as guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment of the United States Constitution that I surmise is the true catalyst for insurance companies sky high profits. When will claims be heard? For now, we can do nothing but wait. About Windham Law: Ben has been a lawyer in Henry County for almost twenty years, starting in McDonough and having offices in Stockbridge until moving to Locust Grove on the south side of the county in 2013. Ben F. Windham and the attorneys of Ben F. Windham, P.C., serve personal injury clients throughout Clayton County and all counties in Georgia. They specialize in seeking justice for individuals who have been injured by the negligence of others and litigate against all insurance companies providing tenacious and honest representation. Their approach is hands-on and much different from the high-volume TV and billboard lawyers. Clients of Ben F. Windham, P.C. work directly with an attorney during all phases of their case. At Ben F. Windham, P.C. expect a collaborative team with an entrepreneurial mindset determined to meet and exceed their client's expectations each step of the way towards obtaining justice. To learn more about Ben F. Windham P.C. Trial Attorneys, or for a free case evaluation please visit https://windhamlaw.com or call 833-236-9467. Ben F. Windham P.C. Address: 3838 GA-42, Locust Grove, GA 30248 Contact Name: Ben Windham Website: https://windhamlaw.com Email: Ben@windhamlaw.com Phone:(833) 236-9467 (833-BENWINS) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bewindham/ Twitter: @benwindham SOURCE: Ben F. Windham P.C. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630782/Henry-County-Personal-Injury-Lawyer-Ben-Windham-Discusses-COVID-19s-Continued-Effects-Upon-The-Civil-Justice-System [February 19, 2021] DearDoc Provides a New Way for Doctors to Grow Their Practice NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- There is a new online tool that helps doctors connect with patients and grow their business. Joe Brown is the CEO and founder of DearDoc, a cloud platform with advanced tools for physicians. DearDoc has 2500 private practices that use their software and now they have a new product called "Missed Call AI." Missed Call AI uses online software to send a text to patients when their doctor's office is closed. The software also offers an automated assistant who can chat online, obtain patient information, answer questions and set upcoming appointments. Brown says "78 percent of patients will go to the first provider who responds to them," so the software is a great way to generate new leads for doctors. Physicians can utilize the new online dashboard to follow up with nw leads or existing patients. Brown says 85 percent of patients call a physician once and never call back. He says that is a "huge missed opportunity" for doctors. Brown's goal is to reinvent how doctors grow their practice while putting patients at ease. Patients are able to get their commonly asked questions answered, by using the new chat software. Missed Call AI helps modernize how physicians interact with their patients. Brown says, "it's really awesome to see the success so far. They're seeing all these new people coming in that they would have never got before." The Missed Call AI also helps patients get answers after hours, when their doctor's office is closed. Physicians can request a free consultation for their practice by visiting www.getdeardoc.com. The cloud platform also offers a variety of other products and telemedicine tools for their clients. https://youtu.be/tEMbF3C46fo View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deardoc-provides-a-new-way-for-doctors-to-grow-their-practice-301231516.html SOURCE DearDoc [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. The World Health Organisation is not following up on claims that the novel coronavirus may have originally reached China through foreign frozen food, UN health agency expert Peter Embarek says, dismissing a Chinese theory. The WHO expert on food and animal diseases was a leading member of a team of international and Chinese scientists who recently visited Wuhan to search for the origin of the virus where it was first detected in late 2019. At the end of the mission last week, senior Chinese scientist Liang Wannian had talked at length about the frozen food theory at a press conference in Wuhan. Embarek told a press briefing in Geneva that there was a possibility that the virus was re-imported to China in 2020 through frozen products, at a time when there were many coronavirus outbreaks around the world, including in food factories. He cautioned that such a path of transmission would be very unusual, as Chinese scientists have found very few contaminated products despite intensive investigations. In 2019, the virus was not yet circulating in the world and there were no outbreaks in foreign food processing plants. "Therefore the hypothesis of importing the virus to China through that route is not something we are looking at," Embarek said. Instead, the WHO is looking into the possibility that wild animals that carried the virus were farmed in southern China and were then sold in a market further north in Wuhan. According to Embarek, many frozen products at the market have been traced back to the south, Australian Associated Press reported. Its clear that a lot of these are partisan in their intent, Hershey said. Voter fraud is not a major problem in American elections. There have been studies after studies that have shown that in-person voter fraud at the polls, which is what these ID requirements are designed to get away from, is so minuscule that you can find only handfuls of cases among literally billions of votes cast. 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. Her daughters are Jennifer already middle-aged, briskly capable, played by Kate Winslet and Anna, a flakily unreliable aspiring dancer played by Mia Wasikowska. There are partners, a grandson, and Lilys lifelong friend Liz, played by Lindsay Duncan. An all-star cast, in other words, mostly female, in a charged domestic drama. Sam Neills Paul seems at peace, digging good bottles of wine out of the cellar and tactfully picking up things Lily drops, until he suddenly isnt. Hes just so wonderful, says director Roger Michell. Hes so self-effacing; his performance is so modest. It has a perfect tone to it; its not over-reaching. It has moments of emotion which are shocking because they come out of this character who seems to be very calm and has spent his life around these strong women who are quite difficult. I imagine he spends quite a lot of time down in the tomato greenhouse. I tell Neill this. He laughs. I have made a career out of being self-effacing, he says. I worry now that people are less part of their community than they were 20 years ago. Sam Neill Both Michell and Neill say this is not a film about euthanasia. Whatever arguments one might have about the subject, says the director, have taken place in this family well before we enter the story. Neill agrees. It touches on it, but I think its more about life and love and family. Its a story I relate to on a very human level. His own family convened when his father was dying of cancer for a similar sort of farewell. A lot of that was very vivid and extraordinary, very sad but funny as well, so what I was reading seemed to speak to me. Its a film for grown-ups about grown-up things. His family had never contemplated assisted dying. But my mother died with dementia. She was a brilliant woman lively, funny, beautiful, an extraordinarily charismatic person but she died with no dignity at all. I know she would have said right, thats enough of this; I dont want to die like this. It was humiliating. He certainly supports New Zealands End of Life Choice legislation, due to come into force in November. I think it should be considered a human right. So does he have a game plan? Not yet, no. I hope Ive got another three decades! Advertisement Skopelos the name of an island and its principal town in the Sporades archipelago of the Aegean is not so much unspoilt as never improved. My wife and I have been enjoying its rough charm for a long time, and hope to be back soon now that Greece is sending positive messages about welcoming the vaccinated this summer. Last year, as the pandemic took hold, we were warned theres no oxygen on the island. The medical centre is primitive. A deterrent, we found. Stafilos beach on Skopelos the name of an island and its principal town in the Sporades archipelago of the Aegean Skopelos is a giant green eruption in blue water, one of the peaks of a submerged mountain range. In his 1964 book Hellenic Traveller, Guy Pentreath reported it to be unvisited. Thats not quite true today, but it is a giant rock with nowhere to build a landing strip. The lack of an airport and want of any decent hotels do have a filtering effect. The journey there is not so arduous that it would humble Odysseus, but it does discourage the idle. Skiathos is the nearest airport and has one of the shortest runways in Europe able to accept commercial jets. Since this runway ends in that same blue water, landing and take-off are not for the faint-hearted. Alternatively, you can fly to Athens and take a commuter flight to Skiathos. Or a bus from the capital for a four-hour trip to Volos on the mainland, followed by a long hydrofoil or catamaran journey. Although celebrated for its greenness, the sea approach to Skopelos can be forbidding. Holding onto a taffrail for balance, you marvel at the dark, sunless north-facing cliffs with no points of access. Thus, eventual arrival in the huge harbour of the island is a profound psychological relief. How much more intense must it have been for the ancient traveller? Tellingly, the only book about Skopelos is by Michael Carroll: Gates Of The Wind (1965). The vicious summer wind is the meltemi, a corruption of Italian for bad weather. It appears suddenly on the sunniest and clearest of days and can howl disturbingly all night, shaking the shutters and making the house groan. But this wind creates a romantic insularity, made all the more intense by that unique Greek sense of time when hurrying serves no good purpose. You dont clock-watch on Skopelos, but tell the hour by the distinctive grumbles of the different ferries. The Daily Mail's Stephen Bayley has been enjoying the rough charm of Skopelos, pictured, for a long time and hopes to go back soon now that Greece is sending positive messages about welcoming the vaccinated this summer Except they do not run when the meltemi blows, increasing the sense of strangeness. There are rental options, but we stay in my sister-in-laws house at the top of the chora (the old town), a sweaty climb from the port through traffic-free cobbled streets: shocks of white and blue punctuated by pink bougainvillea and green caper plants growing wild. No ascent is ever quite the same. But one constant is meeting a black-clad, bad-tempered priest or a crone making the evil eye gesture. Most days, the house is woken by the sound of a riot in fact, the tannoy of the fisherman selling his catch from baskets on his donkey. Then comes coffee on the terrace with a near view of the ruined Venetian kastro (castle) and a distant vista across to Turkey. Skopelos was founded by a son of the god Dionysus and was therefore famed for its wine, rather than its monuments. The local museum has scarcely a shard of pottery, although there is an annual Plum Dance. And, in imitation, Meryl Streep danced on the quayside in 2007s Mamma Mia still the islands best contribution to cultural history. Skopelos is about 30 square miles and has a population of some 5,000. Pictured is one of its traditional narrow streets TRAVEL FACTS Seven nights at Villa Arpaki, which has a pool and is 15 minutes from Skopelos Town, costs from 1,229pp including flights (jet2holidays.com). More details at visitgreece.gr. Advertisement The dominant question every day is Which beach? A ten-minute walk to deserted Glifoneri and its tiny taverna with reliable fava bean puree, fried anchovies and a kilo of farmyard wine in an anodized aluminium flask? Or an hours hike to Glisteri on the ancient paths known as kalderimi, winding through riverbeds and olive groves, swatting flies along the way and feeling a little adventurous? Alternatively, take a drive to the other side of the island and visit the more sophisticated Limnonari with its purslane salad. This is a challenge in a dusty and violently rattling Suzuki jeep: Skopeloss roads are so atrocious they test the integrity of even the finest Japanese product. Late afternoon, its back to the port for an icy beer in the municipal kafenion (cafe) where toothless old men play tavli, an aggressive ancestor of backgammon. You could also head to a roof-top bar called Vrachos for a bottle of Assyrtiko and contact with the islands sole attempt at deluxe cosmopolitanism which does not quite come off. There are restaurants, locked in a fugue of repetition, but we tend to avoid them. Day-tripper traps near the ferry offer chicken in pain on lurid billboards. There is the finer Molos and its sole rival, always known as not Molos, but better to return to the terrace and consult Heather Thomass excellent The Greek Vegetarian Cookbook (2019). Skopelos is about 30 square miles and has a population of some 5,000. Despite its lushness, it is an austere place, therefore productive of consumerist fantasies among the residents. One of the handful of island taxi-drivers has a business card showing a gleaming S-Class Mercedes, while the reality is a second-generation old C-Class dulled by dust with sagging doors and black vinyl seats buffed to a sheen by grateful bottoms. I am also fond of the garbage truck called Theseus, a rare concession to classicism. Back at the house: epic views of distant Mount Olympus, the pots of bush basil, bowls of tomatoes and that mornings fish. A cold moon rises over the wine-dark headland and I think I am Odysseus. But a man can dream. And we will be back soon. Scranton awarded $150,000 in federal COVID-19 relief money to a local nonprofit to fund a housing navigator position for two years. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania will use the grant to fund the position with a goal of combatting homelessness and housing insecurity. Specifically, the navigator will work to help low- to moderate-income Scranton residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic secure stable housing, city Office of Economic and Community Development Director Eileen Cipriani said. The navigator will also work closely with the Scranton/Lackawanna County Continuum of Care and with housing programs within the county "to ensure that clients are housed as quickly and efficiently as possible," according to a city press release. We are committed to helping provide housing security for our residents especially as so many lives have been by upended COVID-19," Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said in the release. Our continued partnership with United Neighborhood Centers is a valuable resource for people in need and especially vital to prevent homelessness during these difficult times. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. Judicial district set to resume jury trials The wheels of justice that famously grind slowly have ground slower still in the past 11 months behind facemasks and plexiglass shields, via computer screens and in trial by appointment. Residents who receive jury notices shrink back in horror. Accused felons are warehoused in a jail cell as they await the resumption of jury trials to determine their fate. And the banging of a gavel to bring a proceeding to order has been replaced by the banging of nails and buzzing of saws that have repurposed the courtroom space for socially distanced justice in the pandemic world. Theres been quite a bit of destruction and construction done in the courtroom to make sure that we can seat jurors in the courtroom both during jury selection and during a trial where they are six feet apart, J. Tyler Ray, Henderson Countys clerk of superior court said. All the courtroom capacities have been significantly reduced since last March. When the jury pool is in the building, its split up into morning and afternoon pools. It looks a lot different in the courtroom than it did before March of 2020. Recognizing the bond of trust required to keep the system afloat jury duty is, after all, by definition, a service in close quarters Ray tries to assure the prospective jurors. Their safety and wellbeing is very important to me, he said. Were trying to work very hard to keep them safe when theyre here in the building in the very important work they need to do here. Henderson County has had just one jury trial since the coronavirus struck, in Civil Superior Court. It went well, then the numbers shot back up, Ray said. The grand jury has been working, with some constitutionally mandated work. Peter Knight, the chief resident Superior Court judge, said congregating people close together is one reason jury trials have been almost nonexistent under orders from the state. The biggest concern is the management of those citizens who are good enough to come in and observe their duty in the courthouse, he said in an interview. Obviously, we cant summon large pools because we have to be able to accommodate those folks and maintain appropriate distances between them, whether theyre in the courtroom or awaiting use of the courtroom. Weve had to summon smaller pools but more pools of jurors and address jury selection on step-by-step basis with those smaller pools. The prospective jurors, their concerns, are of utmost concern to Mr. Ray, he said. I and other folks involved in the court likewise respect that and will do whatever we can to make their service as comfortable as possible. D.A. resolves cases District Attorney Greg Newman still comes to work every day because criminals work every day. Last March, he and his team of prosecutors sorted out cases that likely were never destined for a jury trial. We highlighted those. We decided, Lets concentrate on these and get them dealt with and resolved, he said. We were pretty successful with that. These are cases that had been indicted and were in Superior Court, so youre talking a couple hundred cases. We probably have been a little more aggressive about resolving cases in District Court that would have gone to Superior Court. We tried to reach a resolution on those just to keep our numbers more manageable. Did that mean defendants got a Covid discount on jail time? Newman acknowledged there was some truth in that. We havent given away the courthouse but weve been more willing to agree on some of the terms, he said. In other words, many times we will let someone plead guilty to a reduced charge or well combine several charges and well let the judge determine the outcome. Theres some risk there for the defendants because they dont really know whats going to happen to them. We have been more willing to agree to probationary terms in some of the cases. The state Supreme Courts newly elected chief justice, Paul Newby, has eased restrictions on jury trials, giving judges and clerks in judicial districts far greater flexibility. Chief Justice Newby is moving away from the one-size-fits-all restriction approach and has given more authority to the local officials about whats safe and appropriate in the local court systems, Ray said. We have set up our courtrooms and our jury systems here in compliance with all the Covid guidelines that have been given to us and in consultation with the local health officials so when we do resume jury service its going to be with social distancing and all the proper protocols. In the judicial district made up of Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties, the decision ultimately lies with Judge Knight. He has set a jury trial for next week in Civil Superior Court in Polk County and expects jury trials to resume in Henderson and Transylvania counties in the immediate future. I have talked with each of the clerks of Superior Court in our district, all of whom desire to proceed with our written plans for adhering to Covid safeguards during any trial, and all of whom have been very respectful of the concerns of those citizens who may be summoned for jury duty, he said in an email. (County-by-county plans for the resumption of jury trials may be found on the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts website.) Stroupe trial could happen this summer Newman said hes tried to clear the deck as much as possible so he and his assistants D.A.s are ready when jury trials resume. We know at some point were going to be able to have jury trials and the last thing I wanted was to be even more weighted down than we normally are, he said. I run behind on a good day. If we gain some sort of normalcy, were going to be in better shape than we would have been. Now, the jury trials are only weeks away. What the health directors in all the counties are telling me now is that they do believe we will be in much better position to have jury cases really after June, he said. The way things are trending, they believe we ought to be able to do more. The highest profile case pending in Henderson County is the trial of Phillip Michael Stroupe, who is accused of murder for the July 2017 death of Thomas A. Tommy Bryson. Were hoping to get that off the ground in July or August, Newman said. Weve been ready three times, only to have the trial delayed. The first time was in June 2019, when Stroupes chief defense attorney was removed from the case, and the next was last March, the pandemic erased nearly all jury trials. The district has two other pending murder cases, one other in Henderson County and one in Polk. Newman still worries that seating a jury poses a challenge. The problem that were facing now is people are still very fearful of coming in and being around other people and I certainly understand that, he said. Out of a hundred juror notices were likely to get 20-25 percent of people willing to come in. Its hard to accomplish very much with that kind of response. Although lockdown orders have reduced travel and socializing for many people, the pandemic has not resulted in a drop in crime, said Newman, who sees the accused when they line up for a first appearance in District Court. It hasnt let up very much at all, he said. With the economic hardship people are facing, thefts and break-ins have remained steady. Those that are struggling with drug abuse I dont think this has helped their mindset any, he said. We have seen an increase in family violence. People are still consuming alcohol and other narcotics and driving. Some at-risk young people who may not be taking full advantage of remote learning have more time on their hands. There hasnt been a lack of activity for law enforcement. New York Gov Andrew Cuomo has said that nursing homes were only supposed to take patients if they could handle it as he vowed to crack down on the 'lies' and 'misinformation' surrounding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. His defensive rant during his press briefing on Friday came as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez called for a 'full investigation' into Cuomo's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes. AOC issued a statement as Cuomo continues to face scrutiny over his administration's handling of nursing home data and an alleged cover up of deaths. 'I support our state's return to co-equal governance and stand with our local officials calling for a full investigation of the Cuomo administration's handling of nursing homes during COVID-19,' she said. 'Thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers lost their lives in nursing homes throughout the pandemic. Their loved ones and the public deserve answers and transparency from their elected leadership, and the Secretary to the Governor's remarks warrant a full investigation.' Cuomo has faced mounting challenges to his leadership on the pandemic as state lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, threatened to strip him of the power to issue emergency orders and federal investigators scrutinized his administration's handling of nursing home data. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is calling for a 'full investigation' into New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes During his press briefing, Cuomo spent about 15 minutes defiantly defending his administration's response to nursing homes but did say he should have provided more public information on deaths 'sooner'. Cuomo, whose administration had been accused by some of covering up COVID deaths in nursing homes, said: 'No one has a right to spread lies or misinformation that causes pain to the families'. He went on to say that he 'should have been more aggressive' in fighting 'lies' and regrets not cracking down on what he described as misinformation. He said he made a mistake in becoming 'complacent' about the misinformation, saying he dismissed it 'as false agendas and partisan politics'. 'I was not aggressive enough in knocking down the falsities. We were busy. We were doing our job. We're trying to save lives. No excuses,' he said. 'I'm not going to allow people to lie to the people of New York without answering them. I have very thick skin. I don't really care what people say about me. I agreed to this nasty business because I believe I can do good things. I'm not going to let you lie to them.' He went on to say there was a need to reform nursing homes in the state before another pandemic occurs, saying: 'They were only supposed to take patients if they could'. Cuomo, whose administration had been accused by some of covering up COVID deaths in nursing homes, flashed up a side during his briefing that said: 'No one has a right to spread lies or misinformation that causes pain to the families' During his press briefing, Cuomo went on to say that he 'should have been more aggressive' in fighting 'lies' and regrets not cracking down on what he described as misinformation At one point, he flashed up a slide with his self-described job description as he vowed to crack down on his critics spread misinformation Health commissioner Howard Zucker insisted on Friday that the state made the right public health decision at the time regarding allowing nursing home patients in hospital to return to their facilities. Zucker said based on what they now know, officials would have still made the same decision. He said that of the 365 nursing homes that admitted patients from hospital between March 25 and May 10, 98 percent already had virus outbreaks. Zucker added that there COVID deaths in 132 nursing homes that never took a coronavirus patient from hospital. The Justice Department has been examining the governor's COVID task force and trying to determine whether the state intentionally manipulated data regarding deaths in nursing homes, sources told The Associated Press. For months, his administration had resisted requests from lawmakers and reporters to release a complete death toll for nursing home residents. In recent weeks, the administration revealed that 15,000 long-term care residents have died, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed. Cuomo's top aide, Melissa DeRosa, told Democratic lawmakers that the administration delayed releasing data to the legislature about the deaths because officials 'froze' over fears the information was 'going to be used against us' by the DOJ. Cuomo drew fresh condemnation this week in the wake of a tirade against Assembly member Ron Kim after he questioned his handling of the pandemic. Kim said Cuomo threatened to 'destroy' him over a quote he had given to a media outlet in which he said the administration admitted it was withholding data about deaths in nursing homes because it was 'trying to dodge having any incriminating evidence' that might get it in trouble with the Justice Department. Days later, Cuomo admonished Kim as chronically unethical during a press briefing. His spokesperson, who was listening to the February 11 call between the two, called Kim a habitual liar, and said the governor was just trying to defend himself against a false accusation of a cover up. ADVERTISEMENT Nigerias exit from economic recession is a fulfilment of President Muhammadu Buhari Next Level promises to Nigerians, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said on Thursday. Having slipped into recession with 6.1 and 3.6 per cent in the second quarter and third quarter of 2020 respectively, the National Bureau of Statistics in its fourth-quarter report released earlier today, said the country is out of economic recession. The growth measured by Gross Domestic Product among other economic metrics was confirmed as weak by the bureau due to the consequential realities of the deadly coronavirus on the Nigerian economy. Commendation The APC interim National Secretary, John Udoedehe, in a statement on Thursday, said the growth gives credence to Mr Buhari-led administration promises to Nigerians. President Buhari promised Nigeria will exit the economic recession within a short time. That promise has been kept. Commendably, Nigerias exit from recession is the countrys first growth in three quarters amid the Coronavirus restrictions and consequent economic slowdown. It was not a fluke but as a result of well-planned measures lined up by the federal government to ensure a quick exit, Mr Udoedehe said. He cast doubt on the economic performance of past PDP-led governments and described its initiatives as a waste that has brought the country to its current struggle for economic survival. Nigerians will agree that the past era of profligacy, voodoo economics and waste which brought our economy to its knees are fast fading. With continued support for the President Buhari government, the economy can only get better, the party secretary said. (NAN) (Natural News) The unrelenting winter season shows no signs of stopping as many states face the most extreme winter storm seen in their regions in decades. Over the weekend, a coast-to-coast winter storm sprawled through much of the United States and put millions of people without power. According to the New York Times, more than 150 million Americans are under some form of winter storm warning. Many states, including Texas, Kentucky and Oregon, have already declared a state of emergency. Roads are covered with snow and air travel had to be suspended in some states. As such, authorities are urging residents to stay home and prepare for more blackouts as the extreme winter weather is forecast to continue gripping the country in the coming days. Millions without power amid frigid temperatures Temperatures hit the single digits in many Midwestern and Southern states. In Texas, the winter storm grounded flights and knocked out the states electrical grid, leaving 3.5 million homes without power as of Tuesday, Feb. 16. Earlier on Friday, Feb. 12, Gov. Greg Abbott had already declared a state of emergency in all counties. Every part of Texas will face freezing conditions, Abbott said, noting that the storm is unprecedented in Texas history and people across the state need to get ready for the extremely harsh conditions coming. Abbott assured Texans that all 25 offices of the Texas Department of Transportation would be working round the clock to clear roadways and address other challenges. He also sought the help of Texas Army National Guard troops to conduct welfare checks and help residents evacuate to one of the states 135 warming centers. At the same time, the state also urged residents to start conserving energy now to secure enough energy for early next week. It recommended unplugging devices when not in use, closing windows and blinds, and adjusting thermostats to 68 degrees or below. In Kentucky, more than 150,000 did not have power as of Tuesday, Feb. 16., according to PowerOutage.US. The state has been under a state of emergency and has faced three winter storms in seven days, according to Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. Gray said that upcoming snow, sleet and freezing rain will not only impact roadways but down more power lines and trees. He urged residents to stay home as much as possible. The winter storm also barreled through the Pacific Northwest. More than 11 inches of snow fell in Seattle between Feb. 12 to 13. The daily snowfall on Saturday was nearly nine inches, making it the snowiest day in the city in more than 50 years. In Oregon, freezing rain coated roads and power lines with ice. By the morning of Saturday, Feb. 13, more than 270,000 people were without power. Gov. Kate Brown was forced to declare a state of emergency later that afternoon due to extreme weather conditions, power outages and transportation problems. Expect more power outages, says power pool Power supply is expected to remain intermittent across several states. The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) ordered member electric utilities in 14 states to implement controlled rolling blackouts because the sky-high demand in the region is overwhelming the available generation. This is an unprecedented event and marks the first time SPP has ever had to call for controlled interruptions of service, said Lanny Nickell, the power pools chief operating officer. Its a last resort that we understand puts a burden on our member utilities and the customers they serve, but its a step were consciously taking to prevent circumstances from getting worse, Nickell continued. (Related: 10 Ugly truths about long-term power outages and how to deal with them.) The Arkansas-based power pool manages the electric grid linking utilities in all of Oklahoma and Kansas and parts of Arkansas, Iowa, Texas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming. Most of the power outages will last for around an hour and will cut power to a few thousand customers at a time. The National Weather Service warned that millions of Americans from coast to coast will remain under winter storm warnings, ice storm warnings, winter storm watches and winter weather advisories, according to the Times. For the latest news about winter storms and other disasters, visit Disaster.news. Sources include: StrangeSounds.org NYTimes.com KWTX.com PowerOutage.us WHAS11.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. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Ask Dr. Land: Why do many progressive public policy initiatives seem to hurt the poorest? Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Question: Why is it that so many progressive public policy initiatives in recent years seem to impact negatively the poorest sectors of American society? It would seem to be counter-intuitive to even ask this question since progressives assert that these are the very people they care most about in society. Nevertheless, close examination reveals that even though unintended, the economic consequences of progressive policies have hurt poor people more than the more affluent segments of American society in recent years. First, lets review where we were as a society just one year ago, just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted virtually every level in our society. Twelve months ago, we were enjoying the best economy within the living memory of any American born after World War II. Not only was the economy in the midst of historical growth, but the beneficiaries in terms of employment and higher wages were disproportionately the most historically disenfranchised members of our society. Unemployment in general was lower than it had been in several decades (even with a higher percentage of people entering the workforce than ever before). Unemployment figures for Hispanics, Blacks, and women were at the lowest levels since the government began keeping such statistics a half century ago. The unemployment rate of non-high school graduates had hit the lowest level in at least a half century. Then the COVID pandemic swept across America with horrendous economic and social consequences. For example, the severe lockdowns mandated by various governments at local and state levels (the more progressive the government, the more drastic the lockdown), as well as at the federal level since January 20, have hurt the working poor far more drastically than white collar workers. White collar workers can much more often transfer their work to remote locations such as their homes, whereas blue-collar workers have to show up and actually perform work at their restaurant, factory, or delivery service to earn their paycheck and consequently they got laid off. When it comes to the teachers unions, where the schools should be open, the question is, once again, who gets hurt the most when schools are closed except for remote, virtual learning. The answer is the children who have the fewest family resources in terms of computer access, stable food supply, parental involvement, and the financial wherewithal to enable them to attend private or parochial schools, which largely remained open. So, the learning gap between the poor children and the affluent children is perpetuated and enhanced. The schoolteachers unions, by in large, refuse to go back to school, but at the same time continue to get their paychecks. In this society with its serious family and social dislocation, public schools play a vital role in monitoring whether or not less privileged children are being abused physically or sexually and whether they are getting enough to eat (i.e., the subsidized school breakfast and lunch programs). All that social protection for vulnerable children is lost while the teachers remain on strike, holding local governments hostage for more money. As an aside, I must admit that the teachers unions behavior reminds me of when I was living in England in 1973 during the Arab oil embargo. As soon as the embargo hit, which caused significant power outages and brown-outs in the U.K., the coal miners union, supposedly led by Marxists, went on strike, saying that the coal miners are at the top of the wage heap and were going to remain so. It struck me at the time that was a good capitalist supply and demand tactic, but seemed extremely odd for self-proclaimed Marxists. The teachers unions are behaving more like 19th century capitalist robber barons than socially aware 21st century caregivers for our children. The events of the last few days in my native state of Texas and other states caused me to note once again this perverse reality that progressive social policies hurt the most vulnerable disproportionately. Texas is the epicenter of energy production in the U.S. How can 4 million people be without power in a severe winter storm that is literally causing people (disproportionately the poor and vulnerable) to freeze to death? The oldest rule of public policy is that which you tax will decrease, and that which you subsidize will increase. In recent years, at the federal and state level, politicians have been giving significant tax incentives and tax subsidies to convert to reliance on renewable sources of energy, mainly solar and wind power. The problem is that these more environmentally friendly new sources are not nearly as reliable as natural gas and coal, as has been amply demonstrated by the fact that Texas has a power crisis because the extreme weather has frozen the wind turbines providing the wind power, and clearly solar panels dont produce energy in the middle of a winter storm. The same subsidies for renewable energy in California caused the rolling black-outs during the extreme heat in California last summer. Until the technology becomes much more advanced than it is for renewal energy, as Americas reliance on renewable energy increases, there will be more black-outs and power outages, which do kill people, once again disproportionately the poor and most vulnerable. It would seem to me that the lesson we should learn from the unintended consequences of these recent progressive policies is that we must look with a hard eye at what are the human consequences of progressive policies, and how do we mitigate them or find other ways to protect the environment? One very helpful alternative and practical alternative would be for America to turn away from the hysteria that has been generated concerning nuclear power and instead should embrace nuclear power as the clean, efficient alternative to renewables and fossil fuels. Contrary to the wide-spread hysteria often pedaled by the greenies, no one has ever died generating nuclear power in an American designed, American licensed, American built, and American supervised nuclear power plant. The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission would never have allowed an inherently dangerous plant like Chernobyl to be licensed or built in the United States. Only the Soviet Union, which had no regard for its people, would ever have sanctioned such a plant. This should be contrasted with the fact that approximately 600 human beings die annually worldwide extracting fossil fuel (coal mining and drilling rig accidents, etc.). A helpful contrast that can be made to illustrate this alternative is the fact that France generates approximately 80% of its power through nuclear power plants. And they have had no major interruptions to a stable, clean, cheap, energy source. Germany, on the other hand, made a major commitment to solar and wind power (in the often-clouded Northern European climate, believe it or not) and they are experiencing a form of what Texas is experiencing when they are hit by winter storms. When I am involved in discussions about environmental stewardship, I always ask the question, what is your position on nuclear power? If they say that they are opposed to nuclear power as an alternative, then I know that they are not a serious person. Given the current technology, making a wholesale commitment to abandon fossil fuel and embrace renewable sources of energy without a similar commitment to nuclear power generation is to condemn Americans to catastrophically higher energy prices and a staggering number of power outages, often during times of most extreme climate, either cold or hot. And who will suffer the most in such circumstances? Of course, it is the poor who will be least able to afford to heat their homes in winter and to cool them in summer. It is time to deal with the facts and to make clear-eyed decisions based on the facts, not on our illusions and our hopes and dreams. After all, we are commanded in the New Testament to be solicitous of the least among us the most vulnerable. The World Health Organization ( WHO ) experts, who are investigating the Covid-19 pandemic origins, suggest that ferret badgers and rabbits, which were sold at a Wuhan market in China, could have played a role in spreading the novel coronavirus to humans, The Wall Street Journal reported. The investigators, however, note the need for further probe into suppliers of those and other animals to the market. They have yet to ascertain a full list of live and dead animals sold legally or illegally at the market. The experts also insist that China carry out widespread testing of its mink farms after two-way transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between humans and minks was confirmed in Europe. The WHO expert team finished their four-week trip to China last week. At a press conference, they announced that any leak of the virus from a lab was unlikely, while the Wuhan wet market's role remains unclear. The investigators also doubted that bats had carried coronavirus to the market, suggesting that there was an intermediate host. Earlier, it was reported that China has refused to give the WHO raw data on its early Covid-19 cases. The world health agency officials said raw, personalised data could help them determine how and when the coronavirus first spread in China. WHEN DID THE OUTBREAK BEGIN? The experts said that while it was unlikely there were large-scale outbreaks in Wuhan or elsewhere in China before December 2019, they do not rule out that it was circulating in other regions. A crossover either directly from bats or from an intermediary species would suggest the transmission to Wuhan could have been facilitated by wildlife trading networks. Marion Koopmans, another member of the expert team, said wildlife on sale in the Huanan seafood market could be traced to regions that contain bat habitats known to harbour viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2. One such region is the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, but the team is also considering that the first human transmission took place across the border in Laos or Vietnam. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. One of the barbs tossed around frequently on Twitter last week more wistful than angry was that wed all be better off if H-E-B took over the Texas power grid. It would have been hard to argue the point, especially while sitting in a cold, dark house or apartment. Nobody bothered. On ExpressNews.com: Live updates on the winter storm Charles Butt, the elusive chairman and CEO of the San Antonio-based grocery chain, doesnt leave much, if anything, to chance. His management team makes decisions rooted in data, plans for the unexpected and adapts quickly when circumstances go south. Think back to 2017, when Hurricane Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast. To keep shelves as well-stocked as possible, H-E-B helicoptered truck drivers from San Antonio to Houston, mapped out alternative routes between distribution centers and stores, and directed suppliers to ship directly to stores. Remember the start of the pandemic a little more than a year ago. On ExpressNews.com: SAWS customers to get relief from storm costs Few business and government leaders in Texas foresaw the devastation the coronavirus would cause. H-E-B knew or at least had a much firmer grip on what was coming. As we reported in July, the company had commissioned forecasts of the virus potential spread from Johns Hopkins University. The company shared that information with Gov. Greg Abbott in a meeting at the Capitol on March 10, at the urging of San Antonio banker and Abbott confidant J. Bruce Bugg Jr. By then, the chain was already well into its preparations for the outbreak. Early on, H-E-B restricted purchases of eggs, bottled water and other staples. We are constantly in a year-round state of preparedness for different emergencies, H-E-B President Craig Boyan said in an interview with Texas Monthly. We keep emergency supplies at almost every warehouse and have water and other supplies staged and ready to go and kept in storage to make sure that we are ready... when a crisis emerges, whether it be a hurricane or a pandemic. We learned that the company had been fine-tuning a pandemic response since 2005, when H5N1, or bird flu, emerged in China. As we saw last March and April, and again during last weeks winter storm, H-E-Bs foresight doesnt prevent shortages or long lines during a crisis. As Texas froze over, the chain closed some of its San Antonio-area stores. It soon re-opened all but one and ran them with mostly reduced staff. It cut operating hours and limited purchases of water, eggs, milk, bread, ice and propane. Thats as good a result as youre going to get when roads are icy, the powers out in big swaths of Texas and your suppliers are struggling. H-E-B keeps its customers fed, if not comfortable, when a crisis hits. And they remember which is one reason the company gets high marks on customer loyalty and reputation surveys year after year. Thats also why, early in a pandemic or during a freak winter storm, so many Texans look to H-E-B almost as a de facto arm of government. Its not. Its a company that knows its customers and their needs intimately and as a result, its one of the most successful chains in a low-margin industry. Its a master at selling groceries and pharmaceuticals, not at governing. We admire how seriously H-E-B conducts its business, especially during a week when: Abbott lied on Fox News about renewable energy being the culprit in Texas blackout. Sen. Ted Cruz jetted to Cancun with his family because it was cold in his house. Former governor and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said Texans were willing to put up with power outages as the price of keeping the states power grid free of federal interference. Texas elected leaders long ago bought into anti-tax agitator Grover Norquists infantile, reckless dream of shrinking government to the point that we can drown it in a bathtub. The deep freeze that overtook Texas in 2011 and touched off a series of power outages told state officials what they needed to know about the grids vulnerability. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the grid, didnt adequately address that vulnerability, and then-Gov. Perry didnt demand that ERCOT do so. Neither did Abbott. If a snide tweet or a trash-talking appearance on a hard-right talk show could have done the trick, wed have stayed warm last week. Texas politicians, including Abbott, love to invoke the name H-E-B because they know what it means to many voters. Its a shame they refuse to do the hard work of governing to earn the same kind of respect. greg.jefferson@express-news.net A gas station is closed due to power outage in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Feb. 15, 2021. (Photo by Chengyue Lao/Xinhua) A strong cold winter storm swept Texas in the southern US, resulting in the blackout in a large number of areas in the state, or even the disruption of water supply. Millions of people have no electricity to heat their homes and to warm themselves. They are in difficult or even dangerous situations, with at least 31 people having died in the country. This should not have happened in the US, perceived as the world's most developed country, let alone Texas, which is still a big energy state in the country. There are many reasons for this disaster, but one of them is man-made. It is very necessary for the US society to reflect on it as a loophole in human rights, however, the elites there would obviously refuse to do so. Tim Boyd, the mayor of Colorado City, Texas, said in a post to the public that "No one owes you or your family anything; nor is it the local government's responsibility to support you during trying times like this! Sink or swim it's your choice! The City and County, along with power providers or any other service owes you nothing!" He also wrote that, "Only the strong will survive and the weak will perish," and he even said that "this is sadly a product of a socialist government where they feed people to believe that the few will work and others will become dependent for handouts." Boyd later resigned as his remarks had provoked public anger, but it seems that he really believes in what he posted, and so do many American politicians. From the perspective of an outsider, the logic of the tragedy of nearly 500,000 deaths due to the COVID-19 epidemic in the US so far and more than 20 people being killed in the winter storm in Texas are the same. The logic is that the attention of the capital and the government has not been directed toward the protection of human rights. The capitalist system in the US has derived a set of national morals that deviated from the public interest and has gradually become flashy but useless. Take human rights. The US' definition of the concept is becoming narrower and confined to the field of political rights. It echoes the concerns of a few in the well-off class and senior intellectuals, and is gradually drifting away from the various rights that the general public relies on for their daily survival. When people need the right to health and heating in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept that US elites are more willing to promote overtly and secretly have become social Darwinism. The US' concept of "freedom" actually conceals the cold-blooded proposition of the "freedom of being eliminated." The US' notion of "democracy, human rights and freedom" is actually a combination of "elections, political rights and social Darwinism." As such, it comes as no surprise that various human tragedies often occur in such a wealthy country as the US. To live in the US, you must have the strength and capability to save yourself in the event of a disaster, or you should be able to pay a considerable amount of money for the help you seek. Otherwise, you deserve the miserable situation you are in, and it's more worthy for you to pin your hopes on charitable organizations and God, instead of the government. Boyd portrayed the government's assisting the victims as "sadly a product of a socialist government." This reflects how much he and many other American politicians like him feel contempt for government's efforts on people's livelihood. Whether they will survive or die in the face of natural disasters is the public's own business and it's not worthy for US governments and officials to protect people's lives - Boyd's words are really shocking. Such a US should stop preaching to China on human rights. The US and China have different political focuses. What China seeks is the health, safety and happiness of its people, while the US wants to see political rights orderly distributed among social elites in a capitalist manner. The human rights outlooks held by China and the US are based on different groups of people. Different rights are positioned in different places in the two countries. As a result, China's human rights construction has brought tangible benefits to all Chinese people, while the US human rights view is more suitable to be used to brag about and as an ideological tool to launch attacks against others. Washington, please take care of your own people in the freeze and put an end to the deaths caused by COVID-19 first thing first. We may not link these issues to human rights, but this should be what "America First" is all about. 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. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... NAIROBI, Kenya Africa has surpassed 100,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 as the continent praised for its early response to the pandemic now struggles with a dangerous resurgence and medical oxygen often runs desperately short. We are more vulnerable than we thought, the director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, told The Associated Press in an interview reflecting on the pandemic and a milestone he called remarkably painful. He worried that we are beginning to normalize deaths, while health workers are overwhelmed. The 54-nation continent of some 1.3 billion people has barely seen the arrival of large-scale supplies of COVID-19 vaccines, but a variant of the virus dominant in South Africa is already posing a challenge to vaccination efforts. Still, if doses are available, the continent should be able to vaccinate 35% to 40% of its population before the end of 2021 and 60% by the end of 2022, Nkengasong said. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ In a significant development on Friday, an African Union-created task force said Russia has offered 300 million doses of the countrys Sputnik V vaccine, to be available in May. The AU previously secured 270 million doses from AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. Health officials who breathed a sigh of relief last year when African countries did not see a huge number of COVID-19 deaths are now reporting a jump in fatalities. The Africa CDC on Friday said overall deaths are at 100,294. Deaths from COVID-19 increased by 40% in Africa in the past month compared to the previous month, the World Health Organizations Africa chief, Matshidiso Moeti, told reporters last week. Thats more than 22,000 people dying in the past four weeks. The increase is a tragic warning that health workers and health systems in many countries in Africa are dangerously overstretched, she said, and preventing severe cases and hospitalizations is crucial. But the latest trend shows a slowdown. In the week ending on Sunday, the continent saw a 28% decrease in deaths, the Africa CDC said Thursday. Africa has reached 100,000 confirmed deaths shortly after marking a year since the first coronavirus infection was confirmed on the continent, in Egypt on Feb. 14, 2020. But many more people across Africa have died of COVID-19, even though they are not included in the official toll. South Africa, the hardest-hit country on the continent, saw over 125,000 excess deaths from natural causes between May 3 and Jan. 23. While it is not clear how many were from the virus, there was a close correspondence of the time of the excess deaths with the increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases in each province, the South African Medical Research Council said. Since most countries in Africa lack the means to track mortality data, it is not clear how many excess deaths have occurred across the continent since the pandemic began. We are definitely not counting all the deaths, especially in the second wave, the Africa CDCs Nkengasong told reporters last week. While the continent is not seeing a massive number of deaths, he asserted that most people in Africa now know someone who has died of COVID-19. People are dying because of a lack of basic care, he said, citing medical oxygen as a critical need. Twenty-one countries in Africa now have case fatality rates that are higher than the global average, Nkengasong said, including Sudan, Egypt, Liberia, Mali and Zimbabwe. The case fatality rate continent-wide remains higher than the global average at 2.6%. The second wave came with full might, partly because of this new variant (in South Africa), partly because we created superspreading opportunities such as holiday parties, said Salim Abdool Karim, the top COVID-19 advisor to South Africas government. The virus adapts and gets better with time because its mutating progressively to be better adapted. In the unusual case of Tanzania, no one knows how many deaths, or even infections, have occurred since the country of some 60 million people stopped updating its number of cases in April. But while populist President John Magufuli claims that COVID-19 has been defeated in Tanzania and questions the new vaccines without offering evidence, social media in recent days has seen a worrying increase in death notices by families saying loved ones died while struggling to breathe. Some had otherwise been healthy. He complained of fast-diminishing air in his respiratory system, one death notice in Dar es Salaam said this month. Tanzania is now one of eight African countries with the more infectious variant of the virus that was first found in South Africa, according to the WHO, citing travelers from Tanzania who were discovered to have the variant overseas. Nkengasong told the AP that Tanzanias influential first president Julius Nyerere, once declared that if Africa is not united, its doomed. If we cannot exercise unity in this period of critical threat of COVID-19, then I dont know what else unity means for the continent, Nkengasong said. Another place where COVID-19 deaths are going uncounted is Ethiopias Tigray region, where a conflict between Ethiopian and Tigray forces has entered a fourth month and the health system has collapsed amid looting and artillery attacks. The United Nations has warned of massive community transmission of the virus. ___ Gerald Imray in Cape Town, South Africa, contributed. ___ Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak. Minister Brophy announces Irish Aid support for COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries Press release Colm Brophy, T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and the Diaspora, today announced an additional 5 million in Irish Aid funding for the global health response to COVID-19, to enable developing countries access vaccines. Most of this funding will go to the COVAX facility, a global UN-led mechanism for pooling procurement and fair distribution of the vaccines. Making the announcement, Minister Brophy said: In Ireland, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out to the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. However, as we deliver on protecting our people at home, I am conscious that if we are to be safe we need to help others to be safe too - COVID-19 cannot be defeated one country at a time. We need to support those countries who are behind us in accessing vaccines to do so. Thats why Im delighted to allocate 5 million to the UN COVAX system and the WHO, part of at least 50 million in Irish Aid support to global public health this year. This will support developing countries that need vaccines and can least afford them to secure their share of global supply. The Government, through Irish Aid, continues to support our partner countries in fighting the pandemic, by ensuring they have other necessary equipment and drugs, trained personnel, and strong logistics for vaccine rollout. This is a strong demonstration of our solidarity with others during this most challenging time. ENDS Press Office 19 February 2021 Notes for Editors Irish Aid has allocated 5 million to vaccine response. 4 million of this will go to COVAX, which is the vaccine arm of the ACT-A, the global mechanism for ensuring fair access to therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines. 1 million will go to the World Health Organisation to support their oversight of the mechanism, ensuring fairness and transparency. This is part of at least 50 million allocated to Global Health in 2021. This funding will go to a range of critical health partners supporting the response to COVID and other global health threats in the poorest countries. These include the World Health Organisation, Global Fund to end AIDS, TB and Malaria, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), UNICEF, and UNAIDS. Ireland is also contributing to the vaccine effort through the European Union, which to date has allocated over 850m to the COVAX facility, or enough to finance at least 1.3 billion doses of vaccination for 92 low and middle-income countries, including fragile and conflict ridden countries, by the end of the year. On Wednesday 17 February access to vaccines in conflict-affected areas was the subject of a UN Security Council debate. Previous Item | Next Item Sorry! This content is not available in your region 25124 Todd Vento, Medical Director for the Infectious Diseases Telehealth Program, Intermountain Healthcare Todd Vento, Medical Director for the Infectious Diseases Telehealth Program, Intermountain Healthcare Intermountain Healthcare has embarked on a remarkable journey of extending its telemedicine consultation program to infectious disease (ID) conditions, helping sixteen hospitals in its system and beyond. 1. Give us an overview of this program and its structure. When I joined Intermountain Healthcare a year ago, the telehealth and telemedicine program was well-established, especially for critical care. We provided our services, on an individual- as well as a population-level on antibiotic usage and disease condition monitoring, to all providers within the Intermountain system as well as outside of it. These services are of great value for small community hospitals, in Utah and Idaho that do not have access to resources like sub-specialist physicians, ICUs, and databases. In 2015, one of our providers fielded approximately 1000 phone calls from small community hospitals, in a 13 to 16 month period, addressing and answering their infectious disease needs. The demand was evident, and consequently, we finished the roll-out of our program to the sixteen hospitals. Any physician, mid-level provider, nursing staff, or administrator concerned about an individual case or a rising trend in infectious diseases can request our expertise. The whole concept of the stewardship team is to stay centrally supported through subject matter expertise and using centralized data monitoring with local empowerment For individual patients, the consultation is provided at three levels. The first one is in the form of telephone advice, which we provide 24/7 for the entire year and is usually activated for regular and immediate use of infectious disease expertise. Secondly, since we have access to system-wide EHR and EMR data, we can review a chart and give more robust and comprehensive consultation to individuals or small hospitals that request it, in a more formal way known as e-Consult. The third and most comprehensive input is in the form of a full-fledged telemedicine visit to the patient using two-way audiovisual (AV) technology, where we go into the room electronically and talk to the patient. This is essentially a full consultation to provide expertise for a very specific condition and help the provider, who needs assistance for infectious disease condition management. At a population level, we use a proprietary software known as VigiLanz, which is tied to our EHR, monitoring all the providers in our system to track antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) progress and specific ID conditions. These include any case where a microorganism is involved. For instance, in the first ten months of this program, we monitored system-wide bloodstream infection and found it to account for 40 to 45 percent of all ID cases. 2. With this program, what is Intermountains role in the larger scheme of AMS? There was a nation-wide push to combat the overuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial agents after the White House announced the National Action Plan in 2014. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) followed it up with guidelines and recommendations; the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) chimed in with their own set of requirements and conditions for participation. Each facility in the Intermountain Healthcare system has a team ideally led by a physician, a pharmacist, officials from patient safety, quality management, and depending on the size of the hospital, nursing staff and administrative leadership. The guidelines all recommend having an ID physician and ID pharmacist on the team as well. Along with my ID pharmacist, I fill in those shoes and connect with all sixteen AMS teams electronically in each of their quarterly meetings, apart from trying to meet each of them physically at least once a year. With our access to population-level data from CDCs National Healthcare Safety Network, VigiLanze and our integrated system-wide EHR, we provide the AMS teams centralized data that they can act upon individually, to help reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics, decreasing associated illness and treatment predicaments. We developed a monthly program known as Education in Antimicrobial Stewardship and Idea Exchange (EASIE). All the individuals and teams collaborate on WebEx, and we address and educate them on a different topic on ID management and AMS every month, with the second half focused on sharing ideas with their peer and us. The whole concept of the stewardship team is to stay centrally supported through subject matter expertise, using centralized data monitoring with local empowerment to make decisions on what they want to work on based on the data that we can show them. To that end, these initiatives have been rewarding, giving us an opportunity to do mass education using technology in addition to facilitating interactions between these AMS teams that we helped develop and are a part of. 3. How has this program been received by physicians and patients, and where do you intend to proceed with it? I shall answer the second part first. There have been three new developments that impact our telehealth program greatly: a. We switched to a new EHR that allows us to extract data more effectively, making us more efficient in delivering the care to a broader number of providers and patients. This gives a significant uplift to our direct program known as Connect Care, which allows patients to request a provider electronically and have a two-way telemedicine visit in front of their laptops in their homes. b. The EHR is also well-integrated with VigiLanz and other antibiotic use-monitoring systems, making the data instantly available to those platforms. This is a part of the macro-trend of system interconnectivity we see in the healthcare sector. c. Last year, we expanded our telemedicine role to other specialties like wound care and oncology health programs. We have also grown geographically, reaching small community providers even outside of Intermountain Healthcare system. These developments are more of a pull reaction rather than push initiatives, based on the acceptance surveys of patients, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and administrators. The mean age of the patients surveyed was 63 years, and to our delight, we scored in the high 90s across the board, even running 100s in few critical areas. It is also amazing how providers have made use of our telemedicine-based expertise to create better patient experiences. We have had teary-eyed senior citizens, who have never used a smartphone, exclaim that this technology and service should be brought everywhere. We help those patients stay with their families and communities instead of being transferred to large hospitals due to a lack of resources or expertise in that specialty. I believe that human element in the results has been truly rewarding to us. According to La Provence , the incident left the small village of Le Castellet without power for several hours. The mayor of the village, Benoit Gouin, was at the wheel of his car when it happened, and was able to give a first-person account to the publication.He says he saw the first jet and thought to himself that it was flying too low. The second one convinced him that, indeed, they were flying too close to the ground; he hadnt just imagined it.The report notes that both Rafale jets, which had taken off from the nearby military base for a training exercise , were traveling at some 80 meters (262.5 feet) above the ground, which, sure enough, is waaaay too low. One of them ripped through the power lines, with Mr. Gouin finding them sectioned farther down the road. He immediately alerted the competent authorities, he says.In a statement, the French Air Force confirms the incident, laments it, and, in a way, urges everyone to look on the bright side. That would be that no one was injured and that both jets were able to return safely to base the one that cut through the power lines making a quicker landing than scheduled.The incident, the statement further says, is extremely rare. There was no damage, except the inconvenience, it adds. The Air Force deplores it, and an investigation has been launched.The village only went without power for a few hours, which is like a walk in the park to what Texans are going through right now. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. High 79F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some passing clouds. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. JACKSON, MI Missing a dental appoint is generally not considered a big deal to most. For one Jackson woman who missed her appoint, it saved her life. Here is that headline and some more you might have missed this week. It wouldve been too late. Jackson dentist office employees credited with saving patients life When a patient at Padbury Periodontics & Implant Dentistry didnt show up for her appointment in early February, Kellie Underwood had a gut feeling that something was off. Underwood, a receptionist at the dental specialists office in Jackson, and her co-worker April Buckles confirmed the appointment with Beverly Newton the day before. When she was 20 minutes late and wasnt responding to calls for her Feb. 4 visit, the office staff felt they had to take some sort of action. When COVID hit, he quit his job and put on a kilt to chase his homestead dreams Everything about Justin and Jessica Fairchilds business promotes local business even the threads of Justin Fairchilds uniform, a kilt. The Kilted Farmer, a cottage business of homemade products and produce from a local homestead and brick-and-mortar businesses, launched in summer 2020 out of necessity, Justin Fairchild said. He was a store manager for AT&T, but an underlying health condition prevented him from returning to work during the coronavirus pandemic. Call to reduce Cascade Falls operating hours met with hesitancy from Jackson County officials Jackson residents are pushing to reduce the operation of The Cascades, but county officials dont want to commit to schedule changes just yet. People living near Cascade Falls Park and The Cascades, have experienced annual flooding in their homes and basements, and believe the falls and lagoons are to blame. But Jackson County officials, owners of the falls and park, are hesitant to run the 89-year-old attraction differently until more research is done. Stunning surprise: Credit union pays off Jackson womans car loan Cathy Fulkerson doesnt view herself as a lucky person, so when her credit union surprised her by paying off her car loan, she was speechless. It was stunning, Fulkerson said. I am your relative that wins a chicken at Thanksgiving. Jackson woman charged in fatal shooting didnt know victim, prosecuting attorney says The woman accused of a fatal shooting in Jackson on Tuesday has been arraigned. Antrana Brown, 29, of Jackson, was arraigned Wednesday, Feb. 17, on one felony count each of open murder and felony firearms for the shooting death of Rodney Reynolds on Feb. 16. Reynolds, 53, of Jackson, was shot multiple times in the head, torso, and leg on Randolph Street, in Sparks Foundation County Park, next to the Cascades, Jackson police said. He was found at 8:09 a.m. Jackson music producer who was fatally shot had tough outside, soft inside, sister says Rodney Reynolds Sr. was a big man with a tough exterior, but he was also very friendly and kind, his sister Paula Jackson said. If you look at him you would think, Oh he could tear me apart like a bear, she said. He was just like a cream puff tough outside, soft inside. He was just kind and soft and just amazing. I-94 diverging diamond, roundabouts topic of upcoming Jackson public meeting Plans to widen I-94 in Jackson County are scheduled to begin in March, but residents have a chance to discuss the project before construction crews hit the road. The Michigan Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public meeting at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24, to help residents learn more about the proposed changes along the I-94 corridor. Police really dont know what caused driver to crash through Grand River Brewery wall The driver who sent his car through a wall of Grand River Brewery has been identified, but police are still trying to determine what exactly happened, officials said. Home destroyed in late-night fire in Jackson County A Blackman Township home was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. Firefighters found the two-story farmhouse in the 6800 block of Deweese Road fully engulfed in flames at 10:56 p.m., Feb. 16, Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety Director Mike Jester said. No one was home when firefighters arrived, and no one was injured in the fire, Jester said, adding the cold temperatures did not hamper the fire fighting efforts. No valid citizen complaints against Jackson-area police in 2020, records show Jackson Countys three major police departments didnt have any substantiated complaints from citizens in 2020. There is a procedure for citizens to file complaints about interactions with any police department employee at all three departments, which investigate the claims themselves. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, has announced that $120,000 in National Endowment of the Arts grant funding will go to seven recipients in the 12th Congressional District. During the last five years, the NEA has awarded 37 direct grants throughout the 12th District, totaling nearly $899,000 and impacting more than 452,900 residents, according to a news release from Dingells office. Current grant recipients are: Ann Arbor Film Festival, which received a $20,000 media arts grant Dzanc Books, which received a $10,000 literary arts grant Ann Arbor Teen Center, which received a $20,000 visual arts grant The Ark, which received a $10,000 folk and traditional arts grant University Musical Society, which received a $30,000 multidisciplinary works grant University of Michigan, which received a $10,000 literary arts grant University of Michigan Museum of Art, which received a $20,000 museums grant Arts and culture dont just inspire creativity in people of all ages, they help power our local economies and bring joy to countless families, Dingell said in the release. With this federal funding, we will help local programs strengthen the arts and open doors of opportunities for so many of our neighbors. I look forward to working with these local cultural institutions as they utilize this funding in the weeks and months ahead. Read more from The Ann Arbor News: FoolMoon festival goers can light up Ann Arbor, support local businesses Ann Arbor OKs St. Patricks Day street closure for Conor ONeills pub Kids can sign up for free cooking, nutrition classes with St. Joes Ann Arbor WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Joe Biden warned allies that the world is at an inflection point in the ideological battle between democratic and autocratic values, and called on them to join with Washington in defending freedom. In a speech delivered on February 19 to the Munich Security Conference, Biden also sought to dispel any concerns in Europe about Washingtons commitment to the transatlantic relationship, saying it was vital to containing threats posed by China and Russia, which he accused of seeking to undermine democracy and weaken NATO. This years annual gathering of the worlds top national security and military leaders is being held online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. president told the conference that many countries are now engaged in a debate about whether autocracy is the best way forward in a world facing monumental upheaval caused in part by revolutionary technological change and a deadly pandemic. He said there was no doubt that democracy was essential to meeting such challenges. In so many places, including in Europe and in the United States, democratic progress is under assault. Historians are going to examine and write about this moment as an inflection point and I believe with every ounce of my being that democracy will and must prevail, Biden said in his first foreign policy address to an international audience since his inauguration last month. His administration is seeking to mend relations with Europe, strengthen NATO, and support democratic values around the world following criticism that all three have been atrophied under the leadership of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump was accused of cozying up to authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Erdogan, undermining NATO, and testing relations with close allies such as Germany and France. The former president publicly harangued European countries for not meeting NATO defense spending levels and sought to rewrite trade terms with the EU to help U.S. companies. In an indirect reference to Trumps policies, Biden said relations with Europe were "not transactional" and "not extractive." I know the past few years of strain has tested our transatlantic relationship. But the United States is determined to reengage with Europe. To consult with you. To earn back our position of trust and leadership, he told the conference. He pointed out as an example his decision to overturn a Trump administration plan to cut the number of U.S. troops in Germany. 'Economic Abuses And Coercion' Biden highlighted China and Russia as key challengers that the U.S. and Europe need to address together. He accused China of economic abuses and coercion and said its companies must play by the same rules as U.S. and European countries. The U.S. president accused Putin of trying to bully and threaten individual states rather than negotiate with a strong and closely united transatlantic community. Biden cited Ukraine as an example, saying the defense of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity from Russian aggression was of vital concern to the United States and Europe. Despite highlighting the need for competition with the Kremlin, Biden said it must not lock out cooperation with Russia on issues of mutual concern such as nuclear proliferation and Irans nuclear program. Addressing the Munich Security Conference, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg accused China and Russia of working against the international order. "Europe and North America must defend the international rules-based order, which is being challenged by authoritarian powers," Stoltenberg said, adding that China and Russia are trying to rewrite the rules of the road to benefit their own interests." Russia is set to remain NATO's main adversary during this decade, and the 30-member alliance is considering including China in its official master strategy document, its Strategic Concept, to face up to the countrys military rise. Biden said that Washington is prepared to reengage with international partners in the so-called P5+1 group -- China, France, Russia, Britain, the United States, plus Germany -- on Iran's nuclear program. Biden also said his administration is going to work with Europe and other partners to address Irans destabilizing activities across the Middle East. The P5+1 group in 2015 signed a landmark agreement with Tehran that called for curbs on Irans nuclear program in return for the lifting of international sanctions. But Trump in 2018 pulled his country out of the accord and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran. In response, Tehran has increasingly breached limits it had agreed to under the pact. Th president concluded by saying Europes contribution to the successful landing of a NASA robotic rover on Mars on February 18 underscored the ability of the transatlantic relationship to meet any challenge it faces. The United States will do our part. We will stand with you. We will fight for our shared values and meet the challenges of this new moment in history, he said. With reporting by Reuters Burma Police Free 14 Detained During Violent Breakup of Anti-Coup Protest in N. Myanmar Security forces in Myitkyina on Thursday morning / Alita / Facebook YANGONFourteen people, including two teachers, were released on Friday afternoon after being detained in the morning when security personnel cracked down on anti-coup protesters in Myitkyina, Kachin State. The detainees were released by police at around 5:00 p.m. on Friday after the Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG), a Myitkyina-based group, mediated the case. The released protesters said they were forced to sign a paper saying they would not participate in future protests against the military regime. Some of the peaceful demonstrators had been rounded up near the New Light Hotel by riot police and military personnel, who also shot at protesters with slingshots, and seized and destroyed their placards. Since Feb. 8, thousands of residents of Myitkyina and its adjacent township, Waingmaw, have joined mass rallies against the military, which seized power from the countrys democratically elected leaders on Feb. 1. Locals have marched around the town and staged sit-in protests to show their opposition to the military regime and to demand democracy. On Friday, protesters were planning to demonstrate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Security forces put up barricades around the town including in front of a university, an education college, a hospital and historic Manau Park. At around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, police and soldiers beat teachers who were preparing to take part in the protest and arrested two teachers from Myitkyina Education Degree College. There were about 30-40 people at that time. The security forces arrived and ordered them to disperse. As soon as the announcement ended, they started beating people, without following riot police protocol to disperse the crowd. Many ran and escaped, but two teachers were detained, said a lawyer based in Myitkyina who was at the scene. Police and soldiers also used slingshots to disperse anti-coup protesters in Myitkyina on Thursday. They fired slingshots to disperse the protesters around 11 a.m. on Thursday. Many were hit, though it did not cause them to bleed, local resident Htoi Awng said. Anti-coup protesters are demanding the scrapping of the military-drafted 2008 Constitution, an end to the military dictatorship, the establishment of a federal democracy, the honoring of the 1947 Panglong Agreement, which guarantees equality for ethnic groups, and the immediate release of government leaders and political prisoners who were arrested by Myanmars military. They are also showing their support for the Civil Disobedience Movement against the military regime. Large numbers of soldiers and police were deployed starting early in the morning at the railway station and Manau Park, which are the protesters assembly points. Some people were arrested when they dispersed the protesters. I saw two people arrested, Htoi Awng said on Thursday. Starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, around 100 troops from the militarys Northern Command and officers from the Myitkyina Police Force blocked the Myitkyina Railway Station and Manau Park. Around 11 a.m., they forcibly dispersed protesters staging a sit-in protest near No. 1 Basic Education High School, and a group near Myanma Economic Bank. They also arrested a betel nut vendor for taking pictures of the crackdown. The Irrawaddy was unable to contact Myitkyina Township police to check whether the detainees have been released. Soldiers and police arrested a Buddhist monk and the driver of a vehicle carrying anti-coup protesters on Thursday morning, according to the PCG. The KIA, via the PCG, has called on the Northern Command not to use force against Kachin protesters. It said it had talked with Northern Command officials and requested they not harm the peaceful protesters. The Northern Command in response asked the KIA not to join the public protests and warned that it would shoot with real bullets if people rioted. From what happened on the streets on Thursday morning, it can be concluded that they will continue to prohibit people from taking to the streets. I dare not imagine what would happen if people clashed head-to-head. There could be casualties and injuries, said Lamai Gum Ja of the PCG. On Feb. 13, police and soldiers were deployed at power stations supplying electricity to Myitkyina. Concerned about a possible blackout, people surrounded the power stations and asked the security forces to leave. Tensions flared at around 9 p.m. on Feb. 14, and police dispersed the crowd with tear gas, smoke bombs, sound cannons and rubber bullets. Two civilians were injured and seven people, including five journalists, were detained overnight. The Northern Command detained the five journalists for making live reports of the incident. In response to the PCGs request, the Northern Command released the journalists after having them sign a bond promising they would conduct future reporting in line with media ethics and not produce reports that could incite public unrest. Note: This story was updated to include the detainees release. You may also like these stories: Lawyers Call for Myanmar Coup Chiefs to Face High Treason Charges Eight Civil Servants in Court for Opposing Myanmar Military Regime Myanmar Militarys New Education Minister Faced Finance Probes Belarusian lawmakers are reportedly preparing to consider legal changes that would make almost any criticism of the government "extremist" behavior that could lead to severe punishment including the loss of livelihood and citizenship. The suggested tweaks to the country's law on extremism were published by multiple independent Telegram channels on February 18 and would be debated after parliament's spring session opens on April 2. Crisis In Belarus Read our coverage as Belarusians continue to demand the resignation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka amid a brutal crackdown on protesters. The West refuses to recognize him as the country's legitimate leader after an August 9 election considered fraudulent. RFE/RL was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the proposed amendments, which were reportedly sent to parliament last week. According to Motolko Pomogi, a Belarusian "press club" that said it was anonymously sent the proposed changes on February 18, the KGB would maintain the list of people and organizations deemed "extremist" and blacklisted violators could be prevented from working in their chosen profession, performing large financial transactions without permission, or engaging in medical, pedagogical, or publishing activities. Individual entrepreneurs and founders of media organizations labeled "extremist" would be deprived of the right to create other organizations for five years, according to the proposals, and foreigners who have received Belarusian passports could face the loss of their Belarusian citizenship and be deported. The popular Polish-based opposition news outlet Nexta, which was deemed "extremist" by a Belarusian court in October 2020, also published the 12-page document containing the amendments in full on its Telegram channel. Nexta wrote that under the changes "almost all state bodies -- from the Finance Ministry and the Justice Ministry to local authorities -- will fight extremism" and that if adopted "Belarus will in fact turn into a fascist-police state, and all the current legal chaos will become completely legal." According to Motolko Pomogi, taking actions aimed at discrediting the Belarusian state would be grounds for being classified as "extremist," including the use of state symbols that have national historical or cultural value for "the purpose of promoting extremism." The Belarusian opposition has adopted the use of the red-and-white flag, which is essentially banned by the authorities, instead of the official green and red flag. The reported proposals come amid continuing mass protests against the results of Belarus's presidential election in August 2020 and an ongoing crackdown against independent media in the country. The protests erupted after long-standing leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka claimed he won the vote by a landslide, while his main challenger, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has said she was the rightful victor. Thousands of protesters have been arrested by Belarusian security forces in the course of anti-government rallies that have been held almost daily since the vote, and beatings at the hands of police have been widely documented. At least seven journalists are currently behind bars in Belarus awaiting trial for "organizing public events aimed at disrupting civil order" or similar charges. On February 18, two journalists for Belsat, a Polish-based satellite television station aimed at Belarus, were sentenced to two years imprisonment after they reported live from a rally against the death of an anti-government protester in November 2020. The journalists, Katsyaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova, have denied the charges against them and called their case politically motivated. [February 19, 2021] New Program Launches to Plant Two Billion Trees OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 19, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada is home to healthy and resilient forests that support the well-being of Canadians and our economy by creating thousands of green jobs while absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon. Canada's path to net-zero emissions includes protected areas and sustainable forests. That's why today, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., announced the next step in the Government of Canada's commitment to plant two billion trees: the Growing Canada's Forests Program. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, officials have continued engaging with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous peoples, industry, and non-government stakeholders on ways to realize this tree planting commitment. To that end, the government is launching two initiatives to seek information on organizations with immediate access to land or trees and those who are interested in collaborating on tree planting initiatives to help Canada realize its 10-year target: The Future Participants Request for Information is an opportunity for organizations to share their vision and capacity to contribute to large-scale, single- or multi-year tree planting projects across Canada . The information received will help facilitate collaboration with various partners on future tree-planting projects. Response forms will be accepted until May 27, 2021 . . The information received will help facilitate collaboration with various partners on future tree-planting projects. Response forms will be accepted until . The Early Start Projects Expression of Interest will help identify new, shovel-ready tree planting projects across Canada for the 2021 growing season. Eligible organizations will be required to demonstrate that they have access to trees and land as well as proven capacity and experience in delivering large, cost-shared tree planting projects that would result in at least 5,000 new, planted trees this year. This includes monitoring tree survival and reporting on project outcomes starting this spring. The health and safety of workers and communities involved in tree planting is an important consideration, and projects will be required to comply with COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Organizations have until March 25, 2021 , to submit their Expression of Interest. The 10 year commitment to plant tw billion trees will help Canada combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to our goal of achieving net-zero by 2050. With the help of dedicated organizations across the country, we look forward to growing our healthy, vibrant and sustainably managed forests, leaving behind a legacy for future generations. Quotes "Planting two billion trees is more than a plan for climate action. It's a plan for thousands of jobs. We're getting trees in the ground this spring." Seamus O'Regan, Jr. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources "Planting trees is an important part of our plan to build a cleaner, healthier future for our children and grandchildren. Today, the Government of Canada is taking the next step towards our commitment to plant two billion trees by collaborating with organizations across the country. Together, we can fight climate change, support our iconic Canadian biodiversity and create good jobs." Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Environment and Climate Change "Canada's hardworking farmers have a solid track record of adopting new strategies to fight climate change. Adding trees to agricultural lands will help sequester more carbon, and improve soil health and water quality, which will benefit farmers. Our government's Two Billion Trees initiative is another meaningful step to help farmers and Canada meet or exceed our GHG targets by 2030." Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada's Minister of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Quick facts As part of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund, planting two billion trees is a Government of Canada priority, as outlined in the Minister of Natural Resource's mandate letter and the 2020 Speech from the Throne. In the recent 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the government committed up to $3.16 billion over 10 years, starting in 202122, to deliver on this commitment. priority, as outlined in the Minister of Natural Resource's mandate letter and the 2020 Speech from the Throne. In the recent 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the government committed up to over 10 years, starting in 202122, to deliver on this commitment. The next milestone will be a Request for Proposals slated to launch later this year. Once programs are in place, planting could occur in a variety of areas including on public, private and federal lands as well as in urban settings across Canada . Associated Links 2 Billion Trees Commitment Growing Canada's Forests Program Future Participants Early Start Projects Natural Climate Solutions Fund Fall Economic Statement 2020 2020 Speech from the Throne Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 15173 Jeff Laborde, CFO, Infor Jeff Laborde, CFO, Infor The role of the todays CFO has never been more complex, even as technology aspires to make the CFOs life easier. The pace of information flows, technology evolution and competitive threats in todays business climate poses real and constant challenges for corporations seeking to thrive and grow over the long term. Against this backdrop, the CFO often bears responsibility for navigating through the myriad issues ranging from government dysfunction and economic uncertainty to cybersecurity and technological disruption. Perhaps one of the most persistent challenges CFOs in global businesses must grapple with today is global compliance broadly ranging from various tax regulations to statutory, regulatory, reporting, employment and cultural matters. It is not enough to merely maintain routine regulatory compliance with core systems of record within your region or country of origin as the problem becomes exponentially more complex as your business expands across borders over time in pursuit of new avenues of growth. Even for a company with experience outside of the United States in certain of more traditional Western European and Asian markets, the growth of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and other important emerging markets compels companies today to push into newer international markets with more complex and precarious legal, commerce and political environments. For organizations with even modest growth plans, fundamental localization compliance can become one of the more challenging matters to tackle, turning into a seemingly endless array of moving parts in a process that feels as daunting as growth itself. And although there are numerous studies correlating native language to buying preference, localization issues extend far beyond those related to language translations. Understanding business requirements across borderswithin foreign countries in which you operate and do businesshas historically been daunting. Traditional use of local employees or partners, and even external consultants, has managerial challenges beyond those of a financial nature for any size business. Moving into new markets abroad is just not an easy problem to solve. As the digital revolution continues to transform how companies do business affording even the smallest, most agile businesses access to unchartered global markets, the side effect has been an increased risk of falling out of compliance. Beyond the typical compliance duties the CFO and corporate risk management teams must navigate, strengthening compliance monitoring is a constant requirement as changes originating from both exogenous changes in regulations and standards or changes are brought on by ones own corporate expansion into new geographies poses a constant threat to even the most sophisticated change management skill sets. Enter the next generation of software technology as an emerging new hope. A multi-tenant cloud-based software solution is an ideal tool that better addresses the localization compliance of multiple countries all from a single instance of the ERP software In recent years, there have been a number of big-box software companies that have waded into the murky waters of global compliance offering products which on the surface are designed to ease the burdens of localization. The value proposition for CFOs is simple - time is money. Basic compliance has become too time consuming for most organizations attempting to stay current on the multitude of requirements they must maintain across many jurisdictions, not to mention managing the sourcing, updating and interpretation of the various requirements and underlying data needed for compliance requirements. Although according to Mark Newsome, Product Management Director at Infor, To ensure comprehensive localization compliance its essential to know not only the headlines of what is required by country, but also the detail of how these statutory, regulatory and cultural requirements are applied to all constituent parts of an ERP system that spans Manufacturing, Customer Service, Logistics, Procurement, and Financial applications. More often, these requirements include, but are not limited to, transaction or indirect tax, excise and customs duties, government reporting and auditing, inventory management, fixed asset depreciation and more. A multi-tenant cloud-based software solution is an ideal tool that better addresses the localization compliance of multiple countries all from a single instance of the ERP software. With this growing complexity, 63 percent of compliance offices (including CFOs) spend upwards of 10 or more hours each week monitoring and analyzing regulatory developments. Beyond that, they are required to spend longer hours each week to track, monitor and update internal systems of record with changes in rules and regulations from every region in which they do business. And while the use of a payroll service, for example, in a specific location may provide updated tax withholding or vacation accrual requirements, the breadth of rules require more heavy-lifting to contend with changes and ensuing requirements. Its no wonder that studies show 64 percent of companies polled believe their compliance workload will increase each year in order to keep up with new rules and regulations. The true time required to manage these changes grows when one considers the additional requirements to amend and enforce corporate policies and procedures to reflect new rules and changes to existing rules. Software that handles localization compliance can vary in terms of business size, scope and price, but the core tenets remain the same: easy, dependable, accurate and automated. Similar to how the emergence of the digital era has forever changed the business landscape, so too have cloud-based software solutions allowed companies of all sizes to leverage the expertise and scale of third parties for work traditionally done in-house. Localization compliance should be no different. CFOs have a vested interest in aligning and consolidating their corporate compliance goals with those of other parts of the organization, be it finance, HR, R&D or sales and operations. Since the problem of compliance stems largely from the sheer number of different information sources involved in the effort, solutions that offer a consolidated and proactively updated access point or portal make more sense. Finance teams lack the time and coordination to deal with multiple tools across multiple specialty sources to tackle the localization problem. Dealing with one simple, trusted version of the truth should be the expectation, not the exception. Software should empower CFOs to be proactive instead of reactive regarding compliance and the constantly changing rules, many of which have larger repercussions across a companys business. Globalization has inevitably forced businesses along with their CFOs to take a long hard look regarding their readiness to manage a multi-national business and ultimately how they deploy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Business Intelligence (BI) solutions globally. Companies need software vendors who act like partners and think the way they do, be it large or small or in the context of one specific industry versus another. Software vendors today need to deliver solutions that help guide and lead the user, navigating complex dependencies and streamlining processes, in effect delivering what Forrester Research refers to as customer-obsessed technology. The idea is simple- create engaging, easy-to-use solutions that customers love in order to drive customer adoption and long-term retention. Localization compliance solutions should be no different. Technology today is sophisticated enough to ease, not burden, multi-national companies who are pushing the geographical and technological boundaries with their own business offerings. As CFOs work to enable corporate growth mandates and objectives while mitigating unnecessary risk, they should take comfort in knowing there are solutions available to maintain localization compliance without borders. Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of former president Donald Trump, will not run for the U.S. Senate from Florida in 2022 as she settles into life after Washington, according to people close to Florida Senator Marco Rubio. ABC News reported that a Rubio campaign spokesperson said Ivanka Trump spoke with Rubio several weeks ago and told him about her plan of not running for his seat. The campaign spokesperson further noted that the two have also discussed appearing at a joint event highlighting their shared support for expanding the child tax credit. According to Associated Press, the conversation between Ivanka and Rubio, which was first reported by The New York Times, comes a day after Donald Trump re-emerged from almost a month of self-imposed silence through series of interviews to commemorate the demise of conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh. Ivanka, who previously worked as senior White House adviser to her father, was rumored to have been considering a Senate run in Florida, where she and her family bought a home since his father left office. Read also: Ivanka Trump 'Disgusted' Towards CNN's Mocking of Southern Americans Who Will Most Likely Run in Politics From the Trump Family? Donald Trump remained mun on his political future in the interviews. He said it was too soon to talk about running again in 2024. However, they were speculations that the other Trumps may follow in his footsteps in the political field. 9News reported that Lara Trump, the former president's daughter-in-law, still considered running for the Senate in North Carolina. Donald Trump Jr., the former president's eldest son, remained popular with his father's base. Ivanka Trump and Marco Rubio reportedly continued to praise each other for their efforts together working on issues they both care about like paid family leave. Ivanka said he considered Rubio a "good personal friend," who "has been a tremendous advocate for working families." "I know he will continue to drive meaningful progress on issues we both care deeply about," Ivanka Trump said in a statement. On the other hand, Marco Rubio said he was "incredibly grateful to Ivanka for her friendship and support." "The challenges working moms and dads face in today's economy are real, and Ivanka was a formidable and effective advocate for them," the Republican senator added. Ivanka Trump's Legacy According to The Guardian, Ivanka Trump pushed her father to pass a bill providing federal employees 12 weeks of paid parental time off. Another great project she has spearheaded was the Women's Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP), an initiative to advance global women's economic empowerment. According to The Washington Post, the initiative has already reached 12 million women that appeared to count all the women and girls living in countries where laws tend to discriminate against them. The Washington Post added that the W-GDP aims to help women start their businesses, enroll in vocational schools, access loans, and redesign laws in countries that compromise women's ability to own property and work in the same job as men. Since Ivanka Trump confirmed that she would not run against Marco Rubio, it puts the Florida Senator in a strong position heading into his reelection campaign next year. Related article: Ivanka Trump Deposed for 5 Hours as Part of Inauguration Fund Lawsuit WATCH: Ivanka Trump Rumored for Senate Run from Sky News Australia In five weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases in Worcester dropped by more than 1,000. On Thursday, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. announced the city experienced 336 new cases over the last week. The total was down about 150 last week and down 1,040 from Jan. 7. Hopefully were moving in the right direction. Im pleased with the numbers and pleased weve seen an increased volume in vaccinations, Augustus said. Augustus along with Mayor Joseph Petty and Worcester Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh warned residents the city isnt out of the woods yet when it comes to the virus. On Sunday, the Department of Public Health announced 19 new confirmed cases of the U.K. strain of COVID. Of the 29 overall cases reported, 17 have been identified in Worcester County. We know that the variant itself is up to 50% more transmissible, Augustus said. The current COVID vaccines offer the same protection but the potential for a third surge is something we want to keep an eye on. Augustus referred to the vaccination process as a race against the variants becoming the dominant strain in the state and across the United States. Massachusetts health officials announced the first case of the B.1.351 COVID-19 variant, known as the South African variant. Even with the variants in the background, deaths at the citys two hospitals over the last week increased by 24 up to 666. This is the Debbie downer part of things, Hirsh said. The variant piece is very, very concerning. Hirsh said the doubling time of the U.K. strain is about eight to 10 days. While DPH has reported about 30 variant cases, Hirsh believes its a safe assumption there are far more within the state. A lot of it is skewed by the fact that we are just not testing the strains as vigorously as we need to, Hirsh said. That means its probably much more prevalent than we already know. Hirsh said models exist that predict a third surge but experts have yet to embrace any as vaccination distribution continues. New cases of COVID contracted by employees at the citys two hospitals - Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care - plummeted down to only seven over the last week - a small fraction compared to the 164 reported on Jan. 7. Hirsh said during the last week, Saint Vincent Hospital went five days without an employee contracting COVID. Were very fortunate as a community that everyone is rowing their oars in the water together, Hirsh said. With that kind of collaboration and cooperation, I think theres no way we cant get on top of this. We just need to get more vaccines done and more vaccines shipped to us. As of Thursday, Augustus said between the Worcester Senior Center and the large-scale vaccination site at Worcester State university about 11,000 vaccines will be administered by the end of the week. Were starting to see the needle move a little bit in the number of shots that were getting to folks arms, Augustus said. Petty said the state is only receiving about 120,000 doses per week. Thats not many, Petty said. Officials expect the number to increase as vaccine deliveries are expected to increase in the future. Until that time, though, while COVID variants linger in communities, officials reminded residents to remain vigilant. Youve gotta keep your guard up, Petty said. Dont let your guard down. Whatever you do, dont let your guard down. Related Content: 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, When I was in school, I was a pretty good student. My teachers told my parents that I daydreamed too much, had trouble staying organized, and sometimes spoke out of turn, but that I was generally a joy to have in class. My grades slipped significantly in middle school and high school as the work got more detail-oriented and less interesting to me, but I got through with a B average. When I went to college and then grad school, I specifically avoided classes that I knew didnt play to my strengths. It wasnt until I entered the workforce that daydreaming and being disorganized started to cause real problems for me. I had trouble meeting deadlines and finishing projects, and just barely made up for it by being so pleasant to work with that our clients wouldnt have stood for my boss firing me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wondered if I could have ADHD, but when I brought it up to a therapist, he dismissed the idea because I had been a good enough student to earn an advanced degree. Im a stay-at-home mom now, and I can see that my chronic disorganization and lack of focus are taking a toll on my family. Im embarrassed to invite people over because our house is a mess, I lose things that my daughter needs for school, and I frequently tell my husband that Ill do something (like pay a bill) and then forget to do it. I keep trying to get things reasonably under control, but no matter what I do, I just cant seem to maintain any kind of order. I know some of this is normal for a family with three young kids, but most of my friends have two to three kids, and theyre not like this. My daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD after struggling academically in kindergarten and first grade, and Im starting to reconsider the possibility that I might have it too. But Im afraid that the doctor is going to blow me off because I was, for the most part, a good student. Is it possible that I could have ADHD even though I was a pretty good student? And is it even worth it to pursue this when Im out of the workforce and wont be returning for a few years at least? I feel silly about going to a doctor and asking for a medical diagnosis because I cant keep my house clean. Advertisement Advertisement Disorganized Mom Dear DM, I have to go first-person testimony on this one. Im one of at least five people that I can think of in my extended social circle alone who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. My academic journey was nearly identical to what you describe, though I stopped at a bachelors degree. I didnt know much about the disorder, aside from the debate about overdiagnosis in children, until I was a parent myself, so I never recognized my disorganization, lack of focus, forgetfulness, and other (now devastatingly obvious!) symptoms for what they were. Now that I do, I see them clearly in my own father as well (research suggests that genetics contribute to ADHD). Advertisement Do not take the dismissiveness of one doctor to mean theres no cause for concern. Between your own childs diagnosis and the tendencies youve observed in yourself, you have reason enough to be properly evaluated. There are medical professionals who may be skeptical about adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis for any number of reasons, such as rampant Adderall abuse, which is why Id suggest finding a doctor who specializes in adult ADHD to talk to about your concerns. I cannot begin to tell you how drastically my life has improved since I found out that I have it, because its no longer going untreated. If you feel strongly that you have ADHD, you deserve to know and to be able to start taking care of yourself accordingly. Wishing you all of the best. Advertisement 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, I am in my late 20s, unmarried with no children. Ive become close with a co-worker-turned-friend this past year, who is older and has a toddler with another little one on the way soon. I know that not all younger, childless women are enthusiastic about starting and maintaining close friendships with mothers and their young ones, but I love kids and have really valued our friendship over the past year, which otherwise could have been really lonely for us both. Advertisement The problem is that Im not always sure how to empathize with her pregnancy plightsa birth plan unrealized due to the pandemic, physical discomfort, uncertainty about how her toddler will handle a new baby, or anxiety leading up to what will be a different birthing experience this time around. I care about these problems! I love and want to support my friend as best I can. Ive set up a meal train and organized a small virtual sprinkle with our fellow co-workers. But I often find myself unsure of what to say to her at the moment. How can I best support her when I just have absolutely no experience being a parent/being pregnant/giving birth? Advertisement Advertisement Loss for Words Dear LfW, It sounds like you are doing all of the right things already! When youre going through something, you dont typically expect someone who hasnt experienced it to have the magic words to say that will somehow bring you peace and comfort (unless its your parents or perhaps a religious leader of some sort), and I doubt your friend is looking to hear them from you. Just continue to show her how you feel with your actions, and by letting her know that youve got her back: Obviously I cant say I know how youre feeling right now, but I want you to know that I care, Im here for you, and I am happy to listen to you vent, scream, cry whatever you need. Thank you for helping a mommy in her time of need! Advertisement If you missed Thursdays Care and Feeding column, read it here. Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group! Dear Care and Feeding, I got married to my wife two years ago, and at the time we (both women) decided we wanted a family. We were uncomfortable with not knowing who the father was, so we decided to find someone we know. We moved into a better neighborhood with amazing schools, the kind of place we want our kids to grow up. When we moved in, we met a very kind and helpful man, Josh. We broached the idea of him donating his sperm. Five months later, my wife is pregnant with twins. We are delighted, and we were clear with Josh that he would be Uncle Josh. We want our babies to understand the circumstances of their birth, and we thought Josh was on board. However, back when my wife was four months pregnant, Josh came over and told us he changed his mind. He now bangs on our door daily, demanding she have an abortion. He sends hourlong messages, emails, and texts. We blocked him, but he just keeps getting new numbers. The police here are a joke. What should we do? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nervous in New Zealand Dear Nervous, This is indeed a terrifying situation, and I am so sorry that you are going through this. While I cant discern all the details of your arrangement with Josh from your letter, I would suggest that you immediately, if you have not already, contact a lawyer. From my cursory research into New Zealands paternity laws, it seems unlikely that Josh would have any legal claims of paternity, but I cant be sure. An attorney will be able to advise you on your rights and should also be able to direct you toward a legal response that might stop the harassment. My other advice to you (and I pray that you are able to abide by it, as I know it would not be something I could easily do myself at this moment in time) would be to move somewhere Josh will not be able to easily locate you. You, and especially your wife, should not have to endure this sort of treatment during such a vulnerable time. Advertisement Again, I am truly sorry that you are going through this, and I sincerely hope that you are able to put a stop to Joshs behavior and some physical distance in between you and him. I also strongly advise that you and your wife, if you havent already, begin speaking to a therapist about this traumatic experience that is inextricably linked to the birth of the children that you all are going to love so much and so fully regardless of this difficult time. Sending you lots of love and encouragement. For more of Slates parenting coverage, listen to Mom and Dad Are Fighting Dear Care and Feeding, My relationship with my wife began as an affair. My wife ended her marriage after we had fallen in love, and she slowly introduced me to her daughter and ex-husband over a period of a few years. She now has a very amicable, successful co-parenting relationship with her ex. My stepdaughter and I are quite close. We rolled out our relationship to my stepdaughter and her dad as if we started dating after the divorce. Now that were officially together and managing the continuous process of blending our families, we couldnt see how we could have the type of co-parenting and family blending we have now if we had come out to my stepdaughters dad about the affair and told my stepdaughter (who was 10 when she started getting to know me) her mom had been cheating on her dad with me. My wife plans to talk to her daughter about the truth when shes older. Skipping over whether we were wrong to have an affair in the first place, were we wrong to keep it a secret the way we did? Do you have an opinion on when and how we should tell my stepdaughter the truth? Advertisement Advertisement Is Lying to Your Kids Always Wrong? Dear Always Wrong, Maybe I am an amoral, soulless monster, but I cannot see any value in your stepdaughterand her father, because theres a damn good chance that news will travel quicklyfinding out the circumstances of your marriage. Your wife ended her marriage to be with you, unbeknownst to her family. The two of you, her ex-husband, and her child have a harmonious relationship. Who benefits from revealing the truth? Why hurt these two innocent people any more than you already have, as the dissolution of the original family unit likely did cause them some pain? Unless there is a strong possibility of being outed, this is something they either never need to know or should hear as part of a deathbed apology from your wife to her ex-husband (and even then, why not let him live the rest of his time out in the peace and harmony of not knowing this?). Advertisement Seriously, someone, anyone, help me understand why this information needs to be shared! If this is a matter of your wife feeling guilty, well, perhaps thats the price she must pay for doing something selfish and unkindeven if that selfish, unkind act led her out of a relationship that needed to end and into one that deserved a chance. You got the best outcome possible. You kept the affair quiet, you made peace with the ex and the child. What else does she want? Forgiveness? Theres no way of guaranteeing that shell ever get it, and theres the chance that coming clean could cost you the peace and harmony. Advertisement I suppose I can understand your wife wanting to have an honest conversation with her daughter about the truth of her own romantic life, but even that is something I wouldnt suggest doing until her daughter is a full-grown womanperhaps at a point where marriage might be a consideration of her own. But even then, there is the potential that this information will devastate her or make her unreasonably cynical. If and when she ever does decide to share the truth, please insist that she speaks to a therapist or counselor first for guidance on how she might do soand what she can expect to come next. I wish you good luck in getting this bad idea out of her head. Advertisement Jamilah More Advice From Slate One of my co-workers has a lovely baby boy, and for the last 10 months or so weve all been treated to the rather unlovely sound of her pumping milk in the middle of the office. We have a mothers room down the hallway, but apparently this is inconvenient and she feels she can be more productive (in both ways!) if she pumps at her desk. She pumps every couple of hours for about 20 minutes straight, and the sound is highly distracting for visitors and co-workers alike. Do we need to toughen up and be more supportive, or should this young lady be more considerate? The Niger Police Command has arrested 15 years old Samaki Azozo, a student of Government Science School Izom, over an alleged attempt to kid... The Niger Police Command has arrested 15 years old Samaki Azozo, a student of Government Science School Izom, over an alleged attempt to kidnap students of the school in Gurara Local Government Area. Mr Adamu Usman, the state Commissioner of Police, who disclosed this to newsmen in Minna, on Friday, said the suspect, an SS2 student of the school, wrote a letter and posted on the school notice board notifying staff and students about an intended kidnap in the school. He explained that the letter created tension among staff and students of the school. The commissioner said the suspect claimed that the letter was a ploy to close the school. Usman said armed security personnel had been deployed to the school to ensure the safety of staff and students. We dont want to be taken unawares; hence, the need for us to adopt a proactive security measure against any security threat. He added that the command had commenced investigations into the claim and appealed to the public to assist the command with useful information to combat banditry and kidnapping in the state. This week Pfizer has filed vaccine registration documents with Ukraine's Health Ministry. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the country will sign a contract on shipments of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 after its registration in Ukraine. "This week Pfizer has sent vaccine registration documents to Ukraine's Health Ministry. The registration process is underway. As soon as it is registered, Pfizer will immediately hand over the contract for approval and conclusion, and later it will be signed," he said during an online briefing on Friday, an UNIAN correspondent reported. Kuleba reiterated President Volodymyr Zelensky had personally spoken with Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer Pharmaceutical Corporation Albert Bourla regarding the supply of vaccines to Ukraine. Read also Health minister names groups to be vaccinated against COVID-19 at first two stages COVID-19 vaccination in Ukraine On January 30, 2021, Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister, Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko said Ukraine would receive 117,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine within COVAX (the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility) in February. On February 16, 2021, Pfizer applied for the registration its COVID-19 vaccine in Ukraine. The U.S. has committed to help with transportation and storage of Pfizer vaccines at extremely low temperatures in Ukraine. Reporting by UNIAN 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. She said her first experience of sexual assault came when she was in year 8 and a private school student in the year above her forced her to perform oral sex on him. I knew it was wrong, because I didnt tell anyone, but I didnt understand why, she said. At the dinner with friends last year, she learned the same male student had forced another acquaintance to do the same thing a year later. No-one thinks of it as rape until youre told it is. Until [then] you think rape can only be a random in a dark alley past midnight. In reality it happens with people you trust, she said. It happened to so many of us. We talk about a guy who forced us to give them head like what we had for breakfast yesterday. A list of more than 50 testimonies published so far under the petition, which has anonymised both alleged victims and perpetrators, claims that students who attended Scots College, Cranbrook, Sydney Grammar School, Saint Ignatius Riverview, St Josephs College, Waverley College and Shore had been perpetrators of sexual assault. The women who wrote the testimonies identified themselves as former students of schools including Kambala, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, St Catherines School, Ascham, Pymble Ladies College, Wenona, Queenwood, SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College. We talk about a guy who forced us to give them head like what we had for breakfast yesterday Chanel Contos The headmaster of St Catherines School in Waverley, Dr Julie Townsend, described the testimonies as heartbreaking. More needs to be done to create an environment in which young women feel they will be trusted when they come forward. It is also clear that much of the work schools do is happening too late, she said. The Herald has spoken to some of the students who made claims but has not substantiated individual allegations. The testimonies detail alleged sexual assaults that took place during school years or shortly afterwards, while the young women were still mixing in crowds determined by their school social circles. The allegations come from students who graduated in 2006 to some still in school. In several testimonies, women describe waking up naked at parties or in a young mans house, after passing out due to intoxication, with male peers penetrating them. Some girls said the alleged perpetrators were acquaintances they had only met that night; others were friends at the time. Other students say they were physically forced to perform oral sex on a male while intoxicated, sometimes while the boys friends were present or filming the incident. Several only realised something had happened to them when they woke up in pain and found their underpants soaked in blood. None of the alleged incidents occurred on school grounds, but those who signed the petition said they passionately believe that inadequate consent education is the reason for their sexual abuse during or soon after school. [People have signed] because they are sad and angry that they did not receive an adequate education regarding what amounts to sexual assault and what to do when it happens, the petition said. Ms Contos asked her followers on Instagram to share their experiences of sexual assault, in particular at the hands of boys from single-sex schools. When you go to a private school in Sydney, most of the time you only interact with other people who go to these schools: all-boys schools and all-girls schools. Being so distant from the reality of having girls in your everyday life, girls become the victims of boys experiments with their sexuality, she said. More needs to be done ... It is also clear that much of the work schools do is happening too late Dr Julie Townsend, principal of St Catherines School Chief executive of school workshop provider Enlighten Education, Dannielle Miller, said the testimonies were harrowing, yet not at all surprising. Its important to note too that sexual harassment and sexual assault isnt just happening to private schoolgirls; all young women are at risk. We need to explicitly teach young women to be clear and unapologetic when expressing their personal boundaries, to know how to speak up in cultures that may try and silence them, and to actively lobby for what they need and deserve, she said. Any protective advice given to girls in the schools must be carefully framed within a context of unpacking victim blaming. But we must also do more work with young men to teach them what active, informed consent looks and feels like, and create cultures where boys and men also use their voices to speak up too. The work of calling out male misbehaviour must not fall solely on females. Loading Schools that responded to the Herald said they had programs in place that taught students about the criminal nature of sexual harassment and assault. Dr Townsend said: It is clear from these girls testimonies that many of them have suffered in silence for years, and we need to ensure that, not only do they understand what assault is, but know their rights in reporting it and charging someone. It is heartbreaking to read of the trauma they went through, and also to learn that many of them were too fearful to report it afterwards or were treated contemptuously when they did, she said. Wenona principal Briony Scott said sexual assault was beyond the remit of any one school. Anson_iStock/iStockBy MORGAN WINSOR, ABC News (LONDON) -- The reported death toll from COVID-19 in Africa surpassed 100,000 on Friday, as the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent grapples with a fresh wave of infections. Out of the more than 3.79 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the 54-nation continent, at least 100,294 people have died since the start of the pandemic, according to the latest data from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This pandemic is raging," Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a press briefing Thursday, as the death toll approached the 100,000 mark. "The mortality during the second wave has been very, very severe." The grim milestone came just over a year after Africa's first confirmed case of COVID-19 was identified in Egypt on Feb. 14, 2020. The continent was praised for its early and swift response to the pandemic last year, with many African countries appearing to be spared from the first wave of infections seen elsewhere in the world. But that narrative has changed as testing rates ramp up and a more contagious variant of the novel coronavirus helps fuel a resurgence of cases. "If anyone had told me one year ago that we as a continent within one year would be seeing 100,000 deaths from a new infection, I would probably not have believed that," Nkengasong told reporters. "But here we are in that scenario." The continent of some 1.3 billion people accounts for 17% of the global population but only 3.5% of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide and 4% of the global death toll. However, Nkengasong said Africa's case fatality rate is now at 2.6%, which remains higher than the global average of 2.2% and a noted increase from the continent's 2.4% rate after the initial wave of infections. Twenty-one African nations also now have case fatality rates that are above the global average, according to Nkengasong. So far, 34.6 million COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Africa, with an overall positivity rate of 10.9%. In the week ending on Feb. 14, there were 915,000 additional tests conducted continent-wide, a 14% increase compared with the previous week, according to Nkengasong. The World Health Organization's regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, told reporters last week that the continent's COVID-19 death toll had increased by 40% in the last month, compared with the previous month, which equates to over 22,000 people dying in four weeks. "The increasing deaths from COVID-19 are a tragic warning that health workers and health systems in many countries in Africa are dangerously overstretched," Moeti said during a press briefing on Feb. 11. The actual numbers are feared to be much higher, since most countries in Africa lack the means to track mortality data. "We are definitely not counting all the deaths, especially in the second wave," Nkengasong told reporters last week. But the latest trend is "encouraging," Nkengasong said Thursday. In the week ending on Feb. 14, Africa saw a 25% decrease in newly confirmed COVID-19 cases as well as a 28% drop in newly reported deaths from the disease, compared with the previous week. Moreover, between Jan. 18 and Feb. 14, there was an overall average decrease of 21% in new cases across the continent, according to Nkengasong. One variant of the virus, known as 501Y.V2 or B.1.351, is now the dominant strain in hard-hit South Africa, accounting for about 90% of the country's new cases. The highly infectious variant was first identified in South Africa in December and has since spread to 10 other African nations as well as numerous other countries around the world, according to Nkengasong. International aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) said Thursday that the situation in Southern Africa "is dire" as the variant "is spreading, further straining fragile health care systems," and that equitable access to and distribution of vaccines "is more critical now than ever." South Africa, which accounts for about 40% of all confirmed cases on the continent, announced earlier this month that it would halt plans to vaccinate 15 million front-line health care workers with a COVID-19 vaccine developed by England's University of Oxford and British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, following the publication of preliminary data that showed the two-dose shot provides only minimal protection against mild to moderate infection from the B.1.35 variant. Instead, South Africa began inoculating those workers on Wednesday with a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine developed by American pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, which was shown to be 57% effective at preventing moderate to severe infection during a clinical trial in South Africa. The B.1.351 variant was responsible for 95% of cases in that study. In global trials, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was shown to be 85% effective at preventing severe infection and hospitalization, no matter the variant. The COVAX Facility, a global initiative to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries regardless of income, said it aims to start shipping nearly 90 million doses to Africa this month in what will be the continent's largest-ever mass vaccination campaign. The goal is to provide Africa with up to 600 million doses by the end of the year. To complement those efforts, the African Union has secured 670 million doses for the continent which will be distributed in 2021 and 2022 as countries secure adequate financing. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set a target of vaccinating at least 60% of the continent's population against COVID-19. "This is a phased approach," Nkengasong told reporters Thursday. "If we really want to get ahead of this pandemic, we should strive to vaccinate 35% of our population by the end of the year." Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The mayor of Del Rio, Texas, Bruno Lozano, speaks in a video to the Biden administration. (YouTube/City of Del Rio) Texas Border Mayor Asks Biden to Halt Releasing Illegal Immigrants Into City Amid Power Crisis The mayor of the Texas border city of Del Rio called on the White House to halt the release of undocumented immigrants into his city amid the pandemic and poor weather conditions. I am pleading and requesting with you to please put a halt to any measures regarding the release of immigrants awaiting court dates, into the city of Del Rio and surrounding areas, Bruno Lozano, a Democrat, said in a message to President Joe Biden Wednesday. It came as rolling power outages racked much of the state due to cold weather and snow. As of Friday, power was mostly restored to millions of customers, but about 7 million people were told to boil their water prior to consumption, including Del Riot. If you do send these individuals into our community, we will be forced to make a decision to leave them without resources under these dire circumstances, Lozano said. I am asking to please stop, he said, adding: Please make another plan for this federal issue. Lozano said releasing the migrant population without any COVID-19 protocols is undermining the White Houses commitment to tackling the CCP virus pandemic. We have been outsourcing dialysis treatments for at-need persons within our community, he continued to say. I cannot mix the migrant population with Del Rio residents that are extremely vulnerable and have been displaced due to the extreme weather, he remarked. We may be a small town that is off of your radar, but we are a community of 50,000 people who need your attention. He also asked for supplies and water to be distributed to the community in the midst of the power crisis. The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House for comment. Texas grid operators said Friday that the states electrical system returned to normal for the first time since a storm knocked out power to more than 4 million customers. Smaller outages remained, but Bill Magness, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said the grid now has enough capacity to provide power throughout the entire system. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into the failure in the energy capital of the United States, while ERCOT officials have defended their preparations and the decision to begin forced outages early Monday as the grid reached a breaking point. Federal Emergency Management Agency acting administrator Bob Fenton said teams in Texas were distributing fuel, water, blankets, and other supplies. What has me most worried is making sure that people stay warm, Fenton said on CBS This Morning, urging people without heat to go to a shelter or warming center. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Longtime owner of Bushs Grocery Store in Eclectic died Monday at the age of 84, following a year long battle with lung cancer and advanced COPD. The establishment shared the news of Charles LaVoyde Bushs death on their Facebook page at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday. Dozens of people shared their condolences in the comments of the post. Among the mourners was Tina Bush, one of his daughters. Tonight my greatest defender left his guard post, Tina wrote in a Facebook post published shortly before the announcement of Charles death on the grocery stores page. This man who loved giving orders like nobodys business went away silently and peacefully. Bushs Grocery Store has been open since 1944. Funeral Services are being held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Claud, Alabama on Feb. 20, according to Tina. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. and the memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. A gravesite service will take place immediately after the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. As a winter storm sent Texas spiraling into crisis with widespread power outages, a lack of clean, running water has forced freezing inmates to live alongside stagnant urine and feces-filled toilets that can't be flushed, according to accounts from advocates and inmates. "It's horrendous," 32-year-old Arthur White, who is being held in the Harris County Jailon assault and drug charges, according to police records, told the Texas Observer on Thursday. The freezing air in the jail is "reeking," another man in the jail on drug charges, A.D. Wooten, told the Observer. The Harris County Sheriff's Office acknowledged that the jail lost water on Wednesday, but said it was later restored. "We continue to face challenges with operating the Harris County Jailduring this disaster. As of now, all three buildings have electrical power," the agency said in a statement on Twitter. The Texas Jail Project has detailed accounts of lacking water and power from prisoners at jails across the state, including in Galveston, Smith, Polk, Victoria and Bowie counties. Incarcerated people, including many who have not been convicted of a crime, reported to the nonprofit that jails lacked blankets and left inmates in freezing conditions. Some raised concerns about access to medical services amid the crisis, especially for inmates who suffer from mental illness, seizures and diabetes, the nonprofit said in a tweet. The challenges facing the state's jails is just one piece of a massive emergency unfolding in Texas, where millions of people lost power this week. As families have fought to make it through the harsh cold, in many cases without electricity or water, large-scale institutions like hospitals and correctional facilities have also struggled to keep everyone safe as heat and water cut off. At least 30 people have died in Texas following the winter storm. There have not been any reports of deaths from the power outages in jails. It's not just inmates suffering under conditions in Texas jails and prisons. According to the executive director of the union that represents corrections officers, guards have been sleeping in the facilities where they work for days because they were not allowed to go home, the Texas Tribune reported. Meanwhile, inmates have said they don't have enough blankets to keep warm. "Most of them are so cold that their bodies are numb," Nichole, the wife of a Brazoria County inmate who was identified only by her first name, told the Tribune. "A lot of them fear to fall asleep because they think they're going to freeze. They don't think they're going to wake up." The crisis has piled onto an already tense environment inside some Texas jails that had been struggling to deal with the coronavirus pandemic even before the loss of power and water this week. Last week, before the storm struck, a federal judge asked officials in Harris County to review the cases of 2,000 inmates and consider releasing them to reduce crowding and allow for better social distancing as coronavirus cases spiked, the Houston Chronicle reported. "We do no want to convert detention into a death sentence," Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal said at a hearing last week, the newspaper reported. "Nobody wants to turn the jail into a killing field." But the coronavirus concerns have taken a back seat to the dangerous conditions caused by the severe winter weather and failures in Texas's power grid this week. In the Harris County Jail, both White and Wooten told the Observer that they had been provided water bottles, but not enough to keep them hydrated and allow them to wash their hands or brush their teeth. Krishnaveni Gundu, a co-founder of the Texas Jail Project, told The Washington Post that power and water had been largely restored throughout the Harris County Jail by early Friday, but inmates were still experiencing repercussions from the week of hardships. "There is a boil water advisory, which means they can't shower or brush or wash their hands with that water," he said. Food and drinking water were also in short supply, according to reports from inmates. "Food rations have been cut and many pods have not received adequate bottled water," Gundu said. "Just one 16-ounce bottle with a meal. Some pods reported receiving two bottles of water all day yesterday." The sheriff's office did not immediately return a message from The Post late on Thursday. Finis Prendergast, 42,who is incarcerated on an aggravated robbery charge at Harris County Jail, told HuffPost that he was given a single bite-sized muffin and three small packets of peanut butter and jelly for Thursday's breakfast. "We're in here freezing to death and starving," he said. As the excitement builds up for the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal and major political parties gear up for a fierce battle, News18 Bangla has lined-up extensive programming for its viewers in the state. The programming will aim to keep the viewers apprised about every single political development in the state leading up to the counting day. The channel has launched Banglar Kurukshetra 2021 drawing reference to the epic battle fought in the Mahabharata. A comprehensive programming line-up of West Bengal Assembly election comprises of all new shows. New shows include Janatar Darbare (Peoples Court) at 08:00 pm, a show with prominent politicians from all political parties answering the queries of audience. HOTSPOT at 09:30pm, a travel based outdoor caravan episodic reportage show. News18 Bangla caravan travels through prominent districts in West Bengal. A travelogue format, with cinematic visuals highlighting the local issues, voices of the people, pre vote conversations, explosive remarks of candidates and heavy weight leaders. Programming will also include comedy and political satire with shows such as DOLBOL where two prominent standup comedians Dol Das & Bol Dey will draw funny footnotes and jibes on recent political events from a common Bengali mans point of view; and Sob Dekhchi Kintu (I see everything) where Mahatma Gandhis three monkeys will watch & hear everything related to politics and will speak on the political showdown. There will also be Narod Narod (This & That), two accusation sound bites of the day by opposing political parties/candidates/ leaders in one frame, using the mythical character Narod. Bibek Mukho Mukhi a new format show, will feature a customized puppet that will play the part of the conscience keeper of Bengal. The puppet will field questions to the political leaders and they will have to face their conscience and provide answers. Bringing top newsmakers from across the leading political parties on a single platform, the channel will present the most impactful debates, discussions and innovative programming on West Bengal elections. Supported by a team of experienced anchors, on-ground reporters and eminent experts, News18 Network will offer viewers unmatched coverage of this crucial state election. Okonjo-Iweala is First Woman, African to Lead World Trade Body FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed Monday to head the World Trade Organization, becoming the first woman and first African to take on the role amid rising protectionism and disagreement over how the body decides cases involving billions in sales and thousands of jobs. Okonjo-Iweala, 66, was named director-general by representatives of the 164 countries that make up the WTO, which deals with the rules of trade between nations based on negotiated agreements. ADVERTISEMENT She said during an online news conference that she was taking over at a time when the WTO is facing so many challenges, and its clear to me that deep and wide-ranging reforms are needed it cannot be business as usual. Her first priority would be quickly addressing the economic and health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as by lifting export restrictions on supplies and vaccines and encouraging the manufacturing of vaccines in more countries. Other big tasks include reforming the organizations dispute resolution process and finding ways for trade rules to deal with change such as digitalization and e-commerce. She takes over after four turbulent years in which U.S. President Donald Trump used new tariffs, or import taxes, against China and the European Union to push his America first trade agenda. It will not be easy because we also have the issue of lack of trust among members which has built up over time, not just among the U.S. and China and the U.S. and the EU but also between developing and developed country members, and we need to work through that, she said. She said that as the first woman and first African to hold the post, I absolutely do feel an additional burden, I cant lie about that. Being the first woman and the first African means that one really has to perform. All credit to members for electing me and making that history, but the bottom line is that if I want to really make Africa and women proud I have to produce results, and thats where my mind is at now. The appointment, which takes effect March 1, came after U.S. President Joe Biden endorsed her candidacy, which had been blocked by Trump. Bidens move was a step toward his aim of supporting cooperative approaches to international problems after Trumps go-it-alone approach that launched multiple trade disputes. ADVERTISEMENT But unblocking the appointment is only the start in dealing with U.S. concerns about the WTO that date to the Obama administration. The United States had blocked the appointment of new judges to the WTOs appellate body, essentially freezing its ability to resolve extended and complex trade disputes. The U.S. government has argued that the trade organization is slow-moving and bureaucratic, ill-equipped to handle the problems posed by Chinas state-dominated economy and unduly restrictive on U.S. attempts to impose sanctions on countries that unfairly subsidize their companies or export at unusually low prices. Okonjo-Iweala has been Nigerias finance minister and, briefly, foreign minister, and had a 25-year career at the World Bank as an advocate for economic growth and development in poorer countries. She rose to the No. 2 position of managing director, where she oversaw $81 billion in development financing in Africa, South Asia, Europe and Central Asia. In 2012 she made an unsuccessful bid for the top post with the backing of African and other developing countries, challenging the traditional practice that the World Bank is always headed by an American. She has a bachelors degree in economics from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in regional economics and development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee had withdrawn her candidacy, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the only choice. Her predecessor, Roberto Azevedo, stepped down Aug. 31, a year before his term expired. Trump repeatedly accused the WTO of unfair treatment of the U.S., started a trade war with China in defiance of the WTO system, and threatened to pull the U.S. out of the trade body altogether. Trump also imposed 25% steel and aluminum tariffs that hit European allies on national security grounds, a justification that went beyond trade measures normally used within the WTO rules framework. So far, Biden has not said whether the U.S. will unblock the appellate appointments, and he has not withdrawn the steel tariffs either, which are backed by industry and union groups. Chad P. Bown, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said unblocking Okonjo-Iwealas appointment was a very good first step in re-engaging with the WTO, but thats the easy one. The rest are hard. In particular, the WTO faces a ticking time bomb in the form of other countries challenges to Trumps use of national security as a justification for imposing tariffs, a little-used provision in U.S. law rejected by key US trading partners in Europe. Bown said any decision would be a lose-lose dilemma for the WTO. Ruling against Trumps move could provide a rallying cry for WTO skeptics in the U.S., while a ruling in favor could lead to other countries using national security justification as well. And that opens a giant loophole in the trading system whereby all rules are meaningless, Bown said. Bidens administration therefore has an incentive to take the dispute off the table before a decision, expected this summer. If youre the Biden administration what you want to do is settle this thing, so you dont put the WTO in this awkward position, Bown said. ___ Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. 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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. Woowa Brothers founder and Chairman Kim Bong-jin and his wife Sul Bo-mi / Courtesy of Woowa Brothers By Baek Byung-yeul Some startup founders, who have led their businesses to success, are now becoming paragons of virtue as they make pledges to give away a chunk of their wealth to charity with the hopes of making society and the country a better place, and to resolve issues faced by socially vulnerable groups. On Feb. 18, food delivery app operator Woowa Brothers founder and Chairman Kim Bong-jin announced he and his wife will donate more than half of their wealth, estimated to be more than 500 billion won ($451 million). Woowa Brothers runs the country's largest delivery app Baedal Minjok, simply known as Baemin. Kim said he and his wife Sul Bo-mi have joined the Giving Pledge, a global organization comprised of the world's wealthiest individuals and families that is dedicated to giving the majority of their wealth back to society. The organization was created by Bill and Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffett. The Woowa Brothers founder said in a message on the Giving Pledge website: "We are certain that this pledge is the greatest inheritance that we could provide for our children." "Just as we went through a lot of trouble in the beginning as a startup, we will continue to learn about various means of giving and solutions to social issues through trial and error. We would love to keep sharing the experience with many people and expand the culture of philanthropy," he added. Kakao founder Kim Beom-su / Courtesy of Kakao A past pupil of Kilkenny College is one of two students at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) to be awarded an agriculture work placement bursary, the Seedtech/ASA/IFJ Placement Bursary. Victoria Woods, a third year student, is studying agricultural science. Each year the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) teams up with the Irish Farmers Journal, Glanbia and Seedtech to provide placement bursaries to students in the BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science and BSc in Agriculture to support costs associated with farm/industrial placement. Programme leaders Dr Michael Breen and Dr Tony Woodcock thanked all of the interviewers for giving their time and expertise so generously. Placement is an integral part of the ag science/agriculture programmes here in WIT and it is great to have the continued support of our industry stakeholders in awarding the placement bursaries, said Dr Woodcock. Dr Breen said the interviewers were very impressed with the broad knowledge of the agri food sector that the students displayed as well as their eagerness to learn from their forthcoming placement. Seedtech were delighted to be involved in the WIT Placement Bursary once again this year," said Seedtechs Denise Stuart. "Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the students cannot travel abroad for their work placements. However, we hope that the bursary will go to good use, either for internal travel expenses or is hived away for when we can all travel abroad again. Seedtech was very impressed with the quality of the candidates again this year and we wish the applicants/winners every success in the coming year. In the bursary application Victoria outlined: her interest in agriculture as an industry, and how the opportunity of being offered a placement position at Teagasc Johnstown Castle research centre in Wexford, has enabled her to grow her knowledge of the industry, particularly in the area of research. Victoria, who is a daughter of Robert and Jill Woods from Tinahely in Wicklow, explains why she applied for the placement bursary. "It is a great opportunity for all ag students to apply for, it helps to cover some of the expense which may be associated with work placement. Both of the agricultural courses which are offered at WIT offer one semester of work placement. This is a great opportunity for students to get a feel for what areas they would enjoy working in once they graduate," she said. Her dreams for the future include the possibility of travelling in a post covid-19 world. America and New Zealand are top of the list. She gave birth to a daughter in April 2020. And on Thursday, Jodie Turner-Smith was clearly celebrating the way she's getting back in shape following her pregnancy. The actress and wife of Joshua Jackson posted a mirror selfie to her Instagram Story in which she bared her belly while flashing the 'v' for victory sign over her head. Looking good: Jodie Turner-Smith, 34, showed off her bare belly in a mirror selfie posted to Instagram on Thursday, 10 months after giving birth to her first child Jodie, 34, posed for her photo in a cropped sweatshirt and drawstring sweatpants. Her hair was in pigtails and she appeared to be makeup-free. The British-born model started dating former Dawson's Creek star Joshua, 42, in late 2018 following his split from longtime love Diane Kruger. The pair wed in December 2019 after learning they were expecting a child together. Couple: Jodie is married to former Dawson's Creek star Joshua Jackson. The couple tied the knot in December 2019 after just over a year of dating (pictured February 2020) Parents: The couple welcomed their daughter in April last year; they're pictured taking a stroll with her in New York City on January 15 Jodie came to prominence in Hollywood with a role in TNT"s The Last Ship in 2017 and garnered critical acclaim for her performance in the 2019 independent film Queen & Slim opposite Daniel Kaluuya. Next up, she'll be seen in Tom Clancy's Without Remorse opposite Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Bell. The action-packed movie will bow on Amazon Prime Video on April 30. Plaudits: Rising star Jodie garnered critical acclaim for her performance in the 2019 independent film Queen & Slim opposite Daniel Kaluuya Most recently, she's been in England filming a three-part TV series about the final days of Anne Boleyn. She's the first black actress to play the second wife of King Henry VIII in a move designed to 'challenge conventions.' Produced by Fable Pictures, Channel 5 and Sony Pictures Television, the limited series is billed as a 'psychological thriller' that explores Anne Boleyn's attempts to tackle patriarchy and secure a life for her daughter Elizabeth before she is executed by her husband. The ill-fated queen was sent to the block on May 19 1536 by order of Henry VIII after she failed to produce a male heir and he fell in love with wife number three Jane Seymour. Watch Dawson's Creek on Stan in Australia. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Albuquerque police are investigating two deaths one initially deemed a suicide on Tuesday and another after a person was found dead Thursday afternoon. Police spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said the Thursday incident is considered suspicious at this time, while the Tuesday incident was ruled a homicide. He said police responded around 2 p.m. Thursday to a home in the 5000 block of Glendale NW, a few blocks from Central and Atrisco. Officers found a womans body inside the house. Gallegos said the womans position and state of the scene indicated very suspicious circumstances. Homicide detectives are currently conducting interviews and canvassing the area, he said. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ On Tuesday, Gallegos said officers responded to a call reporting a mans body had been found at 75 Hotel Circle NE, near Lomas and Eubank. He said police found a man with obvious signs of trauma and the death was initially classified a suicide. Gallegos said the Office of the Medical Investigator told detectives the next day that it was ruled a homicide after an autopsy. 3 1 of 3 Courtesy photo /Webb County Precinct 1 Commissioners Office Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy photo /Webb County Precinct 1 Commissioners Office Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Precinct 1 Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez along with county leaders and private donors gave out hot meals and water bottles to more than 500 families on Wednesday. Gonzalez, his staff, County Judge Tano Tijerina, Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Salvador Johnson, Variety Meats, LNF Distributors, South Texas Food Bank and several private donors assisted residents from Mirando City, La Presa/Mangana Hein, Rio Bravo, El Cenizo and south Laredo. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! The toolkit controversy, followed by the Disinfo Lab report titled The Unending War: From Proxy War to Info War Against India, has unveiled the sinister plan of Khalistanis and has brought to light the Pakistani players fuelling the propaganda campaign against India amidst the ongoing farmer protests. The Delhi Police did a press conference on Monday on the toolkit and uncovered the role of ISI sponsored propagandist Pieter Friedrich in the case, an individual whose name also appeared in the toolkit. Responding to the questions on his anti-India campaign asked during an interview by an Indian media outlet, Friedrich, instead of factually responding to the questions, seemingly read a prescribed script and said Indian security forces today are infiltrated by and operating as agents of the Nazi-inspired RSS paramilitary. During the press conference, the Delhi Police stated that Indian security agencies have been keeping an eye on him since 2006 when his connections with a prominent ISI operative got uncovered. Facts presented in the report by Disinfo Lab substantiate apprehensions of Delhi Police that the toolkit was an important part of the anti-India conspiracy by the Khalistanis, based in the Western world. The report has also brought to light the name of the US-based Khalistani Bhajan Singh Bhinder alias Iqbal Choudhary, who was Pieters puppeteer. From the report and background search of Bhinder, we observed that Bhinder initially had the notion that the South Asian society, especially the population in the Indian subcontinent, sees white people with much more credibility and there was always a greater probability for the Indians to buy pro-Khalistani propaganda peddled by an individual with a Western accent and white skin colour. Bhinders search ended in 2006-07 when he was able to find a Christian missionary going through extreme adversities, desperately looking for a blue collared job. He readily agreed to Bhinders demands without paying heed to the nature of the work, all in return for getting a meagre compensation. Additionally, Bhinder also lured Pieter by promising to protect him in the limelight as an expert activist'. The stage was set, and the first task allocated to Pieter was to launch an anti-Gandhi movement across the world as an initial step of hitting Indias soft power. In order to add legitimacy to Pieters campaign and credibility to his image, several proxy organisations were floated by Bhinder and the company in the US. The most prominent organisation out of these was the Organization for Indian Minorities (OFMI), set up in 2007. However, the organisation was itself an oxymoron, as Disinfo Lab report has noted, OFMI was purportedly set up for the cause of minorities in India but had no Indian or even Indian-origin minority in it. In the meanwhile, both of them kept waging a war to malign Gandhis image and names of the duo kept emerging as the main perpetrators behind every incident of vandalising Mahatma Gandhis statue in the US. In addition, Pieter was also entitled to a significant amount of authority in a similar ISI funded organisation, Sikh Information Center (SIC) an outfit that was working on a larger plan involving terror as well as propaganda warfare strategies against India. It was also found that Bhinder even set up a fake publishing house in the same year, i.e., in 2007, just to publish booklets masquerading as books in the name of Pieter. Amidst all these, Bhinder kept receiving handsome funds for sponsoring Pieters activities. An analysis of the Disinfo Lab report, as well as few other resources by Zee News, revealed that Pieter was overburdened with work by Bhinder as he was tasked to work on multiple propaganda operations each to be discharged by Pieter using a different name. Pieters parallel involvement in several campaigns at one time, using different names underlines that he later emerged out to be a tricky imposter. In this regard, the report puts forward In a rather peculiar manner, Pieter changes 3-4 names during this time, writing books in various aliases, and also appearing at various events in different names. In one stance, in a letter to an organization (targeting India) Pieter has used more than one name as representative of different organizations just to add credibility to it. The report further reveals Pieter been changing his names more often than he changes his DP - a total of four times! With each name, Pieter seems to have acquired a different role starting from Pieter Fredrich as a Christian Missionary to Pieter Singh as Khalistani activist to Patrick J Nevers as an author. The entire ISI ecosystem helped Pieter to gain popularity, which ranged from floating fake news websites with the sole objective of publishing Pieters articles as well as getting his social media accounts followed by the influencers based across the world and his content amplified by the amplifiers. Highlighting the strategy of Bhinder and Pieter, the report comments In the process to build credibility and then hijack the narrative of every possible genuine ground protest to suit their agenda. And they have a singular agenda to tarnish Indias standing in the world. An expert whom we spoke to argued, The hatred towards Gandhi and the attempts to malign his image to weaken Indias soft power uncovers the strategy of ISI to jeopardise Indian interests abroad. Also, it is important for the Indians to realise that the Pieter-Bhinder duo, along with other anti-India elements are not attacking the regime in power in India, but the country as a whole. More than launching propaganda warfare, the toolkit incident reveals that it was a comprehensive plan to create instability, further leading to manufactured civil unrest and bloodbath in India. It reminds me of Edward Herbert and Noam Chomskys flagship work Manufactured Consent. By using the power of social media and fake mass media outlets and adopting a similar propaganda model as argued in the book, the Khalistanis were working on a massive-massive plan to manufacture dissent in India. It is unfortunate to note how Indian users submit themselves to the disinformation campaigns and readily accept the messages peddled by Pakistani elements, he elaborated. In the subsequent years, the scope of Pieters work kept on expanding as Bhinder and the company began to allocate more and more campaigns to him. A street-smart guy himself, he was quick to learn the art of propaganda and soon began to demand pay raises from his masters, ensuring a better lifestyle for himself with the passage of time. Going ahead from the anti-Gandhi crusader campaign, he now began to play on the front foot to attack India according to the K-2 (Kashmir-Khalistan) plan of action, hitting Indias territorial integrity every time. On the broadening of his area of work, the Disinfo Lab report comments This elaborate design and planning was driven by singular motive to target Indias interest. This is tried to be accomplished in four major ways: i) Targeting idea of India non-violence & Mahatma Gandhi replacing it with an alternate image of fascist India; ii) Targeting Indias territorial integrity working towards K-2 design; iii) Targeting Indias interests abroad by working against Indian origin American politicians, and iv) Whitewashing Pakistans sins clean chit to Pakistan (ISI) in Kabul Gurudwara Bombings; and questioning Pulwama attack. Haling himself coming from a large family of pastors, Pieter was later able to employ a couple of his family members, who previously worked as Christian missionaries, in OFMI with none of them having any idea on India or South Asia what a diversion! The most prominent staff of OFMI coming from Pieter's family is his brother-in-law Steve Macias. In the course of changing names, Pieter adopted yet another new name in 2015 to spit venom and express his radical anti-Hindu sentiments. Pieter created the account Friedrich Pieter on January 9, 2015, but changed its name on December 17 from Pieter Friedrich to Singh of Judah. On the content posted by the handle, the Disinfo Lab report argues, It was clear that Pieter was running the account, as it posted a video of himself, using profane language against Hinduism and the RSS of India at the World Hindu Congress that he attended in 2018. Sharing company documents, the report has also highlighted that Bhinder was operating his businesses, owned by the puppet Pieter Friedrich, as Bhinder himself was blacklisted by the Indian government. However, he began taking over the ownership of the company as soon as he was removed from the blacklist of the Indian government in 2011. The list of companies run by Bhinder with Pieters help, and in some cases in his name, include- Safety Net Transpo, OFMI.org, Sovereign Star Publishing, etc. A counter-terror expert argued that the report explains that proving himself well ahead of his masters expectations, Pieter went ahead to collaborate with radical Islamist organisations based out of the US including the Indo-American Muslim Council (IAMC) and the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), only to bring together anti-India elements help each other to attack India. The report has also strengthened the apprehensions of the diplomatic experts that Pieter and Bhinder were directly being sponsored by the ISI and supported by the Pakistani diplomatic offices in the US, as the report has highlighted that Bhinder shared a bonhomie with Pakistani Consulate General Abdul Jabbar Memon and was a well-recognised face in Pakistani diplomatic offices. Another very important finding of the report was that besides covering up Pakistani misadventures, Pieter has also been successful in sabotaging the election campaigns of pro-India leaders in the US. The target of Pieter and Bhinder included leaders like Tulsi Gabbard, Sri Preston Kulkarni, Ami Bera, Sonal Shah, Padma Kuppa, Raja Krishnamoorthi and several others. During numerous campaign events, Pieter along with his aides like Zahra Billoo (a Pakistani radical), has successfully interrupted the event and defamed Gabbard. These revelations highlight that the emergence of Pieter Friedrichs name is just the tip of the iceberg and looking at his supporters and amplifiers in India, the scope of security agencies should not be restricted to the toolkit but encompass a broader area to find out the sleeper cells pro-Khalistani elements and unearth all the supporters helping the ecosystem knowingly or unknowingly. (JTA) - George Shultz, the Reagan administration secretary of state who made it his mission to bring about freedom for Soviet Jewry, has died at 100. The Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where Shultz has been a distinguished fellow for decades, announced his passing on Saturday. It did not give a cause. Shultz was a moderate Republican who in a number of economic Cabinet positions during the Nixon presidency advanced affirmative action as redress for discrimination. He was the rare instance of a Nixon Cabinet secretary who emerged from that administration squeaky clean: As Treasur... [February 19, 2021] Terma Selects INTEGRITY-178 tuMP RTOS for Next-Gen Electronic Warfare Controller WARNER ROBINS, Ga. and SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Terma North America and Green Hills Software today announced the selection of the INTEGRITY-178 tuMP real-time operating system (RTOS) for Terma's next-generation family of Electronic Warfare Controllers, the AN/ALQ-213(v5). The AN/ALQ-213(v5) will be used as part of Terma North America's recent $306M indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)-Aviation at Warner Robins in support of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to provide self-protection hardware, sustainment, and engineering services under the Enterprise Contract to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Terma selected the INTEGRITY-178 tuMP RTOS based on several factors: Certified conformance to the FACE Technical Standard, in support of Terma's modular open system approach (MOSA) Designed to meet DO-178C DAL A airborne safety requirements High multicore performance while meeting both safety and security requirements Unrivaled security pedigree, including certification of INTEGRITY-178 to the NSA-defined Separation Kernel Protection Profile (SKPP) Support for system integrity solutions in an FPGA-based multicore Arm architecture to meet evolving system security engineering (SSE) requirements Free from foreign influence all design, development, and maintenance of INTEGRITY-178 tuMP are performed by US citizens in a US facility owned by a US company. "The combination of system integrity, safety, and multicore performance made INTEGRITY-178 tuMP the clear choice for our next-generation of electronic warfare controllers," said David Martin, Senior Vice President of Aeronautics at Terma. "Using a commercial operating system certified to the FACE Technical Standard is part of our open system architecture to provide flexible, cost-effective solutions for advanced aircraft survivability equipment. We have been using INTEGRITY-178 tuMP for a couple of years and it has made it easy to achieve our system safety, integrity, and multicore performance goals simultaneously." Terma North America AN/ALQ-213(v5) Electronic Warfare Controller (EWC) offers a versatile, independent, non-ITAR controller solution for military Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) suites.The ALQ-213(v5) EWC belongs to Terma's family of controllers, in service on 2,500+ aircraft, counting 25+ different platform types operated by more than 15 different countries around the globe. The AN/ALQ-213 allows for the integration of any EW subsystem, such as radar-, missile-, and laser-warning, direct infrared countermeasures systems, jammers, decoys, and dispensers. A unique feature of the ALQ-213 family of controllers is that the same product can be used across a mixed fleet of aircraft (fighters, helicopters, and fixed-wing transport aircraft) because the products have been developed to be platform-independent. Under the DLA IDIQ contract, the next-generation AN/ALQ-213(v5) is available for domestic and foreign military sales (FMS) on any model and block of USAF aircraft, with initial plans for F-16, C-130J, and A-10. "We are pleased to be part of Terma's next-generation EWC and their longstanding leadership in electronic warfare management systems," said Dan O'Dowd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Green Hills Software. "From the beginning, we believed that safety and security go hand-in-hand, and the AN/ALQ-213(v5) is a prime example of the combined requirement. Systems that do not deploy system integrity concepts cannot ensure continued safety, and likewise, secure systems benefit from the high availability and integrity of safety-critical architectures." The INTEGRITY-178 tuMP high-assurance RTOS from Green Hills Software uniquely is designed to meet both DO-178C DAL A airborne safety requirements and the NSA-defined Separation Kernel Protection Profile (SKPP) for "high robustness" security at Common Criteria EAL 6+. Beyond the separation kernel, INTEGRITY-178 tuMP provides a complete set of APIs for use by multi-level security (MLS) applications within a secure partition, e.g., an MLS guard, which is a fundamental requirement in a cross-domain system (CDS). INTEGRITY-178 tuMP is a multicore RTOS with support for running a multi-threaded DAL A application across multiple processor cores in symmetric multi-processing (SMP) or bound multi-processing (BMP) configurations, as well as supporting the more basic asymmetric multi-processing (AMP). INTEGRITY-178 tuMP was the first RTOS to be certified conformant to the FACE Technical Standard, edition 3.0, and it is the only RTOS with multicore interference mitigation for all shared resources. Multicore interference happens when more than one processor core attempts simultaneous access of a shared resource, such as system memory, I/O, or the on-chip interconnect. The bandwidth allocation and monitoring (BAM) functionality in INTEGRITY-178 tuMP ensures that critical applications get their allocated access to shared resources in order to meet their required deadlines, significantly lowering integration and certification risk. Together, the flexible multi-processing architecture and the multicore interference mitigation enable a system integrator to maximize multicore processor performance while meeting safety and security requirements. About Terma Operating in the aeronautics, defense, and security sectors, Terma North America supports customers and partners all over the world. Headquartered in Crystal City, Virginia, Terma NA operates from two additional main offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Warner Robins, Georgia, which hosts a production/repair facility. Terma NA also maintains remote locations, such as Ft. Worth, Texas, where US team members work directly with customers on a regular basis. Terma North America is part of the Denmark based high-tech Terma Group, which develops products and systems for defense and non-defense security applications including command and control systems, radar systems, self-protection systems for aircraft, space technology, and aerostructures for the aircraft industry. About Green Hills Software Founded in 1982, Green Hills Software is the worldwide leader in embedded safety and security. In 2008, the Green Hills INTEGRITY-178 RTOS was the first and only operating system to be certified by NIAP (National Information Assurance Partnership comprised of NSA & NIST) to EAL 6+, High Robustness, the highest level of security ever achieved for any software product. Our open architecture, integrated development solutions address deeply embedded, safety/security and high-reliability applications for the military/avionics, medical, industrial, automotive, networking, consumer and other markets that demand industry-certified solutions. Green Hills Software is headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, with European headquarters in the United Kingdom. Visit Green Hills Software at www.ghs.com. Green Hills, the Green Hills logo, INTEGRITY and tuMP are trademarks or registered trademarks of Green Hills Software, in the U.S. and/or internationally. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/terma-selects-integrity-178-tump-rtos-for-next-gen-electronic-warfare-controller-301231577.html SOURCE Green Hills Software [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] FOUNTAIN SPRINGS The North Schuylkill school board approved district Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines for the 2021-22 school year at Wednesdays meeting. The district has had guidelines in place during the current school year, but the unanimous board action formalizes the guidelines for the current assessment team. We have a team put together that whenever there is a threat made to the school or to a student, they would get together and they would use this guideline, and they go through the threat step by step using the guideline, district Superintendent Dr. Robert Ackell said after the meeting. Its something that we do right now, but this makes it more formal, more concrete. In December 2019, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency released model threat assessment procedures and guidelines. The agencys website says: Act 18 of 2019 amended the Public School Code of 1949 by adding Article XIII-E, Threat Assessment. Among its provisions, Article XIII-E requires the establishment of threat assessment teams for all school entities in Pennsylvania and tasks the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) to research, develop and provide free threat assessment guidelines, training and informational materials, as well as model procedures and guidelines for school entities. According to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association website, a provision of Act 18 requires each school entity to establish at least one threat assessment team for the assessment of and intervention with students whose behavior may indicate a threat to the safety of the student, other students, school employees, school facilities, the community or others. The bill establishes membership qualifications, training and reporting requirements for teams. Duties of a team may be assigned to an existing team, which may be the student assistance program. The article also establishes notification and referral requirements and procedures when a team makes a preliminary determination that a students behavior may indicate a threat. To carry out their duties, teams must be given access to student data that is usually confidential, to the extent access is permissible under federal law. Local juvenile probation departments and other county agencies are required to consult with threat assessment teams to help teams carry out their duties, to the extent such agencies can do so in compliance with various state and federal laws. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time A doting dad surprised his three-year-old daughter by building her an enormous SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired igloo while she was sleeping. Oscar Risco, a contractor from Brooklyn, New York, spent a whopping 10-hours making a nine-foot replica of SpongeBob's pineapple house out of snow for his daughter Aliyah earlier this month. 'She saw it was snowing, and the first thing she said was she wanted an igloo,' he told Brooklyn Paper. Amazing: Oscar Risco, a contractor from Brooklyn, New York, built his three-year-old daughter Aliyah a SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired igloo earlier this month Hard work: The dad spent 10 hours building the nine-foot-tall structure. Aliyah had helped him choose the design for his latest igloo before it even started snowing Risco said he been making igloos for his children since his 21-year-old son was a young kid, explaining that it's a creative outlet for him. Aliyah had helped him choose the design for his latest structure before it even started snowing and was eagerly waiting for him to build it. The dad was shoveling snow into a pile in front of his house when he decided to start the project, working well into the night while his daughter slept. In addition to the enormous igloo, he also made a smaller replica of the home where SpongeBobs neighbor Squidward lives. Incredible: The igloo was a replica of SpongeBob's pineapple house in the cartoon Added touch: In addition to the enormous igloo, he also made a smaller replica of the home where SpongeBobs neighbor Squidward lives Risco was up past 4 a.m. building his creation and didn't get much sleep after that. Just a few hours after he went to his bed, his daughter woke up and saw the igloo. 'She went crazy,' he said. 'She loved it.' Unsurprisingly, Aliyah wanted to play in it immediately and dragged her dad out of bed in her excitement. The igloo has also been a hit with the other kids in the community, who look forward to the activities Risco and his wife plan for them. 'We really attract the entire neighborhood over,' he said. State Rep. Gary Gates is under fire from his constituents for leaving House District 28 on Wednesday as much of Fort Bend County struggled without water and power. After losing power Tuesday, Gates left his home via his private jet Wednesday night and traveled to Orlando, Fla., sparking outrage among many who believe the freshman lawmaker should have remained in his district. It really would have been nice to have a state representative helping on the ground, working at a warming center, packing food, etc. rather than immediately (flying) off on a private plane when the going got tough, said Brian Walz, one of Gates constituents. My neighbors didnt get to do that when her pipe burst. Gates acknowledged the frustration of his critics, but stated that the decision to leave Texas was based on the needs of his family. His pipes burst, he said, and 30 percent of his home was flooded, leaving his sick wife and special needs daughter at risk. My wife is still recovering from an illness she has been battling for two weeks, and the room of my adult daughter, who is mentally handicapped and still lives with us, flooded, Gates said. By Wednesday morning, Gates added, mold had set in. He had planned to stay with one of his daughters, but she, too, lost power. With no other options, Gates said, he and his family flew to Florida. Gates explanation for leaving was conflicting, according to Stefan Modrich from the Fort Bend Star. I spoke to (Gates) chief of staff today. Gates, owner of Gatesco Inc., a property manager of several apartment buildings in Houston, was on a business trip and meeting with a major vendor in Orlando and is returning tomorrow, Modrich wrote on Twitter. When questioned about the inconsistent reports, Gates contended that the person Modrich spoke with was not his chief of staff. Gates acknowledged that he did meet with a vendor while in Florida, but it was only because he was already there. I told (the source) that I was going to take advantage to meet with one of my major vendors whos home office is here, Gates said. I was able to visit with them and have dinner with their office personnel. Gates added that he has been in contact with his district despite being out of state. Since arriving in Florida, I have had functioning internet and reliable mobile coverage, he said. I have been able to monitor the power restoration process, correspond with constituents and direct the recovery efforts at our apartment complexes. The chastisement of Gates is similar to that of Sen. Ted Cruz, who was seen boarding a flight for Cancun on Thursday. On HoustonChronicle.com: Sen. Ted Cruz, back in Houston, calls controversial Cancun trip a mistake His critics pointed out the similarities as well. I guess Gates took Senator Cruzs lead, one Facebook user wrote. Gates stated that he plans to return to the district Friday afternoon. claire.goodman@chron.com San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin was just 14 months old when both his parents, members of the radical left militant group the Weather Underground, went to prison for their roles in an infamous 1981 armored truck robbery in which a guard and two police officers were killed. Four decades later, Boudin is seeking clemency for his 76-year-old father, David Gilbert, who is among the last surviving people still imprisoned over the botched Brink's robbery north of New York City. Boudin was sworn in as district attorney last year, and ran a progressive campaign in which he said visiting his parents, Kathy Boudin and Gilbert, in prison for decades showed him the criminal justice system was broken. 'As long as I can remember, I've known that the most likely scenario is that my father is going to die in prison,' said Boudin. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin (left) is seeking clemency from New York Gov Andrew Cuomo for his father, former member of a radical militant group David Gilbert (pictured right with his son during a prison visit in 1985) Gilbert and his wife, who were members of the Weather Underground militant group, took part in a botched robbery of this Brink's armored truck in October 1981 in Nanuet, New York As one of many voices lobbying New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, for the release of the Brink's robbers, Chesa Boudin's support for his father's clemency is personal. But the case also revolves around questions of justice the Democrat and former public defender deals with as a district attorney. 'No matter whether my father lives the rest of his life in a cage or whether he's released to spend his few remaining years with family, we can't undo the harm that his crime cost. And we can't bring back the men who were so wrongfully killed that day.' he said in a recent interview. 'At what point is enough enough? I don't know.' Gilbert is serving a 75-year-to-life sentence at the Shawangunk Correctional Facility for the October 20, 1981y, robbery of $1.6million from a Brinks truck at a suburban Rockland County mall. He is eligible for parole in 2056. Veterans of the Weather Underground, a militant group that grew out of the anti-Vietnam War movement, joined with members of the Black Liberation Army in a robbery they considered a justified 'expropriation' to establish a Black nation in the South called the Republic of New Afrika. Victims: Police officers Waverly L. Brown (left) and Edward O'Grady (right) were two of the victims killed in a shootout during the robbery Brink's security guard Peter Paige, a father, was also killed during the heist Gilbert, who was an unarmed getaway driver, was convicted of three counts of felony murder. Pictured: Gilbert is being led from Rockland County Court in New York in November 1981 Brink's guard Peter Paige and two Nyack policemen, Sgt. Edward O'Grady and Officer Waverly Brown, were killed in the holdup and ensuing shootout at a nearby roadblock. Gilbert, an unarmed getaway driver, was charged with robbery and murder since people were killed during the crime. He and two co-defendants cast themselves as freedom fighters and deemed their trial illegitimate. At one court session, Gilbert and co-defendant Judith Clark raised their fists and shouted 'Free the land!' Steve Zeidman, the lawyer and CUNY School of Law professor spearheading the clemency campaign, said Gilbert has a spotless prison record and has helped fellow inmates since running an AIDS education program during that epidemic. Supporters of his release range from fellow inmates to former South African archbishop Desmond Tutu. As COVID-19 spreads through New York's prisons, Zeidman stressed that Gilbert is especially vulnerable as one of the system's oldest and longest-serving inmates. Gilbert is eligible for the vaccine, though his son said he had yet to receive a shot. Pictured (from L to R) are Weather Underground members Judith Clark, David Gilbert and Katherine Boudin, who took part in the robbery Kathy Boudin is pictured second from the right alongside other anti-Vietnam War activists during a press conference in Cuba As a toddler, Chesa Boudin was dropped off at a babysitter before the robbery and was later raised by his parents' Weather Underground compatriots, Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. Growing up, his relationship with his biological parents was defined by phone calls and prison visits. Boudin recalls Gilbert telling elaborate adventure stories on the phone starring the boy and his friends sailing down the Amazon River or in some other exotic locale. Each call would be an episode. Pictures taken at prison visits over the decades show a young boy with tousled hair grow into the bearded lawyer. Boudin studied law at Yale University, later won a Rhodes Scholarship and worked as a translator for Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez before coming to San Francisco. Kathy Boudin avoided a harsher sentence by pleading guilty to a felony murder and was paroled in 2003 after serving 22 years in prison. She sparked a controversy in 2008 when she was named an adjunct professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work, where she is now the co-director and co-founder of the Center for Justice at Columbia University. Chesa Boudin was raised by his parents' fellow Weather Underground members, but he regularly visited Kathy and David in prison (pictured left and right) In this November 2019 photo, Chesa Boudin, second from left, is shown with his now-wife Valerie Block, far left, his father David Gilbert, and mother Kathy Boudin, right at Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, New York During his campaign for district attorney in 2019, Chesa released this video telling his family's extraordinary story 'I can't believe that a murderer can obtain a job at a university as a professor,' Michael Paige, the son of victim Peter Paige, told Fox News in 2013. Clark was granted parole in 2019, three years after Cuomo commuted her sentence, noting her 'exceptional strides in self development.' John Hanchar, O'Grady's nephew, asked why Gilbert's case was worthy of public attention when so many inmates with lesser convictions get none. Hanchar contends Gilbert helped plan a crime that left a lasting hole in the lives of the slain men's families. 'We've moved on with our lives. But fair is fair. If you want to say that this guy spent 40 years in prison and he's going to leave an old man, I don't care if he leaves tomorrow,' Hanchar said. 'But don't tell me that he didn't kill these people.' There's a separate effort to secure the release of former Black Liberation Army leader Mutulu Shakur, the 70-year-old stepfather of slain rapper Tupac Shakur. He is at a federal medical center in Kentucky and has advanced-stage bone marrow cancer. Shakur was convicted of leading a group responsible for a series of armed robberies in New York and Connecticut, including the Brink's heist. Kathy pleaded guilty to felony murder and was released on parole in 2003 after serving 22 years in prison. In 2008, she was named an adjunct professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work. She is pictured on the right in October 2019 speaking at the Radcliffe Institute's 'Radical Commitments: The Life and Legacy of Angela Davis' in Massachusetts Zeidman, who also handled Clark's case, said Gilbert's case 'kicked into high gear' with a clemency filing last year and they have since added supplemental material. Advocates hope Cuomo intervenes as he did with Clark, though clemencies for more serious crimes are rare among the state's 33,000 inmates. The Democrat announced 14 pardons and seven commutations last Christmas Eve, a traditional time for announcements. Zeidman said he has not received a formal decision from Cuomo's administration. Gilbert declined a request to answer questions about his role in the crime and arguments for his release that The Associated Press posed in a letter to him. Zeidman and Boudin describe Gilbert as remorseful and no threat to society. 'This is just a question about how do we balance retribution against other social interests,' Boudin said. Stella Artois has lowered its alcohol strength to 4.6 per cent in a health drive by Belgian brewers. The amount of alcohol in the Belgian lager - for which the slogan 'reassuringly expensive' ran in the UK from 1982 to 2007 - has been reduced from 4.8 per cent due to 'health and wellness trends'. Stella Artois' owners, Budweiser Brewing Group UK and Ireland, lowered the alcoholic content of its canned, draft and gluten-free versions. But the move has left some drinkers furious over its 'bland and insipid' taste, with one Briton even declaring they 'thought they had Covid' in a spate of one-star reviews left for the product on Tesco's website. The amount of alcohol in the Belgian lager, pictured above, has been slightly reduced from 4.8 per cent due to 'health and wellness trends' (file photo) Dorien Nijs, brew-master at the brand's brewery in Leuven, Belgium, said: 'Stella Artois still has the same full flavour and clean crisp taste, confirmed through rigorous testing by consumers, as well as internal and external beer experts across the world, including in Leuven, Belgium, the home of Stella Artois. 'Stella Artois in the UK will still be brewed using the original Stella Artois yeast and celebrated Saaz hops, in Magor, Wales and Samlesbury, Lancashire using British barley. 'We know that taste and quality remain the number one priority for Stella Artois drinkers, and we also recognise an ongoing health and wellness trend through moderation. 'We are proud that we can now deliver the same Stella Artois taste people know and love, with an ABV of 4.6%.' The firm, which started rolling out the change last September, noted that sales of lagers with a 4.6 per cent alcohol content have been the fastest growing in premium and super premium beer in the UK - more than doubling over two years. Sales of low and no-alcohol beers and wine have also seen enormous growth. Alongside Budweiser and Becks, Stella's alcohol volume was also cut in 2012 from 5 per cent to 4.8 per cent as part of a shake-up that saved millions of pounds by offsetting duty hikes and cost increases. Historically, the beers alcohol content saw it linked to aggression and binge drinking, even gaining the unflattering wife beater nickname. The move has left some drinkers furious over its 'bland and insipid' taste, with one Briton even declaring they 'thought they had Covid' in a spate of one-star reviews on Tesco's website Stella Artois: A timeline 1366: Brewing beer becomes an entrenched tradition in Leuven, Belgium. 1466: First valid reference of the Den Hoorn brewery. 1708: Sebastian Artois becomes an apprentice to head brewer Jacob de Bruyn at Den Hoorn. 1717: Sebastian Artois buys the brewery. 1726: Sebastian dies aged 45 and his wife, Barbara Hermans, runs the brewery. Sebastian's son, Adrian, then takes over for 50 years from 1733. 1840: Adrian's child, Jeanne Marie, leaves the Artois family's inheritance to their friend and brewery manager Albert Marnef. 1901: The business NV Brouwerijen Artois is created. 1923: The new 'Den Hoorn' brewery is opened, after the original one was destroyed around a decade earlier during the First World War. 1925: The drink is first brewed under the moniker 'X' and Stella Artois' name is registered for trademark one year later. 1960s: Beverage starts being exported to other European countries. 1993: The brewery in Leuven is opened. Source: Stella Artois Advertisement The description proved so damaging that the brewer hired a PR firm to try improve its online reputation, which included attempts to change its Wikipedia page to remove the phrase. Stella explained the change was in line with its commitment to responsible drinking. It wanted to give people greater choice in how they can moderate alcohol intake without having to sacrifice on the taste. However, in Tesco reviews dating up to February 5, customers slammed Stella for reducing its alcohol volume, leaving the drink with an average of 1.5 stars. One person wrote in December: 'A once great beer of the geezers. Now watered down to 4.6 per cent. 'Won't be buying this anymore, off to find another beer that is at least 5 per cent, or are the English not trusted with that anymore. 'First Becks, now Stella. Scandalous.' Another said: 'Today I cracked open a can of Stella 4.6 per cent and thought I had Covid, since I could not taste anything. 'I then had a bottle of Budweiser Budvar which was spot on. Stella is now bland, insipid and already described as dishwater.' Writing in mid-January, a third raged: 'Shocked they have lowered Stella to 4.6pc now. Tastes rubbish. 'Such a shame, used to be a premium lager, now the only thing premium is the price.' A fourth beer lover wrote: 'Can't believe it is down to 4.6 per cent which is a real joke for a 'premium' lager. 'If you are in store then check the packs as I know some are 4.8 per cent which is slightly better, but still not great.' Leaving a one-star review earlier this month, a drinker wrote: 'It was disappointing when they reduced it from 5.2% to 5%, then down to 4.8%. Was truly surprised to find they've now reduced it down to 4.6%. The firm noted that sales of lagers with a 4.6 per cent alcohol content have been the fastest growing in premium and super premium beer in the UK (file photo) Alongside Budweiser and Becks, Stella's alcohol volume was also cut in 2012 from 5 per cent to 4.8 per cent (file photo) 'Tasteless, even compared to some supermarket brands. Would never have ordered these if I knew they were so watered down.' Another one-star reviewer said they were 'absolutely disgusted' by the beer's reduction in alcohol. On Tesco's website, Stella says: 'Born from 600 years of brewing tradition in the Belgian town of Leuven, achieving the distinctive taste of our Stella Artois lager is by no means simple. 'Only through using expertly balanced malted barley, the finest European Saaz hops, and classic brewing methods can our Stella Artois brewmasters create such a superior golden elixir that simply must be savoured. 'And the best way to do so? The Belgian way, of course: perfectly poured, sipped from a chalice, and enjoyed in the company of friends with a nibble of something delicious.' Director of Health Promotions at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Dacosta Aboagye has cautioned against Ghanaians who are engaging in self-medication when they begin to show signs of the Covid-19. According to him, it has come to the notice of the Ghana Health Service that some Ghanaians are engaging in self-medication when they begin to experience some signs of illness they have no clue what it is. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Dr Dacosta Aboagye entreated Ghanaians to rather go to the hospital or any nearest health facility if they realise that they are not feeling well and suspect it to be Covid-19 than to self-medicate. We have noticed that some Ghanaians are engaging in self-medication. We will plead with them that if they realise that they are not feeling well and they suspect it might be Covid-19, they should rather go to the hospital or the nearest health facility than to self-medicate, he cautioned. He said that self-medication is not a good practice for any Ghanaian to engage in when one is sick as those engaging in it might be entertaining the Covid-19 without knowing it. We are entreating every Ghanaian to abstain from self-medication when they suspect they have symptoms of the Covid-19; we want Ghanaians to take this advice we are giving them seriously, he admonished. He noted with concern that the new variant of the Covid-19 rather attack the youth more and those who did not show any symptom of the first Covid-19 are now showing symptoms of the new variant. In view of this dynamic with the Covid-19, there has been a program to get the youth to involve in the fight against the new variant of the Covid-19; we are doing this program to just encourage the youth to comply with the Covid-19 safety protocols. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/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 We saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by saying yes to the federal government. Should we have said no? No, no, no, federal government, well incur this expense, well put this burden entirely on city of Chicago taxpayers and you can take your money elsewhere. Lightfoot said. That would be foolish and of course we didnt do that. On Tuesday the N.A.A.C.P., on behalf of Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, filed a federal lawsuit against Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani over their involvement with the Jan. 6 insurrection by a violent mob of Trump supporters at the United States Capitol. The lawsuit alleges that by attempting to prevent the certification of the election, Trump and Giuliani violated the 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act, one of several anti-Klan acts passed by Congress from 1870 to 1871. The act reads as follows: If two or more persons in any state or territory conspire to prevent, by force, intimidation, or threat, any person from accepting or holding any office, trust, or place of confidence under the United States, or from discharging any duties thereof; or to induce by like means any officer of the United States to leave any state, district, or place, where his duties as an officer are required to be performed, or to injure him in his person or property on account of his lawful discharge of the duties of his office, or while engaged in the lawful discharge thereof, or to injure his property so as to molest, interrupt, hinder, or impede him in the discharge of his official duties each and every person so offending shall be deemed guilty of a high crime. The statute is clearly appropriate for the suit, but what stood out to me was how similar this period is to the period when the law was adopted. President Joe Biden made a virtual trip to Europe on Friday when he joined his first G7 meeting where British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed him to the world leader club and accused him of stealing one of his slogans. Johnson joked Biden had nicked his 'build back better' soundbite as he hosted an online meeting of the G7, a group of the world's richest nations. Forced to meet virtually due the coronavirus pandemic, the leaders suffered from a microphone malfunction - the kind that has plagued many work places struggling to meet online. Johnson had to ask Germany's Angela Merkel to mute herself at the start. When he began the meeting, the chancellor suddenly interrupted him as he tried to tell the others, including new Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi, that he wanted a face-to-face meeting at the G7 summit in June. 'Can you hear us Angela,' Johnson quipped over the German, chuckling. 'I think you need to mute.' Johnson, this year's chair of the G7, pressed his counterparts in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States to release some of their COVID vaccine supply so poorer nations can receive, a move that would help end the pandemic worldwide. Johnson urged the G7 leaders to work together on 'building back better' from the pandemic. 'Build Back Better' was Biden's 2020 campaign slogan. He went on to claim Biden had used, adding: 'I think he may have nicked it from us but I certainly nicked it from somewhere else - probably some UN disaster relief program.' Biden could be seen laughing on the video call. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the chair of this year's G7 summit, waves a welcome to his fellow leaders of the world's richest nations as he hosts an online meeting Joe Biden joined his first G7 meeting as president; he's seen in the top row, in the middle French President Emmanuel Macron attended the meeting from the Elysee Palace in Paris; he and Boris Johnson are urging their fellow G7 leaders to donate COVID vaccine to poorer nations British PM Boris Johnson had to ask German Chancellor Angela Merkel to mute her mic Both Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron are pushing for vaccine access for the world's poorer countries, especially in Africa, for instance by donating more money to the UN's COVAX program. 'We must respond to this glaring inequality,' Macron said at a meeting with African leaders on Wednesday. On Thursday, White House officials said Biden would pledge $4 billion in US aid to the COVAX program, which aims to ensure a fair supply of coronavirus vaccines around the world. After his G7 meeting, Biden made a forceful denunciation of China and Russia on Friday when he slammed the Kremlin for its attempts to undermine democracy and criticized Beijing for its 'economic abuses.' In his debut on the world stage as president, Biden made it clear that Donald Trump's 'America First' policy is over and that the United States will be a forceful global presence in the years ahead. Speaking to the annual Munich Security Conference, Biden looked back to remarks he made to the group two years ago, as a private citizen. 'I said at that time: We will be back. And I'm a man of my word. America's back. I speak today as President of the United States, at the very start of my administration, and I'm sending a clear message to the world: America is back,' the president said. President Joe Biden made a forceful denunciation of China and Russia in remarks to the Munich Security Conference on Friday In his 10-minute remarks, Biden repudiated his predecessor's policies, vowing a renewed commitment to the NATO alliance and, in a marked change from Trump's tone, tore into Russia for its cyber interference in American elections. 'The Kremlin attacks our democracies,' Biden said. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for trying to weaken Europe and the NATO alliance. 'Putin seeks to weaken European, the European project, and our NATO allies. He wants to undermine the transatlantic unity and our resolve. Because it's so much easier for the Kremlin to bully and threaten individual states,' Biden said. 'That's why, addressing recklessness Russian recklessness and hacking into computer networks in the United States and across Europe and the world has become critical to protecting our collective security,' he added. And he continued the Trump administration's concerns about China even as he couched his words in more diplomatic tones. 'We have to push back against the Chinese government's economic abuses and coercion and undercut the foundations of the international economic system,' he said. He called on Chinese companies to be held to the same corporate and governance 'rules to deter corruption in monopolistic practices' as American and European companies. But he was also careful to call for cooperation and note: 'We cannot and must not return to the reflective opposition and rigid blocks of the Cold War.' In his remarks, President Biden raised concerns about Russian efforts to undermine democracy in the United States and elsewhere - above Russian President Vladimir Putin Biden also raised concerns about China's 'economically abusive' practices that threaten global competition - above Chinese President Xi Jinping His greater message, however, was the return of the United States to the world stage after four years of isolationist policy. 'Let me erase any lingering doubt,' Biden said. 'The United States will work closely with our European Union partners, and the capitals across the continent, from Rome to Riga, to meet the range of shared challenges we face. We continue to support the goal of a Europe whole and free and at peace. The United States is fully committed to our NATO alliance.' He renewed America's commitment to the NATO alliance. 'The United States is fully committed to our NATO alliance,' he said. 'An attack on one is an attack on all. That is our unshakeable vow.' He didn't mention Trump by name but he did acknowledge the change in power. 'I know the past few years have strained and tested our transatlantic relationship. But the United States is determined - determined - to reengage with Europe with you earn back our position of trust and leadership,' he said. Additionally, in his remarks in Munich, Biden noted the United States officially re-entered the Paris Climate Accord on Friday after Trump removed the country from the agreement. 'As of today, the United States is officially once again a party to the Paris agreement which we have put together on Earth Day. I will host a leader summit to help drive a more ambitious actions among the top emitters including domestic climate action here in the United States,' he said. Johnson is scheduled to host an in-person gathering of the leaders in Cornwall in June. Biden plans to attend should the coronavirus pandemic allow it. Britain also will host the UN's next climate summit, COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland, in November. Johnson has invited Biden to attend. In the fall of 2019, a British historian tracked down 98-year-old Berta Berkovich Kohut at her home in San Rafael to record her World War II story. The tale took three days to tell. Kohut was the last among 40 young Jewish women who survived Auschwitz by sewing cocktail dresses, ball gowns and fancy fashions for the wives of Nazi officers. A resilient and optimistic person, Kohut lived through a death camp and a 50-mile death march through the snow, and she was determined to live to see the book Dressmakers of Auschwitz which tells her story and that of the other seamstresses make it into print this fall. But she couldnt survive the coronavirus. She died on Valentines Day of pneumonia and COVID-19, said her son, Tom Areton of San Anselmo. She was 99. She was such a fighter that we were sure she was going to win this battle against COVID, because shed won so many of them in her life, Areton said. Even though she was a slave laborer, she was proud of her seamstress work and proud of her professionalism. After the war, Kohut returned home to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, where she married Leo Kohn Kohut, who had also survived the death camps and went on to become an author. In 1987, they immigrated to the United States to live near their two sons in Marin County. They found a community of Holocaust survivors to socialize with, both at Jewish Family and Children Services in San Rafael and in their modest two-bedroom home on the west side of town. People would come to my mothers house and she would cook lunch for them, Areton said. They were not commiserating or depressed. They were actually upbeat and my mothers cooking of Central European dishes like goulash and creamed spinach was excellent. She would cook, but she would not sew. Only when pressed would she open up and talk about the extermination of 57 out of 62 of her and Leos family members. Three of her siblings, plus her parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, were all either gunned down in the Lublin Ghetto in Poland or gassed at Auschwitz or the Sobibor death camp. In March 1942, the family had gathered at a bar mitzvah for what was to be their last group photo. Three weeks later, the Berkovich sisters were rounded up by the police, herded onto a cattle train and shipped to Auschwitz. My mother dressed nicely, as a tailors daughter would, Areton said. She didnt know she was being sent to Auschwitz to die. She was 21. The Nazis branded her with the number 4245 on her left forearm to indicate she was in the fourth train, of 999 girls each, to enter Auschwitz. What saved Kohut and her younger sister Katarina was the trade theyd been taught by their father, a tailor. The Nazis first sent her to help build roads and crematories. Then she was assigned to sort the clothes of those who had been killed, looking for hidden gold and gems to turn over to the Nazis. It was nearly two years before she and her sister were assigned to the sewing workshop. They worked there until January 1945. As the Red Army closed in, the Auschwitz seamstresses were marched out through the gates and off to another camp. After the war, when they were liberated, the Berkovich sisters rode a train back to Bratislava to find their family members. No one was left. But Berta ran into a boy shed known, Leo Kohn, whod changed his name to Kohut in an effort to avoid detection. They were married in 1947. Kohut wanted to come to America, but her husband convinced her to stay in Czechoslovakia. My father was a young socialist who wanted to help build a society where there will be no discrimination and no poverty, Areton said. By 1954, he was completely disillusioned, but by then they couldnt leave because the whole country was surrounded by 500 volts of electric fence. Leo and Berta both worked in publishing until they finally made it out of Czechoslovakia. Her younger sister, Katarina, immigrated to Israel and continued as a seamstress. Four years ago, Berta Kohut left her San Rafael home to make an emergency flight to visit Katarina, who was terminally ill. She arrived one day too late. That left my mother the very last of her family, Areton said, and the last member of the sewing workshop at Auschwitz. Based on his mothers life story, Areton and his wife, Lilka, in 1980 started Cultural Homestay International, a nationwide nonprofit student exchange program that has served 400,000 foreign students from 114 countries, headquartered in San Rafael. Because my parents suffered from intolerance, we build bridges of friendship and understanding among all the cultures of the world, he said. Leo Kohn Kohut died at age 97 in 2013. Berta Berkovich Kohut was buried Friday in the Kol Shalom (Voice of Peace) section of Mount Tamalpais Cemetery in San Rafael. Next to her grave will be a cenotaph (empty grave) to commemorate the 57 members of the Berkovich and Kohn families who perished in the Holocaust and never got a proper burial. A memorial ceremony will be held in August. Survivors include sons Tom Areton of San Anselmo and Emil Areton of Novato, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Donations may be made to the JFCS Holocaust Center, 2245 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @samwhitingsf Washington: The Biden administration said on Friday (AEDT) it was ready to join talks with Iran and world powers to discuss a return to the 2015 nuclear deal, in a sharp repudiation of former president Donald Trumps maximum pressure campaign that sought to isolate the Islamic Republic. The administration also took two steps at the United Nations aimed at restoring policy to what it was before Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018. The combined actions were immediately criticised by Iran hawks and are likely to draw concern from Israel and Gulf Arab states. US Secretary of State Tony Blinken. Credit:Bloomberg In addition to signalling a willingness to talk with Iran, the administration also reversed Trumps determination that all UN sanctions against Iran had been restored. And, it eased stringent restrictions on the domestic travel of Iranian diplomats posted to the United Nations. The State Department announced the moves following discussions between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British, French and German counterparts, and as Biden prepares to participate, albeit virtually, in his first major international events with world leaders. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received the head of the Russian Lukoil oil and gas company, Vagit Alekperov. The interlocutors exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral partnership in developing oil and gas resources of the Caspian Sea. In this regard, they noted the importance of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on joint exploration, development and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources of the Dostluk (Druzhba) field in the Caspian Sea. According to the President of Turkmenistan, the signing of this historic document was an important event in the development of Turkmen-Azerbaijani cooperation in the field of energy in the Caspian Sea. In addition, according to the head of state, there are new opportunities for joint work and additional incentives for attracting large foreign investments in this region on a long-term basis. In turn, the head of Lukoil stressed that the signing of the historic document between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan on joint development of the field in the Caspian Sea is a new milestone in the development of Turkmenistans oil and gas industry. Noting that Lukoil has extensive experience of operations not only on the Caspian shelf but also the Baltic shelf, Vagit Alekperov thanked the Turkmen leader for his trust and assured him that his company would make every effort to successfully implement this important project. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 Federal investigators have signaled some of the defendants in the attack on the U.S. Capitol could be charged with seditious conspiracy, a law enacted to target those who attacked the federal government during the Reconstruction era. An indictment filed on Jan. 27 charges three of the riot suspects with conspiring to impede Congress' certification of the Electoral College vote for the 2020 presidential election. The filing alleges those three are members of the Oath Keepers, "a loosely organized collection of militia who believe that the federal government has been co-opted by a shadowy conspiracy that is trying to strip Americans of their rights." Friday, prosecutors added six more suspected Oath Keepers as defendants in that conspiracy case. The indictment alleges that one of the suspects, Florida resident Kelly Meggs, 52, wrote Facebook posts referring to a tweet by then-President Donald Trump about the Jan. 6 protest in Washington, D.C. Trump 'wants us to make it WILD': Six more Oath Keepers' associates charged in Capitol riots conspiracy case "Trump said It's gonna be wild!!!!!!! It's gonna be wild!!!!!!! He wants us to make it WILD that's what he's saying," Meggs wrote, according to the indictment. "He called us all to the Capitol and wants us to make it wild!!! Sir Yes Sir!!! Gentlemen we are heading to DC pack your s---!!" Speaking generally on the day after the attack, Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said charging some riot suspects with seditious conspiracy is one option "on the table. But winning a seditious conspiracy case isn't easy. Federal prosecutors have brought few cases to trial since the mid-1950s, and they've had mixed success. In 1995, a New York City jury returned guilty verdicts in a seditious conspiracy case against Egyptian cleric Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman and nine others for plotting to bomb New York City-area landmarks and tunnels. Two groups of Puerto Rican nationalists were convicted of seditious conspiracy in unrelated trials decades apart. Story continues Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier at the U.S. on Jan. 6. But in 1988 an Arkansas jury acquitted white supremacists of seditious conspiracy. Massachusetts jurors reached not guilty verdicts in 1989 against three defendants accused of conspiring against the U.S. government. And a judge granted acquittals in 2012 for members of an armed anti-law enforcement extremist group in Michigan. Laws 'seem tailor-made' for the U.S. Capitol attack Many attorneys say it would be appropriate to charge some of the Capitol rioters with seditious conspiracy or with violating another federal law that criminalizes insurrection and rebellion against the United States. Those laws seem tailor-made to cover the precise course of conduct engaged in by a number of the defendants who either have been or might still be charged in the attack on the Capitol, said Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law expert at Harvard Law School. Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law expert at Harvard Law School, photographed with then-Vice President Joe Biden in 2010, says it would be appropriate to charge some of the Capitol rioters with seditious conspiracy or with violating another federal law that criminalizes insurrection and rebellion against the United States. The federal seditious conspiracy statute can be used to charge two or more people who conspire to "overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States or to levy war against oppose by force the authority thereof or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States. A conviction can carry a 20-year prison sentence. The statute prohibiting rebellion or insurrection carries a 10-year sentence. Most of the 198 people charged as of Friday by federal prosecutors in the District of Columbia have been accused of less serious crimes, such as disorderly conduct. But 17 have been charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, and entering and remaining in a restricted building. Filings in some of those cases note that the attack forced a hasty adjournment of the House and Senate, which were meeting in joint session to formalize Joe Biden's presidential victory over Donald Trump. Others say attackers' actions "did in fact impede and disrupt the orderly conduct of government business and essential functions" language similar to the seditious conspiracy statute. I dont see any reason why it wouldnt be the right charge" for some of the suspects, said Andrew McCarthy, a former assistant U.S. attorney and current National Review columnist who was the lead prosecutor in the Rahman case. Conspirators or people 'along for the ride'? The portion of the seditious conspiracy statute prohibiting an attack on government could apply to many people at the Capitol on Jan. 6, McCarthy said. But it may be tougher to prove a conspiracy. Can you sort out the people who were the conspirators versus those who were just along for the ride? McCarthy asked. Phone calls and electronic communication among the rioters could prove crucial to proving seditious conspiracy. The indictment against the three suspected Oath Keepers says they used social media and messaging apps to recruit a large crowd for the Jan. 6 riot. That day, the suspects communicated via a "Stop the Steal J6" channel on a walkie-talkie app called Zello, the indictment says. Anything that you could establish that shows planning around an attack is potential evidence, McCarthy said. But Ronald Kuby, a civil rights attorney in New York City who was one of Rahmans attorneys, warned that seditious conspiracy charges can be based purely on speech, often political speech, that is constitutionally protected. It should be used in the most judicious way, and perhaps not at all if other criminal statutes could be used, he said. It should be a statute of last resort. Ronald Kuby, a civil rights attorney in New York City who was one of the lawyers for Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman after the Egyptian cleric was accused of plotting to bomb New York City-area landmarks in the 1990s, warned that a charge of seditious conspiracy "should be a statute of last resort. Some people in the crowd on Jan. 6 simply rallied in support of Trump's claims that the election had been stolen. They didn't enter the Capitol, clash with police or try to disrupt Congress. Norm Olson, who co-founded the Michigan Militia in the mid-1990s, said he did not support the assault on the Capitol. (His group was not the one prosecuted for seditious conspiracy in 2012.) But Olson said he believes prosecutors would have a hard time proving seditious conspiracy. I dont know what the government has, but what I saw there was a lot of people getting caught up in the moment, Olson said. I didnt see an organized plot to overthrow the government. Prosecutors have alleged otherwise. A court filing alleges that Thomas Edward Caldwell, one of the indicted Oath Keepers, received a Facebook message during the riot that said lawmakers were "in the tunnels under capital seal them in . Turn on gas. Other court documents show that two suspects charged with conspiracy were seen that day with leaders of the Proud Boys, an extremist group with ties to white nationalism. Tribe said it is difficult for outsiders, even legal experts, to forecast the appropriate charges against riot suspects without knowing the detailed evidence that a thorough Justice Department investigation is likely to uncover. Law used against Puerto Rican nationalists A 1954 seditious conspiracy case against Puerto Rico nationalists also involved an attack on the Capitol. A small group took a train from New York, entered the Capitol, made their way to the House gallery, and opened fire on the floor below. Bullets rained down from German Lugers and other pistols as the suspects called for their homeland's independence, The New York Times reported at the time. The attack wounded five members of Congress. Four defendants Lolita Lebron, Rafael Cancel Miranda, Andres Figueroa Cordero and Irving Flores Rodriguez and 13 others were charged with seditious conspiracy for an alleged plot that included groups in New York City, Chicago and Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican nationalists Irvin Flores Rodriguez, Rafael Cancel Miranda, Lolita Lebron and Andres Figueroa Cordero, all from New York, stand in a police lineup following their arrest on March 1, 1954. The group, under the leadership of Lebron, opened fire from the visitors' gallery onto the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, wounding five congressmen. The indictment alleged the years-long conspiracy included a violent uprising in Puerto Rico, a botched effort to assassinate President Harry Truman, and the Capitol attack. Four defendants pleaded guilty and received suspended sentences. The remaining 13 were convicted, and each was sentenced to six years in prison. After reviewing the case, a federal appeals court ruled that trial evidence had established the scope of the alleged conspiracy and linked it to each of the defendants. Citing a Supreme Court decision, the appeals court rejected arguments that the prosecution had violated defendants First Amendment right to free speech. The appeals court concluded: The record shows that the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico, once a political party, had abandoned hope of achieving Puerto Rican independence through legitimate political processes in favor of overthrowing American authority in that commonwealth by force of arms and by violence. Three decades later, another group of Puerto Rican nationalists were convicted of seditious conspiracy. Alejandrina Torres, Edwin Cortes, Alberto Rodriguez, and Jose Luis Rodriguez were members of FALN, a Spanish acronym for the Armed Forces of National Liberation, federal prosecutors alleged. They were found guilty of plotting Fourth of July bombings of a Marine training center and an Army Reserve center in Chicago in 1983. The bombings weren't carried out. Jose Luis Rodriguez, the only defendant represented by an attorney, received a suspended sentence. His co-defendants, who represented themselves at trial, each got a 35-year prison term. Free speech defense? Free speech issues played a pivotal role in the 2010 seditious conspiracy prosecution of nine Hutaree Militia members in Michigan. Prosecutors said the group advocated "violence against local, state, and federal law enforcement. The indictment charged that the suspects discussed attacks on law enforcement agencies, including killing a law enforcement officer after a traffic stop, killing an officer and his or her family in their home, and luring an officer with a false 911 call as a prelude to murder. These acts would intimidate and demoralize law enforcement, diminishing their ranks and rendering them ineffective, the indictment charged. Part of the case relied on testimony by Stephen Haug, an FBI agent who had secretly embedded in the Hutaree group. He testified about a suspected conspiracy to attack police officers and use bombs and other weapons of mass destruction. Federal prosecutors said the case was not focused on freedom of speech or association but rather on the planned attacks. However, U.S. District Court Judge Victoria Roberts noted that much of the trial evidence focused on speeches. Defendant David Brian Stone Sr. frequently made statements describing law enforcement as the enemy, discussing the killing of police officers, and the need to go to war, the judge wrote. Roberts concluded those statements weren't enough to support the conspiracy charge. While the Government presented evidence of vile and often hateful speech, and may have even shown that certain defendants conspired to commit some crime perhaps to murder local law enforcement offensive speech and a conspiracy to do something other than forcibly resist a positive show of authority by the Federal Government is not enough to sustain a charge of seditious conspiracy, Roberts wrote. The judge granted acquittal petitions submitted by defense lawyers without requiring them to present the rest of their case. Egyptian-born Islamic cleric Omar Abdel Rahman was convicted in a seditious conspiracy case and sentenced in to life in prison in 1995 for conspiring to blow up landmarks in New York, including the World Trade Center. He died in federal prison. Plot to bomb New York City landmarks The trial of Rahman and his co-defendants involved foreign terrorism, not domestic. Prosecutors said the suspects planned attacks but didn't charge them with carrying out any bombings. Yet the trial, conducted amid fresh memories of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center that killed six and injured more than 1,000, ended with convictions on nearly all counts, including seditious conspiracy. Rahman, known in the U.S. as the Blind Sheik, railed in sermons against the totalitarian government of his native Egypt. In one exhortation, prosecutors alleged Rahman urged followers to do jihad with the sword, with the cannon, with the grenades, with the missile against Gods enemies. The cleric called for the U.S. to end its support of Egypt and Israel. McCarthy said he and other prosecutors turned to the seditious conspiracy law in part because few federal criminal statutes at the time applied to foreign terrorism and carried long prison sentences. The trial represented the largest U.S. terrorism case at the time. Prosecutors said the group plotted to blow up the United Nations headquarters in New York City and other landmarks in pursuit of their cause. Because the group never carried out its attacks, the prosecution relied in part on testimony about the alleged plotting provided by Emad Salem, an FBI informant and former Egyptian army officer who had ingratiated himself with Rahmans followers. A jury returned guilty verdicts on all but two of the 50 charges. Rahman was sentenced to life in prison. The cleric, who coped with diabetes and other ailments along with blindness, died in prison in 2017. White supremacists acquitted In 1987 federal prosecutors filed a seditious conspiracy case in Arkansas against 14 suspects with alleged linked to a neo-Nazi group known as the Aryan Brotherhood and another far-right group called The Order, an organization that had declared war against the U.S. government. Among the defendants were Louis Beam, a former head of the Texas Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, and Aryan Nations leader Richard Butler. The suspects wanted to establish an all-white nation in the Pacific Northwest, prosecutors alleged. Along with an alleged conspiracy to topple the U.S. government, charges against the group included plotting to kill government officials and interstate transport of stolen money. In part, prosecutors built their case on evidence from James Ellison, a convicted racketeer and former leader of an Arkansas paramilitary group called The Covenant, the Sword and the Arm of the Lord. Defense lawyers argued that Ellison concocted the conspiracy allegations. Criticizing the prosecution, supporters of the defendants argued the trial was an anti-free speech case. Beam called it "the McCarthyism of the '80s," a reference to federal investigations of suspected Communists decades earlier. An all-white jury acquitted the defendants in April 1988. Thomas Robb, a trial spectator identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as the head of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, derided the prosecution after the verdict. "The government was going to send a message to the movement," he said, according to The Washington Post. "The movement sent a message to the government. The message was the same one God told Pharaoh, 'Let my people go.'" This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitol riot: Did conspirators try to overthrow the U.S. government? SBC seminary helps Dwight McKissic after home suffers damage in Texas winter storm Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Despite his criticism of the Southern Baptist Conventions Council of Seminary Presidents statement on critical race theory, outspoken SBC Pastor Dwight McKissic was blessed by one of the council's six members after water damaged his Texas home amid wild winter weather this week. The help came in the wake of McKissic's recent decision to end his longtime relationship with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention after leaders adopted a strongly worded, anti-CRT policy that denounces all aspects of critical race theory. The disagreement also prompted McKissic to declare that he was even willing to cut ties with the SBC as well if the denomination's leaders rescind Resolution 9 on critical race theory that messengers passed in 2019. None of that mattered on Thursday, however, when Adam W. Greenway, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminaryrevealed on Twitter that he offered his support to McKissic after learning of his predicament. Many families in the Metroplex and across Texas are dealing with home issues including pipes bursting and flooding their homes, rendering them uninhabitable. One of those affected is @pastordmack. Just spoke with @vmckissic1 and offered our support and our prayers. Pray for them, Greenway noted. McKissic, who founded and leads Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, later revealed that Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary accommodated him and his family at the Riley Center. The Riley Center is a facility on the 207-acre campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary that features 55 luxury guest rooms and suites just minutes from downtown Fort Worth. Bad news: Major water damage, house/guest house, uninhabitable. Good news: Was given keys to incredible accommodations at the Riley Center/SWBTS for as long as I need to stay, no charge! I love it when the church acts like the church & we behave as a family. Joy unspeakable! Thx, McKissic tweeted hours after Greenways announcement. Many Texas residents were forced to flee their homes this week as millions were left without power and water for days after a historic winter storm hit the state. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo called the storm the winter version of Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas as a Category 4 storm on Aug. 25, 2017, killing at least 68 people and causing about $125 billion in damage. More than 4 million households in Texas were left without power this week after the Texas power grid suffered major disruptions. By Thursday evening, all but 347,000 were still without power, The New York Times reported, but water concerns remained. A spokeswoman for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality told the publication that about 13.1 million people had been affected by disruptions of more than 800 public water systems. Many have been issued notices to boil water to make it safe to drink, while some homes have no water at all. At McKissics Cornerstone Church, members handed out packages of bottled water to community members in need Friday despite facing challenging times of their own. We have been blessed and honored to partner with the city of Arlington, a church official said in a video statement on Facebook, explaining how they can help people avoid having to boil water to have a drink of it. A lot of our members have been out of power and water and just gas. Its been horrible, but were still alive, the official said. Its bad, and I know its bad because we didnt have water at my house. But let me tell you what I had to stop and think there were some people that didnt have water for weeks. There are people who had to get water out of a lake, a pond, a river that animals were defecating in. The Biden administration said Thursday its ready to join talks with Iran and world powers to discuss a return to the 2015 nuclear deal. Its also reversed the Trump administrations determination that all U.N. sanctions against Iran had been restored and eased stringent restrictions on the domestic U.S. travel of Iranian diplomats posted to the United Nations. The State Department said the U.S. would accept an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting of the participants in the original agreement. The U.S. has not participated in a meeting of those participants since former President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018. The United States would accept an invitation from the European Union High Representative to attend a meeting of the P5+1 and Iran to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Irans nuclear program, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. Such an invitation has not yet been issued but one is expected shortly, following discussions earlier Thursday between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British, French and German counterparts. Meanwhile, at the United Nations, the administration notified the Security Council that it had withdrawn Trumps September 2020 invocation of the so-called snapback mechanism under which it maintained that all U.N sanctions against Iran had been re-imposed. That determination had been vigorously disputed by nearly all other U.N. members and had left the U.S. isolated at the world body. In another move, officials said the administration has eased extremely strict limits on the travel of Iranian diplomats accredited to the United Nations. The Trump administration had imposed the severe restrictions, which essentially confined them to their U.N. mission and the U.N. headquarters building in New York. Earlier Thursday, Blinken and the foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France urged Iran to allow continued United Nations nuclear inspections and stop nuclear activities that have no credible civilian use. They warned that Irans actions could threaten delicate efforts to bring the U.S. back into the 2015 deal and end sanctions damaging Irans economy. Iran is playing with fire, said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who took part in the talks Thursday in Paris with his British and French counterparts. Blinken had joined via videoconference. Iran has said it will stop part of International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of its nuclear facilities next week if the West doesnt implement its own commitments under the 2015 deal. The accord has been unraveling since Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement. Blinken reiterated that if Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments the United States will do the same, according to a joint statement after Thursdays meeting that reflected closer trans-Atlantic positions on Iran since President Joe Biden took office. The diplomats noted the dangerous nature of a decision to limit IAEA access, and urge Iran to consider the consequences of such grave action, particularly at this time of renewed diplomatic opportunity. They said Irans decision to produce uranium enriched up to 20 percent and uranium metal has no credible civilian use. The 2015 accord is aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran denies it is seeking such an arsenal. Irans threats are very worrying, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, stressing the need to re-engage diplomatically in order to restrain Iran, but also bring it back into compliance. The diplomats also expressed concern about human rights violations in Iran and its ballistic missile program. In Iran, President Hassan Rouhani expressed hope Thursday that the Biden administration will rejoin the accord and lift the U.S. sanctions that Washington re-imposed under Trump, according to state television. Tehran has been using its violations of the nuclear deal to put pressure on the remaining signatories France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China to provide more incentives to Iran to offset the sanctions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the president of the European Council spoke with Rouhani this week to try to end the diplomatic standoff. The head of the IAEA is scheduled to travel to Iran this weekend to find a solution that allows the agency to continue inspections. Patrick Clark of Realty Trust Urban closed the deal on an upgraded contemporary condo in Portlands North Waterfront for $1.75 million on Feb. 9, five days after an offer was accepted at almost asking price but 114 days after the elevated home had been put up for sale. Four years earlier, he sold the same condo on the seventh floor of the Pacifica tower for $1.35 million. The owners upgraded the aesthetics, hired Pedini PDX to install white lacquer cabinets and PentalQuartz counters in the open kitchen, where there once was granite, and created what Clark calls a penthouse-quality home that was originally built in 2008. At a time in which fewer people want to live in Portlands denser urban core, the value of this home rose $400,000. There were four parties circling, and all were drawn to modern design, top-of-the-line materials and the thoughtful space planning, in addition to the existing location and unobstructed views of the Willamette River, Mount Hood and the city, says Clark. Three of the parties were locals, but the buyer of 1830 N.W. Riverscape St. #705 was a client of Clarks who lives in Los Angeles and wanted a Portland condo, and thought, now was a great time to buy, says Clark. The asking price was $1,785,000, $35,000 more than the sale price. Homeowners association dues are $1,486 a month. Closing in five days was accomplished with a buyer paying cash, a fast inspection, the homeowners association quickly providing documents, and escrow closing documents ready to be signed in four days, says Clark. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic and before, Portland has been a tale of two residential real estate markets: Well-priced, single-family homes are selling fast sometimes a bidding war breaks out regardless of the location and condition while sales of turnkey condominiums with concierge services and killer views have stalled, according to real estate data. The inventory of Portland metro homes for sale last month was down to one month, offering few choices to potential buyers, according to the latest Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) report. In contrast, the condo inventory is at six months of supply after a high of 10 months last September. A market is considered balanced between buyers and sellers when there is four to six months of inventory. As it relates to the condo market, 2020 was a very tough year for the urban core, says Clark, who sees optimistic signs. For the first time in a year, pricing through January is positive versus months of decline in 2020, he says. This graph shows the number of active and closed condos in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area.RMLS Although the fundamentals of living in a condominium in the city are the same single-level living and the simplicity of a second home in a nice climate or near grandchildren most buyers in a COVID-19-vulnerable age group, over 65, are staying in their house with a yard rather than downsizing to a condo, say real estate experts. The average time Portland metro residential properties were for sale last month before receiving an acceptable offer was 44 days, which is 40.4% less than January 2020, according to RMLS. I expect a much better 2021 for the condo market due to the very competitive single family housing market, says Clark. Moreover, with the mass distribution of a COVID vaccine, living urban will once again become both safer and more desirable. Remodeling Pays Off The remodeled condo at 1830 N.W. Riverscape St. #705 has 2,667 square feet of living space and almost 500 square feet of exterior deck space. Throughout the newly painted condo are designer light fixtures, hardwood floors, new door hardware and outlets, some with smart switches. Oak dividers define entrances off of the entrance hall to the space with a modern fireplace surround as well as to the master suite. The kitchen has new cabinets with inserts and drawer organizers, quartz-like counters and backsplash, and Miele appliances, including a speed oven, steam oven, induction cooktop, hood, 30-inch refrigerator, 18-inch freezer, dishwasher and built-in coffee system. In the pantry is a Sub-Zero multi-zone wine fridge. The master bedroom was redesigned, with some walls and doors removed, and oak wood closet systems were installed along with a closet island. The two full bathrooms and the powder room have new cabinets, counters, faucets, sinks and light fixtures. The master bathroom also has high-end marble tile, towel cabinets, a new tub, toilet with a seat warmer, large mirrors and LED lighting systems with sensors. Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072 jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman Want to search Oregon real estate listings and use local resources? Click here. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) Should President Rodrigo Duterte approve the trials of face-to-face classes, they may only be conducted for a few hours, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Friday. The pilot tests could just be held for an hour up to three hours once a week, Roque said, adding that participating students will still be learning from home on other days. "Hindi naman sinabi na palibhasa face-to-face, 'yan po ay eight hours, five days a week," Roque said in a televised briefing. [Translation: We are not saying that just because there are face-to-face classes, they will already be held for eight hours, five days a week.] "Pupwede naman one hour per week, 3 hours per week, basta meron lang pong kombinasyon ng module, ng computer-aided," he added. [Translation: The classes can only be conducted for an hour or up to three hours per week. The face-to-face classes will still be in combination with modules and computer-aided classes] On Dec. 14 last year, the President approved the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in January for DepEd schools in areas identified as low risk for COVID-19, but he recalled the order after more than a week, citing the threat of the faster-spreading coronavirus variant first discovered in the United Kingdom. Roque said that since there appears to be no community transmission of the B.1.1.7 variant in the country yet, the Inter-Agency Task Force would again start discussing the possible resumption of in-person classes during their meeting next Monday. The Department of Health said last week while there is local transmission of the B.1.1.7 variant in Bontoc, Mountain Province, there is still insufficient proof to declare a community transmission of it. Local transmission means those infected can still identify how they may have gotten the virus. Community transmission means the source of infection can no longer be traced. Basic education classes resumed in October under blended learning which involves a mix of internet-based sessions, radio and TV broadcasts, and printed self-learning modules. Classes in other levels are also mostly held online. Last year, Duterte banned face-to-face classes until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. But he has since allowed limited face-to-face classes in medical and allied health programs in higher education institutions, face-to-face trainings and assessments of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other technical vocational institutions, and face-to-face medical internship at the Philippine General Hospital. The arrival of the initial vaccine shipment is expected this first quarter of the year. South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg (R) was charged on Thursday with three misdemeanors for hitting and killing a man with his car last September. The victim was 55-year-old Joseph Boever. Ravnsborg was charged with careless driving, driving out of his lane, and operating a motor vehicle while on his phone. He faces up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 for each charge. Hyde County Deputy State's Attorney Emily Sovell said Ravnsborg was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and to charge him with manslaughter, the state would have had to show he "consciously and unjustifiably" disregarded a substantial risk, The Associated Press reports. "At best, his conduct was negligent, which is insufficient to bring criminal charges in South Dakota," Beadle County State's Attorney Michael Moore said. The incident occurred near Highmore on the night of Sept. 12, as Ravnsborg drove home to Pierre from a Republican fundraiser. He initially told law enforcement he thought he hit a large animal, and didn't know he struck a person until he returned to the scene the next day. Investigators said Ravnsborg was distracted and drove into the shoulder of the highway, where Boever was walking. Relatives and friends of Boever are upset that Ravnsborg was able to avoid more serious felony charges, and question why it took so long to finally charge him. "I was afraid the charge would be something on the order of crossing the white line," Nick Nemec, Boever's cousin, told AP. "And that's exactly what the charge was." In a statement, Ravnsborg said he can't imagine the "pain and loss" Boever's family is feeling, and appreciates "that the presumption of innocence placed within our legal system continues to work." More stories from theweek.com 5 outrageously funny cartoons about Ted Cruz's Cancun getaway The boom in 'green' energy American politicians hide behind the palace walls 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. (JNS) If any one thing has united Jews throughout the ages, it is anti-Semitism. Yet in this era of increased polarization and division, it seems that we cannot even agree anymore on what that constitutes. The 500-word International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition agreed upon by the State Department has been adopted by dozens of nations, organizations and universities. Despite the obvious need for such a document as a useful tool and its widespread acceptance, a number of Jewish groups recently came out with a statement opposing its adoption. Because of their objection to t... 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. RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy took steps to prepare for another major restoration effort, as a second winter storm within the week brought ice and freezing rain to parts of Virginia. Inclement weather began impacting parts of Virginia early Thursday, creating a number of outages throughout the day. Crews will continue to work as safely and quickly as possible to respond to outages. Dominion Energy was closely monitoring the weather throughout the day, tracking ice accumulations across many parts of Virginia, including Southside, the Richmond area, the Piedmont Valley, and parts of Northern Virginia. As of 6 p.m., 1,200 customers were without power. With inclement weather forecast to continue through Thursday evening and into Friday morning, the company has staged crews and supplies across its service area, focusing on areas projected to be hardest hit. Dominion Energy augmented staff with line workers from neighboring utilities in 19 states, Washington D.C., and Canada. Crews are geared up and ready to respond as quickly and safely as possible. Amid the preparations, the company urged customers to monitor the weather and not let their guard down. Learn about how customers can prepare. "We know power outages cause major disruptions for our customers," said Charlene Whitfield, senior vice president of Power Delivery for Dominion Energy. "Unfortunately, this storm has the potential to be as damaging as the last; we urge customers to prepare in case they lose power for several days. We appreciate our customers' patience, and we will continue to work relentlessly to restore service to all customers who lose power." Ice storms, like the one hitting Virginia now, can cause significant damage and present challenging working conditions. Ice slows the power restoration process, creating dangerous travel conditions and making some areas nearly impossible to access. The weight of ice causes trees and tree limbs to fall, which also leads to outages and hazardous working conditions. In such conditions, crews must work cautiously to protect customers and themselves. To ensure the fastest response, Dominion Energy asks customers to report power outages. Customers can report or track an outage by using the Dominion Energy app or going online at DominionEnergy.com. Customers may also call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357). Here's how customers can stay safe: Beware of downed power lines and remember that they could be covered by snow and tree debris. Assume they are energized and dangerous. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others also avoid the downed line. Virginia and North Carolina customers should call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) right away to report a downed power line. and remember that they could be covered by snow and tree debris. Assume they are energized and dangerous. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others also avoid the downed line. and customers should call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) right away to report a downed power line. Ensure generators are properly connected. Be sure they are fueled, tested and connected in a well-ventilated area outdoors. Improper use of a generator could be life-threatening for customers and crews working to restore power. For photos and video, visit our website: Multimedia | Dominion Energy About Dominion Energy More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more. SOURCE Dominion Energy Related Links http://www.dominionenergy.com The outside of Stroppel Hotel and Mineral Baths located in Midland, South Dakota on Feb. 10, 2020. (Screenshot/NTD) South Dakota Hotel Owners Describe Effects of Keystone XL Cancellation This is part three of a series exploring the effects of President Joe Bidens cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. MIDLAND, S.D.My husband just called me he just got fired, said Laurie Cox, her voice trembling ever so slightly as she put on a brave smile. But it was impossible to ignore her now-crestfallen demeanor. Cox is the owner of a hotel in Midland, South Dakota, a quaint town with a population of about 100. She had just finished talking about how business was booming late last year, when she had befriended people working on the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Workers would return from their shifts from a handful of nearby pump stations to unwind at the hotel since it was just a short drive away. Cox recalls having dinner together with the workers and lively chats night after night; many of them became close with her pet doga cute canine named Heidi. Her husband, Wallace Cox Jr., was an industrial mechanic who had been setting pumps in Minnesota before he was laid off on Feb. 10. He was also scheduled to work on the Keystone XL pipelinespecifically on pumps in Montana this coming summer. The hotels picturesque scene crumbled almost instantly after President Joe Biden shut down the pipeline on Jan. 20 through an executive order. The cancellation was among one of his first moves as president. The workers staying here all came to me and said, Well, thats itwere done, were going home,' Laurie told The Epoch Times, as she described the scene following the news. As he was signing that executive order, they were getting the layoffs. Laurie Cox, owner of the Stroppel Hotel and Mineral Baths, sits for an interview in Midland, S.D., on Feb. 10, 2020. (Screenshot/NTD) My heart sank, she added. I tried to hold back everything because theyre packing up. They have to go face their families, start their lives all over again, get back onto the out-of-work list, and try to figure out their next assignment. By the time most of the workers had left the hotel, Laurie had really started thinking about the full effects of the pipeline shutdown. She didnt just lose the workers staying at her hotel, but also those who would have stayed in the future. She tried to choke back the tears as her hotel slowly became emptier and emptier. It felt like it was the death of a family, she said. These workers really became part of the community that we have, not just here in Midland, but in Philip, Murdo, Kadoka. Were far and few between here. Even the dog Heidi would sit here and wait for them she knew what time it was when they would come back to the hotel, she added. She would walk them up to their rooms, or she would sit and have dinner with them. Their hotel, The Stroppel Hotel and Mineral Baths, sits roughly in the middle of four Keystone work sites in the area. The executive order affected several other communities and towns within a 45-mile area. Wallace, who is a member of a carpenters union, traveled back to Midland from Minnesota soon after he was fired, in order to help with the hotel business. Laurie Cox, owner of the Stroppel Hotel and Mineral Baths, with her dog Heidi in Midland, S.D., on Feb. 10, 2020. (Screenshot/NTD) He told The Epoch Times he was let go due to uncertainties of upcoming political policies. As soon as he heard that Biden had signed the order to shutdown the Keystone XL pipeline, his first thought was, I knew it! Then came a rush of phone calls from his buddies at the union wondering if anyone knew of any work opportunities as they discussed what to do next. For my family, I needed to figure how to change gears and what our future holds, he said. My work is focused on refineries, power plants, hydro-dams, and paper millsall appear to be on Bidens chopping block. There are limited opportunities in small rural towns such as Midland, Wallace said, as he described the pipeline project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for extra revenue for all our businesses to accumulate for the future. When asked if he had any message for the Biden administration, he said he wanted to tell the president to reconsider his course on the American oil and gas industry. The Keystone XL pipeline was a massive project that was expected to generate $3.4 billion in U.S. GDP growth, including millions in state and local tax revenue, according to the U.S. Chamber Global Energy Institute. The pipeline would have generated millions of dollars of economic opportunity for South Dakotans. Laurie estimates that counting all the different kinds of trades involved, there were at least 100 workers at each pump station. Anyone who had rental homes along the route, or who owned hotels were pretty much full because of the influx of workers. Miles of unused pipe for the proposed Keystone XL pipeline sit in a lot outside Gascoyne, N.D., on Oct. 14, 2014. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images) A drawing framed inside the Stroppel Hotel and Mineral Baths located in Midland, S.D., on Feb. 10, 2020. (Screenshot/NTD) One worker who had been staying at their hotel told Laurie he was going to Sioux Falls to find work; the city is more than a three-hour drive from Midland. Most of the laid-off workers will likely reach out to their unions and ask to be added to an out-of-work list. Imagine how lengthy those out-of-work lists are now, Laurie said. Regardless of whether you were against or for the pipeline, people have to acknowledge the void in these communities now, she said. It had been more than three weeks since the workers left the area when Laurie spoke to The Epoch Times. She said shes anxious about the future, recalling fondly what the hotel had been like just a month earlier. To me, it was the perfect energy that this hotel was meant to be, where people felt like it was that home away from homeand thats what I always wanted it to be, she said. It wasnt just the hotel room that they had to go back into after work, but more of a Here we are together out on this project and we can sit and rest.' VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 19, 2021 / Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXV:CCE)(FSE:D7H0)(OTCQX:CMRZF) (the "Company" or "Commerce") is pleased to announce that the Company has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Commerce Resources Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market. Commerce Resources Corp. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "CMRZF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com. Commerce Resources Corp. President Chris Grove states "It is our pleasure to trade on the OTCQX Best Market once again. We have many shareholders in the United States, and we look forward to better serving them and to be more visible to new American investors who are interested in the rare earth elements and the rare metals we have been working on for years now. We are at an extremely exciting time with more positive global market fundamentals than we have ever seen before, and with the ability to deliver on our current development programs." Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Burns Figa & Will PC acted as the company's OTCQX sponsor. About OTC Markets Group Inc. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com. OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are SEC regulated ATSs, operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. About Commerce Resources Corp. Commerce Resources Corp. is a junior mineral resource company focused on the development of the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit located in Quebec, Canada. The Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth producers globally, with a specific focus on being a long-term supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide to the global market. The Ashram Deposit is characterized by simple rare earth (monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime) and gangue (carbonates) mineralogy, a large tonnage resource at favourable grade, and has demonstrated the production of high-grade (>45% REO) mineral concentrates at high recovery (>70%) in line with active global producers. In addition to being one of the largest rare earth deposits globally, Ashram is also one of the largest fluorspar deposits globally and has the potential to be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets. The company also owns outright the Blue River tantalum & niobium deposit in British Columbia. For more information, please visit the corporate website at www.commerceresources.com or email info@commerceresources.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors COMMERCE RESOURCES CORP. "Chris Grove" Chris Grove President and Director Tel: 604.484.2700 Email: cgrove@commerceresources.com Web: http://www.commerceresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Commerce Resources Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630651/Commerce-Resources-Corp-Announces-Resumption-of-Trading-Today-on-the-OTCQX-under-the-Symbol-CMRZF Elijah Wood has spoken candidly about the moment he and his Lord Of The Rings co-stars Orlando Bloom and Sean Bean witnessed the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The actor, 40, detailed the 'surreal and scary' experience in an interview with Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe in Empire Magazine's latest issue on Friday. Looking back, Elijah explained that he and his fellow actors were on a plane to Los Angeles when they saw one of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers on fire, and their captain informed them they had been asked to land in light of the incident. Shocking: Elijah Wood spoke candidly about the 'surreal and scary' moment he and his Lord Of The Rings co-stars Orlando Bloom and Sean Bean witnessed 9/11 in an interview on Friday Detailing how he, Orlando and Sean were flying from Newark Airport to Los Angeles after a concert, Elijah said: 'The planes hit the buildings while we were in the air. We looked out the window and could see that one of the buildings was on fire. 'Then there was an announcement from the pilot that the planes had been taken over by terrorists and that the [Federal Aviation Administration] had asked all planes to land. 'We landed in Cincinnati, where I stayed for about a week before we could take a flight again. So, yeah, I directly experienced it. It was super surreal and scary.' Terrifying: Looking back, Elijah explained they were on a plane to Los Angeles when they saw one of the Twin Towers on fire (pictured with Sean Astin, Dominic Monoghan and Billy Boyd) Experience: Elijah said, 'We landed in Cincinnati, where I stayed for about a week before we could take a flight again. So, yeah, I directly experienced it. It was super surreal and scary' Elijah, Orlando and Sean met on the set of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, which they filmed from October 1999 to September 2000, with the cast doing pick-up shoots together from 2001 to 2003. The adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy began with The Fellowship Of The Ring in 2001, and was followed by The Two Towers in 2002, and The Return Of The King in 2003. The Return Of The King tied with Titanic and Ben-Hur for wins at the Academy Awards after it received eleven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Iconic: Elijah, Orlando and Sean met on the set of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy (pictured with Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando, Sean, Sean, Dominic and Billy) The film's cast reunited in May last year for a Zoom call chat for Josh Gad's Reunited Apart YouTube series, which saw them discuss their hit trilogy in detail. Orlando, Elijah, Sean, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Sir Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Liv Tyler, Andy Serkis, Miranda Otto, Karl Urban, Phillipa Boyens, and director Peter Jackson all took part. While he couldn't be there in person to talk with his fellow co-stars, the late Sir Ian Holm did send in a message wishing them well which Josh read after their chat. Back together: In May last year The Lord Of The Rings cast reunited on a Zoom call chat for Josh Gad's Reunited Apart YouTube series, earlier this month In a sweet greeting, he said: 'Dearest friends from the ring, I am sorry that I cannot see you in person. 'I miss you all and hope your adventures are taking you to many places, i am in lockdown in my hobbit home, or holm, with all my love, Ian Holm.' In June, Sir Ian passed away 'peacefully' in hospital surrounded by his family and carer following his battle with Parkinsons, his agent revealed at the time. The United States on Thursday officially returned to the Paris climate accord, with President Joe Biden's administration vowing to make the environmental battle a top priority Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :The United States on Thursday officially returned to the Paris climate accord, with President Joe Biden's administration vowing to make the environmental battle a top priority. Exactly one month after Biden took office and immediately moved to rejoin, the world's largest economy and second largest carbon emitter, was formally back in the 2015 accord aimed at confronting the planet's dangerously rising temperatures. The re-entry of the United States means that the Paris accord again includes virtually every country after Biden's predecessor Donald Trump made the United States the sole outlier. "Climate change and science diplomacy can never again be 'add-ons' in our foreign policy discussions," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement saluting the return of the United States. "Addressing the real threats from climate change and listening to our scientists is at the center of our domestic and foreign policy priorities. It is vital in our discussions of national security, migration international health efforts, and in our economic diplomacy and trade talks."While praising the Paris accord, negotiated by former president Barack Obama, Blinken said that upcoming climate diplomacy will be crucial. Biden plans an April 22 climate summit to coincide with Earth Day and John Kerry, the former secretary of state and now US climate envoy, has called for the world to raise ambitions during UN climate talks in Glasgow in November. China has released a video which reportedly shows its border clash with Indian troops last June after Beijing admitted that four of its soldiers were killed in the fatal high-mountain fight. The footage, aired by Beijing's state broadcaster CCTV, is said to capture the bloody hand-to-hand combat between Chinese and Indian forces at the Galwan River valley, which also resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian servicemen. The official channel claimed the clip showed an Indian army 'several times the size of the Chinese side' launching a violent revenge attack after a Chinese commander had tried to solve the two nations' border disputes through peaceful talks. China's state broadcaster CCTV has released a video which it claimed showed Chinese troops' hand-to-hand border clash with Indian forces last June, which left four of its soldiers killed The official channel claimed that the clip showed an Indian army 'several times the size of the Chinese side' launching a violent revenge attack after China attempted talk to them peacefully The battle took place after 'the foreign military openly violated the consensus reached with us and blatantly crossed the line to provoke [us],' according to the report broadcast by CCTV's military channel. Chinese military revealed on Friday that four of its soldiers were killed in a border clash, the first time Beijing has publicly conceded its side suffered casualties in the deadliest incident between the Asian neighbours in nearly 45 years. The announcement, coming more than six months after the bloody hand-to-hand fighting, should help global audiences 'understand the truth and the right and wrong of the incident,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. Yet the delay also appeared to reflect China's deep culture of military secrecy, as well as concerns over the potential domestic and international fallout from the bloodshed. Immediately after the clash atop a high ridge on June 2020 in the Ladakh region's Karakoram Mountains, India announced it had lost 20 of its soldiers in the battle that saw fists, clubs, stones and other improvised weapons used to avoid a firefight. The battle took place after 'the foreign military openly violated the consensus reached with us and blatantly crossed the line to provoke [us],' according to the military channel of CCTV The footage reportedly showed Qi Fabao (central), a regimental commander, trying to solve the two nations' border disputes through peaceful talks before the bloody brawl broke out The Indians claimed that after their men were savaged with nail-studded clubs, the Chinese People's Liberation Army mutilated their corpses. No bullets were fired as per a peace treaty which bars firearms within 2km of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the line drawn down the 17,000ft valley after India's defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. China was believed to have also suffered casualties but did not provide any details, saying it didn't want to further inflame tensions. The announcement that it did indeed lose soldiers comes now that the two sides are engaged in a phased pullback from their original positions following multiple rounds of negotiations. The People's Liberation Army Daily newspaper said Friday that the four killed were named as official state martyrs and awarded other posthumous honors. It said the title of 'border-defending hero' was conferred on Battalion Commander Chen Hongjun, while Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran received first-class merit awards. It attributed their deaths to fighting in 'a clash with trespassing foreign military personnel,' without mentioning India directly. Qi Fabao, a regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command who was wounded in the clash, was awarded the title of 'Hero regimental commander for defending the border.' India announced it had lost 20 of its soldiers in the June battle. This undated handout photo released by the Indian Army on February 16 shows Chinese soldiers and tanks during military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the India-China border in Ladakh In this photograph provided by the Indian Army, army officers of India and China hold a meeting at Pangong lake region in Ladakh on the India-China border on February 10 China's state broadcaster CCTV shared a 2015 interview with Qi on Friday. In the video, the weeping commander recalled taking care of a wounded soldier. Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of state newspaper The Global Times, also posted a video purporting to show Qi confronting an Indian soldier. In the undated clip, a man said to be Qi shouting at his enemy: 'If you don't want to fight, then get out of here'. It is unclear if the argument led to the fatal combat last June. 'Regimental commander Qi Fabao roared on the far-flung country borderline. I think as long as the country needs, a man should live like (Qi and the others) and die like them,' Hu wrote on his account on Twitter-like Weibo. In this file photo taken on July 4, 2020, Indian soldiers drive vehicles along mountainous roads as they take part in a military exercise at Thikse in Leh district of the union territory of Ladakh Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of state newspaper The Global Times, posted a video purporting to show Chinese regimental commander Qi Fabao confronting an Indian soldier. Qi was wounded during a border clash with India last June, and four Chinese soldiers died, China has confirmed RECENT TENSIONS: Pro-Beijing social media accounts recently posted images purporting to show Indian troops battered and bound with rope on the banks of a lake in the disputed region on the Himalayan border Earlier, unconfirmed reports had put the number of Chinese dead as high as 45, and Lt. Gen. YK Joshi, who commands the Indian Army's Northern Command, said Indian observers counted more than 60 Chinese troops being taken away on stretchers, though it wasn't clear how many suffered fatal injuries. Joshi told Indian station News18 that Chinese forces had appeared unwilling to make concessions until Indian forces occupied commanding heights on Aug. 29-30. An agreement to begin pulling back was reached Feb. 10. 'This disengagement is happening because we had taken the dominating position on the Kailash range. So, now the purpose has been achieved, we are going back to status quo ante April 2020,' Joshi told the station. An Indian army convoy move along a highway leading to Ladakh in the June 18, 2020 picture Separately, an Indian security official said Friday that the military estimates at least 14 Chinese soldiers were wounded, eight of whom later died. That assessment was based on the number of stretchers used to remove the injured on the night of incident, input gathered from the Chinese forward hospital and field reports from the ground. Another security official offered a similar account, saying at least 12 Chinese soldiers were 'seriously' wounded in the incident. Both spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with government regulations. The tense standoff in the Karakoram mountains began in early May, when Indian and Chinese soldiers ignored each other's repeated verbal warnings, triggering a shouting match, stone-throwing and fistfights on the northern bank of Pangong Lake, which is marked by eight contested ridges where rivers flow into the waterbody. By June, frictions escalated and spread north in Depsang and Galwan Valley, where India has built an all-weather military road along the disputed frontier. Since the clash, both countries have stationed tens of thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the de facto border called the Line of Actual Control, or LAC, with troops settling in for the harsh winter. Each side accused the other of instigating the violence, which has dramatically changed the India-China relationship. Responsibility for the clash 'doesn't lie with China,' Hua told a briefing in Beijing on Friday. She said China has 'exercised great restraint, reflecting China's tolerance and commitment as a responsible power.' 'However, the Indian side has repeatedly exaggerated and hyped the casualties, distorting the truth and misleading international public opinion. Now the PLA Daily has published a report on the incident to reveal the truth,' Hua said. China's announcement on Friday should help global audiences 'understand the truth and the right and wrong of the incident,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Relations between the two countries have often been strained, partly due to their undemarcated border. They fought a border war in 1962 that spilled into Ladakh and ended in an uneasy truce marked by additional clashes. Since then, troops have guarded the undefined border while occasionally brawling. The two countries have agreed not to attack each other with firearms. The fiercely contested control line separates Chinese-held and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to India's eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. It is broken in parts where the Himalayan nations of Nepal and Bhutan sit between India and China. According to India, the de facto border is 3,488 kilometers (2,167 miles) long, while China says it is considerably shorter. As its name suggests, the LAC divides the areas of physical control rather than territorial claims. China remains committed to 'resolving disputes through dialogue and maintaining peace and stability in the border area,' Hua said. 'We hope to work with the Indian side to ... maintain peace and tranquility in the border area and promote the long-term healthy and stable development of relations between the two countries.' His exit from EastEnders has been looming for some time. And Max Branning, played by actor Jake Wood, looks set to wave goodbye to Walford after his worried brother Jack (Scott Maslen) tells him to leave for good. In two images from Friday's episode the siblings are seen having a tense conversation, with Max looking reflective as he nurses a drink. Time to go? Max Branning, played by actor Jake Wood, looks set to wave goodbye to Walford on Friday after his worried brother Jack (Scott Maslen) tells him to leave for good In typical EastEnders style, theres sure to be lots of drama in the final lead-up to Max actually stepping away from the square. And on Thursday night Max and Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) were seen getting into a fight in the Old Vic after Max suggested his wife Linda (Kellie Bright) was only with him out of pity. Max had found out about Mick's awful childhood abuse at the hands of Katy Lewis from his brother Jack. Sneak peak: In an image from Friday's episode the brothers are seen chatting ahead of Max's long awaited decision to walk away from the square after 15 years Friday's episode is sure to pick up with the aftermath of the fight, with The Sun reporting that Jack will try and speak to his brother and tell him to leave for good. Actor Jake Wood filmed his filmed his final scenes in December and said a heartfelt goodbye to Max Branning as he shot his final scenes. Jake, who played Max for 15 years, took to his Instagram to share a farewell video as he walked around the famous BBC set. He said 'That's a wrap' as he thanked fans for their support as his time portraying the Albert Square businessman came to an end. He added: 'Ill miss the place, its the people for me, I made some amazing friends and its been an incredible life changing experiences. Done and dusted: Last month, Jake said 'That's a wrap' as he thanked fans for their support as his time portraying the Albert Square bad boy came to an end 'Thank you all for your messages of love and support, I have really appreciated all of that, who knows what the future brings? I just wanted to say goodbye to Max Branning and share this with you all.' Although Jake is leaving, the show is set to welcome a new face shortly after it was revealed that Brian Conley is joining the cast. He will join EastEnders as Sonia Fowler's long-lost father, Terry Cant. Famously claiming he didn't want to act in soaps - turning EastEnders down twice in the past - the West End star, 59, said he's excited to join the show. Speaking on This Morning, he said: 'Im delighted to be part of the show. I finished watching Netflix in November, me and the wife look out of the window and go "oh, that trees still there". To be part of the show is well and truly amazing.' Talking about the show, Brian said he can't give away any spoilers, but said: 'My name is Terry Cant and hes appearing for the next six weeks. 'Ive got some scripts and Im really chuffed how its turning out Im happy to be a part of such an iconic show. Ive got a drum kit, so if anything dramatic in my house "oh no, weve run out of toothpaste!" [does doof doof sound], Im ready for it!' Brian said his late father loved the show, adding: 'Its been part of my world, before I got the call before Christmas, I was catching up so I was really getting into it.' EastEnders continues on Friday, 19th February at 8.00pm on BBC One. The plumage of white gloves symbolized the repressed psychology of the Black middle class, consumed with respectability. The whip represented the history of external violence that conditioned it. Her critique was that Black artists should scrutinize their own privileges. Barging into the venue, she handed out flowers, then proceeded to flail herself with the whip, declaiming a poem. It concluded with the shout: Black Art Must Take More Risks! The next year, Mlle Bourgeoise Noire reappeared, crashing the New Museum opening for an exhibition featuring only white artists. This time, after the flowers and self-flagellation, her poem ended with a challenge to the white-dominated museum crowd: It Is Time For an Invasion! OGrady was just getting started. For four decades she has played a pivotal role, clearing her own terrain at the hinge of feminist, Conceptual, and Black art. She burst on the scene with performances that would acquire a gloss of legend. But her work spans collage, photomontage, video, and cultural criticism a voracious and eclectic practice, mixing image and word, theory and play. I am somebody who is moving from one idea, to the next, to the next, to the next, the artist, now 86, said recently during a series of telephone and video conversations. I feel that Im working on the skin of the culture and Im making incisions. Tight Covid-19 preventive measures applied in Chi Linh City Households in Chi Linh City in the northern province of Hai Duong have been granted cards for even and odd days to go to market amid the on-going Covid-19 pandemic in the locality. Each local household has been presented with five cards for even and odd days, meaning that each card is used for every three days. Nguyen Tien Hung, head of Sao Do Markets Management Board, said that people were only allowed to go to the market if they show their card. They are required to ensure Covid-19 preventive regulations, including temperature checks and face mask wearing, as well as providing their personal information so that local authorities can contact them if necessary. Hung added that there had been no disorder at the market. People often only buy food and other necessities enough for three days. Prices of goods have been still maintained after the Tet Holiday. Sao Do Market is home to around 300 traders who are also required to make health declarations. The management board has managed the trader number every day. It is common to see warning signs of Covid-19 in every corner in the city. According to Nguyen Thi Khanh in Chi Linh City, she just bought necessities as her family still had lots of food after Tet. Under the Directorate for Roads of Vietnams decision, vehicles are restricted to travel on the section of the National Highway running through Hai Duong Province. Only vehicles which serve Covid-19 prevention and control as well as others prioritised in line with the Law on Road are permitted. 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. Ulster Bank owner NatWest Group (NWG) intends to begin a phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland. NatWest CEO Alison Rose said the decision will not involve any branch closures or compulsory redundancies in 2021 but declined to say how long the wind down of the bank will take. The CEO confirmed talks to sell parts of the Irish bank are underway and said NatWests preference is to focus talks with potential buyers who can provide full banking services to customers. AIB has already confirmed it is in advanced talks to buy Ulster Banks 4bn corporate and commercial loans including taking on staff directly involved in managing that side of the business. The Irish bank has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Natwest, it said. Permanent TSB said it is also in early discussions with NatWest to acquiring parts of Ulster Banks retail and SME assets, liabilities and operations. For a bank, loans are assets, deposits are liabilities and operations refers to staff and systems. Read More UK bank NatWest confirmed the plan to leave the market here in a message to shareholders first thing on Friday morning. The bank said withdrawal from the Irish banking sector is to be achieved in an orderly manner. "NWG has concluded that, despite the significant progress that has been made in recent years, Ulster Bank in the Republic of Ireland will not be in a position to achieve an acceptable level of sustainable returns over its planning horizon. In the near-term, it is expected that there will be minimal change for Ulster Bank customers and colleagues, the bank said. The bank said it will ensure: customers and colleagues are well supported; there is continued servicing of retail and SME clients; job losses are minimised; stability is maintained in the sector. Just minutes earlier Ulster Bank said its NatWest Group (NWG) parent was continuing a review of the Irish banks operations. The announcement was posted to the London Stock Exchange at 7am on Friday morning, just ahead of a results press conference due to be held by NatWest Group. Meanwhile, majority state owned AIB and Permanent TSB were already in talks with the banks parent. Crucially the Government is supportive of the Irish banks plans, which will copper fasten state control of the banking system in the medium term despite a policy that favours privatisation. That policy is trumped by the desire to ensure stability in the banking sector, it is understood. In a lengthy written statement on Friday morning the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, said Ulster Banks exit was: a difficult day from an Irish banking perspective, and also for the Ulster Bank staff who are receiving news of this development. Talks with Permanent TSB and AIB to buy parts of Ulster Bank signal a potentially important development for the Irish banking sector, the minister said, but he said the moves were not being directed by the Government. It must be remembered that neither the Government nor I have any role in commercial decisions such as these and that any decision of this nature is a matter for the banks and their boards, who remain independent," he said. However, I welcome the reference made this morning to the two other Irish banks, PTSB and AIB, who are engaging with NatWest regarding the future of Ulster Banks SME, mortgage, retail and commercial loan books, as well as the current and deposit accounts held by the Bank. While this is positive news and indicates the potential further development of already well established Irish banks, there is still much work to be done over the coming months. Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty described the news as a hammer blow to the Irish banking sector. Mr Doherty said while it is very welcome that a possible AIB acquisition of a significant portion of Ulster Banks loan book would provide safety for customers and staff, it would also mean there would be only two lenders in terms of business lending in the Irish banking sector. That is not good. We do need increased competition. As the regulator pointed out to me last year, this is likely to put pressure on interest rates because of the lack of competition, Deputy Doherty said. As a majority shareholder in AIB and Permanent TSB as Minister for Finance, Deputy Doherty said it is Minister Donohoes clear role to give indication as to where he wants to see these banks going into the future. The Financial Services Union (FSU), which represents many of the banks more than 2500 staff, said it was deeply disappointed by the confirmation that Ulster Bank is exiting its operations in the Republic of Ireland. J&K police gun down three terrorists in Shopian, J&K All three terrorists killed in Anantnag encounter Mucormycosis: Jammu and Kashmir reports first case of black fungus 3 LeT terrorists killed in Shopian encounter; 1 cop martyred India oi-Deepika S Srinagar, Feb 19: Three terrorists of Laskhar-e- Taiba (LeT) were killed in a gunfight between the security forces and militants in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. One policeman also lost his life and another wounded in an encounter. J&K: 3 terrorists and 1 policeman killed in two separate encounters | Oneindia News "All three terrorists of LeT killed in Shopian encounter," said Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Zanigam village in the Beerwah area of the district following information about the presence of militants there, the officials said. They said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire towards security forces positions. Two policemen were injured in the gunbattle. They were rushed to a hospital here for treatment but one of them succumbed, the officials said. Another encounter is underway in Shopian district in south Kashmir, they said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 9:13 [IST] Sumando esfuerzos contra la pandemia, esta manana el Minsa recibio una importante donacion de 60 ventiladores mecanicos y 40 monitores por parte del Departamento de Salud y Asistencia Social del Reino Unido de Gran Bretana e Irlanda del Norte. pic.twitter.com/lekGlhDo7w A fourth teenager in a car that smashed into a young female motorcyclist has been charged over the deadly crash. Jennifer Board, 22, died on the scene in Thuringowa Central in Townsville, after she was rammed by a Holden Statesman that was following a stolen Hyundai Sedan during a suspected high-speed chase in January. A 17-year-old boy who was allegedly in the Hyundai has been charged with a series of driving and stealing crimes after being arrested on Thursday in Mackay. A teenage boy has now become the fifth person to be charged over the death of 22-year-old motorcyclist Jennifer Board (pictured) All four people that were in the stolen Hyundai during Ms Board's (pictured) fatal crash have now been charged His charges include five counts of unlawful use of a vehicle, and three stealing charges. Detective Inspector Chris Lawson said everyone in the Hyundai during the fatal crash had finally been charged. 'We're satisfied with our investigation to date that we have located all four people that were in the stolen vehicle,' he said. The teen is due to appear in the Mackay Childrens Court on Friday. The alleged driver of the Hyundai Gregory Clubb, 18, was arrested last Monday after he was hit by a Holden Statesman during a car chase, forcing him onto the wrong side of the road and into a motorbike driven by Jennifer Board. Jennifer Board (pictured) was killed when she was hit during a smash between three vehicles in January Clubb faced 11 charges and appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court last Tuesday, where he was joined by friends and family who shouted across the floor. His solicitor Shontelle Samuels tried to fight for bail, arguing there was no legal reason to keep her client behind bars, The Courier-Mail reported. She urged Magistrate Viviana Keegan to consider strict bail conditions, including a 24-hour curfew and daily reporting. Prosecutor Senior Sergeant Rodger Beal said Clubb was too great a risk to the community, arguing that 'his mother has not been able to keep him under control'. 'You don't know s**t. You don't know f**k all. Shut the f**k up,' Clubb yelled, referring to Ms Keengan as a 'c**t' and a 'c**khead' and threatening to bash her. Ms Keegan said she had heard enough and began to detail the allegations against him, including that he drove away from Ms Board as she died. Gregory Clubb (pictured) was arrested last Monday after the Hyundai he was allegedly driving was hit by a Holden Statesman during a vigilante car chase Overcome with emotion, Clubb told the court he didn't know she was dead. 'I know I drove away, I blame myself for it everyday for that driving away from that motherf**king scene, I know that c**t,' he said, 'I didn't even hear that she died or I would have turned around and stayed there.' He then asked Ms Keegan to 'hurry the f**k up' and send him to a correctional centre in Stuart. At that point his brother stormed the building and shouted that he 'blamed' Clubb for Ms Board's death. Their mother fruitlessly tried to calm her sons, while Clubb continued to interrupt proceedings and was denied bail. Ms Board (pictured) had been riding down the road in Townsville in January when she was struck Clubb (pictured left and right) told the court he didn't know Ms Board was dead when he drove away Clubb was charged with seven counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, three counts each of burglary and stealing, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, one count of attempted burglary and breaching bail. Layne Newman, 18, was accused of being a passenger in the Hyundai and has been charged with four counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing and two counts of attempted burglary. Both were remanded in custody and will face court on February 12. A 17-year-old girl was also charged earlier this month over the crash. Christopher Hughes, 25, was accused of driving the Holden and charged with murder. His case was mentioned in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday, but he did not appear before the court or make a bail application. Police will allege Hughes was chasing an allegedly stolen car, lost control of the Holden, and crashed into the stolen Hyundai. Hughes was supported by two women, while defence lawyer Jarred Mace appeared on his client's behalf. Police will rely on a definition of murder that does not require intent, just whether someone committed a criminal act that was reckless or negligent where death was a likely consequence. Two people in Hughes' car have not been charged. The 22-year-old's last post to Instagram showed her celebrating the moment she received her restricted motorcycle license, having got her learner's permit three months earlier Christopher Hughes (pictured), 25, was accused of driving the Holden and has been charged with murder. Det Insp said it was too early to say whether other people in the vigilante's car will be charged as well. 'That matter is still under investigation,' he said. 'The involvement of other people in the crash itself is subject to further investigation, and whether charges may be laid into the future is something that we can't really comment on.' Hughes was remanded in custody and will appear in court on March 31. The other day, I suggested that Andrew Cuomo and/or members of his staff may have violated up to three federal criminal statutes in connection with a Justice Department request for information about nursing home deaths from the Wuhan coronavirus in New York. Now comes word that the FBI and the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York have opened an investigation into Cuomos handling of nursing homes and nursing home death data. The investigation appears to center around Team Cuomos response to a letter from Eric Dreiband, then Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, requesting very specific information about nursing home deaths. Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa has admitted that Team Cuomo withheld the true toll of nursing home deaths from the virus due to Erics letter. As she put it, we froze out of fear that the true numbers would be used against us by federal prosecutors. In other words, we couldnt tell the truth because the Justice Department was investigating. That sounds like obstruction of a government investigation to me. No wonder the FBI is now investigating. In my post, I said, it might be a good idea for Senate Republicans to ask Merrick Garland about this at his confirmation hearing later this month. It looks like that is in the works. Senate Republicans on the Judiciary Committed issued this statement: When Judge Garland testifies before this Committee, we expect him to commit the Department of Justice to fully investigating this cover-up to determine whether any criminal laws were violated and to prosecute any violations. Even though administration of the Justice Department is now in the hands of Democrats, institutional considerations demand that attempts to thwart inquiries from the Department, whichever party was in power at the time, be taken very seriously. In Republican administrations, institutional considerations normally are cited as the reason (or excuse) for continuing to investigate and prosecute matters initiated by Democrats. The Labor Departments ill-fated action against Oracle for imagined pay discrimination is a good example Democrats typically are more willing to drop matters initiated by Republicans. Institutional considerations dont count as much with them, probably because they view Republicans as interlopers illegitimate custodians of their institutions. But maybe Cuomos case will be different. For one thing, the attempt to obstruct the DOJ seems so blatant. For another, Cuomo has made plenty of enemies over the years, many of them Democrats. And some of his Democratic enemies have the longest knives. 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. Hear executives from Silo Pharma and Lobe Sciences at Proactive's psychedelic-themed virtual showcase event on Tuesday, February 23 Aion Therapeutic Inc ( ), ( ) and ( ) ( ) will be presenting at Proactives next virtual showcase event on February 23. The psychedelic-themed event will be hosted by Proactives Christine Corrado and kicks off on Tuesday at 1.00pm ET. Silo Pharma: bridging the gap Silo Pharma is bridging the gap between traditional pharmaceuticals and the emerging psychedelics space. The developmental-stage biopharmaceutical companys mission is to identify assets to license and fund the research which it believes could transform both the well-being of patients and the healthcare system at large. In these uncertain times, the mental health of the nation and beyond is being put to the test. More than ever, creative new therapies and lines of thought are needed to address health challenges of today, Silo has said Combining our resources with world-class medical research partners, the company looks to make significant advances in the medical and psychedelic space. The companys management and founders have played key roles in numerous successful biotech companies. CEO Eric Weisblum will share the companys story and strategies for success at Tuesdays event. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Lobe Sciences: advancing transformational treatments for brain injuries Lobe Sciences is mastering the development of transformational medicines and devices as it builds a growing portfolio of intellectual property to support wellness and improve mental health. The Vancouver-based company is currently advancing unique medicines and devices to treat mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as other indications. With five provisional patents, a pre-clinical study underway and a drug delivery device in engineering development, Lobe is quickly making a name for itself in the world of psychedelics. In December, Lobe sold its cannabis asset Cowlitz County Cannabis Cultivation to Ionic Brands, netting $23 million and a stake in the latter company to keep a foothold in the red-hot US cannabis space. CEO Phil Young will share the companys plans for the proceeds and Lobe's other strategic initiatives for 2021 with event participants on Tuesday. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Aion Therapeutic: using artificial intelligence to create a full lineup of psychedelic and cannabis therapies Toronto-based Aion Therapeutic Inc ( ) recently filed five patent applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office related to the combination of medical cannabis with edible and psychedelic mushrooms. The applications include formulations designed to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, psychiatric disorders, addiction, viral diseases, obesity and inflammatory disorders. Aions combinatorial treatment formulation discovery platform relies on artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. By utilizing AI, the company plans to create a full line of therapeutic products that includes combinatorial pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, as well as individualized treatments for personalized medicine using human genome and other data. Executive chairman Dr Stephen Barnhill will take participants through the firms pharmaceutical research and product development. Aion also operations in Jamaica, where psychedelics are more available. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER About the event: Ours is an audience of astute high net worth investors, fund managers, private client brokers and analysts We look beyond the numbers and meet the people creating the value for shareholders The format: (Reuters) - Activist investor Carl Icahn is looking to buy a stake in FirstEnergy Corp, the energy distributor said in a regulatory filing on Thursday. He intends to acquire a stake worth between $184 million and $920 million, the Ohio-based company said, citing a letter from Icahn dated Feb. 16. (https://bit.ly/2NlMrh9) The power utility said it does not know if the billionaire investor or his affiliates have already bought shares or derivatives of the company. Icahn Capital did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Last year, FirstEnergy had received subpoenas in a $60 million bribery case stemming from a controversial bill to bail out the state's nuclear power plants. Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four other men tied to state politics were arrested in the case. Shares of FirstEnergy closed up more than 7% on Thursday. (Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur) Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:10:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Staff members transport the vaccines at the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 19, 2021. The first batch of mainland-manufactured COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Hong Kong on Friday afternoon, which, as the first vaccines available here, will enable the financial hub to start inoculating its residents next week. (Xinhua/Li Gang) HONG KONG, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of mainland-manufactured COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Hong Kong on Friday afternoon, which, as the first vaccines available here, will enable the financial hub to start inoculating its residents next week. The flight from Beijing carrying 1 million doses of the inactivated vaccine of Sinovac Biotech landed at the Hong Kong International Airport at about 5:30 p.m. local time. The vaccines bring hope of controlling and ending the epidemic as early as possible, Patrick Nip, secretary for the civil service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said when receiving the vaccines at the airport. The HKSAR government procured 7.5 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine in total and approved the vaccine for emergency use on Thursday. Starting Feb. 26, priority groups, including medical workers, those aged 60 and above, and cross-border truck drivers, will be given the first shots free of charge in the first phase of Hong Kong's mass vaccination drive. "It is indeed a very important milestone for all the COVID-19 prevention and control work that we have been doing," Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR government Sophia Chan said. Chan called on the public to get vaccinated in a bid to bring the Hong Kong society back on track. HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on social media Thursday that she will also receive Sinovac jabs. Nip said that COVID-19 vaccines are in an acute shortages globally and expressed gratitude to the central government for the fast and timely vaccine delivery to Hong Kong. The timely vaccine delivery has demonstrated central government caring about Hong Kong compatriots as well as the support from related mainland authorities and vaccine producers to Hong Kong's anti-coronavirus fight, Qiu Hong, deputy head of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said. Enditem CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) Ethan Thompson had 25 points, eight assists and five rebounds and Oregon State won its fifth straight at home, 74-56 over Utah on Thursday night. Warith Alatishe added a career-high 19 points with nine rebounds, four blocks and three steals for the Beavers (11-10, 7-8 Pac-12). Thompson scored 15 points in the second half and capped a 23-2 run with a pair of dunks 13 seconds apart that made it 55-39 with 7:59 left. Thompson scored nine and Rodrigue Andela had all seven of his points during the run. Jarod Lucas added 10 points for Oregon State. Timmy Allen had 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Utes (9-9, 6-8). Branden Carlson added 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field and 5-of-5 from the foul line. Carlson scored seven straight points to cap a 10-0 run that gave Utah a 37-32 lead with 17:14 left in the game. The Utes missed their next eight shots and committed six turnovers over a nearly 10-minute span while the Beavers pulled away. Oregon State hosts Colorado and Utah visits Oregon State on Saturday. ___ More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Texans anger with Ted Cruz right now could power an entire electrical grid. The outrage was sparked by viral images on social media Thursday showing Texas junior senator making his way through the airport, bag in tow, and boarding a flight to sunny Cancun as more than a million of his humble constituents shivered in the cold without power, heat, light, or in many cases, running water. With the statewide death toll mounting into the dozens, snowmegeddon melted into catastrophe for struggling Texas families already on the brink amid a global pandemic. Even as millions saw their power restored, others faced burst pipes, boil water notices, long lines for food, and warnings of another hard freeze on the way. Its a mess. We dont begrudge anybody their wanna get away fantasies. FLYIN' TED: Sen. Ted Cruz, back in Houston, calls controversial Cancun trip 'a mistake' But a senator elected to represent nearly 30 million people? He got a ticket to ride and he dont care. While its not Cruzs job to shovel the coal, and the crisis is the handiwork of state officials, not federal, we expect leadership and perhaps a little solidarity from a man whose re-election campaign heavily rested on claims of his compassion and advocacy for suffering Texans after Hurricane Harvey. When the hurricane hit, you stood up for Texas, a 2018 TV ad proclaimed. And Ted Cruz stood up for you. Not this time. He plopped himself down on a direct flight to paradise and left us to fend for ourselves in this frozen hell. Cruz quickly announced plans to fly back and defended his tone-deaf travel as a gallant act of good parenting. He released a statement saying his daughters had asked to go on a trip to Mexico with friends since school was canceled for the week and he had merely accompanied them on their flight. People are going to say what they're going to say. I'm a dad and just trying to be a good dad, and take care of my kids, Cruz said in a video captured at the airport by the Dallas Morning News Spanish-language publication, Al Dia. Cry us a Mai Tai. Good parents all over Houston are modeling resilience for their kids as they struggle to make do without enough food or water or the lesser comforts of civilization such as iPhones and Netflix. What about modeling a little resilience not just for his kids but for the millions of other Texans struggling to survive? Plenty of elected leaders are doing their part. SOCIAL MEDIA OUTRAGE: Memes shred Cruz over controversial Cancun flight while Texans 'left to freeze' And excuse us if we dont find the excuses of Flyin Ted any more trustworthy than those of Lyin Ted, the nickname he first acquired from candidate Donald Trump and later earned wholeheartedly in his role as President Trumps surrogate, parroting mythical claims of widespread voter fraud and perpetuating delusions that helped fuel the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Cruzs excuse that he was just escorting the kiddos became even less believable late Thursday when The New York Times reported it had obtained texts that Cruzs wife Heidi sent to friends on Wednesday, lamenting a FREEZING house and inviting them to join the Cruzes at the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton at $309 per night. She proposed a getaway until Sunday, the Times reported, which doesnt quite jibe with Cruzs insinuation of a one-night stay. This editorial board called for Cruzs resignation last month for his role in the Capitol riot, saying he wouldnt be dearly missed by constituents anyway because he has never prioritized the unsexy tedium of governing and advocacy over the goal nearest and dearest to his heart: winning the presidency. But escaping to Mexico hits a new low even by the senators own standards. Recall that back in December, Cruz showed no mercy in responding to a CNN story on Democrat politicians, including Austins mayor, who werent heeding their own advice to residents on COVID-19 precautions. HPD ESCORT: Houston Police confirms officers monitored Cruz, family through IAH Hypocrites. Complete and utter hypocrites, Cruz tweeted. And dont forget @MayorAdler who took a private jet with eight people to Cabo and WHILE IN CABO recorded a video telling Austinites to stay home if you can this is not the time to relax. It appears that Cruz flew commercial, but only after requesting an official police escort from the Houston Police Department to assist in his departure. The senator couldnt just take a vacay from his own obligations. He had to distract others from theirs during an escalating emergency thats draining already scant resources at HPD. Texans are aware of Cruzs deficits in compassion, as evidenced by his vote against funding for Hurricane Sandy victims. But he always seemed a little too calculated for such a gross error in political judgment. We were wrong. Cruzs trip to Mexico was foolish, callous and sadly telling of his approach to the job over the past eight years. Take our advice, senator, and resign. Seems like you could use a break and we could, too, from an ineffective politician who, even in crisis, puts his personal itinerary before the needs of Texans. After a World Health Organisation (WHO) investigating the origins of coronavirus in China's Wuhan said that there is no evidence of its circulation in any animal species in China, Beijing has urged the global health body to do an origin-tracing study of the virus in the United States. "(We hope) that following China's example, the US side will act in a positive, science-based and cooperative manner on the origin-tracing issue (and) invite WHO experts in for an origin-tracing study," said Wang Wenbin, Foreign Ministry spokesman. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot Similarly, Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist at China's Center for Disease Control, said the US should now be "the focus" of global efforts to trace the virus, CNN reported. The WHO team had recently stated four hypotheses on how the virus spread. Peter Ben Embarek, the head of the team said: "Our initial findings suggest that introduction through an intermediary host species is the most likely passway and one that will require more studies and more specific targeted research." "The findings suggest that a laboratory incident hypothesis is extremely unlikely to explain the introduction of the virus into the human population," he added. Dismissing that the virus got leaked from Wuhan's institute of virology, Embarek had said, "We also looked at Wuhan's institute of virology ... the laboratory and the state of the laboratory, and it was very unlikely that anything could escape from such a place. We also know that lab incidents are, of course, extremely rare." The US had raised concern over the findings and suggested the possibility of the Chinese government's interference in the WHO's investigation. "We have deep concerns about the way in which the early findings of the COVID-19 investigation were communicated and questions about the process used to reach them," said Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser. He had stressed on the importance of an investigation that is "free from intervention or alteration by the Chinese government" into the origin of Covid-19. "To better understand this pandemic and prepare for the next one, China must make available its data from the earliest days of the outbreak," he had added. Wider outbreak WHO investigators had said earlier last week that signs of the outbreak were much wider in Wuhan in December 2019 than previously thought. They sought access to hundreds and thousands of blood samples from the city that China has not so far let them examine. Embarek had told CNN that the mission had found several signs of the more wide-ranging 2019 spread, including establishing for the first time there were over a dozen strains of the virus in Wuhan already in December. With inputs from agencies. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Even though he was still in bed after 2 p.m. on Tuesday under a pile of blankets in their unheated mobile home in Conroe, Texas, Maria Elisa Pineda wasn't concerned when she checked on her son. After all, Cristian Pavon, 11, was known for sleeping in, his mother told Univision. But when Pineda nudged the boy, Cristian did not respond to her touch. It was too late by then. Cristian was pronounced dead that afternoon, and authorities are investigating whether the otherwise healthy boy died of hypothermia after the family's home lost power over the weekend and temperatures in Conroe dipped to single digits earlier this week. "He was OK," Pineda told Univision. "I never imagined this could happen. We think it was because of the cold because he was doing well. He had dinner, played and he went to bed." Cristian is among the youngest to die since Sunday, when winter storms left millions without electricity and water. So far, at least 47 people have died in the frigid cold weather, a figure authorities say is likely to rise as freezing temperatures continue and future wellness checks reveal the full magnitude of the tragedy. At least 30 of those deaths came in Texas, The Washington Post reported, a state where continuous power outages have exposed residents to dangerously low temperatures. Some have died of carbon monoxide poisoning after turning to their ovens or trucks to stay warm. Others, like a 75-year-old man in Crosby, Texas,whose oxygen machine stopped working after his home lost power, have been found dead of hypothermia inside their homes or cars. Cristian, who was born in the coastal city of Tela, Honduras, came to Texas in 2019 to reunite with his mother, who he had not seen for over a year, Univision reported. On Monday, he saw snow for the first time after the winter storm dumped a coating in his backyard. For about a half-hour, the sixth-grader, who wore a red winter jacket with a hoodie, skipped in the snow, leaving tiny footsteps behind him as his mother snapped pictures and recorded the memorable occasion with her phone. "That's why he was excited outside," Pineda told the Houston Chronicle. "Everything was well. He was happy that day. He was not at all sick." By the time the snow soaked his winter mittens, his mother brought the boy back inside the trailer, Pineda told the Chronicle. Although the temperature dipped to 9 degrees by early Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, the boy did not complain about feeling cold nor ill, Pineda said. By 11 p.m., after having dinner and playing, the boy was already in bed with his 3-year-old stepbrother. At some point during the night, the boy's stepfather woke up to check on both children, who were still responsive, his aunt Jaliza Yera told KTRK. "He made sure they were OK," Yera told the local station. "They were still breathing. He covered them up, patted them and went back to sleep." The next day, around 2:30 p.m., Pineda tried to wake up Cristian, Univision reported. "He was already dead," Pineda told the Chronicle. The 3-year-old boy did not suffer any injuries, Pineda said. Pineda and the boy's stepfather, Manuel Moreno, 38, immediately called 911, she said. Yera arrived shortly after and attempted to revive him, the aunt said to KTRK. "We still did CPR until the fire department came and they took over and within a minute they told us it was too late," Yera told the local station. The Conroe Police Department arrived on Tuesday afternoon and stayed until about 8 p.m., the Chronicle reported. Both parents, who have been screened for drugs and given blood tests, have cooperated with authorities, Sgt. Jeff Smith told the Chronicle. "By all other means, he was a normal, healthy child," Smith said. An autopsy was performed on Thursday and it could be several weeks before a cause of death is confirmed, Smith added. For now, the family is raising money to repatriate Cristian's body to Honduras. The boy had told the family he wished to return to Honduras to see his grandparents. One day, he assured his mother, he would work to build them a small house. "But it was not to be," Pineda told the Chronicle. "Those wishes were not fulfilled." LOS ANGELESA petition to decriminalize sex work in Canada appears to have enough signatures to force a debate in the governments House of Commons, according to the Vancouver weekly newspaper The Georgia Straight. An existing Canadian law, Bill C-36, passed in 2014 legalized the act of receiving money for sexual services but outlawed that act of paying for those services, effectively allowing sex work to remain criminalized. The law also banned advertising for sexual services, and receiving material benefit from them. Then-Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau opposed the bill in 2014, and when he became Prime Minister the following year, he pledged to review Bill C-36 after it had been in effect for five years. But the five year period ended in 2019, and Trudeau has yet to take any action on the law. The online petition started January 29 by sex worker rights advicate Rysa Kronebusch calls for the full repeal of the existing law so that all Canadians, regardless of their chosen profession, are not denied their constitutional right to security of person. The petition has already accrued 5,100 signatures. According to the Georgia Straight report, that total is enough to guarantee certification by the House Clerk of Petitions. That means that the petitions parliamentary sponsor, British Columbia member of parliament Randall Garrison of the New Democratic Party a progessive party whose positions are generally to the left of Trudeaus ruling Liberals may bring the repeal proposal to the House floor. Canadas Supreme Court effectively decriminalized sex work in 2013, by striking down laws against operating a brothel, maming money from sex work, and publickly communicating for the purpose of selling sexual service. The Bill C-36 law was the then-ruling Conservative Partys response to the court decision, finding what activists called a roundabout way of keeping sex work criminal. Human rights groups have tried to pressure Trudeau, and demanded that whoever won the 2020 nationwide election in Canada should legislate the decriminalization of sex work. But though Trudeaus Liberal Party retained power in the October election, and he held on to the Prime Ministers job, the party lost 20 seats while the rival Conservatives gained 26. Trudeau was able to form a minority government, but found himself in a politically weakened position and has not yet taken up the sex work issue.The new petition says that criminalization of sex work causes sex workers to be at risk of being beaten, raped and killed, because it impedes their ability to seek help from law enforcement. The laws also hinder sex workers ability to negotiate the terms of employment, the petition says. Photo By Makaristos / Wikimedia Commons Register today at http://www.congress.nsc.org. This September, more than 13,000 safety professionals from around the world will gather in Chicago to learn best practices, network, and compare safety solutions. Watch to see safety professionals tell you, in their own words, why they return to the the world's largest annual safety event, NSC Congress & Expo, year after year. While most Texans are finally getting their power back, millions of people in the storm-ravaged state are facing an escalating water crisis following the historic Arctic outbreak that left pipes cracked and knocked water-treatment plants offline. More than 14 million people in 160 Texas counties were still experiencing water-service disruptions on Friday, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said. Smaller towns and major cities, including Houston, remained under boil-water notices. The storms have killed at least 47 people since Sunday - including 30 in Texas - according to data compiled by The Washington Post. Among the youngest victims: An 11-year-old who died in an unheated mobile home. In the state capital of Austin, about 16,800 customers remain without power - some for almost a week - Mayor Steve Adler, D, said many residents face a dire situation. "It feels like it's just one thing after another after another," he said Friday on NBC's "Today" show. While temperatures are expected to rise, Adler said he expected to find many burst water pipes and associated leaks. The city remains under a boil-water advisory. Hospitals continue to struggle to stay open amid the power and water shortages. One hospital had to connect to a fire hydrant outside to maintain water pressure for the boilers, Adler said. "We're doing better right now," he said. "But I'll tell you, it was really dicey, and it still is in some hospitals." Elsewhere in the region: - Oklahoma, a state still recovering from the storms, was rattled by a 4.2-magnitude earthquake Friday. The earthquake struck just before 8 a.m. near Manchester, about 150 miles north of Oklahoma City. The same area experienced a minor magnitude 1.8 quake on Wednesday. - At least 100,000 customers are still in the dark in Mississippi, whose Gov. Tate Reeves, R, has called the deadly weather "a slow-moving disaster." - Louisiana National Guard troops were deployed to deliver water across the state and provide other urgent assistance. - President Joe Biden told Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, R, that he will "instruct additional federal agencies to look into any immediate steps" to help the state's residents, according to the White House. In Lousiana, after six days of freezing temperatures, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins got some much-needed good news Friday. "Today, everyone should have some form of water pressure," said Perkins, who leads Louisiana's third-largest city. Still, the northwest corner of the state has much work to do. "This isn't over," the mayor said, noting that municipal water pressure will remain low into next week as the city scrambles to repair burst and leaking pipes. Nearly half of Shreveport's 70,000 households had no water just three days ago; a quarter were still without it Friday morning. "It's been a rough one for us," said Perkins, recounting how roughly six inches of sleet and snow made local highways so slick that even National Guard troops and tankers couldn't reach the city with fresh water until Wednesday night. Residents with four-wheel-drive trucks helped to pull ambulances out of ditches. Area oil and gas companies supplied some "gray water" to hospitals for heating systems. Though it snows lightly here every few years, Perkins said the city hasn't seen a cold snap this long since 1929. Eleven inches fell on Dec. 21 of that year and remained on the ground for several days, giving Shreveport its only white Christmas in recorded history. "We are not prepared for this; our houses aren't built for this," he said. "As we move forward, we have some big questions to ask ourselves about how to prepare for the extremes of climate change." But for now, he's focused on getting his constituents through the last day of frigid temperatures. "I cannot wait until tomorrow," he said. - - - The Washington Post's Katy Reckdahl contributed to this report. Congress leader and former Rajasthan deputy chief minister on Friday said the Centre's agricultural laws are not only anti-farmer but also against people from the middle class and they will force the government to withdraw these. Addressing a large "kisan mahapanchayat" in the Kotkhawada area of Chaksu town of Jaipur, Pilot claimed that the laws will push the future of farmers into darkness due to which farmers from all over the country are against it. There is a huge crisis for farmers in the country today. We all have to understand that the Union government has brought the laws that are not only anti-farmer but also against the middle class and the youth," he said, adding that his party was committed to the farmers' interest and will compel the government to withdraw the laws. He also said farmers are not begging but fighting for their rights as the biggest force in a democracy are people. A three-point resolution was passed in the mahapanchayat, demanding the withdrawal of the farm laws, a legislation to ensure the minimum support price (MSP) for crops and the rollback of the hike in fuel prices. It was the first major farmers' rally in Rajasthan after the recent visit of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to the state and third "kisan mahapanchayat" addressed by Pilot after similar events organised in Dausa and Bharatpur. Former ministers Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena, MLAs Hemaram Chaudhary, Brijendra Ola, Murari Meena, Rakesh Parekh, G R Khatana, Prashant Bairwa and other leaders of the party were present in the rally organised by Chaksu MLA Ved Prakash Solanki. Chaksu is a region dominated by Meena, Dalit and Jat communities. (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.) You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite app including Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit! Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | Feb. 19, 2021 Eight people were confirmed to have been shot in Philadelphia near a SEPTA station, one of whom is in critical condition. A man in Allentown thought he was hiring a hit man to kill his ex-girlfriend on Valentines Day when he was, in fact, actually speaking to an undercover state trooper. A prisoner who claims he accidentally drank blood in his jails cafeteria is having his original lawsuit concerning the incident revisited. Plus, people in Pennsylvania drank 753 alcoholic beverages total by the end of 2020each. Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa, a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa, consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too. A LEAVING Cert student who pleaded guilty to assaulting a classmate in school three years ago has had sentencing in the case put back until he has completed his exams this summer. At a sitting of Naas Criminal Circuit Court today, Judge Mary OMalley Costello ruled that a probation report was necessary to assess the risk that the 18-year-old schoolboy would reoffend and to establish if he had anger management issues. The student pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm on another student during a transition year music class at a school in Co Kildare on May 17, 2018. The court heard that the accused was 15 at the time of the offence. A District Court judge had refused jurisdiction to deal with the case, given the details of the offence. Sergeant Seamus Muldowney told the hearing that a music teacher had complained of her class being disruptive, with the accused continuing to talk despite being asked to stop. Cross examined by Katherine McGillicuddy BL, for the student, Sgt Muldowney said the victim had copybooks thrown at him after he had also asked the student to shut up. The court heard that the victim had flung one of the copybooks back over his head, hitting the student on the face, which appeared to provoke the assault. The student got out of his seat and punched the other boy in the face several times before also kicking him. The court heard that the victim suffered bruising and a chipped tooth as a result of the attack. Sgt Muldowney agreed that there had been no previous history between the two students prior to the assault and they had no further contact since the incident. In a victim impact statement, the injured party, who was 16 at the time, said he suffered flashbacks to the incident and was apprehensive about meeting his assailant again. Pleading for leniency, Ms McGillicuddy said her client had settled well in his new school and had a good record for attendance and behaviour and hoped to go on to study at college in Dublin. She said the student had brought 2,000 in compensation to court and wished to offer another apology to his former classmate. Ms McGillicuddy said the boy was genuinely remorseful for his actions. If he knew the harm and consequences for himself and his family, he would never have got out of his seat, she said. Ms McGillicuddy said they were the actions of a teenager who lacked the skills to exercise self-control, but she was confident he could go on to lead a law-abiding life. The student, who was accompanied by his mother in court, did not speak during the 45-minute hearing. The court heard that he had been expelled by the school as a result of the assault, but he had found a place in another school for the last two years. However, he had been unable to find a new school in Co Kildare for the 2018/19 academic year and had gone to a college in the UK to study a course for a year. Ms McGillicuddy said the teenager had no previous convictions and had not come to the attention of gardai since the incident. Although she asked for the case to be finalised at the hearing to allow him to focus on his exams, Judge OMalley Costello said she wanted the benefit of a probation report before deciding on a sentence. The judge said the teenager had suffered a rush of blood and given a hot-headed response but she said he deserved credit for returning to education after being expelled from school. She adjourned the case until October 5 and asked that the Probation Service would defer contacting him until after he completed his Leaving Certificate. Elon Musks love for Dogecoin is turning heads even in the crypto world. Im surprised Elon is so gung-ho on Dogecoin -- but this is a decentralized, free world, anybody can like anything," Binance Holdings Ltd. chief executive and founder Changpeng Zhao said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday. Musk, the founder of Tesla Inc. and the worlds richest man, has tweeted multiple times about the Shiba Inu-themed cryptocurrency that was started as a joke in 2013. And Binance, operator of one of the worlds largest crypto exchanges, has recently added Dogecoin futures on its platform to satisfy new liquidity demand. Binance is raking in new users at its fastest pace ever as Bitcoin tops $50,000. The crypto behemoth has been attracting more than 300,000 new user registrations on a day to day basis, sustaining above a previous peak in 2017, Zhao said. The optimism over institutional interest, among other factors, has helped Bitcoin surge more than 400% over the past year. Earlier this month, Tesla Inc. announced it bought $1.5 billion in Bitcoin and would accept the worlds biggest digital coin as a payment. The crypto mania has also benefited smaller tokens like Dogecoin. Binances own token BNB has outperformed Bitcoin, though Zhao noted it also has higher risk than the largest cryptocurrency as well, comparing their volatility levels. Binance Coin started as a loyalty program incentivizing user trades but now powers the decentralized applications on Binances own blockchain. Theres a lot more activity now in this industry than three years ago," said Zhao, who also goes by CZ. We are just at the beginning." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. After a week long holiday, Hanoians have resumed their post-Tet working lives without the usual cheer and bonhomie of parties and other get-togethers. Nguyen Thi Anh had a very unusual return to work in Hanois Long Bien District on February 17. Instead of partying with her colleagues and going to Buddhist pagodas on the first working day of the Lunar New Year as she used to, Anh remained in her office, donning her face mask. As soon as working hours were over, she returned home. "Last year we had a party and exchanged li xi (lucky money) with other people, but this year, we just smiled at each other through face masks, and there will be no gatherings or festive activities," Anh said. She also did not hang out with her sisters family the same day, which was "unprecedented," she added The 28-year-old accountant is among many residents in Hanoi who have tiptoed into their post-Tet lives, which are normally marked with pilgrimages and mini-celebrations with colleagues and friends that follow up on the traditional ones at home. The latest Covid-19 outbreak has put a stop to all such plans. In the last three weeks, Vietnam has recorded 755 Covid-19 community transmissions in 13 localities. In Hai Duong, currently Vietnams Covid-19 epicenter located just 60 kilometers from Hanoi, health authorities are saying the situation is unpredictable and could last longer than expected. A woman wearing a mask walks by the Hoan Kiem Lake, March, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Hai. Nguyen Cao Thien, a banker in Tay Ho District, said his managers have banned staff from meetings and coming into close contact with each other after returning to work on February 17. "Our li xi (lucky money) game was virtual, as everyone used e-wallet applications to receive and send their lucky money," Thien said. As people might have traveled to many places during their holiday, many firms, wary of Covid-19 infection risks among their employees, have required strict adoption of protective measures. Some companies have told their staff to work from home until the outbreak is under control. "There will be no New Year party or trips to local pagodas this year; please work remotely and limit meeting people until further notice," a paper-producing company in Hanois Long Bien District informed its white collar workers this week. Even among traditional Tet pilgrims, the practice of going to pagodas and temples has been limited because many of these places in Hanoi have been closed as a containment measure. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, said the site has strictly followed Covid-19 preventive measures and required all guests to wear face masks, but the number of visitors during Tet dropped considerably anyway. Many residents, wary of infection risks, have also avoided going to local restaurants for their usual New Year celebrations after the holiday. As a result, several eateries in Hanoi, usually very crowded at this time, have been deserted after Tet. The current situation has delivered a tough New Year start for many businesses, especially in the food and beverages and service sectors. Nguyen Thi Hoa, owner of a hotpot restaurant on Hong Tien Street, decided to delay reopening her business after Tet. "Even I open it, no patrons would come during this pandemic. And I am afraid to come into close contact with them too; who knows where theyd been or who theyd talked to during Tet." Staying back With millions of students and thousands of employees allowed to study and work remotely after Tet, many have opted to stay back in their hometown instead of rushing back to the capital city as the number of new Covid-19 cases has kept rising in the last few days. "Traveling on buses is risky because the new virus variant is dangerous, so we will stay here until we are required to go to our offices," said Nguyen Quang Dinh, 42, who has stayed in his parents house in northern Ha Nam Province with his wife and children. "We must tiptoe to our normal lives in Hanoi, because the virus could be everywhere," Dinh said. On the last day of the holiday (February 16), several bus stations in Hanoi were unprecedentedly quiet, with many buses carrying just around 50 percent of their passenger capacity. Nha Chung Street in downtown Hoan Kiem District is devoid of people on the first day of the Lunar New Year, February 12, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Ly Truong Son, Director of My Dinh Bus Terminal, said the number of passengers on the last day of the Tet holiday was less than even normal days despite the terminal strictly following all Covid-19 preventive measures. The local transportation authority requires all bus companies to record their patrons' information to enable contact tracing. Despite the usual restrictions on travel and gatherings, the most prominent reason forcing people to refrain from the usual post-Tet festivities is the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in its latest outbreak. In fact, the usual massive migration away from cities for the Tet holiday could have increased the possibility of the novel coronavirus spreading in the country. Hanoi has required tourism spots, coffee shops and street eateries to close starting February 16. Restaurants are allowed to open as long as they maintain social distancing rules and disinfect spaces. Accountant Anh said she has accepted the situation and is hopeful things will change. As she helped her 6-year-old son with his math homework from an online class, she said: "Hunker down and wait for good news. This is all I want to do until I can be at ease about enjoying New Year parties or trips with my loved ones." Nokia 3.4 is one of the two phones that HMD launched in India a few days back. It is a budget device, which means it is suited for the masses and may not have essentially what you usually look for in most smartphones. You may want a high refresh rate or at least four cameras on your phone. Nokia 3.4 is not about these things. It is about how you can experience a smartphone in the simplest way, the one where your wits are not bedazzled by the long list of specifications. I am talking about the pure Android experience that the Nokia 3.4 brings. This is my first impression of the Nokia 3.4, so technically there will not be any going deeper into the hardware and functions much yet. Nokia 3.4 comes across as a good phone but that is in theory. I took it for a test for a few days to see if the Nokia 3.4 holds any water when it comes to real-world performance. But before that, let me get a few things out of the way. The Nokia 3.4 comes in a single variant that costs Rs 11,999. This is the successor to the Nokia 3.2 that was launched back in 2019 for 8,990, which means the Nokia 3.4 is supposed to be a big upgrade and live up to its position. Right off the bat, the Nokia 3.4 has a pattern on the polycarbonate back that feels nice. The phone is a looker with the matte finish on the back in Dusk colour. This colour seems onion-y and I like it, but if you do not, there are two more options, Fjord and Charcoal. These colour options have been consistent throughout HMD's Nokia phones and it is good the company is not fixing something that is not broken. There is a fingerprint sensor on the back and above it is the circular island of three cameras and the LED flash. Frankly, I prefer physical fingerprint sensors at the back over any other form that this functionality comes in. And my reason behind that is the ease of access. I know it is rare I will take a misstep when unlocking a phone using the rear-mounted sensor. Anyway, the back has the Nokia branding besides all these things and that is it. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the device, while USB-C port and speakers are at the bottom. The right side has the power button and volume rocker while the left has the Google Assistant button. The Nokia 3.4 has a 6.39-inch 720p LCD with a punch-hole. It is nice to see the punch-hole on a phone in this segment. The display is a standard one that seems to produce good colours. I did not take this phone out with me in the sun so I cannot tell you if the brightness on the display is actually worth praising at this point in time. But the rest looks fine to me. The bezels are slightly thick with the chin being the thickest with a Nokia logo at the bottom. Powering the Nokia 3.4 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 processor, which we have seen in the Oppo A53 that was launched last year. This one is the best processor for this price segment, if you do not consider 5G as important right now. I have not used this processor before, but I will tell you in detail in my full review that should be coming soon. But for now, all I can tell you is that this processor comes across as a good option for the price and is not very much likely to disappoint you. The cameras are a combination of a 13MP, a 5MP, and 2MP sensors on the back, which I think will click good photos. Specifically, Nokia phones tend to retain natural colours in photos and I like this thing about them. The Nokia 3.4 comes with a 4000mAh battery inside, which I believe should last longer than a day on typical usage. There is 10W charging on the phone, which is not bad but I would have liked to see at least 15W or 18W technologies. And finally, there is Android One on the Nokia 3.4, which means the pure Android experience. There will be two years of Android upgrades and three years of Android security patches. This very promise makes Nokia phones as worthy as the Pixel phones are. I will be ready with a full-fledged review of the Nokia 3.4 in a few days, so stay tuned. President Joe Biden is expected to announce on Friday that the United States will make first contribution of $2 billion to a U.N.-backed program seeking to distribute COVID-19 vaccine doses to people in the poorest countries in the world, according to senior Biden administration officials. ABC News reported that Congress had already allocated the money in December for the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide to Gavi, an international vaccine distribution alliance. The congress provided a total of $4 billion and officials said that the U.S. would give the rest to Gavi over the course of this year and 2022. President Biden intends to announce during a virtual meeting of the Group of Seven leaders. To date, 10 countries have administered 75% of all COVID-19 vaccines, while more than 130 countries have not yet received a single dose, the United Nations said Wednesday. The United States has so far purchased 600 million vaccine doses, but it does not intend to give any of them to other countries until "there is sufficient supply in the United States." 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 NEW DELHI : Heres a list of top 10 stocks that could be in focus on Friday: Ambuja Cements: The cement manufacturer has reported an increase of 34.06% in consolidated net profit at 968.24 crore for December quarter 2020, helped by volume growth. The company, which follows January-December financial year, had clocked a net profit of 722.26 crore in October-December 2019, Ambuja Cements said in a BSE filing. ACC: The board of directors of ACC Limited has approved the renewal of the existing Master Supply Agreement (MSA) with Ambuja Cements Limited for a period of 3 years w.e.f. 2 May 2021, on the same terms of the existing MSA Agreement. IDFC Bank: The board of private sector IDFC First Bank has okayed raising up to 3,000 crore through various means. The bank said it may raise the fund in one or more tranches. NMDC: State-owned NMDC has announced resuming mining operations at its Donimalai iron ore mine in Karnataka. In 2018, NMDC had suspended iron ore mining at the mine following a decision of the state government to impose 80 per cent premium on the iron ore sales from the mine. DLF: Realty major DLF's rental arm DCCDL has completed the acquisition of the entire 52% stake of US-based Hines in a premium commercial project in Gurugram for 780 crore. Telecom companies: Bharti Airtel added 40.51 lakh new customers in December 2020, while Reliance Jio added 4.79 lakh new customers, according to data released by Trai. Vodafone Idea lost over 56.90 lakh mobile customers. L&T Finance Holdings: The non-banking finance company has closed its Rights Issue to raise Rs. 2,998.61 crore. The Rights Issue was oversubscribed by approximately 15%. BPCL: Oil India Limited in consortium with Engineers India Limited (EIL) has decided to bid for acquiring 61.65% stake of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Numaligarh Refinery Limited. Indian Oil Corp: State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has signed a pact with Greenstat Norway for setting up a Centre of Excellence on Hydrogen, according to a PTI report. Dish TV: The company has paid the settlement charges of 8,20,782 to Sebi. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of emergency situations reports that some roads are closed or difficult to pass in Armenia due to weather conditions. Berd-Chambarak highway, the Vardenyats Pass, the roads leading to Amberd Fortress and Lake Kari are closed. The roads of Dilijan, Syunik province are difficult to pass. The Georgian authorities inform that the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is closed for all types of vehicles. Drivers are urged to use snow tires. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan KALAMAZOO, MI Pressure continues to mount on Southwest Michigan First, as institutions organizations across Kalamazoo County have announced separations from the influential economic development group. The Kalamazoo Promise, which oversees the administration of scholarships for free college tuition to Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates, is the latest to separate from Southwest Michigan First, announcing the decision on Friday, Feb. 19. Last week, Southwest Michigan First announced it hired former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield as its new CEO. Chatfield, a Republican, has since taken criticism for policy stances while a legislative leader, such as when he opposed legislation that would expand civil rights protections to include gender identity and sexual orientation in 2019, saying at the time he believed it would infringe on religious freedom. Given the recent hire of Southwest Michigan Firsts CEO, and the position hes held in regard to matters of diversity, equity and inclusion, The Kalamazoo Promise has decided to separate ties from the SWMF Board of Directors, The Kalamazoo Promise said in statement sent Friday. Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield talks to reporters at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, April 25, 2019.Neil Blake | MLive.com Though a representative from The Kalamazoo Promise serves on the Southwest Michigan First board of directors, The Promise did not participate in the selection or hiring of the new CEO, the scholarship organization said, and believes the new leadership brings to question the level of value that SWMF places on diversity, equity and inclusion. It underscores misalignment with the work The Promise values, and goes against the values of The Promise, the organization said. We know that to strengthen the local economy it requires intentional focus toward the work of economic development especially with communities that have been systematically left out, The Kalamazoo Promise said. The first of its kind, The Kalamazoo Promise began in Kalamazoo in 2005 when a group of anonymous donors recognized the hurdle that college tuition poses in determining the futures of young people, and formed the group that has a mission to provide free college tuition to qualifying residents in perpetuity. We are reminded in these times how important our work is in transforming our community, The Kalamazoo Promise said in the statement. We are committed to leaning into hard conversations and working with partners (public, private and non-profit) to break down the policies and biases that perpetuate inequities. The group said it will work to address inequalities and will be persistent, but not patient. The time is now to address the injustice and lack of equity in our community, The Kalamazoo Promise said in the statement. Von Washington Jr., executive director of community relations at The Kalamazoo Promise, is listed as a Southwest Michigan First board member. Washington could not be reached Friday for comment. The Kalamazoo City Commission was the first to pull its funding from Southwest Michigan First. The countys Board of Commissioners has also discussed pulling its funding of the group. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation recently cut ties, and the president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College resigned this week because of the CEO selection. Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery, a Southwest Michigan First board member, criticized the CEO choice in a statement issued to MLive this week. Read more: KVCC president resigns from Southwest Michigan First board over CEO hire Western Michigan president: Southwest Michigan First CEOs policy positions dont align with WMUs values Kalamazoo Community Foundation ends membership with Southwest Michigan First over misalignment of values and vision Kalamazoo County will consider cutting annual $75K payment to Southwest Michigan First Kalamazoo commissioners cancel membership with Southwest Michigan First over CEO selection Former House Speaker says politics not a factor in new role at Southwest Michigan First Kalamazoo city commissioner says new economic development CEO does not share the regions values Police officers wearing face masks guard the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on May 14, 2020. (Erin Scott/Reuters) US House Reintroduces Bill to Ban All Xinjiang Goods Made With Forced Labor The U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 1 reintroduced a bill with bipartisan backing that would make it illegal to import into the United States all goods from Chinas northwestern Xinjiang region, unless it can prove that forced labor was not involved in their production. The revised version of the bill that passed the House 4063 in the previous Congress last September is similar to the Senate versionthe Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (pdf), which was reintroduced last month. It would grant President Joe Biden the authority to place sanctions against any individual responsible for slave labor practices forced upon the regions ethnic Uyghurs, the majority of whom practice Islam. The House Bill would also require companies listed in the United States to provide financial disclosures on its interaction with Chinese firms and entities engaged in abuses, a provision not included in the Senate version. Beijings repression of Uyghurs, perpetrated through its network of internment camps and mass surveillance system, has drawn international condemnation. According to an archived U.S. State Department website estimate, more than a million Uyghurs and other minority groups are held without charge in such facilities. The Trump administration placed sanctions on entities and individuals responsible for atrocities in the region. It also imposed a ban on all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang over forced labor practices. Xinjiangs economy is built upon a foundation of forced labor and repression, said Jim McGovern, the U.S. representative and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, on reintroducing the bill. House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) presides over a markup of the impeachment process resolution at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 30, 2019. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo) We have watched in horror as the Chinese government first created, and then expanded a system of extrajudicial mass internment camps targeting Uighurs and Muslim minorities, he said. Many U.S., international, and Chinese corporations are complicit in the exploitation of forced labor and these products continue to make their way into global supply chains and our country. It is long past time for the Congress to act, he added. President Joe Biden and his administration have so far been vocal in condemning the Chinese regime for its human rights abuses. During a town hall in Wisconsin on Feb. 16, Biden warned that Beijing would face repercussions for its actions, warning that the United States would reassert its role in speaking up for human rights at the United Nations and other agencies. The president however was criticized for saying that culturally, there are different norms in each country when asked about the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) repression of Uyghurs. A day before leaving office, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo designated the Chinese regimes persecution of Uyghurs as genocide and crimes against humanity. The Biden administration has agreed with the designation. Newly appointed Secretary of State Anthony Blinken however has said the new administration has some reservations about former President Donald Trumps approach to China. Let me just say that I also believe that President Trump was right in taking a tougher approach to China, Blinken told the Senate foreign relations panel during his confirmation hearing. I disagree very much with the way that he went about it in a number of areas, but the basic principle was the right one, and I think thats actually helpful to our foreign policy. Emel Akan and Reuters contributed to this report. Multnomah County officials are working to reduce jail populations after a recent COVID-19 outbreak by limiting new arrests, releasing some inmates early and delaying sentences. The outbreak has infected more than 140 inmates at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail since the beginning of the year, leading to an outcry from inmates and public defenders. The county reduced the overall population at the downtown Multnomah County Detention Center and the Northeast Portland Inverness Jail by 30% at the start of the pandemic, but inmates and staff still reported a crowded environment that did not allow for adequate social distancing. A presiding judge order signed Feb. 11 allows police officers to issue a citation in place of an arrest for all misdemeanors, excluding ones with mandatory arrest requirements. The order, signed by Presiding Judge Stephen K. Bushong of Multnomah County Circuit Court, took effect immediately and will remain until March 15. The order also excludes so-called person misdemeanors that include crimes committed against another person, such as stalking, driving under the influence of intoxicants, fourth-degree assault and menacing. Sheriff Mike Reese sent out a special order to deputies and partnering agencies the next day reinforcing the court guidelines. According to the order, officers will not book anyone into jail unless they are charged with an offense in a list of certain felonies and misdemeanors that are crimes committed against other people, excluding charges like car theft and possessing a firearm as a felon. Authorities will also continue to make mandatory arrests under Oregon law, such as in domestic violence cases. Over the past year, weve asked release agencies to cite in lieu of custody on property crime offenses and misdemeanor crimes, Reese said at a press conference last week. The new presiding judge order will formalize these practices, he said. The sheriffs office will also assemble a list of inmates with less than two weeks left of their jail sentence, according to an email obtained by The Oregonian/Oregon Live sent to all staff in the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office. The email said the office would review the list with a strong probability of not objecting to their release. Prosecutors will also prioritize cases where the defendant is in custody and will re-evaluate positions on whether to release a defendant, the email said. The office will not seek jail time for probation violations or sentencing unless a specific case demands it. Alternative options to jail could include community service, treatment or fines, according to Josh Lamborn, a former Multnomah County prosecutor. Reese said the sheriffs office is working with the district attorneys office to release inmates being held for violating probation. They have also coordinated with U.S. Marshals the transfer to a different facility of 20 Inverness inmates being held on federal court matters. The district attorneys office will recommend setting a sentence to begin at a later date to delay booking low-level offenders into jail, the email said. This is sometimes done in order to give someone time to prepare before turning themselves in by a certain date to serve their sentence. As of Thursday, Feb. 11, nine dorms at Inverness were still on lockdown either due to active cases or inmates needing to quarantine. The county is working to coordinate places for inmates to quarantine safely if they are released from jail, said spokesperson Julie Sullivan-Springhetti. -- Jaimie Ding jding@oregonian.com; 503-221-4395; @j_dingdingding MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI The number of locations that are or soon will be offering COVID-19 vaccinations are growing in the Muskegon area. The City of Muskegon Heights, Rite Aid and Hometown Pharmacy are among those authorized to provide the shots. They join Meijer, Mercy Health and Public Health Muskegon County that have been doing the bulk of vaccinations locally. All are following state eligibility guidelines, which include those ages 65 and older and essential workers. Muskegon Heights, Rite Aid and Meijer are focusing on age-eligible recipients. To receive a vaccine, residents must have their name on a waiting list from which providers are making appointments. Residents have been advised to sign onto multiple lists. Most lists can be accessed at one website: vaccinatewestmi.com/register. Hometown Pharmacys list can be accessed at its website, www.hometownpharmacy.com. Employers in essential industries are asked to register the number of employees they have who need vaccinations. Employer forms are at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EssentialEmployerVaccinationIntakeForm. Those who receive the vaccination are asked to alert list providers when they get the vaccine so their names can be removed. Related: Rural, isolated people getting left out of COVID vaccinations, Muskegon health director says Citizens age 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine. Eligible essential workers include employees working in law enforcement, fire departments, jails and corrections, childcare, K-12 schools, adult and child protective services, homeless shelters and juvenile facilities. Starting March 1, food and agricultural workers will join the eligibility list. The City of Muskegon Heights has vaccine available for its residents who are 65 and older. To schedule an appointment, call city hall at 231-733-8999, press 5 and follow the prompts. Rite Aid is vaccinating small numbers of seniors at stores in Whitehall, North Muskegon and on Henry Street in Muskegon. Meijer in Norton Shores is providing vaccinations. Those without Internet access can reach out for help getting on various vaccine lists. Heres how: -- Muskegon County health department and Mercy Health Muskegon. Call 231-724-8856. --Ottawa County Health Department and North Ottawa Community Health System. Call 2-1-1. --Spectrum Health. Call 833-755-0696. --Metro Health. Call 616-252-6161. --Meijer. Text COVID to 75049 or visit a Meijer pharmacy. Also on MLive: 14% of Michigan adults have gotten at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose; see numbers in your county Friday, Feb. 19, coronavirus data by Michigan county: 59 counties seeing decline in case counts As President Biden heads to Pfizer plant, residents waiting for COVID-19 vaccine voice fear, frustration 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. Israel is cautioning the Biden administration against rejoining the Iran nuclear deal, just one day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. was prepared to restart negotiations with an eye toward reviving an international commitment that the Trump administration abandoned three years ago. Israel believes that going back to the old nuclear agreement will pave Irans path to a nuclear arsenal. We remain committed to preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said in a statement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the announcement during a video meeting with the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany, known as the E3, saying the U.S. will return to its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as long as Iran does the same. If Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same and is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end, a joint statement from the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany. The four nations along with Russia and China were the original signatories of the agreement. The four countries also expressed concern about Iran limiting the access of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors Irans nuclear program. The E3 and the United States are united in underlining the dangerous nature of a decision to limit IAEA access, and urge Iran to consider the consequences of such grave action, particularly at this time of renewed diplomatic opportunity, the statement said. An Israeli official told Axios that the U.S. made them aware of the announcement in advance. We are in close contact with the United States on this matter, the official said. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to the statement from the U.S. and E-3, accusing the U.S. of economic terrorism. Instead of putting onus on Iran, they must abide by own commitments and demand an end to Trumps legacy of economic terrorism against Iran, he said. Story continues Iran has moved steadily away from the requirements of the Obama-era nuclear deal since May of 2018, when President Trump pulled out of the agreement and reimposed crippling sanction on the state terror sponsor. The deal, which was the signature foreign policy achievement of the Obama administration, gave Tehran billions of dollars in relief from sanctions in exchange for a promise to temporarily curb its nuclear program. Last month, Iran announced that it will ramp up its uranium enrichment to the highest levels since the 2015 deal was signed. Tehran said it would boost uranium enrichment to 20 percent in its underground Fordo nuclear facility, just a small technical step away from the 90 percent enrichment required to build a nuclear weapon. Earlier this month, President Biden said that the U.S. will not lift sanctions against Iran to convince the nation to return to the negotiating table unless Tehran halts its uranium-enrichment efforts. Shortly beforehand, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the opposite demand, saying America must be prepared to lift all sanctions on Iran in order for the country to retire its nuclear expansion and return to its commitments under the nuclear deal. More from National Review A rollover crash Friday morning on Interstate 290 east in Worcester has backed traffic up several miles and into Auburn. Photos posted by the Massachusetts State Police show a pickup truck on its side on I-290 eastbound. Materials from inside the bed of the truck are scattered across highway. #MAtraffic Crash, I-290 EB, just prior to I-190 in #Worcester. No injuries. Roads are slick. Take your time this morning. pic.twitter.com/iV8nzjpCKC Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) February 19, 2021 Police reported no injuries in the crash, which occurred just prior to the Interstate-190 connection. Police didnt report any lane closures but traffic was slowed to a creep on I-290 east. According to Google traffic, travel was slowed several miles back to the exit for the Massachusetts Turnpike in Auburn on I-290. Motorists should seek alternate routes. Police didnt advise how long the cleanup could take. The deputy director general for international cooperation at Russian state space corporation Roscosmos, Sergey Saveliev, on Friday congratulated NASA on a successful landing of its Perseverance Mars Rover on the Red Planet and wished the agency further success in its mission MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th February, 2021) The deputy director general for international cooperation at Russian state space corporation Roscosmos, Sergey Saveliev, on Friday congratulated NASA on a successful landing of its Perseverance Mars Rover on the Red Planet and wished the agency further success in its mission. On Thursday, NASA's Perseverance landed on Mars to explore the dry-bed of an ancient lake and river delta for signs of microbial life that could have lived in a watery environment three million years ago. "On behalf of the leadership of Roscosmos state corporation, I congratulate the team of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the successful landing of the Perseverance Rover on Mars. I wish you all good luck and full implementation of the scientific research program!" Saveliev said. Perseverance is the fifth Mars rover launched by NASA. The rover has a drill and other instruments to collect samples of Martian rocks and soil. Perseverance includes devices to prepare for future exploration of the Red Planet, including a machine the size of a car battery that will attempt to make oxygen from Martian carbon dioxide. Strapped to the rover's underbelly, a tiny helicopter named Ingenuity will attempt to explore the nearby surface by navigating the planet's thin atmosphere. Early last Friday morning, 12 February, an oil spill occurred in Gibraltar port, from a ship called AM Ghent, whose captain confirmed that one of its venting valves had failed while bunkering. A counter-pollution plan was put into immediate operation and a clean-up began, but the oil affected numerous sea birds and some of the spill still remains in areas north of the harbour. These accidents are rare, but they come at great environmental cost. Gibraltar's Environment Minister, Dr John Cortes, said that "Over the last ten years the marine life in our harbour had come back in strength and it was becoming a key wildlife area. "This is a significant setback which we are monitoring closely and we are working hard to minimise the impact as much as possible. But it will take time to recover." The ship has been detained and the government wants to recover all costs from its owners. Russian police have once again removed a makeshift memorial to slain opposition politician Boris Nemtsov in central Moscow and detained two activists guarding it, local media reported. Grigory Simakov, one of the volunteers who help guard the memorial, told the Novaya gazeta newspaper that police destroyed it and later placed two metal barricades on the spot. Simakov said police took two of the volunteers to the station to check their documents while he and his wife were chased away. The memorial consisting of flowers, photographs, and candles is located on the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge -- a short walk from the Kremlin -- where Nemtsov was gunned down nearly six years ago, on February 27, 2015. Supporters of Nemtsov have maintained the memorial ever since his death despite police, city workers, and others regularly destroying or removing it. A volunteer died in August 2017 after he was beaten on the bridge. Nemtsov was an ardent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Five Chechens have been found guilty of involvement in his killing, but critics, including relatives and colleagues of Nemtsov, say Russian authorities failed to determine who ordered it. Based on reporting by Novaya gazeta The Chinese government cleared Hang Lung Properties to buy a cluster of luxury residential properties in Hong Kong from the U.S. government, the developer said. The U.S. consulate sold six multi-story mansions with 26 units at 37 Shouson Hill Road to the local developer in September, but the deal was suspended as it involved diplomatic matters. Hang Lung Properties agreed to a price of HK$256 million ($33 million) and paid 10% as a deposit. A spokesperson for Hang Lung Properties told Caixin that the company is pleased that the seller fulfilled its diplomatic obligations and obtained consent from the Chinese government. Hang Lung Properties is working with the seller to complete the transaction and will announce it in due course, the spokesperson said. The property, in a luxury residential area where Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shings family lives, was put on the market in May, just days after China unveiled a proposal to impose a controversial national security law in Hong Kong. The U.S. consulate repeatedly said the sale was a purely commercial decision. But Hang Lung Properties said in December that the deal involved diplomatic matters, not an ordinary commercial transaction, and was subject to applicable diplomatic requirements. The Chinese government told the Hong Kong government that the U.S. consulates lease, purchase, sale or disposal of any real estate in Hong Kong must comply with diplomatic obligations, Hang Lung Properties said. Those include submission of an application and information to Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioner in Hong Kong 60 days in advance and obtaining of written consent, the company said. Hang Lung said it plans to redevelop the site into multiple detached luxury residences, expected to be completed by 2024, with a total investment of about HK$4 billion. Hang Lung is one of the leading property developers in Hong Kong. In recent years, its business has shifted to leasing. It operates a number of shopping malls, office buildings and residential properties in Hong Kong. In the mainland, the company mainly develops high-end commercial real estate and operates Plaza Hang Lung projects in Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuxi, Tianjin and other cities. Contact reporter Denise Jia (huijuanjia@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com). Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Few civilians understand what it feels like to climb into a military tank and squeeze into the cockpit. Even fewer have had the opportunity to grab ahold of the controls and actually drive one. The American Heritage Museum in Stow is offering an opportunity to operate not just one tank, but three of the most iconic American military vehicles of the WWI era. Winners will be selected as part of museums Ultimate WWII Tank Experience sweepstakes for the chance to participate in the museums WWII Tank Driving and Crew Experience. Winners will climb into and operate three American WWII tanks: the M24 Chaffee, M4A3 Sherman, and M26 Pershing. In addition to driving the three tanks, winners will also have the opportunity for exclusive tours inside five other military vehicles in the museum, which has nearly 100 tanks, military vehicles and other rare artifacts. This is not a ride. YOU will be in control of each iconic tank as you learn to make turns at various speeds, climb a hill, and cross obstacles, the museum said. Tickets to enter the sweepstakes are connected to donations for the museum. According to the web site, there is no minimum donation to enter. Donations of $25 or more receive more tickets. At $25, a participant receives three tickets. The escalating scale continue all the way up to $2,000, which includes 525 tickets. Folks can donate and enter the contest here. The sweepstakes does not include travel or accommodations. Proceeds from this sweepstakes and fundraising campaign will help support the mission of the American Heritage Museum. Winners will have the opportunity to drive with a guest in the tank commanders turret position, then switch places. The experience will begin with the M24 Chaffee, equipped with a lightweight 75mm cannon as used on the B-25 Mitchell bomber. The M24 Chaffee became the dominant light tank for the United States in the closing years of World War II and remained in service past the Vietnam War, the museum said. In the M24 Chaffee, winners will learn tank controls, turns and power management. The next tank, the M4A3 Sherman, was the most widely used medium tank by the United States and Western Allies during World War II. The Sherman will introduce winners to the manual transmission operations and provide a better understanding of the advancements of the tank. The grande finale of the experience will include operating a M26A1 Pershing tank - the most advanced American tank in WWII, the museum said. The M26 Pershing tank was used in the last months of WWII during the invasion of Germany and extensively during the Korean War. The American Heritage Museum is the only place in the world where someone can actually drive a fully restored and operational M26 Pershing tank, the museum said. Related Content: A convoy truck carrying AstraZeneca's vaccine is escorted from SK Bioscience factory in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, to a distribution center in Icheon, Feb. 19, in the country's final government-wide mock drill for the planned transport of COVID-19 vaccines ahead of the beginning of the inoculation program next week. Yonhap South Korea carried out a final government-wide mock drill Friday for the planned transport of COVID-19 vaccines ahead of the beginning of the inoculation program next week, the defense ministry said. Earlier this month, health authorities and related agencies conducted the first mock drill at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, for the transport of the foreign-made Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Friday's second and final rehearsal focused on transporting the AstraZeneca's vaccine, to be produced at a SK Bioscience Co. factory in the southeastern city of Andong, to a distribution center in Icheon, south of Seoul, and then to 25 local health centers across the nation. To be fully prepared for any emergency situations, the authorities mobilized the Air Force's C-130 cargo plane and helicopters to rehearse their delivery to islands, such as Jeju and Ulleung Islands, according to the defense ministry. New Delhi: The much-anticipated visit of Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Beijing for NSA levels talks with BRICS nations, especially China has come to an end. During his trip, Doval met his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi and called upon President Xi Jinping. Even though no official communication has yet confirmed that the two sides discussed the contentious Sikkim standoff, the visit can be considered vitally successful as it has forged a normal dialogue between neighbours during border dispute. China, on Thursday, acknowledged that Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang met on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meet during which they discussed major problems in bilateral ties. However, China made no mention of the Doklam standoff. Suggested read | Amid Sikkim standoff, India NSA Ajit Doval calls on Chinese President Xi Jinping But it is likely that positive strides were made in the direction of conflict resolution. There was some recognition in the bilateral conversation about the need for more engagement before the BRICS summit in Xiamen early September, and there are likely to be some high-level official visits next month as part of efforts to defuse the situation, a top source told The Indian Express, without going into details of the meeting between Doval and Yang. The report in English daily also hints at the possibility of visits by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and senior officials, including Joint Secretary (East Asia) Pranay Verma, to engage with Chinese interlocutors. The Indian side has confirmed to Chinese interlocutors that Modi is likely to visit Xiamen, on the south-east coast of China and across the strait from Taiwan, for the summit planned from September 3 to 5. Since the standoff began on June 16, China has been maintaining that there will not be a meaningful dialogue without the unconditional withdrawal of Indian troops. Suggested read | Dokalam | Want peace with India, but won't compromise sovereignty: China For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. His residency would surely be an issue for him during any campaign, even though it would not bar him from serving in Congress or as governor. Priebus last voted in Wisconsin in the 2016 presidential election, when Trump narrowly won the state. President Joe Biden defeated Trump by fewer than 21,000 votes in Wisconsin last year. Sky map showing 25,000 supermassive black holes. Each white dot is a supermassive black hole in its own galaxy. Credit: LOFAR/LOL Survey An international team of astronomers has published a map of the sky showing over 25,000 supermassive black holes. The map, to be published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, is the most detailed celestial map in the field of so-called low radio frequencies. The astronomers, including Leiden astronomers, used 52 stations with LOFAR antennas spread across nine European countries. Stars or black holes? To an untrained eye, the sky map appears to contain thousands of stars, but they are actually supermassive black holes. Each black hole is located in a different, distant galaxy. The radio emissions are emitted by matter that was ejected as it got close to the black hole. Research leader Francesco de Gasperin (formerly Leiden University, now Universitat Hamburg, Germany) says about the study: "This is the result of many years of work on incredibly difficult data. We had to invent new methods to convert the radio signals into images of the sky." From the bottom of the pool Observations at long radio wavelenghts are complicated by the ionosphere that surrounds the Earth. This layer of free electrons acts like a cloudy lens that constantly moves across the radio telescope. Co-author Reinout van Weeren (Leiden Observatory) explains: "It's similar to when you try to see the world while immersed in a swimming pool. When you look up, the waves on the water of the pool deflect the light rays and distort the view." Map of the entire sky The new map was created by combining 256 hours of observations of the northern sky. The researchers deployed supercomputers with new algorithms that correct the effect of the ionosphere every four seconds. Scientific Director of the Leiden Observatory Huub Rottgering is the last author of the publication. He is delighted with the results: "After many years of software development, it is so wonderful to see that this has now really worked out." The map now covers 4 percent of the northern half of the sky. The astronomers plan to continue until they have mapped the entire northern sky. In addition to supermassive black holes, the map also provides insight into the large-scale structure of the universe, among other things. Explore further Help find the location of newly discovered black holes in the LOFAR Radio Galaxy Zoo project More information: The LOFAR LBA Sky Survey - I. survey description and preliminary data release. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics. www.astronomie.nl/upload/files perin-AandA-2021.pdf Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics The LOFAR LBA Sky Survey - I. survey description and preliminary data release. Accepted for publication in Washington: President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats proposed a major immigration overhaul on Friday (February 19) that would offer an eight-year pathway to citizenship to the estimated 11 million people living in the US illegally. This is a move that would benefit hundreds and thousands of Indian IT professionals in America. The legislation reflects the broad priorities for immigration changes that Biden laid out on his first day in office, including an increase in visas, more money to process asylum applications and new technology at the southern border. We have an economic and moral imperative to pass big, bold and inclusive immigration reform, said New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, in unveiling it Friday. Menendez said Democrats have failed in the past because they have too quickly given in "to fringe voices who have refused to accept the humanity and contributions of immigrants to our country and dismiss everything, no matter how significant it is in terms of the national security, as amnesty. Separately, enforcement guidelines released on Friday by the new administration would target immigration enforcement more directly at people in the country illegally who pose a threat. That, too, would be a reversal from the broader targeting policy of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump. Menendez said he had been speaking to Republican colleagues in an effort toward "putting the pieces of a puzzle together on a bill that would receive enough votes to pass. He acknowledged the final product is likely to change significantly. The bill Democrats introduced Friday would immediately provide green cards to farm workers, immigrants with temporary protected status and young people who arrived in the U.S. Illegally as children. For others living in the U.S. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the plan establishes a five-year path to temporary legal status. If they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other basic requirements, then, after three years, they can pursue citizenship. The plan also would raise the current per-country caps for family and employment-based immigrant visas. It would eliminate the penalty barring those immigrants who live in the U.S. Without authorization and who then leave the country from returning for three to 10 years. The bill would expand transnational anti-drug task forces in Central America and enhance technology at the border. And it would set up refugee processing in Central America, to try to prevent some of the immigrant caravans that have overwhelmed border security in recent years. The plan includes USD 4 billion spread over four years to try to boost economic development and tackle corruption in Latin American countries, to lessen pressure for migration to the U.S. While Biden is pushing a comprehensive bill, he suggested earlier this week he may be open to a more piecemeal approach. Menendez, too, seemed to suggest he was open to a piece-by-piece approach. If we can get certain elements of this standing up and passed individually both in the House and the Senate, that's great, he said. Live TV The citys public health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Tuesday that the snowfall interrupted the arrival of truckloads of vaccine doses, which typically come in the beginning of the week from facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee, but they shouldnt take longer than a few days to arrive. By Thursday evening, CDPH spokesman Andrew Buchanan wrote in a statement, no Moderna doses have arrived in Chicago this week, while Pfizer vaccines were canceled Monday and sent Tuesday and Wednesday in limited numbers. God blessed me with the ability to be creative in the kitchen and the passion for feeding people and making them smile! Author Jennifer Truitt shares recipes developed over the years in Lil Country, Lil Gourmet, Lotta Variety: Jenns Kitchen and Gourmet Country Cafe Cookbook ($17.49, paperback, 9781662809828; $8.99, e-book, 9781662809835). With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Truitt knows what people like to eat and how food can bring them together. Readers need not be experts to follow her recipes, however, since she has made them simple enough for even a novice cook. With gluten-free, vegan and Keto variations listed, theres something for the whole family to enjoy! God blessed me with the ability to be creative in the kitchen and the passion for feeding people and making them smile! said Truitt. Jennifer Truitt was born in Dallas, Texas and attended Southwest Texas State University, studying Business Management. Her dad owned three restaurants that she worked at from the young age of twelve, which inspired her to have a place of her own one day. In 1994, she started catering and two years later opened her first restaurant called Gourmet Country Cafe in Taylor, Texas. She is truly just a small-town girl who got to live out her dream of cooking and making people smile for over twenty years! ### Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Lil Country, Lils Gourmet, Lotta Variety is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. Posted Friday, February 19, 2021 1:00 am His testimony was a good one. One couldnt help but be moved by it. It included his journey out in the streets, wandering aimlessly, living a licentious lifestyle. It, also, included uncomfortable admissions of his crimes, his life-sentence without the possibility of parole, and his need for reform. The man was truly repentant, and I believe has a ministry he is now fulfilling, albeit behind bars to his peers and corrections staff. An interesting part of his convicting, though humbling, story grabbed my attention. He spoke about his father who happened to be a pastor. He was a highly influential pastor but had a secret life of sexual sins of which people kept quiet about. The mans testimony about his father included him saying, I was a product of that infidelity. He took it a step further and spoke of his fathers funeral, which he was allowed to attend. It bothered him immensely as the people paraded to the microphone to speak of how great his father was. He didnt appreciate how they ignored his father's sins. After all, how could he be such a good pastor or Christian if he had such a sexually promiscuous lifestyle? I want to be painfully clear on this: What Im about to say is not intended in any way to justify any misbehavior. Sexual sin is wrong, and even considered worse than some other sins (see 1 Corinthians 6:12-20). All sin should be avoided, especially sexual sin. It always leads to collateral damage and absolutely hurts the church when a leader is engaged in it. It occurred to me when the man said, I am the product of that infidelity, Jesus had a similar testimony. Jesus ultimately came from a relationship born out of abuse of power, murder, disloyalty, deceit, lust, denial, arrogance, and adultery. The story of David and Bathsheba is common but uncomfortable when you peel it back a little and look at it a little more closely. King David, from his powerful and lofty position, ordered a woman he lusted after to come to him. This married woman complied and David caved to his sensual desires and lured her to have sex with him. She became pregnant as a result. David then ordered her husband to go home to spend time with his wife. This was Davids plan to have the man sleep with his wife so he would think the child within her was his rather than another mans. However, David didnt count on this mans loyalty to him. The man was a mighty military leader and refused to leave the king unprotected, so he didnt go home to be with his wife. David hashed a new plan to send this man into a heated battle, and withdraw other soldiers from him, so he would be exposed, and killed in battle. David essentially murdered the man so he could take his wife home as his own wife. God sent a friend to confront David about the sin and tell him of Gods certain punishment to him for his sins. David and Bathsheba did have the baby, but the baby did not live long. They were devastated. This punishment of God was overwhelming -- especially because David knew he had royally messed up in many ways and was an incredible disappointment to God. Even so, God saw that David was contrite and that although David did a series of very evil, sinful things, he still was a man after Gods own heart. Yes, David was punished and the punishment was felt for generations for all of Israel. Still, David was used by God to be considered the one by whom the Messiah would come. Yes, you heard that right. David and Bathsheba not only were not forced to divorce since their relationship was born out of sinful hearts, they were used to bring the world the Messiah. The second child born to them was Solomon, and through him ultimately came the descendant, Jesus of Nazareth. So, Jesus was a product of infidelity because he came from David and Bathsheba, whose relationship began as an adulterous one. Learn this lesson: Your genealogy, history, or circumstances do not define you, but understanding them can help you avoid making similar mistakes. Additionally, your genealogy, history, or circumstances do not dictate your future. Gods sovereignty and providence, and your personal choices do. Learning from your mistakes and the mistakes of others can help you to have a great testimony, as well. One more thing: When a leader makes a grievous error, the devil wins in that moment. Usually, there is a ton of collateral damage. The Ravi Zacharias scandal is a prime example. Even so, just because a leader makes a grievous error, doesnt nullify everything else the erring leader did. The devil absolutely targets church leaders. If he can get one to err, he can take down many. But be careful not to nullify what has not been nullified. The devil doesnt have to keep winning in these battles. Truth is truth, no matter who is telling it. Truth is truth, no matter the motives behind saying it. And truth doesnt get nullified just because a leader is exposed for not living out the truth. Truth remains truth, no matter how any human behaves. The devil would love to convince us otherwise. Then, he wins more. The inmate, upset about people saying his father did great ministry was upset because they all seemed to ignore the fact that there he was, a product of his fathers known infidelity, sitting right amongst them. Thats natural. However, its clear his father did have a great ministry for Christ, and others testified to that. He simply was hypocritical in part of his Christian life. I sincerely hope he was genuine in the other parts of his life, but dont know. Thats irrelevant to the point that he still had an effective ministry to others, based on Scriptural truths. That ministry is not nullified. That truth is not nullified. Those impacted lives are not nullified. Dont let the devil win more than he already has. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar. Romans 3:3-4 (ESV) Pastor Jeff Adams is a professional Christian counselor who travels the world teaching but serves our community. His column appears weekly. He can be reached by email at jeffreydadams@hotmail.com. Jefferson Parish's 3,152 public school teachers were urged Thursday to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations shortly after Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards made teachers eligible. An email from the state's largest public school system email encouraged them to complete a questionnaire to speed the process. "This is great news for our district since the vaccine is a major step in the mitigation of the pandemic," the email said. "We will continue to work with our government and health care officials to secure vaccines specifically for Jefferson Parish schools employees." Louisiana expanding coronavirus vaccine eligibility to K-12 teachers, people with health conditions With severe winter weather still hobbling Louisianas vaccine effort, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday that he will expand eligibility for Teachers become eligible for the vaccine next week, but plenty of uncertainty remains on how many and when vaccines will become available. The email said the school system hopes to have systemwide vaccination days to make it as easy as possible for employees to get the vaccine. Filling out the questionnaire ahead of time will smooth the process, the email said. "This is the best way to start the process until vaccine doses are specifically allotted to Jefferson Parish schools," it says. 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. Published: 18 February 2021 Small intestinal biopsy from child with refractory stunting The research was based on a community-based longitudinal, observational study of stunting of 300 children in Lusaka, Zambia, from 2016 to 2019. Unlike interventional studies to address wasting and stunting, the authors assessed the intestinal pathology associated with stunting by using a combination of endoscopy and microscopy. They found that the constant exposure to microbial pathogens in children damages the lining of the gut, which affects food absorption and can in turn result in stunted growth. They also found that young children with stunting that doesnt respond to intervention have continuous, intense exposure to gut microbial pathogens and severe ongoing inflammation of the intestine, among other gut issues. The authors conclude that treatment should focus on healing the gut and minimising the childs exposure to pathogens as they catch up in growth. Corresponding author Professor Paul Kelly said: We found very intense infection pressure with enteropathogens, but we also found evidence that the gut adapts to these pathogen burdens. Our data suggest that microbial translocation, through which gut bacteria get into the systemic circulation and trigger inflammatory cascades, can be controlled by adaptive responses which may lead to reduced nutrient absorption. In other words, stunting is the price you pay for staying alive." There are 140 million children with stunting and 40 million children with wasting from malnourishment worldwide. Gut damage due to environmental factors is a major contributor to stunting in millions of children in Africa and South Asia. Previous research has shown that providing food and sanitary measures to undernourished children does not reliably restore growth, and that a proportion of children remain stunted. Professor Paul Kelly added: Malnutrition in children takes several forms, including stunting (failure of linear growth, reduced height) and wasting (often an abrupt loss of weight). Its now clear that giving extra food only corrects about 10 per cent of stunting, and that refractoriness is in large part due to enteropathy, a disturbance of intestinal integrity and function. It would seem obvious that the appropriate treatment for malnutrition is food, and clearly without food no-one can recover from malnutrition. But often its not enough. Once children in disadvantaged populations become clinically malnourished, providing extra food is insufficient to guarantee recovery. We are going to have to be more subtle about unravelling this adaptive response than merely providing extra rations." More information Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been announced as the inaugural president of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. The position, which is the first of its kind, will see the actress represent and advocate for the organisation. Waller-Bridge performed her hugely successful one-woman play, Fleabag, at Underbelly during the 2013 Fringe. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. The show earned an Olivier Award nomination and became a hit TV series for BBC 3/Amazon. She said: The Edinburgh Fringe has staged an annual cultural revolution for decades. Its where thousands of writers, comedians, performers and artists cut their teeth and put their most raw work out into the world. Whether its a two-hander in a shoebox, a gig in a van, a promenade through the streets or a mammoth musical epic, this festival is a global symbol of artistic freedom and experimentation. It relies on its audiences and it relies on its artists. Its where the relationship between the two is feverishly consummated, sometimes with great success, sometimes with awkward fumbles behind an inflatable cow, but always with unbridled passion and creativity. From leaking caves to cobbled streets to the glamour of the Traverse Theatre up to Arthurs seat, this festival is a beating heart of an industry that has been all but crushed by the pandemic, and Im proud to be a part of the fight with the Fringe Society for its much-needed survival and glorious return. Phoebe Waller-Bridges original Fleabag play made its debut at the Fringe in 2013 (Matt Crossick/PA) The festival was cancelled for the first time in its history last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Organisers say the event will go ahead in 2021 but they are unable to say in what form digitally or socially-distanced, for example. Waller-Bridge will attend select events and speak on behalf of the Society where appropriate. The honorary appointment was unanimously confirmed earlier this month by the charitys board of directors. A new chair of the society is also being recruited after Professor Sir Timothy OShea announced he would be stepping down from the role at the end of March. WhatsApp pushed its change in Terms of Service from February 8 to May 15 following backlash from users globally. The Facebook-owned company terms this backlash as misinformation, and that it hasnt properly explained what these changes mean. WhatsApp has now published a blog detailing how it will inform users about the policy change. WhatsApp will soon start displaying a banner with information to its new terms and privacy policy. (WhatsApp) ALSO READ: Indian govts WhatsApp alternative Sandes WhatsApp explained again how its privacy policy changes are primarily for businesses, and personal chats will not be affected. Bigger businesses, like an airline or retailer, might hear from thousands of customers at a time - asking for information on a flight, or trying to track their order. To make sure they can respond quickly, these businesses may use Facebook as a technology provider to manage some of the responses on their behalf. We will clearly label chats to make you aware when that happens, WhatsApp said. WhatsApp in its blog also took a dig at rival apps who have been seeing spike in users after the backlash. Weve seen some of our competitors try to get away with claiming they cant see peoples messages - if an app doesnt offer end-to-end encryption by default that means they can read your messages, WhatsApp said in its blog. Telegram and Signal are the most popular WhatsApp alternatives. Both are privacy-focused apps, and have been found to collect less user information and data when compared to WhatsApp. WhatsApps new privacy policy and ToS come into effect on May 15 before which users will have to accept the terms to continue using the app. A girl holds a firecracker in an alleyway in Beijing during the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of celebrations for the Chinese New Year period. (Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images) Chinese Regime Promotes Its Own Agenda Under Disguise of Reviving Traditional Culture: Experts Major Chinese media outlets reported on Feb. 14 that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rolled out a new policy to revive traditional Chinese culture by 2025. However, the policy was criticized by media and China commentators who accuse the regime of using traditional culture as a facade for its own political gain, while destroying its essence. The newly issued policy, called Major National Policy of the State Council: Comprehensive Rejuvenation of Traditional Culture by 2025, reiterates a policy from a similar document issued in 2017. The new policy requests all levels of the CCP to support traditional culture. It declares that China will rejuvenate traditional culture in an all-around way by 2025. The CCP is also requiring the implementation of the so-called Chinese Traditional Festival Revitalization Project in the policy. Hu Ping, honorary editor-in-chief of Beijing Spring, a popular China-based political magazine, told Radio Free Asia that the CCP was initially established on the basis of opposing traditional culture. The CCP is a political group that is the most hostile toward traditional Chinese culture, Hu said. He cited the example of the CCPs destruction of temples dedicated to Confucius. Structures dedicated to worshipping Confucius and other sages in Confucianism were built in various regions of China since the fifth century. But they were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, which was a mass anti-cultural political movement launched by then-Communist Party leader Mao Zedong. The Cultural Revolution lasted for 10 years (1966-1976) with countless artifacts, architecture, and antiques destroyed, and tens of millions of people persecuted to death. Therefore, it is a huge irony in itself that the Communist Party now plays a role of inheriting and carrying forward traditional culture, Hu said. Hu believes that the CCPs new policy is merely a propaganda slogan, using the symbols of Chinese traditional culture as its facade while destroying the most precious soul and essence of Chinese traditional culture. As widely reported, China has recently been aggressively repairing traditional Buddhist and Taoist temples, Hu said. But in actuality, it controls and suppresses traditional religious activities more severely. It does not truly respect religious freedom and what it expresses on the surface completely contradicts what it is actually doing, he added. A Tibetan monk walks past ruins at the Gedan Songzan Monastery at Zhongdian, in Chinas Yunnan Province, on April 23, 1998. Much of the 300 year-old monastery was destroyed by radical communists during Chinas Cultural Revolution, but is now being rebuilt. (AP Photo/Greg Baker) China-based independent media commentator Wu Te told The Epoch Times on Feb. 16 that the CCPs purpose is not to revive traditional culture, but to promote its own agenda under the guise of reviving traditional culture. Wu said that communism has gone bankrupt and cannot attract believers. In recent years, Chinas economic development has stagnated and the CCP is facing a crisis of legitimacy. Therefore, the CCP has turned to using nationalism and traditional culture to deceive people. He pointed out, If the CCP really cares about the protection of traditional culture, it will not harass Shen Yun performances overseas, nor will it suppress traditional religious beliefs such as Buddhism and Taoism in China. Shen Yun is a performing arts group that seeks to revive traditional Chinese culture through music and dance. The independent company is based in New York and tours all over the world every year. Shen Yun has drawn the ire of the Chinese regime over its depiction of scenes exposing the persecution of spiritual group Falun Gong on stage. Since 1999, adherents of Falun Gong have been subject to Beijings sweeping campaign to eradicate the practice, involving arbitrary detention, forced labor, brainwashing, torture, and even death. Performance of traditional Chinese culture by Shen Yun. (Courtesy Shen Yun Performing Arts) Beijing often pressures theaters and governments around the world to pull the show, and has occasionally succeeded. Chinese internet writer Jing Chu told The Epoch Times that this new policy shows that communism is completely bankrupt and that the CCP cannot sustain its grip over people. Therefore, the CCP tries to use different methods to maintain its regime. It wants to find ideological resources with Chinese characteristics from traditional Chinese culture, he said. Jing pointed out that communism is totally at odds with traditional Chinese culture. Confucianism teaches benevolence, justice, courtesy, wisdom, and trust, as the basic ethics of mankind; while the CCP speaks of fighting against the heavens, the earth, and others for endless joy (Maos famous slogan). Luo Ya and Zhang Dun contributed to this report. Turkeys government has hired a law firm in Washington to lobby on its behalf as it seeks rapport with the Biden administration amid a continuing dispute over Ankaras purchase of Russias S-400 air defense system. A defense company owned by Turkeys main defense industrial agency signed a contract with the Arnold & Porter law firm to provide strategic advice and outreach in a bid to persuade US policymakers to readmit Turkey to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, Foreign Lobby Report first reported. The United States expelled NATO ally Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 after the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan purchased Russias S-400 air defense system. The United States insists the S-400s radar could expose to the Kremlin sensitive details about the F-35s advanced technology. Biden administration officials have reiterated the stance put forth by the Trump administration: Turkey cannot obtain the F-35 unless it moves the S-400 out of its country. Senior Turkish officials have publicly rejected that option, instead floating far more modest compromises. Defense Minister Hulusi Akar earlier this month likened Turkeys possession of the Russian system to Greeces continued ownership of an older S-300, and said Turkey does not need to utilize the system all of the time. Akar also said that the NATO allies should find a solution to the dispute, but that none remains possible until the United States addresses its support to a Kurdish-led militia in Syria in the fight against the Islamic State. Turkey considers the Kurdish-led fighters to be inextricable from the Kurdistan Workers Party, which is designated a terrorist organization by Ankara and its Western allies. Following Akars comments, US State Department spokesman Ned Price quickly signaled the Biden administration was not interested in compromise. Arnold & Porter was hired by the Ankara-based SSTEK Defense Industry Technologies, which is owned by Turkeys Presidency of Defense Industries. The Trump administration targeted Presidency of Defense Industries with limited, last-minute sanctions in December over the S-400 purchase. Ankara test-fired the system last year, drawing renewed objections from Congress. The United States is obligated under Article 231 of a 2017 law, the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act, to economically penalize countries that complete major transactions with Russia's defense industry. During this weeks annual NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, Akar said sanctions against Turkey only serve to weaken the alliance. This weeks summit included renewed focus on shoring up the Western pact after recent years internal tumult, as Turkey has doubled down on disputes with its allies and after Frances President Emmanuel Macron in 2019 took it upon himself to diagnose the alliances brain death. 31338 Adam Such, President and Chief Operating Officer, Communication Security Group Adam Such, President and Chief Operating Officer, Communication Security Group Teleworking and the security risks of freemium messaging apps COVID-19 is leading an ever-increasing proportion of the workforce to telecommute from home, and many of those employees are being pushed towards using freemium messaging apps for work related communications. With articles such as A guide to use WhatsApp while working from home in The Economic Times, and limited enterprise approved and managed alternatives, its doubtful this will change in the short-term. However, this trend should raise red flags for CTOs and IT departments around the world. As a follow up to my recent article highlighting the unsuitability of freemium messaging apps for the enterprise, I will break down the issues with freemium consumer apps into three principle categories: 1. Security Because freemium messaging apps are offered to any and all users there is always the question of who can acquire, access and employ encrypted messaging as an anonymous user. Andersen Cheng, the chief executive of cryptography company Post Quantum, reports he pulled his own messaging app when he discovered it appeared on an Islamic State recommended apps list. Just today the tragic story broke about a South Korean sexual abuse/blackmail ring operated on the Telegram messaging app. While bad actors continue to be able to access and use a platform anonymously, you can be assured the law enforcement and intelligence communities will consider breaking that app a priority hence an exchange using such apps can be compared to having a public conversation in terms of the privacy they offer. Although many freemium messaging apps claim to offer a high level of protection with end-to-end encryption, not all encryption is created equal and they rarely provide trusted-source certification and assurance. As cybersecurity journalist Zak Doffman explains in Forbes, When attackers are looking for new vulnerabilities, a ubiquitous applike WhatsApp or Facebookprovides a likely access point onto most phones if an exploit can be found. Just within the last six months, evidence of this is not hard to find, with prominent headlines such as Wireds How Hackers Broke WhatsApp With Just a Phone Call. WhatsApp themselves are currently suing Israeli surveillance contractor NSO Group, alleging they are responsible for attacks on 1,400 WhatsApp users, including diplomats and activists. Other vulnerabilities have included a flaw that could allow hackers to alter and manipulate messages, giving them "immense power to create and spread misinformation from what appear to be trusted sources". According to cybersecurity company Check Point, there are even app killing messages that can take a user offline and make it difficult for them to recover data. 2. Data gathering and sharing Compelling though these numerous flaws and vulnerabilities may be, focusing on them can mean missing the big picture. When the app is free, the user is the product. Were not asking the right question [when we talk about encryption], says Andersen Cheng. In the intelligence world sometimes metadata is more important. As Ive mentioned in previous articles, a great example of this issue can be found in WhatsApps own data gathering, sharing and privacy policies. These policies clearly identify the scope of data they access, how they use it, with whom they share it, and who, ultimately has control over it. Without even being hacked, up for grabs are your phone number, profile name and photo, online status and status message, last seen status, e-mail, device data, operating system information, browser information, IP address, location data, information from third party services that are integrated with WhatsApp, who is messaging you, calling you and which groups you belong to. In some cases, group chats have even been visible via Google and other search engines. Such issues are of course not limited to WhatsApp; Telegram has recently generated headlines such as Why Telegram isnt as secure as you think and has been accused of exposing crucial metadata, with researchers at MIT claiming that hackers could pinpoint down to the second when a user goes on and offline. Anyone using WhatsApp or other freemium products gives their consent for this data collection when you sign up. The most obvious risk element is from bad actors, as personal, account, location and device information can be used to build a profile of an individual or a group. But perhaps a more significant question is how much you trust companies like Google and Facebook with your business sensitive information? Earlier this month the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner started legal proceedings about Facebooks relationship with political research firm Cambridge Analytica, alleging Facebook had seriously and repeatedly contravened privacy law by exposing users data. Angelene Falk, Australias information and privacy commissioner stated We claim these actions left the personal data of around 311,127 Australian Facebook users to be sold and used for purposes including political profiling, well outside users expectations. 3. Control Consumer messaging apps represent a shadow IT network within the enterprise, taking control out of managements hands. Such freemium apps offer no oversight, central control, auditing or archiving in line with regulatory needs, and cannot integrate with existing IT infrastructure. For these reasons, leading analysts state that the total cost of purchasing and implementing an enterprise-grade solution is not as high as having to make a consumer solution work in specific enterprise scenarios. The conclusion for any enterprise then must be to ensure their team is enabled with, and their organization protected by an enterprise ready solution that is up to the task. Cellcrypt offers the highest level of end-to-end, certified encryption for voice, messaging, conference calling and attachments. It also integrates with existing IT infrastructure, with mobile and desktop clients and offers optional add-ons ranging from regulatory compliance auditing to private stacks that provide full management control and secure gateways for PBX extensions. We are also proud to be supporting businesses affected by the coronavirus, with unparalleled discounts on licenses and full enterprise solutions. Businesses needing to transition to telework will be able to employ Cellcrypt rapidly to lessen the strain, costs, and vulnerabilities during this emergency. Cellcrypt is enterprise ready, providing secure end-to-end encryption across existing hardware and we only provide to verified commercial and government enterprises to ensure the tool is only put in the right hands. Please visit our specially set up page for more information, to learn more about how Cellcrypt is contributing our military-grade business solutions during this public health crisis. There was no clear winner in last Sunday's Catalan election, but there was a notable loser - centrist Ciudadanos. Formerly a dynamic alternative to right-of-centre voters done with a broken, unrepentant Popular Party, Ciudadanos has been slowly but surely disappearing over the last few years, and last weekend seemed to be its final vanishing act: it took seventh place, securing just six seats in Catalonia's 135-seat parliament. In the region's last election in 2017, the anti-independence party came first, taking 36 seats with 25.4% of the regional vote. The party's former Catalonia representative, lawyer Ines Arrimadas, took overall charge nationally in November 2019, when her predecessor Albert Rivera resigned and quit politics altogether. Rivera's sudden departure was prompted by the party's disastrous performance in that month's general election, which saw it lose 2.5 million votes and 47 of its 57 seats in national congress. He did, at least, own the defeat, saying that "bad results belong to the leader". If that's true, then Sunday's drubbing belongs partly to Arrimadas in her role as president, but also to Ciudadanos' man in Catalonia, the extremely low-profile Carlos Carrizosa ("Who?", I hear you saying). Ciudadanos, it seems, is being slowly edged out of Spanish politics, instead of retaining what was once an active, important role on the national stage. It could, for example, have filled a void by being the only party to rationally critique the Socialist government's shotgun approach to Covid, without resorting to the frothing hyperbole of Vox, or the supine compliance of the Conservatives. There has been no such voice in the Spanish parliament over the last twelve months, and consequently there's been no serious discussion about the government's restrictive measures. Ciudadanos' silence created a yawning vacuum where there should have been a questioning, independently minded opposition. When it comes to Catalan independence, the centrist party's anti-secessionist message - the very stance on which it was founded in Barcelona in 2006 - has been drowned out by Vox's more strident rhetoric. This has won the latter party seats in Catalonia's parliament for the first time (eleven of them, in fact), which points to strong anti-independence sentiment in the region, and maybe also dissatisfaction with the Socialists' handling of the pandemic. Ciudadanos' loss on Sunday is also attributable to the success of the Socialist candidate in Catalonia - Spain's former health minister Salvador Illa, whom many voters apparently regard as some kind of saviour for leading the government's response to Covid last year. But as Illa and his pro-independence opponents begin the long, complicated process of trying to form the region's next government, Ciudadanos can only figure out what went wrong. Hopefully, it can find a way back to the fray. One million Covid-19 vaccines will be delivered into Ireland each month from April, it emerged yesterday. The jabs are set to be administered from GPs, pharmacies and special vaccine centres across the country. Up to 5,000 people will be vaccinated each day from the vaccine centres alone, HSE chief Paul Reid has said. But as the country was warned that the fall in the spread of the virus is too slow prolonging the chance of a longer lockdown it emerged that the HSE does not know the source of transmission in around one in four cases of the virus. Read More This is because there are not enough staff in public health teams. This undermines the effort to track the virus and reduce its spread. The HSE said the 37 vaccination centres across the country can carry out between 1,000 to 5,000 inoculations a day and many others will get the jab from GPs who will boost the rollout. Mr Reid said the vaccination centres would employ vaccinators on 12-hour shifts and open seven days a week, with one million doses a month expected to arrive between April and June. He said: The centres will range in size, with bigger centres doing 5,000 a day and smaller centres doing between 1,000 to 2,000 a day. The workforce is being organised around that. The national campaign to supplement vaccinations is under way. It will operate on a 12-hour shift basis, seven days a week. It comes amid fears that people will start to slacken their adherence to lockdown rules and see the phased reopening of schools from early March as a signal lockdown is over. Latest figures last night revealed 47 more deaths were reported, with 901 newly diagnosed cases of the virus, 437 of which were in Dublin. Prof Philip Nolan, who tracks the virus, said the more infectious UK coronavirus variant which is now the dominant form of virus, was slowing down the rate at which Covid-19 was being driven down. The slower pace will have an impact on how soon a significant reopening of the country can take place but there were indications last night the Governments new Living with Covid plan, to be launched next week, will place a strong emphasis on loosening restrictions on areas that would improve mental health. Within the next fortnight, there will be new guidance on whether the restrictions on visiting at nursing homes can be eased in the light of vaccination of residents and staff. Prof Nolan said the rate of decline was slowing and the variant was to blame for a particularly high level of the virus being passed on in households. The number of people in hospital is falling but the rate of admissions has plateaued around 40-50. The rate of disease in the 19-24 years age group is on the rise but the incidence in older people has fallen. Deaths from Covid-19 are past their peak but the positivity rate from the virus is still at around 6pc and is too high. Dr Glynn said it was acknowledged that people were making major sacrifices and lockdown was having a wide-ranging impact across society. He said the biggest concern was the phased reopening of schools would send a signal to socie ty that they can relax their adherence to lockdown. Its impact on the spread of the disease is to be assessed on a weekly to fortnightly basis. Dr Colm Henry of the HSE said it was too early to determine what benefit vaccinations here have had so far. However, there are early indications from Israel and the UK that it is influencing levels of infection and disease in older people. The pressure on public health teams in the HSE to fully investigate and track the source of infection remains an issue. Dr Glynn said the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) had sought retrospective tracing where an outbreak is traced back to the source but this had to be abandoned in the recent surge after it got under way late last year. We have a public health resource that was very limited pre-pandemic and has been pushed to its limits over the last year, he said. Dr Glynn said around 23pc of cases were not fully investigated in terms of source of transmission. It was in the process of starting but had to be abandoned due to the January surge. Public health teams instead are having to concentrate most of their efforts on tracing immediate contacts. Meanwhile, a group of health unions has written to the HSE saying they are getting the least efficacious vaccine the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab. They have said it has only 60pc efficacy versus 95pc for the Pfizer-BioNTech and 94.5pc for Moderna. This raises legitimate concerns they will not be protected by the vaccine until May or June due to the gap between the first and second doses. New Delhi, Feb 19 : India on Friday successfully tested its indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile systems from an airborne platform. The missile systems have been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Joint user trials for Helina, the Army version, and Dhruvastra, the Air Force version, were carried out from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform in the desert ranges. Five missions were carried out for evaluating the missile capabilities in minimum and maximum ranges, the DRDO said. The missiles were fired in hover and maximum forward flight against realistic static and moving targets. "Some missions were carried out with warheads against derelict tanks. A mission was carried out against a moving target from a forward flying helicopter," DRDO said. The Helina and Dhruvastra are third generation, Lock on Before Launch (LOBL) fire and forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles that can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. One of the most advanced anti-tank operations in the world, the missile system has all-weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour. Now, it is ready for induction into the armed forces. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Army and Air Force for the achievements. Google today announced a bunch of new features that will be available in its video conferencing app, Google Meet. For instance, the company said that teachers will soon get the option to end meetings for everyone on the call, which in turn would prevent students from staying on after the teacher has left the meeting. In addition to that, the company is also introducing emoji reactions in Google Meet. Google in a blog post explained that later this year, the company will release emoji reactions in Google Meet. This feature when released will enable students to engage easily and express themselves freely in a meeting on the video conferencing platform. The company said that students will be able to pick emoji skin tones to best represent them and react in class in a lightweight, non-disruptive way. Teachers and admins, on the other hand, will have full control over when reactions can be used. In addition to this, Google also announced that over the next few weeks it will roll out a Mute All button in Google Meet that will help educators keep class on track. And since sometimes it's important to teach without interruption, launching in the coming months, meeting hosts will be able to control when students can unmute themselves, the company wrote. 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. Ukraine will soon ask the European Union to apply a new human rights sanctions regime against Russia for violations in the occupied Crimea. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba made a corresponding statement at an online briefing on February 19, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The minister noted that the latest wave of Russian reprisals against Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea will be discussed at the UN General Assembly meeting on February 23, and on February 18 the Foreign Ministry began preparations for communication with the European Union on the issue. "Last year, I called on the EU to impose a sanctions mechanism in response to human rights violations in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. We will consistently insist that new sanctions be imposed over such human rights violations. So soon, perhaps even today, I will sign these documents. We will appeal to the European Union again," Kuleba said. As reported, on February 17, mass searches took place in Bilohirsk, Bakhchisaray, Simferopol, Sevastopol and Sovetskyi district in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Lenur Seidametov, Timur Yalkabov, Azamat Eyupov, Yashar Shikhametov, Ernest Ibrahimov and Oleh Fedorov were taken to the Federal Security Service Department in Crimea after investigative measures had been conducted in their houses. FSB investigators told relatives that the detainees were charged under Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (creation of a terrorist organization and participation in the activities of such an organization). The Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea opened proceedings over illegal searches and detention of citizens. Ukraine will raise the issue of regular searches and detentions in the occupied Crimea at the UN General Assembly debate on the agenda "Situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine" on February 23. ol 28985 Katy Person, Program Manager, MIT Innovation Initiative Katy Person, Program Manager, MIT Innovation Initiative For my whole career, Ive been intrigued by this concept of defense acquisitions. I mentioned this to a new friend of mine, a research scientist at the Koch Institute for Brain Research. She said that was the nerdiest thing she had ever heard. But heres the thing: after even just one tour in a combat zone - my first was Afghanistan - you learn the criticality of having the technology you need right when you need it. Warfighters juggle a lot of priorities, many of which could increase the chance of casualties. When theres a technical solution that makes managing those life-saving responsibilities easier, warfighters deserve it fast and right. But our US-based defense acquisitions process is shrouded in the legacy priority of fraud prevention. Between the Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5000.02, the Defense Acquisitions Regulation System (DFARS) and the case law accompanying seventy years of competitive contracting, the entire national security innovation base has a tough nut to crack when stakeholder goals are foundationally to help warfighters survive. At the MIT Innovation Initiative, we develop the theory and practice of mission-driven innovation. The Department of Defense is perfectly aligned in this way where the right innovation results in peace and security - not a bottom line. Specifically, I study how the Department of Defense innovates to get the right technology to the warfighter at the right time. The last two decades have highlighted this challenge.In the last decade in particular, we see a number of prevailing practices making great strides in this fight. A favorite example is the Air Force program with Kessel Run. The Air Force teamed up with Kessel Run to provide software at commercial speed. Airmen who code work in the Boston office in civilian clothes in a horizontal organizational structure using modern methodologies like lean product development, user-centered design and extreme programming. The Air Force has also partnered with accelerator Techstars. Each year, Techstars selects startups focused on dual-use technology focusing on a key area of technical interest for the military. Startups actively participate in the accelerator for four months, where the program culminates in a demo day with a large audience of potential buyers. I consider the DoD the equivalent of the elephant in John Godfrey Saxes poem. Only when we all work together, can we have clear understanding A few years ago, AFWERX worked with the SBIR Program Office to develop a two-week timeline from pitch to contract. In March Air Force Program Offices heavily put this into action by offering 51 SBIR contracts at the Air Force Pitch Day in New York City. The Army Research Lab (ARL) offers three year sabbaticals with seed funding and two year return rights. Now ARL can attract talent based on technical interest as opposed to risk aversion - an incredibly important quality when working on projects with high technical risk. The Army is foundationally changing its organizational structure with the establishment and design of Army Futures Command. Much like AFWERX and Techstars, the organization is committed to opening the aperture of what it considers partners, expanding the national security innovation base beyond large defense contractors to companies that havent historically worked with the DoD. Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, the Armys program office for soldier uniforms and equipment, rolled out the Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) many years ago. Soldiers can make suggestions directly to the PEO. And they have - over 40% of the PEO Soldier portfolio is from warfighter suggestions via the SEP website. The Navy recently established its NavalX Agility Cell, committed to connecting end-users with ideas to organizations that can make the ideas a reality. While the NavalX Agility Cell designs its value proposition, it appears to be one of the rare programs committed to connecting warfighters to the process. Across the services, there are a number of programs helping the process of getting warfighters what they need fast. The Defense Digital Service (DDS) arose from the United States Digital Service, the digital savior to healthcare.gov. DDS, still a young organization, applies those software development methodologies to quickly deliver great digital products. Instead of fighting the DFARS (and its mother document, the Federal Acquisition Regulation), leaders at DDS are able to work within simplified acquisitions and OTAs. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), now in its fourth year, calls various innovation hubs home: Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin and DC. It contracts with commercial companies relatively quickly based on a large technical portfolio, as opposed to a very specific technical portfolio that may be solicited by a warfare center or research, development and engineering center. Under DIU is the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). NSIN, formerly MD5, works to engage a wider audience into the national security innovation base. It attracts startups, engineers interested in defense technology, students and others to engage on some of the toughest problems in the globe - those of defense and security. NSIN fills a wide gap - connecting the non-defense innovation base with some of the toughest problems, and, vice versa, i.e. connecting the DoD, an organization that has some of the toughest technical challenges, with an untapped population of bright engineers and scientists. While I consider all of these programs important examples of emerging practices in defense innovation, it doesnt mean all programs should be looking for such transformative procedural changes. The managers of major defense acquisition programs that represent equipment of the past, present and future have their own important incremental innovation they commit to each and every day. Some programs are too complex to shortchange long-term rigor. I consider the DoD the equivalent of the elephant in John Godfrey Saxes poem. Only when we all work together, can we have clear understanding. Drug firm Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Friday said it has initiated the process with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for emergency use authorisation (EUA) for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19. "As part of the review process, Dr Reddy's will present the safety profile of the phase 2 study, and interim data of the phase 3 study, which is expected to complete by 21st February 2021," the company said in a release. Sputnik V, the human adenoviral vector-based platform vaccine candidate developed by Russia's Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia on August 11, 2020. Also read: Russia's Sputnik V vaccine shows 91.6% efficacy in phase 3 trials: Lancet In September 2020, Dr Reddy's partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct the clinical trials of Sputnik V, and for its distribution rights in India. "Sputnik V has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 91.6 per cent in the interim analysis of the phase 3 clinical trial, which included data on 19,866 volunteers in Russia, who received both the first and second doses of the vaccine," the release said. Sputnik V maintained a consistent efficacy at 91.8 per cent even among the group of 2,144 volunteers over 60 years old. "More than 250 clinical studies over two decades have proven the safety, efficacy, and lack of negative long-term effects of adenoviral vaccines," Dr Reddy's said, adding that Sputnik V has been authorised in 26 countries and administered to more than 2 million people globally. "The efficacy of Sputnik V was reported to be 91.6 per cent by the Lancet, which is an impressive development in the fight against COVID-19. The initiation of the EUA process will be a critical step forward for us in ensuring speedy access to the Sputnik V vaccine in India," Dr Reddy's Co-chairman and Managing Director G V Prasad said. In early January, India approved Serum Institute's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Both the vaccines are currently being administered as part of the country's vaccination campaign against COVID-19 pandemic. If granted EUA, Sputnik V will become the third vaccine against COVID-19 to be approved in the country. On Friday, shares of Dr Reddy's closed 1.46 per cent higher at Rs 4,685.15 on the BSE. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Russia's Sputnik V to cost less than Rs 730 in India 18465 Allison Dew, Global Marketing VP-End User Computing, Dell Allison Dew, Global Marketing VP-End User Computing, Dell There was a time when we envisioned a future in which employers used technology as an ever-watchful eye, frightening workers into maximum productivity. Instead, weve seen workplace culture go largely in the other direction, with employers fostering productivity by loosening the reins and letting employees work remotely. The Dell and Intel Future Workforce Study 2016 showed that this freedom is making workers more productive than ever; the top two productivity benefits cited include the ability to focus, and eliminating commute time. However, the same study shows there are at least two significant remote work challenges were still trying to fix. The first one is replacing the convenience and comfort of face-to-face communication. This isnt a universally recognized problemmajorities in China, India and South Africa dont prefer face-to-face communication over other forms of collaboration. But in North America and most of the world, we do prefer meeting face to face, implying that remote workers might be at a disadvantage when it comes to collaborating with colleagues. If you want to recruit and retain the best and brightest team members, think productivity-enabling tech, not ping-pong Another major hurdle is that many workplaces arent ensuring their technology keeps pace with worker needs. Far from enabling productivity, poor technology is actually making work more difficult, with workers citing tech-related glitches as the biggest time wasters they face. Thirty-five percent of workers say their home technology is more cutting-edge than what is offered at their workplace, with less than a quarter of workers giving the edge to their office tech. Clearly, theres a significant gap between how productive we are and how productive we can become. Young workers have a strong idea of what will bridge this gap. This generation is interested in technologies like augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), with 52 percent saying AR/VR will enable more productivity and 77 percent saying theyre ready and willing to leverage those technologies for work. AR/VR-based communication can more closely mimic the experience of working with a colleague in person, so it may have a chance to supplant face-to-face communication as our preferred format. In addition, it can make remote and office-based workers more productive at their jobs by putting the information and feedback they need in their field of view as they work. Were seeing innovators respond to these needs in exciting ways. APX Labs creates wearable software technology that companies can use to streamline training and other procedures for global and remote workforces. For its clients in the manufacturing and field services sectors, this provides workers with heads-up instructions, instant validation of their actions and other time-saving data interaction capabilities as they work. Its worth noting that young workers are prioritizing the importance of tech in their day-to-day work, with 82 percent saying workplace tech influences their likelihood to take a job and almost half saying theyll go so far as to quit a job if the tech is substandard. Sixty-five percent of this same group (and notably, half of workers 35+ as well) expect to be working in an IoT-enabled office in the next five years. If you want to recruit and retain the best and brightest team members, think productivity-enabling tech, not ping-pong. Another company, Comfy, has tackled workplace productivity from a physical angletemperature control. Comfys IoT application enables employees to essentially vote on the temperature settings for their area of the building. Comfy then works with the buildings HVAC system to optimize the workplace temperature for maximum worker comfort and productivity, as well as savings for the company. Of course, whats cutting-edge today will be ubiquitous tomorrow, and 62 percent of workers say theyre already looking forward to the day when artificial intelligence makes their jobs easier. But in the meantime, companies will be well-served simply to solve the challenges their employees face today. The first mandate is to give them technology that works. The next is to give them technology that helps them work together and individually more easily, wherever they may be located. The third is to get out of the way and let them unleash their productivity. The research implies theyre eagerly waiting to do just that. WASHINGTON, D.C. - After voting in 2019 to confirm President Donald Trumps Social Security Administration commissioner, Andrew Saul, to a term that ends in 2025, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown wants his immediate replacement now that Democrats control the White House and Brown has assumed chairmanship of the Senate Finance Committees Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy. In his first act as subcommittee chairman, the Ohio Democrat released a statement seeking departure of Saul and Deputy Commissioner David Black, whose term also expires in 2025. Brown voted against confirming Black when Trump nominated him in 2019. The statement Brown released Friday called Saul and Black key agents of the Trump agenda to dismantle Social Security, and said they cut the benefits that hardworking Americans have earned, attacked the Social Security Administrations employees, denied beneficiaries due process, and needlessly increased disability reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic. No one has been safe from their path of destruction. Although many presidential appointees are routinely replaced when a new president takes office, Social Security commissioners are not among them due to a 1994 law that established SSA as an independent agency and gave commissioners six-year terms. Under that law, a president can remove a commissioner for malfeasance or neglect of duty, not because a new administration has come to power. When Biden took office, Saul was on a list of acting agency heads the administration said would temporarily lead federal agencies while Cabinet nominees continue moving through the confirmation process. The Social Security Works advocacy organization and a group of federal employee unions want Saul and Blacks ouster, contending that theyve waged war on SSAs workforce, underpaid beneficiaries and pursued polices to make it more difficult to qualify for and remain on Social Security disability benefits. Brown wants them to resign. If they dont resign, Brown believes President Joe Biden has the authority to remove them. The Social Security Administrations press office did not respond to a request for comment on the effort to fire Saul and Black. Read more: Sen. Sherrod Brown wants pension fix included in coronavirus relief bill Senate to hold hearing on security failures behind U.S. Capitol riot Rep. Jim Jordan, in move dismissed by Democrats, questions whether House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should shoulder blame for Capitol Hill riot security failures Rob Portman votes to acquit Trump, Sherrod Brown votes to convict: Read their statements Ohios U.S. Senators speak out on Donald Trumps impeachment trial Ohios Rob Portman backs argument that its not constitutional to impeach a former president, votes with most GOP senators Senate banking chair Sherrod Brown would like to couple bank access for cannabis businesses with drug sentencing reforms Ohios Sen. Sherrod Brown chides Sen. Rand Paul for not wearing a mask on the Senate floor Ohio Republicans vote against removing former QAnon adherent Marjorie Taylor Greene from committee assignments Senate Banking Committee approves Rep. Marcia Fudges nomination to be Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ohios Jim Jordan endorsed QAnon-linked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and continues to defend her Rep. Jim Jordan will cheer on former President Trump from the sidelines during his Senate impeachment trial ADVERTISEMENT The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed, has clarified a statement he made during a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The governor had gone to brief the president on the security situation in the state. While addressing journalists after the visit, Mr Mohammed said not all bandits operating in the state are criminals. He explained that most of the bandits take up arms due to the injustice meted on them by some members of the society. The media, including PREMIUM TIMES, reported the story. But in a statement on Wednesday, the governor said he meant to say that not all Fulani were criminals. The statement signed by his media aide, Zailani Bappa, said the governor did not mean to say that not all bandits were criminals. Read full statement below: ZAMFARA STATE GOVT HOUSE (PRESS RELEASE) Re: NOT ALL BANDITS ARE CRIMINALS A story carried by the Online medium, Premium Times today, quoted Governor Bello Mohammed (Matawallen Maradun) as saying that not all bandits are criminals. Indeed, His Excellency was at the Presidential villa yesterday to brief Mr President on the security situation in the state. He also granted a short interview with the press crew at the villa. In that interview, he tried to make clear his known and popular view that not all FILANII are CRIMINALS. He went on to explain the injustices meted on them such as rustling their cattle as reasons that pushed them to criminality. If indeed he mentioned the word BANDITS instead of FULANI, then it was an inadvertent mistake as common sense dictates that banditry cannot at any time be justified as a non-criminality. We wish to call on all Nigerians who come across this story to disregard the message as that is not at all what His Excellency meant to say nor the kind of message he wanted to portray. Zailani Bappa Special Adviser Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications 18/2/2021 LONDON - Uber drivers in Britain are entitled to benefits like paid holidays and minimum wage, the countrys top court ruled Friday, in a decision that threatens the companys business model and holds broad implications for the gig economy. FILE - The logo for Uber appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday, May 30, 2019. Uber has reported that it whittled its losses at the end of a topsy-turvy year. In 2020, the ride-hailing service was forced to rely more heavily on its food-delivery service. That's because the pandemic dramatically reduced the number of people willing to hop into a car driven by a stranger. The fourth-quarter results announced Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 drew a picture of a company making strides in its attempt to recover from a staggering blow delivered last March. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, file) LONDON - Uber drivers in Britain are entitled to benefits like paid holidays and minimum wage, the countrys top court ruled Friday, in a decision that threatens the companys business model and holds broad implications for the gig economy. The ruling that the drivers should be classed as workers and not self-employed is a big defeat for the ride-hailing giant. And it could inspire similar legal action against other companies who rely on gig workers as well as influence courts in other countries grappling with the issue, experts said. The seven Supreme Court judges who heard the case unanimously rejected Uber's appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that two Uber drivers were workers" under British law. Yaseen Aslam and James Farrar, the two drivers, cheered the outcome. This ruling will fundamentally re-order the gig economy and bring an end to rife exploitation of workers by means of algorithmic and contract trickery, said James Farrar said by email. The pair took Uber to the tribunal in 2016, which ruled in their favour. The decision was upheld in two rounds of appeals before it arrived at the Supreme Court. FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2019, file photo is an Uber office in Secaucus, New Jersey, USA. The U.K. Supreme Court has ruled Friday Feb. 19, 2021, that Uber drivers should be classed as workers and not self employed, threatening the Californian company's business model and holds broader implications for the so-called gig economy. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) San Francisco-based Uber, which has 65,000 active drivers and 5 million regular users in the U.K., had argued that Aslam and Farrar were independent contractors. The company said it respected the court's decision, which it argued focused on a small number of drivers who used the Uber app in 2016. Since then we have made some significant changes to our business, guided by drivers every step of the way, Jamie Heywood, Ubers regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, said in a statement. These include giving even more control over how they earn and providing new protections like free insurance in case of sickness or injury. Heywood said the company would consult with its U.K. drivers to understand the changes they want. The ruling clarified that drivers are considered to be on the job when they are logged in to the Uber app in their territory and ready and willing to accept rides, which could be used to calculate minimum wage and holiday pay. Uber had argued that drivers were only working when they were making a journey with a paying passenger. The case is now expected to return to the employment tribunal for decisions on compensation over lost pay for about two dozen drivers involved in the original claim. Another 2,000 drivers' cases had been stayed pending the decision. Drivers could be entitled to an average of 12,000 pounds ($16,800), estimated law firm Leigh Day, which is representing drivers. Uber drive Conrad Delphine looked forward to getting paid time off after years of working without holiday or sick pay. Uber drivers of the (ADCU), App Drivers & Couriers Union, celebrate as they listen to the court decision on a tablet computer outside the Supreme Court in London, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. The U.K. Supreme Court ruled Friday that Uber drivers should be classed as workers and not self employed.(AP Photo/Frank Augstein) I am very pleased. It means I can go on holiday without having to worry about how to pay for it," Delphine said. Things have been worse because of coronavirus. If we catch the virus we should be entitled to sick pay. Its about time we had some decent pay and conditions. Uber and other app-based ride-hailing services avoided a similar attempt in California to classify drivers as employees eligible for benefits and job protections. The companies bankrolled Proposition 22, a ballot measure exempting them from the states gig-economy laws by keeping drivers classified as independent contractors able to set their own hours. Voters approved it in November. The British judges on Friday cited a number of factors in their decision: Uber sets fares and contract terms and penalizes drivers who reject or cancel rides. It also uses passenger ratings to control drivers and minimizes communications between drivers and passengers, which results in the service being very tightly defined and controlled by Uber. Drivers are in a position of subordination and dependency to Uber, with little ability to improve their economic position and the only way to increase their earnings is by working longer hours while constantly meeting Ubers measures of performance, said judge George Leggatt, as he read out a summary of the ruling on a court livestream. Uber said some features cited in the ruling no longer exist, noting that since 2017 drivers face no repercussion for rejecting multiple consecutive trips. Providing more benefits for its drivers is likely increase costs for Uber, which already was struggling to make a profit and had previously run into regulatory trouble in London, where authorities had sought to revoke its license. The changes could ultimately push up fares for riders, experts say. The decision also comes as the coronavirus has upended Uber's operating environment. The company slashed more than 6,000 jobs last year as the virus decimated demand for trips while boosting demand for its Uber Eats food delivery service. The ruling doesn't affect Uber Eats couriers. Experts said the ruling does not have a major immediate impact on other companies because the judges cited business practices specific to Uber, which in the U.K. has to operate under specific regulations governing minicabs. That being said, whilst its not going to automatically make all gig economy workers have those rights, its obviously going to make people alive to the potential for bringing those claims" in court, said Joe Aiston, a senior associate at law firm Taylor Wessing. And you wouldnt be surprised to see more claims coming in against other similar businesses. Aiston said the ruling could act as reference for courts and regulators outside Britain grappling with similar issues, such as the European Unions executive Commission, which is due to publish recommendations next week on how to regulate gig economy platform workers. Ahead of that review, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi published a white paper this week urging the EU to adopt laws that encourage flexible and decent earning opportunities" and suggested they could adopt legislation similar to Californias, along with other ideas such as a portable benefits fund. For all of APs tech coverage, visit https://apnews.com/apf-technology Follow Kelvin Chan at www.twitter.com/chanman February 19 : Comedy genre is picking up once again in contemporary cinema. Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Sanon have been roped in a family comedy film to be bankrolled by Mahaveer Jain, who has collaborated for the first time with a producer and director Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films. Rajkummar and Kriti will reunite for the second time after they shared screen space in the 2017 hit film Bareilly Ki Barfi. The film, which is yet to be titled, will also star Paresh Rawal, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Aparshakti Khurana in pivotal roles. Jain and Vijan have brought in Abhishek Jain to direct the film. The film will mark Abhisheks debut in Bollywood. Earlier, he had directed popular Gujarati films. The makers of the yet-to-titled film have promised that the flick has a high-concept theme and the actors will be seen in never-seen-before avatars. Recently, Jain and Vijan had reportedly visited Vaishno Devi to seek blessings before they kickstart the film. In a statement, Mahaveer Jain said that the forthcoming project will be a path-breaking one that the audience has never seen before. Meanwhile, Rajkummar is gearing up for the release of his upcoming horror-comedy Roohi, which also stars Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Sharma. The trailer of the film, which was dropped recently, received good response, and crossed over 14 million views on YouTube in just one day. The film will hit the cinemas on March 11, 2021. Rao is currently shooting for Badhaai Do along with Bhumi Pednekar. Kriti, on the other hand, is shooting for her forthcoming film Bachchan Pandey in Jaisalmer along with Akshay Kumar and Jacqueline Fernandez. The film will hit the big screens on January 26, 2022. Kriti is also awaiting the release of Mimi and has Ganapath in her kitty. Condors' relationships are similar to that of humans they form long-term bonds that sometimes end in divorce, but a new observation reveals they also join as throuples. The instance was seen in birds living at the Pinnacles National Park in California when wildlife officials spotted three nesting together and raising chicks - the group is typically two males with one female. There are currently three known condor threesomes at the park a, however officials note that they have just recently began tagging the birds and are now able to determine such groups. 'It's quite possible there were trios before,' Pinnacles National Park's condor program manager, Alacia Welch told Ashley Harrel with SF Gate, 'but no one really noticed.' 'If you have two condors in a nest, and then you see a third, you wouldn't necessarily think it would be part of the nest. We presume they'd be nesting in pairs.' Condors' relationships are similar to that of humans they form long-term bonds that sometimes end in divorce, but a new observation reveals they also join as throuples The California condor is the largest North American land bird, with a wingspan of up to nine feet. In the early 1980s, all 22 condors remaining in the wild were trapped and brought into a captive-breeding program that began releasing the giant vultures into Southern California's Los Padres National Forest in 1992. That flock has since been expanding its range while other condors now occupy parts of California's Central Coast, Arizona, Utah and Baja California, Mexico. There are more than 100 birds in central California, with the total wild population now about 340 birds deeming it an endangered species. The instance was seen in birds living at the Pinnacles National Park in California when wildlife officials spotted three nesting together and raising chicks - the group is typically two males with one female Pinnacles National Park created its condor recovery program in 2003 and now has more than 80 birds in its care. Officials at the program have identified three throuples: 566 (male), 711 (male) and 725 (female) are together, 204 (male), 470 (male) and 646 (female) have a relationship, along with the trio 692 (male), 726 (male) and 700 (female). Welch told SF Gate that the common group is two males with one female, which may be due to the idea of too many eggs and not enough bodies to incubate them. The method of having two males, allows for all three to incubate the same nest, along with the group have the resources to focus on one chick at a time. Wildlife biologist Joe Burnett explained the program had a pair of condors that have been a couple for years. The male was injured and sent to a recovery facility and during his time away another condor, tagged with 251, moved in on 222 the female bird. Condor 251, or Crush as park mangers call him, brought along another female, 306, into the group, forming the first known throuple. Because the observation was new, researchers feared a second female would disrupt breeding between the two and removed 306 from the group while 251 and 222 incubated their nest. After releasing 306 in a different area of the park, she found her way back to the group and joined the pair with raising the newly born chick. MERIDEN The Meriden police officer who shot and wounded a 24-year-old man last week outside a local motel was identified Thursday in a preliminary report filed by the New London States Attorney. Detective Eric Simonson shot Kenneth Strothers on Feb. 12 as police were trying to take Strothers into custody near the Flamingo Inn on North Broad Street, New London States Attorney Paul Narducci wrote in the two-page report. Authorities said Strothers ran from the motel around 8:53 a.m. when he saw police officers while leaving a room there. Officers caught up to Strothers outside a nearby storage facility. Simonson, who was the closest officer in pursuit, saw Strothers run around a Chevy SUV and fired, according to the report. During this encounter, Detective Simonson fired his service weapon one time, through the front passenger side window, striking Mr. Strothers in the abdomen, the report said. Officers treated Strothers at the scene until emergency medical personnel arrived to transport Strothers to a local hospital, according to the report. Narducci said Strothers remains hospitalized. Narducci wrote in his report that a firearm was found under Strothers as he was being treated at the scene. Strothers, whose address was not known, was wanted on a felony warrant at the time he was shot. West Hartford police developed information that he was at the hotel, according to the report. Meriden police detectives were assisting them in their surveillance at the motel when the incident occurred. Narducci said in his report that dash and body camera footage from both agencies does not show the shooting itself, but does show Strothers receiving medical aid. Narducci said this prevents the video from being released due to privacy laws. He said any relevant footage will be released after addressing these concerns, provided that disclosure does not compromise the investigation. Narduccis office is responsible for determining whether the shooting was justified under Connecticut law. The investigation itself is being conducted by the state police Western District Major Crime Squad, Narducci 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. Feature Article Scientists use supercomputers to study reliable fusion reactor design, operation Team at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory employs DOE supercomputers to understand heat-load width requirements of future ITER device DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Nuclear fusion, the same kind of energy that fuels stars, could one day power our world with abundant, safe, and carbon-free energy. Aided by supercomputers Summit at the US Department of Energy's (DOE's) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Theta at DOE's Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), a team of scientists strives toward making fusion energy a reality. Fusion reactions involve two or more atomic nuclei combining to form different nuclei and particles, converting some of the atomic mass into energy in the process. Scientists are working toward building a nuclear fusion reactor that could efficiently produce heat that would then be used to generate electricity. However, confining plasma reactions that occur at temperatures hotter than the sun is very difficult, and the engineers who design these massive machines can't afford mistakes. To ensure the success of future fusion devices--such as ITER, which is being built in southern France--scientists can take data from experiments performed on smaller fusion devices and combine them with massive computer simulations to understand the requirements of new machines. ITER will be the world's largest tokamak, or device that uses magnetic fields to confine plasma particles in the shape of a donut inside, and will produce 500 megawatts (MW) of fusion power from only 50 MW of input heating power. One of the most important requirements for fusion reactors is the tokamak's divertor, a material structure engineered to remove exhaust heat from the reactor's vacuum vessel. The heat-load width of the divertor is the width along the reactor's inner walls that will sustain repeated hot exhaust particles coming in contact with it. A team led by C.S. Chang at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has used the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility's (OLCF's) 200-petaflop Summit and Argonne Leadership Computing Facility's (ALCF's) 11.7-petaflop Theta supercomputers, together with a supervised machine learning program called Eureqa, to find a new extrapolation formula from existing tokamak data to future ITER based on simulations from their XGC computational code for modeling tokamak plasmas. The team then completed new simulations that confirm their previous ones, which showed that at full power, ITER's divertor heat-load width would be more than six times wider than was expected in the current trend of tokamaks. The results were published in Physics of Plasmas. "In building any fusion reactor in the future, predicting the heat-load width is going to be critical to ensuring the divertor material maintains its integrity when faced with this exhaust heat," Chang said. "When the divertor material loses its integrity, the sputtered metallic particles contaminate the plasma and stop the burn or even cause sudden instability. These simulations give us hope that ITER operation might be easier than was initially thought." Using Eureqa, the team found hidden parameters that provided a new formula that not only fits the drastic increase predicted for ITER's heat-load width at full power but also produced the same results as previous experimental and simulation data for existing tokamaks. Among the devices newly included in the study were the Alcator C-Mod, a tokamak at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that holds the record for plasma pressure in a magnetically confined fusion device, and the world's largest existing tokamak, the JET (Joint European Torus) in the United Kingdom. "If this formula is validated experimentally, this will be huge for the fusion community and for ensuring that ITER's divertor can accommodate the heat exhaust from the plasma without too much complication," Chang said. ITER deviates from the trend The Chang team's work studying ITER's divertor plates began in 2017 when the group reproduced experimental divertor heat-load width results from three US fusion devices on the OLCF's former Titan supercomputer: General Atomics' DIII-D toroidal magnetic fusion device, which has an aspect ratio similar to ITER; MIT's Alcator C-Mod; and the National Spherical Torus Experiment, a compact low-aspect-ratio spherical tokamak at PPPL. The presence of steady "blobby"-shaped turbulence at the edge of the plasma in these tokamaks did not play a significant role in widening the divertor heat-load width. At left, ions being lost from the confined plasma and following the magnetic field lines to the material diverter plates in the gyrokinetic simulation code XGC1. At right, an XGC1 simulation of edge turbulence in DIII-D plasma, showing the plasma turbulence changing the eddy structure to isolated blobs (represented by red color) in the vicinity of the magnetic separatrix (black line). Image Credit: Kwan-Liu Ma's research group, University of California Davis; David Pugmire and Adam Malin, ORNL The researchers then set out to prove that their XGC code, which simulates particle movements and electromagnetic fields in plasma, could predict the heat-load width on the full-power ITER's divertor surface. The presence of dynamic edge turbulence--different from the steady blobby-shaped turbulence present in the current tokamak edge--could significantly widen the distribution of the exhaust heat, they realized. If ITER were to follow the current trend of heat-load widths in present-day fusion devices, its heat-load width would be less than a few centimeters--a dangerously narrow width, even for divertor plates made of tungsten, which boasts the highest melting point of all pure metals. "You don't want to start and stop ITER or a fusion reactor too often to replace this divertor material, so it has to be able to withstand the heat load," Chang said at the time. "Ideally, we want the hot exhaust particles to hit the surface in a much wider area so that it's not damaged." The team's simulations on Titan in 2017 revealed an unusual jump in the trend--the full-power ITER showed a heat-load width more than six times wider than what the existing tokamaks implied. But the extraordinary finding required more investigation. How could the full-power ITER's heat-load width deviate so significantly from existing tokamaks? The interior of MIT's Alcator C-Mod tokamak. Image Credit: Robert Mumgaard, MIT Scientists operating the C-Mod tokamak at MIT cranked the device's magnetic field up to ITER value for the strength of the poloidal magnetic field, which runs top to bottom to confine the donut-shaped plasma inside the reaction chamber. The other field used in tokamak reactors, the toroidal magnetic field, runs around the circumference of the donut. Combined, these two magnetic fields confine the plasma, as if winding a tight string around a donut, creating looping motions of ions along the combined magnetic field lines called gyromotions that researchers believe might smooth out turbulence in the plasma. Scientists at MIT then provided Chang with experimental data from the Alcator C-Mod against which his team could compare results from simulations by using XGC. With an allocation of time under the INCITE (Innovative and Novel Computational Impact on Theory and Experiment) program, the team performed extreme-scale simulations on Summit by employing the new Alcator C-Mod data using a finer grid and including a greater number of particles. "They gave us their data, and our code still agreed with the experiment, showing a much narrower divertor heat-load width than the full-power ITER," Chang said. "What that meant was that either our code produced a wrong result in the earlier full-power ITER simulation on Titan or there was a hidden parameter that we needed to account for in the prediction formula." Machine learning reveals a new formula Chang suspected that the hidden parameter might be the radius of the gyromotions, called the gyroradius, divided by the size of the machine. Chang then fed the new results to a machine learning program called Eureqa, presently owned by DataRobot, asking it to find the hidden parameter and a new formula for the ITER prediction. The program spit out several new formulas, verifying the gyroradius divided by the machine size as being the hidden parameter. The simplest of these formulas most agreed with the physics insights. Chang presented the findings at various international conferences last year. He was then given three more simulation cases from ITER headquarters to test the new formula. The simplest formula successfully passed the test. PPPL research staff physicists Seung-Hoe Ku and Robert Hager employed the Summit and the Theta supercomputers for these three critically important ITER test simulations. Summit is located at the OLCF, a DOE Office of Science User Facility at ORNL. Theta is located at ALCF, another DOE Office of Science User Facility, located at ANL. In an exciting finding, the new formula predicted the same results as the present experimental data--a huge jump in the full-power ITER's heat-load width, with the medium-power ITER landing in between. "Verifying whether ITER operation is going to be difficult due to an excessively narrow divertor heat-load width was something the entire fusion community has been concerned about, and we now have hope that ITER might be much easier to operate," Chang said. "If this formula is correct, design engineers would be able to use it in their design for more economical fusion reactors." A big data problem Each of the team's ITER simulations consisted of 2 trillion particles and more than 1,000 time steps, requiring most of the Summit machine and one full day or longer to complete. The data generated by one simulation, Chang said, could total a whopping 200 petabytes, eating up nearly all of Summit's file system storage. "Summit's file system only holds 250 petabytes' worth of data for all the users," Chang said. "There is no way to get all this data out to the file system, and we usually have to write out some parts of the physics data every 10 or more time steps." The IBM AC922 Summit supercomputer's storage system. Image Credit: Genevieve Martin, ORNL This has proven challenging for the team, who often found new science in the data that was not saved in the first simulation. "I would often tell Dr. Ku, 'I wish to see this data because it looks like we could find something interesting there,' only to discover that he could not save it," Chang said. "We need reliable, large-compression-ratio data reduction technologies, so that's something we are working on and are hopeful to be able to take advantage of in the future." Chang added that staff members at both the OLCF and ALCF were critical to the team's ability to run codes on the centers' massive high-performance computing systems. "Help rendered by the OLCF and ALCF computer center staff--especially from the liaisons--has been essential in enabling these extreme-scale simulations," Chang said. The team is anxiously awaiting the arrival of two of DOE's upcoming exascale supercomputers, the OLCF's Frontier and ALCF's Aurora, machines that will be capable of a billion billion calculations per second, or 1018 calculations per second. The team will next include more complex physics, such as electromagnetic turbulence in a more refined grid with a greater number of particles, to verify the new formula's fidelity further and improve its accuracy. The team also plans to collaborate with experimentalists to design experiments to further validate the electromagnetic turbulence results that will be obtained on Summit or Frontier. This research was supported by the DOE Office of Science Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing program. Related Publication: C.S. Chang et al., "Constructing a New Predictive Scaling Formula for ITER's Divertor Heat-Load Width Informed by a Simulation-Anchored Machine Learning," Physics of Plasmas 28 (2021) 022501, doi:10.1063/5.0027637. Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC) will host on Saturday a virtual meeting to prepare for the fifth high-level African constitutional conference, which is set to bring together the heads of African constitutional courts, supreme courts, and constitutional councils. The annual conference is scheduled to be held later this year in Cairo, according to a statement released by the SCC on Friday. Saturdays meeting, held under the auspices of Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, will be chaired by the head of the SCC, Chancellor Said Marei, and attended by senior African judges and international experts, the statement added. The meeting will tackle the agenda that will be discussed during the conference in Cairo, including the "E-justice in Africa since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic," according to Adel Omar Sherif, the Vice-chairperson of the SCC. The preparatory meeting will also be attended by the head of the Senate, Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razek, and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hanafy El-Gebaly. Sherif added that the Egyptian state has been keen on pushing forward the cooperation with African countries since 2017, when Cairo's annual meeting was launched, in order to upgrade the litigation system and its role in society at the African level, Short link: Jane Fonda is about to get animated. The 83-year-old film icon has joined the voice cast of Luck, a new feature from a just-announced content partnership between Apple and Skydance Animation, Variety reported on Thursday. The upcoming tale envisions colliding worlds of good and bad luck and the unlucky girl who must intervene and save the day. Getting animated: Jane Fonda joined the voice cast of Luck, a new feature from the just-announced content partnership between Apple and Skydance Animation Luck: The upcoming film envisions colliding worlds of good and bad luck and the unlucky girl who must intervene and save the day The Grace and Frankie star will voice The Dragon, described as the 'exuberant CEO of Good Luck and undisputed luckiest ancient being in all the land.' 'The Dragon is elegant, stylish and as persuasive as she is powerful. The only thing better than good luck is more good luck, so when bad luck starts to spin out of control, she must face her fears or risk losing good luck forever.' The film will be helmed by Secrets of the Wings director Peggy Holmes and include a screenplay from Cars writer Kiel Murray. New role: The 83-year-old actress board the movie in a key role as The Dragon, described as the 'exuberant CEO of Good Luck and undisputed luckiest ancient being in all the land' Family fun: The film will be helmed by Secrets of the Wings director Peggy Holmes and include a screenplay from Cars writer Kiel Murray The Oscar-winner is the first star attached to the project since Emma Thompson dropped out of the film in 2019. Thompson had an issue with Skydance CEO David Ellison hiring former Pixar executive David Lasseter to head their animation division, according to Variety. Lasseter resigned from his post at Pixar in 2018 following misconduct accusations. Bye bye: Emma Thompson (seen here in 2019) dropped out of the film after having an issue with Skydance CEO David Ellison hiring disgraced former Pixar executive David Lasseter No bad blood: Insiders familiar with the project said Fonda is voicing a brand new character and did not replace Thompson; Jane is seen here in 2020 Insiders familiar with the project said Fonda is voicing a brand new character and did not replace Emma. Fonda has a long relationship with Skydance Media, who also produce Grace and Frankie. The hit comedy is soon to be Netflixs longest-running series when it returns later this year for its seventh and final season. Jane will next be spotted at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards later this month. The 9 To 5 star will be the recipient of this year's Cecil B. DeMille Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in film. Previous honorees include Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Oprah Winfrey. Honored: The post comes as the Hollywood legend is set to receive coveted Cecile B. DeMille award at this years Golden Globes; Fonda seen here at the GG's in 2016 Getting her vaccine: Jane Fonda was seen accomplishing an important feat on her Instagram in January The healthy screen icon was recently seen receiving her COVID-19 vaccine in January. The two-time Academy Award-winning actress uploaded a selfie to her Instagram in which she was seated in a car while getting the treatment. Jane was masked up in a patterned face covering and she also wore gold-rimmed sunglasses. She had on a white sleeveless blouse and pulled down her dark zip sweater to expose her shoulder. She gave a thumbs up as an essential worker approached her arm with blue gloves and a needle. 'Got vaccinated today! Yay!' Fonda captioned the post. 'It doesnt hurt,' she concluded, before adding the hashtag #vaccine. New Orleans' bike share program has gained the support of a familiar sponsor, which will give it a financial boost when it returns to the city's streets this fall. Not only that, it will allow the program to keep its well-known name: Blue Bikes. Insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, which was the title sponsor for the bike share program when it was managed by a former operator, will return as the title sponsor under the program's latest manager, the nonprofit Blue Krewe, program officials announced Thursday. +8 Bike share returning to New Orleans after coronavirus scuttled former program Bike sharing will soon return to New Orleans under a deal Mayor LaToya Cantrell has inked wi The financial terms of Blue Cross Blue Shield's sponsorship were not divulged. Weve remained committed to Blue Bikes because we know from our experience that this program is successful and fills a vital need in New Orleans, said Rod Teamer, Blue Cross director of Diversity Programs and Business Development. Public bike share came to New Orleans in 2017 under an agreement between Social Bicycles and Mayor Mitch Landrieu's office, putting 700 traditional pedal bikes at 70 hubs in various city neighborhoods. 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 Locals and tourists embraced the program, which lets residents rent a bicycle at one location and drop it off at another. Later, the bikes were swapped out for electric bikes that travel as fast as 20 mph. But a series of corporate buyouts left the program in the hands of a new owner, Lime, a few months after the pandemic began last year. Lime, based in California, wanted to bring electric scooters to New Orleans, a move city officials would not support. The company washed its hands of the bikes and moved on, making room for Blue Krewe to form. Geoff Coats, who managed the old Blue Bikes program, stayed on as the nonprofit's executive director. Blue Cross is now back on board. Uber, a former program manager, recently donated all of the existing bike racks in the city to New Orleans, so the program will be able to continue to use them, Coats said. Blue Krewe plans to have 350 bikes in service by September, and 725 within the next four years. Blue Cross will remain the title sponsor for the next five years, according to program officials. When the program launches Sept. 1, it will likely again feature electric bikes, Coats said. "Blue Cross and Blue Shield's continued dedication to the bike share program is a vital component to ensuring as much continuity as possible as we work to bring the program back into service, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement. We appreciate their decision to sponsor Blue Bikes and their partnership to improve the health of our residents." At almost 30 years old, the building at 201 Scurfield Blvd. is one of the oldest in Whyte Ridge. It was built to house the Whyte Ridge Baptist Church, and for more than a quarter century it served the religious needs of many members of the community. At almost 30 years old, the building at 201 Scurfield Blvd. is one of the oldest in Whyte Ridge. It was built to house the Whyte Ridge Baptist Church, and for more than a quarter century it served the religious needs of many members of the community. On Jan. 18, the building began once again providing community services - but now of a medical nature, rather than religious. The church has relocated to a new facility on McGillivray Boulevard, so 201 Scurfield is now the home of the Scurfield Medical Centre. I sat down recently with Dr. Paul Cheung, who established the clinic, and is at the core of its planning and development process. Dr. Cheung and I share the common experience of attending high school in England before moving to Canada with parents. His family located to B.C. and he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. His medical training included doctorate and post-doctorate research in virology and heart diseases at UBC and the University of Manitoba, and cardiac surgery and family medicine residency at the U of M. Since then, he has worked as an emergency room physician and family doctor, and trained resident doctors at the U of Ms department of family medicine. For the past five years, Dr. Cheung was chief of staff at the Percy Moore Hospital in Hodgson, Man. He said that this experience helped to shape his vision for the Scurfield Medical Centre as a "one-stop shop" for community health, eventually offering emergency and urgent care services, general family medicine and as a specialist clinic, including a laboratory and various imaging services. Dr. Cheung said it was after the birth of his two children a few years ago that he began to think of establishing a medical centre in Winnipeg. He found that Waverley West appeared to be underserved, with approximately 100,000 people living within a five-kilometre radius of the building at 201 Scurfield Blvd. Dr. Cheung has a business manager and operations manager in place, with five female and two male family physicians committed to join, with some already providing services. The medical centre will eventually have a pharmacy, its laboratory will be ready in a few months, and he expects to have X-ray capability in the next year or two. Dr. Cheung said he is committing the balance of his career to developing the Scurfield Medical Centre to meet the needs of our community. Nick Barnes is a community correspondent for Whyte Ridge. On Tuesday, February 23, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Topical Issues of Orphan Diseases Treatment in Ukraine on example of SMA." Organizer is the Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Charitable Foundation of Kharkiv. Participants include the President of the Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Charitable Foundation Vitaliy Matiushenko; mother of a child diagnosed with SMA Olena Tsan; Roche Rare Disease Division Manager in Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan and Central Asia Svetlana Solovyova (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. My friend in Chicago called to inquire about our electricity issues. I guess everybody is talking about Texans freezing at home. The good news is that most of us are okay now. He added that Chicago is now looking at reviewing a few school names starting with favorite son Lincoln. You guessed it: white supremacy! It left me a bit surprised, because no one is asking former President Obama about President Lincoln. As I recall, then-senator Obama announced his presidential campaign in Springfield, Illinois. Guess who is buried in Springfield! As you probably remember, President-Elect Obama took a train to Washington, D.C. Guess whose route he followed. Let me remind you about that day: Barack Obama's arrival in Washington by train today harkens back to the inaugural White House trip of the former President who is Obama's political idol: Abraham Lincoln. In 1861, our 16th President rode the rails through New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania en route to the capital. So Lincoln was Obama's political idol? Let me say a couple of words: First, it's wonderful that our first African-American president would admire the Great Emancipator. It makes sense. Second, what does canceling Lincoln say about the state of the left? It tells me that many in the left don't know about their country or don't care about the nation that provides them the freedom to be stupid. It's time to put a question to President Obama about this issue. After all, his city wants to cancel his political idol. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk). Image: National Archives. 31461 Frank Tian, VP - Risk Management, Union Bank Frank Tian, VP - Risk Management, Union Bank The past decade has witnessed great advancement of technologies, emerging tools and evolving business models in banking. How would these changes impact the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) of banks in the coming years? Here are some thoughts on the evolving risk landscape. IT System Risk has greater consequences than ever More and more digital banks and fintechs have emerged who provide their products and services entirely via Internet and apps. The traditional financial institutions have also invested heavily in digital banking while reducing branch footprints, in order to adapt to the changing customer behaviors. With multiple IT systems and constant updates, it is paramount to ensure the continuous operation of these systems. Any failure could lead to inconvenient or even disastrous consequences. In Oct 2019, the challenger bank Chime experienced a payment processor issue, which took its website and app offline for almost 24 hours and denied its customers access to funds. This is a scenario no bank wants to see. Thus, it is important to have recovery plans for all mission critical systems, some of which require well coordination with external service providers. Alternate communication plans need to be in place, for both customers and employees. For major IT projects, adequate resources need to be allocated and proper testing procedure to be followed this is not a place to cut corners even as banks strive to be agile and achieve greater efficiency. Banks customer identification and verification methods need to be solid. As more payments are flowing in the digital world, you want to ensure they are initiated by the true customers Data Security issue persists and evolves In recent years, high profile data breach incidents have not stopped hitting the news headlines. With a large quantity of personal information already breached, the industry has begun to see the adoption of biometrics based identification and authentication. While biometrics such as fingerprint and voice add additional security, these are also new data elements that banks need to closely guard. Hackers already have their eyes set on these biometric databases. Another trend in the industry is that banks begin to move data centers into the cloud, whose providers usually possess great security expertise. However, the data security risk for banks does not disappear. Capital One, who fully embraces public cloud services, experienced a data breach of 106 million customers from both US and Canada last year, due to the misconduct of an AWS employee. No matter where the data physically resides, the bank as the owner of the data - is still ultimately responsible for data security. Working with the cloud provider to safeguard the data, from both external and internal threats, should be an integral part of a banks ERM plan. The reality is that the large amount of consumer data makes banks primary targets of data thieves. Besides managing the privilege access to critical data and systems, a holistic data security incident response plan should always be ready, in case the unfortunate event happens. It is also a good idea to regularly evaluate data breach insurance policies against latest cyber-attack schemes, especially for smaller banks. Third Party Risk Management in a more connected ecosystem If North America follows the trend elsewhere in the world, open banking will eventually arrive and produce more innovative financial products for consumers to choose. The year of 2019 has witnessed several collaborations between big techs and big banks. In Jan 2020, VISAs $5.3 billion acquisition of data aggregator Plaid had everyone talking. These are all signs that new players are gradually being integrated into the traditional banking world. As banking system becomes more connected and intertwined, there are also more entry points for cyber criminals. In this environment, a banks security control is only as strong as its weakest partners. Thus a bank needs to review what data is being shared with third parties. Different types of data require different security and access controls. Recently PNC blocked data aggregators from accessing customers account numbers and routing numbers due to security concern. Chase asked aggregators to use tokens instead of passwords to access consumer account information. Similar actions are expected to happen at more banks this year. It is also important to review third parties security measures before they are given access to the banks platform. Besides vetting at onboarding stage, ongoing monitoring and assessment are equally important. Strong controls should be in place to timely and effectively detect fraud attacks in case a third party is compromised. As all stakeholders security interests are closely aligned in the ecosystem, it makes sense for banks, fintechs and regulators to collaborate on common security standards and register trusted third parties. Faster Payment solutions present fraud management challenges With technology advancement and demands from clients, more products enabling faster and cheaper payments have emerged. ACHs same day batch, The Clearing Houses Real Time Payments, and Facebooks controversial LIBRA are a few examples. While banks meet customers demands with fast payments, they are also facing increasing payment fraud that comes along. As the window between sending a payment and its actual posting disappears and payments starts to move 24x7x365, fraud detection and control need to be enhanced and automated accordingly. Banks customer identification and verification methods need to be solid. As more payments are flowing in the digital world, you want to ensure they are initiated by the true customers. Another challenge is the authorized push payments fraud, which is often associated with scams. It is more difficult to detect as the real customer initiates the payment under the manipulation of scammers. In this case, customers need to be engaged as an important part of the defense. Education of customers against various types of scams, in combination with behavior analysis and alert system would help mitigate such fraud risk. Parting Thoughts The past decade has seen the banking industry enhanced their risk management capabilities. The evolving technology landscape has presented both opportunities and challenges to risk management professionals in the industry. Harnessing technology effectively and integrating the technology plan into the overall ERM will help the bank safely navigate through the next decade. The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to take the necessary measures to preserve and operate a part of oil product pipelines with a total length of 1,433 kilometers passing through the territory of Ukraine. "The Cabinet of Ministers has to immediately determine the central executive authority responsible for the preservation and operation of part of the oil product pipelines, and take measures to ensure the protection of the economic interests of the government," the presidential press service said. It is noted that the NSDC made a decision to take urgent measures to return the public property of the people of Ukraine. The law enforcement agencies were tasked with clarifying the circumstances under which state-owned property ended up in private hands. NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said the matter concerns the Prykarpatzakhidtrans oil product pipeline. Question: Recently, PLA Daily, a newspaper of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, reported the heroic deeds of the Chinese border troops stationed in the China-India border areas. What's the purpose? Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang, Spokesman for Chinese Ministry of National Defense: In the recent fight to safeguard China's national territorial sovereignty and maintain peace and tranquility of the China-India border areas, a number of heroic service members, who cherish peace, stick to their duty and defend justice, have emerged in the Chinese border defense forces. It should be noted that since last June, Indian troops illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for deliberate provocation, and even violently attacked the Chinese officers and soldiers who went there for negotiation, thus intentionally triggering the fierce physical conflict at the Galwan Valley and causing casualties on both sides. The responsibility of the skirmish at the Galwan Valley lies entirely with the Indian side. After the skirmish, the Chinese side, out of consideration to preserve the overall situation of the relations between China and India as well as the two militaries, promoted the cooling and easing of the situation and exercised a high degree of restraint, which reflects China's manner as a responsible power. However, the Indian side has repeatedly hyped up the casualties, distorted the truth, misled international public opinion, and slandered the Chinese border troops. History cannot be tampered with, and heroes cannot be forgotten. Public coverage of the heroic deeds of Chinese border troops by the Chinese media is the responsibility of the media to objectively tell the facts. It is conducive to clarifying the truth and letting the world see the rights and wrongs. China's position on resolving the China-India border issue is clear, consistent and sincere. China is always committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation, maintaining the general situation of the relations between the two sides, promoting the cooling and easing of the situation, and restoring the peace and tranquility in the China-Indian border areas as soon as possible. Question: According to public reports, Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC) has honored the service members who had sacrificed their lives or been seriously injured during the clash as border-defending heroes. Two of them were conferred the honorary titles of "Hero Regiment Commander in Defending Country and Border" and "Hero in Defending Country and Border" respectively. What's the connotations and significance of such honorary titles? Could you brief us on the corresponding pension and preferential treatment? Spokesman: Conferring honorary title is an important reward of the Chinese military to those exemplary service members or units that have made outstanding and special contributions during combats, military training and other works, which generated significant influence or impetus to the country and the military. The service members publicly reported this time are iron soldiers nurtured by the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the Xi Jinpings thinking on strengthening the military. They are outstanding representatives of the Chinese military in the new era. The Party, the country and the military attach great importance to the pension and preferential treatment of the service members, and make good efforts to deal with the follow-up pension works for heroes and martyrs in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulations on Pension and Preferential Treatment for Military Members. The Chinese people has fine tradition of cherishing and carrying on patriotism and revolutionary heroism and the whole Chinese society always respects, learns from, defends and cares for the heroes. Those heroes and martyrs who have sacrificed their lives or been wounded for the country will never be forgotten by their country and the people, and the families of the heroes and martyrs will get proper arrangement and care. Close Trump: Biden is lying or 'mentally gone on vaccines Joe Biden said the world can't return to a Cold War with Russia and China and must seek ways to cooperate on global challenges like the Covid pandemic even as the two countries pose security risks to the western alliance. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization while apologizing to European leaders for the last four years under Donald Trump. That apology came with the Biden administration returning the US to the Paris climate accord, another reversal of Trump-era policies of the past four years. The focus on foreign policy came as the Biden administration continued to face domestic crises in its first weeks, including unprecedented winter weather that delayed 6 million doses of Covid vaccine. While Biden toured the Pfizer vaccine manufacturing plant in Michigan, Republican senator Ted Cruz stayed out of the spotlight after coming under intense scrutiny for fleeing Texas for the warmer climes of Cancun. Congress continued going through its motions, with Democrat Joe Manchin announcing his opposition to the nomination of Neera Tanden to lead the Office of Management & Budget, Neera Tanden. The White House has refused to withdraw her nomination, hoping instead to convince Republicans to confirm her post. Trump himself, meanwhile, did things that were terrible when contradicted on the coronavirus pandemic, Dr Anthony Fauci has said in an interview. Fauci said Trump entirely lost interest in tackling Covid-19 as it became clear he had lost Novembers presidential election. A former priest has been charged with the historical sexual assault of a nine-year-old boy at a school at Bathurst, in central western NSW. Last year Strike Force Belle detectives received a report of the sexual assault of the boy in the mid 80's. Officers from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad arrested Robert Maximus Blumenthal, 85, at a home in Randwick, in Sydney's east on Thursday. Robert Maximus Blumenthal, 85, a former priest has been charged with the historical sexual assault of a nine-year-old boy at a school at Bathurst, in central western NSW (pictured) Blumenthal was taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with two counts of sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 and three counts of sexual intercourse with a person 10 and under 16 who was under authority. He appeared at Waverley Court on Friday and was granted $10,000 bail with other conditions including he not contact or go near any prosecution witness or enter any point of departure from Australia. The case was adjourned to Bathurst Local Court on April 12, where he is to attend via audio visual link. Blumenthal is the 14th priest or former priest to be charged by the strike force, established in 2008 to investigate the sexual and indecent assaults of students at two secondary colleges in Bathurst between 1960 and 1993. Richard Boocock, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Special Advisor to the Boards Chairman, tells P.B. Jayakumar that the policies announced in the last few months for Atmanirbhar Bharat will boost manufacturing in India further. Edited excerpts: Since you assist numerous companies in manufacturing, do you see recovery in India post-Covid? Air Products is among the leading industrial gases companies globally. Our market capitalisation is around $60 billion. That makes us one of the bigger American specialty chemical companies. Our industrial gases business is growing in double digits. Obviously, there was some disruption related to the pandemic. India is a growing market for manufacturing. The policies announced in the last few months around self-reliant India are supportive of continued growth of manufacturing in India. This means consumption of industrial gases will continue to grow. A lot of industrial gases are used in iron and steel manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, food processing, glass manufacturing, tyre production, and so on. With Air Products and INOX Air Products (joint venture), we are definitely the leading industrial gases companies in India. India is a developing market for industrial gases with some steelmakers owning a lot of captive capacity. Then there's the Build Own Operate capacity that Air Products and INOX Air Products have built over the years. I think the Indian market for industrial gases is around 4,000 tonnes per day, probably around $500 million a year. Industrial gases have numerous applications in chemical and hydrocarbon sectors. One of the areas where we have a world leading position is gasification of coal. If India is going to gasify coal, as announced by the prime minister, to take advantage of domestic coal supplies, Air Products has a leading position in gasification technology as well as supply of oxygen to gasify the coal. This is an area where we are looking to invest - on a Build Own Operate model - to make world scale gasification complexes in India. What is coal gasification? What are its applications? We take coal as a feedstock and gasify it using oxygen to produce clean synthesis gas. This gas can be converted into a number of high-value chemicals for which India has a significant need. The gasified coal that is converted into synthesis gas could be turned into methanol, which can be used to make ethylene; or we can use the same gas to make ammonia and fertilisers. This is a very good example of how we can make India self-reliant. Air Products' business model is Build Own Operate. We will invest in the entire facility, from receiving coal to making the finished chemical product. Air Products operates in more than 50 countries. India is going to mine out more coal, but our reliance on coal for producing electricity is going to fall. We are moving towards green energy. There will be coal available for other applications. What are your plans for India? We're ready to invest $5-10 billion in India for gasifying coal to make value-added chemicals for the Indian market. We positively look at the target set by the Indian prime minister for gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal per year. We will work with the appropriate coal company. It could be Coal India, for example the Dankuni project being developed in West Bengal. We will take coal, gasify it to clean gas and make something like methanol, for example. Methanol is feedstock for a number of processes. One particular application in India is its blending with gasoline (petrol) to improve the latter's environmental performance. That is the type of business structure we have in mind. Methanol can also be used in other chemical processes, for example, making certain acids. It can also be used to make other chemicals such as polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl acetate, which are then used in a lot of everyday materials that go into making many homecare products, paints. Essentially, our facilities will use domestic coal to make chemicals that otherwise have to be imported. The other factor is the increasing sophistication of manufacturing in India, which means use of more industrial gases. You have extensive presence in India with base in cities such as Vadodara and Pune. Air Products has been in India for a long time. Are you looking at other partners in 'coal to gas' projects? Yes. We are prepared to do this ourselves as Air Products. We have also been very successful in joint ventures in many parts of the world, including in industrial gases in India, INOX Air Products. So, we are very comfortable doing joint ventures, but we are also prepared to make 100 per cent investments, because this is our technology, our investment, our capability, our value addition. How many jobs will these projects will create? Each coal gasification project will be a $1-2 billion investment. We have to employ hundreds to thousands of people. It will require a lot of material and equipment which we will look to source within India. We will also require a lot of support industries and companies around the facility which will perhaps generate another 5,000 jobs. We believe these types of investments are going to have a long-term positive impact on economies and generate local jobs. This is a local business as is difficult to transport these gases over long distances. That is why we make in the country where they are consumed. The volume of our production will be measured in tens of thousands of tonnes per day. These are world scale facilities that support world scale production. Apart from the West Bengal project, have you identified any other areas where you are going to invest? Another area where we're very active is providing hydrogen for refining. Currently, we have a close to $500-million facility in Cochin in Kerala operating for almost four years. It is supplying hydrogen to the BPCL refinery in Cochin. As India continues to grow and develop, we expect to see continued growth in refining capacity in India. That will require additional industrial gases such as hydrogen. That will be a specific area of interest for us. So, if we take the Dankuni coal gasification opportunity, we will invest in that facility as part of the creation of that entire project. For large investments, we will invest in parallel to our customer that is consuming the gases. We are always interested in additional investments in India. We're supporting BPCL in production of Oxo alcohols. If they have other plans to build on their capabilities, either further expansion of the refinery, or making additional chemicals and petrochemicals from the refinery, we would be happy to increase our investments there to support them. Do you see India as a place from where you can export to other markets? Yes. In engineering activities, we are already executing projects from our Pune and Vadodara offices for locations all over the world. We are currently supporting projects in Indonesia, in the United States, as well as in Western Europe. So, we are exporting engineering talent. We also have a programme to significantly increase the equipment and material that we are purchasing from India for our projects around the world. This is where we feel that we have a very strong commitment to Make in India. We are also supporting growth of domestic manufacturing and fabrication in India to support our exports to other geographies. At the moment, India, as a proportion of our global revenues, is relatively small. Its a $9-billion company. You know, our revenues from India are a small percentage of that. However, we are expecting double-digit growth, very consistent double-digit growth, over the coming years. I hope that with some major projects and investments such as coal gasification projects, India will become a much more significant component of Air Products' revenues. Are similar large-scale coal gas projects already operational in India? There aren't major coal gasification facilities in India. But we see that a lot of value can be added through development of domestic coal reserves and policy frameworks that have been put in place in the last few months around the changes in the way coal resources can be developed and promotion of coal gasification for utilising domestic coal. Going forward, because a lot of technology is coming into play in manufacturing, what kind of changes can happen in manufacturing? So, one of the things that Air Products has always supported and been involved in its entire history is supporting improvement in manufacturing performance, manufacturing efficiency, and so, as manufacturing becomes more sophisticated and new technologies are brought into manufacturing, we would expect industrial gases to not only continue to have a very strong part to play, but to have some very exciting growth opportunities. @pb_pbjayan A Belfast City Council committee discussed the report into the local authority's handling of the Bobby Storey cremation on Friday morning, however members of the press were restricted from viewing the debate. Due to the Covid pandemic, council meetings have been taking place remotely, with the press and public able to view the meetings online. Some items from committee meetings are commonly restricted - in this case meaning the cameras are turned off - if sensitive issues are being discussed, such as those relating to finances or items where someone's personal details are mentioned. According to the agenda for BCC's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meeting on Friday, discussion on the report was not restricted and was to take place following several other restricted items of business. When the online stream of the meeting went live at this stage, however, the discussion on the report had already taken place. Sources say the discussion was moved up on the agenda at the last minute, however not without protests from some quarters as to why it should be restricted. "It not a very good look for the council for one day to publish such a report, which is in the public interest, only to effectively ban people from hearing a discussion about it among publicly elected councillors the very next day," a City Hall source told the Belfast Telegraph. "Council business should only be restricted when it needs to be. Commercially sensitive material, for instance. This was not that. We can't just restrict things because they might be uncomfortable for some people to hear." The report, running to 116 pages, found no evidence the cremation service was handled differently due to Mr Storey's connections to Sinn Fein and no evidence of political influence on council chief executive Suzanne Wylie over the matter. Conducted by barrister Peter Coll, the investigation looked at how Mr Storey's relatives were treated differently to eight other families who had cremations on the same day as the IRA man in June last year. The other families were kept at the gates of Roselawn Crematorium while up to 30 mourners were allowed inside to attend the service for Mr Storey. It is understood discussion on the report on Friday was largely confined to its recommendations, however a few "robust" exchanges were had over other details of the paper. Some councillors are understood to have questions over some of the language used by ex-BCC Director of City and Neighbourhood Services, Nigel Grimshaw, in exchanges with another council official detailed in the report. He refers to the "negotiated position" regarding the cremation and "delicate conversations/negotiations going on in the background". Mr Coll said: "I questioned Mr Grimshaw at some length on the contents of the above communications on the basis that they were at least prima facie suggestive that in fact there was something more than a request for information as to what was to be permitted by way of arrangements for the cremation of Mr Storey and that there had been some form of discussion/negotiation to result in acceptable arrangements of a certain type for that cremation. "Mr Grimshaw was adamant and emphatic that that had not occurred. He said that there had been no negotiations, no delicate conversations, by him with anybody, nor indeed by anyone else in the organisation, including the Chief Executive." Mr Grimshaw, who retired from BCC by mutual agreement in September last year, "proffered that his wording had employed a poor turn of phrase from common parlance when viewed in the cold light of day", according to the report. It is understood parties will be meeting separately with Mr Coll to discuss the report and its recommendations next week. While no police interference was found in the probe, the barrister did note that the differential in treatment should have been realised by all involved on an organisational level. "The differential in arrangements for the cremations that day was avoidable, unnecessary and completely wrong and steps should have been taken to prevent the differential arising in practice," added. Meanwhile, in a statement released on Friday, the DUP group on the council said: "All the grieving families that day should have been afforded the same access and opportunity to benefit from the relaxation of restrictions which was afforded to the Storey family and should not have had to endure their private grief being exacerbated by becoming a matter of public discourse. We continue to stand with them. "Sinn Feins action that day undermined the public health message on Covid restrictions and portrayed an attitude of one rule for them but another rule for everyone else." A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: "The agenda item was restricted because the discussion involved matters relating to staff." Officers made a traffic stop at 3410 Campbell St. after observing the vehicle on Bonny Oaks Drive passing vehicles over a double-yellow line. As officers approached the vehicle, they noticed a fruity smell emanating from the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, officers noticed a Mason jar with baggies inside. Officers then asked the driver to step outside the vehicle. The driver gave consent to search his vehicle, and inside officers located three Mason jars, two containing baggies with marijuana residue and one containing 2.3 grams of marijuana. Officers then mirandized the driver, who admitted to using the marijuana. Officers then seized the marijuana. The driver was left with a warning for his traffic violation and marijuana usage. His marijuana was turned into CPD Property.* * *While investigating an attempted theft from a motor vehicle on Bunker Hill Drive, officers were given a bag the suspect had left behind. The bag contained items belonging to a man police identified from the belongings. The man was identified as a neighbor and was contacted bypolice. The man identified the belongings as those that had come from the glove box of his work van. The items were returned to him.* * *Police responded to a vandalism call on Center Street. A man said that morning between 5:30-6:50 a.m. someone busted out the left front window of his U.S. Postal Jeep Cherokee. He said it appeared that the person reached in, grabbed his jacket and Postal ID, but then just threw them back in the vehicle. He said that nothing was stolen.* * *A man on E. 26th Street called police to report that the day before someone stole his chair off of his front porch. He had no suspect information.* * *A woman on Benton Drive told police she was sharing a storage unit with a man. She said she tried contacting the man and could not reach him about her stuff. Police contacted the man on the phone and he said the woman did not try to contact him, but he is willing to meet up with her next week when he gets back from a trip. Police told the woman to contact the man and set up a time that is best for them to meet up to get her stuff.* * *A woman on 12th Avenue called and told police that the night before someone came to her door and banged on it and then banged on her window. She said this went on for 35-40 minutes. She said she was too scared to move or call police then. She said in the morning she found a note on her screen door from a man who gave his name. She said the note said that he came there looking for a woman, whose name he gave. He also gave his phone number. Police told the woman to call them immediately should the man return or anyone she does not know does this again. This residence was added to a watch list.* * *Police and fire personnel were called to a house fire on Walden Avenue. Fire had to force entry into the front door of the house to investigate where the smoke was coming from. Firemen determined someone left groceries on the stove with it on. Firemen secured the door.* * *A woman on Danby Drive told police she received a letter from Recovery Collection Agency regarding a loan with Cash Net USA of $3,011.38. She said she contacted the collection agency and they determined that the loan was not hers, but are requiring a police report. The woman said the proceeds of the loan were deposited in a Bank of America account, which is not her account. She says that the loan was made by a woman she identified and also gave the woman's email address. She said she does not know how her name was associated with the loan.* * *The manager at PPG Paints, 2409 Broad St., called police and said they last saw their delivery van around 5 p.m. the night before when they closed for the day. He said the van stayed there overnight and they re-opened at 7 a.m. He said they discovered around 1 p.m. that afternoon that the catalytic converter had been been cut off the van.* * *A man on Highland Park Avenue called police to report he lost his Bank of America debit card. He said that since he lost it, someone used it seven times for a total of $270 at various locations. He said since he has disputed the transactions with his bank, he is not able to access the information as to dates, times and locations of the transactions. He said that the bank is not putting the money back into his account until he files a report and they investigate it and review all charges.* * *A woman called police to say that a male was waiting on her porch when she got to her residence on E. 32nd St. She said that when she approached the porch the man told her to open the door. At this point the woman said she returned to her vehicle and waited for police. Police had the man step down from the porch and detained him when he made claims he lived at the address. The man was identified by police, but he was not answering police questions with logical answers. He was found to have no warrants. The man was trespassed from the property and released.* * *A man called police and said he was driving on Hickory Valley Road when he ran over some debris in the roadway. He said the debris looked to be from a construction site that was right on the side of the road. After he hit the debris he said that his tire immediately blew. He then pulled over and changed the tire and went into work at Volkswagen. He said he wanted to file a report with his insurance to see if they would cover the cost of the tire.* * *While on patrol, police noticed a suspicious vehicle without a license plate parked at a business that was not open. Upon further inspection it was noticed that the VIN was also covered up. Officers checked to see if the car was unlocked so they would be able to remove the obstruction covering the VIN. The door was unlocked and they were able to remove the obstruction. Upon running the VIN, it was discovered that the vehicle was stolen. Police verified this information and found the vehicle was stolen out of Murfreesboro. While conducting an inventory search, police found a misdemeanor citation that belonged to a man who stays at at residence on Rawlings Street. The residence is a short walk from where the vehicle was parked. Police also believe the man left his cell phone in the vehicle. The cell phone was turned into Property. Mostellers Towing #2 came and recovered the vehicle.* * *Police responded to a call from a man who said as he was traveling north on Interstate 75, he accidentally ran over a big piece of metal in the roadway. Several vehicles were involved in the same incident. The man said three of his vehicle's rims were bent, causing all his tires to be damaged. Police observed the damages the man claimed. The man was able to contact Triple A for towing assistance.* * *A man reported to police that someone had gone through his work truck, a Chevy Silverado, at his home on E. 5th Street and had stolen his phone and tablet from the vehicle. The phone is a iPhone8 with a black Otter box case valued at $200 and and the tablet is an iPad with a black Otter box case valued at $1,000. The man said the last time he saw these items in the truck was at approximately 5:30 the evening before, and the theft must have occurred between then and 6 a.m. that morning. The man reported no damage to the truck and believes it may have been unlocked.* * *A man on Celestial Lane told police that at about 4:45 that morning his Ring camera was activated. He said that the video was of no help in identifying who broke into his son's 2000 Acura. He said the vehicle was locked and he did not know how the person gained entry. He said he found that the person had damaged the vehicle's console and opened the trunk from the inside control. He said the person also stole the box speakers, which consisted of two 12-inch speakers and amplifier, and some work boots valued at $150.* * *Two men were observed on cameras concealing merchandise in Walmart, 490 Greenway View Dr. Walmart employees told police they did not want to prosecute, but wanted both men to know if they stole again they would be trespassed from Walmart.* * *The director of McKamey Animal Shelter, 2207 E. 35th St., told police someone had stolen an animal trap out of their yard.* * *Police responded to a counterfeit/forgery charge at First Horizon Bank, 2221 Hamilton Place Blvd. A bank employee told police that a woman tried to cash a check (#399) that was made out to her for $985. The employee said the check was suspicious and he called the account holder. He said the account holder verified that the check was fraudulent. The woman told police that she was there to see if the check was real or fake. She said the check was mailed to her and she did not know why. Police spoke with the account holder who showed them his checkbook with check #399 still inside. He said he believes that a check was stolen from when he paid his HOA fee and it was used to assist in the making of the fake check.* * *Police responded to a residence on E. 12th St. in regard to an unknown 9-1-1 call. Police knocked on the door, but no one responded. Police did not hear any sounds. Police spoke with a neighbor who said they had not heard any disturbance. Police found the front door was unlocked and checked the house. No one was inside and nothing suspicious was seen. The front door was unable to be locked without a key. * * * A woman on Bonny Oaks Drive told police that the day before, UPS delivered a package to her apartment door in the afternoon. She said the package was from L.L. Bean and was a pair of suede slippers with wool lining. She said the price was $86.31. She said she was not home when they were delivered and when she returned home that night, there was no package there. She said this morning her father found the plastic that the package was wrapped in on the apartment property. Singapore launches business bubble for overseas travellers Taking into account the requirements of business travellers from around the world, Singapore announced the Connect@Changi facility travel bubble. Meetings between business travellers and people from Singapore can only take place in special meeting rooms with air-tight glass panels. Photo courtesy: Connect@Changi Travellers will be able to stay and conduct meetings at a dedicated facility in Singapore, without the need to serve quarantine on arrival. The pilot short-stay facility, called Connect@Changi, opened yesterday as part of Singapore's efforts to resume international business meetings amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel cum business centre is "bubble-wrapped" such that the visitors do not mingle with the community in Singapore, but can still hold in-person meetings with local residents at the facility. Travelers will need a pre-travel negative COVID-19 test, then theyll need another COVID-19 test upon arrival (and will have to stay in their room until the results are in), and then depending on the length of stay will have to get tested again on days three, seven, and 14. Meetings between business travellers and people from Singapore can only take place in special meeting rooms with air-tight glass panels. There are separate entrances and exits, as well as different ventilation systems, for travellers from overseas and for visitors from Singapore. Launching the facility, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said the resumption of business travel and international meetings is important for catalysing economic recovery in Singapore and the region. "Doing so will also help to speed up the recovery of our MICE and hospitality sectors, which have been hard-hit, and preserve our role as a global business hub," he said. In the first phase of the project, Connect@Changi is launching 150 rooms and 40 meeting rooms that can hold four to 22 attendees. It will expand in phases to reach a full potential capacity to host about 1,300 business travellers. The project at Singapore EXPO and Max Atria is developed by a Singapore consortium led by Temasek Holdings and includes The Ascott Limited, Changi Airport Group, Sheares Healthcare Group, SingEx-Sphere Holdings and Surbana Jurong. Candace Cameron Bure's 'One Step Closer' Bible becomes bestseller on Amazon Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Hollywood actress and devout Christian Candace Cameron Bure celebrated the success of her recent Bible release, which has now become a bestseller and sold out on Amazon. Bure took to social media to celebrate. Wow!!! My new One Step Closer Bible is #1 in Christian Faith books on Amazon right now!! she gushed on Instagram Wednesday. Im freaking out excited that so many of you want to read Gods word, dig deeper and know His truth. Gods word will never return void. Isaiah 55:11 Go God!!! Bure, 44, posted the photo proof to her social media page. So many people are reading the word of God and that just excites my heart so much, she echoed in an Instagram story. As of Thursday morning, One Step Closer Bible was listed as the No. 5 bestseller in the Christian faith category on Amazon.com. The One Step Closer Bible, a collaboration between Bure and DaySpring, features all 66 books of the Bible and a HelpFinder Index, an eight-page introduction and a question-and-answer session with Bure. She also shares the importance of Gods word in her own life. In an earlier announcement about the new Bible, Bure explained to her almost 5 million followers that the Bible comprises "letters, narratives, poetry and, of course, the historical events." Those are incredible, she said. Each and every word is inspired, she added. That means breathed out by God Himself. The One Step Closer Bible wishes to meet the reader's questions, needs, and concerns. This is not the Fuller House stars first Bible release. One Step Closer Bible follows a devotional Bible Bure released in 2019, special editing (In)Courage Bible, which was in the Christian Standard Bible translation. Her new release is in the New Living Translation. Bure explained why she chose that particular version this time around. "The New Living Translation ... it's modern-day English. This stays incredibly close to the Greek and the Hebrew and all of that but using modern-day language so that's what the New Living Translation is, she shared in a video. "This one I specifically, with my DaySpring team, designed and created it for new believers, or people that just haven't picked up the Bible in a long time and it feels overwhelming. It feels like a foreign language to you, you don't know where to start. I made this for you, she explained. But if you're a seasoned Christian, meaning you've been walking in faith for a long time, this Bible still for you [too], because it's the Bible! Its the whole Bible Old and the New Testament." Despite their fragility scholars say they survived the ravages of time as they were stored in airtight earthenware in the dry desert climate. Some archaeologists are deeply alarmed that the scrolls have found their way here. Even Sydney University, after allowing its crowdfunding page to be used to raise the tax- deductible donations, has admonished Allon. In a statement the University says he made an error of judgment. One Buddhist leader says while he is curious to know what the writing on the scrolls might reveal, they should not have been disturbed. A girl in Bamiyan, Afghanistan passes the void where a giant 6th-century statue of Buddha stood before its destruction by the Taliban. Countless items of the regions heritage have been destroyed or smuggled out during decades of conflict. Credit:AP Oxford University archaeologist Neil Brodie, an expert on black market antiquity trafficking, says the ancient Gandharan Buddhist relics are stolen property. The presumption can only be the manuscripts were stolen or looted and trafficked in contravention of international law for the benefit of criminal networks, he says. It is scandalous to see the Australian public being asked to support such research. No account of legitimate trade and ownership is provided. University of NSW associate professor of law Lucas Lixinski says the manuscripts should not be in Australia because, at the very least, they were brought in without clearing customs. The person who brought them in will have broken the law twice - in not procuring an export certificate from the country they took them out of and also not clearing those manuscripts through customs in Australia, he says. It is scandalous to see the Australian public being asked to support such research. Oxford University archaeologist Neil Brodie Allon, a senior lecturer in South Asian Buddhist Studies at Sydney University, revealed in a May 2019 interview on ABC RNs Soul Search program that the Gandharan scrolls were among the oldest Indian manuscripts we have. Billed by the program as the find of the century, the manuscripts pre-date all other known Buddhist texts by many centuries. They throw a lot of light on the history of Buddhism ... taking us very close to the Buddha, Allon told the programs host, fellow Sydney University academic Meredith Lake. Around the time Allon went public about the manuscripts, he launched the crowdfunding appeal. Allon encouraged donors with the assurance that the manuscripts were recently donated to a major public institution and they will make an announcement about them in due course. Before and after: The shell of the destroyed Buddha statue in Bamiyan. On the left is the statue in 1977. Credit:AP He did not reveal on the campaign page how he came into possession of the relics or where precisely they came from. Nevertheless the money poured in from Western academics, donors pledging funds in Chinese and others leaving a Buddhist prayer when stipulating their donation. The total reached $26,000 in just a few months. In September 2019 this journalist was contacted by a disgruntled international academic who had written a letter of complaint to the university but had not received a response. The scholar, who asked to remain anonymous, was troubled by the legality and ethics of studying relics without a transparent provenance. A comparison point might be if medical researchers worked on cadavers sourced from the dark web. Even if their research led to change-making discoveries, their behaviour would nonetheless have fed a market for illicit cadavers and University ethics committees forbid this sort of behaviour for the obvious reason it could lead to opportunistic murder. The scholar observed Allon had claimed on the crowdfunding page that the manuscripts were discovered after 1990. In the letter the scholar said: The study of unprovenanced artefacts is linked to an increase in their market value, perpetuates illicit excavation and the attendant destruction of archaeological context and cultural heritage, as well as supporting international criminal networks. If theyre from Pakistan, there is no way they could have been legally exported, they added. Pakistani heritage laws forbid the removal of significant objects. However if they are from Afghanistan the law is not as clear and if they were smuggled out during the era of Taliban rule (from 1996 to 2001), then a case might be made that the usual legal frameworks did not apply. In any event, an import certificate is required to bring items like these into Australia, where buying antiquities on the black market is forbidden. In 1970 UNESCO enacted its Means of Prohibiting the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property treaty designed to quash the international trade in movable antiquities. Since then signatory nations - including Australia, Afghanistan and Pakistan - have enacted and reinforced local laws to prevent import and export. Antiquities trafficking exists alongside black markets for people, wildlife, weapons, drugs and the aforementioned trade in human remains. One way the Taliban, and later al-Qaeda, funded their activities was by mobilising people to scour heritage sites for potential bounty. Sydney University has admonished Dr Marl Allon, saying he made an error of judgment. Credit:Dominic Lorimer The market only exists if Western collectors acquire the antiquities. More egregious than simply collecting the pieces as exotic curios is the act of studying them because such research legitimises items, making the studied item more valuable but also establishing a market for other, similar items. Those seeking to stamp out the market for conflict antiquities tend not to blame excavators, who are making a living where they can, even though their actions desecrate sites of immense historical significance. In the case of the Gandharan scrolls, the fragments have survived but forever lost is the precise location site, other objects which might have been found with them and other peculiarities of their home for the past 2000 years. Scholars can learn as much from context as they can from isolated items. There should be a paper trail back to their original removal from the country of origin Macquarie Universitys Professor Malcolm Choat The head of Macquarie Universitys History and Archaeology Department, Professor Malcolm Choat, says academics who study early manuscripts must operate strictly within the UNESCO framework for moveable cultural heritage. Particularly throughout conflict zones but also in many other places throughout the world, theres widespread looting of archaeological sites, he says. There should be a paper trail back to their original removal from the country of origin. Its incumbent upon those of us that work with this sort of material to give as much information as possible about the circumstances in which they arrived in Australia. So how did Allon bring the manuscripts to Sydney? Dr Mark Allon allegedly told his colleagues he simply smuggled the scrolls into Sydney in his luggage. Credit:Louie Douvis The scholar who triggered this inquiry with their letter to the University says Allon told a room full of colleagues he simply smuggled them into Sydney in his luggage. Allon declined to verify this story but did confirm the scrolls were in Sydney. If I hadnt acted, they would have been destroyed, Allon says. I should have got certification to bring them into Australia and conserve them [but] that was, under the circumstances, extremely difficult. If you want to expose me for having brought them into the country thats probably a problem. Technically you shouldnt, they should be documented. Loading How could I get a certification from an owner who had bought them off the antiquities [black] market? The only other alternative would be not to have got involved at all and to have left them and never seen them again. They just would have disintegrated. Wed never have knowledge of these extremely important manuscripts. Allon says he first saw the manuscripts about 10 years ago before in recent years contacting the seller and managing to convince that person, an agent who he will not name, to give them to him. I saw them twice and during that time they deteriorated so the outer layers started to fall off and turned to dust, text and manuscript has been destroyed, he says. This particular person could appreciate the value of what I was proposing, I had no idea of where they got them from and how much they paid for them. However Allons statement on the crowdfunding page that the scrolls have been donated to an institution is not true. He said in September 2019 that the agreement hasnt been signed. Were at a delicate stage of signing agreements but once thats signed then its owned by the public institution in Pakistan, he said. If I had purchased them that would be a problem because then I am part of that trade. That would be totally unacceptable for me as a scholar. Loading Im transitioning them through back to Pakistan. So when we go back to Pakistan, we will go to the Pakistan Consulate and work through the Australian Government, to get permission to take those back. In September 2019, after being questioned by this reporter, the University of Sydney suspended the crowdfunding campaign and sent an apologetic letter to donors explaining it had become aware of some concerns around the source of the manuscripts and whether appropriate documentation was obtained to bring them into the country. In a statement Sydney University says Allon made an error of judgment when he decided to bypass customs but the statement defended the action as well-intended on account of the manuscripts being very fragile and at risk of disintegrating. A spokeswoman says Allons crowdfunding pitch overstated the progress of negotiations with a Pakistani institution. We understand signing of the agreement is imminent. Once the Pakistan government has undertaken their own due diligence and acquired the manuscripts, we anticipate the research and conservation activities will commence, the spokeswoman says. We continue our work to repatriate the two manuscripts to Pakistan, their believed country of origin. The university spokeswoman says while research on the manuscripts had paused while the agreement was being finalised, infra-red imaging of the two scrolls in Sydney was recently conducted and discussions continue with Allon regarding his personal involvement with the manuscripts. It said the fundraising campaign remains on hold and donations are being held in a University trust account. When the agreement is in place, we expect to be able to restart the campaign and apply the donated funds on the terms set out on the crowdfunding website, the spokeswoman said. When Sydney University launched its crowdfunding site in 2015 it did not develop a specific policy to cover those seeking tax-deductible donations via the site. The most recent fundraising policy was written in 2013 and it allowed Allons Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences oversight of his fundraising campaign. The University of Sydney spokeswoman said: We are concerned the required approval and control processes do not seem to have been adequately followed for this particular crowdfunding appeal. Following the suspension of this crowdfunding campaign, our processes to approve and manage crowdfunding and other community giving campaigns were swiftly updated. An expression of interest process now requires upfront consultation with a relevant Head of School or Dean to decide whether a project should proceed to planning, and includes greater academic oversight to ensure that projects are consistent with the Universitys Research Code of Conduct 2019 and other research policies. Were updating our written policy to incorporate these changes, and expect to be able to make it publicly available soon. Allon is one of just a few people in the world able to decipher the Sydney manuscripts and doing so will confer considerable academic kudos on him. However Australias Buddhists may feel very differently. Buddhism is one of the nations smallest religions, but among the fastest-growing. Allons manuscripts, even though they have not yet revealed their secrets, are now among the most significant religious relics in Australia. Chanthanith Chittasy, a spokesman for the NSW Lao Buddhist Society, says the idea of them being in Sydney made him uneasy. Buddhism is a way of life, it is community and faith that connects you through history, he says. The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. If youre reading this, its not because someone you know posted it on Facebook. Though most readers of the Australia Letter come to it via their inboxes, a fair number of people find our weekly dispatches thanks to friends sharing on Facebook. Some folks click through links posted on the New York Times Australia Facebook page. But no more. As of yesterday, Facebook is no longer allowing Australian users to view or post news stories on the platform. This goes for local and international media organizations, including The New York Times. It also is not allowing Australian media organizations to post content to users outside of Australia and all of this in reaction to a proposed Australian law that would require tech companies to pay publishers for articles seen across their platforms. Its no secret that most media companies (The New York Times included) get a substantial portion of their web traffic from Facebook. In essence, Facebook is calling the bluff of the Australian law and the media companies pushing for it theyre saying, in effect, you need us more than we need you. But for many users, this also changes the function of Facebook significantly. Long gone are the days when Facebook was just a place to catch up with faraway relatives and stalk old lovers like lots of people, I rely on it (and other social media platforms, Twitter in particular) to let the media companies I follow deliver breaking news, and to see what articles friends are sharing. Dolphins have similar personality traits to humans and other primates like monkeys and apes, a new study claims. Psychologists at the University of Hull studied 134 bottlenose dolphins across eight countries for their almost decade-long study. Just like primates, the aquatic mammals displayed curiosity, sociability and a personality trait that is a blend of 'extraversion and agreeableness', they found. Dolphins have slightly different psychology to the 'big five' model which is commonly applied in academia to describe humans, according to the authors. It's already known monkeys and apes have similar personality traits as humans, but this study claims to be the first to investigate if the same traits exist in dolphins. New research from the University of Hull has found dolphins to be far more similar to humans and other primates than previously thought. Pictured, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) The study began in 2012 and has finally been published this year in the Journal of Comparative Psychology. 'Dolphins were a great animal for this kind of study because, like primates, dolphins are intelligent and social,' said Dr Blake Morton, a psychologist at the University of Hull. 'We reasoned that if factors such as intelligence and gregariousness contribute to personality, then dolphins should have similar personality traits to primates.' Despite being adapted to an aquatic lifestyle and last sharing a common ancestor with primates 95 million years ago, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) resemble non-human primate species in 'several behavioural and cognitive traits'. Both chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bottlenose dolphin live in communities, which are described as 'fission-fusion' societies. The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), also known as the common chimpanzee, robust chimpanzee, or simply chimp, is a species of great ape native to the forest and savannah of tropical Africa. Like Pan troglodytes, dolphins live in fissionfusion societies, use tools, and have relatively large brains WHAT IS A FISSION-FUSION SOCEITY? Bottlenose dolphin communities around the world are described as 'fission-fusion' societies. This means that individuals associate in groups dynamically - they merge or split within the same aggregation several times per day. It has been seen that some societies live in large mixed-sex groups with strong associations within and between the sexes. In the past, bottlenose dolphin groups have been referred to as pods - social groups of unchanging composition. More recently, long-term studies of bottlenose dolphins have now shown that their group composition changes. Source: Seaworld.org Advertisement This means their group size and composition changes frequently within the lifetime of members they split (fission) or merge (fusion). Chimps and dolphins also both use tools and have relatively large brains, Dr Morton and his colleagues point out in their research paper. As for humans, according to a psychological trait theory developed in the 1980s called the big five, human behaviour is comprised of five personality traits that form the acronym OCEAN openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. Extensive studies have looked at the extent to which these traits are shared by primates but his team wanted to look at intelligent animals in a completely different setting. 'Scientists still do not fully understand why our behaviour comes down to those five traits, so one way of doing that is to compare ourselves to other animals what we share in common and why,' Dr Morton told the PA new agency. To determine the extent to which these and other factors contribute to the evolution of dolphin personality, the team examined personality structure in 134 bottlenose dolphins 56 male and 78 female. The dolphins were observed a different facilities across eight countries, including Mexico, France, the US, Curacao, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. Researchers assessed each dolphins personality using questionnaires given to staff from each facility who knew them well. The 'big five' personality traits are the best accepted and most commonly used model of personality in academic psychology Researchers found dolphin behaviour almost aligns with this model. THE BIG FIVE MODEL The big five model is the most widely accepted personality theory held by psychologists today. The theory states that personality can be boiled down to five core factors, known by the acronym OCEAN: - Openness to experience (inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious) - Conscientiousness (efficient/organised vs. extravagant/careless) - Extraversion (outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved) - Agreeableness (friendly/compassionate vs. critical/rational) - Neuroticism (sensitive/nervous vs. resilient/confident) Source: Simply Psychology/Open Psychometrics Advertisement 'We found four domains,' the team say in their paper. 'Three openness, sociability, and disagreeableness resembled personality domains found in nonhuman primates and other species.' The fourth, directedness, was a blend of high conscientiousness and low neuroticism and was unique to dolphins. Despite this, dolphins are still impressively similar to us, the experts suggest. 'Dolphins, like many primates, have brains that are considerably larger than what their bodies require for basic bodily functions,' said Dr Morton. 'This excess of brain matter essentially powers their ability to be intelligent, and intelligent species are often very curious. 'Throughout our lifetime, we interact and form relationships with a wide variety of people dolphins do the same with each other. 'Collectively, being smart and social, regardless of what ecosystem you live in, may play an important role in the evolution of certain personality traits.' Dr Morton emphasises that this is only the beginning in terms of identifying the full spectrum of traits exhibited by dolphins. 'It is vital researchers conduct further studies because not only will it lead to a better appreciation for species living within the depths of our oceans, it will lead to a better understanding of ourselves,' he said. Jaipur, Feb 19 : Gold weighing 56.86 kg, given to the District Collector in Rajasthan's Chittogarh for weighing then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in wake of the 1965 India-Pakistan war, will be passed on to the government, a court has ordered. The gold, valued at Rs 4.76 lakh at that time, is now valued at Rs 27.29 crore. The District and Sessions Court in Chittorgarh on Wednesday directed the officials concerned to hand over the gold to the Assistant Commissioner of Central Goods and Service Tax. The controversy over ownership of the gold dates back to late 1965 when the precious metal was given to Chittorgarh District Collector for weighing Shastri. The case has been heard five times earlier in different courts since then, and each time, the decision went in the government's favour. At present, this gold is lying in a cupboard in the Udaipur District Collector's office. On December 9, 1965, a person named Gunwant filed a case against Ganpat and two others, alleging that the accused did not return 56.86 kg gold to him. On December 16, 1965, Ganpat handed over the gold to Chittorgarh Collector for weighing Prime Minister Shastri, who had a scheduled visit in Udaipur. However, Shastri passed in Tashkent in January 1966 following talks with Pakistan organised by the then Soviet Union. Thereafter, police seized the gold but its custody was given to the Chittorgarh Collector. In 1969, a challan was presented in the Assistant District Session Court in Udaipur and gold was then brought to Udaipur. On January 11, 1975, the court sentenced Ganpat and Hiralal to two years imprisonment and rights over the gold were given to the Gold Controller. Ganpat and Hiralal challenged the judgement in the sessions court and were freed, but they did not regain the right to possession of the gold. A petition was again filed by Gunwant against the verdict in the High Court, which, on September 14, 2007, upheld the order of acquittal, but rejected the appeal for transferring them rights over the gold. In 2012, Ganpat's heir Govardhan filed a writ in court, saying that the gold belonged to his father and police had recovered it from him. However, this writ is still pending. On July 17, 2020, the Assistant Commissioner, CGST, Chittorgarh submitted an application in the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court for delivery of the gold, and on August 5, 2020, the court said that the High Court has issued directions to the for the delivery of gold to the CGST official. Govardhan then appealed to the session court, which also decided in favour of the gold be transferred to the official. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text India's leading dairy brand Amul has come up with the perfect doodle to depict the stress caused by steeply rising fuel prices. Amul is famous for creating witty, hilarious and catchy doodles on social and trending topics. In the latest doodle, the Amul girl is seen refilling her fuel tank while stressfully gazing at the reading meter. "Painfuel increase!" the text on the poster reads. "Amul Affordable taste," it adds.Amul shared the post on Twitter with the caption, "#Amul Topical: The steeply rising fuel prices!" Amul's tweet has garnered more than 16,000 likes and over 4,800 retweets at the time of writing this. People are lauding Amul for speaking up. Well done Amul...good to see a co. with a spine when all other icons seem to have lost theirs Tanvi S. (@arsenal_tanvi) February 19, 2021 Good to see you have got your spine and humor back. Well done! Hope you can sustain it. AMITRANJAN GANTAIT (@agantait) February 19, 2021 The price of regular petrol crossed the Rs 90 mark for the first time in Delhi on Friday while in Mumbai it shot up to Rs 96.62. The price of petrol crossed Rs 100 mark in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar on Wednesday. On Thursday, the petrol was priced at Rs 100.25 per litre in Anuppur of Madhya Pradesh. Also read: Drishyam 2 leaked by piracy website Tamilrockers on release day Also read: NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars; sends first image The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is a democratic global union federation of nearly 700 transport workers' trade unions representing around 20 million workers in 150 countries. The ITF works to improve the lives of transport workers globally, encouraging and organising international solidarity among its network of affiliates. The ITF represents the interests of transport workers' unions in bodies that take decisions affecting jobs, employment conditions and safety in the transport industry. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. A 37-year-old man is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail after he gave a gun and promised drugs to what turned out to be an undercover Pennsylvania State Police trooper in a potential murder-for-hire plot, court papers say. Dominic Luis Escalera, no address given, began in late January looking for someone to assault or kill his ex-girlfriend, Allentown police said. The payoff was supposed to be 150 Ecstasy pills, police said in court papers. On Feb. 8, the ex-girlfriend got a protection order saying she feared Escalera after he verbally and physically abused her, police said. An undercover trooper was in phone contact with Escalera throughout the investigation, police said. On Valentines Day, they agreed that Escalera would provide the pills and the gun to the trooper, police said. Escalera had texted a photo of the woman and her address to the trooper, police said. On Feb. 16, they agreed to meet, and that happened the next day in the 100 block of North Seventh Street in the city, police said. Escalera shared a .44-caliber Ruger revolver loaded with four rounds as well as a bag with 29 more live rounds, police said. The gun was stolen in 2019 in Allentown, police said. Escalera showed the trooper the womans residence and then the trooper drove Escalera to the Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem in an effort to create an alibi, police said. Escalera, who was wearing body armor, was taken into custody soon after, police said. During an interview with police, Escalera said he bought the gun three weeks earlier from someone on the street in Allentown, court papers say. He also confirmed the agreement to pay with narcotics, but he didnt have the pills on him, police said. He was arraigned early Thursday on charges of criminal solicitation of criminal homicide, possession of a firearm when prohibited -- he has previous felony convictions in New Jersey, court papers say -- firearms not to be carried without a license, unlawful body armor, receiving stolen property and another firearms count, records show. He is being held pending a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled 2:15 p.m. April 9 before District Judge Karen C. Devine, records show. Escalera will be represented by the Lehigh County Public Defenders Office, but a specific attorney was not listed in court papers. Allentown police turned to Facebook to show their gratitude to city police personnel and the outside agencies that helped bring about the arrest. Our department would like to thank all the Officers, Detectives, Investigators involved in this investigation and subsequent arrest with several agencies involved ATF, PA State Police, Lehigh County District Attorneys Office, PA Attorney Generals Office. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription. Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Lottie Moss sent temperatures soaring on Thursday as she slipped into a leopard print bikini to party with her pals in Palm Springs. The model, 27, posed in the skimpy two-piece as she enjoyed a dip in the swimming pool during a shoot with PrettyLittleThing in a break from her Los Angeles home. Lottie displayed every inch of her incredible physique in the cross-neck bikini top and matching thong bottoms as she posed with her friends Sahara Ray and Blithe Saxon. Wow! Lottie Moss, 27, sent temperatures soaring on Thursday as she slipped into a leopard print bikini to party with her pals in Palm Springs Lottie, who has been living in LA since before UK's travel restrictions were introduced, sizzled in the plunging top in the eye-catching print. The star enjoyed an ice cold beverage as she relaxed in the swimming pool, before posing for a group snap with her pals. She, Sahara and Blithe certainly seemed to be enjoying their sunny break as they laughed while relaxing in the pool together. Incredible: The model, posed in the skimpy two-piece as she enjoyed a dip in the swimming pool during a shoot with PrettyLittleThing in a break from her Los Angeles home Posing up a storm: Lottie, who has been living in LA since before UK's travel restrictions were introduced, sizzled in the plunging top in the eye-catching print Pals: Lottie displayed every inch of her incredible physique in the cross-neck bikini top and matching thong bottoms as she posed with her friends Sahara Ray and Blithe Saxon Lottie returned to Los Angeles, where she owns a home, before the travel restrictions that followed Britain's third national lockdown were implemented. She had previously spent much of 2020 in the United Kingdom, where she divided her time between London and her family home in the Cotswolds. The appearance comes after Lottie took to Instagram to promote her latest endeavour - a page on 'upmarket OnlyFans'-style site Glow. Showing off a pink manicure, Lottie urged followers to sign up to the site - which gives them the chance to see her in her negligee for 3.60 a pop. New home: Lottie returned to Los Angeles, where she owns a home, before the travel restrictions that followed Britain's third national lockdown were implemented Change of scenery: She had previously spent much of 2020 in the United Kingdom, where she divided her time between London and her family home in the Cotswolds Close friend Sahara is already a member and has a promotional video on her Instagram page of her and Lottie in sheer lingerie posing for the camera. It was first reported that Lottie had resorted to fan content over the weekend, when accounts for her company Lottiem Ltd just filed at Companies House showed she had 96,604 in the bank as of December 2019, down from 151,929 ten months earlier. In contrast, her half-sisters firm Kate Moss Ltd showed a healthy balance of more than 11 million for the same period. Giddy: She and her pals certainly seemed to be enjoying the sunshine as they relaxed in the swimming pool together Enjoying the sun? The star enjoyed an ice cold beverage as she relaxed close to the swimming pool with her friends New venture: Lottie took to Instagram on Monday to promote her new endeavour - a page on 'upmarket OnlyFans'-style site Glow Lottie's Glow page offers visitors the chance to see her booty and boobs for $5 (3.60). After paying the fee, fans are taken to a video of a bikini-clad Lottie and Sahara. Lottie has previously modelled for A-list brands Chanel and Calvin Klein - but celebrities who have turned to OnlyFans have boasted that such sites give them a healthy income. She has previously been offered a place on Made In Chelsea due to friendships with many of the cast, but openly admitted to turning it down. A spokesman for the model did not respond to requests to comment. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global 4-Aminophenol (p-Aminophenol, PAP) Market Outlook 2019-2024 offers detailed coverage of 4-aminophenol industry and presents main market trends. The market research gives historical and forecast market size, demand, end-use details, price trends, and company shares of the leading 4-aminophenol producers to provide exhaustive coverage of the market for 4-aminophenol. The report segments the market and forecasts its size, by volume and value, on the basis of application, by products, and by geography. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from key industry participants. The global 4-aminophenol market has been segmented into five major regions, namely, North America (U.S., Canada, and others), Europe (U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and others), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, and others), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and others), and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and others). Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key vendors operating in this market. Request for Report Sample: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/3753 Key Regions North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Place a Direct Purchase Order @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/checkout/3753/Single Key Vendors Anhui Bayi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Granules India Limited Huludao Tianqi Shengye Chemical Co., Ltd. Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Group Co., Ltd. Liaoning Shixing Pharmaceutical & Chemical Co., Ltd. Quzhou Ruiyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. Taixing Yangzi Pharm Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. request free sample to get a complete list of companies Key Questions Answered in This Report Analysis of the 4-aminophenol market including revenues, future growth, market outlook Historical data and forecast Regional analysis including growth estimates Analyzes the end user markets including growth estimates. Profiles on 4-aminophenol vendors including products, sales/revenues, SWOT, and market position, recent developments. Market structure, market drivers and restraints. Request for Report Discount: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/3753 Story Highlights 42% are satisfied with the nation's gun laws, 56% dissatisfied 69% of Republicans/leaners, 22% of Democrats/leaners satisfied with gun laws 68% of Democrats/leaners want gun laws to be stricter WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fifty-six percent of Americans say they are dissatisfied with U.S. gun laws and policies, marking the ninth consecutive year of majority-level dissatisfaction since the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. At the same time, 42% of U.S. adults express satisfaction with U.S. gun laws. Line graph. Americans' satisfaction with the United States' laws or policies on guns, trend since 2001. Currently, 56% of U.S. adults are very or somewhat dissatisfied and 42% are very or somewhat satisfied. The high point in dissatisfaction was 62% in 2016, and the high point in satisfaction was 51% in 2004 and 2005. Gallup has asked Americans about their satisfaction with specific issues, including the nation's gun laws and policies, each January since 2001, except for 2009-2011. In 2001, 38% of the public was satisfied with U.S. gun laws. Satisfaction rose in subsequent surveys, hovering near 50% from 2002 through 2012, but since then, it has generally held near 40%. The highest dissatisfaction, 62%, was recorded one month after the December 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. The latest findings are from a Jan. 4-15 Gallup poll that preceded President Joe Biden's Feb. 14 call for "commonsense gun law reforms" on the third anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting. His proposed changes include background checks on all gun sales, bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and more accountability for gun manufacturers. Striking Partisan Differences on Gun Policy Biden's desired stricter gun measures are very similar to those that Congress failed to pass after the Newtown mass shooting, when Biden was serving as Barack Obama's vice president. That vote in Congress laid bare Republican lawmakers' unwillingness to support new gun restrictions. Since then, Republicans and Republican-leaning independents have generally become increasingly likely to express satisfaction with U.S. gun laws, while Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents have become less likely to be satisfied. Two exceptions to this occurred in 2014 and 2016, when Republicans' satisfaction fell amid calls for stricter gun laws. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are now more than three times as likely as Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents to say they are satisfied with the nation's gun laws and policy, 69% vs. 22%. This 47-percentage-point gap in satisfaction is in line with those since 2018. Before that, the average party gap was 22 points. Line graph. Partisans' satisfaction with the nation's laws or policies on guns, trend since 2001. Currently, 69% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are very or somewhat satisfied and 22% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents are very or somewhat satisfied. Dissatisfaction With Gun Laws Rooted More in Call for Stricter Regulation A follow-up question, asked only of those who said they were dissatisfied with current gun laws, explored what respondents would like to see happen to those laws. Given that dissatisfaction with gun laws is primarily seen among Democrats, it follows that people who are dissatisfied prefer stricter rather than more lenient laws. As Biden calls for stricter gun laws, 41% of the public is dissatisfied with current gun laws and wants them made stricter; 8% are dissatisfied and want them to be made less strict; and 7% are dissatisfied but want them to remain the same. Line graph. Americans' satisfaction with and preference for gun laws. Currently, 42% of Americans are satisfied, 41% are dissatisfied and want stricter laws, and 8% are dissatisfied and want less strict laws. While 69% of Republicans say they are satisfied with U.S. gun laws, 68% of Democrats are dissatisfied and want them to be stricter. Bottom Line Americans continue to express more dissatisfaction than satisfaction with U.S. gun laws, and partisans remain sharply divided in their views. The public's calls for more gun control have tended to be in reaction to mass shootings, as have lawmakers' attempts to pass stricter gun laws. After the nation's deadliest mass shooting, in Las Vegas in 2017, the Trump administration banned bump stocks, which make semi-automatic rifles able to fire like machine guns. Trump also indicated that he was open to stricter gun laws after the Parkland, Florida, shooting, but he never took action on that. Likewise, Trump said in 2019 that he would look into changing background checks in the wake of mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, but ultimately he declined to push for any changes. The latest proposal from Biden, however, comes when the U.S. has not seen a mass shooting in recent months. Biden has worked to make the nation's gun laws and policies stricter since he was a U.S. senator and helped pass the Brady bill and the now-expired assault weapons ban. However, he faces an uphill battle in trying to get a bipartisan deal now, given the nation's current political divide and the availability of the legislative filibuster. View complete question responses and trends (PDF download). Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. Representative of certain districts of Donetsk region in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) from Ukraine Serhiy Harmash does not exclude the possibility of his withdrawal from its membership if the delegation's officials do not take steps regarding the issue of the irregular presence of so-called "public experts" from ORDLO. "It is simple: either I convince the leadership of the correctness of my arguments, and we start to respond effectively to the violation of the negotiation format and confidentiality regime [...] or I need to ask myself: what am I doing on a ship that is sailing in the wrong direction? So, whether it is time to exit?" Harmash told the Ostriv (Island) newspaper on Friday, February 19. He said that already at this year's third online meeting of the TCG there are "some public experts [from ORDLO], representing someone who is not clear." Harmash said none of the TCG members invited them. "Russia said it has nothing to do with the formation of the composition of 'other delegations.' Ukraine did not invite them, as well as the OSCE. Then who? If we agree with the fact of the presence of these people, then we, it turns out, recognize the puppets of Russia from ORDLO as separate delegations. Do we recognize their right to invite 'experts' to negotiations? Do we recognize them as a full-fledged party to the negotiations? We do not react to this, and they are already sitting at the TCG for the third meeting, and then they will tell us about such a negotiating 'tradition.' But we are creating traditions," Harmash said. He said it is necessary to require compliance with the TCG trilateral format, as it is written in the Minsk agreements, since "today it is de facto five-sided, and this is the main reason for the ineffectiveness of the TCG." To a question "How to react to the Ukrainian delegation to the presence of 'other experts,' Harmash suggested ignoring everyone at the TCG, except for the official representatives of Russia and the OSCE. According to him, it is possible to hold consultations with ORDLO only in the working groups of the TCG or to lower the status of the Ukrainian delegation. "In any case, I will not subjectivize the puppets from ORDLO as separate delegations. It will not be just a slap in the face of all immigrants and patriots, it will be the surrender of our positions, and I will not surrender anything. I went to TCG to win back, and not to give up," the representative of the Ukrainian delegation in the negotiation process said. 23053 Ranjit Tinaikar, MD, Advisory & Investment Management, Thomson Reuters The pendulum has clearly been swinging in favor of the buy-side (made of fund manufacturing and distribution professionals in Asset / Wealth Management firms) away from the sell-side (made of primary and secondary markets professionals in Investment Banks) since the financial crisis of 2008. As profit pools and talent shifts to thebuy-side, will it take the lead in capital markets by adopting technology innovations? Managing retirement funds and investment plans is indeed an onerous responsibility that, if done right, can make a significant difference to individuals, institutions and the overall economy. It is therefore, not surprising, that the buy-side may adopt a conservative view on innovations such as hosting portfolios on data cloud services, using social media to inform investment decisions, or joining open communities.However, as the pace and level of complexity in managing assets has been speeding up with new regulations, increasing difficulty in beating investor benchmarks, and increasing margin pressuresthe imperative for the buy-side to take a more proactive view to adopting technology innovations is becoming ever more pressing. There are at least four themes around which the buy-side can take a more proactive approach to adopting technology innovations.ETFs are fast eating into the market share of Mutual Funds as actively managed funds find it increasingly difficult to justify their expense structures based on performance against benchmarks. The search for alpha is intensifying for all. As a result, fund managers will increasingly need insights beyond raw data to make their investment decisions. These insights may be derived through access to unique content sets or analytics. For example, text mining analytics that scan SEC Filings, News and Research, when combined with the power of traditional financial models can significantly improve ability to predict credit performance of a company. A database that not only provides details on a particular corporation but also its suppliers and distributors could significantly enhance an analysts ability to estimate earnings. In one case, a Hedge Fund following retail stocks got market signals ahead of consumer sentiment reports by tracking satellite pictures of traffic density in retail malls! The potential of adopting Big Data and Analytics on the buy-side is immense.As margins compress, the productivity of the most critical resource on the buy-sidethe investment professionalbecomes even more critical. The investment professionals desktop is still chained to legacy solutions from the 1980s. A lot could be gained from adopting similar innovations to those brought by Google, Apple and Facebook and others to the consumer world. A portfolio manager in London commented that he was unable to test the full range of his ideas because it was so hard to access the data, perform the analysis and view the output. What if all of this could be done in 30 seconds? What if you didnt even have to remember the command to execute thiswhat if you could use natural language? The application of search engines and interactive navigation to data analysis is immense. It could significantly improve productivity of investment professionals.Mobile solutions are not only a matter of convenience but increasingly critical to improving investment performance. An analyst following the auto sector said, We will actually go meet the auto dealers in Shanghai to understand growth trends. However, while we are going mobile, we dont see a single solution that is truly seamless across mobile and desktop devices. It is indeed time to unshackle the user from the desktop as workflows become increasingly mobile. Most mobile solutions today enable passive viewing of content. The next wave is toward mobile solutions that enable investment activities like order management and provide collaboration tools for validating and building models.Open Collaboration and Community: While the use of messaging technology between the buy-side and sell-side is well established, it is mainly between the trading communities on both sides, primarily using closed architecture messaging platforms. Buyside firms are, appropriately, compliance-sensitive around use of messaging services. The demand for compliant messaging solutions is ever increasing and communication controls for both one to one messaging and chat rooms are a key part of the industry requirements for messaging tools. Messaging is just one of many tools used for collaboration. A regional bank in Spain has recently developed a social media solution for its wealth advisors that not only enables improved engagement with their customers and prospects, but is also compliance enabled to control, capture and archive all relevant interactions. Most importantly, the buy-side community can play a big role in adopting open messaging standards that give them choice around levels of participation in messaging communities. Capital markets today have access to open collaboration solutions that allow buy-side firms to choose the messaging application and how much of their directory information they would like to expose, while participating seamlessly in global communities. The sell-side will follow the buy-side in their choice of collaboration solution. The buy-side can lead the way.The sell-side has led many of the technology innovations in capital markets ranging from trading algorithms, industry connectivity solutions and low latency platforms. The time may just be right for buy-side technology to step up. Express Entry, Labour Impact, and Business Impact candidates were invited to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. PEI holds new PNP draw inviting 121 immigration candidates Express Entry, Labour Impact, and Business Impact candidates were invited to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. PEI holds new PNP draw inviting 121 immigration candidates Express Entry, Labour Impact, and Business Impact candidates were invited to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. PEI holds new PNP draw inviting 121 immigration candidates Express Entry, Labour Impact, and Business Impact candidates were invited to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Prince Edward Island has released the details of its scheduled February 18 draw. The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) issued a total of 121 invitations. Most of the invitations, 102, went to Express Entry and Labour Impact candidates. Business Impact candidates took home the remaining 19, as long as they had a minimum point threshold of 82. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canadas provinces and territories to select immigration candidates who meet their labour market needs. They sometimes align with Canadas federal Express Entry system. PEI Express Entry Category The PEI PNPs Express Entry Category is an enhanced PNP, which means it works within the Canadian governments Express Entry system. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Express Entry manages the applications for three economic-class immigration categories: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Eligible candidates are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for their age, work experience, education, and language proficiency in English and French. Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination are given an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, and are effectively guaranteed an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw. In order to be considered for a provincial nomination from PEI, Express Entry candidates need to create an EOI profile with the PEI PNP. EOI profiles are given points based on the provinces unique points grid. The highest-scoring candidates are then invited to apply through monthly draws. The PEI PNP did not provide a breakdown of how many Express Entry and Labour Impact candidates were invited, nor the minimum EOI score required for each category. Labour Impact Category The Labour Impact Category is for foreign nationals who have a valid job offer in PEI, and have support from their employer. It is divided into three streams: Skilled Worker, Critical Worker, and International Graduate. Candidates in this category must also submit an EOI profile in order to be considered for a provincial nomination through the Labour Impact Category. Business Impact Category The 19 candidates who were invited through the Business Impact Category needed a minimum EOI score of 82. These invitations were issued under the Work Permit Stream, which is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to own and operate a business in PEI. See if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. February is Black History Month. The commemoration began as Black History Week in 1926, the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling on the public to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. For Black History Month this year, we focus on Judge William Henry Hastie, whose life and accomplishments shine as an example of what Professor Woodson had in mind. Hastie is a giant in American history: an architect of the strategy that ultimately ended legal segregation; the first African American to serve as a federal judge in a District Court; and the first African American to serve on a federal Court of Appeals. Still, he rarely receives the recognition he deserves. His story starts in 1904 in Knoxville. Compared to many African American children of the time, he was fortunate to be born into a household of two college graduates: his mother was a schoolteacher and his father a government clerk. During his youth, his family moved from Knoxville to Washington, D.C., when his father became a clerk with the U.S. Pension Bureau. Hastie graduated from Dunbar High School and attended Amherst College in Massachusetts. He graduated first in his college class, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Hastie entered Harvard Law School in 1927. He became not only the second African American on the Harvard Law Review, but also one of its editors. He earned his LL.B., or Bachelor of Laws, in 1930, and his J.D. in 1933. He then practiced with a D.C. law firm and joined the faculty of Howard University Law School. At Howard, he taught Thurgood Marshall, who would go on to become the first African American Supreme Court Justice. U.S. District Judge Hasties talent and potential came to the attention of others. He was recruited to serve in President Franklin D. Roosevelts new administration, first as an advisor on race relations and then as an assistant solicitor in the Department of the Interior. President Roosevelt was so impressed with Hasties talent and performance that in 1937, in a history-making action, he appointed Hastie to the U.S. District Court of the U.S. Virgin Islandsthe first time an African American had ever been appointed to a federal judgeship. The appointment, made while segregation was still legal in the United States, drew considerable resistance. Senator William H. King of Utah, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee at the time, called the appointment a blunder. Despite this resistance, Hastie was confirmed and took the bench as the first Black U.S. District Judge. Attacking Segregation Hastie was offered the deanship at Howard Law School in 1939. He resigned his judgeship to accept, and he then turned his intellectual firepower against legal segregation. With Thurgood Marshall and former Howard Law Dean Charles Hamilton Houston, he developed a plan to use federal lawsuits under the separate but equal doctrine of the Supreme Courts Plessy v. Ferguson opinion of 1896. Their plan was to show that states were not in fact providing equal treatment and facilities for Blacks, beginning in the context of professional and higher education. Hastie served with Marshall as lead counsel in one of the most significant cases using this legal strategy, Smith v. Allwright, in which the Supreme Court held in 1944 that a state could not allow a political party to segregate its primary elections based on race. This legal strategy ultimately led to the Supreme Courts rejection of the separate-but-equal doctrine in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. In the meanwhile, President Roosevelt brought Hastie back into government service in 1940. Concerned that racial tensions could undermine the war effort, Roosevelt appointed Hastie as a civilian aide to the Secretary of War to focus on race relations in the armed forces. But Hastie was unwilling to accept the open racial discrimination and segregation faced by African American soldiers, and in 1943, he resigned in protest. Nor did he go quietly. Rather, he publicly registered his opposition to racism and discrimination in the armed forces. That same year, he received the highest award from the National Association for the Advanced of Colored People, the Spingarn Medal. U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Hasties resignation and public protest did not dim his prospects for future government service. In 1946, President Harry S. Truman appointed Hastie as governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, again making Hastie the first African American to hold a given position in government. Then, on Oct. 21, 1949, President Truman appointed Hastie to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. This was another historic first: Hastie was the first African American appointed to a federal appeals court. Hastie was confirmed to the position some eight months later, in July 1950, despite once again facing considerable opposition from some senators. Judge Hastie served on the Third Circuit with distinction for 22 years, including as chief judge from 1968 to 1971. President John F. Kennedy considered appointing him to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Charles Whittaker in 1962, but he did not do so because of expected resistance from Southern senators. President Kennedy reportedly said he would make several other appointments and Judge Hastie would receive one of those, but his assassination in 1963 cut short that expectation. However, Judge Hasties outstanding record and government service paved the way for Thurgood Marshall, Judge Hasties legal pupil and colleague, to become the first Black Supreme Court Justice in 1967. Judge Hastie died on April 14, 1976. He was survived by his wife and two children, both of whom had become lawyers. Born at a time in our nations history when the future of a Black child was at best uncertain and, in many instances, bleak; when African American talent often went unrecognized, unrewarded, and unused; and when few doors were open for Black advancement and progress, Judge Hastie assembled an unsurpassed record of accomplishment. He was first in so many things, often under hostile circumstances: academic star, law review editor, law school professor, law school dean, government servant, U.S. District Court Judge, Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge. Judge Hastie was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Our nation today is a better place because of him. He blazed a bright trail for so many of us to follow. Curtis L. Collier United States District Judge Chair, Eastern District of Tennessee Civics and Outreach Committee Carrie Brown Stefaniak Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier Immediate Past President, Chattanooga Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Eliza L. Taylor Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier She's a native of Houston, Texas. And on Thursday evening, Beyonce announced that her charitable foundation and her Ivy Park partner Adidas are joining with Houston disaster relief organization Bread of Life to help those in need during the devastating Storm Uri. 'We send our prayers to those impacted by the winter storm,' read a tweet posted on the BeyGOOD official Twitter feed. Aid: Beyonce announced that her charitable foundation and her Ivy Park partner Adidas are joining with Houston disaster relief organization Bread of Life to help those in need during the devastating Storm Uri Helping hand: 'We send our prayers to those impacted by the winter storm,' read a tweet posted on the BeyGOOD official Twitter feed. Under the plan, Texans can apply for up to $1,000 using their Disaster Relief Assistance Application Form Under the plan, Texans can apply for up to $1,000 using their Disaster Relief Assistance Application Form, People reported. Millions of Texas residents were left without power in freezing temperatures and are now facing water and food shortages. At least 47 people have died as a result of the storm, according to USA Today. Dire situation: Millions of Texas residents were left without power in freezing temperatures and are now facing water and food shortages Disaster relief: Former Real Housewives Of New York star Bethenny Frankel, pictured in November, had earlier announced her BStrong foundation is providing aid to Texans Help on the way: Frankel's foundation is sending thousands of boxes of food and hygiene supplies to those in need, transporting them by road from Miami Earlier on Thursday, reality star and businesswoman Bethenny Frankel shared on Instagram that her BStrong disaster relief foundation was 'loading trucks of aid to distribute to those ravaged by power outages, sub zero temperatures, lack of and contaminated water, death, and homelessness.' The former Real Housewives of New York star said she has partnered with the Global Empowerment Mission and NCS Group to fill thousands of boxes with food and hygiene supplies for families in need and transport them from Miami via 500 trucks from Unlimited Carrier. Meanwhile, Texan Kacey Musgraves is also doing her bit to help out. The country music star is selling t-shirts with Cruzin for a Bruzin' emblazoned across the front via her website shop with proceeds going to raise money for those suffering as a result of the historic cold and power outages in the Lone Star state Raising cash: Texan Kacey Musgraves is also doing her bit to help out. The country music star is selling t-shirts with Cruzin for a Bruzin' emblazoned across the front via her website shop Caring: Throwing a little shade the way of Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who left Texas to travel to a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico, she tweeted how her fans could help those affected by the power outages and food and water shortages Throwing a little shade the way of Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who left Texas to travel to a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico, with his family while millions of his constituents faced incredible hardship and life-threatening conditions. Once his travel was discovered and posted all over social media, he caught a plane back to Houston on Thursday instead of staying in Mexico until Saturday as planned. Musgraves tweeted: 'Texas is cold, I can be cold'. 'All proceeds will directly support Texans affected by the storm and also to homeless immigrants seeking shelter and food. Available thru Sunday!' she tweeted. Mohammad bin Salman, Saudi Arabias controversial Crown Prince, has pushed his country to acquire stakes in three major video game publishers. Recent SEC filings spotted by Bloomberg show that Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund, which bin Salman chairs, purchased more than $3.3 billion worth of shares in Activision-Blizzard, EA and Take-Two. Thats the same fund that bought a massive $3.5 billion stake in Uber back in 2016. In all, it purchased 14.9 million shares in Activision, 7.4 million shares in EA and 3.9 million shares in Take-Two near the end of last year. Those investments give the Public Investment Fund, or PIF, $1.4 billion, $1.1 billion and $826 million stakes in those companies as tries to lessen Saudi Arabias reliance on oil. Notably, this isnt the first time bin Salman has invested in video games or at least tried to do so. Last year, Riots League of Legends European Championship (LEC) announced a partnership with Saudi Arabias Neom, a divisive smart city project the prince announced in 2017 . Less than a day later, Riot called off the sponsorship agreement after the professional LoL community came out against it in force. That same year, bin Salmans MiSK youth charity purchased a 33.3 percent stake in SNK, the Japanese developer of King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown franchises , and said it planned to take majority ownership of the company in the future. In 2018, the CIA implicated bin Salman in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Although Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of the killing, Shalaan al-Shalaan, the countrys deputy public prosecutor, later said the assassination had been ordered by the head of a negotiations team sent to bring Khashoggi back to the country. Facebook is under fire in Australia after it blocked news content due to their ongoing tiff with the government over a new media code that would result in the social media giant paying local media outlets for news content. Facebook has said such a move is not acceptable as the proposed code fundamentally fails to understand how its services work. But there is growing anger among officials at the social media giants response, with Western Australias premier, Mark McGowan, accusing Facebook of "behaving like a North Korean dictator. Facebook is behaving in a bullying and intimidatory manner They should resolve the matter in an amicable way. What they are doing is wrong, said Mr McGowan on Thursday while stating that the US government should step in. On Wednesday, Australias Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said Facebooks actions to unfriend Australia, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing. Mr Morrison said he is in regular contact with the leaders of other nations on these issues as news emerged that he has spoken to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi about it. In a post on Facebook, the Australian prime minister cautioned that they will not be intimidated by BigTech seeking to pressure them on the new media bargaining code. He had urged Facebook to constructively work with them like Google which has already made deals with several Australian news organisations. Elaine Pearson, who is the Australia director of the Human Rights Watch, said: Facebook is severely restricting the flow of information to Australians. Not just news sites, but also information on government health, emergency services and police pages. This is an alarming and dangerous turn of events. William Easton, who is the managing director of Facebook Australia and New Zealand, who announced the move, said that the new code by the Australian government misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content. It has left us facing a stark choice: attempt to comply with a law that ignores the realities of this relationship, or stop allowing news content on our services in Australia. With a heavy heart, we are choosing the latter, he had said on Wednesday. He claimed that over the last three years they have worked with the Australian government to find a solution that recognises the realities of how our services work. But the new legislation seeks to penalise Facebook for content it didnt take or ask for. We were prepared to launch Facebook News in Australia and significantly increase our investments with local publishers, however, we were only prepared to do this with the right rules in place. This legislation sets a precedent where the government decides who enters into these news content agreements, and ultimately, how much the party that already receives value from the free service gets paid, Easton said. However, the backlash against their move has brought Facebook to the discussion table as its chief Mark Zuckerberg engaged in talks with federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Friday and the discussion is expected to continue. Farmers' Protest: Farmers warn to take protests to Kolkata, rally on February 26 India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Feb 19: Looks like the farmer protests are far from over. It can be seen that the farmer unions have warned as they have begun preparations for a bigger congregation along the borders of the national capital. It is also said that the farmer groups are also planning to march towards Kolkata to take the protests beyond the national capital. According to reports, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha has planned to mega protest along Delhi borders to mark the three months of protests against the laws. Earlier, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said that they will take the protests to Kolkata, where the election fever may provide more fodder for the agitation. Be ready to sacrifice your standing crop: Rakesh Tikait to farmers "Crops prices are not increased, but fuel prices have gone up. If Centre ruins the situation, we will take our tractors to West Bengal as well. Farmers have not been getting minimum support price (MSP) there also. The Centre should not be under any misconception that farmers will go back for crop harvesting. If they insisted (cracking down the protest), then we will burn our crops. They should not think that protest will end in two months. We will harvest as well as protest," Tikait said On the other hand, the Centre has said that it is still willing to hold talks with the farmers in order to amend the laws that have triggered massive protests. Fuel prices hiked for 11th straight day, petrol crosses Rs 96-mark in Mumbai India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News The farmers have been protesting against the three 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 since November. Several rounds of talks between the government and the protesters have failed to break the deadlock. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 10:16 [IST] 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. Rishi Sunak will announce at the Budget on March 3 that the Government's furlough scheme will be extended to the summer, it was claimed today. The Chancellor is also preparing to prolong a business rates holiday for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, according to the Financial Times. A year-long business rates holiday is due to expire at the end of March while the furlough scheme is currently due to be wound up at the end of April. The moves will be welcomed by business leaders who have warned firms will need longer term support if they are to survive beyond the coming 'cliff-edge'. However, extending the schemes will inevitably reignite concerns about the state of the public finances as ministers continue to borrow record amounts to keep the country afloat. Previous estimates suggest that furlough costs the Treasury more than 5billion per month, suggesting a move to extend it into the summer would cost at least 10billion if it ran to the end of June. It came as new figures showed public sector debt has surged by more than 300billion since the start of April last year as ministers continue to scramble to borrow cash to keep the UK afloat during the coronavirus crisis. Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce at the Budget on March 3 that the furlough scheme will be extended to the summer, according to reports The move will be welcomed by business chiefs but it will reignite concerns about the state of the public finances after Office for National Statistics numbers published today showed state debt continues to climb above 2.1trillion Public sector debt up by more than 30BN since April Public sector debt has surged by more than 300billion since the start of April last year as ministers continue to scramble to borrow cash to keep the UK afloat during the coronavirus crisis. Office for National Statistics data released this morning showed that some 316.4billion has been added to the UK's debt mountain since the onset of the pandemic. It means overall state debt has now hit another record high, as it continues to climb above 2.1trillion. Ministers have borrowed record sums throughout the pandemic and the ONS numbers showed that continued in January as almost 9billion was borrowed last month. It is the first January deficit recorded by the ONS in a decade and the highest borrowing figure for the month since 1993. A consensus of analysts had predicted 25billion in borrowing for the month. Overall public sector net borrowing in the first 10 months of the financial year is estimated to have been just over 270billion. That is 222billion more than was borrowed in the preceding financial year. It is the highest public sector borrowing in any April to January period since records began in 1993. Advertisement Office for National Statistics data released this morning showed that some 316.4billion has been added to the UK's debt mountain since the onset of the pandemic. It means overall state debt has now hit another record high, as it continues to climb above 2.1trillion. The FT reported that Mr Sunak is planning to extend furlough into the summer months before the scheme will then be phased out. It was also reported he will extend a 20-a-week uplift in Universal Credit for six months. The extra cash was due to stop at the end of March. The Chancellor will be aiming to put in place measures at the Budget to prevent a wave of redundancies as lockdown is eased and as the vaccine roll-out continues. Business chiefs warned Mr Sunak earlier this week that one in four firms will axe staff if he does not extend coronavirus financial support beyond March and April. The British Chambers of Commerce said it would be a 'huge mistake' to 'pull the plug' on support now given that the finish line is 'within sight'. The Treasury estimates costs of a billion pounds a month for every million workers on the furlough scheme. The Bank of England has said it expects 5.5million people to be furloughed, suggesting a bill of approximately 5.5billion a month. The reports that furlough will be extended came as Office for National Statistics data showed public sector debt surged by more than 300billion since the start of April last year when the pandemic took hold. It means overall state debt has now hit another record high, as it continues to climb above 2.1trillion. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has said it expects the public sector might borrow as much as 393.5 billion by the end of the financial year in March. Responding to the ONS numbers, Mr Sunak said: 'Since the start of the pandemic we've invested over 280 billion to protect jobs, businesses and livelihoods across the UK this is the fiscally responsible thing to do and the best way to support sustainable public finances in the medium term. The Office for National Statistics said earlier this month that over the whole of 2020 the economy dived by 9.9 per cent - the worst annual performance since the Great Frost devastated Europe in 1709 'We've been able to respond comprehensively and generously through this crisis because of our strong public finances. 'Therefore, it's right that once our economy begins to recover, we should look to return the public finances to a more sustainable footing and I'll always be honest with the British people about how we will do this.' Meanwhile the Treasury has confirmed it is delaying the final report on its review of business rates until later this year. It confirmed that it will now publish its findings from its fundamental review into the property tax until the autumn, when it expects there to be more economic certainty. The major review of the business rates system was called by the Chancellor at last year's Budget, with a call for evidence launched in July. Tory MP Mark Harper says vaccine passport for pubs would 'discriminate' against young: Social media users share hilarious vision of what bars would look like if only older customers with two Covid jabs could enter Vaccine passports should be ruled out because they would 'discriminate' against young people who are last in line for jabs, a senior Tory MP has warned. Mark Harper, chair of the lockdown-sceptic Covid Recovery Group, railed against suggestions that inoculated Britons could be allowed greater freedom sooner. He said the economic damage of lockdown has disproportionately fallen on the young and making them wait would be 'appalling'. Boris Johnson has signalled his reluctance for vaccine certificates to be used to safely unlock sections of the economy, such as for entry to pubs. But these so-called vaccine passports remain a live discussion and Dominic Raab indicated they are 'under consideration' in Government. Polling also found that a majority of the public supports using vaccine passports in hospitality settings. Such a scenario set imaginations running wild of a world where the only punters in pubs are over-65 - and not a single pint is posted on Instagram. Vaccine passports set imaginations running wild of a world where the only punters in pubs are over-65 Appearing on BBC Question Time, Mr Harper warned against such a policy, and said: 'The reality is that young people will be the last to be vaccinated, they're the ones who have been damaged most by the economic dislocation of Covid. 'And we'd be in the ridiculous position where we'd be reopening the economy and younger people are shut out and older people were allowed to go back out again. I think it's appalling. It's discriminatory.' He acknowledged that national governments may require proof of vaccination to enter their countries, but said applying the system domestically was 'a very bad idea'. The 60-strong CRG of backbenchers have demanded lockdown restrictions are lifted for everyone by May, when all over-50s in the top nine priority groups should have been offered a vaccine. Mark Harper, chair of the lockdown-sceptic Covid Recovery Group, railed against suggestions that inoculated Britons could be allowed greater freedom sooner But Government scientists are urging for the Prime Minister to tread cautiously when he announces his road map to relaxing curbs on Monday. Yet by Easter, when pubs have been mooted for reopening, millions of young people will still be awaiting jabs at the pace of the current rollout. The Prime Minister this week said: 'What I don't think we will have in this country is - as it were - vaccination passports to allow you to go to, say, the pub or something like that.' But his remarks came days after Mr Raab, the Foreign Secretary, refused to rule them out, saying they are 'something under consideration'. A Savanta Comres poll this week found 55 per cent of people back using them for pubs and restaurants, while only 19 per cent were opposed. Tongue-in-cheek predictions envisioned that sales of sherry and real ale would boom while bottles of WKD and craft beer would gather dust Tongue-in-cheek predictions of such a scenario envisioned that sales of sherry and real ale would boom while bottles of WKD and craft beer would gather dust. Comedian Arthur Smith today conjured up a scene in the fictional Two Jab Arms where only those who have received both vaccine shots are allowed. His sketch aired on BBC Radio 4's Today programme wound back the clock to a time where 'crisps come with little packets of salt' and not one customer 'has their own podcast'. And drinkers would 'compare notes on what our Dads did in the War and reminisce of the three-day week'. Social media users also piled in, and said it would herald the return of better music. One said: 'I live in a uni town so us oldie locals could reclaim our pubs.' Another said: 'No more pub quiz questions about celebrities and musicians I've never heard of.' While power has been restored to most of San Antonio after a severe storm disrupted services citywide, many residents remained without a reliable source of water Thursday as homeowners and businesses scrambled to fix broken pipes and the San Antonio Water System tried to get water pumping at normal levels. About 20 percent of customers throughout Bexar County remained without water service Thursday evening, most of them outside Loop 1604, SAWS said. An additional 20 percent were having problems with low water pressure. The utility had to alert all customers to boil water used for drinking and some other purposes. SAWS, in coordination with the city, is opening seven water distribution sites at noon Friday. Residents affected by water service outages and leaks in pipes on private properties can bring their own containers and get bulk water. Citing unimaginable hardships, the utility also announced that it would not charge customers more than what was on last months bill. Instead, customers will owe either the total charges for the current month, or last months charges whichever is less. I really want to let the community know that I understand what youre going through, SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente said. I feel what youre going through. Water distribution sites Open noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day until water service is back to normal 13655 O'Connor Road 254 Seale Road 615 E Theo Ave. 8910 Jones Maltsberger 7172 Hausman Road 10349 Military Drive W. 1208 S. Loop 1604 W. See More Collapse The announcements Thursday came four days after intense cold and snow knocked out power to much of San Antonio, also disrupting water service citywide. At one point, several pump stations throughout San Antonio were turned off to reduce electrical use as CPS Energy dealt with power shortages and system problems. Officials said the situation worsened Wednesday as pipes on private property began to thaw, crack and spring leaks after days of below-freezing temperatures. That prompted SAWS to issue the boil-water notice to all customers Wednesday when pressure dropped to potentially hazardous levels. Puente said SAWS issued the notice for the whole region, even though it wasnt required by state standards, out of an abundance of caution. In the official notice, the water utility acknowledged that it was required to notify certain customers to boil their water as water pressure in some areas had fallen below minimum standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. On Thursday evening, Puente said the situation was improving, but he cautioned that some residents might not have water until Sunday or Monday. Puente said there were about 80 pump stations operating throughout the San Antonio region. None were offline Thursday evening, he said. One area particularly hard hit by water outages was Fair Oaks Ranch, in far North Bexar County along Interstate 10, which as of Thursday evening hadnt had water service for several days. SAWS said getting water restored to Fair Oaks was difficult because the area is at a high elevation relative to the rest of its system. With widespread water outages and rolling blackouts across the city, lower elevations will need to have pressure before higher elevations can be restored, SAWS officials wrote in a news release. They said it wasnt clear when service would be restored there. Another area affected was near Loop 410 and Northwest Military Highway, where customers also have been without water for several days. District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez, who represents a portion of the area, questioned during an emergency City Council meeting Wednesday when water would be restored there. Ive got lots of poor people, elderly folks, students and thousands upon thousands of apartment dwellers without water because theres no electricity for pump stations, Pelaez said. On Thursday, SAWS officials said the utility should be able to restore service to that area by Sunday or Monday. Areas south of Knights Cross in Stone Oak were expected to have water service by late Thursday, officials said. Areas north of Knights Cross from Canyon Springs into Timberwood Park are projected to have water by mid-Friday. Outages lead to frustration Francine Romero and her husband, David, are down to their last gallon of water. The couple, who live in Crownridge, a subdivision off Interstate 10 and Camp Bullis, north of Loop 1604, have been without water for nearly three days. And its not just them the entire neighborhood is running dry. I talked to all the neighbors, and no one seems to have it, said Francine Romero, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio and a member of the citys zoning commission, for District 8. Its just a nightmare. Since Tuesday, Romero and her husband have been gathering snow to use to flush toilets and wash dishes. Without enough drinking water, she and her husband used their gas range to heat bottled tea to drink. As far as food, she has been able to cook what they had in their freezer that hadnt spoiled. My husband has been eating all the meat, Romero said. She, however, does not eat meat, so cooking pasta dishes that require a fair amount of water is difficult, especially when they are down to their last gallon. She is at her wits end to find out why she does not have water. We desperately would like information from the city, she said. They are starting to get information out now from CPS after the fact. Romero said she and her husband even thought of leaving their home. She wonders why SAWS cant call or text residents, like CPS Energy has done. To just not be communicating with us is the worst possible thing they can do, she said. We dont want to punish them, just tell us the farthest window, whatever it might be, when we get it back a day or a week. Broken pipes another issue Throughout San Antonio, thousands of residents faced other water problems as pipes on private properties continued to crack and spring leaks, in some cases forcing owners to turn off water service for the whole property. A pipe inside the Northwest Side apartment that Brandy Robinson lives in sprung a leak Monday, just hours after snow, sleet and rain pummeled the region. Soon, the water inside Robinsons apartment was over 2 inches deep, soaking almost all her furniture, clothing and belongings. The water sloshed as she walked through it. Robinson spent nearly 48 hours trying to reach a maintenance crew at Seven Oaks Apartment Homes, but the number rang and rang and rang, until eventually connecting to voicemail. She also sent four emails. She said no one has responded to them. Robinson, who recently moved to San Antonio from Galveston, said she didnt have anywhere else to go. She also couldnt afford a hotel, as she lives off Social Security and food stamps. But after the situation continued to worsen at one point, her 1-month-old grandson began wheezing she decided to pack up the few belongings she could salvage and try to find a hotel for her family. I said, I cant do this anymore, Robinson said. I cant leave my family in this situation any longer. Desperate, Robinson went to Facebook to ask her friends and family if they could help her pay for a room at a nearby Best Western for $75 a night. So far, she has been able to muster enough money to pay for three nights at the hotel, but shes unsure when that money will run out and what she will do at that point. She also doesnt know how shell replace all the food, clothing and furniture that was ruined by the leak. Among the damage: diapers for her grandson. I just want this nightmare to be over, Robinson said. We were so happy to see the snow. Now, I never want to see the snow again. Its ruined my whole life. Staff writer Brian Chasnoff contributed to this report. eeaton@express-news.net Set to enter the political fray by joining the next week, technocrat on Friday said his main aim is to help the party come to power in Kerala and that he will be open to chief ministership. He also said that the focus will be on developing infrastructure in a big way and bring the state out of the debt trap if the wins the assembly polls that are likely to be held in April-May this year. Known as 'Metroman' as well as for the efficiency in completing big infrastructure projects, Sreedharan told PTI that he will contest the assembly elections if the party wants and will also be open to chief ministership if the party asks. The 88-year-old technocrat also made it clear that he will not be interested in governorship, saying that it is purely a "constitutional position and no powers at all" and that he won't be able to make any positive contribution to the state in such a position. "My main idea is to bring to power in Kerala. If BJP comes to power in Kerala, there will be three to four major areas we want to focus. One is infrastructure development in a big way and another is to bring industry to the state," he said. Speaking over phone from Ponnani in Kerala where he is based now, Sreedharan said that a finance commission could also be formed for the purpose of improving the finances of the state, which is in a "debt trap today". "The state is in a debt trap today, so much of borrowings. And debt burden on each Malayalee is Rs 1.2 lakh today.... That means we are heading for bankruptcy and the government still continues to borrow. The state finances need to be propped up and for that, we need to find a solution," he said. His entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is being seen as a major boost for the party in election-bound Kerala. The state is being ruled by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) alternately for the past many years. "If BJP wants, I will contest (the assembly elections)," he said during an interview over phone. Sreedharan said that he is "certainly" ready to be the chief minister if the party wants him to be after coming to power. When asked about whether he will be open to chief ministership, he said, "If they (BJP) want, certainly. To tell you very frankly, unless I am the chief minister these (priorities) cannot be achieved." He is likely to formally join the BJP on February 25 and said that he was entering the "political fray". On the reasons for deciding to join the BJP which is in power at the Centre, Sreedharan said that he wanted to do things for the benefit of Kerala as the UDF and the LDF have not been able to bring any tangible progress to the state. "Why I chose BJP is for a different reason. The two others in Kerala -- UDF and LDF -- have been ruling Kerala alternately.... They have not been able to bring any tangible progress to the state, not even one industry has come to the state in the last 20 years... "They were having tussles with the (central) government all the time. The two governments are not able to see eye to eye on many matters. The development of the state is suffering. If the BJP comes to power here, they will have a good rapport with the Government of India," he said. He was referring to apparent differences between the Centre and the ruling LDF in Kerala. On what it means to enter the political fray, Sreedharan said it only means that all his professional responsibilities are coming to an end by the end of this month. "All the responsibilities taken up by me are coming to an end. I thought I will give time for the benefit of Kerala state. That is possibly only if we enter Do something for the state," he noted. Currently, he is working on a project to rebuild a bridge in Kerala and the professional commitment will come to an end this month. (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.) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beyond Limits, an industrial and enterprise-grade AI technology company built for the most demanding sectors, today announced it will be expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) offerings to include sensor placement technology. A standalone AI application for leak detection in utilities water distribution networks, the new product uses physics-based models and deep learning architectures to identify critical sensors, detect and locate leaks, and recommend optimal location of pressure sensors for improved operations and maintenance capabilities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates water utilities lost roughly $2.6 billion each year as of 2016. Current losses are expected to be even higher due to aging infrastructure, sub-optimal sensor placement and ineffective maintenance, making water loss monitoring, prevention, and remediation among the top financial and operational priorities for utilities providers. Many global utilities however lack the knowledge and resources to address these challenges. The acceleration of digital transformation efforts in the industrial sector has led to an exponential increase in the number of sensors generating massive amounts of data, said AJ Abdallat, CEO of Beyond Limits. But this data is difficult to gather, manage, store and analyze. Beyond Limits new sensor selection application allows utilities providers to focus on the most valuable feedback data from their network, reducing the cost and complexity of intelligent systems while more effectively identifying which sensors are most valuable and immediately alerting users to anomalies like gas or water leaks or service disruptions. The technology also offers a range of applications for managing and optimizing utilities operations, from power plants and electrical grids, to refineries and manufacturing sites. Currently, Beyond Limits sensor framework has been licensed to The Carnrite Group for deployment, and will initially be implemented in a multi-million dollar agreement with Xcell Security House and Finance S.A. for the companys cognitive power plant. Were always looking for innovative ways to create value for our clients, said Alan Carnrite, Founder & CEO of The Carnrite Group. Beyond Limits sensor placement technologies will allow companies spanning the utilities, power and energy industries to operate more efficiently, optimally place sensors and more effectively detect leaks. This is a perfect example of a technology solution that not only makes business sense but helps advance environmental sustainability goals. For more information, please visit www.beyond.ai/solutions/power-natural-resources/ About Beyond Limits Beyond Limits is an industrial and enterprise-grade artificial intelligence company built for the most demanding sectors including energy, utilities, and healthcare. Beyond traditional artificial intelligence, Beyond Limits unique Cognitive AI technology combines numeric techniques like machine learning with knowledge-based reasoning to produce actionable intelligence. Customers implement Beyond Limits AI to boost operational insights, improve operating conditions, enhance performance at every level, and ultimately increase profits as a result. Founded in 2014, Beyond Limits leverages a significant investment portfolio of advanced technology developed at Caltechs Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA space missions. The company was recently honored by CB Insights on their 2020 List of Top AI 100 most innovative artificial intelligence startups and by Frost & Sullivan for their North American Technology Innovation Award. For more information, please visit www.beyond.ai About The Carnrite Group The Carnrite Group is a management consulting firm focused on the energy, power and utilities, and industrials sectors. From offices in Houston, Texas and London, United Kingdom, Carnrite deploys its expertise on projects globally, helping clients address issues ranging from corporate strategy to human capital, organizational change to navigating the energy transition. Carnrite is the dedicated, practical business partner with the ability to tackle the complex. Learn more on Carnrite's Website: https://carnritegroup.com/ Lendlease has extended its partnership with the countrys largest super fund in a deal to sell a 25 per cent stake in the retirement living business, estimated to be worth about $460 million. Aware Super will now have a stake in 75 retirement villages that are home to more than 16,000 residents across the country. Lendlease has been looking to sell down its interest in the business for some time. It has a growing relationship with Aware in a $1 billion project in East Brooklyn, New York and Lendlease Americas Residential Partnership that invests in urbanisation projects across Chicago, Boston, New York and Los Angeles. Lendlease-owned Bernborough Ascot Retirement Village in Brisbane. Under the deal, Aware will also be involved in the development of new assets. The business will remain under the Lendlease brand as will the management of the retirement villages. Former Camp Greylock Counselor Indicted For Indecent Assault And Battery PITTSFIELD, Mass. Conrad Mainwaring was indicted on 12 counts of indecent assault and battery. Los Angeles authorities arrested Mainwaring on Wednesday on a fugitive from justice warrant. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office is seeking his extradition to Massachusetts. The 69-year-old Mainwaring is facing 9 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child over the age of 14 and three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14. The court will schedule his arraignment following the extradition process. The charges are the result of a multi-year Berkshire State Police Detective Unit investigation into several allegations of indecent assault and battery Mainwaring allegedly committed as a counselor at Camp Greylock in the 1970s. "We are grateful to the victims for having the courage to tell their stories. I also thank the State Police detectives who developed and brought this case to this point and the Grand Jury for their careful consideration of the facts," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said. "My office is dedicated to holding perpetrators of these crimes accountable to help the victims heal." The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorneys Office began investigating the allegations following a report published by ESPN about Mainwaring. Since then, multiple victims shared similar stories of Mainwaring allegedly using his position of power to coerce teenage boys into sexual conduct. Louisiana plans to spend $877 million in fiscal 2022 on coastal projects building more than 23 square miles of land and on advancing hurricane storm surge reduction work along the state's southeastern and south central shoreline. The plan represents a 19% reduction in spending from the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. That's largely the result of delays in getting permits for the $1.4 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project, said spokesman Chuck Perrodin of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. The U.S. Department of Transportation, which tracks federally funded major projects, forecasts Mid-Barataria permitting in April 2022, so initial construction likely wouldnt begin until later. Next month, the Army Corps of Engineers is expected to release a first draft of its environmental impact statement and federal permits for the project. That is to be followed by a series of public hearings then completion of a final environmental statement and permits over the next year. The Mid-Barataria project is being largely funded with money set aside from criminal penalty settlements with BP and its drilling partners after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Payments are distributed to states through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The state's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will take a first look Friday at its proposed budget for fiscal 2022. It includes $633 million for continuing and new construction of restoration and levee projects, using a mix of state and federal money for projects that are being built by both levels of government. +3 Coastal authority approves spending $1.08 billion for restoration, levees during online meeting The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority approved a $1.08 billion annual spending plan on Wednesday that calls for spending $804 milli The total budget of $877 million is $203 million less than what the agency approved for fiscal 2021. Its also $210 million less than what agency officials last year predicted would be spent in 2022. The plan does include about $50 million to continue design and permitting work on both the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton sediment diversions. These projects - flagship efforts of Louisiana's 50-year plan to save the bottom third of the state from disappearing into the Gulf of Mexico - would siphon sediment suspended in the Mississippi River and direct it into nearby to marshes in hopes of building more land. The $800 million Mid-Breton project is not expected to complete its permitting process until February 2024. Annual plan projects for southeast Louisiana This map lists all projects in southeast Louisiana scheduled to receive some funding in fiscal year 2022. The budget includes 66 southeast Louisiana projects that are either already under construction or on which construction will begin during the year, 35 in the south central region and nine in southwest Louisiana. The restoration portion includes 19 dredging projects that will use more than 92.4 million cubic yards of dredged material to create or nourish almost 15,000 acres, slightly more than 23 square miles, of coastal wetlands. We have never wavered in our commitment to dredging as a major tool in our restoration and protection efforts, said Bren Haase, the coastal authority's executive director. Well have more dredging projects underway in the upcoming fiscal year than ever before in our history. The single largest chunk of money in the 2022 spending plan is $75 million to build the Spanish Pass increment of the Barataria Basin Ridge and Marsh Restoration project in Plaquemines Parish. This would create and nourish about 132 acres of historical ridge and 1,683 acres of marsh. Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up South central Louisiana annual plan projects This map lists all projects in south central Louisiana scheduled to receive some funding in fiscal year 2022. The plan also includes more than $108 million for four projects to rebuild marshes and oyster reefs around Lake Borgne, including the Golden Triangle area and the Biloxi Marsh shoreline. Additional funding is projected in the budget for several levee projects: More than $15 million for the Morganza to the Gulf levee system in the Houma area. About $20 million for the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain levee project in St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes. Almost $8 million for levees in the Lafitte area. Almost $10 million for individual levee projects that are part of the new Upper Barataria levee system on the west bank of St. Charles and Lafourche parishes. Another $6 million to elevate Plaquemines Parish's post-Katrina hurricane levees along the Mississippi River between Oakville and LaReusitte to 100-year elevations, meaning the levee will be high enough to block surge from a hurricane with a 1 percent chance of occurring in any year. $2 million to increase shoreline protection along Lake Pontchartrain in Jefferson Parish. Slightly more than $3 million to start building a ring levee around Slidell. Southwest Louisiana annual plan projects This map lists all projects in southwest Louisiana scheduled to receive some funding in fiscal year 2022. The plan also includes another $18 million to improve beaches on Grand Terre Island, just east of Grand Isle, and slightly more than $3 million to continue the states coastwide nutria control program, which includes paying bounties to hunters for killing nutria in specific locations. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is scheduled to meet Friday at 9:30 a.m. by video conference on the Zoom platform. Public hearings on the budget will be held online next week: Monday - Southwest Louisiana Southwest Louisiana Tuesday - South central Louisiana South central Louisiana Wednesday - Southeast Louisiana Each hearing will begin at 6 p.m. Visit coastal.la.gov/calendar to access Webex links and meeting materials. +5 Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion study should focus on fisheries effects: public commenters An environmental study required for permitting of the state's proposed $800 million Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion in Plaquemines Parish should +10 Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion could create, save 47 square miles of land over 50 years The massive proposed $1.4 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, a few miles downriver from New Orleans, could create or save from erosion To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Russia on Friday welcomed initial steps taken by the United States to find compromise on the Iran nuclear deal, the historic accord brokered in 2015 that collapsed under US President Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters it was a "good thing" that the Washington was no longer calling for international sanctions on Iran, but said ultimately more work was needed. "It is the restoration of the JCPOA regime that is important," he said, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as the Iran deal is formally known. "Sanctions pressure did not help the implementation of the agreement and brought the situation to a dead end," Peskov added. The deal brokered in 2015 by then president Barack Obama saw Iran drastically scale back its nuclear programme in exchange for promises of economic relief. Trump withdrew from the accord in 2018 and re-imposed sweeping sanctions on the Islamic state. The Biden administration on Thursday offered talks with Iran led by European allies and reversed two largely symbolic steps against Tehran imposed by Trump. Those steps included a retraction of calls for international sanctions on Tehran and the removal of draconian curbs on Iranian diplomats in New York. Earlier in the day, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's Vienna-based envoy to international organisations, also praised Washington's move. "It's a good sign confirming that the United States is ready for the JCPOA to begin functioning normally again," he told state-run news agency RIA Novosti. The offer for talks came ahead of a Sunday deadline set by Iran for it to restrict some access to nuclear inspectors unless Trump's sanctions are ended. Biden has insisted he will not remove Trump's sanctions until Iran returns to compliance, but in a letter to the United Nations, the United States said it no longer believed that the world body had "snapped back" sanctions on Iran. After the offer for talks, Iran on Friday renewed its call for the US to lift all sanctions imposed by the previous US administration. Short link: Pune, Feb 19 : Joy and enthusiasm marked Maharashtra's celebration of the 391st birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who had laid the foundations of the Hindavi Swaraj and the Maratha Empire. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Friday paid floral tributes at the equestrian statue of the great son of Maharashtra at Shivaji Park in Mumbai in the presence of Congress Minister Ashok Chavan, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, Municipal Commissioner I. S. Chahal and other dignitaries. Leading the state at the main function here, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray flew in a helicopter to the historic 1.6-kms high Shivneri Fort near Junar town of Pune, where Shivaji was born on February 19, 1630. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attended a prayer ceremony, paid respects before the statues of Rajmata Jijabai Bhosale and her young son Shivaji at the fort, and then joined a group of women singing traditional lullabies and gently rocking a palanquin-cradle (baby-jhoola) with a doll symbolizing an infant Shivaji amidst joy and celebratory fervor, while a police team fired 3 rounds in the air to commemorate the occasion. Shivaji spent his formative years at Shivneri Fort, later fought many battles, made his 'great escape' from the captivity of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and later was crowned as 'Chhatrapati' in 1674 at a ceremony in Raigad Fort and he reigned till his passing in 1680. Speaking on the occasion, Thackeray said that though "We don't have to fight wars as in the time of the Maharaj", today the face-mask is our protective 'shield' against the attack of Covid-19. "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lives in our hearts He is worshipped today because he had the courage to wield a sword and fight against injustice. He connects us all and his glory will spread all over the world," said Thackeray. Pawar said that this is also the anniversary of the bravery and sacrifice of the 'Mavals' who fought for Swaraj and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and now they continue to be role models for millions all over. He reiterated that there will no shortage of funds for the proposed renovation of Shivneri Fort which would be completed in a time-bound manner. Nominated BJP MP Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje - the 13th director descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - called upon the Maha Vikas Aghadi government to conserve and beautify all the sea-forts built by his illustrious ancestor, in an effort to boost history tourism in the state. The occasion saw the launch of a Special postage Cover 'Shiva Yoga' and planting of 391 saplings by the Forest Department at the venue to enhance the environment. Present on the occasion were Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray, actor-MP Amol Kolhe, local legislators Arun Benke, Vinayak Mete, Zilla Parishad President Nirmala Pansare and ZP CEO Ayush Prasad, Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Collector Rajesh Deshmukh, Pune Superintendent of Police Abhinav Deshmukh, Maratha Seva Sangh President Vijay Ghogre, ministers from different parties and other dignitaries. Several other functions and cultural events were held across the state, districts and talukas, in government and private offices, with the participation of a large number of people observing full Covid-19 protocols. OTC Virtual Conference Brisbane, Feb 19, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Clean lithium developer Lake Resources NL ( ASX:LKE ) ( FRA:LK1 ) ( OTCMKTS:LLKKF ) advises investors that Steve Promnitz, Managing Director, presented at the OTC's Virtual Conference on VirtualInvestorConferences.com on Thursday February 18 at 1.30pm EST (NYC), 6.30pm GMT (London).Lake Resources provided an update on its clean solution to the growth in electric mobility and the demand for more batteries. Lake's clean tech solution, with its tech partner Lilac Solutions, delivers high purity lithium that is cost competitive, and scalable, and moving to construction finance next year.Lake recently completed a transformational capital raising of A$20.6 million (before costs) and secured support from North American, European and Australian institutional investors. This provided the certainty of funding to deliver the flagship Kachi project through the Definitive Feasibility Study and placed the company in a strong financial position with in excess of A$25 million.Lake Resources (OTCQB:LLKKF) is fully DTCC/NSCC eligible for electronic trading/settlement through OTC authorized broker/dealers.To view the presentation, please visit:About Lake Resources NL Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising clean, direct extraction technology for the development of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project, as well as three other lithium brine projects in Argentina. The projects are in a prime location within the Lithium Triangle, where 40% of the world's lithium is produced at the lowest cost. This method will enable Lake Resources to be an efficient, responsibly-sourced, environmentally friendly and cost competitive supplier of high-purity lithium, which is readily scalable, and in demand from Tier 1 electric vehicle makers and battery makers. With Covid-19 being an accelerator of technology adoption, by consumers and industries globally. Ongea! 2021 is about what next? as we fast forward into the future. https://t.co/Blz4yKoMds Log-in to Register for the full Schedule of 9 Industry Panels (Webinars) and 21 Showcase Performances, at your Convenience, here: https://t.co/SW54klLMqt#ONGEA2021 pic.twitter.com/X2ZnwGmaQo ONGEA! Africa (@ONGEAEASummit) February 15, 2021 ONGEA! 2021 line-up: 12.00pm-1.30pm EAT (GMT+3): So, we were Disrupted! What next? Comparing local & international Recovery Plans for the Creative Industry. 1.30pm-2.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. 2.00pm-3.30pm EAT (GMT+3): The New Normal? Online Education for Creatives. Discussing the Transformation of Education in the Creative Industry. 3.30pm-4.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. 4.00pm-5.30pm EAT (GMT+3): Be Present Everywhere. The ultimate Speed Networking session with local & international Delegates from the 3 Days. 5.30pm-9.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. 12.00pm-1.30pm EAT (GMT+3): Taxation a Blessing or a Curse? Unpacking the Benefits and Costs of Digital Service Tax, and other Taxes. 1.30pm-2.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. 2.00pm-3.30pm EAT (GMT+3): Royalties in Focus. COVID-19 showed the Importance of Royalties as a Revenue stream and amplified the Challenges in Eastern Africa with Collection & Distribution. 3.30pm-4.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. 4.00pm-5.30pm EAT (GMT+3): No Shows? Wheres the Money? The importance of alternative Revenue streams a Global perspective. Webinar is Empowered by Safaricom. 5.30pm-9.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. 12.00pm-1.30pm EAT (GMT+3): The growth of Artivism in Africa. The Movers & Shakers of 2020 and 2021. Webinar is Presented by This Is Africa. 1.30pm-2.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. 2.00pm-3.30pm EAT (GMT+3): Access to Credit for Creatives. New opportunities Emerging in 2021. 3.30pm-4.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. 4.00pm-5.30pm EAT (GMT+3): Global Opportunities for Eastern African Music. Panelists from Asia, Europe, North America and South America share their Views. Webinar is Empowered by the French Embassy to Kenya. 5.30pm-9.00pm EAT (GMT+3): Showcase Performances. Due to the potential health and financial risks of the Covid-19 pandemic, we had decided to cancel the 2021 edition, said founder Mike Strano, who is also an event producer at Phat! Productions. However, like many other music markets around the world, Ongea! has also gone online to continue serving the creative industry of Eastern Africa especially during this crisis.Ironically, the theme of the last Ongea!, during February 2020, was 'disrupt to thrive', he continues. Little did we know that, just a month later, our creative industry was to experience the biggest disruption ever!Going fully online shall enable Ongea! to reach a wider audience throughout Eastern Africa and the world, including international industry experts, who are increasingly interested in the creativity emerging from the motherland.To date, Ongea! 2021 has speakers, performers and delegates from over 26 countries, including Australia, Benin, Brazil, Burundi, Canada, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, The Netherlands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, says Courtney Keter of Phat! Productions. And, after the pandemic, Ongea! shall be transformed into a hybrid event, with participants having the choice to join physically or virtually. Some will remember Michael Madigan for helping people; others will remember his machine politics. Madigan, D-Chicago, announced Thursday hes resigning his seat after 50 years, most of which he served as House speaker. Democrats roundly praised Madigan, saying the former speaker ushered in reforms that improved the lives of Illinoisans. Republicans said Madigan oversaw out-of-balanced budgets, bloated pensions and machine politics that benefited loyal allies instead of the people of Illinois. Madigan held more power in Illinois politics that most politicians, in part because he served as speaker of the House and chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois. As speaker, he controlled what legislation advanced in the chamber. As chairman, he controlled the partys purse strings. In a statement, Gov. J.B. Pritzker praised Madigan for being a bulwark against constant cruelty during his Republican predecessors term. Former Gov. Bruce Rauner told NBC Chicago on Thursday that Madigans resignation was one of the best birthday gifts hes ever received. Kent Redfield, professor at University of Illinois Springfield, said the years-long budget stalemate under Rauner showed Madigans focus. That was about winning that battle, not wheres the future, how do we not repeat, Redfield said. During Madigans tenure, the states credit rating plummeted to near junk status with ballooning legacy pension debt and unbalanced budgets. But others point to the passage of laws governing increased minimum wage, womens reproductive rights and other issues. Madigans legacy will be based on that drive to win, regardless of ideology, Redfield said. Thats patronage politics, thats wheres mine politics, Redfield said. Its about relationships and loyalty and obligations and party in more of the general sense in being loyal to the organization. Madigan also caps his career being labeled as Public Official A by federal investigators in a nine-year bribery scheme involving ComEd. Last year, the utility admitted it paid bribes to Madigan associates in an effort to influence the speaker. Pritzker was asked Thursday if Madigans resignation was good for the state. That kind of, the innuendo, the accusations that exist that are around things like that are not good, Pritzker said. Madigan has not been charged and has maintained he knew nothing of a nearly decade-long scheme seeking to influence him. Madigan still will have influence as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois and in selecting who will replace him in the state legislature. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED BY EVRIMA PLC TO CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014 AS AMENDED ("MAR") OR EQUIVALENT, TRANSITIONAL REGULATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. ON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE ("RIS"), THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. Evrima plc AQSE: EVA ("Evrima" or the "Company") Evrima plc Investee Update: Premium Nickel Resources Corporation Selected as Preferred Bidder in BCL Liquidation Process Particulars of the RIS Announcement 1. Premium Nickel Resources Corporation ("PNR") 2. PNR Selected as Preferred Bidder in BCL Liquidation Process 3. Evrima plc's Investment Interest 1. Premium Nickel Resources Corporation (PNR) "PNR is dedicated to the exploration and development of high-quality nickel-copper-cobalt (Ni-Cu-Co) resources. We believe that the medium to long-term demand for these metals will grow through continued global urbanization and the increasing replacement of internal combustion engines with electric motors. Importantly, these metals are key to a low?carbon future. PNR maintains a skilled team with strong financial, technical and operational expertise to take an asset from discovery to exploration to mining. PNR has focused its efforts in discovering world class nickel sulphide assets in jurisdictions with rule-of-law that fit strict criteria that comply with PNR's values and principles which stand up against the highest acceptable industry standards. We are committed to Governance through transparent accountability and open communication within our team and our stakeholders" 2. PNR Selected as Preferred Bidder in BCL Liquidation Process as released by, Premium Nickel Resources Corporation -https://www.premiumnickelresources.ca/pdf/2021-02-16-PNR-Press-Release.pdf "Toronto, Ontario, February 16, 2021 - Premium Nickel Resources ("PNR") is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Botswana nickel-copper-cobalt ("Ni-Cu-Co") assets formerly operated by BCL Limited ("BCL"), and currently in liquidation. In June 2020, PNR submitted an indicative offer to the BCL Liquidator to acquire the former producing Selebi-Phikwe, Tati Phoenix and Selkirk Mines as well as regional exploration joint ventures on highly prospective Ni-Cu-Co projects located in Botswana. On February 10, 2021 the Honourable, Moagi Lefoko, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security of Botswana, affirmed in Parliament the press release by the Liquidator for the BCL Group of Companies, stating that PNR was selected as the preferred bidder to acquire the assets formerly owned by BCL. This announcement follows an independent technical evaluation on behalf of the Liquidator, and a review by the Government of Botswana, over the last seven months. PNR would like to thank the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology & Energy Security, Botswana for publicly announcing that PNR was being awarded the Preferred Bidder status last week, as has been widely reported in the global media. PNR will now complete the documentation with the Liquidator to govern the six-month exclusivity period to complete due diligence on these assets. During the exclusivity period, PNR will negotiate definitive agreements to finalize terms on the prioritized assets to be purchased. PNR continues to monitor the global Covid-19 developments and is committed to working with health and safety as a priority and in full respect of all government and local Covid-19 protocol requirements. PNR has developed Covid-19 travel, living and working protocols in anticipation of moving forward to on site due diligence and is integrating these protocols with those of The Government of Botswana and surrounding communities." ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Riopel Chairman of the Board Premium Nickel Resources Corporation Premium Nickel Resources Corporation 130 Spadina Avenue, Suite 401 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2L4 info@premiumnickelresources.ca 3. Evrima plc: Investment Interest in PNR Evrima plc, has completed its investment commitment under the terms of the subscription agreement entered with Premium Nickel Resources Corporation. Since July 2020 Evrima has accumulated through private placement participation, 1,000,000 shares of PNR representing, 1.37% of the latter's issued share capital. The Company, London, 18thFebruary 2021 The Directors of the Company, who have issued this RIS announcement after due and careful enquiry, accept responsibility for its content. REGULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT ENDS. Enquiries Company: Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi (CEO & Director) burns@evrimaplc.com Simon Grant-Rennick (Executive Chairman) simon@evrimaplc.com Direct Office Line: +44 (0) 20 3778 0755 Keith, Bayley, Rogers & Co. Limited (AQSE Corporate Adviser): Graham Atthill-Beck: +44 (0) 20 7464 4091; +44 (0) 7506 43 41 07; +971 (0) 50 856 9408; Graham.Atthill-Beck@kbrl.co.uk; blackpearladvisers@gmail.com Peterhouse Capital Limited (Corporate Stockbroker): Lucy Williams: +44 (0) 20 7469 0930 Duncan Vasey: +44 (0) 20 7220 9797 (Direct) Boris Johnson's new top Brexit minister believes his predecessor was 'too weak' in his dealings with Brussels over Northern Ireland. Allies of Lord Frost, the former chief negotiator with the EU who was handed a Cabinet post this week, say he plans a more 'hardline' stance over problems that have plagued Northern Ireland. Under the terms of the agreement he negotiated, signed by Boris Johnson in December, movements of goods to Ulster from Great Britain have faced customs log-jams. There was also a massive row last month when Brussels attempted to invoke part of the agreement to force the UK to divert coronavirus vaccines to the continent. A supporter of Lord Frost told the Times: 'He wants to effectively renegotiate the protocol so it does what the Prime Minister promised. 'He thinks Michael's been too weak on it and should have done more to capitalise when the EU almost invoked Article 16 [over coronavirus vaccine exports].' Allies of Lord Frost, the former chief negotiator with the EU who was handed a Cabinet post this week, plans a more 'hardline' stance over problems that have plagued Northern Ireland. The surprise announcement means Lord Frost replaces Mr Gove as chairman of the Cabinet committee tasked with implementing the Brexit divorce agreement. The promotion of Lord Frost to the Cabinet Office prompted speculation that Scots born Mr Gove may be put in charge of a new Cabinet drive to stop Scotland breaking away from the UK. The surprise announcement means Lord Frost replaces Mr Gove as chairman of the Cabinet committee tasked with implementing the Brexit divorce agreement. Mr Gove will keep his Cabinet table seat and as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster remains above Lord Frost in the Cabinet Office pecking order. The Northern Ireland Protocol of the Brexit agreement sees Northern Ireland remains in the EU single market for goods, to avoid creating a hard border with Ireland. Products entering from Great Britain must comply with strict EU rules on animal and plant health. Traders must complete new processes and checks to ship animal-based food products and plants across the Irish Sea into Northern Ireland. Brussels announced its plans for export controls on vaccines last month. It included triggering Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which sparked fury in London and Dublin before it was swiftly reversed. It allows either side to unilaterally intervene if the measures are deemed to be causing a major problem but it is supposed to be a last resort. Checks at Northern Irish ports on goods travelling between Britain and the province were suspended earlier this month after anonymous threats from hardline loyalists were sent to EU and UK customs officials. The European Commission last night pledged to find pragmatic solutions to trade disruption. Vice president Maros Sefcovic is to establish a consultative group giving Belfast businesses struggling with the Northern Ireland Protocol access to powerful voices in Brussels. On Thursday, he met company and civic society representatives to discuss implications of onerous paperwork requirements on suppliers from the rest of the UK which have delayed some Irish Sea shipments. The DUP has vowed to scrap the mechanism ensuring there is no hard border on the island of Ireland and leader, and First Minister Arlene Foster expressed disappointment that Mr Sefcovic did not meet more unionists. Unionists and loyalists are angered at the imposition of economic barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Mrs Foster said: 'I am somewhat disappointed to hear of the make up of the civic society group that met today. There were one or two unionists on it.' European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic is to establish a consultative group giving Belfast businesses struggling with the Northern Ireland Protocol access to powerful voices in Brussels Checks at Northern Irish ports on goods travelling between Britain and the province were suspended earlier this month after anonymous threats from hardline loyalists were sent to EU and UK customs officials. Among those present were senior Orange Order member Mervyn Gibson from East Belfast, who has argued that the protocol must go. Mrs Foster added: 'We shall wait and see whether Mr Sefcovic has listened to the concerns of unionism...we will only find out when we see what actions he takes.' Stormont's Sinn Fein Finance Minister Conor Murphy said those reservations were listened to. He added bodies like the Joint Committee between the EU and UK had been put in place in anticipation of difficulties with the protocol. The Committee is due to meet next week. Australian Attorney-General Pans Critics of Family Court Merger Attorney-General Christian Porter has panned critics of the impending Family Court merger, saying those opposing the move have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. The Family Courts merger with the Federal Court of Australia has received the Senates final tick of approval with support from crossbenchers Independent Senator Rex Patrick and One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson. The radical move brings the Family Court of Australia under the umbrella of a new entity called the Federal Circuit and Family Court (FCFC). The FCFC will retain two divisions, with the first division being a continuation of the Family Court and the second division being the Federal Court. Families will only need to go through a single entry point, whereas previously, they could be bounced between the courts. Attorney-General Porter said the merger would simplify the system and operate more efficiently. Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter (L) and Shadow Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke (R) speak in the House of Representatives at Parliament House on December 07, 2020, in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Successive governments have been talking about delivering reform of the family courts for decadesthe Morrison Government has delivered, he said. This area has been one of the most reviewed in Australia, but until now, no government has been able to achieve much-needed reform to focus the work of the courts on the usersthose families which are dealing with the end of a relationship, he said. The Family Court has been the subject of four parliamentary inquiries over the past two decades, seeking to address what former Law Council of Australia President Arthur Moses SC once described as a broken system. The merger is underpinned by studies of the court systems by PwC Australia and Ernst & Young. The PwC report (pdf) compared the performance of the Family and Federal Court systems (who both preside over family law matters) and found litigants in the Family Court were on average spending $110,000 to have their cases resolved, while Federal Court parties were resolving their cases at a rate of $30,000. Further, despite the Federal Court having a far higher workload, it was processing cases at a much faster rate. The merger is expected to process an additional 8,000 cases per year and streamline case management. Family court proceeding are taking years to finalise. (Illustration-Shuttershock) Family law solicitor Atticus Busby told The Epoch Times that case management was one of the more problematic areas of the system. Hearing dates get allocated or planned a year to 18 months ahead, only to be vacated and delayed for months to years, depending on how many times it happens to the client, Busby said. What you get is three to four years minimum (for the entire matter), and that is every case that I have run. Its the fastest I can get it through, he added. Several members of the legal profession have opposed the merger, claiming it could put families at risk and that a specialised court was needed for sensitive matters. No amendment to the Bill can cure what remains a flawed and dangerous proposal without evidentiary foundation, Law Council of Australia President Pauline Wright said in a joint statement. Claims the merger will allow up to 8,000 cases to be resolved each year cannot be substantiated and are based on PwCs discredited six-week desktop review, she added. Former Family Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Evatt said, Merging the Family Court into a generalist court will undermine the integrity and the structural specialisation of the Family Court. However, current Chief Justice of the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court, Will Alstergen, rebuffed the claims saying it was simply not the case. The outside of the Supreme Court of New South Wales building is seen in Sydney on October 9, 2013. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) The Federal Court has the largest number of specialist family law judges of any court in Australia, he said. It is the Federal Circuit Court that receives 90 percent of all parenting applications filed across the two courts, Porter said the loudest voices opposing the merger had a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, which resulted in poorer outcomes for families. According to The Australian, Porter will next turn his attention to targeting exorbitant legal fees from family lawyers. Professor Augusto Zimmermann, head of law at the Sheridan College in Perth and Epoch Times contributor, shared Porters concerns. He said there was a natural financial temptation for lawyers to prolong the process and escalate conflict between families. Across Australia, parents are being told in mediation sessions, or by lawyers that there is no hope of overnight contact with their children, he told The Epoch Times. As a result, thousands of parents who have had their contact with their young children limited to a few hours, often spend huge sums on lawyers, fighting to be able to care for their children overnight, he said. Indeed, over one million children are living without their fathers (in Australia), and the legislation underpinning the former Family Court of Australia and the Child Support Agency has been a major factor contributing to the fatherlessness crisis. 404 Since the first days of the war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Armenia has been receiving large-scale humanitarian aid sent from different centers of the Armenian Diaspora through the efforts of Armenians of the Diaspora and the assistance of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. To date, Armenia has received nearly 184,345 kg (more than 184 tons) of various kinds of humanitarian aid (state-of-the-art medical equipment, first aid bandages, medicinal products for treating wounds and repairing skin, warm outwear and shoes for the winter, sleeping bags, tents, beds, food, packages of gifts for schoolchildren in Artsakh, etc.) During the war, starting from October 10, 2020, Armenians abroad and Armenian organizations based in various Armenian communities collected and sent nearly 87,941 kg of humanitarian aid from the US and Europe through Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. After the war, 33,389 kg of humanitarian aid reached Armenia and was distributed through the efforts of the Fund. Most of the aid was sent from Los Angeles and France and has been distributed to medical centers across the country. Armenia continues to receive humanitarian cargo, and currently, 63,015 kg of cargo (received from Los Angeles between January 22 and February 4) is stored due to customs clearance and classification. Meanwhile, the arctic freeze is over for the time being, as temperatures Sunday and throughout much of next week will climb into the 30s. It was 29 degrees as of 4 p.m. Saturday at OHare International Airport and Midway Airport. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... House Bill 75, which recently passed the N.M. House of Representatives, will eliminate hospitals from the list of providers eligible to obtain coverage under the Medical Malpractice Act. Normally, this issue would find New Mexicos independent physicians joined with the hospitals in opposing the bill. No longer. The MMA was passed in 1976 when malpractice insurers departed from the state, leaving New Mexico physicians without coverage. The MMA created the Patients Compensation Fund to pay the major part of all malpractice liabilities incurred by physicians and seven other types of providers, including hospitals. In order to avoid swamping the fund with the malpractice claims of any single provider, the Legislature imposed a three-occurrence limit on the number of times any provider could use the fund to pay for their yearly malpractice liabilities. Hospitals rarely used the act because the malpractice occurrences in any year for most hospitals numbered in the hundreds. In 2009, the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance changed all of that by secretly cutting Christus St. Vincent a sweet deal giving it coverage under the act for an unlimited number of occurrences of malpractice each year. By 2016 and 2017, 99 other hospitals and outpatient care facilities wanted in. The superintendent secretly gave it to them. The deal also allowed the hospitals to essentially set their own premiums for the use of the fund based on their own cherry-picked data. The hospitals receiving the superintendents deal were not small, struggling community hospitals but rather the progeny of large multimillion dollar corporations, most located out of state. The result is the fund, which was running a positive balance in 2009, had developed a $36 million deficit by 2017. After the New Mexico Medical Society discovered the superintendents deal with the hospitals in 2017, I and three other past presidents of the medical society filed suit to require the superintendent to follow the requirements of the MMA, one of the most important of which was to require hospitals to comply with the acts three-occurrence limit. Our suit since then has been basically stuck in the judicial mud. Meanwhile, the funds deficit has climbed from $36 million in 2017 to $56 million in 2020. New Mexicos physicians have accordingly seen a 49% increase in their malpractice premiums over the past five years. New Mexico physicians malpractice premiums are now significantly higher than virtually all of the surrounding states. Nevertheless, the fund, which New Mexicos independent physicians and their patients depend on for the payment of malpractice liabilities, will sooner or later become insolvent. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Consequently, I wholeheartedly endorse HB 75 to take hospitals out of the MMA. If the hospitals will not follow the MMA, the Legislature should take them out of the MMA. The MMA itself states that any provider not following its terms is not entitled to its benefits in the event of any claims against it. HB 75 only ensures this result. I encourage the New Mexico Senate to hear and vote on this bill in a timely manner. Thus instead of spending my time this session defending the hospitals alleged entitlement to coverage under the act, I will attempt to convince our Legislature to nudge our Supreme Court to directly and immediately decide if the superintendent must follow the three-occurrence limit in the MMA with respect to all health care providers, or if he is free to ignore it with respect to hospitals. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Afew months back I conducted a simple experiment. I posted a letter to a friend living just a 15-minute drive away. She received it on Friday. It took five days for the mail to get through, despite the envelope having a Priority sticker. (I know these stickers are redundant, but I had a couple left over, so it seemed worth trying.) Soon afterwards, I read a Letter to the Editor from a bloke whod sent one to himself: the result was similar. And I bet he emailed not posted his letter to the Ed. Conclusions from my experiment: first, it would have been quicker to drop off the letter personally; second, prompt delivery is not a priority anymore. I shouldnt have been surprised about this, as Id already got a card from Australia Post. It appeared in the letter box one day, advising, Your letter delivery schedule is changing. Those cards went everywhere, telling householders the way Australians use the post has changed dramatically. The number of parcels has soared; so, too, the number of individual addresses (delivery points in official language) across the country: now standing at 12.3 million and rising by about 200,000 annually. But the volume of letters fell by 45 per cent between 2008 and 2019 (while the population rose by 20 per cent), meaning it costs more for posties to deliver less. Hence the card advising that letters will now be delivered every second working day, although Express Post items are still a daily service. The card concluded by giving me two options for expressing my views about all this: through the Australia Post website or via mail. I liked the idea of writing a letter to complain about letter deliveries. Concern about mail is not new. Late in 1960, American essayist E. B. White wrote: We have a brand-new mail-delivery system in Maine Instead of letters being sorted in a nearby office, the way they used to be, they are now sorted in the county seat Many a letter that would formerly have gone a mile or two is now quite well travelled by the time it reaches its destination. If I write a letter to a friend in the village a couple of miles away and drop the letter at the post office that is nearest my house, the letter gets taken all the way to Ellsworth, which is about 25 miles in the wrong direction. Like me, White concluded that hand delivery would be more efficient. And he would get some fresh air. White would have been intrigued by 2020. Which, as we all know, turned out to be a very odd year. The year of face masks and Donald Trump losing gracelessly. Also the year in which mail became controversial. In Australia, it got mixed up with Cartier watches and executive bonuses because of the misadventures of Christine Holgate, former head of Australia Post. In the US, postal ballots became one of Trumps many scapegoats for the election result. The pandemic has had a profound impact on mail. Australia Posts most recent annual report, released before Holgates resignation in November, noted that in April as lockdowns were implemented 200,000 Australian households shopped online for the first time. Non-letter revenue increased 15 per cent for Australia Post, which delivered approximately 400 million parcels, including 118 million between April and June. Advertisement Meanwhile, the volume of both domestic and international letters declined by at least 14 per cent in 2019-20. Hence the reduction in delivery frequency and the retraining or diversion of some posties to parcel delivery. One problem, though, is that some popular pandemic items are too large for a bike or an electric delivery vehicle (eDV). Ever tried to balance a flat pack desk or rowing machine on the back of a bike? Loading A very weird year. The year in which I read, or re-read, some 19th-century classics while marooned in lockdown in Melbourne. In Charles Dickens era, people sent letters about appointments the following day, confident that the information would arrive in time. In Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, the whole Bennet family holds its breath every morning for mail with the latest news after Elizabeths foolish younger sister, Lydia, elopes with the cad Mr Wickham. A key plot point in Thomas Hardys Tess of the dUrbervilles concerns a letter not read because of an error in delivery (slipped under the carpet as well as a door). I have vague memories from a 1960s childhood of the postie coming twice daily. In the mid-1970s, year 12 results were guaranteed to arrive by post on a particular morning. Mail used to be both regular and reliable. Now, less so. Holgate fought a perception that her leadership team was well rewarded for delivering less. Which was unfair, as the total volume of mailed items including parcels has rocketed up. It is E. B. White-style letters that have slipped backwards. And White never had to wrestle with tracking numbers in bucolic Maine. In November 1860, using a relay of Pony Express riders, it took about a week for news of Abraham Lincolns election as president to get from the east to west coasts of the US. This was deemed to be remarkable. In 2020, because of Trumps blizzard of legal challenges to the counting of postal ballots, it took far, far longer for the presidential election result to seem settled. Again, things have gone south. Letters increasingly seem like the paper equivalent of landline telephones. Who needs them? Does it matter? Times change. Things are done differently. Australia Post has confronted the digital disruption of our traditional core business. Year 12 results now arrive by text, and if Austen were writing Pride and Prejudice today shed have the Bennet family using a Lydia Missing WhatsApp group. Advertisement Letters are so yesterday. And the beginning of the end was the coming of email. The first service I ever used was AOL, in 1995, with its catchy Youve Got Mail! (though not as wed known it). Letters increasingly seem like the paper equivalent of landline telephones. Who needs them? But for every gain there is a loss. Will anyone ever edit, annotate and publish collected emails instead of letters? Hillary Clintons email server controversy suggests not. The effort required to compose something on paper can aid eloquence. Consider John Keats last letter, penned in 1820 while mortally ill, aged 25: I can scarcely bid you good bye even in a letter. I always made an awkward bow. These days, a languishing poet could send a stoic thumbs-up emoji. The volume of both domestic and international letters declined by at least 14 per cent in 2019-20. Credit:Getty Images Letters can signify sliding-doors moments. Things change with a single envelope, or (poor Tess) the letter never received. Letters matter, and not just because of their ubiquity in popular culture: everything from Please Mr Postman to the first lines of Clancy of the Overflow. But here, in the spirit of full disclosure, I should reveal a conflict of interest: late in 1974, when people still sent lots and lots of Christmas cards, I was employed by the post office as a night mail-sorter. Starting around 9pm, and going through until 6am in the back room of a cavernous delivery centre, wed work our way through piles and piles of envelopes, sorting them into pigeonholes, one for each local street. The radio was tuned to a Top 40 station, which meant that after a few hours the same songs came around again and there are only so many times you want to hear Billy, Dont Be a Hero. Had I been a few years younger there would have been another bonus to this mail-sorting: checking out the stamps. For I was once another confession a collector. But the last stamps in my Australian album, costing just seven cents each, commemorated Christmas 1971. The following year I stopped collecting. Partly because it was getting expensive keeping up with new releases; mainly because girls had started to seem more interesting than, say, a series of bicentenary stamps from 1970 featuring Captain Cook. Money saved on stamps could be spent on LPs. Its no coincidence that 1972, the year I abandoned philately, was when I bought my first records: Slade Alive! and Jethro Tulls Thick As a Brick (an unlikely double). Record albums replaced stamp albums, but I still have them. If I flick through them now, when so much mail is simply labelled Postage Paid, Im embarrassed by stamps from Yemen and Romania and Mongolia, places that produced the philatelic equivalent of gobstoppers: big and garish and sickly sweet. But others tell a story. Advertisement There are butterfly stamps from Papua New Guinea, because my father once worked there and later corresponded with colleagues. Plenty of stamps from the UK (without a country name, just the profile of the Queen), where my family comes from. Stamps with the portrait of King George VI from colonial-era Nyasaland, later to become Malawi. My maternal grandfather Henry Butters, always known to me as Pop worked there as a British civil servant in the late 1940s. Hes the one who showed me the power of letters. We shared correspondence between 1967, the year I turned 10, and 1985, when he died. A steady succession of light-blue aerogrammes bounced back and forwards between Melbourne and Stirling, Scotland. Mine were handwritten, his thumped out on a manual typewriter. I shared with him things I never discussed with parents. Letters had the privacy of a confessional. He wouldnt always respond directly to things I raised (girl issues, then career queries) other than recommending making the best of a bad thing. But I never doubted he was listening to me. We chatted, but both understood we communicated more freely in letters. I visited him several times: in 1972, on a family trip, my mother seeing her parents for the first time in 11 years; then in 1980-81, my year away backpacking. He was of that generation of men more comfortable wearing a tie every day. His manner was gruff; his opinions firm; he added a splash of sherry to his soup, which helps explain why he snored in a comfy chair after lunch. We chatted, but both understood we communicated more freely in letters. As financial secretary for the Hong Kong government, it was Pops signature (H.R. Butters) on the bank notes when the Japanese invaded in 1941. Having ensured his wife and children, including my mother, had been resettled in Canada, he spent the remainder of the war in the Stanley Internment Camp. Like so many former prisoners of war, he never talked about his war experience. But I found a couple of wry references in his letters, such as one describing his four years with the Japanese. He also alluded once to the overstocked pantry in his Stirling home: On a money programme on TV yesterday one expert, when asked what was the best buy for 1971, produced a tin of meat and suggested that everyone should lay in a stock of tins they were bound to appreciate! I always have a lot of tins of soup etc. I suppose as a reminder of my years of starvation in internment. So I laughed. I keep one of his signed Hong Kong banknotes in a book of English poetry he gave to me after a visit; a book hed got as a prize for languages at Glasgow High School in 1912. I also have, somewhere, a bundled pile of his letters. Including the last one, from late 1984. He was tired and had run out of things to say: I am now 86 and it is no fun I hope you are well and progressing favourably in all your avocations. Ive never known anyone else to use that word. Advertisement Perhaps there are still young people writing letters to grandparents on the other side of the world. But I suspect modern correspondence is conducted by emails or Zoom. If Pop were still alive, Id tell him about a positive initiative by Australia Post: a GDay and Hello stamp series, encouraging people to write letters. (When we connect, we feel better) The idea is to buy two stamps: one for the envelope; the other to go inside, so the recipient can write back. Cute although it betrays a suspicion that most people dont have any stamps at home. Im confident my aunt will get my card in fewer than 28 days. Actually, make that reasonably confident. This promotion of letter writing is admirable. But its for Australia only; not suitable for the card I sent to my mothers 91-year-old sister, Jennifer, in Glasgow not long ago. As a former mail-sorter and stamp collector, Im ashamed to say I didnt take any notice of the stamp Id placed on the envelope until just before I posted it. Costing $3.20, it commemorated the centenary of airmail between the UK and Australia. That first flight set out on November 12, 1919 and arrived on December 10. Whatever brickbats are handed out to Australia Post today, services have improved since then. Im confident my aunt will get my card in fewer than 28 days. Actually, make that reasonably confident. And if shes feeling up to it, she will reply with some tart comments about Scottish weather and the idiots in charge in Westminster. Every year, Aunt Jennifer can be relied upon to send me a picturesque Scotland calendar. Which explains why Ive been left uneasy about another recent notification from Australia Post this one by email: Since our last update, your parcel has hit congestion in our delivery network and unfortunately it isnt going to arrive by the estimated delivery date. We apologise. To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times. Have a Good Weekend all week We deliver the best of Good Weekend to your inbox so its there when youre ready to read. Sign up for the Herald's Good Weekend newsletter here and The Age's here. Sent every Saturday. For each of the past three nights, William Martinez, his wife, his two young children and his in-laws have been almost completely without power in freezing San Antonio. Martinez and his family have relied on blankets and a fireplace for warmth. None of them have been able to take a shower in more than 72 hours because all of the water pipes in the home are frozen. And the only power that the family does get comes in hour-long waves no more than twice a day. Texas is lacking so much and it breaks your heart, Martinez, 42, told Yahoo News Wednesday afternoon. I have never imagined that something like this would happen here. Martinez and his family are a stark example of the more than 3 million Texans still without power. Some have gone four days without electricity after a rare winter storm slammed the state and created bitterly cold and borderline-unlivable conditions. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. On social media, viral videos show apartment complex pools frozen over, water rushing into homes from burst pipes, long lines for grocery stores and cars idling in the streets, unable to get to their destinations. At least 31 people have died as of Wednesday afternoon as a result of the severe weather. And that number is expected to climb with no end to the Texas nightmare in sight. Power grid operators in Texas say they cant predict when the outages might end, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, the agency that oversees the grid. In an effort to avoid a total blackout, ERCOT is instructing utility companies to cut power to customers. We needed to step in and make sure that we were not going to end up with Texas in a blackout, which could keep folks without power not just some people without power but everyone in our region without power for much, much longer than we believe this event is going to last, as long and as difficult as this event is right now, ERCOT CEO Bill Magness said. Meanwhile, local and federal leaders have left many Texans confused and frustrated with their reluctance to take responsibility for the crisis. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, blamed ERCOT on Tuesday, saying the utility "has been anything but reliable over the past 48 hours. He then appeared on cable news that evening to argue that the fiasco is due to green energy, specifically frozen wind turbines. This shows how the Green New Deal would be a deadly deal for the United States of America, Abbott said to Fox News host Sean Hannity. Our wind and our solar got shut down, and they were collectively more than 10 percent of our power grid, and that thrust Texas into a situation where it was lacking power on a statewide basis. ... It just shows that fossil fuel is necessary. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. (Lynda M. Gonzalez/Dallas Morning News/Pool) The power grid in Texas is unique in that it does not cross state lines and therefore is not under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In the early 2000s, Republican leaders in the state pushed to deregulate the state's power market and allow power companies to determine when and how to build and maintain power plants. Now this setup and its flaws are coming back to haunt the state. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican who was energy secretary under former President Donald Trump, blamed the blackouts on the rise in solar and wind energy in the state. If wind and solar is where were headed, the last 48 hours ought to give everybody a real pause and go wait a minute, Perry said. We need to have a baseload. And the only way you can get a baseload in this country is [with] natural gas, coal and nuclear. The mayor of the west Texas town of Colorado City recently resigned from backlash after saying it wasnt the governments responsibility to help those suffering. No one owes you or your family anything; nor is it the local governments responsibility to support you during trying times like this! Tim Boyd wrote on Facebook, based on screenshots from local CBS affiliate KTAB. Sink or swim, its your choice! The City and County, along with power providers or any other service owes you NOTHING! A view of I-75 in Allen, Texas, on Wednesday. (Cooper Neill/Bloomberg) Democrats and social-media users have also called out Republican Sen. Ted Cruz for previously making light of Californias power outages last year. In tweets last August, Cruz accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris then both Democratic candidates of wanting to make Californias failed energy policy the nationwide standard. In response to criticism of his past tweets Tuesday night, Cruz acknowledged he had no defense. A blizzard strikes Texas & our state shuts down, Cruz tweeted. Not good. Stay safe! But for residents going through the blackouts and below freezing temperatures in their homes, the pointing of fingers from elected officials is doing nothing for them in their most desperate time of need. Martinez, a longtime Republican who was born in Chile and moved to the United States when he was 20, never expected to endure these frigid temperatures, dangerous road conditions and widespread power outages when he decided to make Texas his home. As a veteran and a person who has lived in a Third World country, this is a huge failure of the government overall, Martinez said. In Texas, they worry more about guns and about passing silly legislation than [people]. Climate change is a real thing and its smacking us in the face. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Thomas Black, 29, from Dallas, images of the devastation that he has posted on his Twitter page have gone viral. In one photo he took in the hallway of his apartment complex, 4-foot icicles hang from an indoor ceiling fan. Texans just arent used to this sort of thing, so of course theres going to be panic just like there was at the beginning of COVID, Black told Yahoo News. If you go to the grocery store right now, the entire meat section is gone, the whole entire produce section has gone. Im sure a lot of the nonperishables are gone at this point, and Im sure the toilet papers gone again. The leadership has failed us on all fronts, he added. It certainly is worrisome. Like many other Texas residents, Black is bracing for another winter storm, due to arrive Wednesday night. We are in the middle of a humanitarian crisis and it's going to take people stepping up from our leadership team to really make a difference in what the future looks like for us, he said. Right now it doesn't look good if this next storm is as bad or worse than this one. Erica Gittens of San Marcus has been couch surfing since Sunday, when water came rushing into her apartment while she was talking to her roommate. We first thought like, maybe it was the air conditioning starting up, Gittens said. And then its like, psych, no its waterfall. Our ceiling started to cave in on us. Gittens, who has apartment insurance, says she is unable to get the immediate help she needs because her apartment complexs corporate office also flooded and the insurance company cannot send or receive the documents that they need. She started a GoFundMe campaign to help stay afloat in the meantime and said its going to be weeks before anything begins to work itself out. For now, she has to depend on friends and strangers. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Gittens, who is a certified nursing assistant, still considers herself lucky. She says that despite her unfortunate situation, there are others who are doing much worse. People may have machines that they have to be hooked up to at night, she said. Im thinking about my residents and how some places may not even be able to have generators due to the freezing. You never know what may happen. As many Texas residents prepare for their fourth night in a row without power and water, Gittens says outsiders should have some compassion about whats going on throughout the state. I just feel like everybody during this time should be very understanding, she said. This isnt something that we're used to. We just need to pray for Texas as a whole. Cover thumbnail photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Jastan Cantu, Thomas Black, William Martinez _____ Read more from Yahoo News: * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! declined significantly in the capital in 2020 and the rate of solving such cases went up in comparison with 2019, Police said on Friday. Compared with 2019, rape cases in fell by 21.63 per cent in 2020, those of molestation by 25.16 per cent and insult to modesty of women by 12.32 per cent, the police said In 2020, 1,699 rape cases were reported in the city, down from 2,168 in 2019. A total of 2,186 cases of molestation of women were reported in 2020, as against 2,921 in 2019, they said. The number of cases of kidnapping and abduction of women in the city last year stood at 2,938. The figure was 3,672 in 2019. There was a dip in cases of insult to the modesty of women and those under the POCSO Act, the police said. The rate of solving such cases also increased in 2020, except for those related to kidnapping and abduction of women which was seven per cent lower in comparison with 2019, they said. Giving further details, the police said that in 98 per cent of rape cases recorded in the city in 2020, the accused were known to the victims. In 44 per cent of such cases, the accused was among family and friends. In 12 per cent of such cases, the accused turned out to be neighbours, relatives in 14 per cent of the cases and employer or co-worker in two per cent of the cases. In 26 per cent of the cases, the accused were other known persons, the police said. Only in two per cent of the total rapes cases, the accused were strangers, they added. The involvement of strangers was 2.20 per cent in 2019, the police said. In 381 cases, the accused were live-in partners or refused to marry, they said. Police said it has identified hotspots across the city and continuously patrols them to curb Bindapur, Dwarka South, New Usmanpur, Sultanpuri, Prem Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Govind Puri and Khajuri Khas are among the most affected police stations, they said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Midland Area Community Foundation will serve as a champion to support the Michigan Reconnect program, unveiled earlier this month. The program seeks to address a statewide shortage of highly skilled workers by providing the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal financial aid have been applied. A 2020 analysis by the American Association of Community Colleges reports the median earnings of full-time employees with a high school degree is $40,510 annually, while those with an associate degree make $50,079 per year, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Michigan employers ability to find highly skilled employees is more difficult than ever and is cited as a top concern in the most recent Michigan Future Business Index Report. Michigan Reconnect will help address the dual challenges of the states widening talent gap and aging workforce. We believe Michigan Reconnect will not only help individuals and families pursue their dreams, but it will also help build a strong economy that requires a talented and modern workforce to compete for the jobs of the future, said Sharon Mortensen, President and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation. The program is specifically designed for residents who are 25 years or older and have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. Michigan Reconnect will help pay the costs of tuition or training for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or technical degree. To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, adults must meet the following criteria: Age 25 or older High school graduate or equivalent Michigan resident for at least one year Not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelors) The Midland Area Community Foundation is proud to support and assist our residents efforts to pursue post-secondary education. A post-secondary degree or credential is often the best way to be able to pursue a career that inspires passion in the individual while also increasing the quality of life for the individual, family, and community, Mortensen added. More information, including an application is available at www.Michigan.gov/Reconnect or by calling Midland Area Community Foundation at 989-839-9661. Drishyam 2 : Drishyam 2 Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Murali Gopy, Asha Sarath, Siddique Direction: Jeethu Joseph Rating: * * * and 1/2 (three and a half stars) BY VINAYAK CHAKRAVORTY The beauty of Drishyam lay in the finality of its end. As Mohanlal's Georgekutty buried the truth (literally) and got away with the perfect cover-up, there was hardly scope to dig out anything new, you would think -- for scriptwriter or cops. The challenge therefore lay in undoing an end that had been done so superbly eight years ago. With Drishyam 2, writer-director Jeethu Joseph pulls out a thread of continuity out of almost nowhere, and gives it a spin of imagination to carry the tale forward. That in itself would be a feat for Joseph as a storyteller. To his credit, Drishyam 2 also has a finale that tops the drama quotient of the first film's climax. The sequel starts off on a note of frenzy, as a man on the run is nabbed by the cops in the dead of the night. The bearing of the incident on the film's core plot will be established much later. For most of the first half, Joseph relaxes the narrative pace, almost as if he was out crafting a family drama about George Kutty (Mohanlal), his wife (Meena) and daughters (Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil) -- the family that got away from the clutches of law after accidentally killing a top cop's depraved teenage son in the first film. You realise the easy tone is deceptive soon enough, as an ominous slow burn soaks the storytelling. Although Georgekutty covered his tracks well in the first film, and was cleared of all charges, and although the sleepy village stills very much roots for him, the cops never really stopped suspecting him. In Drishyam 2, a chance witness emerges, and the case is all set to be reopened. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, it would be prudent to avoid details about what actually happens. What can be said is that this is a rare film that lives up to the tag of being a sequel to a tremendous entertainer, in many ways topping the original. Joseph's biggest asset of course is thespian Mohanlal. Eight years on, Georgekutty is a more affluent member of society. The cable operator of the first film is now a cinema hall owner who harbours the ambition of making a film. He ropes in a semi-retired, veteran screenwriter to pen his script. This sub plot is used brilliantly to create the film's climax. Mohanlal revisits Georgekutty with relish. He balances with understated ease the protagonist's rise in stature with the subconscious fear he constantly lives with -- that the police might catch up someday. In fact, Georgekutty's entire home scenario is portrayed in a similar vein. He is amply propped by the rest of the cast. Rani, Ansiba and Esther are authentic while portraying Georgekutty's stricken family. Murali Gopy as Thomas Bastin, the new Inspector General, is outstanding. Asha Sarath makes a late entry as IPS officer Geetha Prabhakar, the dead boy's mother, and literally walks away with the scene in a crucial interrogation sequence. The film has its raw edges, though. A couple of court sequences appear to be a rushed job, wedges in unconvincingly into a film that is otherwise so well-penned. The narrative itself could have been tighter in parts, too, rendering a shorter runtime than 153 minutes. These, though are minor glitches. Drishyam 2 has enough to make you ignore its warts. In one of the final scenes, a key character is heard saying Georgekutty's saga is not over yet. Sounds tremendous actually, for the franchise sure is emerging as one that comes up with films you can watch again despite knowing the end. -- Syndicated from IANS This story has been updated to reflect the most current numbers of new vaccines received by the state. SPRINGFIELD U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal on Thursday worked with the White House to rescue thousands of doses of coronavirus vaccine stranded in Southern states hard hit by winter weather. According to a Neal spokesperson, the Springfield Democrat spoke directly with the office of President Joe Biden to reclaim Massachusetts weekly shipment of doses, delayed out of Kentucky and Tennessee, hubs of vaccine distribution. Massachusetts still will not receive its total allotment, but Neals initiative bumped up the delivery from zero to 49,000 doses to more than 135,000 in less than 24 hours, spokespersons for Neal and the states COVID-19 Command Center said. Meanwhile the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System said weather-related shipping delays could delay vaccination appointments. The Northampton medical center said veterans should call to confirm their appointments before leaving home. I understand that weather impacts shipments, and I understand that delays may occur, said Neal, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. But I was not willing to let thousands of individuals across the state of Massachusetts who had signed up to receive the vaccine this weekend go without it. Gov. Charlie Baker previously announced that vaccine doses were going to be delayed until Monday, and that the Command Center was working with vaccine providers to determine how the setback might affect scheduled appointments. Neals office said the doses set to arrive in Massachusetts Friday afternoon will ensure that scheduled appointments will not be impacted, at least over the weekend. Baker appealed to Neal for help on Thursday morning, according to the congressmans spokesperson. The elected officials conferred early afternoon and Neal secured the doses by Thursday evening, his office said. A spokesperson for Baker said the governor also reached out directly to White House officials. Command Center officials confirmed the state now has received roughly 85,000 new Moderna vaccines and plus 40,000 Pfizer doses. Governor Baker and the Command Center have been in constant communication with federal officials to rush vaccine shipments to Massachusetts. Today, 135,025 arrived to the Commonwealth and as a result, providers will not have to cancel appointments. The Administration appreciates the efforts made to get this critical shipment here and is not anticipating additional delays from the federal government for vaccine shipments at this time, said Kate Reilly of the COVID-19 Command Center. Going forward, Governor Baker urges the federal government to provide larger shipments and more lead time for the state, so more eligible residents can get their shots as quickly and safely as possible, Reilly added. Baker also announced the new arrivals on his public Twitter account. We've been in constant communication with federal officials to rush vaccine shipments to Massachusetts. Today, 135,025 arrived to the Commonwealth and as a result, providers will not have to cancel appointments. We appreciate the efforts made to get this critical shipment here. Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) February 19, 2021 On Thursday, Baker said he and other governors requested permission to dispatch the National Guard to Kentucky and Tennessee to rescue the states doses. It seems the request was denied as the guard was not activated. We cant afford to go what will be almost a week without getting any new doses from the feds and continue to maintain the appointment schedules that people here expect and anticipate well be able to maintain, Baker told the State House News Service. The weather delay came on the heels of a disastrous morning for the states online registration system. A flood of about a million newly eligible vaccine recipients including residents 65 and older and those with pre-existing medical conditions crashed the site for hours Thursday. Baker candidly told members of the press he was pissed off over the technical glitch. My hair is on fire about the whole thing. I cant even begin to tell you how pissed off I am, he told reporters. The World Health Organization (WHO) is all set to launch on Friday a fresh declaration focused on vaccine equity against the backdrop of the need to scale up the manufacturing of covid-19 vaccines, in which India is expected to play a crucial role. The apex global public health agency has said that it will urge vaccine manufacturers across the globe to share knowhow with the Covid-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) to increase the global supply of vaccines. The C-TAP was launched by WHO in partnership with the government of Costa Rica and 40 member state co-sponsors with the Solidarity Call to Action. It urged the global community to voluntarily share knowledge, intellectual property, and data necessary to tackle covid-19. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot The original was co-developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca plc. Serum Institute plans to supply 240 million doses for Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access, or COVAX, a global initiative aimed at equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines led by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and others. Of this, 97.16 million is expected to be given to India, while nearly 13 million will go to Bangladesh, according to the interim distribution forecast of the Covax facility. The Pune-based Serum Institute is expected to begin supplies later this month, with 35-40% of 240 million doses scheduled to be delivered by March end and the rest by June. WHO had listed Pfizers and BioNTechs co-developed mRNA vaccine for emergency use on 31 December 2020. The declaration calls for action from several groups such as political leaders, manufacturers, and governments. It calls for an increase in contributions to the COVAX facility and to share doses with COVAX, in parallel with their own national vaccine rollout, increasing supply of vaccines and ensuring equitable access," said WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom. WHO has also sought nearly $2 billion to fund for 2021 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) for covid-19 launched on Thursday in Geneva. The new plan builds on last years SPRP, with six objectives, suppress transmission, reduce exposure, counter misinformation and disinformation, protect the vulnerable, reduce death and illness, and accelerate equitable access to new tools, including vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics," he said. The financial need to meet these objectives is $1.96 billion, including $1.2 billion for the WHO component of the ACT Accelerator," he said. SPRP also recognizes the need to fully integrate the covid-19 response into planning for health and development programmes. The WHO chief said the first SPRP raised $1.58 million. Some 90% of the funding was allocated to countries and regions, supporting those on the frontlines of the pandemic," he said. It also enabled WHO and its partners to ship millions of tests and items of personal protective equipment, and to support thousands of ICU beds around the world", he said. The funding was also used to deploy 191 emergency nedical teams, support sero-epidemiological studies in 58 countries, and provide online training that reached nearly five million people. 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. Critical services and data infrastructure providers across Texas are racing to keep technology and operations running in the face of a winter storm that has strained electrical grids and left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Widespread outages and extreme weather conditions have closed businesses, emptied store shelves and contributed to a number of deaths across the state since the weekend, when temperatures began plunging below freezing. Investments in cloud services, spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, have helped companies cope with disruption from extreme events such as the Arctic blast, said Rick Holland, the chief information security officer at cybersecurity firm Digital Shadows Ltd., which operates its U.S. intelligence operations facility from Plano. But data-center operators, which provide the infrastructural backbone for cloud services, have had to react quickly. Digital Realty Trust Inc., which runs 15 data centers in Texasincluding 13 in the greater Dallas areasaid some power loads have been transferred to on-site generators to provide uninterrupted uptime for critical services. As of Thursday, none of its plants had gone offline, the company said. By running generators at select sites, we have also been able to help reduce the overall power load on the ERCOT grid system," Erich Sanchack, the companys executive vice president of operations, said in an email. He said the company is working with its supply-chain partners to keep generators fueled, while redirecting excess fuel supplies to other data-center operators in the region. Internally, it has juggled work shifts to reduce the amount of travel by workers to and from the site, Mr. Sanchack said. Jim Hawkins, senior vice president of global data-center operations and engineering at data-center operator Rackspace Technology Inc., said on Monday its Dallas-Fort Worth plant was forced to run on a generator for roughly 20 minutes before switching back to the power grid. The generator is designed to operate for about two days without refueling, he said. The Dallas plant also implemented business-continuity measures, specifically planned for severe weather, Mr. Hawkins said. This includes keeping workers on-site until relief staff arrive at the data centers, which are stocked with food and other necessities. Equinix Inc., based in Redwood, Calif., operates nine data centers in Dallas, and one in Houston. All of its sites have remained operational throughout the crisis, running on utility power where available or backup generators, according to a spokeswoman. The Dallas region acts as a key hub for digital connectivity across the southern U.S., as well as for north-south traffic between the U.S. and Latin America, the company said. David Cappuccio, distinguished vice president and analyst for information-technology infrastructure strategies at IT research and consulting firm Gartner Inc., said many businesses are running critical workloads in multiple cloud-computing availability zones," to safeguard connectivity if one zone becomes unavailable. The impact of the Arctic blast has largely fallen on staff, rather than technology, said Andrew Walker, chief administrative officer at San Antonio-based insurer USAA. While the company had also shifted its data centers to generator power without issue, Mr. Walker said, its people are facing a challenging situation. Our Texas employees are dealing with inconsistent power, lack of water and diminishing gasoline and food resources," he said. Of course, power issues directly impact our ability to serve members when our employees are not able to maintain internet connectivity." Others describe conditions that make it difficult, or even impossible, for staff to work. Mr. Holland of Digital Shadows said he had long stretches this week where he had no power and no internet connection at his home in Dallas, making his cellphone the only way he could keep up with workwhen he had enough signal strength. Ray Greer, chief executive officer of Dallas-based trucking and logistics technology developer Omnitracs LLC said one of his executives was forced to use his car as a makeshift office due to a blackout at his home that had lasted for over 30 hours. I cannot remember a moment in the 27 years Ive lived in Dallas where [an outage] sustained itself for such a long period of time," he said. Larger companies, such as USAA, have used employees in other regions to cover those unable to operate in Texas, executives say. Smaller businesses, however, dont have the ability or head count to do that, and are losing money at a critical time. Everythings frozen, we just had to cancel the full slate of services, and so thats lost revenue. But, you know, thats a hard thing to care about when youre literally in survival mode," said Denise Hamilton, the Houston-based founder of business consulting firm WatchHerWork LLC, whose home only regained intermittent power Thursday after an outage that began Sunday. She said she was still without water. Given lengthy estimates in some cases for restoring services, she said, widespread disruption of the workforce is likely to last for weeks. People think itll be warmer on Sunday or Monday, and well be back to normal," she said. I dont think thats accurate." Write to Angus Loten at angus.loten@wsj.com and James Rundle at james.rundle@wsj.com Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. UB statement on states decision to revise pause guidelines for SUNY campuses BUFFALO, N.Y. The University at Buffalo supports the revised guidance on when colleges and universities will be required to pause in-person instruction, as announced today by New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Colleges and universities testing at least 25% of their total on-campus students, faculty and staff weekly which UB is doing will not be required to go on pause unless their positivity rate exceeds 5% during a rolling 14-day period, according to the states revised guidance. Previously, SUNY campuses that reached 100 or more positive COVID-19 cases within a designated two-week period had to pause in-person instruction and activities for two weeks. In accordance with SUNY requirements for the spring semester, UB has been conducting weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing on all students, faculty and staff who have a regular presence on campus this spring. Members of the university community continue to be vigilant in adhering to UBs health and safety guidelines, which has helped UB maintain a very low positivity rate of less than 1%, significantly lower than local and state averages. The university continues to closely monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 among UBs on-campus population. Weekly surveillance testing is a key component of that. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the university remains UBs highest priority. UB will continue to post daily updates on its COVID-19 Dashboard regarding the prevalence of on-campus cases and the results of the universitys weekly surveillance testing program. The SUNY COVID-19 tracker shows the rolling 14-day average for SUNY campuses. Lehigh University is cracking down on students and groups throwing parties amid a coronavirus outbreak on its South Bethlehem campus. There are 379 active coronavirus cases among Lehigh students and more than 600 in quarantine. The universitys test positivity rate jumped to 8% last week, prompting Lehigh to urge student caution last Friday. Yet, some students did not heed that message. At least three Greek organizations are facing student conduct charges for parties thrown in the last week, according to the universitys student affairs website. Chi Phi is accused of hosting a COVID party on Feb. 11 that was attended by students whod recently tested positive for the coronavirus as well as students whod already been infected, according to the charges. This past weekend, both on- and off-campus parties or large gatherings were reported and the ones we were made aware of were quickly shut down, Vice President of Student Affairs Ricardo Hall said in a message to undergraduate students. As a result, several students and student organizations have been placed on interim suspension and face the very real possibility of eviction from university housing, suspension, or even expulsion. The consequences are great because the stakes are high. (Cant see this map? Click here.) Lehighs outbreak is contributing to Northampton County having the states second highest per capita infection rate 43 new cases per 100,000 people over the past week. Northampton is averaging 132 new cases a day over the last seven days. The vast majority of Lehigh students are doing everything they can to keep themselves and everyone around them safe, in hopes of returning to a more normal campus life, Hall wrote. These students are left demoralized and frustrated as they regularly observe friends, housemates, and acquaintances ignoring health and safety measures such as wearing masks, especially off campus, he said. Hall did not identify any of the violators, but the universitys student affairs conduct website shows organizations facing charges. They include: Alpha Tau Omega allegedly hosted an off-campus party with alcohol on Feb. 13. Delta Upsilon is facing two charges. It is alleged the fraternity hosted an in-person recruitment event on Feb. 11, which resulted in it being placed on a modified temporary status. The following night, Lehigh University police were called to the 400 block of Birkel Avenue, where several Delta Upsilon members live, after receiving a report that about 15 people had entered the house. Chi Phi hosted the COVID party Feb. 11. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Pennsylvania movie theaters ditch mask mandate Three chain movie theaters have announced that masks are no longer mandatory for moviegoers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Cooperative operations between a solar observation satellite and a sounding-rocket telescope have measured the magnetic field strength in the photosphere and chromosphere above an active solar plage region. This is the first time that the magnetic field in the chromosphere has been charted all the way up to its top. This finding brings us closer to understanding how energy is transferred between layers of the Sun. Despite being the brightest object in the sky, the Sun still holds many mysteries for astronomers. It is generally believed that magnetic fields play an important role in heating the solar corona, but the details of the process are still unclear. To solve this mystery it is important to understand the magnetic field in the chromosphere, which is sandwiched between the corona and the photosphere, the visible surface of the Sun. An international team led by Ryohko Ishikawa, an assistant professor at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and Javier Trujillo Bueno, a professor at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, analyzed data collected by the CLASP2 sounding rocket experiment over twosix-and-a-half-minutes on April 11, 2019. They determined the longitudinal component of the magnetic field above an active region plage and its surroundings by analyzing the signature that the magnetic field imprinted on ultraviolet light from the chromosphere. The unique high precision data from CLASP2 allowed the team to determine the magnetic field strengths in the lower, mid, and upper regions of the chromosphere. Simultaneously acquired data from the Japanese solar observation satellite Hinode provided information about the magnetic field in the plage itself in the photosphere. The team found that the plage magnetic field is highly structured in the photosphere but expands, rapidly merging and spreading horizontally, in the chromosphere. This new picture brings us closer to understanding how magnetic fields transfer energy to the corona from the lower layers of the Sun. ### These results appeared as Ishikawa et al. "Mapping Solar Magnetic Fields from the Photosphere to the Base of the Corona," in Science Advances on February 19 2021. The Rawlings family called on President Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday, 18 February 2021, to thank him and the government for giving the late President Jerry John Rawlings a befitting burial. The President wrote on his Facebook page: On Thursday, 18 February 2021, the family of the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings paid a courtesy call on me at Jubilee House, the seat of the nation's presidency, to thank the government for the befitting burial accorded the first President of the fourth Republic on 27 January 2021. Mr Rawlings died in the morning of Thursday, 12 November 2020 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Mr Rawlings had buried his mother, Victoria Agbotui, who was 101 years old, a month earlier. He was 73 years old. Mr Rawlings was born on 22 June 1947. He was a former military leader, who subsequently became a civilian politician and led the country from 1981 to 2001 and also for a brief period in 1979. He led a military junta until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically-elected President of Ghana. Rawlings initially came to power as a flight lieutenant of the Ghana Air Force following a coup detat in 1979. Prior to that, he led an unsuccessful coup attempt against the ruling military government on 15 May 1979, just five weeks before scheduled democratic elections were due to take place. After initially handing over power to a civilian government, he took back control of the country on 31 December 1981, as the Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC). In 1992, Mr Rawlings resigned from the military, founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and became the first President of the Fourth Republic. He was re-elected in 1996 for four more years. After two terms in office, Mr Rawlings stepped aside and endorsed his vice-president, the late John Atta Evans Atta Mills, as a presidential candidate in 2000. 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 New Delhi: A Gram Panchayat officer's love for Bhojpuri cinema, proved to be troublesome for him. Posted in Lakhimpur Kheri's Behjam Vikas Khand, Village Development Officer Sandeep Chaudhary has been issued a show-cause notice for shooting in a Bhojpuri film. The show-cause notice has been issued by the District Gram Panchayat State Officer. Unaware of this development, Sandeep Chaudhary happens to be busy shooting the Bhojpuri film with three heroines. According to District Panchayat Raj Officer Shomya Sheel Singh, Sandeep Chaudhary was appointed after the death of his father about 8 months ago on the post of deceased. He added that Chaudhary is neither concerned about the dignity of his post nor is bothered about the rules. The purpose of associating Chaudhary with the office is to make him aware of his duties. Once he understands the rules and regulations, only then he will be appointed for the field job, said Singh. According to Sandeep Chaudhary, posted on the post of village development officer, who is busy shooting the Bhojpuri film Dabang Lootere, had informed the District Panchayat Raj Officer about this and also took leave for the shooting. [February 19, 2021] Noveto launches limited pre-sale Kickstarter campaign for revolutionary SoundBeamer 1.0 TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Israeli start-up, Noveto, today announced the launch of a pre-sale Kickstarter campaign for its innovative SoundBeamer which received global applause in late 2020. The desktop device beams pockets of sound and music to outside listeners' ears. It dynamically moves the source of the sound around the listener in 3D, beaming only to the listener, without disturbing people nearbyno speakers, no headphones. Today also sees the release of new hardware and software details on the much-anticipated release of SoundBeamer in Q4 2021. Kickstarting pre-sales Noveto's pre-sale campaign, launched via Kickstarter, offers limited pre-sale opportunities, including discounts of over 40%. Noveto is planning to distribute devices from November 2021, with initial devices limited to backers via Kickstarter. To see the journey so far and review what's on offer, interested parties can head to the Kickstarter page. Infused with AI, backed by Foxconn The SoundBeamer comes alive with the backing of Noveto's engineering partner, Foxconn, the biggest consumer electronics manufacturer globally. The company also unveils new hardware and software features including a new AI-based built-in voice, facial and gesture recognition, and ambient sound monitoring enabling natural and intuitive interaction. The SoundBeamer 1.0 has been upgraded with Noveto's D1 Chipset which works with the software to produce digital signals for the proprietary Noveto transducer array, which then beamforms audio pockets to outside the user's ears. A Senior executive (VP) from Foxconn said: "Foxconn sees tremendous potential for Noveto's SoundBeamer and SoundBeaming audio technology. We are excited to work with Christophe and the Noveto team to bring an excellent product and impressive audio experience to the market." Noveto CEO Christophe Ramstein said: "It's incredibly exciting to be releasing a new way to experience sound and deliver something truly groundbreaking to market. I look forward to our Kickstarter backers being the first to experience this revolution in sound that we have been working so hard to create." About Noveto: Noveto was co-founded by Tomer Shani and Noam Babayoff and is led by Dr. Christophe Ramstein (previously heading global engineering for Logitech). The SoundBeamer is an outcome of years of extensive R&D protected by multiple patent families with 45 patents (registered and pending). Visit www.noveto.com for further info. Video - https://youtu.be/bZz82ofwMtM Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1441248/Noveto_Systems.jpg View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noveto-launches-limited-pre-sale-kickstarter-campaign-for-revolutionary-soundbeamer-1-0--301231764.html SOURCE Noveto Systems [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Arizona Senate Passes Bill Strengthening Its Investigative Powers Amid Maricopa County Vote Audit Dispute The Arizona Senate passed a bill Thursday that would grant the Arizona legislature the authority to subpoena election records like ballots and tabulating equipment, and ignore any laws to the contrary. The Senate passed Senate Bill 1408 on its third reading in the states upper chamber along a 1614 party-line vote, with Republicans voting for and Democrats voting against. The bill amends a portion of the Arizona statutes such that county election equipment, systems and records, and other information that is under the control of county personnel may not be deemed privileged information, confidential information, or other information protected from disclosure. It also subjects such records to a subpoena and stipulates that they must be produced and the legislatures authority to conduct related probes may not be infringed by any other law. The rule change is to be retroactive as of Dec. 31, 2019, meaning it would apply to records around the November election. State Sen. Warren Petersen, a Republican, introduced the bill amid a battle between Republican Senate leaders and Maricopa County officials over the attempt by GOP senators to audit the 2020 election. Republican lawmakers in the Arizona Senate have issued subpoenas to Maricopa County demanding that it turn over a range of election records, calling for a scanned ballot audit and a forensic audit of ballot tabulation equipment and software. But the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted against complying with the subpoenas, instead seeking judgment from a court about whether they have to comply. Arizona senators filed a countersuit, asking the court to enforce the subpoenas, which was subsequently dismissed. County officials alleged the subpoenas were far in excess of the state legislatures power. The subpoenas are unlawful, the county said in its lawsuit. A Maricopa County Superior Court judge will hear arguments in the case next week and is expected to rule on the matter in short order, according to the Arizona Mirror. Arizonas attorney general has also weighed in on the case, saying that the state legislature has the authority to issue subpoenas regarding the administration of elections. The Arizona Legislature has broad power to issue subpoenas regarding election administration in connection with the 2020 general election, both to review how the county discharged its duties during that election and to craft future election legislation. Any argument by the county otherwise should fail, Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, said in a court filing. The passage of Senate Bill 1408 on Thursday gives further impetus to Republican senators efforts and their subpoenas, which were spurred by claims of irregularities in the November election. But Sen. J.D. Mesnard, a Republican, told the Arizona Mirror that the bill is less about continuing to litigate the November election as it is about ensuring that the legislatures investigative authority is clarified and protected to allow a greater impact on election integrity in the future. This is a much broader statement about the legislature and our subpoena powers, because as of late, it seems those powers are not respected, Mesnard told the outlet. Our subpoenas are supposed to matter. This is making that very clear. Even if you set aside this election, if something nefarious happens in the future, regardless of whether you believe it happened now, and suddenly you wanted to investigate it, you would find yourself in the very same situation, he added. Arizona State Sen. Martin Quezada, a Democrat, took aim at the bill, saying it serves to spread disinformation about the election. The more we continue down this path, we continue to spread the Big Lie that something was wrong with our elections. The more we continue to go after the county board of supervisors and try to subpoena all this information we are furthering and perpetuating this lie, Quezada told the Arizona Mirror. Meanwhile, Maricopa County officials said in late January that they will carry out a comprehensive forensic audit of its voting systems to allay concerns raised by some constituents about the integrity of the November 2020 election. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously at a Jan. 27 meeting to hire two independent companies to conduct an audit that will review whether voting machines counted votes correctly, and whether they were tampered with or hacked in any way. The Republican-dominated board defended the accuracy of the countys election results, while expressing hope that a comprehensive equipment and software audit would dispel concerns that the results were inaccurate. Maricopa County elections were administered with integrity throughout 2020. Thats a fact. Multiple audits to date have proved as much, and multiple court rulings have concurred, Chairman Jack Sellers said in a statement. Its also true that a significant number of voters want the additional assurance that a full forensic audit of tabulation equipment might bring, especially given all the misinformation that spread following the November 3 election, Sellers said. Senate Bill 1408 now heads to the Arizona state House for reconciliation, after which it would head to the desk of Gov. Doug Ducey for a possible signature. 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. KALAMAZOO, MI Kalamazoo County is prepared to vaccinate more people once it receives more supply, health officials have said for weeks, as it and other communities around the globe work toward the goal of herd immunity to fight the coronavirus. Kalamazoo County has administered 54,482 COVID-19 vaccine doses, as of Thursday, Feb. 18. An influx of vaccines from Pfizer, which is making vaccines at its Portage facility just south of Kalamazoo, is expected as part of the federal governments recent order for 100 million additional doses. President Joe Biden scheduled a visit the local Pfizer facility Friday, Feb. 19, to meet with the workers making the lifesaving vaccine. Related: Gov. Whitmer to accompany President Biden on Pfizer tour The Kalamazoo County Heath and Community Services Department and local hospitals continue to vaccinate people in phase 1B of the states vaccination schedule. This week, private companies, including Rite Aid, began administering vaccines. Even so, some Kalamazoo County senior citizens and others have struggled to get the vaccine. Kalamazoo County is beating the state average in several categories related to vaccination progress, Health Officer William Rutherford said. People 65 and older who live in Kalamazoo County can pre-register for a vaccine appointment on the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services web site, to join the vaccine waiting list, the department said. Those without internet access can call 269-373-5200. To receive the COVID-19 vaccine from Bronson HealthCare, register in advance through the Bronson MyChart account. Bronson HealthCare also has a phone line for people to call if they do not have internet access for assistance in registering: 269-567-3136. The call center is available Tuesdays through Fridays, from noon to 4 p.m. Call volumes are extremely high, and the hospital asks people only use the phone line if they are eligible for the vaccine and unable to register online. Read more: As President Biden heads to Pfizer plant, residents waiting for COVID-19 vaccine voice fear, frustration Rite Aid delays some COVID-19 vaccinations due to supply interruptions Kalamazoo City Commissioner Erin Knott part of statewide COVID-19 vaccine education effort Advocates will ask President Biden to help end the coup in Myanmar during Friday visit to Michigan Kalamazoo County nears halfway point for teacher vaccinations Son of Portage couple found buried in woods arraigned on murder charges 13304 Harsha Kikkeri, Director of Advanced Dev, Suitable Tech. All you need to use these devices one your end is a mobile phone, tablet or a PC and access to internet After attending a board meeting and discussing business plans, you realize that there is a product launch scheduled in Barcelona, Spain. You instantly beam into the Mobile World Congress conference and talk with potential customers to get a feel for how the product is being perceived. As sunset approaches, you go for a quick surf back in Hawaii. With your mind refreshed, you head down to Singapore to inspect a brand new manufacturing line which is going online next week. In a single day, you have travelled all around the world, while enjoying the warm weather in Hawaii. Science Fiction? Perhaps, but more like a vision of the future. Thousands of people around the world in companies like Google, Microsoft and Accenture are already living this dream. They are able to make use of the advances in telepresence devices to completely eliminate the need for travel. Breaking the geospatial link between their home and office allows them to enjoy life to the fullest, while saving the environment and dramatically slashing costs. It also allows companies to find and hire the best talent in the world, without having to worry about relocating them and their families. These devices are are not automatons designed to eliminate jobs. Instead, they are empowering employees to break the barriers of space, geography and national boundaries - allowing employees to be where they are needed, regardless of wherever they are at present time. All that is needed to use these devices on the remote end is a mobile phone, tablet or a computer (Mac or PC) and access to internet. The tele presence system is in the company HQ, factory floor, conference, etc. As broadband becomes ubiquitous, these cloud powered telepresence devices/ are becoming easier and more affordable to integrate into work environments. And it doesnt stop there. Set up a telepresence system at home and you can now beam back from a business trip in California to your childs birthday party in Hawaii. You are no longer torn between having to constantly balance work and family. With the help of these telepresence devices you can easily weave these two threads of work and family seamlessly together. How do tele presence devices work? A simplified way of looking at these devices is to consider them as skype on wheels.Just like you can use an app on your mobile phone or tablet or computer to make a skype call, you can use an app to make a telepresence call. The telepresence device can be setup to accept calls from some people automatically - say the VP of the company. Others (for example visitors) would need someone next to the device to accept the call - something as simple as shaking the device. Once the call is completed, your face appears on the telepresence device and voila, you are there! You can control the movement of device using your keyboard arrow keys, mouse or even touch pad. Also many of these devices have wide angle field of views - the same range as human eyes and multiple microphones for picking up the tiniest of sounds and cancelling echoes. This provides a significantly richer experience than traditional video conferencing. Also video conferencing has no concept of personal space and personal communication. Only one person in the room can talk. However, with telepresence devices, it is just like having everyone locally. Each person gets his/her own device and can engage in one-on-one conversations. Moreover, the conversations can continue as the meeting ends and people start leaving the room. You can follow your colleagues to the water cooler or their office for a private chat! How is it going to change my business? Slowly, but surely, all information and communication is getting digitized. The only non-digital is our physical body. Telepresence devices are changing that and digitizing our bodies. For most business activities, we use our eyes, ears, legs and mouth. These have all been digitized. You are not looking at your screen, you are looking through your screen to the other side. To give some examples of businesses that are getting disrupted: 1. Hospitality: When there is no need to travel, why would someone book a hotel? There will be a significant dip in the amount of business travel in the near future so what can hotels do? They can change their business model and instead of fighting the technology, they can embrace it. They can rent telepresence devices for people wishing to attend conferences in their hotel, but dont want to physically travel. 2. Human Resources: Telepresence devices are a boon to human resource professionals. Traditionally, they had to fight for a small pool of local talent. Also HR would lose valuable talent when people decided to move to other locations - for family or other needs. However, with Telepresence devices, HR can finally get the best of both worlds. They can recruit the best talent from anywhere in the world and they dont have to worry about relocating them or losing them when they decide to move to a different place. 3. Manufacturing: Inspecting manufacturing facilities and supply lines will be done remotely avoiding expensive overseas travel. This allows the supply chain executives to choose the best vendor for the specific job and avoid costly mistakes. Also there can be ongoing regular remote inspection of facilities looking for potential concerns and preventing them from escalating into major issues. 4. Education: Telepresence devices allow students to take the best classes anywhere in the world, without worrying about visa restrictions, travel costs etc. Also it allows the best professors to teach anywhere in the world, even in the most remote regions of the world. Also it is a great boon to people with disabilities and those who are severely ill to get education, maintain social connections as well as find employment. 5. Healthcare: It is extremely expensive to visit the doctor in person. What if the doctor could just come to you on a telepresence device, which also had enough digital peripherals to take your pulse, measure your heart rate and scan your pupils, sending this to the doctor?. In addition, for patients with family who are in remote locations, telepresence allows them to visit their loved ones, engage in conversation and move around a hospital room. The visit is initiated by the remote family member hundreds or thousands of miles away. 6. Tourism: Museums around the world are adopting telepresence devices to give a glimpse of their treasure to tele-visitors from around the world. It allows them to keep the museums open throughout the day, without fear of theft. Telepresence is becoming one of the best ways to travel and it is likely to have the same impact in this decade as e-commerce had in the last decade. When it comes to extremist groups, the symbols they use should be noted in case they are seen or used in another attack. Wealthy PF investors may opt for debt funds as Budget changes tax rule Wealthy investors who park their spare money in voluntary (VPF) accounts may consider moving to debt mutual funds after the Union Budgets new proposals. Interest on (PF) was exempt from tax. The Budget proposes that interest on the PF contributions (employee contribution) above Rs 2.5 lakh per annum be taxable with from April 1, 2021. Read more may take up rationalising tax rates, slab merger in next meet The next Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting in March will likely take up rationalising tax rates and mergers of multiple slabs to bring them close to being revenue-neutral and make the indirect tax regime simpler. The meeting, whose date is yet to be set, will come at a time when the 15th Finance Commission has recommended merging the 12 and 18 per cent tax rates. Read more Allegations of dodging laws have malicious intent: chief chief Amit Agarwal has responded to the ongoing controversy over the news organisation Reuters story that alleged that the e-commerce giant dodged Indian regulators in circumventing local laws on foreign direct investment (FDI) in e-commerce. Read more Top gear makers may warm up to Centre's for telecom sector Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, companies will enjoy a 4-6 per cent incentive annually across five years on their production value in India, provided they make incremental investments. Some leading telecom equipment manufacturers might be interested in the scheme announced on Wednesday, including Nokia and Ericsson, Taiwanese electronics manufacturing service companies Flex (earlier named Flextronics) and Foxconn, Jabil Inc, Cisco, Ciena, and Samsung which is a telecom vendor to Reliance Jio. Read more group gets RBI approval for debt-ridden DHFL's acquisition The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday cleared the Rs 34,250-crore acquisition of Dewan Housing Finance Corporation (DHFL) by the group. The Ajay Piramal-led group had outbid US-based asset management firm Oaktree last month. Read more to give option to review policy updates amid controversy Following the backlash it received for the update to its privacy policy in early January, will now let users take a better look at the changes that have been proposed, and reinforce that it does not change personal communication between people. "In the coming weeks, well display a banner in providing more information that people can read at their own pace," it said. Read more NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars to look for signs of ancient life A rover streaked through the orange Martian sky and landed on the planet Friday, accomplishing the riskiest step yet in an epic quest to bring back rocks that could answer whether life ever existed on Mars. It took a tension-filled 11 1/2 minutes for the signal to reach Earth. Read more From Cognizant to HCL, opens up purse for employee retention HCL had announced a one-time special bonus of $90 million earlier this month to employees around the world as it crossed the $10-billion revenue mark. Other IT majors like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro have also rolled out salary hikes across levels. Read more Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 00:39:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Refuge Agency (UNHCR) on Thursday said more than 61,200 Ethiopian refugees have crossed into East Sudan amid recent military confrontation in Ethiopia's northernmost Tigray regional state. The 61,200 Ethiopian refugees crossed into Sudan since the start of the military confrontations between the federal and regional forces in the Tigray region broke out in November 2020, the agency said in its latest situation update. According to the latest figures from the UNHCR, some 20,572 refugees have been relocated to Um Rakuba camp, and 14,551 refugees to Tunaydbah settlement. It also disclosed that the relocations of Ethiopian refugees from Hamdayet reception center resumed as of February 14, with more than 1,000 relocated to Tunaydbah settlement. The UN refugee agency, together with its partners, has also continued to establish refugee community structures at all sites. In addition to Ethiopians fleeing to Eastern Sudan, the UNHCR and its partners have established a regular presence in the two Eritrean refugee camps, Mai-Aini and Adi Harush, in Ethiopia's conflict-affected Tigray region, it added. The UNHCR also noted ongoing relocation efforts after the Ethiopian government has recently announced the closure of Shimelba and Hitsats refugee camps, and the relocation of Eritrean refugees dispersed across Tigray to Mai-Aini and Adi-Harush camps. So far, some 5,000 have relocated to the two southern camps, it was noted. The Ethiopian government is presently providing protection for nearly 1 million refugees mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan, who are being hosted across 26 camps and non-camp locations. Enditem Bodycam footage has emerged of two Florida women being berated for their 'selfishness' after showing up to a COVID-19 vaccine site dressed as 'grannies' to try to con their way into getting the shot. The pair have not been identified and have not been charged with any crime but sheriffs in Orange County near Orlando are investigating. They registered for the vaccines online, claiming they were over 65, then turned up for appointments in what health officials described as a 'disguise'. It worked the first time - when the pair showed up at the Orlando Convention Center on Wednesday, they were carrying CDC cards confirming they'd already had one dose. One of them was wearing what looked like a shower cap, a long cardigan, a face mask and a face shield. The other left all of her brown hair loose though and wore a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. When health workers looked at their IDs, they saw the pair were actually only 34 and 44 and therefore ineligible for one of the coveted vaccines. The names were the same as the names they'd registered online with so it seems the first time around, health workers simply didn't check their date of birth before giving them the shots. The cops were called and the two were chastised for their dishonesty before being let off with a trespassing warning and told not to come back. 'Do you know what you have done?! You've stolen a vaccine from someone who needs it more than you. And you're not going to get your second one so it's a whole waste of time we've just wasted here on this. 'We're not even sure if they're going to press charges against you and take you to jail right now. So, we're at that point. Just for your selfishness of stealing a vaccine. 'You gotta wait your turn!' one of the officers in the video said. This is the moment the two women were confronted by police at the Orlando Convention Center after showing up for their second COVID vaccine dressed as grannies The two women stood silently while the cops berated them for their 'selfishness' The women were wearing protective masks and shields as part of their disguise Don't come back! The women were filmed walking away from the convention center after being told they'd be arrested if they ever came back Seconds later, the pair were shown standing in front of the officers while having a trespassing warning read to them. The officers told them they were lucky they were not arrested and they replied: 'We know. We appreciate it'. One of the cops fumed: 'Everything, the building, the parking garage - you will not be allowed back here. 'It's ridiculous that you're here right now.' Dr. Raul Pino of Florida Department of Health revealed what the women had done yesterday at a press conference, where he warned others against attempting vaccine fraud. 'So yesterday, we realized a couple of young ladies came dressed up as grannies to get vaccinated for the second time. 'So I dont know how they escaped the first time, but they came vaccinated. 'The bonnets, the gloves, the glasses, the whole thing. And they probably were in their 20s. 'This is the hottest commodity that is out there right now, so we have to be very careful,' he said. Dr. Raul Pino of Florida Department of Health revealed what the women had done yesterday at a press conference, where he warned others against attempting vaccine fraud The Orlando Convention Center, where the two women were caught pretending to be grannies, this week It's unclear what kind of charges the women will face. Initially, deputies were called to escort them off the property for trespassing. It's unclear what happens if a person undergoes the first vaccine dose but not the second, or whether the women will need to wait and get the first dose again once they are eligible. It is the latest example in a string of incidents across the US and the world where people, desperate to get their hands on the coveted shots, have lied about their age, address or identity to get it. In Canada, a wealthy couple chartered a plane to the Yukon to get vaccines that were intended for Indigenous elders. Rodney Baker, 55, and 32-year-old Ekaterina Baker flew 1,700 miles from Vancouver to Beaver Creek, a community of 90 people in Canada's far northwest, on January 21. They posed as visiting hotel workers to receive shots of the Moderna vaccine from a mobile clinic but were rumbled before they could fly home. The Bakers were fined C$2,300 (US$1,800) for breaching Covid rules but community elders are demanding a tougher penalty be handed down. The pair may now face jail time. Its rare to step into an exhibition and feel bowled over, but this was the case with Nyapanyapa Yunupingus exhibition, The Little Things, at Roslyn Oxley9. Over the past decade Nyapanyapa has been a shooting star in the Indigenous art firmament but with this body of work she has moved onto another plane. Its tempting to avoid the Indigenous label because, taken purely as an collection of paintings, this show would be a stand-out in any gallery anywhere in the world. To call this work Indigenous art might be seen as a way of putting it into a pigeonhole and thereby limiting its impact. Yet it could also be argued that for any discussion of Nyapanyapas art its vital to understand her identity as a Yolngu woman who has spent her entire life within a particular community. Artist Nyapanyapa Yunupingu Credit:Kai Brethouwer For an Indigenous artist the relationship with country is the key to everything, but Im not speaking about a simple patch of earth. Will Stubbs, who has lived and worked with the Yolngu for over 20 years, has spent a long time trying to understand the way they see the world. That quest has led him down increasingly cosmic byways, trying to explain a concept of time that doesnt recognise a past, present or future. For Nyapanyapa and her people there is only an eternal now. Whatever happened in the past is still happening, and will be happening again tomorrow. This may be incomprehensible to those of us accustomed to conventional, linear ideas of time, but for the Yolngu its the very fabric of reality. (Newser) No one turned into a cat, appeared upside down, or made a Britney Spears reference, but world leaders attending a virtual G7 conference on Friday experienced their own low-key videoconferencing snafu. Reuters reports it came courtesy of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who inadvertently interrupted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he started the meeting. Videos show that as Johnson tried to address the likes of Merkel, President Biden, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, and leaders from France, Japan, and Italy, a voice could be heard talking over him in the background. story continues below It was Merkel, chatting with someone on her end in Berlin, apparently unaware that everyone in the meeting was privy to the conversation. "Can you hear us, Angela?" Johnson asked with a laugh. "I think you need to mute." It's not the first time Merkel has had technical difficulties during a virtual meetup. Meanwhile, the Independent notes that French President Emmanuel Macron made his own minor videoconferencing faux pas, showing up late to the G7 meeting by 15 seconds or so. (This Zoom call descended into utter chaos.) Yoga guru and entrepreneur Baba Ramdev has released a research paper by the Patanjali Research Institute on the "first evidence-based corona medicine" on the Ayurveda immunity booster -- Coronil. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari were also present at the event. Moment of pride!! We are pleased to announce the First evidence based medicine for Covid-19 by Patanjali#Patanjalis_EvidenceBased_Medicine4Corona#PatanjaliCoronilpic.twitter.com/tHruRx5HfX Patanjali Ayurved (@PypAyurved) February 19, 2021 Patanjali Research Institutes scientific research and success on the first evidence based corona medicine will benefit 158 countries of the world#Patanjalis_EvidenceBased_Medicine4Corona#PatanjaliCoronilpic.twitter.com/uH3JbjXyYy Patanjali Dairy (@PatanjaliDairy) February 19, 2021 Harsh Vardhan said at the event, "Ayurveda has Rs 30,000 crore economy in India. As per official data, it used to see a growth of 15-20 per cent every year pre-coronavirus. Post-Covid, this growth rate has risen to 50-90%. It's an indication that people have accepted it. There's marked improvement in exports and FDI." Patanjali had rolled out Coronil for treating novel coronavirus on June 23 in the presence of Union ministers Harsh Vardhan and Nitin Gadkari. Coronil became the subject of debate as it was licensed as an "immunity booster", triggering a controversy over its trial data and exact composition. Patanjali CEO Acharya Balkrishna had claimed that this Ayurveda-based medicine could cure coronavirus patients within 5-14 days. Following this claim, the Union AYUSH Ministry sought a complete report on composition, testing and other related data for the drug. The Ministry had also banned Patanjali from advertising the product as a cure for COVID-19 infection. Also read: Coronavirus vaccination: India to multiply vaccinations amid coverage concerns Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Govt panel to review gap between two doses of Serum's Covishield 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. Who to believe? Whose word should we trust? These are the urgent questions that many people are asking after almost a year of Covid-related chaos. While certain basic facts have been established about the virus, such as which groups are most vulnerable to it - overwhelmingly the frail and elderly - there remains much that scientists do not know, or cannot agree upon. Still, when it comes to a difference of medical opinion between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the local anti-abortion group, Precious Life, I'll take the word of the global health authority. I think most reasonable people would do the same. The WHO has strongly criticised a leaflet produced by Precious Life, warning people against having the Covid-19 vaccine. The leaflet is alarmist in tone. It refers to "the dangers of 'rushed' vaccines", claiming that people who received them will "effectively be human guinea pigs". It raises concerns about the potential effect of vaccines on fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and warns of "numerous reports" of people dying after getting the injection. Where are these "numerous reports"? No evidence is provided. The WHO says that the Precious Life leaflet contains inaccurate claims which "put health and lives at risk". In a carefully-worded statement, it tries to reassure expectant mothers who may be considering the vaccine: "Based on what we know about the mRNA vaccine, we don't have any specific reason to believe that there would be risks that outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women." Here in NI, the Public Health Agency (PHA) says that existing non-clinical evidence has raised no concerns about safety in pregnancy. Nonetheless, the PHA says that since the vaccines have not yet been tested in pregnancy, those who are pregnant "should not routinely have this vaccine" until more information becomes available. Likewise, Covid-19 vaccines are not thought to be a risk to breastfed babies, and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that they can be received by breastfeeding mothers. As for any possible impact on conception, Dr Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "We want to reassure women that there is no evidence that Covid-19 vaccines affect fertility." There is nothing wrong with women of childbearing age - or indeed anyone at all - researching the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine and deciding on the right course of action to take, according to their own personal circumstances. It's the sensible thing to do. Those weighing up whether the vaccine is suitable for them should base their judgement on the best possible information available, from a range of well-informed, fully-evidenced sources. Not from an inflammatory, unscientific leaflet produced by hard-line activists. Anti-abortion organisations have played fast and loose with the truth in the past. Stanton Healthcare, which describes itself as providing "up-to-date, medically accurate information" to pregnant women, opened a Belfast branch in 2015, in partnership with Precious Life. In 2018, an undercover investigation found that the centre was falsely telling women that termination causes breast cancer and infertility. A counsellor at the Belfast clinic was secretly recorded telling an undercover reporter that having an abortion would make her breasts "fill with cancer". In response, Professor Lesley Regan, the most senior gynaecologist in the UK, condemned the categorically untrue claims as "despicable", and a form of bullying. "To take advantage of a human being who is vulnerable and at risk is shameful," she said. Everyone has got things wrong during the pandemic, even world-leading epidemiologists and virologists. Theoretical modellers, such as Professor Neil Ferguson, have produced wildly inaccurate projections. Everyone is struggling to make sense of this new disease, how it behaves, and the best ways to protect the vulnerable from it. The WHO itself has changed its advice many times, on issues such as the advisability or otherwise of wearing face masks. Science - especially the science of Covid - is a constantly evolving, politically contested arena, rife with vested interests. The problem is not in getting facts wrong - which is, after all, precisely how science evolves, through a process of vigorous debate. It's in adapting the "facts" to suit a particular viewpoint. In the case of Precious Life, it appears that the group's fundamental opposition to the vaccine rests on its claim that the inoculations "were developed using cell lines from aborted babies". And who knows whether we can believe that or not? When truth comes second to a one-dimensional ideological agenda, it's not truth any more. It's just a convenient means to an end. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A man suffered life-threatening injuries Friday, Feb. 19, when he was thrown from his vehicle in a crash on Riley Street and 112th Avenue in Holland Township. The injured driver, a 24-year-old Holland Township man, was taken by ambulance to Holland Hospital. His name was not released. The other driver, a 48-year-old Byron Center man, was not hurt. The crash happened around 1:15 p.m., Ottawa County sheriffs deputies said. The injured man, in a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, was driving east on Riley when he failed to stop for a red light and drove into the back of an eastbound 2016 International delivery truck. The injured driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the Blazer when it left the road. He suffered life-threatening injuries. The driver of the International truck used seat belts, police said. The crash remains under investigation. Read more: President Biden leaves Kalamazoo after touring Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine production facility in Portage Michigan reports 1,193 new coronavirus cases, 23 deaths Friday, Feb. 19 New apartment building in downtown Grand Haven moving forward at old newspaper site Sovereign Claims LLC, an insurance risk management consultancy serving underwriters in the real estate development, general contracting and construction industries, has appointed John Humphreys and Neal Conolly to its executive team. Humphreys steps into the newly created role of chief claims officer (CCO), while Conolly joins as president. Founder Timothy Gallagher, who previously served as president, will now serve as chief operating officer. Humphreys and Conollys addition to the team underscores Sovereign Claims commitment to expanding and enhancing its services in New York City and beyond, the company said in a press release. The new hires will play a role in strengthening Sovereign Claims One Source strategy, a service philosophy that brings partners insurance risk management, underwriting and claims administration needs under one roof. As CCO, Humphreys will be instrumental in enacting the One Source approach in all client engagements, overseeing the entire claims administration function across the business and working to provide stakeholders and partners with the responsive and effective services. His core responsibilities will include providing strategic direction in the overall management of resources to ensure resolution of claims. Humphreys joins Sovereign Claims following more than 30 years in the property/casualty insurance industry with both legal experience and national and international executive claims experience. He has led legal groups in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom for Travelers Insurance Company, where he most recently served as senior vice president and claim general counsel. In his role as president, Conolly will play a role in business development, maximizing the use of data and integrating claims technology to grow Sovereigns national footprint and increase uptake of its new habitational claims offering. Conolly brings four decades of experience as an attorney, senior executive and consultant to the property/casualty insurance industry. Prior positions include serving as the executive director and CEO of the New York State Insurance Fund, as a consultant to market-leading national workers compensation insurance carriers and as president of the Wright National Flood Insurance Company. Conolly is also a founding board member of the American Society of Workers Compensation Professionals. Source: Sovereign Claims LLC Topics Claims Employees of some top Indian companies were in for a pleasant surprise when they received a mail from their HR team announcing a hike in salaries and bonuses. Led by IT firms and start-ups, HR managers say that while some have offered cash and stock options, others are in a wait-and-watch mode and add the trend will pick up in other sectors. For example, IT giant Cognizant which had an attrition rate of 19 per cent in the December quarter has established a $30-million employee retention fund in order to bring down the high attrition rate. This fund will be used to ... (ANSA) - VATICAN CITY, FEB 19 - A bilateral meeting between the Holy See and Italy on the anniversary of the Latern pacts and the Concordat's revision, initially scheduled for February 12, will now be held on March 2 with Premier Mario Draghi leading the Italian delegation and Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolini the Vatican one, sources at the Holy See told ANSA Friday. A traditional reception will not be held due to the COVID emergency, which will also impose restrictions, the sources said. The Lateran Pacts of 1929 were agreements between the Kingdom of Italy under King Victor Emanuel III and the Holy See under Pope Pius XI to settle the long-standing Roman Question. The treaty and associated pacts were named after the Lateran Palace where they were signed on 11 February 1929, and the Italian parliament ratified them on 7 June 1929. The treaty recognized Vatican City as an independent state under the sovereignty of the Holy See. The Italian government also agreed to give the Roman Catholic Church financial compensation for the loss of the Papal States. In 1948, the Lateran Treaty was recognized in the Constitution of Italy as regulating the relations between the state and the Catholic Church. In 1984, an agreement was signed, revising the concordat. Among other things, both sides declared: "The principle of the Catholic religion as the sole religion of the Italian State, originally referred to by the Lateran Pacts, shall be considered to be no longer in force". (ANSA). VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 19, 2021 / Larose Ventures Ltd. (the "Company" or "Larose"), is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated January 22, 2021, the Company has completed its previously announced amalgamation with 1282454 B.C. Ltd. ("1282454 BC") (the "Amalgamation"). Pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation, Larose and 1282454 BC have amalgamated and continued as one company ("Amalco") pursuant to the provisions of Section 269 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) ("BCBCA"). Upon completion of the Amalgamation, all Larose common shares outstanding immediately prior to the Amalgamation were exchanged for new Amalco Class A redeemable preferred shares on a one for one basis; all 2,000,000 common shares of 1282454 BC outstanding immediately prior to the Amalgamation were exchanged for new Amalco common shares on a one for one basis; and all Larose stock options currently outstanding were cancelled. Immediately following the Amalgamation, Amalco has redeemed the outstanding Class A redeemable preferred shares at a price of $0.0075 per share. The Amalgamation was approved by over 98% of the Company's shareholders at its annual general and special meeting on February 16, 2021. The name of the amalgamated entity remains "Larose Ventures Ltd.". Upon closing of the Amalgamation, Michael Lerner, Harvey McKenzie and Neil Novak have been appointed as directors of the Company, replacing Scott Ackerman, Rick Cox and Brent Ackerman, who have resigned as directors of the Company. In addition, Michael Lerner has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and Balu Gopalakrishnan has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, replacing Scott Ackerman who has resigned as an officer of the Company. The Company wishes to thank the former directors and officers for their service to the Company. As a result of the Amalgamation, each of Jennifer Goldman ("Goldman") of Ontario, and BC based L5 Capital Inc. ("L5") has ownership and control over 1,000,000 common shares at a cost of $0.125 per share. Neither the Company, nor to the knowledge of the Company after reasonable enquiry, Goldman or L5, have knowledge of any material information concerning the Company or its securities which has not been generally disclosed. Goldman and L5 have individually acquired the above-noted common securities for investment purposes. Independently, Goldman and L5 may in the future take such actions in respect of its holdings in the Company as they may deem appropriate in light of the circumstances then existing, including the purchase of additional securities of the Company through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions or the sale of all or a portion of their individual holdings in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions to one or more purchasers, subject in each case to applicable securities law. This news release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which also requires a report to be filed with the applicable securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, which report will contain additional information with respect to the foregoing matters (the "Early Warning Report"). A copy of the Early Warning Reports may be obtained by contacting the Company, and will also be filed on SEDAR under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. For more information, please contact the Company at (416) 710-4906 or email: mlerner10@gmail.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Larose Ventures Ltd. Michael Lerner Director This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward- looking statements. SOURCE: Larose Ventures Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630776/Larose-Ventures-Announces-Completion-of-Amalgamation-with-1282454-BC-Ltd Music dean receives Governors Award for enriching the arts in South Carolina Tayloe Harding, dean of the School of Music was honored with a 2021 Governors Award for the Arts for his work in arts education. Harding was one of seven recipients of the award, the states highest recognition for achievement in practicing or supporting the arts. The S.C. Arts Commission acknowledged Hardings community involvement serving on the states Arts in Basic Curriculum Project steering committee and his national leadership as president of the College Music Society. We caught up with Harding to talk about the award, teaching music during a pandemic and new endeavors at the School of Music. Throughout the pandemic, the School of Music continued to fulfill its mission of preparing students. Can you speak to how your faculty and students have demonstrated resilience and flexibility during this period? Dean Tayloe Harding says helping propel music education in South Carolina is one of the great legacies of the UofSC School of Music. I was serving as the universitys interim provost in March 2020 when the whole campus had to readjust to online learning, but the interim dean of the School of Music pulled together a management team that I continue to consult for all sorts of academic matters, beyond just COVID management. In June, we formed a summer task force of music faculty and staff to study how to adjust facilities for safe in-person music making and how to engage more fully in online instruction and learning through the summer and fall. That meant adjusting virtually every course in some way. Our faculty was willing to adapt to totally new ways of music teaching and music making and to embrace a public health challenge as an opportunity to advance the impact of the music school on students and communities. Most music instruction and most music making is in person, but weve spent a good amount of time thinking how we could expand online capacity not only in the moment but also leverage it toward a brighter future. We have just begun to scratch the surface on how we can do this. You were recently honored with a Governors Award for the Arts for your work in arts education. How do leadership activities outside the university help inform the work that you do at the School of Music? The award recognizes a variety of educational and arts curriculum matters statewide that I've been involved with and which have become a model for other states as well as arts advocacy, a big issue for me that has become a part of our curriculum at UofSC. I think it also has to do with how the School of Music is developing future teachers of music. That has been critical, largely based upon the people that we've hired, but also based upon the fact that our faculty and our alumni work so closely together constantly addressing the next issue. Almost half of all public school music teachers in South Carolina are graduates of the UofSC School of Music. Helping propel music education in our state is one of the great legacies of the UofSC School of Music. The School of Music has taken on some big endeavors recently: The Bridging Our Distances initiative and the management of the Koger Center. The school will also manage the Greene Street United Methodist Church as a performance venue. How do these new efforts benefit our students and the broader community? The real possibilities for the Koger Center to advance the school and music in our state is through their own self-production efforts and not just as a rental venue. It's a very natural fit with the School of Music, so we're finding ways to leverage the faculty and staff of both institutions in production and presentation. The Greene Street United Methodist Church will provide the school about 11,000 square feet of additional space. Some of it needs renovation to be useful for our music program, but some areas like the sanctuary with its beautiful woodwork and windows have quite good acoustics and will need few updates. The jazz program will move there, and it will be a performance space for the school. The church congregation also will continue to use it on Sundays. We are very excited about the possibilities for collaboration in the Greene Street church and inviting others to be a part of it. Bridging Our Distances is the big result of last summer's post-COVID task force. We decided we wanted to leverage the work of the music school, student concerts, faculty recitals and guest events in a way that would bridge distances presented to our society by the pandemic and by racial and ethnic division. We identified four bridges: uniting communities, amplifying voices, celebrating heroes and spurring our future. We've been isolated from one another now for nearly a year, and music can help heal our society and bring us back together. The next major activity of the Bridging Our Distances initiative will be a weeklong series of events, Celebrating Local Heroes with The Concert Truck, where we will celebrate 10 community heroes around the Midlands live at the places where they work with a final concert on the Horseshoe on the evening of March 29. One of the hallmarks of your tenure as dean has been hiring of nationally known, top-notch faculty members. Can you speak to how those hires have helped move the school forward? Even though all job descriptions have specific teaching, performing, researching, writing and service duties, we want candidates to choose our school because of our five core values, which are pursuing excellence, assuring student success, preparing music leaders for tomorrow, training outstanding musician educators and developing diversely skilled musicians. The latter three are unique and differentiate our school. We encourage faculty to become leaders and mentors to the students in their program and to contribute to campus-wide priorities where our early adoption differentiates us. We work hard on that, and as a result, we have developed a reputation around the country that has proved itself with the nature of the applicant pools for faculty vacancies. And more specifically, one of your faculty members, David Cutler, recently was named a Yamaha Master Educator. How does that type of recognition help the School of Music? David is the nation's foremost imaginer, innovator, creator and teacher in the field of music entrepreneurship and business, so it is so obvious he would be the first Yamaha Master Educator in that field. His two books and a third one that will be out in the next couple of years on music entrepreneurship are the standards in the industry. Every college or university that offers music entrepreneurship curriculum has been seeded in some way directly or indirectly by David Cutler's work. That really serves our university because it highlights how we prepare musicians for the world tomorrow, propelling the national recognition for how we do that and how it differentiates us. Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 14:47:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia reported 58 new COVID-19 cases within the last 24 hours, bringing its total caseload to 2,551, the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) said Friday. Meanwhile, 17 more recoveries have been reported, bringing the national count to 1,819, the NCCD said in a statement. The disease has claimed five lives in Mongolia so far. The Asian country is planning to vaccinate at least 60 percent of its 3.3 million population against COVID-19, and 20 percent of them will be vaccinated under COVAX, a global initiative to ensure quick and equal access to vaccines against the virus, according to the health ministry. The country is expected to launch a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign next week, the ministry said. Enditem The government has disbursed Ksh8,728,056,000 to be distributed to 1.1 million beneficiaries enrolled in the cash transfer programmes. The Inua Jamii cash, channelled through the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, seeks to uplift vulnerable Kenyan citizens through regular and reliable monthly cash transfers. The cash aid will be paid out to 1,090,587 Kenyans starting Monday, February 22, 2020. The payments are for the September-October and November-December payment cycles. A total of 762,947 beneficiaries enlisted under the Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme will receive Ksh.6.1 billion. To be eligible for Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT), an individual should be 70 years and above, not receiving a pension, not enrolled in any other cash transfer program, and residing in a particular location for more than a year. Another 293,688 beneficiaries enrolled in the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Programme will receive Ksh.2.3 billion. Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) is made to an extremely poor household with one or more OVCs as a permanent member, a household with a caregiver who is chronically ill and/or unable to perform his/her duties or a household not benefiting from any social assistance programme. 33,952 beneficiaries of the Persons with Severe Disability Cash Programme will receive Kshs.271.6 million. Eligibility for Persons with Severe Disabilities Cash Transfer (PWSD-CT) involves a person with severe disability (PWSD), who is a Kenyan citizen, not enrolled in any other cash transfer program and residing in a particular location for more than a year. The payment commences on Monday, February 22 through the four contracted banks(Kenya Commercial Bank, Equity Bank, Cooperative Bank and Post Bank). The beneficiaries will receive Ksh 8,000 each, said Nelson Marwa, the Social Protection Permanent Secretary. Beneficiaries or caregivers can access the payment at any time over the next six (6) months. To apply for the Inua Jamii funds visit your local District Social Development Officer in your District Office. You will be required to provide your National Identification Card and fill an application form that is not available online. After submission of your application and all the required documents, and lapse of vetting period (usually three months), you or the person you have listed as a beneficiary will receive your first payment of Ksh 2,000 per month through your Payment Service Providers (PSP) who handle the cash transfer. Payment is usually made after two months which totals to Ksh. 4000. A week after frigid temperatures, ice and snow crippled utilities across northwest Oregon, more than 54,000 homes and businesses remained without power Friday evening. Most of the outages, over 47,000 as of 5:30 p.m., were in Clackamas and Marion counties. Maria Pope, president of Portland General Electric, the states largest provider of electricity, said 90% of customers who lost power should have service restored by Friday night. The utility said it has about 3,000 employees working around the clock to restore power. Communities at what Pope called the epicenter of the storm including Canby, Silverton, Woodburn, Stayton, West Linn, Milwaukie, Sellwood, Gladstone and the surrounding areas could wait longer. For those customers, estimated to be about 15,000 homes and businesses, no definitive timetable has been set for when service could return. Officials in Clackamas County said Friday the National Guard would be deployed over the weekend to help reach residents who were immobile or otherwise stuck in their homes. We need assistance from the State in order to make every effort to help residents without the basics to survive while we all get through this, Tootie Smith, Chair of the Clackamas County Commission, said in a statement. We are particularly concerned about our rural residents, making sure that those who are homebound are visited and the medically fragile and small children are taken care of. Larry Bekkedahl, a PGE vice president, said during a news conference Friday that the storm was by far the most destructive ice event in 40 years and that crews were unable to get to the hardest-hit areas for the first 48 hours because of falling trees and dangerous conditions. He said the damage to transmission systems made progress slower, as crews had to address those repairs before getting to downed neighborhood lines. As of Friday, he said crews had repaired 330 miles of transmission line. The previous day, Pope also apologized to some customers who had received automated messages that their service had been restored, only to return home and find the power still out. Our hearts go out to those who have returned home and still dont have power on, she said. During Fridays press conference, Pope said PGE has a new map on its website to let customers know exactly where crews are working. As the outages stretch into their seventh day, reports surfaced on social media of some frustrated residents trying to reconnect or move power lines themselves. PGE spokesperson Andrea Platt said the utility advises people to stay away from downed lines and assume theyre energized even if they appear dormant. They can be very dangerous, if not deadly, she said. Dont touch them with an object, your clothes or your body. Dont drive over them. Platt also urged people who are picking up debris and moving downed trees to leave any limbs that are entangled with power lines, as those can also pose a risk. She said anyone with a downed line should call PGE at 503-464-7777. -- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale --Jayati Ramakrishnan; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; 503-221-4320; @JRamakrishnanOR Trudy Lieberman is a contributing editor to the Columbia Journalism Review where she blogs about health care and retirement. She is also a fellow at the Center for Advancing Health. She also has had a long career at Consumer Reports specializing in insurance, health care and health care financing. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) Thinking of going zero-waste but worried of its monetary costs? An environment group said you can do so by just looking at what you already have in your homes. "Kung magshi-shift tayo sa zero-waste lifestyle, hindi natin kailangan bumili ng bagong gamit or bagong environmentally acceptable products," EcoWaste Coalition policy advocacy officer Patricia Nicdao told Newsroom Ngayon. [Translation: If we will shift to zero-waste lifestyle, we do not need to buy new things or new environmentally acceptable products.] Nicdao explained old items like bags and containers may be repurposed and reused since purchasing new ones will defeat the purpose of eliminating waste. She noted that the Philippines has a severe "plastic crisis." Despite some 400 local government units having ordinances on the regulation of single-use plastic, Filipinos still use billions of plastics annually in their daily lives, she said. She mentioned several alternatives to single-use plastics, some of which are already being used by Filipinos for a very long time like bayongs, fabric bags, water jugs, washable glasses, stainless steel lunchboxes, and reusable bamboo straw. During this time of the pandemic, the use of plastic products like cutleries, became very prominent especially in food businesses. The advocate said it is safe to also reuse these, according to experts. In effect, this also lessens wastes. More than the shift, Nicdao said what their group would like to push is to have a circular economy, where citizens will recognize that natural resources are not infinite thus the need to reuse as much as possible. "We want a change in the system kasi doon talaga natin makikita iyong totoong pag-mitigate ng plastic pollution sa Pilipinas," she added. [Translation: We want a change in the system because that is when we can really mitigate plastic pollution in the Philippines.] The group also urged Congress to pass a comprehensive measure that will ban single-use plastics in the country. Hannah Clarke's family and friends met on Friday one year after tragedy to remember the kindhearted mother Hannah suffered years of psychological abuse and controlling behaviour at the hands of Rowan Baxter Shocking family tragedy rocked Australia and generated global headlines given the high level of violence Estranged husband Rowan Baxter set them alight in Brisbane last February in attack which shocked the nation and her young children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, were murdered in 2020 Advertisement Family and friends of murdered mother Hannah Clarke gathered on Friday to mark the one year anniversary of the tragedy. Lloyd and Sue Clarke were among many mourners to light candles and lay down flowers in their daughter's and grandchildren's memory at a nearby park in Brisbane's east, where a section has been named 'Hannah's Place'. There was barely a dry eye at the scene, with those close to Hannah Clarke and her three children still struggling to grasp the senseless nature of the four deaths. Plenty of the mourners in attendance wore shades of pink, which was Hannah's favourite colour and reflected her bubbly and caring personality. On February 19, 2020, Hannah Clarke's estranged husband Rowan Baxter jumped in the car and doused her children - six-year-old Aaliyah, four-year-old Laianah and three-year-old Trey - in petrol and set them alight in Camp Hill in a shocking domestic violence attack. Following the tragedy, Hannah's parents Lloyd and Sue Clarke established the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation in an attempt to push for law changes and educate senior high schoolers, as well as families about coercive control in relationships. Locals (pictured above) in Brisbane's east pay their respects at Hannah's Place at Camp Hill on Friday in what was an emotional occasion Lloyd and Sue Clarke were among many mourners to light candles and lay down flowers in their daughter's and grandchildren's memory at a nearby park in Brisbane's east, where a section has been named 'Hannah's Place' Hannah's parents also revealed they often visited Hannah's Place, a memorial set up in Camp Hill, in Brisbane's east to pay tribute to their daughter and beloved grand-kids Today marks one year anniversary of Hannah Clarke and her children's murder. Locals pay their respects at Hannah's Place in Camp Hill on Friday 'It is a good healing process for us and also to know that this hasn't happened in vain,' Ms Clarke told the ABC. Hannah suffered years of psychological abuse and controlling behaviour from Baxter, including not allowing her to wear a bikini to the beach when driving and creating a joint Facebook account which he closely monitored. Mr Clarke feels the wheel is turning in Queensland when it comes to criminalising coercive control, and that it has justified the couple's tireless advocacy work in the community. Hannah's parents also revealed they often visited Hannah's Place, a memorial set up in Camp Hill, in Brisbane's east to pay tribute to their daughter and beloved grand-kids. '[We think about] past memories, good times I suppose and missing the three little munchkins,' Mr Clarke said. '[Having them around] was chaos, but it was wonderful chaos.' Hannah suffered years of psychological abuse and controlling behaviour from Baxter, including not allowing her to wear a bikini to the beach when driving and creating a joint Facebook account which he closely monitored The anniversary was an emotional moment for those in attendance (pictured above), as the Clarke's try and again piece together their lives It was a challenging day for many who attended the park, with plenty of mourners still unable to grasp the senseless tragedy Bouquets of flowers were the order of the day (pictured above) as mourners remembered Hannah Clarke and her three young children Family and friends of Hannah Clarke made their way to Camp Hill on Friday to remember the mother of three who passed away a year ago on Friday The tragedy may be one year on, but the rawness of the four senseless deaths is still said to be affecting many mourners who paid their respects on Friday Across the state, Brisbane residents were encouraged to light a candle in their family's memory at 5:30pm - the exact time Hannah died in hospital a year ago. The Brisbane City Council planned to light the Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, City Hall and Reddacliff Place in pink in the CBD to honour Hannah and the children. On Thursday, Hannah Clarke's grieving family were inadvertently caught in the crossfire of Facebook's war on Australian news after their tribute page was shut down on the social media platform. Some of Australia's most important services have been gagged after the Australian government proposed legislation which would require services like Facebook and Google to pay for news. Rather than lock in deals with Australian outlets like Google has, nine million daily Australian Facebook users instead woke on Thursday to find their access to news on the app had been revoked. Facebook also shut down services beyond official media organisations, including the page dedicated to Lloyd and Sue Clarke's Small Steps 4 Hannah foundation. The Facebook page set up for the Small Steps 4 Hannah page was impacted when Facebook restricted access to news websites Hannah Clarke's three children (pictured above) - Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey at Sea World on the Gold Coast before their tragic passing in 2020 The foundation was established after 31-year-old Hannah was doused in petrol and set alight alongside her three children by her possessive estranged husband, Rowan Baxter, a year ago today. Hannah bravely detailed the attack to police twice before succumbing to burns covering 97 per cent of her body. As bystanders tried to rescue Hannah and her three babies, Baxter brandished a knife and told witnesses to 'let her burn' before fatally stabbing himself. Friday marked the one year anniversary of the brutal attack, and Mr and Mrs Clarke had planned to use their Facebook platform to communicate with followers on the page. Hannah Clarke (pictured above) with her two daughters Aaliyah, six, and Laianah, four - all three tragically passed away at the hands of Rowan Baxter Hannah's parents Lloyd and Sue are pictured with two of their grandchildren. The grieving couple are speaking out as a reminder that domestic violence can happen in any postcode and any class Small Steps 4 Hannah is not affiliated with any media organisations, and instead hoped to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of coercive control in the community. The couple hoped to shine a light on the topic after learning Hannah was herself a victim of coercive control within her relationship, yet didn't know what signs to look out for. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Wednesday she had established a task force to consult with survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence to better understand the needs of victims. The task force will report back to the government with its findings in October, when Ms Palaszczuk hopes to pass laws to criminalise the behaviour. And while Mr and Mrs Clarke are thrilled with the outcome, their limited access to the Facebook page has put a dampener on their spirits. 'It's very upsetting,' Mrs Clarke said of the censorship. 'We were wanting to announce one of our new ambassadors. It's very, very disappointing.' Prior to her death, Hannah separated from Baxter and learned she was a victim of coercive control. Coercive control is categorised as an insidious form of family violence which slowly restricts victims and strips them of their power within a relationship. In Hannah's relationship, Baxter dictated what she could and couldn't wear, would go through her phone and limited the time she could spend with friends and family. Offenders also often seize control of their victim's finances, though this wasn't the case with Hannah because Baxter was not smart enough to handle the money. 'Coercive control, like other forms of domestic and family violence, needs to be everybody's business,' Ms Palaszczuk said in a statement. 'We've seen legislation against coercive control in places like the UK, and it's important that we too have legislation in place to better protect victims.' While Lloyd and Sue Clarke can't access the Facebook page, they previously revealed how they would honour Hannah and their grandchildren on the anniversary of their deaths this Friday. The Clarke's will light a candle to represent Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey on Friday afternoon, and have encouraged the public to do the same Lloyd and Sue have created the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation to ensure other women know the less obvious warning signs of domestic violence The Clarke's lit a candle to represent Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey on Friday afternoon, and encouraged the public to do the same. The purpose of lighting candles is to remember the late family as 'bright, happy people who brought light to everyone they met,' Mrs Clarke explained. Her husband said the 'light' will come after 'our family and friends have been through some pretty dark times in the last 12 months'. 'As the sun goes down we invite you to light a candle for them and for all victims of domestic and family violence,' Mr Clarke said. Mrs Clarke also encouraged religious people to pray for a 'lighter and happier world' and to help 'keep the flame burning until there is no more darkness'. On Friday, Lloyd and Sue Clarke (pictured above) will light a candle to represent each of the lives lost on February 19, 2020 in an attack with generated world headlines Bobbi Jo Reed on transformation from addict to hero; helping thousands out of addiction through Christ Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The documentary film titled "Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence" shows the remarkable transformation of a Kansas City woman named Bobbi Jo Reed, who went from being an addict to a minister who's helped thousands find recovery. Thousands of people have stayed in Reed's healing houses over the years to help get their lives back on track. Along with getting cleaned up on the outside, an inner cleansing has also taken place for many. "Nobody's ever left here without finding a relationship with Christ, and that's amazing," Reed said of the people who've stayed in her recovery homes during an interview with The Christian Post. The documentary highlights Reed's remarkable journey of overcoming a 22-year struggle with alcoholism which led to homelessness, being trafficked, and nearly killed. After getting sober, she began her life's work with Healing House, which was started in 2003. Healing House is a nonprofit that helps people recover from addiction by providing housing, support, and life assistance as they work on their recovery. She operates 14 homes and an apartment complex that houses those who come for help. Once, Reed recounted, 900 women were going through recovery in Kansas City, Missouri, but there were only 24 safe beds for them citywide. Reed, a devout Christian, said she didn't come to her faith until she reached the end of herself. With her homes, she now provides a safe place for everyone to feel welcomed, valued and loved. "When I started helping these other people and sharing my experience with them, I started feeling like maybe there's something I could be good at," Reed said. "The Lord just took that ... changed my life." The following is an edited transcript of The Christian Post's interview with Reed, who shared her honest testimony of addiction and how God used her experience to help save others. Her journey can also be seen in the Gold Room Films documentary which is now available. Christian Post: Can you share a synopsis of your testimony? Reed: I have two older brothers. My dad was a police officer, always worked two jobs. That's just a big part of my story. I always longed to have a relationship with my father. This is a common thread that I had found with women with addiction issues. My mom had mental health issues that were not being addressed, so I started working a full-time job at 12 years old. I had the opportunity to go out with some of the older people at the job. My first drink was at 12. I had a speech impediment, I was always a chubby kid, and I had really low self-esteem. So when I found alcohol, I thought, 'Boy, I have arrived.' You always think you're funnier and better looking and a better dancer, right? But I just thought, "This is it." From the time I was 13 years old, I was an alcoholic and an addict. I lived in a house where we had a purple elephant in the front room and everybody just walked around it. Nobody said, "Hey, we have an elephant in our room." If we didn't talk about it, it was non-existent. We lived really in silos in my house, everybody did schoolwork and we were very siloed. It's not like we had any communication. My mom was a hoarder too, so there weren't places for us to sit and eat dinner and talk about things. I didn't know the Lord at all. When I was a kid, I probably went to Sunday School three, four times and that's all I knew. I knew of a God, but as I spiraled more and more out of control, I was in my addiction for 22 years. It took me to a lot of sorted places. This is the sad thing about it. Once you keep going to new depths of despair, your mind tells you, "Oh, well, this is just how it is." I remember a point when I was homeless, and there was an old guy that had a mattress and an old loveseat and a lantern under a bridge. I used to be envious and think, "Man if I could just have those things, I would be alright." My addiction led me to homelessness, being human trafficked. Of course, he [my pimp] would beat me up severely; my face would be too messed up. I would have to live under a boxcar next to a liquor store, the boxes on the back of semis. There's a part in a 12 step program that says incomprehensible demoralization. I know exactly what that means. I was so in the depths, I became an "it" out there. I was one of those people lying by the side of the road. When you pull up and you go, "Oh, my God, how can anybody be like that?" Well, it happens to people; it happened to me. CP: In your upbringing, what could have been done differently to help you not turn to substance abuse? Reed: I think if my dad wouldn't have always worked two jobs and not been present, I think that if we would have actually done things as a family, and not be so separated under the same roof. One of the things that I do at Healing House and we always have is I've created at Healing House the family that I always wanted. We come together at five o'clock in the evening, we pray together, we eat dinner together, we talk about what's going on with one another. If you're just sitting down for a few moments, you can look at somebody's face and see if they've got something going on and we never did that. A lot of families miss that because they might be in the same room together. But let's face it, everybody's on their phone, doing their own thing. If you're not paying attention, their demeanor, and you're not doing that on a regular basis, people get lost in it. I just got lost. CP: What turned this around for you? Reed: It was nothing but the grace of God that brought me out. I ended up in a detox in the inner city. This was what really made an impact. I always felt worthless. ... I went over a year without looking at myself in the mirror because I couldn't stand to see what was looking back at me. The blessing [was] this detox. Everybody's in one of 18 bunk beds, no toothpaste, no toothbrushes, no soap, everybody's dirty. So when I got out of the detox, I got into a treatment center. But what I did to supplement my income back in those days is I baked things like banana nut bread, zucchini bread, and I'd take them to the flea market, I'd sell them. So what I started doing when I got out of the treatment is I would buy like the little tubes of toothpaste and the small bars of soap, hotel stuff, I could get it really cheap. So I started taking that back to the detox. I started giving them my leftover baked goods and hygiene products. As it sounds, I did it at first because it made me feel good. I kept doing it because it just became the next right thing to do. God showed me and I started filling up. Because addiction is selfish and self-centered. Even though you might be homeless, it's still selfish. So when I started helping these other people and sharing my experience with them, I started feeling like, "Man, maybe I could do something, maybe there's something I could be good at." The Lord just took that, those hygiene products and that detox and those loaves of homemade bread changed my life. CP: Where would you say God was when you went through everything in your journey? Reed: God always had to be with me. That is a promise because God gave us all free will. He gave us free will and I ran into a lot of people being in my addiction that those folks were using their free will badly. But I know for a fact that if God hadn't been there with me, I would have been dead 100 times over anyway. I lived; I survived circumstances that most people would have died from. So I know for a fact He had to be there with me, even though horrific things were happening, that's people doing their free will. God was with me or I'd be dead. He spared my life through all the chaos and nonsense and stuff I was caught up in. I know for a fact that He was there with me through all of it. We have to be at a point in our life when we're willing to accept God. For me, I was sober three-and-a-half years before I really accepted Christ deep down in my heart, and it was my mother's death that brought that on. By taking care of her with cancer for three-and-a-half years and she died on Dec. 30, 1998. I had some roommates, I was three-and-a-half years sober, but my roommates had relapsed and left. My ex-boyfriend took me to the church, but I came home on Dec. 31 with my mother's urn for her ashes and I came home and my house was empty. So my two roommates who relapsed were gone. My boyfriend's not home ... I started bawling because it seemed like the rug was pulled out from all my support system around me. My dad had just died three-and-a-half years before. So I went home that night, and I got into bed and I was just crying out to God. I said, "Please don't let me go back where I came from. Lead and direct me, Lord, just take a hold of me." And I fell asleep praying to God and crying. Fear had always covered my life, fear of everything. When I woke up on Jan. 1, 1999, the Holy Spirit had taken up residence in me and I knew that I was going to be OK. That was the first time in my life that I ever felt I was going to be OK. Don't get me wrong, I still tried to take my will back and forth periodically. But I thought that I wanted a boyfriend, I want this or that. You know what? I just let the Lord take ahold of me and just heal me and show me and lead me. The Lord does speak to me audibly, but He speaks to my heart and He always tells me this is the next thing. This is what you do, and I just follow it. When I say I'm a Christ-follower, I am a Christ-follower. When He speaks, I go! CP: What advice do you have for families hoping to get through to a loved one in bondage to addiction? Reed: I think that we just have to come to a point of brokenness. I didn't come to the Lord, basically, because I wanted to be this goody two shoes. I went to the Lord because I was out of options. I tried a lot of different things; this was my last thing. I had not even acknowledged God in my life prior to that. I think we have to get to this point of brokenness where we're willing to say, "OK, God, I've exhausted my efforts, I'm yours, just please take me." When you have a loved one using drugs and alcohol, prayer is such a powerful thing. Continue to pray for them. My little saying is: There's always hope for an addict or alcoholic as long as they're breathing, there's always hope. I think the families don't want to enable people, but you do want to be there and especially be there if that person becomes willing to accept the help. The other thing is, drug and alcohol treatment can cost $50,000 to $75,000. I also want people to know that there's free treatment that they can get into, there's free recovery housing. Healing House does recovery support services. So we basically take people right off the street ... we get them hygiene, we get them clothing, we get them stable. They get put in this beautiful home. We have 14, all of our homes are beautiful. They live exactly like I want to live. I've been 25 years sober. They just walk in there and they feel the presence of God. You know what? Even the ones that have their hearts really hardened. God permeates the place. Nobody's ever left here without finding a relationship with Christ and that's amazing. CP: Tell us about Healing Homes and how that came about? Reed: I had an inheritance, I had $50,000, and I was looking for places to help women. There was an abandoned old nursing home that I kept being drawn to. The Lord kept drawing me to this place. One day, I went around the corner from that nursing home. I went in and looked at a house and the guy wanted $150,000 and it wasn't set up right to help accommodate a lot of women. So when I went back out to my car, I said, "Lord, you know I'm impatient. When you want me to have this, will you please just drop it in my lap because I'm getting impatient?" Then, I turned the corner and I'm on the side street of that old nursing home that I've been drawn to so many times. A real estate agent was walking up the steps to a house and I just said that prayer a minute earlier. So I pulled my car over and I ran up. I went in and it wreaked of urine and cigarette smoke. It had dark wood paneling and the windows were knocked out. It was awful. But guess what? The Holy Spirit was inside me saying, "This is it!" It was a 23 room house for $50,000, the exact amount I had coming in the mail. Two months later, a dope-dealing pimp moved right in next door to the original house. So I claimed his house in Jesus' name. A year-and-a-half later, we got the dope man's house [too]. Every house has a God story attached to it. I mean, just the way He worked, there's no doubt that He wasn't present in showing the way and making a way. Now we have 14 homes. Initially, it was for single women, and then men, and now families. So we have 40 apartments, and then we have 14 homes. There are 200 people that live with us each and every day. We also have a recovery community center that holds up to 350 people. There were Friday nights before COVID where we'd have 250 to 300 people in there for Bible study on a Friday night praising God, and staying clean and sober. Not just going without drugs and alcohol, but they're learning to be servants of God and helping others change. We've really changed this whole community where we live. There used to be gunfire, drug dealers, pimps, gang members, you don't see any of that anymore, at all. So the whole dynamic has changed in our community. It's just amazing. God has just been on the move. It's an amazing journey and I'm honored that God would pick me to be part of it. We just keep trekking. We also have a strip mall where we're opening up a beauty shop for people returning from prison who have their beauty certificates. CP: How can people be a part of doing something like what you've done in their community? Reed: I think just open your eyes and look around, see what's going on around you. Right now, my car is full of coats, and stocking caps and gloves, and bottles of water. So if I see somebody that's not dressed, I pull over and I say, "Do you need a coat honey? How about some gloves?" Find out you're homeless shelters and things like that. Give a donation of soap or toothpaste, toothbrushes. Look what's going on. Sometimes we don't even see what's right there. If you have an elderly neighbor, how is her grass getting mowed? Go mow her grass. CP: The documentary is titled 'Under the Influence.' Who are you under the influence of now? Reed: I love that title because I was under the influence of drugs and alcohol for so long. Absolutely, I am under the influence of God and Jesus Christ today, and I will be there until the Lord takes me home. This is what God created me to do and I'm a very blessed woman. I am so thrilled at the opportunity for this message to get out there and help other folks who are suffering in their addiction, or family members, or people who are just sitting still right now and only staying in their little circle. God calls us to do more than just love the people directly around us. God calls us to do more. I hope this film sparks something in every single person. I don't hope it, I pray that this will spark something in every person that gets to see it and call them to do something more than they're doing. Company to launch Blue Bear Vodka and exploring entry into the CBD and THC infused beverage markets Costa Mesa, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Sipp Industries, Inc. (OTC PINK: SIPC), a multifaceted corporation specializing in manufacturing and distribution of commercial and consumer products, and the producer of craft hemp-infused beer and other fine alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, announces new business opportunities in the spirits and cannabis beverage space. Sipp Industries has been working with a local distillery to produce a line of craft spirits. The line under consideration includes a vodka, gin and whiskey. The products will be produced and launched in phases throughout this year. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6742/74925_45e2918f543148a9_001full.jpg The Company is scheduled to launch Blue Bear Vodka early next month as its first product. Blue Bear is a craft vodka distilled from cane, registering at 40% alcohol by volume or 80 proof. It is distilled six times and available in 750 mL bottles. The label for the Blue Bear Vodka has been approved and the Company is proceeding to finalize the packaging with production to immediately followed. Additional information regarding the vodka and launch will be provided in the next few weeks. The Company is also in discussion to arrange for the product distribution starting with the distillery's local and Elite Beverage's national distributors. The vodka will be available in retail as well as online stores. The Company remains in contact with the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") and the Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau ("TTB") regarding its Cannabidiol ("CBD") Beer recipe. This is still pending approval with both parties until further regulatory clarity is made by the government which is expected sometime this year. As federal cannabis laws continue to evolve, Sipp Industries is positioned for quick recipe approval which remains a high priority for the Company. To capitalize on the burgeoning cannabis beverage industry, the Company is continuing its discussions with a partner company to develop non-alcoholic beers infused with CBD and THC. These new products will not need approval from the TTB and will be initially targeted to medical marijuana dispensaries in the Southwest region. The Company has received strong interest from several dispensaries to carry these two product concepts. Earlier this year, Molson Coors announced the launch of its first CBD beverages in Colorado and U.S. Constellation-backed Canopy Growth is set to enter the legal cannabis markets in California and Illinois later this year. In addition to developing its own brands, Sipp Industries will continue to work with partners Elite Beverage and Green Cures and Botanical Distribution ("Green Cures") for broader distribution of Tequila Comisario and Contagin. The Company will remain a distribution partner of Green Cures for Contagin, but brand manufacturing and ownership will remain under Green Cures. About Sipp Industries, Inc. Sipp Industries is a multifaceted corporation that specializes in manufacturing and distribution of commercial and consumer products, and the producers of craft hemp-infused beer and other fine alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. Website: http://www.sippindustries.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SippIndustries Twitter: @SippIndustries Forward Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and section 21e of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements include the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management team. Forward-looking statements are projections of events, revenues, income, future economics, research, development, reformulation, product performance or management's plans and objectives for future operations. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accomplishing the strategy described herein is significantly dependent upon numerous factors, many that are not in management's control. Contact: Ted Jorgensen Sipp Industries, Inc. Investor Relations ir@sippindustries.com 949.220.0435 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74925 Noida: IKEA was on Friday handed over a land parcel measuring nearly 50,000 sq metres in Noida where the Swedish furniture giant is set to start its first retail outlet in Uttar Pradesh, according to officials. The allotment, which has been made in Sector 51, was transferred by the Noida Authority that received Rs 850 crore from IKEA for the commercial land, they said. The transfer was made during a programme held here in the presence of top Noida Authority and IKEA officials, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minisiter Yogi Adityanath and UP Cabinet Minister Satish Mahana joined the event virtually from Lucknow. The company is expected to invest Rs 5,000 crore in Noida in seven years, Noida Authority CEO Ritu Maheshwari said that officials estimate job creation for 2,000 persons due to the project. "In dignified presence of CM Yogi Adityanath and Minister Satish Mahana, the Noida Authority handed over land for commercial development to IKEA. "The Authority received Rs 850 crore against the land and IKEA shall invest around 5,000 crore in the project in coming seven years and generate employment for many," Maheshwari tweeted. Live TV #mute IKEA India CEO Peter Betzel, CFO Preet Dhupar and UP Chief Secretary R K Tiwari, among others, also joined the programme, according to the Noida Authority. Russia is set to operate the first direct trip to the Egyptian seaside resort towns of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada on 28 February, after a five-year-plus suspension following the crash of a Russian flight in Sinai in October 2015. The announcement was made by the head of Egypt's Civil Aviation Authority, Ashraf Noweir, who said that the Russian Nordwind Airlines will operate two trips a week to Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada as of 28 February. According to Noweir, the Russian decision comes on the heels of the latest week-long tour by a Russian inspection delegation that inspected safety and protective measures at Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada airports. The airport security measures at the Egyptian airports were commended by the Russian transport ministrys security inspectors, who led the inspection tour, said Noweir. He added that Egyptian airports adopt all necessary security and air safety measures and are well-equipped with the latest inspection devices. Russias flight suspension to Red Sea resorts has taken a heavy toll on Egypts tourism industry a key source of hard currency since Russian visitors were major contributors to the tourism market in the country prior to 2015. In 2014, three million Russians visited the country, and in 2015, prior to the crash and the subsequent flight suspension, 2.4 million Russians visited Egypt. Since 2015, Egyptian authorities have upgraded all safety and security measures at all of the country's airports. As a result of the Egyptian efforts, Russia resumed flights to Cairo International Airport in April 2018, ending a 30-month suspension, but did not resume flights to Egypt's Red Sea destinations. Over the past several years, Russian aviation and security experts have inspected safety measures at Egyptian airports, including Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, on more than one occasion. International flights between Egypt and Russia came to a halt in March 2020 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak worldwide, but Russia resumed regular international flights to Cairo on 3 September, nearly two months after Egypt began a gradual resumption of regular international flights on 1 July. Since July 2020, foreign tourists in groups have been allowed entry into the three coastal Egyptian governorates with the lowest coronavirus infection rates in the country South Sinai, the Red Sea and Matrouh. Short link: 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. We have been meeting around the clock behind closed doors .... to pass and to bring forward a strong version of civilian oversight, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, said at a Friday morning news conference. Weve been coming closer and closer and closer ... to really working out our differences. ... We would have gotten there. I am just so disappointed. ... We want our mayor to be supportive of these efforts, not to be someone who is hampering our progress. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News (TNS) Six U.S. Capitol Police officers have been suspended and dozens more are under investigation in connection with last months deadly pro-Trump attack on the historic building, a spokesman for the agency said Thursday. In total, 35 officers are facing internal investigations conducted by the U.S. Capitol Polices Office of Professional Responsibility for their actions during the Jan. 6 riot, the spokesman said in a statement. The six suspended officers have been placed off duty with pay. The spokesman did not elaborate on the reasons for the suspensions, but suggested its related to acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittmans effort to reprimand officers who didnt respond forcefully enough as a mob of violent Trump supporters stormed the building on Jan. 6. Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not in keeping with the Departments Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline, the spokesman said. Five people, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, were killed in the Jan. 6 chaos. Another two officers who responded to the bloody attack committed suicide days later. Videos posted to social media in the aftermath of the assault showed that some Capitol Police officers took selfies with the attackers. Other officers appeared to give the attackers directions, sparking outrage among members of Congress, whose lives were in danger during the riot. In addition to internal police probes, Congress plans to establish a 9/11-style commission to investigate how the attackers were able to smash their way into the Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of President Joe Bidens election victory. Former President Donald Trump whose call for the attackers to fight like hell inspired the insurrection is likely to face continued scrutiny as part of the forthcoming commission inquiry. 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. Have you ever wondered why things seem clearer when looking at circumstances from a different perspective? Although it is hard to believe, Easter is almost here, and it ushers in a sense of anticipation and also apprehension on what occurred over 2000 years ago, in what can be described as one of the turning points of history, and of the world as we know it. Guilty or innocent With a new year comes a new film, and this Easter, The Penitent Thief tracks the story of the crucifixion, but through a different lens. The perspective of the two thieves who are often deemed as accessories to the fact, were also crucified on the same day opposite Jesus Christ, during what is now known as Good Friday. This film narrates the journey of two innocent boys who fell into the habit of becoming notorious thieves, and who eventually suffered the fate of capital punishment. During those times, crucifixion was the choice of torture for chief criminals, and these two thieves ended up suffering at the hands of their Roman oppressors. However, as the story goes, they were to be crucified on the same day that a man widely known as the Christ, was also to be sentenced. Despite the turn of events, their encounter with Jesus Christ was not decided by fate, but by destiny. Though it is true that the two thieves chose to respond to the Christ in different ways, only one had a conversation with Him on the cross that determined the rest of his life. A different reality Personally, I have always wondered how conversations can have a profound impact on the trajectory of ones life. As it turns out, sometimes the very words we speak with one another can actually alter the outcome of our future, even without us knowing it. This can especially be true when we realise that the person we speak of, or speak to, is someone of special importance. I recall having a conversation with a colleague about my interest in travel. I didnt fully understand why we were having the conversation, or the importance of what we were discussing at the time, but my former colleague ended up becoming my newly wedded wife. Despite the drastic turn of events, our initial conversation sparked a series of events that eventually changed my life, for the better. Future assured Although a different tale, The Penitent Thief shows how a simple conversation actually changed the perspective, and ultimately, the reality of a convicted criminal. In the publics eye, the thieves in the story was clearly deserving of capital punishment; caught in the act, sentenced to death, and found guilty, for all intents and purposes, they seemed to be getting what their sins deserved. However, at some point during their excruciating ordeal, one of the criminals on the cross opposite Jesus Christ noticed His plight; despite also receiving a similar sentence and suffering the same ordeal, His response seemed the exact opposite. He seemed to be fulfilling His destiny, instead of escaping it. This seemed to have an extraordinary impact on the thief, who decided to find out why. Knowing that his time was short, he scolded his fellow thief for his ignorance, accepted his own fate, and asked for forgiveness. The response of the Christ is equally astounding: And Jesus replied, I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise (Luke chapter 23, verse 43). Despite having just encountered this felon, Jesus immediately lets him into the gates of heaven. And the most amazing thought is that this thief, who for all intents and purposes, was condemned to death, in so doing, was granted life. Perhaps seeing things from a different perspective is what changes everything. India's next Mars mission likely to be an orbiter India pti-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Feb 19: As NASA's Perseverance rover landed on Mars in the early hours of Friday to look for signs of past life, ISRO's next mission to the Red Planet is likely to be an orbiter. Perseverance, the biggest and the most advanced rover ever sent by NASA, made its landing at Jezero Crater. After its successful Mars Orbiter Mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) called for 'Announcement of Opportunities' on Mars Orbiter Mission-2. "It is now planned to have the next orbiter mission around Mars for a future launch opportunity," according to the Announcement of Opportunities. But there are other major projects that are lined up. After the Mars Orbiter Mission's success, ISRO also decided to explore Venus. However, the immediate priorities of ISRO remain to be Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan -- both projects have been delayed due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Under Chandrayaan-3, ISRO will once again try to land a rover on the Moon. The mission was to be launched late last year. Chandrayaan-2 did not yield expected results as the lander hard-landed, dashing India's hopes to successfully land on the Moon. ISRO plans to send three humans to space by 2022 under the Gaganyaan (human space) mission. ISRO tests two satellites developed by private sector for the first time The India France Joint Vision for Space Cooperation' also mentions about the possible collaboration to explore Mars. "CNES and ISRO, with the support of Laboratoire de meteorologic dynamique (LMD, CNRS), will jointly work on the modelling of Mars and Venus atmospheres," the vision statement said. Mangalyaan or Mars Orbiter Mission was India's first endeavour to successfully reach another planet. The launch vehicle, spacecraft and ground segment cost Rs 450 crore, one of the cheapest missions to Mars so far. Designed to work for six months, the mission has completed over six years. The Mars orbiter has sent thousands of pictures totalling more than two terabytes. Loading Indeed, Labors quest for seats has led to some interesting alliances in the past week. Strange bedfellows The Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party have previously blocked key legislation for Labor, such as its attempts to lock-up the Roe 8 and 9 road reserve through Beeliar Wetlands in green tape, nationalise the lobster industry, and introduce a gold tax. So it makes it difficult to take Mr McGowan seriously when he bats away concerns of his sides deal with SFF while laying into the Liberals for ranking One Nation high in its preferences. The Premier does not seem to be a fan of the preference swap with SFF, but the logic he uses that Labor would not water down gun control, while simultaneously giving a leg-up to a party that wants to, is not compatible. The Liberals may not support all of One Nations policies, but just like Labor theyll take the votes where they can get them. Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup made a big show about his party putting what he deemed anti-vaxxer parties Health Australia Party, No Mandatory Vaccination Party, and the Great Australia Party at the bottom of the Liberals preferences. No Mandatory Vaccination, which says it is not anti-vaccination, is pushing for the COVID-19 jab not to be forced upon people against their will. One Nation meanwhile, which was placed only two parties behind Liberal candidates on some of the latters group tickets, has a health policy that sounds similar and a little loose as it wants to support peoples right to make informed choices in regards to medical treatment and vaccinations. Facebook = North Korean dictator Mr McGowans comparison between the global web giant and the despot of the technologically challenged hermit kingdom did not pull any punches. The Bureau of Meteorology and Department of Fire and Emergency Services were both caught up in the Facebook blackout of media organisations in Australia on Thursday, which raised concerns about the availability of critical information for WA users. The sudden shake-up of the media landscape by Facebook is a timely reminder that a lot of organisations like BoM and DFES have their own websites which are better to monitor directly in an emergency rather than through social media. Those two government department pages were soon back up and running on Facebook, as was Mr Kirkup, who was momentarily blocked, unlike Mr McGowan. Mr McGowan didnt get off lightly though; livestreams of the Premiers daily press conferences are gone from Facebook, given the outlets which usually do it could not run the footage. Those livestreams can have audiences of tens to hundreds of thousands, and always start with a completely unedited run of about 10 minutes where Mr McGowan can say whatever he wants. Zak Kirkups Myspace page. Credit:Myspace Mr Kirkup took his social media strategy in another direction when he pivoted to Myspace a popular social media site in the mid-late 2000s as a joke in the short time he was kicked off Facebook. Not in my backyard Loading The Liberal energy plan may have rankled traditional voters for the party (and even several sitting opposition MPs caught unawares by the policy), but theyre trying to reel the golden triangle and safe seat crowd back in with an anti-development policy. Anti-development in the sense the scheme seeks to limit in-fill targets for the metropolitan area to within the City of Perth, increase the DAP minimum project cost thresholds, and put height and location limits on building flats in the suburbs. Property Council of WA executive director Sandra Brewer said she was concerned such reforms would add time and cost to projects. It is unclear what has motivated todays announcement calling for planning system reform that stands up for our suburbs, she said. Property Council research released last year shows that 74 per cent of Perth residents arent opposed to medium-density living in their suburb and are seeking the benefits it provides, including safety, a sense of community and housing choice. Opposition planning spokesman Tjorn Sibma said its policy was designed to improve how the community was treated by the planning system and authorities. [Planning Minister Rita Saffioti] has turned a blind eye to inappropriate scatter-gun infill developments in the suburbs. The Premier has derided opponents of inappropriate infill as NIMBYs, he said. We urgently need to restore public trust in our planning system. We can accommodate a growing population and achieve our full economic potential while respecting community perspectives about policies that affect their homes, families and immediate neighbourhoods. The Liberals are spamming seats like South Perth and the western suburbs with the new policy as the party looks like it could be on a hiding to nothing this election. Loading A hiding in that they might lose a lot of seats and nothing in the sense they may not end up with any. Nationals apologise to former deputy In a week where horrendous rape allegations raised questions over the work environment and power dynamics in federal Parliament, the Nationals in WA made their own apology over claims of bullying and harassment raised by former deputy leader Jacqui Boydell late last year. State President Steve Blyth admitted this week the party needed better processes for dealing with such complaints and apologised to Ms Boydell for shortcomings in the system which had caused her distress. Ms Boydell welcomed the changes and said she hoped the party could demonstrate the core values of the people it represented. I dont think that the behaviour that I was experiencing from some people reflected the standards of a modern and professional organisation and that better processes were required for dealing with these matters, she said. The state of play come March 13 A huge field of 788 candidates running across 19 political parties and as independents will contest the election, a more than 10 per cent increase on 2017 numbers. When enrolments closed, there were 1.7 million West Australians registered to vote, which was a 7.75 per cent increase from the election four years ago. There will be democracy sausages in 2021* *Pending no further COVID-19 community outbreaks, the Chief Health Officer has confirmed snags are on the menu. Hash on the hustings? There is a party running this election called Legalise Cannabis WA but given they dont have any sitting parliamentarians it seems one punter may be a bit ahead of the curve, as spotted by ABC Perth state political maven Jacob Kagi. The promises you might have missed this week The Liberals spent most of the week spruiking their party-polarising energy plan from last Thursday but also made a series of minor electorate announcements worth more than $200 million. Most of these promises were in marginal seats as both major parties got into a pork-barreling contest with just one week until early voting starts. Over in Hillarys, opposition police spokesman Peter Katsambanis looks to be getting a tad nervous with $38.9 million of commitments in the past week three-quarters of those going towards upgrades at Duncraig Senior High School. Labor candidate Caitlin Collins matched an old Liberal promise for $15 million towards a Kallaroo primary school and came up with an $8 million redevelopment of Sorrento Surf Live Saving Club facilities, which the opposition quickly confirmed it would also back. Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup is hoping to shore up the pro-dolphin vote in Dawesville. Credit:Frank Redward In Darling Range, the biggest promise from Labors Hugh Jones was $22 million for local schools, while sitting MP Alyssa Hayden hit back with a $4 million youth centre in Byford and a $15 million police station, although the latter fits into an old $60 million commitment by the Liberals. In Jandakot, the Liberals put up $37 million for a sports complex in Canning Vale, which trumps the $10 million support from Labor. Kalamunda was a war of smaller community grants between Labor MP Matthew Hughes and his challenger Liam Staltari. The Liberals even put up more than $5 million for Murray-Wellington, which becomes a tougher seat to pick up on the back of Labors job-killers campaign taking aim at the oppositions plan to shut down coal-fired power stations. One interesting wrinkle was $26 million promised for Como Secondary College on Saturday by South Perth Liberal candidate Ryan Chorley running in place of retiring MP John McGrath in what is thought to be a relatively safe seat for the party. As a side note, the media get invited to one or two election events by Labor and the Liberals at this point in the race, but no such press conferences were held for some of these sizeable promises. We still got a callout, however, to hear Mr Kirkup reveal a plan to spend $250,000 on a jet-ski and ranger to protect Mandurah dolphins. When it comes to the bigger picture, Labor have promised about $2 billion, of which about half has been checked off by Treasury so far as the party has started to submit its costings on a weekly basis. The Liberal Party, meanwhile, have racked up more than $5 billion of promises. 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. MADRID For years, Spains government dismissed the separatist movement in the Catalonia region as little more than a souffle easy to inflate but then collapsing in on itself. Yet the movement shows no signs of imploding anytime soon, even amid a pandemic that has bridged divides elsewhere in Europe. In a regional election on Sunday, parties seeking to create a breakaway state for Catalonia the part of northeastern Spain that includes Barcelona increased their majority in the regional Parliament. They began negotiations this week to form a coalition. Election turnout was sharply reduced by the coronavirus, but the final tally showed pro-independence parties receiving a majority of votes a prize that had long eluded them. "They are not furniture, they are not sculpture, just call them 'Lalannes.'" New exhibit at the Clark Art Institute showcases the playful works of the art duo known as Les Lalannes. French police on Friday urged people to avoid the temptation to meet up with friends to enjoy spring-like weather this weekend, warning that officers would be stepping up their Covid social distancing patrols. Temperatures are forecast to flirt with 20 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) across much of the country after a recent cold snap, which authorities worry could draw curfew-weary crowds to parks and riverbanks. Already on Friday, TV reports showed flocks of people enjoying maskless drinks outside restaurants in Paris, reminiscent of the huge crowds that flouted the ban on groups of more than six in warm months last year. Paris police warned that 700 officers would fan out to issue fines of 135 euros ($165) to anyone caught outside after the nationwide curfew begins at 6 pm (1700 GMT). It added that around 4,000 officers would be mobilised over the weekend to enforce distancing rules, including breaking up outdoor gatherings. "This is not the time to relax our collective guard," it said on Twitter. In the southeastern city of Lyon, authorities issued an outright ban on outdoor drinking of alcohol in much of the city centre, a popular district with scores of cafes and restaurants. In contrast to some neighbours like Britain, France has so far avoided a third coronavirus lockdown, while keeping in place a nighttime curfew. Infections remain high, with over 22,500 new cases recorded on Thursday, but are relatively stable and the government appears at ease with its current strategy for the moment. It has resisted calls to consider lifting the curfew or other restrictions, including bar, restaurant, cinema and museum closures. js/sjw/har A father of three children he adopted with his same-sex partner has been arrested after they burned to death in a house fire in Brazil. Ricardo Reis de Farias e Vieira, 33, was arrested in southern Sao Paulo state following a fire at his house on Wednesday which killed biological siblings Fernanda, 14, and Gabriel, nine, and two-year-old Lorenzo. Police reportedly became suspicious of Ricardo after he told them he couldn't hear his children amid the blaze, but neighbours recalled hearing one of the boys shout: 'Dad, don't leave us here to die'. Ricardo Reis de Farias e Vieira, 33 (right), has been arrested in Brazil after a fire killed his three children - Fernanda (right), Gabriel (bottom left) and Lorenzo (centre) - who he had adopted with same-sex partner Leandro, 36 (left) Biological siblings Fernanda (left) and Gabriel (right) were adopted by the couple in 2014, while the youngest, Lorenzo, was adopted in 2019 Ricardo claims he was woken by smoke in his Sao Paulo house on Wednesday morning before running to get police because he was unable to get into his children's room Ricardo had adopted the two elder children with his partner Leandro Jose Reis de Farias e Vieira, 36, in 2014, and the pair then adopted the youngest son in 2019. Ricardo and Leandro were married for 15 years but had recently separated and were sharing custody, with the children spending a week at each house. They were staying with Ricardo on Wednesday night when a fire broke out in their room, local media reports. Ricardo told investigators he was woken by smoke and couldn't get into the children's room, so ran to the local police station for help. Police raced back to the house and broke down the door of the children's bedroom, but cold not enter because the flames were too hot. Instead, they were forced to wait for the arrival of firefighters who managed to get the blaze under control so officers could enter. Once inside, they found the charred remains of the three children - one in the bathroom, one in the corner of the bedroom, and another by a window. Police became suspicious of Ricardo (right) because of 'inconsistencies' in his story, including his claim that the children never called out despite a neighbour saying one shouted 'don't leave us here to die' Ricardo (right) had been married to Leandro (left) for 15 years but the couple had split up recently and were sharing custody of their children Leandro, who lives 50 miles away, arrived a short time later and in shock. Police announced on Thursday that Ricardo had been arrested, but stressed that he is not yet being charged and they are still investigating multiple possibilities. Police chief Eliardo Jordao said the arrest would allow officers to investigate faster, including probing some inconsistencies in Ricardo's statements. Jordao said inconsistencies included Ricardo's claim that he was woken by smoke, when neighbours recalled hearing the children scream. He said the door to the children's room was also locked, and police want to know who locked it and why. Officers are also trying to work out why the youngest child, who typically sleeps in a room with Ricardo, was instead sleeping in a room with his siblings. Police say they arrested Ricardo to assist with their investigations and say he is not yet a suspect and hasn't bee charged (his burned-out house, pictured) According to Leandro, Ricardo had tried to get back together a few months ago, claiming it did not make sense to live without a united family. Friends and family of the two men say they were devoted to their children, and couldn't imagine either man doing anything to hurt them. In 2019, the family were even interviewed on TV to talk about the benefits of adopting children. 'There is no right or wrong family. The important thing is love,' Fernanda had said at the time. The investigation continues. 24521 Tim Critchley, CEO, Semafone Tim Critchley, CEO, Semafone Typically, a law is not applicable beyond the borders of its nation of origin. For example, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) are limited to the scope of the United States. Likewise, the laws set forth by the Canadian Privacy Commission do not protect those outside of Canada. However, there is soon to be an exception to the rule with the enactment of the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR). If your company operates outside the EU, you may be unsure exactly how the GDPR will impact your business. In fact, you may not even realize that these new data protection requirements will impact your business at all. The truth of the matter is that it is time to start paying attention to the EU GDPRno matter where in the world you conduct businessbecause it will affect everyone, and the consequences of non-compliance are severe. EU GDPR 101 In todays digital age, people are sharing a prolific amount of personal information through the Internet, social media, mobile applications and cloud computing systems, making it more and more difficult for individuals to control where, when and how their data is processed. To better protect citizens personal information and simplify business rules for the companies that handle this data, the European Commission proposed the GDPR back in 2012. The regulation will officially take effect on May 25, 2018, replacing the previous data protection regulation, Directive 95/46/EC, which came before the dot-com boom and the Internet privacy concerns that followed. In actuality, the GDPR extends beyond the EU and to any company that processes the data of individual EU citizens Once enacted, the GDPR will bring about a number of changesstricter requirements for obtaining consent when collecting data; the need to alert the relevant supervisory authority of data breaches within 72 hours of occurrence; and the right to be forgotten, in which data subjects can request the deletion of personal information that is no longer serving its original purpose. While these are just a few of the changes the regulation will set forth, the ultimate goal is clear: to create a consistent framework for data protection across the EU. This is of prime importance, as more than 90 percent of Europeans say they want the same data protection rights regardless of where the data is processed, according to the European Commission. Lets go back to the phrase, regardless of where the data is processed. In actuality, the GDPR extends beyond the EU and to any company that processes the data of individual EU citizens. So, if you are a U.S.-based company, and you hold or process data pertaining to EU citizens, you must comply with the GDPR. And, the GDPR is a mandatory, not voluntary, guideline. Therefore, the penalties for non-compliance are especially stringent and include the right for EU citizens to sue as a class. Furthermore, the EU estimates that businesses who do not comply with the GDPR face fines up to 4 percent of the companys global revenue. That is a huge ramification, especially for larger corporations. Is a Single International Regulation Framework Possible? A look at the history books shows little evidence of the broad use of data security standards in an enterprises everyday operations. The International Organizations for Standardization (ISO), or the Payment Card Industry Standards, including the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), come to mind, but they greatly differ from the GDPR. ISO standards are completely voluntary, and are intended to help companies access new markets, level the playing field across countries, and facilitate fair global trade. Similarly, PCI DSS are self-regulatory industry standards, not a law. Because the protections the GDPR provides will follow EU citizens wherever they reside, it is believed to be one of the first truly international data protection frameworks. Another glance at the past shows that complying with widespread regulations like PCI DSS has not been without challenges. In an attempt to reduce complexity, many organizations opt to run their compliance programs by simply checking a box for each requirement before moving onto the next standards requirement. Often, the system changes designed to meet the second standard create data security issues with the first. Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC) software can only go so far in preventing these situations and making sure each requirement is met. It also does not consolidate and publish requirements in a single, convenient place. Embracingand Bracingfor the GDPR It may seem unfeasible that a single international set of standards could exist that meets all data security needs and simplifies the regulatory environment, but the GDPR is a step in this direction. Although there are bound to be some hiccups along the way, the GDPR signifies a positive move toward defining a specific data privacy goal for citizens all over the world. The regulation will also help standardize the processes and requirements that businesses must follow to bring this goal to fruition. As we continue to embrace technologies that inherently present new data security and privacy concerns, we must also embrace the need for a global standard to protect personal information. The GDPR holds promise for establishing the foundation on which businesses protect sensitive data in a unified matter. While the enactment of the GDPR is still over a year away, companies across the globe should already be considering its implications. Taking the time to understand the pending requirements will help you minimize risk and ensure the security of your customers and your employees most personal data, now and in the future. See Also: Top GDPR Companies In Europe Police nab two for black-marketing of oxygen in Delhi No proof of fraud against Srinivas, Gambhir: They were helping, Delhi Police tells HC Toolkit: Strictly abide by stand that you have not leaked probe details, HC to cops India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: The Delhi High Court hearing the toolkit case has declined to order at this stage removal of any news content or tweets by the police. The court directed the police to strictly abide by its stand that it has not leaked or intends to leak probe details. The Delhi Police told the Court that it has not leaked any probe material to the media in connection with the case lodged against Disha Ravi in the toolkit. Kya gender, age, profession pooch kar guna tay hoga, Shah on Disha Ravi case The court is hearing a petition filed by Disha Ravi to restrain the police from leaking to the media any probe material in relation to the FIR lodged against her. The Delhi Police made the submission before Justice Pratibha M Singh through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The police filed a detailed affidavit stating that the allegations made by the petitioner is false. The police said that it had not leaked and shared any input and data with the media. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News The court also granted the police time to file a reply and rejoinder. Further the court said that the petitioner's right to privacy and freedom should be protected and balanced. A closely monitored survey has found that new infections across the UK have fallen sharply, just days before Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlines a roadmap as to how lockdown restrictions in England can be eased in the weeks and months to come. The Office for National Statistics said in its weekly infection survey that rates of transmission have fallen across all four UK nations. In England, it estimated that in the week to February 12, one in 115 people tested positive for COVID-19. In the previous week, the rate stood at one in 80. A similar picture emerged in the other three nations of the UK - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The whole of the UK, which has recorded the most coronavirus-related deaths in Europe at nearly 120,000, is in lockdown. Leaders are being careful about lifting lockdown restrictions, but are hoping that many can be eased from next month onwards following the rapid rollout of vaccines. On Monday, Johnson is expected to allow some students to return to school on March 8. (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.) 24983 Bill Melo, Chief Marketing Executive, Toshiba America Business Solutions Bill Melo, Chief Marketing Executive, Toshiba America Business Solutions Today, everyone expects the interaction with a smart device to be an intuitive, engaging, and personal experience. We have all grown accustomed to intuitive, game-like apps that are simple to use and quick to master. This expectation was top of mind when my marketing team and I were brainstorming ways to transform the user experience of our e-STUDIO multifunction printer (MFP) customers. The goal was to create a more intuitive, yet powerful MFP that conformed to the user's work life, language and daily tasks. Think of a smartphone loaded with really useful apps. Perhaps most importantly, we wanted to create a simple to use and fun e-STUDIO user experience. Early on, the team decided to focus on redefining the MFP walk up experience. This meant designing a user interface (UI) intuitive enough for customers to operate our e-STUDIO products without the need for any instructions. The result is Toshiba's Elevate. Elevate is the technology that enables us to deliver a hyper-personalized user interface on our e-STUDIO products for customers. Elevate simplifies sophisticated, multi-step tasks with the touch of a button. Automating common functions streamlines our clients' document workflow and significantly improves efficiency. Elevate's capability to scan and send a secure PDF of a patient ID card to a hospital medical records system with the touch of a button frees up valuable staff time and ultimately improves the patient experience. Elevate also saves teachers significant time by scanning and delivering student homework, tests, and even lesson plans to school portals. Fortunately we had a head start as Elevate's underlying technology had already been developed by Toshiba engineers in Japan last spring to coincide with the release of our new-generation e-STUDIO products. Our next step was creating a rapid and easily customization system to discover, develop, and deploy the unique user interface on a mass scale. This element of the project required the help of our engineering team here in Irvine, California. With Elevate, processes that previously required several steps or even digging through more advanced menus can be boiled down to a few minor steps or even one touch We understood that users in different industries and even those working in different departments within the same industry or company for that matter use our MFPs in very different ways. Some businesses require very high levels of security, others use the MFP to scan documents into a business application or document management system. Our goal was to make all of these advanced functions one-button operations. We identified eight different industries, including healthcare, education, government, manufacturing and logistics, retail, houses of worship and finance and banking that had very different workflows involving the MFP. This insight resulted in the creation of eight industry-specific off the shelf UIs meant to address many of the needs in each of these business categories. Though these industry templates were suitable for the majority of applications within the eight industries, we knew we needed to create a system that could be fully customized for every customer. Using our cloud-based service application called e-BRIDGE CloudConnect; we created a system that allows our professional services team to rapidly customize a user interface to the exact requirements of each client. Toshiba's Elevate now offers a unique opportunity to take the common tasks, language, and brand of every customer and create a customized experience that transforms previously complicated tasks into one touch operations. Additionally, Elevate can integrate client branding and messaging elements within their individual Elevate user interface to provide extra value. Elevate clearly resonated with stakeholders upon its launch. Both customers and resellers immediately understood the value of receiving and offering unique and customizable products. Elevate was also well received by industry leaders. When asked about Toshiba's Elevate, George Mikolay, an associate director at market research company, Keypoint Intelligence, said, Toshibas new Elevate platform sets the foundation for what promises to be a highly intuitive user interface that will simplify the user experience and streamline common and even more advanced scan and copy workflows. With Elevate, processes that previously required several steps or even digging through more advanced menus can be boiled down to a few minor steps or even one touch. Our level of excitement continues today as customers and resellers are providing us with positive reviews since we've started shipping our Elevate-equipped MFPs in late July. What began as a concept to improve our customer experience a little more than a calendar year ago has developed into a technology, which is transforming and personalizing the manner in which people interact with our products. The creation of Elevate was the result of a selfless team of individuals who were committed to a singular vision and purpose. Burma Chairman of Myanmars Buddhist Authority Urges Negotiations to End Post-Coup Crisis The Uppatasanti Pagoda board of trustees receives advice from Bhamo Sayadaw (second from right) and senior monks in Naypyitaw in March 2020. / The Irrawaddy YANGONBhamo Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara, chairman of the state Buddhist authority, known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ha Na, has called for negotiations to solve the mounting political crisis in Myanmar in the aftermath of the military coup. Receiving the chairman and members of the Mandalay Region Administrative Council at the Buddhism University in Mandalay on Wednesday, the Ma Ha Na chairman called on the two sides not to harbor grudges against each other and seek each others utter devastation, but to have love and sympathy and negotiate as soon as possible to solve the ongoing crisis, in consideration of the dignity of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw [Myanmars military] and the well-being of citizens, and for Myanmar to be able to stand tall on the global stage. The current situation calls for immediate negotiations between all authorities and responsible persons; otherwise Myanmar is on the verge of being wiped off the world map, Bhamo Sayadaw said. The responsibility for any violence including arson, poisoning and use of chemicals will finally fall on the countrys leaders, said the monk, urging them to make sure such violence is not committed on the ground. The following day, a group of men, including some wearing yellow robes, smashed car windows and attacked people with sticks and slingshots near Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist site in Yangon. Authorities, however, did not take action against them. On Jan. 29, two days before Myanmars military staged a coup claiming the November general election that brought a landslide victory to the National League for Democracy was marred by fraud, Ma Ha Na released a request, signed by 10 senior monks, urging both sides to settle the issue peacefully and in line with existing laws, rules and regulations. Five days after Myanmars military staged a coup, the Mandalay Region Ma Ha Na sent a special request to the military regimes State Administrative Council asking it to hold talks with the leaders of the ousted government. On Feb. 10, three senior Ma Ha Na monks again sent a special request to coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and ousted State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, calling for immediate talks to resolve the issue. The military regime has however showed no sign of willingness to hold negotiations. Archbishop of Yangon Cardinal Charles Maung Bo and leaders of other faiths have asked the military to show understanding of the feelings and frustrations of the people who voted for democracy, and not to use violence against peaceful protesters. You may also like these stories: Whos Culpable for Myanmars Coup? Power Grab Brings Myanmar to Standstill The Mekong Reports China Doesnt Want You to See Thousands of U.S. military personnel are refusing or delaying COVID-19 vaccination, even as service members are being deployed to help give shots at vaccination centers nationwide. Up to two-thirds of troops who were offered the vaccine have accepted the shots, "very early data" show, Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeff Taliaferro told Congress on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. He is vice director of operations for the Joint Staff. Commanders are trying to dispel online rumors about vaccines and to determine how they can convince troops to get vaccinated. "We cannot make it mandatory yet," Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander of the Navy's 2nd Fleet, told the AP. "I can tell you we're probably going to make it mandatory as soon as we can, just like we do with the flu vaccine." One way to increase vaccine acceptance appears to be imminent deployment. For example, 80 to 90 percent of sailors on Navy ships heading out to sea last week got vaccinated, the AP reported. The military's vaccination acceptance rate is actually higher than in the general population, which is about 50 percent, according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey. However, troops may be at higher risk for infection because they are often close together in settings where preventive measures such as social distancing and wearing masks can be difficult, the AP reported. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Associated Press Article Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Kim Kardashian West wants Kanye West to continue 'playing a huge role' in their children's lives. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star is splitting from the rapper but she is as keen as he is that he stays involved in the kids' - North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, 21 months - life. 'He still wants to play a huge role in their lives and Kim would never discourage that,' a source told E! News, adding 'He is no longer living at the house with Kim and the kids. When he sees the kids, he meets them elsewhere.' Family first: Kim Kardashian still wants Kanye West to play a huge role in their four children's lives, despite the fact their divorce seems almost certain. The pair are seen in 2020 above And the 40-year-old television personality and the 43-year-old rapper are in no rush to officially end their marriage as they are effectively split from each other now anyway. The insider added of the couple's impending break up: 'Kim already feels like she is divorced. 'They are at a standstill currently and neither of them are pushing [to make the split official]. At this point in time, there is no rush for the paperwork to be finalised.' Meanwhile, it was previously revealed that Kanye is 'less than thrilled' that his divorce from Kim will be broadcast on the family's E! reality show as it plays out. Parents: The couple share North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, 21 months A source shared: 'He is less than thrilled. She will continue to focus on her business empire. Kim has been in individual counselling and is at peace with where her life is headed.' Kim and Kanye had been in marriage counselling as they 'tried to work through things'. An insider added of their counselling sessions: 'Divorce has been discussed, but Kim wants more than anything for their relationship to work. Better times: Kim and Kanye had been in marriage counselling as they 'tried to work through things' according to sources There wasn't anything specific that happened that led them to this point ... They are 100 percent aligned when it comes to the kids.' However, another insider insisted at the time that the couple were just dealing with 'regular issues'. They added of the couple's struggles: 'It's just regular relationship issues. There is no one else involved. Divorce talks have been on and off with them since the spring.' Millions of Texans have gone days without power or heat in subfreezing temperatures brought on by snow and ice storms. Limited regulations on companies that generate power and a history of isolating Texas from federal oversight help explain the crisis, energy and policy experts told The Texas Tribune. While Texas Republicans were quick to pounce on renewable energy and to blame frozen wind turbines, the natural gas, nuclear and coal plants that provide most of the states energy also struggled to operate during the storm. Officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the energy grid operator for most of the state, said that the states power system was simply no match for the deep freeze. Nuclear units, gas units, wind turbines, even solar, in different ways the very cold weather and snow has impacted every type of generator, said Dan Woodfin, a senior director at ERCOT. Energy and policy experts said Texas decision not to require equipment upgrades to better withstand extreme winter temperatures, and choice to operate mostly isolated from other grids in the U.S. left power system unprepared for the winter crisis. Policy observers blamed the power system failure on the legislators and state agencies who they say did not properly heed the warnings of previous storms or account for more extreme weather events warned of by climate scientists. Instead, Texas prioritized the free market. Clearly we need to change our regulatory focus to protect the people, not profits, said Tom Smitty Smith, a now-retired former director of Public Citizen, an Austin-based consumer advocacy group who advocated for changes after in 2011 when Texas faced a similar energy crisis. Instead of taking any regulatory action, we ended up getting guidelines that were unenforceable and largely ignored in [power companies] rush for profits, he said. It is possible to winterize natural gas power plants, natural gas production, wind turbines and other energy infrastructure, experts said, through practices like insulating pipelines. These upgrades help prevent major interruptions in other states with regularly cold weather. Lessons from 2011 In 2011, Texas faced a very similar storm that froze natural gas wells and affected coal plants and wind turbines, leading to power outages across the state. A decade later, Texas power generators have still not made all the investments necessary to prevent plants from tripping offline during extreme cold, experts said. Woodfin, of ERCOT, acknowledged that theres no requirement to prepare power infrastructure for such extremely low temperatures. Those are not mandatory, its a voluntary guideline to decide to do those things, he said. There are financial incentives to stay online, but there is no regulation at this point. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which has some authority to regulate power generators in the U.S., is currently developing mandatory standards for winterizing energy infrastructure, a spokesperson said. Texas politicians and regulators were warned after the 2011 storm that more winterizing of power infrastructure was necessary, a report by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation shows. The large number of units that tripped offline or couldnt start during that storm demonstrates that the generators did not adequately anticipate the full impact of the extended cold weather and high winds, regulators wrote at the time. More thorough preparation for cold weather could have prevented the outages, the report said. This should have been addressed in 2011 by the Legislature after that market meltdown, but there was no substantial follow up, by state politicians or regulators, said Ed Hirs, an energy fellow and economics professor at the University of Houston. They skipped on down the road with business as usual. ERCOT officials said that some generators implemented new winter practices after the freeze a decade ago, and new voluntary best practices were adopted. Woodfin said that during subsequent storms, such as in 2018, it appeared that those efforts worked. But he said this storm was even more extreme than regulators anticipated based on models developed after the 2011 storm. He acknowledged that any changes made were not sufficient to keep these generators online, during this storm. After temperatures plummeted and snow covered large parts of the state Sunday night, ERCOT warned increased demand might lead to short-term, rolling blackouts. Instead, huge portions of the largest cities in Texas went dark and have remained without heat or power for days. On Tuesday, nearly 60% of Houston households and businesses were without power. Of the total installed capacity to the electric grid, about 40% went offline during the storm, Woodfin said. Climate wake-up call Climate scientists in Texas agree with ERCOT leaders that this weeks storm was unprecedented in some ways. They also say its evidence that Texas is not prepared to handle an increasing number of more volatile and more extreme weather events. We cannot rely on our past to guide our future, said Dev Niyogi, a geosciences professor at the University of Texas at Austin who previously served as the state climatologist for Indiana. He noted that previous barometers are becoming less useful as states see more intense weather covering larger areas for prolonged periods of time. He said climate scientists want infrastructure design to consider a much larger spectrum of possibilities rather than treating these storms as a rarity, or a so-called 100-year event. Katharine Hayhoe, a leading climate scientist at Texas Tech University, highlighted a 2018 study that showed how a warming Arctic is creating more severe polar vortex events. Its a wake up call to say, What if these are getting more frequent? Hayhoe said. Moving forward, that gives us even more reason to be more prepared in the future. Still, Hayhoe and Niyogi acknowledged there's uncertainty about the connection between climate change and cold air outbreaks from the Arctic. Other Texas officials looked beyond ERCOT. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins argued that the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil and gas industry a remit that includes natural gas wells and pipelines prioritized commercial customers over residents by not requiring equipment to be better equipped for cold weather. The RRC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "Other states require you to have cold weather packages on your generation equipment and require you to use, either through depth or through materials, gas piping that is less likely to freeze," Jenkins said. Texas electricity market is also deregulated, meaning that no one company owns all the power plants, transmission lines and distribution networks. Instead, several different companies generate and transmit power, which they sell on the wholesale market to yet more players. Those power companies in turn are the ones that sell to homes and businesses. Policy experts disagree on whether a different structure would have helped Texas navigate these outages. I dont think deregulation itself is necessarily the thing to blame here, said Josh Rhodes, a research associate at University of Texas at Austins Energy Institute. History of isolation Texas grid is also mostly isolated from other areas of the country, a set up designed to avoid federal regulation. It has some connectivity to Mexico and to the Eastern U.S. grid, but those ties have limits on what they can transmit. The Eastern U.S. is also facing the same winter storm that is creating a surge in power demand. That means that Texas has been unable to get much help from other areas. If youre going to say you can handle it by yourself, step up and do it, said Hirs, the UH energy fellow, of the states pursuit of an independent grid with a deregulated market. Thats the incredible failure. Rhodes, of UT Austin, said Texas policy makers should consider more connections to the rest of the country. That, he acknowledged, could come at a higher financial cost and so will any improvements to the grid to prevent future disasters. Theres an open question as to whether Texas leadership will be willing to fund, or politically support, any of these options. We need to have a conversation about if we believe that were going to have more weather events like this, Rhodes said. On some level, it comes down to if you want a more resilient grid, we can build it, it will just cost more money. What are you willing to pay? Were going to have to confront that. Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. 30653 Joseph Bastante, Chief Technology Officer at Blue Cross NC Joseph Bastante, Chief Technology Officer at Blue Cross NC A few months ago,an employee of a large health system and I spoke about the current state of our health system. He shared a very sad account of a family member with a brain tumor. As the hospital system and the insurer worked through the rather inefficient approval processes leading up to the surgery, the tumor more than doubled in size, requiring a more invasive and risky removal procedure. In recent months Ive thought often about this story. It reminds me of our obligation to remake health careputting the needs of the person at the forefront. How do we foster a more effective and consumer-centered health system? Some await major disruption by a technology company, that is, the health care equivalent of Netflix or Uber. Yet the U.S. health system, in all its enigmatic complexity, seems to defy disruption.Even so, health care is transforming, not all at once, rather slowly, but changing for sure. Lets consider fourways technologyis improving health care for patients. 1. Cutting Costs and Delays To create a human-centered health system we must address affordability. In 2018, eight million people in the U.S. were driven into poverty because of medical bills. If that were not enough, some hospital systems are suing even the poor who cannot pay medical billsgoing as far as garnishing wages. A significant portion of medical costs are consumed in administrative processes such as billing and claims processing. Administrative costs, as a percentage of total cost, are reported to be as high as 25-31 percent, depending on the study. To create a human-centered health system we must address affordability Recent technology standards have gained industry support and offer a solution to inefficient and manual administrative processes. Notably, Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), a data interoperability standard mandated by the federal government, has gained industry momentum. So why does this matter? Health systems and insurance companies constantly share information, for example, to authorize medical treatment, share details on patient care quality, and to understand risks inherent in a patient population. We are actively employing such standards to reduce wait time for patients and reduce manual labor. (Yes, many health systems still share data with insurers via outdated technology like fax machines.) 2. Caring for the Whole Patient The U.S. is regularly reported as having the worst health outcomes among developed nations. While I believe we have excellent hospitals and academic institutions, health outcome measures are not limited to quality of individual care episodes.They instead relate more to the health of the overall population. U.S. health systems and insurers are now more deliberately embracing this responsibility,culminating in the move to value-based care, or care where payments are based on patient health outcomes and not on individual interventions or treatments. At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, were establishing one of the nations most advanced value-based care initiatives through a statewide program called Blue Premier. Technology is playing an essential role in understanding the whole person and meeting their health needs. For example, technology and data are now used to identify patient needs such as a lack of transportation, healthy food options, or access to high quality primary care physicians. Regarding transportation, modern options such as Lyft and Uber have been tailored for health transportation and are covered by several insurance programs. More advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are also being used to understand individual needs and devise personalized interventions. 3. Artificial Intelligence to the Rescue Artificial intelligence (AI) has many applications in health care leading to more personalized treatments and care. Two notable areas of application are diagnostics and health event prediction. Regarding diagnostics, AI has proven very effective in image analysis, helping increase effectiveness of physicians,and at times outpacing physicians in accuracy. For example, AI has demonstrated to be at least as effective as human physicians in diagnosing brain tumors, predicting heart disease deaths, and diagnosing eye diseases. Beyond diagnoses, at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina were actively been developing AI-based technology for predicting the health journey of a patient by identifying likely health events and probable timeframes. The intent, of course, is to understand the care path of each person and ensure they receive needed care in advance to stay healthy. 4. The Connected Patient I recently spoke at a conference along with a leader from a well-known farming equipment manufacturer. I was seriously impressed by the number of sensors collecting data in real-time to ensure optimal operation of the farm equipment.While humans are far more valuable than farm machinery, we employ far less rigor in monitoring human health. Notable exceptions have emerged, such as use of fitness trackers and smart watches to track sleep quality as well as heart rate and rhythm. We can expect a growing number of technologies for tracking and assessing the health of individuals. For example, Amazon has developed a skill for its Alexa-based smart devices to detect cardiac arrest by analyzing breathing patterns. And companies from many industries are joining the quest to improve health. Comcast is developing an in-home health monitoring system, creating a new service and use for its telecommunications network. Many other examples exist,from monitoring glucose levels in diabetics to detecting falls or injury. Though our health system in totality may not be disrupted any time soon, it is being transformed piece-by-piece; through caring health professionals using technology to create a more personalized and humanized experience. In the next five years, technologies will mature allowing us to uncover the true needs of the patient, intervene early to protect health, and monitor thoroughly to preserve wellbeing. See Also: Top Banking Technology Solution Companies The former mayor of Colorado City in Texas said that residents who are dealing with electricity and water problems because of the winter storm need to sink or swim and to come up with their own plans on how to survive, local media stations reported. If you dont have electricity, you step up and come up with a game plan to keep your family warm and safe, the former mayor, Tim Boyd, wrote in a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday. The City and County, along with power providers or any other service owes you NOTHING! he wrote. The post was later deleted but KTXS and local media stations and newspapers republished it. Mr. Boyd also suggested that residents should think outside of the box to survive and supply water to your family. He later said, according to the news articles that used screenshots identified as his posts, that he was writing as a citizen and was no longer the mayor, after resigning unannounced without plans to run for re-election. Mission Indradhanush 3.0 to focus on children, pregnant women who missed vaccination during COVID-19 India pti-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Feb 19: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 with a focus on children and pregnant women who missed their vaccine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic. IMI 3.0 will have two rounds starting from February 22 and March 22 and will be conducted in 250 pre-identified districts and urban areas across 29 states and Union territories. "Focus of IMI 3.0 will be the children and pregnant women who have missed their vaccine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic. They will be identified and vaccinated during the two rounds of IMI 3.0. Each round will be for 15 days. Beneficiaries from migration areas and hard-to-reach areas will be targeted as they may have missed their vaccine doses during COVID-19," the health ministry said in a statement. Vardhan noted that IMI 3.0 will build on the gains of the previous phases of the campaign and make lasting gains towards universal immunisation. Since its first phase, Mission Indradhanush has covered 690 districts and vaccinated over 3.76 crore children and 94.6 lakh pregnant women, he said, adding, "The present eighth campaign will target achieving 90 per cent Full Immunisation Coverage (FIC) in all districts of the country, sustain the coverage through the immunisation system strengthening and foster India's march towards the sustainable development goals." Mission Indradhanush was launched in 2014 to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens of the country, the health minister said. According to the guidelines released for IMI 3.0, there are 313 low-risk, 152 medium-risk and 250 high-risk districts. "The country has successfully been able to contain COVID-19 and the drive for two indigenous vaccines is being carried out. With this, the importance of a vaccine has never been so strongly felt. Adverse event cases after COVID-19 vaccination just one in 2,000: Govt "Every year, the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) caters to the vaccination needs of 2.65 crore children and 2.9 crore pregnant women against 12 vaccine preventable diseases. Despite these efforts by all the states and Union territories, some children and pregnant women get missed out from this network," Vardhan said. Mission Indradhanush aims to reach out to every dropped out and left out child and pregnant woman. There has been remarkable improvement in the immunisation coverage, which is also evident in the NFHS-5 data as available for 22 states, he added. On the massive push to provide affordable healthcare facilities to the last citizen, the minister observed that implementing large campaigns like IMI 3.0 even during the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines is a clear indication of India's health system getting stronger day by day. "IMI 3.0 aims to reach the unreached population with all the available vaccines under the UIP and thereby, accelerate the full immunisation coverage of children and pregnant women," he said. Vardhan also detailed the provisions in the Union Budget that lay high priority on health and well-being. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) High-profile inmate Raymond Dominguez was found dead in his jail cell at the New Bilibid Prison on Friday, the Bureau of Corrections confirmed. "Ginising kasi kailangan ma-account siya, ayaw sumagot, kaya binuksan yung kanyang maliit na kwarto at natagpuan nga na unresponsive siya at wala nang buhay," BuCor spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag told CNN Philippines. [Translation: He did not respond when he was being woken up during a check on inmates, so his small room was opened and he was found unresponsive and lifeless.] He said Dominguez, a convicted car thief, was found unconscious in the east quadrant of the Maximum Security Compound at around 6:20 a.m. Dominguez was supposed to undergo blood chemistry tests at the Bilibid hospital. Chaclag ruled out foul play in the inmate's death pending investigation and autopsy. He explained to CNN Philippines' News.PH that there were "no signs of violence or struggle," but an official medico-legal report will be released. "It appears that he died of natural causes," Chaclag said, adding Dominguez had been complaining about several health conditions, including asthma and hypertension, ever since being convicted in 2012. He was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison as leader of a notorious syndicate behind a spate of car theft incidents. Chaclag added that Dominguez also contracted COVID-19 thrice in January this year, and in July and October in 2020. Dominguez was rumored to have died last year amid controversies surrounding the deaths of several inmates including Jaybee Sebastian, a convict who implicated former Justice Secretary and now Senator Leila de Lima in the illegal drug trade inside the state penitentiary. De Lima has been detained on drug-related charges, one of which was dismissed recently. Sebastian reportedly died of complications from COVID-19 in July. The National Bureau of Investigation then launched a probe into the deaths of nine high-profile inmates, including Sebastian, amid fears they could have been faked to cover their escape, or they could have died of other reasons. After a winter storm forced widespread closures, COVID-19 vaccination sites in the Houston area are rescheduling appointments and resuming vaccinations. Fort Bend County COVID-19 vaccine sites are open for scheduled second doses only, starting at noon. Appointments for this morning will be rescheduled. If you have questions, email ahcovidvaccine@myaccesshealth.org. Harris County Public Health Harris County Public Health is resuming limited COVID-19 testing and vaccine operations today. Second-dose vaccinations will take place from noon until 6 p.m. On HoustonChronicle.com: Everything you need to know about getting your COVID vaccine in Houston If you were scheduled for your second dose on Friday, please arrive at your scheduled time for vaccination, the department said in press release. All morning appointments were moved to a 12 p.m. start. Harris County Public Health will resume its normal appointment schedule for both first and second doses on Saturday. All scheduled appointments will be honored. The department is contacting people whose second dose appointments need to be rescheduled. It says that people who are due for second dose appointments will be contacted via email or text to schedule appointments next week. To sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations through Harris County Public health, visit vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927- 8787. Harris Health Harris Health is currently contacting patients who had their first shots six weeks ago to reschedule, said spokesperson Bryan McLeod. After that, as supplies allow, other appointments will be rescheduled. So far, he said, the system has had to limit appointments because vaccine supplies are limited. But a large shipment 20,000 doses is expected next week. Houston Health Dept. The Houston Health Department announced that it will resume COVID-19 vaccinations this weekend, starting with second-dose appointments. The health department said it will call today and Saturday to reschedule appointments with people who received their first dose from the department during the week of January 18-23. People who have not been rescheduled by Saturday afternoon should call (832)393-4220. Next week the department will schedule new first- and second-dose appointments. MORE FROM LISA GRAY: Vaccine supply chain expert reveals how Texas' winter storm could affect COVID vaccination efforts The Houston Health Departments vaccine waitlist is open for people 65 and older; for people 60 and older who have chronic health conditions; and for people with disabilities. To register, leave a voicemail with your name and phone number at the Area Agency on Aging, (832)393-4301. As vaccine becomes available, calls will be returned for screening and scheduling. People only need to leave one message, says a health-department statement. Houston Methodist The Houston Methodist system has resumed its normal vaccination schedule, said spokesperson Patti Muck. Memorial Hermann Memorial Hermann has resumed scheduled vaccinations, says system spokesperson George Kovacik. That includes todays drive-thru clinic at NRG Park for people who had to reschedule their second doses. For more information, see Memorial Hermanns vaccine-info webpage. St. Lukes Health Vaccinations at St. Lukes Health are on pause for the rest of the week, according to spokesperson Vanessa Astros. Scheduled appointments are expected to resume Monday at the clinics at Texas Southern University and on Baylor St. Lukes McNair Campus. The drive-thru clinic at St. Lukes Health-The Woodlands will resume Tuesday. The hospital system is contacting anyone whose vaccination has to be rescheduled. UTHealth All UT Physicians clinics at the UTHealth Vaccine Hub will return to normal business hours today, according to UTHealths Twitter account. University of Texas-Medical Branch The vaccination clinic at UTMBs Galveston campus is closed, says system spokesperson Chris Martinez. But the vaccination clinic at UTMBs League City campus remains open, and is handling second doses originally scheduled for the Galveston hub. Vaccination house calls continue as scheduled. lisa.gray@chron.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. 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 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. Having spent much of the winter under attack from all sides teachers, parents, unions and politicians of every shade, including one or two in his own party the Education Secretary appears to have a half-term spring in his step. But then, waiting to meet him today are none of the above. Rather, he has come to inspect a mountain of laptops many of them donated by readers of the Mail. And they are certainly an uplifting sight. With the obvious exception of the Department of Health, no ministry has been thumped as hard by this pandemic as the Department for Education. School closures, reopenings, reclosures, exam fiascos, shortages and constant flip-floppery over testing have reverberated far beyond the school gates as the whole country grasps two immutable truths: a stalled education system is not only damaging the long-term prospects of millions of children but it is also throttling the economy. And the man routinely blamed for every reverse, whether fairly or not, is Gavin Williamson. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP joins the packing lines at the 'Computacenter' HQ in Hatfield, where millions of laptops, including thousands provided by Daily Mail reader donations to the Mail Force 'Computers for Kids' appeal are dispatched to children (pictured) Yet, today, he is in good spirits as he comes to view thousands of laptops which will shortly be on their way to some of Britains neediest children thanks, in part, to the Mails great Computers for Kids campaign. For, as with Covid jabs, so the picture is not too dissimilar in terms of bridging the digital divide between those children with access to online education and those without. Britain, it seems, is setting the pace. Some of this is down to the kindness of Mail readers whose donations, as Mr Williamson puts it, have made a real legacy for years to come. But it is also down to the fact that the Department for Education took the plunge by ordering more than a million machines back when others were hesitating. Weve been competing against the Japanese and French, scouring the world for laptops, he says. We started much earlier. It gave us a real advantage. Weve seen other nations belatedly wading into the market but we were placing such large volume orders that it meant we werent in a panic-buying situation. In recent weeks, Mr Williamson, 44, has even found himself in the curious position of being the worlds single biggest purchaser of laptops. The situation is far from perfect, of course. The teaching unions and others have attacked the Government for ordering too little too late. But as with personal protective equipment (PPE) at the start of this pandemic, followed by vaccines, the world is chasing the same finite amount of kit. I remember when we decided that we were going to order over a million laptops and this was when rates of Covid-19 were declining quite rapidly, he recalls. We werent talking about new strains then. We were all rather hopeful. And I always remember taking that decision and thinking: will they be needed? Like the Governments decision to go overboard when ordering vaccines, few would argue with that decision now. The situation has been further improved, very considerably, by Mail Forces Computers for Kids programme. Through the Mail Force charity, set up by this newspaper, it is boosting national capacity significantly by creating entirely new supply lines, including second-hand devices refurbished by our expert IT partners for around 15. Pledges to the initiative stand at 10.7million in cash and computers, thanks to generous Mail readers, businesses and philanthropists. What the Daily Mail and your readers did which was so incredibly important was you opened up access to different devices that we werent going to be procuring, he points out. That means that the reach across the UK has been expanded and we will have a real legacy. These computers are going to help children for years, whether theyre doing a bit of extra learning within the school or at home. Its also helping them access brilliant resources online. Pictured: Olivia Drake, 11, a year 7 pupil at St.George Catholic College, Southampton receives a laptop computer from Mail Force+ Next week, Mail Force will start ramping up delivery of thousands of new and newly-refurbished computers. So the Education Secretary has come to meet me at the hi-tech Hertfordshire warehouse where they are being prepared for despatch. And he is rather bowled over by the sight of it all. There are so many laptops stacked up here that you could take one of these forklift trucks and construct a laptop maze. We are in Hatfield at the global headquarters of Computacenter, Mail Forces partner in the Computers for Kids campaign. With major public and private sector clients from Whitehall ministries to Waitrose they shift millions of pieces of new kit every year while also reprocessing hundreds of thousands of older devices. Mr Williamson inspects a loading bay where staff are packing up a fresh consignment of Mail Force laptops five to a box ahead of next weeks new push. This particular batch, it transpires, has been donated to the campaign by Lloyds Bank. A big thank you to all the Mail readers and all the companies, the minister shouts above the noise of vehicles and machinery. We adjourn to an upstairs meeting room where he recalls his own schooldays, starting at East Ayton primary school, in Yorkshire. It was a big day when the first computer arrived. I can remember the excitement as we had numerous fundraising events to raise sufficient money for a single BBC computer, he says. It was beige, very big and it had a cassette player. It seemed such a big investment at the time. You realise how much technology has moved on. The basics of teaching have never changed, however, as he well knows from personal experience, and not just because he has two school-aged daughters. His wife, Joanne, is a former primary school teacher who works as a teaching assistant with a reception class (including 15 children of key workers) in his Staffordshire constituency. You cant teach that age on a computer. And those early years are so important, he says. Meanwhile, his ex-RAF younger brother, Justin, teaches computer science at a secondary school in Yorkshire. Even he finds online teaching frustrating. One of the things he said in the first lockdown is that teaching via Zoom is a lot harder, says the Education Secretary. When youre in the classroom, you can see children around you. You see the ones who are maybe a bit disengaged; the ones who are sort of drifting in and out; the children that are eager to contribute or a little bit shy. On behalf of home-schooling parents everywhere, I ask him for a shred of news on when schools will reopen properly. He wont pre-empt the Prime Ministers long-awaited roadmap. But Mrs Williamson is pushing hard. Joannes always saying to me: You are bringing them back, arent you? I want them back. She also makes her views abundantly clear on the national curriculum. She always says: Dont start fiddling around with it. I ask him about his own schooldays in Scarborough, growing up in a Labour-voting home where Dad was in local government and Mum worked in careers advice. From the local comprehensive and sixth-form college, he moved across Yorkshire to study social sciences at Bradford University during the Nineties. He ended up running the Conservative association and was national chairman of Conservative Students. With schools closed, the country is left with the dilemma of hundreds of thousands of pupils in the UK having no access to a computer in their home Ill be honest with you, the University of Bradford was not necessarily a hotbed of conservatism, he laughs. But nor was it the sort of hotbed of zealous monocultural groupthink which now dominates so many British campuses. It is why Mr Williamson has this week announced the creation of a free speech champion for academic institutions. A former law professor, for example, was recently sent a written warning by the Open University for expressing sympathy with JK Rowling. The Harry Potter author has become a non-person in many academic quarters having had the temerity to state that women are, biologically, women. The idea that the worlds most successful childrens author can be no-platformed is a damning indictment, he says. Our universities have always been seen as the very best in terms of people being able to speak with freedom. I think we should be proud of that. We should always be there to protect it and that is what I will do. After leaving university, the young Williamson began a career in business, during which he fought and lost Blackpool North for the Tories in the 2005 election. He entered Parliament in 2010 as MP for South Staffordshire. Now on his third Cabinet job, he says that it all goes back to inspirational teachers in his youth. Mr Johnson was my history teacher, he was great, he says, and ironically my wife ended up teaching his daughter. Then there was Mr Ashton, who taught politics, Mrs Williams, Mr Bates, Mrs Watson. He still sees some of them when he goes back to Scarborough. Its a small town. You always bump into someone there, he says. I point out that a surprisingly large number of the donors to our Computers for Kids campaign have been retired teachers. He is not surprised. They understand what really matters. Getting a million laptops out there, with the Mail readers working alongside, makes an enormous difference. But we all want our children back in school. It isnt just about being sat in the classroom. Its about being with your friends and the motivation you get from your teachers. Its why we have always been clear that schools would be the last to close and the first to reopen. So are the unions now on board? The teachers get that, he replies. Its important to differentiate between teachers and unions. If we all learn one thing from this, he says, it is the way in which education props up everything else. I dont think wider society has truly appreciated how far-reaching that value was, he says. Someone told me the statistic that closing schools has had the same economic impact as the financial crisis back in 2008. You may not be able to apply quantitative easing to struggling children. But you can, at least, give them a laptop. 27258 Mike Trout, Executive Administrator of the Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics and Director of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, State of Michigan Mike Trout, Executive Administrator of the Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics and Director of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, State of Michigan In my seven years serving as executive administrator of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Aeronautics and director of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC), I balance protecting the public safety while ensuring aeronautics continues to grow and flourish in the state. No greater example has been the rise of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or more commonly known as drones. Like every other community across the U.S., we face the growing concern over their use and local municipalities creating a patchwork of inconsistent regulations. As this is happening, our state looks to drones as an emerging technological solution for bridge and runway inspections, public safety, and the development of connected and autonomous vehicles. In 2016, a state law was passed establishing a 27-member UAS Task Force made up of professionals from MDOT, law enforcement, the UAS industry, real estate, municipalities, other state agencies, and other stakeholders. The task force's charge was simple: to consider commercial and private uses of UAS, landowner and privacy rights, general rules and regulations for safe UAS operations. Last November, we presented to the governor and state Legislature a final report with 13 recommendations aimed at deterring misuse while enabling opportunities related to this emerging industry. Following the recommendations, lawmakers moved quickly this year to introduce new legislation to properly regulate UAS, without overstepping Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules on commercial operations and hobbyist rights. One of the key pieces of legislation was defining a UAS as an extension of an individual and prohibiting interference with key facilities, like prisons, refineries, or transportation facilities. A violator could be punished with four years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both. our state looks to drones as an emerging technological solution for bridge and runway inspections, public safety, and the development of connected and autonomous vehicles Beyond the punitive side, the legislative package would require MDOT to create a UAS program office that will not only guide future policy decisions in consultation with the Legislature, but also will spearhead the states education and outreach efforts to ensure awareness both for hobbyists and commercial operations of the state and federal rules for UAS use. We have always had an eye education and outreach rather than a heavy-handed approach, plus the technology is constantly changing, as are the rules, and having a mechanism to educate the public is critical. We also take an active role in looking at UAS as a cost-effective tool for MDOT. One of the department's first uses of UAS has been for bridge inspections, allowing a worker to fly a UAS in locations that are difficult and costly to access. Sometimes bridge inspections require us to close lanes, further adding to traffic congestion. With a UAS, a pilot can fly it away from the road and traffic and maneuver it directly under the structure to get close-up views. We also are flying UAS to support functions within our aeronautics office, including airport inspections, tall structure inspection and compliance, and supporting the MDOT photography team. Through careful deployment, a UAS can be quickly launched near an airport to see if there are any obstructions or structures that might hinder airplanes from landing or taking off. These uses are just scratching the surface on UAS. Michigan is still home to the auto industry and has a strong entrepreneurial spirit where companies are continually looking at new opportunities to use drones. With the opening of Mcity in Ann Arbor and the American Center for Mobility (ACM) in Ypsilanti for the testing of connected and autonomous vehicles, UAS can be tested and integrated with these centers. MDOT has begun to explore potential synergies between UAS operations and existing connected highway infrastructure, and the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles in Michigan. ACM and MDOT have a long history of working together on automobile tech and are currently looking at the connection between this facility and advanced UAS testing. Thanks to the hard-working efforts of the UAS Task Force members, we have set a good foundation for UAS policy that will pay dividends into the future and avoid a patchwork of local regulations. Other states have created similar teams of experts to help guide policy and encourage the development of UAS future technology. Working collaboratively, we can guide the successful implementation of this technology in our daily lives in a safe and effective manner. President Joe Biden has urged US allies to work together against autocratic threats and to meet economic challenges posed by Russia and China in a message to G7 partners that underscored his America is back rallying cry in stark contrast to his predecessors America first agenda. The US president sought to rally allies and repair bonds scorched by Donald Trump and his nationalist administration in a virtual address to the Munich Security Conference from the White House on Friday, his first major remarks on the global stage since taking office last month. "I know the past few years have strained and tested our trans-Atlantic relationship, he said. The United States is determined ... to re-engage with Europe, to consult with you, to earn back our position of trust and leadership." He said the US and G7 partners are in the midst of a fundamental debate and an inflection point as he pointed to threats to democracy accelerated by the climate crisis and coronavirus pandemic, but he urged that the US and trans-Atlantic partners must demonstrate that democracies can still deliver for our people. Read more: Follow live updates from the Biden administration That is our galvanizing mission, he said. Democracy doesnt happen by accident. We have to defend it. Strengthen it. Renew it. We have to prove that our model isnt a relic of our history ... If we work together with our democratic partners, with strength and confidence, we will meet every challenge and face every challenger. In his last appearance at the conference in 2017, following the ascension of Mr Trump, Mr Biden vowed to world leaders that America will be back. Im a man of my word, he said on Friday. Im sending a clear message to the world: America is back. The president said that while he expects and welcomes stiff competition from China, the worlds second-largest economy, he stressed that the US and its allies must push against its abusive policies. Russia has weaponised corruption as its president Vladimir Putin seeks to weaken the European project and our NATO alliance, Mr Biden said. Its so much easier for the Kremlin to bully individual states than negotiate with the trans-Atlantic community, he said, urging partners to defend Ukraine sovereignty and address Russian recklessness like cyber-hacking attacks that threaten to destabilise governments and undermine national security. He also said that world leaders can no longer do the bare minimum to face the growing climate crisis and must work to aggressively curb emissions and hold other nations accountable. On Friday, the US formally returned to the Paris climate accord after the former president rejected the agreement. He also has committed $4 billion from the US to Gavi, the international alliance behind the World Health Organisation-backed Covid-19 vaccine effort for middle- and lower-income countries known as the Covax Advance Market Commitment Mr Trump had declined to join international vaccination efforts and announced the US withdrawal from WHO. Mr Biden retracted the US withdrawal from the global health agency within his first week in office. An administration official told reporters on Thursday that decreasing the burden of disease decreases the risk to everyone in the world, including Americans. It also decreases the risk of variants occurring like those that were seeing now, so its critically important to search vaccination globally, while of course prioritizing vaccinations here at home. The Irish Cancer Society is urging people in Laois to get behind a very different Daffodil Day this year, with street sales and events not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions. It says that due to the current public health restrictions the flagship fundraiser is unable to go ahead in its traditional way with street sales of fresh daffodils or daffodil pins, and community events. However, the society says there are still many ways for people in Laois to get involved with this years Daffodil Day which is taking place on Friday March 26, proudly supported by Boots Ireland. The charity says there are around 480 people in Laois will receive a cancer diagnosis each year and this Daffodil Day is an important chance not only to raise vital funds for services and research but also to send people affected by cancer a message of support in these challenging times. It says there are many ways for communities across the country to get involved with Daffodil Day, by hosting virtual fundraisers and collections, purchasing items from the Daffodil Day online shop, or making a donation. Throughout the pandemic, the Irish Cancer Society says it has continued to provide vital services and support to cancer patients and their families across Laois. Services like Night Nursing, the Freephone Support Line: 1800 200 700 and Volunteer Driver service are available because of the vital funds raised on Daffodil Day. Rosemary Simmons, Fundraising Lead at the Irish Cancer Society hopes the people of Laois can keep up their strong track record of support on Daffodil Day. The people of Laois have always been incredibly generous in their support of Daffodil Day, but this year more than ever, we need your help. Although we cannot take to the streets to sell Daffodils, or host coffee mornings with friends, there are still so many meaningful ways for communities to raise vital funds this year. "Because of the additional anxieties a cancer diagnosis during Covid-19 brings, cancer patients need your support more than ever before. Please get involved with Daffodil Day, to ensure nobody in Laois has to go through cancer alone, she said. This year marks Boots Irelands 4th year of sponsoring Daffodil Day, which is an extension of a well-established partnership with the Irish Cancer Society that began back in 2012. Through the partnership, Boots Ireland is committed to increasing awareness, helping support people affected by cancer and promoting cancer prevention. Boots 89 stores located nationwide, will be raising vital funds by selling Daffodil pins in store and hosting virtual fundraisers across the country. To find your nearest store or to learn more about the support of Daffodil Day, visit www.boots.ie. If you have concerns or questions about cancer, or to learn more about support services available in your area, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone:1800 200 700 For more information visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday COLOMBO : Sri Lanka will purchase 10 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India, officials here have said. In January, under India's neighbourhood first policy, Sri Lanka received 500,000 doses of free vaccines. They were administered as a priority to frontline health workers and members of the Armed forces. The State Pharmaceutical Corporation has signed the order with Serum Institute of India (SII) for 10 million doses, officials said. This agreement has been approved by the Attorney General on Monday. Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield is being manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute. The SII has collaborated with Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for making the vaccine. Earlier this week, the vaccination was extended to the general public and MPs. About 250,000 out of 500,000 OxfordAstraZeneca Covishield vaccines have been administered so far, General Shavendra Silva, the Army chief who heads the COVID-19 prevention operations said on Friday. He said, the WHO has assured Sri Lanka that it would provide vaccines for 20 per cent of the local population free of charge. He added that China and Russia had also agreed to donate vaccines to the local population. The Indian Army and the Russian military have also agreed to provide a quantity of vaccines to the Sri Lankan military. Sri Lanka has recorded 78,420 cases by last night with 71,000 of them having recovered. At least 430 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak in mid-March last year. India is one of the world's biggest drug makers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring the coronavirus vaccines. India has sent consignments of domestically produced coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles. It is also undertaking commercial supplies of the doses to a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Brazil and Morocco. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Judge Overturns Trump for Greater Sage Grouse The greater sage grouse is a bird that needs its space. Reliant on large expanses of intact sagebrush and loyal to specific areas, sage grouse are very sensitive to habitat disturbance. As oil and gas extraction, livestock grazing, roads, and power lines have destroyed and fragmented their native habitat, their populations have plummeted. Fortunately for these beleaguered birds whose males balloon out their air sacs in elaborate mating dances a federal court has found unlawful the Trump administration's removal of protections from 10 million acres across the West to allow mining in vital grouse habitat. This decision follows an earlier ruling stemming from a 2016 lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and allies. "We're grateful our legal system once again protected the vanishing greater sage grouse from the reckless, lawbreaking Trump administration," said the Center's Michael Saul. "Now the new Interior secretary can establish appropriate habitat protections based on science, not favoritism to the mining industry." In the meantime, we're doing a happy dance. 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 Hong Kong government maintains that the laws are necessary to restore order to the global financial hub after protests over Beijings rising influence rocked the city in 2019 and 2020. A spokesman for the Department of Home Affairs said the Australian government had been consistent in expressing concerns about the imposition of the national security law and was troubled by the laws implications for Hong Kongs judicial independence, and the rights enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong. Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching, who chairs the Senate Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade References Committee, said Australia should consider welcoming Hongkongers who risked their safety to protect the democratic norms and institutions. There is a recent precedent in Australia of making a special dispensation to offer asylum to those fleeing persecution, she said. In 2015, Australia permanently resettled 12,000 Syrians, Iraqis and Yazidis on humanitarian grounds. Speaking from London where he is now based, Hui said Australia should use Magnitsky laws to target individuals and corporations involved in human rights breaches with the Chinese Communist Party. In December, Hui had his and his families accounts locked by HSBC, Hang Seng Bank and Bank of China after Hong Kong police ordered the financial institutions to freeze his funds over money-laundering allegations. The claims relate to HK$850,000 ($141,000) in crowd-funding raised for a civil injunction against alleged police brutality that was allegedly transferred to Huis family accounts. He denies the allegations. Pro-democracy member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council Ted Hui Chi-fung being removed by security during a scuffle with pro-Beijing legislators. Credit:Getty Images Hui said the bank should have resisted the police direction. It refused to confront the regime. It did not get a court order. Hui said other dissidents, non-government organisations and charities targeted by police have also had their accounts frozen by Hong Kong financial institutions. What Im advocating for is sanctions against the people who have made the decision to freeze peoples accounts, he said. Under the laws, Hong Kong police would have been able to strip the banks of the authority to deal with the funds in the accounts if they refused to comply. HSBC is the largest of the three banks to have operations in Australia. A HSBC spokeswoman said the bank was unable to comment on individual cases. Loading Like every bank, we have to operate within the law and legal frameworks of all the countries in which we operate, she said. When we get a specific legal instruction by police authorities in Hong Kong, or anywhere else, to freeze the accounts of somebody under formal investigation, we have no choice but to comply. Hui met with a group of Victorian MPs in early February to lobby for stronger action on China. What he had to say about the deterioration in human rights [...] was very concerning, indeed alarming, said Victorian shadow attorney-general Edward ODonohue. Huis pro-democracy colleague Sunny Cheung has previously spoken with the new chair of the Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, James Paterson. Cheung has also testified before a US congressional hearing on Beijings activities in Washington. The Magnitsky laws will give the Australian government similar powers to the US to impose visa, property and financial sanctions on individuals who commit human rights abuses. They are expected to be introduced to federal Parliament this year. I am trying to encourage them to pass the law, said Cheung. Speaking from an undisclosed location due to fears for his safety, Cheung said Australian judges still serving on Hong Kongs Court of Final Appeal should leave Hong Kong. Thirty non-permanent judges from across the Commonwealth have presided in the court since the British handover to China in 1997 to continue the common law tradition in the territory. Sunny Cheung testifies during a hearing before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China in Washington. Credit:Getty Images Former Australian High Court chief justices Murray Gleeson and Robert French along with former High Court judge William Gummow have remained on the court since former NSW chief justice James Spigelman resigned over the national security laws in September. The court has never had jurisdiction over acts of state, such as defence and foreign affairs, but the imposition of the new national security laws gave the Hong Kong government the power to decide which judges could hear national security cases. Loading If the world still recognises the legal system in Hong Kong, Beijing can still claim that everything is impartial, said Cheung. But that is not true. It gives a fake legitimacy to the national security law, said Hui. It is an endorsement to the existing judicial system as if it is still standing. French said in September that he would not continue on the court if he did not believe it could maintain its judicial independence. He did what? Senator Ted Cruz was never on anybodys shortlist for the Most Empathetic Politician award. But his latest display startled even the most jaded political hands. With Cruzs home state, Texas, buffeted by a snowstorm that has caused widespread power failures and claimed dozens of lives nationwide, Cruz got on a plane last night and flew to Cancun, Mexico, for a family vacation. Photos began circulating on social media this morning, accompanied by a chorus of dismay and ridicule. Early this afternoon he released a statement saying that his kids had wanted to take a vacation and arguing that he was still able to work from abroad. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon, he said, adding that he planned to come home today. Later, after he arrived back in the United States, Cruz said the trip was obviously a mistake and said he had begun second-guessing it as soon as he got on the plane to Mexico. President Joe Biden signs a series of executive orders at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office just hours after his inauguration in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Democrats Release Bidens Immigration Bill With No Public Republican Support Democrats in Congress have formally introduced President Joe Bidens new immigration bill that proposes sweeping changes favoring millions of aliens already in the country despite a lack of public support from the Republicans. The aggressive pro-immigration bill proposes an eight-year pathway to citizenship for about 11 million people living in the United States illegally. The U.S. Citizenship Act provides an earned path to citizenship for our nations undocumented community, with qualifying Dreamers, TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders, and essential farmworkers that feed America eligible for green cards immediately, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of the bill in a statement. We must honor this truth: that immigrants are the constant reinvigoration of America, making America more American as they bring their hopes, courage and determination to succeed to our shores, she added. While the plan offers one of the fastest pathways to citizenship of any proposed measure in recent years, it does so without offering any enhanced border security, which past immigration negotiations have used as a way to win Republican votes. Without enhanced security, the bill faces tough odds in a closely divided Congress. Some GOP members have already expressed their opposition to the approach of the proposed reforms. No! This is not the right time and certainly not the right set of policies, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) wrote in Twitter, pointing to the pandemic. Lets focus on those Americans who are struggling right now. The left wants to fund this border security around the Capitol but they dont want to fund a border wall at our southern border, Rep. Nancy Mace, (R-S.C.) told Fox News. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement that Bidens immigration proposal is blatantly partisan and disregards the countrys safety and economy. It rewards those who broke the law and floods the labor market at a time when millions of Americans are out of work, he said. President Bidens radical proposal is a nonstarter and should be rejected by Congress. #BREAKING: Ranking Member @Jim_Jordan releases statement on President Bidens radical immigration proposal pic.twitter.com/ER9I4PyJ2u House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) February 18, 2021 The criticism from the GOP was echoed by Heritage Action, the political wing of the conservative Heritage Foundation. This latest move would only further harm American workers already struggling from our health and economic national crises caused by the ongoing pandemic and our governments response, said Jessica Anderson, the organizations executive director. The plan, which is hundreds of pages long, proposes that people living illegally in the United States as of Jan. 1, 2021, will be eligible for a five-year path to temporary legal status, given they pass background checks, pay taxes, and fulfill other basic requirements. Three years after that, they can pursue U.S. citizenship. The proposal also includes gifting $4 billion to initiatives in Latin American communities to confront corruption, enhance security, and foster prosperity. Taxpayer money would also be allocated for more judges and support staff to process asylum applications, an asylum processing facility in Central America to reduce foot traffic at the southern border, and new technology. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force, and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) sponsored the bill. Menendez suggested that a piecemeal approach to the wide-ranging policy shifts presented in the legislation may be one way Democrats attempt to pass the reforms through Congress. If we can get certain elements of this standing up and passed individually both in the House and the Senate, thats great, he said, adding, We have an economic and moral imperative to pass big, bold, and inclusive immigration reform. How it happens through the legislative process remains to be seen, Pelosi said. But it is a priority and we will be working on it. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Cookies op Tweakers Tweakers maakt gebruik van cookies Tweakers is onderdeel van DPG Media en maakt gebruik van cookies, JavaScript en vergelijkbare technologie om je onder andere een optimale gebruikerservaring te bieden. Functionele en analytische cookies die door Tweakers zelf geplaatst worden, worden gebruikt om de website goed te laten functioneren, bezoekersstatistieken bij te houden en a/b-testen uit te voeren. Ook kan Tweakers hiermee het gedrag van bezoekers vastleggen en analyseren. Cookies kunnen daarnaast worden gebruikt om op Tweakers advertenties te tonen die aansluiten bij je interesses. Daarbij kan gebruikgemaakt worden van bezoekersprofielen die door derden zijn opgesteld. Ook kunnen derden je internetgedrag volgen, zoals bijvoorbeeld het geval is bij embedded videos van YouTube. Tot slot kunnen cookies worden gebruikt om op sites van derden relevante advertenties te tonen. Content van derde partijen, zoals embedded videos van YouTube, wordt met een trackingvrij abonnement standaard uitgeschakeld. Indien je deze content wilt zien, kun je hier expliciet toestemming voor geven. Wil je meer informatie over cookies en hoe ze worden gebruikt? Bekijk dan ons cookiebeleid. Accepteer cookies ... Om deze pagina op Tweakers te kunnen bekijken, moet je cookies accepteren. Cookies accepteren Heb je al een account? Dan kun je hier inloggen! The official says Ukraine will act solely in line with the international deals. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov has said the Russian Federation attempted to swap prisoners of war, bypassing the Minsk process. "The Russians were up to the following trick: they said those nine people, and then four more people who they declared in words only, should have been handed over to Ukraine outside the Minsk and Normandy formats. They said they would transfer them to a person who firmly believes in the Minsk agreements, and gave the name of that Member of Parliament. But they emphasized it should have been done outside the Minsk and Normandy formats," he said during the Pravo Na Vladu ("Right to Power") TV panel show on 1+1 TV Channel on February 18, 2021. Read alsoUkraine envoy says 'DPR'/'LPR' block prisoner swap since SeptReznikov said Ukraine turned down that proposal, saying Ukraine will act solely in line with the international deals. "In no case [it is possible] if they think they want to give our prisoners back, we will take everyone. Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk [who heads the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Donbas] together with Mrs. Liudmyla Denisova, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada Ombudsperson, are ready to go anywhere, to any checkpoint, to meet the people and ensure they are provided with medical assistance. We are ready to take all our people without any conditions and limitations," he added. Prisoner swap in Donbas: Details On January 16, some Russian media outlets reported that the occupation forces in Donbas were ready to hand over some Ukrainian prisoners to the Ukrainian side through the mediation of MP Viktor Medvedchuk, a close ally of Russia's Vladimir Putin. Kravchuk said he regarded such statements by "leaders" of the so-called "LPR/DPR" as another attempt by Russia to avoid implementing international agreements. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, in turn, accused the Russian Federation of violating the established mechanisms for the release of persons held in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. On January 20, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada Ombudsperson Liudmyla Denisova said the Russian side was to hand over nine detainees to Ukraine. On January 22, Kravchuk said Medvedchuk's publicity move to transport prisoners from occupied Donbas was no longer relevant. Reporting by UNIAN Sorry! This content is not available in your region In the middle of former president Donald Trump's impeachment trial, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took time out to draft legislation giving Congressional Gold Medals to the U.S. Capitol Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Pelosi, D-Calif., was lavish in her praise of police actions on Jan. 6, when officers defended the Capitol from an insurrection staged by far-right Trump supporters. During the crisis, Pelosi told her colleagues, officers "risked and gave their lives to save ours. ... The outstanding heroism and patriotism of our heroes deserve and demand our deepest appreciation." For D.C. police officers - and officers across the United States - it was a confounding turn of events. After the May 25, 2020, killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, nationwide protests decried American policing as racist and brutal, and the heavy-handed, militarized police response to the protests throughout the summer drew further condemnation. Activists called on cities to abolish or, at least, "defund" the police, and within weeks, politicians in numerous cities were pledging to trim police department budgets. Pelosi and other congressional leaders were calling for "transformational, structural change to end police brutality." After the failed insurrection, however, cops were suddenly heroes: "martyrs for democracy," as Pelosi put it. When it comes to policing, such whiplash is par for the course. U.S. political culture and rhetoric tend to frame things in terms of binary oppositions: Either cops are selfless, underappreciated heroes, or they're brutal, racist thugs. Either we should double their budgets and put more cops on the streets, or we should defund or abolish the police. But the failed insurrection simultaneously reinforced and challenged both these diametrically opposed views - which means that maybe Americans are finally ready to recognize that the truth about policing can't be reduced to simplistic sound bites. Policing in America is like a messy ball of yarn: There's heroism and sacrifice, and there's racism and brutality, and it's all tangled up together. In 2016, I joined the MPD Reserve Corps in Washington to find out what it was like on the other side of the "thin blue line." I have always been fascinated by the relationship between law and violence. As a law professor, human rights advocate and journalist who has worked on issues related to war, civil conflict and policing in places as varied as South Africa, Kosovo, Jamaica, Sierra Leona and Iraq, I wanted to understand how American police officers explain and justify their roles to themselves, and how their stories compare to media and popular narratives about policing. As a sworn, armed MPD reserve officer, I went from six months as a recruit at the D.C. Metropolitan Police Academy to several years of patrol shifts in Washington's 7th Police District, one of the poorest, most crime-ridden sections of the nation's capital. During parades, protests, details and special events, such as the 2017 presidential inauguration, I worked across the city - and what I found, of course, was not a single story, but a thousand messy, overlapping and sometimes conflicting stories. (Many of these stories are chronicled in "Tangled Up in Blue: Policing the American City," the book I wrote about these experiences.) Police officers, in my experience, are no more monolithic than any other group of people. Like the rest of us, most cops try to be decent people and make the communities in which they work safer, better places. And like the rest of us, even the best cops don't always succeed. That shouldn't surprise us, because police officers don't operate in a vacuum. Police arrest the poor for petty crimes because the people we elect to represent us have criminalized a dizzying range of trivial offenses, and the people arrested by police often remain locked up for years because of decisions made by legislators, prosecutors and judges. Police stop vehicles for broken taillights and improper right turns on red because, as a society, we have decided, through our elected representatives, to have armed, uniformed state agents hand out tickets for civil traffic infractions, even though most of us would find it excessive and bizarre to send cops to people's doors to enforce IRS filing deadlines or residential zoning codes. Police deal - often poorly - with addiction, homelessness and mental illness because as a society, we have decided we're unwilling to fund adequate social services. (And we certainly can't be bothered to take on the still more challenging work of unraveling the web of poverty and injustice created by centuries of racist laws and policies.) As a society, we also ask police officers to take on a dizzying and often incompatible array of roles: We want them to be guardians, warriors, social workers, mediators, mentors and medics, often all in the course of a single patrol shift. We want them to show compassion to victims and be tough enough to take on violent criminals; we want them to treat protesters with courtesy even if they're sneered and spat at; we want them to keep marauding mobs from invading the Capitol. We want them to understand mental illness, get guns off the streets, anticipate and respond to political violence, solve homicides and keep old ladies from getting mugged - all without being overbearing, rude or using excessive force, and all while working punishingly long shifts in uncomfortable and often dangerous conditions, under the constant, unforgiving glare of the media spotlight. Few people can consistently do all these things well. I've seen cops manage to do six impossible things before breakfast - offering comfort to crime victims and deftly de-escalating domestic conflicts - then completely lose it on the next call, cursing and yelling and slamming doors over trivial provocations. One of my partners, a young officer, wept when his efforts at CPR couldn't save an elderly man whose heart had given out. Then, two hours later, he dismissed residents of a neighborhood we worked in as "animals." Another young officer had a smile and a hug for everyone he met, even the people he arrested, but when he started chasing kids on ATVs in his cruiser, he forgot every rule in the book and careened down residential streets at 80 mph, recklessly endangering far more lives than the teens popping wheelies on the highway had done. I've also seen countless officers struggle to reconcile their values with their understanding of their professional role. Some of my MPD colleagues "took a knee" to show solidarity with the racial justice protesters who filled the city in June and July; others insisted that kneeling was as inappropriate as offering a fist bump to White nationalists. As a patrol officer and while participating in workshops for the Police for Tomorrow Fellowship program, which brings young D.C. officers to Georgetown Law school to talk about many of the toughest questions confronting American policing, I've listened to officers argue passionately about whether there's any such thing as "neutrality" - or whether it's possible to be anti-racist and a police officer at the same time. I've seen officers cry when they speak about how helpless they sometimes feel, confronted by so much misery and suffering they can't change - or confronted by people, whether on the far left or the far right, who swear at police or shout, "Traitors!" and hurl bottles of urine (or worse) at them. I've also seen that sense of helplessness turn, at times, into cynicism, bitterness or despair. Each year, suicide kills far more cops than shootings and car accidents put together. In 2019, 132 officers lost their lives in the line of duty, including 48 who were "feloniously killed," as the FBI puts it. In contrast, at least 228 officers killed themselves. Just in the weeks since the assault on the Capitol, two D.C. police officers have killed themselves. But in my most optimistic moments, I wonder if this last terrible year - a year of pandemic, police killings, mass protests and political violence - may finally push Americans to reckon with policing in all its complexity. If Floyd's death buttressed the narrative that police officers are sadistic racists, the events of Jan. 6 simultaneously forced Americans to acknowledge the glaring racial disparities in policing and acknowledge that sometimes, we really do need armed officers who will fight to protect others (or democracy itself). It's impossible to disregard the difference between the heavily militarized police response to last summer's largely peaceful racial justice protests, and the kid gloves with which Capitol police initially seemed to treat the largely White crowd of Trump supporters during the electoral college count, despite ample warning that far-right militants were planning violence. At the same time, the events of Jan. 6 offered us a contrasting story, too: We saw scores of badly outnumbered police officers, Black and White, Latino and Asian, male and female, fighting courageously to protect the Capitol and the members of Congress who sheltered inside. They persevered in the face of insults and lethal threats from a violent, largely White mob, and at the end of the day, nearly 140 police officers had been injured, some badly, and one officer was dead. So were four of the insurrectionists, including Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, a woman shot by a Capitol police officer just off the House chamber. The inquiry into Babbitt's death is ongoing, but so far, investigators say they are unlikely to bring charges against the officer who fired the fatal shots - and few on the left have objected to this particular police shooting. Indeed, as Neil Gong and Heath Pearson recently noted in the Atlantic, "some on the left have demanded harsher policing of right-wing extremism That is, the very people who supported police reform or outright defunding over the summer seemed to want a crackdown." Policing is complicated. That's not an excuse, it's just reality. The fact that violent crime is real and sometimes requires a coercive response, or that cops are every bit as contradictory and human as other Americans, doesn't justify police abuses, or the racism so deeply baked into our criminal justice system. If anything, my years as a part-time cop left me convinced that we need to change nearly everything about policing, from how we recruit and train officers to how police departments are structured and overseen. We also need to radically overhaul our criminal justice system, which too often reinforces and amplifies racial and economic inequities. But the project of transforming policing needs to include the voices of police officers themselves, in all their complicated, sprawling, messy humanity. Ultimately, if we want to change policing in America, we need to stop reducing the complex problems of their jobs to sound bites - and we need to stop vilifying cops for enforcing - - - Brooks is a law professor at Georgetown and the author of "Tangled Up in Blue: Policing the American City," to be published in February. Former White House adviser Stephen Miller has slammed a plan from President Joe Biden as the 'most radical' bill ever written. Miller, who served as Trump's immigration architect, spoke for nearly five minutes lambasting the bill while appearing in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham. 'It is the most radical immigration bill ever written, ever drafted, ever submitted in the history of this country. It is breathtaking,' Miller said. 'As just a few examples, Laura, under this bill every single illegal alien in the country who merely submits an application to the US government, if they want to work, they are work authorized. Immediately.' Stephen Miller, pictured, ripped the bill in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham Miller, right, said that 'the most insane thing' in the bill is that it would allow illegal aliens deported by the Trump administration to reapply for citizenship President Joe Biden unveiled his immigration plan on Thursday, a proposal that offers one of the fastest pathways to citizenship of any measure in recent years Miller said that, under the text of the bill, employers are 'immediately allowed to hire illegal aliens even if they havent submitted their application.' 'When you have 20 million Americans who want full-time jobs right now, but because of the pandemic they cant find them, illegal hiring is amnestied and illegal work is amnestied,' he said. Miller said that 'the most insane thing' in the bill is that it would order Secretary of State Antony Blinken to develop an application process to allow illegal aliens deported by the Trump administration to reapply for citizenship. 'In the bill, it says anyone who has lived in the country for at least three years and was deported by Donald Trump can reapply,' he said. 'And, it orders the Secretary of State to develop a process to mail those applications out to the 200 countries in the world to where illegal aliens are deported.' Miller called the bill a 'full-scale attack on the very idea of nationhood.' 'If you were trying to write a bill to eliminate the concept of having a nation, this is the bill you would write,' he said. Biden tapped the children of immigrants take the lead in Congress: the legislation's sponsors are Democratic Rep. Linda Sanchez of California, the sixth of seven children raised by Mexican immigrants, and Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the son of Cuban immigrants. Biden's provides an immediate pathway to citizenship for farmworkers, DACA recipients, and Temporary Protected Status holder - above a citizenship ceremony in New York The bill contains no provisions on enhanced border security, which will make it a tough sell to Republicans on Capitol Hill - above migrants at the U.S. Mexico border flee agents Central American migrants wait to see if their number will be called to cross the border and apply for asylum in the United States in 2019 Edwin Soto Saucedo, a DACA recipient since 2013, embraces friend and fellow DACA recipient of two months Karla Estrada outside LAPD headquarters in 2020 Migrants are seen on February 9 before crossing the Rio Bravo river to turn themselves in to U.S Border Patrol agents to request for asylum in El Paso, Texas He added: 'This bill is so crazy, Laura, that under its own terms if you came her on a student visa say six months ago, you dropped out of school, you failed to show up to class, you violated the terms of your arrival and you were supposed to go home and you didnt go home and you were living here for just a few weeks even you can get full citizenship in this country.' Miller noted that the bill would 'eliminate' a law passed by President Bill Clinton that establishes a waiting period to get free federal health care for people who get green cards. 'It just deletes it right in the bill, it just says that portion of the law is gone,' Miller said. Miller said the bill also establishes a $50,000 fine if a federal worker refers an application to law enforcement because they are concerned what they see on it. President Joe Biden unveiled his immigration plan on Thursday, a proposal that offers one of the fastest pathways to citizenship of any measure in recent years. However, the plan doesn't contain any details on enhanced border security, which past measures have included as a way to win Republican votes. Congressional Democrats released the legislation Thursday on Capitol Hill. And, although their party controls Congress, with a 50-50 tie in the Senate it will be a tough slog for Biden's plan, which will provide a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Key points in immigration bill Immediately provide green cards to farm workers, immigrants with temporary protected status and young people who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children, the so-called Dreamers A five-year path to temporary legal status for others. If they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other basic requirements, then, after three years, they can pursue citizenship Raise the current per-country caps for family and employment-based immigrant visas Eliminate the penalty barring those immigrants who live in the U.S. without authorization Replace the word 'alien' with 'noncitizen' in law More resources for judges Expand transnational anti-drug task forces in Central America Enhance technology at the border Set up refugee processing in Central America $4 billion over four years to Latin American countries to address root causes of immigration Advertisement The legislation's main sponsors are Democratic Rep. Linda Sanchez of California, the sixth of seven children raised by Mexican immigrants, and Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the son of Cuban immigrants. 'We have an economic and moral imperative to pass big, bold and inclusive immigration reform,' said Menendez said in unveiling the 353-page legislation. Menendez said Democrats have failed in the past because they have too quickly given in 'to fringe voices who have refused to accept the humanity and contributions of immigrants to our country and dismiss everything, no matter how significant it is in terms of the national security, as amnesty.' He noted he's been speaking to Republican colleagues in an effort toward 'putting the pieces of a puzzle together' on a bill that would receive enough votes to pass. He acknowledged the final product is likely to change significantly. But he also suggested that elements of the proposal could be included through a parliamentary maneuver in a budget bill that would only require 51 votes. Sanchez pointed out the bill also addresses the 'root causes' of immigration. 'Our border policy is broken, period,' Sanchez said. 'But this bill employs a multipronged approach that will manage the border, address the root causes of migration crack down on bad actors and create safe and legal channels for those who are seeking protection.' Biden said in a statement Thursday that immigration reform is 'long overdue.' 'The legislation I sent to Congress will bring about much needed change to an immigration system where reform is long overdue,' he said. 'These are not Democratic or Republican priorities but American ones.' The Luxembourgish government is selling its shares in the steel producer which worries OGBL and LCGB. They fear a relocation of jobs. Gewerkschaften zu Paul Wurth - Reportage Pit Everling Paul Wurth, a flagship of Luxembourgs heavy industry, is expected to go under complete German ownership, with German Group SMS already owning 60% of the company. The Luxembourgish government announced that it will sell its 40% stake. Trade unions LCGB and OGBL are concerned that a Luxembourgish flagship, a company with enormous prestige and heritage will now go under foreign ownership. Robert Fornieri of LCGB express regret towards this decision. He lauded the companys good track record regarding working conditions and stressed that over 500 workers are still employed by Paul Wurth in Luxembourg. The trade unions worry that some of these jobs may be relocated after the takeover. Fornieri demands clarity for the companys employees. However, the takeover may also have benefits. Fornieri said that SMS is a leading force in the market and will allow Paul Wurth to carry out more research to make strides in the development of green steel Kevin Dechmann of OGBL wondered why the Luxembourgish state is selling its shares and what that will mean for jobs in the Grand Duchy. These will be safe until 2023, but no agreement has been reached for the time thereafter. What is causing concern is that SMS is currently in a restructuring phase. Dechmann said that recent experience shows that whenever restructuring is mentioned it means bad news for local workers. Both trade unions are now seeking to meet with company representatives and in particular with the responsible minister. Following the financial and economic crisis of 2008, the state bought shares in Paul Wurth. In 2012 SMS acquired a majority stake in the company. Poly Medicure rose 2.25% to Rs 665 after the company successfully raised Rs 400 crore through qualified institutional placement (QIP) route. Poly Medicure's QIP committee approved allotment of 76,33,587 equity shares to eligible qualified institutional buyers at the issue price of Rs 524 per equity share, aggregating to Rs 400 crore. The QIP issue opened on 15 February 2021 and closed on 18 February 2021. Allottees who were issued more than 5% of the total equity shares offered in the qualified institutions placement (QIP) are SMALLCAP World Fund (27.25%), Lighthouse India III Equity Investors (15.50%), UTI Mutual Fund (12.61%), Max Life Insurance Company (10%), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (9.60%) and Ashoka India Opportunities Fund (5.95%). Poly Medicure proposes to utilize the net proceeds for funding suitable organic and inorganic growth opportunities, ongoing capital expenditure, other long term and short terms requirements, pre-payment and/or repayment of outstanding borrowings, general corporate purpose, or any other purposes, as may be permissible under applicable law and approved by the board. Poly Medicure exports plastic medical disposables/surgical devices. It manufactures and supplies approximately 100 types of disposable medical devices in the product verticals of infusion therapy, anesthesia, urology, gastroenterology, blood management and blood collection, surgery and wound drainage, dialysis and central venous access catheters The company's consolidated net profit rose 41.13% to Rs 35.31 crore on a 12.79% increase in net sales to Rs 203.51 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and 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. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. New Delhi, Feb : Nearly two months after discharge, BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur was on Friday re-admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here after she complained of chest congestion and a slight breathing issue. Thakur, the Member of Parliament from Bhopal. is kept in a private ward and AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria is supervising her case, sources told IANS. Her condition is said to be stable now, sources added. "She was admitted to the hospital around 4.15 p.m. and taken to a private ward where she will receive the treatment under Dr Randeep Guleria," a senior hospital official said. Doctors told IANS that she complained of slight breathing issue, pain in her chest and high blood pressure as well. However, unlike her last visit, she is not found exhibiting any symptoms of Covid-19. Two months ago, Thakur was admitted to the AIIMS after she complained of Covid induced symptoms on December 18. Incidentally, her hearing for the 2008 Malegaon blast case, where she is an accused, was scheduled the next day (December 19) in the special National Investigation Agency court. Doctors told IANS that the 50-year-old MP has multiple co-morbidities. "She has asthma, hypertension, diabetes and several other underlying conditions," a doctor from the team monitoring her health at AIIMS said on the condition of anonymity. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text 27123 Mark Decker, CIO, Jackson County Oregon Mark Decker, CIO, Jackson County Oregon Unsuspicious citizens are soft targets for social engineers, and America has a huge attack surface. To enemy hackers, We the People represent millions of unprotected end-points. Foreign nations and non-state actors have successfully exploited our human vulnerability time and time again. In 2016, spear-phishing led to damaging email leaks just before the election, when the Russian hacking group Fancy Bear compromised email accounts belonging to the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. In 2017, the same group used the same social-engineering techniques against three US senators up for re-election, including Democrat Claire McCaskill, a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. And in summer 2018, another phishing attack targeted Republicans critical of Russia via fake conservative think-tank websites. Headline-grabbing attacks on high-profile American political targets are the tip of the iceberg. Attacks on lower-profile targets typically go unreported, if they are even detected at all. For every big-name politician, countless ordinary Americans are also targeted by hackers. Many of these regular folks are well-placed employees in critical industries. Their companies supply goods, services, and technologies to governments, militaries, and law-enforcement agencies. They are trustees in airports, hospitals, and power plants. Employees need detailed knowledge of deception techniques to reliably resist social engineering attacks Our nations critical infrastructure grows more connected to the internet and more deeply dependent on computers every day. Trusted human beings have privileged access to those computers, and humans are a species known to routinely hand over their passwords when phished. Data breaches are hardly the worst-case scenario. Its not mere speculation to observe that a foreign actor could remotely commit a terrorist act or targeted assassination using stolen credentials as the murder weapon. For example, passwords harvested via spear-phishing might be leveraged to cut off power to a hospital and disable its backup generator. Patients on life support or undergoing major surgery would quickly die without electricity. On a very hot day, merely disabling a hospitals HVAC system could be enough to kill some patients. If this sounds like Hollywood fiction, consider Stuxnet, the computer worm used between 2007-2010 to cripple Irans nuclear program. Its discovery proved that major powers can and do conduct remote, computer-enabled sabotage. Russia, China, and others certainly have the means, even if they dont currently have a motive, to murder Americans via the internet. Social engineering can easily provide the third ingredient: opportunity. Fortunately, it is possible to mitigate such threats by hardening Americans against social engineering. Organizations that have a strong information security culture are far less vulnerable to phishing and similar deceptions. Security-awareness training is a key ingredient in building such a culture, and it has become one of the fastest-growing areas of IT security spending. Many small and mid-sized organizations still dont offer any such training to their members. Large organizations are more likely to have a formal security-awareness training program. Among organizations that do offer training, many view it as a compliance issue. This is not surprising, given that laws and standards like HIPAA and PCI-DSS require it. However, organizations that mandate training merely to check a box on their audit form are missing the point. Annual training doesnt stop social-engineering attacks. Vigilant, skilled, and well-practiced people do. Anyone who has sat through a canned security-awareness video can define phishing, but theres a huge gap between knowing what phishing is and being able to resist a clever spear-phish. There are three things that even organizations with formal training programs often fail to do: 1) Foster a culture of vigilance. If the threat is imaginary, we call constant fear paranoia. If the threat is real, we call it healthy vigilance. With executives setting the tone, and the help of key influencers, vigilance can go viral. 2) Build practical expertise. In the interest of brevity, trainers often give superficial treatment to complex topics like social engineering. Shallow content is fine for generating awareness, but employees need detailed knowledge of deception techniques to reliably resist social engineering attacks. Deconstructed, real-world phishing examples are powerful learning aids. Depth matters. 3) Drill the skill. Even people who know better can still fall for phishing if they are busy or distracted. In the heat of the moment, thinking twice is too slow. We must develop employees ability to recognize threats without thinking. Checking for red flags in an email before opening the attachment must become as natural and automatic as fastening your seatbelt before starting the car. This kind of muscle memory is built only through constant repetition. Frequent attack simulations are key. In the past, deception and disinformation were espionage tools. Now they can be primary weapons of war. Ordinary citizens, instead of trained soldiers, are the first line of defense. Right now, our citizens are ill-equipped to hold the line. All CIOs, especially those of us responsible for our nations critical infrastructure, need to step up and commit to patching Americas biggest vulnerability: ourselves. See also: Top Vulnerability Management Solution Companies Top Vulnerability Management Consulting Companies Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 19 : No doubt, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is the tallest leader in the CPI-M and has proved himself as the most successful party secretary after being at the helm of affairs for 17 years. But now Vijayan is preparing to face what could be his most testing moment in a glorious political career, since the assembly elections are round the corner. One reason why the coming weeks would be crucial for Vijayan is that he is definitely treading in unfamiliar territory of having to lead his party to one of the most keenly awaited electoral fights with the traditional rival: the Congress-led UDF. When the state went to the polls in 2016, it was never mentioned that it was Vijayan who will become chief minister, should the Left win the polls. As any political student in Kerala would know, the star campaigner then was none other than Vijayan's bitter foe for many years and his senior in the party, V.S.Achuthanandan. Practically every candidate who contested the polls then, had the picture of the veteran former Chief Minister and hugely adored Communist Achuthanandan in all their campaign material and despite his advanced age, every Left candidate was desperate to get the veteran at least for one of their election meetings in their constituency. At that time, not many were keen on Vijayan, as his tough demeanour and body language was not the right one for a candidate, seeking votes for his/ her victory. Once the votes began to be counted Vijayan grew in stature and prominence. Though Achuthanandan had high hopes, the announcement came that Vijayan would be given the chair of the Chief Minister. The only solace Achuthanandan had was that the party decided to give him a cabinet post and made him the chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission, which came with all the paraphernalia of comforts. But now things are different. " Yes, will be an acid test for Vijayan, as it's he who has become the campaign leader. Achuthanandan for all practical purposes is not seen in the public domain for a long time, as he is 97 years old. This is perhaps a new challenge, which Vijayan has not faced as yet," said a CPI-M leader who did not wished to be identified. A top Congress leader said it's make or break time for Vijayan, as he thinks that the recent local body polls which went his way, will be repeated in the assembly polls, but assembly and local body polls may turn out to be like chalk and cheese. "The Kerala electorate is known for their electoral acumen, when it comes to pressing the button on the voting machine, as they think differently when it comes to Lok Sabha, assembly and local body polls. Vijayan is certainly on the backfoot, as Achuthanandan, their all time biggest star campaigner will not be seen for the campaign. The Congress has a few star campaigners, who certainly have started drawing huge crowds, as was seen in the ongoing statewide yatra of Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala," said a Congress leader. However, Vijayan is optimistic about rewriting electoral history by becoming the first chief minister in the state to retain power in an assembly election, even as the Congress appears to be on a strong footing as voters may choose the party in the light of Vijayan's perceived "arrogance." China in Focus (Feb. 17): Biden Facing Criticism Over Recent Remarks on China President Joe Biden is facing criticism for his latest remarks on China. An expert explains the controversy behind it. A Chinese company claims 10 percent of New York Citys electricity runs through its equipment. An expert breaks down the potential risk. A number of Chinese human rights activists have been detained, sentenced to prison, or even sent to mental hospitalsall because they stood up for democracy. The U.S.-China trade war is turning into a technology war. An important weapons component might be the next front. And the UK joins the United States in criticizing China for withholding information about the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus outbreak in Wuhan. And British Prime Minister Boris Johnson calls for a global coalition to ensure transparency. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China. For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter. (ANSA) - ROME, FEB 19 - About half of Italy's regions could face stiffer COVID-19 restrictions as of Sunday as they risk being bumped up from yellow to orange in the nation's tiered system of coronavirus measures. This is due to a deterioration in the contagion data, amid concern about the spread of new variants. The central region of Abruzzo, meanwhile, could be classed as a high-risk red zone, while Val d'Aosta could become the first region to become a low-risk white zone. Health Minister Roberto Speranza will adjust the classifications on the basis of the data from the weekly coronavirus monitoring report of the health ministry and the Higher Health Institute (ISS) on Friday. In high-risk red zones all restaurants and bars are closed, except for takeaways and home deliveries, and all non-essential shops are closed too. In medium-high risk orange zones, shops can do business but restaurants and bars must stay closed. In moderate risk yellow zones, shops are open and so are bars and restaurants until 6pm. If Val d'Aosta becomes a white zone, the small Alpine region's gyms, swimming pools, cinemas, theatres and ski slopes would be able to reopen too. The region's coronavirus parameters look to be in line with that of a white zone, with a COVID-19 Rt reproduction rate below 1 and an incidence of fewer than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Val d'Aosta has been under this incidence threshold for three consecutive weeks. A nationwide curfew from 10pm until 5am remains in force and a ban on travel between regions has been extended until February 25. (ANSA). 23430 Mark Simon, Interim CIO, Benefis Health System Mark Simon, Interim CIO, Benefis Health System My first experience in rural healthcare was in 2010 as the CIO of the western region of Montana for Providence Health & Services. In this role, I was responsible for technology and services across all of Western Montana. Recently, I returned to Montana as the interim CIO of Benefis Health System in Northcentral Montana. Much has changed but the challenges and opportunities facing rural healthcare are still the same of these numerous challenges, however, I feel two areas require significant attention, 1) improving access to affordable broadband connectivity, and 2) addressing the physician shortage. When I first began working in rural healthcare, it was eye-opening to see the technological struggles facing rural communities. Affordable broadband connectivity is not readily available in many rural areas, and many days I felt like I was stuck in the 1990s with screaming modems and dial-up connections. Some programs such as the FCC-USACs Rural Health Care program have been key contributors in closing the connectivity gap. However, extending the reach of high-capacity wireless cellular service to the far reaches of rural states remains an unmet need. In addition to the technology challenges, there is a physician shortage in many rural states, especially in key clinical specialties. This often means that existing, in-state providers are already working at capacity. In many cases, the only providers who might actually have additional capacity are those who practice outside of the state suffering from a physician shortage. Getting more medical providers, physicians as well as mid-levels, from both in state and out of state involved will be key to expanding the presence of telehealth services This is where I believe telehealth services can be used to improve the healthcare delivery system in rural states. If we could partner with state licensing and privileging boards to streamline the licensing and privileging process and allow these non-local providers to offer telehealth services to the rural areas outside of their home state, we could help provide better healthcare to rural populations. Getting more medical providers, physicians as well as mid-levels, from both in state and out of state involved will be key to expanding the presence of telehealth services. Here at Benefis Health System, we have already begun to leverage telehealth services to serve our rural state through our REACH Montana Telehealth Network (Realizing Education and Community Health). Many of the Montana counties served by the REACH Network are very ruralso much so that most are designated Frontier, with a population density that averages less than three persons per square mile. Livestock outnumber people here by a large margin, and many communities get by fine without traffic lightsbut not without adequate healthcare. Telemedicine services in Northcentral Montana began humbly in 1992 with four rural hospitals sending digitized X-rays by modem to the Montana Deaconess Medical Center (now Benefis Health System in Great Falls). In 1994, with assistance from the Rural Electrification Administrations Distance Learning and Medical Grant Program, the REACH Network began its telehealth service. Using televideo technologies over private communication circuits and secure Internet VPNs, today REACH spans a 40,000 square mile, 15-county service area, reaching nearly 230,000 residents in Northcentral Montana, delivering clinical telehealth services including oncology, cardiology, and mental health counseling as well as community health-related education. Since 2003, the REACH Network has saved patients in the communities it serves from traveling 1,540,386 miles. Thats more than 61 trips around the earth at the equator! Meeting the healthcare challenge of rural Montana sometimes means capitalizing on providers talents wherever they exist, and thats not always in the large tertiary centers. A mental health provider based in at a rural clinic on the REACH Network has extended her practice with once-a-month tele-mental health clinics to two rural communities, 80 and 125 miles from her clinic office. While this innovative addition to her practice proves telehealths potential to extend specialty care to under-served areas, it also underscores the limitations: other communities await this same type of service, but this particular provider has reached capacity and cannot add additional patients. Tele-oncology and genetic counseling are growing telehealth clinical services for Benefis Health Systems Sletten Cancer Institute (SCI). SCI has one of only three genetic counselors working within the state of Montana, and video conferencing via REACH has enabled face-to-face consultations to be extended to multiple Montana communities. Additionally, Benefis has been able to leverage telehealth to provide patient care at the Northern Montana Healthcare campus in Havre, 115 miles away from our main campus, connecting medical and radiation oncologists to their patients while saving travel time and expense. Extending the specialty care of cardiologists to rural patients is another clinical focus for REACH. One rural VA patient illustrates the positive effect telehealth can have for a patient. This veteran first had to drive 250 miles during the Montana winter for an EKG, and then an additional 400 miles to another VA facility for a stress test. After all that, he returned home to a phone call instructing him to follow up with a cardiologist in Great Falls. This news came just as a winter storm was approaching. The cardiologist who received the stress test results from the VA electronically was able see the patient in a video conference and hear the heart sounds via a tele-stethoscope. This telehealth session spared this veteran another 220 miles of travel to meet with his cardiologist. These few examples highlight that telehealth can have a significant impact on rural healthcare delivery; however, there is still a great deficit of providers to meet the needs of individuals living in rural areas in both primary care and various specialties. In Montana alone, there are nine counties without a single physician and 12 counties without a single primary care physician. By improving and streamlining the credentialing, licensing, and privileging processes and expanding telehealth services, we can greatly improve rural healthcare. Semi-trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for nearly half of road transportation carbon dioxide emissions in Europe, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation. A team of researchers in Italy has proposed a plan to reduce the emissions without compromising priorities such as delivery times. They published their approach in IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, a joint publication of the IEEE and the Chinese Association of Automation. "Driving style, traffic and weather conditions have a significant impact on vehicle fuel consumption. Road freight traffic, in particular, contributes to significant increases in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere," said the author Maria Pia Fanti, professor of system and control engineering and chair of the Laboratory of Automation and Control at the University Polytechnic of Bari in Italy. "Our cloud platform can help the truck driver choose the eco-route that guarantees the minimum fuel consumption." Dubbed the "Cloud Computing System," the platform is composed of two main components: a data management system that collects, fuses and integrates external data, such as road slope, speed limits and weather conditions; and a cloud optimizer that uses the collected data to determine the best eco-route. Importantly, Fanti noted, the shortest, fastest route is not always the most eco-friendly. A road with more curves requires more gear shifting, while a highway with a higher speed limit may have a significant slope--both of which necessitate more fuel use to compensate. In simulations, the researchers saw fuel consumption reduced by anywhere from 3.3% to 9.3%, depending on the scenario. The researchers also completed a case study, in which two identical heavy-duty trucks with similarly experienced drivers transported goods from Turkey to Italy. The truck guided by the eco-route used 11% less fuel than the other truck while still delivering the payload within the expected time constraints. "The next step is to create a collaboration between the vehicle on-board system and the cloud platform to increase the fuel consumption reduction," Fanti said, explaining that the platform is not restricted by special hardware. "The cloud platform can be used not only on innovative trucks equipped with communication devices, but also by 'normal' trucks with drivers equipped with smartphones." ### Co-authors include Agostino Marcello Mangini, Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University Polytechnic of Bari; Alfredo Favenza, Links Foundation; and Gianvito Difilippo, AutoLogS. Fulltext of the paper is available: http://www. ieee-jas. net/ en/ article/ doi/ 10. 1109/ JAS. 2020. 1003456 https:/ / ieeexplore. ieee. org/ document/ 9272699 IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica aims to publish high-quality, high-interest, far-reaching research achievements globally, and provide an international forum for the presentation of original ideas and recent results related to all aspects of automation. The first Impact Factor of IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica is 5.129, ranking among Top 17% (11/63, SCI Q1) in the category of Automation & Control Systems, according to the latest Journal Citation Reports released by Clarivate Analytics in 2020. In addition, its latest CiteScore is 8.3, and has entered Q1 in all three categories it belongs to (Information System, Control and Systems Engineering, Artificial Intelligence) since 2018. Why publish with us: Fast and high quality peer review; Simple and effective online submission system; Widest possible global dissemination of your research; Indexed in SCIE, EI, IEEE, Scopus, Inspec. U.S. Democratic lawmakers introduced President Joe Biden's immigration bill Thursday that would provide one of the quickest routes to citizenship of any proposed legislation in recent years. The measure, which would allow some 11 million current U.S. residents to become citizens within eight years, includes an increase in visas and funding for processing asylum applications. The bill also would enhance technology at the U.S.-Mexico border, expand international drug interdiction task forces in Central America, and attempt to ease backlogs at the border by establishing refugee processing in the region. The measure would immediately provide green cards to farm workers, people with temporary protected status and young people who entered the U.S. illegally as children, allowing them to live and work permanently in the U.S. The bill reflects the priorities Biden presented on his first day in office and was sponsored by 12 Democratic lawmakers, including lead sponsors Senator Bob Menendez and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. "It will modernize our system, offer a path to citizenship for hardworking people in our communities, reunite families, increase our opportunities for legal immigration and ensure America remains a powerhouse for innovation and a beacon of hope to refugees around the world," Menendez said, as he unveiled details of the bill at a virtual news conference. Notorious Drogheda feud gangster Paul Crosby was arrested in prison today by gardai investigating the savage murder and dismemberment of the body of a 17-year-old boy in January of last year. The 25-year-old crime figure was taken from his cell in Mountjoy Prison to the nearby Mountjoy Garda Station under a Section 42 warrant which means he can be detained for 24 hours. Detectives arrested Crosby in relation to the investigation into the murder of the teenager in a house in Drogheda on the night of January 12 last. The teenager was butchered by slain gangland serial killer Robbie Lawlor. The original intention may have been only to give the boy a hiding but Lawlor took matters into his own hands and brutalised the victim, a senior source said today.' Crosbys arrest happened two days after a 29-year-old woman who is closely linked to the gangster was arrested as part of the huge murder probe. She remains in custody at Balbriggan Garda Station and a 23-year-old described as a very minor player in the bitter Drogheda feud who was also arrested on Wednesday morning. She is still being held at Drogheda Garda Station after their period of detention was extended at Dundalk District Court on Thursday night. Read More Just hours after the murder of the boy, Crosby was the target of a revenge attack when a gunman mistakenly shot a completely innocent taxi driver who was driving the gangster and the arrested 29-year-old woman in rush hour traffic in the Co Louth town on the evening of January 13 last year. Thankfully the driver has made a good recovery and within days Crosby was taken off the streets after the bail conditions that were imposed on him for the offences he was sentenced were revoked after he breached his bail conditions on 41 occasions. The murdered juvenile cannot be named for legal reasons but todays arrest brings to eight the amount of people arrested in the massive investigation with two men already before the courts in relation to it. The arrested Drogheda woman is said to have a significant cocaine habit and is deeply loyal to jailed thug Crosby who is serving a four and a half year sentence in Mountjoy Prison for the arson of a stolen car which happened when he was under major garda surveillance because of his role in the bitter Drogheda dispute which has claimed four lives. Crosby is considered a key-member of the so-called anti-Maguire faction in the feud and a close friend of two on-the-run brothers who are currently on-the-run abroad. Crosby is one of the main targets for the Maguire faction in the Drogheda feud whose leader Owen Maguire was left paralyzed after being shot in an attempted murder in July, 2018. The shooting is suspected of being carried out by Crosbys pal Robbie Lawlor who was shot dead in Belfast last April. Crosby was behind a vicious and mocking phone call in which he ridiculed Maguire for being in a wheelchair which went viral on social media in March of last year and inflamed tensions in the feud. At one stage he even goads Maguire by asking Do you want to go for a walk and sort this out. He also features in another recorded phone call which was distributed on social media in which a man calls him on a mobile phone accusing him of being responsible for burning down his elderly parents home in Drogheda just one of dozens of arson incidents linked to the ongoing feud. Crosby even claimed he assaulted arch rival and Owen Maguires close associate Cornelius Price in a 2018 jailhouse attack in one of his bizarre online rants. Crosby has been questioned a number of times in relation to the Drogheda feud and his home was raided by officers investigating the attempted gun murder of Owens brother Brendan Maguire in February of last year but he was not arrested on that occasion. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 06:54:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Video: The United States, together with all members of the Group of 20 largest economies in the world, has a decisive role in delivering three main objectives: the long-term vision, the decade of transformation, and urgent climate action now, says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Feb. 19, 2021. (Xinhua) "Today is a day of hope, as the United States officially rejoins the Paris Agreement. This is good news for the United States, and for the world," says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday hailed the re-entry of the United States into the Paris Agreement on climate change and called for global action to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. "Today is a day of hope, as the United States officially rejoins the Paris Agreement. This is good news for the United States, and for the world," Guterres told a virtual event to mark the U.S. re-entry. "For the past four years, the absence of a key player created a gap in the Paris Agreement, a missing link that weakened the whole. So today, as we mark the United States re-entry into this treaty, we also recognize its restoration, in its entirety, as its creators intended," he said. "Welcome back." The United States signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, and expressed its consent to be bound by the agreement by acceptance on Sept. 3, 2016. Donald Trump, shortly after taking office as U.S. president, announced in June 2017 that his country would cease all participation in the agreement. The U.S. withdrawal officially took effect on Nov. 4, 2020. On his first day in the White House, President Joe Biden signed a new instrument of acceptance, which was deposited with the UN secretary-general on the same day, enabling the U.S. re-entry on Feb. 19, 2021, in accordance with provisions of the Paris Agreement. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivers a speech at the Climate Ambition Summit at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 12, 2020. (Mark Garten/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Guterres on Friday called for U.S. and global action to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Paris Agreement is a historic achievement. But the commitments made so far are not enough. And even those commitments made in Paris are not being met, said Guterres. The six years since 2015, when the Paris Agreement was negotiated, have been the six hottest years on record. Carbon dioxide levels are at record highs. Fires, floods and other extreme weather events are getting worse, in every region, he said. "If we don't change course, we could face a catastrophic temperature rise of more than 3 degrees this century." This year is pivotal for global climate action, and the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, in November will be a make-or-break occasion. Governments will take decisions that will determine the future of people and the planet, he said. The United States, together with all members of the Group of 20 largest economies in the world, has a decisive role in delivering three main objectives: the long-term vision, the decade of transformation, and urgent climate action now, he said. Photo taken in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Jan. 25, 2021 shows a screen displaying U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry delivering a speech at the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 via video link.(CAS/Handout via Xinhua) A central objective for the United Nations this year is to create a truly global coalition for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, he said. He asked the United States to formally join this coalition very soon, as pledged by President Biden, and will present its concrete plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. In the past year, countries representing 70 percent of the world economy and 65 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions committed to net-zero emissions, he noted. He asked all governments to present more ambitious, concrete, and credible Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the next 10 years, before the Glasgow conference in November. Guterres commended all U.S. states, cities, businesses and financial institutions that have shown impressive leadership since 2015 by committing to the goals of the Paris Agreement despite the Trump administration's inaction and counterproductive actions. "We rely on the United States to build on this with an ambitious and credible Nationally Determined Contribution for 2030, aligned with President Biden's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions before 2050," he said. Photo taken in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Jan. 25, 2021 shows screens displaying International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and co-chair of the Global Commission on Adaptation (L-R), attending the opening session of the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 via video link. (CAS/Handout via Xinhua) The recovery from the pandemic is an opportunity to rebuild stronger and better. To do that, there is a need to invest in a green economy that will help to heal the planet and its people, and create well-paying, stable jobs to ensure more equitable and sustainable prosperity, he said. Now is the time to implement transformative change: phase out coal; support a just transition, with training and opportunities for people whose jobs will be impacted; stop investing in fossil fuel projects; shift the tax burden from income to carbon, from consumers to polluters, said Guterres. He stressed the need to close the finance gap by supporting countries that are suffering the ravaging impacts of the climate crisis. He urged the Group of Seven countries to deliver concrete results on finance at their summit in June. Those that have not done so already must commit to doubling their climate finance. All developed countries must honor the pledge to contribute 100 billion U.S. dollars annually to developing countries, he said. He also asked all donors to commit to increasing the share of climate finance allocated to adaptation to reach 50 percent, and all financial institutions and banks to align their investments with the Paris Agreement by 2024. "The Paris Agreement is our pact with our descendants and the whole human family. This is the race of our lifetimes. We must go much faster, and much farther. It is within our power to build a future of renewable energy and green infrastructure that protects people and planet and ensures prosperity for all. Let's get to work," he said. Friday's event was organized by the United Nations Association of the United States of America. TAMAQUA The new owner of the historic Conrad Bischoff Planing Mill and Furniture Factory in Tamaqua plans to convert the building into a bed-and-breakfast. But doing so could cost about $822,000, according to Dan Evans, chairman of the Tamaqua City Revitalization and Improvement Zone authority. Prior to Mondays virtual meeting, Evans shared copies of the owners latest business plans, which included startup costs, cash flow and income statements. He noted that the owner listed as Torat Ltd. in Schuylkill County records is looking at options to finance repairs. One of the options, Evans said, is for CRIZ to act as a lender. Authority member Jack Kulp motioned in favor of assisting with funding for the 320 Lafayette St. property, which Torat bought in January for $97,000. I think we are at a point here where you cant quantify a lot of the results that this bed-and-breakfast is going to bring to Tamaqua, Kulp said. Last year, the authority received an additional $538,980 for redevelopment and revitalization within designated CRIZ zones. I think we are at a point where having that money sit in a bank and just hope that somebody is going to come along with 1,000 employees and restart Morgan Knitting Mills is not going to happen, Kulp said. I think were at a point where, in my opinion, this is a project that is deserving of funding from us and we should go ahead and do that. The authority will only fund the project if the owner cannot find its own lender. The authority may also decide to partially finance the project. Authority solicitor Anthony Odorizzi suggested allowing the owner until late March to secure the funding. The rest of the world might not from a bankers perspective measure this project the same way that we do in Tamaqua, Odorizzi said. We know that we need this project, a project where there is overnight accommodations in this town. Weve expressed that to Harrisburg before. Evans noted that the project is in its very early stages. Were still not on (the) home stretch quite yet on this thing, Evans said. But at least ... I know we would be willing to participate. It gets us a little closer to where we need to go. Authority member Richard Hadesty Sr. seconded Kulps motion. It passed unanimously. Previous CRIZ funding that funneled into Tamaqua helped with the relocation of Child Development Inc. to the former St. Jerome Elementary Center, 255 W. Broad St., and helped bring The Wheel Restaurant to 125 E. Broad St., the site of the former Wenzels Bakery. CRIZ is administered by the Pennsylvania departments of Revenue, Community and Economic Development and the governors budget office. State agencies must give their approval to CRIZ projects. The intent of the program is to revive downtown areas through new and existing businesses and to attract development, improve underutilized real estate and encourage local business expansions. A CRIZ is an area of up to 130 acres, comprised of parcels designated by the local CRIZ authority to capture state and local taxes for the purpose of improvement and development within the zone. Funding can be used for reimbursement of debt service, property acquisition, new construction and other costs related to development. Honestly, I had been rooting for them. I don't follow them, but I read r/thebachelor every day now and their tiktok videos and stuff would get posted there and they seemed so cute together. SEEMED! I really hope he didn't cheat. According to something I read on reddit, Dale told someone that the both of them were looking at property in Florida. But I don't see why Clare would move out there when her mom is still in Sacramento. I don't think she's well liked here, but I like Clare and really wanted her to find love. Well, at the very least, this whole mess gave us Tayshia and Zac. And if they ever break up I WILL CRY! Reply Thread Link I was rooting for Clare too. I like her spunk and think she'd be a great mom. I hope she finds what she's looking for. Reply Parent Thread Link I used to go to that Reddit but its really gone downhill. Reply Parent Thread Link so love DOES win?! Reply Thread Link but really though... whyd she take him back? Reply Thread Link no man >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a shit man Reply Thread Link she was apparently wearing the engagement ring i lied it was her own ring Edited at 2021-02-18 11:17 pm (UTC) i lied it was her own ring Reply Thread Link chris probably called her 30 seconds after dale posted their break-up reminding her of her contractual obligation to give it back. Reply Parent Thread Link If they get back together, I wonder if they can get the ring back. Like, how would that work? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link this is so accurate lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Was there confirmation he cheated? I thought they split bc of a disagreement involving his cousin? Anyway, girl he: - Broke up with you through an IG post. - Did not do you, ex fiancee, the courtesy of a warning. - Called the paps on himself immediately after I hope she doesnt feel as if she needs to prove people wrong. He is not worth it! If her priority is still kids/family, unless hes ready to start trying NOW I dont see this working out for her. Reply Thread Link Ive never gone back to an ex and I used to believe that an ex is that for a reason but I know enough people with clinical depression who have neglected their relationships and broke up and then come back to them when theyre in a better place (and are still together) so I think theres a lot of grey areas when it comes to rekindling old relationships? Idk I think it depends on why things ended Reply Thread Link i love this perspective. i totally agree that it is so dependent on circumstance. i had almost that exact scenario you listed! boyfriend and i broke up when he was incredibly depressed and hadn't seen a therapist yet. to make sure it stuck for this time, i waited two years before we got back together. it was time really well spent for both us and i'm so happy we're together now. :) Reply Parent Thread Link I think theres a time and place. My highschool boyfriend and I were extremely toxic and awful and wed break up and get back together all the time. But my husband and I dated for 1.5 years, broke up bc we were young and dumb and then realized we ~loved each other~ got back together after 6 months of almost no communication and have now been together for more than 12 years and married for 6, and I would say we have a healthy marriage and good communication. Reply Parent Thread Link It is usually not a good idea to go back to an ex. Reply Thread Link this probably has more to do with me than him, but i can't stop staring at his eyelid area. i have a really atypical high and open eyelid area for a man. i notice it more and more when i look at pictures of other conventionally handsome men. if this comes off offensive in any way, i didn't intend it to be. i don't know what his background is. Reply Thread Link i'd love to do his makeup. i have such small eyelids and i'm always itching to do cute looks on other people ha. Reply Parent Thread Link i have a lot of real estate Reply Parent Thread Link everything about this franchise is really bumming me out the last few weeks Reply Thread Link sorry i'm leaving ANOTHER comment but Pilot Pete and Kelley hooked up again in Florida recently, too. Super Bowl weekend. smh. Reply Thread Link like back together hooked up or just like, linked up. haha. Reply Parent Thread Link Probably not permanently but they were looking awfully cozy lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link My bf's friend is pretty good friends with PP. I gotta ask him for the tea. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Kelley, girl, you're a hot lawyer, have some standards! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Shes apartment hunting in NYC super close to his place and they were having dinner together like 2 nights ago. Source: Reddit Reply Parent Thread Link I don't get people? Reply Thread Link They are so exhausting and Dale clearly got back to her for clout BOO!!!!!!!! Reply Thread Link he came out looking shitty so hes gotta make up for it and then when they break up again, play it differently so he's more sympathetic Reply Parent Thread Link Girl stop Reply Thread Link New Delhi: To ease the hardship being faced by ESI Beneficiaries in availing medical services in case of non-availability of ESIC's Health Care infrastructure i.e. Hospital or Dispensary or Insured Medical Practitioner (IMP) within a radius of 10 KM of their residences, the government has said that such ESI beneficiaries can now avail medical care services from nearby ESIC empanelled hospitals (pan-India) without the need for any referral from an ESI dispensary or hospital. "Keeping in view the sizeable increase in the number of ESI beneficiaries subsequent to expansion of ESI Scheme in newer geographical areas, efforts are constantly being made to strengthen the ESI medical care infrastructure to provide better medical services in the vicinity of beneficiaries' residence," an official release said. To avail medical services in such areas, the ESI beneficiaries of such areas may visit the ESI empanelled hospital with ESI e-pehchan Card/Health Passbook alongwith Aadhar/Govt. issued Identity Card and avail cashless medical consultation for OPD services directly from such hospital. Such beneficiaries may seek reimbursement of purchased medicines prescribed during OPD consultation through nearest Dispensary cum Branch Office (DCBO) or Regional Office of ESIC where DCBO is not available. In cases where investigation or admission for indoor treatment is required, the empanelled hospital will obtain the permission from the ESI approving authority through an online system within 24 hours and provide cashless treatment to the beneficiary. Live TV #mute Earlier in December 2020, the labour ministry had said that ESIC subscribers would be able to visit empanelled as well as non-empanelled private hospitals for emergency treatment. However, the only difference is that treatment will be cash-less in the empanelled private hospitals. There would be reimbursement as per Central Government Health Services (CGHS) rates in non-empanelled private hospitals. Super speciality services in cardiology including nephrology, urology and oncology will be strengthened in select ESIC hospitals in Delhi/NCR and this will be extended to other ESIC hospitals across the country in a phased manner. Paradox is launching a new subscription service for Crusader Kings II in a bid to make its mountain of DLC more accessible. The monthly 'Expansion Subscription' will cost $4.99 and renew every 30 days. Subscribers will gain access to every single piece of Crusader Kings II DLC, including expansion packs, portraits, clothing, music packs, and more. The base game has also been made available for free on Steam, presumably to make the subscription package more appealing. This isn't the first time Paradox has toyed with the subscription model. Last year, the Swedish company quietly trialed a subscription service for Europa Universalis IV, explaining it was keen to find a way to make its constant stream of DLC less overwhelming for new players. The company, which employs a continuous DLC model that results in a huge amount of add-ons being launched for its titles, has acknowledged the tactic can lead to players feeling pressured into dropping more and more cash out of fear of being left behind. "With so much additional content available, the cost for new Crusader Kings II players can seem prohibitive or intimidating. This is an affordable way for players to experience the entire Crusader Kings II catalog without having to weigh which items they would prefer to purchase," said Paradox on its forum, echoing its previous sentiments. "This does not mean it is the only way to get DLC moving forward. The Subscription service is entirely optional and purchasing a single or multiple DLC packs without the Subscription is still an option." The introduction of the Expansion Subscription won't change anything for players who already own additional Crusader Kings II content, although those who stop subscribing will lose access to any content they haven't purchased separately. Paradox also hinted that subscriptions could make their way to other titles moving forward, adding that it's currently "exploring" that possibility. February 19 : In a relief to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt, a Mumbai civil court dismissed a suit seeking permanent injunction on the making and showcasing the upcoming film, Gangubai Kathiawadi. Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt, has been in the making for more than a year now. After the actress resumed shoot post lockdown last year, the film landed in a legal trouble. Bhansali had started filming the gangster drama in December 2019, and Alia resumed shooting of the film on October 7 last year. The biographical crime film is about Gangubai Kothewali, the madam of a brothel in Kamathipura. While the film is about to be closed, one of Gangubai's adopted sons, Babuji Raaji Shah, filed a case against Alia, Bhansali and writer Hussain Zaidi who has written the book Mafia Queen Of Mumbai, on which Gangubai Kathiawadi is based. Babuji Raaji Shah claimed that some parts of the book are defamatory and has infringed upon his privacy. He filed a petition, demanding the production of the film to be stopped. He also demanded that the chapters in question in Hussain Zaidis book should also be removed. The suit also claimed that the book and the film maligned the image of Gangubai Kothewali and lowered her dignity. The court accepted the arguments made on behalf of Bansali and others that the suit was barred by the law of limitation since the book was published in 2011 and the petition was filed nine years later in December 2020. The notice of motion filed by Bhansali Production said that Shah has no locus to file the plea as he has failed to provide any documentary evidence or proof supporting the fact that he is Kathiawadis adopted son. The petition pointed out that the claim of defamation can only be raised by the person being defamed, and in this case it is only Kathiawadi. The court took these arguments into consideration, and dismissed the petition. Produced and directed by Bansali, Gangubai Kathiawadi stars Alia as Gangubai. Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Huma Qureshi will also be seen in special cameo. The film also features Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz and Seema Pahwa. By Steve Scherer and Moira Warburton OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's attorney general says accusations that former U.S. President Donald Trump's interfered in Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou's extradition trial is irrelevant because he is no longer in office. Meng is facing charges of bank fraud in the United States over misleading HSBC about Huawei's business dealings in Iran, causing the bank to violate U.S. sanctions. She has been under house arrest in Vancouver, Canada, since her arrest at the airport there in December 2018 and is fighting ... MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Public school enrollment in Minnesota has dropped by about 17,000 students as families turned to home schooling, private schools and delaying entry into kindergarten amid the pandemic. The figures from the Minnesota Department of Education represented a 2% drop. Because of the per-pupil formula the state uses to allocate school funding, that aid will drop by about $10,000 per lost student unless the Legislature makes up the difference. Governor Tim Walzs proposed education budget includes $25 million in one-time money to compensate. Earlier Friday, Walz announced that more than 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccine have been given to Minnesota residents. WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden has quickly approved states of emergency in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. He has spoken with the governors of seven states hit hard by cold and snow. His administration has coordinated the delivery of supplies and other assistance. Facing the first major natural disaster of his tenure - the kind of event that can emerge unexpectedly and throw an administration off course - Biden so far has tried to showcase a competent and by-the-books government, rather than make dramatic gestures. "Jill and I are keeping Texas, Oklahoma, and other impacted states in our prayers," Biden wrote on Twitter on Thursday. "I've declared states of emergency, authorized FEMA to provide generators and supplies, and am ready to fulfill additional requests." Competent government was a central promise of Biden's campaign, and personal empathy has long been part of his identity. The Texas storm arguably calls for both, and it confronts Biden with an early leadership test for his young presidency. So far, Biden has not opted for higher-profile gestures such as visiting the stricken areas, making public remarks or seizing on electrical failures to push his infrastructure plan. His administration is immersed in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic, and White House press secretary Jen Psaki said a presidential trip could disrupt police and rescue efforts in the disaster zone. Still, the White House on Thursday sought to make the case that the administration is doing what it can. It announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided 60 generators to Texas to keep hospitals powered and water pumps running. FEMA has also supplied 729,000 liters of water, 225,000 meals, 10,000 wool blankets and 50,000 cotton blankets, officials said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said he would ask the White House for a "major disaster declaration" in addition to the emergency status that already was granted. The new aid, aimed at long-term repair rather than immediate rescue, would let Texans apply for help with expenses such as replacing broken pipes. "The past several days have been beyond challenging, but with every passing hour we are restoring power and water for families across Texas," Abbott said. Robert J. Fenton Jr., the acting FEMA administrator, said in an interview that the agency has a presence in nearly 15 states and is monitoring the fallout from power and water supply failures and preparing for possible flooding when temperatures rise. But the unusual storm creates some challenges as the administration deals with multiple crises, including the pandemic. Fenton said Biden requested a briefing on the storm on Tuesday, but Fenton was in Los Angeles opening a coronavirus vaccination site, and another FEMA official, David Bibo, had to conduct the briefing. "He is engaged," Fenton said of Biden. "He's phoning governors, he's leaning on us to provide assistance early." Not everyone in Texas is satisfied. State Rep. Bob Hall, a Republican, blamed the failures on several factors, including ailing infrastructure and a state power grid that needs improvement. But he also said he viewed the federal response as inadequate. "I have seen nothing from the federal government in response except they were going to offer up some generators," Hall said. But he also added that he would be skeptical if federal help came with restrictions. "I would be very concerned about any strings the federal government wants to attach," said Hall, who used a hairdryer and a lightbulb - an incandescent one, not an LED - to warm his frozen pipes at his home near Dallas. "Especially green energy-related." One top White House aide said the government is relying in part on the network that sprang up as part of the federal response to the novel coronavirus. "There is a silver lining to the very dark cloud of covid, which is that our FEMA teams have been deeply embedded for quite a long time," Liz Sherwood-Randall, Biden's homeland security adviser, told reporters. "There's a great deal of familiarity among the people involved in needing to work these issues now - because they've been working for quite a while on covid response." Sherwood-Randall also said the storm highlights the need for a large-scale rethinking of American infrastructure and energy policy, forecasting a broader debate that the White House soon may pursue. The weather emergencies demonstrate again that climate change is real, she said, "and we're not adequately prepared for it. The infrastructure is not built to withstand these extreme conditions." Although Biden has made telephone calls and been briefed several times daily, he has largely focused in recent days on what his administration views as the biggest challenge confronting his presidency - the coronavirus response and vaccine distribution. The storm that gripped the Southwest and left millions of Texans without power did not come up Tuesday night during Biden's hour-long CNN town hall, and he did not comment publicly about them Wednesday as his Twitter feed urged Americans to embrace vaccines and mask-wearing. The politics of natural disasters can be among the thorniest and least predictable for presidents, because they can seem to come out of nowhere and present a stark test of competence. George W. Bush was heavily criticized for his administration's failure to prepare for and respond adequately to Hurricane Katrina, hurting Republicans the following year in the 2006 midterm elections. As president, Donald Trump sometimes tied federal aid to a state's political leanings, threatening officials in the midst of crises. In 2019, he threatened to cut off federal aid to California to deal with its wildfires,accusing Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, of mismanagement, relenting only when Newsom called him to make a personal appeal. Trump also held up an aid package for Puerto Rico for three years, calling its leaders corrupt and publicly sparring with them. He released the aid weeks before the 2020 election in what Democrats called a bid to win votes in Florida. "I'm the best thing that ever happened to Puerto Rico," Trump said in releasing the aid. "Nobody even close." In Texas this week, some state officials noted the difference - not in whether they received aid but in the tone. "Biden didn't make Abbott grovel or humiliate himself or pledge his loyalty. I think that's a vast improvement over the past four years," said Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu, who lost power at home for three days but got it back early Thursday morning. He spoke Thursday from a Chinese restaurant, where he was picking up hundreds of hot meals he planned to take to an apartment complex in his district in southwest Houston. "It's nothing fancy - just chicken, vegetables and rice, but it's hot, and there are people in my district who have not had electricity or water for the last four days," Wu said. "We're just trying to help as much as we can." State Rep. Rafael Anchia, a member of the Energy Committee in the Texas House, said he was relieved by the federal response, particularly since the Trump administration rejected a request for a disaster declaration in his district after devastating tornadoes in 2019. "They've been really responsive, which has been good to see - a competent response to a natural disaster," said Anchia, a Democrat, adding that the 2019 decision was "a real gut punch for Dallas." Throughout the day Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was criticized by other officials for traveling with his family to Cancun, Mexico, as many of those in his home state were left without power, food or safe drinking water. Cruz rushed home Thursday afternoon, saying it was his daughters who'd wanted the trip. "With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends," Cruz said in a statement. "Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon." Some Republicans came to Cruz's defense, arguing that there is little that U.S. senators can do during a natural disaster. "There's also a difference between a Governor and a Senator in terms of job description and what they can do for localized disasters," Donald Trump Jr. tweeted. "Optics is one thing but let's be real here." Responding to a reporter's question about Cruz, Psaki sought to poke gently at the senator without criticizing him directly. "The many people across the state who are without power, without the resources they need - we expect that would be the focus of anyone in the state or surrounding states who was elected to represent them," she said. "But I don't have any update on his whereabouts." Psaki suggested Biden might not visit the affected region anytime soon. "One of the factors to consider here is what the impact is - the footprint of a presidential trip," she said. "It can take up resources, it can take up the time and energy of police and security. And so those are factors we consider as we determine when and where he'll visit." Instead, Biden has sought to signal his concern through official actions. The president almost immediately approved a federal emergency declaration requested by Abbott, authorizing the federal government to coordinate disaster relief efforts. On Wednesday, the White House announced that FEMA was supplying generators and moving diesel fuel into the state to boost the supply of backup power. By Thursday afternoon, power had been restored in much of Texas, but the operator of the state's electricity grid said rotating power outages still might be required for several more days. Biden approved a similar emergency declaration for Oklahoma at the request of Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, the White House announced Thursday. "Thank you @POTUS for your quick action to approve our request," the governor wrote on Twitter. By Thursday afternoon, the White House had approved an additional request that was submitted by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat. CLEVELAND, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) announced it has signed a purchase agreement with global coatings company Hempel A/S to divest Wattyl, an Australian and New Zealand manufacturer and seller of architectural and protective paint and coatings with annual revenue of approximately $200 million USD and 750 employees. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. "Today's announcement of our intent to divest Wattyl aligns with our ongoing process to evaluate all aspects of our portfolio, including brands, product lines, customer programs and businesses, for their ability to meet our performance criteria and for their long-term strategic fit," said John G. Morikis, Sherwin-Williams Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "While we've driven significant improvement in the Wattyl business, we believe Company resources can be better deployed to other opportunities offering greater growth, more meaningful scale, and higher returns and cash flow. We thank the employees of Wattyl for their contributions to Sherwin-Williams." The Wattyl business became part of Sherwin-Williams through the 2017 acquisition of The Valspar Corporation. The business was previously reported in Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group. Deloitte Corporate Finance Australia served as M&A adviser to Sherwin-Williams and Wattyl on the transaction. About The Sherwin-Williams Company Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution, and sale of paint, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. The Company manufactures products under well-known brands such as Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's Water Seal, Cabot, and many more. With global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, Sherwin-Williams branded products are sold exclusively through a chain of more than 4,900 Company-operated stores and facilities, while the Company's other brands are sold through leading mass merchandisers, home centers, independent paint dealers, hardware stores, automotive retailers, and industrial distributors. The Sherwin-Williams Performance Coatings Group supplies a broad range of highly-engineered solutions for the construction, industrial, packaging and transportation markets in more than 120 countries around the world. Sherwin-Williams shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: SHW). For more information, visit www.sherwin.com . Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements," as defined under U.S. federal securities laws, with respect to the transaction. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "project," "could," "plan," "goal," "potential," "seek," "intend" or "anticipate" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based upon management's current expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events and conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include such things as: delay in closing the transaction or the possibility of non-consummation of the transaction; the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the purchase agreement; general business and economic conditions; the duration, severity and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may exacerbate one or more of the aforementioned and/or other risks, uncertainties and factors more fully described in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); and other risks, uncertainties and factors described from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC. The foregoing should not be considered a complete list. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investor Relations Contacts: Jim Jaye Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Direct: 216.515.8682 [email protected] Eric Swanson Vice President, Investor Relations Direct: 216.566.2766 [email protected] Media Contact: Julie Young Vice President, Global Corporate Communications Direct: 216.515.8849 [email protected] SOURCE The Sherwin-Williams Company Related Links http://www.sherwin.com Lashing out at the Left-leaning parties in India, the BJP on Friday urged the people of West Bengal to reject the "outdated communist ideology". Taking to Twitter, BJP remarked that the Left Front bats for China and does not empathise with Indian Security Forces or the Citizens of the country. This comes after the Puducherry unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) - CPI(M) put out a post on the death anniversary of a Chinese communist leader. The CPI(M) was categoric in its praises to the Communist Party of China (CPC) while observing the death anniversary of the CPC leader. While praising Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping who led China from 1978 to 1989 without holding any official office, the Left party said, "CPC led China socialism with Chinese characteristics, be guided with Marxism-Leninism, Mao Thought and his Theory." Dear West Bengal and Kerala, Left Fronts priorities are crystal clear - bat for China. Reject the outdated Communist ideology, Communist hypocrisy and Communist tyranny. They neither empathise with our soldiers nor our citizens. https://t.co/gi6AyuRcLW BJP (@BJP4India) February 19, 2021 READ | China Admits Casualties In Galwan Valley Clash; Details Of 4 PLA Soldiers Killed Disclosed BJP's attack on TMC comes in the light of territorial aggression exercised by China last year at Galwan valley in Ladakh. 20 of the Indian Army Jawans were martyred during a faceoff with the Chinese Army while defending the territorial integrity of the country. The Chinese had also shown aggression in Doklam too in 2017, which lies at the trijunction between China, Bhutan and India's Sikkim. After the violent faceoff in Galwan in June 2020, the CPI(M) had demanded the Indian Government to "come out with an authoritative statement as to what actually happened". However, while issuing its statement, the CPI(M) fell short of criticizing the hostile Chinese which indulged in a conflict with India. READ | India-China To Hold 10th Round Of Talks On Feb 20; Disengagement In Pangong Tso Completed 35 years of Left rule in Bengal BJP's request to the citizens of Bengal to reject the Left Front seemingly comes from the fact that the Left Front has ruled the state of West Bengal Bengal for 35 long years from 1977 to 2011. Out of the seven consecutive terms of the Left Front, five were with Jyoti Basu as the chief minister while the remaining two under Buddhadev Bhattacharya. After which, TMC led by Mamata Banerjee led the state for two terms. Assembly elections are due in West Bengal in April-May 2021. BJP has claimed that the state of affairs in West Bengal have been in a dire situation with the rise in violence and deteriorating law and order, during the current TMC rule while also claiming that the situation was no better during the Left rule. The ruling TMC is left to fend for itself by fighting alone, as the Left Front has joined hands with Congress to contest the assembly polls. The BJP has made major inroads in the State in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections winning 18 seats out of 42 and establishing itself as the major opposition force in the state. The saffron party now aims to secure 200+ seats in the upcoming polls where Mamata Banerjee holds government with 222 seats. READ | BJP's Aim Not To Install Govt In Bengal, It's To Change The Situation There: Amit Shah READ | In Bengal, Amit Shah Says 'Jai Shree Ram' Not A Religious Slogan For People Anymore A lack of coronavirus vaccine has forced Monmouth County to cancel vaccinations scheduled for Friday and Saturday at its two county-run locations, after the county ran out doses on Tuesday and already had to cancel Wednesdays and Thursdays appointments for shots. The County still has not gotten notification that the vaccines have even shipped yet and so we have no choice but to cancel the scheduled appointments for Friday and Saturday, Thomas Arnone, director of the county board of commissioners, said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon. The cancellations apply only to appointments made through Monmouth County for its two county-run vaccination sites, at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft and at the Monmouth County Health Department on Main Street in Freehold. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage It was not immediately clear how many appointments had been cancelled this week, said county spokesperson, Tricia Wajda. According to Arnone, everyone with an appointment that had been scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday will be contacted next week to reschedule. Others with appointments at more than a dozen private vaccination locations throughout the county should check with their provider. A state health department spokesperson, Nancy Kearny, referred to remarks by Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday morning attributing delays New Jersey was experiencing in receiving the vaccine from outside the state to the nationwide weather situation. We know there are going to be supply chain issues and we are working with a conservative expectation that our anticipated deliveries will not arrive as scheduled, Murphy said Thursday morning. However, not all sites may be able to do this and this may result in many appointments needing to be rescheduled. Kerny said in an email that the health department would continue to monitor the situation closely. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. As negotiations continue between the Biden administration and Congress on a COVID-19 relief package that could top $1.9 trillion, White House economist Jared Bernstein argues that President Biden's American Rescue Plan "is calibrated to be of a magnitude to finally deal this COVID-19 virus the blow that hasn't occurred yet." Bernstein, a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, said the administration hopes to see Congress pass the bill by mid-March, when enhanced unemployment benefits and other short-term relief elements from December's COVID-relief bill will expire. "We have a deadline that we have to be mindful of, whether it's unemployment insurance, mortgage forbearance, eviction forbearance," Bernstein told CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett in this week's episode of "The Takeout" podcast. "Those kinds of things have to be extended quickly to make sure that the American people and businesses don't suffer one of those air pockets, another lapse in the relief." The White House is also focusing on economic inequalities that continue to be exacerbated by the pandemic, Bernstein said, explaining that America is experiencing a "K" shaped recovery that disproportionately affects Americans of color. "The upper leg of the K are people who just continue to do well and prosper. And at the bottom leg of the K are people who continue to struggle with the economic impact of the pandemic," Bernstein said. "We are an economy where the stock (market) is booming and where lines at food banks wrap around blocks for miles." Bernstein who was previously chief economic adviser to Mr. Biden when he was vice president, rejected the idea of a small COVID relief package like the one proposed by Senate Republicans, reiterating the White House mantra that "the risks of doing too much are much smaller than the risk of doing too little." Story continues "I don't believe it will lead to overheating," Bernstein said, addressing concerns of inflation if the relief package injects too much money at once into the economy. "I think that risk is far smaller than the risk of not doing enough to vanquish the virus and provide people the help they need." For more of Major's conversation with Bernstein, download "The Takeout" podcast on Art19, iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify and Stitcher. New episodes are available every Friday morning. Also, you can watch "The Takeout" on CBSN Friday at 5pm, 9pm, and 12am ET and Saturday at 1pm, 9pm, and 12am ET. For a full archive of "The Takeout" episodes, visit www.takeoutpodcast.com. And you can listen to "The Takeout" on select CBS News Radio affiliates (check your local listings). Producers: Arden Farhi, Jamie Benson, Sara Cook and Eleanor WatsonCBSN Production: Eric Soussanin, Julia Boccagno and Grace SegersShow email: TakeoutPodcast@cbsnews.comTwitter: @TakeoutPodcastInstagram: @TakeoutPodcastFacebook: Facebook.com/TakeoutPodcast Former gymnast calls for accountability, ex-Olympic coach dies by suicide amid sex assault charges Florida prepares for spring break crowds, Miami Beach hotel bookings may be 20% higher than 2020 Lawsuit filed against ERCOT, CenterPoint after Texas man dies of hypothermia during power outage SACRAMENTO California Assembly members have announced a $12.6 billion plan to reopen schools to in-person learning, a proposal that could come up for a vote next week with or without the blessing of Gov. Gavin Newsom. Their bill, SB86, would give schools access to the full funding if they adopt a plan to reopen by no later than April 15, with strict masking, social distancing and students in stable cohorts. Assembly Member Phil Ting, a San Francisco Democrat who chairs the Budget Committee, said Thursday that the plan would require districts that receive the funding to reopen in-person classrooms to all elementary school students once their counties enter the red tier, the second-most restrictive level on the states color-coded pandemic reopening scale. We think that this is a plan that superintendents, teachers, staff can all work with, Ting said. It would also apply to all K-12 schools with students most in need of support, including those who are chronically absent, English-language learners, homeless or otherwise considered at-risk. This would apply even to schools in counties that are in the purple, most restrictive tier. Districts that cannot meet the reopening plan would be allowed to opt out of the state aid. Schools would also be required to continue offering distance learning for families that want it. Ting said the full Assembly expects to vote on the bill even though Newsom hasnt agreed to it. The governor said last week that a deal on a school reopening plan could be imminent, but those talks stalled. I dont know youd have to talk to (him), Ting said. Our intention is to pass the bill on Monday. Newsom pushed back Thursday night, saying his plan to accelerate school reopenings has been on legislators desks since the first week of this year. While the Legislatures proposal represents a step in the right direction, it doesnt go far enough or fast enough, he said in a statement. The governor has touted a $2 billion proposal to reopen schools for elementary school students by mid-February, but the plan fizzled over disputes about when teachers could receive coronavirus vaccines and what safety measures schools would have to take. The new bill would require the state Department of Public Health to prioritize vaccinations for school employees. The California Teachers Association said it was reviewing the bill. Vaccinating teachers and classified personnel, coupled with the multilayered safety protocols, including testing, will help address some of the fear and anxiety, especially with the multiple variants posing an even greater threat, a union spokesperson said. Ting is carrying the bill with fellow Democratic Assembly members Patrick ODonnell of Long Beach, who chairs the Education Committee, and Kevin McCarty of Sacramento, who chairs the Budget subcommittee on education finance. However, its unclear how much Senate support the measure has. Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, said the proposal would keep the conversation going. Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner More than two million people have not received money back for flights they were unable to take during the coronavirus pandemic, Which? estimates (Andrew Milligan/PA) More than two million people have not received money back for flights they were unable to board during the coronavirus pandemic, Which? estimates. Around 2.3 million people across the UK have been left out of pocket for flights that were not cancelled, despite the circumstances often meaning they reasonably, or in some cases, legally, could not travel to their destination, the consumer group calculated. Its estimates were based on a survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK in February. People were asked if they had booked a flight that had gone ahead since March 2020 but that they could not take, and whether they had received a refund. Since UK lockdowns started last March, millions of people have had flight bookings they were unable to use for reasons that were out of their control, although the airline did not cancel the flight. All airlines should allow passengers the option to cancel for a full refund, as well as fee-free rebooking options, while these restrictions remain in place Rory Boland, Which? Travel This has meant customers were not legally entitled to a refund or guaranteed a successful claim through their travel insurance or bank, Which? said. Many passengers have been prevented from travelling because of local or national lockdowns, restrictions preventing entry at their destination, or the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advising against non-essential travel. Which? said passengers in these circumstances would often have only been given the choice of rebooking their flight or losing their money. Rebooking may have meant paying a significant difference in fare if the new flights were more expensive, and trying to choose new dates without knowing when international travel is likely to resume again. The consumer group also pointed out that travelling against FCDO advice often invalidates travel insurance policies. Of those who told Which? they did not get their money back, half (49%) claimed they could not travel because of national or regional lockdown restrictions instructing them to stay at home. In one case highlighted by Which?, at the start of 2020, Rebekah Evans, from Barry in South Wales, booked flights from Bristol to Turkey with easyJet via an online travel agent, costing more than 2,000. A local lockdown was imposed two weeks before the holiday, which was set to be reviewed the day before they were due to fly. Ms Evans did not rebook the flights or accept a voucher in the hope of being able to fly if the local lockdown was lifted. But people were then instructed not to leave Wales unless for emergencies, Which? said. At the time of the flight, England was not in a lockdown, so it went ahead. Ms Evans initially missed out on the opportunity to claim a voucher for the cost of her flight, but, since Which? intervened, easyJet has agreed to offer her a voucher as a gesture of goodwill. We do require customers to contact us ahead of the flight departing to select an alternative option EasyJet EasyJet told Which?: We do require customers to contact us ahead of the flight departing to select an alternative option. Unfortunately Miss Evans only contacted us after the flight had operated. As a gesture of goodwill, on this occasion, we will be in touch to offer a voucher for the value of her flights. Ryanair told Which? that passengers who book non-refundable flights are not entitled to refunds if they choose not to travel on flights which have operated. Which? first raised the issue of people being unable to get their money back for flights they could not take because of lockdown with both the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in March 2020. While not all passengers who told Which? they had not received their money back were legally prohibited from flying, the consumer champion has shared its findings with the CMA to aid its investigation into whether airlines have breached consumers legal rights by failing to offer cash refunds for flights they could not lawfully take because of lockdown restrictions. Which? is advising anyone considering booking flights for this summer to wait until the situation around international travel becomes clearer. It suggested booking a package holiday rather than a flight-only booking for stronger passenger protections, and only booking with a trusted provider with a generous and flexible booking policy. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: With non-essential travel currently illegal, airlines must play their part in protecting public health by ensuring no-one is left out of pocket for abiding by the law and not travelling. All airlines should allow passengers the option to cancel for a full refund, as well as fee-free rebooking options, while these restrictions remain in place. Extreme winter weather has dealt the first major setback to the Biden administration's planned swift rollout of coronavirus vaccines, delaying shipment of three days worth of shots, or about 6 million doses. The disruptions caused by frigid temperatures, snow and ice left the White House scrambling to work with states to make up lost ground even as President was set to visit a Pfizer vaccine manufacturing plant near Kalamazoo, Michigan. The president's trip itself had been pushed back a day to Friday due to wintry weather in the nation's capital. White House coronavirus response adviser Andy Slavitt said Friday that the federal government, states and local vaccinators are going to have to redouble efforts to catch up. The setback from sprawling winter storms comes just as the vaccination campaign seemed to be on the verge of hitting its stride. All the backlogged doses should be delivered in the next several days, Slavitt said, still confident that the pace of vaccinations will recover. Biden was set to meet with workers at a plant that's producing one of the two federally-approved COVID-19 shots. According to the CDC, the two-dose Pfizer vaccine has been administered about 30 million times since it received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 11. Nonetheless bad weather forced many injection sites to temporarily close, from Texas to New England, and held up shipments of needed doses. Slavitt said the 6 million doses delayed won't spoil and the vaccine is safe and sound under refrigeration in warehouses. But as shipments resume and scale up, vaccinators in communities across the country are going to have to work overtime to get shots into arms. We as an entire nation will have to pull together to get back on track, Slavitt told reporters at the White House coronavirus briefing. Slavitt said about 1.4 million doses were being shipped Friday as the work of clearing the backlog begins. A confluence of factors combined to throw off the vaccination effort. First, shippers like FedEx, UPS, and pharmaceutical distributor McKesson all faced challenges with snowed-in workers. Then, said Slavitt, road closures in many states kept trucks from delivering their assigned doses of vaccine. And finally, more than 2,000 vaccination sites were in areas with power outages. Still, the government is going ahead with plans to open five new mass vaccination centers, one in Philadelphia, and four in the Florida cities of Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville. The U.S. had administered an average of 1.7 million doses per day in the week that ended on Tuesday, evidence that the pace of the vaccination program was picking up. Now, the question is how long it will take to recover from the impact of the weather-related delays. Press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House was closely monitoring vaccine deliveries and working with manufacturers, shipping companies and states to speed their distribution. The delays were so severe that Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday suggested he would explore sending his state's national guard to collect doses from icebound shipping hubs in Memphis, Tennessee, and Louisville, Kentucky. The Republican governor said the state may have some real issues with supply delivery this week, and we have been told it would be a few days late, based on some of the issues around weather in other parts of the country. The Virginia Department of Health reported Thursday that it was expecting delays on about 90% of its expected 120,000 doses this week and warned that the delays could cascade into next week. Even if the roads are clear in Virginia, the fulfillment of orders and the movement of these vaccine and ancillary supplies may be delayed in other parts of the country, the department said in a news release. In North Carolina, none of the more than 163,000 first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine scheduled to arrive this week have been delivered by Biden's administration, the state health department said. The state also noted that only a limited number of the nearly 127,000 expected Pfizer vaccines have been shipped. Oklahoma moved to reschedule vaccine clinics to this weekend, when it expects its 110,000 doses to be delivered, aiming to make up appointments from this week. The ripple effects extended far beyond areas experiencing winter weather. In Arizona, the bulk of the state's anticipated shipment of Moderna doses was delayed until early next week, forcing the postponement of some vaccination appointments. Psaki said the White House was working with shippers to speed deliveries of the vaccines once conditions improved and was encouraging states to extend hours for vaccination clinics once they reopen and to swiftly rebook postponed appointments. We want to make sure that as we've lost some time in some states for people to get needles in arms, that our partners do all they can to make up that lost ground, said White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines must remain frozen during shipping, with the Pfizer shot requiring super-cold storage temperatures. The White House said it was working with shippers to ensure there was no spoilage of doses during the weather delays. (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.) High notes Incoming St. Josephs Center Auxiliary co-Presidents Maria Lawler and Kathleen Timlin, along with center President Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, presented Suzanne Fletcher and Theresa Gilhooley, outgoing auxiliary co-presidents, with resident artwork outside the DeNaples Family Community Services Building in Dunmore. The center is grateful to Fletcher and Gilhooley for their dedicated work throughout 2020 and look forward to 2021 with Lawler and Timlin. The St. Josephs Center Online Winter Basket Raffle also kicked off on Feb. 15. The event runs until Feb. 26 at noon. Tickets are $1 each and proceeds will benefit programs at St. Joes. For more details, visit www.stjosephscen ter.org or text, SJCBasket, to 80888. Dinner giveaway scheduled Toyota of Scranton, Johnson College and ShopRite are hosting a no-contact drive-thru turkey dinner giveaway on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. on the Johnson College campus in Scranton. Johnson College and Toyota of Scranton are taking our strong partnership beyond the classroom and with ShopRites generous donation, together, well feed many families in need within our community, said Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College president and CEO. We work to prepare students for hands-on, high demand jobs in essential industries, and also to be essential contributing members of their communities. This is one of the goals Orlando S. Johnson strived to achieve when he founded Johnson College, and one we carry forward each day. Meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of four meals per vehicle, until all 250 pre-prepared meals are handed out, according to the college. ShopRite is the food that will be prepared and packaged by Toyota of Scranton staff and Johnson College students. ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities we serve, said Katie Gallagher, ShopRite spokesperson. We are locally owned and operated by the Bracey Family and have been serving local communities in Lackawanna and Monroe County for generations. This partnership with Johnson College and Toyota of Scranton is a great opportunity for ShopRite to demonstrate its continued commitment to the community and help feed local families in need. Vehicles will enter the Johnson College campus via its north entrance, at the light across from Schiffs. Once on campus, vehicles will be directed to line-up for pick-up. The students and staff will load the meals into each vehicles hatch or trunk while wearing face coverings and gloves. We have a strong commitment to giving back to the community we serve. Helping others in need is particularly important during these extraordinary times, said Patrick Rogers, CFO of Toyota of Scranton. Vehicles will not be allowed to line up on campus before 11 a.m. and cannot park on Main Avenue. Advertisement A wildlife photographer has captured images of what he believes to be a 'never before seen' yellow penguin during a tour on South Georgia. Yves Adams said he spotted the unusual looking king penguin with a bright yellow plumage - instead of the usual black feathers - while leading a two-month photography expedition through Antarctica and the South Atlantic. The youngster can be seen lounging in the surf and showing off its almost tropical plumage while standing next to a regular black and white penguin. A wildlife photographer has captured images of what he believes to be a 'never before seen' yellow penguin on South Georgia during two-month photography expedition through Antarctica and the South Atlantic Yves Adams said he spotted the unusual looking king penguin with a bright yellow plumage - instead of the usual black feathers - while leading a two-month photography expedition through Antarctica and the South Atlantic While Yves unpacked safety equipment, a group of the usually monochrome birds swam towards the shore but one unusual bird drew his attention. Noticing the youngster with its bright plumage, Yves was quick to grab his camera and snap these images of what he calls a 'never before seen' yellow penguin After the tour stopped off at the wild islands of South Georgia, the 43-year-old photographer and his guests landed at Salisbury Plain to photograph their colony of more than 120,000 king penguins. While Yves unpacked safety equipment, a group of the usually monochrome birds swam towards the shore but one unusual bird drew his attention. Noticing the youngster with its bright plumage, Yves was quick to grab his camera and snap these images of what he calls a 'never before seen' yellow penguin. After the tour stopped off at the wild islands of South Georgia, the 43-year-old photographer and his guests landed at Salisbury Plain to photograph their colony of more than 120,000 king penguins on South Georgia Yves, from Ghent, Belgium, said: 'I'd never seen or heard of a yellow penguin before. There were 120,000 birds on that beach and this was the only yellow one there. 'They all looked normal except for this one. It really was something else. It was an incredibly unique experience. The photographer claimed that the penguin's almost tropical plumage was caused by leucism, a mutation that prevents any melanin at all from being produced in feathers, causing white, pale, or patchy colouration in an animal. The degree of leucism can range from just a few feathers to the entire plumage, from a 'melanistic' penguin whose normally white parts are black, to a 'albinistic' penguin that lacks both melanins and is totally white. Many species of penguins have a few rare individuals with this colour pattern, penguin expert P. Dee Boersma of the University of Washington in Seattle told National Geographic. Yves' tour with Quark Expeditions in December 2019 carried on for a further eight weeks leaving him with thousands of photos to trawl through, which has meant he has only released the photos now. He said: 'I'd been dreaming of going to South Georgia for 30 years since I saw my first David Attenborough documentary and I saw these penguins. 'It was certainly worth it, even before we saw this yellow penguin. It was awe inspiring to see thousands of these birds on a rock in the middle of this massive, wild ocean. 'It was heaven that he landed by us. If it had been 50 metres away we wouldn't have been able to get this show of a lifetime,' the photographer added. A Washington bill to ban insurers from using consumers credit scores to determine auto and homeowner insurance premiums was gutted by an insurance industry amendment in the Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee on Feb. 15. Senate Bill 5010, backed by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, would limit the use of consumer credit history for a period of three years and ensure that insurance does not become more unaffordable for people encountering financial challenges brought on by the pandemic. The bill was amended and placed on a second reading by the Rules Committee. Kreidler has long called insurers use of credit scoring unfair and has requested a ban twice, first in 2001 and later in 2010. Now, as consumers struggle with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, he has called a ban on credit scoring critical because he says many people will suffer financially for years to come. Once again, the insurance industry is asserting its muscle in Olympia, Kreidler said in a statement. At a time when theyre raking in billions in excess virus-driven profits, theyre working against the policyholders they claim to protect. Considering the economic peril so many are facing and our countrys confrontation with its failure on racial justice, I had hoped that wed see everyone rally around a solution that puts consumers first. He said the amended legislation from the insurance industry offers no long-term protection to consumers harmed by insurers use of credit scoring. Mark Sektnan, vice president of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, said most people save money when credit is used. Most people save money when credit is used to assess how much you pay for insurance, which is why lawmakers recognized it was not the time to add to the burden of families already struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 recession, Sektnan said. Citing a recent poll that showed 55% of Washingtonians save money on their car insurance when credit is used to assess how much they pay, he said the amended bill is a compromise. Insurers want to help make insurance more affordable, he said. COVID-19 is forcing families to make painful decisions about budgets, like choosing between medicines, groceries or insurance. Families need extra help if the unthinkable happens like death of a spouse, loss of a job or even a pandemic. Kreidler argues the substitute bill would limit relief and allow even short-term assistance to rapidly expire. The industry amendment only applies to policies that are renewing, which means all new property insurance policies will be priced based on consumers existing credit scores. This insurance industry designed this bill to make sure you stay with your current company, added Kreidler. Thats a great incentive for the industry and a bad deal for consumers. Credit scoring is an insidious industry tool that for too long has subsidized the well-off at the expense of punishing low-income people and many people of color. The insurance industrys bill maintains this inequity. I do not support this watered-down bill and am committed to seeing that we get a full ban in our state. Related: Topics Washington Community News Editor / Librarian Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. She can be reached at jmaschino@berkshireeagle.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. Sonja Yoerg. Lake Union, $14.95 trade paper (438p) ISBN 978-1-5420-0469-5 Yoerg takes the pulse of a Navy veterans large family in this keen novel (after Stories We Never Told). In 1980, Maeve and Arthur Vergennes have nine children with a 10th on the way in a small Virginia town on the Chesapeake Bay. The oldest, Jude, left the family under duress five years earlier, so Verity, the next oldest at 18, is considered captain of Nepenthe, the familys dry-docked oyster boat. The vessel came with their sprawling house on a small island property and is central to the childrens lives, where every Saturday they head off on imaginary voyages, a family tradition that helps distract the children from the trauma of Judes departure and, eventually, Maeves death following a miscarriage. In chapters that alternate from different family members points of view, Yoerg does justice to their perspectives as they navigate various conflicts. At the center is a sexual assault endured by Verity at 13, and her controlling fathers unwillingness to allow her to leave home for college. The author tackles a full range of events with elan: the loss of innocence, the push-pull divide between father and son, and how tragedy can cause a family to implode or come out stronger. This richly-drawn and insightful story demonstrates an exceptionally deep understanding of family relationships. [February 19, 2021] Ontario Government's Ontario Together Fund Invests into Facedrive's TraceSCAN Facedrive Inc. ("Facedrive") (TSXV:FD) (OTCQX:FDVRF), a Canadian "people-and-planet first" technology ecosystem, is pleased to announce that TraceSCAN, the COVID-19 wearable contact-tracing solution developed by Facedrive Health, has been endorsed with an investment by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development (News - Alert) , Job Creation and Trade (the "Ministry") to further its contact tracing effort amidst the province's ongoing fight with the COVID-19 pandemic. On February 11, 2021, the parties entered into agreement whereby Facedrive will receive CAD $2,500,000 in non-dilutive funding via the Ministry's "Ontario Together Fund" ("OTF") to accelerate deployment of TraceSCAN technology across multiple sectors and assist in its expansion to meet rising global demand. The Ontario Together Fund was launched to help businesses provide innovative solutions and manufacture essential medical supplies and equipment to support Ontario's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. TraceSCAN, previously endorsed by the Ministry of Skills Development and Training for implementation in the workplace, has been selected by the OTF as a leader in providing wearable contact-tracing and social distancing solutions. The Ministry showed full support to TraceSCAN in its intention to develop and release its next generation of devices - which enhance their features with advanced health monitoring components - and supply the technology to every institution, business or individual impacted by the pandemic. The Ministry's recipient selection process involved an extensive diligence component and was overseen by a robust and objective third party evaluation tool brought by Deloitte (News - Alert) Canada. The TraceSCAN contact-tracing wearable solution, developed jointly by Facedrive Health and a group of researchers from the University of Waterloo, is powered by cutting-edge Bluetooth technology enabling it to work as a standalone device or in conjunction with mobile-powered solutions such as the Government of Canada's COVID Alert app. TraceSCAN is especially suited for work environments where employees may not be able to carry or have access to mobile devices. The technology also caters to at-risk consumer demographics such as the elderly and low-income individuals and families who may not possess smart phones, have affordable access to data or be familiar with the use of smart phone apps. The TraceSCAN technology is validated by a white paper on privacy and security features issued jointly by Facedrive Health and McCarthy Tetrault's MT Ventures while being powered through Microsoft (News - Alert) Azure. Following numerous successful implementations with large enterprise customers such as LiUNA and Air Canada, SMEs, First Nations communities, and a spiking demand for multifunctional connected health solutions, TraceSCAN has rapidly expanded its use case scenarios into multiple business sectors such as recreation, travel, manufacturing, food processing, construction and other industries. This announcement reflects the strong momentum for Ontario-based tech product innovators to come to prominence in both Canada as well as the international arena and illustrates the Ministry's acknowledgement of the critical importance of contact-tracing, its effectiveness in mitigating the consequences of the pandemic and potential to prevent its further spread. Beyond the immediate goal of combatting COVID-19, it also serves the purpose of securing supply chains, creating skilled jobs for many Ontarians and attracting foreign capital to the province. It is also expected that for TraceSCAN, this initial endorsement will pave the way to meaningful long-term relationships with provincial and state governments with a view to future collaboration and enabling TraceSCAN's large-scale impact. With lobal awareness and demand for contact tracing solutions on the rise, government backing will be critical for TraceSCAN to scale its production accordingly and meet growing operational needs. "The continued support of the Ontario Government is very valuable to us at Facedrive, and we are humbled to receive this endorsement facilitating our work during the pandemic," stated Sayan Navaratnam, Chairman and CEO of Facedrive. "We are looking forward to working side by side with government institutions in our joint mission to create safe environments for our communities, restart the economy and bring businesses back to work. We also understand that our responsibility as a global ESG ecosystem is not limited to Canada, and are committed to equipping our international customers with the cutting-edge TraceSCAN technology as well. The OTF funds will be instrumental in helping us grow production volumes, invest in top talent, create jobs and ultimately establish TraceSCAN as a global leader and household name for contact tracing," added Navaratnam. "Our government is taking extraordinary measures to support businesses and organizations that are responding to COVID-19," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "It's inspiring to see pioneering technologies like TraceSCAN emerge within the Ontario business community and take on leading roles in combatting the effects of this pandemic. Through the Ontario Together Fund, we are making sure that companies like TraceSCAN have the resources and support they need to supply emergency products and innovative solutions quickly and efficiently to help address this challenging time together." About the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (formally known as Ministry of Economic Development and Growth) in the Canadian Province of Ontario is responsible for programs to attract and retain business and economic development in the province. This is pursued through research and development funding, business advisory services, career exploration opportunities and business startup programs for youth, skills development and marketing Ontario to potential international business investors. About Facedrive Facedrive is a multi-faceted "people-and-planet first" tech ecosystem offering socially-responsible services to local communities with a strong commitment to doing business fairly, equitably and sustainably. As part of this commitment, Facedrive's vision is to fulfil its mandate through a number of verticals that either leverage existing technologies of the Company or project synergies with existing lines of business (the "Facedrive Verticals"). The Facedrive Verticals include its rideshare business ("Facedrive Rideshare"), sustainable e-commerce platform ("Facedrive Marketplace"), food-delivery service ("Facedrive Foods"), e-social platform ("Facedrive Social") and its contact-tracing and sustainable health services business ("Facedrive Health"). Facedrive Rideshare was among the first to offer a wide variety of environmentally and socially responsible solutions in the Transportation as a Service (TaaS) space, planting thousands of trees based on user consumption and offering choices between electric, hybrid and conventional vehicles (including, more recently, electric and hybrid vehicles on a subscription basis through Steer). Facedrive Marketplace offers curated merchandise created from sustainably sourced materials. Facedrive Foods offers contactless delivery of a wide variety of foods right to consumers' doorsteps, with a focus on doing so in a socially and environmentally-conscious manner. Facedrive Social strives to keep people connected in a physically-distanced world through its HiQ and other e-socialization platforms that invite users to interact based on common interests and by offering gamification and mutual community support features. Facedrive Health strives to develop and offer innovative technological solutions to the most acute health challenges including its proprietary TraceSCAN wearable technology for contact tracing. Facedrive envisions changing the ridesharing, food delivery, e-commerce, social and health tech narratives for the better, for everyone, and is currently operational in Canada and the United States. For more about Facedrive, visit www.facedrive.com. Facedrive Inc. 100 Consilium Pl, Unit 104, Scarborough, ON (News - Alert) , Canada M1H 3E3 www.facedrive.com Forward-Looking Information Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking information. This information is based on management's reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us and are made as of the date of this press release. Actual results (such as the success of any initiatives launched based on the OTF funds) and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors. Information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See "Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in Facedrive's Filing Statement dated August 28, 2019 for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005121/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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. 10722 Martin Schneider, CIO, VF Corporation Martin Schneider, CIO, VF Corporation What does technology-enabled collaboration look like when its seamless? Most companies especially those lacking virtualization technologies likely have no idea. Heres what IT doesnt look like: Youre starting an online meeting, but you cant connect into the bridge. You boot up your computer to take notes, but your machine is frozen, forcing you to revert back to pen and paper. Your video conference screens freeze mid-call. Callers accidentally get dropped from the line. This is the technology world most companies still reside in. But it doesnt have to be. Heres what it can (and should) look like: Every single computer throughout the company has desktop video, which functions individually, for groups and externally. All desktops can be shared desktops virtually by individuals, groups or external partners. Data is cloud-based. You can access the same information from any device, whether thats a phone, an iPad, desktop, laptop or home computer. Colleagues in Buenos Aires, Singapore, London and Greensboro can view and update shared information in real time. However, going forward all future upgrades and software would be pushed through via mobile updates. Its a no-touch environment, i.e. no physical installs from the IT group Shifting the paradigm When VF, the global leader in branded apparel and footwear, was reaching the end of life for our Windows XP operating system, we had a decision to make. Three criteria set the backdrop. First, the solution needed to be cost effective. Second, it needed to provide our 60,000-strong workforce, dispersed across 70 countries, with a robust platform by which to collaborate and innovate. Finally, it needed to enable agility throughout our organization, allowing employees to work wherever they choose and with the devices they prefer. As CIOs, we always weigh technology-related decisions driven by some central questions. A frequent one is:How can we take money out of the system? How can we support the needs of the business? What are the risks to a certain approach? Yet truly advancing innovation and agility demands a paradigm shift. Its all about the end-user. This time, we asked different questions: How can we enable our internal business partners to be most effective? How can we change their jobs for the good of the business? Of course, cost savings are still critically important, but it was clear that we had to spend some money, so we set out to do so in a way that boosted the productivity of our environment, and it certainly has. Our virtualization platform has fueled creativity, product innovation, and employee satisfactionand the bottom line. What we did In April 2014, we leapfrogged from a legacy world with a patchwork of operating systems to the Microsoft 365 toolset, including virtual meeting rooms, Skype for Business, SharePoint, Outlook, Office 365 and Azure cloud capabilities. It didnt happen in the blink of an eye. Before going live, we had to have someone manually update every single computer in our company 18,000 laptops and desktops worldwide. However, going forwardall future upgrades and software would be pushed through via mobile updates. Its a no-touch environment, i.e. no physical installs from the IT group. How its changed procurement As the number one producer of denim in the world, we procure over 600 million yards of fabric (not just denim) each year across all of our brands. Thats roughly enough to wrap around the earth three times. Consider momentarily the sheer number of contracts with suppliers required to source the raw materials. Our new platform has shortened the time to contract completion significantly, because of the ability of our team to collaboratively markup of documents internally and externally. More importantly, procurement can act as one team, instead of outposts for different brands, since they can leverage information for demand planning and forecasting in real time, regardless of location.With this toolset, we have learned from each other and have become a community driven by best practices. For example, VF can efficiently conduct sourcing events, whether it is for leather, shoe boxes or in-store fixtures, across brands and regions. We now act as a community rather than individual and isolated buyers. Technology allows us to maximize global scale, leverage expertise, more efficiently analyze data and make better decisions, which allows us to reduce costs and achieve shorter contract timing internally. The productivity increase is breathtaking. Meetings, too, have gotten shorter and more effective. In the past, wed send version after version of spreadsheets. Now, we have a big screen in each location, with everyone viewing the same information at the same time. We can make changes on the spot and see the implications im-mediately. In many cases, what used to take an hour now takes 15 minutes. Without the need to printendless spreadsheets, we also conserve precious resources, helping us improve sustainability. Finally, when virtual meetings between distant locations are so effective, there is less need to travel. And when travel is necessary, the prior collaboration makes the in-person visit that much more focused and effective. Implications for your organization I often hear from CIOs at other organizations that they are using virtualization technologies, but only in certain locations, such as at headquarters. Wehave every location and every employee connected to the same platform. Even the 45,000 employees who dont sit at computers but who work at our distribution centers and on our factory floors have access to the same information on their own devices. As our reliance on technology grows, it becomes even more vital to the success of the business. This is true at every organization, yet too many CIOs are asking the wrong questions. Do your technology support internal customers to easily share best practices, access information, make decisions, and collaborate internally and externally? If not, its time to look more broadly at how you can enable internal customers to do their jobs with maximum effectiveness. Our virtualization platform has laid a solid foundation for us to share best practices, collaborate, and innovate as one organizationone VF. From an IT perspective, we looked at the benefit to the end user in a different way, and we have never looked back. 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. Australia Facing Vaccine Rollout Challenge Australia is about to embark on the biggest mass immunisation program in its history, with authorities confident of pulling off the massive logistical effort. A top medical official has backed Australia to pull off its biggest ever mass immunisation program despite enormous logistical challenges. Coronavirus jabs will start on Monday as the nation pins its hopes on vaccines forging a path out of the pandemic nightmare. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd is adamant authorities will be able to roll out the program across the vast island continent. Huge logistics behind this but we have a very tried and tested system for immunising our population, and thats what were utilising, he told the ABC on Friday. A flying squad of 500 nurse immunisers will be dispatched around the nation to vaccinate aged care and disability residents who are in the initial phase. Hubs at major hospitals will also be ground zero for the Pfizer jab, which is the first cab off the rank. As the program expands, the extensive network of general practices and pharmacies will join the effort. This is the largest mass immunisation program weve ever had in Australia, Kidd said. But Australia, of course, has been doing incredibly well at so many levels throughout this pandemic and we do expect to be able to roll out the vaccine. He said Australia would be up there with nations like the United Kingdom and the United States in achieving fast vaccine rollouts. Vaccine Hesitancy The government is facing increased hesitancy about coronavirus vaccines despite advertising campaigns and regular media appearances from experts. An Australian National University survey of more than 3,500 people found a significant decline in the number of people likely to receive a vaccine. In January, about 20 percent said they probably or definitely would not get a coronavirus jab once a safe and effective shot was available. Thats up from 12 percent in August. Prime Minister Scott Morrison toured a vaccination centre in Sydney on Friday. I know for many this may be a very anxious process, he told reporters. The plans here have taken that into account, to reassure, to calm, to encourage, to observe, to make sure everybody is OK. Females, Indigenous Australians, people who speak a language other than English at home and those who have not completed Year 12 are the groups less willing to get the jab. These population groups are arguably the most urgent focus of any public health campaigns to improve willingness, study co-author Nicholas Biddle said. By Matt Coughlan and Rebecca Gredley The Kiln Theatre will stream Marina Carr's workshopped play Girl on the Altar in March. A re-telling of the ancient myth of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon (tied into the massive Trojan war story), the piece will give audiences a chance to see a work-in-progress piece that has been commissioned by the north London venue. The cast of Girl on an Altar includes Adjoa Andoh (Clytemnestra), Ayesha Antoine (Cassandra), Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Cilissa), Finbar Lynch (Aegisthus), Joseph Mydell (Tyndareus) and Patrick O'Kane (Agamemnon). The reading will be live streamed for free online on 5 March at 7pm GMT. The venue has also revealed that Tom Piper will join Kiln Theatre as associate designer, while Antoine, Polly Bennett, Kinnetia Isidore, Tony Jayawardena, Shelley Maxwell, Coral Messam, Piper, Kiln associate directors Taio Lawson and Susie McKenna and artistic director Indhu Rubasingham will appear in a series of online panel discussions focussed on navigating the theatre industry in the present day. Rubasingham said today: "As we continue to work on reopening it is important we keep finding ways to connect with our communities. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to embed Tom into the organisation, advocating for freelancers and to add a Resident assistant designer into our team. "These are firsts for Kiln and we couldn't do it without the support of Backstage Trust. It is vital in these difficult times that we continually look at how to support and engage with the pathways into theatre careers." Feb. 19CHARLESTON While some West Virginians cheered on a move to strengthen the state's laws governing charter schools, one Marion County state lawmaker spoke out against the move. Tuesday, Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, rose in opposition of HB 2012 to expand charter schools. He recited a quote that read "don't tell me what your priorities are, show me where you spend your money and I will tell you what your priorities are." "This is the first of many bills that we will see in this body to defund our public education system," said Garcia. The bill expands the use of charter schools in West Virginia and specifically expands them from three currently to a total of 10. It also creates an option of a virtual charter school. "One of the other things I think is important is it provides different rights of appeal when a local board of education makes a decision about whether to accept or reject an application from an entity that wants to start a charter school," said Garcia. Charter schools work under a charter, in this case a charter is the rules and regulations under which the school would function. "And so they're able to function outside of the rules and regulations in many cases that are adopted by a local school board or by the state board of education, and that can affect how educators are paid, how they're hired [or] fired," said Garcia. Garcia believes the bill is a bad bill, and described it as a death by a thousand cuts to the public education system. Garcia said many would argue in rural areas charter schools don't make sense given transportation and food security issues. Another bill Garcia showed concern over is that of education savings accounts, which allow public tax dollars to be spent on private or church schools or homeschooling. Supporters of education savings accounts say it offers parents choices for their children. "The money will follow the child like four thousand some dollars per kid, which again, depending on how many kids decide they want to use that, how many parents decide, that's taking that money away from our public education system," said Garcia. Story continues For example, if 10 children in Marion County decided to used an education savings account it would be the equivalent of the salary of a teacher in the public school system. "All these legislative packages that they have right now relating to education, and all of which I would say hurt our public education system, defund our public education system they're getting pushed through in the couple first week of the legislative session," said Garcia. The Capitol has been more of less closed due to COVID-19, and Garcia believes this leads to lack of transparency. "This is something that's getting pushed through under the cover of night," said Garcia. Both Del. Phil Mallow and Guy Ward could not be reached for comment of this matter in time for this report. They both voted yes to HB 2012. Randy Farley, superintendent of Marion County Schools, said in the past there have been private schools that could very well have become charter schools. Now, in this legislature they're taking approval from local boards away and the governor is appointing a different group of people to look at and approve applications. "I don't wish for public school funds to go to charter schools but that's just my opinion. I guess we'll have to wait and see how it pans out because they've sort of taken the matter out of the hands of local boards now if that gets all the way through passage," said Farley. Farley said one aspect that attracts some families to charter schools is that offer parents different options. "For a parent, there could be many positives depending upon their own situation and what lends itself to it," said Farley. Ross Higgins of the Marion County Education Association said the organization is definitely disappointed but not surprised by the legislation that recently passed. "Given the talk prior to the session as to what the platform would be for Republicans, we anticipated this being an issue that would be kind of vaulted to the front," said Higgins. Reach Sarah Marino at 304-367-2549 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 A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. ANN ARBOR, MI It took a team of people a few days just to clean all the soot off the hallway walls, said Beth Yaroch, Ann Arbor Housing Commission operations director. While ashes have been swept up and walls are looking cleaner, signs of the Feb. 7 blaze are still visible at the seven-story Miller Manor apartment complex just west of downtown, including charred balconies overlooking West Park. Several tenants remain displaced, some staying in hotels, others with family. A week and a half since the late-night fire caused a mass evacuation of more than 100 tenants of the low-income housing at 727 Miller Ave., the commission is still picking up the pieces, with weeks to go to repair all the damage. While mostly we have a sense of what the scope of work is, were still uncovering a few things here and there, Yaroch said, mentioning theyve continued to find more evidence of smoke and water damage. Shes hopeful there wont be more surprises, though, she said, Youve got to start doing some of the remediation and restoration before you can even figure out what all really needs to be done. Youve got to poke some holes in walls before you can tell that theres water behind that wall. Dave Andrew Clair, a 27-year-old Miller Manor resident, is accused of attacking a fellow tenant and then intentionally setting his own apartment on fire, according to police. Clair was arrested at the scene after admitting he started the fire. Its unclear why he did it, though mental health issues are believed to be a factor, police said. Clair is charged with first-degree arson, assault and battery and malicious destruction of police property. He acted erratically and damaged a police cruiser before being taken to the hospital for an emergency psychiatric evaluation, police said. We didnt catch that At the time of the fire, Clair was free on a personal recognizance bond which is when a judge allows a criminal defendant to be released pending trial without a cash deposit or collateral for an unrelated assault case tracing back to last fall. In a Nov. 12 incident at the Fleetwood Diner in downtown Ann Arbor, Clair repeatedly hit a woman over the head with a plastic ketchup bottle and hit a man with a coffee mug that shattered on the mans head, causing injuries, police said. Clair was not arrested at the scene, but identified following an investigation and then charged Jan. 7, said Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit. Charges include felonious assault, assault and battery and disturbing the peace. Savit now acknowledges Clair slipped through the cracks and should have been connected with mental health treatment services last month, rather than being allowed to go free on a personal recognizance bond. This is a case in which somebody was dealing with a mental health crisis and we didnt catch that, Savit said. And I say we as a system, because obviously in the prosecutors office we just see the police report. We dont have access to mental health files or mental health screenings or anything like that. But Im not shirking responsibility on this. The entire system needs to do better at intervening in mental health crises, Savit said. Savit took office Jan. 1 and one of his first acts as prosecutor was a new policy to cease seeking cash bail in criminal cases, arguing a defendants wealth or ability to pay shouldnt determine whether they sit in jail pending trial. Thats not really a factor in what happened here, though, Savit maintains. Under his administration and the previous administration, its unlikely a defendant would be jailed pending trial in a case like the Fleetwood assault, he said. Thats true with cash bond, its true without cash bond, he said. Folks have gotten out sort of repeatedly in similar cases on personal recognizance bonds, or bond would likely be set at a low enough level that they wouldnt be held. And frankly thats particularly true during COVID where were trying to keep our jail population down for obvious health and safety reasons. During his arraignment in the Miller Manor arson case, Clair admitted he needed help. A personal recognizance bond was granted with the stipulation he could only be released from jail to an inpatient mental health facility. He has since been transferred to a treatment facility, according to VINELink.com. Clair is due back in court March 25. In addition to the serious criminal charges he faces, eviction proceedings have started. Picking up the pieces Clair lived at Miller Manor for over five years and was extremely well-liked there, Yaroch said. Part of whats really hard is everybody who is impacted by this those who were impacted a little bit and those whove been impacted a lot are concerned about him and what could possibly have happened ... where did we miss what was going on for him that led to this? she said. Miller Manors 106 apartments are reserved for people making up to half the area median income, and most tenants have very low incomes. The fire happened just before midnight on a Sunday and most tenants were able to go back into their apartments by about 3 or 4 a.m., Yaroch said. Other than the eight or nine that we have currently temporarily relocated elsewhere, everybody else has been back in their apartments since the night of the fire, she said. Theres no cost estimate for damages yet, but its going to be a lot, Yaroch said, adding shes unsure how much insurance will cover and how much the commission will pay. Theres lots of subcontractors involved, she said. We have a fire restoration company that we contract with, but then theres the electrician whos a subcontractor. Theres the people who are cleaning the ductwork in the building after the fire to get the soot out. Theres going to be a contractor for drywall repair and replacement. Big air scrubber machines have been brought in to purify the air in the building, Yaroch said. Theres air-quality testing going on, so any soot, any other chemicals, asbestos, any of those sorts of things have been monitored, she said. Theyre just now getting into some of the individual apartments and some of the cleaning that will need to happen in some of those individual apartments. The fire was mostly contained to the second-floor apartment where it started, though it spread outside, charring the balcony of the third-floor apartment above it. The people in the third-floor apartment looked out their window and saw flames, because the flames were that high, Yaroch said. The fire department shared a dramatic photo of the blaze on Facebook, describing it as a rapidly spreading flashover. We received a very telling picture of the conditions faced by firefighters at 727 Miller Sunday night. The picture shows... Posted by City of Ann Arbor Fire Department - Government on Friday, February 12, 2021 Luckily, the way Miller Manor was built decades ago, its like a fortress, Yaroch said. Its basically cement and steel, so that helped contain a lot of the actual burning. If it had been a wooden-built structure, the outcome would have been really different, she said. Some good news came this week when the commission found out the electrical wiring for units above where the fire started is fine, so some of the displaced tenants could move back soon, Yaroch said. Probably within a month from now, all but one or two households will be back for sure, she said. There is a lot of water damage on the first floor directly below where the fire started that may take more time to address. The entire building had a lot of smoke in it, so there is smoke and soot damage and common areas are still being cleaned and need to be repainted, Yaroch said. Shes thankful no one was seriously injured, though its still a scary and traumatizing event, she said. So many folks in this building already have plenty of trauma in other ways in their life and this is hard, she said. And if you have any history of housing insecurity, something like this just really rattles all of that again. Yaroch is appreciative to everyone who has helped out. Were lucky to have Avalon Housing contracted to provide onsite services here and theyve been amazing with folks as they always are, she said. Their staff were here the night of the fire, during the fire happening, which is huge to have that kind of support. There was a lot of community support. AAATA brought buses out. Fire departments elsewhere helped. Yaroch is now working with displaced tenants, making sure theyre doing OK and getting what they need. The folks who are placed in hotels right now, theyre a little lonely, even though theyre talking to staff every day, she said, noting theyve been coming back to check their mail and connect with other tenants. They miss their community, she said. Savit said hes been in touch with the commission. They have a call set up to discuss the type of cross-systems alignment needed between the prosecutors office, the commission and other partners, including law enforcement and the health system. We need to do a better job identifying folks who may be dealing with mental health crises and appropriately intervene, and thats on all of us, Savit said. There are cross-systems conversations around how we can make sure that we get mental health interventions if a future case prevents facts like this. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: A wonderful surprise. Ann Arbor gifts $25K to family of firefighter who died of cancer After completing 2 new developments, Ann Arbor Housing Commission looks to next 11 Q&A: Ann Arbor affordable housing leader explains ambitious $397M plan A2Zero plan moves forward with proposed energy principles for Ann Arbor 200 seniors displaced as crews repair apartment complex damaged by fire 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. Globe Newswire Report Scope Biosimilar drugs have gained immense popularity because of their impact on the lives of many patients. These drugs belong to several drug classes including hormones, interferons, growth factors (colony stimulating factors, erythropoietin) and monoclonal antibodies, among others.New York, May 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Biosimilars: Global Markets" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p0919318/?utm_source=GNW The use of these drugs has aided in the affordable treatment of many life-threatening diseases ranging from cancer and diabetes to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and others.The high cost of branded biologics has made biosimilars a lucrative alternative for affordable treatment.According to a report on biosimilars (BIO090C), the global market for biosimilars is expected to reach close to $20.8 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 30.5%. Other drivers for this market include rising aging populations, patent expirations of many blockbuster drugs, and better healthcare provisions.This updated report provides in-depth analysis of the market for biosimilars in a global context, including market forecasts and sales through 2025.This study surveys the market for biosimilars in all the geographic regions including North America, Europe, the developed rest of the world (RoW), and emerging markets.The emerging markets include countries like India, China, Taiwan, Africa and Latin America.The report provides an analysis of the market for biosimilars in various segments, for instance, by type, by region and by application/disease category. The report will include a detailed overview about the subject wherein the classification of biosimilar drugs along with their approval mechanisms, clinical trials and applications under review are elaborated upon.The report also provides relevant patent analysis in both the U.S. and the European Union and comprehensive profiles of companies that lead the biosimilar drugs industry. The industry structure, focusing on the important biosimilar drug manufacturers/suppliers and their market shares and product offerings, is analyzed. This report also discusses the current market situation by elaborating upon the market drivers, restraints, challenges and opportunities. Separate chapters discuss the regulatory aspects and clinical trials. The latest news pieces including new products, new indications, mergers and acquisitions in the market are also dealt with in sufficient detail.Excluded from this report are biobetters, generics of small molecule drugs and the biogenerics pertaining to vaccines and blood products. The different requirements for approval and bioequivalence between generics and biosimilars put them in an entirely different regime.Report Includes- 69 data tables and 73 additional tables- An updated review and industry insights of the global biosimilars market- Analyses of the global market trends, with data from 2018 to 2020, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2025- Highlights of the emerging market regulations, clinical trials, and new products launches; and their impact on the stakeholders in this market- Discussion of the biosimilars industry structure, opportunities and complexities, regulatory updates and penetration of biosimilar product classes in various regions worldwide- Estimation of current market size and potential growth forecast for biosimilars market, and corresponding market share analysis by product type, application/disease category and geographic region- A detailed review of patents issued for biosimilars by different assignee categories- Impact analysis of COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of biosimilars market as compared to overall pharmaceuticals industry with respect to clinical trials/approvals- Company profiles of the major market players, including Amgen Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, Cipla Ltd., Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Lupin Ltd., Pfizer Inc. and Zydus CadilaSummaryBiosimilars or follow-on biologics have attracted many biopharmaceutical companies and new entitiesto enter this market.The huge economic potential boosted by billions of dollars of market revenues of branded biologics has lured these developers.Further, the massive cost savings from the use of biosimilar drugs in the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases have also motivated the healthcare systems, payers and regulatory agencies to approve and adopt these drugs.In the last five years, the market for biosimilars has changed in many ways. Particularly, in the U.S., the first approval came only in 2015, and the market has since grown to include more than 30 biosimilar drugs. Inclusion of insulin and other drugs in the biological pathway has paved the way for new biosimilar entries in this market. A rise in competition due to multiple products has also worked in the industrys favor, allowing price reduction at launches (close to 57% for Amgens Avsola, infliximab biosimilar), making the drugs available to much-needed populations. The developed markets have also seen increased adoption of biosimilars driven by growth in physician and payer education, inclusion ofbiosimilars in preferred drug lists, and increases in coverage, in general. It was however noted that the adoption of biosimilar drugs has been variable with respect to different drug classes. Filgrastim biosimilars have witnessed extraordinary growth with a market share reaching almost REDACTED, compared to infliximab biosimilars that have captured only REDACTED market share in the U.S. until 2020. A number of factors are responsible for this disparity, including the type of diseases covered by the drug, branded drug manufacturer tactics, patent scenario and stakeholder awareness, among others.As the market for biosimilar drugs matures, there is a shift in the drug pipelines of most of the biosimilar developers. While some biosimilar drugs from the second wave of biosimilars, such as adalimumab and etanercept, are awaiting approval in the U.S. due to patent litigations and settlements with the originator drug manufacturers, many new drugs considered as third-wave biosimilars (patent expirations on or after 2020) are now in Phase III clinical studies. Some popular drugs in this category are Prolia, Stelara, Eylea and Lucentis.A continuing trend in the global biosimilars space has been collaborations and partnerships with local and multi-national companies.Leading developers have inked strategic commercialization and marketing arrangements with domestic companies to enable market approvals and commercialization in those territories.Technical capabilities, manufacturing expertise, regulatory knowledge and vast experience in generics markets are some of the drivers of these partnerships.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p0919318/?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 China for first time discloses names of soldiers killed in Galwan Valley clash India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: China has for the first time named four Chinese soldiers who died during a clash with Indian troops at the Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh in June last year. Galwan Clash: China finally admits to casualties after 8 months, how many killed? | Oneindia News "Chen Hongjun, Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran died a fierce struggle" against "foreign troops" that violated an agreement and crossed into the Chinese side, Reuters reported citing Chinese media reports. Chen was posthumously awarded the title of "Guardian of the Frontier Hero," while the other three men were also given first-class merit citations, a report in the Reuters said. Last month, the names of 20 Indian Army personnel, who were killed while valiantly fighting Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June last year, were inscribed on the National War Memorial ahead of the Republic Day, official sources said. Parliament panel plans to visit Pangong, Galwan sites Col B Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar regiment, was among the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15, an incident that marked one of the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades. The Chinese soldiers used stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs in carrying out brutal attacks on Indian soldiers after they protested the erection of a surveillance post by China around patrolling point 14 in Galwan Valley. During meet with Antony Blinken, Jaishankar thanks US for strong support India recognised by US as important part of conversation on Afghanistan: Jaishankar Jaishankar holds 'productive' talks with Ethiopian Deputy PM Mekonnen India pti-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Feb 19: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held extensive talks with Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen during which it was agreed to expand bilateral ties in areas of defence, economy and digital technology among others. Mekonnen, accompanied by a high-level delegation, paid an official visit to India from February 17 to 19. Jaishankar described as "useful and productive" the talks covering a range of bilateral and regional issues. "Welcomed DPM&FM @DemekeHasen of Ethiopia. Useful & productive discussions on a range of bilateralional issues. Agreed to expand our bilateral agenda esp defence, economic, S&T, digital & cultural cooperation," he said on Twitter. "Appreciated his detailed briefing on the current situation in the region," the external affairs minister added. The Ministry of External Affairs said the two ministers held wide-ranging discussions and exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues. PM Modi dedicates 50 MW capacity Kasargod Solar Project to Kerala Jaishankar also also hosted lunch for Mekonnen who is also foreign minister of Ethiopia. The two sides signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports. The two ministers also jointly inaugurated the newly-constructed Chancery building and embassy of Ethiopia in the national capital on Thursday. The External Affairs Minister addressed the gathering and spoke of the historic ties between India and Ethiopia, the MEA said. He also touched upon the flourishing bilateral trade and investment ties and the growing people-to-people contacts. Mekonnen highlighted the importance of the India-Ethiopia relationship while speaking at the event. Separately, Jaishankar on Friday also spoke to Armenian foreign minister Ara Aivazian. "A warm conversation with my new Armenian counterpart @Aivazian_Ara. Appreciate his briefing on the situation in his region. Discussed our bilateral cooperation. Look forward to working with him closely," the external affairs minister tweeted. Worthwhile followup on a longstanding complaint. Meanwhile, the bad news is that these legal battles typically inspire more companies to ramp up shipping jobs overseas and Cerner is one of many companies who have excelled at outsourcing a growing portion of their tech biz. Read more . . . (@FahadShabbir) Yangon, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :Global pressure against Myanmar's generals was swelling Friday after Britain and Canada imposed targeted sanctions, though the military showed no sign of deviating from its bid to crush opposition to their coup. Much of the country has been in open revolt since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with disparate strands of Myanmar society uniting to protest against a return to military rule. Security forces have steadily stepped up the show -- and use -- of force, by deploying troops against peaceful protesters, and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Overnight former colonial power Britain announced sanctions against three generals for "serious human rights violations" over their roles in the junta's security forces. Freezing their assets and imposing travel bans, the UK also said it was beginning a review to stop British businesses working with the military. Canada sanctioned nine Myanmar military officials and accused the junta of engaging "in a systemic campaign of repressions through coercive legislative measures and use of force". "Canada stands with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and human rights," said foreign affairs minister Marc Garneau. These actions come after US President Joe Biden last week announced Washington would cut off the generals' access to $1 billion in funds in the US. While welcoming the sanctions, some rights groups and activists say the moves need to go further to hit the military's businesses in the lucrative gems, beer, and banking sectors. "They fall woefully short of the strong response that is needed to hold the military to account and undermine its economic power," said Paul Donowitz, Myanmar Campaign Leader from UK-based Global Witness. "We will be waiting for the EU sanctions announcement" on Monday, said Thinzar Shunlei Yi, one of the main activists who kicked off an online "Civil Disobedience Movement" campaign which has spilled onto the streets. "We urge other nations to have a coordinated and united response against Military Coup in Myanmar." - Internet shutdowns and night arrests - The country endured its fifth consecutive night of "curfew-style shutdowns", according to monitoring group NetBlocks, reporting that the internet returned around 9 am local time. By then hundreds were already amassing at two key junctions in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, carrying posters of Suu Kyi that said "Free our leader" In remote Sagaing region, columns of protesters marched through Monywa, waving a three-finger salute -- a "Hunger Games"-style symbol of resistance borrowed from Thailand's pro-democracy movement. The junta has continued apace with detentions of Suu Kyi's political allies as well as civil servants taking part in the movement. So far, more than 520 people have been arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group, which confirmed that 12 foreign ministry officials were detained. The partner of one told AFP that he got a text message from her before dawn saying the police were coming, and said he still has not heard from her. Thursday also saw police deploy water cannon in Naypyidaw, the country's capital, in an attempt to disperse protesters. "The police decided to park their trucks and started firing the water. They sprayed water into the houses and they also seized people's motorcycles," a protester told AFP. The junta has justified its power seizure by alleging widespread electoral fraud in November's elections, which Suu Kyi's party won in a landslide. The Nobel laureate -- who has not been seen since she was detained in dawn raids -- has been hit with an obscure charge for possessing unregistered walkie-talkies, and for flouting coronavirus restrictions during campaign events. Her hearing is expected on March 1. bur-dhc/hg .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... What began as unisex logo T-shirts has blossomed into a line of clothing for men and women. The Gapelii fashion brand was created by Toja Hodge of Hobbs and Andrew Akufo, who is formerly of Hobbs and now lives in California. The brand has experienced growth in sales and demand during the pandemic. We saw a lot of growth when everything happened with the George Floyd murder, Akufo said. And a lot of people were really wanting to starting to support Black-owned businesses, and ours happened to be. I mean, its the only luxury fashion brand in New Mexico thats Black-owned, and even in my area out in California, (its) pretty much the same thing. So, you know, we tried to put our stuff out there, and then reach out and saw a lot of people coming from all over the country, to be honest with you, really getting on our site, and we saw the traffic increase. And then we started to see more sales. And its been amazing. Gapelii has partnered with empowering organizations such as the Black Fashion World Foundation, based in New York. Akufo connected with the foundations founder Carla Nelson and is now part of a group that meets online in support of young Black entrepreneurs in the fashion world. Gapeliis inventory has expanded in preparation for the winter season. Its winter collection includes solid-color zip-up hoodies and sweatshirts. There are also plans for tie-dyed hoodies. The brands masks have been a top seller during the pandemic and come in an array of colors. Chunky knitted beanies that are part of the winter collection have also been popular. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ We also have pigment-dyed sweatshirts, so a little bit off tone, but its been something which has been an eye-catcher for a lot of people, and weve seen a lot of traffic on our site looking at that product, as well as our long-sleeved shirts, Akufo said. So were happy about expanding in that area. A womens collection has been added to Gapeliis branding. Weve added products like our womens wide-neck sweatshirt, so it has a wider neck than the regular sweatshirt, even though those are usually unisex, but this one is specifically for women, he said. It contains pink logo print, which has been very appealing and eye-catching. And, you know, weve seen some sales come from that specific product as soon as we released it. And we have it in two different colors right now. We have it in both the black as well as a navy blue color. A flowy, boxy tank top is another new item and is available in several different colors. It is slightly shorter than the previously released unisex tank top. So when the weather gets warmer in the springtime and moving in the summer, thats something which we expect to be a hot seller, Akufo said. Weve also added deep V-neck shirts. Beforehand, we just had regular T shirts, which were also unisex in a limited amount of colors. But weve really expanded our color selection for our customers. So they can get it in pretty much any color, which is available on our site. Customers can also contact the brand via email and social media if there is a specific color they want and do not see it on the site. The brand will expand its color selection in the near future. Gapelii intends on adding shorts to its brand when the weather warms up. They will be a sweat short style that is on trend. Other looks in the works include a womens jumpsuit that will include a top and a bottom. There has also been discussion of adding womens shoes, boots and heels as well as sundresses and long skirts. A line of accessories is also in the planning stages. Items include watches, purses, sunglasses, colognes and perfumes. The brand continues to aim high and hopes to one day offer suits. To me, once we start offering suits, then weve reached a pinnacle, Akufo said. And you know, Ill be extremely pleased with that. So these are all goals, which were definitely working toward. The more we continue to grow, and our customer base continues to expand, then our product selection will also expand. But you know, we are still open to different suggestions. There may be different things which we havent thought about which people know, and would like to see on our site. And were definitely open to that. We encourage folks to send an email, they can hit us up through our social media channels as well. Were an open door. GAPELII FASHION BRAND INFORMATION: Visit gapeliibrand.com or facebook.com/Gapelii or instagram.com/gapelii for the latest updates and ordering Syracuse, N.Y. The Covid-19 pandemic cant stop one of Syracuses most enduring traditions: Colemans Authentic Irish Pub will host its annual Green Beer Sunday on Feb. 28. But there will be limits to the event that typically kicks off what owner Peter Coleman likes to call St. Patricks Day season in Syracuse. Colemans is calling this years event Civilized Green Beer Sunday. It includes special reserved seatings in the pub that must be booked in advance. And there will be a drive-through set up in the parking lot for those who want to take their green beer home in growlers (along with cocktails to go called Loaded Leprechauns.) But some traditions wont happen: There wont be the block-long parade from the upside-down traffic light at the corner of Milton and Tompkins streets to the pub at Lowell and Tompkins. That means no big tanker truck filled with green beer rolling up to the pub accompanied by pipe bands and Irish step dancers. A flyer for this years event says Green beer will be delivered secretly and it will be spectacular. Colemans is doing what it can to prevent the big crowds of revelers who traditionally jam the street, the bar and the grounds, no matter what the weather. Reserved seating in the pub will include groups of 4 to 10 people in a party in the dining areas and 4 to 6 people at the bar. Seatings last three hours. Downstairs, they are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Upstairs, there are two seatings: Noon to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Seats may be reserved by emailing dcolemans@yahoo.com. Covid protocols will be enforced, including a total occupancy of no more than 50%, plus mask and social distancing requirements. Seats are $10 per person in the main floor and upstairs dining rooms and $15 at the bar. With limited seating, early reservations are recommended. The takeout green beer will be available as a drive-through only, to keep people from gathering on the pubs upper parking lot, which in a regular year would draw crowds to drink and hear music. No walk-up will be allowed. The green-beer drive through is cash-only. Green Beer in 1/2 gallon jugs/growlers is $14. Green Cider in 1/2 gallon jugs is $16. Loaded Leprechaun (cocktail with cider and vodka from 1911 Established) is $12. The big St. Patricks Parade in downtown Syracuse, meanwhile, has been cancelled this year. (See more details in flyer below). The decision to put on a modified version of Green Beer Sunday comes as Colemans is being recognized nationally for the tradition, which dates to the early 1960s. Food Network Magazine named Colemans one of Americas 10 Most Impressive Irish pubs in its March 2021 issue. The magazine piece, which features a photo of Colemans interior on its cover page, was written by Audrey Morgan, who knew about Green Beer Sunday from her days as a student at Syracuse University, a magazine spokesman said. The piece features 10 pubs, in places like New York City, New Orleans and Chicago, that are the most iconic Irish bars around the country with unique claims to fame. The entry on Colemans is headed: Most Green Beer Served: Colemans Irish Pub, Syracuse, NY. This bar typically throws an annual Green Beer Sunday festival in February, serving 12,000 gallons of green beer to revelers, Morgan wrote. Wed expect nothing less from a pub in Syracuses Tipperary Hill, a neighborhood with so much Irish pride that it has a traffic light where the green light sits above the red! Read more: How Colemans invented green beer. Maybe. A flyer announcing the "civilized" Green Beer Sunday to be held at Coleman's pub in Syracuse on Feb. 28. Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-18 15:53:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Feb. 19, 2021 shows a dam affected by drought in Kandahar city, Afghanistan. The World Bank has approved 97.5 million U.S. dollars in grant for Afghanistan to combat the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and droughts in the war-torn Asian country, the World Bank office in Afghanistan said in a statement reaching here Thursday. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua) KABUL, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has approved 97.5 million U.S. dollars in grant for Afghanistan to combat the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and droughts in the war-torn Asian country, the World Bank office in Afghanistan said in a statement reaching here Thursday. The grant approved from the International Development Association (IDA) is to provide regular and predictable cash support to drought- and coronavirus-affected Afghans as well as to improve food and nutrition security, the statement said. According to the statement, the grant will also help build early drought warning and response systems in the country. "This new financial assistance will help the Government of Afghanistan lessen drought impacts that have displaced millions of Afghans and pushed them into poverty. The project's support to Afghan rural households will contribute to overall poverty reduction and economic recovery," said Henry Kerali, World Bank country director for Afghanistan. Afghanistan reported its first COVID-19 case in February last year. The Public Health Ministry data released Thursday showed 55,557 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 2,430 deaths in the country. Enditem The Island of Capraia is the setting of one of the most recent and mysterious theft investigations in Italy. The island is part of the Tuscan Archipelago, just off of the West coast of Italy, and is home to 4.000 people during the tourist season.The locals form a close-knit community, fit with its own fishing businesses, schools, and nightlife. Every islander knows his neighbour and his neighbours family. It was an island where one could leave his house without feeling the need to lock his front door. Since a string of large-scale robberies has occurred throughout the Winter months, the innocence of every inhabitant has come into question. The Wolf of Capraia A local suspect The robber, who Il Tirreno calls "The Wolf of Capraia who steals from friends," has taken thousands of euros, jewellery, and valuable goods from workers, business owners, and the deputy mayor. Once a peaceful oasis of Italy, Capraia is now in the middle of an all-too-real crime novel. Cold weather and the threat of Covid have left the island without tourism and only about 200 local inhabitants. All evidence suggests that the thief lives on the island, since he seems to have a good understanding of the geography and even of the interior of the targeted buildings.A local suspect is a great threat because the islanders keep their money in cash; the last Capraian bank closed about a year ago and the island houses only one ATM. If one needs to visit a bank, he has to sail to the mainland Livorno. Inhabitants keep their savings in their homes and businesses, often in large sums. The criminal has stolen not only cash, but entire locked safes. The most recent and jarring robbery took place at the tobacconist called "Il Cantuccio." It doubles as bar, where customers can have a coffee while reading the newspaper in the morning and a drink while playing cards in the evening. It is a cornerstone of the community. The Mayor The owner, Alessandro Santinelli lost his life savings when the suspect entered through the back door under the surveillance of a disabled camera and took 60,000-70,000 euros from his safe. The only public surveillance camera on the island did not catch a glimpse of the crime.Anyone on the island could become victim to these mysterious thefts. Deputy Mayor Fabio Mazzei was robbed in November 2020, when he was off the island visiting Pisa. He claimed that the robber is someone who knew his schedule and he accused him of waiting for his departure.Mazzei came home to find that his entire safe was missing with 14,000 euros inside. He says, "It is a very sad thing because the feeling is that of having a thief in the family." A teacher is also missing cash and jewelery. The thief also hit two fisherman and a bartender. The suspect is not stealing from tourists, or unknown neighbours in a large city. They are stealing from their friends. The three carabinieri on the island are working hard to survey the area and solve the case. Marida Bessi, mayor and president of the Livorno province has put it at the forefront of her priorities. Born and raised in Capraia, she has always been committed to its wellbeing. She says, "Do you know what I'm most sorry about? It is the risk that the sense of community we have always had will be affected. That's why thefts in Winter, when it's just us, are a blow." The islanders want the return of their precious ownings, but also the return of the safe and comfortable hug of Capraia that they once knew. To disrupt systems of racism and inequity, Worcesters City Manager signed an executive order Friday afternoon and submitted a series of recommendations for City Council approval that include removing police officers from schools, banning facial recognition within the city and creating a police dashboard online that would provide the public access to use of force complaints. The measures to address systemic racism within the city and police reform come after Augustus hoped to release some measures in the fall. I was trying to put together something that was coherent, Augustus said. I appreciate that it took a little more time but I think, hopefully, people are not going to remember if this was put out in November or February. Theyre going to remember if it worked or not. The measures were announced by Augustus on Friday but were drafted with input from a city-wide effort that included Chief Diversity Officer Stephanie Williams, Director of Urban Innovation Eric D. Batista, City Solicitor Michael Traynor, city councilors and community organizations. The recommendations require city council approval. It was very intentional that we didnt select the low-hanging fruit, to run fast and furious to just put something out there, which would be lip service, Williams said. I think it was very intentional in terms of sitting down and really examining who we are as a municipality and how we service the community in which we serve. Augustus was one of many city officials last summer that participated in demonstrations and protests in Worcester following the murder of George Floyd. Since that time hes promised to work with the community to provide measures of police reform. In submitting the recommendations to the city council, he alluded to Floyd. The anger and outrage we witnessed in protests across the nation - and here in Worcester - were not merely the result of Mr. Floyds murder; they were the expression of those who have suffered decades of mistreatment and injustice, too often at the hands of those sworn to protect them, the letter to the council reads. The most specific recommendations focus on reform within the Worcester Police Department. Augustus included aspects of the Massachusetts police reform bill signed last year, but went beyond it in several areas. While the state law allows for facial recognition in some areas, Augustus called for an outright ban of the technology until it improves. Worcester currently doesnt utilize the technology. Everything that Ive heard or seen suggests that its not quite there yet, Augustus said. Its not precise enough and it does have impacts on communities, particularly communities of color in the mistakes [the technologies] make and who it identifies or misidentifies. The recommendations also suggest the removal of officers from Worcester Public Schools by the end of 2021. Augustus said the program worked well referring to a decline in the number of arrests and suspensions in schools with officers. Augustus, though, said the move comes after discussions with the community, which felt the officers created feelings and impressions that made students uncomfortable. The potential move will add seven officers working in other police roles. The police are not wed to the idea of being in the schools or out of the schools, Augustus said. Theyre wed to a safe community. So if we can find another way that the school community is safe besides having officers assigned all day in the high schools, I think were open to that conversation. Augustus envisions relationships between the citys youth and law enforcement continuing, though. He suggested a paid cadet program that involves individuals interested in pursuing a career in public safety to partner with the city. The program would mimic a similar one run in Boston for individuals interested in becoming a police officer or firefighter. They would work in para-professional ways in both departments, Augustus said. We could get individuals from the Worcester Public Schools and locally that would reflect the diversity of the community. If successful within the program, Augustus said there is legislation that would help boost individuals when taking the civil service exam. Its a way to feed in local Worcester residents who have had a chance to explore interest in the vocation, learn what its about, and be advantaged because theyve successfully participated in the program, Augustus said. Augustus recommendations also involve police responses in the community. The city manager wants funds set aside to create a team of social workers and licensed professionals who are deployed and help police during a mental health incident. All police responses would be documented and available for public consumption through an online dashboard proposed by Augustus. The dashboard would allow the public to access WPD use of force complaints, incidences and other public data online. The hope is to offer as many public data points available that would serve both the public and the police force. I think theres a great story to be told, Augustus said. Theres a lot of great stuff that the Worcester Police Department does on an annual basis. The public will also be involved in any future surveillance technology proposals from the Worcester Police Department if Augustus recommendations are passed. For example, if the department wanted to begin using drone footage to help police parades or search for individuals, public input would be required before a city council vote. Public input would only be used for the general decision of the surveillance and not for individual cases. Recommendations also suggest the city wait until the state releases the results from its body camera report, which is scheduled to be finished by August 2022. At that time, Augustus recommended the city engage in community conversations with the Humans Rights Commission and the Worcester Police Department. Working with Health and Human Services and Human Resources, the Worcester Police Department is also recommended to review and assess institutional norms in an audit to assist in a city-wide equity development initiative. As part of the plan, the chief of police will establish an equity advisory council to implement the recommendations from the audit. If we could all step back and think and reflect, we all have a role to play. Its not, somebody elses job. Its not, Chicagos job but not our job, Augustus said. Its not, this departments job but not my departments job. Its not, that persons job, but not me as a person. Its all of our jobs. Thats what were trying to do. Augustus also hopes to create an Equity Cabinet under his administration and a Division of Investigations that will be tasked with conducting city-wide internal investigations arising out of employee and resident complaints. The complaints will not be public. Along with the current diversity training programs provided annually to its employees, Augustus sees value in personnel participating in RITE Academy, which provides a safe environment for employees to report inappropriate behavior and REAL (Race Equity and Leadership) training. Im very supportive of the recommendations made by the manager in his report to the council, Mayor Joseph Petty said. I think its going to go a long way at least the beginning of bridging the divides and healing the wounds that existed over generations in the form of racial injustice and inequality. Its a beginning. Beyond recommendations, Augustus signed an executive order around 1 p.m. on Friday that immediately addressed more broad racial equity issues within in the city. It reaffirms the citys commitment to addressing structural and institutional racism by laying out six checkpoints the city can reach by January 2022. Theres a lot of talent in underrepresented communities, Augustus said. And part of the challenge is letting that talent know about the opportunity. They are as follows: By July, the city plans to submit proposals to conduct a racial equity audit to evaluate the citys policies, procedures and culture. The audit will also provide recommendations to disrupt systems of racism and inequity within city hall. By July, the Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Human Resources will work to create training and professional development opportunities to prepare city personnel for racial equity. By September, the city will undergo an internal review of its demographics and operational data in an evaluation relative to advancing racial equity. By January 2022, the city commits to changing business as usual and restructure its strategic planning, including its mission, vision and values. The restructuring will focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. By January 2022, the city will incorporate racial equity goals into its annual departmental plan to ensure the incorporation of specific racial equity strategies. By January 2022, the city will increase its commitment that city hall will reflect the community as a whole. Unlike the recommendations, the executive order doesnt require city council approval. I think even creating this executive order is making movement and moving the needle, Williams said. Thats success. I think we need to be humble enough that any small step is still a step forward. Related Content: Mount Sinai researchers have discovered that Polycomb complexes, groups of proteins that maintain gene expression patterns, are essential for proper skin development, according to a paper published in Genes & Development on February 18. This latest discovery could improve development of future stem cell therapies to generate "skin on a dish" to transplant into burn victims and patients with skin-blistering disorders. Polycomb complexes are groups of proteins that maintain the gene-expression patterns during early development by regulating the structure of DNA and proteins in cells. They play a critical role in the repression of gene expression, or the switching-off of individual genes to help control responses to changing environments and stimuli. The researchers found that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) each help maintain the skin-specific gene expression pattern necessary for proper development of the skin. The researchers studied Polycomb complexes in the developing skin of mice. Mice that were bred missing either Polycomb complex still had a functioning skin barrier, albeit with minor defects in skin thickness. In contrast, when researchers bred mice missing both complexes, it resulted in severe skin defects including a significantly thin epidermis that lacked essential layers required for survival. The researchers found that PRC1 and PRC2 help maintain regular function of gene repression, in particular the repression of transcription factors essential for the formation of non-skin tissues. We show that Polycomb complexes function redundantly to control proper development of the skin. Polycomb complexes function together to repress non-skin lineage programs and thus control proper skin development." Elena Ezhkova, PhD, Study's Corresponding Author, Professor of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, and Dermatology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai The researchers said their discovery has implications for development of stem cell therapies to produce "skin on a dish" to use for transplantation. Since Mount Sinai researchers have established that both Polycomb complexes are vital for skin formation, this discovery could improve current protocols for generating skin cells from stem cells. Polycomb complexes are also often overexpressed in epithelial cancers, including skin cancers, and treatments using Polycomb inhibitors are currently being studied in clinical trials. This study suggests that parallel inhibition, use of both PRC1 and PRC2 inhibitors, may be a more powerful form of treatment for cancer patients. While Polycomb complexes are important for skin function, their role in other tissues remains unknown. Future studies should explore the role of Polycomb complexes in developing and regenerating tissues, the researcher said. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Japan contributed to the study. 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 look at Friday's major share movers in the London Stock Exchange PLC ( ) motored 24% higher to 971p after selling Hobsons for about US$410mln (293mln). The EdTech business, which was restructured in 2017 to focus on high-growth opportunities in Student Success, will be sold in two separate transactions. Hobsons' Naviance and Intersect businesses are being sold to US-based PowerSchool, for around US$320mln while the Starfish business is being lobbed out to EAB, a US-based education company, for around US$90mln. 2.20pm: Kanabo Group slips after investor halves holding ( ) slipped 19% to 32.06p in the early afternoon after plc ( ) sold off some shares in the cannabis firm. The investing company, which focuses on early stage and pre-IPO long-term disruptive technology investments, offloaded 1mln shares at 23.5p, bagging 233,801. Vela originally subscribed for 2mln shares in Kanabo at 6.5p each so it has made a net profit of 168,801. Following the disposal, Vela will hold 1.31 mln shares in Kanabo, equivalent to approximately 0.36% of the issued share capital. 12.10pm: Kingspan surges after overhauling insulation arm following Grenfell disaster Kingspan PLC ( ) surged 10% to 62.50 at noon after apologising for what it says was unacceptable employee conduct at its UK Insulation Boards business" in the run-up to the Grenfell Tower disaster. Witnesses at the official inquiry into the fatal fire have accused the company of hiding the results of fire tests on its K15 product used at Grenfell and ignoring safety concerns. The building materials group is implementing widespread changes to its insulation board division practices, including the publication of all fire test reports, and would act on recommendations by legal firm Eversheds Sutherland. 11am: Idox jumps after confirming takeover proposal Idox PLC ( ) jumped 21% to 74p after confirming it has received three non-binding indicative proposals regarding possible cash offers for Idox from Dye & Durham. The document management specialist received the latest proposal received on Thursday for a possible cash offer at 75 pence per share. It added that it has entered into discussions with Dye & Durham, a cloud-based software provider, but there is no certainty that an offer will be made. 10am: Path Investments tumbles after placing heavily discounted shares Path Investments PLC (LON:PATH) tumbled 39% to 0.5p after raising 3.5mln by placing 1.4bn shares at 0.25p each. The price represents a 70% discount to Thursdays closing price of 0.82p. The energy and natural resources investment company said the proceeds will be used to support its strategy of owning and operating a diversified portfolio of long-life assets, while it focuses on cutting carbon intensity. Meanwhile, plc ( ) lost 7% to 26.5p after announced that its Heathrow depot at Stanwell, Middlesex suffered a fire in its administrative offices. The UK bus operator said no staff were injured and the fire is not thought to have been malicious. The AIM-listed firm added that damages amount to 250,000 but are expected to be fully recoverable from insurance with more than one insurer, so there shouldnt be any long-term financial consequences. 8.45am: GSTechnologies tops early morning risers with Singapore subsidiary update GSTechnologies Limited ( ) was the top riser early on Friday as it shot 22% higher to 3.12p on the back of an update from its Singapore subsidiary. The information and communication technology infrastructure solutions provider confirmed that GS Fintech Singapore has now been established. Alongside the recently established UK subsidiary, the new arm will support the firms expansion into blockchain-related technologies and services. Elsewhere, ( ) advanced 5% to 204p after revealing it will support the roll-out of mobile COVID-19 testing in the UK as part of the governments new pilot scheme. The provider of lab services and products will oversee all laboratory operations and processes and will have responsibility for clinical governance, quality assurance, staff training, sample processing and information management. The AIM-listed firm said it will run the service on behalf of outsourcing specialist Mitie for the remainder of this early phase, adding that it is working towards involvement in a potential UK-wide programme. Proactive news headlines BASE Resources PLC ( ) has passed an important milestone in its bid to increase the mine life of its mineral sands operation in Kenya. ( ) has announced the start of rig mobilisation for the Merlin-1 well, in Alaska, where drilling is scheduled to start in the first week of March. ( ) confirmed the closing of its share placing, with the nickel mine developer raising 18mln in total. ( ) announced the convening of a general meeting, including a proposed consolidation of the company's share capital. A shareholder circular explaining the reasons for the consolidation and other proposals is being posted to shareholders and will be available on the company's website at www.unionjackoil.com under the AIM Rule 26 section. At 22 years old, Suleika Jaouad was a recent college graduate who had moved to Paris, looking forward to everything life might offer. Then she received a diagnosis of leukemia. In her new memoir, Between Two Kingdoms, Jaouad writes about the ensuing years. On this weeks podcast, she discusses her experience with the disease and her effort, in writing the book, to avoid the many platitudes that surround serious illness. When youre sick, you get bombarded with all kinds of bumper-sticker sayings, she says. Youre told to find the silver lining, that everything happens for a reason, or the one that I hated the most that God doesnt give you more than you can handle, because in my case it certainly felt like I had been given more than I could handle. So I was really focused on writing toward the silence and toward the shadows, and writing about the experiences that maybe arent as palatable but that, from my perspective, needed to be unveiled. Image The Timess comedy critic, Jason Zinoman, visits the podcast to discuss his favorite memoirs by comedians, including books by Harpo Marx, Joan Rivers and Tina Fey, and to discuss the genre as a whole. Casey Olson has been on a drill rig since 1991. Back then, Olson worked at a mineral exploration company, and though the work was break-back, learning the equipment wasnt too difficult. Fast forward thirty years later, hes now running Rabco Services as an independent well drilling contractor in Columbia Falls and Olson says the technology is rapidly outpacing the knowledge of new workers, which are hard enough to find as it is. Were trying to target younger guys, we take older guys -- we take whoever wants to come, Olson said in a phone interview. I dont even know that its really an age limit anymore. Everybody I know in our industry has kind of given up trying to hire somebody whos already trained. Olson founded his business in 2015 and now pays three full-time employees, but says its a struggle to find the time and money to pay for their continuing education, while also searching for more of a resource Montana has in short supply: skilled workers. Nearly a month and a half into the 67th Legislative Session, a series of bills from Gov. Greg Gianforte have begun working their way through the process, all seeking to make cuts to numerous Montana taxes. One of the major proposals is aimed at solving the problem of Montanas skilled-laborer shortage: House Bill 252. Advocates say the bill is just the next step in a long history of improving support for career and technical education in the state. Tuesday, Feb. 9, marked the first day in what many in Gianfortes circle dubbed Tax Week, and lawmakers heard the first of four bills from the governor seeking modifications to Montanas business equipment tax structure, personal and corporate income tax. HB 252 would create a tax credit for businesses in the trades -- like loggers, electricians, well drillers and others -- to cover 50% of the cost for up to 12 employees to attend technical school or receive additional training. During its first hearing in the Montana House Taxation Committee, the bill drew overwhelming support from a broad range of business advocacy organizations, employers and even the Montana University System. Thats where Olson testified in support of the measure, on behalf of himself, his company, and the Montana Water Well Drillers Association, of which he serves as president. He told committee members that keeping up with the cost of training his employees on new equipment -- and the expense of fully training new employees outright -- is a big factor preventing the expansion of his business. Brock Tessman, Deputy Commissioner for Academic, Research and Student Affairs at the Montana University System, also testified in favor of the bill on behalf of the agency. He told committee members that Montana is desperately short of skilled workers. Data from the Montana Department of Labor in 2018 indicates that 73% of total job openings in the state over the next decade will require a high school diploma or less. Currently, 66% of Montanas workers hold jobs requiring high school completion or less. However, national data provided by the department during the hearing shows that the bulk of workers in the skilled trades are older relative to other jobs. Among all workers nationwide in 2013, 23.6% were age 4554. Among skilled laborers, that number rose to 32.4%. The University System participated in a commission created by the Legislature in 2019 to study how best to restructure Montanas 2-year education programs and Tessman said the committee recommended the state pursue more flexibility and variety in its career and technical education opportunities. In 1995, the Legislature passed legislation that restructured Montanas then-disorganized and disconnected vo-tech schools, officially looping the states five largest career and technical education schools into the University System. Since then, Tessman said the system has been working on strengthening support for the programs, but acknowledges a big barrier is cost. These are expensive programs -- expensive technology, equipment, sometimes specialists can be expensive, Tessman said. So what needs to happen is the cost of running these programs needs to be offset. According to data from Accredited Schools Online, the average cost to attend trade school in Montana is $3,600. HB 252 would offer employers up to half that amount in tax credits per employee. To its supporters, HB 252 serves as a way to chip away at that difference by clearing the cost barrier Tessman acknowledged as a real concern. In its original form, HB 252 allocated up to $1 million in credits per year to businesses for trade education that would be taken from the businesses corporate income tax. However, the bills sponsor, Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, introduced an amendment to remove the $1 million cap, saying it would likely have discouraged businesses from applying if they knew there was a chance they could be denied. Jones, who owns several businesses in the Conrad area, also chairs the House Appropriations Committee, a panel charged with setting the first draft of the states two-year budget. Jones said HB 252 is part of a larger movement to support trades education in Montana that started in the states K-12 schools and is now setting its sights on postsecondary education. We have a workforce problem in Montana, Jones said in an interview. Half [of students] matriculate into the academic field, but the other half, we dont do a very good job with. Jones carried the bill on behalf of Gov. Gianforte, a fellow business owner and entrepreneur who got his start in Montana by establishing software company RightNow Technologies in Bozeman. On the campaign trail and in his State of the State address on Jan. 28, Gianforte touted his belief in the ability of tax cuts and credits to help grow Montanas economy, but added that lowering taxes wouldnt mean making cuts elsewhere. Lets be clear and set the record straight here tonight: we dont pay for it by cutting services, Gianforte said in the speech. We pay for most of it by modernizing our corporate tax structure to reward businesses that create Montana jobs and make investments in Montana. But some standing in opposition to this bill and other tax bills promoted by Gianforte say the damage done to the states coffers will force Montanans to pay the price. Heather OLoughlin spoke against House Bill 252 on behalf of the Montana Budget and Policy Center. While she thanked Jones for his past work supporting education, OLoughlin expressed concern over the removal of the $1 million tax credit cap and the ability of tax credits to accomplish a desired result. Creating further tax expenditures or tax credits that benefit a small subset of businesses will reduce or narrow the base of taxpayers, and is moving us in the wrong direction, OLoughlin told committee members. OLoughlin also said many businesses are currently able to deduct training expenses from their taxes, rendering the new tax credit unnecessary. The text of HB 252 states the new credit cannot be used if a business has already included qualified education and training expenses in a deduction. In an interview, Jones said tax credits are pointless unless theres a desire for what the credit is trying to incentivize. He said the bill wouldnt impact businesses that can already afford trade education for their laborers, but provide the financial support needed by those that cant. House Democrats criticized Republicans tax-cutting approach to revitalizing the economy, saying it favors wealthy corporations and the rich. In terms of a tax credit like the one Representative Jones proposed, its an inefficient way to be approaching workforce development, Democratic House Minority Leader Kim Abbott said during a press call on Tuesday, Feb. 9, adding that her caucus would rather pursue public-private partnerships. Casey Olson says the credits would help him better afford the cost of year-long apprenticeships and continuing education, which he says will allow him to reinvest to grow his business. If we could get some help through this tax credit, it would be easier for us to spend a little bit more money to get them the education to make them more confident and hopefully find a little bit of loyalty in those employees, Olson said. The turnover rate is tough. Ultimately, Olson expressed optimism that the Legislature would advance Gianfortes tax plan and bolster Montanas trades industry from the ground-up -- including the little guy along the way. Im a small business -- most drilling contractors in the state are. Were not the big-employee industry that a lot of this tax stuff is targeted at, Olson said. But what we are is a dwindling population. Anything helps. Austin Amestoy is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. He can be reached at austin.amestoy@umontana.edu. Deputies from the Washington County Sheriffs Office are investigating a homicide that occurred Thursday afternoon after reports of gunfire in Aloha, officials said. Deputies responded to the reports of gunshots in the 17800 block of Kinnaman Road just after 2 p.m., the sheriffs office said. About two hours later, officials said homicide investigators were called to the scene, though they did not say who died, how they were killed or if any arrests had been made. Officials did say there was no ongoing threat to the public. A spokesperson for the sheriffs office said more information would likely be released Friday afternoon. This post will be updated. -- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale The massive winter storm that barreled through the mid-section of the United States and across the South in mid-February, hitting Texas particularly hard, will generate billions in insured losses, according to commentary by Moodys Investors Services. The storm, which has been dubbed Winter Storm Uri, brought snow, ice and some of the coldest temperatures in decades, particularly in Texas and across the Southern U.S. over the Valentines Day weekend, extending into Presidents Day on Feb. 15 and throughout the following week. Millions were left without power, and in many cases water, from the storm which has also been attributed to dozens of deaths. We expect insured losses for US P&C insurers to total in the billions of dollars, with claims from homeowners, commercial property, and auto lines of business, Moodys said in its report. The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) has said the storm may be the costliest winter weather event in the states history. Hundreds of thousands of claims are expected as a result of the storm, according to ICT spokesperson Camille Garcia. The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas said in a statement on its website that it is expected to be the largest insurance claim event in Texas history. The last winter storm event to exceed $1 billion was Winter Storm Quinn, which hit the Northeastern US states in March 2018, Moodys Investor Services Property damage both inside and outside of homes and commercial structures will result from snow and ice on the exterior of buildings, and flooding and other water damage caused by frozen and broken pipes, inside the impacted properties, Moodys said. Homeowners and commercial property cover water losses caused by frozen and broken pipes inside insured buildings. Business insurance claims may also include utility service interruption coverage, which is optional in many commercial property policies, Moodys said. There is an endorsement available for business income policies that provides coverage for lost business income due to loss of utility service. However, the loss of business income due only to the severe weather is not likely covered, explained Patrick Wraight, director of Insurance Journals Academy of Insurance. Coverage for loss of utility service generally has a specific interruption period such as 24 or 48 hours before coverage is triggered. With swaths of Texas lacking power and/or water for more than 24 hours, service interruption losses could accumulate for commercial property insurers depending on how long the interruptions persist, according to Moodys. Auto insurers will also be on the hook for significant claims in states where icy roads have led to high numbers of accidents, especially in states where drivers are not used to driving in snowy conditions. According to the Texas Department of Insurance 2020 Annual Report, homeowners insurers write more than $10 billion in homeowners coverage in the state, while the private passenger auto insurance market exceeds $23 billion. Texas Top 10 Homeowners Insurance Companies by Market Share Company Premium % Market Share State Farm Lloyds $1,861,662,775 18.52 Texas Farmers Insurance Co. 855,382,665 8.51 Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co. 798,926,947 7.95 United Services Automobile Association 399,387,899 3.97 USAA Casualty Insurance Co. 330,088,287 3.28 Allstate Texas Lloyds 325,343,326 3.24 Safeco Insurance Company of Indiana 314,608,708 3.13 Liberty Insurance Corp. 284,016,397 2.83 ASI Lloyds 227,903,195 2.27 Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. 201,011,373 2.00 Total All Homeowners Insurers $10,049,707,575 100.00 Source: TDI Top 10 Private Passenger Auto Insurance Companies by Market Share Company Premium % Market Share State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. $3,121,753,611 13.43 Progressive County Mutual Insurance Co. 3,102,637,389 13.35 GEICO County Mutual Insurance Co. 2,340,280,589 10.07 Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. 2,015,826,925 8.67 Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Co. 1,539,231,940 6.62 Liberty County Mutual Insurance Co. 1,029,218,616 4.43 United Services Automobile Association 638,782,826 2.75 USAA Casualty Insurance Co. 580,566,241 2.50 Consumers County Mutual Insurance Co. 530,895,178 2.28 USAA General Indemnity Co. 406,224,020 1.75 Total All Private Passenger Auto Insurers $23,241,970,616 100.00 Source: Texas Department of Insurance Record Cold In a media advisory, Air Worldwide reported that in mid-February, 39 states in the continental U.S. fell under some type of winter weather advisory or storm alert the largest region under a winter storm warning since 2005. The catastrophe modeling firm reported that over 2,000 cold temperature records were set, from New Orleans (25F, record was 29 in 1993) to Dallas (-1F, record was 12 in 1903) to -31F in Lincoln, Nebraska. Wind chills in the Dallas region reached as low as -15F and between 3 and 6 inches of snow blanketed the area. More than 100 million in the U.S. have been affected by the storm. According to Air Worldwide, as of Feb. 16 the country set a new record for the largest area of the United States ever blanketed in snow, 73% of the nation (since 2003 satellite records were kept). Related: Topics Profit Loss Windstorm Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Majority state owned AIB is set to announce the outlines of an up to 5bn deal to buy Ulster Banks business and corporate loan book on Friday morning. Sources have confirmed the bank is ready to strike a deal as soon as Ulster Bank parent NatWest confirms its intention to exit the Irish market. Also state owned Permanent TSB is preparing a separate offer for Ulster Banks small SME loans and potentially for mortgages, but that bid is less advanced. Other small lenders are understood to also be in the mix. Crucially the Government is understood to be supportive of the plans, which will copper fasten state control of the banking system in the medium term despite a policy that favours privatisation. That policy is trumped by the desire to ensure stability in the banking sector, it is understood. Read More Permanent TSB is likely to need fresh investment from government to complete a deal and any consolidation will require sign off by competition authorities here and potentially in Brussels as well as the Central Bank. The sale of any one part of Ulster Bank will take months to complete. NatWest CEO Alison Rose will announce her banks financial results for 2020 on Friday morning when she is expected to confirm the plans to exit the Republic of Ireland market. However, a rapid move to sign post to the public a managed takeover of the core elements of Ulster Bank would end months of uncertainty for 1.1 million bank customers. A deal will make AIB definitively the biggest bank in the country, and secure a needed source of non interest fee income for the lender. Buying what AIB chief Colin Hunt is understood to see as the jewel in Ulster Banks crown, its corporate lending book, will not interfere with his separate plan to buy Goodbody Stockbrokers, it is understood. That deal, which needs sign off from the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe is still on track to be agreed within weeks, sources said. In the longer terms an Ulster Bank carve up between existing players will mean the already crowded Irish banking sector will become even more heavily concentrated, but with EU banks reluctant to enter the market here the likely alternative would be a sell off of Ulster Bank assets to US vulture funds. Either way customers of all banks will end up having to pay a price for the closure of Ulster Bank. Some 22bn in retail and business deposits will be searching for a home if Ulster closes, and with banks already having too much cash they are likely to levy negative interest on large cash deposits. Diarmaid Sheridan, banking analyst at Davy Stockbrokers, said the fact that 21.6bn in retail and business deposits would need to be switched to other institutions meant it was likely receiving banks would impose negative rates on large deposits. Banks and credit unions here have 125bn in household savings, with the European Central Bank imposing negative rates on them for depositing spare funds with it. This has seen banks levying negative rates on large corporates, pension funds and credit unions, while AIB is planning to impose negative rates on individuals with deposits of more than 1m. Online bank N26 currently charges a 0.5pc negative rate on new customer deposits in excess of 50,000, while most credit unions cap savings and EBS limits deposit amounts. Daragh Cassidy of price comparison site Bonkers.ie said most banks were likely to run a mile from accepting any new savings. Some of the banks already charge negative rates on larger corporate deposits and Id expect negative rates to become a widespread feature for retail customers too, unfortunately, he said. The United States hopes that its common interests with China and Russia will help the three countries to cooperate on the Iranian nuclear issue, a senior official of the Department of State said. On Thursday, the spokesperson for the Department of State, Ned Price, said that the United States was ready to accept an invitation to attend a meeting with Russia, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China, and Iran to discuss the latter's nuclear program. The statement was made amid the foreign policy review currently conducted by the new US administration led by President Joe Biden. "So in the past, Russia and China during the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] negotiations played a productive, constructive role because they didn't - they didn't have an interest in seeing Iran acquire a nuclear weapon and they didn't have an interest in seeing the conflict in the region. One would expect that those same interests are at play and that despite other serious differences we may have with them on other files, that and on this one we could work together," the official said on late Thursday. In 2015, Iran signed the JCPOA with the P5+1 group of countries - the United States, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom plus Germany - and the European Union. The agreement required Iran to scale back its nuclear program and severely downgrade its uranium reserves in exchange for sanctions relief, including lifting the arms embargo five years after the deal's adoption. The administration of former US President Donald Trump exited the deal in 2018, which urged Iran to boost its nuclear activities. (ANI) Also Read: Joe Biden administration to keep tariffs on China amid review Corp ( ) CEO Michael Dent and documentary filmmaker and 'August Rush' original writer Paul Castro tell Proactive Castro will be attending HealthLynked's 'The Future of Healthcare Summit' on March 15-17 in Naples, Florida, to film a documentary on the gathering. Castro, who's mother has ovarian cancer and leukemia, was inspired to reach out to Dent after he noticed HealthLynked was the number one downloaded healthcare app on the app store. Castro is intending to shine a light on upcoming healthcare innovations in the next 5-10 years. 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. ADVERTISEMENT The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has embarked on a four-day journey to some Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to discuss issues around crude oil production cut. A statement by his special Adviser on Media, Garba Deen Muhammad, on Friday, said the countries include Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville and South Sudan. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has left Nigeria today for Equatorial Guinea on a start of his four-nation shuttle to oil-producing countries that include Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville and South Sudan within the week. His mission is to discuss issues of compliance cuts which the organisation has been using to stabilise oil price at the peak of the global COVID-19 pandemic which had plummeted to as low as 10 dollar per barrel, Mr Muhammad said. He said OPEC chose Mr Sylva as a way of rewarding Nigeria for beating daunting odds to achieve full compliance with OPEC cuts, despite its other economic challenges. According to him, the minister is expected to deploy his countrys credentials as a full compliant member country to encourage the four nations to stay the course and abide by the cuts and general OPEC principles. He said that the minister is expected back in Nigeria next week. OPEC announced the appointment of Mr Sylva to act as its Special Envoy to the four countries. The organisation rallied together and undertook painful cuts among its members and also persuaded its allies such as Russia to do the same to stabilise oil price. The sacrifice paid off as demand gradually improved and prices began to rise until they reached the current impressive level of about $60 per barrel. (NAN) Can Alf Wight the man be cleanly distinguished from his celebrated stand-in, James Herriot? And was there really a little Tricki Woo who gave him goodies? In the hunt for answers, we searched out biographical elements on which the two books agree and did some independent research as well, including in our own archives. Disputed details we skipped. Heres what emerged: Of war and peace The stories recounted in Wights first two books, If Only They Could Talk (1970) and It Shouldnt Happen to a Vet (1972) which were combined for the American audience as All Creatures Great and Small took place at the outset of World War II, but he relocated them to the more tranquil prewar period. In real life, the author didnt complete his veterinary studies until late 1939. After the Luftwaffe bombed both Sunderland, the English city where he was born, and Glasgow, the Scottish city in which he was raised, Wight signed up to join the Royal Air Force, even though, as a veterinarian, he was exempt from military service. While waiting for his R.A.F. call-up, Wight continued work as a rural vet, tending to ailing cows in the middle of air raids. (Or trying to, according to letters he wrote). Donald Sinclair, the model for the character Siegfried Farnon (played by Samuel West), was about to begin his own R.A.F. service and wanted to leave his practice in capable hands. Wight and Sinclair teamed up, but in the early days they were often separated by stints serving their country. (Or trying to; neither made it as a fighter pilot.) It was a fraught time, and a hungry one. Staples like eggs, butter and bacon were rationed. The delicious perk recounted in the stories in which grateful farmers feed the country vets was actually one way the two men eased the pangs of wartime austerity. Raised by artists In the show, we first see James (played by Nicholas Ralph) as he takes a morning run along the docks in Glasgow. But did people actually jog in the 1930s? Wight did. In 1932, at around age 15, he nearly died of diphtheria and afterward took up an exercise regimen called My System, which included running, stretching and regular cold baths (possibly the source of Jamess love of skinny-dipping). Traditional Korean music crossover group Leenalchi performs its latest single 'Yeobonasri' on the KBS program Joseon Pop Again. The state-funded broadcaster came under fire for using a back-projection of a Japanese castle during the group's performance. Screen capture from KBS By Park Ji-won Public broadcasting network KBS apologized Wednesday after one of its Lunar New Year specials came under fire for showcasing "traditional" Korean music against a backdrop of a Japanese-style castle. Despite the network apologizing for the incident although it denied deliberately using a Japanese image the criticism continued that it had used one. The apology was made to the audience and Leenalchi, the group performing, for the show Joseon Pop Again that aired Feb. 11. During the group's performance of its new single "Yeobonari," a song based on a traditional pansori-based story occurring in an underwater palace, a back-projection of the castle was used. The show was conceived of to promote the possibilities of gugak, or traditional Korean music, with crossover works from pop music by various gugak-based musicians such as Leenalchi and Akdangwangchil. It posted a 7.5 percent viewership rating according to data from Nielsen Korea. "We decided to show an underwater palace for the performance of Yeobonari. We used various references and animations for the back-projection, which does not exist in the real world, to enhance the performance for the audiences. We can clearly state that the castle is an imaginary one and we did not intend to copy a Japanese castle. However, we would like to apologize to viewers who felt uncomfortable. In addition, we are sorry for making the band feel uncomfortable." KBS added that it would delete the video of the show from online channels and promised to do its best not to make such mistake again. Performers showcase traditional Korean music on KBS's Korean Traditional Music Festival of Children's Songs that aired Feb. 11. The broadcaster was criticized for using a backdrop showing a scene featuring a Japanese castle. Screen capture from KBS The incident put the broadcaster under the media spotlight and some netizens accused it of also using images of old Japanese castles in another traditional music show, Korean Traditional Music Festival of Children's Songs, aired the same day. Regarding the issue, KBS repeated its previous statement, noting, "It is simply an imaginary castle, not an adaptation of a Japanese castle." The controversy grew as some Korean netizens get upset about any reference to Japan due to the negative sentiment against the country. They said it was inappropriate to adopt references to other countries to describe Korea's traditions. The criticism is expected to continue as the images used by KBS were actually those of Japanese castles provided by shutterstock, an online stock image provider. A screen capture from shutterstock Algeria on Friday released a dozen "Hirak" protest movement activists from jail, the first batch freed under presidential pardons issued ahead of the second anniversary of a popular uprising. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in a long-awaited speech to the nation late Thursday, declared dozens of pardons in a gesture of appeasement as the protest movement gathers momentum once again. The "Hirak", meaning "movement" in Arabic, swept former strongman Abdelaziz Bouteflika from power in 2019, but continued after his fall. The National Committee for the Liberation of Prisoners (CNLD), a rights group, announced the release on Friday, with more prisoners expected also to be soon released. Around 55 to 60 Hirak members would benefit from the amnesty, he said, with their release to start immediately. Around 70 people are currently in prison over their links with the Hirak movement or other peaceful opposition political activity, according to the CNLD. Many of them were arrested for posting anti-government posts on social media. The presidency said the pardon would cover "perpetrators of crimes related to information and communication technologies". On Friday, journalists and families gathered to wait for prisoners to be freed outside the jail in Kolea, a town 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of the capital Algiers. Among the prisoners held in Kolea is journalist Khaled Drareni, sentenced to two years in prison in September, and who has become a symbol of the fight for press freedom in Algeria. Tebboune's initiative comes on the eve of the Hirak's second anniversary on February 22, demanding a sweeping overhaul of the ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. The unprecedented protest movement only suspended its rallies in March last year as the novel coronavirus reached the North African country. Algeria is facing political and economic crises, with the pandemic adding to the woes of an oil-dependent economy. On Tuesday, thousands of Algerian rallied in the northern town of Kherrata, where the first major protest erupted in 2019 against Bouteflika's bid for a fifth presidential term. Protesters demanded "the fall of the regime" and "the release of prisoners of conscience". Short link: GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Qatar's Ambassador to the Palestinian territories Mohammed al-Emadi revealed in a press statement Feb. 14 that Qatar has agreed to increase its contribution to the salaries of the Hamas-appointed government employees in the Gaza Strip from $7 million to $10 million a month. The contribution is part of the $360 million grant to the Gaza Strip announced by Qatar Jan. 31, only two weeks following a presidential decree to hold Palestinian legislative and presidential elections, as well as to vote for the Palestinian National Council. Since its victory in the 2006 elections and its subsequent control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, the Hamas movement has been suffering an acute financial crisis under the Israeli siege. This has prevented the movement from paying its 50,000 employees full salaries. Instead, the employees only obtain an advance payment of 40% to 50% of their monthly salaries. The employees salaries issue has been on top of the agenda of the inter-Palestinian talks between Fatah and Hamas, and the multiple negotiations rounds held in the wake of every military escalation between Israel and Hamas. Qatar has helped defuse the Hamas-Israeli escalation through political efforts and financial aid. The Hamas-appointed employees continued to receive half of their salaries for 14 years, prompting them to initiate a social media campaign in January claiming their financial dues. That has pushed Hamas and its allies, particularly Qatar, to take action to secure the money and pay the employees out of fear of losing their votes in the legislative elections scheduled for May. On Feb. 14, the Hamas-run Finance Ministry in Gaza began paying each employee $130 as part of the dues amassed over the years in addition to their monthly advance payment. The move has temporarily calmed the anger of the employees. An official at Gazas Finance Ministry told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the Gaza employees dues exceed $1.2 billion amassed over the years, and that the ministry is barely able to secure half of the employees monthly pays, in light of the financial and economic siege and declining state revenues due to the coronavirus crisis. The source said there are ongoing talks with Qatar so as to help resolve the ministrys financial crisis, more precisely the employees dues, and that the talks have so far resulted in Qatar providing a monthly sum of $10 million as a contribution to solve the problem. He noted that Qatars contribution to the payment of the employees salaries will continue for a year, and expressed hope that the ongoing efforts result in the employees obtaining the money they are owed. Khalil Hmedeh, former spokesman for the Gaza Public Employees Union, told Al-Monitor, The official Palestinian institutions and the factions that recently held talks in Cairo should place the issue of the employees salaries at the top of the agenda. He said that the union held talks with the Finance Ministry for an increase in the pay and disbursement of at least a part of the dues, but no results were achieved. Qatars support for Hamas is not only limited to finances. Doha has met Hamas requests to mediate with Riyadh with the aim to release dozens of Palestinian detainees held in Saudi Arabia, including Mohammed al-Khodari, 81, a former representative of Hamas in Saudi Arabia, and his son, Hani al-Khodari. Hamas request came after the Gulf reconciliation was announced in early January, which Hamas welcomed then. Abdul Majid al-Khodari, the brother of Mohammed al-Khodari, pinned hopes on the efforts of Qatar and other parties which he did not name to secure the release of Palestinian detainees in Saudi Arabia. He told Al-Monitor that the family has not received any updates yet, and pointed out that his sister-in-law contacts his brother in detention by phone and visits him once every two months. He quoted her as saying that her husbands health has deteriorated. By providing financial and political incentives to Hamas, Qatar seeks to push the movement to exert more efforts in order to end the Palestinian internal divide and run in the general elections. Emadi had said in a Feb. 13 statement, We are in favor of the Palestinian national dialogue that would bring about unity and harmony, as well as holding free elections that would strengthen the Palestinian peoples choice of democracy. Head of Hamas' political bureau Ismail Haniyeh delivered Feb. 14 a message to both Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing the upcoming elections and the need to work with the international community to respect the voting outcome. Talal Okal, political analyst and writer at the Palestinian Al-Ayyam newspaper, told Al-Monitor that Qatars financial and political support is designed to encourage Hamas to run in the various Palestinian elections and join the political process, instead of launching military operations against Israel. He believes that the Qatari policy toward Hamas is designed to merge the movement into the Arab political system, and to pressure the movement to give up its ideological hostility toward Israel. Advertisement John Travolta has put the 10,830-square-foot Maine mansion he owned with late wife Kelly Preston on the market for $5 million 30 years after the couple purchased the sprawling property. The 67-year-old actor and Kelly, who died in July at the age of 57 after quietly battling breast cancer for two years, added the home to their property portfolio back in 1991, the same year they tied the knot. Located on the exclusive island of Islesboro, the grand abode boasts 20 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, and sits on 48 acres of land which has provided the stars with abundant space to host their families during holidays. On the market: John Travolta has put the 10,830-square-foot Maine mansion he owned with late wife Kelly Preston on the market for $5 million. Pictured together in 2018 Built in 1903 for 'the scion of a prominent banking family' by Peabody and Stearns, the 42-room mansion boasts all the touches of an English country mansion, including a sweeping gravel driveway and a grand shingled house. Giving it all the more of a hotel-like feel, the house opens onto a foyer, which holds the characteristics of a lobby, complete with sitting areas and even a bar. With the interior designed by Christopher Boshears, the large master bedroom which has a private sun porch has one of the relatively few bathrooms to itself as an en suite with a vintage-style standing bath. Fourteen of the guest bedrooms on the second floor of the three-storey house share four bathrooms, while the top floor has been converted into something of a fantasy playground for children. Exclusive: The couple purchased the property, on on the exclusive island of Islesborom, in 1991, when they were newlyweds Abode: The grand abode, which they used on holidays, boasts 20 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, and sits on 48 acres of land Holidays: The couple sought out the property as they wanted a place big enough to host their families during the holidays Wow: Built in 1903 by Peabody and Stearns, the 42-room home boasts all the classic touches of an English country mansion Hotel feel: Giving it all the more of a hotel-like feel, the house opens onto a foyer, which holds the characteristics of a lobby, complete with sitting areas and even a bar Guest bedrooms: Fourteen of the guest bedrooms on the second floor of the three-storey house share four bathrooms Among the features on the third floor are a theatre complete with a stage, a library, a diner and a classroom. Additionally, there are four themed bedrooms, including a Peter Pam room and a Princess room. While the house sits a far distance away from the coastline, the densely-wooded property does stretch all the way to the water, with a deep-water dock on Sabbathday Bay. And, of course, the home boasts an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for guests to enjoy a cooling dip when they're entertained during the summer months. Pulp Fiction star John was introduced to the area by fellow Scientologist Kirstie Alley, who has long owned a home on the southern end of the exclusive enclave. Fateful visit: Pulp Fiction star John was introduced to the area by fellow Scientologist Kirstie Alley, who has long owned a home on the southern end of the exclusive enclave Showcased: John and Kelly opened the doors of their grand and impressive property to Architectural Digest back in 1999 Bath: While the home boasts 20 bedrooms, there are a relatively few 7.5 bathrooms, one of which is an en-suite for a master Compound: Speaking to Architectural Digest back in 1999, New Jersey native John said of his actress pal, 'Kirstie had a big Kennedy-compound-style house on the water and wanted everyone to move there' Size: They looked for homes in the area, but struggled as they wanted somewhere big enough to entertain their families. John said, 'We looked at all these blue-blood homes. I loved them but knew they wouldn't cut it size-wise for my whole family' Dream home: Eventually, Kirstie took him to view the home he would go on to own. He recalled, 'When I saw it, I said to Kirstie, "Why did you with hold this? It's a fairy-tale house"' Speaking to Architectural Digest back in 1999, New Jersey native John said: 'Kirstie had a big Kennedy-compound-style house on the water and wanted everyone to move there. 'So we looked at all these blue-blood homes. I loved them but knew they wouldn't cut it size-wise for my whole family. She said, "Well, there is another," and we came to this house. When I saw it, I said to Kirstie, "Why did you with hold this? It's a fairy-tale house."' A few months later, he would take Kelly to view the home, and her reaction was similar. She told the magazine: 'The moment we drove up under that wonderful natural tunnel of trees covering the driveway, I said, "This is it."' Screen star John, who is a licensed pilot and owns a fleet of aircraft, also has at least two homes in Florida and a compound in the California celebrity haven Calabasas. Broad driveway: The stunning property includes a sweeping gravel driveway and a grand shingled house, dubbed a 'cottage' Property portfolio: Screen star John, who is a licensed pilot and owns a fleet of aircraft, also has at least two homes in Florida and a compound in the California celebrity haven Calabasas Love: John and Kelly met on the 1989 film The Experts and began dating, soon becoming one of Hollywood's hottest couples The big question: Beloved screen star proposed to Kelly on New Year's Eve 1990 at the Palace Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland Tying the knot: The couple married on September 5, 1991; at the time she was two months pregnant with their first child, Jett Twice as nice: Hollywood stars John and Kelly married for a second time in the US on September 12 in Daytona Beach, Florida John and Kelly, who were married for 29 years before her death in July, shared three children: Ella, 20, Benjamin, nine, and late son Jett, who died in January 2009 at the age of 16 after suffering a seizure. John and Kelly met on the 1989 film The Experts and began dating; he proposed on New Year's Eve 1990 at the Palace Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland. The couple married on September 5, 1991; at the time she was two months pregnant with their first child, Jett. They married for a second time in the US on September 12 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Kelly's battle with cancer was not made public until after her death via John. Entertaining in privacy: The property's impressive acreage allowed the couple plenty of privacy while hosting their guests Swimming pool: The home boasts an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for guests to enjoy a cooling dip when they're entertained during the summer months Sunny outlook: Among the other features is a delightful sun room, which has been finished in a range of patterns and shades A cosy home for all seasons: For chillier times, the semi-secluded property also benefits from a range of grand fireplaces Sitting on the dock of the bay: While the house sits a far distance away from the coastline, the densely-wooded property does stretch all the way to the water, with a deep-water dock on Sabbathday Bay Breathtaking: John and his family have enjoyed countless trips to the home, which sits close to the picturesque shoreline On July 12, 2020, John took to his Instagram to announce Kelly's passing: 'It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer.' He continued: 'She found a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side.' 'Kelly's love and life will always be remembered. I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don't hear from us for a while. 'But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal. All my love, JT.' Fun for all of the family: The top floor of the property has been converted into something of a fantasy playground for children Themes: Among the features on the third floor are a theatre complete with a stage, a library, a diner and a classroom. Additionally, there are four themed bedrooms, including a Peter Pam room and a Princess room All things bright and beautiful: The couple opted to decorate the mansion with a host of bright and vivid shades throughout Closing of a chapter: The sale of the home will be something of a closing of a major chapter in the actor's life with his late wife Family: John and Kelly, who were married for 29 years before her death in July, shared three children: Ella, 20, Benjamin, nine, and late son Jett, who died in January 2009 at the age of 16 after suffering a seizure. Pictured with Ella and Jett Even before the pandemic took hold, the tech industry was a driving force to sustain and grow Manitobas local economy. Even before the pandemic took hold, the tech industry was a driving force to sustain and grow Manitobas local economy. But amid lockdowns and restrictions, the burgeoning sector is one of few that stands out against the tides of COVID-19, while hundreds of businesses reliant on in-person operations are at the risk of permanently disappearing. Thats why the industry-led association which represents the technology and innovation sector is introducing a new initiative aimed at attracting and retaining employment, as it continues to contribute to the provincial GDP. "If were going to be looking at an economic recovery any time soon, this is a sector that most certainly will be vital," Tech Manitoba CEO Kay Gardiner told the Free Press Thursday. "And to do that, we need our growing talent here to know their possibilities locally." Starting next week, Tech Manitoba is hosting a three-part digital conference series with industry recruiters from around the province. The organization believes its a "massive step up" from previous years of in-person events with the capability of hosting a larger audience. At least 400 attendees have already registered for the first event on Feb. 25, with the capacity for 100 more to attend for free. The next two events will be held virtually on May 20 and Oct. 21. "The idea is to promote workforce development and keep our most talented individuals right here after they graduate," said Gardiner. "We have so much to offer and we want them to be able to see that." Februarys event will be centred around recovery and reinvention following the COVID-19 pandemic. The other two events will focus on cybersecurity and diversity, later in the summer and fall. "It really is the elephant in the room right now, isnt it? And thats why we wanted to make sure the first part looks at that specifically," said Gardiner. "We want to examine and discuss those big questions about how we got here and where do we go from that to our best place of growth." Rita McGrath, a best-selling author and business professor at Columbia University in New York, will be the keynote speaker next week. As an expert on leading innovation and growth during times of uncertainty, McGrath will tackle those issues prominently in her address. This years hosts are Metis advocate Julia Lafreniere and musician Anthony Sannie who founded marketing company Grape Experiential. Jason Halstead / Winnipeg Free Press files Tech Manitobas virtual conferences are seen as a step up from past in-person events. Among industry recruiters attending will also be Winnipeg-based commercial lottery company Pollard Banknote. The firm previously focused on the production of stamps, stocks, bonds and government documents. Its recently become the leading producer of lotteries in Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere globally. "Its a well-kept secret, but weve really been a digital innovator from the very beginning," executive vice-president Pedro Melo said Thursday. "And I think what we really want to see now is our growth as a company continuing with our local recruitment." Melo said theres no shortage of tech talent and opportunities in Manitoba, citing recent contributions to the local GDP. In 2019, tech was a $2-billion industry in Manitoba and remains on track to add an additional $1 billion to the provincial GDP by 2030, on an annual basis. But he said, as a result of the pandemic, the provincial sector is now competing with potential employers "virtually everywhere" in the world. "The simple fact is that most of the roles that the industry would offer for our most accomplished recruits are now remote," Melo said. "Thats why its so important to seek out the people right here and bring other skilled students from elsewhere to retain this growth. "This conference is a major and important way of doing that." Brandon University computer science student Matthew Hammond is eager to be one of the students attending the conference. "My love with computers started at 14 when my older brother helped me build a computer to play video games on. Since then, Ive seen the benefits of technology throughout the world," he said. "With Manitobas tech industry growing by billions of dollars and many new tech companies popping up, the potential to forge a tech career in this province is very bright." Those hoping to attend can sign up on Tech Manitobas website at https://mailchi.mp/techmanitoba.ca/disrupted-2021 Twitter: @temurdur Temur.Durrani@freepress.mb.ca Vietnamese enterprises are nurturing the dream of exporting CBU (completely built up) cars, which has partially come true, though exports remain very modest. In 2020, Thaco exported 1,407 CBU cars of different kinds, worth $50 million, to Thailand, a big automobile manufacturing center in Southeast Asia. Ford Vietnam, after increasing its production capacity to 40,000 products a year, has begun exporting EcoSport, Transit and Tourneo to some regional markets. In early 2021, VinFast caught public attention when stating that it was going to export two high-end electric vehicle models VinFast VF33 and VinFast VF32. Meanwhile, TCMotor is preparing to export cars to regional markets by expanding production capacity, building a second factory that can produce 100,000 cars. Ford Vietnams CEO Nguyen Van Dung admitted that Fords exports remain modest, but the export scale will be larger in the future. The manufacturer expands its factory to serve domestic demand and export. The car models which are only assembled in Vietnam will be exported to other regional countries. According to Thacos president Tran Ba Duong, Thaco is planning to export more cars made in Chu Lai to regional markets. Vingroups president Pham Nhat Vuong affirmed that VinFast will export Vietnamese branded electric cars to the US in 2021 and it is willing to spend $2 billion to reach that goal. Le Ngoc Duc, CEO of TC Motor, said that Hyundai Motor, when cooperating with Thanh Cong Group, aims to turn Vietnam into a Hyundai automobile manufacturing center in Southeast Asia, which will not only satisfy domestic demand, but also exports. Businesspeople believe that the Vietnamese automobile market is growing fast, so Vietnam has all conditions to develop supporting industries and increase the localization ratio. The car demand in the country, where living standards have improved, is high enough for large-scale manufacturing. Meanwhile, the zero percent preferential tariff will help make it easier for Vietnams products to enter regional markets. History shows that large automobile manufacturers that gain great successes all have large export markets. There is no successful automobile manufacturer that only sells products domestically. History shows that large automobile manufacturers that gain great successes all have large export markets. There is no successful automobile manufacturer that only sells products domestically. Automobile manufacturers all try to export products, or expand markets, thereby increasing output, optimizing costs and improving competitiveness. Experts believe that Vietnam has certain advantages to make cars for export, including the auto manufacturing industry's global division of labor which defines which country makes what kinds of cars and where to export products. Thaco and Ford Vietnam export cars based on this labor assignment. South Korean automobile manufacturers now want to expand their markets in Southeast Asia. South Korean products sell well in Vietnam, but not well in other regional countries. Investing in Vietnam to make cars for both local sale and export has been proposed. Meanwhile, VinFast has decided to develop electric vehicles, which is a growing consumption trend in the world. The US and some other countries are applying policies to encourage the sale of the environmentally friendly vehicles. However, experts warn that it will not be easy for Vietnam to become a country to export cars in large quantities like Thailand and Indonesia. In order to export cars, products must have high quality and competitive prices. These are still not Vietnams advantages. Vietnams car part supply chain remains weak. There are fewer than 80 enterprises that make personal car parts to provide to 10 original manufacturers. These include 18 first-class vendors and 58 second- and third-class vendors, figures which are very small compared with 2,000 car parts in Thailand and 1,000 in Indonesia. The car parts that can be made in Vietnam are mostly simple and cumbersome sets of components. Experts pointed out that if Vietnam just imports car parts to assemble domestically, it wont be competitive in price. The production cost of the cars assembled in Vietnam is 20 percent higher than in Thailand and Indonesia. The Ministry of Planning and Investment is building a plan on developing an ecosystem for the automobile industry which aims to develop the number of Vietnamese vendors. It is expected that Vietnam would have 1,000 enterprises by 2025 and 2,000 by 2030, capable of satisfying 45-70 percent of demand for car parts in Vietnam. If the goals can be reached, the export of CBU cars will be feasible. In order to reach that goal, Vietnam needs to have policies strong enough to encourage investments. Tran Thuy Vietnam automobile industry on recovery path despite Covid-19 Vietnams rising income per capita would soon move cars from a luxury product with a passenger vehicle density of 34 per 1,000 to a more ordinary one with a density level comparable to countries in the region. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:45:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENNA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The coronavirus situation in Austria is stable but the upcoming weeks until Easter, which falls on April 4, will be decisive in the country's efforts to combat COVID-19, Austrian Health Minister Rudolf Anschober said on Friday. The daily number of coronavirus-related deaths has dropped from 100 to around 30, and the death rate at nursing homes is also falling, Anschober said at a press conference, adding that "the vaccination is working". He also praised the test strategy of the Austrian government, noting that currently 200,000 to 250,000 tests are conducted every day. "We are now one of the top countries in Europe in terms of the number of tests." The spread of new coronavirus variants is a cause for concern, warned Anschober, noting that as soon as the proportion of mutations in the total infections reaches 15 percent, the situation could change. He said that "the next few weeks until Easter" will be decisive to combat the pandemic and urged everyone to be "consistent". Anschober predicted that more than one million people and most of the risk groups would be vaccinated shortly after Easter, which should bring "a clear relief". A coronavirus variant report, published by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety on Tuesday, confirmed 1,375 cases of mutated strains all over the country. Official data also showed that Austria had registered a total of 441,659 COVID-19 infection cases and 8,348 related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in Austria and many other European countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines. Meanwhile, 250 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 69 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 Feb. 16. Enditem A RESTAURANT at The Henley College has been ordered to make major improvements after inspectors found failing hygiene standards. Compass Chartwells, which runs the facility at the colleges Deanfield campus, scored just one star out of five when it was inspected by South Oxfordshire District Councils environmental health officers. This means major improvement is required under the national Scores on the Doors scheme, which is administered by the Food Standards Agency. The latest inspection at the Deanfield Road site on November 16 showed a fall in standards from its two-star rating of just over a year earlier. Inspectors found a sandwich display fridge that was not at the correct temperature, taps not being turned off hygienically and a lack of records about chilled foods. There was also flaking wall surfaces and worn and dirty equipment. A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Henley Standard revealed that the fridge containing foods with meat was being stored above 8C, which is higher than the official safety threshold. The core temperature of a pepperoni and cheese baguette was 10C and there were no holding temperature records for food being chilled in open displays. More than 20 baguettes, three toasties and a savoury croissant were voluntarily thrown away during the visit. The inspectors report said: It was noted that staff may re-contaminate their hands after hand-washing as the taps are not being turned off hygienically. You must ensure taps are turned off with disposable towel after hand-drying. Inspectors found wall surfaces and tiles in the kitchen were in a poor condition while broken equipment included a chilled salad display unit with a missing side door. A hand basin and door handles on a fridge and freezer were found to be dirty and required thorough cleaning and disinfection where necessary. Chartwells is the UKs largest schools caterer and last month was at the centre of a row over the standard of its free school meals. A Chartwells spokeswoman said: We were naturally very disappointed by the recent rating at the college. Health and food safety is fundamental to what we do and we have some of the industrys strongest food safety management systems in place. We immediately implemented a detailed action plan to rectify the areas outlined in the report and have worked with the college to complete the necessary work. In December we brought in a new management team and we are confident that the actions taken will enable us to gain a higher rating. We have applied to the local authority for a formal re-visit. This is the only contract where we have a one-star rating as 98 per cent of our contracts have been given a four- or five-star report. A college spokeswoman said: The college met with the new management team at Chartwells and at that time the outcome of the inspection was not known. At the meeting, we asked Chartwells to produce a plan to upgrade the whole service level, food offer, pricing and facilities. This was planned to be delivered by mid-February and the college was then going to assess how this could be financially supported and ready for refurbishment taking place during the spring and summer. Given this poor rating, the college will work with Chartwells to ensure immediate improvements are made and there must be no repeat of this poor outcome. The catering service has been closed since the start of this term and will remain so until students are allowed back and the improvements required are implemented. All free school meals are being financed directly with food vouchers so there is no risk to students, staff and visitors. Meanwhile, Herbies Pizza in Greys Road, Henley, has also received a one star rating. Inspectors visited on January 14 and found the takeaway needs major improvement to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat. They said improvements were necessary in the handling of food, including preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling and storage. The cleanliness and condition of the facilities and the premises were generally satisfactory. A Herbies spokesman said: We wash our hands before handling the food and after every order and we make sure that there are dates on everything so we are confident of a better score next time. All results are published online at ratings.food.gov.uk Suspects in white-collar cases being investigated by financial regulators have a right to silence and a right not to self-incriminate, according to Europes top court. The decision, reached in a ruling on an Italian legal case, has far-reaching implications according to lawyers at top London firm White & Case. It extends the right to silence that is already well established in criminal and police investigations to other forms of investigation that can result in major penalties for an individual on a par with criminal conviction. That is likely to include the Administrative Sanctions Procedure (ASP) that is used extensively by the Central Bank of Ireland to identify and punish breaches under company law and financial regulation, and can result in very significant penalties including large fines and penalties for individuals, including the loss of their right to work in regulated sectors. In its ruling earlier this month, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided on an Italian case concerning penalties imposed on an individual for failure to co-operate in the context of an administrative investigation by Italys financial markets regulator, the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa (CONSOB). The specific case concerned alleged insider trading, but in a note to clients White & Case, a law firm with a large financial services practice, said the right to silence under the Chapter applies more broadly in any proceedings potentially leading to sanctions of a criminal nature. Irish legal sources said that in the European context criminal sanctions could include penalties handed down by the regulator. Relatively few white-collar prosecutions are dealt with through the criminal courts here, because the barrier to a jury reaching a guilty verdict beyond a reasonable doubt in complex financial crime and fraud cases is regarded as extremely high. That has seen authorities increasingly turn to what are called administrative sanctions procedures, that are carried out and decided by regulators and have a lower threshold of proof. But extending protection to the individual suspect or witness that is usually associated with police investigations could now make it harder for regulators to impose penalties. The protections could also have implications for competition authorities, who also have investigative powers and can impose sanctions on companies and individuals, which the Government currently has plans to beef up. The plans are to give the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) sweeping new powers to carry out surveillance and intercept communications to fight cartels. According to a document published by the Department of Business, Employment and Innovation, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar is seeking changes to competition law to allow the CCPC to bypass An Garda Siochana and the Courts Service to gather evidence of white-collar crimes including by wiretap of phone conversations, accessing internet communications and clandestine recordings of private meetings. Establishing a right to silence and a right not to self-incriminate could make such powers redundant. A Palestinian refugee who went on hunger strike in a bizarre row with the Home Office about his age wants Supreme Court justices to consider his case. The man, who settled in Bristol after fleeing his home in Gaza a decade ago, says he was born on December 29, 1994 and is 26, but immigration officials say evidence shows he was born on April 19, 1989 and have assessed his age as 31. He took legal action in a bid to force the Home Office to change his date of birth. A Palestinian refugee who went on hunger strike in a row with the Home Office over his age. claiming he is actually 26, not 31, wants the Supreme Court (pictured) to consider his case An immigration tribunal judge dismissed his claim in September and three Court of Appeal judges dismissed his appeal against that decision in January. Appeal judges concluded that his age had been 'necessarily and properly' the subject of assessment and said the evidence was not capable of establishing that his claimed birth date was right. Lawyers representing him have now made an application to the Supreme Court. A court spokeswoman said the man had asked Supreme Court justices to give him permission to mount a challenge. Justices will first decide whether he has an arguable case and the spokeswoman said no date had been fixed for a hearing. Judges have ruled that the man cannot be identified in media reports of the case. The refugee's hunger strike began when he was rejected as a Nightingale Hospital Bristol (pictured) volunteer because the birth date he gave did not match that of his residence permit They have heard how he was born in Gaza, in the Occupied Palestinian territories, and that when he was young he had been 'severely mistreated' by the militant group Hamas for refusing to act as a suicide bomber. After his family arranged for him to flee Gaza, he claimed asylum after arriving in the UK in 2007, was placed with a foster family, and now has indefinite leave to remain. Commenting, Alp Mehmet, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, told MailOnline : 'A having-your-cake-and-eating-it scenario, if ever there was one. 'He originally claimed to be a child but was judged to be an adult. He is now asking the Supreme Court to accept that he is 26 years old because the Court of Appeal didnt believe him and ruled him to be 31. 'What an utter waste of time and taxpayers money. Unbelievable.' The man applied to be a volunteer at a Nightingale hospital in Bristol during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic but his application was rejected because his claimed birth date did not match the date on his residence permit. He went on hunger strike for months and was admitted to Bristol's Southmead Hospital in April. Appeal judges explained, in January, how that rejection had trigged a 'serious relapse' in his mental state, he had refused to eat or drink and been admitted to hospital. They said he had been accepting 'some clinically assisted nutrition and hydration' while litigation continued. Home Secretary Priti Patel recognised that the man's circumstances evoked the 'greatest sympathy' but nevertheless resisted his appeal and argued that she was under no obligation to change his birth date, appeal judges said. The man went on hunger strike for months and was admitted to Bristol's Southmead Hospital (pictured) in April Appeal judges said 'no effort' should be spared in encouraging the man to 'choose life'. The NHS mounted its own legal challenge for the right to force feed him - but in July, the courts ruled the man had the right to refuse food. Judges said he was now accepting 'some clinically assisted nutrition and hydration' pending the outcome of the appeal, but warned his life was in 'imminent danger'. In July, hospital bosses responsible for the man's care asked a judge in the Court of Protection - where issues relating to people who might lack the mental capacity to take decisions for themselves are analysed - to consider the man's case. Mr Justice Hayden decided against authorising medics to provide the man with nutrition and hydration by artificial means against his will. The judge said every effort should be made to 'persuade, cajole and encourage' the man to accept nutrition and hydration. But the judge concluded that the man should be allowed to say 'no' if he wanted to. Home Office figures show that between 2016 and 2020, just over half of all asylum seekers whose age was checked after they claimed to be under 18 were found to be adults. 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 Yorks repeal last year of a law that long allowed police misconduct records to be hidden from the public was an important step toward greater transparency and accountability. It turns out, however, that such information can still be covered up, even destroyed. That can be done, not surprisingly, under labor contracts that have in this and other instances allowed negotiated terms of employment to supplant the public interest. The state Legislature needs to straighten this out. As the Times Unions Brendan Lyons reports, many police agencies handle misconduct matters by putting counseling memos or other disciplinary letters in officers files. While theyre typically used for fairly minor matters, they may also be used for things like excessive force. But unlike a more formal finding from an internal affairs investigation, which may stay on an officers record permanently, these memos may be kept for only a short time such as until the officers next performance review then expunged if no further problems arise in the meantime. They may be discarded altogether, or transferred to a confidential file held by the municipalitys lawyers. Deleting or moving them may make them non-disclosable for the purposes of discovery in criminal cases or release under the states Freedom of Information Law. That would fly in the face of the progress New York made last year when the Legislature repealed Section 50-a of the states Civil Rights Law. The provision was originally meant to keep criminal defense lawyers from using irrelevant information in police personnel files to impugn officers testimony. But over the years, courts interpreted it to protect police personnel records entirely, and they extended it to cover the records of firefighters and corrections officers, too. Lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo finally acknowledged that the law was keeping the public in the dark not only on specific officers misconduct, but on how departments swept such misconduct under the rug and allowed cops with a history of abusive, violent, or otherwise improper behavior to remain on police forces. Over the longstanding resistance of public safety unions, the state repealed 50-a amid a nationwide movement to address systemic racism in Americas criminal justice system. Lawmakers face some admittedly difficult issues here. Police shouldnt be subject to ridicule or excessive exposure for relatively trivial matters that dont affect the public or raise serious concerns about their fitness for the job. Mistakes happen. At the same time, labor contracts certainly should not circumvent the spirit of the law or allow departments to shield instances of serious misconduct. State law should make it clear how far contracts can go on this point. And that law should get passed and signed before more unions and departments decide to write this loophole into their own collective bargaining agreements, so that all the work to repeal 50-a doesnt turn out to be in vain. Vaccines appear to cut Covid-19 transmissions and infections by two thirds, according to the first real world data examining the impact of the jabs in the UK. Key data show that just one dose of either the Oxford or Pfizer vaccine has such an effect on all age groups. Separate data showed Covid cases were falling most rapidly among the oldest, with care home outbreaks almost halving in a week. The British Medical Association called for a near-elimination of Covid from the UK before any significant easing of lockdown restrictions. More than 16 million people in the UK have now had their first dose of the vaccine, including 99pc of those aged 75 to 79, and more than 93pc of those aged 80 and over. Key studies led by Public Health England (PHE) involving 40,000 healthcare workers, and 9,000 care homes, will be published towards the end of the month. Early findings suggest that both the Pfizer and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines have had a powerful effect in stemming the spread of the virus. There is already increasing evidence that the vaccines stop people becoming infected with the disease, cutting hospitalisations and deaths. But the latest data from PHE will show that critically, just one dose of either vaccine appears to block transmission by around two thirds, in all age groups. The bulk of the latest data relates to the Pfizer vaccine, which began to be administered in December. But the same effect was seen in a smaller set of findings relating to the Oxford jab, which has been administered far more widely, but started its roll-out later. With either jab, transmission and infections reduced by around two-thirds after one dose. Despite concerns about the effectiveness of the Oxford jab in older people, findings were similar in all age groups tracked. Last week, the World Health Organisation recommended the Oxford vaccine for over-65s and backed Britains decision to administer doses by up to 12 weeks apart, after a number of countries declined to give the jabs to older people. Last month, a study by Oxford University found a single dose of the AstraZeneca jab cut transmissions by 67pc, with no hospitalisation recorded. Covid infection rates in Britain are now halving every two weeks, and on current trends, daily cases will fall to 1,000 by mid-April. Infection levels have fallen more than two-thirds since January, according to the React study, led by Imperial College London. Meanwhile, two international studies suggested a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine offered protection of at least 85pc. Analysis of documents submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration suggested 92.6pc efficacy rates at first dose. However, a separate study of the Pfizer vaccine found the South African variant may reduce antibody protection by two-thirds. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, came less than two weeks after interim data on AstraZenecas Covid vaccine also raised concern about its efficacy for the same variant. Pfizer scientists have said they are in talks with regulators over a booster engineered for the variant. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to publish a road map out of lockdown, which is due to start with the return of schools from March 8. Yesterday, Northern Ireland extended its lockdown to April 1, although some primary-school pupils would return to classes on March 8. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Why start the Express Entry process in 2021? ANALYSIS: After a massive Express Entry draw, Canada shows it is serious about hitting its immigration targets. Why start the Express Entry process in 2021? ANALYSIS: After a massive Express Entry draw, Canada shows it is serious about hitting its immigration targets. Why start the Express Entry process in 2021? ANALYSIS: After a massive Express Entry draw, Canada shows it is serious about hitting its immigration targets. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Canada has set out to welcome at least 401,000 immigrants annually beginning this year, with over one-quarter set to arrive through the Express Entry system. The immigration department is already starting the year off strong. On Saturday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a historically large Express Entry draw with a historically low CRS requirement. There were 27,332 principle applicants invited, who only needed a CRS of at least 75. These candidates needed to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in order to be invited. In addition to CEC-specific draws, IRCC has also held draws targeting candidates who received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). After the February 13 draw, the number of ITAs issued was more than triple what it was at the same time in 2020. It goes without saying that Express Entry is unpredictable, but we do know that Canada has committed to welcoming 108,500 newcomers through Express Entry-managed programs in 2021. Travel restrictions are standing in the way of achieving this ambitious target, but the immigration minister has said that efforts will be focused on finding pathways for temporary residents in Canada to transition to permanent residence. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment If you are in Canada, now is the time to get your profile in the Express Entry system, as long as you are eligible. While your profile is in the pool waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can always take steps to improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, like submitting new language test results or Educational Credential Assessment. What if I am not in Canada? IRCC will welcome skilled workers from abroad when travel restrictions are lifted, according to a media release. Travel restrictions are in place as a public safety measure, and they will be removed when the government decides that the benefit of welcoming foreigners outweighs the risk of spreading COVID-19. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly promised that everyone in Canada who wants a vaccine will be able to get one by the end of September, 2021. This is not to say that restrictions will end at this time, but it is reason to be optimistic for widespread immunity in Canada. When deciding on the best time for you to submit your profile into the Express Entry pool, consider that the process can take months from the time you decide you want to immigrate to Canada to when you are actually approved for permanent residence. In order to enter the pool through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the most common pathway for those abroad, you need your language test results and an Educational Credential Assessment, which can each take a few months to complete. If you get an ITA, you will have 90 days to apply for permanent residence. After you submit your application, IRCCs processing standard is six months. If your application is approved, you get your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), which is valid until your medical exam or passport expires. This is the stage of the process that is currently hindered by travel restrictions. COPR holders who were approved after March 18, 2020, are generally not allowed to come to Canada. In order to cross the border and complete their landing, they must be exempt from travel restrictions for some other reason, like coming for essential work, or to reunite with family. They may also be allowed in if they are coming to Canada from their home in the U.S. However, they cannot transit through the U.S. from another country. These are the things to consider when deciding if you want to start the Express Entry process from abroad. Canada has a huge promise to keep, so we can expect to see more large Express Entry draws that may even have lower CRS requirements depending on how many people are in the pool and how big the draws are. Canada is making it clear that now is not the time to travel, but with vaccines being rolled out all over the world it is just a matter of time before borders reopen. When borders reopen, the FSWP will play a key role in achieving Canadas immigration targets, as it was the lead category of Express Entry immigrants prior to the pandemic, and has been the lead category of skilled workers to Canada since the FSWP was launched in 1967. Under its 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome over 400,000 immigrants per year with an average of 110,000 annually set to arrive through Express Entry. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. Penn State researchers, who continue to monitor the bobcat population on Cumberland Island National Seashore, also conducted a study comparing and contrasting the Cumberland Island bobcats to a population of bobcats on Kiawah Island off the coast of South Carolina. Credit: Jim Jordan/Town of Kiawah Island The reintroduction of 32 bobcats to an island off the coast of Georgia more than three decades ago created an ideal experiment to examine the accuracy of a genetic-modeling technique that predicts extinction of isolated wildlife populations. That's the conclusion of Penn State researchers who continue to monitor the bobcat population on Cumberland Island National Seashore, and who conducted a study comparing and contrasting the Cumberland Island bobcats to a population of bobcats on Kiawah Island off the coast of South Carolina. The research was led by Cassandra Miller-Butterworth, associate professor of biology at Penn State Beaver, and Duane Diefenbach, Penn State adjunct professor of wildlife ecology who, as a doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia in 1989, reintroduced bobcats captured on the Georgia mainland to Cumberland Island. Before freeing the bobcats on the island, he drew blood samples from the animals and froze them. DNA in those samples now serves as a baseline to compare how the population is faring. The bobcat reintroduction was part of Diefenbach's doctoral research, in which he documented the survival and reproduction of the reintroduced bobcats and collected blood samples from the first litters of kittens born on the island. Since then, he has returned to the island many times over the years with students and volunteers to collect bobcat scat from which to extract DNA to monitor the population's genetic health. There are now 24 bobcats on Cumberland Island, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia, which is separated from the mainland by open water that prevents bobcats from the mainland from immigrating. Credit: Duane Diefenbach/Penn State There now are 24 bobcats on Cumberland Island, which is separated from the mainland by open water that prevents bobcats from the mainland from immigrating. DNA from the scat allows the scientists to identify individual bobcats, which enables them to estimate abundance and survival rates and measure levels of inbreeding. "Because we had DNA from the founding population, we were able to document the loss in genetic diversity over time in the population," said Diefenbach, leader of the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, which is housed in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. "Over the past 30 years, the population has lost about 15% of its genetic diversity. There appears to be some inbreeding, but generally it is low." Over the last decade, Diefenbach has collaborated with Miller-Butterworth, a wildlife population geneticist, to analyze the bobcats' DNA. Her laboratory handled all the molecular analyses from the blood samples. Since the 1989 bobcat release, researchers have returned to the island many times to collect bobcat scat like this from which to extract DNA to monitor the populations genetic health. Credit: Duane Diefenbach/Penn State Diefenbach and Miller-Butterworth also assessed the bobcat population on Kiawah Island. After trappers in 2015 and 2016 donated tissue samples from bobcats on the South Carolina mainland, the researchers determined that bobcats do occasionally travel on and off that island, likely over a bridge for vehicles. "On Kiawah, we studied the genetics and found that about every five years, a bobcat from the mainland contributes genes to the island population," Miller-Butterworth said. "Consequently, genetic diversity on Kiawah Island is lower than on mainland South Carolina, but still higher than on Cumberland Island." The research findings, recently published in Global Ecology and Conservation, indicate that the probability of Cumberland Island bobcats becoming extinct will continue to increase over time. By 2040, the researchers predicted, the risk of extinction will increase to about 20% without any human intervention to restore the loss in genetic diversity, perhaps by introducing a bobcat from the mainland every four or five years. The researchers also assessed the bobcat population on Kiawah Island, off the coast of South Carolina. They determined that, unlike Cumberland Island, bobcats do occasionally travel on and off Kiawah, likely over a bridge for vehicles. Credit: Duane Diefenbach/Penn State The research showed that without any human intervention to restore the loss of genetic diversity in the bobcat population on Cumberland Island perhaps by introducing a bobcat from the mainland every four or five years the animals will likely disappear from the island over time. Credit: Jim Jordan/Town of Kiawah Island However, the findings provide good news for people trying to protect endangered species, Miller-Butterworth pointed out. "We found that population viability models that predict the fate of the population did a good job in predicting the loss in genetic diversity and the long-term population size," she said. "I was surprised at how closely the modeling data and the empirical data matchedyou don't see that often. When we were running the population viability analyses, the predictions that we got for genetic variation, or heterozygosity, matched almost exactly what we were finding with our empirical DNA data." The Cumberland Island bobcat study is valuable because it yielded information that may be useful in future research used to rescue endangered felid populations, such as Iberian lynx or Eurasian lynx, for which extinction risk may be high, Miller-Butterworth explained. Bobcats are not threatened as a species, but the isolated population on Cumberland Island simulates an endangered species scenario in which a population becomes isolated due to habitat loss and fragmentation and loses genetic variation over timean increasingly common scenario for many endangered species. As a doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia in 1989, Duane Diefenbach now an adjunct professor of wildlife ecology at Penn State reintroduced 32 bobcats captured on the Georgia mainland to Cumberland Island. This photo he took back then shows one of the wild felines streaking to freedom in its new home. Credit: Duane Diefenbach "The benefit is we can use this as a case study, or a test case, to figure out what works to re-establish the population's viability, and then that knowledge potentially can be used to extrapolate what would work for an endangered species where the situation is dire," she said. "If we make a mistake in our calculations on Cumberland Island, it would be sad, but it wouldn't result in losing a species." Explore further Video of four bobcats in suburban area shows healthy population More information: Cassandra M. Miller-Butterworth et al, Demographic changes and loss of genetic diversity in two insular populations of bobcats (Lynx rufus), Global Ecology and Conservation (2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01457 100 years ago 1921 The state appropriation of $9,300 for the year 1920 has just been received by the Pottsville Board of Education and has been turned over to Treasurer Wadlinger. 75 years ago 1946 A group of Buck Run Boy Scouts staged a demonstration on signaling and its uses to the students and faculty of Cass Township High School. 50 years ago 1971 ASHLAND Workers at the Germantown local of Mammoth Coal Co.s Raven Run operation went on strike today, putting 60 men out of work, as shovel operators picketed the site in a wage dispute. 25 years ago 1996 ASHLAND In the boroughs third devastating fire since December, three homes were destroyed and four others damaged Sunday night. More than 100 firefighters from Schuylkill and Northumberland counties battled the blaze that erupted around 7:25 p.m. in the 1500 block of Centre Street. The people in the homes fled safely as no injuries to the occupants were reported. Ashland police officer Raymond Walacavage said the fire is believed to have started at the home of Frank Klassen, 1534 Centre St. However, the exact cause was undetermined as of this morning. Fire officials were to return to the scene today. According to borough police and Fire Chief Thomas Towers, the following properties were damaged: 1524 Centre the house sustained smoke damage; 1526 Centre the house sustained smoke damage; 1528 Centre the house sustained water damage; 1530 Centre the house also sustained water damage; 1532 Centre vacant home was gutted; 1534 Centre the house was gutted; 1536-38 Centre vacant double home was gutted. By Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News (TNS) Six U.S. Capitol Police officers have been suspended and dozens more are under investigation in connection with last months deadly pro-Trump attack on the historic building, a spokesman for the agency said Thursday. In total, 35 officers are facing internal investigations conducted by the U.S. Capitol Polices Office of Professional Responsibility for their actions during the Jan. 6 riot, the spokesman said in a statement. The six suspended officers have been placed off duty with pay. The spokesman did not elaborate on the reasons for the suspensions, but suggested its related to acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittmans effort to reprimand officers who didnt respond forcefully enough as a mob of violent Trump supporters stormed the building on Jan. 6. Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not in keeping with the Departments Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline, the spokesman said. This undated image provided by the United States Capitol Police shows U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, of injuries sustained during the riot at the Capitol. A native of South River, N.J., Sicknick served in the New Jersey Air National Guard and went on to a law enforcement career, which his family said was his lifelong dream. He joined the Capitol Police in 2008. (United States Capitol Police via AP)AP Five people, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, were killed in the Jan. 6 chaos. Another two officers who responded to the bloody attack died of suicide days later. Videos posted to social media in the aftermath of the assault showed that some Capitol Police officers took selfies with the attackers. Other officers appeared to give the attackers directions, sparking outrage among members of Congress, whose lives were in danger during the riot. In addition to internal police probes, Congress plans to establish a 9/11-style commission to investigate how the attackers were able to smash their way into the Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of President Joe Bidens election victory. Former President Donald Trump whose call for the attackers to fight like hell helped to inspire the insurrection is likely to face continued scrutiny as part of the forthcoming commission inquiry. More: Hershey Christian Academy says U.S. Capitol riot suspect never worked there Man arrested in Pa. held for trial on charges he pepper-sprayed police during Capitol riot Pa. woman arrested, accused of directing rioters at U.S. Capitol Amidst the on-going power crisis that millions of Texans are facing, another concern rises to add up to the list of problems caused by the extreme winter condition - a water shortage. Since the deadly winter storm ravaging the state forced pipes to burst and treatment plants to back up, destroying utilities and contaminating supplies, millions of Texans face water shortages. Before drinking it, Texans were notified to boil tap water after days of extreme low temperatures destroyed utility lines, triggered blackouts, and frozen water pipes. Water Shortage In the wake of the deadly winter storm, millions across the U.S. were left without electricity or heat as service teams worked to restore power this week before another blast of snow and ice. In more than 140 counties, nearly 600 public water systems reported delays in operation, affecting almost 12 million people on Wednesday night. A spokeswoman for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality told the Texas Tribune. Boil water notices are active across Texas. Please check for local alerts and guidance. Follow and share the water boil safety steps in this thread. Please continue to conserve water and energy. Stay off roads when possible. #TexasReady #txwx pic.twitter.com/nxdIauaRCc Texas DSHS (@TexasDSHS) February 18, 2021 On MSNBC, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said that much of her city, which includes Houston, is under a water boil notice, "but they don't have power to boil the water." After Austin's main water treatment plant lost electricity and water quality dropped, a citywide boil water warning was released late Wednesday. Related Article: "Freeze-off": Texas Intense Snowstorm Froze Power Supplies Hospitals In Trouble Hospitals have been among those dealing with damage to water sources in Austin and Houston. After losing water pressure, one hospital had to move some of its most-in-need patients to other hospitals and discharge others, disrupting its heating system. According to David Huffstutler, CEO of Austin's St David's HealthCare, in a tweet, to have water for the patients, staff, and hospital operations, they collaborate with their supply chain. Last week, they started supplementing their on-site water inventory, and supplies continue to arrive. The water system disruption comes after the intense storms caused by widespread blackouts as it wreaked havoc on the power grid and utilities of the state. On Thursday morning, half a million people remained without electricity. Since lines have frozen, water pressure has dropped across the state, and many people are leaving faucets dripping in hopes of stopping pipes from freezing, said Toby Baker, executive director of the Texas Environmental Quality Board. Greg Abbott, the governor of the state, encouraged people, if necessary, to cut off water to their homes to avoid further pipes being broken and maintain pressure in municipal services. White House Relief The White House said Wednesday that Texas has been supplied with generators by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and plans to bring fuel into the state to ensure the sustained delivery of backup power to essential vital facilities, including hospitals. Press Secretary Jen Psaki said FEMA was distributing water and blankets to Texas as well. Incoming Storm The National Weather Service said another big winter storm is forecast to track across Friday from the Lower Mississippi Valley into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, carrying more heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to further hinder recovery efforts. ALSO READ: Arctic Blast Hits Central US; One Dead, 2 Million Households Without Power For the latest weather updates, don't forget to follow Nature World News! Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Advantagewon Oil Corp., (CSE: AOC), (OTC Pink: ANTGF), (the "Corporation", "Advantagewon", "AOC") announces that further to its news release dated February 8th, 2021, it has completed the acquisition of a minority interest in Starvolt Power Inc. ("Starvolt"). Starvolt has developed a proprietary technology based upon flexible solar panels that it intends to leverage to become an electric vehicle designer and supplier. The investment in Starvolt furthers the Corporation's mission of being a leading provider of low-cost energy solutions. The Corporation announces today that it has closed the Transaction and acquired approximately 30% of the outstanding common shares in the capital of Starvolt (the "Starvolt Shares"), in consideration for the issuance of 9,166,667 common shares in the capital of Advantagewon (the "Payment Shares") at a deemed price of $0.12 per share to the holders of the Starvolt Shares being acquired by Advantagewon (the "Transaction"). The Transaction was completed pursuant to a share exchange agreement (the "Share Exchange Agreement") between the parties. The Payment Shares are not subject to any hold period under applicable securities laws. Further to its February 8th, 2021 news release, the following information provides additional clarity and disclosure on the business of Starvolt and the current status of its operations. Starvolt's goal is to become a leading designer and supplier of electric vehicles for urban commuting and transportation. The company's focus will be on single and dual passenger motor vehicles, multi-passenger cars, and multi-person mini-buses. The vehicles will be powered by the proprietary technology that Starvolt is currently developing, which is premised on flexible solar panels that are intended to deliver more power than their competitors' products, which will enable Starvolt's vehicles to travel greater distances without requiring a plug-in charge. Starvolt's current focus is on continuing research and development of its proprietary flexible solar panel technology. Once Starvolt completes the research and development phase, it intends to swiftly take steps to commercialize its technology, which will include seeking to enter into arrangements with vehicle manufacturers to produce its vehicles and/or developing its own manufacturing capabilities. Paul Haber, Executive Chairman, stated "We are pleased to be able to acquire this technology. We believe it's a great step for us to become a more integrated energy supplier which will benefit our stakeholders by offering a more diverse product line." About Advantagewon Oil Corp. Advantagewon is focused on becoming a diverse energy producer. We currently have silos in oil, gas and solar. Advantagewon's common shares are listed on the OTC Markets in the United States and on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") in Canada. Advantagewon is a member of the CSE Composite Index (CSE: AOC). For more information please visit www.aoc-oil.com For further information please contact: Mr. Paul Haber Executive Chairman Advantagewon Oil Corp. T: (416) 318-6501 Mr. Frank Kordy Secretary & Director Advantagewon Oil Corp T: (647) 466-4037 Forward-Looking Statements Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Corporation. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements include, but are not limited to: the terms and conditions of the Share Exchange Agreement; the expectations related to the Transaction, including the timing of the Transaction, resulting share ownership in Starvolt, and the conditions to completing the Transaction; Starvolt's business, products and future plans; Starvolt's intention to become a leading designer and supplier of electric vehicles for urban commuting and transportation; the efficacy of Starvolt's planned products; the completion of development of Starvolt's products and the timing of commercialization; Starvolt's ability to enter into arrangements with vehicle manufacturers or to manufacture its planned products; and all requisite approvals will be obtained, including acceptance by the CSE. These statements are made based upon a number of assumptions made by management of the Corporation, including that the terms and conditions of the Share Exchange Agreement will be met; the expectations related to the Transaction will be met, including those related to the timing of the Transaction; that the conditions to completing the Transaction will be met; assumptions relating to the efficacy and value of Starvolt's business, technology, products and future plans; that Starvolt will complete the development of its products in a timely manner; that Starvolt's products will be in demand by consumers and vehicle manufacturers; and all requisite approvals will be obtained, including acceptance by the CSE. Such assumptions represent the Corporation's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the Starvolt's limited operating history and expected continued operating losses; failure of Starvolt's business strategy; inherent risks of the solar and automobile industry; system failures and security risks; government regulation; need for additional financing requirements and access to capital; reliance on key and qualified personnel; dependence on third party relationships; insurance; competition; and intellectual property. The Corporation assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. - 30 - To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74961 ALTAMONT As a young Marine, Thomas J. Lemme watched his comrades raise the American flag over Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima before he was wounded by a grenade. While recuperating in a U.S. naval hospital, the ward was abuzz about a visit from Shirley Temple. He didnt care, but ran into her. Someone took a picture and the nickname Hollywood Tom stuck. Lemme died last November. Porter E. Bidleman followed two days later, joining Francis Dick Varone who died in September. All were 94 and part of a rapidly dwindling group of local Battle of Iwo Jima survivors who met regularly at the Home Front Cafe in Altamont to reminisce and swap stories. Every Feb. 19, they would recall their friends who never made it home. Bidleman, a Navy man, was hard of hearing and tended to avoid the hubbub of crowds. But he would break into a wide smile upon arrival despite the room buzzing with activity. When he came in, he so much enjoyed the camaraderie, said Mark Yingling, a Clifton Park resident and member of Patriot Guard. The group's members attend the funerals of veterans. The deaths of Lemme and Bidleman reduced local surviving members of the group from six to three while another has relocated downstate. Last year was particularly brutal for all veterans in Yinglings network not just Iwo Jima survivors. Yingling knows of 16 veterans who have died in 12 months, none felled by COVID-19. Its just time catching up, he said. While their ranks are fading into history, so has the Home Front Cafe, which has permanently closed, making this years 76th anniversary on Friday particularly bittersweet. Yingling has been attending the meetups for years. It was not to celebrate themselves, but for so many of their friends they saw die, Yingling said. When World War II veterans returned to civilian life, the climate wasnt like it is now, with survivors groups and therapy sessions. They remained silent and went on with their lives, whether working for General Electric like Varone or running small businesses: Archery for Lemme, a funeral home for Bidleman. They were encouraged not to bring it up for various reasons it was just bad memories, Yingling said. But once they got together, they realized no one was trying to pull these stories out of them. It came naturally and it was cathartic. Ambrose Cowboy Anderson, 5th Marine Division, Sal Famularo and Dr. Thomas Smith of the 4th Marine Division, are the remaining three local survivors. A fourth, Nils Mockler, recently relocated to Westchester County from Altamont. Each is well despite the pandemic, Yingling said, noting Smith, who is 95, actually called him recently to check in. While far from the usual digs of the Home Front Cafe, Mockler and Anderson traded stories on a recent conference call. Neither knew each other during the hard-fought battle to capture the island in the Pacific from the Japanese and both participated in dramatically different aspects of the 36-day fight following the Feb. 19, 1945, invasion. Mocker, who is white, worked as an intelligence scout; Anderson, who is Black, was a corporal whose squad in the 8th Ammunition Company was relegated to hauling ammo. (Anderson was a member of the Montford Point Marines, the first-ever Black Marines). En route to Iwo Jima, Andersons convoy was attacked by kamikaze pilots. He took cover and began feeding ammo to a machine gunner. We just started doing what we had to do, Anderson said. We have never trained for that. The squad leader glanced around afterwards and saw corpses bobbing in the water. When I saw driftwood, thats when I knew I was at war, Anderson said. I was from Gloversville, New York, and thought Id never be coming home again. From his perch in intelligence, Mocker sat in on briefings and was told capturing Iwo Jima would be a cinch. It was supposed to be the two easiest days in Marine Corps history, Mockler said. We were going to be rolling in with a barrage which hadnt been used since World War I, and we were going to get Mount Suribachi and the airfield on the first day without question. I knew what was supposed to be going on and I knew what was going on. The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted for over a month, killing nearly 7,000 Marines and injuring over 19,000. Marines captured 216 Japanese soldiers, and the rest were killed in action. Mocker saw his fair share of carnage, like when a mortar hit a freshly covered mass grave, blowing decaying and burned flesh skyward. We did what we had to do, Anderson said. I dont know how I got back here. Mockler responded, Its because you didnt get hit. While horror surfaced in their chat, the conversation eased into levity as the pair reminisced about mundane details of life on the front: protocols, commanding officers, how far they made it up Mount Suribachi and the unpleasantness of everyday life. Did you have a change of socks or a change of skivvies?" Mockler teased Anderson. Anderson, now 95, chuckled. Both are acutely aware of their own mortality, and spoke in frank terms about death. Maybe we can do it again when the virus is over, Anderson said. Or if we live long enough. Mockler, who turns 95 in April, brought back soil from a visit to the island on the 50th anniversary in 1995, and aims to incorporate it into his final plans. Im making plans for a peaceful exit, he said. We went through hell and went back to hell, he said. And it was still the best thing I ever did. My only regret is I didnt get to do more. Amy Willerton shared a slew of envy-inducing snaps from her getaway to the Maldives with fiance Daniel Day and their daughter Demelza on Instagram this week. The model, 28 who recently claimed a number of influencers are 'pretending' to be home in the UK while in Dubai, amid backlash over their 'working' trips during the pandemic' jetted to the Indian Ocean destination from the UAE last week. And amid the selection of snapshots taken on the powdery white sand, the erstwhile Miss Universe contestant revealed that she has joined racy subscription site OnlyFans because she finds 'so much of social media dishonest'. Sunny getaway: Amy Willerton took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps of herself enjoying a break in the Maldives this week In her sun-kissed vacation snaps, the brunette beauty looked sensational as she posed in a patterned halterneck bikini, in which she proudly displayed her tanned and taut physique. Sporting a bright orange bikini in another snap, the star was also seen frolicking on the shores with her 13-month-old daughter Demelza. Another heart-warming snap showed Amy and Daniel planting kisses on each of their offspring's cheeks, while she pulled a face and held on tightly to her Moana doll. Video footage showed her riding through the island on a moped, while further snaps showed her wading into the welcoming azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Family time: The brunette beauty has been enjoying her break with fiance Daniel Day and their daughter Demelza Bikini: The star looked enviably tanned and toned as she posed in an array of skimpy bikinis Signing up: The erstwhile Miss Universe contestant revealed that she has joined racy subscription site OnlyFans because she finds 'so much of social media dishonest' Also this week, she took to Instagram to announce that she had joined racy subscription site OnlyFans. She said in her video announcement: 'Hi, it's Amy Willerton. I have joined OnlyFans. So much of social media is dishonest now and I want a place that's honest, open and somewhere that I can get to know you guys and you can really get to know me.' Hinting potential subscribers are in for a wild ride, she concluded: 'It's just whether you can handle me or not. Subscribe now.' While a number of celebrities have joined OnlyFans, some have shared x-rated images of themselves, while others have used the platform to post workouts and other lifestyle content. Fun and frolics: Sporting a bright orange bikini in another snap, the star was also seen frolicking on the shores with her 13-month-old daughter Demelza Doting: The model was seen doting on her adorable toddler daughter during the luxury break Abroad: The star is among a number of celebrities who remain abroad amid the UK's lockdown As her break came to an end on Thursday, Amy returned to Instagram to share a snap of herself in a white swimsuit. She wrote: 'I did two things that scared me this week...1) I sang karaoke alone for the first time ( normally I drag on a cop out sidekick ) and 2) I launched my @onlyfans account #subscribenow for exclusive content you wont find anywhere else!' The star also said: 'Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? @kihaa.maldives ... trip coming to end and my heart is in tears at the thought of leaving but so grateful to have been here. 'This has been such an escape from reality, no masks, no shoes, no drama, no bitterness- just peace and beauty. If you want to book the ultimate escape holiday post lockdown you will not find a more glorious place.' Real life: As their trip came to an end, Amy spoke about how much she'd enjoyed her time there Easy rider: Video footage showed the erstwhile Miss Universe contestant riding through the island on a moped We are family: The family posed for another snapshot in the final hours of their sun-soaked trip Promo: As she posted her final snap from her trip, Amy, 28, once again promoted her OnlyFans It comes after Amy recently claimed a number of influencers are 'pretending' to be home when they're actually in Dubai. The star, who jetted to the United Arab Emirates last year with daughter Demelza, said she feels sorry for those 'criticised' who have 'owned' being abroad during the pandemic. Taking to her Instagram Stories late last month, Amy engaged in a candid Q&A session and said those deceiving fans should 'own their truth'. The model insisted that she wouldn't 'name any names' but commented on how 'sad' it is that people are 'getting praise' when they're 'completely lying' about their whereabouts. 'Pretending': Amy previously claimed some influencers are 'pretending' to be home when they're actually in Dubai 'Own it': The model, who jetted to the UAE, said she feels sorry for those 'criticised' who have 'owned' being abroad (Chloe Ferry pictured in Dubai recently; there is no suggestion she's the influencer referenced) The I'm A Celeb star was asked for her thoughts on influencers jetting to Dubai over December and January for 'work' and in the process avoiding UK's third lockdown. To which Amy answered with: 'OK, I have a lot to say about this... some of it which I probably shouldn't say. But I'm a big believer in owning your truth so... I'm here in Dubai, I see a lot of people, who on social media, are pretending they're at home. 'The Netflix, say they're at home, I'm in it with you and they're not... they're here! Remember, smoking mirrors OK? Social media is NOT real! It's a glimpse, it's not that person's life. 'I guess I do feel sorry in some ways for the influencers who came over here and actually just owned the fact they were here and are receiving death threats for it... Thoughts: The I'm A Celeb star was asked for her thoughts on influencers jetting to Dubai over December and January for 'work' amid the pandemic (Love Island's Amber Gill pictured in Dubai, there is no suggestion she's the influencer referenced) Candid: Taking to her Instagram Stories, Amy engaged in a candid Q&A session and said those deceiving fans should 'own their truth' Location: She said, 'I'm here in Dubai, I see a lot of people, who on social media, are pretending they're at home... Remember, smoking mirrors OK? Social media is NOT real' 'I think that is actually really sad when there are a lot of people getting praise when they are completely lying to you all. I'm not naming any names, I'm not like that, but I'm just saying... it's not real.' Amy went on to admit that she understands why people are 'angry' and 'upset' over people travelling during the pandemic as everyone has 'suffered' so much. She said: 'Because people have suffered so much in this, I get why they are angry. I get why people are so upset. I know when I've had fears about things that are out of my control like death for instance, putting it out out there. 'The only comfort I find is we're all in it together, we all have to die at some point. That is my way of comforting with that I guess, it's kind of the same thing in this. Truth: She also said, 'I think that is actually really sad when there are a lot of people getting praise when they are completely lying to you all. I'm not naming any names, I'm not like that' Working abroad: 'I guess I do feel sorry in some ways for the influencers who came over here and actually just owned the fact they were here and are receiving death threats for it,' she said 'Because it is so so awful, your comfort, I think everyone has found in all this... is the community that's formed from the suffering. Getting through each day. 'Getting through the first lockdown and we've been so lucky we're not going through that now. 'I'm not going to pretend to know what everyone's going though right now, I don't, I don't, I have no idea how you're all still doing it. You're all heroes, I would have 100% rebelled by now.' Amy added: 'This virus spreads in a way that, means a lot of people are vulnerable and a lot of people are at risk. 'We don't know enough about it to be able to just carry on life... so for now, I'm going to own the fact I'm here. Abroad: Love Island's Laura Anderson has also been staying in Dubai and sharing several updates (there is no suggestion she is the influencer referenced) Work trip: Georgia Steel, who has insisted she is on a 'work' trip, recently jetted to the Maldives after flying to Dubai, she has been sharing snaps from her trip (there is no suggestion she is the influencer referenced) 'I'm going to own the fact I'm extremely lucky and I'm going to try and enjoy each day. Because I've got the opportunity to do so which is frigging amazing.' It comes after fellow reality star, Olivia Attwood recently criticised her influencer pals who said they are 'working abroad' amid the novel coronavirus crisis, before asking fans to stop trolling them. In January, the Love Island star, 29, took to her Instagram Stories from her Manchester home to criticise her reality star and influencer pals, who remain in Dubai, for claiming they are 'working abroad' amid the coronavirus crisis. Addressing the furore over her comments later in the week, Olivia insisted that she doesn't want to encourage any 'hurtful behaviour' and told any of her angry followers to instead 'unfollow' people. Grateful: She ended her video by saying, 'I'm going to own the fact I'm here. I'm going to own the fact I'm extremely lucky and I'm going to try and enjoy each day' Olivia's video came as it was revealed that travellers returning to the UK from the UAE will have to quarantine following a 52 per cent surge in the number of COVID -19 cases there - an undoubted shock for the influencer-packed city. Influencers' fun-filled getaways might be overshadowed on their return as travellers returning to the UK need to present proof of a negative Covid test result. New arrivals who flout the rules will face a minimum 500 fine, while the operator who transported them will also be fined. Passengers will still have to quarantine for 10 days regardless of their test results, transport minister Robert Courts said in a statement. 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. Lila Rose says that Joe Biden has policies that are not as they seem, especially to women. Most policies favor what is not beneficial towards women's choice that is part of their right. One of the criticisms of the Biden administration is how they regard women's decisions about their bodies. Women have control of their bodies Rose, founder and leader of Live Action, is pushing for a woman's choice of what she wants with her health. This is affected by the Biden administration's moves seeking to remove that choice from women, reported Epoch Times. She said that the current administration has alternative ideas on how women would conduct their reproductive health, In an interview with an outlet last February 17, she said that women should take notice and be aware. Rose mentions that Live Action is worried that the current administration will not listen to different opinions, adding that any moderation on how women should conduct their health will be ignored. She mentioned as the VP of Obama; he's become extreme. The Hyde Amendment According to Lila Rose, Biden has disavowed the Hyde Amendment with the law coming to effect in 1980. The bill's purpose is to restrict federal funds used for medical procedures like unwanted results from physical assaults on women. These cover criminal acts against women that are against unwanted intimacies. Also read: Sen. Kennedy on Biden's Energy Policy: Anti- American, Destroys U.S. Energy Independence This new administration recalled the Mexico City policy that refuses funds to groups that educate women on how to decide on what to do if they are expecting. It is, according to Rose, a violation of a woman's right to decide for herself. A post on Twitter had this response to Joe Biden: Theres NO political or ideological excuse for @JoeBidens support for the Hyde Amendment, which translates into discrimination against poor women and women of color plain and simple. His position further endangers people already facing enormous hurdles. https://t.co/3jDleIq077 NARAL (@NARAL) June 5, 2019 She slammed Biden's claim on his religious affiliation, and that is a contrast to reality. The reality is that the choice is gone for women if they were to follow what the administration wants. That is, they cannot undergo medical procedures critical to their intention to keep it or not. Rose said the president uses religion as a pretext to screen radical policies pertaining to women's health, saying he is not concerned or realistic about women's choices on their bodies. It should be exposed for all to see and what a lie it is. She slammed the media for not being fair to all and giving it an unfair slant. She added that questions of faith are not equal to the biased press. One example Rose said is how the media went after SCOTUS Amy Coney Barret because of her faith. Generally, the press was not fair. All sides of a women's choice must be respected, she stressed, but the administration denies that. His VP opposed pro-women activists Kamala Harris was the attorney general in California when she went after pro-women undercover journalist David Daleiden. His apartment was raided with the assistance of Harris. Even appointed former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra in his administration who charged pro-woman activists in California. No woman's access to reproductive health care should be based on how much money she has. We must repeal the Hyde Amendment. Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 5, 2019 Lila Rose is a conservative and asks others to speak out and uphold a women's choice over how they decide on their bodies. It's only a start, she said, but change is needed. Related article: South Dakota Governor Scours Biden's Termination of Keystone Pipeline; Dangerous to US Energy Policy @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices fell sharply on Friday to extend losses from the previous session as the deep freeze in Texas shut down refineries, denting the demand of crude over the coming weeks. Refinery outages and the possibility of oil refiners making repairs before reviving operations stoked concerns about demand. Investors were also concerned about a looming increase in crude oil supplies from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+). Benchmark Brent crude fell 1.1 percent to $63.24 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down as much as 1.5 percent at $59.59. Media reports suggest that Saudi Arabia plans to increase its oil output in the coming months amid recovery in prices. The world's largest oil exporter surprised oil markets last month when it said it would unilaterally slash 1 million barrels a day of crude production in February. Goldman Sachs said in a note that it sees minimal oil price impact from the big freeze in the U.S. South. 'While the gross impacts on supply and demand are large, they are mostly offsetting, and even more importantly, transitory, resulting in minimal implications for global oil prices, leaving risks to a further reversal of this week's rally,' it said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Will Bellamy spotted two injured birds along the Texas coast earlier this week, and the self-described animal lover delivered them to conservationists for care. But the conservationists had a message themselves, he said: watch out for distressed sea turtles. The deadly winter storm that swept across Texas and parts of the South knocked out power and water for millions. It also created a catastrophe for animals statewide - including for sea turtles prone to freezing in frigid waters. Bellamy, an Army and Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Haiti, spotted some turtles Tuesday with his son Jerome. But he needed help. He alerted Capt. Christopher Jason, the commander of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in southeastern Texas, and his wife, Cheryl Jason. The commander grabbed his kayak, paddled into the cold waves and retrieved a lapful of cold-shocked turtles. But the next day, on Bellamy's turtle patrol, the situation became far more urgent, he said, and one that would require a lot more hands. "It was like an apocalypse of turtles littered on the beach," Bellamy told The Washington Post in a phone interview Thursday. More than 800 turtles have since been plucked from Laguna Madre by a ragtag group of about 50 Navy pilots and flight students, military spouses, family members and military retirees, said Biji Pandisseril, the Navy installation's environmental manager. More turtles are still coming in, he said, and some have died. Green sea turtles, listed as a threatened species, feast on grasses found in the waters of Laguna Madre, but in winter weather, the chilling shallow water zaps strength from the coldblooded reptiles. They become immobile and unable to power their fins to warmer, deeper waters, putting them at risk of dying of predation or exposure, according to the National Park Service. Some wash ashore like driftwood. Rescuing "cold-stunned" turtles has become an annual routine in Texas, with dozens or hundreds aided in a typical year, Sanjuana Zavala, a spokeswoman for the conservation group Sea Turtle Inc. told The Post. But with the weather so much more severe, thousands of turtles have been rescued in the larger effort this week. Many could die if facilities that care for them don't get power soon, the group has said. Word spread in the military community, but the movement began with Bellamy flagging down motorists to help, he said. From there, the efforts mushroomed to a full-blown operation. Bellamy said one active duty Navy pilot trainee on scene called in other trainees with pickup trucks to haul the stunned turtles to heated storage facilities at the air station. Jason kayaked out to distant turtles,while others used a more novel approach: wielding laundry baskets to corral them in shallow water. The cold was a challenge for the humans, too, Bellamy said, but volunteers worked all day. One man waded into the surf with his blue jeans and cowboy boots, laser-focused on the rescue, he said. The effort unfurled some challenges. Green sea turtles can grow to hundreds of pounds, and the bigger ones - coined "Big Bertha" - need two volunteers to handle. Arms and backs burned in the cold. "These guys are a lot heavier than they look," Bellamy said. Back at the storage facility, the inevitable happened, Pandisseril said. The turtles, suddenly warmer, began moving - though, of course, a little slowly. The volunteers did their best to contain them for 24 hours, when they were handed off to Park Service officials, he said. Pilot trainees started a rotating guard shift to watch over the turtles at night, Jason said. The larger community at the air base has not been immune to the struggles millions of other Texans still face in the storm. Many of them had no heat or water in the past few days, Jason said. "Most of these people didn't have good conditions in their own homes," he said. "But they came out to help." The hardships of the extreme weather, coupled with the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic, compelled the volunteers to do something tangible and positive amid the bleakness, Bellamy said. "Things have been rough over the past year. It's fun to see people come together focused on recovering these turtles. People just need it." - - - The Washington Post's Teo Armus contributed to this report. Orange Puts a Temporary Halt to Neighborhood Dorm Construction City officials have put a halt to the dormitory-style construction projects plaguing neighborhoods in Orange, California. The Orange City Council unanimously passed an urgency ordinance prohibiting the addition of three or more bedrooms or bathrooms to qualifying residences. [This] is the first of multiple fronts the city is opening to ensure the long-term stability of our neighborhoods and preserve their unique characters, Councilmember Arianna Barrios told The Epoch Times. The ordinancewhich was passed at a special meeting on Feb. 16 and amends the Municipal Code by adding definitions of dormitory, primary residence, and student housingis a response to a number of recent applications seeking to radically alter the capacity of single-family dwellings. In some cases, two- or three-bedroom homes requested transformation into seven- or eight-bedroom residences, according to the councils agenda report. At least one applicant stated that the goal was to create student housing. City Attorney Gary A. Sheatz said the bulk of the projects were happening on properties smaller than 12,000 square feet. Thats where we are seeing the largest impactthe mansionization, the blowing out of the bedrooms and bathroomson these rather smaller size lots, Sheatz said at the meeting. Disrupted Neighborhoods Several citizens attended the special meeting to share how the character of their neighborhoods has been impacted by these constructions. Vince and Janette Lavalle said the current expansion of a building next to their home has raised concerns about excessive noise, an increase in trash, traffic, and parking issuesas well as a loss of privacy, decency, and property value. The current infestation of dormitory building projects will transform a quiet residential street into the beginning of fraternity row, Vince said. We live here where our kids go to school, we eat in the restaurants, some of us have businesses in the city of Orange, and we want to stay here. We had no idea that our neighborhood could be stolen from us. Janette said she was concerned with the constant back-and-forth traffic. Were going to be seeing the traffic flow through our front door. All these people coming back all hours of the night, any time of day, with up to eight to 10 individuals, she said. Im born and raised here, lived here my whole life. And I dont want to see the community having this many homes turned into these dormitory styles. Sharon Welch, who lives on Cambridge Street not far from Chapman University, said she has experienced these same problems. I bought a beautiful Craftsman on that street, and its becoming a nightmare, she said. She lives near three homes that have been converted into dormitories, she said. One residence has 10 bedrooms and 10 bathsand only one parking spot. She described parties, beer cans and bottles littering the area, cars parked on front lawns, and verbal abuse from residents. This is what Im living with. We see them constantly walking in with big, huge kegs of beer, she said. City Manager Rick Otto said Chapman University was well aware of the problem, and was willing to cooperate with the city any way that they can. He added that Chapman Public Safety has a collaborative relationship with the Orange Police Department when it comes to emergency calls from the area. A Temporary Fix The urgency ordinance is effective immediately but only lasts for 45 days unless the council votes to extend it. Extensions can only last for a maximum of 10 months, Sheatz said. The city attorney said hed spoken with officials in other cities who are experiencing the same problem. He said that temporary solutions tend to provoke counter-responses from residents seeking to expand their property. When you zig, they zag, he said. So there is a constant evolution. Can we come back at a later date with additional zigs to their zags, if you will? The answer is yes, absolutely. Sheatz added that the temporary stay in construction buys city officials enough time to study development standards in the zoning code. They can then discuss further amendments with cooperation from the Planning Commission. This is an important step forward to taking back our neighborhoods, Councilmember Chip Monaco said. This timeout provides us a real opportunity to get a handle on that before this thing gets out of our control. PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Danone (DANOY.PK) and Earth Island have entered into a share purchase agreement under which Danone will acquire 100% of the shares of Earth Island. Earth Island is the maker of Follow Your Heart Brands and U.S. pioneer in plant-based foods. Danone said, as part of the company, Earth Island will be able to accelerate the growth of the Follow Your Heart brand nationally and internationally. Follow Your Heart Brand's signature products include Vegenaise, Dairy-Free Cheeses, VeganEgg, Salad Dressings, Dairy-Free Yogurt, Cream Cheese, and Sour Cream. Follow Your Heart Brand manufactures its products in its Los Angeles-based facility called Earth Island. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Houston Independent School District will remain closed Monday and Tuesday and hold online-only classes for the last three days of the next school week a plan that few neighboring districts are expected to follow as education leaders navigate the fallout from freezing temperatures that rocked the regions power and water supplies. As the impact of this weeks winter storm comes into clearer focus, education leaders are grappling with how quickly they can resume in-person classes already cut short this year by the coronavirus pandemic. In announcing the cancellation of in-person classes all next week, HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said Friday that lingering uncertainty about building safety, ongoing concerns with the districts water supply and reports of staff members facing major issues with water-damaged homes led to her call. I have to make sure our staff are ready to receive and take care of students, Lathan said in an interview. There are still a lot of unknowns, but also, parents need to know the plan. For me, thats why I went ahead and made that announcement. Aldine ISD, the regions fifth-largest district, announced Friday that it would follow the same schedule as HISD. In several other districts, however, superintendents expressed optimism Friday that they could resume in-person instruction as early as Monday. While water supply concerns weighed on the minds of school leaders large swaths of Houston, which provides water to nearly all of HISD, and parts of outlying areas remain under boil-water advisories some superintendents said they could manage any remaining complications. In Klein ISD, the metro areas seventh-largest district, Superintendent Jenny McGown said district officials are prepared to hold in-person classes even if some campuses have boil-water advisories in effect. School employees will use bottled water kept in reserves and water stored in large tanks to maintain safe conditions. We will be open on Monday, McGown said. All of our campuses will be fully safe and operational, and so we are extremely grateful were in that situation. We know a lot of our neighbors havent been as lucky. Many boil-water advisories are expected to lift in the next few days, with Mayor Sylvester Turner declaring that he expects the citys will expire no later than Monday. Schools could use unboiled water to flush toilets and run sinks, but district employees would need to boil water for drinking and food preparation. The water situation and water pressure, thats going to play a major factor in reopening decisions, said Travis Stanford, Spring Branch ISDs associate superintendent of operations. His district, which has many campuses receiving city water, has not yet announced plans for Monday. Although many district leaders reported numerous leaks and burst pipes, many said they were fortunate to avoid major damage that would knock campuses out of commission next week. In Katy ISD, the regions third-largest district, Superintendent Ken Gregorski said Friday that he expected all campuses will be up and running for Mondays return to school and work even after about three-quarters of Katy ISDs campuses sustained some water damage. Humble ISD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen, who leads the areas ninth-largest district, said about 40 classrooms in Humble High School were soaked when sprinklers malfunctioned, while other campuses needed minor repairs. Fagen said all fixes should be done in a matter of days, with all schools open for in-person classes Monday. We just have a lot of small issues, Fagen said. Im sure everybody does. Lathan said all of HISDs 280-plus buildings and campuses appear to have avoided major damage, though staff members continue to spot new issues. A smattering of Houston-area campuses likely will stay closed next week because of extensive water damage, necessitating online-only classes that have become commonplace during the pandemic. Tomball ISD Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora said the districts largest campus, Tomball Memorial High School, will remain temporarily shuttered after a broken sprinkler system dumped about 10,000 gallons of water throughout the building. We had building damage, a loss of print materials, a loss of technology, Salazar-Zamora said. Were communicating and making plans for how we handle all our campuses, because each campus is a little different. In Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, the regions second-largest district, Chief Operations Officer Roy Sprague said crews will work all weekend to complete repairs at more than 60 buildings damaged by water, including three with flooding issues. Three inches of water covered Cy-Fair ISDs Swenke Elementary School, located near U.S. 290 and the Grand Parkway, after busted pipes poured water on the schools floors. One high schools orchestra pit filled with 3 feet of water, which spilled into a surrounding area, and another schools auditorium also had some water pooling. Even if buildings are suitable come Monday, school leaders remain concerned about the strain that classes could put on staff and students facing weather- and water-related issues. In a message to Tomball ISD employees Friday evening, Salazar-Zamora said she decided to cancel all classes Monday, giving staff members another day to help them manage their personal affairs. Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Jennifer Blaine said her principals are surveying campus employees to gauge their needs, which will influence her decision about classes next week. If the kids can log on but teachers cant get on because of situations in their own homes, were going to have to decide what that looks like, Blaine said. Several superintendents opted Friday to wait on issuing plans for the upcoming week, including the leaders of Cy-Fair, Fort Bend and Pasadena ISDs. Spring ISD announced that it would remain closed Monday and Tuesday, host an already-scheduled day of online-only classes Wednesday, then bring students back to campuses Thursday and Friday. Alief ISD canceled classes scheduled for Monday, but did not commit to future plans. For days missed because of cancellations, districts will receive full funding and will not be required to add days to their calendar if they experience infrastructure issues because of outages and its related impacts, Texas Education Agency officials said this week. It was not immediately clear Friday whether HISDs rationale for canceling in-person and some virtual classes will qualify for the TEA exemption. jacob.carpenter@chron.com shelby.webb@chron.com The gates to Disneyland remain closed due to pandemic lockdowns in Anaheim, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Anaheim Joins Push to Accelerate Disneyland Reopening Anaheim city council is backing a California assembly bill that would allow larger theme parks to open under a more restrictive COVID-19 tier. The state has developed a tier system to guide the reopening of the economy amid the pandemic. Although many schools and businesses are now at least partially open, major California theme parks such as Disneyland have been closed since last March. There are four tiers, with the top tier being the most restrictive, and the fourth tier being the least restrictive. The assembly bill that Anaheim council supported during a Feb. 16 meeting calls on the state to allow theme parks to reopen when a county reaches the moderate tier, rather than the minimal tier, which is currently where counties must be in order to reopen major amusement centers. Mayor Harry Sidhu said that anything the city can do to safely reopen theme parks is critical to economic recovery for Anaheim and the surrounding region. While smaller theme parks obviously have lower attendance, they also have a smaller physical footprint, he said during the council meeting. For large theme parks such as Disneyland Resort, they have the resources to set, enforce, and best safety protocols available. Nobodys saying that we want to reopen Disneyland today. We have much to do yet on vaccination efforts and bringing down case counts, and hospitalizations. We dont know when we will reach that moderate tier under the states guidance documents. The bill, created by assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva and Suzette Martinez Valladares, would allow all theme parks to reopen when a county reaches the third tier, no matter what size the park is. As it stands, small theme parks are allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity in Californias third tier, while large parks, such as Disneyland, have to wait until the fourth tier. Anaheim city council held a motion to support the bill, which passed in a 61 vote, with only Councilmember Jose Moreno dissenting from the majority. Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Faessel said the bill would create a path for the safe reopening of Disneyland. I always said publicly and privately that it should open when the time is right, and we could do it safely, he told the council. This assembly bill goes in that direction, thats why Ill be supportive of it. Itll help us get our people back to work. Our residents, our workers in the resort district, have been hit very hard by the pandemic. Moreno, the only member to vote against the bill, said hes concerned about the continued surges of COVID-19 in the county and added that the council should trust state health officials. I am extremely worried because it seems that we cant keep our eye on the ball, 100 percent laser-focused on public health, Moreno said. We keep trying to have conversations and being forced into conversations about how quickly we can reopen the economy and the resort. My concern colleagues here is that the data [doesnt support] this yet, and the more we tell our folks to stay at home, social distance, wear your mask, we say that and then turn around and are advocating resolutions to be less strict in the ability to open the economy. 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. Innovative Made-In-Ontario technology will help stop the spread of COVID-19 while creating skilled jobs Facedrive Inc. ("Facedrive") (TSXV:FD) (OTCQX:FDVRF), a Canadian "people-and-planet first" technology ecosystem, is pleased to announce that the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (the "Ministry") has endorsed and agreed to provide CAD $2,500,000 in non-dilutive funding to TraceSCAN, the COVID-19 wearable contact-tracing solution developed by Facedrive Health. While the Company intends to provide an update with further details, the Ministry Announcement from February 18, 2021, wherein it endorsed Facedrives TraceSCAN, can be found below: "SCARBOROUGH The Ontario government is providing Facedrive Inc. with $2.5 million through the Ontario Together Fund to accelerate the deployment of its wearable contact tracing technology, TraceSCAN, which alerts users within a workplace who have been in close contact with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. The company anticipates manufacturing about 150,000 devices under this project and creating 68 new jobs, including software, firmware and hardware engineers and machine learning specialists. "In our fight against COVID-19, Ontario is continuing to support companies like Facedrive that are developing the innovative technology that adds new layers of defence against this global pandemic," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "Through the Ontario Together Fund, we will continue to make sure that companies like Facedrive have the resources they need to supply emergency products and innovative solutions during these challenging times, while creating skilled jobs for our province." Facedrive developed TraceSCANs made-in-Ontario AI-powered solution, which can track staff exposure to COVID-19 without GPS information, in partnership with the University of Waterloo. Workers simply wear the device and the wearable technology will communicate with others within a workplace environment. If users are less than six feet apart, the device beeps to alert the users. If anyone in the working premises reports COVID-19 positive, HR or health and safety officials can log in to the online reporting dashboard and see who they have been in contact with and their risk level, then send an exposure notification. Contact tracing will be made simple with all of the close proximity contact having been recorded. Story continues The technology is designed to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 for workplaces and settings where smartphone use is limited or prohibited, such as airlines, schools, construction sites, and long-term care homes. It will add another layer of safety and protection through identification and isolation of new COVID-19 cases, tracing back the interactions and helping to stop the contamination. TraceSCAN has already been deployed in multiple pilot projects, leading to the successful adoption of the technology in real-world settings. Some of the businesses and organizations that are using TraceSCAN include Air Canada, LiUNA and Waywayseecappo First Nation. "My door is always open to new and innovative solutions to help keep workers safe during COVID-19," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. "Contact tracing technologies have the potential to protect essential workers until the province receives a sufficient number of vaccines. We need more made-in-Ontario solutions to keep workers safe." "The continued support of the Ontario Government is very valuable to us at Facedrive, and we are humbled to receive this support facilitating our work to fight COVID-19," said Sayan Navaratnam, Chairman and CEO of Facedrive. "We are looking forward to working side by side with government institutions in our joint mission to create safe environments for our communities, restart our economy and get workers back on the job. The Ontario Together Fund will be instrumental in helping us grow production volumes, invest in top talent, create jobs and ultimately establish TraceSCAN as a global leader and household name for contact tracing." The provinces initial pandemic response was to procure available stock, the majority of which was from international sources. Over the course of the pandemic, efforts to develop Ontario-based production has resulted in a shift to 74 per cent of PPE purchases being domestically produced (by procurement value). Key categories such as N95 respirators, surgical masks, face shields, wipes, disinfectants and hand sanitizer are all domestically produced at production sites in Ontario. "This is another great local example of the Ontario Spirit at work", said Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and MPP for Scarborough North. "With our governments support, new companies like Facedrive can expand their operation and production of innovative Ontario Made technology, creating jobs and opportunities right here in Scarborough." Through the Ontario Together Fund, the government is delivering targeted investments that will increase the provinces stockpile of made-in-Ontario products and PPE. This innovative technology and manufacturing capacity will help the province to combat the current COVID-19 outbreak and prepare for potential challenges in the future, while supporting local businesses during the safe and gradual reopening of the province. QUICK FACTS The government launched the $50 million Ontario Together Fund to help businesses retool their operations to produce PPE and develop technology-driven solutions and services for businesses to reopen safely. Businesses and individuals looking to help in the fight against COVID-19 can submit their proposals through the Ontario Together portal. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Ontario Made program is helping the provinces manufacturing base regain and recover revenues lost due to COVID-19 by encouraging manufacturers and producers to register and promote their products on the SupportOntarioMade.ca site and use the Ontario Made logo. The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory provides businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers. Facedrive Inc. is an Ontario-based technology company founded in 2016. It delivers a range of products and services, including ride sharing, food delivery, wearable health tech solutions, electric vehicle subscriptions, and a social networking platform." About the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (formally known as Ministry of Economic Development and Growth) in the Canadian Province of Ontario is responsible for programs to attract and retain business and economic development in the province. This is pursued through research and development funding, business advisory services, career exploration opportunities and business startup programs for youth, skills development and marketing Ontario to potential international business investors. About Facedrive Facedrive is a multi-faceted "people-and-planet first" tech ecosystem offering socially-responsible services to local communities with a strong commitment to doing business fairly, equitably and sustainably. As part of this commitment, Facedrives vision is to fulfil its mandate through a number of verticals that either leverage existing technologies of the Company or project synergies with existing lines of business (the "Facedrive Verticals"). The Facedrive Verticals include its rideshare business ("Facedrive Rideshare"), sustainable e-commerce platform ("Facedrive Marketplace"), food-delivery service ("Facedrive Foods"), e-social platform ("Facedrive Social") and its contact-tracing and sustainable health services business ("Facedrive Health"). Facedrive Rideshare was among the first to offer a wide variety of environmentally and socially responsible solutions in the Transportation as a Service (TaaS) space, planting thousands of trees based on user consumption and offering choices between electric, hybrid and conventional vehicles (including, more recently, electric and hybrid vehicles on a subscription basis through Steer). Facedrive Marketplace offers curated merchandise created from sustainably sourced materials. Facedrive Foods offers contactless delivery of a wide variety of foods right to consumers doorsteps, with a focus on doing so in a socially and environmentally-conscious manner. Facedrive Social strives to keep people connected in a physically-distanced world through its HiQ and other e-socialization platforms that invite users to interact based on common interests and by offering gamification and mutual community support features. Facedrive Health strives to develop and offer innovative technological solutions to the most acute health challenges including its proprietary TraceSCAN wearable technology for contact tracing. Facedrive envisions changing the ridesharing, food delivery, e-commerce, social and health tech narratives for the better, for everyone, and is currently operational in Canada and the United States. For more about Facedrive, visit www.facedrive.com. Facedrive Inc. 100 Consilium Pl, Unit 104, Scarborough, ON, Canada M1H 3E3 www.facedrive.com Forward-Looking Information Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking information. This information is based on managements reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us and are made as of the date of this press release. Actual results (such as the success of any initiatives launched based on the OTF funds) and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors. Information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not facts but instead represent managements expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See "Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in Facedrives Filing Statement dated August 28, 2019 for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210218005793/en/ Contacts Media Contact: Sana Srithas | sana@facedrive.com Sayan Navaratnam Chief Executive Officer and Director Tel: 1-888-300-2228 Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Advancement at last client ventures, for example, family unit cleansers, individual consideration, and others in the created and the creating economies helps the development of the market. Besides, low costs and simple accessibility of surfactants because of innovatively propelled procedures and business plausibility are the components anticipated to fuel the development of the surfactants showcase. Be that as it may, unpredictability in costs of crude materials, for example, ethylene, benzene and n-paraffin controls the market development. On the other hand, the expansion in worldwide interest for individual consideration items, for example, shampoos, skincare moisturizers and different style gives development chances to the surfactants market. Personal care is a noteworthy application for surfactants, as they are one of the vital fixings required in healthy skin, hair care, balms, gels, creams, and other corrective items. The business is developing quickly as close to home consideration items have appeal among clients. The expansion in spending on better close to home consideration items is driving the surfactants advertise. Get Full Access Summary Buy Now:https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/9314 Additionally, the retail division is getting composed in rising economies, for example, China, India, and Brazil which is likewise assisting individual consideration industry with flourishing. The business is constantly developing to consent to changing purchaser inclinations. Prior cleansers and shampoos were the real application regions of surfactants in this industry. Nonetheless, the utilization of surfactants in different restorative items, for example, chilly creams and salves is likewise picking up energy, along these lines driving the market. The developing spotlight on ""green science"" by numerous organizations to take care of the demand for eco-accommodating items from purchasers has taken the individual consideration industry to another measurement. These components emphatically impact the utilization of surfactants in the business. Global Surfacant Market report includes different applications such as Anionic Surfactants, Non-Ionic Surfactants, Cationic Surfactants and Amphoteric Surfactants. This report aims to estimate the Global Surfacant Market for 2018 and to project the expected demand of the same by 2023. This market research study provides a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Global Surfacant Market. It provides a comprehensive review of major drivers and restraints of the market. Major companies such as Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Akzonobel N.V., BASF SE, Clariant AG, The DOW Chemical Company, etc. are profiled in this report. Global Surfacant Market is also segmented into major application and geographies. Get Full Access Summary Buy Now:https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/checkout/9314/Single Various secondary sources, such as encyclopedia, directories, and databases to identify and collect information useful for this extensive commercial study of Global Surfacant Market have been used. The primary sources, experts from related industries and suppliers, have been interviewed to obtain and verify critical information as well as to assess the future prospects of Global Surfacant Market. Global Surfacant Market has grown significantly during the last few years, and it is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the next five years, mainly driven by a growing consumption in the North America region. Global Surfacant Market is valued at $ xx million in 2018, growing at a CAGR of X% and is expected to reach $ xx million by 2023. Request For Report Discount:https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/9314 Throughout this week, the drive to reopen schools across Los Angeles County has deepened, despite the fact that over the past week the county averaged 2,339 new cases and 123.1 new deaths per day. On Monday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn announced on Twitter that Los Angeles County had officially reached the states threshold for reopening elementary schools. She gleefully added, This is what we have been working towards... Now we can continue the work of getting our kids and teachers safely back in classrooms where they belong. Students return to class. (Image credit: AP/Emilio Morenatti) On Thursday evening, the LA County Department of Public Health and LA County Office of Education jointly sponsored a town hall event which had a large audience that asked over 500 questions. Following the lead of the Biden administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hahn and other officials sought to downplay the dangers involved in reopening schools. There are 78 school districts in LA county, including Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second largest in the US with over 600,000 students, and Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), the third largest in California, with 81,000 students. While LAUSD and the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) have not given updates on their secret negotiations to reopen schools, many of the other districts in the region are pressing ahead with this reckless move. On Wednesday, the LBUSD Board of Education announced that TK-5 teachers would be returning to their classrooms on March 22, with students returning the following week on March 29 for two and a half hours per day. The LBUSD board meeting was livestreamed on YouTube with the comments turned off, and viewers were told to call and leave a voice message with any questions they had, some of which were then read at the meeting. While the topic of school reopening was listed as the 22nd item on the agenda, the voice messages were all concerned with that topic and the majority of those read were against the resumption of in-person learning. One teacher said that we are in unknown waters, noting the fact that LBUSD was aggressively moving to open schools without any scientific justification for this move. Another parent made the point that having children go to school for two and a half hours with strict social distancing guidelines will mean that there will be little benefit from social interactions. Once it became apparent that the majority of callers were against the reopening of schools, the board ended these contributions and informed everyone that the comments would simply be added to the public record. After a twenty minute break, LBUSD Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker announced that Transitional kindergarten-5th grade teachers would return to schools on March 22. The board sought to browbeat opposition by touting the fact that teachers will be prioritized to receive vaccinations. However, many teachers rightfully oppose this dangerous policy that will cause an untold number of needless deaths. Teachers are not essential workers, and with the limited availability of the vaccine, the elderly and most vulnerable layers and essential workers should be given priority when it comes to vaccine distribution. Furthermore, the board made sure to note that teachers were not required to be vaccinated before returning to classrooms, they merely needed to have the opportunity to receive both doses of the vaccine. This is in line with recent statements by Biden and the latest guidelines from the CDC, which dangerously state that schools can reopen regardless of the level of community spread and before the population has been fully vaccinated. The district made great hay out of their plan for reopening schools, claiming to have purchased large quantities of PPE and mandating that tests be performed weekly on all students and staff, by the students and staff themselves. According to the safety guidelines set down by the LBUSD, facial coverings are to be worn at all times while on school grounds except when eating, drinking or playing. They are to be worn while entering and exiting the schools, and while on buses, as tolerable by student. In other words, if children find their masks to be a nuisance while on the bus, they are told they can take them off. The district also explicitly states that gloves are not necessary, with the exception of food handlers, cleaning staff, or those performing first aid or medical tasks. While gloves for students are not recommended, the surfaces that hundreds of students will be touching everyday will only be cleaned and disinfected once per day. A video posted by LBUSD shows desks purportedly spaced for social distancing purposes. In actuality, the desks are spaced much less than six feet apart, and students who sit by the door and in the front rows will constantly be coming into contact with their fellow students as they walk into the classroom and go to their seats. Regardless of the cosmetic measures implemented by LBUSD, schools are unequivocally unsafe places in the midst of a raging pandemic. In an effort to preemptively blame teachers, parents, students and staff for the inevitable rise in community spread, LA County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said that if schools follow the proper protocols, they are not high risk settings for the spread of COVID-19. Numerous peer-reviewed studies underscore the fact that it is not safe to reopen schools until the pandemic is contained. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that there was a 62 percent decline in infections per week and the mortality rate dropped 58 percent per week when schools were closed statewide. With Bidens pledge to reopen schools for in-person learning within the first 100 days of his administration, the Democrats are finishing the job begun by Trump and the Republicans last fall. This campaign has nothing to do with science or helping children learn, but rather to keep the money flowing into the coffers of the pandemic profiteers by compelling parents to return to unsafe workplaces. To put a stop to the monstrous crime that is being prepared, educators, parents and students must unite with the broader working class independently of the two capitalist parties and the unions that serve them. It is critical for all educators, parents and students throughout LA County to join and help build the Los Angeles Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, to become the voice of opposition to the escalating campaign to recklessly reopen schools. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") reminds investors of the upcoming March 5, 2021 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired SolarWinds Corporation ("SolarWinds" or the "Company") (NYSE: SWI) securities between October 18, 2018 and December 17, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period"). If you suffered a loss on your SolarWinds investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at https://www.glancylaw.com/cases/solarwinds-corporation/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at [email protected] to learn more about your rights. On December 13, 2020, Reuters reported hackers have been monitoring email traffic at the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments. The hackers are believed to have breached the emails by deceptively interfering with updates released by SolarWinds, which services various government vendors in the executive branch, the military, and the intelligence services. On December 14, 2020, the Company disclosed that "a vulnerability [was inserted] within its Orion monitoring products which, if present and activated, could potentially allow an attacker to compromise the server on which the Orion products run." The vulnerability was inserted in Orion products downloaded, as well as updates released, between March and June 2020. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $3.93, or 17%, to close at $19.62 per share on December 14, 2020, thereby injuring investors. Then, on December 15, 2020, Reuters reported that Vinoth Kumar, a security researcher, alerted the Company last year that anyone could access SolarWinds' update server by using the password "solarwinds123." The article also reported that co-founder of cybersecurity company Huntress, Kyle Hanslovan, noticed the malicious updates were still available for download even days after SolarWinds was aware their software was compromised. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $1.56, or 8%, to close at $18.06 per share on December 15, 2020, thereby injuring investors further. The complaint filed alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) since mid-2020, SolarWinds Orion monitoring products had a vulnerability that allowed hackers to compromise the server upon which the products ran; (2) SolarWinds' update server had an easily accessible password of 'solarwinds123'; (3) consequently, SolarWinds' customers, including, among others, the Federal Government, Microsoft, Cisco, and Nvidia, would be vulnerable to hacks; (4) as a result, the Company would suffer significant reputational harm; and (5) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. If you purchased or otherwise acquired SolarWinds securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than March 5, 2021 to request appointment as lead plaintiff in this putative class action lawsuit. To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Related Links www.glancylaw.com Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex officially stepped back from their roles as senior royals on March 31, 2020, and since have moved to the U.S. Back in the U.K., there is discussion and some reflection about why the pair chose to leave. Now, an author is declaring it was likely because of how horribly the Sussexes were treated and the pressure that was put on Harry for no good reason. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Creative Industries and Business Reception in South Africa | Chris Jackson/Getty Images Harry and Meghan werent happy about the constant media attention There are several theories as to what led to the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs decision to step down from their roles with the royal family. We know that Meghan was struggling with the constant media attention though as she revealed in the documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey. When it comes to the negative press, the former actress told journalist Tom Bradby: I never thought that this would be easy, but I thought it would be fair. And thats the part thats really hard to reconcile. Harry also explained how he and Meghan felt about being the subject of so many rumors. For me and for my wife, of course, theres a lot of stuff that hurts especially when the majority of it is untrue. But all we need to do is focus on being real, focus on being the people we are and standing up for what we believe in, he said, adding, I will not be bullied into carrying a game that killed my mum. RELATED: How Come No One Wants to Live at Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Frogmore Cottage Home? Author says Prince Harry was hounded out of U.K. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex reacts as he delivers a speech during the WellChild Awards at Royal Lancaster Hotel | Toby Melville WPA Pool/Getty Images A few months after that documentary aired, Meghan and Harry announced that they were stepping down and leaving the U.K. Looking back now and discussing the couples decision, one British author and comedian said the duke and duchess were treated unfairly and there was too much pressure put on Harry. With the position he is in the royal family, hes not the heir to the throne. We keep forgetting that, Shappi Khorsandi said to TV host Jeremy Vine about the Duke of Sussex (per the Express). Khorsandi continued: I remember a million years ago when [Prince] Charles was younger, the spotlight wasnt on Prince Andrew to step up the way it is on Harry. I dont really know what people want from him. I dont really know what they want from him. He was hounded out, we were horrible to them. RELATED: Prince Harry Refuses to Listen to 1 Type of Music and Banned It From Being Played When He Married Meghan Army General writes Harry letter asking him to return to U.K. soon Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Mountbatten Festival of Music | Karwai Tang/WireImage Although its been a little while since the Sussexes moved to America and so much has happened since they left, Harry still has fans in the U.K. who hope hell return to Britain soon and can continue some of his duties with military veterans. One of those people is General Sir Richard Dannatt, who helped coordinate the plan to send the prince to Afghanistan in 2007. Harry and Meghan are very much involved in other things and thats their life choice and I dont criticize them for that, the former army chief said. But it means that he is not as available, not supporting in such a high-profile fashion, the work of charities and the needs of veterans We miss him and I hope that in a change of circumstances, that I cant envisage, he returns to take up more traditional royal duties in this country. General Dannatt stated that he wrote Harry a letter pleading with him not to stay away from the U.K. for long because the veterans need him. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 16:12:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LANZHOU, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- "Everybody, are you OK?" greeted Gao Zuowang as he began his livestreaming show in clumsy English, but with an enthusiastic tone, ahead of the Spring Festival. As the former Party secretary of Yuanjiawan Village in northwest China's Gansu Province, Gao was hosting an online promotional event featuring the village's new specialty -- a soil-filled "blind box" with local agricultural products buried inside. Blind boxes, mostly containing cartoon figurines, are all the rage in China, with the size of the toy's market expected to exceed 30 billion yuan (about 4.59 billion U.S. dollars) by 2024, according to a recent industry report. The blind box of Yuanjiawan is over ten times the size of ordinary ones, and buyers could use a complimentary mini shovel to find out what exactly is hidden inside the soil. Apart from tomatoes, pumpkins and other commonly seen vegetables, lucky buyers could dig out edible sweet lilies, a rare breed that has been cultivated in Yuanjiawan for over 100 years. The unique garlic-shaped lilies bearing snow-white color only grow in soil with high-drainage capacity located in regions about 2,000 meters above sea level. Decades back, it was only affordable to the rich as the plant takes nine years to fully mature. The village currently has 200 hectares of lily plantation, which generated a revenue of some 30 million yuan last year. The growing technology of edible lilies has been identified as an intangible cultural heritage of Gansu Province. Gao came up with the blind-box idea after being inspired by his daughter, a fan of the popular toy. He wants to attract more young consumers who don't often pay attention to the traditional food item despite knowing about its rich nutrient contents. This is not the first time for Gao to adopt trendy strategies for promoting the village's treasures to the outside world. Under his guidance, the village started forging e-commerce sales on Alibaba's Tmall in 2013 when poor local infrastructures limited the sales through traditional channels. Over the years, sales on Tmall jumped from some 100,000 yuan in 2014 to about 6 million yuan, and the village has continued to develop more related products such as lily porridge and crisps. Gao Lianhai, director of a local lily-cultivation cooperative, said that almost 80 percent of the cooperative's 5.5-million yuan sales came from online stores last year. The 43-year-old also upgraded his own sales strategy by shooting funny videos and posting them on short-video platforms. "I gained more than 1,000 followers within two months," he said with pride. The village has established a professional team in e-commerce management and operation. Besides quality, they also pay attention to branding as all products are packed in specially-designed, fancy paper boxes. Many people working in the village who chose to stay put during the Spring Festival holiday have sent gift boxes of lilies to their families, said Gao Yanling, manager of a local lily marketing company. Meanwhile, young customers are also on the rise. Wang Ying, a 23-year-old local resident, said her friends from outside the area often ask her to courier them lily products, especially those packed in beautiful boxes. From attractive packaging to blind boxes, Yuanjiawan's unremitting exploration of novel marketing strategies has greatly improved the lives of locals. Currently, 70 percent of the village's around 280 households earn an annual income of over 100,000 yuan, and each family owns at least one car. Yuanjiawan is also developing lily-themed tourism by turning some lily plantation areas into scenic parks. "In July, our lilies will bloom like fireworks. I'm looking forward to seeing tourists from near and far," Gao said, watching over the fields with sleeping lily seedlings. Enditem Ghanaian Lawyer, Maurice Ampaw, has lost his wife named Evelyn Ampaw. Mrs. Ampaw is reported to have died after suffering from a short illness. According to information gathered by DGN Online, the controversial lawyer Maurice Ampaw in an engagement with the media was unclear of what might have caused the death of the beloved wife Evelyn Ampaw. Recently, the lawyer appreciated the effort and support exhibited by his beloved wife since their marriage. The lawyer said the wife has been the major pillar in his career and life as a professional lawyer. According to the lawyer despite the advice, his wife never gave up on him and it is one of the reasons he cherished her. Source: DGN Online 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 Shankar Datt (Professor of English Literature, Patna University) has a great sense of anticlimax, I know for sure. Or you can say he likes to balance things, presenting both sides of the case. He called me up to write something about my days in Patna College for the souvenir to be taken out on the occasion of centenary celebration of Patna University. I could quite imagine that he had already persuaded the famous and the illustrious, toppers, gold medalists, record breakers, path breakers, pioneers which my college produces as a routine and in abundance for their memories or memoirs. He wanted to throw in sharper relief the fact that intellectual democracy prevailed in Patna College; it had nurtured non- entities like us also. So here I am trying to coax my memory. Speak memory, speak! But it wont break its sphinx like silence. And for good reasons, too. I did not top any examination, I was not even awarded a bronze medal let alone a gold medal. No record breaker, my academic achievements could at best be described as middling middle; neither irredeemably bad nor enviably outstanding. My presence in the class was not noticed very much, either by my classmates or my teachers, simply because most often I was not there. While some of my friends impersonated me in other classes, thanks to a kindly Hindi professor the shortfall in my lecture in vernacular classes was condoned. He appeared to be a little hypermetropic; he saw great promise in me! To tell you the truth, the academic curriculum prescribed by the college and the one that I had set for myself did not follow the same trajectory. But of that sometime later. Patna College gave me the honourable vocation of studentship, the status of a boarder in its Jackson Hostel and the university canteen for endless discussion on subjects marked by fatuity, pompousness and self- importance. Taken together all these ensured regular remittances from home which though not princely, was enough to keep me afloat and sometimes allowed me to drown my sorrows in a few drops of alcohol. After a day fruitfully spent in the canteen, drinking endless cups of tepid lemon tea and smoking cigarettes, time that I should have been legitimately utilized listening to lectures, we were ready I and my friend, he is no more so I shall call him just my friend- to shift the locale of our earth-shaking discussions to the Coffee House at Dak Bungalow Road. The call of the Coffee House coffee was irresistible and poets, artists, writers, journalists, students flocked together in the evening. Renu jee (Phanishwar Nath Renu) was the central figure and sometime the Governor Mr. D K Barua would grace the premises. Emergency was a couple of years away). The coffee nicely brewed and stimulating in its own right, enhanced our self-esteem and inflated the worth of our opinions in our own eyes. The ambience aided our self-belief and many a grandiose plan to undertake another revaluation of the English Poetic tradition, F R Leavis was too bloody opinionated and sweepingly magisterial or to debunk T S Eliots Wasteland as the greatest intellectual hoax of our time were conceived and aborted. Under the influence of the non-communist left and apostates like Koestler, Orwell, and Samizdat literature Anna Andrevina Akhmatavova, Solzhenitsyn and Mandelstam, given prominence in our Bible, the Encounter, we decided that Marx was bound to be relegated to the archeological museum of knowledge. After the coffee and the exalted company of poets and poetasters, playwrights and confirmed plagiarists my friend, who was a day scholar went home none the worse for having spewed so much gyan, but I was bound to face up to the music for having missed the study period, in the hostel, which was between 6 and 8 PM. My hostel superintendent Professor B K Lal, though a kindly person, was obliged to fine me 25 paisa and I had the ignominy of finding it out from the notice board. It seems he mended his ways later because he found that I was not perhaps capable of mending mine. Mr. Mahendra Pratap and Mr. Madan Jee were two personalities who could unsettle me. Madanjee was the durban the janitor to Jackson Hostel and Mr. Mahendra Pratap was the Principal of Patna College later the Vice Chancellor of Patna. He was also for some time our Warden. Madan jee was the custodian of the keys to our little kingdom and boarders who came late and we had to keep him in good humour which was quite a task considering that he was a sour-faced, mongrelish fellow who could smile, if he could spare the effort. To be fair to him, he would not grudge very much all those coming back to the hostel after watching a second show. But after that gentle tapping and calls to admit the straggler would be answered with a growl. The more ferocious his growl would become, the more sheepish the voice on the other side of the Hostel gate would become. Night owls like me were quite experienced in handling him but on this occasion things went awry. Some people said he was not malicious, he was simply snoring. I never found out. Whatever. I had come into some money, now I dont remember how, some honorarium or something. Money meant celebration and celebration meant beer in Amber, a bar which was patronized by the students. In college I was a pure soul. I used to get drunk on a glass of beer, one half of which was pure froth. There were four or five of us including my friend. As usual he parted company on the Ashok Rajpath, headed for home happy as a lark, in Professors quarters Ranighat. He had no fear because his mother would keep awake listening for the gentle knock on the door as not to disturb his father who was professor in Patna University. To me devolved the responsibility of transporting my humble self, drunk like a lord, to the hostel. It was late, much later than the curfew hour and Madan jee was in no mood to relent. The gambit of growling and sheepish bleating seemed to have arrived at a stalemate. It was particularly chilly night. Locked out I was loitering near the kitchen, wondering whether to try my friend or go to my local guardian when one of the mess servants woke up and opened the lock with the simple expedient of an iron nail. Mr. Mahendra Pratap was known to a relative of mine and perhaps in a moment of concern, he entrusted him the job of overseeing my education. Mr. Pratap had been to Cambridge and perhaps in those days they awarded the degree merely only on the strength of knowledge of Faery Queene and sundry archaic, boring texts. Mr. Mahendra Pratap crystallized his responsibility towards me to one simple task judging me for my proficiency in Faery Queene. Lurking near the principals office for some work or the other I blundered into him twice and on both the occasions he tested me on my knowledge of the above text and found me wanting, notwithstanding the fact that it was not part of our syllabus. Or so I thought! To pursue my lifestyle of careless and peaceful anarchy I had made one rule for myself: I would break all diplomatic relations with texts which did not interest me and mind you I am not an easy person to please! Unfortunately, Spenser* and I were not on speaking terms and my conversation with him was only through intermediaries. On the first occasion I bought my freedom by assuring Mr. Pratap that I will read him. On the second the information on Spenser that I had gathered through my friend deserted me because - all my critical sensibility was concentrated in hiding the cigarette. I cut a sorry figure and earned a well merited rebuke but that alienated me to Spenser forever. I ran into Mr. Mahendra Pratap one more time, a close encounter of the third kind. It was around one AM. I climbed up to the first floor where my room was and I thought I saw Mr. Mahindra Pratap. I had mixed feelings. Was it an apparition but there were some real people, my hostel mates with him? Should I run away, is it going to be a public shaming for my inability to wade through the Faery Queene? But Mr. Mahendra Pratap spoke to me, or tried to speak to, perhaps he was trying to recall my name. I readily supplemented his memory, Faery Queene, sir. He laughed and addressed me with my proper name. We are all going to drive out these book worms out of their rooms. Man has landed on the moon and these fellows are not even celebrating. I stood dumbfounded. Disturbing the serious-minded students was one of my most favourite pastimes and now it had been accorded official sanction. A night of revelry and riot led by the Principal was the culmination of my anarchic dreams. We went to the Cavendish Hostel, to the Faraday Hostel and I think then to the BA lecture theatre where Mr. Mahindra Pratap spoke in his inimitable style to us about Neil Armstrong and what his achievement meant for the human race. The word globalist was not even coined then but he was a true globalist. To me Patna College was not merely a structure made of brick and wood and cement; it was not merely the class rooms and play fields. It was a whole eco system of learning comprising of my teachers, my class mates, the fellow boarders, other students, the folklore about students and teachers who had been part of its glorious tradition, the library. My contact with my teachers was largely beyond the confines of the class in informal settings and I got to know some of them very closely. To them I owe my gratitude for having pulled me from crass ignorance into a little bit of awareness. But above all it was that ineffable feeling of walking in the shadow of countless intellectual giants, formidable minds who had enriched the life of community in many ways, men who had made history and then become part of history. *Edmund Spenser was an English poet best known for The Faerie Queene, an epic poem and fantastical allegory celebrating the Tudor dynasty and Elizabeth I. India Today magazine once referred to Manoje Nath, a 1973-batch IPS officer, as being fiercely independent, honest, and upright. Besides his numerous official reports on various issues exposing corruption in the bureaucracy in Bihar, Nath is also a writer extraordinaire expressing his thoughts on subjects ranging from science fiction to the effects of globalization. His sense of humor was evident through his extremely popular series named "Gulliver in Pataliputra" and "Modest Proposals" that were published in the local newspapers. 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 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. Advertisement Ted Cruz and his family left their poodle Snowflake behind when they jetted off to the Ritz-Carlton in Mexico, it has emerged, with the dog remaining in the unheated Houston house as the Cruzes sunned themselves. Cruz said his home lost power at around 6pm on Tuesday night. 'It got cold, in the 30s in the house,' he told Sean Hannity's Fox News show on Thursday night, having returned that afternoon, chastened, following an outcry. 'It stayed without power for two days.' At 1pm on Thursday, when the entire Cruz family was still in sunny Cancun, a reporter, Michael Hardy, spotted Snowflake looking out the door of the family's Houston home Neighbors told reporters that their power was restored after 24 hours. Cruz and his wife Heidi, a managing director in Goldman Sachs' Houston office, flew out of Houston airport at 4pm on Wednesday, with their daughters Caroline and Catherine, 10 and 12. Snowflake was spotted by a reporter at 1pm on Thursday, looking out the front door. A security guard stationed outside the property said that he had been tasked with feeding and tending to the dog, in the freezing home. The dog was adopted by the family as a puppy in 2014. Cruz landed back at Houston airport at around 5pm on Thursday. Snowflake, the Cruz's poodle, was left behind in their freezing home while they went to Mexico The Texas senator is seen at Cancun airport on Thursday, returning home after 24 hours away His wife and daughters remained in Mexico, enjoying temperatures in the high 70s at their $300-a-night resort on the beach in Cancun. Twenty four people have died so far amid the coldest temperatures in decades. Cruz admitted on Thursday that his trip, which sparked a furious outcry among his freezing constituents, had been a mistake. 'It was obviously a mistake and in hindsight I wouldn't have done it,' he said on arrival back at his Colonial Revival home, in the River Oaks district of Houston. 'I was trying to be a dad,' he explained. 'And all of us have made decisions - when you've got two girls who have been cold for two days, and haven't had heat or power, and they are saying: 'Look, we don't have school, why don't we go, let's get out of here.'' Cruz later admitted to Hannity that he intended to stay at the beach resort 'through the weekend', working to help his freezing people from Cancun. Cruz, in footage obtained by CNN, is seen descending an escalator on arrival at Houston airport, after his Cancun trip Ted Cruz was seen on the plane flying home from Cancun to Houston after his one-night trip He changed his flight, he said, on realizing it wasn't a good look. 'We lost power for two days, we lost power, we had no heat,' he said. 'We were huddled around the fireplace behind me because it was the only heat in the house. 'After a couple of days, with it being really cold, in the teens outside, my girls said school's been cancelled, can we take a trip and go somewhere warm. 'And Heidi and I, as parents, we said OK, sure. 'So last night I flew down with them to the beach. And I flew back this afternoon. 'I had initially planned to stay through the weekend and work remotely there. 'As I was heading down I started to have second thoughts almost immediately,' he said. 'Because the crisis here in Texas you need to be on the ground, because as much as you can do by phone and Zoom, it's not the same. 'So I returned this afternoon and I'm here working to do everything we can to get the power turned on.' The Cruzes' decision to leave their pet sparked further fury on social media. 'They left the dog behind? Okay - now I'm really really really mad!' said one person. Another said: 'Animal cruelty too?' Some suggested that animal welfare charities should step in. 'The local humane society should take it away and find a real home with a loving and caring family,' said one. 'I am more focused on him leaving the dog in a freezing house,' said another. 'WFT?' 'Texans have long been fine with Cruz's corruption, dishonesty and hypocrisy,' said one, noting that leaving behind their dog was 'a bridge too far'. The two-day NATO defense ministers meeting that concluded Thursday was marked by the attempt of the Biden administration and its defense secretary, retired General Lloyd Austin, to adopt a new tone and approach, a desire to work with our allies and partners, as a senior Pentagon official put it. Whatever the claims that America is back after the four years of Donald Trump, the US used the meeting, held via a secure videoconference because of the pandemic, to press for the same essential policies: continued imperialist operations in the Middle East and a strategic shift toward the preparations for great power confrontation with China and Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a media conference, after a meeting of NATO defense ministers in video format, at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, Pool) This was combined with a continuation of Washingtons insistence that the European powers devote a greater share of their budgetstwo percent of GDPto military spending, including buying American-made hardware, a demand that has remained consistent from Obama to Trump to Biden. The most pressing immediate issue confronting NATO, a May 1 withdrawal deadline for 10,000 NATO and allied troops occupying Afghanistan, was left unresolved, waiting for a decision to be made in Washington. The deadline is part of the peace agreement signed last year in Qatar between the US and the Taliban, which was supposed to trade the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops for the Talibans commitment to denying the use of Afghan soil to Al Qaeda or any other forces seeking to attack the US and its allies. In the year since the negotiation of the accord, not a single US soldier has been killed in the country. Now, the Pentagon is claiming that the level of violence in the country makes it impossible to move forward. The US-backed security forces of the puppet regime in Kabul are facing a debacle, giving up bases and checkpoints to the Taliban, which is encircling major regional capitals. The insurgent movements traditional spring offensive is still to come. While European forces account for the majority of the foreign troops still in Afghanistanofficially, the US has only 2,500 soldiers deployed in the countrythe occupation is wholly dependent upon US airpower, supply lines and logistical support. If Washington was moving toward a May 1 withdrawal, orders would already have been given to begin shutting down the extensive US military infrastructure that has been built up over the course of the two-decades-long war and shipping back the massive amount of military hardware sent into the impoverished country. There is every indication that the longest war in American history is to continue. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced a major escalation of the alliances military presence in Iraq, with the current contingent of 500 trainers being increased to 4,000. The US, whose own troop deployment is reported as numbering 2,500, threatened this week to carry out unspecified retaliation against a rocket attack on a US base in Erbil that killed a contractor and wounded several others, including an American soldier. The strike was claimed by a little-known group. While NATO claims that the increase in its presence in Iraq is motivated by a concern over the resurgence of the ISIS Sunni Islamist militia, the main focus of US-led operations in the country, as throughout the region, is militarily countering the influence of Iran. Even as it remains mired in the decades-old wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan, the Biden administration has ordered a Pentagon global posture review with the aim of re-directing US firepower against China and Russia. Biden has already put a hold on Trumps order to withdraw US troops from Germany and sent B-1 bombers into Norway. On the eve of the ministers conference, a top Pentagon official spelled out a belligerent US policy toward Russia, declaring it a threat to all NATO allies, including the United States. He charged Moscow with using military force to achieve their goals, a prerogative Washington regards exclusively as its own, and undermining the rules-based international order established by US imperialism. NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg stated after the first day of the videoconference that he intended to recommend that the alliances Strategic Concept drafted in 2010 be reworked principally to confront Russia and China. Arguing that the alliances security environment had fundamentally changed, Stoltenberg stated, [F]or instance, in the current strategic concept we are not addressing the shifting balance of power and the security consequences of the rise of China. ... Back in 2010, we were working for establishing what we thought to be a strategic partnership with Russia. Since then weve seen Russia being responsible for aggressive actions against neighbors, the illegal annexation of Crimea, and the things have fundamentally changed. For his part, Defense Secretary Austin told the NATO ministers that he welcomed recognition by NATO allies that Chinas growing influence and international policies present challenges to trans-Atlantic security and looks forward to working together to address these challenges, according to the Pentagon. To this end, Washington and the US corporate media have mounted an unrelenting propaganda campaign to demonize China as responsible for everything from the coronavirus pandemic to genocide against its Muslim population. This campaign has as one of its critical aims diverting mounting popular anger over social inequality and the catastrophic handling of the pandemic outward toward a new enemy. NATOs unity based on such an agenda is hardly assured. Conflicts and strains within the nearly 75-year alliance were no doubt exacerbated by the crudely transactional character of Trumps America First policy and the ex-presidents open contempt for NATO. However, they pre-date Trump, and their roots are far more profound. A change in tone will hardly serve to overcome them. When the trans-Atlantic military alliance was forged in 1949, US imperialism exercised dominance over the capitalist world. The alliance was directed against the Soviet Union in the 40-year Cold War between the two nuclear-armed powers. To offset the decline of its global economic hegemony and in particular, since the dissolution of the USSR, US imperialism has increasingly resorted to the use of military force, leading to three decades of uninterrupted wars. Western European powers, in particular Germany and France, have repeatedly expressed opposition to being turned into pawns in Washingtons conflicts with Beijing and Moscow. At the end of last year, the European Union concluded a major trade and investment pact with China over US objections, and last week it was revealed that China has overtaken the US as the EUs leading trade partner. Meanwhile, the German government has maintained its support for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is to deliver more Russian gas directly to Germany, circumventing Ukraine, despite US threats and sanctions. The deepening of the world capitalist crisis, which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is inflaming conflicts, not only between the US and Russia and China, but also within NATO, whose member states twice engaged in world wars against each other in the 20th century. A report issued this month by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) entitled, The United States, China, and Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War, warns that Washington cannot count on the support of its erstwhile NATO allies in a war with China. In matters ranging from technology issues to criticism of Chinas handling of Hong Kong, U.S. allies have sometimes been hesitant to support Washington when American rhetoric and actions are deemed too provocative or come with high economic costs, the CFR states. France and Germany refused to support the United States in the 2003 Gulf conflict. In a U.S.-China war, even Japan might not join the battle, given its domestic politics and constitutional constraints, and the United States could well fight alone, shattering its alliance system. The report makes a chilling warning as to the consequence of such a conflict. Millions of Americans could die in the first war in human history between two nuclear weapons states. A 2015 RAND Corporation study of the effects of U.S.-China combat determined that estimating military losses would be exceedingly difficult. World War II, however, was the last time the United States lost a major warship, and one sunk vessel could turn into the deadliest U.S. military event since the Vietnam War. AMORY, Miss. (WTVA) - Amory city workers continue to clear snow and ice from roads. Mayor Brad Blalock said he's been in communication with the city's departments to find any water leaks. City workers are searching for businesses and residential water leaks in order to protect the city's water supply. Crews have been able to clear some roads, but he urges motorists to avoid the roads if possible. "We have been able to be out clearing some of our streets today; more than we have had the opportunity in the days prior," he said. Public Works Operations Manager Glen Smith said the city has been working as much as possible to ensure safe roadways for motorists. Copperas Cove, TX (76522) Today Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 80F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low 66F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: A man who snatched a purse from a woman upstairs in a bus had no recollection of the crime but the victim remembers it every day as she continues to use the bus and said it affected her mental health. Judge Olann Kelleher said this theft was a very serious matter with daily consequences for the woman whose wallet containing 190 was taken. It happened when the accused man Tim OMahony and a woman with him got on to the bus at Western Road and went upstairs where the injured party was the only person present. Sergeant Pat Lyons said OMahony and the woman with him sat behind the injured party. She noticed that the cash was missing when OMahony threw the purse back into her handbag and then left the bus. Judge Kelleher said, This man has completely forgotten about it but she has not forgotten about it. It is a problem for her every day because she has to get the bus every day and she thinks about what happened. The judge jailed Tim OMahony for eight months for the theft. Judge Kelleher noted from the victim impact statement that as well as the financial loss sustained by the woman she was left thinking about it as she used the bus to get to work every day. The theft dates back to October 18 2019. Eddie Burke, defence solicitor, said the 35-year-old man from Cobh had a normal life but that almost three years ago alcoholism got the better of him and he ended up homeless and living on the streets of Cork. The solicitor said the accused apologised for his behaviour. Mr Burke said he read the victim impact statement to the accuse who had absolutely no recollection of carrying out the theft but was ashamed to hear of what he had done. As well as carrying out the theft on the bus he also pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of vodka at the Aldi in the Elysian, stealing a bottle of wine from Maxol on Pouladuff Road, and driving off without paying for 10 of petrol and a bale of briquettes at Texaco on South Douglas Road. The eight-month sentence was imposed in respect of the four thefts. A two-month concurrent sentence was imposed on him in respect of a public order incident where he was drunk and a source of danger at French Church Street, Cork, on August 11 2020. On that occasion OMahony was shouting abuse at members of the public and at gardai and had to be arrested. Keeping the past in the past! Travis Barker is still on good terms with his ex-wife, Shanna Moakler, 13 years after their divorce. Read article Travis and Shanna are in a very good place coparenting their children, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly, referencing the former couples 17-year-old son, Landon, and 15-year-old daughter, Alabama. She wishes Travis all the best. The Blink-182 drummer and the model, both 45, tied the knot in October 2004. After welcoming their two kids, Barker filed for divorce in August 2006. The pairs separation was contentious at times as they battled over custody issues, but they had a tough time staying apart from each other. They infamously got back together several times and attended events including the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards as a couple. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock After calling it quits again, Barker and Moakler finalized their divorce in February 2008. However, they surprised fans once more the following year when they attended a pre-Grammys party together. Read article Im here with my babies mama my wife and my kids, the musician told Us at the February 2009 event. I really cant be happier. Only two months later, however, the Meet the Barkers alums split again. Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock; Milla Cochran/startraksphoto.com Barker and the former Playboy Playmate have since moved on. News broke in January that he started seeing longtime friend Kourtney Kardashian, while the source tells Us that Moakler is still dating a younger, very handsome model named Matthew Rondeau. Read article The Hollywood Exes alum subtly reacted to her ex-husbands budding relationship with the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star, 41, via Instagram on Tuesday, February 16. E! News reported that Moakler liked a since-deleted comment that read, Shhhhiiiii that broad dont got nothin on you. Travis downgraded big time. Kardashian shares three children with her ex-boyfriend Scott Disick: sons Mason, 11, and Reign, 6, and daughter Penelope, 8. A source exclusively told Us last month, Travis and Kourtneys kids are very close. They became friends living in the same neighborhood and hang out a lot. Their kids friendship had Kourtney and Travis spending a lot of time together. Us Weekly has reached out to reps for Barker and Moakler for comment. With reporting by Diana Cooper Srinagar records its coldest night since 1991 as mercury drops at -8.8 degree Celsius Temple in Srinagar that was closed due to militancy, reopens after 31 years on Panchami Srinagar-Leh national highway to reopen for regulated traffic from February 28 Fresh terror attack in Bagat Barzulla area of Srinagar, two cops martyred India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: A fresh terror attack took place in Bagat Barzulla area of Srinagar. Two policemen of the Jammu and Kashmir police force have been martyred in the attack. In an unprovoked attack terrorists attacked policemen deployed at Baghat town in the outskirts of Srinagar. The area was immediately cordoned off. In a separate incident, three unidentified terrorists were killed in an encounter in south Kashmir's Shopian on Friday. 2 years of Pulwama terror attack: Will not forget, say Rajnath Singh, Shah India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News Earlier this week, a hotel worker of the Krishna Dhaba in Srinagar was injured in a terror attack. A group called the Muslim Janbaaz Force claimed responsibility for the attack. The group also warned of more attacks. After complaints about how some people were taking advantage of the COVID vaccine appointment system managed by Atlantic Health, the network said it was changing the process for how people can book a time slot, a hospital spokesman said. In announcing the change, Atlantic Health said it was aware that sign-up links meant specifically for those who had registered with its system were being shared around with others who were not registered with the system, essentially allowing people to bypass those who had signed up. Atlantic Health System is now using unique links for each of our recipients sent via email and will soon use SMS text messaging that will deactivate after a limited number of uses, spokesman Luke Margolis said Thursday. This will help prevent `pass-along scheduling by those not on our alert list, but allow spouses, caretakers and others the chance to schedule at times that work for them. He said Atlantic Health, which handles registration for the states mega-site in Rockaway and nearly a dozen other locations, has administered nearly 100,000 doses so far, but the number of people who may have received a vaccine without having registered for the appointment alerts was not available. Many New Jersey residents have expressed frustration with the vaccine appointment system in the state, which spans dozens of different registration websites. And it relies on an honor system people dont have to prove they have a medical condition, for example, to get their shot if they find an appointment. We are trusting the integrity of all of you to do the right thing in this regard and not `jump the line, Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said recently. The issue with the Atlantic Health system was noted by a frustrated senior citizen who contacted NJ Advance Media about what she saw on social media. The woman, who asked not to be identified, shared screen shots that showed a school district superintendent twice sharing an appointment link and sign-up code with the schools entire staff. We spend at least three hours daily searching for availability, she said about the efforts she and her husband were making to find a coveted slot. One of the emails, reviewed by NJ Advance Media, directed people to an Atlantic Health sign-up page without any guidance about whether or not the people receiving the emails were eligible. How is it that (the superintendent) is delivering these alerts from the Atlantic Health System to the entire (school) employee pool? the frustrated reader said. These teachers did not receive alerts from Atlantic Health. They received them from (the superintendent). My issue is not that those teachers got vaccinated, the reader said. My issue is they got vaccinated as a result of bypassing the system that most of us are abiding by. The superintendent who sent the email said she received it from another superintendent, who suggested she share it with her staff. I never in my correspondence said, Heres a way to get ahead of other people in line, she said, noting that many of her faculty members are very upset theyve been unable to book an appointment. At no time did I have knowledge of those links being secure or private. If I have faculty who are trying to protect themselves and protect others, I have an obligation to share information that can help them, she said. Teachers as a group are not yet eligible for a vaccine, but those over age 65 or with certain medical conditions are eligible. Atlantic Healths new system is similar to the one used by RWJBarnabas Health, which said it sends out appointment alerts that only work for the person who pre-registered. In order for the person to sign in at that point, they need to use their personal identifiers to sign in. Only one appointment is provided at that point, said spokeswoman Carrie Cristello. Registrants cannot sign in unless they have pre-registered. Their information must match up in the system. Shared links will not work. Hackensack Meridian Health doesnt have a pre-registration system, but instead posts appointments on its website as they become available a system many other sites use, which users have dubbed the free-for-all system or likened it to trying to get sought-after concert tickets. People do not pre-register, said Hackensack spokesman Benjamin Goldstein. Instead, we publish appointment availability for those that meet New Jersey criteria and scheduling is on a first come, first serve basis. Appointment availability is based on vaccine supply which is determined by the State of New Jersey. The senior citizen questioned why it has to be this difficult. We are perfectly content to wait our turn. We strongly advocate that those older than us and those, of any age, with health conditions, that make them more vulnerable, get their vaccine before us, she said. Having said that, it is concerning that the orderly `system put in place has become chaotic. Priorities seem to have gone amuck when there are still people in their 70s, 80s and 90s still not vaccinated. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. When I was growing up, my mother would constantly tell me to mind my attitude. This most often occurred while I was doing household chores at her request. What she meant was for me to not only respect her but also be gracious and grateful, even while doing chores. A talented home cook has shared her delicious recipe for Oreo truffle bites, and they are surprisingly easy to replicate at home. The TikTok user, who goes by the name Sienna Sweets, from Melbourne, said you need half a packet of Oreos, some melted chocolate, cream cheese and sprinkles to make the dream dessert - and it can set while you go about your day. 'These taste so good,' Sienna said on TikTok. Scroll down for video A talented home cook has shared her delicious recipe for Oreo truffle bites, and they are surprisingly easy to replicate at home (the finished result pictured) Sienna Sweets, from Melbourne, said you need half a packet of Oreos, some melted chocolate, cream cheese and sprinkles to make the dream dessert (pictured in process) To make the Oreo truffle bites, you need half a packet of Oreos, a block of melted chocolate, a third of a block of Philadelphia cream cheese and some sprinkles to taste. 'Get your Oreos and put them in a zip lock bag,' Sienna said. 'Crush them up with a rolling pin until they look like this. Pour them into a bowl, add you cream cheese and stir.' Once the Oreos have been crushed with a rolling pin a zip lock bag, add cream cheese and stir until all the ingredients are combined (pictured in process) How to make the Oreo truffle bites INGREDIENTS Sinna revealed how to make the Oreo truffles on TikTok (pictured) Half a packet of Oreos Melted chocolate Cream cheese Sprinkles METHOD 1. Put your Oreos in a zip lock bag. 2. Crush them up with a rolling pin until they are completely broken up. 3. Add cream cheese and stir. 4. Once your bites are all combined, roll them into balls, pop them on a tray and then set in the fridge for 20 minutes. 5. Once the balls are set, dip them in melted chocolate, add sprinkles if you want and set in the fridge again. Source: Sienna Sweets Advertisement Once your bites are all combined, Sienna said you should roll them into balls, pop them onto a tray and then set them in the fridge for around 20 minutes. 'When the balls are set, dip them in melted chocolate and put them in the fridge again,' she said. You could also add sprinkles or whatever topping you like before setting the snack. Thousands who saw Sienna's short clip said her snack looks 'delicious' and they will definitely try it (finished results pictured) Thousands who saw Sienna's short clip said her snack looks 'delicious' and they will definitely try it. 'Wow, yum, definitely trying this,' one woman posted. 'I've tried these before and they're amazing,' another added. Sienna has amassed a huge following of nearly 50,000 on TikTok, many of whom come to her profile for her delicious and simple desserts. Recent examples include cotton candy pop tarts and S'mores cookies. To find out more, visit Sienna's page here. will file an appeal against the Cairn arbitration award, which it lost, soon and will defend its sovereign rights to tax, sources said, even as Chief Executive Officer Simon Thomson again met Finance Secretary A B Pandey on Friday, seeking a swift enforcement of the more than $1.2-billion award during his meeting with top officials. Sources said the government would contest other suits filed by at various other international forums. The energy major has filed a case in the US, the UK, and the Netherlands on executing the December 21 award. Meanwhile, sources said the government welcomed Cairns move to reach out for a resolution and any resolution would have to be within existing laws. They said Cairn had conducted transactions via tax havens to evade taxes. ALSO READ: PE/VC investments drop by 35% in January to $1.6 bn: EY-IVCA data New Delhi has time till March 21 to file an appeal in accordance with a 90-day window. CEO Simon Thomson met Finance Secretary A B Pandey and tax officials for the second time on Friday, seeking a swift enforcement of the arbitration award Thomson had sought a meeting with Finance Minister Before the meeting with Pandey and other officials on Thursday, Thomson had said the firms shareholders wanted the matter to be resolved quickly as the award has been granted. We are pleased it has come to an end and the award has been granted Our shareholders want it to be resolved quickly, which is why were here, said Thomson. Thomson met Pandey and the ministry officials again on Friday. The government had lost an international arbitration case to energy giant Cairn Plc under the retrospective tax legislation amendment. The company had, in a letter to the Centre last month, threatened seizing the governments assets if New Delhi failed to pay the award. Cairn had got an order from a Dutch lower court on implementing the award, which would enable the UK firm to identify commercial Indian assets that can be seized, such as aircraft and ships. The case pertains to the Rs 24,500-crore tax demand on capital gains made by the oil major in reorganising its business in 2006-07. It also includes reversing dividend as well as tax refund that the government had seized, and shares that the I-T department had sold to recover part of the demand. had argued, during the Cairn arbitration, that non-compliance with the tax demand was not covered under international treaties and that the amendment to the Finance Act, 2012 (retrospective amendment), was only in the nature of clarification. The verdict was given by a three-member panel chaired by Laurent Levy. The final hearing was held in Paris in December 2018. Man Charged in Girlfriend's Death Appears in Court By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - A Paducah man charged with the murder of his girlfriend in December was in court Thursday.The McCracken County Circuit Court Clerk said Judge Tim Kaltenbach set a pretrial hearing for Jamell Diaz for April 26 at 9 a.m.Diaz is accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend, 22-year-old Nikea Cope on Dec. 30 at his Hill Street home.Police said Diaz admitted to shooting Cope during an argument, but told officers he only intended to scare her.He faces charges of murder, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, and possession of a handgun by a felon. Global food giant Nestle is selling its bottled-water brands in North America for $4.3 billion to a pair of private-equity firms that hope to reinvigorate sales. Brands including Poland Spring, Deer Park, Arrowhead, Ozarka, Zephyrhill and Pure Life will be sold to a subsidiary of One Rock Capital Partners and investment firm Metropoulos & Co. The deal, which is expected to close this spring, will create one of the largest beverage companies in the U.S. Dean Metropoulos, who previously led turnarounds at Hostess Brands and Pabst Brewing Co., will be serve as chairman and interim CEO of the independent company that will house the brands acquired from Nestle. Swiss-based Nestle said it intends to sharpen its focus on its international premium water brands, including Perrier, S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, which were not part of the deal. The new owners, meanwhile, hope to boost the bottled-water brands, which have seen slower sales growth in recent years. U.S. bottled-water sales have grown every year since the 2009 recession, as health-conscious consumers have switched away from sugary soft drinks. Bottled water outsold soft drinks for the fourth year in a row in 2019, according to the International Bottled Water Association. But that growth has been slowing amid criticism from environmental activists about waste from single-use plastic bottles. Consumers have also been switching to flavored and sparkling waters, like LaCroix or Coca-Colas smartwater brand. Lower-cost store brand bottled waters have further cut into sales. Nestle's North American water business has 27 production facilities and more than 7,000 employees. It sources water from 38 active springs throughout the U.S. That practice has come under increasing scrutiny from environmental groups. Last year, lawmakers in Washington state considered but ultimately dropped legislation that would ban companies from bottling ground water. And Democrats in Congress launched a probe of the industry, asking Nestle for data on water extraction and sales. In Maine, home to Poland Spring, a water rights group is worried that the new owners will backtrack on agreements with local communities. This water connects to all of us and should be stewarded by the local communities who depend on them, not negotiated away behind closed doors, exploited and exported by corporations for privatized profit, said Nickie Sekera of Community Water Justice. The Associated Press left messages seeking comment from One Rock and Metropoulos. ___ David Sharp and Dee-Ann Durbin of The Associated Press wrote this story. Sharp reported from Portland, Maine. Durbin reported from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Alfred Enoch is discovering that not only does the devil get the best lines, he gets the best clothes, too. Enoch, who played Gryffindor good guy Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter films, is a fan of the louche looks he displays in an updated filmed play of Oscar Wilde's 19th-century tale of depravity, The Picture Of Dorian Gray. The 32-year-old jumped at the chance to play Harry modelled after Lord Henry Wotton in Wilde's story. Pictured: Alfred Enoch as 'Henry' in a filmed staged production of A Picture of Dorian Gray. Enoch, who played Gryffindor good guy Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter films, is a fan of the louche looks he displays in an updated filmed play of Oscar Wilde's 19th-century tale Harry's the creepy hedonist who corrupts the young Dorian (played by Fionn Whitehead, star of Dunkirk) in the tale of a portrait that ages as its subject remains forever young. 'I don't think Harry will be viewed entirely sympathetically,' Enoch admitted. 'But having just played him, I want to take his side! 'There's a lot in the part that's juicy and fruity but there's a very human side to it, too.' Henry Filloux-Bennett's adaptation shifts the action from the Victorian era to the present day world of social media, where Facebook, Instagram and Twitter draw Dorian to the darker side of being an influencer . . . with Harry's help. Enoch conceded that Harry's dissolute behaviour comes, in part, from him being a member of the one per cent. 'He's certainly a privileged individual, who wears all the entitlement that comes with that.' Yes, and some pretty fabulous clothes, too. 'The biggest sell of the whole thing was the clothes,' said Enoch, who's ordinarily to be found in a tracksuit. Enoch said he was thrilled to be cast alongside Joanna Lumley, Russell Tovey, Emma McDonald and Stephen Fry; but because of Covid protocols he never saw them though he did film a socially-distanced scene with Whitehead at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester. Pictured: Alfred Enoch (third from left) in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince The 32-year-old (pictured) jumped at the chance to play Harry modelled after Lord Henry Wotton in Wilde's story The filmed play is a co-production with several regional theatres including Theatr Clwyd and the Lawrence Batley Theatre. It will stream from March 16 through to March 31. Enoch's now in London waiting to resume filming on Foundation, the Apple TV+ version of Isaac Asimov's science-fiction classic, in which he plays knife-wielding hero Raych. But his immediate concern is for the welfare of his 96-year-old actor father William Russell. 'He's had his vaccine. That was a relief, but you spend time worrying,' said Enoch. Visit pictureofdoriangray.com for ticketing details. Belfast Brogue? That's a drawl order for Seana Seana Kerslake, pictured in 2019. When she signed up to star in a film to be shot in Belfast with comic Patrick Kielty, her biggest fear was getting the accent wrong When Seana Kerslake signed up to star in a film to be shot in Belfast with comic Patrick Kielty, her biggest fear was getting the accent wrong. 'I'm from the South,' said Kerslake, of Tallaght, South Dublin County, who had never worked in Northern Ireland, where Ballywalter (now in post-production) is set. So she'd been anxious about 'pulling off a believable, subtle accent that people wouldn't question'. Director Prasanna Puwanarajah suggested she stick with the Belfast brogue, 'even when I was off, in my free time', Seana recalled. And the film's crew were none the wiser. Producer James Bierman joked that, when the truth emerged, they were 'devastated when they realised she wasn't from East Belfast'. Ballywalter, written by Stacey Gregg, finished filming last month. But when I spoke to Kerslake at her home in Dublin this week, I thought I could still detect a little bit of Belfast in her voice. 'It's taking a while to lose it!' agreed the 28-year-old, who also stars in Netflix series Can't Cope, Won't Cope. Ballywalter is about two lost souls who meet in an unlicensed minicab driven by Kerslake's Eileen, who has returned from university in London to live with her mother and pregnant sister. Kielty, who plays passenger Shane, is trying to deal with a marriage break-up by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course which he hopes will bring his confidence back. The comic and One Show presenter, who returned from living in Los Angeles with wife Cat Deeley and their two sons, Milo, five, and James, two, 'just as the pandemic was happening', had fears of his own. Ballywalter is about two lost souls who meet in an unlicensed minicab driven by Kerslake's Eileen, who has returned from university in London to live with her mother and pregnant sister Won't Cope with Seana Kerslake as Aisling O'Dowd and Nika McGuigan as Danielle Mullane 'I hadn't done film acting before,' he told me. But Bierman and fellow producer Nik Bower felt he could bring poignancy to the role. They'd seen Kielty's award- winning documentary My Dad, The Peace Deal And Me, which explored how his father, Jack, was killed by loyalist paramilitaries in Co. Down in 1988 when Kielty was just 16. 'Within two years, he was doing stand-up comedy in Belfast. Patrick is sort of wedded to this story,' Bierman said. Kielty (left), who plays passenger Shane, is trying to deal with a marriage break-up by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course which he hopes will bring his confidence back Kielty was also worried that his stand-up experience would make it tricky to play someone with no comic chops. However, he soon realised that the course Shane takes 'doesn't have anything to do with comedy. It's about Shane trying to rehabilitate himself.' Backed by Screen Ireland, the BFI and Northern Ireland Screen, Ballywalter is expected to hit screens in the autumn. We could certainly do with the craic. Watch out for... Pictured: Dominic Cooper attends the #IMDboat at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 Dominic Cooper, Paterson Joseph and Christian Cooke, who are in discussions about saddling up for a spaghetti western TV series, but one with a twist. Not a new pasta shape! But rather a genre difference. That Dirty Black Bag, created by Mauro Aragoni and to be directed by Brian O'Malley, is what's known as a 'steampunk' spaghetti western. Imagine, if you can, a sort of retro-futuristic vision: dystopian high-tech teamed with mid-to-late 19th-century industrial paraphernalia. So a marked change from the kind of films pioneered by Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood in the 1960s. That Dirty Black Bag is due to film in Italy's rugged Apulia region in May. The eight-part series explores a confrontation between a sheriff and a bounty hunter, who cuts off the heads of those he's tracking, depositing them in . . . you guessed it . . . a dirty black bag. Cooper, who starred in Preacher, The History Boys and the Mamma Mia! films (I wonder if he'll pop up in Mamma Mia! 3?) is also working on two other projects for television. Joseph, meanwhile, can be seen in Noughts + Crosses on BBC iPlayer. And Cooke filmed a TV adaptation of Annie Proulx's novel Barkskins last year. The Connecticut State Police spent about $125,000 in overtime to make sure the state Capitol was protected on Jan. 17, when law enforcement gathered for a protest that never happened. State Police spokesman Brian Foley said that they assigned a tracking code, for payroll purposes, to each trooper throughout all ranks assigned to Capitol security duty. The total overtime was 2015.25 hours, at a cost of $124,744.68, Foley said. State police pulled in detectives, special units such as the tactical team and road troopers to provide security. They also flew their helicopter, Trooper One, and spent $198.74 in gas, Foley said. He added that the fuel was a part of the regular planned budget for Trooper 1. We believe what we were doing was appropriate based on the intel we had, Foley said on the day of the scheduled protests. That being said, Id much rather be talking to you about over-preparation than under-preparation. And the fact that no one showed up is just fine with us. In addition to the state police, the Connecticut National Guard provided troops on Jan. 17, surrounding the Capitol and blocking off streets in the area, at a cost of about $20,000 in overtime that day. The Guard also spent the three days after the non-protest guarding the Capitol. Overall, the cost to the National Guard was $122,861, according to spokesman Capt. David Pytlik. Pytlik said the guard had about 128 soldiers and airmen on duty. It was all hands on deck for Sunday during the day, and then once nothing significant materialized, we moved them to shift work at the Capitol and other sites of concern around the city, Pytlik said. Police across the country were anticipating possible protests by supporters of former President Donald Trump over the election results and were determined to avoid a repeat of the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, when five U.S. Capitol police officers died. Reporters and photographers outnumbered protesters, counter-protesters and onlookers. Police outnumbered them all. In and around the Capitol complex were 200 police officers, one dog, a National Guard contingent armed with assault rifles, and armored police and military vehicles, some painted in desert tan. One was an MRAP, a mine-resistant assault vehicle. Foley said that state officials learned on a 50-state conference call Friday that every state capital was using the same template. One challenge for law enforcement was the decision by technology firms to crack down on the uses of social-media platforms by those deemed to be extremists. It made a source of intelligence go dark, complicating efforts to judge how big a protest to expect. When social media started shutting down Parler and a lot of the talk and many of the advertisements about any sort of organized protests, we lost an arm of our intelligence, Foley said. Not all of our intelligence, but an arm of it. And the ability to estimate what was going to happen became cloudy. Jeff Moore, writing at First in Freedom Daily.com reports: Republicans across the spectrum in North Carolina are angry, to say the least, with Senator Richard Burr on account of his Guilty vote in the unconstitutional kangaroo court held on Capitol Hill. The NCGOP, and many local GOPs have censured him, but Orange County took it one step further: They voted to PERMANENTLY BAN Burr from their premises. This action was taken following Senator Burrs vote to convict former President Donald Trump in last weeks impeachment trial, which showed his negligent disregard of the grass roots constituents that put him in office for three terms, as well as letting NC citizens down on other activities in the US Senate during his terms in office (as described in the Resolution to Censure). This censure represents a formal reprimand or rebuke that will remain a part of the official record of history related to Senator Burrs time in office, and is therefore an important reflection of his constituents opinion regarding his years of public service. This resolution was supported by the county Chairs in the 4th District, and was followed 24 hours later by a unanimous vote of the North Carolina Republican Partys Central Committee to likewise censure Senator Burr over his impeachment vote. As mentioned in the statement, the Burr earned this censure for more than just this latest disappointment. Giving life to the sham Mueller Report, extending the Russia Hoax, and dumping stocks while publicly downplaying the impending COVID crisis were all barbs in the resolution. Latest: Orange County GOP Censures, 'Permanently Bans' Senator Richard Burr from Premises, Tells Him to Retire Now But for the latest transgression, the censure is augmented not only with the ban from premises, it also intimates that Burr has so completely lost the confidence of the Republican voters that he ought to retire immediately: []Therefore, be it resolved, the Executive Committee of Orange County, North Carolina Republican Party formally and irrevocably censures US Senator Richard Burr for gross impropriety in a position of trust and honor for disloyalty to President Trump and his constituents of Orange County, North Carolina during his service to the State and Nation as a US Senator. Be it further resolved, the Executive Committee of the Orange County GOP permanently bans Richard M. Burr from entering the premises of the Orange County GOP and from participating in any future Orange County GOP activities. Senator Burr should retire now and be replaced by an interim qualified candidate before the 2022 election. Now, that is a rebuke. And an interesting potential wild card in the race to fill Burrs seat in 2022. If the pressure were to build to be too much for Burr, and he retired before his term expired, the already high profile race to replace will be electrified that much more. Original source: Orange County GOP Censures, 'Permanently Bans' Senator Richard Burr from Premises, Tells Him to Retire Now | First In Freedom Daily Hungarian goulash may have as many variations as there are home cooks, but generally involves chunks of beef simmered until tender, with a generous helping of sweet paprika. (stockcreations/Shutterstock) Will the Real Goulash Please Stand Up? Hungarian and American goulash, as different as they are, both deliver slow-cooked comfort If you are a Midwesterner, you may have grown up having something called goulash. For me it looked suspiciously like chili, maybe a bit soupier and a bit blander, and it definitely involved some form of pasta, likely elbow macaroni. Outside the Midwest, the same dish, or something very similar, appears, but with different names. Along the East Coast, American chop suey appears to be a similar casserole, if not the same, as is glop. Several years ago, my travels took me to Budapest, Hungary, where goulash is the national dish. I sat down in a cafe with a short menu that appeared dedicated to it, but when my order arrived, I thought, What the heck is this? It amounted to a plate of tender chunks of beef swimming in a paprika-heavy gravy with bits of potatoes and carrots. Delicious, but a far cry from what my mother was peddling. Down among the lower branches in my family tree are a couple names that look suspiciously Hungarian, but along with the Czech and Slovak forebears, are merely fellow defectors from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Moms goulash didnt come over with them. So I dug a little bit. Though a far cry from the Hungarian original, American goulash is its own kind of comfort. (AS Food studio/Shutterstock) Goulash, American-style Says my mother: Its so easy! Take your hamburger and fry it all out. Ground sirloin. You can use anything, but you need to get the grease out if you use chuck. Pat it with a paper towel. Then she adds stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, and tomato sauce, plus kidney beans (two cans!), diced celery, onion, and parsley. I cheat and use the Lipton onion soup mix. It has to be runny enough to accommodate the (elbow) macaroni you add at the end. A little bit of chili powder maybe. But why bother? I dont have a lot of spice. Like many home cooks of her generation, with years of experience feeding finicky kids with anything that works, she doesnt use a recipe. But when I pushed her, she went to the great culinary equalizer, a standard-issue wedding gift to young American couples (wives, really) of the mid-20th century: the Betty Crocker cookbook. My mother still has her vintage copy. After college, I had the three-ring binder edition. This recipe we call goulash appeared to be chili con carne, by Bettys reckoning. Likewise an easy recipe, nearly identical to my mothers, it consisted of ground beef, a sliced onion, chopped green pepper, stewed tomatoes, and a can of kidney beans. Spices comprised a mere one or two tablespoons of chili powder, a surely unnoticeable eighth teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and an equally minute measure of paprikasurely an insult to any paprika-red-blooded Hungarian. (To be fair, the modern Betty recipe for chili con carne bears much closer resemblance to the average chili recipe!) That sounded about right for Wisconsin goulash, however. Simmer that up and pour it over a bowl of macaroni. Some restaurants even add a spoonful of sour cream on top. Not to paint with too wide a brush, but small-town Midwest Euro-immigrant cuisine tends toward the, uh, cautious? While some of us have grown to love diverse and spicy foods, many rural kitchensgratefully excepting ethnic variationsare generally limited to salt, pepper, and Lawrys (seasoned salt). Most of those little jars in the spice racks we got at our weddings years before remained unopened. Ive asked my mother for pepper at dinner, and she tells me to search in the cupboard because I dont eat spicy. I reminded her of this, and she perked up with her Betty Crocker. Wait! Theres a spicy version. It added three cloves and half a stick of cinnamon. I assured her in chili-snob fashion that this is not chili. Nor is it the original goulash. For true Hungarian goulash, dont be shy with the paprika. (Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock) Hungarian Roots Gulyas, pronounced GOO-yash, is the Magyar (Hungarian) word for herdsman, and this was their hearty soup-stew as far back as the 9th century, long before the Old World explorers and traders brought back New World peppersand thus, before the introduction of dried, pulverized paprika. Working out in the fields as they did, the herdsmen brought along seasoned dried meats for easy meal preparation. Just add water and onions in a pot over the fire. Tomatoes and potatoes, also not native to Europe, didnt make their way into the Hungarian version for centuries. But like all things, the dish evolved. Modern Hungarian goulash may have as much variation as American goulash, but generally speaking it calls for chunks of beefnot ground beefsimmered at a low temperature to make it tender, thus allowing for the use of cheaper cuts of meat. It also calls for paprika far beyond fractional teaspoon measures. A quarter cup might be a good start, and honestly, doesnt strike me as unusual: my chili recipe calls for more than a quarter cup of chili powder. So how did the American goulash acquire the name? History is unsure. In Europe, the word goulash spread and became, as it is today, a broader term for stew or soup with chunks of seasoned meat. Recipes for goulash started appearing in American cookbooks early in the 20th century. The substitute of ground beef would have been a cost-saving option, and chili powdera blend of several peppersis not too big a stretch in variation. The similarity must have been enough for those immigrants who knew the word to apply it. Hungarian Goulash Serves 4 1 1/2 pounds beef, cut into 1-inch cubes (see Note) 2 teaspoons lard (traditional) or butter 2 large yellow onions, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped garlic (about 5 cloves) 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 4 cups beef broth 1/4 cup sweet Hungarian paprika (not the hot variety!) 1 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned is fine) 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 cup sliced carrots 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped 3 cups cubed potatoes In a Dutch oven, do a quick searing/browning of the meat chunks over medium-high heat, then set the meat aside. Melt lard (or butter) in the Dutch oven and saute the onion until translucent. Then add the garlic and caraway seeds for about a minute. Use enough of the beef broth to deglaze the pan a bit, then toss in the meat and add the paprika, stirring well to distribute it evenly. Pour in the rest of the broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil, cover, then reduce to a simmer for 40 minutes to an hour or more, until the meat is tender. Add the carrots, red peppers, and potatoes, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes more. This will lean toward a soupy consistency. If you want something a bit thicker, make a roux and add it when you simmer the carrots and potatoes. Serve in bowls with sour cream and good bread for dipping. Note: Basically any cut of beef works, but the cheaper the cut, the longer the slow-cooking time needed to soften it up. Kevin Revolinski is an avid traveler, craft beer enthusiast, and home cooking fan. He is the author of 15 books, including The Yogurt Man Cometh: Tales of an American Teacher in Turkey and his new collection of short stories, Stealing Away. He is based in Madison, Wis., and his website is TheMadTraveler.com Burma Myanmar Military Targets Striking Civil Servants Myanma Railways staff take part in civil disobedience movement in Yangon on Thursday. / The Irrawaddy Myanmars military has arrested nearly 30 civil servants in Naypyitaw, Mandalay and Kachin State this week for joining the civil disobedience movement (CDM) against the military regime. In face of the growing resistance nationwide, the regime has stepped up the arrests of civil servants taking part in the movement. In Naypyitaw, at least 20 civil servants were arrested this week. Nine women and two men from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were arrested at around 4am on Thursday for joining the CDM, said Naypyitaw-based lawyer U Kyaw Ye Aung, who is following the cases after the relatives of those detained contact him. Seven women and a man from Naypyitaws Lewe Township Cooperative Department, ranking from junior clerk to officer, were arrested on Feb. 15 and charged under the Penal Codes Article 188(b) for allegedly defying orders and released on bail. The deputy director-general of the Ministry of Social Welfare was detained in Naypyitaw on Monday for his involvement in the CDM. Two train drivers in Mandalay, who refused to drive a train for the military, were detained on Wednesday. A supervisor at a Myanma Railways locomotive factory in Yangon Region was arrested for refusing to work on Feb. 13. A primary school headmaster in Myaungmya Township, Ayeyarwady Region, was arrested on Tuesday for his involvement in the CDM. On Friday morning, security officers and the military beat teachers preparing to take part in protests in Myitkyina, Kachin State, and arrested two teachers from the Myitkyina Education Degree College. The teachers were released in the evening after mediation by the Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG), a Myitkyina-based organization. The released protesters said they were forced to sign papers saying they would not participate in future protests against the military regime. Lawyer Daw San San Myint in Yangon, who is giving legal assistance to CDM activists, said the military has intensified its threats with detentions and lawsuits after pressure on civil servants to go back to work did not work. I would say regardless of which charges they brought against the CDM staff, they are the ones who breached the Constitution and the civil servants on the strike have done nothing that violated the law, the lawyer said. The CDM can topple [the military regime]. Our goal is not far away. I urge all CDM staff to keep striking, said Daw San San Myint. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which is monitoring detentions, said between Feb. 8 and Friday afternoon, at least 45 civil servants were arrested. Teachers, doctors, engineers and managers from Myanmars Department of Civil Aviation were among the detainees. People in plainclothes claiming to be police officers have tried to detain striking doctors in Mandalay, Magwe, Naypyitaw and Shan State but have been stopped by residents. Many striking civil servants have told The Irrawaddy they will carry on striking until the military hands power back to the democratically elected government. You may also like these stories: Doctors in Civil Disobedience Movement Put Pressure on Myanmar Military Regime Myanmar Student Unions Call on China Not to Recognize Military Regime Myanmars Military Arrests Doctors for Joining and Supporting Civil Disobedience Movement Close to half a million Americans have died in the COVID-19 pandemic and the global death toll stands at nearly 2.5 million. The immense suffering continues unabated as cases climb, reaching more than 110 million worldwide and new and potentially more virulent mutations of the virus circulate. The US population has had the greatest drop in life expectancy since the 1940s, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while another study has shown that a staggering 20 million years of human life have been lost to the pandemic. Workers wearing personal protective equipment bury bodies in a trench on Hart Island, April 9, 2020 (Photo: AP Photo/John Minchillo) These brutal realities are not simply the result of the lethal virus, but the consequence of a deliberate policy of capitalist governments the world over that have allowed the virus to spread and have even welcomed and promoted its deadly wrath. Those killed include both the young and old, and are disproportionately working class and poor. If the health and progress of a society is judged by life expectancy, then the US is indeed in the throes of societal decay. The new study from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) shows that in the first half of 2020, life expectancy at birth for the total US population was 77.8 years, declining by an entire year from 78.8 years in 2019. This is the largest drop in life expectancy since World War II, when it fell by 3 years. The NCHS cautions that, as dramatic as this drop is, its findings are provisional and based on death certificates that may later be revised up to six months after the end of the data year. The study also does not take into account deaths that occurred in the second half of 2020, when the pandemic took a firm hold in the US South and West. US life expectancy at birth in the first half of 2020 for the total population stood at its lowest level since 2006 (77.8 years) and for males (75.1 years). For females, it was at the lowest level since 2007 (80.5 years). Life expectancy for the non-Hispanic black population in the first half of 2020 (72 years) was at its lowest level since 2001. Undoubtedly contributing to the decline in US life expectancy are so-called deaths of despair, from overdoses, substance abuse-related health problems, and suicides. The CDC found that the twelve-month period ending last June saw a 20 percent jump and includes the highest number of fatal overdoses ever recorded in the US in a single year, 81,003. These addiction-related fatalities must be seen as a subset of deaths related to the pandemic, which has isolated those in recovery as substance abuse has largely fallen off the radar. Addiction treatment programs have been cut at a time when they are needed more than ever, due to the isolation and financial insecurity fueled by the pandemic. Another study, from Nature s Scientific Reports, analyzed data from more than 1.2 million people from 81 countries who have died from COVID-19 so far. The authors, from Pampeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock, Germany, calculated years of life lost (YLL), or the difference between a persons age at death and his or her life expectancy, using data on life expectancy in these countries. The authors research found that a staggering 20.5 million years of life have been lost to COVID-19 globally. As the deaths in the 81 countries number 1,279,866and current official global deaths stand at nearly 2.5 millionthe years of life lost are undoubtedly far higher. This study contradicts the claims put forward by authorities that the pandemic is taking the lives of older individuals who, even without infection by the virus, would have had few life years remaining. Deaths of the elderly have been viewed by the ruling class, both before the pandemic and now, as something to be welcomed, as their continued life and medical care are a drain on the health care system at a time in their lives when they are no longer churning out profits for the financial oligarchy. According to the Scientific Reports study, three-quarters of YLL result from deaths of those below age 75, and almost a third from deaths of those below age 55. In other words, while older people are suffering a disproportionate number of deaths, those below the age of 55 are being robbed of a large percentage of their adult years by the virus. The studys authors also acknowledge that their study does not take into account the burden of disability falling upon those who contract the virus and survive, but whose quality of life is impacted by a wide range of debilitating disabilitiesboth physical and mentalthe wide-ranging extent of which is still being investigated. Taken together, the Scientific Reports and NCHS studies reveal the extent of the suffering inflicted on the worlds population, both in deaths and years lost, by the policies of the worlds ruling elites in the pandemic. In the US, the policy of the Biden administration differs little in fundamentals from that of his predecessor Trump. The response to the pandemic in the United States and countries throughout Europe has been dictated by the mantra of herd immunity and the slogan the cure cannot be worse than the disease, i.e., that saving human lives cannot get in the way of the accumulation of private profit. The driving force for the reopening of schools is that they must be reopened so that parents can get back on the job in unsafe factories and workplaces where the virus will continue to spread and infect. But scientific study after study has proven that schools, which lack the most basic safety protections for students and teachers, are a key driver of spread. In reality, herd immunity means herding students, teachers and other workers into unsafe factories where infections will fester and the death toll will mount in the interest of maintaining the profits of the financial aristocracy. According to this logic, human life must be subordinated at all costs to the wealth of the financial elite. Earlier this month, the journal formerly known as the British Medical Journal (now the BMJ) published an editorial aptly accusing governments around the world of social murder in their response to the pandemic. The BMJ accurately characterized this as a deliberate effort to handicap governments responses to the pandemic by promoting the deadly herd immunity policy. As the virus continued to spread and kill millions around the globe, those lockdowns that had been imposed were lifted and the population was encouraged to travel, go to restaurants and attend sporting events. In the US, this included earlier this month the super-spreader Super Bowl in Florida, a hotbed of the pandemic. This has now culminated in the US in the homicidal drive to reopen schools. The pro-capitalist trade unions have been the enforcers of this back-to-school, back-to-work campaign. The working class must counter this capitalist program of misery and death with a socialist program that places the social interests of the vast majority of the population at its center, harnessing the advances of science and medicine for the good of humankind. The Democratic Party wields enormous political power in Cuyahoga County, often deciding elections with its endorsements, when voters go armed into polling places with the party card of preferred candidates. But Shontel Brown, as chair of the county party, and buttressed by a leadership group loyal to her, exercises even greater power to pick intraparty winners and losers. By controlling the partys apparatus, Brown and her leadership team have the biggest say in which candidates get the backing, the money, the time and the endorsements of local labor and elected officials. They can influence, as well, who has the biggest ins with precinct clubs and other voter groups. Thats why Brown must step down immediately as chair of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party in light of her long-announced candidacy for Congress. She should have done so months ago -- as soon as she said in early December that she was running to replace her mentor, U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, in Ohios 11th Congressional District. Fudge is the Biden administrations choice as U.S. secretary of housing and urban development. Fudges gold-plated Democratic district picks up parts of Greater Cleveland and Akron, so the Democratic primary field to replace her is already large and could get larger, since whoever wins the Democratic primary will almost certainly win the seat. In deciding the winner of that Democratic primary contest, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party chair will play a large role. Brown is already doing so now -- improperly, in her own favor. That obvious conflict is why Brown should have relinquished the party role as soon as she entered the race. That she didnt raises serious questions about her judgment and the judgment of those around her. One need look no further than Jane Timkens prompt action, in stepping down as chair of the Ohio Republican Party before announcing her bid for the Senate seat Rob Portman is vacating, to see why this conflict is a no-brainer. Timken understood that holding the states top party role while seeking to become the partys Senate nominee was a clear conflict of interest. Why doesnt Brown? Instead of stepping down, Brown has been vigorously amassing support and endorsements from individuals within the party apparatus -- giving her an added advantage every day she continues in the party position. Former state Sen. Shirley Smith, another Democratic contender for Fudges seat, has called Brown out on this bit of political skulduggery, writing Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters in late January to ask that the state party intervene. On Feb. 8, Smith sent a letter to the Cuyahoga County Democratic Partys executive committee and others, asking that they recognize the conflict and ask Brown to step down. Also in the race are former Cleveland Councilman Jeff Johnson, who ran unsuccessfully four years ago for Cleveland mayor; and former state Rep. John Barnes Jr. But the most likely target of Browns maneuvering is not Smith, Johnson or Barnes, but a fifth candidate, former state Sen. Nina Turner, a charismatic, prominent supporter of former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Turner is sure to be Browns most formidable primary opponent. Perhaps Democratic Party loyalists who favor Brown (and disfavor Turner for her outspokenness and progressive politics) think lining up behind Brown in this unfair, noncompetitive and improper way is the best way to defeat Turner. Theyre wrong about that. In showing herself disdainful of whats right and proper to do as the local party chair when it conflicts with her own advancement, Brown has handed Turner another campaign issue -- and undercut the integrity of the local party, too, for those who care about fair play. Its not too late to rectify this wrong. Shontel Brown should step down immediately as chair of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party and restart the process of amassing local endorsements from scratch -- this time, as a candidate, not as the partys powerful local chair. 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. Lucknow, Feb 19 : The two members of Popular Front of India (PFI), who were arrested in Lucknow on Tuesday, were in contact with Bangladesh-based terror outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen. Uttar Pradesh STF officials said that the two -- Asad Badruddin and Feroz Khan -- had also visited Bangladesh in the past and arranged explosives to execute the terror attacks. The two members were planning a series of terrorist attacks at various places in the country when they were arrested by the Special Task Force with a huge quantity of high-end explosives. Additional Director General Law and Order, Prashant Kumar told the media: "Both the arrested PFI members are from Kerala and their aim was to create religious enmity in society by engineering attacks." The duo, during their interrogation, accepted that they were preparing a huge network with the help of PFI members based in Lucknow, Bahraich, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Meerut. The team of 20-25 people were named 'hit squads' and were given training on how to use weapons. PFI, which claims to be a social youth organization based in Kerala, has been under the scanner of police in several states. In 2019, many of its members were arrested across the state of Uttar Pradesh in connection with violent anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests. The Uttar Pradesh government earlier sought a ban on the PFI accusing it of inciting violence. Pennsylvania movie theaters ditch mask mandate Three chain movie theaters have announced that masks are no longer mandatory for moviegoers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Facebooks dramatic move to block Australian news sharing escalated a broader battle against global regulation. That gambit looks likely to backfire. World leaders were already watching Australian legislation expected to pass next week that will force tech titans and Alphabet Inc.s Google to pay publishers for news content. But this weeks abrupt news blackout forced the issue onto the agenda of governments whose regulators are already ramping up scrutiny of the growing influence of and its ilk in spheres from media to artificial intelligence. There is a lot of world interest in what is doing, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday, adding that he discussed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canadian leader Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron and the U.K.s Boris Johnson. Theyre already going down this path. The issue of how to fairly compensate news providers is a thorny challenge given an online community accustomed to free content. Still, the push to redress the monopoly-like power of these platforms appears to be gaining momentum. The dominance of a handful of gatekeepers online has wreaked havoc on competition, suppressed innovation, and weakened entrepreneurship, US Representative David Cicilline of Rhode Island said in a statement Friday. He pledged to undertake legislative reforms that restore competition online. Ultimately, weve got to as a government, in our country, we got to find a way of dealing with what is now a very very well established, a very important part of people's lives, which is and companies, Foreign Office Minister of State James Cleverly told the BBC. We need to find ways of making sure that the commercial relationships with these big tech giants work. (JNS) The student senate at Florida State University rejected a series of resolutions that supported the anti-Israel BDS movement and rejected the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition on anti-Semitism. The resolutions were authored by former Student Senate President Ahmad Daraldik, who repeatedly used his position to promote antisemitism in 2020. After being removed and later reinstated as a senator, he introduced three resolutions that were harmful to the Jewish community. Two of them attacked the IHRA Definition, which FSU Jewish students overwhelmingl... The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on Friday announced its plan to probe an allegation that the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio, bribed officials of the bureau with N100million. The bureau was reacting to a media allegation that Mr Akpabio bribed CCB officials to assist the sole administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Akwa Effiong, to fill in and backdate his assets declaration forms from 2012 till date. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Federal Commissioner of the CCB, Ehiozuwa Agbonayunma, at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, announced the bureaus plan to investigate the allegation. The bureau had said in a statement on February 10 that it held an emergency meeting of the Bureau Board on the issue on February 9 where it took the decision that an investigation be commissioned. The statement said the ordered investigation was with a view to establishing the veracity of the allegation against the officials of the CCB and other public officers (being its subject) along the line. Addressing journalists on Friday, Mr Agbonayunma, who chairs the sub-committee set up by CCB to investigate the matter, described the allegation as grievous, adding that his team had got a mandate of the bureau to probe the allegation against some officials of the bureau. He said, This is where I appeal to all media organisations, civil society groups, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to join the CCB in the fight against corruption as the CCB cannot achieve it alone. Today, we have been given a mandate by the CCB to investigate the allegation against some officials of the bureau we saw on the social media. Mr Agbonayunma, who maintained that his committee is not to witch-hunt anyone, said the minister had given his side of the story on being invited for questioning. Akpabio invited The official, who said every party to the case was still considered innocent, added that his committee would dig up the facts concerning the case. He said, We invited the minister involved in the matter, and in his wisdom, he came and gave us his own side of the story. All the accused parties remain innocent until investigation is over. We have equally done some in-house investigations and we shall dig out the facts of the matter. We are not holding anyone to ransom neither are we saying anyone has committed a crime. For now, it remains an allegation because at the moment, no one has proved to us that the minister gave money to some staff of the bureau. Mr Agbonayunma assured Nigerians that the committee would get to the bottom of the matter even as he maintained that the CCB is not a toothless bull dog. Join us to fight corruption Mr Agbonayunma also appealed to Nigerians to join hands against corruption which he said has eaten us deeply and requires total eradication. He said, CCB is here to stay under the leadership of Prof. Mohammed Isa, who is the chairman and other nine members that make up the bureau. We are here to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari, who had the wisdom to nominate us. The fight against corruption is going to include every Nigerian. ADVERTISEMENT We call on all Nigerians to join hands in the fight against corruption. Dont forget that when you fight corruption, it fights back at you. Serial bribery allegations The NDDC, under Mr Akpabios supervision as the Minister of Niger Delta, has been at the centre of major corruption allegations. Mr Akpabio, who is believed to have backed Mr Effiong to become the sole administrator of NDDC, had similarly been accused of bribing the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to ensure the appointment sail through. But Mr Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom and former Senate Minority Leader, has denied the bribery allegations. Despite repeated corruption scandals rocking the NDDC, President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to constitute a substantive board for the commission as provided by its enabling law. (NAN) Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from Karnataka government and others on a plea against the bail granted to former Bengaluru Mayor Sampath Raj and former corporator Abdul Raqueeb Zakir in a case connected to the east Bengaluru violence on August 12, 2020, which claimed lives of four people. The Karnataka High Court had granted bail to both Raj and Zakir this month. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy sought a response from Raj and Zakir within three weeks as the top court issued notice on a plea filed by Congress' Pulakeshinagar MLA R. Akhanda Srinivasmurthy through advocate Amit Pai. The plea contended that the respondent accused is a politician, a former corporator, and therefore an influential personality. "It is further submitted that the role of the respondent accused in the conspiracy to is well documented, and the respondent accused (Zakir) is one of the principal conspirators for the incident and has been instrumental in mobilising persons to vandalise and burn down the house of the Petitioner, as also to create a communal situation," the plea said. Senior advocates Devadatt Kamat and R. Basant and advocate Rajesh Inamdar, representing Srinivasamurthy, informed the court that though the accused had committed serious crimes, they have been released on bail. "There is every likelihood of the respondent accused (Zakir) tampering with witness and evidence, if enlarged on bail, in view of his political clout," the plea added. Counsel for the petitioner argued that only operative part of the order had been made available by the High Court, and reasons for bail have not been uploaded. "The respondent accused (Zakir) is one of the principal architects of a conspiracy to orchestrate a mob of 2,000-3,000 people to attack, vandalise, commit dacoity and set fire to the house of the petitioner, apart from largescale violence leading to destruction of public property, and setting on fire two police stations," the plea added. In the petition, Srinivasmurthy claimed that Raj had unsuccessfully contested the 2018 Assembly elections from the C.V. Raman Nagar Assembly constituency, and he desired to contest from the Pulakeshinagar Assembly constituency, from where he is the sitting MLA, in the next elections. Srinivasmurthy said Raj harboured ill-will against him due to political reasons and created law and order situation on the pretext of alleged derogatory post by his nephew. Last year in August, thousands of people went on a rampage setting ablaze the houses of Srinivasamurthy and his sister over an alleged inflammatory social media post. The mob also torched two police stations over suspicion that the petitioner's nephew was present there. 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. Jubilant Foodworks announced that the companys wholly owned subsidiary, Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B.V. has entered into a purchase agreement with Turkish Private Equity Fund II L.P. to fully acquire Fides Food Systems Coperatief U.A. which holds 32.81% equity shares in DP Eurasia N.V. (DP Eurasia) (Purchase Agreement). Jubilant Foodworks (the company) has also executed the Purchase Agreement as guarantor in connection with the investment obligations of Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B.V. DP Eurasia is a public company listed with London Stock Exchange PLC, and is the exclusive master franchisee of the Dominos Pizza brand in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. DP Eurasia (together with its subsidiaries) offers pizza delivery and takeaway/eat-in facilities at 771 stores (568 in Turkey, 190 in Russia, 9 in Azerbaijan and 4 in Georgia as on 31 December 2020). The acquisition of Fides by Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B.V. will enable Jubilant Foodworks (the Company) to indirectly hold 32.81% shares in DP Eurasia which is the exclusive master franchisee of the Dominos Pizza brand in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The cost of acquisition is GBP 24.80 million. 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 Loading From teddy bear hunts for cooped-up kids, to rainbow drawings displayed in homes front windows and Spoonville, what sustained our city was our willingness to create beauty in boredom. We are resilient, Cincotta said. Were such a great city. Director of the Melbourne Institute Professor Abigail Payne, who has been leading research on the impacts of COVID-19 on our city for the University of Melbourne, agrees we are a hardy bunch. What I think has struck me [about] Australians and this is particularly true of Victorians because weve gone through it more than others [is] how compliant we are, she said. Were asked to stay at home, were asked to socially distance, were asked to wear masks. And we do that. And in our [research], people are willing to do that. People seem OK working from home. You know, I think we are very resilient. This has been a tale of two pandemics, though. The institutes research has shown many of us continue to suffer the lingering effects of the COVID-19 tail. Shoppers in the Queen Victoria Market on Friday Credit:Justin McManus Of those surveyed by the university in early February, 27 per cent suffered financial stress and were struggling to pay for basic goods and services. The proportion of Australians vulnerable to adverse income shocks, already financially stressed and only just making ends meet, was 56 per cent. This was despite real GDP rising by 3.3 per cent in the September quarter of last year and Australia no longer being in recession as of December. Professor Payne cautioned that we are not out of the woods yet; the next weeks and months will be crucial in continuing to suppress the virus and the months after the end of JobKeeper will push many individuals and businesses to breaking point. Amid the rolling uncertainty of the past 11 months, however, many have found their strength by looking for the good. Good Karma Network founder Amy Churchouse. Amy Churchouse started the countrys first Good Karma Network five years ago, kicking off with a community page for residents of her home suburb of Kensington. Since then, the movement has grown to 57 networks, with some 125,000 members across Australia (most are in Victoria). The aim of Good Karma Networks are to spread kindness, compassion and good deeds; surely a movement suited to a global pandemic that has united us in common experience while keeping us cruelly apart. Churchouse said such movements are needed now, more than ever. It was a powerful tool before COVID, and I think its important for us to think about this in a wider context, she said. Its about humans being good together. If we are a community, if we are connected, we can cope with anything. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video During 2020 the popularity of Good Karma Networks, and the community building they represent, blossomed. In Reservoir, locals started a grow cart, containing books, fresh vegetables and seedlings offered to passersby with an encouragement to take what you need, [and] give what you can. A Coburg apartment block created a Whatsapp group to keep in touch, trade produce and tools, and run errands for neighbours unable to get out of their homes. One woman in Melbournes inner north posted that her son had lost his teddy bear. A fellow member dug out an old identical bear, patched him up, and sent it to the young boy with a note describing how the bear had gone on an adventure and had finally come back to him. For Melburnian Marc Shrapnel, whose wife Melinda died in January after a long battle with cancer, lockdown offered a rare beauty: it brought their busy household together during Melindas final months. Cafe society has restarted. Credit:Justin McManus As Melindas health and mobility deteriorated during 2020, she was forced to stay home more and more, while the rest of the household was busy at work or school. The lockdown of everyone brought the household back home and forced a change with all members, Marc said. It was now a case of stopping the bustle and frantic nature of life in Melbourne and spending time together. The household daily routine was filled with sounds of life and movement. This gave Melinda the opportunity to spend time, a precious resource when faced with a defined end. Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp paid tribute to Melburnians, saying they have rallied together when it mattered most. Melbourne is regaining some of its old buzz. Credit:Justin McManus Melburnians are some of the most resilient and caring people in Australia if not the world, Cr Capp said. We defeated a second wave of COVID and the overwhelming majority of Melburnians have done whatever it takes to keep our community safe. Loading Despite the incredible pain and sacrifice so many people have made throughout the pandemic, one unifying feature has been how often we have looked to help out each other during this crisis. On Friday, Melbournes CBD was regaining some of its old buzz. The number of pedestrians in the city was up by about 150 per cent compared with the last day of lockdown, although the number of people was still only at one-third of pre-pandemic levels. We will still need to continue our compassion and care for other Melburnians for many months as our city recovers, she said. Joseph Ray was the first to arrive at the Hydrogas Propane station at 6 a.m. Thursday to fill his tanks. He needed the propane the night before for heat and cooking, but the line of cars waiting to enter the gates of the depot was a half-mile long, and Hydrogas was closing. Mr. Ray, 54, lives with his wife in a travel trailer on the far edge of San Antonio, where their power came back on Wednesday, after five days of a blackout. The pipes are frozen. Theyre PVC. When the water comes back on, well know if they burst, he said from his truck. Ice and snow accumulated on his windshield, as another winter storm rolled through the area. By 10:30 a.m., with no sign of Hydrogas opening, Mr. Ray gave up on waiting and drove off. Others stayed in line, believing it to be one of the few propane businesses in the city with fuel left. AMSTERDAM (JTA) A Torah scroll that disappeared from a Dutch synagogue following the Nazi invasion into the Netherlands has been rediscovered 80 years later and returned to the Jewish community. The scroll, which appears to be intact and has been kept in excellent conditions since World War II, belonged to a synagogue in the southern city of Dordrecht, according to Chris den Hoedt, chairman of the Jewish Community of Rotterdam, or NIG. The Pennings family from Dordrecht kept it in storage for many years until one of the family members mentioned to a local historian, Kees Weltevrede, that she has in her home a Torah scroll whose origins are unknown. Weltevrede approached NIG, where community members were excited about this find. For decades no one knew what happened to the scroll in Dordrecht, it was simply presumed lost, like so many other religious artifacts lost in the Holocaust, he said. The Pennings said theyre dont know how they came to possess the Torah scroll, which they gave to NIG this week, den Hoedt told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Rotterdam is fewer than 20 miles from Dordrecht. ADVERTISEMENT After synagogues were shut down by the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in 1940, the scroll, and several others, were kept by Meijer Michiel Cohen, a local Jew who owned a metal factory. He survived the Holocaust but was severely traumatized. Another tradesman, Aart Bezemer, bought the factory from Cohen. He gave the scroll to Kees Pennings, a respected teacher from Dordrecht, who died in 2001. His widow, Tineke, told the historian about the scroll, leading to its return to Jewish hands. Of the hundreds of Jews who lived in Dordrecht, only about 60 survived the Holocaust, according to an article published Thursday in the AD daily about the Torah scroll. The community ceased to exist as such in the 1980s. The scroll, which rolled out measures about 45 yards, is being examined to determine whether its still usable for worship and whether it has any damage that would require restoration. 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. After a pressure-packed year of putting on classical performances in the midst of a pandemic, and facing festering tensions over his treatment of actors and staff, Ethan McSweeny has resigned as artistic director of American Shakespeare Center, the Staunton, Va., company announced Friday. The 50-year-old McSweeny, an accomplished Shakespearean director who was running a theater on his own for the first time, said he had "finalized his departure from ASC" this week after 2 1/2 years at the helm. "While the pandemic crisis metastasized this past fall, I increasingly found myself trying to conceive of an ASC that would enter 2021 tabula rasa," he said in a statement, invoking a Latin phrase for clean slate. " ... It turns out that part of what became necessary to give the company a truly blank slate was to erase myself as well." The company, founded in 1988 and ultimately based in an Elizabethan-style Blackfriars Playhouse, in the Shenandoah Valley, had been experiencing many of the crisis conditions of other nonprofit arts organizations across the country. But ASC pursued a more aggressive route back to live performance, returning last summer with a "SafeStart" safety program and indoor and outdoor shows. That precipitated a confrontation with Actors' Equity, the union for actors and stage managers, which barred its members from performing with ASC out of health concerns. At the same time, dozens of members of the company, both actors and administrative staff, were drafting a list of objections to McSweeny's leadership, which resulted in a 10-page "Save the ASC" letter to the ASC board of trustees in the fall. Some 52 full- and part-time workers, out of a staff of about 70 at the time covid-19 forced the theater to shutter last March, signed the letter. Several people with knowledge of the letter said the allegations revolved in part around a "toxic" work environment created by McSweeny and unacceptable treatment of some women and artists of color. The ASC board retained a lawyer to investigate the accusations. In its announcement of McSweeney's resignation, the company noted some of his successes, including the streaming arm he created, BlkFrsTV, one of the first in the nation to spotlight contemporary classical productions online. But the company did not address the investigation, which insiders said resulted in a report laying out arguments for and against McSweeny's leadership. McSweeny declined to comment on the letter or the investigation. In his statement, he said that he and the board "determined that within the financial constraints of the foreseeable future, ASC could still thrive without my leadership." "I will forever be proud of my association with ASC, and especially of our remarkable tenacity in the face of crisis," he added. As the pandemic forced a massive scaling back of the revenue-generating, year-round roster of performances in Staunton and in touring productions, the ASC budget was radically reduced, from $4.2 million in fiscal 2020 to $1.8 million in 2021. Despite some federal payroll assistance last year, the entire staff has been furloughed for January and February. Rodney Young, chairman of the 20-member board of trustees, acknowledged in an interview that there was a need to improve trust within the company, in part because of the issues that have been raised over the past year about white supremacy in management across the industry. "I think we've got a lot of work to do, but we're committed as a company to addressing some of these macro concerns about the American theater," Young said. " ... We are moving forward in terms of dealing with strife and turmoil, and all theater companies are experiencing the anxiety of the pandemic." To that end, Young said, ASC has engaged mediators from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. "We need to listen better, and we need to communicate better," he said, declining to comment directly on McSweeny's tenure. Replacing McSweeny on at least an interim basis will be four actor-managers who are familiar faces to Blackfriars audiences: Brandon Carter, John Harrell, Chris Johnston and Zoe Speas. Noting that he is an actor of color, Carter said the inclusive nature of this group signifies a sea change for ASC. "I'm very excited about that and in the agency that not just the four of us have, but the whole company," Carter said in a Zoom interview. "Now everybody has their tentacles in the room, and that's how you build the theater." Because part of every year at ASC is devoted to what's known as its "Renaissance Season" - when the actors put on a classical repertory without the guiding hand of a director - the company has experience in an actor-driven aesthetic. The plan is for a return in May or June, the company said, with "Macbeth" and "Henry V," and, soon after, "All's Well That Ends Well." In an unsettling time for a theater with multiple challenges, that last title may prove ironic, or prophetic. The Star Tribune observed the death of Rush Limbaugh with an editorial cartoon that is a variation of the old joke I first heard from Moms Mabley. They say you shouldnt say nothin about the dead unless its good, she said. Referring to her husband, she added: Hes dead. Good! By editorial cartoonist Steve Sack I think of him as Steve Sack of the cartoon could perhaps be ignored. Weve grown accustomed to his disgrace. But Star Tribune editorial editor and company vice president Scott Gillespie added his endorsement of the cartoon in the daily Opinion email to subscribers today: Good morning, Our most-read piece at Star Tribune Opinion this morning If you cant say anything nice is only seven words long. Cartoonist Steve Sack reacted to the news of Rush Limbaughs death with restraint, in my opinion, given the controversial talk show hosts impact on our culture and politics during his long and groundbreaking radio career. Some of our anonymous online commenters were quick to criticize Sack for being insensitive. Why would you post something so terrible of a person who has just passed away? Very inconsiderate of you! one wrote. But others thought the cartoon was on the mark. Considering the damage he did to public discourse, not saying anything is wildly generous, one observed. Like a bylined columnist, Sacks cartoons reflect his view of the world and not necessarily the opinions of his colleagues or his employer.But in this case, although we never discussed Limbaugh, he captured exactly what I was thinking. One commenter toward the top of the posted comments really got in the Gillespie spirit: Sending sincere thanks to whoever came up with this whole mortality deal. You really did us a service yesterday. Much-appreciated. That comment made the cut over at the Star Tribune. I commented to the effect that it was good of Gillespie to provide readers their daily reminder why so many of us hate the Star Tribune, but my comment hasnt seen the light of day over there. Im taking the liberty of letting it hang out here. JOHN adds: The Sack cartoon and Gillespie email were graceless even by the low standards of the Star Tribune. I would wager my lifes savings that Scott Gillespie has not spent a single hour listening to Rush Limbaugh, and his reference to the damage he did to public discourse is merely an expression of party loyalty. Scott chose not to post Sacks disgraceful cartoon. Here, in its place, is Michael Ramirezs comment on Rushs death, which, unlike the viciousness that rules at the Star Tribune, manifests a sense of humanity. Click to enlarge: By Paresh Dave (Reuters) - Waze has struggled to grow within Alphabet Inc's Google, the navigation app's former top executive said, renewing concerns over whether it was stifled by the search giant's $1 billion acquisition in 2013. More than 140 million drivers worldwide use Waze monthly, up from 10 million when it was acquired, according to a Wednesday blog post by Noam Bardin, who left Jan. 31 after helming Waze since 2009. But Waze usage is flat in some countries as Google Maps gets significant promotion, and Waze has lost money as it focuses on a little-used carpooling app and pursues an advertising business that barely registers within the Google empire, according to interviews with 11 former employees over the last year. Amid increased scrutiny of "killer acquisitions" designed to neutralize potential competitors, antitrust critics and U.S. lawmakers in recent months have questioned whether competition authorities failed by allowing Google to purchase Waze. "We could have probably grown faster and much more efficiently had we stayed independent," Bardin wrote, noting that Google imposed constraints on Waze and copied its ideas into Google Maps. Bardin, who has yet to be replaced, declined to comment further. In response to his blog, Google said it "invested enormously" in Waze and its community, citing increased marketing spending, and added features such as Waze Carpool, toll prices, contactless fuel payments and integration with Audible. "We wish Noam all the best with his future endeavors," it said in a statement. Former employees said Bardin tried to maintain an innovative culture by holding get-togethers apart from the rest of Google and discouraging promotion and bonus procedures popular at other Google units. But Bardin said he was naive to believe that Waze could reach its full potential within Google despite the semi-autonomy. "We ended up with the worst of both worlds - the challenges of a start-up (scale, access, distribution) with the constraints of a corporation (forced to use internal not-best-of-class systems, cost structure, politics, culture etc) all aggravated by the inability to quickly hire and fire," Bardin wrote. Story continues Google perks, including free meals, stock-based compensation and liberal leave policies crept into Waze and eroded its "startup magic," he lamented. Founded in 2008 in Israel, Waze grew popular because it crowdsourced map and traffic information from users, keeping it more updated than rivals and shaving minutes off journeys. Before the pandemic, Waze generated more than $200 million annually from fast food, retail and other ads shown throughout its app, two former employees said, but how to grow further has been a big internal debate. Some employees advocated an increased focus on advertising, but Bardin was more interested in an app Waze launched in 2016 to connect commuters with people who would pay them for rides, the sources said. Waze Carpool generated 550,000 rides in September 2019. To stoke usage last year, Bardin encouraged employers to subsidize commutes of essential workers. Results of that effort have not been disclosed. (Reporting by Paresh Dave in Oakland, California; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Richard Chang) Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help 30769 Han Yik, Head of Institutional Investors, World Economic Forum Han Yik, Head of Institutional Investors, World Economic Forum 2018 has been a tumultuous year for investors. Although economic figures have been strong for most of the year, geopolitical events have created much uncertainty and turmoil in the capital markets. However, in crisis there is always opportunity and in particular, it is more constructive to look forward than to regret the past. Given that lens, these are the two topics that institutional investors around the world need to know in the coming year. The first is pensions. Worldwide, governments, companies, and individuals have come to the realization that increases in longevity have placed tremendous strain on existing pension systems. Many countries use age 65 as a common retirement age, but that was a number that was first utilized over 80 years ago, and it was selected because the average life expectancy at the time was well below that. For example, in the United States, when Social Security was introduced in 1935 with age 65 as a retirement age, the life expectancy was only 61. As a result, many countries have begun initiating policy reforms to existing pension regulations, while employers have shifted savings and investment risks onto the employees with the shift from traditional defined benefit plans to individual defined contribution plans. To address this growing gap, institutional investors will have an important role to play. They need to keep up with changing regulations designed to address the pension crisis, and they will need to tailor their investment strategies to be able to deliver the returns needed for an ever-increasing timeframe. The good news is that current demographic trends and awareness of the pension crisis should result in continued growth in pension assets as governments realize they need more funds to shore up existing systems and individuals realize that they need to save more on their own in order to prepare for their own future. Institutional investors will be looked upon to truly be responsible and responsive stewards of peoples future income. Geopolitical concerns and market worries will always exist, but for institutional investors looking towards their long-term strategy, pensions and ESG investing provide two large opportunities for continued growth in the years ahead The second big topic institutional investors need to focus on is that of ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing. A topic that was once niche is now well into the mainstream, and again, a topic that is truly global in nature. Many of the worlds largest pension funds, from the Nordic countries to East Asia have explicitly stated that they will use ESG considerations in their investment strategies. In addition, the rising generation of millennials have proven to be much more conscious and conscientious in terms of how their savings, investments and wealth are deployed. Asset owners such as sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and endowments, whom invest on behalf of their constituents understand the responsibility of that stewardship and thus have been more vocal about these issues. It makes a lot of senseas ultra long-term investors, they have a vested fiduciary interest that the companies they invest in are growing in a sustainable manner. In fact, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) became the first pension fund in the world to issue green bonds this past June. Many asset managers have already responded by tailoring new products to meet this growing demandone need only scan the headlines of financial news sites to see the proliferation of new ESG index ETFs and sustainable-investing ETFs. There are some challenges, however. The two key ones are 1) defining good ESG practices; and 2) measuring ESG compliance. The environmental aspect is perhaps the easiest in a sensecarbon emissions, pollution, etc. these are all things that can be measured and quantified. With governance, it becomes trickier. While there are certainly some commonly accepted ideas involving best practices, measurement of governance can be harder to track. Lastly, the Ssocial measures are the least well defined and also can vary depending on geographical and regional perspectives. What is required is a common framework so that there can be an agreed-upon framework to be able to evaluate these metrics. Geopolitical concerns and market worries will always exist, but for institutional investors looking towards their long-term strategy, pensions and ESG investing provide two large opportunities for continued growth in the years ahead. Perhaps it is possible to do well by doing good. See Also: Top Capital Markets Technology Solution Companies Top Capital Markets Technology Consulting/Services Companies 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 Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Its nearly two months since turbulence erupted around China Huarong Asset Management Co.At the end of March, its 4% perpetual dollar bond was trading at 102 cents on the dollar as investors figured the January execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for bribery put a line under past wayward behavior. But the failure of the company to release 2020 results by a March 31 deadline, and a subsequent report by mainland media Caixin that the firm will restructure, sparked weeks of turmoil. The same bond is now at 57 cents.The heart of the matter is whether the central government will rescue a state-owned company thats integral to the smooth running of the financial system. While there are signs Beijing wants to ensure China Huarong can repay its debts on time, uncertainty prevails.Heres a look at the key events for China Huarong:May 28The company has wired funds to repay $978 million of notes maturing within the following week, according to Bloomberg News, the biggest bond payment since the 2020 results delay.May 27Liang Qiang, who currently heads another bad-debt manager, is on track to become president of China Huarong, reports Bloomberg News.May 24China Huarong dollar bonds climb after the managing editor of Caixin Media wrote in an opinion piece that the asset manager is nowhere near defaulting on its more than $20 billion of offshore notes.May 21Some of China Huarongs thinly traded onshore bonds slump after having held up better than the companys dollar-denominated notes, signaling broadening concern about the firms financial health.May 18China Huarong has transferred funds to repay a $300 million note maturing May 20, Bloomberg News reports, the first dollar bond to come due since the delayed 2020 results. Prices for the firms dollar bonds slump earlier in the day after the New York Times reports China is planning an overhaul that would inflict significant losses on both domestic and foreign China Huarong bondholders.May 17The company has reached funding agreements with state-owned banks to ensure it can repay debt through at least the end of August, by which time China Huarong aims to have completed its 2020 financial statements, according to a Bloomberg News report. That as at least two of its onshore bonds see big price declines in recent days, worrying some investors.May 13The firm says its prepared to make future bond payments and has seen no change in the level of government support, seeking to ease investor concerns after a local media report that regulators balked at China Hurarongs restructuring plan.May 6The company says it transferred funds to pay five offshore bond coupons due the following day, its latest move to meet debt obligations amid persistent doubts about its financial health.April 30China Huarong breaks its silence, with an executive telling media it is prepared to make its bond payments and state backing remains intact. The official also says the weeks rating downgrades have no factual basis and are too pessimistic.April 29Moodys Investor Service downgrades China Huarong by one notch to Baa1, adding the firm remains on watch for further downgrade. The cut reflects the companys weakened funding ability due to market volatility and increased uncertainty over its future, according to the statement.April 27China Huarong units repay bonds maturing that day. The S$600 million ($450 million) bond was repaid with funds provided by Chinas biggest state-owned bank, according to a Bloomberg News report.April 26Fitch Ratings downgrades China Huarong by three notches to BBB while dropping the companys perpetual bonds into junk territory. The lack of transparency over government support for the firm may hamper its ability to refinance debt in offshore markets, Fitch said.April 25China Huarong says it wont meet an April 30 deadline to file its 2020 report with Hong Kongs stock exchange because auditors needed more time to finalize a transaction the company first flagged on April 1. Securities and asset-management units said in the days before that they wouldnt release 2020 results by months end.April 22The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission asks lenders to extend China Huarongs upcoming loans by at least six months, according to REDD, citing two bankers from large Chinese commercial lenders.April 21China is considering a plan that would see its central bank assume more than 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) of China Huarong assets to help clean up the firms balance sheet, according to a Bloomberg News report. Peer China Cinda Asset Management Co. was said to be planning the sale of perpetual bonds in the second quarter.April 20China Huarongs key offshore financing unit says it returned to profitability in the first quarter and laid a solid foundation for transformation. Reorg Research reports that regulators are considering options including a debt restructuring of the unit, China Huarong International Holdings Ltd.April 19Huarong Securities Co. says it wired funds to repay a 2.5 billion yuan local note.April 16The CBIRC says China Huarongs operations are normal and that the firm has ample liquidity. These are the first official comments about the companys troubles. Reuters reports Chinese banks have been asked not to withhold loans to Huarong.April 13Fitch and Moodys both put the company on watch for downgrade. The finance ministry, which owns a majority of Huarong, is considering the transfer of its stake to a unit of the countrys sovereign wealth fund, Bloomberg News reports. Chinese officials signal they want failing local government financing vehicles to restructure or go bust if debts cant be repaid.April 9China Huarong says it has been making debt payments on time and its operations are normal. Bloomberg News reports the company intends to keep Huarong International as part of a potential overhaul that would avoid the need of a debt restructuring or government recapitalization. S&P Global Ratings puts China Huarongs credit ratings on watch for possible downgrade.April 8China Huarong is preparing to offload non-core and loss-making units as part of a broad plan to revive profitability that would avoid the need for a debt restructuring or government recapitalization, Bloomberg News reports.April 6Selling gains steam in China Huarongs dollar bonds, following a holiday in China. Huarong Securities says there has been no major change to its operations, in response to a price plunge for its 3 billion yuan local bond.April 1China Huarong announces a delay in releasing 2020 results, saying its auditor is unable to finalize a transaction. Stock trading is suspended and spreads jump on the firms dollar bonds while China Huarong tells investors its business is running as usual. Caixin reports the company submitted restructuring and other major reform plans to government officials and shareholders.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Barnes' People (originaltheatreonline.com) Verdict: Power to the people Rating: He never became a national treasure, but about the same time Alan Bennett's Talking Heads were launched on TV in the 1980s, playwright Peter Barnes had his own set of one-person vignettes on telly. Back then, they starred Jeremy Irons, Judi Dench, Alan Rickman and Antony Sher. Now they have been brilliantly revived with Matthew Kelly, Jemma Redgrave, Jon Culshaw and Adrian Scarborough. He never became a national treasure, but about the same time Alan Bennett's Talking Heads were launched on TV in the 1980s, playwright Peter Barnes had his own set of one-person vignettes on telly. Pictured: From left, Jon Culshaw, Matthew Kelly, Jemma Redgrave and Adrian Scarborough in Barnes' People I hesitate to call them 'monologues' because that has become a euphemism for 'dull'. When handled well, however, they can be a heady cocktail of intimacy, empathy and comedy. At any rate, Barnes had a cheeky turn of phrase and a gift for characterisation that makes them a joy to revisit not least thanks to Philip Franks's videos, shot at Windsor's Theatre Royal for the unflaggingly resourceful Original Theatre Company. In Losing Myself, Kelly plays a rueful old man chatting to a friend who lies buried in a cemetery marked for redevelopment. He laments a life during which he has lost a wife, a medical career, hope, heart and a sense of self. But if that sounds like a bleak tale, it's not, lifted as it is by Kelly's gentle, avuncular charm. Redgrave, meanwhile, plays an exhausted care-home owner who feels swamped by the tide of old folks abandoned at her end-of-life institutions; and depressed by the fact that most appear to think they don't deserve any better. In Losing Myself, Kelly (pictured) plays a rueful old man chatting to a friend who lies buried in a cemetery marked for redevelopment Yet this, too, is a touching tale of a longing for love and respect. In Billy & Me, Culshaw uses his vocal skills to play a middle-aged ventriloquist so low 'he can't even entertain a doubt'. His puppet-dummies including a barking Major, a larky Irishman, a sweet old lady and a teasing alter ego try to lift his spirits by becoming an outlet for his torment. Once more, though; far from being depressing, it's another fortifying and inventive turn. In Billy & Me, Culshaw uses his vocal skills to play a middle-aged ventriloquist so low 'he can't even entertain a doubt' My pick, though, is Adrian Scarborough, playing a royal footman in A True Born Englishman. The original starred Sher but was deemed too close to the bone in the 1980s and never broadcast. It's a hilariously tongue-in-cheek portrait of a 'Keeper Of The First Door' at Buckingham Palace. Scarborough recalls a crisis with a sweaty hand on a slippery royal door knob, and the personal injuries occasioned by 30 years of bowing and scraping. Prices start at 10 for each 25-minute show, or 20 for the lot. Not cheap, but worth it. The Year Of Magical Thinking (audible.co.uk) Verdict: Let your eyes rest in peace Rating: Should your eyes, like mine, ache to be set free from the jailhouse of your screens, it's worth having a rummage among the audio plays on the Amazon app Audible (try a 30-day free trial). I was glad this week to close my lids and listen to Vanessa Redgrave perform the adaptation of Joan Didion's autobiography, The Year Of Magical Thinking. Although it's ostensibly about grieving for her husband, John Gregory Dunne (who wrote the screenplay for A Star Is Born), the story's magic lies in dodging the reality of her loss by weaving a tapestry of memory that serves to disguise her pain. Redgrave's quivering voice makes the tale a balm for the ears as much as the peepers. All On Her Own (stream.theatre) Verdict: Dee's a delight but the story is slight Rating: I'm usually delighted to see Janie Dee. But not even she can redeem Terence Rattigan's solo show All On Her Own. It's a story about a widow, in 1960s Hampstead, who fears her husband has killed himself on account of her social ambitions. Dee brings her husband's voice to life convincingly, if not their relationship, but the story kindles little sympathy. Strictly one for the archives. I'm usually delighted to see Janie Dee (pictured). But not even she can redeem Terence Rattigan's solo show All On Her Own The Color Purple (curveonline.co.uk) Verdict: Celie the survivor Rating: Having seen off a legal challenge from Seyi Omooba, the actor originally cast as their leading lady, Curve Online triumph again on stage with a really impressive revival of the musical based on Alice Walker's novel about a young woman in America's Deep South struggling to find her self-esteem. The cast of The Color Purple. Curve Online triumph again on stage with a really impressive revival of the musical based on Alice Walker's novel As heroine Celie, T'Shan Williams is a model of tenacity abused first by her stepfather and then her husband. Out of that suffering, Williams cultivates a performance of radiant dignity magnified by a voice that ranges from tender duets to lung-busting soul numbers. The show isn't just about suffering, though, and Carly Mercedes Dyer provides joie de vivre, in the shape of showgirl Shug Avery, who saves Celie. The music shadows Celie's life through the first part of the 20th century, running from blues to soul, gospel to jazz and a whole lot of R'n'B. Tinuke Craig's fluent production uses the Curve's empty auditorium to heighten the theatricality, while Mark Smith's choreography adds style and swagger, with raunchy solo turns and ecstatic company numbers. The only thing missing is (you guessed it) an audience! P.M. Loading Indeed, Labors quest for seats has led to some interesting alliances in the past week. Strange bedfellows The Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party have previously blocked key legislation for Labor, such as its attempts to lock-up the Roe 8 and 9 road reserve through Beeliar Wetlands in green tape, nationalise the lobster industry, and introduce a gold tax. So it makes it difficult to take Mr McGowan seriously when he bats away concerns of his sides deal with SFF while laying into the Liberals for ranking One Nation high in its preferences. The Premier does not seem to be a fan of the preference swap with SFF, but the logic he uses that Labor would not water down gun control, while simultaneously giving a leg-up to a party that wants to, is not compatible. The Liberals may not support all of One Nations policies, but just like Labor theyll take the votes where they can get them. Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup made a big show about his party putting what he deemed anti-vaxxer parties Health Australia Party, No Mandatory Vaccination Party, and the Great Australia Party at the bottom of the Liberals preferences. No Mandatory Vaccination, which says it is not anti-vaccination, is pushing for the COVID-19 jab not to be forced upon people against their will. One Nation meanwhile, which was placed only two parties behind Liberal candidates on some of the latters group tickets, has a health policy that sounds similar and a little loose as it wants to support peoples right to make informed choices in regards to medical treatment and vaccinations. Facebook = North Korean dictator Mr McGowans comparison between the global web giant and the despot of the technologically challenged hermit kingdom did not pull any punches. The Bureau of Meteorology and Department of Fire and Emergency Services were both caught up in the Facebook blackout of media organisations in Australia on Thursday, which raised concerns about the availability of critical information for WA users. The sudden shake-up of the media landscape by Facebook is a timely reminder that a lot of organisations like BoM and DFES have their own websites which are better to monitor directly in an emergency rather than through social media. Those two government department pages were soon back up and running on Facebook, as was Mr Kirkup, who was momentarily blocked, unlike Mr McGowan. Mr McGowan didnt get off lightly though; livestreams of the Premiers daily press conferences are gone from Facebook, given the outlets which usually do it could not run the footage. Those livestreams can have audiences of tens to hundreds of thousands, and always start with a completely unedited run of about 10 minutes where Mr McGowan can say whatever he wants. Zak Kirkups Myspace page. Credit:Myspace Mr Kirkup took his social media strategy in another direction when he pivoted to Myspace a popular social media site in the mid-late 2000s as a joke in the short time he was kicked off Facebook. Not in my backyard Loading The Liberal energy plan may have rankled traditional voters for the party (and even several sitting opposition MPs caught unawares by the policy), but theyre trying to reel the golden triangle and safe seat crowd back in with an anti-development policy. Anti-development in the sense the scheme seeks to limit in-fill targets for the metropolitan area to within the City of Perth, increase the DAP minimum project cost thresholds, and put height and location limits on building flats in the suburbs. Property Council of WA executive director Sandra Brewer said she was concerned such reforms would add time and cost to projects. It is unclear what has motivated todays announcement calling for planning system reform that stands up for our suburbs, she said. Property Council research released last year shows that 74 per cent of Perth residents arent opposed to medium-density living in their suburb and are seeking the benefits it provides, including safety, a sense of community and housing choice. Opposition planning spokesman Tjorn Sibma said its policy was designed to improve how the community was treated by the planning system and authorities. [Planning Minister Rita Saffioti] has turned a blind eye to inappropriate scatter-gun infill developments in the suburbs. The Premier has derided opponents of inappropriate infill as NIMBYs, he said. We urgently need to restore public trust in our planning system. We can accommodate a growing population and achieve our full economic potential while respecting community perspectives about policies that affect their homes, families and immediate neighbourhoods. The Liberals are spamming seats like South Perth and the western suburbs with the new policy as the party looks like it could be on a hiding to nothing this election. Loading A hiding in that they might lose a lot of seats and nothing in the sense they may not end up with any. Nationals apologise to former deputy In a week where horrendous rape allegations raised questions over the work environment and power dynamics in federal Parliament, the Nationals in WA made their own apology over claims of bullying and harassment raised by former deputy leader Jacqui Boydell late last year. State President Steve Blyth admitted this week the party needed better processes for dealing with such complaints and apologised to Ms Boydell for shortcomings in the system which had caused her distress. Ms Boydell welcomed the changes and said she hoped the party could demonstrate the core values of the people it represented. I dont think that the behaviour that I was experiencing from some people reflected the standards of a modern and professional organisation and that better processes were required for dealing with these matters, she said. The state of play come March 13 A huge field of 788 candidates running across 19 political parties and as independents will contest the election, a more than 10 per cent increase on 2017 numbers. When enrolments closed, there were 1.7 million West Australians registered to vote, which was a 7.75 per cent increase from the election four years ago. There will be democracy sausages in 2021* *Pending no further COVID-19 community outbreaks, the Chief Health Officer has confirmed snags are on the menu. Hash on the hustings? There is a party running this election called Legalise Cannabis WA but given they dont have any sitting parliamentarians it seems one punter may be a bit ahead of the curve, as spotted by ABC Perth state political maven Jacob Kagi. The promises you might have missed this week The Liberals spent most of the week spruiking their party-polarising energy plan from last Thursday but also made a series of minor electorate announcements worth more than $200 million. Most of these promises were in marginal seats as both major parties got into a pork-barreling contest with just one week until early voting starts. Over in Hillarys, opposition police spokesman Peter Katsambanis looks to be getting a tad nervous with $38.9 million of commitments in the past week three-quarters of those going towards upgrades at Duncraig Senior High School. Labor candidate Caitlin Collins matched an old Liberal promise for $15 million towards a Kallaroo primary school and came up with an $8 million redevelopment of Sorrento Surf Live Saving Club facilities, which the opposition quickly confirmed it would also back. Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup is hoping to shore up the pro-dolphin vote in Dawesville. Credit:Frank Redward In Darling Range, the biggest promise from Labors Hugh Jones was $22 million for local schools, while sitting MP Alyssa Hayden hit back with a $4 million youth centre in Byford and a $15 million police station, although the latter fits into an old $60 million commitment by the Liberals. In Jandakot, the Liberals put up $37 million for a sports complex in Canning Vale, which trumps the $10 million support from Labor. Kalamunda was a war of smaller community grants between Labor MP Matthew Hughes and his challenger Liam Staltari. The Liberals even put up more than $5 million for Murray-Wellington, which becomes a tougher seat to pick up on the back of Labors job-killers campaign taking aim at the oppositions plan to shut down coal-fired power stations. One interesting wrinkle was $26 million promised for Como Secondary College on Saturday by South Perth Liberal candidate Ryan Chorley running in place of retiring MP John McGrath in what is thought to be a relatively safe seat for the party. As a side note, the media get invited to one or two election events by Labor and the Liberals at this point in the race, but no such press conferences were held for some of these sizeable promises. We still got a callout, however, to hear Mr Kirkup reveal a plan to spend $250,000 on a jet-ski and ranger to protect Mandurah dolphins. When it comes to the bigger picture, Labor have promised about $2 billion, of which about half has been checked off by Treasury so far as the party has started to submit its costings on a weekly basis. The Liberal Party, meanwhile, have racked up more than $5 billion of promises. The wife of Irelands chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, has died after a long illness (Brian Lawless/PA) The wife of Irelands chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, has died after a long illness. Dr Emer Holohan (nee Feely) had been living with a terminal form of blood cancer since 2012. Dr Holohan took time off work last summer after she entered palliative care in early July. Dr Feely was a specialist in public health medicine and a medical graduate of UCD. She died at Our Ladys Hospice, Harolds Cross, Dublin, in the company of her husband and children. Her children are Clodagh and Ronan. Her funeral will take place at St Pius X Church on Monday. Hi, We are 6th year students from @TerenureCollege raising money for the Irish Cancer Society and Our Lady Hospice in Harolds Cross by either shaving or dying our hair. Both of these charities are very close to our hearts and any donations would be massively appreciated. Thanks TerenureCollege6thyear (@Terenure6thyear) February 11, 2021 Her death notice said that she died peacefully on Friday at the hospice in the company of her husband and children. It added: Emer will be forever remembered by the Holohan and Feely families and her wide circle of dear friends. Her request is for family flowers only and donations if desired to Terenure College 6th year Gofundme campaign in aid of The Irish Cancer Society and Our Ladys Hospice. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said his thoughts were with the family. Dr Emer Holohan made a significant contribution to the health service, including her work on the Health Strategy when I was Minister for Health. Tony and his entire family have given so much to this country since the start of the pandemic. At this time, I would ask for as much space and privacy to be given to them as possible. Dr Holohan has been the public face of the States response to the unprecedented public health emergency. More than 4,000 people have died with Covid-19. Stormont health minister Robin Swann said: This is tragic news this evening and I want to send my deepest sympathies to Dr Holohan, his children Clodagh and Ronan, and the entire family circle at this terrible time. I know there will be tremendous support and compassion for them from everyone in Northern Ireland. Northern Irelands chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, said he was deeply saddened. I have worked very closely with Tony and his colleagues for many years and particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. I have greatly admired his fortitude, leadership and dedication to his duties while supporting Emer throughout her illness, he said. Opalesque Industry Update - Quantumrock, the AI-driven investment manager based in Munich, has hired Thomas Kemming as its Head of Institutional Client Relations. Thomas has over 26 years of experience working in the asset management industry. He has held various positions ranging from securities specialist, to derivatives trader, and more recently as a portfolio manager and chief investment officer. Thomas spent eleven years at Merck Finck working in senior leadership positions as their chief investment officer and later, head of professional clients. Before joining Merk Finck, Thomas spent seven years in derivatives sales and trading at HypoVereinsbank, and in the last three years set-up and established a private family office. In his new role at Quantumrock, Thomas will be responsible for obtaining and keeping mandates with large family offices and institutional clients. He will further strengthen the already well-positioned DACH business around the experienced ex Merril Lynch, HVB, DB Private Wealth Management and former family office head, Nadine Korehnke. Thomas Kemming, Head of Institutional Client Relations at Quantumrock commented: "As a growing innovator in asset management using their approach to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, I'm excited to be joining Quantumrock at this stage of their journey. Quantumrock is an expert at providing high-level solutions to investors with high investment volumes. I look forward to joining a great team to help drive our client relationships across Germany and Europe." Stefan Tittel, CEO of Quantumrock commented: "After a record year for Quantumrock in 2020, it's wonderful to have Thomas joining our group of specialists based in Munich. Having Thomas on board is fundamental to our growth strategy which is to continue to grow our client franchise in the institutional market and across family offices. With Thomas, it is safe to say that we have hired an expert with a track record of success in winning new mandates across DACH." 28630 Terry Gore, Director, Financial Services & Fintech Terry Gore, Director, Financial Services & Fintech Ohios financial services industry reaches people all around the world. The state is home to the fifth largest financial services sector in the country with Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies like Huntington, KeyBank, Fifth Third Bank, Progressive and Nationwide, as well as major operational centers for JPMorgan Chase and State Farm. Theres also a burgeoning fintech and insurtech startup ecosystem that has incubated disrupters to the likes of CoverMyMeds. When you combine these resources with some of the nations top tech talent, its clear that theres something cooking in the Buckeye state. This unique equation coupled with significant statewide investments, collaborative partnerships and operational expenses at half the cost of states such as New York and California has created a formula for Ohios financial services companies to lead the way in technological advancements and applications. Blockchain In August 2018, Ohio adopted legislation recognizing the use of blockchain technology to save and secure electronic records in an array of industries. This achievement emphasizes the importance of having informed policymakers who understand the opportunities and community benefits that new, cutting-edge technologies can provide. Ohio-based SafeChain has now set the tone for practical application of the technology with its SafeWire product, which helps real estate companies close deals faster while decreasing fraudulent liabilities faced by title-service professionals. Now, the technology that was most commonly discussed as the driver behind bitcoin just 18 months ago has a real and practical application thats being used to solve a $400 million fraud problem in the real estate industry. The Columbus-based startup also recently performed its first title transaction with the Columbus auditors office using blockchain. The process was complete in just 30 seconds. Blockchain is also one of the key focus areas for JPMorgan Chases finlab, an innovative fintech collaboration effort supported by Jobs Ohio and Otterbein University. The potential for blockchain to improve much-needed security, cut down on current manual processes, and give customers more control and visibility into how transactions are completed is tremendous. Many financial firms across the state have expanded their investment portfolios to include blockchain-based companies and are investing in research to explore blockchain, while others are putting internal teams and partnerships in place to investigate and implement the technology. Check Out: Top Fintech Companies Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are also having a significant impact on the banking and insurance industries in Ohio. And though the fundamentals of artificial intelligence have been around for years, the implementation of the technology is just starting to accelerate, benefited by the advances in cloud computing and data process efficiencies. Upstart Network Inc., a Silicon Valley-based company that created the first lending platform leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to price credit and to automate the borrowing process, recently chose Columbus for its new research and development center. The new centerwill help Upstart establish more of a national footprint and also benefit from Ohios skilled technology workforce at half of the Silicon Valley costs. Innovation Labs and Partnerships Its not just the startups that are innovating. Traditional companies of all sizes are recognizing the need for industry advancing technologies that allow them to offer better products, services and experiences for customers. As a result, innovation labs and unique partnerships are emerging across Ohio and being utilized to rethink business operations, improve efficiencies, and identify emerging needs and opportunities with customers. In 2017, Fifth Third Bank added a new innovation lab to its offices in Cincinnati that redefines what its like to work in the financial services industry and in a traditional office setting. And in September 2018, JPMorgan Chase inked a unique partnership with Otterbein University and Jobs Ohio to establish a finlab research and development center on the schools campus. There, employees in a variety of disciplines work directly with students to think outside the box and develop real-world solutions to challenges. BMW Financial Services, headquartered in Hilliard, Ohio, recently launched a Collaboration Lab, partnering with the UK-based innovation firm L Marks. The nations eighth largest auto insurer, Nationwide, announced plans in 2018 to build a 31,000-square-foot innovation center in the heart of Columbus, where it will work to develop new ways to help members protect themselves and plan for a financially secure future. Financial Services and Tech Talent The continued growth of Ohios financial services sector requires a highly skilled workforce. With 220,000 Ohioans working in the industry, Ohios banking and insurance leaders and growing startups have tapped into the states roster of highly acclaimed colleges and universities that produce nearly 45,000 financial services graduates each year. Continuing to prime this pipeline of talent and to harness the potential of our future workers will be the key to sustaining the growth and change happening in the industry. More and more companies are strategically partnering with Ohios learning institutions to navigate the landscape of innovation and change. Ohios business-friendly climate provides an optimal environment for financial services businesses large and small to thrive. As I travel domestically and abroad, Im honored to hear from people about the exciting momentum Ohios companies are achieving. Ohio has all the ingredients to become the tech location of choice for financial services in the U.S., similar to how Ireland is for Europe. The existing financial services ecosystem, business-savvy regulators, cost-efficient operational expenses and the abundant millennial talent are all in place here to welcome those interested in a soft landing and strong growth in Ohio. See Also: Top FINTECH Companies Top FINTECH Consulting Companies You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Public health officials last night recommended that the government take a very cautious approach to reopening over the coming months. The suggestions are that this will mean that a partial reopening of schools from the start of March will be the only easing to be permitted in the short-term, with a more substantial easing delayed until the end of April or possibly into May. While it was anticipated that construction would be allowed to open from early March, this timeline is now under threat based upon the ultra-cautious approach that the government is taking. Goodbody Stockbrokers says Ireland has taken a more cautious approach to restrictions than most other countries since the start of the pandemic, while the latest batch of decisions is likely to be influenced by both the higher transmissibility of the new strains and the spike in cases that followed the reopening around Christmas. According to Goodbody Stockbrokers, "The rebound looks like it will now be delayed by a few weeks at least but will be compensated somewhat by an extension of government supports. The light at the end of the tunnel is the prospect of a ramping up of vaccinations from April onwards." Source: www.businessworld.ie 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. 24955 Chris Knight, Director, Marketing, Lightower Chris Knight, Director, Marketing, Lightower More and more of the worlds citizens are moving to cities. The United Nations says by 2050, the worlds urban populations will increase by 2.5 billion people, a phenomenon known as urbanization. U.S. Census figures show nearly two-thirds of the United States population currently lives in an urban area. And that number is expected to explode. Cities around the world are on track to face many challenges when it comes to meeting the needs of their growing populations. The way city leaders plan infrastructure, transportation, energy, education and health care will be crucial as those leaders work to meet those needs. As those changes are planned and adjustments are made, many cities are looking to incorporate technology. The idea of the smart city was first introduced by Professor Rudolf Giffinger of the Vienna University of Technology in Austria a decade ago. Many urban areas have embraced the idea, but bringing the concept to fruition can be challenging from several perspectives. First, defining exactly what makes a city smart is difficult because the concept runs the gamut. It could include components like leak sensors on city water lines, solar street lights, smart parking meters, even air quality sensors that provide details to asthma sufferers in real time. While there are many definitions, in general, the smart city concept has grown with technological advances in a few key areas: the Internet of Things (IoT), virtualization (including cloud computing), advanced sensor technology and the widespread availability of smart phones with apps that make collection of, and access to data faster and easier. Lightower Fiber Networks operates all-fiber metro networks that blanket cities with high-performance, universal connectivity It is clear though, that the smart city industry will play a large role in the future of the planet. According to McKinsey research, the industry is projected to be a $400 billion market by 2020, with 600 cities worldwide expected to generate 60 percent of the world's GDP by 2025. So, who pays for these smart cities? Some funding comes in the form of government grants, so the short answer is taxpayers. Public/private partnerships (PPPs) will be the biggest key to smart city growth, and there are signs the private sector is more than ready to hop on board. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, seventy-eight cities submitted entries to a $50 million-dollar contest held by the USDOT starting in December of 2015. The 2016 Smart City Challenge charged cities to submit plans showing new technology solutions for current transportation problems. After seven finalists proposals were reviewed, the city of Columbus, Ohio was declared the winner. The city received $40 million dollars from the federal government and an additional $10 million from Seattle-based Vulcan. The USDOT has reported that since this contest, 150 additional companies and nonprofit groups have pledged as much as $500 million in support of future activities. Another example of how PPPs can work is Chicago. Last year the city launched a bold initiative aimed at collecting and sharing data through a vast array of hi-tech sensors. The project is a partnership between the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and the City of Chicago. The Array of Things is a mission to get up-to-date information to help face critical urban challenges head on. By the end of next year, the installation of 500 nodes, as these sensors are called, will be complete. The nodes, deployed throughout the city, measure and collect data on air quality, climate, traffic and more, and will act as a so-called fitness tracker for the city. The University of Chicago has a long and flourishing tradition of scholarship that engages with urban life and makes a positive impact, said Robert J. Zimmer, president of the University. The Array of Things project advances these ideals by gathering a broad scope of data about the urban environment, in a form that researchers, policymakers, and residents can use to develop innovative ways of improving our city and urban areas around the world. Barcelona, Spain ranks as a world leader in smart cities. The city has installed noise and air quality sensors, smart street lights, smart parking and Wi-Fi enabled many public areas of the city, including some beaches. A smart bus stop employs a solar powered screen with up-to-the-minute schedules. Trash cans come complete with underground vacuums that suck away garbage so cans never overflow. In other parts of the city, trash cans have sensors that will alert sanitation crews that its time to empty bins. With more readily available sensors, actuators and technology, cities around the globe can connect components citywide, impacting every layer from under streets, to the air above. With so many sensors and devices throughout a city, how is all that data collected, transported, and stored? Cloud computing is not only making it easier and more convenient to store data, its making it dramatically less expensive. Town, city, state, and federal government agencies are all taking advantage of the latest, most innovative technologies, such as cloud computing, to increase operational efficiency and better serve constituents. Connectivity to these smart devices is typically the most expensive and most logistically challenging part of deploying smart city devices and equipment. Both wireless communications and fiber optics will work together to blanket cities with connectivity options. Lightower Fiber Networks operates all-fiber metro networks that blanket cities with high-performance, universal connectivity. Since Lightowers network is so dense in the cities it serves, it can easily be leveraged to support just about any smart systems that are deployed, today and into the future. Devices can be added, services can be added, and bandwidths increased, as neededall on a network that is there today. Most cities havent even scratched the surface of what is possible in terms of being a smart city. There are many models of sustainable urbanization that cities need to examine before choosing a path. One thing is for certain, smart cities are not the wave of the future they are here today. It all starts with a core network infrastructure from which to build uponwith innovative applications, software, new technology and interconnected devicesthe possibilities are endless. Read Also Top Smart City Technology Companies Top Smart City Consulting Companies (Natural News) Barack Obama and Joe Biden have regularly said theirs was a scandal-free administration, and while the two of them lied like it was their job while in office for two terms, that one is the biggest whopper of all. Operation Fast and Furious; the IRS scandal; the lies about Obamacare; Benghazi, where they left Americans to die; and finally Spygate/Russian collusion hoax. There were many others, but those are the high spots. Now, just a few weeks into his regime, Bidens administration is suffering through its own scandals. According to a report by Vanity Fair, deputy press secretary TJ Ducklo, who was Bidens campaign press secretary, threatened Politico reporter Tara Palmeri when she discovered he was having a romantic relationship with another female reporter with Axios, Alexi McCammond. Yes, thats right: Of all the women in the world, a Biden press secretary settled on a romance with a mainstream media reporter. What could go wrong? And were told the Democratic media arent in bed with Democratic regimes. How wrong literally. Vanity Fair noted: The confrontation began on Inauguration Day, January 20, after Palmeri, a coauthor of Politicos Playbook, contacted McCammond for comment while one of her male colleagues left a message for Ducklo, according to sources. [] But instead of calling the male reporter who initially contacted him, Ducklo tried to intimidate Palmeri by phone in an effort to kill the story. I will destroy you, Ducklo told her, according to sources, adding that he would ruin her reputation if she published it. During the off-the-record call, Ducklo made derogatory and misogynistic comments, accusing Palmeri of only reporting on his relationshipwhich, due to the ethics questions that factor into the relationship between a journalist and White House official, falls under the purview of her reporting beatbecause she was jealous that an unidentified man in the past had wanted to f**k McCammond and not you. Ducklo also accused Palmeri of being jealous of his relationship with McCammond. The dust-up has led to punishment though. Sort of. TJ Ducklo has apologized to the reporter, with whom he had a heated conversation about his personal life, White House press secretary Jen Psaki, whom Ducklo answers to, said in a statement. He is the first to acknowledge this is not the standard of behavior set out by the President. In addition to his initial apology, he has sent the reporter a personal note expressing his profound regret. With the approval of the White House Chief of Staff, he has been placed on a one-week suspension without pay. In addition, when he returns, he will no longer be assigned to work with any reporters at Politico, she added. Wow. One week. How will he ever come back from this? In fact, the lack of real punishment just compounds the scandal, especially given what Biden said last month he would fire any appointees if they mistreated a colleague, no ifs, ands, or buts. In a January 21 video conference, Biden assured staff that he will lead an administration with core American values featuring humility and trust. Everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity, Biden said. Thats been missing in a big way the last four years. I am not joking when I say this if you ever work with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect talk down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot on the spot. No ifs, ands, or buts, the president warned. So much for that. Again, that lie compounds this scandal. As for Ducklo, hes not said anything publicly as of yet, and neither has Palmeri. But its barely been three weeks and already Bidens regime is imploding. Who knew? See more reporting like this at Corruption.news. Sources include: VanityFair.com NaturalNews.com New Delhi, Feb 19 : As invite-only audio conversation app Clubhouse gains popularity, cyber security experts warned on Friday that hackers can distribute malicious code under the guise of fake applications to join the platform. There are privacy concerns because Clubhouse works with a Shanghai-based company called Agora to provide real-time audio technology support. The firm is headquartered in Shanghai and Silicon Valley. Denis Legezo, security expert at cyber-security firm Kaspersky, said that there are two main concerns here -- the sale of invites and fake applications. "Both scenarios are united by one thing -- the desire to exploit users' interest in the social platform," he said in a statement. The first scenario is simply monetisation on a small scale. "However, the second scenario is more serious. Attackers can distribute malicious code under the guise of popular software - for instance, a fake version of Clubhouse for Android," Legezo emphasised. "A fake malicious application can do exactly what you allow it to do in the security settings of your Android -- to get a rough or accurate location of the device, record audio and video, attain access to messengers, etc.," he warned. Melissa Chan, a Hong Kong-American broadcast journalist, gave a talk on Clubhouse on February 4 about Beijing's overseas influence campaigns. According to The Star, she found out that "the conversation was surreptitiously recorded by individuals who sympathized with Chinese Communist Party actions". "The security repercussions could be as benign as nothing happening to users, to police in their country detaining a Clubhouse user because of something they said. Even if absolutely nothing happens to a user living in an authoritarian country, keep in mind that that person lives with the uncertainty of not knowing if something might happen in the future," Chan was quoted as saying in the report. Some more unusual tricks are also possible on Clubhouse. "For instance, if attackers implement the capacity to record audio, and this function is allowed on the device, they would be able to use high quality recordings to train their machine algorithms, to create more sophisticated deep fakes," Legezo commented. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Agora has said it does not "store any end-user data". In its last blog post late last month, Clubhouse which has seen over 8 million users on Apple devices, said user safety has always been a top priority for them. "This means scaling up our Trust & Safety and Support teams as we grow, continuing to invest in advanced tools to detect and prevent abuse, and increasing the features and training resources available to moderators," it said. South Korea has earned international plaudits as a model for its success in COVID-19 mitigation. Employing systematic approaches for testing, contact tracing, segregation, and quarantine, South Korea has, throughout the pandemic, managed to keep infection rates very low. Compared to this success in containing transmission, South Korea has been noticeably slow in administering vaccines. In fact, as of this writing, not a single Korean citizen has been immunized. Vaccinations in South Korea arent scheduled to begin until February 26, The Diplomat writes. In recent weeks, mounting public pressure motivated the South Korean government to follow in the footsteps of other nations and finalize vaccine import agreements. These agreements were struck at the end of January with several companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, securing enough vaccine to inoculate all Korean citizens. Despite the progress, many were left wondering: why did the government wait so long? It seems likely that the move toward imports signaled a significant strategy shift, perhaps one that the government was even reluctant to make. Although it is always difficult, as an observer in the public domain, to peer into the minds of government officials, it seems likely that the preferred strategy prior to these agreements was one emphasizing domestic production. In the decade preceding the pandemic, South Korea experienced a boom in drug and medical supply production. Generic drugs were especially popular, precipitating substantial export agreements with both the European Union and United States. Since 2014, the value of South Korean drug and medical exports roughly doubled, from $2.4 billion to $4.8 billion by 2019. Incidentally, it was also this domestic industry that allowed South Korea to quickly address its mask shortage during the spring of 2020, with government authorities coordinating with domestic manufacturers to resupply the entire country in a matter of weeks. Coupled with growing confidence in its ability to mitigate virus dissemination, the South Korean government, beginning in the summer of 2020, embarked on a very aggressive strategy of connecting its domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers with foreign vaccine companies, cementing licensing agreements for domestic production. In July 2020, for example, SK-Biosciences reached an agreement with AstraZeneca. In August, a similar deal was struck with Novavax. In addition to licensing foreign vaccines, the South Korean government was also keen on encouraging domestic invention. Unfortunately, these latter efforts have lagged behind foreign competitors, precipitating doubts about Korean-invented vaccines being available in 2021. Whether through foreign or domestic patents, domestic vaccine production offers several important advantages. First is quality control. Countries like the U.K., which are importing vaccines from abroad, have virtually no authority or oversight over the production process. This essentially forces those countries to rely on safety standards set and enforced in other nations. Although most would agree standards in the United States and Germany are robust, the same can not be said for all countries currently exporting or expected to export COVID-19 vaccines. This lack of oversight essentially eliminates direct protection against faulty products, something the South Korean government was likely determined to avoid if possible, by distributing vaccines manufactured under domestic scrutiny. Closely related to quality is legal liability. Here too, the United Kingdom caused quite a stir by being the first country to grant Pfizer legal indemnity protection, preventing the company from being sued by U.K. patients in the event of unanticipated medical complications. Although Pfizers vaccine does seem safe so far, there is always the possibility that there may be unanticipated long-term side effects. This raises an important ethical issue about whether companies should even be allowed to request immunity in exchange for vaccine sales. Such immunity essentially leaves citizens unprotected if negative consequences arise, forcing individuals or the state to foot any subsequent bills. This too is likely something the South Korean government wanted to avoid, if possible. The third advantage is enhanced availability. If a country can produce its own vaccine under a Pfizer or Moderna license, it would be able to fully vaccinate its population much faster than it would by competing with other nations for limited international supplies. Even this early in the global vaccination process, we have already seen many vaccine companies fail to deliver on their supply schedules, suggesting the tentative November 2021 target South Korean authorities announced as their desired deadline for herd immunity may be difficult to achieve with imports alone. Prices are another area where domestic production offers advantages. Governments always have greater leverage to negotiate favorable terms when negotiating with domestic companies as opposed to foreign ones. The global scramble to bid for limited supplies also has the tendency to raise prices, a problem domestic production would help circumvent. Finally, domestic production would come with the added bonus of allowing companies to export vaccines once domestic needs have been met. Given these many advantages, South Koreas efforts during the summer seem to logically indicate the initial desired strategy was to go for a domestically oriented approach. Why then the sudden change in strategy? In the first week of November, South Korea was experiencing an average of only 120 new COVID-19 cases per day nationally. Many observers, including myself, were lulled into the impression that South Koreas aggressive mitigation procedures were so successful that they may be enough to carry a stable situation through the winter. Had this been true, South Korea may have been able to avoid the need for vaccine imports entirely. Unfortunately, the months of December and January witnessed a significant wave of new cases, peaking at a high of over 1,240 per day. Although this was still much lower than what other countries were experiencing concurrently, the spike in infections nevertheless alarmed the public, forcing the government to reevaluate its position. Hostile media criticism likely accelerated the process, even motivating the prime minister to offer a formal apology. Moving forward, it seems likely that South Koreas vaccination program will include some mix of imports with domestic products, especially if the former continue to experience delays. The second wave of December and January infections has since stabilized, with daily new cases back down to the 300s. Licensing agreements struck in 2020 remain valid and many foreign vaccine companies are already counting on South Korean firms to help them meet contractual obligations. This means South Korean companies are already set to play a significant role in contributing to global vaccine volume. Expansion of South Korean participation remains an ongoing process, with Moderna having just entered into talks last week to invest in a $200 million vaccine factory in Seoul, again highlighting South Koreas favorable position as a well-reputed pharmaceutical manufacturer. Several things do remain unclear, however. Among the uncertainties is when South Korean companies will be able to get their production online. It seems virtually certain that the first few batches of vaccine made domestically will be claimed by the South Korean government as replacements for foreign orders yet undelivered. However, the government has not yet fully specified which vaccines will be matched to recipients of which demographic, leaving open the possibility of some preferential selections later on. Another key uncertainty is the effect of COVID-19 variants on vaccine effectiveness. If modified vaccines become required to combat the variants, having an established domestic production process will significantly enhance South Koreas ability to respond quickly and distribute new vaccines sooner. Domestic production, even in a limited capacity, will likely remain an important contributor in South Koreas campaign toward herd immunity. In fact, I would predict, despite South Koreas slow start to vaccination, that the country will still be one of the first to be fully vaccinated. The speed at which this result is achieved will likely be tied intimately to the speed at which its domestic infrastructure becomes operational. 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. Rishi Sunak is facing a furious backlash from the High Street after the Treasury confirmed it is delaying the final report on its review of business rates until later this year. The Treasury blamed the delay on economic uncertainty and said it will now aim to publish the findings from its fundamental review of the property tax in the autumn. Business leaders warned that delaying reform of the 'broken system will hamper any recovery' from the coronavirus crisis. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is under fire from business leaders after the Treasury said a review of business rates is being delayed The major review of the business rates system was announced by the Chancellor at last year's Budget, with a call for evidence launched in July. Responses from the call are now 'being considered' by the Government, with plans for an interim report to be released on March 23. Retail, hospitality and leisure operators are currently benefiting from a business rates holiday for the current financial year, which will end on March 31. However, reports suggest that Mr Sunak could extend the rates holiday at the Budget on March 3. Sector bosses have called for the 11billion tax break to be extended for another year after the industry was battered by enforced closures due to the pandemic. Non-essential retail stores are currently shut due to the nationwide lockdown and are hoping to gain clarity over when they can reopen when Boris Johnson unveils his lockdown exit strategy on Monday. Retail bosses have also called on the Chancellor for a major overhaul of the rates system in order to put store-based business on 'a level-playing field' with online retailers, who have seen strong sales growth during the pandemic and pay significantly lower rates. On Thursday evening, Next boss Lord Simon Wolfson said rates for retailers on the high street should be cut by 35 per cent with the commercial property tax increased for online rival warehouses instead. Business chiefs said delaying reform of the system will 'hamper' the High Street's recovery from the coronavirus crisis Suren Thiru, head of economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Delivering fundamental change to this longstanding drag anchor on business has become only more pressing in light of Covid-19. 'Delay in reforming a broken system will hamper any recovery by exacerbating business cash flow concerns as part of the fixed cost base that firms can do little to push downward. 'The delay in the review underscores the need to urgently extend business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure and provide rates relief to all firms whose ability to generate revenues are severely impaired by the pandemic.' Moscow expelled an Estonian embassy employee in response to Tallinns declaration of a Russian diplomat persona non grata, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "Recently, Estonia groundlessly declared an employee of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn persona non grata," the diplomat said, adding that the diplomat worked on culture and education. "The Russian response came promptly. The Estonian Ambassador to Moscow was summoned [to the Foreign Ministry], where he received our decisive protest and was informed about the expulsion of one Estonian mission diplomat." According to Zakharova, Moscow consistently works to develop good-neighborly ties with neighboring states, Estonia included. "However, we realize that this requires our partners reciprocal aspiration to improve our relations," she said. "Unfortunately, Estonia once again displayed its unwillingness to overcome its completely unprovoked hostility.". You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Following the World Health Organisation's (WHO) remarks on the origin of in China's Wuhan city, Beijing has now urged the global health body to do an origin-tracing study of the virus in the United States. "(We hope) that following China's example, the US side will act in a positive, science-based and cooperative manner on the origin-tracing issue (and) invite experts in for an origin-tracing study," Wang Wenbin, Foreign Ministry spokesman, last week. Similarly, Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist at China's Center for Disease Control, said the US should now be "the focus" of global efforts to trace the virus, CNN reported. This comes after a team of experts, investigated into the origin of the COVID-19 in Wuhan, had said that there is no evidence of circulation in any animal species in During a press conference, Peter Ben Embarek, the head of the WHO mission in Wuhan, had stated four hypotheses on how the virus spread but reiterated that "laboratory incident hypothesis is extremely unlikely to explain the introduction of the virus into the human population". "Our initial findings suggest that introduction through an intermediary host species is the most likely passway and one that will require more studies and more specific targeted research ... The findings suggest that a laboratory incident hypothesis is extremely unlikely to explain the introduction of the virus into the human population," the WHO expert had said. Dismissing that the virus got leaked from Wuhan's institute of virology, Embarek had said, "We also looked at Wuhan's institute of virology ... the laboratory and the state of the laboratory, and it was very unlikely that anything could escape from such a place. We also know that lab incidents are, of course, extremely rare." The findings by the WHO were slammed by the United States, raising concerns over the possibility of the Chinese government's interference in the WHO's recent investigation into the origins of COVID-19 in Wuhan. "We have deep concerns about the way in which the early findings of the COVID-19 investigation were communicated and questions about the process used to reach them," said Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser. He had stressed on the importance of an investigation that is "free from intervention or alteration by the Chinese government" into the origin of COVID-19. "To better understand this pandemic and prepare for the next one, must make available its data from the earliest days of the outbreak," he had 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.) CHICO, Calif. - California Governor Gavin Newsom put out a pandemic relief plan proposing an almost $10 billion COVID-19 relief aid package. Newsom said his plan would give one-time $600 checks to more than five and a half million people who make less than $30,000 a year. Some undocumented immigrants that were excluded from federal COVID-19 relief payments would also get a check. If you got an Earned Income Tax Credit in 2020 you would also get a $600 check. One woman said this is helpful but thinks businesses need to open back up to really move forward. "I think it is great he is trying to help people but I think everyone needs help, especially small businesses," Katie Volpi said. "I think if he really wanted to help everybody he would just open the state." People without a Social Security Number, but who have Individual Tax Identification Numbers, make less than $75,000 a year, and did not qualify for the federal relief checks would also get $600 boosted to $1,200. That is if they qualify for the California Income Tax Credit. The state is still working out the timing of when you might see a check. Governor Gavin Newsom's pitch also has grants for struggling businesses. Under this new plan, more than 750,000 small businesses in California would be able to deduct about $150,000 in loans they received under the Paycheck Protection Plan. This also applies to firms that received Economic Injury Disaster Loans. One member of Chico's Downtown Business Association said he is glad businesses are getting help, but they still need to open. "Ultimately they are all band-aids to a wound that is not ogling to heal until all the businesses are back in business and operating fully," David Halimi said. "The government can push the wheel of the economy but in order to keep it turning all of the businesses, retail, restaurant services need to be back working full time." Halimi believes taxpayers will end up paying the price. Another part of the plan is about 59,000 restaurants and bars would not have to pay license fees for two years. Also, more than 600,000 barbering and cosmetology workers and businesses would also have their license fees waived. The plan also targets childcare for state-subsidized child care and preschool providers. The plan would add just over $400 million to provide stipends of $525 per enrolled child. This covers some 400,000 children in subsidized care statewide. The plan will extend childcare of essential workers kids through June of 2022, and funds increased access to subsidized child care for more than 8,000 children of essential workers and at-risk children who are not currently served in the system. To see the full press release of the plan click here. Lawmakers are planning to vote on this relief package quickly. You are here: World Flash The Chinese government has decided to donate 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines at Namibia's request, Chinese ambassador to Namibia Zhang Yiming said Thursday. Namibia has been listed among the priority countries for purchasing Chinese vaccines, Zhang announced at an event held in Windhoek. "This fully reflects the high-level bilateral relations between our two countries," he said, adding that the two sides are coordinating closely to deliver the vaccines to Namibia as soon as possible. "I hope it can help Namibia overcome the pandemic soon and make a tangible contribution to the construction of a global community of health," he said. Meanwhile, Zhang said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Namibia in areas such as fighting COVID-19 and promoting youth development as well as support Namibia's sustainable economic and social development. China, despite difficulties including limitation of production capacity, decided to give priority to 53 developing countries including Namibia to acquire Chinese vaccines. By end of 2021, India will be in position to vaccinate its adult population: Harsh Vardhan Harsh Vardhan appeals to healthcare, frontline workers to get vaccinated against COVID India pti-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Feb 19: Union minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to all healthcare and frontline workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as per schedule. He also said the vaccines are safe and fulfil all the criteria of immunogenicity. "I want to appeal to all healthcare and frontline workers to get inoculated with COVID-19 vaccine doses as per schedule. The vaccines are safe. Don't believe any rumour and misinformation," he said. He further said that no severe adverse event post-immunisation have been recorded in the country and those reported are also 0.0004 per cent. "No death has been recorded due to COVID-19 vaccination. All state governments have been asked to vaccinate every healthcare and frontline worker," he said. Every state/union territory have been asked to schedule all healthcare workers for vaccination at least once before February 20 and immediately thereafter organise mop-up rounds for them. Similarly, all frontline workers must be scheduled for vaccination at least once before March 6 this year and immediately thereafter organise mop-up rounds for them. The intelligence agencies in the Netherlands, Finland and Canada have expressed concern about China's and political influence in democratic countries. The Frontier Post quoted Axios as reporting that the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) in The Netherlands, last week, had released a report on threats to Dutch national security interests. The report stated that China's cyber- poses an "imminent threat" to the economy of The Netherlands, in sectors such as banking, energy and infrastructure. "Behind the scenes, is rising on the agenda of the Dutch intelligence services. Spearheaded by the AIVD and NCTV, the focus is on economic and political influence," Ties Dams, a research fellow at the Clingendael Centre at the Clingendael Institute, told Axios. "With the upcoming elections in March, this is the intelligence community signalling that has to be prioritised," said Dams. Similarly, Antti Pelttari, director of the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, said that the authoritarian countries (referring to China and Russia) are "trying to get hold of Finland's critical infrastructure". He further said that Huawei should not be allowed to build the 5G networks in Finland. Axios quoted Canadian Security Intelligence Service Director David Vigneault as saying that China is "pursuing a strategy for geopolitical advantage on all fronts -- economic, technological, political, and military -- and using all elements of state power to carry out activities that are a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty." "These activities ... cross the line by attempting to undermine our democratic processes or threaten our citizens in a covert and clandestine manner," Vigneault said. Several countries have refused to allow Chinese firm Huawei for building 5G Network amid continuous human rights abuses by Beijing authorities. In August 2018, US President Donald Trump signed a decree that barred US departments from using network equipment made by Huawei and ZTE for national security reasons. Last July, the UK government said the country's 5G networks would also be Huawei-free starting from January 2021 to the end of 2027. (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.) Colin Farrell has been added to the line up of guests at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, joining stars including Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci. The award-winning actor is a frequent festival guest and is set to participate in a discussion with festival director Grainne Humphreys. Farrell and Humphreys will discuss his career in Irish and international film. The Castleknock born star has been based stateside in LA for many years. For the first time ever, the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) will be an online event this year. What this does is open festivals up to a greater panoply of people and wider audience and allows people to get a sense of the opportunities and films at a film festival and the passion that fuels film festivals. They are incredible experiences, Farrell said about the festivals new format. The ever-expanding line up of guests also welcomes filmmaker Francis Lee, who directed the critically acclaimed film Gods Own Country. He will join the festival this year to discuss his newest film, Ammonite. Another new addition to the programme is filmmaker Amma Asante, who will take part in a seminar on Black Women Filmmakers, focused on diversity and representation in film. To celebrate International Women's Day, the Festival has programmed three ground-breaking films by women directors. Read More The opening night will see the premiere of Supernova starring international actors Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth. The pair also helped to launch the festival, taking part in a conversation with Festival Director Grainne Humphreys. Stanley Tucci, star of films such as The Hunger Games saga and The Lovely Bones said: Its a great honour to have the film open the festival. Im very sad that we cant all do this in person. I love this festival. This festival and others like it are absolutely crucial to finding new audiences and furthering the progress of independent film. Colin Firth also praised the festival: A festival that has the respect and the prestige of the Dublin International Film Festival is an enormous thing for us. Stanley and I have wonderful memories of being at the festival before. Festival Director Grainne Humphreys has high hopes for this years festival: We have reached out to old and new friends to join us for our online presentation and the guest list is growing every day. I hope that this years programme will excite and delight both our regular attendees and attract new audiences to this years celebration of the best of independent cinema. The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival takes place from 3rd 14th March 2021 and will showcase national and international talent in the film industry. Ice shanty removal dates begin this weekend in parts of the Lower Peninsula but next weeks warm up could weaken ice across the state and necessitate early shanty removal. Shanty removal dates begin on Sunday, Feb. 21, with Lake St. Clair near Detroit. Removal dates in other parts of the state are March 1, 15 and 31 but anglers should be wary of conditions and remove their shanties early if the ice becomes unstable, according to a news release from the Department of Natural Resources. Based on the 10-day forecast, portions of the Lower Peninsula are predicted to experience fluctuating temperatures near or above freezing, said F/Lt. Jason Wicklund, DNR Law Enforcement Division. Temperature fluctuations can create unstable and unsafe ice conditions very fast. Its the anglers responsibility to safely remove their shanty before it falls through the ice. RELATED: Warm-up coming over next 7 days; See where it takes Michigans temperatures The state requires anglers to remove shanties once ice can no longer safely support them. Shanty owners whose structures fall through the ice are subject to penalties of up to 30 days in jail, fines of up to $500, or both. If a shanty is removed by a government agency, the court can require the owner to reimburse that agency for up to three times the cost of removal. People venturing onto the ice should use extreme caution amid rising or fluctuating temperatures as repeated thawing and refreezing weakens ice, decreasing its ability to support the weight of people, snowmobiles, ORVs and shanties. Deteriorating ice, water currents and high winds increase the probability of pressure cracks, which can leave people stranded on ice floes or at risk of falling through the ice. Ice shanties on Lake St. Clair must be removed before sunset on Sunday. Shanties in the northern Lower Peninsula must be removed by midnight on Monday, March 15. That includes Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford counties. Ice shanties in all Lower Peninsula counties not listed above must be removed by midnight on Monday, March 1. On Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters, ice shanties must be removed by midnight Monday, March 15. All other bodies of water in the Upper Peninsula must have ice shanties removed by midnight Wednesday, March 31. After the above dates, daily use of ice shanties is still permitted if ice conditions permit and if the shanties are removed at the end of each day. READ MORE: Michigan man killed in Wyoming avalanche while snowmobiling Heavy lake effect snowband moving onshore in Muskegon, Grand Rapids area; Expect big flakes to pile up Ohio man accused of climbing Mackinac Bridge charged in Michigan Michigan DNR announces regulation changes for 2021 deer hunting seasons Cant reserve your favorite Michigan state park campsite? Heres why Ghazipur : , Feb 19 (IANS) Lending his support to the protesting farmers by making idols of clay, sculptor Muktikant Biswal arrived at the Ghazipur border in the national Capital all the way from Odisha. He rode a bicycle for 17 days to express his solidarity with farmers protesting against the three farm laws. Biswal, 32, hails from Rourkela in Odisha, where he along with his father makes idols of clay and this is their source of employment. The protests by the farmers have been continuing on the borders of Delhi for the last three months where everybody is contributing in their own way by participating in this agitation. In such a situation, Biswal is registering his protest by making an idol at the Ghazipur border. Biswal has created three idols with the help of clay, showcasing one corporate executive and two farmers. The sculptor has depicted the farmers as 'bulls' in the the idol, symbolising the alleged exploitation of farmers in contract farming. The 32-year-old sculptor told IANS,"I am making these sculptures in support of farmers and have made these sculptures depicting contract farming. There will be two farmers in each of the three idols with a plough on their shoulders. There will also be a wealthy type of person carrying the plough in one hand and a whip in the other hand." "In the place of the bulls, two farmers have been depicted with a plough on their shoulders. I am against the Union farm laws and reached the Ghazipur border on January 29," Biswal said. However, after completing these idols, Biswal would make more idols on agricultural issues. There have been 11 rounds of talks between the Central government and the farmer organisations, but no consensus have been achieved so far. On the other hand, both the farmers and the Centre are ready to start negotiations again, but have not yet been able to come to the dialogue table. The farmers have been protesting at various borders of the national capital since November 26, 2020 against the three newly enacted Union farm laws. The protesting farmers are opposing the Central government over the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. Facebook has started blocking sensitive health information that third-party apps had been sharing with the social network in violation of its own rules, said New York officials who investigated the situation. Data fed into a Facebook analytics tool by app makers included medical diagnoses and whether users were pregnant, according to a report shared by New York financial services department on Thursday. "Facebook instructed app developers and websites not to share medical, financial, and other sensitive personal consumer data but took no steps to police this rule," state financial services superintendent Linda Lacewell said in a release. "By continuing to do business with app developers that broke the rule, Facebook put itself in a position to profit from sensitive data that it was never supposed to receive in the first place." User information from apps is regularly shared with Facebook through a tool that offers developers free analysis of data to help guide improvements to apps, according to the investigation launched last year. "Our policies prohibit sharing sensitive health information and its not something we want," a Facebook spokeswoman said in response to an AFP inquiry. "We have improved our efforts to detect and block potentially sensitive data and are doing more to educate advertisers on how to set-up and use our business tools." Investigators cited the example of a Flo Health app for menstruation and fertility tracking used by more than 100 million people informed Facebook each time a user logged starting her period or noted intention to get pregnant. "Large internet companies have a duty to protect the privacy of their consumers -- period," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in the release. Such sharing violated Facebook policy, but went unchecked by the California-based internet giant, investigators concluded. Facebook created a list of terms blocked by its systems and has been refining artificial intelligence to more adaptively filter sensitive data not welcomed in the analytics tool, according to the report. Story continues The block list contains more than 70,000 terms, including diseases, bodily functions, medical conditions, and real-world locations such as mental health centers, the report said. The report endorsed a data privacy law proposed in the state by the governor that would expressly protect health, biometric, and location data as well as create a Consumer Data Privacy Bill of Rights. gc/rl The Beach Boys have sold the rights to their intellectual property. The I Get Around hitmakers have landed a deal with music mogul Irving Azoff's Iconic Artists Group, which means the company owns their entire brand, including their master recordings, the rights to their band name and a share of their publishing rights and memorabilia. Fans could see Beach Boys appear in different forms in the future, thanks to technologies such as VR and CGI. The deal is done: The Beach Boys have sold the rights to their intellectual property. Seen here are (L-R) Carl Wilson, Al Jardine, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Dennis Wilson in 1967 in Los Angeles A 70s vibe: The Beach Boys: Al, Mike, Carl, Bruce on on Top Of The Pops in 1970 The firm's CEO Olivier Chastan told Rolling Stone: 'The Beach Boys, in a sense, are not just a band. They're a lifestyle. They're a consumer brand. And they've never really exploited that. 'That includes VR, AR, 3D, CGI, natural language processing, et cetera. 'That, to me, is probably the most interesting aspect of what's going to transform our business. In five years, I could send you a text and say, "At 2 p.m., let's put our Oculus Rift glasses on, and let's go see the Beach Boys record Good Vibrations at Western Recorders."' Big money: The I Get Around hitmakers have landed a deal with music mogul Irving Azoff's Iconic Artists Group, which means the company owns their entire brand, including their master recordings, the rights to their band name and a share of their publishing rights and memorabilia. Seen in 1966 Rock on boys: The Beach Boys are an American pop and rock band formed in a garage in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine It's not known how much the rights were sold for. The Beach Boys are an American pop and rock band formed in a garage in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Their first hit song was 1963's Surfin' USA which created a 'California sound.' Then came I Get Around and Little Surfer Girl that same year. What's old is new: Fans could see Beach Boys appear in different forms in the future, thanks to technologies such as VR and CGI. The band in 1964 They also came out with Wouldn't It Be Nice in 1966 and California Girls as well as Good Vibrations in 1970. Their popularity dimmed in the Seventies but they stayed in the limelight by becoming an 'oldies' touring band. Band members who have passed away include Carl and Dennis Wilson. And the band played on: The Beach Boys perform at outdoor event Japan Jam, held at Enoshima special venue in 1979 in Kanagawa, Japan It comes as a number of artists have sold various percentages of their back catalogs to the popular firm Hipgnosis Songs Fund. Neil Young recently sold 50 percent of his catalog, which is said to be worth an estimated $150 million (110 million). The 75-year-old music legend inked a lucrative deal with Hipgnosis, following their recent acquisition of 100 percent of former Fleetwood Mac musician Lindsey Buckingham's entire music collection and producer Jimmy Iovine's producer royalties. Half of Neil's music collection amounts to 1,180 songs. Still rockin: The Beach Boys are an American pop and rock band formed in a garage in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine; Mike seen in 2006 The firm's founder, Merck Mercuriadis, said: 'This is a deal that changes Hipgnosis forever. 'I bought my first Neil Young album aged seven. Harvest was my companion and I know every note, every word, every pause and silence intimately. 'Neil Young, or at least his music, has been my friend and constant ever since.' Hipgnosis ensures their client's music is heard across radio and TV and that they earn a tidy profit in royalties. ADVERTISEMENT The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday rejected a request to order the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, George Obiozor, and other leaders of the group. The applicant, the Ohanaeze Indigbo General Assembly (OIGA), led by Onuorah Onyeachonam, had accused Mr Obiozor and members of his group of running an illegal organisation in breach of the law. The suit is a fallout of the supremacy battle between the two Igbo socio-cultural groups. But ruling, Inyang Ekwo dismissed the OIGAs suit on the grounds that it failed to show how Mr Obiozor and others committed any offence known to the law to warrant an order for their arrest and prosecution. The prayer here is for leave to compel the first and second respondents (Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation) to arrest, investigate and commence criminal proceedings against Prof. George Obiozor, Obi Nwali, Okey Egbuche, Beatrice Eze, Bartholomew Okeke and Ogbonna for running an illegal and/or unregistered association known as Ohanaeze Ndigbo similar to that of the applicant which has been registered under Part C of the CAMA by the CAC, the judge said while summarising the claims of the applicant. The applicant had claimed that while it was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the rival Ohanaeze Ndigbo with a similar name, led by Mr Obiozor and others, was not. But dismissing the OIGAs claim, Mr Ekwo held that the applicant failed to establish a prima facie case to warrant the grant the orders sought. He noted that the applicant had the duty to demonstrate with concrete evidence that those sought to be arrested, investigated and prosecuted have committed criminal offence(s) known to law. He added, This is the because the power given to the Attorney-General of the Federation in Section 174 (1) of the 1999 Constitution and the power given to the Inspector General of the Police in Section 4 of the Police Act are to not intended to be used in vacuo or without a cause. The onus is on the applicant to show that the statute underlying their allegation creates a criminal offence which the first and second respondents are obligated to enforce by the power of arrest, investigation and prosecution. In the end, I am unable to see any justifiable cause in this application. I think this application, without more, is frivolous and I am unable to lend the judicial powers of this court to encourage such litigations. I make an order dismissing this case for lacking in merit. This is the order of the court. The suit Mr Obiozor and other leaders of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo emerged as leaders of the group in a recently held election. But the OIGA in its suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/56/2021 claimed that the rival group was acting in contempt of court by allegedly running an illegal organisation. It sued the IGP and the AGF in the ex parte application seeking leave to apply for the issuance of an order of mandamus, compelling the IGP and the AGF to arrest, investigate and commence criminal proceedings against Mr Obiozor and others. It claimed that resorted to filing the applicaton because of the failure of the respondents to act on its letters to them on January 15, 2021 to arrest and prosecute Mr Obiozor and others. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 16:55:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were killed and three others injured on Thursday in mudslides caused by heavy downpours in the western Ugandan district of Buhweju, police said. Martial Tumusiime, regional police spokesman for Greater Bushenyi, a bordering district, told Xinhua by telephone on Friday that seven people were killed on the spot while the eighth person died in a nearby health center. The three injured were rushed to nearby health centers for treatment. Tumusiime said the dead included four members of the same family. "They were taking shelter from one house after it started raining heavily. Unfortunately, the house was swept by mudslides," he said. 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. Producer / Distributor John Caldon, founder of Flame Media, has died aged 73. Flame said that Caldon died of cancer on Tuesday. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of inspirational John Caldon, chairman and CEO of Flame Media, the company said in a statement. Born in the U.K, Caldon emigrated to Australia in 1973. He established Flame in 2010 with partner, presenter Lyndey Milan. The best-known part of the Flame group is Flame Distribution, a TV production and distribution company specialising in high-end factual and documentary content. The group also includes Flame Productions in Australia, Wildflame Productions in the U.K., Flame Media GmbH in Germany, and Flame Corporate which advised the media industry on funding, government assistance, mergers and acquisitions. John was a gift to factual content creators everywhere a master of the business world who inspired and supported new ideas with generosity, kindness, insight and respect. He was a joyful gentleman, tireless and even tempered, capable and visionary. And with Flame, he was just getting started. Johns passing comes far too soon for all of us who knew him, said Colette Beaudry, MD of SeaLight Pictures. John was a truly unique person. A Renaissance Man with a deep and broad intellect that he deftly combined with a generous and warm soul. His passing is a loss to all that knew him, said Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv Network and OMG Media Group. Source: Variety Related Don Arnold/WireImageActor couple Emma Roberts and Garrett Hedlund welcomed their baby boy, Rhodes Robert, in late 2020, and in a recent interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the proud new papa revealed his sons unexpected country connection. Hes somebody that I admire and respect not only as an amazing father, an amazing husband and amazing musician, amazing actor -- and his name is Tim McGraw, Garrett said. As it turns out, Garrett and Tims friendship dates back almost two decades, when they were on set together filming the 2004 film Friday Night Lights, where they played a father and son. Ive seen his children, his daughters, from the time they were one, three and five [years old], the actor continues, as host Kelly Clarkson joked that it must be exciting for Tim to have a parental connection to a boy after parenting three girls. Hes the best. And when...after 12 weeks...of Emma being pregnant, I called him, and the first thing he said was, Im the godfather. So how can you argue? Hedlund adds. In addition to enjoying his new role as godfather, Tim has been busy on the musical front, too. In January, he released a duet with Florida Georgia Lines Tyler Hubbard called Undivided. Six children have been killed in an attack on a community in Anambra State. The children, all under 10 years old, were killed during an attack on a Fulani community in Oba, Idemili Local Government Area. Residents said the attack was carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), amid escalating ethnic tensions in Nigeria. Members of the community told PREMIUM TIMES they would not retaliate as they are trusting the security authorities to deliver justice to them, with the host community and state assuring of solidarity and assistance. The attack happened on Tuesday evening but the facts were slow to emerge and PREMIUM TIMES just confirmed on Thursday evening. Horrific photographs obtained by PREMIUM TIMES show the deceased children savagely macheted and one said to be just one-year-old, burnt. Also, the background of the photographs shows razed homes. The impact of the attack suggests children were targeted or that they were only killed because elderly members of the community were absent at the time attack was carried out. PREMIUM TIMES also obtained a short video showing the remains of the children wrapped in white cloths ready after they were washed and before internment according to Islamic tradition. Following the attack, the community is now displaced. Surviving victims are now taking refuge inside the army barrack in Onitsha, the patriarch of the community, Dogo Isa, army sources, and Mahmud Imam, who has seen the displaced persons, told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. All the six children were buried inside the barrack, Mr Isa said, a claim corroborated by other sources. Mr Isa said the oldest of the slain children was six-year-old. The police spokesperson for the state, Haruna Mohammed, said he was not aware of the attack. An IPOB lawyer and spokesperson, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said, I am not aware of this one when contacted on Thursday. Names of the slain children as disclosed by Mr Isa are: 1. Nasiru Laminu, two years old; 2. Sirajo Ali, two years old; 3. Zainabu Mutmeru, four years old; 4. Aminu, two years old; ADVERTISEMENT 5. Mairo, six years old; and 6. Maryam, one year old. Mr Isa said nothing happened to their cattle because it was in the evening when the animals had been herded to the stream. He said he has been in Anambra State for 43 years but, on Monday, he was called by a person, who asked him and his extended family to leave the community. The person told me I should take my family to the north because the Fulani are no longer wanted in Igboland, Mr Isa said. They said they gave me one day to leave. But around 5 p.m., on Tuesday, I was called that I should come home. Then, I met six of our children dead and my house razed. All of us had to leave to stay in the barrack here. I have begged the soldiers to help me get the man that called me to take him to the police. IPOB Led by a fugitive, Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB is agitating for the secession of the Igbo from Nigeria, decades after late Odumegwu Ojukwu first mobilised the nationalist aspirations of the ethnic group to break away, resulting in a 30-month civil war (1967-1970) that led to the death of millions. With years of bad governance and the governments failure to address the challenge of national integration, secessionist agitations were reawakened by IPOB, leveraging peoples anger against the state. In 2017, Nigeria proscribed IPOB and declared it a terrorist organisation amid a major standoff with the army in Abia, the home state of Mr Kanu. The group has rejected being labelled a terrorist organisation saying its actions and demand for secession are peaceful. But it recently established a formation called Eastern Security Network, which it said would protect the Igboland against Fulani herders. Criminal herders have been involved for a long time in deadly conflicts with farmers across the country and recently in cases of abductions for ransom. But communities in southern Nigeria have recently declared readiness to resort to self-help against the Fulani herders, bringing even the innocent among them at risk of indiscriminate violence. The IPOB-linked Eastern Security Network is currently the target of a not-so full military operation in Orlu axis of Imo State. In Oba area, fear of a Fulani reprisal has risen, a local police source said. Mr Isa said the host community leaders had been calling to sympathise with him and assure him of solidarity. He said he should let security authorities handle the matter instead of resorting to self-help. PREMIUM TIMES could not speak with any of the local leaders but a soldier corroborated Mr Isas account. They said they heard that some Fulani were coming to attack but I have told them that it is not true and no Fulani will attack them in retaliation but they should help us find the person that called me and those that attacked us, Mr Isa said. The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia has held talks with Pakistani military leaders about the possibility of postponing the withdrawal of foreign forces from neighboring Afghanistan amid stalled peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. The visit of General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the U.S. Army Central Command (Centcom), to Islamabad on February 19 came as the new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden conducts a review of last years U.S.-Taliban deal aimed at ending decades of war in Afghanistan. The February 2020 deal calls for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan by May this year in return for counterterrorism guarantees from the Taliban, which pledged to negotiate a cease-fire and a power-sharing deal with Kabul. Biden is mulling whether to stick to the deadline, renegotiate the terms, or abandon the deal struck by his predecessor, Donald Trump. Soaring violence in Afghanistan has raised concerns in the United States and among NATO allies about withdrawing too early and potentially allowing the militants to claim victory. McKenzie held talks with Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who reaffirmed his country's commitment to "efforts for peace in Afghanistan as it is important for peace in Pakistan," according to a statement. McKenzie thanked Pakistan for its "contributions to the Afghan peace negotiations" and pledged to explore "new areas for collaboration." Regional Diplomacy Pakistan is the Talibans main foreign sponsor and has been credited with bringing the militant group to the negotiating table. The U.S. general has said that conditions have not been met for a full military withdrawal from Afghanistan by May, warning that an early pullout could risk the collapse of the Afghan government. Speaking on the plane to Pakistan, he said the Taliban has failed to fulfil its pledge to reduce violence under its deal with Washington. The militant group denies being behind the soaring violence in Afghanistan, saying those responsible are other insurgents. But McKenzie has blamed them directly. "Certainly [the Islamic State militant group] has launched some attacks, he said. It pales against what the Taliban is doing. It's a combination of their countrywide attacks against the Afghan forces, their targeted assassinations in some of the urban areas. "This is clearly the Taliban, he added. There is no way it's anyone else. That's very clear." McKenzie's remarks came as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated Washington's call for an immediate reduction of violence in Afghanistan. "I urge all parties to choose the path towards peace. The violence must decrease, now," Austin told reporters in Washington. Meanwhile, Pakistans ambassador to Washington, Asad Majeed Khan, urged the United States to consult the Taliban on any extension of the May troop withdrawal deadline. "The first party that needs to be consulted is the Taliban, Khan told an online forum sponsored by the Stimson Center think tank on February 19. That is where the process should start. To present this as a fait accompli, I think, will only create difficulty." McKenzies visit to Pakistan came on the same day Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, held talks with Pakistani officials in Islamabad, including Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Kabulov's one-day visit came after a Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow on January 28. The militant group has been on a diplomatic blitz as it awaits Washington's decision, also visiting Iran and Turkmenistan in recent weeks. The Pakistani military's media wing said in a statement that Kabulov and Bajwa discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, particularly developments in Afghan peace process. Qureshi wrote in a tweet that he had a constructive discussion with the Russian envoy on the advancement of the Afghan peace process based on an inclusive political settlement supported by regional consultations. According to the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, Kabulovs visit was part of Pakistans diplomatic outreach in support of the Afghan peace process. Moscow has said it had established contacts with the Taliban in recent years because of the common threat posed by the Islamic State extremist group in Afghanistan. Washington has accused Russia of arming the Taliban, which it denies. In the past two years, Moscow has hosted international conferences on the Afghan peace process, inviting Taliban leaders and Afghan opposition members to Russia. With reporting by AFP and RFE/RLs Radio Mashaal 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 this screenshot taken from a congress.gov webcast, U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) speaks during a House debate session to ratify the 2020 presidential election at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (congress.gov via Getty Images) Republican House Whip Scalise Meets With Donald Trump The No. 2 Republican in the House of Representatives met with former President Donald Trump this week, his office confirmed to The Epoch Times. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) met with Trump as he traveled in Florida. Rep. Scalise is in Florida this week on political travel and had meetings at Mar a Lago on Tuesday and touched base with President Trump while he was there, a spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email. Trump is currently living at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. The meeting is another sign of the cache Trump has retained among House Republicans. All but 10 voted against impeaching him last month, and the leader of the House GOP, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), traveled to Florida previously to huddle with the former president. Scalises team declined to share details on what was discussed. Trumps team said he spoke to McCarthy about how Republicans will flip the House in the 2022 midterm elections. President Trump has agreed to work with Leader McCarthy on helping the Republican Party to become a majority in the House, Trumps political action committee said, adding that the work has already started. Former President Donald Trump reacts as he is driven past supporters in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 15, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Republicans stunned political insiders in 2020 by picking up 15 seats, considerably narrowing the Democrat majority. Republicans believe they can gain control of the lower chamber in 2022. Trump said in a recent statement that he would back candidates who agree with his America First agenda, as opposed to Republicans he accused of pursuing a Beltway First agenda, and Democrats. Where necessary and appropriate, I will back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First. We want brilliant, strong, thoughtful, and compassionate leadership, he said, as he took aim at the top Republican in Congress, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). McConnell voted with 42 other Republicans to acquit Trump, but made it clear on the Senate floor he only did so because Trump was no longer in office. McConnell blamed Trump for the violence that took place on Jan. 6. He said Trumps claims of election fraud motivated the rioters who breached the U.S. Capitol. Kolkata: A designated MP/MLA court in West Bengal issued summons to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday to appear either personally or through a lawyer before it on February 22 in connection with a defamation case lodged against him by Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee. The special judge of MP/MLA court at Bidhannagar directed that Shah is "required to appear in person/by pleader" at 10 am on that day. The judge directed that Shah's attendance either personally or through a lawyer is necessary to answer to a charge of defamation under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In a press note, Abhishek Banerjee's lawyer Sanjay Basu claimed that Shah had made certain defamatory statements against the TMC MP on August 11, 2018 at a rally of the BJP at Mayo Road in Kolkata. (Reuters) - Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing became a rallying point for hundreds of thousands of demonstrators in towns and cities across Myanmar when video went viral of her being shot in the head by security forces while protesting against a military coup. Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing died on Friday while in intensive care at a hospital in the capital Naypyitaw, where she had been on life support for 10 days since she was shot by police cracking down on demonstrators. The first known serious casualty of Myanmar's biggest protests in over a decade had stirred anger across the country, adding to the growing fury over the military's Feb 1 overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi's government, three months after her party won a second successive election in a landslide. "I feel really sad about her. I am more determined to come out on street," said 24-year-old Nay Lin Htet at a protest in the commercial hub Yangon. "I feel proud of her and I will come to the streets until we achieve our goal for her. I have no concern for my security." Many members of the anti-coup movement that has rallied for two weeks across Myanmar are of the same Generation Z as Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, a grocery store worker who was a teenager when she was shot, and turned 20 while in intensive care. The shooting triggered memories of the bloody suppression of uprisings against a half-century of brutal military rule, in which thousands were killed and many more thrown in jail for years. She is one of two reported deaths associated with the protest movement, the other a policeman who the military said died of injuries sustained on Monday. Within hours of her shooting, videos and images went viral on social media of the moment Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, wearing a motorcycle helmet and red T-shirt, slumped to the ground with her back turned to the police, who doused crowds with water cannon. In the days that followed, protesters marched holding aloft pictures of her, with placards calling for an end to dictatorship. Story continues The day after her shooting, they hung the first of several huge portraits of her from a bridge in downtown Yangon, with a banner that read: "Lets together oppose the dictator who kills the people". "Shooting at a peaceful protester with real bullets is such an unforgivable thing in our society," said a doctor who was part of the team that gave her initial treatment, responding to her death. The doctor, who asked to remain anonymous due to safety fears, said Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing's story had given impetus to a civil disobedience movement in Myanmar, which medical personnel have been a central part of. Her brother Ye Htut Aung had last week recounted how his sister, who voted for the first time in the November election, had been determined to go to the capital to join the demonstration, and knew police were carrying guns. He confirmed she had passed away around 11 a.m. local time on Friday while on life support. "I feel really sad and have nothing to say," he said. "I am thankful for all of those who have been praying for her." (Reporting by Reuters Staff; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Its nearly two months since turbulence erupted around China Huarong Asset Management Co.At the end of March, its 4% perpetual dollar bond was trading at 102 cents on the dollar as investors figured the January execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for bribery put a line under past wayward behavior. But the failure of the company to release 2020 results by a March 31 deadline, and a subsequent report by mainland media Caixin that the firm will restructure, sparked weeks of turmoil. The same bond is now at 57 cents.The heart of the matter is whether the central government will rescue a state-owned company thats integral to the smooth running of the financial system. While there are signs Beijing wants to ensure China Huarong can repay its debts on time, uncertainty prevails.Heres a look at the key events for China Huarong:May 28The company has wired funds to repay $978 million of notes maturing within the following week, according to Bloomberg News, the biggest bond payment since the 2020 results delay.May 27Liang Qiang, who currently heads another bad-debt manager, is on track to become president of China Huarong, reports Bloomberg News.May 24China Huarong dollar bonds climb after the managing editor of Caixin Media wrote in an opinion piece that the asset manager is nowhere near defaulting on its more than $20 billion of offshore notes.May 21Some of China Huarongs thinly traded onshore bonds slump after having held up better than the companys dollar-denominated notes, signaling broadening concern about the firms financial health.May 18China Huarong has transferred funds to repay a $300 million note maturing May 20, Bloomberg News reports, the first dollar bond to come due since the delayed 2020 results. Prices for the firms dollar bonds slump earlier in the day after the New York Times reports China is planning an overhaul that would inflict significant losses on both domestic and foreign China Huarong bondholders.May 17The company has reached funding agreements with state-owned banks to ensure it can repay debt through at least the end of August, by which time China Huarong aims to have completed its 2020 financial statements, according to a Bloomberg News report. That as at least two of its onshore bonds see big price declines in recent days, worrying some investors.May 13The firm says its prepared to make future bond payments and has seen no change in the level of government support, seeking to ease investor concerns after a local media report that regulators balked at China Hurarongs restructuring plan.May 6The company says it transferred funds to pay five offshore bond coupons due the following day, its latest move to meet debt obligations amid persistent doubts about its financial health.April 30China Huarong breaks its silence, with an executive telling media it is prepared to make its bond payments and state backing remains intact. The official also says the weeks rating downgrades have no factual basis and are too pessimistic.April 29Moodys Investor Service downgrades China Huarong by one notch to Baa1, adding the firm remains on watch for further downgrade. The cut reflects the companys weakened funding ability due to market volatility and increased uncertainty over its future, according to the statement.April 27China Huarong units repay bonds maturing that day. The S$600 million ($450 million) bond was repaid with funds provided by Chinas biggest state-owned bank, according to a Bloomberg News report.April 26Fitch Ratings downgrades China Huarong by three notches to BBB while dropping the companys perpetual bonds into junk territory. The lack of transparency over government support for the firm may hamper its ability to refinance debt in offshore markets, Fitch said.April 25China Huarong says it wont meet an April 30 deadline to file its 2020 report with Hong Kongs stock exchange because auditors needed more time to finalize a transaction the company first flagged on April 1. Securities and asset-management units said in the days before that they wouldnt release 2020 results by months end.April 22The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission asks lenders to extend China Huarongs upcoming loans by at least six months, according to REDD, citing two bankers from large Chinese commercial lenders.April 21China is considering a plan that would see its central bank assume more than 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) of China Huarong assets to help clean up the firms balance sheet, according to a Bloomberg News report. Peer China Cinda Asset Management Co. was said to be planning the sale of perpetual bonds in the second quarter.April 20China Huarongs key offshore financing unit says it returned to profitability in the first quarter and laid a solid foundation for transformation. Reorg Research reports that regulators are considering options including a debt restructuring of the unit, China Huarong International Holdings Ltd.April 19Huarong Securities Co. says it wired funds to repay a 2.5 billion yuan local note.April 16The CBIRC says China Huarongs operations are normal and that the firm has ample liquidity. These are the first official comments about the companys troubles. Reuters reports Chinese banks have been asked not to withhold loans to Huarong.April 13Fitch and Moodys both put the company on watch for downgrade. The finance ministry, which owns a majority of Huarong, is considering the transfer of its stake to a unit of the countrys sovereign wealth fund, Bloomberg News reports. Chinese officials signal they want failing local government financing vehicles to restructure or go bust if debts cant be repaid.April 9China Huarong says it has been making debt payments on time and its operations are normal. Bloomberg News reports the company intends to keep Huarong International as part of a potential overhaul that would avoid the need of a debt restructuring or government recapitalization. S&P Global Ratings puts China Huarongs credit ratings on watch for possible downgrade.April 8China Huarong is preparing to offload non-core and loss-making units as part of a broad plan to revive profitability that would avoid the need for a debt restructuring or government recapitalization, Bloomberg News reports.April 6Selling gains steam in China Huarongs dollar bonds, following a holiday in China. Huarong Securities says there has been no major change to its operations, in response to a price plunge for its 3 billion yuan local bond.April 1China Huarong announces a delay in releasing 2020 results, saying its auditor is unable to finalize a transaction. Stock trading is suspended and spreads jump on the firms dollar bonds while China Huarong tells investors its business is running as usual. Caixin reports the company submitted restructuring and other major reform plans to government officials and shareholders.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. A man who died after going overboard from a fishing vessel in the North Sea has been named by police. Edison Joseph Carrera Lacaste, 45, from the Philippines, died following the incident off Shetland in the early hours of Thursday. Lerwick RNLI lifeboat and a coastguard helicopter attended the scene around 30 nautical miles south-east of Sumburgh following a Mayday call from the vessel at 3.20am on Thursday. The man was recovered from the water and flown to Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick, but his death was later confirmed by police. A Police Scotland spokesman said: The incident remains under investigation by Police Scotland and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course. Photo: Glacier Media A coalition of human rights organizations have renewed their call for the Vancouver Police Department to abolish street checks because they say the practice continues to unfairly and disproportionately target Indigenous and Black people. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, Hogans Alley Society and the WISH Drop-in Centre Society released a statement Wednesday that argued police officers have no lawful authority to conduct street checks. The statement was in response to an audit the VPD conducted last year on street checks. The audit report, which showed a substantial decrease in street checks from 2019 to 2020, was presented Thursday to the Vancouver Police Board. The VPDs first annual audit of street checks normalizes the practice of street checks, the coalition said. The issue is not whether there are 10 street checks or 10,000 street checks the issue remains that there is no legal basis for street checks. Even according to the audit, street checks continue to disproportionately harm Indigenous and Black communities. Data for the period Jan. 15 to Dec. 31, 2020 shows the 75 checks involved 87 people across all four policing districts, including 20 on Indigenous people and two on Black people. Eleven of the checks on Indigenous people stemmed from an officers concern about a persons well-being or safety, according to the report, which said the majority of the 75 checks were conducted for a public safety reason. The report said police use the checks to make enquiries into reasonable and legitimate public safety concerns such as suspicious activity, crime prevention or intelligence gathering. Police have said street checks help solved crimes, including robberies and homicides. Eighty-seven percent of the people in the 75 proactive street checks were a suspect in an average of 19.5 different criminal investigations prior to the street check, the report said. Other people checked last year included 49 Caucasians, seven South Asians, seven Asians, one Middle Eastern and one Hispanic. Of the 87 people questioned by officers, 68 were men and 19 female. [February 19, 2021] JN White Commits to Keeping High-Tech Manufacturing Jobs in the U.S. With Latest Acquisition PERRY, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JN White, an industry leader in membrane switch and graphic overlay engineering and manufacturing technology, has announced its acquisition of ECI Screenprint Inc., located in Watertown, CT. The acquisition will make JN White, a 60-year-old Perry, NY business, a powerhouse in the industry, and reaffirms its commitment to keeping high-tech manufacturing jobs in the U.S. It will now operate two technology manufacturing locations, one in New York and one in Connecticut, with enhanced engineering, production and manufacturing capabilities across both facilities. "This strategic asset acquisition will bring together JN White's award-winning capabilities with ECI's capabilities, and impeccable track record, giving us access to a broader market, broader customer base and greater market share of the membrane switch, user interface and graphic overlay market," says Jason Aymerich, President of JN White. This will be JN White's fourth acquisition and the company plans to continue its rapid strategic growth strategy. "Manufacturing jobs can be kept in the U.S., including high-tech sectors, and we are committed to proving it," continued Aymerich. "After founding and growing ECI for the last 30 years, this provides ECI, its employees, and customer base to be positioned for growth for the next 30 years. Joining forces with JN White, is exactly what is needed to catapult growth," says ECI's President and CEO Edward Cook." U.S. manufacturing has its advantages, if the pricing can be kept competitive. Those advantages include more jobs for Americans, reduced costs for deliveries, shorter lead times, environmentally friendly manufacturing standards, higher standards for safety and quality control, and tax revenue for the U.S. When asked whether pricing can be kept competitive, Aymerich replied, "It absolutely an, and we prove it every single day." The changes and improvements for customers of both JN White and ECI Screenprint will include access to expanded product line offerings and manufacturing capabilities, the ability to utilize either the New York or Connecticut facility for manufacturing, and extended engineering and design resources. Both companies will continue to operate under separate names for the near term, with ECI Screenprint becoming ECI Technologies A JN White Company. ECI's employees will all remain in place, adding to JN White's 95 employees, with plans to hire more people in the coming year at both JN White and ECI Technologies. "Both companies have the same approach to corporate culture, symbiotic product offerings and capabilities, deep heritages in screen printing for electronic components, and diverse customer bases. This acquisition allows JN White to expand the company's overall value while remaining committed to advancing U.S. based technology manufacturing," says Randy White, CEO of JN White, and son of the company's founder J.N. White. He continued, "My father built this company 60 years ago on family values, hard work and cutting-edge technology, and I'm proud to continue that heritage with this most recent acquisition. With the third generation involved in the business, I look forward to JN White growing and creating a legacy for the next 60 years." About JN White https://www.JNWhiteUSA.com JN White, located in Perry, NY and founded in 1960, is the premier ISO and ITAR certified manufacturer of best-in-class Membrane Switches, Membrane Switch Assemblies, Complex User Interfaces, and Graphic Overlay products. JN White works with prominent product manufacturers in the Defense, Medical Device, Automotive/Vehicle, Appliance, and Consumer Electronics industries. Its expertise lies in advanced screen printing and digital printing techniques, a proprietary hybrid screen/digital printing process, and the utilization of the most advanced manufacturing equipment and techniques in the industry. The Company also has extensive experience in the production of prime, crucial-use, and extreme environment labels and decals. About ECI Technologies https://www.ECIScreenprint.com ECI Technologies, located in Watertown, CT and founded in 1991, is a manufacturer / provider of quality membrane switches, rubber keypads, touchscreens, thin film medical sensors and graphics of all types. Media Contact: Tim Leverett 291888@email4pr.com 585-479-4444 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jn-white-commits-to-keeping-high-tech-manufacturing-jobs-in-the-us-with-latest-acquisition-301231535.html SOURCE JN White [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 18, 2021] Cannae Holdings, Inc. Announces Appointment of Two New Board Members Cannae Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CNNE) ("Cannae" or the "Company") today announced the appointment of two new board members to the Company's board of directors, effective February 18, 2021. Joining the board are Barry Moullet and David Aung. These appointments increase Cannae's total board membership to 11. Mr. Moullet was appointed to Cannae's Compensation Committee of the board and Mr. Aung was appointed to Cannae's Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the board. "I could not be more excited to welcome and announce the appointment of Barry and David to our Board of Directors," commented William P. Foley, II, Chairman. "Combined, Barry and David bring decades of leadership expertise, inclusive of key leadership roles within Fortune 500 companies, in key results driven areas, such as operations and risk management, adding valuable expertise to Cannae's go forward operations." Mr. Moullet has more than 35 years of industry expertise, currently serving as a board member for CiCi Pizza and RockSpoon Inc. Previously Mr. Moullet was Chief Supply Chain Officer at Focus Brands Inc. in which he directed the purchase and distribution of $600 million of food, packaging and smallwares for six brands under the Focus Brands umbrella. Prior to his tenure at Focus Brands, Mr. Moullet held several leadership roles at Darden Restaurant, Inc., most recently as Chief Supply Chain Officer. Prior to his tenure with Darden Restaurants, Mr. Moullet's previous roles include Vice President of Purchasing for Restaurant Services Inc. and Vice President of Purchasing for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Mr. Moullet received a B.S. in a double major of Chemistry and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin and his M.B.A. with an emphasis in Finance from the College of St. Thomas. Mr. Aung currently serves as an Investment Officer for the City of San Jose Office of Retirement Services. As a seasoned risk and analytics professional having held leadership positions at several leading buy side firms Mr. Aung has a proven track record of adding value to his investment team, extending across multiple asset classes. Prior to his current role, Mr. Aung served as a Principal in the Risk and Analytics Group at KKR Credit and was a Vice President at the Trust Company of the West, a traditional long-only asset manager. Mr. Aung received his B.A. in Economics from the University of California Los Angeles and his M.S. in Financial Engineering from Claremont Graduate University. About Cannae Holdings, Inc. Cannae Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNNE) is engaged in actively managing and operating a group of companies and investments, as well as making additional majority and minority equity portfolio investments in businesses, in order to achieve superior financial performance and maximize the value of these assets. Cannae was founded and is led by investor William P. Foley, II. Foley is responsible for the creation and growth of over $140 Billion in publicly traded companies including Fidelity National Information Services (News - Alert) ("FIS"), Fidelity National Financial ("FNF"), and Black Knight, Inc. ("BKI"). Cannae's current principal holdings include Dun & Bradstreet (News - Alert) Holdings, Inc. ("DNB"), which recently completed a successful business transformation and IPO. Cannae holds an approximately 18% interest in Dun & Bradstreet or ~76 million shares. Cannae's second principal holding is Ceridian ("CDAY"), which Foley transformed from a legacy payroll bureau into a leading cloud-based provider of human capital management software. Cannae owns approximately 9.5% of Ceridian representing ~14 million shares. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210218006117/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Canadian fintech bolsters home improvement portfolio with new client win TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, Financeit, Canada's leading point-of-sale ("POS") financing provider in the home improvement sector centered around providing Canadians with Better Commerce for Better Living announced a new partnership with The International Pool Group for their three retail brands (LeisureScapes, IPG Network, Destination Piscine). As an association of pool & spa retailers in Canada and a trusted leader in the industry, The International Pool Group is a leading source for swimming pool and hot tub information and services with over 95 independently operated specialty stores nationwide. A strong advocate for the North American industry, The International Pool Group offers their members marketing and business tools to ensure their businesses' success. All International Pool Group members will now have access to Financeit's innovative cloud-based POS financing platform to support everyday business needs through a preferred buy now, pay later program. As part of the program, Financeit will offer consumers the flexibility to manage their payment options for upgrades to their home without any backdated interest, payments or penalties. "We have seen swimming pool and hot tub sales surge amid the pandemic as consumers continue to invest in at-home experiences," says Julie Pelletier, VP Purchasing at The International Pool Group. "To meet the high demand, The International Pool Group is pleased to add a preferred financing program to the competitive roster of services we provide to our network. Dealers have requested this service and we are excited to offer it across Canada through our partnership with Financeit." "This partnership is a natural continuation of Financeit's undertaking to provide home improvement businesses with buy-now, pay later options," says Casper Wong, COO, GM, and Co-Founder of Financeit. "We will continue to see this growing trend of staycations and home beautification. We're thrilled to partner with a leading network of pool & spa professionals in North America to meet the demands of its businesses and offer technology forward solutions." A FinTech market leader in the home improvement sector Financeit was recognized by Canadian Business as one of Canada's fastest-growing companies in 2020, with an average of 40 percent growth in business for its fifth consecutive year. Since its' launch less than 10 years ago, Financeit has processed roughly $6 billion in loan applications in partnership with over 9,000 businesses across Canada. Financeit's strategic vertical, home improvement, showed substantial growth in 2020 with an increase of 27 percent year-over-year. About The International Pool Group The International Pool Group and its member store have been a trusted name in the pool & spa industry for over 35 years. The International Pool Group is proud to be Canada's leading source for swimming pools and hot tubs, with over 95 independently operated specialty stores nationwide. About Financeit Financeit is a market-leading point-of-sale financing provider servicing the home improvement, vehicle and retail industries. Financeit's innovative cloud-based technology makes it easy for merchants to increase close rates and transaction sizes with affordable monthly or bi-weekly payment plans. The Financeit platform features a fast, transparent application process and has serviced over 9,000 merchant partners across Canada, with over $1 billion in assets under management. SOURCE Financeit For further information: Amy Bonwick, Pomp & Circumstance PR, Email: [email protected], Phone: 647-515-3748 GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- In the nearly six years hes spent at a Muskegon County juvenile lockup, Maxwell Hilton by all accounts has been a model resident. Im not aware of one behavioral issue that hes had in the last five years there, said his attorney, Charles Boekeloo, during a final sentencing hearing for Hilton. Hilton was ordered into the Evart Youth Academy in November 2015 at age 15 after repeatedly stabbing his 13-year-old sister in a knife attack. She recovered from those injuries. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder and, under a blended sentence program designed for serious juvenile crimes, was to be issued a final sentence just before turning 21. Related: Sister, 13, says I love you to brother who tried to kill her That final sentence came this week before Judge Paul Denenfeld, who conceivably could have sent Hilton to adult prison had he misbehaved at the juvenile facility. Instead, Denenfeld ordered Hilton to be released March 1 from detention and placed on five years of probation. Maxwell has conducted himself in a first-class fashion, after having engaged in a crime that obviously never should have happened. He appears to not just have flourished but become an integral part of the Evart Youth Academy community, Denenfeld said during the sentencing, streamed on YouTube because of COVID-19 safety protocols. Hilton has done so well with schooling, that he is expected to earn a bachelors degree in late March from the University of Phoenix. His sister has supported him along the way and did so again at Wednesdays sentencing. She and her brother had a clarification session long ago to go over what happened in 2015. Ever since we had that, everything has gone so good for us, the teen said. We have a really good relationship. There are people that can take the path to screw up and he didnt do that, she said. The decision to release Maxwell Hilton on March 1 came through a mutual agreement between Kent County prosecutors, Boekeloo and others. Hilton spoke briefly at Wednesdays hearing. I just wanted to say thank you to all of the people who have helped me along the way. I especially want to say thank you and sorry to my sister because I know I put her through a lot and she stood with me through this and I know she never had to. I appreciate her very much for that and Im glad that shes my sister, he said. Hilton plans to live with his grandmother when released. At Evart Youth Academy, Hilton became friends with two other detainees with high-profile cases -- Jamarion Lawhorn and Jared Seagraves. Lawhorn was 12 when he fatally stabbed Connor Verkerke, 9, on a Kentwood playground in August 2014. Seagraves was 14 when he shot and killed his sisters boyfriend, Michael Haminger, in 2012 in Walker. As a special exception to his probation, Denenfeld said he will allow Hilton to have contact with Lawhorn and Seagraves after hes released. Lawhorn could be released from the youth facility as early as March and Seagraves was released in April 2019. Denenfeld said Hilton has shown genuine remorse for what happened and fully accepted responsibility for his behavior. I would call his performance at Evart Academy to be extraordinary. That is very impressive, he said. More from MLive Another wolf hunt? Republicans push to open season on Michigan wolves Rural, isolated people getting left out of COVID vaccinations, Muskegon health director says Michigan is state that is most interested in online gambling, sports betting, data says The lawyer would seek retraction of the false report. Yuriy Kolesnikov, a lawyer of businessman Yuriy Ivanyushchenko, who was a close ally of ex-President Viktor Yanukovych, has denied information reported by the Ukrainian online newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda that his client allegedly has to do with the money Latvia seized and credited to its budget. The lawyer made the comment with regard to an article published by Ukrayinska Pravda on February 18, which, citing sources in certain law enforcement agencies, claimed that US$30 million seized in Latvia belongs to Ivanyushchenko. "That's not the first time when Ukrayinska Pravda published the fake about US$30 million. We've repeatedly denied Yuriy Ivanyushchenko's involvement in the case. But smear campaigns against Ivanyushchenko in this regard don't stop. I know that this was done to put pressure on the Ukrainian courts handling other cases. But despite this, we have won in all the instances. The courts confirmed the accusations against Ivanyushchenko were groundless," he said. Kolesnikov also stressed that the information pressure on his client had been going on for more than a year, but Ukrainian investigators have failed to provide any evidence against the businessman, while all personal sanctions against Ivanyushchenko have been lifted in the European Union. "If the European Union has lifted sanctions against Ivanyushchenko, he is 'clean.' If this were not the case, no sanctions would have been lifted," the lawyer added. Kolesnikov reiterated he would seek retraction of the false report. "The information is false, and we'll definitely have to react to this smear campaign against our client. I call on Ukrayinska Pravda to retract that fake, otherwise we'll have to go to court," he said. The lawyer said he did not take part in the court hearings in Latvia, although he has been providing legal services to Ivanyushchenko for many years and is aware of all his lawsuits. Reporting by UNIAN As per an investigation by Greek City Times it was revealed that Turkey has been an integral part of the warfare to aid Pakistan in its disinformation campaign against India. According report claims, Pakistan's ISI is taking help from Kashmiri journalists living in Turkey with separatist bent of mind to discredit India. It also revealed that Ali Keskin operating from Turkey, is a key link between the ISI and Turkish intelligence. Sources suggest that he is the central figure responsible for coordination between the Pakistani and Turkey on information warfare. The pinned tweet on Ali Keskins Twitter handle contains a picture of the Turkish and Pakistani flags and reads Pakistan is not alone. It was noticed that tweets mouniting to 'war-mongering' were shared by Ali Keskin and were further spread mostly by Pakistani handles. Keskin on September 1, 2020, declared a war with Greece, UAE, Israel and France in tweet saying: EU countries Greece. He took a combat position by supporting. Greece, UAE, France and Israel lurk. War is an art for us, we are waiting. Experts of propaganda warfare have suggested that an analysis of Ali Keskins tweets and social media activities highlight that besides coordinating with the Pakistani propagandists, he has been assigned to hit countries targeted by Turkey. As per Greek City Times, another prominent name that emerged was Umar Baba , who is believed to be working for the ISI. Both of them follow each other on social media and promote each-others content as well. Besides, Pieter Friedrich had done several interactions/productions with Umar Baba in the past. In one of the videos that he produced with Umar Baba, allegedly sponsored by Pakistan, he attacked India by taking a pro-Pakistani line on Kashmir. On further investigation, it was revealed that it was a part of a series of interviews on Kashmir in which Pieter Friedrich interviewed several proxies of the ISI. The fact gets re-emphasised by the revelation that Pieter Friedrich has been aggressively pushing anti-India campaigns on Kashmir. The tweet made by Pieter Fredrich on the interview reads Speaking with Umar Baba about his perspective on Kashmir: For the land, they murdered their constitution. They murdered democracy. The report highlights that he is working on the K-2 (Kashmir-Khalistan) plan of the ISI, through which Khalistanis, Pakistanis, and the Turks have jointly waged a war against India. ALBANY A controversial March 25 directive that required nursing homes to accept residents discharged from hospitals even if they were positive for COVID-19 potentially increased deaths by "a few hundred to maybe over 1,000," according to a report by the Empire Center for Public Policy. The directive issued by the state Department of Health has been at the center of a swirling controversy surrounding Gov. Andrew M. Cuomos handling of the virus in long-term care facilities, with families who lost loved ones and many legislators arguing that the directive further exacerbated the spread of the virus in those facilities. While the Empire Centers report determined the memo was not the sole or primary cause of the significant death toll in nursing homes, its findings contradict the health departments July report that asserted the admission policies were not a significant factor in nursing home deaths. That report blamed the spread in nursing homes on asymptomatic visitors and staff members, a position that state health Commissioner Howard Zucker continued to trumpet on Friday. The coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc in nursing homes across the country and around the world, including in jurisdictions that did not adopt policies similar to those in the Cuomo administrations March 25 guidance memo, said Bill Hammond, senior fellow for health policy at the Empire Center and an author of the report. However, this analysis indicates that the guidance may have made a bad situation worse and points to the need for further research to determine the best policy before the state faces another pandemic. The state's study, however, dismissed any connections between the policy and the number of deaths nearly 15,000 nursing home residents instead placing blame on the staffers they say brought the infectious disease into the facilities before the spread of coronavirus within the state was known. Jim Clyne, CEO of LeadingAge New York, a group representing nonprofit and government-operated nursing homes, said for most members, the March 25 guidance did not significantly impact the congregate facilities. But there are lessons to be learned, and Clyne welcomed the additional analysis. We never believed that the March 25 order really had a huge impact on the spread of COVID. You cant say it had no impact, but it was not the driving force of the spread of COVID downstate, he said, acknowledging a difference for upstate facilities. Our recommendation at the time was to look at doing COVID-only nursing homes upstate for the exact reason that there has not been spread. During a coronavirus task force briefing on Friday, Zucker stood by the states decision-making early in the pandemic, reiterating that federal guidelines also advised nursing homes to accept residents discharged from a hospital. That directive was rescinded two months later. Zucker said little was known about the coronavirus early on, including that people could be asymptomatic and spread the virus. The primary concern was ensuring the hospital system could handle surges in COVID-19 cases, he said, where early models anticipated as many as 140,000 COVID-patients would be hospitalized with 37,000 needing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds in New York. You make the decisions based on the information that you have at the time, Zucker said. We made the right public health decisions at the time, and faced with the same facts, wed make the same decisions again. In an earlier emailed statement from the Department of Health, Zucker said the Empire Center report confirms what the state-commissioned July report already did: the March 25 guidance was not a driver of infections at nursing homes. The Empire Center analysis found that each new admission of a COVID-positive patient correlated with .09 additional deaths, with a margin of error of plus or minus 0.05. It also found that admitting any number of new COVID-positive patients was associated with an average of 4.2 additional deaths per facility, plus or minus 1.9. Statewide, the findings suggest that the 6,237 COVID-positive admissions between late March and early May were associated with several hundred, and possibly more than 1,000, additional resident deaths. The effect was more pronounced upstate, Empire Centers Hammond said, which is possibly due to the virus being so prevalent in New York City compared to the rest of the state early in the pandemic. The analysis focused on two key variables: newly admitted COVID-positive patients to nursing homes between March 25 and May 8, which totaled 6,327; and the residents in each facility who died between April 12 and June 4, which totaled 5,780. It excluded the 2,279 patients who were readmitted to nursing homes where they were already residents and controlled for the varying size of nursing homes as well as where a facility was located. Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin opposed the directive from the outset and refused to admit COVID-19 patients to the county-run Van Rensselaer Manor. We took every possible step to protect those seniors because there is no way that I could have that on my conscience, he said. McLaughlin said staff were prohibited from working at other long-term care facilities to prevent spread between nursing homes and fitted with N95 masks. They also conducted high-tech sanitization at the facility, he said. Even with those efforts, including regular temperature checks, McLaughlin said the manor still had COVID-19 cases. The county executives defiance was on full display in late July after state health inspectors attempted to survey the Van Rensselaer Manors conditions. McLaughlin refused to allow inspectors into the building without them providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test. State health officials had said they sent personnel to the manor at the request of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which ordered the inspection following a report from the nursing home of four new suspected cases of coronavirus. They were stopped during the inspection, with McLaughlin requesting they survey the facility under supervision. As a result, McLaughlin said he was slapped with a $75,000 fine, which he is refusing to pay. He also received a stern letter from Zucker warning that his interference with the inspection violates state code and puts the nursing homes ability to receive Medicaid and Medicare funding in jeopardy. That order was horrendous, McLaughlin said, and the administration admitting its mistakes will help prepare for future public health crises. Its important because you need to learn from your mistakes so you dont repeat them in the future, he said. Its also important because those lives meant something, and a lot of them are now over because of the actions that are taken and they continued so much longer than they ever, ever should have occurred. Getting to the bottom of what did and did not work in New Yorks response to the pandemic is key to preparing for the next, Hammond said. If you cant acknowledge a mistake and reverse it and swear off it in the future, how hard is it going to be for us to prepare for a pandemic if every little thing is a big fight like this? he said. Boris Johnson was warned today that it would be 'reckless' to send all children back to school in a fortnight's time amid calls for the reopening of classrooms to be sped up. Nine trade unions ganged up on the PM today to demand a 'phased return' only for millions of children who have been out of the classroom since the start of January. Mr Johnson is expected to unveil his roadmap out of lockdown on Monday, with a March 8 restart date anticipated for schools in England. But how many children will go back straight away is still being debated by ministers. Schools in Scotland will reopen on Monday February 22, but only to a few primary and secondary years at first, with more returning later in March. In a letter orchestrated by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), education union leaders said they were 'increasingly concerned' that the Government could go ahead with a full return of all pupils in England on March 8. The joint statement said: 'This would seem a reckless course of action. It could trigger another spike in Covid infections, prolong the disruption of education and risk throwing away the hard-won progress made in suppressing the virus over the course of the latest lockdown. Nine trade unions ganged up on the PM today to demand a 'phased return' for millions of children who have been out of the classroom since the start of January. All primary school pupils and those facing exams will return to classrooms in Wales by March 15 so long as the Covid-19 situation 'continues to improve,' Mark Drakeford said today When are schools expected to open across Britain? England Boris Johnson has repeatedly said the Government will target March 8 to reopen schools across England. But it is still unclear exactly how the reopening will work, with the PM due to unveil his lockdown exit roadmap on Monday. The PM is said to want to see all pupils return on the same day but some union bosses are adamant there should be a phased return to classrooms, with the Health Secretary also said to be advocating a cautious approach. Scotland The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on February 16 that schools in Scotland will begin a phased reopening from Monday. Pupils between the ages of four and eight will be the first to return to classes on that date. No other pupils will return until at least 15 March, it was said. Wales Children aged between three and seven will resume face-to-face classes in Wales from Monday. There will also be returns for some vocational learners, including apprentices, to colleges in order to access training or workplace environments for their practical qualifications. Mark Drakeford today confirmed that all primary school pupils as well as those in Years 11 and 13 could return from March 15. Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said last month that schools in Northern Ireland will not reopen until at least March 8. Advertisement 'The science around the role that schools play in the overall rate of transmission is uncertain. ' It adds: 'What we do know is that the full reopening of schools will bring nearly 10 million pupils and staff into circulation in England - close to one fifth of the population. This is not a small easing of lockdown restrictions. It is a massive step. 'These factors necessitate a cautious approach with wider school and college opening phased over a period of time.' As well as the ASCL, the statement was signed by the GMB, National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), NASUWT, National Education Union (NEU), National Governance Association (NGA), Sixth Form Colleges' Association (SFCA), Unison, and Unite. It came as a school leader warned mass-testing will mean some pupils won't go back to school until April. The comments by Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis multi-academy trust which runs more than 50 schools nationwide, comes as Mr Johnson is facing opposition to his plan for widespread, simultaneous returns from teaching unions and Matt Hancock. The academy chief is leading calls for a staggered return for pupils, insisting a secondary school with around 2,000 students would likely have to invite one year group back each week to carry out testing on such a scale. Even if it did begin early next month as the Prime Minister proposes, such a process would not realistically be completed until the week of April 19, education bosses claim. Mr Chalke told the Telegraph: 'You need a waiting area, a testing area, a holding area, an administrative area and an isolation area for people who test positive. 'You need to have someone in charge of it all, someone to assist with the testing, someone in charge of the collation of the data, someone in charge of the hosting area, someone in charge of waste disposal, someone to oversee the isolation area it is quite an operation.' He added that schools would become 'a medical centre' if more than one year group was being brought in for testing at the same time. All primary school pupils and those facing exams will return to classrooms in Wales by March 15 so long as the Covid-19 situation 'continues to improve,' Mark Drakeford said today. The First Minister will announce no further changes to the country's level four restrictions - which have been in place since December 20 - as stay-at-home rules are extended for at least another three weeks. Children aged between three and seven will resume face-to-face classes from Monday, Mr Drakeford confirmed. There will also be returns for some vocational learners, including apprentices, to colleges so they can access training for their practical qualifications. 'I'll be saying today that on Monday March 15, provided things continue to improve, all primary school children will be back in face-to-face education and those students in secondary schools who are facing examinations, we aim to get them back in the classroom as well,' the Labour leader said. 'And then we will carefully review as part of our deal with our teaching unions and local education authorities. We take a step, we collect the evidence, we decide what to do next.' The official said the third clinical trial of Covaxin BB152 had been completed as all the 25,800 volunteers involved in the exercise had been administered both the doses. (AFP file) Thiruvananthapuram: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Balram Bhargava has said interim results of the ongoing clinical trials indicated that the indigenous Covid-19 vaccines would be effective against the mutated virus strains reported from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. A paper on Covaxin's neutralisation potential against the UK strain has been accepted for publication, he said here on Thursday while addressing an international webinar "Kerala Health: Making the SDG A Reality,"organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Kerala. In the case of the variants from South Africa and Brazil, efforts were on to isolate the mutated virus strains from the samples collected from travellers from these two countries, he said. The official said the third clinical trial of Covaxin BB152 had been completed as all the 25,800 volunteers involved in the exercise had been administered both the doses. "The interim analysis report should be out in a week," he said. Dr Bhargava pointed out that India was the fifth country in the world to isolate the Covid-19 virus as part of the efforts to develop a vaccine for the pandemic. With its graded response to the outbreak of Covid-19 right from the beginning, India had successfully kept the spread of the pandemic under control while utilising this period for drastically scaling up the capacity of the country's medical infrastructure, both under the government and the private sector. India had from the outset resisted the temptation of going for herd immunity unlike many European countries, including the UK and Italy, and its decision had been vindicated from what happened in the western nations that allowed the pandemic to spread, he pointed out. As a result, India had not only ramped up its medical infrastructure for domestic use but had also reached the level of exporting vaccines and treatment kits on a large scale, he said. The webinar series that began on February 17, with focus on the prospects of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) amid an added challenge posed by Covid-19, is held across five days this month and early March. After an administrator shamed parents and students for sledding without masks, students in a New Jersey school district are set to return to the classroom on Monday, according to district officials, citing a drop in coronavirus cases. Everything is on schedule and we are excited to be returning, Frederick Williams, superintendent of Middlesex Borough public schools, said in an email to NJ Advance Media on Friday. Students will return in their assigned hybrid cohort or will remain within in the virtual cohort, Williams said. Williams, who made the announcement during a recent board of education meeting, said new positive COVID-19 numbers within the borough had decreased. We hope these numbers will continue to decline, he said. Earlier this month, Assistant Superintendent Paul Rafalowski sent a parent an email saying the community has not taken the COVID-19 outbreak seriously and attached photos of the woman and her son recently sledding with friends while not wearing masks. The parent was one of several who have been vocal about the district not returning to in-person learning at the same pace as nearby districts. We know that parents and students are not following the same CDC guidelines that you continue to share with us that detail the importance of social distancing and mask wearing, Rafalowski said in an email that was shared with the media. The superintendent said that neither he nor Rafalowski knew the names of the children in the photos and that the assistant superintendent had blurred kids faces before sending his email. Rafalowskis email said the photos were sent to us as evidence to validate our concern after they were posted on Facebook. The debate about returning students to in-person learning has turned contentious in multiple New Jersey districts with protests, fierce arguments at board meetings and even a lawsuit by one district seeking to force teachers to back into classrooms. Middlesex Borough started with all remote classes in September and offered hybrid instruction for a few weeks in November. The plan to return to hybrid instruction in January was postponed. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. All hail the mighty cabbage. Popular all over the world - think Southern-style braised cabbage, spicy fermented kimchi, stuffed cabbage rolls, tart sauerkraut, and creamy and crisp coleslaws - cabbage can just about do it all. In addition to its low cost and lengthy fridge life span, it is packed with vitamin C and other nutrients. Roman historian Cato the Elder (234-149 BC) wrote, "It is the cabbage which surpasses all other vegetables," in reference to its medicinal value. While cabbage has been consumed for millennia, the vegetable's popularity has risen recently amid the pandemic, and now it's time to delve deeper. Whether you're already quite familiar with cabbage or just becoming acquainted, here's what you need to know to get the most from this versatile vegetable. - Get to know the varieties. One of the earliest text references to cabbage comes from the Greek philosopher Theophrastus (371-287 BC), the "father of botany," who noted different types. Today, there's the familiar green cabbage you've likely seen in the produce aisle, along with the visually stunning red variety. I adore Savoy for its beautifully textured leaves. Napa cabbage is a delight in its subtlety. And bok choy, sometimes referred to as "Chinese cabbage," can be found big or small (baby) with loose, deep green leaves. These are perhaps the most common, but there are hundreds of varieties in all manner of shapes, sizes and textures depending on classification. "Cabbage" comes from the French "caboche," meaning head, and is often used to refer to various forms of Brassica oleracea - the wild plant species from which modern green cabbage originated that first grew along the Mediterranean coast thousands of years ago. However, the term is also applied to members of Brassica rapa, such napa cabbage, and can be used to encompass a wider range of cruciferous vegetables - including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and collard greens. - Buying and storing. As with many vegetables, choose cabbages that are firm. Headed cabbages (a.k.a. the round ones) should be heavy with tightly bound leaves. Avoid wilted produce, which has lost some of its nutritional content and is one step away from going bad. A little discoloration from bruising is manageable, but avoid cabbage displaying anything other than that for fear of further damage inside. And while cut, partial cabbages wrapped in plastic are enticing to anyone in need of only a small amount, whole heads with outer leaves intact are preferable because they keep the best. In terms of storage, cabbage can last in the refrigerator crisper drawer for a few weeks, but if you intend to eat it raw, do so within a few days. Before refrigerating, suggests the website Harvest to Table, "remove loose leaves and clip the cabbage so a short stem remains, then wrap the head in a damp paper towel, and place it in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable crisper section." - Cleaning and cooking. Before using, discard any damaged or wilted outer leaves. Looser varieties, such as napa and bok choy, should also be rinsed to get rid of any dirt between leaves. Bok choy can be washed whole, but depending on the preparation, napa cabbage leaves should be separated and rinsed if meant to be kept whole, or split the head in half and run it under the faucet as you would a leek to clean. Cabbage's flavor can be bitter and/or sweet depending on the variety, often with a hint of pepperiness thrown in. Green cabbage sweetens as it cooks, while red tends to be more pungent. Napa cabbage is also sometimes called celery cabbage, perhaps an indication of a similar flavor profile, and bok choy reminds some people of spinach. When raw, green and red cabbage are very firm with a somewhat rubbery texture. Their signature crunch is the "it" factor in coleslaws. Napa is perhaps the most tender of the commonly available cabbages, making it an excellent choice for salads and other raw preparations. And don't forget the delicious pickled or fermented dishes cabbage can transform into. When it comes to applying heat, cabbage can be boiled, braised, grilled, roasted, baked in a casserole, stir-fried and more. Green and red cabbage are workhorses and almost always interchangeable in recipes, but red cabbage is firmer, requiring a longer cooking time. Also, you'll want to add some form of acid (i.e. lemon juice or vinegar) when cooking red cabbage to prevent it from turning an off blue-gray color. (Some believe acid also helps with the dreaded "cabbage smell.") I love the sweetness of bok choy and how it remains juicy thanks to its thick stems, even after it's been roasted, steamed or sauteed. Savoy's pliant leaves make it a great choice for rolling and stuffing. While napa is noted for its tenderness, it can also withstand stir-frying and charring. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Americans used to eat 22 pounds of cabbage per capita a century ago, but recent data suggests we consume only about a third of that today. While I'm inclined to say something about making cabbage cool again, deep down we've known of its appeal all along. Arthrex Australia, global medical device company with medical education in orthopaedics has signed a 1565 sq m lease at 20 Rodborough Road for $370 per sq m from Irongate group. The lease is for five years. The lease supports the North Shores critical infrastructure and growing medical hub precinct. JLLs Francesco Princi brokered the lease. Aalders Auctioneers & Valuers Pty Ltd has leased a 521 sq m retail/commercial site at 18 Parramatta Road from Industrie Property Company No.3 Pty Ltd for $191.94 sq m net. The lease term is four years. Adam Selikman, Taylor Nicholas Inner West negotiated the lease. Lidcombe Private investor ABGAP Pty Ltd has leased a 324 sq m office and showroom at 5/33 Nyrang Street, from XIAO TONG LIN for $200 per sq m. The lease term is two years plus a two year option. The tenant needed larger premises. Phil Higgins from Bawdens negotiated the lease. Fairfield East FR8 Services, a family-owned refrigerated transport company has signed a new lease for a 1701 sq m site at 122-124 Fairfield Street, for $153 sq m gross from Investments & Loans Pty Ltd. The lease term is two years. The property features a high-clearance warehouse with office space, an on-site wash bay and a large concrete yard. CBREs Janet Joljian and Elijah Shakir secured the tenancy. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:38:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COLOMBO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka have crossed the 4,000 mark since authorities re-opened its international airports in the last week of January following the COVID-19 pandemic, local media reported here Friday. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando told the local Daily FT that within just three weeks since airports were opened on Jan. 21 for international travellers and commercial flights, Sri Lanka had received 4,368 tourists. Sri Lanka closed its international airports in March last year following a spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which has to date infected over 78,000 people and caused 430 deaths. According to official figures, 211 tourists were the latest to arrive from Kazakhstan at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) in southern Sri Lanka on Thursday and Ukraine tops the tourist arrival numbers with close to 1,500, followed by Kazakhstan and India. Fernando said they expect more tourists in the coming months, as Sri Lanka Tourism is planning to roll out a much-awaited global campaign within the year. "Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has now appointed a Steering Committee to ensure a successful global campaign to promote Sri Lanka as an attractive tourist destination, but also as a safe country," Fernando said. Sri Lanka on Wednesday lifted temporary travel restrictions introduced by the government on travellers originating from Britain due to the spread of a new COVID-19 variant and said tourist arrivals from Britain too will resume under the guidelines introduced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Enditem (JTA) - What Donald Trump's lawyer likely wanted: for America to spend this evening talking about how the former president was not responsible for the deadly Jan. 6 raid on the U.S. Capitol. What he got instead: a firestorm of speculation about why he held his hand over his head every time he took a sip of water. David Schoen, one of Trump's impeachment lawyers, already asked (and then withdrew his request) for Trump's trial to pause for the Jewish day of rest. Was the fact that he covered his head while drinking also because he is an Orthodox Jew? We didn't ask Schoen, but we can say: A... Harris County has seen 580 carbon monoxide poisoning cases, including two deaths, as temperatures bottomed out in Houston and the states electricity grid failed, sending people scrambling for heat sources. Many of the cases stem from people using BBQ pits and generators indoors to stay warm, said Drew Munhausen, a Memorial Hermann spokesperson. Doctors treated 60 of those cases the first day of the winter weather crisis at the hospitals Texas Medical Center location. With that number of patients going in, its turning into a mini mass casualty event, said Dr. Samuel Prater, a UTHealth emergency physician who works with Memorial Hermann. More than half the patients were children, Prater said. The poisonings surged as the Texas power grid collapsed, leaving millions of Houstonians without power many for days, during a deep freeze that included Houstons coldest night in 32 years. Other hospitals and paramedics are also treating people who have become ill from unsafe heating practices. By Wednesday, it included more than 160 carbon monoxide poisoning calls to the Houston Fire Department and more than 100 cases in Memorial Hermann's emergency rooms. The numbers are staggering, given the CDC's estimate that carbon monoxide poisoning results in an average of 50,000 ER trips nationally each year. SAFETY FIRST: Use gas-powered generators with care Several people have already died seeking warmth. A woman and an 8-year-old girl died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Sharpstown, while a man and a 7-year-old boy were taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Three children and their grandmother died in a Sugar Land house fire after using the fireplace to heat their home. And on Thursday, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences reported that three people two in Houston and one in Crosby died of hypothermia in their homes. By Thursday morning, CenterPoint Energy reported that 98 percent of customers had seen their power restored. But the utility company said it cannot warn residents before they may lose power again and weather forecasts show further threats of freezing weather. A hard freeze warning is in place from midnight to 9 a.m. Friday for Harris County. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, experts said people should avoid running their cars to stay warm in garages, using generators and grills inside or turning on ovens to heat homes. If using a fireplace, keep an eye on the flames, make sure the chimney flue is open and stay awake while the fire is burning. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Headache Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Muscle aches Confusion Vision changes Ringing in ears Loss of consciousness Chimneys, candles and overworked heating devices are also driving a spike in house fires, according to public health officials. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu Ulster Bank customers who learned the bank will be pulling out of the Irish market have expressed their disappointment and frustration at the situation they find themselves in. Ulster Banks parent company NatWest confirmed on Friday that Ulster Bank is to begin a phased withdrawal from Ireland after 160 years operating in the market. At the banks OConnell Street branch in Dublin city centre loyal customers voiced their anxieties about the withdrawal. Dubliner Anthony Abbott King, who has been a customer for more than 30 years, said he was disappointed by their decision to pull out of the market. It is frustrating, he said. Im in my early 50s and Im very conscious of the fact that banking is a personal relationship. For me its one of those relationships of trust, like my doctor or solicitor and that doesnt exist anymore. Its disappearing. Ive banked with Ulster Bank from when I was a student at Trinity and because the Ulster Bank branch was across from the Arts Block, he said. Thats why I opened my account there and I found them to be good to deal with. But in recent years Mr Abbott King said he has been disappointed by the banks customer service. What Ive noticed in the last few years is that Ulster Bank do not want you to be in the branch and they actively ask you every time: Do you have online banking? and I prefer to go to the branch for the minimum amount of transactions I require, he said. They do not want you to be present. They want you to do your transactions online but I like the autonomy of going into the branch. Important Customer Notice: please visit https://t.co/mxzErtTcxy for more information. pic.twitter.com/otdbTpgbuW Ulster Bank (@UlsterBank) February 19, 2021 It is the second time Mr Abbott King has been affected by financial institutions closing their doors in the Irish market. Danske Bank was the bank for my mortgage and it subsequently transferred to a vulture fund, he said. I havent had an issue with them but Im not in default on my mortgage, Ive paid it consistently. He doesnt have a mortgage account with Ulster Bank but he believes those customers who do will be really apprehensive. Its a huge financial commitment and they are committed to their bank and they want their bank to be committed to them. Its a breach of trust, he added. Sohail Ahmad from Dublin said: I thought it was a rumour or something but its really disturbing. I need to go to another bank to open an account now. Ive one account in Ulster Bank so Ill go and see what other bank is better. Its definitely disappointing for me because I was really happy, I never had an issue with payment with card or anything. The bank had a really good reputation and its closing down so you never know what big companies are going down. It could affect some other banks. If this can be closed maybe some other bank could be affected too so I need to know before I open an account that it will be okay. It is a surprise. I was not expecting the bank to close. Other businesses yeah you expect but its the first time Im seeing a bank closing down. Expand Close A sign outside the Ulster Bank headquarters in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A sign outside the Ulster Bank headquarters in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Romanian native Michaela Graur, who lives in Dublin, said she was scared by the announcement of the banks closure and made her way into the branch on Friday morning to seek clarity on the matter. Ulster Bank is her main bank. I was a little bit scared to be honest thats why I came to the branch but they assured me that the closure will be in about a year, she said. They advised me to reorientate to another bank. They reassured me and I feel a bit calmer now. She added: What can I do. Now I have to do my own research for moving to another bank. 11th round of India-China military commander level talks likely to be held on Friday India stood up Chinas disruptive use of technology and my way or no way attitude: CDS 10th India-China military commander level talks tomorrow: Depsang Plains to be focus India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: India and China will hold the 10th round of Corps Commander level talks at 10 am tomorrow on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in Moldo. Sources tell OneIndia that the talks would focus extensively on the disengagement at the other friction points. The Indian government had reiterated earlier this week that the military commander level talks would be held within 48 hours after the complete disengagement at Pangong Tso. The Ministry of External Affairs had said that both countries have agreed to convene the10th round senior commander level talks after the disengagement at Pangong Tso is complete. The next level of talks would focus on the remaining issues. India-China came close to war last year: Northern Command chief Sources say that the next round of talks would focus extensively on the disengagement at the Depsang Plains. The issues at the friction points will be taken up one by one and talks would continue until the complete disengagement takes place, the source also said. On Tuesday, the Indian Army released video clips and photographs of the Chinese troops withdrawing from Pangong Tso area. The visuals released were from the Pangong Tso and Kailash Range area on the lake's south bank. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News he clips showed the Chinese troops dismantling tents on a hillside as well down a mountain slope. There is rapid movement of Chinese heavy vehicles beyond Finger 8, satellite images have shown. While armoured elements like battle tanks and armoured personnel carriers are being withdrawn from friction points in the south bank of Pangong Tso, troops are being pulled back from the north bank areas, sources said. The sources said withdrawal of armoured elements from the south bank of Pangong Tso is almost complete and temporary structures erected by both sides will be demolished in the next few days. The disengagement of troops and armoured elements is limited to the friction points where the two sides were on an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation, sources said. After Pangong Tso, more reduction of tensions at friction points between India and China After a nine-month standoff, the two militaries reached the agreement on disengagement in the north and south banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to cease forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 11:46 [IST] Send questions about the office, money, careers and work-life balance to workfriend@nytimes.com. Include your name and location, or a request to remain anonymous. Letters may be edited. Pet-Obsessed Co-Workers Two colleagues recently lost their pets, and another colleague took up a collection to send flowers. In one case, the collection extended to purchasing a sympathy toy for the colleagues remaining, living pet. In our pet-obsessed society, I am aware that many people consider their pets family members, but it strikes me as absurd to send condolence flowers upon a pets death. Is it a common practice in todays workplace culture, or is it, as I think, utterly bananas? Anonymous, New York City Yes, we live in a pet-obsessed society, and if pets arent your thing, you simply dont get a pet. But, my goodness. Are you OK? I ask because I worry there is something going on in your life that leads you to feel such callousness. It is totally fine if it strikes you as absurd to send flowers to someone upon a pets death, but it clearly brings comfort to some of your colleagues. I am not a pet person, and before I married an animal lover, I didnt understand that whole vibe. Now, we have a puppy and two cats, and while I may not be a fan of animals, I am a fan of these three creatures. I digress. Let your co-workers live, and simply decline to participate if it really bothers you this much. Vent about it in the group chat. I dont know if it is a common practice in workplace culture or beyond, but I do know the loss of a pet can be devastating. It speaks quite well to your workplace that your colleagues care about one another like this. Thats the only thing you need to know about workplace culture. In 2014, Navy Adm. William H. McRaven gave a commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin that he wanted to make short and memorable. He suggested that changing the world for the better is not only possible, it is something everyone can do -- and it starts with making your bed. He is now sending that message out across the country with a new children's book, "Make your Bed With Skipper the Seal." The suggestions McRaven made to the graduating class in Austin that night were based on lessons he learned in the United States military. During his career as a Naval Special Warfare officer, he refined U.S. special operations through innovation and leadership. He would eventually rise to become a four-star admiral and the ninth commanding officer of U.S. Special Operations Command, overseeing all branches' special warfare operations. He rose to special prominence overseeing the execution of Operation Neptune Spear, the SEAL Team Six mission that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. During Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, the initial training course all Navy SEALs must complete, he learned the small lessons about commitment, courage and camaraderie that he listed as commencement speaker, he said. It all began with the simple, but important task of making his bed. He later turned those lessons into the best-selling book, "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life And Maybe the World." The new children's version, "Make Your Bed With Skipper the Seal," is due on bookshelves Oct. 12, 2021. The lesson is the same, but geared toward younger readers. The book espouses the idea that there are many little ways to change the world for the better and encourages kids to become the best version of themselves. (Courtesy of Little, Brown) "When my three children were young, I always took time to read to them," McRaven said in a news release about the upcoming book. "I found that stories of adventure and overcoming challenges helped shape their character and inspired them to be their very best. I hope that 'Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal' is just such a book!" In the book, Skipper starts a new career in Navy SEAL training where he and his friends learn how to pass the small tests required of them, but also learn the life lessons in the book. These include the importance of taking risks, learning to deal with failures and how to make it through hard times. They also, of course, start with making their beds (Courtesy of Little, Brown) -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox.. RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia state Senate is backing a plan to boost pay for state troopers at a time when the agency - in the national spotlight last month for responding to the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol - is struggling to attract and retain sworn officers. The measure, sponsored by Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, would establish a trust fund that State Police could tap to make its salaries more competitive with those offered by local police and sheriff's departments. The fund would be supported by an extra $4 fee tacked onto the cost of registering a car in the commonwealth, raising an estimated $30 million a year. "The addition of $4 to your vehicle registration is relative to buying a Starbucks grande frappuccino," Wayne Huggins, executive director of the Virginia State Police Association, said in a written statement. "That's all it would take for the General Assembly and Virginia to support the State Police's public safety mission, its leadership on criminal justice reform, and its service to our nation when our democracy is threatened." The bill sailed out of the Senate on a bipartisan 31-7 vote in January, but it has gotten a mixed reception in the House. The House Transportation Committee passed it last week on a 14-5 vote. It went from there to the House Appropriations Committee, which did not take it up before Wednesday's deadline for revenue bills. The inaction would normally kill the effort. But the Senate budget includes language to create the trust fund, so the plan could still come to fruition if House and Senate negotiators charged with hammering out a budget compromise decide to include it. "It's in the Senate budget, alive and well," Edwards said Thursday. Del. Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, proposed an identical bill, which the Appropriations Committee let die without a vote earlier this session. "I don't even know why. I just know I never got docketed," Scott said. But Scott said he heard informally that appropriations members were concerned about the precedent set if the Department of Motor Vehicles was saddledwith having to collect a fee unrelated to its own operations. A spokesman for Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian, D-Prince William, declined to comment. The state House and Senate both offer State Police a raise in competing budget bills that passed the chambers last week, with a 3.5 percent boost in the House plan, and 3 percent in the Senate's. But advocates such as the State Police Association says a bigger hike is needed to attract and retain troopers at the agency, which has nearly 300 vacancies out of its total authorized force of 2,161 sworn officers. Huggins said the vacancies have made it hard to give troopers days off during recent spate of demanding assignments, including a gun-rights rally in Richmond on Jan. 18, the presidential inauguration two days later, hundreds of highway accidents amid winter storms this week and the riot at the Capitol. As the Pentagon delayed calling up the National Guard to help overwhelmed Capitol Police in Washington, about 200 Virginia troopers sped to the scene. The state House and Senate have passed a resolution commending State Police for their response. State police recruitment and retention have suffered in recent years, as salaries have not kept up with those at competing law-enforcement agencies. The starting salary for a trooper-trainee enrolled in the State Police academy is $44,290, rising to $48,719 a year after graduation. The salary is higher for those assigned to expensive Northern Virginia counties - $55,340 upon graduation from the academy, increasing to $60,874 a year later. By comparison, Henrico County police officers start at $46,339. The base salary for a Fairfax County officer is $53,969, plus a 5 percent salary step increases for certain "preferred qualifications," including prior military or law enforcement experience, foreign language proficiency and college degrees. A new trooper with three of those qualifications would get a salary boost of $8,100, Huggins said, adding, "you're walking in the door at roughly $62,069." Gov. J.B. Pritzkers administration. In order for the project to work, Pritzker has to agree to transfer jurisdiction of a 1.5-mile stretch of road from the village of Elwood to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Once that happens, NorthPoint will pay for the construction of a $20 million bridge over Route 53 thats needed to link the Compass warehouse site to the two intermodal terminals, and to move truck traffic off local routes. Few San Francisco residents departed the city for sunny Miami during the pandemic, but that could change if the mayor of Miami and two tech investors get their way. Two billboards fashioned as mock tweets by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez debuted over downtown San Francisco roadways this week, part of a campaign to woo remote workers to Floridas burgeoning tech hub. Thinking about moving to Miami? DM me, reads one billboard labeled with Suarezs Twitter handle looming over an Interstate 80 exit ramp to downtown San Francisco. Another billboard encouraged residents to message Suarez and featured a picture of a laptop on a beach with the caption, You might as well code from here. The billboards are the result of a monthslong collaboration between two tech-friendly Miami residents: Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and Shervin Pishevar, an early investor in Uber and Airbnb, according to the Miami Herald. The pair, both vocal supporters of the Miami tech scene, reportedly began discussing ideas over email in December. Suarez wasnt part of the planning process, but he signed off on the billboards, the Miami Herald reported. Pishevar is reported to have paid for the two advertisements. AdQuick, the company that sold the two billboard advertisements, was not immediately available for comment Thursday evening. The average cost of renting a billboard in San Francisco is $2,740, according to the companys website. The faux tweet ad campaign comes as Suarez seeks to take advantage of the growing exodus of tech companies from San Francisco amid the pandemic. The Republican mayor cinched his role as Miamis tech cheerleader with a twitter exchange in mid-December. What if we move Silicon Valley to Miami? wrote venture capitalist Delian Asparouhov, to which Suarez replied, How can I help? The exchange quickly went viral, winning Suarez thousands of new followers. San Francisco residents abandoned the city in record numbers last year, but most did not go far. While a vocal minority decamped for cheaper, more business-friendly states like Texas and Florida, most relocated to other Bay Area counties, according to data from the United States Postal Service. Nora Mishanec is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.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. DUBLIN, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services by Fill/Finish Technique, Type of Packaging, Type of Dosage Form and Geography: Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report features an extensive study of the current market landscape and the future potential of sterile fill/finish services for small molecule drugs. It features an in-depth analysis, highlighting the capabilities of various stakeholders engaged in this domain. Small molecule drugs account for nearly 90% of the contemporary therapeutics pipeline. In fact, in 2019, the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research approved 48 small molecule drugs, representing 70% of the new molecular entities (NMEs) clearing regulatory review in the same year. Given that the demand for small molecule drugs is still on the rise, the importance of contract manufacturing and third party services is also increasing in the pharmaceutical industry. Sterile fill/finish is considered among the most crucial steps in the pharmaceutical production process. In fact, aseptic conditions during fill/finish operations are not only essential for ensuring end user safety, but also maintaining pharmacological efficacy and product quality. As small molecule APIs are gradually becoming more complex, the demand for appropriate aseptic fill/finish processes is growing. Given the high cost of specialized equipment and the affiliated expertise required for aseptic fill/finish operations, it is difficult for drug developer companies with limited finances and capacity constraints to meet clinical/commercial scale demands. This has led many of the smaller players in the industry and certain pharma giants, as well, to outsource various aspects of their production processes, including fill/finish, to contract service providers. Currently, over 130 companies are actively providing sterile fill/finish services for small molecules. In the recent past, many of the aforementioned service providers have also forged strategic alliances and/or acquired other players, in order to further enhance their respective service offerings. We believe that this trend is likely to persist in the foreseen future, as well. Overall, the contract services market for fill/finish of small molecule drugs is anticipated to witness steady growth, till 2030. In addition to other elements, the study includes: A detailed review of the overall landscape of contract fill/finish services market for small molecules, featuring a list of service providers and detailed analysis based on a number of relevant parameters, including developer information (year of establishment, company size and location of headquarters), scale of operation (preclinical, clinical and commercial), type of fill/finish technique (aseptic filling/terminal sterilization and blow-fill-seal), dosage forms handled (liquid, lyophilized, micelles/liposomes and powder), and types of primary packaging containers handled (vials/ampoules, pre-filled syringes/syringes/cartridges and bottles/others). A region-wise, company competitiveness analysis, highlighting prominent fill/finish service providers, based on supplier strength (considering experience of the service provider) and portfolio strength (considering the number of dosage forms handled, number of containers for which fill/finish service is being provided, number of fill/finish techniques adopted and scale of operation). Elaborate profiles of key players across key geographies ( North America , Europe and Asia-Pacific ), which were shortlisted based on our proprietary company competitiveness analysis. Each profile provides an overview of the company, details related to their fill/finish service portfolio, financial performance (if available), and an informed future outlook. , and ), which were shortlisted based on our proprietary company competitiveness analysis. Each profile provides an overview of the company, details related to their fill/finish service portfolio, financial performance (if available), and an informed future outlook. A detailed analysis of the expansions undertaken (since 2016) by various service providers, based on a number of parameters, including year of expansion, type of expansion (capacity expansion, capability expansion, new facility, geographical consolidation and geographical expansion), geographical location of facility and most active players (in terms of number of instances). An estimate of the global, contract fill/finish capacity, by taking into consideration the capacities of various fill/finish service providers (as available on respective company websites), collected via secondary research. The study examines the distribution of number of packaging units and volume of small molecules filled, across various types of packaging (ampoules, bottles, pre-filled syringes and vials), based on the size of the company/organization (small-sized, mid-sized and large/very large) and geography ( North America , Europe and Asia Pacific ). , and ). A case study to highlight the benefits of using robotic/automated equipment for aseptic fill/finish processes; the study provides a list of equipment manufacturers providing robots suitable for pharmaceutical operations. A case study to highlight the role of ready-to-use packaging containers in aseptic fill/finish operations; the study provides a list of suppliers providing the ready-to-use components. One of the key objectives of the report was to estimate the existing market size and potential growth opportunities for sterile small molecule service providers. Based on parameters, such as such as growth of the overall pharmaceutical market, the cost associated with fill/finish operation and outsourcing trends related to these operations, we have provided an informed estimate on the likely evolution of the market over the period 2020-2030. Year-wise projections of the current and future opportunity have further been segmented on the basis of: fill/finish technique (aseptic filling, terminal sterilization and blow-fill-seal) type of packaging (ampoules, bottles, pre-filled syringes and vials) type of dosage form (liquid, lyophilized and others) key geographical regions ( North America (US, Canada ), Europe (UK, France , Germany , Italy , Spain and rest of the Europe ), Asia-Pacific ( Australia , India , South Korea and rest of the Asia ), Middle East and North Africa and Latin America ). Key Topics Covered: 1. PREFACE 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3. INTRODUCTION 4. MARKET LANDSCAPE: STERILE SMALL MOLECULE FILL/FINISH SERVICE PROVIDERS 4.1. Chapter Overview 4.2. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Service Providers: Overall Market Landscape 4.2.1. Analysis by Year of Establishment 4.2.2. Analysis by Company Size and Location of Headquarters 4.2.3. Analysis by Location of Fill/Finish Facilities 4.2.4. Analysis by Type of Fill/Finish Technique 4.2.5. Analysis by Type of Packaging 4.2.6. Analysis by Type of Dosage Forms Filled 4.2.7. Analysis by Scale of Operation 5. COMPANY COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS 5.1. Chapter Overview 5.2. Methodology 5.3 Assumptions and Key Parameters 5.3.1. Competitiveness Analysis: Aseptic Small Molecule Fill/Finish Service Providers in North America 5.3.2. Competitiveness Analysis: Aseptic Small Molecule Fill/Finish Service Providers in Europe 5.3.3. Competitiveness Analysis: Aseptic Small Molecule Fill/Finish Service Providers in Asia-Pacific 5.4. Contact Details of Key Service Providers 6. COMPANY PROFILES 6.1. Chapter Overview 6.2. Albany Molecular Research (AMRI) 6.2.1. Company Overview 6.2.2. Service Portfolio 6.2.3. Recent Developments and Future Outlook 6.3. Pii (Pharmaceutics International) 6.4. Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services 6.5. Catalent Pharma Solutions 6.6. Pfizer CentreOne 6.7. Delpharm 6.8. Rompharm 6.9. CordenPharma 6.10. Mithra CDMO 6.11. Pierre Fabre 6.12. APL 6.13. Square Pharmaceuticals 6.14. Wockhardt 7. RECENT EXPANSIONS 7.1. Chapter Overview 7.2. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Service Providers Market: Expansion Models 8. CAPACITY ANALYSIS 8.1. Chapter Overview 8.2. Assumptions and Methodology 8.3. Global Installed Small Molecule Fill/Finish Capacity (by Number of Units) 8.4. Global Installed Small Molecule Fill/Finish Capacity (by Volume) 9. MARKET SIZING AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS 9.1. Chapter Overview 9.2. Forecast Methodology 9.3. Global, Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market, 2020-2030 9.3.1. Global, Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Fill/Finish Technique 9.3.2. Global, Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Packaging 9.3.3. Global, Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Dosage Form 9.3.4. Global, Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Geographical Region 9.3.4.1 Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in North America, 2020-2030: Distribution by Countries 9.3.4.2. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in North America, 2020-2030: Distribution by Fill/Finish Technique 9.3.4.3. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in North America, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Packaging 9.3.4.4. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in North America, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Dosage Form 9.3.4.5. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Europe, 2020-2030: Distribution by Countries 9.3.4.6. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Europe, 2020-2030: Distribution by Fill/Finish Technique 9.3.4.7. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Europe, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Packaging 9.3.4.8. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Europe, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Dosage Form 9.3.4.9. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Asia Pacific, 2020-2030: Distribution by Countries 9.3.4.10. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Asia Pacific, 2020-2030: Distribution by Fill/Finish Technique 9.3.4.11. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Asia Pacific, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Packaging 9.3.4.12. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Asia Pacific, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Dosage Form 9.3.4.13. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Middle East and North Africa, 2020-2030: Distribution by Countries 9.3.4.14. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Middle East and North Africa, 2020-2030: Distribution by Fill/Finish Technique 9.3.4.15. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Middle East and North Africa, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Packaging 9.3.4.16. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Latin America, 2020-2030: Distribution by Countries 9.3.4.17. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Latin America, 2020-2030: Distribution by Fill/Finish Technique 9.3.4.18. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Latin America, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Packaging 9.3.4.19. Sterile Small Molecule Fill/Finish Services Market in Latin America, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Dosage Form 10. CASE STUDY: ROBOTIC SYSTEMS IN FILL/FINISH OPERATIONS 10.1. Chapter Overview 10.2. Contract Service Providers: List of Fill/Finish Equipment 10.3. Role of Robotic Systems in Fill/Finish Operations 10.3.1. Types of Robots Used in Pharmaceutical Operations 10.3.2. Key Considerations for Selecting a Robotic System 10.3.3. Advantages of Robotic Systems 10.3.4. Disadvantages of Robotic Systems 10.4. Companies Providing Robots for Use in the Pharmaceutical Industry 10.5. Concluding Remarks 11. CASE STUDY: READY-TO-USE PACKAGING COMPONENTS IN ASEPTIC FILL/FINISH OPERATIONS 11.1. Chapter Overview 11.2. Role of Ready-to-Use Packaging Components in Aseptic Fill/Finish Operations 11.2.1. Advantages of Ready-to-Use Packaging Components 11.2.2. Disadvantages of Ready-to-Use Packaging Components 11.3. Companies Providing Ready-to-Use Packaging Components 11.4. Concluding Remarks 12. CONCLUDING REMARKS 13. APPENDIX 1: TABULATED DATA 14. APPENDIX 2: LIST OF COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS Companies Mentioned ABB AbbVie Contract Manufacturing Aenova Afton Scientific Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Akorn Alanza Alcami Alkermes Contract Pharma Services Allergy Laboratories AMRI Amsino International APG Europe APL Aptar Pharma ARaymond Life Argonaut Asept Pak Aseptic Technologies Avara Pharmaceutical Services Axcellerate Pharma Baccinex Basic Pharma Bausch & Strobel BAUSCH Advanced Technology Baxter International BD BePharBel Manufacturing Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing bioserv BioTechnique BirgiMefar Bosch Packaging Technology Bryllan BSP Pharmaceuticals Burrard Pharmaceuticals Capmatic CARBOGEN AMCIS Catalent Pharma Solutions Celonic Cenexi Chase Longman Chemigran Ciron Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Cobra Biologics And Many More Companies! For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fvk4r2 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Jianpu Technology Inc. ("Jianpu" or the "Company") (NYSE: JT). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Jianpu and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On June 15, 2020, in a Notification of Late Filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Jianpu disclosed that the independent audit committee of its board of directors (the "Audit Committee") was conducting an internal review of certain matters relating to transactions between the Company and third-party business entities and, as a result, could not timely file its 2019 annual report. Then, on February 16, 2021, Jianpu announced that the Audit Committee's review had found "certain transactions involv[ing] third-party agents . . . with undisclosed relationships, and some transactions lack[ing] business substance," which the Company characterized as "questionable transactions." Jianpu further advised that, "[a]s a result, certain revenue and associated expenses were inflated or inaccurately recorded" in financial statements for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, and that "certain employees improperly altered supporting documents that were provided to the Company's external auditor." As a result, Jianpu concluded that "the previously issued audited financial statements for the fiscal year 2018 and the auditor's report can no longer be relied upon" and would be restated, and that "investors must exercise caution when using the Company's previously announced unaudited financial information for the fiscal year 2019." On this news, Jianpu's American depositary share ("ADS") price fell $0.60 per ADS, or 13.22%, to close at $3.94 per ADS on February 16, 2021. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP rswilloughby@pomlaw.com 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 The thought of a modest casino didnt fit the Kennett mantra and was shelved. Melbournes would be the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere and compete on the world stage, bringing thousands of tourists and the gambling whales who win or lose a fortune on the roll of the dice. One of those whales was media magnate Kerry Packer, who would buy into Crown. His son James would inherit and enlarge the stake, investing around the world. But James forgot the golden rule of all casinos: If you stay too long at the table, you will always lose. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video In NSW Crown Resorts was found unfit to hold a casino licence, putting its $2.2 billion Barangaroo complex at risk. Now the giant is not just rearranging the deck chairs but throwing them overboard with executives still attached. In Victoria there has been little political reaction. The reason is that like the big banks, the Melbourne casino is too big to fail. This is not about the decisions of one government or another. From the moment the casino began operating, both sides of politics became gambling addicts reliant on the billions that flow into the states coffers. Therein lies the conflict. Governments enforce the rules to ensure casinos act within prescribed guidelines while remaining enthusiastic, silent partners in the business. No matter how hard you try, you cant be both cop and cheerleader. The bigger the casino, the bigger the tax slice. The more you lose, the more we win. In 2014 the government granted Crown a 17-year licence extension to 2050, permission to operate a further 40 gaming tables and to buy more gaming machines. The government and Crown worked together to aggressively target the worlds gambling whales. First the government dropped a VIP tax on giant punters (to help harpoon the whales) and while smoking is banned inside hotels, Crown has dispensation because many international heavy punters are heavy smokers. It also agreed to pay up to $200 million compensation if any smoking bans or alteration in punters credit hit the giants bottom line. This is not an anti-gambling rant. People go to Crown by choice. It is a self-enclosed ecosystem where you can bet a few dollars or a few million, eat in an internationally acclaimed restaurant or a shopping centre-style food mall. You can leave on public transport or private jet depending on your circumstances. Wowser laws dont work. Attempts to ban gambling, illicit sex and booze always fail, providing lucrative incomes for organised crime. As former Victoria Police chief commissioner Mick Miller said: You can make something illegal but you cant make it unpopular. When premier John Cain, who opposed a casino, was under pressure to change his mind, he appointed former senior judge Xavier Connor to run an inquiry. Connor was a long-time friend of the premier and a trusted political ally. Xavier Connor, who headed the inquiry into whether Victoria should have a casino, at his desk in 1982. Credit:Age archive Everyone expected the green light but Connor was no pushover and his report, now nearly 40 years old, was prescient. The Victoria Police submission to the inquiry was made by my father Fred, then director of the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence. He said a legal casino could satisfy a demand being met by organised crime that was making huge profits, in part for corrupt officials. Providing a legal means for local people and visitors to gamble might, on balance, be in the best interest of good order from a law enforcement agencys point of view. Asked at the inquiry are we winning at the moment against organised crime or moving back?, Fred said: Moving backwards. This did not win him friends at the big end of town, not that that seemed to worry him. Spin for him was something he did when fishing. Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence chief Fred Silvester (wearing a surveillance branch cap) with a big fish. If a casino was established, he said, it should concentrate on table games and not have poker machines. In London the largest casino has 150 gaming machines. Crown now has more than 2500. Connor looked at all options, from convention casinos to smaller clubs, opposing the type that aggressively try to build a bigger business. He considered an unobtrusive, modest casino to satisfy local existing demand without touting for business. Finally he recommended against any type of casino, accurately predicting there would be relentless pressure to relax the rules, expand the business and encourage new gamblers. He said previous premiers John Cain snr and Sir Henry Bolte introduced lotteries and off-course betting as small ventures to satisfy existing demand. Both turned into mega-industries. From the moment it opened, Crown has expanded, just as Xavier Connor warned 40 years ago that any casino would. Credit:Joe Armao He said any casino would be the thin edge of the wedge and small casinos would become big ones. The first plans for Crown included one 350-room hotel. It now has three with more than 1600 rooms, with another of 400 on the books. When Crown opened in 1997 in its permanent home, it was twice the size of the initial tender that included 200 gaming tables. It now has 540. In the first year it had eight million visitors. It now has 22 million. From the beginning the public, the high rollers and the crooks flooded in. And police were waiting. A dedicated Casino Squad worked in the complex, encouraged and supported by casino executives. Police could see which crooks were flush with cash and who was laundering money. To disrupt the police presence, some old-style crooks reopened an illegal casino in St Kilda where they could meet unobserved. It failed in weeks. Police saw Asian loan sharks lend cash to desperate punters. When they couldnt pay they were forced to fly to Vietnam and smuggle heroin to clear the debt. In 2006 the Casino Squad was scrapped following a Boston Consulting review into the Crime Department. It was a major misjudgment. One criticism of Crown was how it was used to launder crime money and looked the other way. Of course it did. Gambling is a no-questions-asked business. Drug dealer Tony Mokbels Tracksuit Gang laundered millions on race tracks and he also invested $20,000 a week on Tattslotto. The Hells Angels used drug money to win $280,000 in the lottery and bookmakers fall over themselves to take bets from crooks. In May 2005 three Mokbel associates (one was a lawyer, but not THAT lawyer) laundered $100,000 at a casino. But it wasnt Crown. It was Jupiters in Queensland. Crown casino surveillance footage presented in a 2019 court case in which a man was prosecuted for money laundering. The biggest criticism of Crown is how it recruited and serviced whales, chasing them harder than a Japanese research boat. Before Crown one of the five biggest whales was Akio Kashiwagi, who almost brought down the Darwin Casino. Visiting Atlantic City he was treated as a VIP at Trump Plaza. The man who would be president, Donald Trump, presented property developer Kashiwagi with his book The Art of the Deal. The whale they called the Warrior sat at the baccarat table armed with 17 rows of chips each valued at $US5000 (for a total of $US12 million) betting $US200,000 a hand 70 times an hour until he had more than 3700 chips worth around $US18 million. But he too stayed too long and lost his money, along with $US6 million in credit. National intangible cultural heritage inheritor Fu Zhao'e (C), her daughter (L) and her grandson make ox-themed paper-cutting works for the Chinese Lunar New Year in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Feb. 6, 2021. Chinese people love the color red and they regard red as a symbol of happiness and prosperity. They buy red decorations for the Spring Festival as a way to wish good luck for the next year. In northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, intangible cultural heritage artworks in red have heightened the atmosphere of Spring Festival. With distinctive ethnic features, most paper-cuts of Hui ethnic group are inspired by local life. Artists use only scissors and pieces of red paper to depict various and vivid figures. People now use paper-cuts to decorate houses, and believe they can bring good luck and happiness to the family. Chinese knot is a traditional threaded craft for blessing. Its shape is regarded as a symbol of reunion, amity and peace. First as a decorative addition to clothing, Chinese knot is later used to decorate their houses as well. As China's young people now have strong confidence and appreciation of their own culture, more and more young people are willing to learn traditional Chinese culture and carry forward it. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen) 8 1 [ Editor: WXL ] 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. You expect a certain number of stumbles from a new administration. President Joe Biden's incoming team professed dismay at having to create a coronavirus vaccine distribution program "from scratch," due to its predecessor's handling of the situation, and this week, Biden complained that "we didn't have" a vaccine when he "came into office." He promised to deliver over 1 million a day. But actually, there were 1.6 million vaccinations administered on Inauguration Day, and Biden had received the two doses of the vaccine on Dec. 21 and Jan. 11. It's easier to achieve your goal if you set the goal posts past a mark already reached. Will something similar work for reopening schools? On July 6 last year, then-President Donald Trump called for reopening schools for the fall semester. Science was on his side. Numerous studies showed low rates of infection and illness among children -- more kids die from influenza than COVID-19 -- and negligible transmission to teachers in schools here and abroad. But Trump's statement evidently politicized the issue and sparked increased opposition to school openings among parents and teachers. And, importantly, among teachers unions, which contribute enormous amounts of money and manpower to Democratic politicians. The results are writ large on the map. Less than 20% of public schools are open in the three West Coast states. Well under half are open in Democratic states such as Illinois and Minnesota, and in strong teachers union states such as North Carolina and Virginia. More than 80% are open in Republican-governed Florida, Texas, Utah and the Dakotas. There is no doubt that school closings have hurt kids. Instruction over tablets is far less effective than in person; children lose touch with friends and miss chances to exercise; disadvantaged kids without computers fall far behind. For an especially vivid and heartbreaking account, see reporter Alec MacGillis' piece in ProPublica. The case for reopening the schools is strong enough, despite Trump's advocacy, to persuade liberal commentators such as MSNBC's Chris Hayes, New York magazine's Jonathan Chait and political scientist Lee Drutman. Impassioned pleas for reopening appeared recently from liberals such as Dr. Rebecca Bodenheimer in Oakland, California, and epidemiologist Benjamin Linas in Brookline, Massachusetts. The school board in affluent and long-integrated Montclair, New Jersey, is suing its teachers union to open the schools. Of the same view, it seems, is Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. "There is increasing data," she said at the White House on Feb. 3, "to suggest that schools can safely reopen and that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers need to be vaccinated." She was quickly undercut by White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who absurdly said Walensky was just speaking "in her personal capacity." Psaki later added that opening 50% of schools one day a week would be enough. By Feb. 14, the goal posts were moved. Walensky was forced to echo, unconvincingly, new CDC guidelines developed with "stakeholders" (i.e., teachers unions) that didn't mandate five-day in-person instruction but did impose mandatory six-feet social distancing (Walensky had said three feet was enough for her hometown of Newton, Massachusetts, last summer) and mandatory masking. "It takes only a modicum of sense to realize," writes economist Tyler Cowen, "if you tell people that six feet of distance is needed, in essence you are saying that a safe reopening is impossible altogether." The guidelines also recommend against a full reopening of upper grades in counties with "low" or "moderate" COVID-19 transmission -- a standard that includes 99% of the country, according to Erika Sanzi, founder of the education platform Project Forever Free. Despite Biden's town hall assurance that he wants schools reopened, the guidelines seem designed to let teachers unions keep schools closed. The goal posts have been moved a long way, if off the field altogether, from candidate Biden's promise to reopen schools to assurance to guidelines whose fine print allows many to stay closed. There are broader lessons here. One of the problems of big government is that, over time, it incentivizes politicians -- here Democrats, but sometimes Republicans, too -- to favor the providers of services over the intended beneficiaries of services. Teachers unions are organized; kids and parents are not. Another lesson is that no organized interest has an eternal lock on the system. Parents can flee from public school systems closed by unions to other school districts or private schools. That's already happening, to some unknown extent. Voters have a say, too. Some Republicans see teachers union shutdowns as a prime 2022 issue, particularly in affluent suburbs that parents chose for their public schools. Will this early stumble lead to a crash landing? We'll see. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM TUSTIN, Calif., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Schaerer, the No. 1 brand in North America for bean-to-cup coffee and super automatic espresso machines, recently announced the launch of the Schaerer Coffee Club Fully Automatic Coffee Machine. This launch represents the first time the Swiss coffee machine manufacturer has made the signature model available in North America. With a 50 cups per day peak volume output, the machine is ideal for served environments like small bakeries, fine dining establishments, full-service restaurants and bistros. Schaerer Coffee Club "This fully automatic coffee machine from Schaerer delivers on all aspects of professional coffee making, from advanced technology and ease of operation to stylish design and maximum flexibility," said Emmanuel Couppey, vice president of marketing for SEB PROFESSIONAL North America. In addition to its sleek exterior, the Schaerer Coffee Club features innovative technology for extraordinary coffee and milk specialties, including a 7-inch TouchIT display with vertical swipe function; integrated extended bean hoppers; a fully automatic Autosteam system; exceptionally easy cleaning; and the brand-new SteamIT for perfect cup temperature. Measuring a space-saving 12.8 inches wide, 22.1 inches deep and 21.7 inches high, the Schaerer Coffee Club can fit anywhere, enhancing a crowded bar as readily as it could a kitchen counter. Intuitive operation informs every aspect of the machine. The TouchIT display, for instance, was developed for maximum beverage variety; up to 40 coffee specialties can be programmed, and all stored options are accessible to users by vertically swiping across the screen. Once a customized beverage is selected, an animated icon displays the current status of the preparation process. As espresso is dispensed in the cup, the cutting-edge AutoSteam wand creates barista-quality milk foam that any operator can make without barista knowledge or skills. SEB Professional Press Inquiries: Paula Williams, [email protected], 714-547-6383 About Schaerer AG Schaerer North America is leading the way in professional coffee-making innovation as the No. 1 brand in North America for bean-to-cup coffee and super automatic espresso machines. www.schaererusa.com. SOURCE Schaerer Related Links http://www.schaererusa.com CHATSWORTH, Calif.Adult industry mental health nonprofit Pineapple Support has announced the launch of Pineapples United, a membership club for members of the adult industry. Pineapples United members will be invited to take part in regular meetings with Pineapple Support staff and board members to discuss how the organization can provide the best possible support and resources to the adult community, all for a low monthly donation. "We cant do what we do without community, Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit said. "Its not just an integral part of the adult industry, its a key to better mental health outcomes. Thats why were reaching out to the broader community to get involved by becoming a part of our team. As a Pineapples United member, youll be part of a committed group of individuals who will be invited to organizational meetings, have your voice heard, and help grow the organization.The following support packages are available to anyone in the adult industry who wishes to contribute for a monthly subscription:Mango Subscription$10 monthly subscriptionBanana Subscription$25 monthly subscriptionKiwi Subscription$50 monthly subscriptionPassion Fruit Subscription$100 monthly subscriptionTanit founded Pineapple Support in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, which is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K., has so far connected over 2,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.We know there are so many people in our industry who care about the health and well-being of its members, Tanit continued. So many people are struggling in this industry, and Pineapples United is a way to help them by giving back. The money raised by Pineapples United will help provide free and low-cost therapy for those who can not afford it, and help sustain the organization.For more information and to become a member of Pineapples United, visit pineapplesupport.org/ Pineapples-United/ . If you have a business and would like to find out how to become an official sponsor of Pineapple Support, view the available packages by visiting pineapplesupport.org/ sponsorship/ It seems the only people that would welcome Woodfords return are the privately-owned biotech firms that Woodford is apparently still keen to invest in. Neil Woodfords hopes of restoring his reputation as a stock-picker have taken a knock, with people queueing up to criticise his planned comeback. Woodford is looking to return to fund management barely less than eighteen months after his Woodford Equity Income Fund was shut down with horrendous losses for investors. A new fund, to be called Woodford Capital Partners, is being set up with US firm , which acquired 19 of the Woodford Equity Income Funds life sciences investments for 224mln last July. The comeback was mooted in an interview Woodford gave with the Telegraph newspaper over the weekend and if this was Woodford dipping his toe back in the water, it has been more like dipping his toe in magma, such has been the volcanic eruption. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), considered by some to be asleep at the wheel as Woodfords Equity Income Fund headed at pace for the buffers back in 2019, got its retaliation in early, saying that Woodford is still under investigation for his part in the collapse of his fund. The FCA noted that Woodford would need its permission before getting back in the saddle and the betting is the FCA is in the mood to hide the saddle. In taking any decision on whether to authorise a firm, we consider whether it is ready, willing and organised to comply, on a continuing basis, with our requirements and standards. That includes, for example, the sustainability of the firms business model and the fitness of its management, said Mark Steward, the aptly named director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA. Woodford said he planned to open a new firm based in Jersey and Buckinghamshire, which probably set alarm bells ringing as Woodford has form when it comes to his operations in the Channel Islands. When the Woodford Equity Income Fund was in danger of falling foul of restrictions that stipulated no more than 10% of the funds assets can be invested in private companies, he controversially encouraged four of the privately-owned companies to list on the Guernsey-based The International Stock Exchange. The move earned him a nomination for the highly-coveted Robert Maxwell Businessman of the Year award The Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) gave Woodfords comeback plans a cool reception, saying he should have contacted the Commission before announcing his plans. We are disappointed to see this announcement in advance of either receiving or processing any application from this company for authorisation to conduct licensed business as an investment management firm in Jersey. It would be normal practice when making such an announcement to make it clear that it is subject to regulatory approval. the JFSC said. The activist and fund manager Gina Miller has called for the Treasury Select Committee to start an independent investigation into the collapse of Woodfords previous fund as she is evidently fed up waiting for the FCA to complete its investigation. That at least prodded the FCA into announcing it would update parliament on the investigation before the end of May. In the meantime, savers who backed Woodfords previous venture are still waiting for almost 200mln of their money to be given back. Woodford says his new fund will be aimed at professional investors but that community will be unlikely to rush to embrace a man whose previous exploits are still the subject of an official investigation by the FCA. It seems the only people that would welcome Woodfords return are the privately-owned biotech firms that Woodford is apparently still keen to invest in. 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. Nifty futures on the Singapore Exchange traded 82 points down at 15,033, indicating a weak start for benchmark indices on Friday. Here are the top stocks that are likely to be in limelight today: IDFC First Bank: The company said its board has okayed raising up to Rs 3,000 crore through various means. Oil India & Engineers India: These companies together will bid for acquiring 61.65 per cent stake of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Numaligarh Refinery Limited. Telecom stocks: Latest TRAI data showed that Airtel added as many as 5.5 million regularly paying users in December over the preceding month. Reliance Jio, meanwhile, added nearly 3.2 million subscribers and Vodafone Idea Ltd. lost 1.5 million subscribers. Aviation stocks: India's domestic air passenger traffic declined around 40 per cent to 7.7 million in January 2021 over the year-ago period, as per the monthly traffic data released by the aviation regulator, DGCA on Thursday. Budget carrier IndiGo flew the most number of passengers at 4.2 million with a market share of 54.30 per cent, followed by rival carrier Vistara. DLF: The company's rental arm DCCDL has completed the acquisition of the entire 52 per cent stake of US-based Hines in a premium commercial project in Gurugram for Rs 780 crore. Ambuja Cements: The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 732 crore in the December quarter, up 24 per cent from same period last year on the back of increased revenue. Earnings Today: Mahindra CIE Automotive, Asian Tea & Exports and 6 other firms are set to post their December quarter numbers today. NMDC: State-owned announced resuming mining operations at its Donimalai iron ore mine in Karnataka. ACC, Ambuja Cements: The Boards of ACC and Ambuja boards have approved renewal of master supply agreement between them for 3 years, effective from May 2 with no change in terms. Dabur: A media report said Dabur promoter would sell 0.5 per cent equity stake to raise Rs 460 crore at Rs 509.65-520.05 per share. IOC: Days after India unveiled a national hydrogen mission to accelerate plans to generate the carbon-free fuel from renewables, state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Thursday signed a pact with Greenstat Norway for setting up a Centre of Excellence on Hydrogen. Poly Medicure: The company closed QIP issue after raising Rs 400 crore at a price of Rs 524 per share. A San Antonio apartment complex was destroyed by a fire that started due to a suspected water tanker explosion and spread as firefighters were unable to access hydrants that were frozen because of below-freezing temperatures. The fire occurred at the Cortland View apartment complex in the Stone Oak section of north-central San Antonio on Thursday. Some 130 residents were safely evacuated after the blaze reportedly ripped through the second floor of the apartment, according to KSAT-TV. Residents reported that they received an alert to turn off their water heater at around 1pm on Thursday. Moments later, a fire broke out on the second floor of the complex, fire officials said. A fire tore through Cortland View apartment complex in the Stone Oak section of north-central San Antonio on Thursday By Thursday evening, most of the apartment complex had been destroyed by the fire Some 130 residents were safely evacuated after the blaze reportedly ripped through the second floor of the apartment Firefighters said they planned to battle the blaze well into the early morning hours of Friday You can now see cars on fire. The majority of the building has now collapsed however fire crews are still battling the fire bringing in water from every nearby source. pic.twitter.com/Cwm4vt4uSJ Alejandra Guzman (@AlejandraG_TV) February 19, 2021 The fire then spread to other units in the building, destroying residences as well as vehicles that were parked in the complexs nearby lot. Bexar County firefighters were hampered in their efforts to extinguish the blaze because the fire hydrants that are the source for water were frozen. Witnesses at the scene reported that crews were bringing bottled water to firefighters who were battling the blaze. Fire trucks were also seen carrying water to the area in an effort to put out the fire. It already spread so major concern out here was frozen hydrants, Bexar-Bulverde VFD Chief Jerry Bialick told Fox 29 TV. So, we have no water. Firefighters were unable to quickly extinguish the blaze because the nearby hydrants were frozen solid Witnesses captured footage showing several cars parked in the building's lot catching fire He added: We've got tenders from all over the area here. We actually got some, we got more coming in to shovel water into us. But the frozen hydrants appear to have doomed much of the structure. Images from the scene show that a majority of the building collapsed as a result of the blaze. The rate at which water is being supplied by the tankers and tenders to fight the fire isnt nearly fast enough to slow down the inferno. Our problem is when we get a little bit ahead and, and then the water runs out because you know these tenders are only running about 3,000 gallons, 2,000 gallons apiece, Bialick said. So, it runs out in just a couple of minutes, we make some good headway and then they run out of water and they have to go get more. Bialick urged residents of the buildings to find alternative housing options for the night. Those whose cars were parked near the complex were also likely to have lost their vehicles as well. We're not gonna be able to save these vehicles, Bialick said. You know the property inside can be replaced, you know, contact your insurance company, you know. Bialick said that four or five more tanker trucks are expected to ferry water to the firefighters throughout the course of the night. Well be here all night, Bialick said. So, you know it's gonna continue, we don't have the fire stopped yet so we gotta, we gotta, we gotta stop this thing. The storm caused icicles to form on the State Highway 195 sign in Killeen Thursday while thousands are still without power Snow continues to fall in San Antonio Thursday as the extreme weather continues to wreak havoc across the state A homeless woman tries to stay warm on the streets of downtown San Antonio amid the freezing winter storms Vehicles are at a standstill southbound on Interstate Highway 35 on Thursday in Killeen, Texas amid the treacherous conditions Thursday marked the fifth day in a row that thousands of homes have been left without power in the midst of record-smashing, freezing temperatures that rolled in with Winter Storm Uri at the weekend. Desperate Texans have been thrown into survival mode as the state is now running out of food and water with seven million people under boil water orders - despite many still having no power - and hungry residents forced to line up for four hours to get their hands on a hot meal. Power was restored to more homes and businesses Thursday in states hit by a deadly blast of winter that overwhelmed the electrical grid and left millions shivering in the cold this week. But the crisis was far from over in parts of the South, where many people still lacked safe drinking water. In Texas on Thursday, about 325,000 homes and businesses remained without power, down from about 3 million a day earlier, though utility officials said limited rolling blackouts were still possible. The storms also left more than 320,000 homes and businesses without power in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. About 70,000 power outages persisted after an ice storm in eastern Kentucky, while nearly 67,000 were without electricity in West Virginia. The lack of power and extreme weather has kick-started a growing crisis in the food supply chain with power outages at grocery stores spoiling fresh produce, shelves depleted as panicked shoppers stockpile goods and no sign of deliveries arriving along the icy roads to replenish stocks. A water bucket is filled as others wait in near freezing temperatures to use a hose from public park spigot in Houston where residents are under a boil water order People form a line towards the cashier at a supermarket in Austin, Texas, as shelves lie empty and there are no signs of deliveries to restock them People pictured in a Fiesta supermarket in Houston on Tuesday stocking up amid the crisis that has devastated the state In Houston, hungry residents running out of supplies and having to toss spoiled food after days of no power in their homes lined up for four hours at a local Burger King to get a hot meal for the first time that day - before that too ran out of food. Drinking water supply is even more concerning with seven million Texans across Arlington, Austin, Houston and San Antonio issued with boil water orders, around 263,000 people have been impacted by non-functioning water providers, and thousands dealing with burst water pipes. Among those urged to boil water are thousands without the power to do so in Harris County, leaving them with a desperate choice between going without water or facing possible illness. Meanwhile, in scenes reminiscent of a third world country, Houston residents resorted to filling up buckets of water from a spigot in a local neighborhood. One Houston resident, whose power has just gone back on Thursday after three days but still has no water, told DailyMail.com: 'It is crazy that we just watched NASA land on Mars but here in Houston most of us still don't have drinking water.' In Galveston, Mayor Craig Brown said burst pipes had depleted the areas water supply leaving hospitals with a 'dangerously low' supply Wednesday as he described the devastation the storm is wreaking as 'worse than a hurricane.' Multiple health agencies across the state issued warnings urging Texans to boil tap water to ensure it is safe to drinking. About 590 public water systems across 141 counties had warned of disruption to the supply of water impacting around 12 million residents already reeling from the storm. In Harris County, which covers Houston, its 4.7 million residents were under a boil water order. However Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo told MSNBC that most residents under the notice 'don't have power to boil the water.' A broken water line caused flooding in the St. Paul The Apostle Church in Richardson while drinking water is in short supply People living on the streets huddle in blankets as the icy temperatures will continue into the weekend Workers pick at a frozen fountain in Richardson as subzero temperatures continue to grip Texas A tractor trailer is stuck in the slick ice and snow on State Highway 195 as travelers are warned about dangerous conditions on roads Instead, many lined up in the icy weather with huge containers and buckets to fill up water from a spigot in local neighborhoods while others are using pool water to flush toilets in their homes. One local resident told DailyMail.com Thursday afternoon he has now gone three days without a supply of drinking water to his Houston apartment. Alex Macarthur said both the power and water first went off early Monday morning. The power finally came back on Thursday morning and he received a message from the building saying the water was back up and running but was told not to turn on the taps, he said. The water pipes then burst in the building and the water was turned off again. Macarthur said there was no sign of when the water will be back and that he has been getting by on bottled water and using water from the swimming pool to flush the toilet. 'Luckily we had bought two large bottles of water in anticipation of the Hurricane a few months back which we never ended up using,' he said. 'We received an alert on our phones that a boil notice was in place but a friend gave us 3 small bottles last night that has lasted us - so managed to avoid having to boil snow.' However, shelves at the nearby supermarket were near-empty Thursday with only four small bottles of water left in the store. 'Our building also advised if we needed to flush the toilet we should take water from the swimming pool. Just what you want before sitting on the toilet - a nice trip outside in the cold!' he said. He added that he feels lucky to be in a rental apartment as he knows several homeowners who are now faced with collapsed ceilings and flooding from burst pipes in their homes. Macarthur said it was 'absolutely mental' that such a crisis would happen in Texas which is supposed to be the 'energy hub of the world'. We wanted to celebrate those people who have given their time and work to help others during this pandemic. Our way of giving back was to present homeowners with new countertops and installation as a way to add beautiful, modern design and function to their homes. The Granite & Marble Depot of Aurora, a fabricator of stone products, announced the recipients of its Nominate A Hero initiative which began in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative asked residents from Aurora, Naperville and nearby areas to nominate a person they considered to be a hero. The Granite & Marble Depot accepted any and all nominees who had been on the front lines battling the 2020 pandemic that shook the world. The nominees included a variety of local heroes including first responders, teachers, grocery store workers, and others. Five of those heroes received new countertops. One of the winners was Larry Lasky, a front end assistant of Costco in St. Charles. In her nomination form, Larrys wife Angela described her husband as an essential worker with unbelievable work ethic. The Laskys were ecstatic to receive new countertops. They described how they hardly ever win anything and admit to having had a relatively gloomy outlook on the world since the pandemic began. Since being awarded the countertops, said Angela. We can hardly believe it. It feels like our luck and our lives have changed. Were more positive, we feel revitalized, and were just so grateful for Cambria and The Granite & Marble Depot. This link captures the before and after process. Tarek Merhebi, CEO and president of The Granite & Marble Depot, launched this initiative in an effort to share his positive outlook with the surrounding community. He shared his idea with multiple renowned countertop manufacturers who were happy to supply materials to be installed. Its [the pandemic] difficult and it may continue but eventually, it will end, he said. Its important to stay positive, share positivity, and to persevere. Merhebi has a strong, deep appreciation for his community and attributes a great deal of success to those friends, families, and community members who have supported his business throughout the years. We wanted to celebrate those people who have given their time and work to help others during this pandemic, said Merhebi. Our way of giving back was to present homeowners with new countertops and installation as a way to add beautiful, modern design and function to their homes. About The Granite & Marble Depot: The Granite & Marble Depot, Inc. offers over 300 species of natural granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate, and engineered stones in a wide variety of colors to suit your needs. Their professional and dedicated staff assists clients in the design and selection process to ensure the most functional and pleasing setup. The team provides complete and professional installation in service areas that include the Greater Chicago area, Northwest Indiana, and the Wisconsin border. The business, which also has locations in Westmont, Mokena, Chicago and Rolling Meadows, delivers the materials and installs for interior and exterior projects including kitchens, bathrooms, floors, outdoor grills and more. For more information, visit http://mygranite.com/. ### 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 United States should consult the Taliban on any extension of a May 1 deadline for a full U.S. troop pullout from Afghanistan and should not decide unilaterally, the Pakistani ambassador to the United States said on Friday. Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan's comments come as the Biden administration conducts a review of a February 2020 deal with the Taliban that is expected to determine whether it will meet the deadline to withdraw the last U.S. soldiers from America's longest war. U.S. and European officials say the Taliban have not fulfilled commitments they made in the accord and that conditions are not conducive to advancing the peace process amid a surge in violence blamed on the insurgents. The Taliban, seeking to reimpose Islamic rule in Afghanistan after their 2001 ouster at the hands of U.S.-led troops, deny the charges and indicate they will resume attacks on U.S. and allied troops unless the May deadline is kept. Khan told an online forum sponsored by the Stimson Center that U.S. officials should consult the Taliban before deciding whether to maintain the last 2,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. "That is where the process should start," Khan said. "To present this as a fait accompli, I think, will only create difficulty." Khan's comments were significant as Pakistan, which helped facilitate the U.S.-Taliban negotiations in Doha that clinched the February 2020 deal, wields considerable influence with the insurgents. The insurgents have sanctuaries in Pakistan, whose main military-run intelligence service gives them support, according to U.S. and Afghan officials. Pakistan denies the allegation. "If there is strong justification and reasoning to have an extension for logistical or other reasons, the parties have overcome difficulties ... before in terms of reaching common ground," Khan said. "It's really also a question of the credibility of the United States." Short link: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images Those who fled San Francisco last year went to the suburbs, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. USPS data shows that only a small percentage of people moved out of state. Tech elites fleeing the region spurred a narrative that most people are moving to Florida and Texas. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. It's true: people have been fleeing San Francisco since the onset of the pandemic. But while tech luminaries like Elon Musk or Keith Rabois might be migrating to Texas and Florida, it seems that's not the case for most Bay Area residents. Instead, they're moving to the suburbs and exurbs of San Francisco. The San Francisco Chronicle's J.K. Dineen combed through United States Postal Service data from March to November and found that 80,371 households departed the city during that period, a 77% increase from 2019. But the data showed that most of households leaving San Francisco didn't go very far. According to the Chronicle, the top six destinations were Alameda, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and Sonoma, all nearby Bay Area counties. The only two destinations outside of California in the top 20 were Austin and Denver - 239 and 238 households, respectively, moved to those areas, the Chronicle reported. The Chronicle's findings highlight a shift away from expensive, crowded city living during the pandemic. In August, Insider's Katie Canales reported that housing inventory in San Francisco was up 96% compared to the year prior as residents listed their homes in droves. That rush to leave the city coincided with a shift in how many companies value in-office work: companies like Twitter, Square, and Slack announced that employees could work remotely on a permanent basis, while others, like Facebook, are allowing employees to relocate with manager approval. But it seems that even though many residents may have used the pandemic as an opportunity to leave the city, they didn't move outside of commuting distance, upending the popular theory that the majority of those who left San Francisco moved to an entirely new state - a theory likely driven by a string of high-profile executives publicly leaving the region. Story continues Last year, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk publicly decamped for Texas from California after sparring with lawmakers during state-mandated coronavirus lockdowns. Musk said on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast this month that he thinks Austin, Texas, will become "the biggest boomtown that America has seen in 50 years, at least," describing the influx as a "megaboom." Dropbox CEO Drew Houston has also reportedly moved to Austin; Douglas Merritt, the CEO of software company Splunk, is heading to the Texas city, The Information reported; and Joe Lonsdale, the cofounder of Palantir who currently runs venture capital firm 8VC, already lives in Austin with his family and confirmed last year that he is moving his firm there too. And last year, Software giant Oracle announced it would move its headquarters from the Bay Area to Austin as well. Denver and Miami have also been praised by newly minted Silicon Valley expats. Palantir moved its headquarters to Denver following CEO Alex Karp's complaints that the Bay Area has a "monoculture," and famed investor Keith Rabois has been a strong proponent of Miami, telling Fortune that San Francisco is too improperly run for him to stay. Still, the data shows that perhaps mainly the most prominent Silicon Valley titans have left the area, which Ted Egan, San Francisco's chief economist, told the Chronicle is a "silver lining." The fact that the majority of people didn't leave the state means they could return to the city when the pandemic subsides. "You are not going to have to worry about getting them to move back from Boise," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider The report " Carotenoids Market by Type (Astaxanthin, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Canthaxanthin, and Zeaxanthin), Application (Feed, Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceuticals), Source, Formulation, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026 ",The carotenoids market is projected to grow from USD 1.5 billion in 2019 to USD 2.0 billion by 2026, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period. The major factors driving the growth of the carotenoids market includes the growing use of carotenoids in preventive healthcare and as a food colorant in the feed industry. By application, the feed segment is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2019 in the carotenoids market Carotenoids are extensively used in animal nutrition products due to their coloring properties and are incorporated in feed to pigment the egg yolks, broiler skin, fishes, and crustaceans. These also help in increasing the immunity and improving the health of livestock by enhancing the quality of nutrition. The fertility of cattle, swine, and horses can be improved by feeding beta-carotene, whereas astaxanthin and canthaxanthin help in improving the growth of salmons and larval fishes. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=158421566 The beadlet segment in the carotenoids market is estimated to dominate the market in 2019 On the basis of formulation, the beadlet segment is estimated to dominate the carotenoids market in 2019. Carotenoid beadlets are free-flowing spherical particles developed from spray drying technology. They are usually packed in an aluminum foil bag and stored in a cool and dry place away from direct light, oxygen, and heat. Some of the other major benefits of using beadlet formulations include increased stability, cold water dispersion, and enhanced of shelf life. The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the carotenoids market during the forecast period. This is due to the growing application of carotenoids in the health supplements, as they are rich in protein, vitamin, iron, manganese, and antioxidants, which help in preventing cardiovascular diseases and maintaining weight. Asia Pacific offers profitable growth opportunities to manufacturers and suppliers of carotenoids as the processing of carotenoids is cheaper in this region and witnesses a high demand in this region. The prominent vendors in the carotenoids market includes Koninklijke DSM (Netherlands), BASF (Germany), Chr. Hansen (Denmark), Kemin Industries (US), Lycored Limited (Israel), Cyanotech Corporation (US), Fuji Chemical Industry Co Ltd. (Japan), Novus International (US), DDW The Color House (US), Dohler Group (Germany), Allied Biotech Corporation (Taiwan), EID Parry (India), Farbest Brands (US), Excelvite Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia), AlgaTechnologies Ltd. (Israel), Zhejiang NHU Co. Ltd (China), Dynadis SARL (France), Deinove SAS (France), Vidya Europe SAS (France), and Divi's Laboratories (India). Request for Customization: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=158421566 Recent Developments: Firefighters called whats know as a Mayday for missing firefighters, when there was a flashover in the building, in which the contents in the structure catches fire all at once, said Fire Department District Chief Steven Clay, in a televised news conference at the scene as crews were still battling to contain the fire about 9:30 a.m. TOKYO (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co said on Friday Chief Executive Officer Takahiro Hachigo would step down, handing over the reins to the head of the automaker's research and development arm, Toshihiro Mibe, on April 1. Hachigo will remain on the company board, Japan's second-biggest automaker by sales said in a statement. Mibe, 59, joined Honda in 1987, with stints in engine development and the drivetrain business. He became the president of Honda's R&D unit in 2019, working with Hachigo to push through structural reforms. Mibe's appointment, first reported by Reuters this week, comes as Honda races to catch up in the field of all-electric cars and faces competition from new entrants and tech giants such as Tesla, Apple and Amazon. Traditionally known for its fuel-efficient internal-combustion engines, Honda launched its first mass-produced all-battery vehicle last August. It has said it wants new-energy vehicles such as plug-in hybrids and fuel-cell cars to make up two-thirds of its sales by 2030. The two executives will hold a news conference at 5 p.m. (0800 GMT). During his six years as CEO, Hachigo sought to simplify the vehicle development process by combining some operations for cars and motorcycles. He also slashed costs by streamlining Honda's model line-up and consolidating factories at home and overseas. Hachigo also expanded a partnership with General Motors Co to include cooperation in developing electric and autonomous vehicles. To focus on zero-emission technology, Honda last year said it would stop participating as an engine supplier in the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of the 2021 season. (Reporting by Eimi Yamamitsu; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Subhranshu Sahu) In a swift operation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested three persons allegedly owing allegiance to a shadow terror outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba for their involvement in the attack on the son of the owner of a popular eatery here earlier this week, a senior officer said on Friday. "We have arrested three men who were involved in the attack at Krishna Dhaba in which one civilian was injured," Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar told reporters here. The arrested accused have been identified as Suhail Ahmad Mir and Owais Manzoor Sofi of Nowgam in Anantnag and Vilayat Aziz Mir of Pulwama. Aakash Mehra, the son of the owner of Krishna Dhaba located in a high-security area of the city, was shot at from a close range and critically wounded on Wednesday evening. The Muslim Janbaz Force, a terror outfit which was active in early 1990s, had claimed responsibility for the attack. Kumar said that immediately after the attack on Wednesday evening, when the envoys from 24 nations were on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, police teams under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Amit Kumar were formed to probe the case. Giving details of the incident, he said Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has adopted a new modus operandi of floating new terror organisation and reviving some old ones, chose a soft target to terrorise non-locals "in its cowardly attempt" to disrupt the ongoing peaceful atmosphere in the valley. Krishna Dhaba is popular among tourists and locals and the attack was also an attempt to disrupt tourist arrivals which have gone up in the past two months. Immediately after the attack, the Srinagar police with the help of CCTV footage and technical assistance zeroed in on certain clues and tied up with their Pulwama and Anantnag counterparts. On the basis of intelligence, many suspected spots were raided by a joint police team of Srinagar and Pulwama which led to the arrest of Vilayat Aziz Mir. Subsequently, Suhail Ahmad Mir and Owais Manzoor Sofi were arrested. Sofi was charge-sheeted by the police in December 2018 in another terror case, police said. Police said Vilayat was in contact with Gazi, an active terrorist, and had undergone training under him locally a month ago. He conducted the recce of the Dalgate Durganag area along with other terrorist associates 10 days before the attack. On the day of the attack, the trio came to Krishna Dhaba on Suhail Ahmad Mir's motorcycle around 7:15 pm and fired indiscriminately at the staff members, critically injuring Aakash Mehra. Mehra was rushed to the SMHS Hospital, where his condition was stated to be stable. Kumar said the Pakistan-based terrorist organisations have adopted new strategies by recruiting local youths who are in their teens and allowing them to mix up with family friends and live normally and training them for a day or so. They are given tasks by their masters and in case they get caught, a public opinion is generated that they were not active militants and that they joined only on the day of the incident, police officials said. The arrest of the trio, along with recovery of weapon of crime (pistol), grenade, incriminating material and the motorcycle, within hours of the attack is a big success for the Jammu and Kashmir Police, they said. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) The broker believes Marvel is underpriced compared to its graphite peers, especially considering the Tabakorole Project could likely emerge as a +1 million ounce deposit. 's ( ) (OTCMKTS:GRXMF) (FRA:GR2) has an enterprise value of $22 million (cash around $5 million) and Bridge Street Capital Partners Dr Chris Baker stated that the company looks very under-priced against its peers in the West African gold space. He said: It looks equally inexpensive against its graphite peers in Tanzania. We anticipate further rerating should the markets pro-graphite sentiment remain and as the size and scale of Tabakorole gold emerges. [Marvel has] inexpensive exposure to Mali gold exploration, and absolutely nothing in the price for a top tier, coarse flake graphite asset." Tabakorole potentially + 1 million ounces Marvel Gold has had an impressive rebirth, with gold assets obtained at bargain basement prices. Dr Baker said the fact that the companys geologists have been able to convert a modest 1 gram per tonne orebody at Tabakorole into what seems likely to emerge as a +1 million ounce/1.2 gram per tonne deposit bodes well for the future of the project. He said: Tabakorole should be suitable for processing using conventional CIL technology, with high met recoveries and low reagent use potentially contributing to low milling costs. It is still early days for the project, with ~5,000 metres of RC drill results expected this month and further drilling of the main orebody and regional targets to take place during 2021. Companys peers dramatically rerated MVLs former peers have dramatically rerated over recent weeks with what seems to be a view the graphite supply chain - heavily dependent on Chinese supply - is at risk with the new generation of ESG requirements from end users. Dr Baker said: The likes of Ecograf ( ) (FRA:FMK) has moved from under 20 cents to over $1 in recent weeks and has taken advantage of the rally with a $55 million capital raising. Its far from clear what has driven this attention, other than the markets view that EGR is proposing a mine (Epanko located in Tanzania) similar to Marvel at 60,000 tonnes per annum (resource of 30.7 million tonnes at 9.9% total graphitic carbon (TGC)) and a processing facility in WA to manufacture uncoated spherical graphite for the lithium battery industry employing proprietary technology. Black Rock Mining Ltd ( ), another strong performer recently, has attracted the markets attention with Korean industrial giant POSCO Ltd taking a $7.5 million equity investment in the company. Posco has also signed a strategic agreement to facilitate the development of the Mahenge graphite project (212 million tonnes at 7.8% TGC), located in Tanzania. There is no suggestion that BKT will move into downstream processing of its graphite; rather its targeting industrial uses of graphite (as Marvel is at its Chilalo Project) and feedstock into the battery anode business. Dr Baker said: Both Epanko and Mahenge are similar to Marvels Chilalo project, and are at similar stage of pre-development, with both awaiting financing subject to a final resolution of the renewed Tanzanian Mining Act. Market cap comparatives of Marvel against its graphite peers Chilalo graphite project shovel ready Dr Baker noted that Marvels high quality Chilalo coarse flake graphite project (20.1 million tonnes at 9.9% TGC) in Tanzania is shovel-ready and awaiting finance. MVL (then as GPX) released its definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the coarse flake Chilalo graphite project in Tanzania in January 2020. The economics of the project are attractive and are summarised as follows: A single stage development, producing 50,000 tonnes per annum graphite concentrate; Capex of US$87.4 million; 18 year mine life; A graphite basket price estimated at US$1,534/tonne (FOB); and A move downstream with the production of expandable and micronized graphite products. This has the opportunity of enhancing the overall basket price to US$2500/tonne and expanding EBITDA margins from 49% (concentrate alone) to 63% (the partly integrated solution). Project pending finance Chilalos NPV was reported at US$331 million (post tax, 8% discount rate) and IRR estimate at 36%. DR Baker stated: Of the total project NPV, some 36% can be attributed to the mine/processing and sale of concentrate, around 64% to the incremental value obtained from the production and sales of expanded and micronized graphite. It should be noted that MVL received its Mining Licence in February 2017 and had already received its environmental approvals and so its tenure position has never been in question. The go-ahead for Chilalo was almost entirely dependent on the company securing finance. Private equity, once highly supportive of the project, chose not to proceed with financing support, due to the impact of COVID19 on its own business and the company is currently awaiting details of the proposed Tanzanian Government Free Carried Interest agreement. Dr Baker notes that Marvel has around A$10 million owing to the previous project financier, to be repaid from the proceeds of the sale or refinance of Chilalo in the future. Share price performance Dr Bake stated that share price performances in the graphite sector have been remarkable driving market capitalisations to multiples of what they were just a few weeks ago. He said: Ecograf is now capitalised at around $350 million, Black Rock Mining at over $100 million. Certainly there is none of this value reflected in the Marvel share price. We dont believe the sector has been driven by movements in the graphite price prices we believe have been fairly steady over recent months. But perhaps there is an expectation that prices will move. A policeman was killed and another injured in an encounter between militants and security forces in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Friday. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Zanigam village in the Beerwah area of the district following information about the presence of militants there, the officials said. They said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire towards security forces positions. Two policemen were injured in the gunbattle. They were rushed to a hospital here for treatment but one of them succumbed, the officials said. Another encounter is underway in Shopian district in south Kashmir, they 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.) A Public Relations Member at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Emmanuel Appiah has said the facility will give Funny Face who was recently ordered to seek an examination at the facility the best of care. He said what the comedian needs now is the show of love and not insults and attacks as some have directed at him. The Ofankor court has committed comedian Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng to the psychiatric hospital for two weeks. The Ofaakor Circuit Court presided by Ebenezer Osei Darko has ordered Ghana Police to send Funny Face to Accra Psychiatric Hospital explaining that he does not sound normal. The judge said Funny Face could be having a mental crisis and possibly going through depression. Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, Mr. Emmanuel Appiah indicated that he [Funny Face] is not the only personality to be experiencing depression. He said even Prince Harry in the United Kingdon suffered depression. He said MzVee, a musician recently came out to share her experience with depression and so Funny Face is not the first and wont be the last. He said it is not easy to be a star and depression sets in if care is not taken you would be facing problems. "No matter what Funny went through, he will recover. We will put in everything we know to help him recover, Mr Appiah said. Source: Rainbowradioonline.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 Detention of businessman Bykov in 1994 double murder case extended for five months TASS, Maxim Shemetov 13:22 19/02/2021 MOSCOW, February 19 (RAPSI) The Sverdlovsky District Court in Russias Krasnoyarsk on Friday extended detention of businessman Anatoly Bykov charged with masterminding double homicide in 1994 until July 26, RAPSI was told in the courts press service. According to the Russian Investigative Committee, in the first half of 1994, Alexander Naumov, a 23-year old member of a criminal group headed by Bykov, had a conflict with the gang leader because of unjust, according to him, dividing of the joint criminal income. Later, Bykovs car was exploded. The businessman suspected Naumov and his friend Kirill Voytenko of the blast organization and decided to kill them. He ordered his acquaintance Vladimir Tatarenkov to organize the murder; the latter in turn involved his gang members in the crime. On July 24, 1994, Naumov and Voytenko were shot dead, investigators claimed. One of the killers Sergey Bakurov was sentenced to life. Another one is on a wanted list. Tatarenkov was sentenced to 13 years in prison, the Investigative Committees statement read. Bykov pled not guilty. However, investigators claim that many witnesses confirmed that Bykov had business relations with Naumov and a conflict after which the latter was afraid of his life and began wearing body armour. Moreover, he is prosecuted of leading a criminal community and organization of one more murder. According to investigators, in the summer of 2004, Bykov ordered his acquaintance to kill a 42-year resident of Krasnoyarsk, the founder of an industrial waste utilization firm, for an award of $50,000. On January 18, 2005, the killer shot the victim dead. The Central Military Commission conferred posthumous citations to four members of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force who died during a border clash in June last year in the Galwan Valley. China's top military authority, the commission gave the honorary title of "Hero Safeguarding the Motherland and Protecting Borders" to Chen Hongjun, commander of a motorized infantry battalion under a border defense regiment, and awarded a first-grade service citation to Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran, soldiers of the regiment, PLA Daily, the military's flagship newspaper, reported on its front page on Friday. In addition, the commission also conferred an honorary title of "Heroic Regiment Leader Safeguarding the Motherland and Protecting Borders" to Qi Fabao, commander of the border defense regiment, the newspaper said, noting that Qi was seriously injured during the physical conflict. In China's military honor system, an honorary title is the highest recognition and award to a service member, followed by a first-grade service citation. This is the first time the Chinese military has published the number of casualties, the names of the fallen soldiers and their stories in the border clash with India. According to the PLA Daily report, "foreign troops" severely violated bilateral pacts between the two militaries by crossing the Line of Actual Control, building illegal structures on the Chinese side, and doing provocative acts, in attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo along the border. They even violently attacked Chinese officers and soldiers who came to negotiate the situation in a peaceful manner, the report said. Having seen their peaceful efforts to protect bilateral relations and border stability were returned only with more aggression, the Chinese troops fought back and gained "significant victories" and effectively safeguarded national sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to the newspaper. However, the border tension escalated in June as foreign soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control again in brazen violation of bilateral agreements. Following border dispute rules and terms agreed by both sides, Qi, commander of the border defense regiment, led several soldiers to negotiate with the foreign troops, only to find that they were framed by the opposition, who had intentionally mobilized and deployed a large number of soldiers in the hope that the Chinese would be scared off. Despite Qi and his soldiers being outnumbered, they bravely defended themselves in front of foreign troops' steel bars, clubs and rocks before Chen Hongjun, the battalion commander, led his men to join the confrontation, according to PLA Daily. Within a short time, the Chinese soldiers expelled the foreign troops who "paid a heavy price" and left many injured, the report said. It explained that Chen Hongjun, Chen Xiangrong and Xiao Siyuan died courageously fighting. Wang Zhuoran died as he tried to save his comrades who were trapped in a freezing river when they rushed to take part in the conflict. 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. Highlights Poco X3 Pro India launch tipped for early March. The smartphone has received multiple certifications. Poco X3 Pro will succeed Poco X3. Poco has been active in India in the last few weeks. The company first launched its budget offering the Poco M3 and then unveiled a new logo this week. It is now planning to launch a new smartphone in March. Poco X3 Pro which appeared on a number of certification websites across the world can be launched in India in second week of March, according to tipster Debayan Roy. The same leakster had correctly speculated the launch date of the POCO X3 back in September. Given that the smartphone has acquired most certifications, the tip is believable. So far, the smartphone has received approval from certification platforms like FCC, SIRIM, IMDA, EEC, and BIS. These certification authorities have revealed that the model number of the device is M2102J20SG/I. Poco X3 Pro expected specs The Poco X3 Pro will be an upgrade on last year's Poco X3. Even though the features have not been revealed yet, the smartphone is expected to packs the sm8150 SoC, which is a Snapdragon 855 and Snapdragon 855+. It may come with MIUI 12, NFC and dual-band Wi-Fi. The smartphone is likely to feature a quad camera setup at the back with 48-megapixel primary sensor. The smartphone can feature a 6.67-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate. It may pack a 6,000mAh battery with 33W fast-charging. The customers should get the charger inside the retail box. Ahead of the possible launch, the company has unveiled a new brand logo and company mascot. The new visual identity is exclusive to the Indian division of the brand. The company also revealed a new tagline Made of Mad. Poco also unveiled a new company mascot which looks like an emoji and is part of the new logo. To recall, Poco had started as a sub-brand of Xiaomi in 2018 and launched Poco F1 as its first smartphone in the country. Last year it separated from the parent company to establish itself interpedently and since then, has been focusing on budget and mid-range smartphones. Poco still shares manufacturing and even actual hardware with Xiaomi devices. The two companies also rebrand their smartphones for different markets. Dozens of partygoers drew the curtains and turned off the music and disco ball lights when police came to break up an illegal gathering on Wednesday. Up to 30 people attended the rave in Islington, north-east London, before officers were called at around 11pm, Scotland Yard said. The force was alerted to 'loads of people coming and going' to the address on Paton Street, but when they knocked on the door someone inside shouted 'turn it off' and tried to conceal the activity, a spokesman said. Cops estimated between 20 and 30 people were inside the house when they arrived. Up to 30 people attended the rave on Paton Street (pictured) in Islington, north-east London, on Wednesday evening before officers were called at around 11pm, Scotland Yard said A Metropolitan Police statement said: 'Despite repeated knocking, there was no response at all and it was clear that those within were choosing to ignore them. 'Faced with this lack of cooperation, and in order to deal with the incident, the officers obtained a closure order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.' After more warnings were ignored, officers 'forced entry' to the house at around 1.45am and found 10 people inside - six of whom did not live there. A 20-year-old man, said to be the organiser, and nine others were reported for breaking Covid-19 regulations. Police in Dudley Port, West Midlands, stumbled upon a workshop turned into an illegal bar that was mockingly named 'The Covid Arms' last Saturday Bodycam footage shows officers walk into the bar at the back of a garage. They captioned the clip: 'We found a garage had been turned into "The Covid Arms"' What are the rules around gatherings? Under current Covid laws, you must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a 'reasonable excuse'. The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices). 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. If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of 10,000. People attending illegal house parties face 800 fines as police tighten their clampdown on rule-breaking. The fines will double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of 6,400. Hosts of illegal parties are already liable for a 10,000 fine. Advertisement Inspector Alex Hope-Rollinson said: 'Frankly it is shocking to see people act with such indifference for the rules, willing to put the health of their community at risk. 'I'm proud of the professional and intelligent way the attending officers used different areas of legislation to ensure that people who were flagrantly breaching the rules were given fixed penalty notices. 'We will continue to work across the borough to keep residents safe, taking enforcement action where necessary.' It comes after police stumbled upon a workshop turned into an illegal bar that was mockingly named 'The Covid Arms' last Saturday. Footage captured officers looking around a garage workshop in Dudley Port, West Midlands, before discovering a hidden bar complete with a sign on the wall. West Midlands Police said officers used their discretion to allow the dozen people in there to leave, but the owner was hit with a 1,000 fine. The force also raided a packed night club with 150 attendees illegally set up near Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter in the early hours of Valentine's Day. Dozens of partygoers fled across rooftops after officers forced their way into the site, which boasted a VIP area, DJ, and was spread across two floors. It is thought that more than 50 people made their getaway as police arrived. A further 70 attendees were issued with 200 fines and the DJ could now face a 10,000 penalty. Thermal imaging from police drones captured revellers attempting to leave the venue in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter in the early hours of Valentine's Day They forced entry into the venue to find the bar before also being confronted with a VIP area (left), a dance room, recording studio (right) and a gym On the same day, an illegal rave was busted in Merseyside wood with drugs, music speakers and a weapon all seized. Around 20 brazen coronavirus rule breakers turned up to the secluded part with organisers using plastic sheeting for a makeshift venue and speakers at the scene. Six of the ravers were hit with fixed penalty notices, thought to each be 200, for the blatant breach of Covid regulations after the extraordinary scenes at the weekend. Met Police also raided a cannabis cafe in Tower Hamlets, London, on January 28 with over 24 people attempting to escape over the roof before fleeing into the path of officers. More than 30 fines were issued. In the early hours of Sunday morning, an illegal rave was busted in Merseyside wood with drugs, music speakers and a weapon all seized. Class A drugs and a knife were also found 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. 24665 Ripal Vyas, President, Softweb Solutions HoloLens has been available for over a year now and many enterprises are in the process of adopting it or are exploring use cases related to it. However, there are also several misconceptions and myths regarding the device and the applications that it can support. This has led many companies to create plans for HoloLens applications that later on prove to be impractical, too expensive or simply not possible. Here are the five most common misconceptions about HoloLens: 1. HoloLens Can Carry Out Object Identification This is the biggest misconception regarding HoloLens capabilities. HoloLens does not have any in-built object identification capability. This is because it cannot take measurements of a particular object or automatically create 3D virtual objects by just looking at it. 2. HoloLens is Just Another AR Headset Many in the business community believe that HoloLens is just another augmented reality headset with a different name. It is actually much more advanced compared to other AR headsets in terms of capabilities. No AR device in the market today can create 3D virtual objects the way HoloLens can. This fact alone puts it miles ahead of other AR headsets. Its other strength is that it is a standalone computer in its own right. HoloLens does not have to be tethered to the PC or paired with a smartphone to operate unlike most of the AR/VR devices in the market. 3. Not Safe for Industrial Use The initial versions of HoloLens did not meet certain industrial safety standards. This has led many to label the device unfit for heavy industry usage or on the manufacturing floor. This is no longer the case. HoloLens now meets the basic impact protection requirements of ANSI Z87.1, CSA Z94.3 and EN 166. These are the impact tests for protective eyewear standards in North America and Europe. HoloLens does not have to be tethered to the PC or paired with a smartphone to operate unlike most of the AR/VR devices 4. It is a Consumer Centric Device Many businesses are still not convinced of the practicality of developing HoloLens applications, partially because of the costs involved. Nothing could be further from the truth. Developing a HoloLens application is certainly more expensive than developing a mobile based AR application but the payoff is immediate and much better. Now there are some HoloLens applications in the market that are meant more for a public relations purpose than for solving a real world problem. Air New Zealands HoloLens app for flight attendants comes to mind. Using HoloLens to detect the emotion of passengers seems like a solution in search of a problem. But for architects, realtors, construction professionals and product designers there is no other device in the market that allows them to visualize their drawings in a holographic format other than HoloLens. It is also not a consumer centric device since Microsoft is only selling it to developers and for commercial use right now. You may be able to get your hands on HoloLens for personal use by buying it through your company but Microsoft is promoting the device only to enterprises. There is no hype surrounding it the way Google did with its Glass device. So drawing parallels between the two is incorrect. 5. Virtual Reality is Better Developing a virtual reality application may be cheaper, but it is certainly not better in all the scenarios. While VR applications make sense for entertainment or gaming purposes, when it comes to industrial uses such as training on heavy equipment, prototype design and use in the architecture, construction or real estate industries, HoloLens mixed reality is better suited for the job. There are realtors who are using VR devices to give virtual tours of their properties to potential buyers. But the shortcoming with this approach is that either the property has to be ready or if it is a virtual property then the interactions possible with it are limited to just zoom in, zoom out and a few other actions. On the third floor of a cream-coloured building in Camperdown, a face-masked pharmacist extracts a benign concoction of red dye and water from a glass vial no bigger than a thumbnail as if thousands of lives depended on the task. But Friday was the final dress rehearsal. Come Monday morning, the vials will be filled with Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine and Sydneys quarantine and border workers will be among the first Australians to roll up their sleeves to receive the shot at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals new COVID Vaccination Hub. The target: to vaccinate 1138 frontline workers every day. Over the next three weeks, roughly 35,000 quarantine and healthcare personnel will get their injection across Sydneys three hubs at RPA, Westmead and Liverpool hospitals. I cant describe how exciting this is, said Dr Teresa Anderson, chief executive of the Sydney Local Health District, which oversees the operation. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) electrocatalytic reduction driven by renewable electricity can solve the problem of excessive CO 2 emissions. Since CO 2 is thermodynamically stable, efficient catalysts are needed to reduce the energy consumption in the process. The single-atom catalysts immobilized on nitrogen-doped carbon supports (M-N/C) have been widely used for CO 2 electrocatalytic reduction reaction due to their high atom utilization efficiency. Recently, a research team led by Prof. LIU Licheng from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) proposed a two-step amination strategy to regulate the electronic structure of M-N/C catalysts (M=Ni, Fe, Zn) and enhance the intrinsic activity of CO 2 electrocatalytic reduction. In the strategy, the M-N 4 /C was aminated by annealing with carbamide in NH 3 , impregnation and hydrothermal reaction in ammonia water to synthesize final M-N 4 /C-NH 2 catalysts. Although M-N/C catalysts are widely used, they demonstrate a poor reaction current density, which is much worse than the current density of industrial level. In the study, the researchers used gas diffusion electrodes to create a reactive three-phase interface in a flow electrolyzer to increase the current density for CO production to industrial application level. The aminated Ni single-atom catalyst demonstrated a remarkable current density of >400 mA cm-2 with a nearly 90% Faraday efficiency for CO production, which is 1.8 times of that before amination. ### The study, published in Energy & Environmental Science, provides a method for increasing current density at industrial-relevant level of single-atom catalysts. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy Cooperation Fund, Special Research Assistant Funding Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and China Post-doctoral Science Foundation. A perspective of Fujikin's research and development centre in Da Nang (Photo: laodong.vn) Hanoi - The central city of Da Nang has seen rosy signs regarding foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction at the beginning of the new year. It recently granted a certificate of investment registration to a project worth 35 million USD from Japans Fujikin Incorporated to develop a research and development centre, according to the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authority. The project aims to step up scientific research and technological development in the fields of robotics, drones, and nano devices, among others. A company representative said it will promptly carry out investment procedures and construction is scheduled to begin in May. Completion and opening are expected in July 2022 to mark the 20th year of Fujikins operations in Vietnam. Head of the authority Pham Truong Son noted that this is the seventh Japanese-invested project in the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and also the second-largest in terms of registered capital. Project approval is a silver lining in the citys FDI attraction against a backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, he said, adding that the city is working to attract more investment from Japan. Meanwhile, Arevo Inc., a software company from the US, is considering pouring 135 million USD into a project on 3D printing services at the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park. The project is expected to create an impact for the development of the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones in innovation, investment promotion, and human resources development, Son said. Some 145 million USD in FDI has been gone to the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones in the first two months of the year, bringing the total amount to 536.1 million USD. Mumbai, Feb 19 : The Sonam Kapoor-starrer Neerja turned five on Friday, and the film's director Ram Madhvani says the much-applauded effort was possible only with the support they received from Neerja Bhanot's family. The film stars Sonam as late Ashok Chakra recipient air-hostess Neerja Bhanot, who died while protecting the lives of passengers on a Pan Am Flight that was hijacked by terrorists during a Karachi stopover on September 5 1986. Neerja was two days shy of her 23rd birthday. "The most special part was when Neerja's mother whom we affectionately called Dadi came for the shoot and blessed us by saying, 'Jeetey raho khush raho'," recalled Madhvani, while speaking to IANS. "It is because of what Neerja did and her family's support that this film is special in the hearts of all of us," he added. The film won the award for Best Feature Film in Hindi at the 62nd National Awards with a special mention for Sonam Kapoor. Earlier in the day, Sonam posted a note on Instagram remembering the film and its subject. "Fear gave her courage," she wrote. The film features Shekhar Ravijiani, Shabana Azmi and Yogendra Tiku in pivotal roles. KALAMAZOO, MI Touching down at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, President Joe Biden plans to tour the nearby Pfizer vaccine production facility. The president arrived at the airport located at 5235 Portage Road on Friday, Feb. 19. It was below freezing in Kalamazoo County as the aircraft touched down around 2 p.m. Biden plans to visit the Kalamazoo County Pfizer facility where vaccines are produced. The trip was originally scheduled on Feb. 18, but it was pushed for a day due to weather. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will join Biden on the tour, the governors office confirmed. The visit comes following the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announcement of their plan to purchase an additional 100 million COVID-19 doses from the Portage-based company as part of the nationwide effort to accelerate vaccine distribution. Read more: As President Biden heads to Pfizer plant, residents waiting for COVID-19 vaccine voice fear, frustration Ahead of the tour, state Reps. Christine Morse, D-Texas Township, and Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo Township, plan to greet the president. President Bidens visit is an honor for our community and the state of Michigan as a whole, Morse said. Pfizer and their Portage manufacturing facility have been instrumental in the manufacturing and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine across the U.S. and world, serving as a beacon of hope and pride for Michiganders and all Americans alike. The work is far from finished, Morse said. 45 President Joe Biden visits Pfizer headquarters in Portage, Michigan I am excited by President Bidens plan to ramp up vaccine distribution and the instrumental role Pfizer will have in this monumental step toward our return to normalcy, Morse said. Rogers said she is honored to meet with Biden. If we want to end this pandemic once and for all, we must continue to work together to ramp up manufacturing and distribution. I appreciate the Presidents commitment to making sure our state and nation have equitable access to this life-saving vaccine, Rogers said in a statement before Biden arrived. Groups of people gathered near the airport ahead of the visit. Flight restrictions are for private airlines are in place at the airport from 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The restrictions are similar to what was set for in the original plans for the presidents visit on Thursday. Its unlikely the restrictions on Friday will impact commercial flights at the airport, according to an airport official. Read more: Bidens visit to Michigan Pfizer facility highlights focus on vaccine distribution, economic relief Portage beaming with pride in anticipation of Bidens Pfizer visit Gov. Whitmer to accompany President Biden on Pfizer tour Kalamazoo airport restricts afternoon flights in advance of President Bidens visit Friday Presidential Brewing Co. restaurant and brewery opens in Portage 11,400 dump trucks worth of dam sludge befouls Kalamazoo River stretch Dont forget, pets are very much at risk in cold weather, officials say Son charged with two counts of open murder in death of Portage couple The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., has issued a call for proposals for Food Waste Reduction Initiatives under the 2021 Rural Innovation and Development Fund. Minister McConalogue said This funding will further enhance the work previously funded to identify, target and address what is a rapidly growing issue not just here in Ireland but globally. Ireland generates over 1 million tonnes of food waste each year. These initiatives will serve to address that funds overall objective of energising the rural economy by encouraging innovative job creation and sustainable enterprise development. In this current climate with such difficult times, it is more important than ever that we support and promote these important initiatives. The Call for Proposals relates to the provision of services for the support of food waste reduction projects which are designed to reduce food waste generated by food businesses, retailers/wholesalers or suppliers in rural areas. The deadline for submission of applications is 12:00 (noon) on 14th April 2021. Proposals will be assessed through a competitive process for funding of proposed projects. Total funding available is as follows: 180,000 for proposals relating to the promotion and/or development of innovative food waste reduction projects which are designed to reduce food waste generated in rural areas. The maximum amount that will be paid to any project is 60,000 (excl VAT). Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applications should be made via the Call for Proposals application form which is available at gov.ie - Call for Proposals Food Waste Reduction 2021 (www.gov.ie) 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 sentenced Perth inmate has been accused of conspiring to stage an armed prison break. Robert Edhouse, 24, is accused of communicating with accomplice Corey Dymock, also 24, via coded messages to devise an escape plan involving smuggling guns into Casuarina Prison. Robert Edhouse and Corey Dymock, inset. Picture: Supplied Credit:Facebook WA Police searched Edhouses cell and Dymocks Huntingdale house on Thursday after intercepting the communications, which allegedly began in October 2020. Items of interest to the investigation were seized, a police spokesperson said. SPRINGFIELD During the past three and half decades, Rep. Mary Flowers who in January became the longest-serving African American lawmaker in the Illinois General Assemblys history has fought to pass health care reform and advocate for groups marginalized by systemic racism. Its a fighting spirit the 69-year-old lawmaker inherited from her mother, who worked in a factory and other odd jobs to provide for her seven children, and one that she honed while following in the footsteps of Black legislative leaders in Illinois who preceded her. Born in Inverness, Mississippi in 1951, Flowers moved to Chicago when she was about four years old with her mother and six siblings. She and her family were part of the Great Migration, which describes the journey made by an estimated 6 million African Americans from southern states to large northern cities, including Chicago, from 1916 to 1970. Her family migrated north after World War II, looking for a better life and greater opportunities. But the reality in the north wasnt always that far removed from the segregation and discrimination they faced in the south. Flowers recalls being slapped by a nun who was teaching her class in 3rd grade because she dared to look her white teacher in the eye something her mother taught her to do. And I slapped her back. Of course, my mother had to remove me from the school. Because if not, I would have stayed in third grade for the rest of my life, she said. That spirit has stuck with Flowers throughout her rise to her current leadership role in the Illinois House. I hope my legacy will be that people will remember me for trying to help someone along the way, she said. I would like for people to know that I gave it my best. Flowers said her mother was forced to flee Mississippi after having a threatening interaction with a white man while working as a waitress. She remembers the name of the restaurant, the White Rose Cafe. Flowers said her mother managed to get out of the restaurant without any serious harm, but knew she couldnt stay in town that night. So she left and she made it to Chicago. And eventually she came back for us, she said. I knew the struggles that my mother had, I saw the fights that she had to deal with every day, just to get up to go to work to keep a roof over our heads. Her family settled in the south side where Flowers attended several different schools. She graduated from Simeon Vocational High School in 1970, and then attended Kennedy King Community College and the University of Illinois Chicago. Growing up during the civil rights movement, Flowers said she was aware of the acts of civil disobedience and protest against racial segregation. The first protest she experienced was in October 1963 when she observed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a neighborhood park rallying against school segregation. As a teenager, she saw news coverage of Harold Washington, who at the time was a lawmaker in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served from 1965 to 1977. She asked her mother to take her to his office so she could meet him. She became involved in politics when she met Washington, who later was elected Chicagos first Black mayor, and she volunteered to work on his political campaigns while he was in the Illinois General Assembly. I was very young and naive, and I would tell him that if I was the state representative, I would have said this, I would have done that. And he would just smile, Flowers said. Washington was a state senator 1977 to 1980, then a U.S. congressman, before being elected mayor in 1983. As mayor, he requested Flowers visit him in his new office in downtown Chicago. It was like I was walking in on, you know, someone very godlike, she said. He said have a seat and he said to me, the purpose of this meeting is to let you know that I want you to run for state representative. Flowers was in disbelief and insisted that she wasnt capable. But Washington reminded her of her volunteer days, when she would talk about how she wouldve led differently. In November 1984, with Washingtons endorsement, Flowers was elected state representative for the 31st District, which contained the south side community where she grew up. Last month she began serving her 19th term in the Illinois General Assembly and witnessed the inauguration of the states first Black speaker of the House, who appointed her deputy majority leader. She is also a member of leadership in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. When Flowers arrived in the Illinois General Assembly in 1985, she was one of seven black female lawmakers, all of whom she considered her mentors. They included Carol Moseley Braun, who became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992, and Earlean Collins, who was the first Black woman elected to the Illinois Senate. I like to think that we were able to make a difference in policy because thats, after all, why we were there, is to make a difference on policy and to bring our lived experiences to the conversations about policy that the General Assembly took up, said Braun, who served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1979-1988. So, I am very proud of her. Flowers cited other Black female pioneer lawmakers as role models, including Ethel Skyles Alexander, Monique Davis, Wyvetter Younge and Margaret Smith. Another role model was Sen. Charles Chew, a cofounder of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus who would share stories of how Black lawmakers could not eat in the restaurants or stay in hotels when they drove to the capital city. They would pay residents out of their own pocket to stay in their homes. I try to tell those stories to others, to all of my colleagues that have come behind me to always remind myself and to be the one to tell them the story that someone told me about how we all got here, and the struggles that we had to go through so that we could be where we are today, Flowers said. If it wasnt for Sen. Chew, Harold Washington, and so many others in the past, whose shoulders I stand onthey put a crack in the wall, Flowers said. Hopefully I put a crack in the wall for my colleagues as they are now. And maybe one day, the wall of racism and inequality and inequity will be totally knocked down. A younger generation of lawmakers view Flowers as a role model, such as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton who served with Flowers in the House from 2017 to 2019. I feel like her work and her presence really paved the way for me, and was inspiring for me when I ran for state representative, but it also paved the way for women like (Vice President) Kamala Harris to be in the positions that they are in, Stratton said. She cites her work on health care reforms as her proudest legislative accomplishments. Its those types of bills that have been able to help so many people, so many people at one time all across the state, regardless of your zip code, regardless of the color of your skin, regardless of income. To me, there are certain things that we just should have been entitled to, Flowers said of her belief in a human right to health insurance. Furious villagers have slammed the National Trust for wrapping a historic building linked to famed West Country writer Dame Daphne du Maurier in plastic. Sixteenth century thatched cottage Half Moon House was once the bustling village pub and post office in Manaton, south Devon. Romance author Daphne's sister Jeanne du Maurier lived there for more than 40 years until her death in 1997 and was left to the Trust three years ago when her partner Noel Welch died. The charity had planned to carry out essential repair work including making the building watertight in 2020 but had to put it on hold owing to the pandemic. Historic Half Moon House has been temporarily covered in plastic by the National Trust as it awaits urgent repairs which were put back because of the pandemic Daphne du Maurier's sister Jeanne lived in historic Half Moon House with her partner Noel Welch from 1954 until her death in 1997 To protect the Grade II listed building, it was wrapped in a temporary protective wrapping. But the move has angered the village's residents who describe it as an 'eyesore'. Phil Thomas said: 'The whole village is up in arms. 'The building has no real merit apart from its position, at the top of Manaton Green, in this idyllic Dartmoor village setting surrounded by thatched cottages. 'The National Trust owned it for about three years and then suddenly, without any consultation with the parish council, they have encased it in cling film and created this monstrosity. Dame Daphne Du Maurier was known as a romance novelist but despised the term and was known for works such as Jamaica Inn and Rebecca 'Because it's supposed to be temporary they haven't applied for planning permission - but we understand that it might be left like that for two to three years. The parish council were not told, or even consulted. DAME DAPHNE DU MAURIER: THE GREAT AUTHOR WITH A RICH FAMILY HISTORY Daphne du Maurier was born in 1907 to two famous actors - Sir Gerald du Maurier and Muriel Beaumont. Her elder sister Angela also became a writer, and her younger sister Jeanne was an artist. Some of her most popular works include Jamaica Inn (1936) and Rebecca (1938), both of which have been made into hit films with Rebecca winning an Oscar for Best Picture in 1941. Her first novel, The Loving Spirit, was published in 1931, and she went on to have almost 30 more works of fiction published, including novels The Scapegoat, The House on the Strand, and The King's General, and short story The Birds. She was often called a romantic novelist, though hated the term herself, and many of her stories did not follow the traditional format of a romantic novel in that they did not have happy endings. Her short stories, meanwhile, were often works of terror, and some were said to be ahead of their time. This includes The Doll, a tale she wrote when she was 21 about a mechanical sex doll. Du Maurier also ventured into play writing - she adapted Rebecca for the stage, and wrote two others, The Years Between and September Tide. She moved into non-fiction as she got older, writing biographies of her own ancestry. She married Major Frederick Browning, who later became a Lieutenant General, in 1932, and had three children with him. She died on April 19, 1989, aged 81, at her home in Cornwall. Advertisement 'Residents who live on the green were dumb-struck. Nobody had the manners to even talk to the neighbours. 'We want to know how long it's going to be there and why this was allowed without consultation.' Retired builder Jim Crout said relations between the residents of Half Moon House and the village residents were strained for several years. He added:' Everybody can blame the coronavirus for everything at the moment but it's a lot of baloney. 'When they were alive they objected to every single thing that local people wanted to do - they were never a part of village life. 'And now they've died and we've been left with this horrible sight on the green - it looks terrible. Why should we put up with it?' Jeanne du Maurier lived there from 1954 until her death in 1997 and her partner Noel Welch was allowed to remain in the property after it was given to the trust until her death three years ago. Daphne du Maurier's enduring novels were often based around the West Country, where she lived most of her life. The National Trust said in a statement: 'Like most charities the National Trust has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. 'As a result of the crisis, the trust has needed to make budget cuts after almost every aspect of its income was impacted by the pandemic. This has meant stopping or deferring projects. 'The National Trust has been undertaking a huge amount of research into the significance of the building, cataloguing and completing condition surveys for the collection, carrying out conservation cleaning and providing custodial care and security for the property. 'At Half Moon House, plans to carry out essential repair work in 2020, including to re-thatch and make the building watertight, had to be put on hold. We were able to erect the scaffolding and plastic protective wrapping to protect the building from inclement weather and subsequent decay (particularly the thatch). 'We thank everyone for their patience and support during these difficult times.' 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. Even in normal times, we parents have a million things we could worry about enough to drive us to despair and depression. The pandemic showed up last year and piled a whole new universe of worries and fears onto parents: Will this be like the flu, which is especially dangerous for young children? Will my kids get it from touching monkey bars? Do I need to wash my groceries? Science and data can guide us away from irrational parental fears in ordinary times, and it should be able to guide us in Covid times. That was the promise President Biden made his first week in office, when he appointed Jeff Zients as the White House coronavirus response coordinator. Were letting science speak again when it comes to responding to the virus, Mr. Biden bragged. Will Mr. Biden listen to the science when it says, Reopen schools? Last spring it was reasonable and responsible to close schools, because of what we knew and what we didnt know. We knew that other viruses, such as the norovirus and influenza, thrived in schools. We didnt know how similar the coronavirus would be it was called the novel coronavirus for a reason. Since then, thanks to science and data, weve come to know the virus much better. Even at summers end, teachers and parents apprehension about school reopening was understandable, although we had learned two very relieving facts by then: Children are extremely unlikely to get the virus, extremely unlikely to spread it and extremely unlikely to get seriously ill if they do get it. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A massage therapist is accused of sexually assaulting a client at a Holland Township massage parlor. Matthew Edward Owens, 47, of Park Township, is charged with third-degree criminal-sexual conduct, a 15-year felony. He was arraigned Thursday, Feb. 18, in Holland District Court. He has posted a $25,000 bond. The incident allegedly occurred Monday afternoon. A 46-year-old Holland Township woman told police that she was assaulted by the therapist in a sexual manner, Ottawa County sheriffs Capt. Mark Bennett said in a statement. Police interviewed Owens on Wednesday evening before he was arrested. Owens, a licensed massage therapist, was working at Ideal Bodyworks Massage Therapy on East 16th Street when the incident allegedly occurred, police said. Christina Raffenaud, owner of Ideal Bodyworks, said in a statement that we are working with law enforcement 100% on this matter. We as a facility are shocked by this and in no way do any of the other independent contractor massage therapists here (have) knowledge of this. We are saddened by this and he is in no way associated with our facility anymore. Owens had many positive online reviews for his work. He started at Ideal Bodyworks in August 2018. Read more: Michigan man killed in Wyoming avalanche while snowmobiling KVCC president resigns from Southwest Michigan First board over CEO hire Explosives bring down power plant in Grand Haven OTTAWA - Canada's struggling COVID-19 vaccination efforts saw multiple positive signs Friday, with further evidence one dose of a leading vaccine could be almost as good as two, news that Pfizer's vaccine might not need to be kept extraordinarily cold, and a major milestone toward herd immunity passed. Two empty vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine sit on a table at the Ottawa Hospital, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Pfizer and BioNTech say their COVID-19 vaccine can now safely be stored in regular freezers for up to two weeks rather than needing ultracold temperatures that have made shipping and distributing the vaccine incredibly difficult. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Canada's struggling COVID-19 vaccination efforts saw multiple positive signs Friday, with further evidence one dose of a leading vaccine could be almost as good as two, news that Pfizer's vaccine might not need to be kept extraordinarily cold, and a major milestone toward herd immunity passed. On Friday morning, the millionth Canadian received a first dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. The marker came weeks later than expected after nearly a month of shrunken shipments from both Pfizer and Moderna. Despite the slower than expected start, Canada's chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said "we can be very optimistic" about the performance of the vaccines so far. While both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna say their vaccines need two doses for full effectiveness, given three or four weeks apart, evidence is mounting that the first dose might be almost as good by itself. Quebec reported Thursday the vaccines given there had been 80 per cent effective at preventing COVID-19 two weeks after a single dose for health care workers, and three weeks after a single dose for elderly long-term care residents. British Columbia reported similar results Friday. And a study in the medical journal The Lancet published Thursday showed after two to four weeks, a single dose was 85 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections in more than 7,000 health care workers vaccinated in Israel in December and January. "It is incredible, I think, that we have such an efficacious tool," Tam said. Health Canada and provincial public health officials are examining the data actively right now as a discussion continues about whether single doses should be offered to more people, and second doses delayed until most highly vulnerable people have received their first. Pfizer and BioNTech also now say their vaccine can be stored for up to two weeks at temperatures in a standard freezer between -15C and -25C potentially making it easier to use the vaccine in more remote locations. That vaccine currently is to be stored at ultralow temperatures between -60C and -80C, and then can be thawed in a fridge for five days before being mixed with saline to inject. The requirement has limited the places Pfizer's vaccine is used in Canada. The northern territories and northern First Nations have been limited to Moderna's product, which is shipped and stored in regular freezers already. Pfizer and BioNTech applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Friday to change that requirement to allow up to two weeks of regular freezer storage before thawing in the fridge, after testing showed that did not degrade the vaccine. Pfizer Canada spokeswoman Christina Antoniou said the same application will be made in Canada soon. Canada's vaccine deliveries exploded this week, with 403,650 doses arriving from Pfizer. Canada expects to get more than four million more doses from Pfizer and Moderna over the next six weeks. That news has allowed several provinces to expand their vaccination offerings beyond the first priority groups in long-term care homes and front-line health workers. At least three provinces Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta announced details for getting vaccines to seniors living in the community. Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang said next week the first of 10 community-based clinics will open to get vaccines to people over the age of 80. Retired general Rick Hillier, heading up Ontario's vaccination efforts, said Canada's most populous province will be able to start vaccinating people over the age of 80 by the middle of March. And Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said next week people in his province who are at least 75 years old will be able to start making vaccine appointments. Kenney said second doses of vaccines have been offered to every eligible resident of the province's long-term care homes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2021. The date has not yet been fixed. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says preparations for the first phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden are underway. "Just yesterday I received the latest report from our embassy in Washington, D.C., on the latest contacts with representatives of the new administration and I see no reason for concern. In particular, they discussed the future contact between our presidents. Normal routine work and preparations for this conversation are underway," he said during an online briefing on Friday, an UNIAN correspondent reported. "You may check on the White House's website and see what phone talks U.S. President Joe Biden has recently had. And you will see the number of his international contacts is almost zero now. Moreover, the White House has announced meetings are being transferred online due to quarantine," Kuleba said. Read alsoZelensky wants to involve Biden in Normandy format or create alternativeAccording to the foreign minister, the U.S. president is now primarily focused on the domestic political agenda, since America, which Biden has inherited from the previous president, Donald Trump, is "in challenging conditions." "Of course, we are working on organizing this conversation. There is no need to talk about some lack of communication between Ukraine and the United States. The proof is at least my recent conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken," Kuleba added. Presidential phone call: What is known The date for the first phone talk between Zelensky and Biden has not yet been fixed. On February 1, 2021, Kuleba and newly-appointed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke over the phone and agreed to make bilateral partnership more ambitious. Blinken said, among other things, sanctions imposed on Russia for its aggression in Donbas and Crimea should remain in place until Moscow fully implements its commitments on the peaceful settlement of the conflict. Blinken also assured Kuleba of the new U.S. administration's readiness to maintain robust economic and military assistance to Ukraine, including the provision of lethal weapons. Reporting by UNIAN Burma Myanmar Student Dies 10 Days After Being Shot by Police at Anti-Coup Protest Protesters hold a picture of gunshot victim Mya Thwet Thwet Khine in Naypyitaw. / The Irrawaddy Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, a student who was shot by police at an anti-coup protest in Naypyitaw more than a week ago, died in hospital on Friday at 11:15 a.m., a doctor from the hospital told The Irrawaddy. He said a postmortem would be carried out on the gunshot victim on Friday afternoon. The 20-year-old had been brain dead and on life support since being shot by police on Feb. 9. At the time Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine (or Ma Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing) was shot, she was standing under a bus shelter, taking cover from water cannons. She had made no attempt to get past the police barricades at the scene. She collapsed abruptly after being struck in the head by a bullet. Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, who was a first-time voter in the 2020 general election, is the first fatality in the police crackdown on the protest movement against the military regime. Talking to the media last week, her heartbroken sister said words could not express the familys sadness over what had happened to the youngest member of the family. She said the military dictatorship needed to end. I will continue to fight against the military dictatorship. To compensate for the suffering of my younger sister, I would like to urge all the people in the nation to continue to fight against the military dictatorship until it is rooted out. McDonalds Insider Exposes How Staff Know Whose Car Belongs to Whose Order at Drive-Thru A McDonalds employee has shared on social media a little-known insider secret, revealing how drive-thru staff know whose order belongs to whose caras literally hundreds of vehicles patronize their outlet each day. It turns out, computerized eyes and ears are keeping track of customers as they cruise through and make their orders. TikTok user Katie, who goes by the handle @katieeclarkee, dangled the question on her social media account. Ever wondered how McDonalds know whose car is whose? she asked. Katie, 17, who works at McDonalds part-time while attending college, then provided the answer to that mystifying question. There is a camera and it takes a picture of you and your car, she shared alarmingly. So maybe dont pick your nose when you order, because we see it and we judge you. A bit of sound advice from Katie; its funny but also somewhat concerning. Her video has since gone viral, garnering over 5 million views, and alerting drive-thru customers everywhere that they are being watched. (Courtesy of Katie Clarke) Katies footage shows an insider view of the drive-thru computer screen while working. As an order is placed, the camera snaps a photo, links it to the order, and allows staff at the collection window to match the two with easeeven if drivers change positions in line. Thousands of netizens responded to Katies expose, many shocked to discover McDonalds employs cameras to improve its efficiency. One viewer claimed the system was new, commenting, as reported in the Mirror, We didnt have that when I worked there last year. Another McDonalds employee joined the online conversation, adding that the system also uses audio microphones. Speech recognition, they explained, triggers McDonalds employees headsets to switch on as soon as a car approaches. Im waiting for the day they realize we hear them the moment they pull up, to the moment they leave the speaker box, they said wryly. This story was last updated in February 2021. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter 25067 Barry Barlow, SVP & CTO, Vencore, Inc Barry Barlow, SVP & CTO, Vencore, Inc Let me put it this way, Mr. Amor. The 9000 series is the most reliable computer ever made. No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error. HAL, 2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968. As we approach the 50 year anniversary of 2001: A Space Odyssey, a movie that arguably foreshadowed concerns that many face today with the increased emphasis on and investment in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, drones and autonomous operations (e.g., driverless cars), one has to wonder if society has made the leap and now agrees with and accepts HALs proclamation that computers are foolproof and incapable of error. Before you say of course not, let me ask if youve ever deviated from your typical morning commute based on Waze saying we found a better route? And if your answer to the original question is certainly, do you recall the stock market flash crashes that were caused by high-frequency trading (HFT)? Were you aware that stock exchanges can now execute trades in less than a half a millionth of a secondmore than a million times faster than the human mind can make a decision? Did you know that over 50 percent of all trading, at least in the US, is performing without human intervention by HFT algorithms? Do you realize that in the time it takes to read this sentence, you could be bankrupt? In 2012, Knight Capital lost $10M per minute for 45 minutes while a team of trading experts tried to figure out what the HFT software was doing, and shut it down. If experts in the business who are actively monitoring the results of machine actions cant figure out what is going on, what does that say for the rest of us mere mortals? And what does it say, writ large, about all the other areas where AI and machine learning are being deployed? Value to the enterprise comes when insights are put into action, and that typically requires human judgment First, lest there be any doubt, I am strongly of the opinion that there are places where AI and machine learning make absolute sense. In a competitive era, AI and machine learning allow a business to secure a powerful edge. At a time when many companies offer similar capabilities and comparable technologies, the correct use of machine learning and the associated predictive or anticipatory analytics could provide a rare point of differentiation. The capacity of any AI model to learn from responses on an individual level is what truly distinguishes it from other approaches, such as crowd-sourcing or population-based approaches. The National Academy of Sciences led by mathematician Jan Lorenz and sociologist Heiko Rahut of Switzerlands ETH Zurich pointed out that, Although groups are initially wise, knowledge about estimates of others narrows the diversity of opinions to such an extent that it undermines collective wisdom. Even mild social influence can undermine the wisdom of crowd effect. More data is not necessarily better data, and not all data is designed to answer all questions. Second, and having said that, while great progress has been made in this space over the past decade, in many (or most) applications, it is not yet a replacement for human judgment. The insights AI models provide are just thatinsights which have limited value, in and of themselves. Value to the enterprise comes when insights are put into action, and that typically requires human judgment. AI analytics are not a replacement for enterprise strategy, or corporate campaigns, or strategic initiatives. They are intended to frame recommendations, drive decisions and provide an assessment of the success or failure of actions taken. Ultimately, it is humans who decide which questions must be answered and humans that will look at the recommendations from any machine learning algorithm, and make the decision to act or not. At least for now. So where does that leave us? Are we there yet? Not quite. If we look back at history, from 1968-1970, roughly the same time as 2001: A Space Odyssey was released; Terry Winograd was hard at work at MIT on his seminal paper on AI, Procedures as a Representation for Data in a Computer Program for Understanding Natural Language, (MIT AI Technical Report 235, February 1971). In that research effort, Terry developed an early natural language understanding computer program, where the user carried on a conversation with the computer, moving objects, naming collections and querying the state of a simplified blocks world, essentially a virtual box filled with different blocks. Think of it as a Siri-interface to a virtual world, and it was a great example of what AI could become. However, as other researchers began to expand the universe and add in more realistic examples of ambiguity all too common in the real world, optimism quickly faded. It was replaced by the reality that we live in a complex world where computer programs often failsome more spectacularly than otherswhile human judgment and thought processes readily adapt and accommodate. But will computers ever catch up? John von Neumann, the great mathematician and computer scientist once commented that You insist that there is something a machine cannot do. If you will tell me precisely what it is that a machine cannot do, then I can always make a machine which will do just that! I suspect that well continue down that path of teaching machines more and more about the human world, and one day we will arrive at our destination. Check This Out: Top Machine Learning Solution Companies Check This Out: Top Machine Learning Consulting/Services Companies See Also : Top Defense Technology Solution Providers Check Out Review Of CIOReview : Crunchbase, Glassdoor Check This Out : CIOReview Overview, Muckrack New Delhi, Feb 19 : Despite talks with US-based Cairn Energy, the Indian government may soon go ahead with an appeal against the arbitration award in the retrospective taxation case, sources said. An official source told IANS that government will contest the award as taxation is its its sovereign right. Further, the Centre will also contest other suits filed by Cairn Energy at various other international courts. The government, however, will keep options open for an out of court settlement, which the people in the know said, will be under the framework of Indian laws and under the existing provisions which include the direct tax resolution framework of Vivad Se Vishwas. Sources said that Cairn had conducted transactions through tax havens to evade taxes, and the government does not want to loosen the grip on such matters. The development gains significance as Cairn CEO Simon Thomson is in India and already in talks with the government to reach an amicable solution. After his meeting with Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey among other officials on Thursday, Thomson said that the talks were "constructive". In December, Cairn Energy won an international arbitration case against the Indian government which claimed Rs 10,247 crore in past taxes over internal reorganisation of Cairn's India business. The tribunal in the Netherlands awarded damages of $1.2 billion towards Cairn along with interest and costs, payable by the government. Cairn Energy had, in 2010-11, sold Cairn India to Vedanta. Post the merger of Cairn India and Vedanta in April 2017, the UK firm's shareholding in Cairn India was replaced by a shareholding of about 5 per cent in Vedanta issued together with preference shares. Along with attaching its shares in Vedanta, the Tax Department seized dividends of around Rs 1,140 crore due to it from the shareholdings and set off a Rs 1,590 crore tax refund against the demand. In 2015, Cairn initiated an international arbitration to challenge retrospective taxation. Recently, Minister of State for Finance, Anurag Thakur told the Parliament that the order passed in Cairn Group's case is under consideration of the government. Scott Morrison says other countries could follow Australia and introduce media bargaining laws in the wake of Facebook's news ban - and reveals he's already having promising discussions with other world leaders. The prime minister's comments came after the social media giant banned Australian news from its platform from Thursday in response to the proposed media bargaining code. The law would force tech companies including Facebook and Google to negotiate with news providers to feature their content. Facebook's move to ban Australian news contrasts with Google, which in recent days has brokered deals with Nine, Seven and News Corp, in response to the regulatory push. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says other countries could follow Australia and introduce media bargaining laws - as he floats forcing Facebook to pay more tax Mr Morrison said he applauded Google for the way they have 'engaged' and 'respected' the process - after the search-engine flagged concerns early on. 'But I would just say to Facebook, this is Australia you want to do business here you work according to our rules, and that's a reasonable proposition,' he said. 'We're happy to listen to them on on the technical issues of this, just like we listened to Google and came to a sensible arrangement. 'But the idea of shutting down the sort of sites they did yesterday as some sort of threat.' The prime minister was asked whether he expected to receive international support from other nations following Facebook's controversial ban. Mr Morrison said he spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday about the issue, among other world leaders including Canadian leader Justin Trudeau. He said the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and France's Emmanuel Macron were also monitoring the issue closely. Mr Morrison's comments came after the social media giant banned Australian news from on its platform from Thursday in response to the proposed media bargaining code. Pictured: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg 'People are looking at what Australia is doing,' he said. 'I've had these exchanges also with Prime Minister Trudeau, and I know Prime Minister Johnson is very interested. 'I've spoken to President Macron about these things, in the same way we talk about that they should pay tax too. And we discuss that a lot.' Mr Morrison said he invites Google and Facebook to constructively engage with Australia's proposition as he expects other Western jurisdictions to swiftly follow. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg remains determined to convince Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to accept the Australian government's media bargaining code. The pair spoke on Friday morning and will talk again over the weekend. 'We talked through their remaining issues and agreed our respective teams would work through them immediately,' Mr Frydenberg said. 'I reiterated Australia remains committed to implementing the code.' Now in his 30s after living and working in the Czech Republic for many years, Luong Hai Long has long made a dream of building a brand exclusively for the Vietnamese community in the Central European country a reality. Luong Hai Long desires to build a local brand exclusively for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has one of the largest Vietnamese communities in Europe, with 60% of them working at grocery or convenience stores to meet local residents' demand for daily essentials. Since the very beginning, Long identified the community of Vietnamese retailers as his primary target and was determined to push the brand of Dairy Food Stores to these consumers. His business model was set out with the aim of creating more favourable conditions for consumers to purchase goods at preferential wholesale prices whilst providing a convenient shopping experience through online channels. "It was hard to introduce this new business model to customers as many Vietnamese people did not want to change their traditional shopping methods," Long recalls. "There were times when I thought of quitting, however, through a strong mindset and great effort, my associates and I gradually improved the business model to better fit the needs of Vietnamese consumers despite facing difficulties and even initial failure." In 2015, after receiving feedback from Vietnamese customers about the price and service of Czech frozen products not being suitable for Vietnamese people, Long considered the idea of trading those items exclusively for the Vietnamese community. He talked about the idea with some of his friends and received strong support. They then got down to work on the project. At present, Long is the owner of a brand that has a chain of more than 20 supermarkets and wholesale stores specifically for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. In addition, he also has the only Vietnamese company that supports the delivery of frozen goods to the business of every customers. Online e-commerce website for Vietnamese community Before Longs firms came along, Vietnamese people simply bought and sold frozen food directly and it was only after conducting some market research that he realised no Vietnamese companies were taking part in this process. Due to language barriers and limited knowledge of Czech law, Vietnamese enterprises faced many difficulties in operating in this area. This prompted Long to set up general stores in 2017 in order to meet the increasing demand of Vietnamese food shops around Prague and other regions of the Czech Republic. One of Long's stores in the Czech Republic. With a strong desire to support Vietnamese households in doing business in the Czech Republic, Long remained keen to build an e-commerce site in the Vietnamese language with the hope that the businesses penetrate deep into the local supply chain. The website datthang.cz was then established, enabling Vietnamese businesses to order items and pick them up within one day, as opposed to the previous time-consuming process. Realising the advantages of the model, thousands of small Vietnamese retailers have registered and done business online via the site. Indeed, there were times when the website became overloaded with too many visitors and orders, a positive sign which shows the model is highly valued by the community. I am really happy to see that the Vietnamese community have benefited from the model, as customers' revenue has been improved and continuously increased yearly, Long says. According to statistics, there are between 8,000 and 10,000 food trading stores owned by Vietnamese nationals across the Czech Republic, and cash payment is commonly used by the majority of stores. To change the habit and facilitate contactless payment, Long negotiated with Czech banks to offer the preferential service, thus helping save millions of Czech crown annually. Last year the Czech Government enforced many regulations to control the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, greatly affecting business activities of the Vietnamese community there. Amid this turbulent time, Long established a group providing free advice and support for the Vietnamese community to weather the COVID- 19 crisis. Alongside his business activities, Long has maintained his vision of building a strong Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. His company has co-operated with many Vietnamese associations locally to raise funds in support of those in need and organised sport tournaments exclusively for the Vietnamese community. "My burning desire is to help build a united, strong Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic that are integrating well into the local society," says Long. Long is also one of the benefactors of fund-raising campaigns for compatriots in Vietnam, especially those severely affected by historic flooding in the central region last year. Representing young Vietnamese people, Long has made a substantial contribution to the gradual development of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, helping raise the community's image in the Czech society. VOV A Delhi court on Friday sent climate activist Disha Ravi, arrested for allegedly being involved in sharing a "toolkit" on social media related to the farmers' protest, to three-day judicial custody. Additional chief metropolitan magistrate Akash Jain sent Ravi, 21, to jail after Delhi Police produced her before the court on expiry of her five-day custodial interrogation. Police said that her custodial interrogation was not required for the time being and the agency may seek her further interrogation once her co-accused - Shantanu Mukul and Nikita Jacob - join the interrogation. Police said Ravi was evasive during her previous interrogation and tried to shift blame on the co-accused. Mukul and Jacob have been asked to appear before the investigating agency on February 22, the agency told the court. The defence lawyer opposed the police plea and urged the court to release Ravi. He further said that there was an apprehension of tampering of the evidence by police as the "case diary is not properly made...and in volume form. There's no ground to keep her in any custody, police custody or judicial custody. She (Ravi) ought to be released right now". The court was also informed that the accused has moved a bail application which will come up for hearing on Saturday. 'Some media coverage sensational, prejudicial' Meanwhile, the Delhi high court today said that certain media coverage of investigation in the FIR against climate activist Disha Ravi indicates "sensationalism and prejudicial reporting", but declined to order removal of any such content at this stage. Justice Prathiba M Singh said the interim plea for removal of such news content and tweets by Delhi Police would be considered at a later stage. The court, however, asked media houses to ensure that no leaked investigation material is broadcast as it could affect the probe and directed Delhi Police to abide by its stand on affidavit that it has not leaked nor intends to leak any probe details to the press. The court also said that police would be entitled to hold press briefings in the matter in accordance with the law and the agency's 2010 office memorandum with regard to media coverage of cases. To media houses, the court said they should ensure the information received from their sources is authentic and only verified content ought to be publicised as also that the investigation is not hampered. The court was hearing Ravi's plea to restrain police from leaking to the media any probe material in relation to the FIR lodged against her. The petition also sought to restrain the media from publishing the content or extract of any private chats, including those on WhatsApp, between her and third parties. Delhi Police, probing the "toolkit Google doc" backing the farmers' agitation shared by climate activist Greta Thunberg, had arrested Ravi while Mumbai lawyer Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu Muluk have been granted pre-arrest bail by court. A toolkit is a document created to explain any issue. It also provides information on what one needs to do to address the issue. This might include information about petitions, details about protests and mass movements. The Cyber Cell had lodged an FIR against "pro-Khalistan" creators of the toolkit for waging a "social, cultural and economic war against the government of India". Also Read: India may soon reopen doors for foreign tourists from 'COVID-safe' countries Advertisement Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have listed their 20-acre private island in the Bahamas. The country music hot couple, who first acquired the land in 2003 and built a sumptuous 6,517 square foot home for themselves on it, are asking $35 million according to the estate agency Knight Frank. Their home on the island is apparently separated into eight different 'pods' around the area, which has the French name 'L'Ile D'Anges' meaning 'Isle Of Angels.' Living it up: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have listed their 20-acre private island in the Bahamas Heartthrob: In 2017 Tim told Architectural Digest the residence on the island when they first saw it was 'just a little shack' Looking fab: Faith said she and her husband 'were a little bit naive, possibly' about the process of building their own huge digs on the island, a task that took nine years to complete Although the island, which has the English name Goat Cay, includes about 1.3 waterfront miles, the lucky residents also have a swimming pool with an Art Deco design at their disposal. The pool is fringed by porticoes, which are part of a sprawling 5,000 square-foot network of canopied walkways and patios that link all the buildings together. One of the verandas even has a massive marble bathtub set up on it, so that Faith or Tim can take in a bit of bracing fresh air while cleaning up with a view of the ocean. The interior design by Ray Booth has a subtropical feel as well, as in the case of one bedroom with a ceiling motif that is comprised of white cross-hatched rafters on exposed wood. Making it happen: The country music hot couple, who first acquired the land in 2003 and built a sumptuous 6,517 square foot home for themselves on it, are asking $35 million according to the estate agency Knight Frank Details: Their home on the island is apparently separated into eight different 'pods' around the area, which has the French name 'L'Ile D'Anges' meaning 'Isle Of Angels' Swank: Although the island, which has the English name Goat Cay, includes about 1.3 waterfront miles, the lucky residents also have a swimming pool with an Art Deco design at their disposal Opulence: The pool is fringed by porticoes, which are part of a sprawling 5,000 square-foot network of canopied walkways and patios that link all the buildings together So many options: One of the verandas even has a massive marble bathtub set up on it, so that Faith or Tim can take in a bit of bracing fresh air while cleaning up with a view of the ocean The last detail: The interior design by Ray Booth has a subtropical feel as well, as in the case of one bedroom with a ceiling motif that is comprised of white cross-hatched rafters on exposed wood 'It's essentially a bleached-out white [throughout]; where there is color, it's pulled directly out of those beautiful Bahamian waters,' Ray told Architectural Digest in 2017. Adding to a feeling of connection to nature, this bedroom opens out onto a long luxurious porch where residents can take in a view of the lush foliage and the ocean. In fact there are four bedroom suites throughout the property - one of which comes with two ensuite bathrooms inasmuch as it has been specifically designed for use by children. One living room has an entire wall that is in fact a glass-paneled roll-up door, so that guests can watch TV and warm themselves up by the fire while a sea breeze wafts in. Spot the chessboard: 'It's essentially a bleached-out white [throughout]; where there is color, it's pulled directly out of those beautiful Bahamian waters,' Ray told Architectural Digest in 2017 Gorgeous: Adding to a feeling of connection to nature, this bedroom opens out onto a long luxurious porch where residents can take in a view of the lush foliage and the ocean Terrific: In fact there are four bedroom suites throughout the property - one of which comes with two ensuite bathrooms inasmuch as it has been specifically designed for use by children Giving the air: One living room has an entire wall that is in fact a glass-paneled roll-up door, so that guests can watch TV and warm themselves up by the fire while a sea breeze wafts in The effect was on purpose, as Faith told Architectural Digest: 'We wanted to feel connected to the outside. When the breeze comes through the room, it's just life-changing. It really is! It's something for the soul." Tim dished that 'we wanted it set up so that when we brought people down, they'd get the same feeling that we got when we first came. The same reaction to the pristineness of it, to how relaxed it feels. The house is functional, but it really blends into the environment.' A couple of permanent tents are set up on an attractive wooden deck overlooking one of the narrow beaches that comprise some of the water frontage. Three separate houses have been set up for staff - which along with such amenities as mechanical storage space is a part of the 6,000 square feet of extra buildings apart from the main residence. 'It really is!': The effect was on purpose, as Faith told Architectural Digest: 'We wanted to feel connected to the outside,' adding: 'When the breeze comes through the room, it's just life-changing' 'The pristineness of it': Tim dished that 'we wanted it set up so that when we brought people down, they'd get the same feeling that we got when we first came' Under the palms: Tim said: 'The house is functional, but it really blends into the environment' Illuminated: A couple of permanent tents are set up on an attractive wooden deck overlooking one of the narrow beaches that comprise some of the water frontage Space: Three separate houses have been set up for staff - which along with such amenities as mechanical storage space is a part of the 6,000 square feet of extra buildings apart from the main residence Of course a long private deck is also available for the owners and their guests, with three quays facilitating boating trips such as one that allowed Tim to show off his hunky torso for Instagram in 2016. Faith and Tim got married in 1996 and have welcomed three daughters into the world - Gracie, 23, Maggie, 22, and Audrey, 19 - all of whom were born before their parents bought their island. When they were interviewed for Architectural Digest Tim said that the residence on the island when they first saw it was 'just a little shack' put there by people Faith described as the owner's 'friends.' Faith said she and her husband 'were a little bit naive, possibly' about the process of building their own huge digs on the island, a task that took nine years to complete. Well-equipped: Of course a long private deck is also available for the owners and their guests, with three quays facilitating boating trips Sizzler: One boating trip allowed Tim to show off his hunky torso for Instagram in 2016 History: Faith and Tim got married in 1996 and have welcomed three daughters into the world - Gracie, 23, Maggie, 22, and Audrey, 19 - all of whom were born before their parents bought their island 'We set out to build a house. We had no idea we had to build everything else. We basically had to build a little town,' the songbird confessed with a chuckle. They turned to architects Bobby McAlpine and Greg Tankersley to design the sensational five-bathroom four-bedroom property that eventually came to be. Tim revealed that they realized they had 'to have staff houses,' as well as that they had to figure out 'infrastructure' and how to supply the place with power and water. Bobby had to consider: 'What does paradise look like for a couple of creative people like them?' and 'I thought, In paradise, you live in ways you cant live in civilization. So every room is a separate building.' 'We set out to build a house': 'We had no idea we had to build everything else,' said Faith adding: 'We basically had to build a little town' Tim spilled that he and his family were banned from visiting the island during the last months of construction and 'It was killing us!' as they waited in suspense. 'And when we finally got down there, it was early evening, and the landscaping was done and the house was furnished and open and there were candles lit, and it just took our breath away,' he gushed. 'It still does every time we go there. Every time we land the plane and walk onto the beach and head up to the house, we turn to each other and say: "This is the best place in the world."' Looking back: Tim spilled that he and his family were banned from visiting the island during the last months of construction and 'It was killing us!' as they waited in suspense IT has been well established that the countrys most effective mobilisation system is the election machinery based on political affiliation. With this in mind, the current crisis in the country regarding the frightening spread of the coronavirus calls for a different kind of intervention. It is past time for the declaration of a political truce. We call on the countrys two major political machines, PNM and UNC, and all other existing political parties and groups, to come together in the national interest. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is best known for her wild adventures on MTV's "Jersey Shore," but lately she's been hitting a different beach as host of a new renovation show, "Beach Cabana Royale." So what does Polizzi know about home renovation, you might ask? In the recent past, she's actually done her fair share of house flipping in New Jersey with her husband, Jionni LaValle, which was filmed for the FYI docuseries "Nicole & Jionnis Shore Flip." But for this latest one-hour special (now streaming on Discovery+), Polizzi's in Atlantic Beach, NY, to help (or more accurately, egg on) three competitors as they renovate cabanas for families who may adore their seaside surroundings, but aren't all that happy with their living quarters. As Polizzi succinctly puts it, "Their cabanas are driving them bananas." Once finished, these renovations are judged by "Build Me Up" star Orlando Soria and "Flipping Virgins" host Egypt Sherrod. To win, these designers need to get creative when it comes to storage and styling to make these tiny cabanas feel spacious and special. Here's how they pull it off, and the take-home lessons you'll be glad to know about how to add more function to a small space, along with a take-me-away vacation vibe. Save space with sliding doors Before: This cabana had too much going on. Discovery+ Seamstress and small-space designer Karla Graves gives her clients a Japanese-inspired cabana with lots of clean lines and minimalist decor. While the design is beautiful, Graves knows this cabana can't be all about style because she'll also have to consider functionality for this family. "With three boys, you really cant fully be minimalist; you also have to think smart," Graves says. "So I focused on how do we hide the storage and I focused on sliding doors. After: Small-space designer Karla Graves creates clever storage with sliding doors. Discovery+ Graves makes sure everything slides away, from the closet (which hides the TV, a design move Polizzi highy approves of) to the shower wall. By using sliders, Graves creates extra space in this cabana. Not only will the family get lots of storage, they'll also get to avoid the awkwardness of wide-swinging doors. In a small space where every inch counts, this is a serious space saver. Small spaces don't need to have an all-white design Before:This cabana needed an upgrade. Discovery+ Woodworker and reclaim specialist Wendell Holland works with his clients to create a cabana design with an art deco style. While many designers will advise making small spaces light and bright in order to make them seem larger, Soria says that Holland could have taken a risk with a darker color on the walls. After: The space looks great, but the walls might be too white. Discovery+ "Because the exterior of this building is white, I wouldve liked to see something different on the interior wallsa dark gray, a light gray, Soria explains. And he's right: There are simply too many white walls, and it's clear that a little more color would have added some personality. It just goes to show that, yes, there is such a thing as too much white, even in a small space. Add storage wherever possible There's room for storage, even in this small space. Discovery+ While Holland could have skipped the white walls, he makes a smart addition to his cabana when he adds some storage beside the entrance. There isn't much space in this cabana, so Holland has to get creative by building a tall, skinny shelf (which Polizzi sort of helps build) that can fit in the corner. It may not be big storage, but it's perfect for storing shoes and towels, which is exactly what this family needs. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi helps build a handy storage unit. Discovery+ "When I got here, they had cushions and towels hanging from the ceiling and just all over the place, Holland says. "So what I did, I built this storage unit." Make sure floor-to-ceiling cabinets look finished Before: This cabana needed a creative desk space solution. Discovery+ Delia Kenza, an interior designer, runs into a few problems with her cabanaincluding the uneven ceiling, which makes her new floor-to-ceiling shelving unit not quite reach the ceiling in some sections. When Soria sees this, he thinks it makes the cabana look unfinished. After: This cabana looks great! Discovery+ "One of the things that isnt working for me is the cabinet stops 4 inches from the ceiling. If you wouldve just had a trim piece that goes around that just to connect that, so there wasnt that dark shadow, I think it would look a lot more finished, Soria says. It's a good tip and a great lesson in remembering the finishing details. Sometimes a bit of trim or molding can give a space that extra touch to make it feel complete. Find a proper workspace, even in a small space This desk is a convenient addition for this family. Discovery+ One of Kenza's favorite features is the fold-out desk she creates for her client, who likes to catch up on work from the cabana. It's a great way to add some functionality and turn this vacation space into a part-time office. Of course, the judges love Kenza's creativity. "Opening that and seeing the hidden desk, I said, ah functionality,'" Sherrod says. "You know, everything should be able to serve more than one purpose when youre dealing with this space." Who won this beach-side competition? In the end, Soria and Sherrod choose Graves as their winner! They love her Japanese-inspired space and her clever storage. Overall, it's a great cabana with a great design. Nonetheless, all three cabanas look amazing, and go to show that even small spaces can feel functional and luxurious. The post Snooki ReturnsTo Renovate Beach Homes in 'Beach Cabana Royale' appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. KYIV -- To the many challenges facing Ukraine these days, from war and occupation to economic troubles exacerbated by COVID-19, add one more: how to improve its image. The pandemic aside, its probably a tall order for any country seeking to attract investment, tourism, foreign students, and general goodwill. For Ukraine, whose image has been shaped by such unenviable events as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster 35 years ago and the only war currently being fought on the European continent, it may be a uniquely difficult endeavor. This year, Kyiv has a new tool designed to take a swipe at the task: an official country website that pitches Ukraine as modern, dynamic, free, and diverse. On the homepage, it trumpets the country of 44 million people as a destination for cultural tourism, education, and business opportunities. Ukraine Now, as its called, is not the first effort to help build a brand for the country of 44 million by means of a website: Its been tried a few times before over nearly 30 years of independence since the Soviet collapse. But their URL addresses have gone dormant as successive governments have failed to follow through with sustained reforms and strategies to capture the worlds attention when the spotlight shone on Ukraine. The attention has been part of the problem: For audiences in the West, Ukraine can boast two cases in the past 20 years in which popular protests have brought political change, dealt blows to corruption, and dented Russian influence: the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Maidan protests of 2013-14, which pushed Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych from power. But the Kremlins response to the Maidan movement and the pro-Western government that it brought to the fore plunged Ukraine into a new crisis: Russia seized the Crimean Peninsula and fomented separatism across swaths of the country, helped militants take control of parts of two eastern provinces and sparking a war that has killed more than 14,000 people since April 2014. The Russian moves have brought Ukraine sympathy from some abroad, but have also led to internal disputes and made efforts to depict the country as a safe, secure place to live, study, or invest that much harder -- particularly for audiences without the time or the inclination to take in the whole picture. Since Yanukovych abandoned office and fled to Russia, the question of country branding and cultural diplomacy has been a question of survival for Ukraine, said Yaryna Klyuchkovska, a Kyiv-based independent consultant in strategic communication. In addition to its actions on the ground in Crimea and the Donbas, she asserted, Russia has been waging a billion-dollar information war that continues to this day and is aimed at discrediting Kyiv on the world stage. Ukraine also got a blast of unsolicited and largely unwelcome publicity when it found itself at the center of U.S. political turbulence, with a prominent if passive role in the 2019 impeachment of President Donald Trump and the 2020 election that he lost to Joe Biden. 'Information War' The Ukraine Now website, which was partly financed with British government support, is one of the efforts carried out by the Ukrainian Institute -- a Foreign Ministry entity established in 2018 as part of a cultural diplomacy unit that was created two years earlier for promotional and country branding purposes. A principal goal is to explain the country and elevate its profile through stories and various interventionsacross different disciplines, Volodymyr Sheiko, director of the Ukrainian Institute, said of its approach to ensure Ukraine is better understood beyond its borders. To practitioners of communications and public relations, the endeavor is welcome if belated. Several grassroots efforts to parse and promote Ukraine sprouted in the turbulent year of 2014 as journalists and other foreigners flooded the country seeking first-hand accounts. Among them is Ukraine World, a website that focuses on explaining Ukraine and its culture, covering the most important developments in and around the country, as well as counteracting anti-Western propaganda and disinformation. If you only write about the politics and economy of a country, and not culture, you wont make Ukraine understood, Ukraine World chief editor Volodymyr Yarmolenko told RFE/RL. He suggested that the past, both recent and distant, has complicated that task. [Our] long history has been forgotten [by people] or suppressed by empires over the centuries. Ukraine was voiceless and we didnt have this voice [even] in the first two decades of our independence, he said. Despite nearly 30 years of independence from Moscow, Sheiko said, Russia looms large in perceptions of Ukraine abroad. I often am told by various people that Ukraine is framed by Russia, he said -- a phenomenon that may be both a cause and effect of Moscows dominance during the Soviet era and its interference in years since. For centuries, Ukraine has often found itself buffeted by outside forces in times of war and peace, and its image has been shaped in part from abroad. Ukraine must take back what was taken from it in terms of cultural heritage, legacy and history -- it used to be written elsewhere, but not in Ukraine, Sheiko said. Ukraine has to constantly counter this narrative that comes from elsewhere. I appreciate that our resources wont be enough to shift or change international headlines, he added, but our job is to indeed offer an alternative. Since the institutes inception, government decision makers have begun to see that cultural diplomacy is a useful part of the national-security portfolio, Sheiko said. To ensure that it is useful requires delving deeper than dance, drama, and music, making it more than Cossacks, concerts, and vyshyvanka embroidered shirts, he suggested. Its about employing the cultural potential to creatively tell stories about difficult conversations, human stories. Crimea Stories With Russian interference at the center of attention, pushing back against propaganda and promoting a Kyiv-friendly narrative that is not associated with Moscow is a challenge. Late last year, the Ukrainian Institute launched We Are Crimea, personal stories featuring four celebrities from the peninsula including Jamala, the Crimean Tatar who won the 2016 Eurovision song contest, and Oleh Sentsov, a film director who spent five years in prison in Russia after opposing Moscows takeover. A documentary film about citizen journalists who have been detained by the Russian authorities controlling Crimea has been commissioned. Its creators include Natalya Vorozhbyt, who co-wrote the screenplay for Cyborgs, a film about the Ukrainian soldiers who endured a 242-day siege at the Donetsk airport by Russia-backed forces in the ongoing Donbas war. Given its modest budget -- about $1.4 million this year, $1 million less than in 2019 -- the institute has to be agile and leverage partnerships with other organizations, Sheiko said. Such joint efforts include a one-stop shop database with Harvard University for scholars of Ukraine, providing free access to primary sources in various disciplines related to Ukraines history and geopolitics, Sheiko said. Another partnership is with the independent Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, an educational institution that has a clean reputation. Together they provide a free online course in Ukrainian history, culture, and identities in English. The Ukrainian Institutes spending power is dwarfed by the much bigger budgets of long-established Western peers such as the American Councils, the British Council, and Germanys Goethe Institute. Frances Societe Generale has been around since the mid-19th century. The Ukrainian Institute cant and wont go their route, which would entail offering Ukrainian-language courses and setting up offices abroad. For one thing, Ukraines labyrinthine bureaucracy remains an impediment: Sheiko said the Education Ministry has yet to establish standards for teaching Ukrainian as a foreign language. Besides, comparing global demand for learning Ukrainian with the demand for learning English is like comparing the solar system with the Milky Way, Klyuchkovska said. New laws would be needed to open offices in other countries. For now, at least, the institute is focusing on online and in-person events, with a priority this year on Poland, Germany, Britain, Italy, Austria, France, Turkey, and the United States, according to its five-year strategic plan. Ukraine cannot match countries like Britain and France because they have largely shaped Western civilization and its much easier for them to promote their cultural legacy than it is for smaller, developed countries, said Vasyl Myroshnychenko, a co-founding partner of CFC Big Ideas, a consultancy that has worked on previous brand strategies for Ukraine. But he said that if executed correctly and funded well, the institutes cultural diplomacy efforts could have a major impact on how Ukraine is perceived. Metamorphosis Meanwhile, Ukraines own self-perception is still changing, its sense of identity still developing in the long and turbulent wake of the Soviet collapse, Klyuchkovska suggested. She used the analogy of a metamorphosis, with the caterpillar stage in the mid-19th century and the cocoon stage in the decades of Soviet rule, when Ukrainian identity was mostly viewed as hostile [to the state] and was Russian-driven. Then came independence in 1991 -- but while it takes a few minutes for a butterfly to metamorphose, she said, it takes a nation much longer. In some ways, Ukraines identity is in the making, Sheiko said, and this evolution allows for efforts to more clearly define what the country has to offer. The advantage is that it allows us to constantly widen and question those boundaries for what constitutes a Ukrainian identity or nation, he added. For one thing, that means thinking beyond ethnic lines, said Yarmolenko of Ukraine World. In addition to a huge Jewish heritage and Crimean Tatar culture, he said, there are ethnic Bulgarians in the Odesa region, and Romanians and Hungarians in the west, and a variety of religious faiths in the predominantly Orthodox Christian country. Yarmolenko also pointed to towering cultural figures who are far more frequently associated with other countries but had ties to Ukraine -- such as the writers Joseph Conrad, who was born in what is now part of Ukraine, and Mikhail Bulgakov, a native of Kyiv. New Project, Old Problems A small budget, bureaucratic red tape, and even Russian interference may not be the biggest obstacles to the successful promotion of Ukraine. For a country to be viewed as a successful brand it should be seen as confident, influential, politically stable, economically progressive, innovative, trustworthy, respected, tolerant, reliable, safe, honest, among other qualities, British-based management consultancy Future Brand wrote in a November 2020 report. And while Ukraine meets some of the criteria, it falls into "a vicious circle because it hasnt established the rule of law, with an unruly judicial system perceived as the main bottleneck," Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, told RFE/RL. Investors are the best ambassadors but challenges with the rule of law undermine all that, Hunder said. He said that Ukrainian companies establishing footprints abroad or those who export often question whether they should emphasize theyre Ukrainian. The presence of far-right groups, played up by Moscow, has dented the image of tolerance, and the persistence of graft is a perennial problem. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pledged to conduct reforms, but persistent questions about the governments determination to fight corruption and improve the judiciary raise hurdles for the image-making efforts. Cultural diplomacy is certainly important, said Tony Friend, a senior partner at London-based risk management firm Strategia Worldwide, but a greater effort needs to be made to reach beyond people who are already followers. He said that steady progress in reform seldom attracts media attention, it has to be worked hard for. (@FahadShabbir) Istanbul, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :Turkey has hired an international law firm to help it win back its spot in the US-led F-35 fighter jet programme, state media reported on Friday. The six-month contract with Arnold & Porter --- worth a reported $750,000 (620,000 Euros) -- comes as Turkey seeks to find a solution with US President Joe Biden over its controversial Russian missile system purchase. The Washington-based law firm did not immediately comment. Turkey was kicked out of the F-35 fighter jet programme in 2019 as punishment for its decision to acquire the advanced Russian hardware after failing to come to terms on US Patriots used by most other NATO member states. Washington slapped Turkey's military procurement agency with sanctions after the S-400s were tested for the first time late last year. The United States fears that the S-400 systems could help Russia gather intelligence and better shoot down NATO warplanes if fully integrated in Turkish defences. The Pentagon confirmed earlier this month that it believed the Russian systems were "incompatible" with the F-35 jets and that the sanctions on Turkey would stay in place until the S-400s are removed. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar suggested a compromise solution earlier this month that would see the S-400s boxed up and only deployed when needed. The State Department appeared to reject that suggestion by saying: "Our policy vis-a-vis the S-400s has not changed." Biden's administration has assumed a much tougher posture with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan than Ankara enjoyed when Donald Trump was in the White House. Biden has still not called Erdogan and the State Department has sharply rebuked Turkey's human rights record since his swearing in last month. Turkey was both a parts supplier and buyer of the F-35s. US officials say the sanctions will still allow the jets' prime contractor Lockheed Martin to honour its outstanding contracts in Turkey. Please note The Sun Chronicle is providing this story and all of our local coronavirus coverage for free so that all readers have access to this important information about the pandemic. Please visit our dedicated coronavirus coverage page for more stories. If you'd like to support our mission, please subscribe. 32181 Robert Novo, Service Delivery Director, Voice Communications, Americas, BT [NYSE: BT] Robert Novo, Service Delivery Director, Voice Communications, Americas, BT [NYSE: BT] We are living in unprecedented times. Weve heard this so many times since the start of 2020 that it almost sounds cliche. However, the reality is that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in many ways, and its effects will be felt for years to come. Telecommunications are an essential part of the global economy and vital in helping fight the disease. As part of the team that operates the largest voice telephony network in The UK and one of the largest globally, we provide a lifeline to millions of customers and service to hundreds of multi-national companies, supporting governments and industries including finance, travel, and healthcare. As COVID-19spreadsworldwide, we face unpredictable challenges to keep the voice network running while taking care of two of our most important assets, our people, and our customers. Lets examine some of the challenges and valuable lessons we have learned since the onset of the pandemic. Keeping the network running under normal circumstances, service continuity is challenging enough, requiring the diligent support of hundreds of experts. During a pandemic, the complexity increases exponentially, given precautions warranted to protect our staff and customers. For example, call center attendants will need to space themselves two meters apart, resulting in reductions of on-duty staff and/ or reconfiguration of floor layouts to comply. Field technicians will also need to pace service calls to allow time to disinfect equipment and tools between customer visits or shift changes. Supporting new growth demands As people adjust to the new normal, we see increased reliance on telephony in order to stay connected with their friends, families, and contacts. Peak voice traffic has increased by over 75 percent. Just in the UK, we have carried 13 billion minutes and introduced over 160,000 interconnect ports to avoid congestion. Growth doesnt only apply to the existing customers and services but also requires accommodation for new needs related to the pandemic. For instance, Nightingale field hospitals were deployed in London, Birmingham, and Manchester, requiring 2,500 new phone lines. Additionally we developed, designed, tested, and deployed a toll-free hotline for coronavirus support (119). This new hotline was rolled out across 1,000 exchanges nationwide as well as supported on text and operator service platforms so that people with hearing impairments or connection difficulties can call in as well. We also worked with any of our customers having extension codes with 119 so that their businesses wouldnt be impacted. Staying abreast of changes in calling patterns The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed typical telephony calling patterns causing us to rethink our approach to capacity planning. These shifts in traffic were first discernible as the pandemic spread in China and the Far East, then in Italy and Spain and subsequently throughout other European countries and The Americas. As COVID-19 spreads worldwide, we face unpredictable challenges to keep the voice network running while taking care of two of our most important assets, our people, and our customers During the early stages, we saw large upticks in airlines and travel-related calling as people adapted plans to return home or modify vacations. Once this initial wave passed and the pandemic took hold, travel calling drastically dropped while other segments spiked for home consumers, such as retail and banking verticals. Additionally, as a greater percentage of the population works at home, we also see added calls to conferencing access numbers. The traffic profiles themselves also exhibit changes in characteristics, such as increased holding times and a greater proportion of media to signaling content as more calls are destined for call centers and conference bridges. Such unpredictable calling patterns make clear the need for a nimble and accurate capacity planning process. Telecommunications networks need to be finely tuned to effectively meet the unpredictability. Capacity planning is not only essential for the core network elements, ports, and circuits, but also for the queuing capacity and IVR ports that must be managed to provide recorded announcements and accommodate callers on hold. The underlying network layers carrying voice traffic such as Ethernet and MPLS must similarly be capacity managed. Given the quickly shifting demands, technologies such as cloud, SDN, and VoIP/SIP that facilitate rapid, elastic, and dynamic changes are essential. Lastly, we must also consider the growing demand for VPNs as more users need to access voice through their work networks remotely. Additional impacts of the shifting workforce We have already touched upon some aspects of how the network must grow and shift as large parts of the global workforce no longer go into their normal workplace and adapt to a home office environment. For instance, in BT, we experienced massive growth in our conferencing demand, reaching over 50 million minutes a day. However, this shift also begets other issues that must be addressed. For example, consider that we have a growing number of calls originating and terminating on softphones or UC/conferencing clients such as Zoom, Skype, and Jabber rather than traditional handsets. These connections need to go over a variety of VPN clients. The increasing number of interworking scenarios must be understood, tested, and supported. Likewise, users who do not have access to softphone clients from home will have an increased dependence on their mobile phones. Lastly, let us not forget about our people.BT, as any other network operator, is, first and foremost a company, facing the same challenges as our corporate customers. Many associates accustomed to coming to the office for their entire career now have to adjust to home working. As all companies in this pandemic, we have quickly established a supporting infrastructure to take care of our people, including COVID-19 support personnel, as well as the flexibility to accommodate workers needs in these challenging times. One master learning we have gained is that speed is of the essence. As traffic patterns and working conditions are changing daily or even more rapidly, flexible, and nimble decision making is necessary to stay ahead of the curve. While COVID-19 raised some new challenges as to how we managed the network, in the end, it has enabled us to leverage new innovations that well be using for years to come. 27842 Phil Stevens, CAO & CIO, Army & Air Force Exchange Service Phil Stevens, CAO & CIO, Army & Air Force Exchange Service Retail is the most competitive sector in business today with rapid innovation in the customer journey and the last mile of fulfillment. Like other retailers, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service must innovate and evolve to meet ever-increasing customer expectations, and technology is playing a significant role in that effort. Unlike other commercial businesses, though, the Exchange serves a fixed customer base with a wide range of formats and operates globally, from Greenland to South Korea and many austere and remote locations. Technical and retail industry expertise and best practices continue to drive transformation to allow the Department of Defenses oldest and largest retailer to deliver on its promise to go where troops go to protect and defend our nation. The Exchange serves active-duty Soldiers, Airmen, and their families as well as retirees and other honorably discharged veterans. This fixed customer base combined with a mission to return earnings to critical military Quality-of-Life programs, including Army Child Development Centers and Fitness Center, Air Force Outdoor Recreation and more, means every authorized Exchange shopper is especially important to the organization and its support of the broader military mission. Leveraging a team of data scientists, our goal is to know each customer better than any other retailer and add value at every touch point throughout their military career. Our vision is a customer journey around the Digital Garrison to simplify day-to-day interactions. In 2018, mobile and online usage continued its rapid growth. The Exchange added capabilities such as a mobile app for its Military Star proprietary credit card and worked with Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation to facilitate acceptance at its on-installation activities to include bowling alleys and Childcare Centers. Alliances and partnerships to include DoD benefits providers strengthens support of Soldiers, Airmen and their families. Competing every day with the best online and brick-and-mortar retailers gives the Exchange a unique blend of commercial efficiency and passion for improving military readiness and Quality of Life The Exchanges mobile app leverages blue/green deployment, enabling continuous enhancements with no customer downtime. We created a micro service for Veteran Status Authentication accessible across the Digital Garrison. In 2019, we will expand our mobile shopping experience and loyalty program, integrating facilities from the barbershop to the food court and movie theater. Our secure customer information hub, digital backbone for real-time integration and agile development methodology are keys to remaining relevant in this fast-paced environment. In addition to connecting their online lives, the Exchange is eliminating friction for our customers in the physical world. In 2018, we added more than 100 Ship from Store locations to improve inventory efficiency and provide fast delivery; we also launched Buy Online Pickup In Store (BOPIS) to provide a low-cost fulfillment option with a convenient way for our customers to get what they need. In 2019, we will optimize and scale those capabilities while we evaluate self-checkout and lockers to provide flexibility and convenience. Supporting these capabilities will be improved employee mobility solutions, while on the back-end we continue the deployment of an ecommerce-optimized Warehouse Management System to the Exchanges new Distribution Center in Korea. As this occurs, design of a Distributed Order Management System is ongoing to route orders in the most efficient way possible. The Exchange operates many lines of business including department stores, convenience stores, quick serve restaurants, military clothing stores, specialty stores and movie theaters along with a variety of services and concession operations. In 2018, we enhanced our digital backbone by deploying a common Point Of Sale system, tying together those customer-facing touch points. In 2019 and beyond, that platform will enable us to improve service through more relevant and consistent promotions and rapidly deploy new capabilities on a modern platform. Digital signage and shelf labels will bridge the divide between customers online and in-store experience. Technology modernization and a common platform also means less employee training and development for IT. We will leverage other commercial technology, such as Robotic Process Automation, to eliminate tedious, labor-intensive tasks and allow employees to focus on serving our customers. Other retailers choose locations most favorable to their business, but to serve our customers the Exchange must go where they go. Today, we operate in 49 U.S. states and 34 countries. Some facilities are in challenging locations such as Afghanistan or supporting military exercises in Eastern Europe. This year I heard something that I had not heard in my 20 years of retail before joining the Exchange, A rocket hit our store. Yes, that happened. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the store reopened two days later. The Exchange also supports military installations in times of emergency with Mobile Field Exchanges (53-foot trailers, with fully operational Point of Sale Systems, that function as stores on wheels), such as the hurricane that hit Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida in 2018. It is almost an understatement to say, the Exchanges mission requires inventive technology solutions for networking and equipment. We dont know all the places we will be required to serve in 2019, but wherever and whenever we get the call, we will be ready to move out. Competing every day with the best online and brick-and-mortar retailers gives the Exchange a unique blend of commercial efficiency and passion for improving military readiness and Quality of Life. At more than $8 billion in scale and thousands of facilities around the world, that cannot happen without modern, agile technology and development practices. Through thoughtful and deliberate planning and preparation, the Exchange remains all in for War fighters, past, present and future. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in WASHINGTON - Facing court cases and its own promises of transparency, the Biden administration is about to release a long-sought U.S. intelligence report concluding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The report, an unclassified summary of findings across the intelligence community produced by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, will be made public as early as next week, according to people familiar with the matter. Plans for the release come as U.S.-Saudi relations have tumbled to a new low in recent weeks, with the administration canceling arms sales, criticizing human rights abuses and the harassment of dissidents, and pledging to "recalibrate" ties with the kingdom. The administration has said it will continue to supply Saudi Arabia - the world's biggest customer for U.S. weaponry - with the means to defend itself against regional adversaries, including Iran and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen, and indicated it wants to continue a robust counterterrorism partnership. But it has also made clear that it will, in contrast to its predecessor, press the Saudis toward a diplomatic end to their war in Yemen and to moderate their own extremism, and it will not allow Riyadh to interfere with its plans to rejoin the Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran. In what was widely seen as a snub, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that President Joe Biden, who has not yet communicated directly with Saudi rulers, would not be speaking with the crown prince, known as MBS, the country's de facto leader. "The president's counterpart is King Salman," the crown prince's aging father, she said, "and I expect that, in appropriate time, [Biden] would have a conversation with him." The release of the Khashoggi report may make that a fraught exchange. "I think it's going to put Biden on the spot," said David Ottaway, a longtime Saudi expert at the Wilson Center. "He's going to have to define what his relationship is going to be with the leadership, and what steps he's going to take in response." "There are so many things weighing on the relationship, and I feel it's going further south," Ottaway said. A senior Saudi Foreign Ministry official did not respond to questions about release of the report or other aspects of U.S.-Saudi relations. A spokesman for the ODNI said it would not "comment on the reported timing or contents of the unclassified report." President Donald Trump made Saudi Arabia a linchpin of his administration's Middle East policy. Choosing Riyadh as the destination for his first presidential trip abroad in 2017, he hailed the kingdom as the leader of the Muslim world and a major profit-maker for the U.S. defense industry. Khashoggi, a self-exiled Saudi journalist who wrote critically of the kingdom's leadership from his home in Virginia, including in columns for The Washington Post, was brutally murdered in October 2018. Lured to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to pick up paperwork required for his planned marriage to a Turkish citizen, he was drugged and his body dismembered by Saudi agents, according to investigations by the Turkish government and the United Nations. Suspicion immediately fell on the ambitious heir to the throne, who was consolidating his power within the often-fractious royal family. Despite Saudi government claims that he was not involved, the CIA concluded, in an assessment leaked later that year, that MBS had ordered the assassination. But Trump persisted in discounting the conclusions of his own intelligence service, calling the killing a "rogue operation," and continued to shield the crown prince. Speaking of MBS, he boasted in an interview with Bob Woodward that he had "saved his ass" from congressional attempts to hold the crown prince responsible. In early 2019, Congress passed a law giving the Trump administration 30 days to submit an unclassified report by the ODNI with "a determination and evidence with respect to the advance knowledge and role of any current or former official of Saudi Arabia . . . over the directing, ordering or tampering of evidence in the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi." It specifically ordered a release of names. Trump ignored the mandate. In February 2020, his ODNI informed congressional leaders that it was "unable to provide additional information . . . at the unclassified level," and sent them a copy of the classified CIA assessment. In July, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, responding to additional requests from lawmakers, told them nothing would be forthcoming. He had concluded after additional review, Ratcliffe wrote to them, that "the disclosure of additional details surrounding Mr. Khashoggi's murder would undermine U.S. intelligence sources and methods." At the same time, Ratcliffe wrote, "I have determined that there is only a marginal 'public interest' argument for this declassification." At her confirmation hearing as Biden's national intelligence director, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked Avril Haines if she would release the ODNI report. "Yes, senator. Actually, we'll follow the law," Haines replied. In a statement through his office, Wyden said this week that "after four years of Donald Trump ignoring and enabling Saudi lawlessness, President Biden has already taken steps to restore accountability, by ending support for the horrific Saudi-led war in Yemen, pausing arms sales and promising to follow the law I wrote and release the report on Jamal Khashoggi's murder. I urge the administration to build on these steps by imposing real consequences on Saudi officials for these and other abuses." Even without Haines's determination and pressure from Congress, efforts to force release have been moving rapidly through federal court in the Southern District of New York. The first of two cases filed by the Open Society Justice Initiative under the Freedom of Information Act is a broad 2019 request for "all records" related to the killing and who was responsible, including the classified CIA report. Ordered by the court to produce an index of anything that might be responsive, the Trump administration in December asked for an extension of the deadline. The Biden administration has now asked for an additional extension, until next month. A separate case filed last summer requests the release of the two-page ODNI document. Late Wednesday, the Justice Department asked for a two-week extension, until March 3, to respond to Open Society's request for a summary judgment. It needed more time, the administration said, "to evaluate issues that may affect the government's position in these matters." Open Society responded with an agreement to a one-week extension, saying that "by Feb. 24, the government should provide a substantive update to the Court regarding next steps in this case, including, in particular, whether the government intends to continue to withhold the ODNI Khashoggi report in its entirety." By that time, if Haines follows through on plans to release it, the issue will be moot. Amrit Singh, counsel for the Open Society cases, said the release is expected to name names. "If they redacted the names of the individuals responsible," she said in an interview, "that would defeat the purpose of the release of the report. All indications are that the names can be released without compromising sources or methods." A third case was also filed last year by the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Knight First Amendment Institute, asking for records related to the government's "duty to warn" Khashoggi of any threats it knew of against him. That case is awaiting a District of Columbia Court of Appeals decision after oral arguments the week before Biden's inauguration. Even as the Saudis explore alternative partners, including Russia and China, for arms purchases and nuclear power capability, they have taken some steps in response to administration concerns, including the recent release of some dissident prisoners. Some experts believe that if both sides are willing, and nuanced diplomacy is pursued, they can still find a way to work productively together. "Once this report comes out, and it's very damning to the crown prince, it's going to be tense," said Karen Young, of the American Enterprise Institute, in an interview. "But I think everybody has sort of factored that in. . . . Everybody understands that this was a decision that he had something to do with." The first order of business now, she said, is reestablishing "appropriate channels of communication" that were all but abandoned by Trump, who left most ties to a personal relationship between MBS and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and White House adviser. Counterparts at various government levels "need to be speaking to each other in routine and official channels," Young said. Mohammed bin Salman also serves as his country's defense minister, and the administration is likely to focus on his role there as the proper level of contact. "But will there be Oval Office visits?" she said. "No, definitely not." Washington, D.C., Feb 19, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - The GBA has added another valuable corporate member to their growing network. DAO Maker, DAOETH, is a venture investment platform for all risk appetites, building the crucial platform for retail venture investing in equity and tokens. This will be great news for the over 15,000 participants in the GBA community who are interested in all things blockchain.Providing a low-risk participation model for venture capital, DAO Maker allows retail investors the opportunity to step onto the playing field without risking large portions of their money. This framework gives everyday people a chance to safely grow their own capital, while it provides new funding for innovation worldwide.Some bullets on DAO Maker:- Provides low risk venture capital opportunities- Provides funding source to innovation worldwide- Has one of the largest ecosystems of quality retail investors- Signed on more than 75,000 retail users in 2020- Provides a suite of services to attract high quality startups to join the ecosystem- Allows startups a decentralized, safe, and autonomous environment in which to accelerateAnd, staying true to their DAO name, DAO Maker is now working on permissionless, self-managed versions of their technology products."The partnership between DAO Maker and GBA provides enormous opportunities for innovators and investors in our global community," saysGerard Dache, Executive Director, GBA.The GBA community is an international network of blockchain enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and government civil servants, who are looking to build new projects as well as earn a profit on their investments. Located in over 120 cities around the world, the GBA has over 50 Working Groups, dozens of Communities of Interest, including the Investors and Startups, and GBA is the US host to the World Business Angels Investment Forum. GBA's goal is to bring the public and private sectors together to connect, communicate, and collaborate on new technology in a non-partisan, blockchain agnostic environment. The GBA has members representing over 500 different government agencies from Washington to Estonia to Japan.To find out more, go to www.gbaglobal.orgSource: Platoblockchain.netSource: GBACopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Imagine the unimaginable by Raul Gallegos "Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai via Wikimedia Commons Copyright Public Domain To succeed, imagine adversity Imagine the unimaginable One of the biggest problems of our time is our increasing inability to imagine adversity. A fundamental use of imagination is to conceive of and prepare to overcome worst-case scenarios, a skill I call negative imagination. Living in prosperous, peaceful, and technologically advanced societies is killing our ability to imagine the worst because we are shielded from it your mind cannot imagine what you do not know. We are losing the ability to imagine trouble at a critical time, because the more interconnected and complex our businesses and societies become, the more things can go wrong. We like to believe modern abundance and comfort free us from the worries of our past, and the troubles of less advanced nations. But a lack of negative imagination makes us less prepared to overcome future difficulties, in fact it invites trouble, and this makes us less free. When something becomes unimaginable it becomes dangerous. The 9/11 Commission famously concluded that the biggest failure ahead of the terrorist attacks was America's failure of imagination, which has only emboldened enemies of liberal democracy. Think of Russia's meddling in the 2016 elections, stronger dictatorships and populist governments around the world, and the arrival of fake news with social media. All of it was unimaginable not long ago. A lack of negative imagination also caught the world unprepared for the pandemic that has infected more than 100 million people so far. The more we experience adversity the more we can imagine it. Swedish neuroscientist David Ingvar found that the prefrontal lobe which helps us plan for and imagine the future is also where we store memory. The more limited our memories and experiences, the less raw material we have to imagine permutations of what's to come. This is the downside of constantly avoiding hardship, physical discomfort, or being offended. Instead we overprotect ourselves and our children convinced that avoiding negative thoughts is the way forward. Religion, politics, business, and society more broadly advise us to stay positive. Even a multibillion-dollar industry of psychologists and motivational speakers sells us the idea of perennial positivity. It is no wonder that anticipating and preparing for adversity is often mislabeled as pessimism and seen as unnecessary in our lives. Negative imagination is crucial for success in leadership, business, and life. Doctors, lawyers, politicians, police officers, business or military strategists, cyber security professionals, and what I do, risk management consulting, are just some jobs where people succeed or thrive with the ability to anticipate the worst possible outcome. Ignoring this is misunderstanding what it takes to be successful in an increasingly uncertain world. George Soros's father paid a Budapest government official who confiscated Jewish property, to take his son on as his fake Christian godson so the young Soros could survive the Holocaust. Soros credits what he calls his experience of evil with his ability to think ahead and anticipate events. Kristalina Georgieva, head of the IMF, saw her Bulgarian family lose their property and faced hunger under communism. She now warns of the negative effects of austerity, which economists brought up in prosperity have a hard time imagining. Negative imagination involves using what ifs. If my wife and I were to die and leave the kids behind, who takes care of them and who manages any money left? At home, we've built a plan around that idea. To avoid the chance of leaving orphaned kids, I often suggest to my wife the unromantic idea of taking different flights when going somewhere as a couple, in case something happens (the US president and vice president never travel together, I argue). Understandably, she hasn't taken me up on that yet. The good news is we can all cultivate negative imagination and we can do this by focusing on its five drivers: Absolute skepticism: Approach everything in life as if it were something new, deserving of scrutiny. This means putting people, institutions, and ideas through the ringer to gauge their intent and capacity to do what they claim they can do. External adversity: Living through dictatorships, wars, economic depressions, pandemics, in the right dosage, can provide rich raw material to become stronger, wiser, more imaginative human beings. Personal adversity: The loss of a spouse, personal ruin, being fired or laid off from jobs. All of us have experienced one or more of these and can use these to feed our negative imagination. Physical discomfort: This is a type of adversity we can impose on ourselves. Engage in some form of physical work on a regular basis, use public transportation, and avoid as much as possible having assistants or gatekeepers. Comfort separates us from the real-life experience of most people, and stifles our imagination. Mental discomfort: Engage with people who hold political opinions, religious views, and lifestyles different than your own and understand their thinking and their problems. We discussed this in my previous post "Read things that tick you off" . No idea or belief should be too sacred to stress test. The goal is to embrace controlled adversity and discomfort to stimulate our imaginations. In a future increasingly threatened by new forms of adversity, those capable of imagining the unimaginable will be better prepared to succeed. What I'm (Re) Reading -------------------------------------------- The novel We by Russia's Yevgeni Zamyatin (published in 1924) is considered by many the true precursor of dystopian fiction. In fact, George Orwell openly credited Zamyatin as an inspiration for his novel 1984. Aldous Huxley denied that We ever inspired his Brave New World, but its focus on the conflict between the modern versus the primitive side of humanity bears strong similarities to the story line in We. The truth is We is a far more elegantly written and insightful book than Brave New World, in that it gets to the crux of how people's imagination can become a problem for those in power. In We, the main character D-503 is a non-complacent, curious, spacecraft engineer who is a non-conformist in a reality where free thinking is dangerous to OneState. In the story (semi spoiler alert) OneState comes to the conclusion that to "extirpate the imagination" of human beings is the only way to finally bring about stability and contentment for people. Imagination is a problem because it allows people to anticipate the future, with all its positive and negative aspects. Getting rid of it keeps people forever focused on the present, which is something real life dictatorships rely on to keep people pliant and obedient. Autocracies have often found that making people feel insecure and hungry makes them focus on survival and less on concepts like democracy or freedom. The book's lesson is that when we focus too strongly on eliminating envy and offense, in a bid to eliminate crime, human beings go overboard (as we usually do), and hurt one another instead. As a member of the OneState apparatus argues in the book: "the only means to rid a man of crime is to rid him of freedom." Like what you've read? Sign up for our list! If you would like to help us grow please recommend this to your friends and colleagues. Original article Raul is a former Caracas-based oil correspondent. Director @Control_Risks. Political risk advisor to companies. Author of Crude Nation/Cuando se jodio Venezuela? (Spanish Edition) Petroleumworld 02/19/2021 Follow us in : twitter / Facebook Send this story to a friend Copyright 1999-2020. Petroleumworld or respective author or news agency. All rights reserved. We welcome the use of Petroleumworld stories by anyone provided it mentions Petroleumworld.com as the source. Other stories you have to get authorization by its authors. Internet web links to http://www.petroleumworld.com are appreciated. Petroleumworld welcomes your feedback and comments, share your thoughts on this article, your feedback is important to us! NORTH CHARLESTON The projected return of up to 80 percent of normal passenger levels at South Carolina's larger airports by mid-summer will lead to a new logistical challenge at security checkpoints. It will create a distancing issue in our queuing areas, said David McMahon, federal security director for the Transportation Security Administration in the Palmetto State. It wont be as much of an issue at Charleston International, where the agency's checkpoint has ample space, but McMahon believes it will pose a social-distancing problem at some other airports in the state with fewer lanes and different configurations. We will staff all lanes to spread people out so they wont bottleneck and create a problem in the queuing area, he said. To get ready for the expected surge in travelers by this summer, McMahon recently hired six officers in Charleston and is looking to hire a handful of others at South Carolina's other airports. He believes passenger levels, now at about 40 percent of pre-pandemic levels, will double by midsummer at airports in tourist destinations such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach as vacation travel picks back up. Meanwhile, he foresees traffic returning to about 60 percent of normal levels in Columbia and Greenville-Spartanburg by midyear. The TSA employs about 375 inspectors and other workers across South Carolina, with a third of them at Charleston International. Generally, two or three TSA checkpoint lanes are open in Charleston, but more could be used on busier weekends. When all six lanes at the airport are open, 36 employees will work at each of two shifts. A queuing backup wasn't a problem in January, and it probably won't be a cause for concern until the weather turns warmer, more people are vaccinated and travelers feel safe again. Last month, passenger levels remained depressed by 60 percent from a year ago, when airport officials were expecting another record-breaking year after posting a 7.5 jump in passenger levels in normally slow January. 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! That lofty projection evaporated with the onset of the coronavirus last March, and 2021 is not expected to break any records either. Last month, just over 121,000 ticket holders made their way through the terminal. Thats down from more than 304,000 arrivals and departures in January 2020. Still, a 60 percent decline is better than the 96 percent plunge last April at the height of the government-ordered economic lockdown. Februarys numbers probably wont see much improvement either, but airport officials believe warmer weather in the spring and the continuing administration of vaccines as they become available will slowly lead to an uptick in passengers. To help boost the number of people who are vaccinated and, in turn, the number of possible passengers, Charleston International employee volunteers have helped the Medical University of South Carolina administer 3,320 vaccines on three different days since the start of the new year at the airport, which also serves as a testing site in a shiny new $90 million parking deck that's going mostly unused. The faster we get people healthy, the faster we get them back on planes and the faster we get back to normal, airport CEO Elliott Summey said. Airport board Chairwoman Helen Hill, also the head of regional tourism marketing agency Explore Charleston, said some people might not be comfortable going into a medical office or inside a building for a vaccine, and drive-thru shots in the arm are a remedy. To be able to stay in your car and get the vaccine, its something else, she said. The biggest obstacle has barely budged: Pennsylvania doesnt have nearly enough COVID-19 vaccine for the roughly 3.5 million residents who badly need it because of their age or medical condition that makes them highly vulnerable. According to federal data as of Thursday morning, Pennsylvania has given just shy of 2 million doses. About 500,000 people have received the two doses needed for full protection. The majority have gone to health care workers, including some not directly involved in medical care or working from home. The good news is that vaccination of health care workers is winding down, leaving more vaccine for non-health care workers. Even with that, the pace remains glacial when considering vaccination began in mid-December. While Pennsylvanias rollout is admittedly less than perfect and is being tweaked accordingly, a shortage of vaccine is the main reason so many people are waiting so long. Pennsylvanias vaccine supply is wholly dependent on the federal government, which allocates it to states based on a formula. This week, Pennsylvania will receive 183,575 first doses, along with 143,275 second doses. The weekly allocation has been increasing, although slowly, with this weeks shipment about 8,000 doses more than last week. Collectively, health care systems have been criticized for keeping too much vaccine in house, vaccinating not only their front line employees, but those who are far removed from patient care, including non-medical employees working from home. Health care systems have countered that all their employees, such as those involved in securing supplies, are needed to enable doctors and nurses to take care of patients, and therefore warrant protection. Still, some systems, citing the shortage of doses, have pretty much told outsiders, for now, dont even bother to call. In light of all that, PennLive contacted the health systems serving the Harrisburg region, to check their progress in vaccinating their employees, and to find out how much vaccine theyve pushed out to non-health care workers. Penn State Health Penn State Health is very close to having vaccinated all its employees, with more than 80% having received one or two doses, according to Dr. Peter Dillon, the chief medical officer. On Jan. 19, Pennsylvania expanded Phase 1A to include everyone 65 or older and people 16-64 with chronic medical conditions. Since then, Penn State Health has been contacting its oldest and most vulnerable patients to offer vaccine. As of Tuesday, it had vaccinated about 7,200 of those patients. All told, Penn State Health as of Tuesday had vaccinated about 15,800 employees; about 1,800 independent health care and emergency medical workers; and the 7,200 high-risk patients, spokeswoman Barbara Schindo said. UPMC UPMC includes Dauphin County-based UPMC Pinnacle. In central Pennsylvania, it has received little new vaccine since the expansion of Phase 1A eligible people in January, UPMC Pinnacle spokeswoman Kelly McCall said. Statewide, UPMC has given about 146,000 doses. That includes 7,000 doses to people in long-term care facilities; 24,600 to non-UPMC health care workers (UPMC says it has given priority to those in communities that lack medical resources); and 6,700 to people who are 65 and over and predominantly from neighborhoods hardest hit by the pandemic. WellSpan Health York-based WellSpan Health has given about 70,000 shots and is averaging about 10,000 per week, spokesman Ryan Coyle said. WellSpan wouldnt say how many have gone to employees, although it noted it has about 20,000 employees. WellSpan also noted that it has booked 45,000 appointments for people in Phase 1A. Geisinger Montour County-based Geisinger has vaccinated about 16,000 employees, or 67% of its workforce. Of those, 62% have received the two doses needed for full protection. Geisinger spokesman Marc Stempka said: To date, 70% of Geisingers vaccine doses have been provided to members of the community not employed by Geisinger. RELATED: New Pa. COVID-19 vaccine policy favors big players, causes worry for the small, the isolated RELATED: Pa. discovers big COVID-19 vaccine glitch thousands of second doses given out by mistake RELATED: Pa. claims readiness for mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics, but they wont all look the same Bengaluru, Feb 19 : Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has reportedly directed his cabinet ministers of respective communities to win over the seers on their side in order to blunt the various reservation related agitations. A senior BJP leader on the condition of anonymity told IANS that reservation agitations were either usually led by politicians or community associations but for the first time, politicians, religious leaders and respective community organisations have come together and have led agitations. "This has turned out to be more problematic than finding a solution for it. We need more time to subside this tide. Therefore, Yediyurappa has directed during cabinet meeting respective community ministers to open backroom channels with powerful seers of their respective community to defuse this situation," the leader explained. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home, Law and Parliamentary affairs minister, Basavaraj Bommai after the Cabinet meeting told reporters that the cabinet did discuss on-going agitations with regard to reservations. "In this meeting, Yediyurappa only sought our individual opinion on this issue but he did not say much," he said in a response to a question. He added that the cabinet is all likely to meet again next week and this topic will be discussed there. "Yediyurappa said that he will be discussing with legal experts and other experts from the social-economic field to know about their views on the ongoing agitations. Only after this he might be able to give us proper direction on how to approach this contentious issue," he said. Bommai asserted that as far as the Kuruba community's demand is concerned, ethnography study needs to be carried out before even accepting or rejecting the demand. The Alabama Department of Public Health said Thursday that a Madison County resident is one of eight people in Alabama who have tested positive for the UK variant strain of coronavirus. No other information about the person has been released, including when they tested positive or their medical condition. Stay with WAAY 31 for updates. See the departments full news release below: The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is partnering with several private and commercial laboratories in the state to expand its ability to identify COVID-19 strains that are known to be more transmissible and may sabotage current progress of reducing cases in the state. To date, eight variant strain cases of the highly transmissible COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant have been identified in Alabama residents, but only a couple of the cases had out-of-state travel prior to illness onset which indicates this variant strain is already circulating in Alabama. Cases were identified in residents of Autauga, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile and Montgomery counties. The cases that have been identified correspond with the counties where a small portion of laboratories is collecting specimens for sequencing, so there is much yet to be determined about the variants spread. The variant was first identified in the United Kingdom. At this time, many infectious disease experts and the CDC have indicated that the current vaccines should be effective against the strain. However, this is still being studied. Currently, the B.1.1.7 variant has not been definitively linked to worse outcomes of the disease. As this variant is recent to the United States, it is important to follow the outcome of persons infected with this variant. If a patient presents with recent taste or smell disorder, or clearly presents with COVID-19 illness, and tests negative for SARS-CoV-2, providers are asked to collect a specimen as soon as possible for submission to the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories or a laboratory that performs sequencing. ADPH advises the public to continue practicing the usual mitigation standards with emphasis on correct and consistent use of face masks of washable, breathable fabric such as cotton, practice social distancing, and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. For general information about COVID-19, visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19/index.htmlor call the COVID-19 Information Hotline number at 1-800-270-7268. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually inaugurated a slew of projects in Kerala, and said that development is the aim of the government. "Development and good governance have no caste, creed or religion as development is for everyone and for that I seek the support of the people of Kerala. Development is our aim," Modi said while taking part in the inauguration ceremony from Delhi, in which Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also took part virtually. Modi laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Command and Control Centre, and to convert 37 km roads into world class status. "To facilitate our growth, we have the Smart City project and it helps in urban planning. So far, 54 Command and Control Centres have become operational," Modi said. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the 320 KV Pugalur (Tamil Nadu) to Thrissur (Kerala) power transmission project. "Thrissur is known as the cultural centre of Kerala and now with this project, it will become the power centre of the state as this will get connected to the national grid. The transmission gap has to be bridged and it will be done. The High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) equipment used in the project has been made under the Make in India Aatmanirbhar movement," said Modi. The project has been built at a cost of Rs 5,070 crore and will facilitate the transfer of 2,000 MW power from the western region to help meet the demand of power in Kerala. The Prime Minister also dedicated the 50 MW Kasaragod Solar Power Project that has been developed over 250 acres at a cost of Rs 280 crore to the people. "India has been going green in solar energy and is putting up a strong fight against climate change which is a boost to our entrepreneurs. Under the PM Kusum Yojana, 20 lakh farmers have been given solar pumps," added Modi. Modi also launched the 75 MLD (million litres per day) Water Treatment Plant at Aruvikkara in the capital district, built under the Amrut Mission. "Under the Amrut scheme, 175 drinking water supply projects at a cost of Rs 1,100 crore have been launched so far, and this new one at Aruvikara will benefit 13 lakh people," Modi said. He began his speech by saying that a few days back he was in Kerala to inaugurate a few projects in the petroleum sector. "Thanks to technology, we are able to connect again. We are taking positive steps for the development of Kerala and we will empower this beautiful state," said Modi. Vijayan in his speech said that Friday is a historic day as many projects are being unveiled which will help the development of the state. "We assure our continued support for the implementation of the projects that are being jointly implemented by the Centre and state. It's imperative to work together for the benefit of the people," said Vijayan. SMITHFIELD, Va., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to Winter Storm Uri, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is expediting two truckloads of donations carrying a combined 300,000 servings of protein to Texas foodbanks to support ongoing recovery efforts across the state where millions have been left without power and continue to be ravaged by freezing, devastating conditions. As part of the emergency response, Tarrant Area Food Bank of Fort Worth and West Texas Food Bank of Odessa will each receive more than 37,000 pounds of protein, enough to feed nearly 150,000 people. The donations are part of Smithfield's signature hunger-relief initiative, Helping Hungry Homes. "Our food banks are currently open and running on generator power. Given the devastation Texans are experiencing right now across the state, we expect to see increased need in our communities for weeks and months to come," said Joe Weeden, director of protein sourcing for Feeding America. "These protein donations from Smithfield will help us meet the impending increased need for food, and we are grateful for support to navigate the difficult road ahead." "Smithfield is committed to supporting those impacted by natural disasters, and it is our privilege to provide these donations," said Jonathan Toms, charitable initiatives manager at Smithfield Foods. "Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Texas who are suffering from the fallout of this terrible natural disaster, and we are grateful to all who are working to provide relief and hope to those impacted." To join Smithfield in their ongoing support of Feeding America, visit: www.smithfieldfoods.com/goodfoodchallenge. About Smithfield Foods, Inc. Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. Our 40,000 U.S. team members and 14,000 European employees are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly." and have made us one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including many industry firsts, such as our ambitious commitment to cut our carbon impact by 25 percent by 2025. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our neighbors in need. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc. Related Links www.smithfieldfoods.com COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) South Carolinas governor on Thursday signed a bill banning most abortions, one of his top priorities since he took office more than four years ago. Planned Parenthood immediately sued, effectively preventing the new law from taking effect. The South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, is similar to abortion restriction laws that a dozen states have previously passed. All are tied up in court. Federal law, which takes precedence over state law, currently allows abortion. "Theres a lot of happy hearts beating across South Carolina right now, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster proclaimed during a ceremony at the Statehouse attended by lawmakers who made the proposal a reality. Immediately after he signed the bill, a group of legislators and members of the public, standing shoulder to shoulder and wearing masks to protect against the coronavirus, began singing the words Praise God to the tune of Amazing Grace. The House passed the bill by a 79-35 vote on Wednesday after hours of emotional speeches from both supporters and opponents, and gave the measure final approval on Thursday. Moments after the Thursday vote, Planned Parenthood announced that it was filing a lawsuit. The South Carolina law, like those of other states that are currently being challenged, is blatantly unconstitutional, said Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. Supporters of restrictive abortion laws are trying to get the issue before the U.S. Supreme Court in the hopes that with three justices appointed by Republican former President Donald Trump the court could overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision supporting abortion rights. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that abortion is legal until a fetus is viable outside the womb months after a heartbeat can be detected, Black noted. State bills to restrict or ban abortion are plainly absurd, she said. There is no other way around it. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued a statement Thursday saying that his office will vigorously defend this law in court because there is nothing more important than protecting life. He stood near McMaster as the governor signed the bill. Abortion opponents have pushed for the ban for years, but it got stuck on a procedural hurdle in the Senate. Republicans gained three seats in the Senate in November's election and the bill was tabbed Senate Bill No. 1 to show it was the top priority. Were about to do what Ive been trying to do for 25 years: shut down the abortion industry in South Carolina, Republican Sen. Larry Grooms said moments before the governor signed the bill. Democrats say Republicans wasted taxpayer money by passing a bill that everyone knew would be challenged in court. They also argue that there are more important issues needing their attention, such as COVID-19, health care and education. Were tired of the hypocrisy," said House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford. Rutherford said Democrats have also had enough of lawmakers across the aisle telling them they don't care about life. We care about life until death. We care about birth. ... We care about people eating, people not dying because they cant get vaccines," he said. The lawsuit by Planned Parenthood and The Center for Reproductive Rights argues that South Carolinas new law is in flagrant violation of nearly five decades of settled Supreme Court precedent. The suit says a high rate of women, especially African Americans, die during or immediately after childbirth in South Carolina. The abortion ban would fall hardest on low-income women, who wouldn't be able to travel to a nearby state where abortion is still permitted, the suit says. A hearing to determine if the law should be suspended while the lawsuit is being heard is scheduled for Friday afternoon. Like Democratic lawmakers, Black said the focus on abortion not only wastes money by fighting established law, but also ignores a host of other important issues. If lawmakers are really interested in making lives better, we have a long list of priorities they can focus on, she said. South Carolina's law requires doctors to perform ultrasounds to check for a heartbeat in the fetus. If one is detected, the abortion can only be performed if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest or the mothers life is in danger. The measure does not punish a pregnant woman for getting an illegal abortion, but the person who performed the abortion could be charged with a felony, sentenced up to two years and fined $10,000 if found guilty. ___ Follow Jeffrey Collins on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JSCollinsAP. Advertisement This may sound bonkers right now but theres never been a better time to book yourself a big, comfy business class seat. While plummeting demand caused by the pandemic has been terrible for the airlines, its good news for those of us looking for a boost once restrictions are lifted. And nothing says pampering more than turning left when boarding an aircraft and settling down to unlimited bubbly, four-course meals on proper china, swanky washbags bursting with designer toiletries, seats which lie flat and no queue for the loo. A table showing some of the business-class fares on offer right now. Source: Google Flights. All prices correct at time of publication Not to mention fast-track security, priority boarding and lounge access. In normal times, business class seats are taken up predominantly by, well, businessmen and women. But as companies stopped sending executives abroad for meetings and instead relied on Zoom, airlines, many of which have expanded and updated their business cabins in recent years, have slashed their fares to tempt leisure travellers. For those happy to travel with a stopover, its now possible to fly return business to Miami for 939, Cancun for 988 and Dubai for 1,046. If youd prefer to fly direct, you can get to the ancient sites of Jordan in five hours for 834 or sit back and relax for ten hours before experiencing the golden sands of Jamaica from 1,298. You can buy a British Airways business-class return ticket from London to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for travel in January 2022 for 1,298, down from 2,200. BA flies a Boeing 777 on this route and pictured is its business class seat onboard Were seeing a lot of great business class deals at the moment, says Jack Sheldon, founder of the flight deals newsletter Jacks Flight Club (jacksflightclub.com). We found business class flights to Hawaii for 1,500, which is amazing. For short haul, there have been cases where, if you plan to take baggage, business is a better deal than economy. And even better deals are expected as airlines struggle to sell business class seats when they restart their fleets. Heres how to secure the very best business class offers. On selected dates in 2021 and 2022, you can fly business class on Virgin Atlantic from London to Barbados for 1,499 return - a saving of 701. Pictured is the swanky cabin you could be relaxing in onboard the Boeing 787 aircraft that flies this route CHANGE PLANES If you change at a European hub you can make big savings. And if youre willing to accept a lengthy stopover or even better an overnight stay there are even bigger reductions. For example, you can fly business class from London to New York in September with an overnight stop in Lisbon for 927 that compares with 316 in economy. The cheapest direct business class flights on the same dates are 3,366 with BA. TRY OTHER AIRLINES The best deals are often with airlines you might not think of. Tap Air Portugal, for example, has dozens of long-haul flights from the UK with stopovers in Lisbon (see table). A return business-class ticket from London to Hong Kong, with a stopover in Zurich, aboard Swiss in December is currently 1,549 - down from 2,050. Above are the business-class seats onboard a Swiss Boeing 777 - which is used on the Zurich to Hong Kong leg of the journey If youre heading to Asia, airlines such as China Eastern and China Southern could be your best bet. Its worth focusing on off-peak days when booking; business travellers like to hit the skies on Mondays and Fridays, so Saturday and mid-week flights are your best bet. JOIN THE CLUB Frequent flyer clubs are worth joining and most will allow you to exchange points for an upgrade. With BA, you can upgrade a premium economy seat to business from London to New York for 20,000 Avios points while youd need 71,200 points to upgrade from economy to upper class on a London to Washington DC Virgin Atlantic flight. USE SEARCH ENGINES Websites such as Skyscanner, Expedia and Kayak allow you to pin down the best rates on a particular date. If youre flexible on your departure, Google Flights is particularly useful. Travellers can currently book a business-class return from Manchester to Dubai, with a stopover in Frankfurt, in September on Lufthansa for 1,046 - a saving of 1,154. Pictured above is a business-class seat on a Lufthansa A380 but this exact seat is also used on the carrier's A330-300 that flies the Frankfurt to Dubai part of the journey GO FOR AN UPGRADE A lot of airlines have started offering upgrade options, says Jack Sheldon, so you can buy an economy seat and then they allow you to bid on a business upgrade. This can often end up fairly good value. Airlines such as Qantas, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus offer this service. ERROR FARE ALERTS Error fares are pricing mistakes. Website Secret Flying promoted a business class error fare from various European cities to Peru for 346 return with Latam Airlines (usually 2,150). Error fares are often only available for an hour or two before theyre spotted by the airlines and removed, so sign up for email alerts from the likes of secretflying.com and travel-dealz.eu. The Louisiana State Police Commission's former executive director can move forward with her whistleblower lawsuit against the commission, the state Supreme Court ruled this week. Cathy Derbonne, who resigned in 2017 and filed her lawsuit the next year, claims she was retaliated against for challenging State Police brass and calling attention to illegal campaign contributions made by three commission members who ended up stepping down. Her lawsuit was thrown out by a Baton Rouge state judge in 2019 but reinstated in October by the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal, which said she had the right to sue under Louisiana's whistleblower statute. The Supreme Court let that ruling stand Wednesday. Whistleblower lawsuit against Louisiana State Police Commission reinstated by appeals court A state appeals court Wednesday reinstated a whistleblower lawsuit filed against the Louisiana State Police Commission by its former executive The State Police Commission is the civil service board for state troopers. It's members are appointed by the governor. The commission's attorneys had argued that Derbonne, who headed the panel for eight years, isn't entitled to protection under the whistleblower statute because it doesn't apply to employees who, as part of their regular job duties, report illicit behavior. Derbonne claims she fell out of favor with the Louisiana State Troopers Association after that group was accused of using a straw donor to give thousands of dollars to political candidates and the House Democratic Campaign Committee. The troopers association was fined $5,000 in 2017 by the state Ethics Board. (@FahadShabbir) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday called on the United States to join forces with the European Union to tackle climate change and to draft rules governing the digital economy MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th February, 2021) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday called on the United States to join forces with the European Union to tackle climate change and to draft rules governing the digital economy. The European Union has made a commitment to become "climate-neutral" by 2050 as part of von der Leyen's so-called Green Deal, and during an appearance at the Munich Security Conference, the commission president called on the US to commit to its ambitious climate targets. "The United States is our natural partner for global leadership on climate change and I'm sure a shared transatlantic commitment to a net-zero emissions pathway by 2050 would make climate neutrality a new global benchmark and it would be a timely message in the run-up to the COP26, the next UN climate change conference to be held in Glasgow later this year," von der Leyen said. The president of the European Commission also said that the EU and the US could draft rules governing the digital economy. "Today, I want to invite our American friends to join our initiatives. Together, we could create a digital economy rulebook that is valid worldwide. A set of rules based on our values. Human rights and pluralism, inclusion and the protection of privacy. We need to join forces and protect these values with all our energy," von der Leyen said. During her address, the president of the European Commission said that she welcomed US President Joe Biden's comments that the "transatlantic alliance is back." NEW DELHI: Actress Disha Patani, who often breaks the internet with her hot pictures and workout videos, recently turned into a gorgeous 'baraati' when she attended the wedding ceremony of her friend recently. The actress was seen dancing her heart out to dhol beats in a couple of videos she last shared on her Instagram. After teasing her videos of her grooving happily at her BFF's wedding, Disha has now shared another set of pictures from the wedding where she is all decked up for the occasion. Her photos are likely to give inspiration to her female followers for their wedding outing. In the photos, Disha shared on her handle, the lady is seen donning a powder pink lehenga with embellished work on it. She styled her outfit with jewellery, that included a floral necklace, earrings and a matching bracelet. She set her hair in soft curls and kept her makeup minimal. She completed her look with loose hair and matching pink 'mojris'. Reacting to her desi look from the wedding, her rumoured boyfriend Tiger Shroff's sister Krishna Shroff dropped three star-struck emojis on it. On the other hand, actress Elli Avram commented, "This lehenga is a dream." Check out her pics below: Speaking about Disha Patani, she is rumoured to be dating actor and Jackie Shroff's son Tiger Shroff, however, the two have always remained tight-lipped about their relationship status. The fitness enthusiasts have featured 'Baaghi 2' together and fans would surely want to see them again on the big screens. On the work front, Disha Patani will next be seen in Salman Khan-starrer 'Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai'. The film is helmed by Prabhu Deva and is slated to release on Eid this year. A special team of investigators on Wednesday said they will attempt to identify 416 human remains found in a northwestern Colombian town to determine if they were victims of the country's lengthy internal war. The remains, found in a cemetery in Puerto Berrio, in Antioquia department, were in "bags and buckets" and were at risk of "getting mixed up and prone to deterioration," a team official told AFP. The team, known as the Search Unit for People Given Up as Disappeared (UBPD), was formed as a humanitarian government agency as part of the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC, the country's largest leftist guerrilla group. They estimate that some 120,000 people have gone missing in the five decades of violent unrest in Colombia. The investigators moved the remains to a safe location and will soon try to identify them, the official said. "Among the bodies that were moved at least 104 showed lesions that could correspond to a violent death," team director Marina Monzon said in a statement. Residents of riverside towns like Puerto Berrio in years past would pick up bodies found in the river and bury them as unidentified people. Aside from the 416 bodies, "there are other bodies in the La Dolorosa cemetery in ossuaries and burial plots that may also be of missing people," the statement read. Colombian forces continue to battle with a smaller rebel group, the ELN, as well as violent drug gangs and leftover paramilitary fighters. 31114 Tom Andrews, Vice President, Innovation Lab, Ryan Tom Andrews, Vice President, Innovation Lab, Ryan Much of the current digital transformation focus is on its multiple impacts to a companys digital experience. Nearly all articles, books, speaking events, and consulting programs focus on the impact of digital experience to a companys product and customer experience. Yet little attention is given to the significant changes coming as a result of government digital transformation and its subsequent and significant impacts on business. Estimating the total tax footprint of a $1 billion company conservatively puts the total tax liability starting around $250 million. At potentially 25% of your revenue, is the tax department a key part of your digital transformation strategy? Governments around the world know the key to reliable and fraud-proof tax revenue requires their own digital transformation. Being at the intersection of technology and business process, where governments squarely aim to drive increased tax compliance with greater access to data, CIOs are uniquely positioned to reduce their global tax compliance risk. Over the last few years, the world has seen quite a few digital changes impacting tax operations with even more to come. In the United States, tax reform has impacted data requirements for global tax compliance. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been driving more transparency with initiatives like Standard Audit File for Tax (SAF-T), Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS), and most recently, its Unified Approach. The OECD reported that within the last 10 years, more than EUR 100 billion in additional tax revenue had been identified as a result of automatic financial account information exchanges among most of the OECDs global forum. Do your tax and finance teams have ready access to the data they need to ensure compliance with U.S. tax reform, BEPS, and other government reporting requirements? CIOs can drive a more holistic digital transformation with small course corrections to their existing plans that can significantly diminish the business disruption and risks inherent to digital tax reform Governments are also turning their focus to business transaction data exchange and, in many cases, in real-time transactional reporting. The concept of a pre-cleared tax invoice began in Brazil with its eNota Fiscal. Similar processes made their way through Latin America and have now jumped to continental Europe. In 2019, Italy and Hungary began requiring companies to send copies of their transaction data in near real-time to the government. India announced it would require the same for medium to large companies beginning in 2020. We will continue to see more and more governments follow Brazils lead and require invoices be recorded and cleared by the government before a company can bill its customers. What is your technology strategy for integrating with external government systems? Will you be able to respond to new disruptive government reporting requirements easily? As the market experiences digital transformation, governments are not only transforming reporting requirements but also who and what they can tax. France is leading the charge with its recently enacted Digital Services Tax. The objective? A bigger piece of the digital economic pie. With the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of South Dakota v. Wayfair in 2018, companies doing business in the U.S. are now required to collect sales tax in many states, even if they do not have a physical presence but have sufficient economic activity. This ruling was aimed squarely at taxing the thriving e-commerce market. How involved is the tax department in your digital transformation to help proactively mitigate these types of issues? CIOs can drive a more holistic digital transformation with small course corrections to their existing plans that can significantly diminish the business disruption and risks inherent to digital tax reform. First, incorporate your tax leadership in key business systems strategy meetings. They will be able to identify upcoming disruptive law changes that will impact technology decisions. Second, ask your key business system partners how they will help you comply with new tax laws. Do they provide open application programming interfaces (APIs) for third parties if they cannot timely meet tax requirements themselves? Finally, as you expand your business globally by planting new flags, strongly consider local tax compliance obligations in this new era of government digital transformation in tax. Thank you to Adam Schaffner for his contributions to this article. See Also: Top Tax Technology Solution Companies Top Tax Technology Consulting/Services Companies New Delhi: Traders' body CAIT has given a call for 'Bharat Bandh' on February 26, demanding a review of the provisions of the goods and services tax (GST) regime. During the badh, all commercial markets across the country will remain closed. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the traders will stage dharnas (protests) at as many as 1,500 places across the nation, demanding the Centre, state governments and the GST Council to keep in abeyance the "draconian" provisions of GST. The CAIT also called for a review of the GST system and its tax slabs to simplify and rationalise it for easier compliance by traders. CAIT Secretary-General Praveen Khandelwal said it is also talking to the government on this issue, adding that All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) will also support CAIT's Bharat Bandh call and hold a 'Chakka Jam' on February 26. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, he said, "All commercial markets across the country will remain closed and protest dharnas will be organised in different cities of all states," adding that along with CAIT, over 40,000 traders' associations across the country will support the Bandh. Live TV Khandelwal observed that voluntary compliance is the key to a successful GST regime, as it will encourage more people to join the indirect tax system, increase tax base and boost revenue. Almost 950 amendments have been made so far to GST rules in the past four years, he said, adding that the issues related to glitches in the GST portal and the continuous increase in compliance burden are the major lacunae in the tax regime. (With Agency Inputs) To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! On 18 February 2021, the Korea Customs Service (KCS), represented by its Commissioner, Mr. Suk-Hwan Roh, and the World Customs Organization (WCO), represented by its Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, completed the signing process for a Memorandum of Understanding on establishing a WCO Regional Dog Training Centre (RDTC) in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The new RDTC in Incheon is equipped with high-quality facilities, which include indoor and outdoor kennels, training buildings with simulation training zones and veterinary clinic, etc. Its experienced instructors will conduct professional detector dog training programmes for Customs officials responsible for canine-related duties in the region. The Centre will serve as a hub for the regions Customs administrations to share best practices and expertise, and will also provide assistance and advice to other administrations through detector dog training and procurement of detector dogs. Detector dogs are of paramount importance in Customs duties, stressed Secretary General Mikuriya. Thanks to the professional experts, first-rate facilities and specialized and tailor-made training programmes provided by the KCS, I am confident in the future success of the new RDTC, he added. Detector dogs are an ideal tool for screening people and goods in a timely manner, as they have one of the most acute senses of smell in the animal kingdom. This enables them to rapidly detect the presence of prohibited or regulated goods (including drugs, explosives, currency, CITES items, etc.), with minimal disruption to the movement of people and goods. Detector dogs are one of the most important operational resources for identifying and combating Customs fraud worldwide. With a view to maintaining high standards and building a global network for canine enforcement, to date the WCO has certified 16 WCO RDTCs established in different regions. The goal of these RDTCs is to provide professional canine-related training and capacity building activities for Customs administrations in each of the respective regions and to facilitate cooperation between them. The WCO Secretariat would like to congratulate the KCS on this positive initiative, and wishes the RDTC in Incheon every success. 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. Our readers write about masking and social distancing while COVID-19 vaccinations expand, converting a vacant gas station in Harleston Village into a cafe and garden shop, the challenge Congress faces with reparations for slavery, the new bike and pedestrian lanes for the Isle of Palms Connector and what the pandemic has taught us about life and God. Hindalco Industries Ltd is quoting at Rs 311.85, up 0.63% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 64.17% in last one year as compared to a 24.88% spurt in NIFTY and a 38.82% spurt in the Nifty Metal. Hindalco Industries Ltd gained for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 311.85, up 0.63% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.21% on the day, quoting at 15087.1. The Sensex is at 51239.42, down 0.17%. Hindalco Industries Ltd has risen around 23.7% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Metal index of which Hindalco Industries Ltd is a constituent, has risen around 5.51% in last one month and is currently quoting at 3623.05, up 0.09% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 97.76 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 174.64 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark February futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 311.5, up 0.6% on the day. Hindalco Industries Ltd is up 64.17% in last one year as compared to a 24.88% spurt in NIFTY and a 38.82% spurt in the Nifty Metal index. The PE of the stock is 82 based on TTM earnings ending December 20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PERMANENT TSB is bidding to take over most of the retail business of Ulster Bank, in what would amount to the creation of third banking force. Any deal could see Permanent taking on 14bn worth of retail mortgages, deposits, current accounts and credit card balances of existing Ulster Bank customers. Some 700m of SME loans could be included in if a deal is done. If a deal is done it would double the size of Permanent, but the Government would need to put taxpayers on the hook for billions of euro more of capital to support the bank. The State already owns 75pc of Permanent. And any deal would need to be cleared by the competition watchdog. A move by Permanent boss Eamonn Crowley to buy up the retail business lock stock and barrel would see Ulster customers move across to his bank. A sale of mortgages and other consumer accounts to a conventional bank would be preferable for customers to the sale of loan books to a vulture fund. Ulster chief executive Jane Howard and chief financial officer Paul Stanley confirmed that the discussions taking place involve selling the entire retail part of the business. She said her banks preference was for an existing bank to buy its banking operations. Permanent has 76 branches while Ulster has 88, but they are in different parts of the State. This could mean many will be retained, but some would likely close. When asked about the discussions with Permanent, Mr Stanley of UB said: We are discussing [the sale] of the whole retail side of the balance sheet. Ms Howard said the wind-down of the bank would be over a number of years, but she was unable to put a specific time-frame on the shut-down. She insisted it would be an orderly wind-down, and all terms and conditions would travel with people whose accounts were being taken over by a new entity. The bank said it was business as usual for those in the process of applying for mortgages. Challenged that Ulster Banks handling of the closure, with speculation about it for five months, Ms Howard said: We would not have wanted it handled the way it was, but that is what happened. She insisted she was acutely aware of the impact the long-drawn out saga had on staff. Asked if Ulster Bank and its parent NatWest had let staff and customers down in this country, she said: I understand how hard this has been, but we are forced to manage it as best we can. Ulster Bank has 1.1 million customers here, along with 2,800 staff. Permanent TSB has confirmed that it is in early discussions with Ulster Bank about acquiring some of its retail and SME business. In a statement Permanent TSB said it had ambitious plans to grow its retail and SME operations and has entered talks with NatWest about buying its Irish business. But he said there was no certainty that an acquisition would occur, or the terms of any deal. It also noted that any deal it agrees to would require approval by the banks and regulators. In the statement chief executive Mr Crowley said: Permanent TSB is committed to growth and to supporting customers and communities. On that basis we are in discussions with NatWest in relation to acquiring certain elements of the Ulster Bank Retail and SME Business to provide continuity of service for customers and to strengthen our ability to provide choice and competition in the market generally. Tanaiste Leo Varadkar told the Dail on Thursday that the Government was exploring the swetting up of a third force in banking. And Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the Government was assessing all options to protect customers and minimise job losses and to avoid compulsory redundancies wherever possible. One death from substance abuse is one too many. The Central Florida Jewish community has had to bear many heartbreaking losses because of this devastating disease. Nationally, suspected overdose submissions to the Overdose Mapping Application Program in 2020 showed increases of 11.4 percent for fatal overdoses and 18.6 percent for nonfatal overdoses during 2020. Regardless of how a substance abuse disorder is initiated, help is desperately needed for those affected, as well as their families. But where does one turn for help? The Central Florida Jewish community leaders are aware of this p... 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 Bratislava wants to buy a former night club in Sad Janka Krala park The building may house toilets or be used for the sale of refreshments. Bratislava city council plans to obtain a dilapidated building that used to house a night club in Sad Janka Krala park. This is the last building in the territory of the park, which is not under its administration. Bratislava considers Sad Janka Krala park to be a significant public space, which it wants develop and secure its adequate usage in an complex way, the city council wrote. The city resumed management over the whole park last year. Related article Sad Janka Krala Park getting a facelift Read more The city council showed interest in the building in late 2020, but the price required by its owner exceeded the current ability of the city to pay. We are continuing the negotiations and have called on the owner to set a realistic price, said the city council. The council wants the building to help provide the necessary amenities of the park. It might house toilets, or be used for the sale of refreshments for reasonable prices, or as a background for cultural and social events held in the park. If the city council fails to acquire the building, it will strictly monitor whether its function is in line with the set usage of this area. The Messalina Club operated in the building for some 20 years. It closed last February when the first Covid-19 wave locked down the whole country. The owner set the sale price at 2.13 million, the bratislavskenoviny.sk reported. 19. Feb 2021 at 18:23 | Compiled by Spectator staff remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in 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. (Newser) An 11-year-old boy from Honduras asked his mother to film him playing in the first snow he'd ever seen in Conroe, Texas, on Monday. It would be the last footage of him alive. Cristian Pavon's family lost power to their mobile home on Sunday night, but Cristian never complained of cold, mother Maria Elisa Pineda tells Univision, per the Washington Post. He played in the snow in "a red winter jacket with a hoodie" for roughly a half-hour Monday then returned to his unheated home. "He had dinner, he played, and he went to bed," says Pineda. It was then so cold in the home that Pineda was shivering, Cristian's aunt, Jaliza Yera, tells KTRK. But Cristian seemed fine, nuzzled under blankets with his 3-year-old stepbrother. Both were still breathing when Cristian's stepfather checked on them in the middle of the night, Yera adds. That wasn't the case the next day. story continues below By afternoon, Cristianwho came to Texas in 2019appeared to still be sleeping, no big concern as he liked to sleep in. But by 2:30pm, the family realized he was unresponsive. "He was already dead," Pineda tells the Houston Chronicle, which notes Cristian's stepbrother was fine. Cristian is now among the youngest of at least 47 people to have died in the cold weather, per the Post. The family suspects hypothermia as he had no underlying health conditions. "He was not at all sick," says Pineda. "He was a normal, healthy child," adds Conroe Police Sgt. Jeff Smith, per the Chronicle, noting an autopsy was performed Thursday. The family is now raising money to send Cristian's body to Honduras, where his grandparents live. Yera notes "he always told [Pineda] that he was going to see his grandparents [again] one day." (Read more child death stories.) An Austrian teenager and her pet cat are Guinness World Record holders after the feline successfully performed 26 tricks in one minute. ADVERTISEMENT Guinness shared video of Anika Moritz, from Niederoesterreich, giving verbal and gesture instructions to her cat, Alexis, to get the feline to complete 26 tricks in one minute. The tricks included Alexis weaving between Moritz's legs, giving a high five, ringing a bell with her paw, touching objects with her nose and opening a box with her mouth. Moritz said she has had Alexis since she was 11 years old and she started training the feline to do tricks only a few weeks later. "Alexis changed my life," Moritz said. "We are doing tricks since she is a kitten and she loves trick time so much. I would say that it is our both passion. "Cats are such intelligent little creatures, who deserve to be treated well. ...Training enriches the cat's life and prevents behavior problems." Armenias inter-agency task force dealing with security issues in Syunik Province today held a session attended by regional governor of Syunik Province Melikset Poghosyan, as reported advisor to the regional governor Armine Avagyan. In an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am, the Public Relations and Information Center of the Office of the Prime Minister reported that head of Gorayk village Ashot Aghajanyan and Deputy Mayor of Kapan Gor Tadevosyan were the only leaders of Syunik Provinces communities attending the session. Armenian News-NEWS.am tried to find out why other leaders of Syunik Provinces communities didnt attend the session and only managed to contact Mayor of Meghri Mkhitar Zakaryan, who said he has no serious expectations from the task force, but he will have a different approach, if he sees that the task force is able to do something and if it is worth cooperating with the task force. Asked about the moods of the people and if there is an atmosphere of fear, the mayor said the following: Those who are zombies say everything is great and will be better, but those who are able to analyze the situation adequately, they are afraid. Its normal for the authorities to talk about unblocking of transport links, but if cargo is going to be transported through Armenias sovereign territory and Armenia isnt going to be aware, this will be the beginning of the end of Armenias sovereignty, he added. On January 15, an inter-agency task force was set up by the Prime Ministers decision to coordinate the activities for identifying and giving prompt responses to the current and possible issues in Syunik Province. 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. 16 killed, Catholic church burned by suspected Islamic rebels in DRC attack Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A suspected Islamic extremist group raid resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians and three soldiers, as well as the burning of a Catholic church on Sunday morning in the northeastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to an initial assessment. Allied Democratic Forces, an Islamic terrorist group, was blamed by an army spokesperson for being behind the deadly massacre in Ndakya village. But the groups involvement is not yet confirmed, according to Reuters. ADF has been prevalent in the area since the 1990s and killed around 850 people in 2020, according to a United Nations estimate. Christophe Munyanderu, the coordinator of the Convention for the Respect of Human Rights, told the news agency that gunmen opened fire upon entering the village Sunday morning. Army spokesperson Jules Ngongo Tshikudi stated that military troops are now occupying the village and four perpetrators were killed. The United States-based persecuted church advocacy group International Christian Concerns Regional Manager for Africa Nathan Johnson said there is lots of violence in eastern DRC due to over 100 active rebel groups in the region. He said ADF is one of the largest, most active militant groups and is believed to have ties to the Islamic State terrorist organization. The attacks are daily, Johnson told CP. There is vast underreporting. Even though DRCs population is around 95% Christian, violence from Islamic extremism continually worsens, especially in the eastern region. Johnson said many Islamic militant groups aim to create an Islamic caliphate, which is difficult because the Christian population outnumbers them. He contends that many of the attacks are conducted to terrorize people and gain power in the area. Johnson said several hundred had been killed already this year. The U.N. reported last July that intensified ADF attacks in the previous 18 months had resulted in over 1,000 people's deaths and could amount to crimes against humanity. I ask for people to pray for those who have been killed and for their families, Johnson said. Thats the No. 1 thing were always asked for when were overseas is [for] prayer for them and their families. Due to Islamic oppression, DRC is ranked No. 40 for Christian persecution on the 2021 Open Doors USA World Watch List, which ranks countries for their severity of persecution. This is the first time DRC ranked in the top 50. The country was ranked No. 57 last year. Those rebel groups are just creating chaos, but people dont know that because nobody reports on it, Johnson said. Johnson said the DRC government and military have had very little control in the eastern region for years and have largely been pushed hundreds of miles to the west toward the capital city of Kinshasa. This is due to the high volume of rebel groups being pushed into eastern DRC from the neighboring countries of Uganda and Rwanda, especially during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. One of the things youll find is that the Western world really doesnt care too much about what goes on in Africa, specifically countries like DRC where theres just mass amounts of violence, Johnson asserted. Civil wars have been continuous basically for decades. The Western world doesnt care, ... neither do news agencies who are going to be getting money from what they report. After attacks in the DRC in late December and early January, Open Doors Senior Analyst for Freedom of Religion or Belief in Sub-Saharan South Africa Illia Djadi said the DRC violence needs more attention. He said the majority of deaths in the DRC are believers. These predominately Christian communities are attacked by an Islamic extremist group with a clear Islamic expressionist agenda, Djadi told Baptist Press. We need to pay attention to these events because whats happening in eastern DRC, the killing of innocent civilians on an almost daily basis, is an underreported tragedy. In a late January report, Open Doors reported that Islamic extremists had killed at least 100 people, mostly Christians, in eastern DRC in 15 days. Last October, suspected Islamic extremists reportedly killed at least 18 people and burned down a church along with several homes in the North Kivu province. According to the Kivu Security Tracker, "at least 10 civilians were killed when suspected ADF extremists attacked Kalembo, a town in the Beni area of the North Kivu province, on Monday. On Monday, Senator Ted Cruz urged his constituents to stay home, warning that winter weather beating down on Texas could be deadly. On Tuesday, he offered a shrug emoji and pronounced the situation not good. Then, on Wednesday, he decamped for a Ritz-Carlton resort in sun-drenched Cancun, escaping with his family from their freezing house. And on Thursday, many Americans who had been battered by a deadly winter storm, on top of a nearly yearlong pandemic, finally found a reason to come together and lift their voices in a united chorus of rage. FlyinTed, a homage to Donald J. Trumps Lyin Ted nickname, began trending on Twitter. TMZ, the celebrity website, published photographs showing a Patagonia-fleece-clad Mr. Cruz waiting for his flight, hanging out in the United Club lounge and reading his phone from a seat in economy plus. The Texas Monthly, which bills itself as the national magazine of Texas, offered a list of curses to mutter against Mr. Cruz. For a politician long reviled not just by Democrats but also by many of his Republican colleagues in Washington, Mr. Cruz is now the landslide winner for the title of the least sympathetic politician in America. After leaving freezing Texans to melt snow for water while he traveled to go work at the beach, Mr. Cruz offered little more than the classic political cliche time with family as an explanation, citing his daughters desire to go to Cancun as the reason for his trip. Even his dog became a player in the drama after a report that the Cruz family had left the aptly named Snowflake behind with a security guard, stirring fresh outrage on social media. Iran repeated its call for the United States to lift all sanctions, a day after the Biden administration revoked former President Donald Trump's position on so-called snapback sanctions and announced it was willing to sit down with Iran and other parties to the nuclear deal. US acknowledged Pompeo's claims re Res. 2231 had no legal validity, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted Friday. We agree. In September, the Trump administration tried to reinstate international sanctions on Iran by filing a formal complaint with the UN Security Council, accusing Iran of breaching its obligations under the same nuclear deal that Washington withdrew from in 2018. Critics argued the United States lacked the legal authority to trigger the sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 because it was no longer a participant in nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On Thursday, acting US Ambassador to the UN Richard Mills submitted a letter to the 15-member council rescinding the prior administrations position on snapback sanctions. In addition, Mills rolled back the domestic travel restrictions the Trump administration had placed on diplomats at the Iranian mission to the United Nations. The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, accused the Biden administration of already making concessions to Iran. The Trump Administration created leverage for President Biden on Iran we should not squander that, McCaul said in a statement Thursday. On a call with reporters, a senior State Department official characterized the US steps as concessions for common sense aimed at removing gratuitous counterproductive obstacles to diplomacy. President Joe Biden wants to rejoin the 2015 accord, which offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Irans nuclear program, as a starting point for follow-on negotiations aimed at crafting a stronger deal. But Iran and the United States are at a standoff over who should make the first move, with the Biden administration insisting Tehran return to full compliance under the JCPOA before the United States lifts sanctions. Zarif reiterated the Iranian position Friday, tweeting that after sanctions are lifted, We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. Simple. His comments follow a Biden administration announcement Thursday that it would accept an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting of the P5+1 and Iran to discuss a path forward on the nuclear issue. The P5+1 is the Security Council's five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) plus Germany. "Until we sit down and talk, nothing's going to happen," a senior State Department official said. It doesn't mean that when we sit down and talk we're going to succeed, but we do know that if we don't take that step, the situation is just going to go from bad to worse. No such meeting has been scheduled, State Department officials said, and Iran has yet to say whether it would attend a gathering of the P5+1. Were a meeting to happen, Rob Malley, Bidens special envoy to Iran, would represent the United States, officials said. Iran, which has steadily violated its obligations under the JCPOA since 2019, is threatening to ban snap nuclear inspections conducted by the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), if the United States doesnt reverse sanctions by Tuesday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with European allies in the so-called E3 grouping of the United Kingdom, France and Germany to discuss ways to salvage the agreement. In a statement following the meeting Thursday, Blinken and the foreign ministers called on Iran not to take any additional steps to limit inspector access. The E3 and the United States are united in underlining the dangerous nature of a decision to limit IAEA access, and urge Iran to consider the consequences of such grave action, particularly at this time of renewed diplomatic opportunity, read a joint statement. Blinken said recently that public reports indicate Irans breakout time the time it would take to amass the amount of fissile material needed to build a nuclear weapon has been reduced to a few months. He warned that figure could drop to a matter of weeks if Iran continues lifting nuclear restraints in violation of the JCPOA. 18468 Don Scheibenreif, VP-Distinguished Analyst, Gartner [NYSE: IT] Don Scheibenreif, VP-Distinguished Analyst, Gartner [NYSE: IT] In the era of digital business, where physical and digital lines are blurred, CIOs and IT leadersespecially those supporting customer-facing business processes and CRMmust consider what the new relationships between people, businesses and things mean for the enterprise as a whole. And, as 20 billion things are connected to the Internet by 2020, we think this dynamic will redefine the customer relationship and customer experience because, as things become more intelligent, they will gain the capacity to become customers and respond to the same things that human customer do today. This involves the ability to move beyond providing information to: Receiving messagessuch as advertising, email or information from the surrounding environment Making their own purchasing decisions Negotiating for the best dealsuch as finding the best value for the transaction and executing the purchase Requesting servicesuch as repairs, upgrades or even replacement Reporting disputessuch as for an order the thing did not place As the density of connections between people, businesses and things increases, the sheer number of opportunities for engaging things as customers, and the resulting economic benefits, will increase, making the concept hard to ignore. At Gartner, we see three key impacts of this disruptive trend and what innovative IT leaders can do to ensure their organizations are ready to face this future: Support for IoT-driven Machines Customer service organizations are charged with handling support requests coming from people over the phone, email, Web chat, Web portals, mobile applications, social networks and even in person. Yet, the biggest challenge to IT leaders supporting customer service organizations and infrastructure may be the high volume and velocity of requests that are bound to arrive via connected devices. Even today, things like alarms can request support from a security company when tripped; however, by 2018, Gartner estimates that more than billion Internet-connected things will have the necessary intelligence or capability to request support. Enterprises will employ smart machines to sell to things, such as rewards or feedback mechanisms for smart machines that close a sale In the near term, many of these requests will be for very simple actions, such as the need to replace or recharge a battery, and most will require physical human intervention. But, as the computational intelligence of Internet-connected things increases, so will their ability to request more complex supportand the expectation that they'll be able to receive it in real time remotely. Examples we see today include medical devices from Biotronik that allow doctors to monitor patient health for remote evaluation, and Tesla Motors electric vehicles that call the company to request corrective software downloads, independent of their human owners. Marketing to an Internet-connected Thing When things become the equivalent to human customers, the entire practice of marketing will need to change. Instead of appealing heavily to emotion, marketers will need to appeal to logic and reason when marketing to things. This could place low-end commodity suppliers in a stronger position, because this is the language they always use. High-end/luxury suppliers tend to appeal to emotions and aspirations, which will be wasted on things. Marketers will need to appeal to the factors that things perceive to be in their best interest (price, quality, service and sentiment), based on the algorithms that have been put in place. This is a radical shift for marketers that have mastered the art of changing a customer's perceptionssince with a thing, this is impossible to do without access to a thing's programming. IT will need to help business intelligence and marketing leverage the data from things to come up with new promotional and pricing strategies, what we call Thing Marketing. However, as long as things are acting on behalf of humans, it is still incumbent on marketers to understand human motivators, through such insight exercises as observation or customer journey mapping. For example, if a marketer of confectionary products wants to get a "smart home" to add its products to the shopping list (versus those of its competitors), it must first understand the human occupants of the house and the right factual information the house would need to authorize a purchase. The two factors human insight and machine insightmust go hand in hand. We also believe that evaluating trust and authenticity will take on a different dimension in thing marketing. Will things be able to algorithmically validate if claims from other things are true? What are the implications of "letting down" a thing, and what that could mean for the reputation of a thing or the company behind it? Selling to a Machine When things are treated like human customers, and selling is largely programmatic, traditional sales incentives models and loyalty programs will not work. Algorithms that sell can't be motivated by a trip to Hawaii, and smart houses that buy can't be taken to nice dinners as a reward for loyalty. To respond to an increasing number of things as customers, enterprises will employ smart machines to sell to things, such as rewards or feedback mechanisms for smart machines that close a sale. Gartner believes that in the world of things as customers, sales will be largely programmatic and salespeople will become redundant. The role of digital marketing will become increasingly important to understand how to interact with things that are negotiating and ordering on behalf of their human owners. We see this initially playing out in enterprises that employ some type of vendor-managed inventory (VMI) system, such as a manufacturing facility or fleet maintenance facility. For example, industrial vending machine company AutoCrib offers a machine called RoboCriban automated industrial supplies vending machine capable of reordering items on its own. Just as in the previous marketing example, selling to things does not negate the need for human purchase motivators in a B2B environment. If you don't understand the business requirements of the humans ultimately responsible for the purchases, you won't understand the right information needed for the sales process. The Roadmap CIOs can engage their enterprise architects to use business scenarios and persona-based analysis to rethink the notion of what a customer is, and determine if their enterprise has the right capabilities and systems to identify, serve, communicate and accept payment from things as customers. We recommend identifying one highly impactful business scenario that will allow you to envision how things that you deploy to customers, or that are present in your customers' locations, could impact how you approach customer service, marketing or sales. Internet-connected things will become your customers in the future. We believe embracing this future early will be a prime source of competitive advantage in the world of digital business. The minute-long video chronicles the seven-time Grammy winner's rise from a working-class Montreal family to becoming a world-renowned piano virtuoso. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:43:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COLOMBO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's health officials on Friday said it will inoculate a second dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine to individuals who received the first jab, within 10 to 12 weeks despite some countries vaccinating the second dose after four weeks, local media reported. "It was finally decided that a period of 10-12 weeks would be more suitable," Sri Lanka's Deputy Director of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath was quoted by local media as saying. Sri Lanka began vaccinating front-line workers from Jan. 29 after 500,000 doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccines arrived. The vaccination requires two jabs per individual and 250,000 front line workers were allocated to be vaccinated. Since health experts ruled that the second jab could be administered within 10 to 12 weeks, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa earlier this week advised authorities to begin utilizing the remaining 250,000 vaccines to inoculate the most vulnerable groups in Western Province which is the worst affected by the pandemic. Enditem .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... CHANDLER, Ariz. Rogers Corp. (ROG) on Thursday reported fourth-quarter net income of $15.2 million, after reporting a loss in the same period a year earlier. The Chandler, Arizona-based company said it had net income of 81 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were $1.58 per share. The specialty materials company posted revenue of $210.7 million in the period. For the year, the company reported profit of $50 million, or $2.67 per share. Revenue was reported as $802.6 million. For the current quarter ending in April, Rogers Corp. expects its per-share earnings to range from $1.72 to $1.87. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had forecast adjusted earnings per share of $1.39. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The company said it expects revenue in the range of $215 million to $225 million for the fiscal first quarter. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected revenue of $206 million. Rogers Corp. shares have risen almost 10% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Thursday, shares hit $170.42, an increase of 52% in the last 12 months. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ROG at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ROG Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday accused the opposition parties of spreading false propaganda about the contentious farm laws and said they were protesting only to benefit middlemen. Addressing the traders' cell of BJP here, she also said those who were causing hindrance to the progress of the growth of were now criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government at the Centre. "How can one answer to a false propaganda that through the farmer's law a farmer could lose his land?", she asked, referring to the protests demanding repeal of the laws. She said that they were opposing the laws only to benefit middle men. In an apparent counter to the repeated attack by DMK that Tamil Nadu's interests had been neglected by the Centre, she said: "We are not those who are standing as an obstacle in the progress of a state. should develop." Tamil Nadu required good governance, she added. Noting that there was not even one Parliamentarian representing Tamil Nadu in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, she said, despite that he was executing various development projects for the welfare of the state. Referring to the ambitious Defence corridor project in the state, she said Uttar Pradesh was now looking at Tamil Nadu on how they can compete with it in the production of defence parts. "This is called a healthy competition. When this happens, every state progresses. We are not doing any politics that pose an obstacle in the progress of a state," the Finance Minister said. Pointing to the announcement by Modi that the Centre has accepted the Devendrakula Vellalar community to be listed only by their collective, traditional name of 'Devendrakula Vellalar" and not by the names of seven sub-sects, she said it was the BJP that gave prominent posts in government to those belonging to all communities. Which other party gave prominent posts in the government to those who were not belonging to any "forward castes", she asked, slamming the opposition parties for indulging in 'irresponsible politics'. Sitharaman said several BJP leaders such as former state unit chief L Ganesan visited every nook and corner of the state for the growth of the party. "Even at that time (when the party was not in power) we did not forget the people of Tamil Nadu, even today (when we are in power) we did not forget the people of Tamil Nadu (in announcing development projects for the state)", she said. The senior BJP leader claimed the opposition parties in the state were in a state of fear as they could not take on the AIADMK-BJP alliance in the state, where assembly elections are due in the next few months. (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 latest observations from Insight-HXMT were published online in Nature Astronomy on Feb. 18. Insight-HXMT has discovered the very first X-ray burst associated with a fast radio burst (FRB) and has identified that it originated from soft-gamma repeater (SGR) J1935+2154, which is a magnetar in our Milky Way. Insight-HXMT is the first to identify the double-spike structure of this X-ray burst as the high energy counterpart of FRB 200428. This discovery, together with results from other telescopes, proves that FRBs can come from magnetar bursts, thus resolving the longstanding puzzle concerning the origin of FRBs. These results from Insight-HXMT also help explain the emission mechanism of FRBs, as well as the trigger mechanism of magnetar bursts. This work was conducted by scientists from the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Normal University, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Tsinghua University and other institutions. FRBs, first discovered in 2007, are a great mystery in astronomy. They release a huge amount of energy in only several milliseconds. About a hundred such events have been detected in different regions of our universe. Moreover, repeated FRBs have been found from the same direction. Considering the narrow field of view of radio telescopes, the event rate of FRBs is very high: Every day thousands of such bursts reach Earth. However, before this discovery by Insight-HXMT and several other space X-ray instruments, no FRB radiation at any other wavelength had ever been detected, and all FRBs with fairly good localization were from distant extragalactic sources, whose identity and nature are yet unknown. The origin and mechanisms of such mysterious phenomena constitute one of the biggest questions in astronomy today. Scientists have proposed many models to explain the physical origin of FRBs, such as the merger of two compact objects, the collapse of a compact star, magnetar bursts, the collision of a neutron star and an asteroid, or even signals from aliens. In recent years, more observations have revealed more properties of FRBs, intensifying the debate on their origin. In order to understand the nature of FRBs, we need to answer two questions: What is the source of FRBs, and what do FRBs look like in other wavebands? On April 28, 2020 at 14:34 GMT, the Canadian CHIME experiment and the STARE2 experiment in the U.S. independently detected a very bright FRB, which was named FRB 200428. It came from roughly the same direction as the Galactic magnetar SGR J1935+2154. Based on the FRB's dispersion measurement, the source of this FRB was located about 30,000 light-years away, which approximately agrees with the distance to SGR J1935+2154. Magnetars are a group of neutron stars with extreme surface magnetic fields that are around 100 trillions of times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. When it's active, a magnetar can emit bright short X-ray bursts. Therefore, theorists speculate that magnetars can also emit FRBs. In mid-April 2020, SGR J1935+2154 entered a new active period and hundreds of X-ray bursts were released. In response to this opportunity, Insight-HXMT changed its observation plan and began a very long-duration pointing observation of SGR J1935+2154. About 8.6 second before FRB 200428, Insight-HXMT detected a very bright X-ray burst from SGR J1935+2154. This X-ray burst was also detected by the European satellite INTEGRAL, the Russian detector Konus-Wind and the Italian satellite AGILE. The time difference is consistent with the time delay of the radio signal due to the interstellar medium. This indicates that the X-ray and radio emissions are from the same explosion. Furthermore, Insight-HXMT was well able to localize this bright X-ray burst based on the unique design of its collimators, thus proving that both the X-ray burst and FRB 200428 originated from magnetar SGR J1935+2154. This represents not only the first confirmed source of an FRB, but also the first FRB originating in our Galaxy. It is a milestone in understanding the nature of FRBs and magnetars. The discovery of FRB 200428 and related research were recognized as one of the top 10 discoveries of 2020 by Nature and Science magazines. In comparison with observational data from other high energy satellites, the observational data on FRB 200428 from Insight-HXMT are the most statistically rich and cover the broadest energy band, thus providing the most detailed temporal and spectral information on the X-ray burst. Insight-HXMT is one of two satellites that independently localized this X-ray burst, showing much greater accuracy than two radio telescopes that detected FRB 200428. Insight-HXMT also detected, in the light curve of this X-ray burst, two X-ray spikes very closely aligned temporally with the FRB, a result later confirmed by other satellite data. Finally, Insight-HXMT is the only instrument providing data for detailed analysis of the spectral evolution of this X-ray burst. Specifically, the X-ray spectrum of these two spikes is significantly different from spectra from other parts of the burst as well as from the majority of X-ray bursts from magnetars. These results are critical to understanding the physical mechanism of FRBs. In summary, Insight-HXMT has discovered that this X-ray burst is from magnetar SGR J1935+2154, the two spikes of this X-ray burst are the high energy counterpart of FRB 200428, and the spectrum of this X-ray burst is special. These observations also show that Insight-HXMT is very powerful as a space observatory. Insight-HXMT is China's first X-ray observatory in space. It was first proposed by LI Tipei and WU Mei of IHEP in 1993. Insight-HXMT is funded by the China National Space Administration and CAS. IHEP is responsible for satellite payloads, the science data center and scientific research. The China Academy of Space Technology is the builder of the Insight-HXMT satellite platform. Tsinghua University, the National Space Science Center, Beijing Normal University and other institutes have also contributed to the Insight-HXMT mission. The calibration of the detectors on board Insight-HXMT was supported by the National Institute of Metrology, Ferrara University in Italy and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. Since its launch on June 15, 2017, Insight-HXMT has successfully operated in orbit for more than 3.5 years. It has achieved a series of important scientific results on black holes, neutron stars and other phenomena. As Insight-HXMT smoothly operates in orbit, the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP) space mission, developed by IHEP and many other domestic and international partner institutions, has entered phase-B (design phase), after more than 10 years of preliminary study and key technology development. It will increase the capacity for studying neutron stars and black holes by an order of magnitude or more, compared with other similar satellites. eXTP will bring China and the eXTP international consortium to the frontier of high energy space astronomy. The high energy counterparts of extragalactic FRBs are very weak due to their great distance. eXTP will be an ideal instrument for detecting them. ### On Thursday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announced a ten-time hike in cash awards for the State's Armed forces personnel who will win Gallantry Medals. CM celebrated Swarnim Vijay Varsh in Tirupati, officers from the Services, state Cabinet ministers, and officials were present at the event. According to an official release, the cash award for winners of 'Param Vir Chakra' and 'Ashoka Chakra' are now getting Rs 10 lakhs and it will be increased to Rs 1 crore. The number of State incentives for 'Maha Vir Chakra' and 'Keerti Chakra' will be increased from Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 80 lakhs. The cash award will be increased from Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 60 lakhs for the Armed personnel from the states winning 'Veer Chakra' and 'Sowrya Chakra'. The kin of all the martyred armed personnel during the line of duty from the state will be given Rs 50 lakhs. READ | Centre Gives Military Officers 'financial Powers' Up To 200cr To Tackle Procedural Delays Reddy carried out the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal- Flame of Victory, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Swarnim Vijay Varsh in order to mark the India-Pakistan war of 1971 and felicitated the war heroes. Taking part in the #SwarnimVijayVarsh celebrations at Tirupathi, Hon'ble Chief Minister @ysjagan carried the #SwarnimVijayMashaal to commemorate the valiant soldiers who led our nation to victory in the India-Pakistan 1971 war. pic.twitter.com/f4J2mn54pO CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) February 18, 2021 READ | EXCLUSIVE: Amit Shah Promises "No TMC Goon Will Dare To Stop People Of Bengal From Voting" The Chief Minister also visited the residence of Major General (Retd) C Venugopal, the War Veteran, and felicitated him as he is the living legend of the 1971 War. Hon'ble Chief Minister @ysjagan participated in the felicitation of 1971 India-Pakistan war veteran Major General C. Venugopal, at his residence in Tirupati. pic.twitter.com/L1mmyGmz7d CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) February 18, 2021 Later Reddy felicitated J Chinatalli, widow of Naik J Sanyasi for his exemplary role in the 1971 war, at the Police Parade grounds. READ | Puducherry L-G Orders Floor Test On February 22 As Congress Govt Slips Into Minority The Victory Flame has come to Tirupati to begin its Southern journey. On December 16, it was lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ignite the year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations and mark the 50th anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 War. Centre Gives Military Officers 'financial Powers' On February 17, Union Cabinet approved financial powers to clear projects worth Rs 200 crore to the senior military officers for capital procurement projects, officials said. The deputy chiefs and command heads of the armed forces are the officers granted this enhanced financial aid. The enhanced powers come in the aspect of challenges faced by the defence forces along with China and Pakistan at the border. READ | COP26 President-Designate Meets PM; 'Action From India Will Be Catalyst For Change' (With ANI Inputs) The Investigative Committee claimed on Thursday that Markarian abused his had powers to sell three plots of municipal land to his cronies from in 2011-2014. The land belonging to public schools was privatized at knockdown prices, it said without specifying financial details of those deals. In a statement, the committee said that two other former senior officials of Yerevans municipal administration as well as Arman Sahakian, a former head of the Armenian governments Department of State Property Management, have been indicted as part of the same criminal case. It did not elaborate. Markarians lawyer, Benik Galstian, was quick to laugh off the accusations, saying that his client regards them as a farce. He claimed investigators are illegally refusing to share with him all materials of the case and that he does not know what exactly Mr. Markarian is accused of. In a Facebook post, Galstian also said that Markarian travelled to Moscow on February 7 for medical treatment and returned to Armenia on February 13 two days after being notified of his impending indictment. Markarian, 42, served as Yerevan mayor from 2011-2018. Both he and Sahakian are senior members of former President Serzh Sarkisians Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). Markarians late father Andranik was Armenias prime minister from 2000-2007. The latter headed the HHK until his sudden death in 2007. Advertisement Pressure is mounting on Boris Johnson to ease lockdown significantly in the coming weeks after No10's scientific advisers projected daily coronavirus deaths could be slashed to 200 in England by mid-March. In a huge boost to Britain's lockdown-ending ambitions, modelling by the SAGE subgroup SPI-M-O found the daily death target could be hit by March 14, if the vaccination drive continues at its current pace. The SPI-M-O group, normally known for its pessimistic forecasts, also estimated there will be fewer than 500 daily hospital admissions in England by the same date. That figure is currently 1,650 UK-wide. Looking at the UK overall, experts on the committee estimated daily fatalities could be squashed to single digits in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and hospital admissions to similar levels. For comparison, Britain is currently averaging 550 coronavirus deaths every day, down from a peak of more than 1,200 in mid and late January. The promising models, the clearest sign yet the end of lockdown is within touching distance, were submitted to SAGE on February 3 and will likely underpin the PM's roadmap out of restrictions, which he will unveil on Monday. SPI-M-O admitted its timetable might even be an underestimate because it made modest assumptions about how successful the immunisation programme will be. The group's model assumed the first doses of Pfizer's and Oxford University's vaccines were 88 and 70 per cent effective at stopping people falling ill, respectively. First doses were also modelled to halve transmission. But studies this month have found a single injection of either vaccine blocks 75 per cent of people from spreading the virus and data coming out of Israel's vaccine roll out shows hospitalisations in the over-60s is plummeting. It comes as SAGE estimated today that Britain's Covid R rate - the average number of people each patient infects - could be at its lowest ever rate. They believe it could be as low as 0.6. The findings came as Boris Johnson prepares to hammer out the final version of his lockdown exit strategy over the weekend before unveiling it on Monday. The Prime Minister is now said to be in receipt of all the latest data relating to the pandemic and the vaccine rollout which will steer his plan of action. In a huge boost to Britain's lockdown-ending ambitions, modelling by the SAGE subgroup SPI-M-O found daily deaths could be squashed to 200 by March 14 if the vaccination drive at its current pace The SPI-M-O group, normally known for its pessimistic forecast, also estimated there will be fewer than 500 daily hospital admissions in England by the same date. That figure is currently 1,650 UK-wide COVID DEATHS: The Government's experts estimate deaths will continue to plummet in every English region in the coming weeks COVID HOSPITALISATIONS: SPI-M-O admitted its timetable might even be an underestimate, because it made modest assumptions about how successful the immunisation programme will be The PM is facing growing pressure from some Tory MPs to speed up the easing of lockdown. Many Conservative backbenchers believe the success of the vaccination drive should allow the Government to move quicker than has been suggested. Mr Johnson has refused to be drawn on the specifics of his plan, but said earlier this week that it will be 'based firmly on a cautious and prudent approach' to ease restrictions in 'such a way as to be irreversible'. Long Covid plagues one in 10 survivors: Patients report at least one lingering symptom three months after infection (and women are more likely to be affected) Long Covid affects one in ten survivors three months after the infection, evidence presented to No10's top advisers shows. A paper published today by SAGE showed that 9.8 per cent of people who clear the virus still suffer at least one symptom after 12 weeks. A further 22 per cent still experienced symptoms five weeks later. Women were more likely to suffer from Long Covid five weeks, with 23.6 per cent reporting symptoms compared to 20.7 per cent of men. The study, based on data released on January 21, estimated around 301,000 people across the UK were suffering from long Covid in the last week of December. The condition refers to a wide-range of symptoms which linger months after the original illness has cleared up. The most common symptoms were (12.7 per cent), cough (12.4 per cent) and headache (11.1 per cent). A paper published today by SAGE showed that 22 per cent of people who had been infected with Covid still experienced symptoms five weeks afterwards. Graph shows the percentage of people reporting Covid infections five weeks after infection spli Some 10.4 per cent of people reported a continued loss of taste or smell five weeks after contracting the virus, while 8.8 per cent suffered from muscle pain known as myalgia. And people aged between 35 and 49 suffered long Covid symptoms the most, with more than a quarter still symptomatic five weeks on. They were followed by those aged 50-69 (26.1 per cent) and people aged 25 to 34 (24.9 per cent) both of which suffered long Covid more than those aged 70 or over. The study used data from 9,063 respondents to the UK Coronavirus Infection Survey (CIS) testing positive for Covid up to 14 December 2020. The researchers were not able to investigate the prevalence of different symptoms or how long Covid affected men compared to women or differed between age groups for those still suffering after twelve weeks due to insufficient data. They said the study was also limited by not including people who were reporting symptoms more than 12 weeks after. This means their estimations of long Covid at the end of last year may in fact be lower than was the case in reality. The survey also only covered people in private households, so students living in halls and prisoners were not included. Advertisement It comes as one of the Government's leading scientific experts said today that Britain will be 'a lot more normal' by May, if Boris Johnson adopts a cautious roadmap for easing lockdown. Professor Neil Ferguson, from Imperial College London, said that gradually easing measures could still result in the UK being a 'very different country' within months. Professor Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol and a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), also struck an optimistic tone as he said 'everything's moving in the right direction' on the jab roll-out. Professor Ferguson, the epidemiologist whose grim modelling spooked ministers into the first lockdown last March, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that even with a cautious approach life could be very different by May as he said data on falling infection levels and the efficacy of the jabs is 'looking promising at the moment'. Asked whether the vaccine rollout could allow the PM to take bigger risks when it comes to reopening society, he said: 'I think the downside in taking bigger risks is you risk having to lockdown again which is even more disruptive economically and socially. 'So I am encouraged by the cautious approach being taken and the incremental approach which I think will be adopted, namely relax one thing, see what that impact is, relax again. It still may well be that by the end of May we are in a very different country than we are today.' Asked if that could mean being back to normal or life just being easier than it is now, Professor Ferguson replied: 'I think more the latter than the former. We will still have rules in place but we may well, I think society will be a lot more normal. 'That is if things pan out as we hope they will and as the current data suggests it will. There are threats out there. We don't know for instance quite how effective the vaccines are, how long immunity will last, there is the threat of variants, so we have to be driven by the data and the trends we see.' Profesor Finn told the same programme on the impact of the vaccines: 'We've now got to the point where the study we're doing in Bristol where we can say with certainty that there is definitely an effect. 'It's just hard to put an exact number on it at this point because the numbers of cases coming through are still building up, the number of people who've been vaccinated are still going up, but it's becoming clearer for the Pfizer vaccine, which we've been using for a month longer, since early December, and it'll take slightly longer for us to get a firm handle on just how well the AstraZeneca vaccine is preventing hospitalisations too, but they're definitely doing the job.' Meanwhile, Britain's Covid R rate may have fallen to its lowest ever rate of 0.6, No10's scientific advisers claimed today as an array of official data confirmed the outbreak is still shrinking. SAGE predicted the figure the average number of people each coronavirus patient passes the disease on to was between 0.6 and 0.9. Last week it stood at 0.7 to 0.9 and two weeks ago they warned it could be above the crucial level of one, suggesting the second wave was stable. Separate figures from one of the UK's most respected coronavirus surveillance studies today showed the number of people infected in England has fallen by nearly 50 per cent in the last fortnight. Office for National Statistics (ONS) experts estimated 481,300 people in the nation would test positive for Covid on any given day in the week to February 12 the equivalent of one in 115 people. For comparison, the figure was around 850,000 two weeks ago. And in yet more proof that the second wave is firmly in retreat, hospitals are now also treating fewer coronavirus patients than they were during the darkest days of the first wave last spring. The number of NHS beds taken up by Covid-infected Britons has halved since January to around 20,000. The catalogue of promising data combined with Britain's successful vaccine roll-out will pile more pressure on Boris Johnson to drastically ease restrictions when he unveils his roadmap back to normality on Monday. Anti-lockdown Tory MPs have urged the PM to scrap economically-crippling measures as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister has promised to rely on 'data not dates' in his blueprint to leaving lockdown, amid hopes the UK may never need another blanket shutdown to contain Covid and that life could be a lot more normal' by May. Pubs and restaurants will likely be the final parts of the economy allowed to fully reopen under the cautious approach. But even SAGE scientists who have offered gloomy predictions throughout the pandemic have admitted the data is pointing in the right direction. One epidemiologist advising No10 told MPs that ministers should be looking at easing restrictions earlier, if they were truly following the evidence. But other researchers tracking the UK's shrinking second wave have flagged it may now no longer be dropping as rapidly as it once was. The King's College London symptom-tracking app today estimated there were 14,064 new symptomatic infections every day during the week ending February 14 just 5 per cent down in a week. A quarter of Covid patients admitted to hospital suffer kidney problems, study finds Nearly 25 per cent of Covid patients admitted to hospital suffer from kidney problems, according to a study submitted to No10's scientific advisors. The SAGE paper published today investigated the complications arising in a sample of 73,197 hospital patients suffering from Covid between January 17 and August 4 last year. It found dangerous complications were common among all patients, even in young, previously healthy individuals, with 49.7 per cent suffering at least one. The paper showed that a startling 24.3 per cent of all patients suffered renal complications kidney problems during their treatment. Of those, 43.3 per cent died from the disease in hospital. Complications were most common in patients aged 60 and over but were seen across age ranges. Nearly 25 per cent of Covid patients admitted to hospital were found to have suffered kidney problems, according to a SAGE paper published today. Pictured: Flow chart of hospitalised Covid patients and the complications they suffered Of those who suffered kidney problems while being treated for Covid, acute kidney injury when a kidney stops working suddenly was most common in those already suffering from chronic kidney problems (39.8 per cent). But it occurred in 21.6 per cent of all patients who had not had previous kidney issues. Respiratory complications including pneumonia were found in 18.4 per cent of patients, of which 47.9 per cent died. Other systemic complications, including anaemia and bloodstream infection, appeared in 16.3 per cent of patients, 37.6 per cent of which died. Cardiovascular issues occurred in 12.3 per cent of patients, while 10.8 per cent suffered from gastrointestinal and liver problems during treatment. These were most common in people already suffering with existing cardiac disease (19.9 per cent) compared to those without (8.9 per cent). One in ten Covid patients suffered gastrointestinal or liver complications, of which 38.8 per cent died. Liver injury was most frequently seen in younger age groups under 60 years old, with the highest rates occurring in men. It was more common in patients with pre-existing moderate to severe liver disease (22.4 per cent) compared to those without (6.2 per cent). The study did not review the long-term impact of complications in surviving patients and also does not give an indication of complications in non-hospitalised patients. Advertisement One in eight Covid patients discharged from hospital after recovering from Covid DIE from other causes within five months and a third are readmitted, official study finds One in eight Covid patients discharged from hospital after recovering from Covid died from other causes within five months, a study has found. An official study submitted to SAGE on February 3 found 12 per cent of patients died after leaving a hospital in England. The researchers said there was no evidence the virus played a role in their deaths. The study followed 47,780 patients, with an average age of 65, who were discharged by August 31 last year. Researchers from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), University of Leicester and University College London found that 30 per cent of patients were re-admitted to hospital after suffering from Covid-19. Meanwhile 12 per cent of Covid sufferers died five months after they were discharged from the ward. The study found that patients who had been discharged from hospital after suffering Covid-19 were most likely to suffer from a combination of strokes or heart attacks after they were sent home. Diabetes, chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease were also among those to affect patients discharged with Covid-19. The study found that patients who had been discharged from hospital after suffering Covid-19 were most likely to suffer from a combination of a non-fatal stroke, heart attack, or cardiovascular death after they were discharged Patients aged 70 and over were more likely to experience these diseases after they were discharged compared to those under 70. Meanwhile patients of a white ethnicity were also at greater risk compared to those from non-white backgrounds. Experts also identified that the risk of dying after being discharged increased over the course of the pandemic until May 20. Of the patients who caught Covid during this week, 17 per cent died within 90 days of being discharged. However this fell to five per cent of patients dying after being discharged in the week commencing August 19. Advertisement The ONS infection survey estimated 481,300 people in England would have tested positive for the virus on any given day in the week to February 12, a dip of 30 per cent compared to the same time last week But separate data from the ZOE Covid Symptom Study app suggested cases have plateaued. It said there were 14,064 new infections a day in the UK in the second week of February, a drop of just five per cent compared to the last seven-day spell. Their app can only pick up symptomatic infections, and not those with no warning signs thought to account for at least a third of all cases Israel and Syria appear to have to struck a prisoner-exchange deal, though not all the details of the arrangement are known. The exchange involved several Israelis and Syrians and was mediated by Russia. An Israeli woman from an ultra-Orthodox West Bank settlement illegally entered Syria recently and was detained by the authorities. She was later transferred to Russian custody. To secure her release, Israel sent two recently detained Syrian shepherds who had illegally entered Israel back to Syria on Thursday. Israel and Syria were also in talks regarding two residents of the Golan Heights, Nahal al-Makat and Diab Kahamuz, who were convicted of crimes by Israel, according to Israeli and Syrian media outlets. On Friday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a young Israeli woman was being flown home from Moscow and thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping secure her return. Netanyahu also said that the state shortened Makats community service via a pardon by three months. Netanyahu did not mention Kahamuz in the statement. Both Makat and Kahamuz are from the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, which Syria regards as its territory. They refused to be deported to Syria during the negotiations, according to Israeli media. Makat was previously under house arrest. Netanyahus mention of community service being Makats sentence implies she remained in her native Golan Heights. It is possible that the return of the Israeli woman involved more than Makat and the two shepherds. Israeli media outlets reported on Friday that Israel gave further compensation to Syria to secure the womans release, but the state has barred the exact details from the public. Israeli Knesset member Ahmad Tibi hinted that Israel may have provided Syria with vaccines against COVID-19, tweeting, Do we have to wait for a Jew to cross the border into Gaza to be vaccinated? Tibi, who is a Palestinian citizen of Israel, referenced the Gaza Strip receiving coronavirus vaccines after Israel had already vaccinated much of its population. Other details remain in question. Syrian state media reports said the Israeli woman accidentally entered Syria. However, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said she willingly entered the country. There are numerous other unconfirmed reports in Israeli media about her. Israel and Syria are technically at war and do not have formal relations. Russia is close with both states. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 17:53:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Somali National Army (SNA) repulsed an attack on one of its bases in Mogadishu early Friday, a government official confirmed. "At 1:00 a.m., one of our SNA posts was attacked by armed militia," Information Minister Osman Dubbe said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. "Prior to this attack, we received word that there was an attack imminent on our bases in Mogadishu," he said. "Our brave soldiers swiftly repulsed these groups." Dubbe did not say if there were any casualties as a result of the latest exchange of fire. In another development on Friday, sources said troops sealed off an area for planned rally in Mogadishu. However, opposition leaders who have organized the protests accused the government of attacking their positions ahead of the planned rally. The Council of Presidential Candidates, led by former presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his predecessor Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, condemned the incident, saying their positions were attacked by government forces. Confrontation between security forces and the opposition is expected in the city after opposition leaders vowed to go ahead with the demonstrations to force President Mohamed Farmajo to strike a deal on the electoral process. The government on Wednesday banned public gatherings across the country to help curb the spread of COVID-19 infections. Enditem Last Sunday, a local Chinese churchs multilingual service was broadcast live on BBC Radio 4, the United Kingdoms most popular radio station, for the first time in historya gesture of welcome to the hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong residents expected to migrate to the country under a new visa provision. This feels like a watershed moment for the Church in the UK, wrote Mark Nam, an Anglican priest in Bristol. I never dreamed I would be alive to hear Chinese songs and voices broadcast across the nation for Sunday Worship like this. Nam is among hundreds of pastors, ministry leaders, and laypeople who are preparing local churches for what could be the largest planned migration to the country in over half a century. As of January 31, nearly three million British overseas nationals in Hong Kong are said to be eligible for this new passport program, which will allow them and their families to live and work in the UK and to apply for British citizenship within six years. The UK government expects over 300,000 to register and estimates that at least 130,000 will arrive in 2021 alone. Political tensions are high in Hong Kong, particularly for pro-democracy activistsincluding Christianswho have become the target of a crackdown from Chinese authorities in the region. While the government has committed to open the door for everyone who applies, Christian leaders believe the church should be waiting on the doorstep to welcome them. Its in our DNA; its in our doctrine, said Krish Kandiah, a former pastor, missionary, and adoption reform advocate who has rallied local Christians around the Hong Kong Ready initiative. The welcome is an important part of what the church is about, and we dont always get it right, but were keen now. Kandiah, recently appointed the chair of a government board on adoption, connected officials to Christian leaders who were eager to help with resettlement. A team from his ministry network and representatives from the Chinese church community have partnered together to lead the way forward. More than 600 people signed up for the Hong Kong Ready virtual event in late January, and so far 560 churches and counting have joined the movement. Evangelical groups like Welcome Churches and the UKs Evangelical Alliance are among the many ministries partnering in their efforts. Welcome Churches is helping to profile local congregations willing to receive newcomers from other nations and offering cross-cultural training on how to fully incorporate these new families into their church bodies. Campaigns like the One People Commission and South Asian Forum share a similar goal, according to the Evangelical Alliances church and mission coordinator Donna Jennings, by actively promoting the truth that diversity can and does exist in unity, in and through Gods people. Working together across denominational and organizational lines, the network is linking church leaders and civic officials, empowering the Chinese Christian community, mapping and mobilizing a growing list of welcome-ready churches, and building a bank of multilingual orientation resources for newcomers. I believe God is doing something special, wrote Nam, who was recently ordained in the Church of England as one its first British-born Chinese priests. Looking at the landscape ahead, my heart is filled with joy at the prospect of my children inhabiting a land where the stranger is welcomed and difference is celebrated. Witness against racism Many of the leaders involved, including Kandiah and Nam, are themselves the children of immigrants and know the practical struggles and prejudice foreigners facemuch of which has resurged in recent years. COVID and Brexit have intensified a sense of nationalism in the UK that has emerged in acts and attitudes of racism, said Jennings. In this context, the counter-cultural witness of the church is vital. The Hong Kong program will be the largest and fastest planned migration to the UK from outside Europe since the Windrush migration between 1948 and 1971, when the British invited families from former colonies in the Caribbean. At the time, the UK church along with the rest of the country not only failed to offer a warm welcome to the Windrush generationit treated them in unjust and outright racist ways. Officials were urged to issue a public apology on behalf of the UK government in 2018, and the Church of England did the same last year, as leaders repented and promised to renew their pursuit of racial reform. Im still haunted by some of the stories around Windrush, Kandiah said. Fifty years later, were still reaping the negative consequences of people being treated appallingly. He recently spoke with a young woman on a Zoom call, listening as she shared a story about her own parents who migrated to the UK from the Caribbean. She said that when they showed up for Sunday service at a local Anglican church, the vicar turned them away and asked them to go somewhere elsesaying the congregation would not feel comfortable worshiping God with them in the room. But organizers are expecting even more resentment among locals about an immigration influx now, during unprecedented levels of unemployment. A COVID-19 Anti-Racism Group (CARG) has formed to monitor the rising tides of racism toward people of Asian descent stemming from the pandemic. A recent report published by the group found that over the past year, theres been a 300 percent increase in hate crimes or race-based violence against people with Chinese appearance in the UK, and a 900 percent increase in hate speech used toward or about them, both in person and online. Nam joined CARG to help churches become aware of the growing threat of racism that immigrant families of Asian descent will face in the future. Many of those coming from Hong Kong already expect to encounter it here, he says, but theyre more worried about what it will mean for their children. Nam sees this as a chance for pastors and youth leaders to integrate the next generation and proactively combat bullying. Growing up, Nam was one of few children of Chinese immigrants in his neighborhood, and he still has vivid memories from primary school. At lunch, when the rest of his classmates had Tupperware with a sandwich, fruit, and chip combo, he had a thermos full of fragrant noodles. Id crack it open, and across the classroom, someone would go, Oh, whats that smell? Something just died! Often, hed keep the lid on and go home hungry. Nam, who turned 40 this month, is working to make the church in the UK a more welcoming place for people with BAME backgrounds (black, Asian, and minority ethnic). But there will always be a special place in his heart for Hong Kong, where his wife and two of their three children were bornand where he served as a full-time pastor, ministering at a diverse evangelical church for nearly a decade. This is why Im so behind what Krish has launched with Hong Kong Ready churches, Nam said. These Hong Kongers [are] going to be such a blessing. Divides in the Chinese diaspora The radio service Nam heard broadcast last week on the BBC was led by pastor Henry Lu, the director of Chinese Overseas Christian Mission, a global ministry based in the UK that works with Chinese Christian communities in the Chinese diaspora. Lu said that one obstacle the Chinese community has to face in integrating Hong Kongers is politics, which he says fall into two basic categories, labeled by two different colors: blue and yellow. The blue camp is generally favorable to China and its political policies, while the yellow camp is critical of both. When it comes to the current situation between China and Hong Kong, it is a very complicated political dynamic, Lu says. Theres a very clear divide in peoples opinion. The older Chinese population in the UK, primarily those who come from mainland China, tend to lean more traditional in their loyalty out of love and pride for their home nation. The younger generation, especially those who hail from the islands, are more likely to agree with the ongoing political protests against Chinas actions in Hong Kong. In response to the UKs new visa policy and immigration plan for Hong Kongers, the Chinese government has declared that it will no longer recognize the British National Overseas Passport (BNOP), warning that Hong Kongers who move to the UK will be treated as second-class citizens. Many experts believe these tensions are likely to get worse in the coming years. China (actually, to be precise, the Chinese Communist PartyCCP) will tighten its control over Hong Kong for its international political security, said Fenggang Yang, a sociology professor at Purdue. This may trigger a sense of urgency for those who have been considering emigration but hesitating. In other words, many who make the life-changing decision to leave Hong Kong and move to the UK in coming years are doing so out of feelings of fearfor their freedoms, their families, and their future. These people are coming to a strange land. Theyre leaving their home. Theyre leaving their familiar places. Theyre sojourners. They come here, some by choice, some may be forced to come, Lu says. And because of this, Hong Kongers moving to the UK may also bring the baggage of emotional trauma, from anger to anxiety. This is where my passion is in terms of the Chinese churchto say to them, Look, as Christians, we need to help them. I dont care if youre yellow or blue. We need to care for them. Nam says Western believers have much to learn from their Eastern brothers and sisters, despite their political differences. To him, Sunday mornings at any local Chinese church in the UK is a perfect reflection of what determined unity in diversity can look likewhere the church meets each week for food and fellowship before three congregations head into three rooms for three services held in three languages: English, Mandarin, and Cantoneseand gather together once a month for a joint service. But due to COVID-19, incoming Hong Kongers will face more social obstacles than they would under normal circumstancesas will the local church members who want to reach out and connect with their new neighbors. Its tough moving countries and continents in the best of times, Kandiah said. But its even harder moving in the middle of a pandemic, and especially when English is your second language. Momentum for Hong Kong Ready So far, around 7,000 have moved to the UK since last summer, and several congregations have already been stepping up to help resettle dozens of families into their communities. In the midst of extended lockdowns, pandemic protocols, and social distancing, the welcoming effort has been mostly digital. Over email and video calls, volunteers help with paperwork, translate documentation, show how to register for health care services and set appointments, and explain public transportation. These initial points of contact provide families who are relocating a sense of reassurance in knowing what to expect when they arrive. In a season that has forced our church buildings to close and our church programmes to be cancelled, Hong Kong Ready helps the UK Church to take stock of who we are and what we have to offer to our local community and wider society in such challenging times, Jennings wrote. Our divided culture is hungry to see a more beautiful way of being community, of functioning in society. The movement is even gaining momentum among high-level church leaders like the Bishop of London and popular big-city congregations such as Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), the UKs largest and most influential Anglican church. Founded by pastor Nicky Gumbel, the London-based church-planting network is the birthplace of Worship Central, Alpha, and The Marriage Course. In the larger scope, the Hong Kong Ready team has facilitated citywide roundtable discussions, hosting virtual meetings with local leaders throughout London, Manchester, and Birmingham. These conversations are facilitating unprecedented cooperation between civic officials and church leaders around the country. Theres this real sense of partnership, which Im really excited about, Kandiah said. In the past, Christian activists have lamented some immigration policies set by the UKs Home Office, which they feel have created a hostile environment, rather than cultivating a welcoming posture toward foreign-born citizens. But now, many church and ministry leaders of the Hong Kong Ready initiative believe this could signal the beginning of a brand-new chapter in their history as a nation and as a church. Emily Holden from Welcome Churches says she hopes that if local churches are able to welcome Hong Kongers well, this will show to the UK government the desire from civil society to have more welcoming policies towards refugees, asylum seekers, and other marginalized groups in the country. Thus, receiving these Hong Kongers represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the church to step into our identity as the people of God, Jennings saidwhich should transcend national identities and politics and embody a radical, warm welcome to those who have come to live among us. In many ways, says Nam, they are leading an ecumenical movement thats blazing a trail for future generations of believers to follow. And I say that humblyas in, like, its scary. As Kandiah enlists more churches, ministries, and faith-based nonprofits to take the lead in welcoming the strangers coming to the UK from Hong Kong, he thinks of his mother, who emigrated there from India in the 1960s. Although she faced racial prejudice at every turn, she began what Kandiah refers to as a one-woman resistance campaign out of her own homecooking plenty of rice and curry to share and inviting those who felt like they didnt fit in to come have a meal with their family. I believe that churches up and down our country will soon be seen offering the same radical resistance to racism through hospitality and friendship, Kandiah wrote in an op-ed last month. I wish that she were alive today to see it. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Showers this morning becoming less numerous during the afternoon hours. High 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. A coronavirus pandemic may have halted travel plans to the Philippines, but there's still a lot of fun to be had watching three of the country's grandest festivals online from any part of the world today. This is made possible by a multi-part online event series that the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs launched to entice travel to the country once conditions are more favorable. "Fiesta Filipinas: An Online Celebration of Philippine Festivals," drops its latest series today, featuring the Sinulog, Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang festivals. It's available on youtube.com/dfaphl starting at 4 p.m., Guam time, Feb. 20. From the colorful images and movements to the powerful drum beats, each of the three festivals offers sensory overload to tourists and locals alike. Ati-Atihan, known as the "mother of all Filipino festivals," is a weeklong celebration in honor of the Patron Saint Sto. Nino in January, in which participants crowd the main streets of Kalibo, Aklan. "It is the ultimate jubilating, titillating, stimulating, riotous and frenetic aboriginal street dancing to the early primitive tempo and pulse of drums," the Philippine Department of Tourism said. Sinulog is also a January feast in honor of the Holy Child or Sto. Nino, but this one is in Cebu. "Fiesta Senor, as it is widely known, is the celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January where people converge along the route of a grand solemn procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a mardi-gras-type parade immersed in wild colors and the constant beating of drums of the Pit Senyor," the Philippine Department of Tourism said. Iloilo City's version of the grand festival in honor of the Sto. Nino is called Dinagyang, in January. Participants in colorful tribal costumes and striking props "present socio-cultural and religious tableaus depicting life in Panay before the Spanish colonization and the advent of Catholicism in the country," the Philippine Department of Tourism said. The Fiesta Filipinas project is organized by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs and its 94 Foreign Service Posts, including the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Ranked highest for customer satisfaction in Midwest by gas customers Launched voluntary carbon offset program for gas customers and doubled voluntary electric renewable program Leveraged operating efficiencies to hold customers rates flat through 2021 Achieved year-over-year improvements in electric reliability Provided community pandemic support through $21 million in DTE Energy Foundation grants Invested $2.2 billion with Michigan-based companies DETROIT, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) today reported 2020 earnings of $1.4 billion, or $7.08 per diluted share, compared with $1.2 billion, or $6.31 per diluted share in 2019. 2020 operating earnings were $1.4 billion, or $7.19 per diluted share, compared with 2019 operating earnings of $1.2 billion, or $6.30 per diluted share. Operating earnings for the year beat the companys original 2020 guidance midpoint of $6.61. Operating earnings exclude non-recurring items, certain mark-to-market adjustments and discontinued operations. Reconciliations of reported earnings to operating earnings are included at the end of this news release. "We were successful in executing on our strategy to meet the needs of our people, customers and communities while delivering for our investors, said Jerry Norcia, DTE Energy President and CEO. In 2020 we mobilized our resources to offer support including food, shelter, PPE and loan process assistance. At the same time, we were able to continue investments in our infrastructure and improve reliability to ensure our customers receive the energy they need. Norcia noted the following accomplishments: Led the Midwest in business customer satisfaction: Ranked highest in customer satisfaction with natural gas residential customers in the Midwest in J.D. Powers 2020 study. Announced CleanVision Natural Gas Balance program for gas customers: CleanVision offers customers a way to affordably offset 25% to 100% of greenhouse gas emissions from an average homes natural gas use and is the first program in the nation to include both carbon offsets and renewable natural gas. Reached 25,000 MIGreenPower commitments: DTEs MIGreenPower program, one of the countrys largest voluntary renewable energy programs, supported over 45 million kWh of clean energy generation in 2020. Leveraged revenue and operating efficiencies to hold customers rates flat through 2021: Michigan Public Service Commission approved request by DTE Electric for a one-time accounting treatment for a $30 million voluntary refund to customers. Invested approximately $1 billion in DTE Electric reliability in 2020: Performed infrastructure upgrades that led to enhanced reliability for its customers which helped deliver a nearly 25% reliability improvement from 2019 with shorter restoration times. Addressed the impact of the pandemic through the DTE Energy Foundation in 2020 with unprecedented community support: Invested $21 million in communities to provide support during the pandemic with efforts such as: Provided 400 grants to small businesses Led effort to provide 51,000 tablets and internet access to Detroit public school students Distributed 6,000 PPE kits to address shortages early in the pandemic Provided 2 million KN95 masks to county emergency managers, first responders and hospitals Matched $360,000 of donations from DTE employees and retirees to local non-profits Assisted the community through multiple DTE Foundation initiatives (View here) Supported job creation with Michigan businesses: Invested $2.2 billion in 2020 with Michigan-based companies, exceeding DTEs commitment to the Pure Michigan Business Connect local supplier initiative. The company has invested over $13 billion in the 11-year effort and has supported the creation of thousands of Michigan jobs. Ranked as one of the countrys top corporate citizens by Points of Light: DTE is the only Michigan company named to the Civic 50 the top 50 companies nationwide in corporate citizenship by Points of Light, the worlds largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. Earned the Wildlife Habitat Councils 2020 Employee Engagement Award: Award recognizes a companys involvement in conservation through the commitment of its employee teams who participate in habitat and conservation education activities. Received Ambassador Championing Excellence Award: Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council recognizes corporations, suppliers and executives who support minority owned and operated businesses in Michigan. Accelerated our commitment to support and empower people with disabilities in the workforce by joining The Valuable 500: DTE will expand its partnership with Project Search to help youth and young adults with disabilities gain meaningful skills and employment. DTE Midstream announced 2050 net zero carbon emissions goal: DTE Midstream is among the first in its sector to establish a 2050 net zero carbon emissions goal and plans to achieve 30% of this reduction in the next decade. Announced intent to spin-off DTE Midstream business into independent company: Transaction transforms DTE Energy into a predominantly pure-play regulated electric and natural gas utility. DTE Midstream becomes an independent, publicly traded company well positioned for sustainable growth. DTE reaffirms guidance for 2021 DTE reaffirms 2021 operating EPS guidance of $6.88 - $7.26. DTE delivered strong results across our utility and non-utility businesses, said David Ruud, DTE senior vice president and CFO. We are well positioned for another solid year in 2021 as we continue to invest in reliability and infrastructure improvements for our customers. This earnings announcement and presentation slides are available at dteenergy.com/investors. The company will conduct a conference call to discuss earnings results at 9 a.m. ET. Investors, the news media and the public may listen to a live internet broadcast of the call at dteenergy.com/investors. The telephone dial-in numbers in the U.S. and Canada toll free is: (833) 968-2209 or international toll: (778) 560-2895. The passcode is 3974206. The webcast will be archived on the DTE website at dteenergy.com/investors. An audio replay of the call will be available from noon today to noon Monday, March 29. To access the replay, dial U.S. and Canada toll free (800) 585-8367 or international toll (416) 621-4642 and enter the passcode 3974206. About DTE Energy DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects; renewable natural gas; natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage; and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80 percent by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric, DTE Gas and DTE Midstream aspire to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com , empoweringmichigan.com , twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy . Use of Operating Earnings Information - DTE Energy management believes that operating earnings provide a more meaningful representation of the companys earnings from ongoing operations and uses operating earnings as the primary performance measurement for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, DTE Energy uses operating earnings to measure performance against budget and to report to the Board of Directors. In this release, DTE Energy discusses 2021 operating earnings guidance. It is likely that certain items that impact the company's 2021 reported results will be excluded from operating results. Reconciliations to the comparable 2021 reported earnings guidance are not provided because it is not possible to provide a reliable forecast of specific line items (i.e. future non-recurring items, certain mark-to-market adjustments and discontinued operations). These items may fluctuate significantly from period to period and may have a significant impact on reported earnings. DTE Energy also discusses Adjusted EBITDA in slide presentations. The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA as projected for full-year 2021 is not provided. DTE Energy does not forecast net income as it cannot, without unreasonable efforts, estimate or predict with certainty the components of net income. These components, net of tax, may include, but are not limited to, impairments of assets and other charges, divesture costs, acquisition costs, or changes in accounting principles. All of these components could significantly impact such financial measures. At this time, DTE Energy is not able to estimate the aggregate impact, if any, of these items on future period reported earnings. Accordingly, DTE Energy is not able to provide a corresponding GAAP equivalent for Adjusted EBITDA. The information contained herein is as of the date of this release. DTE Energy expressly disclaims any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Words such as anticipate, believe, expect, may, could, projected, aspiration, plans and goals signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties. This release contains forward-looking statements about DTE Energys and DTE Midstreams financial results and estimates of future prospects, and actual results may differ materially. This release contains forward-looking statements about DTE Energys intent to spin-off DTE Midstream and DTE Energys preliminary strategic, operational and financial considerations related thereto. The statements with respect to the separation transaction are preliminary in nature and subject to change as additional information becomes available. The separation transaction will be subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including the final approval of DTE Energys Board of Directors, and there is no assurance that such separation transaction will in fact occur. Many factors impact forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the following: risks related to the spin-off of DTE Midstream, including that the process of exploring the transaction and potentially completing the transaction could disrupt or adversely affect the consolidated or separate businesses, results of operations and financial condition, that the transaction may not achieve some or all of any anticipated benefits with respect to either business, and that the transaction may not be completed in accordance with DTE Energys expected plans or anticipated timelines, or at all; the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DTE Energy and customers, impact of regulation by the EPA, the EGLE, the FERC, the MPSC, the NRC, and for DTE Energy, the CFTC and CARB, as well as other applicable governmental proceedings and regulations, including any associated impact on rate structures; the amount and timing of cost recovery allowed as a result of regulatory proceedings, related appeals, or new legislation, including legislative amendments and retail access programs; economic conditions and population changes in our geographic area resulting in changes in demand, customer conservation, and thefts of electricity and, for DTE Energy, natural gas; the operational failure of electric or gas distribution systems or infrastructure; impact of volatility of prices in the oil and gas markets on DTE Energys gas storage and pipelines operations and the volatility in the short-term natural gas storage markets impacting third-party storage revenues related to DTE Energy; impact of volatility in prices in the international steel markets on DTE Energys power and industrial projects operations; the risk of a major safety incident; environmental issues, laws, regulations, and the increasing costs of remediation and compliance, including actual and potential new federal and state requirements; the cost of protecting assets against, or damage due to, cyber incidents and terrorism; health, safety, financial, environmental, and regulatory risks associated with ownership and operation of nuclear facilities; volatility in commodity markets, deviations in weather, and related risks impacting the results of DTE Energys energy trading operations; changes in the cost and availability of coal and other raw materials, purchased power, and natural gas; advances in technology that produce power, store power or reduce power consumption; changes in the financial condition of significant customers and strategic partners; the potential for losses on investments, including nuclear decommissioning and benefit plan assets and the related increases in future expense and contributions; access to capital markets and the results of other financing efforts which can be affected by credit agency ratings; instability in capital markets which could impact availability of short and long-term financing; the timing and extent of changes in interest rates; the level of borrowings; the potential for increased costs or delays in completion of significant capital projects; changes in, and application of, federal, state, and local tax laws and their interpretations, including the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, rulings, court proceedings, and audits; the effects of weather and other natural phenomena on operations and sales to customers, and purchases from suppliers; unplanned outages; employee relations and the impact of collective bargaining agreements; the availability, cost, coverage, and terms of insurance and stability of insurance providers; cost reduction efforts and the maximization of plant and distribution system performance; the effects of competition; changes in and application of accounting standards and financial reporting regulations; changes in federal or state laws and their interpretation with respect to regulation, energy policy, and other business issues; contract disputes, binding arbitration, litigation, and related appeals; and the risks discussed in DTE Energys public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For further information, members of the media may call: Pete Ternes, DTE Energy, 313.235.5555 For further information, analysts may call: Barbara Tuckfield, DTE Energy, 313.235.1018 John Dermody, DTE Energy, 313.235.8750 DTE Energy Company Segment Net Income (Unaudited) Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Reported Earnings Pre-tax Adjustments Income Taxes(1) Operating Earnings Reported Earnings Pre-tax Adjustments Income Taxes(1) Operating Earnings (In millions) DTE Electric $ 102 $ $ $ 102 $ 127 $ $ 1 $ 128 DTE Gas 84 84 64 64 Non-utility operations Gas Storage and Pipelines 69 4 A (1 ) 72 46 13 D (4 ) 55 Power and Industrial Projects 32 22 B (6 ) 48 29 29 Energy Trading 31 (36 ) C 10 5 37 (37 ) C 9 9 Total Non-utility operations 132 (10 ) 3 125 112 (24 ) 5 93 Corporate and Other (43 ) 4 A (1 ) (40 ) (36 ) 7 E (2 ) (27 ) 5 D (1 ) Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company $ 275 $ (6 ) $ 2 $ 271 $ 267 $ (12 ) $ 3 $ 258 (1) For the three months ended December 31, 2020, excluding tax related adjustments, the amount of income taxes was calculated using a combined federal and state income tax rate of 27% for Gas Storage and Pipelines, 26% for Corporate and Other, and 25% for Power and Industrial Projects and Energy Trading. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the rates were 29% for Gas Storage and Pipelines and 25% for Energy Trading and Corporate and Other. Adjustments key A) Transaction costs relating to the planned spin-off of the DTE Midstream business recorded in Operating Expenses Operating and maintenance B) Settlement charge relating to a non-regulated qualified pension plan recorded in Other (Income) and Deductions Non-operating retirement benefits, net C) Certain adjustments resulting from derivatives being marked-to-market without revaluing the underlying non-derivative contracts and assets recorded in Operating Expenses Fuel, purchased power, and gas non-utility D) Transaction-related costs resulting from the acquisition of Blue Union and LEAP E) Impairment of equity method investment recorded in Other income DTE Energy Company Segment Diluted Earnings Per Share (Unaudited)(2) Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Reported Earnings Pre-tax Adjustments Income Taxes(1) Operating Earnings Reported Earnings Pre-tax Adjustments Income Taxes(1) Operating Earnings DTE Electric $ 0.53 $ $ $ 0.53 $ 0.66 $ $ $ 0.66 DTE Gas 0.43 0.43 0.34 0.34 Non-utility operations Gas Storage and Pipelines 0.36 0.02 A (0.01 ) 0.37 0.24 0.07 D (0.02 ) 0.29 Power and Industrial Projects 0.16 0.11 B (0.02 ) 0.25 0.15 0.15 Energy Trading 0.16 (0.19 ) C 0.05 0.02 0.20 (0.21 ) C 0.06 0.05 Total Non-utility operations 0.68 (0.06 ) 0.02 0.64 0.59 (0.14 ) 0.04 0.49 Corporate and Other (0.22 ) 0.02 A (0.01 ) (0.21 ) (0.19 ) 0.04 E (0.01 ) (0.14 ) 0.03 D (0.01 ) Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company $ 1.42 $ (0.04 ) $ 0.01 $ 1.39 $ 1.40 $ (0.07 ) $ 0.02 $ 1.35 (1) For the three months ended December 31, 2020, excluding tax related adjustments, the amount of income taxes was calculated using a combined federal and state income tax rate of 27% for Gas Storage and Pipelines, 26% for Corporate and Other, and 25% for Power and Industrial Projects and Energy Trading. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the rates were 29% for Gas Storage and Pipelines and 25% for Energy Trading and Corporate and Other. (2) Per share amounts are divided by Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Diluted, as noted on the Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited). Adjustments key see previous page DTE Energy Company Segment Net Income (Unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Reported Earnings Pre-tax Adjustments Income Taxes(1) Operating Earnings Reported Earnings Pre-tax Adjustments Income Taxes(1) Operating Earnings (In millions) DTE Electric $ 777 $ 35 A $ (9 ) $ 813 $ 714 $ (11 ) H $ 3 $ 716 13 B (3 ) 13 I (3 ) DTE Gas 186 11 A (3 ) 196 185 (6 ) H 2 181 2 B Non-utility operations Gas Storage and Pipelines 315 (20 ) C 5 303 204 13 J (4 ) 213 4 D (1 ) Power and Industrial Projects 134 22 E (6 ) 150 133 133 Energy Trading 36 4 F (1 ) 39 49 (25 ) F 6 30 Total Non-utility operations 485 10 (3 ) 492 386 (12 ) 2 376 Corporate and Other (80 ) (34 ) G (111 ) (116 ) 7 K (2 ) (107 ) 4 D (1 ) 5 J (1 ) Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company $ 1,368 $ 75 $ (53 ) $ 1,390 $ 1,169 $ (4 ) $ 1 $ 1,166 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2020, excluding tax related adjustments, the amount of income taxes was calculated using a combined federal and state income tax rate of 27% for Gas Storage and Pipelines, 26% for Utility operations and Corporate and Other, and 25% for Power and Industrial Projects and Energy Trading. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the rates were 29% for Gas Storage and Pipelines, 26% for Utility operations, and 25% for Energy Trading and Corporate and Other. Adjustments key A) MPSC disallowance of capital expenses previously recorded in 2018 and 2019 related to incentive compensation recorded in Operating Expenses Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net B) Shift premiums and other incremental costs associated with the sequestration of employees critical to continued operations due to COVID-19 recorded in Operating Expenses Operating and maintenance C) Post-acquisition settlement recorded in Other (Income) and Deductions Other income D) Transaction costs relating to the planned spin-off of the DTE Midstream business recorded in Operating Expenses Operating and maintenance E) Settlement charge relating to a non-regulated qualified pension plan recorded in Other (Income) and Deductions Non-operating retirement benefits, net F) Certain adjustments resulting from derivatives being marked-to-market without revaluing the underlying non-derivative contracts and assets recorded in Operating Expenses Fuel, purchased power, and gas non-utility G) Reduction to Income Tax Expense resulting from carrying back 2018 net operating losses to 2013 pursuant to CARES Act H) MPSC approval of the deferral for the new customer billing system post-implementation expenses recorded in Operating Expenses Operation and maintenance I) MPSC disallowance of power plant capital expenses recorded in Operating Expenses Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net J) Transaction-related costs resulting from the acquisition of Blue Union and LEAP K) Impairment of equity method investment recorded in Other income Feb. 19Duluth media outlets are teaming up to answer your COVID-19 vaccine questions. Is it safe to get vaccinated? What are the differences between the available vaccinations? Where can I get vaccinated? Who can get vaccinated? On Wednesday, the News Tribune, CBS 3, KBJR 6, WDIO, KQDS Fox 21 and WDSE-WRPT will have stories online and on air featuring health experts and Northlanders who've already received the vaccination in a daylong effort called "COVID-19 Vaccines: Finding Answers." The joint effort will culminate in an hourlong, live WDSE-WRPT special at 7 p.m., hosted by Dennis Anderson, featuring live interviews with Northland health experts and stories produced by each media outlet. The special will air on WDSE-WRPT's PBS North channel and will be streamed at duluthnewstribune.com and other media outlet websites. ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Senate passed a bill Thursday limiting the governor's authority to close schools during the pandemic. It would allow local school districts to decide how to conduct student instruction during any future emergencies. Lawmakers met to discuss the bill in a virtual press conference before taking it up on the Senate floor, saying it's with the student's best interest in mind. According to a Senate press release, the bill says the governor may not use peacetime emergency powers to issue any order or to authorize the commissioner of education to alter school schedules, curtail school activities or order schools closed. Instead, he can only advise and consult. Senator Carlson Nelson says schools should make the decision based on individual needs in their district. It's just not possible for the governor to unilaterally make one decision that fits all of the schools in all of our 87 counties with all of their different needs, Nelson says. Senate Majority Leader, Paul Gazelka, says this is one of the most critical things the state can do. They should not have lost part of two school years. That's just totally unacceptable. This should never happen again - it shouldn't have happened - but we should never allow that to happen again, Gazelka emphasizes. Research from the CDC points to evidence that schools pose minimal risk in spreading the Coronavirus. The GOP-controlled Senate passed the bill 40 to 27 - with four democrats and two independents siding with republicans. The second part looks at how much of a particular parcel is made up of impervious surface, or its level of development. The more development on a parcel, the higher the second part of the fee will be. This is different from the first part, as it looks at how much of a parcel is developed, as opposed to the total square footage of developed land. The Indian Army rescued more than 400 tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall near the India-China border in Sikkim, according to a report. The Army officials also provided food, medical support, accommodation, and warm clothes to the tourists who were stranded in the East Sikkim district. The tourists were stuck on the Nathu La- Gangtok road following a severe snowstorm and subzero temperatures. Nathu La is a premier tourist attraction in north Sikkim. Around 447 tourists in 150 vehicles were struck at JN Road Axis about 40 km from the state capital on Thursday afternoon due to heavy snowfall while returning from tourist destinations like Tsomgo lake, Nathula, Baba Mandir, Memencho Lake and Kupup, the official said. "The tourists were rescued in army vehicles and accommodated inside the barracks of 17 Mile Military Camp. All tourists were provided accommodation while 26 had to be hospitalised and required given critical medical support. There were no major injuries or casualties," a press statement said. Many tourists with medical problems were provided medical help at the 317 FD hospital by an Army medical team. The other tourists were given hot food, warm clothes and shelter by the Army and were sent back to Gangtok after the weather improved and the blocked roads were cleared by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the official added. With agency inputs Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. A Lincolnshire poultry farm originally developed for the rearing of ducks for one of the largest UK producers has been sold after attracting considerable interest. Wood Farm, in Ruskington achieved a sum in excess of its 800,000 guide price as an increasing number of farmers look to capitalise on the strength of the sector. The poultry farm was originally developed to supply ducks to Cherry Valley Foods, which was sold to UK poultry processor Avara Foods in 2015. Avara Foods then pulled out of duck production in 2020, leaving many poultry units in Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties looking for alternative uses. The 10-acre site featuring 60,000 sq. ft. of Harlow-built duck-rearing sheds attracted a considerable amount of interest and competitive bidding. The farm is now set to be used for pullet rearing before the birds are sent to egg-laying farms. Property consultancy Fisher German said that the poultry sector could generate significant returns for farmers,. "Poultry meat and eggs are the most eaten proteins in the world, and the British poultry industry contributes 4.6bn to the UK economy each year," said Robert Hurst, partner. The poultry sector of farming generally produces much higher returns on investment (ROI) than are typically seen in the agricultural sector, albeit with associated levels of risk. ROI on newly built or good, modern broiler units are generally between eight and 10 per cent, while ROI from a new egg unit is around six to eight percent." Recent uncertainty has created a largely downward pressure on agricultural values, resulting in some farming businesses looking at alternative higher-yielding enterprises. Although there is some volatility in the egg sector, there is still a strong demand for free range, with nearly all major retailers choosing not only to sell free range eggs but also use them in their products. With a very limited amount of free range eggs being imported, this puts the UK industry in a very strong position, Fisher German says. It is therefore no surprise that bidding on Wood Farm was extremely strong, and we were very pleased to achieve such a positive result," Mr Hurst said. The rare coin, bearing the head of the Roman Emperor Antonius Pius and dating from 158159 C.E., which was found during a training exercise by an Israel Defense Forces soldier. Feb. 9, 2021. (JNS) - A rare coin bearing the head of the Roman Emperor Antonius Pius and dating from 158159 C.E. was found during a training exercise by an Israel Defense Forces soldier on the southern end of Mount Carmel, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) reported on Tuesday. The well-preserved coin, found by Ido Gardi, is one of very few such objects that have been discovered in Israel, according to the IAA. "This coin joins only 11 such coins from known locations in the National Treasures Department collection. All the coins were found in northern Israel, from Megiddo and Zippori to Tiberias... MOUNTAIN VIEW (dpa-AFX) - News Corp. (NWS) announced that it has reached a multi-year partnership with Alphabet Inc.'s Google (GOOGL) to provide premium news content from its news sites for the Google News Showcase offering for 'significant payments' from Google. Among the News Corp publications joining Google News Showcase will be The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, MarketWatch, and the New York Post; in the UK: The Times and The Sunday Times, and The Sun; and in Australia a range of news platforms, including The Australian, news.com.au, Sky News, and multiple metropolitan and local titles. The three-year deal also includes the development of a subscription platform, the sharing of ad revenue via Google's ad technology services, the cultivation of audio journalism and meaningful investments in innovative video journalism by YouTube. Robert Thomson, Chief Executive of News Corp, said that the deal would have 'a positive impact on journalism around the globe as we have firmly established that there should be a premium for premium journalism. 'I would like to thank Sundar Pichai and his team at Google who have shown a thoughtful commitment to journalism that will resonate in every country. This has been a passionate cause for our company for well over a decade and I am gratified that the terms of trade are changing, not just for News Corp, but for every publisher.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The combination of severe winter weather and electricity outages across the state has dealt a devastating blow to the health care system in Texas, which is already under enormous stress because of the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 has caused 2.6 million infections and nearly 42,000 deaths in the state. Accounts from around the state reveal hospitals on the brink of collapse. A truck drives past a highway sign Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, in Houston. A frigid blast of winter weather across the U.S. plunged Texas into an unusually icy emergency Monday that knocked out power to more than 2 million people and shut down grocery stores and dangerously snowy roads. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) A source at Dell Childrens hospital in Austin shared with Matt Largey, a local news correspondent at KUT 90.5, Austin's NPR station, the following yesterday: There is still no water or update on water. I know there was a broken pipe on the fourth floor, and I dont know if thats the primary cause of the outage. The toilets are filling up and wont flush, so the nurses are using kitty litter in trash bags to dispose of waste. The temperature in our rooms seems stable, but the main areas are very cold. We are waiting on a surgery, but Im not sure when it will be or if they can operate without water. Winter Storm Uri, as it was unofficially dubbed by the Weather Channel, formed on February 13, placing a vast expanse of the United States, affecting 170 million Americans, under a winter storm alert. More than five million people from North Dakota to Texas have been thrown into frigid darkness, although power was restored to the majority of these victims by late Thursday. So severe has the weather systems impact been, health systems are collapsing again, but this time due to lack of electricity and potable water and non-functioning plumbing caused by frozen or burst pipe mains. The crises faced by medical centers in the summer and winter during the pandemics surges are reemerging throughout the region. The dangers of hypothermia from the power outages have led many to use desperate means to stay warm. More than a million people lost power in Houston, Texas, as electricity demand soared during the unprecedented freeze. People quickly jumped into their cars, running the engines in the garage, or even bringing barbecue pits and generators indoors, anything for a source of heat. Immediately, hundreds of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning began to pour into emergency rooms throughout the city. Such patients require immediate supplemental oxygen or aggressive treatment in hyperbaric chambers. Dr. Samuel Prater, a UTHealth emergency physician, told the Houston Chronicle, With the number of patients going in, its turning into a mini mass casualty event. Half the patients he was treating were children. Several have died. A grandmother and three children perished in a Sugar Land house fire when using the fireplace as a warmth source. Only the mother of the children survived. In Sharpstown, another mother and her eight-year-old daughter asphyxiated from carbon monoxide poisoning sleeping in their car. An unidentified man was found dead in a north Harris County parking lot, succumbing to the frigid cold. Fort Worth and communities across north Texas have opened impromptu warming centers though most are only open during the day. Some have had to close due to power outages. Residents must find their way to these shelters and bring with them bedding and food only to return to their homes in the coldest hours of the night. St. Davids South Austin Medical Center, nationally recognized for its cardiac program and providing comprehensive obstetric care, lost water pressure on Wednesday. As a result, the hospitals boilers are not functional, which means they cant generate heat to keep rooms and hallways warm. Stable patients are urgently being discharged home, but this begs the question, is it safe there? Hospital administrators are also scrambling to locate rooms at other facilities. David Huffstutler, CEO of St. Davids HealthCare, told the Texas Tribune, Because this is a statewide emergency situation that is also impacting other hospitals within the Austin area, no one hospital currently has the capacity to accept transport of a large number of patients. Meanwhile, patients and families staying in impacted medical facilities, such as at Dell Childrens in Austin, Texas, are asked to use hand sanitizers and not flush toilets. A letter addressed to staff warned that as temperatures outside dropped, the temperature in the building would be difficult to maintain. There is also a limited supply of fleece blankets. Many nurses in Austin have been trekking miles to work. Frozen roads and massive amounts of snow the city cannot dispose of have made driving extremely hazardous. Hospitals have to stay open regardless, and need staff. Brook Wilson, a labor and delivery nurse at St. Davids Womens Center of Texas, told KHOU11, I bundled up, and I put on my boots, and I changed my shoes, and I already packed a bag thinking I was going to be staying here for a while. So, I packed a bag, and I headed out, and I started walking. Hospitals in San Antonio are on backup generators to keep the lights on. The frigid temperatures have driven water pressures down at Baptist Health Systems, impacting their dialysis center. Water shortages have led to rationing across the region as well. The cold reduces the thirst drive leading many to become severely dehydrated, which further exacerbates acute medical conditions caused by the freezing temperatures. Many patients are coming in with frostbite and very low body temperatureshypothermia. Dr. Lillian Lao, who works at the Pediatric Trauma Medical Director of University Hospital, warned, Youll start to get very cold, and then you may lose consciousness. Some of the signs thats different in very young children, babies, is that though their bodies will be cold, but their skin color will become reddish. More than just trying to save patients, doctors are trying to figure out how to protect the multiple doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, which require even lower temperatures than the frigid arctic cold temperatures outside. In Harris County, the health department could not maintain the 8,430 Moderna vaccines refrigeration temperature when their backup generators failed. According to NPR, they managed to deliver 5,410 doses to three hospitals, the Harris County Jail and Rice University. However, vaccine distribution has come to a standstill, and vaccination centers have closed their doors, for now, citing safety concerns. The Galveston medical examiner has requested refrigeration trucks to store bodies as a consequence of the sudden rise in deaths due to the inclement weather. County Judge Mark Henry stated to ABC Eyewitness News, We were notified of an emergency request about lunchtime today that the medical examiner needed a capacity of at least 20 and as many as 50, in addition to the standard storage. Biden Admin Says Ready to Rejoin Iran Nuclear Deal If Tehran Returns to Compliance PARIS/WASHINGTONThe United States on Thursday said it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to a 2015 agreement that aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, seeking to revive a deal that the Trump administration abandoned nearly three years ago when it criticized the regimes use of its citizens wealth to fund terrorist activities in the region instead of helping the Iranian people. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed President Joe Bidens position that Washington would only return to the accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), if Tehran came into full compliance with the deal. Blinken announced the decision during a video meeting with the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germanya group known as the E3who were gathered in Paris. If Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same and is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end, a joint statement from the four nations said. Iran admitted publicly to breaching the deal in 2019, about a year after former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew and reimposed U.S. economic sanctions. The Trump administration said the sanctions were not for regime change, but to address the destabilizing behavior of Irans rulers, who they accused of being the worlds biggest funders of terrorism. The regime had already been struggling with mass economic protests since late 2017 from locals demanding their leaders share the countrys wealth and address the peoples needs. Tehran has accelerated its breaches in recent months to produce uranium enriched up to 20 percent and uranium metal, which other JCPOA members have agreed has no credible civilian use. Refining uranium to high levels of fissile purity is a potential pathway to nuclear bombs, although Iran had denied that it its enrichment programme is for developing nuclear weapons. The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, quickly denounced the steps. It is concerning the Biden Administration is already making concessions in an apparent attempt to re-enter the flawed Iran deal, he said. The Trump Administration created leverage for President Biden on Iranwe should not squander that progress. A U.S. official told Reuters that Washington would respond positively to any European Union invitation to talks between Iran and the six major powers who negotiated the original agreement: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. We are ready to show up if such a meeting were to take place, the official told Reuters, after a senior EU official floated the idea of convening such talks. It is unclear whether any talks might occur, let alone when or where. Responding to the four nations statement, the Iranian regimes Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Washington should make the first move by ending its sanctions. Instead of sophistry & putting onus on Iran, E3/EU must abide by own commitments & demand an end to Trumps legacy of #EconomicTerrorism against Iran, Zarif said in a tweet. Our remedial measures are a response to US/E3 violations. Remove the cause if you fear the effect, he continued. Well follow ACTION w/ (with) action. Read More Nobel Peace Laureate Ebadi Urges Iranians to Keep up Protests UN Nuclear Watchdog The Shiite theocratic regime in Tehran has been pressuring Biden to begin reversing sanctions imposed by Trump by next week, warning that it will take its biggest step yet to breach the deal if its demands are not metbanning short-notice inspections by the U.N. nuclear watchdog to stop nuclear activities that have no credible civilian use. Britain, France, Germany, and the United States called on Iran to refrain from that step and repeated their concerns over Irans recent actions to produce both uranium enriched up to 20 percent and uranium metal. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the president of the European Council spoke with Rouhani this week to try to end the diplomatic standoff. The head of the IAEA is scheduled to travel to Iran this weekend to find a solution that allows the agency to continue inspections. Iran is playing with fire, said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who took part in the talks. The measures that have been taken in Tehran and may be taken in the coming days are anything but helpful. They endanger the Americans path back into this agreement. The more pressure that is exerted, the more politically difficult it will be to find a solution, he said. Irans threats are very worrying, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, stressing the need to re-engage diplomatically in order to restrain Iran, but also bring it back into compliance. The diplomats also expressed concern about human rights violations in Iran and its ballistic missile program. Bidens officials have offered some conciliatory gestures toward Iran, such as relaxing the travel restrictions on diplomats in its mission to the United Nations that the Trump administration imposed in 2019, which had confined them to a small section of New York City. The Biden administration has also withdrawn a Trump administration assertion that all U.N. sanctions had been reimposed on Iran in September due to Irans significant non-performance with its JCPOA obligations, according to a U.S. letter to the United Nations Security Council seen by Reuters. By John Irish, Humeyra Pamuk, and Arshad Mohammed. The Associated Press and The Epoch Times 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. Two midlands TDs, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Fine Gael's Peter Burke and Fianna Fail's Barry Cowen have pledged to fight against proposals to ban the cutting and burning of turf. Environment Minister Eamon Ryan TD, leader of the Green Party, has launched a public consultation on solid fuel regulations, in advance of an expected ban on the use of all smoky coal. Currently, smoky coal burning is outlawed in all towns with a population of over 10,000, including Longford. Also read: 523,091 allocated to retrofit 19 Longford homes However, the consultation will also examine the use of other solid fuels, including peat and wood, with the Department of Climate Action saying regulation would improve air quality for the benefit of all. The department says rules on the maximum moisture content level at which wood be can sold could be introduced because wood with high moisture content is significantly more polluting than wood with low moisture content. The Climate Action Department also said EPA research shows that the contribution of peat to air pollution levels is significant. It said consideration needs to be given to options which may restrict the sale and marketing of sod turf, while respecting the traditional practice of turf cutting for personal use only. Also read: Longford planners give green light for multi million euro 43 bed unit at St Joseph's Care Centre Green Party Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister for Biodiversity, welcomed the consultation, which opened today (Thursday, February 18). The quality of our air is fundamental to our health. In 2018, there were 1,410 premature mortalities arising from air pollution in Ireland and many people in this country suffer horribly from respiratory diseases that are exacerbated by poor air quality. In turn, that puts pressure on our health services, Minister Hackett said in a statement. So its timely that we should have a public consultation about how we can lessen the harm from the fuels we burn in our homes the fuels that pollute our air. Some fuels are more damaging to our health than others. Smokeless coal and seasoned wood, for instance, are less harmful to regular coal, turf and green wood. Retrofitting will help to reduce our dependency on burning fuel to keep our homes warm, and Midlands counties have been the first to start retrofitting local authority homes, which will help the air quality here. The purpose of this consultation is to get the best ideas on how to change our fuel-burning habits to reduce deaths from air pollution, and to ensure a better quality of life for those with breathing difficulties. I would encourage everyone to have their say. Also read: Residents and landowners unhappy about a lot of issues in relation to N4 Mullingar to Longford upgrade Speaking on the Claire Byrne Show on RTE this morning, Minister Hackett played down speculation about a ban on turf and asked people not to jump to conclusions now but to read the consultation document first. In advance of the opening of the opening of the consultation, Deputy Cowen pledged at Wednesday night's Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting to oppose any moves to ban turf. He said Fianna Fail will resist and reject what he said were Minister Ryan's proposals to outlaw households using turf whether cut by themselves or purchased from commercial cutters. He said retrofitting will continue to drive down turf use anyway and added that it is important that Fianna Fail win this argument with the Minister. Covid-19 latest: Longford cases and incidence rate heading in the wrong direction Longford/Westmeath Minister of State Peter Burke said he is also concerned about the forthcoming consultation on smoky coal ban. He said that alternatives must be in place before any changes are made to our regulatory regime, adding crucially these alternatives are not yet in place in the Midlands." Minister Burke stated, We are investing now more heavily in the green economy which is a positive step, but it is absolutely crucial that infrastructure and alternatives are put in place in tandem to this investment, so that people reliant on turf and other fuels are not left at a disadvantage. My Department, along with the Department of Climate Action, is putting forward a retrofit programme for social housing in the midlands as part of the Just Transition, but this is on a small scale when you consider the total number of homes in our region totally reliant on solid fuel to keep warm. "Minister Ryan has made the commitment to have 500,000 homes retrofitted by 2030, which is an ambitious aim, but we must see this in place before we remove important sources of energy. Retrofitting is very labour intensive and while it is our goal, we need to ramp up the scale and speed of this before knock on effects are felt. I know constituents of mine are in favour of climate policies and are forward thinking in relation to the environment, we have seen how people are embracing more sustainable lifestyles over the last number of months which is hugely positive. But they must be supported in this by government. At a time when we are introducing many new environmental measures, public buy-in is of vital importance from all in our towns and villages. That is not done through short-term divisive measures and creating fear among our community." The public consultation is open until 5.30 p.m. on Friday, April 2 next. It can be accessed online HERE Ehlers Estate 2018 Vintage Ehlers Estate, the 42-acre organically farmed estate vineyard in Napa Valleys Saint Helena AVA, is announcing the launch of its 2018 vintage wines with a complete redesign and individualization of all wine labels. The 2018 vintage is Winemaker and General Manager Laura Diaz Munoz inaugural vintage since joining the historic Napa Valley estate. Since her appointment to the Ehlers Estate team in July of 2018, Lauras singular goal has been to create unforgettable wines with layers of complexity and a remarkable expression of fruit. Originally from Madrid, Lauras winemaking career in Napa Valley traces back to 2007 when she began working with Chris Carpenter at Jackson Family Wines, as Associate Winemaker at Cardinale, Lokoya, Mt. Brave and La Jota. In 2011, she spearheaded the launch of the companys Galerie wines, driven by her vision and European style as the primary winemaker to create nuanced wines and dynamic labels that cohesively present portraits of place from some of Northern Californias most prized appellations. Working with some of the best mountain and valley floor vineyard sites in California both prepared and inspired Laura to take on the winemaking role at Ehlers Estate where she could steward the vineyards unique combination of vines, soils and microclimates. Winemaker and General Manager Laura Diaz Munoz says, From a winemaking perspective, 2018 was a great vintage overall. There werent as many challenges in comparison to previous years - drought, low yields, heatwaves - so I describe this vintage as slow and easy. It allowed me to spend a lot of time in the vineyard to get to know each block and its variances. It also allowed me to let the fruit hang a little longer to achieve better fruit concentration in the wines and full phenolic ripeness. I couldnt have asked for a better vintage to start my winemaking journey at Ehlers Estate." The 2018 vintage is the culmination of Lauras ongoing winemaking journey and clear representation of her balanced approach. With deep reverence for the estates heritage and historic terroir, Laura applies her experience, unique insights and proclivity for consciously organic winemaking to expand the diversity and nuance of the Ehlers Estate portfolio. While walking the vineyard that first season and making the wines in the cellar - tasting them and exploring their potential, observing how they were evolving in the barrels - I thought a lot about making each wine a signature for its varietal and for Ehlers Estate, which led me to the idea of changing our labels to uniquely highlight each wine. We came up with one-of-a-kind labels which connect each wine to the Estate, its story, the vineyard and the tasting characteristics. Our design partner, artist Marta Botas, flew to our estate from Spain to capture the right colors, textures and panoramas to represent the vistas and vibrant dynamic of the Ehlers Estate vineyards and team. We are proud of the resulting labels and excited to reintroduce the wines, continues Laura Diaz Munoz. The 2018 vintage features the Ehlers Estate 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon ($140), J. Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon ($100), Portrait Red Blend ($72), Cabernet Sauvignon ($72), Cabernet Franc ($72), Merlot ($55), Petit Verdot ($72), Sauvignon Blanc ($36 and Sylviane Rose ($36). The nationwide roll out of the portfolios red wines begins in March of 2021. For more information about Ehlers Estate, please visit http://www.ehlersestate.com. About Ehlers Estate Ehlers Estate is a picturesque 42-acre vineyard with a stone barn winery dating back to 1886. The original winery was established by Bernard Ehlers. Today, the winery is owned by the Leducq Foundation, a trust established by Jean and Sylviane Leducq in 1996. The Leducqs came to the Napa Valley from France in search of a contiguous estate to create a winemaking legacy much like the great chateaux of Bordeaux. The mission of the Leducq Foundation is to improve human health through international efforts to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke. Proceeds from tasting fees and sales of Ehlers Estate wine help support the Leducq Foundations international cardiovascular research programs. The Leducq Foundation is committed to establishing Ehlers Estate as one of Napa Valleys greatest estates, where farming and winemaking are always top priority. The vineyard is divided into five main blocks (based primarily on soil type) and 25 sub-blocks. It has six different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on multiple rootstocks, seven sub-blocks of Merlot, four of Cabernet Franc, two of Sauvignon Blanc, and a block of Petit Verdot. Ehlers Estate received organic certification from the CCOF in 2008. The vineyards northern Napa Valley microclimate is defined by cool fog in the mornings, burnt off by bright, full sun at mid-day, and breezes in the afternoon to ensure slow, steady, and even ripening for the grapes. DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- iTecs Outsourcing, LLC, an IT MSP, cloud hosting, and cybersecurity firm that works with companies across the United States, has officially entered into a distribution partnership with StrikeForce Technologies, Inc, a cyber technology company that prevents data theft and security breaches. Founded by Brian Desmot in 2002, iTecs works with companies in all sectors and provides many IT-related services, including cloud hosting and cybersecurity as a managed service. Many of iTecs existing clients rely on the company to serve as their offsite IT department, handling procurement of technology, CIO/CTO consulting, break-fix support, and cloud hosting services. This puts iTecs in a unique and advantageous position to become a distributor of StrikeForce Technologies products and services. "We believe in the products that StrikeForce has developed and are excited to begin this venture of helping our clients further secure their IT infrastructure, devices, and communication solutions. With our existing client base and ability to reach new customers, the additional verticals that StrikeForce has provided iTecs are enormous. Their products, including PrivacyLok and SafeVchat, are well designed and in high demand as many of our clients are scrambling to find more secure alternatives to China-based Zoom." Says Brian Desmot, CEO and Founder of iTecs. SafeVchat is the first cybersecurity firm-developed video conferencing solution that provides all the features of Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex, but with security in mind. It is also one of the few video conferencing solutions that do not require installing any software on the end-users computer. iTecs will leverage the Promus Cloud Hosting division of the company and offer SafeVchat as a managed video conferencing solution. This means that a customer may elect to have the SafeVchat technology hosted in the secure iTecs Promus cloud or leverage the iTecs Network Engineers to install the platform in their own data centers. "We are excited to help our clients with a robust and more secure video conferencing solution that, we believe, SafeVchat offers." Brian Desmot concludes. For more information on StrikeForce Technologies, Inc. products, please visit their website StrikeForce Technologies For more information on iTecs IT MSP division, visit IT Support Dallas, Managed IT Services iTecs For more information on iTecs Promus Cloud Hosting division, visit Managed Small Business Cloud Hosting (SMB) | iTecs Promus About iTecs IT Outsourcing and Support Brian Desmot founded iTecs in 2002, a white-glove IT support, consulting, managed IT services provider. The firm delivers an umbrella of IT services from break-fix, consulting, cybersecurity, to procurement for businesses of all sizes. If you need a professional, customer-centric offsite IT department, iTecs is the best choice. Press Contact: Brian Desmot 214-744-3354 https://itecsonline.com SOURCE iTecs IT Outsourcing and Support Texas-based Deep Eddy Vodka launches lime expression Texas spirits brand Deep Eddy Vodka has launched a new expression: Deep Eddy Lime. The fast-growing American spirit brand created the new release by blending its 10-times distilled Original Vodka with lime juice for a bright, tart flavour. It joins a number of other citrus expressions in the Deep Eddy Vodka range, including the grapefruit-flavoured Ruby Red, Orange and Lemon. The producer says its new lime expression can be served neat, topped up with seltzer or as a citrussy cocktail base. Reid Hafer, group product director at Deep Eddy, said: "From the first sip, Deep Eddy Lime delivers on the crafted, fresh flavour true to the brand's reputation. Deep Eddy continues to invigorate the vodka category and spirits industry with our innovative approach to simple, real flavours and passion for the Deep Eddy experience." Since launching its first product, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea, just over a decade ago, Deep Eddy has grown into a brand selling 1.5 million cases a year. Its portfolio also includes Peach and Cranberry expressions. Deep Eddy Lime will be available nationwide in the US from March 2021. Its launch will be supported by in-trade and consumer media, social media, out-of-home displays and retail point-of-sale. 19 February 2021 - Bethany Whymark Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Sheep are funny creatures. Theyre sociable, but theyre also liable to wander off. They remember things, but they also roll over on their backs and cant get up without assistance. Thats why they need a shepherd. Throughout Scripture, we see God as a Shepherd and his people as sheep. An online search of the English Standard Version translation of the Bible yields 198 hits on the word sheep and 111 hits on the word shepherd. Clearly, God is trying to tell us something: We need him. Right now, people are afraid, anxious and angry. God foresees this tendency toward mental strain in us and provides us a necessary salve in Psalm 23. In this famous psalm of King David, I see God communicating three truths to his people: he is a Shepherd of restoration, protection and celebration. A Shepherd Who Restores Us David was a shepherd before he was appointed king over Israel. He was intimately acquainted with sheep. He knew their habits and their quirks, defended them against predators, fed them and led them to water. In Psalm 23:1-3, he writes: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake (ESV). From the Psalms, we know David was often driven to despair. He faced countless enemies. He sinned. He understood he needed a Shepherd. Charles Spurgeons perspective on these verses is particularly striking: There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. ... He does not say, The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock, but The Lord is my shepherd. When our lives are falling apart, we can rest in God as our personal Shepherd. He knows us better than we know ourselves and he can and will restore us. A Shepherd Who Protects Us God not only restores us, but he also protects us. David writes in verse 4: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Suddenly, David is removed from the sunny, peaceful meadow to a desolate place where danger and death await. But he takes special comfort in his Shepherds rod and staff. As David knew, a shepherd cannot be without a rod and a staff, which serve two primary purposes: to protect and to guide. A rod can fend off a predator and a staff can bring back an errant sheep. David implies that God, as his Shepherd, protects him from external threats as well as the enemy within himself. Therefore, David doesnt have to fear evil. That doesnt mean that he is throwing caution to the wind or is ignorant of the existence of evil it means he no longer has to live in bondage to fear. I remember receiving the horrifying news that my father had been murdered when I was 19 years old. I remember receiving my devastating cancer diagnosis in 2009. I remember the dark valleys of despair and depression. But God was with me in the midst of all of those horrible events. I wasnt always aware of him and I often questioned him and became angry with him. But I know I wouldnt have made it through without him. Our Shepherd is with us even when our circumstances seem to say otherwise. A Shepherd Who Celebrates Us Ive always been awed by the biblical idea of God delighting in us. This is something David understood well. In verses 5 and 6, he writes: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Anointing with oil signifies consecration and blessing. David knew God had chosen him for his position. A prepared table and an overflowing cup are pictures of abundance. God has spread a feast for David, not because of anything David has done, but because God is generous and loving. Davids response to this celebration tells us that he entrusts his past, present and future to his Shepherd. We do not know what the coming days hold. It seems that the shadows of death loom long over us and that we have descended into darkness. Like sheep we stand on the path, hesitant to move forward. But our Shepherd is leading us onward. Although we dont know where he is going, we can trust he will sustain us in the valley and will lead us through to the other side, where we will experience divine restoration and eternal celebration. 31339 Adam Such, President and Chief Operating Officer, Communication Security Group Adam Such, President and Chief Operating Officer, Communication Security Group Cybercriminals are capitalising on the Covid-19 driven move to work-from-home. Global authorities are urging businesses to be vigilant and do whatever they can to combat this threat. The FBI has issued a public service announcement stating Scammers are leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic to steal your money, your personal information, or both. Dont let them. In addition to issuing their own warning about the vulnerability of teleworking, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) cited the example of a hospital in the Czech Republic that reported a cyberattack which forced the hospital to shut down its entire IT network, postpone urgent surgical interventions and re-route new acute patients to a nearby hospital. Just this week the UK Government sparked security concerns when Prime Minister Boris Johnson (self-isolating having been confirmed to have Covid-19) tweeted a picture of a virtual cabinet meeting, and left the Zoom meeting ID number clearly in view. The governments choice of a platform that does not offer end-to-end encryption is bewildering. Thomas Rid, an expert in the risks of information technology in conflict at Johns Hopkins University states "Covid-19 has created - and continues to create - awe-inspiring intelligence-collection opportunities. Zoom would be a big part of that intelligence bonanza." For context, concerns over Zooms privacy and security have led Elon Musks SpaceX to ban use of the app, and only yesterday Zooms CEO Eric Yuan apologised to users, saying there would be a "shifting all engineering resources" to focus on security and privacy. How representative of the wider threat level is this? SentinelOne, an artificial intelligence endpoint security platform, has released data showing a nearly 400% increase in attempted attacks from February 23 to March 16 compared with the start of that period. To give further weight to these concerns, research by cybersecurity firm Check Point shows that of the 4,000 COVID-19 related domains that have been registered this year, at least 320 are thought to be malicious or suspicious, and many are likely fronts for cybercrime. In addition, according to cybersecurity firm Reason Security, Coronavirus map software that appears to track the global pandemic is in fact hiding the malicious, password-stealing malware AZORult. The reality is that these vulnerabilities are not new, they are simply magnified by the current situation. In research published last year by data storage manufacturers Apricorn, 95% of UK organizations have experienced cybersecurity issues related to remote working. Furthermore, they revealed that 50% of IT decision-makers asked were unable to guarantee that their data was adequately secured when being used by remote workers. Extensive primary research from security company Absolute, analysing more than six million enterprise devices over a one-year period, showed that 42% of all endpoints are unprotected at any given time. Of course, using the wrong tools, including the likes of Zoom and WhatsApp, can actively increase this risk. As Elliott Thompson, principal cybersecurity consultant at SureCloud points out Companies quickly adopting consumer-grade video conferencing can make it easy for an attacker to pretend to be a member of staff. It has even been revealed that in a coronavirus-related tech U-turn, the British Army has told soldiers that commands issued over WhatsApp are now legally binding. Only a year ago Army Sergeant Major Gavin Paton (the Army's most senior sergeant major) stated that WhatsApp was not appropriate way to issue orders. Even the right tools can be used in the wrong way; VPNS designed to be used by small subgroups of employees are struggling to cope as the majority of the workforce attempts to log in and work from home. Daryl Plummer, vice president, analyst and Gartner Fellow: Many companies use VPNs dependent on traffic over the public Internet, an unreliable transport which can develop problems as connections are made from different parts of the world. This translates into slowdowns and reduced quality of service overall. In this way, what starts out as good company policy and common sense becomes problematic in terms of performance and security. Just yesterday Microsoft issued a first of its kind notification to several dozen hospitals, warning of the vulnerability of their gateway and VPN appliances to ransomware groups actively scanning for exposed endpoints. This extended period of teleworking has dramatically increased dependency on digital infrastructure, making digital the default mode of communication. In tandem with this it has raised the cost of failure. According to Algirde Pipikaite, project lead of Governance and Policy at the World Economic Forum, In todays unprecedented context, a cyberattack that deprives organizations or families of access to their devices, data or the internet could be devastating and even deadly. If governments and armies are resorting to non-secure and un-encrypted messaging platforms out of a mistaken sense of ease, what are your own employees using right now? Against this backdrop, it is essential that organizations take any and all actions to protect themselves, their employees, their customers and their reputations. That will mean enterprise ready tools with certified assurance such as Cellcrypt. Cellcrypt offers the highest level of end-to-end, certified encryption for voice, messaging, conference calling and attachments. It also integrates with existing IT infrastructure, with mobile and desktop clients, and offers optional add-ons ranging from regulatory compliance auditing to private stacks that provide full management control and secure gateways for PBX extensions. We are also proud to be supporting businesses affected by the coronavirus, with unparalleled discounts on licenses and full enterprise solutions through our Home Working QuickStart offer. Businesses needing to transition to telework will be able to employ Cellcrypt rapidly to lessen the strain, costs, and vulnerabilities during this emergency. Cellcrypt is enterprise-ready, providing secure end-to-end encryption across existing hardware and we only provide to verified commercial and government enterprises to ensure the tool is only placed in the right hands. Please visit our specially set up page for more information, and to learn more about how Cellcrypt is contributing our military-grade business solutions during this public health crisis. Amazon has been dodging India's regulators all the while: report US online retailer Amazon Inc has been operating in India by circumventing all government regulations issued in the interests of the millions of small trades in the country, reports citing a strategy paper prepared by Amazon staff in India for Amazon.com Inc executive Jay Carney showed. India has embraced a marketplace model for online retail platforms, under which these retailers act as a platform for facilitating sales by small businesses, manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services, in a bid to provide even ground for all. However, retail giants like Amazon and Wal-Mart who felt suffocated by the marketplace model, have been scheming to dodge government regulations. This has been made clear in a recent report by Reuters, which cited a note prepared by Amazon employees in India for a meeting with Indias ambassador to the United States in Washington. The meeting followed Government of Indias announcement of a new set of regulations regarding foreign direct investment in early 2019. Amazon felt the new regulations threatened to disrupt its business model in one of the worlds fastest-growing markets. In their briefing of Carney before the meeting, Amazon employees, advised him to highlight the fact that Amazon had committed more than $5.5 billion in investment in India and how it provided an online platform for 400,000-plus Indian sellers. But cautioned not to divulge that some 33 Amazon sellers accounted for about a third of the value of all goods sold on the companys website. That information, the note advised, was Sensitive/not for disclosure. Some other company documents reveal that two sellers on the e-commerce giants India platform merchants in which Amazon had indirect equity stakes accounted for around 35 per cent of the platforms sales revenue in early 2019. That meant these two accounted for some 35 of Amazons more than 400,000 sellers in India. Amazon in its public messaging has been projecting itself as the friend of small business in India and claiming in one of its marketing slogan in India, it is transforming lives, one click at a time. The incriminating documents could add to the risks facing the company as the Indian government intensifies scrutiny. The documents reveal that for years, Amazon has been giving preferential treatment to a small group of sellers on its India platform, publicly misrepresented its ties with the sellers and used them to circumvent increasingly tough regulatory restrictions here. Indian traders, both brick-and-mortar and smaller online sellers, have long alleged that Amazons platform largely benefits a tiny number of big sellers and that the American giant engages in predatory pricing that has crushed legions of retailers. Amazon, however, says it complies with Indian law, which stipulates that an e-commerce platform can only connect sellers to buyers for a fee, unlike in the United States, where Amazon can both act as middleman and sell goods directly to consumers. As a graduate of the FIU College of Law, I know first-hand the important role that the college plays in providing students with a top-notch education, Lago said. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve on the FIU Law Deans Council." Carlos R. Lago, a shareholder in the Miami office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A, has been appointed to serve as a member of the Florida International University (FIU) Law Deans Leadership Council for the 2020-2021 term. The FIU Law Deans Leadership Council comprises alumni and supporters dedicated to the mission, vision, and principles of Florida International University College of Law. Members serve as community ambassadors and improve the law school by sharing expertise, providing insight on industry trends, mentoring law students, and assisting the College of Law with its annual goals. As a graduate of the FIU College of Law, I know first-hand the important role that the college plays in providing students with a top-notch education, Lago said. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve on the FIU Law Deans Council and look forward to working with its well-respected members to help mentor law students and provide them with industry insight. Lago, who is a member of the Land Use & Land Development Practice of the firms Miami office, has achieved successful results for clients bringing quality projects to downtown Miami, the Edgewater area of the City of Miami, Wynwood, Brickell, and beyond. He focuses his practice on land use, zoning, and governmental affairs, representing clients in multi-million-dollar transactions throughout South Florida. Active in the Miami community, Lago serves on the board of The Downtown Miami Charter School, and Locust Projects. He is a member of the United Ways Young Leaders Executive Committee, and volunteers for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. In addition, he is former vice chairman of the Young Lawyers Committee of the Cuban American Bar Association. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT), has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Yoga guru Ramdev releases research paper on ayurvedic coronavirus medicine Coronil India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Feb 19: In a recent development, Yoga guru Ramdev on Friday released a research paper by Haridwar-based Patanjali Research Institute on the "first evidence-based ayurvedic medicine" against the novel coronavirus, Coronil. It can be seen that Patanjali had last year brought out its medicine against COVID-19. Releasing the research paper, Yoga guru Ramdev emphasised its certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) and said this research paper is to satisfy those who had earlier questioned the scientific relevance of the medicine. Over 1 crore COVID vaccine doses administered to healthcare, frontline workers in India Earlier, Coronil was under scrutiny due to the lack of scientific evidence and trials that could determine its efficacy in combating the deadly virus that has taken more than 156,000 lives in the country. Coronil was first advertised as a cure for the coronavirus infection but later licensed as an "immunity booster" amid the controversy over its trial data and composition. During the event, Ramdev said that the aim of the institute is to accredit the ancient medical science of India globally by providing scientific evidence and fulfill the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in healthcare. BJP slams Congress over threats to Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar "Patanjali Research Institute's scientific research and success on the first evidence based corona medicine will benefit 158 countries of the world," the company's dairy arm also tweeted. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News The union health minister also emphasised the need of using modern scientific tools to highlight the importance of Ayurveda at the international level. Patanjali under the leadership of Acharyaji and Swamiji will help Ayurveda get the recognition it deserves at the international level, he said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 12:21 [IST] People who are racial, sexual, and gender minorities continue to be affected by HIV at significantly higher rates than white people, a disparity also reflected in the COVID-19 pandemic People who are racial, sexual, and gender minorities continue to be affected by HIV at significantly higher rates than white people, a disparity also reflected in the COVID-19 pandemic. The US HIV epidemic has shifted from coastal, urban settings to the South and rural areas. Despite its role as the largest funder for HIV research and global AIDS programs worldwide, the USA has higher rates of new HIV infections and a more severe HIV epidemic than any other G-7 nation. Series authors call for a unified effort to curb the HIV epidemic in the USA, including universal health coverage, programs to address disparities in HIV services, and actions to end discrimination and racism in health care. `The USA continues to lag behind other G-7 nations when it comes to controlling its HIV epidemic and is the only high-income country among the top 10 most HIV-affected countries worldwide. The majority of HIV infections are now concentrated in the South and rural areas, where women and minorities are disproportionately affected; a disparity that has also been seen in the COVID-19 pandemic which has disproportionately affected African Americans, Latinx Americans, Native Americans, and prisoners and detainees. The USA's inability to control its own epidemic is in stark contrast to its role as the largest global funder of HIV research and AIDS programs worldwide. In a new six-paper Series published today in The Lancet, authors highlight the ongoing challenges to ending the HIV epidemic in the USA, including racial, sexual, and gender disparities; significant gaps in domestic program funding; and a lack of access to HIV treatment and prevention services due to geography and a patchwork health care system. The USA failed to meet the ambitious 2020 targets set by the Obama administration's National AIDS Strategy in 2010 [1], and public health efforts have been drastically slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for women and minorities. The authors call for significant and sustained public health actions, including continuing to support the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative, which aims to decrease the number of new HIV infections in the USA by 90% within the next 10 years [2]. "The profound racial and gender health disparities brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic, while alarming, are sadly nothing new, as the HIV epidemic has shown us for more than 40 years," says Dr Chris Beyrer a professor of Public Health and Human Rights in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who led the series. He continues, "Since the early days of HIV we've seen sexual and gender minorities along with people of color bear the brunt of the epidemic. While the papers in our Series point out the significant advances we've made in developing treatment and prevention measures and highlight how the face of the epidemic has changed demographically and geographically, the one thing that sadly hasn't changed is that the people who need interventions the most are often the ones left out." [3] Although overall HIV infections in the USA declined by 16% during the past decade, from 44,716 in 2009 to 37,428 in 2018, significant disparities in race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual minorities remain. The risk of HIV infection has increased for Black people, Hispanic people, and men who have sex with men (MSM). And these unequal risks of infection are even greater for populations living in the South and rural areas across the country. A shifting HIV landscape The geography of the US epidemic has shifted dramatically and is now most intense in the South, which represents 37% of the US population but 51% of people living with HIV and 47% of new HIV diagnoses in 2018. People living with HIV in the South are more likely to live in rural areas, creating more challenges in reaching HIV care and prevention services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services, than people who live in urban or periurban areas. For example, the South has the lowest number of PrEP users per new HIV diagnosis (i.e., PrEP-to-need ratio), at 1.0 compared with 1.8 nationally and more than half of MSM who live at least 60 minutes' drive from PrEP services live in the South. In addition, more than half of the 12 states that have not yet expanded Medicaid, restricting access to both general health care and HIV treatment services, are in the South (Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina). HIV-related, anti-gay stigma, and suboptimal rates of health literacy in the South also play essential roles in lower access to HIV prevention and treatment services in this area than in other areas of the country. Disproportionate burden among Black people in the South occurs in both men and women: in 2018, 38% of all new HIV diagnoses among MSM were in the Black population, and 63% of those diagnoses occurred in the South. Similarly, 58% of new HIV diagnoses among women were in the Black population, and 65% of those diagnoses occurred in the South. "What first started as an epidemic concentrated in large, coastal cities has transformed--becoming increasingly Southern and increasingly rural. As the geography shifts so do other demographics, which accounts for the rise in infections among people of color and other sexual and gender minorities," says series author Dr Patrick Sullivan, a professor of epidemiology in Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. "It's incredibly important to understand where the epidemic is surging and why so that we can reach these populations with essential HIV services to help keep them healthy and virally suppressed and prevent them from spreading HIV to others." [3] When race, gender, and place intersect Geographic disparities are driven by race and ethnicity, with a higher burden of HIV infection among Black people than among individuals of other races or ethnicities. Black people, who represent 13% of the US population have accounted for 41% of the 700,000 total AIDS-related deaths in the USA since the epidemic began. In 2018, Black people accounted for 43% of HIV diagnoses, while Hispanic or Latinx people accounted for 26% of diagnoses (and 18% of the population) and white people for 26% of diagnoses (and 77% of the population). The Black-white disparity is even more pronounced among women. Although new diagnoses of HIV infections have decreased among women in the USA overall, in 2018 Black women accounted for 58% of HIV diagnoses among women despite being 14% of the US female population. Women living with HIV include women of reproductive age, older women, and transgender women, who all require unique health interventions, including access to reproductive health services, and access to care for chronic co-morbidities, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive impairment Transwomen, especially transwomen of color, report some of the highest HIV burdens, with HIV prevalence substantially higher among transwomen (14%) than among cis women (less than 1%) in the USA. However, many transwomen are unaware of their infection and more than half (51.4%) of seropositive Black transwomen in a study in six US cities had not been diagnosed. "Women living with HIV are often left out of research and clinical trials, making it that much more challenging to reach them with care and treatment innovations," says series author Dr Adaora Adimora, a professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "We need robust public health reforms to ensure that women not only have access to HIV services but can also access additional crucial support systems such as safe housing, resources to prevent gender-based violence, and the elimination of structural and system racism." [3] Race, place, and ethnicity also play a key role in new infections among MSM. In 2018, 38% of all new HIV diagnoses among MSM were in the Black MSM population, and 63% of those diagnoses occurred in the South. Although HIV diagnoses among MSM were stable from 2009 to 2018, that stability belies underlying inequities: during that decade, diagnoses among non-Hispanic white MSM decreased by 25%, remained stable among Black MSM, and increased by 20% among Hispanic MSM. "While MSM have been the face of the AIDS epidemic since the 1980s, the demographics are clearly shifting and as MSM living with HIV are more likely to be Black or Hispanic and live outside of urban centers, and we must find culturally appropriate and nuanced solutions that will reach these populations, no matter where they live," says series author Dr Kenneth Mayer, Medical Research Director of Fenway Health and a professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard TC Chan School of Public Health. [3] Intertwined epidemics The opioid epidemic, especially in the rural area areas such as Appalachia, has become intertwined with the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs (PWID) and has been associated with large transmission clusters, many in counties with historically low HIV prevalence from sexual contact. In serial surveys of PWID in 22 metropolitan cities from 2005-15, the racial composition of new PWID changed; the percentage of new Black PWID decreased from 38% to 19%, while new white PWID increased from 38% to 54%. These findings were echoed both in new HIV diagnoses during 2010-16 when HIV diagnoses decreased by 52% among Black PWID and 30% among Hispanic PWID. By 2015, new HIV diagnoses in PWID shifted to people who were predominantly white, were younger than 35 years of age, and who resided in non-urban settings. Rural communities are especially vulnerable to the opioid and HIV co- epidemics due to reduced access to health care, fewer providers to treat opioid use disorder and HIV, very few harm-reduction programs such as syringe exchanges, overdose education, naloxone distribution, and addiction treatment programs. Gender differences in PWID are common. Women who inject drugs are 1.2 times more likely to acquire HIV than their male counterparts, often being second to use the needle after their male injection partner. In 2017, women accounted for 28% of new HIV diagnoses among PWID. "We won't be able to end the co-epidemic of HIV and opioids until we reduce the stigma associated with both substance abuse and HIV, especially in rural areas that are poorly equipped to deal with these issues in the first place," says series author Dr Sally Hodder, rofessor of Medicine and director, West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, West Virginia University. "In places such as West Virginia, where the collapse of the coal mining industry and extreme poverty have exacerbated the opioid epidemic, this includes decriminalizing substance abuse, providing clean, safe places for syringe exchanges and other interventions, and offering comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment services." [3] From patchwork coverage to progress People living with and at risk for HIV seek health services via a patchwork network of payers, providers, and financing mechanisms. People living with HIV are primarily covered by Medicaid (40%), followed by private insurance (35%), with smaller shares covered by Medicare (8%) and other sources (7%), and with 11% uninsured. Many also get care through other programs, particularly the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which serves as the nation's safety net for people with HIV who remain uninsured or underinsured but offers modest or no support for prevention services. While uninsurance has drastically declined over the past decade thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the USA trails other high-income countries in key HIV-specific metrics, including rates of viral suppression [4]. And the system remains complex with coverage opportunities varying substantially across the country, leaving many people outside the system. "Despite the ACA's major expansions, coverage remains uneven across the country, leaving some people with and at risk for HIV outside the system, particularly in the South," says series author Jennifer Kates, Senior Vice President of Global Health and HIV Policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation. "The Obama and Trump administrations developed key targets to curb the epidemic, but the fractured nature of the US health system could make it hard to reach them, particularly for the most vulnerable." [3] Series authors conclude that ending the HIV epidemic in the USA will require a unified, national approach that includes universal access to healthcare; reduces geographical, racial, and ethnic disparities in HIV services; and addresses discrimination and racism in health care. "The USA has shown tremendous leadership in fighting the AIDS epidemic on a global scale, now we must also show that same leadership here at home. We have the innovations and expertise to make it possible, we just need the political will to do it," Beyrer says. Writing in a linked comment, Dr Errol Fields of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine notes, "Policy, public health, clinician, and community stakeholders must prioritise strategies that attend to the social inequities at the intersection of race, gender, class, age, and sexuality that compound the impacts of HIV and COVID-19 in Black communities. The racial disparities that so rapidly emerged with COVID-19 are a reminder that until these inequities are addressed, disparities in HIV and COVID-19 outcomes will persist and ending the HIV epidemic will remain elusive." ### NOTES TO EDITORS Support for the Lancet Series on HIV in the USA was provided in part by the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Johns Hopkins Center for AIDS Research (P30AI094189), and the Desmond M Tutu Professorship in Public Health and Human Rights at Johns Hopkins University. A full list of researchers involved in the study, and their affiliations, can be found in the Article. The labels have been added to this press release as part of a project run by the Academy of Medical Sciences seeking to improve the communication of evidence. For more information, please see: http://www. sciencemediacentre. org/ wp-content/ uploads/ 2018/ 01/ AMS-press-release-labelling-system-GUIDANCE. pdf if you have any questions or feedback, please contact The Lancet press office pressoffice@lancet.com [1] FACT SHEET: The National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Updated to 2020: https:/ / obamawhitehouse. archives. gov/ the-press-office/ 2015/ 07/ 30/ fact-sheet-national-hivaids-strategy-updated-2020 [2] https:/ / www. hiv. gov/ federal-response/ ending-the-hiv-epidemic/ overview [3]Quote direct from author and cannot be found in the text of the Article. [4] Kaiser Family Foundation: https:/ / www. kff. org/ hivaids/ slide/ hiv-viral-suppression-rate-in-u-s-lowest-among-comparable-high-income-countries/ Peer-reviewed / Review and modelling / People City Timothy D. Johnson Jr., 32, 55 Parker St., Apt. 1, Auburn, was picked up on a bench warrant Feb. 16. Michael A. Maycumber, 38, 10 E. McMaster St., Apt. 2, Auburn, was charged Feb. 16 with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a mislabeled dangerous drug. Amber L. Holmes, 27, 250 McIntosh Dr., Apt. A7, Auburn, was charged Feb. 17 with criminal mischief. Johnnathon M. Lafler, 28, 16 Church St., Auburn, was charged Feb. 17 with endangering the welfare of a child. Shauwna B. Meyer, 25, 12 Seminary Ave., Room 231, Auburn, was charged Feb. 17 with endangering the welfare of a child. Sonny L. Smith, 35, 35 Grant St., Auburn, was charged Feb. 17 with second-degree criminal contempt. Kenneth J. LaFramboise Jr., 37, transient, Auburn, was charged Feb. 18 with burglary and petit larceny. County Frank M. Schrader, 45, 340 Fire Lane 16A, Niles, was charged Feb. 16 with second-degree menacing and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time The January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was a terrible thing in which those involved should be arrested and pay the price, but which should not be compared to 9/11, Republican U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville said Friday. The freshman senator, whose first day on the Senate floor occurred during the day of the riot, said he believes those who were involved in ransacking the Capitol should be looked into, but he also said that the incident is all behind us now. Tuberville, in speaking to the media during a stop in Mobile on Friday, said he believed President Donald Trump was not responsible for inciting a mob of his supporters to rush the Capitol building. Five people died during the insurrection, including a Capitol police officer. Democratic lawmakers in Congress, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, announced plans on Monday to establish an independent commission to investigate the facts and causes of related to the Capitol attack. The commission would be established like the model of the commission established after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They are comparing it to 9/11 and its a terrible thing, said Tuberville about the January 6 incident. Whoever went in there should be arrested and pay the price for breaking windows. We had a couple of people hurt, assaulted, and couple who died. We need to look into it from that point of view, I guess. He added, But in 9/11, we lost 3,000 people. So, I dont think (the Capitol insurrection) is on that scale. If anything needs to be done, we need to look into why we didnt have enough security in there to stop whatever was going on, not matter what happened. Tubervilles name was thrust into the impeachment picture when revelations surfaced that the Alabama senator spoke to Trump on the phone just as the mob approached the Capitol building. Some Democratic lawmakers, such as Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, wanted to have the trial suspended so that Tuberville could be disposed or called to testify during the proceedings. That did not occur, and the Senate on Saturday acquitted Trump on an impeachment charge of inciting a riot. He didnt call my phone, he called someone elses, said Tuberville, referring to the former presidents misdialed called to Utah Senator Mike Lee, who handed the phone to Tuberville. I basically told him, Mr. President, we are not doing much work here right now, Tuberville said. He said he told Trump that security removed former Vice President Mike Pence out of the Senate chamber. He also told Trump that he needed to leave himself, and then hung up on the former president. The insurrection occurred moments after the president, during a rally outside the Capitol building, told supporters that he had been cheated in a rigged election. He called legislators weak, including Republicans who were certifying the election results that afternoon. I dont think what he said made any difference, Tuberville said. I think it got started before he got halfway through his speech. There were some people there who were going to make a statement. Indeed, the breach on the Capitol building occurred while Trump was still talking during the Stop the Steal rally. Sen. Tommy Tuberville speaks in Mobile. Posted by al.com on Friday, February 19, 2021 Tuberville also addressed the Jan. 5 fundraiser he attended inside the presidents private residence at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. Photographs surfaced late last month showing the senator attending a fundraiser that also drew Trumps inner circle such as Donald Trump Jr., and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Tuberville has said he did not meet with the former president during the gathering. He said on Friday he was there only to provide a short speech. Several of us were there to speak, Tuberville said. It was about 2022 (elections). There were probably 15-20 people there. I had to walk five blocks to get to it. They had everything blocked off downtown. It took me longer to walk there than it took me to speak for the five to 10 minutes I was there, and then I left. Tuberville said he remains concerned are the heightened security that has occurred outside the Capitol. The Capitol Police is recommending the seven-foot-tall fencing to remain up outside the Capitol building until at least September, due to threats that lawmakers continue to receive following the January 6 riot. They put in a 10-foot fence with 20 miles of razor wire and started out with 25,000 National Guard people sleeping on the ground on the floors of the Capitol, said Tuberville. I dont know what all that was for. We dont need that many. We might need a fence. But its the peoples house. It looks like a Third World country right now. Tubervilles stop in Mobile was part of a multi-day swing through Alabama including a stop off in Dothan to meet with a group of farmers. Tuberville, earlier this month, was appointed to the Senate Armed Services Committee; Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee; and the Veterans Affairs Committee. Tuberville talked about his committee assignments during an interview on the Rick & Bubba radio show Thursday, and blasted Veterans Affairs facilities for sponsoring socialized medicine. In some areas its not well run, he said. Our veterans it takes six months to get an appointment. His stop-off in Mobile included a visit to Austal USAs shipyard, which is among Mobiles largest employers and relies on annual defense appropriations from the federal government to build warships. He also joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to tour a dredging project that is going on within the Mobile ship channel that is part of a project overseen by the Alabama State Port Authority. Retiring U.S. Senator Richard Shelby has long pushed for federal funding to secure military contracts at Austal to build Navy warships, and he secured critical funding for the dredging project. The latest defense appropriations bill including funding for an Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship with increased medical capabilities, as well as $50 million to explore autonomous proficiencies for existing EPF ships that are built in Mobile. Said Tuberville about Shelby, who is retiring at the end of his term in 2022, I look forward to learning from him. I asked him to stay, but he says its time for him to go. AMHERST Serena Sarage of South Hadley has realized her two-pronged dream of moving to Colorado and joining the nursing workforce during a once-in-a-century pandemic. Similarly, Maine native Melissa Petersen has been hired as a newly graduated nurse into a residency program to care for seriously ill cardiac patients at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Their quick entry into the nursing field, at a time when nurses are desperately needed, was made possible by a University of Massachusetts Amherst request to move up the students graduation one month, to Jan. 1, so they could take the National Council Licensure Examination to become registered nurses. UMass Amhersts request to accommodate nursing graduates moving out of state was approved by Marty Meehan, president of the five-campus University of Massachusetts system. Nursing graduates in Massachusetts seeking employment in the Bay State were already in a position to move quickly into the workforce. An earlier graduation date was not significant to them because the state allows them to take the licensure exam with an official transcript alone. That was available Dec. 14. The accommodation for out-of-state employment was also made last year for UMass Medical School graduates. As a result, fall 2020 graduates from the UMass Amherst accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program are already working or poised to start high-demand hospital jobs across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The accelerated nursing degree program, designed for students who already have an undergraduate degree, takes 17 months to complete and wraps up in the fall semester. Because of the change with the conferral date, I was able to take the NCLEX sooner and apply in time so I could get this opportunity, says Sarage, who has been hired to work at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, in one of the top-ranking orthopedic units in the nation. If the graduation date wasnt changed, I honestly dont think Id be here, so Im super thankful for that. My heart was set on this hospital. Sarage earned her first bachelors degree at UMass Amherst in public health. She and Petersen approached Dean of Nursing Allison Vorderstrasse and others for help. This was an issue this year in particular because the semester ended earlier than normal, and there was a larger lapse of time between finishing their course work and requirements and the actual conferral of the degree, Vorderstrasse said. Some students had lined up potential jobs or residencies and were feeling the pressure to get their NCLEX exam completed so they could start those positions. Finding a location to take the proctored exam was more challenging than usual because of pandemic restrictions that limit the testing centers capacity. Petersen decided to return to college for a nursing degree at UMass Amherst after working as a medical assistant in a health care center in Burlington, Vermont. She had earned her first degree, in anthropology, from the University of Vermont and worked as an emergency medical technician. She had planned to go to medical school or become a physician assistant, but discovered at the Burlington clinic that she preferred the greater patient interaction of nursing. I was doing blood draws, giving vaccines, doing intake work with patients. I saw what the nurses were doing talking with patients about symptoms, doing the medical histories and realized I wanted to do that instead, Petersen said. She completed her nursing internship at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, working on the neurological stepdown unit, where seriously ill patients who had been in intensive care are sent to continue treatment under close watch. Petersen was eager to start her nursing career as soon as possible. We are in the middle of a global pandemic and theres a nursing shortage, she said. Without the early conferral of her degree, she would not have been able to get in the queue to take the licensure exam in time to start the job she was offered. In her nurse residency position on Vanderbilt Medical Centers cardiac stepdown unit, shell be working with patients recovering from severe heart conditions. I enjoy the care thats delivered on that kind of floor because theres a lot of patient interaction while you still are providing a high level of care, Petersen said. Related Content: The day after the Battle of Iwo Jima started during World War II, on Feb. 20, 1945, the Associated Press reported in The Patriot that the battle is fierce and is costing considerable lives. In the days leading up to one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history, the Associated Press wrote, Iwo Jimas coastal defenses were further shattered Sunday in the third straight day of bombardment of the invasion-menaced island, 750 miles south of Tokyo, Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz announced today. He made no mention of Tokyo claims that three Yank invasion attempts had failed. Nimitz said heavy United States Fleet units had the tiny but strategic island under fire all day Sunday, knocking out three more strongly-defended coastal guns and probably damaging three others. The United States launched an amphibious invasion on the island that was defended by about 23,000 Japanese army and navy troops. After more than a month of fighting, the United States was victorious - giving rise to well-known photo by photographer Joe Rosenthal of U.S. Marines raising the United States flag over Mount Suribachi. It was taken on Feb. 23, 1945. The United States had been clearing land for air bases for the new B-29 Superfortress bombers. Japanese fighters taking off from Iwo Jima were intercepting the bombing runs. For that reason, the United States decided to take Iwo Jima. According to the National World War II Museum, The Japanese defenders of the island were dug into bunkers deep within the volcanic rocks. Approximately 70,000 U.S. Marines and 18,000 Japanese soldiers took part in the battle. In 36 days of fighting on the island, nearly 7,000 U.S. Marines were killed. Another 20,000 were wounded. Marines captured 216 Japanese soldiers; the rest were killed in action. The island was finally declared secured on March 16, 1945. It had been one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history. After the battle, Iwo Jima served as an emergency landing site for more than 2,200 B-29 bombers, saving the lives of 24,000 U.S. airmen. Securing Iwo Jima prepared the way for the last and largest battle in the Pacific: the invasion of Okinawa. According to the museum, 27 Medals of Honor were awarded for action on Iwo Jima - more than any other battle in U.S. history. From the newspaper report, Broadcasts today from Guam all agreed a costly and savage battle is raging on the tiny island in the volcano group. Vice Adm. Richard Kelly Turner, viewing the island from the flagship said that Iwo Jima looked like a garbage scow serviceable but without charm. On the second day of fighting, it was reported that the hard-fighting Devildogs had cut a curving line across the south end of the island giving them control of one-third of Iwos eight square miles. Soldiers were making gains battling tough opposition every yard of the way. On Feb. 22, 1945, the newspaper reported, A Third Marine Division, increasing the invasion force to possible 45,000 men, has been thrown into furious battle for Iwo to fill gaps caused by casualties already exceeding 3,600. Japanese resistance rose to such a high pitch Wednesday afternoon, third day of the invasion, that the hard-fighting Devildogs virtually were stopped in their tracks. The reinforced Leathernecks holding a wedge across the south third of the island, stormed the slopes of a volcano on the south tip with flamethrowers and tanks. On Feb. 23 - The Iwo Jima fighting, ranking with the toughest Marine Corps in history, had taken a toll of 4,553 Leathernecks up to late afternoon Thursday 385 killed and 4,168 wounded. While the photo of the Marines raising the flag at Mount Suribachi was taken on Feb. 23, it would be several days until it began to appear in newspapers. The Battle of Iwo Jima ended March 26, 1945. This is a March, 1945 photo of a U.S. Marine communicator, burrowed in a shallow foxhole, calling for artillery support to silence enemy mortars in Iwo Jima, Japan, during World War II. (AP Photo)AP READ MORE Starved for human kindness: The liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau during the Holocaust. Sudden criminal attacks: The bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The greatest American battle: The Battle of the Bulge in World War II started 76 years ago. " " Number One Observatory Circle, the residence of the U.S. vice president, is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. The Washington Post/Getty Images Most people probably know that the U.S. president lives and works in the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., in Washington, D.C., one of the most famous homes on the planet, and a symbol of the power and prestige of the presidency. But what about the vice president, the No. 2 in the line of succession to the nation's highest office? It's a post that's become increasingly important as a source of policy advice and legislative lobbying muscle in presidential administrations, but does it come with an official residence as well? The answer is yes. Since the mid-1970s, the vice president has had a mansion of his (now her) own as well, and though it's not as well known as the White House, it's pretty fancy and historic in its own right. Advertisement Where Does the VP Live? The vice president's residence, located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory about 2.5 miles (4.02 kilometers) northwest of the White House, doesn't have a similarly iconic name. Instead, it's often referred to prosaically as the VPR, or by using its address, Number One Observatory Circle. "It's probably due to the fact that a catchy name simply didn't develop," explains Kyle Kopko, an adjunct professor of political science at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, and the author of two books on vice presidential candidates. "The White House wasn't originally called that. It developed over time. Originally the White House was called the executive mansion, or president's mansion, or various generic combinations throughout history." According to the White House Historical Association, the presidential mansion wasn't officially named the White House until 1901. But don't let that nondescript nomenclature fool you. No. 1 Observatory Circle, built in 1893, is an ornate three-story Queen Anne-style brick Victorian home with 9,150 square feet (850 square meters) of interior space, according to Gail S. Cleere's 1989 book, "The House on Observatory Hill: Home of the Vice President of the United States." "The demands of the vice presidency and the need for security necessitate a government-owned house for the vice president and the second family," Kopko says. "The establishment of an official vice presidential residence also coincides with the rise of the office's informal power. Historically, the office of the vice president was not very powerful, and the vice president mainly assumed ceremonial duties. However, that changed over time. Vice presidents now play significant advisory roles, oversee policy, and assume a variety of responsibilities on behalf of the president." " " Prince Charles of Great Britain talks with Vice President Dan Quayle at the vice president's residence on Feb. 17, 1989. Bettmann/Getty Images Advertisement The History of the Residence Designed by Washington architect Leon E. Dessez and built by a Philadelphia-based construction firm, the house originally was intended to serve as the home of the superintendent of the Naval Observatory, and to be a "gracious country house after the style of the time," as Cleere wrote. The ground floor consists of a reception hall, living room, sitting room, sun porch and dining room and pantry, plus offices that were added on the home's north side, according to Cleere's book. The second floor contains two bedrooms, a study, and a den, while the third floor has four more rooms, which originally served as servants' quarters and storage areas. In the basement, there's a kitchen, laundry room and more storage. A dozen observatory superintendents lived in the house from 1893 to 1927. But the mansion was coveted by various officers who held the post of Chief of Naval Operations, and in 1928, Congress finally passed a law giving it to the CNO at the time, Admiral Charles Frederick Hughes (known as "Handlebars" because of his lush moustache). He moved into the house the following year, according to Cleere's account. Vice presidents, though, had to find their own places to live. Most either resided in their own homes, or as Calvin Coolidge did during the Warren G. Harding administration, lived in hotels. Coolidge, who became president after Harding's death in 1923, may have been the first to advocate the notion of giving the vice president an official home, in keeping with the dignity of the position. "The great office should have a settled and permanent habitation and a place, irrespective of the financial ability of its temporary occupant," Coolidge wrote in his memoirs. By the mid-1960s, though, the expense of outfitting vice presidential residences with adequate security and communications equipment prompted Congress to pass a bill authorizing construction of a new home for the vice president on a portion of the Naval Observatory grounds, at a cost of $750,000 (about $6 million in today's dollars). But as the cost of the Vietnam war escalated, then-vice president Hubert Humphrey asked that the project be delayed as "an example of prudent budget practices," and the new house was never built, according to this 2017 Indianapolis Star article. " " Vice President George H.W. Bush in the vice president's residence in 1983. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images Meanwhile, the government continued to spend a fortune outfitting vice presidential residences. After President Richard Nixon picked Gerald R. Ford to replace Spiro Agnew as vice president when Agnew resigned in 1973, construction workers descended upon Ford's home in Alexandria, Virginia, to make extensive modifications, including installation of bullet-resistant windows. Those retrofits were only needed for nine months, because Ford eventually replaced Nixon as president. Eventually, as Cleere's book notes, Congress decided that what was, at the time, called the Admiral House presented another, cheaper alternative. In 1974, Congress passed legislation that took Number One Observatory Circle away from the CNO and made it the vice presidential residence. (The CNO was relocated to Tingey House, an 1804 Georgian-style mansion that stands in the Washington Navy Yard.) But the transition didn't occur right away. Vice President Nelson Rockefeller never actually moved into Number One Observatory Circle, though he used it for official events. Walter Mondale, who moved into the mansion in 1977, was its first vice presidential occupant. Over the years, various modifications have been made to the vice presidential residence. Dan Quayle, who served as vice president during the George H.W. Bush administration, added a swimming pool, according to The Hill. Karen Pence, the wife of Donald J. Trump's vice president Mike Pence, added a beehive as a reminder of bees' important role in agriculture, CNN reported in 2017. After Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president of the United States in January 2021, she and her husband Doug Emhoff didn't immediately move in. Instead, they temporarily took up residence in Blair House, the presidential guest residence at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, so that repairs and maintenance could be completed. HowStuffWorks may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Now That's Interesting When he was vice president, Al Gore often visited the Naval Observatory's telescope to gaze at the cosmos, as Charles Denyer, author of the 2017 book "Number One Observatory Circle," told USA Today. The United Nation Commission for Social Development (UNCSocD) adopted a resolution highlighting the inputs of the latest three editions of the Egyptian World Youth Forum, held in Sharm El-Sheikh city from 2017 to 2019. The decision, adopted during the 59th session of the UNCSocD held on Wednesday, classified the Egyptian forum a platform for addressing the youth issues at the regional and international levels. Egypts Permanent Mission to the United Nations has succeeded in garnering the support of the UN for the countrys World Youth Forum (WYF) in addressing youth issues regionally and globally during CSocD59. The CSocD, one of the bodies of the UN Economic and Social Affairs Department, adopted on 16 February in conjunction with the resolution sponsored by Egypt and presented by Senegal, Cape Verde, Portugal, and Kazakhstan with a special reference to the three WYF editions that were held in Sharm El-Sheikh starting from the year 2017 the forum as one of the international platforms to discuss youths issues. Egypt's Permanent Representative to the UN Mohamed Idris stated that youths issues were currently a top priority on the UN agenda, and that the inclusion of this special reference to the WYF in the Csocs resolution reflected the Egyptian efforts made during the past years in terms of youth empowerment. It also comes as a recognition to the contributions of the three editions of the forum which tackled contemporary issues related to youth and their role in achieving the 2030 sustainable development agenda, he stated. The Egyptian mission managed to include the special reference to the WYF in the resolution with the support of several African states' missions. This move is expected to promote the results of the WYF and enhance its position internationally as the CSoc prepares for its annual Youth Forum. Short link: The mother of slain Arkansas jogger Sydney Sutherland says she thinks her daughter murder and rape were premeditated acts of 'evil,' after a judge found the suspected killer mentally fit to stand trial. Quake Lewellyn, 28, an Arkansas farmer, has been charged with capital murder, kidnapping, rape and abuse of corpse in connection with Sutherland's death in August 2020. Her body was recovered nearly a month later. Last week, a forensic psychologist submitted a report stating that Lewellyn 'did not lack the capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct,' clearing the way for his being declared fit for trial. Maggie Sutherland, pictured with her daughter Sydney, left, says she thinks farmer Quake Lewellyn, 28 (left), premeditated the 25-year-old nurse's murder and rape in August Fox Nation host Nancy Grace interviewed Maggie Sutherland on her show this week, after Lewellyn was found fit to stand trial Sutherland's mother, Maggie Sutherland, weighed in on the case in a recent episode of Fox Nation's Crime Stories With Nancy Grace, saying that she was still struggling to come to terms with what had happened to her daughter. Lewellyn told police and mental health experts that he was driving along the Jackson County Road 41 South on August 19 when he noticed Sutherland walking along a gravel road. He initially drove past the woman, but then turned his truck around and struck her, according to court documents obtained by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in October. He then allegedly admitted to loading Sutherland's body onto the bed of his truck and driving her to a deserted rice field. Police said Lewellyn said he dug a hole, stripped off Sydney's clothes and 'tried messing with her a bit,' which they say was rape. He then buried her body. 'You could tell it's kind of premeditated,' mom Maggie said during this week's interview. 'When someone turns around and goes back, it just, to this day, gives me chills to even think [of] what he did to my daughter because it was just a very cruel, evil thing. This still shared from Ring footage of a family member is believed to be the last picture of Sutherland and was taken just 90 minutes before she went on a run near her home the day she was murdered 'You know, he didn't just do one thing. He did everything, and it will never be out of my mind. It hurts deeply.' During his psychiatric evaluation, Lewellyn revealed that he resumed his work immediately after the killing and spent several hours checking wells before he returned home, ate dinner and went to bed. He 'just tried to forget about it,' the psychologist wrote. Maggie Sutherland accused Lewellyn, whom she knew from living in the same community, of faking mental illness to avoid being held accountable for her daughter's death, saying: 'He knew what he was doing.' Maggie previously said she feels Lewellyn, whom she described as a 'monster,' is deserving of the death penalty and hopes he gets that sentence during his trial next year. Sutherland, who worked as a nurse, was last seen alive out jogging on August 19. She was reported missing after failing to return to the home she shared with her boyfriend of four years, Alex Nicholson. Sutherland, who worked as a nurse, was last seen alive out jogging on August 19 Police found her body following a wide search operation using K-9 units and helicopter crews. They had previously located her iPhone about a quarter-mile from her home. Authorities identified Lewellyn as a suspect after using data from his own cellphone that put him in the vicinity of where Sutherland's phone was found. Lewellyn and Sutherland were known to each other but the nature of their relationship remains unclear. He was arrested August 21, 2020 and is being held without bond at the Randolph County jail. 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. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has said the withdrawal of Ulster Bank from the Republic of Ireland is a serious blow for the Irish banking landscape, as well as the banks staff and customers. Ulster Bank is to begin a phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland after more than 160 years in the market, its parent company NatWest confirmed earlier today. While Ulster Banks withdrawal is going to be gradual and phased, this is nonetheless a deeply disappointing decision by the NatWest group which will have significant consequences given the size of Ulster Banks presence in the Irish banking market, Minister Michael McGrath said of the news. The immediate priorities now are to ensure the staff are treated fairly and that the interests of their customers are protected, he continued. The withdrawal of Ulster Bank is a v serious blow for staff, customers & competition in the banking sector. Staff must be treated fairly & customers protected. The engagement with other banks is welcome. Useful FAQs here 4 customers https://t.co/IKycf49IW3 Michael McGrath (@mmcgrathtd) February 19, 2021 He said customers should not panic and should instead take advice before making any decision about products they currently have with the bank. Ulster Bank customers should not panic or make any quick decisions. Tracker mortgage customers, for example, who wish to keep their existing tracker product need to be particularly careful about switching their mortgage to another provider as this will almost certainly result in them losing their tracker. On the other hand, if their mortgage is sold, the existing terms and conditions including the tracker rate transfer across. Customers should consider their options carefully, and there is no pressure on them in the short-term to do anything, he said. Mr McGrath said he will work closely with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and other colleagues across government to manage the fallout from this decision by NatWest. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie Explaining the decision today, NatWest said a review of its Irish bank found that it would not achieve an acceptable level of returns going forward. Uncertainty now surrounds the bank's 2,800 staff, although NatWest insists it will try to keep job losses to a minimum. Ulster Bank's operations in Northern Ireland are unaffected by the announcement. Two other Irish banks - Permanent TSB and AIB - have already made moves to potentially acquire Ulster Bank assets south of the border. The Irish Government is a majority stakeholder in both AIB and Permanent TSB. "Following an extensive review and despite the progress that has been made, it has become clear Ulster Bank will not be able to generate sustainable long-term returns for our shareholders, said NatWest chief executive Alison Rose. "As a result, we are to begin a phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland over the coming years which will be undertaken with careful consideration of the impact on customers and our colleagues." Permanent TSB and other banking interests are in talks with NatWest over the potential acquisition of Ulster Bank's retail and SME assets, liabilities and operations. NatWest has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AIB over the purchase of Ulster Bank's corporate and commercial loans. Minister Paschal Donohoe welcomed these developments. "I also welcome the announcement regarding Ulster Bank staff which outlines that some staff will transfer to AIB in line with the MoU that has been agreed with that bank. "The commitment to engage with staff to minimise the impact on them is also to be welcomed, he said. "The Irish banking landscape will be poorer for the loss of Ulster Bank after all these years but we will focus now on the future and what can be done to support and strengthen a competitive and stable Irish banking system for the future, he added. Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, himself a customer with Ulster Bank, said the move by NatWest was really disappointing. Picture: Mike English Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, himself a customer with Ulster Bank, said the move by NatWest was really disappointing. We know the situation in Ireland with our banking sector we need more choices, we need to be given more options and alternatives and losing Ulster Bank now is really disappointing. His party colleague, Sinn Feins spokesperson on finance, Pearse Doherty, has called on Government to minimise the damage caused by Ulster Banks withdrawal. What were looking for now is a seamless transition that doesnt affect peoples mortgages or their loans or their day-to-day banking, Mr Gould said. He said that one of the partys main concerns is that vulture funds could take over the bank's 20.5 billion loan book. One of the worries we have is that they might look at getting rid of some of their loan book to vulture funds. Weve seen what happened in the past with vulture funds, he said. Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke similarly described the news of Ulster Banks withdrawal from the Irish market as very disappointing. Fine Gael TD Colm Burke. Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins I think its always good for a market, especially a financial market, that there is competition. Coming from a legal background and having dealt with home loans and drawing down loans for the last 30 odd years, its when there was competition there that you got competitive rates. I also think the problem now is that there are fewer options for people. Say for instance you have a very good business proposal and you go to your own bank and for some reason or another you dont fit in within their lending criteria, youre now limited as regards who else you can go to. Ive seen some very big and very good business development proposals being shot down by people who were with a financial intuition for 20 or 30 years and then they had been able to go to another financial intuition and get that lending facility and then the projects worked out very well, he said. There are many serious implications over the decision of Ulster Bank to cease operations in the Republic of Ireland. Locally I worry about another building on Patrick Street needing reuse. I'm surprised to see that the building isn't listed. pic.twitter.com/yoeGjxADY6 Cllr. Dan Boyle (@sendboyle) February 19, 2021 Green Party Cork City Councillor Dan Boyle said today marks a difficult day for Ulster Banks staff and customers in the Republic of Ireland. Theres also the aspect of the physical presence of the branches, leaving holes on main streets across Ireland. Locally I worry about another building on Patrick Street needing reuse. I'm surprised to see that the building isn't listed, he said. It will be one of several key buildings that are vacant on Patrick Street. One of the big questions is how will we shape the future of Patrick Street going forward and I believe that should be a key focus as we look at the Cork City Development Plan. Cayman Islands is situated in Caribbean Sea, 480 miles southwest of Miami, USA. The three islands are spread over 101 square miles, have a population of 65,000 and gross domestic product (GDP) of $5.5 billion, slightly more than that of the Union Territory of Puducherry. Still, it was the third-largest contributor of equity foreign direct investment (FDI) in India in the first six months of FY21 ($2 billion). Only Singapore ($8.3 billion) and the US ($7.13 billion) were ahead. The tiny British Overseas Territory even bettered Mauritius, traditionally the biggest source of FDI into India. The emergence of Cayman Islands as India's biggest FDI source is not a one-off event triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. The trend had been taking shape for the last two-three years, but became more visible only in FY20 when the island became the fifth-largest source of FDI ($3.7 billion). It had entered the top 10 (sixth rank) only in FY18. While it topped countries such as France, Germany, the UK and Japan in the last three years, if trends for the current financial year hold, it may outflank Mauritius, traditionally the number one FDI source, in FY21. Why is a country half the size of Puducherry emerging as one of India's biggest FDI contributors? Is it the new Mauritius - a typical no-tax, low-compliance jurisdiction, which investors take advantage of to route ill-gotten money into India? Or is there more to it than meets the eye - a China connection, may be? Tax Arbitrage The rise of Cayman Islands went parallel with both Mauritius and Singapore losing their tax advantages after India modified its tax treaties with these two countries. The new India-Mauritius and India-Singapore tax treaties that came into force from April 1, 2017 took away some of the tax advantages of routing investments through these jurisdictions. Cayman Islands, on the other hand, does not have a tax treaty with India but only a Tax Information Exchange Agreement, signed in 2011. This could have meant double taxation for investors but for the fact that Cayman Islands does not impose income, corporate, capital gains or other direct taxes such as payroll and withholding taxes. According to the The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Cayman Islands has had tax treaties with just 10 countries, of which only eight were in force in the first half of 2020. So, is it gaining at the cost of Mauritius and Singapore? Amit Jindal, Co-founder of chartered accountancy firm Felix Advisory, says Cayman's no-tax territory status is a big reason for investors shifting there. "Unlike most countries, Cayman doesn't have corporate tax, making it an ideal place for multinational corporations to base subsidiary entities to shield some or all of their income from taxation," he says. Akhilesh Ranjan, former member of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), who was also in charge of the administration of international taxation and transfer pricing in India, says there was a shift from Mauritius to Singapore after the amendment in the Mauritius treaty. "Though both the treaties were amended at the same time, Singapore already had a Limitation of Benefits clause, which specified some objective parameters. So, there was an element of certainty in Singapore, which was not there in Mauritius, which is why substantial investments shifted from Mauritius to Singapore," he says. However, he refuses to say that the surge in FDI from Cayman Islands is only due to low tax rates there. "There are no clearly identifiable reasons. Of course, it is a low-tax jurisdiction, but so are others," he says. Virendra Nath, Managing Director, APC Partners of Hong Kong, which has a Cayman Islands-based FPI (APC Prestige Fund) registered in India, says Cayman is preferred not because it is a tax haven, but because it offers a tax neutral jurisdiction. "Our investors are from different territories. If I put the fund in Hong Kong, I will benefit certain investors (from countries which have tax treaty with Hong Kong) and not certain others (from countries which have no tax treaty with Hong Kong). So, I have to put my fund in a place that is neutral to all." As Cayman is a no-tax jurisdiction, investors do not have to worry about being taxed twice if their country has not signed a tax treaty with it. He tries to dispel what he calls is a 'misconception' associated with tax havens by saying that even if an entity based in Cayman Islands does not pay tax, investors in the fund pay tax wherever they are supposed to. "Our fund is based out of Cayman Islands, and when I am investing in India, I am paying taxes (in India). So, where is the question of tax haven?" he says. Tax rates for foreign investors in India are specified in tax treaties with their countries, but as Cayman Islands does not have a treaty with India, investors have to pay tax in India - short-term capital gains at 15 per cent and long-term capital gains at 10 per cent. A total of 339 Cayman Islands-based FPIs are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India; these invest only in listed securities. The purpose of their investments is not management control. China Connection At the height of tension with China at the Ladakh border last year, the Indian government issued a press note on April 17, 2020, putting restrictions on investments from border countries, including China. The aim was to curb unchecked Chinese investments. The sharp jump in equity FDI from Cayman Islands in the April-September 2020 period set tongues wagging that Chinese investors might be routing money through Cayman. Is this true? Cayman has always been a favourable jurisdiction from the perspective that regulators there do not ask for investor details, says Nischal Arora, Director, Nangia & Andersen India. "China and all neighbouring countries got banned in April 2020. They had to find a way to come in. Not everyone could have waited for their applications to be cleared. They had to find different avenues," he says, insinuating that Chinese investors might be using the Cayman Islands route. Since there are no strict guidelines by Sebi and RBI on screening Chinese investors, some banks are strictly screening all Chinese investments, while others may be going by the 10 per cent or 20 per cent ultimate beneficial ownership checklist, adds Arora. Smaller holdings (less than 10 per cent) might still be getting approved despite the government order. According to Dhaval Jariwala, a Mumbai-based chartered accountant, who works with a few Cayman Islands-based funds, the ban is more from the perspective of Chinese investors taking controlling stake in Indian companies. "The government is not closely looking at FPI investments from China. FPIs cannot invest more than 10 per cent in a company, and the moment they cross this, they have to characterise their investments as FDI," he says. The government won't be too closely looking at Chinese investors putting money in a Cayman Islands-based vehicle registered as FPI as their intent is not to have a controlling stake, he adds. Virendra Nath of APC Partners rejects any such insinuation. "(To say that) Chinese investors are sneaking in through Cayman Islands is totally wrong. Sebi has issued licence (to FPIs), and that should lay all other questions to rest," he says. A fund, in order to invest in India, needs Sebi approval, he adds. "Sebi looks at a lot of things - whether the fund has an independent money laundering reporting officer and an independent administrator, whether the fund follows see-through requirements. The underlying investors have to be known." Ease of Doing Business? None of the experts BT talked to attributed the rising FDI from Cayman Islands to zero-tax jurisdiction. Most point towards its easier and low-cost compliance regime and relaxed regulatory norms that allow investors the much-needed secrecy. The mutual evaluation report on Cayman Islands published by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, says the territory is the worlds sixth leading global financial services centre. It says the majority of financial services are targeted towards non-residents, particularly high-net worth individuals and institutions, from a variety of jurisdictions, not all with robust measures against anti-money laundering or financing of terrorism. The financial services sector accounts for approximately 40 per cent GDP of Cayman Islands and employs 3,424 persons or 8.4 per cent of the workforce. Banking, securities and investments and, to some extent, insurance industries dominate the financial landscape, says the report. Jariwala says a number of investors in Europe and the US get comfort from the fact that it's a British territory. "European or US investors looking for a pooling vehicle prefer Cayman Islands as they are pretty much familiar with rules, regulations and documentation," he says. Low cost of setting up funds and compliance are also big pull factors. "Lower cost of operations and compliance requirements make Cayman Islands attractive. There has been a dip in FDI from Mauritius and Singapore and Cayman Islands, with its low operating cost, is increasingly replacing the two," says Divakar Vijayasarathy, Founder and Managing Partner, DVS Advisors LLP. Increasing regulations and costs in Singapore and grey-listing of Mauritius have been key triggers for the rise of Cayman Islands. According to an estimate by Jariwala, setting up a fund in Singapore costs anywhere between $90,000 and $1,00,000, while the annual compliance cost is $60,000-80,000. In comparison, the cost of setting up a fund in Cayman Islands is $70,000 and annual compliance cost is around $30,000. Cost of compliance is lower in Mauritius, though. Though Cayman Islands is rated largely compliant by the FATF based on its 40 Recommendations - a set of counter-measures against money laundering - the anti-money laundering global body says in its report that "a portion of the securities sector is subject to limited supervision and not subject to monitoring for anti-money laundering and CFT (counter financing of terrorism) compliance or risk assessment." This, says the FATF report, is a potential source of money laundering and terror financing risks. Could these lax supervisions be the reason for investors looking for a veil of secrecy? Akhilesh Ranjan, former CBDT member, says, "Now, the thrust is on transparency and tax rates are not so much an issue, so people are looking at jurisdictions that are more opaque than others." However, Virendra Nath of APC Prestige says Cayman is favoured because it is more compliant. "The reason is that it is FATCA compliant, which Mauritius is not as of now. FATCA is all about anti-money laundering regulations, and when it comes to these regulations, Cayman is no different from Hong Kong or any other FATCA-compliant countries," he adds. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires foreign financial institutions and certain other non-financial foreign entities to report on foreign assets held by their US account holders or be subject to withholding tax. Though there are no definite answers for the reasons for the surge in investments from Cayman Islands, the trend will certainly be keeping the government on its toes. Meanwhile, December quarter FDI numbers may dispel the mystery shrouding the FDI numbers. @dipak_journo Richwood, TX (77531) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. What a horrible time it has been for the Leaving Certificate students of this year and last, as well as their parents. Let it be a consolation that their travails will not be in vain. Surely those coming after them will benefit from the loosening of the death-like grip that has been on this exam that has been so badly in need of reform for so long. Even Covid has an upside very occasionally. This is one of those. There is no doubt that any teachers union would have concerns around schools returning in a pandemic and the added complexity of running State exams. However the education unions really need to read the room here in terms of where public sentiment is at. Its not just those directly involved that feel badly for the 60,000 or so Leaving Cert students and were appalled, for instance, at how the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) pulled out of the talks. Its been interesting to hear those who regularly keep up with education matters commenting that the ASTI should know it has gone too far when it makes the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) look reasonable. I have largely been filled with admiration for how teachers have pivoted to the new reality of lockdown schooling with their own family commitments and understand the fears of going back when Covid levels were in the stratosphere. This virus has placed different burdens on everyone. The burden of the teacher is that they are expected to teach and that all of the international evidence points towards the need of children to learn in a classroom with their peers, as opposed to at a desk in their bedroom or at the kitchen table. The added layer has been that parents cannot turn their attention to work while attempting to assist in the home schooling of their children. Sweeping changes With the ASTI, you have to wonder is this a case of a union executive being out of touch with its membership and not representing the majority of them? Perhaps it is driven by the bigger picture the realisation of such significant changes to the exam two years in a row. No matter how obdurate youve been for all these years, a pandemic arrived and brought sweeping changes. The genie is out of the bottle. Its not just in education either. At a press conference towards the end of last April, HSE chief executive Paul Reid was heaping praise quite rightly on our frontline staff. But he took the chance to hammer home the idea that changes that had taken place virtually overnight in our health service because of Covid would be remaining in place. He gave the example of the National Ambulance Service, which traditionally operates with emergency response crews. It worked very responsively in the first couple of weeks visiting people in their homes, and now on a mass-scale testing all across long-term care settings and nursing homes. He said testing centres had not existed previously but, at that time, there were 47 of them across the country, as well as seven call centres dealing with Covid queries. There have been significant advances in telemedicine too. Indeed the Taoiseach has spoken along similar lines about the changes. Given the sheer exhaustion being experienced by health workers at the moment, it would be foolishness in the extreme to keep hammering home this message. However, the official approach has not changed. This year, the Leaving Cert exams will take place in June, but students will also be given the option of availing of a modified version of calculated grades. While they will take place in different formats, oral, practical and performance assessments will go ahead in the coming weeks. It took years and years to get agreement to introduce the Junior Certificate teachers fought tooth and nail against it but it is finally here. Now there is the strange situation where, for the first few years of their secondary schooling, students learn and study and submit assignments for assessment in this new way for this new exam. However, then they have to turn around and adapt to the stultified Leaving Certificate course. The straws have long been in the wind regarding change. As recently as last month, Micheal Martin said that, as we have known for many years, the Leaving Certificate uses a very limited range of methods for learning assessment. This became even clearer during 2020 when, with no notice and with great pressure on everyone, a new system had to be put in place. Speaking at the launch of Irelands Education Yearbook, Mr Martin said there was a need to develop a more permanent backstop. Most countries in Europe have in place a mixed approach to assessment at school-leaving stage and we need to seriously engage with the potential benefits of this for Ireland. Ways where we can do more to encourage independent thinking and creativity must be considered, he said. Outdated format If the past year and all the time we have had for reflection has taught us anything, surely it is that an exam such as the Leaving Cert and the manner in which it is currently constructed is utterly outdated. This column has previously addressed the national insanity that takes hold in the month of June. Even those who have no children, let alone a child actually sitting the exam, would be able to tell you just what poets came up in the honours English paper or that it was widely considered among students and teachers alike that section two of the science paper was an absolute rock breaker and virtually impossible to answer unless you were Professor Luke ONeill. Its not just the teachers and the Department of Education though; parents have a huge role here, caught up in the absolute frenzy of Leaving Certitis. How many high grades need to be 'scored' to land that place on the ridiculously high points third-level course? There is also the extraordinarily snobbish attitude towards apprenticeships. Its a really positive and sensible thing given the needs of the workforce alone that these are being given a higher profile. However, there is a way to go before some parents will accept that their child is not meant for further academic study and would thrive elsewhere. No one wants to be the sacrificial lamb in a situation, as this year's and last years Leaving Certificate students have been, but their suffering has surely forged a new way forward for this utterly old-fashioned examination. It counts as a definite pandemic plus. EDWARDSVILLE Two men were charged with multiple felonies relating to a home invasion in East Alton, in which a pregnant victim suffered head injuries and had gasoline poured on her. King S. Burrow, 27, of Wood River, and Jakiya A. Jirdon, 18, of Alton, were each charged Thursday, Feb. 18, with home invasion, a Class X felony; two counts of robbery, both Class 2 felonies; and two counts of aggravated battery, both Class 3 felonies. 3002 Bob Gilmore, Director-IT, Cal-Maine Foods Bob Gilmore, Director-IT, Cal-Maine Foods Cal-Maine Foods, a producer and marketer of fresh shell eggs in the USA passed the milestone of marketing over one billion dozen eggs in one year for FY 2014. Two years ago, Cal-Maine, faced with an aging IT infrastructure made a bold decision to move 100 percent of its Tier One applications to a virtualized private cloud environment managed by Virtacore, and housed in an Equinix datacenter in Reston, VA. Before putting its trust in an IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) model, Cal-Maine looked at public and private cloud offerings from many of the major providers. With Cal-Maine's total annual expenditure for all IT including Telephony and Cellular at less than two-tenths of 1percent of revenue, the company looks at IT expenses based on how many dozen eggs it has to sell to pay for the item or service. The goal was to partner with a company that provided close personal support at a reasonable cost. During this 2 year period of providing IaaS, Virtacore, has proven to be a valued partner for Cal-Maine. Their personalized attention to Cal-Maine's needs has greatly contributed to the success of this bold venture. When IaaS was compared to the cost for Cal-Maine to rebuild its corporate owned server environment as well as building out a vendor hosted DR site, the company saved about $500,000. That's a lot of eggs. Convincing Cal-Maine's management and IT staff to release control of its Tier One IT infrastructure was a bit of a challenge because IT departments tend to be very protective of their territory. One consideration when using IaaS is, what would happen if some unforeseen disaster causes the vendor to close its doors. To mitigate those concerns, Virtacore replicates transactions back to Cal-Maine's corporate server farm enabling Cal-Maine's older infrastructure to be the DR site. This satisfied the objection and fear of totally losing access to the data. The path from contract to implementation took longer than anticipated and was certainly fraught with some pain points. The delay was partly due to Virtacore's acquisition of completely new server infrastructure and moving into a new facility on the Equinix Reston campus. Additionally, Cal-Maine's ERP vendor, Cultura, was finalizing the development and deployment of the core software platform. Cal-Maine being Cultura's largest egg industry customer created a demand for system performance the vendors had not fully anticipated. At times like that, it is extremely important for a company's vendors to be flexible partners and Cal-Maine was blessed to have two valued vendors (Virtacore and Cultura) willing to step up to the plate and focus on problem solving rather than finger pointing. Adding a server is simply spinning up a new VM which is very helpful to a small IT staff that supports a billion dollar public company. Another challenge is implementing tools to monitor system performance. Cal-Maine has 40 processing/production facilities, two egg product plants and 22 feed mills scattered across the US. Most of those are rural locations where the last mile of telephone/data lines are on a barbed wire fence. In other words, the communication infrastructure to locations can vary greatly from DSL to Wireless, Cellular, T1s, Satellite and sometimes Fiber. Access to the cloud is via SonicWall VPNs leveraged across the internet. Understanding an end user's experience and performance is difficult at best. The company has yet to find the Holy Grail in monitoring tools which would pinpoint specific bottlenecks. The greatest advantage to a private cloud is the ability to get additional processing power when needed without having to purchase new hardware infrastructure. More memory, CPUs, processors or storage are merely an email away. Adding a server is simply spinning up a new VM. Those conveniences are very helpful to a small IT staff that supports a billion dollar public company. For those reasons and many more, Cal-Maine believes its decision to move Tier One applications to a private cloud has been a good one. And, that is why it's Sunny Side up in the cloud for eggs. STORY LINK GBP to CAD Exchange Rate Falls Back from Highs but Outlook Remains Strong GBP Exchange Rate Losses Limited as Markets Still Expect UK Recovery The flash purchasing managers survey for the UK manufacturing and services sectors indicated that overall activity was close to stabilisation in February after contracting at the fastest rate for eight months in January. While the improvement in activity eases some concern about the potential size of contraction in the UK economy in Q1, it still appears that the UK is being much more affected by lockdown and restrictions now than it was in Q4 2020. The EY Item Club expects the economy will experience a Q1 contraction possibly around 4% quarter-on-quarter. CAD Exchange Rates Steady after Thursdays Job Report Shock January reported a decrease in jobs, the largest decrease since May 2020 during the lockdown period, The surge in COVID-19 cases and public health restrictions resulted in mass layoffs. Job losses were reported in every sector, led by trade, transportation and utilities; leisure and hospitality; and construction. GBP/CAD Exchange Rate Forecast: Coronavirus Lockdown Developments in Focus Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: Investors sold the British Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate slightly from its best levels today. Markets digested some unexpected signs of weakness in Britains latest data, and the Canadian Dollar has been benefitting from weakness in rival currencies. Despite this though, expectations for Britain to begin looking to lockdown being eased are keeping the Pound appealing overall, so there may be more gains ahead for the pair going forward.Since opening this week at the level of 1.7582, GBP/CAD has been trending with an upside bias.Overnight, GBP/CAD touched on a high of 1.7743, which was the best level for the pair in 11 months since March 2020.This morning has seen GBP/CAD tumbling back from its best levels. At the time of writing, GBP/CAD is trending at around the level of 1.7697 - which still leaves it over a cent above the weeks opening levels.The Pound has seen bullish movement throughout the week so far, but its rally lost some momentum today.After days of strong UK data and coronavirus recovery hopes, todays UK retail sales results were highly disappointing.Retail sales contracted at a shocking 8.2% month-on-month, and the yearly figure contracted at 5.9%, well above the expected figure of 1.3%.This caused the Pound to slip today, amid fears that the pandemic lockdown has hurt UK consumer activity more than feared.However, the Pounds losses were limited as well. This is because markets still expect Britain to recover strongly from the pandemic and optimism around this has only grown amid speculation that the government will discuss easing lockdown soon.On top of this, the latest UK PMI projections for February actually beat expectations. Most notably, services printed at 49.7, much closer to the 50 point mark separating contraction from growth than the estimated figure of 41.It was also far above Januarys figure of 39.5.According to Howard Archer, Chief Economist Adviser at the EY Item Club:The Canadian Dollar plunged to its worst levels in almost a year against the Pound yesterday, as it was hit by concerns over Canadas job market.Thursdays American session saw the publication of ADPs latest Canadian job market report.ADPs employment change figure printed at a dire 231.2k, well well below the expected result of around 14.1k. It showed that Canadas economy was being hit more by the coronavirus pandemic this year so far than expected.According to Nela Richardson, Chief Economist at ADP:Today though the Canadian Dollars appeal has recovered slightly.The Canadian currency is benefitting from weakness in its rival the US Dollar (USD), as well as lingering strength in prices of oil. The Canadian Dollar is often correlated to oil prices as oil is Canadas biggest export.Markets are expecting developments on Britains coronavirus lockdown as soon as next week, which could cause big movement in exchange rates.If the UK government is more cautious than hoped on the possibility of easing lockdown, the Pound could shed much of its recent strength and tumble next week.On the other hand, solid signals that lockdown will be eased, combined with more optimistic UK vaccine developments, will only make markets even more optimistic that the UK economy will be among the first major economies to recover from the pandemic.Upcoming UK job market data, due on Tuesday, could also influence Pound movement.As for the Canadian Dollar, it will remain driven by oil prices and developments in Canadas own coronavirus situation.Next weeks Canadian economic calendar will be a little quieter. A speech from Bank of Canada (BoC) Governor Tiff Macklem could cause movement on Tuesday, and wage data due on Thursday could also cause a little movement in the Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Canadian Dollar Forecasts 6518 BYOD is the New WiFi: We Must Learn from History to Enable Mobile Data Security Dan Lohrmann, Chief Strategist & Chief Security Officer, Security Mentor Back in 2004 timeframe, when I was the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in Michigan government, I was against WiFi. Why? It was not secure, in my view. I had plenty of war driving stories, scary magazine breach headlines and an abundance of Washington D.C. three-letter agency white papers to back up my WiFi is a bad idea arguments. Until one day, I almost got fired when I insisted that we could not put WiFi in our government conference rooms. I said, We just cant do it. Not secure. Bad idea. Im vetoing the project! My boss and State CIO at the time was Teri Takai. Teri later went on to become the CIO in California Government and CIO at the Department of Defense (DoD). Teri said, Dan, if thats your answer, you cant be the CISO in Michigan. Teri went on, Ive been to Dow, Ford, Chrysler and GM, and they all have WiFi in their conference rooms. So you need to figure out what they know that you dont know and then come back and tell me how were going to implement WiFi securely. And Im giving you one week. That meeting started a transformation in my security career. I began to rethink my role, my teams mission and how we were being perceived. I refocused my tactical and strategic initiatives to become an enabler of innovation with the right level of security. We went on to win awards for secure WiFi deployments in government a few years later. Whether you are a BYOD naysayer or WYOD earlier adopter, you have to think about enabling secure solutions to equip your business to be innovative and grow And there was larger lesson for me from this experience. I now constantly ask myself: I am bringing the organization problems or workable solutions? As I look back at my early years as a CISO, I see so many blind spots. Yes - I cared passionately about information security. We launched numerous projects like deploying encryption on laptops and marketed better ways to protect the enterprise. I also had the necessary technical skills to do my job. But I was putting up unnecessary roadblocks. I was a hindrance to management and not offering the business a range of technology solutions with different risk levels. I had forgotten, or never truly learned up to that point, the real reason for the security teams existence. The security leader (and team) must be trusted advisors offering the business secure technology solutions. Or in other words, security doesnt exist if the business fails. Fast Forward to Today I told you this story, since I believe that history keep repeating itself in regards to technology and security. No doubt, the specific hardware, software, operating systems, frameworks, issues, vulnerability, and threats change daily. But whether we are talking about WiFi, cloud computing, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to work or even Wear Your Own Device (WYOD), the same fundamental challenge remains for technology and security professionals. That is: Are you bringing problems or solutions? No, I am not diminishing the very real security problems that BYOD programs bring to enterprises. Nor do I underestimate the genuine risks to sensitive data being lost, stolen or misused. The implementation of BYOD programs is complex, just like WiFi and cloud programs before BYOD. There is the likelihood that new policies, procedures, training and perhaps even culture change is needed. Nevertheless, just in WiFi, the BYOD boat has left the dock. Are you on the boat or waving at the boat with both hands from the shore? Greg Smith, Chief Information Officer at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, recently spoke at a Merit Networks symposium on BYOD. Greg said: BYOD is here now. Its happening all around us. It is the status quo, especially on university campuses. Greg emphasized that the real questions are around what is coming next, and the answer to that is WYOD. It will be huge and coming soon. For example, pay attention to the new Apple watch launch. We need to prepare now. Gregs main points were around our urgent need to prepare infrastructure, security and mindsets for the new normal which is already trickling into our environments now with a flood of new devices coming soon. Where to Begin? Many organizations are likely well down the BYOD road. Others who have been holding off may wonder where to begin. I think the first key is an honest assessment of your enterprise networks. Answer these questions: 1) Who is really using mobile technology? (Don't just include staff that is formally authorized.) 2) How are they truly using mobile devices? (Include both company and personally-owned equipment in your fact-finding mission.) 3) What data is being accessed on what devices? (Personal and company) 4) What policies are in place, and are they being followed? 5) What controls and protections are in place for sensitive data? 6) What helpful, relevant, engaging training is provided (and taken)? 7) Whats coming next? Are you prepared for next-generation people, process and technology? In conclusion, there are many great vendors with free mobile data security case studies and examples that can help you in your BYOD journey. But whether you are a BYOD naysayer or WYOD earlier adopter, I strongly encourage you to think again about enabling secure solutions to equip your business to be innovative and grow. Become a trusted advisor, whom leaders can turn to for answers regarding securing BYOD. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The US return to the 2015 Paris Agreement became official on Friday, paving the way for climate actions through its domestic and international policies while creating millions of "green" jobs. But what does that mean for the global climate action? Climate diplomats and campaigners believe the US will be turning its promises into action by committing to reach net zero emissions by or before 2050 and by reaffirming its pledge to support developing countries with finance. Over the past four years, the action and leadership of US states, cities, and businesses have kept climate goals within reach. During his first month in office, President Joe Biden has directed an aggressive mobilisation of the national government to embed climate throughout its activities. Now leaders from sub-national coalitions will call on the Biden administration to commit to reducing emissions 50 per cent or more by 2030 (from a 2005 baseline) to put the US on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050. Responding to the US returning officially to the Paris pact, France's Climate Change Ambassador and Special Representative for COP21 and CEO of the European Climate Foundation, Laurence Tubiana, said: "It's good to have the US back in the Paris Agreement, but sadly we have no time to celebrate. "The climate crisis is deepening and this is the year we need all major polluters to step up and deliver stronger plans to deliver a safe, clean and prosperous future for everyone. "The US needs to come to COP26 with a strong commitment: the urgency of the crisis is clear, and this means a new US target of at least 50 per cent GHG cuts on 2005 levels by 2030, ideally more." Noting Americans from across the country over the last four years have continued pushing forward and cutting emissions because they understand that fighting climate change strengthens their economy, Michael Bloomberg, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions, said: "They've kept us on track to reach our Paris Agreement commitment, and with a strong partner in the White House, we can exceed it." "We have a lot of work to do, and the more we support cities, states, businesses, and climate leaders across the country, the faster we can make progress. That's the goal of our new coalition, and we're looking forward to working with the new administration to build on the progress we've made and accelerate it in the lead-up to the COP26 climate summit this November." Gonzalo Munoz and Nigel Topping, UN High Level Climate Champions for Chile's COP25 and the UK's COP26 summits, respectively, said: "We welcome the United States' official rejoining of the Paris Agreement today, a major boost to international climate cooperation en route to COP26. "It sets the stage for new commitments by the Biden-Harris administration, building on the dedicated and transformational work from US cities, states, businesses and investors over the last four years. Their united call through the America Is All In alliance for a halving of US emissions by 2030 represents a recommitment to science-based climate policy, and an unprecedented opportunity to unleash innovation, create sustainable jobs and regenerate nature at a pace and scale we've never seen before." "We look forward to welcoming a new wave of American partners to the Race to Zero and Race to Resilience, and a real commitment to build back a healthier, safer, and more resilient future worldwide after Covid-19," they said in a statement. Green groups too have collectively sighed in relief. They say by reversing former President Donald Trump's decisions, the US, the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, has demonstrated the real leadership and action as demanded by the climate emergency and has shown the world the path it must take to heal the planet. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) One of the most endangered animals in the US got a boost with the birth of a cloned black-footed ferret. Born on December 10, 'Elizabeth Ann' is the first successful clone of an endangered species in North America. She was created using cells from a female black-footed ferret that died more than 30 years ago and gestated in a surrogate domestic ferret. Zoologists say Elizabeth Ann is doing well, having already grown a coat of fur and has started exploring her surroundings at the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center (NBFCC) in Carr, Colorado. If Elizabeth Ann breeds as an adult, she will greatly increase the species limited genetic diversity and improve its chances for survival. Scroll down for video Elizabeth Ann, black-footed ferret clone, explores her surroundings at the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center in Carr, Colorado. Born December 10, she is the first successful clone of an endangered species in the United States Elizabeth Ann is something of a medical miracle and represents renewed hope for her species. Currently, all black-footed ferrets are descended from the same seven individuals, resulting in a dangerously low level of genetic diversity. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, limited genetic diversity makes it extremely difficult to fully recover a species. 'Without an appropriate amount of genetic diversity, a species often becomes more susceptible to diseases and genetic abnormalities, as well as limited adaptability to conditions in the wild and a decreased fertility rate,' the agency said. Elizabeth Ann was cloned from genetic material from Willa, a ferret captured in the wild more than 30 years ago The clone's genetic donor, Willa, wasn't one of those seven ancestors, so if Elizabeth Ann successfully mates it will greatly strengthen the species' gene pool. In fact, genetic testing indicates Willa's genome possessed three times more variations than the living population. In 2018, the Wildlife Service granted the first-ever permit to clone an endangered species to Revive and Rescue, a California-based nonprofit that uses genetic techniques to help endangered and extinct species. To avoid putting a black-footed female, or jill, at risk, eggs from a sedated domestic ferret were altered to include Willa's genetic material. The embryos that were then implanted into another domestic ferret, who acted as Elizabeth Ann's surrogate. There are less than 500 black-footed ferrets in the wild. Conservationists call Elizabeth Ann's birth 'a win for biodiversity and for genetic rescue.' Pictured: It's similar to the process used a quarter-century ago to create Dolly, the cloned sheep, except this time the surrogate was from a different species. 'It was a commitment to seeing this species survive that has led to the successful birth of Elizabeth Ann,' said Revive and Rescue executive director Ryan Phelan. 'To see her now thriving ushers in a new era for her species and for conservation-dependent species everywhere. She is a win for biodiversity and for genetic rescue.' Elizabeth Ann and her surrogate mother will stay at the NBFCC, where they are being kept separate from other ferrets. The black-footed ferret was listed as endangered in 1967 and considered extinct in the wild in 1979. A Wyoming rancher discovered a small population in 1981, which was used to start a breeding program Researchers hope to produce more black-footed ferret clones in the coming months as part of continuing research efforts. Conservationists are also looking for more ferrets in the wild to add to that diversity. 'Maintaining and increasing wild populations and suitable habitat continues to be essential for black-footed ferret recovery and will remain a priority for the Service,' said Noreen Walsh, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Mountain-Prairie Region. Elizabeth Ann enjoys a lunch of prairie dog. The rodent, the black-footed ferret's chief food source, has been almost wiped out by a flea-borne plague 'Successful genetic cloning does not diminish the importance of addressing habitat-based threats to the species or the Service's focus on addressing habitat conservation and management to recover black-footed ferrets.' About the size of a house cat, the black-footed ferret spends much of its time underground, preying almost exclusively on prairie dogs. Conservationists have fought valiantly to preserve the critically endangered animal for decades: The black-footed ferret was listed as endangered in 1967 and considered extinct in the wild in 1979. A Wyoming rancher discovered a small population of ferrets on his ranch in 1981, and animals from this group including Willa were used to start a breeding program. In 1988, Tissue samples from Willa were sent to San Diego Zoo's Frozen Zoo, which maintains a 'catalog' of genetic material from over a thousand endangered species. That enabled scientists to eventually clone Elizabeth Ann. But cloning is just one way conservationists are trying to save the black-footed ferret: In 2015, frozen sperm from a long-deceased ferret was used to father eight kits. When the donor, Scarface, died in the 1980s he was one of just 18 of the creatures left in the world. There are now thought to be 400 or 500 in the wild, with numbers rising gradually thanks to conservation efforts by zoos, wildlife organizations and Native American tribes. To avoid putting a black-footed female, or jill, at risk, domestic ferrets were used as both the clone's egg donor and surrogate. Pictured: Elizabeth Ann and her step-siblings nursing from her surrogate But the species is still threatened by habitat loss a decrease in the number of prairie dogs, their chief food source, caused by a bacterial infection known as sylvatic plague. The ferrets also use the rodents' burrows for shelter. 'The entire species' survival depends on successful captive management to ensure healthy genetics over the next 100 years and to produce individuals for the reintroduction program,' Rachel Santymire, a zoologist at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo said in 2015. 'To balance out these demands on the breeding program, we have to ensure that each individual ferret passes its genes on to the next generation.' Two held in Unnao deaths case; incident fallout of one-sided love affair India oi-Madhuri Adnal Unnao (UP), Feb 19: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday held two people in connection with the death of two teenage girls at an Unnao village, a senior official said. Another victim in the case battling for life at a hospital. One of the accused held in the case is a teenager, according to police. "Vinay and a teenager have been held in connection with the case. The matter is a fallout of one-side love affair. The accused gave some pesticide with water to the three girls," Lucknow Range IG Laxmi Singh told reporters here. Unnao: Police register murder case, no apparent injury marks on Dalit girls found dead Earlier in the day, the last rites of the two teenage girls found dead in an agriculture field in Babuhara village of the Asoha police station area were performed amid tight security arrangements, officials said. Three girls -- aged 16, 15 and 14 -- were found in the field by some villagers on Wednesday night. They had left their home to bring fodder for cattle. Apart from Section 302 (murder) of the IPC, police have slapped Section 201 against the accused for causing disappearance of evidence on a complaint of a victim's father, police said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 20:57 [IST] A Canadian army veteran who killed his wife, daughter and mother before turning the gun on himself in Nova Scotia in 2017 struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder for a decade following a disastrous tour of duty in Afghanistan that a fellow soldier described during a government inquiry 'like going to hell.' Lionel Desmond, 33, shot and killed his wife Shanna, his 10-year-old daughter Aaliyah and his mother, Brenda, and then himself in the village of Upper Big Tracadie on January 3, 2017. The triple murder-suicide that rocked Nova Scotia four years ago is now the subject of a wide-ranging provincial fatality inquiry, which resumed this week after an 11-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian veteran Lionel Desmond, 33 (left and right), shot and killed his wife Shanna, his 10-year-old daughter Aaliyah (pictured as a baby, right), and his mother, Brenda, and then himself in Nova Scotia in January 2017 Desmond did a tour in Afghanistan in 2007 and was diagnosed with PTSD afterwards. He was among eight soldiers in his battalion to have died by suicide in the wake of the tour, according to retired Cpl Orlando Trotter. Desmond's former comrade and friend Orlando Trotter (pictured) argued that their battalion was not psychologically prepared for the realities of war Trotter told the inquiry this week that he first met and befriended Desmond during training with the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment in 2005, reported CBC. He contended that their training for combat did nothing to psychologically prepare them for the grim realities of war, including hearing constant gunfire, shooting at human beings and seeing dead bodies. He also argued that Desmond, whom he affectionately described as 'goofy,' funny and gentle, did not have the right temperament to be in a war zone. 'You take somebody like him and put him in a war zone and [say] "Take this rifle and that guy over there? Shoot him,"' Trotter testified. 'I would say it destroyed him. You have to have a certain type of personality to go into battle, and he just wasn't one of those guys. He added that Desmond, whose world revolved around family values and humor, would have been much better suited for building schools than engaging Taliban fighters in gun battles on a daily basis. Desmond, pictured left with his daughter, struggled with PTSD for a decade before carrying out the murder-suicide. His mother is pictured on the right During their time in Afghanistan, their battalion, which was made of 300-400 soldiers, lost 10 service members in an improvised explosive device blast. After they returned home from their deployment, many of Trotter's comrades were diagnosed with PTSD, among them Desmond. 'That tour, that was a bad tour,' he said. 'It was a terrible tour, like going to hell, that tour. That's why so many people are struggling right now.' Trotter said that he kept in touch with Desmond and visited him several times. By 2010, he said his comrade began to talk about 'there being something wrong with his head.' He exhibited some paranoid behavior and became obsessed with making sure doors at home were secured. Desmond medically discharged from the military in 2015, and in May 2016 was admitted to a residential mental health treatment facility in Montreal, but he left the six-month program three months later after deeming it ineffective and returned to Nova Scotia, where his condition further deteriorated. Family members told an inquiry in Nova Scotia that Desmond got little to no help from the military and Veterans Affairs as he struggled with mental health problems Desmonds relatives told the inquiry that he largely avoided talking about his experiences during the war, but he did mention seeing corpses and having to collect body parts from the battlefield, according to Global News. Both Desmond's sister, Chantel, and Trotter, his army friend, argued that he did not receive the psychiatric care he needed from Veterans Affairs in a timely manner. It was not until November 2016 - four months after he left the Montreal treatment program - that he was assigned a counselor. During that four-month gap, the inquiry learned that the veteran received no treatment for his PTSD. By then, Chantel told the inquiry her brother seemed more distant, he stopped shaving and was wearing camouflage clothing. Their older sister, Diane, testified that her previously fun-loving brother had come to fear loud noises and was easily agitated. 'He wasnt the Lionel that I knew,' she told officials. Shanna Desmond is pictured with her daughter, who was born around the time of her father's deployment to Afghanistan Desmond's family members argued that the military offered little to no help with his transition to civilian life and his serious mental health struggles. On January 3, 2017, Desmond bought a semi-automatic rifle and killed everyone at his home. His sister Chantel described in graphic detail the moment she walked into her brother's house that night and found her niece, dressed in a tank top and pajama bottoms, lying in a pool of blood, reported Atlantic CTV. She then looked over and saw her brother with a hole in his face. 'It messed up my life,' she tearfully said. 'I can still smell the blood.' The purpose of the inquiry is to allow witnesses to make recommendations to the province on policy changes concerning mental health and domestic violence in an effort to prevent future tragedies. Hilaria Baldwin shared a bizarre E.E. Cummings quote as she continued her return to Instagram following her fake Spanish heritage scandal. 'One of my favorites...e e Cummings- I cut it down a bit to fit hereit's called A Poet's Advice To Students, if you want to look up the whole pieceso worth it,' Hilaria, 37, captioned the post on Friday. 'Almost anybody can learn to think or believe or know, but not a single human being can be taught to feel,' the quote begins. 'Why? Because whenever you think or you believe or you know, you're a lot of other people: but the moment you feel, you're nobody-but-yourself. 'One of my favorites': Hilaria Baldwin shared a bizarre E.E. Cummings quote as she continued her return to Instagram following her fake Spanish heritage scandal (pictured March 2020) 'To be nobody-but-yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. 'And so my advice... is: do something easy, like learning how to blow up the world - unless you're not only willing, but glad, to feel and work and fight till you die. 'Does this sound dismal? It isn't. It's the most wonderful life on earth. Or so I feel.' Hilaria has been posting a slew of snaps to her account after taking an extended break from social media in the wake of her fake Spanish heritage controversy. Unusual: Baldwin posted an excerpt of A Poets Advice To Students on Friday Iconic: E. E. Cummings was a writer behind the poem Hilaria posted on Friday USA: Baldwin also shared this photo of her family doing the 'Statue of Liberty pose' on Friday This past weekend, the Boston-born yoga guru - whose real name is Hillary Hayward-Thomas - shared several glimpses into her family's life in the Hamptons, posting several sweet videos and photos of her children, as well as a romantic tribute to husband Alec Baldwin, 62, in honor of Valentine's Day. Alongside a black-and-white snap of the couple lying down and cuddling, Hilaria thanked the SNL star for being her 'rock' during 'challenging' times, while joking that Alec is also a 'pain in the [a**]'. 'Through the amazing times, the challenging ones, all the many memories and tiny people we have made in between, thank you for being my rock, my courage, my joy, and my forever valentine,' she wrote. 'Ok...this was so mushy and I can't help but be me: you are my pain in the [a**] too. I love you.' Family outing: Hilaria, 37, made her first return to Instagram since apologizing earlier this month for her Spanish heritage controversy as she and Alec, 62, took their kids to a beach The gushing post comes just a few weeks after it was revealed that the couple were living in separate houses in the Hamptons - with actor Alec revealing that he was quarantining away from his family while commuting into New York City for work. Alec was staying in a rented house in Amagansett - an upmarket neighborhood that is located around a mile away from his East Hamptons estate, where his wife and children have been staying since she was first accused of faking her European background. A source told Page Six that he rented a second home in the Hamptons so that he can quarantine away from his family while he continues to travel into the city for work. Letting loose: Hilaria set the sped-up clip to electronic dance music as they had a 'Baldwinito dance party' It is unclear whether he is still using the property - however a second post shared by Hilaria over the weekend would suggest that Alec has returned to his East Hamptons estate to live with his wife and children once again. After sharing her heartfelt tribute to her husband, Hilaria also shared a funny video of the couple dancing in the snow with their five children, using the Spanish diminutive of their name - Baldwinito - while joking that Alec was trying to copy their son's moves. 'We had a Valentine's Day freezing Baldwinito dance party on the beach...Alec is trying to learn Romeo's moves,' she wrote alongside the clip, which saw the SNL star wearing a face mask - perhaps an indication that he is still commuting into the city and is taking extra precautions as a result. Hilaria - who went mask-free - kept warm in a long dark green puffer coat with black leggings and brown cowboy boots. Helping out: Hilaria held her youngest son, Eduardo, while Alec danced around with two of the older boys Hilaria held her youngest son, Eduardo, while Alec danced around with two of the older boys. Following her late-December departure from Instagram, Hilaria returned to the social media site on February 5, sharing a portrait of the whole family lying on the floor while addressing the controversy over her misrepresenting herself as a Spanish woman. 'I've spent the last month listening, reflecting, and asking myself how I can learn and grow,' she began her caption. 'My parents raised my brother and me with two cultures, American and Spanish, and I feel a true sense of belonging to both. The way I've spoken about myself and my deep connection to two cultures could have been better explained I should have been more clear and I'm sorry,' she continued. 'I'm proud of the way I was raised, and we're raising our children to share the same love and respect for both. Being vulnerable and pushing ourselves to learn and grow is what we've built our community on, and I hope to get back to the supportive and kind environment we've built together.' Setting the record straight: Hilaria returned to Instagram on February 5 to apologize and address the controversy over her misrepresenting herself as a Spanish woman Following the February 5 post, Hilaria began posting cute photos of her children, and Alec has also appeared with them, but her Valentine's Day posts were her first appearances on Instagram since her apology. The original heritage controversy began shortly after Amy Schumer poked fun at an Instagram post from Hilaria in which she held her baby son Eduardo while showing off her unbelievably trim post-baby body. But Hilaria's reaction video, which featured a suspiciously spotty 'Spanish' accent that seemed to disappear at times, led social media sleuths to uncover that she had been born in Boston, not Majorca, as had been listed online in some places. Escalated quickly: The original heritage controversy began shortly after Amy Schumer poked fun at an Instagram post from Hilaria in which she held her baby son Eduardo while showing off her trim post-baby body Long distance: On Saturday, Hilaria posted humorous photos to her Insta Stories of herself FaceTiming with Alec while he was in New York City to film his True Crime series Dr. Death Complicated: The actor had to wash some clothes, but he needed some expert help from his wife to figure out the high-tech washing machine On Saturday, Hilaria posted some humorous photos to her Instagram Stories of herself FaceTiming with Alec while he was in New York City to film his True Crime series Dr. Death. The actor had to wash some clothes, but he needed some expert help from his wife to figure out the high-tech washing machine. 'I took these photos to document for myself me teaching Alec how to use the washing machine etc while he was in the city working...' she wrote. 'As you can imagine: teaching Alec Baldwin to wash his clothes is as epic as you can imagine.' One photo showed a closeup of her husband just missing the correct button, which she was 'trying to get him to press.' Heartbreaking: 'Eduardo felt my pain,' she joked in a closeup of the tot crying as his dad failed to wash his clothes Success! But eventually Alec figured out how to get his laundry cleaned 'Eduardo felt my pain,' she joked in a closeup of the tot crying. But eventually Alec figured out how to get his laundry cleaned. 'Even Alec realized how... um... yeah...' Hilaria wrote, adding a cartoon speech bubble at the bottom reading, 'just press the right [cursing emoji] button, honey.' We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Three organizations filed separate lawsuits Friday in an effort to stop UCSF from building a 2 million-square-foot hospital and academic facility expansion at its historic Parnassus campus. The groups that filed lawsuits in Alameda Superior Court San Franciscans for Balanced and Livable Communities, the Parnassus Neighborhood Coalition and the Yerba Buena Neighborhood Consortium seek to overturn a decision by the University of California Board of Regents to allow the Parnassus expansion to go forward. They argue that constructing a large, regional hospital on a dense hillside sandwiched between two residential neighborhoods would have severe environmental impacts on everything from traffic to air quality to public transportation. They argue that the impact of the project was not adequately considered in the environmental study UCSF completed for the development. The hospital will add close to the square footage of two Transamerica buildings to an already over built campus situated between two mature neighborhoods, San Franciscans for Balanced and Livable Communities stated in a letter. The real need is for a hospital serving the population of San Francisco and particularly the residents of the West part of the City. It is our position that Parnassus is the wrong location for a massive regional hospital, which should be located in a more accessible site. The group argues that UCSF should live up to a 1974 agreement that capped expansion at Parnassus, a deal that ultimately prompted the public university to build a new hospital in Mission Bay. As a state agency, UCSF is exempt from city planning and zoning regulations. Former Mayor Art Agnos, who joined the Parnassus Neighborhood Coalition lawsuit, said the aim of these lawsuits is not to stop this project, but to make it work for all of us. He compared the battle to the fight a decade ago over a new California Pacific Medical Center on Van Ness Avenue. Eventually pressure from residents convinced the hospital to construct a smaller complex at that site and expand its St. Lukes facility in the Mission. The aim of these lawsuits is not to stop this project, but to make it work for all of us, Agnos said. UCSF said that it could not comment on potential litigation but said that the project has broad community support including that of Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who represents Parnassus Heights. The university pointed out a two-year planning process that included 28 community meetings and hundreds of productive conversations. During those negotiations UCSF agreed to build 1,200 housing units for staff and facility and to invest $20 million in public transportation improvements. Through this process, neighbors, community stakeholders and UCSF developed together a plan to modernize our outdated Parnassus Heights campus and hospital so that we can serve San Francisco residents care needs for decades to come, stated UCSF. At a time when the Citys economy is under incredible pressure from COVID-19, the construction of our new hospital and modernized campus will create thousands of jobs. John Elberling, director of the Yerba Buena Neighborhood Consortium, said UCSF should expand closer to its Mission Bay hospital, at one of four sites: Pier 70, the Potrero Power Plant, Candlestick Point or Mission Rock, near Oracle Park. All four sites have better public transportation and would have little neighborhood impact, he said. The Parnassus expansion is simply in the wrong place a monumental narrow-thinking failure of City-Building Vision, he said. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen A rare smoke ring has been captured blowing from Guatemalas Fuego volcano, an active stratovolcano 15 km west of the city of Antigua. Matthew Watson, a professor of volcanoes and climate at the University of Bristol, shared a photo of the sighting on Twitter as part of a virtual field trip he is conducting online after having a real-life trip to Guatemala cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. What a stunning looking volcano, he wrote in a tweet. Fuego doesnt disappoint, with loud Strombolian explosions and, this time, a smoke ring too, he said. Speaking with The Independent on Monday, Prof Watson said one of his students, Keith Blair, had captured the photo during a field trip they took around this time last year. The smoke ring, a relatively rare sighting, was the second one that the professor had ever seen throughout his career studying volcanoes. Read more: Volcanoes have played larger role in temperature variability than previously thought Theyre reasonably rare. You have to be sort of quite lucky, he said. I think Ive seen one other in my lifetime staring at volcanoes, so its not the first time its ever been observed that would be hyperbolic but theyre reasonably rare, he said. Prof Watson said a volcanic smoke ring is produced in a similar way to how a person might produce a smoke ring from a cigarette. It does require special conditions, however, with gas and steam being expelled from a vent. The phenomenon has more commonly been spotted at other volcanoes, such as Mount Etna in Italy. Theyre extraordinary to look at, I have to say. Theyre really quite magical, Prof Watson said. Volcan de Fuego, or the volcano of fire, is known for being almost constantly active, though typically at a low level. The volcanos eruptions can be violent, however, with tragedy striking in June 2018 after a powerful eruption left dozens of people living in nearby towns dead, with hundreds of others injured and missing. After June 2018 it kind of went quiet, Prof Watson said, noting that there had been one significant eruption in November. Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga Show all 16 1 /16 Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151430.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151141.bin AP Photo/Lothar Slabon via the New Zealand Herald Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151425.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151431.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151429.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151428.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151427.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151426.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151437.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151434.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151432.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151438.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151439.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151433.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151436.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images Volcano shatters Pacific calm around Tonga 151435.bin Dana Stephenson//Getty Images The professor said he and his students were missing being able to travel to Guatemala in order to research volcanic activity. That is what prompted him to try to create a virtual field trip experience on Twitter. Its all been blown apart this year because of Covid and yeah, you might say first world problems...but its really hard not to be there, he said. 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. From January 21 through February 14, Russian and proxy forces killed 13 Ukrainian soldiers and wounded at least another 19 along the frontline in Ukraines Donbas. Most of these casualties were inflicted by snipers, some of whom were apparently deployed from Russias interior for a stint of combat training in Donbas (Radio Free Europe, February 3; Ukrinform, February 12, 17). Sniper fire killed two Ukrainian soldiers on February 11, the day when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took the G-7 countries Kyiv ambassadors on a visit to the frontline (UKrinform, February 11). The enemy command had, apparently, been aware of the scheduled visit and decided to make this demonstrative gesture, albeit not in the visited sector. The Ukrainian forces do not seem to have retaliated to these attacks. The high command and frontline troops are under orders from the Presidential Office to refrain from responding to provocations, lest the other side escalates and inflicts more casualties. This deliberate restraint is wrapped in official announcements that Ukrainian troops responded adequately after each attack when they took casualties. Russia has chosen to conduct its protracted war in Ukraines east in the form of low-intensity positional warfare, punctuated by spikes of relatively higher intensity. Russia calibrates these spikes to keep them below the level of a dramatic escalation; that would not bring Russia any closer to relief from Western economic sanctions and would, moreover, provoke a Ukrainian patriotic backlash. Moscow, therefore, does not go beyond static positional warfare during these phases of intensified operations; it refrains from using heavy weaponry as part of positional warfare; it does not attempt to gain additional territory; and it limits these phases to a few days at a time, during which it inflicts casualties on Ukrainian troops. These tactics are calculated to exploit President Zelenskyys nervousness in the face of casualties and his political investment in showing that the armistice works effectively. The Kremlin aims to pressure Kyiv into concessions on the terms of conflict resolution in the Normandy and Minsk processes. Russias intermittent shoot-to-kill phases tend to be correlated with critical phases in the negotiations within the Minsk Contact Group. The Minsk Contact Group held its fortnightly session by videoconference on February 1617. Kyiv defended its positions successfully on substance but less so on the procedure. Moscow unleashed the Dontesk and Luhansk delegations to address Kyivs delegation directly, so as to create the appearance of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Donetsk-Luhansk. In the compartment on security affairs, the Donetsk-Luhansk tandem presented demands that Moscow merely supported, ostensibly as a mediator (TASS, February 16, 17), although Moscow had undoubtedly authored these demands in the first place. The main issue currently at stake is the operation of the Coordinating Mechanism for Ceasefire Observation and Verification, which is supposed to implement the Additional Measures to Strengthen the Ceasefire Regime (Ukrinform, Donetskoye Agentstvo Novostey, Lugansk Infotsentr, February 16, 17). Both that mechanism and those measures had been agreed upon by Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk within the Contact Group in July 2020. That agreement had lifted the Donetsk-Luhansk forces to the same level as the Ukrainian military in implementing those measures through that mechanism. The mechanism was to ascertain and report ceasefire violations and to coordinate joint responses to them by the Ukrainian military and the Donetsk-Luhansk forces. The two sides would also conduct joint inspections of their respective positions. The mechanisms centerpiece was to be the Joint Center for Control and Coordination, a formerly Ukrainian-Russian body in which Russia had yielded its place to Donetsk-Luhansk, so as to compel Kyiv to deal with them directly within that center. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) also had its decorative role to play in those arrangements. Those arrangements had represented a major success for Moscow and its proxies. They had cast Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk as parties to a negotiation and equal participants in the resulting agreement. They practically legitimized the unlawful Donetsk-Luhansk forces. Russia was not mentioned as a party, being exempted of any responsibility for ceasefire violations and, indeed, for the conflict as such. President Zelenskyy and his advisor Andriy Yermak retreated from basic Ukrainian negotiating positions by agreeing to such terms at that time (see EDM, July 29, 30, August 6, 2020). Yet Kyiv backtracked on those concessions in September 2020, when Moscows proxy forces attempted to turn a joint inspection with Ukrainian forces in Shumy into a media-political spectacle. That would have deeply embarrassed Kyiv and could have triggered a political backlash there. The mechanism and the joint center have remained dormant since, although the additional measures remain valid (but did not prevent the recent attacks on Ukrainian positionssee above). The Minsk Contact Groups February 1617 session discussed reviving that mechanism and the joint center at Donetsk-Luhansks insistence. They proposed some new modalities for direct, regular exchanges of information, reporting and responding to violations, and joint verification measures. The military-political implications to Kyivs detriment and Moscows advantage would, however, be the same as in 2020. The Ukrainian delegation currently rejects another such experiment in the Minsk process. Russia looks set to continue its low-intensity positional war, with periodic spikes designed to inflict Ukrainian casualties and extract political concessions. Moscows declared, short-term goals focus on: starting negotiations or direct interactions between Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk, introducing the Steinmeier Formula into Ukrainian legislation, and opening the way to elections in the Russian-controlled and militarized territory. Kyiv is holding firm at this time and must, therefore, brace for one or more spikes of intensified trench warfare in the spring and summer. Vladimir Socor is a Senior Fellow of the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation and its flagship publication, Eurasia Daily Monitor (1995 to date), where he writes analytical articles on a daily basis. An internationally recognized expert on the former Soviet-ruled countries in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia, he covers Russian and Western policies, focusing on energy, regional security issues, Russian foreign affairs, secessionist conflicts, and NATO policies and programs. Mr. Socor is a frequent speaker at U.S. and European policy conferences and think-tank institutions; as well as a regular guest lecturer at the NATO Defense College and at Harvard Universitys National Security Programs Black Sea Program. He is also a frequent contributor to edited volumes. Mr. Socor was previously an analyst with the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Research Institute (1983-1994). He is a Romanian-born citizen of the United States based in Munich, Germany. Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. Reporter Ben Zigterman is a reporter covering business at The News-Gazette. His email is bzigterman@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@bzigterman). U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at the National Press Club in Washington on Jan. 12, 2021. (Andrew Harnik/AFP via Getty Images) Pompeo: No One Can Ever Again Deny the Threat Irans Islamic Republic Presents Israel, Gulf Nations Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Feb. 18 said he is confident that no one will ever again be able to deny the threat that the Islamic Republic in Iran presents Israel, the Gulf nations, and the United States, following the historic achievements for the region made under the Trump administration. Pompeo made the remarks while accepting a Champion of International Human Rights award at the ninth Annual Champions of Jewish Values International Awards Gala, held by the World Values Network on Thursday in honor of Black history month. It is the first award of its kind. He was referring to former President Donald Trumps Abraham Accords, a joint statement between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Statesand later, with Bahrain and other Arab countries. The agreement, which earned the former president Nobel Peace Prize nominations, serves to establish new cooperation and normalization between the Middle East nations. The deals were first announced on Aug. 13 and Sept. 11, 2020. I am confident that people around the world now think about Iran differently than when our administration took office, Pompeo said, addressing the event virtually. And while the next administration [Biden] may choose its own tactical plan, I dont believe thats the case that anyone will ever again deny the threat that the Islamic Republic presents to the United States, to Israel, to Arab nations in the Gulf. It is unclear whether President Joe Biden intends to keep or derail the Abraham Accords. However, administration officials have welcomed the agreement as a positive development. On Wednesday, for the first time since taking office on Jan. 20, Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone, during which he affirmed his commitment to Israels security and expressed a desire to strengthen all aspects of the U.S.-Israel partnership, including defense cooperation, the White House said in a statement. The two leaders also discussed security issues posed by Iran, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, as well as the United Statess continued support for peace agreements to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nationsthe Abraham Accords. Biden administration officials have previously said they would examine the U.S. commitments made as part of the agreement. The president has also said he is ready to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal with Iran if Tehran returns to compliance. Trump withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) late Thursday warned that the Iranian regime will continue to exploit Bidens weakness, referring to an attack last week by Iran-backed Shia militia groups at an American base in Erbil, Iraq. Iranian-backed forces just attacked American troops in Iraq. Instead of retaliating, what does President Biden do? Prepares to lift sanctions on the regime & begs to reopen diplomatic talks. The Iranian regime will continue to exploit @POTUSs weakness, Cotton said on Twitter. Pompeo in his acceptance speech praised Trumps landmark foreign policy achievement in the region as incredibly powerful. Prior to the brokering of the Abraham Accords by Trump, Israel was only recognized by Egypt and Jordan in the Middle East. Several Arab nations for decades have boycotted Israel, saying they would only establish ties if its Palestinian dispute were settled. I think the Abraham Accords laid the foundations where Arab nations could once again articulate publicly that hostility and antagonism and threats to Israel arent the morally right thing to do, theyre not the right thing to do for sovereign nations, said. And once again were now beginning to call it normalization, but the reality is, its just to recognize the right of Israel as the Jewish homeland, and say that we want to be brothers in love, brothers in faith, brothers in commerce and security, all the things the nations do together, I am incredibly proud of that outcome. It was historic in the sense of you now have a warm connectivity between these countries that is incredibly, incredibly powerful. Janita Kan contributed to this report. He was not permitted to join the military but was allowed to become part of a labour service. This decision saved his life. All of his contemporaries were murdered in the concentration camps. Gyuris father was taken to Auschwitz. He survived and the two were reunited only to have his father die a few months later. When Gyuri was 11 years old his mother died from breast cancer, leaving him and his father alone, a small, devoted family unit. When he was 17 he could see the dangers growing around him and decided that joining the Hungarian military could possibly provide some shelter from the ravaging storm of the Holocaust headed towards his town. Gyuri was born in Heves, a small town in Hungary, an only child to Jeno and Erzsebet Lowy. He had an idyllic childhood and at the age of five he moved with his parents to Hatvan where he completed his schooling. Gyuri returned to Heves often, staying with his grandparents, and it was on one of these visits that he met Marika Szanto. She was 11 and he was 14. After the war, Lenart began his studies in engineering and made his way to Budapest to live with his uncle. Tragically two weeks after he arrived his uncle was murdered. At this time he discovered that Marika had survived the war and was living in Budapest. He looked her up and the two reconnected and love blossomed. On Christmas Eve 1955 they were married at the registry office and moved into their own apartment. Once again he saw the writing on the wall. In 1956 the borders were opened by the Revolution which gave them a chance to escape from Hungary. In the middle of the night they packed two small bags and fled, first by train and then by foot with a paid guide. Marika was taken first to the border, followed by Gyuri a little while later. In Austria they were taken to a cinema, the only space free for the large numbers of refugees, and Gyuri again, with charm and ingenuity, paid someone with his Swiss watch so they could be escorted to Vienna. Once in Vienna they were finally free to live, unburdened and young, and enjoyed every moment they could. However, part of their extended family already lived in Australia, and for family unification pushed Gyuri and Marika to come to Australia. They relented, wanting to connect with family and Gyuri and Marika arrived in 1950s Australia but missed their lives back home. Gyuri had a job before he landed on Australian soil. While in Vienna he was sent a copy of The Sydney Morning Herald and he applied for an engineering position at Simon Carves. Gyuri was a loyal employee and remained with the same company until retirement. He was a skilled mechanical engineer but also taught himself computer systems and programming. He introduced management information systems into the company and became their IT guru. He was a dedicated worker who was creative, innovative and always looking for new challenges and overcoming them. A rescue effort was launched after nearly 50 pilot whales were stranded on a beach in Indonesia; but the majority did not survive Forty-six small whales stranded on a beach in Indonesia have died, after rescue efforts succeeded in saving three others, local officials said Friday. Starting Thursday, at least 49 short-finned pilot whales arrived at a beach on Madura Island in northern Java, authorities said in a statement. Large crowds gathered as a rescue operation was launched, with volunteers using tarpaulins or just their bare hands to try to push the pod back out to sea. Curious onlookers took pictures and touched the whales, while others tried to splash water on them. In the end, only three of the animals survived. "The live whales had to be released together as they live in a group," said East Java governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa in the statement. Parawansa said that officials had taken samples of the carcasses for further investigation into the cause of death. He added that the corpses, which measure from three to five metres each, would be buried on the beach at low tide. Authorities said that officials had taken samples of the carcasses for further investigation into the cause of death Offshore cross-currents in the area pose a danger to whales, as they can get caught between reefs close to land. Pollution, abandoned nets and floating plastic waste are also dangers for marine animals. In July last year, 10 pilot whales were found dead near Kupang, a town in East Nusa Tenggara province. In 2018, a sperm whale was found dead in Indonesia with more than 100 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags in its stomach, raising concerns about the Southeast Asian archipelago's massive marine rubbish problem. Large crowds gathered as rescuers tried to push the whales back out to sea, but in the end only three were saved Explore further Giant whale washes up on Indonesian beach 2021 AFP Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addresses in a televised speech marking the annual Quds, or Jerusalem Day, in Tehran, Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addresses in a televised speech marking the annual Quds, or Jerusalem Day, in Tehran, Iran The Biden administration says it's ready to join talks with and world powers to discuss a return to the 2015 nuclear deal. The State Department said Friday the US would accept an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting of the participants in the original agreement. The US has not participated in a meeting of those participants since former President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018. Such an invitation has not yet been issued but one is expected shortly, following discussions earlier Friday between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British, French and German counterparts. The United States would accept an invitation from the European Union High Representative to attend a meeting of the P5+1 and to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Iran's nuclear program, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. Earlier Thursday, Blinken and the foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France urged to allow continued United Nations nuclear inspections and stop nuclear activities that have no credible civilian use. They warned that Iran's actions could threaten delicate efforts to bring the U. S. back into the 2015 deal and end sanctions damaging Iran's economy. Iran is playing with fire, said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who took part in the talks Thursday in Paris with his British and French counterparts. Blinken had joined via videoconference. Iran has said it will stop part of Atomic Energy Agency inspections of its nuclear facilities next week if the West doesn't implement its own commitments under the 2015 deal. The accord has been unraveling since Trump pulled the U. S. out of the agreement. Blinken reiterated that if Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments ... the United States will do the same, according to a joint statement after Thursday's meeting that reflected closer trans-Atlantic positions on Iran since President Joe Biden took office. The diplomats noted the dangerous nature of a decision to limit IAEA access, and urge Iran to consider the consequences of such grave action, particularly at this time of renewed diplomatic opportunity. They said Iran's decision to produce uranium enriched up to 20% and uranium metal has no credible civilian use. The 2015 accord is aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran denies it is seeking such an arsenal. We are the ones who have kept this agreement alive in recent years, and now it's about supporting the United States in taking the road back into the agreement, Maas told reporters in Paris. The measures that have been taken in Tehran and may be taken in the coming days are anything but helpful. They endanger the Americans' path back into this agreement. The more pressure that is exerted, the more politically difficult it will be to find a solution, he said. Iran's threats are very worrying, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, stressing the need to re-engage diplomatically in order to restrain Iran, but also bring it back into compliance. The diplomats also expressed concern about human rights violations in Iran and its ballistic missile program. In Iran, President Hassan Rouhani expressed hope Friday that the Biden administration will rejoin the accord and lift the U. S. sanctions that Washington re-imposed under Trump, according to state television. Tehran has been using its violations of the nuclear deal to put pressure on the remaining signatories France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China to provide more incentives to Iran to offset the crippling sanctions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the president of the European Council spoke with Rouhani this week to try to end the diplomatic standoff. The head of the IAEA is scheduled to travel to Iran this weekend to find a solution that allows the agency to continue inspections. (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 situation in the SW US is so difficult. Wish everyone in Texas had a new F150 with PowerBoost onboard generator.... https://t.co/KTgJpqjvPH Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) February 18, 2021 Scoop: @Ford sent a letter to Texas dealers this afternoon asking them to loan out 2021 F-150s with on-board generators to help power homes & businesses. Ford says it has 415 trucks available to help & is altering its loaner program to make it happen https://t.co/c0r9lkhEeD Michael Martinez (@MikeMartinez_AN) February 18, 2021 Right now, as millions of Americans are going without power and/or running water in what has been dubbed the Texas freeze, the Ford F-150 is also proving a real lifesaver. In the most literal sense.The f150gen14.com forum has been flooded with posts from owners of the pickup truck's hybrid model , in which they show the uses the Pro Power Onboard system can be put to use in the current context. Sure, the onboard generator is perfect and was likely designed for camping or powering up tools, but its just as good for powering up home appliances.Randy Jones, who goes by JustMe on the forum, reveals he used the onboard generator to power up appliances throughout his home, including some lights, coffee pot, 75 Tv, toaster oven, space heater and refrigerator. He used extension cords and reports that he was able to power all this for 10-12 hours a day with surprisingly low fuel consumption.Other owners share similar stories of using the Ford onboard generator to power up heating appliances and lights, coffee pots, or cookers, but its Jones account thats gone viral. Once the media picked up on it, it even caught the eye of Ford CEO Jim Farley, who tweeted about how more of these trucks would come in handy to stranded Texans.According to journalist Michael Martinez, Farley did a bit more than just re-tweet the story and boast about how awesome Fords hybrid truck is. The carmaker sent out letters to Texas dealers, asking them to loan out 2021 F-150s with onboard generators. Figures show they have 415 such trucks available in the state, and loan conditions are being modified as we speak to make them immediately available. She recently confirmed her new relationship with beau Matthew Adesuyan. And Shanina Shaik put romance to one side on Thursday as she enjoyed a girls' night out with her model friends Sara Sampaio and Jasmine Tookes at E.Baldi in Los Angeles. The 30-year-old accentuated her model frame in a pair of form-fitting leather trousers as she was pictured outside the Beverly Hills eatery. Girls' night: Shanina Shaik enjoyed a girls' night out with her model friends Sara Sampaio and Jasmine Tookes at E.Baldi on Thursday The supermodel continued to showcase her flare for fashion as she donned a chic check blouse with on-trend puff sleeves. The Australian beauty complemented the look with a pair of leather ankle boots and a matching mini bag. Shanina highlighted her flawless complexion with a fresh make-up look and worked her hair into a sleek straight style for her evening out. Following her style lead, Victoria's Secret Angel Sara, 29, donned a cropped velvet blazer and a chiffon polka dot top for their dinner. Getting chic done: The 30-year-old accentuated her model frame in a pair of form-fitting leather trousers as she was pictured outside Beverly Hills eatery E. Baldi The Portuguese runway star rounded the look off with a pair of black skinny jeans, knee-high riding boots and a gold-chain bag over her shoulder. Fellow VS model Jasmine Tookes looked effortlessly chic in a knee-length teddy-style coat which she paired with a turtleneck and skinny jeans. The stunning 30-year-old teamed her Parisian-inspired ensemble with mesh stilettos and tan-coloured Birkin. Shanina recently split with her businessman beau, Seyed Payam Mirtorabi, following a whirlwind romance. Wrapped up: Fellow VS model Jasmine Tookes looked effortlessly chic in a knee-length teddy-style coat On Valentine's Day Shanina revealed she has already found love again with her new beau Matthew. Sharing a black-and-white picture of the couple, Shanina wrote: My Valentine... Happy Valentines Day.' In the photo, the beauty looks off into the distance while Matthew stands from behind her with his arms clutching onto her waist. She confirmed the identity of her beau was Los Angeles-based record label owner , Matthew Adesuyan. Feeling the love!On Valentine's Day Shanina revealed she has already found love again with her new beau Matthew Adesuyan Quick moves! Shanina Shaik has not confirmed when the two became an item, but her relationship with Matthew comes shortly after her break-up from her business man beau, Seyed Payam Mirtorab When he isn't on tour with his artists, Matthew is also the creator of fashion brand Made By US. Earlier this month, Shanina told fans she was in a new relationship during an Instagram Q&A. 'You'll meet him soon,' she wrote in response to a fan's question about her relationship status. At the time, she posted a picture of his arm around her, but hid his face in the photograph. Revelation: Earlier this month the 30-year-old former Victoria's Secret model revealed she was in a new relationship during an Instagram Q&A. 'You'll meet him soon,' she wrote on Instagram Her relationship with Matthew comes shortly after her break-up from Seyed. In August last year she shared a cryptic Instagram post, hinting at a split between the two. 'What I have learned this week nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know,' she wrote at the time. The couple were last spotted in the South of France only two weeks before, sharing a kiss while at the exclusive, Hotel du Cap Eden. She had debuted the romance in December 2019. Over: Shanina hinted that she had split with her ex Seyed (pictured) in August last year in a cryptic Instagram post That relationship had come after she had announced her split from husband DJ Ruckus in June 2019, after just one year of marriage. She recently admitted that despite her first marriage ending in divorce, she is open to tying the knot again. 'What do you think about marriage?' a fan asked Shanina. 'I think marriage can be a beautiful union!' she replied, sharing a picture of herself from her wedding day. 'I'm not against it... and I would love to get married again one day.' First marriage: Shanina announced her split from husband DJ Ruckus in June 2019, after just one year of marriage Open to it: She recently admitted that despite her first marriage ending in divorce, she is open to tying the knot again Shanina, who walked the runway for Victoria's Secret five times between 2011 and 2018, announced her split from DJ Ruckus in June last year, after a year of marriage. In October 2019, Shanina told The Herald Sun she'd leaned on her family and friends for support in the aftermath of the separation. 'Of course no one decides when they get married to get divorced,' she said. 'It was a difficult time but I've had amazing friends and family supporting me throughout the process and I have a great relationship with my ex-partner and that's important as well. 'We're all on great terms and we want one another to be happy.' Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Hong Kong Data Center Market has established itself as a Data Center hub into China, with Chinese companies and MNCs seeking to gain access into the Chinese market based in the territory, there are just under 50 facilities in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Report provides an overview of the Data Center colocation market together with a 5-year Data Center raised floor space, power, pricing & revenue forecast from the end of 2020 to the end of 2025. Request a free sample copy of Hong Kong Data Center Market Report @ https://www.bharatbook.com/marketreports/sample/reports/2323050 DCP identifies the 5 key trends in the report: The China-ification of the Hong Kong economy is also being applied to the Data Centre segment - There is a large amount of Chinese-funded investment flooding into Hong Kong, into the stock market, land and other asset purchases. This is also starting to have an impact on the Hong Kong Data Centre market, particularly where land costs remain at a premium with development land in short supply. Recently in Hong Kong (unlike Singapore) land has not been reserved by authorities for Data Centre development with Data Centre Providers having to pay the full market rates for industrial land - rates which have now increased to record levels. In July 2020, China Mobile International paid a record fee for a Hong Kong industrial site at auction (a cost of over USD $723 million). And Chinese-based Data Centre Provider GDS Holdings Ltd is building two new Data Centre facilities in Hong Kong for existing Chinese clients. Increasingly the rising cost of land in Hong Kong may be a deterrent to most Data Centre Providers except for the Chinese Data Centre Provider. Hong Kong is unique in Asia with the size of the financial services segment in Data Centres- Hong Kong has a large financial services segment, which ties with the cloud segment as the largest Hong Kong customer segment - with up to 30 per cent of Hong Kong Data Centre customers from financial services. The Hong Kong market is similar to the London Data Centre market in the dominance of the financial services segment - and is ahead of Singapore - but is behind New York as a percentage of Data Centre customers. The Hong Kong financial services segment is also growing its online presence with a number of virtual licenced banks launching services, which is supporting the local Data Centre market. Hong Kong also has a shortage of land for future Data Centre development - The cost of land in Hong Kong is a problem for future Data Centre development, with auctions facing competition from property companies buying land for housing or hotel development. Unlike Singapore, the Hong Kong Government has not recently reserved new space for Data Centre development - when previously Government-owned land in TKO was reserved for Data Centres (including Global Switch, NTT, i-advantage and Telehouse). The cost of land means that Hong Kong Data Centre pricing will also continue to be high. Hong Kong is competing with Singapore as the key Data Centre hub in Asia - Overall Hong Kong has over 285,000 m2 of 3rd party Data Centre space available as of the end of 2020 - with Singapore having around 400,000 m2 of 3rd party Data Centre space. In essence Singapore has established itself as a Data Centre hub in the Asia Pacific region - and Hong Kong has established itself as a gateway for Chinese investment for the rest of Asia. The three largest Data Centre Providers in Hong Kong include i-advantage, PCCW Solutions & Equinix - Collectively the three largest Hong Kong Data Centre Providers (i-advantage, PCCW Solutions & Equinix) account for 38 per cent of total space in the territory - with i-advantage building two new Data Centre facilities to almost double its overall footprint in Hong Kong over the next two years to 2023. The Hong Kong Data Centre market is due to change with the introduction of new facilities from i-advantage, GDS Holdings and China Mobile. Recent new entrants to the Data Centre market include Air Trunk, NTT Ltd & Global Switch. Over time, Data Centre growth in Hong Kong is likely to become closely linked to developments in the surrounding Greater Bay Area (GBA), where costs are lower with land in greater supply. Hong Kong has a large and dynamic Data Center market - The Hong Kong market continues to attract new investment from Data Center Providers with new facilities to be introduced by Air Trunk, China Mobile, Digital Realty, GDS Holdings & i-advantage, even though there is a shortage of land for future Data Center development. Browse our full report with Table of Content: https://www.bharatbook.com/marketreports/hong-kong-data-centre-landscape-2021-to-2025/2323050 About Bharat Book Bureau: Bharat Book is Your One-Stop-Shop with an exhaustive coverage of 15,00,000 reports and insights that includes latest Industry Study, Industry Trends & Analysis, Forecasts Customized Intelligence, Newsletters and Online Databases. Overall a comprehensive coverage of major industries with a further segmentation of 100+ subsectors. Contact us at: Bharat Book Bureau Tel: +91 22 27810772/27810773 Email: poonam@bharatbook.com Website: www.bharatbook.com Now Open 19 February 2021 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company and leading provider of hotel management services with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries on six continents, has opened its first hotel in Cambodia, the Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville, a brand new landmark on the country's tropical coast. Howard Johnson by Wyndham continues its expansion in Southeast Asia with the opening of Blue Bay Sihanoukville following successful openings for the brand in China and South Korea. Howard Johnson by Wyndham is a globally recognised brand with hotels in more than 320 locations across three continents: North America, South America and Asia. The 522-key upscale hotel is the latest addition to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' portfolio of over 1,500 hotels across the Asia Pacific region. Seafront Style with Five-Star Facilities Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville is a stunning 36-storey upscale hotel comprising 522 contemporary rooms and suites with city and sea views, perfectly positioned at Independence Beach, close to the centre of Sihanoukville and overlooking the sparkling sea. Guests can unwind in style in the hotel's guestrooms, which feature plush bedding, marble bathrooms with rain showers and, in some rooms, sea-facing balconies with spa tubs. For the ultimate indulgence, the hotel's Presidential Suite offers an extensive 200 sqm of space with loft-like interiors and flexible open space, suitable for families or romantic getaways. Boasting an air of tranquillity, guests can savour glittering views of the Gulf of Thailand from the private bathtub or entertain friends and family in its spacious living and dining area. Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville also offers plenty of opportunities for guests to relax and unwind at the hotel with leisure and wellness facilities including an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic sea views, a well-equipped fitness centre, a spa, and a duty-free retail outlet. The hotel is also home to three dining outlets, including: Andaman Sea, the all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites alongside Sichuan, Cantonese and Hunan cuisine; the Private Dining Room, serving local, Chinese and Western specialties; and the Infinity Lounge, which serves a refreshing array of beverages and cocktails. Visitors who want to explore the local area can take advantage of an onsite tour desk or request for professional services at the business centre. Guests staying on club floors can also enjoy bespoke amenities at the dedicated club lounge offering daily breakfast as well as cocktails and canapes every evening. The hotel is also directly connected to the region's largest shopping mall and a major gaming centre, while the soft sands of Independence Beach are just moments away. Discover the Wonders the Cambodian Riviera Sihanoukville is a serene seaside town and fishing port on the Cambodian coast and the capital of Sihanoukville Province. The coastal city is home to a string of sandy beaches, including Independence Beach, Victory Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, Otres Beach and Serendipity Beach, which offer an exotic blend of warm, clear seas, palm-fringed sand, and exhilarating water sports. The city is also the gateway to Cambodia's idyllic offshore islands, such as Koh Rong, which offer pristine landscapes and spectacular snorkelling activities. The new hotel is located just 26km away from Sihanouk International Airport, while the Cambodian capital city, Phnom Penh, is 225km away. All of Wyndham's hotels in Southeast Asia participate in Wyndham Rewards, the world's most generous rewards program with more than 30,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide. This article is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan reporting project covering local election integrity and voting access. A version of it originally appeared in Spotlight PAs free weekly newsletter. HARRISBURG The states new auditor general charged with serving as an independent and impartial fiscal watchdog on behalf of taxpayers has refused to affirm that the 2020 election was fair and accurate, despite his own victory. Timothy DeFoor became the first Republican in more than two decades to win the row office, a major victory for the party (DeFoor bested Democrat Nina Ahmad, a former deputy Philadelphia mayor, by 3 percentage points). And he was clear, when he recently appeared before a state House committee, that he believes his race was fair and that he is the rightful victor. As for the other races on the same ballots in the same election? He has nothing to say. I believe my election was fair, DeFoor said in response to a question from Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia). As far as anybody elses election, thats a conversation that you would have to have with them, but I havent heard any complaints with regards to my specific election. When pressed this week about the comment, a spokesperson from DeFoors office called it a personal view and declined to elaborate. Although Pennsylvania Republicans fell short in their efforts to reelect President Donald Trump, the GOP performed extremely well in down-ballot races, maintaining their majority in the state Senate, growing their control in the state House, and flipping two statewide row offices. Despite those gains, party leadership has repeatedly questioned the integrity of the election, while a handful of Republicans have fueled false claims of voter fraud. The hearing DeFoor attended was one of 14 scheduled by Rep. Seth Grove (R., York) to investigate the 2020 election and evaluate Pennsylvanias Election Code more broadly. DeFoor said he was only there to testify about a 2019 audit of the states antiquated voter record system, which was overseen by his predecessor, Democrat Eugene DePasquale. He spent much of the meeting deferring questions to two staffers who helped with the audit. Before Kenyatta could press DeFoor further, Rep. Paul Schemel (R., Franklin) who ran the meeting as Grove was out with COVID-19-like symptoms interrupted him. I think thats outside of the boundaries of the discussion were hearing today, Schemel said. Asked if DeFoor stood by his comments and would elaborate, his office declined Wednesday. Auditor General DeFoor was asked an off-topic question by a committee member and expressed his personal view, a spokesperson for DeFoors office said in an email. Because the department may yet be asked to become involved in an official capacity, he must maintain his independence and has no further comment. At least one lawmaker, Sen. Bob Mensch (R., Montgomery), said hell introduce a bill requiring DeFoors office to audit the processes by which each county handled their elections in 2020. Counties are already required to audit 2% of their ballots. While the state auditor generals office independently examines how government departments spend taxpayer money, it relies on funding from the legislature. At his swearing in on Jan. 19, DeFoor promised taxpayers accountability, integrity, and transparency. Pretty disturbing that Auditor General DeFoor cant answer whether the 2020 election was free and fair, but unequivocally believes his personal election which also occurred in 2020 was fair, Kenyatta said in a tweet about the meeting. Make that make sense. 100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA relies on funding from foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Become a member today at spotlightpa.org/donate. KYIV. Feb 19 (Interfax-Ukraine) Some 57.1% of Ukrainians would not support the re-nomination of incumbent head of state Volodymyr Zelensky for the 2024 presidential elections, while 27.9% of respondents would support, according to the results of a national survey conducted by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) and the Socis center on February 11 to February 16, 2021. According to the poll's results presented at a press conference in Interfax-Ukraine on Friday, if the presidential elections in Ukraine were held next Sunday, some 18.3% of respondents would vote for Zelensky, some 13.8% for Poroshenko, some 8.3% for Tymoshenko, some 8% for Boiko and 5.8% for Smeshko. Some 89% of the respondents voted for the decrease in the number of MPs in the Verkhovna Rada from 450 to 300, while 6.5% did not support the idea and 4.5% of the respondents could not decide on the answer. As for the attitude towards Zelensky due to his decree on blocking the 112 Ukraine, NewsOne and ZIK television channels, some 58% of the respondents did not change their attitude, some 20% improved their attitude, some 17.4% started to treat the president worse and 4.5% of respondents found it difficult to answer. Sociological survey was conducted by the Socis and KIIS centers throughout Ukraine, except for the occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions using the CATI telephone interview method. Some 3,000 respondents were interviewed. Results are representative of the entire country for age over 18 years. The statistical error of the sample is about 1.8%. TORONTO (AP) Canadas main opposition party called Thursday for the House of Commons to formally declare that China is committing genocide against more than 1 million Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region. Conservative Party leader Erin OToole said a signal must be sent to the Chinese regime. On a matter like genocide, Canada needs to send a clear and unequivocal signal that we will stand up for human rights and the dignity of human rights, even if it means sacrificing some economic opportunity, OToole said. Our values are not for sale. The motion is non-binding on the federal government nor does it lay out what any next steps ought to be. A vote is expected Monday. The main opposition parties support the motion and control the majority of seats in the House of Commons. There was no immediate indication of what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party would do on the proposed declaration. After OToole urged the government this week to press the International Olympic Committee to move the 2022 Winter Olympics out of Beijing, Trudeau hesitated at using the word genocide, which he called an extremely loaded term. When it comes to the application of the very specific word genocide, we simply need to ensure that all the is are dotted and ts are crossed before a determination like that is made, Trudeau this week. The move is the latest attempt to hold China accountable for its treatment of the Uighurs and other predominantly Muslim and ethnic Turkic minorities, who have been subjected to an unprecedented crackdown that is increasingly drawing international concern. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared before he left office that Chinas policies against Xinjiangs Muslims and ethnic minorities constituted crimes against humanity and genocide. His successor, Antony Blinken, reiterated the statement on his first day in office. Researchers and rights groups estimate that since 2016, China has rounded up a million or more Uighurs and other minorities into prisons and vast indoctrination camps that the state calls training centers. Story continues Pompeo cited widespread forced birth control and forced labor among Uighurs. The Associated Press reported last year that the Chinese government was systematically forcing sterilization and abortion on Uighur and other Muslim women and sent many to camps simply for having too many children. China denies any abuses and insists the steps it has taken are necessary to combat terrorism and a separatist movement. OToole has also said China is imposing a police state on Hong Kong and arbitrarily detaining two Canadians in Chinese prisons. He said if the Olympics are not moved, a boycott could be considered. Canada continues to press Beijing to release Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, both detained since December 2018 following Canadas arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at the Chinese technology company Huawei and the daughter of the companys founder. Canadian police detained Meng in Vancouver on a U.S. extradition request nine days before Kovrig and Spavor were arrested. The U.S. is seeking Mengs extradition on fraud charges, and her extradition case is before the Canadian courts. Her arrest severely damaged relations between China and Canada. China has also sentenced two other Canadians to death and suspended canola imports. Europe and the United States should without delay send enough COVID-19 vaccine doses to Africa to inoculate the continent's healthcare workers or risk losing influence to Russia and China, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday. Macron said Africa needed 13 million doses to vaccinate all its healthworkers, a milestone that would help protect healthcare services. "If we announce billions today to supply doses in 6 months, 8 months, a year, our friends in Africa will, under justified pressure from their people, buy doses from the Chinese and the Russians," Macron told the Munich Security Conference. "And the strength of the West will be a concept, and not a reality." Short link: ADVERTISEMENT The second term inauguration ceremony of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as the governor of Ondo State will be attended by only 500 persons due to the prevailing COVID-19 virus, the inauguration committee has said. The venue of the event, scheduled for Wednesday, February 24, is the International Culture and Event Center, Igbatoro Road, Akure, which ordinarily sits 1,800 persons. The chairperson of the inauguration committee and deputy governor -elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, told journalists in Akure on Friday that the inauguration and all the ancillary activities would be low-key, due to the prevailing economic situation in the state. Mr Akeredolu was re-elected governor of the state on October 10, 2020, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, and the current Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, who contested on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party. Mr Akeredolu will take the oath of office next week, despite his re-election being challenged by Mr Jegede. Mr Jegede is asking the governorship election tribunal to declare him winner and nullify the election of Mr Akeredolu on the grounds that the latter was not validly nominated. He is also asking the tribunal to consider the pockets of violence that marred the election in several local governments in reaching its decision. But Mr Akeredolu and his team of counsels have written off the petition against the governor, saying the grounds on which the petition was filed had no substance. Mr Aiyedatiwa, however, noted that the inauguration would be attended strictly by invitation, saying it is in order to control crowd and reduce the risks associated with COVID -19. In other words, the venues will be no-go areas for individuals without official invitation cards, he said. For more emphasis, the DOME which sits full capacity of 1,800 guests will now sit 500 for the inauguration while it will accommodate only 400 for the state dinner later in the evening. Ondo State has so far recorded confirmed cases, with 57 deaths. Although 725 cases are still active, 2,080 cases have been discharged. Other events of the inauguration include inauguration lecture, dinner, commissioning of projects, Jumaat and thanksgiving services, among others. By Eli Walsh Bay City News Foundation Employees with the Alameda County Sheriff's Department and the county's local law enforcement agencies received their first of two coronavirus vaccines Thursday during the first of several clinics intended to vaccinate law enforcement countywide. More than 800 sheriff's office and local law enforcement employees, including Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern, received vaccines at the sheriff's Regional Training Center in Dublin. The sheriff's office has some 1,650 employees, but chose to stagger when those employees get vaccinated to ensure the agency is not shorthanded. Law enforcement employees from local agencies across the county as well as the sheriff's office's state and federal partners were also invited to the vaccination clinic, operated by the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency. "We waited until it was our turn, we didn't want to jump the chain," Ahern said. "The vaccines are under great scrutiny, so we didn't want to, in any way, go outside of the recommendations from (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or the governor's request." A total of 975 doses of the vaccine developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer were transported to the Dublin facility early Thursday morning in advance of the clinic. According to Dr. Kathleen Clanon, the medical director for the Health Care Services Agency and overseer of the vaccination clinic, the doses will keep for up to 72 hours in specially designed ultra-cold storage units. Excess doses will be used for further vaccinations of law enforcement planned for Friday, Clanon said. The county plans to vaccinate up to 1,100 law enforcement officials per day over four days. "This is a great set-up for us," Clanon said. "The sheriff's office has been so welcoming and really great partners and it's just been a really great day." The sheriff's office and county health officials are also collaborating to vaccinate the county's corrections officers and inmates at facilities like the Santa Rita Jail. To date, 189 sheriff's office employees have tested positive for the virus, including the deaths of a deputy and sheriff's technician last July. According to Ahern, 10 of those cases remain active and are symptomatic, but none are hospitalized. James Taylor, a 54-year-old dispatcher with the Livermore Police Department, praised the clinic's efficiency, noting it took fewer than five minutes to sign in and receive his vaccination. "This is very exciting," Taylor said. "Getting here not knowing what to expect, it's smooth as silk here." Taylor said his wife, an employee with Marin General Hospital, has already received her two vaccine doses. "Our house feels comfortable now," he said. Ahern express optimism that vaccinating law enforcement officials countywide will help them keep the public safe and reinforce public trust in the vaccine. "We want to make sure that those people who are dealing with the public are vaccinated," Ahern said. "So the public knows they're safe when they're contacting law enforcement entities and our people are safe from obtaining COVID-19 from somebody in the community." Copyright 2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. On 11 February Greece hosted the Philia Forum, a conference which brought together the foreign ministers of Cyprus, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iraq, and the minister of state for international cooperation of the United Arab Emirates. The French foreign minister participated via video link. Held in Athens, the Philia Forum its full title includes the coda Building Friendship, Peace and Prosperity from the Mediterranean to the Gulf allowed for an exchange of views on development in the Mediterranean and Gulf region, and ways to foster greater cooperation, stability, and better use of the regions resources. Philia is the Greek word for friendship. Egyptian-Greek-Cypriot cooperation is the core that could be expanded to include Gulf states which share close ties and common interests in maintaining Arab national security, and a joint vision of cooperation and regional challenges, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri said in a phone interview following the conference. With the charter of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), signed in September, due to be activated on 1 March, and the likely establishment of the Cyprus-based Tripartite Secretariat this spring, meetings like the Philia Forum provide an opportunity to improve cooperation within the Mediterranean region not over natural gas, but also on issues directly linked to security and stability. The forum paves the way for wider cooperation between states in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf, which explains Turkeys angry reaction to the convening of the meeting, said a diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity. Turkeys Foreign Ministry described the forum as hostile. The Turkish daily Sabah reported the Turkish Foreign Ministry saying in a written statement that the Greek foreign ministers accusatory and slanderous remarks at the meeting in Athens indicate this enterprise is not about friendship. Tense relations with Turkey will not be the only area of difficulty facing the EMGF. Israels relations with other member states, especially Palestine and Lebanon, which is expected to join the EMGF at some point, will place obstacles before the fledgling body, said the diplomat. Major natural gas finds off the coasts of Egypt, Cyprus, Israel, and Lebanon have made cooperation between the gas-producing countries increasingly necessary. Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus agreed to establish the EMGF in 2018. The forum was formed in January last year and its charter signed by its founding members Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Israel, Jordan, and Palestine in September. The forum is open to all countries that share the same values and goals and have the desire to cooperate more closely on regional security and prosperity. EMGF is in many ways an offshoot of earlier tripartite gatherings of Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus, and the launch of the Cyprus-based Tripartite Secretariat this spring will provide another tool for cooperation among the three countries. The foreign ministers of the three countries held a tripartite meeting on the sidelines of the Philia Forum during which they demanded respect for the sovereign rights of states in their maritime areas in the Eastern Mediterranean, sending a clear message to Turkey. The three ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the UN Charter, as well as the principle of good neighbourly relations between countries in the region. The joint statement also allowed the three countries to reiterate their position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict: the statement posited a two-state solution as an indispensable requirement for comprehensive peace and stability in the region, and also insisted political solutions to the crises in Libya and Syria were necessary to preserve regional stability. On Libya, the three ministers said any foreign intervention was unacceptable, and agreements concluded in violation of international law were void. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria, and support for a permanent political settlement of the Syrian crisis in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The growth in cooperation between Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus dates back to the meeting between the three countries foreign ministers on the margins of the 2013 and 2014 UN General Assembly. The meetings quickly turned into a broad alliance fostering cooperation across a range of economic, political, and strategic interests. Seven summit meetings have since taken place, the first in Cairo in 2014. It was during the sixth summit in Crete in 2018 that the three countries decided to found the EMGF. Shoukri held two bilateral meetings with his Greek and Cypriot counterparts on the sidelines of the Philia Forum. During his meeting with Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, the two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the quick ratification of the founding charter of the EMGF, and agreement on its entry into force next month. In his meeting with the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, a number of regional files were discussed alongside bilateral relations. The two ministers addressed ways to support the flow of mutual investments between the two countries and to overcome any obstacles that companies face, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez. In August, Egypt and Greece signed a maritime demarcation agreement which established an exclusive economic zone between the two countries. Ankara rejected the demarcation agreement between Egypt and Cyprus and threatened to pursue plans to drill for gas in Cypriot waters. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 February, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link: As the Manhattan district attorneys office steps up the criminal investigation of Donald J. Trump, it has reached outside its ranks to enlist a prominent former federal prosecutor to help scrutinize financial dealings at the former presidents company, according to several people with knowledge of the matter. The former prosecutor, Mark F. Pomerantz, has deep experience investigating and defending white-collar and organized crime cases, bolstering the team under District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. that is examining Mr. Trump and his family business, the Trump Organization. The investigation by Mr. Vance, a Democrat, is focused on possible tax and bank-related fraud, including whether the Trump Organization misled its lenders or local tax authorities about the value of his properties to obtain loans and tax benefits, the people with knowledge of the matter said, requesting anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the investigation. Mr. Trump has maintained he did nothing improper and has long railed against the inquiry, calling it a politically motivated witch hunt. She was recently forced to hit back at trolls who asked if she was 'pregnant' after she shared a collection of snaps and videos on social media. And Heidi Montag looked radiant as she displayed her toned figure in activewear during a home workout on Thursday. The Hills star, 34, took to her Instagram to share a video of herself exercising where she showed off her flat stomach in a pink patterned crop top. Radiant: Heidi Montag looked radiant as she displayed her toned figure in activewear during a home workout on Thursday Heidi, who famously underwent 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day back in 2010, teamed the item of activewear with matching leggings which further highlighted her toned frame. The mother-of-one looked radiant as she swept her blonde locks into a ponytail and added just a slick of make-up. Heidi showed off a series of impressive workouts during the video, including pressups and lunges. It comes after Heidi was forced to hit back at trolls and deny that she was pregnant over the weekend. Hitting back: She was recently forced to hit back at trolls who asked if she was 'pregnant' after she enjoyed a beach day in Carpinteria, California, recently Workout: The Hills star, 34, took to her Instagram to share a video of herself exercising where she showed off her flat stomach in a pink patterned crop top The clarification came a month after she showcased her frame in a neon green bikini while splashing in the Carpinteria surf. While earlier this week, Heidi shared a fun TikTok video with husband Spencer Pratt where she looked stunning in a blue figure-hugging dress. Hitting back at trolls on Saturday, the reality star tweeted: 'No I am not pregnant yet. Just a little overweight'. Heidi and her husband Spencer eloped in Mexico in 2008 during the fourth season of The Hills. Toned: Heidi, who famously underwent 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day back in 2010, teamed the item of activewear with matching leggings which further highlighted her toned frame Hitting back! It comes after Heidi was forced to hit back at trolls and deny that she was pregnant over the weekend Fun in the sun: The clarification came a month after she showcased her frame in a neon green bikini while splashing in the Carpinteria surf They tied the knot in 2009 in Pasadena, California, and welcomed their first child Gunner, three, in October 2017. The stars have been busy shooting the second season of the hit MTV reboot of The Hills. Production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Production reportedly began in November 2020 with new coronavirus safety protocols in place. Smitten: While earlier this week, Heidi shared a fun TikTok video with husband Spencer Pratt where she looked stunning in a blue figure-hugging dress The reality show's first hit season aired in 2019 and fans have been eager to find out which cast members would be returning for more. Original Hills star Kristen Cavallari has recently been spotted with various cast members, sparking numerous rumours the jewellery designer may be joining the series. Season two will also include appearances from Caroline D'Amore, Audrina Patridge, Justin Brescia, Frankie Delgado, and Whitney Port. Heidi tweeted Saturday: 'There would be no show without me, so you're welcome!' How I Met Your Mother alum Alyson Hannigan starrer Abducted: The Mary Stauffer Story introduces viewers to a gripping 39-year-old case that had shaken the world at the time it occurred. The movie aired on Lifetime as a part of their "Ripped from the Headlines" feature film series. The film captured 1.04 million viewers during its first airing and has still not left the limelight as it's still talked about today. How accurate is the movie in depicting the true events that took place? Read to find out. Also Read - Is 'War Dogs' Based On A True Story? How Much Of The Movie Was Real? Also Read - Is 'The Widower' Based On A True Story? Did Thomas Randolph Real? Is Abducted: The Mary Stauffer Story based on a true story? The terrifying fiasco occurred on May 16, 1980, when 36-year-old Mary Stauffer and her daughter Beth were visiting a beauty salon. While leaving from there, a man forced himself into their car at gunpoint. He directed her to drive to a remote site, after which he tossed the mother and daughter into the car's trunk and drove away to his home. During a second stop near his house, a 6-year-old boy heard noises from the trunk and proceeded to venture near the car. The kidnapper did not spare him either as he abducted the young child and beat him to death in an isolated area the same day. He then took Stauffer and her daughter captive in a narrow closet in his house. He raped Stauffer daily and tortured Beth by suffocating her with a plastic bag. This happened for nearly two months until June 7, when Stauffer finally managed to escape while the kidnapper was at work. The kidnapper was not just any random psychopath. In fact, he was Stauffer's student 15 years prior to the incident. Ming Sen Shiue had become obsessed with her when she taught him in his 9th grade and used to stalk her for years after. A series of revelations started unveiling after the news of her abduction became viral. In 1975, he broke into her in-laws' house once after mistaking it as her house and had tied them up at gunpoint and threatened to kill them if they ever reported to the police. Her in-laws finally broke their silence on the home invasion five years later when Mary got abducted. Stauffer and her husband were living in the Philippines as missionaries most of the time, which luckily kept her out of Shiue's reach. But the moment she returned to the U.S. for a short vacation, he did his research and committed the aforementioned crime. Shiue was eventually found guilty and is still serving his sentence in the prison. Also Read - Is 'Unbroken' A True Story Based On The Life Of World War 2 Survivors? Also Read - Is 'The Strangers Prey At Night' Based On A True Story? All About The 2018 Horror Film Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. (Photo : With Empathy and Understanding, David Fichman at 22 Has Grown as an Entrepreneur, Impacting People's Lives for the Better) With empathy and understanding, David Fichman at 22 has grown as an entrepreneur, impacting people's lives for the better This young entrepreneur lays out a few simple ways people can find happiness within themselves. All around us we see so many young entrepreneurs and professionals who have proved that age is just a number and when one works with a clear vision in mind, no odds can ever be big enough to pose as a hindrance in their ways. David Fichman's name tops the list of such young entrepreneurs from Australia, who today at only 22 years of age has not only gained a prominent position in the business world but most importantly has made a prominent impact on people's lives and earned their respect. He is the founder of 'Bootcamp', a place that is all for the people who are finding their purpose in life and who need solace in being heard and understood. David Fichman had a normal childhood, growing up in Melbourne, Australia and studying in one of the top schools in the state. However, this young boy was unlike others his age and his heart always sought something else. Although making a tough decision, after graduating from high school, he secured a job under one of the top real estate agents. He left the job feeling unfulfilled with his life and its purpose and landed in Cyprus to build his own media company. Building his company and hiring employees, David Fichman realized how he loved to teach and help people. This ignited the fire in him and he went ahead to leave his business and start 'Bootcamp'. This is a one of a kind place that changes the meaning of life for the better for people and helps them in their various social and psychological issues, by addressing them in the open, without getting any judgemental. Below, David Fichman lays out a few simple ways; people can find happiness within themselves. Hold on to the values: What one feels is fair and true and what they believe in are what values are. When people honour these values, David Fichman says they will feel better about themselves and the ones they love. Imagine the best: One must leave behind the fears that hold them back, says David Fichman. People must always imagine the best, look for things that they really want and also see themselves getting it. Find the purpose: David Fichman serves as the best example of a professional and human being, who found his purpose in helping others and that's what earned him great respect and recognition even at just 22. The entrepreneur says that people must find the purpose in their lives and become a part of the greater change in the world. David Fichman says that Bootcamp helps people realize that happiness and fulfillment are within people's grasp. With Bootcamp, he has been helping people solve issues of gambling, depression, family issues, and so much more. He also helps people get nearer their visions in business. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Advertisement The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cancun where Ted Cruz and his family jetted off to, before he scurried back amid widespread criticism of abandoning Texans facing an unprecedented winter storm, boasts five stars and a hefty price tag. The luxe resort, where rooms cost a minimum of $380 per night, offers 1,200 feet of white-sand beachfront with two swimming pools and an oceanfront whirlpool, as well as private beach cabanas and lounges. It has received numerous awards and accolades and has been listed among the best hotels in Mexico by outlets including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes Travel Magazine. Cruz, facing criticism, arrived at the Cancun airport ferried by a man wearing a polo shirt emblazoned with the hotel's logo, CNBC reported. A chastened Ted Cruz landed back in Houston on Thursday afternoon and said he 'regrets' flying to Cancun in the middle of the state's energy crisis for a vacation while at least 24 people are known to have died in Texas. The Ritz Carlton Hotel where Sen. Ted Cruz jetted off to with his family this week, sparking controversy, boasts a hefty price tag with rooms costing a minimum of $380 per night Cruz was wheeling a large carry-on which suggested he planned to spend more than one night at the Mexican resort All of the hotel's rooms feature private balconies or terraces with panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and access to white sand beaches The five-star hotel has received numerous awards and accolades and has been listed among the best hotels in Mexico The 2,460-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite offers luxury at the top floor of the hotel for about $2,150 per night, including a private terrace The hotel offers private beach cabanas and lounges, pictured, to enjoy privacy at the hotel's pristine white sand beaches Cruz enraged his state by fleeing in the midst of the worst snow storms to hit in decades, with power failing for millions of Americans, and people left freezing in the subzero temperatures. On arrival in Cancun, Cruz's wife Heidi had texted friends and neighbors, encouraging them to join their family in Mexico. She said their house was 'FREEZING' and said that their hotel, which they apparently got for a bargain of $309-a-night, had excellent security, according to the texts, which were obtained and published by the New York Times. She noted they had stayed there many times before. The top-of-the-line lodgings got five stars from AAA - and it's got two five-star restaurants on property, too. It's said to be the only five-star hotel in North America that also has two five-star restaurants: the Fantino and The Club Grill, according to its website. Fantino's menu offers dishes like roasted Caribbean lobster and tarragon butter Cornish hen, according to Open Table. It also offers a tasting menu for about $110 with an additional wine pairing for an extra $50. The restaurant's interior 'combines man-made frescoes with floor-to-ceiling windows,' creating a stunning view for guests. Guest rooms include spacious marble bathrooms with separate shower, bathtub and dual-sink vanities The 2,460-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite has its own luxurious dining room, pictured, to entertain guests at the resort The exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club Level, pictured, offers food throughout the day as well as a concierge The rooms contain goose-down and non-allergenic comforters and pillows, with feather beds and luxurious 400-count Egyptian cotton sheets - all with views of the sea Guests are provided with plush terry or lightweight embroidered bathrobes and twice-daily housekeeping attention with evening turndown service The Club Grill was described by Frommer's as: 'Dining is a theatrical experience, like being dropped into the set of a BBC historical drama.' Its menu includes recommended items such as the pear salad, roasted duck and 'signature souffles.' 'We were initially intimidated by the formal look of the dining room and the dress code requirement,' one Yelp review reads. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which is 'perfectly positioned on the Yucatan Peninsula,' typically offers events including a Mexican fiesta in the courtyard A water fixture is seen at the hotel's spa, which offers 'custom-crafted treatments inspired by ancient Mayan rituals' The Club Grill, pictured, offers 'timeless recipes with locally-sourced ingredients' and its menu includes recommended items such as the pear salad, roasted duck and 'signature souffles' The D-Lounge, a striking room with views of the beach and main pool, was newly renovated in October of 2015 Fantino, pictured, has an interior that 'combines man-made frescoes with floor-to-ceiling windows,' creating a stunning view A dish is shown at one of the Ritz Carlton Hotel's nine luxurious dining options. Two of the hotel's restaurants, the Fantino and The Club Grill, have AAA Five Diamond ratings The resort offers seven other dining options offering Mexican favorites as well as international foods including a sushi bar. A luxury spa offers treatments 'inspired by ancient Mayan traditions,' its website reads. Featured treatments include an 80-minute Kayanta Synergy Massage for $220. It combines Swedish massage with warm stones, pressure points, stretching and lomi-lomi techniques, according to the website. For $230, an 8-minute 'Mayan Sanctuary Ritual' lets guests unwind after sunset with an 'exotic massage experience performed with seashells in the privacy of the Spas beachfront terrace.' A 'Zac-Xib Bath Elixir' combines a vigorous body scrub with 'a renewing bath therapy' and essential oils for $140. The hotel boasts two pools, as well as aromatherapy showers and steam rooms, whirlpools and plunge pools at its spa The most expensive treatment on the spa menu is an 18-minute 'Escape to Purification' for around $465, according to the website All of the hotel's rooms feature private balconies, pictured, or terraces with panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, according to the website The most expensive treatment on the spa menu is an 18-minute 'Escape to Purification' for around $465, which includes a 'slimming shape-up wrap,' a detox massage and a detox facial. Spa guests can also 'have worries melted away' with access to other spa amenities including: aromatherapy showers and steam rooms, whirlpools and plunge pools. 'Its a moderately priced spa and worth every peso,' according to one reviewer on TripAdvisor. A 'contemporary fitness center' offers numerous classes including a sunrise yoga class and salsa dancing lessons. The 2,460-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite offers luxury at the top floor of the hotel for about $2,150 per night. The suite boasts 1.5 baths, including soaking tub baths and wet bar, a personal terrace overlooking the ocean, and a walk-in closet. Cruz, left, enraged his state by fleeing in the midst of the worst snow storms to hit in decades, with power failing for millions of Americans A chastened Ted Cruz landed back in Houston on Thursday afternoon and said he 'regrets' flying to Cancun with his family All of the hotel's rooms feature private balconies or terraces with panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea. The hotel also offers an interactive sea turtle conservation program offered May through September, while it was revealed this week Texas residents braved the cold to rescue more than 4,000 endangered sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico from 'cold stun.' Of the hotel's negative reviews, guests note that the hotel is 'extremely noisy' and 'not worth the money.' 'Could literally hear guests peeing and flushing their toilets throughout the night. Got no sleep. Hotel nickled and dimed us,' one guest wrote. Another said: 'I found a large paper napkin crumpled up into a ball at the bottom of my salad bowl while I was eating it.' Galveston, TX (77553) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 83F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 77F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. 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 recent years, residents in Chinas counties and townships have shown constantly growing desire for consumption, injecting fresh vitality into the continuous consumption growth in the country, which has more than 2,000 counties and 35,000 townships. With increasing income, residents in rural areas of China have gained stronger spending power. According to official statistics, the gap between urban and rural incomes has continued to narrow in China over recent years, when the growth rates of rural residents income and consumption have both outpaced that of urban residents. Last year, the per capita disposable income of Chinas rural residents stood at 17,131 yuan (about $2,653.59), registering an actual growth rate that was 2.6 percentage points higher than that of the countrys urban residents. The per capita consumption expenditure of rural residents in China was 13,713 yuan, and secured an actual growth rate that was 5.9 percentage points higher than that of urban residents in the country. Not long ago, Wang Song, a farmer in Caiyuan village, Tangwan township, Guixi city, east Chinas Jiangxi province, bought a car as he secured a steady source of income from growing Hami melons with the help of agricultural technicians sent by the municipal government of Guixi. I promised my wife that we would have our own car someday. We have started our own business and worked hard for our dream, and now it finally comes true, Wang said. His family sees an annual income of around 150,000 yuan from growing Hami melons. Thanks to various favorable policies rolled out to support and benefit agriculture, rural areas and farmers, people in Caiyuan village like Wang have enjoyed better lives by running agritainment restaurants and engaging in characteristic agriculture. The total retail sales of consumer goods in Chinas rural areas have maintained at about 6 trillion yuan in recent years, and seen a growth rate higher than that in urban areas of the country since 2012. In 2020, the online retail sales in rural areas of China reached 1.79 trillion yuan, up 8.9 percent from the previous year. Rural residents have shown strong demand for consumption upgrading, said Fu Yifu, a researcher at the Suning Institute of Finance, explaining that the consumption of durable goods and services by rural residents in China has grown constantly, while online shopping gains increasing popularity in rural areas. Two months ago, Hong Shaobing, a resident in Yulong township, Xingyang, central Chinas Henan province, bought a floor mopping robot from Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo. Thanks to the robot helper, Hongs mother can have her floor well cleaned by the time the breakfast is ready every morning. Last year, the number of orders for goods priced above 500 yuan rose by 79 percent year on year in counties and townships in China, while product categories including home textiles, digital products, and outdoor products enjoyed an over 140 percent growth in value of sales, according to data from Pinduoduo. Intelligent household electrical appliances and general merchandise on the platform have been popular with consumers in Chinas counties and townships. In particular, since the annual June 18 online sales promotion campaign in 2020, the number of orders placed by consumers from Chinas counties and townships for 3C digital products (computers, communication and consumer electronics) via Pinduoduo has outpaced that of orders from first- and second-tier cities of the country for the first time. Data from Chinas e-commerce giant JD.com revealed that the growth in the volume of transactions of cosmetics, beauty products, and digital products in Chinas counties and villages last year surpassed the overall growth in the volume of transactions of these products purchased via JD.com. In addition, as people have become increasingly health-conscious since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural consumers in Chinas counties have seen a significant surge in the consumption of health products, according to JD.com. Consumer demand in counties and townships shows a trend toward branded products and cost-effective products, said Liu Zhongqi, deputy head of the research institute of new consumption of Pinduoduo. Residents in counties and townships of China are willing to pay premiums of certain brands, especially those in such areas as 3C digital products, home appliances, kitchen appliances, stylish clothing, shoes, and hats, Liu said, adding that consumption of services in such fields as tourism, transportation, education, training, cultural recreation has also become an increasingly important part in the lives of people living in Chinas counties and townships. Infrastructure improvements have played an important role in the popularity of high-quality goods and services in lower-tier markets of the country. As of the end of 2019, the total length of rural roads in China exceeded four million kilometers, all the administrative townships and villages with proper conditions had hardened roads, and 95 percent of the countrys townships were covered by express services. In 2020, China built 2,120 county-level e-commerce public service centers and logistics distribution centers, and 137,000 village-level e-commerce service centers. Improvement in infrastructure facilities for transportation, communications, and Internet services, the return of rural talents, increase in brand awareness, and active efforts of local governments are all helpful for invigorating consumption in counties and townships, according to Zuo Chenming, secretary general of Alibabas new countryside research center, noting that counties and townships in China are expected to witness further increase in peoples overall spending power. 3 1 of 3 Erika Goldring/FilmMagic Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Kacey Musgraves Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Texas is cold, and Kacey Musgraves says she can be the same. The Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter from Golden, Texas, is among the many who weren't at all pleased with Senator Ted Cruz's failed attempt to enjoy the sunny skies in Cancun as millions of Texans sat freezing in the dark. External Affairs Minister on Friday held extensive talks with Deputy Prime Minister of Demeke Mekonnen during which it was agreed to expand bilateral ties in areas of defence, economy and digital technology among others. Mekonnen, accompanied by a high-level delegation, paid an official visit to India from February 17 to 19. Jaishankar described as "useful and productive" the talks covering a range of bilateral and regional issues. "Welcomed DPM&FM @DemekeHasen of Useful & productive discussions on a range of bilateralional issues. Agreed to expand our bilateral agenda esp defence, economic, S&T, digital & cultural cooperation," he said on Twitter. "Appreciated his detailed briefing on the current situation in the region," the external affairs minister added. The Ministry of External Affairs said the two ministers held wide-ranging discussions and exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues. Jaishankar also also hosted lunch for Mekonnen who is also foreign minister of The two sides signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports. The two ministers also jointly inaugurated the newly-constructed Chancery building and embassy of Ethiopia in the capital on Thursday. The External Affairs Minister addressed the gathering and spoke of the historic ties between India and Ethiopia, the MEA said. He also touched upon the flourishing bilateral trade and investment ties and the growing people-to-people contacts. Mekonnen highlighted the importance of the India-Ethiopia relationship while speaking at the event. Separately, Jaishankar on Friday also spoke to Armenian foreign minister Ara Aivazian. "A warm conversation with my new Armenian counterpart @Aivazian_Ara. Appreciate his briefing on the situation in his region. Discussed our bilateral cooperation. Look forward to working with him closely," the external affairs minister tweeted. (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.) Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 4, 2020. (Al Drago/Pool/Getty Images) Hill Democrats Set to Bring Back Earmarks in 2022 House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) will announce, possibly as soon as next week, that earmarks will be permitted in spending bills beginning in 2022. Chair DeLauro supports Member-directed funding for community projects, according to committee spokesman Evan Hollander, about news that was first reported by NBC News political analyst Jake Sherman. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) also supports the action, according to Sherman. Earmarks are often anonymous spending provisions inserted into much larger bills that direct tax dollars to projects or programs that benefit a congressmans district, family members, former aides, or campaign donors. Both chambers of Congress adopted party conference rules against earmarks in the past decade, following years of scandal, as corrupt examples such as Alaskas Bridge to Nowhere prompted public outrage. Former Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.)who was chiefly responsible for the campaign against earmarksfamously described them in 2007 as the gateway drug to federal spending addiction. DeLauros move prompted two House Republicans from North CarolinaRep. Ralph Norman and Rep. Ted Buddto introduce legislation Feb. 18 that if adopted would bar the return of earmarks. Nothing epitomizes whats wrong with Washington more than pork-barrel spending in the form of congressional earmarks. Its an insult to taxpayers to resurrect such a wasteful and corruptive system. Passing the Earmark Elimination Act would show the American people that the House is committed to ending business as usual in Washington, Budd said in a statement. Norman added: Congress has a constitutional responsibility to determine where and how our tax dollars are spent. Unfortunately, the way we appropriate federal dollars has deteriorated into a national disgrace. It amazes me that Congress seeks to restore earmarks but apparently has no desire to restore regular order to the appropriations process. This is sure to lead to more corruption and mismanagement of taxpayer dollars, which is why we need to pass the Earmarks Elimination Act. The text of the proposalH.R. 1086wasnt yet available, according to a Budd spokesman. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who has succeeded Coburn as the Senates most vocal opponent of waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending, told The Epoch Times on Feb. 18 that she supports a permanent ban on earmarks. During my short time in the Senate, Congress has never needed to revert back to individual earmarks, so why now? This is nothing short of a belated Valentine to Washington special interests and lobbyists who have been chomping at the bit for this pork-making process to return, Ernst said. Washington prioritizing politicians over struggling Americans is just the swamp returning to its normal habitat. Its a disgrace. Theres simply no reason to go back to the old, wasteful, and detrimental ways of earmarks. We need to permanently ban this bad practiceeven if it makes some folks squeal. But earmarks arent without defenders in both major political parties. Congressional Institute President Mark Strand told The Epoch Times on Feb. 18 that he wasnt surprised by the Democrats decision to restore earmarks. No, I think theyve wanted to bring them back for a long time, but they were worried that they would become political fodder, that Republicans would attack them, Strand said. There are actually a great many Republicans that want to do this, too, but they are not the loudest voices. There has always been a lot of political fear on this subject because earmarks are so easy to demagogue. Strand defended earmarks, saying whether you think they are right or wrong, and I make a case on that, the practical application is that members of Congress arent legislating at all, because the leadership in both political parties have such tight control over the entire congressional process. Leadership is calling all of the shots, so there are no amendments, so the whole legislative muscles are in atrophy, he said. Members are supposed to be representing their districts and when you have earmarks and you do it in a very transparent way and in a way that is very accountable, then members get to do things on behalf of their constituents. Having such a process in place would help Congress build bipartisan support for needed legislation, he added. Democrats in Congress and some Republicans as well have quietly talked about returning earmarks in the past year. The House Select Committee on Modernization of Congress included the restoration of earmarks as one of 97 recommendations adopted on a bipartisan basis by all members of the panel in October 2020. And before that, a senior aide to DeLauros predecessor on the appropriations panel told The Epoch Times in April 2020: There is general support for increased congressional involvement in funding community projects and for reforms to ensure public trust in such a process. Conversations on moving forward with community project funding in the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills will continue in the coming days. But Tom Schatz, president of Citizens Against Government Waste, a nonprofit taxpayers advocacy group that has fought earmarks for decades, announced at the same time completion of a comprehensive digital database of earmarks. From the $50 million for an indoor rainforest in Coralville, Iowa, in 2004; to the $25 million for the University of Alaska to study how to trap energy from the aurora borealis in 1993; and the $500,000 to restore the boyhood home of Lawrence Welk in Strasburg, North Dakota, in the first Congressional Pig Book in 1991, the database has all 111,114 earmarks worth $359.8 billion that members of Congress have added with the taxpayers money for their own parochial purposes, he said. Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday (February 19) asked the media to stop broadcasting probe material relating to the toolkit case and asked the police to strictly abide by its stand that it has not leaked nor intends to leak probe details. The HC said certain media coverage of investigation in the FIR against climate activist Disha Ravi for her alleged involvement in sharing a toolkit backing farmers' protest, indicates "sensationalism and prejudicial reporting", but declined to order the removal of any such content at this stage, PTI reported. Justice Prathiba M Singh said the interim plea for removal of such news content and tweets by Delhi Police would be considered at a later stage. The court, however, asked media houses to ensure that no leaked investigation material is broadcast as it could affect the probe and directed Delhi Police to abide by its stand, on affidavit, that it has not leaked nor intends to leak any probe details to the press. The court said the police would be entitled to hold press briefings in the matter in accordance with the law and the agency's 2010 office memorandum with regard to media coverage of cases. To media houses, the court said they should ensure the information received from their sources is authentic and only verified content ought to be publicized as also that the investigation is not hampered. Earlier, Disha Ravi had moved the Delhi High Court to restrain the police from leaking any probe material in relation to the toolkit case. The petition has also sought to restrain the media from publishing the content or extract of any private chats, including those on WhatsApp, between her and third parties. (With inputs from PTI) Live TV President Joe Biden privately told governors and mayors last week that the $15-an-hour minimum wage hike in his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 wouldn't likely make it into the final bill. On Thursday night, Politico reported new details about the meeting, which took place in the Oval Office last Friday, and included state and city leaders from both parties includng New York's Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Maryland's GOP Gov. Larry Hogan. 'I really want this in there but it just doesn't look like we can do it because of reconciliation,' Biden told the group. 'I'm not going to give up. But right now, we have to prepare for this not making it.' Last Friday, President Joe Biden held a meeting with a bipartisan group of governors and mayors. Politico reported Thursday night that Biden told them that they needed to prepare for the $15-an-hour minimum wage hike not to make it into the final COVID-19 relief bill The progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which includes Sen. Bernie Sanders (left) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (right), has been pushing Biden to have Vice President Kamala Harris overrule the Senate parliamentarian in order to get the $15 hike through Without an obvious 10 Republican votes for the package in the U.S. Senate, Biden and his Capitol Hill allies are planning to get the huge COVID-19 relief package through the Senate by using the process of reconciliation, which allows for just a majority vote. Otherwise, the bill would be susceptible to the filibuster - and need 60 votes to get over the hump. Biden's comments indicate he believes the nonpartisan Senate parliamentarian will rule that a minimum wage hike cannot be included in a bill passed through reconciliation. Progressives have encouraged Biden to play hardball, however, and have Vice President Kamala Harris - the tie-breaking vote in the Senate - overrule the parliamentarian. In the meeting, Politico reported, Biden seemed more keen to get Republicans on board than to please the progressive wing of his party like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Sanders was tweeting Thursday about the minimum wage, blasting the family who owns Wal-Mart, the Waltons, for not giving their workers $15 an hour. 'It is a moral outrage that the wealthiest family in America, the Walton family, still refuses to pay workers at Walmart at least $15 an hour. Over the past 3 years, the Walton family became $84 billion richer, while Walmart's minimum wage has remained stuck at $11,' Sanders wrote. 'Unacceptable.' During the meeting, Biden listened as Hogan, a Republican who's been critical of former President Donald Trump, said that he didn't believe raising the minimum wage would directly help the economic pain caused by the pandemic, Politico said. Hogan urged Biden to get Republicans on board. 'I really need your help on this,' Biden said. 'It needs to be bipartisan.' Biden was also asked about the minimum wage increase when he faced voters' questions Tuesday night in Milwaukee at the CNN town hall. The president was asked about the $15 plan by a small business owner who fretted about paying employees that much money when the cost of living in the midwest is lower than other parts of the country. At his Tuesday night CNN town hall in Milwaukee, Biden answered a question about the minimum wage hike from a small business owner who was worried about paying $15-an-hour to employees when the cost of living in the midwest is lower than other parts of the country 'South is not much different than the midwest in that regard,' Biden pointed out. The president explained that the way to do it, is to do it gradually over several years. 'But it's totally legitimate for small business owners to be concerned about that changes,' he admitted. He was applauded when he said, 'Where it's $7.25 an hour, no one should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty.' That's the current federal minimum wage. 'I do support a $15 minimum wage. I think there is equally if not more evidence to dictate that it would grow the economy in the long run and medium run, benefit small businesses as well as large businesses and would not have such a dilatory effect, but that's a debatable issue,' he told the audience. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Laparoscopy Devices Market Overview: The global market for laparoscopy devices is projected to surpass a valuation of USD 17,206.32 million by 2023, with a CAGR of 8.30% during the forecast period covering 2018 to 2023. Market Research Future (MRFR) discusses the possibilities for the market and reveals that it could do better due to the rising geriatric population who need the support of advanced devices, a surge in demand for minimally-invasive surgeries, improved reimbursement schemes, and need to improve diagnosis methods for better treatment facilities. Get a FREE Sample with Complete TOC By Considering the COVID-19 impact on Global Market @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6312 Laparoscopy Devices Market Segmentation: The global market for laparoscopy devices has been analyzed by MRFR experts on the basis of segments like product, application, and end user. Data gleaned from these segments are reliable as they are backed by scientific approaches and can be used for developing market strategies. By product, the global study on the laparoscopy devices market can be segmented into energy devices, insufflation devices, laparoscopes, handheld instruments, access devices, suction/irrigation devices, internal closure devices, trocars, and others. The laparoscope segment has been leading the global market with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Its valuation can reach up to USD 5091.77 million by 2023. Hike in the inclusion of advanced technologies and integration of these into hospitals is expected to boost the market. By application, the global laparoscopy devices market includes bariatric surgery, gynecological surgery, general surgery, colorectal surgery, urological surgery, and others. The general surgery segment has a substantial market share and is expected to move forward with 7.79% CAGR during the forecast period. It includes sub-segments like hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, anti-reflux surgeries, appendectomies, and others. The bariatric surgery includes sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, gastric bypass, and others. By end user, the market includes hospitals and clinics, ambulatory centers, and specialty centers. The hospitals & clinics segment had a 38.11% share of the global market in 2017. Laparoscopy Devices Market Regional Analysis: Better investment capacity and infrastructural support are expected to support North Americas prominence in the global Laparoscopy Devices Market. The US and Canada are expected to make a positive impact on the market with their substantial budgetary impacts. Asia Pacific would grow fast with India, Japan, China, South Korea, and other nations influencing the market. Laparoscopy Devices Market Competitive Landscape: The global market for laparoscopy devices is getting backed by companies like Smith & Nephew PLC (UK), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Cook Medical LLC (US), B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany), Medtronic PLC (US), Olympus Corporation (Japan), Fujifilm Holdings Corporation (Japan), Richard Wolf GmbH (Germany), KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG (Germany), Stryker Corporation (US), and others. This is primarily due to their ability to impact the market with various strategic moves that focus on the expansion of the portfolio and client base. These companies develop their moves around concepts like mergers, innovations, acquisitions, and joint ventures. In fact, these companies are strengthening their prospect by boosting their funding for research and development, which leads to better launching of projects and marketing strategies. Laparoscopy Devices Industry News: The impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare sector is unprecedented in several ways. On the one hand, it is asking for a diversion of resources to a specific sector, on the other, it is creating space for innovations that would work with minimum contact and lessen the time of various procedures to free up resources. The laparoscopy devices market is expected to get boosted by such prospects and the increasing influx of financial resources to bolster the latest research and development projects. Countries have already started initiating plans to ease the inclusion of various developments. Obtain Premium Research Report Details, Considering the impact of COVID-19 @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/laparoscopy-device-market-6312 On Feb. 9, 2021, the China-CEEC Summit took place virtually. The so-called 17+1 Initiative is a cross-regional cooperation mechanism launched nine years ago, when China was looking to invest in Europe and rolling out the new Silk Road. At the same time, countries in Central and Eastern Europe both members and non-members of the European Union were looking to grasp opportunities. In 2019, the group witnessed its first enlargement when Greece became a full member of the then 16+1 Initiative. The aura of the Prespes Agreement, which had solved the year-long dispute with North Macedonia, functioned as a springboard for this enlargement. The China-CEEC Summit represents a very distinct pattern of collaboration, to the extent that it has sometimes received mixed reactions in Europe. China supports the process of European integration as a matter of principle, but at the same time, it is employing a multifaceted policy in its approach to Europe. In this context, the 17+1 Initiative is an ambitious scheme which complements the China-EU Summit and bilateral relations with European states themselves. Deeper dialogue can only help temper some misunderstandings. The Beijing action plan for China-CEEC cooperation in 2021 includes visits of journalists to China, as well as a high-level think tank and education policy dialogue. Additionally, ever since its outset, the group of 17 European countries that joined the China-CEEC Summit has not been very homogenous. Different priorities, histories, sizes and cultures are not ignored. That being said, differences do not automatically lead to discord. They will not, a priori, prevent a synthesis especially if general interests can intersect among the European countries and China. During the recent virtual summit, China outlined principles that were accepted by all the participants: making decisions via consultation, delivering benefits to all partners, pursuing common development through openness and inclusiveness, and connecting innovation and growth. China also identified issues where the shaping of a common mindset is possible, such as vaccine distribution, green development, economic recovery and organization of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. China's participation sends a clear political signal of the significance it attributes to the 17+1 Initiative. Some European countries appear skeptical about what they perceive as limited Chinese investments. Of course, for Chinese companies to invest, opportunities need to be proposed and conditions have to be favorable. The example of COSCO Shipping's engagement in the Greek port of Piraeus is edifying. It could never expect from a Chinese investor to act as "deus ex machina" and solve the economic problems of another country. Symmetry improvements are necessary, but EU member-states of the China-CEEC Summit also need to align their policy with the guidelines of the European Commission. The business environment does not therefore always look particularly friendly for Chinese enterprises. Beyond investments, the numbers speak for themselves. Last year, the trade volume for the 17+1 group grew by more than 8% and exceeded $100 billion. More importantly, China intends to import $170 billion of goods from countries in Central and Eastern Europe in the coming years, with special emphasis to be given to agri-food products. Furthermore, cooperation will concentrate on the fight against COVID-19 including potential coordination in facilitating the resumption of travel and the safety of economic activities. In this regard, China proposed the establishment of a China-CEEC customs information center and a focal point for customs clearance. This year's virtual summit revitalizes the relationship between China and Central and Eastern European countries. The 2020 Beijing physical event was canceled due to the outbreak of the pandemic that is currently a key theme bringing participants closer. The 17+1 Initiative will flourish for countries wishing to achieve the maximum from their ties with China. George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. Advertisement Oliver Lewis became a pivotal player in the Downing Street set up, serving as Lord Frost's deputy on Brexit One of Boris Johnson's key Brexit advisors resigned from his anti-Scottish independence role last night amid a new outbreak of infighting among the Prime Minister's backroom team - where more allies of Carrie Symonds are taking key positions. Oliver Lewis, who was right-hand man to chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost (who was last week appointed to the cabinet), walked out of No 10 after he angrily denied claims of disloyalty. Mr Lewis, nicknamed Sonic due to his supposed resemblance to Sonic the Hedgehog, was reportedly told by the Prime Minister that he faced allegations of 'briefing against the Government'. But friends of Mr Lewis, an ally of Mr Johnson's former chief adviser Dominic Cummings, said he strongly refuted the allegation. 'Oliver was deeply shocked and said he would never do such a thing, that he had worked tirelessly and loyally for the Prime Minister and felt he had no choice but to resign,' said one friend. His resignation is the latest evidence of what one government source referred to as the 'non-stop Downing Street psychodrama'. Reports say Mr Lewis left after he was blamed by Miss Symonds and her allies for leaking. An ally of Mr Lewis told The Times: 'On Thursday the prime minister b******ed Oliver [for leaking], so he reached the conclusion that Carrie was in charge now and the prime minister wasn't going to have his back any more. 'It's a complete Carrie takeover.' Reports say Miss Symonds, nicknamed 'Princess Nut Nut' by Cummings allies, had been a key player in the removal of Dominic Cummings and former director of communications Lee Cain - as well as being involved in the decision to bring in Baroness Finn as deputy chief of staff and senior advisor Henry Newman. Ms Symonds was reportedly labelled a 'princess' for what her foes claimed was regal behaviour while the 'nut' is believed to be a poor-taste joke about her being 'crazy'. The slur went viral as the extraordinary power struggle between the PM's fiancee and the Vote Leave cabal emerged in public last November But in fact it is said to have been circulating since the early days of Boris Johnson's premiership, with tensions evident from the outset. A source told the Mail on Sunday that the nickname had been wrongly reported as 'Princess Nut Nuts'. 'It's Princess Nut Nut,' they said, before revealing that Ms Symonds' adversaries used the phrase so often during the general election that they started using an emoji of a princess followed by two peanuts instead of words in text messages. A political ally of Mr Johnson said that it is now turning into 'the court of Henry VIII'. 'Wolsey [Cummings] has had the chop and it all depends on who Anne Boleyn favours now,' they said. Lewis had also allegedly been under fire from Mr Johnson's new chief of staff Dan Rosenfield. A source told The Times: 'Dan has wanted to get rid of Oliver too but it's all coming from the same place. It's a complete clearout of anyone associated with Dom [Cummings].' It comes after surprise changes this week. The Prime Minister's appointment of Baroness Finn as the new deputy chief of staff at No 10, with Michael Gove's former aide Henry Newman as her assistant, was seen as a mark of the growing political influence of Mr Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds. Pictured left to right: Simone Finn, Henry Newman, Dilyn and Carrie Symonds UK chief trade negotiator David Frost looks on as Boris Johnson signs the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement The pair are friends with Miss Symonds, who previously worked at Tory HQ, and their promotions have enflamed tensions between the warring factions in Mr Johnson's inner circle. Lord Frost was given a Cabinet seat after threatening to resign over the Finn and Newman appointments. Both are allies of Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, and Carrie Symonds. Ben Gascoigne, the prime minister's political secretary, also threatened his resignation and it is believed that at least two other senior officials are considering giving up their positions too. Last weekend Lord Frost, the architect of the prime minister's Brexit deal, made clear to the prime minister that he was prepared to walk away. He insisted that he would be leaving Downing Street but Mr Johnson responded by appointing him as a minister of state in the Cabinet Office, with the responsibility for overseeing the relationship with Europe - after Gove was stripped of his Brexit responsibilities. And it is understood that Mr Lewis made a similar threat. He was reportedly on the brink of resigning in December after Mr Cummings left due to infighting but was persuaded to stay by Mr Johnson. The Prime Minister rewarded Mr Lewis just weeks ago by putting him in charge of No 10's 'Union Unit' which aimed to stop Scotland from breaking away from the UK. He replaced Luke Graham, a former Conservative MP. Mr Johnson told Mr Lewis to help Scottish-born Cabinet Office minister Mr Gove 'build the case for preserving the Union' in the run-up to Scottish elections in May. Mr Lewis, who worked alongside Mr Cummings in the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 EU referendum, won widespread praise for the way he helped Lord Frost in the Brexit talks. He was appointed to lead Mr Johnson's union unit two weeks ago and replaced former MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, Luke Graham, who had been in the job for less than a year. Mr Lewis was responsible for the decision to create a 'narrative of the inevitability of Brexit'. And Mr Johnson wanted him to use his skills to counter Scottish Nationalist claims that independence is 'inevitable.' He advised the prime minister to set up a cabinet committee for the Union modelled on the Brexit committees that took charge of the final negotiations with EU officials. 'Oliver had already drafted a campaign to persuade people they could be passionate Scots and patriotic Britons at the same time,' said one ally of Mr Lewis, adding: 'It has all gone to waste because of petty squabbling and ruthless power politics.' Oxford-educated Mr Lewis had worked closely with Michael Gove on No Deal preparations, and was inspired by Cummings' love of science to construct an enormous spreadsheet to model difference scenarios styled on techniques used by NASA. Mr Lewis had previously played a pivotal role in Downing Street, serving as Lord Frost's deputy on Brexit. He served as a Brexit adviser and has been involved in the crunch negotiations between the UK and the EU as the two sides hammered out the terms of a trade deal. A former Vote Leave staffer, Brexit policy adviser Mr Lewis was a close ally of Dominic Cummings - who is known to address him by the nickname 'Sonic' The move comes after a Government source told The Times that there are 'too many factions...in one small building all competing for one man's attention and power'. One of the faction is made of long-standing Johnson Aides, another is made up of those left behind from Dominic Cummings's days in power. There is a third group of officials appointed under new cabinet secretary Simon Case and a group of aides who are believed to be trusted friends of Carrie Symonds. It was claimed earlier this week that Boris Johnson gave a Cabinet seat to his former Brexit negotiator after he threatened to quit over a Downing Street power struggle. Lord Frost was given Michael Gove's job of overseeing the UK's new relationship with Brussels and 'driving through changes to maximise the opportunities of Brexit'. In a massive promotion, he will become a full member of the Cabinet from March 1. Insiders revealed the move was linked to an internal dispute over other recent key changes in the Prime Minister's Downing Street inner circle, involving personal and political allies of his partner Carrie Symonds. They claimed that Lord Frost, 55, had been opposed to Mr Johnson's decision last week both to appoint Baroness Finn as deputy to new No.10 chief of staff Dan Rosenfield and to appoint the ex-Gove aide, Henry Newman as her assistant. Both Baroness Finn and Mr Newman are close friends of Miss Symonds. The pair were in Mr Gove's team when he famously betrayed Mr Johnson in the 2016 Tory leadership contest. Baroness Finn and Mr Gove were an item when they left university. She also hosted Miss Symonds's 30th birthday party in 2018, which was attended by both the Prime Minister and Mr Gove, while Miss Symonds, Baroness Finn and Mr Newman campaigned together in the 2019 election in Wales. Pictured: Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, October 13, 2020 According to one source, Mr Johnson's decision to give Lord Frost a Cabinet post was designed in part to stop him leaving Downing Street altogether. An ally of Lord Frost told the Daily Mail: 'There was a real danger that Lord Frost would walk. 'The new appointments in Rosenfield's team dilute the power of those who have been loyal to Boris over many years. Giving Lord Frost a seat in the Cabinet redresses the balance.' Supporters of Mr Gove last night denied giving Lord Frost a place in his ministerial team was a 'snub' to him and insisted Mr Gove had suggested the idea himself. Others maintained it is the latest evidence of deep seated tensions in Mr Johnson's inner team. They flared last year when Mr Johnson's controversial senior Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings and his ally Lee Cain were forced to resign. Mr Cummings and Mr Cain were both close to Lord Frost. But they were heavily criticised by Tory MPs and critically, had fallen out of favour with Miss Symonds, 32. Mr Johnson hoped the appointment last month of Treasury civil servant turned banker Mr Rosenfield as his new chief of staff would bring stability to his Downing Street machine. But some officials have claimed Mr Rosenfield has failed to make his mark and that there is a 'lack of chemistry' between him and Mr Johnson. A source says Mr Lewis' departure came because Mr Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds wants Henry Newman running the Union instead, highlighting how tensions are still present within Downing Street over the parting of Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain, ITV political editor Robert Peston says Ms Symonds' adversaries are said to have used the 'Princess Nut Nut' name so much that they started using an emoji of a princess followed by two peanuts instead of words in text messages There have also been reports Mr Rosenfield has clashed with two more Johnson aides in Number 10, Lord Lister and Policy Unit chief Munira Mirza, both of whom like Lord Frost worked for Mr Johnson in his London mayoral days. It has been alleged that political advisers have been shut out of meetings and Mr Rosenfield, who is said to have sided with the Treasury's suggestion that universal credit only be extended for six months rather than a year, is bringing in officials to brief Mr Johnson. Some advisers have complained that Rosenfield seems to want to stock Downing Street with civil servants in roles once occupied by political appointments. Miss Symonds counts Mr Newman as one of her closest confidants in politics. She sought his advice when weighing up whether to challenge the release from jail of John Worboys, the so-called Black Cab rapist, who targeted her when she was a teenager. When her relationship with Mr Johnson became public in 2018, Mr Newman hit back at her critics, writing on Twitter: 'Carrie Symonds coverage too often reflects a misogyny that attractive women can't also be talented.' Baroness Finn was one of around 90 women in Westminster to sign an open letter saying the treatment of the ex-Tory press officer had been 'appalling'. The trio have also taken to the streets together to help fellow Conservatives get elected with her adopted puppy Dilyn. The promotion of Lord Frost to the Cabinet Office prompted speculation that Scots born Mr Gove may be put in charge of a new Cabinet drive to stop Scotland breaking away from the UK. The surprise announcement means Lord Frost replaces Mr Gove as chairman of the Cabinet committee tasked with implementing the Brexit divorce agreement. Lord Frost yesterday praised the way Mr Gove had handled talks with the EU, saying 'I stand on the shoulders of giants.' Mr Gove said there was 'no one better to take forward our post-Brexit relationship with the EU.' Mr Gove will keep his Cabinet table seat and as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster remains above Lord Frost in the Cabinet Office pecking order. It has been claimed that Mr Gove is being considered for a move in a June reshuffle. A source told the Times that after he challenged Mr Johnson during the 2016 leadership campaign there has been a 'trust deficit' between the pair. The SNP's Westminster deputy leader Kirsten Oswald claimed Mr Johnson's 'taxpayer-funded anti-independence campaign is completely falling apart'. 'As support for independence grows, the Tories are losing advisers like rats on a sinking ship. People in Scotland have a right to determine their own future in a post-pandemic referendum. Boris Johnson knows he cannot deny democracy any more than Donald Trump. 'The issue at the election in May will be this: who has the right to decide what sort of country we should be after the pandemic the people of Scotland or Boris Johnson? The only way to ensure Scotland's future is in Scotland's hands not Boris Johnson's is with both votes SNP.' Downing Street declined to comment on staffing matters. The Symonds allies with key roles at No 10: The ex-girlfriend of Michael Gove who 'convinced him to pull the rug out from Boris Johnson's 2016 leadership bid' and ex-Cameron era Cabinet Office aide appointed to PM's 'court of King Henry' Shockwaves were sent through No 10 after Boris Johnson appointed two new aides, one of whom is the ex-girlfriend of Michael Gove. Baroness Simone Finn was appointed as deputy chief of staff and Henry Newman was made a senior adviser of Downing Street. The pair are not only allies of Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove but also the prime minister's fiancee, Carrie Symonds. Mr Johnson last week decided to appoint Baroness Finn as deputy to new No.10 chief of staff Dan Rosenfield and to appoint the ex-Gove aide, Mr Newman as her assistant. The pair have worked together before and were in Mr Gove's team when he famously betrayed Mr Johnson in the 2016 Tory leadership contest. However, they are reportedly often invited to the Downing Street flat by Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds, unlike Mr Gove. Baroness Simone Finn (left) was appointed as deputy chief of staff and Henry Newman (right) was made a senior adviser of Downing Street Baroness Finn and Mr Gove were an item when they left university. She also hosted Miss Symonds's 30th birthday party in 2018, which was attended by both the Prime Minister and Mr Gove, while Miss Symonds, Baroness Finn and Mr Newman campaigned together in the 2019 election in Wales. A political ally of Mr Johnson said that it is now turning into 'the court of Henry VIII'. 'Wolsey [Cummings] has had the chop and it all depends on who Anne Boleyn favours now,' they said. Lewis had also allegedly been under fire from Mr Johnson's new chief of staff Dan Rosenfield. A source told The Times: 'Dan has wanted to get rid of Oliver too but it's all coming from the same place. It's a complete clearout of anyone associated with Dom [Cummings].' Pictured left to right: Simone Finn, Henry Newman, Dilyn and Carrie Symonds Ms Symonds was reportedly instrumental in removing Cummings from No 10, along with Lee Cain, Mr Johnson's former director of communications. She also played a role in bringing Baroness Finn and Mr Newman into their new roles. A source told The Times: 'This is her tribe, these are her people. If she wasn't [engaged] to Boris then she'd be working for him in a senior position in Downing Street. They are a loving couple and he values her opinion but she is a force in her own right.' Baroness Finn worked with mr Newman for just under five years while David Cameron was in power. She is an ex-girlfriend of Gove but knows Mr Johnson well after running his fundraising campaign when he stood as mayor of London. The pair are not only allies of Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove but also the prime minister's fiancee, Carrie Symonds One source said that Finn had been one of Gove's aides who convinced him to 'pull the rug out' from under Johnson in the 2016 leadership race. Mr Newman is a friend of Ms Symonds, who has in the past tagged him in a group photograph of Tory canvassers on Twitter as one of 'four of my favourite people'. Lord Frost, the negotiator behind Mr Johnson's Brexit deal, threatened to resign over the new appointments made last week over concerns his role as Brexit adviser was being marginalised. Not wanting to lose a valued adviser, Mr Johnson appointed Mr Frost as a minister of state in the Cabinet Office - letting him oversee the country's relationship with Europe. Oxford-educated Baroness Finn has been a member of the House of Lords since 2015 and was appointed as a non-executive board member for the Cabinet Office in May last year before her promotion. After leaving university she worked as an accountant for PwC before being recruited by the Conservative party in 2010 as the Coalition Government's industrial relations adviser. In 2019, Mr Newman wrote of his admiration for Cummings: 'Cummings is one of only a few political advisers who understands the importance of, and is truly committed to, reforming the Whitehall machine. 'I worked with another, Simone (now Baroness) Finn, in the Cabinet Office between 2012 and 2015. 'As special advisers to Francis Maude (then the Minister for the Cabinet Office), Finn and I helped design and push forward a programme of Whitehall reform. It wasn't about moving away from the NorthcoteTrevelyan system of a non-political civil service, it was about making the machine work more effectively. 'At the time the big challenge was austerity could you save money and yet provide better public services? Now the challenge is Brexit.' An ally of Lord Frost told the Daily Mail: 'There was a real danger that Lord Frost would walk. One source said that Finn had been one of Gove's aides who convinced him to 'pull the rug out' from under Johnson in the 2016 leadership race 'The new appointments in Rosenfield's team dilute the power of those who have been loyal to Boris over many years. Giving Lord Frost a seat in the Cabinet redresses the balance.' Supporters of Mr Gove last night denied giving Lord Frost a place in his ministerial team was a 'snub' to him and insisted Mr Gove had suggested the idea himself. Others maintained it is the latest evidence of deep seated tensions in Mr Johnson's inner team. They flared last year when Mr Johnson's controversial senior Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings and his ally Lee Cain were forced to resign. Mr Cummings and Mr Cain were both close to Lord Frost. But they were heavily criticised by Tory MPs and critically, had fallen out of favour with Miss Symonds, 32. Mr Johnson hoped the appointment last month of Treasury civil servant turned banker Mr Rosenfield as his new chief of staff would bring stability to his Downing Street machine. But some officials have claimed Mr Rosenfield has failed to make his mark and that there is a 'lack of chemistry' between him and Mr Johnson. UK chief trade negotiator David Frost looks on as Boris Johnson signs the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement A source says Mr Lewis' departure came because Mr Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds wants Henry Newman running the Union instead, highlighting how tensions are still present within Downing Street over the parting of Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain, ITV political editor Robert Peston says Reports say Miss Symonds, nicknamed 'Princess Nut Nut' by Cummings allies, had been a key player in the removal of Dominic Cummings and former director of communications Lee Cain - as well as being involved in the decision to bring in Baroness Finn as deputy chief of staff and senior advisor Henry Newman. Ms Symonds was reportedly labelled a 'princess' for what her foes claimed was regal behaviour while the 'nut' is believed to be a poor-taste joke about her being 'crazy'. The slur went viral as the extraordinary power struggle between the PM's fiancee and the Vote Leave cabal emerged in public last November But in fact it is said to have been circulating since the early days of Boris Johnson's premiership, with tensions evident from the outset. A source told the Mail on Sunday that the nickname had been wrongly reported as 'Princess Nut Nuts'. 'It's Princess Nut Nut,' they said, before revealing that Ms Symonds' adversaries used the phrase so often during the general election that they started using an emoji of a princess followed by two peanuts instead of words in text messages. A Government source said that Baroness Finn was appointed without consultation from Mr Rosenfield. A source told The Times: 'Simone's appointment was presented to Dan as a fait accompli. He had absolutely no say in the matter. That's not the best start to the relationship.' No 10 deny this and say Rosenfield was happy with Baroness Finn's appointment. Another source said: 'Carrie is not a pushover by any means and there are times when Boris just wants a quiet life. That is part of what's going here.' 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 pet husky proved what a useless guard dog he was - by sleeping through an armed robbery training session at a jewellery store. Hilarious CCTV footage shows the dog ignoring the gun-wielding 'robber' during the simulation in Chiang Ma, Thailand, on February 16. During the training exercise, a man approached the store counter and pointed a replica automatic handgun at the shop owner. Worawut Lomwanawong, pictured right, was performing a test on the security at his jewellery store in Chang Ma, Thailand, by simulating an armed robbery. He expected his pet Husky, Lucky, lying on the floor on the left of this CCTV image, to challenge the 'raider', centre The raider passed within two feet of Lucky as he entered the store with his replica revolver The man escaped from the store with the 'cash' in his left hand while Lucky was lying asleep on the floor, oblivious to the drama Worawut Lomwanawong, who owned the shop, waited for the dog named Lucky to spring into life and snarl at the man, who was demanding money at gunpoint. He kept glancing to his side and whispering under his breath to try and rouse the sleepy dog into action. However, Lucky continued his slumber even when its owner was held at gunpoint and the bag of money was given to the thief. The jeweller said it was funny because the dog cared more about his sleep than guarding the store. Lomwanawong said: 'I just realised that Lucky has different priorities. He likes to sleep more than to guard our store. Lucky, pictured asleep on the floor, has not been fired by Mr Lomwanawong, as he claims the husky brings him luck Worawut Lomwanawong, pictured with Lucky, said he tried training the dog with no success Mr Lomwanawong said if Lucky was awake a raider could probably bribe him with some treats 'I have tried training him what to do in cases like this, but he just slept during our simulation. 'If it was an actual robbery I would have been dead. He'd probably leave the robber if he was offered treats.' Despite the failed security simulation, the pet owner said he still loves to have the adorable husky in their store. He said: 'I named him Lucky because he brings me luck. Maybe that's his purpose, to make everyone around him happy and not to guard stores.' A Kildare man, his wife and another woman have been charged this morning, Friday, February 19, at the non-jury Special Criminal Court with a total of 68 crime cash laundering offences spanning five years. All 68 charges were read out to the three accused by the court registrar, which took nearly two hours. Declan Brady (54), with an address at The Park, Wolstan Abbey, Celbridge, Co Kildare; his wife Deirdre Brady (53), of The Bailey, Castelfarm, Naas, Co Kildare and another woman Erika Lukacs (37), of Lakelands, Naas, Co Kildare appeared before the three-judge court today. Declan Brady is charged with 16 non-scheduled offences, his wife Ms Brady is charged with 36 non-scheduled offences and Ms Lukacs is charged with 16 non-scheduled offences. All the charges come under Section 7 of Criminal Justice Act 2010 and relate to money laundering and terrorist financing within the State. Under Section 7 of the Act, "a person commits an offence if the person engages in acts in relation to property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct in concealing or disguising the true nature, source, location, disposition, movement or ownership of the property in converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing the property". The alleged offences all occurred within the State between January 1, 2012 and January 24, 2017, inclusive. Declan Brady is charged with concealing cash to the value of 2,000 and UK10,000 within a breadbin at The Dairy, Rathasker Road, Naas, Co Kildare on January 24, 2017, knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the property was the proceeds of crime. He is also charged with concealing cash to the value of 268,940 in the attic of The Dairy, Rathasker Road, Naas, Co Kildare on the same date. He is further charged with converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing or using money credited to Ulster Bank Account on various dates between January 1 2016 and December 31, 2016, within the State, knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct. In addition, he is charged with possessing, using, converting, transferring or handling 27,265 in discharging sums due and owing to the Druids Glen Hotel in Co Wicklow, on dates between May 1 and May 4, 2015, the proceeds of criminal conduct. Ms Brady is charged with concealing or disguising the true nature or source of money credited to Ulster Bank on various dates between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013, within the State, knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the property, in the name of Deirdre Brady, was the proceeds of criminal conduct. Ms Lukacs is also charged with concealing cash to the value of 2,000 and UK10,000 within a breadbin at a premises known as The Dairy, Rathasker Road, Naas, Co Kildare on January 24, 2017, knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the property was the proceeds of crime. She is also charged with handling and/or possessing 268,940 in the attic of the said premises on the same occasion, the proceeds of crime. Three detectives, from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), gave evidence to the court of their arrest, charge and caution. State Solicitor Ciara Vibien told the non-jury court that three books of evidence were ready to be served on the accused and said a USB key containing the exhibits were attached to the books of evidence. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Flann Brennan, listed the case for mention again on March 24, when it is expected there will be applications for free legal aid for the three accused. There was no objection to bail for Ms Brady and Ms Lukacs, who had a warrant executed upon them, by arrangement, before the court hearing. They were each remanded in custody until March 24 with consent to bail on their own bond of 10,000 and subject to a number of conditions, including the requirement to provide a phone number to gardai at which they can be contacted and not to surrender their passport nor to apply for a new or duplicate one. Co-accused Declan Brady was remanded in custody to the same date. IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. Microsoft has been looking into the SolarWinds attacks after it discovered an unusual activity in its systems back in December. Now, the tech giant has completed its investigation and has determined that the hackers didn't get their hands on customer data. It also said that it found no indications that the hackers used its systems to attack its other victims and there were many, including nine federal agencies and around 100 companies in the private sector. In fact, authorities believe as many as 18,000 entities were affected, since that was the number of SolarWinds customers that downloaded the malicious update. Microsoft previously admitted that the perpetrators got their hands on its source code. According to its latest report, the bad actors accessed and downloaded source code for three products in particular: its cloud computing service Azure, its cloud-based management solution Intune and its mail and calendar server Exchange. In all three cases, Microsoft said the attackers only managed to access a small number of files, though they used search terms indicating that they were focused on finding company secrets. The massive hacking campaign started sometime in October 2019, compromising networks that use SolarWinds' Orion network management tools. Microsoft's analysis showed that attackers first viewed its files in late November 2020. While they were cut off from the company's systems after Microsoft caught wind of their intrusion, they kept trying to regain access until January 2021. Aside from Microsoft, the attackers also broke into NVIDIA's, Intel's, Cisco's and Belkin's systems, as well as into government agencies', like the US Department of Justice and the US Nuclear Security Administration. Moreover, the same attackers also tried to hack other firms, including Malwarebytes, that don't use SolarWinds' software. US intelligence agencies believe Russia was behind the attacks, and the results of Kaspersky's investigation back that up. The cybersecurity firm recently revealed that the attackers used malware that resembled tools tied to a hacking group, which operates on behalf of Russia's KGB successor, the Federal Security Service. A LIMERICK man charged with deception and thefts had a 100,000 bail surety mistakenly repaid to him, a court has heard. Lawyers for the 39-year-old man, who cannot named because he is facing trial next year, told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that the money has since been spent and that he is relying on Covid-19 welfare payments since getting laid off last March. During an application to vary his bail conditions Judge Melanie Greally said she didn't "like the evidence I heard" about the defendant "travelling around in a newly acquired van with power tools". She commented: I don't know how that fits in with his new working arrangements and the fact that he is on Covid assistance." Patrick O'Sullivan BL, defending, had told the court that his client was travelling between his home in Limerick and his mother's home at Rosslare Harbour, Wexford, in order to care for his mother. Detective Garda Pat Ruane told the court that he is objecting to any variation in bail or in the surety on the basis that the accused is a flight risk and is facing serious penalties if convicted at trial. He said on October 15 last, gardai encountered the accused while driving a 192 registered Ford Transit van at Ballybrennan, Killinick, County Wexford and found a number of power tools in the van. The man told gardai he had the tools for sale. Judge Greally said adjourned the matter to March 5, next, to give time for the detective to establish if there is any actual need for the defendant to be in Wexford. Counsel told Judge Greally that during a consultation with his client to bring an application to vary his bail conditions his client advised him that he had received the full amount of 100,000 in bail. The accused came before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in October 2018 when he was extradited back from the UK to face 18 counts of theft of over 85,000 from a single individual in County Mayo. At the time Detective Garda Michael Moran objected to bail, telling the court that they believed the defendant to be a flight risk. The court heard he had a significant amount of cash at his disposal and bail was granted on foot of the payment of a cash surety of 100,000. On foot of an application in October 2019, Judge Martin Nolan reduced this to 50,000. The courts service then made an error in returning the total monies instead of only half of it, the court heard this Friday. Mr O'Sullivan told Judge Greally that his client was bringing the matter to court to highlight and regularise the situation. He contacted his legal team (about this), admittedly a little on the late side, counsel said. He asked that new bail conditions be set to reflect the new financial situation his client finds himself in. He said his instructions are that when the money was paid back it was divided out amongst those members of his family who had lent him the money for the surety. Counsel said that a house in County Mayo, which owned by his client is the subject of a legal freezing order from the High Court in the UK as a result of alleged criminal activities there. The accused previously told a court the property was worth 500,000 and had no mortgage on it. Counsel told the court that his client no longer has that house to rely on as a resource and is effectively relying on a Covid payment. He submitted that his client is not a flight risk and that it is intention to fight the charges against him. Tony Mokbels appeal against drug trafficking convictions could be held within six months and will be spearheaded by the same barrister whose success in the High Court led to George Pells acquittal and release from prison. Mokbel is serving a 30-year prison term but argues his convictions are tainted because his case was corrupted by the involvement of Nicola Gobbo, who acted as a barrister for the crime boss while also snitching on clients as a registered police informer. Nicola Gobbo with Tony Mokbel. Credit:ninevms Mokbels case was one of eight appeals connected to the Gobbo legal scandal to go before Victorias Court of Appeal this week for administrative hearings so court president Chris Maxwell could be updated on how the challenges were progressing. The men say Ms Gobbos involvement in their cases is a miscarriage of justice. Mokbel has already had one of his convictions quashed by the appeals court. 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. Protestors outside Thailand's parliament held their own version of a no-confidence debate against Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha Friday night, as inside, opposition MPs rained a torrent of criticism upon his administration. Friday marked the final day of a four-day no-confidence debate against former coup leader Prayut and his cabinet, and MPs will vote Saturday on their fate. Prayut -- whose coalition government holds a majority -- is expected to survive the vote, but the proceedings could set off internal struggles within his party. Activists from Thailand's youth-led pro-democracy movement decided to set up their own debate right by the parliament's entrance, hoisting portraits of Prayut and his ministers up on a truck. Rally organisers set up a projection screen which played out the events going on inside the building. "The opposition MPs weren't able to speak about everything in the parliament," said an 18-year-old protester who would only give his name as Petch. "That's why we need to double down the efforts to speak about how bad the government has been doing." Hundreds of protesters young and old brought pots and pans to create a cacophony of dissent -- a tactic borrowed from neighbouring Myanmar where an anti-coup movement is agitating against a military junta. Dozens of riot police stood watch nearby, with a water cannon truck at the ready. A woman wore a cauldron as a hat, with the words "Abolish 112" scrawled on it -- in reference to Thailand's draconian lese majeste law which shields the monarchy from criticism. So far, more than 50 activists have been charged under the law since the movement kicked off in mid-July, though only four prominent leaders have been detained. "We need to come out so that the key activists being detained in jail did not do everything in vain," said 13-year-old Iam. - Covid-hit economy - Besides demanding royal reforms -- once a taboo subject which has been pushed into public attention by the movement -- the protesters are also calling for the resignation of Prayut. Story continues The former army general led a 2014 coup, and renewed his lease on power after elections in 2019 that were governed under a military-scripted constitution. Critics say his administration -- staffed with former generals -- is unfit to run a country whose already faltering economy has been further weakened by pandemic-spurred border closures. This week saw opposition MPs accuse Prayut and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of being responsible for a new wave of coronavirus that emerged in Thailand in December. "It was their negligence in allowing illegal gambling and illegal border crossing to happen," said Move Forward Party MP Viroj Lakkana-adisorn. bur-dhc/reb PARIS - The head of the asylum sector of a refugee reception center in the town of Pau in southwestern France was stabbed to death on Friday by a Sudanese asylum seeker. The media outlet Sud-Ouest noted that the victim was head of the asylum services section of the center and that he had been stabbed in the throat. It added that the attack had occurred at 11 AM in the Centre d'Accueil pour Demandeurs d'Asile (CADA) on Cours Leon-Berard. The victim, Isard Cos, a 46-year-old father and husband, died shortly after the attack. His attacker, a 38-year-old Sudanese man, was arrested without incident. The director of the center, Philippe Ellias, confirmed the attack. The perpetrator of the attack did not live in the center but had spent periods there in the past and had shortly before had his asylum request rejected. The man was known to the authorities for having engaged in previous acts of violence and had spent time in detention. Israel is blaming online misinformation for a sudden slowdown in its vaccination campaign. The slowdown comes at a time when many countries are studying the Israeli experience to understand what may lie ahead. Israels vaccination rates are currently among the highest in the world. The countrys Ministry of Health is leading its vaccination efforts. The health ministry has been using both warnings and incentives as it tries to get more people to get immunized. Decide whether you are part of the celebration or whether you will be left behind, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein wrote on Twitter. The Health Ministry has increased the number of employees who follow false claims about the vaccines. They look at anti-vaccination messages in Hebrew, Russian, Amharic, Arabic and English. At the same time, local governments are turning to DJs and free food to get more people to come to vaccination centers. People who have not been vaccinated could soon be barred from concerts and museums. Over 25 percent of the population has received both injections of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. In addition, over 42 percent have received the first injection, said the Health Ministry. The vaccination campaign started in December. Vaccinations slowing However, Israels vaccination rate has slowed since making the vaccine available to everyone over the age of 16. In February, Israel averaged just over 106,000 vaccinations each day. But, the health ministry recently said that Januarys daily average was more than 127,000. In addition, infection rates remain high in Israel, probably because some groups refuse to be vaccinated. Different groups in the country are not taking the vaccines for different reasons. For example, younger Israelis often think they cannot get seriously sick. Some important ultra-Orthodox religious leaders have called on their followers to refuse vaccination. Also, some in Israels Arab minority do not have complete trust in the countrys Jewish leadership. Israel, a country of 9.3 million people, has reported over 5,000 new cases each day over the past week, the health ministry said. The country has recorded over 723,000 cases of COVID-19 since the start of the crisis and nearly 5,400 deaths. Over 20 percent of the deaths were in the past month. Last week Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the only barrier to the vaccine campaign was the fake news and the superstitiousbeliefs that are planted in the public and on the internet. Superstitious is a term that describes beliefs that are based in impossible powers or influences. The Ministry of Health has reportedly spent millions of dollars in its efforts to educate the public. Official Einav Shimron said the ministry is working with doctors and religious leaders to increase efforts against misinformation. Im John Russell. Isaac Scharf and Ilan Ben Zion reported this story for the Associated Press. John Reynolds adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story incentive n. something that encourages a person to do something or to work harder DJ -- n. a disc jockey, a person who plays recorded music on the radio or at a party or nightclub museum n. a building in which interesting and valuable things (such as paintings and sculptures or scientific or historical objects) are collected and shown to the public fake adj. false, not true or not what is presents itself as Maya Jama clapped back at a fan with a hilarious retort after they criticised her for smoking shisha. The TV presenter, 26, posted a screengrab on her Instagram story on Friday of one of her followers saying they knew she was 'too good to be true'. In a savage response, Maya said: 'Even if I smoked crack you wouldn't have a chance.' Fired up: Maya Jama clapped back at a fan with a hilarious retort on Friday after they criticised her for smoking shisha The devastated admirer had slid into the brunette's DMs saying: 'U smoke?? Damn I knew you was too good to be true.' (sic) Maya pulled no punches when she responded, clarifying: 'It's shisha. But even if I smoked crack you wouldn't have a chance.' She then added insult to injury when she posted the exchange to her public story for her 2.1million followers to see. The DJ followed up the savage exchange with a video of her dancing to the rap song Whoopty by CJ. 'Even if I smoked crack you wouldn't have a chance': The stunning presenter, 26, added insult to injury when she posted the exchange for her 2.1million followers to see In the clip, she waved a lit match and shouted: 'Woke up and smoked today, who wants it?' But to prove to her fans all the chat was good-humoured, she captioned the post: 'I'm joking. Have a lovely day, kids.' It comes amid speculation Maya and her former flame, grime artist Stormzy, 27, could get back together after lockdown. The pair, who broke up in August 2019, are believed to have reunited in December to spend Christmas Day together. A source told The Sun: 'Stormzy and Maya remained friends after their split and they decided to spend some time together over Christmas. Joker: The stunning DJ followed up the savage exchange with a video of her shouting: 'Woke up and smoked today, who wants it?' 'This is very much friendship but their mates think something could happen between them in the future. 'They made a lovely couple and given everything that's happened this year, it seems they could grow closer again.' The source added that Stormzy and Maya kept things 'low key' for the time spent at her home in London over the celebrations. Stormzy and Maya started dating in January 2015 after first meeting the previous year. The couple went public with their romance in 2016, but split in August 2019. Just kidding: Maya assured her fans that all the chat was good-humoured The musician sang about his relationship with Maya on track Lessons, where he said the way he treated her was his 'biggest of regrets'. He said: 'Fast forward now, my nephews still asking for his Auntie Maya, guess this is the karma for what I done to Maya.' Speaking on the BBC Radio 1Xtra Breakfast Show about the emotional break-up track, which was released in 2019, he said: 'That's something we shared and it's on a public forum, everything happened so publicly. 'It was a hot topic and I'm going on record now and I'm apologising. I'm trying to lay it all bare and be very truthful and be very clear in my truth. ''It was a public disrespect that needed a public apology. That girl gave me the world. I will wholeheartedly say that's a phenomenal woman that loved man wholeheartedly and was man's everything.' Nehha Pendse replaced Saumya Tandon as Anita Bhabhi aka Gori mem in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain. Saumya herself had praised Nehha by calling her the right choice and that the character is in capable hands. The May I Come In Madam actress had also received appreciation from former Angoori Bhabhi played by Shilpa Shinde. Now, Nehha has reacted to Shilpa's appreciation. Nehha, who was elated with Shilpa's comment, said that it felt really nice and hoped to work with her someday. She was quoted by Bollywoodlife as saying, "It was very sweet of her. She really had no reason to praise me. In fact, we haven't even really met, but it was really very sweet of her. And I really respect that. I just felt really nice. I just hope I get to work with her someday." It has to be recalled that when the promo featuring Nehha was released by BGPH makers, Shilpa had praised the actress and said that she will start watching the show for Nehha as she is a really good actress. The Bigg Boss 11 winner had also told ETimes TV, "To be honest, it is not because we both are from Maharashtra but I genuinely like her because of her acting skills. I have seen her perform and she has a flair for comedy. She is pretty attractive too if we talk about looks. I remember when I was in the show and she entered another show named May I Come in Madam I had said that she will be the perfect fit for the role of Anita Bhabhi." Meanwhile, Nehha recently hit back at trolls, who criticised her for her comic timing. She had said that she doesn't need to do comedy and she is not Bharti Singh or Kapil Sharma to crack jokes and make people laugh. Also Read: Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain's Nehha Pendse Reacts To Trolls; Says I'm Not Kapil Or Bharti Who Make People Laugh Also Read: Indian Television Academy Awards: Surbhi Chandna, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Adaa Khan & Others Win Big Level 5 restrictions may remain in place until May under new plans for living with virus being discussed by the Government. The Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 agreed to begin a phased reopening of schools on March 1 after the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) advised students can begin returning to classes. However, all other decisions on restrictions were postponed until a meeting next Monday. A cautious approach to reopening the country is expected over the coming months as the National Vaccination Programme continues. A small amount of construction may be permitted next month but most restrictions will remain in place until the end of April or start of May. Restrictions will be reviewed in early April. Read More Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his Cabinet ministers were briefed by Nphet and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The warnings from Nphet were described as stark after the meeting. A phased reopening of primary and secondary schools was discussed by the committee. Under a proposed plan, junior and senior infant pupils, along with first and second class and Leaving Cert students, would return to classes in the first week of March Other national school classes would return in the latter half of the month under the plan which will be discussed by the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 on Monday. The proposed plan, which is dependent on the spread of the virus and teacher union support, would also see fifth-year students return to class in mid-March. Each step of the reopening of schools will be reviewed to assess the impact on the spread of the virus in the community. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland the public was warned against making plans for Easter as Northern Irelands lockdown is to remain in place for another six weeks. The Executive announced details of a number of relaxations to the lockdown from March 8, but the majority of measures will remain in place until at least April 1. It came as it emerged the R number in Northern Ireland is now between 0.7 and 0.8. First Minister Arlene Foster has revealed that the youngest children will be able to return to school in just over two weeks time. However, Ms Foster warned that the return of pre-school, nursery and primary 1 to 3 pupils from March 8 will result in the R number beginning to climb again. The respite for parents and children will only be temporary, however, as they will revert to remote learning again on March 22 to allow students in years 12 to 14 to go back to school until the Easter holidays. Also from March 8, limited click-and-collect services for goods now regarded as essential, such as footwear and baby clothing, will resume. After the expected, yet still shocking, US Senate verdict to acquit former US president Donald Trump of inciting the Capitol Hill insurrection in January this year, many people in the US and the rest of the world are asking questions about American democracy and whether Trump could make a political comeback in the 2024 presidential elections. For many in Europe, this is not merely a question. It is also the darkest of possible scenarios. While Trump was acquitted of the sole charge of incitement of insurrection, the Senate vote nevertheless saw easily the largest number of senators ever to vote to find a president of their own party guilty of an impeachment count of high crimes and misdemeanours. The final vote of 57 to 43 meant the Senate vote fell short by 10 votes of finding Trump guilty. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in voting to convict Trump. The tally was thus the most bipartisan in American history, but it still left Trump free to declare victory and to threaten a political revival while a bitterly divided Republican Party bickered over its direction and Trumps place within it. The fear in many quarters is that Trumps autocracy was not simply a brutal interregnum and that new President Joe Bidens administration will be but a brief interlude before America plunges once again into the kind of deep spiral that has marked the last four years. Although UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed that US democracy remains strong in spite of the impeachment kerfuffle, Biden himself has warned that US democracy is fragile. While Biden and his team are eager to move past the impeachment trial, the bitterly partisan tone of the proceedings underscores the deep challenges ahead, as the president and his party try to push forward their agenda and address historic crises. The Biden administration is doing its best to reassure the world that the American system can and will be made to work again. But this could be easier said than done. As House Democrats were presenting horrifying images of the 6 January insurrection, Biden was on the phone with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, warning that America would no longer ignore Chinas human-rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, nor its militarys threats in the South China Sea and to Taiwan. However, these warnings may not have the same weight as before. There is a lot at stake for America and the world, including Europe, and European commentators have wasted no time in expressing their dismay at the Senate verdict. The UK Guardian newspaper said that Trumps acquittal marks a dark day for US democracy, adding that the deepest problem affecting the progress and development of democracy was the crippling dominance of party-first politics in the US. The majority of the Republican Party had decided to stand by Trump regardless of the overwhelming evidence regarding his role in the insurrection to overturn the US election result last November, the paper said. The Senate vote speaks to something increasingly problematic about the American political systems ultimate ability to curtail presidential abuses of power: for many, the impeachment process no longer presents much of a threat or deterrent to bad, or even illegal, behaviour by the most powerful figure in the land, the newspaper said. Commentator Carl Gibson in the UK Independent newspaper said that Trumps acquittal proved if we want real democracy, we need to get rid of the Senate Do the math and you see why the legislative body has become a tyranny of the minority. Commentators in Germany, France and much of Europe argued that though the acquittal was expected, it had highlighted that Trumps influence over the Republican Party would likely endure, signalled that American politics would remain deeply divided, and shaken their faith in an already weakened US democracy. Donald Trumps acquittal confirms the profound division of the Republican Party, read a headline in Le Monde, the French daily newspaper. Patrice de Beer, a former editor of Le Monde, said he believed the worlds view of America had only been reinforced by the chilling images displayed by House managers in the impeachment trial. I dont think that this has changed our vision of the US as an unpredictable and violent country, he told the US news channel CNN. But we hope Biden has put a stop to this. For now. The uncertain future of the US political system was a recurring topic for international observers. The acquittal was an unprecedented failure of American democracy and a triumph of madness, said Roland Nelles, a Washington correspondent for the German magazine Der Spiegel, adding that Republican senators had left the door open for a comeback by Trump in 2024. An editorial in the Australian Sydney Morning Herald called the outcome a demoralising blow to the ideals of democracy, justice and accountability that will stand for generations as an appalling instance of Republican Party cowardice. However, Trump, unrepentant, welcomed his second impeachment acquittal and said his movement has only just begun. He slammed the trial as yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our country. But if Trump is hoping that the Senate decision will close the insurgency case, he will be disappointed. In a potentially very consequential move, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Monday that Congress would establish an independent, September 11-style commission to look into the insurrection. Pelosi said the commission would investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to January 6, 2021, a domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex and relating to the interference with the peaceful transfer of power. In a letter to Democrat colleagues, Pelosi said the House would also put forward supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol. Investigations into the riot are already planned, with Senate hearings scheduled later this month in the Senate Rules Committee. Pelosi has asked retired general Russel Honore to lead an immediate review of the Capitols security. In her letter, Pelosi said that it is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened. She added that as we prepare for the commission, it is also clear from general Honores interim reporting that we must put forth a supplemental appropriation to provide for the safety of members and the security of the Capitol. According to the US news agency AP, bipartisan support appeared to be growing for an independent commission to examine the insurrection after the acquittal of Trump. Lawmakers from both parties signalled that more inquiries were likely. There should be a complete investigation into what happened, said Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump. What was known, who knew it, and when they knew, all that, because that builds the basis, so this never happens again. Cassidy said he was attempting to hold president Trump accountable and added that as Americans hear all the facts, more folks will move to where I was. He was censured by his states party after the vote. An independent commission along the lines of the one that investigated the September 11 attacks would probably require legislation. That would elevate the investigation a step higher, offering a definitive government-backed accounting of events. But such a panel would pose risks of sharpening partisan divisions or overshadowing Bidens legislative agenda. Theres still more evidence that the American people need and deserve to hear, and a 9/11 commission is a way to make sure that we secure the Capitol going forward, said Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a Biden ally. And that we lay bare the record of just how responsible and how abjectly violating of his constitutional oath president Trump really was. House prosecutors who argued for Trumps conviction on charges of inciting the riot said on Sunday that they had proved their case. They also railed against the Senates Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, and others who they said were trying to have it both ways in finding the former president not guilty but criticising him at the same time. McConnell in a blistering speech after the vote said the president was practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of that day but that the Senates hands were tied in doing anything about it because Trump was out of office. The Senate had earlier deemed the trial constitutional in a vote to start the impeachment process, so many saw a contradiction in McConnells statement. A close Trump ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, also voted for acquittal but acknowledged that Trump had some culpability for the siege at the Capitol that killed five people, including a police officer, and disrupted lawmakers certification of Bidens White House victory. His behaviour after the election was over the top, Graham said. We need a 9/11 commission to find out what happened and make sure it never happens again. Nonetheless, Graham said he looked forward to campaigning with Trump in the 2022 elections when the Republicans hope to regain a congressional majority. McConnell and Grahams stand was criticised widely in Washington. It was powerful to hear the 57 guilties, and then it was puzzling to hear and see Mitch McConnell stand and say not guilty and then, minutes later, stand again and say he was guilty of everything, said representative Madeleine Dean. History will remember that statement of speaking out of two sides of his mouth, she said. Dean also backed the idea of an impartial investigative commission not guided by politics but filled with people who would stand up for the courage of their convictions. The events of the past few days have shown Trumps strongholds in the Republican Party and US politics. The coming months will also test the resilience of American democracy and determine the future of Bidens presidency. US politics are still volatile, and if Biden fails to deliver on his promises, Trump may return as president, redefining America once again domestically and internationally. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 February, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The grieving mother of a 2-year-old Birmingham boy killed when someone unleashed a barrage of bullets in his apartment spoke publicly for the first time Thursday, recalling her final moments with her son. All I know is that night we were on the couch and we were fixing to go to sleep and my babys last words to me were, Thank you,' said 29-year-old Briahn Smith. He was trying to put some cover on me because I was pregnant. They just started shooting,' Smith said. It was scary. I prayed. I prayed the whole time they were shooting. I prayed in the ambulance ride to the hospital. I prayed walking over to the hospital. I prayed while they were operating on my baby. I didnt leave the hospital, holding him and rocking him. That was my baby. Thursday marked the solemn two-week anniversary of the killing of Major Turner. The shooting happened shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, on John Bryant Road in the Wenonah Community. The family had finished dinner and Major was on the couch with his mother and another sibling. Two other siblings were upstairs watching TV. It was then that gunfire erupted, pelting the apartment. Neighbors reported hearing eight to 10 shots. There were at least 10 bullet holes in the window screens plus more in the apartments front door and second-story window. It appears one or two bullets also struck the neighboring apartment, but no injuries were reported there. Major was rushed to Childrens of Alabama where he was pronounced dead at 2:45 a.m. Friday. His mother was treated and released a short time later. Smith, nine months pregnant when the shooting happened, delivered her fifth son just five days ago. Theres supposed to be five of them and Im still stuck at four,' she said. He (Major) was so happy about the new baby. All he talked about was the new baby. No arrests have been made in Majors slaying, and investigators said tips from the community have been few and far between. Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced a $5,000 reward for information in Majors killing. Another group, Voices of Black Mothers United, also on Thursday pledged $1,000. Combined with the existing Crime Stoppers reward of $5,000, the total reward now stands at $11,000. The boys death prompted vows from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin that his killer or killers would be caught, and the mayor said the Birmingham community should rally around the boy as they have for other innocent children senselessly killed in the city in recent years. Smith spoke just outside her Kimbrough Homes public housing apartment in front of a backdrop of a makeshift memorial to Major and the bullet-riddled windows and door to her unit. Her words were part of a candlelight vigil organized by Jefferson County Commission Sheila Tyson and Eric Wynn, founder of W.A.R. (Were All Related), a foundation that spreads the message that everybody is in this together. Among those in attendance were Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr, Sheriff Mark Pettway, Birmingham City Councilwoman Wardine Alexander, and community activists Apostle Wanda Stephens and Harry Traveling Shoes Turner. Multiple Birmingham police officers both uniformed and plainclothes also were present. Authorities are surprised, and frustrated, at the lack of information coming in that could lead them to Majors killer or killers. We know the streets talk,' Sheriff Pettway said. Come forward with the information you have. Put down the guns,' the sheriff said. Lets learn how to solve problems without violence. Carr said that at some point, his office will be responsible for delivering justice for Major and his family. They cant do that, he said, without input form the community. There is no justice without sacrifice,' Carr said. Somebody has to provide the information to us to charge and shole someone accountable. Young major died for no reason,' he said. Lets bring justice to this family and this young boy. Sylvia Bennett-Stone, of Voices of Black Mothers United, said she knows the familys pain. Her 19-year-old daughter, Krystal, was killed July 4, 2004 while she and two friends were parked at a fuel pump at a Birmingham gas station. If it was your child, youd want somebody to talk,' Bennett-Stone said Forget this no snitch code. Its no snitch until it happens to you. Im tired yall. Arent you tired? she said. The pain this mother and grandmother are going through is unnatural. When they bury a child, theyre burying the future. This is a major thing that happened in this family and in this community,' Tyson said. This mama is hurting. Tyson and Wynn announced they would be launching a Major Movement named in honor of the slain boy that will be crafted around the public housing communities in Jefferson County. Part of the plan will pair up area churches with the housing communities to build and strengthen those relationships. Weve got to have a major movement here in Jefferson County,' she said. We cant stand by and allow this to happen. Another part of the movement will be rallies beginning in March to address the ongoing gun violence in Birmingham. Wynn called for all Birmingham area businesses, elected officials and organizations to take part. Its all hands on deck,' he said. The crowd prayed and chanted and yelled and prayed some more. They burned candles and released blue, gold and white balloons in Majors memory. Visitation for Major will be held Friday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Eastside Funeral home. A family-only funeral will be held Saturday. Im angry. Im hurt. Im torn,' said Smith, whose other sons are ages 6, 5, 4 and 5 days. My boys, theyre sad and theyre lost. My baby was blessed, and he was highly favored. Major was popular by demand,' Smith said. Everywhere Major went, he always drew attention to himself. Hes so cute, hes so chubby. Look at his hair. Everybody wanted to take major home. Everybody loved Major. Major was charming. All my boys charming, but Major is gone. She and her mother, LaTonya Nash, pleaded with anyone with information to come forward. My nights are long, my mornings early. I cant sleep. All I see is the same night. I see it every day,' Smith said. My kids talk about Major all the time. I gotta be strong for my other kids, but Im still messed up about my baby. My smile will never be the same. A piece of me is gone forever. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. 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 One of the tough questions facing the Administration of Joe Biden is how to deal with Venezuelas illegitimate Maduro government, and the humanitarian crisis caused by the repression and corruption of Nicolas Maduro and his cohorts. The overriding goal of the Biden-Harris administration is to support a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela through free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections, and to help the Venezuelan people rebuild their lives and country, said State Department spokesperson Ned Price: Venezuelans have a right to democracy and a government that promotes and defends it, just like everyone else in this hemisphere. President Biden, you have heard him say this even before he was elected President Biden. He understands the pain that the current crisis in Venezuela has inflicted on the people of Venezuela and their families. Again, Maduro is a dictator. His repression, corruption, and mismanagement have created one of the most dire humanitarian crises this hemisphere has seen. Spokesperson Price noted that in dealing with Venezuela, the Biden Administration will follow four basic principles: One, designating, as appropriate, Venezuelans Venezuela for temporary protected status. Number two, addressing the humanitarian concerns of millions of Venezuelans with international partners. Number three, targeting regime officials and their cronies involved in corruption and human rights abuses. And number four, again, aiding and restoring a peaceful, stable, democratic future for Venezuelans and the regime, both through free and fair elections and a long-term economic recovery. Nicolas Maduro is a dictator, there is no doubt about that, said spokesperson Price, adding that he [does not] expect this administration to be engaging directly with Maduro. Instead, he said, the United States will work through allies and partners. We will do that with our partners in the region, we will do that with our European partners and allies, well do that with the OAS, we will do that through the Lima Group, through a number of fora, likeminded fora that share the same goals of bringing about democracy and human rights and an end to this corrupt dictatorship in Venezuela. The United States continues to recognize the 2015 National Assembly as the last remaining democratic institution in Venezuela, said Spokesperson Price, and consistent with that, the person chosen by the National Assembly to be its president as the interim president of Venezuela, Juan Guaido. 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. 199 Doug Woods, President, AMT Doug Woods, President, AMT If youre looking for the media darling of economic revival, theres no need to look any further than manufacturing. The industry has been hailed as a leader in creating jobs, driving exports, protecting national security and having a positive impact on almost every sector of the economy. On the technology side, though, manufacturing has been perceived by some as an industry thats behind the times. In the past, while the electronics, medical, aerospace and automotive industries were in the spotlight as coming out with whats cool, manufacturing was often relegated to being an afterthought for developing concepts and technologies that have a broad impact. Fast forward to today and the advent of the industrial internet and data analytics. When it comes to the big data world, the biggest star player by far is manufacturing. As Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liver is put it Where manufacturing goes, innovation inevitably follows. This is absolutely true in the collection and use of big data. No other industry can compare to manufacturing when it comes to using big data to leverage capital efficiency. Sensors and PLCs are now practically flooding the factory floor due to their rapidly declining cost and ubiquitous nature. The widespread availability of data gathering tools has made automation easier, more effective and more efficient than ever. Sensors can now be embedded throughout every machine, measuring and analyzing operations down to the finest detail. This process of turning big data into innovations and improvements is revolutionizing manufacturing operations, and also being emulated in any number of other industries in the operating room, in oil fields, in jet engines as they fly from one continent to another. But collecting data is just the first step. As noted in ASMEs Advanced Manufacturing Environmental Scan, the integration of sensing, modeling, simulation, and information tools is giving manufacturing the ability to be more intelligent and self-aware and make real time adjustments in ways never imagined. This has impact throughout the entire supply chain. The ability to exchange information between machines on your factory floor and the corner office has and will yield enormous benefits in productivity and dollars. Yet the intra company gains pale in comparison to the impact on work in process (WIP) and the cost of supply chain management. Once big data begins to meet up with a companys supply chain, just-in-time gets an exponential improvement. No longer will WIP be measured in months and weeks it will be in days and maybe even hours. The cost savings in interest payments on inventory alone is staggering. From consumption-based, real-time feedback provided through networked tool vending machines to reduced development cycles and better enabled localized manufacturing with additive technologies; agile manufacturing is only as good as its supply chain. The ability to acquire, compile and associate data to make more informed decisions begins to describe the Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise. Ultimately this will lead to making exactly what I want, exactly where I want it, exactly when I want it.In terms of cost, even realizing just a one percent efficiency improvement could have a massive impact on a number of industries. GE estimates that applications of the industrial internet aka the Internet of Things by 2025 could be expanded to be applicable to $82 trillion of output worldwide. In terms of specific industries, just a one percent efficiency improvement in commercial aviation could yield $30 billion in fuel savings over 15 years. Similar dramatic efficiency gains could be seen in medical, energy, and other transportation industries. At AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology, one of the most noteworthy contributions we have made toward gathering, analyzing, and utilizing big data has come through our development of MTConnect a free, open-source standard that allows manufacturing equipment and devices to speak to one another in a common, XML-based language. By fostering an open channel of communication between devices, equipment, and systems, all of these sources are then allowed to exchange and understand each others data. From there, users are empowered to create applications that are aimed at making operations more efficient through improved productivity and production optimization. ITAMCO, a machining services and open gearing provider based in Plymouth, Indiana, has developed MTConnect applications both for wireless data acquisition and sharing (iBlue) and for wearable technology utilizing Google Glass. Many other manufacturers are using MTConnect to track things like energy usage on individual pieces of equipment, as well as performance metrics such as aggregate energy usage, downtime, and other data related to efficiency, productivity, and utilization. I would encourage all manufacturing executives to examine the possibilities offered by big data. No manufacturing operation can be considered advanced unless its utilizing the technology available for data collection and analysis. No manufacturer will remain competitive on a global scale unless it is leveraging this data to its greatest advantage. The landscape for big data offers manufacturers a universe of possibility never before seen. For increasing revenue, reducing costs, improving productivity, and optimizing shop floor and supply chain operations, the story has just begun for this latest wave of innovation. Stay tuned, because there is much more to come. Soon you will need to keep your debit, credit card handy to make payments online RBI puts Rs 1,000 withdrawal cap on Karnataka Deccan Urban Co-op Bank; fresh loans, deposits restricted India pti-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, Feb 19: The Reserve Bank on Friday said it has barred Karnataka-based Deccan Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd from granting fresh loans or accepting deposits and customers cannot withdraw more than Rs 1,000 from their savings account for a period of six months. The lender has also been asked not to make fresh investments or incur any liability without its prior permission. The RBI said it issued the directions to chief executive officer of the bank on Thursday (February 18). It has also asked the lender to desist from disbursing any payment whether in discharge of its liabilities or otherwise, or dispose of any of its assets except as notified in the RBI direction. "Considering the bank's present liquidity position, a sum not exceeding Rs 1000 only of the total balance across all savings bank or current accounts or any other account of a depositor, may be allowed to be withdrawn," RBI said in a release on Friday. It said customers can set off their loans against deposits subject to conditions. RBI issues draft guidelines on credit default swaps "However, 99.58 per cent of the depositors are fully covered by the DICGC insurance scheme," said the regulator. The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI, provides insurance cover on bank deposits. The RBI further said putting the bank under restrictions should not be construed as cancellation of its banking license. The bank will continue to undertake banking business with restrictions till its financial position improves. The Reserve Bank may consider modifications of the directions depending upon circumstances. The directions are set to remain in force for six months from the close of business on February 19, 2021 and are subject to review, it added. Peeved over the steep price hike of petroleum products, the Opposition in Bihar lodged its protest in its own imitable style when the Budget Session of the State Assembly began on Friday. While the RJD MLA from Mahua, Mukesh Raushan, arrived at the Bihar Assembly on a bicycle, the Congress MLA, Shakeel Ahmad Khan brought a traditional firewood stove to the Vidhan Sabha premises to protest against the sharp increase in the price of LPG cylinders. The price of petrol is about to touch the three-digit figure in Bihar while the LPG cylinder, after a Rs 50 hike this week, comes to around Rs 800. Also read: Fuel prices hiked for 11th day straight; petrol crosses Rs 90 per litre mark in Delhi I started on a bicycle from Hajipur from 7 am today, said the RJD MLA, who won from Mahua, the erstwhile seat of Lalu Prasads son Tej Pratap in Vaishali district. Crime is at its peak... All essential commodities have become quite expensive... We will raise these issues in the House, said the RJD legislator after pedalling over 25 kilometres. The Congress legislators were equally scathing. People have been forced to adopt the traditional method of cooking after there has been a sharp rise in the price of LPG cylinders. The BJP has brought us to this stage, said Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan, displaying the firewood stove. As Covid-19 positive case numbers have once again begun to soar in Mumbai, the civic body on Thursday decided to tighten up the rules and take stern actions against those not following the norms. BCCL The BMC will once again be going back to sealing of buildings and floors, stamping of asymptomatic patients, tracking over a dozen high risk contacts and also taking action against those not putting on their face masks. Can't Rule Out Conspiracy In Sexual Harassment Charges Against Ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi The Supreme Court Thursday said that the report of its ex-judge hinted that a conspiracy against former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi cannot be ruled out for taking tough decisions on judicial and administrative side but put the curtains down on its suo motu proceedings initiated to probe a larger conspiracy behind sexual harassment allegations against him in April 2019. BCCL The apex court said after the lapse of two years, there was remote possibility of recovery of electronic records corroborating to the plot. Deadly Winter Storm Blankets Eastern US In Snow, Millions Left In Cold, Without Power, Water A deadly winter weather system that brought record-busting cold to the southern and central United States, knocking out power for millions in oil-rich Texas, blanketed the East Coast in snow Thursday, disrupting coronavirus vaccinations. AFP The historic frigid blast has over the past week seen Arctic cold envelope much of the US sun belt unfamiliar with such extremes, leaving dozens of dead in its wake and several million Texans told to boil water before consuming it. India Gifts 2 Lakh COVID-19 Vaccine Shots To UN Peacekeepers UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "extremely grateful" for the gift of 200,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses announced by India for peacekeepers, the spokesperson for the UN chief has said. AFP External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while addressing the UN Security Council meeting on COVID-19 on Wednesday, announced a gift of 200,000 COVID-19 doses for the UN peacekeepers. Internet Services Disrupted In Pakistan As Undersea Cable Develops Fault Internet services were hampered in Pakistan on Thursday as the country's telecom authority said one of its six international undersea cables developed a fault. Representational Image The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said the international submarine cable system near Abu Talat, Egypt, developed the glitch on Wednesday. Nepal To Buy 2 Million Doses Of Covid Vaccine From India Nepal approved on Thursday the emergency use of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by an affiliate of Chinas Sinopharm. Representational Image/AFP Nepal will also buy 2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from India. The Irish Cancer Society is urging people in Longford to get behind a very different Daffodil Day this year, with street sales and events not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions. Also read: Two Longford companies among finalists for prestigious awards Due to the current public health restrictions the flagship fundraiser is unable to go ahead in its traditional way with street sales of fresh daffodils or daffodil pins, and community events. However, there are still many ways for people in Longford to get involved with this years Daffodil Day which is taking place on Friday March 26, proudly supported by Boots Ireland. Around 270 people in Longford will receive a cancer diagnosis each year and this Daffodil Day is an important chance not only to raise vital funds for services and research but also to send people affected by cancer a message of support in these challenging times. There are many ways for communities across the country to get involved with Daffodil Day, by hosting virtual fundraisers and collections, purchasing items from the Daffodil Day online shop, or making a donation. Go to www.cancer.ie/daffodilday to find out more. Throughout the pandemic, the Irish Cancer Society has continued to provide vital services and support to cancer patients and their families across Longford. Services like Night Nursing, the Freephone Support Line: 1800 200 700 and Volunteer Driver service are available because of the vital funds raised on Daffodil Day. Rosemary Simmons, Fundraising Lead at the Irish Cancer Society said, The people of Longford have always been incredibly generous in their support of Daffodil Day, but this year more than ever, we need your help. Although we cannot take to the streets to sell Daffodils, or host coffee mornings with friends, there are still so many meaningful ways for communities to raise vital funds this year. Because of the additional anxieties a cancer diagnosis during Covid-19 brings, cancer patients need your support more than ever before. Please get involved with Daffodil Day, to ensure nobody in Longford has to go through cancer alone. This year marks Boots Irelands 4th year of sponsoring Daffodil Day, which is an extension of a well-established partnership with the Irish Cancer Society that began back in 2012. Through the partnership, Boots Ireland is committed to increasing awareness, helping support people affected by cancer and promoting cancer prevention. Boots 89 stores located nationwide, will be raising vital funds by selling Daffodil pins in store and hosting virtual fundraisers across the country. To find your nearest store or to learn more about the support of Daffodil Day, visit www.boots.ie . If you have concerns or questions about cancer, or to learn more about support services available in your area, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone:1800 200 700 For more information visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday (AP) An eleven-year-old boy in Texas has died of suspected hypothermia only hours after playing in the snow for the first time. Christian Pavon Pineda of Conroe, north of Houston, is the latest fatality from the huge winter storm that swept across the state, knocking out power and water to millions of people for days. At least 47 people across the southern states are believed to have died as a direct result of the storm. It was his first time [seeing snow]. Thats why he was excited outside, Christians mother Maria Elisa Pineda told The Houston Chronicle. Everything was well. He was happy that day. He was not at all sick. On Sunday, Ms Pineda took photos and videos of her son frolicking in the snow wearing a red hoodie. After half an hour he came inside to get warm, his gloves soaked from playing. That night Christian shared a bed with his three-year-old step-brother in the familys mobile home. The power went out in the early hours of Monday morning. Although his step-brother was OK the next morning, by the afternoon Christian had not risen. He was found dead and Ms Pineda and her husband contacted the police. While hypothermia is suspected, the official results of an autopsy will not be known for several weeks. The Pineda family had emigrated to Texas from Honduras two years previous and were unused to the freezing temperatures that gripped the state this week. Their trailer home offered little insulation. More follows... 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. 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. 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Intern - Public Information - Supporting the Unmas Afghanistan Programme [temporary], Geneva, Switzerland Organization: Department of Peace Operations Country: Switzerland City: Geneva, Switzerland Office: DPO in Geneva, Switzerland Grade: I-1 Closing date: Wednesday, 16 February 2022 Posting Title: INTERN - PUBLIC INFORMATION - Supporting the UNMAS Afghanistan Programme, I (Temporary Job Opening) Job Code Title: INTERN - PUBLIC INFORMATION Department/Office: Department of Peace Operations Duty Station: GENEVA Posting Period: 17 February 2021 - 16 February 2022 Job Opening Number: 21-Public Information-DPO-150185-J-Geneva (A) United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity Organisational Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Geneva office of United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) within the Office of the Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) supporting the UNMAS programme in Afghanistan. Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and supporting the development of standards, policies and norms. As a specialized service of the United Nations located within the Department of Peace Operations, UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council. UNMAS also responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated official. For more information, please visit: https://www.unmas.org/en The UNMAS/OROLSI/DPO Geneva internship is for six months. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member to which they are assigned. Responsibilities Duties of the intern include, but are not limited to: Assist in monitoring media coverage of mine action and international relations issues related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Distribute relevant articles to key partners related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Establish and maintain a mine action video library related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Assist with media outreach related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Assist in creating graphic-design related materials related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Assist in advocacy and outreach activities to internal and external audiences related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Research, compile, draft and edit basic information for use in the preparation and production of public information materials, including website content. related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Assist with the maintenance and help develop UNMAS Social Media tools (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.). Assist in liaison with public information focal points in HQ specifically related to generating multimedia public information materials. Assist in the preparation of outreach material such as talking points, correspondence and presentations related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Events and website management, stocking and mailing public information materials. related to the UNMAS Afghanistan programme. Performs other duties as requested by the supervisor. Competencies 1. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 2. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; Tags covid human rights humanitarian law international relations internship library mine action public information rule of law unpaid Adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently. 3. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; Is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Education To qualify for an internship with the United Nations, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelors level or equivalent). Interested candidates must be pursuing or pursued their degree in areas related to this Job Opening. In addition, interested candidates must: Be computer literate in standard software applications including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point); Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and, Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Work Experience No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Languages Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Assessment Potential candidates may be contacted by the hiring team directly if further information is needed during the review of their application. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates who have been short-listed will be contacted. Special Notice Completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The cover note must include: Date of availability. Title of degree you are currently pursuing. Graduation date (when will you be/have graduating/graduated from the programme?). IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. Top three areas of interest. Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship. Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted. There should be no expectation of employment by the United Nations upon completion of the internship. Interns are responsible for all internship-related expenses that they incur. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship. Therefore, upon award of an internship, interns are responsible for securing adequate insurance coverage and are required to sign and return a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of these conditions of service. A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations. An applicant who bears to a staff member any other family relationship may be engaged as an intern, provided that he or she shall not be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member. For purposes of this instruction, "child" means (i) the child of a staff member; (ii) the child of the spouse of a staff member (stepchild); and (iii) the spouse of a child of a staff member or a staff members spouse (son- or daughter-in-law). "Sibling" includes the child of both or either parent of a staff member and the child of the spouse of a parent of a staff member (that is, also half- and step-sibling). Candidates of certain nationalities must obtain a visa authorizing their stay in Switzerland before they depart for Geneva to begin their internship. While this is the overall responsibility of the selected candidate, we will provide information and supporting documents in this regard. **In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrators working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on "Manuals" hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS BANK ACCOUNTS. 31345 Sanjay Patel, Group CIO, Tate & Lyle Sanjay Patel is a seasoned transformation leader with over 18 years of industry expertise in consumer products. He is currently SVP and Group CIO at Tate & Lyle, having been VP Strategic Transformation for two years leading a multi-year, multi-function, multi-initiative, company-wide operating model transformation to embed the new corporate strategy and driving a zero-based budgeting initiative across the enterprise. Sanjay was previously an executive in business consulting with IBM (he joined as part of the PwC acquisition), most recently leading the UK consumer products business. He alsolived and worked in Switzerland for several years, managing the relationship and running transformational changes for IBMs largest clients. Sanjay has a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering and began consulting in 1995 after eight years in the chemical manufacturing industry. He is married with two children and lives in Richmond, London. In light of your experience, what are the major trends that you see in the enterprise web applications landscape? Having worked on technology-enabled transformation for over 20 years, I have seen many companies, yearn for wall-to-wall ERP solutions to automate their business processes, enable productivity and commonality, and free up scarce human resources to focus on more value- adding activities. However, over time, as ERP solutions have proven to be time, resource and management attention consuming, as well asincapable of being fit for purpose, these same companies often question whether their wall-to-wall ERP strategy should be supplemented by best of breed. This has been fuelled by significant developments in web applications, where cloud-based solutions for critical areas such as sales, HR, procurement and non-financial processes have advanced to an extent that time to value, user experience and ease of implementation trump the advantages of an integrated ERP. As adoption of these web applications has expanded and as they expand into other technology spaces, such as data management and transformation, reporting and analytics and cyber and infrastructure management, CIOs and business leaders have acclimatised to a heterogeneous landscape and accepted the inevitable consequences of integration and changes in licensing costs. The impact on the move to cloud-based infrastructure, increased opex licensing costs and reduction in retained development resources has not been insignificant and one that many have struggled to cope with as the technology P&L has transformed. Embracing new innovations in enterprise web applications can drive faster time to value and demonstrate IT agility like never before, but integration and managing increasing opex are new challenges for CIOs To cope with this shift, many IT functions have learned and leveraged best practices along the way, introducing new capabilities such as design thinking, user experience, Agile, DevOps, Scrum ways of working and cloud first, providing IT professionals and native cloud employees with plenty of career growth and opportunities. The impact on the business landscape has overall been positive, in my opinion driving better user experience and adoption, faster time to value and reduced change impact. At the same time, the challenges are not insignificant. It has also meant that ERP vendors have had to respond with home-grown web applications or acquisitions and partnerships, most opting for an ecosystem approach combining the two. This has increased the choice for technology and business leaders. What are the significant challenges that enterprises face in terms of enterprise web applications? In my experience, to embrace the advantages that enterprise web applications bring, a number of challenges and opportunities need to be addressed. Firstly, maintaining or growing the capabilities of IT employees: attracting and retaining talent, having the right diversity of talent and maintaining the right mix of people with legacy and new technology knowledge is critical. Furthermore, gaining expertise in the business (being able to translate a business painpoint or opportunity into a technology solution)is also emerging as a substantial need. Next, heterogeneous landscapes require increased integration capability and adoption of newer technologies. This is not always easy and often means companies have to embrace complexity, while IT functions have to establish new architecture and infrastructure capabilities. Additionally, the funding models and architecture of web applications mean that IT capex is often replaced by IT opex. Depreciation of physical, on-premise assets is also replaced by capitalisation of license fees ahead of adoption and increased opex charges year on year for cloud applications. This requires CFO and C-suite education. Lastly, with increased innovation in web applications and the move to enterprise web application solutions, IT procurement functions and CIOs have to adopt a different approach to vendor management, supplier partnerships and third-party governance. Specifically, as core capabilities and value-generating activities move to cloud solutions, technology functions have to treat cloud providers as an extension of the IT function and treat them as they would employees. In the past, this change in approach towards web applications was a considerable concern for almost all CIOs who came from technical backgrounds. But today, CIOs have much more business acumen and have learned to partner with all functions. CIOs are responsible for keeping their organisation ahead of the curve by aligning well with new technological innovations, meaning that leading and challenging business executives and board members to leverage emerging trends has become a core part of a CIOs role. Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur. Wombs: a new parental battleground Every organism gets two copies of its genes, one from each parent, but they dont always have the same effect. Fathers primarily provide DNA. Having evolved solely to shuttle male DNA to an egg cell, mature sperm consist of little more than tightly compressed DNA, a cell membrane and a rapidly churning tail. Eggs, on the other hand, contain DNA and other resources to help jumpstart the developmental process. Unsurprisingly, its not uncommon to find genes that cause problems when moms copies are defective, Malik said. It's very easy to imagine maternal defects being the failure for mom to package all the goodies in her oocyte [egg cell] that the zygote needs to survive, he said. Paternal-effect genes are rarer because during the earliest post-fertilization developmental phases, dads genes are still turned off while his DNA gets unpacked. In mammals, it gets even more complex. Embryonic development occurs inside mothers bodies and draws on even more maternal resources. This evolutionary transition created a new battleground for conflict between the sexes, Malik said, as each parents goals for its offspring diverged a little more. If you're not in a monogamous species, dads basically saying, Look, I have a limited opportunity to make these kids. I'm going to make sure that my kids sort of act like the aliens and extract maximum nutrition from mom, Malik said. And moms like, Hey, hang on, I'm planning to have a whole bunch of babies. You can't just pick up all of my resources, because then I'll have nothing left for the other babies. Though Malik studies how genetic conflict shapes evolution, such as the genetic conflict between viruses and anti-viral proteins that block infection, genetic conflict in mammals was a new area for his lab. Ours is a fly lab, he said. Ive never worked on mice, Ive never trained in mouse genetics. As a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator with flexible funding, Malik was able to fund Molaros quest to understand these strange mammalian histones. But scientifically speaking, it was a little like sending him to an island and checking occasionally to make sure he had food and water, Malik recalled. At the beginning of the project, the island appeared to be waving distance from shore. A new parental-effect gene Mice have the H2A.B member of the short histone variant family of genes. When Molaro set up camp, the H2A.B protein was thought to be present only during sperm development, a process in which Molaro and Malik expected H2A.B to play an important role. It didnt. Two and a half years after editing H2A.B out of mouse DNA, Molaro found himself with a lot of negative results and no idea how H2A.B might function in reproduction. His island was starting to feel more like a raft floating out to sea. But the team had missed something important. The reason we were so fooled was that we never even considered the possibility that these genes might actually have a female role, Malik said. Molaro and Malik Lab research technician Anna Wood bred males lacking H2A.B to females that also lacked the gene and with one experiment, his island became a peninsula. Compared to litters bred from two normal parents, fewer pups were born from these crosses, and about four times as many embryos didnt survive past implantation. Embryos in these litters were also about 30% smaller than normal. In Molaros previous experiments, the H2A.B from the mothers had masked the effect of losing paternal H2A.B, Malik said. Further experiments strengthened the evidence that it was the parents histones that critically affected embryo development. Molaro was on solid ground at last. It was not just that these embryos [from parents lacking H2A.B] were less viable, but they were actually at a disadvantage to their siblings, depending on who their father was. They were also at a disadvantage compared to the siblings, depending on who their mother was, Malik said. H2A.B is one of the first parental-effect genes identified in mammals since the 1980s, Molaro said. He is now exploring several potential mechanisms by which parental H2A.B might affect embryo development in his own lab. He expects maternal and paternal H2A.B to act through different mechanisms. Unusual histones give cancer a helping hand As Molaro struggled to chart a course through the muddy waters of his H2A.B work, a collaboration with pediatric oncologist Sarthy and bioinformatician Chew helped form a lifeline. Sarthy was also studying histones, but in the context of cancer. In cancer, classic histones can accumulate mutations that alter how they interact with DNA (a complex called the nucleosome). DNA often wraps more loosely around mutated histones, thereby creating less stable nucleosomes. The short histone variants Molaro was studying also happen to wrap DNA more loosely, generating remarkably unstable nucleosomes. This makes it easier for sperm to remove their histones and replace them with even smaller proteins that facilitate the super-tight DNA packing they need in order to swim most efficiently. In cancer cells, relaxed DNA packing makes it easier to turn on genes that promote tumor development and progression. I started thinking, even though these histones that Antoine is working on are supposed to be in testes only, maybe they could be turned on in cancers. And if they were, they might have the same effect as these mutant histones, Sarthy said. Tumors often turn on genes that are usually turned on, or expressed, in specific tissues or during specific life stages. Molaro was also interested in the potential connection between H2A.B and disease. With Chew, now a faculty member in the Cancer Institute of Singapore at the National University of Singapore, Sarthy and Molaro compared the natural genetic sequence of H2A.B genes and related short histone variants to the genetic sequences of cancer-associated mutated histones. They found that the natural histones had evolved the same changes seen in mutated cancer-associated histones. The team also found that many types of tumors, particularly different kinds of B-cell lymphomas, turn on these short histone variants, suggesting that they also share unstable interactions between DNA and histones. It was kind of a big surprise that so many different cancers had unstable nucleosomes, Sarthy said. In some cancers, people had thought, Oh, there are no histone mutations, so they don't have unstable nucleosomes. What we're finding is there's an entirely different way to get unstable nucleosomes. It means that even tumors with very few mutations may still be able to create the loose DNA-histone interactions they need to turn on cancer-promoting genes, just by turning on normal histones in the wrong spot, he said. We saw very little overlap between cancers with histone mutations or cancers that turn on H2A.B, Sarthy said. It suggests that many cancers need this property, but either a mutated histone or a short histone variant is enough to achieve it. If you have both, the nucleosomes are too unstable, he said. There's a sweet spot that cancers trying to reach. Its unlikely that H2A.B and related histones cause cancer by themselves. Instead, they work together with other genetic, molecular and cellular changes to promote cancer development and progression. In fact, Sarthy and his colleagues found that tumors that turn on short histone variants also have other changes in fundamental cell processes that could affect cancer development. It suggests theres a functional consequence to this, Sarthy said. Sarthy is working to understand this phenomenon in lymphomas and exploring ways to potentially target tumors that have unstable DNA-histone interactions or that have turned on H2A.B. One avenue hes exploring, in collaboration with Hutch immunologist Dr. Marie Bleakley, is immunotherapy. The fact that H2A.B is never found outside sperm or eggs except in cancer makes it a great candidate target for selective cancer immunotherapy that is, reprogramming a patients immune cells to recognize and kill cells carrying H2A.B. If this finding leads to a new treatment, it would be the latest in a long line of discoveries about fundamental life processes that end up having profound impacts on human health. You could argue that histones are probably one of the most fundamental proteins we have, Malik said. And yet we have these variants. You could say, Oh who cares about this weird evolution? Its only expressed in the testes. But these arent siloed problems. [These histones] affect early development, they can be expressed outside of the testes, and they can cause disease. (Natural News) At least 12 people have been found dead in the Houston area after statewide power outages left millions without heat in subzero temperatures. Some died from simply from the cold weather while others perished after trying to craft makeshift heating elements that either set the house on fire or sent toxic carbon monoxide fumes into the air. The latter scenario took the lives of a woman and her child, while the former resulted in a woman and her three grandchildren dying from a fireplace burn gone wrong. At least two homeless people died from the bitter cold, which set new records across Texas. An elderly couple, both 70, also died after their house caught fire, officials claim. Several other lives were lost in motor vehicle accidents that occurred on roads that were glossed over with clear and black ice, which caused the drivers to lose control and wreck. Over in Galveston County along the coast, the medical examiner requested storage capacity for between 20 to 50 deceased persons. We believe that the medical examiner would not make that request if it was not necessary, stated Judge Mark Henry. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who wants to confiscate everybodys guns, issued a statement of sympathy for the victims and their family. Its very painful, she said. I beg people to be very careful with their fireplaces, with their cars, and certainly to check on seniors. Known deaths only the tip of the iceberg, warns judge The fact that millions of Texans still do not have power is unacceptable, announced Gov. Greg Abbott. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said much the same, noting that the situation is life-threatening. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset, who himself has been living without power, said a number of people had run out of oxygen during the storm before first responders were able to reach them. Its unfortunate, Trochesset said. We should not be in this. If its a non-sustainable way of creating energy, then there should be a back-up plan. Too many millions of people are being affected by this. The death toll across the state is expected to rise in the coming days as more victims are discovered. With broken water pipes and other damage included in the mix, cleanup efforts will likely take a considerable amount of time to complete. Its a tragedy, said Aura Tapu, a neighbor of one of the families in the Houston area whose house burned to the ground. Its terrible whats happening to people. In Harris County alone, there were more than 300 reported cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, a number that is only expected to increase as the data catches up with reality. Many desperate people brought in barbecue grills, generators, and other outdoor equipment inside their homes, which resulted in a great number of them being poisoned by the fumes. With that number of patients going in, its turning into a mini-mass casualty event, said Dr. Samuel Prater, a University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston emergency physician whose team had treated at least 60 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning at the time when he was interviewed. More than half of the patients were children. According to County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the official number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases is just the tip of the iceberg. I know youre cold, she told the public via the media. Folks who dont have power: do not bring appliances indoors that belong outdoors. Another major concern as things continue to warm up across Texas in the coming days is that people will think its safe to drive during the day when things are melted, only to have it all freeze back up again at night. More related news can be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: HoustonChronicle.com NaturalNews.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A magical piece of Annadales quintessential history called Spanish Camp, also known as Spanish Colony, a summer colony of tents and bungalows on the southern waterfront at the end of Pollion Avenue, was described by its past residents as paradise. A private cooperative community, it was started by a group of revolutionaries, the Spanish Naturopath Society, nature-loving Spaniards from West 14th Street in Manhattan. They came to this unique land with their families each year as a summer getaway. By the 1940s, the tents were transformed into small summer bungalows. Later, many were winterized and became year-round cottages. In 1929, Roman Catholic activist Dorothy Day, who fought for the poor and the homeless, lived there, and for years she would return to one of the cottages in Spanish Camp. It was her place to be alone, and regroup and write. Day was buried in the Cemetery of the Resurrection, just a few blocks from the beachside cottage where she first became interested in Catholicism. The camp survived from the 1920s to 2000, when it was demolished and the land was sold to developers. Today, about a half-dozen large, private homes sit quietly on the land, while a few bungalows stand their ground in the brush. Watch and see how truly unique this place was. If you have any visuals to share, please send them to my email at jsomma@siadvance.com. Vintage photos and video clips are welcome! Please let me know if there are any places youd like to see highlighted in an upcoming installment of Flashback Staten Island. A playlist of past Staten Island Flashbacks is available on YouTube. 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. Wall Street is no different than Main Street when it comes to a fascination with trends, and generally whats in vogue on a day to day basis. Morgan Stanley mobility analyst Adam Jonas is pretty adept at keeping his finger on the pulse of whats hot with the investment community and right now its all about SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies) and EVs (Electric Vehicles). In a note to clients, Jonas highlights what hes been hearing from the firms investors, namely that many are interested in exposure to scalable technologies in electric, connected and autonomous vehicle end markets. Jonas suggests General Motors (GM) as a top pick in the space for these investors, because of its numerous EV and AV (autonomous vehicle) divisions. He likens these divisions, or arms if you will, as little "incubators" in the GM portfolio. In fact he has name for this portfolio: the GM SPACtopus: Morgan Stanley outlines its GM 'SPACtopus' The arms of the SPACtopus are the Cadillac Brand, Corvette Brand, OnStar Connected Services, China joint ventures, GM Hydrotec (hydrogen fuel cell technology), GM Financial, Ultium EV batteries, and Cruise (GMs AV division that has investors like Microsoft and Honda). In the note, Jonas does not fully explain the SPAC part of his metaphor, but one can understand where hes coming from: If GM spins off any of these divisions, they have discrete value in and of themselves, and perhaps more value as separate companies. Indeed, in breaking down his $80 price target for GM via a sum-of-the-parts analysis, he values the traditional legacy ICE (internal combustion engine) business at $0, and gives its EV business a whopping $57. Many on Wall Street are bullish on GMs prospects, especially given the companys push to go deep into electric with 30 EV models expected to come out by 2025 alone. Yahoo Finance recommendation data shows that as of February, 22 analysts rate GM as either a Strong Buy, Buy, or Hold, with only two analysts rating it an Underperform. Story continues On the downside, Jonas notes concerns like the economic backdrop and execution risk. Part of the execution risk is a nationwide chip shortage thats affecting GM and rival Ford (F). Yahoo Finance spoke to GM Chief Engineer Jesse Ortega about those chip shortages. All industries, including ourselves, are working not only with our tier one suppliers, we're down to tier two, tier three, tier four, trying to make sure we can protect [vehicle production], Ortega says. Luckily for GM, thus far it has been able to protect and maintain production of its highest margin products pickups and SUVs. So I think to date, we've announced that I think it's the Trax and the Malibu and probably the Onyx that have been impacted, Ortega says. But we're trying to minimize that - and it is a daily changing situation. Assuming GM is able to weather chip shortages in the near term, it seems the big question for Wall Streets bull case for GM and other EV-focused automakers is one of demand - will consumers actually want to buy EVs in the future, and especially those not made by Tesla (TSLA). Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter and on Instagram. Related stories: Porsche taking Tesla head on with new Taycan EV base model Bidens green vehicle initiative lifts EV makers, and their bets on the future GM soars amid electric vehicle push Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March Flash Life expectancy in the United States plummeted by an entire year in the first half of 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the biggest decline since World War II, said a study on Thursday. Preliminary data from January through June 2020 showed life expectancy at birth for the total U.S. population fell from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77.8 years, the lowest since 2006, according to the study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. "This is a huge decline," said Robert Anderson, who oversees the data for the CDC. "You have to go back to World War II, the 1940s, to find a decline like this." Life expectancy for African American populations dropped the most from 2019, by 2.7 years to 72 years, hitting a new low since 2001. Latinos experienced the second-biggest decline, falling 1.9 years since 2019 to a life expectancy of 79.9 years, lower than when it was first recorded in 2006. Black Americans are hospitalized with COVID-19 at 2.9 times the rate of white Americans and die at 1.9 times the rate, according to a USA Today report citing CDC data. Latinos are hospitalized at more than three times the rate and die more than twice the rate of white Americans. "It was disturbing to see that gains that have been made for the Black community and decreasing the gap between life expectancy for African Americans and (white) Americans over the past six years had come to a halt," said Dr. Leon McDougle, president of the National Medical Association. Life expectancy in the United States decreased by 0.3 years from 2014 to 2017 and slightly increased 2018 through 2019 by 0.2 years, according to CDC data. Life expectancy is how long a baby born today can expect to live, on average, if death rates remain the same. (JNS) A ruling issued by a court in Poland on Tuesday is meeting fierce criticism from Jewish groups and others who claim that the decision will silence further examination of the role of Polish citizens during the Holocaust. The criticism comes after a court found that the authors of Night Without End: The Fate of Jews in Selected Counties of Occupied Poland Jan Grabowski, professor of history at the University of Ottawa in Canada, and Barbara Engelking, director of the Research Centre for the Extermination of Jews must issue a retraction of their work and apologize to... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... The opening scene in the midnight-dark, period-piece serial killer thriller The Little Things feels like a lift from a certain segment in The Silence of the Lambs, as if to acknowledge were in for a derivative thrill ride and though writer-director John Lee Hancock actually penned the original screenplay for this psychological crime noir about 30 years ago, in terms of visual style and mood, it reminded me of Lambs, with echoes of such works as L.A. Confidential and David Finchers Seven and Zodiac. Pretty good albeit disturbing company to keep, and The Little Things (set in the early 1990s) is a worthy companion to that roster a disturbingly effective work with masterful performances from a triad of Oscar winners in prime form. Im still not sure all the pieces of the razor-edged jigsaw puzzle fit snugly into place when all was said and solved, but isnt there something exhilarating about character-piece murder mysteries that practically demand debate about not only the main plot, but the actions of the leads? (Eighty years after the debut of The Maltese Falcon, one can still make the case Bogie could have gone another way at the end.) From The Mighty Quinn (1988) to Fallen (1998) to Training Day (2001) to Deja Vu (2006) to the Equalizer movies, Denzel Washington has played a canyon-wide array of current or former law enforcement agents, and he can do just about anything. So its no surprise he fits so comfortably into the role and exudes such world-weary gravitas as Joe Deke Deacon, once a legendary homicide detective in Los Angeles County, but in recent years living a relatively quiet existence as a deputy sheriff in Kern County, about 160 miles north of LA and a world away in terms of intensity and pressure and frequency of violent crimes. Deke is a loner (he once was a family man, but no more) who wants nothing more than to keep to himself and stay away from LA, but he has to return to his old stomping grounds to pick up some evidence. Hell be in and out so quickly he wont even have time to connect with former colleagues, or even stay overnight. The best-laid plans By this point, writer-director Hancock (The Alamo, The Blind Side, The Highwaymen) has set the tone for an unnerving thriller with an extended sequence involving a young woman (Sofia Vassilieva) who is driving alone on a desolate stretch of road when a motorist begins to stalk her. (Well say no more about how that plays out.) When Deke walks into the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office that served as his home base for some 15 years, a few wily long-timers such as Chris Bauers Det. Sal Rizoli are happy to see him, but the upstanding Capt. Carl Farris (the great Terry Kinney) makes no effort to shield his contempt for Deke. Its almost as if they have a long and complicated history. Deke arrives just as hotshot detective Jim Baxter (Rami Malek) is holding a press conference about the search for a serial killer who is terrorizing the city. Upon first glance, the wiry young Jimmy with his suit and his sunglasses and his by-the-book investigative techniques couldnt be more of a mismatch for the grizzled, thick-bodied aging lion Deke, who relies on instincts and an obsession with the little things, but Jimmy recognizes an asset when he sees it, and he invites Deke to stick around (theres a grisly new fresh crime scene to inspect) and within days, theyre de facto partners. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ With the Thomas Newman score helping set the ominous mood and director of photography John Schwartzman shooting in sometimes-nightmarish tones, e.g., the sickly greens in a cheap apartment turned murder scene and in a medical examiners room where Deke literally talks to a corpse, saying, Im all the friend youve got, we get brief flashbacks and cryptic references to the incident that prompted Deke to leave the department a half-decade ago. Meanwhile, Deke and Jimmy zero in on their prime suspect, one Albert Sparma (Jared Leto), who has the long hair and beard of Jesus Christ but the look of the devil himself in his deep-black eyes. Instead of being freaked out to be under the microscope, the creepy Sparma actually seems thrilled to be the target of the investigation. You must really like my car, he says to Deke as Deke shines a flashlight on the vehicle in the dead of night. Dekes reply: I do. Hows the trunk space? Deke and Jimmy tell themselves theyve got their man and its only a matter of time before Sparma incriminates himself, but its often Sparma who has the upper hand. The Little Things lives up to its name with a precise and layered screenplay that distributes showcase moments not only to the leads but to smaller but pivotal characters such as Michael Hyatts Coroner Flo Dunigan, who has known Deke for a very long time, and Isabel Arraizas Ana Baxter, who is alarmed by her husband Jimmys obsessive dedication to his job and justifiably worried it will destroy their family. (Both actresses turn in excellent work.) Malek and Washington are electric together in this atmospheric, moody thriller that will keep you guessing and on the edge of the proverbial seat (or living room sofa). You wont be able to shake this one off for a very long time. THE LITTLE THINGS 3.5 stars RATED: R (for violent/disturbing images, language and full nudity) WHEN: Now streaming WHERE: HBO Max The Chinese Communist Partys first leader, Mao Zedong, once said that political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. Maos words echo a fundamental truth of Chinas system of governmentthat the ruling party has its own military wing, the Peoples Liberation Army. Soldiers in the PLA swear an oath to defend the CCP, not the Chinese nation, meaning that their primary task is to safeguard the interests of the party. The CCPs ultimate goal is to ensure that its influence over the nation becomes so totalising that the interests of the two are indistinguishable. In this respect, the PLA ends up serving the dual role of safeguarding the CCP and defending the Chinese nation. Just as the CCP has its own armed wing, it has its own commercial wings embedded in all of Chinas powerful state-owned enterprises. These SOEs operate in a hybrid fashion, seeking out business ventures that generate profits while carrying out the interests of the Chinese state. Chinas SOEs are legally required to have a party branch at the highest levels of the company hierarchy, and senior members of the board such as the managing director concurrently serve on the SOEs party committee. This organisational structure makes sure that any business ventures undertaken by the SOE serve the interests of the company, the state and, most importantly, the CCP. Xi Jinping has accelerated the partys dominance over the state, military, nation and business. Chinese companies are expected to do the partys work even if that means collaborating with its armed wing in the PLA or working with its political warfare agencies like the United Front Work Department. Under Xi Jinpings leadership, the CCP is seeking to apply its internal disciplinary code to Chinese SOEs strictly and extra-territorially. Our new ASPI report, Leaping across the ocean: The port operators behind Chinas naval expansion, explores the links that two major Chinese maritime SOEs have with the CCPs organs of political influence, its disciplinary apparatus and its militarised branch, the PLA. COSCO and China Merchants, two companies that have taken a commanding position in overseas port operations and international maritime logistics, are subject to stringent control by the CCP and are increasingly willing to protect party interests overseas. A third of COSCOs employees are members of the CCP, and a member of its party committee was a party disciplinarian in Chinas Ministry of Public Security and the CCPs United Front Work Department. China Merchants also has deep links with the CCP. One member of China Merchants party committee is a former deputy head of discipline inspection at the CCP General Office, and likely had a close working relationship with two current members of the Politburo Standing Committee. Xis bid for total control over Chinas SOEs has profound implications for countries that are open to foreign investment. Before Xi, the national security risks posed by the CCPs integration into Chinas SOEs could be ameliorated by requiring investigation, transparency and disclosure during a countrys foreign investment review process. These measures are no longer sufficient now that Xi has begun to strengthen his grip on the CCP and wield the coercive elements Chinas national power. Chinese companies are required by the countrys domestic law to assist with intelligence collection and national defence mobilisation. We should expect Chinas SOEs to comply with any legitimate request by the CCP to assist with either mission in peace, war or the grey zone in between. Indeed, theres good evidence that such support is already being provided. For instance, COSCO operates its own militia, which is likely capable of conducting paramilitary activities such as maritime surveillance, counter-piracy missions and search-and-rescue operations. One of COSCOs joint ventures has also been involved in taking Chinese tourists near illegally built PLA facilities in disputed areas of the South China Sea. The companys involvement in the Greek port of Piraeus has also been supported by active-measures campaigns conducted by the United Front Work Department. COSCO appears to be developing the capability needed to comply with CCP requests to assist with intelligence operations, national defence mobilisation or grey-zone activities. Australia and its like-minded partners, including the U.S. and Japan, can no longer take a reactive approach to the expansion of Chinas overseas port operations. Together, COSCO and China Merchants operate 36 ports around the world. If Chinese SOEs assume control of any more ports, Beijing will have secure access to some of the worlds most crucial shipping nodes and logistics hubs. In wartime, that could significantly undermine the freedom of action that Australia or its allies would need to defend their maritime interests and sea lines of communication. More urgent, however, is the priority to build the resilience of countries that may be vulnerable to handing over critical infrastructure such as ports to Chinese SOEs. Coercion need not come from the PLA engaging in denial operations to secure access to a port shortly before a war breaks out or from an offensive cyberattack on a ports digital infrastructure. Under Xi, the CCP has proven all too willing to rely on organs such as the United Front Work Department to orchestrate active-measures campaigns designed to compromise a countrys sovereign decision-making. Chinese SOEs may not be drivers behind such activities, but they offer the vehicles for them. Australia, Japan and the U.S. have some of the tools needed to help build countries resilience to coercion from the Chinese regime. They could begin by developing an international ports strategy through the blue-dot network, which was established in 2019 as a way of setting standards for high-quality infrastructure projects. Canberra, Tokyo and Washington should use the network to create a Michelin guide for international port operations and investments. They could then post diplomatic personnel with expertise in critical infrastructure to agreed strategic locations around the world to promote blue-dot alternatives to investments backed by Chinese SOEs as well as advise on how to counter foreign interference. Australia and its partners dont have the power to change the nature of the CCPand competing with Beijing dollar-for-dollar is a non-starter. But what we can do is create a world that is more resilient to the coercive measures Xi has developed a habit of using. A diplomatic strategy geared towards achieving that goal would make it much harder for the CCP to continue finding the logistical hubs needed to increase the PLAs overseas presence and secure its success in wartime or grey-zone operations. Nifty, Sensex may try to bounce back next week Weekly closing report To bookmark you need to sign in We had mentioned in last weeks closing report that Nifty, Sensex were in no mans land. The major indices faced a minor correction this week. The trend of the major indices in the week is given in the table: On Monday, the major indices opened with major gains and ended slightly higher. On the NSE, there were 845 advances, 1,074 declines and 334 unchanged. Vodafone Idea reported a net loss of Rs 4,532 crore against Rs 6,439 crore YoY. Revenue dipped 2% to Rs 10,894 crore from Rs 11,089 crore YoY. Info Edge reported consolidated profit of Rs 679 crore due to exceptional gains, compared to a loss of Rs 62.1 crore YoY. Revenue declined to Rs 277.6 crore from Rs 335 crore YoY. Edelweiss Financial Services reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 63 crore against a profit of Rs 35.32 crore in the same quarter last year. Total income fell to Rs 2,191.34 crore as against Rs 2,649.56 crore in the year ago period. Deepak Nitrite reported consolidated profit of Rs 216.56 crore compared to Rs 156.71 crore in the same period last year. Revenue grew to Rs 1,234.7 crore from Rs 1,119.86 crore YoY. On Tuesday, the major indices opened higher but lost all gains and ended lower. On the NSE, there were 829 advances, 1,056 declines and 89 unchanged. The government has shortlisted four mid-sized state-run banks - Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and Central Bank of India - for privatisation, under a new push to sell state assets and shore up government revenues, according to media sources. The World Health Organization's (WHO) has given emergency use approval to AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines on February 15, allowing distribution to some of the world's poorest countries. Security Intelligence Services (SIS) has announced a share buyback plan of Rs 100 crore. It will buy back 18,18,181 shares at a price of Rs 550 apiece, representing 1.23% of the total number of fully paid-up equity shares. On Wednesday, the major indices opened lower and suffered a minor correction. On the NSE, there were 916 advances, 1,010 declines and 86 unchanged. Nestle India net profit for Oct-Dec 2020 quarter grew 2.3% to Rs 483 crore from Rs 473 crore year-on-year. Revenue grew 9% to Rs 3,433 crore compared to Rs 3,149 crore in the same period last year. L&T Finance Holdings has raised Rs 2,999 crore through the rights issue which was closed on Tuesday. The issue was oversubscribed by 15 percent. Adani Ports has completed the acquisition of Dighi Port Limited (DPL) for Rs 705 crore. DPL, the 12th port to join APSEZs string of economic gateways across the eastern and western coast of India would establish the companys footprint in Maharashtra, according to the company. On Thursday, the major indices opened higher but faced another minor correction. On the NSE, there were 1,061 advances, 862 declines and 86 unchanged. Bharti Airtel said that it will acquire a Warburg Pincus affiliate's 20% equity stake in its DTH arm Bharti Telemedia for a total consideration of Rs 3,126 crore primarily via issuance of 36.47 million equity shares of Airtel at a price of INR 600 per share; and up to Rs 1,037.8 crore in cash. NALCO plans to buy back Rs 749-crore worth of shares, DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey has said. The offer opens on February 25 and closes on March 10. Gail India is going to open its buyback programme on February 25 for up to 6,97,56,641 fully paid-up equity shares of face value Rs 10 each, representing 1.55% of equity share capital of the company. On Friday, the major indices opened lower and continued its descent. On the NSE, there were 716 advances, 1,176 declines and 86 unchanged. Muthoot Finance board has approved a proposal to raise up to Rs 6,000 crore by issuing non-convertible debentures by way of private placement. Ambuja Cements consolidated net profit came in at Rs 968.24 crore, 34.06% higher compared to Rs 722.26 crore in the same period last year. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has initiated the process with the Drugs Controller General of India for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the well-studied human adenoviral vector-based platform vaccine candidate Sputnik V. Steel Strips Wheels bagged exports orders for close to 5000 wheels for EU Caravan market to be executed in April 2021 from its Chennai plant. Chandigarh: The Border Security Force (BSF) seized around 10 kg of heroin worth about Rs 50 crore from Pakistan on the Indo-Pak border on Friday (February 19). Trying to take advantage of a foggy morning, Pakistani drug smugglers tried to illegally transport heroin over BSFs 29th battalion checkpoint. The BSF soldiers spotted the smugglers in the fog but they managed to escape. On investigating the area, the soldiers found 10 packets of heroin weighing 10 kilograms each. The BSF and Punjab Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested two people and seized over 10 kg of heroin, which they had allegedly hidden in Ferozepur district near India-Pakistan border, PTI quoted officials saying. A search operation was carried out after the two accused told their interrogators that they had hidden the contraband drug in Border Out Post (BOP) Gatti Hayat area, a BSF official said. Ten packets of heroin, weighing 10.5 kg, were dug out of a field between the international boundary and border security fence, he added. Live TV His wife worried for his safety. A co-worker said he was crazy to do it. But Pablo Pedraza was undeterred. A toddler needed her medicine, never mind the bad weather and ice-slicked highways. On Wednesday, the professional driver embarked on a route different from the one he usually takes in Houston for his part-time job. This route was from Houston to San Antonio and he drove it at considerable risk. Pedraza, 40, works for Atlas Delivery Service, which contracts with the Texas Childrens Hospital specialty pharmacy in Houston. Each month, the pharmacy ships anti-rejection medicine via UPS to Alexis Padilla-Villegas and her husband, Reynaldo, for their 18-month-old daughter, Evangelina, in San Antonio. The girl needs the medicine because she received a heart transplant at Texas Childrens after she was diagnosed with a rare condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Because of the severe weather conditions, however, UPS drivers had been sidelined for days and the toddlers supply of medicine was down to one dose. A backup option to deliver by helicopter was out of the question because of the harsh weather. A pharmacy clerk called Padilla-Villegas and assured her the hospital would find a way to get the medicine to her. On ExpressNews.com: It feels good to know someone cares says recipient of San Antonio nonprofits goodwill and food box Pedraza set out two hours later on the 197-mile journey. As he made his way to San Antonio on Interstate 10, he passed a wrecked 18-wheeler and saw car after car abandoned on the side of the road. There were lots of red-and-blue flashing lights as emergency vehicles responded to numerous accidents. The sky grew darker and cloudier as the trip wore on. Pedraza thought of the TV news footage he had watched with his wife, Leticia, showing a fatal pileup in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Pedraza kept to a safe speed on the slick roads he simply had to get the medicine to San Antonio. The Villegas family was staying at a Drury Inn and Suites, where Reynaldo Villegas, 39, works. The hotel had reserved a suite for Villegas, his wife and three daughters when the power went out at their home earlier in the week. Through all the disruption, Padilla-Villegas said Evangelina remained happy and smiling. Its like she knows she had a second chance at life, said Padilla-Villegas, 34. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio pastor extends delivery of food, good will to homeless in surburbs Pedraza reached San Antonio around 8 p.m. Wednesday. He tied on a blue mask and walked into the hotel lobby with the box of medicine. Several employees, clustered around the front desk, acted as if they knew why he was there. A clerk asked him to wait; Reynaldo Villegas wanted to thank him personally. We were very humbled, the father said in an interview. Had he not done this, she wouldnt have gotten her medicine. The family offered Pedraza a room for the night, but he declined. He wanted to get back home. When Villegas offered a tip for his service, Pedraza wouldnt accept that either. The grateful dad slipped some cash into a pocket of Pedrazas jacket, but the driver politely gave the money back. I cant take this, Pedraza said. Im just doing my job. During their 15-minute conversation, Villegas took out his cell phone and swiped the screen to a Facebook page. This is my daughter, this is who you are helping out, he said as he showed Pedraza a page called Evangelinas HLHS Journey. On ExpressNews.com: East Side auto shop owner proud of serving his community Pedraza was moved by the familys gratitude. He rarely meets clients or knows their conditions. He understood the parents love for their daughter; he has a daughter of his own, 11-year-old Yvette. In the grand scheme of things, it makes you think, But for the grace of God, Pedraza recalled. It puts everything in perspective. Keenly aware of the freezing temperatures and possible ice on I-10, he said goodbye and set out on the return trip to Houston. The family had one request: that Pedraza let them know when he had arrived home safely. At 11 p.m., they received his text. Pedraza is now a part of Evangelinas journey. Before he left, Villegas had a co-worker take a picture of the girl and the driver side by side, with Pedraza holding the box of lifesaving medicine. The photo is now on the familys Facebook page, among other images of the toddler. Her parents call Evangelina their fearless warrior. They call Pedraza a lifesaver. Literally, Padilla-Villegas said. It was a huge blessing. vtdavis@express-news.net Over 72 million coronavirus vaccine doses have been distributed in the U.S. and over 40 million Americans have gotten at least one shot so far as of Wednesday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. is on its way Bill Gates says toward a return to normalcy later this year if we keep it up. I'd still say by the fall, the U.S., particularly if we can get the message out to encourage wide acceptance of the vaccine, will avoid a fall wave, he told Yahoo Finance in an interview Wednesday. Gates, the former Microsoft (MSFT) CEO and author of a new book, "How to Avoid a Climate Disaster spoke with Yahoo Finances editor-in-chief, Andy Serwer, for a wide-ranging conversation this week. Microsoft founder Bill Gates speaks during an interview in 2018. (REUTERS/Thomas Peter) During another conversation with Serwer in October, Gates offered a more muted outlook for the pandemic in the U.S. He said the U.S. was on pace where by summer, we're in a very different place than we are today. Still, he added, The slowness on the global response means that, you know, fall 2021 wont be completely back to normal. In his latest interview, Gates attributed his increased optimism to the progress in the last four months on vaccine development and distribution. The only negative news since then, he says, is the rise of the variants. Most of vaccine constructs work well While he made his billions as the co-founder of Microsoft, Gates has spent the last two decades as a public health advocate and philanthropist. He gave a prescient TED talk in 2014 titled, The next outbreak? Were not ready that predicted many aspects of the pandemic in the last year. Since the outbreak, Gates has weighed in on COVID-19 frequently and contributed significantly to the response through the Gates Foundation. In the past, Gates and others have cited a 70% vaccination rate as an important threshold to where normal life can resume for the approximately 330 million people who live in the U.S. In December, The New York Times reported that Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, has cited an even higher percentage of people who might need to be vaccinated to achieve so-called herd immunity up to 80%. In either case, hundreds of millions of vaccine shots still need to be administered in the coming months to help life return back to normal. President Joe Biden, during a town hall in Wisconsin on Tuesday, also offered up 70% as a key figure and expressed a hope that by next Christmas, I think we'll be in a very different circumstance, God-willing, than we are today. But he quickly added, I don't want to over promise anything here. He also said that by this fall its likely that the country will be in a significantly better position than it is today. Biden has also said that vaccines will be available for all Americans by the end of this July with a lag coming between availability and when they are actually administered, take effect, and contribute towards herd immunity. Now we need to help the whole world For his part, Gates has focused largely on getting the rest of the world vaccinated. During the October conversation, he said that as long as this disease exists anywhere in the world, the chance of reinfection will always be there. This week, Gates noted that the more communicable variants of the virus, which Gates Foundation researchers were among the first to detect in South Africa, are going to extend things a bit. Gatess view is that the most widely known vaccines so far from Pfizer (PFE) and Moderna (MRNA) will largely be used for the richer world. Meanwhile, three other vaccines in various stages of approval from Novavax (NVAX), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and AstraZeneca (AZN) will be important for huge swaths of the developing world because of their cheaper costs to manufacture and less onerous storage needs. Bill Gates and his wife Melinda during a visit to Mozambique in 2003. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has spent billions over recent decades to fight disease in Africa and around the world. (REUTERS/Juda Ngwenya) The suite of vaccines have, so far, still shown the ability to combat the different coronavirus variants. But Gates sees a flexible rollout coming in different countries some people may end up getting three doses, while others may mix vaccines, according to Gates. This will surprise people, Gates said of the possibility of some people taking doses from different manufacturers. Trials are still ongoing to test the efficacy of that approach. As of December, the Gates Foundations contribution to fighting the coronavirus stood at $1.75 billion towards everything from buying protective equipment to helping the vaccine distribution. Gates has also been involved in spurring the U.S. government to contribute additional billions to the worldwide vaccine effort. I'm optimistic that the pieces are coming into place, he said of the worldwide rollout so far. Ben Werschkul is a writer and producer for Yahoo Finance in Washington, DC. Read more: Bill Gates says Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's explanation for power outages is 'actually wrong' Bill Gates led effort to get $3.36 billion into the coronavirus deal to help vaccinate world's poor Bill Gates on COVID-19: 'Fall 2021 won't be completely back to normal' (From October 2020) Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. STOCKHOLM, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoist Finance is pleased to invite investors, analysts, media and other stakeholders to a virtual live streamed Capital Markets Day on Thursday February 25 from 13:00 to approximately 16:30 CET. The executive management team will give an update on the strategy and financial targets, as well as ambitions for the coming years with a continued focus on sustainable profitability in a growing market. Furthermore, the management team will give an in-depth presentation of the four business lines: Digital, Contact Centre Operations, Secured Assets and Retail Banking. Enter this link to follow the live webcast: https://hoistfinance.creo.se/210225 No pre-registration needed. A Q&A session will follow the presentations. An on-demand video recording will be available shortly after the event. Speakers: Klaus-Anders Nysteen, CEO Julia Ehrhardt , Chief Retail Banking and Business Development Officer , Chief Retail Banking and Business Development Officer Jelle Dekkers, Chief Contact Centre Operations Officer Jarkko Heinonen , Chief Digital Officer , Chief Digital Officer Fabien Klecha , Chief Secured Assets Officer , Chief Secured Assets Officer Melanie Foster , Chief of Staff , Chief of Staff Julian Winfield , Chief Market Execution Officer , Chief Market Execution Officer Stephan Ohlmeyer , Chief Investment Officer , Chief Investment Officer Christer Johansson , Chief Financial Officer CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Andreas Lindblom, Head of Investor Relations Telephone: +46 (0) 72 506 14 22 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/hoist-finance/r/hoist-finance-capital-markets-day-25-february-2021,c3290698 The following files are available for download: Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai actor Sandeep Nahar's death shocked his fans and friends from the industry. The actor who was seen in shows like CID and Diya Aur Baati Hum and films like Kesari and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, died by suicide on February 15, 2021. Before taking this drastic step, he had shared a lengthy suicide note and a video on his Facebook page, in which he alleged that he was being harassed by his wife Kanchana and his mother-in-law. His KKHH co-star Suchitra Pillai, who is shocked by the entire episode, revealed to BT that they worked together for three years on the show and with what she knows, Sandeep was a jovial person. She also revealed that Sandeep was very upset with his MS Dhoni: The Untold Story co-star Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide. She said, "It is just unreal! Sandeep and I worked together for three years on this show. He was one of the most gregarious people on the set. He used to make us laugh by cracking silly jokes all the time. He was such a jovial person. This entire episode makes us realise about the pain behind these happy faces." She also said that the actor's video created a frenzy among his colleagues and friends who tried to reach out to him. The actress also said that she was alerted by a co-actor about his video, since then they were trying to reach out to people from the show's production house to procure his residential address from the contract, but the office was shut. Suchitra further added that they managed to get in touch with a friend of his, who said that he was on the way to Sandeep's house and it was then that they got to know about the development. Suchitra said that she never saw him upset on the set for all the three years that they worked together, and wonders to what extent he was pushed that he took this drastic step. She added, "This is such a loss!" When asked if he ever complained about his personal life or his journey in Bollywood, she said that although he spoke about his journey in Bollywood, he never complained and never spoke about his personal life. The KKHH actress also said that through a common friend and colleague, who had worked with him in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, she got to know that Sandeep was very upset with Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide. She elaborated, "He was totally shocked. He would ask why would anybody do such a thing? He was very much affected by the whole episode. So, it is shocking for us that he himself took this step." Worried about your mental well-being or of someone you know? Help is just a call away. Reach out to the nearest mental health specialist at COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ)- 0832-2252525, Parivarthan- +91 7676 602 602, Connecting Trust- +91 992 200 1122/+91-992 200 4305 or Sahai- 080-25497777/ SAHAIHELPLINE@GMAIL.COM Also Read: Sandeep Nahar's MS Dhoni Co-Star Jitin Gulati On The Actor's Death: That Man Endured A Lot Also Read: Akshay Kumar Condoles Death Of His Kesari Co-star Sandeep Nahar; Urges People To Seek Help If Ever Feeling Low With millions of Texans having lost power during the winter storms, key players in the Legislature say one of the most immediate reforms they will push for is recalibrating the states electricity grid to ensure more fossil fuels are in that mix and fewer renewables. While all energy sources were disrupted during the historic freeze, Republican lawmakers who control the Legislature say renewables have been given all the attention over the years, yet proved to be unhelpful during the states crisis. Its cool to be into wind and solar these days, but the problem is it leaves us frigid in the winter, said State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican who leads the GOP caucus in the Texas Senate. Officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas said most of the generating plants that went offline this week were natural gas, coal or nuclear facilities. But still, Republicans have singled out wind and solar as targets over the objections of Democrats and renewable energy advocates. Texas utilities ratepayers have funded more than $7 billion over the last eight years building transmission lines to take wind power from West Texas to the big cities. Its made Texas the biggest wind producer in the nation. TEXAS ELECTRICITY SOURCES Net generation per thousand megawatt hours in all of 2019. 1. Natural Gas - 255,630 2. Coal - 91,817 3. Wind - 83,620 4. Nuclear - 41,298 5. Solar - 4,365 6. Other gases - 2,869 7. Conventional Hydroelectric - 1,475 8. Biomass - 14,61 (Source: US Energy Information Agency) See More Collapse But Bettencourt and other Republicans say advantages like federal subsidies for wind and solar have to be evened out. We need a baseload energy generation strategy in Texas that is reliable and not based upon renewables so strongly, he said. GREEN NEW DEAL? DEREGULATION? : Gov. Abbott, Texas Democrats quick to find scapegoats in energy crisis Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, this week reupped a bill he filed last session that would require ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission to write rules that would eliminate or compensate for market distortion caused by certain federal tax credits. Its not just the frozen wind turbines; its the fact that they even exist that is creating the problem, said Patterson, who works as an energy consultant. Their existence, their heavily subsidized existence on our grid is creating a shortage of energy supply because no one else can compete against them. The previous version of the bill was downsized into one that would have required a study of market distortion. It died in committee. But this year Patterson says he expects there will be heightened interest, plus he now sits on the calendars committee that picks which bills make it to the House floor. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott hinted at a similar approach in an interview on FOX News earlier this week when he made clear that he believes clean energy sources are unreliable in winter though other states can keep wind turbines operating because the equipment is weatherized to handle cold weather, unlike in Texas. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox It just shows that fossil fuel is necessary for the state of Texas as well as other states to make sure that we will be able to heat our homes in the wintertime and cool our homes in the summertime, Abbott said. State Sen. Kelly Hancock, a North Texas Republican who leads the committee that will be investigating the power outages, has spent part of the week celebrating the work thermal energy sources have been doing to make up for failures in renewables. Hancock is chair of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, which will hold its hearing on Feb. 25. Blaming renewables is misguided and politically motivated, said Adrian Shelley, director of the Texas office of Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group. There is no energy source that doesnt receive subsidies, Shelley said. There have been energy tax credits for fossil fuel sources for a hundred years, so to target the renewable tax credit its pretty disingenuous. Demanding answers from ERCOT Both the Texas Senate and House have scheduled hearings starting next week on what caused so many Texans to be left in frigid temperatures without power. Already, lawmakers say they have a lot of questions about ERCOT, the non-governmental group that manages the states power grid. Abbott has called for the leadership of ERCOT to resign. State Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, is among those questioning why ERCOT has board members that do not live in Texas. The chair of ERCOT lives in Michigan and the vice chair in Germany. I am concerned that they failed to fully consider the impact of their decisions to cut power to vulnerable Texans, Alvarado said in a letter to the chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which has oversight over ERCOT. Abbott slammed ERCOT officials for poor communication during the entire crisis. He said they were not transparent and not providing information to the public or to elected officials including himself. State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Fort Bend, says she will schedule hearings to dig into the reaction from ERCOT and the Public Utilities Commission. I look forward to the opportunity to ask direct questions to the leaders of these entities in a public forum, because the people of Texas deserve answers and this committee will demand them, Huffman said. But while there may be reforms to ERCOT, not many Republicans are talking about the prospect of ordering the states nearly 700 power plants to invest in weatherization and what that would cost. ERCOT officials said earlier this week in a statewide press conference that while it was recommended power plants weatherize after winter storms in 2011 knocked out power, those were voluntary requests and not mandatory. Jon Rosenthal, a Houston Democrat and senior mechanical engineer in the oil and gas industry, said he is working on legislation that would build in more reserve energy supply for Texas, such as by hooking up the state to the nationally interconnected system, or offering financial incentives for providers to increase back-up power. Rosenthal would also like to see reliability standards introduced that require generators to weatherize their systems. He said he knows that adding more regulations will be an uphill battle in the Republican-majority Legislature but believes there is a happy medium that can be struck. While the common argument we dont want regulation so we can provide electricity as cheaply as possible does provide cheap energy a lot of the time, these disasters are horrendously expensive, Rosenthal said. Ive heard insurance folks saying this could be the costliest ever natural disaster in Texas. So you make a little bit of an investment in your infrastructure to ensure that you dont have these disastrous consequences. He added: And its not just the cost of it. Its the human suffering. Bettencourt, who himself has been without power much of the week, said he is focused on making sure that enough energy is coming from thermal sources in winter to prevent a repeat of what Texas has just gone through. While Texas has been the nations No. 1 producer of oil and natural gas, its also been lauded for decommissioning coal-powered electricity sources and turning more and more to cheaper renewable sources like wind and solar. Most of the state's facilities are natural gas, coal and nuclear. Dan Woodfin, a senior director at ERCOT, said earlier this week that one of the hardest-hit energy supplies has been natural gas. It appears that a lot of the generation that has gone offline today has been primarily due to issues on the natural gas system, he said. jeremy.wallace@chron.com taylor.goldenstein@chron.com The body of a 72-year-old farmer was allegedly gnawed at by rats at the mortuary of the civil hospital in Haryana's Sonipat district, prompting the authorities to order a probe. The incident came to light on Thursday morning when the family of Rajender found injury marks on his face and foot. DeadThe body of Rajender, who died of heart attack, was kept at the mortuary on Wednesday night, the officials said on Friday. There were three rodent bite marks on the body, they said. Sonipat Principal Medical Officer Jai Bhagwan said a team of three doctors Deputy Medical Superintendents Ginni Lamba, Sandeep Lathwal and Senior Medical Officer Sushil Jain has been formed to inquire into the matter. Rat "A team of three doctors are inquiring into the matter and they will see on whose part the negligence has been in this incident," said Jai Bhagwan. The team of doctors will submit the report within a day, he further said. Rajender was a resident of Baiyanpur village in Sonipat. New Delhi: New TDS (tax deducted at source) rules, coming to effect from 1 July may lead to banks deducting TDS at higher rates from super senior citizens (80 years and above age) because the new rule doesnt provide any exception in those cases where the person is not eligible to file income tax return (ITR), a business daily has reported. As per a LiveMint report, , it could be possible that banks may deduct TDS at a higher rate from the interest income of super senior citizens that are generally a big chunk of their retirement corpus in bank deposits. Senior citizens with a taxable income of up to Rs 5 lakh can now submit in banks and post offices Form 15H to claim exemption from TDS on interest income on deposits. However, in case of super senior citizen, where the income is not above Rs 5 lakh, they are not required to file an ITR. Such senior citizen, aged above 80 are exempted from income tax, and filing of ITR is not necessary. However, since the new proposed TDS rules doesnt provide any exception to cases where the person is not eligible to file ITR (case in point super senior citizen), it may be possible that banks may deduct higher TDS from the interest income from them. Senior citizens, above 60 years of age, are required to submit Form 15H to banks at the beginning of a financial year to ensure that no tax is deducted at source on interest income. Live TV #mute In the Union Budget 20201, FM Sitharaman announced that to reduce compliance burden on senior citizens who are of 75 years of age and above. Such senior citizens having only pension and interest income will be exempted from filing their income tax return. The paying Bank will deduct the necessary tax on their income. A recording of the head of Manitoba Hydro telling employees the Crown corporation is about to undergo major changes like those seen "when Bell or MTS was a monopoly" has stoked fears about privatization. A recording of the head of Manitoba Hydro telling employees the Crown corporation is about to undergo major changes like those seen "when Bell or MTS was a monopoly" has stoked fears about privatization. In comments to Manitoba Hydro International staff, who are being absorbed into the main company as its consultancy is wound down, chief operating officer Jay Grewal said to prepare for "exciting times" and "huge opportunities." "I believe this is an exciting time in the utility business, as we're creating the Manitoba Hydro of the future," Grewal said in an audio recording obtained by the NDP. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba Hydro chief operating officer Jay Grewal. "The degree of change in our business as Manitoba Hydro we have never experienced and it will be similar to the changes that have occurred in telecom from when Bell or MTS was a monopoly to the markets it operates in today." Grewal's remarks indicate Hydro is heading down the same path as MTS, the former telecom Crown corporation sold under the PC government of premier Gary Filmon in the mid-1990s, according to NDP Leader Wab Kinew. "This should make jaws drop. This is a terrible comparison to make, and yet the fact that this is being considered at the highest level tells you the Pallister government is obsessed with trying to privatize Manitoba Hydro," Kinew said at a news conference Thursday. Hydro spokesman Bruce Owen later countered that stance, saying Grewal's remarks are being "misinterpreted," and the utility will remain a Crown corporation. "The degree of change in our business as Manitoba Hydro we have never experienced and it will be similar to the changes that have occurred in telecom from when Bell or MTS was a monopoly to the markets it operates in today." Chief operating officer Jay Grewal "The comparison Ms. Grewal was making was not to the corporate structure of MTS, but to the changes and advancements in telecommunications technologies that began to take place in that market in the 1990s," he said in an email. "The development of these technologies (internet, etc.) was accelerating rapidly at that time." Hydro expects to see similar acceleration and rapid technological change in the energy sector in the coming years, Owen said. "Some changes are already happening, driven by new advancements and products that are already available, including behind-the-meter technologies like rooftop solar (distributed generation), local energy storage (Tesla Powerwalls, for example), new digital management of the grid, and other digital technologies that can change the way we interact with our customers." "The comparison Ms. Grewal was making was not to the corporate structure of MTS, but to the changes and advancements in telecommunications technologies that began to take place in that market in the 1990s. The development of these technologies (internet, etc.) was accelerating rapidly at that time." Hydro spokesman Bruce Owen in an email However, Grewal has previously said Hydro should prepare to no longer be a monopoly, and that smaller power producers may be joining the grid in the future, Kinew said. "What actually happened with MTS was not smaller players coming into the market but rather larger telecoms entering the market and MTS being privatized by a PC government... who, up until the day they did it, insisted they would never privatize," Kinew said. The result was higher phone bills for Manitobans and job cuts, said NDP Hydro critic Adrien Sala. "We're here to demand we get some clarity from this government, (and) what they're intending on doing with this most important Crown corporation," the St. James MLA said. "The concern is we're going further and further down that parallel track that that ended up with MTS being privatized in the 1990s. We'll be facing higher and higher hydro bills." NDP Leader Wab Kinew The province's director of media relations and issues management said the NDP is trying to mislead Manitobans and deflect from its own "abysmal mismanagement" of Manitoba Hydro with "baseless fear mongering." "Our government has been clear: we are committed to cleaning up the mess left by the NDP at Hydro, and will do so while strengthening it as a publicly-owned utility," Blake Robert said in an email. The Tories were voted into power in 2016, after more than 16 years of NDP leadership. Manitobans have come to rely on affordable electricity from the power company they own, Kinew said. They're also relying on Hydro to fight climate change, help develop an advanced economy, and reconcile with the impact it's had on Indigenous communities, he said. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES NDP Leader Wab Kinew "None of that will happen if Hydro gets privatized," Kinew said. "The concern is we're going further and further down that parallel track that that ended up with MTS being privatized in the 1990s. We'll be facing higher and higher hydro bills." Or, potentially, something worse. The failure of the Texas power grid during this week's cold snap, leaving more than two million customers shivering in the dark, has been linked in part to the privatization of the state's electric utility in 2002. An academic analysis of data from 1970 to 2011 by Eric L. Prentis at the University of St. Thomas (Houston) found relative electricity prices increased dramatically in Texas, while the reliability of the electrical system declined to "dangerous" levels. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca 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. Launching a slew of projects in the power and urban sectors in poll-bound Kerala, Prime Minister on Friday said India is devoting great importance to to ensure a stronger fight against climate change and also connect the country's farmers with the solar sector. Speaking after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of key projects in the southern state via video conference, Modi said in the last six years, India's capacity has gone up 13 times. The projects inaugurated included the 320 KV Pugalur- Thrissur power transmission project, built at a cost of Rs 5,070 crore,to facilitate transfer of power from the western region and help meet the growth in load in He noted that India has also brought the world together to the international solar alliance. "India is devoting great importance to Our gains in solar energy ensure: A stronger fight against climate change.A boost to our entrepreneurs." His statement on climate change and the efforts by the country to drastically cut carbon emissions came on a day the United States officially rejoined the Paris climate accord, giving a boost to the global fight against climate change. "Work is also underway to connect our hardworking farmers with the solar sector - make our Annadatas (farmers) also Urjadatas," Modi said in a bid to highlight his government's commitment to link the country's vast farming sector with green energy amid farmers' protest against the new farm laws brought by his government. "Under PM Kusum Yojana, over 20 lakh solar power pumps are being given to farmers," he said. Reaching out to the people of Kerala, where assembly elections are due in April-May, Modi said "development and good governance does not know caste, creed, race, gender, religion or language." Quoting Kerala's great Malayalam poet Kumaranasan who had written "I am not asking your caste, sister, I ask for water, I am thirsty", Modi said development is for everyone and this is the essence of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.""Development is our aim, Development is our religion. I seek the support of the people of so that we can move forward to realise the shared vision of togetherness and development," he said. Modi also remembered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary, saying the Maratha king's life has inspired people across India. Modi said Shivaji gave emphasis on Swarajya, where the fruits of development reach all sections of society. He said Shivaji had built a strong Navy and worked hard for coastal development and welfare of fishermen and the Government is continuing his vision. "India is on the way to becoming Atma Nirbhar in the defence sector.There have been path-breaking reforms in defence, and space sectors.These efforts will create opportunities for so many talented Indian youngsters." Modi said the country is investing in the 'Blue Economy' (sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth). "Our efforts for fishermen communities are based on more credit, increased technology, top quality infrastructure and supportive government policies. Government policies will ensure India becomes a hub for seafood exports," the Prime Minister said. Describing cities in the country as engines of growth and power houses of innovation, Modi said cities are seeing three encouraging trends including technological development, favourable demographic dividend and increasing domestic demand. Talking about Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) to improve urban infrastructure, he said the initiative is helping cities expand and upgrade their wastewater treatment infrastructure. Earlier, the prime minister dedicated to the nation the 320 KV Pugalur-Thrissur power transmission project, besides inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of some key projects in power and urban sectors in the state. The projects inaugurated included the 50 MW Kasaragod Solar Power Project, developed under the National Solar Energy Mission and the much-awaited 75 MLD (million litres per day) Water Treatment Plant at Aruvikkara near here under the AMRUT Mission. Modi laid the foundation stones of the Integrated Command and Control Centre and Smart Roads Project, both in Thiruvananthapuram. Built at a cost of Rs 5,070 crore, the Pugalur (Tamil Nadu)-Thrissur (Kerala) power transmission project is a Voltage Source Convertor (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Project and has India''s first HVDC link featuring state-of-the-art VSC technology. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and R K Singh and state ministers attended the virtually organised function. (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 last ever shipment of coal from Newcastle left the Tyne shortly before midnight last night, bringing centuries of North East history to an end. The ship Longwave loaded its final 12,000-ton cargo from Tyneside, which has exported coal since the 13th century. By 1913, the Great North Coal Field employed 250,000 and produced 55million tons a year. The huge scale of the industry led to the phrase 'carrying coals to Newcastle' to describe a pointless task. The ship Longwave (pictured) loaded its final 12,000-ton cargo from Tyneside, which has exported coal since the 13th century The huge scale of the industry led to the phrase 'carrying coals to Newcastle' to describe a pointless task. Pictured, the ship is loaded with coal Although the end of coal-fired power stations slashed demand, coal is still used to make steel, glass and cement. The final shipment is bound for Belgium and is being transported by Hargreaves Services, which has recently sold off the last of its coal stock to its German division. Ex miner Stuart Porthouse, 74, worked across the Great North Coal Field from 1962 until 1994, when he lost his job aged just 48. Mr Porthouse, who is a trustee of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, said: 'This is a very sad time for the region and for everyone who has been involved in the mining industry. The final shipment is bound for Belgium and is being transported by Hargreaves Services, which has recently sold off the last of its coal stock to its German division. Pictured, an open cast coal mine near Ponteland, Northumberland in 2001 'Coal was first mined here by the Romans, 2000 years ago. Now, we don't have any mines left in the area. We have to look forward, and at different ways of creating power but coal will always be a huge part of our history. 'I worked in the industry from being a young lad. There was a fantastic sense of community, which still lives on today. Miners have an amazing sense of humour. 'The final shipment of coal from the region does signify the death of the industry in my mind. But nothing will destroy the community spirit of the mining industry. 'That won't die until the final miners do.' Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. A sexual harassment complaint lodged by a civilian employee of the Army is behind the suspension of Maj. Gen. Stephen Maranian from his duties as commandant of the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks. The root cause of Maranians suspension was first reported Thursday by Task & Purpose, an online news outlet dedicated, in its words, to inform, engage, entertain, and stand up for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. According to its report, Maranian, 54, is accused of abusive sexual contact with an Army civilian, and a military protective order was issued against him on Feb. 9, the day his suspension from the War College was announced. The order is the militarys equivalent of a protection from abuse order in Pennsylvanias court system. Task & Purpose quoted Col. Cathy Wilkinson, chief of Army media relations, as confirming that Maranian was suspended for an allegation of inappropriate touching. Wilkinson said the allegation is being investigated by agents with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command, and added These are allegations at this time and Maj. Gen. Maranian is presumed innocent until and if proven otherwise. PennLives attempts to reach Maranian were not immediately successful. Maranian was installed as commandant at the Army War College in July. The War College serves to provide training in strategic thinking to senior officers in the Army, other military branches and in the armed services of Americas foreign allies. Students are generally considered to be candidates for top leadership positions in the military. The incident in question is unrelated to his current position, the Army had already confirmed. Army Maj. Gen. David C. Hill, deputy commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has taken over Maranians duties in the interim. According to his military biography, Maranian was commissioned in 1988 as a second lieutenant of field artillery. He has fought in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, in addition to tours in five other countries. Prior to arriving at Carlisle Barracks, the Bucknell graduate had served as Deputy Commandant at the Army Command and General Staff College, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 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. DORAS, the migrant support and human rights organisation in Limerick, is launching a new Community Sponsorship initiative. Community Sponsorship is where neighbours, friends or members of a local club or church community can come together to provide support for refugee families. They help source accommodation, local doctors, help integrate the family into the local community and, most importantly, make them feel welcome here in Ireland. This Community Sponsorship initiative plans to settle Syrian refugees, who are coming from refugee camps in the likes of Jordan and Lebanon, in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. Community sponsorship is proven to have very positive outcomes, CEO of Doras, John Lannon, told the Leader. "It gives new opportunities to the refugee families and can help transform their lives. Its shown to be really positive for the community involved as well." Community Sponsorship works as an extension of the government-led refugee settlement programme Ireland already has. This programme is also under the wing of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. John thinks Community Sponsorship will bring many added benefits to the refugee settlement programme. Community sponsorship is unique in that it provides a special and powerful bond between the community and the refugees themselves, he noted. Ahmed Hassan Mohamed, a community support worker with Doras, is overseeing the project. He commented that he is excited to work on the initiative and the outcomes it will bring. I look forward to meeting with interested groups in towns and villages across the Mid West when it is safe to do so, said Ahmed, And in the meantime, I am available to discuss the rich benefits of Community Sponsorship for all parties, as well as talking through the steps to take to bring a refugee family in desperate need of security and stability to Ireland. John says that, in general, Limerick has been very welcoming to refugees. He commented that Limericks demographic has changed over the past 20 years since the first immigrants arrived and that Limerick now has a diverse population. John thinks that it is great to keep that diversity ongoing with programmes like community sponsorship. Doras are urging people to get involved. We encourage groups and networks of any size who are interested in supporting people seeking protection from war and persecution to get in touch with Doras, to explore how we can respond and let people know that refugees are welcome here, he said. If you would like to get involved in community sponsorship, Doras is hosting an online event on February 22 at 6pm where they will be providing information about the programme for anyone who is interested. See doras.org for more. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 21:41:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The U.K. flags are seen during a protest outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, on March 29, 2019. (Xinhua/Han Yan) - BBC has many a time produced and broadcast fake news with strong ideological bias against China, and spread disinformation on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the COVID-19 pandemic to smear and attack China. - What the British government and BBC have done once again proved that the freedom of press, if left abused, can only lead to freedom of disinformation. by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- By banning China's law-abiding television network in Britain and blasting Beijing for pulling BBC World News off the air over regulation violation, London has laid bare its true colors of playing a hypocritical double-standard game on press freedom. London's ban on China Global Television Network (CGTN) is political oppression based on blunt ideological bias. Over the past 18 years, the Chinese broadcaster has been strictly observing British laws, regulations as well as professional ethics, and has made positive contributions to enhancing mutual understanding and cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the Chinese and British people. Nevertheless, Britain's communications regulator Ofcom launched an investigation early last year of the Chinese TV broadcaster, citing the so-called CGTN's "editorial control" and "political nature," and then blatantly revoked CGTN's license earlier this month despite CGTN's full cooperation in the probe. Britain's ploy to portray itself as a defender of press freedom imploded when it attacked Beijing for punishing BBC for biased reporting and sometimes even making fake news. Aerial photo taken on Feb. 7, 2021 shows a fishpond at a breeding base in Gongliu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) In contrast to CGTN's upholding the principles of objectivity and accuracy, BBC has many a time produced and broadcast fake news with strong ideological bias against China, and spread disinformation on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the COVID-19 pandemic to smear and attack China. On Hong Kong, BBC reporters turned a blind eye to the rioters' savageness and described Hong Kong police's normal law-enforcement measures as acts of brutality; on Xinjiang, based only on several non-photorealistic satellite images and reports fabricated by anti-China activists, BBC journalists concocted fake news to slander China's Xinjiang policy; and on the pandemic, BBC even exploited a counter-terrorism drill video as a so-called proof of China's violence in epidemic prevention. What the British government and BBC have done once again proved that the freedom of press, if left abused, can only lead to freedom of disinformation. The hypocritical double standard also attests to those China bashers' lack of pluck to learn about China. "Fear of hearing the truth about China is why Ofcom banned CGTN," John Ross, former director of Economic and Business Policy of London, wrote in an opinion piece. Employees work at the Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Ting) As China has taken enormous strides in economic development, and "has just had such great success in dealing with COVID-19 and in economic recovery compared to the situation in Britain," "it is crucial for those who favor a 'new Cold War' that people in Britain do not understand the reality about China," he said. A more deep-seated problem is their obsession with the western-centric mentality. Martin Jacques, a British scholar and political commentator, once warned, "we think of ourselves as open-minded, but our sense of superiority has closed our minds." With such a closed and overweening mindset, it is unlikely for those zero-summers in Britain and elsewhere in the Western world to take an objective view of the progress made in the non-Western world. Worse still, the Cold-War style thinking pattern will propel them towards choosing confrontation over cooperation at a time when the world community desperately needs to build up mutual understanding and cement unity in the face of mounting global challenges. Press freedom should never be employed to legitimize bias news reporting or fake news, nor should it be manipulated as an excuse to fulfill some self-serving ideological purposes. London needs to call off its double-standard farces, or it will ruin the very freedom it claims to protect and promote. It goes without saying that 2020 was a tumultuous year as people around the world confronted the unprecedented social, economic and political challenges brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak. Kenny Rabson Globally, governments moved to protect their citizens from Covid-19 by imposing renewed lockdowns, sending the global economy into a severe contraction. Unsurprisingly, markets were affected, with many investors suffering substantial losses in the early part of 2020.Kenny Rabson, CEO of Discovery Invest, says the rollout of vaccines with a proven efficacy, backed by an extraordinary degree of scientific rigour, has given renewed hope for a return to normal and shown that there is light at the end of the tunnel."Markets had rebounded strongly by the end of last year with the long journey to recovery already well underway. While we aren't suggesting that a return to pre-Covid-19 levels of economic activity are just around the corner, there are, in addition to the vaccine, a multitude of factors that are coming together positively and bode well for the year ahead. We and our partners are, therefore, optimistic when it comes to the performance of our funds in 2021."Discovery Invest's funds are managed by Ninety One. In 2020, Discovery Invest launched a greatly-enhanced global investment solution that uses shared value to create the opportunity for investors to invest below the prevailing exchange rate, and utilise asset allocations provided by BlackRock and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, world leaders in asset management.Governments and central banks responded swiftly to the dramatic global economic downturn and resultant market sell-off that occurred in the wake of the pandemic. This pro-growth monetary policy, as well as progress on the approval and implementation of vaccines in the final quarter of 2020, saw global equity markets recover sharply from their March 2020 lows, with investors taking a much more upbeat view about global prospects.Local markets followed suit, with the FTSE/JSE Capped SWIX All Share Index up by a marginal 0.6% by the final quarter of the year. Decent gains from resources and large cap rand-hedge industrials were just enough to offset the declines we saw from those companies and sectors that struggled to cope, according to Ninety One."The recovery of both local and international markets reaffirms our consistent message. When it comes to investing, it is far more important to spend time in the market and to remain true to one's long-term investment goals than to make emotionally driven decisions and to try and time the market," says Rabson.Discovery Invest believes that with a strong rebound across global markets as a backdrop, a multitude of factors are coming together to form a constructive outlook for both emerging and developed markets in 2021."For the year ahead, we have the continued benefits of monetary policy that is going to be ultra-supportive, and despite this already having had a tremendous impact on the markets, much of that is yet to feed into the real economy," says James Ashley, head of both the International Market Strategy team and Strategic Advisory Solutions covering EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and Asia, at Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM).This support, combined with an improved political scenario, notably in the US rapidly improving fundamentals and a recovering global economy, bode well for equity markets."Our view at this stage is still incredibly constructive towards equity markets," says Luke Barrs, head of Fundamental Equity Client Portfolio Management in EMEA and Asia Ex-Japan, also at GSAM. "Where we are right now, I think there are far more reasons to be optimistic going into the new year than there were 12 months ago."This positive outlook is echoed by BlackRock, in spite of a setback to the pace, and stability, of recovery owing to new, more contagious strains of Covid-19 spreading globally."Ultimately we still expect the cumulative economic activity loss from the Covid shock - which is what matters for markets - to be just a fraction of that seen after the global financial crisis," says Khoabane Phoofolo, Head of BlackRock Africa. With the first half of the year promising to be a bit of a choppy ride, however, Phoofolo believes "investors should look through any market volatility triggered by the evolving virus dynamic."While lockdown restrictions aimed at trying to tackle the local outbreak of Covid-19 came at a great cost to economic activity, by the last quarter of 2020 South Africa had emerged from its longest recession in almost three decades. The GDP expanded by an annualised 66.1% in the three months ending September 2020 following a spectacular 51.7% free-fall over the April to June period."Although it will still be a slow and very gradual path to economic recovery, the negative trend in earnings expectations from our SA Inc sectors has probably bottomed," according to Ninety One.Rabson says that although opportunities do exist in South Africa, it is important for investors to have broad diversification in their portfolios, owing to the uneven pace of recovery and "to tap into the attractive growth prospects that exist globally." John Cartwright, president of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, will discuss the role of workers in a transition from a carbon economy in Building the Bridge to Recovery: How Workers Can Lead on Climate Justice, a virtual discussion, on Fri., Feb. 26 at 12:30 p.m. EST. The event, hosted by New York Universitys Gallatin School of Individualized Study, is free and open to the public and marks the launch of the schools Initiative for Critical Disaster Studies. An RSVP is required at the event page. Cartwright is the president of one of the largest central labor councils in North America and a leader in the labor movement for envisioning and organizing for a transition from a carbon economy to an environmentally sustainable one. He is the author of The Greenprint for Greater Toronto, which outlines action to reduce carbon emissions in every sector of the economy of Canadas largest urban center. Too often, workers and their communities bear the brunt of the displacement, dislocation, and danger that come from climate change. As the world moves from a carbon economy, how can workers make sure their voices are heard and their needs are met? In this talk, Cartwright will outline how and why he believes workers will need to lead in the fight for climate justice, both in the U.S. and Canada. Cartwright will be introduced by Gallatin Professor Jacob Remes, author of Disaster Citizenship: Survivors, Solidarity, and Power in the Progressive Era (University of Illinois Press, 2016). This event is the first of the series New Ideas in Climate Change and Critical Disaster Studies and Climate Change. Critical Disaster Studies is an emergent interdisciplinary field in the social sciences and humanities that, through scholarship, learns from and supports the work of organizers and activists who work to build safer and more resilient communities. For more information, please call 860.397.5757. NEW DELHI: Aaliyah Kashyap, the daughter of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and his first wife Aarti Bajaj, recently revealed in a video how badly she was affected by the immense backlash on social media for sharing her pictures in lingerie. Aaliyah, who is currently studying in the United States, said she was called with names like 'prostitute' and how cried inconsolably for receiving rape and death threats. In a video shared on her YouTube channel, Aaliyah spoke about how she dealt with all the negativity. "So social media negativity is something I have come to terms with. Like, I am a very sensitive person and even the smallest bit of hate does affect me, but I dont know. Im sensitive, I cry almost every day about the dumbest s**t." Speaking about the hate she received for sharing pictures in her lingerie, Aaliyah said, "People were telling me that I should be ashamed of being Indian and posting stuff like that. People were sending me rape threats, calling me a prostitute, DMing me and asking me what my 'rate' was, sending me death threats, s**tting on my family. That whole incident of the picture got me a lot." She said that she intitally crying constantly but realised that she shouldn't be getting affected by trolls hiding behind the veil of anonymity. I just realised that it doesnt matter because these are people hiding behind their phones and have nothing better to do. I honestly just block everyone. If there is anything even remotely negative on any of my social media, I just block them because I want my social media to be a positive place, she said. The 20-year-old also revealed that she has no plans to join the film industry. She said she didnt grow up with the Bollywood glamour'. "Oh my God, its Bollywood. I dont get fascinated by it. That's not what I want to do, I'm trying to stay away from it," she added. For the unversed, Anurag Kashyap married film editor Aarti Bajaj in 1997 and together they have a daughter named Aaliyah. The couple, however, they got divorced in 2009. Despite the separation, the duo continued to maintain cordial relations with each other. Later in 2013, the 'DevD' filmmaker married actress Kalki Koechlin, with whom he got divorced in 2015. On the work front, Anurag's latest release 'Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai' on Netflix starred Saiyami Kher and Roshan Mathew opened to rave reviews. Photo taken in Wellington shows Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and his New Zealand counterpart Damien O'Connor signing the FTA protocol via video link on January 26, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua] China and New Zealand on January 26 signed a protocol regarding the upgrade of their free trade agreement (FTA) signed in 2008, a full display of China's commitment to multilateralism and an open world economy. The openness of free trade between the two countries, as revealed by the protocol, even surpasses that of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), signed by 15 countries, including China and New Zealand, in November 2020. RCEP will cover the largest-scale FTA the world has ever seen. The protocol now paves the way for further regional economic integration: China will further expand its opening-up in sectors including aviation, education, finance, elderly care, and passenger transport to New Zealand to boost services-based trade. New Zealand on its part will bring down the threshold for reviewing Chinese investment, granting it the same assessment requirements as set for those members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The FTA upgrade adds several new chapters on e-commerce, government procurement, competition policy as well as environment and trade, in addition to a series of upgrades related to the rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade and trade in services. The modernization of the FTA between China and New Zealand is undoubtedly bolstering the world's confidence in multilateralism and economic globalization, a godsend for a world economy cast into the throes of unilateralism. China is now the second largest economy in the world as well as a major driver of international economic growth, and consequently the ripple effect of the Chinese economic growth has become too significant to be neglected. China and New Zealand signed their first FTA back in 2008, when the world was still dominated by multilateralism, in contrast to today's prevailing unilateralism that is imperiling international economic growth. As both nations are RCEP and WTO members, their bilateral agreements can be used as a frame of reference by other members during their trade activities. Although China is not a CPTPP member, New Zealand, which is, is able to permit China the same threshold as the one enjoyed by CPTPP members thanks to the renewed protocol. Another major contribution of this network safeguarding multilateralism is how it helps relieve the harm unilateralism has slapped onto all parties involved. As far as China's economic openness goes, international opinion divides into two schools: one is that China is to shrink its policies on opening up in the grip of both unilateralism as well as the blows dealt by the novel coronavirus pandemic; the other simply worries that China will not be as open to the outside world as it used to be. A closer look at the protocol will dispel such suspicions, particularly the part about e-commerce which covers electronic authentication and certificates, online consumer protection, and network data protection. These updated measures combined mean to create a friendly environment for companies hailing from the two countries, particularly small and medium-sized companies, to better tap into market potential through the channel of e-commerce. Although other countries, too, can get a slice of the cake, China and New Zealand are obviously the two biggest beneficiaries of the protocol. Since the FTA became effective, the trade in goods and services as well as investments has swiftly moved forward and upward. Total export and import volume between both nations jumped from $4.4 billion in 2008 to $18.1 billion in 2020, with an average annual growth rate of 14 percent. China has managed to retain its status of New Zealand's biggest trading partner and second largest foreign investment source for several years running. The adoption of the renewed protocol is now expected to propel the two countries' economic and trade cooperation to the higher level. Pig producers have called for urgent action to help ease the backlog on farms as the situation is now nearing 'crisis point'. Estimates by the National Pig Association (NPA) show that more than 100,000 pigs are backed up on farms due to a 'perfect storm' of events. This began with a series of processing plant closures due to Covid-19 in the autumn and subsequent export bans to China on some affected plants. At the same time, Covid-19 issues across Europe and Germany's African swine fever (ASF) export ban have resulted in a surplus of pigs and falling prices across the EU. Disruption to exports due to new Brexit checks, while EU imports continue without the equivalent new checks, have further compounded the problems since the start of the year. The combination of falling UK prices - the SPP stood at 139.63p/kg during the week ending 13 February - and rising feed and straw costs mean producers 'could have been losing more than 20p/kg in January 2021', AHDB said. Zoe and Simon Watchorn, who run an outdoor pig herd on the Norfolk-Suffolk border, were interviewed on BBC Look East on Wednesday (17 February). They explained how current losses of approximately 10/pig meant they were losing 3,000 a week, losses that cannot be sustained. "We are getting to crisis point now something is going to give," Zoe Watchorn told the broadcaster. "We have to find solutions for those farms, whether it be additional throughput and trying to get weekend opportunities going at pork plants, putting more product into storage or increased demand into retail and export markets. "We have to get this product moving and we have to get these pigs off farm," she said. The NPA said it wanted to see more done to alleviate the backlog including, in the short-term, weekend kills at pork plants. The industry body recently brought government and industry for a roundtable event, chaired by Farming Minister Victoria Prentis with Defra Secretary George Eustice. The roundtable discussed the situation and seek short and longer-term solutions to address the issues. Lucknow: The proceedings of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly budget session on Friday (February 19) got off to a stormy start over the farmers' issue with Leader of Opposition Ram Govind Chaudhary demanding immediate discussion on the topic. As the members raised slogans and rushed into the well of the House to raise it, Speaker Hriday Narayan Dikshit adjourned the house for 30 minutes. As soon as the House assembled in the morning, noisy scenes were witnessed between the Opposition and ruling benches over farmers protesting against the three farm laws passed by the central government. Chaudhary raised the issue stressing that farmers are protesting at Ghazipur border for the past three months over the new laws and no concrete solution has still surfaced. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna refuted the allegations of the Opposition saying that they had kept late farmer leader Mahendra Singh Tikait in jail for two months. "They (pointing to the Opposition) are the enemy of the farmers," Khanna said. Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Hriday Narain Dixit requested for the cooperation of political leaders of all parties for proper conduct for a substantive and quality discussion in the House. Live TV 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. Nasa's Mars Perseverance rover safely lands on the Red Planet Nasas Mars 2020 Perseverance mission, the agencys fifth rover to land on the Red Planet, touched down in Jezero Crater at around 3:55 pm EST (12:55 pm PST) on Thursday (18 February 2021), engineers at Nasas Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, where the mission is managed, have confirmed. The largest, most advanced rover NASA has sent to another world touched down on Mars, after a 203-day journey traversing 472 million kilometres (293 million miles). Packed with groundbreaking technology, the Mars 2020 mission launched on 30 July 2020, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the Perseverance rover mission marks an ambitious first step in the effort to collect Mars samples and return them to Earth. This landing is one of those pivotal moments for Nasa, the United States, and space exploration globally when we know we are on the cusp of discovery and sharpening our pencils, so to speak, to rewrite the textbooks, said acting Nasa Administrator Steve Jurczyk. The Mars 2020 Perseverance mission embodies our nations spirit of persevering even in the most challenging of situations, inspiring, and advancing science and exploration. The mission itself personifies the human ideal of persevering toward the future and will help us prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet. About the size of a car, the 2,263-pound (1,026-kilogram) robotic geologist and astrobiologist will undergo several weeks of testing before it begins its two-year science investigation of Mars Jezero Crater. While the rover will investigate the rock and sediment of Jezeros ancient lakebed and river delta to determine the regions geology and past climate, the sample that is being planned to be brought back to earth by NASA and European Space Agency, will allow scientists to search for definitive signs of past life using instruments too large and complex to send to the Red Planet. Because of todays exciting events, the first pristine samples from carefully documented locations on another planet are another step closer to being returned to Earth, said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA. Perseverance is the first step in bringing back rock and regolith from Mars. We dont know what these pristine samples from Mars will tell us. But what they could tell us is monumental including that life might have once existed beyond Earth. The spacecraft carries a new suite of scientific instruments to build on the discoveries of Nasas Curiosity rover, which has found that parts of Mars could have supported microbial life billions of years ago. Some 45 kilometers (28 miles) wide, Jezero Crater sits on the western edge of Isidis Planitia, a giant impact basin just north of the Martian equator. Scientists have determined that 3.5 billion years ago the crater had its own river delta and was filled with water. The power system that provides electricity and heat for Perseverance through its exploration of Jezero Crater is a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator, or MMRTG, developed bt the US Department of Energy (DOE) for civil space applications. The Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) and the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals (SHERLOC) instruments, located on a turret at the end of the rovers robotic arm, will work together to collect data on Mars geology close-up. The rover chassis is home to three science instruments, as well. The Radar Imager for Mars Subsurface Experiment (RIMFAX) is the first ground-penetrating radar on the surface of Mars and will be used to determine how different layers of the Martian surface formed over time. The data could help pave the way for future sensors that hunt for subsurface water ice deposits. Landing on Mars is always an incredibly difficult task and we are proud to continue building on our past success, said JPL Director Michael Watkins. But, while Perseverance advances that success, this rover is also blazing its own path and daring new challenges in the surface mission. We built the rover not just to land but to find and collect the best scientific samples for return to Earth, and its incredibly complex sampling system and autonomy not only enable that mission, they set the stage for future robotic and crewed missions. The Mars Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation 2 (MEDLI2) sensor suite collected data about Mars atmosphere during entry, and the Terrain-Relative Navigation system autonomously guided the spacecraft during final descent. The data from both are expected to help future human missions land on other worlds more safely and with larger payloads. Project engineers and scientists will now put Perseverance through its paces, testing every instrument, subsystem, and subroutine over the next month or two. Only then will they deploy the helicopter to the surface for the flight test phase. If successful, Ingenuity could add an aerial dimension to exploration of the Red Planet in which such helicopters serve as a scouts or make deliveries for future astronauts away from their base. Once Ingenuitys test flights are complete, the rovers search for evidence of ancient microbial life will begin in earnest, says a Nasa release. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:47:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations said Friday that it was concerned by armed clashes in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, and called for calm and restraint by all parties as security forces opened fire to break up anti-government protests in the city. The UN urged both the government and opposition presidential candidates to open lines of communication to help reduce tensions in the country. "The UN in Somalia notes that the clashes in Mogadishu underscore the urgent need for Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders to come together to reach political agreement on the implementation of the 17 September electoral model," the UN said in a statement. The statement came amid sporadic gunfire and rockets exploded on the streets of Mogadishu as security forces clashed with protesters pushing for delayed national elections. The clashes came after the government said its forces foiled an attack on one of its military bases in Mogadishu. Somali Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Osman Dubbe said armed militia attacked security checkpoints at 1:00 a.m. Friday, sparking a heavy gunfight between the soldiers and the militia. The opposition leaders who organized Friday's protests, however, accused the government of attacking their positions ahead of the planned rally. The Council of Presidential Candidates led by former presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his predecessor Sharif Sheikh Ahmed condemned the incident, saying their positions were attacked by government forces. Enditem Noah Schafer stood in front of a pile of blackened rubble that used to be the apartment he shared with his brother and roommates in disbelief. "It is just so surreal," Schafer said as white smoke continued to rise from the destroyed building Friday morning. "This week sucked so much with the weather and not having water. I couldn't work or drive anywhere because of the snow. It was already terrible and now this? This was the icing on a really bad cake." One day after a massive fire ripped through the Cortland View at TPC complex, at 4092 TPC Parkway, firefighters were still on the scene working to put out smoldering debris. Crews were called to the 32-unit complex at about 1 p.m. Thursday after a 911 caller reported smelling smoke. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from between the bathtub and the wall of one of the apartments on the third floor. After tearing opening the wall, firefighters saw flames coming from between the second and third stories, which made it impossible to isolate and put out, said Jerry Bialick, the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer fire chief. READ ALSO: Frozen hydrants hamper firefighting efforts at North Bexar County apartment building The building was evacuated and no injuries were reported, but 130 residents were left with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and their cell phones in their hands. "We lost every possession that we owned our clothes, our computers, my brother lost both of his cats and it was just so unexpected," Schafer said. "When we smelled the smoke, we didn't think it would be a big deal." The flames were illuminated against the night sky as the fire burned through the night. Lori Carlson-Coronado, a resident in a nearby building, said she and her husband watched the crews work until late in the night, describing it like a war zone. It took 120 firefighters from 16 departments to put out the fire. "It is just scary to think that this could have happened to anyone," Carlson-Coronado said. "It makes you think about how lucky you are." Bialick said crews will remain at the scene until Saturday to make sure there are no flare ups at the four-story structure, which partially collapsed to one level, making it difficult for firefighters to put out the flames trapped underneath the debris. That wasn't their only challenge. Empty fire hydrants forced crews to shuttle water from public hydrants almost a quarter of a mile away. Bialick said the hydrants on the property are privately owned and was unsure why they didn't produce water. "That is our No.1 extinguishing agent so when there is no water or limited amounts, it is extremely problematic for us," Bialick said. "Every time we made progress on the fire, we ran out of water and lost it." Officials still don't know what caused the fire or whether it was related to the winter weather conditions facing the state. The complex, however, had been without running water since Monday. Residents said they got an email from apartment management after the fire telling them to unplug unused heaters. Tammy Hall and her family recently moved from Washington to Texas and had only been living at the apartment complex for a week before the fire destroyed their new home. "I keep thinking how just yesterday we were inside out apartment and now looking at it today, I am just speechless," Hall said. "It is just so sad." The Hall family didn't lose as much as others to the fire because the winter storms delayed their moving truck from Washington. While no one was injured, several pets died in the blaze. "I hate losing any kind of life, but it is difficult to send firefighters into a burning building for pets," Bialick said. "At some point you have to make a choice and it's sad and I feel so sorry for those owners." Residents were evacuated to the gymnasium at Johnson High School, at 23203 Bulverde Road, and the Red Cross is assisting the evacuees with food and cots, officials said. Schafer's family set up a GoFundMe account, which has raised more then $4,000 as of Friday afternoon. Russ Latham, the owner of the nearby Pure Posh salon, immediately started gathering donations for the residents. He had friends in the building next to the fire and said the situation brought him to tears. Latham is asking for donations such as shampoo, diapers, clothes, gift cards, toothbrushes and more to be dropped off at his salon located at 22160 U.S. 281 N. "I knew I had to help, it was the right thing to do," Latham said. "These people lost everything they have and if people have the ability to help, they should." Its well known by now that trust in American institutions has been in decline. Frankly, thats in part deserved. Its objectively the case, for example, that we responded far worse to the coronavirus than many other countries, most notably countries in East Asia.While theres little prospect of a quick recovery in broad-based trust, all leaders of institutions, public, private or non-profit, can at least try to rebuild and maintain credibility in their own domain.Trustworthiness is baseline ethics and operational integrity. Completely eliminating corruption from government will never happen, and all human beings do bad things from time to time, so we should never expect totally clean government. But the coronavirus pandemic has revealed how often officials make unforced errors. A number of governors, mayors and other senior state and local officials flagrantly violated their own public health orders. These sorts of behaviors destroy public trust. We have to do much better than this. Public officials have shifted their stance on masks, first opposing them, then mandating them. Theres nothing wrong with changing course in volatile situations. We should expect that. But these changes have been poorly rolled out and poorly explained to the public.Trust requires institutional competence. Simply put, thats the ability to get things done. While there are valid reasons to criticize big tech, these companies have proven extremely competent. Amazon was able to expand and adjust to unprecedented demand during the pandemic. Apples products work as advertised. Google Maps does what I want it to.Unfortunately, our public sector has not been able to address many problems so successfully. Problems that have become much worse recently, such as homelessness and crime, are extremely complicated to solve. But the public rightly expects government to be able to deliver. Vaccine distribution does not appear to the average person to be as inherently complex as crime. Yet we read reports of health-care workers forced to throw away vaccine doses or even being prosecuted for not doing so.The need to execute more competently is only going to become more important as many more coronavirus-related bills come due. School districts, cities and states are going to have to engage in a massive effort to keep at-risk kids from having their lives permanently derailed as a result of educational disruption. For their sakes, we absolutely have to deliver.Crucial to this task is missional focus the sense that organizations are actually directing actions towards their most important goals. When college tuition levels and student loan costs soar, for example, while many people with college degrees remain underemployed, Americans are rightly beginning to ask what the mission of many colleges is, and whether or not a degree is even worth it. Our public health community has defined its mission so expansively, multiplying the number of items declared a public health crisis, that its legitimate to ask whether they took their eye off the ball on the spread of the coronavirus.Who is getting it right on rebuilding trust? One good example is Mitch Daniels, the president of Purdue University. Daniels, the former governor of Indiana, took over Purdue in 2013. He immediately implemented a tuition freeze thats now set to last at least a decade.Daniels also froze room and board prices, and partnered with Amazon to try to lower textbook costs. He created an option for non-STEM majors to graduate in only three years. He created an income-sharing agreement as an alternative to traditional tuition. And he created a program he calls the free freshman year that lets incoming students take online courses and pass a CLEP (College Level Examination Program) test for Purdue credits for five classes at zero cost. Unsatisfied with the number of Indianapolis public schools students who qualified for entry to Purdue, Daniels decided to take responsibility for building his own pipeline of low income and minority students by opening a Purdue charter high school in the city.Daniels annual letter to the Purdue community includes a candid discussion of what didnt go right and where the college needs to do better. This open acknowledgement of areas for improvement is a rarity among top leaders today. Honesty about how things have been going in a volatile and uncertain situation like the current one is key to earning peoples trust.Im not arguing that Daniels is perfect by any means, and he was obliged to make trade-offs whose costs will become apparent only later. But hes trying to set the university apart and move it in the right direction by rebuilding trust in all dimensions.Another hopeful recent example is West Virginias surprising success in COVID vaccinations, with rates among the best in the nation. The state has been attracting a lot of positive press for this. It shows that when government gets things right, people notice. If West Virginia is able to keep moving forward with this kind of execution in other areas, it will make a big difference substantively and reputationally.While the trends in trust are bad, improvement is possible. In our chaotic, politically unstable world, managing for trust and credibility is one of the most important things we can do. With the coronavirus pandemic far from over, all of us have many more opportunities upcoming to start earning that trust back.GoverningGoverning POTTSVILLE The new president of the Pottsville Area Development Corp. board hopes to help existing businesses thrive and create an environment for new ones. Bobby Weaver, having served on the board since 2019, was named vice president last year and president in January. He succeeds Francesco Mercuri, who remains a board member. The term has no limit. PADCOs Strategic Planning Committee has two initiatives this year. The first is downtown business mentorship, where each board member personally checks in with a business in the city. We believe that bringing businesses to downtown Pottsville will increase the livability, which brings people, Weaver said. The other is Launch Pottsville, a business plan competition where the organization will award money to help launch businesses in the city. It has $150,000 set aside for them to open. The goal, Weaver said, is for three to four new businesses to open in Pottsville, with video applications for the competition set to open this year. It was initially scheduled to begin last March, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed Launch Pottsvilles start. Weaver said that this year, he hopes PADCO will be more accessible for those with new ideas for businesses. He believes the organization has been doing a great job, but not everyone knows about their services. PADCO has resources and connections, he said. We really want to help businesses; new businesses, old businesses and people that want to start businesses. Weaver, 26, said his ideas for the organization come from the few years he and his wife, Abby, spent traveling across the United States and internationally. Weaver was born and raised in Pottsville. Everything we see in these amazing places we would sit there and say, this could be Pottsville, he said. The executive manager of Bob Weaver Auto on West Market Street, Weaver also co-owns Pressed Coffee & Books on Mahantongo Street with his wife and owns Black Rock Brewing Co. in the former YWCA building on South Centre Street. The brewery is slated to open later this year. The couple resides in the city with their newborn son, Atlas. In addition, he said PADCO plans to offer classes on business plan writing and working with the city on projects. Weaver added that he and Executive Director Savas Logothetides are available to talk about new ideas, with information on downtownpottsville.com. Weaver is excited that his fellow board members are on board with the initiatives. Were a very active board, he said. Everyone on the board of PADCO is excited for the future and really eager to make a big leap forward in Pottsville in 2021. The organization will still play a role in helping businesses through the pandemic. Low-interest loans of $5,000 are still available through the Pottsville Small Business Emergency Loan program. They were created through a partnership between the city and PADCO last spring. Well handle each on a case by case basis, Weaver said. He added that any business feeling the effects of the pandemic is urged to contact him. The phone number for the organization is 570-628-4647. Weaver is one of three new board members who were appointed this year. The others are Vice President Mike Tobash, Secretary Dave Clews and Treasurer Jeff Fanelli. Bobby and the new slate of officers bring a great deal of business and political experience to our executive committee, Logothetides said Wednesday. PADCO continues to aggressively find projects in our community aligned with our mission and create positive impacts on Pottsville. I am looking forward to working with the new executive team in 2021 and into the future. 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This content is not available in your region Dinesh D'Souza did a podcast pointing out Nancy Pelosi's peculiar behavior regarding events at the Capitol in the days leading up to January 6. In the five weeks since then, Pelosi has turned Washington, D.C. into an armed, walled city and is working with the White House to crack down on dissenting views meaning any views that run counter to the Democrat party narrative. There's something weirdly un-American about what we're seeing now. On February 17, D'Souza did an hour-long podcast entitled "Trump's Next Move." You can find the entire podcast here. Townhall published the transcript of his discussion about Nancy Pelosi's behavior before and after the events of January 6. It makes for unnerving reasoning. D'Souza points out something we've all noticed, which is that, on January 6, many of the people peacefully walked and gawked through the Capitol after having been invited in and treated respectfully by the relatively small number of Capitol police officers on duty. If you've ever visited the Capitol in the past, you know that's not how it ordinarily works. Even stranger is the fact that Capitol police officers, who expected to be pulling extra duty, given that everyone knew that large numbers of Trump-supporters would be flooding D.C., were instead sent home for the day. Additionally, D'Souza points out, when Trump offered 10,000 National Guard troops to help out because the rally was in town, both those in charge of the Capitol and D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser rebuffed the offer. As speaker of the House, it's inconceivable that Pelosi wasn't part of this decision. In addition, says D'Souza: Steve Sund, the U.S. Capitol Police Chief, called for National Guard backup two days before January 6. His offer was declined and declined by whom? Declined by the sergeant of arms [sic] working in cohorts, in consultation with Nancy Pelosi's office. The sergeant at arms later explained that they didn't want the "optics" of troops in town but D'Souza states correctly that "this explanation to me makes absolutely no sense." Since January 6, the Democrats have been rubbing security in everyone's face, so those optics are fine with them. Pelosi's been moving people around like chess pieces since then: Now, right after January 6 what does Nancy Pelosi do? She fires the sergeant of arms [sic]. She fires the Capitol Police Chief Steve Sund and she replaces him with another guy and, very interestingly, the police union, the union that actually represents the Capitol Police, took a vote and 92% of them have voted no confidence in this quote "new leadership." In other words, in this guy Yogananda Pittman, Nancy Pelosi's man that she stuck in there. The Capitol Police are basically saying we don't think this guy is any good. We also know from the WaPo, of all places, that the FBI had advance warning that various radical groups were planning to attack the Capitol. Yet no one did anything. It's inconceivable that they kept this information to themselves. Despite all the Oprah-esque theater that leftist House members put on regarding the trauma they experienced on January 6 (a minor kerfuffle compared to what the rest of America experienced in 2020), the events on the day have been good for the Democrats. They've since used it to stage a kangaroo second impeachment (although it backfired because Trump's gone up in Americans' estimation). Even more importantly, Democrats are using January 6 to silence any political opposition. They've been trying to drive Republicans out of Congress. On Thursday, they announced that they're working with the White House to come up with a plan so that social media will work even harder to silence "disinformation" which means anything that challenges Democrat facts or conclusions. In case you're wondering, this is how totalitarian dictatorships operate. Free speech is out; increasingly brutal suppression is in. And speaking of increasing brutality, there's the fact that the Democrats have used the events of January 6 to turn Washington, D.C., into a security fortress of the type any tyrant would love. Benny may have taken a lighthearted tone when he toured the D.C. wall that went up overnight, but the fact is that it's turned our Capitol into an armed encampment, one that Democrats clearly intend to keep pace with continuously shifting deadlines for their departure: One could say Pelosi was Machiavellian enough to position matters in advance of January 6 to create a trap for Trump and his supporters. Equally, one could say she simply elevated a stupid, drab, depressing event into a crisis so she could not refrain from letting it go to waste. No matter the viewpoint, the fact remains that January 6 was the best thing that ever happened to a political party anxious to jettison the Constitution and achieve total control over America. Image: Checkpoint Nancy (with text addition by A. Widburg). YouTube screen grab. KYODO NEWS - Feb 19, 2021 - 22:03 | World, All North Korea has appointed a former trade minister as the country's new ambassador to China, the Foreign Ministry said Friday, indicating its willingness to bolster economic relations with its most influential ally. It remains to be seen when Ri Ryong Nam, a 60-year-old former deputy premier who is well-versed in economic policy, will be posted, as North Korea has cut off traffic to and from China since early last year amid fears of the novel coronavirus. Ri will replace Ji Jae Ryong, 78, who was tapped as North Korea's ambassador to China in 2010. The new envoy was born in Pyongyang and has a study experience at Beijing Foreign Studies University, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. The replacement comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, at the congress of the ruling Workers' Party in January, expressed eagerness to deepen ties with other socialist nations including China. The focus is on whether North Korea will become more dependent on China, as their relations with the United States have shown little sign of improvement since President Joe Biden took office last month. U.S.-North Korea negotiations on denuclearization and sanctions relief have been at a standstill, while Beijing and Washington are at loggerheads over several issues such as trade, state-of-the-art technology and alleged human rights abuses. Meanwhile, a diplomatic source said earlier this month that China is expected to appoint Wang Yajun, a senior official of the ruling Communist Party, as the new ambassador to North Korea, succeeding Li Jinjun. The plunge in trade with China following the pandemic and the devastation of North Korea's agricultural sector by powerful typhoons have fanned fears that the country's economy has languished and its citizens have not received adequate daily necessities. North Korea depends on China for more than 90 percent of its trade. Kim acknowledged during the party congress that his nation failed to achieve the economic development goals set in its five-year strategy through 2020 in almost all sectors. Related coverage: North Korea changes Kim's English title from "chairman" to "president" North Korea leader's wife appears in public for 1st time in a year North Korea foreign minister elected as politburo member of ruling party Actor Steve Bastoni reckons its high time Australia acknowledges that, for many, alcohol has become a way of trying to cope with stress. It puts a BandAid on an axe wound its crazy. We know from watching a bloody pot on a stove that if you suppress something, it will boil over. Best-known for roles in Police Rescue and Neighbours, Bastoni is happy to speak on the record about his struggles with addiction. Until nearly 40, he was trying to self-medicate with various substances. The turning point was having his son and finding recovery. The first step of that is obviously admitting youve got a problem, and the second part is reaching out for help which is the hardest part. Actor Steve Bastoni has launched three film festivals around the country. Credit:Justin McManus Without those things, I hate to think where Id be today. I doubt Id be alive, to be honest. The only way through it is through it. There are no shortcuts, theres no way around it. You have to feel your feelings, he says. Sooner or later, your relief becomes your prison. Were dining at Di Stasio Citta on a balmy Melbourne summers day; its a favourite venue for the Rome-born actor. On offer is a three or five-course set menu, with several options for each course. He slips easily into Italian to order, opting for pasta with black truffles, veal Milanese and chocolate mousse. For me, its baked scallops, pan-fried skate in lemon and butter and vanilla torte. We both skipped breakfast in anticipation. 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. SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Draft regulations released by the Department of Insurance Thursday move California one step closer to stopping auto insurance discrimination that has allowed insurers to overcharge lower income and minority drivers for decades, said Consumer Watchdog. The rules follow a petition submitted by Consumer Watchdog and ten civil rights and community groups to ban the use of job and education level in auto insurance rating. California Proposition 103, enacted by voters in 1988, required auto insurance prices to be based primarily on how a person drives driving record, miles driven annually, and years of driving experience. It also allowed groups of consumers to band together and negotiate discounts for their members. However, insurance companies have for decades illegally subsidized discounts for drivers with white collar occupations and college degrees by forcing other drivers to pay more. "For too long, people of color and lower income Californians have overpaid for auto insurance to subsidize discounts for the wealthy. The proposed rules move California one step closer to ending this unequal treatment for drivers without a college degree or a well-paid job. Wait staff and custodians with a good driving record shouldn't pay more than doctors or attorneys," said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog. In a February 2019 petition, eleven groups including Consumer Watchdog sought a ban on the use of education or occupation in auto insurance rating. Read the petition: https://consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/2019-02/Job%26EducationPetition.pdf The rules proposed by the Department of Insurance in response would require insurance companies to prove that they offer group discounts equitably in lower income and diverse neighborhoods across California. They would bar insurers from cherry-picking only drivers with well-paid professions such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers for discounts, and charging more to the clerical, cleaning and support staff they work with. The rules would preserve existing discounts negotiated by legitimate groups of consumers for millions of their members, if insurers can prove their groups do not discriminate. The rules would prevent insurance companies from only offering discounts to arbitrary lists of well-paid professions or college graduates, as is currently the practice for many insurers. See the draft regulation issued by the California Department of Insurance: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2021/release021-2021.cfm Seven of the top ten auto insurance companies in California currently discriminate against drivers based on job and education. See the list: Discriminate Based On Job & Education: Allstate GEICO Farmers Progressive AAA National Liberty Mutual Mercury Don't Discriminate: State Farm USAA AAA Northern CA, Nevada & Utah A Department of Insurance investigation in September 2019 found that insurers' current practices cause "wide socioeconomic disparities," with premiums as much as 25% higher for drivers who have lower levels of educational attainment and reside in ZIP codes with lower per capita incomes (reflecting job status) and in which communities of color predominate. In 2017, just 12.2 percent of Latinx and 24 percent of Black Californians over the age of 25 had a bachelor's degree or higher. Latinx and Black Californians also earn lower median incomes than white Californians. Undocumented Californians in particular are most likely to have jobs in low-paying industries like agriculture, child care, restaurants, hotels and construction. These communities all pay more to subsidize discounts for drivers with better-paid professions, said the groups in their 2019 petition. The state of Massachusetts bans the use of education and occupation to set auto insurance rates; New York banned their use in 2017 unless insurers can prove they do not result in unfairly discriminatory rates; and, legislation to bar the use of education and occupation in auto insurance rating is currently moving through the New Jersey legislature. SOURCE Consumer Watchdog Related Links http://www.consumerwatchdog.org * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! In 2017 Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple Launches a First-of-its-Kind Heart Study App that Works with the Apple Watch Heart Rate Sensor." Then in 2019, Apple posted a press release titled "Stanford Medicine announces results of unprecedented Apple Heart Study." Today a new report states that a new study is now underway at Torontos University Health Network (UHN), a group of working research hospitals in the city, could shift our approach to treatment in an area of growing concern in human health. The study, led by Dr. Heather Ross, will investigate whether the Apple Watch can provide early warnings about potentially worsening health for patients following incidents of heart failure. The study, which is aiming to eventually span around 200 patients, and which already has a number of participants enrolled spanning ages from 25 to 90, and various demographics, will use the Apple Watch Series 6 and its onboard sensors to monitor signals, including heart rate, blood oxygen, general activity levels, overall performance during a six-minute walk test and more. Researchers led by Ross will compare this data to measurements taken from the more formal clinical tests currently used by physicians to monitor the recovery of heart failure patients during routine, periodic check-ups. The hope is that Ross and her team will be able to identify correlations between signs theyre seeing from the Apple Watch data, and the information gathered from the proven medical diagnostic and monitoring equipment. If they can verify that the Apple Watch accurately reflects whats happening with a heart failure patients health, it has tremendous potential for treatment and care. "In the U.S., there are about six-and-a-half million adults with heart failure," Ross told TechCrunch reporter Darrell Etherington in an interview. "About one in five people in North America over the age of 40 will develop heart failure. And the average life expectancy [following heart failure] is still measured at around 2.1 years, at a tremendous impact to quality of life." For more on this, read the full TechCrunch report. 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. LOS ANGELES - Detectives are investigating allegations of domestic violence against rocker Marilyn Manson involving incidents that occurred about a decade ago in West Hollywood, authorities said Friday. FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2019, file photo, Marilyn Manson attends the 9th annual "Home for the Holidays" benefit concert in Los Angeles. Detectives are investigating Manson for allegations of domestic violence that reportedly occurred about a decade ago in West Hollywood, authorities said. The domestic violence is believed to have occurred between 2009 and 2011, when Manson lived in the city of West Hollywood. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File) LOS ANGELES - Detectives are investigating allegations of domestic violence against rocker Marilyn Manson involving incidents that occurred about a decade ago in West Hollywood, authorities said Friday. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Special Victims Bureau opened the investigation after a woman approached authorities to report the allegations, sheriff's Lt. John Adams said. The incidents reportedly occurred between 2009 and 2011, when Manson lived in the city of West Hollywood. Our people are just in the very beginning stages of an investigation into this, Adams said. He would not describe the allegations or say when the woman came forward. FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2015, file photo, Marilyn Manson performs in concert in Camden, N.J. Detectives are investigating Manson for allegations of domestic violence that reportedly occurred about a decade ago in West Hollywood, authorities said. The domestic violence is believed to have occurred between 2009 and 2011, when Manson lived in the city of West Hollywood. (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File) Word of the investigation came less than three weeks after actor Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused Manson, her ex-fiance, of sexual and other physical abuse, alleging she was manipulated into submission during their relationship. Adams declined to identify the woman who contacted the Sheriff's Department, as is typical in domestic violence cases. Manson, 52, whose real name is Brian Warner, has denied Wood's allegations as horrible distortions of reality. Wood, 33, who stars on HBOs Westworld, had previously spoken about being abused in a relationship but did not name the person until she detailed the allegations on Instagram on Feb. 1. The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson, Wood said. He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. The relationship between Wood and Manson became public in 2007 when he was 38 and she was 19. They were briefly engaged in 2010 before breaking up. Manson responded to Woods allegations with his own Instagram post the same day as her post. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners," his post said. Regardless of how and why others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth. In 2018, Los Angeles County prosecutors declined to file charges against Manson over allegations of assault, battery and sexual assault dating to 2011, saying they were limited by statutes of limitations and a lack of corroboration. The accuser in that case was identified only as a social acquaintance of Manson. He denied the allegations through his attorney at the time. The lawyer could not be reached for comment Friday. The Associated Press does not normally name people who say they were victims of sexual assault but named Wood because of her decision to speak out publicly. 31995 Mark Novak, Director of Operations, Global Organics, Ltd. Mark Novak, Director of Operations, Global Organics, Ltd. Problem High volume processing facilities are designed around inputs that are pre-conditioned to maximize yield at minimum processing cost. When those facilities are asked to produce minimally, or less processed product meeting consumer expectations for clean labels or organic, systems and equipment often require adaptation. Meat Processing An Ohio based processor of Asian entrees and appetizers were commissioning the mechanization of a whole muscle-chicken nugget line. This involved replacing workers tossing marinated cut chicken in a highly customized breading mix with a mechanical breader. Essentially a rotating drum with vanes on the inside, cocked at an angle to facilitate movement of nuggets through the breading material and out the lower end. While the custom breading adhered nicely to the chicken, it fouled the mechanism that recirculated loose powder that didnt stick to the chicken from the bottom of the drum, back to be used. Costing over $1.25 per pound, the loss was significant, and resulted in the mechanization actually costing more, and yielding less than the manual process due to downtime. One of the senior supervisors, who had come up the ranks from the days when the company was a single restaurant kitchen, suspected the fouling was the result of the special starches used in the blend. He asked for several versions of the breading mix with progressively less expensive specialized material. Four versions of the simpler breading material indicated the suspicion was correct. Despite the equipment manufacturers recommendation to use the complex breading, the plant succeeded best when using a simple all purpose wheat flour. That reduced the material cost for breading by 60 percent, with a 30 percent increase in throughput. As a side benefit, three ingredients, (that didnt sound like anything grandma used) came off the label. Twelve years later, that product is still succeeding for a variety of retailers. Simplicity bore results that were dramatic, while exploiting the strengths of the equipment. Sugar hardening Scope of problem At the other end of the minimal processing spectrum, there are minimally processed ingredients whose functional behavior requires advance preparation. Organic sugar going into high volume operations is an example. Producing sugar organically requires the material be processed minimally. The processes and components used to enable free flowing do not fit into certified organic production. Organic sugar produced in the tropics, then used in the Northern Hemisphere is subject to long ocean voyage going through temperature and humidity changes that can lead to hardening. Weve all had that bag of, usually brown, sugar go hard in the cupboard. Simplicity bore results that were dramatic, while exploiting the strengths of the equipment Food processors use small bags of 25 kg or 50 lb sugar in their mixes. The larger users employ super sacks or big bags of 1,000 to 1,200 kg in their facilities. Bags are hoisted above a dump station, the bottom of the bags and inner liners have fabric or plastic ties that are then removed, allowing sugar to flow into production. Hardened sugar creates a wide variety of problems for these beverage, confection, fruit processing and bakery applications. To release hard sugar into equipment, workers pound on the side of bags, use stainless steel rods to reach in the bottom of bags, and basically do anything they can to get material to unbridge. The resulting production delays affect throughput. Having workers smack bags with everything from rods to bats is a safety issue. Even small bags sufficiently hardened result in higher cost, lower yield production. Producers coming out of the historic natural food trade have recognized this product feature. For the most part, their operations have some step to break up clumps or prepare material for insertion into production. Larger, usually conventional consumer product manufacturers, on the other hand, are often shocked at the disruption a bit of hard sugar can create. With higher speed equipment, there are closer tolerances, and less room for variability in the production schedule. Despite the tendency to clump being an inherent part of the sugar, they consider its lack of free flow nonconformity. It is not. Bag conditioning systems are readily available to break up large clumps that prevent product from evacuating the big bag. The bags are squeezed by hydraulic rams and rotated to allow sugar to fall. A variety of declumping machines are available to completely granularize the sugar. The resulting material flow can move easily through mechanical or pneumatic processing systems without negative impact. Use of the right equipment to allow product flow supports a reliable production schedule, improved worker safety and normal production. In dealing with production concerns arising from use of natural inputs, one is often challenged to prepare material using mechanical and thermal means to achieve speeds and volumes more highly processed inputs allow. At the end of the day, the consumer wants foods made with fewer chemicals. Delivering on that promise requires thoughtful observation and creativity. A missing nun whom investigators believe was slain by her nephew before he killed his mother and then himself in 2018 was declared dead Tuesday by a Lackawanna County judge. Judge Vito Geroulo found there was sufficient evidence to justify a decree of death for Sister Angela Miller, I.H.M., even though she disappeared less than three years ago, well short of the normal seven-year statutory wait period to seek such a declaration. Miller, then 76, was discovered missing April 28, 2018, after city police believe her nephew, Alan Smith, 49, shot and killed his mother, Rosemary Smith, 72, before taking his own life by setting fire to the familys Washburn Street home during a standoff with officers. The standoff happened when police tried to serve Alan Smith with a protection-from-abuse order filed by his mother and Miller. Investigators recovered the bodies of Alan Smith and Rosemary Smith from the home, but Millers body was never located. After finding what appeared to be blood in the trunk of Rosemary Smiths car, police theorized Alan Smith killed Miller and moved her body elsewhere. Joined by Millers family, the nuns congregation, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, petitioned the court to have her declared dead. Sister Ellen Maroney, I.H.M., president of the congregation and the trustee for Millers estate, testified at the hearing about the investigation into Millers disappearance and the unsuccessful efforts to find her body. No further evidence was ever uncovered, to my knowledge, as to Angelas whereabouts, she said. Telling the court that she believes Miller was killed, Maroney said the declaration would bring a sense of closure to both the nuns family and to her religious sisters. It has been difficult and emotional, she told Geroulo. Attorney Jenna Krayer Tuzze, who represented Maroney at the hearing, said the court is permitted to issue a decree of death before seven years have elapsed if it finds the missing persons absence is unexplained and there was an exposure to a specific peril of death. She argued the circumstances surrounding Millers disappearance met both of those requirements. 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) The president of a California school board has resigned and parents are calling for more heads to roll after a virtual meeting showed multiple board members laughing and mocking parents who want their kids back in school. Per Fox News, Oakley Union Elementary School Board members apparently thought no one else had access to Wednesday's meeting and freely eye-rolled at parents complaining about schools still not being fully open during the pandemic; video was shared by the group Reopen California Schools. "Are we alone?" board member Kim Beede says to the group, before apparently addressing an online comment made about her: "B----, if you're gonna call me out, I'm gonna f--- you up. Sorry, that's just me." Her comment is followed by one from board President Lisa Brizendine, who says "it's really unfortunate [parents] want to pick on us because they want their babysitters back." story continues below In a statement, Superintendent Greg Hetrick says the board members' remarks were "unfortunate and truly inappropriate," adding they "were not in alignment with our vision and are definitely not what any of us stand for as leaders. I know that we lost trust with the community." Parent Ashley Stalf tells Fox that after hearing the board members' "genuine insincerity," she's not sure what their motives are anymore. "We thought they had our backs," she says. "We thought that they were advocates as much as we were for our children." Bay City News reports Brizendine has stepped down as board president, but there are calls for other board members to resign, too. Meanwhile, some are miffed at Hetrick, who was also on the call but said nothing about the comments. "For him to sit there and not speak up was shocking to me," one parent tells KGO. (Read more school board stories.) Former Army Sgt. Robert "Bowe" Bergdahl has filed a petition in federal court seeking to have his military conviction and sentence expunged based on arguments of unlawful command influence by former President Donald Trump and new information about the judge who presided over his court-martial. Bergdahls attorneys filed paperwork Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeking review of the case, alleging that the military court system failed to recognize the impact of comments made by Trump and the late Sen. John McCain, as well as the presiding judge's failure to disclose information about his employment plans after retirement. Judge Jeffrey Nance, then an Army colonel, did not reveal that he had applied for a job as an immigration judge at the Justice Department -- a lapse that, given Trump's interest in both the Bergdahl case and immigration issues, should have excluded him from the court-martial, the attorneys claim in court documents. Read Next: Marines Investigating Woman's TikTok Video Claims that General Allowed Perpetrator to Stay in Uniform Bergdahl pleaded guilty in 2017 to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy after leaving his post in Afghanistan in June 2009 and setting off a massive search-and-rescue operation that involved thousands of U.S. troops. He was captured by the Taliban and held as a prisoner of war for more than four years before he was released in 2014 in a prisoner swap for five members of the Taliban who had been held at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Bergdahl later said he left his post to draw senior Army leaders' attention to problems he saw in his unit, 1st Battalion, 501st Regiment. Once at home, he "provided significant intelligence to the Army ... a goldmine that reshaped the Army's understanding of hostage-taking in the region," according to his attorneys. But he also was vilified as a traitor who deserted his post and was blamed for the injuries U.S. troops suffered during the search, including Army National Guard Master Sgt. Mark Allen, who died 10 years after his unit was ambushed and he was shot in the head. Bergdahl filed a guilty plea and was sentenced to a dishonorable discharge, reduction to the rank of private and forfeiture of $10,000 in pay. On appeal, his attorneys argued that remarks by Trump and McCain constituted "unlawful command influence" and may have unfairly swayed the outcome of the court-martial. As a presidential candidate, Trump described Bergdahl as a "dirty rotten traitor" and suggested he be executed by firing squad or thrown out of an airplane over Afghanistan without a parachute. After he became president, Trump made several references to those comments, while McCain threatened congressional hearings if Bergdahl received no punishment. But in a narrow 3-2 decision last August, judges on the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, or CAAF, upheld Bergdahl's conviction, saying the comments did not invalidate his prosecution. Penning the decision, Judge Kevin Ohlson said Bergdahl's decision to plead guilty played heavily in the case. "Based on appellant's own words, no impartial observer would conclude that it was the comments made by the President of the United States and/or by the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee that caused appellant to plead guilty; rather, it was the strength of the Government's evidence that caused him to take that step," Ohlson wrote. Still, CAAF's chief judge, Scott Stucky, and a second judge, John E. Sparks, said they favored dismissal in their partial dissent. "Never in the history of the modern military justice system has there been a case in which the highest level figures, including the Commander in Chief, have sought to publicly demean and defame a specific military accused," Sparks wrote. "The vilification of Sergeant Bergdahl before, during, and after his court-martial was unprecedented, hostile, and pernicious in the extreme. It both placed an intolerable strain on the military justice system and denied the accused his due process right to a fair trial." Nance's alleged failure to disclose that he had applied for a job as a federal immigration judge is a new twist to the case, introduced in September. During the court-martial, Nance told Bergdahl's attorneys that he planned to retire from the military and that comments from the commander in chief would have no effect on his decision. "I have no hope or ambition beyond my current rank. ... I am completely unaffected by any opinions President Trump may have about Sgt. Bergdahl," Nance said, according to court documents. But according to the court filing, Nance called attention to his role as presiding judge in the complex case in his job application. He was appointed as an immigration judge at the Stewart Immigration Court in Lumpkin, Georgia, in September 2018, according to a Justice Department news release. Bergdahls attorney, Eugene Fidell, declined to comment on the most recent filing. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment from Nance on the allegations. The government has 60 days to file a response to the filing. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: Retired 3- and 4-Star Generals Petition Court to Add Women to Draft Registration Rennie Davis died earlier this month. Davis was a radical community organizer back when radical community organizing was hot, not cool. He is best remembered for being part of the Chicago Seven, a group of left-wing radicals tried for the disruptive activities they organized and led at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The jury convicted Davis, along with five co-defendants, for conspiring to incite a riot. However, the convictions were overturned when an appeals court found errors by the trial judge, Julius Hoffman. The original eight Chicago defendants were a mixed a bag. Bobby Seale, who ended up being tried separately, was a member of the thuggish criminal outfit known as the Black Panthers. Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin were celebrity rads a couple of Jewish guys who craved publicity, and mixed comedy and theater with their activism. Unlike the aforementioned three, Davis and Tom Hayden were not outsiders. In fact, Davis was the son of the chief of staff of President Trumans Council of Economic Advisers. The Washington Posts obituary says this of Rennie Davis: With his short hair and bookish glasses a Washington Post reporter once described him as looking more like a seminarian than a revolutionary Mr. Davis appeared at least superficially to be an outlier among his more hirsute colleagues. Davis and Hayden were the organizers and theoreticians of the New Left. As I understand it, Davis was more the former; Hayden more the latter. Davis helped Hayden draft the Port Huron statement in 1962, This was the founding document of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), to which I once belonged, and more broadly, the founding document of the New Left. Behind Port Huron stood an old leftist Walter Reuther, the head of the United Auto Workers and a longtime socialist. As Amity Shlaes shows in Great Society, A New History, it was Reuther and the UAW that, in effect, sponsored the Port Huron conference. Indeed, the site of the conference belonged to the UAW and its parent organization, the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). Reuther wanted an updated left, with its own slogans and missions. However, he insisted that the updated left be anti-communist. And, though he fervently desired that America become socialist, Reuther wanted to accomplish this by working within the Democratic Party. This was a realistic vision, as we have seen in recent years. But naturally, some of the young rads at Port Huron had other ideas. This tension boiled over when it came to drafting the Port Huron Statement. The very act of calling it a statement, rather than a manifesto, as some wanted, was a victory for the non-communists. With Davis help, Hayden threaded the needle. The Statement criticized unreasoning anti-communism but included what Shlaes describes as anti-communist boilerplate. Hayden promised that the Statement would be a living document that could be amended. By 1968, SDS had, of course, abandoned any pretense of trying to work within the Democratic Party. The battle at the 1964 Democratic Convention over how to treat the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party delegation ensured that divorce. Nor was SDS at all anti-communist by the late 60s. Its movement away from that noble stance might always have been inevitable. If not, Americas massive involvement in the Vietnam War made it so. Looking back on my SDS days, I would describe the organization as unhinged. Some of its positions were irrational. These characterizations are disputed, but few would deny that Davis himself became unhinged in the years following 1968. His Washington Post obituary makes this clear: As the 1960s gave way to the 70s, Mr. Davis appeared to become increasingly militant, particularly in his opposition to the Vietnam War. In 1970 he told a gathering of Columbia students that if the 1960s had called for sit-ins, then the new decade demanded the burning of banks. . . . Traveling to communist North Vietnam, he later wrote, he started to feel like someone who had slipped into one of the American colonies from Great Britain to witness a small band of freedom fighters during our own countrys war of independence. Soon, Davis would graduate from the unhinged to the truly bizarre: Two years later, Mr. Davis announced that he planned to forgo traditional activism and pursue a more just social order as a devotee of Guru Maharaj Ji, a 15-year-old Indian mystic who had cultivated an international following. I would cross the planet on my hands and knees to touch his toe, Mr. Davis said in 1973, describing the gurus teachings as a practical way to fulfill all the dreams of the movement of the early sixties and seventies.. . . . To paraphrase G.K. Chesterton, when people stop believing in traditional American values and ideals, they dont believe in nothing, they become capable of believing in anything. According to the Post, at the time of his death, Davis was chairman of a foundation established, according to its website, to remake a human society that has become a wrecking ball to every natural living system and to forge an unstoppable force for a new way of living on Earth. But Davis had come around to the virtues of making a buck. According to the Chicago Tribunes obit, he did so as a life insurance salesman, venture capitalist, and lecturer on meditation and self-awareness. As far as I can tell, however, he never went into banking. Nicholas Von Hoffman, the acid-pen chronicler of the radical movement to which, as a disciple of Saul Alinsky, he belonged, had this to say about the strange trajectories of Davis, Hayden, and others like them: It was one thing for Tom Hayden to marry a well intentioned if slightly flat-headed movie star, or some of the other movement heavies to turn into the psychological basket cases a number have become. [But] Rennie was the most stable, the calmest, the most enduring of that group of young people who set out to change America at the beginning of the 1960s. Like the others, though, Davis played with fire and got too close to the flame. RIP. As mayors on the front line of the pandemic response, we have taken necessary steps to keep our communities safe and continue flattening the curve to save lives, the letter sent Thursday said. Undoubtedly, these steps have come with severe financial hardship. Not only have tax revenues been dropping drastically, but funding essential services critical to the health and safety of our residents has and continues to be challenged. Disney Channel series Secrets of Sulphur Springs is coming to Disney+ with five episodes starting on Feb. 26. ADVERTISEMENT The series, which premiered on Disney Channel in January, follows 12-year-old Griffin (Preston Oliver) whose family moves from Chicago to take ownership of an abandoned hotel named the Tremont in Louisiana. Griffin hears rumors at school about the hotel being haunted by the ghost of Savannah (Elle Graham) who disappeared decades ago. Griffin and his classmate Harper (Kyliegh Curran) discover a portal that allows them to travel back in time in order to solve the town mystery. Josh Braaten portrays Griffin's father Ben with Kelly Frye as mother Sarah and Landon Gordon and Madeleine McGraw as Griffin's younger twin siblings Wyatt and Zoey, respectively, also star. New episodes will be available to stream on Disney+ every Friday in March through April 9. Secrets of Sulphur Springs has reached 3.5 million total viewers since premiering on Disney+ and is ranked as the No. 1 series across all basic cable for Girls aged 6-11. The show is also the No. 1 series on DisneyNOW. PARIS (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday unveiled a plan to better arm public facilities and private companies against cybercriminals following ransomware attacks at two hospitals this month and an upsurge of similar cyber assaults in France. The attacks at the hospitals in Dax and Villefranche-sur-Saone prompted the transfer of some patients to other facilities as the French health care system is under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic. Macron discussed the attacks with officials and workers from both hospitals, saying the incident shows how the threat is very serious, sometimes vital. We are learning about these new attacks, some coming from states as part of new conflicts between nations, others coming from mafias, the French leader said during a videoconference. Some attacks have criminal or lucrative motives, others are used to destabilize countries, he added. Macron referred to a massive hack of U.S. federal agencies last year and to the stealing of vaccine documents from the European Medicine Agency in November. He stressed the need for international cooperation among police and criminal justice agencies after Ukrainian authorities confirmed a ransomware program known as Egregor was dismantled in the country earlier this month following a joint action by the United States, France and Ukraine. Macrons office said the government will earmark about 500 million euros ($603 million) to help boost cyberdefense systems in the public and private sector. The National Cybersecurity Agency of France (ANSSI) reported that ransomware attacks surged 255% in 2020 compared to the previous year. All sectors and geographical areas of the country were included, but the increase particularly concerns the health care sector, the education system, local authorities and digital service providers, ANSSI said. During ransomware attacks, cybercriminals infect computers or computer systems with viruses that scramble and lock data until the targeted users pay a ransom. The hospital in Villefranche-sur-Saone, located north of the city of Lyon, said its phone system went down during a cyberattack on Monday that forced a preemptive shutoff of the internet service and other networks to keep the ransomware from spreading. The hospital also had to postpone surgeries planned for the following day. but said patient safety was preserved. The Dax hospital in southwestern France reported a similar attack last week. Without phones and computers working, health care workers had to use pen and paper for record keeping. The French cybersecurity agency is helping to investigate the attacks. ANSSI said Monday that an attack similar to one used by Russian hackers targeted a software distributed by the French company Centreon, resulting in the breach of several French entities from late 2017 to 2020. This campaign bears several similarities with previous campaigns attributed to the intrusion set named Sandworm, ANSSI said in a statement Monday. Sandworm is a Russian military hacking group that U.S. security officials and cybersecurity experts said interfered in the 2016 presidential election in the United States, stealing and exposing Democratic National Committee emails and breaking into voter registration databases. The group has also been blamed by the U.S. and U.K. governments for the June 2017 NotPetya cyberattack, which targeted businesses that operate in Ukraine. It caused at least $10 billion in damage globally, most notably to the Danish shipping multinational Maersk. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 23757 Jim McCoym, CIO, Raytheon Missile Systems [NYSE: RTN] Jim McCoym, CIO, Raytheon Missile Systems [NYSE: RTN] When you walk into the factories at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona, dont be surprised to find robots working side-by-side with humans on the production lines. These automated workers have long had a place in other industries such as automotive, but thanks to some significant investments in manufacturing, the worlds largest missile maker has made the move to automation. Weve invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the last few years to upgrade and modernize our factories, said Kim Ernzen, Vice President, Raytheon Missile Systems Operations. Robots are now performing lower level, repeatable tasks such as applying glue to the lens of a missile seeker. A seeker is the electronic eye that helps the weapon guide to the target. Applying glue to the seeker lens is just one of many tasks that robots are now doing at Raytheon. Robotic arms are also lifting missile components in and out of test chambers and moving missile parts from one part of the factory floor to the other. But, Why Robots? Theyre perfect for jobs that require a high level of precision, but not a lot of thought, said Ernzen. By giving these tasks to robots, we can free up our talent touch labor force for more complex work such as installing wire harnesses. In the missile business, theres no margin for error. The end-product has to be perfect. Using robots for those repeatable tasks helps to increase reliability and drive down costs. Thats a win/win for the warfighters who depend on Raytheon products to give them an unfair advantage in the fight so they can return home safely to their families. Weve created an environment where cross-functional teams can meet and collaborate on designsnow thats powerful! Robotics technology has made great strides in recent years. The equipment is far more precise and far more sophisticated than it was just a decade ago. Thats enabled Raytheon to install robotic arms in places that just werent feasible until now. Robots are also a lot cleaner. Thats important because many of those repeatable tasks are performed in cleanrooms where theres no room for dirt! Safety is and has always been a big concern in missile production. Robots are helping there too. The Tucson facility uses automated guided vehicles known as AGVs to move materials and components from one workstation to another. The more we can protect our people from potentially dangerous situations, the better, said Ernzen. We let the AGVs do the heavy lifting. Automation has enabled Raytheon to streamline its testing processes. That has traditionally been one of the companys most time consuming and expensive processes. Automation has allowed Raytheon to put several products through multiple test stations with greater efficiency. We have saved our government customer millions of dollars by adding this kind of automation, said Ernzen. We have increased the amount of testing we do without adding more equipment. So, Whats Next? Automation in factories is just the beginning for Raytheon. The companys next step as part of Industry 4.0 is to create a completely digital manufacturing environment, where the digital part of the process is completely linked with the physical work. Raytheons Immersive Design Center is helping to make that possible. At the heart of the Immersive Design Center is the CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment). The CAVE is an eight-wall environment that includes a combination of advanced 3D modeling, virtual reality and remote collaboration. Using 3D projectors, virtual reality headsets and motion tracking technology, Raytheon employees and customers can immerse themselves inside a missile to do design and prototype work before any hardware is built. This has been a real game changer for us, said Ernzen. Weve created an environment where cross-functional teams can meet and collaborate on designsnow thats powerful! Raytheons Tucson CAVE can also be linked to the companys other CAVE near Boston, MA. That ability to link enables teams from other parts of the corporate or customers to meet in a virtual environment and solve problems in real time. The company even has a portable backpack set up so the mini CAVE can be transported to any place in the world. Lets Print It Raytheon was one of the first to implement 3D printing in large-scale manufacturing, but because the technology was limited to plastics or resins, it only played a small role. 3D printing with metal has now become a reality, and that has had a substantial impact on whats possible for the company. Traditional machining can produce high-precision components, but the cycle times can be quite long, said Ernzen. We can now grow those products in just a few weeks instead of many months. Thats a competitive advantage for us and benefits our customers. Automation, virtual reality, and additive manufacturing used to be the stuff of science fiction, but no more. Out in the Tucson desert, Raytheon is working to engineer the future today. You wont believe whats coming next. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Heights Libraries has passed along word that Coventry Branch Manager Patricia Gray will retire March 1. Known for her compassion, perceptiveness and creativity, Gray nurtured the staff, programs and collections at the branch, and helped it grow into a neighborhood gathering place that reflects the eclectic needs and interests of the community it serves, a library news release notes. Among Grays accomplishments during her tenure at the Cleveland Heights branch were her development of a local author collection and related author programs; oversight of a remodel that included a new childrens early literacy play area; nurturing the growth of services for the deaf and hard of hearing; and the establishment of the branch as a place to explore wellness through programs such as meditation and tai chi. Pat became synonymous with the Coventry branch and its warm, intelligent programs and services, Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin said in the news release. Her retirement is bittersweet for all of us. We are thrilled for her to be taking this next step in her journey, but we will miss her so much. A Denver native, Gray also had a keen sense for the things residents and fans of the neighborhood would respond to. With businesses like the alternative-music club the Grog Shop, independent record store Record Revolution, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly Tommys Restaurant, and independent coffee shops like the Phoenix, Coventry Village has a reputation as a haven for creativity and alternative ways of thinking. Under Grays leadership, the Coventry branch developed long-standing programs like the weekly ukulele jam, the Step Out of Time alternative health series and free concerts with the Cleveland Institute of Music. Maggie Kinney will be the new Coventry Village Library branch manager. (Photo Courtesy of Heights Libraries) Stepping into Grays shoes will be Maggie Kinney, a longtime Coventry branch employee. Kinney began her Heights Libraries career 15 years ago when Gray hired her as a page. Since then, Kinney has held several positions at the library, including several years as a youth services librarian at the Coventry branch and most recently as the librarys special projects manager, overseeing programs such as the Mobile Pantry, writing grant applications to support programming and coordinating the librarys participation in countywide projects such as One Community Reads. Pat has been a wonderful mentor and guiding force in my career from the very beginning, Kinney said. I couldnt be more excited and to have the opportunity to build on her achievements. When asked in the library release if she had any parting thoughts, Gray said: This is truly the most interesting, creative community I know of, and I appreciate that many of you truly love and value your local library. Using your library is the only way to keep it open. Never hesitate to tell us what you want to find on our shelves or to tell us if there is something more we can do for you. I know we have been closed or open only partially for a long time now, but I trust we will have the doors fully open again before too long. I hope you will be here then to check out a book, attend a program, ask us for information, use a computer or have a relaxing read. And thank you for making these last 15 years a wonderful journey. A tour of Glenville: Park Synagogue invites everyone to take a virtual tour and participate in a discussion about Clevelands Glenville neighborhood. Its all about the new exhibit The Rise of Black Glenville, created by Shelli Reeves. Join Reeves at 2 p.m. March 7 for an intimate look at the past and present of the Glenville neighborhood. The exhibit includes a video of the interviews Reeves conducted with five longtime Glenville residents, who shared their positive and negative experiences living in the historic Cleveland neighborhood. Hear about education, housing, unrest and the feeling of community that are part of the history of Glenville. Following the video, Reeves will lead a discussion about the exhibit and her goals for creating it. To receive the Zoom link, register by March 3 through the Park Synagogue website, parksynagogue.org, or by emailing Ellen Petler at epetler@parksyn.org. You can also contact Petler with any questions by calling 216-371-2244, extension 122. Thats not all Park Synagogue has to offer. At 1 p.m. March 8, also on Zoom, the synagogue will present Rediscovering the Music of the Italian-Jewish Ghettos: An Interview with Jeanette Sorrell of Apollos Fire. Stop in and join Sorrell, artistic director of Apollos Fire, Clevelands premier baroque orchestra, and Howard Bender, its executive director, in a virtual interview about Apollos Fire and its next concert, Tapestry: The Jewish Ghettos of Baroque Italy. The interview presents a unique opportunity to learn how Sorrell chooses the themes and music for the concerts, to learn more about the unusual baroque instruments used and to hear excerpts of the music included in the Tapestry concert, which features Israeli recorder player Daphna Mor. The program is open to community guests with a $10-per-Zoom-square charge. Make sure to pre-register by March 3, to ensure that you will receive a Zoom link. Again, registration is through the Park Synagogue website, parksynagogue.org, and questions should be directed to Ellen Petler. This program is sponsored by the Park Synagogue Senior Adult Group. University Heights looking for CERT members: University Heights Fire Chief Robert Perko has put out word that he is looking for some civic-minded residents to help the community in times of need as part of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). To take the UHFD/CERT interest survey, visit here. The Yanowitz Leadership Award goes to ...: Justin Kadis has been awarded the 2020 Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Leadership Award by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, located in Beachwood. The award recognizes and honors an outstanding young individual who has demonstrated commitment, involvement and leadership within Clevelands Jewish community. Kadis, of Cleveland, received the award Feb. 16 at the federations virtual Board of Trustees meeting. Thank you to the Yanowitz family for this very meaningful honor, Kadis, 37, said, in a news release. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and my volunteer work gives me a sense of duty and purpose that I hope to pass on to my children one day, like my parents have passed on to me. Kadis has taken an active role in serving the local and global Jewish community in a variety of capacities. In 2015, he was named the Roslyn Z. Wolf-JDC International Fellow and spent 18 months volunteering at the Jewish Community Center of Krakow, Poland. Six years since his fellowship, Kadis work with the organization continues as co-founder and current board member of Friends of JCC Krakow. He returns to Krakow each year for Ride For The Living, a fundraiser that he co-founded, in which a growing group of individuals bicycle from Auschwitz to JCC Krakow in honor of the victims of the Holocaust and to celebrate Jewish renewal in Poland. Justin Kadis (Photo Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Cleveland) Kadis is also involved in the national Jewish community as a member of National Young Leadership Cabinet, the Jewish Federations of North Americas elite leadership training program for young adults. Locally, he serves on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and Cleveland Hillel Foundation. Justin is quite accomplished, and he epitomizes the person my parents had in mind when they established this award 25 years ago, Alan Yanowitz said during the Board of Trustees meeting. Justin has distinguished himself through his participation and leadership in the Cleveland community, nationally and internationally. Kadis works for Federal Equipment Co. in business development. The Yanowitz Award has been given annually since the early 1960s. As recipient of the award, Kadis is invited to join the Cleveland delegation to a General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America. Get your cheese here: Cleveland Heights welcomes Marchant Manor Cheese, 2211 Lee Road, an artisanal cheesemaker specializing in soft, triple-cream cheeses. The store opened its doors earlier this month in the Cedar Lee district. Virtual victuals: Shaker Library will present Cook the Book Online from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 3. Youre invited to join fellow foodies to discuss the dishes prepared from the book Cannelle et Vanille: Nourishing, Gluten-Free Recipes for Every Meal and Mood, by Aran Goyoaga. The cookbook includes 100 recipes that show how to bring joy and mindfulness to the kitchen through family-friendly meals that are satisfying, yet decidedly unfussy. Check out the book, try a recipe, then dish on the ease in preparation and taste during the virtual discussion. The program will be presented via Zoom. Register at https://bit.ly/3blcIUQ with your email address to receive a link. College news: Congratulations to Ruth Brown of Beachwood, who made the deans list for the fall semester at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Achieving deans list status at the Rochester Institute of Technology were Shaker Heights residents August Sobolewski, Alex Lee, Finn Cohen, Jessa Kaups and Ian Laforest, as well as Beachwood resident Ethan Jeffers. Making the deans list at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, were, from Shaker Heights, Anna Herbst, Jimmy Sikorovsky, Julia Sophia, Sarah Oldford and Thea Bowne. Also, from Beachwood, Ashley Shagrin, Brooke Sheffler, Eva Cruz, Rachel Goetz, Robert Knight and Simone Rackmill. From University Heights, we have Feranmi Motoni, and from Cleveland Heights, Hailey Ridenour. Earning presidents list honors at Miami were Beachwoods Arin Mintz and Shaker Heights Ben Cawley. Those making the deans list at Ohio University were Ann Baldwin from Cleveland Heights, in the College of Health Sciences and Professions; Paige Campbell from Shaker Heights, in the College of Fine Arts; Halle Dray from University Heights, in the Scripps College of Communication; Demetrius Gest Jr. from Shaker Heights, in the College of Arts and Sciences; Olivia Graham from Shaker Heights, in the Scripps College of Communication; Maddie Henning from Shaker Heights, in the College of Health Sciences and Professions; Amira Hunter from Shaker Heights, in the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education; Ryo Okamoto from Beachwood, in the College of Arts and Sciences; Eric Pascarella from Beachwood, in the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education; Alex Pastrick from University Heights, in the College of Business; Avery Pope from University Heights, in the College of Fine Arts; Lee Price, III from Cleveland Heights, in the College of Business; Terri Richardson from Cleveland Heights, in the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education; Spencer Sharp from Beachwood, in the University College; Andre Smith Sr. from Shaker Heights, in the College of Arts and Sciences; Ethan Solomon from Beachwood, in the College of Arts and Sciences; and Briana Story from University Heights, in the College of Health Sciences and Professions. Also, JC Talbott-Shere from Shaker Heights, in the Honors Tutorial College; Jessie Titas from Cleveland Heights, in the College of Business; Jocelyn Trostler from Beachwood, in the College of Health Sciences and Professions; Sarah Weeks from Shaker Heights, in the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education; and Jesse Wu from Beachwood, in the Scripps College of Communication. Address delay: University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan was to give his virtual state-of-the-city address Feb. 18, but he announced Feb. 16 that it would be delayed until a further date, to be announced soon. Reopening Heights Libraries: All Heights Libraries locations reopened Feb. 16 for browsing, computer use, copying and faxing. Masks that cover the nose and mouth must be worn, and distancing guidelines must be followed. Browsing, with masks and distancing, is now allowed in Heights Libraries branches, including the Noble Neighborhood branch. In addition, hours at each branch have been expanded. (Jeff Piorkowski, special to cleveland.com) Also, hours have been expanded at all branches. Hours are now 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The branches are closed on Mondays. Speaking of Heights Libraries, its upcoming virtual events include Job Search Essentials: Resume Workshop, from 7 to 8 p.m. March 4 (register here); Distance Dungeons & Dragons, from 1 to 3 p.m. March 7 (register here); and Does it Dissolve?, in which children will learn what happens when certain things are put in a solution (register here). Crossing guards being hired for Cleveland Heights Schools: Part-time work is available as a crossing guard in Cleveland Heights. Work includes brief shifts in the morning and afternoon on school days, with the ability to earn $65 per day. Training is provided and seniors are welcome to apply. For more information, contact area supervisor Spring Jackson at 216-258-1481, or visit here. If there is an item you would like to see appear in Press Run, send me an email, at least 12 days prior to an event, at jeff.piorkowski@att.net. Read more from the Sun Press. Panaji, Feb 19 : Maratha emperor Shivaji and his son Sambhaji helped preserve Hindu culture in Goa at the time of religious conversion, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said at a Shiv Jayanti function held here on Friday. Sawant also said that like Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'Make in India' and 'Skill India', the Maratha king had also believed in a similar philosophy, especially when it came to locally manufacturing arms used to fight the brutal oppressive regimes. "Not just in Maharashtra, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took efforts to preserve Hindu dharma and the concept of Swadharma in Goa too. The biggest contribution to preserving Hindu religion and Swadharma (in Goa) was made by Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji maharaj. He (Shivaji) played a major role in preserving Hindu culture at a time of conversion," Sawant said. Born in the 17th century, Shivaji's regime coincided with the colonial Portuguese rule in Goa, early part of which witnessed large-scale conversion of the native population. Sawant in his speech said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's calls for an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in times of an adversity like Covid-19, as well as other missions like 'Make in India', 'Skill India' mirrored similar initiatives launched by Shivaji in his era. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocates 'Make in India', 'Skill India', concepts which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had identified then. If you go back in history, during Shivaji's fight against injustices and brutal regimes of the time, the weapons used by his army were locally made. If the Make in India concept is in vogue now, its foundations were laid by Shivaji Maharaj," Sawant said. PARIS Stepping up its attacks on social science theories that it says threaten France, the French government announced this week that it would launch an investigation into academic research that it says feeds Islamo-leftist tendencies that corrupt society. News of the investigation immediately caused a fierce backlash among university presidents and scholars, deepening fears of a crackdown on academic freedom especially on studies of race, gender, post-colonial studies and other fields that the French government says have been imported from American universities and contribute to undermining French society. While President Emmanuel Macron and some of his top ministers have spoken out forcefully against what they see as a destabilizing influence from American campuses in recent months, the announcement marked the first time that the government has moved to take action. It came as Frances lower house of Parliament passed a draft law against Islamism, an ideology it views as encouraging terrorist attacks, and as Mr. Macron tilts further to the right, anticipating nationalist challenges ahead of elections next year. Almost every new 2021 Toyota model has a corresponding special. For instance, the popular 2021 Toyota RAV4 crossover is available for lease at as low as $219 per month for 36 months. It can be financed at 0.9% APR for 60 months, too. The 2021 RAV4 also comes with a $1,000 Customer Cash discount. Arlington Toyotathe Illinois-based Toyota dealership serving the Palatine areais continuing to offer its Presidents Day discounts, financing rates and leasing specials on most new 2021 Toyota vehicles throughout February. Those interested in getting a new 2021 Toyota are encouraged to act quickly, though. The specials listed herein are only valid through March 1. Almost every new 2021 Toyota model has a corresponding special. For instance, the popular 2021 Toyota RAV4 crossover is available for lease at as low as $219 per month for 36 months. It can be financed at 0.9% APR for 60 months, too. The 2021 RAV4 also comes with a $1,000 Customer Cash discount. The 2021 Toyota Corolla has similar offerings. It can be leased for as little as $179 per month for up to 39 months or financed at 0.9% APR for 60 months. The 2021 Corolla is eligible for the $1,750 in Customer Cash. Another example is the 2021 Toyota Highlander, which can be leased for as low a $299 per month for 36 months or financed at 1.9% APR for 60 months. Potential 2021 Highlander buyers will also receive a $1,500 Customer Cash discount. For a full list of the specials, interested parties can visit the Specials section on the Arlington Toyota website. Those who wish to take advantage of the Arlington Toyota Presidents Day Sale can get more info on the Arlington Toyota website at arlingtontoyota.com. The dealership can be reached via phone at 844-474-5287. Arlington Toyota is located on 2095 N Rand Road, Palatine. Swiss Re swung to a larger-than-expected annual loss on Friday, pressured by $3.9 billion in claims and reserves related to the coronavirus pandemic, but declared a dividend as the reinsurer expects a return to profit in 2021. Swiss Re and its competitors have faced large claims from the pandemic, such as those for canceled events, as well losses from hurricanes and wildfires in the United States. We are confident in the outlook for 2021 with COVID-19 losses mostly behind us, Chief Executive Christian Mumenthaler said, adding the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines provided hope. Chief Financial Officer John Dacey told journalists that the company expects to return to a net profit in 2021. The company posted a full-year net loss of $878 million, its first loss since the financial crisis in 2008. Analysts had expected a loss of $526 million, according to a consensus report published by Swiss Re. In 2019, the reinsurer delivered a net profit of $727 million. Swiss Re expects additional COVID-19 related claims and reserves in its property and casualty operation of less than $500 million in 2021, down from $1.9 billion in 2020. It proposed a stable dividend of 5.90 Swiss francs ($6.58) per share for the year. ($1 = 0.8960 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Tom Sims; editing by Caroline Copley, Sherry Jacob-Phillips and David Evans) Topics USA Profit Loss Swiss Re 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. 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. 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 U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon trainer jet out of Beale Air Force Base, California, experienced a landing gear mishap when touching down at Sacramento's Mather Airport, the service said Thursday. The two pilots aboard sustained no injuries during the accident, base officials said in a release. The aircraft, which took off from Beale for routine training, belongs to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, the release adds. The twin-engine jet came down at the airport with its landing gear up at approximately 9:00 a.m. The facility, roughly 50 miles from the base, is often used by military aircraft for touch-and-go landings and takeoffs, 9th Reconnaissance Wing spokeswoman Kathryn Miller told Military.com. Read Next: 'They Know All About It': Pentagon Report Details Military Reach of Supremacist Groups She said she could not provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation into the incident. The base is best known for its U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft. It operates T-38s for its companion aircraft training program, according to the service. Some of the Northrop Grumman-made T-38s date to the mid-1960s. Pilots have noted feeling strain when conducting basic maneuvers in the T-38 because its shape -- most notably its stubby wings -- gives it unforgiving tendencies. The aircraft performs best at high speeds and is much more challenging to fly when pilots are working on slow-speed fundamental skills, a former T-38 instructor told Military.com last year. The Air Force is preparing to replace the aging T-38s with new trainer jets. In September 2018, the service awarded Boeing Co. a $9.2 billion contract to build a replacement aircraft, known as the T-X program. In 2019, the Air Force rebranded the T-X as the T-7A Redhawk, named in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen. The first T-7A is expected to be delivered in 2023, along with new flight training simulators. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: After Fatal Jet Crash, the Pilots Got Blamed. Then the Air Force Banned the Flight Maneuver 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. OTTUMWA, Iowa (AP) Authorities say a man was shot to death Thursday night after breaking into a rural home near Ottumwa. The Wapello County Sheriffs Office says someone living a few miles east of Ottumwa called 911 to report a man was trying to break into their home. When the man managed to get inside, he was shot by the homeowner. The man was flown by helicopter to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, where he died. The sheriffs office says his name will be released later after relatives are notified. KYODO NEWS - Feb 19, 2021 - 22:40 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima A Japanese high court on Friday overturned a lower court decision that dismissed the state's responsibility in the 2011 nuclear crisis, ordering both the government and the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant's operator to pay damages to 43 people who had to evacuate from their hometowns as a result. The Tokyo High Court ordered the state to cover the total damages of 278 million yen ($2.63 million) together with Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., following the precedent set by the Sendai High Court last September. It marked the third high court ruling among 30 similar lawsuits filed across the country, and the second in which both the state and the utility were ordered to pay damages over radioactive contamination following the meltdowns at the plant. Presiding Judge Yukio Shiraishi said it was "extremely unreasonable" for the government not to use its regulatory power to force the operator widely known as TEPCO to take preventive measures against the tsunami that triggered the world's worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. If it had done so, "the impact of the tsunami would have been significantly reduced, and the facility would not have lost all power," he said. The court also ruled that the evacuees should be compensated for their mental distress, in addition to the 100,000 yen per month to be awarded to them as consolation for prolonged evacuation. In a lawsuit filed with the Chiba District Court, 45 people collectively sought around 2.8 billion yen in damages from the government and the plant operator after they were forced to move from Fukushima Prefecture to Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo. Related coverage: Only 30% of Fukushima residents happy with disaster recovery progress Melted fuel removal from crippled Fukushima reactor to be delayed IAEA ready to send monitor team for Fukushima water release In 2017, the district court told TEPCO to pay a total of 376 million yen to 42 of the evacuees, but cleared the state of liability, prompting the plaintiffs to appeal the decision. The focal point of the lower court case was whether the government and utility were able to foresee the huge tsunami that hit the coastal plant on March 11, 2011, and take preventive measures beforehand based on the government's long-term earthquake assessment that was made public in 2002. The Chiba court ruled that both the state and TEPCO could have predicted the tsunami, but the accident may have been unavoidable even if preventive steps had been taken. In contrast with Friday's ruling, the district court ruled the government's failure to exercise regulatory power to force TEPCO to take preventive measures was "not unreasonable." In January, the Tokyo High Court also deemed the government was not responsible for the nuclear disaster in a suit filed by plaintiffs who evacuated to Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, and elsewhere. Help India! The Jamiat Open School will work in the framework of NIOS all across the country and is supported by the Madarsa community. The program is targeted to reach at least 50 thousand students at the first stage. TCN News Support TwoCircles New Delhi: A new era is about to begin in Islamic madrassas as the students of madrassas will be equipped with modern education up to the secondary level, Maulana Mahmood Madani of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind said on Friday. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has set up a Jamiat Open School in collaboration with eminent religious scholars and madrassa heads. The Jamiat Open School will work in the framework of NIOS all across the country. It is supported by the Madarsa community. The program is targeted to reach out to 50 thousand students at the first stage. In this regard, an introductory and training program was held today at the headquarter of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, in which about 100 heads of Madrasas representing 10 West UP districts & Delhi attended the event. They will proceed to Pune for one-month-long training. The event was attended by Maulana Mahmood Madani, the director of the JOS, and General Secretary of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, as well as several educationists. On this historic occasion, Maulana Mahmood Madani in his speech said that our elders had opposed the government madrassa board; time has proved that their concerns were correct. He cited the recent attitude of the Assam government in this regard as an example. He said that we do not accept the governments interference in religious madrassas, we have chosen our path for modern education. He said that it is fulfilling our need and there is no interference in the routine of the madrasa. In the changing circumstances of the world, we need a good preacher. Every year, thousands of young Muslims graduate from various Islamic centres of learning gain a deeper understanding of traditional Islamic science but they are unable to play a key role in their society due to unfamiliarity with modern techniques. Therefore, it is our goal to provide a quality education through Jamiat Open School so that students can progress in the field of modern science as well. On this occasion, Dr Shoaib Raza Khan, Assistant Director, NIOS, in his address termed this joint initiative of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and Madrassas as a path-breaking and said that NIOS was ready to extend all possible cooperation in this regard. Apart from them, the President of Maulana Azad University Jodhpur, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Mr Kamal Faruqui (both of whom are also members of the Central Education Council of Jamiat Open School), Mr Ikram Rizvi, Mr M.A Khan, Mr Mujtaba Farooq, Advocate M. R, Shamshad delivered a key speech. Maulana Niaz Ahmad Farooqi, Secretary, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the central figure of the movement, delivered the welcome address and said that so far 100 madrassas have been selected in which 2,000 students will benefit from modern education. Under this, a twenty-day training camp for the coordinators and teachers of these madrassas is going to start in Azam Campus, Pune from tomorrow. Project Incharge Mohsin Alvi introduced Jamiat Open School and Abdul Majid Alvi moderated the event. The program ended with the prayers of the great religious scholar Maulana Qari Shaukat Ali. LI Students Spread Love & Kindness to Frontline Nurses at NYU Langone Hospital Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness By Long Island Published: February 18 2021 LongIsland.com As COVID continues to hold its grip across the state, the nursing staff at NYU Langone Hospital Long Island continues to provide compassionate care but are still feeling the impact of this cases just ... Notre Dame Student working on Valentines Day card for a healthcare hero. Photo Credit: Notre Dame Catholic School 603 Shares Share I hesitated to write this because I am just a pediatric neurologist and epidemiologist. Plus, I didnt have any time until I dropped my kids off at school. Yes, you read that correctly. I just dropped my kindergartener and third-grader off at school. Because they are extremely privileged to go to a private school that acknowledged the science last summer and worked hard to put procedures and policies in place to safely bring kids back to campus, before there was even a vaccine on the horizon. Families were given the opportunity to choose to remain in remote learning or return, and I was grateful to even have a choice. Some of you have questioned the safety of returning to campus. Do you think I am willfully putting my children in danger by sending them to school? Statistics show they have a greater chance of being struck by lightning than contracting COVID-19 from school and dying from it. Instead of looking at the 0.002% chance something could happen (the current fatality rate for children under 10), lets look at the 99.998% chance it wont. What about MIS-C? 99.94% chance of not dying. In this terrible pandemic that we are all facing, lets try to look for the silver linings. Lets give families this data in this positive framework and let them make their own decisions about whether or not to send their children to school. As many working mothers have experienced during this pandemic, in the Spring, I contemplated quitting my job to stay home and help educate my children because our family could remain more than comfortable on a single income. Many working mothers have not had the luxury of this option. Many of the single mothers I have spoken to have been faced with a choice: put food on the table or support their childs learning. They had to choose to put food on the table and leave their child either home alone or with a family member who may not speak English. We are not protecting these families by keeping schools closed. Studies have shown us that child-adult transmission happens at lower numbers than adult-adult and adult-child transmission, likely because of the age-dependent expression of ACE-2 receptors. Many of these families have a parent working outside the home and have a greater risk of infecting their children and households than their child would if they went to school. The 1 in 10 asymptomatic positive children tested by LAUSD reflects this those children contracted COVID-19 during remote learning (at home). So those children should be kept home to protect their families while my children with two physician parents who could also bring COVID home get to go to school? That doesnt seem equitable at all. If we cant trust large, population-based studies to give us data, then let me give you a few anecdotes. Some children are certainly thriving in remote learning many of my patients with school-related anxiety are having fewer headaches. But many are not. Children with special needs are regressing; other children are having headaches and aches and pains from sitting in front of a screen all day, and having non-epileptic seizures triggered by zoom. Every single day, whether it is in my clinic in Santa Monica or my county clinic in Sylmar, children as young as eight are telling me they would rather die. The emergency room statistics only account for the children that show up to the ER, not the ones we are talking out of suicide in the clinic. We have COVID-positive pediatric patients admitted not because they are sick, but because they cant go home while actively suicidal and cant transfer to psychiatry while actively infectious. More children have died of suicide in Nevada than of COVID-19, prompting a call to re-open schools. At what point will we need to start addressing childrens risk of keeping schools closed? Certainly, some teachers are afraid to return, and we can all empathize with them, having gone through similar fears last spring. We appreciate the hard work teachers put in to adapt to distance learning. But its now almost a year later. When interacting in close quarters with asymptomatic children, we know effective PPE is a surgical mask and eye protection. We know children can transmit, but less often than adults, and are not the viral vectors we feared they would be when it comes to COVID-19. Greater than 70% of our deaths are in people over the age of 65, which is why age was prioritized for vaccination, and therefore the teachers and staff at greatest risk of death are eligible for vaccination right now. If we have to wait until every single teacher is vaccinated, then the goalpost might be moved to every single child vaccinated, and then schools will never reopen. We only have a 57% vaccination rate for influenza, do you really think we can achieve greater than 70% vaccination rates for COVID-19? Those of you who address vaccine hesitancy every day are probably already dreading this conversation with parents. Lets not use vaccination as a tool to hinder school re-opening, but to support it. Children cannot afford to wait, especially our youngest learners who have difficulty engaging on a screen. We need to all work together to help schools reopen, especially in low-income communities that are disproportionately suffering and may lack the resources. I stand with the AAP, CDC, European CDC, WHO, and UNICEF to support safe school re-opening. Lekha M. Rao is a pediatric neurologist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 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. New Delhi: The government of Haryana on Friday banned the mixing of liquid nitrogen in drinks and food items after the shocking Gurgaon pub incident in which a 30-year-old Delhi man ended up in a hospital with a huge hole in his stomach after drinking a cocktail containing the chemical. The chemical was banned under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Central Act 34 of 2006). Any drink or food whose preparation involves the flushing or mixing of liquid nitrogen is harmful to people, said Dr Saket Kumar, Commissioner (Food Safety) in Haryanas Food and Drugs Administration Department. Due to its low temperature, liquid nitrogen could be extremely damaging to body tissue, causing frostbite and cryogenic burning on contact. Moreover, if ingested, it could lead to severe internal damage, destroying tissue in the mouth and intestinal tract, he added. Earlier this month, A Delhi businessman who went to a pub in Gurgaon was faced with a hole in his stomach and landed up in the hospital. The cocktail he was served with was laced with liquid nitrogen, used to turbo-freeze food and drinks for an attractive look, left him in a serious life-threatening situation. The Haryana government has prohibited the mixing or flushing of liquid nitrogen with any drink or food item in view of the interest of the health of people in the state, a statement issued by government said. Expert medical opinion says that any food article or drink which involves the flushing or mixing of liquid nitrogen is harmful for humans, he said. Liquid nitrogen could be extremely damaging for body tissue causing frostbite and cryogenic burning on contact due to its low temperature, he added. If swallowed, the gas can lead to serious internal damage, destroying tissues in the mouth and intestinal area. Also, as it evaporates, liquid nitrogen releases a high volume of gas, which can tear open the stomach if swallowed in adequately large quantities, the order further said. The Delhi man underwent a surgery at Columbia Asia hospital in Palam Vihar after a big hole was found in his stomach because he had consumed liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen mixed in his drink had a boiling point of -195.8C and is used to instantly freeze food and drinks. The incident was reported on July 3. Mrintunajay Tiwari, principal consultant, Blue Fish Concept hospitality said, Staff at restaurants/bars serving nitrogen-based drinks and food had to undergo seven weeks training during which they were told to be very attentive while the drinks are served. The incident was unfortunate. Suggested Read: Delhi businessman drinks liquid nitrogen cocktail, burns hole in stomach For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images The one-bedroom loft condo in San Francisco owned by Vice President Kamala Harris hit the market just last week and is already under contract, as first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The property in SoMa is listed for $799,000 and spans 1,069 square feet spread over two levels. On the top floor of a boutique building, the home features high ceilings, a home office alcove, a patio and a fireplace. Theres also an air conditioning unit a very elusive feature in San Francisco. The Holy See said Friday it expects a loss of almost 50 million euros ($60.6 million) this year, due to continued fallout from the coronavirus pandemic Rome, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :The Holy See said Friday it expects a loss of almost 50 million Euros ($60.6 million) this year, due to continued fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Pope Francis personally approved the figures released Friday for the Roman Curia, or Holy See, comprising about sixty different administrations that help him govern the Catholic Church. It was the first time a provisional annual budget was publicised by the Secretariat for the Economy, as part of a drive towards greater transparency requested by the pope. The Holy See anticipates revenues of 260.4 million euros and 310.1 million euros in expenses, leading to a deficit of 49.7 million euros in 2020, "heavily impacted" by the economic crisis generated by the pandemic. It said it would dip into financial reserves to make up for the shortfall. Due to fewer trips by the pope and conferences because of Covid-19, however, operating expenses, excluding personnel costs, fell by 14 percent, or 24 million euros, this year compared with 2019. This year's budget includes for the first time Peter's Pence, or donations from the faithful to the pope for his charity work, estimated at 47 million euros, and other dedicated funds. Without their contribution, the deficit for 2021 would have swollen to 80 million euros, the Vatican's Secretariat for the Economy said. - 2020 loss - The Vatican has not yet released its 2020 accounts. But a senior official with knowledge of the matter told AFP Wednesday the Holy See expected a loss of around 90 million euros, with revenues down by 20 to 25 percent. The source said the Holy See could tap its reserves for "a few years" without having to sell off real estate. Peter's Pence donations are expected to fall by around 25 percent in 2020, from 53 million euros collected in 2019. Other major donations from dioceses or institutions are estimated to have fallen by a similar degree. Vatican Museum revenues were down 85 percent in 2020, a loss of income "on the order of 100 million euros", the source also said. The Governorate of the Vatican City State, which manages the museums, has as a result cut by half the 30 million euros it normally turns over to the Roman Curia for its operations. The Vatican, a major property owner, has also supported companies in difficulty by reducing or deferring commercial rents, which cost it more than five million euros. Earlier this year, Francis stripped the management of financial holdings and properties -- including Peter's Pence -- from the powerful Vatican Secretariat of State, transferring that important role to a different body in the wake of an ongoing scandal involving murky real estate deals. The Secretariat of State -- which used to manage Peter's Pence -- is at the centre of an explosive investigation into opaque financial arrangements related to a purchase of a luxury building in London's Chelsea district, a case expected to go to trial at the Vatican this year. In 2019, the last published figures, the Vatican posted a deficit of 11 million euros, after expenses of 318 million euros outpaced revenues of 307 million euros. Minister for Information Designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has called for increased support for the media in the country. According to him, the Ghanaian media plays a critical role in our democratic dispensation and hence must be assisted to go about their activities in a free and independent manner. Taking his turn before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Thursday, February 18, 2021, Mr Nkrumah noted that the media plays a critical role in information dissemination in the country. As a result, he said media needs to be given the needed support so as to make them function appropriately. He said: as I have mentioned, while we uphold the freedom and independence of the media, we should also work to support the media so that they are able to live up to their responsibility. There are some of the infractions in the media space that are not out of malice but because of the very liberalized market in which we are, there are people operating who even have not had the benefit of any training or support and that is why I argued that we should support them so that they can do that in which they desire to do without falling into the tentacles of irresponsibility. The media has come under intense scrutiny particularly after the 2020 general election for compromising on professionalism, objectivity and accuracy. However, the Minister-Designate for Information said there is the need to most importantly aid the media in their daily reportage with training and resources so they get on the right path. He acknowledged that while there are shortfalls in the work of the media, the role it has played in sustaining the countrys democracy since it returned to democratic governance is critical and must not be taken lightly. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. Britain will be 'a lot more normal' by May even if Boris Johnson adopts a cautious roadmap for easing lockdown, one of the Government's leading scientific experts said today. Professor Neil Ferguson, from Imperial College London, said that gradually easing measures could still result in the UK being a 'very different country' within months. Professor Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol and a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), also struck an optimistic tone as he said 'everything's moving in the right direction' on the jab rollout. The interventions came as Boris Johnson prepares to hammer out the final version of his lockdown exit strategy over the weekend before unveiling it on Monday. The Prime Minister is now said to be in receipt of all the latest data relating to the pandemic and the vaccine rollout which will underpin his plan of action. Mr Johnson has said he wants the current national shutdown to be the last but Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly this morning admitted that cannot be guaranteed. Meanwhile, official data suggested Britain's R rate has fallen again, with estimates showing coronavirus cases have fallen in England by nearly 50 per cent in a fortnight. SAGE scientists predicted the R rate - the average number of people each Covid patient passes the disease onto - was between 0.6 and 0.9 for the UK. Last week it was estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9, while two weeks ago they warned it could be above the crucial level of one - suggesting the outbreak was not shrinking. Office for National Statistics data estimated 481,300 people in the nation would test positive for Covid-19 on any given day in the week to February 12, the equivalent of 1 in 115 people. This was 30 per cent below the levels the same time last week, and 43 per cent below two weeks ago when there were 846,900 cases. For comparison, it was also 60 per cent less than in the darkest days of January at the peak of the second wave when there were estimated to be 1.2million cases. Boris Johnson will unveil his eagerly-awaited lockdown exit strategy on Monday next week The PM is facing growing pressure from some Tory MPs to speed up the easing of lockdown. Many Conservative backbenchers believe the success of the vaccination drive should allow the Government to move quicker than has been suggested. Mr Johnson has refused to be drawn on the specifics of his plan, but said earlier this week that it will be 'based firmly on a cautious and prudent approach' to ease restrictions in 'such a way as to be irreversible'. Prof Ferguson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that even with a cautious approach life could be very different by May as he said data on falling infection levels and the efficacy of the jabs is 'looking promising at the moment'. Asked whether the vaccine rollout could allow the PM to take bigger risks when it comes to reopening society, he said: 'I think the downside in taking bigger risks is you risk having to lockdown again which is even more disruptive economically and socially. 'So I am encouraged by the cautious approach being taken and the incremental approach which I think will be adopted, namely relax one thing, see what that impact is, relax again. 'It still may well be that by the end of May we are in a very different country than we are today.' Asked if that could mean being back to normal or life just being easier than it is now, Prof Ferguson replied: 'I think more the latter than the former. We will still have rules in place but we may well, I think society will be a lot more normal. 'That is if things pan out as we hope they will and as the current data suggests it will. 'There are threats out there. We don't know for instance quite how effective the vaccines are, how long immunity will last, there is the threat of variants, so we have to be driven by the data and the trends we see.' Prof Finn told the same programme on the impact of the vaccines: 'We've now got to the point where the study we're doing in Bristol where we can say with certainty that there is definitely an effect. 'It's just hard to put an exact number on it at this point because the numbers of cases coming through are still building up, the number of people who've been vaccinated are still going up, but it's becoming clearer for the Pfizer vaccine, which we've been using for a month longer, since early December, and it'll take slightly longer for us to get a firm handle on just how well the AstraZeneca vaccine is preventing hospitalisations too, but they're definitely doing the job.' It came as Mr Cleverly told Sky News that the Government cannot guarantee that this will be the last national lockdown. He said: 'Well, we do want it to be the last lockdown. That is what we are working towards. We can see that the actions that we have taken have had a positive effect. So long as the mammoth operation stays at the current speed, the UK could offer jabs to all 32million vulnerable Britons before the end of March. But not everyone will get vaccinated, meaning No10 may be able to expand the roll-out even sooner 'The vaccine rollout has been very, very successful - that will all be having a positive effect. 'But ultimately no one can predict with complete certainty what the vaccine will do, how it might evolve. 'We are taking the right action, we are doing the right things and we very, very much hope that this will be the last lockdown. 'We can't give complete, 100 per cent certainty because viruses don't work like that. 'But we know we are doing the right things, we can see it is having an effect and we are assessing just how that effectiveness is playing out in the real world so we can make the announcement early next week.' Letters from Princess Diana that highlight the importance she placed on her closest friends who helped her through her separation from Charles have come to light. One of her most important friendships at the time of her marriage break up was with Lucia Flecha di Lima, the wife of the Brazilian ambassador to the UK. The Princess of Wales became so close to Lucia that she even had her own room at the South American couple's Mayfair home. After meeting her for the first time in April 1991 Diana described her new friend as 'a wonderful lady with such depth' who had already had a 'huge impact' in her life. Letters from Princess Diana that highlight the importance she placed on her closest friends who helped her through her separation from Charles have come to light. Pictured, letter to friend Roger dated May 2nd 1991 The late Princess Of Wales is escorted into the London festival ballet charity event by Councillor Roger Bramble, representing the Lord Mayor Of Westminster In one of the letters, Princess Diana writes to family friend Roger Bramble and mentions William and Harry being 'thrilled' to join in 'adult conversations.' Pictured, in 1995 The three letters that are coming up for sale form part of a collection of letters Diana wrote to another close confidant, Roger Bramble, the former Lord High Sheriff of Westminster. In a second letter Diana wrote of the champagne lunches the three of them used to enjoy together. She wrote to Roger in May 1992: 'What a treat it was for Lucia and I to be taken out to lunch today. Thank you for keeping it just the three of us. My crab went down a treat as did the champagne.' The third letter referenced Princes William and Harry and the historic moment of the future King's first investiture aged 11. A letter dated October 26 1993, after 'the boys' had accompanied Diana to lunch at the Festival Hall along with Lucia and Roger who received the Order of the Southern Cross from William In October 1993 'the boys' had accompanied Diana to lunch at the Festival Hall along with Lucia and Roger who received the Order of the Southern Cross from William. Diana wrote: 'The boys were thrilled to be included in such adult conversation! 'A memory never to be erased was seeing you receive your gong - A first for William and yourself!' The cache of 30 letters are being old at auction by a relation of Mr Bramble with David Lay Auctions of Penzance, Cornwall. The Princess Of Wales with her friend Lucia Flecha De Lima and Barbara Walters at The Pre-auction Party At Christie's, New York A second letter (pictured) dated May 1992 described the champagne lunches Princess Diana used to enjoy with Roger and Lucia In the May 1992 letter to Roger, Princess Diana wrote: 'What a treat it was for Lucia and I to be taken out to lunch today. Thank you for keeping it just the three of us. My crab went down a treat as did the champagne' (pictured) In a letter written in April 1991, Diana described her new friend Lucia Flecha di Lima, the wife of the Brazilian ambassador to the UK, as 'a wonderful lady with such depth' who had already had a 'huge impact' in her life (pictured) Auctioneer Mimi Connell Lay said: 'Diana's sense of isolation during her marriage is well documented and she valued enormously her few trusted confidantes. 'One of the most important people in her life was her friend Lucia Flecha di Lima. 'These letters show somebody who really valued her trusted and loyal friends which were clearly very important to her at the time. 'The letters were written to another trusted family friend Roger Bramble, who was instrumental in introducing Diana to Lucia in April 1991.' A relation of Mr Bramble said: 'The letters reveal a witty and intelligent hand from an affectionate, well-meaning, cultivated and delightful human being.' The three letters, all written on Kensington Palace headed notepaper, are being sold individually for between 800 to 1,500. The sale takes place on March 18. 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. Since the election of Joe Biden as US president, there has been much discussion over whether and how his administration may rejoin the Iran nuclear deal, Middle East Eye informs. According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, if Iran comes back into full compliance with its obligations under the [deal], the United States would do the same thing and then we would use that as a platform to build, with our allies and partners a longer and stronger agreement and to deal with a number of other issues that are deeply problematic in the relationship with Iran. Irans missile programme is a key concern for Washington. But Tehran has ruled out halting the programme, with President Hassan Rouhani declaring it non-negotiable. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that Tehran would not be deceived by the US offer of negotiations and would not give up its missile and space programme. Indeed, since Biden won the November election, Iran has repeatedly underscored its determination to maintain and expand its missile capabilities. Last month, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unveiled a new underground missile base in the southern province of Hormozgan. And earlier this month, Irans defence minister and army chief inaugurated factories producing shoulder-fired missiles and hybrid solid fuel for missiles used in ground warfare. The defence ministry also just launched the Zoljenah satellite carrier, capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 220 kilograms into an orbit 500 kilometres above the Earth. Given the US insistence on curbing Irans missile programme and Tehrans determination to further expand and strengthen its capabilities, it would be prudent to examine the forces driving this programme, along with the role missiles play in the Islamic Republics asymmetric warfare doctrine. In recent years, Tehrans missile arsenal has evolved to become the largest and most diverse in the Middle East, though not the most lethal or longest range. Other regional powers, such as Israel, have also developed formidable capabilities. In addition to developing indigenous military capability, for decades Israel has been, by far, the largest recipient of US assistant and received almost unconditional military and technological support from Western powers led by the United States. In 2008 the Congress passed a law requiring that Israel maintains a "qualitative military edge over its neighbors". To further cement this policy a few months before leaving office, former President Barack Obama signed a $38bn military package aid to Israel, the largest any country has ever received. But Irans programme has been deemed by the west as more controversial, attracting more political and academic attention than those of its neighbours. Evolving capabilities The roots of Irans missile programme go back to the mid-1970s, when the shah sought to make Iran a dominant regional power. Shortly before the fall of the Pahlavi regime, Israel was involved in a multibillion-dollar project to modify advanced surface-to-surface missiles for sale to Iran. The establishment of the Islamic Republic brought this cooperation to an abrupt end. Since the 1979 revolution, Iran, unlike most of its regional adversaries, has been subject to arms embargoes. During the war with Iraq in the 1980s, Iranian troops and industrial and population centres endured heavy missile attacks by Iraqi forces. This experience gave birth to Irans missile programme, with Tehran initially importing weapons from countries such as China, North Korea and Russia as it gradually developed indigenous capabilities. The evolution of Irans missile programme and the countrys growing capabilities highlight the significant role missiles play in its broader defence strategy. In recent years, a number of regional adversaries have adopted strategies to counter this perceived threat. Israel is believed to have one of the most technologically advanced missile arsenals in the Middle East. At the same time, in collaboration with the United States, Israel has created a multi-layered missile defence apparatus that includes the Patriot, Arrow, Iron Dome and Davids Sling. Similarly, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made deals to acquire the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, regarded as the US crown jewel in missile defence systems. Resisting restrictions During negotiations that led to the signing of the nuclear deal in 2015, Tehran successfully resisted restrictions on its missile capabilities. The notion that the heavy sanctions imposed on Iran as part of the Trump administrations maximum pressure policy have weakened Iran, and should force it to make concessions, is misleading. ts true that the sanctions have dealt a heavy blow to the Iranian economy, particularly the oil sector - but the Islamic Republic has survived. Since late last year, Iranian oil exports have been on the rise, and the economy is projected to grow in 2021. And while Iran has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, it rolled out its mass vaccination campaign this month. Despite the ongoing economic challenges, the Iranian government seems to face little, if any, widespread organised opposition, with the last large-scale demonstrations taking place in late 2019. Of course, this does not mean everything is fine in Iran; the country faces many problems, but the maximum pressure policy did not force it to capitulate. The US, European powers and regional allies need to acknowledge Irans security concerns. Tehrans determination to acquire and develop missile capabilities, and its willingness to pay a high price to achieve this, must be examined. Regional security landscape The huge disparity in defence expenditures between Iran and its neighbours suggests that the broad regional military balance needs to be negotiated. Irans regional adversaries possess the most advanced American and European weaponry. Its own missile programme cannot be separated from the regional arms race, and can only be adequately addressed within a broader discussion of the regional security landscape. Last month, Qatars foreign minister called on Gulf Arab countries to enter a dialogue with Iran. It is time for regional powers to negotiate a new security architecture, and to acknowledge each others legitimate concerns. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed the heartbeat bill into law on Thursday. It was signed one day after the legislation passed the state lower chamber. Fetal Heartbeat Bill According to McMaster on Twitter, "Today, we made history. The Heartbeat Bill is now the law of South Carolina and we will defend it with everything in us because there is nothing more important than protecting the sanctity of life!" Today, we made history. The Heartbeat Bill is now the law of South Carolina and we will defend it with everything in us because there is nothing more important than protecting the sanctity of life! pic.twitter.com/n9ldH3CUAJ Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) February 18, 2021 On Thursday, the SC governor signed a bill prohibiting most abortions, one of his top priorities since he took office over four years ago. The South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act is like abortion limitation laws that a dozen states have earlier passed. A final procedural vote was made Thursday. They would approve the measure on a 79-35 vote Wednesday. The bill was officially passed in the House 74-39 on Thursday. The new law prohibits abortions if a fetal heartbeat can be detected. It mandates doctors to conduct an ultrasound before performing an abortion to see if a heartbeat could be detected. The law consists of exceptions to a fetus's rule conceived by incest or rape or if the mother's life is in grave danger. Planned Parenthood Files Lawsuit In response, Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit, effectively barring the measure from being implemented. The South Carolina law, similar to that of other states that are currently being challenged, is "blatantly unconstitutional," according to Jenny Black, president, and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. Also Read: Kanye West Mental Breakdown: Rapper in Tears Admitting He "Almost Killed" Daughter North Requirements of the South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act The law requires physicians to check for a heartbeat in the fetus. In incest or rape cases, doctors who offer the procedure are required to report the crime to police officials. For having an illegal abortion, a pregnant person would not be punished. But anyone who operates may be charged with a felony, fined $10,000 if found guilty, and a two-year sentence in prison. The governor's signature was not the last phase for this piece of legislation. According to McMaster, the step undertaken yesterday was long in coming and remarkable in consequence. However, their battles are not over yet, reported WBTV. Before signing the bill, McMaster stated, "If there's not a right to life, then what rights is there. What rights exists, if not the elementary, fundamental, profound right to life," reported USA Today. According to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson in a statement, the Attorney General's office has already been named by accusers in a legal action to bar the implementation of this law. He added his office would vigorously defend the law in court because nothing is of greater priority than protecting life. The new law comes as the Supreme Court, with a sternly conservative tilt from former President Donald Trump's appointees, has shown it is open to abortion restrictions. Related Article: Fact Check: 41 Senators Vote to Let Babies Scream Until They Die If Born Alive? @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The upcoming elections in West Bengal are making heads turn, not only in India but also across the borders. Several factors explain the unprecedented curiosity and interest, within and outside, that the electoral contest scheduled for May is generating. The elections are seen as a barometer of the national mood, which has been heavily impacted by the farmers' agitation. In the backdrop of animus, will the BJP that is heavily contesting be unceremoniously rejected in a bastion controlled first by the Left and subsequently by the mercurial Mamata Baneerjee's Trinamool? Or, instead, is a paradigm shift in the offing, with the BJP, storming into the citadel of power for the first time, riding on a feel good traditionalist idiom, crafted in the digital age? The state, strategically located connects the northeastern part of the country and is also the gateway to the south east Asian region. It shares its borders with four countries --- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and even China. Small wonder, therefore, that socio-political development in West Bengal, which has typically remained a Left bastion for decades, until Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (Trinamool) came into power in 2011, is of immense significance to the country and the region. West Bengal with about 30 per cent Muslim population has always been considered fiercely secular. "Typically people of West Bengal have always taken pride in the principles of secularism and the much talked about superior 'Bhadralok' culture which differentiated their psyche and intellect from the others in the country even as multiple problems such as unemployment, lack of industrialisation and regular incidents of violence have marred the state," said political analyst Sajjan Kumar, who has extensively toured the state. Change in political order in Bengal is not very common. The CPI-(M) dominated Left front ruled the state for 34 years. Thereafter Banerjee's Trinamool has been in power for 10 years now. But the political order in the state is now rapidly changing. First, the Left front, which was almost the identity of the state is now almost dead -- politically. It is now leaning on the Congress for survival. Two, the dramatic rise of the BJP, which was considered unthinkable even five years ago. In the Legislative Assembly with 294 constituencies, Trinamool won 209 in the 2011 elections. BJP was a distant number 2 with only 27 seats. But since then, things have changed with BJP's rising popularity on one hand and weakening hold of the Trinamool. Third, entry of "Muslim" leaders with their own parties have altered the contours of the political structure. What are the reasons for these changes? "People voted for change in 2011. Banerjee, who was already a very popular political figure, rode on a huge anti-incumbency factor aided by the massive confusion over Nandigram and Singur. She promised change. Ten years later, there is change but the situation has become worse," said a Kolkata based retired professor. People of West Bengal said there has been a huge shift in the political culture of the state and that it will not be easy for Trinamool to storm back to power. Many who live in Kolkata, who typically do not support the BJP, are looking for a change of guard. "They will play an important role as they would want Trinamool out and to do so they could end up voting for BJP," the analyst said. The state election will have far reaching implications not only in the state politics but nationally and internationally as well. "The location of state is of great significance to New Delhi especially in the wake of an aggressive China. New systems and measures have to be put in place in that particular region to ensure security," an analyst said. Bangladesh too is directly impacted. While issues relating to the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens led to tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka, they have been put to rest. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina in a bilateral summit held in December promised to deepen ties and connectivity. However, while the Centre has been reiterating the need to resolve the issue related to sharing of the Teesta river water, Banerjee has been vehement in not allowing the deal to see the light of the day. "Bangladesh is keen on this issue to be resolved, we know this cannot happen with Banerjee being at the helm," an analyst said, adding that the people of Bangladesh are also keenly interested in the elections. Kumar said that various factors are playing up as the state election approaches. Corruption The state has never been free of corruption. "Corruption was rampant even during the Left Front regime but it was not so brutal and in your face. Today corruption in the state is monopolised, which means the same evil practices remain but only a few enjoy. This has given rise to more frustration," Kumar explained. Not just that. Residents complain of regular harassment by corrupt Trinamool workers. "People are scared to get involved with these people. My friend wanted to set up a showroom but was asked to buy certain items required for setting it up from a particular vendor with connections to the ruling Trinamool," one of the residents said on condition of anonymity. The culture of "cut-money" has also become a cause for embarrassment to Banerjee and her team. They alleged "that Trinamool Congress panchayat pradhans and members have been misappropriating the government aid money or have been demanding a percentage of the money in return for being added to the beneficiary list," the report said. The aura of the "Ma Mati Manush" slogan of Banerjee's that brought together the people of Bengal, has been fading due to rampant corruption like never-before. Fear There is an environment of fear among the people. "Many of us live in fear, if you happen to speak against the Trinamool, you could be harassed and tortured. We are scared to speak up," a state government employee said. High-handedness of state authorities has irked the citizens. Several workers affiliated to other political parties including the Left have regularly faced the wrath of the Trinamool with physical abuse. According to a report published on February 11 by the Wire, Kolkata Police "resorted to lathi charge, firing of tear gas shells and water cannons trying to disperse an agitation of Leftist youth workers when they were marching to the state secretariat in protest as part of Nabanna Abhiyan." "Several agitators, including women, suffered bleeding injuries," it said. Even during Modi's recent visit to Kolkata, left leaning students raised slogans against both leaders which did not go down well with Banerjee. Rising aspiration Bengalis -- people living in the state irrespective of the language they speak -- too have aspirations. Kumar pointed out that the youth has been neglected. "While roads and highways have been upgraded and developed, something that never happened during the Left rule, there is rising impatience among the people, particularly the youth as there is limited job opportunities. They do not want doles, they want opportunities to lead a better life," Kumar noted. For India Inc, West Bengal does not feature in the list of focus areas. "There is political uncertainty and people still have the union mindset," said a senior executive at a multinational, which is looking to set up a manufacturing unit. Dejection among the Muslims Call it an irony. Banerjee has often been blamed for her Muslim appeasement politics but the same has come to haunt her. A report titled 'Living Reality of Muslims in West Bengal', authored by economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen's Pratichi Institute and Association SNAP revealed that the condition of the Muslims in the state was worse than those living in other states. According to the report, published in 2016, 38.3 per cent of the Muslim households in rural areas had a monthly income of Rs 2,500 or less. Besides, West Bengal featured among the top states with the maximum migrant labourers. A third front has come up in the form of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) of Furfura Sharif cleric Abbas Siddiqui besides the entry of Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) in the electoral fray. The Left and Congress have now joined this front. Kumar observed that though these parties have managed to create a stir, the Muslim votes will go to Trinamool. "Muslims will still go with Trinamool due to apprehension. The question that is guiding them is what will happen to them if BJP comes to power. They are not willing to take chances and vote for the newly formed political party. So while there is consolidation of Muslim votes in favour of Trinamool there is counter consolidation happening too against the ruling party," Kumar said. Last minute efforts by Trinamool As Trinamool citadel witnesses cracks with several stalwarts moving away to join the BJP, a desperate Banerjee has now hurriedly launched the Rs 5 meal scheme. The scheme known as "Ma" provides state-subsidised daily lunch meals to the poor. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed The classic film Star Wars: A New Hope has a very famous scene. Actors Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford say the following words: What a piece of junk! Shell make .5 past light speed. She may not look like much, but shes got it where it counts, kid. Ive made a lot of special modifications myself. In todays Everyday Grammar, we will explore the grammar behind these famous words. Specifically, you will learn how English speakers sometimes use different pronouns when talking about inanimate objects. But first, lets explore some important terms. Inanimate objects and pronouns Animate means alive particularly in the way that humans or animals are. The term inanimate object means an object that is not alive, such as a rock, a chair, or a spacecraft. English speakers generally use the pronoun it to talk about an object or substance, as in: He saw the guitar and immediately decided to buy it. English speakers also use it to talk about a living thing whose sex is unknown, as in: Someone is at the door. I don't know who it is. But notice how Harrison Ford used the pronoun she to talk about his spacecraft an inanimate object. Shell make .5 past light speed. She may not look like much, but shes got it where it counts, kid. Unusual case In an unusual turn of events, English speakers sometimes use other pronouns to talk about inanimate objects usually with the pronoun she. To be clear: this use is not very common. Still, you might hear she when people are talking about objects that are very close to them. For example, it could be an object that a person has worked on or been with for many years. Often, these objects will be large and used for transportation - cars, ships, boats, and yes, even spacecraft. It would sound strange to talk about a smaller, simpler object with the pronoun she. For example, it would be hard to imagine a speaker of American English using she to talk about a nail or a flower pot. Different kinds of English Speakers of different kinds of English refer to inanimate objects in slightly different ways. In a paper on New Zealand English, Laurie Bauer notes that she is used to talk about inanimate objects particularly if the object is a ship, car, or other piece of much-loved machinery. But, Bauer adds, speakers of New Zealand English use she to refer to objects in a way that is different from other kinds of English. One example Bauer gives is shes a good crash-helmet, a statement made in an everyday discussion. Bauer notes that this use also sometimes appears in Australian English. He is careful to add that some kinds of Australian English also use he with a similar meaning. Closing thoughts The good news for you is this: you do not need to use the pronoun she in the way that we have discussed today. When you are speaking, you should use the pronoun it when you talk about inanimate objects. This will help you avoid any confusing situations. But understanding how some English speakers use different pronouns can be useful to you particularly if you are listening to everyday discussions or watching films. The next time you are watching American films and particularly films about spacecraft, cars, boats, or ships pay careful attention to the pronouns that the speakers use when they talk about inanimate objects. Over time, you will develop a stronger understanding of the small details in meaning that different pronouns can give. Im John Russell. John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. ________________________________________________ Words in This Story scene n. a part of a play, movie, story, etc., in which a particular action or activity occurs junk n. something that is in very poor condition modification n. the act or process of changing parts of something : the act or process of modifying something nail n. a long, thin piece of metal that is sharp at one end and flat at the other end and that is used chiefly to attach things to wood pot n. a container that is used for storing or holding something helmet n. a very strong, hard hat that is worn to protect your head when you are riding a bicycle, motorcycle, etc. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. A stable operational situation with no incidents has been maintained along the Armenian-Azerbaijani line of contact of the Armenian state border overnight February 18-19, the Defense Ministry of Armenia told Armenpress. According to the information provided by the Armenian National Security Service, no border incidents were registered in Vorotan-Davit Bek section of the Goris-Kapan inter-state road which is under the responsibility of the NSS border troops. The Armed Forces of Armenia and the NSS border troops confidently control the border situation along the entire length of the border zone. This year, Vision Maker Media founded in 1976 as the Native American Public Broadcasting Consortium is celebrating 45 years of engaging Native voices in public media platforms. The flow of businesses moving to the Netherlands because of Brexit remained strong in 2020, even though foreign investment fell by a quarter as the coronavirus pandemic hit, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency said on Thursday. Amsterdam has attracted companies in trading and finance, medicine, and agriculture, as well as logistics and distribution, looking to secure their European operations as the UK departed the EU. The agency said 78 Brexit companies moved to the Netherlands last year, the same number as in 2019, lifting the total since the 2016 Brexit referendum to 218. A record 550 businesses are currently in discussions with the agency about a relocation or expansion in the Netherlands, up from 425 last year. Amsterdam is already poised to be Europe's number one corporate listing venue this year, and in January, data showed it displacing London as Europes biggest share trading centre. The arrivals since June 2016 are expected to generate a combined 6,000 jobs and 544 million ($654.98 million) of investments in the first three years, the agency said. They include British companies, but also businesses from America and Asia that are shifting European operations, it said. Not only are the amount of contacts continuing to grow, the number of Brexit companies that have opted for the Netherlands is also increasing, the agency said in a statement. In effect, the uncertainty of recent years has not disappeared. Even after a divorce deal was reached between Brussels and the UK, Amsterdam has remained a popular destination, along with rivals Frankfurt and Paris. (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch; editing by Jane Merriman) Ammo Grrrll provides the intriguing title WHERE THERE IS NO MAN. She writes: Before I explain the title of this column, let me circle back to the irrational exuberance when The First Black President was elected. As some of you may remember, I did not vote for him. I knew just what a steaming pile of disaster The Lowerer of Oceans was going to be from having spent a decade in the radical movement with others of his mindset. In my lived experience, Community Organizers though nobody was very specific about exactly WHAT Barack Hussein had ever organized in his life tended to be long on ego and grandiosity and short on details, scut-work, follow-through or self-correction when their ideas turned out to yield disastrous results. But, oh, the excitement, the drooling publicity, that smug face on the cover of every magazine! Heretofore sane women waxed poetic about the First Ladys arms. And some certifiable journalists, some with Advanced Restless Leg Syndrome, and others trying to ratchet up the obsequiousness, compared him to God, if only God had had the foresight to wear trousers with a nice crease. The excitement built to a fever pitch when the Obamas planned a Date Night out! But that paled in comparison to the anticipation when the First Family was going to get a dog. That story was milked for over two weeks what breed of dog? What would the dog be named? (Bo.) And so on, and so forth, for eight tedious years. In 2016 the All-In Democrat Legacy Media next geared up for The First Woman President. Now, unfortunately, the Woman they were fixin to crown was a carpetbagging Senator, a Secretary of State who had failed to protect American citizens abroad, and a nasty piece of work with a slight drinking problem who called half the electorate Deplorable. Half! Not even to mention that the last time she occupied the White House, she and her husband-like substance had turned the Lincoln Bedroom into an Airbnb for bigshot donors. She lost. And so the winner, winner, chicken dinner, Donald J. Trump, and his family moved into The White House. The new First Lady was a beautiful supermodel with impeccable taste in clothes, considerably more photogenic than, oh, ANY of the previous First Ladies, and should have been considered somewhat interesting in her personal journey from a child in Slovenia to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But, no. There was a RICO-worthy agreement by every media outlet to avoid normalizing this family. No covers for the cover girl. It was to be attack, attack, attack, like a pack of rabid Dobermans only without the classic Doberman charm. Melanias Christmas decorations were bad; she wore HIGH HEELS to a disaster site (changed on the plane); she borrowed some language from speeches written FOR (certainly not BY) previous First Ladies. Her Be Best campaign wasnt nearly as good as the Eat Arugula and Play Outside for an Hour, Fatties campaign of Michelle Obama. NOTHING Melania did was ever good enough. Psychotic Twitter twits called for her rape, and the abuse of her young son. Yet, somehow, she never once shot anyone at a news conference. There was an election in 2020. A senile kleptocrat and bar-failing VP of some beige-ish tan color who captured 4 percent of the Democrat primary were elected, more or less. And here comes the first puff piece and cover from People Magazine, whose articles are reputed to be the exact length necessary to read on the porcelain convenience. What a coup! They snagged a big interview with Dr. Jill Biden canoodling with Lunchbox Joe, perennially a bridesmaid, and now, at long last, a bride! And what insights, what genius from Mrs. Big Guy! The mind reels. OMG, you guys, NOBODY has ever before talked about how women have to balance career and family! She had a hard time, she told People, because she came from a family of five girls and had never been around boys when she married the widowed Joe. Hunter, said Dr. Jill, evidently with a straight face, was a messy, sweaty boy. No kidding. NOBODY UNTIL NOW has dared to say to working women: Take some time for yourself. Oh wait. This has been a theme since about 1970, which is a mere HALF FLIPPIN CENTURY ago. I agree with Whoopi make this genius doctor the Surgeon General. Watch this segue, now, kids. Are you a stressed-out working woman looking for something to do to take time for yourself? No? Are you a retired woman who has binge-watched every episode of Downton Abbey and everything on Lifetime during this pandemic? Are you a manly MAN who has exhausted Die Hards, John Wickes, all the Takens, and is debating whether to borrow your brother-in-laws Fast and Furious collection or just lie down in front of a train? Then, have I got a deal for you! Max Cossack has been praise God! working in his room with his door shut for several hours a day for many months on Book 5 in his highly entertaining The Wilder Bunch series. The new release is called Where There Is No Man and no, its NOT a futuristic novel about the more extreme feminists ruling the world. The title comes from one of the most famous Talmudic passages: In a place where there is no man, you be the man. A timely admonition 2,000 years old, give or take, to do the right thing, to man up. And never needed more than today. This is a page-turning novel about count-on guys, including a Muslim former slave turned lawyer, partnered with a notorious Jewish fighter for the underdog. Not to mention a brilliant desert-savvy codger, and Hack Wilder himself, a beleaguered tech wizard with a pregnant wife and a struggling country band. It takes a village to combat the all-too-familiar powerful bullies in America today, a village of righteous men. Quite a few of whom are women. No, not the pretend women smashing all the records - and not a few womens heads in womens sports. ACTUAL women, tough, strong, courageous, competent women who are just as determined to fight totalitarian bullies as are the men whose aid they enlist. Spoiler alert: Max Cossack is, among many other things, a hopeless romantic. So though his books feature adventures in the deserts of Arizona or the frozen tundra of Minnesota, though there are occasional guns blazing and swashes buckling, he also writes female characters really well. And not JUST because I am his main proofreader with an arsenal of red pens and guns with red dots. He loves and respects women and it shows. Buy this book from Amazon today. Not just for the few bucks we may garner; not just for the enjoyment in reading it. No. Do it for Dr. Jill. So you can proudly say to her, Yes, Dr.! I took some time for myself. Thank you, Dr., for that idea which never would have occurred to me! Chandler Powell and his wife Bindi Iriwn are counting down the weeks until they welcome their first child. And on Friday, the father-to-be, 24, shared a sweet flashback of photo showing himself and the Wildlife Warrior out hiking in the Tasmanian bush. In the photo, taken last year, he gazed lovingly at his wife, 22, as she beamed right back at him. Family: Chandler Powell and his wife Bindi Iriwn are counting down the weeks until they welcome their first child. And on Friday, the father-to-be, 24, shared this sweet flashback of photo showing himself and the Wildlife Warrior out hiking in the Tasmanian bush The former professional wakeboarder wrote in the caption: 'Tasmanian hiking with my two girls,' referring to his wife and unborn daughter. Meanwhile, Bindi shared a heartfelt tribute of to her younger brother Robert on her Instagram. She shared a photo, from the same trip, of herself looking up at the 17-year-old as he clung to a rock face. 'Thank you for being such a fantastic brother': Bindi shared a heartfelt tribute of to her younger brother Robert on her Instagram with a photo from the same trip 'Robert - Thank you for being such a fantastic brother and reminding me to find the adventure in every day,' she wrote in the caption. 'Also, shout out to my beautiful mama who appears to be on my shoulder in this photograph...,' she said, adding: 'Love you both with all my heart.' Chandler and Bindi are expected to welcome their daughter next month. It's a girl! Bindi and her husband Chandler Powell announced their baby news in August 2020 and revealed their are expecting a daughter the following month Just married: The young couple were married on March 25, in a makeshift ceremony at Australia Zoo, just before Covid pandemic lockdown Bindi and Chandler announced their baby news in August 2020 and revealed their are expecting a daughter the following month. The young couple were married on March 25 in a makeshift ceremony at Australia Zoo, just before the Covid-19 lockdown took effect. They first met in November 2013 when Chandler, who hails from Florida, was touring Australia for a wakeboarding competition. John Actons quote, Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely fits perfectly with the unholy alliance of the mainstream media, big tech and the former Democrat party that has veered so far left it is a far cry from the once great party of JFK and Scoop Jackson. This troika is now in total control. Lets look at Joe Bidens accomplishments in just a few short weeks, with the stroke of his pen he has shut down the Keystone pipeline, soured relations with Canada, put a moratorium on oil and gas drilling on federal lands and put a 100 day pause on deportations which destroyed an orderly immigration policy. Federal Judge Drew Tipton thankfully issued a temporary restraining order ruling that such a policy violates federal law. It seems to me that unity Biden style is China and Saudi Arabia giving millions of dollars to the University of Pennsylvania and other universities without accountability, PBS lawyer Michael Bellen calling for the children of Trump voters to be sent to re-education camps, and the lovable old relic Katie Couric calling for the reprogramming of Trump voters! The Democrats are in control of both the Executive and Legislative branches of government. Be careful what you wish for! Michael A, Catarino, Monroe Twp., Boiling Springs, Pa. WASHINGTON (AP) - Immigration enforcement in the U.S. would be more targeted under President Joe Biden than under his predecessor, with authorities directed to focus on people in the country illegally who pose a threat, according to guidelines released Thursday. The guidelines set a new course for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which drew fierce criticism under President Donald Trump for arresting and removing anyone in the country illegally regardless of criminal history or community ties. Under Biden, ICE would primarily apprehend and remove people who pose a threat to national security, committed crimes designated as "aggravated" felonies or recently crossed the border. It is the latest break from Trump's immigration policies, but it is also far from the notion of "abolish ICE" that became a rallying cry among some progressives angered by what they considered indiscriminate enforcement. Trump, whose administration took hundreds of measures to restrict both legal and illegal immigration, early on directed ICE to apprehend anyone who was in the country illegally. In June 2019, he tweeted that "next week ICE will begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States." That never happened. Total deportations were higher under the first term of President Barack Obama, who also made national security and public safety an enforcement priority, than under Trump in part because many cities and states, opposed to his administration's approach to immigration, balked at cooperating with ICE on removals. President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with labor leaders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, portrayed the new guidelines, which are considered temporary until a permanent policy comes down in about three months, as a more effective use of resources at an agency that has about 20,000 law enforcement and support personnel. "By focusing our limited resources on cases that present threats to national security, border security, and public safety, our agency will more ably and effectively execute its law enforcement mission," ICE acting Director Tae Johnson said in announcing the new guidelines. "Like every law enforcement agency at the local, state, and federal level, we must prioritize our efforts to achieve the greatest security and safety impact." ICE officers and agents have expressed concern in recent days about a top-down directive that will limit their ability to conduct enforcement operations and inevitably result in potentially dangerous people slipping from their grasp, said Jon Feere, a senior adviser to ICE under Trump. Feere noted, for example, that worksite enforcement operations, which occurred more frequently under Trump, typically result in charges such as identity theft or fraud. Those wouldn't qualify as aggravated felonies but nonetheless can be useful crimes to pursue as part of efforts to break up smuggling rings and traffickers. "Not allowing ICE to carry out its responsibilities as it does now is a de facto dismantling of the agency," he said. "And what is the policy rationale? Who wins from all of this? The smugglers? The traffickers?" The new guidelines could shield a substantial number of people. The nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute estimated that 87% of noncitizens in the country without authorization would not be priorities for enforcement if Biden used the national security and public safety criteria as was done under Obama. In defending the new guidelines, DHS officials pointedly noted that they do not specifically exempt anyone from being arrested and removed from the U.S. if they are illegally in the country. But they set out a series of priorities for removal, and agents and officers would be required to get approval to pursue cases that aren't in the three main categories. Also, weekly arrest reports would be submitted to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who has repeatedly said he wants to fix what he considers a flawed U.S. immigration system. The national security category includes anyone suspected of involvement with terrorism or espionage. The border security category covers anyone apprehended along the border or point of entry or who came into the U.S. after Nov. 1. The public safety category applies to anyone convicted of a crime that involved their "active" participation in gang activity or convicted of an aggravated felony. There is a wide array of aggravated felonies that apply to noncitizens as laid out by Congress. They include violent offenses and drug trafficking, but in the past have also been defined more broadly for noncitizens facing deportation. The new guidelines direct agents and officers to consider the "seriousness" of the criminal conviction as well as how long ago it occurred. ICE would otherwise have broad leeway to let a noncitizen stay in the country, with officers directed to consider such factors as ties to the community as well as personal and family circumstances and medical condition. The rules, for example, call for "particular attention" in the case of noncitizens who are elderly or "known to be suffering from serious physical or mental illness." DOJ Changes Legal Position in Arizona Voting Case The Biden administration changed its position on an upcoming Supreme Court appeal dealing with Arizonas electoral integrity laws, disavowing the previous administrations interpretation of anti-discrimination provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Although the Biden administration wont present oral arguments in the case or update a friend-of-the-court brief filed by the Trump administration, it signaled to the justices and the public that its leaving the door open to adopting a more aggressive interpretation of the statute in the future. Section 2 of the law forbids voting practices that result in a denial or abridgment of the right to vote on account of race or color [or language-minority status], and provides that such a result is established if a jurisdictions political processes are not equally open to members of such a group in that [they] have less opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice. That text must be construed in light of Section 2s constitutional context, as an exercise of Congresss authority to enforce the Fifteenth Amendments ban on intentional discrimination, the Trump administrations brief filed last year stated. The filing comes as the litigants prepare to present oral arguments to the Supreme Court in the case on March 2. The case is two cases that the court consolidated. The first is Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (DNC). The second is Arizona Republican Party v. DNC. The reach of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is at issue. As The Epoch Times previously reported, the Supreme Court agreed on Oct. 2, 2020, to hear the challenge by the state of Arizona and Arizona Republicans to Democratic Party efforts to relax electoral integrity measures and throw open the state to ballot harvesting and out-of-precinct voting. This meant Arizonas current ban on both practices remained in place for the Nov. 3, 2020, election. A U.S. district court upheld Arizonas provisions, which were challenged under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court but then at the en banc stage reversed, going against the recommendations of the federal government. The provisions regarding ballot harvesting and out-of-precinct voting were ruled racially discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional by the appeals court. The DNC strategically filed a flurry of lawsuits in battleground states in the 2020 election cycle in hopes of changing state voting rules in time for the recent elections. Many of the lawsuits were successful. Arizona, like other states, has adopted rules to promote the order and integrity of its elections. One provision is an out-of-precinct policy, which doesnt count provisional ballots cast in person on Election Day outside of the voters designated precinct. Another provision is a ballot-collection law, known as H.B. 2023, that permits only specific persons such as family and household members, caregivers, mail carriers, and election officials to handle another persons completed early ballot. Most states require voters to vote in their own precincts, and about 20 states limit ballot collection, according to court documents. Arizonas law, enacted in 2016, made it a felony, punishable by a $150,000 fine and up to two years in prison, to collect and deliver another persons completed ballot, with the noted exceptions. In a letter to the justices, Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler acknowledged that the previous administration filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting Arizona and Republicans in the cases, taking the position that neither Arizona measure violates the results test under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and that the court of appeals erred in overturning the district courts finding of no intentional discrimination. But following the change in administration, the Department of Justice has undertaken a reexamination of the issues in these cases and a reconsideration of the framework for reviewing vote-denial claims under the results test of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act as articulated by the government in the brief. The Biden administration now believes that although it does not disagree with the conclusion in that brief that neither Arizona measure violates Section 2s results test, the Department doesnt adhere to the framework for the application of Section 2 in vote-denial cases set forth in the brief. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 13:27:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- After a virtual meeting with Britain, Germany, and France, also known as E3, the United States said on Thursday that it was ready to attend talks with Iran and other major countries to discuss the Iran nuclear issue. Iran on the same day noted the important role of the European Union (EU) in brokering the high-profile 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but also asked the United States to show its sincerity by taking the first step to solve their impasse. U.S. WILLING TO RETURN TO JCPOA "The United States would accept an invitation from the European Union High Representative to attend a meeting of the P5+1 and Iran to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Iran's nuclear program," American State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. Earlier in the day, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Iran nuclear issue with his counterparts from Britain, Germany, and France in a virtual meeting. The joint statement by the four foreign policy chiefs expressed concerns over Iran's recent actions to produce both uranium enriched up to 20 percent and uranium metal, calling on Tehran not to limit the verification of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The statement also indicated that Washington is ready to engage with Tehran over JCPOA. "The E3 welcomed the United States' stated intention to return to diplomacy with Iran as well as the resumption of a confident and in-depth dialogue between the E3 and the United States," said the statement, adding that Washington and its European allies would consult the issue with China and Russia, which are among the P5+1 countries. China has welcomed the U.S. return to the JCPOA, saying it is the only right way to break the Iran nuclear deadlock. "All parties should act with greater urgency, work together to implement the consensus reached at the foreign ministers' meeting last December, and push for the unconditional return of the United States to the JCPOA as early as possible and lift all sanctions against Iran," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Thursday, while calling on Iran to resume full compliance with the JCPOA. In eyes of Barbara Slavin, an Iran expert and director of Future of Iran Initiative at the Atlantic Council, the U.S. move is "a good start" acting in "a multilateral fashion." IRAN'S RESPONSE During his telephone conversation with European Council President Charles Michel on Thursday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the EU foreign policy chief plays an important role in helping coordinate all concerned parties in the future. Noting that the JCPOA is a significant fruit of multilateral diplomacy, Rouhani said the EU should take appropriate action to oppose the U.S. unilateralism. In the joint statement with his E3 counterparts, Blinken said, "If Tehran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same." He said Washington "is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end." Iran, however, insisted the United States take the first step. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday that as soon as the United States returns to its commitments, Iran will do the same. On Thursday night, Zarif said on Twitter, "Instead of sophistry & putting onus on Iran, E3/EU must abide by own commitments & demand an end to Trump's legacy of #EconomicTerrorism against Iran." "Our remedial measures are a response to US/E3 violations. Remove the cause if you fear the effect. We'll follow ACTION," he added. U.S. REVOKES SOME SANCTIONS U.S. State Department officials told reporters Thursday afternoon in a phone call briefing that America removed travel restrictions on Iranian diplomatic personnel assigned to the UN issued by the previous U.S. administration. Meanwhile, the United States also notified the UN Security Council of rescinding the snapback sanctions against Iran that were unilaterally imposed by the Trump administration last year. "I think they are good symbolic gestures, and there are many more sanctions that need to be removed," said Slavin, the Iran expert. She said it's "time for everybody to deescalate" and expected the United States to make some goodwill gestures toward Iran in terms of COVID relief and things like that. In response to the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and the re-imposition of sanctions, Iran has suspended implementing parts of its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has threatened to stop implementing the Additional Protocol of the IAEA if the parties to the JCPOA do not adhere to their commitments. In January, Iran launched a 20-percent uranium enrichment process as part of its Strategic Action Plan approved by its parliament in December 2020. Enditem 404 Mumbai, Feb 19 : Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan will shoot for the final schedule of his upcoming film Laal Singh Chaddha in Kargil, a source close to the project said on Friday. "The team is waiting for the snow to melt so that the team can go ahead and shoot the Kargil war sequence in May and June. This sequence is of great importance to the film's plot," said the source. The film is an official remake of the 1994 Hollywood hit Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks. Besides essaying the title role, Aamir has produced the film, which also features Kareena Kapoor Khan. "Aamir, who is known to be a perfectionist has made 'Laal Singh Chaddha' his passion. He is even looking into the edit and back-end work of the film. He's completely focused on the film and has decided to switch off his mobile phone until the film hits the theatres, enabling him to concentrate on the film hundred percent," the source added. Laal Singh Chaddha directed by Advait Chandan is scheduled to release around Christmas this year. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Hyderabad, Feb : Pharma major Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd on Friday announced that it has initiated the process with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the well-studied human adenoviral vector-based platform vaccine candidate, Sputnik V. As part of the review process, Dr. Reddy's will present the safety profile of the phase 2 study, and interim data of the phase 3 study, which is expected to complete by February 21, the Hyderabad-based firm said. Dr. Reddy's partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) in September 2020 to conduct the clinical trials of the Sputnik V and for its distribution rights in India. The vaccine is currently undergoing the phase 3 clinical trial in India. Sputnik V has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 91.6 per cent in the interim analysis of the phase 3 clinical trial, which included data on 19,866 volunteers in Russia, who received both the first and second doses of the vaccine. Sputnik V maintained a consistent efficacy at 91.8 per cent even among the group of 2,144 volunteers over 60 years old. "The efficacy of Sputnik V was reported to be 91.6 per cent by the Lancet, which is an impressive development in the fight against Covid-19. The initiation of the EUA process will be a critical step forward for us in ensuring speedy access to the Sputnik V vaccine in India," said G.V. Prasad, Co-chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories. Sputnik V developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia on August 11, 2020 and became the world's first registered vaccine against Covid-19 based on the human adenoviral vector platform. More than 250 clinical studies over two decades have proven the safety, efficacy, and lack of negative long-term effects of adenoviral vaccines. Sputnik V is one of only three vaccines in the world with an efficacy of 91.6 per cent and has most authorizations granted with 26 countries globally. The vaccine has already been administered to more than two million people worldwide. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed The head of UK group Primary Health Properties (PHP) has said the company plans to invest the thick end of 75m during the next 12 months in Ireland. The companys portfolio here is currently valued at 200m (230m) and PHP plans to double that over the next three years. We would be disappointed if we didnt invest the thick end of 75m during the next 12 months, but we have plans to grow our portfolio from its currently level of 200m (230m) to double that over the next three years, Harry Hyman, chief executive of PHP, told the Irish Independent. Apparently, there are only eighty-something primary care centres in Ireland and your Government has plans to increase that very substantially. Some of these will be relatively small and not precisely the sort of assets we want, he added. PHP currently owns 18 primary care centres in Ireland valued at 198m (221m), including two forward-funded developments currently under construction which, if valued as complete, will increase the total asset value to approximately 220m (246m), according to the company. Mr Hyman said PHP is targeting locations to expand anywhere there is a substantial population base. He said that there is a wall of money looking to invest in infrastructure projects generally both in Ireland and in the UK. Read More Funding rates in euros are quite attractive given the absence of bond yield in the market generally. Right now we have over 300m (345m) of firepower to deploy across the two territories and we are looking forward to doing that in 2021 and playing our part in the fight against Covid, he said. PHP saw its adjusted earnings jump 22pc last year to 73.1 (84m). The performance was driven by a full years contribution from the merger with MedicX completed in March 2019, acquisitions, and continued rental growth, according to annual results from the group. Last year net rental income at PHP increased 13pc to 131.2m (151m), profit for the year was 112m (128.8m). The company has six forward-funded developments currently on-site across the UK and Ireland with a net development cost of 47.4m (55m), including developments at Arklow and Enniscorthy in Ireland. The companys total portfolio, including Ireland and the UK, was valued at 2.6bn (3bn) at year end. It had a revaluation surplus which was generated in the year of 51.4m (59m), representing growth of 2pc. The company had total undrawn loan facilities and cash of 361.5m (415.6m) on December 31. Earlier this year PHP completed the internalisation of the groups management structure which, it said, will immediately deliver material financial and operational benefits driving further earnings and dividend growth. The EU has outlined a more assertive trade policy as it attempts to reset relations with the US and stand its ground on China. The bloc also confirmed that it will press ahead with a controversial trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc, but hinted that it may take some time to resolve a tariff war with the US. The EU will be more assertive in pursuing our interests and protecting ourselves from unfair trade practices, said EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis. In its long-awaited trade policy review, published yesterday, the EU reconfirmed its commitment to what it called open trade. But it also sought to reassure critics that it would protect EU companies against unfair competition and stand up to human rights abuses in China and elsewhere. The investment deal signed with Beijing in December is not a panacea to deal with all the challenges presented by China, the EUs trade review said. Instead, the bloc has promised to use targeted sanctions and introduce laws to prevent imports from countries that abuse human rights or the environment. Read More Mr Dombrovskis said the EU is trying to get extra commitments from Brazil on Amazon deforestation in a bid to get parliamentary approval for the 2019 Mercosur trade deal. French, Irish and other farmers have condemned the deal, saying lax climate and health regulations in Brazil give it an unfair advantage over the EU. We are well aware of concerns and criticisms surrounding this agreement, not least to the issues linked with deforestation of Amazon [sic], said Mr Dombrovskis. Meanwhile, Irish drinks and dairy exporters may have to wait a while before US tariffs are lifted, as talks cant begin until the US appoints a new trade representative. We want to rapidly resolve our trade disputes and restore EU-US leadership as the engine of positive global change, Mr Dombrovskis said. We have signalled...our willingness to suspend tariffs from both sides, of course aiming at elimination of these tariffs. We expect those negotiations to start in earnest once the new US trade representative will be in place. The US slapped EU goods with a spate of new tariffs in December in a tit-for-tat war with the bloc over aviation subsidies, including 25pc duties on exports of Irish butter, milk, cheese, pig meat, whiskey and cream liqueur. A former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said the military action alone cannot tackle security challenges in the country. Mr Buratai, a non-career ambassadorial designate, said this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening on Thursday in Abuja. This security challenge is something that started more than 30, or 40 years ago, he said. It has penetrated the communities, the terrorists have won the communities to their side, that is why you see a small hamlet keeping Boko Haram in those locations, so it is a complex issue. So it requires the whole government approach to deal with this. The military action is just one aspect and this is one mistake we have been making. It is only the military that is seen to solve the issue of security challenges. He said political, economic and social factors were responsible for fuelling the security challenge over the years, adding that those factors must be addressed. Development should be progressive, there should be roads everywhere, employment, schools, hospitals. There are so many ungovernable spaces (and) until those spaces, locations are penetrated with roads infrastructure, rail, school, and we carry everybody along, and robust foreign and diplomatic policies pursued and sustained to solve issues of insecurity, he said. The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, told the committee that solutions to security challenges must be applied using a multi-dimensional approach. We are talking about hybrid warfare where everyone is involved. It is a national approach that is needed, for us to surmount insecurity. Three years ago I conducted research on the forests in the country, I realised that we have about 1,000 forest reserves. And I said to them three years ago that our next crisis will be in the forest. Some Nigerian governors were invited, we told them because most of the forests are the prerogatives of the states, the state took over all the forest reserves. And I said to them we have to protect the forest, that the next crisis will be the forest, he said. Mr Olonisakin added, so it is a multi-faceted approach, that will require everyone to come on board for us to be able to address insecurity. You can never have enough, either weapons, personnel, but there are issues we have to address as a nation. We have developed a lot of capacities, initiatives, we can begin to look at all the operations using a national approach to address the issues of insecurity. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Bennington, VT (05201) Today Showers this morning becoming less numerous during the afternoon hours. High 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. A trusted Dutch news website has reported how Dubai police almost arrested Daniel Kinahan in a hotel lobby when he went along to meet lawyers representing the fugitive mobster Ridouan Taghi. The website AD has said that the lawyers were under surveillance at the time as Dutch police suspected that they had flown out to meet Taghi who was wanted in the Netherlands. Dubai police, who were helping with the surveillance operation in the summer of 2019, saw the duo meet with another client but then watched as they were joined by a fourth man who was initially thought to be Taghi. As police considered moving in on the Netherland's most-wanted, they suddenly realised that the lookalike was in fact the Irish mafia boss and not Taghi. Taghi, who attended Kinahans flash wedding in the United Arab Emirates in 2017, was later arrested in a dramatic bust by Dubai police authorities and returned to the Netherlands. Read More He is currently being held in a maximum-security prison where he is facing charges relating to 10 murders, drug trafficking and leading a criminal organisation suspected of shooting dead a lawyer. AD says the incident happened as Dutch police were increasingly desperate to catch the fugitive Taghi whose gang are regarded as the most violent cocaine mob to ever exist in the Netherlands. The news site claims that the hunt for Taghi, operating under the name 26CapeCoral, got a tip that the Amsterdam lawyer was due to meet Taghi in Dubai. On June 19, 2019, the lawyer was seen in Schiphol airport with his colleague. The pair flew to Dubai and were picked up by undercover officers when they landed. The pair were seen meeting their own client, another suspected criminal known as Khalid J, in the lobby of a hotel. On the second day of their visit a fourth person joined the meeting which Dutch police later reported: Has similarities with Ridouan Taghi in appearance. Expand Close Mob boss Daniel Kinahan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mob boss Daniel Kinahan They then asked their colleagues in Dubai to arrest the individual but hours later Dubai police said they would not detain the man because they were not convinced it was Taghi. According to AD, the police report does not address the identity of the person mistaken for Taghi who is wearing a cap and glasses but sources have said that officers in the United Arab Emirates immediately knew him to be Kinahan. Kinahan and Taghi have been previously linked in secret police papers which detail how their two organisations worked together along with the Ndrangheta mafia and the so called 'Tito and Dino' cartel. All of the four organisations have links to Amsterdam where the 'Dapper Don' Christy Kinahan Snr founded his mob. According to the investigation by AD: What the Irish top criminal had to look for in a conversation between Khalid J. and his lawyers remains unclear. "The two lawyers just want to say that during the conversation with their client, 'someone came along who showed no outward resemblance to Taghi'. "This site has attempted to approach Daniel Kinahan through a London law firm representing his interests. That office has not answered despite repeated calls. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. This is the first one in the last 12 months that well be looking at since we locked down, but well also be streaming it so if someone wants to tune in on YouTube they can see the acts and help vote for contestants via text message, he said, of Regional Performing Arts Company. New Delhi: Shabnam, a death row convict in the Amroha murder case, has filed a fresh mercy petition before UP Governor Anandiben Patel. She had been convicted of killing seven members of her family after sedating them in April 2008. Her mercy petition came while preparations are underway at the Mathura Jail to execute her. The Amroha woman was found guilty of murdering seven members of her family. Her minor son recently appealed to President Ram Nath Kovind for clemency. In 2008, Shabnam along with her lover Saleem had axed to death seven of her family members on the intervening night of April 14/15. Shabnam, who lived with her family in Amroha, was in love with Saleem and wanted to get married, but her family was opposed to their marriage so the duo planned the brutal murder. Five days after the sensational murders, she was arrested with her lover Salim on April 19, 2008. When arrested, Shabnam was seven weeks pregnant. She delivered a baby in December 2008. She has a double MA (English and Geography) degree and taught at the village primary school, while her lover Salim is a Class VI dropout who worked at a wood sawing unit outside Shabnams home. According to the investigation, Shabnam had reported abetted Saleem in the crime as she made her family members drink milk laced with sedatives before hacking them to death. She didn't even spare her little nephew who was strangulated to death. The District and Sessions Court had sentenced the duo to death on July 14, 2010, but the duo challenged the Sessions court's verdict in the Allahabad High Court. The HC too upheld the death sentence. Live TV The duo then approached the Supreme Court but the top court upheld the death sentence in 2015. Since all legal options had been exhausted, Shabnam then filed a mercy plea before then President Pranab Mukherjee which was rejected too. They also filed a review plea in the Supreme Court. Recently, Shabnam's son Taz made an emotional appeal to President Ram Nath Kovind urging him to revoke his mother's death sentence. Taz lives in Sushant Vihar Colony of Bulandshahar with his custodian Usman Saifi. The appeal has come at a time when the death warrant for her execution at the Mathura Jail is due to be signed anytime. Shabnam will be the first Indian woman who will be hanged to death after India's independence. The Mathura Jail administration has already started preparations to hang this Uttar Pradesh resident who was found guilty of murdering seven members of her family. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. South Africa: Investment in research, development declines The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has welcomed the roll out of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by government, which it says highlights the importance of a well-resourced science, technology and innovation system. The country can safely store the vaccine, roll it out and monitor its implementation, the department said. However, the department raised concerns about the declining investment in research and development (R&D), which remains vital amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the DSI, local scientists and research infrastructure have played a significant role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic since the outbreak. South Africa is currently benefitting from past investments made by the DSI in R&D. The department said not only has it invested heavily in health and medical research, but also in modernising industries like mining and growing renewable energy technologies. However, given the immense benefits of past investments, a bigger focus is required across government and the private sector for increased investment in R&D. This is particularly critical now, as it is unclear for how long COVID-19 will continue to impact communities around the world. The department is calling for investment at a time when South Africa's expenditure on R&D has declined for the first time since recovering from the dip experienced in 2009/10 and 2010/11. According to the 2018/19 National Survey of Research and Experimental Development (R&D Survey) published on Thursday, the gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) for 2018/19 amounted to R36.784 billion at current rand values. This represents a decline of 5% (R1.941 billion) from the R38.725 billion recorded in 2017/18 after seven consecutive years of year-on-year growth. The information is contained in the latest R&D Survey, undertaken annually on behalf of the DSI by the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), with support from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA). The department explained that GERD is an aggregated measure of in-house R&D expenditure performed domestically in five institutional sectors, namely government, science councils, higher education institutions, the business sector, and the not-for-profit sector. South Africa's R&D intensity, that is, GERD as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices, declined 0.83% in 2017/18 to 0.75% in 2018/19. Meanwhile, slight growth in R&D expenditure by the higher education sector, of R173 million (1.3%), and by the not-for-profit sector, of R269 million (22.1%), were not enough to offset declines in government and business R&D expenditure. Notably, the financial and manufacturing sectors experienced substantial year-on-year decreases in R&D expenditure, of 17.7% and 29.2% respectively. By contrast, R&D expenditure in mining and quarrying increased by 58.8%, from R1.101 billion in 2017/18 to R1.748 billion in 2018/19. While the R&D expenditure by State-owned enterprises (SOEs) declined by R44 million, the contribution of SOEs to R&D expenditure in the business sector increased by 1.3 percentage points to 17.3% in 2018/19. The proportion of R&D performed in Gauteng decreased from 49.5% in 2009/10 to 42.9% in 2018/19. Other key headline indicators South Africa's total R&D personnel headcount declined from 84 262 in 2017/18 to 84 036 in 2018/19, a slight decline of 0.3%. Meanwhile, the ratio of 1.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) researchers per 1 000 employed reported for 2018/19 remained unchanged from the level reported in 2017/18. The proportion of female researchers increased from 27 774 in 2017/18 to 28 401 in 2018/19. The continued decline in the number of technicians supporting R&D, in terms of the headcount and FTE, remains a concern. The main sources of funding for R&D in South Africa in 2018/19 were government (47.5%) and business (39.5%). The government sector, which includes science councils and universities' own funds, sponsored 3.4% less R&D in 2018/19 than in 2017/18. The business sector's funding for R&D also declined, by 9.5% year-on-year. By contrast, R&D funding secured from foreign sources increased by 1.6% in 2018/19. The largest proportion of R&D expenditure in 2018/19 was allocated to applied research at R19.316 billion (52.5%), followed by basic research at R10.364 billion (28.2%) and experimental development at R7.103 billion (19.3%). By research field, R&D expenditure was concentrated in the social sciences (22.4%), followed closely by medical and health science (21.2%) and the engineering sciences (12.9%). The R&D Survey offers important information for stakeholders across all sectors to understand the trends in national R&D expenditure and human resources devoted to R&D. The department said it will conduct a deeper analysis of the 2018/19 R&D Survey results and facilitate stakeholder consultations to contribute to strengthening the country's national system of innovation. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. 21 runners killed during mountain race in northwestern province of Gansu; Indian variant of Covid-19 found in Guangzhou; Beijing willing to arrange for vaccines to be sent to Taiwan May 28, 2021 08:15 PM While the wintry weather shut down many of Texas COVID vaccination efforts, it didnt stem the flow of questions about vaccine safety and efficacy. The Houston Chronicles COVID-19 Help Desk is here to answer your questions. Every week, a Chronicle reporter answers readers questions about how the virus works and what to expect with the vaccine. How long do people who have COVID-19 have to wait to get the vaccine? The decision to delay vaccine shots for people who have active COVID-19 infections is rooted in public health concerns. Vaccine site staff want to minimize their risk of catching the virus, which is why they would ask patients especially if theyre symptomatic to reschedule. Theres no data to support a minimum wait time yet, said Namandje Bumpus, director of the pharmacology and molecular sciences department at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. However, public health entities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend waiting 90 days, especially if a patient has been treated with convalescent plasma or antibody infusions, because lingering antibodies may provide temporary immunity. With there being a lower supply of vaccine, people can decide to talk to their health care provider and potentially wait up to a few months before getting vaccinated, said Bumpus, who runs a drug development lab that researches treatments and prevention of infectious diseases. CANCELED SHOTS: Houston's weather closed COVID vaccine sites. Here's what to know about rescheduling. People should wait until their symptoms have cleared or they meet the criteria to leave quarantine before vaccination, according to the CDC. If Ive had Guillain-Barre Syndrome with a flu or tetanus shot, what is my risk with the COVID-19 vaccine? Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare, neurological inflammation that attacks the nervous system, causing pain, weakness, and more rarely, paralysis and permanent injury. While researchers dont understand exactly what causes it, the syndrome is linked to some types of vaccines. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome every year in the U.S. Last fall, U.K. scientists studied the links between the disorder and COVID-19 and found no increases in Guillain-Barre Syndrome due to the virus. No cases of the syndrome have been reported in the vaccine trials so far, either, according to the CDC. However, if youve previously had allergic reactions to polyethylene glycol or polysorbate, you should consult your doctor before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Ultimately, medical experts say the risk of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is extremely low. Prior history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not a contraindication or precaution to vaccination in general, Bumpus said. How long after your second shot can you consider yourself protected? As of Wednesday, 1.2 million Texans have received both shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, 199,000 of whom reside in Harris County. But even if your first injection was in January, you may not have full immunity until the end of February or early March. Pfizer and Moderna had different criteria for measuring efficacy in their clinical trials. Pfizer, for instance, started testing vaccine recipients for COVID-19 symptoms seven days after the second dose, while Moderna waited until the 14-day mark. You likely wont reach full protection for one to two weeks after the second dose, Bumpus said. The body still needs time to develop an antibody reaction to the vaccine. Scientists also still dont know whether the vaccine protects people from transmitting the virus to someone else. Vaccine manufacturers are studying that in ongoing vaccine trials. Folks definitely would need to continue to follow non-vaccine measures for protecting themselves, such as the face mask, social distancing and hand washing, Bumpus said. A GAME-CHANGER: Health experts optimistic about vaccines, equity after week of good news Im immunocompromised and worried I wont mount a full response to the virus. Will I be protected with the vaccine? Immunocompromised people are allowed to receive the COVID vaccine, but patients need to consult with their doctors on whether their medical conditions could be a factor in using a certain vaccine. The available data from Pfizer and Moderna trials does not include information on how it affects people who are HIV-positive or other immunocompromising conditions, or whether the efficacy rate changes. There is potential for reduced immune response, Bumpus said. Right now, we dont have a way of measuring or predicting what that would be and how it would impact effectiveness. HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE HELP DESK?: Ask us here. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu Millions across Texas are continuing to suffer the effects of a historic blackout resulting from the criminal negligence of the state government, working hand in glove with the private utility companies. These corporations, in pursuit of higher profits, have refused to upgrade their plants so as to withstand the type of severe cold that hit the state last weekend. The power outages, which started on Sunday, were both foreseeable and preventable, with a winter storm in 2011 resulting in a similar collapse of the power grid. The Republican state government has faced backlash for its role in the deregulation of the energy grid and its failure to address any of the issues made clear a decade ago. People stand in line outside an HEB grocery store in the snow Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in Austin, Texas. The store did not have milk, eggs, meat or refrigerated items. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) The sole reason for keeping most of the state off the national grid is to enable private energy companies to reap larger profits, in part by not spending money on expensive upgrades, such as winterizing power plants, providing extra capacity and carrying out other measures that are required under federal regulation. This is illustrated by the misnamed Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid suffering blackouts, while the El Paso region of the state, which is connected to the federally regulated Western International Grid, did not lose power. Power remained out for 340,000 Texas customers as of Thursday, down from over three million at its peak, according to Poweroutage.us. Many in Texas were left freezing and in the dark for multiple days, with many areas recording temperatures in the single digits. This massive blackout has caused millions of people to lose water, heat, lights and internet. Most of Houston woke up on Wednesday to find that there was little or no water, with more than 1.37 million in the city having no energy on the same day. In addition to Houston, there have been major disruptions to water systems across Texas, including the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Galveston, Corpus Christi and many more. All of these cities have issued boil water notices and have had water run out, with 13.5 million people lacking access to clean water in their homes. At least 47 people have died due to the winter storm, according to tracking by the Washington Post. In Abilene, a 60-year-old man was found frozen to death in his recliner after losing electricity to his home, with his wife recovering, nearly dead, next to him. A homeless Abilene resident was found dead on the street early Monday morning. Many people have desperately attempted to heat their homes by running cars, grills and propane stoves indoors or in garages, causing a spike in carbon monoxide poisonings. Harris County, which includes Houston, recorded over 300 carbon monoxide cases as of Tuesday. Those seeking food and water at grocery stores have found empty shelves, with food pantries running out of supplies. Deliverers of basic food supplies have been hindered by the Texas Department of Transportations failure to de-ice many highways and other roads. Food shortages have been compounded by the power outage, which resulted in food spoiling in refrigerators and many grocery stores being forced to shutter. As of Wednesday, Celia Cole, the CEO of Feeding Texas, which operates a number of food pantries across the state, stated that eight food banks have requested public aid in order to continue feeding their respective communities. Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller reported that in light of the inability to transport their products, dairy farmers are pouring $8 million worth of milk down the drain daily. The state is also running dangerously low on natural gas, with Republican Governor Greg Abbott issuing an order to ban natural gas exports. This is despite Texas producing around 25 percent of the natural gas in the United States. The situation was largely created because of the failure to insulate natural gas well-heads, which caused the freezing of gas processing plants and pipelines. As a result, as many as 4.77 million people in northern Mexico were also without power Monday. The country obtains 40 percent of its natural gas from Texas. Those who are on variable rate electricity and gas plans have also seen record increases in their utility bills. One woman reported that her gas bill was over $200,000 after two days without water or electricity. The electricity supplier Griddy has been charging customers thousands of dollars, with one resident, Royce Pierce, reporting that he had an eye-watering $7,000 power bill accrued over just two days of deadly winter weather. In Houston, a line of people could be seen filling up buckets of water from a spigot at a neighborhood park after losing running water in their homes. Residents of the Fair Avenue Apartments, which houses about 200 elderly or disabled residents and is owned by the San Antonio Housing Authority, were left without light, heat or running water. Some residents did not even have access to food. In Austin, the state capital, apartments filled with ice after having been flooded by busted pipes. In the Sabina Apartments in central Austin, multiple frozen pipes burst Monday. Brad Casebier, the CEO of Radiant Plumbing and Air Conditioning, told Fox7Austin, Weve never seen anything like this. There was one year, six years ago, seven years ago that it was pretty intense and did a lot of damage, but this one, this one wins for sure. Casebier reported that his business usually gets 100 calls a day, but now is getting over 1,000. He stated that what happened at the Sabina Apartments was happening across central Texas. Residents took to social media to document bursting pipes and other extensive damage caused by freezing temperatures, with pictures and videos on Twitter and Tik Tok from Houston, Dallas, Austin and other cities. Water could be seen gushing from ceilings of apartments and photos showed homes with extensive interior flooding. The Austin Fire Department said it had received hundreds of broken water pipe calls between Monday and Wednesday, with the department responding to over 685 calls about burst pipes on Tuesday alone. Many hospitals in the state have also been without water or even electricity for days. St. Davids South Austin Medical Center ran out of water and heat on Wednesday, forcing the hospital staff to use trash bags to clean the contents of toilets. The CEO of St. Davids HealthCare told the Washington Post on Thursday that in Austin no one hospital currently has the capacity to accept transport of a large number of patients. This put into question how the hospital would transfer the most critical of its 300 patients. Ascension Seton Southwest Hospital, which has 33 licensed hospital beds, and Dell Childrens Medical Center, with 248 licensed beds, have both been affected by loss of water. Pipes have burst at multiple Houston Methodist hospitals across the city, with at least two hospitals operating without water. Hospitals in San Antonio, Arlington and elsewhere have also lost water supply. While millions were without power or running water, US senator and coup conspirator Ted Cruz, in an act of complete indifference, flew to Cancun, Mexico with his family for a vacation, as confirmed by Fox News and later Cruz himself. After his trip became public, with images of Cruz at the airport going viral on social media late Wednesday, and his staff refusing to confirm his whereabouts, Cruz said he would fly back to Texas on Thursday, in an obvious attempt at damage control. Cruz stated that with school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends." He continued: "Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon. Cruz and his family not only flew out of the state when most people were stuck at home in freezing temperatures in the dark. He booked rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which, according to its website, is a five-star, oceanfront retreat that seamlessly fuses coastal luxury with the regions rich cultural legacy. Michael, a teacher from Texas, commented to the WSWS, We are in a Third World situation. People are dying of the elements and an uncontrolled plague, with no power, no groceries and no water. And where we have it, we are told to boil it despite having no power. All this as our oligarchic ruler flees to Cancun. The Texas Democratic Party issued a hypocritical statement denouncing Cruz, stating, In the middle of one of the worst crises in Texas history, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz jetted off to Cancun, Mexico. His constituents in Texas remain trapped in the cold, without clean water, heat, or warm food. 37 of them have died ... This is what weve come to expect from Texas Republican leadership. They are self-serving, inept, corrupt politicians who think that being in office entitles them to do whatever they want. For their part, there has been no shortage of Democrats going on vacations during the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Austin Mayor Steve Adler traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in December amid the mass spread of coronavirus. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock traveled to Mississippi for a family visit in November after telling residents to avoid travel and stay home as much as you can. Top California Democrats attended the Independent Voter Projects annual policy conference in Hawaii in November just after California issued a warning against non-essential and out-of-state travel. State lawmakers, lobbyists and industry representatives rub[bed] elbows over cocktails while discussing policy under the Hawaiian sun, as the Sacramento Bee reported. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. The United States on Thursday said it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to a 2015 agreement that aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, seeking to revive a deal that Washington itself abandoned nearly three years ago. The move reflects the change in U.S. administration, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressing President Joe Biden's position that Washington would return to the accord formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if Tehran came into full compliance with the deal. Iran reacted coolly to the idea, put forward by Blinken during a video meeting with the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany - a group known as the E3 - gathered in Paris. "If Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same and is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end," a joint statement from the four nations said. Iran began breaching the deal in 2019, about a year after former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew and reimposed U.S. economic sanctions, and has accelerated its breaches in recent months. A U.S. official told Reuters that Washington would respond positively to any European Union invitation to talks between Iran and the six major powers who negotiated the original agreement: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. "We are ready to show up if such a meeting were to take place," the official told Reuters, after a senior EU official floated the idea of convening such talks. It is unclear whether any talks might occur, let alone when or where. Responding to the four nations' statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Washington should make the first move. "Instead of sophistry & putting onus on Iran, E3/EU must abide by own commitments & demand an end to Trump's legacy of #EconomicTerrorism against Iran," Zarif said in a tweet. "Our remedial measures are a response to US/E3 violations. Remove the cause if you fear the effect," he continued. "We'll follow ACTION w/ (with) action." Zarif has previously signaled an openness to talks with Washington and the other parties over reviving the deal. The U.S. official also hinted there could be a way to bridge the impasse over who should go first in returning to the deal - the United States, by relaxing its economic sanctions, or Iran, by adhering to limits on its atomic program. "I don't think that the issue of sequencing will be the obstacle that prevents ... us from getting there," he said, saying a greater challenge may be defining what constitutes compliance. URANIUM ENRICHMENT A French diplomatic source said Washington's shift marked an opening for Iran but the path ahead was fraught with obstacles. Tehran has set a deadline of next week for Biden to begin reversing sanctions imposed by Trump, or says it will take its biggest step yet to breach the deal - banning short-notice inspections by the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Britain, France, Germany, and the United States called on Iran to refrain from that step and repeated their concerns over Iran's recent actions to produce both uranium enriched up to 20% and uranium metal. "We remain in a precarious situation," said the French source, adding that if Iran ignored these warnings there would likely be "an extremely firm reaction." Refining uranium to high levels of fissile purity is a potential pathway to nuclear bombs, though Iran has long said it its enrichment programme is for peaceful energy purposes only. U.S. officials have offered some conciliatory gestures toward Iran such as relaxing the travel restrictions on diplomats in its mission to the United Nations that the Trump administration imposed in 2019, which had confined them to a small section of New York City. The U.S. official told Reuters the Biden administration has had no contact with Iran apart from notifying their U.N. mission of the easing of travel restrictions. The United States has also withdrawn a Trump administration assertion that all U.N. sanctions had been reimposed on Iran in September, according to a U.S. letter to the United Nations Security Council seen by Reuters. 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. The United States finally seems to be gaining ground on the COVID-19 pandemic, which got a running start because of slow initial response and a long learning curve. Now, a group of epidemiologists wants the federal government to look to the future and establish an early warning system for pandemics that they aptly compare to weather forecasting. Dr. Michael Mina, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, described to The New York Times a system that routinely would scan millions of plasma samples derived from routine lab work across the country. The scans would not identify particular viruses but would detect antibodies generated in response to classes of viruses, such as the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Such screening, for example, would detect the antibodies with certain areas, such as New York City, before an actual outbreak. Researchers pointed to the Zika virus outbreak several years ago, which was detected only when several infected babies were born in Brazil. Routine serological surveys likely would have detected it months sooner, they said. Jessica Metcalf, a Princeton University epidemiologist, said she was part of a team several years ago that used serology in finding that immunity to measles was ominously low in Madagascar. In 2018, an outbreak took hold, killing more than 10,000 children. Mina estimated that the cost to launch a serology-based early warning system would be about $100 million. Given the massive cost of COVID-19 in medical treatment and, even more so, economic disruption, that is a bargain. The Biden administration should begin the process of establishing the system. MiSTEM Playbook Pilot funding opportunity aims to expand education efforts across the state MiSTEM Playbook Pilot funding opportunity aims to expand education efforts across the state February 18, 2021 Media Contact: Beata Kica, 517-614-9773 The MiSTEM Network announced it will fund $100,000 in grants ($10,000 each) to STEM educators for usability testing of MiSTEM Playbooks that include real-world examples, advice, resources and best practices created by teachers, for teachers, needed to bring STEM learning to life and cultivate our future workforce. The pilot grant opportunity will help the MiSTEM Network learn from schools and districts that have implemented STEM education using problem-, place- and project-based (3-P learning) approaches in Michigan K-12 classrooms. MiSTEM will work with the grantees to model successful implementation of 3-P learning in schools based on their feedback. 3-P learning models allow for the coexistence of student and community voice and choice and intentionally incorporate career exploration opportunities. While these efforts tend to exist in elective, extracurricular or out-of-school programming for youth, MiSTEM advocates that the formal system needs to support a shift toward this approach. This funding opportunity is another example of how the MiSTEM Network continues to work collaboratively with partners all over the state to drive implementation and improvements in STEM learning opportunities, said Megan Schrauben, MiSTEM Network Executive Director. MiSTEM has an opportunity and responsibility to help districts shift to using 3-P practices that allow for a more accessible and flexible learning experience to meet the changing needs of students and communities across our state and better prepare more Michigan students for career success in our rapidly changing economy. Recent changes to traditional norms and basic classroom structures that organize public education have been upended due to the pandemic. MiSTEM seeks to cultivate a STEM culture in K-12 classrooms by engaging with local communities, creating collaborative partnerships with business, industry and nonprofits, and engaging families to support a student-centered 3-P learning approach. This funding opportunity seeks to identify, highlight and learn from those schools and communities that have already made these important shifts. Several educational leaders have already worked with MiSTEM on various efforts to build awareness of 3-P learning opportunities across our state through the local efforts that they have grown. "I highly encourage instructional leaders in every school and district to explore options for meaningful 3-P learning opportunities for all students by taking advantage of this funding opportunity, said Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Saginaw Intermediate School District. I was able to witness first-hand the incredibly positive and dynamic transformations that occurred as a result, including learning opportunities that occurred for our students, creative engagement for our instructors, an extensive development of outside learning partners and rich community collaboration and support. There has never been a better time than right now to implement 3P learning for your students. When our students have the opportunity to make a difference in their world, they become much more engaged in learning. The high quality 3-P learning experience our students benefit from is made possible with continuous support and resources provided through MiSTEM funding, said Jerry Holtgren, Director of Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy and one of the schools that received a Student to Stewards award to begin development of the current playbooks. Funding Opportunity The MiSTEM Playbook Pilot Funding Opportunity is a two-step competitive process: Request for Proposal Applicants submit application. Invitation to Present ONLY Applicants selected for further consideration will be invited to deliver a Pitch Presentation to the MiSTEM Reviewers. This 20-minute Shark Tank-Inspired Education Experience is a virtual session for the MiSTEM Reviewers to hear firsthand applicants innovative school practices with 3-P learning. Award Information Awards are $10,000 each for June 2021-July 2022. Applicants will be evaluated on readiness and feasibility for completion within the designated timeline. Geographic and demographic diversity will be a consideration in awarding funds. Applications are accepted through April 30, 2021 at 5 p.m. EST. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/MiSTEM to learn more and apply. The indigenous COVID-19 vaccines are likely to be effective against the mutant virus strains from United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, as per the interim data from the ongoing trials, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Balram Bhargava has said. On Tuesday, ICMR had said that four cases of South African strain have been detected in India, while a case of Brazilian mutant was also detected in early February. Also read: Covaxin may be more effective against UK strain: ICMR chief "The interim analysis report should be out in a week," Bhargava said on the clinical trials against the new variants. He was addressing an international webinar 'Kerala Health: Making the SDG A Reality', organised by Kerala's Department of Health and Family Welfare. On Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, which is one of the vaccines approved in India along with Serum Institute's Covishield, Bhargava said phase III trials have been completed as all 25,800 participants have been given two doses of the vaccine. Besides, he said a paper on Covaxin's potential to neutralise the UK strain has also been accepted for publication. Also read: India successfully isolates and cultures UK-variant of coronavirus strain: ICMR Gretna Middle School teacher Rosalyn Spencer wasted no time letting her school district know she wants the COVID vaccine on Friday, the day after Gov. John Bel Edwards announced he will expand eligibility to K-12 teachers and staff, she was filling out a form intended to speed up the process. "I'm glad they are doing this for teachers," said Spencer, who teaches English. "We are under a lot of stress." Louisiana expanding coronavirus vaccine eligibility to K-12 teachers, people with health conditions With severe winter weather still hobbling Louisianas vaccine effort, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday that he will expand eligibility for Teachers and school support staff are among the half a million additional Louisiana residents along with pregnant women and nonemergency medical transportation workers who will become eligible to receive the COVID vaccine starting Monday. Jefferson Parish schools are urging their 3,152 public school teachers to register for the vaccine. The district sent them a questionnaire Thursday to gauge their willingness to roll up their sleeves. "This is great news for our district since the vaccine is a major step in the mitigation of the pandemic," the email said. "We will continue to work with our government and health care officials to secure vaccines specifically for Jefferson Parish schools employees." But how teachers and school workers will get the vaccine remains an evolving picture. The Louisiana Federation of Teachers has urged local school districts to work with teachers and staff to smooth the process and make sure they have easy access with limited disruption to the school day. For teachers and school support staff across the metro area, Children's Hospital will be a vaccine distribution site. The hospitals owner, LCMC Health, said in a news release that Childrens will work directly with a point of contact at each individual schools to schedule and coordinate the shots. Childrens Uptown New Orleans campus has a large vaccination clinic with ample parking through an initiative called ThriveKids. Dr. Amanda Jackson, vice president of physician services at Children's, said the hospital has 2,000 doses allocated for next week and expects to put around 150 of them into arms on Monday. Jackson said there are currently 115 metro area schools - public and private - that the hospital has "partnered" with to set up vaccine scheduling, with more expected. Taslin Alfonzo, a NOLA Public Schools spokesperson, said the district sent surveys to employees on Jan. 20 to gauge interest in the vaccine. Se said 5,050 surveys were returned from employees who want it, out of an eligible pool of around 8,000 employees. 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 Jefferson Parish schools said in Thursday's email to employees that the plan is to have systemwide vaccination days to make it easy for employees to get the vaccine, calling the questionnaire "the best way to start the process until vaccine doses are specifically allotted to Jefferson Parish schools." St. Tammany Parish public schools spokeswoman Meredith Mendez said that the school district is working Ochsner on a plan to to administer the vaccine to its teachers and staff. Principals and other administrators began surveying employees on Friday to get an idea of how many want to be vaccinated and expect to have a number by Monday, she said. Archdiocese of New Orleans spokeswoman Sarah McDonald said that most of the Archdiocesan schools have a community health provider, whether LCMC, Ochsner or others and that they were encouraged to form partnerships with at the beginning of the school year. "Those schools will be working those partners to make the vaccine available to those faculty who wish to receive it," she said. As school systems work out logistics, the other pressing question is whether teachers and support staff will be willing to be vaccinated. Meghan Shea, who teaches gifted theater at Salmen High School in Slidell, said that she felt a tremendous sense of relief when she learned teachers will be eligible. "I kind of felt like I had a new lease on life last night," she said Friday. "But not all the teachers I work with are going to get the vaccine. They're like, 'Nope, not doing it.'" Anne Marie Coviello, who teaches at Green Park Elementary in Metairie, applauded the move, saying she has frequently worried about safety in schools. "This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers," she said. "We need our state to recognize what we do." But Rhonda Calcote, who teaches kindergarten at Green Park, said she would likely wait. "I don't feel comfortable taking the vaccine right now," she said, citing worries about the speed at which the vaccines were developed and potential side effects. "Not this year, probably in a couple years," she said. Louisiana hospitals reschedule vaccine appointments as winter weather causes shipment delays Some major hospitals across south Louisiana have been forced to reschedule coronavirus vaccine appointments as near-freezing temperatures ling Bob Warren contributed to this report. New Delhi: A JNU student has alleged he was beaten up at the Rajiv Chowk metro station by a few CISF personnel and told he would be "sent to Pakistan", prompting the paramilitary force to order a probe even as it rejected the charges. In a Facebook post, Aman Sinha, 22, who is pursuing a Master's degree from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the incident occurred on Thursday evening and alleged the involvement of CISF personnel posted at the security checkpoint of the busy station. Sinha, who was sporting a beard, claimed that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel got enraged when he "defied" their instructions to take off his earphones, which is a laid down protocol that passengers are expected to follow. It was followed by a heated argument, he said. Read more: JNU students should take oath of protecting nationalism: BJP MP "Then another CISF person came and said you are spoiling the name of the nation, 'Pakistan bhejenge tum mussalay ko aaj.' (You Muslim, we will banish you to Pakistan today). They dragged me to the security office through the very long passage where there was no CCTV and no public. "They started abusing my mother and sister, thrashing and beating me very badly, saying that 'public k samne humara naam kharab kar diya'. I tried to record it which they later made me delete and threw away my phone", he alleged. When contacted, the CISF said the student was only asked to write an apology letter for his behaviour with the security personnel, and was neither "manhandled" nor "thrashed." "He started yelling and arguing with constables Shoeb and PC Bisht who were on duty after he was asked to remove the earphones, which is a normal security drill in the Delhi Metro. He was unwilling and used abusive language after which he was taken to the metro control room", a senior CISF officer said. Read more: Siddaramaiah suggests removal of Hindi signboards from Namma Metro He added that Sinha was taken to the control room of the station where he tendered an apology in writing. As per CCTV records, the officer said, the entire episode lasted about 30 minutes and the student was then allowed to go. A senior CISF official later said an inquiry has been ordered into the entire episode. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. 30933 Gary Eppinger, Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Corporate Privacy Officer, Carnival Corporationy Responsiveness is a critical factor in vendor selection and account the essential requirements of a companys security as well as budget criteria in an interview with CIOReview Gary Eppinger, Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Corporate Privacy Officer, Carnival Corporationy, explained impotance of an efficient cyber security for an organization. The advent of technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, mobility and robotics are creating innovations at breakneck speeds and are scaling the peak of human history. However, debates about these significant technological changes having profound effects on the way we work, socialize and interact are gaining momentum. Indubitably, business models have transformed because of these advancements, but at the same time, security has risen to the top of the boardroom agenda globally. A single breach can have a wide impact on an organization, resulting in reputational damage as well as financial damage Gary Eppinger, global chief information security officer and corporate privacy officer for Carnival Corporation, shares his valuable insights on cybersecurity and the need for thinking outside the box when choosing an appropriate vendor. For context, Carnival Corporation is the worlds largest cruise company, with nine global cruise line brands. Its brand portfolio includes its namesake brand Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruise and Seabourn in the U.S.; AIDA Cruises in Germany; Costa Cruises in Italy; P&O Cruises in the United Kingdom and in Australia. How critical is cybersecurity for your business? In my opinion, cybersecurity is mostly a reactive component of businesses and should be addressed proactively as a strategy because of the underlying security risks. For us at Carnival Corporation, we are integrating cybersecurity into all areas of our business, including taking important steps for the future. From protecting our customers data related to day-to-day activities and interactions with our brands, to overseeing business strategies, we are constantly assessing and incorporating novel methods of security to protect our assets. As ours is a legacy sector, it is imperative for us to introduce newer technology-aided interactions for our customers while maintaining a legacy environment. What do you expect from the vendors when it comes to enterprise security? When it comes to enterprise security, the stakes are high, much as it is in choosing an appropriate vendor. A single breach can have a wide impact on an organization, resulting in reputational damage as well as financial damage. The fact is that cybersecurity is something that companies cannot afford to get wrong, and an expert partner can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of your business. But, with so many players in the marketplace and an array of security offerings, it can be a complex process to find the right partners that fit an organizations needs. When it comes to choosing a vendor, my recommendation is to consider some of the most critical factors, including responsiveness, service range, accountability, longevity and financial viability. Responsiveness is a critical factor in vendor selection. This aspect takes into account the essential requirements of a companys security as well as budget criteria. The vendors ability to provide an in-depth range of services that cater to the security needs across various companies is a crucial consideration in selecting a solution. These can be specific services such as virtual private networks and firewalls, as well as threat and vulnerability management. Additionally, more advanced solutions like security information and event management (SIEM), identity access management and cloud security are included in this service. As the industry is looking for seamless integration that would help to mitigate threats caused by blackhats, vendors are looking for mergers and acquisitions. So, from a strategy perspective, we as an organization are looking for standardization. And this applies to almost every industry vertical. We adopted this strategy because it enables us to leverage one tool for multiple purposes. With many solution providers offering security tools and services that have a range of functionalities, it is difficult to choose one that would exactly match a business requirement. This is where mergers and acquisitions help, providing access to tools and solutions that have seamless integrations and capabilities. How does accountability become a critical facet while choosing a vendor? Accountability becomes a concern when the data attains a monetizable value in the marketplace. This is true for all organizations because every company owns data that adds value to its business. It is essential that vendors accessing the firms network be required to sign contracts and other agreements that ensure compliance with organizational security policies. Actions taken to this end can protect both the customer and the vendor while mandating the latters accountability and responsibility for delivering security as a service. Certifications and industry credentials also matter. Proper research into the credentials, testimonials and certifications of the vendor enable companies to evaluate the depth of expertise and knowledge of a potential partner. Cyber attacks have become automated processes that stay hidden for a while and strike when the time is right. Blackhats are using some of the most sophisticated technologies in the world to find a backdoor entry to a network. Deploying a global security team that ensures 24/7 cybersecurity coverage, monitoring and quick response regardless of location is the only way to prevent unauthorized network access perpetrated by cyber criminals. This real-time intelligence provides rapid threat detection and prevention. Can you tell us about the cybersecurity model that you have adopted for your business? Because we are focused on the tourism sector, we need to process a massive volume of customer data that includes their day-to-day activities, payments, feedback and billing, to name a few. It is essential for us to protect this customer data, as it seriously affects our business. From making payments through credit cards to submitting a feedback form, we take the protection and security of our customers information very seriously. We integrate the multiple acquisitions that we have done over the last 25 years into an environment that supports communication, collaboration and coordination. Regulation and compliance practices across the globe are changing rapidly. Controls such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) put more responsibility on organizations and increase the rights of individuals. Besides expectations, compliance causes some concerns about the security teams. For instance, GDPR takes a comprehensive view of what constitutes personal identification information. Companies will need the same level of protection for things like an individuals IP address or cookie data as they do for name, address and social security number. We have incorporated security in every process that we implement in our company. SaaS is making things easier by providing services that can be easily deployed and implemented. See Also: Top Cybersecurity Solution Companies Top Cybersecurity Consulting Service Companies Top Enterprise Security Solution Companies Top Enterprise Security Consulting/Services Companies Our bumper stickers with the kitchen sink have been around now for generations and we want people to know they can still use any gift cards at our St Charles (1625 E. Main St.) or Naperville (1101 S. Washington St.) locations, Anderson said. We appreciate the support weve been given all these years. Srinagar, Feb 19 : Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday said it has arrested three militants, who shot and injured the son of a popular eatery owner in Srinagar city on Wednesday. Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone, told reporters that the militants had shot and injured Akash Mehra, the son of the owner of 'Krishna Dhaba' on Wednesday evening in the busy Sonwar area when the entire security focus was on the delegation of ambassadors visiting the Valley. "Militants carried out the attack in the evening. Based on CCTV footage and information received by SP (South) Srinagar, it was found that three militants had come on a motorcycle and one of them went inside and shot Akash Mehra across the counter. "Parents of two militants belonging to Srinagar were contacted and they accepted that one of the two militants had left the motorcycle at home, and left his home in haste. "Finally, all the three militants, one of them belonging to Pulwama district, involved in the commissioning of the crime have been arrested. "They have confessed and they will be charged in the court of law for the offence they have committed", the IGP said. There has been widespread anger in Srinagar city over the attack on the Krishna Dhaba owner's son. The eatery is thronged by tourists and locals alike. The place is famous for its fresh and clean vegetarian food served at reasonable rates. The eatery has remained functional even during the high points of separatist violence in Kashmir. 27755 Hera U. Smith, Esq., CAMS, Global Sanctions Compliance Officer, Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX) Hera U. Smith, Esq., CAMS, Global Sanctions Compliance Officer, Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX) US Sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea have been in the forefront of political discussions over the past few years. Changes in administration and international politics have resulted in a number of significant changes within the sanctions regulatory space, thereby creating a high demand for sanctions screening technology capable of adapting to complex and dynamic situations. Regulatory changes in other industries, such as privacy and money laundering, provide the private sector sufficient time and notice before the government enforces the mandatory implementation of policy changes and regulatory requirements. This is not the case for sanctions. In the sanctions world, policy changes happen overnight with little to no warning. These changes must be implemented immediately, thus necessitating adjusting your companys policies, procedures, and systems accordingly. Any violation of these newly implemented sanctions regulations, whether deliberate or accidental, could result in substantial fines and penalties due to strict liability. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is the government agency in charge of enforcing US sanctions. Since 2009, there have been 181 penalties issued and each penalty amounts to an average of $20 million per case or $300,000 per transaction. In the sanctions world, policy changes happen overnight with little to no warning Imagine if your system malfunctioned or was not updated in time and caused your company to process 100 violative transactions a day. Multiply that by how long it takes your team to discover and fix the system and you are now facing millions of dollars in potential fines. This is on top of the reputational damage your company would suffer and the potential de-risking by your business partners, who may decide that the potential sanctions risk of doing business with your company outweighs the benefit of any revenue your business may bring. It is important to note that OFAC sanctions apply not just to financial institutions but to other industries as well, such as but not limited to, insurance companies, import/export companies, retail companies, and tech companies. A good example would be ZTE, a telecommunications company in China, that was fined $1.2 billion for violating OFAC sanctions and other regulations. The more alarming issue is that OFAC sanctions have extra territorial application. This means that if you are running a multinational US company with subsidiaries outside the US, they may have to comply with US sanctions or risk being fined. If you have different systems in place for each subsidiary, you will need to make sure you can control and make the necessary changes to the systems in a timely manner. Most vendors of sanctions screening systems have adjusted to this fast-paced environment by establishing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to update the data or watch lists in their systems within 24 hours. If the government decides to sanction any person or entity, these changes are reflected in the system within a day. Some have even gone a step further and provide lists of entities that are owned or controlled 50 percent or more by sanctioned entities. This helps companies comply with the OFAC 50 percent rule; however, due to the number of entities on these lists and the number of false positives or noise that the system generates, most have taken a risk-based approach with regard to implementation. Certain systems have evolved to more than just namematch screeningthey take into account several parameters such as date of birth, address, and other details to alleviate the amount of false positives. Some even allow you to adjust and customize the threshold or score of each parameter or watch list so you can control when you want to be alerted to a match. More recently, some systems have integrated machine learning into their system. This allows the system to learn behavioral patterns by looking at past decisions and adopt the same for future alerts. There are also talks about using artificial intelligence (AI) in sanctions screening systems that would result in enhanced detection and reduce false positives while being scalable and cost-efficient. However, since AI is a new frontier for sanctions, it is imperative that the solution is transparent and explainable to the regulators. It should also be easily customizable to account for the dynamic nature of economic sanctions. One aspect where AI is both beneficial and detrimental is in the area of targeted or smart sanctions. Here, the government targets certain industries or entities with the precision of a scalpel. For example, dealings in new debt with a maturity date that is longer than a certain number of days involving designated entities in the Russian energy sector are prohibited. We can program a system to take this into account to save companies the hundreds of manhours it takes to manually review each transaction. However, if the regulation changes tomorrow and it is effective immediately (as is usually the case), does your company have the resources, technical know-how and legal knowledge required to reprogram the system instantly? This is one of the areas that sanctions specialists will struggle with as we move towards using AI and machine learning. Technology is a double-edged sword. It could automate repetitive tasks and make us more efficient. It could also magnify any mistake by mindlessly repeating the same error a hundred fold, thereby exposing you to liability. This is why as we move forward, it is important to conduct periodic model and data validation to ensure that the system does exactly what you expect it to do. A child from Myanmar's ethnic Chin minority peeks through a door at a makeshift classroom in a flat in Kuala Lumpur, Oct. 8, 2007. Malaysia plans to deport asylum-seekers among the 1,200 Myanmar nationals it is sending home next week, a refugee group told BenarNews on Thursday, while rights groups expressed shock at a move they said would endanger lives after the military coup. Among those who will be deported are at least nine members of the ethnic Chin community who, like Rohingya Muslims, face state-backed discrimination in their country, said James Bawi Thang Bik, of the Kuala Lumpur-based Alliance of Chin Refugees. We have nine people [who want asylum] from my community and they are from the conflict zone in our country, Thang Bik said late Thursday, referring to the Chin and Rakhine states, where Myanmars army and Arakan Army rebels have been involved in deadly clashes since November 2018. Our people who are going to be deported to Myanmar, they do not have UNHCR documents because they have not yet been interviewed by UNHCR to determine that they are refugees or asylum seekers. They were detained while waiting for UNHCR. So it is really important to let UNHCR meet them for their status determination. Malaysias immigration chief said earlier this week that no refugees registered with the United Nations or from Myanmars Rohingya minority would be among the deported. But according to UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, its representatives since August 2019 had not been able to meet those detained to see if they qualify for international protection, because Malaysia had denied it access to immigration detention centers. The Alliance of Chin Refugees sends the U.N. agency a list of people arrested each month from his community, and so UNHCR is aware of the cases of those seeking asylum, Thang Bik said. UNHCR always responds to us saying that they are not allowed by the immigration to visit the detention camps since August 2019, so they cant do anything. Thats what they always respond to us, he said. The U.N. agency confirmed these facts in a statement on Feb. 12. UNHCR has not received approval from immigration authorities to access immigration detention centers since August 2019, despite continuous advocacy from UNHCR and others on this matter, said Yante Ismail, UNHCR spokesperson in Kuala Lumpur. This has unfortunately prevented UNHCR from seeing those detained in order to verify their refugee status, and to determine if they are in need of international protection. Ismail said she was aware of reports that 1,200 Myanmar nationals were being sent back home from Malaysia, but was trying to get more information from the Malaysian authorities. However, we are concerned that there remains in detention in Malaysia a number of people who may be in need of international protection, including vulnerable women and children, whose refugee status has not yet been verified, she said. Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. Malaysias action utterly abhorrent In related developments, a group of Muslim detainees from Myanmar told the Reuters news agency that 85 of them were among those scheduled to be sent home on Feb. 23. They dont want to go back to Myanmar, Thu Zar Moung, founder and chairwoman of the Myanmar Muslim Refugee Community, a group that represents non-Rohingya Muslims, told the news agency on Thursday. Even during the trip from Malaysia to Myanmar, their lives can be threatened and [it is] dangerous, she said without being more specific. Meanwhile, Malaysias immigration chief confirmed that the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur had arranged for the repatriation of the countrys citizens, Reuters reported last week. Malaysia had agreed to return the 1,200 Myanmar citizens after that countrys military, which engineered the Feb. 1 coup, offered to send navy ships to pick them up, Reuters said. These twin actions of Malaysias working with Myanmars military to deport the countrys nationals in the wake of a coup have shocked rights group Amnesty International and a group of Southeast Asian parliamentarians. It is utterly abhorrent that Malaysia is cooperating with the Myanmar junta that has illegally seized power, and even more so to return Myanmar nationals to a situation of danger and unrest, said Chamnan Chanruang, a member of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), in a statement on Thursday. Many of them could be refugees and asylum seekers who will be put back into the hands of the Myanmar military who caused them to flee violence and desperation in the country in the first place. The Myanmar military, which has ruled the Southeast Asian country for most of the 73 years since its independence from British rule, is said to have committed serious human rights violations against ethnic minorities, according to Human Rights Watch, the U.N. and other international observers. Thousands of these minorities - the Rohingya, the Karen, the Karenni, the Chin, the Kachin, the Shan and the Mon have over the decades fled state-backed persecution in Myanmar. The coup is threatening the lives of all vulnerable communities. There is no doubt that the risk of further discrimination and violence against ethnic and religious minorities, including the Rohingya, is high. We know what the Myanmar military is capable of in terms of human rights abuses, said Teddy Baguilat of APHR. A widespread crackdown on dissidents after the military coup in Myanmar puts those due to be deported at further risk of human rights violations, said Amnesty International. The Malaysian government is recklessly imperiling the lives of over 1,000 Myanmar people by deporting them under a curtain of secrecy to a country in the middle of a coup marred by human rights violations, Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, executive director of the watchdog groups Malaysia office, said in a statement on Thursday. The Malaysian Immigration authorities claim their repatriation program does not involve refugees or asylum seekers, but how have they determined this if the U.N. has been prevented from accessing people in immigration detention for over one and a half years? In his statement on Monday, Malaysias immigration chief did not touch on the issue of UNHCR being denied access to immigration detention centers since August 2019. The return of the 1,200 Myanmar nationals is part of the normal process of deportation of foreigners who have no travel documents or who stay overtime of violate immigration rules, said Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, director general of the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The department would like to clarify that no UNHCR cardholders or ethnic Rohingya are part of the repatriation program, he said. The Irish Cancer Society is urging people in Leitrim to get behind a very different Daffodil Day this year, with street sales and events not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions. Due to the current public health restrictions the flagship fundraiser is unable to go ahead in its traditional way with street sales of fresh daffodils or daffodil pins, and community events. However, there are still many ways for people in Leitrim to get involved with this years Daffodil Day which is taking place on Friday March 26, proudly supported by Boots Ireland. Around 260 people in Leitrim will receive a cancer diagnosis each year and this Daffodil Day is an important chance not only to raise vital funds for services and research but also to send people affected by cancer a message of support in these challenging times. There are many ways for communities across the country to get involved with Daffodil Day, by hosting virtual fundraisers and collections, purchasing items from the Daffodil Day online shop, or making a donation. Go to cancer.ie/daffodil day to find out more. Throughout the pandemic, the Irish Cancer Society has continued to provide vital services and support to cancer patients and their families across Leitrim. Services like Night Nursing, the Freephone Support Line: 1800 200 700 and Volunteer Driver service are available because of the vital funds raised on Daffodil Day. The cost for building an airport accessible by A320 aircraft or equivalents with a capacity of 2-3 million passengers per year comes to about VND4-5 trillion ($173.9-217.4 million) Ha Giang Airport was proposed for dual use (military and civil), to be located in Tan Quang commune, Bac Quang district following level II military airport and level 4C civil airport standards. The airport would span about 388 hectares of space, 70ha of which would be dedicated to military purposes. In its development vision to 2050, Vietnam will have 30 airports, including 15 international and 15 local ones, with the second airport for the Hanoi area being put up for consideration by about 2040. Once receiving the prime minister's approval, Ha Giang will work on zoning, planning announcement, as well as management activities to prepare for the construction of the airport. Ha Giang Peoples Committee has made airport investment and development as major policy direction to create a breakthrough in local social and economic development. At the end-term report of Vietnam's airport system development planning for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, the Civil Airport Administration of Vietnam has proposed Vietnam to have 26 airports by 2030, including 14 international and 12 local airports. Five major international airports would include Noi Bai, Danang, Cam Ranh, Tan Son Nhat, and Long Thanh. Compared to the national airport network planning to 2020 with a vision to 2030 proposed in the prime minister's Decision No.236/QD-TTg dated February 23, 2018, the number of airports was lowered from 28 to 26, in which two airports Na San in Son La province and Lai Chau in Lai Chau province were proposed to be constructed after 2030. In its development vision to 2050, Vietnam will have 30 airports, including 15 international and 15 local ones, with the second airport for the Hanoi area being put up for consideration by about 2040. Compared to the period leading up to 2030, the national airport system will include four new airports, including Na San, Lai Chau, Cao Bang, and the second airport to Hanoi. The list does not include Ha Giang airport. Highly competitive market scenario due to presence of multiple regional manufacturers compelling leading players to acquire smaller ones ROCKVILLE, MD / ACCESSWIRE / February 19, 2021 / Fact.MR's report on the global heat pumps market forecasts a positive trajectory for 2021, albeit at a modest rate, as end-use industries recover from the coronavirus pandemic induced downswing. Long-term growth prospects appear highly promising, with the forecast estimating a staggering CAGR of approximately 12% for the forthcoming decade. The market is poised to experience significant gains, with demand for air-sourced heat pumps receiving major tailwinds. Besides, multiple product launches and collaborations are likely to spearhead future expansion prospects. In 2019, Carrier Corporation introduced a new high-efficiency water-to-water heat pump to harness energy from rivers, lakes and industrial process applications to deliver high temperature water up to 65o C for sanitary use or radiator heating. Recently, in July 2020, heat pump manufacturer NIBE acquired Swedish company VEA AB, purchasing 60% of the latter's shares to strengthen their position across the Scandinavian nation for marketing commercial steam boilers intended for the primarily for the process industry. This initiative is also expected to provide the company further inroads for marketing its heat pumps to key end-use industries situated in the country. The company also acquired German heat pump manufacturer WATERKROTTE GmbH for a sum of 26 million in October 2020. "Growing emphasis on mitigating global carbon footprints is prompting governments to legislate stringent emission curbing regulations, leading housing companies to equip residential complexes with high efficiency heat pumps, expanding growth prospects," says the Fact.MR analyst. For More Valuable Information on Regional Market Dynamics, Request a Report Sample https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=3763 Key Takeaways from Fact.MR's Heat Pumps Market Study Air source heat pumps to remain most preferred, on the back of reduced capital expenditure Demand for industrial heat pumps to remain high amid growing need for achieving power and fuel economy US to experience credible growth on the back of growing rectification applications in the oil & gas industry Sales across the UK to increase twofold by 2021-end, driven by the government's net zero carbon emission targets Germany and France to register impressive growth amid increased scramble to achieve climate and energy reduction objectives Burgeoning urban infrastructure to heighten uptake across key East Asian markets such as China, Japan and South Korea Heat Pumps Market- Prominent Drivers Increasing government legislations to curb carbon emissions is heightening heat pumps uptake at a global level Manufacturers are emphasizing on production of geothermal heat pumps due to its ever-broadening scope Deepening technological penetration is prompting market players to equip heat pumps with IoT systems Heat Pumps Market- Key Restraints Heat pumps are rendered unsuitable in cold weather conditions, particularly solar powered ones Heightened initial capital expenditure at the time of installing superior quality heat pumps may restrict uptake Discover more about the heat pumps market with 145 figures and 82 data tables, along with the table of contents. You will also find detailed market segmentation on https://www.factmr.com/report/3763/heat-pump-market Competitive Landscape Prominent heat pump manufacturers in Fact.MR's report include United Technologies Corp. (Raytheon), Danfoss A/S, Daikin Industries Ltd., NIBE Group, GEA Group AG, Viessmann Group, BDR Thermea Group, Vaillant Group, Mayekawa Mfg. Co. Ltd., Thermax Limited and Glen Dimplex Deutschland GmbH. Besides, numerous regional players operate across key geographies, rendering the market quite competitive. Manufacturers emphasize on portfolio diversification to cater to a wide range of suppliers, distributors and associated market players. For instance, in December 2020, Danfoss A/S announced the introduction of its new micro plate heat exchangers by doling out new products, permitting manufacturers of chillers and heat pumps to benefit from its Z-design technology to address refrigeration and design challenges. In March 2020, the Vaillant Group introduced its aroTHERM plus air-to-water heat pump to be mounted across residential and commercial buildings. The monoblock heat pump functions with a natural and environmentally friendly refrigerant, capable of generating feed and hot water temperatures of up to 75o C and is extremely quiet, with noise levels not exceeding 29 dB(A). More Valuable Insights on the Heat Pumps Market Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the heat pumps market. The study delivers essential insights on the heat pumps market on the basis of type (air source, water source & ground source), application (residential, commercial & industrial) and rated capacity (up to 10 kW, 10-20 kW, 20-30 kW & above 30 kW) across seven major regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania and Middle East & Africa). Key Questions Covered in the Report How is the global heat pumps market expected to perform in 2021? Why is the US anticipated to capture a high revenue share? What drives the UK heat pumps market? How lucrative are the growth opportunities in the East Asian markets? Which drivers underpin the global heat pumps market growth? What challenges are anticipated across the predicted forecast period? Why are manufacturers relying on collaborations and acquisitions? Request More Information about Report Methodology https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RM&rep_id=3763 Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Industrial Goods Domain Asphalt Mixing Plant Market: Fact.MR's elaborate coverage on the asphalt mixing plant market brings to fore credible insights on the prominent growth dynamics expected to prevail across the forthcoming decade. The report elucidates on the key drivers, trends and opportunities expected to shape future trajectory of the asphalt mixing plant market, incorporating information about the key stakeholders and manufacturers. Industrial Paint Booth Market: Fact.MR's study on the global market for industrial paint booth provides a detailed assessment on the key market dynamics, including drivers, trends, opportunities, restraints, and detailed information about the overall market structure, key stakeholders and expansion prospects across major segments in key geographical locations for the upcoming forecast period. Non-Destructive Testing Market: The global non-destructive testing market report published by Fact.MR incorporates an in-depth assessment of the prominent expansion dynamics expected to prevail across key geographies and segments. Details about the prominent manufacturers shaping the non-destructive testing market landscape is also embedded within the scope of this report. About Fact.MR Market research and consulting agency with a difference! That's why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range - from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and we'll be an able research partner. Contact: Sudip Saha US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 E: sales@factmr.com Corporate Headquarter: Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates SOURCE: Fact.MR View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630706/Prominent-Air-Pump-Manufacturers-Leverage-Acquisitions-to-Enhance-Market-Presence-FactMR This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. On Thursday, March 5, 2020, Tennessee's Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey confirmed the state's first case of the new coronavirus. (NIAID-RML via AP) Gardai are investigating a large gathering at a Dublin mosque today which saw over 100 people present at the religious centre. Local officers were alerted to the Blackpitts Mosque, Dublin 8, this afternoon after a senior garda was made aware of the gathering and the crowd was dispersed. Footage taken from by-standers showed around 140 people walking out of a back gate of the facility before leaving the area. The majority of people recorded leaving the Mosque appeared to be wearing face masks. Current guidelines under the Level 5 Covid restrictions state that religious services should be held online and that places of worship should remain open for private prayer. In relation to funerals, the attendance is limited to 10 people and that priority should be given to families themselves. Expand Close Footage shot by onlooker / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Footage shot by onlooker Sources said that gardai attached to Kevin street garda station are now investigating the gathering. Its understood a senior garda in the division was notified after being contacted by a healthcare worker who raised concerns about the number of people present. Inquiries are now underway to establish what, if any, Covid-19 regulations were breached. A garda spokesman said that they aware of a religious service that took place in Dublin 8 today. Gardai attended the scene and engaged with those present and they dispersed. The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020, as amended, are currently in force. In supporting the COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Siochana has and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Gardai engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce, the spokesman said. Where Gardai identify potential breaches of the public health regulations a file is prepared for the DPP in each case or a Fixed Payment Notice is issued where appropriate. Personal social responsibility, wearing of face coverings in open spaces and social distancing are public health guidelines and are not penal regulations. The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Siochana continues to appeal to all citizens to demonstrate personal and social responsibility to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in particular essential journeys, in order to continue to save lives, the spokesman added. Gardai have also carried out separate investigations in relation to large gatherings at funerals in other parts of the country. In Wexford last month gardai were forced to break up a gathering of around 200 people who attended a funeral near Enniscorthy. A young woman punched a former friend in the face on a night out and then taunted her on Snapchat after they fell out over a rape allegation. Tiana Porter, 22, was found guilty of assault causing bodily harm for punching the other woman in the eye at the Red Cow Hotel in Penrith, western Sydney, in August 2019. In later Snapchat videos, Porta referred to her victim as a 'f**king sl*t' and said she was 'in the f**king gutter'. She also asked her 'how's your face feeling?' Tiana Porter (pictured) punched another woman in the face during on a night out and then taunted her on Snapchat After the one-punch assault in August 2019, Porta (pictured) referred to her victim as a 'f**king slut' and said she was 'in the f**king gutter' The victim said Porta hit her after taking sides with a mutual friend who she had accused of sexually assaulting her. The other woman said in a statement Porta told her in the moments before the assault 'he's in jail because of you', The Penrith Press reported. Porta - who was convicted last year - claimed someone else punched the victim and pleaded not guilty to the assault. But Judge Siobhan Herbert said there were inconsistencies in her and her witnesses' evidence and 'lacking credibility'. 'Ms Porta had motive, which she gleefully detailed in Snapchat videos,' she said. Porta claimed someone else had punched the victim and pleaded not guilty to the assault Porter's conviction was quashed after she appealed the severity of her sentence, but she has been placed on a two-year conditional release order She appealed the severity of her sentence - with her lawyer claiming the punch was towards the lower range of seriousness. Judge Siobhan Herbert quashed the conviction on the basis of the 22-year-old's age and lack of previous crimes. She will instead be placed on a two-year conditional release order. 'The Snapchat videos are disgusting - she took action to humiliate the victim,' Judge Herbert said. 'However, she's young and has had no offences before or since the incident.' 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. Union Home Minister on Friday said efforts were made to ensure is forgotten but his legacy of courage, patriotism, and selfless service to the nation would endure till eternity and continue to inspire future generations. Shah, while inaugurating the "Shauryanjali Programme" a tribute to the Bengali revolutionaries, urged the youth of the nation to draw inspiration from the lives and struggles of the freedom fighters. Efforts were made to ensure is forgotten but failed. His legacy of courage, patriotism, sacrifice and selfless service to the nation will continue to inspire generations to come, he told a gathering at the National Library. Recalling how Bose, as a brilliant student, cracked the ICS, Shah said, the legendary freedom fighter left the job and plunged into the freedom struggle just to drive home the message that the nation was more important to him than a comfortable life under the British yoke. ALSO READ: PM Narendra Modi asks Visva Bharati to help farmers access global market Shah said Boses popularity was evident when he twice became president of the Congress, once after defeating the candidate of Mahatma Gandhi. Shah summoned in defamation case A designated MP/MLA court in West Bengal issued summons to Union Home Minister on Friday to appear either personally or through a lawyer before it on February 22 in connection with a defamation case lodged against him by Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee. The special judge of MP/MLA court at Bidhannagar directed that Shah is required to appear in person/by pleader at 10 am on that day. Huawei traditionally unveils the P series in the first quarter of the calendar year, but according to recent reports, this might not be the case in 2021. An insider from the Huawei supply chain revealed orders for components are lower this time, and also there are delays in supplying them, which will affect the overall availability of the devices. Huawei P40 Pro, P40 Pro+, and P40 The Huawei P50 lineup is going to include at least three phones - a vanilla P50 with a Kirin 9000E chipset; a P50 Pro and a P50 Pro+, both running the Kirin 9000 chip, manufactured with Arm architecture. Since the Chinese company had time-related restrictions before halting work with US companies, its chip subsidiary HiSilicon managed to yield just 8.8 million chips, which should cover the Huawei Mate 40 series, the Mate X2 foldable phone, and the upcoming P50 lineup. However, Huawei is not backing down and has no plans to sell its smartphone business. The company CEO Ren Zhengfei already confirmed his team is willing to discuss its position in the US-Sino trade war directly with the new US president Joe Biden. Source (in Chinese) | Via With the overseas student market all but wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all south-east Queensland universities are reporting increased domestic enrolments this year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in enrolments at Queenslands newest campus the University of the Sunshine Coasts Petrie-based Moreton Bay campus which opened in March last year. New students are welcomed to USCs Moreton Bay campus last year. The plan was for Moreton Bay to have 2400 enrolments this year, and it has already reached 3000, USC Vice-Chancellor Helen Bartlett said. Professor Bartlett said USC recruited strongly in the domestic market, retained its existing students and, by building a new campus at Moreton Bay, helped buffer itself against the loss of international students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Tom Hallberg covers a little bit of everything, from skiing to long-form feature stories. A Teton Valley, Idaho, transplant by way of Portland and Bend, Oregon, he spends his time outside work writing fiction, splitboarding and climbing. CHICO, Calif. - Dutch Bros is opening a new location and all proceeds will go to the Rebuild Honey Run Covered Bridge Organization. The new location will be selling 16oz drinks all day for $2. The event will take place Friday from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. The address to the new location putting on the event is off Highway 99 at 13401 Garner Lane. A music professor in Texas has been forced to sleep with his 330-year-old violin to keep it warm, for fear it will crack in cold weather. Aaron Boyd, who is the director of chamber music at Southern Methodist University, bundled the instrument up in blankets before snuggling with it after the power went out at his Plano home amid a winter storm earlier this week. 'I treat this violin as if it were a living creature,' Boyd told The Dallas Morning News on Friday. Temperatures inside Boyd's home dropped down into the 40s (between 4 and 9 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday, so he has been sleeping next to the violin for the past three nights. 'Once it's cracked, you have to have it fixed -and it's never quite the same afterwards,' Boyd stated. The violin was made by renowned luthier Matteo Goffriller in Venice back in 1690. Music professor Aaron Boyd has been forced to sleep with his 330-year-old violin in Plano, Texas for fear it will crack in cold weather following statewide power outages The violin was made by renowned luthier Matteo Goffriller in Venice back in 1690. Boyd claims that when he laid eyes on the instrument 'it was love at first sight' Boyd - a violinist who has played in concert halls across the world - discovered the instrument in a music store a decade ago. The item was so precious that the store's owner had kept it locked in a safe. 'It was love at first sight,' Boyd reminisced to the publication. 'I spent the next six months waking up and going to sleep with a calculator in my hand, trying to see how I could make it happen,' Boyd stated, adding that the cost of the violin was more than he could afford. 'It's a love affair I have with a particular instrument which expresses the sound I'm looking for. While Boyd did not reveal how much he paid for the instrument, another Matteo Goffriller violin was sold at Christie's auction house for $265,000 back in 2008. Back in 2016, another Matteo Goffriller violin was stolen from a train carriage in London, sparking a frantic search. That instrument was valued at $235,000. A woman was subsequently arrested for the theft when it was found 10 months later. While Boyd did not reveal how much he paid for the instrument, this Matteo Goffriller violin was sold at Christie's auction house for $265,000 back in 2008. Boyd - a violinist who has played in concert halls across the world - discovered the instrument in a music store a decade ago Boyd told FOX4 that he placed the violin between himself and his five-year-old son, hoping that their body warmth - in addition to the bundle of blankets - would keep it nice and warm. While power has returned to Plano, Boyd is not yet ready to stop snuggling with the violin. 'I think if we have a couple of days of secure power, regular power, regular heat, I will feel comfortable putting him back in his own room downstairs,' he stated. According to Ingles & Hayday, Goffriller spent a generation 'as Venices most famous maker of stringed instruments' between 1685 and 1710 and he had a profound influence on the great Venetian violin makers of the early 18th century Montagnana, Gobetti, Tononi, Serafin and Guarneri.' His violins and cellos became known for their deep red varnish, which went on to become 'the hallmark of a Venetian instrument.' While power has returned to Plano, Boyd is not yet ready to stop snuggling with the violin One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 5496 Michael Golz, CIO, SAP North America Michael Golz, CIO, SAP North America The way we interact both in our personal and business lives is changing rapidly. Weve reached a point of hyper connectivity where we are always connected and always on. The rise of the cloud and the Internet of Things (IoT) has helped facilitate this shift. In business, we are witnessing the maturation of a globalized networked economy. For CIOs, our role is once again changing. We are being asked to think beyond the four walls of our enterprises and were now interacting through business networks. Because of this connectedness, we are helping our enterprises become more collaborative, intelligent, responsive and efficient than ever before. Whats more impressive is that this new connectedness has yet to peak. The number of connection points between people, applications and devices is set to reach more than 70 billion by 2020. The IoT is having an incredible impact on all aspects of life and it has led to a major shift towards the Networked Economy. We will see dramatic increases in productivity and economic value. It will transform the way we live and work, how business runs, and how society functionsand it will do this in a time frame that is radically shorter than any other major economic transition in history. In the networked economy data is kingand the ability to derive meaning from that data will rule. There are three characteristics of a networked economy. In the networked economy everything is digitized and tracked from our wearable devices to sensors in everyday products, everything is connectedfrom our cars to our homes to inventory in warehouses and everything is ready to be shared, our content and data are all part of a global network to the extent we decide to share it. There are 1.3 billion of us connected through social networks today and there will be an estimated 2.5 billion by 2017. In business, more businesses are connected through integrated supply chains and business networks than ever before. And the emergence of the Internet of Things and the explosion of sensor data mean, more data being fed into these networks. How will Businesses Operate in the Networked Economy? Social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, or online merchants like eBay Amazon and Alibaba have made it easy for us to shop, share and consume information in previously unknown ways. When shopping on Amazon, we connect both with Amazons own network and also outside to external merchants who are connected to Amazons network Amazon facilitates this, we dont worry about connecting to individual merchants, banks or credit card companies. Its all done within the network. Business networks do for business what these personal networks do for our personal lives. They provide an equally simple and scalable way for companies to discover, connect and collaborate with their trading partners in order to gather resources they need to operate. Like Amazons marketplace, companies can shop for goods and services, place and manage orders and pay for them electronically. They can view and manage cost across all major categories and engage customers across multiple channels all through a single, connected platform. Truly networked businesses will operate in three keys ways: Firstly, they will have the ability to amaze customers with highly personalized experiences. With ubiquitous mobile sensors and advanced real-time analytics, the idea of customer-centricity will advance leaps and bounds. Concepts such as the idea of connected retail, can not only tailor products at the point of transaction, but also seamlessly connect to supply chains while providing real time market intelligence to automatically adjust product allocations, pricing, and plans. Secondly, in a business climate which is still rebounding from years of recession, businesses will be able to optimize resources in order to maximize outcomes. A great example is the Port of Hamburg in Germany, where in order to increase container volume from 9 million to 25 million over the next 10 years they are working to connect every truck, container, crane and ship via sensors to a sophisticated scheduling application. The entire logistic chain is constantly updated and is optimized. This ability to anticipate, predict and prevent as more assets become equipped with sensors is a key benefit of the IoT and business networks. Thirdly, theyll unleash the power of people. Giving back time to employees through automation is not enough. To truly unleash the human potential for innovation, businesses must provide the right platform that enables people to collaborate better. As more companies rely on contingent workforces, networked businesses will use best-in-class solutions in order to streamline the process of procuring and managing flexible labor. They will also be masters of managing how money is spent across their networked businesses, from travel to expenses and invoices, all in an effort to increase productivity. Embracing the Networked Economy According to a McKinsey study, businesses fully leveraging business networks can lead to greater market share and higher margins. This is because networked organizations have more fluid information flows, removing barriers to change. They can deploy talent more flexibly, and drive decision-making throughout the enterprise. The key lesson for businesses is: the more you embrace networks, the more you confront change and risk; the more you avoid networks, the faster you fall behind. Businesses should look to activate, optimize and transform. Activate connections (connect your people, business partners, and asset resources) Optimize resources (infrastructure, workforce, services and tie everything back to core processes and workflows that run your business) Transform their business (by taking advantage of the network effect to reinvent and automate processes in real time, simplify infrastructure and unleash human potential) The networked economy offers a faster, more cost-efficient and innovative model for doing business beyond the four walls of the enterprise. This is the power of the business network, companies can shop amongst a massive global network in order to reduce costs, become more efficient and create economic opportunities we have yet to imagine. CIOs have a unique position to identify opportunities in the networked economy, prepare the company for networked business and connect to the right platforms. As the business models change, so does the CIOs priorities and contributions. The cleaning robot named Franzi has made friends at the Neuperlach hospital where she works Cleaning robot Franzi makes sure floors are spotless at the Munich hospital where she works, and has taken on a new role during the pandemic: cheering up patients and staff. "Can you move out the way, please? I need to clean," trills the robot in German when people block her pre-programmed cleaning route. "You need to move! I really want to clean!" she squeaks at those who still don't get out of the way. And if that doesn't work, digital tears begin to stream from her LED-light eyes. "Visitors are not allowed in the pandemic, so Franzi entertains the patients a bit," says Constance Rettler of Dr. Rettler, the company in charge of cleaning the Neuperlach hospital that provided the robot. Three times a day, Franzi bustles through the clinic's entrance hall, her feet automatically mopping the floors. Amused patients take photos of her, and some even stop to chat to the metre-high robot. "Ah, there you are my friend," cries one elderly lady with a drip on her arm upon catching sight of Franzi. "One of our recent patients came down three times a day to talk to her," smiles Tanja Zacherl, who oversees hospital maintenance. Extra employee Created by a company in Singapore, Franzi was originally named Ella and spoke English before coming to Munich early this year. Franzi has limits however. It is still unable to get into tight corners, and if it hits an obstacle, it must be rescued by a human Franzi cleans the hospital's entrance area on a pre-programmed route Franzi can express frustration by emitting tears from her LED eyes Yet her German is perfect as she tells her interviewers that she "never wants to grow up" and that cleaning is her passion. When prompted, she can also sing classic German pop songs and even rap. Rettler is adamant that the robot is not taking jobs away from real human beings but instead is supposed to "support" her flesh-and-blood colleagues, who have become harder to come by during the coronavirus pandemic. "With the pandemic, there is lots of extra disinfecting work to be done in hospitals," says Rettler. "While Franzi is cleaning the floors, our employees can concentrate on doing that." A robot has its limits however. It is still unable to get into tight corners, and if it hits an obstacle, it bursts into tears and remains stuck until rescued by a human. Yet Franzi also has a reason to be cheerful. After a test phase of several weeks, she appears to have settled in at the Neuperlach hospital. Rettler's company has therefore decided to keep her there permanently rather than deploy her elsewhere. Explore further Singapore disinfecting robot trialled in virus fight 2021 AFP Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. 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Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Friday said Pakistan had no favourites in Afghanistan and its message to all sides was to work together constructively for peace, stability and prosperity ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Friday said Pakistan had no favourites in Afghanistan and its message to all sides was to work together constructively for peace, stability and prosperity. It would open new vistas for trade, economic cooperation and regional connectivity, he added. The foreign minister was talking to the head of Massoud Foundation, Ahmed Wali Massoud, who called on him here. The exchange of views focused on the Afghan Peace Process and Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Qureshi welcomed Ahmad Wali Massoud's visit to Pakistan and lauded the historic contribution of Commander Ahmed Shah Massoud as a key Mujaheedin leader during the Afghan resistance. As regards the Afghan peace process, he highlighted Pakistan's facilitation of the US-Taliban Peace Agreement and the commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations. The foreign minister stressed that the historic opportunity must be seized by the Afghan leaders to achieve an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement. He expressed serious concern over the current level of violence and underscored that all sides must take measures for reduction in violence leading to ceasefire. The foreign minister also underlined the need for being vigilant about the role of "spoilers". He said Pakistan had taken a number of steps to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and people-to-people linkages, including opening of border despite COVID-19, introduction of friendly visa regime, and scholarships for Afghan students. All the measures, he added, were practical manifestation of Pakistan's desire for closer ties with Afghanistan. Qureshi also appreciated the role of Massoud Foundation in the social sectors and noted that it could play an important part in promoting civil society and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. The foreign minister expressed the hope that the Afghan peace process would achieve its desired objective of return of peace and stability in Afghanistan. He reaffirmed that Pakistan, on its part, would continue to play a constructive role. Advertisement Harry and Meghan were cast out as working royals last night. Buckingham Palace announced in a dramatic statement that they had been stripped of their remaining roles following their move to California. Pointedly, it said they could not continue with 'the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service'. Minutes later, the apparently furious Sussexes issued a stinging rebuke to the Queen, insisting they would still 'live a life of service' outside the royal fold. They added: 'Service is universal.' Although officials do not want a slanging match, many are said to feel the 'barbed' statement was 'horribly disrespectful' to the elderly monarch, whose husband Philip is in hospital. As relations hit a bitter new low, an insider said: 'They have made a roaring success of what they set out to do in the US, this independent life. And good luck to them. But you can't have your cake and eat it. The two blistering statements: Buckingham Palace announced in a dramatic statement that Harry and Meghan had been stripped of their remaining roles following their move to California. Minutes later, the apparently furious Sussexes issued a stinging rebuke to the Queen, insisting they would still 'live a life of service' outside the royal fold 'If your primary role is to serve the head of state and the monarchy, then it's very hard to do that if you are earning millions on the side. That's philanthropy, not public service. The couple are working with some deserving charities and causes, which is great. 'It's just that the model of how they are doing it is different from how the Royal Family do it.' The source stressed that the split from the Royal Family had been Harry and Meghan's decision entirely. 'They have chosen to live in America, they have not been exiled to America,' they said. Another insider said: 'Let's be clear, the Sussexes instigated this. They jumped. But the Queen is firm: either you are a public servant or you aren't. 'You can't line your pockets while undertaking official duties.' Although Palace officials were at pains to stress how 'saddened' the monarch and senior royals were by the split insisting that Harry and Meghan were still 'much loved' members of the family the rift between the two sides is now wider than ever. Relations are so acrimonious that despite weeks of discussions, they couldn't even agree a joint statement on the issue. 'It's actually all very sad,' a source said. Another insider said: 'The direction of travel has been clear for a while. The Queen has been very clear from the start that this 'half in, half out' model demanded by the Sussexes wouldn't work and hasn't deviated from that. Not once. Their original idea was to have a 'third way' of being a royal. And the Queen has said quite simply 'no, you can't'.' The Mail has been told that it was Harry who pushed to restart talks over his and Meghan's position early this year. Pictured: The statement from Buckingham Palace that The Sussexes had been stripped of their remaining roles Minutes later, the apparently furious Sussexes issued a stinging rebuke to the Queen, insisting they would still 'live a life of service' outside the royal fold. They added: 'Service is universal.' According to insiders, there was a 'puzzling sense of urgency' to his requests that perplexed palace officials. When news of Meghan's deal for a 'tell all' interview with Oprah Winfrey broke earlier this week 'all became clear'. This was seen as 'shocking' by the royal household, which had hoped to make an amicable joint announcement about the couple's future earlier this week. The Daily Mail revealed exclusively earlier this week that the couple were set to lose their remaining royal patronages. They will now be forced to relinquish a series of high profile roles connected to causes close to their hearts and, most devastatingly for Harry, his three honorary military positions. The pair have also had to relinquish their roles with the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, although they are set to retain their official titles, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The above graphic shows how royal experts and commentators have analysed the statement from Buckingham Palace (left) and Harry and Meghan (right) Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, first announced their desire to quit as working royals in January last year without even informing the Queen beforehand, a move which deeply hurt the 94-year-old monarch. The ensuing 'Sandringham Summit' saw the Queen, backed by the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge, stand firm against her grandson and his wife, who were demanding they be allowed to move to North America in pursuit of their fortunes while continuing to serve her as 'quasi-working royals'. In the end the couple were forced to agree not to use their royal titles for commercial gain. However the Queen did agree to hold over some of their official patronages most notably Harry's military positions while a 12-month review of their new arrangements was concluded. It can now be revealed that over the past year a 'battle royale' over these official roles has raged behind the scenes, with neither side willing to concede. Harry and Meghan have categorically refused to accept their loss of standing and insisted they wanted to continue with limited royal duties while landing contacts with firms such as Spotify and Netflix. The Queen, however, has told the couple that their commercial careers were completely incompatible with the impartiality required of those in public service. According to one official, she made it 'abundantly clear' to her grandson that when it comes to being a working royal you are either in, or you are out, telling him: 'You work for the monarchy, the monarchy doesn't work for you.' With negotiations already tense, the revelation of the Oprah interview sent matters into free fall. Harry and Meghan had kept this secret from the Palace, hoping to announce their interview bombshell once the 'divorce deal' was done. This angered officials, who had hoped to make a final announcement on the so-called 'Megxit deal' at the beginning of the week. The couple, who announced on Sunday they were expecting their second child, were said to have 'hit the roof' when they saw the Palace's draft statement, which said that in stepping away as full-time working royals they could not be of 'public service'. All lines of communication subsequently broke down. With a deep but unyielding sadness, the Queen had no choice but to formally write to her grandson confirming that 'Megxit' was final. In its statement yesterday, Buckingham Palace said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty the Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family. 'Following conversations with the duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. 'The honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of the Royal Family.' The Duke of Sussex called The Queen at Windsor Castle from his home in California but the hour-long conversion took Harry one step further outside the Royal Family. Pictured: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and his grandmother in 2018 They added: 'While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.' Four minutes later a spokesman for the Sussexes retorted: 'As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role. 'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.' Harry and Meghan will still be invited to family events such as Trooping the Colour and the prince is expected to join his brother, Prince William, to unveil a statue in memory of their late mother Princess Diana at Kensington Palace on July 1. But no one was pretending last night that relations are likely to be anything other than uncomfortable in future. 'There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Harry and Meghan have chosen to do, but they cannot do it as royals and as public servants,' said one insider. 'The only hope is that perhaps now that the business side of things have been removed, they can start to repair their personal relationships.' The Queen pushed to breaking point: Her Majesty has showered Harry with affection and indulgence in a bid for harmony. Yesterday, that was thrown back in her face with outrageous peevishness. And, writes RICHARD KAY, the worst may yet lie ahead Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, called The Queen at Windsor Castle from his hideaway in faraway California The hour-long conversion took him one step further outside the Royal Family, and to a sad conclusion Queen said to be saddened that her 'affection and indulgence' shown to him has been ignored by Harry Evening shadows were falling across the Long Walk at Windsor Castle when the call came through. From her desk at the window of her private sitting room, the Queen could look up the broad avenue towards Frogmore where, less than two years ago, she had chuckled at the stream of lorries bringing the paraphernalia of Prince Harry's life to his new home in her back garden. Now Harry was calling from his hideaway in faraway California. For an hour, the monarch and her grandson talked on the phone, and by the time it was over the Duke of Sussex was one step further outside the Royal Family. Over the past year, Harry has had more private conversations with the Queen than at any other time in his life. But none was more difficult than the one this week. Both were said to be saddened at its conclusion. For the Queen the sadness was, perhaps, even deeper. It was not just that so much promise was unfulfilled, but that all the affection and indulgence shown to Harry had been so spectacularly ignored or even thrown back in her face. No wonder the talk inside Windsor Castle all week has been about winding the clock back 25 years. RICHARD KAY: 'By choosing to sit down with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan have detonated a bombshell of their own by placing themselves in the hands of probably the most famous broadcaster on the planet' (Queen pictured looking on as Meghan joins Royal Family) Prince Philip, 99, will stay in hospital into NEXT WEEK but 'remains in good spirits' Prince Phillip will spend the weekend in hospital as the fallout from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure from the working Royal Family raged outside. He today had his fourth day in the private facility in London, but is understood to have been aware the announcement on Harry and Meghan was to be released. The Duke of Edinburgh is having 'observation and rest' after being admitted earlier this week after feeling unwell. Philip, 99, was described as being in 'good spirits' after he walked unaided into King Edward VII Hospital on Tuesday evening on the advice of his doctor. A Royal source said: 'Following consultation with his doctor he is likely to remain in hospital for observation and rest over the weekend and into next week. As we have said previously the doctor is acting with an abundance of caution. The Duke remains in good spirits.' The Queen had told him of Meghan and Harry's decision to not return as working members of the Royal Family and the statement she was going to release on the development. The Duke of Edinburgh (left) and the Duke of Sussex (right) laugh together following the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at Windsor Castle in May 2019 Police stand outside King Edward VII Hospital in London this morning as a nurse walks past Philip and Harry had always shared a close bond but a recent book suggested he had been left bewildered by his decision to walk away from the Royal Family. Ingrid Seward, author of Prince Philip Revealed, said the Duke of Edinburgh 'walked away' from the situation after feeling that his advice was being ignored. Seward's book said: 'For Philip, whose entire existence has been based on a devotion to doing his duty, it appeared that his grandson had abdicated his for the sake of his marriage to an American divorcee in much the same way as Edward VIII gave up his crown to marry Wallis Simpson in 1936.' It had been claimed today Harry was self-isolating at home in Montecito, California, so he can fly back to Britain at short notice if Philip's condition worsens, but the Palace's announcement appears to have thrown this into some doubt. Harry, who lives in a 11million mansion with his pregnant wife Meghan and son Archie, was also said to have arranged to fly by private jet at short notice if needed. He would be tested for coronavirus before leaving the US and upon arriving in Britain - and it is not clear if Meghan would travel, reported the Daily Mirror. The Duke of Edinburgh remained at King Edward VII Hospital this morning (pictured today) Police stand on the steps of King Edward VII Hospital today where Philip is being treated Harry would also be exempt from having to quarantine in a hotel for ten days after arriving, if the UK adds the US to its 'red list' of countries as is being discussed. Members of the Royal Family do not have to isolate in a hotel upon arriving from 'red list' countries because due to special dispensation, similar to diplomatic immunity. A spokesman for Harry was contacted for comment by MailOnline. On Wednesday, Buckingham Palace said admitting Philip to hospital was a 'precautionary measure'. There were no reports yesterday of visitors arriving at the exclusive hospital which is on a quiet street in Marylebone, but Philip is known for his 'no fuss' attitude. Philip, who turns 100 on June 10, is in hospital for an undisclosed reason, although it is not coronavirus-related and it was a non-emergency admission.. It is understood a doctor was called after Philip felt unwell for a short period and he was taken to hospital by car, where he walked in unaided. Philip has been spending the latest lockdown with the Queen, 94, at Windsor Castle and last month they both received Covid vaccinations. Prince Harry and Meghan at their 11million home in Montecito, California, last September The Queen and Prince Philip look at a wedding anniversary card given to them by their great grandchildren George, Charlotte and Louis, in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle last November Philip was reported last year to be unconcerned about becoming a centenarian. But sources say his view has modified and he is rather reluctantly looking forward to reaching the milestone. As the nation hoped for his swift recovery, royal author Penny Junor joked yesterday that hospital staff probably would not want Philip on their shift due to his aversion to people making a fuss. She told BBC Breakfast: 'He can be quite blunt and I think if he felt people were fussing over him he could be quite outspoken about that. 'This is a man who doesn't want any fuss made of his 100th birthday, so the fact he's in hospital and getting some fuss made of him will really irritate him.' Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday: 'His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London on Tuesday evening. 'The Duke's admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness's doctor, after feeling unwell. The Duke is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest.' It is understood the decision to admit Philip was taken with an 'abundance' of caution. Philip was last in hospital in December 2019, when he spent four nights at King Edward VII being treated for a 'pre-existing condition' before being discharged on Christmas Eve. He retired from public duties in 2017 but made a rare public appearance at Windsor last July 2020 for the official handover of his role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to his daughter-in-law Camilla. Advertisement Then, the drama was about Princess Diana. This time it was about her younger son. And in both cases it concerned a television programme. Diana's choice of medium was the BBC's flagship current affairs programme, Panorama, which was epic enough. By choosing to sit down with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan have detonated a bombshell of their own by placing themselves in the hands of probably the most famous broadcaster on the planet. To the royals and their advisers, TV confessionals of the kind presided over by Ms Winfrey are not compatible with royal life and the privileges that go with it. Yet that was not the worst of it. The peevish disrespect Harry and Meghan showed the Queen yesterday in a statement in which they appeared to lecture on the meaning of duty and service sent shock waves throughout the Palace and beyond. 'Outrageous,' said one source. To another, it was 'unconscionable' of the couple to have had the last word. 'It showed such disrespect,' he said. Adding to this sense of anger and exasperation is Prince Philip's absence as he remains in hospital in London. For almost a year there had been a gloomy sense of inevitability inside Buckingham Palace about the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, whom courtiers have increasingly come to see as tone deaf in their public utterances. First, there was the Netflix mega-deal announced last September, followed by those stage-managed photographs of the couple laying flowers at a Los Angeles cemetery to mark Remembrance Sunday after Harry's request to have a wreath laid at the Cenotaph on his behalf was refused. Both sent shudders through the Royal Household. 'Even after almost a year's absence there was a sense they had not grasped the central issue that they could not be part-time royals, with one foot in and one foot out,' says a long-time Palace adviser. Even so, the Queen was determined her offer of a year ago that the door should not be closed to the couple until there had been a review of the first 12 months should stand. The Sussex view was that they could still contribute in a meaningful way, despite moving their lives to southern California. But if the door remained ajar just it clanged shut when news of Oprah broke. Weeks before Harry made that call to his grandmother to tell her about the forthcoming interview, the Queen's views about what it means to be a working royal had not changed. The costumes and privileges that go with it such as laying a Cenotaph wreath, even remotely can be available only to those who do the job on a full-time basis. She fervently hoped that the pull of those patronages he held, particularly the military ones, such as his figurehead role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, would be a compellingly strong draw for Harry to reconsider. In the end, he still thought he could have it both ways. Yesterday, the decisiveness of the Palace showed, finally, that he cannot. Stripping him and Meghan of their remaining honorary patronages would have happened anyway when the so-called 'Megxit' deadline expired next month. If moving it forward suggests a royal ruthlessness, I understand it was a decision reached more in sorrow than anger. It also showed that the Queen's legendary patience has a breaking point. And that her sense of duty is more important even than her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In short, she loves to keep them all close as a family but there is a limit. All the same, the speed with which organisations such as the National Theatre (of which the duchess was royal patron) and the Rugby Football Union (for which Harry had been a tireless champion) issued statements yesterday demonstrated that they had been prepared for the changes. Pointedly, the Palace statement referred only to Harry indicating perhaps that the duchess had no formal role in the talks that have been ongoing. No wonder, when many inside royal circles refer icily to Meghan as 'The American'. When news of the Oprah interview emerged, it meant negotiations between the two sides, involving officials as well as the royals, had to be completed in a more tense atmosphere than they'd anticipated. Even so, there was still room for discord. The haste of Harry and Meghan's own statement issued at 4.30am Los Angeles time yesterday, in response to the one that had been released on behalf of the Queen illustrated an astonishing lack of awareness by someone who is sixth in line to the throne and steeped in the royal tradition of service. What had seemingly infuriated the Sussexes the most was this line in the middle of the pre-prepared Palace statement: 'In stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.' Unspoken in all of this, and perhaps the hidden message behind the words, was that the exemplary life of public service that the Queen and the 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh have led. Over at Sussex headquarters, however, they hit the roof. Harry and Meghan believe they are committed to public service, but they simply want to do it from outside the Royal Family and from outside Britain. And given Harry's closeness to his grandmother, he will have been angered at the way he felt he was being treated by the Queen's most senior aides. That is what triggered the couple's extraordinary sharp response: 'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.' Whatever pretence there had been until this point that both sides were happy with the outcome went up in a puff of smoke. Last night aides spoke of their shock at the tone of the couple's response, viewing it as a rebuke to the Queen, even an insult. 'They didn't think to let the Queen have the last word,' says one insider. 'They didn't think that with Prince Philip in hospital, she might have enough on her plate. 'And they didn't think that there is a difference between charity and philanthropy and commitment to public duty. There is a world of difference: one is playing at it and one is doing it day after day, come rain or shine. 'By responding as they did, the duke and duchess are thumbing their noses. I think it could turn out to be a strategic mistake.' Palace aides had concluded that a non-working royal living in California couldn't give the level of commitment to the military, the Commonwealth and charitable organisations, which all mean so much to the Queen, that might reasonably be expected. The patronages will be 'redistributed' among those members of the Queen's family who remain full-time working royals. Buckingham Palace did try to hold out an olive branch at the end of their statement by saying that Harry and Meghan remained 'much loved members of the family'. It echoed the statement they made in January 2020 when Harry and Meghan first announced they wanted out. But that is not how they see it in California. The Sussexes believe other members of the Royal Family with HRH titles have the freedom to earn a private income a thinly veiled reference to Harry's first cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Anxious not to alienate the couple further, aides are at pains to insist there is little prospect of further attempts to downgrade them by removing their HRH style or even the Sussex title, as some commentators have suggested. The removal of Princess Diana's HRH after her divorce from Prince Charles rebounded on the royals with the public, who viewed it as an act of spite. There is also the fact that however dismayed they are by Harry, he remains a uniquely important figure to the future of the monarchy. In the event of Charles and William both losing their lives and, remember, they have both contracted Covid-19 Harry would become regent to a young Prince George. Throughout the saga, Palace officials have been playing close attention to public reaction. A recent poll about royal popularity, still on the YouGov site, has been monitored. It shows Meghan languishing below both the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex, while Harry was outpolled by both Prince Charles and his non-royal cousin Zara Tindall. There will be more twists and turns to come in this unedifying domestic drama. The date of March 7, when Harry and Meghan genuflect before TV queen Oprah, is likely to be engraved in the royal memory just like Diana's Panorama appearance on November 20, 1995. The very real concern is that it will reopen other wounds, such as the rift between Harry and his brother and between their wives. There is the fear of a repeat of the froideur that once existed between two other royal sisters-in-law the Queen Mother and the Duchess of Windsor. By striking as she has, the Queen hopes she will mitigate the need for further action. Only time will tell if that has been successful. Devoted to self service: JAN MOIR says farewell to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they are stripped of royal roles and patronages Oh no, not the patronages! Anything but the patronages. Please, Your Majesty, don't take the patronages away from us, we are begging you. This is exactly what many imagine the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not say when news came through that they had lost their last official duties and ties as working members of the Royal Family. The patronages and honorary military appointments which were the gift of the Queen have now been removed from their grasp, winkled out like pearls popped from a shell, now to be redistributed amongst other, more dutiful, members of The Firm. Sitting barefoot under the Baby Tree in the charming grounds of their Californian mansion, what will Harry and Meghan care about this latest development? Not much, perhaps. Surely that grab bag of dreary duties only served to remind them of how they despised their status as lower rank royals stuck on the second tier of the House of Windsor cake stand; the Sussex plain scones doomed to languish forever beneath the Cambridges' creme de la creme eclairs. Sitting barefoot under the Baby Tree in the charming grounds of their Californian mansion, what will Harry and Meghan care about this latest development? As it was their decision to step away from the work of the Royal Family, it is now not possible for Harry and Meghan to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with their life of public service,,, With one stroke of a queenly pen, their royal ambitions have been sunk for good By comparison, in the grand life they are carving out for themselves in the gullible gulches and dreamy canyons of California, it is they who are the headline attraction, the stars of the show, master and mistress of their own, carefully-calibrated universe. Out there, amid the razzmatazz of the Oprah interviews and the Disney documentaries, surely there is little room for the fuddy-dud military, Commonwealth and charitable associations of their old life? To New World ears, even the names sound like something worthy of mockery from a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta; the Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving, The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, The Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football League, The Association of Commonwealth Universities and The Royal National Theatre. Where's the stardust, where's the global sex appeal of all that khaki and Commonwealth baloney when you could be filming amusing videos with James Corden or promoting a groovy feminist brand of coffee? Where indeed. Yet there must be some part of Prince Harry's blue-blooded heart that is deeply wounded by, for example, the loss of his Captain Generalcy of the Royal Marines. Harry's military life has always been the best of him; it defined him as a young man and gave him purpose and discipline at a time when he seemed lost and in danger of spiralling out of control. 'Don't cock it up,' Prince Philip told Harry on the day he passed on the honorary command of the Marines back in 2017, after holding the title himself for 64 blameless years. They are surely words that now gnaw at Harry's soul as his 99-year-old grandfather lies ill in a hospital thousands of miles away and the royal life that once bound them together through the twin strands of heritage and duty has turned to dust. Yesterday's statement from the Palace detailing the Queen's thinking on the ongoing Sussex situation was unequivocal; as far as she is concerned the Duke and Duchess have left the life of public service and therefore their inevitable demise as official royals is now complete. The air has gone from their balloon of privilege, they are the jewels unceremoniously removed from the crown. And so it has been written. As it was their decision to step away from the work of the Royal Family, it is now not possible for Harry and Meghan to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with their life of public service. On the choppy waters of the imperial sea they are unmoored, untethered, undone. With one stroke of a queenly pen, their royal ambitions have been sunk for good. One might have expected the couple to regretfully but respectfully acknowledge Her Majesty's wishes which after all are only following royal protocols and perhaps publicly express a word or two of grateful thanks in her direction, particularly after all they have put her through. But not a bit of it. 'Not bovvered,' seemed to be the sulky message emanating from the depths of the Sussexes' West Coast bunker. In an unmistakable ratcheting of hostilities between the two camps, a spokesman for the couple said: 'As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.' Surely they meant self-service? That is the only explanation that makes sense. If this statement wasn't so downright rude, it would be laughable. Service to the UK and around the world? Who do they think they are, the Gandhi and Bambi of the Second Coming? Over the past few months the couple have visited food banks in Los Angeles on a couple of occasions, while indulging in their favourite pastime of lecturing others on where they are going wrong in their lives and urging us all to be more perfect likewell, like them. It all hardly amounts to a hill of organic beans, let alone a lifetime of devoted service to the UK, to America or to anywhere else. It is no secret that Harry and Meghan were once so desperate to flee the deprivations and imagined horrors of royal life they didn't even have the decency to alert the Queen to their escape plans Harry and Meghan mean well of course, but they would be wise to remember that sainthood and beatification by the masses is still a long way off and that there are plenty of others out there who do an awful lot more for much less fanfare. Who don't, in fact, feel it necessary to organise and orchestrate their own glamorous photo shoots in military cemeteries or elsewhere to draw attention to the pumping geyser of their righteous bleeding consciences. What is disappointing here is not the dismissive tone or the rampancy of egos behind the Sussex statement, it is that Prince Harry has failed to protect his well-meaning 94-year-old grandmother from the withering disdain of the publicity chiefs on his payroll. That is completely unforgivable. Even worse, perhaps the words actually do reflect a hardening attitude from the Prince and even a new contempt for the rules and regulations that once shaped his life. One hopes not, but should it be true, it is a great pity. The Queen in particular, who has behaved with admirable restraint and kindness throughout the apocalypse of their leaving, demands a little more respect. After all, she is the head of the family that gave Prince Harry absolutely everything, including his wealth, status and identity. Despite much provocation, the fact that she has not removed their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, the royal designations upon which their entire success in America depends, bears testament to her continued goodwill. Over the past few months the couple have visited food banks in Los Angeles on a couple of occasions, while indulging in their favourite pastime of lecturing others on where they are going wrong in their lives and urging us all to be more perfect likewell, like them... So where do Meghan and Harry go from here? Despite their brittle bravado in the face of this latest demotion, much of the Sussexes' international appeal is contingent on public understanding that they remain enmeshed with, and indispensable to, the Royal Family. Without that, who or what are they? Just another couple of Hollywood starlets seeking to impress with their charity portfolio, perhaps. In royal circles they remain much loved, but now have about as much official standing as a pair of corgis. And why should anyone in the world beyond care about them or what they think? It is no secret that Harry and Meghan were once so desperate to flee the deprivations and imagined horrors of royal life they didn't even have the decency to alert the Queen to their escape plans. Yet it remains fascinating that despite the growing disdain they now seem to harbour for the House of Windsor, they have never been quite appalled enough to consider giving up being a Duke and a Duchess. If the Sussexes really wanted to carve out a progressive new role for themselves, surely the encumbrance of these ancient royal titles would have been the first thing to be ditched, in favour of the sunny, Californian, linked-not-ranked meritocracy that they claim to love and admire so much? Instead, Harry and Meghan still want to enjoy the prestige that these ancient crowns of privilege bring to their celebrity status; their titles are key tools in their battle to capture hearts and minds with the whipped blancmange of their fashionable beliefs, which include climate change, mental health issues and unconscious racism. As I say, I am sure they mean well. But it is entirely possible to understand their motivations, to agree with their causes, to appreciate their politics, but at the same time still feel that you're being strangled by their double rainbow of smug conceit. And this latest row with the Queen shows a worrying lack of humility in the face of adversity. 'To do something of meaning, to do something that matters,' was the Sussexes' stated aim when they launched their not-for-profit Archewell Foundation last year. The name, they told us, was a combination of 'an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon'. Until that point, the only deep resources Harry and Meghan had drawn upon were poor Prince Charles's bank accounts. All this, and the unstinting support of the Queen, seems to have been forgotten in this week's rather abrupt and unworthy lack of grace towards the Royal Family who have given them both so much. Yet so much of what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do and say now seems to raise more questions than answers. If they really want to lead lives of public service across the world, why didn't they just quietly begin in America by doing good works and letting their philanthropic profile emerge naturally? Instead of this endless blaze of publicity and self-congratulation? And while we are here, why can't the pair of them be a little kinder to their own respective families along the way? Charity begins at home, after all. ROBERT HARDMAN: As Harry and Meghan enter a royal wilderness like another couple so many years ago... Is the HRH next to go? Yesterday's P45 from Buckingham Palace may have made it very clear where the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex lies: outside the royal orbit. But, as ever when it comes to the Sussexes, with clarity come yet more questions Yesterday's P45 from Buckingham Palace may have made it very clear where the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex lies: outside the royal orbit. But, as ever when it comes to the Sussexes, with clarity come yet more questions. Will Harry ever wear those hard-earned military uniforms again? No (old soldiers do not wear uniform unless they have an honorary rank; he does not). Where does he remain in the royal pecking order? In the same place he was last week sixth-in-line. There are no constitutional loose ends. And while some may point to similarities between Harry and his great-great uncle, the Duke of Windsor who abandoned royal duties 85 years ago these simply do not stack up. But what are we now supposed to call the couple? Here things become rather more confused. For you need only look at the plethora of global news reports yesterday to see that no one has the faintest idea. Harry/Meghan/Prince/Markle take your pick. The couple have let it be known that they do not wish to be called 'HRH', though they still retain that royal style (it is a style not a title). Though they call themselves 'Duke and Duchess of Sussex', they seem happy enough to use 'Harry' and 'Meghan' in other communications. Yesterday, their short statement informed us that they are committed to 'duty and service', adding, pointedly, 'regardless of official role'. The subtext was clear enough: 'We don't need a royal title to continue doing what we're doing.' In which case, many will say, why on earth are they still clinging to their royal status at all? And why has the Queen not removed it? It was the Queen who created her grandson Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel on his wedding day in 2018. If she took the dukedom away again, he would revert to being HRH Prince Henry of Wales and the Duchess would become HRH Princess Henry of Wales. Out in California, where the Sussexes are building their new life, it might be considered much grander to be a prince and princess anyway. Indeed, many people in Britain find it odd that having grown to know and love 'Prince Harry' for all those years, he suddenly morphed into a mere duke on his wedding day. Such are the intricacies of royal nomenclature. Like Harry, the Duke of Windsor married an American divorcee and left the country, he was going into a life of self-imposed exile. He had renounced the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, a woman whom the state and the public would not accept as Queen So why are they still HRH even if they don't use it? This is down to Letters Patent issued by George V in 1917 when he laid down new rules on who should or should not be royal. He ruled that the son of the son of a monarch is 'HRH' and so (by convention) is his spouse. Monarchs can always change the rules again. The Queen issued fresh Letters Patent in 1996 to remove 'HRH' from those who had acquired it on marrying into the family and who then got divorced (namely, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of York). It was not an act of spite (Diana had already volunteered to lose her 'HRH' style anyway) but of principle. Royal status acquired on marriage would disappear if that marriage was dissolved. So the Queen could do it again. To strip Harry and Meghan of 'HRH', however, really would be seen as an act of spite because it would be removing Harry's birthright. He was born royal and remains, as the Palace stressed yesterday, a 'much loved member of the family'. And such a move would stir up unwanted memories of the former King Edward VIII. Though, like Harry, the Duke of Windsor married an American divorcee and left the country, he was going into a life of self-imposed exile. He had renounced the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, a woman whom the state and the public would not accept as Queen. By contrast, everyone was delighted when Harry married Meghan on that magical day nearly three years ago. Their subsequent career path has been one entirely of their own design and there is nothing to stop them coming back again whenever they choose. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor would spend the rest of their lives feeling deeply resentful towards the rest of the Royal Family. Two issues, in particular, became festering sores. One was money (though the Duke had secured a small fortune for himself when he abdicated) and the other was the Duchess's royal status. In 1937, King George VI issued new Letters Patent allowing his elder brother to style himself 'HRH' but forbidding the duchess or any subsequent children (there were none) from doing the same. It rankled for the rest of their lives. Since Harry and Meghan don't use their 'HRH' handle, it is hardly an issue. Removing it would stir up a battle that the Queen neither needs nor wants and it would be even more painful for the Prince of Wales. He adores his younger son and would dearly like to see more of him and his young family, not less. However, I can see it becoming more and more of an issue as the couple branch out in fresh directions starting with next month's Oprah Winfrey interview. That will be followed, soon enough, by Netflix productions, Spotify podcasts and assorted other projects under their new 'Archewell' brand. Everyone was delighted when Harry married Meghan on that magical day nearly three years ago. Their subsequent career path has been one entirely of their own design and there is nothing to stop them coming back again whenever they choose The couple have lost all their royal patronages including those Forces and Commonwealth appointments that meant a great deal to the Queen (they were the only other royal names on the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, one of her great legacy projects). In time, the same question will be asked by more members of the public: if they are no longer royal, then why are they still royal? The Sussexes could, of course, ask the Queen to take away their royal status. For now, as they continue to issue statements as 'Duke and Duchess' that seems unlikely. So, this curious limbo status continues thanks to a system that may seem strange and arcane in the funky Californian milieu that they now inhabit. But are royal titles any weirder than the stated aims of the Sussexes in their new life? 'At Archewell, we unleash the power of compassion to drive systemic cultural change,' says their new 'mission' statement. 'We do this through our non-profit work within Archewell Foundation 501(c)(3), in addition to creative activations through the business verticals of audio and production.' It's enough to make Letters Patent look as easy as ABC. End of Harry's Army dream: He always yearned for military life and called it his family, now MARK NICOL asks - can any censure be more painful? Harry will be prevented from wearing full military regalia at official gatherings after suffering a bitter blow His honorary roles, such as Captain General of the Royal Marines, will be returned to Queen and redistributed Garments he should no longer wear are understood to include the Blues and Royals frockcoat worn on his wedding day and the Royal Marines dress uniform Prince Harry will be forbidden by tradition from wearing full military regalia after suffering the bitter blow of losing his honorary appointments with the Armed Forces, it emerged tonight. With the duke no longer returning as a working member of the Royal Family, his honorary roles, such as Captain General of the Royal Marines, will be returned to Her Majesty before being redistributed among other senior royals. Harry, 36, will be prevented if only by tradition from wearing full military regalia. Should he attend a Remembrance Sunday event he could wear his medals and a regimental beret but not a uniform. Iin 2005 Prince Harry, then aged only 20, began his officer training. It was widely remarked that the Army became his family. Pictured: Harry during a 1993 visit to the barracks in Hanover (left) and (right) Prince Harry races to scramble an Apache while serving in Afghanistan in 2012 No more Commodore in Chief of Little Ships The honorary military titles that Prince Harry has lost: Captain General, Royal Marines As the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, Harry was appointed in December 2017, succeeding the Duke of Edinburgh. He made numerous visits to the Commando Training Centre in Devon and to Norway for arctic warfare drills. He made his last appearance in Royal Marines uniform at a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2020. Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington Appointed by the Queen in 2008 and visited the base on at least three occasions in his formal role. In 2010 he presented the families of two servicemen killed in Afghanistan with the Elizabeth Cross. Royal Air Force Honington, near Bury St Edmunds, is the RAF's centre of Force Protection. Commodore-in-Chief, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving Appointed in August 2006 in recognition of the links between the Navy and the Royals. Opened the 30million Amphibious Centre of Excellence at Devonport Naval Base in 2013. Advertisement Garments he should no longer wear are understood to include the Blues and Royals frockcoat worn on his wedding day in May 2018 and the Royal Marines dress uniform he wore to the Royal Albert Hall in March 2020, shortly before he stepped down as a senior royal. Last night, his former commander General Lord Dannatt paid a glowing personal tribute to Prince Harry, saying his heart would always be with Britain's military community even though he may never be seen in uniform again. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail Lord Dannatt, a former head of the UK's Armed Forces, sounded a defiant note on his behalf after the prince's 16 years of service. He said: 'It was a privilege to have enjoyed Prince Harry's comradeship during the years that he has served his country in uniform. 'As we say, 'You can take someone out of the Army, but you can never take the Army out of them'. 'I am sure the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force would say the same. I have no doubt that this will be Prince Harry's emotion. 'The announcement from Buckingham Palace is welcome in so far as it clears the air about the Duke of Sussex's future intentions. 'I fully respect and support the decision that he has made in the best interests of his wife and growing family. 'The military community will miss his official connections and contributions but I am in no doubt that he will continue to support our serving and veteran soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines in a private capacity, especially through the Invictus Games and service charities.' Back in 2005 Prince Harry, then aged only 20, climbed the ornate steps of the Old College at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) to begin his officer training. It was widely remarked in the following years that the Army became his family. He subsequently served his country with distinction on the frontline in Afghanistan, both as a soldier on the ground and later as a helicopter pilot. After Sandhurst Prince Harry commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Blues and Royals, a regiment of the Household Cavalry, in 2006. A debate soon began about whether he could deploy with his unit to Iraq. As he was not directly in line to the throne many senior army figures thought he should go. Eventually the Ministry of Defence, after drawn-out discussions with Buckingham Palace, was persuaded that he would be a high profile target whose presence would endanger those deployed with him. News means Prince Harry won't be allowed to wear the dress uniform he wore on his wedding day (left) and the Royal Marines dress uniform he wore to the Royal Albert Hall in March 2020 Pictured: Prince Harry exits the Australian War Memorial on April 6, 2015 in Canberra, Australia Lord Dannatt then personally arranged for Prince Harry to serve in Afghanistan. He struck a deal with media outlets for them not to report his presence in return for interviews to be published and broadcast on his return. The deal held for ten weeks, allowing Harry to experience the brutal realities of warfare. He served as a Forward Air Controller with a desert reconnaissance unit. In doing so he became the first member of the Royal Family to serve on the frontline since Prince Andrew took part in the Falklands War in 1982 as a helicopter pilot. While Lord Dannatt last night offered Prince Harry his best wishes, he also sounded a note of caution as the Duke of Sussex starts a new chapter in his life. He added: 'Prince Harry will have had to weigh up very carefully everything that was important in his life. 'Although he cares deeply for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that he has served with and our veterans, especially those who have been wounded, his priority is with his wife and growing family. 'I fully respect and support the very difficult decision that he has had to make. 'I wish him well for the future and know that his heart will always be with the British military.' Harry, 36, will be prevented from wearing full military regalia and stripped of royal patronages On his return to the UK from Afghanistan Prince Harry was advised to retrain as a helicopter pilot should he wish to go back to the conflict though secretly few senior officers expected him to pass the necessary selection tests. But he defied their low expectations, qualifying as an Apache helicopter co-pilot and gunner. He returned to Helmand Province in September 2012 with the Army Air Corps and duly completed a four-month operational tour. Harry then focused on veterans' welfare and helped set up the Invictus Games, a version of the Paralympics for injured military personnel, before retiring from the Army in June 2015. In December 2017, Harry accepted the role of Captain General of the Royal Marines from his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, who had served in this capacity for a remarkable 64 years. The prince made a number of visits to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon, and to Norway where Marines practice arctic warfare. It has been speculated that the Captain General's role could pass to Prince William or the Princess Royal. Harry will also relinquish his roles as honorary commandant of RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy's Small Ships and DivingLast night, the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on any issues raised by yesterday's Buckingham Palace statement on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. What the royal statements say... and what they REALLY mean: How 'deeply disappointed' Queen's announcement and Harry and Meghan's 'rude' response reveal two 'VERY different attitudes to a life of service' Two statements issued by Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle three minutes apart Royal experts say difference lays bare 'deep divisions' between the Sussexes and the rest of Royal Family Palace referred to couple as 'much loved members of the family' and said it was 'saddened by their decision' Queen said 'it is not possible to continue with responsibilities and duties that come with life of public service' But Harry and Meghan hit back in own statement, saying they 'remain committed' and 'service is universal' By Mark Duell for MailOnline The two statements issued by Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle three minutes apart today laid bare the 'deep divisions' between the Sussexes and the rest of Royal Family, royal experts said today. The Palace referred to the Sussexes in a statement issued to all the media at 12.01pm as 'much loved members of the family' and said it was 'saddened by their decision' in failing to return as working royals. It also revealed the Queen had 'written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service'. But Harry and Meghan hit back in their own statement three minutes later, saying they 'remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world', adding: 'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.' This statement was issued by their spokesman at 12.04pm only to their trusted media partners such as royal biographer Omid Scobie, the author of Finding Freedom, who was among the first to post it on Twitter. Here, royal experts analyse the meanings behind the statements from the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace. The above graphic shows how royal experts and commentators have analysed the statement from Buckingham Palace (left) and Harry and Meghan (right) Meghan, Harry and the Queen at an awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 26, 2018 The Buckingham Palace statement begins by outlining how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed to the Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the royal family. It adds: 'Following conversations with the duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.' BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said there is almost an unspoken sentence after that from the Queen: 'A life of public service like I have led, like my husband has led at the age of nearly 100, like the rest of your family continue to lead but which you have decided to opt out of'. The Palace statement continues: ROBERT JOBSON: What astonishes me is Harry and Meghan's frankly rude response It is a sad but inevitable consequence of Harry and Meghan's decision to quit the royal family and live in America as private individuals that they are effectively now out in the cold. They took a decision that they no longer wanted to commit full time to serve the Queen and monarchy, but felt they still had a role to play. I am afraid after a year in which the Queen hoped the dust would settle, which left the door open should they change their minds, the Queen, on advice, has decided that the door has to be firmly shut. Her Majesty's decision gives clarity to a confusing situation and in my opinion the only course she could take. But there is a cool and hidden anger there too in her statement. The fact that they released this statement whilst Prince Philip was recovering in hospital is remarkable too and speaks volumes. The Palace statement makes the distinction between Crown and Family. The Queen acknowledges that they are loved as members of her family. But that does not hide the fury over their decision to give an interview to Oprah that will inevitably open up old wounds. The interview is clearly the straw that broke the camel's back. What astonishes me is Harry and Meghan's frankly rude response. They seem hell bent on undermining the Queen's decades of duty and service, and that of the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales as well as other working royals, with their flippant and petulant remark. To say they remain committed to 'duty and service to the UK and around the world and adding that 'we can all live a life of service and that service is universal' is simply rude. It is almost laying down the gauntlet to the Queen and the Royal Family, implying their brand of modern royalty is better. Personally, also for clarity I believe Harry's title the Duke of Sussex, a royal dukedom and his position in the line of succession, should be removed too. I feel that should be for members of the royal family who are committed to and working for the institution. It is not, after all, about personalities. I feel sorry for the Queen, but also for The Prince of Wales - who must be torn emotionally by his son's rogue behaviour - and Prince William who now has to go forward bearing a much greater load, he had hoped to share with his brother. The Sussexes seem only concerned with their feelings and how events impact on them. Harry, who served in the armed forces with distinction, is understandably upset at losing his honorary titles and military associations and patronages. But what did he honestly expect? Being a member of the royal family is a life time commitment. It comes with great privileges but also great responsibilities. Harry and Meghan have decided to walk away from the royal family and meeting those responsibilities. It is a price they have to pay. Harry and Meghan talk a lot about respecting the Queen. It's time they showed it with their actions not just empty words. ROBERT JOBSON is a royal expert and author of the forthcoming book Prince Philip's Century Advertisement 'The honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the duke and duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of the royal family.' Royal expert Robert Jobson, author of the forthcoming book Prince Philip's Century, says Harry, who served in the Armed Forces with distinction, is 'understandably upset' at losing his titles, military associations and patronages, 'but what did he honestly expect?' Harry will also no longer be Captain General of the Royal Marines, nor hold two other honorary military appointments. Royal writer Penny Junor said: 'It does draw a line. It's hurtful but every divorce is hurtful. This is the decree absolute. 'People lose things in a divorce. They lose pets, they lose houses, they lose children, and there was no way this was going to end well.' A royal source said they had 'absolutely, no question' wanted to keep the positions they had lost. The official statement goes on: 'While all are saddened by their decision, the duke and duchess remain much loved members of the family.' Mr Witchell said: 'Of course they're ''saddened'', as the statement says, they're deeply disappointed I think with how matters have turned out.' He added: 'I sense a real sense of exasperation in these statements on both sides.' Speaking to MailOnline this afternoon, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said of the phrase 'much loved' in Buckingham Palace's statement: 'I think this means that Harry in particular, is very dear to the Queen.' Speaking about the word 'saddened', he added: 'Obviously there is disappointment by their decision not to return, though this was inevitable. Whereas it is Meghan who has undoubtedly been the driving force in this, Harry has changed and they are a united couple in this decision.' ITV royal editor Chris Ship said that normally with statements from the Palace you have to 'dog down' to discover what has happened, but not so here. 'It's a pretty sharp way to end there. I think it rather suggests it wasn't very pleasant at all,' he said. 'That jumped out at me as soon as i read it.' The spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: 'As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.' Mr Witchell told the BBC News Channel today the phrase 'as evidenced by their work over the past year' revealed a sense of the couple 'thumbing their noses', saying 'don't tell us how to lead our lives'. Royal experts say that the section of the statement emphasising that the couple have 'offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role' reveals that they strongly disagree that the commitments they have made are incompatible with keeping royal patronages. The statement from the couple goes on: 'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.' Royal commentators say the first sentence reveals very different attitudes to the concept of service. Of the Sussexes's reference to service being 'universal', Mr Fitzwilliams said: 'The way the Sussexes see the world is different. They are less formal. It indicates to their former patronages that they are very unhappy to lose official links with them.' Ms Junor said of the response from the Sussexes: 'It sounds petulant. They sound disappointed and hurt and I can understand that.' She added: 'It's sort of two fingers at the institution - the men and women that run it. 'I don't think it would be to the Queen because I imagine they think the Queen is being advised, which she is.' Ms Junor described the conclusion to Megxit as the final step in a troubled divorce proceedings, following on from Harry and Meghan quitting as senior working royals last year. Royal commentator Robert Jobson told MailOnline Harry and Meghan saying they remain committed to 'duty and service to the UK and around the world' and adding that 'we can all live a life of service and that service is universal' was 'simply rude'. 'It is almost laying down the gauntlet to the Queen and the Royal Family, implying their brand of modern royalty is better,' he said. Mr Jobson continued: 'It is a sad but inevitable consequence of Harry and Meghan's decision to quit the royal family and live in America as private individuals that they are effectively now out in the cold. 'They took a decision that they no longer wanted to commit full time to serve the Queen and monarchy, but felt they still had a role to play. 'I am afraid after a year in which the Queen hoped the dust would settle, which left the door open should they change their minds, the Queen, on advice, has decided that the door has to be firmly shut. 'Her Majesty's decision gives clarity to a confusing situation and in my opinion the only course she could take. But there is a cool and hidden anger there too in her statement.' He added that the fact they released the statement while Prince Philip is recovering in hospital is 'remarkable too and speaks volumes'. Mr Jobson continued: 'The Palace statement makes the distinction between Crown and Family. The Queen acknowledges that they are loved as members of her family. But that does not hide the fury over their decision to give an interview to Oprah that will inevitably open up old wounds. 'The interview is clearly the straw that broke the camel's back. What astonishes me is Harry and Meghan's frankly rude response. 'They seem hell bent on undermining the Queen's decades of duty and service, and that of the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales as well as other working royals, with their flippant and petulant remark. 'To say they remain committed to ''duty and service to the UK and around the world'' and adding that ''we can all live a life of service and that service is universal'' is simply rude.' He said that Harry's title the Duke of Sussex, a royal dukedom, and his position in the line of succession should also be removed. Mr Jobson added: 'I feel that should be for members of the Royal Family who are committed to and working for the institution. It is not, after all, about personalities. 'I feel sorry for the Queen, but also for The Prince of Wales - who must be torn emotionally by his son's rogue behaviour - and Prince William who now has to go forward bearing a much greater load, he had hoped to share with his brother. 'The Sussexes seem only concerned with their feelings and how events impact on them. 'Harry, who served in the Armed Forces with distinction, is understandably upset at losing his honorary titles and military associations and patronages. But what did he honestly expect? 'Being a member of the royal family is a life time commitment. It comes with great privileges but also great responsibilities. 'Harry and Meghan have decided to walk away from the royal family and meeting those responsibilities. It is a price they have to pay. 'Harry and Meghan talk a lot about respecting the Queen. It's time they showed it with their actions not just empty words.' And BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell told the BBC News Channel today: 'I sense a real sense of exasperation in these statements on both sides. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a reception at Buckingham Palace in London to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in July 2018 (left). The Queen is pictured at a Remembrance Sunday service last November (right) 'The statement from Buckingham Palace issued at midday after a conversation 'with the Duke of Sussex, the Queen has written, confirming it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service'. Harry and Meghan 'crossed the red line' by walking away from the monarchy Royal biographer Angela Levin The Duke and Duchess of Sussex 'crossed the red line' in deciding to walk away from the monarchy, a royal biographer has said, following the announcement that they are to be stripped of their patronages. Angela Levin said the Queen was a 'patient woman' but that she was 'devoted to her sense of duty' and the protection of the royal family. It comes after Buckingham Palace released a statement saying all were 'saddened' by the decision, but Harry and Meghan remained 'much loved members of the family'. 'I'm not in the least surprised. I think there's been a lot of rumours that the Queen would do this,' Ms Levin said. 'The Queen as we know is devoted to her duty and to her country...she loves her children and being a grandmother. 'But in the end her sense of duty is more important than grandchildren or children or great grandchildren. She wants to keep them close as a family, but they cannot push their luck too far.' Ms Levin said there had been concerns at the palace over how 'increasingly escapist' Harry and Meghan had become. '(The Queen) doesn't want the royal family's name to be tainted in that way and this, I think, crossed the red line,' she said. 'She's a very patient woman, she's not a micromanager. She lets her children and grandchildren do what they want up to a certain extent and when they overstep that, she comes down.' The announcement comes ahead of a special interview of Harry and Meghan with Oprah Winfrey, which is due to be broadcast in March. 'When senior members of the Royal family say too much or say things that (the Queen) thinks are wrong the whole family is affected by it,' said Ms Levin. 'I think she is very concerned about what the interview with Oprah Winfrey will reveal. 'There's been a lot of publicity saying that it's going to be a tell-all, no-questions-barred, and I think she's concerned about how that would be, and she's got to protect the royal family.' Asked about the future relationship between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family, she continued: 'I think it's very difficult indeed. I don't think it will be bonding. 'I think (Harry) is more loyal to his wife. He adores Meghan and she is his priority. But you can't have it both ways, you can't be half in and half out. This is one chapter in a very long story, and we don't know what's going to happen. 'I hope that maybe this new baby, now that Meghan is pregnant again, will help make some sort of bond, but we shall have to see.' Advertisement 'There's almost an unspoken sentence which doesn't appear in the statement after that: ''A life of public service like I have led, like my husband has led at the age of nearly 100, like the rest of your family continue to lead but which you have decided to opt out of''. 'Of course they're ''saddened'', as the statement says, they're deeply disappointed I think with how matters have turned out. And then the Sussexes' statement which concludes with these couple of phrases ''we can all live a life of service. Service is universal''. 'Isn't there just a sense there of thumbing their noses, ''don't tell us how to lead our lives''. Harry I think will now perhaps finally realise the implications of the decision that they have taken, that it is not possible to do both to have one foot in the Royal Family, and another foot outside. 'That is what the Queen has insisted on and that is what this statement from Buckingham Palace means.' Mr Fitzwilliams said: 'The statement from Buckingham Palace about Harry and Meghan's future status and Harry and Meghan's response highlights very different attitudes to the concept of service. 'The original statement from the Palace last January marking the Sandringham Agreement, was accompanied by a warm personal statement from the Queen. 'Here the Palace clearly feels that being based in California, with the commitments they have made and will make to Netflix, Spotify, the Harry Walker Agency and their non-profit charitable organization, Archewell, is incompatible with retaining royal patronages. 'The Sussexes reply makes clear that they disagree and the tone of the statement shows that they strongly disagree.' Mr Fitzwilliams also told MailOnline it was 'enormously sad', adding: 'The Sussexes lasted less than two years as senior working royals and no one expected them to return. However, it was thought possible that they might retain Meghan's patronages and, most particularly, Harry's military links which mean so much to him. 'As a veteran of two tours of duty in Afghanistan, who found solace in the army during the years after his mother's tragic death, and also as the founder of the enormously successful Invictus Games, he will feel that he has lost a large part of his life, owing to the choice he has made as to with whom and how that life is to be lived. 'The royal family have not forgotten how brutally they were treated when the Sussexes announced they were stepping back last January and caused a crisis which led to the Sandringham Agreement though they made clear they were not happy with that either. 'These are deep divisions and the forthcoming 90-minute interview with Oprah is being given by the couple to a worldwide audience against this background. 'The discussions which have led to today's announcements may well not have amiable. However, what the Sussexes choose to reveal of their royal life on Oprah in front of a global audience, may make for extremely uncomfortable viewing for the royal family.' It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were stripped of their prestigious patronages, with their decision to walk away from the monarchy and move to the US to pursue personal and financial freedom coming at a cost. Harry will lose his roles as Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington, and Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Commands' Small Ships and Diving. The decision came after Harry held talks with his grandmother the Queen and other senior royals ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Sussexes formally stepping down as working royals on March 31. Stock Market Symbols GIB.A (TSX) GIB (NYSE) cgi.com/newsroom MONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) announced today that it intends to enter into a private agreement with Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec ("CDPQ ") for the purchase for cancellation of 4,204,865 of its Class A subordinate voting shares ("Class A Shares") held by CDPQ for a price of $95.13 per Class A Share, which represents a discount to the closing price on February 18, 2021 of the Class A Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). The transaction will be made in connection with the periodic portfolio rebalancing of CDPQ. Once completed, CDPQ will continue to hold approximately 27.2 million Class A Shares, representing approximately 10.9% of CGI's total outstanding shares. "CGI continues to demonstrate the resilience of its business model by once again delivering solid financial results. As in past years, when the conditions are right, CDPQ monetizes a portion of its investment to benefit its depositors," said Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Investments in Quebec and Stewardship Investing at CDPQ. "CDPQ remains one of CGI's significant shareholders and intends to continue supporting the long-term growth of this global IT and business consulting services leader." "This transaction is immediately accretive and in line with our value creation model," said Julie Godin, Co-Chair of the Board, CGI. "With a solid balance sheet and strong cash generation combined with more than $3.2 billion in liquidity at the end of December 2020, we remain very well positioned to continue executing our Build and Buy profitable growth strategy." A favourable decision was obtained from the Autorite des marches financiers to exempt CGI from the issuer bid requirements under securities legislation applicable to the transaction, which will be made at a discount in accordance with the decision and is expected to be entered into later today and settled on February 22, 2021. The share repurchase will be made under CGI's normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"), the renewal of which was announced on January 27, 2021. Under the NCIB, CGI is authorized to repurchase up to 19,184,831 Class A Shares by February 5, 2022. The NCIB allows for purchases outside the facilities of the TSX by private agreements pursuant to exemption orders issued by securities regulators. As at February 12, 2021, CGI had not repurchased any Class A Shares under its current NCIB. Information regarding the share repurchase, including the number of Class A Shares purchased for cancellation and aggregate price paid, will be available on the SEDAR website at sedar.com following the completion thereof. CGI will not issue any additional press release in respect of this share repurchase. About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 76,000 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2020 reported revenue is C$12.16 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. Forward-looking information and statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable United States safe harbours. All such forward-looking information and statements are made and disclosed in reliance upon the safe harbour provisions of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements include all information and statements regarding CGI's intentions, plans, expectations, beliefs, objectives, future performance, and strategy, as well as any other information or statements that relate to future events or circumstances and which do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements often but not always use words such as "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "foresee", "plan", "predict", "project", "aim", "seek", "strive", "potential", "continue", "target", "may", "might", "could", "should", and similar expressions and variations thereof. These information and statements are based on our perception of historic trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other assumptions, both general and specific, that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such information and statements are, however, by their very nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, of which many are beyond the control of CGI, and which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from our expectations expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not restricted to: risks related to the market such as the level of business activity of our clients, which is affected by economic and political conditions, external risks (such as pandemics) and our ability to negotiate new contracts; risks related to our industry such as competition and our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, to develop and expand our services, to penetrate new markets, and to protect our intellectual property rights; risks related to our business such as risks associated with our growth strategy, including the integration of new operations, financial and operational risks inherent in worldwide operations, foreign exchange risks, income tax laws, our ability to negotiate favourable contractual terms, to deliver our services and to collect receivables, and the reputational and financial risks attendant to cybersecurity breaches and other incidents; as well as other risks identified or incorporated by reference in this press release, in CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A and in other documents that we make public, including our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators (on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (on EDGAR at www.sec.gov). For a discussion of risks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, see Pandemic Risks in section 10.1.1. of our annual and quarterly MD&A. Unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. While we believe that our assumptions on which these forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are based were reasonable as at the date of this press release, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking information or statements. Furthermore, readers are reminded that forward-looking information and statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook as well as our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Further information on the risks that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations may be found in the section titled "Risk Environment" of CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A, which is incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement. We also caution readers that the above-mentioned risks and the risks disclosed in CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A and other documents and filings are not the only ones that could affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation. SOURCE CGI Inc. Related Links www.cgi.com BEIJING (Reuters) - China for the first time on Friday gave its detailed account of a bloody Himalayan border clash with Indian troops in June 2020, including how four of its soldiers died. China and India have blamed each other for the clash. India has previously said 20 of its soldiers died in the clash, while Beijing had acknowledged casualties but had not disclosed details before. When asked why China was only revealing details now, a foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a news briefing it is because there had been too many "rumours, lies and fake news" since. Asked if this means no other Chinese soldiers died during the whole standoff that stretched for eight months after the June clash, Hua said: "Yes, I understand that's the case." A Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told media on Friday that while China had remained restrained to calm the situation, India had repeatedly "hyped about the casualties, misled international opinion and slandered Chinese border troops". There was no immediate response from the Indian military. But a top military commander overseeing the negotiations with the Chinese to disengage from the disputed areas told Indian media earlier in the week that their assessment was the number of Chinese casualties was much higher during the hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley. "We were able to count a large number of casualties, which were being picked up on stretchers and taken back. More than 60 actually, but whether they were fatal or non-fatal, we can't say with authority so I will not give a figure," lieutenant general Y.K.Joshi told CNN-News18 in an interview. A report by PLA Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese military, said that Indian troops had been trying to unilaterally change the status quo at the border since April 2020 by building bridges and roads and crossing over the line of control. When Qi Fabao, a regimental commander, brought a few soldiers to negotiate with the Indian troops in June, he was "violently attacked with steel pipes, clubs and stones", state television CCTV said. Story continues Chinese troops reinforced Qi and forced Indian troops to retreat, who "held their heads as they escape, left behind many wounded soldiers behind the line, and paid a heavy price", said the PLA Daily. Chinese soldiers Chen Hongjun, Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan died in combat. Another soldier Wang Zhuoran drowned while crossing a river. The men were given posthumous awards. The two countries have sought to de-escalate the situation at the border, though there was another "minor face-off" between Indian and Chinese troops in January along the disputed borders. China and India began to pull back troops, tanks and other equipment from the banks of Pangong Tso, a glacial lake in the Ladakh region, that became a flashpoint in the prolonged border dispute after reaching an agreement to do so this month. (Reporting by Yew Lun Tian; Additional reporting by Sanjeev Miglani in New Delhi; Writing by Se Young Lee; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Alison Williams) Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of 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. Authorities are searching for family members of a 75-year-old man who died earlier this month in Jefferson County. James Earl Thomas was found dead about 9:12 a.m. Feb 8 inside his bedroom in the 1900 block of Woodland Avenue S.W. by a friend performing a welfare check. No foul play was involved in his death, but his body is ready to be released for burial and the Jefferson County Coroners Office hasnt been able to locate next of kin. Thomas was born in Georgia, lived in Houston County in the 1970s, lived in Montgomery County in the 1980s, and had lived in Jefferson County since 2008. He had lived at multiple address in Birmingham: 5700 block of 2nd Ave N, 1300 block of 18th Place SW, 3200 block of 15 Ter NE, 3000 block of Ave C, and 4400 block of Todd Ave SW. Anyone with information is asked to call the coroners office at 205-930-3603. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. This article first appeared on the Boston Business Journals website. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh unveiled an executive order on Thursday meant to increase the citys use of minority- and women-owned contractors, with a goal of allocating at least 25% of contractor spending to the businesses, up from 17% in an earlier version of the directive. The order comes a day after three groups representing Boston entrepreneurs of color brought a legal action against the city that alleged it has discriminated against Black- and Latinx-owned businesses in awarding government contracts. The new target is a response to a city-commissioned disparity study that found minority- and women-owned firms are underrepresented in Bostons contracting work, given their availability to do the work. The three groups pointed to the study in filing their legal action. We knew going into the study that the results were not going to be good, because weve been talking about it for the past seven years, Walsh said at a City Hall press conference. We knew that deep inequities exist in contracting here in the city of Boston. Under the executive order, the city will aim to spend at least 15% of its contracting dollars on women-owned businesses and another at least 10% on minority-owned firms. As of earlier this week, the Walsh administration had planned to set a 17% target for spending, including 6% for minority-owned firms. Those were in line with what the disparity study reported that minority- and women-owned contractors should have been expected to receive, given their availability to do the work. Those targets were criticized as too low by some of the groups bringing the legal action. For instance, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts CEO Segun Idowu has called for the overall target to be set at 40%, with a 15% target for Black-owned businesses alone. Lawyers for Civil Rights, which helped BECMA and the two other groups file the complaint, slammed Walshs executive order as vague, insufficient, and adding insult to injury. Federal intervention is still needed, the organization said. This ongoing crisis requires deliberate, intentional, and concrete action, the organization said in a statement after Walshs press conference. City officials should have convened community-based groups and minority business enterprises (MBEs) to fully understand the scope and scale of the racial crisis, and to affirmatively solicit recommendations and suggestions grounded in the experience of MBEs that have been injured and harmed by the Citys discriminatory practices, the organization added. Other cities such as Philadelphia and San Francisco have contract compliance staff with real enforcement power and Boston must move in this direction, the organization said. Prior to the executive order on Thursday, the city did not have a precise goal for contractor spending, based on officials understanding that they needed the disparity study in order to have the legal basis to set such targets. Walsh announced Thursday that the city would spend $2 million to create a supplier diversity program that will offer technical assistance, training and mentoring to businesses owned by women and people of color. As part of the annual budget process, city departments will be expected to report their progress in meeting goals related to diversity in contracting. The legal action filed Wednesday was brought by BECMA, the Greater Boston Latino Network and Amplify Latinx. It is an administrative complaint to the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Transportation, with the groups asking the agencies to formally investigate the city and to convene Boston businesses to determine a path forward, among other steps. Addressing the complaint at the press conference, Walsh said the allegations require further conversations. I have never run away from these numbers or this challenge, the mayor said. We have embraced it, and I embrace the findings in this study, because this study now gives us a roadmap on how to move forward. A 21-year-old psychiatric patient is suspected of killing two fellow patients and attacking two female nurses and a police officer at a German hospital. The man had admitted himself to the psychiatric clinic in the northern town of Luneburg, near Hamburg, Thursday. He allegedly attacked two older male patients, aged 54 and 56, on Friday at 2am and murdered them. The psychiatric patient also attacked the nursing staff and injured two female nurses, aged 42 and 61, and a police officer, Lueneburg police spokesperson Antje Freudenberg told local newspaper Die Lippische Landes-Zeitung. One of the nurses was seriously injured in the attack. A 21-year-old psychiatric patient is suspected of killing two fellow patients and attacking two female nurses and a police officer at a German hospital. Pictured: The Luneburg Psychiatric Clinic The man had admitted himself to the psychiatric clinic in the northern town of Luneburg, near Hamburg, Thursday Several police officers rushed to the Luneburg Psychiatric Clinic and when they approached the suspect he allegedly threw objects at them, injuring one officer. The police said they used pepper spray and were able to arrest him. Initial police reports suggest the suspect strangled the 54-year-old man to death while the older patient was rushed to hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. The 21-year-old patient had voluntarily admitted himself to the clinic for treatment on Thursday, said Angela Wilhelm, spokeswoman for Psychiatric Clinic Luneburg. Following their normal procedure, medical staff placed him in a closed ward to understand his illness, Wilhelm added. There had been no indication of him wanting to endanger others or himself. The suspect remains in custody and the investigation is ongoing. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A RICKSHAW driver who turned to selling drugs to make ends meet was caught "straight out of the traps" on his first time dealing. After he was arrested, Christian Rochaprociio (25) went on to sell drugs a second time when he came under pressure to repay what was lost in the first bust. Judge Brian O'Shea gave him an eight-month suspended sentence. Father-of-one Rochaprociio, of Clonshaugh Park, Coolock, admitted having cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis for sale or supply. Dublin District Court heard gardai saw the accused acting suspiciously on Grafton Street on December 8, 2019. When stopped and searched, he was found with 48 ecstasy tablets worth 480, 60 worth of cannabis and 50 worth of cocaine. Garda Sergeant Gail Smith said that on February 9, 2020, the accused was again searched and had five bags of cocaine on him to the value of 350 as well as 290 worth of ecstasy. Gardai said Rochaprociio was cooperative and had no previous convictions. He had come from Brazil to build a better life for himself, and his plan was to study in Europe. Rochaprociio had been working as a cleaner and paying a "considerable amount of rent", his lawyer said. Things did not go to plan and he did not want to go back home "cap in hand". He came into contact with people driving rickshaws and selling drugs. "He was caught pretty much straight out of the traps on his first occasion selling drugs," his lawyer said. He was "extremely regretful" for his stupidity. When he was caught the second time, he had agreed to sell drugs again to pay off his debt. Rochaprociio had since "turned his life around" and was working as a delivery driver. Judge O'Shea accepted the accused was under financial duress, but said he was the "author of his own misfortune". SPRINGFIELD After years of shortages and mounting wait times, the number of inpatient psychiatric beds in Western Massachusetts is set to surge in the months and years ahead. Baystate Health, which is already constructing a temporary 12-bed pediatric psychiatric unit to open in April at its main hospital, said this week the state has asked it to expand its plans for a stand-alone psychiatric hospital for adults and children to include a long-term care unit. The original plan to build and operate a $43 million, state-of-the-art behavioral health hospital is being expanded to meet additional behavioral health needs for patients in the region, said Dr. Barry Sarvet, chief of psychiatry at Baystate Medical Center. In consideration of a request by the Department of Mental Health, an additional 30 inpatient, long-term care beds will be added to the original plan for a 120-bed facility. The additional investment associated with these beds is approximately $10 million. Plans for the now 150-bed hospital are in the preliminary stage, and opening is estimated two years from the start of construction. Baystate announced in July that it had selected Kindred Behavioral Health as its partner to build the hospital. The desired site is the former Holyoke Geriatric Authority property. In December the Holyoke City Council accepted the partners offer of $250,000. Western Massachusetts has long experienced a shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds. This shortage was made more acute in the last 12 months by the closing last June of the 74-bed Providence Behavioral Health Hospital by Mercy Medical Center, which cited a psychiatrist shortage and low admissions as issues. The closing left the area without any inpatient psychiatric beds for children and adolescents, resulting in long waiting times, sometimes weeks, in emergency rooms for such patients. That prompted in part Baystates construction of a unit for such patients as a bridge until its behavioral health hospital opens. Health Partners New England and GFI Realty also announced this week that they had purchased Providence from Mercy, renaming it MiraVista Behavioral Health. Their plan is to create 84 inpatient psychiatric beds for adults and children. The coronavirus pandemic, which forced much of the country into lockdown and isolation last spring, created a surge in demand for mental health services, including for acute care beds. The states budget for fiscal 2021, signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker in December, sought to address this issue by including $10 million in funding for the creation of new inpatient mental health acute care beds, with priority given to beds for children and adolescents in underserved areas of the state. Payments upon completion could be up to $150,000 per new bed. The MiraVista owners hope to open some of the beds for patients, whose diagnoses may include substance use disorders, in April and the rest in the fall, and have said that without the state incentive they would not have been able to purchase and do needed capital improvements to the 1958 building. The owners said this week they paid $4 million for the property. They said they paid $1 million at closing, deferring the payment of the $3 million balance until sometime later this year, to allow them the flexibility to make significant investments in the building to enable reopening the psychiatric beds that had been closed earlier in the year and to enhance vital substance abuse programs. Bob LaRochelle, spokesperson for MiraVista, said the state incentive for private hospitals creating new mental health acute care beds is $100K per bed opened by April 30th and $80K per bed later in the year and without this incentive the MiraVista owners would not have been able to make the purchase of Providence Hospital. Holyoke Medical Center said it would also benefit from the incentive with its creation of 34 new inpatient psychiatric beds scheduled to open by May at the hospital, and adding to its 20 existing such beds. Last March the medical center announced plans to build its own behavioral health hospital on site, adding 64 psychiatric beds. But it said this week it had put such plans on hold with the announcement of the proposal for the creation of 84 inpatient psychiatric beds at the former Providence site and Baystates ongoing plans for its hospital in Holyoke. We are not going to build a third hospital in the region, said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems. We are planning to do the two units, Hatiras said. They will be adult units. We have 20 beds now and every day we find ourselves at 20 in terms of how many patients are in the beds. We are always full and there are always patients waiting in our emergency department and in other emergency departments. Is there a need regionally for more beds, no question. Baystates Sarvet said the health system would also apply for the states incentive, but noted that the funding is contingent on meeting aggressive deadlines and adhering to their requirements related to serving Medicaid patients, which is already part of Baystates overall mission. The anticipated total incentive is only funding approximately 85% of our upfront capital and infrastructure costs, Sarvet said. Sarvet said Baystates plans for its behavioral health hospital will result in an additional 50 beds compared to our current number of inpatient beds. Baystate Health now has 98 inpatient psychiatric beds in Western Massachusetts: 28 at Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer, 28 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, 22 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield and 20 at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield. When the new behavioral health hospital is constructed, the Baystate Medical Center beds would remain, while the beds in Greenfield, Palmer and Westfield would be eliminated something that has drawn criticism from community groups that say such care needs to remain local. Baystate has said outpatient and partial hospitalization for behavioral health care will still be offered at the Palmer, Westfield and Greenfield hospitals even after the new facility is built, and that it will work with such groups on transportation issues. Related Content: MONTREAL - The Quebec government will compensate movie theatre owners for lost concession stand revenue, Premier Francois Legault said Thursday, following a disagreement that he dubbed "Popcorngate." A Guzzo cinema sign is seen on a storefront in Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Quebec Premier Francois Legault says his government will compensate movie theatres owners for lost concession stand revenue after a disagreement he's dubbed 'Popcorngate.' THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson MONTREAL - The Quebec government will compensate movie theatre owners for lost concession stand revenue, Premier Francois Legault said Thursday, following a disagreement that he dubbed "Popcorngate." The province has said movie theatres can reopen Feb. 26 but cannot sell food, in order to ensure people wear masks throughout the duration of films to limit spread of COVID-19. Legault said the owner of the Guzzo Cinemas chain had threatened to stay closed because of the difficulty turning a profit without selling snacks. "Mr Guzzo says he doesnt want to open movie theatres and he has many in Quebec if we dont permit him to sell popcorn," Legault told reporters in Quebec City. "Public Health is telling us that ... if you want people to keep their masks during the movie, of course, you cannot sell popcorn." The premier said he'll compensate owners for concession stand losses because he wants theatres to stay open to give parents an additional activity to do with their kids during the March break week. Cinema owner Vincenzo Guzzo's public criticism of the reopening plan has inspired the term Popcorngate, and the name has since been picked up by commentators and politicians. Parti Quebecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon posted a video on Twitter Wednesday edited to include bouncing kernels and musical sound effects of himself trying to keep a straight face while answering a reporter's question about the popcorn conflict. "The scientific data as to why popcorn is a threat, we'll never know because we have a (Health Department) that never publishes data, never publishes in a transparent manner why they are doing things," St-Pierre Plamondon said. Legault said Thursday he was surprised to get drawn into an argument over popcorn, adding that he understands that cinema owners need to be compensated for lost revenue. "Did I expect a Popcorngate in Quebec?" Legault asked. "(If) you would have told me that a few months ago, I wouldn't have believed it." He said Guzzo had criticized him on Twitter, but added: "I can understand that a part of the profits for the movie theatres is coming from popcorn." A notice posted on the website for Cinemas Guzzo suggested the chain was preparing to reopen Feb. 26. "We're doing everything to serve you under the best possible conditions so you can entertain yourself in total safety," it read. Legault said theatres that host plays and other performances were kept closed because the industry said it preferred to continue receiving government aid instead of reopening when people can't leave their houses after 8 p.m. The premier said the theatre sector wanted to reopen when the nighttime curfew is lifted. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2021. Schools and childcare will reopen on a phased basis next month after Irelands health experts gave the green light to Government, the Tanaiste has said. Advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) was that pupils could return to classrooms during March and through to the Easter break. Leo Varadkar sounded a warning that the reopening of any other parts of society or the economy could jeopardise the reopening of the education sector. He appealed to the public to dig deep for a few more weeks. Right now, people most at risk are being offered COVID-19 vaccines first. #CovidVaccines will be offered to the next groups as soon as possible. For updates on the vaccines roll-out visit: https://t.co/VhEiKBNPkP #HoldFirm pic.twitter.com/bS3HDeCFE6 HSE Ireland (@HSELive) February 19, 2021 We are on the right track again cases, hospitalisations, ICUs numbers are all falling, he told RTE News At One. But theyre still high, theyre almost as high as they were at the peak of the first wave and thats why we need to proceed with caution, particularly with the B117 variant dominant in the country. We got advice from Nphet yesterday their advice is we can open schools and childcare on a phased basis over the course of March and through to the Easter break. We are asking people to dig deep for a few more weeks. We will see three really good things in March, first is the return of kids to school and childcare all across Ireland, the second is the vaccine programme being ramped up. He said that 80,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines were administered this week, with a further 100,000 doses expected next week. Mr Varadkar added that the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) said that Government can now prioritise some of the under 70s group who have underlying medical conditions. We are also going to see hospitals relieved of pressure throughout the course of March, he added. Mr Varadkar also denied that Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that Level 5 restrictions would last until May. Mr Martin told the Irish Mirror in an interview on Thursday that severe lockdown measures will be in place until the end of April. Expand Close A man walks past a sign for a vaccination centre at DCU on Collins Avenue in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man walks past a sign for a vaccination centre at DCU on Collins Avenue in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Martin said the reopening of pubs restaurants, as well as hairdressers may be pushed further into the year. Mr Varadkar said on Friday: What the Taoiseach said last night is that we are facing into tough restrictions into April and thats correct. He didnt say that we will have Level 5 lockdown for nine weeks or that its going to go on until May. Mr Varadkar also denied there was a communications problem within the tripartite Government. I think we have three government parties who are working very closely together and working better together than ever before, but what we are doing a lot of the time is communicating bad news and that can be difficult, Mr Varadkar added. There is hope on the horizon and we are asking people to stick with us and dig deep. Taoiseach's casual, flippant announcement of a further nine weeks of lockdown has caused anger and distress. People's lives have been turned upside down. Govt internal rivalry, leaks and dithering adds stress upon stress. #COVID19 #COVID #level5 Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 19, 2021 The Taoiseach also warned that there will be few changes when the Government announces the revised Living With Covid-19 plan next week. Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty said his party will back the public health advice. However, he was critical of the Taoiseachs decision to make the announcement about ongoing restrictions to the newspaper on Thursday. Its not the way to communicate with people who are making huge sacrifices right across the State, Mr Doherty added. I think it comes as a hammer blow to people, it sucks the life out of them to be communicated in that way, to see a headline that were in for another nine weeks of restrictions. We have seen the extension of restrictions in the North by the Executive, and this is an opportunity to be in sync on an all-island basis and I think its really important that we do this in step together as much as possible across the island of Ireland. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. In discussion with potential buyers to redevelop the site Analyzing opportunities to optimize cost structure while continuing to expand production capacity and redeploying capital Operations to remain in Quebec TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. ("TGOD") or the "Company") (TSX: TGOD) (US: TGODF), a leading producer of premium certified organically grown cannabis, today unveiled plans to monetize under-utilized assets at its Valleyfield site. In 2019 TGOD made the strategic decision to use its Valleyfield site as a processing hub while maintaining the optionality to start cultivation at a later date. TGOD has now retained the services of a commercial real estate advisor to identify potential buyers for its Valleyfield site, focused on the state-of-the-art hybrid main greenhouse. Multiple bids are being considered, and the transaction could result in a complete or partial sale of the site. "The Canadian cannabis landscape has evolved since legalization and so have our real estate requirements. With our shift to the value-added part of the production chain, large indoor cultivation facilities such as Valleyfield are no longer necessary to continue growing our business," stated Sean Bovingdon, TGOD's Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer. "Selling a portion or the totality of the greenhouse will result in a significant reduction in operating costs while providing capital to reduce debt and reinvest in future growth opportunities, including considerations in the US." Adapting to Changing Market Conditions The Canadian cannabis industry has gone through a deep transformation with the approval of outdoor cultivation sites approximately 450 acres of land were used for outdoor cannabis cultivation in 2020. This shift disrupted many licensed producers' business plans and resulted in biomass surpluses. Based on current market forecasts, TGOD's main greenhouse in Valleyfield could be, for the right offer, monetized to allow the Company to continue its path to right sizing and profitable operations. Expected export opportunities are addressable with existing production capacity, while the option to purchase cannabis biomass from other producers for extraction, including in Quebec, offers a more efficient use of capital. The Company remains committed to maintaining a significant portion of its operations, including all 2.0 product manufacturing, in Quebec. Organic Certification With an organic certification from Pro-Cert, TGOD continues to benefit from its unique positioning as a licensed producer of premium certified organically grown cannabis. Its fully licensed site in Ancaster, ON produces premium dried flower used as part of TGOD's portfolio with a focus on craft quality cannabis and genetics research. The Company intends to continue relying on Ancaster for organic flower production while tapping the organic wholesale market for its extraction needs. About The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (USOTC: TGODF) is a premium certified organically grown cannabis company focused on the health and wellness market. Its organic cannabis is cultivated in living soil, as nature intended. The Company is committed to cultivating a better tomorrow by producing its products responsibly, with less waste and impact on the environment. Its two Canadian facilities have been built to LEED certification standards and its products are sold in recyclable packaging. In Canada, TGOD sells dried flower and oil, and recently launched a series of nextgeneration cannabis products such as hash, vapes, organic teas and dissolvable powders. Through its European subsidiary, HemPoland, the Company also distributes premium hemp CBD oil and CBD-infused topicals in Europe. By leveraging science and technology, TGOD harnesses the power of nature from seed to sale. TGOD's Common Shares and warrants issued under the indentures dated November 1, 2017, December 19, 2019, June 12, 2020, October 23, 2020, and December 10, 2020 trade on the TSX under the symbol "TGOD", "TGOD.WT", "TGOD.WS", "TGOD.WR", "TGOD.WA" and "TGOD.WB", respectively, and TGODF trades in the US on the OTCQX. For more information on The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd., please visit www.tgod.ca . Cautionary Statements This news release includes statements containing certain "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forwardlooking statements"). Forward looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements about production capacity and statements about demand for indoor cultivation real estate. Forwardlooking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "should", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forwardlooking statements throughout this news release. Forwardlooking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties (including market conditions) and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking statements, including those risk factors described in the Company's most recently filed Annual Information Form available on SEDAR. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Neither the TSX nor the TSX's Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of Toronto Stock Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. Related Links www.tgod.ca Their chequered and complex relationship has kept fans tuned into Keeping With The Kardashians for the past 14 years. And as the show draws to a close in its 20th season, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick are leaving with a bang as proved in a new teaser. The troubled lothario, 37, who shares Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six, with his ex, is seen professing: 'I would marry you right now', during an intense chat with the stunner, 41, who recently began dating Travis Barker. Woah! As Keeping With The Kardashians draws to a close in its 20th season, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick are leaving with a bang as a new teaser for the upcoming show sees Keeping Up With The Kardashians's final season is set to premiere on March 18 and with exactly one month until the release of the final season the teaser dropped on Thursday evening and shed light into what is to come for the pair. While the clip of the conversation is fleeting, Scott is seen telling Kourtney that he would not rule out nuptials for the pair, six years after their permanent split. Elsewhere in the teaser, Tristan Thompson seeks advice from his ex-girlfriend and the youngest Kardashian Khloe's older sister Kim, while there are also behind-the-scenes shots of Kylie Jenner's cameo in Cardi B's WAP music video. Kourtney and Scott began dating in 2006 - the year before KUWTK launched - after meeting at Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis' house in Mexico. Eh!? The troubled lothario, 37, is seen professing: 'I would marry you right now', during an intense chat with the stunner, 41, who recently began dating Travis Barker Sweet: The couple share Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six (Mason and Reign, pictured) In 2008, the couple briefly split when Kourtney discovered Scott was texting another woman, listed in his phone as 'My Wife', however they reconciled a year later. The following year, Kourtney announced she was expecting the couple's first child after she forgot to take her birth control. She delightedly gushed at the time: 'I love being pregnant. I feel like it's going by too fast. It is the best thing that's happened to me. It's such a spiritual thing happening in your body, and it's what your body is made for.' After Mason's arrival in December 2009, the couple hit trouble the following August when Scott's partying spiralled out of control and he famously punched a mirror in an episode of Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami, causing the demise of their romance. Lost love: Kourtney and Scott began dating in 2006 - the year before KUWTK launched - after meeting at Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis' house in Mexico (pictured in 2013) The latest: Elsewhere in the teaser, Tristan Thompson seeks advice from his ex-girlfriend and the youngest Kardashian Khloe 's older sister Kim, while there are also behind-the-scenes shots of Kylie Jenner's cameo in Cardi B's WAP music video Again, the couple reconciled and in April 2011, in the first season of Kourtney and Kim Take New York, he is seen shopping for an engagement ring however she is clearly resistant to marriage, thus thwarting any hope of marriage. Over dinner, Kourtney told a dejected Scott: 'Why mess it up? I just feel like right now I'm happy with the way things are.' In November, they revealed they were expecting Penelope, with Scott saying: 'It wasn't like we weren't trying. We kind of just said, 'If it's meant to be, it'll be.'' The welcomed their daughter in July 2012. In 2013, both Scott's parents, Bonnie and Jeffrey Disick, passed away within three months of one another. In July the next year, the couple revealed they were expecting their third child and confirmed the pregnancy was planned. Lost love: Again, the couple reconciled and in April 2011, in the first season of Kourtney and Kim Take New York, he is seen shopping for an engagement ring however she is clearly resistant to marriage, thus thwarting any hope of marriage (pictured in 2013) Throwback! July 2015 saw the couple split once again - this time for good - when pictures emerged of Scott with his ex-girlfriend Chloe Bartoli in Monte Carlo July 2015 saw the couple split once again - this time for good - when pictures emerged of Scott with his ex-girlfriend Chloe Bartoli in Monte Carlo. Following their permanent split, Scott and Kourtney have gone on to enjoy romances with a legion of other partners yet their close friendship has prevailed. Speaking about their co-parenting arrangement, Scott said: 'Just because their mother and I couldnt make it as a perfect, romantic couple shouldnt have anything to do with the kids... 'They dont deserve our mistakes, so we figured out a way. We still need to be as honest and as good to each other as if we were together. Lets raise these children together and thats it.' I have taken the past couple of days to reflect on how Mike Shirkey and the Republicans in the Michigan State Legislature have contributed to the culture of misogyny and support of the insurrectionist militias that have attacked the U.S. Capitol. But these are not their only sins. They have also victimized and persecuted members of the LGBTQ+ community through their policies and practices, and have contributed to a hostile environment that has led Michigan to be ranked 21st in the nation for LGBTQ+-friendly states. This is not a new revelation. Michigan has lagged behind other states for years and it is appalling that such hostility remains in the 21st century. This fact is being highlighted now because of the swanky gig that former Speaker of the Michigan House Lee Chatfield was recently anointed to at Southwest Michigan First, an economic development group. It may be of importance to note that Chatfield does not have an economic development background and he is not from the Southwest Michigan area. Regardless, he has been brought on with an annual salary of nearly $750,000. Chatfields rise to prominence came at the expense of another Republican member of the State House, Frank Foster. Former Representative Frank Foster had the courage to come out in favor of legislation that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Chatfield rewarded Fosters inclusionary thinking by beating him in a primary, fought largely over Fosters support of these additions. The end result in 2014 was that it was still legal in Michigan to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite Chatfield, the year of 2014 was the beginning of a jubilant time for LGBTQ+ rights nationwide. The marriage equality cases that would eventually land before the U.S. Supreme Court were being decided. Then-Attorney General Bill Schuette sent a letter to County Clerks, telling them not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Thankfully, four democratic County Clerks, including myself, did not scare easily and loving couples were afforded an equal opportunity to be married before another court issued a stay, haulting further same-sex marriages . It was not a jubilant time for Governor Snyder, who fought against rulings and was eventually ordered to extend benefits to the newly married couples. Finally, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Marriage Equality and all loving couples are now able to wed. Chatfields tenure as Speaker was a dark age for the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights in Michigan. No meaningful legislation moved forward. Even while progress was being made nationally, the Marriage Laws of Michigan still have not been updated to include changes to keep up with the times. To this day, it is still legal in Michigan to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. We are but one U.S. Supreme Court decision away from unraveling marriage equality. In addition, Chatfields colleagues have been given the latitude to make outrageous statements that have contained ugly, homophobic language. GOP-friendly organizations have run campaign ads against LGBTQ+ candidates that are hurtful, derogatory and completely uncalled for. Under Governor Snyders administration, the legislature made it harder for LGBTQ+ parents to adopt in Michigan. Representative Al Pscholka and others made derogatory comments on the House Floor. Even School Board members were not immune, as those who stood up for LGBTQ+ rights were faced with curiously well-funded recall campaigns. Chatfield walked into his new job with this new employer having a well-documented history of discriminatory action in his past. It is no surprise that forward-thinking leaders, like those on the Kalamazoo City Commission, would take immediate steps to withdraw their support for this organization. It seems likely that the Kalamazoo County Commission may also demonstrate the same moral leadership. It is refreshing to see actual consequences for these hateful stances. Surely this is one of the first times Chatfield has felt it. As a result, he came out today in favor of adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Glad you got there, Lee, but it is too little, too late: You had your chance to enact this change and you actively chose not to. Make no mistake, Chatfield leaving the Legislature does not foretell a golden age of advancement for the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan. Mike Shirkey is still here and he too has pledged to fight against that hallmark civil rights legislation, just like Chatfield did. To this day, in Michigan: It is legal to be discriminated against in the workplace for being LGBTQ+, it is legal to be denied the ability to adopt for being LGBTQ+, it is legal to bully someone for being LGBTQ+, and with the likes of Mike Shirkey and Lee Chatfield at the helm, that will not be changing anytime soon. As a reminder to the organizations that fund Southwest Michigan First, it is also legal to pull the funding from the organizations that prop them up in their legislative retirement. I hope that more organizations will take their cues from the Kalamazoo City government and hold them accountable. [CC image credit: U.P. Politico | Wikimedia Commons] A request by ExxonMobil for a property tax break worth an estimated $23 million over the next decade won easy approval Thursday from the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. The company said the tax break would help it modernize its oil refinery in Baton Rouge, a major project will bring a big economic boost during construction. And it said the decision will pay off over time with higher property tax payments once the 10-year incentive ends. The final vote was 8-0; board member Dawn Collins was absent. Afterwards, in a statement, ExxonMobil said the vote was "a great step in the right direction towards final approval of the project." It was quite the turnabout from January 2019, when the board shocked the company by rejecting a different tax break request. Dadrius Lanus, who was brand new to the board, voted against that Exxon tax break request but said hes 110% in support of the new request. He complimented Exxon for working hard since to forge better relations with him and other board members in the years since: The relationship wasnt as strong as it is now. Economic incentives unanimously approved for $410M ExxonMobil project, new $308M solar farm A state board unanimously approved economic incentives Friday for ExxonMobils proposed $410 million Baton Rouge refinery modernization and fo Late last month, the request was approved unanimously by the state Board of Commerce and Industry, which oversees the states Industrial Tax Exemption Program, known as ITEP. Gov. John Bel Edwards and Mayor Sharon Weston Broome also have come out in favor of it. After the vote Thursday by the School Board, Sheriff Sid Gautreaux announced that he'd already approved earlier this month Exxons ITEP request. Next Wednesday, the Metro Council is expected to do the same. Those local approvals, which company officials say are crucial, would clear the way for a final vote in March by the company on whether to go forward. Theres got to be a reason to want to put it in Baton Rouge, said Gloria Moncada, a vice president with Exxon, who until recently was manager of the refinery. There has to be an incentive." Moncada said the company has rejected two earlier versions of this proposal and this is its last chance. She also noted that along the way it's been pared down a lot. Only $230.5 million of the $410 million project is eligible for under the state's tax exemption program, which would provide an 80% property tax abatement worth $23.2 million to the company over 10 years earlier estimates suggested it was a high as $27 million. The project will support more than 2,000 construction jobs, but is not expected to create any new permanent jobs, which also has drawn criticism. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Moncada emphasized that the project will protect existing jobs by making the refinery more competitive, allowing it to process crude it cant currently process from places like Canada and the Permian Basin. She cited the recent closure of Shell's plant in Convent as a cautionary tale: "Who would have thought that would happen? We have to keep ourselves competitive in this industry. School Board member Mike Gaudet made a similar point. Gaudet, a retired Albemarle executive, noted that the drop in importation of oil to the United States has made Louisiana refineries less competitive. The economics of getting crude to the refineries in Louisiana has really changed, Gaudet said. What was an advantage to us has become a disadvantage. Opposition to the latest Exxon request was muted compared to two years ago. Opponents have suggested the new project might be closer to maintenance than a new project and objected that it wont create new permanent jobs and might have adverse environmental impacts. EBR school board rejects controversial requests for industrial tax breaks, a rare defeat for ExxonMobil The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on Thursday voted just before midnight Thursday to reject two controversial requests for industrial t Together Baton Rouge, a faith-based group, led the charge in 2019 but this time put out a statement Thursday before the meeting that did not come out squarely against the proposal. In its statement, the group noted that Exxon landed hundreds of tax exemptions in years past that deprived schools and other public services of hundreds of millions of dollars of needed money. The big question is whether our elected officials will allow this exemption to signal a return to the ugly history of using ITEP as a regular source for corporate welfare instead of as an incentive that creates jobs, according to the statement. Both of the local teacher unions urged the board on Thursday to say no, as they have done for previous ITEP requests. "We do not have enough money coming into this system yet you want to hand away more?" said Kirk Green, a leader of the parish's Federation of Teachers. "No money that is allocated to students should be given away, said Valencia Johnson, president of the parishs Association of Educators. Exxon argues that the 10-year loss in property taxes will be more than outweighed by an estimated $500 million in new spending overall prompted by the refinery modernization and the construction jobs it will generate, starting later this year. And they said that, measured over a 40-year period, the proposal will generate $48 million in local sales and property taxes. And some of the overall investment includes new environmental processing technology at the ExxonMobil refinery that will reduce its volatile organic compound emissions by about 10%, according to its ITEP application. Administrating own territories, not infringed upon Odisha's area: Andhra tells SC India pti-Deepika S New Delhi, Feb 19: The Andhra Pradesh government has told the Supreme Court that there was no breach of its direction and has been duly administrating its own territories and did not infringe upon the neighbouring Odisha''s area. Odisha has sought contempt action against senior officials of the Andhra Pradesh for notifying panchayat polls in three ''disputed area'' villages of the petitioner state. Andhra Pradesh government told the apex court that the petition filed by Odisha is grossly misconceived and is not maintainable at all in view of the fact that no contempt, whatsoever, has been committed by it. Seeking dismissal of the contempt plea filed by Odisha, Andhra government told the top court that Odisha is seeking to achieve indirectly what it failed to achieve directly as the apex court in its 2006 judgement dismissed the Suit filed by Odisha on the ground that it was not maintainable under Article 131 of the Constitution. Toolkit case: Disha Ravi moves Delhi high court to restrain police from leaking probe material to media "Without prejudice to the above, it is most respectfully submitted that assuming that there was any undertaking given to the Court by the parties, it is settled law that an action for contempt can only be taken in respect of a breach of undertaking if the Court has passed an order on the basis of such an undertaking. There was no such undertaking in the present matter," the state government said in its affidavit. "It is most submitted that the State of Andhra Pradesh has not taken any step in violation of any agreement/ direction. The State of Andhra Pradesh has been duly administrating its own territories and has not infringed upon the territory of the petitioner," it said. Andhra Pradesh told the apex court that it has been consistently holding elections in Ganjaybadra, Pattuchennuru and Paguluchennuru villages and they fall in No.1 Araku Lok Sabha Parliamentary Constituency and in No.13 Saluru Assembly Constituency. "The SC categorically noted, after the dismissal of the Suit, that it was merely recording the fact that parties had entered into a mutual agreement. Therefore, by no stretch of imagination, can it be stated that there was a breach of undertaking or that of any order/direction passed by this Hon''ble Court. The contempt petition is therefore liable to be dismissed on this ground alone," it said. The state government told the apex court that elections have consistently been held to Lok Sabha and the State Assembly in the aforesaid villages since the year 1952 and so far as the local body elections are concerned, it has conducted local body elections in these three villages since inception of Panchayat Raj Act. "The Answering Respondent herein submits that even in the years of 2006 and 2013, elections were held to the Panchayats concerned and the following persons came to be elected as Sarpanches. In view of the above, it is clear that the villages fall within the State of Andhra Pradesh. "There is, therefore, absolutely no contempt that is made out. The Petitioner has failed to even refer to any document that entitles," it said. The top court on February 9 had asked Andhra Pradesh to file its response on a plea filed by Odisha seeking contempt action against senior officials of the southern state, for notifying panchayat polls in three ''disputed area'' villages of the petitioner state. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News More than five decades since the first status quo order on the territorial jurisdiction dispute with AP over 21 villages, Odisha has moved the top court once again seeking contempt action against officials of the southern state for notifying panchayat polls in three of its villages. The Naveen Patnaik government has said the notification amounts to invading Odisha''s territory. The dispute over territorial jurisdiction over 21 villages popularly called as Kotia Group of villages first reached the top court in 1968 when Odisha on the basis of three notifications -- issued on December 1, 1920, October 8, 1923 and October 15, 1927 -- claimed that Andhra Pradesh had trespassed into its well-defined territory. During the pendency of the suit filed by Odisha, the top court had on December 2, 1968 directed both the states to maintain status quo till the disposal of the suit and said, there shall be no further ingress or egress on the territories in dispute, on the part of either party . The suit filed by Odisha under Article 131 (the Supreme Court''s original jurisdiction over any dispute arising between the states or between the centre and state) of the Constitution was finally dismissed on technical grounds by the top court on March 30, 2006, and with the consent of both the states it directed that status quo be maintained till the dispute is resolved. Now, the Odisha government has sought contempt action against AP''s three senior officials -- Mude Hari Jawaharlal (contemnor-1), collector of Vizinagaram district; Adityanath Das, Chief Secretary of AP (contemnor-2), and N Ramesh Kumar, State Election Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh (contemnor-3). A worker talks on the phone in a Huawei store in Beijing on July 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File) Ottawa Pressed to Ban Huawei From Canadas 5G Networks More than two years after Stanford University shelved its partnership with Huawei over U.S national security concerns and others like Princeton and MIT followed suit, Canadas Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) continues to fund university research collaborations with the Chinese tech giant. This issue, as well as whether Ottawa will finally decide to ban the Chinese tech giant from participating in Canadas 5G network, came up in Parliament this week as the opposition pressed the government to act. The words are written all over the walls, its time to ban Huawei. Why is the government continuing to drag its feet? said Conservative MP James Cumming during question period on Feb. 16. All the while this government has partnered with Huawei, to the tune of almost $5 million, to fund university research in Canada. How can this government claim to take human rights seriously, while Huawei equipment is being used by the Chinese government in Uyghur detention camps? Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne replied that the government will be guided by national security in our decision when it comes to 5G in Canada. We are not going to be dictated any timetable by the opposition, he said. Canada remains the only country among in the Five Eyesan intelligence alliance between Canada, United States, Britain, Australia, and New Zealandthat has not banned or placed restrictions on Huaweis participation in its 5G mobile networks. As for NSERCs collaboration with Huawei, Champagne said the grants are arms-length from the government and are awarded through an independent process. NSERC spokeswoman Valerie Levert-Gagnon told The Epoch Times in an email that the federal agency takes the issue of safeguarding Canadas research ecosystem very seriously. This is why NSERC is working closely with universities, government departments, the other federal granting councils, and international partners to identify and share information on best practices to protect Canadas research. However, the partnership has drawn criticism given the concerns around IP theft and national security that have long surrounded Huawei, which was founded by Ren Zhengfei, a former deputy director of the Peoples Liberation Army engineering corps. CBC reported in 2019 that Huawei funds $56 million in academic research in Canadaagainst the advice of security experts. A Globe and Mail investigation in 2018 found that in many cases research partly funded by Canada at these universities ends up as intellectual property for Huawei. In August 2019, Xiamen University professor Mo Bao, on exchange at University of Texas Arlington, was arrested and charged with stealing technology from a California company for Huawei. Bao pleaded guilty in December 2020 to a lesser charge of lying to the FBI, but prosecutors noted Bao agreed that he lied to CNEX Labs in Silicon Valley to ob-tain proprietary technology for research purposes, then passed it along to Huawei. According to an ownership analysis of Huawei by Fulbright University economist Christopher Balding and George Washington University law professor Donald Clark, the company is a virtual arm of the Chinese Communist Party. If Huawei Holding is in fact controlled by a trade union committee, then given the way such bodies are supposed to operate in China, it makes sense to think of it as state-controlled and even state-owned, their research concluded. U.S. presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump were both wary of Huawei, specifically its 5G telecommunications technology, so an equipment ban for Americas domestic telecom infrastructure that began in 2012 under Obama was renewed twice by Trump and remains in force until May of this year. It is unclear what President Joe Biden intends to do. Last August, then-U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo launched the Clean Network initiative, which has resulted in an alliance of democracies and companies that agreed to keep Huawei out of critical telecommunications infrastructure. As of December, more than 50 nations, representing over two-thirds of the worlds economy, and 180 telecom companies had joined the initiative. Obamas national security adviser Susan Rice said in a CBC interview in November 2019 that Huawei constitutes a serious risk. Its hard for me to emphasize adequately, without getting into classified terrain, how serious it is, particularly for countries involved in the Five Eyes, said Rice, who suggested the alliance would be jeopardized if Canada allowed Huawei 5G equipment in its network. It gives the China the ability, if they choose to use it, to access all kinds of information, civilian intelligence, military, that could be very, very compromising. As much as I disagree with the Trump administration on a number of things, on their concern about Huawei, I believe theyre right. The Globe and Mail reported last February that senior military leaders, including then-chief of the defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance, told senior levels of government they believe Huawei is a threat to national security. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2021) - Cordoba Minerals Corp. (TSXV: CDB) (OTCQB: CDBMF) ("Cordoba" or the "Company") announces today that it has closed the second and final tranche of its previously announced fully-subscribed non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") (refer to Cordoba's news releases dated December 4, 2020 and December 24, 2020). In connection with the closing of this final tranche of the Offering, the Company has issued an aggregate of 452,975 units of the Company (the "Units") to JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd. ("JCHX"), Cordoba's second largest shareholder, at a price of $1.275 per Unit for gross proceeds of $577,543.13. Upon completion of the second and final tranche, the Company has received total gross proceeds of approximately $5.2 million from the Offering. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company ("Share") and one Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder, on exercise, to purchase one Share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the final tranche of the Offering at the exercise price of $1.955 per Share. As previously announced, JCHX had agreed to purchase 7,700,584 Units to maintain its 19.99% interest in the Company on a partially diluted basis. The closing of this tranche of the Offering (the "JCHX Tranche") was subject to the receipt of customary approvals and registration with Chinese regulatory agencies, which have now been received. As a result of the Company's 17 for 1 share consolidation (refer to Cordoba's news release dated January 26, 2021) taking effect on February 9, 2021 (the "Consolidation"), the aggregate subscription amount of $577,543 remained the same, however the number of Units, Unit price, and exercise price of the warrants were each adjusted to 452,975, $1.275 and $1.955, respectively, in accordance with the terms of the Consolidation. Net proceeds from the Offering will be used to advance fieldwork supporting the completion of the Pre-Feasibility Study at the Company's 100%-owned Alacran Copper-Gold-Silver Project in Colombia (refer to Cordoba's news release dated November 30, 2020) and for general corporate purposes. The Company did not pay any finder's fees in connection with the JCHX Tranche. The securities underlying the Units are being offered pursuant to exemptions from the prospectus requirements and are subject to a four month and one day hold period expiring on June 19, 2021. The JCHX Tranche remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The JCHX Tranche (the "Related Party Participation"), constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as JCHX is a related party of Cordoba given its greater than 10% beneficial shareholding, respectively. Pursuant to Section 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, the Company is exempt from obtaining a formal valuation and minority approval of the Company's shareholders in respect of the JCHX Tranche due to the fair market value of the Related Party Participation being below 25% of the Company's market capitalization for purposes of MI 61-101. The Company filed a material change report in respect of the JCHX Tranche on January 4, 2021. About Cordoba Cordoba Minerals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration, development and acquisition of copper and gold projects. Cordoba is developing its 100%-owned San Matias Copper-Gold-Silver Project, which includes the Alacran Deposit and satellite deposits at Montiel East, Montiel West and Costa Azul, located in the Department of Cordoba, Colombia. Cordoba also holds a 25% interest in the Perseverance Copper Project in Arizona, USA, which it is exploring through a Joint Venture and Earn-In Agreement. For further information, please visit www.cordobaminerals.com. ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY Eric Finlayson, President and Chief Executive Officer Information Contact Evan Young +1- 604-689-8765 info@cordobamineralscorp.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Offering and JCHX Tranche; completion of a pre-feasibility study; and use of proceeds. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; the supply and demand for, inventories of, and the level and volatility of the prices of metals; relationships with strategic partners; the timing and receipt of governmental permits and approvals; the timing and receipt of community and landowner approvals; changes in regulations; political factors; the accuracy of the Company's interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of the Company's mineral deposits; the availability of equipment, skilled labour and services needed for the exploration and development of mineral properties; currency fluctuations; and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, unknown impact related to potential business disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak, or another infectious illness, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74908 Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time She said her first experience of sexual assault came when she was in year 8 and a private school student in the year above her forced her to perform oral sex on him. I knew it was wrong, because I didnt tell anyone, but I didnt understand why, she said. At the dinner with friends last year, she learned the same male student had forced another acquaintance to do the same thing a year later. No-one thinks of it as rape until youre told it is. Until [then] you think rape can only be a random in a dark alley past midnight. In reality it happens with people you trust, she said. It happened to so many of us. We talk about a guy who forced us to give them head like what we had for breakfast yesterday. A list of more than 50 testimonies published so far under the petition, which has anonymised both alleged victims and perpetrators, claims that students who attended Scots College, Cranbrook, Sydney Grammar School, Saint Ignatius Riverview, St Josephs College, Waverley College and Shore had been perpetrators of sexual assault. The women who wrote the testimonies identified themselves as former students of schools including Kambala, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, St Catherines School, Ascham, Pymble Ladies College, Wenona, Queenwood, SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College. We talk about a guy who forced us to give them head like what we had for breakfast yesterday Chanel Contos The headmaster of St Catherines School in Waverley, Dr Julie Townsend, described the testimonies as heartbreaking. More needs to be done to create an environment in which young women feel they will be trusted when they come forward. It is also clear that much of the work schools do is happening too late, she said. The Herald has spoken to some of the students who made claims but has not substantiated individual allegations. The testimonies detail alleged sexual assaults that took place during school years or shortly afterwards, while the young women were still mixing in crowds determined by their school social circles. The allegations come from students who graduated in 2006 to some still in school. In several testimonies, women describe waking up naked at parties or in a young mans house, after passing out due to intoxication, with male peers penetrating them. Some girls said the alleged perpetrators were acquaintances they had only met that night; others were friends at the time. Other students say they were physically forced to perform oral sex on a male while intoxicated, sometimes while the boys friends were present or filming the incident. Several only realised something had happened to them when they woke up in pain and found their underpants soaked in blood. None of the alleged incidents occurred on school grounds, but those who signed the petition said they passionately believe that inadequate consent education is the reason for their sexual abuse during or soon after school. [People have signed] because they are sad and angry that they did not receive an adequate education regarding what amounts to sexual assault and what to do when it happens, the petition said. Ms Contos asked her followers on Instagram to share their experiences of sexual assault, in particular at the hands of boys from single-sex schools. When you go to a private school in Sydney, most of the time you only interact with other people who go to these schools: all-boys schools and all-girls schools. Being so distant from the reality of having girls in your everyday life, girls become the victims of boys experiments with their sexuality, she said. More needs to be done ... It is also clear that much of the work schools do is happening too late Dr Julie Townsend, principal of St Catherines School Chief executive of school workshop provider Enlighten Education, Dannielle Miller, said the testimonies were harrowing, yet not at all surprising. Its important to note too that sexual harassment and sexual assault isnt just happening to private schoolgirls; all young women are at risk. We need to explicitly teach young women to be clear and unapologetic when expressing their personal boundaries, to know how to speak up in cultures that may try and silence them, and to actively lobby for what they need and deserve, she said. Any protective advice given to girls in the schools must be carefully framed within a context of unpacking victim blaming. But we must also do more work with young men to teach them what active, informed consent looks and feels like, and create cultures where boys and men also use their voices to speak up too. The work of calling out male misbehaviour must not fall solely on females. Loading Schools that responded to the Herald said they had programs in place that taught students about the criminal nature of sexual harassment and assault. Dr Townsend said: It is clear from these girls testimonies that many of them have suffered in silence for years, and we need to ensure that, not only do they understand what assault is, but know their rights in reporting it and charging someone. It is heartbreaking to read of the trauma they went through, and also to learn that many of them were too fearful to report it afterwards or were treated contemptuously when they did, she said. Wenona principal Briony Scott said sexual assault was beyond the remit of any one school. Ranchi, Feb 19 : The Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected the bail petition of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD President Lalu Prasad. Turning down the plea, Justice Apresh Kumar Singh ruled that two months are left to complete half of the jail sentence and bail could be granted only after that. The CBI, while opposing the bail, had said that a period of two months and seven days are left for completion of half the jail sentence. After the plea rejected, Lalu Prasad's lawyer claimed that two month jail period has not been counted, adding that Prasad had been in judicial custody for one month in 1997 and one month in 2001 which have not been counted. A fresh bail petition will be filed after two months, the lawyer added. Lalu Prasad had filed a bail petition in the Dumka treasury fraudulent withdrawal case, in which he was sentenced to seven years jail. The RJD supremo was convicted and sentenced to jail in four cases. He has already got bail in the other three cases. When the senior Chinese officer on the ground, Qi Fabao, confronted the Indian soldiers high in the Himalayas last June, he was suddenly overwhelmed in a brawl fought with pipes, clubs and stones, according to the Peoples Liberation Army of China. It said a battalion commander identified as Chen Hongjun led a charge of reinforcements to rescue him, in what became the deadliest clash in more than four decades along the tense mountainous border between China and India. The senior officer suffered a roughly four-inch gash across his forehead but survived. Chen Hongjun died, along with three other soldiers, the Peoples Liberation Armys Daily reported on Friday, in the most detailed official account of the battle so far. One of them was sucked under the churning current of the Galwan River, which rushes out of a valley at an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet. The account in the armys official newspaper was Chinas first explicit acknowledgment that its soldiers had died in the clash on June 15, the fiercest of a series of confrontations along contested parts of the border over the last eight months. Ghislaine Maxwell appears via video link in Manhattan Federal Court - Jane Rosenberg/Reuters Ghislaine Maxwell admitted that Jeffrey Epstein had secret recordings of Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, a CBS News producer has claimed in a new book. The British socialite, who is awaiting trial on charges of procuring girls for Epstein to abuse in the mid-1990s, was reportedly duped by journalist Ira Rosen into confirming that the sex offender had taped his famous friends. Reports that Epstein had planted secret recording devices in his homes and - it was rumoured - had potentially incriminating tapes of his many powerful associates have circulated for years but have never been verified. Mr Rosen, an award-winning producer, said he spoke with Ms Maxwell ahead of the 2016 presidential election and, acting on a "hunch" that recordings existed, duped the socialite into apparently confirming his theory. In his memoir, Mr Rosen writes that he told Ms Maxwell: "I want the tapes. I know he [Epstein] was videotaping everyone." Ghislaine Maxwell in New York in 2007 - Patrick McMullan /Getty Mr Rosen claims that Ms Maxwell "gave me a stern look and pointed a finger in my face. She said: 'I am the daughter of a press baron. I know the way you people think. If you do one side, you must do the other. If you get the tapes on Trump you have to do Clinton'." Mr Rosen replied: "I will. I will go wherever the story goes." Last year Mr Trump said he had met Ms Maxwell "numerous times" but was "not a fan" of Epstein, whom he had a falling out with about 15 years ago. A spokesperson for Mr Clinton has previously said his friendship with Epstein came to an end before the financier's was convicted of soliciting a minor for sex in 2008. The producer believes Ms Maxwell's comments confirmed reports that Epstein, who was accused by dozens of women of procuring them for sex convicted of soliciting a minor in 2008, had secretly recorded the elite friends he hosted at his various properties. No tapes have ever been forthcoming. Ms Maxwell, the daughter of the late media tycoon Robert Maxwell, is being held without bail in a Manhattan jail while she prepares for a July trial.The 59-year-old has always denied any wrongdoing. Story continues Ms Maxwell's lawyers have repeatedly complained about her treatment in the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn. Just this week, her legal team claimed she had been physically abused by prison guards, is losing her hair and is withering to a shell of her former self. "Recently, out of view of the security camera, Ms. Maxwell was placed in her isolation cell and physically abused during a pat down search," lawyer Bobbi Sternheim wrote to a New York Judge. When Ms Maxwell recoiled in pain and when she said she would report the mistreatment, she was threatened with disciplinary action, she added. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has not responded to the latest claims, but in December they defended Ms Maxwells jail conditions, saying she received three meals a day, could use the recreational areas and had more than eight hours of call time each month. The Motorola Moto E7 Power we've been hearing about for a few weeks made its debut today in India. The Moto E7 Power is built around a 6.5" 20:9 HD+ display with a waterdrop notch for the 5MP selfie camera. It is powered by the Helio G25 SoC, boots to Android 10, and has two memory options - 2GB/32GB and 4GB/64GB. It also has a microSD card slot which allows storage expansion by up to 1TB. The Moto E7 Power's rear panel is home to a fingerprint reader and a dual camera setup comprising a 13MP primary and 2MP macro units. The Moto E7 Power also has a dedicated Google Assistant button on the right-side frame to let you quickly summon the digital assistant. The rest of the Moto E7 Power's features include 2x2 MIMO support, IP52 rating, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB-C port. The smartphone comes in Tahiti Blue and Coral Red colors and packs a 5,000 mAh battery with 10W charging. Motorola Moto E7 Power in Tahiti Blue and Coral Red colors In its press note, Motorola said the Moto E7 Power is "100% made in India" and will go on sale in India starting February 26 through Flipkart and leading retail stores. The 2GB/32GB base variant is priced at INR7,499 ($105/85), while the 4GB/64GB model will set you back by INR8,299 ($115/95). Although its availability in other markets remains unknown. We've also heard about the Moto E7i Power, but there's no word on it yet from Motorola. Vallarta Living Vallarta's LGBT Center Helps Out During COVID Crisis SETAC PrEP counselor and psychologist Omar Ismael Rossi stands in front of the center's van. (Photo: Ed Walsh) "It's very expensive here," Arjona told the Bay Area Reporter last week. "Even with the tourists not coming, the rent is still expensive." The SETAC director added that for most, the loss of work is more concerning than the risk of contracting COVID-19. "They say they can easily die without food, but can survive with COVID," Arjona said. The director noted that unlike the U.S., Mexico has no government-run unemployment insurance but that Mexicans in need can apply for some assistance from the government when funding is available. Arjona said that many LGBTQs are drawn to Puerto Vallarta from other parts of Mexico like refugees, seeking acceptance that they can't get at home. He said some are unable to provide the proper identification to be able to get government assistance. Some transgender people, the director added, face obstacles if their name or sex does not match their birth records. According to John Hopkins University's list of the 20 countries most affected by COVID-19 worldwide, Mexico ranks seventh in per-capita COVID-19 deaths behind the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Italy, United States, Portugal, and Spain. The country has recorded more than 171,000 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began. In mid-January, Mexico recorded its deadliest week with more than 7,000 deaths in one week. As a result of the surge last month, the state of Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta, instituted its third lockdown, forcing nightclubs and bars not serving food to close. SETAC's PrEP counselor and psychologist Omar Ismael Rossi told the Bay Area Repoter that he was diagnosed positive for COVID-19 last month but has had no symptoms other than a rash on his ankle. Rossi, 47, is originally from Argentina. His husband never contracted COVID-19. "So I don't have any symptoms but it's a lottery. I know healthy people, strong people and the COVID killed them," Rossi said. When asked about the impact of the pandemic overall on Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ community, Rossi mentioned the New Year's Eve gay party organized by White Party founder Jeffrey Sanker that was held about 25 minutes outside of Puerto Vallarta in the neighboring state of Nayarit, which had less severe restrictions for gatherings than Jalisco. Rossi also noted the incident in which the gay party boat "Delice" capsized with about 60 people onboard on New Year's Eve. Fortunately, everyone was safely rescued but the optics of another large group gathering was not viewed favorably by many. "We have bad press because of the parties because you have seen the boat in the sea, like the Titanic," Rossi said. Arjona said he knew of just two younger men, 28 and 32, who died of the virus but both had preexisting conditions. He added that many of the older people he knew who have died of COVID-19 were not even aware that they had preexisting conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure until they were diagnosed with the virus. Many of those who succumbed to the disease were obese, one of the major risk factors. In October, SETAC received a grant from the Jalisco state government for $200,000 pesos or about $10,000 U.S. to help the population that SETAC serves, including transgender people; sex workers; men who have sex with men; and people living with HIV, including mothers with HIV who need formula because of the risk of breastfeeding for the baby. SETAC is located at Aldanaca 178 in the Colonia Versalles of neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta SETAC's main wellness center is in the Versalles neighborhood, about halfway between the city's airport and the gay-popular Zona Romantica neighborhood, which is just south of downtown. It also has a The centers test for and treat sexually transmitted diseases and provide COVID-19 tests. SETAC is part of a successful Arjona estimates that SETAC administers about one hundred HIV tests per week and that about 3 or 4 of the 100 are diagnosed HIV-positive. HIV treatment is free in Mexico and SETAC provides staff to shepherd the newly diagnosed to the city's public hospital where the treatment is administered. SETAC's staff includes nurses, three doctors, and administrators. Currently, the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Russian's Sputnik V and China's CanSino Biologics and Sinovac vaccines have been approved for use in Mexico and are being given to health care workers and soon to people 60 and over. The vaccines come too late to save the city's normally busy winter tourism season but it is hoped that as more people get vaccinated in the U.S. and Canada, the second half of 2021 will be the boost that will save many of the city's struggling businesses. Puerto Vallarta's gay businesses that have pitched in to help raise money and food for SETAC's clients in need including Hotel Mercurio, PiAata PV guesthouse, Almar Resort, Mantamar, Industry, la Noche, Spartacus, Timothy Real Estate, Gay Guide, Gay PV, Angel's Store, and Anonimo. For more information on SETAC and to make a donation to the organization, visit Original article Puerto Vallarta's LGBT center, SETAC, is helping to support workers in the tourist-dependent city who are struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting economic disaster shuttered businesses and forced many LGBTQs to move to Mexico City and other Mexican cities in search of work, said SETAC's executive director, Paco Arjona."It's very expensive here," Arjona told the Bay Area Reporter last week. "Even with the tourists not coming, the rent is still expensive."The SETAC director added that for most, the loss of work is more concerning than the risk of contracting COVID-19."They say they can easily die without food, but can survive with COVID," Arjona said. The director noted that unlike the U.S., Mexico has no government-run unemployment insurance but that Mexicans in need can apply for some assistance from the government when funding is available.Arjona said that many LGBTQs are drawn to Puerto Vallarta from other parts of Mexico like refugees, seeking acceptance that they can't get at home. He said some are unable to provide the proper identification to be able to get government assistance. Some transgender people, the director added, face obstacles if their name or sex does not match their birth records.According to John Hopkins University's list of the 20 countries most affected by COVID-19 worldwide, Mexico ranks seventh in per-capita COVID-19 deaths behind the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Italy, United States, Portugal, and Spain. The country has recorded more than 171,000 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began.In mid-January, Mexico recorded its deadliest week with more than 7,000 deaths in one week. As a result of the surge last month, the state of Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta, instituted its third lockdown, forcing nightclubs and bars not serving food to close. Those orders were lifted February 13. SETAC's PrEP counselor and psychologist Omar Ismael Rossi told thethat he was diagnosed positive for COVID-19 last month but has had no symptoms other than a rash on his ankle. Rossi, 47, is originally from Argentina. His husband never contracted COVID-19."So I don't have any symptoms but it's a lottery. I know healthy people, strong people and the COVID killed them," Rossi said.When asked about the impact of the pandemic overall on Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ community, Rossi mentioned the New Year's Eve gay party organized by White Party founder Jeffrey Sanker that was held about 25 minutes outside of Puerto Vallarta in the neighboring state of Nayarit, which had less severe restrictions for gatherings than Jalisco. Rossi also noted the incident in which the gay party boat "Delice" capsized with about 60 people onboard on New Year's Eve. Fortunately, everyone was safely rescued but the optics of another large group gathering was not viewed favorably by many."We have bad press because of the parties because you have seen the boat in the sea, like the Titanic," Rossi said.Arjona said he knew of just two younger men, 28 and 32, who died of the virus but both had preexisting conditions. He added that many of the older people he knew who have died of COVID-19 were not even aware that they had preexisting conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure until they were diagnosed with the virus. Many of those who succumbed to the disease were obese, one of the major risk factors.In October, SETAC received a grant from the Jalisco state government for $200,000 pesos or about $10,000 U.S. to help the population that SETAC serves, including transgender people; sex workers; men who have sex with men; and people living with HIV, including mothers with HIV who need formula because of the risk of breastfeeding for the baby.SETAC's main wellness center is in the Versalles neighborhood, about halfway between the city's airport and the gay-popular Zona Romantica neighborhood, which is just south of downtown. It also has a center in Zona Romantica and a "Rapid Connect" referral booth in Zona Romantica's Lazaro Cardenas Park.The centers test for and treat sexually transmitted diseases and provide COVID-19 tests. Late in 2019, SETAC was given a van by the Jalisco state government to do testing for STDs and HIV. A donation by the Beef Dip Bear Week organization helped equip the van.SETAC is part of a successful pilot program to administer PrEP to those at highest risk for HIV. The program uses the drug Movitrem, a generic version of Truvada. The program began in 2018 and currently serves 390 people with a goal for 450 participants. The program ends in June but will be picked up by the Mexican national government.Arjona estimates that SETAC administers about one hundred HIV tests per week and that about 3 or 4 of the 100 are diagnosed HIV-positive. HIV treatment is free in Mexico and SETAC provides staff to shepherd the newly diagnosed to the city's public hospital where the treatment is administered. SETAC's staff includes nurses, three doctors, and administrators.Currently, the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Russian's Sputnik V and China's CanSino Biologics and Sinovac vaccines have been approved for use in Mexico and are being given to health care workers and soon to people 60 and over. The vaccines come too late to save the city's normally busy winter tourism season but it is hoped that as more people get vaccinated in the U.S. and Canada, the second half of 2021 will be the boost that will save many of the city's struggling businesses.Puerto Vallarta's gay businesses that have pitched in to help raise money and food for SETAC's clients in need including Hotel Mercurio, PiAata PV guesthouse, Almar Resort, Mantamar, Industry, la Noche, Spartacus, Timothy Real Estate, Gay Guide, Gay PV, Angel's Store, and Anonimo.For more information on SETAC and to make a donation to the organization, visit setac.com.mx. Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top Number of accidents with minors down thanks to fathers community Children Ombudsman RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 14:34 19/02/2021 MOSCOW, February 19 (RAPSI) Activities of Russias paternal community have contributed to a decline in the number of accidents involving minors, Children Rights Commissioner Anna Kuznetsova informs on Friday. Focusing on inclusive A Safe Childhood program the Children Ombudsman reported to a meeting of the Council of Fathers, a body at her office, that 415,000 objects were inspected every winter and summer; the public service carried out by the participants resulted in a general decline in the number of accidents with children, whereas the respective downfall in the number of fatal accidents involving minors made 76%; a decline in the number of children injured during fires fell by 8.6%. The Ombudsman thanked the paternal community for its solidarity and active work during the pandemic: even lacking instructions in the uncertain situation, the community could help 15,000 families across Russias regions. The program is to be continued this summer with the focus on the organization of minors leisure time, what will require coordinated efforts on the part of all stockholders, including the paternal community, Kuznetsova said. Ralf Little spent thousands flying a stray dog 2,335 miles from Guadeloupe to his US home after finding her abandoned on the set of Death In Paradise. The actor, 41, spent months filming the crime drama on the Caribbean island, and splashed out 'around 2,000' on adopting the pup, named Dora, after she stole his heart. The Royle Family star explained the pooch was originally intended to be flown to the UK and re-homed with a family, but due to Covid-19 restrictions the plan fell through. Ralf, who plays DI Neville Parker in the BBC drama, christened the abandoned dog Dora when the 'little explorer' first bounded on to the set. Meet Dora! Ralf Little, 41, has revealed that he spent thousands flying a stray dog, named Dora, 2,335 miles from Guadeloupe to his US home after finding her abandoned on set She was first adopted by the costume department, who arranged for her to be re-homed with a family in the UK when filming ended. But lockdown meant it wasn't possible to fly dogs to the UK, so Ralf flew Dora to Miami so she could live with him and fiancee Lindsey Ferrentino in Cape Canaveral, Florida. He told The Mirror: 'You wouldn't believe the effort it took. I probably spent about 2,000. But she's gorgeous.' Since Dora landed in the US and has been reunited with Ralf, the actor has shared various videos of the pooch settling into her new home. Adorable: Ralf, who plays DI Neville Parker in Death In Paradise, the Caribbean crime drama, christened the abandoned dog Dora when the 'little explorer' first bounded on to the set Cute: The sweet pooch was intended to be flown to the UK and rehomed with a family, but due to Covid-19 restrictions the plan fell through, and so Ralf stepped up and adopted Dora The Two Pints of Lager star documented the process of getting Dora to Miami, and the nervous wait for her at the airport. Ralf plays DI Neville Parker on Death In Paradise, joining the show last year during series nine. Parker landed in the Caribbean as the quintessential Brit abroad: struggling with mosquitos, mopping his sweaty brow and slathering himself with sunscreen before he even left the airport. The introduction was met with praise by fans at home at the time, who said the character - the fourth leading detective in nine series - has 'already made the show funnier'. Ralf follows in the footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall and Ardal O'Hanlon, who have played the previous British detectives on the island. Here she is! The Two Pints of Lager star documented the process of getting Dora to Miami, and the nervous wait for her at the airport Couple: Ralf is engaged to playwright Lindsey Ferrentino The actor recently told how he was separated from his fiancee throughout filming the most recent series of Death In Paradise due to the coronavirus pandemic. The actor is engaged to playwright Lindsey Ferrentino and told how the couple's wedding has now been put on hold after she suggested they get married in Guadeloupe where the show is filmed. Speaking on The One Show last month, he said: 'Well theyre [wedding plans] pretty much on hold. She couldnt even come out to the island this time. 'That was an idea she had, "why dont we get married out here?" I was like, "cause Im busy trying to film a TV show where Im in every scene". 'She said, "OK, maybe next year." Thats why I organised the pandemic, to make sure I had an excuse to put it down the line,' he joked. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday announced that External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will be visiting Maldives and Mauritius between February 20-24 to further India's commitment towards its maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean Region. EAM Jaishankar is expected to visit Maldives between February 20-21 and Mauritius between 22-23 where he would interact with the Heads of the two nations to re-affirm bilateral ties. "EAM will call-on H.E. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and have substantive discussions with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Economic Development and Planning & Infrastructure during his visit to Maldives," as per a statement by the MEA. He will also call-on Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and meet with other political leaders to review the progress of ongoing bilateral projects and joint continued assistance post-COVID-19. "During his visit to Mauritius, EAM will call on H.E. President Pritivirajsing Roopun and H.E. Prime Minister Mr. Pravind Jagnauth. EAM will also meet his counterpart the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and Minister for Land Transport and Light Rail, Hon. Alan Ganoo," informed the MEA. He will also review the implementation of various infrastructure projects being carried out by India in Mauritius and other bilateral and global matters of mutual interest. Read: Maldives' Foreign Minister Receives Covishield's Jab, Thanks PM Narendra Modi Read: India To Convene Workshop On COVID-19; SAARC Nations To Attend Meet On Feb 18 "Both Maldives and Mauritius are Indias key maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean Region and occupy a special place in Prime Ministers vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). EAMs visit is testimony to the importance that India attaches to its close and friendly relations with the Maldives and Mauritius and is expected to lend further momentum to substantive cooperation and robust people to people ties between the two countries," said the MEA in a statement. As a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'vaccine diplomacy,' both Maldives and Mauritius had received consignments of 'Made in India' Coronavirus vaccines as a friendly gesture to help the two neighboring countries to eradicate the virus. India commenced the Coronavirus vaccine shipment to neighboring nations under the grant assistance program covering friendly countries such as Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Seychelles amongst others. The two countries will also visit India's international workshop on COVID-19 management titled-- 'Experience, Good Practices & the Way Forward' on February 18 alongside other SAARC nations. Read: PM Modi Says 'fight Against COVID Shared Effort' As Mauritius PM Thanks For Vaccine Supply Read: India To Gift 2 Million Doses Of COVID Vaccine 'Covishield' To Bangladesh On January 20 NIA seizes Rs 20 lakh, 130 live rounds during raids in Punjab in connection with Hizbul narco case Top logistic provider of Hizbul Mujahideen arrested by NIA India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a person accused of harbouring terrorists and also providing logistics to the Hizbul Mujahideen. The arrested has been identified as Taraq Hussain, a resident of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. NIA seizes Rs 20 lakh, 130 live rounds during raids in Punjab in connection with Hizbul narco case India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News The accused Taraq Hussain Giri was arrested for harbouring and providing logistical support to HM Terrorists namely Osama Bin Javed and Haroon Abbas Wani in the second week of March, 2019 after the militants snatched the service rifle from the escort incharge. This incident of weapon snatching was one of the four incidents of terror acts committed by HM terrorists in the period from November 2018 to September 2019. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 8:13 [IST] I am an expectant mom and a state employee. As someone committed both to my children and my job, I know the value of paid family leave for myself. As the communications director of South Carolina First Steps, the states early childhood agency, I also understand the importance of paid family leave for our state. Providing workers with paid leave after the arrival of a child or for the care of a sick family member is not a luxurious benefit. It is an investment in families and a smart policy for employers. A bill in the S.C. Senate would be an important step, giving 12 weeks of paid leave for state employees due to a birth or the adoption of a minor child. This legislation would directly benefit our states largest workforce and thousands of families, including my own. It would also set a standard for private employers that could impact hundreds of thousands more. But S.11 has stalled over concerns about how and for whom the policy would apply. If our state is serious about our commitment to families and our states economic future, we must make paid family leave a priority. Under current law, access to family leave is woefully inadequate. The federal Family Medical Leave Act provides eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of job-protected family leave, but it is unpaid unless an employee has sick or vacation time to spare. Many forgo unpaid leave simply because they cannot afford it. In South Carolina, 62% of workers lack access to federally required leave because they are ineligible based on employer size or job tenure requirements, or because the loss of income would result in serious financial hardship. Because the United States is the only industrialized nation without a national paid family leave mandate, the responsibility has fallen on states to support working families. Nine states and the District of Columbia have enacted comprehensive paid family leave programs that extend to private-sector employees. An additional 10 states provide paid family leave specifically to state workers. Federal employees recently gained access to paid parental leave through the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, which took effect in October. Like similar paid family leave policies, the cost of South Carolinas proposed bill is modest when compared to its value. A fiscal impact statement prepared by the S.C. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office says S.11 could cost up to $5.5 million annually out of a $10 billion state budget. This projection does not account for the considerable savings generated by increased employee retention and reduced heath care costs. 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! The benefits of paid family leave are clear. Improved health outcomes for babies and birth mothers are among the most widely recognized. When cared for by their parents, newborns are more likely to be breastfed, receive timely medical check-ups and immunizations, and experience the responsive caregiving they need for optimal brain development. Families with access to paid leave benefit from better maternal mental health and the increased engagement of fathers. It also is good for our economy. Family supportive policies have been shown to boost labor force participation and employee retention, especially among women. When more women enter and stay in the workforce, they earn more money, pay more taxes and help ensure that children are raised in financially stable homes. Despite these financial stakes, women continue to face barriers to gainful employment. The pandemic has made things even harder, particularly for mothers in low-wage or hourly jobs. The lack of support has forced many to reduce their hours or quit their jobs entirely. In the past year, a staggering 1 million mothers have dropped out of the labor market. Bringing them back and restoring our economy will require more paid leave and better access to affordable, high-quality child care. But family supportive policies are not important just for women. To advance womens workforce progress and support the wellbeing of all children and families, paid family leave should be gender-neutral and implemented in terms that value all parents equally. No matter their gender or family structure, all parents have a vital role in the care and healthy development of their children. And every working adult deserves fair and equitable treatment on the job. When all working families can focus on health and well-being without losing a paycheck or jeopardizing their jobs, our children and economy benefit. South Carolina should prioritize paid family leave. Beth Moore is communications director of South Carolina First Steps. A group of New Jersey residents touting President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus package Thursday welcomed the proposed $1,400 direct payments as they continued to cope with the pandemics fallout. Sylvia Lasalandra-Frodella, owner of H2Ocean, a seafood restaurant in Cedar Knolls, said the payments would be incredible. And Polina Price, a Fort Lee travel agent, said its definitely going to be a help. Both Lasalandra-Frodella and Price have seen their businesses crater during the pandemic. They joined others on a Zoom conference call with Democratic U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, a member of the Senate Finance Committee that will help decide how big the stimulus payments will be and who will get them. The House Ways and Means Committee already approved the checks of $1,400 for individuals making up to $75,000 and $2,800 for couples making up to $150,000, with the payments to phase out at higher levels of income and end entirely for individuals making more than $100,000 and couples making more than $200,000. U.S. Sen. Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania, the top Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, criticized the payments at a hearing Thursday. The vast majority of 160 million Americans that have received checks never lost any income, Toomey said. If President Bidens plan follows eligibility criteria of first two rounds of checks, then some families with six-figure incomes & no income loss will receive $10,000 or more in checks. On Monday, the House Budget Committee is scheduled to assemble the final legislation, which then is expected to pass the House at the end of next week under a process known as reconciliation, which will prevent a Senate filibuster and allow the stimulus bill to pass with only Democratic votes. Theyre using a process that is designed to not find common ground and designed to be purely partisan, Toomey said. It is not informed by any objective measure of needs. The only organizing principle seems to be to spend a lot of money and willfully ignore the impacts of these policies. But Menendez said Americans dont care how Congress passes legislation to help them, as long as it does. Most people care, especially in New Jersey, about Congress getting something done than whatever legislative process gets it done, Menendez said. People want to get back to their lives. To me, thats what this bill is all about. But using reconciliation also limits what provisions can be in the legislation, leaving it up to the Senate parliamentarian to decide. For example, there are questions as to whether the proposed increase in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, including for tipped restaurant workers, will make it into the final bill. Nobody knows Jersey politics like NJ.com. Add your email now and dont miss a story. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at her daily briefing Thursday that the administration was continuing to seek support from lawmakers of both parties. We have our foot on the gas, and we are remaining engaged with Democrats and Republicans on the Hill about moving that forward, she said. If no Republicans support the measure, even the defection of one Senate Democrat would kill the bill, so negotiations are going on to make sure every lawmaker will be on board with the final package. I think there will be the votes for $1,400, Menendez said. The question will be: What is the cutoff point in terms of who qualifies and who does not? Coming from a high-income, high-cost state, Im an advocate of the higher levels. Maybe $100,000 in some part of the country is significantly better but in New Jersey, its as middle class as it gets. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage The House version of the legislation would extend temporary federal unemployment benefits past their Mar. 14 expiration date to Aug. 29, a month earlier than originally proposed, and provide an extra $400 a week. Thats welcome news for both Price and Shivanthi Crawford, a nurse from East Orange, both of whom are living on unemployment benefits. Both Crawford and her husband contacted COVID-19, she was on a ventilator for two months, and then her husband lost his job and now taking care of her as she recovers from the virus. Before COVID 19, we both had good jobs and made a decent living, Crawford said. I really dont know what would happen to us if these federal programs would suddenly end. And Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark made a pitch for some of the $350 billion in state and local aid in the stimulus bill. He said that township revenues were down as much as $180,000 due to the pandemic. In addition, the volunteer fire and EMS departments, which depend primarily on donations, have seen them dry up, he said. We cant let them down, he said. We have to continue to support them and make sure they are able to answer the call and thrive as volunteer emergency responders. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JDSalant. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Work on the Main Street had been halted as a result of a national directive under the Covid-19 Level 5 lockdown. Unfortunately the work on the public realm project was not deemed to be essential and the contractor was not allowed to continue work. However Senior Engineer, Shay O'Connor has confirmed that the Council has been given approval for the works to recommence. He said that he had been in discussion with the contractor about restarting works and said he expected some activity onsite later this week. Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Paddy Farrell welcomed the news noting that he had a motion on the issue before the February municipal meeting. He said that there had been some confusion about what the status of the works was and whether the works should have continued in recent weeks. Director Service, Joseph Gilhooley pointed out this Council is obliged to comply with the current Level 5 restrictions. One of these is that construction is stopped except for essential works, of which Carrick-on -Shannon Public Realm Scheme is one, is deemed non-essential and therefore works had to stop. 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. Alan Menken has spilled all on the new episode on the eleven podcast. The multi-award-winning composer, who has worked on some legendary films and stage shows in his time, has provided an update on his plethora of projects. Firstly discussing his new sequel to hit Disney film Enchanted, Menken said: "The sequel to Enchanted was basically started during the pandemic and now ready to start filming." Amy Adams will return for the musical feature. He also discussed working with Lin-Manuel Miranda to bring The Little Mermaid to the live-action big screen: "There is some rapping in it and I really can't take much credit for the rap aspect of it. Yeah, there's some rapping in it, there's some very Menken songs, there's some very Miranda songs. But it's all the blend of Menken-Miranda. "I love him, I love working with him. I'm glad we had the opportunity to do that and he's also a producer on the movie but Lin juggles a lot of things, as I do, so we will have occasional contact. Right now it's in the hands of the amazing Rob Marshall and as we speak they are in London right now filming." Menken had a lot of love for Halle Bailey, who will be taking on the lead role of Ariel: "Oh my gosh, she is adorable and so talented. I met Halle at the recording sessions I did have to be educated in terms of what she and her sister do together, which is incredible. She is an amazing talent, a beautiful girl, and I got to meet her family." Joining Bailey are Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, with Awkwafina as Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric. Finally, the Beauty and the Beast composer teased his work on a stage version of Night at the Museum saying: "I completed a musical of Night at the Museum which is now in discussion with directors, and when the pandemic ends we are ready to go." Menken was talking on the new episode of eleven, streaming now at elevenpodcast.com. [February 19, 2021] TeraGo Names New CEO and Board Chair TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2021 /CNW/ - TeraGo Inc. ("TeraGo" or the "Company") (TSX: TGO) (www.terago.ca), announced today that its Board of Directors has selected Matthew Gerber as TeraGo's next Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gerber, who is currently Chair of the Board will join the management team, transitioning into the CEO role within the next 30 days. He will also continue to serve as a Board Director. In his place the Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Ken Campbell, an existing Director and experienced telecom industry executive, will become Chair. David Charron, who has been acting as Interim-CEO will return to his position as full-time Chief Financial Officer of the Company. "We are extremely pleased to have a CEO of Matt's calibre and experience join TeraGo" said Ken Campbell. "His wealth of operating experience, positive strategic leadership and a track record of rowing wireless and cloud technology companies made him the ideal candidate. He is uniquely positioned to execute TeraGo's strategic plan and create long-term value for shareholders and customers. On behalf of the Board, we would also like to thank David for his leadership and steady hand during this interim period." Mr. Gerber commented, "TeraGo has been part of my life now for almost five years and I am very excited about working more closely with this great team of people. Between our team and our cloud, colocation, networking and wireless assets, we are very well positioned to take advantage of the ever-growing need for more communication and computing capabilities, including high speed wireless connectivity." Mr. Gerber has served on TeraGo's board since June 2016, and is currently CEO at Rohinni LLC, a developer of technology for the mobile device and automotive markets. Mr. Gerber's wireless and cloud experience includes board member or operating roles at Norand, Itronix, IT-Lifeline, Blue Box Group, 2nd Watch and Vega Cloud. About TeraGo TeraGo owns a national spectrum portfolio of exclusive 24 GHz and 38 GHz wide-area spectrum licences including 2,120 MHz of spectrum across Canada's 6 largest cities. TeraGo provides businesses across Canada with cloud, colocation and connectivity services. TeraGo manages over 3,000 cloud workloads, operates five data centres in the Greater Toronto Area, the Greater Vancouver Area, and Kelowna, and owns and manages its own IP network. The Company serves business customers in major markets across Canada including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa and Winnipeg. For more information about TeraGo, please visit www.terago.ca. SOURCE TeraGo Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] (JTA) - Director Steven Spielberg has won the 2021 Genesis Prize, the award nicknamed the "Jewish Nobel." The award, which "honors extraordinary individuals for their outstanding professional achievement, contribution to humanity, and commitment to Jewish values," was announced Wednesday. "Key Jewish themes are often woven into his narratives: importance of identity and belonging, maintaining humanity in a ruthless world, caring for the other, and honoring the moral obligation to do the right thing," the Genesis Prize Foundation wrote about the Oscar winner in a statement. The foundation al... The Hong Kong government maintains that the laws are necessary to restore order to the global financial hub after protests over Beijings rising influence rocked the city in 2019 and 2020. A spokesman for the Department of Home Affairs said the Australian government had been consistent in expressing concerns about the imposition of the national security law and was troubled by the laws implications for Hong Kongs judicial independence, and the rights enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong. Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching, who chairs the Senate Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade References Committee, said Australia should consider welcoming Hongkongers who risked their safety to protect the democratic norms and institutions. There is a recent precedent in Australia of making a special dispensation to offer asylum to those fleeing persecution, she said. In 2015, Australia permanently resettled 12,000 Syrians, Iraqis and Yazidis on humanitarian grounds. Speaking from London where he is now based, Hui said Australia should use Magnitsky laws to target individuals and corporations involved in human rights breaches with the Chinese Communist Party. In December, Hui had his and his families accounts locked by HSBC, Hang Seng Bank and Bank of China after Hong Kong police ordered the financial institutions to freeze his funds over money-laundering allegations. The claims relate to HK$850,000 ($141,000) in crowd-funding raised for a civil injunction against alleged police brutality that was allegedly transferred to Huis family accounts. He denies the allegations. Pro-democracy member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council Ted Hui Chi-fung being removed by security during a scuffle with pro-Beijing legislators. Credit:Getty Images Hui said the bank should have resisted the police direction. It refused to confront the regime. It did not get a court order. Hui said other dissidents, non-government organisations and charities targeted by police have also had their accounts frozen by Hong Kong financial institutions. What Im advocating for is sanctions against the people who have made the decision to freeze peoples accounts, he said. Under the laws, Hong Kong police would have been able to strip the banks of the authority to deal with the funds in the accounts if they refused to comply. HSBC is the largest of the three banks to have operations in Australia. A HSBC spokeswoman said the bank was unable to comment on individual cases. Loading Like every bank, we have to operate within the law and legal frameworks of all the countries in which we operate, she said. When we get a specific legal instruction by police authorities in Hong Kong, or anywhere else, to freeze the accounts of somebody under formal investigation, we have no choice but to comply. Hui met with a group of Victorian MPs in early February to lobby for stronger action on China. What he had to say about the deterioration in human rights [...] was very concerning, indeed alarming, said Victorian shadow attorney-general Edward ODonohue. Huis pro-democracy colleague Sunny Cheung has previously spoken with the new chair of the Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, James Paterson. Cheung has also testified before a US congressional hearing on Beijings activities in Washington. The Magnitsky laws will give the Australian government similar powers to the US to impose visa, property and financial sanctions on individuals who commit human rights abuses. They are expected to be introduced to federal Parliament this year. I am trying to encourage them to pass the law, said Cheung. Speaking from an undisclosed location due to fears for his safety, Cheung said Australian judges still serving on Hong Kongs Court of Final Appeal should leave Hong Kong. Thirty non-permanent judges from across the Commonwealth have presided in the court since the British handover to China in 1997 to continue the common law tradition in the territory. Sunny Cheung testifies during a hearing before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China in Washington. Credit:Getty Images Former Australian High Court chief justices Murray Gleeson and Robert French along with former High Court judge William Gummow have remained on the court since former NSW chief justice James Spigelman resigned over the national security laws in September. The court has never had jurisdiction over acts of state, such as defence and foreign affairs, but the imposition of the new national security laws gave the Hong Kong government the power to decide which judges could hear national security cases. Loading If the world still recognises the legal system in Hong Kong, Beijing can still claim that everything is impartial, said Cheung. But that is not true. It gives a fake legitimacy to the national security law, said Hui. It is an endorsement to the existing judicial system as if it is still standing. French said in September that he would not continue on the court if he did not believe it could maintain its judicial independence. A woman who attacked her former neighbours from a tiny Donegal island after gossiping and rumours on Facebook is to do 60 hours community service in lieu of three months in jail. Amanda Rodgers appeared at Falcarragh District Court after she attacked three women from Tory Island. The 29-year-old was charged with a number of charges of assault and making threats against the women. One of her victims, a woman in her 60s, claimed she was "kicked black and blue" when she came across her by accident in Falcarragh. The accused was charged with assaulting Bridget Doohan, a woman in her 60s, at Ballina, Falcarragh on August 23rd, 2019. Ms Doohan had known Rodgers since she was a child on the island and had simply said hello to her on the street on the day in question. The victim claimed that Rodgers then asked if she was talking to her today before she suddenly came back and began to slap her in the face repeatedly. Rodgers knocked Mrs Doohan's glasses off and continued to slap and kick her accusing her of telling other people about her business. She added: "She kicked me until I was black and blue and kept slapping me again and again and again. "I have grandchildren and I was afraid that she was going to come after them and I was afraid she would get the wee children and hurt them." She had to pay 225 in medical bills to her doctor as a result of the attack and a further 180 for new glasses. On July 23rd, Rodgers attacked another neighbour, Grainne McGinley, 55, on Falcarragh's Main Street by threatening her and then grabbed her by the throat. She also attacked another neighbour, Bridgeen Callaghan at the Centra Supermarket in Falcarragh on September 6th. The court was told that this followed threats on Facebook by Rodgers on the 6th and 8th of September. Solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher told the court that his client had a serious issue and was addicted to cannabis. He said "She comes from a small island community where they all frequent and know eachother. She became addicted to cannabis on the mainland and went into a deep, dark hole in 2019. "She has got treatment but she still has to regain the trust of her community, a small community. She offers her wholesome and heartfelt apologies to these women for what she has done. "This was a very sick young lady and I hope the victims realise she was sick. In certain communities, drugs are frowned upon and it is a black mark against you," he said. The court heard that Ms Rodgers had worked hard at recovery and was now clean of cannabis and had engaged very well with the Probation Services. She had also paid 500 to her first victim Ms Doohan. Judge Paul Kelly said she had also taken part in the restorative justice process and had demonstrated an understanding of the harm she did to her victims. He noted she had done a drug rehabilitation course saying "She has made great progress and has to be commended for that. She is a different person." However, he added that this was a sequence of offences over a relatively short period which caused great upset and distress to the ladies who were unfortunate enough to encounter Ms Rodgers. For the assault on Ms Doohan, he sentenced Rodgers to 60 hours community service in lieu of three months in prison and for the assault on Ms McGinley he bound her to the peace for two years. The other charges including abusing Gardai were taken into consideration. Four armed police officers from Abia State stormed the Lagos home of a businessman last week, arrested him, and took him back to Umuahia, where he was detained for days over a civil matter. Victor Ogbonna, the victim, was arrested last Wednesday for alleged advance fee fraud. He was initially detained at Ifako Police station, Lagos, before he was transported to the Abia State capital. The businessman told PREMIUM TIMES that he was arrested based on a petition written by one Martins Echerobia, claiming that his (Mr Ogbonnas) deceased brother owed him a debt and Mr Ogbonna refused to pay. He said this is contrary to what the police said when making an arrest. On February 10, four police officers with AK-47 came to my house, they used the gun to surround me and my car, said Mr Ogbonna, 42. That was the Anti-Kidnapping unit from Abia state. After they put handcuffs on my hands, they collected my phones immediately, I could not make any call. They took me to the nearest police station, that is Ifako station. They did not even show me the petition somebody wrote against me. I was afraid, what offence did I commit to warrant police coming from Abia state and carry AK-47 to come and arrest me, he said. The incident happened just as a PREMIUM TIMES report detailed how the Nigeria Police Forces continued dabbling into civil disputes is a clear violation of the countrys laws and court judgments. A brothers debt Mr Ogbonna said police officers at Ifako brought out a book for him to write his statement which he declined because he did not know the offence he committed. He said the police asked for his relationship with Mr Echerobia, and he explained that it was his late brother, Chukwudi Ogbonna, who owed him a debt. My brother died on March 19, 2020, because of the lockdown, I kept him at the mortuary and he was buried on August 8 after the lockdown. After the burial, Mr Eche came to our house and told me that my brother owed him some money. Mr Ogbonna said the petitioner claimed his brother owed him N780,000 but when he asked other siblings who were aware of the debt, they said it was only N500,000. We asked him to bring his bank statement and tell them the exact amount owed so that the family can pay. He said we should give him three days, but we did not see him, I called him, he didnt pick up, Mr Ogbonna said. He added that while coming back to Lagos, he took his late brothers vehicle with him, which he changed the engine and the papers of the car. Mr Ogbonna said the petitioner kept disturbing him despite that they met in Lagos and he told him to come to their village in Abia State where the entire family can decide on the debt repayment but he refused to visit. Around the first week of February, I received a call from someone who said he is a police officer and that he wants to see me on Monday by 10 a.m., in Umuahia. I told him that I am in Lagos and a businessman and I cannot be in Umuahia by Monday, he said. I tried to explain that I cannot just go to Umuahia because of a call I received from someone I dont know and if the police want to see me, it should be a formal notice. Mr Ogbonna said a few days after the call, his cousin, Ikenna Ukairu, called to inform him that someone wrote a petition against him and the police will be after him. He said on February 10 four police officers from Abia State arrived at his residence to arrest him on the order of Remi Chukwuani, the officer-in-charge, Anti-Kidnapping unit. ADVERTISEMENT He was taken to Umuahia where he was detained and denied access to his family members and lawyer up until February 14. His car (which belonged to his late brother) was also taken to Abia State, where it was confiscated by the police. Mr Ogbonnas family wrote a letter to the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a human rights advocacy group, over his detention. Okechuckwu Nwanguma, the executive director of RULAAC, in a petition to Janet Agbede, the commissioner of police, Abia State, decried the detention of Mr Ogbonna over a civil matter and his denial to due process or access to lawyers. Mr Nwanguma called on the commissioner to call the police officers to order and to save a citizen from victimisation, oppression and abuse of power by the officers. On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, RULAAC received information that some Police officers attached to the Anti-kidnapping Unit of the Abia State Police Command, led by Inspector Sylvester Ike came to Lagos in the early hours and arrested one Victor Ogbonna. The officers presented no warrant even when requested. They said they were sent by CSP Remi Chukwuani, the O/C Anti-kidnapping unit to arrest Victor. We were informed that OC CSP Remi Chukwuani was angry with the accused because he refused to report based on telephone invitation and had asked for a formal invitation for him to be sure it was an official invitation. He threatened to deal with him and ordered his detention immediately upon arrival, RULAAC said in a statement. After the intervention of RULAAC for unlawful detention beyond the duration allowed by law, the police charged Mr Ogbonna to court on a three-count charge for stealing of car, changing its engine, forging documents and threatening to kill Martins Echerobia, who owns the car. They later changed the story, they said my late brothers car was bought from Mr Echerobia on a higher purchase, which is not true. Because if you buy a car on a higher purchase, the original documents will not be released until you make full payment. They also said I forged the vehicles documents and threatened to kill Mr Echerobia. These are not true, they are no longer talking about the debt he said my late brother owed, now they are saying he is the owner of the car, he narrated. Police response When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Geoffrey Ogbonna, the spokesperson for the Abia State police command, he said he was not aware of the matter. Since it was a case that the suspect was arrested in Lagos and brought to Abia on Thursday, so, they had only Friday to wade into the matter, said Mr Ogbonna, a chief superintendent of police. Again, it may not be enough for them to conclude their investigations and giving him bail may jeopardise the investigation. It may not be possible for them to give him bail. Efforts to reach the Commissioner of Police on the matter were unsuccessful as her line did not connect. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Icicles hang off the State Highway 195 sign in Killeen, Texas. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images TikToker Reni King shared a video of her fish tank completely frozen over in Amarillo, Texas. It's been an oddly freezing week in Texas, where there's a state of emergency due to the frigid weather. King told Insider her house was ill-equipped for the record-breaking low temperatures in Texas. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. A Texas-based TikToker is racking up millions of views with a video of her fish tank completely frozen over. Major winter storms with plummeting temperatures blanketed Texas this week, as Insider reported, resulting in millions without power. President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency in Texas on February 14, Insider previously reported. TikToker Reni King told Insider that her home was ill-equipped for the unexpectedly frigid weather, as Texas is accustomed to warmer winters. She said the pipes froze over in her home, so the family decided to spend the night in a hotel. "When my daughter went into her room to gather clothes, she came out running 'Mom, you have to come see my fish tank,'" King said. The tank was home to a molly fish. The video from February 16 had more than 34 million views and more than 3 million likes at the time of writing. King said although she lived in Colorado for two years, she has never dealt with anything like this. "Our house never went without heat, and the pipes never froze," King said of their time in Colorado. "We honestly never knew such a thing could happen and didn't expect it to get that cold in a room with no heat." After heating the fish tank, King posted another video updating her followers. "I don't even see the fish," she says in the video. King posted a third video of the tank completely thawed that showed a close-up of the seemingly-dead molly fish. Story continues After putting him in warm water to see if he survived, King said that the fish will be flushed. "TikTok said to give it some days. But, he's definitely dead," she said of the family fish. Read the original article on Insider Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the longest-serving state House speaker in the country, announced Thursday he was retiring from the House after losing the top job last month. 18537 Robin A. Barnes, Executive Vice President & COO, Greater New Orleans, Inc. Robin A. Barnes, Executive Vice President & COO, Greater New Orleans, Inc. Fifteen years ago the nation experienced a horrific act of terrorism. The havoc wreaked by the events on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent emergency response and recovery efforts served as a turning point, transforming the way in which this country approaches disaster management and long term rebuilding efforts. Events such as 9/11 attack and subsequent disasters such as such as Hurricane Katrina, the BP Oil Spill, Hurricane Sandy, and now, back in my home state, the Louisiana Floods, have advanced a cadre of disaster. Resilience professionals serving in roles in the public and private sectors ensure that we are prepared for and can recover from the next disaster. Unless you worked for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the American Red Cross, there was no major disaster recovery employer in 2001. Major disasters tended to be very localized and infrequent and therefore it was not financially sustainable for firms to specialize in, nor hire permanent employees for disaster recovery. In 2001, there were few, if any, college degree programs or professional certifications that were associated with disaster recovery. When I graduated from college in 1982, a career in disaster recovery was not even remotely under consideration for my future. Students can now pursue degree and certificate programs in disaster and resilience management and have identified career paths accordingly Today, that is different. The increasingly catastrophic nature of the disasters have necessitated new policies, programs, and innovations to prepare for disaster management while being able to build resiliency in the face of catastrophic events. A generation of thought leaders and practitioners has emerged to inform and do this important work. A new professional field has spawned, and some new trends are developing: 1. The field of disaster and resilience management has professionalized. FEMAs Emergency Management Institute, Tulane Universitys Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy, and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center at the University of Hawaii are examples of education and training programs. These institutions are preparing public and private sector disaster management professionals in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; urban planning; environmental management; addressing the needs of vulnerable populations; social media management; building resilience; and more. Students can now pursue degree and certificate programs in disaster and resilience management and have identified career paths accordingly. 2. The multifaceted impacts of disasters have expanded the sector to include specializations in Economic Resilience; Emergency Management; Coastal Restoration and Water Management; Technology; Homeland Security and First Response; Community Preparedness; Social Vulnerability; Long-Term Intervention; Public Health; Business Continuity; Finance and Insurance; and all aspects of disaster resilience, response, recovery, and mitigation. Disasters are no longer addressed in siloes: In New Orleans, for example, engineers, designers, economic development professionals, public officials, and nonprofit leaders are collaborating to help the city manage its water resources so that as we address flooding and subsidence through the green infrastructure. We are building resilience and creating economic opportunity by ensuring that our businesses and residents have jobs doing that work. 3. Disaster and resilience professionals do not just include emergency managers and first responders. Those who now make up the field include business leaders; architects, designers and planners; organizers; doctors and public health officials; social justice leaders; educators; and economic development professionals. A new occupation has emerged out of the Rockefeller Foundations 100 Resilient Cities initiative with Chief Resilience Officers now situated at City Halls in cities from New Orleans to London and Singapore. Serving as top-level advisors reporting directly to their respective citys mayor, their task is to establish a compelling resilience vision for his or her city, working across departments and with the local community to maximize innovation and minimize the impact of unforeseen events. 4. The private sector has realized how to partner with government to innovate new technologies and deliver an array of services from disaster cleanup to coastal restoration to urban water management. Career path-focused jobs are available for these projects, and companies that have developed areas or expertise and specialization are able to deploy their services to other communities, making those jobs permanent. 5. Professional networks, associations and conferences engage professionals with each other and expose them to best practices, lessons learned, and career opportunities. The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) is an international non-profit organization of emergency management professionals with an annual conference and other activities and programs. RES/CON New Orleans is an annual international conference on the practice of successful resiliency and disaster management in an evolving global environment that is attended by disaster and resilience practitioners from around the world. 6. Technology, data and media are key for managing and communicating about disasters and resilience, thereby opening up new professional opportunities for professionals who are trained in these fields. In an ever evolving global atmosphere of political and environmental change, we know we can count on the next disaster. However, instead of reacting to them only when they come, we are moving toward being able to get ahead of them. But in order to do that, we need the trained professionals who are able to set policy and design and implement solutions. There are jobs associated with disasters and resilience that accommodate a diversity of low, middle and high skilled workers. The new trends in education and professional training in this sphere has changed the trajectory of disaster and resilience management, providing real confidence in our ability to address these severe challenges in our future. Check this out: Top Forcepoint Consulting Services Companies The Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday is a unique cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. More and more foreigners now celebrate Tet, however, and enjoy the cosy atmosphere surrounding the holiday. browser not support iframe. In his happy home in Ho Chi Minh City, Korean national Jang Hyojin and his wife are cooking braised pork for Tet. Though married to a Vietnamese woman, this is the first time he has celebrated Tet in her hometown. Jang Hyojins family has always celebrated Tet in the RoK in the past. This year though, due to COVID-19, the family decided to celebrate the holiday in Vietnam. Lien, Jangs wife, was especially happy because she had an opportunity to introduce her husband and children to a traditional Vietnamese Tet. More and more foreigners are looking for a taste of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The foreign community living, working, or traveling in Vietnam has gradually adapted to the Tet atmosphere, from shopping and preparing for Tet to attending family gatherings. Amid the pandemic, everyone enjoys the Tet atmosphere with their families even more. Vietnamese people now celebrate both the Lunar and Western New Years, and many foreigners who only celebrated the Western New Year before now also enjoy Tet. This cultural blending contributes to preserving and upholding the countrys traditional customs./.VNA American businesses would be significantly impacted with hundreds of billions losses in foregone GDP and capital gains and U.S. productivity and innovation undermined if the United States and China were to fully decouple, a new report showed Wednesday. The United States would forgo 190 billion dollars in gross domestic product (GDP) annually by 2025, if 25-percent tariffs were expanded to cover all two-way trade, according to the analysis by U.S. Chamber of Commerce's China Center in partnership with Rhodium Group. If decoupling leads to the sale of half of the U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in China, U.S. investors will lose 25 billion dollars per year in capital gains, and models point to one-time GDP losses of up to 500 billion dollars, showed the report titled "Understanding U.S.-China Decoupling: Macro Trends and Industry Impacts." The report identified the potential costs of a U.S.-China decoupling from two perspectives: the aggregate costs for the U.S. economy across trade, investment, people, and ideas, and the industry-level costs in civil aviation, semiconductors, chemicals, and medical devices. "If we were to try to cut off everything or the preponderance of our economic engagement with China would be so expensive that it would make everyone, even the most hawkish Americans and national security professionals, very uncomfortable," said Daniel Rosen, founding partner of Rhodium Group, at a virtual release event for the report. On industry-level costs, full decoupling would lead to tremendous U.S. output losses for strategic U.S. industries, weakening their ability to sustain jobs, research & development (R&D), and global technology leadership, the report said. Among the industrial losses it listed, the U.S. aircraft and commercial aviation services would suffer output losses ranging from 38 billion to 51 billion dollars, plus job losses between 167,000 and 225,000. For the U.S. semiconductor industry, a loss of access to Chinese customers would cause 54 billion to 124 billion dollars in lost U.S. output, risking more than 100,000 U.S. jobs, and 12 billion dollars in R&D spending. "We did this study largely to suggest that the degree of interconnectedness between the United States and China creates a very complex relationship, such that efforts from the United States or China to decouple, to disengage actually, have perhaps unintended consequences," said Charles Freeman, senior vice president for Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Freeman said it requires "surgical efforts" to preserve U.S. interests when dealing with China, urging policymakers in Washington to avoid "sledgehammers" in China policies. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. It was easy to root for Phil Mickelson at the PGA Championship last weekend. The little boy who learned to play golf left-handed by standing opposite his right-handed dad and mirroring dads swing has long been a crowd favorite. He is not only immensely gifted; he is imaginative and willing THE world of work has changed dramatically over the last year. More and more people are now working from home to stay safe and protect themselves and their families from Covid-19. However, with homes now becoming offices we have to look more carefully at ensuring people have good work/life balances. The European Parliament has called for an EU law that grants workers the right to digitally disconnect from work without facing negative repercussions. MEPs are also looking to establish minimum requirements for remote working and clarify working conditions, hours and rest periods. This will take time but that the conversation must start to work out the best solutions for all. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, working from home has increased by almost 30%. This figure is expected to remain high or even increase. Research by Eurofound shows that people who work regularly from home are more than twice as likely to surpass the maximum of 48 working hours per week, compared to those working on their employers premises. Almost 30% of those working from home report working in their free time every day or several times a week, compared to less than 5% of office workers. In the EU the EU Working Time Directive is there for a reason and it exists to ensure that there are limits to the amount of time people spend at work. These are very difficult times for employees and businesses but it is important that with more people working from home that work does not overtake everything at home. It is vital, when needed that people work from home in order to keep themselves and others safe but it is important that both businesses and their employees work together at this time to manage the circumstances we are facing. The current pandemic situation has clearly demonstrated that remote and flexible employment can work successfully but having policies around the Right to Disconnect can help people enjoy a better work/life balance. This wont happen overnight but it is something we can consider when looking at the future of work. We can all be guilty of checking emails on our phones or logging on quickly late at night but in order to maintain a good work/life balance we must ensure that this does not impact in a significant way. Picture: Stock Some companies in Ireland have already adopted Right to Disconnect policies but more need to look at what they can do in this area. I welcome the focus being placed on this by the European Parliament. Many businesses have been fantastic to their employees during this Covid-19 crisis and the Right to Disconnect has come on the radar of many companies over the last year. We can all be guilty of checking emails on our phones or logging on quickly late at night but in order to maintain a good work/life balance we must ensure that this does not impact in a significant way. MEPs consider the right to disconnect a fundamental right that allows workers to refrain from engaging in work-related tasks such as phone calls, emails and other digital communication outside working hours. This includes holidays and other forms of leave. Member states are encouraged to take all necessary measures to allow workers to exercise this right, including via collective agreements between social partners. They should ensure that workers will not be subjected to discrimination, criticism, dismissal, or other adverse actions by employers. In Ireland The Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD recently published Irelands first National Remote Work Strategy to make remote working a permanent option for life after the pandemic. The Strategy sets out plans to strengthen the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, to provide the infrastructure to work remotely, and sets out clear guidance on how people can be empowered to work remotely from the office. CIPD Ireland, which represents HR practitioners also recently filed a submission to the Workplace Relations Commission as part of the consultation process in developing a Code of Practice to give employees the Right to Disconnect. CIPD Ireland has recommended that the Code must define the Right to Disconnect and CIPD recommends it follows European developments as the right of workers to switch off their digital devices after work without facing negative consequences for not responding to communications from managers, colleagues or clients. The Future of Work is ever changing and we have been forced to change dramatically over the last year to keep our loved ones safe. With so many changes to how people are working it is very important that we adapt our policies accordingly and work with employees and employers to ensure that people are not only safe in their workplaces but also happy. The debate around the Right to Disconnect is something that we must embrace and work towards. Policies like these can ensure that we adapt in the best ways to our new working environments and ways of working. An elementary school worker was assaulted in an unprovoked attack at a Rosemead, California bus stop. Last week, Matthew Leung, 51, who has worked as a paraprofessional for more than 20 years at Gates Street Elementary School, was standing at a bus stop near Rosemead Boulevard and Marshall Street when a man on a bike approached him. Leung struck a conversation with the man, asking him what bus number he was taking. The man responded with a number and said he was going to shop for shoes. Five minutes later, the man returned and took Leung's walking stick and started beating him with it for no apparent reason. According to a GoFundMe page set up for Leung by his colleagues from Gates Street Elementary School, Leung was left bleeding on the ground until a person found him and called 911. Leung lost part of his finger and suffered from a head concussion, requiring stitches. "This violence should never happen. It should never occur. I mean it was unprovoked. He was just sitting on a bus stop," Diane Yokoyama, a teacher at Gates Street elementary school, told ABC7 Police are unsure if race played a part in the motive behind the assault. However, this attack came amidst the recent rise in anti-Asian crimes. The suspect has not been identified and the investigation remains ongoing. Do you have a hate incident to report? Help us document the recent rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans by going to STOP AAPI HATE to report an incident. Please stay safe out there. Featured Image via ABC7 (left), GoFundMe (right) Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Andrew Yang is Joining CNN as Political Commentator 25-Year-Old Alex Lee Becomes California's Youngest Lawmaker in 82 Years Korean Beauty Store Employee Attacked for Asking Customer to Wear a Face Mask Japanese-Ghanaian Aisha Harumi Tochigi is Crowned Miss Universe Japan 2020 Experiments in a chamber under Martian-like conditions in a University of Oregon lab suggest that small sparks may be triggered by friction under normal atmospheric conditions EUGENE, Ore. -- Feb. 19, 2021 -- Friction caused by dry Martian dust particles making contact with each other may produce electrical discharge at the surface and in the planet's atmosphere, according University of Oregon researchers. However, such sparks are likely to be small and pose little danger to future robotic or human missions to the red planet, they report in a paper published online and scheduled to appear in the March 15 print issue of the journal Icarus. Viking landers in the 1970s and orbiters since then detected silts, clays, wind-blown bedforms and dust devils on Mars, raising questions about potential electrical activity. Scientists have sought to determine experimentally if large electrical storms and lightning were possible and whether static electricity generated by particles of the planet's mostly basaltic rock striking vehicles or, eventually, visiting humans in protective gear would pose hazards. Using volcanic ash as a stand-in for Martian dust, researchers in the lab of UO volcanologist Josef Dufek found that electrical discharges in Martian dust devils and storms are indeed possible. However, the discharges would likely be small given weak electrical fields, close to 20 thousand volts per meter, supported by the Martian atmosphere. Earth's atmosphere, by comparison, can withstand electrical fields reaching 3 megavolts per meter, producing spectacular thunderous lightning storms common and sometimes deadly in the southeast United States, said Joshua Mendez Harper, a research engineer in the Oregon Center for Volcanology in the Department of Earth Sciences. "Our experiments, and those of others before us, suggest that on Mars it is easy to get sparks when you agitate sand or dust," Mendez Harper said. "However, it may be difficult, even in large dust storms or within dust devils, to get very large discharges or conventional lightning because the Martian atmosphere is bad at storing charge." Such anticipated triboelectric or frictional processes are experienced often on Earth by way of socks sliding across carpeting and then touching a doorknob or sticking a balloon on a window after rubbing it on human hair. Martian dust devils, he said, may appear to sparkle, crackle or faintly glow as they roll across Mars' desiccated landscape but with discharges probably so small that they may not be visible except through detection of their radio waves. Previous experiments to determine if spark discharges could occur were inconclusive because particles were swirled in a way that put them in contact with the walls of the testing enclosures. Some experiments used particles of materials not found on Mars. These contacts may have led to charging not characteristic of a Martian dust storm. "We set out to determine whether the sparks observed in previous works were representative of Mars or merely experimental artifacts," Mendez Harper said. At the UO, Mendez Harper, Dufek and George McDonald, a postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers University, got around the wall-exposure limitation using a vertical glass tube comparable in size to a water bottle measuring some 4 inches in diameter and 8 inches in length. They created triboelectric charging by colliding particles of basaltic ash from Mexico's Xitle volcanic eruption about 2,000 years ago. Collisions in the sealed tubes occurred at frictional velocities expected to occur during a light Martian breeze, without the particles touching the outer walls and in a pressurized, atmospheric pressure of 8 millibars of carbon dioxide, similar to that found on the Martin surface. The Mexican basalt used in the project is similar to Martian basalt, as detected by rovers in the Pathfinder and Mars Exploration Rover missions and the dust analogs developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. As a comparison, the research team conducted experiments in which the particles were allowed to make contact with surfaces foreign to anticipated conditions on Mars. Sparks occurred in both sets of experiments, but the addition of an artificial wall changed the polarity of the discharges. "We were interested in pursuing this work because of the number of new missions to Mars and the potential of constraining observations," said Dufek, a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences and director of the Oregon Center for Volcanology. "Quantifying charging and discharging behavior has a bearing on the transport of dust in the atmosphere and has long been studied in relation to modulating chemical reactions, including synthesizing organic compounds." NASA's Mars mission that landed Feb. 18 includes the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity robotic helicopter. The low energy of discharge on Mars as indicated by the new experiments means these effects are unlikely to impact mechanical operations, Dufek said. Nevertheless, Jezero crater, the landing site for Perseverance, seems to regularly experience dust storms in the autumn and winter. That, McDonald said, may provide opportunities for rudimentary observations of electrostatic phenomena. One of the objectives of the Perseverance mission is to assess past environmental conditions. Evidence for a more substantial atmosphere in the past would have a bearing on the planet's electrical environment and how it has changed over time. "The big takeaway from this study is that Mars may be an electrically active place, although in ways quite different than the Earth," Dufek said. "The fact that analog Mars dust readily charges up to the point of discharge even when grains did not rub against other surfaces suggests that future colonists may find a world modified by static electricity in subtle ways." ### The National Science Foundation funded the research through a grant to Dufek. Mendez Harper was supported by a Blue Waters Graduate Fellowship. Links: About Josef Dufek: https:/ / pages. uoregon. edu/ jdufek/ Department of Earth Sciences: https:/ / earthsciences. uoregon. edu/ Oregon Center for Volcanology: https:/ / pages. uoregon. edu/ volcanologycenter/ BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT (dpa-AFX) - French automaker Renault SA (RNSDY.PK, RNSDF.PK, RNT.L) reported Friday that its fiscal 2020 net loss Group share was 8.01 billion euros, compared to last year's loss of 141 million euros. Loss per share was 29.51 euros, compared to 0.52 euro per share in 2019. In the second half, the company recorded net loss of 660 million euros. Operating loss was 2 billion euros, compared to last year's profit of 2.11 billion euros. Group operating margin was negative 0.8 percent, compared to positive 4.8 percent a year ago. The margin was positive 3.5 percent of revenues in the second half. Group revenues fell 21.7 percent to 43.47 billion euros from last year's 55.54 billion euros. Revenues declined 18.2 percent at constant exchange rates. Group revenues were down 8.9 percent in the second half. Full-year vehicle sales were 2.95 million units, down 21.3 percent from last year. The second-half vehicle sales were down 6.8 percent. The company said the strong improvement in operating profitability in the second half shows the first positive impacts of the actions taken in the context of a year heavily impacted by Covid-19. Looking ahead, Renault confirmed its 2023 objectives as per 'Renaulution' strategic plan, with Group operating margin above 3 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Then U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with then Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan as he arrives to address the Illinois General Assembly at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. on Feb. 10, 2016. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan Resigns Seat Amid Bribery and Corruption Investigation Chicago Democratic state Rep. Michael Madigan announced on Feb. 18 that he would resign his seat in the Illinois legislature amid an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and federal bribery. It has been my great honor to serve the people of Illinois as speaker of the House and state representative of the 22nd District, he said in a statement on Thursday, adding that hes at peace with his decision to resign. Madigan, a protege of former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, had been the longest-serving state house speaker in U.S. history with 50-years of service. However, the 78-year-old Democratic lawmaker lost his bid to remain speaker of the House last month when Democrats in the House backed Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch. Fifty years ago, I decided to dedicate my life to public service, Madigan said in his statement on Thursday. Simply put, I knew I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. I believed then and still do today that it is our duty as public servants to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and help hardworking people build a good life. Madigan did not explicitly state the reason for his departure but acknowledged the federal inquiry he faces. Its no secret that I have been the target of vicious attacks by people who sought to diminish my many achievements lifting up the working people of Illinois, Madigan said. The fact is, my motivation for holding elected office has never wavered. I have been resolute in my dedication to public service and integrity, always acting in the interest of the people of Illinois. Madigan was first elected to the House in 1970 and served as its speaker for all but two years since 1983, when Republicans gained control of the chamber. However, his career has been marred after finding himself implicated in a long-running bribery scheme in July involving the states largest electric utility, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). Federal authorities have accused leaders at ComEd of bribing associates of Madigan in exchange for his organizations help in passing favorable legislation. Court filings didnt name Madigan but made it clear he was the person in documents referred to as Public Official A. ComEd admitted it secured jobs, often requiring little or no work, and contracts for his associates from 2011 to 2019 for favorable treatment in regulations. ComEd agreed in August to pay $200 million to defer the prosecution for a bribery charge ComEd admitted to, though that settlement did not preclude criminal charges against any individual. Madigan has not been charged with a crime and has denied any wrongdoing but a number of former top ComEd executives and associates of Madigan have been indicted, including his foremost political confidant, former lawmaker, and lobbyist Michael McClain of Quincy. Despite his resignation from the House, Madigan remains the states Democratic Party chairman and head of the 13th Ward Democratic organization. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Spain's government "will oppose all forms of violence", Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Friday following the third night of violent protests over the jailing of a rapper for controversial tweets. "Democracy never, ever justifies violence," said the Socialist leader in his first public condemnation of the unrest which has been applauded by his junior coalition partners, hard-left party Podemos. Spain's conservative opposition has lambasted the premier for not publicly condemning the violent protests and called for him to break with Podemos over the party's support for the demonstrators. Angry demonstrations first erupted on Tuesday night after police detained Pablo Hasel, 32, who was holed up in a university in Catalonia to avoid going to jail in a case which has raised concerns about free speech in Spain. About 100 people have been arrested since the protests began, including 16 overnight in Barcelona and the eastern city of Valencia, and dozens of people have been injured, according to local authorities. Among them is a young woman who lost an eye on Tuesday night in Barcelona after being hit by a foam round fired by police to dispel demonstrators. Protesters have thrown rocks and other objects at police, set up barricades with garbage containers and torched street furniture. The protests began in Catalonia, where the rapper is from, but have spread to other cities including Madrid where another demonstration is planned for Saturday. While the clashes were raging in Madrid and Barcelona on Wednesday night, Podemos MP Pablo Echenique publicly tweeted his backing for the protesters. "All my support to the young anti-fascists who are demanding justice and freedom of expression in the streets," he wrote. And Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias, who is also a deputy prime minister, has said Hasel's jailing backs his argument that Spain lacks "democratic normality". Hasel, known for his hard-left views, was arrested after failing to turn himself in last Friday to start a nine-month sentence over tweets calling former king Juan Carlos I a mafia boss and accusing police of torturing and killing demonstrators and migrants. Catalan students unions have called for a strike and a protest on Friday over the arrest of the rapper. Short link: Former President Trump had announced in 2017 that the United States would withdraw from the Paris agreement, but the exit could not be made official until Nov. 4 last year. The United States was officially out of the agreement for 107 days. On Friday, Mr. Blinken said fighting climate change would be once again at the center of U.S. domestic and foreign policy priorities. Climate change and science diplomacy can never again be add-ons in our foreign policy discussions, Mr. Blinken said. But, he added, as momentous as our joining the agreement was in 2016 and as momentous as our rejoining is today what we do in the coming weeks, months, and years is even more important. Since the start of the industrial era, the United States has emitted more greenhouse gases than any other country. And so, how the United States uses its money and power has both a symbolic and real bearing on whether the worlds roughly 7.6 billion people, and especially its poorest, will be able to avert climate catastrophes. There are two immediate signals to watch for. First, how ambitious will the Biden administration be in its emissions reductions targets? It is under pressure from advocacy groups to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. And second, how much money will the United States provide to help poor countries adapt to the calamities of global warming and shift their economies away from fossil fuels? Florida Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Rush Limbaugh Floridas governor on Friday said he would be ordering flags at state buildings to fly half-staff following the death of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. I know theyre still figuring out the arrangements, but what we do when there are things of this magnitude, once the date of internment for Rush is announced, were going to be lowering the flags to half-staff, Gov. Ron DeSantis. Limbaugh, a Palm Beach resident, died Wednesday at age 70. He was diagnosed last year with stage four lung cancer. Limbaugh was a longtime radio host who championed conservative causes. According to state protocol, orders to fly flags half-staff are meant to honor people such as a former governor of the state, a member of the Armed Forces from Florida who died while serving on active duty, and law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. Rush Limbaugh reacts as he is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by First Lady Melania Trump during President Donald Trumps State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Feb. 4, 2020. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Nikki Fried, the only Democrat in Florida serving in a statewide office, condemned the move, writing that DeSantis is lowering Floridas flags to half-staff for Rush Limbaugh. But he had no words for Congressman John Lewis. Priorities, she added in a tweet. DeSantis wrote in a statement in 2018, after Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) died, that the state and nation were mourning the loss. He called Lewis a civil rights icon whom I was honored to serve alongside in Congress. DeSantis earlier this week said after Limbaugh perished that the radio host busted through a media landscape in which a handful of media outlets served up pre-cooked, liberal narratives. He said Limbaugh was the greatest of all time in regards to radio, conservative media, and inspiring a loyal army of American patriots. The first-term governor also spoke about Limbaugh on Thursday while appearing on Fox & Friends. He had me on when I was running for Governor, DeSantis said. I was getting the tar kicked out of me every day and he had me on the week before the election in 2018. He didnt have a lot of guests. I was honored to be on his show a couple of times. In response to a fractured global response to COVID-19 as humanity's greatest existential threat, AIDS Healthcare Foundation calls for what amounts to a declaration of war on the novel coronavirus and future pandemics A year into the COVID-19 pandemic with 2.4 million people dead, the magnitude of the societal and economic toll globally is approaching proportions of a world war. The time has come to commit to a war in defense of humanity's survival, with the required money, materiel and public support comparable to the immense task of defeating SARS-CoV-2. There is an inherent weakness in trying to respond to a pandemic in a disjointed and uncoordinated manner, and the daily cost of such a piecemeal approach is sadly measured in human lives. Examples of this fragmented approach abound: from a lack of unified leadership at the United Nations (UN) and its Security Council, vaccine nationalism and the hoarding of protective equipment, to unwillingness by some countries to compromise on drug patents or openly share vital scientific data. A divided world cannot win this battle. "The entire international community needs to treat this pandemic as if it was a fierce shooting conflict, because its impact is worse than any live-fire war in the world. While bombs may not be bursting in the air, millions are getting sick and dying, and we are currently losing the war," said AHF President Michael Weinstein. "Prevention is inconsistent; diagnosis is inadequate; contact tracing and isolation is only happening in a handful of places; genomic testing is anemic; funding is grossly inadequate; information is not being shared freely; worldwide vaccination levels are pitiful; variants are getting the upper hand; and the world continues to be in denial about the magnitude of the threat." The aim of a "declaration of war" on COVID-19 is meant to strengthen sound public health strategies by borrowing the tenets of effective organization and coordination from the armed forces, not to militarize the response in a literal sense. Out of necessity to protect life and quickly respond to dangerous situations, the armed forces have honed the knowledge and skill of how to rapidly move people and equipment where they are needed, and simultaneously deploy a complex coordination system to ensure forces are supported and supplied. "COVID-19 has caused more deaths annually than any other war since World War II. In other words, this pandemic has reached proportions equivalent to a world war but with higher mortality in more countries than in any other war in the history of humanity," said Dr. Jorge Saavedra, Executive Director of the AHF Global Public Health Institute at the University of Miami. "The UN and WHO [World Health Organization] are themselves a legacy of World War II-they were created to prevent human and sanitary disasters caused by a world war from happening again. Now is the time to reform the entire system again to prevent future pandemics." The success of a military strategy in conflict situations, which is also applicable to a struggle against a deadly pandemic, hinges on identifying a clear end goal and progress metrics, mobilizing public support, establishing unified command and communications networks, gathering and sharing reliable and timely intelligence, and deploying responsive and adaptable logistics and supply chains. Regrettably, to date these strategic elements have been lacking at the global level to varying degrees and this is exemplified most tellingly by the impasse at the UN Security Council, a powerful global body that so far has failed to take united, consequential action on COVID-19. But most importantly, one cannot win without sufficient money. Unfortunately, raising even enough money to fully fund the COVAX facility to supply the developing world with enough vaccines has been an enormous struggle. "The world cannot afford to live in denial any longer we are now seeing firsthand the consequence of failing to prepare," added Weinstein. "A decisive approach and mindset is what is needed to fight our common enemy in COVID-19. Until the world bands together with strength and absolute resolve, we will continue to cede ground to this faceless aggressor." AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.5 million clients in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210218006098/en/ Contacts: US MEDIA CONTACT: Denys Nazarov, Director of Global Policy Communications, AHF +1 323.308.1829 denys.nazarov@ahf.org Terri Ford, Chief of Global Advocacy Policy, AHF +1 323.308.1820 terri.ford@ahf.org It isnt common for a buyer to renovate a home and embrace a truly retro vibe, but thats exactly what the owners of one midcentury modern residence in Austin, TX, did. The 7,000-square-foot Atomic Age classic, built in 1963 on Balcones Drive, is now on the market for $3.95 million. Its color palette is right out of the TV series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." The owners bought it in 2017. The home had been updated in the 1970s and '80s, and a lot of the original things were torn out, so the owners actually went by the original pencil blueprints and restored it, explains the listing agent, Rebecca Wolfe Spratlin. The architect Charles Granger of the popular Austin firm Fehr & Granger originally designed the space for Dr. Byron Smith and his wife, Irene, in 1963. Granger is known for his designs of a number of buildings in the Austin area, including the iconic blue airport control tower for Austins former airport. The tower still stands as part of a new residential and commercial development on the old airport land. Irene Smith was a real estate agent in Austin for over 50 years, Wolfe Spratlin says, and came by to a broker's open house at the property recently. She and her husband are still living in the area, she adds, so she was able to come in and walk through the entire house. It was so fun to talk to her about her memories. Exterior of home in Austin, TX TourFactory Exterior TourFactory Interior TourFactory Interior TourFactory Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Tower Skyler Spaeth Interior TourFactory Interior TourFactory The current owners are the fifth family to call the place home, and they've dubbed it Sky Crest. The name is an homage to the distinctive airport control designed by Granger, as well as to the color scheme of the house. The house, true to midcentury form, has clean lines and a wealth of windows The whole house in the front is glass, just walls of glass, Wolfe Spratlin explains. It's got natural light just pouring in. Fence TourFactory Screen TourFactory Entry TourFactory Entry TourFactory A fence and gate surround the house. The true glory of the home is only visible once you're inside the gate. You punch in the code, and the gate opens, and you see this amazing light-blue kind of light turquoise house. It's very long and expansive, Wolfe Spratlin says. Up the front steps, you enter the house on the second level. The ceilings are vaulted, and there's a wooden screen that was recreated according to the original blueprints, the agent adds. That wood screen, most of the light fixtures, and other furnishings were custom-created for the houses wide-open floor plan. There's a Sputnik light fixture right as you come in. Then, on the staircase, they had a custom-made light thats very retro and appropriate for the setting, Wolfe Spratlin says. Kitchen TourFactory Kitchen TourFactory Laundry TourFactory Bedroom kitchenette TourFactory In keeping with the vibe, the kitchen is straight out of the early 1960s. However, all the appliances are new and from Big Chill, with retro styling. The laminate countertops had to be imported from Italy to match the color, because the owners couldn't find the right shade of vibrant turquoise in the United States, Wolfe Spratlin explains. The retro vibes continue in the pink kitchenette in the master bedroom. The master bedroom is on the main floor and has another interesting featurea night bathroom. Because the master bedroom is so big, and the master bathroom is at the very opposite end of the bedroom, a small powder room was located close to the bed, Wolfe Spratlin explains. What's more, for those who have to get up in the middle of the night, this little room has a heated floor and heated toilet seat. Night bathroom TourFactory Master bedroom TourFactory Master bedroom TourFactory Master bathroom TourFactory Master bathroom TourFactory There's another bedroom on the main level, and three more bedrooms on the lower level. The bottom level features a game room and a home theater. For the utmost in convenience, a snack bar in the hallway right outside the theater is served by a dumbwaiter that comes down from the main kitchen. Gameroom TourFactory Home theater TourFactory Pool TourFactory Pool TourFactory Pool TourFactory Outside, by the pool, the outdoor kitchen is covered by turquoise sails, perfect for enjoying and entertaining. The perfect buyer to me is somebody who just really gets itand not only gets it, but loves it, Wolfe Spratlin says. So you need to have somebody that gets it, loves it, and understands the value of its design. Bedroom TourFactory Dining space TourFactory Bathroom TourFactory Living space TourFactory Office TourFactory Dining space TourFactory Bedroom TourFactory Living space TourFactory The post After Its High-Retro Renovation, This Marvelous Midcentury in Austin Is a Jewel Box of Color appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. The state-imposed moratorium on evictions intended to help tenants avoid homelessness during the pandemic is hurting many landlords, some who haven't been paid for nearly a year. "My tenants don't have a hardship. They just are refusing to pay me right now and they have sent me text messages saying they won't pay and they won't leave until COVID tells them they can leave," says landlord, Anne Sullivan, of Utica. Sullivan and several other local landlords have the same issue: tenants whose circumstances haven't changed and who are not suffering a pandemic-related hardship, but, knowing they can't be evicted, simply stop paying rent. Elected leaders are not immune to the losses. "A hardship is a hardship and I get that and I've worked with people here who've had an inability to pay and have let us know and have kept us in the loop and things like that, that's one thing. But when someone completely just ignores you because they feel as though they can," says landlord, Tim Julian, who is also an Oneida County legislator. "Just simply refuse to pay because they heard what they wanted to hear which is, 'you don't have to pay.'" For those who own multiple properties, the losses are substantial. "When somebody owes you one month's rent or two month's rent or three month's rent, that's one thing, it's a loss. But when somebody owes you a year's worth of rent, it turns into thousands of dollars, $10,000 one person owes you and you have 12 of them, it's a fast track to be out of business," says Bob Donnelly, a Utica landlord who owns 84 housing units. "It's like, get free rent on the landlords and there's no subsidy for landlords. It's like we're forgotten." There is a tenant relief fund, but tenants who can't prove a pandemic-related hardship aren't eligible. That's why some state lawmakers are trying to give landlords access to that money. "As we look at the federal funding that is coming forward, I have asked, with my colleagues, that that funding go through a certain process to ensure landlords are included," says Assemblywoman, Marianne Buttenschon, D-119. Until then, landlords wait for the courts to start hearing eviction proceedings again, so they can move the non-paying tenants. But many aren't confident they'll ever see the money the tenants owe. "We're walking away here from tens of thousands of dollars because we're never gonna see it from these tenants. This is all over and we do have the opportunity to evict, the tenants are gonna go and we're never gonna see anything from them again," says Julian. Cuomo has extended the moratorium through May 1. The Ninety-Eighth Meeting of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) was held on 12 February 2021, via videoconference, under the Chairmanship of Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis. The meeting heard that the COVID-19 pandemic posed substantial economic and health related challenges to the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) in 2020. The ECCU economy is estimated to have contracted by 15.0 percent compared to a projected pre-pandemic expansion of 3.2 percent. Tourism, the regions dominant export, is estimated to have declined by 75.0 percent. The ECCU economy is projected to grow by 4.0 percent in 2021. Financial Stability The Council was advised that overall, the financial sector in the ECCU remained stable in 2020, despite the pandemic and the subsequent economic contraction. To date, none of the Licensed Financial Institutions (LFIs) operating in the ECCU has requested liquidity support from the ECCB. However, over the five quarters ended 30 September 2020, there was an upward trend in Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) culminating with an ECCU average of 11.2 percent. It is anticipated that the NPL ratio will increase when the current loan moratorium expires in September 2021. The Meeting was further apprised that as at 30 November 2020, commercial banks were providing deferral on 16,834 commercial bank loans, with a total outstanding balance of $4.3b, which represents 32.0 percent of total loans. The deferrals, the ECCB reported, were due primarily to loss of jobs or salary reduction because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 16,834 loan deferrals, St. Lucia accounted fo r 6,635, Grenada 4,069, Antigua and Barbuda 1,684, St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1,642, St. Kitts and Nevis 1,182, Dominica 990, Anguilla 830 and Montserrat with only 2 deferrals. If you peruse the extracurricular offerings of a typical high school, you'll likely find clubs dedicated to chess, photography, books or fitness. But you may be a little hard-pressed to find a club devoted to Black history. Sensing a need for one, New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School, or Sci High, established its Black History Club about a year ago. It promotes a holistic approach to African studies, said Derek Rankins, who teaches Black history at Sci High. He also serves as the club advisor. Club participants determine the topics they look into and their level of engagement. They get to explore the fun aspect of it, said Rankins. The club, with about 10 students, is largely responsible for Sci Highs Black History Month schedule. It includes short, interactive history lessons, contests, dress down (or dress up) days and an entire day devoted to hair. The Uptown high school joins the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in recognizing the contributions of the Black diaspora, with the theme: "The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity." Students will write essays about the topic for a chance to win cash prizes and show pride for their heritage during Spirit Week. Rankins said student Samajh Robinson was the driving force behind the activities scheduled for Spirit Week five festive days taking place toward the end of February. We are showing the dynamic of the Black family and how it has changed and evolved, and how it has affected the community, said Samajh, the Black History Spirit Week chair. Black History Spirit Week begins with Dashiki Day, when participants don African prints or dashikis a type of colorful clothing most popular in West Africa. On Historically Black College or University Day and Black Greek Organization Day, students will use fashion to show support for their favorite academic and extracurricular establishments. They will do the same on Liberation Day, when they represent the Black Nationalist Flag by wearing their class colors (green, black, yellow or red). During the final day, dubbed The Hair Affair, spirit week revelers are encouraged to get creative with their hairstyles whether its by wrapping, braiding or coloring their tresses. Black people's hair is another way that we are discriminated against, Samajh said. So the hair appreciation day just came about by highlighting that our hair is another thing that makes us Black. Samajh is most excited about HBCU Day, because he is a future college student who plans on joining a Black Greek fraternity. Sci High is partnering with the New Orleans Public Library to screen their Black History Month program. But once February comes to a close, the schools Black History Club will continue to promote Black history from behind the scenes. I think we really need to start educating people on where we come from and what happened before slavery, said Korey Tate, the clubs president. Not a lot of people know about that. Samajh believes every school should have a Black History Club, because you cannot learn American history without discovering African American history. If we're going to learn about Isaac Newton, we should also learn about Katherine Johnson, right?" he said. (Johnson was a Black mathematician whose orbital calculations for NASA were crucial to manned space flights.) "Its all about making sure that our history is incorporated along with White American history, Samajh said. The club is another outlet to highlight those influences, because we are here as well, and we are not often credited enough with helping build this country. Holden was considering a plan to rebadge Chinese cars, to keep its showrooms open in Australia, in the year leading up to its shutdown announcement, secret documents have revealed. Internal documents seen by Nine Entertainment Co showed Holden executives were looking at a close tie-up with Chinese brands MG and LDV for a range of cheap cars, SUVs, utes, and vans to supplement its existing range of vehicles. As US car giant General Motors began to withdraw from key right-hand-drive markets globally, Holden executives were exploring a controversial plan to keep its showrooms open by sourcing vehicles from new business partners. Its a year ago this month that General Motors announced the Holden brand would be retired by the end of 2020. Credit:Joe Armao After Holden stopped manufacturing cars in Australia in October 2017 when it sold a mix of locally made and imported vehicles the company became solely reliant on vehicles sourced from Thailand, South Korea, Mexico and the US. Ulster Bank Ireland announced today that, following a strategic review undertaken by its parent company NatWest Group, it will commence a phased withdrawal managed in an "orderly and considered manner", from the Republic of Ireland over the coming years. The decision to withdraw from the market does not impact Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland. As part of this phased withdrawal, a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AIB has been agreed for the sale of a c.4bn portfolio of performing commercial loans, and the transfer of the colleagues wholly or mainly assigned to this loan book. The potential sale contemplated by the MoU remains subject to due diligence, further negotiation and agreement of final terms and definitive documentation. Ulster Bank says the proposed sale may not be concluded on the terms contemplated in the MoU, or at all, and that relationship managers will continue to actively engage with business customers throughout this process. NatWest Group is also in early discussions with Permanent TSB Group among other strategic banking counterparties about their potential interest in buying certain retail and SME assets, liabilities and operations. These discussions may or may not result in agreement. Ulster Bank said in a statement that its preference is to continue to focus discussions with counterparties who can provide customers with full banking services in the Irish market. The Bank says it will continue to communicate with customers throughout this process and remains open for business, new and existing through all business channels. Announcing the phased withdrawal, Ulster Bank Chief Executive Officer, Jane Howard said, "The decision by NatWest to withdraw from this market is hugely disappointing and today will be a difficult and worrying time for our colleagues across the Bank. It may also lead to customer questions and concerns as to how this decision may impact them and their day-to-day banking needs. I want to be clear that there will be no change for customers today, changes will happen over the coming years." She added, "Ulster Bank will continue to offer a full banking service in our branches, online and through normal channels for existing and new customers for the foreseeable future. Customers do not need to take any action as a consequence of this announcement. We will communicate with customers in a timely manner over the coming weeks and months." Source: www.businessworld.ie Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked his department to check on whether his office was alerted to an alleged rape within days, after revelations of a text message that counters claims the office did not know. The move came after the disclosure of a text message to Brittany Higgins, who says she was raped in Parliament House in March 23, 2019, saying her experience had been raised with an adviser in the Prime Ministers office on April 3. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked his department to check more records about who in his office knew about an alleged rape in Parliament. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen He was mortified to hear about it and how things have been handled, wrote a friend of Ms Higgins, in a text to her about a conversation he had with a colleague in the Prime Ministers office that day. Mr Morrison spoke to the head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Phil Gaetjens, on Friday morning to add the text to an examination that is looking into a range of matters including what his advisers knew and when. The Council of the EU at the level of foreign ministers on February 22 will talk further relations with Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the European Union should be ready to "raise the cost" of aggression and rights violations committed by Russia. On Friday, February 19, Kuleba held a first phone call with his Estonian counterpart Eva-Maria Liimets, according to MFA Ukraine's press service. The two ministers discussed EU policy towards Russia ahead of an upcoming meeting of the EU Council of Ministers where the issue will be on top agenda. Kuleba has noted the two key facts that do not allow for any change in approaches to Russia. "Fact 1: Moscow has not made a single constructive step towards normalization of relations, has not given any reason to talk about changing the existing five principles of the EU policy towards Russia. Fact 2: while maintaining a constructive attitude, the EU should be ready to raise the cost for Russia for its violation of international law and human rights," Kuleba said. The top diplomat is also convinced that the EU sanctions mechanisms for rights violations should be applied both to those guilty of persecuting the opposition and peaceful protesters in Russia, and to those responsible for Russia's criminal actions in the temporarily occupied Crimea. "The Moscow visit of [Vice President of the European Commission, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy] Josep Borrell has shown that the Russian side responds to European politeness with unceremonious audacity," he said. Kuleba has also briefed the interlocutor on the security situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and thanked Estonia for its continued support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as maintaining EU sanctions targeting Russia. Read alsoPreparations for Zelensky-Biden first phone call underway FM KulebaThe minister has welcomed Estonia's decision to join the "Crimean Platform" and reiterated President Volodymyr Zelensky's invitation to President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid to attend the inaugural summit. Also, Kuleba welcomes the positive experience of cooperation between Ukraine and Estonia in countering threats to international peace and security during Estonia's non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council, and expressed confidence in continuing close cooperation. The parties discussed preparations for the second Global Conference on Media Freedom (GCMF21) to be held in Estonia this year and agreed that among top issues on its agenda should be the fight against disinformation, in particular based on the experience that Ukraine has gained over the years of successfully countering Russian propaganda. Reporting by UNIAN We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jeff.pownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips. Belarus's Investigative Committee has ruled out launching a probe into the killing of 34-year-old Alyaksandr Taraykouski, who was shot by riot police in Minsk in August 2020, becoming the first fatality in a postelection crackdown and a rallying cry for the protest movement. Taraykouski died on August 10 in protests against the results of a presidential election a day earlier that claimed incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka was the winner in a landslide. Opposition figures and many Belarusians immediately questioned the results, saying the vote was rigged. The Investigative Committee said in a statement on February 19 that Taraykouski was "very drunk" and "provoked" riot police to use "nonlethal weapons" against him. "Due to the confluence of a number of tragic circumstances, one of the wounds turned out to be penetrating, causing Taraykouski's death at the site," the statement said. WATCH: Video Of Belarusian Protester Dying Contradicts Official Claims Initially, officials said Taraykouski was killed by an improvised explosive device he was trying to throw at riot police. However, graphic footage of his death appeared to contradict official claims. The site of Taraykouski's death near the Pushkin subway station in Minsk turned into a makeshift memorial where protesters gathered regularly for some time, bringing flowers and inscribing "We Will Not Forget" on the sidewalk. Several protesters have been killed and thousands of people arrested during the ongoing demonstrations. There have also been credible reports of torture during a widening security crackdown. Most of the country's opposition leaders have been arrested or forced to leave the country, including opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who says she won the presidential poll. The United States, the European Union, and several other countries have refused to acknowledge the election results and Lukashenka as the country's leader. Just how involved should governments be in business? And is there a right answer to this question, or a one-size-fits all conclusion? Just how involved should governments be in business? And is there a right answer to this question, or a one-size-fits all conclusion? An informative read, Government in Business: Leading or Lagging? appeals to public policymakers, finance and politics academics or students, and entrepreneurs seeking to understand the complexities of how governments operate. Through a discussion of 64 relevant case studies spanning the globe, the book would illustrate how commonplace these challenges are for governments, business operators and the public at large, regardless of state or size of the economy. Examples of collaboration would show the circumstances under which a better outcome for all stakeholders, especially the public, may be possible. Pitfalls to avoid are also identified. The evergreen debate over government's involvement in business continues in earnest, among all stakeholder groups - the state, the private sector and the public at large. Add to that de-globalisation, and the disruption by technology. Criticism is often levelled at a government that is slow to act or one that belatedly introduces damning regulations. Many governments are already saddled with long-term demands like infrastructural development, bulging fiscal deficits and growth inequality. However, the politics of the day are synonymous with short-termism. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased the bailout burden even more. The author attempts to provide a fair assessment of the potentially complementary roles that the public and private sectors can play in a fast changing global economy, amidst the shifting expectations of society. Our world today is replete with examples of innovation or evolution of traditional businesses which appear to frustrate many a government. In Government in Business: Leading or Lagging?, the author Lim Hwee Hua addresses the mounting challenges confronting many policy makers in the face of private sector innovation and technology disruption, particularly the blurring of domain lines, often into regulated businesses. She provides guidance on how to collaborate in a sustainable manner, which requires a clarity of roles and discipline on the part of government. The discussions in the book would provide useful perspectives for both regulators and the regulated. The author seeks to help the state identify and perform its multiple roles, as regulator, provider of essential services, promoter or developer of the economy and occasionally as a provider of capital. A conflation of roles, manifested as populism in many instances, should be avoided at all costs. On the flip side, understanding how the state's different roles can often lead to unsatisfactory outcomes will help regulated business operators navigate better. Government in Business: Leading or Lagging? retails for US$48 / 40 in paperback and US$88 / 75 in hardback at major bookstores and online. To know more about the book visit https:/ / www. worldscientific. com/ worldscibooks/ 10. 1142/ 12162 . ### Author's Note Having straddled both the public and private sectors, I write this book with two aims. The first is that of inspiring public policy formulation and execution towards market-friendliness. The second is that of motivating businesses towards a more collaborative relationship with the government, especially in areas which are being transformed by technology. The case studies serve to provide an illustration of the different scenarios that are characteristic of a highly globalised and technologically-enabled marketplace. If anything, they provide comfort that the challenges are not unique to any government or economy. About the Author LIM HWEE HUA retired from politics as the Singapore Second Minister for Finance and Transport in 2011 where she was heavily involved in performing the various roles of government in business. Since then, she has returned to the private sector where she continues her involvement in financial services--private equity, banking, derivatives exchange, and advises or sits on the boards of a diverse range of businesses focused on Asia. She is also the Distinguished Visiting Fellow to the National University of Singapore, at the Business School and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. She earned an MA/BA(Hons) in Mathematics/Engineering from the University of Cambridge and an MBA, major in Finance, from the Anderson School of Management, University of California at Los Angeles. Her first book Government in Business: Friend or Foe was translated into Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish. About World Scientific Publishing Co. Award-winning publisher World Scientific has published for local luminaries that include both former Prime Ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong, former ministers and senior civil servants of the likes of George Yeo, Ho Peng Kee, Lim Siong Guan, Tommy Koh, Peter Ho, and Bilahari Kausikan, and prominent public figures like Ho Kwon Ping, Claire Chiang, Albert Hong, Liu Thai Ker, and Wang Gungwu, amongst others. World Scientific also collaborates extensively with research institutes, universities, governmental organisations and companies locally as well as globally to publish professional, scientific, technical, medical and popular content. We publish about 600 books annually and 150 journals in various fields, with more than 200 books on Singapore. We have also established a global presence with 13 offices around the world. To find out more about World Scientific, please visit http://www. worldscientific. com . For more information, contact Amanda Yun at heyun@wspc.com A man of some standing in his community who repeatedly raped his friend's daughter when she was a child has lost his appeal against conviction. Lawyers for the man (67), who can't be named to protect the victim's identity, complained to the three-judge Court of Appeal that the trial judge should not have told the jury they could return a majority verdict in circumstances where there was evidence they had not yet considered some of the 32 counts against him. Michael Bowman SC, for the appellant, also argued that the trial judge should not have allowed the dates of the offences on the indictment to be changed after the prosecution had finished its closing speech to the jury. In an electronic judgement delivered today, President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham dismissed the appeal. He said the jury had been considering their verdict for a considerable period before the judge told them they could return a majority verdict. Commenting on the complaint about the indictment being changed at a late point in the trial, Mr Justice Birmingham said there was no unfairness to the accused and he pointed out that at the time it wasn't a particular concern to the defence. He added: "Overall, we have not been persuaded that the judges rulings were erroneous, or that by reason of them, it could be said that the trial was unfair or the verdicts unsafe or unsatisfactory." The appellant was tried in 2017 and found guilty by a jury of six counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of oral rape and one count of attempted oral rape at various locations between June 1991 and August 1992. He was found not guilty of a further 16 counts of rape, indecent assault and sexual assault. His victim was aged between 12 and 14 at the time of the attacks. Sentencing him following the trial, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said the abuse had a deep and long-lasting impact on the victim, which continues to this day. These are very serious offences perpetrated on a young and vulnerable child by a man she believed to have social standing in the community and who was friends with her parents, Ms Justice Kennedy said. She said the man had engaged in a breach of trust when he abused a child of tender years and noted that he has not admitted guilt or expressed remorse for his actions. Ms Justice Kennedy handed down a nine-year sentence but suspended the final 12 months on a number of conditions. Detective Garda Claire O'Shaughnessy previously told a sentence hearing that the man was a friend of the victim's parents and a man of some standing in his community. He was in his late thirties and married when he carried out the abuse. The court heard the abuse started when the girl was raped and sexually assaulted at 12 years of age. The man forced her to give him oral sex on numerous occasions in two office locations, the court heard. The abuse ended shortly before her 14th birthday. Mr Justice Birmingham sat with Mr Justice Brian Murray and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy. Further evidence at trial The court also heard that the victim spent years just functioning and tried to block the abuse out of her mind. However, after the birth of her youngest child, she suffered severe postnatal depression and memories of the abuse came tumbling out, prosecution barrister, Pauline Walley SC said. The woman has since spent time in psychiatric care and has attempted to end her life on several occasions, the court heard. In an emotional victim impact statement which she read out herself in court, the woman said it was unbearable to once again outline the abuse she suffered at the man's hands. I don't want him to know any more about me or realise the extent of the power and control he has had over me over the years, she said. She said if he had admitted his crimes and had just said the word 'sorry', they might not have ended up in court. The shame, the blame, the pain, the humiliation, the anger and isolation I have experienced has done something to me that is impossible to describe, she said, adding the abuse affected her education, her relationships and her mental health. I just want it to go away, she said. This should not be my shame to carry. It should be his. But I think he has no shame. I feel guilty for putting him through the process and taking him away from his family. Australia is closed to me. Ive spent the better part of a year, and most of my spare moments therein, dreaming about how to get back from the US, where I live. When the Prime Minister announced that Australians needed to come home now, in the early days of the pandemic, or else they might not be able to later, I was extremely pregnant beyond the time any doctor would allow me to fly, and, as it happens, on the verge of giving birth early. Had I heeded ScoMos call and ignored the doctors, my baby might have arrived in an economy-class loo, somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. When my baby was a newborn, and I spent my days pacing around coaxing her to sleep, I would work through various escape scenarios in my head. The pandemic was worsening and borders were closing. Qantas had grounded its jets in the middle of the desert and that image stuck with me, a symbol of my utterly immovable fate. A week hasnt gone by all year when I havent googled Washington DC to Sydney flights. Credit:Getty Images I counted the days until my baby was old enough for her first round of immunisations the time at which we would not be wantonly irresponsible parents for taking her on a long-haul flight. But then she got her shots, and she was still so small. I couldnt comprehend embarking on that journey. Not yet. Not, also, with a toddler in tow. Summer arrived, and COVID became a fact of life. It seemed impossible to imagine that I had one day in the not-too-distant past hopped on a flight across the Atlantic to attend a friends wedding. She is a close friend, and it was a fabulous wedding. We danced in the rain and then I got pneumonia. But still. On February 19, 2021, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja took to her official Instagram handle and shared her post from five years ago, in order to celebrate the five years of her biopic film, Neerjas release. The biographical thriller film, Neerja, was released on February 19, 2016. The film narrates the story of Indias braveheart, Neerja Bhanot. Sonam Kapoor, who essayed the role of Neerja in the biopic, reposted her own posts, and simply captioned them as 5 years ago. Sonam Kapoor's Neerja completes 5 years Also read: Sonam Kapoor Calls Anand Ahuja 'shady' As He Shares Pic He Took Of Her Before Proposing In the first picture Sonam shared, she can be seen posing with her other cast members who portrayed flight attendants in the biopic. Sonam can be seen donning a peach coloured tee, while others had their costumes of a flight attendant on. Sonam and others flaunted their bright smiles while posing for the camera. As for the caption, she penned, Love you guys... Couldnt have done it without you The boys are missing but Ill love yall as well #Neerja. Also read: Sonam Kapoor Ahuja Asks Fans To 'Guess Who' In Cute Childhood Pic; Mom Sunita Reacts The second picture was a collage of several unseen snippets of Neerja Bhanot. In the first picture in the collage, she can be seen donning a white outfit, while in the second picture, she can be seen wearing a green saree. The third picture was a monochrome picture from her modelling days. She wore a white coloured outfit, whereas, in the fourth one, she sported a yellow outfit. The caption in the picture read, You need to know her story. 01 Day, Neerja. Sonam Kapoor captioned the post as, Find out the story of a daughter, a hero for the entire nation tomorrow!. Also read: Sonam Kapoor Pens Appreciation Post For Anand, Thanks Him For Being A 'generous Partner' Helmed by Ram Madhvani and penned by Saiwyn Quadras and Sanyuktha Chawla, the film also features Shabana Azmi, Yogendra Tiku and Shekhar Ravjiani in the essential roles. Based on a real-life event, the film revolves around the life of an air hostess who laid her life in order to save hundreds of passengers on the hijacked Pan Am 73, Karachi, Pakistan. The film bagged numerous accolades such as at the 64th National Film Awards and 62nd Filmfare Awards. Sonam Kapoor, too, received the Best Actor Award, while Shabana Azmi received the Best Supporting Actor Award. Image Source: Sonam Kapoor's Instagram Also read: Sonam Kapoor's 'insanely Hard' Film 'Blind' Leaves Her 'bruised', Actor Shares Picture Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global XRF Analyzer Market Outlook 2019-2024 offers detailed coverage of XRF analyzer industry and presents main market trends. The market research gives historical and forecast market size, demand, end-use details, price trends, and company shares of the leading XRF analyzer producers to provide exhaustive coverage of the market for XRF analyzer. The report segments the market and forecasts its size, by volume and value, on the basis of application, by products, and by geography. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from key industry participants. The global XRF analyzer market has been segmented into five major regions, namely, North America (U.S., Canada, and others), Europe (U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and others), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, and others), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and others), and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and others). Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key vendors operating in this market. Request for Report Sample: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/3757 Key Regions North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Place a Direct Purchase Order @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/checkout/3757/Single Key Vendors AMETEK, Inc. Bruker Corporation Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation Horiba, Ltd. Malvern Panalytical B.V. Olympus Corporation Rigaku Corporation Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. request free sample to get a complete list of companies Key Questions Answered in This Report Analysis of the XRF analyzer market including revenues, future growth, market outlook Historical data and forecast Regional analysis including growth estimates Analyzes the end user markets including growth estimates. Profiles on XRF analyzer vendors including products, sales/revenues, SWOT, and market position, recent developments. Market structure, market drivers and restraints. Request for Report Discount: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/3757 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 special court for MPs/MLAs on Friday issued a summons for Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He has been ordered to either appear in the courtroom himself or through a lawyer on February 22. The summons have been issued in connection with a defamation case filed by Abhishek Banerjee, who is Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP from Diamond Harbour constituency and Mamata Banerjee's nephew. According to the order by the special judge of MPs/MLAs court at Bidhannagar, Shah or his lawyer are to appear before the court at 10:00 am on February 22, 2021. The defamation case has been filed against Shah over allegations he levelled against Banerjee during a political rally back in August 2018. "... Narada, Sarada, Rose Valley, Syndicate's Corruption, Nephew's corruption, a series of corruption has been by Mamataji," Amit Shah had told the crowd at the rally in Kolkata, India Today cited Banerjee's plea as saying. Banerjee's complaint against Shah also mentioned another quote from the Home Minister's speech at the rally in question. According to the complaint, Shah had said, "The residents of the villages in Bengal, has the money reached your village? Please say loudly. Has the money reached your village? Where did it go? Where? Modiji had sent it. Where did Rs 3,59,000 crore go? This has been gifted to the nephew and the syndicate. This has been sacrificed at the altar of corruption by the Trinamool Congress." Abhishek Banerjee, who took objection to these statements, had filed a criminal defamation case against the Union Home Minister on August 28, 2018. Also read: Amit Shah-led high level committee okays Rs 3,113 crore for 5 states as disaster relief 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. 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 new study concluding out of Lusaka, Zambia last summer has found that as many as 19% (almost 1 in 5) of recently-deceased people tested positive for COVID-19. A new Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) study in Lusaka, Zambia's capital, challenges the common belief that Africa somehow "dodged" the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate that low numbers of reported infections and deaths across Africa may simply be from lack of testing, with the coronavirus taking a terrible but invisible toll on the continent. Published in The BMJ, the study found that at least 15% and as many as 19% of recently-deceased people arriving at Lusaka's main morgue over the summer had the coronavirus, peaking at 31% in July. Despite most having had COVID symptoms, few were tested before death. "Our findings cast doubt on the assumption that COVID-19 somehow skipped Africa or has not impacted the continent as heavily," says study co-author Dr. Lawrence Mwananyanda, a BUSPH adjunct research assistant professor of global health based in Lusaka. "This study shows that with proper diagnostics and testing, we can begin to identify the scale of COVID-19 in African countries such as Zambia. I hope this study will encourage African governments to look closer at the rollout of COVID-19 testing, as well as empower Africans to take proactive steps--such as wearing masks, physically distancing, and skipping handshakes--to protect themselves from COVID-19." The findings also have important implications for global health decision makers, says study corresponding author Dr. Christopher Gill, associate professor of global health at BUSPH. "We will only end the COVID-19 pandemic if we ensure equitable access to a vaccine. Without the full data picture of the spread of COVID-19 in Africa, it will be impossible to ensure COVID-19 vaccines can get to the people and places that need it most," he says. An estimated 80% of people who die in Lusaka pass through the University Teaching Hospital morgue. From June to September, polymerase chain reaction tests on 364 recently-deceased people found the coronavirus in 70 of them. While the majority of COVID-19 deaths in the United States and Europe have been in older adults, most of the deceased people who tested positive in this study were under 60 years old, including seven children. The researchers say that such a high proportion of pediatric deaths was particularly surprising given how rare COVID-19 deaths in children have been reported elsewhere. Of the 70 people who tested positive, the researchers sought information about the symptoms they had been experiencing leading up to their fatal illness. "In nearly all cases where we had those data, we found typical symptoms for COVID-19, yet only 6 had been tested before death," Gill says. And among the 75% of deaths that occurred outside of the hospital, none had been tested before they died. However, detecting the coronavirus in any country is no easy feat, much less in countries with limited resources. The researchers say Zambia's Ministry of Health has been very proactive and supportive of this and other COVID studies. They're really grateful that we can provide them this data, and they can make informed decisions moving forward with this epidemic." Dr. Lawrence Mwananyanda, Study Co-Author The researchers were well-positioned to track COVID in Zambia. With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, they have been conducting the Zambia Pertussis/RSV Infant Mortality Estimation Study (ZPRIME) at the University Teaching Hospital morgue in Lusaka since 2017. In that ongoing study, nurses and physicians' assistants approach families who have lost a child between the ages of four days and six months for consent to conduct a nasal swab of the infant, and to offer grief counseling. "Building studies such as this from scratch can take time and resources that can be difficult in the time needed to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. We invested a lot of time and money and human resources to building infrastructure that allowed for that extensive surveillance," says study co-author Rachel Pieciak a research fellow at BUSPH. "So, what we've done was repurpose ZPRIME study capacity to focus on enrolling all deaths across all ages and testing for COVID-19." Other research teams in similar situations might also be able to pivot in this way, Pieciak says. While many governments don't have the resources to effectively track COVID rates, "there's a lot of research money in places where we're not seeing really great COVID data," she says. "I would encourage other groups like us to think creatively about the resources that they have available, and to contribute to this effort." For their part, the research team's findings will help inform COVID-19 efforts not just in Zambia, but many other countries. "What this study tells us is that when we looked for COVID-19 in Zambia, we found it--and there are a whole lot of other countries where there's similar lack of testing," says study co-author Dr. William MacLeod, research associate professor of global health at BUSPH. Imphal, Feb 20 : Manipur Police on Friday announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for any information leading to an arrest in connection with the grenade attack at a newspaper office in Imphal last week. The identity of the informant would be kept confidential, it assured. "An unidentified woman, suspected to be a collaborator or member of an extremist outfit, riding a two-wheeler, hurled a Chinese hand grenade into the office of the 'Poknapham' vernacular newspaper on Saturday evening, but fortunately it did not detonate," a police official, who did not want to be identified, said. Meanwhile, normal work in the offices of the newspapers and television channels started from Friday as the agitating editors and journalists on Thursday called off their indefinite agitation spearheaded by the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM). The indefinite agitation was launched by editors and journalists on Sunday to protest the attack. "The joint meeting of AMWJU and EGM on Thursday, condemning the grenade attack, decided not to publish any press releases of any extremist outfits which have been issuing different versions on certain issues," a spokesman of the agitating media fraternity said. Police are yet to make any headway in the ongoing probe, while no extremist outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack. A total of 32 newspapers, mostly vernacular, are published daily from Manipur and there are several cable-based television channels. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 13:31:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Thailand is expecting to receive the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines from China's Sinovac Biotech next week and kick-start its national inoculation program. The first batch is scheduled to arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport on Feb. 24, flied by a Thai Airways International (THAI) cargo flight, Chaiyapruk Didyasarin, THAI chairman of the board of directors, said earlier this week. The airplane has enough space for temperature-controlled cargo containers, which could store goods at temperatures ranging from 20 degrees Celsius below zero to 20 degrees Celsius and ensure the vaccines remain at the correct temperature throughout, Chaiyapruk said. The flight has been certified by SGS (Thailand) with a Good Distribution Practice (GDP), verifying that it meets the World Health Organization's standards for transporting medical supplies that require special quality control, local media reported. In addition, ground equipment and large air conditioned cargo area were specially prepared by THAI for vaccines storage, Chaiyapruk said. Upon the vaccines' arrival, three days would be required for the final inspection before the national vaccination campaign begins, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said earlier. After the first shipment arrives and is administered to at-risk groups, the second and the third batches will follow, Prayut said. Thai Food and Drug Administration is ready to issue the emergency use authorization for the Sinovac vaccine, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul has said. The Bangkok Post cited Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha as saying earlier that the Rajavithi Hospital had in place a vaccination procedure of at most 40 minutes per person. It will include about 10 minutes from registration to vaccination and another 30 minutes for observation, Sathit said after visiting the hospital to inspect a test run of the vaccination procedure. Thailand has set a three-staged national inoculation program, aiming to vaccinate enough of the general population to create herd immunity. Besides the Sinovac vaccines, it would also use AstraZeneca-developed vaccines, manufactured in Thailand by Siam Bioscience Co. As of Friday, the Southeast Asian nation's total COVID-19 tally rose to 25,241, with more than 20,000 of the infections being detected since the new wave of outbreak erupted in the country in mid-December. Enditem Subscriber content preview SEATTLE A strip mall at 101 Nickerson St. sold for a little under $4.9 million, according to King County records. The seller was SP Real Estate Partners 3 LLC, which acquired the property in 2006 for $2.8 million. . . . KYODO NEWS - Feb 19, 2021 - 19:48 | All, Japan, Coronavirus Japan will receive its second shipment of Pfizer Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday, the minister in charge of vaccination efforts said Friday, as the rollout gradually expands to hospitals across the country. Taro Kono said at a press conference the shipment of up to 452,790 doses is set to arrive after the European Union gave approval under its new vaccine export controls. Japan, which received its first shipment of up to 386,100 doses from Pfizer's factory in Belgium last week, launched its vaccination program on Wednesday for an initial group of 40,000 health care workers, which first started in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said 611 people had been inoculated at 16 medical facilities as of 5 p.m. Thursday, with no reports of severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, or deaths after shots were administered. Hospitals in more than a dozen prefectures including Niigata, Osaka and Kumamoto began vaccinations on Friday, with the rollout expected to expand to 100 hospitals by next week. Asked by a reporter whether Japan has enough low dead space syringes to yield six doses from the two shipments, Kono said the country has sufficient stock but officials are still working out the logistics of distributing them to municipalities. Typical syringes widely available in the country can only extract five doses per vial. The administrative and regulatory reform minister declined to say when he is expecting the third shipment to arrive. Of the 40,000 health care workers, 20,000 are taking part in a study to track potential side effects caused by the vaccine, keeping daily records for seven weeks after receiving the first of two shots. The shots will be administered three weeks apart. Kono said Thursday night on a TV program that the next group in line to be vaccinated from March -- front-line health care workers across the country -- had grown from the initial estimate of 3.7 million to 4.7 million. People aged 65 or older, a group of about 36 million, will begin being inoculated from April, followed by people with preexisting conditions and those working at elderly care facilities, then finally the general population, according to the schedule set by the health ministry. Many municipalities plan to set up large-scale vaccination sites in auditoriums and gymnasiums to quickly and efficiently inoculate residents. But as some parts of the country lack such facilities, the government plans to offer state-owned office buildings and apartments for civil servants that are currently vacant for municipalities to utilize, officials said. Some are already being used to conduct polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests. A reversal of the magnetic poles 42,000 years ago triggered catastrophic climate change and may have wiped out Neanderthals, a new study shows. Australian researchers have analysed the radiocarbon record from ancient trees in New Zealand that were alive when the magnetic poles flipped. The trees revealed spikes in atmospheric radiocarbon levels, caused by the collapse of Earth's magnetic field and changing solar winds. But preceding the flip was a weakening of the magnetic fields, causing electrical storms, crimson skies, widespread auroras and lethal cosmic radiation that frazzled our early ancestors and the Earth's wildlife. The researchers dubbed this danger period the 'Adams Transitional Geomagnetic Event', or 'Adams Event' for short a tribute to science fiction writer Douglas Adams. The British author famously wrote in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy that '42' was the answer to life, the universe, and everything. With the Earth's magnetic field having weakened by around nine per cent in the past 170 years, researchers warn that the next apocalyptic polar flip 'may be just around the corner'. Scroll down for video Preceding the flip was a weakening of the magnetic fields, causing electrical storms, crimson skies and lethal cosmic radiation that frazzled our early ancestors and the Earth's wildlife. Pictured, Earth's magnetic field, solar wind and the flow of particles The international study has been co-led by UNSW Sydney and the South Australian Museum. 'For the first time ever, we have been able to precisely date the timing and environmental impacts of the last magnetic pole switch,' says Chris Turney, a professor at UNSW Science and co-lead author of the study. 'The findings were made possible with ancient New Zealand kauri trees, which have been preserved in sediments for over 40,000 years. 'Using the ancient trees we could measure, and date, the spike in atmospheric radiocarbon levels caused by the collapse of Earth's magnetic field.' Until now, scientific research has focused on changes that happened while the magnetic poles were reversed, when the magnetic field was weakened to about 28 per cent of its present-day strength. But according to the team's findings, the most dramatic part was the lead-up to the reversal, when the poles were migrating across the Earth. 'Earth's magnetic field dropped to only 0 to 6 per cent strength during the Adams Event,' said Professor Turney. 'We essentially had no magnetic field at all our cosmic radiation shield was totally gone.' During the magnetic field breakdown, the Sun experienced several grand solar minima (GSM) long-term periods of quiet solar activity. Even though a GSM means less activity on the Sun's surface, the weakening of its magnetic field can mean more space weather like solar flares and galactic cosmic rays could head Earth's way. 'Unfiltered radiation from space ripped apart air particles in Earth's atmosphere, separating electrons and emitting light a process called ionisation,' said Professor Turney. An ancient kauri tree from Ngawha, New Zealand. Using radiocarbon dating on the trees - a technique to date ancient relics or events - the team tracked changes in radiocarbon levels 'The ionised air fried the Ozone layer, triggering a ripple of climate change across the globe.' The Adams Event could explain a lot of other evolutionary mysteries, like the extinction of Neanderthals and the sudden widespread appearance of figurative art in caves around the world. Neanderthals were a species that lived alongside humans tens of thousands of years ago and were very similar in appearance and size but were generally stockier and more muscular. Megafauna across mainland Australia and Tasmania also went through simultaneous extinctions 42,000 years ago. The Adams Event could explain a lot of other evolutionary mysteries, like the extinction of Neanderthals (artist's impression) and the sudden widespread appearance of figurative art in caves around the world A reversing magnetic field could lead problems for turtles, birds and the compass The Earth's magnetic field regularly flips poles every few hundred thousand years. The exact impact of this flip isn't known as it hasn't happened in 780,000 years, however geologists and astronomers do have some idea. One of the biggest impacts will be on animals that use the magnetic field for navigation - such as turtles and birds. North on the compass will also point to Antarctica rather than Canada. In terms of the impact on human life - the biggest risk depends on how weak the field gets during its transition. According to a NASA study there's no evidence it will disappear completely as 'it never has before'. However, there is a risk the field will weaken more than usual - it is variable already - during the change. If it gets too weak more radiation will get to the Earth's surface and could cause cancers and other issues. However, as it will happen over a few thousand years humanity will have time to prepare for any weakening magnetic field. The only other notable impact of a weakening magnetic field would be auroras at lower latitudes. Advertisement While the magnetic poles often wander, scientists are concerned about the current rapid movement of the north magnetic pole across the Northern Hemisphere. 'This speed alongside the weakening of Earth's magnetic field by around 9 per cent in the past 170 years could indicate an upcoming reversal,' said Professor Cooper. 'If a similar event happened today, the consequences would be huge for modern society. 'Incoming cosmic radiation would destroy our electric power grids and satellite networks.' Professor Turney said the human-induced climate crisis is catastrophic enough without throwing major solar changes or a pole reversal in the mix. 'Our atmosphere is already filled with carbon at levels never seen by humanity before,' he said. 'A magnetic pole reversal or extreme change in Sun activity would be unprecedented climate change accelerants. 'We urgently need to get carbon emissions down before such a random event happens again.' Dazzling light shows would have been frequent in the sky during the Adams Event. Aurora borealis and aurora australis, also known as the northern and southern lights, are caused by solar winds hitting the Earth's atmosphere. Usually confined to the polar northern and southern parts of the globe, the colourful sights would have been widespread during the breakdown of Earth's magnetic field. 'Early humans around the world would have seen amazing auroras, shimmering veils and sheets across the sky,' study co-lead Professor Alan Cooper, honorary researcher at the South Australian Museum. Ionised air which is a great conductor for electricity would have also increased the frequency of electrical storms. 'It must have seemed like the end of days,' said Professor Cooper. The researchers theorise that the dramatic environmental changes may have caused early humans to seek more shelter. This could explain the sudden appearance of cave art around the world roughly 42,000 years ago, created by those that survived. 'We think that the sharp increases in UV levels, particularly during solar flares, would suddenly make caves very valuable shelters,' said Professor Cooper. 'The common cave art motif of red ochre handprints may signal it was being used as sunscreen, a technique still used today by some groups. 'The amazing images created in the caves during this time have been preserved, while other art out in open areas has since eroded, making it appear that art suddenly starts 42,000 years ago.' Earth's magnetic field is created by the movement of liquid iron in the Earth's outer core, some 1,800 miles below our feet. The iron is super hot (over 5,432 degrees Fahrenheit) and as runny as water meaning it flows very easily. As the liquid flows, it drags the magnetic field with it and its corresponding North and South poles. These magnetic North and South Poles are different from the geographic North and South poles. The geographic North and South poles are in a fixed position and are diametrically opposite one another. The magnetic North and South Poles, meanwhile, are constantly moving and over time become misaligned with their geographic equivalents. The magnetic field is still constantly changing today and satellites are providing new means to measure and track its current shifts. Scientists already knew the magnetic poles temporarily flipped somewhere between 41,000 and 42,000 years ago, in an event called the Laschamps Excursion. 'The Laschamps Excursion was the last time the magnetic poles flipped,' said Professor Turney. 'They swapped places for about 800 years before changing their minds and swapping back again.' However, scientists didn't know exactly how it impacted life on Earth if at all. For this study, researchers were able to create a detailed timescale of how Earth's atmosphere changed over this time by analysing rings on the ancient kauri trees. A log from the ancient Ngawha kauri tree. The massive tree with a trunk spanning over two and a half metres was alive during the Laschamps Excursion 'The kauri trees are like the Rosetta Stone, helping us tie together records of environmental change in caves, ice cores and peat bogs around the world,' said Professor Cooper. Two years ago, a particularly important ancient kauri tree was uncovered at Ngawha, Northland. The massive tree with a trunk spanning over two and a half metres was alive during the Laschamps. 'Like other entombed kauri logs, the wood of the Ngawha tree is so well preserved that the bark is still attached,' said Dr Jonathan Palmer, a specialist in dating tree-rings (what's known as dendrochronology) at the University of New South Wales. Dr Palmer studied cross sections of the trees at UNSW Science's Chronos 14Carbon-Cycle Facility. Using radiocarbon dating a technique to date ancient relics or events the team tracked the changes in radiocarbon levels during the magnetic pole reversal. This data was charted alongside the trees' annual growth rings, which acts as an accurate, natural timestamp. Tress can be aged by measuring their girth specifically the rings that develop over time that increase that girth. The team identified a significant increase in atmospheric radiocarbon during the period of weakening magnetic field strength that preceded polarity reversal. UNSW's Professor Chris Turney at the Chronos 14Carbon-Cycle Facility - a laboratory dedicated to measuring the minute amounts of radioactive carbon The team compared the newly-created timescale with records from sites across the Pacific and used it in global climate modelling. By modelling the consequences of this increase, they found that the geomagnetic field minimum (when Earth's magnetic field only around 6 per cent of what it is today) triggered huge changes in atmospheric ozone concentration and circulation. These shifts may have caused both global climate and environmental changes observed in other climate records that occurred about 42,000 years ago. 'The more we looked at the data, the more everything pointed to 42,' said Professor Turney. 'It was uncanny. 'Douglas Adams was clearly on to something, after all.' The findings have been published in Science. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Indiana Representative Tonya Pfaff is calling on the governor to prioritize vaccinations for teachers. She sent a letter to Governor Eric Holcomb saying teachers are being overlooked and abandoned in vaccine distribution. Pfaff wrote that vaccinating teachers lays a foundation for safely reopening schools, which is necessary for the well-being of students. She said vaccinating educators is crucial to getting kids back into the setting that makes school effective and worthwhile. 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. US President on Friday told his European partners and allies to prepare together for long-term strategic competition with China, as he underscored the need of working with democratic partners to outpace every challenger. You know, we must prepare together for long term strategic competition with How the United States, Europe, and Asia work together to secure the peace and defend our shared values and advance our prosperity across the Pacific will be among the most consequential efforts we undertake, Biden said in his address to the Munich Security Conference. Competition with is going to be stiff. That's what I expect and that's what I welcome because I believe in the global system, Europe, and the United States together with our allies in the Indo-Pacific worked so hard to build over the last 70 years, he said. Biden said that they have to push back against the Chinese government's economic abuses and coercion that undercut the foundations of the economic system. Everyone, everyone must play by the same rules. US and European companies are required to publicly disclosed corporate governance structure--to corporate governance structures and abide by rules to deter corruption in monopolistic practices, he said. Chinese companies should be held to the same standard. We must shape the rules that will govern the advance of technology and the norms of behaviour in cyberspace, artificial intelligence, biotechnology so that they are used to lift people up, not used to pin them down. We must stand up for the democratic values that make it possible for us to accomplish any of this, pushing back against those who would monopolise and normalise repression, he said. Biden as a Senator was a regular participant to the Munich Security Conference. He had addressed the premier European event as the Vice President thrice and once as a private citizen during the previous Trump Administration. The Transatlantic Alliance is a strong foundation, the strong foundation on which their collective security and shared prosperity are built. The partnership between Europe and the United States is and must remain the cornerstone of all that they hope to accomplish in the 21st century, just as they did in the 20th century, he said. But the challenges being faced today are different, he noted. We're at an inflection point. When I spoke to you as a senator and as--even as vice president, the global dynamics have shifted. New crises demand our attention. We cannot focus only on the competition among countries that threaten to divide the world or only on global challenges are threaten to sink us all together if we fail to cooperate. We must do both working in lockstep with our allies and partners, Biden said. In his address, Biden assured his European allies that the US will work closely with them to meet the range of shared challenges they all face. We continue to support the goal of a Europe whole and free and at peace. The US is fully committed to our NATO alliance, and I welcome your--Europe's growing investment in the military capabilities that enable our shared defence, he said. You know, to me and to the United States and to us, we'll keep article--we'll keep faith with Article 5, it's a guarantee. An attack on one is an attack on all. That is our unshakeable vow," he said. Biden said his administration strongly supports the diplomatic processes underway and to bring an end to this war that is closing out 20 years. We remain committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again provides a base for terrorist attacks against the United States and our partners and our interest. Our European partners have also stood with us to counter ISIS, he said. The United States, he said, must renew America's enduring advantages so that it can meet today's challenges from a position of strength. That means building back better economic foundations, reclaiming its place in institutions, lifting up values at home, and speaking out to defend them around the world. Modernising our military capabilities while leading with diplomacy, revitalising America's network of alliances and partnerships that have made the world safer for all people. You know, I hope our fellow democracies are going to join us in this vital work. Our partnerships have endured and grown through the years because they are rooted in the richness of our shared democratic values, he said. We're at an inflection point between those who argue that, given all the challenges we face from the fourth industrial revolution to a global pandemic, that autocracy is the best way forward, they argue, and those who understand that democracy is essential, essential to meeting these challenges. Historians are going to examine and write about this moment as an inflection point, as I said. And I believe that every ounce of my being that democracy will and must prevail, he said. Biden told his European allies that they must collectively demonstrate that democracy can still deliver for people in this changed world. That, in my view, is our galvanizing mission. Democracy doesn't happen by accident. We have to defend it, fight for it, strengthen it, renew it. We have to prove that our model isn't a relic of history. It's the single best way to revitalise the promise of our future, he said. And if we work together with our democratic partners with strength and confidence, I know we'll meet every challenge and outpace every challenger, Biden 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.) Lead Counsel for the second respondent in the ongoing 2020 election petition, President Akufo-Addo during Thursday's hearing at the Supreme Court said the petitioner should be charged for 'an abuse of court process'. The petitioner, former President John Mahama filed an application for review of the Supreme Court's February 11th decision which quashed an earlier application to cross-examine the EC chairperson, Madam Jean Mensa. During legal argument on Thursday, Lawyer Akoto Ampaw who described the review application as "a classic case of an aggrieved party who has become emotional by the decision of the court (and) seeks to reargue his case through the back door of an apparently review application" said even though no cost is awarded in a 'constitutional matter', the Supreme Court should make this exceptional. . . an abuse of court process and even though we are all aware that in constitutional matters like this no cost is awarded, I think this is a special occasion where cost should be awarded," he said. After the SC gave its ruling and dismissed the application review, lawyer Akoto Ampaw reechoed his assertion; insisting that the petitioner has "abused court process". However, the Chief Justice Anin Yeboah replied: "it is a constitutional matter and the practice which has been settled in this court is that you dont award cost in constitutional matters. Akoto-Ampaw came again: "I think the court should be amenable to grant cost even in constitutional matters". And the Chief Justice rebutted; "Please we wont". The Supreme Court has overruled former President John Mahamas application for review of its earlier decision not to compel the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Madam Jean Mensa to testify.Mahama, the petitioner in the ongoing election petition requested that the Apex Court review its February 11 decision which indicated that " . . simply put, we are not convinced and will not yield to the invitation being extended to us by counsel of the petitioner to order the respondents to enter the witness box to be cross-examined, accordingly we hereby overrule the objection raised by the counsel for the petitioner against the decision of the respondents declining to adduce evidence in this petition".According to the lead counsel of the petitioner, Tsatsu Tsikata, the Court made fundamental errors of law and that those errors had occasioned a miscarriage of justice against me (the Petitioner).However, after hearing arguments from all parties during today's hearing, the 9-member panel dismissed the application.The panel of 7 judges was reconstituted to 9 because it was a review hearing.The ruling which was delivered by the Chief Justice said the review application has failed.Meanwhile, the application to stay proceeding filed by the petitioner is now moot.It may be recalled that lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata filed two new applications at the Supreme Court after the motion to reopen their case was dismissed: Application to stay proceeding and Application for review.According to the Chief Justice, the stay proceeding application has been struck out because it was pending the application for review and that has been dismissed.The hearing has been adjourned to Monday 22nd February, 2021. 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 Multimedia Specialist Anthony Zilis is a multimedia specialist at The News-Gazette. His email is azilis@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@adzilis). TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com President of the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) Dr Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza, received citizen Husain Hassan Mansoor Sanad, the owner of the first solar-powered house in Bahrain, which was connected to the governments electricity network, along with a group of houses, through a net metering system, in March 2018. SEA President reviewed with citizen Hussain Sanad the statistics and performance of the solar power system which was installed in his Al-Mussala-based house. He said that the use of solar energy has contributed to generating 80% and sometimes 100% (in November and December) of electricity to his house, leading to reduced electricity bills. He indicated that through the net metering system, the produced solar energy is deducted from the government electricity bill, adding that if more electricity than the usage rate is produced, the surplus is injected into EWAs Distribution Network, leading to a further reduction in the bill. He stressed that the use of solar energy through the net metering system not only saves costs but also enhances awareness of the need to rationalise electricity consumption. Dr Mirza expressed delight over the multiple positive results of the solar system installed on the citizens house, stressing the importance of spreading social awareness to achieve comprehensive development, especially the goals related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. He added that citizen Hussain Sanads house is a successful example for house owners wishing to benefit from clean and sustainable energy in their houses, affirming SEAs readiness to the necessary support and consultation for all citizens and residents wishing to install solar power systems. Hussain Sanad expressed thanks and appreciation to SEA President for his interest in issues that benefit the citizens, stressing his keenness to be informed about the SEAs initiatives. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. VAUGHAN, ON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE: GFL) (TSX: GFL) ("GFL" or the "Company") today announced that it has been awarded a SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) 2020 Business Sustainability Award, which celebrates outstanding global leaders in sustainability and their commitment to sustainable business practices. GFL's Environmental Innovation Program was awarded a SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for excellence in specific environmental and sustainability initiatives. Key criteria for selection include level of investment, innovation and benchmark metrics demonstrating impact and progress toward a sustainable future. "From our inception, sustainability has been a core value of GFL and integral to our success. We have a long-standing commitment to investing in and developing the increasingly innovative and advanced environmentally-responsible solutions our customers are looking for," said GFL Founder and CEO Patrick Dovigi. "Our corporate purpose is to enable our customers and the communities we serve to be Green For Life. Receiving this award is incredibly significant in recognizing our commitment to sustainability and the positive impact our programs have in creating value for our business, our customers and our communities." GFL's Environmental Innovation Program consists of two core components: Sustainability Value Initiatives (SVIs) and the Greenlight Innovation Workshop. SVIs represent key strategic actions GFL is taking to optimize sustainable operations, reduce GHG emissions output and satisfy our customers increasing demand for advanced waste and resource management solutions that help them meet their own sustainability goals. One of GFL's key SVIs is its investment in state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facilities that employ the latest sorting technologies, including infra-red optical sorters and AI robotics, to optimize resource recovery and end-product purity. The Greenlight Innovation Workshop gathers GFL employees from diverse service lines to share original ideas and develop operational solutions that support future SVIs. For participating employees, it's an opportunity to use their valuable knowledge and expertise to help inform GFL's future sustainability initiatives. "Sustainability is at the core of BC Partners' investing" said Paolo Notarnicola, Partner at BC Partners. "The SEAL award GFL won is a testimony to our commitment to sustainable practices across our portfolio. A huge thank you to our associates at GFL whose continuous efforts to promote green practices make a difference in our communities every day. We are extremely proud of our continued partnership." "At Ontario Teachers', our approach to investing is rooted in sustainability and is embedded in the way we do business." said Blake Sumler, Managing Director, Diversified Industrials and Business Services at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. "We believe this award is a well-deserved recognition and should be celebrated by the entire GFL team." More information on GFL's Environmental Innovation Program and our sustainability strategy can be found in our 2019 Sustainability Report at gflenv.com/sustainability. About GFL Environmental GFL, headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, is the fourth largest diversified environmental services company in North America, providing a comprehensive line of non-hazardous solid waste management, infrastructure & soil remediation and liquid waste management services through its platform of facilities throughout Canada and in 27 states in the United States. Across its organization, GFL has a workforce of more than 15,000 employees. SOURCE GFL Environmental Inc. Related Links http://www.gflenv.com Feb. 18ALBERT LEA The 21-year-old Albert Lea man who allegedly fired approximately 90 shots striking a police officer and two men is scheduled to go to trial on six felony charges in September. Devin Matthew Weiland, 21, is charged in Freeborn County District Court with three counts of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Court records indicate that trial is scheduled for mid-September. Weiland is being held in lieu of $1 million unconditional bail. RELTED: Albert Lea man held on $1 million bail for Sunday shooting Albert Lea police were called about 2:20 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2020, to the 800 block of Fourth Avenue Southeast for a report of fireworks or gunshots in the area. The criminal complaint states that Weiland admitted he was the one who called police. Law enforcement from around the region were called in to respond. The first police officer to arrive, a 30-year-old, suffered a 2-inch by 2-inch wound consistent with "a wound caused by a high velocity impact" weapon, the criminal complaint states. He was able to drive himself to the hospital. A 52-year-old man and a 38-year-old man, both of Albert Lea, were injured as Weiland allegedly fired shots out of his window. Weiland told law enforcement he "was sorry and that he wanted the agents to convey that to the multiple shooting victims involved in this incident," the complaint reads. Weiland's family told ABC 6 News in December that they believed he was assaulted prior to the shooting and that he was a victim himself. The family also said Weiland had intended to be killed by police. 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. United Nations, Feb 19 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he wants concrete Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from Washington and strong US engagement in international negotiations on climate change. The UN chief will meet virtually with John Kerry, US President Joe Biden's climate envoy, on Friday to follow up on the US return to the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Xinhua news agency reported. Guterres said at a press encounter that the US announcement to rejoin the Paris Agreement is very important in itself. In addition, a number of measures have been taken by the US administration in different aspects related to energy and other climate-related issues, he said. Guterres also welcomed the announcement that the United States would restart its financial support to the developing world regarding climate change. There are two fundamental contributions from the US: the first is the presentation of Nationally Determined Contributions, and the second is Washington's strong engagement in the international negotiations that are necessary for the success of the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021, said Guterres. "We must build a global coalition for net-zero (emissions)," Guterres said. "We must guarantee to the developing world that the promises that were made in Paris will be met." In all these aspects, the US is the largest economy in the world, can play an extremely important role, and the technological capacity of the US will be very important and will substantially change the possibility of a successful negotiation for the conference in Glasgow, he said. Asked about the damage on US and global climate action as a result of the climate-hostile policies of the previous US administration led by Donald Trump, Guterres said there was no contribution from the US government under Trump. But he commended the efforts of the American society. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Minister for Information Designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is proposing legislation against the advocacy of LGBT activities. According to him, given the current advocacy around the legalization of homosexuality in the country, the country needs to consider passing a law that tackles it's promotion because the practice in itself is culturally unacceptable and goes contrary to section 104 of the Criminal Code, 1960. Mr Oppong Nkrumah who is also Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi Constituency was responding to questions when he took his turn before Parliaments Appointments Committee for vetting on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Customary law frowns on LGBT activities. People say despite the criminal code on the general position of customary law, it is just mere expression, they are just advocating for it but if you ask me about law and background, I will say that is when somebody like me will argue that then we should be able to contemplate legislation in the interest of public morality which will not be against the constitution but we will now say that you cannot advocate for and promote LGBT activities in this country, he averred. His comments follow the participation of the European Union (EU) in the opening of new office space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender and Queer Intersex (LGBTQI) reiterating its supports for similar organizations in the country. This the Minister-Designate for Information stressed that the practice is alien to our customs and tradition and it is the reason why laws must be passed to deal with persons who advocates and promotes its practice in the country. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Honduran boy drowned after he attempted to cross a river dividing Mexico and the United States, Mexican immigration officials said Thursday. Eight-year-old Anderson Gabriel Ramirez, according to the National Immigration Institute, had remained behind on an islet located between the two nations after his parents and his sister made it to the Rio Grande's Texas shoreline Wednesday. Ramirez 'was in the company' of a group of adults, but was not able to 'withstand the pounding water, which covered him and kept him submerged for several meters.' The boy's father, Alex Ramirez, told Univision that he placed his daughter on the river's shore and attempted to go back for his son, but by then he had already been swept by the freezing river's current. The Honduran family was part of a group of migrants who were attempting to cross the river in the Mexican town of Piedras Negras, across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. Mexican immigration agents also rescued a pregnant woman, a five-year-old girl and an adult male - all migrants - who waiting on another islet as part of their attempts at migrating illegally to the United States. Honduran migrant Alex Ramirez told Univision he attempted to go back into the river to rescue his eight-year-old son, Anderson Gabriel Ramirez, before he was swept by a current in the Rio Grande on Wednesday. Mexican immigration agents recovered the boy's body, while the family was on the Texas shore, and but attempts to revive him were not enough to save his life. The family was deported from the United States to Mexico Mexican immigration agents tend to a group of migrants, including a pregnant woman and a five-year-old, after they were spotted on an islet located on the Rio Grande between Mexico and the United States on Wednesday, moments after an eight-year-old boy from Honduras drowned while trying to follow his family into the U.S. National Immigration Institute agents deployed on a boat were able to recover Anderson Gabriel Ramirez's body, but attempts to revive him failed. The boy's parents and sister were apprehended by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and returned to Mexico via the Eagle Pass International Border Bridge to identify the body. Mexico's immigration agency also announced the death of a Venezuelan woman who died trying to cross the river there Wednesday. Ramirez's tragic death certainly brought back memories of Salvadoran migrant Oscar Martinez, 25, who drowned in the Rio Grande with his nearly two-year-old daughter, Angie Valeria Martinez, in June 2019. Members of Mexico National Immigration Institute rush to aid a group of migrants stranded on an islet on the Rio Grande between Mexico and the United States The Martinez family had reached the Texas shoreline when the father sat his child on the sands so that he could return to the Mexican side of the river to help his wife, Tania Vanessa Avalos, cross to the U.S. However, the girl stepped into the river to follow her dad and was swept by the Rio Grande's current. Oscar Martinez jumped in to rescue her, but was overpowered by the rushing water. The flow of migrants to the U.S. border has increased after dropping sharply due in part to pandemic-related border restrictions for much of last year. CBP has reported an increase of enforcement encounters - incidents were migrants are apprehended, removed, and considered inadmissible - for nine consecutive months. The federal immigration agency registered 78,323 enforcement encounters during the month of January, the second-highest total since the agency reported 81,777 encounters in July 2019 under the administration of former President Donald Trump. The bodies of Salvadoran migrant Oscar Martinez and his nearly 2-year-old daughter Angie Valeria Martinez were found on the bank of the Rio Grande in Matamoros, Mexico, in June 2019 Migrants hopes have also been buoyed by the new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden despite his plans to admit asylum seekers who were blocked by Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' policy. Drownings are just one of the dangers faced by migrants, who have been asked by the Biden administration to consider holding off on presenting themselves at the southwestern border to seek asylum despite ongoing plans to admit asylum-seekers beginning Friday at two border entry points in Texas and another in California. In late January, 19 bodies were found shot and burned in a vehicle near the town of Camargo, also across the border from Texas. The Tamaulipas state prosecutor's office said late Wednesday in a statement that authorities had identified 16 of them as Guatemalan migrants from the town of Comitancillo. They had previously arrested and charged a dozen Tamaulipas state police officers in connection with the case. I knew something was amiss when the pandemic hit. I have four degrees in the field of psychology including a PhD. My years of training and experience were telling me something wasnt right. My BS detector as all the best psychologists would call it kept going off. I just kept wondering why our National health leaders kept putting the burden of handling the spread on us? Yes, they were feverishly working on a vaccine. But why were they not as frantically looking for a cure or treatment? And why were they continuous knocking down every possible treatment that was suggested? So, I did what any good academic would do. I started trying to figure out the answer to my questions. In my search I uncovered a trail of corruption, monetary incentives, secrecy, and lies. In 2018 Congress questioned the NIH (Anthony Fauci leads the NIHs infectious disease research institute) and the CDC about ethical issues with both the CDC and NIH Foundations between 2014 and 2018 with regard to their collection of money from anonymous donors. For the CDC one of the donors turned out to be Coca Cola. They gave money for research involving whether unhealthy foods caused type 2 diabetes and obesity. Barbara Bowman, who was the director of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention for the CDC during this time advised a former Vice President of Coca Cola on how to stop the World Health Organization from cracking down on added sugar. Bowman quit the CDC two days after her advice to the former Coca Cola executive was revealed. Christine Potkul writes : Concerns were also raised when the FNIH terminated a study examining the long-term effects of alcohol consumption. The alcohol industry donated nearly $100 million toward the research, but the project was shut down when investigators discovered that NIH workers inappropriately contacted industry figuresCongress strictly prohibits any contact between the researchers and their private donors. In their code of ethics both groups (CDC Foundation and FNIH and CDC and NIH) have an obligation to be unbiased. They also have an obligation to be transparent about their donors. During the fiscal years of 2014 through 2018, the CDC Foundation received $79.6 million from companies like Pfizer, Biogen, and Merck. Since it was created in 1996, the nonprofit organization has accepted 161 million from corporations. An article published by Science Magazine In 2018 states that the FNIH filed a donation with the Internal Revenue Service for 19.1 million. According to the magazine the filing does not name the donor, but FNIH told Science it was the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Washington. The vaccine companies and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have come out with several vaccines and stand to make a lot of money from it. It turns out that the U.S. government pledged more than $9 billion to five U.S. pharma companies and $1.95 billion to Pfizer alone. But these companies only receive the money when the vaccine is competed. Now not only will they receive the $9 billion, they will all receive the revenue from the distribution and sales. If you estimate that each vaccine dose will cost around 100 dollars and a billion people worldwide take it, thats a hundred billion dollar market. Its also important to point out that this is not a one-time vaccine. It looks like it will be a yearly vaccine with a booster, multiplying the profits. That got me thinking about the potential cures that have already been looked at and disregarded by the medical community. In a news article through the Wall Street Journal, A professor in Israel at Hebrew U found promising results with a cholesterol drug called Fenofibrate. Its trials have shown that Fenofibrate can downgrade COVID to the severity of the common cold. But weve heard very little about it. Hydroxychloroquine was ripped apart by the medical establishment. The media and world/national health leaders highly condemned the use due to possible serious side effects. But several articles came out later stating that research has shown Hydroxychloroquine with zinc and azithromycin has protective benefits if given early against COVID-19. It was only when given during the advanced stages of COVID that it was more harmful than helpful. There was also an article published in 2005 by the NIH on a government website that found that Hydroxychloroquine was effective against the SARS-Corona virus. Didnt the NIH say that Hydroxychloroquine was ineffective in treating the virus? How did it work in 2005, but not now? Dr. Pierre Kory the medical director of the trauma and life support center at the University of Wisconsin, a board-certified critical medicine, pulmonary diseases, and internal medicine doctor, shared my sentiments. In testimony in front of the Senate on December 7th, he questioned the CDC and the NIH in their dissemination of medical information including the idea that they have promoted only expensive experimental drugs including the vaccine. He takes it one step further in explaining to the board that he has mountains of evidence about an older long-used drug, Ivermectin. He states that, the research and evidence comes from some of the most published doctors in the nation and world. A drug he calls a solution to this crisis. It basically obliterates the transmission of this virus. If you take it (prophylactically) you will not get sick. Here is his testimony But the drug remains unapproved for use in the treatment of COVID. So, what does this have to do with the CDC, the NIH, the pharmaceutical companies, and the Gates Foundation? They have all invested a lot in the production and success of COVID vaccines. Billions ride on its successful completion and administration around the world. And lets not forget that Pfizer and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations are major donors for the CDC and NIH. If effective prophylactics and therapies tame Covid and drastically reduce the death toll, there would be less demand for the vaccine.. I wonder if Pfizer and the Gates Foundation would still be willing to donate if the CDC and NIH were funding studies and promoting the use of these cheap, generic drugs as an alternative to vaccines? Hydroxychloroquine is $37 for a bottle of 100 pills. Budesonide is between 75 and 350 dollars for an inhaler which has 50-200 doses. Ivermectin costs around 80 dollars for 20 pills. Far less of a profit then they would get from a vaccine. And remember, besides Ivermectin, which can be given as a prophylactic, these treatments would only be given to those who were diagnosed with COVID, which would be a far smaller portion of the population. Clearly, we can see why the vaccine has a much greater financial appeal to some powerful health sector actors. Carrie Lynn Caoili, MA/EdS., PhD. Follow Dr. Carrie and her Co-host Stephanie on their YouTube channel Alternate View- YouTube. Agitating farmer groups on Thursday held a four-hour nationwide 'rail roko' agitation with the railways saying there was negligible impact on services though some trains were stopped by officials at stations as a precautionary measure. In Punjab and Haryana, farmers at several places squatted on railway tracks which led to disruption in normal movement of trains on some routes. Protests were also staged at some places in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, in many states, it was a low-key affair. The All India Kisan Sabha claimed the agitation received "massive response across the country". It further claimed that some activists were arrested in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana. "The massive success of the rail roko struggle is a warning to the Modi government. The farmers across the country have expressed their determination to continue the struggle till the demands are met with," the Sabha said in a statement. A railway spokesperson said the agitation passed off without any untoward incident and there was negligible or minimal impact on running of the trains across the country. Trains began running normally across the country within an hour after the agitation ended at 4 pm, he said. Earlier, around 25 trains were regulated by the Railways on account of the agitation called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions which is spearheading the protest against the three farm laws. "Majority of the zones have reported not a single case of any stoppage of train by the agitators. Few trains were stopped in some areas of some Railway zones but now train operation is normal and trains are being operated smoothly. While dealing with the Rail roko agitation, utmost patience was exercised by all concerned," he said. The railways deployed 20 additional companies of the RPSF across the country, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Farmer groups congregated in Haryana's Ambala, Kurukshetra and Charkhi Dadri railway stations, according to officials. In Kurukshetra, some protesters climbed atop the Gita Jayanti Express train, which was stationary at that time, resulting in some delay. In Punjab, protesters sat on tracks at many places on the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar railway route, officials said. Farmers also blocked the Jalandhar Cantt-Jammu railway track in Jalandhar and besides a rail track in Mohali district, they said. The Ferozepur division of the Northern Railways decided to halt trains at stations so that passengers face less inconvenience during the 'rail roko' protest. In Rajasthan, officials said that the Rewari-Sri Ganganagar special train was the only train cancelled due to the agitation, while few others were delayed. In West Bengal too, stray incidents were reported across the state with little or no effect on rail services. In Maharashtra, members of several organisations and workers of political parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena, NCP, Janata Dal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), also took part in the rail roko agitation at the Pune railway station, labour welfare activist Nitin Pawar said. The protesters blocked the Koyna Express and shouted slogans by standing in front of trains, he said. At least 12 people were detained at Lasur station, around 40 km from Aurangabad, an official said. "The Jalna-Mumbai Janshatabdi train was stopped at the station for around 30 minutes. We have detained around 12 agitators and further probe is underway," the official from the railway police said. In Bengaluru, the protest was low-key but there was a good turnout of protesters in Raichur, Belagavi and Davangere. In Raichur, Belagavi and Davangere, some protesters were arrested, sources said. Thousands of farmers have been protesting since late November at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, demanding a rollback of the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. The protesting farmers have expressed their apprehension that these laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price (MSP) system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporations. However, the government has maintained that the new laws will bring better opportunities to farmers and introduce new technologies in agriculture. Also read: 'Rail roko': Trains to be delayed as farmers block tracks in protest of farm laws BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the debut release of Nicole Benefield's Season's Collection Phase 01 During Fashion Week 2021. The two days consisted of one-on-one appointments - featuring editors from Harpers Bizarre, Elle, E! News, The Runway Authority, WWD and more. Nicole found this version of New York Fashion Week refreshing - quoted saying Image By Myesha Alexandra - Model Thomasina Image By Myesha Alexandra - Designer Nicole Benefield "There's no missed opportunity to really introduce my collection, I get to spend the time really connecting them to the brand and to the overall flow of my collection It feels wonderful to have the time and emotion that goes into design, really appreciated." Phase One of 2021 - The collection presented by Nicole Benefield is a celebration of art and basics. Infusing the idea "Grab & Go" while never sacrificing style or impact. The collection is ready for purchase - each item from the collection is made to order. As a sustainable brand, Benefield creates by demand - making every piece special and unique. The Nicole Benefield Portfolio Collection - Presented During NYFW Black In Fashion Council chose sixteen designers to showcase during their industry debut showcase, in partnership with IMG and Spring Studios. The selection of designers represents the active move toward inclusivity of the industry. While Nicole Benefield is one of sixteen designers representing minorities within the fashion industries, it is Nicole's focus to embrace this as a moment for mindful fashion and to continue to represent a position of power, and creativity and affluence for BIPOC designers and consumers alike. Nicole Benefield is a "Made To Order" brand, limiting the negative impact of design on the world while increasing awareness for both mindful consumption and necessary restructure of what it means to be fashionable. Nicole has partnered with VNF Productions Inc. on the language and tone of her brand, ensuring that her voice is heard both in print and her designs. Featured Press: WWD , HarpersBazaar , DAZED , Yahoo , VOGUE and more For press /media request and general inquiry please email [email protected] Direct Content request or submission :(Vena Smith) [email protected] Partnerships or brand alignment: (Noah Love 917-627-7673) [email protected] Nicole Benefield : https://nicolebenefieldportfolio.com SOURCE Nicole Benefield Related Links https://nicolebenefieldportfolio.com/ Miley Cyrus changed her name early in her life, but didnt make it official until much later. Find out why Miley Cyrus changed her name and the significance of her middle name. Miley Cyrus | Dia Dipasupil/WireImage When did Miley Cyrus change her name? Miley Cyrus real name isnt Miley originally. She was born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992. Her parents, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, gave her that name believing that she was destined for amazing things. Since Cyrus was always smiling as an infant, her parents nicknamed her Smiley. The nickname was shortened to Miley. She used the name when she launched her career on Disney Channels Hannah Montana and kept the name for her singing career. Cyrus didnt make her name change legal until 2008, when she was 15 years old, legally changing it to Miley Ray Cyrus. Why Miley Cyrus changed her name Cyrus was known as Smiley and Miley in her home and the name just stuck, so she used it as her stage name. Her legal name change includes the middle name Ray, which would appear initially to be a tribute to her dad Billy Ray but is actually in honor of her grandfather, Democratic politician Ronald Ray Cyrus from Kentucky. She changed her name again when she married Liam Hemsworth, taking his name, so she was known as Miley Ray Hemsworth. Liam Hemsworth shared the name change news during an interview on Live With Kelly and Ryan, saying, Miley Ray Hemsworth now, actually, after they congratulated him. She will still be, obviously, known as Miley Cyrus, but she took my name, which is great, he continued. I think that was honestly one of the best things about it. I didnt ask her to take my name, and then she was like, No, of course Im taking your name. Im like, [Gasp] thats awesome!' He added that he just called her wife, however. Its become a little more normal, but the first couple of weeks it was I mean, its only been a month and a half or something but the first couple of weeks were really fun to be wife and husband,' he shared. RELATED: The Heartbreaking Reason Why Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Split: They Were Drifting Apart Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus divorced Cyrus dropped the Hemsworth from her name when she and Liam split. The two met while filming the movie The Last Song and dated on and off until they got married in 2018. They split and finalized their divorce in early 2020. Cyrus told Howard Stern in a December 2020 interview that there was too much conflict in their relationship for it to last. We were together since I was 16. Our house burned down, she explained. We had been, like, engaged I dont know if we really ever thought we were actually going to get married but when we lost our house in Malibu, which if you listen to my voice pre- and post-fire, theyre very different so that trauma really affected my voice. Me being an intense person and not wanting to sit with it and not wanting to go, you know, What could be purposeful about this? I just clung to what I had left of that house, which was me and him, she shared. Cyrus added, And I really do and did love him very, very, very much and still do, always will. Winter Institute 16, the American Booksellers Associations annual conference for booksellers, opened on a bittersweet note yesterday, with a seven-minute slide show featuring a montage of photos and media headlines that brought tears to booksellers eyes. Whos cutting onions? LitBar owner Noelle Santos wrote in the chat room, while images scrolled by of the past year both inside and outside indie bookstores, beginning with WI15 in Baltimore last January, shifting to headlines about the pandemic and photos of booksellers' creative responses to the national lockdown. Images included huge displays of books about race issues that have been in demand since George Floyd's death and the slide show ended with photos capturing the holidays inside bookstores this past December and positive words about 2021. The ambiance of WI16 created by the slide show lasted throughout the day, which featured a presidential welcome, poetry interludes, and presentations educating booksellers on how they can become the best they can be, both in bookselling and in life in general. Barack Obamas three-minute pre-recorded welcome to booksellers set the right tone for this annual celebration of indie bookselling. Obama, whose memoir, A Promised Land, pumped up year-end sales for bookstores everywhere, spoke with his trademark charm and humor of the impact books have had on him since childhood when his mother would encourage him to read when he complained that I was bored or distracted her. Reading became my refuge, a world I could escape to no matter what was happening in my life, he said, recalling that when he was in 10th grade, his grandparents took him to a rummage sale, where he eagerly filled a box with copies of the classics, prompting his grandfather to joke that he must be wanting to open a library. After rattling off the names of their authors, Obama noted that reading all those books: they were expanding my mind while he was grappling with his budding identity of who I wanted to be and how I wanted to live. Addressing the booksellers directly, Obama said, You arent selling books: youre selling knowledge, discovery, wisdom, empathy, access to thoughts and worlds that readers have never experienced before. As a reader and as an author, I couldnt be more grateful for the work that all you do every single day, especially during such a tough year. And in a tease concluding his presentation that may have raised hopes of a post-pandemic author tour for Promised Land, Obama expressed his hope that he would see some of you again soon at their bookstores or in the public libraries in booksellers communities. While the conference was a virtual affair, the weather still had an impact, just as it does almost every year during Winter Institute. Dr. Brene Brown, who lives in Houston, was unable to give the morning keynote due to the storms and bitter cold that is crippling Texas. Stepping in for Brown was Brian David Johnson, who was scheduled to give the Saturday keynote; Brown will now speak Saturday. Johnson, author of The Future You: Break Through the Fear and Build the Life You Want, told booksellers to know thyself when mapping out the future for their businesses, though his advice could apply to life in general. Who do you want to be? Johnson asked, Where do you want to be? How do you get there? He urged booksellers to focus on what they can actually control in setting goals, be as specific as possible, put them in writing, and tell others -- such as employees and professional colleagues -- about what they want to attain in the future in order to be held accountable. Find your people, he said, urging booksellers to talk to veteran booksellers during WI16. What tools do they use to thrive? Use the future, where you want to go, as the language for your conversations. Johnson concluded by noting that goals may change, but thats okay: the future is fluid. Its all about that story and writing it down so you start to live in the future. The days first poetry interlude featuring the poet Amanda Gorman, unwittingly underscored the points Johnson made in his presentation. In a pre-recorded segment, Gorman, who rocketed to fame this past month after reciting a poem at President Bidens inauguration, recited the title poem from her forthcoming debut picture book, Change Sings, illustrated by Loren Long. I can hear change humming its loudest, proudest song/ I dont fear change coming, and so I sing along, she began, finishing with the words, We all hear change coming. Wont you sing along? WI16 continues today and tomorrow with a full roster of educational sessions and rep pick presentations, interspersed with poetry interludes. Advertisement A shocking diary of a man who helped to put out fires during the Nazis' bombing campaign in the Second World War has been digitised for the first time. Swansea firewatcher James R John, 58, wrote in his diary during what became known as the Three Nights' Blitz on the Welsh city in February 1941. The raids, which took place on February 19, 20 and 21, killed 230 people and injured nearly 400. Countless buildings in the city were destroyed. Mr John, who was a member of the Home Guard, wrote in his diary on the day after the final raid, 'Swansea gone. Colossal damage'. He wrote two nights before of the 'endless roar of planes' and the 'whistle and crash of bombs'. A shocking diary of a man who helped to put out fires during three nights of bombing raids carried out by the Nazis in Swansea during Second World War has been digitised for the first time. Pictured: The aftermath of the raid, which took place in February 1941 Swansea firewatcher James R John, 58, wrote in his diary during what became known as the Three Nights Blitz on the Welsh city in February 1941. Mr John, who was a member of the Home Guard, wrote in his diary on the day after the three day raid, 'Swansea gone. Colossal damage' Mr John's job as a firewatcher involved watching buildings to both prevent and spot fires. As well as men and women being called up to serve as watchers, many others also volunteered, with men up to the age of 70 and women under 60 eligible. The role was characterised by long, tedious nights but watchers were crucial in preventing further fires beyond those which did still break out. On the first night of the bombing, February 19, Mr John described how a 'shower of bombs' fell. He wrote: 'Planes over 7.35. Warning 7.50. Rain of fire bombs north and east and many incendiary bombs north and east as well. Not much firing.' The firewatcher added: 'Eileen came by in car at 10.30 saw stack of bombs burst and detonate in the air bomb crashes on the hill.' On the second night of bombing on Thursday, February 20, Mr John wrote: 'Much more fury, fewer fire bombs but a rain of incendiaries on hill back of us. Endless roar of planes, crash of guns, whistle and crash of bombs mostly north and east. Dozens of search lights' A series of online events marking the blitz is being held by Swansea Council, the West Glamorgan Archive Service and art galleries The Three Nights Blitz, which took place on February 19, 20 and 21, killed 230 people and injured nearly 400. Countless buildings in the city were destroyed After night fell on February 19, 20 and 21, Adolf Hitler's Luftwaffe dropped around 56,000 incendiary bombs and 89 tonnes of high-explosives. Pictured: The aftermath of the bombing The raid killed 230 people and injured nearly 400. The city centre was left in ruins. Pictures showed buildings turned to heaps of rubble What was the Three Nights Blitz and why was Swansea a target? The Three Nights Blitz was a series of bombing raids conducted by the Nazis on the Welsh city of Swansea over the course of three days in 1941. After night fell on February 19, 20 and 21, Adolf Hitler's Luftwaffe dropped around 56,000 incendiary bombs and 89 tonnes of high-explosives. The raid killed 230 people and injured nearly 400. The city centre was left in ruins. Pictures showed buildings turned to heaps of rubble. Why was Swansea targeted? Swansea was in the Nazis' sights because of its docks were a major port. The aim was to damage British exports and also to demoralise civilians. Historian John Alban told the BBC that Swansea was 'critically important', prompting Hitler to order that it be attacked to knock the port out. Advertisement On the second night of bombing on Thursday, February 20, Mr John continued: 'Much more fury, fewer fire bombs but a rain of incendiaries on hill back of us. 'Endless roar of planes, crash of guns, whistle and crash of bombs mostly north and east. Dozens of search lights.' And in his entry of February 22, Mr John listed a series of streets which had 'all perished'. He added that there was a 'gigantic fire' and that the aftermath was 'like Ypres' - a reference to the Belgian town which was decimated by fighting in the First World War. In a stark contrast to the three days of horror, Mr John then wrote on February 23, 'Fine and sunny day. A restful peaceful night. Saw Frank at Langland.' The Home Guard, which had a membership of around a million people, was made up partly of First World War veterans. It existed to protect Britain in the event of an invasion by Hitler's troops or other enemy forces. West Glamorgan Archive Service has now digitised Mr John's diary online to give an insight to what the bombing campaign was like. Mr John survived the war and later died in 1965. A series of online events marking the blitz is being held by Swansea Council, the West Glamorgan Archive Service and art galleries. Three Nights Blitz expert Dr John Alban will also be presenting an online talk. Speaking to the BBC, survivor Marion Jones, now 86, recalled her memories of the bombing campaign. She said: 'It wasn't pleasant, and I can remember my grandmother would not come into the shelter and my father was getting upset, and the only way she came in is because I called her and I pleaded with her to come in. 'I can remember the horror of the bombing and seeing the flames when people went up to the hill in Morriston where it overlooked Swansea, and I don't think they will ever forget the scene that they saw.' Around 56,000 incendiary bombs and 89 tonnes of high-explosive bombs were dropped on Swansea during the Three Nights Blitz. The fires caused by the blast were visible from the other side of the Bristol Channel in Devon. Swansea was in the Nazis' sights because of its docks were a major port. The aim was to damage British exports and also to demoralise civilians. Pictured: Damaged train carriages in Swansea following the bombings in 1941 Swansea city centre was heavily damaged. Historian John Alban told the BBC that Swansea was 'critically important', prompting Hitler to order that it be attacked to knock the port out Gov. J.B. Pritzker, during an unrelated news conference in Belleville, was asked about Madigans announcement. Rather than focus on the former speaker, Pritzker lavished praise his family: Look, I wish former Chairman Madigan, former Rep. Madigan, former Speaker Madigan well. One thing I will say is that when you serve as long, and in as dedicated a fashion in terms of just (the) sheer number of hours that the man put into the job, his family can really suffer. Its a challenge for the spouses and children and grandchildren of somebody whos put that much into public service and I just want to call them out today and say, they really deserve kudos for, you know, the public service that that former Speaker Madigan did because its the family that often suffers the fact that hes not home when theyd like him to be. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 28306 Dennis Gibson, Chief Technical Officer of Black & Veatch Mining Todays mining industry has reason to be optimistic, with the global appetite for increased connectivity, mobility, smart infrastructure and low-emissions transportation driving demand for metal resources. Following the adage, If it is not grown, it is mined, the mining sector is playing a starring role in building this futuristic society of tomorrow by providing steel for driverless cars, copper for mobile devices, and lithium, nickel, cobalt and vanadium for batteries. Now more than ever, were seeing the advent of new technologies that can deliver on the promise of safeguarding health and safety while maximizing efficiency, productivity, enhanced collaboration and resilience. These tools will enable mining leaders to fulfil todays demands while ensuring the long-term sustainability and profitability of their operations, transforming the way the industry operates and delivering value to surrounding communities and shareholders. Advances in automation and robotics from autonomous self-driving trucks to driverless trains, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly reducing risk to human life. Big Data and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) a combination of automation, Wi-Fi sensor technologies, cloud-based systems and data analytics are helping mines gain higher levels of real-time situational awareness, improving operational efficiency and decreasing costs. Meanwhile, electric vehicles (EVs) and advancements in mobility hold promise for a lower-emission, more sustainable future. Autonomous Vehicles Even as the debate rages over driverless vehicles on public roads, driverless trucks, trains, drills and loaders are becoming more common in mines of the future. Mine operators are recognizing the benefits of automation, which continues to improve in capability while coming down in cost. With haulage ranking as one of a mines highest costs, and autonomous vehicles (AVs) offering productivity gains up to 30 percent, companies are taking heed major manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Hitachi and Komatsu continue to introduce new options in autonomous haulage. Rio Tinto leads the charge with their Mine of the Future vision that embraces technology and automation. The company now relies on nearly all driverless trucks to explore for, mine and move iron ore at their mine sites in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Navigating via GPS technology and sensors, these trucks work alongside robotic rock drilling rigs to transport materials on-site. The company has also introduced a fully automated train system known as AutoHaul, which bears the distinction as the worlds first heavy freight driverless train network. All these operations are powered by a centralized remote-operations control center located 750 miles away in Perth. Many other miners are now embracing technology in the development and operation of their mines. Big Data & Analytics Big Data and IoT are also driving efficiency and transforming the way the mining industry operates. Placing smart devices in mines can collect and relay thousands of data points in real-time. This vast network of smart infrastructure Wi-Fi sensor technologies, cloud-based systems and data analytics platforms can deliver unprecedented levels of situational awareness, allowing operators to make quick, informed decisions and meet their growth and sustainability goals. Having this enhanced knowledge allows both new and existing mines to proactively monitor, analyze, forecast and adjust on the fly to improve efficiency, prevent disruption, eliminate unnecessary waste, save costs and make smarter operational decisions. Electric Vehicles & Mobility Decarbonization is a growing priority as climate change remains top of mind, and the electrification of heavy fleet vehicles is only going to increase as the world moves away from combustion engines. Although EVs are becoming more popular among consumers and in mass transit, its still early days for mining, though new advancements in battery range and capacity hold promise for the future of EVs in mining. Manufacturers are increasingly moving into space. ETF Equipment out of Slovenia manufactures all-electric surface haul trucks, with plans for motor graders and wheel loaders, while the German company GHH Fahrzeuge offers all-electric Load-Haul-Dump loaders (LHDs). Aside from the overall benefits in reducing energy consumption, these applications are particularly interesting when it comes to working underground where emissions would require additional ventilation. Taking mobility a step further, interesting developments such as hyperloop technology could also play a role on mine sites in a few decades. Last year, Black & Veatch completed a feasibility study on Virgin Hyperloop One, a new high-speed mode of transportation that moves via electric propulsion through a low-pressure tube. The system is fully autonomous, with no direct carbon emissions, and can move freight and people at aeroplane-speed over long distances. Conclusion These technologies may seem like a leap now, but considering the rate of technology adoption in our day-to-day lives from the evolution of landline phones to sleek mobile devices, combustion engines to the sterile silence of the EV its not such a stretch to expect to see these technologies play a critical role in transforming todays mining industry, to build the mines of tomorrow. Check out: Metals and Mining Review Hours after Jefferson Parish Council members publicly called out Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng's administration for poor communication on coronavirus vaccine distribution last week, top Lee Sheng officials offered to help arrange vaccine shots for council members and their staffs. As of Thursday, two council members had taken up on the offer. Of the rest of the council, one member declined, another said he was unaware of the offer and at least two had already been vaccinated. The seventh council member, Marion Edwards, did not return a call for comment. Last week, several council members expressed frustration after seeing social media posts of members of Lee Sheng's staff getting vaccinated. It prompted Council member Dominick Impastato to send Lee Sheng a letter asking how parish government had determined which parish employees were eligible for the shot. After an order by Gov. John Bel Edwards added parish emergency response and COVID response personnel to the vaccine-eligible list, Lee Sheng and some staff got their first shot at a parish vaccination site on Feb. 9. Lee Sheng said her administration interpreted the governor's order to include nearly 100 parish employees who are required to report to the Emergency Operations Center during crises, as well as some of her executive staff who are "in the situation room" with her during emergencies. At the time, Lee Sheng said she had asked the state Department of Health or guidance and had been told that council members and their staffs were not eligible. But a Louisiana Department of Health spokesperson, in response to a question from a NOLA.com | The Times-Picaynue reporter, said those eligibility decisions had been left up to individual parishes. +4 Why the council questioned Jefferson Parish's Cynthia Lee Sheng over staff coronavirus vaccinations After some members of her staff received the coronavirus vaccine this week, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng faced pointed questio Meanwhile, Jefferson Parish Council members also saw that members of the New Orleans City Council had joined Mayor LaToya Cantrell in receiving vaccines the same week that the Jefferson Parish employees did. After a story about the Jefferson Parish Council members questions appeared on NOLA.com Feb. 12, Lee Sheng had one of her top deputies reach out to council members with an offer to coordinate vaccine appointments for them and some members of their staffs. Some council members didn't need it at least two, Deano Bonano and Byron Lee had already received their first shots because they were eligible in other ways. Two others, Jennifer Van Vrancken and Scott Walker, accepted the help. Van Vrancken said she got her first vaccine shot on Saturday morning; Walker got his Thursday. 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 "I think that's what all should be doing," Van Vrancken said. Getting that first jab has given her a higher "level of confidence" about being in public, she said. Walker had criticized Lee Sheng last week for the level of communication surrounding the vaccines, but said he wasn't "clamoring" to get the jab. "I said when we got our opportunity that I would take it," he said. Impastato turned the offer down. "I'll get it when my turn comes," he said. Council member Ricky Templet said Thursday that he had not seen the notification from the parish that he was now eligible and that he had not yet gotten vaccinated. The imbroglio over the vaccines was the first significant public dustup between Lee Sheng and members of the council, most of whom have been complimentary of her leadership style. "This is a reminder to keep those lines of communication open," Van Vrancken said. "It's going to continue to be important." The New York Police Department deployed an additional 644 transit officers to the citys subway stations in the wake of last weekend's fatal stabbings of two passengers and the wounding of two others, though the move is being slammed as inadequate. The chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the subways, said that the additional deployment is well short of the 1,500 cops necessary to make riders feel secure enough to return to the subway en masse. The NYPD this week said it would send 331 cops from the Transit Bureau as well as 313 patrol officers into 68 subway stations throughout the city. The department as a whole has more than 36,000 officers. We are able to achieve this through overtime, deployment of officers normally assigned to administrative duties and re-assignment of other non-transit officers, NYPD Transit Chief Kathleen OReilly told the New York Post. New York City police officers are seen above patrolling inside the Atlantic Avenue - Barclay's Center subway station in downtown Brooklyn earlier this week The NYPD deployed an additional 644 police officers to New York City subway stations days after Rigoberto Lopez, 21, was charged with killing two homeless people during a violent 14-hour spree. Lopez is being held without bail Police released an image of the knife that Lopez allegedly used to slay two homeless people and wound two others last weekend The officers will fan out through the system during the morning and evening rush-hour commutes. The public can expect to see the surge in uniformed presence in the system for the foreseeable future, patrolling platforms, securing entryways and riding the trains, OReilly said. Im here to ensure all New Yorkers that we are invested in keeping everyone safe. But the MTA's Foye told WPIX-TV that the NYPD needs to send an additional 1,000 officers on top of the 644 that were deployed this week. According to Foye, there were well over 4,000 NYPD officers patrolling the subways in 1995. Before the NYPD announced this most recent deployment, there were around 2,400 officers in the subways, according to Foye, who said that the public needs to see the same level of police engagement that was witnessed in 1995. From a customer perception point of view, customers have to feel safe and secure for them to go back to the system, Foye said. The MTAs ridership is pivotal to New York City economys regional recovery, and we need additional police resources and importantly, additional mental health resources from the City. There are too many emotionally disturbed people both on the streets and in the subways. The NYPD's deployment of 644 additional officers to the subways this week is still woefully short, according to MTA Chairman Patrick Foye (right). NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea is seen left Since the onset of the pandemic, ridership in the New York City subway system has plummeted some 90 per cent. With most subway commuters working from home, the transit system has been badly impacted. Some studies have suggested that the pandemic has cost the MTA between $7billion and $8.5billion. The move to deploy more police officers comes just days after authorities said Rigoberto Lopez stabbed four homeless people, two of them fatally, in the New York City subway system. Lopez was arraigned on murder and attempted murder charges on Monday. A court complaint said he confessed to the attacks. A message seeking comment was left for Lopezs attorney. Lopez, 21, who is said to be mentally ill, was taken into custody Saturday night at W. 186th St and Audubon Avenue in Washington Heights. One victim was discovered dead on a subway train in Queens late on Friday with several stab wounds to his neck and torso, police said. Two hours later, a 44-year-old woman, Claudine Roberts, was found stabbed to death in a subway car in upper Manhattan. Police patrol the A line subway train bound to Inwood in Manhattan on Saturday after NYPD deployed more officers after the stabbings Her father, Winston Roberts, told the New York Post that she struggled with mental illness since her teens. She had been living in a shelter after recently getting out of a hospital, but she stopped by his home just Wednesday, he said. 'I loved my daughter,' he said. 'I tried to do the best for her.' Lopez is also charged in two other attacks in upper Manhattan subway stations late Friday and early Saturday. The victims, both men, survived. Authorities believe all four victims were homeless. The slashings over the weekend - in addition to the spike in violent crime throughout the city over the course of the nearly-year-long pandemic - have heightened concerns about if and when the city will return to normal. NYPD figures show that 1,868 people were hit by gunfire in 1,531 separate shooting incidents last year matching the combined totals for 2018 and 2019, when 1,820 victims and 1,531 shooting incidents were recorded. Last year, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea blamed New Yorks sharp rise in crime on New Yorks new bail reform laws. The MTA also said that transit workers were facing increased threats, harassments, and assaults since the state mandated that subway service be shut down overnight in order to disinfect the trains. In May, the MTA shut down subway service between 1am and 5am each night so that the train cars could be thoroughly disinfected. In the 116-year history of the New York City subway, it has halted overnight service just a handful of times, including extreme weather events or worker strikes. Overnight service was also briefly suspended in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in Lower Manhattan. Transit workers say that the empty train stations put them at greater risk. Police are seen on the A line subway train bound to Inwood on Saturday looking for the subway slasher According to the MTA, five subway workers have been assaulted between 1am and 5am since the abbreviated schedule went into effect last spring. By comparison, there were just four attacks on employees between those hours between May 2019 and January 2020, when the trains were running on a full schedule. But workers unions claim that the actual number of incidents in which transit employees are harassed and threatened is higher, though they are not counted since they dont rise to the level of an assault as defined by state law. Since August, the MTA has counted a total of almost 300 instances of harassment against transit workers during all hours of the day. The MTA said on Monday that subways will run for two more hours every day starting later this month, and the nightly system shutdown for cleaning will be reduced as part of a phased reopening. Starting on Monday, subways will run until 2am, and start again at 4am, the first expansion of operating hours since shutdowns were instituted in May of last year to allow for cleanings during the pandemic. We have determined that a shortened overnight closure is an appropriate step forward towards the return of around-the-clock service, said Sarah Feinberg, interim New York City Transit president, at a press conference with Governor Andrew Cuomo. The cleanings that had gone on between 1am and 5am will continue in the shortened shutdown period, she said. We are confident that we can maintain the cleaning and disinfecting that we have been able to do thus far, she said. New Delhi: As the ambitious Film City project is underway in Uttar Pradesh (UP), many Bollywood celebrities are taking a keen interest in the same. In this regard, actress Gul Panag met Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) CEO Arunvir Singh, at the Yamuna Authority Office in UP on Thursday (February 18). The actress discussed the Film City project, which is to come up on 1,000 acres off the Yamuna Expressway, with the CEO. She had a detailed discussion with Singh, and is likely to visit him again next week. The film city is to be set up in Sector 21 along the Yamuna Expressway in Gautam Buddh Nagar. Out of the 1000 acres, 780 acres will be for industrial use and 220 acres for commercial use. Yamuna Authority is responsible for preparing the detailed project report (DPR) of the new Film City. In December 2020, the CBRE South Asia Private Limited was finalised for making the DPR for the upcoming new Film City. The ambitious project will include a shooting facility, along with modern equipment for editing, sound mixing, animation and VFX. A Film Academy will also be built in the premises. Meanwhile, five star hotel, amusement park, shops will also come up in the new Film City. Earlier in December last year, addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said, "We want to build a world-class film city in Uttar Pradesh. We held discussions with several producers, directors, actors and other experts related to film industry in this regard. In his two-day Mumbai visit, the UP CM had met Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, film producer and director Subhash Ghai, producer Boney Kapoor, director Tigmanshu Dhulia, actor and director Satish Kaushik, director Madhur Bhandarkar and director Anil Sharma. Live TV Most people know the lowest bidder does not always provide the most reliable product. Making sure a vendor can actually deliver the product also seems like common sense. ERCOT, the Texas electric grid manager, though, does neither of those things because Republican politicians who have controlled state regulations for two decades have failed to heed 13 years of dire warnings. Instead, they believed free-market advocates who argued financial incentives would encourage responsible planning. The Texas Blackouts prove them wrong. Now our political leaders are giving us misleading scapegoating, political gamesmanship and another front in the culture wars. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Don't blame Texas energy players for blackout, blame the electricity grid's irresponsible game People died because of this pitiful behavior, and our leaders need to turn down the volume and roll up their sleeves. The solutions are easy and obvious. The present situation was first anticipated in a report in the Texas House Select Committee on Electric Generation Capacity and Environmental Effects Report published Jan. 12, 2009. We live during a time of great uncertainty about the future of the electric grid, the committee, led by former House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, concluded. The debate over electric generation should be primarily pragmatic, not idealistic. Texas has the only American electricity grid with no rules for resiliency. Instead, the GOP majority argued that a system that pays higher prices when demand goes up would incentivize generators to make sure their systems work during extreme weather. Another polar vortex almost exactly 10 years ago triggered blackouts. Natural gas lines froze, coal piles froze like piles of ice. Wind turbine blades glazed over because operators had skimped on the cold-weather package. The Legislature appointed another investigative committee in 2012 but ignored the advice to set resiliency standards. Instead, lawmakers concluded Texas electricity customers should pay generators even higher prices. The state Public Utility Commission raised the maximum payment per megawatt hour from $4,500 to $9,000 in a market that normally pays $25. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who served on that House Committee, registered his doubts. I expressed my concerns to the PUC prior to its vote and asked the commissioners to state the impact on the costs to consumers, Turner wrote. The Texas Blackout proved that even $9,000 an hour was not enough to convince companies to weatherize properly. The generation companies that stayed online made a fortune last week, but 185 powerplants went offline and let two dozen people die. Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle Spending more on resiliency would hurt companies in the long run in the current market. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas buys the cheapest electricity first and then buys more expensive power until the states needs are met. Generators do not get paid to be resilient, only to produce cheaply. All other grids are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which requires weatherized pipelines and equipment. All other grids pay companies to build and maintain weatherized backup generators. Texas lawmakers have debated following those best practices since they put ERCOT in charge of the wholesale electricity market in 1999. But the Texas GOP despises regulations, and generators prefer to pay out high profits to shareholders than invest in sturdier equipment. To understand why ERCOT did not raise the alarm, look at who sits on the 13-member board. Nine currently work or have worked in the energy industry. One works for the City of Dallas and one represents industrial customers. Residential consumers have a single advocate appointed by a governor who is an unabashed advocate of the energy industry. One seat is empty. Now that the system has catastrophically failed, Gov. Greg Abbott is demanding the heads of the people who did nothing more than follow the rules the Legislature imposed. He is going on national television, denouncing renewable energy even though it outperformed during the crisis. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Evolving Texas grid marks beginning of the end for fossil fuel electricity Houston-area Rep. Dan Crenshaw is taking to Twitter to boost his friends in the fossil fuel industry and spread misinformation. The GOP is turning hatred for clean energy into another culture war cry and partisan talisman, even though it is the cheapest source of new, reliable generation. Consumers need to watch closely as Texas authorities begin debating reforms. Lobbyists see an opportunity to gain subsidies for their industries. The reforms we need, though, are simple. First, connect to the rest of the country via the national grid and accept federal regulation so we can import electricity when we run out. Texas should also require generators to prove they are prepared for the weather events climate change will bring before they can offer their power to the wholesale market. That would reduce the risk of failure and force generators to weatherize. Power prices will rise, ever so slightly, but it will reduce the risk of another Texas Blackout. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and politics. twitter.com/cltomlinson chris.tomlinson@chron.com Interim results of the ongoing clinical trial indicate that the indigenous Covid-19 vaccines would be effective against the mutated virus strains reported from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Thursday. "The interim analysis report should be out in a week," said ICMR director-general Dr Balram Bhargava while addressing an international webinar "Kerala Health: Making the SDG A Reality," organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Kerala. Also Read | Turnout modest for second covid shot Bhargava said that the third clinical trial of Covaxin BB152 had been completed as all the 25,800 volunteers involved in the exercise had been administered both doses. He also stated that a paper on Covaxin's neutralisation potential against the UK strain has been accepted for publication. In the case of the variants from South Africa and Brazil, efforts were on to isolate the mutated virus strains from the samples collected from travellers from these two countries, he said. Bhargava pointed out that India was the fifth country in the world to isolate the Covid-19 virus as part of the efforts to develop a vaccine for the pandemic. "India had from the outset resisted the temptation of going for herd immunity unlike many European countries, including the UK and Italy, and its decision had been vindicated from what happened in the western nations that allowed the pandemic to spread," he said. New variants in India The ICMR had on Tuesday announced that the South African variant of coronavirus circulating in more than 44 countries has entered India with four people having been detected with the strain. India has also reported one case of the Brazilian strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. "The strain has multiple mutations, including in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein allowing the virus to easily enter the lung cells of the human body. The majority of the cases in South Africa are due to the variant strain and it has spread to 44 countries," Bhargava had said. New guidelines in view of variants Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced updated guidelines for the international passengers coming to India in view of the rising cases of the mutant strain. All international fliers except the ones coming on flights originating from the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East will have to submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal before their scheduled travel. You can get the revised guidelines here. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Shares of Hindustan Foods hit a new high of Rs 2,286, rallying 10 per cent on the BSE in intra-day trade on Friday in otherwise weak market. In the past one week, the stock of packaged foods company has gained 24 per cent after reporting the highest quarterly revenues and profit after tax (PAT) in its history for the quarter ended December 2020 (Q3FY21). In the past three months, the Hindustan Foods' stock has zoomed 152 per cent, as compared to 17 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. In the last six months, the stock has soared 208 per cent, as against 32 per cent surge in the benchmark index. The company is one of Indias most diversified contract manufacturers of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). In 2013, Vanity Case Group bought a controlling stake in Hindustan Foods, and since then it has diversified across various FMCG categories with manufacturing competencies in food & beverages, home care, personal care, fabric care, leather products and pest control. In the third quarter of 2021-21 (Q3FY21), Hindustan Foods' standalone PAT grew by 97 per cent year on year (YoY) at Rs 12.60 crore from Rs 6.40 crore in Q3FY20. Revenues jumped 85 per cent to Rs 384 crore in Q3FY21. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose 49 per cent to Rs 22.4 crore, while margins declined 146 basis points (bps) over the previous year quarter. The performance was supported by sharp decline in Covid cases and improved mobility. The management said the demand for contract manufacturing in FMCG industry has been growing rapidly, and that the company has been in discussion for new projects with its customers. As a result of such discussions, the company had recently announced a capex of Rs 125 crore in Northern India for a large FMCG brand. It aims to achieve goal of Rs 2,000 crore in turnover by FY22, the management said. As a result of the financial practices, India Ratings had recently upgraded the companys long-term credit rating to IND A with positive outlook. "The positive outlook reflects upon companys sustained growth in revenue and profitability, driven by commissioning of upcoming capacities and proposed mergers, while maintaining a strong credit profile. This has resulted in decrease in the borrowing costs for the company and we intend to leverage the low interest regime to further increase our capex plans in the next couple of quarters," it said. At 02:01 pm; Hindustan Foods was trading 7 per cent higher at Rs 2,222 on the BSE, as compared to 0.59 per cent decline in the S&P BSE Sensex. A combined around 40,000 equity shares changed hands on the counter on the NSE and BSE. KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a decree that brings into force sanctions against Viktor Medvedchuk, a political heavyweight and tycoon, and other Ukrainian politicians who have close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskiy signed the decree on February 20, a day after Ukraines National Security Council announced sanctions against Medvedchuk, his wife, Oksana Marchenko, as well as six other individuals and 19 companies all believed to be tied to the tycoon. Some of the individuals are Russian citizens. The sanctions freeze the assets of Medvedchuk and his wife for three years and prevent them from doing business in Ukraine. Most of Medvedchuks assets are under his wifes name. Ukraine has also said an oil pipeline that transports Russian oil products to Europe and is reportedly controlled by Medvedchuk will be nationalized. The measures are the latest in a series of moves by Zelenskiys administration to go after Ukrainian individuals who critics say have close ties to the Kremlin. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said it supported Ukraines efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity through sanctions. Medvedchuk has been under U.S. sanctions since 2014 for undermining Ukraines security, territorial integrity, and democratic institutions, it said in a statement. Earlier on February 20, Medvedchuk called the sanctions "illegitimate" and "illegal." Ukraine on February 2 sanctioned Taras Kozak and three television stations he formally owns. Ukrainian media say the media assets, which aired pro-Kremlin propaganda, really belong to Medvedchuk. Medvedchuk, who is a lawmaker and chairman of the pro-Russia Opposition Platform For Life (OPZZh), criticized the moves against him and fellow party member Kozak. "My fellow faction member Taras Kozak and I, as well as our family members, have been subjected to sanctions illegally and without any evidence," Medvedchuk told Russia's Interfax on February 20. "As a specialist in law, I can say that all these sanctions that the sitting administration has imposed on me, my family, my associates, and journalists are illegitimate and cannot be imposed other than through a court ruling." He vowed that he would not flee the country following the measures taken against him, which the Kremlin on February 20 called "very alarming." In a separate move, Zelenskiys government recently launched a criminal investigation into meddling in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Ukrainian individuals are accused of seeking to harm the campaign of U.S. President Joe Biden by publishing alleged recordings of his conversations while he served as vice president overseeing the Obama administrations relationship with Kyiv. Godfather Putin Medvedchuk is the head of the political council of the OPZZh, which is the largest opposition group in the Ukrainian parliament. He is one of the partys 44 deputies in the 450-seat legislature. Medvedchuk has a warm personal relationship with Putin, who is the godfather of his daughter. The lawmaker was sanctioned by the United States in 2014 for undermining democracy in Ukraine. Ukraine said it is investigating Medvedchuk and the other individuals on suspicion of financing terrorism. The sanctions are tied to exports of coal to Russia from a separatist-held region in eastern Ukraine. Russia-backed separatists took control of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions after Ukrainian protesters toppled pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. Profits from the illegal coal trade allegedly funded the three TV channels Medvedchuk reportedly owns. Ukrainian media reported about the illegal coal sales as early as 2016. Ukraine also said on February 19 that it is seizing PrykarpatZakhidtrans, an oil product pipeline owned by offshore companies reportedly connected to Medvedchuk. The OPZZh has sharply criticized the sanctions and asset seizure, calling it "the destruction of Ukrainian democracy." Political analysts say the moves by the Zelenskiy administration could be an attempt to cozy up to the Biden administration following Kyivs strained relationship with former President Donald Trump. I would see this [action] more as Zelenskiy trying to demonstrate to Washington that he will be a good partner, John Herbst, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and an analyst at the Atlantic Council think tank, said about the timing of the Medvedchuk sanctions. With reporting by AP, Reuters, UNIAN, Ukrayinska Pravda, and the Kyiv Post The man at the centre of a 26-hour siege in Brisbanes south has been charged with 11 offences relating to the incident and his alleged actions leading up to it, including the armed robbery of a nearby hotel. Police took the man into custody on Friday afternoon following a lengthy stand-off at a Sunnybank home, where he was allegedly armed and holed up with a three-year-old boy and a woman, both of whom were known to him. Police at the Sunnybank home after the 26-hour siege. Credit:Nine In a statement late on Friday, police revealed they initially attended the Dyson Avenue address at 10.30am the day before in relation to an alleged armed robbery of the Salisbury Hotel on February 14. Police said that on their arrival, the 36-year-old man threatened officers with a firearm. An exclusion zone was then set up as specialist police, including negotiators and Special Emergency Response Team officers, were called in. In the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church in northern Jordan, local townspeople and Syrian refugees work side-by-side on a project that preserves cultural heritage and fights poverty. Meticulously operating by hand with tweezers and brushes, workers restore a mosaic floor piece by piece at the St John the Baptist church, built in 619 AD. It is one of three church mosaic floors under restoration, or recently restored, in the small town of Rihab, adding to an impressive array of such national treasures. Jordan's most renowned mosaic is one of the oldest maps of the Holy Land, consisting of over two million mosaic stones originally built into the floor of a sixth century Byzantine church in Madaba. "I don't think there is another country with (as) many floor mosaics for the Byzantine time," said 54-year-old expert Franco Sciorilli, an Italian who is supervising the work. Rihab, 70 kilometres (around 45 miles) north of the capital Amman and less than half that distance from the Syrian border, has over time been home to around 32 churches, mostly from the Byzantine era, according to Sciorilli. But nowadays only the ruins of five or six are visible, including the St George cathedral, built in 230 AD and one of the oldest in the world, he said. The rest remain buried in sand. Three hundred people, a fifth of them women, are working on the pilot project to restore the sites, run by UN cultural agency UNESCO and financed by Germany. All of the workers live in Rihab, and around a third are Syrians. For 45-year-old Walid al-Awad, who lost his home and his livelihood when he fled the city of Daraa in war-torn Syria in 2012, the project is a lifeline. "I am proud to be part of the restoration and maintenance of historic monuments," the father of six said. "It's saved me financially and I've gained real experience." - Training and jobs - Kneeling on thick pieces of foam, workers hunch over a brown, white and black tile mosaic, whose design represents the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers as well as trees, flowers and geometric figures. Story continues There are no human faces or bodies, in conformity with a ruling by eighth-century Byzantine Emperor Leo III the Isaurian forbidding such depictions. An ancient Greek inscription reads that the mosaic was financed by residents in honour of St John the Baptist. "The project has two main aims: preserving heritage... (and) creating job opportunities for local communities," even if the employment is short-term, said Dania Dirani, head of the UNESCO initiative. She said the workers were trained in the site's history and churches, along with how to work with mosaics and restoration. Only half of the 600 applicants could be chosen, and those most in need were given priority, she added. The workers earn between 12.5 and 15 Jordanian dinars (just under $18 and up to $21) a day, depending on their skills and qualifications. Meals and transport costs are part of the package, in a country where the unemployment rate is 23 percent. For Taha al-Khazaleh, who has a diploma in restoring mosaics, it was a perfect fit. "I was happy to be part of this project because it's my speciality -- and because it gives me a monthly income of 300 dinars," said the 32-year-old Jordanian, who is from Rihab. - 'Let the world know' - Abandoned in the ninth century, the town's ruined churches were rediscovered from 1999. At the church of Procopius and Sergius, built in 590 AD, stonemasons working on the UN project restore pilasters and plinths. Restoration of the mosaic flooring at the St Mary church, built in 543 AD, was completed last month. UNESCO official Giorgia Cesaro said the project represented "a change in the approach to heritage conservation", one that took into consideration the communities living near the archaeological sites. "The idea is that they are the ones who can take care of their heritage, not necessarily international" experts, she said. She said the pilot programme had "paved the way to a much larger project which is targeting six sites in the north of Jordan and funded by the European Union". Meanwhile the Rihab work, which began in October last year, is expected to be completed by the end of May. Italian Sciorilli, who said he had trained around 500 people in restoring mosaics since coming to Jordan in 1994, expressed enthusiasm about the site's restoration. "The mosaics we have here are very simple, but the technique is very unique -- it is completely different than what you see" elsewhere, he said. "We should let the rest of the world know about it." msh/sk/lg/dwo 25120 Safwan Zaheer, Director, Financial Services Digital & Head of FinTech, KPMG US Currently, we are going through one of the most significant transformations in the banking industry. According to KPMG US, this transformation termed as FinTech revolutionis about the innovative use of new technologies and business models to enhance the design and delivery of financial services. Blockchain promises enhanced experiences in dealing with financial services. Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that uses computer science techniques to store, move and transact entities of value such as currency, coins, IDs, stocks, points, miles, intellectual property, and more. It provides a public ledger of every transaction thats ever happened on the network and streamlines business processes by removing the role of intermediaries. Backed by its distributed nature, Blockchain builds online collaboration and trust allowing transactions to be secure, anonymous, peer-to-peer, and instantaneous. The financial world uses intermediaries to serve as a database or ledger to record how much money everyone has at any given time. But intermediaries have limitations! They slow down financial transactions, introduce unnecessary errors and costs, and in some cases, prevent financial inclusion opportunities to many in the underserved world. Blockchain technology tackles these limitations and makes financial services faster and more efficient. Adopting Blockchain technology, however, doesnt come without any challenges. The prominent ones being lack of a proven scalable system that uses Blockchain, lack of standards, high costs, high energy usage (in case of Bitcoin Blockchain), among others. The challenges aside, the potential that Blockchain offers is undeniable. Lets consider payments,as an example. In the presence of intermediaries, it could take up to five days to send 50 dollars from the U.S. to Philippines. With the help of Blockchain technology, all the unnecessary delays and cost of the process are removed that enables the recipient to receive money almost instantaneously from the sender. The recipient can then immediately use that money according to their needs and benefit from the global financial services system. For instance, ABRA, a startup, utilizes Blockchain to enable consumers to send and receive money internationally, instantaneously. Blockchain provides a public ledger of every transaction thats ever happened on the network and streamlines business processes Another important application of Blockchain technology is in providing immediate access to the capital in the trade and supply chain environments that rely on antiquated commercial banking system. For e.g., a farmer selling crops to a buyer can receive payment for its crop as soon as it ships the crops as opposed to several days;only possible through a Blockchain enabled trade settlement system enabling the buyer to confirm and track shipment of its goods by the seller. Another interesting application of Blockchain is the Initial Coin Offering (ICO), where allows entrepreneurs or startups to raise funds without having to go through the traditional capital raise process, which in many ways limits supply of capital to deserving entrepreneurs. For instance, Ethereum, the Blockchain platform that enables smart contract, was itself a successful ICO project that used ICO to raise initial funds. Although improvements have been made in trade and post-trade processing, they have not kept pace with front-office advancements by any stretch of the imagination. Assets that trade electronically in the blink of an eye often take days to settle. Blockchain is one such FinTech that has the potential to solve current problems in Capital Markets and in the process help save billions of dollars in back-office and settlement costs. Check Out : Top Blockchain Startups In a Blockchain-based distributed ledger environment, clearing and settlement can occur within seconds. Perhaps more important, Blockchain distributed ledgers can be optimized to clear and settle at different speeds depending on the market participants needs. However, integrating distributed ledger and Blockchain solutions into legacy bank infrastructure is not simple. Multiple points of integration and further developments are required to reach a production-ready state. Blockchain can also be a disruptive force challenging many of todays disruptors themselves like Uber that play the role of intermediaries. Uber matches drivers with riders, and this process can be automated and programmed by Blockchain. Blockchain can revolutionize financial services the way internet has democratized information and the way smartphones have revolutionized communication. The technology has the potential to transform industries in radical ways whether it is financial services or healthcare or transportation or even the diamond industry. Financial services institutions should be eager to engage in experimentation to gain the necessary knowledge and expertise. This will give them the opportunity to gain the necessary experience enabling them to launch new products and services that meet the needs of digital customers. 23190 Brian Hussey, Global Director of SpiderLabs Incident Response & Readiness, Trustwave Brian Hussey, Global Director of SpiderLabs Incident Response & Readiness, Trustwave Every security professional remembers the day they realized their job is not simply applying patches or plugging in a new security technology, but instead is a daily battle of wit with resilient, creative and adaptable adversaries. My moment happened before joining Trustwave, when I was still working with FBI. Part of my role at FBI was to travel around and teach cyber investigation techniques to our law enforcement partners. I was traveling to a poverty-stricken area in Kiev, Ukraine, where I worked with a group of intelligent and dedicated personnel. Somehow, limitations such as working on Windows 98 laptops with open source tools did not seem to concern them. One day after training, the team invited me out for drinks and on our way; they offered to take me to Cybercrime Alley. The team proceeded to drive by some of the most lavish high-rise apartments I have ever seen, with Ferraris and Lamborghinis frequenting the street. This juxtaposition of worlds was astonishing, and my hosts explained that this was where the local cybercriminals live. The 2015 Trustwave Global Security Report cited a 1,425 percent RoI for cybercriminals who use ransomware. Interestingly, many of the top Soviet-era universities were still churning out intelligent technical experts, who faced a clear choice between poverty and luxury, making the draw to cybercrime an understandable, albeit odious, temptation. While organizations are increasingly turning to MSSPs to solve their security woes, I encourage you to create a hybrid model that optimizes internal security operations with managed services This made me realize that the cybercrime problem is never going away. It will be constantly driven by sophisticated cybercriminals who know how to adapt their attack paradigms to meet their goals. The Carbanak Group famous for hacking banking institutions worldwide had stolen an estimated $1 billon throughout 2013 and 2014. This highly profitable string of attacks began to reduce when security researchers discovered and spread word of their modus operandi. Carbanak quickly pivoted into credit card breaches using standard phishing techniques and RAM scraping malware, easily monetizing credit card data on hundreds of online carder forums. When the standard phishing techniques became ineffective, Carbanak switched to leveraging vendors as third-party entry points into their victims networks. Recent high-profile attacks prove this to be an effective method, as third-party vendors are rarely forced to maintain the same internal security standards. Carbanaks most recent pivot occurred in 2016, when they infected the support portal for the largest vendor of POS systems globally, estimated to have put over 1 million POS servers at risk. What does the Carbanak Group example mean? Carbanak is a microcosm of a much larger threat landscape. There are hundreds of criminal collectives (both state-sponsored and strictly criminal) working against us, and we must be able to prepare for threats that can change on a daily basis and not settle for a one size fits all approach. My goal is to encourage you and your team to be as agile as your adversaries and move quickly to deploy advanced threat intelligence across networks, actively conduct penetration testing to identify and secure vulnerabilities, and have an incident response plan and team in place to tackle the attacks when they do come. Spending time listening to experts, talking with leading managed security services providers (MSSPs), and identifying new startups that could change the landscape is invaluable for your own security strategy. While organizations are increasingly turning to MSSPs to solve their security woes, I encourage you to create a hybrid model optimizing internal security operations with managed services. Focus on forming partnerships that combine external expertise and technology with internal industry knowledge. The day we rest on our laurels, overconfident in our security approach, is the day the attackers bypass our defenses. See More: Top Law Enforcement Technology companies Top Law Enforcement Technology Consulting Companies DEPC event on "Criminal Justice Reform in Ohio" and original resources on "Drug Sentencing Reform in Ohio" | Main | ACLU writes to AG-nominee Merrick Garland urging action on "five critical issues" The title of this post is the title of this notable new report from the folks at Prison Policy Initiative. Here are excerpts from the report's first part: In courthouses throughout the country, defendants are routinely denied the promise of a "jury of their peers," thanks to a lack of racial diversity in jury boxes. One major reason for this lack of diversity is the constellation of laws prohibiting people convicted (or sometimes simply accused) of crimes from serving on juries. These laws bar more than twenty million people from jury service, reduce jury diversity by disproportionately excluding Black and Latinx people, and actually cause juries to deliberate less effectively. Such exclusionary practices exist in every state and often ban people from jury service forever.... As we have chronicled extensively, the criminal justice system disproportionately targets Black people and Latinx people so when states bar people with criminal convictions from jury service, they disproportionately exclude individuals from these groups. Of the approximately 19 million Americans with felony convictions in 2010, an estimated 36% (nearly 7 million people) were Black, despite the fact that Black people comprise 13% of the U.S. population. Although data on the number of Latinx people with felony convictions is difficult to find (because information about Latinx heritage has not always been collected or reported accurately within the criminal justice system), we do know that Hispanic people are more likely to be incarcerated than non-Hispanic whites and are overrepresented at numerous stages of the criminal justice process. It stands to reason, then, that Latinx populations are also disproportionately likely to have felony convictions. As a result, jury exclusion statutes contribute to a lack of jury diversity across the country. A 2011 study found that in one county in Georgia, 34% of Black adults and 63% of Black men were excluded from juries because of criminal convictions. In New York State, approximately 33% of Black men are excluded from the jury pool because of the states felony disqualification law. Nationwide, approximately one-third of Black men have a felony conviction; thus, in most places, many Black jurors (and many Black male jurors in particular) are barred by exclusion statutes long before any prosecutor can strike them in the courtroom. 02/19/2021 Photo (c) kemalbas - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.) Total U.S. confirmed cases: 27,901,914 (27,832,979) Total U.S. deaths: 493,501 (490,875) Total global cases: 110,476,945 (110,064,878) Total global deaths: 2,445,673 (2,434,048) New cases decline in 43 states The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, combined with the fact that 27 million Americans have already been infected, appears to be slowing the virus spread to a crawl. The U.S. has experienced a decline in the seven-day average of new cases in 43 states, according to a CNBC analysis of Johns Hopkins University data. The analysis shows Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming are the only states reporting an increase in the seven-day average of new cases. Hospitalizations have fallen in 49 states. Writing in The Wall Street Journal today, Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said COVID-19 cases are down 77 percent in the last six weeks. He predicts that the U.S. will achieve herd immunity -- and return to normal -- by April. Feds say virus likely doesnt spread by food contact Two government agencies have wrapped up a nearly year-long investigation, confirming previous findings that there is no credible evidence of food or food packaging being associated with COVID-19 transmission. Our confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply remains steadfast, said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock. Consumers should be reassured that we continue to believe, based on our understanding of currently available reliable scientific information, and supported by overwhelming international scientific consensus, that the foods they eat and food packaging they touch are highly unlikely to spread SARS-CoV-2. Woodcock said the principal reason for the agencies conclusions is that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is spread from person to person through the air, unlike foodborne or gastrointestinal viruses. Pfizer seeks permission to store vaccine at higher temperature The need to keep the Pfizer vaccine at extremely low temperatures has presented logistical issues that have complicated the vaccines rollout. Now, Pfizer is asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permission to keep the vaccine at a higher, easier-to-manage temperature. The drug company has submitted supporting data to the FDA, including stability data generated on batches manufactured over the past nine months of COVID-19 vaccine development. The current standard for storage is between minus 112 and minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Pfizer says the vaccine is stable between minus 13 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. We have been continuously performing stability studies to support the production of the vaccine at commercial scale, with the goal of making the vaccine as accessible as possible for healthcare providers and people across the U.S. and around the world, said Albert Bourla, Pfizers CEO. Walgreens expands its vaccination rollout Walgreens says it has administered more than 3 million COVID-19 vaccinations, mostly in long-term care facilities, and is now ready to expand its vaccination availability to more retail pharmacies. The company said it expects to receive nearly a half-million doses of the vaccine each week as part of an effort to increase vaccination at pharmacies in more than 20 states. The extra supply is expected to begin next week. The expansion is currently targeted for Arizona, Alaska, California, Chicago, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Is it safe to travel once you have been vaccinated? Millions of Americans have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, and many are eager to get back to normal activities. But what kind of normal activities are safe? For those ready to take a trip, Merck Manuals, a provider of health care information, echoes recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travel can increase exposure to risk. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of illness if you get COVID-19, but it is not perfect in preventing you from getting infected, the editors warn. Its not clear whether someone who is vaccinated can feel fine but still be infected enough to transmit the virus to someone else. That means that its essential that all people even individuals who have been vaccinated continue to wear a mask, wash their hands, and social distance for the foreseeable future. Around the nation Joe Biden has called on fellow world leaders to show together that democracies can still deliver as he underscored his administrations determination to quickly turn the page on Donald Trumps America First approach. In his first big appearance on the global stage, he gave a virtual address to the annual Munich Security Conference, saying it was a critical time for the worlds democracies to prove that our model isnt a relic of our history. We are in the midst of a fundamental debate about the future direction of our world, Mr Biden said in the address just after taking part in his first meeting as president with fellow G7 leaders. That debate is between those who argue that given all of the challenges we face, from the fourth industrial revolution to a global pandemic autocracy is the best way forward, and those who understand that democracy is essential to meeting those challenges. Mr Biden made his address to a global audience as his administration has begun reversing Trump administration policies. He said that the US stands ready to rejoin talks about re-entering the 2015 multilateral Iran nuclear deal abandoned by the Trump administration. The Biden administration announced on Thursday its desire to re-engage Tehran, and it took action at the United Nations aimed at restoring policy to what it was before Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018. Mr Biden also spoke out about the economic and national security challenges posed by Russia and China, as well as the two-decade war in Afghanistan, where he faces a May 1 deadline to remove the remaining 2,500 US troops under a Trump administration negotiated peace agreement with the Taliban. As he underlined challenges facing the US and its allies, he tried to make clear that he is determined to repair a US-Europe relationship that was strained under Mr Trump, who repeatedly questioned the value of historic alliances. I know the past few years have strained and tested the transatlantic relationship, Mr Biden said. The United States is determined to re-engage with Europe, to consult with you, to earn back our position of trust and leadership. READ the Leadersa Statement issued at the first #G7UK leadersa meeting today where they agreed to intensify cooperation on fighting COVID-19 and ashape a recovery that promotes the health and prosperity of our people and planeta https://t.co/p2lioRMELj G7 UK (@G7) February 19, 2021 At the G7, administration officials said, Mr Biden focused on what lies ahead for the international community as it fights the public health and economic crises created by the coronavirus pandemic. He said the US will soon begin releasing 4 billion dollars for an international effort to bolster the purchase and distribution of vaccines to poor nations, a programme Mr Trump refused to support. Both the G7 and the annual security conference were held virtually because of the pandemic. Connecticut State Police / Contributed Photo BRIDGEPORT A city man was charged Thursday after state police say they served a search warrant at his Lenox Avenue residence. The Connecticut State Police Narcotics Task Force Southwest office, aided by the State Police Gang Unit and Bridgeport police, executed a search-and-seizure warrant early Thursday at a residence in the 300 block of Lenox Avenue. Microorganisms possess natural product biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that may harbor unique bioactivities for use in drug development and agricultural applications. However, many uncharacterized microbial BGCs remain inaccessible. Researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign previously demonstrated a technique using transcription factor decoys to activate large, silent BGCs in bacteria to aid in natural product discovery. Now, they have developed a direct cloning method that aims to accelerate large-scale discovery of novel natural products. Their findings are reported in the journal Nature Communications. Named Cas12a assisted precise targeted cloning using in vivo Cre-lox recombination (CAPTURE), the method allows for direct cloning of large genomic fragments, including those with high-GC content or sequence repeats. Where existing direct cloning methods fail to effectively clone natural product BGCs of this nature, CAPTURE excels. "Using CAPTURE, microbial natural product BGCs can be directly cloned and heterologously expressed at an unprecedented rate," said study leader and Steven L. Miller Chair professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering Huimin Zhao, also a member of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at Illinois. "As a result, CAPTURE allows large-scale cloning of natural product BGCs from various organisms, which can lead to discovery of numerous novel natural products." Researchers first characterized the efficiency and robustness of CAPTURE by cloning 47 natural product BGCs from both Actinomycetes and Bacilli. After demonstrating nearly 100% efficiency of CAPTURE, 43 uncharacterized natural product BGCs from 14 Streptomyces and three Bacillus species were cloned and heterologously expressed by researchers. The produced compounds were purified and determined as 15 novel natural products, including six unprecedented compounds designated as bipentaromycins. Four of the bipentaromycins exhibited antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and Bacillus anthracis. "Addressing the current antimicrobial resistance crisis requires discovery of novel molecules capable of treating drug-resistant infections," said Zhao. "Discovery of bipentaromycins not only demonstrates the possibility of discovering novel antimicrobials, but it also provides an example on how this strategy can be applied for discovery of unique bioactive compounds for use in drug development and agricultural applications." The researchers plan next to characterize these compounds for other bioactivities such as anticancer, antiparasitic and anticancer properties. Preliminary results are already showing anticancer properties for some of the compounds. "Due to its exceptional robustness and efficiency, CAPTURE will likely become the method of choice for direct cloning of large DNA molecules such as natural product BGCs from genomic or metagenomic DNA for various basic and applied biological applications," said Zhao. ### She was set to star in a Hulu series about disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. But on Thursday, it was reported that Kate McKinnon has dropped out of The Dropout. It's unclear why McKinnon, 37, exited the project which she's been attached to as both star and executive producer since April 2019, according to Deadline.com. Exited: She was set to star in a Hulu series about disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. But on Thursday, it was reported that Kate McKinnon has dropped out of The Dropout The limited series is to be based on the ABC News/ABC Radios podcast about the rise and fall of Holmes and her Silicon Valley company, Theranos. Filming was scheduled to start in May once McKinnon had fulfilled her current season obligations with SNL. Sources say Hulu is continuing with the project and the search is underway for an actress to replace McKinnon in the lead role. McKinnon had been attached since April 2019 to star in and executive produce the project about the rise and fall of Holmes, right in 2015, and her Silicon Valley company, Theranos Facing trial: Holmes raised hundreds of millions of dollars to fund her biotech start-up. But the whole time, she was concealing the fact that her blood-testing machine didn't really work According to THR.com, the series recounts how Holmes raised hundreds of millions of dollars to fund her biotech start-up and became a media darling. The whole time, though, she was concealing the fact that her blood-testing machine didn't really work. Holnes, 37, is currently awaiting trial on 12 felony fraud charges. Still on: Meanwhile, it's believed that McKinnon remains attached to play Carole Baskin, right, in a series about Joe Exotic, the subject of the hugely popular Netflix docu-series Tiger King Convicted: Joe Exotic is a former zoo owner and keeper of big cats in Oklahoma. He is serving a 22-year sentence in federal prison for an attempted murder to hire plot targeting Baskin Meanwhile, it's believed that McKinnon remains attached to play Carole Baskin in a series about Joe Exotic, the subject of the hugely popular Netflix documentary Tiger King. She's also serving as an executive producer on the series that's set to air across the NBCUniversal platform of NBC, USA and Peacock. McKinnon has been a castmember on Saturday Night Live since 2012. Her other credits include the movies Ted 2, the all-female Ghostbusters reboot, Office Christmas Party, Yesterday and Bombshell. 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 (Natural News) The media these days is saturated with tales of evil conservatives and our heinous plans for world domination through insurrection. In fact, most mainstream articles that cover recent events including the election and the protests at the capitol make a point to always mention white supremacy and terrorism in the same breath as the word conservative. This is an entirely deliberate propaganda tactic called word association or word redefinition; change the subtext of a word or group label in the minds of the masses and you can often change perception from positive to negative. (Article by Brandon Smith republished from Alt-Market.us) In other words, Conservative = Racist/Terrorist. It doesnt matter if its not true, it just matters that people are conditioned to subconsciously make the connection. How about an example: Ive offered numerous criticisms of Trump and his administration over the years, but none of those criticism had anything to do with what leftists have been regurgitating since 2016. To them, Trumps racism was verified fact, yet when I ask any social justice warrior to produce an actual quote of Trump saying something racist, they cant seem to dig anything up. By extension, leftists have a bizarre obsession with Russia and the theory that Russia is an ever present hand of god in US politics, yet, none of them can produce any concrete proof that Russia has meaningful influence in American elections or affairs. The political left has committed itself to a fantasy world; a parallel universe. They deeply believes in things that never happened, and treat those beliefs as sacrosanct. Why? Probably because their movement is infected with people that are easily manipulated by word redefinitions and false associations. Are they victims of propaganda? Sure. Are they innocent? No, not really. Refusal to question the actions and motives of your chosen movement is willful ignorance, and leftists should be held accountable for that. They are the ONLY group of people that has consistently supported mass surveillance, mass censorship and deplatforming, mass violence, property destruction and looting as well as violations of individual rights through medical mandates and lockdowns. They call conservatives insurrectionists and traitors, but they are the only people openly trying to dismantle constitutional protections and the Bill of Rights. So, who are the real villains of this story? Leftists seem to suffer from bewilderment when faced with conservative values, so perhaps an explanation is needed? Think of it this way: Conservatives value core principles (natural law) and the vital fundamentals of civilization. We believe merit is more important than equity. We believe in winning through hard work and excellence, not winning by deception or through claims of victim status. We do not value personal feelings above logic and reason, and the opinion of a mob is no more important to us than the opinion of a single person. Conservatives dont owe any allegiance to the lefts twisted vision of democracy (tyranny by the majority), nor do we hold blind allegiance to any particular government. Our allegiance is to the Bill of Rights and to the principles which founded this nation, and when a political group attempts to violate those principles, we are not required to submit simply because they collected more votes. Our rights are more important than any election. Our rights are more important than your fears. One of the core characteristics of conservatives is that we have a tendency to argue with each othera lot. Its one of the main reasons why we find it difficult to organize on the same scale that leftists often do. We might all agree on the source of the problems our country faces, but we rarely all agree on the details, or the solutions. This is a weakness, but it is also a strength. I would much rather be a part of a movement that self reflects. I would much rather be a part of a movement that doesnt operate as a hive mind. There needs to be LOGICAL dissenting voices in everything so that ideas are challenged. If the ideas are found wanting by reason and wisdom, then they need to be addressed or abandoned. The political left has no concept of this, though. Leftists are afraid to question anything within their own circles. To dissent on the smallest detail is to be a heretic, a traitor to the cause. They use the word diversity all the time, like a battle cry, but when confronted with true diversity (diversity of thought), they panic and react violently. Leftists dont actually care about diversity; they only care that you have blind allegiance to the collective. Stray but a little, and the mob will come for your head. They LOVE plantations, they love slavery; as long as they own the plantations and they control the slaves. A natural consequence of this Animal Farm mentality is that irony and hypocrisy is lost on the followers of such movements. They project all their shortcomings and crimes on others. The devils they see in conservatives are actually the devils they see in the mirror everyday. That said, the higher up you get in the leftist pyramid, the less it becomes hypocritical and the more it becomes malicious and deliberate. The gaslighting, the word association propaganda, the selective memory hole they use to erase historical facts that contradict their ideology, the people at the top and their lackeys KNOW exactly what they are doing. They dont care that their claims are hypocritical or outright fraudulent. They know they are lying, they know they are gaslighting. Theyre not interested in being right, they are only interested in WINNING. There is much more going on here than meets the eye. There is a great deal of power and money behind the rise of the hard left ideology and there are certain people that benefit from its expansion. Leftists like to view themselves as the underdogs or revolutionaries fighting against the man. However, every resource of global power brokers has been offered in support of the political left. The Man is the ally of the leftists; in some ways he is even the creator of the leftist movement. They arent revolutionaries at all; they are the jackboots of the new world order. It was globalist institutions like the Rockefeller Foundation and the Ford Foundation that funded different elements of the feminist movement and gender studies movements from the late 1960s onward. This included the Rockefeller Foundations large donations to The Feminist Press and the Ford Foundations programs to indoctrinate university professors into injecting social justice talking points into their curriculum. This is openly admitted in Alison R. Bernsteins book Funding The Future: Philanthropys Influence On Americas Higher Education. Bernstein is the vice president of Education at the Ford Foundation and the former Associate Dean of Faculty at Princeton. Thats right folks, social justice activism was paid for and encouraged by the so-called patriarchy. This is reality, and it never stopped. Even today SJW groups are funded by globalists. For example, as the mainstream media often tries to dismiss or ignore, Black Lives Matter was initially funded by the Ford Foundation and George Soros and his Open Society Foundation. BLM coffers were flooded with over $100 million from uber rich white elites. Again, this is a FACT that even the dishonest spin doctors at Snopes are not able to deny. Instead, they attempt to use strawman arguments and sophistry to distract from the implication of extreme-left mobs receiving seed money from elitist billionaires. But lets follow this path even further: Who gets the support of the mainstream media behemoths? Conservatives or leftists? The answer is obvious. What about Big Tech platforms? Do they enforce leftist ideological standards? Do they censor conservative viewpoints predominantly or leftist viewpoints predominantly? The reality is that conservatives are deplatformed from Twitter, YouTube and Facebook far more than leftists, this is verifiable fact. When alternative platforms like Parler are built, are they allowed to simply exist? Of course not! The leftists rampage in an effort to destroy them, but the leftists would have no power without the backing of corporate monopolies like Apple, Google and Amazon. Not only does Big Tech aid the leftists in their Jihad against conservatives, but the government does as well. They dont just go after alternative platforms, they try to go after web service providers. And when alternative platforms move to more freedom oriented service providers like Epik, the leftists get government support in order to intimidate them also. Leftists revel in the argument that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences; they seem to think it is rather clever. I would say, actually, yes, thats EXACTLY what freedom of speech means. Freedom of speech means that no single group of people is allowed to use fear, intimidation and punishment to compel silence in other groups or individuals that disagree with them. With corporate monopoly and government on their side, it is clear that leftists have appointed themselves the sole arbiters of consequence, and this violates the constitution in every conceivable way. The collusion between government, corporations and extremist ideological movements is the classical definition of fascism. And, just as the Third Reich enjoyed immense funding, investment and industrial support from globalists and corporations in the decade leading up to WWII, the political left is enjoying immense support from the global corporate oligarchy today. You cannot be anti-fascist while you are colluding with fascists. So, again, I ask leftists: If you are the rebels, if you are the freedom fighters, then why are all the elites you are supposedly fighting against on your side? Why are evil people your most avid allies? Read more at: Alt-Market.us and LeftCult.com. A Cork GP has warned that society will have to live with Covid in some fashion and adapt to it in the near future. Dr Mary Favier was speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland following the news that more than 4,000 Covid-19 related deaths have been reported in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic. Dr Favier said that while the countrys vaccination programme brings great hope, that people will still need to adhere to social distancing measures into the future. Dr Mary Favier. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Were going to have to live with Covid in some fashion and adapt to it and that's the challenge for next winter is what happens with variants and does it impact on our vaccination schedule, she said. Dr Favier said that the pandemic has taught us that our health service must be appropriately funded and structured and particularly public health. We need to look at what underpins a lot of inequality now in our country and those impacts in health. And that is around poverty, inequality, it's around poor educational achievement and theyve been unmasked in this and we really need to pay attention to them in the future, she said. Reflecting on the past 11 months, she said it is like we've all been living is something of a time warp. "That first death was such a momentous time it was so big, and here we are now 11 months later and there's probably hardly a person in the country who hasn't been affected by a death in terms of somebody they know, she said. She said that the way in which people think and converse has since been changed and that we have come to understand terms we never had to know about prior to the pandemic. Weve learned to understand things like 14-day moving averages and positivity rates, who thought positivity rates werent to do with optimism or who thought modeling wasnt to do with the catwalk? Theres just been a huge change in our language, she said. Dr Favier said that there are also lessons to be learned from the past year in terms of institutional solidarity which she said hasnt been as good as the resilience shown by society in relation to the most vulnerable, socially disadvantaged, those with special needs and children who she said have not all been as well protected potentially as they might be. There are lessons to be learned from this but vaccination is going to potentially make a big difference and brings a lot of hope, she said. Senior Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP V. Vijayasai Reddy on Friday lambasted Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National President N. alleging that he orchestrated the sale of 54 government companies. "Who sold Nizam Sugars Limited, dozen cooperative sugar factories, Allwyn watches, spinning mills and paper mills, all together 54 companies," Reddy alleged. He doubled down on the TDP Supremo following his censure of the state government and Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for failing to stop the Central government's decision of privatising Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). "Further, who emptied 100 more companies and sent lakhs of employees home with voluntary retirement service (VRS)? Don't people know your crocodile tears Babu," Reddy claimed attacking Naidu. According to the Rajya Sabha MP, the ruling party leaders would undertake a 25-km 'padayatra' (walkathon) on Saturday in Visakhapatnam, starting from the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the city civic body office and terminating at the steel plant arch. He ridiculed that a leader like N. Chandrababu Naidu, who allegedly sold away 54 government companies, is now claiming to fight for the steel plant. "He (Naidu) spewed venom the moment it was announced that Visakhapatnam would be made the executive capital. Using media houses favouring him, he propagated that Vizag is prone to tsunamis and earthquakes," Reddy alleged. The 'padayatra' will traverse through Asilmetta Junction, Sangam Sarath, Kali Temple, Thatichetlapalem, Kancharapalem, Urvasi Junction, 104 area, Marripalem, NAD Junction, airport, Sheela Nagar, BHPV, Old Gajuwaka and Srinagar. Commenting upon the panchayat poll results, the leader claimed that the ruling party aligned candidates won more than 85 per cent 'sarpanch' posts in the third phase of the polls. He alleged that people would remove oxygen support for TDP which is already on ventilator and claimed that the opposition leader filed petitions in the courts to stall 'Amma Vodi' and public housing schemes for the poor. Meanwhile, Naidu alleged that the panchayat polls were 'lawless' and it was democracy which got defeated. "TDP and its allies have posted good results and got 41.41 per cent seats in the third phase of panchayat polls. They have won more than 1,093 panchayats as the final results are emerging. The TDP has already won 38.74 per cent seats in the first phase and 39.52 percent seats in the second phase," Naidu claimed. 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. Interim Physicians, a pioneering locum tenens staffing agency and a founding member of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), today announced that it has won the Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to its clients and candidates. The company has won the Client award for the past four years and the Talent award five years running, earning its first Diamond status. Presented in partnership with presenting sponsor CareerBuilder and gold sponsors Indeed and Talent.com, ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients and candidates. Interim Physicians received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 (out of 10) from 79% of clients, significantly higher than the industrys average of 38%, and 9 or 10 out of 10 from 86% of placed locum tenens providers, compared to the industrys average of 40%. Exceptional customer service was a common thread among client responses: Interim has been an extremely efficient and organized organization that delivers exceptional candidates. The billing and customer service aspects of the Interim team was spectacular and a pleasure to work with. Outstanding organization! I enjoy working with the entire team. They are responsive and work with us to make their candidates more competitive than other agencies. Interim is at the top of my list. Provider responses were focused on strong communication, integrity, and amenities: "I have been with Interim Physicians for 19 years and have been very pleased with my assignments and the people who have helped me." I have had nothing but great experiences with Interim. My Account Executive has always been upfront and honest with me. I have only had positive experiences with all my assignments. Travel and lodging are always well coordinated. "Interim is easy to work with. I can work on my own schedule and have always been treated very well. Travel is a breeze, and payroll is efficient." Tim Hand, Chief Executive Officer of Interim Physicians, celebrated the 2021 award and reflected on the deeper significance of winning a staffing award in a year that was upended by a public health crisis. Our departments embodied professionalism all year while mostly working remotely. Nothing came easy in 2020, he said. I salute our staff and providers for their tireless efforts to help provide healthcare coverage to local communities across the country that were devastated by Covid-19. While awards are always welcome, playing a part in saving lives and delivering care where it is needed most means even more to our close-knit team. About Interim Physicians Interim Physicians is a locum tenens staffing agency with roots in 1979 as one of the pioneering founders of the temporary physician staffing industry. Our mission is to provide our clients with QualityCare only the finest, most qualified physicians at the most competitive rates possible. In addition to winning ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing award five years in a row, the firm has been recognized as a perennial Largest Locum Tenens Firm by Staffing Industry Analysts, a leading research firm. Interim Physicians is based in Saint Louis, Missouri, with an additional office in Dallas, Texas. https://www.interimphysicians.com/ About ClearlyRated Rooted in satisfaction research for professional service firms, ClearlyRated utilizes a Net Promoter Score survey program to help professional service firms measure their service experience, build online reputation, and differentiate on service quality. Learn more at https://www.clearlyrated.com/solutions/. About Best of Staffing ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients and placed talent. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.coman online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated ratings and testimonials. ### Contact Carlos Rios Vice President of Strategic Services carlos.rios@interimphysicians.com (214) 519-5613 Brussels, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :The European Union will announce it is doubling its contribution to the Covax global Covid-19 vaccination programme to 1 billion Euros ($1.2 billion) at a G7 meeting Friday, a European source said. EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel are set to unveil the increased funding from the bloc's budget and pledge a further 100 million euros in aid to support the fight against the virus in Africa, the source said. A cut above anything I have ever done why Winston Churchill gave his only wartime landscape to Franklin D. Roosevelt Christies specialist Nick Orchard explains how Churchills Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque reinforced the Anglo-American relationship at a pivotal moment in the Second World War January 1943 and the Second World War is at a turning point. In Casablanca, two political giants, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965) and the US President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), meet to discuss the Allies future strategy. After 10 days of hard negotiations, it is decided that Germany, Italy and Japan should surrender unconditionally. In its struggle against Nazi Germany, Britain depends on the strength of the American alliance. FDR is keen to return to the United States, but Churchill persuades him to stay an extra day in Morocco and take the 150-mile drive to Marrakech. You cannot come all this way to North Africa without seeing Marrakech, he says. I must be with you when you see the sun set on the Atlas Mountains. The two statesmen stay at the Villa Taylor on the outskirts of the city, and from its five-storey tower watch the sun go down over the snow-capped mountains. As Churchills doctor, Lord Moran, later recalled: We stood gazing at the purple hills, where the light was changing every minute. Churchill and Roosevelt at the Villa Taylor in Marrakech on 24 January 1943. It was here that the British Prime Minister painted Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque. Photo by Time Life Pictures/National Archives/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images According to Nick Orchard, Christies head of Modern British & Irish Art, Roosevelt was mesmerised by the scene. It is an incredibly poignant moment, he says. Here are two great leaders sharing the briefest respite from the traumas of war. Days later, the Americans mounted their first air strike inside Germany. After the American delegation had departed, Churchill remained at the villa an extra day, taking the opportunity to paint the view of the Koutoubia Mosque framed by the Atlas Mountains. He then sent the artwork to Roosevelt, as a present for his birthday on 30 January. This is Churchills diplomacy at its most personal and intense, says Orchard. It is not an ordinary gift between leaders. This is soft power, and it is what the special relationship is all about. Offered for sale on 1 March, Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque, 1943, is Churchills most important work. Aside from its distinguished provenance, it is the only landscape he made during the Second World War. Unsurprisingly, the conflict afforded Churchill little time for art. For a politician who had taken up painting in his forties to escape the black dog of depression, this must have been particularly hard. It was an absolute passion for him, and he did it for himself. He never sold a work of art, but sometimes gave them to friends and family, says Orchard. When he died in 1965, many of his 500 or so paintings were still in his estate. It might have surprised the British PM that his paintings are so highly sought-after today, fetching up to 1.8 million at auction. It wasn't just a case of political manoeuvring. They had a great deal of empathy for one anothers position. There was a real friendship there specialist Nick Orchard Churchill considered the landscape he executed that day a cut above anything I have ever done so far. Orchard agrees: Hes handled the light brilliantly. You can see the strong shadows of the late afternoon and the real sense of movement in the figures as they walk back to the gates at the end of a long day. The Prime Minister had no illusions about Britains chances of winning the war without America, but Roosevelts re-election in 1940 had been on a pledge to keep the country out of the European conflict. For 18 months the wily British statesman had done everything he could to draw the United States in. Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe [February 18, 2021] Supporting Live Performing Arts with Enhanced Digital Technologies Government of Canada supports the arts through an investment in digital technologies at the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2021 /CNW/ - Performing artists and arts presenters play a vital role in our communities and economies. They need support to get through this difficult time during the pandemic when they are unable to perform in front of live audiences. The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, accompanied by Marci Ien, Member of Parliament (Toronto Centre), announced $644,372 in funding for the Canadian Opera Company's digital infrastructure enhancements project today. This investment, through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will be used to install new digital technologies at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto. The Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts is the home of the Canadian Opera Company and the performance venue for the National Ballet of Canada. Both companies will benefit through access to digital technologies that can capture and stream rehearsals and performances. The funding will also be used to digitally equip the satellite venues for the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada, the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre and the Walter Carsen Centre for the National Ballet of Canada. The new technologies will also support the needs of other arts and culture professionals that use these facilities. Quotes "We recognize that art performers and presenters have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. To keep arts and culture thriving in our communities, they have explored creative new ways to operate and connect with audiences. Our government applauds them and isproud to invest in digital infrastructure that makes it possible for artists to continue to perform, while helping make arts and culture accessible for more Canadians." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage "Our government understands that artists and presenters play a key role in our country's dynamic culture and vibrancy. This funding ensures that modern, digital infrastructure will help support them further, and set the stage for future success." Marci Ien, Member of Parliament (Toronto Centre) "Today's announcement underscores the importance of investing in Canada's shared cultural future. The Canadian Opera Company's home at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is both a community hub and national stage. Digital upgrades to this space will provide more access than ever to Canadian opera, its creators, and Canadian Opera Company's growing network of artistic collaborators. Canadian Heritage has been a true lifeline for the arts, and we are grateful for the government's historic support." Alexander Neef, General Director, Canadian Opera Company "This forward-thinking investment from the Department of Canadian Heritage allows for high-quality digital capture of performances, making our art form accessible to more Canadians and giving us the ability to showcase our work to the world. The National Ballet of Canada is thrilled to be a partner on this timely initiative and thanks the Government of Canada for investing in our future." Barry Hughson, Executive Director, National Ballet of Canada Quick Facts The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation, including creative hubs. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment as well as feasibility studies for cultural spaces. Since its creation in 2001, the fund has supported more than 1,000 projects, including spaces for performing arts, visual arts, media arts, museum collections, heritage displays and creative hubs. The Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The company works with professional opera artists from all over the world and presents six fully staged productions annually at its own opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts. Founded in 1951, The National Ballet of Canada is a premier dance company that tours Canada, the United States and internationally. It is known for its diverse repertoire. Associated Links Canada Cultural Spaces Fund Canadian Opera Company The National Ballet of Canada SOURCE Canadian Heritage [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Model behavior! Ella Emhoff made her New York Fashion Week runway debut on Thursday, February 18, less than a month after signing with IMG Models. Read article Emhoff, who is the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, made a surprise appearance on the catwalk during Proenza Schoulers virtual show for their Fall/Winter 2021 collection in New York City. The Parsons School of Design student, 21, wore black trousers and a matching open-back blazer as she strutted her stuff at the Parrish Art Museum in the Hamptons. The college senior, whose father is second gentleman Doug Emhoff, switched into a second look from the collection, wearing a leather trench coat over a printed turtleneck. Daniel Shea/Proenza Schouler/Shutterstock I definitely lost a little sleep the night before, the model said in conversation with Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez in a recorded interview for NYFW at Spring Studios in London, CNN reported. I mean, Im walking for the first time, Im in a professional environment for the first time It was a very epic first experience with the fashion world. The designer, who creates her own crocheted ensembles, gushed about the experience via Instagram on Thursday, sharing a clip from the show, which was presented digitally amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read article Thank you thank you thank you @proenzaschouler couldnt have worked with a better duo wrote alongside photos from a corresponding fashion shoot. And @hunterabrams cause you are simply a shining light. Last month, Ella landed a modeling contract with IMG Models after turning heads with her style during the presidential primaries over the summer, the agencys president Ivan Bart told The New York Times in January 2021. Its not really about shape, size or gender anymore, Bart said. Ella communicates this moment in time. Theres a cheekiness and a joy she exudes. Ella, for her part, revealed that she was surprised by the modeling offer, which was announced on January 28, telling the newspaper that she never saw that as being part of my timeline. Read article The California native, whose mother is Kerstin Emhoff, made headlines on January 20 when she stole the show with her fashion choices at the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden and her stepmother, 56. Ellas Miu Miu bedazzled coat and Batsheva maroon dress made a splash with many of the viewers watching the Washington, D.C., event unfold. Win McNamee/AP/Shutterstock The New York resident, who is named after Ella Fitzgerald, described her mood board for the political moment as very littler girl, in a sense, telling Vogue that she opted for a lot of scalloped collars and big silhouette shoulders and small buttons. As Connecticuts COVID-19 metrics continue falling, officials anticipate even greater allotments of the two federally approved vaccines. The state is now expected to receive 72,000 shots of the vaccines next week in first doses alone, a vast increase compared with the few thousand it received when vaccinations first started in December. My philosophy here is pretty simple more, better, faster, said Andy Slavitt, a senior adviser on the White House COVID-19 response team who joined Gov. Ned Lamont Thursday during his coronavirus press conference. Slavitt said this means providing the state with more doses and ensuring it reaches racial and ethnic minorities, as well as vulnerable populations. We will have a shortage over the next period of months, Slavitt said. It wont last forever, but during that shortage, the thing we cant do is have people hoarding vaccines because they dont know when more will come. The federal government has promised state officials three weeks of visibility so they know what to expect for their weekly allotments, Slavitt said. We will only increase that amount ... it will never go down, he added. On Thursday, the states daily positivity rate fell to just above 2 percent as 547 new cases were found out of 27,015 tests. Hospitalizations continued their downward trend, with 16 fewer patients bringing the total number hospitalized for the illness statewide to 568. Another 20 deaths were reported, which the governor referred to as 20 too many, increasing the states death toll to 7,496. As the state continues to review future vaccine eligibility, Lamont committed to providing more information Monday on the list of people next eligible based on underlying conditions that put them more at risk for COVID complications. He said more information would also be coming on vaccinating essential workers. The state has largely been offering the vaccines based on age, recently opening eligibility for those age 65 and older, after initially reserving shots for those age 75 and up. Outside of age, the state vaccinated residents and staff of congregate settings as part of Phase 1b of the vaccine rollout. Those in Phase 1a, a group that includes residents and staff of long-term care facilities, medical first responders and frontline health workers, were the first to receive the vaccine in Connecticut. Volunteers assisting at vaccination sites were also prioritized within that group. Lamont on Thursday signaled frontline essential workers, a group defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will likely be eligible for the shot all at once or phased in over the course of a week or so. You dont want so many people with the option of getting the vaccine at the same time that you have some of the crowds that youve seen in other situations, said Lamont, likely referencing crowds of people who showed up to get the vaccine in other states such as Florida. At the same time, the governor said the group of essential workers specifically is pretty narrow at around 325,000 people. Since the group of people age 65 to 74 comprise about 350,000 people, the governor expressed confidence the state could handle that group at once. Whats less clear is how the state will vaccinate those with underlying conditions, who Lamont said would likely need their doctors to let them know theyre eligible for the shot. Slavitt said the Biden administration has committed to delivering 200 million doses of the two vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna by early April. This commitment does not include any additional vaccine from Johnson & Johnson. Federal regulators with the Food and Drug Administration are set to review that companys application for an emergency use authorization on Feb. 26. Unlike the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a single shot and can be stored at warmer temperatures, potentially allowing for easier distribution. But the approval of the vaccine may not have an immediate impact, since the company only has a few million doses available, Reuters reported. Slavitt said he recognized peoples impatience with the vaccine process, but also highlighted the federal governments response by increasing vaccine delivery. When I got here, we thought we would get vaccines out to the public by the end of September. Weve since pulled that up to the end of July, he said. But he also warned residents to avoid situations that put them at risk for the virus as new variants crop up in the United States, and suggested people should even avoid gatherings the state permits. Just because you can put 200 people in a room doesnt mean you need to, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 19:22:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LA PAZ, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia has received an important medical donation from China to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation consists of two million chinstraps, respirators and a mobile field hospital in nine vehicles. Bolivian President Luis Arce was in charge of receiving the donation and thanked China for the new equipment. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Salma Hayek was told she 'didn't have a future' in Hollywood when she moved to the US at the age of just 24. The Mexican actress, 54, said she felt it was 'impossible' for her to pursue her dream of stardom following a successful acting career in her native country. Posing for a 1970s-inspired shoot with Wonderland magazine, Salma said that at a time when many actresses in their 50s struggle to find roles, she feels she's at the 'best moment in her career.' Candid: Salma Hayek has revealed she was told she 'didn't have a future' in Hollywood when she moved to the US aged 24, as she posed for a 70s-style shoot with Wonderland magazine Ahead of the release of her newest film Bliss, Salma told the publication that the role has helped her to reflect on her own rise to success, after moving to the States 30 years earlier. She said: 'I remember when I got to the United States they told me I didn't have a future. At the time it really was something impossible. 'It was not logical that I could have a career, it sounded like something stupid that I was doing after having a career in my country and coming here. 'Then on top of it, being a woman working in your fifties you are the grandmother; you would work here and there, almost nothing... And now, that's not the case. I'm at the best moment in my career and I get to do cool films.' Tough: The Mexican actress said she felt it was 'impossible' for her to pursue her dream of stardom following a successful acting career in her native country Hard: 'It was not logical that I could have a career, it sounded like something stupid that I was doing after having a career in my country and coming here,' she said Screen star: Salma's biggest breakout role in Hollywood came in the 1995 film Desperado opposite Antonio Banderas (pictured in the film) Salma's biggest breakout role in Hollywood came in the 1995 film Desperado opposite Antonio Banderas, and she went onto land an Oscar nomination in 2002 for her performance as artist Frida Kahlo. She is set to appear in the sci-fi film Bliss as a beautiful woman who tries to convince a man down on his luck, played by Owen Wilson that the entire world is a simulation. It's one of three films she'll star in this year after many Hollywood productions were delayed by the Covid pandemic, with Marvel's Eternals and The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard set for release later in 2021. The Oscar nominee also praised the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris, after campaigning for members of the Latinx community to vote during the Covid pandemic. Confident: Salma said that at a time when many actresses in their 50s struggle to find roles, she feels she's at the 'best moment in her career Salma, who married businessman Francois-Henri Pinault in 2009, said Kamala's position has made even her more hopeful for the future after watching the election coverage with her teenage daughter Valentina, 13. Alongside her interview Salma posted in a collection of 1970s-inspired looks, including an eye-catching pink sequinned dress, an oversized brown fur coat and a sharp mint green blazer and pale pink shirt. It comes after Salma admitted she's 'offended' by assumptions she married her husband Francois-Henri because of his billion dollar fortune. The Kering CEO and president of Groupe Artemis is believed to boast an estimated net worth of $33.2billion. Read the full interview in Wonderland, on sale now On their romance, the screen star told Dax Shepard on his Armchair Expert podcast: 'You know the thing is that in pictures you cannot begin to guess the magic in him. He's made me become a much better person, and grow in such a good, healthy way. 'And you know when I married him, everybody said, ''Oh, it's an arranged marriage, she married him for the money. I'm like, ''Yeah, whatever, b****.'' Think what you want: 15 years together, and we are strong in love.' The producer acknowledged that some people marry for money but she thinks rich men are subjected to 'discrimination' that makes them deemed unworthy of real love. Salma explained: 'Immediately you think because somebody's rich, [they] might not be a good person. 'Might be somebody materialistic, might be somebody that doesn't have values, might be somebody that is even stupid or that doesn't deserve it. In order to have a lot of money, you did it the wrong way, there is all this preconception.' Read the full interview in Wonderland Magazine, on sale now. Advertisement Some 14 million Texans continue to experience water outages, forcing residents to scrape snow off walls and boil it for drinking water while hundreds of motorists wait in line outside a Houston stadium to get bottled water. The disrupted water service left many longing for a hot shower just as the state's power grid jerked back to life after five days of blackouts. All the state's power plants were functioning again, although more than 195,000 homes remained without electricity on Friday morning. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 1,000 Texas public water systems and 177 of the state's 254 counties had reported weather-related operational disruptions, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. With power back on, officials hope to replenish the state's water supply. Experts said the dangerously low water levels posed a threat to residents who needed to boil water in order to do mundane tasks like brushing their teeth, cooking, or drinking. The situation has inflicted yet more misery throughout the state. Some residents returned to homes only to find that the ceilings had collapsed because of water pipes that burst as a result of the record low, sub-freezing temperatures that engulfed the region over the course of the past week. In Austin, hospital staffers were forced to use trash bags to vacate waste from the toilets while not being able to wash their hands or take a shower because of a lack of water. Mark Maybou scrapes snow from a wall and piles it into a bucket to melt it into water in Austin, Texas, on Friday Marie Maybou melts snow on the kitchen stove in her home in Austin, Texas on Friday. She was using the water to flush toilets in her home after the city water stopped running Cars line up to receive free water during a mass distribution drive at Delmar Stadium in Houston, Texas on Friday More than two dozen sick patients who had been hospitalized in the state capital had to be transferred to other facilities as temperatures in hallways and patient rooms plummeted and frigid conditions took hold due to a lack of heat, according to the Austin American-Statesman. 'Out of caution, yesterday we transported approximately 30 patients who were either vulnerable or could easily be cared for at another facility,' David Huffstutler, the CEO of St. David's HealthCare, said in an email on Thursday. 'We continue to work with the City of Austin in an effort to resolve the water outage, but they have been unsuccessful in resolving the water system issue affecting service and water pressure to our hospital.' St. David's South Austin Medical Center on Wednesday reported a loss of heat and water pressure. Officials there said they were taking steps to get water to the hospital. Jesse Salazar carries away his container of water after filling it up at Meanwhile Brewing Company in Austin, Texas on Friday A contractor removes material from a ceiling in a recently-purchased home that sustained water damage due to busted pipes in Houston on Friday A patient at St. David's South Austin Medical Center is prepared for transport in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, hospital officials said some patients at the facility would be moved over to other hospitals in the area after the building began losing heat due to low water pressure Russell Brown walks away in the snow after being discharged from St. David's South Austin Medical Center in Austin on Thursday. Brown, who is homeless, spent two nights in the hospital with pain from chronic neurological damage, before he was discharged from the hospital that was evacuating some patients after it ran out of water and lost heat Containers are filled with non-potable water at a water distribution site in Houston on Friday. The city's 2.3 million residents have been told by the mayor to boil water due to safety concerns Water is loaded into the trunk of a car at a City of Houston water distribution site on Friday Shane Morning checks the pipes under his house for leaks while his neighbor (not pictured) turns on the home's water following an unprecedented winter storm in Houston on Friday Tyler Riese, a plumber, reaches underneath a house in Houston to investigate a pipe, which burst after freezing Contractors remove material from a ceiling in a recently-purchased home that sustained water damage due to busted pipes in Houston on Friday Jim Curtis helps a woman search for a way to shut off her water after she found a leak following an unprecedented winter storm in Houston 'We currently are out of water,' reads a sign attached to the entrance of a Kroger supermarket in Houston on Friday Record low temperatures expected in Texas tonight where 100K are still without power and 10 have died from hypothermia Some Texans are expected to face more record low temperatures overnight Friday into Saturday morning, before temperatures begin to rise. On Saturday morning, 35 cities including Memphis, Dallas and Baton Rouge, will still have record low temperatures. A warming trend is expected to relieve some of the pressure on the region on Saturday, the National Weather Service said. 'One more night of below freezing temperatures at some areas, then a warm up is expected into the weekend,' the weather service's Houston office wrote on Twitter on Friday. Advertisement Huffstutler said water tank trucks have been deployed to three hospitals - St. Davids South Austin Medical Center, St. Davids Medical Center and Heart Hospital of Austin - to connect and pressurize their systems due to water outages and low pressure. 'While the duration of this issue remains unknown at this time, all St. David's HealthCare facilities are prepared to handle the situation and have a sufficient supply of water to help ensure that we can continue to provide our patients with exceptional care,' he said. More than 1 million gallons of water was being trucked Friday to the Texas capital. But Austin's water director, Greg Meszaros, implored residents to minimize the use of home faucets because 'there's still a lot of unknowns as we pressurize the system.' According to Meszaros, 325 million gallons of water have been lost due to burst pipes - and that's just in Austin alone. 'We know that there are tens of thousands of leaks,' Meszaros told CNN. 'As the fire department indicated they have responded to thousands upon thousands of burst pipes.' In Dallas, David Lopez said the plumbing company he works for received more than 600 calls for service over the last week. 'It's pretty much first come, first served,' said Lopez, as he and a colleague manhandled a new water heater out of their van on Friday. 'Everyone's got emergencies.' Houston residents probably will have to boil tap water in the fourth-largest American city until Sunday or Monday, said Mayor Sylvester Turner. Water service was restored Friday to two Houston Methodist community hospitals, but officials were still bringing in drinking water and some elective surgeries were canceled, spokeswoman Gale Smith said. The winter storm has been blamed for more than 30 deaths in Texas and 58 across the country. Lang Le fills up a container of water at the Georgetown Community Center in Austin, Texas, on Friday City of Austin Water Utility workers Joey Putman, front, and Salvador Tinajero repair a broken water main near 11th and Red River streets in Austin on Friday The image above shows utility workers repairing a broken water main in Austin on Friday The image above shows water trickling from a fire hydrant as utility workers in the background repair a broken water main in Austin on Friday Volunteers prepare to load bags of water into a waiting vehicle at Grace Church in Plano, Texas on Friday Will Jaquiss, the owner of Meanwhile Brewing Company in Austin, Texas fills containers with water on Friday Local residents wait outside the Meanwhile Brewing Company in Austin to fill up their containers with water on Friday The brewery gave away all 4,000 gallons of their water to people in need on Thursday and Friday Martin Lopez loads up his car with water after refilling the bottles at Georgetown Community Center on Friday in Austin A warming trend is expected to relieve some of the pressure on the region on Saturday, the National Weather Service said. 'One more night of below freezing temperatures at some areas, then a warm up is expected into the weekend,' the weather service's Houston office wrote on Twitter on Friday. Bitter cold weather and snow have paralyzed Texas since Sunday, shutting down much of the state's electricity grid and freezing pipes and waterways, leaving communities across the state either without water altogether or forced to boil it for safety. Monday was the third coldest day since record keeping began, according to Texas State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon, with a statewide average temperature of 16.7 degrees Fahrenheit, citing records dating back to 1899. That same day, temperatures in the state capital Austin dropped below those in parts of Alaska. Jennifer Jordan, 54, of Midlothian just south of Dallas, said she and her husband were without power even though the family's online account with the provider indicated their issues had been 'resolved.' 'I have no power at my house - not one drop of power,' the high school special-education teacher said in an interview. Empty shelves are seen at snack section in Fiesta supermarket after winter weather caused food and clean water shortage in Houston on Friday Houston residents probably will have to boil tap water in the fourth-largest US city until Sunday or Monday, said Mayor Sylvester Turner A shopper grabs one of the few remaining packages of bottled water in a Houston supermarket on Friday Shoppers walk by newly empty snack section in Fiesta supermarket in Houston on Friday Public officials in Houston warned residents that even though the weather is expected to warm up a bit in the next few days, the power grid remains fragile The image above shows empty shelves in a Fiesta supermarket location in the city of Houston on Friday The above image shows the cleaned-out dairy section at the Fiesta supermarket in Houston on Friday An empty bread case is seen above on the right as shoppers look for whatever they could find at Fiesta supermarket in Houston on Friday 'It's really hard. You are really longing to get a hot shower, eat a hot meal.' But even as services in many neighborhoods return, broken pipes and other damage continue to render some homes uninhabitable. In Houston on Friday, plumbers worked on Friday to repair pipes that froze and ruptured in Drew Ainscough's 1920s bungalow, damaging several rooms. Water service has been returned to his block, but remains turned off for their home as repairs continue. 'Right now, we're not really able to live in there,' said the 33-year-old engineer, who has been staying with his in-laws for the past several days. 'Hopefully, by this weekend we'll be able to have everything cleaned up enough.' In parts of the state, frozen roads remained impassable. Ice-downed lines and other issues had utility workers scrambling to reconnect homes to power, while oil and gas producers look for ways to renew output. Hospitals in some hard-hit areas ran out of water and transferred patients elsewhere. Millions of people were ordered to boil their drinking water after water-treatment plants lost power, which could allow harmful bacteria to proliferate. In Houston, a mass distribution of bottled water opened at Delmar Stadium on Friday, the city's Office of Emergency Management said. A worker waits to load cases of water into vehicles at a City of Houston water distribution site on Friday The drive-thru stadium location was setup to provide bottled water to individuals who need water while the city remains under a boil water notice or because they lack water at home due to frozen or broken pipes The image above shows cars lined up in the drive-thru location at a parking lot at a Houston stadium where water was being distributed Several city workers are seen amidst piles of bottled water waiting to be distributed to needy residents on Friday Around midday, the line of cars waiting to enter the stadium stretched for at least half a mile, one police officer told Reuters. Speaking at the stadium distribution site, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city aimed to distribute more than 1 million bottles of water to its residents on Friday and that another mass distribution would take place on Saturday. A boil-water order for the city might be lifted as soon as Monday, he said. Lina Hidalgo, the top elected official in Harris County, which encompasses Houston, said she was pleased with progress, but warned residents to brace for more hardship. 'The grid is still fragile,' she said, noting cold weather would persist for a few days, which would 'put pressure on these power plants that have just come back on.' President Joe Biden said he would accelerate federal emergency assistance for Texas and had directed his administration to identify other resources to help the state. Biden said he would meet with the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday and ask him to issue a major disaster declaration to speed up aid. 'God willing, it will bring a lot of relief to a lot of Texans,' Biden told reporters at the White House. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that all power-generating plants were online as of Thursday afternoon. He urged lawmakers to pass legislation to ensure the grid was prepared for cold weather in the future. A pedestrian in Houston on Friday walks by a sign denouncing Senator Ted Cruz of Texas after he flew to Cancun while the state was in the grip of a major crisis The digital billboard on the truck shows an image of Cruz wearing a sombrero hat while drinking a Corona beer 'What happened this week to our fellow Texans is absolutely unacceptable and can never be replicated again,' Abbott told an afternoon news conference. The governor lashed out at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), a cooperative responsible for 90 per cent of the state's electricity, which he said had told officials before the storm that the grid was prepared. ERCOT officials have defended their preparations and the decision to begin forced outages Monday as the grid reached a breaking point. Officials said during a press call on Friday that ERCOT has enough generation in its system to return to normal operations. 'I really want to acknowledge this immense human suffering we saw throughout this event,' ERCOT Chief Executive Bill Magness said at a news conference on Friday. 'When people lose power, there are heartbreaking consequences.' Two community hospitals that are part of the Houston Methodist system in Texas' largest city had to get 'creative' when their water supply was cut off this week, said Public Relations Director Stefanie Asin. A shower trailer was brought in for frigid, exhausted staff, and laundry bins were deployed to collect rainwater to flush toilets. As of Friday, water service had been restored at those hospitals, Asin said in an interview. 'The water will be challenging,' she said. 'We've handled it so far, we'll continue handling it. ... But we'll still need to take precautions.' Indian news portal Newsclick was the target of a five-day raid by the Department of Revenue of India from February 9 to 14 over allegations of international money laundering. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Indian affiliate, the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) condemn this overt act of intimidation and harassment against Newsclick. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), the specialised investigation agency under the revenue department, started its raid at eight locations of the digital news portal on February 9 in response to a Delhi Police First Information Report(FIR) alleging Newsclick was involving in a money laundering operation. Police alleged Newsclick received foreign funding of 30 crore (USD 4.1 million) from a now defunct US company". Raids also targeted six staff members residences the same night while Newsclick offices search stretched out over 38 hours. The raid at the home of editor-in-chief and founder, Prabir Purkayastha, lasted 113 hours, ending finally at 1.30 am on February 14. During the raid, ED officials blocked 73-year-old Prakayastha from leaving his house. ED officials are yet to disclose any findings from the raids. During the raid, ED officials seized communication devices of Newclick directors and senior management which impacted their ability to continue regular work. In a statement on February 10, Newsclick said it fully cooperated with officials. It however, claims that the raid was an attempt to silence those who refuse to toe the Indian establishment line. NewsClick revealed that staff and shareholders whose homes were raided were also questioned about their links to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the recent farmers protests and jailed rights activist Gautam Navlakha. Reports suggest the raid was a retaliation for Newclicks ground reports and analytical videos from the recent farmers movement in India. Such raids are a routine tactic and practice of the Modi government, by which government agencies are used to intimidate journalists and suppress adversarial journalism. The government has a pattern of misusing laws such as sedition and defamation law, the Disaster Management Act, the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Information Technology Act, among others to silence the critics and harass dissidents. In October 2018, Indias Income Tax Department also raided the offices of respected news website The Quint. The IJU secretary General, Sabina Inderjit said: The raid on Newsclick is just revenge by the government for its critical reports about the ongoing farmers agitation. The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) condemns governments continued onslaught on media for their critical reports. The IJU leaders demand the government to desist from such acts of media right violations. The IFJ said: The IFJ strongly condemn such the misuse of the government agencies and law to intimidate journalists and suppress adversarial journalism on issues reported in the public interest that the government would seek to bury." Ireland could be facing lockdown restrictions for another nine weeks, after the Minister for Finance warned that the Governments exit plan will be gradual. Paschal Donohoe said that, while the plan is at the early stages, the country is still grappling with high numbers of people in intensive care and hospitals. It comes after Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that severe lockdown measures will be in place until the end of April. Mr Martin told a newspaper that the reopening of pubs restaurants, as well as hairdressers may be pushed further into the year. If you test positive for #COVID19 you should self-isolate (stay in your room). Do not go to the shops or pharmacy for any reason - ask them to deliver or ask someone to go for you. Learn more here: https://t.co/WMl4qyUCMW pic.twitter.com/WxDgRdsTZg HSE Ireland (@HSELive) February 19, 2021 The Taoiseach also warned that there will be few changes when the Government announces the revised Living With Covid-19 plan next week. Mr Donohoe on Friday said the Governments plan to exit the restrictions will be gradual. Our focus, for now, is how we can get most of our schools full again of young girls and boys getting the education they need and deserve, Mr Donohoe added. What the Government is, only at this stage considering, is what that exit path is. I am so aware of the challenges that so many face at the moment, both socially and from a mental health point of view, and economically. Our focus, for now, is how we can get most of our schools full again of young girls and boys getting the education they need and deserve Paschal Donohoe The Government is also grappling with very high numbers of people who are still in our intensive care and is still in our hospitals. This is why the vaccination programme that we have on the way is so critical, we are just over 50 days into the vaccination programme. We have 6,000 trained vaccinators with ten of thousands of successful vaccinations complete. He said there is the potential for a significant increase in supply in April, May and June. Expand Close A man walks past a sign for a Vaccination centre at DCU on Collins Avenue in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man walks past a sign for a Vaccination centre at DCU on Collins Avenue in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Donohoe said it would make a difference to the public health service. But we still do need to be careful, we saw what happened in January, he warned. The possibility of further ways of this disease, driven by how the disease is mutating, means that the threat to our public health is still there. I know how difficult these words are but our priority continues to be what we can do to protect the health of our country. Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty said his party will back the public health advice. Taoiseach's casual, flippant announcement of a further nine weeks of lockdown has caused anger and distress. People's lives have been turned upside down. Govt internal rivalry, leaks and dithering adds stress upon stress. #COVID19 #COVID #level5 Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 19, 2021 However, he was critical of the Taoiseachs decision to make the announcement about ongoing restrictions to a newspaper on Thursday. Its not the way to communicate with people who are making huge sacrifices right across the State, Mr Doherty added. I think it comes as a hammer blow to people, it sucks the life out of them to be communicated in that way, to see a headline that were in for another nine weeks of restrictions. We have seen the extension of restrictions in the North by the Executive, and this is an opportunity to be in sync on an all-island basis and I think its really important that we do this in step together as much as possible across the island of Ireland. New Delhi, Feb 19 : In a stinging report on the Xi Jinping regime, whose activities "raise new security issues" every year, Estonia has warned the world that China, faced with growing confrontation with the West, is going all out to create a division between the US and Europe. "Implementing China's foreign policy doctrine, or creating a 'community of common destiny', will lead to a silenced world dominated by Beijing," the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service (EFIS) wrote in its annual report. The 82-page report mentions in detail the threats emanating from China's "increasingly confrontational foreign policy" as well as its influence operations and the "threats of sinicising" Chinese technology. It also throws light on China's tightening cooperation with Russia, a relationship "mostly dominated" by Beijing. The Baltic country, a former Soviet republic which became independent in 1991, lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland bordered by Latvia and Russia and shares maritime borders with Finland and Sweden. At 45,227 square kilometres, Estonia is just a little bigger than Denmark, Switzerland, or the Netherlands. However, the small size hasn't deterred the peaceful nation to regularly take China head on, accusing it of using overseas investments for political purposes and pursuing its hawkish expansionist agenda. Only last week, Estonia had joined Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovenia in snubbing China by sending ministers instead of respective heads of states to the February 9 virtual summit of the 17+1 bloc convened by Beijing. The format is used by China to engage with Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) - most of them European Union members. Many nations however believe that it is a tool used by Beijing to step up its political influence in Central Asia, as a side effect of economic investment. Chinese President Xi Jinping said last Tuesday that "17 plus 1 could make more than 18." "China-CEEC cooperation is based on mutual respect and has no political strings attached," Xi said while delivering the keynote speech at the China-CEEC summit. His words didn't cut much ice with many member countries, including Estonia. The country's top foreign intelligence service believes that by using various topics, such as Iran, the climate or health care, China wants to find as much common ground with Europe as possible and make European leaders believe that China is a reliable partner contrary to what the US claims. It said that the Chinese leadership understands that a united West is an insurmountable obstacle for China that must be broken. However, despite its calls for closer cooperation, China has no intention of changing itself but instead wants to use its size and influence to muffle any critical voices from Europe. "Putting President Xi Jinping's ideology at the centre of party and state politics clearly indicates that Xi Jinping's leadership is meant to make China the most powerful country in the world by 2035. However, current events also show that, far from moving towards liberalism, China is becoming an increasingly authoritarian regime centred around the growing personality cult of Xi Jinping," the EFIS annual report stated. It details the Chinese strategy of influencing the 'target' countries' policies towards China which was patently evident during the Covid-19 crisis as Beijing actively tried to brand itself as a 'saviour'. "The emphasis was put on the need to put politics aside and confront the virus devastating humankind. Simultaneously in China, the media, heavily controlled by the Communist Party, was actively defaming, demonising and ridiculing Western democracy, saying that only an authoritarian system like China could successfully defeat the virus. They failed to mention that the democratic and self-governing island of Taiwan was much more successful in managing the epidemic." The report said that foreign think tanks with informal links to the Chinese government seek to adapt the CCP's message to Western pluralism. However, topics such as personal freedom, the status of Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the situation of the Uyghurs and Tibetans are addressed strictly within the limits acceptable to the Chinese authorities. It also mentioned hown China, following Xi Jinping's strategic guidelines, is devoting all its resources to technological development to become a world leader in the field and make other countries dependent on Chinese technology. Chinese media and analysts have made no secret of the long-term goal of employing the Chinese BeiDou satellite navigation system in all Chinese technology and exporting the system to countries that have joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "In other words, China is establishing an autonomous global ecosystem where in the era of the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud services and ultra-high-speed networks (5G today, 6G in the future) integrated Chinese technologies will play a key role," the report said. Citing example of Huawei, the report said that while the organisation emphasises that the company is owned by its employees, led by Huawei's trade union committee, it should be understood clearly that all Chinese trade unions belong to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the chairman of which is also the CCP's party secretary. "The current party secretary is also a vice-chairperson of the National People's Congress, China's parliament. The trade unions follow the same vertical chain of command as the provinces - they are actually headed by the party secretary and not by the provincial governor, whose responsibilities are administrative." Thus, EFIS believes that by integrating Tallinn into China's autonomous technology ecosystem, Estonia will become vulnerable and dependent on China - a reality which should dawn on the rest of the world too. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) Senate President Anca Dragu and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Ludovic Orban had a meeting with the representatives of IVECO in Parliament on Friday, on which occasion it was emphasized that investments are a priority for the current governing coalition. "Today, in Parliament, together with the Senate President, Anca Dragu, we had a meeting with the representatives of IVECO, a company that decided, in a difficult period, related to the coronavirus pandemic, to invest in our country. The efforts of the PNL [National Liberal Party] Government to keep the Romanian economy on an upward trend have had a positive effect on investors' confidence to launch new projects in Romania. I appreciated the fact that IVECO has recently started the construction of a truck factory in southeastern Dambovita County, where it will assemble the trucks for the Romanian Army, an investment of approximately 50 million euros, and which will create, in the first stage, 200 direct jobs in this production facility," Ludovic Orban wrote on Facebook. He added that IVECO representatives said they want to intensify the company's presence in Romania. "I was glad to learn from the company's representatives that they want to intensify their presence in Romania, including by opening a regional office in our country. Investments are the current governing coalition's priority, the only chance for Romania's development," added Ludovic Orban. California will set aside 10% of vaccines, beginning with 75,000 a week, for teachers and other education workers starting March 1, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday during a visit to a mobile clinic providing vaccinations to teachers in Alameda County. The move will help push the states 1.4 million education workers to the front of the line for shots, which Newsom said 35 counties are already doing. The governor was joined by Bay Area officials Friday to advocate for educator vaccines to reopen schools safely. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said 11 big city mayors sent a letter to Newsom urging him to prioritize shots for school staff. We want you back in school, we want you back learning, Schaaf said. Teachers are in a current priority tier for vaccination, along with emergency responders, farmworkers and residents over 65, but there isnt enough supply to give doses to everyone eligible yet. Some counties have begun to vaccinate teachers, others have not; in San Francisco, for example, teachers are not eligible for the shot until Wednesday. The states decision Friday to set aside an allocation now makes education workers unique among vaccine recipients. The group includes bus drivers, custodians, food service workers and childcare workers. Vaccines alone might not be enough to reopen schools though, with the California Teachers Association previously saying that no classrooms should open in areas that are in the states highest-risk purple tier, even if educators are vaccinated. San Franciscos City Attorney, who sued the school district and board over delays in reopening, said the districts requirement to vaccinate all teachers before returning to in-person learning would be challenged in court. Meanwhile, state leaders are debating how and when to reopen schools, with Gov. Gavin Newsom suggesting Friday that he would veto a schools reopening plan that Democratic legislators plan to advance next week because its too slow. I made it crystal clear, Newsom said. I cant support something thats going to delay the safe reopening of schools for our kids. Newsom stressed that prioritizing teachers to get vaccinated supported parents and the economy. "The burden, particularly on single mothers, has been profound and pronounced, Newsom said. I'm animated on this because a plan to delay reopening is not a plan to help protect our most vulnerable Californians, it's not a plan to help single moms. It's not a plan to get our economy moving again as we stabilize things. In the Bay Area, hundreds of teachers and school staff received shots in Napa and Marin counties last month. The first person vaccinated through Alameda Countys mobile clinic Thursday was a veteran custodian of Hayward Unified School District, with more to come. We know how important it is to ensure educators are safe and have what they need as theyre returning to school, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L. K. Monroe said Friday. We know school is the best place for our children. Chronicle staff writers Michael Williams, Alexei Koseff and Jill Tucker contributed to this report. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench Julia Roberts and Sean Penn are headed Down Under to film a new political thriller in Sydney. The Hollywood A-listers will arrive in Australia in the coming weeks to start filming the new series, which also stars Aussie actor Joel Edgerton. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Joel and his brother Nash will also act as directors and executive producers on the series. Exciting: Julia Roberts is headed to Australia to film the new political thriller Gaslit in the coming weeks At one stage, Armie Hammer was attached to the project too, but he exited it back in January right before his disturbing social media posts were made public. Gaslit is about the Watergate scandal adapted from the Slate podcast Slow Burn. It's a modern take on the scandal that focuses on some of the untold stories from Watergate. Movie magic: Hollywood A-lister Sean Penn also stars in the project, which is based off of a podcast on the Watergate scandal Sam Esmail of Mr Robot fame is co-creating the show with Robbie Pickering, who has written on not just Mr. Robot but also programs like Search Party. According to Deadline, Roberts 'plays Martha Mitchell, a celebrity Arkansan socialite and wife to Nixon's loyal Attorney General, John Mitchell, who has a big personality and an even bigger mouth. 'Despite her party affiliation, she's the first person to publicly sound the alarm on Nixon's involvement in Watergate, causing both the Presidency and her personal life to unravel.' True blue: Joel Edgerton and his brother Nash will act as directors and executive producers on the series Gaslit is just one of a number of Hollywood projects filming in Australia. The Marvel superhero movie Thor: Love and Thunder is currently filming in Sydney with Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and and Christian Bale. Zac Efron was also recently in South Australia to film the Stan original movie Gold. Watch Gold on Stan in Australia later this year. Washington, Feb 19 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts from Britain, Germany, and France (E3) discussed the Iran nuclear issue on Thursday, calling on Tehran not to limit the verification of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "The E3 and the US called on Iran not to take any additional steps, in particular with respect to the suspension of the Additional Protocol and to any limitations on IAEA verification activities in Iran," according to a joint statement issued after their meeting. The US and its European allies in the statement urged Iran to "consider the consequences of such action, particularly at this time of renewed diplomatic opportunity", the Xinhua news agency reported. The four foreign policy chiefs expressed concerns over Iran's recent actions to produce both uranium enriched up to 20 percent and uranium metal. The statement also signalled that Washington is ready to engage with Tehran over the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "The E3 welcomed the US' stated intention to return to diplomacy with Iran as well as the resumption of a confident and in-depth dialogue between the E3 and the US," said the statement. "If Tehran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the US will do the same," Blinken reaffirmed in the statement, adding that Washington "is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end." Iran, however, insisted the US take the first step. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reaffirmed on Wednesday that as soon as the US returns to its commitments, Iran will do the same, adding this can be done in full and at once, or in a series of gradual steps taken by Washington and then by Tehran. Iran has threatened that if the parties to the JCPOA do not adhere to their commitments, Iran would stop implementing the Additional Protocol of the IAEA. In January, Iran launched a 20-per cent uranium enrichment process as part of Iran's Strategic Action Plan which was approved by the parliament in December 2020. In response to the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and the re-imposition of sanctions, Iran has suspended implementing parts of its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal. 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! Choctaw / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Shook my bed for around 10-20 seconds. I live on 2nd story so that mightve been a factor in why no one else in house noticed. Did not wake up my cat, but confused guinea pig. | 11 users found this interesting. Mannford Oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) : We live in mobilehome. Hanging plants swayed,liquid moved in containers. Felt sitting and standing. Last about a minute. Grew up in California knew it was decent size somewhere. | 5 users found this interesting. Live West of Mannford.. Rattling glass in cabinets and whole mobile home shook like 5 washing machines were off balance. / Light shaking (MMI IV) 12901 Parker st Spencer oklahoma (176.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s : I was in my house sitting in my bed and my bed shook for 1-2 seconds stopped for 1-2 seconds then shook for 3-4 seconds then stopped all together | 4 users found this interesting. Ponca City (94.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt in my garage while sitting on a folding chair. Heard a rattling type sound. No damage or visible movement. About 70 miles from earthquake. | 4 users found this interesting. Tulsa / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Shook the house and could hear it. | 6 users found this interesting. broken artow / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : bed was definitely shaking; on bedside table, jars and bottles were shaking, standing mirror across room was shaking, maybe 5 seconds max | 4 users found this interesting. Tulsa (228.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / very short : Laying in bed and felt the bed shaking as if someone was bouncing on it. Happened 2 separate times with about a 15 minute break between. | 3 users found this interesting. 2524 SW 48th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73119 (178.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 2-5 s : I was sitting very still at the moment watching television. I felt weird and realized the chair was moving side to side slightly. Lasted about 4 or 5 seconds. I thought it must have been a small quake here. Not so far away. | 3 users found this interesting. 212.6 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : While seated felt side to side motion and creaking. Doctorss scales in bedroom moved rhythmically up and down. | 3 users found this interesting. South Tulsa, OK / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Was awake lying in bed and felt the bed shake for about 10 seconds | 5 users found this interesting. Felt a few cracking sounds from the floor for about 10 seconds. / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Muskogee Oklahoma, / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 10-15 s : I was laying on bed in my room at a hotel on the third floor bed shook and mirror on wall was also shaking, when it stopped I went down stairs and the front desk clerk said she didnt feel anything | 3 users found this interesting. Tulsa, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : The bed i was laying in shook side to side for 4 seconds. Now i know why my dog was whining all morning. | 3 users found this interesting. Shawnee, ok / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 2-5 s : The recliner I was sitting in felt like it twisted and mildly shook. Our slab house creeped and popped. | 3 users found this interesting. Atwood OK 74827 (275.4 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vertical swinging (up and down) : I noticed the couch I was sitting on moving in a vertical rolling motion at 7:58 a.m.. It lasted about two minutes. I didnt see anything else moving or shaking but definitely felt it. | 2 users found this interesting. Tulsa (223.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : I was almost awake and I felt that and Im in my mattress and my matresa is on the floor and I felt clear the move swinging south north south north all the time horizontal | 2 users found this interesting. Tulsa, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Whole house shaking for about 10-15 seconds | 4 users found this interesting. Lawrence, KS / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Woke up from my sleep. Felt bed shaking | 4 users found this interesting. 230.7 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short I felt the tremor off of the quake go through my house. | 3 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short Tulsa oklahoma / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating : I was laying on my couch and felt everything shake subtly and heard my house creaking. I immediately started googling it to find out if anyone else in Tulsa felt it. I sent a text to my gf at 8 AM asking her if she felt it. So far, no one else has | 2 users found this interesting. wagoner,ok (267.6 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s : was sitting at computer on second floor of residence, i heard what sounded like my window vibrating for less than a second, then that whole wall shook twice. about 1 second each | One user found this interesting. Oklahoma City, OK (174 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : 20th Story in downtown OKC. Felt building sway and blinds were rattling in their frames. | 2 users found this interesting. Bristow, OK (196.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Sitting still and all of the sudden things on the wall begin to rattle | 2 users found this interesting. Oklahoma City, OK 73162 (180.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single vertical bump / very short : One strong shake. | 2 users found this interesting. 138.2 km NNE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Rattled my semi like someone backed into me but no one around | 2 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) 153.9 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : I thought it was a 5 or better when it happened. Didn't make any noise but it shook pretty good | 2 users found this interesting. Broken Arrow (230.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Chair shook and could hear the house shifting. | 2 users found this interesting. 217.9 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Shook for the building for almost 30-60 secs | 2 users found this interesting. 131.9 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Sliding mirror in my apartment shook and could feel it through my bed | 2 users found this interesting. Oklahoma City, Cleveland County 73170 / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s : I noted the time on my clock to be 7:58 am after I felt this earthquake. It felt like a couple of gentle waves passing through my room and I heard something on my nightstand vibrate. | One user found this interesting. Coweta, oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : I thought my husband was being the couch shaking it then I heard the handles on our entry table rattle | One user found this interesting. Bixby, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) : I was laying in bed half asleep in upstairs room. My bed started moving and I could hear other things around the room shaking. | One user found this interesting. 212.6 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : While seated felt side to side motion and creaking. Doctorss scales in bedroom moved rhythmically up and down. Fall River Kansas (196.6 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 2-5 s : 7:57a.m. I felt a tremor. It shook my apartment moderately. Lasting 2-5 seconds. No damage to fixtures or structure that I could see. Atwood OK 74827 (275.4 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vertical swinging (up and down) : I noticed the couch I was sitting on moving in a vertical rolling motion at 7:58 a.m.. It lasted about two minutes. I didnt see anything else moving or shaking but definitely felt it. 104 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Working from home at my desk and I noticed a rumbling, lasted longer than most I've felt. Wichita, KS. Near McConnel AFB. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s NORMAN (196.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : was in bed the windows rattled and the bed swayed. it seemed there was a small aftershock 5-10 seconds after the original shaking 187 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) We live in an old home built in 1884 the upstairs shook for a few seconds the lower level was not as bad but windows rattled and pictures on wall shook. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) Skedee oklahoma / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short : The house shook as well as our furniture on our patio | 2 users found this interesting. Douglass / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging : Woke me up..bookshelves were shaking... sounded like a heavy vehicle passing by | 2 users found this interesting. Kaw lake / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : Was sitting on the bed and it was shaking. Pretty intense. | 2 users found this interesting. Guthrie, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short : Felt and heard the initial jolt and then shaking occurred for a few seconds. | 2 users found this interesting. Mcloud OK / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Just a wiggle not enough to notice much | 2 users found this interesting. Broken Arrow / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Was sitting down at work and felt shaking. | 2 users found this interesting. PONCA CITY / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : house shook 5 seconds | 2 users found this interesting. Tulsa, OKlahoma (223.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : My 8 year old grandson was awakened from the earthquake. | One user found this interesting. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (227.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : It Woke me up from a sleep. | One user found this interesting. 217.1 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s : Felt and sounded like the house had a hard shake. Also sounded like something hit the roof. | One user found this interesting. Tulsa ok (206.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Woke us up shook whole apartment almost knocked stuff off but it barley stayed on cabnet5 | One user found this interesting. Kaw City, Ok (112.9 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Strong we have felt to date. | One user found this interesting. Tampa KS (194.8 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Laying in bed on second floor. Side to side movement about 10 seconds | One user found this interesting. Norman (204.1 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Bed shaking slightly | One user found this interesting. Lebo kansaa / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : It was mild rumble, like a very heavy train passing by. (It was strong enough that I got up to rule out any other sources.) Tulsa, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 15-20 s : The house was making lots of creaking sounds. It lasted for 10 seconds. The water bottle next to us on the end table had ripples. Ponca City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Awoke to mild shaking. I previously lived in CA. so I'm familiar with such events. Nothing broken just a lot of noise. Jenks, OK / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : I was working at my computer when the floor and the desk started shaking. Both my monitors were visibly shaking. I contacted several other people to see if they felt it, but they did not. Ponca City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Somewhat like the one a few years ago north of Pawnee Oklahoma in December I think. It was the Saturday night Oklahoma State and Kansas State played in Stillwater. It took place immediately after the game and the live broadcaster thought the stadium was shaking. Ponca City, OK / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : I was just getting out of bed when I felt the bed shaking. I glanced at the clock which read 8:01 a.m. I thought to myself, That was an earthquake. The shaking only lasted for 10-15 seconds. BROKEN ARROW, OK / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : At ~7:58am CST felt an Earthquake, where I felt my House, and objects within my home shaking noticeably. Nothing seems to have been displaced. Cleveland, OK / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s : While sitting on the couch, I felt it moving all of a sudden. I thought the dog was rearranging himself, but he was asleep. Oklahoma City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : It woke me out of my sleep...I live on the 3rd floor, | One user found this interesting. Tulsa Ok / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Shaking my sofa where I was resting . Scary. | One user found this interesting. Cushing / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s : Sitting in chair felt tremor door and window rattled felt it under my feet | One user found this interesting. 109.6 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s : I felt the walls sway 183.6 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Of 3 household members, only I felt it. 183.7 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : I was the only one of 3 household members who felt it. Tulsa (210 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : On second story so motion probably exaggerated. Bed was shaking and dresser mirror visibly shaking 183.7 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : I was the only one of 3 household members who felt it. 436 winfield st rock ks 67131 (109.8 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) 231.5 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s 452.2 km SSE of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt / very short I felt the Earthquake a little bit but that's all (reported through (reported through our app / not felt / very short 223.2 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Felt a quick side to side shaking. My husband noticed it first then I could feel it as well. Hawley , ok (1.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : 7mile mile n of Nash, ok . Bed shook and ceiling fan chains swung back ? Forth. Broken Arrow, ok (229.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Bartlesville, OK (196.1 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : We did not feel anything here at home. 376.6 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt 132.2 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Felt relatively weak, not sure how long it lasted but pretty close to what I put. 446.5 km SSE of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt / very short I didn't feel the Earthquake that happened in Oklahoma down in Carrollton Texas (reported through (reported through our app / not felt / very short Tulsa (208.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Very short but very strong feeling from on top of the toilet 33.5 km SW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s 191.2 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating 172.7 km S of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Wichita, Kansas (116.7 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s Payne County, NE Stillwater, OK (126.6 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Tulsa (201.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) 96.1 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Jet ok (21 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s 204.8 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s broken arrow, ok (245.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Conway Springs, KS (61.6 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s 251.1 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) 171.4 km SSE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s Tulsa (210.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating 189.7 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging : I was in bed.. could feel a pressure against the outside wall and feel the bed and wall shaking South Tulsa, ok (197 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Tulsa OK (219.9 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Wichita, Ks (110.3 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Broken Arrow, OK (233.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s Tulsa Ok (231.9 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) 214.9 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Oklahoma City southwest (177.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) 94.5 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Tulsa OK, (215 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s 196.6 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Broken Arrow, OK (228.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s Seminole Oklahoma (227.6 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s 95 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Mustang Oklahoma 73064 (182.2 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Bixby (224.5 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short Tulsa, Ok (166.1 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s 101.3 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) Broken Arrow (227.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s 229.5 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling Mannford (181.6 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s 172.9 km SSE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) 221.8 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s Tulsa, Ok (217.4 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s Broken Arrow,OK (220.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s CHANDLER (180 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s 153.2 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s Norman, Oklahoma (234.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s tulsa (216.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / very short 162.4 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s Norman, OK (207.1 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s Tulsa, OK (214.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Bartlesville, OK (187.6 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Edmond (156.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s 73.4 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) 174.7 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Stillwater (130.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s 130.2 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) 208.1 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) 205.3 km SSE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s 187 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) 195.3 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Oklahoma city (176.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) 137.3 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s Oklahoma City, OK / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s Edmond Oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) Aline, Ok / Light shaking (MMI IV) Owasso / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Was awakened by a strange sound and vibration Catoosa, Oklahoma 74015 / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s Guthrie, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short : Felt and heard the initial jolt and then shaking occurred for a few seconds. Muskogee / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : This morning I felt my bed shake and it woke me up. I Abilene, KS / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s Broken Arrow / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Enid OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Lasted for 10+ seconds Sand Springs / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s Enid / Light shaking (MMI IV) : I was sitting on the bed and felt shaking. Broken Arrow / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s Tulsa, Ok / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s Edmond Oklahoma / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Felt my bed shake Stillwater, OK / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 5-10 s Tulsa Oklahoma / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Bed shook, back and forth East to west, rattling glass on shelves and walls. High point, NC / not felt Newalla oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s Mannford, Ok / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Tulsa, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s Oklahoma City / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Tulsa, Oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74119 / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s Stillwater, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Sitting in recliner and felt the tremor 74601 / Light shaking (MMI IV) Stillwater, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : woke me up Shawnee / Light shaking (MMI IV) Derby Kansas / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Enid,oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s stillwater, Ok / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Tulsa / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s Tulsa ok / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Yale, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s Edmond Oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) Sand Springs / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s Muskogee, OK 35.77593790507241, -95.31216471593 / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s Broken Arrow, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) : shook the lamps upstairs and night stands bump on the walls. Yukon, OK / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s SE of Bartlesville OK / not felt Edmond / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Stillwater, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Lansing Kansas / Light shaking (MMI IV) Arcadia OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) Sand Springs, Oklahoma / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Broken Arrow / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s Wichita / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / 10-15 s Tulsa ik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short : Was in bed felt shaking and window shook and made noise Tulsa, Ok / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Bixby / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Wichita,ks 67213 / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s Tulsa / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s Guthrie / Weak shaking (MMI III) Drumright / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Edmond, ok / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Muskogee, ok / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Tulsa / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s Tulsa / Light shaking (MMI IV) Glenpool, ok / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short Tulsa / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / very short Choctaw, ok / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s Sand Springs OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Bethany, OK / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Tulsa, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s Enid / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s Oklahoma City, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 15-20 s Broken Arrow, Oklahoma / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s Stillwater / Light shaking (MMI IV) Sapulpa, OK / Weak shaking (MMI III) Muskogee, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Choctaw, OK / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Wakita ok / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Depew / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 10-15 s Westport / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 1-2 s Stillwater, Ok / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Cushing Oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) Tulsa international airport Tulsa Oklahoma / Very weak shaking (MMI II) Oklahoma City / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 5-10 s Mannford, ok / Weak shaking (MMI III) Edmond Oklahoma / Light shaking (MMI IV) Shawnee / Light shaking (MMI IV) Yukon OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Stillwater, OK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Tulsa / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Glenpool, OK / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Wichita / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling Wellington, Kansas / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Relatives of the woman who was fatally crushed by a tandem float during the Mystic Krewe of Nyxs 2020 parade filed a wrongful death lawsuit Thursday against the Carnival organization, New Orleans government and several other parties. They allege that Nyx was grossly negligent by failing to comply with a municipal city ordinance requiring parade organizers to enclose the spaces between parts of a tandem float. They say city officials were negligent in failing to inspect the float properly and in issuing a Nyx a permit to roll. +5 The controversial Krewe of Nyx: A year of accidental death, membership uprising, and legal challenges In its 10-year history, the Mystic Krewe of Nyx swiftly went from a hastily arranged startup parade, to one of the biggest and brashest Carniv The suit demands damages from Nyx, krewe founder and captain Julie Lea, City Hall, the floats owner and the man driving the vehicle. Attempts to contact attorneys for Nyx and City Hall about the suit were not immediately successful. Filed a day before the first anniversary of Geraldine Carmouches death, the suit is the latest blow to the embattled, all-female Nyx organization. Another lawsuit filed last week on behalf of former Nyx riders is a potential class action that accuses Lea of inappropriately using krewe income. It came on the heels of a mass exodus of Nyx members after Lea, in a social media post, used the phrase "All Lives Matter," which some associate with opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement. Attorneys Bernard Dupuy, David Courcelle and Scott Stansbury filed the new, eight-page suit in Civil District Court on behalf of Carmouche's husband, Jimmy Carmouche, and her father, Ernest Turner. +6 Controversial Nyx captain Julie Lea accused of 'racketeering' in wide-ranging civil lawsuit Julie Lea, the captain of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx, and the all-female Nyx organization were sued in Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Wed 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 Geraldine Carmouche, 58, was watching Nyxs parade the night of Feb. 19 at the Uptown intersection of Magazine and Valence streets as float no. 21, a double-decker tandem titled Come Away With Me, was passing. Adorned with flowers and hot-air balloons, the vehicle - owned by PFJ Floats LLC and driven by Desmond Williams - ran over Carmouche, trapping her under the float, the suit says. Carmouche, who was related to two Nyx members, died at the scene. The rest of the parade was postponed for four days, when it ran as part of the Krewe of Pandora procession in Metairie. Witnesses to Carmouches death said she was trying to cross the gap between the two parts of the tandem float. Dupuy said Thursday that he thinks the case will come down to parade organizers failure to close the gap between sections, as required by an ordinance reading, The ends of each unit of a tandem float shall be completely enclosed. And why are they supposed to be enclosed? So people dont try to cross in between them, Dupuy said. Carmouche was one of two people killed by tandem floats during Carnival 2020. Three days after she died, Joseph Sampson, 58, fell under a tandem float in the Krewe of Endymion parade near Canal and Galvez streets in Mid-City. The fatalities prompted city officials to ban tandem floats for the rest of the 2020 Mardi Gras season. City officials seemed destined for a clash with parade krewes over expanding that ban to future years before the deadly coronavirus pandemic led Mayor LaToya Cantrell to outlaw parades this year. Those talks have been shelved for now. It's easy to miss the magical moments in nature, especially the small worlds of the tiniest critters. That's why wildlife photographers like Julian make it their mission to capture extraordinary shots of these little animals in nature. Julian Rad is a 29-year-old Austrian award-winning wildlife photographer who captures the most adorable shots of squirrels, rabbits, wood mice, hamsters and other small animals in their natural habitat. I came across Julians work on Instagram, where he has already over 100,000 followers. (From Bored Panda) Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tolmar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced their launch of "Little a Little Longer," a newly established community and guide for caregivers who have children with Central Precocious Puberty (CPP). As part of the "Little a Little Longer" community, members will receive monthly updates, including stories from other caregivers, insights from doctors, and tools to connect members of the CPP community. "At Tolmar, we believe that childhood should be simple. When CPP looms, we know simplicity can be abruptly traded in for complexity," said Steve Griffin, President North America, Tolmar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "Little a Little Longer is an engaging place designed to make life for parents of children with CPP a little more simple, through personal stories and information on CPP treatment and management. It is meant to bring together a community so that parents feel informed, supported and connected." Little a Little Longer will feature content for parents no matter where their child is in the disease. Whether they are just beginning with a new diagnosis or looking for advice on what to do when their child is ready to begin puberty, or anything in between. With Little a Little Longer, parents and caregivers can learn, how to explain a diagnosis to loved ones, how to ensure affected children resume normal bone development, and find support from parents who have been here before. Little a Little Longer will also help teach parents everything they need to know about the effects of CPP. This includes how CPP might alter a child's growth, how to combat body odor, and how to manage possible sexual comments or actions towards children diagnosed with CPP. New topics and interactive contents will appear each month, ensuring that the Little a Little Longer community remains continuously educated on and connected to CPP. About Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-dependent central precocious puberty (CPP) is the premature development of signs of sexual maturation occurring in girls younger than eight and in boys younger than nine years of age. CPP patients are at risk of having significantly short stature as adults in addition to social, psychological and emotional issues, including lower self-esteem, stress, anxiety and depression. CPP is believed to have a five- to twenty-fold higher incidence in girls than in boys and is estimated to occur in one in 5,000-10,000 children. To report suspected adverse reactions contact Tolmar at 1-844-4TOLMAR (486-5627) or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. For more information, please visit: https://littlealittlelonger.tolmar.com/ Media Contact: Julie Ferguson JFPRMedia Group [email protected] (312) 385-0098 SOURCE Tolmar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Analysts may be talking up Turkish stocks, but foreign investors arent heeding the call. Non-residents held 45.5% of the market as of Feb. 17, the lowest since the data was first recorded in 2004, figures from Turkeys shares depository show. As they headed for the exits, foreign investors were net sellers of $857 million of Turkish equities in just four weeks ended Feb. 12. No Appetite Offshore investors' share in Turkish equities slumps to record low The shakeup of the countrys economy management in November spurred a rally in Turkish assets and prompted analysts at foreign institutions including Morgan Stanley and HSBC Holdings Plc to recommend buying Istanbul stocks. Investor inflows spurred by the changes among policymakers proved short-lived, however, and net sales of Turkish equities over the past 12 months have now reached $4.1 billion. In June last year, MSCI Inc. warned Turkey that it may end its emerging-market status, citing curbs imposed on equity investors. Since then, Turkey removed a ban on the short selling of stocks in the Borsa Istanbul 30 Index of large-cap companies, recently expanding this to cover the Borsa Istanbul 50 Index. Authorities also relaxed some requirements around margin trading. The broader trend in foreign ownership was skewed toward a decline amid accessibility issues, including the shorting-ban and margin trading requirements, despite some easing of these over the past few months, said Burak Demircioglu, head of International Capital Markets at Istanbul-based Yatirim Finansman. So it seems just a continuation of that trend and may not be easily fixed. He described the purchases of Turkish stocks by non-residents in November and December as tactical trades. With assistance by Fercan Yalinkilic : bloomberg.com Walt Disney World Resort in Florida opened to guests on Oct. 1, 1971. With its 50th anniversary approaching, the resort has announced it will celebrate The Worlds Most Magical Celebration for 18 months beginning on Oct. 1, 2021. This 18-month celebratory event will feature new experiences at the resorts four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering EARidescent decor will appear as if by magic. Shining at the center of it all will be Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, which will add to its royal makeover from 2020 with new gold bunting, sparkling golden embellishments and other new enhancements, including a 50th anniversary crest warmly welcoming guests to the join the festivities, the resort said in a news release. Icons at each of the resorts four theme parks will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow. That includes Cinderellas Castle, the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Hollywood Studios and Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. Also getting a facelift for the anniversary will be Mickey and Minnie Mouse. They will wear custom-made outfits. Highlights of these celebratory designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric all punctuated with pops of gold. The resort said it will release more details about the celebration in the future. In this artist rendering, Cinderella Castle shines with new golden and EARidescent decor at Magic Kingdom Park as part of The Worlds Most Magical Celebration, which begins Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)Walt Disney World Resort READ MORE 25487 Peter Zornio, Chief Technology Officer, Emerson Automation Solutions The Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) is buzz worthy for its sheer potential to optimize operations and enhance profitability, but too many manufacturers are struggling to develop business plans for Industrial IoT and other digitization initiatives. A recent Emerson-sponsored survey of manufacturing executives highlighted the challenge: 60 percent of respondents said they were exploring or investing in Industrial IoT pilot projects, but only 5 percent were investing against a clear business case for how to best implement the technology. This challenge is amplified by the fact that Industrial IoT projects often dont have a clear functional owner within the business. Among survey respondents, 28 percent cited operations as leaders in Industrial IoT in their organizations, followed by IT and engineering at 24 percent each. The wide-ranging potential of Industrial IoT is both exciting and daunting. Its no surprise that many businesses are struggling to get the ball rolling. Where to start? Whos in charge? Emerson has helped manufacturers use automation technologies to optimize their operations for decades. Our focus now is helping them achieve Top Quartile performance, leveraging Industrial IoT technologies, data analysis and insights and expert consulting. While every manufacturers needs and goals are unique, weve seen a consistent path to successful business planning and execution by following five key steps: 1. Focus on business opportunity first, not technology. Industrial IoT is a means to an end, not a solution in and of itself. Successful business plans first require leaders to step back from technology discussions and determine what they need to accomplish to deliver value to the business. It might be reduced facility downtime, less maintenance expense or improved energy efficiency, for example. 2. Build an integrated team. Whether its IT or operations and engineering leading an initiative, a business plan is unlikely to be successful without IT-OT (Operational Technology) collaboration. Each organization brings valuable perspective to business plan development, execution, and measurement against business objectives. IT personnel may know the technology, but OT staff knows how it should be applied and what the business results will be. The greatest benefits of Industrial IoT are realized when worker skills are enhanced and work processes are updated to take advantage of new technology 3. Focus and start small. Industrial IoT is well-suited for small-scale trial applications, such as monitoring equipment health or energy consumption within a facility. These smaller initial projects address clear business needs in a measurable way, while also giving manufacturers the opportunity to evaluate broader applications and deployment as they gain expertise. Too often, the temptation is to start by investing in large-scale technology infrastructure before best-use cases and their requirements have been established. 4. Digitally transform employees as well as processes. The greatest benefits of Industrial IoT are realized when worker skills are enhanced and work processes are updated to take advantage of new technology. Conversely, simply buying new technologies but retaining outdated work practices will delay realization of benefits. As operations become more dependent on advanced digital technologies, it is important to actively evolve the workforce. Collaboration with local educational institutions to ensure that future workers are being trained on the latest technologies can be a wise longer-term investment. Employees can then find new opportunities on their own. For example, we helped customer Denka Singapore monitor steam traps to help improve energy efficiency. Maintenance staff quickly discovered they could evolve their maintenance practices from fixing equipment after it failed, to predicting and preventing equipment from failing in the first place. 5. Pick the right supplier partners. Industrial IoT is a rapidly evolving space and not many companies have a lot of in-house expertise. Suppliers have the advantage of dedicated Industrial IoT personnel with a broader view across an industry. Suppliers should also represent diverse capabilities IT and OT and understand how to make the most of existing infrastructure. Defining business cases, building a roadmap, helping with implementation and security, delivering cloud applications, and even providing turnkey, outcome-based solutions are some of the areas where suppliers can help. With these considerations top of mind, businesses will be well-positioned to get significant returns on their Industrial IoT investments. And with strategic business plans guiding these investments, they will also gain experience and expertise that will drive broader adoption of Industrial IoT and other advanced digital technologies for operational improvements. See Also: Top IoT Solution Companies While the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic many new lessons are being learned every day by nations all over the globe. For example, Brazil and the US have learned that having a leader who does not believe that the virus is a serious threat to life certainly doesnt augur well for the population. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Madrid, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2021 ) :Spain's government will confront all forms of violence, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Friday following the third night of violent protests over the jailing of a rapper for controversial tweets. "Democracy never, ever justifies violence," the Socialist leader said in his first public condemnation of the unrest which has been applauded by his junior coalition partner, the hard-left party Podemos. Spain's conservative opposition has lambasted the premier for not publicly condemning the violent protests and called for him to break with Podemos over the party's support for the demonstrators. Angry demonstrations first erupted on Tuesday night after police detained rapper Pablo Hasel, 32, who was holed up in a university in Catalonia to avoid going to jail in a case which has raised concerns about free speech in Spain. "Violence is an attack on democracy. Consequently the Spanish government will confront any kind of violence," Sanchez said. "In a full democracy -- which Spain is -- the use of any kind of violence is unacceptable. There is no exception to this rule," he added, in reference to remarks by Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias in which he said Hasel's jailing raised questions about Spain's democracy. About 100 people have been arrested since the protests began, including 16 overnight in Barcelona and the eastern city of Valencia, and dozens of people have been injured, according to local authorities. Among them is a young woman who lost an eye on Tuesday night in Barcelona after being hit by a foam round fired by police to dispel demonstrators. Protesters have thrown rocks and other objects at police, set up barricades with garbage containers and torched street furniture. Although most of the protests started in Catalonia, where the rapper is from, they have spread to other cities including Madrid where another rally will take place on Saturday. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, which has been conducting animal rescues for more than 100 years, is setting up a temporary emergency shelter where the dogs, who are emaciated from hunger and starved for basic human kindness, will be given food, medical treatment, and intensive 24-hour TLC. The rescue team will work with a local veterinarian, responders and contacts, performing intake assessments, and setting up a daily care routine as the case works through the legal process. One beautiful dog who we are calling "Faith" is in critical condition, unable to hold food down with severe diarrhea, lethargy, and an extremely high white blood count. She is receiving intensive care with an IV fluid drip, powerful antibiotics and round-the-clock attention. Six members of the American Humane Rescue team collectively traveled thousands of miles from as far away as California and Massachusetts to help the animals and will be bringing critical medicines and supplies donated by Zoetis Petcare (a U.S. business unit of Zoetis), which is the medical sponsor for American Humane Rescue. "It is terrible to think any animal could be forced to live under these conditions, and we must put an end to such abuses," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "Fortunately, our rescue team and dedicated local volunteers were able to help these animals, who will be rehabilitated and put on a path to a better life." The American Humane Rescue program was created in 1916 at the request of the U.S. Secretary of War to rescue war horses on the battlefields of World War I Europe. Now celebrating more than a century of saving animals in need, the American Humane Rescue program has been aiding animals of every kind and has been involved in virtually every major disaster relief effort from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, the California wildfires, the Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, the Japanese and Haitian earthquakes, and Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Florence, Dorian, and Laura. During just the past two years American Humane Rescue teams have saved, sheltered, and fed more than a million animals. To follow the news or support the American Humane Rescue team's emergency work, please visit www.americanhumane.org. About American Humane American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SOURCE American Humane Related Links http://www.americanhumane.org Feb. 19A Detroit man behind bars for two life sentences without parole in the deaths of two children was granted his freedom Thursday by a Wayne County judge. Judge Bruce Morrow at a hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday vacated the convictions and sentences and dismissed all charges against Kenneth Nixon. Nixon, 34, had spent more than 15 years behind bars in the deaths of a 1-year-old and 10-year-old in a Detroit fire in 2005. Less than two hours later, Nixon, a freed man, was met by family members at his release from the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia. "I feel relieved," said Nixon during the ride back to Detroit to join his 18-year-old and 16-year-old sons and other family members. "I knew the day was coming. I just didn't know how or when but I knew this day would get here." Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy's Conviction Integrity Unit sought the dismissal because of doubts that surfaced during a review of his conviction that Nixon was responsible for the fire in May 2005 that claimed the lives of the two siblings, Tamyah Vaughn 1, and Raylord McCulley, 10. The fire started after a Molotov cocktail was thrown into a home in the 19420 block of Charleston. The children, along with their mother and their 13-year-old brother, were in the home. Nixon was 18 when hereceived two life sentences after testimony from an alleged jailhouse informant. Nixon's girlfriend at the time, LaToya Caulford, also was charged in the case, accused of driving Nixon to the house. She was acquitted. "What is highly suspect here is the use of a jail informant by a homicide officer to gain a 'confession,' " Worthy said in a statement Wednesday. "The informant testified that he had no knowledge of the case from watching TV to bolster his credibility. "Years later, he admitted that before Mr. Nixon allegedly confessed to him, the informant had seen details of the case on television. These and other issues support the grant of relief to Mr. Nixon." Story continues Among its findings, the Conviction Integrity Unit found that the 13-year-old brother made "inconsistent" statements to authorities about the fire.There also was an "inference" that because the 13-year-old's statements were inconsistent, a homicide officer turned to the jail house informant. It also found that Nixon was with Caulford at a home in the 19300 block of Havana in Detroit when the crime occurred. Valerie Newman, the director of the Conviction Integrity Unit, said the integrity of Nixon's conviction had been undermined and if the case were tried today, there was a "reasonable probability" that he would not be convicted . Newman said a "significant" number of police officers involved in the case are on the prosecutor's "Giglio list" of 51 Wayne County law enforcement officers whose testimony and truthfulness have been called into question. Naomi Vaughn, the mother of the children, objected to the dismissals of the convictions, begging Morrow "... Don't let him go" and "If anything, it should be a retrial. This is so unfair. God knows the truth." The judge said he understood Vaughn's pain and he had believed that "justice was served" when he sentenced Nixon nearly 16 years ago, but he now believed he was "mistaken" about the the fairness of thetrial. The judge told Vaughn that "furthering injustice is not the way to deal with" her pain of losing her children and to accept that the case has a new outcome. "Justice for Mr. Nixon has finally been achieved," said Morrow. Nixon declined to speak during the hearing. He said later he plans to go to college to study law and journalism, and become involved in working to help free others behind bars through work at an innocence projects like the one that helped him. "I want to be part of an innocence clinic to be able to give back," said Nixon. His attorneys from the WMU-Cooley Law School Innocence Project said they believed in Nixon's innocence. The Innocence Project began reviewing the case in 2016 before accepting it in 2018,when it contacted the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. "Mr. Nixon has worked tirelessly over the last 15 years to regain his freedom," said attorney, David Williams. "Thanks to Mr. Nixon's persistence and the collaboration between the WMU-Cooley Innocence Project and the Wayne County Conviction Integrity Unit, Mr. Nixon will finally be reunited with his loved ones." The Conviction Integrity Unit has helped with exonerations and dismissals of convictions for 28 Michigan inmates in the past three years, said the Conviction Integrity Unit's Newman. Local civil rights attorney Wolfgang Mueller plans to file to seek compensation from the state in Nixon's wrongful conviction. "This is a tragic case, compounded by a wrongful conviction," Mueller said. "But the only way to improve the system is to right the wrongs when they occur. And justice was done today." .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Venue Plus continues In Case You Didnt Know, a weekly feature with fun tidbits about New Mexicans and their projects. Leading up to the November election, there were tons of political ads on TV. Odds are Addison Foskey was in one of them. The Albuquerque-based actor was seen in Bernalillo Countys push to get people to register to vote. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Ive never been an overly political person, Foskey says. With this last election, I felt like I wanted to participate in this so I can say something. Foskey has been part of the local film scene for years. With the pandemic affecting potential jobs, he shifted to setting his sights and kept himself busy by exploring nature. He often takes outings in the Sandia Mountains. And hes come across plenty of stories along the way. New Mexico is an amazing state, and the people are great, Foskey says. You have everything within driving distance, and most places are a day trip away. His love for nature and storytelling comes from his 25 years of metal detecting. Thats the thing: I dig up amazing old coins, and thats awesome, he says. But finding the story is part of the fun. Social media lets me share stuff that I run across. Foskey recently ran into a woman who had View-Master discs sitting in her home. There are some incredible photos on there, he says. Its a part of history that I hope doesnt get lost. While commercials continue to find Foskey, hes enjoying all of the opportunities it brings. My girlfriend, son and I did a spot for the state Tourism Department, he says. That should be coming out this year. Foskey is also working with Elite Dance & Theater on the production for Mr. Mallards Magical Menagerie, which will be presented in May. Originally, it was going to be a live performance, and theyve transferred it over to a film production, he says. Well be shooting in April without a live audience. Its beautiful. Here are five things you probably didnt know about Foskey: 1 I grew up in a funeral home. Its nothing like My Girl. 2 I dont dream ever. Most people will drop into REM sleep and then will go into a deeper REM sleep. Ive had sleep studies done, and my brain jumps out of REM sleep 500 times a night. 3 I didnt start acting until I was 40. Ive never taken an acting class. I got lucky, and I stumbled upon Hell or High Water and thought to myself, This is the most amazing thing in my life. 4 I started reading Stephen King novels when I was 10, which explains my Stephen King tattoos. Ive been a fan ever since. 5 I love to play Minecraft. Online Visit Facebook or TikTok and search for Addison Foskey to view his historical videos. Ghana has presented a total of 100,000 units of election thumbprint pads to the Republic of Niger to support its second round of its upcoming presidential elections. Ghanas Ambassador to Niger, Mr. Jonathan R. Magnusen handed over the materials to the Niger Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) at a short ceremony at Niamey on Wednesday, 17 February 2021. A statement released by the Embassy stated that Ghana was satisfied with the democratic path embraced by the people of Niger, which resulted in the elections of December 2020, hailed by stakeholders as generally free, fair, and credible. The second round of the elections is scheduled for Sunday, 21 February 2021. Mr. Magnusen said the high turnout at the elections, particularly the participation of women, was a demonstration of the will of the people of Niger to reinforce and consolidate democracy, good governance, stronger democratic institutions, and respect for human rights, justice, and rule of law. Describing the gesture as another milestone in the long history of brotherliness, friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance in terms of relations between the two countries for over a century, He commended the CENI for its efforts to ensure a successful election in December 2020, despite security, infrastructural and logistical challenges. He further urged CENI to replicate the hard work in the second round of elections. Mr. Magnusen alsocommended President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger for his decision not to seek an extension of his constitutional two-term mandate. This decision has earned him the respect and admiration of the international community, and placed him in the record books as the first President of Niger to supervise the handing over of political power from a democratically-elected President to another democratically-elected President, he said. Mr. Issaka Souna, the President of the Niger Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), who received the items, expressed profound gratitude to the President of Ghana for the prompt assistance to facilitate the second round of the Presidential elections. Mr. Souna thanked Ghana for the spirit of generosity, fraternity, solidarity, and cooperation that characterised the entire process of arranging and delivering the consignment to Niger. Source: classfmonline.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 Democratic lawmakers Thursday introduced immigration legislation that would offer a pathway to citizenship for an estimated 11 million immigrants in the United States without legal status. With Democrats in control of both chambers of Congress, progressives have pushed the Biden administration to go big, bold and inclusive on immigration reform, said the bills chief sponsors, Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Whittier, and Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J. I look forward to working with leaders in the House and Senate to address the wrongdoings of the past administration and restore justice, humanity and order to our immigration system, Biden said in a statement Thursday. These are not Democratic or Republican priorities but American ones. At a news conference Thursday introducing the bill, Menendez said he knows the path forward will demand negotiations, but he refused to make concessions from the start, calling it the righteous thing to do. There are some in Congress, Ill say from both parties, who argue against going big on immigration reform, Menendez said. Some still believe the answer lies in locking all legal channels of our immigration system until we get our house in order. Others say we should leave the bigger, tougher questions for another day, pursuing narrow reforms that nibble at the edges and leave millions of people behind, he continued. Personally, I couldnt disagree more with both approaches. Menendez cautioned that the approach is not all-or-nothing but, rather, emphasizing the goal of robust immigration reform. Sanchez called it an all-of-the-above strategy. There are other great immigration bills that we also will be taking up and hopefully passing as well, she said. But our focus is most definitely on the U.S. Citizenship Act moving forward today. White House officials offered few new details to the outline they unveiled last month, when they said the bill was sent to Congress. Its centerpiece is an eight-year path to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants in the United States without legal status, with a five-year wait for permanent legal status, often referred to as a green card, and three more years before citizenship is granted. That eight-year total is shorter than 13 years called for in the last failed comprehensive immigration reform effort in 2013, when a bill spearheaded by the bipartisan Gang of Eight, including Menendez, passed the Senate but died without a vote in the House. The legislation also offers green cards to beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, who were brought to the U.S. as children, and to thousands of people with temporary protected status, or TPS, afforded humanitarian protection due to insecurity in their home countries, as of Jan. 21, 2017, according to Biden administration officials. Farmworkers who can show some backward-looking work history will also be able to go directly to permanent legal status, with applicants in all three categories required to pass security checks. Some Republican legislators called the bill a nonstarter. Rep. John Katko, R-N.Y., the leading Republican member of the Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement that the bill is more a symbolic marker than a viable product for congressional debate. Most of the border security provisions in this proposal require (the Department of Homeland Security) to develop plans and strategies that have already been required by Congress or already exist. It therefore would not result in substantial and needed improvements at the border, while at the same time calling for immediate action on a broad range of immigration law changes, he said. I welcome an honest policy discussion about the changes Congress needs to make to secure the border, and the lukewarm provisions in this bill do not come close. As Republicans denounce Bidens efforts to roll back President Donald Trumps more than 1,000 measures to restrict immigration, saying the Democrats early moves are causing an increase in apprehensions at the border dating to last year, White House officials have stressed that the fast track to legal status will apply only to those who were in the United States by Jan. 1. Administration officials framed the legislation as steps to better reflect the presidents values on immigration, such as changing the term alien in the Immigration and Nationality Act, the foundation of the U.S. immigration system, to noncitizen. It follows a memo first reported by Buzzfeed directing DHS officials to not use the dehumanizing term, common in U.S. law, in their communications. The bill also moves to clear often decadeslong backlogs for family members by exempting spouses, permanent partners and children under age 21 from per-country caps that limit their numbers, and raising the limits for other family- and employment-based visas. The legislation would increase diversity visas to 80,000 from 50,000 and prioritizes applicants who have been waiting more than 10 years or have advanced STEM degrees. Certain regions in the U.S., officials said, could apply for additional visas to support economic development through a five-year program authorized by the Department of Homeland Security, so long as they certify there are available jobs and no workers to fill them. The bill would also eliminate hurdles that can keep immigrants in the United States without legal status from reentering the country for up to 10 years. As one of his first moves in office, Biden repealed Trumps travel ban, which targeted majority Muslim and African countries. The legislation would go further, repealing other Trump-era restrictions against asylum seekers and refugees as well as instituting measures to prevent future such bans. The legislation would also seek to counter Trumps targeting of asylum, officials said, by ending the one-year limit on filing asylum claims; increasing funding for Citizenship and Immigration Services to reduce a backlog thats reached a record 1.3 million cases; providing for more immigration judges and support staff; and increasing access to legal counsel, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups. The bill would additionally triple the number of available U visas, for victims of crime or those who aid law enforcement. As one of his last moves in office, Trump sought in September to narrow eligibility for U visas. Notably, the Biden administrations proposed bill doesnt tie immigration benefits to border enforcement, as past efforts have done in part to garner Republican support. Officials said it will instead focus resources on countering drug and human trafficking networks, bolstering transnational anti-gang task forces in Central America, and enhancing border technology, particularly at ports of entry where most smuggling occurs. It also includes a four-year plan to increase assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras conditioned on leaders ability to reduce corruption, violence and poverty. If my choice as a Central American citizen is to stay and die, or stay and see my daughter raped, or stay and see my son forcibly put into a gang, Im going to flee, Menendez said. And so until we deal with those root causes, we are going to continuously have a challenge. The introduction of the high-profile bill a signal that Biden plans to make immigration reform a legislative priority even as he seeks to quickly address the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout also increases the focus on his commitment to undoing Trumps immigration policies as the president faces another early test this week. Starting today, United States, Mexican and United Nations officials will begin processing some of the more than 25,000 asylum seekers believed to be stuck south of the U.S.-Mexico border under a Trump policy known as Remain in Mexico that forced them to wait there on cases in U.S. immigration courts. The renewed processing will start at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, officials told the Los Angeles Times. Biden had said he would end the program but instead paused it. UTICA, N.Y. A Utica man is facing several charges after he was allegedly involved in an armed home invasion on Blandina Street Thursday night. According to Utica Police Department, suspects broke into a home on the 600 block on Blandina Street just before 9 p.m. Once inside, they allegedly threatened and hit the resident with a black handgun. Police put out a be on the lookout alert, and around 10:45 p.m. other offices with the Gun Involved Violence Elimination unit stopped the suspected vehicle on Mohawk Street near Jay Street. Police say 26-year-old Vitaliy Suprunchik, who had an outstanding warrant on a separate charge, was removed from the vehicle and arrested. During that time, officers saw several baggies of suspected heroin, leading them to search the vehicle. Officers found a loaded Cobra Patriot 9mm handgun in the glove compartment, matching the description of the gun used in the home invasion. Suprunchik, who was already wanted on a possession of a forged instrument charge, was also charged with the following: First-degree burglary Second-degree menacing Harassment Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon Criminal possession of a firearm Fourth- and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance Police say the investigation is ongoing, and other suspects may be charged in the incident. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. CARRYING the heart-warming named Anamcara, or Anam Cara meaning Soul Friend or Soulmate, this Cork home fresh to market looks to be a warm-hearted property too, evidenced by a B2 BER, high insulation standards, and good creature comforts. Set in the Castlejane sector of Glanmire, in a cul-de-sac among a number of older one-offs, this Anamcara is a broad dormer home just shy of 3,000 sq ft, with featured stone-faced lofty entry point/hall, built on a site of almost 0.4 of an acre back in 2009. Where the living is... cozy. It was done at the time with an eye to cozy living, with an enhanced level of insulation done at the build stage, with oil-fired central heating and its very decent amount of internal space allows it a great mix of living rooms, and five bedrooms, all of them en suite, notes estate agent Trish Stokes of Lisney. Her vendors are trading down after building it 12 years ago, and its a certainty the next occupants will be trading up. 'Anamcara', Castlejane, Glanmire, Co Cork, on offer with Lisney for a price in the region of 595,000. Ms. Stokes guides at 595,000, and says theres a very good floor layout, with two of its bedrooms at ground floor level, so families who dont need all five have the choice of using some as a home office/den; most likely it could be the one which has its en suite (with shower over bath) doubling up in a Jack and Jill sort of arrangement, with two doors, also serving as a ground floor guest WC: its an effective use of facilities in the main, once those of modest dispositions remember to lock two doors and not just one when nature calls. Master bedroom at Anamcara The master suite meanwhile is up on the first floor, with a shower en suite and large walk-in robes/dressing room behind, and is one of two bedrooms with two dormer windows to the front, in an en suite. Internal finishes and decor tend toward the traditional rather than contemporary. A very good balance for the quantum of bedrooms/bathrooms is the mix of reception rooms, and a feature of the layout is the way one front reception room links to the hall via an arch, and again behind an arch separates or links a good-sized dining room: its sort of an early approach to the later trend for open plan living. There are two reception rooms, the smaller on the left (its about 12' by 12) thru the arch continues the run of solid oak flooring thats in the hall, and while theres a marble fireplace, its just a visual feature, as theres no chimney for it. Another living room view Off to the right, meanwhile, is the larger living room, about 16 by 16, with double doors to the dining room and a single door to the hall: this rooms also has a fireplace, but its a functioning open one in this case, with a chimney of the gable wall. Lisneys Trish Stokes says that there was much thought went in at the design stage of this home catering, for open plan spaces where it was felt of benefit and combining that with the intimacy of individual reception rooms, and she says the setting too is quiet in its Castlejane niche, with all homes here is this particular setting individual, within a walk of all amenities, schools etc. Overall condition is very good, with internal finishes and decor tending toward the traditional rather than contemporary, and the c 0.4 acre of grounds Anamcara stands on it are enclosed in the main, with low-maintenance steel fencing to the sides with an old stone wall at the back boundary, with good off-street parking. Rear patio view The Price Register shows over 90 Glanmire sales with a Castlejane address, with just three over the 500,000 mark, No 7 the Avenue Castlejane Woods at 520,000 in 2017; a property called Old World fetched 540,000 in 18, and the highest price was the 834,000 paid for Greenawn in 2011, and that was for a 3,600 sq ft home which had a price hope of as much as 1.5m back in 2006 according to Irish Examiner files. The Register shows 67 sales with a broader Glanmire address in excess of 500,000 in the past decade and estate agent Trish Stokes observes that Glanmire has become a destination for all family make-ups, from first-time buyers to those trading up and wanting to stay in the area. Anamcara offers a family home capable of catering to all of those needs. VERDICT: As good as new, and sizeable to boot. Loading From teddy bear hunts for cooped-up kids, to rainbow drawings displayed in homes front windows and Spoonville, what sustained our city was our willingness to create beauty in boredom. We are resilient, Cincotta said. Were such a great city. Director of the Melbourne Institute Professor Abigail Payne, who has been leading research on the impacts of COVID-19 on our city for the University of Melbourne, agrees we are a hardy bunch. What I think has struck me [about] Australians and this is particularly true of Victorians because weve gone through it more than others [is] how compliant we are, she said. Were asked to stay at home, were asked to socially distance, were asked to wear masks. And we do that. And in our [research], people are willing to do that. People seem OK working from home. You know, I think we are very resilient. This has been a tale of two pandemics, though. The institutes research has shown many of us continue to suffer the lingering effects of the COVID-19 tail. Shoppers in the Queen Victoria Market on Friday Credit:Justin McManus Of those surveyed by the university in early February, 27 per cent suffered financial stress and were struggling to pay for basic goods and services. The proportion of Australians vulnerable to adverse income shocks, already financially stressed and only just making ends meet, was 56 per cent. This was despite real GDP rising by 3.3 per cent in the September quarter of last year and Australia no longer being in recession as of December. Professor Payne cautioned that we are not out of the woods yet; the next weeks and months will be crucial in continuing to suppress the virus and the months after the end of JobKeeper will push many individuals and businesses to breaking point. Amid the rolling uncertainty of the past 11 months, however, many have found their strength by looking for the good. Good Karma Network founder Amy Churchouse. Amy Churchouse started the countrys first Good Karma Network five years ago, kicking off with a community page for residents of her home suburb of Kensington. Since then, the movement has grown to 57 networks, with some 125,000 members across Australia (most are in Victoria). The aim of Good Karma Networks are to spread kindness, compassion and good deeds; surely a movement suited to a global pandemic that has united us in common experience while keeping us cruelly apart. Churchouse said such movements are needed now, more than ever. It was a powerful tool before COVID, and I think its important for us to think about this in a wider context, she said. Its about humans being good together. If we are a community, if we are connected, we can cope with anything. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video During 2020 the popularity of Good Karma Networks, and the community building they represent, blossomed. In Reservoir, locals started a grow cart, containing books, fresh vegetables and seedlings offered to passersby with an encouragement to take what you need, [and] give what you can. A Coburg apartment block created a Whatsapp group to keep in touch, trade produce and tools, and run errands for neighbours unable to get out of their homes. One woman in Melbournes inner north posted that her son had lost his teddy bear. A fellow member dug out an old identical bear, patched him up, and sent it to the young boy with a note describing how the bear had gone on an adventure and had finally come back to him. For Melburnian Marc Shrapnel, whose wife Melinda died in January after a long battle with cancer, lockdown offered a rare beauty: it brought their busy household together during Melindas final months. Cafe society has restarted. Credit:Justin McManus As Melindas health and mobility deteriorated during 2020, she was forced to stay home more and more, while the rest of the household was busy at work or school. The lockdown of everyone brought the household back home and forced a change with all members, Marc said. It was now a case of stopping the bustle and frantic nature of life in Melbourne and spending time together. The household daily routine was filled with sounds of life and movement. This gave Melinda the opportunity to spend time, a precious resource when faced with a defined end. Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp paid tribute to Melburnians, saying they have rallied together when it mattered most. Melbourne is regaining some of its old buzz. Credit:Justin McManus Melburnians are some of the most resilient and caring people in Australia if not the world, Cr Capp said. We defeated a second wave of COVID and the overwhelming majority of Melburnians have done whatever it takes to keep our community safe. Loading Despite the incredible pain and sacrifice so many people have made throughout the pandemic, one unifying feature has been how often we have looked to help out each other during this crisis. On Friday, Melbournes CBD was regaining some of its old buzz. The number of pedestrians in the city was up by about 150 per cent compared with the last day of lockdown, although the number of people was still only at one-third of pre-pandemic levels. We will still need to continue our compassion and care for other Melburnians for many months as our city recovers, she said. Advertisement Snow has blanketed parts of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Libya and Israel - covering areas that it has not reached in years with drifts up to six inches deep. Lebanon was among the hardest hit, as the country was struck by Storm Joyce which brought gale force winds of up to 62mph, storm surges that submerged coastal areas, and widespread snowfall. In the mountains of Syria's Sweida province, snow was as high as six inches in place, according to the official state news agency SANA, while flakes also fell in the capital Damascus. The University of Damascus called off mid-term exams scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in all its branches around Syria because of the extreme weather conditions. It comes amid a winter of unseasonably cold weather that also caused snowfall in Iraq last month, and is set to continue through the weekend in many places. Snow falls in Jerusalem over the Dome of the Rock for the first time in years after a polar vortex brought freezing conditions across many Middle Eastern countries Workers make their way through the streets of Istanbul earlier this week after parts of Turkey were blanketed in thick snow which also hit large parts of the Middle East Snow up to six inches deep fell in mountainous regions of southern Syria near the border with Israel (pictured, the Quneitra border between the two countries) The northern Iraqi city of Sulaimaniyah is seen covered in snow last month after unseasonably cold air brought snow to parts of the Middle Eastern country The archaeological site of Baalbek is covered with snow in the eastern Lebanese Bekaa valley Seagulls circle over the snow covered warf during a heavy snow storm in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul earlier this week Buldings are seen from a plane landing at the Sabiha Gokcen international airport during a heavy snowfall in Istanbul Later, local authorities in the provinces of Sweida, Quneitra, Daraa and Tartous suspend school on Thursday due to the storm and heavy snowfall. In the opposition-held northwestern Syria, civil defense teams have been building dirt mounds since Tuesday around camps for the displaced to prevent rain from flooding the crowded areas. Nearly 3 million displaced people live in northwestern Syria, mostly in tents and temporary shelters. Heavy rainfall last month damaged over 190 displacement sites, destroying and damaging over 10,000 tents. In neighboring Lebanon, Storm Joyce hit late Tuesday with gale force winds registering between 52mph and 62mph. The storm is expected to get stronger Thursday. Breaking a warm spell, the storm brought heavy rainfall, a sharp drop in temperatures and the heaviest snow fall in Lebanon this year. Snow is expected to cover areas of altitudes as low as 400 meters, according to the meteorological department. Nearly a dozen roads in eastern and northern Lebanon were closed to traffic because of the snow. A beachside club and restaurant were submerged in water as waves nearly 4 meters (13 feet) high slammed onto the shore. The Israeli Meteorological Service forecast heavy thunderstorms and cold temperatures across much of the country, with snowfall at higher altitudes expected later on Wednesday, including in Jerusalem. A man walks along Baalbek's ancient ruins during snowfall in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley Kurdish Iraqi youths play with snow in the northern city of Sulaimaniyah following a snowstorm last month Tents partially covered with snow are seen at Internally displaced Syrian camp in Northern Aleppo countryside Syrian boys living at a camp for displaced people in the northern Aleppo countryside play with snow last month A Syrian girl at a camp in northern Aleppo gathers snow off a tent to play with other children during a winter storm last month Israeli soldiers walk past a row of snow-covered battle tanks in the Golan Heights along the border with Syria this week Israeli tourists pose for a picture above a military monument amidst falling snow near Moshav Alonei HaBashan in the Golan Heights this week On Wednesday night, Israeli police closed the main road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem due to snow. Heavy snowfall covered the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights near the border with Syria. In Jordan, the COVID-19 vaccination drive was suspended due to severe weather conditions. Schools and universities also put off classes. Jordan's Prime Minister Bishr al-Khasawneh announced that Thursday will be an official holiday for both the public and private sector due to the snow storm. Osama al-Tarifi, director of the operating room of the Arabia Weather site, said snow has reached eight inches in the mountains of Ajloun in northern Jordan, where snowfall has been non-stop since Tuesday night. In Libya, snow blanketed the country's northeast mountains as snowfall continued since Tuesday, covering forests and roads in some areas in the North African country. Residents of the Jabal al-Akhdar area in the far northeast part of Libya took their children out for fun, some making snowmen and others starting snowball fights. 'I was surprised, actually, by the number of families who came here to take pictures to remember the snow,' said Ali al-Shairi, an amateur photographer from the eastern city of Bayda, which is known for recurrent snow in Libya but has not seen any for a couple of years. In neighboring Egypt, heavy rain and windy weather prevailed on Wednesday and was expected to last into Thursday, the country's meteorological agency said. Authorities in South Sinai province, which includes touristic hubs, canceled touristic activities, including safaris and cruises to weather the storm. A man shovels snow on a road, during a snowstorm in the village of Kfar Shouba in southern Lebanon People walk with umbrellas amdist falling snow near Kibbutz El-Rom in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights An Israeli solider takes photos of his family in the snow near the Quneitra border crossing with Syria in the Golan Heights Children play in the snow, during a snowstorm in the village of Kfar Shouba in southern Lebanon A view shows snow covered trees, during a snowstorm in the village of Kfar Shouba in southern Lebanon A suspected case of Ebola in Liberia has been detected in a woman who came from the Guinean town of Nzerekore, which is in the region of a new outbreak of the virus. Liberia's Health Minister Wilhelmina Jallah told the BBC that specimens had been collected from the woman who is currently in the isolation unit of a leading hospital in the capital, Monrovia. She said the woman had gone to a local clinic showing malaria-related symptoms before she was transferred to the hospital for further examinations. Dr Jallah said that in view of the symptoms she had shown, the woman was considered a suspected case, but her actual status would only become known after the result of tests. Nzerekore is close to the border with Liberia and before the outbreak of Covid-19, trade boomed between people in the town and those from Liberia. Guinea has officially declared that it is dealing with an Ebola epidemic after the deaths of at least three people from the virus. Between 2013 and 2016 more than 11,000 people died in the Ebola epidemic, which had badly affected Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. In response to that West Africa epidemic several Ebola vaccines were trialled that have since been successfully used to fight outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video WASHINGTON -- The United States says it has imposed visa restrictions on 43 Belarusians "responsible for undermining" the countrys democracy, including several high-ranking officials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on February 18 that Washington remains alarmed by the "continuing violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, pro-democracy activists, and journalists" by the government controlled by authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka. The statement said the February 16 "raids on human rights organization Vyasna [Spring], the Belarusian Association of Journalists, and independent trade union workers, as well as the February 18 sentencing of journalists Katsyaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova are particularly troublesome." On February 18, a judge sentenced Andreyeva and Chultsova after finding them guilty of "organizing public events aimed at disrupting civil order." Andreyeva, 27, and Chultsova, 23, in their last statement in the courtroom, again rejected the charges against them, calling them politically motivated because their only reason to be at the protest was to do their job as reporters. The State Department said it had imposed visa restrictions on 43 Belarusian individuals "responsible for undermining Belarusian democracy, making them generally ineligible for entry into the United States." The individuals include "high-ranking justice sector officials; law-enforcement leaders, and rank-and-file personnel who detained and abused peaceful demonstrators; judges and prosecutors involved in sentencing peaceful protesters and journalists to prison terms; and academic administrators who threatened students for participation in peaceful protests," the statement said. "The United States continues to support international efforts to independently investigate electoral irregularities in Belarus, the human rights abuses surrounding the election, and the crackdown that has followed. We stand with the brave people of Belarus and support their right to free and fair elections." Tens of thousands of Belarusians have taken to the streets, almost weekly, since August when Lukashenka claimed reelection in a vote that opponents called fraudulent. The demonstrators are demanding that Lukashenka leave and new elections be held, but Belarus's strongman has been defiant. Security officials have arrested thousands and forced top opposition figures out of the country. Several protesters have been killed in the violence and some rights organizations say there is credible evidence of torture being used against some of those detained. The United States, European Union, Canada, and other countries have refused to recognize Lukashenka's claim of reelection and have slapped him and other senior officials with sanctions in response to the "falsification" of the vote and postelection crackdown. The 66-year-old Lukashenka has been in power for 26 years. Smartphone generation 'raised on hardcore porn,' church must address coming 'tsunami': expert warns Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Due to the ubiquity of smartphones, the up-and-coming generation has been raised on hardcore porn to a level thats never been seen before, and there will be a massive reckoning within the Church if the Body of Christ fails to address this issue, the head of an addiction recovery program has warned. We may think that the porn situation is bad now, as were seeing pastors like Ravi Zacharias come out, but this younger generation has been raised on hardcore porn to a level that we've never seen before, Ted Shimer, founder of The Freedom Fight, an online addiction recovery program, told The Christian Post. The Bible tells us that we're going to reap what we sow. Those of us who work with college students, were seeing porn addiction like never before. These are our future Christian parents, mothers, fathers, church leaders. If the church doesn't deal with it, there's going to be a massive reckoning that is unfortunately not going to look well on the name of Christ. Shimer, who has mentored young adults for nearly three decades with the collegiate ministry Student Mobilization, said the rise in porn addiction is directly related to accessibility to technology. In 2007 the year the iPhone came out Shimer and his wife and ministry partner noticed a significant increase in porn addiction among young people. We really identified pornography and addiction to it as the single biggest obstacle to our vision and mission of building spiritual leaders for Christ, he said. So in 2007 is when we really took a deep dive into this topic. Shimer revealed that hes heard firsthand accounts of children both boys and girls becoming addicted to pornography as early as seventh grade. When a mom hands her seventh grader an iPhone, she's not realizing shes handing her child 24/7 access to pornography, he said. And yet, that's what's happening. Its the private access at such young ages thats really the driver behind why we're seeing so many young people with such deep addictions. Its getting worse every year. Its a massive, massive issue. Statistics show that Christians and even church pastors engage in viewing porn at almost the same rates as the secular world. And the problem is particularly relevant given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with Pornhub and other sites capitalizing on the lockdown, Shimer said. This is such a massive issue in the church, and we need more people who understand it and are equipped to help others break free. Because this next generation of believers that are going to be entering the church I promise this is going to be a huge issue in their discipleship. If we havent been equipped to address this effectively, were going to be offering shallow and ineffective solutions. Shimer acknowledged that talking about porn in the church is awkward, uncomfortable, and surrounded in shame, but stressed that its not going away. Pastors and church leaders need to address it with effective, Gospel-centered, scientifically-informed solutions because its not simply going away, he said, adding that only 7% of churches say they have the resources to assist their members with this addiction. To help equip parents and church leaders to fight this epidemic, Shimers organization, The Freedom Fight, provides a free program that can be used by individuals, small groups and churches. Shimer has also penned an accompanying book, The Freedom Fight: The New Drug and The Truths that Set Us Free, where he explores the destructive nature of pornography and examines its six root factors. He also identifies biblical, practical methods to overcome porn addiction and find true freedom. When addiction is only dealt with on a certain level, it's more awkward and shaming than it should be, he explained. When we start understanding it from an addiction factor and look at the brain science piece and address it from a holistic and discipleship standpoint, we become more equipped to deal with it. The forward to Shimers book is written by Josh McDowell, who has dedicated a considerable amount of time and use of his platform to address the issue of pornography. When it comes to combating sex addiction, Shimer offers a method based on scientific research and God's Word called B.R.A.C.E.: Breath, Remember the truth, make an Accountability Call and Escape the temptation. Its a simple and yet powerful tool that has really been effective, he said. Temptation doesnt always have to be your downfall. It can allow you to build a new pathway and a new direction, built on God's Word. Through this book, I want to both educate and equip. The father-of-four also encouraged parents to have the porn and sex talk with their children at earlier ages, warning that the world will fill in the blanks if we dont. Its important for parents to show the relevance of the Scriptures and use Gods Word to frame the topic of sex, he explained. Jesus wants us to have an abundant life. The thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy, and that's what we are seeing with the negative consequences of going outside of God's boundaries. Parents and church leaders, Shimer added, must understand the brutal reality of pornography and how it impacts a person's brain and impacts their relationships, their marriages, their spiritual life. But there is a pathway to freedom, and addressing this issue in the Church is an opportunity for revival, he added. London: Group of Seven leaders, who control a little under half of the world's economy, on Friday sought to look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic towards rebuilding their battered economies with free trade and to countering China's "non-market oriented" policies. U.S. President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi debuted at the G7 virtual leaders' meeting which was chaired by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The leaders called for stronger defences against a future pandemic, including exploring a global health treaty, but the focus was on a green recovery - on the same day that the United States rejoined the Paris climate agreement. "Jobs and growth is what we're going to need after this pandemic," Johnson told the opening of the meeting. An official communiques said the G7 would champion open economies, "data free flow with trust" and work on "a modernised, freer and fairer rules-based multilateral trading system". There was no direct reference to Facebook which cut news feeds in Australia. Leaders supported the commitment of Japan to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 this summer. In a clear reference to China, G7 leaders said they "will consult with each other on collective approaches to address non-market oriented policies and practices". But the tone of the G7 was distinctly cooperative and collective - as Biden tried to project a message of re-engagement with the world and with global institutions after four years of Donald Trump's "America First" policies. The COVID-19 pandemic has killed 2.4 million people, tipped the global economy into its worst peacetime slump since the Great Depression and upended normal life for billions. 'MUTE ANGELA' Even at the virtual top table of world politics, the "mute curse", which has stilted video calls for millions of businesses and families over the past months of COVID-19 lockdown, struck. As Johnson began the meeting, a German voice suddenly interrupted him. "Can you hear us Angela," Johnson quipped to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, chuckling. "I think you need to mute." Johnson also claimed that Biden had "nicked" - British slang for stolen - his slogan "build back better", though Johnson said that he himself had probably stolen it from somewhere else. Once the mute problems were over, leaders pledged billions of dollars to COVAX, a coronavirus vaccination programme for poorer countries. "COVID-19 shows that the world needs stronger defences against future risks to global health security," the G7 said. "We will continue to support our economies to protect jobs and support a strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive recovery." Though Biden has cast China as the "most serious competitor" of the United States, China was mentioned only once in the communiques. Johnson said the G7 - as "like-minded liberal free-trading democracies" - stood together on issues such as condemnation of the coup in Myanmar and the detention of Alexei Navalny in Russia. The G7 of the United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada has a combined gross domestic product of about $40 trillion - a little less than half of the global economy. 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. [February 19, 2021] General American Investors Files Certified Shareholder Report for Year Ended December 31, 2020 General American Investors Company, Inc., a closed-end investment company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (GAM), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC (News - Alert) ) its Certified Shareholder Report (Form N-CSR) for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Form N-CSR, which contains the Company's 2020 Annual Report, is available at the SEC's website: www.sec.gov and the Company's website: www.generalamericaninvestors.com. The 2020 Annual Report is also available on the Company's website and the Proxy Statement, pertaining to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 28, 2021, is also available on the website. The Annual Report indicates that as of and for the year ended: 2020 2019 Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock $1,087,971,063 $1,081,697,614 Per Common Share $44.00* $43.70** Net Investment Income $3,134,606 $8,218,332 Per Common Share $0.13 $0.33 Net Gain (Loss) on Investments $73,837,456 $288,658,575 Per Common Share $3.10 $11.78 Common Shares Outstanding 24,728,206 24,753,191 Dividends and Distributions to Common Shareholders $60,588,552 $59,144,808 Per Common Share $2.50 $2.45 Dividends and Distributions to Preferred Shareholders $11,311,972 $11,311,972 Per Common Share $0.46 $0.46 * After dividends and distributions of $2.50 per share paid in December 2020. ** After dividends and distributions of $2.45 per share paid in December 2019. The Company also reported that it purchased 750,415 shares of its outstanding common stock in the open market during 2020. The Board of Directors has authorized repurchasing common shares when they are trading at a discount in excess of 8%. The Company is also authorized to repurchase up to one million shares of its 5.95% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (symbol GAM Pr B on NYSE) when they are trading at less than $25 per share. The aggregate liquidation value of the preferred stock is $190.1 million. The five largest stock holdings in the Company's portfolio at December 31, 2020 included: Microsoft Corporation, Republic Services, ASML Holding N.V., Alphabet Inc., and Amazon.com (News - Alert) , Inc. General American Investors was founded in 1927, has been publicly traded since its inception and has been listed on the NYSE since 1930. The objective of the Company is long-term capital appreciation through investment in companies with above average growth potential. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005363/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Scientists have revealed they have found 'no traces' of the coronavirus in the London Underground after four months of collecting samples. Imperial College London staff have been taking samples of the air and swabbing surfaces at tube stations and on tube carriages and London buses once a month. 'Reassuringly' they have found no traces of the virus or any of its variants following lab tests of the samples, which are being collected once a month. The tests look for genetic material known as ribonucleic acid (RNA) with a sequence that is specific to SARS CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. Imperial researcher travelling on the Northern Line taking samples. The team are swabbing surfaces people regularly touch - like oyster card readers, ticket machines, escalator handrails and buttons Dr David Green, senior research fellow at Imperial has been conducting testing which covers all variants of the virus with fellow staff in cooperation with Transport for London (TfL). 'We're testing both underground and bus routes around London,' he explained during an Imperial podcast. 'We try to represent what people are exposed to if they're travelling around.' TfL called the results 'encouraging' and stressed that people should continue to use public transport only if they have a legally permitted reason to do so according to government advice. Since October, researchers have been conducting their test in the third week of every month, starting at a major station in zone 1 and travelling to another major station. They sample both station concourses, platforms and the train that they travel on. According to TfL, the sampling is designed to mimic a journey, but focuses on central London since most journeys either begin or end there. The team are taking samples of the particles in the air by sucking up to 300 litres a minute into a filter. Researcher takes a swab of the Oyster reader at Euston Underground Station. The initiative is targeting high-touch areas on the network The team are taking samples of the particles in the air by sucking up to 300 litres a minute into a filter (pictured at Euston) DNA AND RNA EXPLAINED DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid - is widely known as the molecule found in the nucleus of all our cells that contains genetic information. It is shaped like a double-helix and made of small sections called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a nucleobase, a sugar, and a phosphate group. The sugar component in this particular molecule is called deoxyribose and makes up the D in DNA. This is a cyclic carbon-based chemical with five carbon atoms arranged as a pentagon. At the second carbon atom there is an attached singular hydrogen atom in deoxyribose. This can also have an additional oxygen attached as well. In this case, the oxygenated chemical then forms what is simply known as ribose - the R in RNA. The deoxy prefix literally means without oxygen. Advertisement This draws in samples of any particles of moisture in the air that may be breathed out by users of the network. They're swabbing surfaces like ticket machines, escalator handles and the Oyster card readers at barriers. 'We use the same sort of techniques as you do with a throat swab so we have a cotton bud that we moisten with a tissue culture, we wipe it over a surface and then seal it and take it to the lab,' Dr Green said. Once this is done, they get on the tube and take more samples from surfaces like handles and buttons until they reach the next station and repeat the process. On a day's work they take samples at two stations, on one Tube line, as well as one bus. The research team stop at Underground stations for an hour at a time. 'The volumes we're testing are very very large,' Dr Green said. The samples are delivered on the same day to Imperial's Barclay Laboratory to test for gene fragments of coronavirus. They're analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which rapidly amplifies a genetic material called RNA, making it possible to detect genetic sequences specific to the virus. All samples are placed into virus transportation medium immediately after they are collected from the transport network, to stop the viral RNA becoming damaged. So far, none of the test have come back positive after four months. This is likely due to a combination of regular cleaning of surfaces by TfL staff with anti-viral disinfectant and generally a good adherence to the compulsory mask policy on public transport. 'All of the results have been negative so far, which is very reassuring for everybody travelling,' said Dr Green. 'The cleaning of surfaces within the Underground seems to be effective in reducing traces of Covid RNA on surfaces.' The testing shows the importance of wearing a mask on public transport, as the virus is mostly spreading though droplets in the air. 'Back in the early stages of the pandemic everybody was worried about surface transmission,' Dr Green said. The samples are delivered on the same day to the lab of Professor Wendy Barclay, where they are analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which rapidly amplifies a genetic material called RNA, making it possible to detect genetic sequences specific to the virus. Pictured, samples at Euston So far, none of the test have come back positive after four months. This is likely due to a combination of regular cleaning of surfaces by TfL staff with anti-viral disinfectant and generally a good adherence to the compulsory mask policy on public transport 'Gradually as we've moved on we've understood only through super-spreader events that lots of transmission is occurring through droplets and aerosols. 'When you see news reports of super-spreader events they tend to be either large numbers of people in big areas where they're not wearing face coverings or they're occurring in domestic environments where lots of people are sitting around a table talking to each other for 10 or 15 minutes. 'That's where you get the increase in concentrations inside that enables the virus to transmit.' Despite the promising findings, TfL workers are still at a high risk of infection and commuters should keep wearing their face masks. TfL revealed last month that 57 of its staff have been killed by coronavirus and one in 10 workers is absent due to sickness or self-isolation. Some 42 bus workers have died over the course of the pandemic alongside eight Tube and rail workers, three from head office and four in partner organisations, according to the Evening Standard. The organisation said that 3,646 of its workers are currently absent due to sickness or self-isolation. This figure makes up about 10 per cent of the workforce. During the peak of the pandemic, eight London bus drivers died after contracting the virus in just three days. London's Transport Commissioner Andy Byford said: 'I am determined we as an organisation continue to play our part in the national effort to beat coronavirus. In December, the government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended people in public-facing jobs, including transport workers, be prioritised for a coronavirus vaccine after the highest risk groups. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published its vaccine priority list in December, with care homes and the NHS among the first in line The body encouraged the government to prioritise people based on their job types once all over-50s have been immunised. 'Vaccination of those at increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 due to their occupation could also be a priority in the next phase,' the JCVI guidance said. 'This could include first responders, the military, those involved in the justice system, teachers, transport workers, and public servants essential to the 10 pandemic response.' Teachers should be given a pay rise of up to 15 per cent over the next two years, an inquiry into the NSW public school workforce has found, and an extra two hours a week off class to plan classes and work with colleagues. The NSW Department of Education should also create new career pathways for teachers, including roles as advisers on issues such as curriculum or disability, as well as new expert and master teacher roles, the inquiry found. Former West Australian premier Geoff Gallop led an inquiry into the changing nature of teachers work. Credit:James Brickwood The inquiry was commissioned by the NSW Teachers Federation and chaired by former West Australian premier Geoff Gallop, who spent 12 months examining evidence on the changing nature of teachers jobs since 2004. The NSW Industrial Relations Commission held similar work-value inquiries into teaching four times between 1970 and 2004, ordering pay rises of between 9.5 and 23 per cent. It no longer holds such inquiries. Oakley Unified Elementary School District board members were caught making disparaging comments about parents during a virtual meeting Wednesday that they believed was private. Before the meeting officially began, board members talked about parents who have complained about children still in distance learning. At one point, board member Kim Beede asked the group if they were the only ones in the meeting before she used profanity. Lisa Brizendine said parents often forget that board members are also parents and community members when writing letters complaining about school reopenings. They dont know what goes on behind the scenes and its really unfortunate they want to pick on us because they want their babysitters back, Brizendine said. The video was uploaded on YouTube, where parents expressed outrage over the comments. A non-binding petition was launched shortly after, calling board members to resign immediately due to this egregious behavior. They should no longer represent the parents, teachers, and children in this school district, the petition says. YouTube Superintendent Greg Hetrick released a statement calling the comments unfortunate and truly inappropriate. These comments are not typical and more importantly they are not what the community should expect from our school district, Hetrick said in a statement. I know that we lost trust with the community. I will not make excuses for what happened or why it happened. I am the superintendent. I am responsible and accountable and I am truly sorry for what took place. Towards the end of the video, a staff member warned the board that the meeting was, in fact, open to the public. Great! Brizendine said, sarcastically. The Facebook group Reopen California Schools planned a protest for Saturday at Oakley City Hall in response to the incident. Board members Brizendine and Beede have not responded to requests by The Chronicle. Hetrick declined to address the petition. Jessica Flores is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jessica.flores@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @jesssmflores SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico Agricultural workers who have long sought compensation for contamination from a pesticide banned in France but used in the countrys Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have finally had a day in court after a nearly 15-year wait. Investigating magistrates in Paris held a videoconference hearing last month with representatives of consumer, farm and environmental groups gathered in a Martinique courtroom to determine how to proceed on a complaint that had languished since 2006. I have never given up, said attorney Harry Durimel, speaking in a phone interview from Guadeloupe. This is a serious matter that merits everyones involvement. The complaint focuses on chlordecone, a pesticide also known as Kepone that was banned in the U.S. in 1976 following several notorious incidents, including the contamination of the James River in Virginia, and which is blamed for neurological problems including slurred speech. French health authorities have expressed concern it could be linked to high rates of prostate cancer on the eastern Caribbean islands and some studies have suggested it may be linked to premature births. It was legally marketed in France from 1981 until 1990 and was used for three more years in Guadeloupe and Martinique to fight the banana weevil under an exemption granted by the French government. Durimel and other attorneys argue that exemption was illegal. The suit accuses the French government of failing to protect the health of its people and not doing enough to identify and limit the effects of chlordecone pollution on both islands, with a combined population of some 750,000. They poisoned us in silence, Durimel said. Frances Ministry of the Overseas did not return a request for comment. Durimel said France considers the pesticide to be so risky that in October 2002, it ordered the incineration of 1.5 tons of sweet potatoes that arrived at the port of Dunkirk from Martinique because they contained chlordecone. The pesticide degrades slowly, with some experts estimating that the pollution in Martinique and Guadeloupe will last for decades or even centuries after its ban. In Martinique, authorities temporarily banned fishing in all rivers and some coastal areas in 2009 after finding nearly all fish sampled were still contaminated. U.S. studies in the James River found tainted fish decades after Kepone was banned. French officials had earlier prohibited the sale of any goods containing chlordecone and ordered that all soil be analyzed before the cultivation of root vegetables. But the complaint says those measures were not enforced and did not carry heavy penalties. In 2002, authorities seized several tons of chlordecone in Martinique and Guadeloupe. In the end it appears that the state has failed miserably in its mission to protect public health, according to the complaint filed by Guadeloupes Regional Consumers Union; SOS Environment Guadeloupe; the Agriculture, Society, Health, Environment group, and the Union of Agricultural Producers of Guadeloupe. A 2015 article in the Environmental Science and Pollution Research journal summarized longstanding effects of the pesticide: From 1999 to date, measurement of chlordecone in blood samples has revealed that a large proportion of the French West Indies population is still contaminated. It noted that 88% of samples collected from 100 adult men in Guadeloupe in 1998 contained chlordecone, and in 2004, chlordecone was detected in 87% of 122 women who were pregnant in Guadeloupe and in 77% of breast milk samples. Years later, a study from 2005 to 2007 in Guadeloupe, found chlordecone in 67% of 623 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to the article. It expressed concern about exposure during pregnancy and infant development and possibly long-term effects such as cancer. France has made several efforts to fight chlordecone contamination, and the most recent plan, to be launched in the coming weeks, has a $112 million budget, triple that of the previous plan, according to French officials. Proposed measures for the next six years include analyzing tap water, taking blood samples and monitoring peoples exposure levels. Officials also plan to map soils to identify the most contaminated areas. But many activists remain unsatisfied, and the French government itself noted in a previous evaluation that multiple areas needed improvement, The future of the slow-moving case isnt clear. The High Tribunal magistrates in Paris said some evidence has disappeared and suggested the statute of limitations might have expired on some alleged damage caused by the pesticide. No date for a follow-up hearing was set. The plaintiffs attorneys are demanding that officials find the missing documents and argue there is no statute of limitations in the case. While the complaint against the government doesnt specify possible remedies, Durimel said he envisions a fund to aid victims: The goal is that those who polluted, pay. Alfred Marie-Jeanne, president of Martiniques executive council, wrote French President Emmanuel Macron last month saying he was stunned by the report of missing evidence and a possible time limit on damages suffered by people in Martinique and Guadeloupe. They feel they have been betrayed by the state and abandoned by those who should have defended them, he wrote. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Talent Agribusiness Jubilant Foodworks announced that the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B. V. has entered into a purchase agreement with Turkish Private Equity Fund II L. P. to fully acquire Fides Food Systems Coeratief U. A. which holds 32.81% equity shares in DP Eurasia N. V. (DP Eurasia) (Purchase Agreement). Jubilant Foodworks (the company) has also executed the Purchase Agreement as guarantor in connection with the investment obligations of Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B. V. DP Eurasia is a public company listed with London Stock Exchange PLC, and is the exclusive master franchisee of the Domino's Pizza brand in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. DP Eurasia (together with its subsidiaries) offers pizza delivery and takeaway/eat-in facilities at 771 stores (568 in Turkey, 190 in Russia, 9 in Azerbaijan and 4 in Georgia as on 31 December 2020). The acquisition of Fides by Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B. V. will enable Jubilant Foodworks (the Company) to indirectly hold 32.81% shares in DP Eurasia which is the exclusive master franchisee of the Domino's Pizza brand in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The cost of acquisition is GBP 24.80 million. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) From left, actor Shin Ha-kyun, director Shim Na-yeon and actor Yeo Jin-gu pose for pictures during an online media conference for the new thriller series, "Beyond Evil." Courtesy of JTBC By Lee Gyu-lee Actors Yeo Jin-gu and Shin Ha-kyun are set to show off their intense chemistry in the new crime thriller series, "Beyond Evil." Led by director Shim Na-yeon, whose work includes the teen series, "At Eighteen," the new series revolves around two detectives Yeo and Shin trying to solve a serial murder case in a small town. It was written by Kim Soo-jin, who also scripted the crime thriller series, "Mad Dog." "There are a lot of thriller genre works, so the audiences now have a higher standard (on that genre)What makes this series different is that it has local feelingsa retro sensibility, as in the style of 'Memories of Murder' (by director Bong Joon-ho)," the director said during an online media conference for the series, Thursday. "And Shin and Yeo's rendezvous completes the picture, orchestrating the tone of the series to be that of a unique genre." Shin plays the lead character, Lee Dong-sik, who is a police sergeant. Courtesy of JTBC Shin plays rowdy police sergeant Lee Dong-sik, who used to be a skilled detective in Seoul. He is now stationed at a countryside police precinct in the fictional town, Manyang, where he encounters a murder linked to an unsolved case from 20 years ago that had changed his life. Describing Dong-sik as the one "who becomes the monster to take down the monsters," Shin said the complexity of the character inspired him to take the role. "(When I read the script,) I became more and more curious about Dong-sik...He seems tough, but deep down he's actually not," Shin said. "I feel bad about how the direction of his life was predetermined by someone else." He added that it was especially difficult to express the storms of emotions the character has. "I have been contemplating how I could distinguish through my acting the struggles, pain, and sorrow that he keeps inside," he said. "It has and will be difficult until the end." Yeo plays an elite detective who is new at the precinct. Courtesy of JTBC On the other hand, Yeo described his character, Han Joo-won, as a person who is trying hard "not to become one of the monsters." Joo-won is an elite detective who has been transferred to the precinct. He teams up with Dong-sik to discover the truth behind the murder cases and to reveal the secrets among the small-town residents. "He fights his own battle not to cross the 'line.' He constantly faces questions whether he can stay away from that, as he digs deeper into the cases," Yeo said. "He has always been more of a brain when it comes to solving a crime. So after coming to Manyang, he faces the tough real world and gains experience." Shim emphasized the importance of having Yeo and Shin as the lead actors. "When I work on a project, the most important part is the actors. And (for this series,) I thought to myself, 'it has to be the actors I want. And only then, can I pull off what I wanted to express," she said. "The writers and I agreed on these two actors and waited for their casting. So I was so happy when they came on board." A scene from "Beyond Evil" with Shin, left, and Yeo as small town police officers in Manyang, with very different characters. Courtesy of JTBC When Heather McGhee was a 25-year-old staffer at Demos, the progressive think tank she would eventually lead, she went to Congress to present findings on shocking increases in individual and family debt. Few politicians in Washington knew what it was like to have bill collectors incessantly ringing their phones about balances that kept growing every month, McGhee writes in her new book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together. Demoss explanatory attempts failed. When Congress finally took action in 2005, it made the problem worse, passing a bankruptcy bill that made escaping unsustainable debt harder than ever. For McGhee, the disaster was an education in the limits of research, which is often no match for the brute power of big money. But as she was walking down the hallway of the Russell Senate Office Building, she learned something else. Stopping to adjust her new shoes near the door of a Senate office, she wrote, she heard the bombastic voice of a man going on about the deadbeats who had babies with multiple women and then declared bankruptcy to dodge the child support. She doesnt know whether the man was a Democrat or a Republican, but when she heard him she realized she and her allies might have missed something. Theyd thought of debt and bankruptcy primarily as a class issue. Suddenly she understood that for some of her opponents, it was more about race. This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech. Australias Facebook newsfeed lost half its namesake Wednesday when the social media giant banned all access to and sharing of Australian news on its site. Facebooks news block was enacted overnight, but the decision to do so had been brewing for quite a while. In 2020, Parliament proposed new regulation requiring Facebook and Google to compensate local news sources for linking to their stories and headlines. Most lawmakers supported the bill, which they hope will revitalize Australias local news deserts. The idea is that ad dollars that had been lost over the years to Facebook and Google would now funneled be back to local media companies. Advertisement Google, which had initially threatened to shut down its search engine, caved Wednesday and signed deals for millions of dollars with Australias major news companies, including News Corp. Advertisement Advertisement But Facebook didnt feel the pressure. Only 4 percent of its posts are news-related. The company made good on what it had been threatening since August: No one inside the country can now view, share, or post news on Facebook. People outside the country cant view, share, or post Australian news, either. In a blog post released Wednesday, Facebooks managing director in Australia and New Zealand, William Easton, claimed that Facebook supports more than hurts the Australian news business, providing them with more than 5 billion clicks over the years. He said that by turning 5 billion clicks into zero, he hopes news publishers will be forced to see Facebooks value. Advertisement But the machine learning system intended to pull the plug on news has erased much moreincluding information on domestic violence hotlines, an abortion clinics posts, and even Facebooks own page. During a pandemic, health department pages were removed. During fire season, weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology vanished. During an election in Western Australia, a politicians page was cleared Anti-vax groups and alien memes remained, though, the New York Times reported. Human rights groups were concerned by this widespread information blackout. Its alarming that community support groups, emergency services and charities have had their content blocked, Amnesty International said in a statement. Were particularly concerned with the effect this is having on people in the Pacific, many of whom rely on getting information and news from Facebook due to the nature of their agreements with telecommunications providers. Advertisement Facebook defended its heavy-handed sweep saying, As the law does not provide clear guidance on the definition of news content, we have taken a broad definition in order to respect the law as drafted. The company said it is working to return accidently erased pages, such as those of government organizations and leaders, but didnt provide any further details on how it would decide which pages to restore and which to keep blocked. It is one of the most idiotic but also deeply disturbing corporate moves of our lifetimes, said Julian Knight MP, who chairs parliaments Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee. While some were hopeful that the Facebook news blackout would force people to actually traffic local media sites directly to find news, the first days revealed otherwise. Chartbeat reported a 20 percent drop in global traffic to Australian news sites since Facebooks ban. Mark Zuckerberg and Australias treasurer, Josh Fryndenberg, met in reportedly constructive negations Thursday afternoon. We will continue to engage with the government on amendments to the law, with the aim of achieving a stable, fair path for both Facebook and publishers, Facebook said in a statement. Australian Parliament will vote on the regulation, which is predicted to pass, in the coming weeks. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Friday and not separately reported by Alliance News: Oakley Capital Investments Ltd - provides investors with liquid access to private equity returns through investment in the Oakley Funds - Agrees to invest in Dexters, an independent London chartered surveyor and estate agent. Oakley's indirect contribution via Fund IV will be GBP13 million. Including this deal, Oakley's liquid resources available for future deployment are estimated to be GBP176 million. "Dexters has considerable scope for further growth and is well positioned to grow both organically and through new office openings and acquisitions of smaller competitors in its target areas. The estate agency market remains highly fragmented and Dexters has consistently demonstrated a track-record of accretive M&A. There is also an opportunity to digitalise the business to allow Dexters to deliver its services via multiple channels," Oakley says. Urban Logistics REIT PLC - London-based logistics-focused real estate investment trust - Acquires six logistics assets for a total consideration of GBP27.8 million at a 6.87% net initial yield. Acquisitions include four logistics assets from Kinaxia Logistics - includes sale and leaseback transaction includes sites in Macclesfield, Telford, Royal Wootton Bassett and Yate. Also brings in 80,209 square foot distribution unit in Leigh, and finally a well-specified 124,966 square foot distribution unit in Rotherham. Chief Executive Richard Moffitt says: "We are delighted with these new logistics assets which are perfectly positioned to deliver essential goods the 'last mile' to customers and businesses in key conurbations. In line with our strategic focus, all of these assets are single-let properties servicing high quality logistics tenants." Warpaint London PLC - colour cosmetics producer based in Iver, Buckinghamshire - Renews contract with Ward & Hagon Management Consulting LLP. Appointed Ward & Hagon in February last year to assist it in implementing its strategic growth plan. As a result of a successful initial period, where Ward & Hagon helped firm in accessing new retail channels, so renews deal for a further 12 months. The contract has a total annual value of GBP210,000. In addition Ward & Hagon will be paid a commission of 3% on all sales generated from their introductions in the 12 month period from the point of first sale, and 4% on all sales generated from their introductions in the 12 month period thereafter. "The board is of the view that the services provided under the contract represent value to shareholders through assisting the company achieving is near term objectives. Accordingly, Ward & Hagon will continue to focus on assisting the group access new retail channels both in the UK and overseas," company adds. Wentworth Resources PLC - Tanzania-focused natural gas production company - Joins United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative to promote the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices. "Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, with more than 12,000 companies based in over 160 countries, and 70 local networks. The initiative calls upon companies to operate responsibly by aligning its strategies and operations with the UN's Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to take strategic action to support the Sustainable Development Goals," company says. Wentworth says it notes importance in "adopting a responsible approach" to its investment in Tanzania and is committed to working collaboratively with its partners in-country to maximise the impact from its operations to "create shared value amongst all its stakeholders". 88 Energy Ltd - Alaska-focused oil producer - Notes rig commissioning complete at North Slope of Alaska, with mobilisation commenced for Merlin-1 drilling. Drilling scheduled to commence first week of March. Also noted Nearby Talitha-A well early results encouraging, showing potential for extension into 88E leases. Managing Director Dave Wall says: "Commencement of drilling at Merlin-1 is now just around the corner, targeting the extension of the highly successful Nanushuk play. Success would underpin a company making development project for our shareholders, with the proven resource at the recently acquired at Umiat oil field adding substantial value." GSTechnologies Ltd - Milton Keynes, England-based provider of wireless, electronic cabling, security, and other services to clients in infrastructure development - opens Singapore subsidiary for expansion into blockchain-related technologies. Chair Tone Goh says: "As previously announced, the establishment of GS Fintech Singapore forms part of the first stage in our planned expansion into areas utilising blockchain technology following the recent appointments of Jack Bai and Shayne Tan to the company's board and the establishment of a similar subsidiary based in the UK. I look forward to providing further updates in due course." Cadence Minerals PLC - investment firm and partner in the discovery & development of iron ore and lithium deposits - Says DEV Mineracao SA can now start operations at Amapa iron ore project in Brazil to ship sufficient iron ore to realise a USD10 million profit from the Amapa stockpiles situated at its port. Discussions continue between DEV, Cadence and Indo Sino Pty Ltd and the secured bank creditors in relation to a final settlement agreement. The execution of a final settlement agreement with the bank creditors would represent the satisfaction of Cadence's remaining major precondition to make its initial 20% investment in the Amapa project. Rotala PLC - bus operations at Heathrow airport and in West Midlands and North West - Says earlier this week its Heathrow depot at Stanwell, Middlesex suffered a fire in its administrative offices. Notes no staff were injured and the fire is not thought to have been malicious. The fire did not affect the vehicle maintenance areas or damage any of the company's vehicles, so normal bus operations are unaffected. "Repair to the building and rectification of the considerable smoke and water damage is estimated at this stage to cost approximately GBP250,000, which is expected to be fully recoverable from insurance with more than one insurer," company says. Adds it does not expect to be any long-term financial consequences for the company. By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Panaji, Feb 19 : Sepoy Mangal Pandey-inspired Meerut uprising of 1857, reckoned in history as the first revolt against colonial rule, may well have competition. According to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, a revolt in 1583 by villagers of Cuncolim in South Goa, then a flourishing hub of trade, which inspired a several years' long boycott of tax payments to the Portuguese regime, would soon find its place in history books in schools of Goa as the first such revolt against colonists. "While celebrating the 60 years of India's independence, it is time that the Cuncolim revolt, which occurred in 1583, should feature in textbooks. People should remember the braves of Cuncolim. The Cuncolim revolt should not not just be recorded in Goan history, but in Indian history too, as the first uprising against British or Portuguese (colonial) rule " Sawant told a function in Cuncolim late on Friday. Known as the Cuncolim revolt of 1583, villagers from Cuncolim killed proselytizing Roman Catholic priests and their armed escorts, who were in the process of converting villagers and desecrating Hindu temples in the region. One of those killed was European Jesuit priest Rodolfo Acquaviva, who had served in the Court of Emperor Akbar just before he was posted to Goa. The massacre resulted in swift retaliation by the Portuguese, who connived to execute a dozen chieftains from Cuncolim and the adjoining villages of Ambelim, Assolna, Veroda and Velim, without trial, after luring them for a peaceful parley. Four chieftains escaped the massacre and lived to tell the brutal saga, which took place at the Assolna fort. In her research paper "No Taxation without cessation of religious persecution: Agrarian protests against the colonial religious policy in Goa, 1559-1583" noted Goan historian Pratima Kamat details the account of the brutal encounter. "On the morning of July 15, 1583 the party (led by Acquaviva) reached Cuncolim amidst heavy downpours. Here in order to escape from the rains they built a makeshift shelter and awaited the Hindu leaders of the village with whom they intended to hold parleys. The villagers were inflamed by the sight of the priests measuring the ground near their temple, and by the appearance of a crude cross at the site of the makeshift shelter of the delegation which was looked upon with dread as the precursor of a church," Kamat says. The massacre of the village elders, referred to as chieftains, fuelled further anger among the villagers who refused to pay tax to the Portuguese rulers for nearly eight years in defiance. Apart from historians, lawmakers across political lines in Goa too have backed the line of argument, that the Cuncolim revolt was the first real uprising against colonial rule in India, predating the Meerut uprising by nearly three centuries. In 2012, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had assured the state assembly that he was keen on appointing a panel of historians to study the issue, after then BJP MLA late Vishnu Wagh said that the Goa government should refer to the revolt as the first such in India. Oscar Martins, who heads the Cuncolim Chieftains Memorial Trust, told IANS that the martyrs of Cuncolim deserve the right place in history. "The chieftains of Cuncolim who put down their lives deserve to be accorded the status of leading the first revolt against a European colonial power in India," Martins said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has now assured that the revolt would feature in Goa's history textbooks soon. "As Chief Minister and Education Minister, it will be my endeavour to include it in Goa's history and Cuncolim's history by next year or year after next it will be a part of history (curriculum)," Sawant said. The coactivation structure of hippocampal neurons. Each node represents one neuron. Credit: Giuseppe P. Gava et al. Oxford and Imperial researchers have mapped how the structure of existing memories is reorganized as new experiences are committed to memory in mice. They found that brain architecture is sophisticated enough to integrate new information while allowing new and old memories to interact, rather than having to forget old experiences to make room for new ones. In a study published in Nature Neuroscience, the team from the University of Oxford and Imperial College London devised an experiment using graph theorymathematical structures that model relationships between objectsto study how mice integrate memories. They set up a task in which mice learned that a particular compartment in a new environment contained sugar. The mice also explored a familiar environment before and after forming this new association between particular places and reward. This allowed the scientists to observe how the laying down of the new memory affected the patterns of co-activity among neurons in the hippocampus, a brain area that plays a major role in learning and memory. They found that the network structure describing the patterns of coordinated neuron firing (co-activity) that occur when old memories are recalled in the hippocampus changed as the mice embedded new memories. Hippocampal neurons are involved in the formation and retention of memories. Credit: Shutterstock The team also found that during learning, the patterns of co-activity among neurons unfolded along particular directions in the 'neuronal activity space'. This showed that 'newness', spatial location, and reward experience were key factors involved in the process of integrating new memories. They also discovered that high-activity cells formed the core of each memory, while low-activity cells contributed to the patterns of co-activity 'on demand' throughout behavioral events, in order to segregate individual experiences. This finding highlights an important division of labor among hippocampal neurons. Lead researcher Professor David Dupret at the University of Oxford said: "This research sheds new light on the network mechanisms underlying the continual storage and recall of multiple memories in the hippocampus. Neuroscientists are now implementing new methods, such as in vivo imaging, to monitor large-scale neuronal populations over days and weeks of learning experience, to understand more about this process." The research gives us a new way to look at the network mechanisms underlying the storage and recall of multiple memories in the hippocampus. Study co-author Professor Simon Schultz from Imperial's Department of Bioengineering said: "This research highlights the value of an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the brainby viewing memory from an engineering and mathematical point of view, we were able to tease out insights that would not have been possible based on a traditional approach to the study of memory." Neuroscientists are now designing and probing new ways of monitoring large-scale neuronal networks over time, and are also interested in the effect of aging on the way new memories are stored. Explore further Stable connections between nerve cells are the basis of memory More information: Integrating new memories into the hippocampal network activity space. Nat Neurosci (2021). Journal information: Nature Neuroscience Integrating new memories into the hippocampal network activity space.(2021). doi.org/10.1038/s41593-021-00804-w 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. With Gods help, we the people can initiate a spiritual revival in America that will result in the rejection of secular humanism and reclaiming a country based upon traditional Christian morality. Author James Ronald Kennedy invites American Christians to reclaim their heritage in Be Ye Separate: Bible-Belt Revival or Marxist Revolution ($14.49, paperback, 9781662809026; $6.99, e-book, 9781662809033). Over the years since the Supreme Court removed prayer and Bible reading from public schools, Kennedy and others have seen how America society has begun its slide toward secular humanism and neo-Marxism. He encourages Christians living in the Bible Belt and across the country to take a stand to protect our nations moral foundation, or risk losing it forever. With Gods help, we the people can initiate a spiritual revival in America that will result in the rejection of secular humanism and reclaiming a country based upon traditional Christian morality, said Kennedy. James Ronald Kennedy holds a Masters in Health Administration (MHA) from Tulane University, a Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law (MJ) from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelors degree from Northeast Louisiana University. He retired in April 2015 after serving over 20 years as Vice President of Risk Management for a Louisiana insurance company. A frequent speaker at pro-Christian, pro-liberty, and Southern heritage meetings, Kennedy is also a best-selling author with numerous books published. ### Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Be Ye Separate is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. Saudi Arabia on Wednesday extended support to the US, saying that it will provide any help to Texans and other Americans struggling with electricity outage due to the deadly winter storm wreaking havoc. The oil-rich nations energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, in his opening remarks on Wednesday's International Energy Forum spoke about the dire winter weather conditions across the US that led many states into total blackout with no electricity, and water systems crashing due to freezing faucets. Saudi expressed solidarity with the US reiterating the strong "friendship and partnership and a sense of family" that the oil-rich nation shared with the US. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo, meanwhile, also mentioned the snow storms deadly impact on lives of the people and its disruptive impact on our oil industry. Barkino said, that the extreme weather shows we cannot take energy security for granted, even in a country like the United States, in his address to the forum. The prolonged freeze in Texas, on Wednesday, accelerated the toll on the power grids, and as many as 150,000 residents remained without power in the greater Portland, Oregon, according to US media reports. US authorities warned about the electricity outages caused by a fierce weekend storm, which it said, might continue for several more days. As people lived in total blackout, government-issued advisory against carbon monoxide poisoning after impacted citizens switched to other means of energy such as lighting fire in their homes and relying on car heaters. Clackamas County Sheriffs Office confirmed 4 fatalities due to carbon monoxide poisoning that occurred during the weekend as states submerged in darkness due to power failures. Read: Authorities: Men Posed As US Marshals To Avoid Wearing Masks Read: US Investor In Moscow Court On Embezzlement Charge We are live with the 11th IEA-IEF-OPEC Symposium on ##EnergyOutlooks. https://t.co/G9sV4zxTgV International Energy Forum (@IEF_Dialogue) February 17, 2021 On Monday IEF Secretary General Joseph McMonigle will be joined by Robert Kaplan of @DallasFed to discuss #COVID19 Impacts on the US #Oil and #Gas Sectorhttps://t.co/lSFuTNYQoG pic.twitter.com/RxdfPKvOSe International Energy Forum (@IEF_Dialogue) February 17, 2021 The 11th IEA-IEF-OPEC Symposium on #EnergyOutlooks brings together government and energy industry leaders to discuss the future of energy. Featured speakers include HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy, Saudi Arabia; pic.twitter.com/cdbNyOAgZ9 International Energy Forum (@IEF_Dialogue) February 17, 2021 5,000 power lines snapped More than a foot of snow was witnessed in western Oregon state that snapped 5,000 power lines. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown declared a state of emergency across the Portland region. A spokesman with Portland General Electrics (PGE) warned that the US citizens could be left without electricity supply for up to several days. Meanwhile, as thick snow and ice-covered most states, citizens were exposed to the harsh winter weather, many of whom were struggling health-wise to cope. Louisiana Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed three deaths related to snow conditions, as one man was reported to have drowned after slipping on ice, and the other two died in the driveway due to exposure. Read: Saudi Arabia To Stop Contracting With Firms Without Local HQ Read: Joe Biden To 'recalibrate' Relations With Saudi Arabia Downgrading Crown Prince Cancel Cancel Culture by Protecting Political Ideology in Civil Rights Laws Commentary Are you now, or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party? That question brought dread and fear to countless Americans during the dark days of the Hollywood Blacklist, McCarthyism and the Second Red Scare of the early 1950s. The consequences of wrong thinking about politics 70 years ago could be dire. When the likes of U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthy of Wisconsin urged the private sector to root out communists, a moral panic was ignited, during which those deemed to have communist sympathies were rendered unemployablenot because of any criminality or illegal actions they had taken, but simply because of what they believed or were accused of once believing. It was a dark and unjust time, whichonce the panic exhausted itselfAmericans vowed never to repeat. Alas, as anyone who pays attention to the news knows, the bad old days of blacklisting and guilt by association have returnedonly this time, the implacable witch hunters are the woke glitterati of Hollywood, minions of Big Tech and large corporations HR departments, social media influencers, mainstream media personalities, university professors, and others who exercise institutional control. Again, we find ourselves in a time of moral panic, now known as cancel culture. Today, the hunted prey arent communists, but those accused of current or past white supremacy, anti-LGBT thought, supporting President Donald Trump, or engaging in that almost limitless category: hate. The center is failing to hold. Cancel culture is destabilizing society at a deep and profound level. But even as protests mount, contemporary moral panic mongers are redoubling their bullying to cleanse the culture of what they consider unacceptable opinion, which often simply means conservative. Making it more difficult to combat, the bullying isnt instigated by government leaders, but the private sector, against which theres little defense. Clearly, something must be done. California state Sen. Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) has an idea that holds distinct promise. She has introduced the Diversity of Thought Act (SB 238) an anti-discrimination bill that would add political affiliation to existing protectable categories such as race, religious creed, physical disability, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and the like in Californias civil rights laws. Specifically, Melendezs bill would make it an unlawful employment practice to refuse to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge persons from employment or to discriminate against the person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of their political affiliation. The bill would also bar banks from discriminating based on political affiliation. This is important as some banks have begun to refuse to service the gun industry. It would also prevent any owner of housing accommodations to harass, evict, or otherwise discriminate against any person in the sale or rental of housing accommodations based on political affiliation. She also has a proposal to protect political affiliation in the education context, which could give some backbone to cowardly university administrators pressured to fire conservative professors (SB 249). Melendez says that the purpose of her bills is to ensure that Californians are supported in their right to open dialogue and diversity of thought. What a radical idea! The furious reaction against Melendezs bills demonstrate their necessity. Your racist, pro-domestic terrorism, xenophobic, misogynistic views do not warrant protection from discrimination, Democrat Lorena Gonzales (D-San Diego) viciously tweeted. Your choice to hate & actively pursue hate does not make you part of a protected class. Ah, the open-hearted and forgiving tolerance of the contemporary American left toward diversity of thought! Since California is controlled politically by progressives such as Gonzales, the prospects for Melendezs bills seem bleak. But one never knows. Ironically, that capital of Cancel CultureSeattlealready enacted a city ordinance that includes protection from discrimination based on political ideology among the usual categories. The law defines the term thusly: Political ideology means any idea or belief, or coordinated body of ideas or beliefs, relating to the purpose, conduct, organization, function or basis of government and related institutions and activities, whether or not characteristic of any political party or group. This term includes membership in a political party or group and includes conduct, reasonably related to political ideology, which does not interfere with job performance. Republicans protected from discrimination in Seattle! What a concept! According to my Discovery Institute colleague John G. West, the Seattle ordinance packs quite a wallop, including damages for humiliation and other forms of pain and suffering. (The ordinance is so encompassing, West avers, that Parlera purportedly conservative social media platform that had been shut out of the internet by Amazoncould potentially sue for discrimination under the Seattle ordinance if Amazons actions against Parler were due in part to Parlers political orientation. To those who say that such civil rights protections are unnecessary, I reply, If only. Sadly, today the dreaded question is, Are you now or have you ever been a conservative? Lets hope the idea of adding political ideology or affiliation as a protected class in local, state, and federal civil rights laws picks up steam around the country and at the federal level. It may be the only way to stem the flowing tide of political intolerance and maintain the United States as a society committed in deeds and to the motto of E Pluribus Unum. Award-winning author Wesley J. Smith is chairman of the Discovery Institutes Center on Human Exceptionalism. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. News Around the Republic of Mexico Coronavirus Takes its Toll on Job Creation in Mexico Just over 19.8 million workers were registered with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) on January 31, a 3.3% decline compared to the same date last year. A net total of 47,919 formal sector jobs were added last month, according to Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) data, a 30.5% decline compared to January 2020. It was the worst performance since January 2014 when only 22,000 new jobs were created. The weak job growth coincided with the worst month of the pandemic in terms of both new coronavirus cases and Covid-19 deaths. Ten states faced red light restrictions in the second half of January while Mexico City and MAxico state, key drivers of the national economy, were red all month. IMSS data published last week also shows there were almost 670,000 fewer formal sector jobs at the end of January compared to a year earlier. Just over 19.8 million workers were registered with IMSS on January 31, a 3.3% decline compared to the same date last year. Millions of people lost their jobs in the formal and informal sectors in the first months of the pandemic before a jobs recovery began in the middle of last year. The Mexican economy slumped 8.5% in 2020, its worst contraction since the Great Depression. The sectors that suffered the biggest job losses in percentage terms over the past year were business services (-9.9%), construction (-6%), mining (-5.4%) and retail (-2.4%). Factory workers assemble hair dryer components on a manufacturing line in Ciudad JuArez. The sectors that added the most jobs were agriculture (+0.7%), social services (+0.3%) and transformation, or advanced manufacturing (+0.1%). Only three states had more formal sector jobs at the end of January than at the end of the same month in 2020. They were Baja California (+3%), Tabasco (2.4%) and Chihuahua (+1.4%). Quintana Roo, which is heavily dependent on the hard hit tourism sector, suffered the biggest drop in formal sector jobs, recording a 23.2% decline in the number of people registered with IMSS between January last year and the end of the first month of 2021. The next biggest job losses occurred in Baja California Sur (-9.9%), Guerrero (-7.7%), Puebla (-6.6%) and Mexico City (-6.3%). MAnica Flores, Latin America president of Manpower, a staffing firm, told the newspaper El Universal that the jobs recovery in Mexico in 2021 is uncertain. "The recovery of employment depends on a lot of variables, such as the vaccination scheme, job creation incentives and economic performance at a global level," she said. "The big problem that Mexico faces is informality, which it hasn't been able to reduce in order to move people into formal work." Sources: El Financiero a El Universal Mexico had its worst January in seven years in terms of job creation as a spike in coronavirus cases and a consequent tightening of restrictions put the brakes on the country's economic recovery.A net total of 47,919 formal sector jobs were added last month, according to Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) data, a 30.5% decline compared to January 2020.It was the worst performance since January 2014 when only 22,000 new jobs were created. The weak job growth coincided with the worst month of the pandemic in terms of both new coronavirus cases and Covid-19 deaths. Ten states faced red light restrictions in the second half of January while Mexico City and MAxico state, key drivers of the national economy, were red all month.IMSS data published last week also shows there were almost 670,000 fewer formal sector jobs at the end of January compared to a year earlier. Just over 19.8 million workers were registered with IMSS on January 31, a 3.3% decline compared to the same date last year.Millions of people lost their jobs in the formal and informal sectors in the first months of the pandemic before a jobs recovery began in the middle of last year. The Mexican economy slumped 8.5% in 2020, its worst contraction since the Great Depression.The sectors that suffered the biggest job losses in percentage terms over the past year were business services (-9.9%), construction (-6%), mining (-5.4%) and retail (-2.4%).The sectors that added the most jobs were agriculture (+0.7%), social services (+0.3%) and transformation, or advanced manufacturing (+0.1%).Only three states had more formal sector jobs at the end of January than at the end of the same month in 2020. They were Baja California (+3%), Tabasco (2.4%) and Chihuahua (+1.4%).Quintana Roo, which is heavily dependent on the hard hit tourism sector, suffered the biggest drop in formal sector jobs, recording a 23.2% decline in the number of people registered with IMSS between January last year and the end of the first month of 2021.The next biggest job losses occurred in Baja California Sur (-9.9%), Guerrero (-7.7%), Puebla (-6.6%) and Mexico City (-6.3%).MAnica Flores, Latin America president of Manpower, a staffing firm, told the newspaperthat the jobs recovery in Mexico in 2021 is uncertain."The recovery of employment depends on a lot of variables, such as the vaccination scheme, job creation incentives and economic performance at a global level," she said."The big problem that Mexico faces is informality, which it hasn't been able to reduce in order to move people into formal work." Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top 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. For those hoping that St. Paul's beloved St. Patrick's Day parade would be back in its glory this year ... sorry, the traditional downtown event is off. Yes, but: The St. Patrick's Association will instead hold a drive-thru parade at the former Sears store parking lot on March 16. Apply for a spot here. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. Why it matters: The parade in previous years has drawn as many as an estimated 100,000 people who then swarmed downtown and West Seventh Street bars. But a crowd that size isn't possible given that Gov. Tim Walz has limited outdoor gatherings to 250 people or less due to the pandemic. Flashback: For many, the cancellation of last year's St. Patrick's Day parade was the first dose of hard truth that because of COVID-19, the party would be over for a while. This story first appeared in the Axios Twin Cities newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce is taking on a Wyoming nonprofit organization for allegedly using dark money over last years election cycle. The chamber sent a letter to the Wyoming Secretary of State and Attorney General offices about the Wyoming Gun Owners Association regarding alleged electioneering while not being registered with the SOS as a political action committee. The chamber argued WYGO was required to register with the secretary of states office to run ads supporting or opposing candidates or issues. During Anthony [Bouchard]s election in Laramie County last year, he was saying some things about his opponent that were outright lies, Steenbergen said. Thats illegal in Wyoming law. We saw a number of issues, so we called a bunch of attorneys that were involved with the chamber and asked them to look into it. WYGO officials have maintained the groups ads only educated voters on candidates for office and did not urge people to vote against those candidates. Essentially, the chamber is concerned that WYGO wasnt disclosing its donors, which would be illegal if the organization is determined to be a political action committee. Sen. Anthony Bouchard is the founder of WYGO, but is no longer involved as an official. On Wednesday, the senator posted on his personal Facebook page that the chamber was requiring a list of gun owners. Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce wants the list of gun owners. What does this have to do with growing business? Bouchard wrote. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Steenbergen countered this claim both on social media and in an interview, calling it a lie. The chamber CEO said his and the organizations concerns were to do with electioneering, not guns. He added that in his 13 years with the chamber, the organization had never been involved in any weapons-related issues and would continue to do so. Nonprofits shouldnt be enriching their managers off of money they raised in Wyoming, he said. We want to make sure dark money stays out of Wyoming. If you want to donate campaign money, thats great, but you need to do the paperwork. Dark money is political spending meant to influence the decision of a voter, where the donor isnt disclosed and the source of the money is unknown. The next steps will now depend on what Secretary of State Ed Buchanan and Attorney General Bridget Hill determine about the WYGO situation. According to an Associated Press article, the organization must register with the secretary of states office and disclose its donors or face a $500 fine. Steenbergen doesnt think the election officials will determine what WYGO did was legal, but if they do, he and the chamber will begin work on campaign finance reform. Were very concerned about this, because if a state cant keep its election climate in a good place, thats bad for business, he said. We want integrity in the election process and were asking for that to happen. 31448 Adam A. Such II, President and COO, Communication Security Group Inc. Adam A. Such II, President and COO, Communication Security Group Inc. Officials say no, nein and not for official use to WhatsApp Despite all the official warnings and numerous articles highlighting security and privacy concerns, it seems governments around the world continue to unnecessarily expose themselves to risk by using freemium consumer messaging apps such as WhatsApp. The latest revelation came as Germanys privacy commissioner Ulrich Kelber reminded federal ministries and institutions that use of WhatsApp was banned from official use, "even in these difficult times" presented by the worldwide health crisis. In his letter Kelber states "Just by sending messages, metadata is delivered to WhatsApp every time," and referring to information such as IP addresses and location, "these contribute, even if only as a small piece of the mosaic, to the increased storage of personal profiles".Kelber went on to state the assumption that such data was shared between WhatsApp and Facebook, a claim the company denies. It is clearly not just the German government falling foul of such warnings one of the many revelations of the impeachment investigation in the US into the conduct of Ukraine policy was the use of non-approved communication platforms. Tim Morrison, the departing National Security Councils head of Europe and Russia, expressed his consternation to the House impeachment inquiry that members of the current administration were clearly having conversations over an unclassified cellphone or, perhaps as bad, WhatsApp messages, and therefore you can only imagine who else knew about them. In addition to security and privacy issues, use of these applications fails to meet the requirements to archive communications set forth in the Federal Records Act. The Act requires all electronic communication data must be archived, including social media posts, instant messaging, and mobile device communication data like Blackberry text and pin messages. Even putting aside the issue of their own data collection, WhatsApp and Facebook are far from convinced by their own platforms security, and are currently trying to sue the Israeli spyware company NSO Group for allegedly being deeply involved in the hacking of 1,400 WhatsApp users, including human rights activists, journalists and even senior government officials. WhatsApp claims the Israeli company used their hacking software Pegasus to gain unauthorised access to servers through reverse-engineering and evading security features. Although NSO Group maintains their innocence, their stance may not be aided by the discovery that their US Sales wing, Westbridge Technologies, have relabelled Pegasus as Phantom, and are pitching it to police forces in the US. Senator Ron Wyden reacted;Government hacking is among the most invasive forms of surveillance tracking someones movements, turning on their webcam and microphone, or accessing photos and other sensitive data on a phone or computer. These tools are ripe for abuse Congress must conduct aggressive oversight into the proliferation of these spying technologies and their use by state and local agencies. Alongside these warnings, WhatsApp continues to be a target for bad actors, with recent vulnerabilities including a new Trojan called WolfRAT, targeting users in Thailand, while in Great Britain, users have been warned to be alert to fake messages about the coronavirus lockdown claiming to be from the UK government. Simple, secure, certified communications Cellcrypt offers a secure like-for-like user experience compared to platforms such as WhatsApp, with mobile and desktop clients that can be downloaded and in use on existing hardware in minutes. That is where the similarities end however, as Cellcrypt provides the highest level of end-to-end, certified encryption for voice, messaging, conference calling and attachments. The platform is enterprise-ready, integrates with existing IT infrastructure, and offers optional add-ons. These options include regulatory compliance auditing, private stacks that provide full management control, and secure gateways for PBX extensions. Cellcrypt has been FIPS 140-2 certified for over a decade, with UK CESG CAPS certification dating back to 2012, and US NIAP (National Information Assurance Program) certification from 2014. Cellcrypt exceeds Suite B encryption mandated by the NSA for Top Secret communications utilizing a double wrap of AES-256 and ChaCha20-256 with key establishment using ECC-521. Cellcrypt is relied on at the most senior levels of Government around the world for its trusted security. We are proud to have launched our Remote Work QuickStart initiative, offering our military-grade encryption with unparalleled discounts on licenses and full enterprise solutions, supporting government and commercial enterprises affected by the global health emergency. Organizations needing to transition to telework while ensuring business continuity will be able to employ Cellcrypt rapidly to lessen the strain, costs, and vulnerabilities during this emergency and beyond. Please visit our specially set up page more information, and to learn more about how Cellcrypt is contributing our military-grade business solutions during this public health crisis. COVID-19 is on its way to becoming the leading cause of death in the U.S. after it averaged 3,200 a week, according to a report in Scientific American last month. That statistic is harrowing, but for those struggling with cancer, the following statistics may be more relevant: A total of 1,806,590 new cancer cases and 606,520 deaths were expected in the U.S. in 2020, which is about 4,950 new cases and more than 1,600 deaths each day. Cancer is an equal-opportunity disease. It strikes people of every age. But the national focus is often on children and older adults. Adolescents and young adults also called AYAs are patients between the ages of 15 and 39 who have been diagnosed with cancer. Young adults are often overlooked in discussions about cancer. Yet in 2020, there were approximately 89,500 new cancer cases and 9,270 cancer deaths in AYAs in the United States. I am a retired pediatric oncologist and during my training at MD Anderson Cancer Center and 35 years of practice, I became aware that young adults with cancer are a distinct group of patients with quite different needs. We know diagnosis and treatment present different challenges for teens and young adults than for younger children or older adults. Often, these young people are just beginning to lead independent adult lives and suddenly find themselves needing the support of parents and family members. Some have student loans or entry-level jobs that they lose during treatment. Because many AYAs either lack health insurance coverage or have high deductible policies that limit their access to routine care, it is not uncommon to see AYAs presenting through the emergency room with evidence of advanced disease. The diagnosis of cancer and the costs related to treatment can devastate a young family. Often, these young people feel isolated and depressed as they cope with the physical side effects of treatment, changes in body image and altered expectations about the future. Sterility is a side effect of many forms of cancer treatment. Harvesting eggs and sperm prior to treatment can offer the possibility of children, but the cost of maintaining fertility may be tens of thousands of dollars, which puts it beyond the reach of many patients. Historically, this group of patients has been underserved by cancer support organizations, which tend to focus their attention and resources toward children and older adults. AYA Foundation San Antonio aims to raise philanthropic dollars to provide economic, educational and psycho-social support to AYA patients and their families. We set priorities for helping AYAs; many of those patients do not have the resources to pay to preserve sperm or eggs. It costs $10,000 to $15,000 for women to preserve their eggs but much less for men to preserve their sperm. We are helping these young men and women preserve their sperm and eggs to aid conception after treatment. In December, we gave our first grant to pay for a fertility preservation procedure to a 31-year-old man from Odessa. He had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, stage 2A. The procedure consisted of the consultation with the specialist, examination and freezing of his sperm, and storage for five years for a total of $2,248. We are at the beginning of the learning curve in our granting process, but it has been very satisfying to be able to help our first AYA patient. His ability to conceive children and have a family has been preserved and just that fact eased his emotional trauma as he faces cancer head-on. Eventually we hope to be able to help AYAs pay for other expenses, such as lodging, food, transportation, rent and more. We encourage people to visit our website at ayafsa.org to learn more about AYAs and our work. With your help and support, adolescents and young adults with cancer will have the hope and help they need to improve their quality of life by empowering them to fight cancer with optimism about a bright future. Dr. Jaime Estrada is the founder and board chair of the AYA Foundation San Antonio. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestras annual tradition of performing a kids concert as a way of encouraging future generations of music lovers will move online this weekend with help from storyteller Bobby Norfolks instrument of choice his voice. While the original plan for the childrens concert was for the St. Louis-based Norfolk to narrate Prokofievs Peter and the Wolf, a popular musical tale that showcases individual instruments by linking them to the storys characters, it didnt take long into the pandemic for the symphony to realize a live performance probably wasnt going to work. Early summer, just before we sent the (season) brochure to print, we realized, even if were planning regular concerts, school districts probably arent sending students into a crowded auditorium, said Garrett Allman, the symphonys conductor and music director. The symphony decided to move the usual school-day concert to Saturday afternoon and make it a family concert, which would have allowed the performance to continue as planned. But the pandemic stuck around is still sticking around, Allman said, noting that the symphonys season has played out online. We had to replace the Saturday family concert with a virtual concert featuring small groups from the orchestra. We had to forego Peter and the Wolf until next year. Still, they didnt want to wait a year to again share Norfolk, who participated in the Illinois College Fine Arts Series Halloween storytelling program in 2019, with a Jacksonville audience. Norfolk was happy to send them a video for use in the program and pencil a 2022 performance of Peter and the Wolf into his calendar. He credited his 1988-1993 stint on the St. Louis childrens television show Gator Tales for his comfort in front of a video camera. That show made me very comfortable, Norfolk said. Others in storytelling are terrified speaking into a computer. Even me, Im not comfortable speaking into a computer screen. It was disconcerting for about two weeks. But I learned early to be adaptable, like water to the shape of the container. The story he shared with Allman for the symphony concert features Anansi the Spider, a trickster in the folk tales of Ghana, West Africa. The trickster is one of several psychological archetypes that make up the various parts of the human personality, he said. Anansi is a trickster and he is the one who always teaches by negative example, showing the consequences of making bad choices, Norfolk said. While Anansi stories are, indeed, stories, not song, it doesnt keep them from having their own musical lilt. The magic of three always kicks in in storytelling, Norfolk said. The third time is a charm. Its not just the story itself that has its own kind of music but the way Norfolk tells it. I use meter, rhythm and rhyme in my stories, he said, noting the elements are based on the three learning styles of recall, sequence and imagery. Its not always easy to find his rhythm without a live audience, but hes managing, he said. Its very difficult to interact with an audience thats not presence, Norfolk said. I go back into a radio mentality. Some cant get used to it. This is a platform thats not suited to every performer. Ive had to (get used to it) as a matter of survival. Orchestra members also have been getting used to recording their performances without an audience, and Saturdays concert will feature nine musical pieces, all of them kid-friendly, along with Norfolks story wrapping up the afternoon program. The program opens with Shelley Cochran narrating the Garavini fable The Bear and the Nightingale as Cindy Garretson on piccolo and Cathy McGuire on contrabassoon bring the characters to life through Umberto Bertonis music, Allman said. They take the two parts, he said. The nightingale has a really high piccolo and the bear is the contrabassoon. Its two of the highest and lowest instruments, and the contract between the two instruments is really great. And there are two narrated pieces, at opposite ends of the program. Cochran and Garretson then will perform Alan Menkens title song from Beauty and the Beast and Elton Johns Circle of Life from The Lion King. McGuire will join them on Debussys Golliwogs Cakewalk before Kamen Petkov and Christina Geiger perform Mozarts Table Top Duet. The Table Top Duet is for two violins, Allman said. Mozart wrote it so one instrument can look at the music and play it as written. The other instrument turns it upside down and plays it and it all works together. Its really very clever. They put one piece of music on the table in front of them and (standing on either side of the table) play it. It takes kind of a genius to figure that out. But it all works, its pretty amazing. Harpist Julia Jamieson will offer an introduction to her instrument, showing how it works before playing a few pieces to demonstrate. Cochran and Garretson will follow with a performance of Menkens Friend Like Me and A Whole New World, both from Aladdin. Allman, on piano, and cellist Susan Phillips will perform The Swan from Camille Saint-Saens The Carnival of the Animals, before Cochran, Garretson and McGuire return with the American fiddle tunes Arkansas Traveler and Chicken Reel played on flute and bassoon. Percussionist Tyler Carpenter then will accompany himself on bongos, marimba, steel drums, drum set and bass guitar for a performance of Menkens Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid. There are five different squares on the screen, Allman said of Carpenters performance. He recorded one track, then he recorded the next one, then the next one. You can watch him play all the instruments at once. It will be a festive lead-in to Norfolks finale, a telling of Anansi and the Dancing Granny. During his last visit to Jacksonville, Norfolk told family-friendly spooky tales outside Rammelkamp Chapel on ICs campus. He was so good, so lively, Allman said. The kids were just mesmerized. The virtual concert will be available beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday on the symphony website at jaxsym-il.org and will be available on demand for a week after. There is no charge for the virtual performance, though donations will be accepted. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Donald Trump teased a potential second run for office and accused US President Joe Biden of lying or being mentally gone over vaccine claims as he broke his media silence in a blitz of Right-wing cable news interviews. He emerged from his public hiatus since leaving the White House to mark the death of the veteran conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh on Wednesday night, calling his old ally a legend of American radio. Since being banned from Facebook and Twitter in the wake of the attack on the US Capitol, Mr Trump had been unusually subdued as he settled into post-presidency life at his private club in Florida. But as he returned to his favourite news outlets, Mr Trump said he had no interest in returning to Twitter. I understand its become very boring and millions are leaving, he told the conservative outlet Newsmax. Instead, Mr Trump suggested he was considering launching his own platform to communicate with his supporters. Were looking at a lot of different things, he said. The Republican said he had been urged by some to join Parler, the social network site favoured by the alt-Right, but said: I really wanted to be somewhat quiet after quitting Washington. With his impeachment trial concluded, Mr Trumps reappearance on cable news suggests he may be preparing to resume his public profile. Asked whether he intended to run for president again in 2024, Mr Trump suggested he had not ruled out the possibility. I wont say yet, but we have tremendous support, he told Newsmax. Its too early to say... but I see a lot of great polls out there. He went on to underscore the significant support he continued to command among his partys base and appeared unfazed by his recent second impeachment, claiming without evidence that his polling numbers had surged since the proceedings. Im the only one who gets impeached and my numbers go up. I mean, figure that one out, he said. Mr Trump said he had tuned into US President Bidens town hall event on Tuesday night. He falsely claimed that Mr Biden said there were no Covid-19 vaccine supplies when his administration took office. Mr Trump said Mr Biden himself had been vaccinated before assuming the presidency. So either not telling the truth or hes mentally gone, Mr Trump said. One or the other. Hes getting killed on this. ( Telegraph Media Group Ltd 2021) Sydney suburbs recorded the biggest rises in new JobKeeper applications nationally late last year, with some areas home to more than a thousand struggling businesses. Postcode data released by the ATO on Friday shows there were 522 areas nationally where the number of businesses on JobKeeper rose but in 2014 areas, there was no change or a fall in registrations between October and November. Businesses receiving JobKeeper increased by 10 or more in St Marys, Lindfield, Ryde and Eastgardens as 194 postcodes across the state recorded rising numbers between October and November. The Sydney CBD leads the nation with more than 6500 companies registered there on government support, 1000 more than Melbourne. Stories from the Pit: Blackjack Dealers Share Wild & Nightmarish Stories February 19, 2021 Chad Holloway Whether it's poker or a casino pit game, players wouldnt have the experience they do without one important person the dealer. While theyre responsible for slinging cards and facilitating games, theyre also a silent observer of human nature. Recently, we asked specifically blackjack dealers to share their wildest stories from working in the industry. No names nor locations are being reported to respect the privacy of those who shared. While we cannot 100% confirm all of the stories below, the dealers claim to be speaking from their own personal experience. Please note, so stories contain actions and behaviors that some may find offensive. Editor's note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or/clarity. The Biohazard Dealing in high limit blackjack. A regular (drunk) player is playing, but his hand is down and in front of him. I understand men have itches or need to adjust so it doesn't bother me, but its there just a little too long. Figure I would get the suit's attention and let them know I'm uncomfortable. Just as I glance over my shoulder I hear the suit say to the other suit in the pit., "OMG! You call surveillance, Ill call the manager." Im thinking, Well shit, now I have to wait to say anything. Something is going on back there. Next thing I know security comes in and escorts the man out. Lead security is standing in front of my game. A person walks up to my game to play and lead security says, "I'm sorry, this table is closed, we have a biohazard." Then it dawns on me. I lean back and look down. The man had whipped it out and peed under my table. He splashed onto my shoes! I was never so thankful we can't wear open-toed shoes! High-limit VIP members. Gotta love 'em! Pop a Squat I was working valet at my first casino job. I took a break one night and headed towards the break room. I have to go through the casino and doing so, I witness a woman playing blackjack stand up on the table, pull up her skirt, squat, and piss on the table. Never seen that before. A Short Partnership At an Indian casino 20 years ago, an elderly man was playing blackjack $100 a hand. He got a pair of aces, had no money left, and asked if anyone would go partners. A big guy gave him $100. The player split and got a and a . He won one and lost one. The backer said, Where's my half.? The elderly man says, Your half lost. The big guy picked him up by the neck and both got escorted out. Double Down About 20 years ago, I was dealing blackjack at about 3 a.m. with two players at the table. A third player walked up, an older lady, and plunked down $20, so I dealt. Action got to her, she has and I have a showing. She slid up another $20 and said, "Double down." We had a bit of a language barrier, so I asked her, "Do you mean split? (Showing two fingers and spreading out her two nines. She grabbed the cards, put them together, and said again, "Double down." After I scolded her for grabbing the cards, I asked her, "Ma'am, do you want to split and play two hands?" While I'm motioning to her that she has that option...assuming she doesn't understand me, she got loud and said, "DOUBLE DOWN...ONE CARRRRRD!!" waving one finger in my face, like her hand was on fire. I'm convinced her decision is clearly shown on video, so as loud as I could I yelled, "DOUBLE ON A HARD 18." Then I peeled off the card, and of course, it was a three. I busted my hand, sized into her bet, and she scooped up her $80 before waddling off into the night. I never saw her again. The other two players and I just froze there for a second, dumbfounded. There Goes the College Fund Years ago, I had a regular that I saw on a weekly basis. Nice guy, would play between $300-$500 each visit with an average bet of $20-$40 a hand on blackjack. One day I walk into the pit and see hes got $5,000 in front of him. I look at my boss and said, "He's doing good today. My boss looked at me and said, "He's down $25k. I was confused because I'd never seen him play that big. Im on the next table over watching him play two hands at $300 each (our casino max) and watch him get hammered. The look on his face told me he was freaking out. When I left my table, he was down to his last $500 and shaking. I walked to the bathroom on the gaming floor and did my business. As I'm washing my hands I hear some screaming outside. I see the guy run into the bathroom looking like he saw the grim reaper. Right behind him is his wife, red in the face from yelling. She runs up on him, punches him straight in the face, and knocked him out. She left and security showed up a moment later. Security took my statement, called for an EMT, and that was the last I ever saw of that player. When I got back to the pit, everyone was talking about the guy. Turned out he had a few good days at the tables so decided to cash out his kids college funds and try to make more. Where Did They Go? One night I was dealing blackjack and I noticed this girl was losing and losing. She was almost down to her last few chips when a guy comes and sits down. They start chatting and he starts winning. She eventually loses all her money and he started giving her some chips. The talking turned more into flirting as time passed and he continued to give her some chips. I noticed she had a wedding ring on earlier but after about five minutes of him giving her money, the wedding ring was no longer there. They continued to flirt and joke and he kept winning and she kept losing. I eventually get tapped out, and when I came back 20 minutes later, both were gone. Almost a Dead Mans Hand On my second or third day at a new casino I was dealing shoe blackjack and had a pretty good table. I was full so got almost to the end when I noticed spot three had his head down on the table. I said, Sir, you can't put your head on the table. The lady to his left tapped him and he just fell back out of the chair. It was insane. I yelled for the floor and no response. So, the whole table yelled, and finally, a floor showed up, and then the EMTs got there. The guy was technically dead. It took 14 minutes to revive him and get him into an ambulance. Turned out he had an aneurysm. After that, I got left in for three hours. Didn't even realize it until I had to pee. Was some straight crazy shit. His sister came in the next week to tell us he was going to make a full recovery. No Drinks on the Table A player sits down at my blackjack table and sets his drink down on the layout. Floor: Hey man, you need to put that in there. (points at cup holder) Player: Oh. (Begins to pour his drink out into the cup holder) Floor: No! That isnt what I meant. The glass goes into the holder. Player: Picks up the cup holder and drinks what he poured into it and then sets his drink into the holder. Do you have a casino story to tell for future editions of Tales from the Pit? Feel free to reach out to PokerNews on either or Facebook or Twitter accounts. You can also email [email protected] *Images from wiki commons. KYODO NEWS - Feb 19, 2021 - 12:25 | All, World, Japan Senior foreign ministry officials of the United States, Japan and South Korea on Thursday affirmed to work closely toward the denuclearization of Korean Peninsula in their first such trilateral meeting to discuss North Korean issues since the change of the U.S. administration. The group discussed during a videoconference the ongoing U.S. review on its North Korea policy and "stressed the importance of continued close cooperation and coordination," the U.S. State Department said in a press release. Since its inauguration on Jan. 20, the Biden administration has vowed to review North Korea policy in its entirety in consultation with U.S. allies to get the reclusive state to abandon its nuclear weapons. Sung Kim, U.S. acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Takehiro Funakoshi, director general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, and Noh Kyu Duk, South Korean Foreign Ministry's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs attended the meeting. The officials agreed they will closely cooperate in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula based on U.N. Security Council resolutions, the Japanese ministry said. The resolutions impose sanctions on North Korea for its illicit development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. In the talks, Funakoshi also asked for the support of the United States and South Korea in seeking to resolve the issue of past abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea and earned their understanding and backing, the Japanese ministry said. Related coverage: U.S. sees N. Korea nuke issue as "urgent priority": State Department China to tap senior Communist Party official as new envoy to North Korea North Korea designates Nov. 29 as holiday to commemorate ICBM launch There have been 28 further deaths of people with Covid-19 and 763 new cases of the virus confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team today. Of the deaths today, 27 of them occurred in February, with the median age being 79 years while the age range was 32-97 years. There has now been a total of 4,109 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland and 213,400** confirmed cases. Of the cases notified today, 370 are men and 388 are women, while 72pc are under 45 years of age. The median age is 30 years old. Nationally, 251 cases were in Dublin, 84 in Galway, 57 in Kildare, 47 in Limerick, 42 in Waterford and the remaining 282 cases are spread across all other counties. As of 8am today, 754 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 151 are in ICU. 46 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. Read More As of February 16, 293,752 doses of Covid-19 vaccine were administered in Ireland. 187,893 people have received their first doses, and 105,859 people have received their second doses. Speaking today, Dr. Ronan Glynn, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said; The past year has been very difficult for people and we still have a way to go. Incidence remains very high and we cannot drop our guard. But better days are in sight, he said. People continue to respond to public health advice and act in solidarity with one another. "We now have three very safe and effective vaccines being rolled out and supply should increase very substantially over the coming weeks. One in three household contacts are now testing positive for Covid-19, which is due to the B117 UK variant, which now accounts for 90pc of all new cases, Dr Glynn said. This underlines the need for people to exercise caution in households and other settings. In particular, people should isolate immediately on experiencing any symptoms and contact their GP. Dr Glynn also said last night that Nphets largest lever in terms of preventing the spread of the virus remains the public and their efforts to keep community cases down. Chair of Nphets Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group Professor Philip Nolan said that people should be encouraged that the reproduction number remains so low, and urged the public to continue to avoid mixing. If we can keep the reproduction number between 0.7 to 0.9 over the coming weeks wed expect to see 400 to 500 cases by the start of March, he said. He added that it appears the country has moved past the peak of deaths, although its important to keep in mind there might be a backlog of deaths. Meanwhile, over the last two weeks 37 children under the age of 12 have been hospitalised as a result of Covid-19. None of the patients were admitted to the ICU though, with the youngest age group to have someone in the ICU being in the 24-34 age group. The age group with the largest number of hospitalisations from Covid-19 since March 2020 is those over the age of 65, with 6,635 people admitted to hospital. PBL Project-based learning is an ideal way to master STEAM skills for students. Projects help students master useful skills, keep learning fun, and allow students to direct the course of their own education. A successful example of PBL is the bird protection for Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve, in the western Yunnan Province of China. The bird protection project is divided into three parts: the first part is for students to go to bird nature reserves to select the bird they want to observe and design an artificial nest for birds they are interested in; the second part is to learn 3D design concept and 3D printer operation and make the artificial nests after returning to school; finally, students go back to the bird nature reserve and put the artificial nest into the nature. During this project, students experience the process of finding problem, collecting data, analyzing information, discussing ideas and finally coming up with the solutions. This example is a good combination of PBL with STEAM. Students become the scientists, mathematicians, engineers, artists and technological engineers during the project. Although PBL has gradually become an attractive point in STEAM education, it is actually facing great challenges at the moment in China. Most of PBL is happening in private schools by now. Public school is slower to adopt the innovation. And, some schools were in lack of experienced teachers. It will take a long time to see the widespread of PBL adoption in China. But, other countries in the world are also experiencing this long PBL journey. STEAM education in Makerspace In China, two factors stimulate the development of STEAM education. One is a multitude of makerspaces have sprung up in 2015. In 2015, the China Premier, Li Keqiang, decreed that makerspaces would be a part of China's economic development plan. This was followed by the government funding of hundreds of makerspaces across China. The other reason is China's Economic Maturity. As Chinese economy first started to grow rapidly in the 1970s, when it required the graduates to have the ability associated with low-cost labour, for example the ability to follow instructions. By now, as China's economy matures, Chinese companies need to focus much more on creation and innovation to make a living. The Chinese education system is criticized for not being able to provide the skills required by this innovation-led economy.[1] Makerspaces is designed for hands-on, collaborative, creative work, precisely required by China's economy today. In the years from 2015 to 2020, many public and private schools opened school makerspaces where students could build, innovate and explore the complexity of systems as a cross-subject learner, propelled by government or companies sponsored makerspaces. Wenzhou High School, located in Wenzhou, in the southeastern Zhejiang Province in China, is the first public school to set up makerspace in 2013. In the school makerspace, it includes spaces for maker and STEAM activities and equipped with 3D printers, audio-visual equipment, hands tools and other storage carts can be filled with age-appropriate materials. It takes Arduino as the main implementation platform and is also equipped with Raspberry Pi computers for students to turn their ideas into the real and tangible objects. Wenzhou High School makerspace also gains the support from DFRobot, which donates 3D printers and STEAM educational kits. In addition, many universities are setting up their own makerspaces in China. At present, the i.Center, based at Tsinghua University in China, which is the world largest makerspace at 16,000 square meters. STEAM Competitions for Kids STEAM competition like kid coding has been gaining attention in recent years in China. Engaging young kids in competitions is a sure way to get them excited to learn. Here kids find a community and pick up skills such as critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving. In March 2019, the Ministry of Education of China announced the "Key Points of Education Informatization and Network Security Work in 2019", proposing to promote the establishment of courses related to artificial intelligence in primary and secondary schools, and to gradually promote programming education. The future national competition is about artificial intelligence, and coding is the basic skill at the AI era. With encouraging governmental policies, capitals began to flood into the market for kid coding education. Currently, Scratch, Makecode and Mind+ are the three popular programming languages in China from iiMedia Research. Scratch Makecode Mind+ Developed by MIT Media Block-based visual programming language Used worldwide Prod uced by Microsoft uced by Microsoft A visual language programming MakeCode programs can be authored in Blocks, Static TypeScript or Static Python. Launched by DFRobot, China, in 2013 Allows kids to build a program by dragging and snapping coding blocks. Supports a wide range of hardware including Arduino, micro:bit or even a series of ESP32-based educational microcontrollers Hands-on Remote Learning Due to a nationwide epidemic control mechanism, China was the first country to mandate school closures. 270 million Chinese students are restricted to their homes. STEAM education is forced to transform from offline to online and has become a fantastic way for students to continue their education whilst having fun at home. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on education development in China, STEAM education still attracts large-scale investment because of its interdisciplinary learning, problem-solving and real-life assessment. 2020 China STEAM Education-Related Enterprise Financing Situation (Partial) from iiMedia Research Company Financing Round Sum Date Codemao Series D Funding CNY 1.3 billion Nov.20, 2020 Bell Series C Funding CNY 120 million May.5, 2020 DFRobot Series B Funding Tens of millions of CNY Jan.3, 2020 About the future STEAM development in China, Ricky Ye points out, "STEAM education in China has developed rapidly and future market growth will depend on how quickly it gains broad acceptance, which is related to the integration with national curriculum, changes in teachers and parents' teaching methods and investment. High-quality STEAM education is high-quality project-based learning. There is still a long way to localize it into China's educational environment but the future is bright." Reference: [1] Quote from British Council: Made-in-China-Makerspaces-and-the-search-for-mass-innovation SOURCE DFRobot ROME, FEB 19 - Umbria and the autonomous province of Bolzano are likely to be classed high-COVID-19-risk red zones as of Sunday in Italy's tiered system of coronavirus restrictions, sources said on Friday. Three other regions, Molise, Campania and Emilia-Romagna, are set to be bumped up from moderate-risk yellow zones to medium-high-risk orange zones, the sources said. The changes are due to a deterioration in the contagion data, amid concern about the spread of new variants. Parts of Umbria and the autonomous province of Bolzano are already red zones, meaning they are in a sort of lockdown, due to decisions taken at the local level. Health Minister Roberto Speranza will adjust the colour classifications on the basis of the data from the weekly coronavirus monitoring report of the health ministry and the Higher Health Institute (ISS) and input from experts. In red zones all restaurants and bars are closed, except for takeaways and home deliveries, and all non-essential shops are closed too. In orange zones, shops can do business but restaurants and bars must stay closed. In yellow zones, shops are open and so are bars and restaurants until 6pm. A nationwide curfew from 10pm until 5am remains in force and a ban on travel between regions has been extended until February 25. (ANSA). Robinhood Blocked GameStop Buys After Clearinghouse Threatened $2.2 Billion Charge, CEO Says Online stock trading platform Robinhood made the decision to ban its users from buying certain stocks last month after the company that clears stock transactions imposed a $2.2 billion special charge on Robinhood. After the ban, the clearinghouse lifted the charge. Robinhood was popular among the small investors who organized online to buy the stock of GameStop, a struggling computer game retailer. The run was partly motivated by a belief that hedge funds that borrowed and short-sold the stock would be forced to buy it back, thus increasing its price. As a mass of investors bought in, the price indeed increased from less than $5 per share in August to $30 in mid-January and then to nearly $500 per share at one point on Jan. 28. But on the morning of Jan. 28, Robinhood blocked its users from buying the stock, which has since dropped to about $40. The company was criticized by its users and even some politicians for the decision, with critics speculating whether it was made to protect the hedge funds that were losing money on their bets against GameStop. On Feb. 18, Robinhood Chief Executive Vladimir Tenev detailed the events surrounding the decision in testimony before the House Committee on Financial Services. He said the restrictions were imposed so that Robinhood could comply with regulatory requirements imposed by the National Securities Clearing Corp. (NSCC), which clears and guarantees stock trades. NSCC guarantees that each side of a stock transaction fulfill its side of the deal. Since the parties can take up to two days to settle transactions, NSCC requires security deposits from brokerages that would be drawn upon if some traders fail to deliver on their deals. The NSCC has its own formulas to calculate the deposits, and the run on GameStop caused the deposit requirements to shoot up, Tenev said in written testimony. At approximately 5:11 a.m. EST on January 28, the NSCC sent Robinhood Securities an automated notice stating that Robinhood Securities had a deposit deficit of approximately $3 billion, he said. That included not only about a doubling of the deposit requirement from the previous day, but also an excess capital premium charge of more than $2.2 billion, Tenev said. Between 6:30 and 7:30 am EST, the Robinhood Securities operations team made the decision to impose trading restrictions on GameStop and other securities. In conversations with NSCC staff early that morning, Robinhood Securities notified the NSCC of its intention to implement these restrictions and also informed the NSCC of the margin restrictions that had already been imposed, he said. NSCC initially notified Robinhood Securities that it had reduced the excess capital premium charge by more than half. Then, shortly after 9:00 am EST, NSCC informed Robinhood Securities that the excess capital premium charge had been waived entirely for that day and the net deposit. A representative of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corp. (DTCC), which owns NSCC, declined to comment to The Epoch Times via email on margin requirements of individual member firms, citing confidentiality issues. So what youre saying is you were paused because you had to comply with regulations, is that true? Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) asked Tenev during the virtual hearing. Correct, Tenev said. The DTCCs letter to the committee said the excess capital premium charge was imposed automatically, but the decision to waive it was discretionary. The situation could have been avoided if the market system has been modernized to allow clearing transactions in real time, Tenev said. While the DTCC agrees with shortening the settlement time to just one day, it opposes real-time settlement, saying that would prevent netting, which means adding up transactions and sending each party a bill of just the net of what they owe to each other before the settlement deadline. Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled the word transaction in a way that changed the meaning. Netting means adding up transactions and sending each party a bill of just the net of what they owe to each other before the settlement deadline. The Epoch Times regrets the error. has begun developing a long-range interceptor, named Arrow-4, together with the US. "The Missile Defense Organization, in the Directorate of Defense Research and Development of the Defense Ministry, and the Defense Agency, have commenced the development of the Arrow-4 system," a spokesperson with the defence ministry said in a statement. Arrow-4 will be "the next generation" of Israel's multi-layered defence doctrine to intercept missiles in the atmosphere and space, the Xinhua news agency reported. The defence ministry said Arrow-4 will be an advanced and innovative anti-missile system with enhanced capabilities to "address a wide range of evolving threats in the region and will replace the Arrow-2 interceptors over the next decades." John Hill, director of the Defense Agency, said in the statement that the cooperative program between the two countries "illustrates US commitment to assisting the government of in upgrading its national missile defence capability to defend the State of Israel from emerging threats." --IANS int/rs (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 supposed cinematic experience was turned into a tragedy after 63 individuals were rushed to the hospital due to excessive levels of Carbon Monoxide in a movie theater on Wednesday. Based on some Chinese government officials, the victims of the tragic incident were immediately brought to the hospital. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The $150 complex in Zhejiang province in the eastern portion of China just opened its doors to the public a month ago. According to Newsweek, the local media reports mentioned that the audience at the Weishan Xintiandi shopping mall which is located in the city of Dongyang, was just 10 minutes into their film when a number of audiences started to feel dizzy and vomit. The theater in the Weishan Xintiandi shopping mall had been serving customers for only six days. An order from local authorities came regarding its closure in the wake of the incident. In the footage uploaded by netizens which were shared by local media outlets, frantic patrons can be seen helping their loved ones out of the theater. Others can be seen lying on the tiled floor of the mall. Based on the tests performed by the Dongyang People's Government, on Thursday, those 63 individuals exhibited excessive levels of carbon monoxide in their blood. The statement also mentioned that the theater was already shut down and an investigation is still ongoing. Moreover, speculations coming from local media sites showed that poor ventilation inside the auditorium could be the possible reason behind the carbon monoxide poisoning. Despite no life-threatening symptoms have been exhibited by the 63 individuals, the municipal government also shared that it is still not clear whether how many among the victims were still in the hospital or how many among them were children, Global Times reported. Meanwhile, according to Yahoo! News, Shanghai news outlet, The Paper reported that the four-story Weishan Xintiandi mall just opened its doors to the public on January 22, in time for the Lunar New Year holiday which started last Thursday. Based on some reports, the movie theater held a soft opening on February 8 and opened officially for service on Friday, February 12. Since the COVID-19 pandemic also caused travel restrictions outside the country, Most Chinese have flocked to theaters during its week-long celebration of New Year. Read also: Woman, 8-Year-Old Girl Die of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Reportedly Using Car to Stay Warm The Chinese government was able to control the coronavirus outbreak last spring. But, numerous clusters of infections throughout December and January have sparked some concerns which led to movie theater capacity being reduced. As a result of the social distancing protocol, cinemas were ordered to have only customers good for 50% of their theater's seating capacity. However, the limited seating did not stop Chinese moviegoers to spend the holidays watching a number of films. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the US On the other hand, in Texas this week, hundreds of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have also been reported, as residents turned their cars and even grills just to stay warm during power outages caused by a winter storm. Numerous deaths in the state have already been linked to the said poisoning based on the report of the Houston Police. Related article: Texas Officials Caution Residents of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Wake of Winter Storm Uri @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A yacht reported missing off the Coromandel coast on Wednesday was located 150km from where it made its mayday call. Sinking yacht Tribe broadcast a mayday call on Wednesday evening. Two rescue helicopters, a Coastguard vessel and the Te Kaha were deployed by the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ after a sinking yacht made a mayday call at 6.30pm last night. The vessel's coordinates were given as near Waiheke, but verbally the yachts location was given as east of Coromandel. An initial search failed to find the yacht at the coordinates given. A search for the vessel continued on Thursday, with it being found later in the afternoon. The yacht, Tribe, which broadcast a mayday call Wednesday evening was found yesterday afternoon in Bream Bay about 4 nautical miles (7km) south of Whangarei, says a Maritime New Zealand spokesperson. That is about 80 nautical miles (150km) north of where it made its mayday call. Rescue Coordination Centre NZ is thanking all the organisations and people who searched for the missing yacht. RCCNZ Operations Manager, Neville Blakemore, says search and rescue on sea, land or air is always a partnership and simply could not happen without the expertise, willingness and great teamwork of all involved. The New Zealand Defence Force committed HMNZS Te Kaha and Royal New Zealand Air Force C130 Hercules to the search, had a Seasprite helicopter on standby, and made a P3 Orion returning from supporting a search and rescue mission in the Pacific available if it was needed. Coastguard Units, Whangamata, Whitianga, Tairua/Pauanui and Waihekes vessels searched on Wednesday while weather permitted them to operate, and the Auckland Air Patrol aircraft joined the search yesterday. Bay of Plenty-based commercial operator Sunair Aviation contributed one of its aircraft to the search with an experienced search and rescue team on board. Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (Westpac Auckland) and Philips Search and Rescue Trust (TECT Rescue, Tauranga) both provided helicopters for searching Wednesday. Police provided critical and important support, receiving calls from the public, undertaking enquiries, following up on leads and helping contact families of the other yachts in the search area, says Neville. The vessel was located near Bream Bay, 150km from where it made its mayday call. Image: Google Maps. Most importantly, Police were contacted yesterday afternoon by occupants of a yacht to enquire if there was a search underway to locate their vessel. It was the vessel that had issued the Mayday call. Police forwarded the information to RCCNZ and the search was stood down, says Neville. We would also like to thank the families and emergency contacts of the other yachts in the search area. They gave Police and RCCNZ the names of vessels and confirmed they were safe. That is important information as it means we can eliminate those vessels from the search and be more specific about what and who we are looking for and where they might be. Maritime NZ recommends the following simple things that may help keep you safe on boats: -Everyone on board wears their lifejacket -Take two waterproof ways to call for help a distress beacon (PLB or EPIRB) and VHF radio are best, and close to shore, a cellphone in a waterproof bag can be one way to call for help -Check the marine weather forecast -Avoid alcohol -Be a responsible skipper. LONDON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OneWeb, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network owned by UK Government, Bharti Global and other strategic investors, announces the appointment of Srikanth Balachandran as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Srikanth joins from Bharti Global, where he was CFO since Oct 2018 and prior to that, was CFO of Bharti Airtel for seven years. Under his financial stewardship, Airtel engaged in some intense M&A, grew its customer base five-fold to become the world's No.3 mobile operator in subscriber numbers and expanded its operations to 18 countries. He was closely associated with Airtel's successful launch and scaling up of the Satellite TV business in India and the rapid expansion of Airtel's Global Business across the globe. An award-winning senior executive, Srikanth was judged the Best Telecom CFO in 2014 by CNBC TV18. He also held the role of Chief Human Resources Officer for 3 years at Airtel, driving a transformational people agenda impacting 20,000 employees. Airtel was among the 20 'Best Companies to Work For' in the Business Today surveys in 2016 and 2018. Comments Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb: "Having had the opportunity to work with Srikanth in his most recent role as CFO of Bharti Global, the team at OneWeb has seen first-hand the wealth of experience and expertise he will bring to his new position at OneWeb. He will assume responsibility for helping us deliver our ambitious business plan, securing additional funding and establishing high standards of governance." Srikanth Balachandran started his career as a management trainee at Unilever, where he spent 23 years across leadership roles in Finance, Supply Chain and HR in India and UK. He is a Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a Commerce graduate from the University of Madras. Adds Srikanth Balachandran: "OneWeb has an unparalleled opportunity to create value for communities, businesses and governments. Our plans to create a telecoms network in space will be game-changing and will help realise OneWeb's vision of 'internet access everywhere, for everyone'. "OneWeb has fantastic support from our new investors in terms of funding, market access and customer reach. We will invest responsibly for customer experience and profitable growth. I am truly privileged to be part of this exciting journey." About OneWeb OneWeb will enable connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. It is implementing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites with a network of global gateway stations and a range of user terminals to provide an affordable, fast, high-bandwidth and low-latency communications service, connected to the IoT future and a pathway to 5G for everyone, everywhere. Find out more at http://www.oneweb.world SOURCE OneWeb Related Links http://www.oneweb.net Jaipur Literature Fest: Noam Chomsky explains how the evolution of politics has changed India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Jaipur, Feb 18: Jaipur Literature Festival, that is dubbed as the "greatest literary show on Earth", is a sumptuous feast of ideas. Every year, a mix of the world's greatest writers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders and entertainers are welcomed on one stage to champion the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful dialogue. This year Dailyhunt and OneIndia are the proud partners as live streaming partner and digital media partner respectively for the Jaipur Literary Fest 2021. In an interview, founder of modern linguistics, Noam Chomsky who is one most citied scholars in the modern history, said that evolution of politics has changed. Chomsky's books have made contribution to the development of the field. Click here to watch the video Speaking to Sreenivasan Jain, the group editor of NDTV, Chomsky said, "American democracy is in serious trouble even before the time of Donald Trump. There is a major constitutional crisis. Trump has changed the war of things. He is basically a wrecker. He has no ideas of what to do, but he can wreck anything in front of him. This is like a child put in with a hammer." Jaipur Literature Fest: The Wake Up Call author discusses the effects of the pandemic "There has also been a sharp rise in progressive, social forces and activism. Take a look at Biden's programmes. I don't like them, but, they are more progressive than Trump's ideas," Chomsky said. "The main identity in politics, in the United States, is White Supremacy. It is beyond anything else. It is been used for hundreds of years, to control the White population. No matter how badly of you are, you are better off the Blacks," he added. The venue of the Jaipur Literature Festival is the beautiful Diggi Palace Hotel, on whose vast grounds till date more than 1000 distinguished authors and thinkers have discussed ideas. Click here to register and login A few of the themes that will be explored this year at JLF, include Technology and AI, Politics and History, Environment and Climate Change, Mental Health, Business and Economics, Translations, Poetry and Music, Food and Literature, Geopolitics, Science and Medicine, Democracy and Constitution and so on. The fish in Texas waters aren't surviving the extreme wintry weather. As of Wednesday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department told MySA.com it has had "fish kills" in five bay systems in the middle and lower coast due to the freezing temperatures and cold water. "Fish kills," also known as fish die-off, refers to localized batches of fish that wash up dead along riverbanks and bays. Extreme weather (hot or cold) is one of the common natural causes of "fish kills." READ ALSO: Texas Game Wardens rescue more than 140 cold-stunned sea turtles unable to swim On Monday, Nessy Tompkins took pictures of one along Port Aransas and posted it to her Facebook page dedicated to the beach. Capt. Michael Laskowski Jr. also shared images of dead redfish and trout he saw while he was out doing his daily fish count on Aransas Bay this Wednesday. Laskowski said he also found 12 dead sea turtles along his route. He's encouraging other anglers to practice "catch & release 2021." TPWD said it always recommends catch and release, however, anglers are allowed to keep legal-size fish within the bag limit. The department said most of the "fish kills" were observed by its staff or game wardens. It urges residents to report any sightings to (512) 389-4848 so its Kills and Spills team can be notified. READ MORE: San Antonio Food Bank needs 500 volunteers to help feed people this weekend The TPWD Kills and Spills team collects data on these events to assess the overall impact on Texas fish populations. The department said it does not yet know the extent of the impact of the recent winter weather. Biologists are still assessing the situation and hope to have a report early next week, as they are dealing with power and water issues while also assisting with sea turtle rescue. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 16:37:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Extreme wintry weather, known as "dzud", has killed at least 439,700 head of livestock across Mongolia so far this winter, the country's Food and Agriculture Ministry said Friday. Dzud is a Mongolian term to describe the frigid winter that comes after a dry summer and causes numerous farm animals to die of starvation or cold. At least six of Mongolia's all 21 provinces have now been suffering dzud or near-dzud conditions, according to the ministry. More than 80 percent of the dead animals were goats and sheep, the ministry said. Animal husbandry is the backbone of the landlocked country's economy as nearly 40 percent of its nomad population depends on animal husbandry for their livelihood. Mongolia had 67.1 million head of livestock at the end of 2020, according to the country's National Statistics Office. Thousands of herders lose their animals almost every year due to dzud. In 2016, more than 1 million farm animals died from extreme weather conditions. Enditem STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The first stages of a prolonged winter storm hit Staten Island Thursday morning, bringing a few inches of accumulation to the borough before it gradually shifted to freezing rain and then dissipated in the early evening. However, the long-duration system isnt done with New York City yet and is slated to bring more winter weather to Staten Island tonight leading into Friday, said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Erickson. Its kind of a stretched-out storm, not one cohesive piece here, said Erickson, who acknowledged that precipitation has quieted down on the Island during the evening commute. It should remain pretty quiet here for the next few hours, but it looks like the snow does pick up again late tonight especially after midnight and into Friday morning, as well, said Erickson. With reported snowfall totals on the borough sitting between two and four inches as of Thursday afternoon, Erickson said an additional two to four inches could be added to those tallies. Yesterday, AccuWeather predicted the storm would bring between six to 10 inches of snow to the Island, and Erickson said the latest forecasts show that the borough will probably fall somewhere on the lower end of that range. Weve kind-of had half of the storm already and the other half will be here late tonight into tomorrow morning, said Erickson. When that precipitation comes, residents should expect steady snow that could become moderate bursts at times, Erickson added, with enough accumulation to make sidewalks and roads slippery Friday morning. For Staten Island to receive higher snowfall totals, Erickson said a localized heavier band of snow would have to sit above the borough for several hours. However, the storms prolonged timespan compared to a noreaster that has a far more focused effect makes forecasting snow totals difficult, said Erickson, especially when it is likely for various parts of the borough to receive different levels of accumulation. That makes it a lot more challenging finding all these pieces and how they all lay out, said Erickson. The National Weather Services latest forecast calls for periods of snow and sleet, possibly mixed in with freezing drizzle before 10 p.m. Then, periods of snow and sleet are possible from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. followed by additional snow leading into the morning. New accumulation of one to two inches during that span is possible, said the National Weather Service, with under an inch of snow also potentially falling Friday morning. The worst of the remainder of the storm is expected to come between midnight tonight into noon Friday, said Erickson, with flurries and drizzle happening in the afternoon. And, by Saturday its just a cold, windy day. Maybe theres a flurry, but nothing accumulating that day, said Erickson. Cancer biologists at Weill Cornell Medicine have been awarded a 2021 Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Award from the Clinical Research Forum for their study last year describing a highly sensitive blood test for monitoring cancer progression and relapse. The findings, entitled "Genome-wide cell-free DNA mutational integration enables ultra-sensitive cancer monitoring," were published June 1 in Nature Medicine by a team led by Dr. Dan Landau, an associate professor of medicine and a member of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Asaf Zviran, a postdoctoral researcher in the Landau lab during the study, was the paper's first author. The method developed in the study uses whole-genome sequencing of DNA in blood to detect mutations that are present in a given patient's tumor. Powered by machine learning algorithms, the cancer-detection platform can recognize any of thousands of tumor-linked mutations. This makes it sensitive enough to work even in situations where traditional "liquid biopsy" techniques fail due to the low concentration and high fragmentation of tumor DNA in blood. The aim of the method is to enable doctors to monitor cancer progression and treatment response more acutely than ever before--which should boost the effectiveness even of existing treatments. The award is one of 10 given annually by the Clinical Research Forum for highly innovative and clinically translatable research with the potential to provide major benefits to patients. The Washington, D.C.-based organization is an influential advocate for government funding of clinical research and the interests of American clinical research institutions generally. The winners will present their award-winning research on March 30 at the Forum's annual meeting, held online this year due to COVID-19. "We're very grateful for this award, and particularly gratified that the Clinical Research Forum has recognized the potential of this new technology to transform cancer care," said Dr. Landau, who is also a core member of the New York Genome Center. He and his team are continuing to develop the new method, which they call "MRDetect" in reference to the common challenge in cancer care of detecting "minimal residual disease." The Landau lab is working with collaborators at Weill Cornell Medicine to improve their machine learning approach and make the method even more sensitive. They are also testing its ability to help doctors optimize new immunotherapy treatments for certain cancers. ### [February 19, 2021] University Canada West (UCW) Expands Educational Offering Beyond Their Renowned Business Courses University Canada West (UCW) has come a long way since it was founded in 2004 by accomplished academic and distinguished scientist Dr. David Strong. Despite the challenges faced by everybody in 2020, UCW has seen two of its programs earning NCMA accreditation, an innovative-driven new partnership with the Digital Marketing Institute ( DMI (News - Alert) ), and has expanded its repertoire of short courses with two new additions. Dr. Strong set out with a clear vision to create an independent university that was accessible to all, with a practical focus and an emphasis on teaching excellence. Since then, UCW has proven itself with continual growth and has defined itself as a class-act educational provider renowned for being an innovative business and technology-oriented, teaching-focused institution with close connections to the business world. Cyndi McLeod, CEO of Global University Systems Canada, the parent company of UCW, says: "University Canada West and GUS Canada are delighted to welcome many new partners in 2021. We have a number of new partnerships on the horizon and we look forward to collaborating with so many innovative companies this year. UCW is committed to serving as a bridge between our students and the business industry." UCW's Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) programs recently received NCMA National Accreditation from CIM | Chartered Managers Canada. Receiving Nationally Accredited with Chartered Managers Canada (NCMA) status directly benefits UCW's MBA and BCom students, as those currently enrolled in the MBA and BCom programs are now entitled to a free Associate Membership with the association, giving UCW students the chance to belong to Canada's chartered management and leadership association while earning their degree. Additionally, Associate Members can participate in all the networking and professional development opportunities the association offers, helping them get ready for their new careers after they graduate. The recently established Innovation Hub brings innovation and the latest in technology to every aspect of the university. As of the Fall term of 2020, UCW MBA students will receive an associate level certification from the Digital Marketing Institute on successful completion of the marketing course, thanks to a pioneering new partnership that will integrate DMI's industry-leading digital marketing certifications into UCW's MBA program. In the spring semester, students will be given the chance to take a set of three digital marketing electives, which will set them up to take DMI's Pearson VUE test allowing them to get certified as a Digital Marketing Professional in addition to their MBA degree from UCW. This partnership not only brings DMI's world-leading certification to UCW's MBA program but it will also bring one of DMI's programs to the universit's online course offerings; as of September, DMI's Certified Digital Marketing Professional program was added to UCW's new line up of short courses. These are focused on technology that can help young professionals gain valuable and industry-specific skills in a short amount of time, whether they are exploring a new career path or are looking to develop particular skills that will set them apart in the competitive job market. "We are thrilled to be partnering with DMI to make their digital marketing expertise available to our future business leaders," said UCW President Brock Dykeman. "UCW is the first university in Canada to develop this kind of partnership offering an opportunity for an additional credential to our MBA students." Head of University partnerships at the Digital Marketing Institute John Doran stated, "We view our partnership with UCW as a key strategic partnership in Canada, we knew UCW was the right partner for us when we spoke to their expert faculty, heard about their best-in-class program delivery and their new digital innovation center. We are delighted to set out on this journey in partnership with UCW and look forward to many years of collaboration and success." On top of this exceptional partnership and receiving NCMA National Accreditation from CIM | Chartered Managers Canada, UCW has also expanded its repertoire of short courses with two new additions; the Blockchain Entrepreneurship Certificate and the Corporate Social Responsibility course. In November 2020, The University launched the Blockchain Entrepreneurship Certificate which is an online, three-level educational program which pays particular attention to giving students the knowledge, vocabulary and skills needed to manage blockchain and cryptocurrencies in professional situations, as well as enabling them to both understand and apply entrepreneurial concepts as they work with blockchain and cryptocurrency-focused projects in a professional environment. The Blockchain Entrepreneurship Certificate course is taught by George Levy, the best-selling instructor and speaker focused on blockchain and cryptocurrency. He is Division Head of Blockchain at BlocksEDU and Chief Learning Officer at the Blockchain Institute of Technology and has taught more than 60,000 students in more than 80 countries. The Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR (News - Alert) ) course aims to provide learners with the foundations in the development and management of CSR strategies, as well as the frameworks used by the world's largest tech, telecommunications, manufacturing, retail and mining companies. It also provides guidelines to students on the ways they can improve an organization's environmental footprint, employee engagement, transparency, waste management, human rights performance, community investment and responsible supply chain management. Plus, attendees will also be future-proofed by being taught the tools they will need to develop inspiring initiatives and successfully promote them. With a background in corporate social responsibility, innovation and organizational change, Cameron Jones is the course developer and facilitator for the CSR program at UCW, as well as being widely known for his co-authorship of a book and multiple papers on clean technology, capacity building and carbon mitigation. Despite the unprecedented situation we all found ourselves in throughout 2020, UCW is still striving to continue to foster a diverse and challenging learning environment focused on the practical application of knowledge and building competencies for leadership and responsible citizenship in a global context. Learn more at ucanwest.ca/ About University Canada West (UCW) University Canada West (UCW) is a business and technology-focused university located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Established in 2004, UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts and Master of Business Administration. UCW's MBA and the BCom degrees are ACBSP-accredited and have received the NCMA designation from CIM | Chartered Managers Canada. The new UCW Vancouver House campus opened in the Fall of 2020. About the Digital Marketing Institute As the global standard in digital marketing professional learning and certification, DMI develops leading programs to keep professionals and students at the forefront of the digital marketing game. Providing them with the necessary training and tools to be cutting edge in their field Headquartered in Ireland DMI has over 120,000 members globally. DMI certifications are validated by representatives from over 40 of the world's leading brands including Google (News - Alert) , Facebook and Twitter. It works with colleges, universities, and businesses to provide marketing professionals with the skills, confidence and industry know-how to stay relevant - and to make an impact - in an always evolving digital world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005185/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Antifa Could Be Branded as Domestic Terrorists Under Bill Being Discussed in Montana Lawmakers in Montana are in discussions regarding a bill that would classify the anarcho-communist group Antifa as a domestic terror organization. Antifa networks and ideologically affiliated groups have conducted violent street protests and riots in a number of cities over the past several years, including in Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, Olympia, and elsewhere. Montana state Rep. Braxton Mitchell, a Republican representing Columbia Falls, told the Montana House Judiciary Committee during a Tuesday hearing that the bill is being considered. The move would send a message that we as a state wont tolerate a group like this coming into our state, he said, reported The Associated Press. Opponents of the measure said that such a bill should be opposed if it does not also classify other groups accused of violent acts, including groups that partook in the U.S. Capitol breach in January. The Epoch Times has reached out to Mitchells office for comment. Some officials, including FBI Director Chris Wray, have said that Antifa is more of an ideology rather than a group. He described Antifa as a decentralized movement. However, independent journalist Andy Ngowho has been chronicling Antifa and other black bloc-style groupstold The Epoch Times it is more than an idea and is also a movement that appears to be organized. Antifa is short for anti-fascist, but Ngo noted that fascist doesnt necessarily refer to the Nazis or white supremacists, adding that the group often calls people fascists that are in opposition to the far-left political agenda. The United States itself, according to Ngo, is defined as fascist by most Antifa adherents, Ngo added. And black bloc attacks in Portland appeared to be indiscriminate and didnt target alleged white supremacists, Ngo added. What I was witnessing on the ground in my home cityPortland, the epicenter of American Antifathat they were carrying out indiscriminate acts of violence, not just against property but against people. And they kept continuing to escalate and escalate, he told NTD. The ultimate agenda of Antifa is to abolish nation-states all around the world and to create anarchist, communist communes, Ngo remarked. They believe that they can actually organize society without a government, he said, adding that adherents often believe that nobody should own private property. Elaborating further, Ngo dispelled the idea that far-left groups would stop rioting and demonstrating after President Joe Biden took office. They rioted in Portland, for example, on the fourth of November. Theres been around a dozen riots in Portland and Seattle since then, he said. On the day that Biden was inaugurated, importantly, they actually destroyed the headquarters of the Oregon Democratic Party. And in Seattle there were some riots as well. HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NEW Rain-X Glass Water-Repellent Aerosol Spray, the latest water repellency windshield treatment that dramatically improves wet-weather driving visibility, has been voted as Product of the Year for 2021. Product of the Year is the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation, chosen by 40,000 American shoppers in a national survey conducted by Kantar, a global leader in consumer research. Rain-X Glass Water-Repellent has been awarded the top honors as the most innovative product in the Car Care category. Rain-X Water-Repellent Aerosol Spray is the newest and easiest-to-use addition to the Rain-X well-known expertise in dramatically improving driving visibility and safety, especially during inclement weathers. Its advanced InstaClearTM technology requires much less time and effort to activate compared to other traditional products. Simply spray on and wipe off no buffing required and you are all set for the road, whatever the weather! Rain-X Voted as Product of the Year 2021 Winner Tweet this Consumer shopping behavior has rapidly shifted in the past year, and the annual Product of the Year Awards provides a trusted resource to easily guide consumers to the best new products on the market. With heightened online purchasing and decreased sampling opportunities, Product of the Year helps shoppers quickly cut through the clutter to save time and money with their distinctive red seal. "For all the obvious reasons, shoppers are spending less time in the supermarket than ever, but still crave new and innovative products to light up these difficult times. Because of this, we are more excited than ever to announce the 2021 Product of the Year winners and help shoppers find that 'great new product' when it matters most, however they do their shopping this year," said Mike Nolan, Global CEO of Product of the Year Management. "What makes Product of the Year so trusted is our unique process, which gives shoppers the confidence that each product with our iconic red logo is backed by 40,000 Americans. That's a powerful advantage for our 2021 winners, as a Product of the Year Award positions them as THE innovative leader in their category." "We're honored to have our new Rain-X Glass Water-Repellent Aerosol Spray recognized as the 2021 Product of the Year Award winner of the car care category," said Nathan Nguyen, Senior Brand Manager, ITW Global Brands. "The votes of over 40,000 everyday consumers backing this award is a powerful testament to the innovative quality of this product and a great start to a successful market launch!" For over 30 years globally and 13 years in the USA, Product of the Year has championed brands by awarding their highly-coveted red seal to products that demonstrate innovation in their function, design, packaging, or ingredients. The 41 winners of the 2021 Product of the Year Awards across various consumer product goods industries were celebrated in a Virtual Awards Show, presented by Saturday Day Night Live alumni Rachel Dratch and Ana Gasteyer, on DailyMail.com. As additional resources, the 2021 Product of the Year winners are also highlighted in partnership with Hearst, including WomansDay.com, a leading online lifestyle destination, and Ensemble IQ, a premier business intelligence resource with revered publications, including Progressive Grocer, Store Brands, Drug Store News, Convenience Store News and CBD Retail Insights. For further information about the 2021 Product of the Year winners, visit productoftheyearusa.com and check out this year's digital winner's catalog, "Inside Innovation," to learn more. Follow along socially with @officialrainx on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and at #POYUSA2021 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. About ITW Global Brands ITW Global Brands, headquartered in Houston, specializes in servicing the automotive aftermarket, selling car care products under the Rain-X, Black Magic, Gumout, Blue Coral and No Touch brands. These brands compete in the wiper blade, appearance chemical and performance product segments. Many of our brands are leaders in their respective categories. ITW Global Brands products are sold in do-it-yourself retailers like Walmart, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Target, Dollar General, Family Dollar, The Home Depot, NAPA Auto Parts and Amazon. ITW Global Brands is most admired for the strong heritage of its brands and continuous product innovation. To learn more about ITW Global Brands, visit http://www.itwgb.com. About Product of the Year: Product of the Year is the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. Established over 30 years ago, POY currently operates in over 40 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Product of the Year winners are backed by the votes of 40,000 consumers in a national representative study conducted by research partner Kantar, a global leader in consumer research. The award is a powerful merchandising program for marketers proven to increase product sales, distribution and awareness. Winning products are announced in February each year and receive the right to use the Product of the Year logo in marketing communications for two years. For more information, visit productoftheyearusa.com. About Kantar : Kantar is the world's leading marketing data, insight and consultancy company. We know more about how people live, feel, shop, vote, watch and post worldwide than any other company. Working across the entire sales and marketing lifecycle, we help brands uncover growth in an extraordinary world. Kantar is part of WPP and its services are employed by over half of the Fortune 500 companies in 100 countries. SOURCE ITW Global Brands Related Links https://www.itwgb.com The constable deputies knocked on each door of the east Harris County senior apartment complex in quick succession. Most residents answered, some of them sitting in wheelchairs or walkers and others missing limbs from battles with diabetes. How are you doing? the Precinct 2 deputies asked. Would you care for a hot meal? The seniors smiled and gratefully took the beef stew, provided by the Houston Food Bank. For some, it was their first hot food after two days without electricity. They come in situations where we desperately need it, said resident Victor Paredes, 69. Everybody here, theyre handicapped, theyre on oxygen So Im glad they came through. More Information If you need help Houston Food Bank help line: 832-369-9390 Map and other resources to find food: houstonfoodbank.org/find-help How to help Visit houstonfoodbank.org/winterstorm. Monetary donations can be made online. Volunteering sign-up opportunities are available online at the food bank's winter storm web address. People donating food can host a virtual food drive fundraiser through the website, or donate food by contacting the Houston Food Bank at donateASAP@houstonfoodbank.org or calling 281-786-2676. Most-needed items: Bottled water; ready-to eat foods such as soup, canned pasta and canned protein; granola bars; cereal and bread See More Collapse Like many others in Harris County, residents at Big Bass Resort in Jacinto City had run low on groceries by Thursday. After the winter storm iced roads and kept millions holed up without water and power, Texas officials anticipate major food shortages in the days and weeks to come, prompting the Houston Food Bank to kick start mass food giveaways that are already ramping up through the weekend. Calls from residents in need have led the food bank to expect long lines at facilities where its partner groups distribute their food. The food bank has a massive reach across southeast Texas, with 159 million meals provided across 18 counties during the past fiscal year, , according to spokeswoman Paula Murphy. The food bank and all the partners we work with, were almost like the last resort, said Brian Greene, president and CEO of the organization. It can, for a lot of households, be the difference between getting by and tragedy. In disaster mode Aside from any issues grocery stores might have restocking their shelves, most food shortages equate to income shortages, Greene said. Families who were already struggling financially - some still recovering from past floods and others laid off during the pandemic - might be experiencing rougher situations after losing a weeks worth of income due to an inability to work during the freeze. Some money that was spent on food before the storm likely went to waste, as a lack of electricity caused refrigerated or frozen items to spoil, Greene said. And unforseen expenses from building damage can make affording food difficult. Greene expects food shortages to mirror experiences during hurricanes. A large number of households need aid in the first few days after a storm, and then the number trickles down to low-income households that sustained significant damage, he said. Because of the anticipated needs, Harris County officials have urged out-of-state supporters to donate to the food bank. Even as the lights come back on, were facing a food and water crisis in Harris County, Texas, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo tweeted Thursday. The food bank entered a disaster mode beginning Monday, with offices closed and no volunteers working due to the inclement conditions, Murphy said. But workers delivered thousands of meals to partners that were open, and skeleton teams were stationed to meet urgent requests through Wednesday. Some of those locations included the George R. Brown and American Red Cross warming shelters, Lakewood Church, Brazoria County warming center in Lake Jackson and the Brazoria Dream Center. The shelter also distributed blankets, some of them donated by Walmart. At the food bank offices in east Houston, employees on Thursday worked in higher numbers. They prepared beef stew on a conveyer line, and others readied ham and cheese sandwiches. Theres no way of guessing how many people might need to be fed, culinary operations manager Judd Lohof said. We try to be ready to meet the need and react when were called to help, he said. A neighborly gesture Gloria Partida responded with glee when she opened her door to deputies, who greeted her with the food banks beef stew. How many? Constable Jerry Garcia asked. Five! Partida, 79, laughed. No, just one. She had been surviving off tuna fish sandwiches, but now shes out of bread. She didnt have any luck at the grocery store once the ice cleared off the roads. I went yesterday and couldnt find bread anywhere, she said. When the deputies finished handing almost 250 servings of stew, they went upstairs to entrust some leftovers to 82-year-old Parkdoll Jackson Burks. They asked her to distribute the rest, because they heard she fed a handful of neighbors this week with meals she was able to cook over canned heat. Burks was in good spirits, quick to help and eager to show off her cooking skills. She went to her kitchen and returned with her famous tea cakes and banana bread, which she usually sells at church. Garcia instantly pulled out a crisp bill. Ill take both of them, the constable said. Keep the change to buy more and make more money. In shock, Burks dropped her head and cried. She raised her hands in praise. The more you give, the more He gives back to you, she said. samantha.ketterer@chron.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 00:34:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday 3,896 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily record in 2021, bringing the total nationwide infections to 657,453. It also reported 16 new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 13,220. Meanwhile, 1,691 cases recovered during the day, bringing the total recoveries to 612,727, the statement said. Iraqi Minister of Health Hassan al-Tamimi said in a press conference that 50 percent of the recent coronavirus cases were infected with the new strain of the virus. "In the past three days, there were widespread coronavirus infections, and more than 50 percent of the cases were infected with the new strain of the virus, including severe cases among youth and children," al-Tamimi said. The minister warned of a danger due to the increase in critical cases and the cases entering hospitals, which poses great pressure on medical facilities. He also called on citizens to abide by the restriction measures, including a curfew and other health-protective measures. Al-Tamimi's comments came hours before the Iraqi health authorities decided to impose a partial curfew for four days and a full curfew for three days every week during the period from Feb. 18 to March 8. The Iraqi National Board for Selection of Drugs has approved the emergency use of China's Sinopharm and Britain's AstraZeneca vaccines to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. From March 7 to April 26 in 2020, a Chinese team of seven medical experts spent 50 days in Iraq to help fight the disease, during which they helped build a PCR lab and install an advanced CT scanner in Baghdad. China has also sent three batches of medical aid to Iraq. Enditem 1. America is back, the trans-Atlantic alliance is back. President Biden used his first public engagement with Americas European allies to call for a return to international collaboration, an attempt to expunge the past four years without once naming his predecessor. We must demonstrate that democracies can still deliver for our people in this changed world, Mr. Biden told the Munich Security Conference. We have to prove that our model isnt a relic of history. The virtual meeting of the Group of 7 nations featured a variety of actions and topics: The U.S. formally rejoined the Paris climate agreement; Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany called for the U.S. and Europe to find a common approach to China and Russia; and a discussion of how the coronavirus pandemic, now entering its second year, renewed questions of vaccine equity. New Delhi: The Delhi High Court asked the police to strictly abide by its stand that it has not leaked nor intends to leak probe details on Friday (February 19). Earlier, Disha Ravi had moved the Delhi High Court to restrain the police from leaking any probe material in relation to the toolkit case. The petition has also sought to restrain the media from publishing the content or extract of any private chats, including those on WhatsApp, between her and third parties. Justice Prathiba M Singh said the interim plea for removal of such news content and tweets by Delhi Police would be considered at a later stage. The court said the police would be entitled to hold press briefings in the matter in accordance with the law and the agency's 2010 office memorandum with regard to media coverage of cases. The High Court also asked the media to stop broadcasting probe material relating to the toolkit case. The Delhi HC said certain media coverage of investigation in the FIR against climate activist Disha Ravi for her alleged involvement in sharing a toolkit backing farmers' protest, indicates "sensationalism and prejudicial reporting", but declined to order the removal of any such content at this stage, PTI reported. The court asked media houses to ensure that no leaked investigation material is broadcast as it could affect the probe and directed Delhi Police to abide by its stand, on affidavit, that it has not leaked nor intends to leak any probe details to the press. To media houses, the court said they should ensure the information received from their sources is authentic and only verified content ought to be publicized as also that the investigation is not hampered. Suh Hoon, the chief of the presidential National Security Office, joins a weekly Cabinet meeting, Tuesday. In a meeting presided by Suh, Thursday, the standing committee meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) expressed concerns over the Feb. 1 Myanmar coup. Yonhap Experts still find government's message insufficient By Yi Whan-woo The government is beginning to raise its voice against Myanmar, expressing "concern" over the latest coup there and the suppression of pro-democracy protests. Korea's move is late compared to other advanced countries that have already condemned Myanmar and are taking punitive action after the democratically-elected government of the ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), was ousted by the country's military, known as Tatmadaw, Feb. 1. Some pundits view the Moon Jae-in administration as being too low key, even though more than 420 Korean companies are operating in Myanmar, which could be used as leverage to pressure the military junta. In a weekly meeting presided over by presidential security adviser Suh Hoon, Thursday, the standing committee of the National Security Council (NSC) said it "expresses concerns over the Myanmar crisis." This was the first time for the NSC to make a comment criticizing the coup. "Korea will cooperate with the international community for Myanmar's constitutional order to be restored peacefully through legal and democratic steps," the committee said. It added the government will "seek assurances for the safety of Korean nationals and protection of enterprises in Myanmar." On Tuesday, Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun met with Myanmar Ambassador to Korea Thant Sin and "expressed deep concerns over the latest political situation in Myanmar," according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry said the vice minister called for the "immediate release" of detained Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The military junta is bringing charges against Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, in what is seen as an attempt to hold her indefinitely without trial and consolidate its power. "The vice minister at the same time underscored there should be no violations of the rights of peaceful protesters by respecting the people's passion for democracy as witnessed in the 2015 general election," the ministry said. It noted that Korea has supported the democratic transition of Myanmar that underwent decades of military dictatorship before the NLD won the 2015 general election for the first-democratically elected government. Choi also told the ambassador that Korea is working closely with the international community to help settle the Myanmar crisis. The vice minister asked for the safety of Korean nationals and companies in the Southeast Asian country to be guaranteed. Demonstrators including Myanmar nationals hold portraits and placards during a protest against the military coup outside the Myanmar Embassy in Paris, Thursday, to demand the release of detained Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. AFP-Yonhap BYU-Pathway Worldwide provides access to spiritually based degrees completely online at an affordable price for those in the greater Chattanooga area and around the world. The story begins some 50 years ago when Henry B. Eyring (now a member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was inaugurated as the president of Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho). He stated then that Ricks College would find direct ways to move the blessings of educationfrom this campus out into the lives of men and women everywhere. About 30 years later, David A. Bednar (now a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) made similar remarks. In 2009, BYU-Idaho launched Pathway (now called PathwayConnect), which grew from serving 50 students in the US to serving more than 14,000 in over 60 countries in 2016. In 2017, the First Presidency announced BYU-Pathway Worldwide. As of 2020, BYU-Pathway Worldwide serves more than 50,000 students annually in 152 countries. BYU-Pathway Worldwide offers more than 40 BYU-Idaho and Ensign College online certificates and degrees. According to officials, BYU-Pathway provides the services, support, and curriculum direction; while BYU-Idaho or Ensign College develop and deliver the courses and grant the degree (byupathway.org). Bachelors Degrees are available in Applied Business Management, Applied Health, Applied Technology, Communication, Marriage and Family Studies, and Professional Studies. Associate Degrees include Applied Business Management; Applied Health; Applied Technology; Communication; Family History Research; Marriage and Family Studies; and Professional Studies. Certificates include Administrative Assistant; Advanced Family History Research; Advanced Marriage and Family Functioning; Agribusiness Management; Auto Services Technology; Basic Accounting; Business Administration; Business Analysis; Business and Leadership Skills; Child and Family Advocacy; Commercial Fundamentals; Communication Core; Communication Fundamentals; Community Health Methods & Evaluation; Community Health Planning & Implementation; Computer Support; Computer-Aided Design and Drafting; Construction Field Supervision; Database; Entrepreneurship; Epidemiology; Family History Research; Graphic Design Fundamentals; Hospitality and Tourism Management; Human Resource Management; Human Services; Marriage, Family, and Human Relations; Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals; Occupational Safety and Health; Parent and Family Education; Project Management; Social Media Marketing; System Administration; TEFL; Web and Computer Programming; and Web Development. We are pleased that BYU-Pathway is available for everyone, local officials said. God has always taught that education is an eternal principle. Education helps us develop self-reliance, provide for our families, and be of greater service (at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/youth/learn/ap/self-reliance/develop?lang=eng). By providing a unique opportunity to pursue education online from anywhere in the world, BYU-Pathway Worldwide blesses individuals both temporally and spiritually. To learn more, recommended degree plans and descriptions for individual certificates and degrees may be viewed at https://www.byupathway.org/degrees/program-list. A disgraced doctor who was jailed after violently raping a teenage girl 'like a wild animal' has been struck off the medical register. A disciplinary tribunal heard that Dr Joel Ajewole faced four allegations of misconduct and found that his criminal behaviour impaired his fitness to practice. Ajewole was jailed for nine and a half years in 2019 for an attack which saw him squeeze the woman's throat and threaten her with scissors. Dr Joel Ajewole was jailed for nine and a half years at Lincoln Crown Court (pictured) in 2019 after pleading guilty to two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration He was also made subject of a restraining order and required to sign the sex offenders' register. The judge described his behaviour as acting 'like a wild animal' and said the victim was so scared 'she began to pray'. Ajewole, who was 62 at the time, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and one count of assault by penetration. A medical tribunal heard that Ajewole was not practising at the time of the offence after losing his job at Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, in Lincolnshire, over a patient complaint. Ajewole formerly worked at Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, but was not working at time of offences Ajewole, who first qualified as a doctor in 1983 in Nigeria, was accused of four counts of misconduct including that he was charged with a string of sexual offences and convicted of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration. The panel also heard that the former doctor also breached his bail conditions by attending the victim's home address and contacting her. Although Ajewole was never convicted of breaching his bail, it was revoked when the victim contacted the police and he remained in custody until his trial. The final allegation was that he had failed to notify the General Medical Council that he had been charged with a criminal offence. All allegations were found proven and the panel determined that the only appropriate course of action was to erase his name from the medical register. They surprised fans last month, by announcing they had secretly tied the knot in a small ceremony before Christmas. And now, Oliver Proudlock, 32, has revealed he finally met wife Emma Louise Connolly, 29, face-to-face after they spent FOUR YEARS messaging each other as he explained the great lengths he went to in order to bag a first date with the model. Speaking to Tom Green on the Dangerous Dinners Podcast, the Made In Chelsea star admitted he cried 'tears of joy' as gushed about their 'crazy emotional' wedding day. Persistent! Oliver Proudlock, 32, has revealed he finally met wife Emma Louise Connolly, 29, face-to-face after they spent FOUR YEARS messaging each other Oliver explained that he had been in Scotland for five days to do Personal Appearances and go partying, back in his Made In Chelsea days. He said: 'I hadn't seen any culture and I became good mates with these guys there and they said look 'you should go and check out this art gallery called Kelvin Grove. 'So I was like "ok cool", so I went down there and I was on the ground floor and I came into the central room and there was this long catwalk. 'It was this graduate fashion show, and so I'm standing there at the front and this model walks down and it's Emma. And I'm like "oh my gosh, this chick is out of control." And we catch eyes and then after she's doing her show, doing her thing. Loved-up: Speaking on the Dangerous Dinners Podcast , the Made In Chelsea star admitted he cried 'tears of joy' as gushed about their 'crazy emotional' wedding day 'I went back to my buddies and I said "guys, I saw this girl, described what she looked like, she was just insane! 'And they were like "sounds like this girl Emma Louise." So I was like "show me". So they showed me a picture and I was like "oh my god that's her." I was probably just like 'I'll probably never see her again.' The Made In Chelsea star admitted: 'Had I not decided to go to this particular place on that day I don't think we'd be together now and I always look back on that moment.' But, a few weeks later, when Oliver returned to Edinburgh for another PA, he saw a photograph of Emma modelling jewellery. 'I'm standing at the baggage reclaim and I look up and there's this huge billboard for this jewelry company, and it was Emma modelling this jewellery on this billboard. 'And I was like "oh my god" and it was the same guys from Glasgow who picked me up and I was like "guys I just saw her on this billboard, it's a sign. I need to get her number or find her or whatever it is." And I ended up finding her on Facebook.' First sight: Oliver revealed he first laid eyes on Emma by chance, as she strolled down a catwalk at an art gallery in Edinburgh Proudlock sent a friend request, which spurred Emma to drop him a message, and their communication began. He explained: 'We ended up talking on Facebook for, I don't know, two or three months maybe and then she was in Glasgow this time. 'I was down in London and then about a year in she moved down to London with modelling, we got each other's number. It's a sign! A few weeks later, when Oliver returned to Edinburgh for another PA, he saw a photograph of Emma modelling jewellery and so he sent her a friend request on Facebook 'We then messaged for three years. But we never met, and it was a weird one. She was seeing someone at the time, nothing serious but we would just message just like harmless stuff.' After messaging for years without ever having met, Oliver decided to go to the commonwealth games in Glasgow, after hearing that Emma would be there and knowing that they were both single. 'I was like "I have got to go." I messaged my buddies, same guys from all those years back, and I'm like "guys, I found her four years later. Guys, it's time. I need your help."' Three years! 'We then messaged for three years. But we never met, and it was a weird one' explained Proudlock who then travelled to Glasgow years later when they were both single After travelling up to Glasgow, Proudlock messaged Emma to let he know he was there. 'She was like "I live in London now so why don't we hang out when we get back to London?" And I was like "well why don't we get the train from Glasgow to London?" 'And then on the day that we were meant to get the train she was like "I'm so sorry I have just got a last minute job come up, I can't get the train now." 'So I was like "don't worry, I'll stay here another night and we'll get the train tomorrow." I was persistent. And do you know what man, I just knew, it sounds weird, but I just knew she was the one.' Finally! After travelling up to Glasgow, Proudlock messaged Emma to let he know he was there and, after one cancellation, they ended up getting the train back to London together Oliver explained that Emma made the train with about a minute to spare, running down the platform carrying numerous bags. He admitted: 'I was just like "oh my god" I just remember that moment so well, and that was the first time we actually met, on a train journey from Glasgow to London.' And, it appears that Emma was definitely worth the wait, because not only did their train ride lead to a date the next evening, the couple are now happily married. Speaking of their first date, Oliver revealed: I kept it low key, I took her to this place called Bob Bob Ricard. That's where we had our first date. 'They do these insane cucumber Martinis and they have got these cosy little booths right, and that was where we had our first date.' Long Term love: The couple went on their first date the next night and have been together ever since, and Oliver insisted: 'I just knew she was the one' (Pictured in August 2014) Four years later, the couple announced their engagement in August 2018 after Oliver got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Gothenburg, Sweden. Oliver and Emma originally planned to host 200 guests at Cowdray Park, West Sussex, for a wedding in April 2020, however their grand plans were reduced to just 15 people. Their fourth attempt to tie the knot was almost thwarted when Boris Johnson announced plans to plunge London into Tier 4, meaning that all wedding receptions were banned, but Proudlock managed to pull together a last-minute wedding. Forever: Four years later, the couple announced their engagement in August 2018 after Oliver got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Gothenburg, Sweden He said: 'Cut to, yeah December 15th. Finally getting married. You know we'd moved plans three times. But you know everyone has been going through it and in the end we were just like "you know what we just want to get married" and let's just do a small thing. 'And we had 15 people, and the build up to that was pretty hilarious because we were meant to get married on the 17th which was the Thursday, and then Boris made the announcement on the Monday which meant we couldn't go ahead on the Thursday. 'Emma was out having a facial and I knew I had an hour to just make something work. And so I moved the whole wedding to the next day, I called the church, the priest, the flourist, we had dinner planned at The Ned so I called the guy there who was incredible. 'He managed to move everything, so Ems came back, opened the door and I was like "don't worry we are getting married tomorrow." So we literally, it was like 6pm and then boom, we got married on the 15th. Last minute: The couple got married on December 15th after Oliver rearranged their wedding to ensure they could tire the knot before lockdown made weddings illegal 'Which is kind of funny because our rings on the inside are engraved with the date, and the date obviously says the 17th. We could change it but we will keep it because we love it.' Because the day was pulled together in less than 24 hours, a lot of Oliver's family and some of Emma's family couldn't be there, and so they had a private YouTube link set up so their loved-ones around the world could watch the ceremony. 'So all of our family, my mum was dressed up and they were all kind of there drinking champagne and watching it on the computers or on the laptop so yeah it was really special. Different, but so special. 'Everything that has been going on last year, with all the changes and the last minute, just everything, the things that went right and the things that went wrong just made it that much more special. What a day! 'It was crazy emotional... it was just tears of joy and appreciation and just a whirlwind' said Proudlock of their special day 'And it just made me realise what really matters in life and that is your loved one, your family, your friends and it was just the most. especially when you have a small wedding like that, just 15 of you it's so intimate, you're so present. 'You're in that moment, and obviously I'm a pretty emotional dude right. And I knew as soon as I looked back and I saw her walk in for the first time in her dress, her dad by her side. Even thinking about it now gets me emotional. 'It was crazy emotional and even afterwards when I made my speech as well I think "I have got so much love man for everyone in that room", and for Emma especially and dude it was just tears of joy and appreciation and just a whirlwind. Oliver Proudlock is on episode 2 of Dangerous Dinners Podcast with DJ host, Tom Green. You might think that the decision of Bill Gates to throw his resources, energy and intellect into the infernal problem of climate change would be universally welcomed by those who have been battling the issue for a generation. Embers light up a hillside behind the Bidwell Bar Bridge as the Bear Fire burns in Oroville, California during Americas deadly 2020 fire season. Credit:Noah Berger This weeks publication of Gates new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, has revealed an intellectual and philosophical schism in the climate field, one most pronounced between those who have battled in the field for a generation, and newer entrants like Gates. In his book Gates does an admirable job in breaking down the complex problem of climate change into understandable building blocks. When I started learning about climate change, I kept encountering facts that were hard to get my head around, he writes. For one thing, the numbers were so large they were hard to picture ... Another problem was that the data I was seeing often appeared devoid of any context. 15436 Tom Bland, Director, Business Technology Services, Cobb EMC Tom Bland, Director, Business Technology Services, Cobb EMC Cobb EMC made a strategic decision in 2014 to migrate away from a Customer Care and Billing System that was hosted and managed in-house to a service based solution from National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC). The NISC solution is physically housed on-premise at Cobb EMCs offices, and NISC manages the solution remotely, providing monitoring, performance tuning, code patches, and troubleshooting remotely. For Cobb EMC, its been a win-win as the business no longer has to depend on IT to make configuration changes to respond to changing business requirements. Additionally, IT resources have been freed up to focus on other strategic technology initiatives that previously suffered due to the excessive care and feeding requirements of the traditionally modeled software solution. Cobb EMCs experience with NISC has been so successful that it recently chose to move more of its operations onto the NISC platform. How Can Hardware Selections Save Money? Computers are getting faster and are able to do more work while requiring less space and less power with each new generation. Historically, because of the ability of the computer (server) to process information at speeds that far exceeded the storages ability to respond, storage was always the performance bottleneck. Servers have been operating with solid state components for many, years and until recently, traditional storage solutions relayed, for the most part, on archaic (in technology terms) mechanical devices (spinning disks) for information storage. Computers are getting faster and are able to do more work while requiring less space and less power with each new generation In mid-2014 Cobb EMC began exploring options to replace its legacy storage solution because the existing solution had reached its capacity, was no longer upgradeable and was becoming cost prohibitive to continue and maintain. Tom Bland, Director of Business Technology Services and his team began a search to find a replacement solution that would serve the companys needs, now and into the future. Over a period of several months, Bland and his team reviewed 14 different storage solutions from 13 different vendors. Ultimately, Cobb EMC chose an All Flash Array (AFA) solution from Kaminario, a Boston, MA company with its Research & Development based in Israel. Cobb EMC accepted delivery on its Kaminario K2 AFA solution in early January 2015 and began migrating systems to the new technology the day it was installed. The benefits Improved efficiency AFAs helped improve the performance and efficiencies of connected servers. Because the storage can keep up with the servers, the servers can actually process higher volumes of information at much faster rates, which can help drive higher consolidation ratios, and in turn lower physical server needs. It was demonstrated in January 2016 when Cobb EMC reduced its physical windows server deployment by 50 percent. Faster CPUs, talking to faster backend storage, reduces latency issues which improves overall performance. Additionally, due to a combination of work load changes and a physical upgrade from IBM Power 7 to IBM Power 8, Cobb was able to reduce its Oracle Enterprise DB core count substantially. The cost savings on Oracle maintenance fees alone, paid for the AFAs. Improved reliability AFAs have no moving parts so they deliver much better reliability than Hard Disk Drive (HDD) systems. This equates to lower risks of unplanned downtime which, in some environments can be very costly. Rapid provisioning AFA platforms provide rapid storage provision that does not require an experienced administrator. In real world terms, this means we can provision storage for new systems very quickly, which again ties back to real dollar savings. Better performance AFA latency. Or, the amount of time it takes for the storage to respond to a request for information is measured in .03 to .06 micro-seconds. From a cost perspective, this equates to faster running batch jobs. Higher availability Non-disruptive upgrades due to the architecture of the AFAs. No hidden costs All software for the AFAs is included in the initial purchase cost. Operational flexibility The ability to apply certain data services, like encryption at the volume level provides additional flexibility. Scalability The K2 solution can scale (grow) up and out. This is a substantial change from the expansion capabilities of traditional HHD solutions. The significance of this lies in that you now have options for expansion. The days of fork-lift replacement (expensive) are gone! Cost value Cobb EMC was able to acquire the AFA solution at a price point equivalent to traditional HHD solutions. Cobb EMCs storage transition was recently featured as an International Data Corporation (IDC) case study. Feb. 18Monsignor Craig Harrison has announced his resignation from the Catholic Church, ending any possibility he could return as the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, a position he has held since 1999. For nearly two years, Harrison has been on temporary administrative leave as church officials look into allegations of sexual impropriety and inappropriate behavior, which he denies. In an emotional press conference on Thursday, Harrison said he has never been given the opportunity to present any evidence in his support to church officials, and needed to cut ties with the church in order to perform Christian activities with members of the community and his friends. "I cannot ignore my call from Christ to serve and minister to his people," Harrison said during the press conference while surrounded by his attorneys and family. "I've come to accept that I cannot do this with any organization led by people who are willing to sacrifice the gospel for politics and money." Prior to his resignation, Harrison was facing sanctions from the Diocese of Fresno over a defamation lawsuit Harrison had filed against the church. The lawsuit was one of three Harrison has levied against accusers in what he described was his last resort to clear his name. However, in a November letter to Harrison, Bishop Joseph Brennan warned that canon law proceedings could commence if the lawsuit against the church was not dropped. The suspended priest also faced sanctions for participating in religious activities like delivering a eulogy or posting religious messages on Facebook. Harrison's Attorney Kyle J. Humphrey said on Thursday that punishment for these activities could range from a simple verbal reprimand all the way up to excommunication. "Ultimately that outcome is not what we're concerned about," he said. "The title of being a catholic priest is not as important to the practice of faith as acting in faith and serving in faith. So those threats that we know the bishop would carry out in retaliation, we're past that." Story continues The Diocese of Fresno did not immediately respond to requests for comment. At Thursday's press conference, Harrison occasionally choked up, most noticeably when he claimed the Diocese of Fresno had never asked him a single question about the allegations against him in nearly two years. He said the ordeal had shaken him to his core, but he maintained that his faith has never been stronger. "I have truly come to learn that through this process some of the greatest trials in life are the greatest lessons," he said. "The greatest lesson I have learned through this ordeal has come from you, my community of faithful people, despite the obstacles we face, together we have been able to create and maintain our own faith community that does put the gospel over politics." While he said he does not know what he plans to do next, Harrison asserted he would continue to practice his faith. "I'm trying to find out where God's taking me," he said. "He's taken me through so much and I don't know what he has planned, but I'm open. I just know that I'm going to continue in ministry." Aside from the Diocese of Fresno, Harrison has also sued Roman Catholic Faithful Inc., an Illinois-based group who shared letters and emails alleging Harrison committed sexual abuse while working at a Firebaugh Church in the early 2000s. A third lawsuit has been filed against Ryan Dixon, who took the name Justin Gilligan when he became a monk. Dixon is a former Bakersfield resident and former friend who said he witnessed Harrison's "inappropriate touching" from 2011 to 2016 when he was a part of Harrison's inner circle. All three lawsuits are still pending. Harrison has been investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, but no criminal charges have been filed. The Bakersfield Police Department could find no corroborating evidence proving the priest had touched anyone inappropriately. The Merced County District Attorney's Office declined to file charges after investigating incidents from 1987 and 1988, saying the statute of limitations had expired. In a similar vein, the Fresno County District Attorney's Office also declined to file charges due to the statute of limitations, but said in a news release the allegations, which originated from incidents they said happened in the 1990s, appeared credible. Harrison has maintained his innocence from the beginning. On Thursday, his legal team reiterated the claim that the allegations were false. "We want to go forward on the lawsuits," Humphrey said. "Let's put people under oath. We know it didn't happen. We've always only asked for the opportunity from the bishop to hear us." You can reach Sam Morgen at 661-395-7415. You may also follow him on Twitter @smorgenTBC. Action Prince Dhruva Sarja is back on screens after 3 years. The actor's highly anticipated film Pogaru has released today (February 19, 2021). Directed by Nanda Kishore, the action-entertainer opened to a tremendous response. Also starring National Crush Rashmika Mandanna, the film has been garnering huge applause for the acting chops of the lead actors, storyline, whistle-worthy dialogues, awe-inspiring action sequences and songs, especially 'Karabuu', which has already become a trendsetter on social media. Backed by BK Gangadhar under his production company Sri Jagadguru Movies, the film revolves around Shiva, a roughneck who gets the support of people as he fights injustice that troubles the common man. Reportedly, Dhruva had to shed 30 kilos for flashback sequences of the film in which he had to play the role of a school goer. After the schedule's completion, the actor gained weight for the following sequences. Action Prince, during his interaction with media, had revealed that it was a tough task for him to lose and gain weight instantly. Notably, Pogaru marks Dhruva Sarja's debut in Tollywood and Kollywood as the film is releasing in Telugu as Pogaru and Semma Thimiru in Tamil. The film made on a budget of Rs 25 crore, also has Dhananjay, Raghavendra Rajkumar, P Ravi Shankar, Kai Greene, Sadhu Kokila, Kutti Prathap and Morgan Aste in key roles. Pogaru has music composed by Chandan Shetty, while cinematography and editing are carried out by Vijay Milton and Mahesh S respectively. As the film receives terrific response from the audience, let us see what netizens have to say about Dhruva Sarja-Rashmika Mandanna's Pogaru. Rashmika Mandanna Fam @crushqueen_fc As of now from premiere shows and fan's show #Pogaru is BB a perfect entertainer post covid!! Jai's Cinema World@JaiCinemaWorld My view on #Pogaru DHRUVA SARJA with local looks & dialogue deliveries along with non-stop entertainment, carries the whole movie single handedly! Overall a Paisa Vasool Mass Movie which doesnt disappoint & is full on entertainment values! Goodman@guddusaying #Pogaru - Druva show all the way after drag starting Dileep Kandula@dileepkandula #Pogaru is a regular Bangalore BisiBele Bath with over spicy massy ingredients which can only satisfy the Kannada Mass audience appetite and rest all can take lite Goodman@guddusaying #Pogaru - Good masala emotional entertainer though story is predictable Raj Puttu @RajPuttu Jus watched #Pogaru at 7am Fan show. Movie s full of mass,mother sentiment n many gud dialogs.. @DhruvaSarja has shown Vishwaroopa in dis movi!Lovd his energy and screen presence..He roars like a Lion in each frame!..Pakka mass entertainer! Also Read: Dhruva Sarja's Pogaru Makers Unhappy With Rashmika Mandanna? Here's The Truth! Also Read: Meghana Raj Shares Big Update On Chiranjeevi Sarja's Rajamarthanda; Dhruva Sarja Dubs For His Late Brother The Spanish Embassy in Russia told Sputnik on Friday it had received the foreign ministry's invitation to inoculate staffers with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, and some diplomats had already been vaccinated. "The embassy has received the Russian Foreign Ministry's invitation, and several staffers have been vaccinated", Sputnik cited the diplomatic mission as saying. The embassy declined to specify whether the Spanish ambassador had been inoculated, citing confidentiality. Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had invited all the accredited foreign embassies to join the vaccination campaign. The first Philia (Friendship) Forum was held in Athens in Greece in early February in the wake of an initiative by the Greek government and with the participation of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and France. The forum aims to build a network of stability in an area of high strategic importance extending from the Mediterranean to the Gulf. It forms the basis for the future consolidation of active synergies in various fields of common interest to all the countries involved, including diplomacy, the economy, energy, culture, education and civilisational dialogue. It is also another manifestation of the high importance of the Mediterranean in international relations. Initiatives such as the Philia Forum and the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) clearly point to a new international order uniting three major seas the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Gulf and the three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa. This new transcontinental geopolitical order is based on two core states, Egypt and Greece. Egypt is strategically located at the meeting point of two continents, Africa and Asia, controls the Suez Canal, and has maritime coasts on both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Egypts military power has increased thanks to reforms carried out by President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, and on the economic level Egypt is the only country in the region to have experienced steady growth. Egypt has also taken initiatives to stabilise the situation in Libya over the long term and to reduce tensions in the Palestinian issue. Greece has radically altered its self-perception over the last few years from being a peripheral EU member state tied to the Brussels bureaucratic core to becoming a dynamic and independent maritime power in the Mediterranean. Greece is positioned at the meeting point of two major geopolitical axes, a horizontal axis extending from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Suez Canal and a vertical axis from Eastern Europe towards Egypt. Thus, Greece aspires to form a vital bridge between Europe, the states of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf. The seven countries participating in the Philia Forum signed a joint statement declaring common positions on various regional issues. They reiterated their commitment to international law, with special reference to the law of the sea, saying that the delimitation of the national Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of all Mediterranean countries should be based exclusively on the law of the sea. The signatories to the statement expressed their unrelenting support for a lasting political settlement in Syria and the need for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from the country, an allusion to the Turkish presence. On Libya, the forum states welcomed the nomination by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum of a transitional unified executive authority as an important milestone in the political process and a significant step towards all-inclusive elections. The signatories stressed the need for the full withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from the country, a clear reference to Turkish-backed Islamist militants. They also called on the new Libyan government to consider the memorandums of understanding signed by Turkey and former Tripoli government leader Faysal Al-Sarraj in November 2019 as being null and void and in violation of international law. During the forum, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Greece and Cyprus also issued a joint statement officially announcing that the EMGF would come into force as an international organisation on 1 March with the activation of its statutes. The transformation of the Eastern Mediterranean over recent years has been truly impressive. During much of the 20th century, the region was a hotbed of bilateral tensions and instability. It has only been over recent years that we have witnessed the structural transformation of the Mediterranean from being a focal point of instability to one of regional cooperation. The core countries in this transformation have clearly been Egypt and Greece. Their proactive mentality has decisively altered realities in the Mediterranean, with the result that cooperation now unites three continents and three seas. *The writer is a lecturer in geopolitics at the University of Athens. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 February, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link: US-based Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is exploring an infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) for its Indian green energy platform, Vector Green Energy, to raise around $100 million in equity, two people aware of the development said. InvITs are trusts that manage income-generating infrastructure assets typically offering investors a regular yield and a liquid method of investing in infrastructure projects. Renewable energy InvIT plans have been gaining traction in the backdrop of Indias galloping electricity demand. These include InvITs from KKR-backed Virescent Infrastructure and Tata Powers renewable energy InvIT in which Malaysias state-run oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Bhd, or Petronas is looking to invest. GIP is exploring an InvIT process for Vector Green," one of the two people cited above said, requesting anonymity. GIP is an infrastructure-focused global private equity player and has 800 megawatts (MW) of wind and solar energy assets portfolio under its green energy platform, Vector Green Energy, a substantive part of which it had acquired from IDFC Alternatives in 2018. Vector Green had also acquired 306MW solar projects from RattanIndia Group in September last year. Mint reported on 9 July last year about GIP planning to sell Vector Green Energy. Queries emailed to a GIP spokesperson on late Wednesday night remained unanswered till press time. GIP has been present in the Indian clean energy space and led a group of investors to acquire Equis Energy for $5 billion in October 2017. The sale included liabilities of $1.3 billion and the Indian portfolio of the Singapore-based renewable energy developer, comprising green energy platforms Energon and Energon Soleq. This potential transaction comes at a time when Indias solar power tariffs have touched a record low of 1.99 per unit, and are expected to decline further. Also, this low tariff resulted in tariff-shopping with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd cancelling the Letters of Award for 700MW of solar power generation given to firms including GIPs Vena Energy. Despite these attempts, including the one by Andhra Pradesh government to renegotiate clean energy tariffs, and the financial crunch faced by the electricity distribution companies that got exacerbated by the pandemic, several deals are in play. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Patricia Era Bath lived a life without limits. She was the first Black American to complete an Ophthalmology residency at New York University (1973), first Black American Woman appointed to UCLA Medical Center's surgical staff (1975) and the first woman to lead a post-graduate training program in Ophthalmology. And she was just getting started. Dr. Patricia Bath Dr. Patricia Bath In 1986, she invented the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment, one of the most important surgical tools in the history of ophthalmology, where she used the Excimer Laser to develop a device and method for minimally invasive cataract surgery. In 1988, Dr. Bath became the first Black woman to receive a medical patent [U.S. Patent No. 4,744,360]. Her illustrious career included being awarded five U.S. patents. Her method has helped eye surgeons restore or improve vision for millions of patients worldwide. Of the twenty million cataract surgeries performed worldwide annually, Dr. Bath's Laserphaco technique is used in one million of them. Today, the Laserphaco method is semi- automated by computers, software, and robotics. Dr. Bath (1942-2019) was a trailblazing physician who has been nominated 11 times to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, an entity that recognizes the enduring legacies of exceptional U.S. patent holders. If admitted, she would be the only Black woman out of 603 inventors. In honor of Black History Month, the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) encourages the public to nominate an African-American inventor for consideration in their Class of Inductees. Click here to nominate Dr. Patricia Bath. "My mother's invention is as significant to the laser cataract surgery industry as Bell's telephone is to the telecommunications industry and Edison's light bulb is to the electric lighting industry," her daughter Dr. Eraka Bath, Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA stated. "Being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame would be an amazing honor." She was the first to document that Blacks suffered blindness disproportionately to other racial groups. In 1976 she co-founded the American Institute for Prevention of Blindness to address vision inequities. For more information about Dr. Patricia Bath, visit https://drpatriciabath.com or follow her official accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Media Contact: Nepherterra Estrada Best C: 414.704.9932 E: [email protected] SOURCE Dr. Patricia Bath Crum & Forster has expanded its eRisk team with the addition of Cassie Quaranta as an executive underwriter in the Northeast Region and Vlad Borovskyi as an underwriter in the Southeast Region. Quaranta and Borovskyi will focus on underwriting cyber insurance, technology errors & omissions and miscellaneous professional liability (MPL) coverages. Quaranta joins Crum & Forster from Hiscox, where she held cyber & technology underwriting positions and developed business throughout the Northeast Region. Quaranta is based in Crum & Forsters Jersey City, N.J., office. Borovskyi comes to Crum & Forster from Beazley, where he underwrote and managed a book of specialty business primarily in the Southeast Region. Borovskyi is based in Crum & Forsters Roswell, Ga., office. Nick Economidis, Vice President of eRisk at Crum & Forster, said the two are part of the companys regional expansion strategy, which is enabling it to meet the growing demand for coverage and provide service to its agents/brokers and customers across the U.S. Crum & Forsters eRisk unit offers its Simple Cyber insurance product and other specialty coverages. The Simple Cyber policy provides financial protection for first-party and third-party exposures, access to 24/7 Cyber Response services, and loss control resources to companies. The eRisk unit is part of Crum & ForstersExecutive Risk group, led by Leigh McMullan, which specializes in providing management liability, professional liability, cyber insurance, and fidelity & crime coverages. Crum & Forster is a national property, casualty, accident & health and specialty insurance group, wholly owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. Founded in 1822, C&F conducts business through a network of independent agents, brokers and wholesalers, as well as an offshore captive facility, Crum & Forster Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC). Federal immigration enforcement officers are prohibited from performing large-scale arrests of immigrant communities under new guidance from Joe Bidens administration. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will focus on arresting immigrants accused of being national security or public safety threats, as well as people who were recently detained at the US-Mexico border, according to a memo intended to limit the broad policing scope of the agency. Though the guidance does not prevent arrests, it marks a stark departure from Donald Trumps administration, which gave the agency wide latitude to make arrests under a 2017 policy that effectively targeted all immigrants living in the US without legal permission. The guidance effective on Thursday is likely to remain in place through May, when Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is expected to issue new directives. Read more: Follow live updates from the Biden administration National security risks are defined as individuals who engaged in or [are] suspected of engaging in terrorism or espionage. Immigrants are considered a public safety threat if they have been convicted of a crime related to participation in a criminal street gang or have been convicted of an aggravated felony a broad term that does not necessarily encompass aggravated crimes or felonies. Officers instead must evaluate the extensiveness, seriousness and recency of a persons criminal activity and make determinations based on personal and family circumstances, health, community ties and evidence of rehabilitation, and whether they have relief through immigration courts and other resources, according to the memo. ICE officers will need to receive approval from their local field office directors before making an arrest for a person who does not meet that criteria. The guidance also prohibits so-called collateral arrests, a widely condemned tactic that critics argued has relied on racial profiling to target people without criminal histories for administrative arrests in large-scale sweeps that have upended immigrant communities and families. Officers are instructed to send weekly arrest reports to ICE and DHS to ensure accountability among agents and officers, according to DHS officials. The new guidance will allocate its resources in a way that best addresses the most pressing national security, border security and public safety threats, DHS officials said on Thursday. That criteria could impact whether immigrants who have been detained by ICE and who are not considered a threat under new guidance are eligible for release. There are roughly 14,000 immigrants in detention centres across the US, according to the agency. Immigrant advocacy groups have urged the administration to go further to reverse Trump-era directives. Naureen Shah, senior advocacy and policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the memo is a disappointing step backward from the Biden administrations earlier commitments to fully break from the harmful deportation policies from his predecessor as well as Barack Obama. ICE has been given significant discretion to conduct operations that harm our communities and tear families apart, she said, adding that the agencys prioritisation of arrests relies on sweeping and overbroad presumptions of threat that have for decades resulted in biased profiling and harmful immigration consequences for Black and Brown people, including Muslims. On Thursday, the president also formally unveiled his US Citizenship Act with members of Congress, proposing an eight-year path to citizenship for roughly 11 million immigrants in one of the largest pieces of immigration reform in decades. Dr. Sarah Ketchen Lipson is a Boston University mental health researcher and a co-principal investigator of the Healthy Minds Network nationwide survey Credit: Cydney Scott, Boston University A survey by a Boston University researcher of nearly 33,000 college students across the country reveals the prevalence of depression and anxiety in young people continues to increase, now reaching its highest levels, a sign of the mounting stress factors due to the coronavirus pandemic, political unrest, and systemic racism and inequality. "Half of students in fall 2020 screened positive for depression and/or anxiety," says Sarah Ketchen Lipson, a Boston University mental health researcher and a co-principal investigator of the nationwide survey published on Februray 11, 2021, which was administered online during the fall 2020 semester through the Healthy Minds Network. The survey further reveals that 83 percent of students said their mental health had negatively impacted their academic performance within the past month, and that two-thirds of college students are struggling with loneliness and feeling isolatedan all-time high prevalence that reflects the toll of the pandemic and the social distancing necessary to control it. Lipson, a BU School of Public Health assistant professor of health law, policy, and management, says the survey's findings underscore the need for university teaching staff and faculty to put mechanisms in place that can accommodate students' mental health needs. "Faculty need to be flexible with deadlines and remind students that their talent is not solely demonstrated by their ability to get a top grade during one challenging semester," Lipson says. She adds that instructors can protect students' mental health by having class assignments due at 5 pm, rather than midnight or 9 am, times that Lipson says can encourage students to go to bed later and lose valuable sleep to meet those deadlines. Especially in smaller classroom settings, where a student's absence may be more noticeable than in larger lectures, instructors who notice someone missing classes should reach out to that student directly to ask how they are doing. "Even in larger classes, where 1:1 outreach is more difficult, instructors can send classwide emails reinforcing the idea that they care about their students not just as learners but as people, and circulating information about campus resources for mental health and wellness," Lipson says. And, crucially, she says, instructors must bear in mind that the burden of mental health is not the same across all student demographics. "Students of color and low-income students are more likely to be grieving the loss of a loved one due to COVID," Lipson says. They are also "more likely to be facing financial stress." All of these factors can negatively impact mental health and academic performance in "profound ways," she says. At a higher level within colleges and universities, Lipson says, administrators should focus on providing students with mental health services that emphasize prevention, coping, and resilience. The fall 2020 survey data revealed a significant "treatment gap," meaning that many students who screen positive for depression or anxiety are not receiving mental health services. "Often students will only seek help when they find themselves in a mental health crisis, requiring more urgent resources," Lipson says. "But how can we create systems to foster wellness before they reach that point?" She has a suggestion: "All students should receive mental health education, ideally as part of the required curriculum." It's also important to note, she says, that rising mental health challenges are not unique to the college settinginstead, the survey findings are consistent with a broader trend of declining mental health in adolescents and young adults. "I think mental health is getting worse [across the US population], and on top of that we are now gathering more data on these trends than ever before," Lipson says. "We know mental health stigma is going down, and that's one of the biggest reasons we are able to collect better data. People are being more open, having more dialogue about it, and we're able to better identify that people are struggling." The worsening mental health of Americans, more broadly, Lipson says, could be due to a confluence of factors: the pandemic, the impact of social media, and shifting societal values that are becoming more extrinsically motivated (a successful career, making more money, getting more followers and likes), rather than intrinsically motivated (being a good member of the community). The crushing weight of historic financial pressures is an added burden. "Student debt is so stressful," Lipson says. "You're more predisposed to experiencing anxiety the more debt you have. And research indicates that suicidality is directly connected to financial well-being." With more than 22 million young people enrolled in US colleges and universities, "and with the traditional college years of life coinciding with the age of onset for lifetime mental illnesses," Lipson stresses that higher education is a crucial setting where prevention and treatment can make a difference. One potential bright spot from the survey was that the stigma around mental health continues to fade. The results reveal that 94 percent of students say that they wouldn't judge someone for seeking out help for mental health, which Lipson says is an indicator that also correlates with those students being likely to seek out help themselves during a personal crisis (although, paradoxically, almost half of students say they perceive that others may think more poorly of them if they did seek help). "We're harsher on ourselves and more critical of ourselves than we are with other peoplewe call that perceived versus personal stigma," Lipson says. "Students need to realize, your peers are not judging you." IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. Airyscan super-resolution image shows that fucose-containing sulphated polysaccharide, or FCSP, (in green) occurred around the cells of the chain-forming diatom Chaetoceros socialis and their spines. Sample collected during the 2016 spring diatom bloom period in Helgoland. Credit: Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology/S. Vidal-Melgosa A major pathway for carbon sequestration in the ocean is the growth, aggregation and sinking of phytoplanktonunicellular microalgae like diatoms. Just like plants on land, phytoplankton sequester carbon from atmospheric carbon dioxide. When algae cells aggregate, they sink and take the sequestered carbon with them to the ocean floor. This so called biological carbon pump accounts for about 70 per cent of the annual global carbon export to the deep ocean. Estimated 25 to 40 per cent of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning emitted by humans may have been transported by this process from the atmosphere to depths below 1000 meter, where carbon can be stored for millennia. Fast bacterial community Yet, even it is very important, it is still poorly understood how the carbon pump process works at the molecular level. Scientists of the research group Marine Glycobiology, which is located at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology and the MARUMCenter for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen, investigate in this context marine polysaccharidesmeaning compounds made of multiple sugar unitswhich are produced by microalgae. These marine sugars are very different on a structural level and belong to the most complex biomolecules found in nature. One single bacterium is not capable to process this complex sugar-mix. Therefore a whole bunch of metabolic pathways and enzymes is needed. In nature, this is achieved by a community of different bacteria that work closely and very efficiently togethera perfect coordinated team. This bacterial community works so well that the major part of microalgal sugars are degraded before they aggregate and start to sink. A large amount of the sequestered carbon therefore is released back into the atmosphere. But, how is it possible that nevertheless a lot of carbon is still transported to the deep-sea? The scientists of the group Marine Glycobiology now revealed a component that may be involved in this process and published their results in the journal Nature Communications. "We found a microalgal fucose-containing sulphated polysaccharide, in short FCSP, that is resistant to microbial degradation," says Silvia Vidal-Melgosa, first author of the paper. "This discovery challenges the existing paradigm that polysaccharides are rapidly degraded by bacteria." This assumption is the reason why sugars are overlooked as a carbon sinkuntil now. Analyses of the bacterial community, which were performed by scientists from the department of Molecular Ecology at the MPI in Bremen and the University of Greifswald, showed bacteria had a low abundance of enzymes for the degradation of this sugar. A crucial part of the finding is that this microbial resistant sugar formed particles. During growth and upon death unicellular diatoms release a large amount of unknown, sticky long-chained sugars. With increasing concentration, these sugar chains stick together and form molecular networks. Other components attach to these small sugar flakes, such as other sugar pieces, diatom cells or minerals. This makes the aggregates larger and heavier and thus they sink faster than single diatom cells. These particles need about ten days to reach a depth of 1000 metersoften much longer. This means that the sticky sugar core has to resist biodegradation for at least so long to hold the particle together. But this is very difficult as the sugar-eating bacteria are very active and always hungry. New method to analyze marine sugars In order to unravel the structures of microalgae polysaccharides and identify resistant sticky sugars, the scientists of the research group Marine Glycobiology are testing new methods. This is necessary because marine sugars are found within complex organic matter mixtures. In the case of this study, they used a method which originates from medical and plant research. It combines the high-throughput capacity of microarrays with the specificity of monoclonal antibody probes. This means, that the scientists extracted the sugar-molecules out of the seawater samples and inserted them into a machine that works like a printer, which doesn't use ink but molecules. The molecules are separately "printed" onto nitrocellulose paper, in form of a microarray. A microarray is like a microchip, small like a fingernail, but can contain hundreds of samples. Once the extracted molecules are printed onto the array it is possible to analyze the sugars present on them. This is achieved by using the monoclonal antibody probes. Single antibodies are added to the arrays and as they react only with one specific sugar the scientists can see, which sugars are present in the samples. "The novel application of this technology enabled us to simultaneously monitor the fate of multiple complex sugar molecules during an algal bloom," says Silvia Vidal-Melgosa. "It allowed us to find the accumulation of the sugar FCSP, while many other detected polysaccharides were degraded and did not store carbon." This study proves the new application of this method. "Notably, complex carbohydrates have not been measured in the environment before at this high molecular resolution," says Jan-Hendrik Hehemann, leader of the group Marine Glycobiology and senior author of the study. "Consequently, this is the first environmental glycomics dataset and therefore the reference for future studies about microbial carbohydrate degradation". Next step: Search for particles in the deep sea The discovery of FCSP in diatoms, with demonstrated stability and adhesive properties, provides a previously uncharacterised polysaccharide that contributes to particle formation and potentially therefore to carbon sequestration in the ocean. One of the next steps in the research is "to find out, if the particles of this sugar exist in the deep ocean," says Hehemann. "That would indicate that the sugar is stable and constitutes an important player of the biological carbon pump." Furthermore, the observed stability against bacterial degradation, and the structure and physicochemical behavior of diatom FCSP points towards specific biological functions. "Given its stability against degradation, FCSP, which coats the diatom cells, may function as a barrier protecting the cell wall against microbes and their digestive enzymes," says Hehemann. And last but not least, another open question to be solved: These sugar particles were found in the North Sea near the island of Helgoland. Do they also exist in the sea of other regions in the world? Explore further Sugar brings a lot of carbon dioxide into the deeper sea More information: Silvia Vidal-Melgosa et al. Diatom fucan polysaccharide precipitates carbon during algal blooms. Nature Communications, February 2021 Journal information: Nature Communications Silvia Vidal-Melgosa et al. Diatom fucan polysaccharide precipitates carbon during algal blooms., February 2021 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21009-6 [February 19, 2021] Startek Recognized Amongst HR Asia's 'Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2020' Startek (NYSE: SRT), a global provider of customer experience management solutions, has been recognized by HR Asia Awards as one of 'The Best Companies to Work For in Asia 2020.' Startek has been acknowledged for its people-first approach and innovative workplaces across Malaysia and the Philippines. Rajiv Ahuja, President at Startek, said, "It's our mission to empower brands to excel in their CX transformation, and this is only made possible by our people. It is an honor to receive this distinction in two of our key markets - Malaysia and the Philippines. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where our people can thrive in their careers while delivering exceptional service for our clients." Startek is acknowledged for creating workplace excellence, human capital development, and employee engagement using a robust HR Asia assessment tool. SM Gupta, Global Chief People Officer at Startek, added, "Despite the pandemic and a challenging 2020, our HR best practices have withstood the test of time and continue to demonstrate an engaging work culture, progressive policies, and digitization of Hire-to-Retire processes. The award is yet another milestone in our journey of putting people first to create an nmatched value proposition for our employees." Startek has adopted a hybrid model consisting of multi-site presence and AI-enabled cloud capabilities, leading to transitioning 55% of its global workforce to WFH in 2020. In the Philippines and Malaysia, Startek has hyper-adopted WFH delivery models across most of its client programs, ensuring seamless business continuity by leveraging digital platforms and focusing on the well-being of its people. With many teams working remotely, Startek introduced a myriad of employee engagement, training, and well-being programs to ensure collaboration, communication, and connection across its organization. HR Asia's assessment process included a detailed submission on HR practices, followed by a survey and jury presentation comprising eminent personalities from diverse fields. Startek is recognized alongside 43 companies in Malaysia and 20 companies in the Philippines. About Startek Startek is a global provider of tech-enabled business process management solutions. The company provides omni-channel customer experience, digital transformation, and technology services to some of the finest brands globally. Startek is committed to impacting clients' business outcomes by focusing on enhancing customer experience and digital & AI enablement across all touch points and channels. Startek has more than 40,000 CX experts spread across 46 delivery campuses in 13 countries. The company services over 250 clients across a range of industries such as Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Technology, Telecom, Healthcare, Travel & Hospitality, Ecommerce, Consumer Goods, Retail, and Energy & Utilities. To learn more about Startek's global solutions, please visit www.startek.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005092/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Countering a flood of apprehension, speculations and expert opinions, the Maharashtra Health Department on Friday clarified that there is no evidence of any foreign strain of Covid-19 virus in the state's Akola, Yavatmal and Amravati. Discounting reports to the effect, the government said that there has been no change in the genetic makeup of the Covid-19 strains, similar to the mutant strains detected in the UK, Brazil and South Africa. However, the government has not touched upon the possibility of detecting any other type of a fresh virus strain, genetically different from the currently known mutants globally, as apprehended in some quarters. The Health Department said that four samples each from the three districts and 12 from Pune were tested at the BJ Medical College, Pune, in which no genetic mutations are found. While further investigations are underway, the government has sent more samples from Akola, Amravati and Yavatmal to the NIV, and the NICS for genetic tests, the reports of which are expected next week. The government has also said that efforts are underway to determine the causes behind the recent spike in cases in some parts of the state, especially the aforementioned districts, though it is not attributed to the foreign viruses. The Health Department's clarification came after two leading experts contended that a new mutant strain was reportedly detected in Amravati, Yavatmal, and Akola, all in the Vidarbha region in the eastern part of the state. They are Maharashtra Covid Task Force Member Dr Shashank Joshi and Director of Medical Education & Research Dr T.P. Lahane, both renowned medicos. Lahane said that new (mutant) strains were seen in samples examined from these three districts but made it clear that more tests are required to check the potential infection hazards of the new variant. Joshi said that while the government is fully seized of it and probing it in detail, said some regions in the state are showing large cluster infections and lower death rate. Both the senior medical officers attributed the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the state to laxity by the people in not adhering to protocols and SOPs, but also cautioned that "we cannot afford another lockdown". --IANS qn/vd (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kolkata: Designated MP/MLA court in West Bengal issues summons to Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (February 19) to appear in person or by lawyer on February 22 in defamation case filed by Trinamool Chhatra Parishad MP Abhishek Banerjee. Nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Youth Congress chief Abhishek Banerjee had filed a defamation suit against Amit Shah alleging that the BJP president had made slanderous statements against him at a public rally on August 11, 2018 in Kolkata. On August 13, 2018 the chief ministers nephew sent a legal notice to Shah, demanding an apology from him for allegedly making defamatory statements against him. The notice to Shah said, "In the course of your speech you had made various allegations against my client by making a flimsy and thinly veiled reference and/or insinuation to the 'bhatija' (nephew) of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of the State of West Bengal. Since, it is well known that my client is the nephew of Smt. Mamata Banerjee and is actively involved in politics, the contents of your speech left little to the imagination of my client's well-wishers that you were referring to my client." Abhishek Banerjee's lawyer Sanjay Basu claimed the "false statements" against his client have caused grave loss and prejudice to his client's reputation. Live TV 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. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Today is the third year in captivity of Leah Sharibu, the only girl that was not released by Nigeria's deadliest terrorist group Boko Haram when they kidnapped 110 schoolgirls from their school in Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria in February 19, 2018. All the surviving girls were released in March 2018 (five died in the return journey) except 14-year-old Leah Sharibu. Leah refused to abandon her Christian faith and convert to Islam so Boko Haram kept her in captivity until this day. February 19 has been a day of sad remembrance for the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) for the past three years for this reason. As a Christian, I am in awe of Leahs strength and passion for our Lord. But as a father, I am heartbroken and devastated at the thought of what this teenager has suffered the past several years. Leah came face to face with the enemy and refused to back down knowing her refusal would result in enslavement, abuse and extreme hardship. Leah has been a prisoner to one of the worlds most violent fanatic groups who hates everything Leah stands for. From the many rumors circulating, Leah has endured mental and physical abuse, a forced marriage and has born at least one child. This young woman has been through more in the past three years than most of us will experience in an entire lifetime. Unfortunately, Leahs story is more common than you know. Since 2001, at least 62,000 Nigerians, primarily Christians, have been killed due to violence brought by Boko Haram terrorists, Fulani militants and other extreme terrorist groups tied to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Nigeria is one of only three countries in the world with a terrorism grade of Very High and is ranked third in the 2020 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) of countries most impacted by terrorism. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have been forced from their homes due to frequent radical attacks throughout the country, leaving most of them without any way of surviving or supporting their families. Since 2014, Fulani militants a small extremist portion of the Fulani have accelerated conflict at an alarming rate, attacking predominantly Christian Local Government Areas with sophisticated weapons. It is said that Fulani militants are responsible for 7,400 deaths since 2015, targeting and attacking Christian communities, schools and households. Boko Haram has formally pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and since 2009, 30,000 murders have been tied to Boko Haram attacks. Although ICON is proud to be one of the leading voices for Nigeria and Leah, we understand so much more must be done in order for change to occur. The Nigerian Government is not doing enough to stop the violence or to fight to see Leahs safe return. When I think of Leah and all of my other Nigerian brothers and sisters experiencing daily oppression, Matthew 5:10 comes to mind: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I wonder how many of us would be able to stand firm like Leah. She refused to relinquish the cross when it mattered most; what an extraordinary testimony to true faith. I believe there is a coalition who will continue to fight for Leah until the Nigerian government helps to return her safely to her family. I hope and I pray we will one day see Leah freed from her bonds and living safely with those who have suffered so much due to her captivity. Thousands of people around the world will be praying for Leah on February 19. May this date never be forgotten; may we never forget her sacrifice; may our joined efforts result in her eventual freedom and may her strength be a witness to all of us Christians to fearlessly stand up for our God even when faced with persecution. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak up for Leah and encourage all of us to continue to pray for her and all of our brothers and sisters experiencing oppression due to their love and faith in Jesus Christ. May we all be as brave and courageous as Leah. ICON is hosting seven consecutive days of prayer as well as holding a Speak Up For Leah three-hour live event on February 19 (1:00-4:00pm ET) to honor Leah Sharibus three years in captivity. For more information or to join the event click here. Baby bottles up? Nilsa Prowant revealed what it was really like filming Floribama Shore while pregnant with her first child. Everyone knows Im a big party girl and I couldnt participate, you know, in very much of the drinking activities, Nilsa, 27, exclusively told Us Weekly on Wednesday, February 17, of the most challenging part of being pregnant on the MTV series. A lot of the snow activities, like, that we were doing, I couldnt really do. So that was very different. Read article The Panama City, Florida, native, who is engaged to Gus Gazda, explained that she was also trying to stay out of the drama while shooting season 4 of the show, which premieres this month. I had just lost my father, so I was grieving and then I found out I was pregnant, she said. I [didnt] want to be in stressful environments, but filming in the house and being in the house with everyone drunk all the time and all the fighting and drama, it was just so much on me. Courtesy of Nilsa Prowant/Instagram The reality star revealed that she had both good and bad moments this season, telling Us that fans will see how it is being the only sober, pregnant one in the middle of nowhere [in a] place you never been before. After three seasons in Panama City Beach, Florida, the cast of Floribama Shore traveled to Montana for season 4, showing a different side to the housemates complete with snow activities and lots of drinking. Read article Nilsa opened up about the hardships of being sober in a house full of partiers, saying she kept a lot of her feelings to herself in order to keep my sanity. She did, however, note that many of her roommates checked in to make sure I was OK, saying they would comfort me and make sure I was feeling the best I could in the situation. Jeremiah Buoni told Us that Nilsa was a strong woman for staying in the rowdy house while pregnant. Dealing with us and not being able to drink, I mean, let alone being pregnant, she deserves our hats off to her, he said. Nilsa said that one silver lining of being stuck with her wild friends is that she is now ready for the craziness that comes with becoming a parent. I need to be grateful because filming this time around, while pregnant, really prepared me for motherhood, she told Us. Its like I had six drunk kids at all times. I gotta make sure they stay alive. Her castmates told Us that based on how she cared for them during shooting, she is definitely ready to be a parent. MTV Based off the way that she handled all the kids in Montana, I mean, Id say shes going to be a great mom, like, good Lord, Jeremiah, 25, said. I honestly feel like shes going to be the most nurturing mother and not to mention all the stories that Ive heard about Gus and having conversations with him. Like, I know those two are going to be a dynamic duo. Candace Rice told Us she thinks Nilsa is going to be a great mommy, but she said Nilsa will also be strict. Read article I think shes going to be an overprotective mom too, Candace, 28, said. Shes going to be one of those helicopter mamas. Nilsa announced her pregnancy in December 2020, one year after becoming Instagram official with Gazda in November 2019. Even in the darkest of times the Lord still shines his light. Our greatest adventure is about to begin, she captioned an Instagram photo of her and Gazda holding a sign that read, Baby Gazda. Coming May 2021. Courtesy of Nilsa Prowant/Instagram The next month, the couple announced that they are engaged. Today has been more than I could have ever imagined, Nilsa wrote via Instagram in January 2021. I cant believe I get to marry my best friend and bring our son Gray into this world soon. Season 4 of Floribama Shore premieres on MTV Thursday, February 25, at 9 p.m. ET. With reporting by Christina Garibaldi Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time The United Kingdom and Canada on Thursday (local time) imposed sanctions on Myanmar's military rulers for launching a against the civilian government. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the UK said it would impose asset freezes and travel bans on three Generals while Canada said it would take action against nine military officials. "We, alongside our allies, will hold the military to account for their violations of human rights and pursue justice for the people," British foreign minister Dominic Raab said. The UK had earlier placed sanctions on military leader Min Aung Hlaing over human rights abuses on Rohingya and other ethnic minority groups. According to a report by Nikkei Asia, the sanctions imposed by Canada on military generals include leader Min Aung Hlaing and Defense Mya Tun Oo. "Following recent measures by the United States, and in coordination with the United Kingdom, the sanctions announced today are part of a united response to send a clear message that Canada will not accept the actions of the military and their complete disregard for the will and democratic rights of the people of Myanmar," read an official statement by Canadian foreign ministry. The move by the UK and Canada has been welcomed by the US. "Today @FCDOGovUK and @CanadaFP designated individuals responsible for the military in Burma. The United States applauds these actions and welcomes additional efforts by the community to promote accountability for the leaders," said Ned Price, US State Department Spokesperson, in a tweet. As the military coup continues to persist, Myanmar's online businesses are struggling due to night-time curfew and internet outage from 1 am to 9 am, reported Myanmar Times. Online shop owners said that the sales have declined by half in recent days following disruptions in connectivity and slow internet speed. "Online shops function by selling and buying on the internet. If the connection between sellers and buyers is lost then we cannot sell anything," said Ma Thiri, an online entrepreneur. On February 1, Myanmar's military staged a coup and overthrew the democratically elected government of the National League for Democracy (NLD), alleging voter fraud in November 2020 elections that saw the NLD securing a resounding victory. The military detained several political officials and activists including State Counsellor Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and declared a one-year emergency. Despite military repression, widespread protests continue across Myanmar, including Yangon and other key cities. (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.) 23755 Jeff Coiner, Director of Information Systems, City of Springfield Jeff Coiner, Director of Information Systems, City of Springfield With a population of more than 166,000 people, the City of Springfield, Missouri is the third largest city in the state. Like most IT departments for local government organizations of our size, we are responsible for supporting the technology requirements for all the Citys operations. From our Springfield-Branson National Airport to the Dickerson Park Zoo, we literally have operations from A to Z. Such diverse technology needs that include VOIP phones, point-of-sale terminals, Police & Fire records management systems, 911 Computer-Aided Dispatch, electronic plan review, online payments, and both legacy and cloud-based applications, challenge our ability to maintain standards and security that work for all systems. Virtualization is Critical Over the last several years, we have invested in virtualization technologies in our data centers. That investment has paid real dividends in allowing us to provide the back-end infrastructure quickly in a cost-effective and efficient way. Many of the projects we have undertaken during that period might not have been possible with additional expense of physical hardware and software licenses. We had also considered application and desktop virtualization for some time as well, to better manage and support our client software. About two years ago, we decided to embark on a trial of the Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop software with some specific goals of providing better remote capabilities for our IT staff and one or two other departments. The success of that trial made it apparent that wanted to do more. So, we made it a budget priority to build out the infrastructure that would enable us to provide secure, mobile access to more of our applications. Citrix is a strategic partner and solution for delivering virtualized applications for the City of Springfield, and it will remain that way because it just works Citrix XenApp has enabled us to deliver the applications that are hosted on our internal network in a secure manner to any location and any device. Our employees can utilize Microsoft Office products, ESRIs ArcMap, Laserfiche, MiCollab and many of our legacy, in-house applications from any location with an Internet connection. XenApp has also allowed us to keep up with security patches and software updates more frequently than we could prior to using it. XenApp Simplifies Software Deployment One of our recent success stories with Citrix XenApp, was an upgrade to the ESRI ArcMap product. We have well over 100 users of ArcMap across the enterprise. It is a critical tool for many of our employees that deal with the Citys street and sewer infrastructure as well as those involved in construction and business development. Our Geographical Information Systems (GIS) staff along with our IT Help Desk and Network Team were all involved in the software upgrade process. We used other methods to deliver new versions of the ESRI software to employees from manual installations to software distribution tools. They proved to be costly, time consuming and inconsistent. With Citrix XenApp, we have been able to deploy the Citrix Receiver once to our employees, and then use it to provide access to the latest version of the ESRI ArcMap software. Citrix XenApp has allowed us to update software more easily, which in turn allows us to rollout new versions, patches and capabilities faster to our employees. Citrix is the Catalyst for Remote Access Offering remote access to applications for our employees that work in the field has been another big win for our Citrix environment. Our Building Development Services (BDS) Department uses a legacy application based in PowerBuilder software. This software contains important information about the numerous development projects they work on. They need to reference details about the project and create notes during inspections that are important to the permit approval process. The software is also used in the office by BDS and other departments to document payments and track the permit process. The challenge we had, since the legacy application wasnt built to work externally, was delivering it to allow for access in the field without completely re-developing the software on another platform. We decide to use Citrix XenApp. This method proved to be a win-win for IT and BDS. First, BDS could access the legacy software in real-time from any location which they were unable to do previously. It allowed them to work remotely and provide faster, more up-to-date information without unnecessary trips back to the office. Secondly, IT could streamline the software update process for the legacy application and deliver new functionality faster and more consistently than we could without XenApp. An investment in Citrix is not a simple or inexpensive solution. It required a high degree of skill to implement and manage across our enterprise. We brought in a team of experts to discuss what we needed and we funded them to help build out the environment, share their knowledge and get us started quickly. We also sent employees to training to make sure they had the knowledge necessary to expand it where it makes sense for us. That investment has already paid big dividends. As we look at new software with the departments we support, one of the first questions we ask is, Does it work with Citrix? If it doesnt, we may decide to look at alternatives because it is that important to us. Citrix is a strategic partner and solution for delivering virtualized applications for the City of Springfield, and it will remain that way because it just works. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 11:25:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close OUAGADOUGOU, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and nine others injured when the civilian transport vehicle they were traveling in was ambushed by unidentified gunmen on Thursday in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso, an official statement said. The ambush occurred on Thursday morning about 4 km to Tokabangou, in Markoye Commune, when the vehicle was heading toward a market, the statement said, adding that an operation is underway to hold the perpetrators accountable. Since 2015, Burkina Faso has faced a worsening security situation with terrorist attacks having claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced thousands of others. Enditem Magnetic nanoparticles biosynthesized by bacteria might soon play an important role in biomedicine and biotechnology. Researchers of the University of Bayreuth have now developed and optimized a process for the isolation and purification of these particles from bacterial cells. In initial tests, magnetosomes showed good biocompatibility when incubated with human cell lines. The results presented in the journal "Acta Biomaterialia" are therefore a promising step towards the biomedical use of magnetosomes in diagnostic imaging techniques or as carriers in magnetic drug delivery applications. The magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense produces intracellular magnetic nanoparticles, so-called magnetosomes. These are arranged in a chain-like manner similar to a string of pearls, thereby forming a kind of magnetic compass needle that allows the bacteria to navigate along the Earth's magnetic field. In contrast to chemically produced nanoparticles, magnetosomes exhibit a strikingly uniform shape and size of about 40 nanometres, a perfect crystal structure, and promising magnetic properties. Moreover, they are surrounded by a biological membrane that can be equipped with additional biochemical functionalities as required. The particles are therefore highly attractive for a number of biomedical and biotechnological applications. An interdisciplinary team of scientists at the University of Bayreuth has now defined quality criteria for purified magnetosomes, which are required for future applications. In particular, these include the uniformity (homogeneity) of magnetosomes, a high degree of purity, and the integrity of the membrane that surrounds each individual magnetosome and provides stability. At the same time, the Bayreuth researchers established and optimized a method by which magnetosomes can be gently isolated from the bacteria. The newly developed procedure not only fulfills the quality criteria but is also adaptable for the isolation of larger quantities required in the broad range of applications envisioned in biomedicine and biotechnology. The magnetosome purification process developed in Bayreuth is based on the physical properties of the magnetic nanoparticles. First, the magnetosomes are separated from other non-magnetic cell components by magnetic columns. Second, due to the high density of the nanoparticles, an additional ultracentrifugation step allows the removal of residual impurities. The quality of the purified magnetosome suspensions was assessed by physicochemical techniques. In addition, the biocompatibility was tested in close collaboration with the Jena University Hospital. These analyses revealed high vitality values of magnetosome-treated human cell lines even at high particle concentrations. This indicates good biocompatibility according to relevant DIN standards, which represents a prerequisite for use of magnetosomes in magnetic imaging techniques or targeting of cancer cells by magnetically controlled drug delivery. Moreover, the nanoparticles might have great potential in the field of theranostics, which combines precise diagnosis with subsequent targeted therapy. Hundreds of British troops will be sent to Iraq in the biggest increase of UK soldiers there since the last Gulf War. The decision is expected to double or even triple the current numbers later this year. In total 179 British troops lost their lives in Iraq following its invasion in March 2003 until the official cessation of Operation Telic eight years later. Hundreds of British troops will be sent to Iraq in the biggest increase of UK soldiers there since the last Gulf War [File photo] The last British fighting troops withdrew in May 2011 at the end of the controversial campaign. Currently 100 UK personnel are stationed there training Iraqi security forces. Under a new Nato mission, they could also be used in a security role which could bring them into direct conflict with militia groups. Defence Secretary Ben Wallaces announcement last night came days after a rocket attack on a US base in northern Iraq killed a civilian contractor and wounded nine others. According to defence sources, Nato plans to increase its numbers in Iraq from 400 to 5,000. Under a new Nato mission, they could also be used in a security role which could bring them into direct conflict with militia groups. ISIS is seen above in Syria in 2017 Backing the decision, former Army commander Colonel Richard Kemp said: Iraqi forces face a growing threat from Islamic State, with a double suicide bombing in Baghdad in January and daily attacks across the country. Col Kemp said the rise of IS had led to numerous terrorist attacks in Europe including the UK. He added: We and Nato must do whatever we can to help the Iraqis improve their military capabilities so they can impose greater control on their territory. In doing so our forces will also be protecting us here at home. Nato Mission Iraq provides training and advice to the Iraqi government and security forces in an non-combat mission. Siemens Energy, one of the worlds leading energy technology companies, concluded a three-day virtual conference, entitled Qatar Energy Days, which brought together participants from across government, energy and industrial sectors, focusing on the technologies to meet and surpass energy-related goals under Qatars vision 2030. The event highlighted Qatars role in advancing the energy transition globally, its potential for creating a domestic hydrogen economy, as well as the evolving global energy trends, said the organisers. The e-conference, which took place from February 15 to 17, 2021, was attended by more than 350 participants and it brought together a wide variety of perspectives from local experts in generation, transmission, and industrial applications, as well as government officials, in order to help shape the energy of tomorrow, they added. Siemens Energy said Qatars government was making it a priority to find harmony between economic growth and protecting the environment in order to mitigate the effects of pollution and global warming. Herbert Klausner, Managing Director of Siemens Energy in Qatar, said the country had already adopted initiatives to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions, but its energy transformation was still in the early stages. "We hope that discussions like the ones we had will help accelerate the energy transformation in Qatar," he noted. Topics discussed during the conference include: Shaping the energy transformation in Qatar; Grid stabilization through digitalizing transmission products and asset performance management; Why oil and gas companies should pivot to hydrogen?; and Driving operational excellence in oil and gas through digital transformation. Vinod Philip, EVP Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at Siemens Energy, said: "This event was a great platform to discuss the potential for Qatars energy transformation." "Qatar has the ability to leverage its existing expertise and technologies as a leader in the LNG industry to drive its transformation into cleaner energy," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko has announced the launch of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation in March. "The Ukrainian center for countering disinformation should start working in March," Tkachenko wrote on the Telegram channel. The minister added that the Ministry of Culture is working on launching a Center for Countering Disinformation, which will effectively work out manipulations and fakes spread by the aggressor country. According to him, the selection of a team for this structure is underway. Tkachenko added that the main areas of work of the Center for Countering Disinformation are: identification, response, counteraction, enlightenment, communication projects. "It will track fakes, distorted information, hostile propaganda and inform Ukrainians about it. Another important component is to increase media literacy of Ukrainian citizens so that people themselves learn to check information, filter it, and distinguish fakes from real news," the minister added. A man who was convicted after he pleaded guilty to the murder of a pregnant woman, Tshegofatso Pule, said he was hired by her married lover to kill her in order to hide the pregnancy from his wife, the South Gauteng High Court Johannesburg heard during a plea deal on Friday, February 19. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng sentenced Muzikayise Malephane to 20 years in prison for murder, five years for defeating the ends of justice and five years for the possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. Pule, a 28-year-old Johannesburg-based beauty products representative, was eight months pregnant when she was killed in June last year. Police said at the time that she was found with a stab wound in her chest and her bloodstained body hanging from a tree in the Durban Deep area of Roodepoort. Her unborn child was a daughter. Pule was last seen leaving her boyfriends home. Malephane, 31, was arrested while travelling back to Gauteng from Mpumalanga. The murder sent shockwaves throughout the country amid the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The court heard that the convict intended to turn State witness against the former lover. He entered into a plea agreement with the State and as a result, was given a lighter sentence in exchange for his co-operation. Malephane said he was approached by Pule's ex-lover on several occasions to kill her as the man did not want his wife to learn of his lover's pregnancy. In his plea agreement read out by his lawyer, Malephane told the court her ex-lover had first offered him R7,000 to kill Pule, but he declined. He said the man later offered him R20,000 but he still felt the amount was too little. After an offer of R70,000 was made, Malephane said, he agreed to kill Pule. Malephane said he had shot Pule and hung her. He pleaded guilty on Friday morning after he and his legal team had entered into a plea agreement with the state. Judge Ratha Mokgoatleng said, given Malephane's willingness to testify against the "so-called mastermind", he saw no reason not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence for murder, which is life. Meanwhile, the married lover and alleged mastermind of Pule's murder has been arrested. Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters confirmed that the 32-year-old man was arrested at his home in Florida, on the West Rand, on Thursday evening. He is expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on February 22. 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 Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More 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. Kylian Mbappe's stellar performance at the Camp Nou on Tuesday, marked by a hat-trick, has only led to more speculation around his future. Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, though, is confident that the forward's future will be cleared up sooner rather than later. "PSG can give Mbappe all the tools he needs to be happy," Pochettino told Catalunya Radio program Tot Costa. "I think it'll be clarified soon." Another player whose future is up in the air is Lionel Messi, who could make the move from Barcelona to the Parc des Princes this summer. "We only said hello and goodbye," Pochettino said when asked about Messi. "We didn't talk about his future." (Natural News) One of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomos top aides has come forward with claims that her boss hid key information from federal investigators about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) nursing home deaths. Back in August, the Department of Justice (DoJ) announced that it had requested information from New York about pandemic-related orders that are believed to have resulted in thousands of senior deaths at elderly care facilities. Cuomo tossed otherwise healthy seniors in with positive cases of the Chinese virus, which may have caused it to spread like wildfire. As a result, thousands of old folks ended up dying, all thanks to Cuomos disastrous decision to house them all together. According to Cuomo, the only explanation for the investigation is that it is politically motivated due to him being a Democrat. Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa, however, says Cuomo did, in fact, hide key data from the feds because he knew it would incriminate him. The New York Post was the first to report on DeRosas claims, in which she admitted that the Cuomo regime is fearful that the data could be used against us by the DoJ. According to DeRosa, after President Donald Trump asked the Department of Justice to do an investigation into us, the Cuomo regime froze, not knowing what to do to cover for itself. We were in a position where we werent sure if what we were going to give to the Department of Justice, or what we give to you guys, what we start saying, was going to be used against us while we werent sure if there was going to be an investigation, DeRosa said. Lying Cuomo now claims there was never a directive ordering Chinese virus patients into nursing homes The Cuomo scandal first started to unravel a few weeks back when The New York Times reported that New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, accused Cuomo and his regime, including officials at the states health department, of undercounting Chinese virus-related deaths by as much as 50 percent. The original figure given by state officials was about 8,677 deaths. However, James report suggests that the true number is closer to around 13,000 elderly people who died as a result of Cuomo exposing them to positive cases. WWNY News gave an even higher number of well over 15,000 seniors who died in nursing homes thanks to the infamous Cuomo executive order that forced nursing homes to take on patients who had tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19). Cuomos executive order specifically forbade nursing homes from requiring that incoming patients be tested for Covid-19 prior to admission or readmission, almost as if Cuomo wanted tens of thousands of old people to die. For more than six weeks, Cuomo refused to reverse the directive, even as he was being told about rising deaths at state nursing homes. Now, Cuomo is claiming that he never even issued the directive at all, even though it is documented fact. There was never a directive that said: We will send Covid positive people back to nursing homes,' Cuomo stated during a recent MSNBC interview. As you can see for yourself in Cuomos directive below, CNN pundit Chris Cuomos brother did, in fact, order that Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) patients be admitted to nursing homes, as well as others who were forbidden from being tested upon admission or re-admission: As this was all taking place, Cuomo further stonewalled the reporting of actual data related to nursing home deaths associated with the Chinese virus. Some individual nursing homes, recognizing the scandal, chose of their own accord to report the numbers that Cuomo refused to report. More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: MenRec.com NaturalNews.com The joint user trials for anti-tank guided missile systems, developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), have been carried out successfully in desert ranges on Friday. The trials of Helina (Army Version) and Dhruvastra (Air Force Version) missile systems have been carried out from Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Army and Air Force for the achievements. "Five missions were carried out for evaluating the missile capabilities in minimum and maximum range," the said in a release. "The missiles were fired in hover and max forward flight against realistic static and moving targets. Some missions were carried out with warheads against derelict tanks. A mission was carried out against a moving target from a forward flying helicopter" it said. The Helinaand Dhruvastra are third generation, Lock on Before Launch (LOBL) fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles that can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The system has all-weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour. It is one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. Now, the missile systems are ready for induction. (Newser) The United States is back in the Paris climate accord, just 107 days after it left. While Fridays return is heavily symbolic, world leaders say they expect America to prove its seriousness after four years of being pretty much absent. They are especially anticipating an announcement from the US in coming months on its goal for cutting emissions of heat-trapping gases by 2030. The US return to the Paris agreement became official Friday, almost a month after President Joe Biden told the United Nations that America wants back in, the AP reports. "A cry for survival comes from the planet itself," Biden said in his inaugural address. "A cry that cant be any more desperate or any more clear now." story continues below Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office reversing the pullout ordered by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The Trump administration had announced its withdrawal from the Paris accord in 2019 but it didn't become effective until Nov. 4, 2020, the day after the election, because of provisions in the agreement. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that the official American re-entry "is itself very important," as is Bidens announcement that the US will return to providing climate aid to poorer nations, as promised in 2009. "It's the political message thats being sent," said Christiana Figueres, the former United Nations climate chief. She was one of the leading forces in hammering out the 2015 mostly voluntary agreement where nations set their own goals to reduce greenhouse gases. (Read more Paris Agreement stories.) An abnormal suppression of the immune system linked to the onset of numerous diseases has been associated with poor functional regeneration of traumatic bone injuries. Levels of immune cells and proteins circulating in the blood following traumatic injury combined with advanced data analytics could predict whether patients are likely to respond to treatment, said Robert Guldberg, executive director of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact. The project -- detailed in a paper published online ahead of print in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences -- identified myeloid-derived suppressor cells and the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 as the strongest predictors of delayed and less effective bone-healing. That association emerged after a series of experiments in which Guldberg's team ran thousands of data models on hundreds of biomarkers. Guldberg was the principal investigator on the research, which was supported by the U.S. Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine and done with colleagues at Georgia Tech and Evolved Analytics. Our studies showed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells were consistently elevated in the blood as well as the local tissue in the non-responders to treatment, suggesting that suppression of the immune system may negatively affect musculoskeletal healing. That opens up potential novel therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes following traumatic injuries." Robert Guldberg, Principal Investigator Although standard bone fractures heal 95 percent of the time, complex fractures or trauma that cause damage to bones and surrounding soft tissues such as muscle have higher rates of complications and often require multiple procedures to heal. These non-healing bones are referred to as being in nonunion. Factors such as age or underlying conditions, Guldberg said, can increase the risk of complications, motivating the need for biomarkers that can predict patient outcomes. "We were quite intrigued to identify biomarkers that could be measured from the blood that correlated with local healing," he said. "The observation that was most exciting though was that immunosuppressive biomarkers were elevated as early as one week after treatment, well before radiographs could be used to assess the progress of healing." A similar dysregulated immune response is seen in early stages of infections, cancer and other diseases. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells normally activate along with other cell groups that respond to injury or a pathological condition. In turn, various proteins, such as the cytokines identified in the new paper, activate to control inflammation. Under normal conditions following injury, these compensatory responses return to normal levels. When that compensation fails to occur, Guldberg said, patients can enter a state of chronic inflammation and sustained immune suppression that appear to be associated with poor treatment outcomes. Under a recently awarded 2.5 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, Guldberg will lead a team to further characterize and confirm the immune biomarkers in anticipation of a possible human clinical trial and test a new immunomodulation treatment strategy. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Bird Song of the Day From the frozen North. #COVID19 At reader request, Ive added this daily chart from 91-DIVOC. The data is the Johns Hopkins CSSE data. Here is the site. I feel Im engaging in a macabre form of tape-watching, because I dont think the peak is coming in the next days, or even weeks. Is the virus gathering itself for another leap? Vaccination by region: Still digging out. Case count by United States region: Big states (New York, Florida, Texas, California): Test positivity: Regional averages approach 3%, which is what we want to see. (Alert reader TsWkr pointed out its time to update my test positivity comment, which I just did.) Hospitalization: Hospitalization is discretionary; they may also be reducing their admissions rate relative to cases we cannot see in this data! to preserve future capacity; or because hospitals have figured out how to send people home. Case fatality rate (plus deaths): Again, this chart is giving me the creeps. The fatality rate in the West (red, at the bottom) is now distinctly separate the others and trending upward. The Northest is going down. Why? NY: The Strange Case of New Yorks Covid-19 Death Count [Bloomberg]. the state Department of Health has been running a real-time monitoring system, a useful thing in the middle of a pandemic but not a source of reliable vital statistics. Thats understandable given that in New York the state health department doesnt do vital statistics. As is the case in about half the states, New York has decentralized public-health governance, meaning that the county and New York City health departments are responsible for figuring out how many people actually died of Covid-19 (and of everything else) and reporting that to the CDCs National Center for Health Statistics. But instead of incorporating their more-complete tallies into its totals, the state just keeps putting out its own obviously wrong numbers. This is weird, but not entirely unique. There are three other states (Nebraska, Kentucky and Missouri), where the state-reported death toll is about as low relative to the CDCs as New Yorks, and one (Oklahoma) where its even lower.. Seen in conjunction with the states habit of reporting obviously wrong overall Covid-19 death totals, though, a pattern begins to emerge. Given that they are now ignored by much of the media, and have no effect on the official totals maintained by the CDC, the main audience for the states lower numbers by this point has got to be the governor himself. Apparently nobody in Albany wants to be the one to tell famously prickly Andrew Cuomo that the states Covid-19 death toll needs to be revised upwards by more than 20%. At least, thats my theory. Makes sense. I mean, if you live in a Third World-style political system where nobody wants to tell the Big Man the truth because theyre all afraid of him. Maybe Cuomo needed a court jester. * * * NY: CVS, Walgreens cancel COVID vaccine appointments in NY for those under 65 [Democrat and Chronicle]. An unknown number of New York residents had their COVID-19 vaccine appointments abruptly cancelled by CVS and Walgreens after they were able to sign up despite a state rule preventing pharmacies from vaccinating those under the age of 65. The retail pharmacy giants began administering the vaccine in New York last week under a federal program that allocates doses directly to them, with the chains limited appointments booked up within hours of being made available. Some of those appointments were filled by those who have comorbidities, who gained eligibility to receive the vaccine on Monday. But those who are under the age of 65 had their appointments abruptly cancelled days after making them, with the pharmacies pointing to the state rule.. The states rule preventing pharmacies from vaccinating people younger than 65, however, had been in effect for nearly a month prior to Feb. 15. Politics But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51 They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune They had learned nothing, and forgotten nothing. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord Capitol Seizure UDPATE Proud Boy cited in Trump impeachment trial poised to plead guilty [Politico]. Dominic Pezzola, 43, of Rochester, N.Y., would become the first target of the nationwide investigation of participants in the Capitol riot to plead guilty to crimes related to the breach.. [His lawyer, Jonathon] Zucker also said he and his client have come to believe another member of the Proud Boys one far more involved in the group and accused of spraying police with pepper spray on Jan. 6 has been working with law enforcement in order to avoid a charge. No doubt. Agent provocateurs are one reason these groups fractionalize. UPDATE Im less than enthusiastic about privatized law enforcement, even on a volunteer basis: Please share across all platforms. Do you Know this person?? Please contact the FBI with FBI Photo 5 if you do! #SeditionHunters #DCRIOTS #CapitolRiots #Doyouknow Please DO NOT post names on social media Special thanks to @SimsSimon15 for finding these great photos. pic.twitter.com/5A8sEcY4yl #SeditionHunters (@SeditionHunters) February 16, 2021 Because the powers-that-be can adjust the magic decoder ring to read left instead of conservative whenever they want. Our Famously Free Press We knew media would coddle Biden heres why its much worse [The Hill]. Biden and the first lady took a stroll on the North Lawn on Friday, along with their two dogs. The press had an opportunity to ask about COVID-19 relief, the thousands of jobs lost as a result of Bidens executive order regarding the Keystone pipeline, his broken promise about reopening schools by redefining reopening as just one day a week of in-classroom teaching. In other words, plenty of questions to ask but heres what we got: What inspired you to do this? one reporter asked of Jill Biden, regarding large hearts placed on the lawn with messages of unity and healing. Next time bring us coffee too! one journalist shouted. Which one is the old one? another journalist asked of the presidents dogs. Ill bring the donuts next time if you come back someone else in the press gallery offered. There was one semi-serious question, concerning Bidens thoughts about former President Trumps impeachment. The 46th president then proceeded to give his cup of coffee to a member of the press, who happily accepted it. All this in the middle of a pandemic. And not one late-night host touched it. Yep. I feel like the anaesthesia mask is being slowly fitted over my face. Biden Administration Democrats shift Congress into top speed on Covid aid, but it may still be too slow for many [Politico]. Democratic leaders are racing to get President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion pandemic aid plan through Congress, fulfilling one of his biggest early promises. But even if they hit their ambitious targets, major parts of the bill may already be too slow for many Americans walloped by the virus. Thats because some of the largest pieces of the aid will not hit U.S. households for at least another month and in some cases longer given the host of new bureaucratic holdups that are bound to follow congressional action. The lag is expected to be most painful for the millions of jobless Americans facing a drop-off in their $300 a week boost in unemployment payments, even if Congress can stay on track and get its Covid aid measure to Bidens desk by mid-March. Delays in the delivery of federal economic aid are a Washington fixture, but their effect on Bidens plan comes with particularly high stakes. The new president is devoting significant political capital to promoting the package as he tries to heal widespread anguish among Americans after nearly a year of pandemic disruption, making every day count as his White House pushes for benefits to get approved and distributed. Democrats are aware that their current plans to push the bill through at what qualifies as top speed for Congress may not be enough to assuage anxious voters . Anxious. Always with the feelings, never with the material. Anyhow, the reporter makes most painful for the millions of jobless Americans sound like a bad thing. Biden questions why Yale or Harvard graduates should get loans forgiven. But few borrowers attend elite schools [CNBC]. President Joe Biden recently questioned the logic of spending money to forgive the loans of students who attended elite colleges like Harvard, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania. Just 0.3% of federal student borrowers attended Ivy League colleges, according to an estimate by higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz. Oopsie. Here is an excellent long thread on student debt: You look at that chart and you see the total failure of the human capital model to explain labor market outcomes, insofar as it even is a falsifiable social science hypothesis. /3 Marshall Steinbaum (@Econ_Marshall) February 18, 2021 UPDATE US officially rejoins the Paris climate accord [CNN]. The United States officially rejoined the landmark international accord to limit global warming known as the Paris Agreement on Friday. Hours after he was sworn-in on January 20, President Joe Biden signed an executive order beginning the 30-day process for the US to reenter the global pact. The US had officially exited the agreement late last year on former President Donald Trumps orders, becoming the first and only country to formally pull out of the deal since it was adopted in 2015. Rejoining the Paris Agreement is a significant step by the Biden administration to reverse the climate policies of the last four years, during which Trump rolled back or loosened many of the countrys bedrock environmental policies and regulations. This is good. Is it good enough? Republican Funhouse (With subliminal Hall of Funhouse Mirrors reference.) As Trumps latest intra-party feud rages, Sen. Graham heads to Mar-a-Lago on a peace mission [CNN]. A staunch ally of Trumps, Graham has said in recent weeks he is concerned with how the feud between Trump and McConnell will affect Republicans chances in next years midterm elections. Theyre now at each others throat, Graham said on Fox News this week. Im more worried about 2022 than Ive ever been. I dont want to eat our own. Like McConnell, Graham has the next election at the top of his agenda. But while McConnell has made a conscious decision to ignore Trump and wants the party to move beyond the twice-impeached former president, Graham is trying to engage Trump to help the partys chances. Dunno if Daniel Camerons gonna work out for McConnell as the next Republican VP. Trunp Legacy Trump Hotel Employees Reveal What It Was Really Like Catering to the Right Wing Elite [Washingtonian]. As soon as Trump was seated, the server had to discreetly present a mini bottle of Purell hand sanitizer. (This applied long before Covid, mind you.) Next, cue dialogue: Good (time of day) Mr. President. Would you like your Diet Coke with or without ice? the server was instructed to recite. A polished tray with chilled bottles and highball glasses was already prepared for either response. Directions for pouring the soda were detailed in a process no fewer than seven steps longand illustrated with four photo exhibits. The beverage had to be opened in front of the germophobe commander in chief, never beforehand. The server was to hold a longneck-bottle opener by the lower third of the handle in one hand and the Diet Coke, also by the lower third, in the other. Once poured, the drink had to be placed at the Presidents right-hand side. Repeat until POTUS departs.' Ugh, diet soda. Realignment and Legitimacy The Politics of a Second Gilded Age [Matt Karp, Jacobin]. Novembers third major winner, filling out the picture, was Americas headlong march toward a party system entirely decoupled from the politics of class. To be sure, the class-aligned politics of the long New Deal era which happened to produce virtually every worthwhile national law, from Social Security to the Voting Rights Act began to erode decades ago. But the last four years have seen a rapid acceleration of this trend, with Republicans winning larger and larger chunks of the non-college-educated working class, while Democrats gain more and more votes from affluent professionals and managers. The result is a party system in which issues and policies that is, competing ideas about the exercise of power or the distribution of goods can hardly expect to find meaningful expression, let alone material fulfillment. Well worth read. I dont think this is the own that Clinton thinks it is: Don't vote for anyone you wouldn't trust with your dog. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 19, 2021 Stats Watch At reader request, I added some business stats back in. Please give Econintersect click-throughs; theyre a good, old-school blog that covers more than stats. Rail: Rail Week Ending 13 February 2021 Growth Rate Slows This Week [Econintersect]. Total rail traffic has two components carloads and intermodal (containers or trailers on rail cars). Container exports from China have recovered, container exports from the U.S. remain deep in contraction. This week again intermodal continued in expansion year-over-year and continues on a strengthening trendline. Carloads 4-week rolling average is in expansion when compared to the 4-week rolling average one year ago but the economic intuitive sectors remain in contraction. But overall because of the strength of intermodal, rail is growing year-over-year. * * * * * * Todays Fear & Greed Index: The Fear and Greed screen is blank again! [CNN]. One week ago: 69 (Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Feb 19 at 11:46am. New intern? The Biosphere Texas Grid Calls Off Emergency as Cold Eases: Energy Update [Bloomberg]. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the grid, said it had returned to normal operations Friday. But the winter storms blanketing much of the U.S. in snow and ice could cost the country as much as $50 billion in damage and economic loss, according to an estimate from AccuWeather. Biden authorizes supplies for Texas amid power outages, approves new disaster declarations [The Hill]. Homeland security adviser and deputy national security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall told reporters Thursday afternoon that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has supplied 60 generators to support critical sites like hospitals and water facilities, 729,000 liters of water, more than 10,000 wool blankets, 50,000 cotton blankets and 225,000 meals. Officials are also preparing for the possibility of further requests by Texas and getting ready to supply diesel fuel to power facilities, she said. [Homeland security adviser and deputy national security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall] told reporters that the administration would undertake an effort to strengthen and harden critical infrastructure to ensure that the federal government and states can better prepare for incidents of severe weather. How it started: Team AOC is launching relief efforts for Texas starting today. Our first effort is a partnership w/ 5 Texas orgs getting on-the-ground relief to Texans ASAP. If youre able, please donate here itll split your contribution to all 5. % goes to them.https://t.co/TTIiNimja7 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 18, 2021 How its going: Totally blown away. $1M raised in direct relief for Texans in less than a day. As a thank you to everyone who contributed & amplified, Ill be going to Texas this weekend to visit w/ @LaCongresista in Houston & highlight whats happening on the ground. https://t.co/DSkTSqfbkZ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 19, 2021 Proving once again that AOC is a very talented politician (and one who can deliver concrete material benefits. And smartly, shes reinforcing a fellow House member). However, what we are seeing is every sign of a failed state; AOCs effort is the equivalent of a GoFundMe for medical bills that should be handled by #MedicareForAll. And Im not sure AOC sees that. Health Care Impact of Key Provisions of the House COVID-19 Relief Proposal on Marketplace Premiums [KFF]. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made premium tax credits available to people purchasing health coverage on the Marketplaces, but generally only when their incomes fall between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. However, a sharp cliff exists at 400% of the poverty level. By extending eligibility for Marketplace subsidies above 400% of poverty, the House proposal flattens out the ACAs subsidy cliff and lowers premiums for virtually everyone already eligible for Marketplace subsidies. Handy chart: it hasn't been discussed much, but there is a massive ObamaCare reform in the covid bill. look at that subsidy cliff lol https://t.co/7UfepoVpcN pic.twitter.com/lNzM9drgCO ryan cooper (@ryanlcooper) February 19, 2021 When the cliff existed: Some quick math: In the silver plan, if you make $51,000 you pay $5,004 / year, leaving you with $45,996. If you get a $1,000 raise, you would pay $10,440 in premiums per year, leaving you with $41,560. If a conservative told me this is how it works I'd assume they were lying. The Famed Curmudgeon (@jarsilver) February 19, 2021 I wrote at length about means-testing nonsense like the subsidy cliff (I called it being on the bubble) back in 2013 under the rubric of Obamas relentless creation of second-class citizens. It warms my heart to see that seven years on, the wonks have proven me correct. Now do single payer. And please dont spend another two or three Presidential cycles dicking around with co-pays, deductibles, networks (and missing dental). Just do single payer. How One Employer Stuck a New Mom With an $898,984 Bill for Her Premature Baby [ProPublica]. Lauren Bard opened the hospital bill this month and her body went numb. In bold block letters it said, AMOUNT DUE: $898,984.57. Last fall, Bards daughter, Sadie, had arrived about three months prematurely; and as a nurse herself, Bard knew the costs for Sadies care would be high. But shed assumed the bulk would be covered by the organization that owned the hospital where she worked: Dignity Health, whose marketing motto is Hello humankindness. . She would be wrong. DIgnity Health. Never eat at a place called Moms. Covid-19 Was Spreading in China Before First Confirmed Cases, Fresh Evidence Suggests [Wall Street Journal]. Chinese authorities have identified 174 confirmed Covid-19 cases around the city from December 2019, said World Health Organization researchers, enough to suggest there were many more mild, asymptomatic or otherwise undetected cases than previously thought. Many of the 174 cases had no known connection to the market that was initially considered the source of the outbreak, according to information gathered by WHO investigators during the four-week mission to China to examine the origins of the virus. Chinese authorities declined to give the WHO team raw data on these cases and potential earlier ones, team members said. In examining 13 genetic sequences of the virus from December, Chinese authorities found similar sequences among those linked to the market, but slight differences in those of people without any link to it, according to the WHO investigators. The two sets likely began to diverge between mid-November and early December, but could possibly indicate infections as far back as September, said Marion Koopmans, a Dutch virologist on the WHO team. Pfizer says vaccine can be stored in normal freezers [The Hill]. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine does not need to be stored in expensive deep freezers that have posed challenges to the vaccination campaign, the company announced Friday. Pfizer submitted data to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showing the vaccine is stable when stored between minus 13 degrees and 5 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers and refrigerators. The company is asking the FDA to update its authorization of the vaccine to allow for vials to be stored at these temperatures for a total of two weeks as an alternative or complement to colder freezers. Good news medically, but I bet a lot of hospitals, especiallly rural ones, would like to send Pfizer an invoice for the now-useless freezers they bought. Plus ca change. Streetcar conductor in Seattle not allowing passengers aboard without a mask, during Spanish Flu Pandemic in 1918 pic.twitter.com/bEcukmKaPy Things from the past (@moodvintage) February 12, 2021 Groves of Academe The student and the algorithm: how the exam results fiasco threatened one pupils future [Guardian]. I dont want to excerpt this; its worth reading in full [family bloggering algos and the administrators who love them]. Logrolling in our time: Guillotine Watch How the Rich Can Escape Americas Unreliable Power Grid [Bloomberg]. [Wim] Coekaerts, who grew up in Belgium, is a man who highly values reliable, stable electricity something PG&E has not always provided in recent years amid increasingly ferocious wildfires. His system, which was activated in November, combines 27 kw of photovoltaic solar panels with a 232kWh Tesla Powerpack. There are five ground-mounted arrays of 15 solar panels each, or 75 solar panels total, stretching across the yard. The Tesla Powerpack, which on the outside just looks like a massive white box with Teslas logo, emits a low hum and is protected and surrounded by a tasteful wooden fence. Its gonna take more than a wooden fence Class Warfare UPDATE The Gig Economy Is Coming for Millions of American Jobs [Bloomberg]. Employees in related fields are already feeling the knock-on effects [of Proposition 22]. In December, Albertsons Cos., the supermarket chain, started informing delivery drivers theyd be replaced by contractors. In California hundreds of Albertsons employees are being swapped for DoorDash Inc. workers, according to the United Food & Commercial Workers union. Albertsons declined to comment on the layoff figures but says that the move is happening in multiple states to help us create a more efficient operation and that affected workers are being offered other jobs there. (Some workers dispute that last part.) Startups such as Jyve Corp., which sends contractors to grocery stores to stock shelves in lieu of employees, are seeking similar exemptions. Companies in a range of industries could use the Prop 22 model to undermine or eliminate employment protections. A week after the election, Shawn Carolan, a partner at early Uber investor Menlo Ventures, wrote an op-ed heralding the potential to spread Prop 22s vision of work from agriculture to zookeeping, including to nursing, executive assistance, tutoring, programming, restaurant work and design. The Coalition for Workforce Innovation, a lobbying group that seeks to enable wider use of contract labor, includes trade groups representing Amazon.com, Apple, AT&T, Comcast NBCUniversal, CVS Health, General Motors, Nike, Rite Aid, Starbucks, T-Mobile, Verizon Communications, and Walmart, as well as construction, finance, media, sales, and trucking interests. Pelosi and Harris fought Proposition 22 with everything they had Which turned out to be precisely nothing. Thanks, California oligarchy! The K-shaped recovery: In 2020 Americans with good credit scores went on a giant borrowing binge. Far larger than anything before 2008. https://t.co/1u3a2UtTGY pic.twitter.com/IC28hs36WR Adam Tooze (@adam_tooze) February 19, 2021 Guess which arm of the K the Democrat base is on? News of the Wired COVID-19 and the Political Economy of Mass Hysteria (PDF) [International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health]. An excerpt: [T]he state may actively want to instill fear in the population, thereby contributing to the making of mass hysteria. Illustrating this point is the leakage of an internal paper of the German Department of the Interior during the first weeks of the COVID-19 crisis [101]. In the paper, the state experts recommended that the government should instill fear in the German population. In order to spread fear, the paper endorsed three communication strategies. First, the state authorities should stress the breathing problems of COVID-19 patients because human beings have a primordial fear of death by suffocation [102,103], which can easily trigger panic [104]. Second, the experts emphasized that fear should also be instilled in children, even though there is next to no risk to childrens own health. However, children could get easily infected by meeting and playing with other children. According to the report, children should be told that when they infect their parents and grandparents in turn, they could suffer a distressful death at home. This communication advice intended to invoke anxiety and feelings of guilt. Instilling guilt is another measure used by governments to make the population more supportive [105]. The recommended message instills fear of being responsible for infecting others who die a distressful death. Third, the German government was advised to mention the possibility of unknown longterm irreversible health damage caused by a SARS-CoV-2 infection and the possibility of a sudden and unexpected death of people who were infected. All these communication recommendations were intended to increase fear in the population. Fear, at the end, is an important foundation of a governments power. As Henry H. Mencken put it: the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. [106] The overreaction of government to a perceived threat then fosters anxiety. The difficulty here is that the Covid can create breathing problems, children can transmit, and there is irreversible health damage. It is right to be fearful of Covid. It seems to me, however, that the conservative trope of living in fear has a point; living in fear prevents action. The issue, then, is what sort of action to take. Here the state has not been at all helpful, as with recommendations to trust the science while the science changes, Fauci and WHOs Noble Lies on masks, Faucis moving goalposts on herd immunity, and so forth. Its almost as if the state, having handled the instilling fear part quite well, doesnt want an informed citizenry making decisions democratically. Commentary: In previous experiences of ill health I have always found that a positive mental attitude can do wonders for recovery. Yet what I found in my personal experience was that due to the paranoia and *fear* of becoming a statistic I had the opposite of positive mental attitude. Izabella Kaminska (@izakaminska) February 19, 2021 RussiaGate might have been a better case study than Covid, being simpler and cleaner. * * * Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, (c) how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal, and (d) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (DCBlogger): Not only Texas! * * * Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the recently concluded and thank you! successful annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals: Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated. If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you! HARRISBURG The data needed to redraw Pennsylvanias political districts is more than five months behind schedule, raising concerns among advocates for fair maps that state lawmakers could use the delay to fast-track the redistricting process and make it less transparent. The U.S. Census Bureau announced last week that it cant release the population figures needed for redistricting until Sept. 30, citing setbacks in collecting responses to questionnaires during the coronavirus pandemic. That means state lawmakers cant begin the once-in-a-decade drawing of Pennsylvanias legislative and congressional lines in earnest until September. The shortened timeline could also put the 2022 primary election at risk of being delayed. Carol Kuniholm, chairperson of Fair Districts PA, a nonprofit group advocating for redistricting reform, said shes concerned lawmakers will use the delay as an excuse to limit transparency and public input, which has been minimal in previous decades. In December 2011, Republican lawmakers revealed and passed a new congressional map in less than two weeks. That map was later overturned by the state Supreme Court, which called it a partisan gerrymander that diluted Democrats votes in order to give the party in power a lasting electoral advantage. Pennsylvania is expected to lose a congressional seat this year raising the stakes even higher and Republicans who control how that map is drawn must get Democratic Gov. Tom Wolfs approval. The legislative political lines, meanwhile, can determine which party controls the General Assembly and dictates policy-making decisions for the next decade. Kuniholms group wants lawmakers to pass a bill requiring more public hearings and citizen involvement in the process. Theres no reason why they cant be collecting public comments even before the data comes out, then hold regional mapping events over Zoom, she said, adding once the data is released, lawmakers should hold regional meetings to allow the public to weigh in on the proposed maps. Thats all completely doable in the time frame they have if they plan ahead and they commit to doing a transparent public process, she said. As a general rule, the maps must be completed before candidates can start filing to run in the 2022 primary, as theyll need to know whether they live within the new districts boundaries and gather ballot petition signatures from people who live in that district. Pennsylvanias primary filing deadline is March 9, 2022, which gives lawmakers only six months compared to the year they had last decade to create and approve the maps. Ben Williams, an elections and redistricting policy specialist at the National Conference of State Legislatures, wrote that states can push candidate filing deadlines back to give lawmakers more time to complete maps, or ask courts to push back any legislative or constitutional deadlines associated with redistricting. Primary election dates could also be changed, Williams wrote. Last year, Wolf delayed Pennsylvanias primary election by 35 days, citing the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic. Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-34, Bellefonte, told the Associated Press on Feb. 12 that lawmakers may have to consider postponing the May 17, 2022, primary if the data comes in so late. Kuniholm said she thinks lawmakers can get the maps drawn without having to delay primaries or hold elections under the old maps something her organization would argue against. If they have the data by the end of September, good maps can be drawn quickly and be available for public feedback, she said. Drawing a map to capture all the predicted data and really gerrymander it precisely can be more time-consuming. Khalif Ali, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, said he would accept delaying the primary if it meant giving the public more time to provide input. Any changes of the schedule should not come at the expense of opportunities for the public to submit testimony or respond to the proposed maps, he said. Pennsylvania faced a similar dilemma in 2012, when the state Supreme Court invalidated the legislative map drawn by a commission of the General Assemblys top lawmakers. As a result, Republicans asked the court to delay the April 24 primary. Instead, elections that year were held based on the previous decades maps while the commission worked on a new one, which wasnt approved until May 2013. Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-43, Pittsburgh, one of four legislative caucus leaders who make up the Legislative Reapportionment Commission, said the process will likely be compressed in November, December and January. It will be a tight timeline given the constraints we have right now, he said Friday during a virtual meeting with the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. It makes our work a little harder, but thats OK by me. He said his biggest concern was ensuring the population count was accurate, even if that means the data is delayed. We also have to be cognizant of the fact that we want to give people an opportunity to witness the process that we participate in as reapportionment commission members, an opportunity to have input into what the maps look like, an opportunity to understand what were trying to achieve as we put those maps out there for consideration, and an opportunity for the matters to go to court if necessary, he said. Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-39, Pittsburgh, said her caucus would explore all options to ensure we meet our constitutional duties in this process. The House and Senate State Government committees have scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday on what the data delay means for Pennsylvania. (This article is part of a yearlong reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. It is made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access.) 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. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Showers this morning becoming less numerous during the afternoon hours. High 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Gas prices began increasing this week in New Jersey as the mercury dropped and severe winter weather knocked out Gulf Coast oil refineries. Roughly 20 Gulf Coast refineries have shut down entirely or curtailed operations due to electric power problems in Texas that have left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity. Those refinery outages in Texas and a few other states increased prices at the pump in New Jersey by 12 to 20 cents a gallon from Feb. 14 through next Wednesday, said Tom Kloza, Oil Price Information Service global petroleum analyst. Youre going to see it almost immediately, he said. Lost gas refining capacity from the shutdown is about 5 million barrels a day, which is a lot. AAA Northeast officials said motorists started to see the effects at the pump as early as Monday after New Jerseys average price for regular jumped six cents to $2.73 per gallon. Savvy drivers can find lower prices ranging from $2.38 to $2.47 a gallon for regular, according to Gas Buddy.com. Nationally, the loss of the Gulf Coast refineries could send prices up about 15 cents a gallon, Kloza predicted. There will be a little spasm but were not looking to repeat the sustained price spikes of 2011 to 2016, he said. Three marketplace factors will prevent a sustained surge in price: Demand is low for gas because driving falls off between February through March. Gas supplies are plentiful. And quite a bit of European gasoline is headed to the East Coast and will get here in mid-March, Kloza said. Meanwhile, Texas and other affected Gulf Coast refineries could be back on line in 12-14 days. It may take 12 to 14 days to round up employees, whove been in shelters or hotels, and they have to make sure the water and natural gas is intact. You need power and natural gas to run refineries, Kloza said. This is a serendipitous time because demand (for gas) is notoriously poor. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. 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! Kabul 17 district kotal jharkhand / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake : It was a few minutes ago that fell the windows were shaking I clear understood this is earthquake. We were trying to get out home but in a few it came back to normal situation so it was just for few seconds in area of kotal karkhana 17 district of Kabul . | 18 users found this interesting. Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) : It was sounded like a bomb explosion earthquake, but its sound loud in mountains across the area, it looks like few kilometers depth | 8 users found this interesting. 102.4 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I heard 1st a sound like turning on a generator, then felt strong vibration that intend collapse everything. | 4 users found this interesting. Bagram (123.4 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 1-2 s : Just a quick up and down shake | 5 users found this interesting. Kabul (107.1 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : I think the Richter scale of this earthquake was 4-4.9 Magnitude. | 4 users found this interesting. Green Zone, Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Felt like vibrations swept from one side of my bedroom to the other. Windows and doors rattled severely in their frames. Everyone in the building was aware and came out to see/understand what was going on. | 2 users found this interesting. Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 10-15 s : Vertigo experienced 30 mins before, continuous noises as if small boulders were thrown on rooftop, a portion of the ground moved smoothly like a wave or sand dunes, making big buzzing noise, lasted nearly 15 seconds | 2 users found this interesting. Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : like bomb explosion | 3 users found this interesting. Kabul, Afghanistan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : This earthquake had a sudden onset with a boom sound then cracking with some vibration. We are 300km from the epicenter. | One user found this interesting. Kabul (101.3 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / very short : Very short quick with a strong sound of explosion and shaking just for a second | One user found this interesting. Kabul, right next to the airport / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) : I was laying in bed talking on FaceTime. I heard a rather loud rumbling sound and felt the building start to shake for approximately 30-90 seconds. The initial stronger rumbling lasted around 30-90 seconds and it was followed by smaller tremors that lasted for up to five minutes beyond the initial rumbling. Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / very short : Rush of air then Very quick one shake and over I thought it might have been a far away bomb that I could not hear Kabul, UN Compound / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 10-15 s : Felt as if a long train or missile was passing by under my bed, with horrible explosion like noise or firing - for a moment thought we were under attack. Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 10-15 s : At first seconds This earthquake had very bad noise like bomb blast, after that noise the earth start shaking so badly. Karte Parwan 3 District 4 Kabul Afghanistan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : It was like something was hit to the building and I felt that a powerful force is pushing the building. My kids awakend and we're worried. I just told them that I was me mistakenly hit their beds. I never felt this kind of quake before Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : It was very dangerous. I was helping my kids their school lessons, suddenly the room shake strong for 3 seconds. And then stopped. Kabul city. Baharistan area / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Was so strong that made me jump out of my bed, ran toward corridor and the whole building was shaking so badly. Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Walls were shaking and heard noise | One user found this interesting. Kabul centre / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Noticeable shaking, approx 6 seconds. | One user found this interesting. Kabul, Afghanistan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s : Also heard loud rumbling (like a train or large truck) | One user found this interesting. Kabul / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) : It was so strong that my family lipsticks,phones,powerbanks and more fell of in Kabul Afghanistan | One user found this interesting. Kabul city. Baharistan area / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Was strong that I jumped out of my bed | One user found this interesting. Come on it wasn't this much but anyway may be you was doing something wrong and you thought your dad shakes the bed. / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s Kabul, Afghanistan / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) : Had shakes and waves and horrible sound. Kabul, Afghanistan | One user found this interesting. Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Loud boom and violent shaking | One user found this interesting. 118.7 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) Baron Hotel, Kabul (107.5 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s 103.3 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul (104.3 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s 99.3 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) 106 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul (102.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : 106.6 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) 115.3 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s 107.4 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short Kabul (102.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) 95 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 5-10 s Kabul (101.1 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s 98.7 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s 101.6 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) 106 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) 101.5 km SSE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s 99.4 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) 105.9 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s Kabul (99.5 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s Kabul puli charkhi (122.8 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s 112.5 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Afshar, Kabul (96.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Kabul City,Yakatoot (108.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s 335.7 km SE of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt / 2-5 s 115.7 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 5-10 s 100 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : The entire house was creaking. Neighbors felt it, too. Kabul (97.9 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s 93.3 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Kabul (95 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / very short 101.2 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) 107.6 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s 192.5 km SW of epicenter [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 5-10 s 254.5 km SW of epicenter [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / 15-20 s 112.2 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s 88.6 km ESE of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) 5146.9 km NW of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s 102.1 km E of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Kefayat Center, PD7, Kabul City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul, PD 4 / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Loud rumble and shook the house , furniture vibrated, thought there was a bomb close by Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Kabul / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Kabul / not felt / 2-5 s 15th district Qasaba Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Before quakes hear explosion sound Kabul district 5 / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul bagrami destrect / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex motion difficult to describe / 20-30 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex motion difficult to describe / 20-30 s Wazir akbar khan kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul, Afghanistan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single vertical bump / very short Kabul / Weak shaking (MMI III) : it was to long about more than 40 sec. Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : It was so scary Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 2-5 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s Bagram / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Karte char, Kabul, Afghanistan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 20-30 s : I thought the door should fall it was really scary Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex motion difficult to describe / 20-30 s kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s Kabul Afshar Silo / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : kabul afshar Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 20-30 s Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Sadon shock with sound in Kabul not more than one minute. Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Kabul, Afghanistan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Kabul Ahmadshah Baba mina / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : It had a crazy sound I felt in sleeping Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Woke up from the bed shaking for a few seconds Kabul dashtbarchi / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul, Darulaman Road / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Kabul / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Its was powerful quick shaking and rolling with sound Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) bagram / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : was there a bomb? Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul / Weak shaking (MMI III) Kubal / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Nothing felt down from tables or shelfs Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Kabul KABUL, PD 9, ICON compound / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s : Everybody in the building felt it. At ICON compoumd, PD9. Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single lateral shake / very short Kabul Afghanistan / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 1-2 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s Kabul Afghanistan, international zone, adjacent to / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : Very quick but very strong with sudden shock! Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s Baron Hotel Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short Kabul District 9 / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : I didn't recognize is earthquake or bomb explosion but ends around 2-5 sec. 5th district, Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) : It was shaking for few secs like 6-9 kabul / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 2-5 s : Na Kabul / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) : Never experienced such a Earthquack... Very bad Kabul Afghanistan / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) : I feel it was 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 5-10 s : Felt deep, as only heavy structures shook Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : It was so scary Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : First thought it was a blast but latter on I concluded that it was an earthquake Kabul / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 1-2 s : It shaked fast and i heard a sound as well Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Kabul, PD 4 / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Loud rumble and shook the house , furniture vibrated, thought there was a bomb close by Kabul / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : There was not much shaking but the vibration was strong. Kabul / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Kabul / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s : It has a very bad sound no shank well Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul Afghanistan / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : It was terrible experience. Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 2-5 s Kabul Afghanistan / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 5-10 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 1-2 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single vertical bump / very short : It was like a sudden jerk as if the earth is sinking Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 15-20 s Kabul , Afghanistan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Heard a sound of explosion Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / both vertical and horizontal swinging : Very scary Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 1-2 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s Kabul city / Light shaking (MMI IV) : I was sleeping while shaking by the earthquake and awakened. Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s Jabul, Bagrami / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 2-5 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) KABUL / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 1-2 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 5-10 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 1-2 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Continued for 5 secs Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul international airport / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s Kabul, Afghanistan / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / 5-10 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kefayat Center, PD7, Kabul City / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kabul / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : N/A Kabul / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s Bagrama ab / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 1-2 s Kabul / Moderate shaking (MMI V) 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. (Newser) If invited, the Biden administration said Thursday, the US would meet with Iran and the other nations that signed the 2015 nuclear treaty about reinstating it. EU High Commissioner Josep Borrell said he'd be willing to set such a meeting up, USA Today reports. The US goal would be "to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Irans nuclear program," said Ned Price, a State Department spokesman. The other nations involved in the original negotiations were China, France, Germany, Russia, and the UK. Former President Trump pulled the US out of the agreement in 2018, arguing that it doesn't do enough to limit Iran's support for terrorist groups or its ballistic missile program. President Biden has said he wants to revive the treaty. story continues below Also Thursday, per the AP, the US, Britain, Germany, and France called on Iran to permit UN nuclear inspections to continue and halt any nuclear work that is not for civilian purposes. Biden's move is a shift in position, but a State Department official said it's not a concession to Iran, per Bloomberg. Keeping Iran under "maximum pressure" for four years during Trump's presidency only pushed the nation closer to having the capability to build a nuclear weapon, the official said. Biden has said he'd remove sanctions imposed by Trump once Iran again complied with the terms of the treaty, though Iran has violated the provisions by enriching uranium at higher levels than allowed. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that once Iran is in compliance, the US would work toward a "longer and stronger" treaty that addressed the shortcomings in the previous one. (Read more Iran nuclear deal stories.) Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. NORTHAMPTON A Holyoke man pled guilty Thursday to badly mistreating hundreds of roosters, that he had trained for illegal cockfighting, which were found during a raid 2018 raid of a small farm in the Florence section of the city. Miguel Rodriguez, 59, was sentenced to serve two years of probation, the first six months of which will be in home confinement and while wearing a GPS monitoring device, after admitting in Northampton District Court to felony charges of animal cruelty and owning, possessing and training animals for fighting, said Mary Carey, spokeswoman for Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan. In addition, Judge Jacklyn Connly also banned him from possessing any animals or animal fighting paraphernalia or paraphernalia of pet ownership. He must also perform 100 hours of community service and cannot go near Ravenwold Greenhouses, where the birds were kept, Carey said. Two other men charged in the investigation, Salvador Cruz and John Mercado, who have pleaded not guilty, are scheduled to return to court on Feb. 26. All three were charged with the same offenses in August, she said. The charges come after an animal control officer found hundreds of roosters in three coops, some of which had padlocks and covered windows, during an inspection of the Florence Road farm on May 23, 2018. The coops had been rented to the three men, the owner told police. During the inspection, Officer Justine Rule noticed some of the birds appeared to be in poor health and had been disfigured in ways that are typical to prepare a bird for cockfighting. She also found other items used for cockfighting, including a blood-spattered area that was believed to be a training ring, court records said. Law enforcement received a search warrant and raided the farm on May 24 and 25, with 11 city police officers and 15 animal control officers from multiple towns and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and found more than 420 birds. More than half were roosters and they were living in inhumane conditions, court records said. The arrests were made after a long investigation into the incident. The owners of Ravenwold Greenhouses were not believed to have been involved or had any knowledge of the cockfighting. The vast majority of birds located were underweight. They were also found with many injuries such as missing toes, missing feet, sections of their beaks missing, fractured beaks, Northampton Animal Control Officer Shyla R. Howe said in court records. A hen, also located in the southern coop, was found with its legs cut off completely. Based on the totality of this hens injuries, it is believed that she was a bait bird for the purpose of training for cockfighting. In the raid, police also found a rooster missing half its scalp and an eye. The rooster, initially believed to be dead, survived after receiving months of veterinary care, Howe said in court records. Other roosters were found with missing feathers, which owners will shave to keep the animal cooler during a fight, and other mutilations such as cut-off wattles, combs and earlobes, which is commonly done to birds used for cockfighting. A number of dead and decaying birds were found in the coops. The roosters were considered too aggressive to be rehabilitated and were euthanized, court records said. During the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington, asked for Rodriguez to spend six months in jail followed by two years of probation. Defense lawyer Philip Lauro, of Springfield, asked instead for six months of home confinement instead of jail time, followed by probation, she said. Advocates against animal cruelty criticized the sentence as too lenient. Its shameful to see cockfighters in Massachusetts are merely given a slap on the wrist and probation for crimes related to perpetuating this horrific blood-sport that continues to plague the U.S., said Marty Irby, executive director of Washington, D.C.-based Animal Wellness Action. Irby said cockfighting remains a high-risk breeding ground for the next COVID-19 type pandemic because birds are often shipped around the world, and can carry illnesses such as Newcastle disease and avian influenza. The organization called on the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene in the case. A top member of President Joe Biden's COVID panel is distancing himself from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, denying Cuomo's claim that he was a 'chief advisor'. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert with the University of Minnesota, was the latest to distance himself from Cuomo as fallout grows from the governor's nursing home deaths scandal. Cuomo's administration had claimed Osterholm was a 'chief advisor' who spoke with the governor on a 'regular basis' -- claims the epidemiologist was quick to deny on Thursday. 'I've had one, five-minute conversation in my entire life with Governor Cuomo, just a few weeks ago when he called me, just to congratulate me on a TV program appearance,' Osterholm told the PBS program Firing Line. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert with the University of Minnesota, denied New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's claim that he was a 'chief advisor' Bodies are removed from a Brooklyn hospital last April. More than 15,000 people have died in New York state's nursing homes and long term care facilities from the virus, but as recently as last month, the state reported only 8,500 deaths In a call with lawmakers, a top Cuomo aide called Dr. Michael Osterholm a chief advisor who spoke to the governor on a "regular basis." Osterholm counters this claim on @FiringLineShow: I've had one five-minute conversation my entire life with Governor Cuomo," he says. pic.twitter.com/ljd1qbR8G5 Firing Line with Margaret Hoover (@FiringLineShow) February 18, 2021 Cuomo has faced fierce backlash, calls to resign, and a federal investigation after one of his top aides admitted this month that his administration had intentionally hid the true pandemic death toll in the state's nursing homes to avoid a scandal that could benefit Donald Trump. What is Cuomo's nursing home scandal? Last March, Cuomo ordered nursing homes in New York to accept COVID-positive patients and bar testing prospective patients. Cuomo rescinded the order in May, blaming the Trump administration and claiming New York's nursing home death rate was still less than many other states. Last month, state Attorney General Letitia James concluded that the Cuomo administration undercounted COVID-19-related deaths at nursing homes by as much as 50 percent. A top aide to the governor admitted on February 12 that the administration had intentionally delayed releasing the true death toll, fearing it would spur a federal investigation that could have benefited Donald Trump in the 2020 election. More than 15,000 people have died in New York state's nursing homes and long term care facilities from the virus, but as recently as last month, the state reported only 8,500 deaths. Advertisement More than 15,000 people have died in New York state's nursing homes and long term care facilities from the virus, but as recently as last month, the state reported only 8,500 deaths. Asked about Cuomo's handling of the nursing home issue, Osterholm denied any involvement. 'First of all, I haven't had, not had anything to do with his nursing home activity at all,' said Osterholm. 'I came on basically in early June only just to review data on a weekly basis; did it meet the standards that they had set?' Interviewer Margaret Hoover pressed Osterholm on his claim, saying: 'You said you've only spoken to Governor Cuomo once, but one of his top aides said that [Cuomo] spoke to you on a regular basis, that you were one of his top advisors.' 'That's absolutely not true,' Osterholm cut in. 'Never true. I've had one, five-minute conversation, which was a surprise.' 'I have a paper trail of all of the emails,' he added. 'All I ever was asked to do is, did this meet the red, green, or yellow zone numbers? And that was it. I've never, I've not had a discussion with him and I've not met with any of them. I've never had a Zoom call with any of them.' Following the interview, top Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said in a statement: 'Dr Olsterholm played a role as a chief advisor on reopening and our fall micro cluster strategy he advised the gov through our core team, who he spoke to on a regular basis.' A press release in October listed Osterholm as among the Cuomo administration's lead advisors on the state's microcluster strategy. It comes as Cuomo's isolation deepens, with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio calling for a blue-ribbon commission to investigate his handling of nursing homes. During an interview with Bloomberg Wednesday, de Blasio said he supported the idea of forming an independent Moreland Commission - using the Moreland Act - to probe claims Cuomo purposely under-reported the death toll in state nursing homes. The whole thing has to be examined, de Blasio insisted. We need the full truth. Its extraordinarily troubling on a human level because we dont even know what it wouldve meant how many lives mightve been saved if things had been done differently. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling for a blue-ribbon commission to investigate Cuomo's handling of nursing homes in the pandemic Cuomo is already being investigated by the FBI and the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn over the alleged cover-up. If enacted, the Moreland Act allows the governor, in person or through those appointed by the governor, to investigate the management and affairs of any department, board, bureau or commission in New York state. Meanwhile, the sons of a COVID victim have slammed Cuomo for 'lying' and 'deflecting' about the deaths. Daniel and Peter Arbeeny, whose father Norman died with the virus in April last year, said the Cuomo brothers have been 'deflecting' from the issues. Daniel told Fox & Friends about Cuomo: 'He's consistently lied and gaslighted us and called us names from the beginning.' Daniel and Peter's father, 89, had a long hospital stay last April where they say he was 'neglected' and later sent to the Cobble Hill nursing home. Their father died 12 hours after testing positive for COVID but his cause of death was listed as heart disease and he was not counted in the pandemic death toll, according to reports. Daniel and Peter Arbeeny, whose father Norman died with the virus in May last year, said the Cuomo brothers have been 'deflecting' from the care home deaths scandal Norman (pictured) had a long hospital stay before he was moved to a nursing home after Cuomo had ordered hospitals to transfer patients Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared on his young brother Chris' CNN show more than ten times last year despite the network's 2013 ban on his interviewing family members The brothers also criticized Cuomo's brother Andrew Cuomo, the CNN host, for failing to address the governor's handling of nursing homes on his show. CNN has offered little coverage of the scandal and Chris, 50, failed to mention his brother at all while addressing the biggest COVID stories of the day on his Monday show. After a backlash, the network reportedly reinstated a ban on Chris interviewing Andrew, despite the Governor appearing on CNN more than ten times in the past year to receive praise. The decision to reinstate the fraternal ban after an extended break comes after months of praise being heaped on the governor by his brother in more than ten appearances on his show. In one interview on June 24, Chris readily admitted that he was incapable of objectively when it came to his brother. 'I'm wowed by what you did. And, more importantly, I'm wowed by how you did it, very hard I know it's not over,' he said. 'Obviously, I love you as my brother. Obviously, I'm not able to be objective. Obviously, I think you're the best politician in the country but I hope you feel good about what you did for your people.' OTTAWA - The Trudeau Liberals sought Friday to get ahead of a looming benefits panic, announcing plans to add extra weeks of income support for unemployed workers and parents at home with children because of the pandemic. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises during question period in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle OTTAWA - The Trudeau Liberals sought Friday to get ahead of a looming benefits panic, announcing plans to add extra weeks of income support for unemployed workers and parents at home with children because of the pandemic. The government plans to add 12 weeks of eligibility to the $500-a-week Canada Recovery Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, raising the maximum number of weeks available to 38 from 26. The federal sickness benefit will be expanded to four weeks from two so workers can stay home if they're feeling ill or have to isolate because of COVID-19. Employment insurance eligibility is also promised to be stretched to allow people to receive up to 50 weeks of benefits, rather than 26, for any claims filed since late September. Hassan Yussuff, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, said the extra weeks should be a major relief for those who worried about losing support at the end of next month. But he suggested the extension may not be enough to bridge to better times. Labour groups have asked the Liberals to extend benefits until the end of the year, which is how long they believe it might take before the workers in hardest-hit industries get back on the job. "The one thing that nobody has been able to predict is when are we going to get to the other side," Yussuff said. "As the government prepares for the budget, they may yet have to make a further announcement to figure out how we're going to support people until the job numbers are starting to return to the level they were prior to the pandemic." Canada's labour market reversed months of gains in December and January, as lockdowns sent employment rates back to where they were in August, leaving the country short 858,300 jobs of pre-pandemic levels. The government had planned to review eligibility for the recovery benefits at the start of January and the jobs numbers helped inform the decision to add more weeks, said Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough. The extra weeks for the recovery benefits will provide income support to June for those who have needed it since their inception, roughly the same time that business support like the wage subsidy is also to expire. Federal officials will see what needs to come next for workers and businesses depending on how things look, Qualtrough said in an interview. "We just are constantly figuring out the balance between all these programs, to minimize any kind of negative impact, but also to maximize labour-force attachment," she said, "and preparations that are underway to kick things into gear when the country is vaccinated." The government's most recent figures show it has provided over $11.6 billion through the three recovery benefits launched in the fall to replace the Canada Emergency Recovery Benefit. A further $13.5 billion has been spent on regular EI benefits, with about two million people currently receiving the income support. That doesn't include special benefits like parental leave. The government estimates the cost to extend the benefits at $6.7 billion, and a further $5.4 billion for EI. Extending the recovery benefits can happen through regulation, which is simpler than the law that needs to be passed to extend EI eligibility. And once changes are made, provincial governments would have to update worker protection rules to accommodate the extra weeks of sickness and caregiving leave. Conservative workforce critic Raquel Dancho said in a statement that her party supported getting help to unemployed workers, and put the onus on the government to craft a plan to create jobs across every sector of the economy. "The Liberals need to present a budget, their first in two years, that will get Canadians back to work and bring our economy back to life," the statement said. NDP employment critic Daniel Blaikie welcomed the additional weeks, but noted it doesn't solve concerns that the sick leave can't be taken one or two days at a time. "It's a good start, but there is a lot that is still not working well with these programs," he said in an interview. "It's going to take more than an announcement of simply extending benefits in order to get to the heart of some of these things." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2021. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. ADVERTISEMENT Nigerian equities entered the fourth day of a slide on Friday, dropping by 0.06 per cent as week-to-date loss topped N130 billion and investors continued to cast their glances in the way of improving yields in fixed income securities. The bourse of Africas biggest economy has been caught in a tailspin since the start of February with 13 out of the 15 trading sessions recorded so far ending in losses. Investors in the hunt for greater returns on investment are increasingly selling off stocks and ploughing the proceeds in bonds and treasury bills at a time majority of companies earnings reports for 2020 are yet to be issued. With the latest outcome of the NTB auction pointing towards yield elevation in the near term, we expect investors to trade cautiously while taking positions in stocks with attractive dividend yields, analysts at broker Cordros Capital said this week. As a result, we expect the local bourse to exhibit a zig-zag pattern in the near term as the opposing forces of uptick in yields and full-year 2020 corporate earnings releases dictate market performance. Depreciation in the shares of FBN Holdings, Stanbic IBTC and WAPCO was largely responsible for the Fridays underwhelming performance. Falls in the insurance and the oil and gas indices by 1.83 per cent and 1.82 per cent respectively also stoked loss. A negative market breadth was recorded as 20 laggards emerged against 18 gainers. The All Share Index (ASI) edged lower to 40,186.70 index points, while market capitalisation slipped to N21.026 trillion. Year to date, the index is up by 0.21 per cent. TOP FIVE GAINERS Livestock Feeds led gainers, growing by 9.27% to close at N2.24. ABC Portland Paints gained 8.70% to close at N3.25, helped by the progress of its planned merger with CAP Plc. FTN Cocoa rose by 8.16% to N0.53. United Capital leapt to N6.35 after announcing a N0.70 dividend per share for full year 2020, notching up 6.19% in the process. Africa Prudential completed the top 5, climbing up 5.30% to N7.30 on the strength of boards proposal of N0.50 dividend per share. TOP FIVE LOSERS Stanbic IBTC topped the losers table, declining by 10% to close at N38.70. May & Baker shrank by 9.89% to end trade at N4.19. Multiverse tumbled to N0.22, losing 8.33%. Neimeth dipped to N2.01, recording 7.80% loss. Royal Exchange closed at N0.25, going down by 7.41%. TOP FIVE TRADES 307.786 million shares worth N2.905 billion were traded in 4,393 transactions. FBN Holdings was the most preferred stocks on the NSE with 85.579 million units of its stocks worth N624.735 million traded in 134 deals. 53.323 million units of United Capital shares priced at N341.821 million exchanged hands in 645 transactions. UBA had 23.349 million shares valued at N192.946 million traded in 205 deals. Zenith traded 17.575 million shares estimated at N431.955 million in 430 transactions. GTB traded 11.448 million shares valued at N38.557 million in 291 deals. Assandh: Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday lashed out at the BJP-ruled Centre and the Haryana government, alleging they have failed on all fronts and no section of the society is happy with their performance. "The BJP has failed the people of Haryana and the country. The people are so annoyed and angry with the BJP that they are desperately waiting for the elections to oust the party from power," he said while addressing a traders' meeting. "BJP governments at the Centre and Haryana have completed three years of governance but no section of society is satisfied with their performance," Surjewala, the media in charge of the Congress, said. He said sections including students, farmers and traders are waiting for the elections to out BJP from power. "Before elections, big promises were made but none of them have been fufilled," he claimed. Addressing the traders, Surjewala alleged that the present Goods and Services Tax system has been brought to serve the "interests of multi-national companies(MNC)". "Common traders are harried lot as they cannot keep the army of accountants on the pattern of MNCs," he added. The GST proposed by the previous UPA at the Centre wasentirely different than the present one. "UPA's GST was simple and pro-people in which the maximumtax slab was of 18 per cent whereas the present GST of BJP iscomplicated and anti-people," Surjewala said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. President Moon Jae-in, right, greets Lee Nak-yon, chairman of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, ahead of a policy meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, Friday. Yonhap President Moon Jae-in floated the idea Friday of providing South Korean people with special "consolatory money" once the COVID-19 pandemic is overcome, according to his office. It was unveiled during his meeting with leaders of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) at Cheong Wa Dae. The president was responding to the proposal of offering another batch of emergency cash handouts to support people and businesses against the fallout of the pandemic, Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said. As the DP chief Lee Nak-yon and floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon raised the issue of envisioned emergency direct financial support, largely aimed at stimulating the economy, Moon replied that the government can even give the people "consolatory money" to help boost both their "morale" and consumption under as South Korea works to get out of the coronavirus crisis, Kang told reporters. The left-leaning Moon administration and the party have agreed in principle on the necessity of additional cash handouts, which would be the fourth of its kind. The two sides, however, differ over some details, including the scale of relief money, with a massive amount of extra budgets required once again. Political controversies go on as well over whether universal support is desirable or a selective, or tailored, approach is better. Speaking at the outset of the meeting with the DP officials, which pool reporters were allowed to cover, Moon called for financial support that would be "as broad and as deep as possible" to minimize the "blind spots" of beneficiaries. He was apparently referring to the vulnerable. The president also asked the party to take the nation's fiscal room into account in setting the amount of relevant budgets. "On the other hand, I would like the party to give consideration to fiscal conditions," he said. Those critical of the Moon government argue that it's again pushing for a budget-gulping scheme for political gains in advance of the April 7 by-elections to pick new mayors of Seoul and Busan. The DP has been pushing to create a supplementary budget in order to offer the fourth batch of emergency relief cash handouts. It marked the first time that the president has invited the whole team of DP leaders to his office since it was elected at a party convention held last August. (Yonhap) 15082 Rob Lloyd, CIO, City of Avondale and Frank Grimmelmann, President and CEO, Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance(ACTRA) When it comes to cybersecurity, the reality is apparent every time we see the news: We have individual victories, but we are certainly not winning the war. The risks are real. Our response to cyber threats is a set of choices. Reasons why cybersecurity has emerged as a challenge are both historical and multidisciplinary. Success requires comprehensive solutions and it is clear that we are playing catch up. Indeed, the hardware and software we use was created with a focus on time-to-market versus secure interoperability. Companies propped up a perimeter-password-malware signature model for too long. The focus on audits and long-gestating standards fails to evolve in time with the real-world threats we see. And the asymmetric battle has organizations attempting to build perfect walls, whereas malicious actors target a few bad bricks, or a helpful person who lets them inside. Ultimately, cybersecurity is a form of crime. We reduce vulnerabilities, but the risks remain. The measurable results for the City of Avondale show that the model establishes a strong baseline of security, minimizes impacts of cyber events, and is a platform on which more advanced efforts can build Addressing cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses and governments (SMBGs) is especially unforgiving. Numerically, these entities represent the large majority of organizations in our nation. They have tight resource constraints and often lack needed IT expertise. In the end, SMBGs are our largest engines of economic growth, are the most prone, and introduce significant risks into the collective of vendors, customers, and partners that CIOs must support in todays business environment. CIOs know that a viable approach revolves around fundamental resilience and risk distribution. For Avondale, we shaped our model with the following tenets: 1. Administrative Terms for data security, ownership, breach notification and disengagement as part of standard contract and procurement language. 2. Policy A fresh ITC policy with at least bi-annual security assessments. The results connect to the organizations annual financial audit and cyber insurance. IT staffs treat audit findings as a key part of our continuous improvement, with high urgency on resolving anything discovered. 3. More Secure Humans Training programs must educate users, program managers responsible for compliance, IT professionals, and certified cybersecurity professionals. Some vendors are making real strides in this area. 4. Recoverability Mature disaster recovery into true Business Resumption, providing the capacity to quickly recover the organizations assets back to a safe and running state. Cloud-based offerings work well in this area. 5. Risk-based Priorities Invest in the biggest problems first. For us, this was preventing and recovering from spam and phishing attacks, vulnerabilities from loose permissions and unpatched systems, human habits, and extending firewall coverage. 6. Risk Distribution Distribute the operating environment to provide redundancies and spread failure points. Done well, this strategy takes advantage of vendors who aggregate compliance needs for a higher service level than most organizations can achieve on their own. The vendor community has come a long way and made this strategy viable. 7. Awareness/Response Monitor technical infrastructure, applications, databases, user activity, and network flows for anomalies. 8. Shared Intelligence Commit to anonymized sharing of cyberintelligence data to contribute to research and prediction. This raises the bar for everyone. Related, feeds are available from reputable sources that help prevent connections to most malicious sites (and their payloads). 9. Vendors Progress Work with vendors to achieve pattern-based detection, automated response and alerting, and piloting the new technologies they create. 10. Joint Response Commit to partnerships and talent development channels. We need to create cybersecurity professionals to fill the talent deficit. Let us teach this cohort to make meaningful, day-to-day improvements in the security profiles of organizations versus acting with an audit-centric view. We must also act together when emergencies do occur. The work is hard, but not insurmountable. The measurable results for the City of Avondale show that the model establishes a strong baseline of security, minimizes impacts of cyber events, and is a platform on which more advanced efforts can build. The approach teaches the organization that cybersecurity cannot be solved by simply buying a tool or service. Cybersecurity will always require vigilance across our organizations. And anyone who remains in denial is positioning us all for greater harm. In Arizona, we have emerged as a national leader in the areas of talent development, effective cyberintelligence, secure operations, and joint response. We accomplished this through true cross-sector collaboration targeting over 300 organizations. At alliance meetings, we have active partners from the FBI and Homeland Security, businesses, state and local governments, academia, and non-profits. The results? On the educational side, students and volunteers at the joint ACTRA-Arizona Cyber Warfare Range created a successful public-private lab that teaches, tests commercial products, and contributes to economic development. Our area organizations created a shared workforce development program for technical professionals, helping them integrate threat intelligence into daily operations at our businesses and governments. And in the end, these efforts have helped attract and retain top cybersecurity professionals in the Valley of the Sun. In being proactive, the region has been focusing for years on issues that have only recently emerged as major topics nationally. Arizonas cybersecurity community is executing on initiatives that others are only now beginning to understand and discuss. The ACTRA community is actively involved in direct defense of the critical systems in the state. The alliances are integrated across sectors, support unparalleled privatepublic-law enforcement collaboration, and allow joint response when members are targeted. Area cybersecurity professionals serve the country through national efforts, such as information sharing, intel analysis programs, and contributing to standards development created under Presidential Executive Order. Indeed, one moonshot we are contributing to is a flexible framework that will allow protected sharing of cyberintelligence among Information Sharing & Analysis organizations (ISAO) throughout the United States. The fact is that success on the cybersecurity front begins with each person recognizing the power of their individual actions. We have the power to change the whole equation. Breaches in the news media confirm that we are only as strong as our weakest point in this global environment. As such, the cybersecurity age is a call to service. And we all need to be part of the solution. Already facing a downturn in blood donations amid the coronavirus pandemic, the recent spate of freezing weather has brought the blood supply at Baton Rouge General Hospital to "crisis levels," officials said this week. The hospital was facing the largest shortage in 25 years, according to a news release, before a shipment of blood platelets was delivered by helicopter Thursday morning. That shipment arrived from Lifeshare Blood Center in Shreveport by a Baton Rouge Police helicopter. LifeShare had been unable to process shipments in recent days due to dangerous weather conditions. Freezing nights close to an end, two more to endure, National Weather Service says Temperatures heading into the weekend won't nearly be as low as they were earlier this week, but conditions around Baton Rouge will still be c Another round of shipments arrived earlier the day from Orlando, the hospital said. "Blood centers have already seen a downward trend in donations during the pandemic, and local hospitals continue to feel the strain," read the hospital release. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The hospital encourages residents to participate in any of the eight blood drives scheduled from Feb. 19-26 across the Baton Rouge General campuses. Friday, Feb. 19 : 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Bluebonnet, near Entrance 3, in the cafeteria) : 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Bluebonnet, near Entrance 3, in the cafeteria) Saturday, Feb. 20 : 9 a.m.3 p.m. (Bluebonnet, buses outside of Entrance 3) : 9 a.m.3 p.m. (Bluebonnet, buses outside of Entrance 3) Sunday, Feb. 21 : , 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Mid City conference rooms) : , 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Mid City conference rooms) Monday, Feb. 22 : 6 a.m.12 p.m. (Bluebonnet, conference Room) : 6 a.m.12 p.m. (Bluebonnet, conference Room) Tuesday, Feb. 23 : 9 a.m.3 p.m. (Ascension) : 9 a.m.3 p.m. (Ascension) Wednesday, Feb. 24 : 12 p.m.6 p.m. (Bluebonnet, conference rooms) : 12 p.m.6 p.m. (Bluebonnet, conference rooms) Thursday, Feb. 25 : 9 a.m.3 p.m. (Ascension) : 9 a.m.3 p.m. (Ascension) Friday, Feb. 26: 10 a.m.4 p.m. (Mid City, conference rooms) Additional information on upcoming blood drives or how to make donations can be found on the LifeShare website. As of Feb. 18, Louisiana had diagnosed and confirmed 364,535 cases of coronavirus among residents, with 8,735 confirmed deaths associated with the pandemic. Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Thursday that vaccine eligibility would soon be expanded to new groups, including teachers and pregnant women. Mentioning seven neighbouring countries -- Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, and Bangladesh --, the Delhi Police told reporters how India faces consistent terror threat from elements present in these countries. New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Pakistan is the chief exporter of Jihadi terrorism, host of Al Qaeda leadership, D-Company and runs a network of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), Delhi Police said in its annual press conference on Friday. For Myanmar, the Delhi Police said that it has an active Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) cell-network engaged in Rohingya radicalization. The China and the ISI also supported the Northeast insurgent groups. The Delhi Police said that Nepal has active ISI cells and uses the porous borders for terror operations and also for pushing FICN within India. The police said that Maldives has active ISI cells and active foreign fighters. For Afghanistan, the Delhi Police said that India faces terror threat in the form of Islamic State Khorasan, Taliban and Haqqani Network (HQN), narcotics trafficking and the use of Afghan passports by ISI to infiltrate terror operatives. For Bangladesh, the police said that it has active ISI cells using open borders for terror operations and also for pushing FICN within India. For Sri Lanka, the Delhi Police said India faces terror threat from Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) remnants in the country. Active ISI cells and FICN along with narcotics trafficking is also used. --IANS zaz/in 30334 Rajan Chandras, Director Data Architecture and Strategy, NYU Langone Health Gartner predicts that through 2022, only 20% of organizations investing in information governance will succeed in scaling governance for digital business. Thats a lot of failure. Data governance is a challenging discipline, for reasons that are fairly well known. Attend any data governance conference and you will hear a lot of talk about insufficient funding and lack of executive support, the absence of a single data governance tool or technology in the market that satisfies all (or most) business requirements, and the difficulty of finding skilled resources. More fundamentally, I believe that there is often a lack of understanding and agreement on what exactly constitutes data governance, which makes it difficult to present abusiness case and execute data governance initiatives successfully.There is no dearth of definitionsof data governance, but they are often abstract and do not provide guidance on how to go about it, raising the question: how do we govern data governance? In practical terms, I like to think of data governance in terms of seven dimensions or competencies.Using these competencies we can apply portfolio management techniques to data governance which creates clarity for all stakeholders, enables us to use well-known practices, and improves the ability to deliver data governance initiatives successfully. This approach also us to clearly define the risks and rewards of the initiatives, and create a business case. The seven dimensions of data governance are as follows. Master data:The goal of mastering data is to bring together fragmented data in one place for all the important nouns of the business employees, customers, products, suppliers, patients, providers and so on. This data fragmentation may be in terms of completeness (customer name is in one database, date of birth in another), quality (multiple address may be spread across multiple databases, all at variable levels of cleanliness) and quantity (some customers are in one database, some in another). MDM improves data quality and consistency, enables business stewardship of data, and reduces IT implementation costs, and is perhaps the second most widely accepted and matured data governance dimension in existence today. Reference data: Reference data is that which further clarifies important data entities (akin to adjectives and adverbs); for example, customer state or zip code, supplier reliability rating and customer order payment type.Industry specific terminologies, for example ICD codes in healthcare, are also examples of reference data. Reference data is the glue that holds together systems and provides consistency to reporting and analytics, and yet arguably the most undervalued of the data governance dimensions. Metadata: Metadata, famously the data about data describes your data. For example, the metadata about customer last name could include the list of application systems where that data field is held and how it is stored in each system (20 characters wide in one system, 15 characters wide in another system). Metadata can be strung together to build data lineage, which helps us understand detailed, end-to-end data provenance, and figure out (for example) why the last few characters of an individuals last name were truncated in a downstream report. Collecting and managing metadata can be laborious and of questionable value, which is why many organizations hesitate to invest substantially in this form of data governance. However, a clear vision and proper stakeholder participation can yield substantial ROI in terms of improved quality of software development, improved data quality and efficient compliance reporting. Information Catalogs: In the context of data governance, information catalogs typically refer to either data or reports catalogs. The terms are self-descriptive. A data catalog lists information about different data sets available across the enterprise (or some part of the enterprise), while a reports catalog lists the different reports (including dashboards etc.) across a set of application or reporting systems. This information held in the catalogs is in fact the metadata described above: the information catalog holds metadata about data sets and reports. The primary benefit of information catalogs to enable faster search of information assets, improving productivity. A good reports catalog helps users find existing reports and prevent duplicate report requests, which can yield very high return on investment. Business Vocabularies: As business has become complex, so has the business vocabulary. How can a company report on customer churn rate without first precisely define the terms customer and churn rate? How do you define an attending physician for a patient that was seen by several physicians and specialists during a hospital stay? For an organization to speak the same language, they must first agree on a common vocabulary. (Taxonomies and ontologies fall in this dimension as well.) Defining and implementing processes for business vocabulary governance yields rich dividends in business efficiency and analytic accuracy. Data Quality:Data quality is perhaps the oldest data governance competency, and hence often considered synonymous with it. Data quality problems can be extremely wide-ranging, from unclean addresses (leading to returned mail costing hundreds of thousands of dollars) to complex, systemic problems related to other dimensions of data governance (for example, fragmented master data or inconsistent reference data) that can be difficult to detect and even more difficult and expensive to correct. This makes data quality governance a potentially nebulous activity, difficult to scope unless there is a clear vision and well defined business drivers. Big Data/Analytics:These are heady times for big data and artificial intelligence/machine learning, not unlike the California gold rush of the mid-nineteenth century. There is gold in the mountains of data, and everyone is off to mine it, loaded with all kinds of tools and improvisations. Governance is not uppermost in their minds, but there is a growing awareness of the need to integrate data lakes and big data analytics into enterprise data governance. New generation data catalog tools have taken the lead in this regard, but much more needs to happen. To fully define a data governance problem or goal and deliver an initiative, we also need to apply a data governance framework to each of the above, which is a topic for a different day. What is your experience with data governance? I look forward to hearing about it. Rajan Chandras is director information management at NYU Langone Health, a premier academic medical center headquartered in New York City. His responsibilities include data architecture and strategy, master data management, data governance, and big data. The views expressed here are his own and not necessarily those of his employer. See Also: Top Enterprise Information Management Consulting/Services Companies The scientific conference titled Diplomacy of Turkmenistan - History, Present Day and Future was held in Ashgabat in celebration of the Day of Diplomatic Workers of Turkmenistan. The forum was attended by the leaders and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, heads of the diplomatic missions accredited in Ashgabat, academic staff and students of the higher education establishments, representatives of public associations, local and foreign mass media. At the beginning of the conference, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov read out President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's congratulatory message to the Turkmen diplomats. In his message, the head of state noted the importance of the diplomatic service in developing international relations. He also emphasized that the foreign policy of Turkmenistan is aimed at maintaining global peace, security and sustainable development. Speakers at the conference noted the important contribution of Turkmen diplomacy to strengthening friendship, mutual understanding and trust at the regional and global level. In this regard, the conference stressed the importance of Ashgabat's international initiatives to address social, economic, environmental and other challenges of our time. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 Premier Brian Pallisters vaccine procurement plan is being called a "fantasy," just as doubt is cast on the Alberta company's ability to develop the vaccine before its too late. Premier Brian Pallisters vaccine procurement plan is being called a "fantasy," just as doubt is cast on the Alberta company's ability to develop the vaccine before its too late. Providence Therapeutics of Calgary is too far behind its vaccine development to ever catch up with current approved vaccines, a University of Ottawa professor said Thursday. "In no way do I think this is realistic, and the Manitoba government is holding out very speculative, almost certainly false, hope," said Amir Attaran, a professor in the faculties of law and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. "I think the prospect of Manitoba receiving vaccine from Providence by Dec. 31, which I understand to be the agreement, is in the realm of fantasy." Providence Therapeutics is too far behind its vaccine development to ever catch up with current approved vaccines, says Amir Attaran, a professor in the faculties of law and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa. (Justin Tang / Winnipeg Free Press) Meanwhile, the Alberta government confirmed Thursday it is working with other provinces to look for the most viable Canadian source of its own vaccine supply and there are a number of options, not just Providence, which Manitoba plans to bet $7.2 million on. On Wednesday, Pallister promoted Manitoba's deal with Providence to purchase two million doses of the vaccine for $18 a shot if and when it is ready, with a 20 per cent, $7.2-million non-refundable deposit up front. Pallister said he and other premiers who are "uncomfortable" with delays in federally procured Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccine shipments are looking for their own made-in-Canada supply. The premier defended Manitoba's deal with Providence, saying the vaccine may not be ready until 2022, but it's a risk worth taking to ensure a reliable supply. Manitobans will need COVID-19 booster shots down the road and Pallister wants to buy them from Providence because, he said, the vaccine can be manufactured in Winnipeg. Attaran said Providence is not well-positioned to meet Manitoba's expectations. "The company only just began phase one trials, it has a very long road ahead, it will be extraordinarily difficult to recruit trial subjects if some are offered placebo, and all of this is aimed at challenging established mRNA vaccine incumbents including one of the worlds biggest pharma companies," Attaran said Thursday. Premier Brian Pallister has an agreement with Providence to purchase 200,000 doses of the vaccine for $18 a shot with a 20 per cent, $7.2-million non-refundable deposit up front. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) A day after the premier promoted Manitoba's plan to buy its own vaccine from Providence Therapeutics, the federal government announced vaccine deliveries of Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna the only two COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada were back on track. "We're now coming out of this period of limited supplies," Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, the military commander leading Canada's vaccine logistics said Thursday. By the end of March, Canada will receive four million doses from Pfizer and two million from Moderna. The Public Health Agency of Canada said it expects enough doses to fully vaccinate the country's entire population by September. "It's an abundance of supplies for spring and summer, where we can have a significant scaling-up of immunization plans in provinces," Fortin said. This week, 403,650 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Canada the largest single delivery since shipments began in December. This "abundance" changes nothing about the need for a national, domestic supply of COVID-19 vaccines, a spokeswoman for Pallister said Thursday. "Manitobas investment in this initiative is about building a long-term, made-in-Canada solution to provide vaccine security and insurance to Manitobans and all Canadians," Olivia Billson said in an email. "Federal offshore procurement of vaccines was required because of no national vaccine production to draw upon." Providence Therapeutics' vaccine might not be ready until 2022. (Providence Therapeutics handout) The recent disruptions in delivery reinforce the need for Canada to have a strong, domestic vaccine production capacity, "a goal that every government in Canada shares," she said. "It happened once, it can happen again. The federal government cannot guarantee it wont happen again," she said. "Manitoba took this initiative to protect Manitobans and help support the development of a made-in-Canada vaccine capacity we sorely need." The province has not yet paid the $7.2 million non-refundable deposit to Providence, she said. The premier said Wednesday that Ontario and Alberta are also in talks with Providence. When asked Thursday if Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was looking to procure COVID-19 vaccine from the same Calgary developer as Manitoba, his spokeswoman referred to comments he made on Wednesday. Kenney told reporters that when Alberta effectively ran out of vaccine supplies three weeks ago, it became clear it couldn't rely on federal procurement. "That is why we have begun working with other provinces on examining all possible sources of domestic production," Kenney said. That includes Calgary's Providence Therapeutics, as well as other developers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and other provinces, he said. "I'm working with premiers across the country to share notes," Kenney said. "We're comparing notes on which look the most viable whether we can do something provincially as a Plan B." The spokeswoman for Ontario Premier Doug Ford did not respond to a request for comment. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca The Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) is pleased to announce the hiring of Roy Messing as the Director of State Center Operations. In this role, Roy will play a key part in continuing EOXs mission of expanding employee ownership across the United States by establishing and supporting a network of State Centers for Employee Ownership. Initially Roy will focus his attention on leading the effort to assist the board of directors of the four state centers opened by EOX in 2020, moving them from early organizational mode to a fully operational mode. His experience in creating programing and successful fundraising at the state level will be valuable to this effort. For the past 13 years, Roy has been a large part of the success of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) spending the last 8 years as the OEOCs Director. The OEOC facilitated hundreds of business succession and exit planning programs that were attended by thousands of business owners and advisors. In these sessions, the OEOC introduced employee ownership as one of the available exit options to business owners. As a result of this and other activities, the OEOC provided guidance to over one hundred companies that were interested in transitioning the ownership of their company to the employees. Over 30 businesses became employee-owned during this timeframe in part due to the assistance provided the OEOC. The OEOC has also developed an array of educational resources during Roys tenure, including a series of online training programs dealing with various aspects of employee-ownership. Prior to working at the OEOC, Roy was a community-based lender, having provided financial services to the cooperative member-owners of Farm Credit Services of West Michigan. He served as CFO for Montville Plastics and Rubber Company, and before that spent 23 years in finance and commercial banking, holding a wide variety of roles as a calling officer, as well as managerial responsibilities in various financial institutions. He has a BS in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University and an MBA (finance concentration) from the University of Dayton (Ohio). In 2010, Roy received his Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation, and in 2017 received his Certified Value Builder Advisor designation. Messings depth of experience in leading a very successful well known state center will be extremely valuable in developing best practices as each EOX state center begins its mission of outreach and education on the power of employee ownership as a business growth and succession planning tool, says EOX Network Executive Director Steve Storkan. His detailed knowledge of both Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and Worker Cooperatives will be a key factor in the successful creation of new employee owners across the country, regardless of the size of the business or the industry they are in." The Employee Ownership Expansion Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization organized on July 4, 2018 in Philadelphia, PA whose mission is to significantly expand employee ownership in the United States through establishing and supporting a network of independent non-profit Centers for Employee Ownership. Since officially launching in 2019, EOX has provided funding and technical assistance in the opening of seven state centers for employee ownership. The goal of EOX is to have at least 70% of the US population living in a state with a center for employee ownership with the aim of creating 1 million new employee owners by 2025. Learn more at http://www.eoxnetwork.org. The Mayberry v. KKR situation has developed not necessarily to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Camerons advantage. As well explain in more detail, a legal move that made sense only as a political gambit now is at serious risk of backfiring on Cameron. Last July, a hard-fought case, Mayberry v. KKR, appeared dead as a result of the Kentucky Supreme Court dismissing the complaint over standing by applying rulings made in other jurisdictions after the original case has been lodged.1 Attorney General Cameron unexpectedly intervened as the counsel for the original plaintiffs reconfigured their arguments to deal with the standing issues. As we noted then: The politics of this move are extremely perplexing. Cameron is a protege of Mitch McConnell, and two of the defendants in this suit, Steve Schwarzman and Henry Kravis, are not just Republican heavyweight donors; they are (or at least have been) specifically top McConnell funders. What gives? Camerons filing was almost entirely dependent on the original plantiffs documents. Its become increasingly evident that Cameron never intended to litigate. The best guess is that Cameron needed a distraction from bad Brionna Taylor headlines, and also saw the Mayberry v. KKR case as an opportunity to engage in a little shakedown by making a potentially explosive case go away via a cost-of-doing-business settlement. But Cameron appears to have badly underestimated his opponents, led by the formidable attorney Michelle Lerach and her husband, the disbarred but still very much feared Bill Lerach, who acts as a consultant. A quick and cheap settlement can occur only if the defendants can escape what they fear most, discovery. But the latest order from Judge Philip Shepherd shows he is moving forward with the reconfigured case, now involving Tier 3 beneficiaries in a hybrid plan that does not have a state guarantee. That upsets Camerons plans to settle the case before the Tier 3 plaintiffs go going, which would allow his to go lowball based on public information and the limited discovery to date. Background Mayberry v. KKR is a high stakes case, confirmed by the legal scorched earth tactics of the defendants, Blackstone, KKR/Prisma, and PAAMCO, along with key principals, including Blackstone founder and CEO Steve Schwarzman and KKR co-founder and CEO Henry Kravis. The case was first filed in December 2017 derivatively, on behalf of eight beneficiaries of the fabulously badly managed, corrupt, and underfunded Kentucky Retirement System. The plaintiffs alleged that that Blackstone, KKR/Prisma and PAAMCO had each sold KRS high fee, high risk customized hedge funds that they falsely billed as the impossible combination of low risk, high return, contradicting what their own SEC filings said about the very same products. The Kentucky Retirement System made a sudden, large commitment to all three funds and even added to the pot despite underperformance. As we explained: The fund managers allegedly focused on KRS and other desperate and clueless public pension funds who were unsuitable investors, particularly at the risk levels they were taking. KRS made what was a huge investment for a pension fund of its size. $1.2 billion across three funds all at once, in 2011, roughly 10% of its total assets at the time. They all had troublingly cute names. The KKR/Prisma funds was Daniel Boone, the Blackstone fund was Henry Clay and the PAAMCO fund, Colonels. In the case of KKR/Prisma, the fund had installed an employee at KRS as well as having a KKR/Prisma executive sitting as a non-voting member of the KRS board. The filing argues that that contributed to KRS investing an additional $300 million into the worst performing hedge fund even as it was exiting other hedge funds. The ante is much higher than the potentially meaty recoveries. Private equity and hedge funds fetishize secrecy because too often, their conduct will not stand up to scrutiny. The giant fund managers are almost certain to be most afraid of discovery, since they sharp practices they used with Kentucky Retirement Systems were very likely to have been replicated at other public pension funds. Even the limited discovery so far uncovered more misconduct and allowed the plaintiffs to add to their claims. The Kentucky Retirement System stated it endorsed the case but would not formally join it. Cameron Flips Judge Shepherd the Bird With Mayberry v. KKR sent back to his court, Judge Philip Shepherd made clear he was eager to move it along. He originally set a date of February 1 for the Attorney General to make a new filing. Among other things that the Tier 3 plaintiffs were pressing to be heard by the court. In a January 12 order, following a January 11 hearing, Judge Shepherd instructed the Attorney General to file his amended compliant by February 1 so he could assess the motions the Tier 3 plaintiffs and any other intervenors in light of that. Shepherd gave the Tier 3 Group, as he called it, until February 11 to file its motion to intervene, and set a hearing date for February 22. 2 Late on January 29, literally the latest possible moment before the February 1 due date, Cameron blew off Judge Shepherd, filing a motion asking for an extension of time. Cameron said hed been getting his mind around the case by having tea and cookies meeting with the defendants. He asked for ten more weeks to get up to speed, even though hes had since last July, and then wanted the Tier 3 plaintiffs filing deadline to be set two weeks after his new due date. The centerpiece of the attorney generals argument for delay was that hed gotten the Kentucky Retirement System to agree to spend up to $1.2 million on an outside law firm to do some poking around. Weve embedded their proposal at the end of this post. The typo in the very first paragraph does not speak well to their attentiveness. Nor does the fact that the firm is newly formed and none of its attorneys have meaningful relevant experience. As one prosecutor snorted: This is ridiculous. The terms are left undefined: specific investment activities and any improper or illegal activities need to be called-out in the contract. The parties havent even defined who decides which specific investment activities to investigate! This reeks of the horse left the barn 10 years ago. Its just cover for Cameron. Now that were being sued, wed better get on this Even more damaging was the argument from Michelle Learch at a February 8 hearing. She pointed out that KRS had already hired independent counsel to investigate years ago. That firm had found significant wrongdoing and had endorsed the legal team (then Anne Oldfather and Michelle Lerach) as eminently qualified to pursue the claims. Moreover, she pointed out the Attorney Generals office was in no position to pursue the matter. His staff did not have relevant expertise and his office could only hire outside attorneys on one year contracts and then at pay scales that made it impossible to secure and keep a team that could purse this sort of complex litigation. In other words, there was no way Cameron was going to find anything new via his KRS-paid runway extension. Judge Shepherd issued a short order on February 12 approving a request by the defendants. The Tier 3 plaintiffs counsel continued to send in filings, which they may regard as love letters but I suspect Shepherd might find to be a bit much. On February 15, they sent in a Memorandum in Support of Motion for Entry of Pre-Trial Order No. 1. This was a fairly long missive arguing, with the usual citations, that there was boatloads of precedent for public-private litigations to go forward and models for how the court could manage them. I gather the point was to show Shepherd that lots of courts had found ways to let cases proceed in parallel and he didnt have to let the Attorney General go first just because he wanted it that way. The second filing, Memorandum In Support Of The Tier 3 Plaintiffs Motion for Accounting falls into the evil genius terrain. Normally, this sort of document would be filed as part of the prospective settlement conference which is normally required once a suit gets past summary judgment, but before full-blown discovery. The Lerach team pulled it out now to preempt a cheap settlement by Cameron. It blows up the idea that the Attorney General could settle the case without doing actual discovery. It provides an estimated range of what the hidden hedge funds fees might be, based not only on academic studies but estimates by KRS own consultant, the authoritative CEM Benchmarking. Weve embedded it below. The defendants howled and quickly filed a Combined Response basically arguing that the Tier 3 individuals werent parties to Mayberry v. KKR (following the attorney general, the document depicted them as non parties) and the Judge Shepherd should tell them to cut it out. However, some things cannot be unsaid, and in keeping, the defendants didnt (and presumably could not) demand that the filings be stricken from the record. Judges do not have to rubber stamp settlements. Judge Jed Rakoff famously rejected several post-crisis settlements as being inadequate and ordered the parties to trial, which usually resulted in meatier settlements. So the Motion for Accounting is a huge impediment if Camerons plan is indeed to settle on the cheap. Judge Shepherd issued an order on the 18th which further complicates matters for the Attorney General. As you can see from the final embedded document, Judge Shepherd is not letting the Attorney General dictate the overall timetable, which is in the hands of the court (Shepherd did say in the February 8 conference that he was inclined to grant the Attorney Generals request for more time). The order states that the Tier 3 plaintiffs arguments, that they dont need to wait on the Attorney General investigation to proceed, and that the Attorney General represents different interests than the Tier 3 plaintiffs, is sufficient grounds for their motions to proceed independent of the Attorney Generals research project. Judge Shepherd also reiterated his frustration with the delay. Judge Shepherd cancelled the February 22 conference, granted the Attorney General an extension until April 12 to file his Amended Compliant, gave those who wanted to oppose the Tier 3 plaintiffs Motion to Intervene until March 2 to respond, and gave the Tier 3 Plaintiffs until March 8 to file their rejoinder. Judge Shepherd will determine how to dispose of the Tier 3 two February 15 motions after he rules on their motion to intervene. The next conference is April 19. Expect fur to fly! _____ 1 Those decisions, subsequent to the filing of the litigation, found that the defendants in defined benefit plans did not have standing because they have not suffered a particularlized, as in actual, loss. Not only are the pensioners still getting full benefits, but their pensions are (supposedly) also backstopped by the state. Kentucky has adopted Federal Article III rules which makes this standard germane. Note that this would not apply in states like California that have not adopted Article III. 2 From Judge Shepherds order: "Kevin's dedication to customer missions is proven by the growth we've seen in IX," said Tiffanny Gates, Novetta President and CEO. "He is at the forefront of integrating new technologies into solutions, has been instrumental in recent contract wins, and drove the expansion to open Novetta's new offices in San Antonio, TX." Michael Thieme has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Michael will oversee Novetta product development, lead R&D, and foster Novetta's innovative, mission-driven technical culture. "Aligning Novetta's significant technology investments under Michael's leadership will further strengthen our Product portfolio and drive innovative solution development," said Gates. "Michael's passion for bringing new capabilities to customers is a perfect fit for our diverse missions." "We expect great things from this move," said Tom Rabaut, Novetta Board Chairman. "Novetta's growth will be further accelerated with a respected, accomplished technologist driving unique solutions for our customers. We were pleased to support Tiffanny's decision to elevate Michael to CTO." Novetta is an industry-leading performer, generating nearly 20% organic growth, a total contract backlog of $1B and an $11B qualified pipeline. About Novetta Novetta delivers scalable advanced analytic and technical solutions to address challenges of national and global significance. Focused on mission success, Novetta pioneers disruptive technologies in machine learning, data analytics, full-spectrum cyber, cloud engineering, open source analytics, and multi-INT fusion for Defense, Intelligence Community, and Federal Law Enforcement customers. Novetta is headquartered in McLean, VA with over 1300 employees across the U.S. Visit novetta.com for more information. SOURCE Novetta Related Links http://www.novetta.com The fish in Texas waters aren't surviving the extreme wintry weather. As of Wednesday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department told MySA.com it has had "fish kills" in five bay systems in the middle and lower coast due to the freezing temperatures and cold water. "Fish kills," also known as fish die-off, refers to localized batches of fish that wash up dead along riverbanks and bays. Extreme weather (hot or cold) is one of the common natural causes of "fish kills." READ ALSO: Texas Game Wardens rescue more than 140 cold-stunned sea turtles unable to swim On Monday, Nessy Tompkins took pictures of one along Port Aransas and posted it to her Facebook page dedicated to the beach. Capt. Michael Laskowski Jr. also shared images of dead redfish and trout he saw while he was out doing his daily fish count on Aransas Bay this Wednesday. Laskowski said he also found 12 dead sea turtles along his route. He's encouraging other anglers to practice "catch & release 2021." TPWD said it always recommends catch and release, however, anglers are allowed to keep legal-size fish within the bag limit. The department said most of the "fish kills" were observed by its staff or game wardens. It urges residents to report any sightings to (512) 389-4848 so its Kills and Spills team can be notified. READ MORE: San Antonio Food Bank needs 500 volunteers to help feed people this weekend The TPWD Kills and Spills team collects data on these events to assess the overall impact on Texas fish populations. The department said it does not yet know the extent of the impact of the recent winter weather. Biologists are still assessing the situation and hope to have a report early next week, as they are dealing with power and water issues while also assisting with sea turtle rescue. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre The scene in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast on February 2. Three men have been charged with unlawful assembly and affray after a loyalist gathering in east Belfast earlier this month. The incident took place in the Pitt Park area on February 2 and was described as a UVF show of strength. All three men are due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday. They were arrested by police investigating the activities of the East Belfast UVF on Wednesday. Video circulated on social media of the incident at Pitt Park showed more than two dozen men with their faces covered walking through the area, off the Newtownards Road. Police then arrived at the scene and dispersed the crowd. It is understood the gathering was linked to an internal row within the UVF and the arrival of police prevented an attack on a home. Detectives from PSNIs Criminal Investigation Branch and the Paramilitary Crime Task Force conducted a number of searches in relation to the incident in east Belfast and Lisburn on Wednesday. As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. It was Day 4 for parts of El Cenizo and Rio Bravo as residents were finally able to see light once again in their homes. The moment it came back on it was just a rush of joy, said local Ricardo Cruz. I never will ever take for granted electricity and water ever again, as there are basic necessities that we use every day but rarely get to appreciate. Just taking a shower is a blessing. Residents like Cruz have reported all over both cities and even Laredo that they are grateful that the electricity service is back up after four days without anything. However, the mayors, elected officials and normal citizens of these communities have been doing their best to be involved in the efforts to help the people of both communities stay warm and have some food on the table during these continuing struggles. City of El Cenizo residents like the majority of Webb County residents have been struggling due to the inclement weather of this winter storm, said Jaime Montes, a spokesman and city administrator for El Cenizo. Monday, Feb. 15, 2021 at 2 a.m. was the last time our community had electrical power and potable water services. Residents are undergoing these low temperatures of the past days without electricity. Residents have no power, and in some areas, no water. In Rio Bravo just four miles from El Cenizo outages were also being reported as of Wednesday with the mayor and other city officials taking action in efforts to help their citizens. As electricity service picked back up Thursday morning, a sigh of relief was provided by city authorities who continued monitoring the situation and the need of the people. About 10% of my city has been affected without power and water, and others with pipelines issues, Rio Bravo Mayor Gilbert Aguilar Jr. said. I urge residents to prepare themselves with the basic necessities to get by these tough times we are all encountering. The city commissioner also stated that their work since the outages has not stopped as they continue to survey how people are dealing with the effects of not having electricity or water, as well as providing people with blankets and even food. We have been working since Day 1 to make sure our elderly and most needy have blankets, food and water, Rio Bravo City Commissioner Amanda Aguero said. Thankfully, we have not experienced any medical emergencies. Help has also come in the way of uniting with outside leaders and organizations in efforts to help out both of these communities. This has been done by both local leaders and other individuals solely getting involved in the helping process. With the donation from our City Administrator Jaime Montes who purchased over 250 pairs of insole warmers and hand warmers in coordination of Mayor Degollado and City Commissioner (Salvador) Hernandez more than 250 residents received aid, Degollado said. Without a doubt, these are uncertain times for everyone. All residents should (practice) preventive measures during the pandemic, and in all possibility keep warm and safe. In El Cenizo, former city commissioner and current resident of the community Maximiliano Zapata joined in various efforts to help residents have the resources they needed. Zapata stated that he was able to gather various resources by posting on Facebook as he too struggled without electricity in his home. Luckily, there were people who responded to this cry for help, and I was able to receive some resources such as blankets, waters, pizzas and bags with essential items, Zapata said. Most notably, our Webb County Judge's Office and Red Wing United were able to assist with these goods. Despite the help, Zapata did state the struggles for many families continued as there is much more need for the city than what is being offered and can be offered. I believe that after experiencing such an event, the effects range from political and economical scopes, Zapata said. Politically, this power outage which left the city of El Cenizo without electricity and water for four days, decreases the confidence of our local government. In times of trouble, we seek guidance from our local leaders, and unfortunately we saw very little leadership. It was not until the people started to request answers that action was taken. Fortunately, we do have some public servants that fulfill their responsibilities. Zapata also sees many economic repercussions from this event that will cause struggles as well for time to come. Economically, the power outage affected people's employment, Zapata said. Both of my parents were not able to attend work, and because of this, lost work hours affected their pay. Also, many people had to spend money on resources that were needed to endure the harsh weather. All of this comes at a heavy cost to an already poverty-ridden community. In Rio Bravo, as the mayor and government led efforts to provide blankets and food to the most vulnerable in the community, so did one of the city commissioners of the city. Julio Cavazos worked alongside La Iglesia Nueva Vida church in efforts to make a large barbecue to provide brisket plates for members of his community while the local volunteer fire department helped in the logistics of the effort. I have always said that what you do for yourself stays with you alone, but what you do to help others is immutable and will remain in good memories forever, Cavazos said. It gives me great pleasure to help others, especially in these difficult times. We can all make a change in our community. The mayor of Rio Bravo stateed that even though electricity service seems to be back up in the city, efforts to help the community will continue until everything is back to normal. We will continue to work to make sure we provide and serve our people, Aguilar Jr. said. The future is not all just about looking for ways to help their community and keeping them safe from these emergencies, but also to find answers for why an entire city like El Cenizo and others were left in the dark. Therefore, the El Cenizo municipal government does plan to take concrete action against the power plant in charge of electricity in the area, so hopefully this incident never happens again. Unfortunately, the Electrical Power situation is out of our hands, but do note that we will follow up with the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas to seek for answers, Hernandez said. In the upcoming city council meeting, an agenda item will be placed to request answers for these past events. As a resident, Zapata also hopes that something is done to investigate what happened, and he hopes this never happens again as communities like his were in the dark for more than half a week. Ideally, the state and national government should look into semi-regulating the energy industry, Zapata said. We would like a more egalitarian approach. However, this idea is far-fetched, so perhaps winterizing the equipment would be an easier solution. According to an article I read, no power source was immune to the harsh conditions. Energy sources such as coal, crude, wind and solar production plunged. One step that can be taken, I argue, would be to winterize equipment so it can operate in extreme cold. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com 25391 Donna Heath, Information Technology Services Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer, University of North Carolina at Greensboro Donna Heath, Information Technology Services Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer, University of North Carolina at Greensboro High quality post-secondary education has never been more important than it is today. At its core, the work of higher education institutions is to transform students into critical thinkers and lifelong learners who can and will actively engage in shaping a better future for the generations that follow. The promise of higher education is for all. Our collective success matters, and the measure of that success depends on our ability to provide the same high-quality learning experience to first generation students, underserved students, working parent students, commuter students, distance learning students, and traditional students. For students, especially non-traditional students, technology is empowering. It is an ideal platform to deliver learning opportunities unattached to time and place. Mobile technology is particularly important because it is so pervasively used. As I walk across our campus, nearly every student I see is face down immersed in the content presented on the small screen of a mobile device. When we built our first-generation wireless network in 2005, our students were coming to campus with a single computing device. A decade ago, we saw about 4,000 unique devices connected to our network during peak use. In fall 2017, our students came with an average of six networked devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, TVs, gaming devices, and printers. Now we see an average of 42,000 unique devices connected to our network during peak usage. Our students are the early adopter target market for all major global technology brands. Technology companies target their new product releases around school semester openings. How students most effectively consume information and learn is evolving, and like it or not, it is driven by these new and emerging technologies. We can effectively use technology to create conditions that seed research, creative activity, critical analysis, and transition from theory to practice In many ways, we are transitioning toward the streaming model popularized by Netflix and other TV providers. In the new normal, the focus is on content, not device. Virtualization is one example of a technology that allows us to shift the campus paradigm from install everywhere to install once and consume everywhere. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) IT team has invested significant energy in developing both a virtual desktop and application catalog that allow us to provide a mobile student desktop. We use this platform to deliver a traditional physical computing lab experience to students on any device they choose, at the location and time most convenient for them to consume the service. Our students find this flexibility empowering. Maturation of emerging technologies, such as affordable commodity cloud services, can play a significant role in accelerating new research. Availability of viable cloud-based options for high speed computing and analytics can serve as a catalyst for innovation in institutions where big data resources were previously inaccessible. Open data initiatives surfacing across the country reflect this trend as they leverage cloud services to make large volumes of information, along with the ability to analyze it, accessible to everyone. Widespread availability of cloud-based compute infrastructure is a game-changer that can enable opportunities for students at all stages of their education to become actively engaged in thought-provoking research and critical thinking. At UNCG, we are actively shifting from a cloud opportunistic to cloud-first model in which our default posture is to build services in the cloud unless there is a genuinely compelling reason not to. We have already transitioned major enterprise services such as email and collaborative tools, our learning management system, and storage to cloud service providers. One cornerstone of our IT strategic plan for the 2017 2022 horizon includes evolution to infrastructure and platform as a service, with a goal of fully transitioning half of our on-site campus data center infrastructure to the cloud by the end of this planning cycle. The agility, flexibility and elasticity of technology service provisioning enabled by cloud-based providers will be essential for us in keeping pace with the needs of our students as they change over time. Technology also offers a pathway for smooth transition from student to workforce. Universities are inextricably tied to the communities they serve. Our Chancellor, Dr. Frank Gilliam, has coined the phrase shared place and shared fate to describe this condition and it suits. Over the next decade, our institution will graduate thousands of citizens who will serve as teachers, doctors, nurses, principals, politicians and more. Each of our graduates will play a role in shaping the fate of our community and beyond. Our IT team has focused on developing collaborative relationships and leveraging opportunities to build shared technology infrastructure that connects the institutions, education providers, community organizations, municipalities, and business partners in our local community and region. These partners assist us in graduating students who are well-prepared to successfully utilize technology at the skill level expected in the modern workplace. They play a vital role in the post-graduation success of our students and have a shared stake in cultivating capable graduates that build a strong regional workforce. As we describe the role of technology on a student-centered campus, we necessarily use words like enabling and empowering. Delivering on the promise of higher education is dependent on high quality institutional leadership and faculty. Technology provides a highly accessible content channel for higher educations product. We can effectively use technology to create conditions that seed research, creative activity, critical analysis, and transition from theory to practice. Shared technology can underpin community partnerships that both benefit the surrounding region and create the conditions and infrastructure for lifelong learning. Most importantly, technology plays a critical supporting partner role on student-centered campuses as the scaffolding upon which faculty build engaging pedagogical content and the accessible delivery channels that meet our students right where they are. 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. President Joe Biden addressed the Munich Security Conference on Friday, February 19th, virtually. Here is the full text of his remarks: Thank you, Mr. Ambassador. And its great to be with Angela and Emmanuel. We just spent part of -- from Washingtons perspective -- the morning together. But I want to say hello to everyone and thanks, you -- at the Munich Conference for hosting this special session. For decades, as you pointed out, Ive participated in the Munich Security Conference -- as a U.S. senator, joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to affirm the importance of the transatlantic partnership; three times as the Vice President of the United States, including delivering the first international foreign policy address of the Obama-Biden administration in the first months we were in office. And two years ago, as you pointed out, when I last spoke at Munich, I was a private citizen; I was a professor, not an elected official. But I said at that time, We will be back. And Im a man of my word. America is back. I speak today as President of the United States at the very start of my administration, and Im sending a clear message to the world: America is back. The transatlantic alliance is back. And we are not looking backward; we are looking forward, together. It comes down to this: The transatlantic alliance is a strong foundation -- the strong foundation -- on which our collective security and our shared prosperity are built. The partnership between Europe and the United States, in my view, is and must remain the cornerstone of all that we hope to accomplish in the 21st century, just as we did in the 20th century. The challenges we face today are different. Were at an inflection point. When I spoke to you as a senator and as even as Vice President, the global dynamics have shifted. New crises demand our attention. And we cannot focus only on the competition among countries that threaten to divide the world, or only on global challenges that threaten to sink us all together if we fail to cooperate. We must do both, working in lockstep with our allies and partners. So let me erase any lingering doubt: The United States will work closely with our European Union partners and the capitals across the continent -- from Rome to Riga -- to meet the range of shared challenges we face. We continue to support the goal of a Europe whole and free and at peace. The United States is fully committed to our NATO Alliance, and I welcome Europes growing investment in the military capabilities that enable our shared defense. You know, to me and to the United States, and to us, well keep article -- well keep faith with Article 5. Its a guarantee. An attack on one is an attack on all. That is our unshakable vow. And the only time Article 5 has been invoked was after the United States was attacked on 9/11. You, our allies, joined us to fight al Qaeda, and the United States committed to consulting closely with our NATO Allies and partners on the way forward in Afghanistan. My administration strongly supports the diplomatic proc- -- process thats underway and to bring an end to this war that is closing out 20 years. We remain committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again provides a base for terrorist attacks against the United States and our partners and our interests. Our European partners have also stood with us to counter ISIS. Just this week, NATO Defense Ministers endorsed a significantly expanded training and advisory mission in Iraq, which will be vital to the ongoing fight against ISIS. We cannot allow ISIS to reopen and regroup and threaten people in the Middle East, in Europe, in the United States, and elsewhere. And while the United States is undergoing a thorough review of our own force posture around the world, Ive ordered the halting of withdrawal of American troops from Germany. Im also lifting the cap imposed by the previous administration on the number of U.S. forces able to be based in Germany. I know -- I know the past few years have strained and tested our transatlantic relationship, but the United States is determined -- determined to reengage with Europe, to consult with you, to earn back our position of trusted leadership. Earlier today, as was referenced, I participated in the first meeting of the G7 leaders, where I spoke about the dire need to coordinate multilateral action to address COVID-19, the global economic crisis, and the accelerating climate crisis, and so much else. Achieving these goals is going to depend on a core strategic proposition, and that is: The United States must renew Americas enduring advantages so that we can meet todays challenges from a position of strength. That means building back better our economic foundations; reclaiming our place in international institutions; lifting up our values at home, and speaking out to defend them around the world; modernizing our military capabilities while leading with diplomacy; revitalizing Americas network of alliances and partnerships that have made the world safer for all people. You know, I hope our fellow democracies are going to join us in this vital work. Our partnerships have endured and grown through the years because they are rooted in the richness of our shared democratic values. Theyre not transactional. Theyre not extractive. Theyre built on a vision of a future where every voice matters, where the rights of all are protected and the rule of law is upheld. None of this has fully succeeded in this -- none of us has fully succeeded in this division [vision]. We continue to work toward it. And in so many places, including in Europe and the United States, democratic progress is under assault. I have known for -- Ive known many of you for a long, long time, and you know that I speak my mind, so let me be straightforward with you all: We are in the midst of a fundamental debate about the future and direction of our world. Were at an inflection point between those who argue that, given all the challenges we face -- from the fourth industrial revolution to a global pandemic -- that autocracy is the best way forward, they argue, and those who understand that democracy is essential -- essential to meeting those challenges. Historians are going to examine and write about this moment as an inflection point, as I said. And I believe that -- every ounce of my being -- that democracy will and must prevail. We must demonstrate that democracies can still deliver for our people in this changed world. That, in my view, is our galvanizing mission. Democracy doesnt happen by accident. We have to defend it, fight for it, strengthen it, renew it. We have to prove that our model isnt a relic of our history; its the single best way to revitalize the promise of our future. And if we work together with our democratic partners, with strength and confidence, I know that well meet every challenge and outpace every challenger. You know, we must prepare together for a long-term strategic competition with China. How the United States, Europe, and Asia work together to secure the peace and defend our shared values and advance our prosperity across the Pacific will be among the most consequential efforts we undertake. Competition with China is going to be stiff. Thats what I expect, and thats what I welcome, because I believe in the global system Europe and the United States, together with our allies in the Indo-Pacific, worked so hard to build over the last 70 years. We can own the race for the future. But to do so, we have to be clear-eyed about the historic investments and partnerships that this will require. We have to protect -- we have to protect for space for innovation, for intellectual property, and the creative genius that thrives with the free exchange of ideas in open, democratic societies. We have to ensure that the benefits of growth are shared broadly and equitably, not just by a few. We have to push back against the Chinese governments economic abuses and coercion that undercut the foundations of the international economic system. Everyone -- everyone -- must play by the same rules. U.S. and European companies are required to publicly disclose corporate governance -- to corporate governance structures and abide by rules to deter corruption and monopolistic practices. Chinese companies should be held to the same standard. We must shape the rules that will govern the advance of technology and the norms of behavior in cyberspace, artificial intelligence, biotechnology so that they are used to lift people up, not used to pin them down. We must stand up for the democratic values that make it possible for us to accomplish any of this, pushing back against those who would monopolize and normalize repression. You know, this is also -- this is also how were going to be able to meet the threat from Russia. The Kremlin attacks our democracies and weaponizes corruption to try to undermine our system of governance. Russian leaders want people to think that our system is more corrupt or as corrupt as theirs. But the world knows that isnt true, including Russians -- Russias own citizens. Putin seeks to weaken European -- the European project and our NATO Alliance. He wants to undermine the transatlantic unity and our resolve, because its so much easier for the Kremlin to bully and threaten individual states than it is to negotiate with a strong and closely united transatlantic community. Thats why -- thats why standing up for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine remains a vital concern for Europe and the United States. Thats why addressing recklessness -- Russian recklessness and hacking into computer networks, in the United States and across Europe and the world, has become critical to protecting our collective security. The challenges with Russia may be different than the ones with China, but theyre just as real. And its not about pitting East against West. Its not about we want a conflict. We want a future where all nations are able to freely determine their own path without a threat of violence or coercion. We cannot and must not return to the reflective [reflexive] opposition and rigid blocs of the Cold War. Competition must not lock out cooperation on issues that affect us all. For example, we must cooperate if were going to defeat COVID-19 everywhere. My first presidential national security memorandum focused on surging health and humanitarian responses to defeat COVID-19 and to better prevent and prepare for the next pandemic. Today, I'm announcing that the United States is making a $2 billion pledge to COVAX, with the promise of an additional $2 billion to urge others to step up as well. Yet, even as we fight to get out of the teeth of this pandemic, the resurgence of Ebola in Africa is a stark reminder that we must simultaneously work to finally finance health security; strengthen global health systems; and create early warning systems to prevent, detect, and respond to future biological threats, because they will keep coming. We have to work together to strengthen and reform the World Health Organization. We need a U.N. system focused on biological threats that can move quickly to trigger action. Similarly, we can no longer delay or do the bare minimum to address climate change. This is a global, existential crisis, and we'll all suffer -- we'll all suffer the consequences if we fail. We have to rapidly accelerate our commitments to aggressively curb our emissions and to hold one another accountable for meeting our goals and increasing our ambitions. Thats why, as President, I immediately rejoined the Paris Agreement, and as of today, the United States is officially once again a party to the Paris Agreement, which we helped put together. On Earth Day, I will host a leaders summit to help drive more ambitious actions among top emitters, including domestic climate action here in the United States. I am grateful -- Im grateful for Europes continued leadership on climate issues over the last four years. Together, we need to invest in the technological innovations that are going to power our clean energy futures and enable us to build clean energy solutions to global markets. The threat of nuclear proliferation also continues to require careful diplomacy and cooperation among us. We need transparency and communication to minimize the risk of strategic misunderstanding or mistakes. That's why the United States and Russia, notwithstanding other competition, extended the New START Treaty for an additional four [five] years once I came -- I was sworn in. Thats why we have said we're prepared to reengage in negotiations with the P5+1 on Irans nuclear program. We must also address Irans destabilizing activities across the Middle East, and we're going to work in close cooperation with our European and other partners as we proceed. We'll also work together to lock down fissile and radiological material to prevent terrorist groups from acquiring or using them. Look, the range of challenges Europe and the United States must take on together is broad and complex. And Im eager to hear -- I'm eager to hear -- Im eager to hear next from my good friends and outstanding leaders, Chancellor Merkel, about her thoughts on the way forward together. So let me conclude with this: We cannot allow self-doubt to hinder our ability to engage each other or the larger world. The last four years have been hard. But Europe and the United States have to lead with confidence once more, with faith in our capacities, a commitment to our own renewal, with trust in one another and the ability of Europe and the United States to meet any challenge to secure our futures together. I know we can do this. We've done it before. Just yesterday -- after a seven-month, 300-million mile journey -- NASA successfully landed the Perseverance Rover on Mars. It's on a mission of exploration, with elements contributed by our European partners to seek evidence of the possibility of life beyond our planet and the mysteries of the universe. Over the next few years -- "Percy" is (inaudible) call -- but Perseverance will range and collect samples from the Red Planet and pile them up so another mission and rover, envisioned as a joint effort between NASA and the European Space Agency, will retrieve this trove of scientific wonders and bring it home to all of us. Thats what we can do together. If our unbound capacity to carry us to Mars and back dont tell us anything else, they tell us we can meet any challenge we can face on Earth. We have everything we need. And I want you to know the United States will do -- well do our part. We'll stand with you. We'll fight for our shared values. We'll meet the challenges of this new moment in history. America is back. So lets get together and demonstrate to our great, great grandchildren, when they read about us, that democracy -- democracy -- democracy functions and works, and together, there is nothing we can't do. So let's get working. The Canadian Press/file photo The federal government has agreed to top up its funding for vaccine rollouts in lower-income countries, pledging $75 million more to the COVAX international vaccine-sharing program as other wealthy countries step up their commitment. The announcement comes as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosts Justin Trudeau and their G7 counterparts for a virtual leaders' summit aimed at bringing renewed momentum to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Johnson confirmed Britain will be sending all of its surplus doses to the COVAX Facility, a development that could place Trudeau in a hot seat because Canada is the only G7 country using its membership in the program to get extra vaccines for its own population. The Liberals have been under fire from international organizations and some opposition parties for the decision to accept 1.9 million doses of vaccine from COVAX for domestic use in Canada by the end of June. Trudeau has defended the decision on the grounds that countries that contribute to COVAX are allowed to receive vaccines of their own and he has noted that Canada is one of the leading contributors to the globalprogram. COVAX is a partnership created last year under the World Health Organization to help deliver billions of expensive vaccine doses to countries that can't afford them. Canada has pledged $220 million to COVAX and another $865 million to the ACT Accelerator, which tries to ensure low- and middle-income countries have equitable access to medical treatments during the pandemic. Britain has pledged $971 million to COVAX. The $75 million in additional funds are also bound for the Accelerator program, said Guillaume Dumas, press secretary to International Development Minister Karina Gould. The announcement comes the same day as the European Union's executive commission promised to double its contribution to one billion euros. "We will only be safe if the whole world is safe," said Ursula Von der Leyen, the European Commission's president, in a statement before the leaders of the G7 gathered in a virtual meeting Friday. Canada has faced shortfalls in deliveries of vaccines in recent weeks, but Trudeau has said they are scheduled to ramp up again. He also says it is too soon to say what Canada will do with any excess vaccines, but that Canada is committed to helping end the pandemic everywhere because that is in Canada's interest. Johnson, who himself became seriously ill after contracting COVID-19 last year, is using Britain's presidency of the G7 this year to drive a health plan that would enable the speedy creation of new vaccines to combat other deadly diseases and pandemics that might emerge in the future. Johnson wants the G7 to endorse a target to cut the time to develop new vaccines by two-thirds, from 300 days to 100 days. Canada's top-up comes as welcome news to advocacy groups. "Todays new investment comes at the right time: the pandemic does not end until it ends everywhere, so investing to ensure everyone has access to vaccines and other tools is smart," Stuart Hickox, director of the One Campaign anti-poverty organization's Canadian chapter, said in an email. The organization is asking Ottawa to commit to investing one per cent of its emergency COVID-19 spending in the global fight against the pandemic. "More work needs to be done, but the Trudeau government is on the right path," Hickox said. Seven more mayors across New Jersey are on board to help create a $100 million philanthropic fund to support Black and Latinx business owners and real estate developers. The idea first started in Newark last year in September. Now, mayors from Orange, East Orange, Paterson, Camden, Trenton, Irvington and Atlantic City are helping to call on the private sector to contribute to the fund and assist their residents too. The mayors on Wednesday also called on Gov. Phil Murphy for his support to expand the program across the state, which has one of the worst wealth gaps in the nation. Sometimes its a hard conversation to have about the inequalities in our community as it results from systematic racism that has been going on for a long time in this country, said Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss in a Zoom conference announcing the collaboration. And it needs to be addressed head-on, especially in a state like New Jersey. Newark dubbed the initiative the Newark 40 Acres and a Mule Fund, or FAM fund, a program which takes its name from a Reconstruction-era initiative, and the first federal attempt at reparations for formerly enslaved African-Americans that never fully materialized. The New Jersey FAM Fund is run by a private company. Bernel Hall is a managing partner of the New Jersey FAM Fund and is also the president and CEO of Invest Newark, a quasi-governmental nonprofit that helps administer capital to businesses and operates Newarks land bank. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka recognized that all small businesses, especially during the pandemic, are struggling. But, the mayor added, Black and Latinx business owners have historically been denied loans and access to capital, even during the pandemic. When people say things like that, said Baraka of those who say there shouldnt be a fund only for people who are Black and Latinos, I take it as dismissive of a history of things that have happened to our people in this country. Its dismissive of the inequity that exists here and dismissive of our attempt to try to address hundreds of years of a problem. The mayors said the fund is one solution aimed at closing the staggering racial wealth gap. Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans provided during the pandemic to small businesses only reached less than 20% of counties with the densest Black-owned business activity, according to an August 2020 study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. A 2020 report by the National Bureau for Economic Research found that between February and April of last year, Black business ownership saw an estimated 41% decline while the number of businesses owned by Latinx people declined by an estimated 32%. White business owners saw an estimated drop of 17%, according to the report. The median and mean net wealth for white families in the United States are $188,200 and $983,400, respectively, according to a 2019 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances. Median and mean net wealth for Black families are $24,100 and $142,500. For Hispanic families, they are $36,100 and $165,500. The median income for a white household in New Jersey was $71,137 and just $45,755 for a Black household, according to the latest data from the state Department of Labor in 2018. Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said his residents are often competing with residents in nearby Princeton for loans. The median household income in Trenton, where 49% of residents are Black, is about $35,402, according to census data. In Princeton, where 72% of residents are white, its $137,672. They come to this space with experience and know-how that Black and brown businesses who havent had a chance to spread their wings dont have, said Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren. It makes them less attractive to those who would provide capital. Hall, the managing partner of the fund, said the goal is to generate $10 million by the end of the first quarter of 2021, and the initiative is quickly approaching that goal. Two commitments from Fortune 500 companies are also close to being finalized, Hall added. New Jersey Community Capital, the largest community development finance institution in the state, is helping with direct investment and fundraising. Commitments have already come from companies and celebrities including AT&T, Panasonic, RWJBarnabas Health and Shaquille ONeal. And the return on investment? Hall said it gives investors the opportunity to get tax credits under the federal Community Reinvestment Act, which requires banks to meet credit needs of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. There are already many fortune 500 institutions that have created large social investment vehicles for these types of potential transactions involving underserved minorities, Hall explained. The funds will be administered through recoverable grants, loans and equity investments and initially will include pre-development loans for real estate deals, acquisition loans, and both grants and loans for small businesses. Mini-perm loans will be available as well, Hall said. Applicants are being accepted now and decisions will begin to be made in about a month. To register, visit njfamfund.org. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Tennyson Donyea may be reached at tcoleman@njadvancemedia.com. Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. Bengaluru, Feb 20 : A group of prominent people, including artists, environmental and social activists on Friday held a virtual press conference, saying climate activist Disha Ravi must be released immediately. They also demanded withdrawal of all charges made against her. The virtual press conference was jointly organised by National Alliance of People's Movements, Coalition for Environmental Justice in India and People's Union for Civil Liberties here. The activists also said warrants against Shantanu Muluk and Nikita Jacob must be dropped. Magsaysay Award winner and human rights activist Sandeep Pandey described that unable and unwilling to engage with the protesting farmers, the Union Government is busy trying to use the 'Khalistani brush' to tarnish their movement and those who support them. "This government has gone to the extent that including the current youth environmental activists. This is shameful over-reach and characteristic of a bully state," he slammed. He added that the disturbingly frequent use of undemocratic laws like The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) or the ease with which charges of colonial era sedition charges are being levelled, is far higher and more frequently employed than even during colonial times. "These have been used against many senior activists, professionals, educators, journalists and others; now they are being used against very young people," Pandey lamented. A Jaipur-based social activist, thinker and People's Union for Civil Liberties member Kavita Srivatsava asserted that no further action should be taken against youth who have been supporting the farmers' movement and social and environmental justice causes. "Disha Ravi's arrest is the government's intent to criminalise dissent," she added. Noted environmentalist, Ashish Kothari said that these actions are aimed at diverting public attention from the most pressing needs of the nation, such as the farmers' crisis, the ecological collapse, and the economic insecurity of hundreds of millions of people, all intensified by the ongoing selling out of natural resources to corporate interests. "We should not see ongoing farmers strike and attack on the environment as two separate issues. They are inherently interlinked. So anyone who supports farmers or environment causes are directly or indirectly supporting each other" he said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text [February 19, 2021] The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces Investigation of FuboTV, Inc. (FUBO) on Behalf of Investors The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces an investigation of FuboTV, Inc. ("Fubo" or the "Company") (NYSE: FUBO) on behalf of investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. On December 30, 2020, Kerrisdale Capital published a report titled "fuboTV Inc. (FUBO), Requiem for a Stream ("Kerrisdale Report"), which criticized Fubo's core subscription business as "structurally unprofitable," and stating, Fubo's valuation as "absurd," and Fubo's acquisition of Balto Sportsas a "foolish" attempt to enter the "already highly competitive space [of sport wagering]." The Report questioned the Company's strategy: "dropping content to manage costs is reactionary and destined to cause eventual spikes in churn and SAC." On this news, Fubo stock price fell $9.70 per share, or 25.72%, to close at $28.00 on December 31, 2020, thereby injuring investors. On January 4, 2021, Motley Fool published an article titled, "There's a Big Problem with FuboTV Stock" stating that the Company is "nowhere close to turning a profit" as "direct costs of delivering its service are higher than revenue." The article also concluded that "fuboTV's adjusted contribution margin is a meaningless number. It's a function of how quickly the company is gaining subscribers, not a representation of profitability. The fact that the company reports such a misleading metric is a huge red flag. It's reason enough to stay far away from the stock." On this news, Fubo stock price fell $3.99 per share, or 14%, to close at $24.24 on January 4, 2021, thereby injuring investors further. Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert) : twitter.com/FRC_LAW. If you purchased Fubo securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com, or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005128/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Over the past few years, the Supreme Court has dramatically altered the way it decides most caseswithout acknowledging or justifying this radical shift. More and more often, the justices forgo the usual appeals procedure in favor of rushed decision-making behind closed doors in whats known as the shadow docket. They issue late-night opinions on the merits of a case without hearing arguments or receiving full briefing, and often refuse to reveal who authored the opinion, or even how each justice voted. The public is then left to guess why or how the law has changed and what reasoning the court has embraced. These emergency orders are supposed to be a rare exception; today, however, the court regularly uses them to make law in hugely controversial cases, including disputes over the border wall, COVID-19 restrictions, and executions. On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to decide what, if anything, Congress can do to address a problem thats spiraling out of control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houses interest in the shadow docket is an encouraging sign that at least some members of Congress want to exercise their own constitutional powers to help fix the Supreme Court. Its easy to forget that the democratic branches of government have real power over the federal judiciary. Congress can force SCOTUS to hear certain cases and prevent it from hearing others; it created the lower courts and gave them authority to decide a wide array of controversies, a privilege it can also strip away. In 1996, for instance, Congress revoked federal courts power to hear many lawsuits filed by state prisoners. Back then, lawmakers decided that courts were granting relief to too many people behind bars, so it took away the tools judges needed to safeguard due process. Progressives hate that law, and rightly so, but its a reminder that Congress can rein in a judiciary that it perceives to be out of control. Will Democrats take advantage of that power now that they hold Congress and the White House? Advertisement After Thursdays two-hour hearing, it appears the short answer is: maybe. Members of both parties asked good, sometimes surprisingly sharp questions of the four witnesses: Steve Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law (and Slate contributor); Amir Ali of the MacArthur Justice Center; Loren AliKhan, the solicitor general of the District of Columbia; and Michael Morley of Florida State University College of Law. Vladeck, probably the foremost expert on the shadow docket, laid out the issue succinctly. Shadow docket decisions are rushed and regularly unsigned. They disrupt the normal appeals process, allowing favored plaintiffs to leapfrog over lower courts to claim a quick victory at SCOTUS. They divide the court along partisan lines more often than normal decisions. They routinely give lower courts little to no guidance, forcing judges to guess what the majority is thinking. All of these features undermine public confidence in the court, which, in turn, threatens its legitimacy. Advertisement Advertisement Between 2017 and 2020, the number of divided shadow docket decisions increased roughly tenfold. There are a number of reasons why: The Trump administration aggressively lobbied the Supreme Court to issue emergency orders approving some executive actions, and got what it wanted with alarming frequency. For example, SCOTUS never issued a decision upholding Trumps raid of federal funds to build his border wall without authorization, or affirming the legality of multiple restrictions on asylum. Yet Trump was able to build (part of) his wall and impose draconian limits on asylum-seekers anyway, because SCOTUS authorized these policies through the shadow docket (sometimes by 54 votes). The Trump administration also urged SCOTUS to lift stays of execution during its eleventh-hour killing spree, and the conservative majority happily obliged. Republican activists and office holders joined in before the 2020 election, racing to SCOTUS to clear away decisions that expanded voting rights in their states. Advertisement Between 2017 and 2020, the number of divided shadow docket decisions increased roughly tenfold. But there are other factors within the court driving the explosion of the shadow docketmost importantly, the abrupt rightward shift of the majority since 2018. As soon as Justice Brett Kavanaugh replaced the much more moderate Justice Anthony Kennedy that year, the court began to issue more divisive shadow docket decisions upholding Trump policies and allowing executions. Kennedy had a moderating influence on the court, forcing the other conservatives to compromise or slow-walk their goals. When Kavanaugh took his seat, he joined his fellow conservatives in ramming through emergency orders over the dissents of the liberal justices. Justice Amy Coney Barrett may accelerate that trend: In her brief time on the court, she has consistently joined the conservatives in issuing brash shadow docket orders. There is one notable exceptionher decision to block an execution on religious liberty groundsbut that decision illustrates another flaw: We do not know who cast the fifth vote to halt the execution, because the justices are not obligated to note their votes on the shadow docket. Advertisement Advertisement While every Democrat who participated in Thursdays hearing seemed to agree that this shift poses a real problem, not all were certain that they could legislate a solution. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona came out swinging hard for reform, condemning SCOTUS over issuing decisions with sweeping implications in the dark, using a rationale hidden from the public. How, he wondered, could Congress compel the justices to at least record its vote instead of going unchecked? Rep. Ted Lieu of California asked if Congress could force justices to put their names on opinions. Vladeck questioned whether such a measure would pass constitutional muster. But, remarkably, Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas endorsed the idea. I am a fan of judges and justices making clear who is making decisions, the lawmaker said. I think Congress does have authority to require such a thing. (Gohmerts fellow Republicans spent much of the hearing asking Morley about the rise of nationwide injunctions under Trump, a phenomenon that does not actually explain the rise of the shadow docket.) Advertisement Rep. Zoe Lofgren sounded less sure than her fellow Democrats about the significance of the problem at hand. The phrase shadow docket, she warned, probably is unnecessarily pejorative. She vaguely endorsed thoughtful deliberation about putting some guardrails on this by requiring more transparency and a more deliberative process. These guardrails, she clarified, are not an effort to weaken SCOTUS, but to protect the reputation of the court. The generational divide between Democrats on the topic of court reform was strikingly clear when, a few minutes later, freshman Rep. Mondaire Jones attacked the rogue Supreme Court for its partisan and highly secretive use of the shadow docket to greenlight voter suppression and approve stringent new limits on immigration under Trump. Jones, who supports expanding the Supreme Court, is almost certainly to the left of Democrats like Lofgren when it comes to court reform. But its notable that no Republicans tried to defend the shadow docket as a valid way of doing day-to-day business; no one, it seems, wants to argue that unsigned opinions issued in the wee hours of the morning are a good way to make law. Yet hard-line responses, like forcing the court to publicize how every justice voted, are still a long way off. Advertisement For now, the most likely reforms are a series of nudges Vladeck has proposed. Some are minor, like shortening the timeline for appeals and requiring the Supreme Court to hear certain cases that Congress deems important. Others are more direct. SCOTUS is already supposed to withhold emergency relief unless the litigant has demonstrated that they will suffer irreparable harm without a stay, and to balance the interests of the parties and the public. In the past few years, it has simply abandoned these rules. Congress can order the court to restore this standard, requiring the justices to stop treating shadow docket decisions like normal cases and, hopefully, stem the flow of emergency orders. In truth, though, the House Judiciary Committee may have already taken the first step toward a solution by holding a hearing. The more that lawmakers scrutinize the shadow docket, the less attractive it becomes for the justicesespecially those, like Chief Justice John Roberts, who are conscious of the courts public image. Thursdays hearing proved that Democrats are serious about exploring court reform. The justices are now on notice that they cannot keep doing their work under cover of darkness much longer. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help In a recent conversation with one of my vendors, he commented that business was great! He has been a one-man-show for many years and his business has arrived at the transition point of needing more talent. Yay for him! Except the associate he hired to help wasnt, well, him. The partner, while competent, didnt respond as quickly, take as much time with prospective clients nor cared if the project landed or fell apart. The outcome was lost business and the opposite of my vendor's goal for growth. I understand his pain. I own one of the largest, private, woman-owned mental health practices in the state of Illinois, with 40 therapists and 5 locations. A solo practitioner for over 10 years, and not wanting to miss out on dinners, bath times and bedtimes for my new baby, I took on an associate to handle the overflow that I could no longer serve. Easy, I thought. Ill just hire a good, competent therapist and will schedule new clients with her. Done! Not done. While the calls came in, that therapist ended up leaving my practice, not because of a lack of business, but because she wasnt me. Of course there are many excellent therapists to be had in the Chicagoland area, but I had been the one to answer the phones, give the talks to organizations, join the chamber of commerce, participate on the committees, connect with referral sources, treat their neighbors. In essence, the business was me. I wasnt just the face of the business. I was the business. Therapy, like many service-oriented industries, is based on a very personal business relationship. So referrals, it turns out, arent easily transferrable. I realized that if I wanted my practice to thrive, I needed to quickly figure out how to help prospective clients see the value of my associates. Heres how I did it... Related: Why Control Is Nothing More Than an Optical Illusion Accepting that they are NOT me While most business owners might want their associates and employees to love the business and care for it as much as they do, thats a complicated expectation that you are wise to do away with. The employee is not me. I lose sleep, monitor accounts and have the bottom line in my line of sight at all times. I cant expect that of anyone else. The mindset of they are not me, and thats ok, is critical to everyones success in the organization. Acknowledge how they are LIKE me While the employee is not me, they are in the early phases of the business, very much LIKE me. If I want a prospective client to feel good about seeing someone who is not me, I need to be able to explain why seeing another therapist makes sense. The employee really does need to be like me in approach and energy. While we currently have a wide range of mental health experience, expertise and knowledge, that did not come along until the group was well established. We were highly homogenous in the early days. Stay front and center For quality assurance purposes, as the business grew, I remained front and center. I returned all new calls so that I could personally explain why seeing my associate made sense. I assured prospective clients that I had hand-picked and supervised my associate. I told them about ways we were very much alike and made sure to share ways the coworker may be an even better fit. I made sure I told my associate all about the potential client and set up an accountability system whereby I knew that they had contacted the client and had a conversation to make sure they were in fact a good fit. Almost invariably, with this soft handoff the prospective client signed on with my associate. Related: The Billion-Dollar Time Management Secret Embrace THEIR value Sixteen years into being a group practice, people still call and ask specifically for me. However, this happens a lot less. While I remain the primary driver of new business, I have become much better at targeting a desired market and extolling the virtues of our services, our practice, our team or even a particular provider. I speak frequently about our values and team approach. I speak about our collective culture as an asset. I havent answered the phone for years and I now receive nothing but a weekly report of how many calls/email inquiries came in, how many we absorbed or referred out and which therapists received a new client. And this certainly meant making sure my co-workers made sure they knew how much I valued them. Tellingly, a recent survey conducted by Motivosity found that 7 in 10 workers polled claimed appreciation meant the most when it came from a manager or executive. If I am honest, I admit that I had a hard time letting go of control. Like many small business owners, this was my baby and I didnt want anyone to drop it. Trusting others is hard. If you turn over control slowly and shepherd your staff and customers through the process, growth will happen. The business needs to become itself, not a mirror or extension of just you. Related 12 Entrepreneurs Talk about Ways to Strike the Right Balance Between Work Family and Other Interests Related: Is the Future of Business Going to Be as Diverse as We Think? Why You Need Summer Interns Now, and 3 Tips for Hiring the Best Ones Micromanaging Is Sucking the Life Out of You. Here's How to Stop. Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved A once high-flying political fundraiser who prosecutors said gave illegal campaign contributions to Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Lindsey Graham and a host of other U.S. politicians was sentenced Thursday to 12 years behind bars. Imaad Zuberi, who was accused of ingratiating himself with politicos in both major parties and peddling the resulting influence to foreign governments, pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion, campaign finance violations and failing to register as a foreign agent. He also was ordered to pay nearly $16 million in restitution and a nearly $2 million fine. Federal prosecutors described Zuberi, who reports to prison May 25, as a 'mercenary' political donor who gave to anyone he thought could help him. Pay to play, he explained to clients, was just 'how America work(s).' Imaad Zuberi pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion, campaign finance violations and failing to register as a foreign agent. Zuberi is pictured with then-Vice President Joe Biden Federal prosecutors described Zuberi, who reports to prison May 25, as a 'mercenary' political donor who gave to anyone he thought could help him. Zuberi pictured with Donald Trump Prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips for a stiff sentence, calling the scope of Zuberi's scheme unprecedented. The Los Angeles businessman's crimes included unregistered lobbying for governments with spotty human rights records like Sri Lanka and Turkey as well as a Ukrainian oligarch close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, prosecutors said. Phillips noted the sophistication of Zuberi's straw donor scheme and also spoke of the role such campaign finance investigations play in preserving the integrity of American elections. The sentence comes after former President Donald Trump recently pardoned others who had been convicted or pleaded guilty to similar foreign-influence-related crimes, including his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and Elliott Broidy, a major Trump fundraiser. Zuberi's hefty sentence 'sent a loud message that we have to stop such conduct to restore the public faith in our institutions,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. O'Brien told The Associated Press. Zuberi, 50, maintained that his wrongdoing had been limited and asked to be credited for years of cooperation with federal and local law enforcement. The political donor pictured with Hillary Clinton and also with then-President Barack Obama Imaad Zuberi (center), a venture capitalist and a major political donor, is pictured with Paul Ryan (left) 'This case shows that foreign influence extends well beyond what has been frequently discussed in public discourse,' he added. Zuberi, 50, maintained that his wrongdoing had been limited and asked to be credited for years of cooperation with federal and local law enforcement. His attorneys noted he already has paid more than $10 million in restitution. 'I'm deeply sorry and, of course, humiliated,' Zuberi told the judge. 'I have no excuse for what I've done.' Some of Zuberi's cooperation remains under seal. Phillips, citing national security interests, closed the courtroom for part of Thursday's proceedings to discuss classified information Zuberi filed in an effort to reduce his sentence. Zuberis attorneys asked Phillips to credit him for a list of law enforcement leads and intelligence he provided to the federal government, according to people familiar with the court filings. Zuberi, a Pakistani-American who has extensive business dealings overseas, was in frequent contact with a CIA officer over the years and bragged to associates of his ties to the intelligence community. Zuberi pictured with Steven Mnuchin Zuberi had been planning to assist federal authorities in a corruption investigation of an unnamed mayor in California, his attorneys wrote in a newly unsealed memo. The donor is pictured with Ben Carson (left) and James Mattis (right) Zuberi, a Pakistani-American who has extensive business dealings overseas, was in frequent contact with a CIA officer over the years and bragged to associates of his ties to the intelligence community, the AP reported last year. The sentencing came just days after hundreds of pages of previously sealed court filings in the case were made public at the behest of the AP and other media organizations. The trove of court documents offered new details about how prosecutors unraveled Zuberis scheme and also include photographs of him rubbing shoulders with then-Vice President Biden and other prominent officeholders. Zuberi had been planning to assist federal authorities in a corruption investigation of an unnamed mayor in California, his attorneys wrote in a newly unsealed memo. He was even 'preparing at an FBI office for a recorded conversation' when that effort was called off after news broke that federal prosecutors in New York were investigating the $900,000 contribution Zuberi made to Trump's inaugural committee, the records say. Zuberi has admitted obstructing that federal investigation. Documents demonstrate how Zuberi built a widespread network of contacts, thanks in part to his prodigious political giving. Zuberi pictured with Rick Perry (middle) Portions of the newly unsealed documents were redacted, in part, because of ongoing criminal investigations. Prosecutors revealed last year that there is an investigation into Zuberis ties to Qatar. Zuberi secretly lobbied the Trump White House and Congress on behalf of the small gas-rich monarchy, which has paid him $9.8 million, prosecutors have alleged in court papers. The documents also demonstrate how Zuberi built a widespread network of contacts, thanks in part to his prodigious political giving. That included six-figure donations to the Obama-Biden ticket in 2012 and Hillary Clintons presidential campaign in 2016. No one who accepted tainted money from Zuberi has been accused of wrongdoing, and Biden, through a spokesman, has said he had no knowledge of Zuberis illegal acts when they met, mostly at donor roundtables when Biden was vice president. The new records show that Zuberi donated to or hired several Washington advocacy groups, lobbying shops and public relations firms. He also had well-connected people on his payroll for various business projects, including former NATO supreme commander Gen. Wesley Clark. In this Dec. 12, 2016 photo, Los Angeles venture capitalist Imaad Zuberi, far right, stands in an elevator with former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen, far left, at Trump Tower in New York In this Nov. 22, 2019 photo, Imaad Zuberi, left, leaves the federal courthouse with his attorney Thomas O'Brien Emails obtained by the AP show Zuberi sought Clark's help for work related to a company owned by Dmitry Firtash, a Putin-friendly oligarch fighting extradition to the United States on federal bribery and racketeering charges. Prosecutors say Zuberi made $1 million doing unregistered lobbying work for Firtash. Zuberi has said the money was for legitimate business transactions. Clark did not respond to requests for comment. The AP previously reported that Zuberi used a straw donor scheme in which he paid for others donations with his credit cards and used cutouts that included a dead person and names of people prosecutors say he made up. The APs investigation found several instances where Zuberi-linked donations to members of Congress occurred within a few weeks or even days of him receiving something he sought in return. For example, Zuberi gave $5,200 to U.S. Rep. Tony Cardenas around the time his office sent an official letter in late 2013 to the National Archives expressing support for a Zuberi associate seeking to do business there, according to emails obtained by the AP. 'This is why you are getting the letter,' Zuberi wrote to his associate. 'Just want to make sure you realize it.' Cardenas, a California Democrat, declined to comment. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Mikel Arteta believes his Arsenal team will be facing the best side in Europe when they take on Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. City have won a club-record 17 successive games across all competitions and are 10 points ahead of second-placed Manchester United. Arteta knows Guardiola well after working under the City boss in Manchester for three years before returning to manage Arsenal, having previously played for the Gunners. "I think they are the best team in Europe at the moment," Arteta said of City. "The way they are performing, the football they are playing and the consistency of the results, take all that and it makes them the best team. "So we have a big but, as well, a very exciting challenge ahead of us on Sunday." City made an uncertain start to the season but are now hot favourites to win a third Premier League title in four years Arteta said he was impressed by how they had regained their form. "What they have done is react to a difficult moment," he said. "They reacted in a really convincing way, all united and doing what they do best -- being very consistent and winning games very comfortably. "They have weaknesses like every team but at the moment teams have struggled a lot to find any of that because I think first of all defensively they have been really, really strong." Arteta's praise for City was reciprocated by Guardiola, who predicted Arsenal would be title contenders in the near future. After City won 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the League Cup in December, the post-match inquest focused on whether Arteta would be sacked. Guardiola was one of the few to speak out in support of the Spaniard, with Arsenal languishing close to the relegation zone. But Arsenal kept faith with Arteta and he has steered them into calmer waters thanks to the rapid development of promising youngsters Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. "What the two months shows is that all managers need time," Guardiola said. Story continues "He (Arteta) is not an exception, but when I see the last two months every game Arsenal plays they are better than the opponent. "They have quality and incredible energy in (Emile) Smith Rowe, (Bukayo) Saka, (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang with the runs in behind, and they have the players with the quality in the middle to make the process quite well. "Early in the future they will be a real contender to fight for the title." Guardiola played down his influence on his former colleague, saying: "I didn't inspire him. What he knows he knows for himself. "I'm not in this case absolutely any influence. What he is doing, the credit is for him and his staff." jdg-smg/jw/iwd Thank you for Reading. As a community service, our obituaries are always free to view. In order to better know our audience, we ask that you register to continuing viewing. Good old Kirstie Allsopp is right. Ironing tea towels really is a therapeutic experience and God knows we could all do with more of those in these trying times. Indeed, I flatter myself that I write with a degree of authority, since Im something of an obsessive ironer myself. Whats more, as long-suffering readers may be aware, Ive often extolled in print the psychological benefits of this deeply rewarding activity, which so many foolishly dismiss as an irksome chore. So what a joy it is to welcome Kirstie into our happy band of domestic gods and goddesses who refuse to cut corners when it comes to the ironing, fully appreciating the contribution to our wellbeing made by a good job, thoroughly done. For those who missed the story, the controversy arose when the TV presenter declared on Twitter that she would have to stop posting for a bit, because she had ironing to do. As evidence of this, she tweeted a photograph of her ironing board with a tea towel hanging over it, alongside a pile of others, neatly folded. Kirstie Allsopp (pictured) sparked a heated debate after revealing she always irons tea towels Within minutes, a fierce debate was raging between those tweeters who iron their tea towels and those who think it a contemptible waste of time. Among those against was one Helen Foster, who tweeted: Next, youll be suggesting we should iron our knickers. To which she added an emoji with rolling eyes, to suggest that Kirstie was barking. Firmly in the pro-ironing-tea-towels camp, meanwhile, was a tweeter called Angela Hall, who sensibly observed: Ive never understood how they would fit in a drawer if you didnt iron them? Same with hankies. 'Such a sense of wellbeing comes from a pile of freshly ironed clothes and an empty basket. As for someone called Stuart Kane, I fear he spoke for legions of the unenlightened when he bluntly declared: Ironing is a hate crime. But Kirstie, bless her, has come out fighting for the cause. Undaunted by her critics, the property show veteran declares: Those who iron tea towels are not wasting their lives, they are creating order and providing themselves with a lot of free therapy. Join our ranks, youll never look back. As for myself, its true that I cant really claim to be a New Man, ever willing to help around the house. I never vacuum, dust or polish. I cook once in a blue moon, with a repertoire of only three dishes (or four, if you count boiled eggs). I dont have a clue how to work the washing machine. I dont even help with washing or drying pots and pans, preferring to think that Mrs U rather enjoys pottering around by the sink on her own. Sharing these pictures of her house work, the mother-of two wrote: 'I have ironing to do' Though we have four sons, Im ashamed to confess that I have not changed a nappy since my first couple of attempts when our eldest was a baby 35 years ago. I made such a fuss, and gagged so revoltingly, that Mrs U relieved me of all duties in that department when the other three boys came along. But ironing is the great exception. There, I am the very model of the New Man, ever eager to shoulder the burden. I first took to it years ago, when we bought one of the new generation of steam irons those with a mothership sitting on the kitchen worktop, full of water, the iron itself attached to it by an umbilical cord, like a space-walker. Now, I cant set eyes on any new-fangled gadget without wanting to play with it. The difference with the new iron was that, when I tried it out, I found the job so satisfying that Ive insisted on doing more than my share of it ever since. Mindless it may be, but thats part of its joy for it offers a sense of achievement (not to mention brownie points) out of all proportion to the limited skill required. And yes, I do iron handkerchiefs and tea towels and underwear as well. In that respect, it appears, Im more diligent even than Kirstie, who admits on Twitter that she doesnt iron her knickers. Shocking, I say. OK, some may argue and alas, they include Mrs U that my insistence on ironing underwear is a symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. But then what if Im run over by a bus and rushed to hospital? I wouldnt want the doctor to say: My God! Hes wearing unironed boxer shorts! Presenter shocked many after sharing a picture of her ironing board with freshly ironed towels Thats not really the point, though. As Kirstie so eloquently suggests, doing the ironing is a blissfully therapeutic way of whiling away a lockdown afternoon. Dare I say it, it even beats watching endless property shows on TV. As it happens, this week I enjoyed another therapeutic experience when I finally got round to straightening the curtain rail in the kitchen, which had been bothering me for about ten years. When we first had French doors fitted, some fool had attached a wooden batten to the wall above them at a wonky angle and its from this that the rail hangs. All right, I admit it . . . that fool was me. But on Tuesday, after almost a year of lockdown, I finally mustered the energy to take down the curtains, remove the batten from the wall, re-drill the holes and screw it on again, straight, with the help of a spirit level. I cant begin to describe to you what a sense of achievement it has given me, far exceeding anything else Ive done since the country was put under house arrest. My heart sings every time I look at it (though ungrateful Mrs Us only comments were: No need to go on about it and, Why didnt you do it earlier?). I fear, however, that no amount of ironing or DIY therapy will suffice to keep whats left of my sanity intact if this wretched lockdown drags on for much longer. Indeed, I feel that nothing can now save me from the madhouse short of the re-opening of the pubs and the sooner, the better. Before I go any further, I must declare an interest. I had my first dose of the Oxford vaccine three weeks ago, which means that, by now, I should have a high degree of immunity to the worst effects of Covid. I should also be unlikely to infect others. Heaven knows why I was offered it so early. Im a mere stripling of 67, after all and, as far as I know, I have no underlying health conditions that make me extremely vulnerable (unless theres something my GP isnt telling me). Perhaps there was a mix-up at the surgery, as in the hilarious case of young Liam Thorp, one of my successors as the political editor of the Liverpool Echo. Aged only 32 and perfectly healthy, Mr Thorp was surprised to be offered the vaccine as soon as it became available to the highest-risk groups. To cut a long story short, it emerged that this was because there had been a computer error at his surgery, where his height had been registered as 6.2cm instead of 6 ft 2 in. Given his weight, this gave him a Body Mass Index of 28,000. For reference, as he puts it drily, a BMI of 40 or more is considered morbidly obese. But whatever the reason for my own early inoculation, it must surely mean that Ill be able to go to the pub again with a clear conscience just as soon as the hospitality sector is allowed to reopen. No such luck for the young, I suppose, since they may have to wait until its their turn for a vaccine before they feel free to go back to the greatest of our national institutions. But if the choice is between opening pubs only to us vaccinated oldies and not opening them at all, then surely the former is the lesser of two evils? I suspect that many publicans and their young staff, too would welcome the chance to reopen on any terms, even if that meant the average age of their clientele would be well above 70. Call me selfish, if you will. But there are 16.4 million like me, and counting, for whom a visit to the pub is becoming a real possibility once again. And isnt that a whole lot better than having nothing to look forward to but the ironing? Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Sodium Triphosphate (STP) Market Outlook 2019-2024 offers detailed coverage of sodium triphosphate industry and presents main market trends. The market research gives historical and forecast market size, demand, end-use details, price trends, and company shares of the leading sodium triphosphate producers to provide exhaustive coverage of the market for sodium triphosphate. The report segments the market and forecasts its size, by volume and value, on the basis of application, by products, and by geography. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from key industry participants. 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Madhavan, who gives utmost importance to his family, said that he regrets not having his wife Sarita Birje by his side. The 3 Idiots also urged people to stop perceiving actors as "idiots". YouTube/UltraBollywood "When actors like us get honoured with doctorates I wish the image of showbiz personalities as intellectually challenged frivolous dimwits would end... there are so many actors and films that have influenced the lives of millions," he was quoted as saying by Spotboye.com. Twitter Earlier, Madhavan had shared his pictures in which he standing at the dias and speaking at the gathering as he is being honoured. "So very humbled and grateful on being conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters (D. Litt.) by DY Patil Education Society, Kolhapur . This is an honor and a responsibility now (sic)," he wrote. "This will only motivate me to keep pushing the envelope and challenging myself with newer projects," he had said in a statement as quoted by PTI. Madhavan is currently awaiting the release of his directorial debut Rocketry: The Nambi Effect in which he also stars in the titular role. The movie is based on the life of former scientist and aerospace engineer of Indian Space Research Organisation, Nambi Narayanan, who was accused of espionage. The charges were dismissed in 1996 by CBI and he was declared non-guilty in 1998, but it was after 24 years that he received compensation of Rs 50 lakhs recently in September for being kept in prison for 50 days. The movie will be released in English, Tamil as well as Hindi. India has been requested by Pakistan to permit neutral international observers to visit Kashmir and evaluate the ground situation by having a free interaction with the people living in the valley, informed Pakistan Foreign spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri. On Wednesday and Thursday, members of states of the European Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the ground situation in view of the efforts made to restore normalcy by strengthening democratically-elected local bodies. Jammu and Kashmir Police and Indian Army in Srinagar briefed the foreign envoys about the security arrangements in the valley. The police also informed about their initiatives in sports, employment opportunities, community engagements, counter-radicalization, how police tackled the Covid-19 situation, infiltration pattern, Pakistan's role, atrocities of Baramulla in 1948, and the Indian Army's role in making terrorists surrender. India denied permission to around 600 Sikh pilgrims on Wednesday to visit Pakistan, citing the security and COVID-19 situation in the country. Chaudhri said, "We believe that India should also facilitate Sikh Yatris for visiting their religious sites in Pakistan. READ | Foreign Envoys Meet J&K Police & Army; Counter-radicalisation And Other Issues Discussed READ | Sri Lanka Cancels Imran Khan's Speech To Its Parliament; Visiting Pakistan PM Embarrassed Delegation of foreign envoys on a 2-day visit Diplomats also visited the stalls of Horticulture and other departments set up in the degree college. Representatives were welcomed in a traditional manner. The team, which came on a two-day tour, will leave for Jammu after meeting the officers of the army and police, where they will also meet the Lieutenant Governor. The team includes diplomats from 20 European and African countries. This was the first visit by foreign diplomats to Jammu and Kashmir since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A delegation of envoys from across the world reached Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday to assess the development work and the security situation in the union territory, especially after the successful completion of the District Development Council (DDC) elections. Nazir Ahmad Khan, the DDC Chairman of Budgam district on Wednesday stated that the issues of development were discussed with the group of 24 foreign envoys. After the abrogation of Article 370, the foreign guests have visited the valley for the fourth time. The delegation consists mainly of foreign diplomats from African, Middle-East, and European countries. Foreign diplomats from Chile, Brazil, Cuba, Bolivia, Italy, Bangladesh, Malawi, Eritrea, Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Tajikistan, Estonia, Finland, France, Senegal, Malaysia, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Kyrgyzstan, and the European Union visited the valley. READ | Pakistan Likely To Remain On FATF's 'grey List' Until June, Plenary Meetings From Feb 21 READ | Pakistan PM Imran Khan Targets Indian Cricketers & Bollywood Celebs; Confuses With Hashtag (With Agency Inputs) Palestine Convention/YouTube; Middle East Monitor/Handout via Reuters; Alexey Nikolsky/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images; Dylan Martinez/Reuters; Samantha Lee/Insider Michael Kellogg has defended the Saudi government and royal family in US courts for 18 years. Several people are suing the crown prince, accusing him of murder and hacking attempts. Kellogg is criticized for his client choice but remains one of Washington's most admired attorneys. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. For fledgling lawyers striking out in 1980s Washington, DC, it was hard not to catch wind of Michael Kellogg. Graduating magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1982, Kellogg had clerked for Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist before moving to New York to work for Rudy Giuliani, then a US attorney, as he prosecuted mafiosos from the Five Families. Back in Washington, Kellogg was scooped up by Charles Fried, the US solicitor general. "I took the task of hiring assistants very seriously, and he had a wonderful profile," Fried told Insider in a recent interview. It was 1987 and the start of what would see Kellogg become one of Washington's most admired, feared, and successful attorneys. Youth and legal prowess aside, it was clear to others that Kellogg was of a bygone era. "He's an example of the old-fashioned, truly civilized lawyer who cares for his soul, and for his community," Fried said. "He's also a very elegant man. The way he lives his life is elegant." Michael Kellogg giving a lecture on ancient poetry and philosophy via Zoom on February 1. CollegeYearInAthens/YouTube In a personal reckoning that many prosecutors face, Kellogg left public service in 1990. Three years after joining the Mayer Brown law firm, he left, seeking more autonomy, founding his own firm with two Harvard Law classmates. The rest is history. Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick is now one of the leading boutique firms in the US, known for its eye-watering $330,000 signing bonus for new associates who, like Kellogg, clerked for Supreme Court justices. Going alone was a natural progression for Kellogg. "It meant being able to fashion the way you want to do things, to build your own shop on personal relations," he told Law360 in 2014. That is the only interview he has given, and Kellogg declined multiple requests to be interviewed for this story. Story continues At Kellogg Hansen, Kellogg attracted clients and spearheaded some of the firm's headline wins. "Michael was the leading force when starting his own firm," Roy Englert Jr., a founding partner at Robbins Russell and former colleague of Kellogg, told Insider. "It is a leap of faith when you start a new firm, but it's not the Herculean task that some might think it to be if you already have good client contacts and know what you're selling." Saudi Arabia's 'clearing house' One of those clients stands out from the rest in terms of scale and intrigue. For the past 18 years Kellogg, 67, has defended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its royals in the US at a time when the American public has ostracized them. Kellogg's relationship with the Saudis began after September 11, 2001, when the families of the 3,000 Americans killed that day sued several Saudi entities for damages totaling more than $5 billion. Lawyers for the plaintiffs say Saudi officials, charities, and businesses in some way supported the work of the terror cell. Saudi Arabia denies involvement in the attack, and the 9/11 Commission report, published in 2004, found no involvement by Saudi royals. Kellogg, who was first hired in 2003 to represent the senior royal Prince Turki al-Faisal, labeled some of the early evidence alleging official Saudi involvement in the attacks "complete and utter garbage," and sought to have the claims dismissed, with some success. The public-relations battle following 9/11 has been more one-sided. Fifteen of the 19 attackers were Saudi, which initially made it hard for the kingdom to distance itself, though America's perception of Saudi Arabia did slowly improve. That lasted until 2017, when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to power. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on November 20, 2019. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters The de facto leader of Saudi Arabia has crushed his opposition with abandon - detaining activists, jailing corrupt royals, and facing claims he hacked cellphones, kidnapped minors, and ordered the murder of critics. Some of those targets have sued the crown prince in the US, meaning Kellogg's workload has reached colossal levels. As a result, his role has also morphed. "Michael Kellogg is a clearinghouse for Saudi matters," one Washington lawyer told Insider, adding that Kellogg effectively served as a quasi-outside general counsel to Saudi leadership, delegating work to other lawyers or taking it himself. This person requested anonymity to speak candidly, but their identity is known to Insider. The list of grievances against Kellogg's clients is long. Last August, Saad al-Jabri, the exiled former head of the Saudi Interior Ministry, accused Crown Prince Mohammed of sending a hit squad to kill him in Toronto in 2018. Kellogg filed to dismiss al-Jabri's claim in December. In September, the Al Jazeera journalist Ghada Oueiss accused him of ordering a hack on her cellphone. Kellogg is defending the crown prince in this claim. In October, Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, sued Crown Prince Mohammed and other Saudi officials in a US federal court in Washington. As of the publication of this article, lawyers for the crown prince have yet to make themselves known to the court, but Kellogg is widely considered by legal insiders to be among them, if not leading them. In October 2019, the son of a US military helicopter pilot killed by Al Qaeda in Iraq in 2005 also sued Saudi Arabia, accusing it of providing support to the terrorist group. Kellogg moved to dismiss his claims later that year. The Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Robert Giroux/Getty Images Another suit could be coming. It has been suggested that the families of the victims of the December 2019 attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida - where a Saudi cadet aligned with Al Qaeda shot dead three Americans - may sue the kingdom. The 9/11 lawsuit is elapsing at a snail's pace, but Kellogg has already successfully defended Prince Turki, who was accused of helping the kingdom's leadership sign deals with Osama bin Laden that would see Al Qaeda refrain from carrying out attacks on Saudi soil. At a private dinner in 2006, Prince Turki stood up to thank Kellogg, who was in attendance, for "getting me off the hook," The Washington Post reported at the time. 'How can a guy like this sleep at night?' Lawyers and law firms who represent controversial clients are often criticized for doing so. Kellogg is no exception, especially when it comes to those who lost loved ones on 9/11. "When we speak about Michael Kellogg, the sentiment among many of us is the same: How can a guy like this sleep at night, knowing that he is defending people accused of murdering Americans?" Brett Eagleson, whose father, Bruce, was killed on 9/11 and who is among those suing Saudi Arabia, told Insider. Once, at a courthouse in the Southern District of New York, the relative of a 9/11 victim confronted Kellogg after noticing him in the elevator. That person went up to Kellogg, telling him "one day God will judge him," Eagleson said. In another rebuke, Sarah Lee Whitson, the executive director of DAWN, the organization dreamed up by Khashoggi before his death, told Insider: "Lawyers in the US are prohibited from putting forward false evidence or allowing their clients to perjure themselves, and it's hard to see how Kellogg can avoid this given the facts we already know." "Ethics and law dictate that Mr. Kellogg should urge his Saudi client MBS to remedy the crimes he's committed as minimally as these civil cases allow, rather than aid him in evading justice with lies," she added. Hatice Cengiz, center, and The Washington Post's owner, Jeff Bezos, on her left, at a memorial for Jamal Khashoggi in 2019. Arif Hudaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images It has become increasingly common to see lawyers being criticized for their choice of clients. Last November, as the law firm Jones Day represented President Donald Trump's campaign to overturn the results of the US election, protesters held signs outside its New York office reading: "Jones Day is killing democracy for profit." For many, attacking legal representatives undermines the very essence of democracy. "It's deeply un-American and deeply inconsistent with our constitution," Alan Dershowitz, an attorney who has represented Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein, told Insider. "Without lawyers there is nothing standing between the government and tyranny." Kellogg is not the type to blur the lines between client and attorney - in fact, he is widely respected for his integrity. "You can keep your distance and do your work, and provide excellent counsel, and cross no lines, and I'm sure that is the case with Michael," said Fried, his former boss. Of the Saudi cases, Fried said: "It doesn't surprise me and it doesn't disappoint me." The philosopher-lawyer Kellogg, a native of Atherton, California, was slightly late in committing to the law. His undergraduate degree - philosophy at Stanford University - led to a master's at Oxford University. After that, Kellogg ended his philosophical pursuits in favor of Harvard Law, at least until 2010, when he revived them in a series of philosophy books that, he told Law360, he wrote piecemeal in the hour before starting work each morning. "I have never lost the nagging feeling that philosophy still has much to tell us about how we should live our lives," Kellogg wrote in the preface of his 2010 debut, "Three Questions We Never Stop Asking." Kellogg is working through the philosophical canon, having since published "The Greek Search For Wisdom," "The Roman Search for Wisdom," "The Wisdom of the Middle Ages," and "The Wisdom of the Renaissance." These books, according to Fried, are a direct manifestation of Kellogg's conscience: "They were obviously his internal monologues with himself, and his search for wisdom and a good way to live," Fried said. To that end, Kellogg keeps a low profile in the hypersocial, hyperpolitical world of Washington. He has attributed much of his success to his family, thanking them profusely in the prefaces of his books. He and his wife have contributed generously to philanthropic causes in Washington and beyond. From 2006 to 2018, the pair donated as much as $100,000 annually to the International Rescue Committee, records show. Kellogg is also a member of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, a Washington education foundation set up by Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd US president. Small hints of Kellogg's political allegiances are littered around campaign-funding archives. From 1997 to 2012, Kellogg donated to the election campaigns of the Republicans George W. Bush, Mike DeWine, Phil Gramm, John McCain, and Giuliani, his former mentor, records show. Since 2012, however, Kellogg has backed Democratic candidates, including Tim Kaine, Federal Election Commission filings show. 'A brilliant legal mind' Back in the professional realm, Kellogg is regarded by his contemporaries as an exceptional lawyer and remains one of the US's foremost telecommunications experts, known for his landmark wins representing AT&T, American Express, and Bell Atlantic. Beyond the victories it is hard to glean much of Kellogg's legal motivations. He has given just one substantial interview, to Law360, and does not comment publicly on active cases. But in that interview Kellogg outlined his approach. "My personal style is definitely to be aggressive and blunt and to press hard because, frankly, by the time I'm standing up there I'm absolutely convinced my view is correct, and I'm eager to get the chance to explain to the court why," he said. "It's a wonderful aspect of my practice that I'm always representing the client that's right." In his arguments, Kellogg doesn't confuse detail with depth. "So many lawyers think that what you need to do in order to make a point is to say it over and over again," Fried told Insider. "The other way is to say it once, in a way that you don't forget it. That would be Mike's style." Assistants to the solicitor general often help one another prepare their Supreme Court arguments, and Englert, another of Fried's old assistants, told Insider: "He was very, very good." Scott Knudson, a partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP who overlapped with Kellogg under Rehnquist, said Kellogg was "an excellent writer, and a brilliant legal mind." David Jaffe, a lawyer who clerked for Rehnquist after Kellogg, described him as "extremely disciplined" and "supremely confident." Charles Fried at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on February 2, 2011. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images Surprisingly - and at odds with his sincere, thrusting manner in court - Kellogg is also known around Washington for his ability to hold a tune. "A talented singer," Jaffe remembered. "He loved opera." With the lawsuits facing the Saudi crown prince, Kellogg has his work cut out, and his fair share of criticism to shoulder. Yet he has still found the time to be successful and find meaning outside the law. Indeed, in March 2019, Fried, the former US solicitor general, invited Kellogg to return to Harvard and talk to students as a distinguished alumnus. "To talk about the life of a lawyer," Fried told Insider. "And how that is not inconsistent with self-reflection and a search for wisdom and a search for virtue." But for Eagleson, the son of the 9/11 victim, Kellogg's choice of client has undermined that search. "I think it's unfathomable," he said, "and I think somewhere along the way Michael Kellogg lost his way." Read the original article on Business Insider NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana said on Friday that he has no details on how Romania wants to contribute to increasing the Alliance's presence in Iraq, approved on Thursday in a NATO defense ministers' meeting, but that Romania will be asked directly about this, depending on the mission profile and the specializations required. "The defense ministers approved yesterday [Thursday - ed.n.], at the proposal of our military commanders, this directive to initiate the new stage of a more ambitious presence in Iraq. (....) Iraq remains a very important area and we must remain vigilant and help the Iraqi institutions become stronger and more capable of fighting against the risks of terrorism and in general against the more complicated elements in that region," Mircea Geoana told an online briefing for the Romanian journalists. "I know that we want to have civilian specialists, not only military, so that we can be sure that we provide, on the side of political control, not just on the side of the relationship, with the citizens, included, that type of counseling, training and education they need," he added, when asked what the enhanced NATO presence in Iraq might mean from Romania's point of view. He said that "most likely" some of the national contingents participating in the other US-led operation, aimed at fighting the Islamic State group, "will displace or practically move the command of their presence already in the US operation in Iraq to the NATO operation in Iraq". "The offer is quite diverse and each country, depending on availability and political interest, will be able to contribute within a matrix of contributions that is currently known by our military with NATO and will be discussed and tendered to the individual allies in the next period," specified Geoana. Saudi and Emirati officials, for their part, were silent on Friday. Watching the Biden administrations outreach to Tehran with resignation, the two Gulf States which were outraged at being excluded from the last negotiations can only hope that the United States will keep its promises to consider Gulf interests in the talks, analysts said. We just have to trust the new administration, said Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, an Emirati political scientist. We dont have any option. They really are determined to reach out to Iran, so theres no way that anybody could stop them. But he acknowledged there could be something to gain, saying, If the end result is less confrontation with Iran, a less aggressive Iran, a less expansionist Iran, its a dream of a sort. The Israeli governments reticence reflects a less combative approach to the Biden administrations policymaking than with President Barack Obamas, at least initially, said Amos Yadlin, a former head of Israeli military intelligence. Practically, they will not confront the Biden administration directly, he said. They will wait a little bit to see whether the Iranians are reacting and how the negotiations develop. But behind the scenes, Israel is already lobbying the United States for an agreement that is much tougher on Iran. The Mossad chief, Yossi Cohen, and a team of experts will soon travel to Washington to brief senior American officials about what they see as the threats still posed by Iran, hoping to persuade the United States to hold out for harsher restrictions on Iran in any deal, two senior Israeli officials said. Israeli intelligence suggests that Iran has blatantly violated the terms of the original nuclear deal and is still taking steps to develop a nuclear warhead, the officials said, claims that Iran denies. The campus and city news desks have compiled a list of events going on throughout the upcoming week that are open to the public. The list features discussion panels, a hip-hop dance class and discussions about the 60th anniversary of the University of Georgias desegregation England's 10pm coronavirus curfew on pubs and restaurants did nothing to reduce the spread of the disease, a study has suggested. Scientists looked at data from nearly 4,000 Britons to measure the effect of various lockdown measures last summer and autumn. They found the controversial curfew, introduced on September 24, had 'no measurable effect' on reducing the number of contacts people mingled with. The policy was heavily criticised by hospitality bosses who said it was yet another blow to one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic. London Mayor Sadiq Khan even claimed at the time the curfew led to increased social mixing on the streets and on public transport after final orders. But the latest study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found there was no 'appreciable effect' either way. The team also reviewed how effective the Rule of Six, the Tier system, and work from home guidance was at reducing social contacts. England's 10pm coronavirus curfew on pubs and restaurants did nothing to reduce the spread of the disease, a study has suggested The Rule of Six, introduced on September 14, caused more than one third of people to reduce their number of close contacts. The impact of the tier system was found to be mixed, with Tier 1 and 2 having little impact on the average number of contacts, but Tier 3 reducing contacts. Pubs and restaurants have NEVER been Covid hotspots Pubs, restaurants and cafes have never been coronavirus hotspots, local public health directors have claimed. Despite hospitality venues facing hugely damaging restrictions, there has never been a 'terribly big risk' of someone catching the disease in them, they said. Greg Fell, director of public health in Sheffield, and Dr Richard Harling, his counterpart in Staffordshire, told MPs last month the bulk of transmission has always been in people's homes. The hospitality industry has been crippled financially during the Covid crisis and heavily penalised under almost all lockdown tiers. Under the current national shutdown, venues have been forced to close for everything except takeaways. In Tier 3 areas the rules were just as tough, and in Tier 2 alcohol could only be served with 'substantial meals', pubs and bars were forced to close unless operating as restaurants and last orders were at 10pm. Advertisement With the 10pm rule, one quarter recorded a smaller number of social interactions, but nearly one fifth increased their contacts. Dr Christopher Jarvis, assistant professor at LSHTM and the lead author of the paper, said: To put these changes in context, the full national lockdown in March reduced average daily contacts from an estimated 10.8 to 2.8 - a 74 per cent reduction. In absolute terms, the changes following more recent restrictions were relatively small, this may indicate that restrictions were applied at a point when individuals had already lowered their contacts, and not that the restrictions did not have an effect. The Government has since admitted there was 'no hard evidence' behind its decision to go with the curfew. Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, said in December it was a 'policy decision' designed to limit the amount of time people spent indoors together, where Covid spreads most easily. But he conceded the intervention was not backed up with any scientific proof because curfews 'are not something you can model with any degree of accuracy'. Hospitality bosses are demanding all pubs, restaurants and hotels must be allowed to reopen from April as pressure continues to grow on Boris Johnson before he unveils his 'road map out of lockdown' on Monday. Business chiefs are also calling for a radical overhaul of the lockdown Tier system as part of efforts to prevent mass job losses. Trade group UK Hospitality has submitted a document to the Prime Minister ahead of next week's announcement, urging venues to be allowed to trade in all Tiers other than Tier 4, which is already considered, in everything but name, a full lockdown. Under the Government's current rules, all hospitality venues are forced to close in Tier 3 areas, while those in Tier 2 can only operate if they serve customers a 'substantial meal'. UK Hospitality says the industry lost 72 billion in sales in 2020, its worst year on record, and is now approaching a period where venues have been closed nationally for more than half of the last 12 months. The document, seen by the Telegraph, said: 'The tier system that was in place as the country entered lockdown is unviable for the sector and must be reformed ahead of reopening.' It comes after furious pub bosses stormed out of a heated Government meeting earlier today. The PM is expected to allow pubs to reopen in May with a maximum of two households allowed to sit together indoors and the rule-of-six applying outside. Srinagar: Terrorist opens fire in Baghat Barzulla of Srinagar district in Kashmir on Friday (February 19). A policeman died and another was injured in an attack by militants in the Baghat area on high-security airport road. The terrorists shot the two policemen from close range, a police official said. The policemen were taken to a hospital where both of them succumbed to their injuries, PTI reported police saying. Police personnel Sargent CT Mohammad Yousuf and Ct Suhail Ahmad succumbed to their injuries. They identified the slain policeman as constable Sohail. Security forces have launched an operation to track down the assailants, the official said. Chief Minister Omar Abdulla said " Two police personnel have reportedly been killed in an attack in Srinagar today. I condemn this act of militant violence & send my condolences to the families of these brave men." Two police personnel have reportedly been killed in an attack in Srinagar today. I condemn this act of militant violence & send my condolences to the families of these brave men. Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 19, 2021 This is the second attack in the city in the past three days. Militants shot at and injured son of a restaurant owner in high-security Durganag area of the city on Wednesday. The attacks in the city have come as a 24-member delegation of envoys from various countries visited Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday for assessing the ground situation in the union territory. (Developing story) Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 15:04:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Thong Kimsoklina, a nurse at the National Pediatric Hospital of Cambodia, felt quite happy on Thursday after receiving her first shot of the China-donated COVID-19 vaccine. The 41-year-old nurse always faced the fear of getting infection and passing the infection to other people, friends and family members, but now with the vaccination, she felt relieved. "In the hospital, I meet from 180 to 200 patients a day, so the vaccine is necessary for me to prevent the transmission of the disease to other people, patients and my family members," Kimsoklina told Xinhua after getting her first dose of the jab. "Before I got vaccinated, I thought that risks of getting infection were high," she said. "After getting the vaccine, Now, I feel pretty safe." Dressed in a nurse uniform, Kimsoklina, who was among scores of frontline healthcare workers and journalists to get the vaccine on Thursday morning, said she was quite confident in the quality and efficacy of the China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. "The vaccine is good because I'm fine after receiving the first shot. It's good, and thank China for providing it to the Cambodian people," she said. Similar views were expressed by Bin Phal, a doctor at the Sok San Poly Clinic in Phnom Penh, and Pheng Y, a reporter for Apsara TV station, after they got their first shots of the jabs. "My job faces high risks of getting infection, so I got vaccinated in order to protect myself and to prevent the spread of the disease to family members and people around me," Phal said, adding that he usually met about 40 patients and their family members per day. "I'm 100 percent confident in the vaccine," he said. "I feel safe after getting the vaccine; however, I still follow the Ministry of Health's guidelines: washing hands, wearing face masks and keeping social distancing." Pheng Y said as a reporter, he needed to attend events or to meet people every day, so getting the vaccine was very important for him. "After receiving the first dose of the vaccine, I feel much safer to go out to report on news stories," he said. "I'd like to encourage all members of the press to come for the vaccine for your own safety as well as for the safety of all people in our country." The Southeast Asian country launched an anti-COVID-19 inoculation drive on Feb. 10 after receiving the first batch of Sinopharm vaccine from China. The priority groups to get the jabs include frontline healthcare personnel, government members and officials, Senate and Parliament members and officials, municipal and provincial governors, armed forces, police and journalists, among others. According to an official report, as of Thursday, a total of 16,612 people including 2,169 women had been inoculated with the vaccine. Ung Sophal, a doctor in charge of the inoculation site at the National Pediatric Hospital of Cambodia, said public interest in the vaccine is high; however, due to a limited number of vaccine, only priority groups can get it. "I see the vaccine as a bullet-proof vest to protect ourselves from the COVID-19," he told Xinhua. "I'd like to thank China for always helping our Cambodian people, and I consider this vaccine as a very valuable gift to protect our people's lives from this highly contagious disease. Cambodia has done well to contain the spread of COVID-19. The kingdom has so far registered a total of 483 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with zero deaths and 470 recoveries, according to the Ministry of Health. Enditem Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu had a meeting with Acting Prime Minister Aureliu Ciocoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration in Chisinau on Friday, underlining in context the importance of continuing the European path of the Republic of Moldova and of the democratic reforms. According to a press release issued by the the Minister of Foreign Affairs (MAE) sent to AGERPRES, the head of the Romanian diplomacy called for the continuation of bilateral strategic interconnection projects and highlighted Romania's "constant" and "sustained" efforts in this regard, noting that the reactions of the Chisinau Government to a series of advanced proposals are still expected. The two dignitaries discussed the state of play concerning the preparations for the conclusion of Protocol 6 to the 2010 bilateral agreement on the 100 million euro grant, with Minister Aurescu stressing the importance of its entry into force for accessing 68 million euro funds still to be used. Aurescu and Ciocoi also discussed the prospects of finalizing draft agreements on the construction and renovation of bridges over the Prut, on cooperation in the field of education, research and mutual recognition of diplomas, but also the prospects for the development of the Eastern Partnership. Acting Prime Minister Aureliu Ciocoi thanked Romania for the constant efforts to support the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, the MAE release shows. Bogdan Aurescu was in Chisinau on the occasion of Romania's granting of new free humanitarian aid to the Republic of Moldova, consisting of medical and protective equipment worth 2.3 million euros to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. TV app is now globally available on the new device. The new app will allow users to watch original TV+ content, as well as access existing iTunes movie and television show purchases. As per Variety, starting Thursday, users with the USD 50 Chromecast with Google TV adapter will be able to access TV. In addition, the app is available on smart TVs from Sony and TCL that have the Google TV interface and Google said that it will roll out to more Android TV-powered devices in the next few months. The deal between the two tech giants, which compete on multiple fronts, was announced back in December. The app provides access to all the Plus content. Regularly priced at USD 4.99 per month, the subscription VOD package is available to buyers of Apple devices for a free one-year period (an offer Apple has extended through this July). The Apple TV Plus lineup of original shows, movies, and documentaries includes series like 'Ted Lasso', 'For All Mankind', 'The Morning Show' and 'Servant', as well as movies like 'Greyhound' starring Tom Hanks and 'Palmer' featuring Justin Timberlake. Apple TV also lets users buy or rent more than 100,000 movies and shows from iTunes and access titles that people have previously purchased from Apple. Users also can subscribe to channels including Showtime, Starz, AMC Plus, and CBS All Access. To access the Apple TV app on the Chromecast with Google TV, users can navigate to the 'Apps' tab or the apps row in the 'For you' tab. In the U.S., Google TV users can browse Apple TV Plus originals in personalised recommendations and search results. Using Google Assistant, users can open the Apple TV application or play an Apple original title by speaking a command. The newest Chromecast, which first started shipping in the U.S. last September, supports hundreds of apps, including those for Netflix, Disney Plus (and Disney Plus Hotstar), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, NBCUniversal's Peacock, YouTube TV, Showtime, Starz, Discovery Plus, Tubi and Pluto TV. (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 trial for a man accused of travelling to Edmonton to sell guns allegedly stolen from Brandon wrapped up on Thursday with the Crown and defence clashing on the key points of evidence. Advertisement Advertise With Us The trial for a man accused of travelling to Edmonton to sell guns allegedly stolen from Brandon wrapped up on Thursday with the Crown and defence clashing on the key points of evidence. Mathieu Plamondon pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to commit an indictable offence, possession of restricted and non-restricted firearms for the purpose of trafficking and trafficking restricted and non-restricted firearms. The trial took place over several days in December, January and February. The charges are still before the court, and Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta has not delivered her decision. Plamondon wore a grey sweatshirt and mask as he sat in the accuseds box flanked by two Manitoba sheriffs. The Crowns theory is Plamondons co-accused stole guns from his father before conspiring with Plamondon to sell them in Edmonton, Ari Millo said in his closing statement. On May 17, 2018, a housekeeper at an Edmonton hotel was cleaning, but when she picked up a pillow it felt heavy, Millo said. A gun, which was registered to a man in Brandon, fell out. Over the course of the Edmonton Police Service investigation, police learned a total of 17 firearms had been stolen, he said. Millo argued that while the guns were brought to Edmonton, the planning and crimes were hatched in Brandon. "The firearms were stolen from a household here in Brandon, Manitoba Brandon has a strong interest in prosecuting and deterring the illicit transfer of firearms stolen from its homes," he said from behind a Plexiglas partition. "Brandon, Manitoba is the place where the conspiracy to traffic the stolen firearms was planned and initiated. There is a continuity of operation from this province, to Saskatchewan and to Alberta." Nicole Harkness, Plamondons former girlfriend, testified on the first day of trial. She said Plamondon and his co-accused discussed selling the guns in Brandon. At one point, she said they went to the co-accuseds apartment, where Plamondon took a look at them. Before travelling to Edmonton, the two went to live on a farm in Saskatchewan while Plamondon was "on the run." At one point, Harkness testified she found guns hidden in one of their suitcases. After a few weeks, Plamondons co-accused and his girlfriend came to pick them up. The plan became going to Edmonton to sell firearms to a "one-time buyer." On May 25, 2018, both Harkness and Plamondon were arrested after Edmonton police found the handgun hidden in a pillowcase in a hotel room they had previously stayed in. Millo argued Harkness was straightforward and frank when testifying. She admitted to using drugs throughout the time the group was in Edmonton, which shows she is owning her past and was reliable in her narrative of events. "Nicole Harkness did not deny the obvious, and I think thats to her credit. She admitted that some days run together and it was hard to differentiate what was happening on a given day two years ago," the Crown said. Millo also read text messages allegedly sent by Plamondon to one of the buyers of the firearms, who was listed as "G-Bomb" in Plamondons phone. The messages contained slang and street vernacular, which the Crown called a witness to help decipher. In the messages, the two discuss the time frame Plamondon would be in Edmonton and the guns he would be bringing with him, Millo said. Plamondon also allegedly sent photos of the stolen firearms to the buyer, which Millo argued shows an ongoing conversation between them. They set up a time to meet and the exchange eventually took place. "This is a case where the court had to hear a lot of evidence to satisfy itself of one simple, irrefutable conclusion: Mathieu Plamondon is guilty beyond any reasonable doubt," he said. Tara Walker, Plamondons defence lawyer, did not call any evidence in the trial. In her closing statement, Walker argued the Crowns case relies entirely on the testimony of Harkness, the first witness to testify in the trial. Otherwise, she said all the evidence is only circumstantial. Walker challenged the credibility of Harkness, saying there were significant red flags in what she told the court. Harkness lied to police in Edmonton initially, Walker said, which shows she was prepared to lie to authority and give evidence she felt fit at that point in time. Walker also raised issue with Harkness admitted drug use and how it might have affected her memory of the events. At one point, Harkness testified she had a bad reaction to a pill and it made her go in and out of consciousness for approximately 12 hours. "When we look at the credibility of Ms. Harkness, were dealing with a witness whose memory has gotten better over time, who self-admits her memory is affected by drugs, who self-admits she was in and out of consciousness for periods of that night and thats the key person that ties all of this circumstantial evidence together," Walker said, also from behind a Plexiglas partition. There is also the possibility Plamondon was not the one sending text messages to the buyer, Walker said. SIM cards can be changed between phones and any one of the people Plamondon was with could have used his WhatsApp account to communicate. She also argued there is no evidence specifically tying Plamondon to the iPhone SE the Crown argued he was using. "We know text messages are often misinterpreted, we know that there are typos, we know that people shorthand stuff and its not a real conversation, we have to be careful when we look at all the pieces," she said. Walker also took issue with the hotel surveillance footage Crown attorney Adam Gingera showed the court. She said it didnt give a complete view of the hotel and didnt show what rooms people were coming to and from. A date for Hewitt-Michtas decision is expected to be set in March. dmay@brandonsun.com Twitter: @DrewMay_ Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Kendall Jenner stepped out on Friday as it was confirmed that sister Kim Kardashian has officially filed for divorce from Kanye West after six years of marriage And despite the power couple's relationship coming to an end, the 25-year-old runway model proved she's still a fan of the rapper as she donned some Yeezy slides. Kendall was seen out in West Hollywood with a pal and grabbed some juice to go, showing off her slender figure in some grey leggings and a white cropped hoodie. Out and about: Kendall Jenner stepped out on Friday wearing Yeezy slides following news that sister Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from husband Kanye West On Friday it was reported that Kim has filed for divorce from Kanye and requested joint legal and physical custody of their four children together. The 40-year-old TV star filed documents on Friday, according to TMZ, through her lawyer Laura Wasser, but the date of separation was not listed. A source confirmed to DailyMail.com soon after that Kim has filed for divorce. 'The split is amicable and there is no drama,' the insider shared. Kim and Kanye started dating in 2012, became engaged in 2013 and wed in May 2014 in Italy after they had already welcomed their eldest daughter North. This will be Kim's third divorce as she was wed to Damon Thomas from 2000 until 2004 and she was married to Kris Humphries from 2011 until 2013. Sunny stroll: The 25-year-old model was seen in West Hollywood with friend and picked up a juice Representing: Kendall wore some Yeezy slides, proving she still supports the rapper and designer amid his split from her sibling An insider told the site that Kanye 'is fine with the joint custody arrangement.' He and Kim have already discussed co-parenting, it was added. The children have been seen mostly with Kim in Hidden Hills, California, in the past few months. She has been very active about showing the kids on social media, with her last post being placed on Thursday which showed Psalm in one of West's Yeezus T-shirts. Kim has made it clear she wants Kanye to remain a 'huge part' of their children's lives and no doubt the Kardashian-Jenner clan will stay close to the rapper. Meanwhile, Kendall is launching her own brand of tequila, named 818, after working on the product for the past four years. Amicable split: Kim dressed her youngest child Psalm in a Yeezus T-shirt on Thursday just a day before filing for divorce Official: The 40-year-old TV star filed documents on Friday, according to TMZ, through her lawyer Laura Wasser, but the date of separation was not listed And the tequila which is named after the area code in Calabasas is already an award-winning beverage, despite not yet being available on the market, after she and her team submitted it to world tasting competitions anonymously. Posting on Instagram, Kendall wrote: 'for almost 4 years ive been on a journey to create the best tasting tequila. after dozens of blind taste tests, trips to our distillery, entering into world tasting competitions anonymously and WINNING ..3.5 years later i think weve done it! this is all weve been drinking for the last year and i cant wait for everyone else to get their hands on this to enjoy it as much as we do! @drink818 coming soon (sic)' Family: Kim has filed for divorce from Kanye and requested joint legal and physical custody of their four children together; North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, Psalm, 21 months Alongside the post, Kendall shared a series of images including one which listed the accolades bestowed upon the 818 brand which comes in Resposado, Anejo, and Blanco varieties such as Triple Gold at the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards, the Platinum Award at the SIP Awards, and the Chairmans Trophy at the Ultimate Spirit Awards. Following the announcement, members of Kendalls famous family took to the comments section to show their support. Kim wrote: 'So proud of you! I wasn't a drinker until I tried 818. Tequila shots all day!!!' Kylie Jenner added: 'KENDALL!!!!! yes!!! ive seen all the hard work and LOVE youve put into 818!!! and u did it .. the best tequila !!! proud of u (sic)' Big news: Meanwhile, Kendall is launching her own brand of tequila, named 818, after working on the product for the past four years And Kendall's mother, Kris Jenner, used her momager prowess to urge everyone to give the liquor's official Instagram account a follow. The 65-year-old matriarch wrote: 'Kenny! I am so so proud of you and the years of work and love youve put in to @drink818!! So excited for this!!! Everyone go follow @drink818 NOW!! (sic)' Its not known when 818 Tequila will be available to the public, or how much a bottle will cost. 25104 Jim Pulliam, CIO, Orange County Public Schools Jim Pulliam, CIO, Orange County Public Schools Protecting personal data is a way of life for the most organizations and individuals today. Threats are on the rise and growing in sophistication. At the same time, more data is shared online and over cloud services. But for K-12 schools, the threat is more extreme. The public sector is behind the curve when it comes to protecting data. In addition, schools dont often have the budgets or expertise to develop enterprise-level data security programs. Finally, the bad actors, working to threaten data security and steal identities and private information, have caught on to this and the number and severity of threats in the education space are growing. 1:1 computing exacerbates these issues. Schools are purchasing more devices, handing them out to students, and replacing pen and paper lessons with online work. Textbooks didnt come with data security threats; online lessons do. Additionally, the devices are often leaving the school network and the security protections that come with it. This facilitates 24/7 learning opportunities, but increases risk. Students are connecting with different Wi-Fi networks, sharing on social media, and using a variety of online apps and services. For many families, the school-provided mobile device is the first computer in the home. The capabilities and resources of IT and technology teams in schools across the U.S. are also varied. Small schools may have very limited staff, or may rely on outside service providers. Technology teams are frequently made up of individuals with more background in education than technology and data security. As it has in the enterprise space, the skillset for CIOs in schools and the public sector is changing; computer security the ability to craft and execute a comprehensive policy to organize teams and processes and to respond to threatsis a required skill in todays schools. Even a school with a fully staffed security team cant be in every classroom, therefore its critical to educate and empower teachers Whats a school to do? Fittingly, since were talking about schools, it begins with education. Educate students: Children and teens are growing up with social media, online services, and constant access to both personal and school-owned devices. This can put sensitive data at risk. Even though we think of them as digital natives, knowledge about the threats of data breaches and how to protect their personal information isnt something theyre born with; it needs to be taught. But often, even parents and teachers arent fully aware of the risks. Education should be focused on the whole community. One of the ways the community around Orange County Public Schools is addressing this is by hosting a Data Protection Event, where students, parents, and educators and the community are invited and can learn about the risks as well as how to protect themselves. Educate Teachers, Staff, and Parents: Even a school with a fully staffed security team cant be in every classroom, therefore its critical to educate and empower teachers. Make sure teachers and school staff understand the risks and the importance of data security so they can reinforce it with every lesson. Ensure your Acceptable Use Policy covers data privacy and security issues and make sure everyone starts the year reading, understanding and discussing it, not just signing it. Reinforce with a Measured take on Discipline: Anyone working in education knows that kids like to push limits and test boundaries. Online services and devices give students new opportunities to do that, and hacking into gradebooks or into a classmates social media account is common. These attacks dont always lead to serious harm and students are simply trying to prove they can do it. Its important that students know, via an Acceptable Use Policy and education, what expectations are and what the response will be to these behaviors. Its also essential that the response should be measured. One of the most effective forms of discipline is having students, (depending on the given situation) who are caught breaching data security policies, work with their schools CIO and security team to share how they accomplished it, why they did it, and to assist with ongoing efforts to protect. At Orange County Public Schools, we are proposing they do presentations and trainings to teach their peers about data security. Work Together: Demand for security professionals across all industries is high, and schools often cant compete to hire a full team with the expertise they need for their unique needs. But that doesnt mean its a lost cause; rather, its an opportunity to collaborate to pool resources and knowledge. In our community in Florida, local district security personnel are meeting and working together to discuss security-related issues and share best practices and lessons learned. Even better: if a district has a threat, they dont have the expertise to deal with, they can call on their neighbors for help. This type of community collaboration makes the best use of the personnel and talent a school has, and builds the trust needed to work together on sensitive issues. Nobody is safe from identify theft not even the youngest students. As CIOs in education, we need to build the best processes we can to protect them with technology, educate them to take action and protect themselves in their day-to-day use of technology, and work together as a community. Not only does this help our schools and students today, it also lets us educate and prepare them to be the security professionals needed in the workforce tomorrow. Bangkok Airways to resume Phuket-Hat Yai flights PHUKET: Bangkok Airways has announced the resumption of its Phuket Hat Yai (roundtrip) flights, starting Mar 28. tourismtransport By The Phuket News Friday 19 February 2021, 10:15AM News of the return of the service came in a release by the airline yesterday (Feb 18), along with the announcement of the delay of planned new routes Bangkok Khon Kaen (roundtrip) and Bangkok Hat Yai (roundtrip) until next year. The daily service between Phuket Hat Yai will see outbound flight PG298 depart Phuket International Airport at 9am and arrive at Hat Yai Airport at 10am. The return flight, PG299, will depart Hat Yai Airport at 10:35am and land in Phuket at 11:35am. The resumed service between Phuket Hat Yai (roundtrip) will bring the total number of domestic routes served by Bangkok Airways to nine. Bangkok Airways yesterday confirmed that the eight routes currently in service, or to be launched this year, operating out of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok were: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Samui (roundtrip) Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Phuket (roundtrip) Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Krabi (roundtrip) *(March 1-27, flights will be available on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only) **(Mar 28 April 18, flights will be available everyday) Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Lampang (roundtrip) Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Chiang Mai (roundtrip) Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Trat (roundtrip) Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Sukhothai (roundtrip) Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Hat Yai (roundtrip) *(Starting Mar 28) Flights between Phuket U-Tapao (Pattaya) and flights between Phuket Samui still remain temporarily suspended until further notice, the statement noted. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Delhi Police on Friday told a city court that climate activist Disha Ravi has been evasive in giving replies during the interrogation and shifted the blame onto co-accused Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk. The police requested the court to send her to three-days judicial custody, as they have served a notice to co-accused Shantanu, who will join the investigation on February 22, following which both will be confronted. "She has been evasive in giving replies. We have served notice to co-accused Shantanu who will join the investigation on February 22. She has to be confronted with the co-accused," Public Prosecutor Irfan Ahmed told the court. The prosecutor added, "During the course of interrogation, Disha Ravi has shifted the blame on Nikita and Shantanu. All the accused need to be confronted with each other. That's why three days judicial custody is being sought." Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain will pronounce the order on the police application seeking three-day judicial custody at 4 p.m. The court was also informed that Disha Ravi has moved a bail application which will come up for hearing on February 20. The 21-year-old activist was produced before the court amid high security at the end of her five-day police custody. Ravi was arrested from Bengaluru on February 13 in connection with allegedly editing and sharing a 'toolkit' on social media related to the farmers' protest. She was then remanded to five-day police custody. The Delhi Police sought it to identify Pro-Khalistani Group -- Poetic Justice Foundation and its active members, and to recover the deleted WhatsApp Group. The Cyber Cell had lodged an FIR against "pro-Khalistan" creators of the "Toolkit" for waging a "social, cultural and economic war against the government of India". On February 14, the Delhi Police took to microblogging website Twitter to elaborate on the case. It wrote, "Disha Ravi, arrested by Delhi Police, is an Editor of the Toolkit Google Doc and key conspirator in document's formulation and dissemination." She started WhatsApp Group and collaborated to make the Toolkit document, the police said, adding that she worked closely with them to draft it. "In this process, they all collaborated with the pro Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation to spread disaffection against the Indian State. She was the one who shared the Toolkit Doc with Greta Thunberg," the police wrote on Twitter. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text NUORO, FEB 19 - A 54-year-old sheep farmer was killed in an apparent ambush on Sardinia on Friday, local police said. The man was shot dead at Ortueri near Nuoro. The man, Marcello Musu, was hit by several rifle shots. The victim, who leaves a wife and two small children, was arrested but later cleared over the attempted murder of a local farmer at the start of the 1990s. (ANSA). Senior Congress leader on Friday said he was '100 per cent' confident of his party coming back to power in the 2023 assembly polls in Karnataka. The Leader of the Opposition in the assembly also seemingly indicated his ambition to become the Chief Minister once again, as he declared that on coming back to power he will provide 10 kg rice per head to the poor free of cost. "....elections will come in two years and we will come to power and we will do your work..there is no doubt about it. hundred per cent we will come back," Siddaramaaih said. Speaking at an event in Mysuru, he hit out at the BJP government for reducing the quantity of free rice provided to the poor from seven kg that was announced during his tenure as Chief Minister, to five kg. "They (BJP) have reduced it to 5 kg and I got to know that they will further reduce it to 3 kg. Can those who do injustice to the poor be tolerated?... So, once our government comes back to power, I will give 10 kg rice per head to the poor. Let it cost how much ever, money is not a matter," he declared. was earlier Chief Minister from May 2013 to May 2018 during which the Anna Bhagya scheme was a populist programme under which seven kg of rice is provided free of cost to every member of a BPL household. (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.) Sen. Ted Cruz is under attack for flying to Mexico while Texas is facing severe winter weather and power outages. Cruz explained why he went there: With school cancelled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon. My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas. If true (and Im unaware of any reason to believe it isnt), this is a complete defense to the attack on Cruz. Those who suggest that he was derelict in his duty as a Senator should explain what Cruz could have done to help his state, beyond having his staff in constant contact with officials, during the brief time he was on this trip. Photo ops might have helped him, but not Texans. As one emailer put it: What the heck was Cruz supposed to be doing, taking a gas powered hair dryer to every frozen windmill in west Texas? The reference to windmills calls to mind the debate over the degree to which wind farms are responsible for the Texas blackout. The New York Times rallies to the defense of renewable energy with this story called, No, Wind Farms Arent the Main Cause of the Texas Blackouts. The Times notes that wind farms make up only about 7 percent of the power mix this time of year. Thats true, I think (but see the update below). However, its also true that renewables, mostly wind, make up a disproportionate share of the downed capacity, about 40 percent of it 18 gigawatts of the 45 gigawatts taken offline according to the left-leaning Texas Tribune, relying on figures from the state electricity-grid manager. So wind farms are one of the culprits. As Kevin Williamson says, when 7 percent of your expected power represents 40 percent of your lost power, that is a significant fact. Williamson adds: Renewables have been subsidized pretty richly, and it is not unreasonable to ask: What if that money had instead been spent on preparing the rest of the electricity infrastructure for events such as this storm unusual, but by no means unforeseeable and what light does answering that question throw on future policy decisions? The mainstream media isnt solely playing defense on Texas problems. Its going on the attack (and not just against Ted Cruz). For example, at the Washington Post, Karen Attiah, an editor, has an op-ed called Its time to bury the myth of Texan exceptionalism. The funny thing is that readers who rely on the Post for their news are unlikely to know that theres such a concept as Texan exceptionalism. But many ordinary Americans know about it. Thats why so many have moved there, a trend that will continue in all likelihood. UPDATE: A reader informs me that the Times claim that wind farms make up only about 7 percent of the Texas power mix this time of year is almost certainly bogus. Citing the federal governments energy information agency (EIA) website, he writes: From Feb 3 through the 9th, which had average weather, wind and solar together average 37% of all electric generation in the state. 34% of all generation was from wind power alone. Wind power averaged 26% of the total for January. After the cold snap, wind and solar generated about 10%. (Emphasis added) Citing usage data from the period after wind farms failed to deliver power seems like a major abuse of the outages. A delivery driver is believed to be the first worker in Britain sacked for refusing to wear a face mask during the pandemic - inside his lorry. Deimantas Kubilius was fired following the incident two months into the first national lockdown in 2020, and has now lost a subsequent legal battle against the dismissal. The driver 'dug his heels in' when he arrived to make a delivery at a Tate and Lyle sugar refinery and ignored their requests for him to put on a mask in the cab of his HGV as part of their new Covid-19 rules. Bosses at the site were concerned he could pass on the virus while speaking out of the window. But Mr Kubilius argued 'my cab is my home' and refused to comply. The driver - who agreed to wear a mask outside of his lorry - was sacked as a result of his stance and then launched legal action against his company. But Kubilius has now lost his case after a judge ruled distribution firm Kent Foods was entitled to fire him, in what is thought to be the first of case its kind in Britain. The driver 'dug his heels in' when he arrived to make a delivery at a Tate and Lyle sugar refinery (pictured) and ignored their requests for him to put on a mask in the cab of his HGV as part of their new Covid-19 rules Where do you have to wear a face covering in England under law? Here is a list of where face masks must be worn in England. Some of the venues are closed under law: public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams and buses) taxis and private hire vehicles transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals) shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail sale or hire) shopping centres (malls and indoor markets) auction houses premises providing hospitality (bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes), except when seated at a table to eat or drink (see exemptions) post offices, banks, building societies, high-street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses estate and lettings agents theatres premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (hair salons, barbers, nail salons, massage centres, tattoo and piercing parlours) premises providing veterinary services visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, aquariums, indoor zoos and visitor farms, bingo halls, amusement arcades, adventure activity centres, indoor sports stadiums, funfairs, theme parks, casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas including soft-play areas) libraries and public reading rooms places of worship funeral service providers (funeral homes, crematoria and burial ground chapels) community centres, youth centres and social clubs exhibition halls and conference centres public areas in hotels and hostels storage and distribution facilities Advertisement The landmark employment tribunal heard that Kubilius, based in Basildon, Essex, refused to wear a mask at sugar firm Tate and Lyle's enormous Thames Refinery in east London on May 21, 2020. At that point, work forces up and down the UK introduced PPE measures for the first time and Tate and Lyle took the decision masks should always be worn. On the morning of May 21, Kent Foods received an email from a Tate and Lyle manager which said 'unfortunately we had an incident with one of your drivers this morning'. It added: 'The driver was asked repeatedly to put his mask on by one of our managers. Every driver receives a mask when he enters site with instructions to wear the mask when on site. He refused, saying he was in his cab and he didn't have to.' Polish Kubilius, who felt his space in his truck was being 'invaded', was banned from the site but defended himself by pointing out that he was not required to by law and said he happily complied by wearing a mask when outside of his cab. He said: 'I didn't nothing wrong (sic), I just stay in my cab and staff from Tates came to me and start required to keep mask on my face but I don't must seat in my cab with mask, my cab is my home [sic]. 'When I leaving my cab I wear mask and first its not the law [sic].' Tate and Lyle manager Jon Freeman said: 'I asked him to put his mask back on, he told me he didn't need to as he was in his cab. 'I then explained that with no mask on, all the droplets coming from his mouth as he spoke were going to land on people's faces due to his elevated position up in the cab and that the site rules were he needed it on until he leaves site, also we were wearing our masks to protect him. 'He still refused.' Tate and Lyle's Nick Kirbyshire added: 'To have someone, who is a visitor on site blatantly refusing a simple request, is extremely frustrating and it did make me very angry. 'As that mask was not for his protection. That mask was to protect everyone else on site from any potential Covid risk that the driver has brought in with him.' Kubilius contended that it 'was not reasonable' for Kent Foods to sack him, but Employment Judge Barrett dismissed his unfair dismissal claim at East London tribunal centre. Judge Barrett said: 'I accept Kubilius' evidence that he was not informed of the requirement to wear a face mask even inside his cab until he was asked to do so by Mr Freeman. 'Kubilius is a details-oriented person who believed he was following the written site instructions. 'He was surprised by the instruction, and dug his heels in. 'Everyone was operating under a level of stress as key-workers required to work during the coronavirus lockdown.' Deimantas Kubilius was fired by Kent Foods following the incident two months into the first national lockdown in 2020. Judge Barrett said though it may have been 'reasonable' to warn Kubilius, his 'continued insistence that he had done nothing wrong caused [Kent Foods] to reasonably lose confidence in his future conduct'. The judge concluded: 'Taking into account the relevant circumstances, including [Kubilius'] lack of remorse and the practical difficulties caused by the Tate and Lyle site ban, I conclude that the decision to dismiss fell within the range of reasonable responses.' It was heard that 90 per cent of Kent Foods deliveries from its Basildon depot involved visiting the Tate and Lyle depot. Kent Foods describes itself as 'one of Europe's largest independent suppliers of sugars, sweeteners, dairy products, oils and fats to the food manufacturing industry'. By Alan Steinberg Let me be the first journalist to nominate Senator Ted Cruz and CancunGate for the Chris Christie Insouciance in Government Award for 2021. This distinction is named after former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his DisneyWorldGate vacation during a massive Jersey snowstorm in 2010. And I have selected a most important appropriate item for the award. It is the infamous photograph of Christie in a beach chair during the 2017 New Jersey budget crisis, juxtaposed with the George Washington Bridge of Bridgegate in the background. Now during DisneyWorldGate, Christie was a model of indifference toward his fellow New Jerseyans whose lives were upended. He just went on his merry way, ignoring the ensuing controversy. He knew at that time that there were sycophants in the state and national press corps, like his acolyte Nicolle Wallace who would lionize Christie and build him up for a future White House run. And the pre-Bridgegate Christie was politically unharmed by DisneyWorldGate and went on to win a near-record 2013 reelection landslide. Ted Cruz will not be so lucky. CancunGate, an apt word used to describe the scandal of his jaunt to Mexico during the deadly and destructive Texas power outages, will be the final nail in the Cruz political coffin. He will be defeated if he runs for reelection as U.S. Senator from Texas in 2024, and his future presidential chances are hopeless. The crisis highlights two toxic aspects of Cruz governance and politics: 1) the anti-regulatory environmental and energy policies of Cruz and the Texas Republicans, which are the direct cause of the present nightmare; and 2) the ugly anti-Blue State Republican cultural war in which Cruz is a general, a war used as a rationale to justify the Cruz/Texas GOP environmental and energy policies. When the crisis first broke, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott claimed that the power outages resulted from the underperformance of the state wind and solar energy sectors, which constitute 10% of the state energy grid. This assertion was echoed by Tucker Carlson, the Joseph Goebbels fascistic de facto propaganda minister of Fox News. This was, of course, a Big Lie. The catastrophic power outages resulted from the failure of the Lone Star State to require winterization and sufficient insulation of the deregulated Texas energy grid. And this omission was a prime example of the anti-regulatory policies that Ted Cruz cherishes and advocates for so passionately. The Big Lie was a futile and despicable attempt on the part of the Republican Party and Fox News to discredit policies promoting renewable solar and wind energy. The voters of Texas realize this all too late right now, but not too late to vote against Ted Cruz for reelection in 2024. And the Texas electorate now fully comprehends that politics, not sound science, is at the root of Ted Cruzs energy and environmental policies. His pattern and practice is to weaponize politics in a false and fraudulent way in order to discredit environmental and energy policies in Democratic-run Blue State states whenever they incur disasters. A classic example of Ted Cruz anti-Blue State rhetoric was his defamation of the government and people of California during the blackouts in the state this past August. These blackouts were caused by a heatwave. When California Gov. Gavin Newsom called for residents to conserve energy during the crisis, Cruz issued the following invective-filled tweet: California is now unable to perform even basic functions of civilization, like having reliable electricity. Biden/Harris/AOC want to make CAs failed energy policy the standard nationwide. Hope you dont like air conditioning! https://t.co/UkKBq9HkoK Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) August 19, 2020 In the wake of the present suffering of millions of Texans, Cruz was forced on Tuesday to issue the following tweet of admission: I got no defense. A blizzard strikes Texas & our state shuts down. Not good. Stay safe! The anti-Blue State war explains Cruzs Senate vote to deny New Jersey vitally needed aid to rebuild from the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 And the reasons Cruz gave for his vote were virtually all falsehoods. The ultimate political hypocrisy of Ted Cruz was his vote for aid to Texas to rebuild from Hurricane Harvey in 2017, five years after he opposed Hurricane Sandy aid for New Jersey. Yet the last straw for most Texans will be Ted Cruzs abortive attempt to vacation in Mexico with his daughters. He originally claimed he did it because he was trying to be a dad. There are millions of Texan fathers who are presently attempting to be good dads by roaming the streets and searching in vain for needed food, fuel, and water. These fathers do not have the luxury of a quick getaway to Mexico. They will vote Ted Cruz out of office in November 2024. Get ready for the new U.S. Senator from Texas, Democrat Beto ORourke. Alan Steinberg served as regional administrator of Region 2 EPA during the administration of former President George W. Bush and as executive director of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. 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. Could a QR code open up the world? That is the question in Estonia as it takes a lead in global efforts to develop digital vaccine passports. The small, tech-savvy Baltic EU member state is working on a pilot project with the World Health Organization on how globally recognised electronic vaccine certificates might work. Marten Kaevats, an adviser to the Estonian government on technology, said the primary issue for the project so far is to ensure that anyone checking the certificate can "trust the source". "Both the architecture and the solution should work both in Eritrea and Singapore," Kaevats said. While Estonia already has its own system of electronic health records with vaccine information, most countries in the world do not and there is no mutual recognition across borders. There are now many digital vaccine passport initiatives cropping up globally that are raising urgent questions about privacy and human rights. The WHO is also moving cautiously and for the moment does not recommend vaccination passports for travel as it does not see them as sufficient guarantee of protection from transmission. Nevertheless, digital vaccine certificates are an attractive prospect, particularly for pandemic-hit businesses such as airlines. Emirates and Etihad, two of the Middle East's biggest airlines, announced last month that they would be trying out an application that allows pre-travel verification of vaccinations. The agreement between the WHO and Estonia is to explore the possibility of a "smart yellow card" -- a digital version of an existing paper system to prove yellow fever vaccination. Kaevats, who also advises the WHO on digital health issues, said it would be "impossible" to create a global digital ID in the coming months and that a mix of paper and electronic certificates was more likely. He said the main focus at the moment was on elaborating global standards to develop "a single common solution for checking the existence of healthcare providers". - Privacy and human rights? - Estonia, a eurozone member of 1.3 million people, is known as a tech trailblazer and innovation testing ground, with Estonians helping pioneer the likes of Skype, e-voting and delivery robots. Guardtime, an Estonian company, is now developing a system for cross-border recognition of electronic health records using blockchain. The company is also working with Iceland, Hungary and Lithuania, as well as with AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical giant producing one of the coronavirus vaccines. Ain Aaviksoo, Guardtime's chief medical officer, said he expected the first countries to begin using digital vaccine certificates domestically "in the coming weeks". Aaviksoo dismissed privacy concerns for the VaccineGuard system, pointing to the company's use of blockchain to ensure data protection. Personal and health data remain in the original location and the system provides "cryptographic proof of the certificate and its issuance process and the authenticity of the vaccine," he said. In response to similar concerns, the WHO-Estonia project is guided by the principles that people should be allowed to delete the data and tech companies should not be allowed to profit from the data that they handle. But many are still worried about their implementation. Ana Beduschi, an associate professor of law at the University of Exeter in Britain, said the introduction of vaccine passports "poses essential questions for the protection of data privacy and human rights". "These passports build on sensitive personal health information to create a new distinction between individuals based on their health status," she said. This differentiation "can then be used to determine the degree of freedoms and rights they may enjoy". Before they are rolled out more widely, Beduschi said policymakers should ensure vaccines are universally available and explore alternatives for people who cannot be vaccinated such as pregnant women. "It is not sufficient to develop technical solutions for the verification of people's health status," she said, adding that "the risks of deploying such technologies must be anticipated and mitigated as much as possible". Advertisement To the human eye, a single glimpse of a Bengal tiger is unmistakable. The one pictured below has been hunting in the forests of central India, slipping through the long grass with grazing chital deer in her sights. The deer seem oblivious. How is it they fail to see such a large, luridly coated predator? And why has the tiger, which relies on stealth, evolved with flame-coloured fur? The importance of colour across the animal kingdom has been a source of fascination to Sir David Attenborough for 70 years, ever since his first programme. Now its the subject of his new two-part BBC1 series, Life In Colour, ranging from spectacular birds of paradise to the minute hues invisible to our eyes that are essential to insects. Sir David Attenborough, 94, explores colour in the animal kingdom in a new series. Pictured: Sir David watches macaws, part of the parrot family, at a feeding table in Costa Rica, Central America, in the show STAR IN STRIPES This Bengal tiger was filmed hunting in the show. It stalks its prey, a challenge for a cat weighing up to 40st, and uses power to overwhelm it. Its stripes help break up its outline, and its orange fur is indistinguishable from green for many mammals. Even the tiger itself cant see some shades of orang TINY TERROR This ferocious peacock spider from Western Australia is only 5mm long. Its vivid colours are essential for attracting a mate, and they do a dance to display their plumage EYE-EYE Peacock mantis shrimps live in burrows under Pacific coral reefs. Their eyes are loaded with colour receptors up to 16, compared to three in humans. Seven of these are tuned specifically to ultraviolet light, and their eyes can be rotated independently In one of his breathy voiceovers, he explains, The tigers orange and black coat is crucial to her success. Chital deer have only two types of colour receptors in their eyes, compared to our three. They are effectively blind to red and orange. To the deer, the tiger is a muted shade of green nearly impossible to register. The first programme I wrote and produced was about exactly this, David, 94, tells me over the phone. It was called The Pattern Of Animals because, of course, we didnt have colour TV then. The presenter described the colours of the fur and feathers that viewers saw only as shades of grey. As he ventured around the world, his pictures were aired in black-and-white though much of the material was shot on colour film and has been restored. In 1957, he set out for Papua New Guinea. I desperately wanted to be the first person to film the courtship displays of birds of paradise in the wild. BABY GLOW Theories abound as to why dusky leaf monkey babies are orange. The monkeys have trichromatic receptors in their eyes so the orange stands out which helps mums find lost infants. And to many predators orange is indistinguishable from green, which helps with camouflage UP THE REDS In Australia, a red-headed Gouldian finch drinks while the less assertive black-headed bird must wait He travelled to the Wahgi Valley and his guide spotted a Count Raggis Bird, which has an orange body and wings, a green-and-yellow head and a luminous cream tail. I remember it so clearly, he says. This species only displayed at early dawn, so we set out at 3.45am and found the bird in a tree, silhouetted against the light. We filmed in black-and-white and the results could hardly have been more boring. Hes returned many times, with progressively better equipment, and has now seen the displays of more than 20 species. You have to be an expert to tell some apart. But one is allowed these foolish little quirks. One of the most fascinating aspects of these displays, he says, is the proof they give that birds perceive colour and beauty as humans do. NIGHT SIGHT The red-eyed tree frog of Costa Rica loves to sleep, as Martin Stevens explains in Life In Colour, the accompanying book to Sir Davids new series. But even when its eyes are closed, the frog is still on the look-out for predators. Its eyelids are transparent, so it can see through them Charles Darwin pointed out that birds have an aesthetic sense and are aware of beauty. We think a male peacocks tail is lovely for exactly the same reason that a female is impressed. Some animals, David points out, do not need colour. Theres no advantage to an elephant in having beautiful plumage it has invested in sheer size. But at the other end of the scale, Costas hummingbirds have dazzling displays. In Californias Mojave desert, the male signals to a potential mate by flaring iridescent purple feathers around its throat. The birds weigh just 2-3g and to avoid being seen by predators, they manoeuvre in flight to catch the light and direct scintillating flashes to the female. Like a wink across a crowded room, meant for one person, says David. ALL CHANGE Two types of cell in their skin allow the panther chameleons of Madagascar to adapt the patterns and colours of their whole body. Chromatophores contain pigments that absorb different wavelengths of light, and iridophores use tiny crystals to reflect light. By controlling the distribution of these cells, they can blend in to hide from predators, or stand out for potential mates Some animals use colours invisible to us. Male blue moon butterflies have wing patches only seen in the ultraviolet spectrum. In the show, state-of-the-art cameras let us switch between visible and ultraviolet light, or human and butterfly vision. HANGING OUT The satanic leaf-tailed gecko from Madagascar is a nocturnal reptile that feeds on moths and insects. Because it has no eyelids it uses its long tongue to lick dust from its eyeballs. Most predators see only a decaying scrap of leaf, but if its spotted it opens its jaws, displaying a fierce red mouth Since ultraviolet vision is so useful, it might seem strange that humans have not evolved to have it. This deficiency goes all the way back to our ancestors in the age of the dinosaurs. Mammals dont have good colour vision, though primates like us are better than most, says Sir David. Back in the Cretaceous era mammals were nocturnal little things that scuttled around at night. They didnt need colour vision in the dark, and different groups evolved it separately later on. Some primitive animals can see colour in ways unimaginable for us. Polarised light, where light waves vibrate in a single plane rather than multiple planes, highlights shapes and patterns and helps, for example, fiddler crabs see predatory birds from a distance. Innovative camera lenses used for the first time here simulate polarised light. Its like black-and-white TV with the contrast turned up to maximum. Colour has played a prominent part in Sir Davids career. He was controller of BBC2 in the 60s, and oversaw the introduction of colour TV. The pictures we had then were extraordinarily crude compared to what we have today. But content matters most. Even in black-and-white, you can tell a good story. Thats what people tune in for. Attenboroughs Life In Colour, 28 February and 7 March, BBC1. Pictures (except those of Sir David and the Bengal tiger) taken from Life In Colour: How Animals See The World by Dr Martin Stevens, published by BBC Books on Thursday, 20. Humble Bee Pictures Ltd and SeaLight Pictures Pty Ltd 2021. To order a copy for 14 (offer valid to 13/3/21; UK P&P free on orders over 15), visitmailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193. [February 18, 2021] 2020 Figures Highlight Resilience of Cayman International Insurance Cayman's international insurance industry was not immune to COVID-19's impact on the global economy posted strong 2020 captive returns per the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority ( CIMA (News - Alert) )'s recently published 2020 captive statistics. The Cayman Islands ended 2020 with 36 new insurance company formations, the largest annual increase since 2017. Accompanying the new B (31), C (3) and D (2) licenses, were 12 new portfolio insurance company (PIC)* approvals and a new insurance manager. Although Q1 and 2, 2020 figures were somewhat flat owing to continued consolidation in the US Healthcare space, Q3 and 4 witnessed a sharp increase in new formation numbers as both corporate and insurance company clients continue to establish alternative risk transfer structures to better manage the continued price and coverage volatility being experienced in the ommercial marketplace. The Insurance Managers Association Cayman (IMAC) Chair, Colin Robinson remarked "We are extremely encouraged by the industry's 2020 figures which recorded a three-year high. This increase demonstrates the industry's resilience during difficult times and the Cayman Islands strength as a leading jurisdiction. We expect that 2021 will continue to be another excellent year for growth as an industry and we look forward to continuing to meet the growing needs of our present and future captive owners." 2020 saw further increases in the number of Cayman reinsurance captive/company formations, a trend that is expected to continue into 2021 and beyond. Cayman finished the year with a total of 630 B licenses, 23 C license and 5 D licenses as well as 36 PIC licenses. For additional information, including regularly updated statistics on insurance licensing, visit the website of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority by going to: www.cima.ky. The Cayman Islands remains the leading jurisdiction for healthcare captives representing one-third of all the captives. The Cayman Islands is an international insurance centre with a 40-year-plus history in international insurance products, and specialising in captive insurance, ILS structuring, and reinsurance. *Legislation was specifically designed to allow Cayman Islands insurers established as segregated portfolio companies (SPC's) to incorporate one or more of their segregated portfolios/cells, as separate legal entities (Portfolio Insurance Company (PIC)). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210218006120/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 26693 Jack Dongarra, University Distinguished Professor at the University of Tennessee, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Distinguished Research Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Computer Science and Mathematics Division Jack Dongarra, University Distinguished Professor at the University of Tennessee, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Distinguished Research Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Computer Science and Mathematics Division The Department of Energys supercomputers are more than simply a matter of national pride; they are an indispensable tool for technological progress and American economic competitiveness. Over the past 20 years, our determination to maintain our nuclear weapons stockpile without testing drove the DOE to develop computers that could model nuclear processes down to tiny fractions of a second. That meant raising the processing speed of the worlds best computers by a factor of 10,000. Last year we invested $550 million into new high-performance computing (HPC) centers, bringing multiple national laboratories together to increase our computing capabilities a further five- to seven-fold. These future computers, which are approaching the exascale, will be an entirely new breed. Whereas HPC currently describes computers capable of hundreds of petaflops, or 100 X 1015 floating point operations per second (FLOPS), exascale systems will be capable of 1018 FLOPS, or three orders of magnitude more powerful than the most powerful systems in the world today. These systems are not only fast, but they handle big data in entirely new way. They open avenues for techniques in artificial intelligence, data science, and simulations that can tease out new insights, and the centers that host them are laying the groundwork for exascale systems. Such systems will be necessary to adequately understand the complexities of cancer and countless other physical processes that can be tailored to vastly improve our world. These include: We are always looking to improve and evolve these partnerships to maximize HPCs benefit to both industry and society as a whole Investigating the effect of various drugs on the heart. Understanding how the ocean responds to climate change. Exploring ways to eliminate friction in novel materials. Modeling nuclear explosions eliminating the need for real-world testing. Exploring our enormous universe in 3D. Of course supercomputers have long had, and are having a profound impact on the world. Consider a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri that used HPC to analyze 120 billion DNA sequences, narrowing the cause of an infants liver failure to two possible genetic variants; the accurate diagnosis helped save the babys life. Or engineers at General Motors who have used supercomputers to simulate crash tests from every angle, test seatbelt and airbag performance, and improve safety. Or, finally, a Philadelphia consortium dedicated to energy efficiency that used high-performance computing to create greener buildings by simulating thermal flows. Exascale computing will provide capability benefits to a broad range of industries including energy production, pharmaceutical R&D, aircraft and automobile design, and many others, allowing a vast spectrum of industry to more quickly engineer superior products that could improve our nations competitiveness. In addition, there are considerable benefits outside of R&D that will result from meeting both the hardware and software challenges posed by HPC. These include enhancements to smaller computer systems and many types of consumer electronics, including smartphones and cameras. The trickle down will affect consumers via smaller and faster devices that use less power and are fault tolerant. But HPCs greatest asset is its enabling of simulationthat is, the numerical computations necessary to understand and predict the behavior of scientifically or technologically important systems to accelerate the pace of innovation. Simulation has allowed Cummins to build better diesel engines at lower costs, Goodyear to more rapidly design safer tires, Boeing to build more fuel-efficient aircraft, and Procter & Gamble to improve on numerous common household products. Simulation also accelerates the progress of technologies from laboratory to application, as advanced computers allow for more precise simulations and thus more confident predictions. The best machines today are 10,000 times faster than those of 15 years ago, and the techniques of simulation for science and national security have been drastically improved over this period. Sustaining and more widely exploiting the U.S. competitive advantage in simulation requires concerted efforts toward two distinct goals: we must continue to push the limits of hardware and software, and U.S. industry must better capture the innovation advantage that simulation offers. Bringing such innovation to large and small firms in diverse industries, however, requires public-private partnerships to access simulation capabilities largely resident in the nations national laboratories and universities. We are always looking to improve and evolve these partnerships to maximize HPCs benefit to both industry and society as a whole. When it comes to HPC, the sky is truly the limit. The design and operation of these immense resources are necessary to both keep America competitive and overcome the most daunting scientific challenges the world has to offer. Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Alabama attorney David Schoen started out as Donald Trumps lead impeachment defense lawyer, almost quit on the eve of closing arguments and is now sounding off on the chaotic effort to get the ex-president off the hook. The defense lawyer blamed his co-counsels for losing the votes of several GOP senators. I was pretty confident that we would have something like 45 or 46 votes, he told Jewish Insider on Tuesday. I didnt think that our side answered the questions the way they should have been answered. That might have had some influence. Schoen had nothing but praise for Trump himself, saying he was gracious to me at all times. But he wouldnt confirm whether the notoriously stingy mogul actually paid his bills. I dont really like to discuss that kind of thing, he said. But I will say that he absolutely fulfilled every commitment made to me. The defense effort has drawn plenty of criticism from all sides. Even though Trump won an acquittal, the tally of 57 senators, including seven Republicans, who voted in favor of conviction was a harsh indictment of the legal teams failings. Schoen and Bruce Castor were only brought on board two nights before the trial started after the previous legal team quit in a dispute over fees and strategy. Schoen thought he was going to direct the defense. But it turned out to be more of a coalition of frenemies with Castor and Michael Van Der Veen. Like the rest of America, Schoen was shocked by Castors rambling and ineffective opening statement. I thought, This guys career is going to disappear. I dont know how hes going to get up in the morning, Schoen said. But he ... still thought he did a good job. Schoen impressed GOP senators and Trump himself with his more pugnacious and straightforward approach. Schoen nearly quit as disagreements continued to mount. But Trump intervened and urged Schoen to stay on the team, which he eventually did. Van Der Veen moaned that it was a painful experience spending a week in Washington D.C. But despite the drama, Schoen called it a dream job to defend Trump under the glare of the national spotlight. I found it really inspiring, Schoen said. The experience itself for me was really an amazing experience. ___ (c)2021 New York Daily News Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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. Nearly 500 politically-connected people in Peru, including former President Martin Vizcarra, received doses of the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine ahead of schedule. The incident is now being dubbed as "vaccine-gate." According to a The Hill report, government consultants, lobbyists, cabinet ministers, and Vizcarra's family members had all received doses of the vaccine, which allegedly came from 2,000 previously undisclosed shots, last year. The news of the discrete vaccinations was first revealed when Peruvian media reported that the former president received two shots last October. "I feel outraged and furious with this situation," said Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti. He took over the role of Vizcarra after the latter was impeached for alleged corruption in November. Related story: US Signs $2 Billion Contract With COVID-19 Vaccine Makers to Reserve 100 Million Doses For Americans The Vaccine-Gate Incident in Peru The 57-year-old former president initially insisted that he had bravely been part of a Sinopharm trial of 12,000 volunteers. Vizcarra also claimed that he had later tested negative for antibodies and therefore concluded that he had received a placebo, The Washington Post reported. Lima's Cayetano Heredia medical school said the former president was not one of its volunteers. The medical school oversaw the vaccine trial. Vizcarra replied by tweeting his "great surprise" and insisted that his actions had "not prejudiced anyone, much less the [Peruvian] state." The doctor leading the coronavirus vaccine trial has said that Vizcarra knew he would be getting the real vaccine from Sinopharm. Vizcarra's vaccination was just among the hundreds that received COVID-19 doses. A total of 468 officials and other well-connected people are now known to have been secretly injected with a batch of 3,200 complementary doses provided by Sinopharm during the trial. The ministers of health and foreign affairs and two vice ministers included in the list have already resigned due to the vaccine-gate scandal. Oscar Vidarte, a professor of international relations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, said the doses were intended to be administered to researchers and others involved in the trial. Vidarte said that these people were "explicitly mentioned" in the trial protocol. He believed that the vaccine-gate incident resulted from Peru's mishandling of the COVID-19 vaccine doses rather than any attempt by Beijing to curry favor with the top leaders of the country. Those who received the doses issued their own comments over the matter that further triggered public outrage, particularly comments from the health minister and foreign minister. Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti, 64, still insisted in her final hours on her job on Friday that she would be the last person in Peru's health care sector to be vaccinated, adding that the captain is the last person to abandon the ship. Mazzetti eventually said that nothing excuses what she did, "much less having covered it up." She added that she made the "decision with the fears and limitations of a human being," and admitted that it was the worst mistake of her life, Los Angeles Times reported. For her part, Foreign Minister Elizabeth Astete, 68, said she had only accepted the secret shot only because she could not afford to become ill, which is a claim that has prompted many to compare her with Marie Antoinette. Astete had overseen the Sinopharm negotiation. Prosecutors are now planning possible criminal exposure for Vizcarra, Mazzetti, Astete, and other public officials, who clandestinely received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Last month, the Peruvian government signed an agreement with Sinopharm to buy some 38 million doses of its vaccine. After it received 300,000 initial doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, Peru only officially launched its COVID-19 vaccination program this month. According to Johns Hopkins University, Peru has more than 1.2 million COVID-19 cases and over 43,800 coronavirus-related deaths to date. Read also: COVID-19: Does Virus Mutation Weaken Vaccine Efficacy? TV and Bollywood actress Aamna Sharif has recently won the hearts of everyone with her beauty. This time she has appeared in a very different style. You all must have seen her in Ekta Kapoor's show Kasautii Zindagii Kay. She played the character of Komolika in this show. The actress Aamna is very active on social media and her fans give a lot of love to her acts. Now meanwhile, the actress has left for Maldives to celebrate her vacation. From here, new pictures have come out which are making everyone crazy. Aamna has shared a lot of pictures on her Instagram which are very cute. You can see Aamna looks very beautiful in all these pictures. At this time, the pictures of Aamna are making fans crazy. Aamna shared these pictures and wrote in the caption: 'Lifes a Beach ... Find your Wave.' Fans also like and comment on the latest pictures of Aamna. Sharing another picture, Aamna has written - 'She had just enough madness to make her interesting' Well, Aamna's best look is seen in all these pictures. Aamna shared many pictures where the look of Aamna is making fans crazy. This look is working to make the hearts of the fans crazy. The pictures of Aamna have set the social media on fire. Aamna's style in gorgeous dress is worth seeing in the pictures. You can see Aamna showed her beauty in these pictures. Although Aamna is the mother of a child and keeps herself fit. Seeing her you cannot say that she is the mother of a child. You all have seen Aamna Sharif in many shows so far. These photos of Aamna are really great. Talking about Aamna's personal life, Aamna got married to film distributor and producer Amit Kapoor in the year 2013. The two married after two years of dating. Also Read: Surprising and sensual look of Hina Kahn surfaced, Watch video Rajkummar Rao will come to Salman Khan's show with these guests BB14: Aly Goni paid highest amount so far, know pay of all contestants We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) admitted on Friday that four of its soldiers died in a border clash with Indian soldiers, days after China and India withdrew their troops from the region. Starting last week, China withdrew around 10,000 troops from PLA training areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) opposite the eastern parts of India's Ladakh province. Just days later, the official army newspaper, the People's Liberation Army Daily, announced that four of Chinese soldiers were killed in a clash with Indian forces in a highly mountainous part of the border region last year. It said the four had received posthumous military honors. Battalion Commander Chen Hongjun had been conferred the title "hero of border defense," while Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan, and Wang Zhuoran were given first-class merit awards. Their deaths were attributed to "a clash with trespassing foreign military personnel," although India wasn't mentioned by name. A regimental commander who was wounded in the incident, Qi Fabao, was also awarded the title of "hero of border defense," the paper reported. State broadcaster CCTV aired a short video clip of the clash on Friday on its military channel, showing Qi talking to an interpreter standing face-to-face with a member of the Indian army. "Ask him if he would let us go over there now to 'carry out our duty'," Qin tells the interpreter. "Tell them to get the hell out of here. Right now! Otherwise what happens next is on them." "If you don't want a war then get lost!" Qin shouts. Photos of the dead soldiers were also shown, accompanied by orchestral music. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the disclosure should help the world "understand the truth, and the right and wrong of the incident." "The Indian side has repeatedly exaggerated and hyped the casualties, distorting the truth, and misleading international public opinion," Hua told a regular news briefing in Beijing. "Now the PLA Daily has published a report on the incident to reveal the truth." Hua said responsibility for the clash "doesnt lie with China," saying the PLA had exercised "great restraint." Nationalistic sentiment Former Tsinghua University politics lecturer Wu Qiang said the airing of the video and the honoring of the soldiers came only after the withdrawal of troops, suggesting that the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was keen to moderate nationalistic fervor at home. "This announcement from China comes against the background of the agreement between the two militaries that both sides will withdraw forces," Wu said. "There is a certain opportunism to the timing, because it avoids whipping up nationalistic sentiment among the Chinese public." Wu added: "India is still in a strong position. [We have seen that] one legacy left over from the Trump era has been a strong political alliance against China in the Asia-Pacific region." Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops faced off in June 2020 at three or four locations in the western Himalayas after Beijings forces intruded into Indian territory, according to Indian security officials and local media. But China denied breaching the LAC near the Galwan River in Indias snowy and mountainous Ladakh region. An Indian army officer told the Associated Press that Indian and Chinese troops have now completed disengagement from the southern and northern banks of Pangong Lake, in an operation begun on Feb. 10, 2021. Commander-level talks are scheduled for Saturday to discuss pulling back from other areas, the officer told the AP on condition of anonymity. The U.S. sided with India immediately following the incident, saying China's incursion into Indian territory was typical of its behavior in other regions, including the South China Sea. India said at the time that Chinese troops had recently "undertaken activity hindering Indias normal patrolling patterns." Chinese state media said Indian troops had been "trespassing" on Chinese territory and trying to erect illegal defense facilities since the beginning of May. A string of flare-ups Last year's clash in Ladakh the latest in a string of flare-ups along Chinas and Indias 2,200-mile-long undemarcated LAC, with Indian soldiers using their fists to block an attempt by Chinese troops on May 9 to cross into Indian territory at the Nakula pass in northern Sikkim. Meanwhile, in June 2017, India sent hundreds of troops into Bhutan to defend its ally against efforts by China to build a road southward into Doklam, an area claimed by both China and Bhutan. The stand-off continued for over two months and ended when both sides withdrew. China and India fought a border war in 1962 that left hundreds killed or wounded on both sides and ended in an uneasy truce, and a ban on the use of firearms. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Syracuse, N.Y. Even as nearly 80 million Americans have gotten Covid-19 shots, many unanswered questions remain about the vaccines. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines now being used in the United States were developed and tested in record time, and have bypassed the lengthy full approval process most new vaccines are subject to by the Food and Drug Administration. Instead, the vaccines designed to fight the novel coronavirus are deployed under an emergency use authorization, a preliminary approval that recognizes the gravity of the current health emergency, the FDA said. Doctors and researchers say that clinical trials involving more than 100,000 volunteers have shown that the vaccines are highly effective and safe. Experts also say that the risks of Covid-19 which has killed nearly 500,000 Americans -- far outweigh any potential side effects of the vaccines. Still, many Americans are hesitant to get the shots, which were first administered in December. Here are some of the things that are still unknown, or unclear, about the vaccines. How effective they will be. We know that the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines achieved 95% efficacy in the clinical trials, which enrolled more than 90,000 people. What that means is that of all the people who got sick with Covid-19 during the trial, 95% of them had received the placebo essentially salt water in a syringe. Johnson & Johnsons single-shot vaccine was about 75% protective, which experts say is still much better than the flu vaccine. But a clinical trial isnt the real world. Trial volunteers tend to be healthier than the American populace, and rare side effects that didnt show up in tens of thousands of people in a clinical trial could appear when hundreds of millions of people get vaccinated. So far, the news is good, said Brian Leydet, a professor of epidemiology and infectious disease at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. It does appear all the vaccines are working well against people having severe complications and going to the hospital and dying, which is really good news, Leydet said. If you have to get Covid, you want a mild illness where youre sick for three days and then youre ready to go. The elderly, who are most susceptible to serious complications from Covid-19, are also likely to get lower protection from the vaccine than younger people. Thats typical of vaccines because the shots trigger the bodys immune system to produce protective antibodies, and that systems strength declines with age. Thats why theres a stronger flu vaccine for those 65 and older. The (Covid-19) vaccine may not work as well with the elderly, said Dr. Helen Jacoby, an infectious disease specialist with St. Josephs Health. They work, but it might not be the 95% efficacy. Still, Jacoby said, the vaccines will provide protection for the elderly, and vaccinating as many people as quickly as possible will protect everybody, including the elderly. If you vaccinate healthy people and they have a whopping immune response, we certainly hope they wont get sick and wont be spreading it, she said. How well theyll work against new variants. When the trials were being conducted in the U.S. last year, there were no UK or South African or Brazilian variants, so its not proven that the current vaccines will work against those more contagious strains. A report this week in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine suggests, though, that the vaccines are holding their own against the current variants and offering the same level of immunity. A second study found the vaccines highly effective against the UK variant which has been found in Onondaga County but less so against the South African variant. Vaccine manufacturers say they are prepared to tweak the vaccines and offer booster shots to stay ahead of the mutations. Whether well need booster shots. This is our first season with the Covid-19 vaccine, so we dont know if it will last for a lifetime, like the measles shot; for multiple years, like the tetanus shot; or just a year, like the flu vaccine. Coronaviruses tend to mutate less often than flu viruses, and have a self-correction mechanism that limits mutations, but it is an essential feature of viruses to mutate. Covid-19 vaccines probably wont be needed annually because the coronavirus doesnt mutate as rapidly as the flu virus, Jacoby said. She said this week shes growing more confident that booster shots wont be needed. Pfizer is conducting a two-year study of how well the vaccine works, she said, so well know more at the end of that review. Whether they keep you from getting infected and transmitting the virus. The vaccines were designed and tested for one thing: To keep people from getting severely ill from Covid-19. We want our vaccines to keep people alive and healthy, and to reduce the impact of disease on our health care system. The vaccines appeared to do that extremely well in the trials, according to data submitted by manufacturers and reviewed by the FDA. What we dont know is if the vaccine confers whats called sterilizing immunity. That is, does the vaccine actually stop the virus from replicating in someones body, or can someone who is fully vaccinated can still be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus and spread it unknowingly? The clinical trials didnt find that out, because that would have meant routinely testing volunteers at a time when tests were in short supply, Leydet said. That is logistically challenging, and testing was in high demand, he said. All we know for sure is the vaccine group was less likely to get symptoms consistent with Covid. New evidence suggests, however, that the vaccines do substantially reduce the odds that someone will carry enough coronavirus to pass it on to someone else. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now said that people who are fully vaccinated dont have to quarantine if theyre exposed to the virus. Dr. Stephen Thomas, chief of the infectious disease division at Upstate Medical University, is hopeful that the vaccines will prevent people from passing along the illness, but that remains to be studied. I will say that the way these vaccines are supposed to work, it is highly feasible that an effective vaccine could impact a persons ability to transmit to another person, said Thomas, who oversaw Pfizers clinical trial at Upstate. Whether there might be serious, long-term side effects. The vaccines are new and were tested in a little over 100,000 people, so were in the dark about long-term implications. Rare side effects that might remain hidden in trials could appear when 300 million people get the shots. Thats what happened in 1976, when the swine flu vaccination program was halted after about 40 million vaccinations because the vaccine was linked to a slight rise in a rare neurological disorder. The Covid-19 shots have been linked to severe but short-term allergic reactions, which is why those who get vaccinated are asked to wait 15 minutes before leaving the vaccination site. In the first 17 million vaccines given in the U.S., 71 people showed severe allergic reactions, the CDC said. Thats about one in every 250,000 people. About 40 cases of a rare blood disorder have been reported in people who had just received the vaccine, but federal investigators told The New York Times that the number of new cases doesnt appear to be higher than normal. Those cases could simply be coincidences. People develop serious health problems every day, and as we administer millions of vaccines, its inevitable that some of those health problems will develop shortly after vaccination. Drug companies are monitoring for side effects, and the FDA is collecting and monitoring what are known as adverse events. So far, experts say, theres no reason for alarm. Whether theyll work in children. Clinical trials were restricted to adults, who are much more likely than children to suffer severe complications from Covid-19. Modernas cutoff age for clinical trials was 18, and Pfizers was 16. Pfizer is now enrolling 12- to 15-year-olds now to test the safety and efficacy of its vaccine. Moderna said last month it had launched a clinical trial for 12-to 17-year-olds but was having trouble finding volunteers. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources A Covid-19 variant has reached CNY: How concerned should we be? Thousands in CNY get second Covid vaccine: sore arms, fevers and a huge relief Alone and sad, CNYs kids suffer: I just want to feel better and I dont know how Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (centre) speaks at the meeting on February 18 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Permanent members of the Government held a meeting under the chair of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on February 18 to discuss a draft plan on comprehensively reforming the States economic management. The draft plan is intended to carry out the Party Central Committees Resolution No 10-NQ/TW on developing the private economic sector into an important driving force of the socialist-oriented market economy. Providing a summary of the draft, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said with five groups of solutions and 25 tasks, the plan targets that by 2030, the States management methods will be reformed in a fundamental and comprehensive manner and aligned with international principles and practices so as to create a favourable business climate for all economic sectors, thereby helping to achieve the targets relevant to the private economic sector stated in Resolution No 10-NQ/TW and the Governments Resolution No 98/NQ-CP. Besides, policies and laws on economic affairs will be made in a way that respects the law of market, ensures consistency and comprehensiveness, and treats businesses and organisations equally, regardless of which economic sectors they belong to. Addressing the event, PM Phuc emphasised the importance of this plan, which has a very large scale and scope as it will greatly affect a number of sectors and areas, particularly in the countrys new development period after the 13th National Party Congress. As the private sector has grown rapidly in the recent past with the emergence of many major firms, the draft needs to point out obstacles to this sectors development and set forth solutions, he said. The Government leader requested that the draft should take into account the countrys situation; the fast changing international situation; impacts of natural disasters, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic; along with the strong development of science-technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It should thoroughly grasp the 13th National Party Congresss documents and resolution, which includes many new viewpoints and orientations for the States economic management. Solutions to remove hindrances facing production and business activities, including those of the private sector, also need to be provided in this draft in order to facilitate private businesses operations in Vietnam, the PM noted. The States management activities must respect the law of the market to promote the socialist-oriented development of the private economic sector, he said, adding that every potential and advantage should be fully optimised so as to foster the fast and sustainable development of this sector as in line with the 13th National Party Congresss resolution. Also on February 18, permanent Government members looked into a draft report on public borrowing and public debt repayment during 2016-2020 and a plan on this issue for 2021-2025 which will be submitted to the National Assembly. The United States is back in the Paris climate accord, just 107 days after it left. Its return became official Friday, almost a month after President Joe Biden told the United Nations that America wants back in. 'A cry for survival comes from the planet itself,' Biden said in his inaugural address. 'A cry that cant be any more desperate or any more clear now.' Donald Trump announced its withdrawal from the Paris accord in 2019 but it didn't become effective until November 4 last year - the day after the election - because of provisions in the agreement. That made the US the first nation to formally withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office reversing the pullout ordered by his predecessor. A longtime international goal, included in the Paris accord with an even more stringent target, is to keep warming below 2 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. The world has already warmed 1.2 degrees Celsius since that time. The United States is back in the Paris climate accord, just 107 days after it left. Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office reversing the pullout ordered by his predecessor A longtime international goal, included in the Paris accord with an even more stringent target, is to keep warming below 2 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. The world has already warmed 1.2 degrees Celsius since that time. French President Emmanuel Macron, center, delivers a speech during a meeting with members of the Citizens' Convention on Climate (CCC) about their proposals to fight against global warming, in Paris on December 14, 2020 Scientists say that any rise beyond 2 degrees Celsius could have a devastating impact on large parts of the world, raising sea levels, stoking tropical storms and worsening droughts and floods. The Paris accord requires countries to set their own voluntary targets for reducing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. The only binding requirement is that nations have to accurately report on their efforts. But Trump told world leaders at a virtual summit in November that the agreement was designed to cripple the U.S. economy, not save the planet. 'To protect American workers, I withdrew the United States from the unfair and one-sided Paris climate accord, a very unfair act for the United States,' Trump said in a video statement from the White House to the Group of 20 summit hosted by Saudi Arabia. Donald Trump, pictured Thursday, announced its withdrawal from the Paris accord in 2019 but it didn't become effective until November 4 last year - the day after the election - because of provisions in the agreement While Friday's return is heavily symbolic, world leaders say they expect America to prove its seriousness after four years of being pretty much absent. They are especially anticipating an announcement from the U.S. in coming months on its goal for cutting emissions of heat-trapping gases by 2030. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that the official American re-entry 'is itself very important,' as is Bidens announcement that the U.S. will return to providing climate aid to poorer nations, as promised in 2009. 'Its the political message thats being sent,' said Christiana Figueres, the former United Nations climate chief. She was one of the leading forces in hammering out the 2015 mostly voluntary agreement where nations set their own goals to reduce greenhouse gases. French President Emmanuel Macron, center flanked by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, left, and President of the French Constitutional Council Laurent Fabius, right, speaks during the Climate Ambition Summit 2020 video conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris One fear was that other nations would follow America in abandoning the climate fight, but none did, Figueres said. She said the real issue was four years of climate inaction by the Trump administration. American cities, states and businesses still worked to reduce heat-trapping carbon dioxide, but without the federal government. 'From a political symbolism perspective, whether its 100 days or four years, its basically the same thing,' Figueres said. 'Its not about how many days. Its the political symbolism that the largest economy refuses to see the opportunity of addressing climate change.' 'Weve lost too much time,' Figueres said. United Nations Environment Programme Director Inger Andersen said America has to prove its leadership to the rest of the world, but she said she has no doubt it will when it submits its required emissions cutting targets. The Biden administration promises to announce them before an Earth Day summit in April. 'We hope they will translate into a very meaningful reduction of emissions and they will be an example for other countries to follow,' Guterres said. Already more than 120 nations, including No. 1 emitter China, have promised to have net zero carbon emissions around midcentury. President Donald Trump railed against the Paris climate accord last November during the virtual G20, saying that the climate agreement, which President-elect Joe Biden plans to rejoin, was designed to destroy the America economy University of Maryland environment professor Nate Hultman, who worked on the Obama administrations official Paris goal, said he expects a 2030 target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions between 40% and 50% from the 2005 baseline levels. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the top Republican on the Senate energy panel, has criticized Biden for rejoining Paris, tweeting: 'Returning to the Paris climate agreement will raise Americans energy costs and wont solve climate change. The Biden administration will set unworkable targets for the United States while China and Russia can continue with business as usual. The U.S. rejoining the Paris accord and coming up with an ambitious target for emissions cuts would make limiting warming 'to well below 2 degrees - not just to 2 degrees but below 2 degrees - a lot more likely,' said climate scientist Zeke Hausfather, energy and climate director for the Breakthrough Institute. Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has urged Victorians to remain alert for coronavirus symptoms after the virus was unexpectedly detected at sewage sites around Melbourne. He has also called for people to ignore the anti-vaccination movement, saying that the vaccination program is our way out of this pandemic. Professor Sutton said that having virtually no community transmission in Australia offered a false sense of security. Credit:Penny Stephens As Australia prepares to roll out the first round of vaccinations on Monday, anti-vaccination protesters gathered in capital cities and regional towns across the nation. Organisers claim they are against mandatory COVID vaccinations but health experts have already rejected calls for mandatory jabs. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 18, 2021) - Pan Andean Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: PAD) ("Pan Andean" or the "Company") is pleased to announce Dr. Jong Hyeok Park as a Director of the Company. The Company has also announced the creation of a Scientific Advisory Board, which Dr. Park has agreed to Chair. Under Dr. Park's leadership, the Scientific Advisory Board will support Pan Andean's strategic objectives, and will be comprised of experienced professionals in the mining and battery materials sector. "We are excited to welcome Dr. Park onto the Company's Board of Directors with his outstanding commitment to Pan Andean. He will be valuable in leading and growing our Scientific Advisory Board. As a mining company, we intend to be an integrated silicon producer and anode materials supplier to the electric vehicle industry," said Spencer Sung Bum Huh, President and CEO. Dr. Park also serves on the Board of Directors of L&F Co., Ltd. (Market Cap: $2.5B CAD), a global top-tier cathode supplier, since 2012. In December 2020, L&F signed a 2-year contract worth $1.66B CAD to supply cathode to LG Chem. About Pan Andean Minerals Ltd. Pan Andean Minerals Ltd. is Vancouver-based junior resource company focused on battery metals exploration in North America. The Company has staked new mining claims in Golden, BC, along a strike with a quartzite bed, targeting silica in the quartzites for a total of 467 hectares. The Company focuses on exploring and producing silicon, which, when added to anode materials in the production of lithium-ion batteries, provides improvements in capacity and efficiency over lithium-ion batteries using graphite in their anode materials. The Company intends to become an integrated silicon producer and anode materials supplier to the electric vehicle industry. For more information, please visit the Company's website at: https://www.panandeanminerals.com/. On behalf of the Board of Directors Spencer Huh President and CEO 604-681-2626 shuh@panandeanminerals.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74887 Leading board-certified immunologist Dr. Praveen Buddiga will be the keynote speaker for a special online event, Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccine. Presented by Community Medical Centers HealthQuest, the live online seminar will take place on March 4 at 6 p.m. PST. During the special virtual event, Dr. Buddiga will walk the audience through the scientific facts about the effectiveness, safety, and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, and also discuss the critical importance of having it be administered. Since it is so new, there is still much misinformation being spread about the vaccine. Dr. Buddiga will spend time helping to dispel the common myths about the vaccine by separating fact from fiction. He will also talk about the various COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States. Currently the two which have received emergency use authorization in the U.S. are the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, with the Johnson & Johnson single-shot Janssen vaccine expected to receive emergency use authorization in coming weeks following its Phase 3 ENSEMBLE clinical trial. Dr. Buddiga, the founder of California-based private medical practice, Family Allergy Asthma Clinic, will bring more than two decades of clinical experience to the live event. To register to attend the special virtual seminar on March 4 at 6:00 pm Pacific Standard Time , visit HealthQuest | Community Medical Centers | Central California (https://www.communitymedical.org/about-us/HealthQuest), or visit the registration page here (https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/885317279892266512). On February 26, Dr. Buddiga will also be the featured keynote speaker at the 2021 Global Congress on Virology, Vaccine Research & Developments Conference entitled Virology and Vaccine R & D 2021 Vaccine Research: From Bench to Bedside. The event aims to provide a platform for discussing the current COVID-19 virus and the status of vaccine research and development as it pertains to the pandemic. Dr. Buddiga will help bring awareness about COVID-19 by further connecting people from across the world to share and discuss the best methods to prevent transmission of the virus. A frequent media educator and medical expert, Dr. Buddiga is a regular contributor to Foxs Good Day LA, as well as appearing often on ABC, NBC, CBS MedWatchToday, and more. He remains an Assistant Clinical Professor at University of California San Francisco. A fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Dr. Buddiga is highly respected for the supportive environment and compassionate and personalized care he provides to his patients of all ages. For more information on Dr. Praveen Buddiga and his Fresno, California-based private practice, Family Allergy Asthma Clinic, visit the official website at http://www.familyallergyasthmaclinic.com or call (559) 421-9009 or email info@FamilyAllergyAsthmaClinic.com. 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. Paris: A former French secretary of state has been jailed for raping and sexually assaulting an employee as a wave of sexual abuse scandals rocks the country. Two former employees of Georges Tron, mayor of the small Paris suburb of Draveil and a former secretary of public affairs, accused him of multiple assaults and rapes, perpetrated with the help of his deputy at the time. He has been sentenced to five years in prison. Brigitte Gruel, his deputy, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence. Georges Tron in 2010. Credit:AP The verdict was delivered following a 10-year fight for justice as a wave of sexual abuse scandals shocked France, with investigations into a number of politicians including the minister for the interior. India has decided to appeal a $1.2 billion international arbitration award won by Cairn Energy Plc in a tax dispute and to strongly contest all cases filed by Cairn in various international courts, a person informed about the development said. The move signals the governments resolve to defend its sovereign rights in taxation. The government has, however, kept open the possibility of a resolution within existing Indian laws, the person said. This indicates the governments willingness to settle the tax dispute if Cairn chooses to do so under the direct tax dispute settlement scheme, Vivad se Vishwas, which gives relief on interest and penalty if the principal tax demand is paid. Cairn Energy chief executive Simon Thomson met finance secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey for a second time on Friday after holding initial talks on Thursday. Thomson had told reporters on Thursday after the meeting that the dialogue was constructive and ongoing. A spokesperson for the firm said Cairn was not in a position to comment further at this stage. The government welcomes Cairns move to reach out for a resolution. However, any dispute resolution to be sought by Cairn will have to be within already existing laws," the person cited above said. The government will file an appeal against Cairn arbitration award soon and will contest its sovereign rights to tax. It will also strongly contest other suits filed by Cairn Energy at various other international courts." The government alleges that the offshore transaction executed by Cairn was aimed at evading taxes while the company holds that it had secured all regulatory approvals for the transaction and that the tax claim raised eight years after the transaction based on a retroactive change in law amounted to a failure to treat the company and its investments fairly and equitably. According to the government, the transaction in 2006-07 involving entities in Jerseya reorganization of Cairns India business prior to Cairn India Ltds initial public offerled to capital gains in the hands of Cairn UK Holdings that is taxable in India. India earlier raised a tax demand of around 10,400 crore plus an equal amount in penalty and interest accrued. According to Cairn, India seized residual shares in Cairn India, acquired by Vedanta Resources, as well as a tax refund due to the British firm, together amounting to approximately 10,570 crore. As a result of international arbitration, the firm secured an award of $1.2 billion in damages plus interest and cost, which the government will now contest. The Centre is taking steps to ensure Indias tax base is not eroded, including by introducing an equalization levy on e-commerce transactions. The salaried class, especially those in the middle income category, contributes a big chunk of direct taxes, as per tax department data. Since the tax base is finite, letting large corporate deals escape the tax net would increase the burden on individual taxpayers, who, unlike businesses, do not get many tax exemptions. An email sent to the finance ministry seeking a formal response remained unanswered at the time of going to press. 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. Mumbai-based startup accelerator StartUp Reseau, launched by Ajay Ramasubramaniam and Sweta Tiwari, announced the shortlist of 35 Indian startups participating in the inaugural cohort of Startup Bridge Canada (SBC). Announced by Startup Reseau in December 2020, SBC is a six-week pre-market entry startup programme for growth-stage Indian enterprises to access and understand Canada and build their strategy for the North America foray. Ramasubramaniam, Co-founder CEO, Startup Reseau, says, As an organisation, we are always looking to unlock global market opportunities for Indian startups seeking to expand internationally, by way of structured market access programmes. With a strong focus on being a developer of startup ecosystem in emerging markets, we continue to remain bullish about prospects for Indian startups in mature markets such as North America and Europe. To further facilitate the entry of Indian firms in Canada, Startup Reseau has tied up with the Governments of Alberta, British Columbia,and Ontario, along with economic development agencies such as Toronto Global, Montreal International to help a cohort of Indian entrepreneurs grow, scale, and promote their businesses in Canada, and access the larger North American geography. Stewart Beck, President, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, said, Canada is a recognised global leader in machine learning and digital innovation. Canadian immigration policies and startup environment have attracted highly qualified technology talent and savvy investors from around the World making Canada an excellent choice for Indian entrepreneurs to establish their beachhead for growth in North American and European markets. The inaugural edition of Startup Bridge Canada received 276 applications from which 35 startups make up the cohort. The programme will run virtually and has been inaugurated by H.E Ajay Bisaria, High Commissioner to Canada. Both India and Canada have in place robustly expanding startup ecosystems. In fact, Canadas investment capacity complements Indias entrepreneurial spark to create vast opportunities for startups. In a recent telephonic conversation, the Prime Ministers of the two countries reiterated a desire to work together for building a more sustainable and resilient global economy. Combining Canadas advanced knowledge and investments with Indias skills and markets makes the perfect recipe for the success of startups. It is not surprising that the first Indian Unicorn of 2021 has a strong Canada connect, says Ajay Bisaria, High Commissioner to Canada. The 35 founders in the cohort have cumulatively raised in excess of $26 million and run an ARR of over $16.5 million. The average team size of one-thirds of the cohort is 40 team members. The shortlisted startups operate in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, infrastructure, large enterprise accounts and ESG. Over 50% of the cohort applies fast growing technologies like AI and ML. The virtual programme will take place over the course of six weeks beginning on February 15, 2021. 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. Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March Many universities in China have decided to stagger the start of the new semester in an effort to minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission. The University of International Business and Economics in Beijing announced Thursday that it will delay in-person classes for the new semester after the winter break. According to the announcement, online classes will start on March 1 and continue for about two weeks. Students will stagger their return to campus between March 16 and March 21 and offline classes will resume on March 22. Renmin University of China and Peking University have also postponed the new semester by one to two weeks. Classes will start as planned at Tsinghua University, which is expected to welcome some 18,000 return students over three days from Friday. The university has arranged shuttle buses to pick up the students and two mass testings for COVID-19 will be conducted on Feb. 27 and March 6. Similar arrangements have also been made by universities in other parts of the country, with a variety of COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Wuhan University in central China's Hubei Province and Anhui Normal University in east China's Anhui Province have staggered the opening dates of the new semester for undergraduate and graduate students in different grades. Students at Wuhan University are required to register with the university before returning to campus. Students from low-risk areas must present a green health code to apply for permission to get back to school while those from middle-or-high risk areas should stay put until the warning level for COVID-19 drops to low-risk. These students should also have a negative nucleic acid test result within seven days when applying to go back. The Chinese mainland reported no new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the National Health Commission said Thursday. No new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases have been reported for three consecutive days since Monday, according to the commission. Patna, Feb 19 : The surge in auto fuel and LPG cylinder prices rocked the first day of the Budget session in Bihar on Friday with the opposition parties accusing the government of cheating the 'common people'. Congress' Shakeel Ahmad Khan came at the state legislature with a clay stove and woods to protest against the surge in fuel and cooking gas rates. "The Central government has been continuously increasing LPG rates in the country. It has also eliminated the subsidy, and as a result the consumers are being forced to purchase cylinders at a rate close to Rs 900 apiece. This is directly hitting the budget of the middle and the lower class people. The common men are being cheated," said Ahmad, the MLA from Kadwa constituency. RJD MLA from Samastipur, Akhtarul Islam Shaheen came to the Assembly on a bicycle and rode around the Vidhan Sabha premises to protest against the fuel price spike. Shaheen was carrying placards which read: "The price of petrol reached Rs 100 at some places in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and Rs 92.70 in Bihar. Diesel has also hit all-time high of Rs 85.30 and the prices are surging every day. It is directly affecting the common people. The Centre should immediately slash the prices of petrol and diesel." Mukesh Kumar Raushan, RJD MLA from Mahua, is another leader who reached the state Assembly on bicycle to register his protest against the hike in fuel prices. Meanwhile, the Left parties staged a demonstration against the farm laws amid the Budget session. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Slightly warmer temperatures today than most meteorologists had predicted have resulted in fewer ice-related power outages than initially projected for Duke Energy's Carolinas customers as a winter storm moves through the region. As of 5:30 p.m., 5,000 Carolinas customers almost all in North Carolina were without power. South Carolina experienced few outages. Duke Energy crews tonight will work to restore power to as many customers as possible. Duke Energy is providing estimated power restoration times for specific counties at duke-energy.com/outages/current-outages. General storm-related information can be found at Duke Energy Updates. Duke Energy also cautioned that additional power outages are possible in parts of North Carolina tonight and early tomorrow as a second wave of precipitation some of it potentially freezing rain crosses the state, particularly in the Triad and Triangle areas. The company's repair crews remain ready to respond to any new outages that might occur. "Today, just a few degrees in temperature made all the difference in sparing our customers from what could have been a devastating ice storm," said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy's Carolinas incident commander. "I want to thank our customers and our repair crews for their preparations ahead of this storm. And for our customers who lost power today, we appreciate your patience and are safely working to restore electricity to your homes and businesses as quickly as possible." Initially, Duke Energy had projected nearly 1 million Carolinas customers could lose power as freezing rain was predicted to cause significant ice buildup on trees and branches, which in turn would topple onto power lines as during previous major ice storms. Warmer temperatures and a slight change in the storm's track from what originally had been predicted averted that scenario. In advance of the storm, Duke Energy had staged more than 7,000 workers to respond, including many who traveled to the Carolinas from Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida. How to report power outages Customers who experience a power outage can report it the following ways: Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device. Use the Duke Energy mobile app (download the Duke Energy App on your smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play). Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). Call Duke Energy's automated outage-reporting system: Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766) Duke Energy Progress: 800.419.6356 Important safety tips Stay away from fallen or sagging power lines which still could be energized and dangerous. Keep children and pets away from power lines also. If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground. If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow CDC recommendations for staying safe and healthy in a public disaster shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety. A checklist serves as a helpful guide, but it's critical before, during and after a storm to follow the instructions and warnings of emergency management officials in your area. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 29,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities and 2,300 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit. 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy Related Links www.duke-energy.com 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. In the view of rising number of coronavirus cases , several districts in Maharashtra on Thursday announced stringent restrictions. The authorities on Thursday announced a lockdown in Amravati during the weekend. "Owing to rising cases, lockdown declared in Amravati District from Saturday 8 pm to Monday 7 am," Shelesh Naval, district collector, Amravati, told ANI. Amravati witnessed the highest spike in COVID-19 count among the districts Wednesday. At least 230 people tested positive for novel coronavirus on 17 February, according to data released by the officials. The number of fresh cases in the state was at 82 on 16 February. "In view of a spurt in COVID-19 cases, I have decided to impose a weekend lockdown in the district. To avoid any stricter lockdown in the future, I appeal to people to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour," Naval said. He said during the weekend lockdown all markets and other establishments will remain shut. "Swimming pools and indoor games, too, will remain closed, while only five people will be allowed at religious ceremonies," he added. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting on Thursday to take a stock of COVID-19 situation in the state. "The CM has held a meeting with administrations of Amravati, Yavatmal and Akola, on the COVID-19 situation there. Appropriate decisions to be taken," said Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. Authorities also announced strict restrictions in Yavatmal district on Thursday. Schools and colleges in the district will remain closed till 28 February. Restaurants, function halls to operate&marriage ceremonies to be held with less than 50% capacity of people, the district collector said. Assembly of 5 or more people not allowed, he further added. The coronavirus cases have been on a rise in the western state in last few days. The state reported 4,787 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest one-day count in more than two months. Thackeray earlier warned that if COVID-19 norms are not followed, people should be prepared for a fresh round of strict lockdown. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar also expressed displeasure over people not following COVID-19-related guidelines. In view of the recent spurt in cases, Pawar on Monday warned of taking some "harsh decisions" and asked people to be prepared. Pawar said, "Harsh decisions can be taken and people should remain prepared. If certain decisions are not taken in time then we will have to pay a heavy cost later." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Manitobas minister of advanced education, skills and immigration, Wayne Ewasko, recently announced a three-year strategy for post-secondary education in the province. While short on details, the plans broad goals are to better align what happens at post-secondary institutions with the needs of the labour market in Manitoba. Opinion Manitobas minister of advanced education, skills and immigration, Wayne Ewasko, recently announced a three-year strategy for post-secondary education in the province. While short on details, the plans broad goals are to better align what happens at post-secondary institutions with the needs of the labour market in Manitoba. In part, the province will demand that universities provide expanded opportunities for students to acquire work experience while theyre completing their degrees, such as through co-ops or internships. The governments report notes that a lack of work experience means students can "experience delays in connecting to employers upon graduation." Thats correct. Students often benefit tremendously from these opportunities to get their feet wet in the job market, and provincial government support for these programs will be welcomed. But government quotas should not result in unpaid internships and other positions, which are an outrageous and all-too-frequent sop to cheapskate employers looking to save some cash. Students cannot pay the rent with high-fives from their managers. The government will also require universities to ensure post-secondary programs are tailored to anticipated market needs. This together with the governments recent interest in the outcome-based Tennessee funding model is where eyebrows may be raised. Universities will be required to "identify and shift programs that oversupply the labour market" and work to "re-balance programs and resources to align with industry needs." Its not difficult to figure out what programs the government has in mind when it talks about oversupplying the labour market: liberal arts programs such as classics, history, English, anthropology, sociology, philosophy and political science. Programs in the fine arts are also likely included. Part of the problem here is that these programs generally do not have clear paths to obvious jobs that governments can monitor and place check marks beside. If you go into a welding program, for example, you are likely to land a job as a welder. But very few people who go to university and major in anthropology, for example, will end up clinching jobs as professional anthropologists. Instead, their career outcomes are much, much more varied. Over the course of five-and-a-half long years as head of the department of political studies at the University of Manitoba, I counselled hundreds of students who had precisely these sorts of worries about majoring in politics or other liberal arts disciplines. I also tried my best to keep up with our graduates. Our students took up jobs in such fields as law, journalism and the civil service. Some went on to graduate school; some worked directly in politics, whereas others either ran for public office themselves or are working toward that. Others took up positions working for lobbying groups. Many of our students scored internship opportunities outside our province. Other students graduated and took entry-level positions and quickly found themselves being promoted and managing others. The reason for this is that these students are smart and, to use the governments word, nimble. Their far-reaching liberal arts education has prepared them to quickly adapt to new situations and challenges, and indeed to switch sectors entirely if necessary; to work thoughtfully and conscientiously with others, and to bring critical discernment and clear judgment to their roles. A good education in the liberal arts will prepare students for these challenges. In a world in which people can expect to switch jobs or even careers several times over their work life, the skills that come with a liberal arts degree may come in handier than the narrow, specialized skills other students learn. And despite stereotypes about philosophy majors only able to find work frothing frappuccinos after graduating, study after study shows that university graduates, including those from the liberal arts, outperform others with respect to lifetime earnings. But dont trust me on the value of a good liberal arts education; instead, trust Ewaskos colleagues in the provincial cabinet. Strikingly, almost all the senior members of Premier Brian Pallisters cabinet hold undergraduate degrees with majors in the liberal arts. Both deputy premier Kelvin Goertzen and Finance Minister Scott Fielding hold degrees in economics from the University of Manitoba, and Fielding also majored in political science. Health Minister Heather Stefanson holds a BA in political science, while Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler majored in international relations and sociology. Attorney General Cameron Friesen majored in music. And the premier himself graduated from Brandon University with a degree in arts and education. These ministers have used their liberal arts degrees to pursue both meaningful and rewarding careers. So why wouldnt the government want to ensure these programs are fully available for the current generation of students? Ewasko is right to emphasize experiential learning during students time at post-secondary institutions, and to provide support to boost graduation rates. But the unique role of the liberal arts in preparing students for a range of careers here in Manitoba should not be overshadowed by the governments focus on meeting specific labour-market needs. Royce Koop is an associate professor in the department of political studies and co-ordinator of the Canadian studies program at the University of Manitoba. LAPEER, MI The Lapeer community is mourning the death of a teacher who spent more than two decades molding minds in classrooms in the district. Shannon Leigh Nichols died on Monday, Feb. 15, after battling melanoma. She was 46. A great mom, great wife, great employee, Lapeer Community Schools Superintendent Matt Wandrie told MLive/The Flint Journal Thursday, Feb. 18. This is a tough, tough time for our district. Jen Rondy, a teacher at Lapeer Community Schools and close friend, said Nichols was there for everyone and anyone. She was just so loving, so kind to anybody that she would ever meet, Rondy said. Nichols was born on July 3, 1974, in Lapeer to parents, Georgia Gibbons and Ed Gray, according to her obituary. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Ray Nichols, and daughters, Alexis Hanton and Hannah Nichols. She predominantly taught fifth grade at Elva Lynch Elementary School. Throughout her career, Nichols also taught fourth-grade classes and special education courses. Rondy met Nichols 10 years ago. Their classrooms were right next door to each other, and over the years, they built a friendship that reached beyond the classroom walls. Rondy said Nichols was a fierce teacher who spoke her mind and spoke up for others, but her most outstanding quality was her love for education. She also loved reading and inspired her students to do the same. She turned them into readers and (she) got books into their hands, Rondy said. They respected her. In addition to teaching, Nichols served as vice president of the negotiations team and a union representative at Lynch. She was not only a tremendous teacher, but widely regarded as a leader amongst our teaching staff, Wandrie said. She was widely regarded as a highly effective teacher, and a mentor for younger folks who were just starting out in the profession. Wandrie said Nichols was dedicated to helping and improving her hometown. Shannon and I had a lot of discussions about the future of the district and what her vision was for our students and our families and what we wanted to provide, and I always had a very deep and abiding respect for her opinion, he said. Although she was an elementary teacher, her loss is being felt districtwide because of how long shes lived here and worked here. Nichols leadership roles demonstrated a deep connection to the local community and school district. As a result, Nichols family asked the school district to be an integral part of her memorial tribute. They want an opportunity for families of her students to be able to demonstrate support and be a part of the service, Wandrie said. Tremendous loss for the Lapeer school family and our community at large. She was one of those folks who was more than just a teacher. For her memorial tribute at the school, Nichols students made a banner and placed their hand-written memories of her in a jar. She was the teacher that students came back to visit, even after they graduated, they would come back and see Mrs. Nichols, Rondy said. It just shows how many people she has impacted, truly. Nichols was also a mother and wife. She and her husband were together for 28 years and married for 25. The couple enjoyed going to concerts, beach vacations, visiting downtown Detroit, and relaxing by their pool at home, according to her obituary. When you look at her daughters, you will see her. Shannon and Ray raised their daughters to be strong, beautiful, caring women as Shannon was to this world, her obituary reads. She was Alexis and Hannahs #1 fan and was always there to support them in everything they did. They will cherish all of the memories they had with her. She was the best mom they could ask for and they will see to it that her Legacy lives on. In addition to her husband and daughters, Nichols is survived by her siblings, nephews, nieces and other family members and friends. A memorial gathering and service will take place Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Lapeer High School gymnasium, 933 S. Saginaw St. The memorial gathering begins at noon, followed by the memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the gymnasium will be limited to 175 people at any given time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family here. Read more on MLive: Flint mans African drum, dance experience helps connect people to their roots Judge who just loves love helps keep wedding dreams alive during pandemic Tiny Homes Initiative coming to Flint with help from singer Rihanna You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close NATO has agreed to significantly broaden its military advising and stabilization mission in Iraq to roughly 4,000 troops, the alliance announced Thursday. Today we decided to expand NATOs training mission in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces as they fight terrorism and ensure that ISIS does not return, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels on Thursday, making a reference to the Islamic State. Our mission is at the request of the Iraqi government, Stoltenberg said in a press conference at the end of the second day of NATOs annual defense ministers summit. The announcement follows more than a year of discussions between US officials, NATO representatives and Iraqs government on the scope of the alliances noncombat advisory mission in the country, which has been devastated by war with the Islamic State and civil conflict following from the US invasion in 2003. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin welcomed NATOs decision, according to a Pentagon statement released Thursday. Earlier this week, a senior US defense official told reporters on the condition of anonymity that Pentagon leadership was enthusiastic about and welcomes NATOs increased focus on Iraq. Stoltenberg said the NATO missions expansion will include military trainers at more Iraqi security institutions and areas beyond Baghdad, but offered no timeline for the transition, only noting that it would be incremental. The US is participating in the force generation process for NATO Mission Iraq and will contribute its fair share to this important expanded mission, Pentagon spokeswoman Cmdr. Jessica McNulty told Al-Monitor via email. The Western alliances mission in Iraq began in 2018 and currently consists of some 500 NATO personnel led by Canadas armed forces. In May, Denmark is set to take the helm of the mission which is distinct from, but complementary to, the US-led multinational coalition to defeat the Islamic State. The US-led coalition, known as Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, greatly reduced its footprint in Iraq last year, pulling out of a number of Iraqi bases around the country and consolidating at Erbil Air Base, Ain al-Asad and Union III, where coalition personnel of the Military Advisory Group advise Iraqs senior commanders in Baghdads Green Zone. The coalition no longer trains Iraqs security forces at the tactical level, though some 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq as part of the task forces curtailed mission, with another 900 in Syria. Iraqs parliament passed a resolution early last year to expel US forces from the country after President Donald Trump ordered Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani killed in a drone strike in Baghdad. Political uproar over the assassination hastened the Iraqi governments engagement with officials from NATO member states on potentially expanding the presence of international troops in the country to offset any potential US withdrawal, which has so far been averted by Iraqi and US officials. Stoltenberg who received Austins first official phone call to a foreign official after the Pentagon chief took office last month spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi earlier this week. Austin also spoke with Iraqi Defense Minister Juma Saadoun and Interior Minister Othman al-Ghanimi this week, offering consolation and assurances of US support after some 14 rockets landed in and around Erbil's airport, killing a local contractor and injuring eight others, including one member of the US military. The Biden administration has so far refrained from blaming Tehran for the attack, though it was claimed by a suspected front group for powerful Iran-backed militias. Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SEs Covid-19 vaccine stimulated roughly two-thirds lower levels of neutralizing antibodies against the South African variant of the coronavirus in a lab study. The Pfizer results are part of tests of its vaccine against a lab-created virus that had all the mutations found in the South African variant, which is thought to spread faster than earlier versions. The study released Wednesday showed reduced neutralization of the South Africa-like virus by blood from people who had been immunized with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The companies expect their vaccine will still work against the variant. All of the blood samples from vaccinated patients still showed significant levels of neutralizing antibody against the South Africa variant, the researchers said. The study was conducted by Pfizer, BioNTech and researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. A separate study by researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Moderna Inc. also looked at how the companys vaccine performed against the South Africa variant in the lab, and found a significant reduction in coronavirus-fighting antibodies. These neutralizing antibodies were reduced by a factor of 6.4, compared with levels produced against earlier versions of the virus, when the full group of South Africa mutations were examined. What the lab data means in practice remains to be seen. It is unclear what effect a reduction in neutralization by approximately two-thirds would have on protection from Covid-19 caused by the South Africa variant, the Pfizer study concluded. The mutant virus has become a stumbling block for vaccine campaigns, with South Africa halting the rollout of AstraZeneca Plcs shot after a study showed it didnt work as well in preventing mild illness involving the variant first identified there. AstraZeneca is working to revise its vaccine by fall, while Moderna Inc. is working on booster shots. Pfizer and BioNTech said in a statement that theres no real-world evidence that the South African variant can elude their shot. Still, they said theyre getting ready to develop an updated vaccine or booster if need be. The partners said theyre also testing whether the vaccine works against a variant that has emerged in Brazil, as well as against other mutant strains. Meanwhile, a shot from Johnson & Johnson prevented hospitalizations and deaths from Covid in a large study but was less effective at preventing infections in South Africa than elsewhere. A vaccine developed by Novavax Inc. also was less effective in South Africa in a study. Press Release 19 February 2021 As a 21st Century company, Airbnb is committed to serving all stakeholders in our community: hosts, guests, communities, employees and shareholders. To serve our employees, we champion diversity and belonging, and enable long-term growth and career opportunities. Advertisements When Airbnb began evaluating locations to establish a technology hub on the East Coast, we looked for five key factors: A city with leaders committed to expanding economic empowerment opportunities in a state also seeking to promote economic empowerment for its citizens A city that is open and friendly, sharing our commitment to diversity and inclusion A city in a state with a robust and diverse technical talent pool A city that has a robust creative and curious culture that attracts a community of creators A city that people want to call their long-term home in state offering all kinds of natural amenities While many cities fit this description, Atlanta emerged as the city that aligned with what we are looking for in a technical hub. In particular, one of the things that stood out about Atlanta was its strong educational infrastructure when it comes to teaching the next generation of engineers, including educational institutions committed to specifically supporting communities of color. And at the end of 2019 we made a decision to move forward with establishing a technical hub in Atlanta. However, as the pandemic set in, we paused this plan. Then in May 2020, we made the very difficult decision to let 25 percent of our team go. As travel has rebounded, we realized that we have an opportunity to establish this technical hub more quickly than we anticipated, and restarted conversations in Atlanta. Today, we are excited to share that we are opening a technical hub in the City of Atlanta, the first step in a broader commitment to a long-term presence in the area. This hub will be home to one of our product development teams, as well as a variety of others. We anticipate our Atlanta office will become the regional base for hundreds of technical and non-technical roles over time. We intend to establish a physical space in Atlanta later this year. If any economic incentives or credits are associated with the location, Airbnb will donate them back to the City of Atlanta for community impact initiatives. We are thankful for the partnership of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and will work with the Mayor's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to bolster youth engagement strategies designed to promote equitable access to education, development, and training opportunities for Atlanta youth. The Mayor and the team in city government reflected the spirit of Atlanta as a dynamic city on the move. "Atlanta is the South's shining star and our prosperity depends on cultivating a diverse company base that brings jobs and creates opportunities for our residents. We welcome Airbnb to Atlanta and look forward to working with them to build a pipeline of good quality jobs for our local workforce." - Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor of Atlanta. We are also thankful to Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development for their support. The Governor is an advocate for jobs and economic development in the State of Georgia, including working to bring new jobs into Georgia. "Georgia has remained on the cutting edge of training and educating our workforce, which continues to attract first-class companies like Airbnb to invest here," said Governor Kemp. "I'm confident this is just the beginning of Airbnb's presence in our state, and I look forward to seeing the long-term opportunities they create for hardworking Georgians in the Peach State for years to come." As part of opening our Atlanta Technical Hub, Airbnb will also continue developing community partnerships in the city aimed at expanding entrepreneurship opportunities and creating pathways for Georgia residents to pursue careers in technology. This work builds on Airbnb's existing partnerships with the NAACP, the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE), Tech Bridge, and others in the Atlanta community. Some of the initiatives Airbnb intends to develop include: Supporting Mayor Bottom's vision of creating One Atlanta by committing to thinking and acting together to improve career development opportunities for residents living in communities that have historically lacked strategic investments Developing partnerships with HBCUs and other universities in the Atlanta area to strengthen opportunity pipelines Support community organizations like BestFit and Tech Bridge with hardware for students in need In addition, Airbnb will support regular programming for Atlanta entrepreneurs interested in home sharing, provide regular mentoring hours with Airbnb Ambassadors to pair locals with existing platform hosts, and host technology and leadership development forums. "Airbnb is a dynamic company dedicated to creating economic opportunities through hosting its platform. We have been proud to partner with Airbnb to help members of the Black community leverage the platform and become microentrepreneurs, and now we are excited to welcome Airbnb as an employer bringing more jobs in Atlanta," said Jay Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of the Russell Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. We look forward to opening our engineering hub in Atlanta and sharing more news as we open a physical office space. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. President Joe Bidens administration has pledged to improve the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. This week, the first federally supported mass vaccination sites opened in California. Matt Dibble reports. A waitress in New York City was fired after she told her employer that she wanted to wait and see if the COVID-19 vaccine - which has been in use for less than nine months - has any side affects on pregnancy. 34-year-old Bonnie Jacobson, who started working at the Red Hook Tavern in August, says she's not an 'anti-vaxxer,' but was uncomfortable taking the vaccine while she and her husband were trying to conceive, she told the Daily Mail. Bonnie Jacobson On February 8, the restaurant sent an email to employees which said "If you choose to get vaccinated, here's what you need to know." The email made no mention of mandatory vaccinations - which, by the by, don't prevent people from catching or transmitting COVID-19 and instead helps protect against serious illness from the disease. During a staff meeting, Jacobson says she told her manager that she wanted more time to research the vaccine, and was told that she wouldn't be required to get the shot. "As a 34-year-old woman, why take the risk right now when I can just wait a little longer when there are people a lot older and more at risk who could use the vaccine more than I could right now?" she told the Mail. "My dad is 68 years old and lives in Pennsylvania and has diabetes, theres no reason why I should be getting that before him." Days later on February 12, the Brooklyn tavern changed its mind and sent an email telling employees that the vaccine was mandatory. "Please be advised that we will require that all employees receive the vaccination," reads the email. "This will be mandatory for all existing employees and any new hires. The exception to this policy will be if your own personal health or disability prohibits you from obtaining this vaccination. We encourage you to consult your healthcare professional to determine if getting a vaccine is right for you." Jacobson emailed her employers back, and said that while she 'fully supports' the vaccine, she doesn't want to get it yet. "While I fully support the vaccine and understand its importance I do believe this is a very personal choice. I really hope this choice would not affect my employment at Red Hook Tavern," she wrote, adding that she takes COVID "very seriously" and will continue to practice safety guidelines. "I get tested every 1-2 weeks and have never tested positive for COVID. I plan to continue these safety practices for as long as necessary," her email continues, adding "Also once there is more research to support that it does not affect fertility I would reconsider my position." On Monday, however, Jacobson heard back - with her employers noting that the company 'respected' her 'very personal choice,' but that "In order to continue employment with us, getting the vaccine is required. At this time your employment will be terminated. We are sad to see you go. If you do change your mind, please do not hesitate to let us know." Red Hook Tavern owner Billy Durney told the Mail that he could have handled the situation differently, and that the tavern would update its policy so all employees understand their stance. "Once New York state allowed restaurant workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to put a plan in place to keep our team and guests safe," he said in a statement obtained by various outlets, adding "No one has faced these challenges before and we made a decision that we thought would best protect everyone." Red Hook Tavern owner Billy Durney "I just wanted more time they didnt allow me that, I didnt even have time to consult a physician. It was a week from being 'your choice,' to it's not going to be mandatory, to it us mandatory, to youre fired," said Jacobson. "I had a very good working relationship there. I just had an employee review on February 6 and it was all positive, so it was truly shocking that it was so impersonal." According to labor attorney Carolyn D. Richmond, it's too early for companies to mandate shots. "Pregnancy and vaccine as soon as you hear those words in the workplace, you should stop to think if what you are doing is right or wrong," Richmond told the New York Times. "It has to be generally available to the employee population and it's not. None of us are having an easy time getting appointments." That said, employers have the right to mandate the vaccine, according to Dorit Reiss, a professor at the University of California Hastings College of Law. "Requiring a vaccine is a health and safety work rule, and employers can do that," he told CNBC in December. Last month, the World Health Organization advised pregnant women not to get vaccinated unless at high risk for COVID-19 due to underlying conditions. 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. HOLYOKE Holyoke Medical Center is on course to open 34 new inpatient psychiatric beds by May, but has asked the state to put on hold its plans announced last year for an 84-bed behavioral health hospital on its campus. We were supposed to have a final determination-of-need hearing with the state this week, but we asked instead for the state to put a hold on the project, said Spiros Hatiras, president and chief executive officer of the medical center and Valley Health Systems. Hatiras added that, realistically, he does not see any conceivable way the larger project can now happen given Wednesdays announcement about the sale of Providence Behavioral Health Hospital. Health Partners New England, the new owner, is working with the state to resume inpatient psychiatric care for adults and children there. He also cited Baystate Healths July announcement that it had selected Kindred Behavioral Health as its partner to build a $43-million, 120-bed behavioral health hospital at the former Holyoke Geriatric Authority site. If all of the plans were to proceed, it could result in more than 250 psychiatric beds within a two-mile radius. Hatiras said that raises questions of sustainability in terms of needed staffing and annual admissions. We are not going to build a third (psychiatric) hospital in the region, Hatiras said. This would be adding more than 200 beds in Holyoke with the three (plans) and would require somewhere between 1,100 to 1,200 admissions to keep those beds full. Last spring, Hatiras said Holyoke Medical Center discussed creating some bridge units to help the state meet a chronic shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds in Western Massachusetts. The shortage of beds was made worse by the coronavirus pandemic while plans for its proposed hospital advanced. The initial plan was for a nine-bed pediatric unit and 18-bed adult unit. Holyoke Medical then notified the state it would create two units, totaling 34 inpatient psychiatric beds for adults after Baystate Health announced in January plans to temporarily open a 12-bed unit for children and adolescents. We pulled out of doing the childrens unit as it makes no sense for both of us to do the same thing, Hatiras said. Now, he added, Holyoke will focus solely on adult-care units. We have 20 beds now, and every day we find ourselves at 20 in terms of how many patients are in the beds, Hatiras said. We are always full, and there are always patients waiting in our emergency department and in other emergency departments. Is there a need regionally for more beds? No question. One of Holyoke Medical Centers two new units is being created in its former Birthing Center. The other will be situated on the hospitals first floor. Hatiras described both as state-of-the-art. We have a good reputation in behavioral health field, Hatiras added. We have already hired about 10 of the 40 physicians, nurses and mental health assistants needed for the new units, and I am fairly confident we are going to do OK. Baystate has said it hopes to open its temporary 12-bed unit for adolescents and children by April. Health Partners New England and GFI Realty, the new owners of what is now MiraVista Behavioral Health Center formerly the 74-bed Providence Behavioral Health Hospital has said it hopes to resume inpatient psychiatric services there in April. Former owner Mercy Medical Center, the Springfield-based component of Trinity Health Of New England, cited staffing issues and low admissions when it closed Providence last June. The closure left Western Massachusetts without any inpatient psychiatric services for children and adolescents. The fiscal 2021 state budget signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in December included $10 million to fund creation of inpatient mental health acute care beds, with priority given to beds for children and adolescents in underserved areas of the state. Payments upon completion could be up to $150,000 per new bed, particularly if finished early this year. Health Partners New England acknowledged that such help was crucial in the decision to acquire Providence Behavioral Health Hospital. The commonwealth is helping with start-up funds to help cover the costs of creating new beds, said Bob LaRochelle, spokesperson for MiraVista Behavioral Health Center. For private hospitals like ours, the incentive is $100K per bed opened by April 30th and $80K per bed later in the year. If not for this incentive, we would not have been able to make the purchase of Providence Hospital. Spiros Hatiras is president and chief executive officer of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems. Related content: The United States is seeing a large decline in new Covid-19 cases -- but there's a major caveat. According to a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University, the US is seeing a 29% decline in new Covid-19 cases compared to this time last week, the steepest one-week decline the US has seen during the pandemic. Real improvements have been made, but it's unclear exactly how much of the decline can be attributed to the winter weather that's gripped much of the country, forcing officials to close testing sites, which affects the collection of crucial data. Several states impacted by winter storms are seeing large declines in new cases this week, per Johns Hopkins data, including Texas, where cases are down 56% compared to last week. The COVID Tracking Project said Thursday it had been unable to update the daily number of tests performed in Texas for four days because of the winter weather. Overall, the US has seen nearly a 13.5% decrease in testing compared to this time last week. Again, that's not to say the United States hasn't made progress in driving down case numbers. Early this week, Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, and Dr. Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University, both pointed to increased mask-wearing as one reason for declining numbers. Whatever progress has been made, however, is also threatened by the rise of Covid-19 variants, some of which appear to be more transmissible. And while they could spell trouble, pharmaceutical companies and scientists are confident vaccines will evolve with them, according to senior White House adviser Andy Slavitt. 'Racing ahead of the variant' "I spoke to all the pharmaceutical companies and scientists, and they all say the same thing: Even if these vaccines diminish a little bit, they will be able to continually update them," Slavitt, who is responsible for the Covid-19 response, told CNN's Chris Cuomo Thursday. With more than 1,500 cases of worrisome variants reported in the US, officials have been racing to administer vaccines quickly to get ahead of further mutations, with about 57.7 million doses administered so far across the country, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Even though the numbers look promising in terms of new cases going down, that's misleading," said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of tropical medicine at Baylor College in Houston, pointing to the UK Covid-19 variant. "I think we're about to get hit very hard, so we have to race ahead of the variant." New research out of Israel and Canada has found that only a single dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine offers significant protection against the virus, but Slavitt stressed that does not mean people should skip the second dose. "We don't know how long or how durable that benefit is without the booster," he said. "We don't know how effective it is against variants." US will have to work 'double time' after winter weather So far, more than 41 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and more than 16 million have received two doses, CDC data shows. But that means just 4.9% of the US population has been fully vaccinated. Vaccination delays caused by harsh winter weather gripping much of the US means the country will have to work "double time" to get back on track, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, who told MSNBC Thursday that some places have seen the vaccine rollout slow "to a grinding halt." A number of states have reported delays in vaccine deliveries, forcing providers to cancel or reschedule appointments for vaccinations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Thursday said more than 2,000 vaccine sites were located in areas suffering from power outages. And when a site is closed, Slavitt said, officials don't want to ship a vaccine there "If an administration site is closed, we don't want to ship a vaccine, because as you know, they can't sit for more than 72 hours," Slavitt told CNN. In the meantime, he said, vaccines will be kept "safe and sound." Fortunately, none of the vaccines that need to be stored at specific temperatures have been spoiled this week to officials' knowledge, he said, and everyone is working to ensure vaccines get into people's arms and if there are backlogs, that the vaccines are properly stored. "We're just going to have to ask everybody in the country to work double time next week," Slavitt said, echoing Fauci. "Presuming the weather improves, that's going to mean longer appointment hours, it's going to mean more shipping hours and we're going to ask everybody to do their part and pull together." Hotez with Baylor believes the vaccine effort has been set back by about a week, he told CNN Friday. "We've delivered about 40 million immunizations to Americans, but we have to get to half a billion," he said, when taking into account the population of the US and the fact experts believe we need about 80% of the country vaccinated to reach herd immunity. "So we're less than 10% of the way there." Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist Hospital, told CNN his hospital system was able to resume vaccinations on Thursday. "We're back on track," he told CNN Friday morning. "For us, we lost about two days, but we'll catch up in the next two, three days," he said, adding, "It'll be a little slower than usual, but we'll catch up." Black and Hispanic people are getting fewer vaccinations The World Health Organization will launch a new declaration Friday, focusing on vaccine equity, the group's director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said during a news briefing Thursday. While Tedros' declaration will focus on vulnerable groups and small island states with less bargaining power than larger countries, inequity has already been a factor in the US. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) researchers analyzed state-level data for the 34 states that collect demographic information on Covid-19 vaccinations as of February 16. In most of those states, Black and Hispanic people have received a smaller share of vaccinations compared to their share of cases, deaths and percentage of the population, the researchers noted. The opposite is true for White people in most states. In Texas, for example, Hispanic people account for 42% of coronavirus cases, 47% of Covid-19 deaths and 40% of the state's population -- but they have gotten just 20% of vaccinations. Among 27 states that report ethnicity data for those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, White people have been vaccinated at a rate three times higher than Hispanic people and twice as high as Black people. The KFF team noted that some states don't record the race or ethnicity of those vaccinated. Researchers found higher rate of infection in pregnant women Researchers of a study released Tuesday suggested that pregnant women should be prioritized for vaccination after they found that the Covid-19 infection rate among expectant women in Washington state was 70% higher than in adults of similar age in the state. The infection rate in pregnant women in the study was 13.9 out of every 1,000 deliveries, compared to an overall rate of 7.3 out of 1,000 for 20 to 39-year-olds in the state. The higher infection rates "may be due to the over-representation of women in many professions and industries considered essential during the COVID-19 pandemic including healthcare, education, service sectors," lead author Dr. Erica Lokken said in a news release. "Pregnant women are written out of the allocation prioritization in about half of U.S. States. Many states are not even linking their COVID-19 vaccine allocation plans with the high-risk medical conditions listed by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] which include pregnancy," Waldorf said. A Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine trial for pregnant women gave their first participants doses on Thursday. The doses were administered to US participants, though the trial will be conducted in nine countries: the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mozambique, South Africa, UK and Spain. The company said the trial is designed to evaluate the vaccine in pregnant women, but also their infants, who will be monitored for safety and for the transfer of potentially protective antibodies until they're about 6 months old. Pfizer/BioNTech also expects to expand trials to children ages 5 to 11 in the next couple of months, according to a company news release. For the first time ever, by using the genes from an animal that died more than 30 years ago, scientists have successfully cloned a U.S. endangered species, said an announcement. According to a report by The Associated Press, the Dec. 10 birth of a black-footed ferret, named Elizabeth Ann, was announced Thursday. The AP report warned that although shes cute as a button. Elizabeth Ann is wild at heart. This is very unlike her surrogate mother, a domestic ferret, who carried her into the world. AP cited Pete Gober, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service black-footed ferret recovery coordinator, who said Thursday: You might have been handling a black-footed ferret kit and then they try to take your finger off the next day. He added, Shes holding her own. Elizabeth Ann is being raised at a Fish and Wildlife Service black-footed ferret breeding facility in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she was born, AP reported. Genetically, she is a copy of Willa, a ferret whose remains were frozen after her death in 1988 - the early days of DNA technology. Cloning holds promise for helping endangered species. In the future, extinct species such as the passenger pigeon could be restored through cloning, AP noted. Currently, however, the technique may offer hope for endangered species. Both the ferret and a horse cloning were coordinated by Revive & Restore, a biotechnology-focused conservation nonprofit. AP cited Ben Novak, lead scientist with Revive & Restore, who said: Biotechnology and genomic data can really make a difference on the ground with conservation efforts. What are the characteristics of the black-footed ferret? AP described the black-footed ferret as a type of weasel. Its dark eye markings, resembling a robbers mask, make it easily recognizable. Theyre nocturnal and feed exclusively on prairie dogs, living among the rodents sometimes vast burrow colonies. The AP report noted that black-footed ferrets were a conservation success story, even before cloning. The report said that black-footed ferrets were thought to be extinct, due to habitat loss. Because prairie dog colonies made rangelands less suitable for cattle, ranchers shot and poisoned them off - eliminating the black-footed ferrets main source of food. But then, in 1981, a Wyoming ranch dog named Shep brought a dead one home. Since the 1990s - made possible by a captive breeding program established by scientists who had gathered the remaining population, thousands of ferrets have been released at dozens of sites in the western U.S., Canada and Mexico, AP reported. There was still an ongoing risk. According to AP, so far, all ferrets that have been reintroduced descend from seven closely related animals - genetic similarity that makes todays ferrets potentially susceptible to intestinal parasites and diseases such as sylvatic plague. AP cited Gober who explained that although Willa could have passed along her genes the usual way, a male born to her named Cody didnt do his job, so her lineage died out. After her death, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department sent Willas tissues to a frozen zoo run by San Diego Zoo Global, where the cells from more than 1,100 species and subspecies worldwide are maintained, AP said. Scientists may eventually be able to modify those genes to help cloned animals survive, the report noted. Gober said, With these cloning techniques, you can basically freeze time and regenerate those cells, AP cited. Gober added that Elizabeth Ann and future clones of Willa will form a new line of black-footed ferrets that will remain in Fort Collins for study. There currently are no plans to release them into the wild. READ MORE: Syracuse, N.Y. Texas Republicans were quick to blame the states wind turbines for the massive power outages that millions of Texans experienced this week during an unusual blast of cold weather. Texas leads the nation in wind power, with nearly 15,000 wind turbines producing 23% of the Lone Star States electricity last year. Many of the turbines shut down when the cold descended on Texas. It turns out that only a third of the power outages in the state resulted from wind turbines failing in the cold. Power plants that use fossil fuels coal and natural gas accounted for two-thirds of the power outages. But we couldnt help but wonder why wind turbines in cold-weather states like New York can operate in the winter with seemingly little trouble when their counterparts in Texas cant. The huge Maple Ridge Wind Farm, in fact, operates year-round in the Tug Hill north of Syracuse, an area famous for its bitter cold winters that often pile up 200 inches or more of snow. So we went to the experts EDP Renewables, which operates Maple Ridge and other wind farms. EDPR is the largest owner and operator of wind power in New York and the fourth-largest in the United States. Locally, in addition to Maple Ridge, it operates the Madison Wind Farm in Madison County. EDPRs New York wind farms produce enough clean electricity to power more than 298,000 New York homes. Amy Kurt, senior manager of regional government affairs for EDP, said EDP and other wind power operators in this neck of the woods equip their turbines to handle the cold and, even more importantly, the ice that often comes with the cold. There are a variety of cold weather and anti-icing technologies that are used on wind turbines in the coldest regions, she said. These technologies help prevent the buildup of ice on turbine blades, detect ice when it cannot be prevented, and remove ice safely when it is detected. Ice clinging to the blades of a wind turbine poses big problems. It adds weight and can throw the spinning blades out of balance, potentially damaging vital gear mechanisms. It also can change the aerodynamics of the blades, preventing the wind from making them spin. Kurt said EDPs turbines are equipped with sensors that detect ice by sensing the imbalance the ice causes. When theres an imbalance, we know something is not right, she said. The sensors can even tell which blades have ice on them and which ones dont. When ice is detected, heating elements inside the blades turn on to melt the ice. A wind turbine on Flat Rock Road, part of the Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lowville. Gary Walts | syracuse.com For safety reasons, the turbines are shut down while the heating elements melt off the ice, Kurt said. That way, theres no chance of ice flying off spinning blades, potentially damaging the turbines or, worse, striking someone on the ground, she said. Wed rather the ice drop below the turbine, she said. Once the ice is removed, the turbines are turned back on and the blades can safely spin in the wind again. In Texas, wind turbines are not equipped with such de-icing packages because operators there never expected to need them, Kurt said. Turbines in Texas are built for the type of temperatures they usually get in Texas, where its 110 degrees, not 10 degrees, she said. Its a cost thing. Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Im not a gambling man, but Ill bet you a dollar that J.D. will have a better season. Manager Alex Cora said that Dec. 17, predicting a bounce-back season for J.D. Martinez in 2021. Martinez saw the comment and told Cora his bet was too small. J.D. got mad at me because I only bet one dollar a few months ago that hes going to have a better season, Cora joked during a Zoom call Friday. Ill raise the bet to five dollars that hell have a better season. Martinez had an awful year during the shortened 2020 season. He batted .213 with a .291 on-base percentage, .389 slugging percentage, .680 OPS, seven homers, 16 doubles and 27 RBIs in 54 games (237 plate appearances). The 33-year-old batted .186 against fastballs, down from .318 in 2019 and .361 in 2018. But he wasnt alone. Several star players, including Kris Bryant (.644 OPS, 34 games) and Christian Yelich (.786 OPS, 58 games) experienced down seasons. Cora said he had a conversation with his brother Joey Cora on Thursday about how much weight should be placed on 2020 statistics. Like whats what? Cora said. Is it a bad year or only a bad stretch of games? Or is it a great year or did you just get hot? I dont know. I really dont know. Eduardo Rodriguez worked out at the same facility in Miami with Martinez during the offseason. I was working with him the whole offseason and he looked really good, Rodriguez said. He looked really in shape. I was watching him ... and he looked really good, man. His swing, everything. I think hes back to where he was back in the days. So I will say you guys are going to get surprised with him, too. Related Content J.D. Martinez opting into Boston Red Sox contract after miserable 2020 will end up being a positive; hell be extra motivated J.D. Martinez, Boston Red Sox DH: Youre expected to perform at elite levels when theres an entire epidemic going on in the world J.D. Martinez, Boston Red Sox DH: I honestly feel I would not want to be a free agent during this time after shortened season with small sample size Can Boston Red Soxs Eduardo Rodriguez make 30 or more starts in 2021 after missing last season? I feel in that position Boston Red Sox owners John Henry, Tom Werner havent met with reporters in a full year; here are the unanswered questions theyll face when they do | Chris Cotillo (MLB Notebook) ANN ARBOR, MI The University of Michigan Board of Regents addressed a number of issues at its Feb. 18 meeting, including the fall 2021 semester, an update on its sexual misconduct policies and the universitys fossil fuel investments. Looking to the fall 2021 semester, Schlissel said the university isnt quite ready to announce its plans, but leaders are optimistic that fall will look and feel much more like a normal academic and residential term at UM. University of Michigan leaders remain optimistic for much more normal fall 2021 semester Several parents of UM students spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting calling for more planning ahead of the fall semester. Linda Caruso, the parent of a first-year student on the Ann Arbor campus, said she and a number of other parents are concerned that talk of a more formal fall semester is only being used to convince the incoming classes to accept their offers to attend. Caruso requested that students and parents have more input for fall semester plans. She also petitioned for smaller group orientations this spring for first-year students and a date for when the university will announce its fall semester plans. We dont want to be put off based on unknowns or reasons beyond your control, and were not going to fall for placating language like optimistic, Caruso said. There will always be unknowns, but that doesnt mean you cannot plan ahead and share those plans with us. Schlissel said the university has grappled with too many students getting COVID-19. We all want to see in-person education. Its our goal, and Im confident we will be able to pull off a semester in the fall that looks much more like a normal semester, but health and safety for everybody is important for the students, and also for our staff, many of whom are at risk as well, Schlissel said. Work continues on sexual misconduct policies The university community will work with Guidepost Solutions, which was hired to help implement recommendations from a report detailing years of sexual misconduct by former provost Martin Philbert, on a statement of shared values, ethics and standards, UM President Mark Schlissel said. UM and Guidepost will also work together to improve the universitys whistleblower and anti-retaliation policies, Schlissel said. Together, these initiatives will set the foundation for our collective work to create an environment of mutual respect and accountability that is free of retaliation where everyone can feel safe to report misconduct, Schlissel added. Guidepost was hired in December to implement the recommendations made by WilmerHale, an independent law firm that uncovered years of sexual misconduct by Philbert. UM will pay Guidepost $400,000 for their work, which is set to end on Dec. 31, 2021, according to the contract between UM and Guidepost. Investigation into former UM provost reveals long history of sexual misconduct Some recommendations have already been implemented, the university previously said, and others are being developed and will become the focus for Guidepost. Board Chair Denise Illitch thanked everyone who has spoken up to get the university to this point, but also acknowledged that there is still an enormous amount of work to be done, which will take everyones voice to make them happen. It will be critical that we remain focused on creating a culture where reports will be heard, where action is taken, and there is no fear of retaliation in short, a culture where sexual misconduct is not tolerated, Illitch said. UM is also collecting community feedback for its interim umbrella policy for addressing sexual and gender-based misconduct, according to a university release. Concrete next steps in fossil fuel investments Regent Mark Bernstein addressed the board and university community regarding fossil fuel investments by the university. Next month, the board will share concrete next steps aimed at making investments in a way that contributes to the essential transition to a low carbon economy, Bernstein said. In February 2020, Bernstein said the university would not make new fossil fuel investments as it studies its investment policy. Since then, the board has heard from activists in the UM community and beyond and has met with representatives from peer universities and experts in sustainable investing, Bernstein said. The work comes as UMs Presidents Commission on Carbon Neutrality finalizes a set of recommendations for strategies to make UM a carbon-neutral campus. READ MORE: University of Michigan COVID-19 cases continue to rise, now are 62% of all Washtenaw County cases University of Michigan could achieve carbon neutrality for certain emissions by 2025, report says STEM at home: University of Michigan alum creates learning kit during pandemic Rebecca Slezak /Staff photographer CPS is asking the public to let employees restore power safely, without threats of violence or harassment. "Our crews have been working 24/7 to restore power while bearing the severe winter weather conditions," a Facebook post reads. "We understand the community is frustrated but please remember that our workers and our families live here too and are a part of this community." Over the last three years, the Defence Forces have recognised members within the organisation who have shown outstanding attributes enshrined in their values. The values are Respect, Loyalty, Selflessness, Physical Courage, Moral Courage and Integrity. Last years award ceremony took place in Aras an Uachtarain with the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, who is the Defence Forces Supreme Commander. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the 2019 award ceremony was delayed by a number of months, and was held in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel on Wednesday, December 16 last. The eventual winners who won in each of the value categories were nominated by their peers and judged by a panel of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from around the country. Offaly native Flight Sergeant Brian OKeeffe was recognised for his Selflessness and his citation reads, for the time devoted to the development, motivation and mentoring of young technicians and apprentices in the Flight Training School. Flt Sgt OKeeffe, Air Corps Flight Training School (FTS), who is a highly professional individual and was nominated in many other categories, has consistently exhibited his selflessness in his day to day work. It has been said that he shows a willingness to volunteer and will put unit operational requirements before his personal needs. He is seen as the go-to person to provide advice on many topics and gives his time freely to help guide and motivate young technicians and apprentices. He has now been recognised for that selflessness as he mentors and shapes the next generation of aircraft inspectors. The full list of winners and their respective units are as follows: Respect Corporal John Murphy, Defence Forces Headquarters Loyalty Joint winners Sergeant Major (Retd) Philip Hayden, Military College and Sergeant Brendan Fennell, 2 Brigade Headquarters. Selflessness Flight Sergeant Brian OKeeffe, Flight Training School, Air Corps. Physical Courage Petty Officer Daire Mulvenny, LE Ciara, Naval Service. Moral Courage - Corporal Paddy Bradshaw, 2 Brigade Transport Company. Integrity - Commandant Michael Cullen, DFTC Communication & Information Services Group. The Overall Values Champion was - Sergeant Paul Halpin, National Stores Reception Centre, DFTC. The 2019 awards were presented by Defence Forces Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM. Speaking at the event, Vice Admiral Mellett said, We have continued to build on our values as we strive for our vision to Strengthen the Nation by inspiring pride and leading excellence. Our values of moral courage and physical courage, respect, integrity, loyalty and selflessness serves as a framework for all our professional decision making and actions, but also for everyday life - and that is only right because our values have equal application when we hang up our uniform at the end of the day. Flt Sgt OKeeffe joined the Defence Forces in August 1992, by undertaking an Aircraft Technician Apprenticeship in the Air Corps. On completion of his four-year apprenticeship, he commenced work in No. 4 Support Wing, Airframe Repair Flight (ARF) Hangar, carrying out second line maintenance on Aircraft. During his time there he worked on numerous aircraft types. He completed his Potential NCOs course in Athlone, and his Standard NCOs course in Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC). He has served overseas as a peacekeeper in Lebanon with A Coy, 81st Infantry Battalion UNIFIL. Outside of his normal work Brian trained as an Advanced Unarmed Combat Instructor and Physical Training Instructor. He has worked as a military instructor in the Military Training School in Casement Aerodrome, and in DFTC with the Cadet School and NCO Training Wing, where he would have trained and influenced new junior leaders. In January 2020, Brian was promoted to his current of Flt Sgt, and he is currently completing his 28th year of exemplary military service. Brian resides in Walsh Island, with his wife Aisling, and their three children, Dylan, Ethan and Saoirse. Speaking about the time he was notified of his nomination and award, Brian said, I was nominated by Captain Brian Thornton, unbeknownst to me. The first I knew of it was when I was asked to report to my Commandant for an apparent brief on upcoming aircraft maintenance. I was then handed a phone and told the Chief of Staff wanted to speak to me. I thought someone was joking initially but once I heard his voice I recognised him. Due to Covid restrictions families were not able to attend the ceremony, but Brian said, My family were very supportive and understanding of the situation with regards to not being able to attend to receive the award. My wife Aisling and children have all expressed that they are proud of my achievement. Asked about his experiences of serving in the Air Corps, Brian explained, I have been very lucky in my career in the Defence Forces, to have had a lot of wide and varied experiences in technical and military fields. My knowledge and career have been shaped by the example set by other officers, NCOs and my colleagues, who were an example for me to aspire to and follow. I owe so much to my instructors and mentors, and to all the military personnel, both technical and military that have trained me, led me and helped me through my career. I would not be where I am today without their excellent help, guidance and support. I would like to continue to progress my career by completing a Senior NCOs course. I also aim to continue my work in No. 4 Support Wing in ARF Hangar, as a Senior Aircraft Inspector, and help those coming up the ranks to someday take over from me. I work with a great bunch in ARF and FTS, who are well motivated and excellent to work with, it is a privilege to serve with them. I am extremely privileged to have had such a wide and varied career, I am very grateful to the Defence Forces for giving me such fantastic opportunities and a great career. It truly is A life less ordinary - as are all the professional and amazing men and women that make the Defence Forces such a great organisation. Plans are now afoot for the 2020 adjudication and awards ceremony to take place in 2021. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 00:33:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KATHMANDU, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari said on Thursday that the country attaches great importance to the agenda on climate change. According to a press statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Bhandari made such statement while meeting with Alok Sharma, President of UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) at her office in the national capital Kathmandu. During the meeting, Sharma briefed the COP26 goals and welcomed Nepal's constructive participants, given the country's long-standing commitment to climate action. President Bhandari believed that international collaborations would contribute to tackling adverse effects, especially in climate-vulnerable countries such as Nepal, according to the statement. Earlier on Wednesday, Sharma held a meeting with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and cooperation on climate action and cooperation in the energy sector, among others, were exchanged during the meeting. Enditem Medical workers move a COVID-19 patient into an ambulance at a hospital overrun by the pandemic in Cheb, Czech Republic on Feb. 12, 2021. (Petr David Josek/AP Photo/File) Virus Surges Anew in Central Europe in Face of New Variants PRAGUEAuthorities in central Europe warned on Friday that they are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases across their region amid the discovery of new variants. The Polish health minister, Adam Niedzielski, said the first case of a variant first found in South Africa had been discovered in Poland, and that some 10 percent of all cases now involve the variant that emerged in England. We are entering a crisis situation again. It is up to us where the peak of this third wave will be Niedzielski said. Responsible behavior is key. The Czech Republic, one of the hardest-hit countries in the 27-member European Union, moved Friday to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of the English variant. The government said the worsening situation has forced it to abandon its plans to reopen all stores as early as next week. Neighboring Slovakia is also badly hit. It became the country with the most COVID-19 deaths by size of population in the world this week amid a surge of the English variant. The number of COVID-19 patients in Slovakias hospitals reached a new record high of 3,900 on Thursdaya situation that has prompted leaders to appeal for outside help. So far, Austria, Poland, and Hungary have agreed to deploy medical staff to Slovakia. In Hungary, where a steady decline in daily infections and deaths from December reversed course early this month, there are now fears of a new surge even as the country began receiving shipments of Russian and Chinese vaccines. We are clearly in the ascending phase of the third wave, Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Muller told an online press briefing Friday. Policemen stop a car to check documents of a driver near the city of Sokolov, Czech Republic on Feb. 12, 2021. The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictive measures amid a surge of a highly contagious coronavirus variant in one of the hardest-hit European Unions nations. (Petr David Josek/AP Photo/File) Czech Health Minister Jan Blatny said residents will also have to wear better masks in places where large numbers gather, including stores, hospitals, and public transportation. He said cloth masks used so far by many will no longer be good enough and medical-grade masks, safety respirators, or two surgical masks will instead be required. Weve agreed that its necessary to do all we can to prevent the infection from spreading, Blatny said. In Poland also a debate has opened about the need to require better masks. The health minister said there would only be recommendations for now, but the government wants to discourage the use of scarfs and plastic face shields. The central European region saw very few infections when the virus first arrived in Europe a year ago, only to see a huge spike in infections and deaths in the fall of 2020. In the Czech Republic, the three hardest-hit counties, on the border with Germany and Poland, are under a complete lockdown. The number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days there is around 1,000. Further measures, including a complete lockdown of more counties, will be discussed over the weekend. The government is also planning to make COVID-19 tests mandatory for all employees not working from their homes. The Czech government wants to go ahead with a plan to partially reopen schools, with the students of the final grade at high schools coming back on March 1. All students will have to get tested regularly, with the government providing all necessary tests, while teachers will be preferentially vaccinated. Some Czech hospitals have been in a critical situation and have to transport COVID-19 patients to other clinics across the country. The number of patients needing intensive care was at a record high of over 1,200 this week. Only 14 percent of all ICU beds remain still available. Officials in Germany are also warning that a recent decline in infections could be reversing. By Karel Janicek and Vanessa Gera When Leave It to Beaver debuted in 1957, its stars Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow didnt have the smallest idea of how their manner of speaking was influencing so many of their viewers. Heres how Mathers realized the impact his words were literally having. Jerry Mathers as Beaver Cleaver on Leave It To Beaver | Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives The shows writers were also its creators Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher were the writers on Beaver from its debut in 1957 until the series came to an end in 1963. The duo were a proven comedy team, writing for the hit radio show Amos n Andy for decades in the years leading up to Beaver. In 1964, they went on to create scripts for another show centered around the nuclear family of Herman, Lily, Grandpa, Eddie, and Marilyn: The Munsters. Mathers discussed with the Television Academy Foundation in 2006 how the comedy writing pair came up with its script ideas for Leave It to Beaver. Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster, Butch Patrick as Eddie Munster, Al Lewis as Grandpa Munster, Yvonne DeCarlo as Lily Munster, and Pat Priest as Marilyn Munster in a cast photo of The Munsters, 1964 | CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images RELATED: Leave It to Beaver Star Jerry Mathers Said His Character Was Voiced By a Little Girl in This Country Because they both had large families, they decided to write a show about children and the world seen through the eyes of a child, he said. Mr. Connelly had a little book and he would write down things that happened to him [as a child], of things that happened to his friends, Mathers added. When he got older, he wrote about his kids. Mathers and Dow were Valley boys Chatting about his and Dows distinct style of speaking, Mathers talked about how it was actually a regional form of speech. What people dont realize is that Tony Dow and myself were both Valley boys, Mathers said. So we were using a vernacular from the 50s that was a dialect, that was spoken here in Los Angeles. If wed have done this say, in Alabama, we would have had a totally different vernacular, Mathers added. The actor on fans who learned Valley talk Part of a day in the life of the Beaver set was going through scripts to make sure the younger actors understood everything in each scene. On Monday, we would read the script through and what they would do is listen to anything we would have trouble saying, Mathers said. I remember one show, they were talking about crawlers. Tony Dow and I looked at each other when we came to that part and said, Whats a crawler?' The writers were surprised the child actors didnt know what crawlers were until it was clarified that the word was actually the doughnut crullers. He emphasized that when viewers watch their show, theyre basically learning 50s Valley talk. Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow looking downcast in a scene from Leave It to Beaver | Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images He has in the past even been approached by fans who were not English speakers but learned the language through Leave It to Beaver. Kids have told me, Ive learned English by watching Leave It to Beaver. When they come to the United States, theyll say things like, Oh yeah, Ill have a hunk of cake, because thats what Wally and the Beaver would say. London: Clear evidence emerged Friday that the rate of coronavirus infections across the U.K. is falling sharply, just days before British Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlines a roadmap for potentially easing lockdown restrictions in England following the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. The Office for National Statistics said in its weekly infection survey that one in 115 people tested positive for COVID-19 in England in the week to Feb. 12. In the previous week, the rate stood at one in 80. A similar picture emerged in the other three nations of the U.K. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, scientists advising the British government have estimated that the coronavirus reproduction number, a gauge of transmissibility, dipped to a range between 0.6 and 0.9 compared to the previous week's 0.7-to-0.9 range. The latest number indicates that every 10 people with the virus are now infecting between six and nine people, meaning that the epidemic is getting smaller. However, the experts warned that the prevalence of the virus remains high" and it therefore is vital" that people continue to abide by stay at home orders. The falling rates of transmission in the U.K., which has Europe's highest pandemic death toll with around 120,000 deaths, are set to inform the strategies of all four nations over the weeks to come. The number of new confirmed cases has fallen for a few weeks now, leading to a sharp decline in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and the number of daily virus-related deaths. Johnson is due on Monday to outline a potential route out of lockdown for England over the coming weeks, though he has insisted the government will follow the data, not dates." One widely expected change is that students will be able to start returning to school from March 8. Many scientists are advising a safety-first approach of staggered returns, with younger students heading back to the classroom first. Wales is taking that approach. First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed Friday that all primary school children those ages 5 to 11 are expected to return to face-to-face instruction as of mid-March, provided the coronavirus situation continues to improve." Johnson, who is coming under pressure from a sizeable number of lawmakers from his Conservative Party to lift restrictions soon, is also set to lay out how different parts of the economy and society can reopen over coming weeks while adhering to social distancing requirements. Shops selling non-essential items, such as books and footwear, hope they can reopen before the end of March, while pubs and restaurants are lobbying the government to be allowed to serve customers, at least outdoors, starting Easter weekend in early April. Johnson, as well as the leaders of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, are pinning their hopes for being able to lift certain restrictions on a continued fall in infections from lockdowns and vaccine drives. The U.K. leads Europe in vaccinations, with 16.4 million people, or more than one-quarter of the adult population, having received a first dose. Separately Friday, Britain's high court ruled that the government acted unlawfully by failing to disclose details of contracts made during the pandemic despite the unprecedented" situation. Health Secretary Matt Hancock was found to have breached his legal obligation to publish contract award notices within 30 days of the award of contracts. 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. The Golden Gate Park Ferris wheel could keep spinning with fewer bright lights and less noise under a plan unanimously approved Thursday by the Recreation and Park Commission. But like most things having to do with spinning wheels, the whole thing could end up right where it started, pending the vote of yet another San Francisco commission that is still going round and round on the matter. The Rec and Park board approval means that set of commissioners wants the wheel to remain at the east end of the Music Concourse through 2025. The other set of commissioners the members of the Historic Preservation Commission have voted unanimously to put off making up their mind for another month. And no matter how the votes go, nobody gets to take a ride until the pandemic danger rating is reduced from the purple tier to the red tier. For more than an hour at the Rec and Park commissions monthly meeting, dozens of Ferris wheel fans and foes sounded off, calling the 150-foot-high wheel everything from a beacon of joy to a killer of great horned owls. Why does everything have to be so controversial and negative? exasperated commissioner Larry Mazzola said after listening to a dozen wheel foes. Were talking about a Ferris wheel. The next thing theyll want to cancel is Halloween. Business leaders including the proprietor of a nearby hot dog wagon told the commission that the wheel could help economic recovery. Nature lovers and many neighbors called it a nuisance more suited to an amusement park or someplace anyplace else. Why cant the wheel go to John McLaren Park? said Richard Rothman, neighborhood resident who complained of increased traffic brought by wheel customers. Why cant it be moved to Fishermans Wharf or Pier 39? said Janet Carpinelli of San Francisco who said the commissioners should consider other creatures who live in the park besides us. Ornithologist Nancy De Stefanis said the bright lights make birds crash into buildings and structures and accused the commissioners of not acting as good stewards of this park. But Kevin Carroll, executive director of the San Francisco Hotel Council, said the wheel, formally known as the SkyStar, could help fill hotel rooms and help us recover from our darkest time ever. And Rodney Fong, head of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, said it was time to have a little bit of fun. Dana Ketcham, director of permits for the department, said the giant wheel brought joy and fun for families and helped make the concourse a safe place to be in the evening. During the wheels 39 days of actual operation in the fall, she informed commissioners, three couples got engaged. Ketcham said park staff and the wheel operator had agreed to two changes turning off the wheels brightest lights and switching off the noisy portable generator after 10 p.m. After that hour, the wheel would be illuminated by fainter lights powered by batteries. Not enough, said naturalist Natalie Downe. The prime feeding time for bats is shortly after sunset, she told the commission by phone during the virtual meeting during her one-minute window of being unmuted. You have a responsibility to listen to nature. The wildlife cant call in to tell you theyre struggling to survive. Commissioner Kat Anderson said the board cares about wildlife, nature, noise and lights and struggled with the decision. Sometimes we try so hard to make everybody happy that we make nobody happy, she said. The giant wheel was originally to be in the park for a little more than a year to help celebrate the parks 150th anniversary. But as soon as it was unloaded from the 14 trucks that brought it last winter from its former home in Cincinnati, and before its 36 passenger gondolas could be installed, the pandemic ratcheted up and the wheel was frozen in place. In October, the wheel was finally allowed to operate. A month later, the fall pandemic surge shut it down again. Under the terms of its contract, the city gets $1 from every $18 ticket sold. The deal also obliges the operator to provide 500 free tickets a month to at-risk families, an arrangement that will continue as long as the big wheel keeps on turning. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF Gov. Greg Abbott issued a stiff rebuke Thursday of the Texas energy grid manager and called on lawmakers to mandate that power plants be better prepared for the kind of extreme cold that led to mass outages this week across the state. Texans deserve answers for why these shortfalls occurred and how they are going to be corrected, he said in a news conference, calling out the Energy Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, which oversees the states electricity supply. The remarks were some of the strongest to date from the Republican leader, and suggest that state lawmakers could follow through this year on findings a decade ago by federal authorities that plants were not equipped to handle frigid conditions. Ive already been in multiple discussions with both Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, as well as Speaker Dade Phelan and with the chairs of the relevant committees that will be in charge of these efforts, Abbott said. Patrick and Phelan oversee the states Republican-controlled legislative chambers. IN-DEPTH: Texas grid fails to weatherize, repeats mistake feds cited 10 years ago Rep. Steve Allison, R-San Antonio, said he plans to file legislation that would require the winterization of power generators including wind, coal, nuclear and natural gas. This must not be a suggestion or request for study or report, but a mandate that such weather protections be in place to guard against the freezing consequences Texans are currently experiencing, he said in a statement. As of Thursday afternoon, power to more than 4 million Texans had been restored, according to state officials, with a few hundred thousand still in the dark because of damage to power lines and other provider-related issues. Nearly 13 million residents remained impacted by damaged water lines and local boil water notices. Abbott said repair crews were working feverishly to restore downed power lines in the remaining areas without electricity. Emergency officials asked that residents continue to conserve water, and said they were in talks with officials in other states about shipping in emergency supplies. Temperatures were expected to rise above freezing on Friday and continue warming throughout the weekend. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Abbott said he had requested a major disaster declaration from the Biden Administration, which would allow homeowners to apply for federal assistance to repair uninsured damage from the storms. The governor has been especially quick to single out ERCOT for its role in the outages, saying officials there assured days ahead of the storms that enough power existed to keep the state up and running. Several generators failed late Sunday, forcing the agency to mandate power cuts to millions of houses in order to prevent a total collapse of the grid. Among other questions, Abbott said he wants to know whether ERCOT had provided power companies enough information to get power plants operational in time for the storms. And he said he was frustrated to learn that some of the entitys board members do not live in Texas. Abbott declined to answer a question from a reporter about whether he has similar concerns with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which oversees ERCOT and whose members are directly appointed by the governor. ERCOT officials said on Thursday that they had been in regular communication with the commission over the past week. Let me tell you what I am doing, Abbott said. I am taking responsibility for the current status at ERCOT. jeremy.blackman@chron.com (Newser) In 1980, Pennsylvania brothers Reid and Wyatt Evans went along with their friend when he suggested Reid's inoperable antique shotgun could be used for a robbery. They stole 68-year-old Leonard Leichter's Cadillac and dropped him off at a phone booth. But when he died from a heart attack around three hours later, it became a murder case, and the brothers were sentenced to life without parole as accomplices to second-degree murder after refusing a plea deal. They had expected to die in prison, but they were freed this month after Gov. Tom Wolf granted clemency to them and several other inmates who were serving life without parole despite not having directly killed anybody, NPR reports. story continues below The brothers, who were 18 and 19 when they were convicted, are now 58 and 59. The ringleader was paroled in 2019. The victim's daughter, Nancy Leichter, wrote a letter supporting the brothers' request to have their sentences commuted. "They committed a terrible crime, but they dont deserve to die in prison," she says. "I think people are more than the worst thing theyve ever done." The brothers now plan to get jobs and care for their ailing 86-year-old father. "Theyve been there for 40 years," their father told the Philadelphia Inquirer last year. Their release "would mean the world to me right now because Im up in age," he said. "Those are my boys." (Pennsylvania has also released America's oldest juvenile lifer, who spent 68 years in prison after being convicted at 15.) Ophelia Ring, by Alexia Connellan. I really admire Irish cultures emphasis on family, community, and caring for other peoples well-being. The Irish believe that helping a fellow human is the right thing to do, and that no amount of money or privilege can make any one person worth more than another. I believe this too. In marriage, bonds are created amongst family that bring community and culture together, and at times for the benefit of arts, stunning inspiration for design. When fine jewelry designer, Alexia Connellan, married Playwright and Novelist Brendan Connellan in 2013, she gained inspiration from Ireland itself, and her beloved Father-in-law, Liam Connellan. In advance of St. Patricks Day, and in homage to the countrys green countryside, Alexia has assembled new jewelry designs featuring green gemstones at the center. Alexia Connellan's father-in-law, Liam Connellan, was the Director General of the Confederation of Irish Industry (C.I.I.) for 20 years from 1972, a pivotal period in the development of Ireland as it took membership in the European Economic Community (E.E.C.) and expanded its trading networks to the continent. Over the decades, he made sterling efforts to ease the path forward for Irish businesses, both large and small, and was a regular presence on television to make their case. In Liams later career, he channeled his efforts to help others in need. In the mid-1990s, he asked Fr Peter McVerry if he could use his industry contacts to try and raise money for McVerrys homeless outreach program and, over the next 20 years, the number of beds available and services offered increased more than tenfold. Asked why, Liam Connellan said he "just wanted to do some good." The importance of thinking of others less well off than oneself, core to Irish culture, influences Alexia Connellan today, and she has dedicated her sourcing to support the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mined (ASM), whose communities which are mainly composed of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), like her. In response to the Hibernian designs, Liam Connellan says, I am delighted if anything I may have done, served as any inspiration at all in another to try and do good." In 2014, Liam Connellan was awarded an honorary doctorate at University College Dublin (UCD), an honor only given to graduates who have made an outstanding contribution in their chosen profession. Brendan Connellan is also an alumus of UCD, graduating in 1993, with a degree in Chemical Engineering; Liam graduated in 1958 with a degree in Engineering. Continuous education is important to Alexia Connellan in her business, and her favorite Irish phrase is "Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh si" which means "Praise the Youth and they will flourish." A young designer, who loves Celtic jewelry and visiting Glendalough and Doolin, Alexia continues the Irish legacy through continuous appreciation of the culture and celebrating family. I really admire Irish cultures emphasis on family, community, and caring for other peoples well-being. The Irish believe that helping a fellow human is the right thing to do, and that no amount of money or privilege can make any one person worth more than another. I believe this too. That ethos is something both Liam and I share in our work and in our ambitionsto make the world a better place, even if its just for one person. Honoring Irelands connection to the color green, Alexia Connellans Art Deco-style Gatsby Earrings are meant to be worn five ways: as a diamond huggie, as tailored yellow circle drops, with a long diamond dangle off the circles, with a green tourmaline crystal dangle, and with either of the drops as a pendant on a chain. Connecting the Irish immigration to the American Dream, the green tourmaline also evokes the light at the end of Daisys dock in the Great Gatsby: the green light of endless possibility, says Alexia. Another nod to Irish green and new beginnings, dually inspired by John Evert Mills painting, Ophelia, is the Ophelia Ring. In this piece, the green of the Irish countryside meets the teal of Caribbean waters, and is reminiscent of the artists birth country, Jamaica, within the mesmerizing 18.66 ct. cushion cut indicolite gemstone, center to the statement piece. Alexia Connellan says, The very first time I saw Ireland, I was shocked at how beautiful it was - and, yes, how green! There are shades of green in Ireland that I have not seen anywhere else in the world. From the seafoam green water of Donegal to the moss green grass of The Burren, Ireland's otherworldly beauty is inspiring. I trust that all Irish eyes will be smiling and joyful when glimpsing the velvety green of the Gatsby pendant and the energetic teal of the Ophelia ring. I hope these jewels remind all those who look upon them to appreciate the beauty of Ireland in all its majesty." Energized by the positivity and beauty of Ireland, and the contribution of her Father-in-law, Liam Connellan, Alexia has developed new fine jewelry pieces, in homage to her familys Irish roots. To learn more about Alexia Connellan, or to inquire about sales, visit alexiaconnellan.com, or email boutique@alexiaconnellan.com. For inquiries regarding this press release, contact Pietra Communications at 212-913-9761, or email info@pietrapr.com. About Alexia Connellan Alexia Connellan creates bespoke fine jewelry, inspired by architecture, vibrant tropical colors, and the lushness of nature. Throughout her childhood, Alexia spent summers visiting her grandmother in Jamaica, surrounded by the elegance of Jamaican Georgian architecture, absorbing the styles balance, proportion, and joy of color. Her meticulous approach to design has earned her three prestigious American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Awards, as well as red-carpet prestige. Recognizing that many mining communities are composed of BIPOC, just like her, Connellan is committed to ethics and sustainability in sourcing and design. She uses ethically sourced Artisanal and Small-Scale Mined (ASM) colored gemstones and post-consumer recycled diamond melee, in her pieces whenever possible. Connellan aims to both benefit the environment, and bring more money and resources directly to local mining communities. An advocate for change, she encourages fellow designers to question gold and gemstone sources about mining practices, instilling a positive mark on the trade. Visit alexiaconnellan.com to learn more. About a year after Nigeria recorded its first case, more than 150,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the country, data from the countrys infectious disease agency, NCDC, has revealed. COVID19, the potentially dangerous pneumonia-like disease caused by the coronavirus and said to have emanated from a local Chinese market to spread to over 200 countries, has now claimed over 1,800 lives in Nigeria. Since the beginning of the second wave last December, Nigeria has experienced more COVID-19 cases than before as the country seeks to balance health security with saving its economy amid the quest to land the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines. The latest grim milestone came about 11 months after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Statistics As of Friday morning, the total infection figures stood at 150,246, including 877 new cases reported from 26 states on Thursday. It took about nine months for Nigerias tally to reach 120,000 on January 24, 2021 from the 1,000 cases reached on April 25, 2020. However, the figure reached 150,000 in less than a month to indicate how fast the disease is currently spreading. An average of about 1,000 cases has been reported daily since the beginning of 2021. Nearly half of Nigerias infections were recorded this year alone with about 65,000 infections reported since January 1, 2021. Death toll The recent surge in coronavirus cases has led to increased fatalities. About 16 people died from COVID-19 in Nigeria on Thursday raising the countrys fatalities to 1,803 in total. Nigeria on January 30 recorded its highest daily death tally of 27 deaths to topple the previous record of 23 deaths reported on January 15. About 100 deaths were recorded from the disease last week while about 69 persons died due to COVID-19 in the previous week. Health experts say the figures and true extent of the spread of the disease are underestimated due to the countrys poor testing process. Recoveries More than two-thirds of the over 150,000 people infected by COVID-19 in Nigeria have recovered after treatment. The figure indicates the level of success the countrys health professionals have recorded in containing the virus. According to NCDC data published Thursday night, a total of 126,417 have recovered after treatment. Although people who recover from a viral infection often develop immunity against the same disease, it remains unclear whether this is the case with COVID-19 infection. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, about 24,000 infections are still active in the country. Specifics The 877 new cases were reported from 26 states: Lagos-273 Kaduna-87 Rivers-58 Akwa Ibom-47 Ebonyi-47 Edo-46 Ogun-46 Abia-34 Imo-34 Kano-34 Oyo-26 Osun-22 Gombe-20 Ekiti-19 Cross River-15 FCT-15 Plateau-11 Enugu-9 Kebbi-8 Borno-7 Niger-6 Bayelsa-5 Nasarawa-4 Kwara-2 Katsina-1 Sokoto-1. Lagos had the highest toll in Thursdays tally with 273 new cases followed by Kaduna and Rivers with 87 and 58 infections respectively. Since the pandemic broke out in February last year, the country has carried out over 1.3 million tests. Restrictions As Nigeria struggles to get enough vaccines to keep its populations safe, authorities are imposing several restrictions to curb the spread of the disease. President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26 signed the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations 2021 policy. The law has many sections including restrictions on gatherings; operations of public places; mandatory compliance with treatment protocols; offences and penalties; enforcement and application; and interpretation and citation. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states have ratified the presidential directive. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has also ordered the full enforcement of the law. The FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, authorised security agencies to arrest anyone violating the guidelines. Vaccination plan Nigeria plans to vaccinate as much as 50 per cent of its population against the coronavirus in 2021 but is yet to get its first batch of vaccines despite several arrangements and partnerships the country has in place to secure the much needed jabs. Nigeria is expected to receive an initial 16 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines through the Vaccines Global Assess Facility (COVAX) by the end of February. The health minister, Osagie Ehanire, said last week that an additional 42 million doses will be delivered to the country through the African Union, African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT). Mr Ehanire also said Nigeria has subscribed to two multilateral vaccine access platforms; the first being the COVAX facility which was set up to divide over a billion doses of vaccines across 92 low-and middle-income countries. The facility promised access to vaccines for up to 20 per cent of participating countries population with an initial supply beginning in the first quarter of the year to immunise three per cent of their populations. The second platform is the AVATT, which has acquired 300 million doses of three types of vaccines to distribute to African countries based on their populations, according to Mr Ehanire. Meanwhile, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday approved Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for use in Nigeria. The recent wave of repression by Russian law enforcement agencies against the Crimean Tatars in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (ARC) is the basis for the introduction of new sanctions against Russia, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. "Last year, I called on the European Union to introduce a sanctions mechanism as a response to the violation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. We will consistently insist that new sanctions should be introduced for this. Therefore, soon, perhaps even today, I will sign these documents. We will again turn to the European Union with a request to impose sanctions against Russia," Kuleba said at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday. He added that repressions against Crimean Tatars will also become a topic of discussion at the UN General Assembly. According to the head of the Foreign Ministry, Ukraine on the eve began preparations for communications with the European Union on this issue. "We are preparing for the discussion at a session in the UN General Assembly of issues on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories. Therefore, the preparation is very carefully carried out. We are preparing facts proving the actions and additional arguments. I am absolutely sure that this event will end successfully for Ukraine and will become another defeat for Russian diplomacy in the international arena in its attempts to justify her aggression against Ukraine," Kuleba said. As reported, in early hours of February 17, officers of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation came to search the houses of the Crimean Tatars in the occupied Crimea. According to available information, the men were detained and charged under Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (organizing the activities of a terrorist organization and participating in the activities of such an organization). Similar charges have been brought against the authorities of the occupation administration in the so-called Hizb ut-Tahrir (Muslim religious organization) cases. On February 23, a meeting of the UN General Assembly is taking place, during which a report on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine is to be presented. A MARRIED couple face trial after allegedly providing an illegal TV streaming service in Dublin and Meath through the use of dodgy boxes". Alison McGrane, 42, and Michael McGrane, 44, from Johnswood Drive, Ashbourne, Co Meath, had books of evidence served on them when they appeared before Judge Miriam Walsh at Dublin District Court today. They have been charged with possessing crime proceeds and infringing copyright. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment. Judge Walsh made a trial order and told the couple they were being sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where they will face their next hearing on April 15. Ms McGrane is charged with having 13,232 and $3,436 (US dollars) in crime proceeds in a PayPal account, contrary to money-laundering legislation. The money was in the account from September 29, 2017 until September 11, 2018. She also has a charge for possessing a protection-defeating device at her home address on September 11, 2018. This offence is contrary to the Copyright and Related Rights Act, 2000. Mr McGrane faces six charges. He is accused of selling protection-defeating devices via a website on three dates in 2017 and 2018. He is also charged with having crime proceeds amounting to 70,568 in a Co Meath branch of Permanent TSB, as well as 114,529 in a PayPal account. He also has a charge for unlawful use of a computer contrary to the Theft and Fraud Act. Judge Walsh told both defendants they must notify the prosecution within 14 days if they intend to use an alibi in their defence. They have not yet indicated how they will plead. Legal aid was granted following a request from defence solicitor Tony Collier. An order was made for copies of their Garda interviews to be furnished to the solicitor. Two co-defendants are to appear at the District Court in March to have books of evidence served. With an important role in the national revolutionary movements in the wartime, Hanoi has many historical relics, including many houses attached with the glorious historical events of the country. House No. 5D Ham Long Street - Where the first Communist Party Office was established The simple house in Hanoi's centre turns to be a historial site today. Photo: Vietnam National Museum of History In 1929, the worker movement was developing strongly so the Vietnam Association of Youth Revolution needed the leadership of the proletariat. In the end of March 1929, the soldiers in Hanoi including Ngo Gia Tu, Nguyen Duc Canh, Nguyen Phong Sac, Tran Van Cung, among others met at the house No. 5D, Ham Long Street to establish the first Communist Party Office. In 1964, the house was recognized as a historical and cultural relic. The house is now kept as a souvenir house, remaining almost the same structure and furniture of the time. Together with other revolutionary historic houses in Hanoi, it contributes to the proud history of the Vietnamese revolution. House No. 90 Tho Nhuom Street - Where the first General Secretary of the Party wrote the Draft of Political Thesis The tiny room inside a French-style villa in Hanoi's downtown. Photo: Pham Hung The street of Hang Bong Nhuom (Tho Nhuom) was known as a Western street at that time. The house No. 90 has four floors with the villa style. There was a family living there with their employees. In early May 1930, comrade Tran Phu, a Vietnamese revolutionary and the first general secretary of the Communist Party moved to live in this house. His room in the basement was six square meter room, enough for a bed with a window overlooking the street where he was able to see the main gate, notice everything outside and escape to the backyard when necessary. Many meetings took place here until midnight and the comrades in the Standing Committee often slept right on chairs in the hallway. During the time of writing the draft of Party Political Thesis, comrade Tran Phu often sat on the floor and used his bed as a desk. In 1960, on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party, the house was recognized as the birthplace of the Party' Politial Thesis and became an important relic. On the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi capital establishment in 2010, the house was restored to become a historic spot attracting a lot of visitors. Historical house No. 48 Hang Ngang - Where Uncle Ho wrote the Declaration of Independence The house was where President Ho Chi Minh wrote the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Vietnam Democratic Republic. Photo: Ho Chi Minh Museum Located in the Old Quarter, this house has a long and deep style of traditional "tube house" of the area. The house was owned by a wealthy couple Mr. Trinh Van Bo and Mrs. Hoang Thi Minh Ho, whose bourgeois family had sucessfully run a silk shop for many generations. Like many other Vietnamese, they were very patriotic. Before the revolution, this couple supported communist soldiers a lot, including financial sponsorship. With the location in the center of the busy business district with many customers and passers-by, the house was soon chosen to welcome President Ho Chi Minh on August 25, 1945, he came from Tan Trao Town (Tuyen Quang Northern Province). The room on the second floor was used as his meeting room with the comrades in the Standing Committee. Here President Ho Chi Minh hosted a meeting with members of the Party's Standing Committee to prepare for the launch of the Provisional Revolutionary Government on September 2, 1945. On the table there was the typewriter that Uncle Ho used to draft the Declaration of Independence. The four-storey building in No. 48 Hang Ngang Street has been preserved and ranked as the historical revolutionary relic. House No. 8 Le Thai To Street - where President Ho Chi Minh lived the first days in the French war This modern-looking building is used to be place where President Ho Chi Minh stayed and worked during 1945 -1946. The relic of the house is now no longer available so that it is not clear about its date. But as the house belonged to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Moocse (the Supreme Court of France in Hanoi) so it is regarded to be built in the 1920s. Not long after the successful Revolution, Chiang Kai-shek led his army to the North of Vietnam to disarm the Japanese army. Hanoi was in a complicated situation and the house No. 48 Hang Ngang was no longer safe so that the house No. 8 Le Thai To Street was chosen for President Ho Chi Minh to reside in the early days of the war. The house was where Uncle Ho and the Standing Party Committee worked from August 1945 to the end of 1946. There were many important decision and policies made at this house such as the first general election of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on January 6, 1946; production increase to save hunger; nationwide education; activities against reactionary Vietnamese and French colonial return; preparation for the Fontainebleau conference in France. In front of the house, there is a stele writing The relic site of the House No. 8 Le Thai To Street Hanoi where was the secret residence and working place of President Ho Chi Minh from September 1945 to December 1946. Also here, many soldiers of the National Guard bravely defended the place, contributing to the victory of the army and people in the 60 day and night fight for defending Hanoi in winter 1946. Minh Do (Hanoitimes) GLOVERSVILLE Ambrose Cowboy Anderson Jr. was only vaguely aware of racial discrimination when he was drafted by the U.S. military as a Gloversville teenager. The racial divide became glaringly evident when the high school football star was told to sit in the rear of the train that transported him to Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, N.C. in 1943. Thats where Black Marines were sent for boot camp. While on leave from the base, he recalled seeing how Black people were treated locally, including being forced to use separate facilities. That was very strange seeing how they treated Blacks down South, Anderson said. Yet despite preparing to ship out to liberate other nations, Black Marines werent even allowed to enter Camp Lejeune unless accompanied by a white counterpart. Now 95, Anderson recalled a steep learning curve. Upon arrival, he was told to address officers by saying, Yes sir. They knocked me down five times, he said. I never had to say yes sir to my father. And boom, they knocked me down. Some drill instructors were more severe than others, said Anderson, recalling an incident when his platoon protested a particularly brutal round of treatment, which resulted in being surrounded by military police. Anderson, who rose to the level of corporal in the 8th Ammunition Company, was among the one of the first Black members of the U.S. Marine Corps. Later known as the Montford Point Marines, about 20,000 Black recruits were trained at the camp from 1942 to 1949. The unit has since received delayed historical recognition. But at the time, the U.S. Marines were among the last branches of the military to desegregate, and Andersons unit was relegated to a support role in World War II by transporting ammunition and other supplies from ships to infantry units on the front lines including during one of the wars most definitive battles. Race was almost an afterthought on Tuesday as Anderson recounted the Battle of Iwo Jima, where the image of Marines raising the American flag has become an iconic image. The victory ultimately eliminated the threat of Japanese fighter planes, neutralizing bombing runs against U.S. air bases. While on route to the Pacific, Andersons battleship was attacked by kamikaze pilots. Instinct kicked in, and he immediately started feeding a white gunner rounds of ammunition. In the heat of battle, skin color didnt matter. Yet after Iwo Jima, he faced discrimination during the U.S. military's occupation at Sasebo, Japan; while stationed in Hawaii, and after he was discharged in 1946 and returned to the Capital Region as a civilian. Anderson said he simply wasnt aware of discrimination growing up in Gloversville in Fulton County, which contained just a handful of Black residents during his childhood. There was a lot of segregation up here and I didnt see it, Anderson said. But the divide was jarring upon his return. Restaurants, he said, would hum like a beehive once he entered, and he still recalls an unpleasant night out in Saratoga Springs with his wife and their friends. We got up to dance and the band stopped playing, Anderson said. We sat down and they started. The treatment left him bitter at times, he acknowledged. Yet Marines stuck together, and he recalled situations when his white comrades pulled him out of sticky situations. I dont know how they knew I was a Marine, but there was other white Marines in there, and they came in to help. Anderson said, recalling a flap at an Altamont bar. It didnt matter if you were Black or white: if you were a Marine, you stuck together. Anderson, who retired as a truck mechanic with Ryder in 1986, said hes buoyed by recognition afforded to Montford Point Marines in recent years, including being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. At the state level, he was awarded the state Senates Liberty Medal by state Sen. Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville, when he turned 95 last August. Anderson, who continues to live independently at his Gloversville home, is a self-professed MSNBC buff and followed the Black Lives Matter demonstrations closely last year, the nations largest civil rights movement in a half-century. I was certainly interested and agree with everything that they do, Anderson said. New Delhi, Feb 19 : For the first time, China on Friday honoured its four People's Liberation Army soldiers killed and one injured during clashes with Indian Army troops at Galwan Valley, Chinese state media said. The China Global Television Network (CGTN), Chinese state media, claimed that five PLA soldiers were honoured with honorary title and first-class merit citation. It stated that four Chinese soldiers, who were killed during a border confrontation in June 2020, were posthumously awarded honorary titles and first-class merit citations, the Central Military Commission (CMC) announced on Friday. The CMC unveiled names and stories of the martyrs for the first time to commemorate their sacrifice for defending national sovereignty and territory, the state media said. "Chen Hongjun was awarded the honorary title of "hero" for defending national territory. Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan and Wang Zhuoran were awarded first-class merit citations," it stated. Qi Fabao, a colonel who led the soldiers, was seriously injured during the clashes. "Qi was conferred with the honorary title of hero colonel," it stated. This comes when Indian Army Commander Lieutenant General Y.C. Joshi quoted a Russia agency which claimed that 45 Chinese PLA soldiers were killed on June 15, 2020. India had lost 20 soldiers during the clash and China never declared the numbers of its soldiers killed. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Friday passed a bill to amend the Companies law seeking to strengthen corporate governance standards, initiate strict action against defaulting companies and help improve the ease of doing business in the country. Piloting the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal also said that NSEL and PACL scams were a legacy of the previous regime which the current government is trying to address. The bill, which was passed by a voice vote, provides for more than 40 amendments to the Companies Act, 2013, which was passed during the previous UPA regime. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in March 2016 and then referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. After taking into consideration, the recommendations of the panel, the Cabinet had cleared a revised bill in March this year. The Companies Act, 2013 has already been amended once under the present government. The passage of this bill will help in increasing the size of the countrys economy, Meghwal said, adding that investor protection and corporate governance were the two main objectives of the measure. It would also help in simplifying procesures, make compliance easy and take strigent action against defaulting companies, he said. Replying to the discussion on the bill, Meghwal sought to allay concerns raised by some opposition members that the latest amendments would dilute the objectives of the Companies Act, 2013. We have not done that (diluting the law), the minister said in response to concerns expressed by some members and stressed that the bill would provide relief for small investors. The amendments would strengthen corporate governance standards and improve transparency. It would also help in improving the countrys position in the ease of doing business, Meghwal told PTI after the House passed the bill. Asserting that the countrys capital market was in a healthy condition, the minister told the Lok Sabha that various agencies, including the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), are working to curb the black money menace. ALSO READ: Parties to submit objections on proposed Motor Vehicles Bill in Rajya Sabha on Monday Rejecting apprehensions that the trust in the capital market has been broken, Meghwal said had that been the case, how was the Sensex crossing the 32,000 mark. Sensex is the 30-share benchmark index of leading stock exchange BSE. Responding to concerns that the government was not doing enough to ensure that companies comply with CSR provisions, the minister said it was not the right. The ministry has already issued notices to many firms for not complying with CSR provisions under the Companies Act and in some instances they have not responded, Meghwal said. Under the Act, certain class of profitable companies are required to shell out at least two per cent of their 3-year annual average net profit towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. In case of non-expenditure, such entities are required to provide the reasons for it to the ministry. Listing out various initiatives, including implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the minister said 2017 would be the year of economic reforms. Congress leader K V Thomas said the bill would dilute many stringent provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and those provisions were put in place to ensure that scams like Satyam, Saradha and Sahara are not repeated. Kirit Somaiya (BJP) said the present government is ensuring ease of doing business while the earlier UPA government had made it easy for business as a result of which many shell companies were set up between 2004-2014. He also claimed that he has a list of 529 such shell companies which are associated with several politicians including chief ministers. When Sougata Roy (TMC) sought to counter Somaiya, the BJP MP said if he revealed the names then the TMC leaders party will be in a spot. Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD) said the process of fine-tuning the Companies Act 2013 seems to have no end and wondered whether we should continue amending the Act? He said the government was only interested in economy and money while the social fabric is torn apart. Most of the problems of the banking sector can be traced to poor corporate governance practices, he added. Law is as good as it is administered. Companies Act, 2013 is a modern law for rising India. It is important that administration has a mindset keeping in spirit with such a law, Mahtab noted. Jayadev Galla (TDP) said that in view of the rising non-performing assets (NPAs), the banks were asking for personal guarantees for loans and expressed concern that the business dynamics of our country will be at risk if guarantee is insisted every time. Konda Vishweshwar Reddy (TRS) stressed that there was a need for stricter regulations and these should not be relaxed. Without naming beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya, Reddy said that King of good times was fishing in some island in Britain. The shell companies, he said, were alive, kicking, doing well and carrying out illegal operations. He also posed a volley of questions to the minister asking whether the NPAs were declining, have Hawala operations gone down, has the Rupee gained value, has the countrys GDP improved. Badruddoza Khan (CPI-M) said the CBI probe into Saradha chit fund scam was moving very slowly and no efforts were being made to refund the money of the public. N K Premchandran (RSP) said the bill has disproportionate penal provisions and there was no provision to enforce the CSR provisions. The government has given too much flexibility to corporates in the name of ease of doing business, he said. Expressing concern over the working of the government, he said all slogans of the NDA government in the last three years are only on paper and not in practice. He claimed that except the three parameters in the ease of doing business, all other parameters have worsened. Subhash Chandra Baheria (BJP) said there should be harsh penal provisions so that gullible investors are not cheated of their hard-earned money. Speaking on penal provision, Rajiv Satav (Congress) said maximum penalty of Rs 1 crore is not sufficient for large companies, while P D Rai (SDF) suggested that bankers responsibility should be fixed in case of loans turning into NPAs. Each time we come to know about NPA, it is promoters or people who are linked to companies are taken to task but never has the MD of a bank been taken to task, Rai said. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi, LK Advani talk in Lok Sabha as BJP, Congress row over issues For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. This video provides viewers with an understanding of full vehicle crash testing and how results impact future design and testing efforts. [NIOSH Pub. No. 2017-143-(2)] Inside the Washington, D.C., beltway, scientists and researchers at the Naval Medical Research Center work diligently to combat malaria for the American war fighter and the global population, as shown in this 2017 U.S. Department of Defense video. Nine in ten people breathe air that is not safe. Air pollution is an invisible killer that we may face on a simple walk home or even in our homes. In this 2017 video, the World Health Organization says, Help breathe life back into our cities and take action to protect our health and climate at http://BreatheLife2030.org. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Even if power has largely returned and warmer temperatures are on the way, our humanitarian crisis isn't over yet. We'll likely see the effects on grocery store shelves in the coming days. There are a few purchasing limits to keep in mind if you're heading to H-E-B to restock the fridge. Mexico City, Feb 19 : Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Mexico fell 11.7 per cent in 2020, reaching $29.079 billion, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Economy Ministry said. According to the ministry's preliminary estimates, last year's FDI fell short of $32.921 billion the country received in 2019, the Xinhua news agency reported. The US accounted for most of Mexico's FDI flows in 2020, contributing 39.1 per cent of the total, followed by Canada (14.5 per cent), Spain (13.7 per cent), Japan (4.2 per cent) and Germany (3.5 per cent). Other countries contributed the remaining 25 per cent. "Compared to the rest of the world, Mexico performed better at attracting FDI in the most adverse year in recent economic history," the ministry said in a statement. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global FDI flows plunged 42 per cent in 2020 year on year, the ministry noted in an earlier report. Mexico's economy, the second largest in Latin America after Brazil, contracted 8.3 per cent in 2020, its worst performance since the 1930s, as a result of the pandemic. An Ordinary Killing By Sonia Faleiro Grove. 314 pp. $26 - - - It's a shocking image: Two young girls, skinny teenagers in brightly colored salwar kameezes, hang from opposite branches of a tall mango tree, suspended from their necks by their own pink and green dupattas. Their eyes are closed. Their heads, bent by gravity, appear bowed in reverence toward one another. Sari-clad women sit in a circle around the tree, several clasping their faces with their hands. A few hold small children. It's a snapshot of the scene in the village of Katra in Budaun,Uttar Pradesh, on May 28, 2014, the morning after the girls - Indian law requires that their names be withheld, so journalist Sonia Faleiro calls them Padma and Lalli, cousins "alike as two grains of rice" - went missing in the fields behind their homes after heading out for a "final squat" for the night. Just two days before, newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in with promises of prosperity. "Achhe din aane waale hain" - good days are coming soon - he said. The national mood, Faleiro notes, was predominantly one of triumphant ascendancy. "India had been poor for so long; but now, rather than being dismissed as a lumbering elephant, it was a tiger," she writes, and "as people's vanities were stoked, their appetite for news stories about girls like Padma and Lalli shrank. . . . The world was watching India, but no one was more bewitched by the transformation than Indians themselves." It may have not fit the prevailing narrative, but back in Katra, it was hard to ignore the spectacle of the girls' deaths. In the hours after they were discovered in the mango grove, Padma's and Lalli's distraught families refused to let the police bring the bodies down. As videos and photos of the dead cousins went viral ("They looked like 'dangling puppets,' " one local recalled), tourists lined up to see them, blocking the road to the village with their horse carts, motorbikes and tractors. Village children dug a makeshift helipad in the dirt for the arrival of high-profile politicians. Family members gave news conferences, demanding justice. Who or what killed the girls? Initial accounts from relatives indicated that 16-year-old Padma and 14-year-old Lalli had been abducted by a group of men from a neighboring village; a hasty post-mortem suggested that the cousins had been raped before they died. In the aftermath of the brutal 2012 Delhi bus rape case, the story, at first, seemed horrifying but familiar: "Two girls found gang-raped and hanged in India," a matter-of-fact Washington Post headline from May 29 declared. The truth, as London-based writer Faleiro gradually discovers in "The Good Girls: An Ordinary Killing," was considerably more complicated. For a previous book, Faleiro immersed herself in the underworld of Mumbai's secret dance bars. Here, she takes a more forensic approach, starting in Katra and patiently working her way across the region over the course of four years. In her search for answers, Faleiro interviews more than 100 people and combs through some 3,000 pages of records from India's Central Bureau of Investigation. It's a remarkable feat of reporting: What she finds reveals as much about the failings of India's law enforcement, media and politics as it does about the girls' deaths. Right away, it's apparent that caste and clan politics are central to this story. Lalli's and Padma's families are Shakyas; the chief suspects, a 19-year-old named Pappu whom the girls knew from the neighboring village, and his brothers, are Yadavs. The Shakyas and the Yadavs both fall into the category of "Other Backward Classes," or OBCs - historically oppressed low-caste groups. But there is a key distinction: In Uttar Pradesh, Yadavs wield political power. In 2014, the state's chief minister was a Yadav with a reputation for corruption, backed by numerous Yadav law enforcement officers. The Shakyas' mistrust of the Yadavs, and more generally of the powerful, ran deep, Faleiro explains: "It was easy to point to earlier acts of grave malfeasance - by police officers, even the prime minister - to show that in India anything was possible, and nothing was what it seemed." As Faleiro probes the case, an extensive supporting cast emerges: meddlesome uncles, drunken police officers, hopelessly unqualified coroners, sensationalizing TV newsmen, a sneering intelligence officer and grandstanding politicians, all with a part - however undignified - to play in this story. (Faleiro's prose is restrained, but she allows the occasional colorful simile, as when one unreliable witness is described as "coming apart like overripe fruit.") Everyone agrees that the girls' deaths are a tragedy; no one knows quite whom to blame. Or, as Faleiro puts it: "Everyone agreed the system was rotten but no one knew how to fix it." That same year, one child went missing in India every eight minutes. "The Good Girls" isn't the first book of nonfiction to make a close study of the fates of India's most destitute citizens; in recent years, there has been a steady stream of them. Aman Sethi's "A Free Man: A True Story of Life and Death in Delhi," Katherine Boo's "Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity" and Faleiro's own "Beautiful Thing: Inside the Secret World of Bombay's Dance Bars" - among others - each applied a similar rigor to their explorations of the lived experience of poverty on the subcontinent. But as Faleiro explains in an author's note, "The Good Girls" was supposed to be something else. The book she set out to write was intended to be an investigation of the nature of sexual violence in India. Instead, what she finds is a story of the constraints placed on "ordinary" girls' lives from an early age. It's the story of the girls' larger-than-life "honor" - a disembodied thing that hangs about them menacingly, threatening to fall away at any moment, ruining the whole family. The girls were often seen clutching a cellphone - an obvious threat to their honor. In some villages in Uttar Pradesh, unmarried women were forbidden from using mobile phones. (Undoubtedly the girls were "romancing someone," one neighbor concluded.) The day they disappeared, the girls attended a local fair, where they ate greasy pakoras and bought nail polish - again, risking their honor (after all, "it wouldn't do for girls to be seen enjoying themselves in a public place"). That word - "enjoy" - takes on a dark shade in this book. It's a word that can be heard on a short recording of one of the last phone conversations Lalli had, with Pappu, on the day the girls died. But what enjoyment meant, really, to Padma and Lalli is something Faleiro can't entirely uncover. After their bodies are found, the men of their families hide and then destroy the very items that could crack open the case: the mobile phones the girls used, which, thanks to software requested by Lalli's father, held recordings of their calls. "Who knows what's in the phone," Lalli's father says - but whatever it was surely "should be deleted." Faleiro lets the suspense build as she carefully uncovers the villagers' competing motives. Gradually, it becomes clear that in Katra, ultimately one thing is more binding than police codes, medical codes or penal codes: a retrograde but resilient code of honor. This is the force, above all others, that stunted the girls' lives and hastened their deaths. In the end, Faleiro writes, "an Indian woman's first challenge was surviving her own home." - - - Mythili G. Rao is a journalist, audio producer and book critic based in London. Naftogaz to invest US$20-25 bln in gas production The company's strategy is to attract co-investors in domestic gas production. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Space News space history and artifacts articles Messages space history discussion forums Sightings worldwide astronaut appearances Resources selected space history documents advertisements 'For All Mankind' Season 2 blasts off with nods to NASA's shuttle past February 19, 2021 On May 21, 1983, the United States was less than one month away from launching its first woman into space on the seventh flight of the space shuttle. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union was preparing to resume crewed operations aboard its Salyut 7 space station after a failed docking forced three cosmonauts to return to Earth the month before. It had been more than a decade since astronauts had walked on the moon. In the alternate history depicted in "For All Mankind," though, humans were still present on the lunar surface, and had been, ever since the Soviets beat the Americans to landing the first cosmonaut on the moon in 1969. Ellen Wilson (Jodi Balfour) was again in command of the Jamestown moon base, but was preparing to return to Earth on the space shuttle Columbia. And that is where Season 2 of "For All Mankind" begins, on May 21, 1983. Season 2 First Look. Click to enlarge video in a new, pop-up window. (Apple TV+) Created by Ronald D. Moore, Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert, "For All Mankind" debuts its second season on Friday (Feb. 19) with the first of ten new episodes on the Apple TV+ streaming service. For its second installment, the show picks up nine years after the events of Season 1. The Apollo years have given way to the space shuttle-era and both the Cold War and Space Race are heating up. The diversions to history as we know it have resulted in significant changes at NASA, leading to a space program that both looks and feels similar to reality, but is framed within a context that is wholly different from our own. Here is a spoiler-free look at some of the familiar touchstones from real space history as presented at the start of Season 2 of "For All Mankind." (The following omits any mention of plot points and focuses instead on the characters, settings and background info from only the first episode of Season 2.) Russians, Americans and... Europeans, too In reality, after the race to the moon was settled through Russian and American crewed missions, both superpowers opened their spacecraft to cosmonauts and astronauts from other nations. Beginning in 1978, the Soviet Union's Interkosmos program flew citizens from the former Czechoslovakia, Poland, Germany and a dozen other countries. Several years later, the U.S. began filling seats on the space shuttle with representatives from Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia and from the European Space Agency (ESA). The same apparently occurred in the world as depicted by "For All Mankind," at least in the U.S. space program, as evident by the flags adorning the American spacesuits on the moon. Within the first 10 minutes of Season 2, the Canadian maple leaf can be seen on the lunar surface, as can a particular astronaut with the red, white and blue striped flag of the Netherlands. Where's Wubbo? In Season 1 of "For All Mankind," it was established that in this alternate history the world is populated by astronauts with names familiar to our reality and others who are new (fictional). Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, for example, was actually in line to become the first Soviet citizen on the moon and became the first human to step foot on the lunar surface in first episode of the series. Season 1 introduced viewers to Wilson (Balfour), as well as her fellow astronauts Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman), Gordo and Tracy Stevens (Michael Dorman and Sarah Jones) and Danielle Poole (Krys Marshall), working alongside an inspired-by-real-life Deke Slayton (Chris Bauer) and Molly Cobb (Sonya Walger), who is a clear nod to "Mercury 13" member Jerri Cobb. Season 2 brings back Wilson, Baldwin, the Stevens, Poole and Cobb, as well as introduces a number of new (fictional) astronauts, but also borrows some names from space shuttle history. Among them is Wubbo Ockels (Bjrn Alexander), the Dutch astronaut on the moon who in real life was the first Dutch citizen to fly into space on board a 1985 shuttle mission and who sported a similarly-styled full mustache. Astronaut appearances Ockels is not the only real-life astronaut portrayed by an actor in Season 2, but there are also real-life astronauts who appear as themselves. In the premiere episode of Season 2, viewers are provided a brief, often out-of-focus look at the flight assignment board in the chief astronaut's office at Johnson Space Center in Houston. By May 1983, NASA (in the series' reality) had grown its astronaut corps to 205 members, with 30 or more off the planet at any given time. Among the wallet-size photos up on the board are portraits of real-life astronauts awaiting space shuttle missions, including Jack Swigert of Apollo 13 fame, Apollo 15 moonwalker Jim Irwin, Skylab 4 pilot Bill Pogue and space shuttle veterans Bill Lenoir, Dave Walker, Gordon Fullerton and Bruce McCandless. Further, Hank Hartsfield, Don Peterson and Karl Henize can be seen among those waiting flights to the Jamestown moon base. There is another astronaut cameo on the board, and unlike the others, he is the only one who is not deceased in real life. But that is a story for another article still to come. Ships of the fleet With so many astronauts pending flights, NASA has had to grow its space shuttle fleet from the five that actually flew to orbit to ten orbiters. According to a newscast included the opening minutes of Season 2, the first space shuttle was still named "Enterprise" in honor of the fictional starship on "Star Trek," just as in real life. In "For All Mankind," though, Enterprise did not just fly approach and landing tests, but is among the spaceflight-worthy winged spacecraft. Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour still exist in this alternate reality, but so do Kon-Tiki, Beagle, Victoria and Constitution. And then there is Pathfinder, the newest ship in the fleet. In reality, Pathfinder was among the first mockups used to prepare the program's ground support equipment and facilities for the arrival of Enterprise and the other orbiters to come. International space station In Season 1 of "For All Mankind," it was explained that the original module for the Jamestown base was built by converting what had been planned to be Skylab, NASA's first space station, into a "moon lab." Season 2 reveals that NASA made more than one Skylab, just as in real life. In our reality, though, the second orbital workshop was never launched and ended up as an exhibit in the National Air and Space Museum. In the alternate universe of the series, Skylab is in Earth orbit and because this is a different vehicle on a different timeline, it was not severely damaged during its launch (as our history records). Furthermore, it coexists with the space shuttle and Jamestown, programs that were staffed by U.S. and partner countries' astronauts. So Skylab, too, is an international space station, with a crew that as of May 1983 includes (fictional) Irish astronaut Doreen Campbell (Penny O'Brien) of ESA. Patchwork past (and future) As in the first season and in real life, the walls of NASA's mission control are lined with the mission patches from past flights. For Season 2 of "For All Mankind," the walls gained 77 more emblems, representing the Apollo, Jamestown, Skylab and space shuttle missions that were launched in the interim, from 1974 to 1983. While some of the patch designs are new, including one for the maiden voyage of Skylab (Apollo 28) and ten patches representing the first flights of each of the ten shuttle orbiters, the others were borrowed from NASA's real flight insignia. (Even the new designs were patterned after real mission patches, but with some of their elements reconfigured and crew names altered.) Graphic designer Evan Regester, who was tasked with designing and selecting the patches to be used on the show, tried to limit his choices of real emblems to NASA's early shuttle years corresponding to the time period of the second season but a close look will reveal some patches from more recent missions. "In selecting, I went with strong, simple graphics whenever possible, and steered away from any joint missions with Russia, which happened more than I realized." Regester explained. NASA's space shuttle era meets its Apollo past on the moon in the second season of "For All Mankind," the alternate space history series streaming on Apple TV+. In this scene, astronauts are seen wearing both Apollo and shuttle program spacesuits. (Apple TV+) Americans and Russians are joined by international astronauts in the the second season of "For All Mankind," the alternate space history series streaming on Apple TV+. Here, Wubbo Ockels (Bjrn Alexander) sets up a camera on the moon. In real life, Ockels was the first Dutch citizen to fly in space on NASA's shuttle. (Apple TV+) A flight assignment board, seen here behind astronaut Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman) in the chief astronaut's office includes the portraits of a number of real-life NASA astronauts, from the second season of "For All Mankind," the alternate space history series. (Apple TV+) The space shuttle Columbia orbits the moon in the second season of "For All Mankind," the alternate space history series. (Apple TV+) Space shuttle Kon-Tiki is docked with Skylab in the second season of "For All Mankind," the alternate space history series. (Apple TV+) A mix of real-life and made-for-the-series mission patches line the wall of mission control in the second season of "For All Mankind," the space drama series streaming now on Apple TV+. (Apple TV+) (Apple TV+) 2021 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved. In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful All praise is for Allah. We praise Him, we seek His aid and we ask for His forgiveness. We seek Allahs refuge from the evils of ourselves and from our evil actions. Whosoever Allah guides, there is no one who can misguide him; and whosoever Allah misguides, there is no one who can guide him. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, who has no partner; and I testify that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His servant and Messenger. Great servants of Allah! Tribalism is a pernicious belief that has afflicted human societies in every time period, originating in the worship of idols and reconstructing itself into many ideological forms throughout the ages. In modern times, we know it as the scourges of racism, xenophobia, supremacism, and militarism. In practice, it rears its ugly head to us in the shape of prejudice, bigotry, discrimination, and violence. Allah has commanded us to uphold justice with all other human beings regardless of their tribe, race, region, religion, lineage, status, or identity. Allah Almighty said: O you who believe, be persistently standing firm in justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. Follow not your desires, lest you not be just. [Quran, 4:135] Dear brothers and sisters! The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: The likeness of a group of people divided on the lower and upper deck of a boat, the passengers on the lower deck decided not to bother coming upper deck fetching water, instead easily bore a hole in the lower deck. Now, if those on the upper deck stop them not, indeed they all perish; if they did, surely they are all protected (from an awful disaster). [Hadith] Respected servants of Allah! Universally, regionally and eternally, the parable of the noble Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) applies. Today and the boat we are all on board (Nigeria), the complex problem arises not only from the few on the lower deck who dare bore a hole in it, pluck out a timber thereof, give pirates chance to rob it, turn blind eye to dumping radioactive waste in the waters around it; but from the majority on the upper deck who let alone stop, dissuade, discourage and disown them, rather cheer, cajole and hail them as heroes. The crisis which crippled Nigeria has its roots in two major issues, namely abusive tribalism and the lack of outward, extrovert vision and concept. The former seems to be influencing the latter and vice versa. The Arabs in Madinah were divided into to two major clans, Aws and Khazraj, feudalism based on abusive tribalism was rampant, thus bloodshed was frequently common. When Islam came, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) created brotherhood (in Islam) between the migrants from Makkah (Muhajirun) and the helpers (Ansar) in Madinah, thus a new generation was born. The Madinite community still apparently retained their tribal identity but its structure, purpose, function and significance has been subdued, diluted and harmoniously fine tuned into the Universal Islamic Fraternity. On occasions when the natural instinct of abusive tribalism resurfaced leading to rumination and revival of pre-Islamic squabbles and schisms, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would suddenly intervene by warning them to get rid of it as it rots, get rid of it as it rots. In cases of vying one another in tribal dignity and grandeur, reinstating original identity triggered social division, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would revitalise the real social bond based on the sole brotherhood in Islam by once saying Salman Al-Farisi (A non Arab companion, Persian by origin) is one of us, from our very own household (Ahlal Bait). By merely underestimating his own uncle Abu Lahabs belonging to the noble lineage (Quraish), denying him intimacy and brotherhood due to blood relationship, rejecting him the dignity and role of companionship, while consigning it to a non Arab stranger, indeed there is a moral lesson and the message of unity was conveyed. Surely abusive tribalism rots the moral values and reduces Man into a bloodsucker or a wild beast. The person is blinded from every truth. There are similarly obnoxious, cumbersome and intricate issues, for which everlasting solution has been provided without altering its apparent features. Hajj and Umrah rituals like As-Safah and Marwah had been practiced by idolaters in Makkah before Islam. Islam approved the ritual practice with condition that it is solely meant for Allah and not the idols. Slavery was reduced to non existent level by remoulding the social structure into a framework of justice and equality. Slaves could be viewed as a burden, rather than a mere domestic servant, when due rights for the slave and strict conditions in their treatment necessitated personal responsibilities and duties on the master. Islam declared equal rights such that equal penal code on the master who caused the slaves injuries was introduced; freeing them was made an expiation for shortcomings in acts of worship, committing sins, or seeking the pleasure of Allah. Even the title of slave was substituted with that of Mawlah (supporter or attendant), Mawali (plural of Mawlah) later became great personalities in Islam, scholars blessed with honour, dignity and knowledge. Execrably, abusive tribalism in Nigeria is similar to social life in pre-Islamic Arabia. It is deeply embedded in the social structure and vehemently imbued in the public concept as a dogmatic ritual. The individual can not survive, otherwise leads a precarious livelihood of loss of identity and wandering lonely in the wilderness among other tribes, except within the circles of ones tribe. It is the likeness of fear all, trust few scenario of which the few are the closest of the tribe, clan or sub-clan. In this case, It is most befitting to apply the same ideal solution which reformed and transmuted the wildest and harshest of humans into the most civilised of Mankind. It is impossible to uproot and obliterate abusive tribalism at once and for good. Hence let us employ the same previous engagement policy as mentioned above, in order to transmute abusive tribalism to positive tribalism. Let us say keep your tribal structure, as your statutory rights within the society, as your identity but the following rules apply: 1. You shall not discriminate people on the basis of either belonging to your tribe, clan, sub-clan or not. All shall be equal to you as brothers and sisters. The cooperation, peaceful co-existence, assistance and support between you and your immediate next of kin, members of tribe, clan or sub-clan, shall not lead to rejection of the former to other tribe or clan members, hostility to others, denial of others rights, rivalry or complexity towards members of other tribes or clans. 2. You shall be subject to doing justice to everyone, whenever, wherever, whomsoever, including yourself, it involves. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says, on the execution of anyone who commits an act of theft: Even if Fatimah Bint Muhammad (his own daughter) stole, I would chop off her hand. On the real advice and support to ones brother, he (Peace be upon him) said: Assist your brother either he be an oppressor (by stopping him from committing crime), or being oppressed (by defending him). 3. You shall endeavour to bring the criminal to justice even if the latter be yourself, your family, your parents, brothers or sisters. 4. You shall give due rights to everyone, in terms of fulfilling your social duty for the public or otherwise, by adhering to the Prophet (Peace be upon him)s statement: There is no advantage for an Arab over a non Arab. 5. You shall not have the least sympathy, pity, devotion, emotional feelings, intimacy or respect towards the criminal, even if the latter is your tribe, your family, your parents, your brothers or sisters. The set criteria of your love and intimacy to others shall be solely based on ones piety, devotion, virtue, justice, honesty, innocence, righteousness, regardless of to whichever tribe, clan, sub-clan, or even nationality the person may belong. Once above mentioned conditions are fulfilled accordingly, the social tribal classification remains no more than an ideal paradigm, a symbol of identity and knowing each other. The purpose of being divided into nations and tribes conforms to the Quranic statement of knowing each other and yields a positive result. Islam deals with the core and essence of matters rather than its superficial practice and reflections, by redirecting intentions and inner conscience to its sound nature. The fruition of this initiative depends on the wider concept of exploiting the positive side of this two edged weapon (Flawless and positive tribalism versus Negative and Abusive tribalism). There is no any harm in favouring the charity to those who are in dire need among the closest of kin, tribe, sub-clan or clan members as long as there is none more worthy or best deserving among any other members of the public. It would be much better to found the motives on locality identities rather than tribal proportion and division. If the former can not be attained, let us operate as a team, like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, for a complete image and better goal. While unfortunately the negative tribalism utopia knows no moral boundaries, the tribe members crimes are seen as correct, his aggression and oppression as struggle for the former benefit, his terrorism to other tribe members as freedom fighter. There are many who stubbornly advocate for the falsehood, destruction, corruption and the misdemeanor, because there is the type of man: Whose speech about this worlds life may dazzle you, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet he is the most contentious of enemies. When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah love not mischief. When it is said to him, Fear Allah., He is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell;-An evil bed indeed (To lie on)! [Quran, 2:204-206] Yet unfortunately, the extremely few who enjoy the following attributes are subdued and subjugated to a weaker and helpless status: And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is full of kindness to (His) devotees. [Quran, 2:207] Dear brothers and sisters, Jubair Ibn Mutim reported that, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: He is not one of us who calls to tribalism. He is not one of us who fights for the sake of tribalism. He is not one of us who dies following the way of tribalism. [Sunan Abi Dawud] Also Abu Hurairah reported that, the Messenger of Allah, (Peace be upon him) said: Whoever rejects lawful obedience to the leader and divides the community and dies in this state will have died upon ignorance (Jahiliyyah). Whoever fights under the banner of one who is blind, raging for the sake of tribalism, or calling to tribalism, or supporting tribalism, and is killed in this state will have died upon ignorance (Jahiliyyah). Whoever rebels against my nation, striking the righteous and wicked alike and sparing not even the believers and does not fulfill the pledge of security, then he has nothing to do with me and I have nothing to do with him. [Muslim] Jundub Ibn Abdullah reported that, the Messenger of Allah, (Peace be upon him) said: Whoever is killed under the banner of blind following, who calls to tribalism or supports tribalism, then he has died upon ignorance (Jahiliyyah). [Muslim] Abdullah Ibn Masud reported that, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: Whoever supports his people in oppression is like a dead camel that falls into a well and is pulled out by its tail. [Musnad of Imam Ahmad] Imam Al-Khattabi said: It means he has fallen into sin and ruin, like a camel who tumbles into a well and must be pulled out by his tail. He has no power to save himself. [Awnul-Mabud] Wathilah Ibn Al-Asqa reported that, I asked the Prophet, (Peace be upon him) saying: O Messenger of Allah, is it part of tribalism that a man loves his people? The Prophet said, No, rather it is tribalism that he supports his people in wrongdoing and injustice. [Sunan Ibn Majah] Respected servants of Allah! Know that Islam rejects all forms of tribalism, racism, bigotry, and collective punishment. We must not construct a false caricature of other people in order to justify oppression against them. As Muslims, we must take the lead among humankind in upholding principled, universal justice and the natural rights of not only Muslims, but of all human beings. Lastly, I ask Allah for peace and good health, and to protect us and all the brothers and sisters, ameen. May Allah send His Salah and Salam upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). And all praises and thanks are due to Allah alone, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true and sincere followers. Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761. This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Rajab 07, 1442 AH (February 19, 2021). It has been a common problem for millions of office workers around the world over the past year - the dreaded failure to mute their microphone while on a Zoom call. And today Germany's Angela Merkel showed that world leaders were not immune from the faux pas as she had to be told to pipe down by Boris Johnson at a meeting of world leaders. The Prime Minister had to intervene at the start of a virtual G7 meeting that he was hosting from Downing Street this afternoon, which focused on how to solve the coronavirus pandemic. With US president Joe Biden, French leader Emmanuel Macron and new Italian premier Mario Draghi among those listening to Mr Johnson's opening remarks about wanting a face-to-face meeting at the G7 summit in Cornwall in June, the chancellor suddenly interrupted him. 'Can you hear us Angela,' Johnson quipped over the German, chuckling. 'I think you need to mute.' In a lively opening address, the PM also accused Joe Biden of stealing one of his slogans as the two leaders faced each other - on screen at least- for the first time. Mr Johnson urged the G7 leaders to work together on 'building back better' from the pandemic. He went on to claim it was a slogan that Mr Biden had used, adding: 'I think he may have nicked it from us but I certainly nicked it from somewhere else - probably some UN disaster relief programme.' Mr Biden could be seen laughing on the video call on the screen inside the Cabinet Room. The call also suffered a microphone malfunction suffered by millions who have used video conferencing in the past 11 months - with Mr Johnson forced to ask Germany's Angela Merkel to mute herself at the start. French President Emmanuel Macron attended the meeting from the Elysee Palace in Paris The Prime Minister joked with the new US p[resident that he had nicked his 'build back better' soundbite as he hosted a virtual meeting of the G7. Britain is to donate millions of surplus vaccine doses to poorer countries, Boris Johnson announced The Prime Minister's pledge could see developing nations benefit before the end of the year if the UK vaccination programme goes to plan. As Britain takes over the G7 presidency, Mr Johnson urged other world leaders to support an ambitious target to develop new vaccines in 100 days a third of the time it took to create the Pfizer jab. Mr Johnson said: 'Science is finally getting the upper hand on Covid, which is a great, great thing and long overdue. 'But there is no point in us vaccinating our individual populations - we've got to make sure the whole world is vaccinated because this is a global pandemic and it's no use one country being far ahead of another, we've got to move together. 'So, one of the things that I know that colleagues will be wanting to do is to ensure that we distribute vaccines at cost around the world - make sure everybody gets the vaccines that they need so that the whole world can come through this pandemic together.' Today's virtual G7 meeting is Mr Johnson's first major multilateral summit with new US President Joe Biden. They are due to meet in person at a scaled-down summer G7 summit in Cornwall with attendees subjected to a strict Covid testing regime. It comes as data from the anti-poverty group the ONE campaign revealed Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, the US and the EU have purchased more than 3billion doses of the vaccine. This leaves a surplus of 1.2billion. Boris Johnson (pictured at the vaccination centre at Cwmbran Stadium in Cwmbran, south Wales) will announce that Britain is to donate millions of surplus vaccine doses to poorer countries Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, the US and the EU have purchased more than 3billion doses of the vaccine. This leaves a surplus of 1.2billion Number of vaccination doses which have been administered per 100 people in 13 countries Mr Johnson vowed to share up to 75 per cent of the UK's surplus vaccine supplies with developing nations under the international Covax initiative. Countries such as Ireland, which have been hard-hit by production problems, could benefit although no firm decisions have yet been made. The details of Britain's donation will be settled later this year, once it has been determined whether residents require third doses or booster jabs for emerging variants. The UK has ordered more than 400million jabs from seven different companies, including 100million doses of the Oxford vaccine. The total number of orders works out at around five vaccine doses per head meaning there should be a sizeable surplus. Doses could be deemed surplus to our requirements while still in production, meaning they could be diverted to those in need without ever reaching British shores. A woman receives the AstraZeneca vaccine at an NHS vaccination centre in Ealing, west London The Prime Minister will also urge other world leaders to support an ambitious target to develop new vaccines in 100 days A graph showing the number of vaccines per day in the UK. Over 16.4 million people have so far received at least one dose in the UK The UK hopes to have offered a vaccine to its entire adult population by the autumn but the World Health Organisation has warned of a looming 'catastrophic moral failure' amid concerns that poorer countries would struggle to secure supplies. Professor Azeem Majeed of Imperial College London today told Good Morning Britain spare vaccines will only be offered to developing countries once this process is completed. He said: 'We plan to vaccinate everyone in the UK by September so the plan is to finish that process first and only offer spare vaccines once we have enough to vaccinate our own population, which I think is a reasonable step to do. 'So hopefully by the summer everyone will have been offered a vaccine and then we'll have vaccinations to offer to other countries.' Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed this week that he hoped all adults in Britain would be offered the vaccination 'a bit before' September. The Covax group has already agreed deals for 1.1billion doses. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said yesterday: 'Vaccinating everyone, everywhere, is our collective way out of this pandemic. It comes as the Prime Minister prepares for his first major multilateral summit with the new US President Joe Biden today The percentage of 70 to 74-year-olds who have been given their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine 'The UK is clear that as a world leader we have a moral and national interest in making this happen, which is why we are committing to share the majority of any future surplus doses with Covax to support the countries who need them most. 'We are already one of the biggest donors to Covax, helping to get more than one billion doses to the world's poorest people. Macron calls on Europe and the US to send five per cent of vaccines to developing countries French President Emmanuel Macron today called on Europe and the US to donate up to five per cent of their vaccine supplies to developing nations. He told the Financial Times: 'We're not talking about billions of doses immediately, or billions and billions of euros. 'It's about much more rapidly allocating 4-5% of the doses we have. 'It won't change our vaccination campaigns, but each country should set aside a small number of the doses it has to transfer tens of millions of them, but very fast, so that people on the ground see it happening.' Advertisement 'International co-operation has to be at the heart of this effort, so we are calling on the G7 and other nations to step up support to get vaccines to everyone.' Today's virtual summit will see Mr Johnson urge Britain's fellow members the US, Japan, Canada, Germany, France and Italy to increase funding for Covax. In addition, he will call on the group to support the 100-day target set by the international Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi) for developing and approving new vaccines and treatments. Mr Johnson's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance is to work with the WHO and Cepi, along with industry experts, in the drive to secure faster results. 'Perhaps more than ever, the hopes of the world rest on the shoulders of scientists,' Mr Johnson will say. 'Over the last year, like countless times before, they have risen to the challenge. 'The development of viable coronavirus vaccines offers the tantalising prospect of a return to normality, but we must not rest on our laurels. As leaders of the G7 we must say today 'never again'. By harnessing our collective ingenuity, we can ensure we have the vaccines, treatments and tests to be battle-ready for future health threats.' Today's video conference marks the first meeting of the G7 since last April, with leaders due to travel to England in June. Officials insisted yesterday that the Cornwall summit is likely to go ahead in person, albeit on a much smaller scale than previous meetings. Mr Johnson, Mr Biden and others will be subjected to rigorous virus testing, and a 'bubble' system will be used to prevent the spread of infection. The Prime Minister has also invited the leaders of India, South Korea and Australia to Cornwall, with a view to creating a 'D10' group of leading democracies. Issues on the agenda will include climate change and the economic recovery following the Covid crisis. WHICH AREAS HAVE GIVEN OUT THE LEAST FIRST DOSES TO THE OVER-70S? North Central London 79.4 per cent Barking and Dagenham 78.1 per cent Hammersmith and Fulham 78.1 per cent Waltham Forest 77.9 per cent Brent 77.9 per cent City and Hackney 72.6 per cent Newham 70.5 per cent Tower Hamlets 70.3 per cent West London CCG 67.5 per cent Central London (Westminster) CCG 60.9 per cent Advertisement Spain's government will confront all forms of violence, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Friday as violent protests over the jailing of a rapper for controversial tweets ran into a fourth night. "Democracy never, ever justifies violence," the Socialist leader said in his first public condemnation of the unrest which began on Tuesday and has been applauded by his junior coalition partner, the hard-left Podemos. Spain's conservative opposition had lambasted the premier for not publicly condemning the violence, calling on him to break with Podemos over its support for the demonstrators. Angry demonstrations first erupted on Tuesday night after police detained rapper Pablo Hasel, 32, who was holed up in a university in Catalonia to avoid going to jail in a case that has raised concerns about free speech in Spain. "Violence is an attack on democracy. Consequently, the Spanish government will confront any kind of violence," Sanchez said. "In a full democracy -- which Spain is -- the use of any kind of violence is unacceptable. There is no exception to this rule," he added, in reference to remarks by Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias who said Hasel's jailing raised questions about Spain's democracy. About 100 people have been arrested since the protests began, including 16 overnight in Barcelona and the eastern city of Valencia, and scores have been injured, including a young woman who lost an eye after being hit by a foam round fired by police on Tuesday. Protests that began in Catalonia have now spread to other cities, including Madrid / AFP Many police officers have also been injured as protesters have hurled rocks and paving stones at them, while also torching barricades, rubbish bins and street furniture. Although most of the protests started in Catalonia, where the rapper is from, they have spread to other cities including Madrid where another rally is to take place on Saturday. On Friday protesters threw firecrackers, cans and bottles at the police outside their headquarters in central Barcelona before burning rubbish bins and smashing the windows of a bank. Police said there was also looting in Barcelona and in the city of Girona, 100 kilometres (60 miles) to the north. They said three people were arrested in the two cities on Friday. - Backing the 'anti-fascists' - The clashes have exposed a stark divide in Spain's leftwing coalition with Podemos MP Pablo Echenique tweeting support for the protesters as the violence raged Wednesday night. "All my support to the young anti-fascists who are demanding justice and freedom of expression in the streets," he wrote, triggering a flood of condemnation from across the political spectrum. Podemos emerged from the anti-austerity "Indignados" protest movement that occupied squares across Spain in 2011, with the party saying the Hasel case highlighted Spain's "democratic shortcomings". About 100 people have been arrested since the protests began / AFP But Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos said defending democracy should never involve violence. "Any expression of violence arises from a violent character. Peaceful people don't carry out acts of violence.. and within a democracy, no rights are expressed through violence," he told reporters. Although the government said last week it would seek to make free speech laws less restrictive, the move does not affect Hasel's jailing, and Podemos said it would request a pardon for him. Known for his hard-left views, Hasel was handed a nine-month sentence over tweets glorifying terrorism and videos inciting violence, with the court saying freedom of expression could not be used "as a 'blank cheque' to praise the perpetrators of terrorism". He was also fined about 30,000 euros ($36,000) for insults, libel and slander for tweets likening former king Juan Carlos I to a mafia boss and accusing police of torturing and killing demonstrators and migrants. Catalan students unions have called for a strike and a protest Friday over the rapper's arrest. An attorney who represented President Trump during his second impeachment trial claims he has been 'cancelled' by a law school after they rescinded their offer to have him teach a class there. David Schoen, 63, made the revelation during an interview on Newsmax Thursday night, but stopped short of naming the school. 'I had hoped to teach a law school class in the fall,' Schoen told network anchor Greg Kelly. 'I had been in talks with a law school about teaching a civil rights course. I've got 36 years of experience as a civil rights lawyer, working major cases. I love being around the students.' However, Schoen says he contacted the school prior to accepting President Trump's offer to work on his trial team and administrators told him they would no longer be interested in having him join the faculty. 'I was told it would be [an impediment]. Some faculty and students would feel uncomfortable to have me on campus if I were getting involved in this case. 'I felt that was a sad commentary, quite frankly,' Schoen declared. David Schoen claims he has been 'cancelled' by a law school after they rescinded their offer to have him teach a class after he represented President Trump during his second impeachment trial 'What's changed is the concept of liberalism. You know, liberalism used to favor the marketplace of ideas. They would want to hear all sides of the story. Everyone has something to bring to the table. Not anymore.' He then stated: 'This cancel culture has become more radical than liberalism'. Schoen, who is based in Alabama, graduated cum laude from Boston College of Law and holds a Master of Laws from Columbia University Law School. Schoen runs his own law firm and is a member of the Bar in Alabama, New York, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Schoen has also been honored by the American Bar Association, receiving its national pro bono award, with members crediting him with 'accomplishing more through his litigation than any lawyer of his era to positively change the face of public institutions in the South.' He even won praise from The New York Times while representing Trump during his impeachment trial earlier this month, where the former President was acquitted. The publication claimed Schoen offered a 'spirited performance' that 'heartened' Trump. 'This cancel culture has become more radical than liberalism': Schoen spoke out on Newsmax Thursday Trump isn't the only famous person whom Schoen has represented. He was readying to defend Jeffrey Epstein when the New York financier was found dead in his cell in August 2019, in what Schoen insists was not suicide. Schoen told The Atlanta Jewish Times that he became acquainted with Epstein about 11 years ago, when the financier sought his advice. 'Periodically, over the years, he's asked me a question or two. Over the past year, increasingly over the past six months, he turned to me for advice,' Schoen said, adding that Epstein wanted to be billed for that service, but he declined because, 'I wasn't sure where the relationship was going.' 'We came to an agreement during the course of that discussion,' said Schoen. 'We met for five hours on August 1. I said that I would want to meet with his team first to see how they felt about that. And then we would go forward. We mapped out a strategy going forward. 'He was upbeat and excited about going forward.' Epstein was found dead in his prison cell 10 days later. 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. With the uncertainty surrounding Ulster Bank and our other banks rush to rid themselves of non-performing mortgages, I would like to offer the following possible solution. Firstly, it is important to ask what constitutes a non-performing mortgage. If a mortgage is sold as non-performing, it will reduce the value of that mortgage (by, say, 20pc), thus reducing the return from that money to the bank when reloaned. Lets continue the equation, and note that 20pc of 250,000 is 50,000. If the interest only was paid on that mortgage for 200 years by six different families, it would not affect the banks bottom line and the bank would be better off. If the State were to step in and take over those mortgages and only paid the interest, they could use those properties as social houses, which is much cheaper than having to lease or buy them from vulture funds. When the rent from those families is taken into consideration (3pc interest on a 250,000 mortgage is 7,500 per year), this money would pay for management maintenance and insurance, with a possible surplus reducing the cost. It is also worth noting that Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme payments to vulture funds would cost a lot more. The net result is that bank, family and State all win. This would also be a very good PR exercise for the Government and banks, who constantly claim customers and citizens are their first priority. James Caulfield Tramore, Co Waterford Heres to the French the true saviours of Covid lockdown It started just over a year ago, when The Plague, a 1947 existentialist novel by Albert Camus, touched our hearts and became a pandemic must-read. A series of Gallic Netflix hits followed the tres chic Emily in Paris, the delightfully risque Call My Agent!, the intriguing Lupin. Added to these are our indebtedness to knight-in-shining-armour Michel Barnier, our joy at the decision to restore Notre-Dame to how it looked when we saw it for the very first time, our love of French cuisine, as well as the sudden, post-Brexit realisation that our joie de vivre genes are more French Norman than Anglo. For these reasons and more, it appears weve fallen in love with all things French. And so, in the aftermath of our recent defeat to Les Bleus (cest la vie!), apart from longing for the day when Irish supporters can safely return to Stade de France and see Ireland win, we dream of going on holidays, once again, to where le soleil shines gloriously. Vive la France! Chris Fitzpatrick Terenure, Dublin 6 Leading politicians need to brush up on their vocabulary Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar should learn some more positive words. I say this as, every day, they seem to be using the same words might and we may when referring to the future easing of restrictions. Surely they can offer a more positive outlook for schoolchildren. They could inform us that children will definitely be starting to go back to school from March 1, and that everybody will have returned to school by the end of March. They could also gently suggest that the Easter holidays will be reduced to make up for time lost. With the vaccine rollout progressing and the numbers of cases reducing, this surely indicates a more positive outlook. Susan Burke Cahir, Co Tipperary Time to wind the clocks forward we could use the extra sunlight I would like to make a suggestion that would surely make a huge difference to the people of Ireland and, indeed, the European Union. Wouldnt it be great if the clocks could be moved forward now, to let us all enjoy an extra hours sunlight in the evening, instead of waiting until the end of March? This would have a positive benefit to peoples mental health and would be a small concession in these dark times. Clem Dempsey Fermoy, Co Cork Life is challenging enough without the dreaded reruns If the current rerunning of Buffy The Vampire Slayer in its entirety in the hour before the rerunning of the entire Harry Potter film catalogue is a clever plot by weary broadcasters to prove, once and for all, the gullible public were sold the exact same snack in different wrappers, congratulations, you succeeded. Mark Boyle Renfrewshire, Scotland Jimmy Lai Chee-ying will remain in custody after being denied bail Thursday by the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Lai, charged with fraud and collusion with a foreign country or external elements to endanger national security, has been denied bail multiple times since standing trial in December. He was recently arrested again while in jail for assisting a suspect to flee to Taiwan and also for colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security, according to local media. Lai reportedly conspired with others including Chan Tsz-wah and Li Yu-hin to request foreign forces to impose sanctions or blockade or engaged in other hostile activities against the HKSAR or China. After Li was arrested and bailed, Lai and some others assisted Li to flee to Taiwan to escape prosecution. The power is just coming back on for many in Texas, and theres already talk in Congress about trying to get the states electrical grid hooked up with the rest of the nation though its unclear how that would happen and unlikely Texas Republicans would go along with such a move. Texas Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Sylvia Garcia, Al Green, Lizzie Fletcher and Marc Veasey, have all said the option needs to be explored in the wake of the major winter weather storms that left millions of Texans without power some for days this week. Quite frankly, its time to look at whether Texas should join the national grid, said Garcia, whose Houston district has been without power for days. If we have to look at incentives to get Texas to do that if its better for the Texas good, then I think we need to do that. Fletcher and Veasey penned a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Wednesday asking for a conversation on the benefits and challenges of permitting outside energy transfers to Texas during emergencies. We understand that there are a number of legal, technical and infrastructure hurdles that will need to be overcome for greater interconnection, the representatives wrote. We firmly believe that every option should be explored so that we can avoid another catastrophic power failure. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio also believes the move should be actively explored, a spokesman said. Some of the chambers most powerful Democrats appear to agree, and are at least skeptical of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the nonprofit known as ERCOT that manages about 90 percent of the states electric load. The fact that Texas is almost like an island separated from the rest of the nations energy grids I dont think (that) helps because its more difficult for us to get power to them in the time of crisis, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., the chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, said during a hearing Thursday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who called the outages heartbreaking but predictable, said Thursday that the energy committee will be investigating the outages to see how things could have turned out better and will turn out better in the future. Together, we must build back better an electric grid thats cheaper, cleaner and more reliable, Pelosi said in a statement this week. Texas Republicans arent likely to go along with any effort to nationalize Texas grid, which is the only standalone grid in the country. Former Gov. Rick Perry made that clear on Wednesday, telling House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy that Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business. Jim Krane, an energy fellow at Rice University, said one of the easiest ways to make the Texas grid more reliable would be to connect it with the rest of the country but the additional federal regulations that accompany that move could be a pretty steep price, at least in the eyes of Texans. But, he added, that price might not look so steep if youre someone who just lost power and you might want more regulation. The independence of the state power grid has been a point of pride in conservative Texas since the 1930s, when U.S. officials were given oversight of power companies engaging in interstate electricity sales. And so Texas utilities decided not to extend their power out of state. At the time, many other states attempted to do the same, but few were able to match Texas economic viability, said Julie Cohn, a Rice University historian. The nations power grids developed organically over time, with local companies connecting to one another and eventually forming larger organizations, she said. Today, ERCOT is one of three power grids in the United States and Canada, with the eastern and western grids roughly separated by the Rocky Mountains. Texas has a few relatively small connections to other grids but operates essentially on its own, and there havent previously been any serious efforts to connect Texas more broadly, Cohn said. Its also unclear whether such a setup would have affected Texas current power crisis, since states connected to other grids were experiencing rolling blackouts at the same time, she added. Being part of the bigger power pool on the surface looks like it would help and at some point it probably would but it might not have helped as much as some would like, Cohn said. Still, critics see an opening for change in the current crisis, which has left millions of Texans in dark homes during sub-freezing temperatures, sometimes also without potable water. Jackson Lee said she asked the U.S. Department of Energy if they could help get power to Texas from other states, including California, and she was told there werent connections to bring in energy from anywhere west of Texas. They crafted it, constructed it, in a manner that the federal government would have the least amount of oversight look where we are today, Jackson Lee said of ERCOT. We have seen now the national embarrassment of a state that is known to be the energy state of the nation. It will not be an easy task but Im prepared to do what is right by Texans, she said. We cant, in this era of climate change, have a fragile, weak and unstable grid system relying only upon our own assets. Congressional Democrats are expected to push a massive infrastructure package that could include funding for electrical grid improvements later this year. Green, D-Houston, said that legislation could be the opening lawmakers need to integrate Texas into the national grid, following any immediate moves to modernize existing equipment. Those fixes, he noted, could have been done in the aftermath of similar widespread power outages during a 2011 winter storm but Texas officials never heeded federal recommendations issued that year to update and weatherize facilities to prevent against cold weather. I understand the desire to do it the Texas way thats fine, Green said. But were at a point now where we need to really be on one accord as it relates to power distribution and the maintenance of a system that can serve an entire country well, and that includes Texas. For now, though, Garcia said there is an immediate need to get recovery assistance to Texas. Speaking from a hotel room in Houston where she was staying to get power, Garcia said shes had conversations with Pelosi about working quickly to get funding to Texas to help with recovery efforts. She said that could include food stamp funding, assistance for residents facing massive energy bills when the power comes back on, help for small businesses similar to the $10,000 grants offered up in coronavirus relief packages and more. The federal government has offered immediate assistance to Texas, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency shipping in generators, water, blankets and diesel this week. President Joe Biden issued a federal emergency declaration for Texas last weekend, just as severe weather began to hit the Lone Star State. Garcia said shes planning to speak with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, about getting that funding in the works quickly. She said tacking it onto the massive COVID relief package that Democrats are already pushing through Congress would be too late, as it is unlikely to pass until mid-March. We cannot wait that long, Garcia said. We must fast-track emergency assistance for more emergency dollars. Harris reported from Austin. ben.wermund@chron.com cayla.harris@express-news.net The White House is throwing its support behind a global push to distribute coronavirus vaccines equitably, pledging $4 billion dollars to a multilateral effort the Trump administration spurned. At a Group of Seven meeting of leaders of the world's largest economies on Friday, President Biden will announce an initial $2 billion in funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to be used by the Covax Facility, senior administration officials said in a briefing. The United States will release an additional $2 billion over two years once other donors have made good on their pledges, and will use this week's G-7 summit to rally other countries to do more. The money, which was appropriated by a bipartisan congressional vote last year, will give a much-needed boost to a program jointly led by Gavi, the World Health Organization and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness. Thomas Bollyky, director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Relations, said that the money would be significant for Covax, which has struggled to raise the enough funding since it was announced last year. "Certainly earlier funds would have been helpful to Covax," said Bollyky. "But theres not much point in going back to that point. The question is, what can we do now? And this is a signal at least, that the U.S. intends to invest in and bolster Covax as a mechanism to meet the world's vaccine needs." Covax aims to get coronavirus vaccines to low- and middle-income countries that have been cut out of a vaccine race that's seen rich countries snap up the majority of doses, leaving everyone else to wait. Although more than 190 countries have agreed to participate, the Trump administration opted out, in part because of the former president's feud with the WHO. But so far the initiative has not began deliveries, and it has struggled not just with funding but also competition from wealthy nations who pursued bilateral deals. "These kinds of political commitments do matter and make a difference," said Sema Sgaier, an assistant professor of public health at Harvard and co-founder of nonprofit Surgo Ventures, adding that confirmed funding would allow Covax to pursue new deals. Covax plans to start distributing vaccines in the first half of this year. On Thursday, GAVI announced a memorandum of understanding with Novavax for a 1.1 billion doses of their vaccine, adding to earlier deals with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sanofi and Johnson and Johnson. The White House announcement comes amid growing concern from global health experts that the inequitable distribution of vaccines could prolong the pandemic, not only leaving vulnerable people in developing countries at risk but also raising the possibility of new variants. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres slammed the distribution of vaccines as "wildly uneven and unfair" at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, saying that 10 countries accounted for 75% of all vaccinations to date. Global vaccine distribution is among the planned topics of discussions for Friday's G-7 meeting, which is hosted by Britain and will be held remotely. A number of world leaders have made proposals ahead of the closed door meeting. In remarks published Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron said the United States and Europe should provide coronavirus vaccines to developing countries by donating up to 5% of the doses they have ordered. "We are allowing the idea to take hold that hundreds of millions of vaccines are being given in rich countries and that we are not starting in poor countries," Macron said in an interview with the Financial Times. While Western-made vaccines are being sold to African nations at "astronomical prices," he said, those same countries are being offered cheaper Chinese and Russian shots "of uncertain efficacy against new variants of the virus." Macron suggested allocating between 4 and 5% of current vaccine supplies in Europe and the United States and transferring them quickly to developing nations "so that people on the ground see it happening." High-income countries have so far secured over 4.6 billion doses among them - far more than all middle-income and lower-income countries combined, which had secured 2.5 million, according to Duke University. Macron said that German Chancellor Angela Merkel supported his plan to donate doses and that he hoped it would find backing from the United States and European allies. It is not clear if other nations would back donations of doses to other countries before the majority of their country has been vaccinated. In a separate announcement, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would call on world leaders to back efforts to speed up the development of vaccines to just 100 days to better fight future outbreaks. While coronavirus vaccines were developed and put to market in as little as 300 days, easily a historical record, Johnson said that in the future this needed to happen quicker. "By harnessing our collective ingenuity, we can ensure we have the vaccines, treatments and tests to be battle-ready for future health threats, as we beat Covid-19 and build back better together," the British prime minister said in a statement released Thursday. The British prime minister also said the country would donate surplus vaccine supply through Covax, in addition to over $760 million in funding already allocated, but did not give a time frame. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday that the government is working to overturn an order from Texas Governor Greg Abbott to cut off gas exports. On Thursday, Abbott directed natural gas producers to refrain from selling outside Texas until 21 February to divert supplies to power generators inside the state. According to Reuters, natural gas supplies to Mexico from Texas were already interrupted by the severe cold weather since early this week. It resulted in millions without power in Mexico's industrial northern states, causing an estimated $2.7 billion in losses. Mexico buys most of the gas produced in Texas, importing it via a network of cross-border pipelines. An Argus report said the order, once fully implemented, would deal a crippling blow to Mexico's industrial sector that relies on the U.S. gas supply. It is not clear if Abbott had the authority to order producers to disregard shipments' contracts to other states or Mexico. Apart from the commercial implications, the move could affect the bilateral trade terms in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "We are working with our diplomats to prevent this from happening. It will not only affect Mexico... It will affect other states in the union," said Lopez Obrador in a New York Times report. Lopez Obrador noted that the supply problems highlighted Mexico's need to cover more of its energy needs locally. Mexico, the U.S.'s second-largest trade partner, had been able to widely restore electricity distribution since Wednesday by supplying fuel oil to power plants and ordering purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to suppliers even from Texas. Some energy analysts believed that the massive power outage in northern Mexican estates was also due to poor emergency planning and mismanagement of Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission, also known as the CFE. "It's no surprise that the Mexican authorities would seize upon this situation to make the case for what they call energy sovereignty," Duncan Wood, senior adviser to the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center think tank in Washington, D.C., said in an El Paso Times report. Mexico's national power provider found itself powerless in the past few days and unable to provide electricity to 4.7 million customers, more than a quarter in Juarez and Chihuahua state. Related story: Mexico's 4.7 Million Power Users Scrambling Without Any Electricity, President Points Finger to U.S. Mexico's Power Situation Residents and businesses in the border community were heeding orders from Chihuahua's governor to ration natural gas on Wednesday after the Texas' widespread power outages. Like much of northern Mexico and Texas, Juarez is also experiencing one of the coldest winters in history. Chihuahua Governor Javier Corral urged citizens to minimize gas consumption as there is a natural gas shortage in Texas, the Dallas News reported. Corral said the gas that the U.S. has had been reserved for them. He added that the gas supply to more than 100 maquiladoras would be cut off, possibly affecting the supply chain in North America as work in the parts factories slows or stops. He said that the rationing of supply could last at least until Monday. The current energy crisis in Mexico highlights calls of Lopez Obrador for energy independence, citing the rising amount of natural gas imported from Texas. Officials said that Mexico imports more than 70 percent of its supply from the U.S. Lopez Obrador said Texas's situation is dire, adding that the U.S. state does not have gas and the supply they have increased a lot in price. Meanwhile, at least 40 people were reported dead across several states due to the winter weather affecting the central and southern parts of the U.S., according to a The Hill report. The death toll increased between Wednesday and Thursday, with reports of numerous people dying in Texas due to exposure and one more possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Deaths from cold weather have also been reported in the Houston area. Millions remained without power. "It appears that a lot of the generation that has gone offline today has been primarily due to issues on the natural gas system," Dan Woodfin, a top official at Texas's state power authority, said in a report. Read also: Woman, Girl Die From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Using Running Car to Stay Warm in Texas Freeze Joanne Rodriguez Thank you to Forbes and their panel of judges for this tremendous recognition Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, announced today that its founder and CEO Joanne Rodriguez was named to the first class of 250 business owners in Forbes Next 1000 2021. 2021 was already starting out great for Mycocycle with excellent progress on our SEED round and moving into our new offices, said Rodriguez. I am beyond excited about what the future holds for Mycocycle. We are entering into the next stage of our growth so gaining recognition from Forbes via their inaugural Next 1000 list emphasizes our position as innovators of the future. According to Forbes, the Next 1000 is our next big franchise to spotlight and accelerate self-funded, self-driven overachievers, providing a platform for under-represented communities. They explain that their goal is to highlight entrepreneurs who are not the typical white male profile who lead venture-backed startups but rather feature the company leaders who look like America, are pre-revenue startups and have under $10 million in revenue. Mycocyles vision is to create new circular economies that transform environmentally unstable processes into financially viable material opportunities. Mushrooms will change the way we manage and use waste now and in the future. Thank you to Forbes and their panel of judges for this tremendous recognition, concluded Rodriguez. View Rodriguez's profile here: https://www.forbes.com/profile/joanne-rodriguez/ About Mycocycle Mycocycle, Inc. was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was recognized as a Finalist in FastCompany's "2020 World Changing Ideas" Awards issue, a presenter for NREL's 2020 Industry Growth Forum, a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA's Innovation and America Recycle's Fair, and the winner of the Cleantech Open National 2020 Resiliency Challenge. Mycocycle has been named a 2021 Illinois Qualified New Business Venture under the Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. This program provides Illinois-based investors a state tax credit of 25 percent of their investment up to $2 million. For more information visit http://www.mycocycle.com. Two former contractors with the Birmingham Water Works Board pleaded guilty Friday to state felony ethics charges. Jerry DeWayne Jones and Terry Lee Williams made their pleas in a Jefferson County courtroom. They are now convicted of offering or giving anything to a public official for the purpose of corruptly influencing official action. The people of Alabama deserve to have confidence that those who do business with public entities are operating with integrity and merit, and not illegally gaining this privilege through corrupt payments, said Attorney General Marshall. These convictions should send a strong message that those who betray the public trust will be called to account for their crimes and face serious consequences. Jones, Williams and former BWWB chairwoman Sherry Lewis were indicted on the state charges in 2017. Jones, 57, of Birmingham, previously served as a vice president of Arcadis, U.S., Inc., an international engineering and consulting firm, and he was the principal-in-charge for Arcadiss contract with the BWWB. Williams, 66, of Mount Vernon, was the head of Global Solutions, International (GSI), a subcontractor for Arcadis. Lewis was charged with using her position for personal gain, or for the gain of a family member, and voting on matters in which she or her family members had financial interest. Jones and Williams were charged with of aiding and abetting Lewis in committing those crimes, with offering her money and other items for the purpose of corruptly influencing official action. Board member Sherry Lewis during the meeting. An Executive Committee meeting of the Birmingham Water Works Board held in Birmingham, Alabama Thursday February 27, 2014. (Frank Couch/fcouch@al.com) al.comal.com The charges revolved around the belief by prosecutors that Jones funneled money to subcontractor Williams at GSI LLC, in order for that company to pay or provide benefits to Lewis or her family. Lewis was convicted in October 2019. She received no jail time. As part of Jones plea agreement, he acknowledged that if his case went to trial, the state would have sufficient evidence that he introduced Williams to Sherry Lewis son Joseph Lewis, and that he and Williams discussed GSI hiring Joseph Lewis. Both defendants acknowledged that GSI did in fact hire Joseph Lewis to develop a website, that he never created or consulted on a website, and that he was nevertheless paid more than $25,000 for employment that resulted in little or no work product over about 18 months. Jones acknowledged that during this timeframe, Sherry Lewis voted multiple times to provide Arcadis with BWWB contracts. In addition, Jones acknowledged that he paid for a $700 meal in Chicago where a conference was being held, giving Joseph Lewis a $600 check and cash even though Jones did not participate in the meal. Jones later submitted an expense report to Arcadis that suggested that he participated in the $700 meal. Williams acknowledged writing checks to Joseph Lewis and depositing money directly into his bank account on multiple occasions. Furthermore, Jones acknowledged that one of the reasons he provided these things to Sherry Lewis and her son was to ensure that Arcadis remained the independent engineer for the BWWB. The defendants previously were convicted of related federal charges. In July 2020, Jones and Williams pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of these plea agreements, Jones and Williams acknowledged their participation in a false-invoice scheme that lasted more than two years and defrauded the BWWB of more than $250,000. Jones and Williams face two to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000 for the ethics convictions, which are Class B felonies. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Clyde Jones set sentencing hearings for both men for 9:30 a.m. on March 19. In the realm of European startup ecosystems, Sweden largely Stockholm ranks very close to the behemoths of London, Paris and Berlin. And with 10 million people, the nation certainly punches above its weight, having produced unicorns such as Spotify and Klarna, to name only two. As a result, the eight investors we surveyed are characteristically bullish about the future, despite a pandemic strategy that became more restrictive in the second half of last year. Sweden's initially laissez-faire approach to controlling COVID-19 might have helped its tech ecosystem ride out the uncertainty. Sweden is more open and is ahead of the pandemic curve, so more people are coming here than the other way around, said Jacob Key, founding partner with Luminar Ventures. Several people we spoke to said they saw green shoots regarding revenue growth and retention in their portfolio companies as founders adapted to the pandemic. Areas that are benefitting include digital health and remote work for obvious reasons, but given Sweden's strength in fintech and gaming, those sectors are both well positioned to thrive. As consumers become more desirous of sustainability, responsible shopping, green travel and plant-based food alternatives will likely contribute to a surge in companies in this space," said Sofia Dolfe of Index Ventures. Oversaturated areas are media/adtech and wellness/fitness apps. Some of the trends these investors are excited about include deep tech, AI, machine learning, healthcare/medtech, industrial IoT, energy storage and energy-efficient power generation, robotics, intelligent production and additive manufacturing. "I think there is a lot of interesting stuff coming out of Stockholm and accelerating with all recent success stories," said VNV Global's Bjorn von Sivers. Here's who we spoke to: Use discount code SWEDISHCRUNCH to save 25% off a 1-year Extra Crunch membership This offer is only available to readers in Europe and expires on April 30, 2021 Story continues Jacob Key, founding partner, Luminar Ventures What trends are you most excited about investing in, generally? AI automation, democratization, SMB SaaS. Whats your latest, most exciting investment? Hiberworld. Are there startups that you wish you would see in the industry but dont? What are some overlooked opportunities right now? Real-time sustainability health trackers for both consumers and businesses. What are you looking for in your next investment, in general? Super dedicated and talented team going after major problems. Which areas are either oversaturated or would be too hard to compete in at this point for a new startup? What other types of products/services are you wary or concerned about? Adtech companies, consumer lending companies, e-commerce retail, niche problems. How much are you focused on investing in your local ecosystem versus other startup hubs (or everywhere) in general? More than 50%? Less? 100% in the broader Swedish ecosystem. Which industries in your city and region seem well positioned to thrive, or not, long term? What are companies you are excited about (your portfolio or not), which founders? Gaming, fintech, applied AI, security, e-health. Mindler, Insurello, Hiberworld, Greenely, Normative, Marcus Janback, Tanmoy Bari. How should investors in other cities think about the overall investment climate and opportunities in your city? Strong momentum, more and more serial founders and experienced founders, strong broader ecosystem, product and tech-led founders with a global view. Do you expect to see a surge in more founders coming from geographies outside major cities in the years to come, with startup hubs losing people due to the pandemic and lingering concerns, plus the attraction of remote work? Sweden is more open and is ahead of the pandemic curve so more people coming here than the other way around. Which industry segments that you invest in look weaker or more exposed to potential shifts in consumer and business behavior because of COVID-19? What are the opportunities startups may be able to tap into during these unprecedented times? Travel, mobility, nice-to-have SaaS, recruiting. They should focus on work, event, travel 2.0 security, sustainability, e-health and entertainment. How has COVID-19 impacted your investment strategy? What are the biggest worries of the founders in your portfolio? What is your advice to startups in your portfolio right now? Not really. Focus on resourceful execution, digital-first sales, extend runway. Biggest worry is a much cooler investment climate. Are you seeing green shoots regarding revenue growth, retention or other momentum in your portfolio as they adapt to the pandemic? E-health, gaming, remote work, fintech. What is a moment that has given you hope in the last month or so? This can be professional, personal or a mix of the two. Founders seem even more dedicated, digital transformation happens much faster. Bjorn von Sivers, partner, VNV Global What trends are you most excited about investing in, generally? Business models with strong network effects. Mobility and micromobility services, Digital health, online marketplaces. Whats your latest, most exciting investment? SWVL, Babylon Health, Voi Technology. Are there startups that you wish you would see in the industry but dont? What are some overlooked opportunities right now? Startups addressing climate change, either indirect or direct. I think it will grow immensely over the coming years. What are you looking for in your next investment, in general? Business models with strong network effects. How much are you focused on investing in your local ecosystem versus other startup hubs (or everywhere) in general? More than 50%? Less? VNV Global has a global mandate. Approximately 10% of the portfolio is Sweden/Stockholm based. Which industries in your city and region seem well positioned to thrive, or not, long term? What are companies you are excited about (your portfolio or not), which founders? Any consumer service coming out of Stockholm eco system. In the portfolio I would highlight Voi Technology and Fredrik Hjelm (micromobility) and Grace Health founded by Estelle Westling and Therese Mannheimer that is building a digital health clinic for women in emerging markets. How should investors in other cities think about the overall investment climate and opportunities in your city? I think there is a lot of interesting stuff coming out of Stockholm and accelerating with all recent success stories. Spotify, iZettle, etc. Do you expect to see a surge in more founders coming from geographies outside major cities in the years to come, with startup hubs losing people due to the pandemic and lingering concerns, plus the attraction of remote work? It will probably increase a bit, but not significantly. Which industry segments that you invest in look weaker or more exposed to potential shifts in consumer and business behavior because of COVID-19? What are the opportunities startups may be able to tap into during these unprecedented times? International travel still has a lot of uncertainty and low visibility. Digital health and micromobility is defiantly seeing unprecedented demand. How has COVID-19 impacted your investment strategy? What are the biggest worries of the founders in your portfolio? What is your advice to startups in your portfolio right now? Not really impacted our strategy. I would say founders think a lot about the funding climate and how to best plan in this lower visibility environment. Are you seeing green shoots regarding revenue growth, retention or other momentum in your portfolio as they adapt to the pandemic? Yes, all across the portfolio. What is a moment that has given you hope in the last month or so? This can be professional, personal or a mix of the two. The fast recovery in our mobility businesses, which essentially saw activity drop significantly in late March/early April and has rebounded strongly since May Ashley Lundstrom, partner, EQT Ventures What trends are you most excited about investing in, generally? Im personally excited about investing in teams solving important problems the ones that affect disadvantaged populations, society at large, the environment, etc. And the exciting part is that were seeing more and more of this especially from serial entrepreneurs who have built companies, maybe even had good exits and now want to dedicate their skills to meaningful journeys. Whats your latest, most exciting investment? It actually hasn't been announced yet as we literally closed a few days ago and it's one that our AI platform Motherbrain pointed us to. Its one of those companies that when you hear about what theyre building you just say, Oh of course, thats a no-brainer. Its a great example of a product-led company seeing strong organic growth from a global user base and were chomping at the bit to start working together. Prior to this, my latest most exciting investment is Anyfin. Anyfin is a prime example of the potential of Stockholms second generation teams, coming out of the Swedish unicorns iZettle, Klarna and Spotify. Theyre a fintech building financial wellness products for users who need it the most. Theyve started with targeting interest rates head-on via a refinancing product and are launching more products and markets with the Series B funding raising they secured this spring. Are there startups that you wish you would see in the industry but dont? What are some overlooked opportunities right now? What are you looking for in your next investment, in general? Im keen to see teams who combine market experience with startup experience. All too often teams are either one or the other and I'd love to see a team come together where one co-founder says, I know this problem inside-out because Ive lived it and another co-founder who says, I know how to build and bring ideas to life. This combo would be really powerful. Over and above that, Im generally focused on investing in teams solving problems that are shared by huge bases either consumers or the long tail of B2B. One must in my book is that the product has to be consumer grade. This is obvious for consumer (although not always a given), but its something that weve become religious about in B2B too. Which areas are either oversaturated or would be too hard to compete in at this point for a new startup? What other types of products/services are you wary or concerned about? Were in the business of exceptions so I find it hard to rule out a category altogether due to competition. That being said, there are always sectors where its tricky to envision a winner-takes-all or winner-takes-most, for structural reasons, such as some types of recruiting or staffing, D2Cs or digital health services. How much are you focused on investing in your local ecosystem versus other startup hubs (or everywhere) in general? More than 50%? Less? Our strategy is to be local with locals and we invest broadly across Europe and, in specific cases, in the U.S. So, while personally my time's spent somewhat weighted toward the Nordics, more than 50% of the companies I work with are outside the Nordic countries. Motherbrain has helped us flatten geographies further, discovering great startups regardless of where they're located, and we regularly invest in great teams outside our local ecosystems. Which industries in your city and region seem well positioned to thrive, or not, long term? What are companies you are excited about (your portfolio or not), which founders? Theres a lot of talent for consumer products coming out of the Nordics particularly fintech in Stockholm (Tink, Anyfin, Brite), gaming in Finland (Small Giant Games, Reworks, Traplight), and a range of products out of Copenhagen including edtech and health tech (Eduflow, Corti). The great engineering talent we have in this region is also producing incredibly strong tech teams particularly in Finland, such as Varjo, Speechly and Robocorp. Were even starting to see some interesting activity in quantum computing (e.g., IQM) in the region. There are also some moonshot companies coming out of the Nordics that we're excited about long term, such as Solein, Einride, Heart Aerospace and Northvolt. How should investors in other cities think about the overall investment climate and opportunities in your city? The Nordic countries continue to punch above their weight and I am confident that this trend will continue meaning the investment opportunities will be many. As the ecosystems mature, the quality will continue to improve, which also speaks to this trend over time. Historically, downturns have produced strong tech companies, so I wouldn't be surprised if investors are keeping a close eye on the region to make sure they get the chance to back some of the most seasoned entrepreneurs who will most certainly be looking for ways to make the most of the current climate. Do you expect to see a surge in more founders coming from geographies outside major cities in the years to come, with startup hubs losing people due to the pandemic and lingering concerns, plus the attraction of remote work? I believe well see more remote teams, absolutely. However, I still think the hubs will be strong and important pieces of the ecosystem and I dont think well see these cities shrinking by material numbers. Though if people leave the most expensive cities, who could blame them? I do, however, think well see a more sharp trend of teams that were fairly local in the past, expanding to new geographies. And what may happen is that in itself will reveal new talent pools, which over the long term could create more hubs. Which industry segments that you invest in look weaker or more exposed to potential shifts in consumer and business behavior because of COVID-19? What are the opportunities startups may be able to tap into during these unprecedented times? Tech is in a great position overall because businesses are generally either working on digitization, which is seeing acceleration out of COVID-19 so tech falls clearly on the right side of that line, or green field modern or even futuristic ideas. Of the latter, of course, some of these ideas are nice-to-haves, which struggle when consumers are facing tough financial situations, but plenty are services that we believe well see working out long term. Of course anything physical, where the team isnt able to adapt the product quickly, like events or exercise services, will face temporary dips, but if these companies were originally betting on long-term trends, we believe that theyll still be in good positions going forward. How has COVID-19 impacted your investment strategy? What are the biggest worries of the founders in your portfolio? What is your advice to startups in your portfolio right now? COVID-19 hasnt affected our strategy, but it has helped us keep our eye on the ball in terms of making sure we stick to our strategy and stay mindful of our own runway funds have that too! The advice to our founders has been the following: (1) Extend the runway so you keep your options open, and then (2) be as aggressive as you possibly can. We're encouraging teams to act quickly both in terms of making internal decisions and in getting products to market to test them out. Our founders biggest worries are uncertainties around how long this will all last and our advice here is that they should operate as they always do and not wait for things to change, rather be ultrarelevant in the market youre in. Are you seeing green shoots regarding revenue growth, retention or other momentum in your portfolio as they adapt to the pandemic? Yes! Weve got a couple companies who are really well positioned particularly Wolt (food delivery) and the mobile games companies weve backed (Popcore, Reworks, Traplight, etc.). The current climate is especially favorable for these types of companies, and weve got great founders at the wheels who have been able to take advantage of the opportunities presented and who have seen tremendous growth as a result. What is a moment that has given you hope in the last month or so? This can be professional, personal or a mix of the two. The efforts by the public sector, including healthcare providers, to accelerate digitization has been refreshing. Sectors who have all too often had plenty of excuses for being slow and conservative have suddenly made big leaps and theyre proud of themselves for having done so! This gives me hope that there will be new or renewed appetites even as things go back to normal. Any other thoughts you want to share with TechCrunch readers? The Nordic countries have many great examples of digital tools used by the general public to conduct their everyday lives digitally. I would encourage founders and business leaders to look to these examples and see if there are opportunities to build for other geographies. Scandinavian trendsetting isnt just for fashion and interior design! Ted Persson, partner, EQT Ventures What trends are you most excited about investing in, generally? My main passion lies in backing ambitious teams solving real problems with real technology. So, pretty deep tech sometimes the anti-thesis of yet another B2B SaaS company solving almost the same problem in almost the same way. Im also interested in product and design-centric teams using superior UX to democratize something that previously was limited to a privileged few. Currently, Ive been spending a lot of time thinking about and doing research into the future of the creative industries, marketing, product design, etc. Whats your latest, most exciting investment? This spring, Ive led or been involved in four investments across quantum computing, group collaboration and two in the design and development tooling space. None of these have been announced yet though. The last announced investments were Sonantic and Frontify both very cool companies. Are there startups that you wish you would see in the industry but dont? What are some overlooked opportunities right now? Edtech is certainly one. What are you looking for in your next investment, in general? As were looking for outliers, its hard to generalize. But I get more excited about companies tying to solve hard problems rather than just piecing together a few APIs (which anyone can do). How much are you focused on investing in your local ecosystem versus other startup hubs (or everywhere) in general? More than 50%? Less? I personally dont have a geographical focus and enjoy working with our teams across Europe and the world, but since I live in Sweden, my network is slightly stronger here. Our proprietary AI platform Motherbrain also ensures we find rapidly growing or under-the-radar startups outside of our local ecosystems and networks. Which industries in your city and region seem well positioned to thrive, or not, long term? What are companies you are excited about (your portfolio or not), which founders? Were pretty good at gaming, entertainment, music and fintech in the Nordics. Its also easier to find really great designers here than in other parts of Europe. Do you expect to see a surge in more founders coming from geographies outside major cities in the years to come, with startup hubs losing people due to the pandemic and lingering concerns, plus the attraction of remote work? Yes, for sure. It's too early to tell, but a couple of portfolio companies have given up on their physical offices and a lot of startup people I know are working from across the country. I for sure think this will lead to a more international climate. Which industry segments that you invest in look weaker or more exposed to potential shifts in consumer and business behavior because of COVID-19? What are the opportunities startups may be able to tap into during these unprecedented times? A lot has been written about this already and, just like every other investor, weve spent a fair share of the spring mapping this out. All in all, tech is in a good position. How has COVID-19 impacted your investment strategy? What are the biggest worries of the founders in your portfolio? What is your advice to startups in your portfolio right now? There's been no change in our strategy. There was some initial confusion for obvious reasons and we took a short break to make sure our portfolio was in a good position to endure. Now, were back to normal and have made our first investments where we havent met the teams physically. Are you seeing green shoots regarding revenue growth, retention or other momentum in your portfolio as they adapt to the pandemic? Yes, certainly in a couple of areas, such as food delivery, gaming, remote working and collaboration. What is a moment that has given you hope in the last month or so? This can be professional, personal or a mix of the two. When people around myself, parents, older relatives, all of a sudden embrace digital tools and ways of working fully. Sofia Dolfe, principal, Index Ventures What trends are you most excited about investing in, generally? I love products that give people a strong feeling of community, of belonging to a group of like-minded people, and a sense of being invested in its success. Users are so passionate about the product that they can't stop themselves from recommending it to their friends, and their affinity with the brand grows over time. Search for these types of businesses often leads me to consumer businesses and marketplaces that are customer-centric and bring communities together. Are there startups that you wish you would see in the industry but dont? What are some overlooked opportunities right now? I am interested to hear about new takes on education in a post-COVID world in which people may be more open to challenge the traditional ways of learning. What are you looking for in your next investment, in general? I am looking for founders who are inspiring storytellers. So much of building a business is about getting everyone to come along for the ride, from the senior execs joining you, to the customers taking a chance on a young yet unproven business, to investors taking a leap of faith and sharing in your ambition. Founders who are great storytellers, are hungry and dream big from the get-go, and have the humility to know what they don't know, will be in my view those who have the best chance at making it big. Which industries in your city and region seem well positioned to thrive, or not, long term? What are companies you are excited about (your portfolio or not), which founders? Stockholm has historically been at the forefront of both fintech and gaming, and I do think these sectors are well positioned to thrive. Financial services will continue to be transformed, and the modern banking infrastructure in the Nordics makes this an attractive place to start a fintech business. As for gaming, the region has a strong track record and a high concentration of both studios and developer talent, making it a particularly fertile ground for breakout successes. A newer, fast-growing theme in the region is conscious consumption. Stockholm has a long history of eco-friendliness, and the maturity of CSR, responsible shopping, green travel and plant-based food alternatives will likely contribute to a surge in companies in this space. I'm excited to meet with founders who care deeply about this endeavor. How should investors in other cities think about the overall investment climate and opportunities in your city? Stockholm has proven itself to be a strong tech hub, and it has many of the necessary ingredients for continued successes. For one, founders think big and global from the start. Sweden has a population of 10 million, and founders creating category-defining companies know that they must enter other markets to dominate. The scale of companies such as King, Spotify and iZettle has also shown that success is within reach and cultivated a sense of courage among aspiring entrepreneurs. Sometimes the world risks underestimating the Swedes because they tend to be understated but as the track record of Sweden shows, they overdeliver. What is a moment that has given you hope in the last month or so? This can be professional, personal or a mix of the two. A few weeks ago I saw a handwritten note in the entrance of an apartment building in Stockholm. One of the residents was offering to purchase groceries, medication and other essential items to those unwell or at risk in the building. I'm hopeful that in times of difficulty, we are reminded of the importance of our local communities, of taking responsibility for others, and of how valuable a simple act of kindness can be to building relationships. Staffan Helgesson, partner, Creandum What trends are you most excited about investing in, generally? Transformation of old and large industries such as transportation, construction, real estate, etc. Digital health we will need to transform current health industry. Whats your latest, most exciting investment? Mavenoid. Automating tech support globally. Ex-Palantir founders. Are there startups that you wish you would see in the industry but dont? What are some overlooked opportunities right now? Insurance markets have not yet seen the wave of startups that the general fintech industry has seen. What are you looking for in your next investment, in general? Crazy ambitious entrepreneurs with their eyes set on disrupting a global market. Which areas are either oversaturated or would be too hard to compete in at this point for a new startup? What other types of products/services are you wary or concerned about? Many consumer verticals are tough to penetrate given big tech and related oligopoly. But every time I say that new phenomenal companies emerge. Such as Creandum's portfolio company Kahoot that just listed in Oslo for $1.5 billion. How much are you focused on investing in your local ecosystem versus other startup hubs (or everywhere) in general? More than 50%? Less? Creandum invests all across EU. No set targets we just want to find the best entrepreneurs. Which industries in your city and region seem well positioned to thrive, or not, long term? What are companies you are excited about (your portfolio or not), which founders? If picking one industry we're very excited about digital health with Stockholm-based Firstvet and Kry/Livi. (telemedicine for humans and pet owners). How should investors in other cities think about the overall investment climate and opportunities in your city? Stockholm/Nordics is a very sophisticated ecosystem that consistently keep producing global winners on a regular basis. Do you expect to see a surge in more founders coming from geographies outside major cities in the years to come, with startup hubs losing people due to the pandemic and lingering concerns, plus the attraction of remote work? Great companies will increasingly be built anywhere and we as an industry need to adapt. Those venture firms adapting best and fastest will be the winners going forward. I foresee a second green wave, like in the 70s, where people will move out from cities and/or have a dual-home setup. Which industry segments that you invest in look weaker or more exposed to potential shifts in consumer and business behavior because of COVID-19? What are the opportunities startups may be able to tap into during these unprecedented times? Travel and entertainment obviously. But even in these industries there will be winners going forward if they can ride the wave of digitizing (for example, tickets and events). How has COVID-19 impacted your investment strategy? What are the biggest worries of the founders in your portfolio? What is your advice to startups in your portfolio right now? It's all about access to long-term capital and track record. Creandum's strategy has not changed at all. Are you seeing green shoots regarding revenue growth, retention or other momentum in your portfolio as they adapt to the pandemic? Yes, especially in digital health. What is a moment that has given you hope in the last month or so? This can be professional, personal or a mix of the two. Closing a fully remote investment. Company called Meditopia in Turkey of all places :-). Tanya Horowitz, partner, Butterfly Ventures What trends are you most excited about investing in, generally? Deep tech, AI, machine learning, healthcare/medtech, industrial IoT and related cloud services and communication solutions, Energy storage and energy-efficient power generation, robotics, intelligent production, and additive manufacturing. Whats your latest, most exciting investment? Uute Scientific has created a natural product containing a specific mixture of microbes, which can be applied to various consumer products. These products decrease the probability of getting immune-mediated diseases, like asthma or Type 1 diabetes and consequently improve quality of life. Are there startups that you wish you would see in the industry but dont? What are some overlooked opportunities right now? In the region (Nordics), would like to see more in energy storage, power generation and energy/carbon reduction technologies. Food tech and agtech are an area to look toward given the world's increasing population. Edtech due to the COVID crisis. What are you looking for in your next investment, in general? We are looking for a strong team with unique tech aimed toward a global market. Which areas are either oversaturated or would be too hard to compete in at this point for a new startup? What other types of products/services are you wary or concerned about? Media/adtech unless truly unique seem to be oversaturated; also wellness/fitness apps, etc. How much are you focused on investing in your local ecosystem versus other startup hubs (or everywhere) in general? More than 50%? Less? Finland 40%-50%, Sweden 30%+, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Baltics remaining 20%. Which industries in your city and region seem well positioned to thrive, or not, long term? What are companies you are excited about (your portfolio or not), which founders? Industries: Health/medical. How should investors in other cities think about the overall investment climate and opportunities in your city? I think in Finland and the entire Nordics there is ample opportunities to invest in stellar teams and technologies that have a global market. The talent pool and support of the startup ecosystems are top notch. Do you expect to see a surge in more founders coming from geographies outside major cities in the years to come, with startup hubs losing people due to the pandemic and lingering concerns, plus the attraction of remote work? I do not see startup hubs losing people in the Nordics. I do however see founders coming from geographies outside major cities. Which industry segments that you invest in look weaker or more exposed to potential shifts in consumer and business behavior because of COVID-19? What are the opportunities startups may be able to tap into during these unprecedented times? Obvious is retail, restaurants, service industry. Also education (edtech) should be an area to really look into. Online entertainment (OTT), logistics (food, goods delivery), etc. How has COVID-19 impacted your investment strategy? What are the biggest worries of the founders in your portfolio? What is your advice to startups in your portfolio right now? It has only affected it slightly, we were lucky that we were almost at the end of our investment period and our portfolio of companies are set for this current fund vintage. We are the leading seed-stage deep tech investor in the Nordics and therefore most of our companies have fared OK. Are you seeing green shoots regarding revenue growth, retention or other momentum in your portfolio as they adapt to the pandemic? Yes, some of our portfolio has benefited from the pandemic, while others suffered with customers initially but seem to be recovered now. What is a moment that has given you hope in the last month or so? This can be professional, personal or a mix of the two. We are raising Butterfly Ventures Fund IV and started before the pandemic hit. While this has slowed us down slightly, our anchor and other LPs are rock solid and we as a team are committed to getting the first close done ASAP to capitalize with that dry powder in early 2021. While my heart goes out to those who have not been so lucky, personally we have been blessed to not have had direct tragedies related to the pandemic and my son is happy and healthy and that alone gives me hope everyday. Any other thoughts you want to share with TechCrunch readers? Global LPs should really explore Europe more, especially the Nordics! Sanna Westman, principal, Creandum What trends are you most excited about investing in, generally? Well, we typically say that if you invest in trends you're late to the party but of course there are some macro movements that are exciting and we monitor closely. For me personally digital health is one of those areas, it's not new but constantly developing and has of course been further accelerated the past year. Another area that is really interesting are products that help you be a better leader/manager/company. I'm not sure how to productize this but there's a huge opportunity in amplifying leadership. We've seen success with companies giving the individual user superpowers (no-code tools, productivity tools, etc.) but how about helping people scaling themselves and their teams? Remote work has a lot of benefits, but puts new challenges on managers. I also believe we'll see more quality companies battling climate change in different ways. Whats your latest, most exciting investment? SafetyWing on the intersection of social security and remote work. Are there startups that you wish you would see in the industry but dont? What are some overlooked opportunities right now? There's plenty more to do within B2B commerce: marketplaces, e-commerce enablers, new ways of financing, etc. Sure there are companies, but no way near as many (good) ones as it should be. What are you looking for in your next investment, in general? A short time to "Wow." Solutions that can give the user an instant value and then continue to add to that value they more they use the product Which areas are either oversaturated or would be too hard to compete in at this point for a new startup? What other types of products/services are you wary or concerned about? Mobility and delivery in general is quite crowded. Also open-banking payment solutions has seen a huge surge. How much are you focused on investing in your local ecosystem versus other startup hubs (or everywhere) in general? More than 50%? Less? The Nordics is along with DACH one of the key focus markets for Creandum, though there's no set allocation for any certain geography. We strive to back the best companies regardless of where they're located. Which industries in your city and region seem well positioned to thrive, or not, long term? What are companies you are excited about (your portfolio or not), which founders? Compared to other hubs there is a very high product focus in general, and given that Sweden is a small market the mindset is also international from day one. I think that makes more of a difference than a certain vertical. In terms of exciting companies Kive and Depict are worth keeping eyes on for the very early stages. For the more mature startups Kry and Firstvet are doing great as early enablers of digital health. How should investors in other cities think about the overall investment climate and opportunities in your city? Increasingly competitive but also a lot of strong talent. Do you expect to see a surge in more founders coming from geographies outside major cities in the years to come, with startup hubs losing people due to the pandemic and lingering concerns, plus the attraction of remote work? Even before the pandemic very few startups in Stockholm had 100% of their workforce in one location anyway, a hybrid setup was and continue to be very common. Which industry segments that you invest in look weaker or more exposed to potential shifts in consumer and business behavior because of COVID-19? What are the opportunities startups may be able to tap into during these unprecedented times? As the fund invests with a very long time horizon, +10 years, the short-term impact is not a key concern but of course we think about the long-term effects on e.g., business travel. We tend to look for the opportunities more than the drawbacks though, and there will be opportunities for new companies in industries that have been heavily impacted. It might actually prove to be good timing to disrupt. How has COVID-19 impacted your investment strategy? What are the biggest worries of the founders in your portfolio? What is your advice to startups in your portfolio right now? Initially we were cautious around runway and worked closely with the portfolio to make sure they could survive for a longer time should revenues decline and funding not be available. Summing up 2020 though, we were fortunate to look back on a year where many companies had overperformed and were able to raise significant up rounds. Great companies are created in all times and were committed to find the best seed and Series A companies. Are you seeing green shoots regarding revenue growth, retention or other momentum in your portfolio as they adapt to the pandemic? Definitely. We've seen several examples of V-shaped recovery, with revenues bumping back above pre-COVID levels and continuing on that trajectory. What is a moment that has given you hope in the last month or so? This can be professional, personal or a mix of the two. The hustle and optimism among entrepreneurs we meet. The "impossible is nothing" attitude is really inspiring. Who are key startup people you see creating success locally? I'd say some of the active "stay in the background" angels/mentors that are supporting a new generation such as Joachim Hedenius (Kry, CTO) or Johan Crona. And Susanna Campbell/Cristina Stenbeck who have been very active in their joint investments, often finding opportunities the VCs miss. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 13:59:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close An electronic board shows the compulsory use of facial masks inside a subway station in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Feb. 18, 2021. The number of COVID-19 cases in Brazil surpassed 10 million on Thursday as tests detected 51,879 new cases in the previous 24 hours, the Health Ministry said. (Photo by Rahel Patrasso/Xinhua) SAO PAULO, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The number of COVID-19 cases in Brazil surpassed 10 million on Thursday as tests detected 51,879 new cases in the previous 24 hours, the Health Ministry said. A total of 10,030,626 people have tested positive since the South American country confirmed its first COVID-19 case last February, representing the world's third-largest outbreak after the United States and India. Additionally, Brazil reported 1,367 COVID-19-related deaths, taking its death toll to 243,457, only second to the United States in total fatalities. Thursday also became Brazil's 29th consecutive day of more than 1,000 daily COVID-19 deaths. The country's most populous state Sao Paulo is the hardest hit, with 1,949,459 cases and 57,240 deaths, according to the ministry. Brazil is experiencing a second wave of rising infections and deaths since December. Specialists warned of further surges as a new and more contagious variant, called P1, was recently identified in Manaus, capital of the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas. Northeastern states such as Bahia and Ceara imposed a two-week night curfew this week and banned non-essential activities to prevent overwhelming the local healthcare systems. The federal government will deliever 100 million doses of CoronaVac vaccines it recently ordered from the Butantan Institute of Sao Paulo to states by September, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello told state governors at a virtual meeting on Wednesday. The minister promised to deliver more than 230.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by July, according to a schedule he presented at the meeting. About 5.7 million people in Brazil, or 3.6 percent of the population, have been vaccinated since Jan. 17 with CoronaVac, a vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac in collaboration with the Butantan Institute, and with a vaccine developed by Britain's AstraZeneca and Oxford University. The federal government said that everyone over 90 years of age has been vaccinated, local media reported Thursday citing an official document issued at the request of Brazil's Supreme Court. Enditem Subscriber content preview CULVER CITY, Calif. (AP) XPrize founder Peter Diamandis thought he could hold a conference in an immunity bubble in the middle of California's COVID-19 surge last month but instead created a superspreader event that infected attendees, staff and himself. I was wrong, Diamandis wrote in a Feb. 12 blog post that detailed the implications of a false sense of security created by negative test results that may lower vigilance and his conclusion that face masks and distancing really are effective. . . . 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. Another Liberal staffer has claimed she was raped by the same government advisor accused of sexually assaulting his junior colleague Brittany Higgins. Ms Higgins came forward this week with allegations she was raped by the man, described as a 'rising star' in the Liberal party, in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' Parliament House office in 2019. Prime Minister Scott Morrison maintains he did not know about the alleged assault until February 12, but an internal investigation into what his office knew is ongoing and is focusing on three senior aides. The second staffer, who has asked to remain anonymous, said she held the Morrison government responsible for her alleged assault. 'If this had been properly dealt with by the government in 2019 this would not have happened to me,' she told The Australian. Another Liberal staffer has come forward and said she was raped by the same staffer who is accused of assaulting Brittany Higgins (pictured) Ms Higgins came forward this week with allegations she was raped by the man, described as a 'rising star' in the Liberal party, in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' Parliament House office in 2019 'I am telling my story because I want to support Brittany [Higgins] and I want to help shine a light on this awful culture.' She said she had met the ministerial advisor in 2016 when he was working for Senator Reynolds during the election campaign. The second complainant said she felt she would not have been assaulted if the government had dealt with Brittany Higgins' (pictured) complaint in 2019 After he was fired following Ms Higgins' alleged rape the pair stayed in touch and met again in 2020 when they went out for a meal and he bought her drinks. 'We went back to my place and we were kissing we were going to have sex and I said he had to wear a condom,' she said. 'He refused and we argued and I told him five or six times that we couldn't have sex unless he wore a condom. I was drunk and he just got on top of me, I said no, and then he was inside of me and I kept saying no.' A family friend of the woman confirmed to The Australian she had made the same allegations to her after the alleged rape. Ms Higgins has claimed Mr Morrison's chief of staff John Kunkel, his private secretary Yaron Finkelstein, and senior adviser Julian Leembruggen knew about the alleged assault before February 12. That is the date Mr Morrison told Parliament his office became aware of the allegations and he was 'shattered' on Monday when he said he heard the allegation. 'I can tell you I knew about it on Monday. Frankly it shattered me, it absolutely shattered me,' he said on Friday. 'Of course there are many ramifications of this but, frankly, the one that shattered me the most was just the sheer humanity of what has occurred here.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) has maintained he did not know about the alleged rape until February 12, as an internal inquiry seeks to find out when his office knew Explosive text messages have cast serious doubt over when the prime minister's office first knew about the alleged rape But explosive text messages shed doubt on the claim the prime minister's office did not know about the alleged assault. In the April 3, 2019, message a fellow Liberal staffer told Ms Higgins he had spoken directly with a member of Mr Morrison's staff. 'Spoke to PMO. He was mortified to hear about it and how things have been handled,' he said. 'He's going to discuss with COS no one else. I flagged need for councillor (sic) and desire to be closer to home during election.' PMO refers to the prime minister's office and COS is shorthand for chief of staff. Scott Morrison (pictured right with Ms Higgins) claims his office did not find out about the alleged rape until last week and he was not informed until Monday On Friday Ms Higgins made a statement saying she would proceed with a formal complaint to police as she wants 'my perpetrator to face the full force of the law'. 'Today I have re-engaged with Australian Federal Police and will proceed with a formal complaint regarding the crime committed against me in what should be the safest building in Australia,' she said in a statement on Friday. 'The Australian Federal Police have made assurances to me that they will handle this matter thoroughly and transparently. Ms Higgins said she expected a 'truly independent investigation' into how her matter was handled by different government offices and others who knew about her circumstances. She also demanded a review into the conditions under which ministerial and parliamentary staff are employed. 'Political advisers have very few protections, resources and confidential reporting mechanisms to address any workplace issues,' Ms Higgins said. 'Too often, a toxic workplace culture can emerge that enables inappropriate conduct and this is exacerbated by the disparity in the power dynamics.' BRITTANY HIGGINS' FULL STATEMENT Today I have reengaged with Australian Federal Police and will proceed with a formal complaint regarding the crime committed against me in what should be the safest building in Australia. By publicly coming forward with my experience in Parliament House, I've sought to achieve two things. Firstly, I want a comprehensive police investigation into what happened to me on 22/23 March 2019 and for my perpetrator to face the full force of the law. The Australian Federal Police have made assurances to me that they will handle this matter thoroughly and transparently. I would also ask that they handle it in a timely manner as to date, I have waited a long time for justice. Secondly, given my experience, I am determined to drive significant reform in the way the Australian Parliament handles issues of this nature and treats ministerial and parliamentary staff more generally. I expect a truly independent investigation into how my matter was handled inside the government including offices where I worked, and other offices and parties that had knowledge of my circumstances. I believe that getting to the bottom of what happened to me and how the system failed me is critical to creating a new framework for political staff that ensures genuine cultural change and restores the trust of staff. In addition to an independent investigation into what happened to me, I demand a significant review into the conditions under which ministerial and parliamentary staff are employed and how we can do better. Political advisers have very few protections, resources and confidential reporting mechanisms to address any workplace issues. They are not public servants and work in an extremely high-pressure environment. Too often, a toxic workplace culture can emerge that enables inappropriate conduct and this is exacerbated by the disparity in the power dynamics. How ministerial and parliamentary staff are treated is a bipartisan issue that impacts staff from across the political spectrum and must be treated as such. The Prime Minister has repeatedly told the Parliament that I should be given 'agency' going forward. I don't believe that agency was provided to me over the past two years but I seize it now and have advised the Prime Minister's Office that I expect a voice in framing the scope and terms of reference for a new and significant review into the conditions for all ministerial and parliamentary staff. It is important that the reform is real and drives change beyond dealing with just what happened to me, and how the system let me down. From the outset, I have driven by my desire to ensure that no other person would have to go through the trauma that I experienced during my time in Parliament House. I was failed repeatedly, but I now have my voice, and I am determined to use to ensure that this is never allowed to happen to another member of staff again. This has been a very difficult and trying week for me, my partner and my family. I would ask please that my privacy is respected as I now deal with the processes I have outlined in this statement. I do not intend to make any further public comment at this time. Advertisement The former Liberal staffer said Prime Minister Scott Morrison had mentioned more than once she should be given 'agency' going forward, and that she was indeed seizing it now. On Friday Ms Higgins (pictured with Linda Reynolds) made a statement saying she would proceed with a formal complaint to police as she wants 'my perpetrator to face the full force of the law' Ms Higgins says she expects to have a voice in framing the scope and terms of reference for a review into conditions for staff, saying it is important that real change is achieved. She said that from the outset of going public about her alleged rape, she had done so with the aim that no other person should go through what she had experienced. Mr Morrison denied he had misled the public and maintains he is horrified by the allegations. 'I have sought to be as open and honest as I can be about this matter. I have told you everything I know about this matter. I will continue to,' he said. Labor leader Anthony Albanese said the text messages completely contradicted Mr Morrison's claim that his office wasn't informed until last week. 'It's just incomprehensible that the prime minister's office, given a reported sexual assault had occurred 50 metres from his office, wouldn't have then had a discussion about handling the issue,' he told the ABC. 'It just doesn't stack up.' Mr Albanese said Ms Higgins deserved straight answers about who knew what and when. 'I believe Brittany Higgins when it comes to the incident and tragedy.' Greens senator Larissa Waters is not satisfied by an internal review into the text messages, and will push for a public inquiry into the alleged rape and response when parliament resumes next week. Splendid activities were held both online and offline around the world to celebrate the Spring Festival, in hope of an auspicious Year of the Ox. Foreign dignitaries and heads of international organizations also sent greetings to Chinese people and overseas Chinese amid the Spring Festival. As foreign media reported, the high attention attached on the Chinese oriented festival by global countries heralds solidarity and strength in the extraordinary Year of the Ox. Chinese people's love for their families and country was well observed during the past Spring Festival. To better control the COVID-19 pandemic, over 100 million Chinese chose to skip returning home for the Chinese New Year, a festival that is considered the most important occasion for family reunion throughout the year. From Jan. 28 to Feb. 11, a total of 52.33 million railway passenger trips were made, down by 116 million or 68.8 percent from a year ago. However, China's courier industry collected and shipped 365 million express packages between Feb. 11, the Chinese New Year's Eve and Feb. 15, surging 224 percent year on year. Such figures mirrored the strength of "harmony." As Spanish news outlet El Pais remarked, China has entered the post-pandemic era. Besides, the Chinese people's caring for the whole mankind also touched the world. The country's sincere and active contribution to the global efforts to fight the pandemic didn't stop amid the Chinese New Year holiday, and the strength of "harmony" flowed to every corner of the globe. When attending a webinar to mark the Spring Festival, Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin spoke highly of the cooperation between China and Ireland to fight COVID-19. He expressed his thanks to China for assisting his country to purchase anti-pandemic materials. Pakistani President Arif Alvi also thanked China for helping Pakistan fight the pandemic and hailed the long-lasting friendship between the two countries. Vice President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue remarked the mutual assistance between Equatorial Guinea and China has left an indelible chapter of friendship when receiving vaccines donated by China. Many other state leaders also wished bigger successes of China in the new year, which demonstrates that the growth of China is a growth of peaceful power, and the country is bound to constantly make newer and greater contributions to the noble cause of peace and development. The happy and harmonious festivity brought warmth to the world haunted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Landmarks in New York, Tokyo and other places of the world were lighted to celebrate the Spring Festival. Dragon dancing and acrobatics shows were staged on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand after the country made this year's Spring Festival a legal holiday for the first time ever. Singapore hosted online Chingay, which means the art of costume and masquerade, themed Light of Hope. The event was joined by over 150 organizations and 2,000 people. Though countries celebrated the festival in different forms, they shared the same aspiration for a better life and encouraged each other to build the planet into a more beautiful place. Ox signifies diligence, sacrifice, endeavor and strength in Chinese culture. To strive like an ox and respond to challenges with concrete efforts is a common aspiration of the world. "The ox symbolizes energy, strength, and courage. These qualities are what the world needs now," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a video message for the Spring Festival. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the ox has a positive outlook, and this made her optimistic that together the world can overcome what is still a global crisis. Deputy Director-General Karl Brauner of the WTO remarked that the Year of the Ox will be a year of recovery. People across the world are wishing for a harmonious, smooth and auspicious year. On the global stage, China, by upholding the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, will sincerely join hands with global partners for closer cooperation and a better future. The Marshall Co. Sheriff's Department says this Honda ATV that was reported stolen on Thursday was recovered Friday at a Gilbertsville home. PHOTO:Marshall County Sheriff's Office ATV Reported Stolen in Marshall County By West Kentucky Star Staff MARSHALL COUNTY - The Marshall County Sheriff's Department is asking for help locating a stolen ATV.On Thursday morning, deputies took a report from the owner of a blue 1999 Honda Fourtrax 300, taken from property on Olive Creek Road. It's a two-wheel drive model and has a gray seat.Anyone with information on this theft should contact the sheriff's department at 270-527-3112. The Rs 625-crore initial public offering (IPO) of Heranba Industries will open for subscription between Tuesday, February 23, 2021, to Thursday, February 25, 2021. The subscription for anchor investors will open on Monday, February 22, 2021, ahead of the public issue. The price band of the IPO by the Gujarat-based agrichemicals manufacturer has been fixed at Rs 626-627 per share. Heranba's IPO comprises an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 90.15 lakh (90,15,000) equity shares, where investors can bid in the lot of 23 equity shares and multiples thereof. The shares were trading at Rs 827 in the grey market, quoting a premium of Rs 200 or 32% over the IPO price of Rs 627 apiece. As per the company's DRHP, the net proceeds from the IPO will be utilised to finance the company's working capital requirements and general corporate purposes. Post the IPO, the promoters and promoter group shareholding will come down to 74.15 per cent from 98.85 per cent. Meanwhile, the public shareholding will rise to 25.85 per cent from 1.15 per cent. The basis of share allotment is expected to be finalised on March 2 and shares are likely to be credited to Demat account on March 4. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and National Stock Exchange. Keshav Lahoti-Associate Equity Analyst, Angel Broking said, "Heranba Industries has a robust past track record of performance. In the future, we expect the company to gain market share and improve margins. Company has priced its issue at 22.1x PE on a trailing basis, which is quite reasonable by looking at the future prospects of the Company. Its peers such as Rallis India, Sumitomo Chemicals and Bharat Rasayan are trading at 23.1x, 47.3x and 27.0x PE on a trailing basis respectively. Company return ratios are superior to peers (ROE is above 30%). Company has a strong financial position and has been generating positive cash flow. We expect a good listing for the Company. We are positive on the long term prospects of the Company, we recommend "SUBSCRIBE" to the Heranba Industries IPO for long term as well as for listing gains." Axis Capital said in its note, "The company has 3 manufacturing and packaging facilities in and around the industrial belt of Vapi, Gujarat having 174 reactors with an aggregate manufacturing capacity of 14,024 MTPA. There is no significant impact on the operations of Heranba and the Company is poised to generate growth in the operations. The impact of the lockdown to the Company was minimal as the company deals with Agro Products and the Government gave relaxation to the Agro Products." Kotak Securities said in its note," HIL's promoters have more than thirty (30) years of individual experience in the agrochemicals sector and are adequately qualified to manage the operations of the Company from manufacturing, exports and marketing. Its Promoters are completely involved in the day to day affairs of the Company and future business strategies. Various domestic and multinational agrochemical companies operating in and outside India are HIL's customers for the Technicals manufactured by the company. HIL's core strength lies in the R&D of Active Ingredients for creating new Formulations, preparing dossiers for national and international registrations of these new Formulations."Emkay Global Financial Services and Batlivala & Karani Securities India are the book running lead managers to the IPO while Bigshare Services is the registrar of the issue.Incorporated on May 17, 1992, the crop protection chemicals manufacturer is one of the leading domestic producers of synthetic pyrethroids, that exports its products to more than 60 countries in the world. Most analysts term Heranba Industries IPO a good option for listing gains in the short term. Stocks in news: NMDC, DLF, IDFC First Bank, Airtel, Vodafone, Indian Oil, Ambuja Cements Share Market Live: Sensex drops 250 points, Nifty at 15.050; ICICI Bank, Tata Motors, NTPC top losers President Biden is pressing for speedier inoculations as well a case he is expected to make on Friday, when he travels to Kalamazoo, Mich., to visit the manufacturing plant of Pfizer, one of the two manufacturers of federally authorized vaccine. Federal officials estimate that as many as six million vaccine doses are still being unnecessarily stowed away. Freeing them up could increase the number of doses used by more than 10 percent significantly stepping up the pace of the nations inoculation program at a time when speed is of the essence to save lives, curb disease and head off more contagious variants of the virus. So far, 56 million shots have been administered, and only 12 percent of Americans have received one or more doses. The idea that doses are sitting in cold storage while millions of people languish on waiting lists has deeply frustrated government officials. The roots of the problem are twofold. First, when the federal vaccination program for long-term-care facilities began late last year, the C.D.C. based allotments on the number of beds, even though occupancy rates are the lowest in years. According to the American Health Care Association, a trade group, only 68 percent of nursing home beds and 78 percent of assisted living beds are now filled. Then the C.D.C. doubled that allotment to cover staff. But while four-fifths of long-term-care residents agreed to be vaccinated in the first month of the program, 63 percent of staff members were not given shots, the agency reported. Some of them have since been vaccinated, although it is not clear exactly how many more. Despite the lack of uptake, the pharmacy chains that administer the program continued tapping their allotments from the federal government. At one point in Virginia, Dr. Avula said, they had used fewer than one in every three doses they had on hand. As good, corporate, risk-averse companies, Clark Mercer, the chief of staff to Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, said, if they can draw down, they are going to draw down. With the Zodiac Kil-- sorry, Senator Ted Cruz back in the Lone Star state, after sparking controversy for vacationing as Texas grapples with the aftermath of a deadly winter storm that has left millions without power, the politician has spoken out, sharing a statement in an attempt to cover his as-- uh, I mean clarify the situation. His excuse? His daughters made him do it. "With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends," the Senator explained. "Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon. My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas," he continued."We want our power back, our water on, and our homes warm. My team and I will continue using all our resources to keep Texans informed and safe." Continue Reading Below Advertisement Twitter, and well, most anyone with a functioning brain, however, refused to buy his excuse, discussing his daughters' newest vacation destination ... Continue Reading Below Advertisement ... personally relating to the bizarre move ... Turkey's top appeals court approved a jail sentence against a lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) on terrorism charges, state media said on Friday, potentially opening the way to him being barred from parliamentary membership. Two other lawmakers from the HDP, the parliament's third largest, had their parliamentary status revoked last year, after convictions against them became final. Revocation of their status means they are no longer a member of the assembly. President Tayyip Erdogan, his AKP Party and their allied Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) accuse the HDP of links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). HDP denies links to terrorism. Many of the party's prominent members have been investigated, tried and jailed over terrorism charges. Selahattin Demirtas, the party's former leader and one of Turkey's most prominent politicians, has been in jail for more than four years. The HDP has came under renewed pressure this week after 13 captive Turks were found to have been killed by PKK militants in a cave in northern Iraq. State-owned Anadolu news agency said on Friday the Court of Cassation approved a jail sentence of two years and six months against HDP lawmaker Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu over spreading terrorism propaganda. The ruling means the sentence is final, which could lead to his parliamentary status being revoked. Another investigation was launched against Gergerlioglu this week after he said on Twitter that the Turks who were killed by the PKK could have survived if the government had made efforts to rescue them. The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union, has been waging an insurgency in the mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey since 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. Turkey's recent fight against the PKK has increasingly focused on northern Iraq, where the group has its stronghold in the Qandil mountains. Short link: Betul : , Feb 19 (IANS) Former minister in the previous Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh, Sukhdev Panse, has made a derogatory remark against Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, calling her a 'Naachney Gaane waali' (which loosely translates into a cheap version of a public entertainer). Panse said Ranaut, who insulted the farmers protesting at various borders of New Delhi, had met with a Congress-led protest during the shoot of her upcoming spy thriller Dhaakad leading to police action on the political party workers. When some leaders from the Congress opposed her, the state police resorted to physically assaulting the Congress workers. Kangana was at Sarni in the Betul district where the Congress protest took place last week. Police used force on the Congress leaders and also registered cases against them. On Thursday, Congress workers took out a rally under the leadership of Panse and submitted a memorandum to the District Collector. Protesting the police action and FIRs registered, Panse said the police action was against democracy. The Congress has been supporting the farmers agitation against the three contentious central farm laws. "The police should not act as a puppet of Kangana as governments keep changing. There should be a fair investigation of the police's action against the Congress workers and no action should be taken against our party workers till the probe is complete," Panse added. More than 250 Congress workers on February 12, protested at Sarni, where Ranaut was shooting. They demand that she apologise for her tweets against farmers. In response, Kangana tweeted: "Police protection has been increased around me as Congress workers in MP held a protest to stop my shoot. Congress MLAs are saying they are protesting on behalf of farmers. Which farmer gave them such power of attorney? Why can't they protest for themselves?" -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text 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 Gadsden man has been formally charged after authorities say he stole a patrol cruiser during a dramatic attempted getaway last week. Jason Ray Boyd, 41, is now charged with first-degree escape, a Class B felony, as well as first-degree theft of property and two counts of criminal mischief, Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton announced Friday. The ordeal began at 11:01 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11. It happened during a prisoner transport drop-off when Boyd was returning to the Etowah County Jail from Municipal Court. Horton said Gadsden police were taking Boyd back to jail and his restraints had been moved in sally port. As Boyd walked toward the detention center, surveillance cameras caught Boyd opening the door on a Gadsden police vehicle and fleeing from the detention center. Boyd drove the police vehicle through two locked security gates, exiting the detention center onto First Avenue. A short time later, Boyd exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Gadsden Officer Jason Coffman located Boyd sitting on the porch of a residence on Peachtree Street. The estimated damage to the detention center totaled $20,000. There was also $14,000 of estimated damage to the Gadsden Police vehicle. Boyd was transported back to the Etowah County Detention Center where he is being held on a $90,000 cash bond. A solicitor has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting another legal professional in Dublin last week. The man, aged in his 40s, is currently being held at the Bridewell garda station in the city centre. An investigation was launched after gardai were alerted to an alleged assault on Wolfe Tone Quay on February 11. Two men, who are both lawyers, were involved in the altercation at around 11am and one suffered a suspected broken nose. The injured male, also aged in his 40s, was later hospitalised where his injuries were assessed and treated. This morning gardai arrested a suspect on suspicion of assault causing harm. The solicitor is currently being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and can be held for a period of up to 24 hours. He must then either be charged, or released from custody pending a file to the DPP. The man is a well-known legal professional and criminal lawyer. Gardai were carrying out a checkpoint last week when they were alerted to the altercation. Both parties were quickly identified and gardai believe the incident began over a professional row between the men. A garda spokeswoman confirmed that one man is currently in garda custody in relation to the incident. In a previous statement they said: "Gardai at the Bridewell have commenced an investigation following an alleged assault incident between two males on Wolf Tone Quay, Dublin 7 shortly after 11am on Thursday 11th February 2021. "One of the men involved sustained facial injuries in the incident. Investigating Gardai have identified both parties involved and enquiries are ongoing," the spokesman added. Ella Emhoff, the 21-year-old knitwear designer who signed a major modeling contract in January, has released her first clothing collection since her viral coat-wearing appearance at the inauguration of her stepmother, Vice President Kamala Harris. Introduced Thursday morning on Mall, a shopping platform for emerging designers, the collection included five knitted items, priced between $160 and $320: two sweater vests, a purse, a long sleeveless dress and a pair of shorts. Only one of each item was made. Within 30 minutes, three of the five pieces had sold out. This model of drops or limited releases, often heavily promoted on social media originated in the streetwear world, where large groups of fans would line up for hours to buy a new style of sneaker. Its since become a ubiquitous strategy, though mostly online now, for selling all kinds of things: not just Kylie Jenners lipstick kits and Telfar Clemenss leather bags but also gourmet meals and Indigenous beadwork. 7 in a day: Number of terrorists gunned down in valley in 2021 stands at 31 Different terror groups, one master: What has made terrorists desperate in Kashmir Two cops martyred in terror attack at Bagat Barzulla area of Srinagar India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 19: A fresh terror attack took place in Bagat Barzulla area of Srinagar. Two policemen of the Jammu and Kashmir police force have been martyred in the attack. In an unprovoked attack terrorists attacked policemen deployed at Baghat town in the outskirts of Srinagar. The area was immediately cordoned off. #WATCH Terrorist opens fire in Baghat Barzulla of Srinagar district in Kashmir today ( CCTV footage from police sources) pic.twitter.com/FXYCvQkyAb ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2021 Both the injured #policemen namely SgCT Mohammad Yousuf of Zurhama Kupwara and Ct Suhail Ahmad of Logripora Aishmuqam attained #martyrdom. We pay our rich tributes to the #martyrs and standby their families at this crucial juncture, the Kashmir Zone police said in a tweet. #BarzullaTerrorAttackUpdate: Both the injured #policemen namely SgCT Mohammad Yousuf of Zurhama Kupwara and Ct Suhail Ahmad of Logripora Aishmuqam attained #martyrdom. We pay our rich tributes to the #martyrs and standby their families at this crucial juncture. @JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/dP9jJrFPCd Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) February 19, 2021 Minutes after the attack The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and formed last year. Fresh terror attack in Bagat Barzulla area of Srinagar, two cops martyred In a separate incident, three unidentified terrorists were killed in an encounter in south Kashmir's Shopian on Friday. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News Earlier this week, a hotel worker of the Krishna Dhaba in Srinagar was injured in a terror attack. A group called the Muslim Janbaaz Force claimed responsibility for the attack. The group also warned of more attacks. The stock is down 3.2% ahead of the open in New York. s ( ) business model has been dealt a blow as the UK Supreme Court on Friday ruled that drivers are workers and are therefore entitled to employment rights including minimum wage, rest breaks and holiday pay. Moreover, it judged that drivers working time is not limited only to the periods in which theyre driving passengers and that they are working for any period when the driver is logged into the app and are available to accept customer trips. Underlying employment disputes can now move to tribunal as they had previously been stayed until the Supreme Court process concluded. The legal ruling follows a protracted battle in the UK, Ubers largest European market, where it has had multiple issues around employment issues and its licences to operate. Uber has similarly faced pushback over drivers rights in a number of other territories, including California and the European Union. In a statement, the Silicon Valley company said: Weve made a lot of progress in recent years, but we know there is more to do. We will now launch a nationwide consultation to seek the views of all active drivers who use our app in the UK. We want to understand what drivers value about Uber and crucially where things could improve. It said it has made changes to its business in the last couple of year and argued that many of the examples called out in the judgement are no longer relevant. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Leveraging GIS for Logistics Maintaining optimal visibility is key to ensuring timely deliveries and providing superior customer service, and Esris GIS mapping software technology plays a critical role in helping Werner Enterprises track and optimize our fleet of approximately 7,300 trucks. Using ArcGIS and a satellite tractor tracking network allows us to accurately optimize, plan, direct and analyze our fleet to save money and fuel while providing the safest, most effective routes for our customers. "GIS technology enabled us to take appropriate action within an hour of a rockslide and we were able to make timely billing adjustments for the new out-of-route miles as needed" GIS in Everyday Operations Consolidating key on-road operations into a single visual and intuitive view has significantly streamlined Werner's workflows. Every day, thousands of our 18-wheel trucks and professional drivers are on the move, delivering food, beverages, manufactured goods and other freight across the United States. Werner is able to display truck specific locations, preferred fuel and maintenance stops and Werner facility locations on a map with up-to-the-minute information to manage our large inventory of trucks. Knowing the location of trucks allows companies to be prepared for anything: inclement weather, load changes, maintenance issues, optimal fuel stops, rest or emergency services. Logistical details are quickly available and displayed by clicking any truck icon on the map.The user interface provides the most frequently used query combinations for each user type and their role in the company. Users can then apply added filters to help limit or sort the resulting data. Details such as shipment destination points, next stops, driver names, driving hours available, types of freight being transported and appointment times are available to the user. These details help ensure driver needs are better managed, trucks are on time for scheduled maintenance and routes are optimized. When a rockslide occurred in North Carolina and closed a portion of Interstate 40, Werner staff was able to see the routes feeding into that section of freeway and locate all trucks affected by the closure. Expecting the Unexpected When a rockslide occurred on North Carolina's Interstate 40, Werner used GIS mapping tools and analytics to quickly react. Instead of looking through reams of data records by hand, our staff utilized mapping tools to identify specific trucks set to pass through the affected area. Shipment schedules were coordinated with customers in a matter of hours while driving routes were optimized and communicated. We were able to make timely billing adjustments for the new out-of-route miles as needed, and GIS technology enabled us to take appropriate action within an hour of the rockslide. See Also: Top GIS Solution Companies Corporate Analytics at Work While Werner initially used GIS to gain better insight into fleet operations, today the company uses ArcGIS for business analytics. Spatially enabling our fleet, shipment locations, optimal routes and driver home locations has allowed us to extend the analytic power of GIS to improve customer service, identify backhaul opportunities, recommend locations for customer distribution centers and target optimal driver hiring areas. Core Technology Currently, Werner is running ArcGIS Server 10, integrating GIS data and maps more completely into our enterprise workflow. Werner chose to implement GIS over the Internet so data could be easily shared throughout the organization using standard Web browsers to access maps and data. We have developers in both Omaha, Nebraska, and Shanghai, China, that work together to continuously improve the features and usability of these GIS applications. With .NET framework, HTML 5 and CSS 3, the web-based mapping programs and services are used primarily by dispatchers, driver managers and road breakdown agents. Spatial Clustering for Usability Sometimes when viewing a map that reflects several trucks located in the same general area, the icons appear close together and can be difficult to quantify. As users navigate the map to a lower elevation, these icons eventually separate and have more meaning through the use of spatial clustering. Rather than having overlapping duplicated icons that clutter a map, multiple points are rolled up into a single icon and summary number. This sounds simple but is actually quite intricate. Factors such as visual scope of field, zoom elevation, query result data points and point proximity in relation to surrounding results all contribute to the complexity. Spatial clustering is an advanced concept that requires mathematical, analytical, programming and artistic skills. When implemented correctly, the results are visually appealing and offer faster performance for end users. The Future: Geo-Fencing and Proactive Alerts The future stages of GIS technology deployment at Werner will allow monitoring for out-of-route conditions as they occur. Instead of waiting until after a delivery to identify the out-of-route condition and cost,geo-fencing will alert operations staff to any truck headed off course. This is not new technology, but using it effectively does require incorporating advanced concepts. Knowing a tractor is not following a planned route is the simple part. The complexities include built-in tolerances for traffic congestion, road conditions, elevation, cargo type, fuel, toll avoidance, planned or unplanned maintenance and approved out-of-route situations. Geo-fencing also can be used for off-schedule conditions. In the world of transportation and logistics, it is critical to know where a shipment is located at any given time. Using GIS services at the heartof a proactive alerting and notification system, Werner Enterprises is well positioned to benefit its customers, drivers and partners. Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 19, 2021 / Brigadier Gold Limited (the "Company" or "Brigadier") (TSXV:BRG)(FSE:B7LM)(OTC PINK:BGADF) is pleased to announce the planned addition of a second drill rig in connection with commencement of phase-2 diamond drilling at its Picachos gold-silver project, Sinaloa Mexico (the "Picachos Project", "Picachos" or the "Property"). The Company also intends to complete a private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. Ranjeet Sundher, Brigadier's CEO commented: "We continue to make excellent progress at Picachos, although we have only just started to evaluate the potential of this extensive mineralized system. The additional rig will help considerably in accelerating our investigating the many high priority existing and newly identified targets on the Property. The Cocolmeca vein structure (CVS) is persistent and strongly mineralized and we look forward to expanding the depth and strike length in 2021, as well as continuing exploration of the rest of the CVS, particularly in the central Cocolmeca area." Phase-one exploration results at Picachos provided several highlights, including: Confirmed seven-kilometre long vein system of precious metals mineralization Widely spaced holes show vein continuity on strike and at depth with robust width High grade nature of precious metals mineralization consistently observed in assays Confirmed meaningful gold/silver mineralization in hanging wall and footwall of vein systems Discovered previously unexplored high-grade gold and silver historic workings Multiple new surface and subsurface targets discovered during reconnaissance and mapping Copper porphyry target sampling suggests high priority follow-up exploration The Picachos land package was methodically assembled by Michelle Robinson (MASc., P.Eng., Geologist and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")) over 10 years ago. Michelle is a respected industry veteran who has worked in Mexico for over 20-years with a number of major mining companies. She has authored over 20 technical reports and published several papers for the Society of Economic Geologists. Michelle and her team are executing on our 5,000-metre diamond drill program - the first ever on this project The project's location, situated 25 kilometres equidistant from two recent bonanza grade discoveries of Vizsla Resources and GR Silver and along the same mineralized trend, positions Picachos as a truly exciting opportunity for Brigadier Gold and our shareholders. Private Placement The Company also announces a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 5,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of up $1,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share for $0.30 for a period of one year from the date of issuance. The Company may pay a 7% finder's fee, payable in cash and finder's warrants (each a "Finder's Warrant"), in connection with the Offering, to qualified non-related parties, in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Each Finder's Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share for $0.30 for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Proceeds from the Offering will be used to fund exploration at Brigadier's Picachos and Killalla Lake properties, corporate marketing campaigns and general working capital purposes. All securities issued under the Offering, including securities issuable on exercise thereof, are subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including approval of the Exchange. Please visit our website to learn more about Brigadier Gold. National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure The technical information in this press release has been reviewed by Michelle Robinson, MASc., P.Eng., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Core and sample handling procedures are documented in the Company's press release dated October 22, 2020. Standard pulps, field duplicates, pulp duplicates and blanks are inserted into the sample stream. The samples were analyzed by SGS Laboratories in Durango using fire-assay methods for gold, and ICP methods with a 4-acid digestion for silver and base metals. SGS is an accredited laboratory. It is the Qualified Person's opinion that the technical information disclosed in this press release is reliable. About Brigadier Gold Limited Brigadier was formed to leverage the next major bull market in the natural resource sector, particularly precious metals. Our mandate is to acquire undervalued and overlooked projects with demonstrable potential for advancement. Led by a management team with decades of experience in mineral exploration and capital markets development, we are focused on advanced exploration opportunities in politically stable jurisdictions. For further information, please contact: Brigadier Gold Limited www.brigadiergold.ca Ranjeet Sundher, Chief Executive Officer corporate@brigadiergold.ca Leah Hodges, Corporate Secretary (604) 377-0403 Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Brigadier Gold Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630673/Brigadier-Adding-Second-Drill-Rig-for-Commencement-of-Phase-Two-Diamond-Drilling-at-Picachos-High-Grade-Gold-Silver-Property Raid halts illegal construction in Phuket national park PHUKET: Officers from Sirinath National Park yesterday (Feb 18) moved in to stop construction on a 12-rai site within the park that is being claimed as privately owned. constructionenvironmentnatural-resourcescrime By The Phuket News Friday 19 February 2021, 11:58AM Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket Park officers raided the site, which is being claimed as private land, yesterday (Feb 18). Photo: PR Phuket The team of officers were led by Sirinath National Park Chief Pramote Kaewnam and joined by officers from the Royal Thai Police Crime Suppression Division for Natural Resources and Environment and from the Office for Defense and Suppression Support 4 (Southern Region) under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The raid yesterday follows a previous order for the workers to cease clearing the area, and felling trees, Chief Pramote explained. I had already ordered an officer to inform them to stop cutting trees down in the area, but they did not follow our order, he said. Chief Pramote also explained that a person had claimed private ownership of the 12 rai through a SorKor 1 land document. In front of the site, is a vinyl sign with text, This land is owned by Mr Pau Phetcharat under land document (SorKor 1) No. 283, covering 12 rai. This land is under the process to be issued a land ownership document. Anyone who enters the area without permission will be prosecuted under the law. However, Chief Pramote yesterday noted, We have already asked the Land Office to check, and they have confirmed to us that the land is a public area covered as a part of the national park. At the site yesterday, officers found a backhoe and a group of workers building shacks as onsite accommodation for themselves, Chief Pramote said. We also found signs of other large equipment used to cut down trees, he said. A person presented to officers and showed the SorKor 1, Chief Pramote noted. Regardless, he added, We seized the equipment found and took the person [who presented the Sor Kor 1] and all workers to the national park office for questioning. If we find that any other offenses have been committed, then we will proceed in accordance with the relevant laws for those also, Chief Pramote said. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The world's third-largest democracy, Indonesia, has rolled out its vaccination program since January. However, various local groups have rejected vaccinations. This opposition adds to the challenges for the government's COVID-19 vaccine program. At the current pace, according to the latest study, it will take more than ten years to complete. The rejection of COVID-19 vaccinations reveals the persistent phenomenon of the anti-vaccine movement in Indonesia. The movement, however, is not unique to Indonesia. Opposition to vaccination has also emerged and increased in other countries. Some of the negative sentiments are shaped by country-specific contexts such as socio-cultural backgrounds, including personal beliefs like religions. That applies in Indonesia, a country with the world's largest Muslim population. Indonesians reject the vaccine mostly because they are concerned about its halal status. However, structural problems also play a role in the emergence of anti-vaccine movements. I argue that a lack of trust in the arrangements for developing and distributing vaccine globally has encouraged the public's rejection of any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. Structural problems A system of global vaccine governance manages the development and distribution of vaccines worldwide. It's a partnership between the public and private sectors. We see this in Gavi, the vaccine alliance with the WHO, UNICEF, World Bank and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at the core. Additional partners include national governments, pharmaceutical companies and other private sector businesses. GAVI has developed and distributed different kinds of vaccines, particularly to middle-income and least developed countries, since 2000. However, this partnership arrangement has invited wide criticism as it puts non-state actors, particularly businesses and foundations, in an equal position to countries and even international organizations. The public fears this will benefit only certain groups of people at the risk of other people's health. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, GAVI continues to play a significant role in the distribution of vaccines. Together with the WHO and CEPI (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), Gavi has launched COVAX (the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility) to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are equally available and distributed worldwide. This initiative, however, has also been criticized for its unfair approaches. COVAX has asked lower-income countries to co-finance the vaccine development and distribution, instead of asking the big pharmacy industries to lower their prices. Strong rejection In Indonesia, a video of a member of parliament strongly rejecting vaccination over fears that it represents business interests went viral right after Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo received his first shot. The lack of trust in the vaccine industry is contributing to vaccine hesitancy and the anti-vaccine movement. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they have differences. Vaccine hesitancy usually refers to delays of acceptance or refusal by a person, usually parents, of vaccination. The anti-vaccine movement usually refers to an active campaign by various groups that reject the use or even the idea of vaccines. People's distrust of vaccines emerges due to pharmaceutical companies' longstanding negative reputation. That's due to various examples of misconduct in the past. Among these are bribing health officials and a lack of transparency in clinical trials. The strong presence of the pharmaceutical industry on the Gavi board risks adding to the problems of distrust. The Gates Foundation's role is another case of how private involvement may contribute to vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine movements. The foundation is not a pharmaceutical company but a private foundation. It has a significant role in Gavi and holds a permanent seat on the board. Its substantial financial contribution to the partnership means Bill Gates, the founder, is a key player in the global vaccination program, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. His involvement, however, has led to a conspiracy theory promoted by anti-vaccine groups, including in Indonesia. They claim the global COVID-19 vaccination program represents Bill Gates' personal interest in putting microchips in people around the world. What's next At least two things can be done to respond to this re-emerging anti-vaccine movement amid the pandemic. First, all actors in the health sector must work together to build understanding among the public of the importance of involving private entities in the distribution of vaccines worldwide. That's because the WHO, as the leading international health organization, has limited material and financial resources and can't do the job alone. Second, it is also important to strengthen key international organizations such as the WHO institutionally and financially to maintain its central role in managing vaccine development and distribution. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. (Alliance News) - The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers among London Main Market small-caps on Friday. SMALL-CAP - WINNERS AIB Group, up 5.8% at 145 pence, 12 month range, 71.8p-236p. The Irish bank is looking to acquire EUR4 billion worth of Ulster Bank's performing corporate and commercial loans following NatWest's decision to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland. "This is another important step in reducing our non-performing exposures," AIB says. NatWest was up 1.6%. Permanent TSB Group, up 4.0% at EUR0.98, 12-month range EUR-0.41-EUR0.98. The Irish bank is in early talks with state-backed lender NatWest about potential interest NatWest's Ulster Bank unit's assets. Permanent TSB notes the announcement and comments on its aim to "grow its position in the retail and SME markets in Ireland and continue to be a force for competition". SMALL-CAP - LOSERS Senior, down 1.7% at 98p, 12-month range 41p-164.20p. Investec downgrades the engineering solutions provider to Sell from Hold. Paypoint, down 1.4% at 584p, 389-980p. Investec cuts the payments processor to Hold from Buy. By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Dreams take us to what feels like a different reality. They also happen while we're fast asleep. So, you might not expect that a person in the midst of a vivid dream would be able to perceive questions and provide answers to them. But a new study reported in the journal Current Biology on February 18 shows that, in fact, they can. We found that individuals in REM sleep can interact with an experimenter and engage in real-time communication. We also showed that dreamers are capable of comprehending questions, engaging in working-memory operations, and producing answers. Most people might predict that this would not be possible--that people would either wake up when asked a question or fail to answer, and certainly not comprehend a question without misconstruing it." Ken Paller, Study Senior Author, Northwestern University While dreams are a common experience, scientists still haven't adequately explained them. Relying on a person's recounting of dreams is also fraught with distortions and forgotten details. So, Paller and colleagues decided to attempt communication with people during lucid dreams. "Our experimental goal is akin to finding a way to talk with an astronaut who is on another world, but in this case the world is entirely fabricated on the basis of memories stored in the brain," the researchers write. They realized finding a means to communicate could open the door in future investigations to learn more about dreams, memory, and how memory storage depends on sleep, the researchers say. The researchers studied 36 people who aimed to have a lucid dream, in which a person is aware they're dreaming. The paper is unusual in that it includes four independently conducted experiments using different approaches to achieve a similar goal. In addition to the group at Northwestern University in the U.S., one group conducted studies at Sorbonne University in France, one at Osnabru?ck University in Germany, and one at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands. "We put the results together because we felt that the combination of results from four different labs using different approaches most convincingly attests to the reality of this phenomenon of two-way communication," said Karen Konkoly, a PhD student at Northwestern University and first author of the paper. "In this way, we see that different means can be used to communicate." One of the individuals who readily succeeded with two-way communication had narcolepsy and frequent lucid dreams. Among the others, some had lots of experience in lucid dreaming and others did not. Overall, the researchers found that it was possible for people while dreaming to follow instructions, do simple math, answer yes-or-no questions, or tell the difference between different sensory stimuli. They could respond using eye movements or by contracting facial muscles. The researchers refer to it as "interactive dreaming." Konkoly says that future studies of dreaming could use these same methods to assess cognitive abilities during dreams versus wake. They also could help verify the accuracy of post-awakening dream reports. Outside of the laboratory, the methods could be used to help people in various ways, such as solving problems during sleep or offering nightmare sufferers novel ways to cope. Follow-up experiments run by members of the four research teams aim to learn more about connections between sleep and memory processing, and about how dreams may shed light on this memory processing. By Paresh Dave and Jeffrey Dastin (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google fired staff scientist Margaret Mitchell on Friday, they both said, a move that fanned company divisions on academic freedom and diversity that were on display since its December dismissal of AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru. Google said in a statement Mitchell violated the company's code of conduct and security policies by moving electronic files outside the company. Mitchell, who announced her firing on Twitter, did not respond to a request for comment. Google's ethics in artificial intelligence work has been under scrutiny since the firing of Gebru, a scientist who gained prominence for exposing bias in facial analysis systems. The dismissal prompted thousands of Google workers to protest. She and Mitchell had called for greater diversity and inclusion among Google's research staff and expressed concern that the company was starting to censor papers critical of its products. Gebru said Google fired her after she questioned an order not to publish a study saying AI that mimics language could hurt marginalized populations. Mitchell, a co-author of the paper, publicly criticized the company for firing Gebru and undermining the credibility of her work. The pair for about two years had co-led the ethical AI team, started by Mitchell. Google AI research director Zoubin Ghahramani and a company lawyer informed Mitchell's team of her firing on Friday in a meeting called at short notice, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person said little explanation was given for the dismissal. Google declined to comment. The company said Mitchell's firing followed disciplinary recommendations by investigators and a review committee. It said her violations "included the exfiltration of confidential business-sensitive documents and private data of other employees". The investigation began Jan. 19. Google employee Alex Hanna said on Twitter the company was running a "smear campaign" against Mitchell and Gebru, with whom she worked closely. Google declined to comment on Hanna's remarks. Story continues Google has recruited top scientists with promises of research freedom, but the limits are tested as researchers increasingly write about the negative effects of technology and offer unflattering perspectives on their employer's products. Reuters reported exclusively in December that Google introduced a new "sensitive topics" review last year to ensure that papers on topics such as the oil industry and content recommendation systems would not get the company into legal or regulatory trouble. Mitchell publicly expressed concern that the policy could lead to censorship. Google reiterated to researchers in a memo and meeting on Friday that it was working to improve pre-publication review of papers. It also announced new policies on Friday to handle sensitive departures and evaluate executives based on team diversity and inclusion. (Reporting by Paresh Dave and Jeffrey Dastin; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Daniel Wallis) The power is just coming back on for many in Texas, and theres already talk in Congress about trying to get the states electrical grid hooked up with the rest of the nation though its unclear how that would happen and unlikely Texas Republicans would go along with such a move. Texas Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Sylvia Garcia, Al Green, Lizzie Fletcher and Marc Veasey, have all said the option needs to be explored in the wake of the major winter weather storms that left millions of Texans without power some for days this week. Quite frankly, its time to look at whether Texas should join the national grid, said Garcia, whose Houston district has been without power for days. If we have to look at incentives to get Texas to do that if its better for the Texas good, then I think we need to do that. Fletcher and Veasey penned a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Wednesday asking for a conversation on the benefits and challenges of permitting outside energy transfers to Texas during emergencies. We understand that there are a number of legal, technical and infrastructure hurdles that will need to be overcome for greater interconnection, the representatives wrote. We firmly believe that every option should be explored so that we can avoid another catastrophic power failure. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio also believes the move should be actively explored, a spokesman said. Some of the chambers most powerful Democrats appear to agree, and are at least skeptical of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the nonprofit known as ERCOT that manages about 90 percent of the states electric load. The fact that Texas is almost like an island separated from the rest of the nations energy grids I dont think (that) helps because its more difficult for us to get power to them in the time of crisis, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., the chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, said during a hearing Thursday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who called the outages heartbreaking but predictable, said Thursday that the energy committee will be investigating the outages to see how things could have turned out better and will turn out better in the future. Together, we must build back better an electric grid thats cheaper, cleaner and more reliable, Pelosi said in a statement this week. Texas Republicans arent likely to go along with any effort to nationalize Texas grid, which is the only standalone grid in the country. Former Gov. Rick Perry made that clear on Wednesday, telling House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy that Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business. Jim Krane, an energy fellow at Rice University, said one of the easiest ways to make the Texas grid more reliable would be to connect it with the rest of the country but the additional federal regulations that accompany that move could be a pretty steep price, at least in the eyes of Texans. But, he added, that price might not look so steep if youre someone who just lost power and you might want more regulation. The independence of the state power grid has been a point of pride in conservative Texas since the 1930s, when U.S. officials were given oversight of power companies engaging in interstate electricity sales. And so Texas utilities decided not to extend their power out of state. At the time, many other states attempted to do the same, but few were able to match Texas economic viability, said Julie Cohn, a Rice University historian. The nations power grids developed organically over time, with local companies connecting to one another and eventually forming larger organizations, she said. Today, ERCOT is one of three power grids in the United States and Canada, with the eastern and western grids roughly separated by the Rocky Mountains. Texas has a few relatively small connections to other grids but operates essentially on its own, and there havent previously been any serious efforts to connect Texas more broadly, Cohn said. Its also unclear whether such a setup would have affected Texas current power crisis, since states connected to other grids were experiencing rolling blackouts at the same time, she added. Being part of the bigger power pool on the surface looks like it would help and at some point it probably would but it might not have helped as much as some would like, Cohn said. Still, critics see an opening for change in the current crisis, which has left millions of Texans in dark homes during sub-freezing temperatures, sometimes also without potable water. Jackson Lee said she asked the U.S. Department of Energy if they could help get power to Texas from other states, including California, and she was told there werent connections to bring in energy from anywhere west of Texas. They crafted it, constructed it, in a manner that the federal government would have the least amount of oversight look where we are today, Jackson Lee said of ERCOT. We have seen now the national embarrassment of a state that is known to be the energy state of the nation. It will not be an easy task but Im prepared to do what is right by Texans, she said. We cant, in this era of climate change, have a fragile, weak and unstable grid system relying only upon our own assets. Congressional Democrats are expected to push a massive infrastructure package that could include funding for electrical grid improvements later this year. Green, D-Houston, said that legislation could be the opening lawmakers need to integrate Texas into the national grid, following any immediate moves to modernize existing equipment. Those fixes, he noted, could have been done in the aftermath of similar widespread power outages during a 2011 winter storm but Texas officials never heeded federal recommendations issued that year to update and weatherize facilities to prevent against cold weather. I understand the desire to do it the Texas way thats fine, Green said. But were at a point now where we need to really be on one accord as it relates to power distribution and the maintenance of a system that can serve an entire country well, and that includes Texas. For now, though, Garcia said there is an immediate need to get recovery assistance to Texas. Speaking from a hotel room in Houston where she was staying to get power, Garcia said shes had conversations with Pelosi about working quickly to get funding to Texas to help with recovery efforts. She said that could include food stamp funding, assistance for residents facing massive energy bills when the power comes back on, help for small businesses similar to the $10,000 grants offered up in coronavirus relief packages and more. The federal government has offered immediate assistance to Texas, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency shipping in generators, water, blankets and diesel this week. President Joe Biden issued a federal emergency declaration for Texas last weekend, just as severe weather began to hit the Lone Star State. Garcia said shes planning to speak with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, about getting that funding in the works quickly. She said tacking it onto the massive COVID relief package that Democrats are already pushing through Congress would be too late, as it is unlikely to pass until mid-March. We cannot wait that long, Garcia said. We must fast-track emergency assistance for more emergency dollars. Harris reported from Austin. ben.wermund@chron.com cayla.harris@express-news.net The Tri-States TRUSTED news source. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to Herald-Dispatch. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Learn more about HD Media Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When she was at her lowest, before becoming the sort of person who has the ear and admiration of premiers and governors, Emma Lee worked at a petrol station. It was 2011. She was 38. Shed crashed and burned, as she describes it, losing her first marriage, her money, her mojo. After a successful career as an archaeologist, and a manager at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, her whole world had shrunk to the grey concrete forecourt at Woolworths Caltex in her home town of Wynyard, on Tasmanias north-west coast. For 18 months she healed, slowly rebuilding herself and, from behind the kiosk counter, finding the inspiration for a new approach to Aboriginal rights a method that would, only four years later, start to bear fruit with then Tasmanian premier, Will Hodgman. She called it love-bombing. But before we get to love-bombing, lets go back. In 1996, Lee finished her archaeology degree at the Australian National University and was among the countrys first crop of Indigenous archaeologists. A fiery little Tasmanian devil is how Emma Kalaf recalls her best friend and fellow student. In 1999, Lee married her long-term partner, an electrician from the regional Tasmanian city of Devonport, and they settled in Sydney. Setting up her own archaeology business, Lee consulted on the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Quarantine Station at Sydneys North Head, before taking a policy position at the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. In 2003, she became a womens ranger at Uluru, then, in 2005, its manager of national and cultural resources. Then she discovered one of her staff was abusing local women and children. She blew the whistle and managed to remove him, but says little was done to bring him to justice. Devastated, and barely able to stop crying, she returned to Tasmania with her husband in 2006. Lee then took a job on the outskirts of Burnie, a 25-minute drive east of Wynyard, with construction outfit Caterpillar. She wanted to learn welding and fashion metal art about her country, but I was actually crap at it. Crap at which bit, I ask the 47-year-old. The welding and the art. Meanwhile, as Lee struggled away, a man called David Hind was appointed chair of Skills Tasmania, a government body overseeing vocational training. Hind was your typical industry titan: a former Business Council of Australia member with a 38-year distinguished career in industrial gases. The Tasmanian government wanted a non-Tasmanian as board chair, and when he took the position, Hind queried the lack of an Indigenous board member. So the Tasmanian government went looking for Lee and found her, in her overalls, failing at welding. Hind was impressed with this passionate archaeologist-welder. But she was, at times, a little too passionate. I said to her, If you want to get something done, as opposed to just making a point, then its a bit more sophisticated than just having the right opinion. You must stand in the other persons shoes. People dont like to be continually told their opinion is wrong. This was an epiphany for Lee. I used to wrap my facts around a brick and bang them over your head and then get very confused as to why you werent playing in the sandpit with me any more. David Hind hit me with his own brick of truth. This echoed the advice of her aunties, her elders, but she hadnt been listening. I used to wrap my facts around a brick and bang them over your head and then get very confused as to why you werent playing in the sandpit with me any more. Advertisement Lee left Caterpillar when the global financial crisis hit, and spent a few years dabbling in archaeology, taking time off and trying, unsuccessfully, to save her marriage. There was also the slow crumble of the Uluru trauma, as she calls it: the heart-breaking realisation that no one seemed to care enough about the victims, all Aboriginal, to charge the perpetrator. Then she took the weekend job at the petrol station and one day, two archaeologists she knew pulled up. Lee felt ashamed. What are you doing here, they asked. Healing myself, she answered. I had this amazing career behind me and not much in front of me, she says. But my town didnt care. They cared that I was looking at them with recognition and I realised the power of that recognition, the power of acknowledging and respecting everyone who came into that forecourt. The Wynyard community took her into their confidence, sharing their cancer diagnoses and pregnancy news. She dispensed many hugs. Eight years later, locals still ask when shes coming back. Shes not. Inspired to learn again and with a drive to give back to her community she left that job in 2013 to get her doctorate on Indigenous joint management of protected areas (such as World Heritage estates). She went on to become an award-winning academic at the Centre for Social Impact and a key architect of Reset the Relationship, a new approach to the compact between Tasmania and its First Nations people. This would include constitutional recognition, the scrapping of a policy that restricts eligibility to government services, and, in the pipeline, a ground-breaking plan for commercial access to the states lucrative abalone fishery. Many of these things would seem, objectively, like progress. But they are deeply controversial. The head of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC), the states most powerful Indigenous advocacy group which receives the bulk of federal and state government funds and delivers a range of services, dismisses Lees methods as silly, even as some of the states key elders cheer her on. Some beautiful results have come out of Emmas love-bombing for Tasmania, says Dr Aunty Patsy Cameron, a formidable elder from the north-east and co-chair of the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance. Its January 2020, and Im sitting on the grass with Lee at Sisters Beach on the Bass Strait coast, about 20 kilometres west of Wynyard. Shes wearing black pants, a white shirt and tasteful, handmade silver jewellery. Her short hair intensifies her wide, blue eyes. In my thumbs and fingers are three strands of native grass, which Lee has dampened in water, making them easier to weave. Look at you! Lee, a Trawlwulwuy woman, says at one point, showing me how to do it. Youll be making a basket before you bloody know it! I first visited Sisters Beach when I was a teenager. Like much of the state, the absence of its original inhabitants is a haunting presence. The Rocky Cape National Park, which hugs Sisters Beach, contains several caves with middens, floors of shells, bones and stones revealing 20,000 years of living; of births and burials, meals and fireside gatherings. Theres a fish trap nearby a low, crescent-shaped wall of barnacled rock designed to corral fish at low tide that Ive been obsessed with since, three years ago, I found it via a hand-drawn map in our holiday home. I want to ask Lee what this area meant for the people who once lived here. I want answers about the fish trap is it Aboriginal or built by the settlers who came after? But Lee has only guesses; this is not her land. The community of people who walked this place are gone. We didnt really get anything near an accurate picture of our states history. In Tasmanias dark history, the north-west corner is particularly dark: the dozen or more groups that called it home were murdered by employees of the Van Diemens Land Company, a chartered enterprise that, holding a government-granted monopoly over the area, engaged in a killing spree with impunity between 1827 and 1842. The companys chief agent and magistrate, Edward Curr, wrote to his London-based directors about the need for a war of extermination against the native people, and offered his men spirits if they returned with severed heads. I was never taught that at Kings Meadows High School in the suburbs of Launceston. Advertisement When I went to high school in Tasmania in the late 1980s, we skipped across the states original inhabitants in one lesson. The teacher said Tasmanian Aborigines were no more; that the then lieutenant-governor George Arthur had rounded them up in an operation called The Black Line and put them on a Bass Strait island where they all died. It was put to us as almost accidental: the colonialists were trying to do the right thing, but the Aboriginal people were simply defenceless against the diseases white men carried. It was almost like a silent part of our lives, the former Liberal state premier Will Hodgman tells me. At 51, hes five years older than me and also received a Tasmanian high school education, his at a private boys school. We didnt really get anything near an accurate picture of our states history. If I were teaching high school history in Tasmania today, it might go something like this: Tasmanian Aboriginal people lived on the island in culturally and linguistically distinct groups for about 40,000 years before the British invaded in 1803. The first two decades of white settlement were marked by the kidnapping and rape of Aboriginal women, the stealing of their children and deadly skirmishes between the two sides. As the colony rapidly grew and encroached on peoples homelands, the horrifically violent Black War broke out between 1824 and 1831 in eastern Tasmania. Vigilante parties tracked Aboriginal peoples campfires and ambushed them, often at first light as they were sleeping, murdering as many as possible. White settlers were attacked and brutally killed, too, their homes raided and burnt, sheep and cattle speared. The war claimed the lives of 223 colonists, but as historian Nicholas Clements writes in his 2014 book, The Black War, it annihilated the Aboriginal population. He believes 600 of the 1000 First Nations people in the war zone lost their lives. Nowhere else in Australia did so much frontier violence occur in such a small area over such a short period, he writes. Eventually, the eastern Tasmanian survivors of the colonys violence and introduced illness fewer than 100 surrendered to George Augustus Robinsons friendly mission, agreeing to go to a settlement called Wybalenna on Flinders Island, off Tasmanias north-east coast. Robinson, as the governors envoy, promised the survivors a return to country when it was safe. This broken pledge to Lees seven-times grandfather, the revered warrior and leader Mannalargenna, is one of the fires in her belly. Arriving on Big Green Island, off Flinders, in 1835 Mannalargenna cut off his ochre-stained beard and hair and died soon after. Lee and the warriors descendants see this as a manifestation of heartbreak: over losing his country, but also what he saw as Robinsons empty promise. When the remarkable Nuenonne woman Truganini died in 1876, she was mourned as the last of her race. Other pre-colonisation Tasmanian women may have briefly outlived her, but Truganini nevertheless came to represent a world-famous genocide, referenced by H.G. Wells in his 1897 novel The War of the Worlds and used as a case study by Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term genocide in 1944. The idea that Tasmanian Aboriginal culture was extinct seeped into the states bones for 100 years and it wasnt until the 1970s, when the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre began its protests against discrimination, that this was challenged. The TAC is dominated by families who came from the Bass Strait Furneaux Group of islands, such as Flinders and Cape Barren. Descendants of British sealers and their Aboriginal wives, these families practised their culture before the government pressured them to move to the Tasmanian mainland in the 1950s and 1960s. The hugely influential and controversial activist Michael Mansell led this group for years, notching up considerable wins, including an apology to stolen generations and compensation (1997) and the return of Cape Barren land (1995 and 2005). But the TAC does not represent all Tasmanian Aboriginal people. There are two large groups that descend from 19th-century matriarchs. One matriarch is the Wybalenna-born Fanny Cochrane Smith, who died in 1905. The other from whom Lee descends is Dalrymple Mountgarrett Briggs, known historically as Dolly Dalrymple. The marriage between Mannalargennas daughter Woretemoeteyenner and sealer George Briggs produced Dalrymple, who was sent from the Bass Strait islands to the Tasmanian mainland for adoption. Dalrymple and husband Thomas Johnson had 13 children and became large landowners in the Latrobe region, in north-west Tasmania. Apart from these three broad groups, many other Tasmanians claim lineages from encounters between Aboriginal women and early colonists. Advertisement Lee, at front, with brother Mathew and mother Margot in 1987. Credit:Courtesy of Emma Lee Emma Lee was just a baby when her 20-year-old mother, Margot Lee, learnt of her own Aboriginal heritage. Like many of Dalrymples descendants, Margot had no idea of her family history until a local north-west man, researcher Bill Mollison, started working on the genealogy of Aboriginal Tasmanians in the early 1970s. At the time, Margot was living with her sister Anne. Her father had thrown her out of the Wynyard family home for being single and pregnant in 1972, and Margot had spent the est of her pregnancy in Launcestons unmarried mothers home, before moving in with Anne when Lee was born. Margot describes her daughter as always headstrong, sometimes wilful and sometimes just plain bloody naughty. And always trying to look after everybody. One night, when Lee was in year 12, Margot came home to find two girls in her bed. Eventually more than a dozen students, whom Lee had decided needed a place to stay after a party, arrived, and Margot remembers waking up under her coffee table next to an extravagantly pierced man with a mohawk. (Mother and daughter are still close and live five minutes from each other in Wynyard, where Lee lives with her Turkish-born husband Ali Cinlar. The couple have no children and married during lockdown in March last year. Lee also has a younger brother, Mathew.) As a child, Lee visited the family shack on the West Coast and remembers sitting with her mother among the beachside archives of middens, walking the country, picking up rubbish, checking on the plumpness of the echidnas and counting the cygnets. For a long time we didnt have the language, we didnt know how to speak about these things, she remembers. Margot explains it as a deep sense of belonging and a physical attachment to these beautiful old people. In their own way, Margot and Lee were looking after country, because the original custodians, the beautiful old people, had been wiped out. I cant paint, cant dance, cant sing, Im allergic to country. But I talk a good game. Which brings us back to Lee and me, sitting at Sisters Beach. Lee sees it as a sacred place, womens business. For Aboriginal people, she says, the body is geography. She points to the hills on either side of the beach, a womans knees, her breasts, perhaps and here is the flow of the creek. This is a big, sacred fanny! Lee throws her head back, unleashing a truly bracing and long hahahahahahahaha! As for the fish trap, she doesnt know. If some whitefella did that my heart grows bigger, because theyve learnt that from us and understood sea country. Sitting here, I realise that these questions inflict a sort of double wound: expecting her to carry the burden of the gaps created by her dispossession. Our history was robbed, stolen and murdered from us. Maybe we have to learn some of it from a book. But you know what? There is no shame in being a victim. There is no shame in not knowing. Added to this is a strong line in self-deprecation. I cant paint, cant dance, cant sing, Im allergic to country. But I talk a good game. Advertisement When I was a junior journalist, I was sent to interview an important Tibetan Buddhist monk visiting Melbourne. I was ushered into a room where he sat, clad in maroon robes, by a window. All I remember is laughing with him. In the car on the way back I looked down at my small notebook, which contained barely a scribble: I had no idea what the monk actually said. Interviewing Lee is exactly the same, but luckily I taped our three encounters. She has a volume-10, rapid-fire laugh that continues for so long you cant help laughing too. Thats usually followed by her saying something profound. Then, often, crying. And laughing again. In between, shes love-bombing you. You look even better in person! I feel a real privilege to be in your orbit! Emails are signed Hugs! or Love ya, sis! It is a disarming onslaught. In retrospect, Will Hodgman didnt stand a chance. Emma captured my attention and imagination and we were able to establish trust a rare commodity in politics. I will never forget the force of nature that swept into my office, Hodgman says about his first meeting with Lee, in January 2015. The then premier, who resigned in January 2020 after nearly six years as leader, is on the phone from his Sandy Bay home in Hobart. She was so excited and spoke at such a rate that my office staff next door wondered if everything was okay. She was fluctuating between laughing and crying and had this unbridled passion for making a positive difference. Hodgman admits he was a little wary about the intentions of people coming into his office. But Emma captured my attention and imagination and we were able to establish trust a rare commodity in politics. Meeting her was quite unlike anything I had experienced throughout my time in parliament I genuinely cant overstate the impact she had and continues to have on the government. When he became premier in 2014, vanquishing Labors 16-year hold over the state, Hodgman took on the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio. He knew he wanted to change how the government determined Aboriginality. In 2006, Labor had introduced an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eligibility policy, which determined access to state government-funded services and cultural activities. It was, Hodgman says, a complex and cumbersome system requiring archival evidence to prove Aboriginal lineage and it entrenched the TAC as the gatekeeper that signed off on Aboriginality. Over the years, the TAC had launched dozens of attacks, legal and verbal, on peoples claims to be Aboriginal (Senator Jacqui Lambie, who also claims Dalrymple ancestry, was one of its more high-profile targets). Hodgman thought the policy disenfranchised thousands of people, pointing out that in 2014, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counted over four times as many Aboriginal Tasmanians than the 6000 officially recognised by the state government. Changing the policy, he knew, would make him the TACs enemy. Lee with former Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman, who describes her as a force of nature. Credit:Karen Brown Photography Advertisement New York state was a bad place to be living when the pandemic hit. A magnet for incoming travelers from the worlds earlier coronavirus hot spots, the state was too slow to shut down public spaces while the virus spread rapidly in March, a delay exacerbated by public bickering between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Cuomos decision to have hospitals send some COVID-positive nursing home patients back to their care facilities apparently worsened the states outbreak as well; ultimately, New York has had the second-highest number of COVID-19 fatalities per capita of any state, trailing only New Jersey. Advertisement Cuomos popularity nonetheless surged during the crisis, both in his own state and nationally. He was celebrated for the daily press briefings in which he used emphatic language and visual aids to give statistical updates and public health advicea seeming embrace of proactive, fact-based governing that many found especially refreshing in comparison with then-President Donald Trumps rambling, reality-averse, erratically held White House press sessions. The results may not have always been there, Cuomos fans seemed to be reasoning, but at least he was embodying the right values. 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. But Cuomo, in many cases, embodies those values only when the cameras are on. In March, he appeared in front of a display of New York statebranded hand sanitizer and announced that his people had come up with a method of making the product that was cheaper than anything being done on the open market; it turned out that the state was, in fact, actually just buying the sanitizer from an outside vendor and putting it into bottles that said New York on them. He declared that the New York City subway needed to be shut down for hours every night to be disinfected, a disruptive policy that still persists even though infectious disease experts concluded months ago that the coronavirus does not spread in an appreciable way on public surfaces. Pressed in November on what kind of evidence he was using to justify the continued closure, Cuomos office referred a reporter to the Metropolitan Transit Authority, which could not provide any. This week, one of Cuomos top aides tried to rebut a New York Times story about his hostility to health experts by telling legislators that the governor speaks on a regular basis to a prominent epidemiologist named Michael Osterholm, whom she described as one of his chief advisors. On Thursday, Osterholm told PBS that, although he has reviewed data for the state government, he has only spoken to Cuomo for one five-minute conversation my entire life. Advertisement Advertisement Most concerningly, Cuomos administration admitted this month that it had been excluding nursing home residents who died of COVID but didnt technically die on the grounds of their facilities from its official count of COVID-related nursing home deaths. Since many such residents died only after being hospitalized, this had the effect of making the states nursing home outbreak look thousands of deaths smaller than it actually was. Cuomos office appears to have compiled the more comprehensive, accurate data months ago but didnt release it until the states attorney generalwho is elected independently of the governorissued a Jan. 28 report alleging that nursing home deaths had been undercounted. (It does not look like the discrepancy could have resulted from innocent semantic misunderstandings: A representative of the data team that manages the AARP Public Policy Institutes Nursing Home COVID-19 dashboard noted to Slate that CDC guidance for the data we use in our dashboard specifically states that resident deaths are supposed to be counted regardless of the place of death, while the managing editor of the COVID Tracking Project said its staff is not currently aware of any other US state or territory that reports deaths associated with nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities in the way that New York did for most of the pandemic.) Advertisement Advertisement His press conference performances notwithstanding, the facts and evidence show that Cuomo is not someone who cares much about facts and evidence. But his liberal supporters dont care: A Siena College poll taken after the nursing home scandal broke found that 83 percent of New York Democrats still approve of Cuomos handling of COVID, with more than 80 percent also saying specifically that they approve of his work communicating with the people of New York and providing accurate information. To hammer home the cognitive dissonance, only 54 percent said hed done a good job making public all data about COVID-related deaths of nursing home patients, which suggests both that 54 percent of New York Democrats are full of it and that a significant portion of the rest of them know Cuomo is full of it but dont care. To many voters, celebrating the idea of the competent blue-state governor is more important than reckoning with the reality of a serially underachieving chief executive playing three-card monte with dead bodies. At this point, Andrew Cuomo could probably shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and get away with it. She's been keeping her fans supplied with sun-soaked bikini snaps while working in Barbados over the past three months. And Montana Brown put on a very leggy display as she flaunted her toned figure for another sizzling picture shared to Instagram on Thursday. The Love Island beauty, 25, looked sensational as she rocked a multi-coloured shirt dress and heels while celebrating the launch of her SwimSociety collection. Sizzling: Montana Brown put on a very leggy display as she flaunted her toned figure for another stunning picture shared to Instagram on Thursday Montana commanded attention as she posed up a storm while holding onto a huge vase of flowers in her latest images. Her eye-catching shirt dress boasted pastel hues of pink, blue and green as well as a stylish waist button fastening detail. She tied her brunette locks back into a chic bun and added a selection of stylish jewellery including hoop earrings and a couple of rings to complete her look. Clearly excited about the launch of her sustainable range, Montana also took to Stories during the day to reveal she was feeling 'overwhelmed' with support. Big day: The Love Island beauty, 25, sizzled in a multi-coloured shirt dress and nude heels while celebrating the launch of her SwimSociety collection Posting a selfie with her hand covering her face, she penned: 'I can see school friends and people from uni making ordered, I could actually cry. 'My friends and my wonderful followers supporting my small sustainable business. Love you all for all the orders. I'm overwhelmed'. Montana, who is in Barbados, also celebrated the launch of the Maldives Collection on the Swim Society page, saying it's meant to be for the future. A post read: 'It's finally here, after so many hurdles, set back, samples, shoots and glorious people supporting us our first sustainable collection is finally live. Success: Montana has been working on her business from Barbados after launching it during the pandemic Support: Montana revealed her family were with her to celebrate the big launch day 'We know the world is unpredictable right now, but this one is for the future. For the trips we're going to take, the love we're going to share and the life we're going to live again.' Ahead of jetting to Barbados, Montana was in the Maldives on another 'work trip' to shoot for her collection which boasts a range of pretty one-pieces and bikinis. It comes after Montana slipped into cream swimwear to show off her slim frame as she bared her toned midriff on Wednesday. Grinning, she showed off her bronzed limbs, having spent weeks basking in tropics while the UK remains mired in COVID-19 restrictions. All a bit much: Clearly excited about the launch of her sustainable range, Montana also took to Stories during the day to reveal she was feeling 'overwhelmed' with support Hopeful: She explained the collection is 'for the future' and all the 'trips we're going to take' The reality star hasn't held back from posting tropical photos, despite feeling compelled to insist she's not being insensitive while her followers are stuck in pandemic misery. She thanked her followers for sending 'lovely messages' and supporting her decision to travel in the midst of a global health crisis. On Sunday, she wrote alongside stunning holiday snaps: 'Just wanted to say a thanks to everyone's lovely messages. 'It's hard to know where the line is with posting content and I really don't want to be upsetting anyone. I get the odd message with people being quite angry.' At it again: Montana shared yet more insights into her sun-soaked trip on Wednesday, despite being subjected to a barrage of backlash for traveling to Barbados amid the UK's lockdowns Attempting to justify her trip, Montana added: 'I travelled well before lockdown, I've stayed out here because I can work from abroad and I started my business last year in lockdown and I'd like to give it a fighting chance to be honest. 'Sending love to you all, I am going to continue posting and again, its not my intention to be insensitive to anybody as I know this is an awful time for a lot of people. Sending love.' (sic) Montana recently slammed 'insensitive and irresponsible' influencers who have jetted abroad for 'work trips' during the Covid pandemic, despite facing criticism herself. Still away then? Grinning, she showed off her bronzed limbs, having spent weeks basking in tropics while the UK remains mired in COVID-19 restrictions She told The Sun: 'I do think it is insensitive and irresponsible to put on social media that you're partying or with a large group of people, as it's rightly seen as wrong by people who are losing family members and losing their businesses.' 'A lot of people's worlds are crashing down around them. We have a social responsibility to stick to the guidelines in some capacity and just be aware that other people are going through hell.' The reality star, who has been in Barbados since December, also insisted her trip was completely different from the ones she fiercely judged. She said: 'I travelled before there was a national lockdown to see my family, so it was legal for me to travel. I spent Christmas out here. 'I've been here ever since and haven't moved. I actually haven't dealt with that much hate online because of that.' Support: The former Love Island star recently thanked her Instagram followers for sending her 'lovely messages' after she faced backlash for traveling to Barbados in December General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC Bern, 19.02.2021 - Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga is a member of the International Energy Agency's new Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions. Like Switzerland, many countries around the globe are investing in the transition to clean energy. Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga strongly believes that the public should benefit from the opportunities offered by the energy transition, a position she sets out to promote in the commission. In Switzerland, voters can express their opinion on energy and climate legislation at the ballot box. This far-reaching co-determination is unique; opportunities for direct participation are much more limited in other countries. As a member of the new global commission, Ms Sommaruga will work to ensure that politicians seek democratic acceptance for their climate policy ambitions. The new commission brings together key figures from around the world. It has set itself the goal of drawing up a set of key recommendations in time for the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Ms Sommaruga will take part in the new commission's first video conference in March. The commission was convened by Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA. It is chaired by the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and currently has around 20 members. Address for enquiries DETEC Information Service: Geraldine Eicher, Tel. 058 466 80 00, info@gs-uvek.admin.ch Publisher General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC https://www.uvek.admin.ch/uvek/en/home.html (@FahadShabbir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th February, 2021) The Spanish Embassy in Russia told Sputnik on Friday it had received the foreign ministry's invitation to inoculate staffers with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, and some diplomats had already been vaccinated. Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had invited all the accredited foreign embassies to join the vaccination campaign. "The embassy has received the Russian Foreign Ministry's invitation, and several staffers have been vaccinated," the diplomatic mission said. The embassy declined to specify whether the Spanish ambassador had been inoculated, citing confidentiality. BEIRUT - The number of killings of civilians has risen recently in a refugee camp in northeastern Syria: over the past month, about 20 people including both male and female IDPs have been killed in the al-Hol camp. The killings have been attributed to Islamic State cells, according to local and international humanitarian organizations. Located near the Syrian-Iraqi border in the Syrian region of Hasakah, the camp has for the past two years hosted tens of thousands of mostly Syrian and Iraqi IDPs from areas where IS had been present between 2014 and 2019. The camp, which some have called a "small Islamic State", is officially run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the US-led coalition against the Islamic State. It had been created in the 1990s to host Iraqi refugees during the Gulf Wars. Since December 2018, the al-Hol camp has gradually filled with tens of thousands of mostly Syrians fleeing regions in eastern Syria in which a military campaign led by the coalition-backed SDF ended officially in Syria in the spring of 2019. The camp currently hosts about 65,000 people, around half of whom hold Iraqi nationality. Most of the camp inhabitants are women and children. ALBANY The state Legislature is examining how to rein in the emergency executive powers bestowed on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo a year ago as the pandemic began to engulf New York. The initiative has quietly played out for weeks, but gained momentum in the wake of recent revelations about the administration's questionable reporting of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. There is no consensus in the Assembly's Democratic Majority Conference about how to exert control over the governor's powers which some lawmakers acknowledged are necessary during the ongoing crisis but the Senate Majority Conference has proposed establishing a 10-person bipartisan commission that would end Cuomo's ability to issue unilateral directives without approval by the panel. The commission also would need to approve any emergency actions by the governor. A statute passed in 1979 empowered the governor to "temporarily suspend any statute, local law, ordinance, or orders, rules or regulations, or parts thereof" for a period of 30 days. But as the coronavirus pandemic took hold, the Legislature in early March gave Cuomo the ability to "issue any directive ... necessary to cope with the disaster." "I think everyone understands where we were back in March and where we are now," Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a statement. "We certainly see the need for a quick response but also want to move toward a system of increased oversight and review. The public deserves to have checks and balances. Our proposal would create a system with increased input while at the same time ensuring New Yorkers continue to be protected." The Legislature, as Cuomo has noted repeatedly, already has the power to rescind any of his executive actions, but Senate Democrats said they are not being briefed or informed about those directives until they are announced. Last week, Assembly Democrats were provided with a summary of the nearly 100 executive orders Cuomo has signed since March 7, when his first pandemic-related order was issued. The governor also has issued more than 500 directives, modifications or suspensions of state regulations. Michael Whyland, a spokesman for Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, said the Democrats in that chamber will be "conferencing what to do with the governor's powers in the very near future." The sweeping authority handed to Cuomo has enabled him to make hundreds of temporary but sweeping changes to state laws, including shutting down schools and businesses, as well as altering state regulations that govern public health, hospitals, nursing homes, elections, open meetings, court proceedings, purchasing procedures and child care. Some of the decisions have also raised constitutional questions, including Cuomo's March 20 order that directed New Yorkers to engage in mandatory "social distancing." It's unclear if that measure or others like it which have been widely followed could be legally enforced. The increasing pressure in the Legislature for leaders to step up and curb the governor's power is coming as lawmakers last week learned the administration deliberately withheld data they requested in August on nursing home deaths. Explaining the failure, a top aide cited a pending U.S. Department of Justice inquiry on the same subject. That revelation, in a private meeting between Cuomo's top aides and Democratic committee chairs, came after the state attorney general's office issued a searing report finding the administration had underreported nursing home fatalities by roughly 50 percent. On Wednesday, the Times Union reported that the FBI and U.S. attorney's office in Brooklyn have launched an investigation focused in part on the actions of Cuomo's coronavirus task force in its handling of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities during the pandemic. But Cuomo warned Monday that revoking or curtailing his emergency powers would increase deaths and "these decisions should not be politicized. ... These are public health decisions." "Emergency powers have nothing to do with nursing homes," he said in the same briefing. "I have taken hundreds of actions. The Legislature can reverse any action that I take, not even by a bill, just passing 50 percent of the Assembly and the Senate. They have never reversed a single action. The virus cannot be managed by state boundaries. ... I've always consulted with the Legislature. I consult with other politicians. I have no problem consulting with the Legislature." The increasing tension with the Legislature and governor is taking place as Republicans are ramping up their calls for a legislative investigation of Cuomo's handling of nursing homes, including the state's reporting on deaths in those facilities. Assembly Republicans also have called for the creation of a bipartisan impeachment commission that would do that work and issue a report within 60 days. The proposal by Senate Democrats on Cuomo's executive powers would require any directive to be approved by the commission within 72 hours of being proposed by the governor. The same process would be in place for any suspension or modification of a regulation or statute. One of the administration's most controversial directives was issued last March requiring nursing homes to admit residents being discharged from hospitals even if they tested positive for COVID-19. That directive was rescinded less than two months later. A report issued by the state health department in early July concluded that order did not increase deaths in the facilities, and that the spread in nursing homes was due to asymptomatic staff members an assertion that has been widely challenged by relatives of people who died and also lawmakers. "Remember what was going on in March," Cuomo said. "The experts were projecting that our problem and our critical need was hospital capacity. We sat here every day with the hospitalization chart. We were looking at up to 140,000 people hospitalized." Even at the peak of the pandemic, the state never approached that many individuals being hospitalized at one time for COVID-19 symptoms. Assemblyman John McDonald, D-Cohoes, who took part in the meeting last week when Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa disclosed the administration had withheld data from the Legislature, said he is in favor of state lawmakers being "more engaged" in the governor's executive powers but believes they are necessary so that vaccinations and similar matters can be adjusted swiftly as needed. "I do believe that we need to restrict the governor's authority but we need to be very precise about what we're going to engage in," said McDonald, who chairs the Assembly's Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee. "We need to be reminded of one thing that people have tended to have forgotten: ... This is a public health crisis." LONDON (dpa-AFX) - NatWest Group plc. (NWG NWG.L) said that it plans to begin a phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland over the coming years. 'Following an extensive review and despite the progress that has been made, it has become clear Ulster Bank will not be able to generate sustainable long terms returns for our shareholders,' NatWest said in a statement. However, Ulster Bank Limited's banking business in Northern Ireland is unaffected. NatWest expects its withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland to be capital accretive over the multi-year process. As part of the phased withdrawal, NatWest said it signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Allied Irish Banks for the sale of an about 4 billion euros portfolio of performing commercial loans, and the transfer of the colleagues wholly or mainly assigned to this loan book. NWG noted that it is also in early discussions with Permanent TSB Group Holdings among other strategic banking counterparties about their potential interest in buying certain retail and SME assets, liabilities and operations. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. 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 relevant document is expected to be published today, February 19. The U.S. State Department is preparing new sanctions against the construction of Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Read alsoNord Stream 2 "100% anti-Ukrainian", Vice PM says"A key report to Congress that was due last Tuesday could be out as soon as Friday, and it's expected to list only a small number of Russia-linked entities," Bloomberg wrote on February 19, referring to its sources. "The U.S. is likely to hold off sanctioning any German entities for now over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, according to four people familiar with the matter, as the Biden administration seeks to halt the project without antagonizing a close European ally," it added. Nord Stream 2: Background The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It should connect Russia's Ust-Lug and Germany's Greifswald. This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019. The pipeline will be 1,220 km long. The project is being implemented by Russia's Gazprom in alliance with European companies ENGIE, OMV, Royal Dutch Shell, Uniper, and Wintershall. Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country, while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US$3 billion annually. The project is also highly criticized by the U.S., Poland, and the Baltic States. On November 4, 2020, the media reported that U.S. Congress wanted to expand sanctions against Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream. On December 6, 2020, United States Charge d'Affaires to Germany Robin Quinville called on the EU and Germany to declare a moratorium on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. On December 9, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with expanded restrictions against the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. On December 11, 2020, the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline resumed. On December 29, 2020, it became known that the House of Representatives overcame the then President Donald Trump's veto on the U.S. defense budget with sanctions on Nord Stream 2. The United States is urging European allies and private companies to halt works on Nord Stream 2, and is preparing broader sanctions against the Russian project in the coming weeks. The U.S. Senate approved the U.S. defense budget for the fiscal year 2021, which provides for new sanctions against Russia's Nord Stream 2. On January 7, 2021, a fund was established in Germany to support the completion of the Nord Stream 2 project. On January 13, 2021, the U.S. Department of State notified European companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2 of the risk of imposing new sanctions. On January 18, 2021, the United States warned allies in Europe about its intention to impose sanctions on the Russian ship Fortuna, which is engaged in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Reporting by UNIAN 24874 Stuart Udell, CEO, K12 [NYSE:LRN] Stuart Udell, CEO, K12 [NYSE:LRN] Graduation season is upon us. Corporate recruiters will soon be flooded with resumes from eager young people looking to land their first jobs. But their job hunt may take a while. Thats because more than half of U.S. employers surveyed say they are struggling to find qualified applicants to fill the positions they have open, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Incredibly, by 2020, there will be 55 million job openings, according to Georgetown Universitys Center for Education and the Workforce. However, the U.S. will fall short, by 5 million, of the number of workers we will need with post-secondary educations. Our nations persistent skills gap, or the mismatch between employers needs for skilled talent and the skills possessed by the available workforce, has a direct effect on the U.S. economy. Reduced productivity from unfilled jobs resulted in almost $160 billion in lost revenue in 2014, according to Indeed.com. A workforce of high school graduates armed with relevant skills and credentials is critical for 21st century competitiveness. Yet, as Ive learned through my work on the Board of the National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) for the past 14 years, remarkably, nearly one in four high school students in America fails to graduate on time. Interestingly, more than 80 percent of high school dropouts surveyed say relevant; real-world learning opportunities would have kept them in school. Parents surveyed have a strong preference these days for experiential, career-focused learning opportunities for their children over traditional forms of education Traditional vocational education of yesteryear, in classes like woodworking and metal shop, often taught skills for jobs not requiring a high school diploma. But today, Career Technical Education (CTE) delivers a vastly different set of pathways for students that lead to high school graduation and meaningful middle-class, 21st-century jobs. In fact, CTE is one of the NDPCs fifteen research-based strategies to reduce dropouts and increase graduation rates. Fortunately, our nation is seeing a renewed push toward enhancing existing CTE models and establishing new ones focused on emerging fields and technologies. This begs the provocative yet pertinent question, how important really is a four-year college degree for both young job seekers and companies looking to fill hot jobs? Five million more students attended college in 2016 versus 2000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Will this upward trend in four-year college attendance really serve to solve our nations skills gap problem and ensure todays students are workforce-trained? New findings by Edge Research show a majority of parents surveyed are skeptical. In fact, parents surveyed have a strong preference these days for experiential, career-focused learning opportunities for their children over traditional forms of education. For example, more than three times as many parents, when asked, said that two years of work experience is more valuable than a four-year, liberal arts degree! K12s public school partnership business, Fuel Education (FuelEd) works with more than 2,000 school districts in all 50 states and offers a suite of CTE programs. Whether students seek to launch a career following high school graduation or pursue post secondary studies, these online and blended options provide a valuable first step in stackable job training. In developing the curriculum, we carefully analyzed workforce needs to create 24 specific learning pathways featuring 115 course options for students to obtain the skills and explore pursuing certifications valuable for high-demand occupationsall before high school graduation. These Career Readiness Pathways provide an innovative approach to college and career readiness in six clusters: Agriculture, Business Management and Administration, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, and Manufacturing. Examples of certifications that can be eventually earned include the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician Certification, the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) Certification, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Pharmacy Technician certifications. We have local demand for highly-skilled workers in the Ohio Valley, said Dr. Ron Iarussi, Superintendent of Ohios Mahoning County Educational Service Center, now offering Career Readiness Pathways in seven of its 20 member districts. Students who want to enter the workforce after high school are much more marketable if they have a professional credential. Implementation was easy, said Andrew Velchek, Director of Technology at the Mahoning County Education Service Center. The online format also makes it ideal for students to fit the coursework into their busy schedules. In addition to online and blended learning solutions for school districts, K12 operates a half-dozen highly-innovative managed career academies, specifically designed to bridge local skills gaps. In 2016, we opened Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin (DCAWI), the states first-ever CTE-focused online high school. This ground-breaking school was actually launched in partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 (heavy equipment operators) and Fox Valley Technical College. Students have the opportunity to earn technical and specialty trade credentials, as well as college credits, that well-position them for industry certification and possible apprenticeships. According to Terry McGowan, President of the Operating Engineers, These students learn what is expected of them in the skilled trades within a virtual setting. This will help meet our states critical workforce development needs and prepare our young people with the knowledge and training necessary to access the many available, high-paying technical jobs that help our state grow. K12 also launched Destinations Academies or programs in Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, South Carolina and through our K12 International Academy. Students even have the opportunity to join a local Skills USA chapter. Our strategic partnership with the largest CTE organization in the country enables students to take courses outside of the K12 course catalog and earn scholarships with Skills USA. For our nations economy to thrive, it is necessary for the perception and delivery of Career Technical Education to be reimagined. High-quality, flexible and engaging CTE programs answer the call from employers across the nation to better prepare students to work in todays complex global marketplace. Perhaps Mike Rowe, former host of the popular television show Dirty Jobs, said it best when he addressed Congress on career preparedness earlier this year. The skills gap will never close...if we keep telling people a four-year degree is their only hope of being successful, said Rowe. We need an educational system that re-embraces and reaffirms the importance of the vocational arts. As educators, business leaders and community partners, lets support students by identifying engaging and relevant learning opportunities that deliver real-world training with the schedule flexibility todays young people demand. Working collaboratively, we can show students there is more than one path toward a successful future and do our part toward ensuring a vibrant national economy. A young protester died Friday, more than a week after being shot in anti-coup demonstrations in Myanmar, offering a fresh source of anger inside the country as international pressure grows on the generals who seized power. Much of the country has been in open revolt since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with disparate strands of Myanmar society uniting to protest against a return to military rule. Security forces have steadily stepped up the show -- and use -- of force, by deploying troops against peaceful protesters, and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. A rally on February 9 in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw turned violent when police fired rubber bullets at demonstrators, though doctors at the hospital later told AFP that at least two people had been critically wounded by live rounds. Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who turned 20 last Thursday as she lay unconscious in a hospital bed, was shot in the head. A doctor confirmed her death Friday, adding that her body will be examined. "As this is a case of injustice, we will keep the (cause of death on) record... we will look for justice and move forward," said the doctor, declining to be named. Overnight former colonial power Britain announced sanctions against three generals for "serious human rights violations" over their roles in the junta's security forces. Freezing their assets and imposing travel bans, the UK also said it was beginning a review to stop British businesses working with the military. Canada sanctioned nine Myanmar military officials and accused the junta of engaging "in a systemic campaign of repressions through coercive legislative measures and use of force". "Canada stands with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and human rights," said foreign affairs minister Marc Garneau. These actions come after US President Joe Biden last week announced Washington would cut off the generals' access to $1 billion in funds in the US. While welcoming the sanctions, some rights groups and activists say the moves need to go further to hit the military's businesses in the lucrative gems, beer, and banking sectors. "They fall woefully short of the strong response that is needed to hold the military to account and undermine its economic power," said Paul Donowitz, Myanmar Campaign Leader from UK-based Global Witness. "We will be waiting for the EU sanctions announcement" on Monday, said Thinzar Shunlei Yi, one of the main activists who kicked off an online "Civil Disobedience Movement" campaign which has spilt onto the streets. "We urge other nations to have a coordinated and united response against Military Coup in Myanmar." - Internet shutdowns and night arrests - The country endured its fifth consecutive night of "curfew-style shutdowns", according to monitoring group NetBlocks, reporting that the internet returned around 9 am local time. By noon, tens of thousands -- including railway workers and teachers dressed in their uniforms to show they are boycotting work -- amassed across Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, carrying posters of Suu Kyi that read "Free our leader". "Don't go to the office!" they chanted. "Go strike! Go strike!" In the northern city of Myitkyina, a small group of protesters were forcefully dispersed by police and military wielding batons, according to video posted online and witnesses. One teacher who was there -- and now in hiding for fear of arrest -- said she saw dozens arrested in the scuffle, including two of her colleagues. "They arrested those who tried to take photos and videos... this is real injustice," she told AFP. Before Friday, more than 520 people have been arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) monitoring group, many of them civilians taking part in the so-called "Civil Disobedience Movement". AAPP confirmed as well that 12 foreign ministry officials participating in the anti-coup movement were detained on Thursday early morning. The junta has justified its power seizure by alleging widespread electoral fraud in November's elections, which Suu Kyi's party won in a landslide. The Nobel laureate -- who has not been seen since she was detained in dawn raids -- has been hit with an obscure charge for possessing unregistered walkie-talkies, and for flouting coronavirus restrictions during campaign events. Her hearing is expected on March 1. 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. Senegalese President calls for National Oil and Gas Reform (By Nzube Nlebedim) Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When she was at her lowest, before becoming the sort of person who has the ear and admiration of premiers and governors, Emma Lee worked at a petrol station. It was 2011. She was 38. Shed crashed and burned, as she describes it, losing her first marriage, her money, her mojo. After a successful career as an archaeologist, and a manager at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, her whole world had shrunk to the grey concrete forecourt at Woolworths Caltex in her home town of Wynyard, on Tasmanias north-west coast. For 18 months she healed, slowly rebuilding herself and, from behind the kiosk counter, finding the inspiration for a new approach to Aboriginal rights a method that would, only four years later, start to bear fruit with then Tasmanian premier, Will Hodgman. She called it love-bombing. But before we get to love-bombing, lets go back. In 1996, Lee finished her archaeology degree at the Australian National University and was among the countrys first crop of Indigenous archaeologists. A fiery little Tasmanian devil is how Emma Kalaf recalls her best friend and fellow student. In 1999, Lee married her long-term partner, an electrician from the regional Tasmanian city of Devonport, and they settled in Sydney. Setting up her own archaeology business, Lee consulted on the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Quarantine Station at Sydneys North Head, before taking a policy position at the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. In 2003, she became a womens ranger at Uluru, then, in 2005, its manager of national and cultural resources. Then she discovered one of her staff was abusing local women and children. She blew the whistle and managed to remove him, but says little was done to bring him to justice. Devastated, and barely able to stop crying, she returned to Tasmania with her husband in 2006. Lee then took a job on the outskirts of Burnie, a 25-minute drive east of Wynyard, with construction outfit Caterpillar. She wanted to learn welding and fashion metal art about her country, but I was actually crap at it. Crap at which bit, I ask the 47-year-old. The welding and the art. Meanwhile, as Lee struggled away, a man called David Hind was appointed chair of Skills Tasmania, a government body overseeing vocational training. Hind was your typical industry titan: a former Business Council of Australia member with a 38-year distinguished career in industrial gases. The Tasmanian government wanted a non-Tasmanian as board chair, and when he took the position, Hind queried the lack of an Indigenous board member. So the Tasmanian government went looking for Lee and found her, in her overalls, failing at welding. Hind was impressed with this passionate archaeologist-welder. But she was, at times, a little too passionate. I said to her, If you want to get something done, as opposed to just making a point, then its a bit more sophisticated than just having the right opinion. You must stand in the other persons shoes. People dont like to be continually told their opinion is wrong. This was an epiphany for Lee. I used to wrap my facts around a brick and bang them over your head and then get very confused as to why you werent playing in the sandpit with me any more. David Hind hit me with his own brick of truth. This echoed the advice of her aunties, her elders, but she hadnt been listening. I used to wrap my facts around a brick and bang them over your head and then get very confused as to why you werent playing in the sandpit with me any more. Advertisement Lee left Caterpillar when the global financial crisis hit, and spent a few years dabbling in archaeology, taking time off and trying, unsuccessfully, to save her marriage. There was also the slow crumble of the Uluru trauma, as she calls it: the heart-breaking realisation that no one seemed to care enough about the victims, all Aboriginal, to charge the perpetrator. Then she took the weekend job at the petrol station and one day, two archaeologists she knew pulled up. Lee felt ashamed. What are you doing here, they asked. Healing myself, she answered. I had this amazing career behind me and not much in front of me, she says. But my town didnt care. They cared that I was looking at them with recognition and I realised the power of that recognition, the power of acknowledging and respecting everyone who came into that forecourt. The Wynyard community took her into their confidence, sharing their cancer diagnoses and pregnancy news. She dispensed many hugs. Eight years later, locals still ask when shes coming back. Shes not. Inspired to learn again and with a drive to give back to her community she left that job in 2013 to get her doctorate on Indigenous joint management of protected areas (such as World Heritage estates). She went on to become an award-winning academic at the Centre for Social Impact and a key architect of Reset the Relationship, a new approach to the compact between Tasmania and its First Nations people. This would include constitutional recognition, the scrapping of a policy that restricts eligibility to government services, and, in the pipeline, a ground-breaking plan for commercial access to the states lucrative abalone fishery. Many of these things would seem, objectively, like progress. But they are deeply controversial. The head of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC), the states most powerful Indigenous advocacy group which receives the bulk of federal and state government funds and delivers a range of services, dismisses Lees methods as silly, even as some of the states key elders cheer her on. Some beautiful results have come out of Emmas love-bombing for Tasmania, says Dr Aunty Patsy Cameron, a formidable elder from the north-east and co-chair of the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance. Its January 2020, and Im sitting on the grass with Lee at Sisters Beach on the Bass Strait coast, about 20 kilometres west of Wynyard. Shes wearing black pants, a white shirt and tasteful, handmade silver jewellery. Her short hair intensifies her wide, blue eyes. In my thumbs and fingers are three strands of native grass, which Lee has dampened in water, making them easier to weave. Look at you! Lee, a Trawlwulwuy woman, says at one point, showing me how to do it. Youll be making a basket before you bloody know it! I first visited Sisters Beach when I was a teenager. Like much of the state, the absence of its original inhabitants is a haunting presence. The Rocky Cape National Park, which hugs Sisters Beach, contains several caves with middens, floors of shells, bones and stones revealing 20,000 years of living; of births and burials, meals and fireside gatherings. Theres a fish trap nearby a low, crescent-shaped wall of barnacled rock designed to corral fish at low tide that Ive been obsessed with since, three years ago, I found it via a hand-drawn map in our holiday home. I want to ask Lee what this area meant for the people who once lived here. I want answers about the fish trap is it Aboriginal or built by the settlers who came after? But Lee has only guesses; this is not her land. The community of people who walked this place are gone. We didnt really get anything near an accurate picture of our states history. In Tasmanias dark history, the north-west corner is particularly dark: the dozen or more groups that called it home were murdered by employees of the Van Diemens Land Company, a chartered enterprise that, holding a government-granted monopoly over the area, engaged in a killing spree with impunity between 1827 and 1842. The companys chief agent and magistrate, Edward Curr, wrote to his London-based directors about the need for a war of extermination against the native people, and offered his men spirits if they returned with severed heads. I was never taught that at Kings Meadows High School in the suburbs of Launceston. Advertisement When I went to high school in Tasmania in the late 1980s, we skipped across the states original inhabitants in one lesson. The teacher said Tasmanian Aborigines were no more; that the then lieutenant-governor George Arthur had rounded them up in an operation called The Black Line and put them on a Bass Strait island where they all died. It was put to us as almost accidental: the colonialists were trying to do the right thing, but the Aboriginal people were simply defenceless against the diseases white men carried. It was almost like a silent part of our lives, the former Liberal state premier Will Hodgman tells me. At 51, hes five years older than me and also received a Tasmanian high school education, his at a private boys school. We didnt really get anything near an accurate picture of our states history. If I were teaching high school history in Tasmania today, it might go something like this: Tasmanian Aboriginal people lived on the island in culturally and linguistically distinct groups for about 40,000 years before the British invaded in 1803. The first two decades of white settlement were marked by the kidnapping and rape of Aboriginal women, the stealing of their children and deadly skirmishes between the two sides. As the colony rapidly grew and encroached on peoples homelands, the horrifically violent Black War broke out between 1824 and 1831 in eastern Tasmania. Vigilante parties tracked Aboriginal peoples campfires and ambushed them, often at first light as they were sleeping, murdering as many as possible. White settlers were attacked and brutally killed, too, their homes raided and burnt, sheep and cattle speared. The war claimed the lives of 223 colonists, but as historian Nicholas Clements writes in his 2014 book, The Black War, it annihilated the Aboriginal population. He believes 600 of the 1000 First Nations people in the war zone lost their lives. Nowhere else in Australia did so much frontier violence occur in such a small area over such a short period, he writes. Eventually, the eastern Tasmanian survivors of the colonys violence and introduced illness fewer than 100 surrendered to George Augustus Robinsons friendly mission, agreeing to go to a settlement called Wybalenna on Flinders Island, off Tasmanias north-east coast. Robinson, as the governors envoy, promised the survivors a return to country when it was safe. This broken pledge to Lees seven-times grandfather, the revered warrior and leader Mannalargenna, is one of the fires in her belly. Arriving on Big Green Island, off Flinders, in 1835 Mannalargenna cut off his ochre-stained beard and hair and died soon after. Lee and the warriors descendants see this as a manifestation of heartbreak: over losing his country, but also what he saw as Robinsons empty promise. When the remarkable Nuenonne woman Truganini died in 1876, she was mourned as the last of her race. Other pre-colonisation Tasmanian women may have briefly outlived her, but Truganini nevertheless came to represent a world-famous genocide, referenced by H.G. Wells in his 1897 novel The War of the Worlds and used as a case study by Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term genocide in 1944. The idea that Tasmanian Aboriginal culture was extinct seeped into the states bones for 100 years and it wasnt until the 1970s, when the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre began its protests against discrimination, that this was challenged. The TAC is dominated by families who came from the Bass Strait Furneaux Group of islands, such as Flinders and Cape Barren. Descendants of British sealers and their Aboriginal wives, these families practised their culture before the government pressured them to move to the Tasmanian mainland in the 1950s and 1960s. The hugely influential and controversial activist Michael Mansell led this group for years, notching up considerable wins, including an apology to stolen generations and compensation (1997) and the return of Cape Barren land (1995 and 2005). But the TAC does not represent all Tasmanian Aboriginal people. There are two large groups that descend from 19th-century matriarchs. One matriarch is the Wybalenna-born Fanny Cochrane Smith, who died in 1905. The other from whom Lee descends is Dalrymple Mountgarrett Briggs, known historically as Dolly Dalrymple. The marriage between Mannalargennas daughter Woretemoeteyenner and sealer George Briggs produced Dalrymple, who was sent from the Bass Strait islands to the Tasmanian mainland for adoption. Dalrymple and husband Thomas Johnson had 13 children and became large landowners in the Latrobe region, in north-west Tasmania. Apart from these three broad groups, many other Tasmanians claim lineages from encounters between Aboriginal women and early colonists. Advertisement Lee, at front, with brother Mathew and mother Margot in 1987. Credit:Courtesy of Emma Lee Emma Lee was just a baby when her 20-year-old mother, Margot Lee, learnt of her own Aboriginal heritage. Like many of Dalrymples descendants, Margot had no idea of her family history until a local north-west man, researcher Bill Mollison, started working on the genealogy of Aboriginal Tasmanians in the early 1970s. At the time, Margot was living with her sister Anne. Her father had thrown her out of the Wynyard family home for being single and pregnant in 1972, and Margot had spent the est of her pregnancy in Launcestons unmarried mothers home, before moving in with Anne when Lee was born. Margot describes her daughter as always headstrong, sometimes wilful and sometimes just plain bloody naughty. And always trying to look after everybody. One night, when Lee was in year 12, Margot came home to find two girls in her bed. Eventually more than a dozen students, whom Lee had decided needed a place to stay after a party, arrived, and Margot remembers waking up under her coffee table next to an extravagantly pierced man with a mohawk. (Mother and daughter are still close and live five minutes from each other in Wynyard, where Lee lives with her Turkish-born husband Ali Cinlar. The couple have no children and married during lockdown in March last year. Lee also has a younger brother, Mathew.) As a child, Lee visited the family shack on the West Coast and remembers sitting with her mother among the beachside archives of middens, walking the country, picking up rubbish, checking on the plumpness of the echidnas and counting the cygnets. For a long time we didnt have the language, we didnt know how to speak about these things, she remembers. Margot explains it as a deep sense of belonging and a physical attachment to these beautiful old people. In their own way, Margot and Lee were looking after country, because the original custodians, the beautiful old people, had been wiped out. I cant paint, cant dance, cant sing, Im allergic to country. But I talk a good game. Which brings us back to Lee and me, sitting at Sisters Beach. Lee sees it as a sacred place, womens business. For Aboriginal people, she says, the body is geography. She points to the hills on either side of the beach, a womans knees, her breasts, perhaps and here is the flow of the creek. This is a big, sacred fanny! Lee throws her head back, unleashing a truly bracing and long hahahahahahahaha! As for the fish trap, she doesnt know. If some whitefella did that my heart grows bigger, because theyve learnt that from us and understood sea country. Sitting here, I realise that these questions inflict a sort of double wound: expecting her to carry the burden of the gaps created by her dispossession. Our history was robbed, stolen and murdered from us. Maybe we have to learn some of it from a book. But you know what? There is no shame in being a victim. There is no shame in not knowing. Added to this is a strong line in self-deprecation. I cant paint, cant dance, cant sing, Im allergic to country. But I talk a good game. Advertisement When I was a junior journalist, I was sent to interview an important Tibetan Buddhist monk visiting Melbourne. I was ushered into a room where he sat, clad in maroon robes, by a window. All I remember is laughing with him. In the car on the way back I looked down at my small notebook, which contained barely a scribble: I had no idea what the monk actually said. Interviewing Lee is exactly the same, but luckily I taped our three encounters. She has a volume-10, rapid-fire laugh that continues for so long you cant help laughing too. Thats usually followed by her saying something profound. Then, often, crying. And laughing again. In between, shes love-bombing you. You look even better in person! I feel a real privilege to be in your orbit! Emails are signed Hugs! or Love ya, sis! It is a disarming onslaught. In retrospect, Will Hodgman didnt stand a chance. Emma captured my attention and imagination and we were able to establish trust a rare commodity in politics. I will never forget the force of nature that swept into my office, Hodgman says about his first meeting with Lee, in January 2015. The then premier, who resigned in January 2020 after nearly six years as leader, is on the phone from his Sandy Bay home in Hobart. She was so excited and spoke at such a rate that my office staff next door wondered if everything was okay. She was fluctuating between laughing and crying and had this unbridled passion for making a positive difference. Hodgman admits he was a little wary about the intentions of people coming into his office. But Emma captured my attention and imagination and we were able to establish trust a rare commodity in politics. Meeting her was quite unlike anything I had experienced throughout my time in parliament I genuinely cant overstate the impact she had and continues to have on the government. When he became premier in 2014, vanquishing Labors 16-year hold over the state, Hodgman took on the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio. He knew he wanted to change how the government determined Aboriginality. In 2006, Labor had introduced an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eligibility policy, which determined access to state government-funded services and cultural activities. It was, Hodgman says, a complex and cumbersome system requiring archival evidence to prove Aboriginal lineage and it entrenched the TAC as the gatekeeper that signed off on Aboriginality. Over the years, the TAC had launched dozens of attacks, legal and verbal, on peoples claims to be Aboriginal (Senator Jacqui Lambie, who also claims Dalrymple ancestry, was one of its more high-profile targets). Hodgman thought the policy disenfranchised thousands of people, pointing out that in 2014, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counted over four times as many Aboriginal Tasmanians than the 6000 officially recognised by the state government. Changing the policy, he knew, would make him the TACs enemy. Lee with former Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman, who describes her as a force of nature. Credit:Karen Brown Photography Advertisement WA Labor is playing directly into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party by placing campaign advertisements in a newspaper owned by a WA United Front figurehead, a China expert has warned, as the race for one of Perths most contested seats heats up. Premier Mark McGowan and Labor candidate for Riverton Jagadish 'Dr Jags' Krishnan at Chung Wah Association's community centre. Credit:Facebook/Chung Wah Association The eastern Perth electorate of Riverton has become pivotal in the upcoming March election following the retirement of former Liberal leader Mike Nahan, and each candidates ability to charm Chinese-Australian voters will determine their electoral success. Between 2011 and 2016, more than 2100 people who identify as having Chinese ancestry moved to Riverton, while 1400 who considered themselves to be of Australian ancestry moved elsewhere. The percentage of people in Riverton born in China also nearly doubled in the same period, extending well beyond the average for Greater Perth. Equally instructive will be the contrast between Australian colonisation and norms in the rest of the Anglo-world. All those broken treaties (more than 300 of them in the US alone) and belated court judgements (not until 1823 did the American courts give formal recognition to native title; it was 1923 before Native Americans had full citizenship rights) puts the legal treatment of Aboriginal Australians in shocking perspective. Interesting too are the chapters about what many wandering Australians discover for themselves how culturally specific is the assumption that trespassers can be prosecuted. There is information on the custom of traversing privately owned countryside in Scandinavia, the expanded right for ramblers in Britain and dramatic new legislation in Scotland that now ensures a virtually unhindered right to roam. Specific Australian chapters of the book include an account of the Black Summer and the need to learn from Indigenous fire-management regimes. Another reveals that most of the largest landowners in the world are Australians (with Gina Rinehart probably the biggest of them all). Unfortunately, there is no discussion of the reasons for this it is not only a matter of geography but reflects 19th-century policy choices. Despite the best efforts of some governments to redistribute land more widely, it was not until the successful promotion of home ownership in the 1950s that most white Australians owned a portion of their conquered country. It is not unusual for a global history to assume that what happened in the United States (in this instance the nation-defining distribution of land to small farmers) happened everywhere. A more surprising problem is that despite the books foundational question, Winchester often assumes that the contemporary understanding of ownership arose with the furrow boundaries made by the first ploughs; sharing with Rousseau (who provides the books epitaph), a perspective that sees the only alternative on offer belonging to Indigenous people. Boundaries and borders clearly predate the modern world. What is distinctive about the current idea of private property is its individualist, absolutist, and exclusive nature. This is a quite recent innovation. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 00:18:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NICOSIA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus called for international assistance on Friday to deal with what it called the "migration crisis" in an official statement issued on Friday. The statement was jointly prepared by Cyprus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides and Interior Minister Nicos Nouris. According to the statement, the number of asylum applicants and beneficiaries of international protection equaled four percent of Cyprus' population, a particularly high percentage given that in all other European Union (EU) member states, the respective figure is close to one percent. The issue was examined in depth at a meeting of experts on Thursday, which was convened to consider the island's position within the framework of the discussions on the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The statement said that the two ministers agreed on joint action "both at the political and technocratic level, in Brussels and other international fora, to present the extent of the migration crisis faced by Cyprus and to ensure that the Republic of Cyprus receives the assistance required to effectively address it." The statement called for urgent action by "the European Commission and international organizations ... to assist in finding immediate practical solutions to prevent illegal flows but also to ensure legal returns" of refugees and undocumented immigrants. Enditem Context . . . Prez Biden orders ICE to chill on arrests and deportations. Meanwhile, nobody is willing to have "uncomfortable conversations" about public safety implications and the abundance of criminals that most Latino communities wouldn't have a problem deporting. Read more . . . Washington: President Donald Trump has fired Reince Priebus as chief of staff, replacing him with Homeland Security Secretary Gen (rtd) John Kelly, amid growing tensions at the White House due to infighting among top staffers. I am pleased to inform you that I have just named General/Secretary John F Kelly as White House Chief of Staff, Trump told his more than 34.8 million followers on twitter soon after his return from New York. He is a Great American and a Great Leader. John has also done a spectacular job at Homeland Security. He has been a true star of my Administration, Trump said. The latest shakeup of the White House leadership comes as the feud between Priebus and the new Communication Director Anthony Scaramucci went nasty over the past few days, hogging the media limelight. Scaramucci was appointed the new White House Communication Director on July 21. Soon after, Sean Spicer had resigned as the White House Press Secretary in protest. Trump also promoted his Deputy Sarah Sanders as the new White House Press Secretary. Before being appointed as the White House Chief of Staff, Priebus was the chairman of the Republican National Committee, in which capacity he played a key role in Trumps presidential election. Kelly has been a staunch supporter of Trump, during his election campaign days.He previously served as the former Commander of US Southern Command and was the commanding general of the Multi-National Force West in Iraq from February 2008 to February 2009. As Secretary of Homeland Security, Kelly has played a key role in the border security of the Trump Administration. Read | 'Buffet of options' on paying for wall: White House Over the last few weeks, Trump has expressed frustration over the White House leaks. With a retired general in charge of his White House now, the president hopes to bring in some discipline and end the current mess inside the White House.Later in a statement, the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Kelly would begin his new responsibility Monday morning. General John Kelly is one of the true stars of the Administration. He has helped seal the border and reduce illegal immigration by 70 per cent, she said. He is respected by everyone, especially the people at the Department of Homeland Security. The entire Administration loves him and no one is comparable. He will begin on Monday morning and a cabinet meeting will follow his swearing in, Sanders said. In a tweet, Trump thanked Priebus for his service. I would like to thank Reince Priebus for his service and dedication to his country. We accomplished a lot together and I am proud of him! he said.Sanders said Priebus was loyal in his dedication to the President. The President thanks him and his family for his great service to the country, and he will always be a member of the Trump Team, she said. In a written statement, Priebus said it has been one of the greatest honours of his life to serve the President and the country. I want to thank the president for giving me this very special opportunity. I will continue to serve as a strong supporter of the Presidents agenda and policies, he said. I cant think of a better person than General John Kelly to succeed me and I wish him Gods blessings and great success, Priebus said. Sanders told reporters that Trump began the process of appointing a new chief of staff some two weeks back. Congressman Peter King who accompanied Trump aboard Air Force One to New York and back, told reporters that during the flight, he saw no indication of Priebus exit. In fact, he chatted with Priebus repeatedly during the flight. We didnt even know it. We were sitting right across from him and he kept a poker face, King said, referring to Priebus. King said the president told him as they were about to get off that he was going to announce Kelly as chief of staff. Asked what Priebus said during the flight, King repeated: Good poker face, showed nothing. In a statement, Kelly said he was honoured to be asked to serve as the Chief of Staff to the President of the United States. To the tremendous men and women of DHS, I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Secretary, he said. When I left the Marines, I never thought I would find as committed, as professional, as patriotic a group of individuals. I was wrong. You accomplish great things everyday defending our nation and I know your exceptional work will continue, Kelly said in a statement to the employees of the Department of Homeland Security. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. WASHINGTON Asian American, Black and Hispanic lawmakers joined together Friday to demand action to respond to a disturbing increase in attacks on Asian Americans including in the Bay Area, saying the government needs to do more to stop the violence. They also laid at least some blame at the feet of former President Donald Trump, linking the increased intolerance to a rise in white supremacy nationwide. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, called recent violence against Asian Americans a blot on our country and praised President Biden for signing an executive action that called on the attorney general to explore how to do more to stop it. But she joined other lawmakers in saying public awareness was also necessary. People who witness such crimes should take note of words used during an attack that may prove a hate crime was committed, she said. The Bay Area in particular has seen recent violent and deadly attacks on Asian American residents. California alone saw nearly half of the nations incidents of hate against Asian Americans, according to the group Stop API Hate, with more than 1,000 such incidents between March and August. Pelosi joined Oakland Rep. Barbara Lee during the news conference in linking the uptick to a broader surge of intolerance. White supremacy is the biggest bucket of concern when it comes to domestic terrorism, so this issue is specific to these individuals and how we want to help them, but its also part of a bigger picture, Pelosi said. The lawmakers on the news conference held by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus called for public awareness campaigns in multiple languages to reach vulnerable communities. They also called for the passage of a bill called the No Hate Act to beef up federal hate crime statutes and reporting. Lee represented the Congressional Black Caucus and Los Angeles Rep. Jimmy Gomez represented the Hispanic Caucus, with the group citing the importance of standing together against any racism. While the Democratic lawmakers noted the U.S. has a long history of anti-Asian bigotry, they also said Trump bears responsibility for this wave. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance (Los Angeles County), cited his experience as a manager in Trumps impeachment trial earlier this month, linking Democrats case against him for inciting the violent insurrection at the Capitol Jan. 6 to the surge against Asian Americans. Violence doesnt just happen out of the blue. It takes months and months of inflaming prejudices, Lieu said, noting Trumps use of the offensive term kung flu and efforts to blame China for the coronavirus, which originated there. When that happens, it does turn parts of the American population against the Asian American community, Lieu said. Our former president showed that words can kill, and his already have. Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan A kidnapping suspect who led a police chase from Liberty to Beaumont on Thursday has been arrested. Brandon Mohamed, 20, was taken into custody by officers with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office and Beaumont Police Department at about 2:30 p.m. Friday, according to law enforcement. Officers found Mohamed near the intersection of Blossom Drive and Washington Boulevard in Beaumont after multiple reports of possible break-ins and sightings of Mohamed on Thursday night. Mohamed is a resident of South Carolina and is accused of kidnapping a woman from near her home in Rockhill, South Carolina, and holding her hostage as he drove across the South. A witness in Liberty County reported a stolen truck that Mohamed and the woman were traveling in after seeing it reported on social media, and police in the area responded, kicking off Thursdays chase. Multiple agencies, including officers from Sour Lake, Beaumont and the Texas Department of Public Safety, tried to disable the vehicle as it traveled east on Texas 105. The chase eventually ended in Beaumont. Mohamed was able to flee on foot on Thursday afternoon near Cardinal Drive and Interstate 10, but police were able to get the woman to safety. Texas Rangers, Texas Highway Patrol troopers, DPS special agents, Jefferson County Sheriffs deputies and Beaumont police officers continued searching throughout the night for Mohamed. Mohamed is wanted for three other felony warrants, including aggravated assault family violence out of South Carolina. Investigators in Texas have filed additional felony charges, including aggravated kidnapping and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism 23888 Arya Yarpezeshkan, SVP, Director of Risk Management, Western World Insurance Group Arya Yarpezeshkan, SVP, Director of Risk Management, Western World Insurance Group At Kansas State University in 1993, there were no risk management and insurance programs. I cannot recall a single friend or classmate who went to work at an insurance company. Like many risk and insurance professionals from my generation and prior, we typically fell into the business or had family members working in the industry. This is no longer the case as there are numerous risk management and insurance programs nationwide who prepare thousands of students to enter the profession today. I would like to share seven compelling reasons to major in risk management and insurance. I have the fortune of having a niece and nephew who are both seniors in high school who are choosing schools and majors as we speak. Their perspectives on the core values and determining factors for deciding college majors have been invaluable in writing this article. New and Different Responsibilities As a risk management professional in the insurance industry for the past 12 years, I can say that this has been the most interesting job I have ever held and Ive worked in manufacturing, banking and financial services before joining the insurance industry. See Also: Top Insurtech Companies A major in risk management and insurance will provide you foundation to build your technical skill set and growth as a professional In my role within enterprise risk management, every day brings new and different priorities and responsibilities. In any given day, I may work on three to five different issues such as emerging risks, governance, controls, exposure management or capital allocation. Challenging The world is constantly changing. New risks and opportunities are constantly arising as a result of changing regulatory, political, environment, and social changes. As a result, new insurance products and coverages are needed to meet the demand for protection of consumers and businesses. Internally, new processes and controls are needed to effectively introduce and manage those new products and coverages. There is typically no right or wrong answer when introducing new products and coverages. It may be based on the market demand but also the companys risk appetite and creativity. As a risk and insurance professional, you will have the opportunity to apply your critical thinking skills to numerous initiatives. Stable Industry with Strong Growth Prospects The insurance industry weathers economic ups and downs better than most industries, such as banking construction or consulting, for example. While the economy no doubt has an impact on the insurance industry, it should be noted that consumers and business still continue to need insurance. Additionally, the industry is facing a significant loss of talent in the near future. A McKinsey & Co. study suggests that 25 percent of insurance industry professionals will retire by 2018, which will provide opportunities for the next generation of graduates to contribute in meaningful ways to the industry. Financially Rewarding Careers in risk management and insurance can be financially rewarding. Some career paths, such as in Actuarial Science are some of the highest paid and have the highest demand in the U.S. In addition, an emphasis in risk management and insurance can provide specific skills as compared to a general business major. Those specific skills can lead to higher salaries. Clear Career Paths and Opportunities for Advancement Majoring in risk management and insurance can lead to numerous opportunities and career paths within the insurance industry as well as other industries. Examples include careers as actuaries, risk managers, underwriters, financial and risk analytics, compliance and internal audit to name a few. The insurance industry requires specific skills and knowledge. That industry specific knowledge sets up barriers to entry where it can be extremely difficult for someone coming in from an entirely different industry to succeed as quickly as an experienced insurance professional. Acquiring that specific knowledge, coupled with the upcoming talent shortage provides fertile opportunities for growth and advancement. Risk management and insurance majors are usually part of a Universitys business program and therefore require additional business classes similar to those required by a business major. Therefore, if you choose not to pursue a career in the insurance industry, you will have the core business knowledge to pursue careers in other industries. Think of a risk management and insurance degree as a focused business degree. Opportunities to Help Others An insurance policy is just a piece of paper representing a promise to be there when policyholders need them the most. It is when a policyholder makes a claim that they will learn whether they have selected a strong insurance company or not. That peace of mind promise that insurance companies provide is taken very seriously. You will have opportunities to help those in times of need. Good corporate citizenship is a core value of many in the industry. Many companies provide numerous opportunities to volunteer in local and national causes. A 2015 McKinsey & Co study found that the U.S. property-casualty insurance industry contributed $575 million to charity in 2014, up about 15 percent from 2011. Solid Benefits As mentioned, the insurance industry is technical in nature and therefore provides highly competitive compensation and benefits in an effort to attract and retain talented employees with the appropriate skills. A major in risk management and insurance will provide you foundation to build your technical skillset and growth as a professional. Many insurance companies are large multi-national corporations with offices around the world. If you enjoy travel, careers in risk management and insurance may be your ticket to experience new cities around the globe. A career in risk management and insurance can be very challenging, rewarding, and constantly evolving. Check this out: Top Risk Management Solution Companies Top Risk Management Consulting Companies In Europe On Sunday, her grandmother passed away. On Monday, she lost power. About 18-hours later, Krista Richey, 29, of Conroe received a notification that her power had returned. So, Richey headed home from her relatives house hoping for a shower. But when her best friend walked into her garage, she noticed another problem. We opened the door and it was raining in my garage, Richey said. Richey and her grandmother, the late Barbara Monroe, 88, moved to Montgomery County from Illinois to be closer to family. The two moved into the home off Rifle near Texas 75 in Conroe and Willis area since June 2020. Richey not only cared for her grandmother but is a special education teacher at Splendora Independent School District, where she voluntarily helped high function students with Autism overcome remote learning challenges prompted by the novel coronavirus pandemic with an alternative approach. I ended up just driving out to their houses and teaching them in their driveways, Richey, who was assisted by a paraprofessional, said. Because I love my babies, Richey said cracking a smile at her kitchen table. Richey and her grandmother, who had moved in with her granddaughter due to her health, ultimately both contracted the deadly virus late last year. She was diagnosed with COVID on December 29, Richey said. She was sent home, had a fall, dislocated her shoulder, went back to the hospital, and then was released into skilled nursing. Then from skilled nursing she was complaining of severe pain and so they sent her to the emergency room where they found out she had pancreatitis. She was still positive, but she had the antigens in her body still, she added noting the two recovered. She didnt have any symptoms. Monroe passed away in the home on Sunday for unknown reasons. Richey has not been able to have memorial services for her grandmother due to the winter weather which dropped temperatures down to the single digits in southeast Texas, including Montgomery County, and prompted a statewide electrical grid failure. The funeral home came and got her on Sunday but because of the weather we havent been able to do anything yet, said Richey who has been vaccinated. I think she was ready to go. Thats what caused her pipe to freeze and burst in the center of the garage. Jokingly, we got home and the garage was closed, and I said, I think it is raining in your garage, said Tabitha Nadeau, who still did not have power at her home on Thursday off the south loop in Conroe. I thought maybe the ice was just melting through the side of door or underneath. Then we came inside and checked an it was literally raining. Richey asked for her neighbors help to shut off the water and for her friend to start taking photos of her car for insurance. My car was full of water, Richey said, still in disbelief. Once we got the water shut off, it stopped raining in the garage. A good majority of the sheet rock is being pulled out now in the garage and according to my insurance company theres a chance that my car is totaled because of the amount of water that is in the electrical system, she added as Manyu Torres continued to strip out the damaged Sheetrock outside. Fortunately, Richey rents and does not have to cover the cost of the damages to the home, which falls on the landlord. Since she has insurance on her 2016 Nissan Rogue, she is only responsible for her $200 deductible. And, since school was canceled, she isnt missing work or pay. But its been a rough week. Im taking it one day at a time, Richey said. Regarding the outages, she has an opinion. I think that the state should take all of the money we use for standardized testing, go ahead and forward all of that, and we can fix our electrical grids, Richey said. Lets take that $3.8 billion a year for state testing and we can just fix our electrical grid problem. For those who are interested in supporting Richey through the difficult time, she asked to instead to consider donating school supplies for students at Splendora ISD. I dont ask for help or things, I mean if anybody were to want to do anything, if they want to donate something to my school Richey said. Teachers are always needing supplies. We are a low-income school district, so we are always needing supplies the basics. We are a nationally recognized showcase district for capturing kids hearts, so we teach and focus more on our children holistically then we do necessarily the test scores, Richey said. We are more about building children that will be productive members of society. mellsworth@hcnonline.com 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. By Diane Bartz and Helen Coster WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Bipartisan members of Congress plan to introduce a bill in coming weeks to make it easier for smaller news organizations to negotiate with Big Tech platforms, said Rep. Ken Buck, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel. The U.S. bill would be introduced at a time when Australia is in a pitched battle with Facebook. The social media giant blocked news feeds and other pages - including those of charities, and health and emergency services - as part of a dispute over a proposed law that would require it and Google to pay news outlets whose links drive traffic to their platforms, or agree on a price through arbitration. Buck, who was named the ranking member this month, told Reuters on Thursday the panel would bring out a series of antitrust bills and the first one in the coming weeks would allow smaller news organizations to negotiate collectively with Facebook and Alphabet's Google. Social media companies use news to attract customers and have been accused by news publishers of not sharing enough advertising revenue with them. The legislation could boost sales in the struggling news business. While Facebook has fought publishers, Google has struck deals with them in France, Australia and other countries. Google announced this week that it had agreed to a global deal with News Corp that involved "significant payments" to the news organization, in one of the most extensive deals of its kind. Smaller publishers using Google's ad sales technology have for years griped about their bigger competitors getting more favorable revenue-sharing deals from the search giant. The news industry is undeniably struggling, with employment at U.S. newspapers down by half since 2008 amid tumbling advertising revenue and changing media habits, according to data from Pew Research. Buck said the expected legislation would be similar to a 2019 bill co-sponsored by panel chair Rep. David Cicilline which would have allowed small publishers to band together to negotiate with big gatekeepers like Facebook and Google without facing antitrust scrutiny. Story continues Facebook, Google and Cicilline's office did not respond to requests for comment after working hours. That bill specified that only small publishers could take advantage of the group negotiation. "What publishers have experienced is that platforms go to them one by one, make them sign NDAs and try to optimize per publisher without publishers being able to compare notes," said David Chavern, president and chief executive officer of the News Media Alliance, an industry trade group that is promoting the bill. Big national publishers probably have the capacity to get their own deals. If you look at smaller publishers, the only way to get some fair value is if they act together." In October, the antitrust subcommittee's majority report detailed abuses by tech giants such as Google and Facebook. In his own report, Buck and three fellow Republicans expressed interest in some changes in antitrust law aimed at strengthening enforcers. Buck said he wanted the focus to remain on the tech giants. "The biggest threat to the free market economy is big tech and it (potential legislation) should be fairly tightly focused on that," he said. (Reporting by Diane Bartz in Washington and Helen Coster in New York; Additional reporting by Paresh Dave in Oakland, Ca.; Editing by Chris Sanders and Lincoln Feast) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) Movie theaters in Pasig City will remain closed regardless if Metro Manila stays under general community quarantine or relaxes its restrictions, Mayor Vico Sotto said. This comes as national government officials announced cinemas will reopen in GCQ areas. Some Metro Manila mayors also recommended shifting to the most relaxed modified general community quarantine. "Whether you call it GCQ or MGCQ, for now, we will have cinemas remain closed," Sotto told CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Friday. Sotto stressed that although the economy needs to open gradually, the local government must protect its gains in fighting COVID-19. He added that about 5% of businesses in Pasig have closed. In terms of allowing in-person classes, Sotto only mentioned the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, which he thought was prepared to partially welcome students back. On vaccination, the mayor said he is willing to be inoculated publicly, but he will follow the order of priority prescribed by the Department of Health. He added that the brand of the vaccine does not matter to him if it has already received Emergency Use Authorization. "I am very much willing (to be vaccinated) but I believe in following the rules," he said. "Kahit anong brand na unang dumating willing akong magpabakuna [I am willing to be vaccinated with any brand], but for us, we see in the DOH guidelines it's health care professionals first, so we will go strictly by that." The fatigue I feel these days is unlike any other Ive ever felt. I end each day just WRUNG out. Susan Orlean, the author, on Twitter In Her Words is available as a newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. With the arrival, however ragged, of Covid vaccines, it has nearly been possible in these last few weeks to feel something like hope. New case numbers are falling; more than one million people get the vaccine jab in the United States each day. It is not yet the dawn of a new era, but the color of the dark has shifted just enough to remind us that night will eventually end. But first, the winter. These months, as President Joe Biden said in his inaugural address, present a winter of peril and possibility. Thousands of people are ill with the coronavirus; many will not survive. Deadly storms have frozen pipes and blacked out millions of homes. Both the virus and the weather demand that we stay indoors, hunker down and feed on what by now are sorely depleted supplies of patience and resolve. If you are feeling exhausted and limited these days, you are not alone. The fatigue I feel these days is unlike any other Ive ever felt. I end each day just WRUNG out, the author Susan Orlean wrote last month on Twitter. Its a kind of weariness that is new to me. MrBeast previously made waves for pledging to plant 20 million trees in exchange for $20 million. Screenshot Instagram/@mrbeast Popular YouTuber MrBeast hosted a Clubhouse room on Sunday. During his discussion, MrBeast booted a speaker whose name he said he couldn't pronounce. The speaker, entrepreneur Farokh Sarmad, sparked fierce debate after he called the move racist. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. An appearance from one of the biggest and most well-liked YouTubers on Clubhouse, the buzzy exclusive audio app, ended with a fierce debate over whether a speaker being booted from the room was racist. MrBeast, who has more than 53 million subscribers, is known for giving millions of dollars away on his platform. In one of his early appearances on the invite-only app Clubhouse, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, gave $10,000 to a listener. On Sunday, Donaldson was hosting a Clubhouse panel with more than 1,400 listeners. He invited audience members "onstage" - moving them from listening only capabilities to having speaking capabilities - if they changed their profile pictures to selfies or photos of themselves with famous entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. In this photo illustration the Clubhouse app logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images One of the people invited to speak was Farokh Sarmad, a popular Clubhouse host with more than 56,000 followers on the app who also owns a network of Instagram pages with more than 13 million combined followers. Sarmad told Insider that he was present "onstage" with two other speakers, one named Colin who joined the stage after Sarmad and was given the opportunity to speak to Donaldson before Sarmad. Sarmad says he was passed over for speaking opportunities entirely. Then, Donaldson verbally said he'd be clearing the stage to invite different people up. He told Colin by name that he'd be removing him, then said he was "really bad with names" before removing Sarmad, according to a recording that was posted on Twitter. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Sarmad, who felt like the interaction was both a breach of Clubhouse etiquette and influenced by Donaldson's inability to pronounce his name, tweeted that he had experienced "blatant racism." That's when an internet mob, spurred on by YouTube's commentary community, turned on Sarmad. Story continues The entrepreneur MrBeast kicked off said he was harassed by the YouTuber's fans for speaking out Fans of Donaldson were quick to attack Sarmad's thread. A recording of the interaction taken by a listener began circulating that Donaldson's fans used to claim Sarmad had "falsely accused" Donaldson, while another panelist replied to Sarmad's tweet to say they were making room on the panel to invite more women to the stage. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Sarmad told Insider that the screen recording didn't include the context of him being passed over from being able to speak - twice, he says - while other names who joined after Sarmad were called on to ask questions. "From an outsider's perspective if you see the video, you see my tweets, you think I'm crazy," Sarmad said. "I did this because I've suffered from this before, given that my name is Farokh. It's happened to me in Paris where I was raised. It's happened to me here in Canada as well as in the United States." Sarmad continued to defend himself and the principle of inclusion, creating another Clubhouse panel to discussion "Racism on Clubhouse: what's the solution?" But his efforts were overshadowed by YouTubers with bigger Twitter platforms who are fans of Donaldson, including Daniel Keem - better known as Keemstar - who created a competing Clubhouse room called "Mr Beast gets falsely accused of racism." In the room, Sarmad said Keem called him a "clout chaser." Toward the end of the room, Keem said "I don't care about his feelings [...] F--- him, f--- all the people that defended him." "My intentions were never to cancel, as I do not believe in cancel culture and I'm not a fan of it," Sarmad said. "My intentions were not malicious, nor were they to get any traffic. I already have my own audience, I already have my business, and I don't need harassment." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. While some of the responses to the incident were neutral, Sarmad said he received an overwhelming amount of harassment from fans of Donaldson and Keem. "I don't even know how many messages I received of hate, whether on Instagram or Twitter," Sarmad said. "People told me to kill myself." In direct messages with Insider, Keem stood by his characterization of Sarmad's thread as a false claim against Donaldson. "This is the internet if you get caught in 4K Ultra HD spreading lies you will get massive hate," Keem said. "Does that make it right or ok? No. But all people online know this would be the outcome of a situation like this. Regardless, this situation started a healthy conversation and many learned from this situation to better understand each other." Sarmad also said he stands by his initial thread, despite the reaction he got on Twitter. On Clubhouse, he said, he's able to have "healthy, safe" conversations without being harassed, including a room he hosted before Sunday night that he says Donaldson joined and was given the opportunity to speak during. Sarmad says he would have been satisfied in the situation if Donaldson asked him how to pronounce his name and gave him the equal opportunity afforded to white participants to speak. Donaldson didn't respond to Insider's request for comment. "To be kicked off because of my name is not right. And to not be given a chance to speak when other people who came on after me were given speaking time," Sarmad said. "It was a very hard day for me." Read the original article on Insider If they wish, Presidents can be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. There's no indication that Trump wants to be buried at Arlington on the (I hope) far distant day when he finally dies. However, Democrats are taking no chance and are trying to pass a law banning him from that final honor. The reality is that only two presidents are buried at Arlington, although the Kennedy family, generally, seems to view the place as a family plot: Still, it makes sense that presidents have the right to be buried there. After all, it's a military cemetery, and, during their tenure in office, our presidents are the commanders-in-chief of the military. So far as I know, the robustly healthy and vibrant Donald Trump has not ruminated about having his mortal remains laid to rest in Arlington once he finally passes away. That hasn't stopped the Democrats. There are a lot of words and phrases that can be used to define the Democrats in 2021. Hypocritical, crazy, delusional, power-mad, stupid all spring instantly to mind. However, overriding all of this is hate-filled. They hate America as it is, they hate white people (no matter how white they are themselves), they hate Americans, they hate Republicans, and most of all, they hate Donald Trump. If you thought Donald Trump's leaving D.C. and retiring quite gracefully to Mar-a-Lago in Florida was going to quench that emotion, you thought wrong. He still occupies all of the available space in their heads, whether they're lying about his inciting the incursion into the Capitol, charging him with insurrection, or lying about his successful vaccination efforts, they just can't quit him. Trump's moving on but they're still stuck in the same sick dependency that's characterized them since he came down the escalator in 2015. For that reason, it shouldn't be surprising that these obsessed Democrats, in almost medieval fashion, are attempting to control Trump's still-hypothetical final resting place. The House Democrats have introduced a bill the "No Glory For Hate Act" that would ban "twice impeached presidents" from being buried at Arlington. It is, of course, a disguised bill of attainder, because there's only one twice impeached president. They could just as well have named the bill the "Rip Trump's Bones Apart And Scatter Them to the Four Winds" bill. It would have had the same effect. JUST IN: House Dems have introduced a bill to ban twice impeached presidents from burial at Arlington National Cemetery and federal funds from going to buildings displaying their names or acknowledging their achievements This bill is called the "No Glory For Hate Act" pic.twitter.com/o3Y9n7qJUi Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 18, 2021 What we're witnessing is a pathological mental breakdown. The fact that these angry, obsessive, delusional people have their hands on all of the levers of federal power in America is unnerving, to say the least. Image: Arlington National Cemetery by S Turby on Unsplash. (TNS) - Dodger Stadium and several other COVID-19 vaccination sites that were shuttered last week due to shortages are set to reopen Tuesday, though continuing supply problems mean the vast majority of shots administered will be second doses, Los Angeles officials said.People vaccinated in mid-January were automatically slotted into appointments for most of the city's anticipated weekly supply of 54,000 Moderna doses and 4,000 Pfizer doses, a prioritization that the city said complied with directives by county and federal health officials.Just 4,600 doses will be set aside for initial immunizations and will be administered at Pierce College and at mobile clinics in hard-hit sections of South and East L.A.Thousands more are expected to get their initial dose on the campus of Cal State L.A., where a site jointly run by the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is to begin operations Tuesday.That site will have the capacity to vaccinate up to 6,000 people daily and is part of a Biden administration effort to roll out 100 vaccination sites nationwide in the first 100 days of the president's term. The Cal State site and a second one at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum were selected, Gov. Gavin Newsom said last week, to focus on underserved areas devastated by the virus and ensure "communities that are often left behind are not left behind."Meanwhile, teachers and other L.A. Unified School District employees will get their first designated vaccination site Wednesday. The operation at the Roybal Learning Center near downtown will be available to district staff age 65 and older along with those assigned to work at immunization sites.About 6 million vaccine doses have been administered in California with just under 1.5 million in L.A. County. The virus is on the decline nationally and across the state. Over the past week, the daily average of new cases in California has fallen by 51% versus two weeks ago.At the peak of infections last month, the county was averaging 241 related deaths per day. The county recorded 82 related deaths Sunday, though the number might have been affected by weekend reporting delays.Even with the encouraging data, public health officials are pleading for more vaccine doses.San Francisco's Department of Public Health bemoaned the supply in a statement Sunday as "limited, inconsistent and unpredictable." The city has closed the Moscone Center vaccination site for a week and limited a high-volume site at City College to second doses.L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement Monday, "Our city has the tools, the infrastructure, and the determination to vaccinate Angelenos swiftly and safely we simply need more doses."___(Times staff writers Howard Blume and Adam Elmahrek contributed to this report.)___(c)2021 the Los Angeles TimesVisit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. New allegations against U.S. social media giant Facebook have arisen after it reportedly allowed the Chinese Communist Party to purchase ads meant to misinform audiences about the ongoing abuses against the Uyghurs. British media trade publication Press Gazette published a report revealing how Facebook is "taking money from China to promote 'propaganda' [downplaying] the plight of Uyghur Muslims" in the communist country. The news came after Facebook allowed Chinese state-run outlets such as China Daily and CGTN to publish posts that claim how reports of abuses against Uyghurs are merely Western "disinformation." Facebook received advertising payments from communist China in exchange for promoting this type of content to millions of people around the globe. As of January this year, there are 2.7 billion Facebook users worldwide, including 320 million in India, followed by 190 million in the U.S., 140 million in Indonesia, 130 million in Brazil, 93 Million in Mexico, and 83 million in the Philippines, Statista revealed. Breitbart reported that the Press Gazette uncovered one case in which China Daily paid Facebook less than $400 to run an ad featuring a video that severely criticizes and rejects independent press reports from Xinjiang as rubbish. Communist China showed the video to a targeted audience of over a million Facebook users. The advertised video was in the form of a documentary that explained how Western "politicians, think tanks and the media work together to align narratives that drive public discussion and pervade the public consciousness often with malevolent intent." Furthermore, China Daily was also found to sponsor another video that claims a report on the Xinjiang Uyghur camps was "completely false" and "straight from the manual of Western media tricks." Another sponsored video paid by communist China to Facebook was an advertisement promoting a clip that accuses Western media of spreading "lies" and "disinformation" about abuses against Uyghurs. It warned viewers, "The tale of an oppressed Xinjiang is a myth Western media refuse to give up." In addition, communist China's state-run broadcaster CGTN was found to have paid Facebook to advertise a post that "promoted the virtues of 'vocational training centres' in Xinjiang." Thanks to over 1,000 advertisements paid by communist China to Facebook, state-run outlets CGTN, China Daily, China Xinhua News, the People's Daily and CCTV are now five of the six most "liked" or followed news pages in the world, as per a Social Blade ranking. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who according to The Guardian aspires to toss his name in the hat for the 2024 Presidential elections, is a firm detractor of communist China. In 2019, the U.S. State Department released a report saying more than an estimated 1 million people in China, comprised of Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Hui, Muslims, and Uyghur Christians, had been placed by Chinese authorities in "specially built internment camps or converted detention facilities." More recently, the State Department, under Pompeo, said China is committing genocide against Uyghurs. Pompeo condemned the abuses against Uyghurs by the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, who he said has "committed genocide against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang." Pompeo maintained, "I believe this genocide is ongoing, and that we are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uyghurs by the Chinese party-state." Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March MALARIA DENGUE TB PLAY SECOND FIDDLE TO COVID-19 Although India has worked relentlessly towards developing innovative testing solutions for COVID-19 throughout last year, the timely detection of a number of other infectious diseases has been sidelined. In India, the range and burden of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, filariasis, leprosy, HIV infection, typhoid, hepatitis etc., are enormous. In fact, inadequate containment of the vector has resulted in recurrent outbreaks of dengue fever and re-emergence of chikungunya virus disease and typhus fever. If India can develop more than 20 different diagnostic tests or devices in a single year to fight COVID-19, many more such innovations can be brought to effectively detect other infections looming in our country. 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 Republic of Moldova is an absolute priority of Romania's foreign policy, and the only way to prosperity and development for the neighbouring country is to continue the European path and fully implement the reforms to which it has committed itself through the Association Agreement, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu said in Chisinau on Friday. "It makes me very happy to be with you again today, in order to reaffirm and strengthen Romania's commitment to support the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. I would like to assure you, on this occasion, too, that Romania considers the Republic of Moldova an absolute priority of its foreign policy. It has been and is the consistent position of Romania that the only path to prosperity and development for the Republic of Moldova is to continue the European path and to fully implement the reforms to which it has committed itself through the Association Agreement. Romania will always support this path, both bilaterally and within the European Union," Aurescu said on Friday at the ceremony held in Chisinau on the occasion of the granting of new support to the Republic of Moldova from Romania, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a release by the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) sent to AGERPRES. The Romanian chief diplomat added that his visit aims to implement the support projects announced by the Romanian President, Klaus Iohannis, during his visit to Chisinau last December, but also a good opportunity to coordinate the working agendas of the two countries, "in the direct interest of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova". "We are and want to remain the most important and sincere partner of the Republic of Moldova and its citizens, based on the special relationship, based on the community of language, history and culture that also link us to the bilateral Strategic Partnership for the European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. The President of Romania, Mr. Klaus Iohannis, expressed unequivocal support for the reform agenda of the President of the Republic of Moldova, Mrs. Maia Sandu. And I saw - and you've all seen - the special openness that the lady president has enjoyed and is enjoying in Europe. We are pleased that the Republic of Moldova is once again a valid, credible interlocutor for its Western partners and I wish the President further success on this foreign policy dimension, but also in the process of democratic reform, in the European spirit. We will be with her on this path, just as we are today here in the Square of the Grand National Assembly," stressed Aurescu. Bogdan Aurescu said that Romania will continue the projects carried out for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, including those of interconnection, aimed at bringing the neighbouring country, through Romania, closer to the space of the European Union. "The Republic of Moldova must aspire to occupy its deserved place among the democratic and developed nations of Europe. It will take a lot of decisive action to strengthen the democratic system and institutions, to strengthen the rule of law, as well as solid efforts in the direction of combating corruption and ensuring the equality of all in front of the law - all these are fundamental elements for the prosperity of the whole society," the Romanian Foreign Minister argued. He stated that he came to Chisinau, together with a delegation that includes the head of the Emergency Situations Department with the Internal Affairs Ministry (MAI), secretary of state Raed Arafat, with medical equipment of almost 2.3 million euros, which follows the tranche of aid brought in the first week of January, through the Romanian Ministry of National Defence. The aid is added to Romania's support in April 2020, when it brought in a team of 52 people, of whom 41 physicians and volunteer medical nurses, to help colleagues in the Republic of Moldova combat the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by medical equipment, worth 3.5 million euros. "This today's gesture proves our consistency, but also the sincere and disinterested desire to support all citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the most difficult moments. I would also like to highlight the support that the Republic of Moldova currently has at European Union level and which has materialized through the constant assistance provided in the fight against COVID-19. The 1.5 million surgical masks, 100,000 masks for the medical personnel, 100,000 outfits and 100,000 gloves that we brought today with us will continue to help save some lives and manage the pandemic as efficiently as possible in the Republic of Moldova," Aurescu noted. Foreign Affairs Minister Bogdan Aurescu attended on Friday, together with Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, Aureliu Ciocoi, Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova and Peter Michalko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, the public ceremony to granting a new support to the Republic of Moldova from Romania, consisting of medical and protective equipment to limit the effects of the COVIV-19 pandemic, held in Chisinau, in the Great National Assembly Square. The Romanian delegation also included Secretary of State Raed Arafat, head of the Department of Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. AGERPRES . New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has urged everybody to observe February 23 as "Pagdi Sambhal Day. The day will be celebrated to assert the self-respect of farmers in memory of 'Chacha' Ajit Singh, the uncle of iconic revolutionary Bhagat Singh and founder of the "Pagdi Sambhal" movement. Farmers have been agitating around the national capital against the new farm laws for more than three months. The song "Pagdi Sambhal", written by Banke Dayal, was a precursor to the peasant movement against agricultural laws by the colonial British government, in 1906. The reflections of the movement that Chacha Ajit Singh had started at that time can be observed in this farmers' movement as well. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has made an appeal to all farmers to participate in this programme by placing posters and banners of Chacha Ajit Singh on tractors and other vehicles and by wearing a green turban. On the other hand, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha has expressed deep condolences to the victim's family after the death of two of the three Dalit sisters in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The governance and administration system of Uttar Pradesh is once again under suspicion where there is no safe space for women. We demand proper medical treatment of the injured women and a high-level impartial investigation into this incident and strict punishment to the culprits," said a statement issued by the farmers' body. Even if they were many years ago, nights out in Kings Cross remain seared into the memories of many Sydneysiders, and those who have passed through the harbour city over the decades. The Cross is sure to remain one of the best-known suburbs in Australia to many people overseas. Yet it has undeniably changed since the OFarrell government introduced lockout laws in 2014 to curb alcohol-fuelled violence. Along a stretch of Darlinghurst Road dubbed the golden mile and nearby streets, most of the nightclubs that once drew thousands of people to the Cross on weekends remain shuttered. Restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have proved to be the final nail in the coffin for many clubs. Nowadays, the busiest night-time hours of the week tend to be on Saturdays from 9pm to midnight. It is a far cry from the era before the lockout laws, when bars and nightclubs heaved into the early hours of the mornings on weekends. Loading Irrespective of the government decision to lift the lockout laws next month, one point most people can agree on is that the Cross will not return to what it was before 2014. That should provide some comfort to those who fear a lurch back to the higher levels of violence that gripped what was Sydneys most notorious party precinct. In the five years after the lockout laws began, assaults slumped 53 per cent, or by 1021 incidents, in Kings Cross, the most recent figures from the states Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research show. No one wants to see a return to the violence before the clampdown. We cannot forget that 18-year-old Thomas Kelly was killed in a one-punch attack in Kings Cross almost nine years ago as he walked along Victoria Street with his girlfriend. Rather, there is now an opportunity to reinvent the area, turning it into a place where people feel safe and want to visit because of its vibrancy. That said, the efforts to reshape the Cross will be a challenge. The western end of Oxford Street, which is beset by empty shops, serves as a reminder of how difficult it can be to transform a precinct. For the Cross, the risk is that Darlinghurst Road, once the beating heart, languishes for years, metres away from the thriving and increasingly gentrified Potts Point. The Delhi government is likely to complete the installation of the much-awaited smog tower at Connaught Place area by June this year, sources told IANS. The direction in this regard came during a review meeting chaired by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai at his office on Friday. During the meeting, the minister directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) to expedite the process of sprinkling water on roads. "To combat the city's air pollution, the Delhi government is also planning to strengthen its green war room monitoring," Gopal Rai said in a review meeting. The AAP-led Delhi government in October last year had approved a proposal to install a smog tower in Connaught Place to combat the city's air pollution. Smog towers are structures designed to work as large-scale air purifiers. They are usually fitted with multiple layers of air filters, which clean the air of pollutants as it passes through them. Meanwhile, the minister has also directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), IIT Delhi and Delhi Rail Metro Corporation (DMRC) to prepare an action plan to control dust pollution in the national capital. Continuum Wind Energy Ltd, sponsored by Singapore-based Clean Energy Investing Ltd, the indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of a Morgan Stanley fund entity, New Haven Infrastructure Partners, plans to issue its maiden green bond of $500-600 million, to be listed on the SGX. The proceeds will be used to refinance the project debt at six of its operating entities and to set up wind projects in India. The proceeds of the green bond will be used to refinance the project debt at six of its operating entities of the Continuum Group which together will form part of a bond issuing Restricted Group (RG1). IFC investment consists of the subscription to this green bond of an amount of upto $75 million for a tenor of 6 years. The proposed IFC investment has both strong financial and non-financial additionality. IFC will be facilitating access to international capital markets for a first-time issuer through an innovative financial structure that will help the sector in tackling lack of suitable domestic market financing options during the ongoing pandemic. In addition, IFC will contribute to strengthening the company's E&S practices through the adoption of IFC's performance standards, said IFC. IFCs proceeds will be utilised by the company towards the two wind power projects in Madhya Pradesh. RG1 has an aggregate capacity of 722.9 mega watt, comprising operational wind and solar assets which have Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra as off takers and power purchase agreements with C&I customers in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Continuum Wind Energy Ltd was founded in 2012 and is focused on establishing an independent producer business in India. The company is the holding company of Continuum Green Energy (India) Pvt Ltd, an IFC client since 2014. Sydney suburbs recorded the biggest rises in new JobKeeper applications nationally late last year, with some areas home to more than a thousand struggling businesses. Postcode data released by the ATO on Friday shows there were 522 areas nationally where the number of businesses on JobKeeper rose but in 2014 areas, there was no change or a fall in registrations between October and November. Businesses receiving JobKeeper increased by 10 or more in St Marys, Lindfield, Ryde and Eastgardens as 194 postcodes across the state recorded rising numbers between October and November. The Sydney CBD leads the nation with more than 6500 companies registered there on government support, 1000 more than Melbourne. Three hooded men doused a Holden Commodore in petrol before setting the vehicle alight in shocking CCTV footage. The men were seen fleeing from the burning car in an underground car park on Roger Street in Brookvale in northern Sydney at 3.15am on August 17, 2020. A blaze erupted, destroying the Commodore and a nearby Harley Davidson motorcycle before Fire and Rescue NSW arrived to put it out. Three men were seen fleeing from a burning car in an underground carpark on Roger Street in Brookvale in northern Sydney at 3.15am on August 17, 2020 NSW Police are still hunting for the men and appealed for public assistance on Friday by releasing CCTV footage of the 2020 incident. Footage shows a man in a green camo hoodie and another man in a black hoodie watching as a third man, also in a black hoodie, poured accelerate on the car off-screen. The third man was seen running with a bottle in his hand before the man in the camo hoodie threw a match on the car, setting it alight. Although the car was off-screen, the glow of flames could be seen in the bottom right corner of the frame. The footage begins with a man in a green camo hoodie and another man in a black hoodie watching as a third man, also in a black hoodie, poured accelerate on the car off-screen The third man was seen running with a bottle in his hand before the man in the camo hoodie threw a match on the car, setting it alight Another angle of the man in a black hoodie and navy trackpants (right) with a bottle in his hand, which was filled with flammable liquid. The man in the green camo hoodie can be seen on the left Police released footage of a fourth man walking through a petrol station at 2.38am on the same night - just 37 minutes before the vehicle arson. Investigators believe he may be able to assist with their investigation. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a medium build and was last seen wearing an orange 'Fox' hooded jumper, grey track suit pants, and a white cap. Detectives from Northern Beaches Police Area Command established Strike Force Gelfius to investigate the arson attack. BURTON, MI -- An arraignment has been held for three people charged after a Burton home invasion left an intruder dead and two people in the home injured, according to court documents. Joshua Childers, 27, and Patricia Rickman, 38, were arraigned in Genesee County District Court on single counts each of first-degree home invasion, assault with intent to murder and assault with intent to do great bodily harm Thursday, Feb. 18, according to court filings. Kyle Layman, 22, has also been arraigned on a single count of accessory after the fact. Officers with the Burton Police Department responded to a stabbing in the 1400 block of Carman Street at approximately 12:49 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 and found three individuals with stab wounds. Related: 3 charged in Burton home invasion that left 1 intruder dead, prosecutor says Johnathon Skaggs, 25, along with Childers and Rickman broke into the home of Skaggs ex-girlfriend on Valentines Day with the intent to harm, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said. Skaggs was armed with a knife. The other two had metal pipes. Skaggs cut his ex-girlfriend with a knife, Leyton said. Her husband was also stabbed but was eventually able to stab Skaggs with a kitchen knife. As the suspects attempted to flee the scene in a vehicle driven by Layman, Skaggs collapsed in the home and died, according to police. The two additional victims were treated at Hurley Medical Center in Flint with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. It was a domestic dispute that turned very, very violent, Leyton has said. He added the two residents of the home acted in self defense and will not be charged in connection with the incident. Bond for Childers and Rickman has been set at $400,000, according to court documents. Laymans bond is set at $1,000. Three children were in the home at the time, including Skaggs child. The childrens uncle picked them up from the home, Leyton said. The prosecutor said it is not clear if the children witnessed any of the violence. Read more on MLive: Missing Flint-area man found dead, suspects in custody Bicyclist, 61, dies after hit-and-run crash in Flint Two suspects arrested in Flint after shooting death of 37-year-old man Flint grapples with pandemic-fueled surge in homicides, crime Police investigate Genesee Township house fire that left man injured, displaced Texas senator Ted Cruz has claimed he was just being a good dad for taking a controversial family vacation in a sunny Mexican beach resort as millions in his home state were freezing in a deadly winter storm that left residents without power or water. The firebrand Republican was returning to Houston from Cancun yesterday following furious criticism of his trip and confirmation from the citys police chief that officers were employed to help speed his passage through the airport before his outward flight the day before. With school cancelled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends, Mr Cruz, who has two young daughters, said in a statement. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon. The statement followed reports that Mr Cruz had originally booked the return leg of his long-planned vacation for tomorrow, but brought forward the flight by two days as the trip became public knowledge and the backlash began. The controversy came as Texas residents continued to suffer a major new winter storm dumping more snow on the state yesterday before sweeping off east towards the Atlantic coast states and easing conditions a little. But officials warned Texans not to expect respite from sub-zero temperatures until at least today, with residents who have been without water, power or heat for days facing further delays to the restoration of their supplies, and some badly affected hospitals evacuating patients to other facilities. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the states power grid, said on Wednesday it had made significant progress, with little more than 500,000 customers still in the dark, down from a peak of 4.4 million. Mr Cruzs sudden return to Texas came after a barrage of criticism and allegations of hypocrisy from political opponents, and as mocking hashtags began to trend on Twitter. They included #CancunCruz and #FlyinTed, in recognition of Donald Trumps famous Lyin Ted nickname for the senator during their acrimonious campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Dinesh DSouza, a prominent conservative commentator, attempted to defend Mr Cruz in an extraordinary tweet that claimed the trip somehow benefited Texans. What could Ted Cruz do if he were here in Texas? Im hard-pressed to say, he wrote. If hes in Cancun, that means hes not using up valuable resources of energy, food and water that can now be used by someone else. This is probably the best thing he could do for the state right now. The trip even came up at the afternoon White House press briefing, with US President Joe Bidens spokesman, Jen Psaki, criticising the Republican politician. I dont have any updates on the exact location of Senator Ted Cruz nor does anyone at the White House, she said. But our focus is on working directly with leadership in Texas and the surrounding states on addressing the winter storm and the crisis at hand, the many people across the state who are without power, without the resources they need, and we expect that would be the focus of anyone in the state or surrounding states who was elected to represent them. ( Telegraph Media Group Ltd 2021) Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 51F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 42F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. has announced that it is planning to launch 'Office 2021' later this year for both Windows and Mac machines. The company says Office 2021 will be available to purchase for single users as well as business users later this year, but the company has not revealed an exact release date or pricing information yet. "We are planning to release Office 2021 for personal and small business use later this year. Office 2021 will also be supported for five years with the traditional 'one-time purchase' model. We do not plan to change the price for these products at the time of the release. We will announce more details about new features included in Office 2021 closer to general availability," the tech giant said in a statement. Office 2021 will be accompanied by Office LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel), which is a new version of Office that's being introduced for commercial customers. Office LTSC will bring accessibility improvements, dark mode in multiple apps, and general performance improvements across Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. However, also says in its announcement that the price of Office Professional Plus, Office Standard, and the individual apps is going up 10 per cent at the time of wider public availability. --IANS wh/sdr/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Alabama grand jury declined to indict the half-brother of civil rights activist Al Sharpton on a 2018 capital murder. Court records made public Thursday show the grand jury returned a no bill in the case against the Rev. Kenneth Glasgow, a 55-year-old Alabama pastor who founded founder of the Ordinary Peoples Society, a nonprofit focused on criminal justice issues and prison conditions. He still faces unrelated charges of drug possession, assault on a police officer, and tampering with physical evidence. Glasgow and Jamie Townes, 29, were charged in the killing of 23-year-old Breunia Jennings. She was killed that Sunday night when multiple shots were fired into her vehicle while she was driving o Allen Road. Townes was the alleged shooter in the case. Glasgow was charged because he drove Townes to where the shooting happened. Charges have not been dismissed against Townes. Glasgow has claimed the capital murder was retribution for his decades of activism around prisoner rights. Glasgow was believed to have had a scuffle with a Dothan Police Officer during the 2020 arrest. Allegedly, Mr. Glasgow had an unspecified amount of crack inside his pocket, and as the officer attempted to place Glasgow under arrest a struggle began, injuring the officer. Evidence was also tampered with, Dothan police Lt. Doug Magill said at the time. A trial date on the other charges has not yet been announced. He is still awaiting trial in that case on charges of second-degree assault, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. New Delhi: Delhi Police in its annual press conference revealed that as per their data majority of rape victims in the national capital know their culprit. In over 44 percent of the cases registered with the police in the year 2019-20 the victim identified their rapist as either a relative or member of their family. Additionally, the data also revealed that over 26 percent of the culprits are known to the victim, whereas 12 percent are directly related to them. Also, almost 12 percent of the accused came from the victim's neighbour, while only 2 per cent of the accused in the rape case came out who had no relation with the victim. The figures from 2019-20 once again proved that women are more prone to assault from their relatives, neighbours and family members. Moreover, out of all the registered cases only 23 percent of the accused in rape cases are punished by the court of law. As per the data released by the police, 1699 rape cases were registered in 2020, out of which only 23% of the accused were punished, and all others were acquitted. While the percentage of punishment across the country stands at 28. The data also highlighted that Delhi stands at second position, as over 21 percent of the murders were carried out under anger. The highest 44 percent killings have been caused by hostility and other disputes. The Delhi Police data further stated that a total of 472 murders took place in Delhi from 2019 to 2020, while 521 murders took place in 2019. However, the killings decreased in 2020 as compared to 2019. As per the numbers, the highest 44% killings in Delhi were due to mutual enmity and other disputes. While 21% of the percent of the murders were carried out in spur of the moment. Also, 17 percent of the murderer was due to some other reasons and 8 percent of the murders were made in the thrill of the accused. Live TV Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Michael Ngan organised protests against Hong Kongs extradition bill, its handling of the pandemic, and the security law. For him, Hong Kong civil servants are accountable only to Hong Kong authorities. Police arrest university student for supporting Hong Kong independence. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) The former head of the disbanded civil servants union has resigned from his post at the Labour Department to avoid taking an oath of allegiance to Hong Kong and mainland China. Michael Ngan Mo-chau made the announcement himself on the organisations Facebook page; the Union for New Civil Servants disbanded itself last month to protect its members. I only lose a job, he wrote on the popular social networking service and social medium. What is more important is that I have faced myself truly and chosen what is right to do. In August 2019 he led a protest by public officials against the extradition bill (which the authorities later withdrew). A year ago, under his leadership, the union criticised the city government's handling of the pandemic. Ngan also targeted mainland Chinas security law, pointing out that under Hong Kongs Basic Law, Hong Kong civil servants are only accountable to Hong Kong authorities, not to the central government. Last month, those same authorities imposed an oath of allegiance after the security law was adopted in June last year. Now the Autonomous Regions 180,000 civil servants must take the loyalty pledge by the end of the month; if they refuse without justification, they are automatically dismissed. Since the start of the year, many doctors, nurses, dentists and public health researchers have already resigned in order not to comply with this obligation. This comes as Hong Kong authorities, backed by Beijing, continue their crackdown on dissent, as evinced, for example, by the various arrest warrants against pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Yesterday, police arrested a 19-year-old student for taking part in an anti-government protest on the campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in November. The police detained eight people in December back in December. On 19 November, a hundred CUHK students had protested peacefully against the university decision to hold their graduation ceremony online. Demonstrators also displayed pro-independence flags and banners, shouting slogans in favour of the independence of the former British colony. FRIDAY: A customer flew in from Williston, Florida for a quick turn on fuel, then flew to Henderson, Nevada in his Embraer Phenom 300 jet. No other activity reported. SATURDAY: Air 2 LLC flew out to the Hart area, and later flew back in their Hughes 500 jet helicopter. A customer flew in from Mesa, Arizona for fuel, then flew to Cameron, Missouri in his Beech A-36 Bonanza. A customer flew in from Beaumont for fuel, then flew to Raton, New Mexico in his Piper Malibu Mirage. Thomas Vaughn flew in from Biggin Hill near Shallowater for fuel, then flew back to Shallowater in his Cessna 180 Skywagon. A Union City police officer is suspended without pay after being arrested and charged with illegally accessing a criminal justice database, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Weslley Hernandez, 29, of Clifton was charged with computer theft, a second degree crime, when he turned himself into authorities just after 11 a.m. Friday. Suarez said Hernandez accessed the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Database on various dates in June 2020 and obtained information for purposes other than those authorized by his employment as a police officer. Union City Police Chief Nichelle Luster said her department was notified that an officer may be using his position to provide information to a criminal enterprise. Upon confirming involvement, and later that same day, we contacted the Hudson County Prosecutors Office Internal Affairs Unit, Luster said in a statement. We cooperated with the Prosecutors Office investigation and placed the officer on administrative leave during the investigation. In light of todays charges, the officer will be suspended without pay. We have a zero tolerance policy for these types of actions and believe law enforcement must be held to the highest of standards. No details of the alleged criminal enterprise or Hernandezs role were provided. Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutors Office Public Integrity Unit and Internal Affairs Unit, as well as the police departments in Union City, Hoboken, and Newark with the investigation and arrest. She added that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests could be made. Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results A retired Jersey City police officer who helped pave the way for Black officers in the department died in a two-alarm fire Thursday. Dorothy Bellinger, 84, was found in a second floor bedroom when firefighters responded to the two-story home in the 200 block of Clerk Street at 10:45 a.m. and were met with heavy fire and smoke conditions on the second floor. She was pronounced dead at 11:44 a.m. A fire captain suffered minor injuries in the blaze, which is the second fatal home fire in the city in the past nine days. On Feb. 10, a fire at on Martin Luther King Drive killed an 11-year-old girl and her 8-month-old brother. The Hudson County Prosecutors Office declined to name the victim until an examination by the state Regional Medical Examiners Office, but a source with knowledge of the incident confirmed the woman is Bellinger. Bellinger, who was born and raised in Jersey City and attended Lincoln High School, joined the police department in 1963 and retired in 2000. It is believed that she was one of the first Black women on the force, after Catherine Lucille Wallace joined the department in 1951 In 2016, when she turned 80, Bellinger was honored for her 37 years of service by both the Jersey City City Council and Hudson County freeholders with resolutions and proclamations. The proclamation approved by the Hudson County commissioners in 2016 called Bellinger a phenomenal woman in every sense of the word, a woman of faith, generosity, service, conviction, courage, care, charisma, fashion, compassion, advisor, herbalist, healer and an advocate for children. Dorothy is the proud daughter of Ousy and Katie Benjamin Allen (deceased), fourth generation immigrant from the West Indies. She is a native of Chill Town, born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, the middle child of six siblings. Bellinger served as a Lafayette Ward F committee person and was the 2016 grand marshal of the Jersey City West Indian Caribbean American Carnival Parade, according to a 2016 Hudson Reporter profile. The injured Jersey City fire captain was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation. It was declared under control at 11:38 a.m. More: Helmet-cam video shows Harrisburg firefighters making second story rescue at scene of fatal fire Man set fire to his lawn to clear snow and ice, cops say On Thursday, San Antonians again flocked to grocery stores to refill their nearly empty refrigerators and pantries and many of them left frustrated, with few items checked off their shopping lists. With the city under a boil-water notice, bottled water was a hot commodity and nearly impossible to find. Long lines have formed outside grocery stores in recent days. Frequently, staples such as eggs and bread are gone by the time shoppers come in from the cold. Grocery chains are closing stores or reducing hours because of power and water outages. Icy roads are making it difficult for employees to get to work safely and for truck drivers to arrive with deliveries. Warmer weather this weekend is expected to help alleviate the crunch. H-E-B closed some of its San Antonio-area stores early this week but has since reopened all but one of those locations with scaled-back hours. Its store at Blanco Road and Loop 1604 remains shuttered because of water and power problems. At some H-E-B locations, 30 to 40 workers are running a store thats usually staffed by about 250 employees, company spokeswoman Dya Campos said. We anticipate having shortened hours as long as were trying to make sure that we can keep all of our stores open and staffed, and also give time for trucks to arrive to the store, Campos said. Our hours of operation will continue to fluctuate along with the weather and the operations capability of the store, she said. But we see that that will stabilize here in the next few days. H-E-B is limiting purchases of bottled water, eggs, milk, bread, ice, propane tanks and other items. Water connection problems are hampering work in some stores bakery and deli departments and at H-E-Bs manufacturing facilities, Campos said. As the weather and road conditions improve, customers will start seeing more items on the shelves. Over the next couple of days, things will get better, Campos said. JT Powers said he waited outside the H-E-B on Walzem Road on Tuesday for nearly an hour. He snagged a package of chicken thighs, but many of the shelves were empty. I did not find everything I needed because by that time people had already taken most of the toilet paper and all the water that was available, he said. There was no bread left, and most of the tortillas were gone. More than 200 Walmart and Sams Club stores in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee were closed as of Thursday afternoon. A map on Walmarts website shows stores status. Were staying closely connected to our operators in the field to help ensure were stocking the appropriate items and keeping track of shipments to deliver for our customers, a Walmart spokesperson said. We have emergency support teams dedicated to helping our stores during critical events. Our merchandising, replenishment, supply chain and logistics teams are working to have critical supplies and products in store as quickly as possible. Target stores in San Antonio are open, though four locations in other parts of Texas are closed because of power outages and slippery roads. Well reopen these stores as soon as we safely can to serve our guests and are working quickly to restock essential items like food and water in our stores that remain open, a spokesperson said. Store leaders are checking in with every team member in the impacted areas to make sure theyre safe. Both Trader Joes stores in San Antonio were closed Thursday, according to the companys website. La Fiesta stores in the area were open. Costco said management had no comment Thursday on the status of its three San Antonio locations. The cold snap is also damaging crops, with citrus growers in South Texas hit hard. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said farmers and ranchers are grappling with power outages and natural gas disruptions because of the storm. The combination is wreaking havoc on their livestock, feed and crops. In just one example, dairy operations are dumping $8 million worth of milk down the drains every day because the plants that process that milk dont have power, Miller said. Grocery stores are already unable to get shipments of dairy products. Store shelves are already empty. Were looking at a food supply chain problem like weve never seen before, even with COVID-19. When Crystal Lira heard about the snow and freezing temperatures coming to San Antonio, she started stocking up last week on groceries for her family and neighborhood kids who come over to play with her son. On Tuesday, she again ventured out to an H-E-B store, this time for paper plates and plastic utensils to help conserve water. She waited in line for about 45 minutes. There were plenty of deli items, but eggs, milk and meat had flown off the shelves, she said. When Lira went to another store Wednesday, there were plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish and shrimp. But milk, eggs, tortillas and jelly were still in short supply. Even the $5 waters that you ask yourself, Like, who buys these? Gone, she said. madison.iszler@express-news.net As California's third and most deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and the vaccine rollout speeds up, the state is starting to reopen. The regional order was lifted in late January, outdoor dining is back in full swing and an increasing number of schools are welcoming back students to campuses. The worst seems to be over. California Gov. Gavin Newsom noted the promising outlook at a Tuesday press conference, saying the state's seven-day positivity rate (the percentage of people who test positive for the virus of all of individuals who are tested) stands at 3.5%, compared to 11.4% a month ago. What's more, Newsom said on Tuesday that the state reported 5,600 new cases over the past 24 hours, far fewer than the 40,600 recorded on Jan. 16. "We have seen the vaccination rate increase," the governor added. "There are only seven jurisdictions in the world that have administered more doses of the vaccine than the state of California. Some 6.3 million doses of the vaccine have now been administered here in the state of California." But along with the hopeful message, Newsom warned of the new variants recently detected in the state and said these are a caveat to whether the decline will continue. Genome sequencing has identified 195 cases in California of the B.1.1.7 variant that originated in the United Kingdom, and two cases of B.1.351 from South Africa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Is it possible California could see a fourth wave an uptick in cases this spring before enough people get vaccinated? We asked some experts this question. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at UCSF, doubts California will see a fourth wave of cases in the spring if the state continues to roll out the vaccine with some alacrity. "In places where vaccine rollout is going better than the U.S. (Israel and the UK), cases are dropping dramatically along with hospitalizations," she wrote in an email. "Our restrictions on openings are still stringent compared to most other states, and we will remain in the tiered system until herd immunity is reached. So, I very much doubt between our restrictions, continued mask wearing, and vaccine rollout, we will see a fourth surge." Dr. George Rutherford, head of the division of infectious disease and global epidemiology at UCSF, said that if a fourth wave were to happen, it would likely be small. "I dont see it being an overwhelming wave," he said. California saw its first wave last spring, a second wave over the summer, and a third wave, which started in mid-October before peaking in January. "Each wave has been bigger," Rutherford said. "Theyve gotten larger with each one, and by virtue of them being larger, there are more hospitalizations and more deaths. I think whats surprising is how big the third wave was and how much natural acquired immunity there was as a result of that." He noted that the combination of the natural immunity acquired by the population in the third wave and the ramped-up vaccination effort, will help fight off a fourth wave. "Weve been more aggressive than I thought we would be with vaccinations," he said. "And people have quite a bit of immunity from the first dose." Dr. John Swartzberg, a UC Berkeley infectious disease expert and professor, is concerned that the combination of the variants and the reopening of businesses and activities could trigger a fourth wave, but Swartzberg is hopeful it can be prevented by people continuing to socially distance. "There is history with this pandemic in America, and that is every time we put a lid on these surges, we loosen up too soon," he said. "We stop wearing masks, we stop social distancing, we get together in congregate setting. And every time we do this, we see a surge larger than the one before." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts the B.1.1.7 variant that originated in the United Kingdom could become the dominant variant in the United States by March. Early research shows vaccines are effective against this more contagious and possibly more deadly variant that was first identified in Britain. The South Africa one is more worrisome, because of evidence it may diminish the effectiveness of the vaccines. The concern is similar with the P.1 variant first identified in Brazil that has yet to be detected in California. "If those happen to take off, because theyre probably equally transmissible, then the protection were getting from more and more people getting vaccinated will be blunted," said Swartzberg of the variants from South Africa and Brazil. "I dont know whats going to happen." Swartzberg concluded that while it's difficult to predict the trajectory of the virus, we can affect the outcome through our behavior. "Will see a fourth wave?" he said. "All one can do is give an educated guess. The answer really lies in our own behavior and in what nature is going to do and how many people we can get vaccinated between now and then. It feels like things are really precarious right now. I see this as a critical time between now and April. Im trying to get the public health message out to reach down to find the fortitude to keep that mask on and stay out of congregate settings. I think it will really pay off. If we can get through March by driving these numbers way down in spite of the variants, then well start to see the salutary effects of the vaccine, and then we could be in good shape in May, June, July." A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. SPRINGFIELD A South Carolina fugitive wanted on a murder warrant was arrested Thursday morning at a residence off Boston Road near the Wilbraham town line, according to police. Department spokesman Ryan Walsh said a team of local, state, county and federal law enforcement arrested Tyshawn Jordan, 19, of Moore, South Carolina, at a house on Fernbank Road after learning he was staying there. Police executed a search warrant at 6:30 a.m. The agencies included the city police departments Warrant Apprehension Unit, the Hampden County Sheriffs Department, the state police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force. Jordan is named in an arrest warrant issued out of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, on a charge of murder by firearm in connection with a recent homicide there. The Republican reached out to officials in South Carolina for details on the homicide but have not heard back. It is not clear how long Jordan had been staying at the Fernbank Road residence. Spartanburg County is roughly 850 miles south of Springfield. Send only violent criminals to jail Cities and the state should help pay to house inmates Get defendants to trial faster Vote View Results While kids learned virtually Friday, teachers were at the DeKalb County Schools Colosseum and at Sylvania High School getting their first doses of the coronavirus vaccine. "I'm excited for the opportunity to get the shot to hopefully protect myself and protect others," explained April Ivey, teacher. Ivey is one of 500 DeKalb County Schools employees to get their first coronavirus shot on Friday. Superintendent Jason Barnett said every teacher or staff member who wanted one was able to get their shot. "To give them the opportunity to protect themselves and their families was so important for me," said Barnett. That's exactly why Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Williams said she got her shot. Her dad passed away from coronavirus back in December. "I choose to get the vaccine for my family," said Williams, who also helped run the clinic. School nurses administered the shots. The plan right now is to have teachers back there in four weeks for their second shots. 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. Microsoft admitted that the SolarWinds hackers were able to acquire its codes for three of its big products. These are specifically Azure, Intune, and Exchange. Although this might seem a big issue, consumers don't have to worry about it since the online attackers were not able to access Microsoft's customer data. According to Engadget's latest report, Microsoft already investigated the SolarWinds attack after it discovered unusual online activity in its systems previously in December 2020. And now, ZDNet reported that Microsoft announced the investigation has been completed. The tech giant company said that they found no evidence that the cybercriminals abused its official products or internal systems to shift and attack Microsoft's regular consumers and business customers. "Our analysis shows the first viewing of a file in a source repository was in late November and ended when we secured the affected accounts," said Microsoft via ZDNet. Microsoft codes that SolarWinds attackers breached Based on the company's investigation, Microsoft said that the online attackers focused on locating access tokens that they can use to widen their access to other Microsoft systems. The tech giant company added that the hackers were able to download some of its codes for big its three big products. Also Read: SHAREit Could Completely Leak Your Personal Info! Experts Claim Its Security Bugs Are Still Unpatched However, the company confirmed that the data was not extensive and that the intruders only downloaded the source code of a few components linked to Azure, Intune, and Exchange, which are cloud-based products. Here are codes that the breached repositories contained; a small subset of Intune components a small subset of Exchange components a small subset of Azure components (subsets of service, security, identity) Some researchers stated that the previous SolarWinds attack appears to have no damage on Microsoft's products. They also stated that it didn't provide hackers extensive access to user data. Did SolarWinds affects 100 U.S. companies? The White House team, which lead the investigation against the SolarWinds breach, concluded that the massive attack also affected 100 U.S. companies, which could lead to another feature hacking attack. Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology at the White House, said that SolarWinds hackers also attacked 100 private sectors U.S. organizations. "Many of the private sector compromises are technology companies including networks of companies whose products could be used to launch additional intrusions," she said. As of the moment, there is still some info that Microsoft hasn't discovered yet regarding the previous massive breach. For more news updates about SolarWinds and other massive online breaches, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: More Than a Thousand Developers Hack SolarWinds Hack, Says Microsoft This article is owned by TechTimes. Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. Explosive evidence which could lead to Nicola Sturgeon's resignation is to be published by the Alex Salmond inquiry. The former SNP leader's bombshell submission to the inquiry will accuse the First Minister of misleading parliament which, if true, could force her to quit. The Holyrood committee is examining the Government's botched probe into the handling of harassment complaints against Mr Salmond. But he said he would not give evidence under oath unless his submission was published and included in the inquiry's final report. There had been concerns it may contain information which would lead to the identification of one of his accusers. But the decision yesterday to make Mr Salmond's evidence public paves the way for a dramatic showdown in parliament next week, when he is now expected to appear. The former SNP leader's bombshell submission to the inquiry will accuse the First Minister of misleading parliament which, if true, could force her to quit The SNP reacted with fury to the decision last night. It accused the parliament of 'jeopardising' a court order to protect the anonymity of the women who had made allegations against Mr Salmond. But Scottish Tory Holyrood group leader Ruth Davidson said: 'Their clear overreaction only confirms in people's minds that they must have something to hide. 'Nobody is suggesting for a second that information would ever be published jeopardising a complainant's anonymity. That would be totally unacceptable. 'As the ruling party, it is the SNP's own Government who so badly let down women who came forward. It is therefore galling to hear them falsely accuse others of doing the same.' The Scottish parliament's ruling body yesterday agreed that former First Minister Mr Salmond's document can be made public following a row between MSPs on the inquiry committee. It had voted not to publish the evidence amid fears it could breach a court order. But after asking the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB) for a final decision, a resubmitted version of the evidence will be published early next week. It is expected Mr Salmond will make serious allegations under oath against Miss Sturgeon, senior officials and the Crown Office Allegations, discussions, denials and a 'forgotten' key meeting between Sturgeon and Salmond November 2017: Allegations regarding Alex Salmond's behaviour are raised with the SNP by Sky News. Nicola Sturgeon said she spoke to him about this and he 'denied it'. No further action was taken. March 29, 2018: Ms Sturgeon meets Geoff Aberdein in her Scottish parliament office where she has admitted they discussed the possibility of a meeting with Mr Salmond. Ms Sturgeon after initially forgetting about this meeting says there was 'the suggestion that the matter might relate to allegations of a sexual nature'. April 2, 2018: Ms Sturgeon and Mr Salmond meet at the First Minister's home. According to Ms Sturgeon, this is the first time she heard of the complaints made against him. Despite this, she has insisted that the matters discussed were party business. April 23, 2018: Ms Sturgeon and Mr Salmond hold a 'substantive' phone discussion. During this call, Ms Sturgeon claims that Mr Salmond asked whether she would speak to Leslie Evans about 'mediation' with the complainants. A special adviser was in the room at the time. June 6, 2018: Ms Sturgeon writes to Mrs Evans to inform her that she has held discussions with Mr Salmond. June 7, 2018: Ms Sturgeon again meets Mr Salmond, this time in Aberdeen ahead of the SNP party conference. July 14, 2018: Ms Sturgeon meets Mr Salmond at her home near Glasgow. July 18, 2018: Ms Sturgeon and Mr Salmond speak again on the phone. Ms Sturgeon said that 'by this time' she was 'anxious as party leader and from the perspective of preparing my party for any potential public issue to know whether his handling of the matter meant it was likely to become public in the near future.' This is the last time Ms Sturgeon and Mr Salmond speak. During this time they also exchange a number of WhatsApp messages in which they discuss the affair including Mr Salmond's decision to seek a judicial review over the government's probe into the two complaints. January 2019: Mr Salmond wins sexual harassment inquiry case against Scottish government and is awarded 500,000 in legal fees. March 23, 2020: Alex Salmond is cleared of all sexual assault charges and his supporters demanded a full inquiry into the Scottish Government's handling of the scandal. January 24, 2021: Speaking on the Andrew Marr show, Ms Sturgeon denies misleading the Scottish Parliament after 'forgetting' to tell MSPs about her meeting with Mr Salmond's aide on March 29, 2018. February 8, 2021: Peter Murrell, the SNP's chief executive and the First Leaders husband, is accused of a 'dismal and shifty' performance as he gave evidence to the inquiry on Zoom. February 16, 2021: Mooted date for Ms Sturgeon to appear before the inquiry. Advertisement The move is likely to see Mr Salmond appear before the inquiry on Wednesday. It is expected he will make serious allegations under oath against Miss Sturgeon, senior officials and the Crown Office. After two meetings yesterday the SPCB's chairman, presiding officer Ken Macintosh, said the group had 'collectively agreed that on balance it is possible to publish the submission' with some redactions. Publication by the parliament means the evidence can be included in the inquiry's final report on the affair and for questioning witnesses. Opposition MSPs have welcomed the move following concerns that SNP members on the committee had not wanted Mr Salmond to attend over fears it could damage Miss Sturgeon. The Holyrood inquiry is examining the Scottish Government's probe into two harassment complaints against Mr Salmond in 2018. A judicial review ruled the investigation had been unlawful and 'tainted by apparent bias'. Mr Salmond was awarded more than 512,000 in taxpayer cash for his legal fees. He and Miss Sturgeon are the only two witnesses left to appear before MSPs over the affair, with the First Minister due to be the last to give evidence. Mr Salmond made a submission to James Hamilton, QC, who is investigating whether Miss Sturgeon breached the ministerial code over the affair. In the document, he accuses his successor of repeatedly misleading Holyrood in relation to meetings they held about the probe in 2018 and when she found out about the official complaints. If found to have breached the ministerial code, Miss Sturgeon could be expected to resign. The evidence was also sent to the Holyrood inquiry as part of their probe but they had refused to publish it over legal fears relating to a court order put in place during Mr Salmond's trial in March last year. He was acquitted on all 13 charges of sexual assault, including attempted rape. Last week, the Spectator magazine went to court to seek clarity on the court order, with an amendment published by judge Lady Dorrian. However, the committee voted by five votes to four against publishing the submission. Mr Salmond's lawyers therefore submitted a revised version of the evidence to put the legality 'beyond doubt'. This is the version addressed by the SPCB yesterday and which will now be published. Last night, Mr Macintosh wrote to inquiry convener Linda Fabiani, saying: 'Following two meetings of the SPCB today, at which a range of opinions were aired, the SPCB collectively agreed that on balance it is possible to publish the submissions by Alex Salmond on the ministerial code.' Scottish Labour's interim leader Jackie Baillie said: 'This decision is most welcome and should pave the way for Mr Salmond appearing before the committee next week.' But Nationalist MSP George Adam said: 'People across Scotland will be utterly bewildered that the corporate body of the national parliament has ignored clear legal advice and decided to publish information which it knows could jeopardise the court-ordered anonymity of complainants in a sexual offence case.' A Scottish parliament spokesman said: 'The committee will be writing to Mr Salmond to invite him to give evidence to the committee on February 24.' A spokesman for Miss Sturgeon said: 'The publication of this submission changes nothing as far as the First Minister is concerned, as she has always expected to be questioned on its contents. 'The only frustration is that she has still not had the chance to rebut the claims and conspiracy stories that have been levelled at her and has lost count of how many times she has agreed to appear before the committee, only for the date to be postponed.' Friday, February 19, 2021 If I Had More Time, I Would Have Written You a Shorter Letter. Mark Twain By Scott Lorenz Westwind Communications Most authors know the famous adage, Brevity is the soul of wit. This saying is from Shakespeares Hamlet and is, ironically, delivered by the exceedingly longwinded character Polonius. Brevity, simply defined, is shortness or conciseness of expression. While brevity is often an essential part of wit or humor, it is also a necessary tool which writers must master. In an age where attention spans are under siege from competing information streams, skillful and brief communication can cut through the noise and capture the attention of the listener. Like Shakespeares Polonius, many authors recognize the importance of brevity, while struggling to actually be brief. Authors are conditioned early on with the idea that longer, more complex sentences and words are better. As people who enjoy the act of writing and are immersed in a world of words, it is easy for writers to become longwinded. As a book publicist I bridge the gap between authors, who can be longwinded, and the media who have no time to listen or talk! So its imperative that I condense everything down to the elevator pitch answering these questions: Who is the author? What is their topic? Why should we interview them NOW? William Zinsser, famous American writer, literary critic, and teacher said, There are four basic premises of writing: clarity, brevity, simplicity, and humanity. Words carry power, but length does not equal strength. Some of the most powerful and most memorable works in human history are only a few dozen words: The Lords Prayer: 66 words The Ten Commandments: 79 words The Gettysburg Address: 272 words Declaration of Independence: 1,322 words Dr. Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream speech: 1,667 words Thomas Jefferson once said, The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do. Here are three important practices for writers: Know the purpose of your communication. An elevator pitch or logline will be shorter than a synopsis or an excerpt. Whether writing a pitch or working on your novel, keep in mind the purpose of the writing and consider how brevity can help meet that goal. An elevator pitch or logline will be shorter than a synopsis or an excerpt. Whether writing a pitch or working on your novel, keep in mind the purpose of the writing and consider how brevity can help meet that goal. Remove unnecessary words. Even Jeffersons famous quote about brevity can be reduced to the following statement, without changing the meaning. The most valuable talent is never using two words when one will do. Even Jeffersons famous quote about brevity can be reduced to the following statement, without changing the meaning. The most valuable talent is never using two words when one will do. Change the sentence structure. Revising the structure of the sentence may eliminate words and possibly even express the idea more powerfully. Author Dennis Roth says, If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought. Thoughtfully implementing these practices will help you eliminate the fluff and maximize the impact of your writing. One area in which authors typically struggle, but which is an excellent exercise in brevity, is crafting elevator pitches and loglines. Pitches and loglines are a marketing tool to help sell your idea or work, and attract the interest of publishers, editors, or producers. Having a refined a pitch or logline can also help authors maintain focus during the writing process, becoming a tool which keeps the author from getting tangled in the weeds of extraneous details that can detract from the story. An elevator pitch or logline succinctly answers the question: What is your book about? and provides a tease or a taste of the story. Loglines encapsulate the story arc and themes in one to two well-crafted sentences. The pitch should evoke the curiosity of the listener, help them understand what sets your work apart, and compel them to want more. Loglines and elevator pitches should SELL the story, not tell the story. As a writer, brevity is your friend. Brief, simple, and concise communication shows respect for the listener and their time. Utilize brevity to help your writing get the attention it deserves. I could blather on in this article but in keeping with the title I am going to be brief! Bottom Line: Be brief. Master the art of brevity to make your writing more powerful and effective. About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether its their first book or their 15th book. Hes handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Womans World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications book marketing approach at http://www.Book-Marketing-Expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Is there a strategy in naming your book? YES! Check out Scotts new award winning book for authors called: BOOK TITLE GENERATOR at http://www.BookTitleGenerator.org Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 21:18:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Britain's retail sales volumes fell by 8.2 percent monthly in January 2021 as a new round of lockdown restrictions affected sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the British Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Friday. All sectors saw a monthly decline in volume sales last month except for non-store retailers and food stores, which reported growth of 3.7 percent and 1.4 percent respectively when compared with December 2020, said the ONS. "The sharp fall in retail sales in January suggests that the third COVID-19 lockdown hit the economy harder than the second lockdown in November (2020)," said Thomas Pugh, an economist at the London-based economic analysis firm Capital Economics. Pugh said he believes that retailers may have to endure "a few more months of depressed sales, but households are in a good position to ramp up spending once shops open." James Smith, a developed markets economist at financial services firm ING, said the period after Christmas "is always a difficult time for retailers", and the fact it coincided with the fresh lockdown contributed to a sharp fall in sales. Notably, the proportion spent online soared to 35.2 percent in January 2021, hitting the highest on record, the ONS data showed. Smith said that the sales "should bounce back rapidly on reopening of the economy, but the pandemic-induced switch to online retail is unlikely to be reversed, posing ongoing challenges for the high street." England is currently under the third national lockdown since outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to unveil his "roadmap" out of lockdown on Monday. To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. Enditem President Joe Biden has left one key cabinet post unfilled. It is a position that even conservative estimates suggest is responsible for almost 9 million jobs, 15% of monthly average earnings in the United States, and a higher percentage of U.S. Gross Domestic Product than the entire agriculture sector. It is a position that speaks for millions of Americans who are among the hardest hit by the current economic crisis nearly 3 million jobs lost, according to a study late last year from the Brookings Institution. And it is a position that would serve a sector vital to our recovery, growth and competitiveness. This vacant post is Secretary of Culture and Creative Industries. In Bidens defense, the job does not exist, nor does the cabinet agency to support it. He should remedy this serious oversight in the way the U.S. government is structured. Admittedly, I have a vested interest in the creation of a position like this I have worked my entire career as an opera singer and arts advocate. But other governments have not made this mistake of omission. America has long been an outlier in this area. Creative industries drive the economy Last November, the G-20 convened its first ever meeting of its culture ministers. They recognized the growing importance of culture and creative industries to national competitiveness and cohesion. In country after country around the world, creative industries account for 2% to 7% of GDP, and few industries have been hit so hard by the COVID crisis. UNESCO estimates annual revenue from the cultural and creative sectors is $2.25 trillion, the exports related to the sector are $250 billion and the number of people employed in the sector is 30 million. Some estimates suggest this sector will soon be responsible for a tenth of all global output. The U.S. federal arts budget is a pittance. The National Endowment for the Arts, despite efforts by the Trump administration to kill it, is roughly $170 million less than one fully equipped F-22 aircraft. A new cabinet-level position for the arts and even a new agency need not be massively more expensive than that to begin with. More essential in the years ahead is leadership: working with states and localities that fund culture and the arts, and identifying the steps needed to undo the economic arts crisis. Story continues Opera singer Carla Dirlikov Canales at Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing in 2018. Creative industries have typically been defined to include fine and performing arts, design and advertising, publishing, crafts, motion pictures, television, radio, creative technology, architecture, fashion and cultural heritage. Of these, for example, fine and performing arts have been devastated by COVID. Roughly half of all jobs in the sector have been lost in the past year 1.4 million jobs representing $42.5 billion in sales. COVID crisis: We need all hands on deck to save America's arts and culture economy But consider the knock-on effects. While shutting 41 Broadway theaters in New York City not only cost the jobs of casts, crews and administrative staff in theaters, it also hit airlines, hotels, restaurants, cabs and car services and retailers hard. Overall, Broadway is estimated to generate more than $13 billion of New York Citys economy, and everyone within that economy will suffer until the lights are back on. And this story is repeated city by city across America to varying degrees. Depression-era federal programs for artists, like the Works Progress Administration, illustrate the ways the country can use creative talent that's out of work. Federal leadership planning, coordination, tax incentives, funding is also needed going forward to recover from what has been a national cultural depression, and to understand the importance of this sector to our collective future. Arts and culture are not luxury items I have seen up close the impact federal arts programs can have. As an arts envoy with the State Department since 2004, I have seen how the arts can be used to advance key international objectives. As part of the Presidents Committee on the Arts and Humanities Turnaround Arts program during the Obama administration, I saw the impact arts education can have on academic performance in underserved communities. In fact, I was one of those students. As the daughter of a Bulgarian refugee father and a Mexican immigrant mother, the music programs where I grew up, in a blue-collar town in Michigan, offered me a safe space against bullying, connections to the community, and a chance at the career I have today. New paradigm: COVID-19 offers remote workers and small communities big economic opportunities Those experiences are why I believe now is the time to create a cabinet-level agency to fill this egregious gap in the structure of our executive branch. Leaders in both parties, from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on down, should see it as a way to attract next generation businesses associated with new technologies from gaming to software development to new media. The arts and culture are often, mistakenly, seen as luxury items. That is why they have been assigned to the childrens table in past U.S. public policy discussions. When culture ministers gather at the G-20 meeting in Rome on May 3, America should be able to participate not just as an equal but as a leader. It would be a great time for the Biden team to unveil a new agenda, a new executive branch resource and the people they intend to represent the United States on these issues at home and abroad. Carla Dirlikov Canales is an internationally acclaimed opera singer, CEO of The Canales Project, and a fellow with Harvards Advanced Leadership Initiative. Follow her on Twitter: @CarlaDCanales You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Culture and creative industries secretary needed for post-COVID future 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. Health Minister-designate, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has told Ghanaians to make themselves available for vaccination against the coronavirus infection when the vaccines arrive into the country. He said the only way to reduce the rate of the infection to the lowest level is through vaccination hence, every individual in the country should accept the vaccination. Speaking at a public engagement on COVID-19 vaccination roll out plan in Ghana in Accra on Friday February 19, the Dormaa Central lawmaker said Ghana has success stories on vaccinations hence, the public should not entertain any fear over the impending COVID-19 vaccination. Luckily, he said, in Ghana we have success stories to tell with vaccines in children. Measles, polio, tetanus, we have used vaccines to try to prevent our kids from getting them. So now, vaccines shouldnt be a new thing for us. The only new thing we are going to add on to the battle that we have fought since last year is the vaccines. If we are able to go round to the country and vaccinate everybody we believe our problem with Covid-19 will begin to go down, he said. Covid-19 vaccines are expected to arrive into the country by March 2021. In his Update No 23 on Measures taken to combat spread of coronavirus President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said Fellow Ghanaians, Update No. 21, I indicated that Ghana is set to procure her first consignment of the COVID vaccines within the first half of this year. Since then, a lot of work has been done towards the realisation of this. Our aim is to vaccinate the entire population, with an initial target of twenty million people. Through bilateral and multilateral means, we are hopeful that, by the end of June, a total of seventeen million, six hundred thousand (17.6 million) vaccine doses would have been procured for the Ghanaian people. The earliest vaccine will be in the country by March. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) will use its established processes for granting emergency-use-authorisation for each vaccine in Ghana. As President of the Republic, I assure you that only vaccines that have been evaluated and declared as safe-for-use in Ghana will be administered. Source: 3news.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 You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Don't insult me like this: Mamata Banerjee to PM Modi 'All lies': Suvendu Adhikari hits out at Mamata over Cyclone Yaas review meeting row Mamata Banerjee likely to skip Niti Aayog meeting on Feb 20 India oi-Deepika S Kolkata, Feb 19: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to skip the Niti Aayog''s governing council meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, sources said on Friday. The council, the apex body of the government''s think tank, includes all chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories (UTs), several Union ministers and senior government officials. The prime minister will chair the Saturday''s meeting, where issues related to agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing and human resource development will be discussed, according to an official statement. "Mamata Banerjee may not attend the Niti Aayog''s February 20 meeting," a senior TMC leader said on condition of anonymity. Banerjee had earlier skipped the Niti Aayog''s meetings and termed it as a "fruitless" exercise, alleging that the body has "no financial power" and cannot support the state plans. The sixth meeting of the governing council will witness the entry of Ladakh for the first time, in addition to the participation of Jammu and Kashmir as a UT, the statement said. First fight Abhishek, then me: Mamata Banerjee challenges Amit Shah This time, other UTs headed by administrators have also been invited to join, it added. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News The governing council meets regularly and its first meeting took place on February 8, 2015. However, the council did not meet last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 12:30 [IST] Both Dr. Friday and Dr. Gonsalves have had their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday is encouraging the population at large to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Dr. Friday, his wife and one of his sons received their first shots of the Covishield AstraZeneca vaccine on February 14, at the Bequia clinic. They were among those who received from the 5,000 doses, which allow for two doses each to 2,500 persons, that this country received from Dominica from 70,000 doses donated by India. This initial vaccination campaign was said to have targetted frontline workers as well as vulnerable persons in society - persons over 65 and those with underlying complications. However, after some skepticism on the part of frontline workers, health officials adjusted the campaign to target other persons. The Opposition Leader explained that he was contacted about a week and a half prior to getting the vaccine by Dr Simone Keizer-Beache, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), who indicated that they were receiving some vaccines and asked whether he would be interested in being among the first to be vaccinated. "I suppose it was partly to do with public relations to try to encourage people that public officials were taking the vaccine, Dr. Friday said on the February 15 edition of the New Times programme. He said that he had done his research and was confident about taking the vaccine. His wife also showed interest and then his son, who he admitted was not initially among the target group. But although his son was interested in being vaccinated against, Dr. Friday said it was not indicative of a widespread attitude among young persons. He opined that there were large portions of the population, not least the young, who were hesitant about taking the vaccine. He did acknowledge, however, that the decision to be vaccinated or not was a private decision for each resident/citizen. Dr. Friday also spoke on the concept known as herd or population immunity which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), was the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. The only way that this country would be able to get back to some level of normalcy was through population immunity, Dr. Friday posited, and highlighted the vaccine as one way of getting to that point. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 13:21:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SUVA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Friday urged the Micronesian leaders to stand in solidarity with the rest of the Pacific leaders in charting a way forward to tackle development issues and other crises. With plans afoot for the Micronesian leaders to officially leave the forum, Bainimarama, also chair of this year's Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), said that throughout the 50-year history of PIF, the mana of the leadership has been tested by the natural complexities of regionalism, according to a government statement. Bainimarama said as a unified bloc, they have commanded the attention of the most influential nations and multilateral organizations. "Our voice has been strong and it is now too powerful for the world to ignore. Today, in the face of climate and ocean crisis and the economic crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon us, solidarity is still our best recourse." He regretted the announcement on Micronesian leaders' intention to leave the PIF. "I hope you know the doors to our home are open to you, and I urge you to reconsider and work with all our fellow leaders to find ways to respond to your large concerns and overcome this disagreement for the long-term," he said. Meanwhile, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi on Friday voiced his support for the rotating PIF leadership, saying that his government is willing to review the appointment process for PIF secretary general. As Pacific leaders, they have taken huge strides to present the region not as a collection of fragmented small islands, but as a united group of large ocean states, he said, adding that there is always a way - the Pacific Way - to reach a solution to the PIF leadership dispute. On Feb. 4, Henry Puna, former prime minister of the Cook Islands, was elected the new PIF secretary general after a virtual meeting held by the inter-governmental organization. He will replace the outgoing PIF Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor, who is from Papua New Guinea and has been in this position for six years. Five Micronesian countries, including Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia, have announced the intention to formally withdraw from PIF over a leadership dispute. The PIF is the region's premier political and economic policy organization. Founded in 1971, the PIF, which comprises 18 members, aims to enhance cooperation between countries and territories of the Pacific region. Currently, the PIF has 18 dialogue partners including China. Enditem 26497 Mark Bagley, VP, Innovation Scouting, BT Mark Bagley, VP, Innovation Scouting, BT The stampede to cloud is the number one trend in todays IT landscape. Why finance, buy, install, operate, maintain and protect your own IT infrastructure when you can rent everything? Security concerns about the cloud are passe. If its good enough for the banks and the US government, its good enough for the rest of us. When you add in the knowledge that a lot of companies never wanted to run so much technology anyway, its clear that the shift to cloud is unstoppable. Several fast-developing technologies are accelerating this transition. In particular, serverless computing, containerization and more dynamic network services are coming together to replace yesterdays static, inflexible IT infrastructure with something much more responsive, agile and intelligent. No more servers? Serverless computing means just that you dont have servers anymore. A cloud provider runs all the infrastructure, servers and operating systems that you need. And whether it is software engineers piloting a new digital service, or a retail business gearing up for Cyber Monday, the cloud infrastructure will automatically provide the resources you need and shut them down when youre done. In the past, a retailer had to guess at how much capacity they would need to cope with peak sales periods and formally request it in advance. In the serverless model, an event triggers the request for resources, which are intelligently allocated, scaled up or down, machine to machine with no human intervention. It has always been tricky to predict the computing resources you might need and easy to end up with too much or too little. The costs of unmet customer demands are high: the US IRS website crashed on the day millions of people had to pay their taxes. And the on-demand rental model is very pure commercially. You never end up with more or less than you need. The idea of serverless computing also turns big data into something anyone can use. When the CEO asks for sales figures you havent got, you can turn to a big data service running on serverless and be ready at a moments notice, turning those requests around almost on demand. If the data is coming from multiple sources, perhaps partner systems, perhaps an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor or a drone, the service can coordinate it all via public APIs whether in the same cloud or an adjacent one. With serverless computing, as soon as you ask a question (even via a virtual assistant, Siri or Alexa-type interface), the underlying infrastructure will work together to collect and analyse the data and give you the answer automagically. We dont need legions of data scientists after all. You could do all the above with regular cloud IT but with serverless you dont have to set it up and you dont need to remember to switch the lights off as you leave the room. Contain yourself For any enterprise already running 100 per cent on cloud, going serverless will be a natural move over the next year. However, a lot of businesses still have to deal with legacy infrastructure (and some may want to keep resources on premise for commercial reasons). This is where containerization can help. Like real life shipping containers, software containers are a way of packaging something so it can share space with others without revealing its contents. For example, you could use containers to move applications temporarily to the cloud during a big load and then bring them back in-house. For any enterprise already running 100 percent on cloud, going serverless will be a natural move over the next year The primacy of the network The network is the longest pole in the tent; it holds everything else up. And the more you depend on cloud, the greater the importance of your network. Inflexible, legacy networks are a poor fit for the cloud-based world. Whether using MS Office 365 on your laptop or connecting your data centres with Amazons in Northern California and Microsoft Azures in Singapore, the network needs to be available, scalable, resilient and secure. Enterprises need network services that mimic the same event-driven, on-demand environment offered by cloud vendors. Programmable networks based on software defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) are the enabling technologies. SDN allows enterprises to create dynamic networks that match the flexibility of cloud. It offers greater visibility and control of traffic flow, so critical applications and data can be prioritised to suit business demands. For fast-growing businesses or enterprises expanding internationally, it provides the ability to add new sites to the network quickly and simply. NFV simplifies and speeds up the deployment of new functions in the network, for example a firewall or a retailers electronic point of sale application. Using virtualization, enterprises can deploy new functions as software rather than devices, enabling them to be rolled out across offices and branches nationally or internationally in hours rather than days or weeks. Programmable networks being built today using SDN and NFV will give enterprises unparalleled agility. They will allow them to make the most of their infrastructure, using secure gateways to offload non-critical traffic onto the Internet and using highly secure and resilient MPLS services for core business applications and services. For established businesses, these technologies promise agility and simplicity. But in a situation mirroring cloud adoption, applying SDN across layers of existing network services demands skills, technical capability and security experience. The solution, like cloud, is to buy a managed software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) and let a service provider manage the hybrid network while you get on with your business. Getting from here to there Its easy to talk generally about technology trends. Its a lot harder to work out how to use them in your particular situation. Heres what CIOs should consider: 1. Stop running third party applications in house. Put everything in the cloud. Do an inventory. Theres probably 20 or 30 items you can offload, along with their associated costs. 2. If your IT infrastructure is intrinsic to your business, then take advantage of the cloud with containers. The cloud is especially good for bursts of work. 3. Expect your network partner to provide a secure, managed SD-WAN. Your cloud experience will only be as good as your network. 4. Think and act more like a software house. Focus on the development, not the operation, of new services. Finally, when the dust of the stampede has settled, how will all this change the IT department? The job of the CIO? Immeasurably for the better. Moving infrastructure to the cloud and developing an agile, software-defined network will free up talented IT people to work with their business colleagues to find new ideas and bring them to life. And CIOs will at last find the time to be business leaders for the digital age, to contribute creatively and commercially to the success and reputation of the enterprise. See Also: Top Cloud Technology Solution Companies Top Cloud Consulting/Services Companies 24564 Tracey Leet, GIS Project Manager, City of Roanoke and Kennie Harris, GIS Analyst II, City of Roanoke Tracey Leet, GIS Project Manager, City of Roanoke Roanoke is the largest city in Southwest Virginia, with a population of a little less than 100,000. We adopted an enterprise GIS model in 2000, having maintained our parcels in AutoCAD since the early 1990s. Early on, the primary use of GIS was parcel maintenance and cartography, however, over the past six years weve seen a 72 percent reduction in printed and digital maps produced by GIS staff. With the advancements in GIS web services and app creation we have been able to share information, internally and publically, faster and more easily than ever. Now we integrate GIS into other systems in the organization. We are now a vital part of City business across all departments. Efficiency is achieved by eliminating duplication between systems and automating many tasks The Citys new permitting application, TRAKiT by Superion, replaced a 16 year old system that was becoming too difficult to maintain and wasnt providing the functionality users expect. TRAKiT is web-based and incorporates GIS data, geoprocessing tools and map services. Permits, inspections, violations and other activities may be assigned to these feature classes; parcels, address points, buildings, street centerlines and stormwater features. It was not initially apparent how critical GIS would be for this project. GIS staff worked with the Planning Department and their software vendor to configure the system and build new business processes. Planning Director, Chris Chittum says of the new system, We now have a more convenient, quicker and paperless process. Many map services are used by TRAKiT during creation of permits and projects. Geospatial queries are scheduled nightly and serve to fill in supporting data when creating activities in the system. Using this information TRAKiT assigns inspectors, determines which types of inspections and reviews are necessary due to location, and populates required fields from GIS data. Efficiency is achieved by eliminating duplication between systems and automating many tasks. Sometimes a project comes to GIS that requires us to expand more than just our technical knowledge. We were asked by our City Manager to help the Board of Elections create new voter precincts. The goal being to reduce wait times at the polls during heavy turnout by reducing the number of precincts and balancing the number of voters across all precincts. A plan was submitted to merge some precincts together, reducing the number of polling locations and allowing us to distribute limited workers and resources more efficiently. This was the easiest approach, but not the best. It was determined that in order to achieve the goals we set and to meet the legal requirements pertaining to state law we would need to completely realign our precinct boundaries. The last time that had taken place was in the late 1960s. We turned to esris Districting extension for ArcGIS Desktop to create entirely new precincts. These new precincts are required by law to be compact, contiguous and contain no less than 500 and no more than 5000 active registered voters. We generated several realignment plans over the course of the next few years, and received many concerns from citizens and groups, such as the NAACP and the SCLC. The community was apprehensive about our plans and felt that we needed to address them and better communicate our goals. Several more drafts of the plan were created with input from the community incorporated and, after six years of meetings and public hearings, our Council adopted a plan that had the backing of most of the people who at first felt disenfranchised. Kennie Harris, GIS Analyst II, City of Roanoke The first major test of the 21 new precincts was 2016, where we had several primaries, a House of Representatives race, Presidential primaries and a general election. Where we had wait times of more than two hours using the old precincts, the new precincts experienced no more than 20 minute wait times even during the general election. Without the use of GIS tools it would have been impossible to involve as many people in the project as we did. We learned a great deal about working with a diverse group of people, from legislative bodies to grassroots activists to concerned citizens to attorneys, to create something that works for everyone. In 2014, the City established a Stormwater Utility to fulfill regulatory requirements for stormwater runoff and pollution, address identified drainage projects, and maintain infrastructure. A major part of this effort was a partnership with the Virginia Tech Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to research effective and comprehensive management of urban stormwater runoff. The first phase of this effort was to create Watershed Master Plans for the Roanoke River and each of the Citys 13 tributaries. It is critical to inventory and map the Citys stream and drainage asset network to support this goal. An initial data collection effort was completed in 2005, but by 2014 was outdated and not adequately detailed. We set out to field verify network location data, add new metadata and capture new assets using our field crews. The solution consists of hosting the GIS data in our enterprise geodatabase and serving it out through editable mapservices. We created a map in ArcGIS Online for use in the esri Collector App and outfitted our field crews with iPads. The VT staff developed the database structure so that field staff would have dropdowns of valid values to eliminate and speed up collection. Our crews have completed data collection and asset inventory for five of the 14 watersheds so far. Dwayne DArdenne, Stormwater Utility Manager, believes this tool is, a critical, efficient and effective means of collecting the Citys stream and stormwater drainage asset inventory. The team continues to update and improve the data design and application to provide an increasingly easy-to-use mobile solution that maximizes efficiency and takes advantage of emerging GIS technology. Despite tough budgets we have been able to use GIS to help the organization fulfill its mission at minimal cost. In Roanoke GIS has evolved from cool new technology into a multifaceted and integral part of our IT infrastructure, serving our internal customers and the public. Our goal is to help others do their job better. Check This Out:- Top GIS Solution Companies Check This Out:- Top GIS Consulting Companies [February 19, 2021] The Beans Financial Planning Program for America's Care Workers Expands in Michigan MUSKEGON, Mich., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Beans, a financial care company offering fintech tools, experiences, and community for America's Care Workers, today announced new partnerships with the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance (MiCHWA) and The Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore. The Beans partners with more than 50 schools and nonprofits nationwide. The Beans takes a fresh, modern, and evidence-based approach to personal finance that is focused as much on mindset as it is on the math of money. The company creates personalized, easy-to-follow financial plans for members that map out spending, savings, and priorities based on trends from a member's bank account, and provides positive proactive support to keep members engaged over time. The Beans is focused on serving everyday Americans, with a special emphasis on America's Caring Class, including teachers, healthcare workers, and other essential and often underpaid workers. The company is novel in its approach to combine workshops with its app. The application and science behind the program was designed by founder and CEO Melissa Pancoast. Pancoast first created Visual Financial Planning as an effective method for managing finances in emerging markets while working as a researcher at The University of Oxford on a team focused on reducing stress for carers. "Research has found that people process visuals 60,000 times faster than text. We've built animated tools and functionality that make it incredibly easy to build a visual financial plan that both meets you where you are today and evolves as you and your finances do," Pancoast said. Money is currently ranked as the number one cause of stress in the U.S. , surpassing health, family, and even work. This has been exacerbated due to Covid-19: According to a recent survey conducted by The Beans, nearly 50 percent of respondents, most of whom are teachers, health workers, or nonprofit workers, have lost some income due to the pandemic. Even without their usual supplemental streams of income, or "side hustles," many members of The Beans have still been able to put stimulus checks and money that would have been spent on experiences toward savings and debt, sharing that with proactive, positive support, they feel more control over their finances. "Given the right tools, planning, and encouragementwe've seen that members are able to continue their momentum despite this unprecedented time in history. We're on a mission to alleviate financial stress for some of the hardest working professions out there, doing work that has never been more urgent than today," added Pancoast. "The Beans is helping teachers and other Carers create a more positive relationship with their finances and a clear, visual road map to navigate their financial lives even more successfully," said Randy Lindquist at the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District. "For professionals who are lifelong learners, The Beans provides a new way of thinking about and interacting with your finances." "Our programs help youth become responsible, caring citizens, and education around financial wellness and mindset has become an area of increased engagement," said Dakota Crow, CEO Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore. "The times we're living in are unprecedented - our partnership with The Beans is helping us serve our employees who in turn are better equipped to evolve the narrative in our community around personal finances in positive, and engaging way." ABOUT THE BEANS The Beans is a technology company that builds simple, visual, financial plans that empower America's Caring Class to stress less about money and focus on what they love. The Beans app is available on the Apple Store and delivers the world's first Visual Financial Plan with proactive, positive support. Founded by a former math teacher turned University of Oxford researcher from Miami, Florida, The Beans has employees in San Francisco and Atlanta. Visit www.TheBeans.io and follow @thebeans.io to learn more. Media Contact: The Beans 291931@email4pr.com 609-306-1698 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-beans-financial-planning-program-for-americas-care-workers-expands-in-michigan-301231693.html SOURCE The Beans [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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. 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. Press Release February 19, 2021 "END FEAR OF COMMITMENT" Hontiveros urges NTF to commit, finalize vaccination timeline Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the National Taskforce Against COVID-19 (NTF) to commit to a vaccination timeline before making public statements amid devastating unemployment in the country. The NTF had earlier announced that the COVAX facility vaccines were to arrive on February 14, but recently reported that they have been delayed to February 26, as much as 2 weeks later. "As long as the cases of COVID-19 are rising, we cannot relax health protocols and we cannot fully open up the economy. Any delay in the vaccination rollout means people will have to face tremendous suffering in the pandemic for even longer. Tigilan ng NTF ang kanilang fear of commitment sa vaccination rollout because it is costing us jobs and is making the people hungrier," she said. "Para lang silang nagda-darts ng dates sa kalendaryo, bahala na lang kung saan tumama. Magkaroon naman sana sila ng accountability sa mga inaannounce nila. Itong atras-abante ng NTF ay di nakakadagdag sa kumpiyansa ng publiko. The only thing they are achieving at this point is confusing the public," she said. Hontiveros said the vaccination program was "clearly not off to a good start." She added that the major stumbles of the NTF could have been avoided with due diligence. "I hate to hear that they keep on using the lack of global supply as an excuse when Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, also developing countries, have already begun their vaccination program with Pfizer and Astra Zeneca. Those are the same brands of vaccines we were supposed to have received by now. Ang ibig sabihin lang nito ay nasa atin ang problema. NTF should acknowledge that so that slipups don't happen again," she added. Hontiveros added that the government should stop using the impending arrival of the Chinese-donated Sinovac vaccines as a "distraction from their mistakes." The NTF said that the first COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in the country will inevitably be the 600,000 doses of Sinovac the Chinese government committed to donate. "Every time the date for the vaccine rollout is moved, they add that we shouldn't worry because Sinovac is coming. Parang ginagamit nila ang mga ireregalong bakuna bilang panakip-butas sa mga pagkukulang nila. Not only is that donated supply completely insufficient, and the date for its arrival delayed as well time and time again, but we can't even use it yet because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for it," she said. "Hindi pwedeng sasabay lang tayo sa agos pagdating sa national vaccination plan dahil mas marami ang magkakasakit, magugutom, mahihirapan at mamamatay. Have a sense of responsibility to our people and even more so a sense of urgency," Hontiveros concluded. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) Amid worries of the public, health experts said on Friday there is no certainty that the two COVID-19 mutations recently found in Central Visayas will turn into a more transmissible variant that is homegrown in the Philippines. The changes found in the virus genes were detected when health officials ran genome sequencing of 50 samples of coronavirus patients in Region 7. Out of the samples reviewed, 31 or 62% were found with both mutations of concern to the global community. The mutations identified as E484K and N501Y can be found in the United Kingdom and South Africa COVID-19 variants that are more transmissible. Even Health Secretary Francisco Duque admitted there is not enough data yet to determine the implication of these mutations. There is still no definitive answer if it will develop into variants or if it will make the virus spread faster, the Health Department said. Whats clear is that it is normal for a virus, including SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes COVID-19, to mutate over time especially if the transmission is not controlled. Itong mga mutation na ito ay maaaring magkaroon ng negatibong epekto, maaaring gawing mas nakakahawa o kaya ay mas mabagsik ang virus, ito ang tinatawag na clinically significant mutations, Duque said in a media briefing. Ngunit kadalasan naman ito ay neutral o walang epekto sa kabuuang karakter ng virus. Minsan nagmu-mutate dahil humihina o pwedeng nababawasan ang pinsalang dulot ng virus. [Translation: Mutations can have a negative effect. It can make the virus more transmissible or more deadly. These are what you call clinically significant mutations. Most of the time it is neutral or it will not change the character of the virus. Sometimes it mutates because the virus becomes weaker.] The World Health Organization explained that a virus with one or several new mutations is referred to as a variant of the original virus. Some mutations can lead to changes in a virus characteristics, such as faster transmission or severity of COVID-19 infection. Dr. Cynthia Saloma, executive director of the Philippine Genome Center which conducts genome sequencing to detect new variants, said authorities will find out in the next few weeks if the mutations will become a variant unique to the Philippines. Whether we will have an emerging Philippine variant or not, that remains to be seen. That is always a possibility in different countries around the world kaya tayo nag-genomic biosurveillance. Whether this is an emerging Philippine variant or not, that remains to be seen, she said, Science and Technology official Dr. Jaime Montoya added, Hindi pa natin alam kung ito ay magiging variant nga [We dont know if this will even turn into a variant]. The 31 COVID-19 patients found with both the E484K and N501Y mutations exhibited mild symptoms but have completed their required quarantine. Southwestern Connecticuts office leasing was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, but the market still showed signs of life. The mixed outlook is detailed in a new report from commercial real estate firm Newmark. While leasing volume plunged last year, Newmark officials argue that major deals brokered in the past few months showed that amid the rise of remote working many corporate tenants still see offices as key to their long-term plans. 2020 was definitely a challenging year, but there were some bright spots here in Fairfield County, Newmark research manager Karolina Alexandre said in an interview. 5 1 of 5 Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 5 of 5 Leasing drops but still some major deals In 2020, Fairfield Countys leasing volume plummeted nearly 25 percent year over year and to a level 33 percent below its average for the past five years to a total of about 2.4 million square feet. Its pretty much where we thought things would have been almost a year into this virus, said James Ritman, a Stamford-based executive vice president at Newmark. Despite the fall-off, the total still far exceeded the countys activity during the Great Recession. In 2008, its leasing volume dropped to about 1.5 million square feet and cratered in 2009 at around 1.4 million square feet, before recovering in the following years. In a sign of stability, the countys vacancy rate has not changed significantly in the past year. It ended 2020 at 27.6 percent, compared with 26.6 percent at the end of 2019. There was space coming online, but most of the space came online prior to the pandemic, Alexandre said. We havent really seen any major downsizings or consolidations due to the pandemic yet. Amid the markets sluggishness, some companies have signed major deals in the past few months. As the states largest office leasing transaction of 2020, Nuvance Health a system that includes Danbury, New Milford and Norwalk hospitals leased 220,000 square feet at The Summit complex at 39 Old Ridgebury Road in Danbury. The agreement also represented the second-largest new lease in Fairfield County since 2017. H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media In Fairfield Countys next three-largest new leases of last year, Parker Medical signed for 88,000 square feet at 43 Old Ridgebury Road in Danbury, Greenwich Education Group snapped up about 67,000 square feet at 201 High Ridge Road in Stamford and Berkley Insurance Co., agreed to take about 63,000 square feet at the Metro Center complex at 1 Station Place in downtown Stamford. Long-term change Many large employers have not yet re-opened their offices. When they do, they are likely to run them differently than they did before the pandemic. This giant shift is really around the posture of organizations around flexible work remote being one of the options, Elisabeth Joyce, vice president of advisory in the HR practice at Stamford-based consulting and research firm Gartner, said in a recent interview. It will more likely be a standard part of standard operating procedures in most organizations where youre allowed to work at home in an alternate location based on the work you do, as opposed to what your manager or organization allows. Reflecting that trend, a number of firms have made sweeping changes. Consumer financial-services giant Synchrony last year announced a new policy that allows employees to permanently work from home. More Information After a major hit from the coronavirus pandemic in the first half of 2020, Fairfield County's office leasing started to recover in the second half of the year, helped by some major deals. Fairfield County's leasing volume for the year totaled approximately 2.4 million square feet - down 25 percent from 2019. The county's vacancy rate at the end of last year was 27.6 percent, compared with 26.6 percent in the same period in 2019. Largest new leases in Fairfield County in 2020: Nuvance Health - 220,000 square feet at 39 Old Ridgebury Road in Danbury Parker Medical - 88,000 square feet at 43 Old Ridgebury Road in Danbury Greenwich Education Group - 66,758 square feet at 201 High Ridge Road in Stamford Berkley Insurance - 63,173 square feet at 1 Station Place in Stamford Source: Newmark See More Collapse In a related change, Synchrony is planning to reduce its real estate footprint. But it is keeping its Stamford headquarters at 777 Long Ridge Road, near the Merritt Parkway. What we heard from employees was just how important it was to them to have the flexibility to manage the work-life balance, Synchrony President Brian Doubles, who will become the companys CEO in April, said in a recent interview. To compete for employees going forward, you have to give employees that flexibility. Our employees are our biggest strength and biggest asset. Newmark officials remain hopeful that factors such as the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, major companies desire to provide offices that are close to employees who live in Fairfield County and prospective tenants pent-up demand will spur more activity in the coming months. Among the largest projects underway, WWE confirmed this month that it is moving ahead at a to-be-announced time with the relocation of its headquarters within Stamford, from 1241 E. Main St., to the downtown complex at 677 Washington Blvd. In 2019, it signed a lease for about 415,000 square feet at 677 Washington. Were bullish about the next year and about companies being in Fairfield County and tapping into a strong employee base here, Ritman said. pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. Australian Major General Roger Noble, assigned as deputy commander US Army Pacific, addresses a defence seminar in Sri Lankas capital Colombo on August 29, 2017. (Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/AFP via Getty Images) Senior Army Officer Becomes Australias Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism Australia has appointed a former senior army officer, Roger Noble, as its ambassador for counter-terrorism. Noble, who most recently served as a Major General and Head of the defence forces Military Strategic Commitments in Canberra, will represent Australia at international forums and lead international engagement on counter-terrorism. The former military leader, who holds multiple masters degrees, takes up the ambassadorship when Australia is strategically manoeuvering with its international allies and partners to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific region in the face of an increasingly expansionist Chinese regime. In announcing Nobles appointment, Foreign Minister Marise Payne spoke about this year being the 2oth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Since then, the international community has worked more closely than ever to combat terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including to counter terrorist financing, recruitment, and networking, Payne said in a statement. Australia continues to play a leading role in global counter-terrorism efforts, with a particular focus on working with our regional partners. Rober Noble, then a Lieutenant Colonel, talks to Musarb, a local taxi driver, and members of the Ar Rumaythah community about the bus depot refurbished with Australian funds on Oct. 8, 2005. (SGT Craig Sharp/ADF) Noble has had a distinguished military career that has seen him complete six operational tours of duty and hold several senior roles in Australias defence forces. He has earned high honours for his leadership, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Conspicuous Service Cross. He was also awarded the Order of Australia in 2016. His previous senior army roles included Deputy Chief of Joint Operations and deployments to Iraq as Deputy Coalition Land Force Commander and Afghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force. He was seconded to the United States Army as Deputy Commanding General as well. Payne thanked former Ambassador Paul Foley PSM for his term in the role, which began in 2016. COLUMBUS, Ohio This week, millions of Texans lost power and heat as temperatures plunged to the single digits for the first time in years. But Ohio experienced similar cold without any major problems -- and its not just because Ohio has weatherized its infrastructure for extreme temperatures. Thats a major reason; the equipment used in Texas to draw natural gas out of the ground froze, while thermal power plants fueled by gas and nuclear reactions not just wind turbines also failed. But other factors contribute why the lights stay on in Ohio when temperatures plummet. One is how Texas power grid is set up compared to Ohio and the rest of the country. Most states are part of one of two major power grids that run from each coast and meet in the middle of the country. Ohio is part of the Eastern Interconnection, and West Coast states are part of the Western Interconnection. But nearly all of Texas is part of the states own interconnection, with a nonprofit manager overseen by the state government. The major national interconnections tend to be more resilient when power plants fail, according to Ramteen Sioshansi, an integrated systems engineering professor at Ohio State University who has studied the Texas power grid. They have a more brittle system, because when you have a small system, one generator failing as a percentage or a proportion of the system has an effect thats much larger, he said. Gas freezes seen as major role in Texas blackouts Like Ohio, Texas power grid relies on natural gas, coal and nuclear power. But a major difference between the two states is the role of renewable energy. In Texas, wind generates about 17% of the states electricity. In Ohio, only about 3% comes from renewable sources. Wind turbines can be less reliable in the cold, but grid operators typically prepare for that by lining up more electricity from other sources. Some Texas politicians, including Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, have blamed wind energy for the outage. But while Texas electricity officials have said while all power sources share blame, theyve particularly focused on natural gas, which supplies 56% of the states electricity. Officials have said in Texas, the systems used to extract gas from the ground and transport it to power plants and homes have frozen and failed, and power plants havent had enough extra stored to make up for the difference. It appears that a lot of the generation that has gone offline today has been primarily due to issues on the natural gas system, Dan Woodfin, a top official with the nonprofit that oversees Texas power grid, said on Tuesday, according to the Austin-American Statesman. Sioshansi called the focus on renewable energy in Texas a red herring. He said a greater reliance on renewable energy can pose reliability issues, but planners compensate with weatherization measures and by reducing their reliance on them during the winter. There is ongoing research into improving battery technology that can store power, but he said its prohibitively expensive right now. Wind turbines operate in Iceland and Antarctica without freezing, and you can weatherize gas pipelines and you can weatherize thermal generators so they can tolerate extreme cold. That just hasnt happened in Texas, Sioshansi said. If you were to add a bunch of wind and solar into Ohio, as long as your planners take into account and realize on a winter day it might be cloudy or not anticipate as much solar production as long as they have half a brain and do that, wind and solar doesnt create a reliability problem, he said. Climate change could cause more extreme weather Texas utilities and government officials will have to weigh the millions or billions in weatherization costs against the likelihood that similar cold weather will happen again, Sioshansi said. Regulators recommended weatherization efforts following cold-related outages in 2011, but whatever utilities did in response wasnt enough to prevent what happened this week. I dont have a good answer to that question because that comes down to, is the temperature event that theyre experiencing right now a once in every 200 years thing, or is a once in a decade thing? he said. That question gets into the issue of climate change. Managers of power systems are expecting extreme weather increasingly will test the power grid in Ohio and across the country in the coming years, according to Grant Goodrich, director of Case Western Reserve Universitys Great Lakes Energy Institute. He said Ohio policymakers will have to decide how to modernize the states electricity network as the state also tries to reduce its carbon footprint. The two nuclear plants owned by Energy Harbor, the former FirstEnergy subsidiary, that were subsidized through the controversial House Bill 6 create reliable zero-emissions electricity, but are nearing the end of their useful life, he said. Natural gas distribution is good throughout the state but not perfect, he said. There is a gradual move toward renewable energy in Ohio, with more large-scale solar farms in particular moving through planning phases, but Goodrich said they will need to be backed up by nuclear or fossil-fuel plants. The GLEI is researching improved battery technology as part of the solution, he said. We are expecting that extreme weather will become more extreme. And there are implications for our infrastructure at large and for our energy infrastructure in particular need to make sure it is well-maintained and that we are taking appropriate measures to maintain and modernize our systems, he said. How Ohios grid fares in the cold The PJM Interconnection, the regional power grid that includes Ohio and 12 other states, estimates that across their grid this week, energy usage peaked at 117,000 megawatts, compared to their all-time winter high of 143,295 megawatts in February 2015. The system still had extra capacity to send unused power to other regions throughout the larger Eastern Interconnection network. Reliability will always be our most important responsibility, PJM President and CEO Manu Asthana said in a statement. That doesnt mean the power cant fail in Ohio when its cold. There was a close call in January 2014, when the polar vortex weather phenomenon pushed Arctic air to Ohio and the rest of the northeastern United States. Temperatures in Cleveland fell as low as -9 degrees. Power demand across the PJM network spiked 25% above normal levels, and as a result, demand jumped for natural gas -- both for heat and, at the time, to fuel about a third of the states power plants. The competition for gas created a shortage that forced some power plants to shut off. Throughout PJMs network, about one-fifth of them were knocked out of commission. Fuel shortages was the leading cause, although there were cold-related failures, too. The problem was worse in New York, where customers lost power, but the PJM network kept going. After that, PJM encouraged weatherization, and instituted a new pricing system for the marketplace it uses to buy electricity from power plants and distribute it throughout the grid where its needed. The new system was meant to prevent shortages by paying plants significantly more for delivering power during demand spikes, and penalizing them harshly if they failed to do so. In 2018, cold weather led to 12% of PJM power plants shutting down, and no major power outages for customers. And in 2019, even colder weather resulted in only 11% of plants shutting off. Ohio has the benefit of having experienced a couple of these events now, and they performed well, said Todd Snichler, a former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chairman who now runs a trade group for independently-owned power plants. Ohio has a diverse fuel portfolio and its part of a region with a very diverse fuel portfolio. Anything could happen, but Ohio is well-situated to successfully go through an experience like that and avoid some of the problems that have been experienced in other areas of the country. Neil Durbin, a spokesman for Dominion Gas Ohio, which serves 900,000 plus customers in the Greater Cleveland area, said the company maintains its pipes and storage facilities to prevent freezes. We have experience with extreme cold weather and design and operate our systems to continue to reliably deliver natural gas to our customers in conditions much more severe than we are experiencing during this current cold weather event, he said. In August 2003, Ohio was the epicenter of the largest blackout in North American history, affecting eight states and part of Canada. But the outage happened during hot weather, after a tree sagged into a power line owned by FirstEnergy. Because of a faulty alarm system, the company failed to notice the issue until after massive, cascading blackouts had begun. Afterward, the federal government imposed tougher reliability standards on providers, among other changes. Growing natural gas use poses coordination issues So whats the biggest risk that could cause future cold-related blackouts in Ohio? Sioshansi, the Ohio State University professor, said the biggest problem is a lack of coordination between natural gas thats needed for heat and natural gas thats needed to fuel power plants. Over time, more and more of Ohios electricity has come from natural gas, making the coordination more necessary, he said. When supply issues which he said are more likely to result from a lack of capacity in gas pipelines, as opposed to a shortage of gas -- affect both the heat and power systems, planners are forced to make a tough choice. Thats when you have to start asking the question, do we black out lights or do we leave people in the cold? he said. An earlier version of this story incorrectly said wind energy generates about a quarter of Texas electricity. The number is actually 17%. It has been corrected. Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur. More names have been added to the star-studded list of presenters at the upcoming 2021 Golden Globe Awards. Kevin Bacon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson will be appearing to present awards to lucky recipients on February 28. Bacon's wife Kyra Sedgwick will join him for the honors from The Beverly Hilton Ballroom in Los Angeles and Zeta-Jones' husband Michael Douglas will join her at The Rainbow Room in New York. Big names: Kevin Bacon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown will be appearing to present awards to lucky recipients during the 2021 Golden Globe Awards next week Brown will be joined by his This Is Us costar Kelechi at The Beverly Hilton. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Dick Clark Productions and NBC confirmed the latest group of presenters for this year's show on Friday. They will join previously announced presenters Renee Zellweger, Awkwafina, Kristen Wiig, Cynthia Erivo, Joaquin Phoenix and Wigg's Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar co-star Annie Mumolo. Wiig and Mumolo's latest film, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, was released last week and some are already calling the campy film a cult classic. It comes 10 years after the pair's hit Bridesmaids. Double act: Bacon's wife Kyra Sedgwick will join him for the honors from The Beverly Hilton Ballroom in Los Angeles This year it's bicoastal: Zeta-Jones' husband Michael Douglas will join her at The Rainbow Room in New York The 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be bicoastal for the first time with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler serving as hosts. Fey will host live in New York and Poehler in Beverly Hills, California. While plans for how presenters and nominees would appear were not previously disclosed, according to Variety, the show's producers have asked all award presenters to appear in person at either location. All nominees, meanwhile, will be appearing remotely, the outlet said. Team effort: Brown will be joined by his This Is Us costar Kelechi at The Beverly Hilton Party time: They will join previously announced presenters Renee Zellweger, Awkwafina and Kristen Wiig Almost time: The 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards will air on Sunday February 28 at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET on NBC and will be available to stream the next day on Peacock Producers have reportedly assured all those invited that strict COVID protocols will be in place for the event. Jane Fonda will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. She's won Golden Globes for her acting Klute, Julia and Coming Home. Norman Lear will be honored with the Carol Burnett Award, a counterpart to the DeMille Award that focuses on life achievement in television. The writer, director and producer is a six-time Golden Globe winner. Streaming giant Netflix received 42 nominations across film and television. Stacked lineup: Joaquin Phoenix and Cynthia Erivo were also announced as presenters for Hollywood's biggest party celebrating the best in film and television David Fincher's Netflix drama Mank received the most nominations out of any film with six, including Best Motion Picture - Drama. On the television side, hit Netflix period drama The Crown led the way with six nominations. Stars Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin were acknowledged for their standout performances as Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Schitt's Creek, which aired its final season in 2020, followed close behind with five nominations. All four of the comedy's lead actors received nods for their work. Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous nomination - his first - for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his role in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. The 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards will air on Sunday February 28 at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET on NBC and will be available to stream the next day on Peacock. The man who invented the World Wide Web has said proposed legislation in Australia that would force tech giants to pay media companies for monetizing news content could make the internet 'unworkable.' Tim Berners-Lee, known for creating the web in 1989, told an Australian Senate committee that the News Media Bargaining Code would violate the fundamental principals the public internet was founded on. 'Specifically, I am concerned that that code risks breaching a fundamental principle of the web by requiring payment for linking between certain content online,' Berners-Lee said. If the code is deployed globally, it could 'make the web unworkable around the world,' he said. Tim Berners-Lee, pictured, said he is concerned the law would require payment for linking In recent days, Google, pictured, has brokered deals with media groups, including Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, in response to the regulatory push Facebook will no longer allow people in Australia to read or share news on its platform, the media giant has said An analysis of the situation by Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, said his concerns were valid. 'Currently, one of the most basic underlying principles of the web is there is no cost involved in creating a hypertext link (or simply a link) to any other page or object online,' she wrote. 'He argues the news media bargaining code could set a legal precedent allowing someone to charge for linking, which would let the genie out of the bottle and plenty more attempts to charge for linking to content would appear.' However, Leaver argued that what Facebook and Google do are not simple links. Instead, the companies create 'compelling previews' for the articles by using content from within the articles like headlines. 'A fairly compelling argument, then, is that Google and Facebook add value for consumers via the reframing, curating and previewing of content not just by linking to it,' she wrote. Some news outlets worldwide have complained for years that companies like Facebook and Google get rich at their expense, selling ads linked to their news reports without sharing revenue with them. Others, such as Berners-Lee, worry that essentially charging for linking would essentially change the nature of the web, with its free exchange of information. Australia's law would be the first of its kind and the battle is being watched closely in the European Union, where lawmakers are drafting sweeping new digital regulations. The proposed law comes after an 18-month inquiry was held by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, finding there was an imbalance of power between platforms and companies that threatened the news businesses. The code would create an arbitration panel to set a binding price for news in situations where Google and Facebook do not reach deals with media businesses whose original journalism they link to. Those in favor of the law, which is expected to pass this week, say the rules are needed to 'protect public interest journalism' by making sure outlets are paid for content social media and search engine users read and share. Critics, including both Google and Facebook, are concerned that the law effectively makes the tech giants 'pay for clicks' and could cause the beginning of the end of free access. Facebook has banned its own page from social media (pictured) during its war on Australian news The law 'fundamentally misunderstands' the relationship between tech platforms and publishers, Facebook said, adding that it has helped Australian publishers earn about AU$407 million last year through referrals (pictured: Another blank Australian news page on Facebook) The move is a response to the country's proposed Media Bargaining law, which forces tech companies like Facebook and Google to negotiate with news providers to feature their content (pictured: A blank news site on Facebook) Google regional managing director Melanie Silva told the same Senate committee that read Berners-Lee's submission last month she is most concerned that the code 'requires payments simply for links and snippets.' 'The concept of paying a very small group of website or content creators for appearing purely in our organic search results sets a dangerous precedent for us that presents unmanageable risk from a product and business-model point of view,' Silva said. On Wednesday, Australians woke to empty news feeds after Facebook blocked all media content in a surprise and dramatic escalation of the dispute. The changes made by Facebook both wiped clean pages operated by news outlets and removed posts by individual users sharing Australian news. The company has previously said it might block Australians from sharing news if the platform has to pay for news. Google has also threatened to shut down its search engine in the country to avoid 'unworkable' content laws. How did Tim Berners-Lee invent the World Wide Web? Tim Berners-Lee, 65, is a computer scientist who worked as a software engineer at CERN, the large particle physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland. The internet already existed, connecting millions of computers around the world. However, Berners-Lee created the system publicly used to access the internet. As described by GeeksForGeeks.org: 'The Internet is infrastructure while the Web is service on top of that infrastructure.' 'Alternatively, the Internet can be viewed as a big book-store while the Web can be viewed as collection of books on that store.' In 1989, the computer scientist first joined the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) client and server via the internet. He also created the first web browser. As the web began to grow, Berners-Lee advocated that access to it be provided free to the public. In 1993, he made sure that CERN would agree to provide the underlying code available on a royalty-free basis, forever, according to the World Wide Web Foundation. Berners-Lee remains the director of the World Wide Web Consortium, the organization which oversees the continued development of the web. Sources: GeeksForGeeks.org; World Wide Web Foundation Advertisement Facebook's decision was swiftly criticized by news producers and lawmakers, and the company also seemingly blundered by banning its own page from social media. Along with government health pages, rescue services and every reputable news outlet's Facebook pages, the multi billion-dollar company's social media page was also void of all content on Thursday morning. The page, which was previously brimming with content about Facebook's latest news and achievements, simply read: 'No posts yet.' Australia's Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has now insisted the government will not back down after Facebook banned news content - and said the publisher could either abide by Australia's laws or leave the country. Facebook's move contrasted with Google, which in recent days has brokered deals with media groups, including Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, in response to the regulatory push. William Easton, managing director of Facebook Australia and New Zealand, argued in a blog post that the 'proposed law fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content.' 'The value exchange between Facebook and publishers runs in favor of the publishers,' he said. 'Last year Facebook generated approximately 5.1 billion free referrals to Australian publishers worth an estimated AU$407 million.' Sumando esfuerzos contra la pandemia, esta manana el Minsa recibio una importante donacion de 60 ventiladores mecanicos y 40 monitores por parte del Departamento de Salud y Asistencia Social del Reino Unido de Gran Bretana e Irlanda del Norte. pic.twitter.com/lekGlhDo7w Srinagar: Three unidentified militants and a policeman were killed in two separate encounters in Budgam and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Friday. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Zanigam village in the Beerwah area of Budgam district following information about the presence of militants there, the officials said. Militants killed They said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire towards security forces' positions. Two policemen were injured in the gunbattle. They were rushed to a hospital here for treatment but one of them succumbed, the officials said. Militants killed In another encounter at Badigam in Shopian district, three militants were killed by security forces, they said. The officials said identity and group affiliation of the slain ultras is being ascertained. The Board of Engineers India (EIL) at its meeting held on 18 February 2021 has approved submission of a bid by EIL (minority stake), in consortium with Oil India (OIL) (i.e., the lead member) (and if successful), entering into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the proposed acquisition along with OIL (which will also be a party to the SPA) of collectively up to 61.65% of the share capital of Numaligarh Refinery (a company primarily engaged in the business of refining of petroleum products) from Bharat Petroleum Corporation. 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 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 attention of the Funeral Planning Committee of late former President Jerry John Rawlings has been drawn to a publication on myjoyonline.com stating that the Anlo Traditional Council has apologized over the confusion that surrounded the organization of the former Presidents funeral. The report quotes the Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee, former Foreign Minister, James Victor Gbeho as speaking on behalf of the Anlo Traditional Council. The Committee wishes to make it clear that the report as presented by myjoyonline.com is an unfortunate and reckless misrepresentation. The meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which took place on Thursday, February 18, 2021 was convened at the request of the Funeral Planning Committee and the nuclear family of former President Rawlings to thank the President and Government for organizing a State Funeral for the departed former President. At no point was reference made to the Anlo Traditional Council. Ambassador Victor Gbeho spoke in his capacity as the Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee and spokesperson of the delegation that met with the President. The expression of regrets over incidents that took place prior to the funeral of the former President were not for or on behalf of the Anlo Traditional Council. Ambassador Gbeho did not attend the meeting as a member of the Anlo Traditional Council, never apologized on behalf of the Council and it is unfortunate that the reporter who posted the report failed to recognize the true constitution of the delegation and the actual references made at the said meeting. The Funeral Planning Committee urges the general public to totally disregard the assertion that Ambassador Gbeho spoke on behalf of the Anlo Traditional Council. That was a figment of the imagination of the myjoyonline.com reporter. Signed: Kobina Andoh Amoakwa (On behalf of the Funeral Planning Committee) 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 New Delhi, Feb 20 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday released a book 'Rashtra Pratham-82 Varshon ki Swarnim gatha' on CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), here. In a statement, the CRPF said that the book chronicles the illustrious history of the force (CRPF) from the impartial perspective of a historian, scrupulously mapping changes over a period of time and locating developments in the context of wider shifts in society and politics. The CRPF said that the book has traced the history of force from its raising in 1939 to the present day with intricate details of events that unfolded in the backdrop of prevalent circumstances. "The release of the book is also a symbolic tribute to the veterans as it also marks the First ever CRPF Veterans Day," it said. Shah congratulated CRPF personnel for a comprehensive and detailed account. Lauding the valour and sacrifice of the force, Shah said that the historical account of the force will inspire the newly inducted force personnel in the years to come. Shah also hoped that such accounts will also be written in the future. Thanking the Home Minister for gracing the occasion, Dr. A.P. Maheshwari, DG CRPF said that the book is aligned with Prime Minister's vision of creating institutional memories which will guide the future generations. The DG dedicated the book to all the Bravehearts of the Force and reiterated the commitment of keeping the nation first till the last breath. According to the statement, compiled by Dr Bhuwan Kumar Jha, a historian with Delhi University with active support in research by CRPF officers, the book is a result of thorough and meticulous research from existing records in CRPF institutions, national archives, other archival holdings, contemporary newspaper reports and other relevant primary records, in addition to important secondary literature and numerous first hand accounts from the veterans and serving members alike. "Proceedings of the Parliament have also been used to highlight generally the opinion of the people's representatives both during the enactment of the Act in 1949 and at subsequent crucial phases," it said. Lady Kitty Spencer has just been announced as Global Ambassador for luxury label Dolce&Gabbana - and could be set to make a cool 500, 000 a year from the signing, according to a branding expert. Princess Diana's niece, 29, who has inherited her aunt's love for fashion and is also the ambassador for jewellery brand Bvlgari - could make a total of up to 1million-a-year from all of her secure lucrative contracts with fashion brands combined. Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, PR guru Nick Ede says that being both an aristocrat and Diana's niece makes the South-African born model an exceptionally good fit for the luxury brand. 'For this kind of ambassador role she would be looking at half a million,' he commented. 'And with her roles with Bvlgari as well, she will be making a cool million from these endorsements.' 'Not only is Kitty a beautiful woman but with the connection to Diana and an aristocratic heritage having her as the face elevates brands and immediately associates them with sophistication, heritage and elegance.' Lady Kitty Spencer has just been announced as Global Ambassador for luxury label Dolce&Gabbana (pictured) - and could be set to make a cool 1M a year, according to a branding expert Lady Kitty Spencer attends Bulgari Barocco on September 14, 2020 in Rome, Italy Lady Kitty Spencer and Alberta Ferretti attend the Alberta Ferretti after party during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 at Palazzo Donizetti on February 19, 2020 in Milan, Italy Taking to Instagram, the socialite, who is the daughter of the former British model, Victoria Aitken, and nobleman, Charles Spencer, the younger brother of Princess Diana, shared stunning snaps from her photoshoot with the designer. Alongside a photo where she can be seen wearing a black dress and gold jewellery, she penned: 'I am truly honored to be @dolcegabbana's Global Ambassador. Domenico and Stefano celebrate life's wonders and working with them is always a unique opportunity to rediscover Italian culture, art, savoir-faire and lifestyle.' Alongside another snap, she wrote: 'Thank you Domenico and Stefano for the opportunity to be officially yours... I have loved you and the @dolcegabbana brand so much and for so long. 'I am VERY excited for the memories we are going to make together! I hope to make you proud.' Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana commented: 'We are delighted to welcome Kitty into our big family. 'Her charisma and radiance struck us right away: seeing her wearing our creations, and interpreting them with her style, is always a great feeling for us'. Lady Kitty Spencer and Pixie Lott in the front row Schiaparelli show, Front Row, Spring Summer 2020, Haute Couture Fashion Week, Paris, France on 20 January 2020 Lady Kitty Spencer has shared stunning snaps from her photoshoot with Dolce&Gabbana where she can be seen donning a stunning black dress and gold jewellery Lady Kitty Spencer led the fashion pack as they descended on Florence for dinners, dancing and haute couture runway shows to showcase - and sell - D&G's latest designs to their wealthy clients. Pictured, Lady Kitty with Domenico Dolce (right) and Gui Siqueira in September 2020 And branding expert Nick Ede believes that Lady Kitty Spencer becoming the new face of D&G is not only a great move for the brand, but also for her as a fashion icon. 'The brand is synonymous with luxury and style,' he said. 'And although the owners have courted controversy in the past, to sign her for their latest campaign does exactly what you want from a brand ambassador - which is create column inches, newfound interest in the brand and perfect positioning too.' Kitty boasts 520,000 followers on Instagram, where she posts endless photos showcasing her glamorous modelling career and glitzy social life. In previous years, she's certainly notched up the engagements after turning up at a never-ending reel of celebrity parties, appeared front row at fashion shows including Cartier and Jimmy Choo, not to mention a flurry of society weddings. Most notably, the socialite hit the headlines when she arrived at Prince Harry and Meghan's big day at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 donning a custom dress from Dolce & Gabbana, which featured hand-painted floral detail. The South-African born model takes to the catwalk for Dolce & Gabbana show, Runway, Spring Summer 2019, Milan Fashion Week in Italy on 23 September 2018 Lady Kitty Spencer wears custom-made Dolce&Gabbana as she attends the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 In 2017 year, Kitty made her catwalk debut for D&G in Milan as part of their 'Millennials' campaign, and has starred in various magazine shoots - including for Vogue Japan and Elle Russia. She's not the only one with royal connections to feature in campaigns for D&G, with Lady Amelia Windsor also previously modelling for the brand. And in May 2018, the aristocrat cemented her status as fashion's new IT girl when she was announced as an ambassador for luxury jewellery brand Bvlgari. Lady Kitty appeared in her first ad campaign for D&G that spring, alongside Sabrina Percy and Frankie Herbert. She also took part in the Italian fashion house's 'Secret and Diamond' show during Milan Fashion Week in the February, donning a tiara for the occasion. Princess Diana's niece attends the Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019 2020 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 2, 2019 in Paris, France Lady Kitty Spencer attends Bvlgari Splendida Tubereuse Mystique Event on July 9, 2019 in Cernobbio, Como Lake, Italy And Lady Kitty Spencer most recently led the fashion pack as they descended on Florence for a busy schedule of dinners, dancing and haute couture runway shows to showcase - and sell - Dolce and Gabbana's latest designs to their wealthy clients in September 2020. Fashionistas flew into Tuscany to enjoy at least three different events hosted at exclusive venues across the city. The Alta Sartoria show - literally translated to mean 'high-level formalwear' - saw models donning intricate kaftans and flowing bottoms as they strode through Palazzo Vecchio, the hulking 12th-century fortress which sits at the heart of Florence. Lady Kitty Spencer grew up in South Africa, reading psychology, politics and English at the University of Cape Town. She is on warm terms with William and Harry, and is an ambassador for homelessness charity Centrepoint (of which William is patron), but is not in their inner circle. The loonies are out in Florida, boycotting the premier grocery chain, Publix, because the daughter of Mr. George Jenkins donated about $2.5 million to the Trump presidential campaign. More specifically, Julia (Julie) Jenkins Fancelli was asked to donate $300,000 for Trumps final rally, which gave the extreme-right fanatics the chance for a clandestine and well-planned insurrection to break into the nations Capitol Building. Let me let the Florida chapter of The Legion of the Miserable in on an obvious secret. Publix could care less. The lot of you are small potatoes, nothing, not even a blip on any radar screen or heart monitor. Tragically, five years from now, or even 10, you will still be whiny, empty, and shallow because your acid will eat its way through your container. Until you learn to live and let live, to love your neighbor as yourself, to build rather than destroy, every family on your block is eager to see the For Sale sign in your yard. Oh, right now the Publix officials are up for an Emmy for the way they twist their hands for the out-of-kilter media, appear grim and pensive for the photo shoot, and issue a purposely vanilla statement but believe this in their hand they hold four aces. Publix is no more worried about ignorant loud-mouthed liberals than those in West Palm Beach fret over frostbite. Or, more easily understood, the opinions of sheep mean nothing to the wolf. Lets study the Publix hold cards: THE ACE OF DIAMONDS Publix is roundly regarded as the best grocery store chain in all the United States. Headquartered in very lucky Lakeland, Fla., Publix operates over 1,200 stores throughout the Southeastern United States, with locations in Florida (813), Georgia (189), Alabama (78), South Carolina (64), Tennessee (46), North Carolina (46), and Virginia (16). They employ just shy of 200,000 very happy people and just so youll know, those same people represent the largest employee-owned company in America. The company's 2017 sales totaled $34.6 billion (with a b), with profits of $2.3 billion (with a b). Believe it or not, they are the 13th largest retailer in the country and rank No. 38th on the Forbes list of Best Places to work in America. Publix continues to be the top-ranked company in America in the Food and Drug sector and, if you think your chippy boycott means anything other than the sensationalist news cameras, I am sorry to inform you that your shelf life will already be expired. THE ACE OF CLUBS Just over four weeks ago, I got an opening for the COVID vaccine at the Publix in Fort Oglethorpe. There was no wait, no line, no hassle. I live in Tennessee, I said. No matter, well inoculate anyone we can. It was an absolute pleasure but bigger was the fact everyone who works in the store is akin to an ambassador. Can I help you find anything? and We insist we take your groceries to your car. George Jenkins was exactly right when he arranged for the employees to buy the store: If they own it theyll work twice as hard to make it perfect and the quarterly profit-sharing check is a big deal. Today there are pharmacies in 95 percent of Publixs stores. So, answer me this: What do these antibiotic prescription drugs have in common: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Penicillin VK, Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP)? At Publix, with a doctors written prescription, a two-week supply is free. How about Metformin for Type II Diabetes (the generic of Glucophage)? Its free. So is two weeks worth of Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor for blood pressure. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. You bet. If you are walking past the bakery counter and spy a cookie you might like? Just ask, its free. The Presto! ATM is installed outside the store and, when I received my second dose of the vaccine, I failed to get a prompt for the $3 dollar service fee. I told the assistant manager, but he shook his head. No sir, at Publix there is no additional fee. Oh, mercy. THE ACE OF HEARTS Publix, a regional grocery store chain, mind you, is No. 3 on the United Ways global donations list. For years they have been a national sponsor of the Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Children's Miracle Network, United Way, and YMCA. When the COVID pandemic hit Americas dairy farmers, and the closing of school was causing milk and produce to be poured out or left to rot, Publix blew a shrill whistle and proclaimed, Well buy all youve got. The catch was the Publix suppliers are so loyal the company couldnt undercut them, so immediately they provided no, no I miswrote -- they DONATED the fruit, fresh vegetables, and dairy products to Feeding America. How many in The Legion of the Miserable have done that? Any liberals you know can match that? And, oh yes, try this: In Polk County, Fla., where the Publix main office is located there is 20 percent poverty and a sharp increase of COVID-based unemployment. Not long ago, Publix opened about 20 food centers in the county where over 500 of the neediest families are given a complete two-week supply of groceries every month. The idea is that if you feed em every day they will have no incentive to try to better themselves. Thats 1,000 trips to the grocery store every month for entire families. How many sheep have done that? THE ACE OF SPADES Mr. George Jenkins, the most beloved philanthropist the State of Florida has ever known, was asked just before he died at age 88 in 1996, Sir, how much would you be worth had you not given millions upon millions to charities and just causes? He never blinked before his two-word answer continues to thrill every generation who hears it: Probably nothing. George and his wife, Anne, had seven children. Today each of those children is a billionaire, or close to it, and the youngest is Julie. None of them are connected to the grocery chain, other than holding substantial stock. It is no ones business what any of us do with our personal worth but I can give my blood oath that if Julie had the slightest hint the Trump rally would unfold as it did, she would have had nothing to do with it. The Florida Legion of the Miserable cant touch Julie so they instead decided to play Kick the Can with Publix, who had nothing whatsoever to do with the Trump rally. but was the only target the cowards could find. You are right, it makes no sense at all, but cowards dont either. Today Julie is the president of the George Jenkins Foundation, which helps either totally sponsor or greatly helps somewhere around 10,000 organizations. The foundation is always on ready alert; when the pandemic hurricane hit, she immediately sent $270,000 to provide superior day care for the children of First Responders, fire and police, and RNs and LPNs. Yes, shes the keeper of the trust and, as the liberal nobodies try in vain to get her attention, she spends her time and effort to better such needs as abuse prevention, Christianity, diseases and conditions, education, elementary and secondary education, higher education, human services, mental health care, museums, out-patient medical care, rehabilitation, special population support, and projects of like need. While I cannot recall a Democratic effort that was boycotted ever on her scale, Julie Jenkins Fancelli has done more to help people than any one of her spineless detractors and that is the glaring truth. The other mystery is when, since the beginning of time, have conservatives ever boycotted a Democratic donor? Have you gotten a scent of these reprehensible scalawags yet? * * * BOTTOM LINE: The despicables are full of bluff and bravado right now, but I will bet my dollar against your dime that within no more than 60 days everyone who boycotts a Publix will be subject to having their picture taken in a Publix checkout line. The reasoning is simple. Publix is the best. They stand for more good causes, for more goodness, than anywhere else these leeches can find, and every one of them will slink back and why? Publix employees make them feel welcome. Winners, you know, have the ability to overlook the frailties of lesser people and the offal never seems to notice. Just you watch. 60 days. * * * Last year one of the most unfortunate incidents in Hamilton County history unfolded when the Regional Planning Commission, spurred on by Mayor Andy Berkes highly bogus Urban Design Studio, forced Publix to endure 18 project renderings of a new store coming out of the ground on our South Broad Street. It was the most shameful abuse of power and nauseating bullying that I have ever witnessed. There is now the misconception all is forgotten and forgiven. Unfortunately, that is untrue. The three men and two women most responsible have been identified and are known. Heed the longtime Scottish belief: The bones remember, and the blood never forgets. Perhaps it is time for each of you to bid adieu from the publics interests, and crawl back under your rock. royexum@aol.com BJP MP has moved the against a trial court order declining, for now, his plea to lead evidence to prosecute Congress president Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul and others in the Herald case. The trial court on February 11 had said that Swamy's application under section 244 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to lead evidence would be considered after his examination in the case was over. Aggrieved by the trial court's order, the BJP leader has challenged it in the high court. In his application under section 244 of CrPC in the trial court, Swamy has sought summoning of certain witnesses, including the secretary general (registry officer) of the Supreme Court, a deputy land and development officer, and a deputy commissioner of Income Tax, and also directions to them to prove certain documents which are part of the case. The BJP leader, in a private criminal complaint in the trial court, accused the Gandhis and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by paying only Rs 50 lakh, through which Young Indian Pvt Ltd (YI) obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that Associate Journals Ltd, owner of Herald, owed to the Congress. All the seven accused - the Gandhis, AICC treasurer Motilal Vora, AICC general secretary Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda and YI - have denied the allegations. Proceedings against Vora abated subsequent to his death. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Vora, Fernandes, Dubey and Pitroda were summoned by the trial court in 2014 for the alleged offences of misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust and cheating, read with criminal conspiracy of the Indian Penal Code. (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.) Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios has opened a new studio in Guildford, UK, to assist with production on the long-awaited sequel. Larian said the new opening will help with the development of Baldur's Gate 3, which launched in early access form on October 6, 2020. "Creating Baldur's Gate 3 is a huge undertaking and we are growing the team to help us follow the sun," wrote the company on Twitter. "We now have six studios around the world working together to create our most ambitious RPG yet. Welcome: Larian Guildford!" Headquartered in Belgium, and with offices in Dublin, Quebec, Saint Petersburg, Kuala Lumpur, and now Guildford, Larian was handed the keys to the Baldur's Gate franchise after finding success with its acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin series. There's still no word on when Baldur's Gate 3 will officially launch, but the early access version of the D&D-based RPG has already found success, becoming the best-selling title on Steam and GOG on the day of its release and peaking at over 70,000 concurrent players. Late December and early January with the northern beaches restrictions and the NSW and Queensland borders being shut really whacked forward and existing bookings, he said. In some cases, they went from 100 per cent to zero. There are two or three speeds in the tourism industry right now ... they didnt all get the bounceback they expected [over Christmas/New Years]. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video ATIC members have reported a 35 per cent drop in rolling forward bookings, which are now at such a low level many businesses report they wont be able to remain open without assistance. Up to a third of operators say they will either shut their doors or shed staff once JobKeeper ends. Among Victorian businesses, 57 per cent of those surveyed said they were still on JobKeeper, with about half of these saying they will significantly reduce staff numbers after March 28. Labour and workplace agreements require a minimum four-week notice period and businesses need to cover redundancy provisions. Tourism businesses operational and labour decisions are now being made on the assumption of no new assistance. Loading The federal government privately believes JobKeeper has become a crutch for the states, which can shut down their borders knowing there will be financial support for local businesses. It believes by removing the wage subsidy safety net, states will be forced to more closely consider the economic fallout of future snap shutdowns. The federal governments COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund has already provided $1 billion in extra funding for industries such as tourism, including grants and fee waivers. Mr Westaway said a new round of assistance could be similar in format to previous one-off business payment schemes and administered by the Tax Office to enterprises with a proven substantial drop in revenue. For many tourism businesses, forward booking levels are insufficient to sustain jobs and core operations when JobKeeper ends in March, ATICs briefing materials say. Timing around further support is now critical. A Qantas spokesman confirmed the airline was talking to the federal government about continued support for the aviation sector and for our people, especially those connected to our international operations who are likely to be without work for some time to come. Those conversations are ongoing and its fair to say the particular challenges facing the industry are well understood, he said. Late December and early January ... really whacked forward and existing bookings. Australian Tourism Industry Council executive director Simon Westaway Virgin Australia has been vocal in its push for government support to be extended, joining with the union movement last month to call for an AviationKeeper subsidy to run until flight operations return to normal. A Virgin spokesman said on Friday the company remained in discussions with the government about sector support and the importance of aviation in the countrys broader economic recovery. The governments expenditure review committee spent Friday discussing key elements of another major program, JobSeeker, which will return to its pre-virus level of $40-a-day when the COVID supplement ends on March 31. Bunnings was one retail outlet to benefit from the ban on international travel as customers spent their savings on home improvements. Credit:Wayne Taylor A decision to lift the base payment was taken late last year but the debate within the government now is over its level, whether it should be rolled in with other welfare payments and if tighter restrictions on accessing JobSeeker should be imposed. While the government has been concerned about state border closures, some parts of the domestic tourism industry and economy are benefiting from the effective ban on Australians leaving the country. In December 2019, a net 226,000 people left Australia on short-term holidays on Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. In December last year, a net 6980 people left the country. Economists estimate the international border ban has become a $25 billion stimulus, with money that would have been spent overseas now going into domestic bank accounts or to local retailers. Expenditure on household and gardening goods alone climbed by more than 10 per cent during 2020. Half-yearly results from Coles, Bunnings owner Wesfarmers and BCF parent company Super Retail Group referred to significant increases in spending due in part to travel restrictions. Loading Coles said customers were spending more time working, studying and staying at home, supporting demand in some product categories. Home and hardware giant Bunnings first-half revenue jumped 24.4 per cent to more than $9 billion. Travel restrictions and customers spending more time undertaking projects at home continued to support sales growth, Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said. Boating, camping and fishing store BCFs total sales increased 50.9 per cent to $427.7 million as COVID-19 restrictions eased and domestic tourism and leisure activity increased, with Western Australia, Queensland and NSW performing strongest. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said a rollout of the coronavirus vaccine would change how things are down here in Australia. I think it is a reasonable expectation that as time goes on, as the vaccination rolls out across the world and here in Australia, you should rightly expect that things will change in how we manage the virus, he said. The European Union is funding the establishment of the new vaccine research network VACCELERATE with a total of 12 million euros for three years. So far, 26 partner institutions from 21 European countries are involved in the network. The consortium is headed by the infectiologist Professor Dr. Oliver Cornely at the University of Cologne and Cologne University Hospital. Vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is considered the most promising solution to combat the pandemic. To build long-term herd immunity in Europe, as many people as possible need to be vaccinated. There is a high demand for vaccine trials since there are still many questions regarding, among other things, safety, efficacy, and the adaptation of vaccines in the face of virus mutations. This research will be coordinated through the newly established pan-European research network VACCELERATE. The platform will plan and conduct clinical trials and act as a single point of contact for all stakeholders - from health authorities to pharmaceutical vaccine developers. VACCELERATE is designed as a pan-European backbone for a coordinated approach to vaccine research. We want to network facilities, pool expertise, and promote knowledge exchange among our currently 26 partners." Dr. Oliver Cornely, Project leader Professor and Infectiologist, Director, Translational Research Chair, CECAD Cluster of Excellence in Aging Research, Senior Physician, Department of Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital Our goal is to plan and coordinate vaccine trials under one strategic scientific umbrella in all EU member states and other EU-associated countries.' An important step in establishing the network is to map capacities for clinical trial sites and laboratory facilities to identify suitable sites for vaccine trials in Europe. Cornely added: 'VACCELERATE will serve as the pandemic preparedness network, providing a structure beyond the current coronavirus pandemic to rapidly and effectively test vaccine candidates across Europe.' Currently, VACCELERATE will be used primarily to plan, facilitate, and network phase II and III coronavirus vaccine trials. Phase II trials test the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a new vaccine, as well as dosage. Phase III trials must demonstrate the efficacy of a new compound in large populations. For this purpose, it is compared with a placebo (a dummy medication) via random administration to volunteers. An application for approval of the tested substance can only be submitted to the European Union after successful completion of phase III testing. In addition, VACCELERATE will provide quality assurance training and coordinate access to laboratory sites essential for phase II and III clinical trials. A Europe-wide volunteer registry for rapid patient recruitment is already under development. A harmonized European approach to vaccine trials will enable the development of training standards, the coordination of laboratory support, the establishment of standardized laboratory methods (known as assays), and uniform study protocols. In addition, the platform will also serve in an advisory function to various stakeholders such as research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and health authorities planning coronavirus vaccine trials in Europe. To obtain valid research results, VACCELERATE will moreover enable harmonized data collection, open data exchange, and data pooling for improved analysis within the research platform. Through VACCELERATE, the European Union aims to increase its vaccine development capacity in the medium and long term. LANSING, MI Republican state lawmakers want Michigan to hold another hunting and trapping season for gray wolves in the Upper Peninsula after the federal government stripped the animals of endangered species protection during the final months of the Trump administration. Sen. Ed McBroom, a Republican who represents the western U.P., and Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo, introduced a resolution Thursday, Feb. 18, that urges the state to organize a hunting season this year because theres no statutory requirement or precedent to delay one. The resolution, S.R. 15, was promptly scheduled for a natural resources committee hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 24. McBroom and Bumstead are chair and vice chair, respectively, of the five-member committee, which only includes one Democrat, Sen. Sean McCann of Kalamazoo. McBroom and Bumsteads resolution states that wolves have made a remarkable recovery in Michigan and state wildlife managers should hold a game season as a viable means of ensuring stable wolf population numbers and to limit potential wolf and human conflicts. It urges the state Natural Resources Commission (NRC) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to authorize and organize a hunt beginning in 2021. Neither McBroom nor Bumsteads office immediately returned calls on Thursday afternoon. Michigan previously organized a hunt in 2013 while wolves were temporarily delisted, but the DNR isnt moving aggressively toward another one this time around. Wolves officially came off the endangered list for the lower 48 states on Jan. 4. However, that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision was put under review by President Joe Biden last month and environmental groups have already filed several lawsuits to challenge the delisting. The Michigan DNR says the states population has remained stable over the past decade. Roughly 700 wolves in 143 packs now roam Michigan. Wolves were wiped out across most of the U.S. by the 1930s under government-sponsored poisoning and trapping campaigns. A remnant population in the western Great Lakes region has expanded to about 4,400 animals in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin since the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973. Wolves were the first animal listed. Republicans in 2016 empowered the state to hold another hunt should the animals be delisted following a statewide referendum that overturned laws enabling the 2013 hunt. Hunting proponents say population recovery numbers justify game seasons, while wolf advocates argue that the animals have yet to recover across their historic range. The DNR indicated that its in a holding pattern while federal protection status is being worked out. Before another Michigan hunt, the legal status of wolves should be more permanently settled, especially given the long history of legal challenges to delisting decisions and the resulting shifting status of wolves, said DNR spokesperson Ed Golder. Golder said the department also intends to update the states 2015 wolf management plan, hold a public opinion survey on the matter and consult with Michigan Native American tribes who consider wolves to be a sacred animal. The DNR moved last month to revive a wolf management advisory council. It held a nine-day application period for the group, which will include representatives from conservation, hunting and fishing, agricultural and animal advocacy organizations, and tribal government. Golder said the states wolf management plan update should be finished by June 2022. In the meantime, state law addresses human and animal conflict by allowing lethal force against wolves now to prevent them from killing dogs or livestock, the DNR says. While federally listed, wolves could only be legally killed in defense of human life. Nonetheless, McBroom and Bumsteads resolution argues against the deliberative approach by the DNR and urges that a hunt be held this year. There is no statutory requirement or precedent to delay a 2021 wolf hunt while the plan is reviewed and updated, the resolution states. Neither is there a requirement for a statewide public attitude survey or study to occur prior to a hunting season. Wolf advocates in Michigan say theres no need for another hunting season because conflicts with humans are almost nonexistent and livestock predations are minimal. We already have management authority right now to kill problem wolves, said Nancy Warren, regional director of the National Wolfwatcher Coalition, who says wolves routinely cross her property in Ontonagon County. Nonetheless, hunting advocates have pushed for a game season this year through DNR advisory boards. The DNR eastern and western U.P. citizen advisory councils passed resolutions in December and January urging the wolf harvest area be expanded across the entire peninsula. Hunting groups in Wisconsin have also sought to expedite a hunting season ahead of any potential reversal of the endangered delisting this year. Wisconsin law requires the state to hold a hunt absent federal protections. A season was already planned in November, but Republicans and the Kansas-based group Hunter Nation pushed for hunt by the end of this month. The Wisconsin DNR has already approved a harvest quota and began taking wolf tag applications on Feb. 15 following a judges order, which the agency is appealing. A tag winner drawing is expected Feb. 22. Warren said wolves are misperceived as threats to humans, in part, due to misunderstanding of predation behavior and legacy attitudes. When you see them in the wild, they will put their head down and stare a little, Warren said. They are trying to assess who you are. Some people perceive that as a threat. I think theres that Little Red Riding Hood fear in the back of peoples mind, she said. Wolves are pretty stealthy in the woods. You really dont see them until theyre right there. But that would only be if they didnt smell you first. If they smell you, theyre long gone. Related stories: DNR calls first Michigan wolf hunt a success Michigan voters reject wolf hunting laws Endangered or not? Scientists, lawmakers debate wolves New Delhi, Feb 19 : Female-centric themes have found a fresh lease with the rise of OTT platforms. A string of women-oriented series have grabbed audience attention. More than television and the big screen, filmmakers have found an ideal platform to experiment more freely with subjects focussing on womanhood and issues related to women in the digital space. Be it the story of a smalltown girl playing a phone sex operator or women asserting their rights across society, there are diverse shades being served. Actress Nyra Banerjee, who plays the role of a phone sex operator in the series "Hello Jee" says: "I think people find the situations and characters more relatable. Also, OTT has an audience which is comparatively more open to various scenarios the women are. They are more accepting." Actress Maanvi Gagroo, who will soon start shooting for the third season of Four More Shots Please, says: "Till now we had not seen such characters on screen, but it doesn't mean that they don't exist in real life. Of course, these are slightly dramatised versions but these things happen. There are women who drink and party, make their own money, and make mistakes. They live life on their own terms. They are regular people trying to lead life on their terms." Here are four shows on OTT that credibly toast women's empowerment, and are worth checking out. Bombay Begums Image Source: IANS Image Source: IANS 'Bombay Begums' to release on Women's Day (credit: Instagram) The upcoming series stars Pooja Bhatt, Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash, Plabita Borthakur and Aadhya Anand. The story revolves around four women in Mumbai who come from different strata of society. The series is directed by "Lipstick Under My Burkha" maker Alankrita Shrivastav and will stream from March 8. Dev DD 2 Image Source: IANS 'Dev DD' season 2 brings back Rashmi Agdekar in lesbian avatar.(photo:INSTAGRAM) The show carved a special space with season one, as it reinvents Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic literary work "Devdas" with gender reversal. Here, Devdas is Devika, played by Asheema Vardaan. Sanjay Suri is a new-age, male version of Chandramukhi, as Anurag. Akhil Kapur is Parth (Paro). Rashmi Agdekar is Chandni, or a female Chunnilal, who is a lesbian. Four More Shots 3 Image Source: IANS Image Source: IANS 'Four More Shots Please!' to be back in April. The show will soon start shooting for season three, with the previous two seasons having gained popularity. The series presents life of four women, played by Sayani Gupta, Bani J, Kirti Kulhari and Maanvi Gagroo. While the show initially faced criticism for its unconventionally-presented narrative from certain sections, the OTT audience overall has loved it. Hello Jee Image Source: IANS Image Source: IANS Actress Nyra Banerjee The lead character, portrayed by Nyra Banerjee, is a phone sex operator. The story is about how the girl, who hails from smalltown India, finds a unique way to earn livelihood. Currently streaming, "Hello Jee" has garnered a huge following. -- Syndicated from IANS New Delhi, Feb 19 : With Artificial Intelligence helping "biological materialism sneak in through the back door", the world is witnessing a real clash of civilisations with "the battle between algorithm and being" writes Rajiv Malhotra, an internationally acclaimed author and public intellectual, in this seminal deep dive into a phenomenon that is only partially visible, like an iceberg. Lamentably however, most of India's leaders, public intellectuals, media personalities, policy makers, think tanks and authors are "ignoring the dangers" that lie ahead, "living securely in their comfort zones with like-minded peers", Malhotra, the founder of the Princeton-based Infinity Foundation that specialises in the field of civilisational studies, writes in "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Power - 5 Battlegrounds" (Rupa). Noting that China had created a vast ecosystem of domestic intellectual property in next generation technologies including AI, 5G, nanotechnology, robotics, Virtual/Augmented Reality, aerospace and biotechnology, Malhotra writes that all this while, "the brutal reality is that India's newly minted billionaires were shortsighted - the products of jugaad and selfishness. They achieved instant wealth but failed to anticipate global trends. They became intoxicated with their status as popular icons that were glorified by the media and the government" and even received Padma awards "because they built personal fortunes even though they made precious little contribution toward nation-building". Until a decade ago, Malhotra notes, India's tech giants had a strong lead in software development, many private and corporate fortunes were made, and Indians were justifiably proud of their advantage. "It was touted as the superpower status. However, the country squandered its lead and allowed China to surpass it in AI and related technologies. Consequently, India has become dependent on the US and others for the latest technology needed in AI," the author states. Thus, while India may have recently clamped down on Chinese investments, this was more in retaliation for border tensions "and not a strategic shift in R&D emphasis. It is a defensive move that can at best prevent further Chinese investments to slow the spread of China's influence. But this by itself does nothing to upgrade the global competitiveness of India's products. The fact remains that while China is a major disruptor of the world order by using AI as a weapon, India is at the receiving end of this disruption and having to be reactive", Malhotra maintains. Image Source: IANS News Disruption, in fact, is what this 486-page tome, with an extensive reference section, is all about, as it lists the five battlegrounds of the future in an AI-driven world: Economy, industry, education and jobs; Geopolitics and military - USA, China and India; Moronization of the masses - bowing down to the digital deities, i.e., Google-devta, Twitter-devta and Facebook-devta; Loss of selfhood to artificial emotions and gratifications - this is the crash of civilisation; and Stress-testing the Indian Rashtra. At the bottom line, it raises a troubling question: Is the world headed toward digital colonisation by the US and China? Quite obviously, this should be of immense concern to India. To this end, the book is in two parts - the first dealing with the four battlegrounds in 255 pages in the first part and the second part, all of 138 pages, focusing on Battleground India. "India cannot afford further delay in coming to terms with the fact that the control of most big data (the raw material required to develop machine understanding of human desires and their artificial manipulation) and deep learning is effectively in the hands of companies based in the US or China. "Americans primarily own the software algorithms , data bases and operating platforms; the hardware is mostly Chinese. India is at the mercy of their technologies. And the foreign owners of the AI technology and digital platforms have no legal accountability in India, nor do they have the interests of Indians at heart to the same extent as their vested interests in their home countries." Regretfully, the book says, India's data policies "have been weak and have allowed the drain of its precious data assets. In some ways, India is slipping to become the world's largest digital colony with lifestyles, discourses and commerce controlled by foreign digital giants like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Amazon and Flipkart. The foreign organisations maintain a lead of one generation of technology, and India is forever trying to catch up". "This is causing social and political interventions in India with the use of AI-driven platforms whose strings are pulled and manipulated from abroad. Especially those who feel disenfranchised, or who are dysfunctional as productive members of society, are highly vulnerable to succumbing to AI-based digital platforms; such platforms offer feel-good free services in exchange for capturing their privacy and their agency," Malhotra writes. Noting that the present conditions are a "playground for the breaking India forces" that he has discussed in his work over a quarter of a century, Malhotra adds: "Their foreign nexuses are well-funded and AI savvy, have experience in the use of technologies for creating social upheavals, and their machine learning systems have been using Indian big data to build and test psychological models for digital manipulation." India's fabric, the book says, "in its current state is fragile and demands an increasing amount of resource allocation merely to keep it from imploding. There is far too much reliance on soft power as the solution, but soft power is always contingent on hard power". The lesson to be learned from the "Ramayana" and the "Mahabharata" is precisely this: Lord Ram failed to convince Ravana using all the soft power at his disposal but had to end up using hard power to defeat him. Likewise, Sri Krishna in the "Mahabharata" tries hard to use soft power arguments to win over Duryodhana, but eventually had to advocate the use of hard power to fight till the end. "Therefore, even the avataras have needed hard power after being unsuccessful in producing the dharmic outcome with soft power alone. Indian spiritualists and political leaders should understand this and stop over-playing the soft power hand. It has made India society wooly-headed and lazy, and caused the kshatriyata to atrophy," Malhotra writes. Still, all is not lost. "I am presently writing a sequel to this book that gives concrete ideas for not merely catching up in AI innovation but also using India's special capabilities to leapfrog ahead by ten to twenty years. In many ways, this book is intended to prepare the ground for the way ahead," Malhotra concludes. (Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in) -- Syndicated from IANS ADVERTISEMENT I spent most of my life fighting against racism internationally, as such it is unacceptable to now come to my own country and be part of the lynch mob against one tribe or ethnicity. There are no bystanders or observers in this situation; nobody can watch this pass. Nobody who has any right mind should keep quiet. It is critical to speak out right now. I hope that I speak very clearly, not necessarily to win over anybody or gain support for my position. In fact, Im very clear about it that this position is isolated and a very minority view in the debate that is playing genocide and going around the country. It is incumbent upon anybody who is habitual in reflection that the lessons to learn are clear. This is what happened in Rwanda. When you scapegoat a group and give them a name that dehumanises them, that reduces them in comparison to other ethnic groups; and by not granting them any individuality, it is the most degrading thing, not just for them, but for the entire country. There is this habit that has evolved since President Buhari was elected, of turning the Fulani into herdsmen and herdsmen into criminals. Now, we no longer have to describe or explain what we mean when we say herdsmen crime or Fulani herdsmen. Most times, the sophisticated among us (and the greater the sophistication, the better) dont even have to describe what they mean when they say herdsmen. The unfortunate thing is that this has now been adopted in the news reports we hear, such that Garba Shehu, the representative of President Buhari was trying to justify the response of the government by saying: Yes, herdsmen crimes were being punished. That word, that phrase, whatever it is, is the most dangerous and most despicable thing being offered to the Nigerian public. This process of institutionalising and scapegoating Fulani people or Northerners in this way will come back to haunt all of us. The process of institutionalising these kinds of rhetoric, this thing that has become commonplace in Nigerian culture, is not a new thing, but it has become more insidious and more dangerous in these days, in a time when everybody now has a platform. Through social media, people project their views, and turn their prejudices into stereotypes of others and embody these in choices that have to be made in public policy. I am in my fifties; I have grown up to the tropes held in the South-West about the Fulani. First, the notion of the Jihad, that the Fulani came into the country and swept from the North and tried to sweep everybody into the Atlantic Ocean to take over their land. It is a patently ridiculous take on history. It is a misconception of the facts and a misrepresentation of what happened. It wasnt the Fulani who broke the Oyo Empire; it was a fight between the Alaafin and Afonja and that was after years of institutional conflicts within Oyo; so lets put to bed this ridiculous notion. The second trope is that the Sadauna of Sokoto was a tribalist and in the hegemonic fight for control of Nigeria, the Fulani had the upper hand because the British sided with them. It is an arguable point but to what avail? Which one of those people, including the much celebrated Chief Obafemi Awolowo or Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, was not a tribalist? The reality is that these people were not born into Nigeria. They were born into their different ethnic groups. Why does it justify to victimise the Fulani as if they are the only ones that commit crimes in Nigeria? Or that because some of them commit crimes, it means that the rest of them must be defined by the choices of the worst amongst them? Why dont we go about saying: bankers crime or farmers crime, and not just killer herdsmen? It is a patently vicious thing that is being done. My experience of this anti-Fulani hatred is so full and varied, but I had never seen it that bad until then. Presently, it has gotten to another level, and it is heading towards genocide. All right-minded persons need to call this out. Another trope is the notion that the Fulani have cornered federal power in Nigeria in a way that has denied other people access. The final story is that Buhari is a Fulani, and therefore a herdman, and part of the realisation of a hegemonic control over the rest of us. These things are bigoted lies and half truths. In my own life, I have lived in different parts of Nigeria. I remember the first time that I would engage this notion of Fulani hegemony and it was to my advantage, shall I say. I had done my JAMB examination and was placed in the University of Jos as one of the top scholars, but somehow in my JAMB form I had mistakenly coded the state of origin, yet JAMB decided that I had done it wilfully and wrongfully. It claimed I was trying to take advantage of an educationally disadvantaged state and as a result, the body blocked my matriculation into the University of Jos. The adults in my life rallied round. I had scored higher the year before and was arguably in the top 5 per cent, but unfortunately without all my OLevels credits. Now this. My mother jumped on a plane with me to University of Jos and tried to convince them, but to no avail. My memory then was the outrage in my second choice, the University of Ife; that I had scored high enough for both Universities but that the Northerners were keeping me out of the University of Jos on a technicality. So, you could say that I was a beneficiary of the anti-Fulani notion early in life. The reality is that as a Nigerian, I understood very clearly that certain states needed to be given preferential treatment, through a quota system of sorts, to ensure that the opportunities for education are widely spread across the country, and people are able to have access to the wealth that comes from education. I have seen the incredible dangers of how this notion, that somehow the North and especially the Fulani have some kind of advantage, has blinded people who should know better into acting in insidious ethnic manners. I will highlight some of these points from my life. In my NYSC camp in Efon Alaye, then in Ondo State, we had a debate at a civic night on the pros and cons of national leaders not being nationalists. One side had argued that Awolowo was no nationalist. That point sticks as a mob had then wanted to attack the Northern youth corp members who were of this perspective. It was a small group of us that stood between the mob baying for blood and these young men. It was quite a very shocking thing to have been exposed to in my early twenties. I was 21 at the time, and I marvelled at how people I had lived with daily saw their collaegues as fair game for attack because they held a view that was different from theirs. Decades after, I ended up working in the DAWN Commission in Ibadan, as pioneering Head of Planning and Strategy for the organisation. I remember that once we had an open or a planning day in Davies Hotel Ibadan, where I got into a serious contestation with some of my colleagues over this issue. It is disturbingly clear that the assumption is that the Fulani are not worthy of being Nigerians, that they are out to take everything from everybody and that they are a dangerous element in this political rivalry that has been created around ethnicity. I have never understood the virtue of the vilification of the other and their reduction into non-humans, in order to legitimise some sense of competition or rivalry with them. What about the Fulani child? A child that by accident of birth was born into an ethnic group. What makes that child not worthy of the life that you want for your own children? What make it acceptable to stigmatise that child, not because of his or her conduct or character, but because of his or her accident of birth. Is this what we should apply to each other in 21st century in Nigeria? Later on, when I was working in the Niger Delta, I experienced many people of great influence talk about the Fulani and how they own all the oil wealth and have been exploiting their people. My experience of this anti-Fulani hatred is so full and varied, but I had never seen it that bad until then. Presently, it has gotten to another level, and it is heading towards genocide. All right-minded persons need to call this out. What about the Fulani child? A child that by accident of birth was born into an ethnic group. What makes that child not worthy of the life that you want for your own children? What make it acceptable to stigmatise that child, not because of his or her conduct or character, but because of his or her accident of birth. Is this what we should apply to each other in 21st century in Nigeria? This is totally unacceptable; with newspapers brandishing this, everyday and bombarding us with slurs such as: herdsmen, Fulani people committing crimes, Igbo people commit crimes, Yoruba people commit crimes. Individuals are no longer defined by their deeds. This is certainly not civilised behaviour or education. Now, the worst of us are coming out, drumming beats of war, looking for people to kill, and seeking to kill them at the slightest excuse. The reality is that the minute President Buhari was elected, I remember a very senior All Progressives Congress (APC) member saying that the Fulani would be emboldened by his election. This is not a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-APC thing; it is a Nigerian problem. It is a problem that we hold as a badge of honour that the Fulani should become the scapegoat, the lowest of our people, so that we will find it legitimate to discriminate against them. I spent most of my life fighting against racism internationally, as such it is unacceptable to now come to my own country and be part of the lynch mob against one tribe or ethnicity. There are no bystanders or observers in this situation; nobody can watch this pass. Nobody who has any right mind should keep quiet. Nobody who wants a future for his or her children should watch the future of other peoples children being taken away from them. It is despicable, it is horrible, it has to be called out. We have just watched what happened in the United States with the murder of George Floyd. A country founded on white supremacy. We are going towards that in Nigeria, and when it happens here, it will not be because we were not warned, because we chose to stay neutral or even supported the popular victimisation and scapegoating that is ongoing. It is critical that we take a stand. The Fulani have their own diversity, as every ethnic group does. Anybody that says otherwise is a bigot. We need to stop using loaded terms like herdsmen or lazily and hatefully lumping the Fulani together. Let us have a Police Service that we trust will catch criminals, a court system that will prosecute and punish the guilty, as our posterity deserves no less. Adewale Ajadi, a lawyer, creative consultant and leadership expert, is author of Omoluwabi 2.0: A Code of Transformation in 21st Century Nigeria. The first sound tool to greet visitors to the Americas Society gallery is the skeletal imbaluna, with a crescent-shaped marimba keyboard backed by spiky resonators. (The names of Orellanas inventions are often poetic portmanteaus, this one of marimba and the Spanish word for moon.) The circumar is shaped like a large kettle with marimba keys suspended perpendicular to the floor. For the sinusoido, he strung marimba keys on a frame shaped like a warped roller coaster. Both are played by running a mallet along the inside in continuous motion an action that requires full engagement of the performers arm and torso and produces tinkling rushes of sound. Sebastian Zubieta, the Americas Society music director, said that in Mr. Orellanas creations, its the gesture that shapes it. These instruments and others shaped similarly, using metal chimes or bamboo canes can sound uncannily like electronic music. Zubieta said it was no accident that sounds created on a circular or sinusoid instrument resemble those created through electronic looping and sequencing. Its like an old tape piece, he said. Its a low-tech solution to an avant-garde desire. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Despite the pandemic, Shawna Brown kept pushing forward. As the deputy director for special projects of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council, she knew it was important to keep the message of community moving forward. Thats why the organization is presenting two events that celebrate Black leaders in New Mexico. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Im happy we continued the journey, Brown says. Its important. We, as a nation, experienced a lot and justifiable civic unrest. Our projects are representative of that and pushing forward. The organization will host Asante Awards: Barrier Breakers virtually at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. Registration is at nmblackhistory.nmblc.org/asante. The New Mexico Black History Festival now a program of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council launched the Asante awards in 2015, when the Powdrell family was recognized for having one of the first Black-owned restaurants in New Mexico. This years recipients are New Mexico Court of Appeals Judge Shammara Henderson; District Attorney Gerald Byers of Dona Ana County; state Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins; Sen. Harold Pope Jr.; and US Eagle Federal Credit Union President and CEO Marsh Majors. This year is also important to us because its the 10th annual New Mexico Black History Festival, Brown says. Were proud of that fact. With the celebration of the festivals first decade, the organization will also present Kumbuka Celebration: Decades Deep at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 virtually. Brown says the Kumbuka celebration will reflect on the past 10 years of the New Mexico Black History Festival and recall the theatrical performances that the community came to know and love. Though we cant yet gather in our favorite theaters, were bringing theater to you, Brown says. The event will include access to a celebration featuring the past cast and crew members of For Colored Girls and Roots Revival, as well as highlights from The Wiz. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison accused Facebook of an arrogant act of intimidation after the tech giant disabled news feeds in the country in a bid to derail legislation that would oblige it to pay for such content. The social media giant blocked all Australian publishers from posting on Facebook and prevented users across the world from sharing their content, as well as hiding all news and journalism from 17 million Australian users. It was in response to a new government media code that would force Facebook and Google to agree direct fees with news producers or accept a price decided by official arbitration. Facebooks actions to unfriend Australia today, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing, said Mr Morrison. These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behaviour of Big Tech companies who think they are bigger than governments and the rules should not apply to them. Delete Facebook, boycott Zuckerberg and Facebook we need to talk quickly began trending on Twitter amid mounting anger. The ban inadvertently hit charity accounts and major state governments, including those providing advice on Covid-19, raising fears misinformation would spread more easily. Some of the blocked pages were restored, though even Facebooks own page was briefly taken down. Josh Frydenberg, the federal treasurer, who days earlier had touted the great progress hed made during talks with Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg, accused the social media giant of a heavy-handed attack that undermined access to credible information. While Google and Facebook have both opposed the new laws, Google has signed deals with several outlets in recent days in return for providing content for the search engines News Showcase. The search giant had threatened to pull its services from Australia but has remained in talks with the government. William Easton, Facebooks Australia managing director, said: The proposed law fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content. He said its service already provided free referrals to news sites worth A$407m (262m). Tim OConnor of Amnesty International said: It is extremely concerning that a private company is willing to control access to information that people rely on. (Telegraph Group Ltd 2021) Schools Adapting After County No Longer 'Red' By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - The two largest school districts in McCracken County are looking to increase in-person attendance.In a letter to families, McCracken Superintendent Steve Carter said they will begin offering in-person learning four days a week on Tuesday through Friday, starting March 1. Mondays will be reserved for virtual learning and deep cleaning of school buildings.Carter said district staff will receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, and the county's incidence rate no longer in the 'red,' because the average number of daily cases per 100,000 people is now 12. For those who wish to continue with all-virtual learning, it will continue to be offered through the end of the school year.Paducah Public Schools has asked parents to complete a short survey to share how they feel about the possibility of moving to four days of in-person instruction. Superintendent Donald Shively indicated earlier this month that this would be considered at their February school board meeting, since their teachers and staff will get their second dose of the vaccine next Wednesday.Because there have been stronger side effects from the second dose, the school board chose to change February 25-26 to NTI days instead of in-person attendance. This would allow any staff who have side effects to work from home.The survey can be found at the link below.On the Net: 26718 Brian D. Kelley, CTO, Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission Brian D. Kelley, CTO, Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission When I was a kid I spent a considerable amount of time lying on my back in the grass cloud watching as clouds of all sizes and shapes floated by high up in the sky. Hollywood actress and legend Judy Garland is quoted as saying, Behind Every Cloud is Another Cloud. In the 21st century today cloud computing offers a plethora of cloud choices and yes, we would certainly agree that behind every cloud is another cloud to consider. HPC provides not only super-computing processing capabilities, but fast network performance, vast amounts of disk storage, and substantial amounts of memory for highly complex processing challenges Cloud computing certainly has its niche, but just like real clouds, cloud computing is a good distance from the data center on the ground. IoT devices and sensors are close to the ground just like fog and require a different type of computing power dictating that data is kept much closer to the ground. This is where edge, or fog computing can be leveraged as data is created, processed, and acted upon real-time instantaneously literally at the edge outside of the data center. Gartner estimates that there will be 25.1 billion IoT endpoints by 2021. According to Gartner, Much of the current attention on edge computing comes from the need for IoT systems to deliver disconnected or distributed capabilities to the IoT world. Factors driving the momentum to move toward edge computing include latency and content. Users expect fast response times and content such as video is too voluminous to send to the cloud and store in the cloud. Edge computing addresses these challenges. Edge computing is being leveraged now in IoT with advancements in connected vehicle technology connecting vehicles to vehicles (V2V), vehicles to infrastructure (V2I) such as stop lights, and vehicles to pedestrians (V2P). Connected vehicle technology will eventually lead to fully autonomous self-driving vehicles. Experts agree that connected and self-driving vehicle technology will significantly reduce the nearly 40,000 annual fatalities occurring in traffic crashes on U.S. roads. High performance computing (HPC) at the edge will make this possible. A real-life application of this technology has been deployed at the Ohio Turnpike where 241 miles of toll roads and fiber cross through Northern Ohio from Indiana to Pennsylvania. The Ohio Turnpike has lit up a 60 mile test section of the toll road with a dedicated short wave radio communications (DSRC) connected vehicle technology pilot project This pilot project leverages edge computing to send real-time operational messages from thirty-eight Ohio Turnpike vehicles outfitted with DSRC technology and conversely send messages to a human machine interface (HMI) installed in the vehicle. The HMI messages sent to the vehicles provide real-time data updates on weather alerts, construction zones, incidents, and curve speed to a display device installed in the vehicle. The Ohio Turnpike hopes to achieve safety and efficiency benefits by deployment of this technology at the edge utilizing HPC. According to Technopedia, High-performance computing (HPC) is the use of super computers and parallel processing techniques for solving complex computational problems. HPC technology focuses on developing parallel processing algorithms and systems by incorporating both administration and parallel computational techniques. To put it simply, HPC aggregates computing power to incredibly high levels of performance far beyond what an average desktop workstation could deliver. HPC provides not only super-computing processing capabilities, but fast network performance, vast amounts of disk storage, and substantial amounts of memory for highly complex processing challenges. Such aggregated computing power with HPC is a game-changing technology for solving complex computational challenges in health care, finance, science and engineering, business analytics, cybersecurity, and many other disciplines. HPC is also driving the machine learning and deep learning technology evolution with artificial intelligence. Gartner predicts that by 2022, 40% of customer-facing employees and government workers will consult daily an AI virtual support agent for decision or process support. HPC will provide the computational power, memory, storage, and networking performance to make this happen. We have examined HPCs critical role with edge computing far from the cloud, but HPC also provides amazing new capabilities in the cloud as well! Running HPC in the cloud provides the capacity to launch or scale up high performance computing clusters as needed, where needed, and when needed. Such HPC clusters provide an extremely flexible and elastic architecture that can be instantaneously provisioned on a per project basis in the cloud where you only pay for what you use. HPC in the cloud is an extremely attractive offering which significantly accelerates both productivity and achievement of desired results at a reasonable cost. In the digital age of 21st century HPC will provide the computational power and capabilities that we can harness to solve complex problems in the world to drastically improve our health, well-being, and quality of life at home, at work, and when we travel. A plethora of amazing possibilities powered by HPC wait just over the horizon both at the edge and in the cloud. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has issued a statement saying it is extremely alarmed by the intensifying of attacks on press freedom in Belarus. The move follows the jailing of a journalist and camerawoman working for Belsat, a subsidiary the Polish public broadcaster TVP, a member of the EBU, for reporting on protests in Belarus. EBU DG Noel Curran said: We are extremely concerned that journalists are being jailed for simply doing their jobs ensuring people have access to independent news and information. The EBU added that the verdict follows police raids on the homes of journalists and media workers earlier in the week. Law enforcement officers searched the offices of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, seizing equipment and documentation, as well as searching the homes of its key staff. It also said that since August 2020, around 400 journalists, representing both foreign and local media outlets, have been apprehended or assaulted while reporting on protests throughout the country. Curran continued: Freedom of the press is a fundamental human right and it is extremely alarming to see how authorities in Belarus are violating international laws by continuing to try and repress free speech and deny their citizens access to information of public interest. We call on authorities to release Katsyaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova immediately and allow the media to report freely without fear of persecution. The EBU recently met with the OSCE to discuss media freedom across the region and the importance of safeguarding free speech in Belarus. Source: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/02/19/ebu-voices-belarus-concern/ WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "Today, Congressional Democrats introduced a President Biden-backed mass immigration bill that grants a sweeping amnesty to at least 14.5 million illegal aliens, significantly increases legal immigration levels, and provides $4 billion in foreign aid to Central American countries while eviscerating immigration enforcement. This bill is 353 pages long, indicating just how far the administration intends to go in its pursuit of Biden's promise to amnesty every illegal alien in the country." Mass Amnesty: "This amnesty would be the largest in U.S. history, promising citizenship to nearly 14.5 million people. They do not even have to live here, as the proposal allows any illegal alien who was deported by the Trump administration to return and receive the amnesty as well. The legislation is wide-reaching, and even extends legal status to illegal aliens convicted of multiple crimes." Increased Legal Immigration: "The U.S. Citizenship Act accelerates failed family chain migration policies by clearing long visa backlogs by expediting admission of a whole range of family members already in the queue, and the tens of millions of family members of those who will get amnesty under the bill. FAIR estimates that there will be 52 million more legal and illegal immigrants entering the country because of this amnesty and related policies. This shortsighted legislation increases the unpopular green card lottery from 55,000 to 80,000 visas a year, and awards green cards to all foreign students who graduate with an advanced degree in a STEM field from a U.S. university or college despite the continued unemployment of more than 10 million Americans." Non-Enforcement of Immigration Laws: "An entire section of the bill is devoted to training (and retraining) border and immigration enforcement agents about how not to enforce immigration laws. Under curricula Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be given 'cultural awareness' training, taught where they may enforce laws (likely nowhere where immigration law violators are likely to be found), and how to 'refer complaints to the Ombudsman for Border and Immigration Related Concerns.'" Foreign Aid: "The legislation calls for $4 billion in funding to address the so-called 'root causes' of migration in Central America, even though history has shown that foreign aid packages do not work in these countries due to corrupt governments and U.S. immigration policies that encourage migrants to come to the U.S. border." Not the Time for Any Immigration Bill: "Even Democratic Representative Vincente Gonzalez, whose district sits along the Texas-Mexico border, noted his concern, stating, 'The way we're doing it right now is catastrophic and is a recipe for disaster in the middle of a pandemic.' "Rep. Gonzalez is dead-on. Now is not the time for any bill that does not address the concerns of the American people, or even worse, exacerbates a border crisis. Even the White House is tacitly acknowledging that the bill will have little public support, and is suggesting that it might be broken up into smaller pieces. The problem is the 'recipe,' which ignores every public interest immigration policy. Serving it up in smaller portions will not make it any more palatable." Contact: Matthew Tragesser, 202-328-7004 or [email protected] ABOUT FAIR Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced. SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Related Links http://fairus.org India's neighbouring nations including Pakistan have appreciated and supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-point COVID-19 management plan. The Prime Minister was addressing the workshop on the management of COVID-19 and its experience and way forward for healthcare professionals from member nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Mauritius and Seychelles. Apart from Seychelles and Mauritius, countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India participated in the workshop. Prime Minister Modi suggested countries should consider a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses in order to avoid any travel-related hassles during emergencies and smooth coordination between civil aviation ministries for a regional air ambulance agreement for medical contingencies. Besides this, the Prime Minister also suggested sharing successful public policies and schemes focused on healthcare. PM Modi also acknowledged the contribution of countries of South Asia and the Indian Ocean island countries and said, "If the 21st century is to be the Asian Century, it cannot be without greater integration among the countries of South Asia and the Indian Ocean island countries. The spirit of regional solidarity that you have shown during the pandemic has proven that such integration is possible." The proposals suggested by PM Narendra Modi were supported by all the countries including Pakistan. All participants including Pakistan agreed on a structured discussion for regional cooperation on the proposals to take them forward. They also agreed on the need to cooperate on a regional basis to mitigate healthcare crises like the coronavirus pandemic. All countries except Pakistan thanked India and PM Modi for the coronavirus vaccine supplies under the Vaccine Maitri initiative and other medicines, equipment and training. With agency inputs; by Mehak Agarwal Also read: US firm Novavax partners with Serum; offers 1.1 bn COVID-19 vaccine to COVAX Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Govt panel to review gap between two doses of Serum's Covishield President Biden told allies Friday that he hopes to reestablish the U.S. as a reliable player in multilateral dealings with European countries after four years of America First policies pushed by former President Donald Trump. Im sending a clear message to the world. America is back. The transatlantic alliance is back, Biden said at a virtual appearance at the Munich Security Conference. Biden articulated a series of broad commitments to European allies, emphasizing the importance of democracy and collaboration on economic issues, climate and national security. His speech Friday is part of the White Houses ongoing efforts to undo what it believes to be the damage done by the Trump administration to its relationships with foreign allies. President Biden speaks virtually to the Munich Security Conference from the East Room of the White House on Friday. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Let me erase any lingering doubt: The United States will work closely with our European partners, said Biden. Biden said his administration is fully committed to the NATO alliance, using language starkly different from that of Trump, who particularly in his first year as president frequently criticized the organization as obsolete and accused members of not paying their fair share. Biden stressed that teamwork between Europe and the U.S. is critical in dealing with countries like Russia and China, though he made sure not to cast those challenges as a new Cold War. Competition with China is going to be stiff. Thats what I expect, and thats what I welcome, he said. Turning his attention to the Kremlin, Biden pulled no punches on what he believes to be malign actions Russia has taken to sow chaos across the globe and called on countries to align themselves with Washington against Russian President Vladimir Putin a radical change in tone from Trump, who often praised Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un. Putin seeks to weaken the European project and our NATO alliance. He wants to undermine the transatlantic unity and our resolve, said Biden. Its so much easier for the Kremlin to bully and intimidate individual states, Biden said, calling on allies to stand with Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Story continues Biden also mentioned the Kremlins alleged role in Decembers massive SolarWinds breach, which allowed hackers to infiltrate sensitive corporate and government networks, likely gaining access to swaths of private data for months without U.S. knowledge. At the time, Trump attempted to push some blame off Russia, implying that perhaps China was behind the SolarWinds attacks, contradicting some of his own top officials. Biden asked allies Friday to come together to address Russian recklessness and hacking into computer networks in the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Russia's Federal Service for Financial Monitoring, Yuri Chikhanchin, at the Kremlin. (Mikhail Klimentyev\TASS via Getty Images) Another reversal from the past administration is Bidens promise to combat climate change on a global stage. The Munich conference marked the U.S.s official rejoining of the Paris climate accord. The White House appointed former Secretary of State John Kerry as climate czar and pledged to host stakeholders at the White House on Earth Day. We can no longer delay or do the bare minimum to address climate change, Biden said. The president also briefly addressed the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, announcing a multibillion-dollar investment from the U.S. in the international vaccination effort. He pledged $4 billion in support of COVAX, an initiative co-run by the World Health Organization that aids in the distribution of coronavirus vaccines globally. The first $2 billion contribution was appropriated by Congress in December. Biden promised to pay out the remaining $2 billion in 2021 and 2022. He concluded with a sharp rebuke of his predecessor, though he didnt mention Trump by name. We cannot allow self-doubt to hinder our ability to engage each other or the larger world. The last four years have been hard, but Europe and the U.S. have to lead with confidence once more, Biden said. I know we can do this. ____ Read more from Yahoo News: Jeff Zucker, former chairman of WarnerMedia News and Sports and president of CNN Worldwide, listens in the spin room July 30, 2019, after a Democratic presidential primary debates hosted by CNN in the Fox Theatre in Detroit. 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 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. Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon, who is also the leader of the country's Party of Socialists, said on Friday he celebrated his 46th birthday by taking a family trip to the Kuril Islands and the Sakhalin island in Russia's Far East CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th February, 2021) Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon, who is also the leader of the country's Party of Socialists, said on Friday he celebrated his 46th birthday by taking a family trip to the Kuril Islands and the Sakhalin island in Russia's Far East. Dodon, born on February 18, 1975, announced plans to travel to Russia last week but did not elaborate on the purpose. "This year I have celebrated [my] birthday at the world's end, in a remarkable, very beautiful and serene place - on the islands of Sakhalin and the Kurils. This is a wonderful place to rest and meditate," Dodon said on Facebook, attaching pictures from the trip with his wife and two sons. The politician thanked his Russian friends, who he said invited him and his family to come, for making "such an unbelievable and unforgettable journey" possible. Dodon was Moldova's president from December 2016 to December 2020, when he was unseated by current President Maia Sandu after the last year's presidential election. His tenure was characterized by improved relations between Chisinau and Moscow, previously strained by Moldova's ratification of the EU Association Agreement earlier in 2016. 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 Supreme Court on Friday came down on the banking industry and regulator for lack of regulations on locker management and said that each bank is following its own set of procedures without any uniformity in the regulations. "Going by their stand before the consumer fora, it seems that the banks are under the mistaken impression that not having knowledge of the contents of the locker exempts them from liability for failing to secure the lockers in themselves as well," said the court while laying down certain principles to be followed by the banks while operating locker facilities. The court said that bank must maintain locker key register and locker register, which must be consistently updated in case of any change in allotment. It also said that the bank should notify the original locker holder prior to any changes in the allotment of the locker, and give them reasonable opportunity to withdraw the articles deposited by them if they so wish. The SC also directed the banks to use technologies such as blockchain, which is meant for creating a digital ledger for this purpose. In case the lockers are being operated through an electronic system, the bank should take reasonable steps to ensure that the system is protected against hacking or any breach of security. The court also said that the custodian of the bank should additionally maintain a record of access to the lockers, containing details of all the parties who have accessed the lockers and the date and time on which they were opened and closed. It also said that the bank employees are also obligated to check whether the lockers are properly closed on a regular basis. If the same is not done, the locker must be immediately closed and the locker holder shall be promptly intimated so that they may verify any resulting discrepancy in the contents of the locker. The Supreme Court also said that a customer must be given due notice in writing at a reasonable time prior to the breaking open of the locker. Besides, it said that the locker should be broken open only in the presence of authorised officials and an independent witness after giving due notice to the locker holder. "The bank must prepare a detailed inventory of any articles found inside the locker, after the locker is opened, and make a separate entry in the locker register, before returning them to the locker holder. The locker holder's signature should be obtained upon the receipt of such inventory so as to avoid any dispute in the future. The Supreme Court was hearing a case involving United Bank of India, where the bank had broken a customer's locker without informing him. Also Read: Cars, flights, hotels! N Chandrasekaran says Tata Super App to have all categories Also Read: Drug marketing firms, manufacturers to be made equally responsible for medicine quality Also Read: Tax-saving mutual funds gave up to 60% returns in 1 year! Will the trend continue? The coronavirus vaccine is so coveted that two women in Florida went to extremes Wednesday to get inoculated: They dressed as if they were elderly, health officials said. The women, both younger than 45, wore bonnets, gloves and glasses to disguise themselves as older than 65, the age cut-off to be prioritized to get the coronavirus vaccine in Florida, according to Raul Pino, the director of the health department in Orange County, where Orlando is located. He attributed the deception to growing interest in the vaccine, giving the example of the women while explaining how high demand is in the area. "This is the hottest commodity that is out there right now so we have to be very careful," Pino said at a press briefing Thursday. The geriatric guise is the latest instance of people trying to cut the line to get vaccinated from the deadly virus. Last month, authorities identified a wealthy Canadian couple who had posed as locals in a remote Indigenous community to take doses meant for elders. Meanwhile, an Indiana health department issued a warning earlier this month against what they called "a substantial lack of morality" after people had lied to vaccination site workers about their addresses, jobs and ages. The Florida women's costumes may have succeeded before - both had the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention card indicating they had received their first doses. Pino said he did not know how they could have been previously vaccinated, but on Wednesday, workers at the site at the Orange County Convention Center caught on. Once the staff at the site noticed the discrepancy with their birthdays listed on their drivers' licenses, the women, 44 and 34, were referred to deputies, who issued trespass warnings against them, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said. The women, whom The Washington Post is not identifying because they have not been charged, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday evening. They did not get their second shot, and security at the site was heightened in the wake of the incident, said Kent Donahue, a spokesman for the health department. Pino said there has been a "few" cases of people trying to trick health workers into getting vaccinated, including a man who had the same name as his elderly father. "As we are engaged in this process trying to move quickly, some people could squeeze in, so it's probably higher than we suspect," he said of the number of people who might lie to get vaccinated. Asked if it was frustrating to him that the two women skipped the queue, Pino said it wasn't up to him to determine who should be next in line, referring to the prioritization scale set up by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican. "Our job as a health department is to vaccinate as many people as possible," Pino said. DeSantis was criticized this week after he unveiled a "pop-up" clinic offering vaccines in an affluent, mostly White neighborhood of Manatee County, Fla. The state has been allocated 3.4 million doses and administered more than 2.5 million first doses, according to data compiled by The Post. Orange County has vaccinated more than 200,000 people, Pino said, adding that the county is increasing its capacity to keep up with desire in the community. "It's great to see that demand," he said. "We haven't had any lack of willing arms to get vaccinated... we have people faking to be old to get vaccinated." Workers take down a Belt and Road Forum panel outside the venue of the forum in Beijing on April 27, 2019. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) Australian Belt and Road Deal Expected to Be Ripped up in Weeks Beijings Belt and Road deal with the Australian state government of Victoria looks set to be torn up in weeks as the deadline for the states to inform the federal government of all foreign agreements draws nearer. Speaking to the Herald Sun, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he saw no benefit to Victorias deal with Beijing and signalled that the agreement would be unlikely to stand under the bill. If there are benefits, what are they and what was paid for them? I dont have the answers to those questions at this point, but the assessment of those arrangements will continue, Morrison said. Under the new Foreign Relations Billpassed on Dec. 3, 2020state governments have until March 10 to inform the Federal government of all deals with foreign powers. The foreign affairs minister then has the power to veto those arrangements if they are deemed not in Australias interests. Thats a very important principle There has to be consistency when national governments deal with other national governments, Morrison said. Despite the bill being listed as one of 14 grievances listed by Beijing, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has defended the infrastructure deal maintaining that its all about jobs. My concern has always been to grow jobs, he told reporters in August 2020. And Ive always seen these arrangements and all of our arrangements, not just with any one country but with all the different countries, different states, different provinces, different regions that we have relationships with, theyve always been about a passport to export. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (L) and Prime Minister Scott Morrison (R) addressing press briefings, in Melbourne and Canberra, Australia, 2020 (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images and Sean Davey/Getty Images) Andrews has also maintained that the deal was not a national security threat, reported News Corp. No, I would never concede that point (that it is a national threat), but again foreign affairs is a matter for the Federal Government, Andrews said. Andrews federal counterpart, Opposition Labor leader Anthony Albanese has backed the federal governments position on the Foreign Relations Bill, saying that the Belt and Road deal was not something his party would support. There shouldnt be agreements that are inconsistent with Australias national interests or our foreign policy, Albanese told ABC NewsRadio on Aug. 30. Jonathan Hillman, an analyst from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a U.S. based think tank, said the Belt and Road deal was mostly an economic and political program with military implications, rather than the other way around. Additionally, under the deal, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) is reported to significantly undercut foreign companies for infrastructure bids and loan unserviceable amounts to countries that cannot afford the BRI projects, resulting in debt-trap diplomacy. The Chinese regime then extracts political and economic concessions from such countries, such as in the Pacific region, which then poses a national security risk for the Western world, Associate Professor Michael Clarke from the National Security College at the Australian National University told News Corp. Andrews has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with Beijings National Development and Reform Commission. Under the Foreign Relations Bill, arrangements with Beijing-connected entities that will likely come under the microscope include the controversial Belt and Road Initiative in Victoria, Confucius Institutes in Australian universities, academic partnerships with Chinese institutions, sister-city agreements with Chinese authorities, and even the Port of Darwin lease. Attempts by The Epoch Times to obtain further documents under the Freedom Of Information Act regarding the Belt and Road deal between the Victorian government and the Peoples Republic of China were unsuccessful, and extension requests were agreed upon twice with the Premiers Office citing that they are responding to greater than average number of matters. Caden Pearson and Daniel Y. Teng 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. The Ukrainian government should focus on reforming the judicial system and increasing public confidence in the judiciary. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this at a meeting dedicated to the presentation of the Strategy for the Development of Judiciary and Constitutional Justice for 2021-2023, Ukrinform reports referring to the presidents website. The judicial system in Ukraine today is one of the biggest problems. First of all, for ordinary Ukrainians who do not hope for justice in the courts and do not feel the protection of the judiciary. But there are also other problems such as attracting investment, the image of Ukraine. All Ukraine's international partners put emphasis on judicial reform, and we need to do it," the President said. Participants in the meeting have agreed that the Commission on Legal Reform under the President of Ukraine will convene in the near future. In addition, the participants discussed the bill on the High Council of Justice and the selection of the High Qualification Commission of Judges, the launch of the Intellectual Property Court, which should become a platform for full-fledged electronic litigation based on the Unified Judicial Information and Telecommunication System. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna, Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Smyrnov, MP, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Legal Policy Andriy Kostin and MP, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Law Enforcement, Chairman of the Commission on Legal Reform Serhii Ionushas. iy Restaurants will no longer be allowed to sell pre-packaged meals through arrangements with supermarkets and other outlets, as Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley definitively closed this loophole yesterday. Rowley said this would not be allowed to continue, as it defeats the purpose of the public health regulations. Restaurants and street food vendors were among those businesses ordered to close to limit the movement of people and curb the spread of Covid-19. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Overall live animal exports were down from 455 million in 2019 to 340 million in 2020. Live exports fell by 25pc last year new figures show, as Covid impacted markets here and abroad. The reduction in exports was due to a number of factors, according to Junior Minister at the Department of Agriculture, with responsibility for market developments, Martin Heydon. "The peak time for exporting calves coincided with the start of the pandemic, resulting in much smaller numbers of calves being exported to continental Europe." Pig exports to Northern Ireland were down by about 80pc and the export of purebred breeding horses around the world was down by about 20pc, according to figures from the CSO. Overall live animal exports were down from 455 million in 2019 to 340 million in 2020. The figures also show that exports of dairy products were up 1pc and exceeded 5 billion for the second year in a row. Beef, the agri-food sector's second largest export category, was worth more than 2.3 billion, down by 2pc from 2019. Minister Heydon said it was a particularly good result, considering that the food service sector was closed in many of our export markets for most of 2020. "The pandemic placed unprecedented stresses on food supply chains, with bottlenecks in farm labour, processing, transport and logistics, as well as momentous shifts in demand that could not have been predicted prior to the pandemic. "However, food supply chains performed exceptionally well in the face of these stresses. Grocery stores' shelves were replenished over time as stockpiling behaviour disappeared and the supply chains responded to the increased demand." While food retail demand increased, it did not offset the decline in food services, he said and this demand imbalance had significant consequences for primary producers and agrifood businesses. The CSO figures show that despite disruptions to supply and demand, agrifood exports in 2020 were 14.1 billion, compared with 14.5 billion the previous year, a 3pc overall reduction. This is an extraordinary achievement when considering the challenges that food and drink producers have faced since March 2020. The figures show that dairy and beef contribute 7.4 billion to our exports, which is over 52pc of total agrifood exports. The effects of the pandemic can be seen when examining the destinations of agrifood exports in 2020 with exports declining by 10% or more to those countries which suffered the most due to the pandemic, such as the USA, France, Italy, Belgium and Spain. Commentary A Day Under Military Dictatorship in Myanmar Riot police stand guard in Mandalay on Feb. 19. / The Irrawaddy Every morning, the whole of Myanmar wakes with a sickening feeling, consumed by worry and uncertainty over the possibility of arrests and crackdowns, full of rage and struggling to hold on to hope. Weve been living this nightmare since the military staged a coup and seized power on Feb. 1. It has now been 19 days, but every citizen here feels they have been in hell for ages. When I say every citizen, the phrase obviously excludes the coup leaders, their associates and supporters. But they are just a handful among the countrys 54 million people. I repeat: Everyone wakes with a feeling of dread, not knowing what will happen to them in the next 24 hours, let alone for their foreseeable futuremuch less their childrens future. This is a moment of tremendous loss for our country. Its not the first time the military has seized powerit did so on two previous occasions, in 1962 and 1988but the blow feels harsher this time, as our short-lived democratic era of 2011 to early 2021, and the exhilaration it brought us, has been suddenly, deliberately and brutally snatched away by the coup leaders. Before long, however, those negative feelings tend to turn into a positive energy that sustains us for the rest of the day. Soon after the sun rises, hundreds of thousands of protesters leave their homes and take to the streets in every part of the country. They are young, middle-aged and older; they are students, workers, professionals and retirees. Despite their diversity, they share the same will to fight to restore justice, and their rights. Its an eternal energy that appears, along with courage and determination, whenever Myanmar is oppressed. But the protesters know the risks they are facing. Soon after they hit the streets, launching various types of anti-coup protests, the reports of crackdowns and arrests begin to emerge. This morning it was in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, where riot police and military personnel violently cracked down on anti-coup protesters, including civil servants and young students. Of course, the protesters fled when the police beat them with batons. At least 12 protesters were arrested during the crackdown. Earlier, two teachers from the Myitkyina Education Degree College were arrested by police while they were preparing to join the protest. Fourteen people were released on Friday evening after being forced to sign a paper saying they would not participate in future protests against the military regime. In Yangon, the biggest city in the country, police barricaded the Sule intersection, where tens of thousands of protesters have gathered for the past two weeks. But thousands of protesters started to gather outside the barricades, full of energy, as they did in previous days. Other groups of protesters took up positions in front of various embassies, as in previous days. One group, the Peaceful Musicians, performed on a variety of instruments outside those embassies. Some ambassadors came out to talk to the young protesters about their anti-coup demonstrations and listen to the music. At the Myaynigone intersection, just a few miles from Sule, protesters helped pick up onions and gains of rice from the asphalt road, where someone had dropped them. Dozens of protesters picked up each onion and grain of rice, one at a time, while police watched over them. The purpose was to stop the trafficas they had during the car breakdown protest and the slow-motion drive protest to create traffic jams in support of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), which is aimed at preventing government staff from going to work. These creative and responsive protests have given the public something to smile and even laugh about, as well as the protesters themselves, even as they risk violent crackdowns. Just before noon, however, tragic news came from Naypyitaw, the capital. Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, a 20-year-old student who was shot by police more than a week ago, died in hospital. Among the peaceful protesters, she was the first to be fatally shot since the coup. Video footage showed her collapsing abruptly after a police officers bullet struck her in the head. Meanwhile, protests continued across the country on Friday afternoon. Our reporters have been gathering information and writing up the news, working overtime. I was just told that at least 45 civil servants who joined the CDM have been arrested to date in Mandalay, Naypyitaw and some other cities. They include doctors, teachers, aviation officers, railway workers and more from other departments. These numbers will definitely increase as time passes. And the number of arrested political activists and members of the National League for Democracy reached more than 521 today, up from about 500 yesterday. Its been only 19 days since the coup. All these things are likely to worsen daily as long as this mass movement against the military regime goes on. The nation is under the militarys boot; the entire country is in revolt and citizens are under attack. I am sure everyone is afraid of being killed, like Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, amid violent crackdowns and arbitrary arrests by the regimes troops. But this time, all anti-coup protesters, political activists and members of the NLD seem determined to permanently rid our soil of military dictatorship. Thats what weve been hearing whenever we journalists interview them or read their statements. They believe the truth will prevail in the end, through the strength of people power. As I wrote in my last column, combining the mighty power of the gun with evil spirits, the dictators always seem to have the upper hand. Its a miserable but bitter truth of our countrys history. But with all of these anti-coup protesters and other Myanmar people refusing to give up, there is always hope as long as there is struggle. Every day under the military regime is a long one, filled with different, difficult and heartbreaking experiences. Before calling it a day, however, the people have one more task to completeto bang on pots and pans at 8:00 p.m., in order to drive the military regime out of the country, in keeping with this particular traditions customary aim: to drive evil out of the village or house. It is the last activity of the day for Myanmar people before going to bed. (For most people, at least; some able men have to spend their nights patrolling their neighborhoods to protect against thugs.) After the 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew descends, its difficult to sleep soundly, as police and troops tend to start their arrests at this time. As the people go to bed, their fear, concern and uncertainty return; they know that tomorrow they will wake once again with a heavy heart. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Medics in Hiding as Regime Targets Hospital-Led Disobedience Movement Myanmar Military Targets Striking Civil Servants UK and Canada Sanction Myanmars Coup Leader and His Subordinates The company continues to closely watch progress by IGO Ltd on tenements in Western Australia's Fraser Range. BOA is an exploration company progressing nickel, copper and gold prospects in WA and Queensland. Ltd ( ) managing director Jon Reynolds has demonstrated his confidence in the company through the purchase of shares in an on-market transaction. On February 19 Reynolds acquired 25,000 shares in an indirect interest at 23.5 cents per share, increasing the total number of securities held in that interest to 310,236 shares. This follows a purchase by executive director Domenic De Marco on February 12 of 100,000 shares at 28 cents per share in a direct interest, increasing the total number of securities held in that interest to 309,500 with another 26,000 in an indirect interest. Leveraged to Orion extension The company has welcomed advanced exploration on IGO Ltds ( ) Nova Mining Lease, less than 1 kilometre from the companys Symons Hill licence, in the Fraser Range. The Orion chonolith (worm-like intrusion) has been intercepted by multiple drill holes and is interpreted to have a strike length of greater than 1,000 metres and a diameter of 80-250 metres. IGO is advancing exploration on the potential Orion extension within the Symons Hill licence with drilling on Symons Hill expected in Q1/Q2 2021. Of the more than 600 IGO Fraser Range mafic-ultramafic intrusions, Orion is ranked in the top three for prospectivity. Loading We were very sad, she said. We couldnt eat and we couldnt sleep. We tried to answer all the questions from our customers. We received hundreds of phone calls. Most people were understanding about the mini super-spreading event that took place on December 21 and led to 11 of the restaurants 37 patrons testing positive as well as a staff member. But some were abusive and left messages on Ms Kingtadas voicemail blaming her for the incident. The two-week closure of Ms Kingtadas restaurant cost her business more than $20,000, with thousands of dollars of fresh produce thrown out. While Ms Kingtada said she had been overwhelmed by support from the local community, business was not yet back to COVID-normal. She said Smile Buffalo had always strictly adhered to COVID-safe rules, such as wearing masks and spacing out diners, and had recently introduced outdoor dining. The Smile Buffalo Thai Cuisine restaurant in Black Rock in January. Credit:Luis Ascui I know I have done nothing wrong. I care about our loyal customers; if they understand, that is all that matters, she said. Two weeks doesnt define my business. Five years of great food and service defines my business. Peter Robinson, director of The Butcher Club chain, can relate. His business found itself in the headlines in October after a cleaner who failed to self-isolate unknowingly infected staff and customers at the Chadstone butcher. The Butcher Club director Peter Robinson with a tray of VB snags. Credit:Eugene Hyland Six of the stores 10 employees contracted COVID-19, including the manager who was rushed to hospital, spent months in rehabilitation and recently resigned because he was no longer able to work full-time. Other infected employees went into isolation but never experienced any symptoms. Mr Robinson said his business still hadnt recovered from the outbreak, with sales down about 30 per cent as nervous shoppers steered clear of the shopping centre. We are losing $8000 a week, he said. Mr Robinson has tried to lure customers back with weekly specials and collaborated with Carlton & United Breweries to produce VB sausages. The business has also introduced mandatory temperature checks for all staff at the start and end of each shift. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Naming the outbreak after his business was unavoidable, he said. They need to call out the business to ensure that everyone gets tested, he said. We are fortunate that as time has gone on, the public is better educated with the processes that the business has gone through. These processes include deep cleaning, store closures and the testing and isolation of staff. A pop-up testing clinic in Kilmore that sprung up following the Oddfellows cafe outbreak Credit:Justin McManus After working tirelessly to keep her cafe open throughout the pandemic, Kilmore business owner Kim Short was devastated to discover in October that an infected customer had dined at her venue. The Melbourne man, who was linked to the Butcher Club outbreak, had been granted an exemption to travel to regional Victoria to care for a family member. But he breached COVID-19 restrictions by dining at the Oddfellows Cafe, 60 kilometres north of Melbourne. Loading Ms Short remembers watching the man eating breakfast with his father. There was nothing unusual about it, she recalled. They werent here long. They ate and left. But it became apparent that something out of the ordinary had unfolded when Ms Short received a call from the Department of Health three days later. They told me that there had been an infected customer. We closed the cafe straight away. I couldnt believe it. As news spread online about the cafe being a hotspot, Ms Short worried about how the playground gossip might affect her daughter. She assumed her staff, who wore masks and were meticulous about sanitising their hands, would be fine. I knew where he had sat, which was five metres away from staff. The only contact they had was when they were taking the food to the table, she said. We were shocked when they became infected. The cafe was closed for three weeks while it underwent a deep clean and staff awaited their test results and isolated at home. Business was slow when the cafe reopened, with many locals reluctant to leave their homes following the outbreak. But things started to pick up once Melbournes second lockdown ended, signalling that the worst of the second wave was over. Loading Ms Short says the support from the community has been incredible. On the day the cafe reopened, a group of loyal customers, friends and business owners presented Ms Short with flowers, wine and vouchers for local shops. Some people even posted envelopes of cash to the outlet, which was reeling after three weeks of lost revenue. Ms Short said Melburnians have been making an effort to stop at the business when they are in the area after hearing about it on the news. She hopes the community understands that there was nothing she could have done to stop the outbreak. There is no reason not to come back here, she said. We have done all the right things. We are clean. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Brent Coker, a researcher and lecturer in marketing at the University of Melbourne, said while coronavirus outbreaks made people more familiar with businesses, this recognition was often tinged with negativity in the short term. But Dr Coker, who recently gave a seminar to the aviation industry on how to overcome brand damage during the pandemic, said businesses could turn this negativity into a positive. Instead of keeping quiet, an outbreak can provide a hidden opportunity to get people talking about a brand. Acknowledging what happened triggers empathy with people and melts away that uncertainty. It had been two days since someone smashed the windows of her Castro district hardware store when owner Terry Asten Bennett woke up to an alert on her phone in early January: The stores burglar alarm was going off, again. The one-two punch wound up costing her nearly $7,000. Weeks later, Patrick Russell, a manager at the now-closed B8ta electronics store in Hayes Valley, was held at gunpoint before the assailant took off with two laptops. The store permanently closed the same day the robbery occurred. On Feb. 2 in Union Square, James Dong, owner of outdoor gear store Last Minute Gear, looked at scattered glass on the pavement, remnants of the stores front glass encasement, which had been smashed early that morning. It was the second such incident since he relocated from the Mission District in September. Across San Francisco, businesses are hiring armed security guards, pouring thousands into replacing shattered windows and even pulling up stakes amid a rash of commercial theft and vandalism. The sacking and smashing has compounded the disastrous effects of the pandemic: The decimated tourism sector, empty office buildings, soaring unemployment and a dearth of foot traffic have hurt businesses in every commercial corridor of the city, and the pain is acute for smaller merchants. Its emotionally exhausting to go through this day in and day out, said Asten Bennett, owner of Cliffs Variety in the Castro. Shes lost count of the number of times her windows have been broken. Its literally having our safe space taken away from us. Burglaries in San Francisco have spiked by 62% so far this year, rising from 691 reported incidents in 2020 to 1,123 as of mid-February. The break-ins have been particularly glaring in a city where overall crime is down by 31%, and San Franciscos once most seemingly intractable crime car break-ins has plummeted by 52%. Theres little doubt among law enforcement officials that the crimes are partially the product of the pandemic. Commercial burglaries rose markedly from March to April 2020, a year that ended with 2,849 reported incidents compared, with 2,156 in 2019. Law enforcement officials believe the shift from vehicle smash-and-grabs to commercial and home burglaries is not coincidental. Shelter-in-place orders have hollowed out San Franciscos tourism market, along with it the troves of bags, phones and electronics left in rental cars by unsuspecting visitors. We know that many of the people who committed tens of thousands of auto burglaries in years past no longer have those opportunities to steal and are looking inside, said San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Theyre looking for relatively low-risk opportunities to steal, Boudin said. With most businesses boarded up and closed, and with less pedestrian traffic on streets, businesses become easier targets. Most burglaries in San Francisco are never solved. What police call the clearance rate the percentage of arrests per reported crime was 8.1% for burglaries this year to date, down from 14.5% by this time last year, according to police data. San Francisco police Lt. Scott Ryan said those figures understate the significance of nabbing just a handful of crucial suspects. Police believe that most home and commercial burglaries are committed by just a few dozen thieves, even if police can only tie them to a fraction of their crimes. I may not be able to arrest them on, say, the 15 or 16 different burglaries that have happened in that specific area, Ryan said. But when I look at that neighborhood the next two months, and theres no longer that activity there ... I think its fair to say the probability of that person weve arrested doing most of those (burglaries) is probably pretty good. For this reason, Ryan said, police prioritize finding the most prolific offenders. While burglaries by definition are not violent crimes, Ryan said, protecting the citys vendors is crucial to their recovery after the pandemic. Now Playing: Video: San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco is built on the businesses and tourism, Ryan said. So we need and we want to keep those businesses open. San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who oversees neighborhoods including North Beach, Chinatown and the Financial District, said hes received hundreds of emails about both commercial and residential burglaries. Among the hardest-hit areas is Union Square, which was also the locus for looting incidents following last summers civil unrest, he said. The growing concerns are palpable, Peskin said. Peskin, whose district largely includes business districts, said the streets have emptied out as the once-daily commuters work from home and would-be hotel guests hole up outside the state. The effect, he said, is fewer eyes on the street, to deter opportunistic criminals, and police redeployed to areas where more people are clustered. Peskin said thankfully most of the messages he receives dont involve violent crimes, but that burglaries are nonetheless deeply disturbing. Its a violation of your sanctuary space, he said. Its just a horrible thing to happen, and there have been dozens of those. The costs of making repairs and hiring additional security have compounded the pandemics economic fallout for brick-and-mortar stores. The Castro restarted its security patrol program last month after receiving city grants, and set aside $274,000 to pay three people one armed guard and two unarmed public safety ambassadors to patrol the streets and answer calls of distress from neighborhood merchants. B8ta has closed two of its three stores in the city, citing crime and hostility toward its workers. Vibhu Norby, chief executive and founder of B8ta, said his staff had been feeling unsafe as interactions with thieves became more frequent, and the armed robbery was the last straw. Russell, one of those employees, was managing the Hayes Valley store when a man on a scooter flashed a silver gun at him. He said the severity of the incident only dawned on him afterward. In retail, we have to deal with tough confrontations all the time, its a part of the job, he said. But to see a gun that could take your life for an object, thats terrifying and humbling at the same time. B8ta is dealing with five police investigations relating to theft, burglary or vandalism, Russell said. The has store averaged a theft at least every other day since the pandemic started, he said. Dong, at Last Minute Gear, is thinking about installing iron bars on his shops windows. The most recent break-in, which destroyed the shops windows, also saw the merchandise on display swiped. Its going to cost him $1,000 just to replace the glass, he said. Hell also have to pay to add the iron bars and repaint the stores logo. According to the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, storefront vandalism, particularly broken windows, increased 30% in 2020 compared with 2019. January to November of last year saw 1,240 reported cases of broken storefront windows, compared with 930 over the same time period the year before, according to city records. While broken windows are not the entire story, they are a strong example of the increase in property crime that small businesses have suffered overall, said Jay Cheng, public policy director at the chamber. Local government leaders need to show the small business community that it is taking public safety seriously addressing the systemic and root causes of crime, crime prevention and deterrence, and taking action after crime occurs, Cheng said. Shwanika Narayan and Megan Cassidy are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: shwanika.narayan@sfchronicle.com, megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @shwanika, @meganrcassidy London: Joe Biden has called on Europe to prepare for long-term competition with China, warning the world is at an inflection point but expressing confidence democracy will prevail. Addressing the virtual Munich Security Conference in his first international foreign policy speech, the US President said Western nations needed to prove to their voters the benefits of democracy. US President Joe Biden speaks while addressing the virtual Munich Security Conference from the White House in Washington. Credit:Bloomberg How the United States, Europe and Asia work together to secure the peace and defend our shared values and advance our prosperity across the Pacific will be among the most consequential efforts we undertake, he said. Competition with China is going to be stiff, thats what I expect and thats what I welcome [...] we can own the race for the future. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 09:47:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRASILIA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian government announced on Thursday that it has formally withdrawn its 2017 suit against the Canadian government at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over commercial aircraft subsidies. The South American country challenged the subsidies granted by the Canadian government for the launch, development and production of the C-Series aircraft by Bombardier, a Canadian manufacturer of business jets. According to the Brazilian government, the more than 3 billion U.S. dollars granted distorted competitive conditions in the commercial aviation market and caused serious losses to Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. "Brazil remains convinced of the soundness of the arguments presented in the case. However, litigation before the WTO has proven ineffective in remedying the impacts of such large-scale subsidies on the commercial aircraft sector," Brazil's Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement, adding that the aviation industry has changed since the dispute was initiated. Bombardier's withdrawal from the commercial aviation market, in particular the sale of its C-Series program to European company Airbus, which moved part of its final production to the United States, "minimized the chances of obtaining a resolution to the litigation against Canada," the statement said. "With the conclusion of the litigation, Brazil will now focus with renewed impetus on launching negotiations for more effective disciplines on government support of the commercial aviation sector, covering the launch, development and production of commercial aircraft and related technologies," the foreign ministry said. "Negotiating more effective disciplines is the best way to restore a level playing field in the commercial aviation market, a sector that generates 500 billion U.S. dollars annually and one million jobs worldwide," the ministry added. Enditem Maximus Navarro is an accomplished chef. He is trained in classic French cuisine, has worked in dozens of kitchens, opened several restaurants and is now the head chef at Thermea. Maximus Navarro is an accomplished chef. He is trained in classic French cuisine, has worked in dozens of kitchens, opened several restaurants and is now the head chef at Thermea. At home, however, his expertise doesnt carry much weight when cooking for his picky offspring. "To be honest, its more stressful," he says with a laugh. "The simplest thing (I cook) is bacon, egg and rice. Sometimes they just want the bacon, sometimes they just want the rice and they put all the bacon aside, sometimes its just the egg and the rice its always a surprise." SUPPLIED Thermea head chef Maximus Navarro, centre, with his wife Sakura and children Lily, left, and Titus, right. Navarro, 39, moved to Winnipeg from the Philippines with his wife Sakura in 2015. Feeding their two kids, seven-year-old Titus and five-year-old Lily, requires patience and ample creativity when bacon, eggs and rice wont do, hotdogs are transformed into octopuses, rice is rolled into savoury balls and bento boxes are assembled. Getting them involved in the kitchen also seems to do the trick. "Oh, yeah," Navarro says. "Especially Lily, she likes to do all the mixing or baking, or whenever were frying up something she likes to help." Simple, one-pot meals are also a staple at home. After a long day of cooking at work, being able to throw dinner in the Instant Pot feels like a small luxury. "For me, cooking at home or cooking in general should be simple," he says. "It should be made with lots of love; thats the main ingredient." Beef Pares RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS 1.8 kg (4 lbs) beef neck or tail bone (shank cuts can be used as well) 240 ml (1 cup) brown sugar 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground pepper 500 ml (2 cups) shiitake mushroom 10 cloves garlic, chopped 1 white onion, chopped Salt and pepper 5 pieces star anise 1 bay leaf 1 piece clove 500 ml (2 cups) soy sauce click to read more 1.8 kg (4 lbs) beef neck or tail bone (shank cuts can be used as well) 240 ml (1 cup) brown sugar 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground pepper 500 ml (2 cups) shiitake mushroom 10 cloves garlic, chopped 1 white onion, chopped Salt and pepper 5 pieces star anise 1 bay leaf 1 piece clove 500 ml (2 cups) soy sauce Start by seasoning the meat generously with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy-bottom stock pot or cast iron pot over medium high. Drizzle with oil and sear the meat on all sides until golden brown. Put meat aside and saute spices, shiitake mushroom stems, onion and garlic in the same pot. Return meat and add soy sauce, letting boil for five minutes. Pour in water or stock until everything is covered with about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) of liquid. Boil for five minutes, then turn the heat to low and cover, let simmer for one hour. After an hour, stir in the shiitake mushroom heads and brown sugar. Put the lid back on and simmer for two hours. Turn off heat and serve with cooked rice and garlic sauce. Close Beef pares, or beef ligament stew, checks all those boxes and has become a family favourite. Navarro learned to cook the dish, traditionally a Filipino street food, by eating a lot. Back home in the Philippines, he frequented a vendor that sold big bowls of beef pares, rice and soup for just a dollar. After near daily visits to the food stand, he started picking apart the flavours and trying to recreate the dish at home. "The Philippines has a big Chinese influence: the base is soy sauce, its got the flavour of bay leaf and the aromatics of star anise," he says. "And its sweet, too." When he arrived in Winnipeg, he started making big batches of beef pares for staff meals at Thermea using leftover stock bones the stew is made from the cheapest cuts of beef, braised for hours until tender. The dish was a hit with co-workers, particularly former head chef Thomas Stuart, who is now director of food and beverage at the Crescent Drive spa. Growing up, Navarro spent a lot of time in the kitchen with his mom and grandma. He got into the restaurant industry as a coffee shop barista and decided to attend culinary school to pursue his love of cooking. As a chef and kitchen manager, he worked in hotels and helped open a series of small restaurants in the Philippines. His sister was the first to "gamble" on Winnipeg and Navarro decided to join her in the city after his son was born. Food has continued to create career opportunities. "Everybody needs to eat, everybody will need a cook one way or another, so its worked out for me," he says. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Navarro perfected his recipe for beef pares, a slow-cooked stew, through trial and error. Even though hes doing less cooking and more paperwork as a head chef, he hopes to have a positive impact on the next generation of cooks, "Were trying to make a kitchen that doesnt need to shout or doesnt need to cuss out anyone to get a point through," he says. Navarro and his family live in the Brooklands neighbourhood, which he likes for its central location and proximity to Polo Park and Route 90 pre-pandemic, it was always easy to collect visiting family members from the airport. "They would stay (with us) and we would jam-pack everybody here and then the best part is the never-ending eating," he says. "I grew up in a cooking and eating family; we would plan what we would have for dinner while were eating lunch." Five Faves Click to Expand Here are some of chef Maximus Navarros favourite things: Kitchen utensil: Cast iron pan Book: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain Movie: A Knights Tale starring Heath Ledger (Navarro is a self-described romantic) Way to relax: Going to the beach or camping Guilty-pleasure food: Crispy fried or grilled thinly sliced pork belly with soy sauce, vinegar and calamansi-lime-juice dipping sauce Until international travel is allowed again, hes thankful for technology and chat apps, "We can talk to them every day so its less tough." During the first lockdown, Navarro stayed home with the kids while his wife continued working. He was making breakfast, lunch and dinner from scratch every day and cooking Filipino dishes such as whole fish stuffed with tomatoes and onions over the fire during family campouts in the yard last summer. The pandemic has also allowed him to explore other interests, including leatherworking. Navarro has carved out a little corner workshop in the basement where he can get creative and decompress. "I learned how to make purses and bags. Of course, the kids were the first ones to have that stuff; I made a little purse for Lily and a bigger one for her mom," he says. "(Now) Im making knife rolls for cooks and knife guards." Hes back at work now, but still makes as much time for his family as possible, whether thats listening to his kids practise piano or experimenting with new kid-friendly dishes. eva.wasney@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @evawasney President Joe Biden used his speech at the Pfizer facility in Michigan Friday to put some heat on Congressional Republicans who don't want to spend $1.9 trillion on COVID-19 relief. 'I'm grateful that the Senate and the House are moving quickly,' Biden said. 'And I'm prepared to hear their ideas on how to make the package better and make it cheaper. I'm open to that.' Biden touted that the plan could create 7 million jobs this year, and then asked GOP lawmakers what they would cut from the ambitious package that they think is 'too big.' President Joe Biden used his speech at the Pfizer manufacturing plant Friday in Michigan to pressure Republican lawmakers to support his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan When asking Republicans what they might cut from his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, Biden recalled the images of long lines, like this one in New York City, for food assistance Biden offered to make his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill 'cheaper' but asked Republicans what assistance they wanted to leave out, using unmployment insurance as an example. In March 2020, this crowd gathered in Las Vegas for help with unemployment benefits 'Let me ask them, what would they have me cut? What would they have me leave out?' Biden demanded. 'Should we not invest $20 billion to vaccinate the nation? Should we not invest $290 million to extend unemployment insurance for the 11 million Americans who are unemployed so they can get by?' 'Should we not invest $50 billion to help small businesses stay open when tens of thousands have had to close permanently?' he asked. What about schools, Biden pondered, pointing out that the plan calls for $130 million to go toward schools opening safely. 'Right now 24 million adults, 11 million children don't have enough food to eat,' the president also pointed out. 'Unless you think I'm exaggerating, think of those scenes you've seen on the television, with cars lined up that seemed like miles to wait to have someone put a box of food in their trunk,' Biden said. 'People who never ever ever ever ever thought they would need help.' He said if his American rescue plan isn't passed, 40 millin Americans were in danger of losing their SNAP benefits. 'Can we not invest $3 billion to help families from going hungry?' the president mused. Biden also stated the stat that one in five Americans are behind in their rent and one in 10 are behind on mortgages. Joe Biden salutes as he steps off Marine One on the South Lawn upon returning to the White House Biden walks on the South Lawn of the White House after visiting the Pfizer facility in Michigan 'This is the United States of America, for God sake. We invest in people. Who are in need,' he said. 'Can we not invest $35 billion to help people keep a roof over their heads?' 'I could go on,' Biden said after going on for quite a bit. 'But you get the point.' Biden and Congressional Democrats are poised to use reconciliation to get the COVID-19 package through the Senate, which would allow a simple majority vote instead of the 60 to break a filibuster. But still, Biden has actively been seeking Republican support. 'My hope is that the Republicans in Congress listen to their constituents,' he said at the Pfizer plant Friday. 'According to the polls, there is overwhelming bipartisan support. The vast majority of the American people, more than 70 per cent of the American people, with all the polls ya'll conduct,' he said, making a nod at the reporters in the room. 'Including a majority of Republicans, want us to act and act big and quickly and support the plan,' he said. President Joe Biden (left), Jeffrey Zients (center left), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (center right) and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla (right) tour the Pfizer vaccine plant Friday in Michigan President Joe Biden walks through the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine plant near Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday President Joe Biden (right) addresses reporters as he tours a Michigan Pfizer plant alongside the state's Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (left) Biden was joined on the tour by Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as well coronavirus taskforce director Jeffrey Zients, Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla and the facility's production lead, Shawn Hamilton. Bourla announced at the top of the president's remarks that Pfizer would be more than doubling their production capacity in the next couple of weeks, from the current average of 5 million doses per week. 'We are on track to provide the U.S. government, a total of 120 million doses by the end of March and to reach 200 million doses released by the end of May, two months ahead of the original schedule of that milestone,' Bourla said. 'Of course today during this meeting the president challenged us to identify additional ways in which his administration could help us potentially accelerate even further the delivery of the full 300 million doses earlier than July.' 'Mr. President, the challenge is accepted,' Bourla said. When it was the president's turn to speak, he continued to slap around his predecessor, President Donald Trump. 'My predecessor, as my mother would say, God love em', failed to order enough vaccines, failed to mobilize the effort to administer the shots, failed to set up vaccine centers,' Biden said. He also remarked, 'You can't build a wall or a fence high enough to keep a pandemic out,' another brief slap at the ex-president. Biden pledged that his new administration was doing everything in its power to get the U.S out of the coronavirus pandemic. 'I can't give you a date when this crisis will end. But I can tell you we are doing everything possible to ahve that day come sooner rather than later,' Biden said a day shy of being in office for a month. He joked during his remarks that it felt like '100 days,' as he reiterated his pledge to get 100 million doses of vaccine administered in his first 100 days. 'We're on the path to do that,' he said. 'That's just the floor, we have to keep going.' Later, he estimated that the country could be out of the pandemic by the end of the year. 'I believe we will be approaching normalcy by the end of the year. God willing, this Christmas will be different than the last,' he said. 'But I can't make that commitment to you,' he also said. Biden, who spoke to a number of Pfizer workers as he toured the plant, talked how 'personal' that pandemic is, as one of them expressed that a father-in-law was dying of COVID. The president said he offered to make a call, but the ailing patient wouldn't have heard it. 'We're going to beat this, we're going to beat this,' the president said. He also spoke of the horrific death count, as the U.S. nears 500,000 people gone. 'That is almost 70,000 more than all the Americans who died in World War II over a four year period,' Biden noted. 'All the sorrow, all the heartache, all the pain.' He begged Americans to continue washing their hands, staying socially distant and wearing masks. 'Lookl I know it's inconvenient, but you're making a difference when you do it,' the president encouraged. 'Everything we do matters. We need everyone to do their part for themselves, for their loved ones and yes, for your country.' 'It's a patriotic duty,' he said. Workers at the Pfizer plant show President Joe Biden (right) and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (left) how they load vaccine doses into cold storage in the so-called 'freezer farm' Pfizer exployees loaded vaccine doses into freezers during President Joe Biden's Michigan tour on Friday President Joe Biden (right) observes a Pfizer worker during a tour of a Portage, Michigan vaccine facility Snow in Washington prevented the Michigan trip from happening Thursday, so it was rescheduled for a day later, as weather was also responsible for some vaccine delays. On the way there, White House press secretary Jen Psask said that at the Pfizer facility 'President Biden will see where much of the nation's COVID-19 vaccine is being manufactured.' 'He will meet with those on the frontlines producing these vaccines and get an update on how his administration is working with them to increase output,' Psaki added. The press secretary also suggested that the administration would be able to play catch-up and recover from the weather delays. She told reporters that the goal is to 'get the backlog of vaccines out next week.' 'We anticipate we can not only get the backlog out but we can stay on pace with what we are planning to distribute to States next week,' she said. 'So we are expecting we are going to be able to catch up next week.' Earlier Friday, during a coronavirus taskforce press briefing coronavirus, response adviser Andy Slavitt assured reporters that the delays weren't spoiling doses. He said the vaccines are 'safe and sounds' under refrigeration in warehouses. Biden's first stop on the Pfizer tour was to the facility's 'freezer farm,' of 350 freezers storing the Pfizer vaccine, which was the first to gain Food and Drug Administration approval. Engineers at the Michigan plant helped design the ultra-cold vaccine thermal shipper, used to transport the vaccine across the U.S., the White House said. Since then, the Moderna vaccine has also been approved. Both vaccines are two-dose shots. Press Release February 19, 2021 IMEE: THE PHILIPPINES DESERVES FAIR COMPENSATION FOR HOSTING U.S. MILITARY FORCES Senator Imee Marcos has defended President Duterte's stand that the Philippines should be better compensated for enhancing America's military defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region. "The Philippines not only enhances the forward defense perimeter of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region but even subsidizes its utility expenses in our very own bases," Marcos said. "When many Filipinos cannot even pay their water and electricity bills amid this pandemic, how can the Philippines continue subsidizing the utility expenses of American forces?" Marcos asked, citing U.S. military benefits in Article 7 of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Marcos reiterated her call for a thorough review of EDCA, saying it allows the U.S. not only to skirt the Constitutional ban on foreign bases but also to avoid paying the annual compensation that was due the Philippine government before they were abolished. "Even superpowers need allies, and the new American pivot to the Asia-Pacific shows the enhanced role of our region and the Philippines," Marcos said, countering criticism of President Duterte's demand for better compensation as a form of extortion. Marcos agrees with President Duterte that the $3.9 billion in U.S. military assistance to the Philippines from 2001 to 2017 was paltry compared to the $16 billion given to Pakistan in the same period. "The U.S. fears that if the Pakistani government fails, the 150 nuclear warheads it has produced may fall in the hands of the Taliban and could be used against America," Marcos said. "Without the Philippines, America's supply chain and security commitments in the region are vulnerable. But our hosting U.S. forces makes us a potential and logical target of America's adversaries if war breaks out in the region, even if it does not directly involve us." Marcos said. "If China attacks Taiwan for its push towards independence, America's committed response to protect Taiwan will not be as swift, having to come from bases in Japan, South Korea, Guam or Australia," Marcos explained. Marcos predicts that human rights issues may be used against the Duterte government "to strike a bargain on what should strictly be a security issue." Taipei, Feb 19 (UNI) As many as eight Chinese fighter jets entered Taiwan's southwestern part of the air defence identification zone forcing Taiwan to activates its missile system here on Friday. Taiwans Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday that four Chinese J-16s and four JH-7s along with an electronic warfare aircraft flew close to the Pratas Islands which are controlled by Taiwan located in the top part of the South China Sea, into the southwestern area of its air defence identification zone, Al Jazeera reported. The ministry said Taiwans air force was scrambled, and its air defence missile systems deployed to monitor the Chinese activity. A look at the Japanese military enthusiasts re-creating Ukrainian and Russian battle dress with astonishing realism After nearly seven years of war in eastern Ukraine, the familiar-looking images shared by a Kharkiv-based Japanese translator on February 9 were easy to skim past. One photo captures a young man, apparently exhausted by conflict, lounging with his weapons next to a jumble of tinned food and ammunition. Another image purports to show one of the cyborgs from Ukraines 79th Air Assault Brigade who fought, sleeplessly and stubbornly, to hold the Donetsk airport from Russia-backed separatists for months in 2014. But these photos did not come from the Donbas. They were taken in a derelict building in Japan. It is the work of a growing number of military enthusiast cosplayers (costume players) in the Asian country who are precisely replicating the look of the conflict in eastern Ukraine for photo shoots and hyperrealistic battles using "airsoft" guns. Airsoft is a sport invented in Japan in the 1970s in which players fight with toy guns that fire pea-sized plastic pellets. The players rely on an honor system in which those hit are required to raise their hand to become a casualty. Restrictions on airsoft guns vary between countries, but in Japan it is legal to own relatively harmless toy guns that are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Japanese laws require the replica guns be made from flimsy materials such as plastic or aluminum alloys, and have a limited muzzle velocity. A Kalashnikov-style airsoft rifle can be purchased for around $265 in Japan. Hayato Sato, who has been involved in the airsoft scene in Japans Chiba Prefecture since 2016, told RFE/RL that when he first took up the hobby most groups were interested in re-creating the look of American militaries, but recently the trend has turned towards the gritty aesthetics of conflict in the former Soviet Union. Sato says the prominence of weapons maker Kalashnikov first got him interested in the Russian military and "from Russia I started to become interested in the militaries of neighboring countries." As well as airsoft battles, some Japanese military fans hire specialized studios in derelict buildings and forests for photo shoots replicating the conflict in the Donbas. The most well-known of these studios, in a forest near Mount Fuji, charges about $320 per hour for cosplayers to create their battle fantasy in a crumbling building reminiscent of an urban battleground. Two Japanese cosplayers stressed to RFE/RL that there is no ideological motivation behind the hobby. The uniforms represent a kind of advanced game of "cowboys and Indians" where the visual signatures of real-life conflict are used to mark opposing sides in a game. A Japanese blog kept fans up-to-date with the minutia of Ukrainian and Russian infantry clothing and weapons before migrating to Twitter in 2017. Most of the equipment for the military cosplay is bought in social-media forums such as Japan.ru-Airsoft where military apparel is for sale alongside handmade and 3D-printed imitation weapons accessories. The owner of Demych's Gear Bakery, which sells modern Russian military and special-forces equipment to the Japanese market, told RFE/RL that the often well-used equipment he sells on his site is authentic. But when asked how it is sourced, he responded that it's "a commercial secret." Much of the imitation equipment used by Japans cosplayers is made after studying photographs of real equipment in the field. According to Sato, getting outfitted with exactly the look of a Ukrainian or Russian fighter costs up to $2,000 and can take weeks of searching to find the exact components. Other former Soviet elements are easier to find. The photo above, taken by a Japanese cosplayer, shows a dedication to the genre that extends to lunches of vodka and cheap sausage. Some cosplayers have managed to re-create the outfit of Russias police forces, as well as the stereotypical gopniks, or low-level Russian street criminals of the 1990s. A friendship between a man and Rainbow Lorikeet has been put to the test just hours after the pair endeared Australia with their special bond. Englishman Jay Hart warmed the hearts of a nation on Wednesday after Daily Mail Australia spotted him riding along St Kilda beach with the parrot perched on his handlebars on the final day of Melbourne's hard lockdown. Mr Hart had rescued the bird, whom he affectionately named 'Pablo', after finding the distressed animal on St Kilda's Acland Street a week earlier. Jay Hart is seen riding his bike along St Kilda beach with his bird Pablo, whom is now his new best friend forever Pablo the Rainbow Lorikeet was rescued by Jay Hart on Acland Street in St Kilda last week Just hours after the tale of the unusual friendship cheered up a readership accustomed to grim news, the fairy tale relationship between man and bird went the way of the Dodo. 'HEARTBROKEN.' Mr Hart posted on Facebook later that day. 'The boy became famous just a few hours ago and he's flown away into the sunset.' Mr Hart had told Daily Mail Australia he had taken Pablo under his wing a week earlier. 'I found him last Friday injured, so I picked him up and took him home and I fixed him up, bathed him in salt water and fed him nectar mix and fruit,' he said. After a quick trip to the local vet with a wildlife rescue worker, Mr Hart adopted Pablo into his care. In Australia, single birds kept as pets can live in small cages inside the house, but it is recommended that the they be allowed to move about freely. Fast forward a few hours and Pablo was once again off with the birds. 'Back with his family where he naturally belonged,' Mr Hart posted to social media. 'I did my best for you my boy, fly free Pablo. I love you.' The tragic turn of events caused an outpouring of emotion from a community desperate for a good news story. Pablo the parrot - named after Picasso and not the Columbian drug lord - went missing soon after he appeared in an article on Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday Jay Hart and Pablo became best of friends after he found him injured on Acland Street in St Kilda Jay Hart now gets about town with his new best friend Pablo - the Rainbow Lorikeet 'It's the age old tale. Fame comes along and they move on. Like Marcel on Friends.' one follower posted. 'Birds always seem to leave you when it comes to being in the paper,' another wrote. Mr Hart had told Daily Mail Australia he travelled with Pablo everywhere, including the beach and the local watering holes. 'Now he's like my best friend and comes with me everywhere I go,' he said. 'He sits on my shoulder, he sits on my bike, he sits on everyone who comes along. He's been to the pub a few times too.' Failing to adhere to the age old adage: 'If you love someone set them free', Mr Hart hit the streets in a desperate bid to find Pablo. In St Kilda, which is renown for its bohemian leanings, the presence of a man sleeping in a tent in the local park would have raised few, if any, eyebrows. But still Pablo was nowhere to be found. With hope fading, Mr Hart presented the news his heartbroken followers had desperately wanted to hear. 'I stayed up all night camping in a tent, in a local park looking for you, spent half the day circling the same area and whistling out to you and then I heard your little chirp back to me,' he posted on Thursday afternoon. 'Never ever been as happy to see your stupid blue head. Welcome back Pablo.' Pablo the parrot after returning to his owner Jay Hart on Thursday Jay Hart warmed the hearts of Australians after rescuing Pablo the Rainbow Lorikeet from certain death Jay Hart hails from England and hopes to remain in Australia after finishing his studies The pair hope now to live happily ever after. Mr Hart came to Australia from a little village about 30-minutes out of Manchester,in the United Kingdom, about a year ago. While he once planned to return to Old Blighty, he now plans to begin a new life in Australia with his little friend. 'I'm hoping to stay here for good. I got here a year ago - not too long before the first lockdown - and I just stuck it out,' Mr Hart said. The digital restoration spcial exhibition of national treasure Tianlongshan Grottoes' return is held at Beijing Lu Xun Museum in Beijing, China's capital city, Feb. 12, 2021. The head of the main Buddha on the north wall of Cave 8 of Tianlongshan Grottoes that has been lost for nearly a century overseas is exhibited this time. It is the 100th cultural relic returned to China in 2020, as well as the first Buddha sculpture of the Tianlongshan Grottoes returned from Japan in the past century. (Chen Xiaogen/Guangming Picture) Chinese soldiers seen carrying spears & other sharp edged weapons near Mukhpari hill north of Rezang La after Monday firing incident Image Source: IANS News Chinese soldiers seen carrying spears & other sharp edged weapons near Mukhpari hill north of Rezang La after Monday firing incident Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 19 : Ahead of the military commanders meeting on Saturday to de-escalate tensions at the Line of Actual Control, China has started a psy-war in which it released a video of Galwan Valley clashes on social media accusing the Indian Army of being aggressive and leading to the clash. The Indian Army didn't react to the video of the clash released by China and maintained silence over the issue. The video was released on a private news organisation in China thereafter it went viral. The video is of the clashes between Indian and Chinese troops. It is after long that China has released a video of the clash which took place on June 15 last year. India had lost 20 soldiers and China claims that they have four casualties. China, for the first time, has released the names of their soldiers killed in the clashes on Friday. The video was released just ahead of a meeting between India and China's military delegates on Saturday for the tenth round of talks to discuss disengagement at other friction points at Line of Actual Control. The meeting is scheduled at 10 am at Moldo on the Chinese side. The Corps Commanders are likely to discuss other friction areas such as Hot Springs, Gogra and the 900 square-km Depsang plains. The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part of the current standoff that started in May last year as escalations here took place in 2013, India has insisted during recent military commander meetings to resolve all issues across Line of Actual Control. "The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer," said an official. The representatives during tenth round of "corps commander level" meet to also check the status of disengagement at northen and southern banks of Pangong Lake. The disengagement process at both banks of the Pangong Lake is expected to complete till February 20. It was on February 10 that China made an announcement that New Delhi and Beijing have agreed to disengage at Pangong Lake. Indian Army team along with Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) team are physically verify and re-verify disengagement at Pangong Lake. "It is a joint inspection team, both from Indian Army and Chinese PLA," said a senior government officer. The agreement states that Chinese troops will move back to Finger 8 and Indian troops will pull back to the Dhan Singh Thapa post between Finger 2 and 3 of the north bank of Pangong Lake. Further, there would be temporary moratorium on military activities, including patrolling to the traditional areas. The mountain spur jutting into the lake is referred to as Finger in military parlance. The north bank of the lake is divided into 8 Fingers. Indian has claimed its territory till Finger 8 and China dispute it claims till Finger 4. India and China are engaged in a ten-month-long standoff at the Line of Actual Control. The confrontations began on the north bank of Pangong Lake, both in the waters and the bank as Chinese incursions increased in early May last year. The confrontation later spilled over to the southern bank following which Indian Army occupied crucial heights, irking the Chinese also leading to incidents of gun shots being fired in the air. San Franciscos elementary schools can and should reopen immediately based on county health guidelines and irrespective of labor agreements with the school district, City Attorney Dennis Herrera said in a letter to the school districts contracted attorney Thursday. Herrera put the school district on notice in the emailed communication, saying that vaccination demands or other requirements that exceed health regulations and delay the reopening of schools violate state law and will be challenged in court. District officials and the union reached a tentative agreement last week on health and safety requirements required to reopen schools. The school board is expected to vote on the agreement on Tuesday, which would allow schools to reopen in the states second-most-restrictive red tier if staff is fully vaccinated. A return in the less-restrictive orange tier would not require vaccinations. The San Francisco Department of Public Health allows schools to reopen with a waiver in the states most restrictive purple tier, which the city is currently in. The letter is the latest twist in an ongoing fight over reopening schools. Supporters say research shows that with the right protocols, classrooms can safely welcome children back and that students are suffering academically and emotionally. Opponents acknowledge the harm from distance learning but argue that keeping students, their families and school staff safe from the virus is paramount. In the letter, Herrera argues that the recent tentative agreement that requires vaccinations for teachers and staff before a return to school in the states red tier is not legal, and indicates he will argue that in a March 22 court hearing. Be advised that any reopening plan that fails to offer in-person instruction to the greatest extent possible would be unlawful, Herrera said in the letter. In short, it is possible to offer significant amounts of in-person instruction now to elementary students and vulnerable students in the purple tier at San Franciscos current level of COVID-19 transmission, without waiting for staff to be fully vaccinated. Union and district officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The teachers union and district continue to negotiate on the educational aspects of a return to in-person learning, including how many hours or days a week each student will be in class. Herreras notice to the district adds to claims he made in a lawsuit against the school district, saying state law requires public schools reopen to the maximum extent possible. The lawsuit also alleges the district is violating the state Constitution and equal rights laws by not providing in-person instruction. COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California. Herrera also said in the letter that the health department doesnt limit the number of children who can be in a classroom to a specific number. While health officials recommend spacing desks 6 feet apart, they do not cap the number of students in a classroom, he said. He also noted that health officials dont limit the number of days or hours the students and staff can safely be on campus. My goal in reaching out to you now, Herrera said, is to help ensure that any plan the school district puts in place is legally sound, avoids the need for court intervention, and achieves our shared goal of getting children back to in-person instruction. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker Editors note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated whom the letter was sent to. 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. Chennai: In line with Indias policy of aiding stable, peaceful development of friendly, neighboring countries, the country provides financial, infrastructural, military and medical aid among others. The Indian Army is playing a significant role in such efforts by offering holistic training to cadets and officers who are part of Foreign armies. As a part of a 6-week training course, 20 Women from the Afghan National Army have been training at the Army Officers Training Academy in Chennai, in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu. The women officers have served the Afghan Army anywhere between two and seven years, in the logistics, Human resources, Radio communications and medicine branches. At the OTA in Chennai, they will be trained to hone their weapons handling, tactical, communication, military administration abilities among others. The Indian Army has been conducting such special training for their Afghan women counterparts since 2017 and the current batch is the fourth in four consecutive years. According to the International Community, empowerment of Afghan women is key to solving many of the war-torn countrys long-standing woes. The Afghan Defence establishment and several foreign bodies working towards the progress of Afghan society had charted ambitious goals for women in their forces. It was planned to have 10% womens representation in Afghan Security forces by 2020, but the government and security establishment couldnt get anywhere close. Recent reports say that there are about 4,500 in Afghan forces, which constitutes 1.4% of their total strength. So, it was decided to relax the deadline and lofty target. From 10% women representation in security forces, theyve now stepped down and the new target is 5,000 women in the Army and 10,000 women in the Police, by 2025. However, the serious impediments to women empowerment are the violence and discrimination faced by progressive women, which is only made worse by male-dominant institutions and systems. Estimates suggest that 80% of Afghan women are illiterate, while some may manage to read, they do so without a formal education. But, even when the education system improves and more women are empowered, society and the establishment must make way for them to be accepted in larger roles and responsibilities. When the internet first emerged, people viewed it as a new age of free speech, breaking the media's monopoly over information. Everybody could put his ideas out there. What we never imagined was that a few companies would become so powerful that they could control almost all discourse in America and around the world or that they would relentlessly use that power to advance their political views and to destroy their political opponents. Poland, which spent decades under communist rule, is actively resisting this tech tyranny. The Soviet Union used World War II as an opportunity to invade Poland. After the war, it remained, instituting the Polish People's Republic. The communist era lasted from 1945 to 1989. That experience is still within the living memory of large segments of the Polish population. They fully understand what it means to live under a despotic government that controls all speech and that severely punishes anyone whose speech deviates from the party line. Poland also has a unique place in the history of 20th-century European communism. The Solidarity movement that started in the Polish shipyards in 1980, under the courageous leadership of Lech Walesa, broke the Soviet grip on Poland. That was the start of the decline and fall of the Soviet Union, an empire with such an iron grip on its colonies that it had seemed as if it would last forever. I mention this history because it's a reminder that tyrannies are fundamentally unstable. If pushed hard enough, they will topple with remarkable speed. Hemingway had a character say of his bankruptcy that it went "[t]wo ways. Gradually, then suddenly." The same is true of dictatorships. They weaken imperceptibly, and then, suddenly, they're gone. It may be that Poland is again taking the lead in bringing down a dictatorship. This time, it's not a government the Poles are challenging, but tyrannical, supranational private entities: Social media companies that censor users or remove posts for ideological reasons could soon face fines in Poland in a world-first attempt to curb the power of Big Tech through legislation. Speaking to Fox News, the architect of the law, Deputy Polish Justice Minister Sebastian Kaleta, said social media companies have for too long been targeting conservatives, Christianity and traditional values by banning them and removing posts and the Polish government is saying "enough!" "We see that when Big Tech decides to remove content for political purposes, it's mostly content which praises traditional values or praises conservatism," he said, "and it is deleted under their 'hate speech policy' when it has no legal right to do so." The legislation would impose a $13.5-million fine on platforms that ban users from exercising their right to speak in ways that are not otherwise prohibited under Polish law. According to Kaleta, the tech companies had wrongfully set themselves up as the arbiter of what speech is permissible in Poland. "Freedom of speech is not something that anonymous moderators working for private companies should decide," he said. "Instead, that is for the national body; duly elected officials and all industries, car, phones, finance were unregulated till they grew too large the same should happen with Big Tech." Technically, we in America don't need such a law because we have a First Amendment that is the mother of all free speech laws. However, the tech companies have become the primary vehicles for free speech, moving them into a quasi-government category. It's as reasonable to make these tech companies abide by the First Amendment as it was when we used the Civil Rights Act to force private businesses to abide by the Commerce Clause. Doing that, after all, effectively used the government's police power to deny racist businesses their First Amendment right of free association. The Poles are leading the way to liberty, and it's time that we join in. It's currently doubtful that Congress will do anything because the tech companies are (a) funding many of its members and (b) supporting all Democrat initiatives. Still, there are elections coming up in two years. Use the primaries wisely to get strong candidates on the ballot who can appeal to all Americans concerned about the historically unprecedented power the tech companies have amassed. Until then, individual states need to step up, and some are already doing so. Florida governor Ron DeSantis is pushing a bill that would penalize tech companies if they violate Floridians' privacy or interfere with their access to information about political candidates. Meanwhile, in Maryland, the Legislature has realized that Big Tech is a potential cash cow and wants to tax revenue from the digital advertising the tech companies sell. If Poland can break the tech tyranny, we can, too. Indeed, we must if we're to continue as a free nation. Image: Lech Walesa. YouTube screen grab. THE owners of a West End property at the centre of an dispute with the province have launched a lawsuit against their former tenants, alleging they are owed at least $300,000 in repair bills. THE owners of a West End property at the centre of an dispute with the province have launched a lawsuit against their former tenants, alleging they are owed at least $300,000 in repair bills. In a lawsuit filed this week, a numbered company controlled by businessmen Peter Ginakes and Ken Cranwell, is suing Southern First Nations Network of Care and Marymound Inc., the former tenants of a property at 800 Adele Ave. They allege sub-tenant Marymound left the property in a state of disrepair after unexpectedly vacating it in January 2019. "In breach of the lease agreement, the tenant failed and has continued to fail, to repair the property in accordance with its obligation," alleges the lawsuit, claiming "it will cost at least $345,000 to carry out all the necessary repairs." The owners allege they invested $1.5 million in improvements to accommodate the tenants and are now faced with additional expenses if required to find a new tenant. In 2019, Ginakes and Cranwell sued the province for $6.1 million, alleging it pursued a plan to force the businessmen to terminate a 20-year lease agreement with the First Nations of Southern Manitoba Child and Family Service Authority. A 2016 audit commissioned by the Southern First Nations of Care, to examine the lease its predecessor had signed, found the former NDP government signed off on the lease despite several red flags, including its length, the fact the contract was sole-sourced and the absence of an opt-out clause. In May 2019, the province introduced Bill 32, which would have cancelled the lease agreement and prevented the buildings owners from suing the government. The bill died on the order paper before the legislature closed for the summer recess. The 2019 lawsuit alleges Scott Sinclair, the deputy minister of Crown services at the time, arranged a meeting with Ginakes and Cranwell on Feb. 26, 2019, during which Sinclair said if they did not sign an agreement to terminate the lease, the government would terminate it through legislation. At that time, the CFS authority was no longer using the building and it had been sublet to Marymound. The lawsuit alleges the government directed the "sub-tenant" to move out of the building, "causing the sub-tenant to remove the children in its care out of the property in a precipitous manner, leaving the property in a state of significant disrepair and causing distress to the children themselves." The lawsuit alleges the province was motivated by "malice, spite, and revenge" against Ginakes after he secured a contract from the former NDP government to supply Tiger Dams during the 2011 flood. BARI, FEB 19 - A large cat thought to be a panther has been sighted in the countryside around Bari in Puglia, local sources said. The sightings have come in the fields between Loseto, a quarter of Bari, and Adelfia. An emergency committee warned the local community of "the risks attached to the presence of the feline". Citizens were urged to be careful about moving around on the outskirts of Bari, in little frequented and poorly lit spots, avoiding sport and walks in the open air, putting out rubbish and walking their pets. They were also told to avoid abandoned buildings and to approach large trees with great caution, be careful about their pets and watch out for large animals hitting their cars. Residents were also urged not to spread fake news about the sightings because false sightings would impede the search for the suspected panther. (ANSA). Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections World oil prices on the rise MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn? China spacecraft docks with future space station Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time 11:56 | Lima, Feb. 18. In remarks to TVPeru, the commission's head said he hopes that "once they read the final report, I hope they will have the courage to apologize (to me)." The official indicated that despite knowing and being friends with many of those citizens involved in the events under investigation "Peru comes first, as well as those of us who have been affected by this act." The physician pointed out that 20 years ago he had to prosecute and sanction medical professionals whom he knew at that time. Thus, Carbone assured that he will continue to act properly on this case. Lists of vaccinated people Regarding the versions about a new list of beneficiaries, Carbone specified that the commission led by him is requesting all the information on this case, in order to prepare a single final list with the names of beneficiaries. He said that commission members currently review the names on the list sent by the National Health Institute (INS) last Monday, as well as the first list handed over by the Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH). "We saw that there were duplications and missing data, and our decision that day was to request more information from everyone who has to do with the issue," he expressed. In this sense, "the final list will be made from the information received." [February 19, 2021] Tauriga Sciences Inc. Officially Launches Two New Product Offerings on its E-Commerce Platform (www.taurigum.com) The Companys Two Newest Product Offerings: CBD Infused Linden Honey & Rainbow Bath Bomb Special NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, with a proprietary line of CBD & CBG infused Supplement chewing gums (Flavors: Pomegranate, Blood Orange, Peach-Lemon, Pear Bellini, Mint, Black Currant) as well as an ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative, today announced the official launch of two new product offerings on its E-Commerce platform (www.taurigum.com). These two new product offerings are the following: CBD Infused Linden Honey (Unit: Jar) & Rainbow Bath Bomb Special (Unit: 6 Pack). The following MSRPs have been established: CBD Infused Honey: $49.99 per Jar & Rainbow Bath Bomb Special: $69.99 Each. The CBD Infused Linden Honey (CBD Honey) product offering is infused with 500mg of CBD per each Jar. Each Jar contains 20 servings, which translates into 25mg of CBD per serving. Additionally, this product is Kosher Certified and of the highest quality (highly coveted aroma). Category: CBD Infused Edibles The Rainbow Bath Bomb Special (Rainbow Bath Bomb) consists of 6 individual Tauri-Gum themed fragrance bath bombs. Three are infused with 100mg CBD (Pomegranate, Blood Orange, and Mint Fragrances), Two are infused with 100mg CBG (Peach-Lemon and Black Currant Fragrances), and One is infused with 60mg Vitamin C + 10mg Zinc (Pear Bellini Fragrance). Category: CBD Infused Topicals/Cosmetics Link to Purchase Bath Bombs: https://taurigum.com/products/pomegranate-cbd-infused-bath-bomb ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, engaged in several major business activities and iitiatives. The company manufactures and distributes several proprietary retail products and product lines, mainly focused on the Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Edibles market segment. The main product line, branded as Tauri-Gum, consists of a proprietary supplement chewing gum that is Kosher certified, Halal certified, and Vegan Formulated (CBD Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Mint, Blood Orange, Pomegranate), (CBG Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Peach-Lemon, Black Currant) & (Vitamin C + Zinc Immune Booster Flavor: Pear Bellini). The Companys commercialization strategy consists of a broad array of retail customers, distributors, and a fast-growing E-Commerce business segment (E-Commerce website: www.taurigum.com). Please visit our corporate website, for additional information, as well as inquiries, at http://www.tauriga.com Complementary to the Companys retail business, is its ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative. This relates to the development of a proposed Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum, for nausea regulation (specifically designed for the following indication: Patients Subjected to Ongoing Chemotherapy Treatment). On March 18, 2020, the Company announced that it had filed a provisional U.S. patent application covering its pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum. The Patent, filed with the U.S.P.T.O. is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. On December 18, 2020 the Company disclosed that it had entered into a Master Services Agreement with CSTI to lead the Company's clinical development efforts. On October 6, 2020, the Company announced that it has been approved to operate as a U.S. Government Vendor (CAGE CODE # 8QXV4) The Company is headquartered in Wappingers Falls, New York. In addition, the Company operates a full time E-Commerce fulfillment center located in LaGrangeville, New York. DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Contact: Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 4 Nancy Court, Suite 4 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 Company Instagram: @taurigum Personal Instagram: @sethsms47 Twitter: @SethMShaw Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com Attachment 02_19_2021 Press Release image [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Deepika Padukone Joins The Pawri Hori Hai Bandwagon; Shares A Hilarious Meme Netizens have been grooving to the meme-worthy track 'PawriHoriHai' since music composer Yashraj Mukhate came up with his composition of the "pawry anthem". Now, Bollywood's queen of hearts Deepika Padukone has also joined the bandwagon with her own version of the viral meme. The Padmaavat actor shared a rib-tickling picture on Instagram and wrote, "who made this?" with a laughing-out loud emoticon. The image is a throwback picture that sees a young Deepika sitting on a wooden horse toy. The picture also features text, which reads, "Yeh hum hain, yeh hamara ghoda hain, aur yeh hamari pawri ho rahi hain." The post from the talented actor received more than 1 lakh likes within few minutes of being posted on the photo-sharing application. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) Yashraj, who has made a name for himself by making iconic tracks out of some dialogues or meme-worthy content, recently posted the new track incorporating the famous #PawriHoriHai, which has gone viral on social media. However, it is important to note where the word "pawri" came from. Last week, a Pakistani influencer and content creator named Dananeer Mobeen went viral on social media in which she could be seen vacationing in a hilly location. In her 15-second video, she could be heard saying, "Ye humari car hai aur yeh hum hai aur ye humari pawri ho rahi hai (this is our car, this is us, and this is our party)." Mobeen saying party as "pawri" has triggered a meme fest on social media and Mukhate also stepped on the bandwagon to use the word to make a party anthem that everyone can groove to. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yashraj Mukhate (@yashrajmukhate) As soon as the new composition was posted on Mukhate's Instagram account, users started to comment and there were the likes of Bollywood celebrities including Randeep Hooda, Sidhant Chaturvedi, Archana Puran Singh, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, who gave their approval to this "pawri anthem". Several other users took to Twitter to approve of Mukhate's new "pawri anthem" and memes started to flock in. Dananeer creates content on a range of topics including the latest make-up and fashion trends. She also speaks on mental health issues plaguing the youth of Pakistan. While the footage has been recreated hundreds of times with #pawrihoraihai on Twitter, the video has over a million views on Dananeer's official Instagram handle alone. Yashraj has earlier composed several iconic tracks like Rasode mein kaun tha, Biggini shoot and Tuadda Kutta Tommy. Meanwhile, on the work front, Deepika has an impressive line-up of projects in the pipeline including Fighter, 83, Baiju Bawra, Sanki, Pathan, and Indian adaptation of Nancy Meyers's 2015 hit Hollywood film The Intern. The Doncaster housebuilder, which specialises in new builds for first-time buyers, has done well during the coronavirus pandemic Keepmoat Homes, the curiously named housebuilder, is expected to have another stab at floating after its first attempt was kiboshed by the first coronavirus lockdown. The Doncaster-based builders private equity owners have hired investment banks Barclays and Moelis to explore a so-called 'dual-track' either a flotation or a private sale process for the company, Sky News reported. Last week, The Yorkshire Post quoted the companys chief executive, Tim Beale, as saying the initial public offering (IPO) option is still on the table. The company had been considering a public listing before the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK. As it turns out, the pandemic has been kind to Keepmoat, which specialises in new builds for first-time buyers. Beale said the pandemic had boosted demand in its market, helped no doubt by the governments stamp duty holiday. The company is no stranger to economy-shattering events, having been bought for 783mln in 2007 in a deal backed by the Bank of Scotlands integrated finance division, just as the financial crash was unfolding. PLC ( ) subsequently got bounced into a merger with HBOS (Halifax/Bank of Scotland) and ended up owning the housebuilding firm after a refinancing in 2012. Lloyds sold it to its current owners, private equity outfit TDR Capital, in 2014. According to Sky News, the companys valuation on listing could be between 700mln and 800mln, little changed from its 2007 valuation. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain said on Friday it welcomed the European Union's move to allow continued data flows to Britain after Brexit. "I welcome the publication of these draft decisions which rightly reflect the UKs commitment to high data protection standards and pave the way for their formal approval," said Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital. "Although the EUs progress in this area has been slower than we would have wished, I am glad we have now reached this significant milestone." (Reporting by William James, Editing by Alistair Smout) .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... LONDON Larry the cat, a four-legged inhabitant of Londons 10 Downing St., just marked a decade as Britains mouse-catcher in chief. The tabby cat was recruited by then-Prime Minister David Cameron to deal with a pack of rats seen scuttling close to the British leaders official residence, and entered Downing Street on Feb. 15, 2011. The former stray, adopted from Londons Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, was given the title Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, an unofficial pest control post. He was the first cat to hold the rat-catching portfolio since the retirement of Humphrey in 1997, and has loyally served three prime ministers. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ But it seems like yesterday that Larry was just another cat as opposed to a media superstar said Lindsey Quinlan, the head of cattery of Battersea. Throughout his time at Number 10, Larry has proven himself to not only be a brilliant ambassador for Battersea but also demonstrated to millions of people around the world how incredible rescue cats are, she said. His rags to riches tale is yet more proof of why all animals deserve a second chance one minute they may be an overlooked stray on the streets, the next they could become one of the nations beloved political figures, with fans around the world. Larry, who has met a number of world leaders, has been largely unfriendly to men but took a liking to former U.S. President Barack Obama. When former President Donald Trump visited in 2019, Larry took a nap under his car. His grip on the public imagination is clear and political leaders know better than to ignore that popularity. The tomcat was a sentimental topic of conversation in Camerons final appearance in Parliament as prime minister when he said he wanted to quash a rumor that perish the thought he didnt like Larry. And just to prove it, he whipped out evidence: a picture of Larry lying on his lap. He belongs to the house and the staff love him very much as do I, he said at the time, explaining why he wasnt taking Larry with him after leaving office. After the December 2019 election, rumors swirled that Larry might be headed for retirement with the news that the new prime minister, Boris Johnson, was a dog man. However, despite the prime minister moving Jack Russell cross Dilyn into Downing Street, Larry remained in office. Reports of his rodent-killing abilities vary. Larry became known for his occasional scraps with neighboring cats especially Palmerston, chief mouser to the Foreign Office across the street and fondness for sleep. Palmerston has retired to the country, so things have been a bit quieter of late. These days Larry, now 14, is often seen by photographers patrolling his turf. Visitors to the building can sometimes find him napping on a ledge above a radiator or sleeping on a floor, where dignitaries occasionally have to step over him. At the heart of government, he specializes in power naps. New Jersey's long-delayed effort to legalize recreational marijuana has veered again into chaos, despite voter approval and a pause on pot prosecutions that has left some offenders in limbo. Gov. Phil Murphy has until Monday to act on two bills that would bring him closer to fulfilling a pledge he made more than three years ago to legalize pot. For months, he has been wrangling with fellow Democrats, who control the legislature, over language in the measures to address how law enforcement would treat people under 21 in possession of marijuana. Lawmakers have pushed back previous deadlines on the matter, and the state missed the voter-approved Jan. 1 date to legalize. Murphy hasn't commented on his plan for Monday. If he doesn't veto the two marijuana bills, which passed the Senate and Assembly, they will become law. Alternatively, if lawmakers fear a Murphy veto, they could invoke a procedural rule to reset the clock on the due date for his consideration. "It will be a colossal mistake if he doesn't sign them," said Senator Nick Scutari, a Democrat from Union, who has been pushing legalization for more than a decade. "The people of New Jersey have spoken." Murphy, a 63-year-old Democrat, hasn't spoken extensively in public on the recent legislative back-and-forth. But failing to fulfill the voters' decree could prove a liability in his bid for a second term in November. "No comment for now," Murphy spokesperson Alyana Alfaro said in an email Thursday. Murphy, though, has indicated that he was still unhappy with proposed legal penalties for those under 21. The Black caucus has argued that the policy would target minority youth in communities already hard hit by decades of drug prosecutions. "We're still trying to find our way to that point that we all want to get to, which is to get this done, to get it done the right way, that both protects our kids form the criminal justice system but also legalizes cannabis in the right, responsible way," Murphy said at a Feb. 8 briefing. Murphy's effort to legalize pot dates to January 2018, when he took office. Pushback came from Republicans and some Democrats, citing a wide range of issues including distributor licensing, taxation, possession limits and expunging criminal records. The matter finally went to voters on Nov. 3 -- a step that supporters said would skirt the deadlock and lead to legalization far faster -- and 67% gave permission to amend the state constitution to allow for recreational cannabis sales. Medical pot has been legal in New Jersey since 2010. New Jersey and three other U.S. states legalized recreational use during November's election, bringing the total to 15. Neighbors New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania are among those states expected to take up the issue this year. The process, though, goes well beyond approving a ballot. Governors and legislators must agree on rules, including how to tax the drug, who can sell it and how to deal with people currently in jail for pot offenses. While New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has ordered a pause on marijuana-related prosecutions, more than 6,000 charges are pending statewide since November, according to data from the state administrative office of the courts. Because legalization isn't officially on the books, marijuana arrests have continued and offenders say they are stuck in a state of legal purgatory. "'Confident' is not a word I would use" about charges ultimately being dismissed, said Carmine Vallani, a Point Pleasant-based attorney defending about 20 marijuana cases. While Vallani awaits rules, he's still filing for court adjournments and telling clients that he has no idea whether records could be expunged, let alone for how far back. "It's hard to give advice when everything changes on an overnight discussion among lawmakers," he said. "We are hopeful, if you look at what other states have done." Among those facing recent charges is the marijuana activist Ed Forchion, who calls himself NJ Weedman. Forchion, an ex-felon who says he openly sells pot at his restaurant, NJ Weedman's Joint in Trenton, has become a fixture around New Jersey, recognizable because of a surplus cop car he bought and turned into his rolling personal-brand billboard. The so-called Weedmobile caught the eye of local police who stopped him earlier this month for a green license-plate bulb, what they called an equipment violation. The police confiscated under 50 grams of pot and $9,000 in cash and charged him and a companion with possession, a disorderly-persons offense, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, a fourth-degree felony. Forchion was released with a promise to appear in court. But even if the charges are dismissed, he says, the delays in legalizing pot leave him with little confidence that small operators like him will be able to benefit from new state marijuana laws anytime soon. Regulations will take about a year to put into place after legislation is signed, and distribution will be limited to 37 corporate licensees initially. Sometime after the first 24 months they could be joined by small operators like Forchion, but there are no time-line commitments. "They made all these promises -- micro licenses, they were going to give some to minorities," he said in an interview. "They still won't get to the guys like me, the guys who went to prison for it." Khloe Kardashian is celebrating hitting 131 million followers on Instagram. The reality personality, 36, took to the social media app on Friday to share a set of fierce new snaps to mark the occasion. Khloe looked radiant as she posed wearing a grey crop top, which she paired with a woolly cardigan. Milestone: Khloe Kardashian is celebrating hitting 131 million followers on Instagram She fixated a sultry look for the camera, while letting her caramel tresses down in waves. Keeping accessories to a minimum, Khloe opted for smokey eyeshadow and lipstick to complete her look. 'Thank you!!' she wrote. '131 million angels!!!' Sizzling: The reality personality, 36, took to the social media app on Friday to share a set of fierce new snaps to mark the occasion Big achievement: Kylie Jenner is currently the most followed Kardashian girl on Instagram, with just over 216 million followers Khloe is the fourth most followed Kardashian girl on Instagram, with her half-sister Kylie Jenner, 23, leading with just over 216 million followers. She also has slightly more followers than her older sister Kourtney Kardashian, 41, who currently has over 111 million. It comes after Khloe hit back at a follower who asked if Kylie is 'allowed' to be friends with her ex best friend Jordyn Woods again. The latest teaser for Keeping Up With The Kardashians, which dropped on Thursday, saw Khloe's partner Tristian Thompson, 29, seeking relationship advice from her sister Kim Kardashian, 40. Hours later, Khloe responded to a social media user who commented on a Kardashian fan account on Instagram that had reposted the teaser. The mum-of-one did not hold back when someone asked if Kylie was 'allowed' to be friends again with Jordyn - who was at the centre of the cheating scandal involving Tristan. Hitting back: It comes after Khloe hit back at a follower who asked if Kylie is 'allowed' to be friends with her ex best friend Jordyn Woods again The fan poised the question fittingly under a clip of Tristan chatting with Kim about his relationship with Khloe - after the duo reignited their on/off relationship amid his cheating scandals. Khloe slammed the author of the question with a lengthy response, before gushing about Kylie and then telling the person to 'respectfully shut the f*** up'. The person had asked: 'So is Kylie allowed to be friends with Jordan again?' Responding: Khloe slammed the author of the question with a lengthy response, before gushing about her half-sister Kylie Defensive: Khloe defended her sister Kylie (pictured above), referring to her as her 'life partner', and saying she 'always respects' her decisions Khloe answered her directly and slammed her with a lengthy rant. She wrote: 'I'm so sick and tired of this narrative that I control my sister or I dictate who she chooses to surround herself with. Never once have I ever and I mean EVER told my sister who she can be friends with. 'She is an adult, she can do whatever she wants to do. I will support her in anything and everything she wants to do! I love my sister unconditionally! That means regardless of who she chooses to be friends with, I will always love, respect and value my sister unconditionally!!' Khloe added: 'She is my life partner and I will always respect what she chooses!! By the way, I have no ill feelings towards ANYONE!! Truly. My heart carried no hatred at all. Unless you actually know what you're talking about, respectfully, SHUT THE F*** UP!' Scandal: In February 2019, Tristan reportedly kissed Jordyn after a house party, which was his second cheating scandal In February 2019, Tristan reportedly kissed Jordyn after a house party, which was his second cheating scandal. The year prior, it was reported that the sportsman had cheated on the then-pregnant Khloe with a strip club worker from New York City named Lani Blair. Despite the first cheating scandal, Khloe remained with Tristian until the second scandal emerged in 2019. The couple reconciled last summer after spending time together in lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and share one daughter, True Thompson, who was born in May 2018. Russias Sputnik V vaccine, CanSino Biologics Inc.s shot and other Covid-19 immunizations relying on a cold virus thats backfired in the past should show they dont make people more vulnerable to HIV infection before gaining approval in South Africa , the head of a local vaccine company said. Sputnik V, CanSinos injection and another vaccine in development from ImmunitiBio Inc. use a harmless cold germ called adenovirus type-5 to carry the genetic material of SARS-Cov-2 into patients cells to trigger an immune response. The approach caused problems more than a decade ago when an experimental AIDS vaccine from Merck & Co. that relied on the cold virus was tied to increased infections with HIV and research was halted. Any heightened susceptibility to the virus that causes AIDS is of particular concern in South Africa, which carries the worlds heaviest HIV burden with as many as 7.8 million people infected. Its a concern that has to be addressed," Morena Makhoana, the chief executive officer of Biovac, South Africas state vaccine company, said in an interview. Companies have been encouraged to do a clinical trial in our setting. I dont think its an issue that cant be overcome." South Africa is the country most affected by Covid-19 on the continent, with almost 1.5 million confirmed cases and 48,478 deaths. Scientists Warning Scientists highlighted the risk in a letter published in the medical journal The Lancet last October, saying Covid-19 shots relying on the same vector as the Merck one could similarly increase the risk of HIV acquisition among men who receive the vaccine" and calling for an evaluation. Other vaccines rely on this approach -- they are known as viral-vector immunizations -- but not all of them carry the same germ. AstraZeneca Plc and Johnson & Johnsons coronavirus shots use other adenoviruses. In the case of Sputnik V, whose booster shot differs from the original injection, only the second dose uses a type-5 adenovirus as a vector. The reason why the Merck vaccine made some recipients more prone to getting HIV was never fully elucidated, according to Makhoana. At the moment, there is some association with Ad5 and HIV, but it doesnt mean there is a direct link," he said. An adviser to the government says research is needed to show the coronavirus vaccines wont have the same effect on the immune system -- but that doesnt necessarily mean embarking on months of costly new trials. It doesnt have to be a clinical study," said Salim Abdool Karim, co-chair of South Africas Covid-19 ministerial advisory committee. It could be a study in animals, it could be some laboratory marker." The manufacturers, he said, must show us that the Ad5 used in the HIV vaccine trial and their Ad5 are behaving differently." Controversial Findings CanSino acknowledged the HIV background when it published early clinical results in The Lancet in May, saying the link between increased infection risk and Ad5-vectored vaccines was controversial and its mechanism is unclear," but that it would monitor participants preventively. The state-run Russian Direct Investment Fund, which backed Sputnik Vs development and is in charge of its international roll-out, said theres no confirmed connection between type-5 adenovirus-vector vaccines and HIV risk. Data from small-scale studies was later contradicted by larger analyses, a spokesman said by email. ImmunityBios experimental vaccine is due to start human clinical trials in Cape Town this month. 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. Shaheed Al-Hafed, 19 February 2021 (SPS) - International Coordinator of World March of Women (WMW), Ms Graca samu, has called on the African Union and the United Nations to urgently intervene to ensure the protection of human rights in the occupied territories of Western Sahara. She urged the African Union and the United Nations to end human rights violations in Western Sahara and to support the Sahrawi women's struggle for freedom and independence. The struggle of the Sahrawi people is our struggle and the self-determination of the Sahrawi people is an international priority for us, and we feel responsible for all the suffering and violations that the Sahrawi people undergo, she said. we call on the African Union, the United Nations and all international organizations to take firm positions and assume their responsibilities to ensure the freedom and independence of the Sahrawi people, she added, noting that "women, children, young people are suffering and women in particular who give their lives for this just cause. (SPS) 062/090/T "The glaciers are melting, but we have more water on the other side of the Andes, in the Amazon River. How can we use that water in a more rational way? For this, we need technical assistance from the United States," he expressed. "We really want to invest in science, technology, innovation, and higher education. We have a huge deficit in the number of PhDs and high-level researchers, and we need to train them very fast," he added. In this sense, the statesman indicated that his government is committed to fighting deforestation in the country, but to solve this problem cooperation is also necessary to stop drug trafficking. El presidente @FSagasti participo en un conversatorio que abordo el impacto de la COVID-19 en el sistema sanitario y la economia del pais, asuntos bilaterales, cambio climatico, entre otros temas, organizado por @TheWilsonCenter.#AgendaSagasti pic.twitter.com/qneVOJ7rV5 A 34-year-old youth Congress leader was allegedly shot dead in Punjab's Faridkot on Thursday evening, said police. Two unidentified men fired around 12 shots at youth Congress leader Gurlal Singh Bhullar when he was standing near his car near Jubilee Chowk in Faridkot district, a police official said over the phone. Shot dead Bhullar was rushed to the hospital where he died during the treatment, he said. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressed shock over the incident and directed the state police chief to nab those who were behind this incident. The Punjab CM, meanwhile, said in a tweet, Shocking incident of fatal attack on our Faridkot @IYCPunjab President Gurlal Singh. Have directed @DGPPunjabPolice to ensure a speedy investigation and nab the culprits responsible for this heinous act. The guilty will be severely punished. Shocking incident of fatal attack on our Faridkot @IYCPunjab President Gurlal Singh. Have directed @DGPPunjabPolice to ensure a speedy investigation and nab the culprits responsible for this heinous act. The guilty will be severely punished. Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) February 18, 2021 The assailants fled on a motorcycle after committing the crime, said police. Bhullar was the president of the Faridkot District Youth Congress. Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police Swarndeep Singh said no arrest has yet been made. Investigation is going on. We have some clues, the SSP said, adding a case was registered in this regard. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Supreme Court on Friday gave a final opportunity to a man to clear Rs 2.6 crore arrears of maintenance, along with monthly maintenance of Rs 1.75 lakh, to his estranged wife, failing which he may be sent to jail. A bench, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian, said: "Accordingly, by way of last chance, we permit the respondent to make payment of the entire outstanding amount along with the monthly maintenance regularly to his wife, within a period of four weeks from today, failing which, the respondent (husband) may have to be punished and sent to civil prison." The bench observed the husband has been seeking time to make payment for over two years now. Counsel appearing for the woman said he has sufficient resources to pay but he is unwilling, though the man insisted that he had no money and sought time to pay. The top court has posted the matter after four weeks, and warned the man that imprisonment orders may be passed on next hearing if he does not pay. "It is not disputed by the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent and the respondent himself that he has been directed to pay money to his wife under two heads: one is the monthly maintenance of Rs 1,75,000 and the other is the past arrears of maintenance from the year 2009 which amounts to Rs 2.60 crore (approx), out of which an amount of Rs 50,00,000 has been paid to the wife," the top court said in its order. Counsel for the woman told the court that despite directions to pay, he has not complied but instead is leading a lavish lifestyle. As counsel for man argued that if his client goes behind the bars, then the wife will not get maintenance, the bench retorted that it will serve the interest of justice. Stressing that a husband cannot relinquish his responsibility to provide maintenance to his wife, the bench directed the man to borrow money or to take loan and clear the outstanding in connection with the maintenance of his estranged wife. "To see if the respondent (husband) has complied with this order, the matter(s) shall be listed before this Court at the end of four weeks. In case the amount is not paid orders of arrest and imprisonment may be passed against the respondent on that date," it said. On Feb. 16-17, the Russian seaside town of Sochi hosted the 15th round of Syrian peace talks between Russia, Iran and Turkey the three guarantor countries of the so-called Astana talks. The Astana process began over four years ago, when the trio hosted talks between a Syrian opposition delegation and representatives from Damascus in the Kazakh capital of Nur Sultan (formerly Astana) in January 2017. In addition to the three sponsor states, representatives of international organizations including the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross as well as delegations from the Syrian government and the opposition took part in the latest round of negotiations. The event was held in Sochi due to COVID-19 restrictions in Nur Sultan. While the Astana talks were created to address tasks not given due attention in the UN-backed Geneva process primarily for work on the ground, ensuring cease-fire-related measures and facilitating the exchange of prisoners there are indications the talks largely have outlived their usefulness. They were never able to become an alternative to the Geneva platform by filling the agenda with political and military aspects. Meanwhile, military issues are increasingly being raised in bilateral negotiations between the presidents of Russia and Turkey and are being implemented by the Russian and Turkish military and diplomats, without reference to the Astana format. Oftentimes, decisions by Moscow and Ankara related to Syria are approved retroactively at Astana trio summits attended by heads of state of Russia, Turkey and Iran. At the talks in Sochi, the Russian delegation, led by President Vladimir Putins special envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, tried to focus on continuing the fight against terrorism, namely against the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group in Idlib, as well as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. This broad goal was affirmed by the attendees in the second paragraph of the final summit document, yet the following paragraph emphasized the need to maintain peace on the ground through the full implementation of all existing agreements on Idlib. The document also indicated that the Syrian crisis does not have a military solution. In this context, Lavrentiev's calls on the sidelines of the event for the Syrian opposition delegation to intensify efforts to free Idlib from the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are also of interest. I think the time has come for the Syrian opposition to try to take this matter into its own hands and free these territories from terrorist organizations, Lavrentiev said. This indicates Moscow will not take military steps in the near future in this regard, and is ready to abandon the course of solving the problem of radicals in Idlib through joint military operations with the government in Damascus. It is likely the Russians will continue to exert limited military pressure, using targeted airstrikes, but only to push Turkey and the Syrian opposition to start hostilities against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The final document also contained an obvious message to the United States, criticizing its support for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. In particular, it is indicated that the participants in the meeting rejected all "illegal initiatives for self-government under the pretext of fighting terrorism, and expressed their determination to oppose separatist plans in the Trans-Euphrates region, aimed at undermining the unity of Syria and threatening the national security of neighboring countries. A large prisoner exchange between the government and the opposition could be one way to boost the Astana format at this stage yet in the final document the parties only confirmed their determination to build up and expand cooperation within the Working Group on the Release of Detainees/Hostages. The lack of progress here falls on the Syrian regime, which takes part in negotiations on this topic under pressure from Moscow, yet publicly refuses to deal with the opposition and recognize it as a legitimate party to the negotiation process. For Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, all of his opponents who did not lay down their arms, regardless of ideology and political spectrum, and those civil forces that support them, are "terrorists." Thus Damascus would like to avoid an equivalent exchange of prisoners, as this could be perceived as a recognition of the armed opposition as a belligerent rather than as a terrorist community that must be destroyed. While two paragraphs of the final document adopted by the Astana troika in Sochi were devoted to the Constitutional Committee, they were purely declarative in nature and are unlikely to speed up the process of agreeing on a new constitution or amending the old one. The slow progress here results from the approach of Damascus, which considers itself a winner in the war and not in need of any reforms. The Syrian regime itself is not represented in the Constitutional Committee, and Assad said that the committee's governmental list only represents the point of view of the country's leadership and should be considered government-backed, not governmental. That is, the regime reserves the right to reject any provisions adopted by the committee, considering them mere recommendations that the government isnt bound to implement since it did not officially participate in their development. Damascus' objective when it comes to the Constitutional Committee is to engage in minimal participation in order to delay the committee's work long enough for Assad win the 2021 presidential election in accordance with the current constitution. The participation of the Syrian regime in the work of the Astana format has nearly identical goals. At the same time, the Astana format will continue to be in demand as a necessary element of legitimizing the military presence of its three sponsors Russia, Iran and Turkey. Therefore, the meetings within the troika will continue regardless of the presence or absence of results. So when Damascus says the Turkish presence in Syria is illegal, is is to some extent disingenuous at least when it comes to Idlib. Agreements on the deployment of Turkish observation posts and armed forces were reached at the sixth round of Astana talks in September 2017, and the parameters of their presence were agreed upon and approved by all participants prior to the Turkish military entering Idlib. In turn, for Russia and Iran it is also important that their military presence in Syria is based not only on agreements with Damascus, but also on corresponding agreements within the framework of the Astana talks. Despite constant statements that the Assad regime is the only legitimate government in Syria, Moscow and Tehran are certainly aware of Assad's dubious legitimacy for a significant part of the international community and the presence in UN Security Council Resolution 2254 of the provision that Syria should form a new inclusive executive body to replace the old institutions. Thus, the Astana agreements are also capable of providing additional legal grounds for their military presence. This is due to the fact that representatives of the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross and observer countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Kazakhstan and Iraq are participating in the Astana process itself. American diplomats have also previously attended the Astana events, up to and including the eighth round of negotiations in December 2017. The Russian side, in turn, does not give up hope that the United States will also resume its participation in the meetings within the Astana process. We sent an invitation to our American partners to participate in the conference, but unfortunately we were refused. At present, the Americans are busy with internal affairs and, apparently, have not yet completely decided on the line in the Syrian direction, Lavrentiev told reporters on the eve of the talks on Feb. 16 in Sochi. At the same time, attempts to institutionalize the Astana trio through expanding the sphere of common interests of Russia, Iran and Turkey have not yet led to any success. During the Nagorno-Karabakh clashes in July 2020, the trio was not able to extrapolate the experience at Astana to deal with an issue outside the Syrian war. The same is not true for the Moscow-Ankara duo which continues to show its viability both on Syria and other topics. The #1 metals and mining conference in the world will be fully digital for the first time Largest number of participants to date, including record number of institutional investors Industry leaders from 31 countries and 6 continents to participate Pandemic, sustainability and outlook on growth areas, including the EV revolution, will be key themes BMO Research analysts available for comment NEW YORK and TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - BMO Capital Markets will host its 30th Global Metals & Mining Conference from March 1 to March 5, 2021. Normally held in Florida, USA each year, the conference will be fully digital for the first time. "We are excited to host the #1 global metals and mining conference in the world for the 30th year. It's our first time presenting this conference digitally and yet it is shaping up to be our biggest one ever," said Dan Barclay, CEO and Group Head, BMO Capital Markets. "We're looking forward to bringing together the biggest players from around the world for insightful presentations and timely conversations, including the critical importance of ESG and sustainability as we collectively work toward a lower carbon economy." The annual conference brings together metals and mining industry leaders and institutional investors from around the world more than 1,600 professionals representing approximately 300 organizations. The event is considered a barometer of industry sentiment for the year to come, featuring live discussions with some of the world's largest metals and mining companies. Notable session topics include: China's place in the mining ecosystem; the energy metals transition and adoption of electric vehicles; the strength of the precious metals environment; and ESG and its implications for both metals & mining companies and investors. "We are honoured to host senior executives and investors in the industry once again at our flagship event, reinforcing the thought leadership and deep sector knowledge associated with BMO Capital Markets," said Ilan Bahar, Co-Head of Global Metals and Mining, BMO Capital Markets. "The BMO Global Metals & Mining Conference is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the sector and this is no less true in times of the pandemic. Our firm has been a dominant force in metals and mining for more than a century, serving clients in achieving their strategic objectives," said Jamie Rogers, Co-Head of Global Metals and Mining, BMO Capital Markets. Amongst others, companies scheduled to present at the conference include: Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM) Alcoa (AA) Anglo American (AAL) (AAL) AngloGold Ashanti (ANG) Antofagasta (ANTO) (ANTO) B2Gold (BTO) Barrick Gold (ABX) (ABX) BHP Billiton (BLT) Boliden (BOL) Cameco (CCO) Cliffs (CLF) Endeavour Mining (EDV) Evolution Mining (EVN) First Quantum Minerals (FM) Franco- Nevada (FNV) (FNV) Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) Fortescue (FMG) Glencore (GLEN) Ivanhoe (IVN) Kinross Gold (KGC) (KGC) Kirkland Lake Gold (KL) (KL) Lundin Mining (LUN) Newcrest Mining (NCM) Newmont Mining (NEM) Northern Star (NST) Nucor (NUE) Nutrien (NTR) Osisko Gold Royalties (OR) Pan American Silver (PAAS) Polyus (PLZL) Rio Tinto (RIO) Royal Gold (RGLD) (RGLD) Sibanye-Stillwater (SGL) South32 (S32) Steel Dynamics (STLD) Teck Resources (TECK) Vale (VALE) Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM) Yamana (YRI) The conference is hosted by the BMO Capital Markets' Metals & Mining Equity Research team. The bank's metals & mining specialists are part of a team of equity analysts across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. that together cover approximately 920 equities globally. With 10 analysts dedicated to the sector, its Metals & Mining Equity Research team has one of the largest coverage universes of metals, mining and fertilizer companies in the world, with more than 150 companies under coverage. BMO Capital Markets has been advising companies in the metals & mining industry for more than a century. For twelve consecutive years, including this year, Global Finance Magazine has recognized BMO Capital Markets as the best investment bank for metals and mining in the world. News media who would like a copy of the agenda or to request an interview about the conference and market sentiment are asked to contact BMO Media Relations (information below). About BMO Capital Markets BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American-based financial services provider offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of products and services including equity and debt underwriting, corporate lending and project financing, mergers and acquisitions advisory services, securitization, treasury management, market risk management, debt and equity research and institutional sales and trading. With approximately 2,700 professionals in 33 locations around the world, including 19 offices in North America, BMO Capital Markets works proactively with clients to provide innovative and integrated financial solutions. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO) one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with $949 billion total assets as at October 31, 2020. SOURCE BMO Financial Group Related Links www.bmo.com There are first-class organisations offering support in times of bereavement, so why, in soapland, do people never consult experts? Its understandable that people want to see signs in the belief that their loved ones are still in touch with them; and in grief, its natural to cling to whatever gets you through the night. Its clear that Corries Leanne is in desperate need of professional help, following Olivers death. But not even Toyah, a qualified counsellor, can persuade her to get it. The week before last, EastEnders Jack was horrified to see that Max had contacted a clairvoyant. She talked a lot about Abis energy, insisting Abi was in the room and telling Max that it was OK to cry (please, no, Max). And four years ago, in Emmerdale, at the Woolpacks psychic night, dodgy Faith claimed to be channelling James, whose death Emma had brought about. There is a lot of death in soapland, but owing to the quick turnaround of storylines, there is little attention paid to the long-lasting nature of grief. Its a shame it cant be treated with the seriousness it deserves and let viewers know that so much help is available. EASTENDERS: PRIDE BEFORE A FALL Martin asks Ruby (pictured) about her 12-weeks scan, but she's just seven weeks gone in this week's EastEnders Rubys pregnancy saga has become very complicated. Martin didnt want babies and she did. Then she faked a pregnancy. Yesterday, she turned out to be pregnant for real. Now, theres another complication when Martin asks about the 12-week scan and the sonographer tells Ruby that shes seven weeks gone. How will she get out of this one? More to the point, how quickly can she get out of that hideous orange sweater? The man from Del Monte says nooo! The pregnancy takes another turn when Ruby has a setback and has to leave for the hospital; then theres a third trip there when, after an argument with Stacey, Ruby falls down the stairs. Talk about milking a set. While trying not to appear unbearably smug did I not say, weeks ago, that Kat and Phil belonged together and I could see it on the cards? Told yer! But how long will it last? Lets be honest, he could do worse. And has. After living under the shadow of Sharons eyelashes for so long, hell probably just be glad to see daylight. Sharon, however, is hopeful, until Phil tells her theyre over. Her tears will need pliers to escape from behind those eye shutters. CORONATION STREET: BLOOMING TROUBLE Peter, bearing flowers, (pictured) spirals into despair after hearing Carla and Lucas talking in Coronation Street Dont lurk. If theres one thing that nobody ever learns in soapland it is that nothing good ever comes from lurking around corners, listening in on conversations not meant for your ears. Peter, bearing flowers, is the latest victim, when he hears Carla and Lucas discussing sales figures (that old chestnut); but what are they really discussing that sends Peter into yet another spiral of despair? Suspecting that Carla has spent a night with her old flame, Peter sits down for a heart to heart and Carla wonders if its she whos driving Peter to drink. Hardly. He doesnt need much driving. Hed squeeze himself into a Dinky car if he thought it would get him to a pub before last orders. Carlas never sober enough to get behind the wheel, anyway; it would be a case of the blind drunk leading the blind drunker. Theres some much-needed light-heartedness when Mary and Dev try to impress Nina with a Cauliflower Wellington and a lesbian French film (theyre spoilt for choice on the movie front I Googled the genre, although Im not inspired to download Les Filles du Botaniste The Chinese Botanists Daughters anytime soon; Im just not a plant person). Although Ashas embarrassed, Ninas touched that theyve gone to such efforts. EMMERDALE: GENERATION GAMES Nicolas meddling makes Jimmy (pictured) think Carl has been kidnapped in Emmerdale Jimmy and Nicola have a lot to talk about when Nicolas meddling makes Jimmy think Carl has been kidnapped. Well, why wouldnt he? Just about everyone else in the village has been. Jimmy is determined that Juliette wont take Carl from the family, but methinks theres a lot more socially distanced tedious discussion to take place while that plot unravels (slowly think unravelling an Aran sweater rather than a scarf). Theres bonding between Cain and his son, as Nate becomes a dad when Tracy gives birth to a daughter. Lets hope the baby inherits more genes from her mothers side. WETHERSFIELD The father of an 18-year-old killed by a town police officer in 2019 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit and claims his sons civil rights were violated. The lawsuit names the town of Wethersfield and former Wethersfield Police Officer Layau Eulizier as defendants in the April 2019 shooting death of Anthony Vega-Cruz. Gary Evans, town manager for Wethersfield, said the town has not yet been served, adding that we wont take any action until or unless that happens. The suit seeks an unspecified amount of damages for Jose Vega-Cruz, the teens father, and attorney fees. It was filed last week by nationally-renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and his legal team. Eulizier shot and killed Anthony Vega-Cruz during a traffic stop on Silas Deane Highway on April 20, 2019. Nearly a year later, the shooting was ruled justified under Connecticut law by the States Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford. The shooting later sparked legislation preventing police from positioning themselves in front of a fleeing vehicle, and prohibiting officers from shooting into the vehicle unless there is an imminent threat of death. Euliziers actions and inactions ... heightened the risk of a deadly encounter, the lawsuit alleges. Eulizier failed to use reasonable caution in attempting to apprehend (Vega-Cruz). Vega-Cruz was killed after police tried to pull him over for illegal window tints and a license plate belonging to a different vehicle with a suspended registration, according to an incident report. According to the report, Vega-Cruz pulled over, but then sped away as the officer got out of his car, leading to a chase. Eulizier, who had been getting food when the call came over the radio, responded and struck the front end of the car with his police cruiser, the report said. Eulizier then got out of his cruiser and stood in front of Vega-Cruzs vehicle with his weapon drawn, according to the report and video footage of the incident. As the vehicle reversed, the officer fired two shots, one of which struck Vega-Cruz in the head, the report said. He was later pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital. The suit also claims that either the Wethersfield Police Department had an inadequate policy and training with regards to shooting at moving and occupied vehicles, or Eulizier violated the Wethersfield Police Departments policy and committed a felony. The lawsuit alleges Euliziers use of deadly force was unreasonable, and claims he acted with a conscious and reckless disregard of the just rights or safety of Vega-Cruz. A reasonable officer under similar circumstances would not have reasonably believed that the use of deadly force was necessary to effect an arrest or prevent the escape from custody of a person whom he reasonably believes to have committed an offense, or to defend himself or a third person from the use of imminent physical force while effecting or attempting to effect an arrest or while preventing or attempting to prevent escape, the suit claims. In other words, it was unreasonable for Eulizier to believe that the use of deadly force against (Vega-Cruz) was necessary to defend himself of a third person. According to the lawsuit, Euliziers use of his cruiser to stop the Infiniti violated Vega-Cruzs rights against unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment and 14th Amendment. The suit also claims Eulizier did not immediately provide medical care to Vega-Cruz. Eulizier resigned from the Wethersfield Police Department soon after the states attorneys report absolving him in the shooting was released. In his resignation letter, he maintained the shooting was in self-defense, the radio station WNPR reported at the time. Advertisement A French huntress sent death threats for her photos with dead animals has posed for a blood-covered selfie as she spoke about a recent 'glamorous' shooting outing in Britain. Johanna Clermont, 23, has received abuse online for posts featuring her trophy kills, including wild boar in the Pyrenees, antelope in South Africa and deer in Scotland. But the law student from Perpignan also has 300,000 fans on social media and believes it is important for a woman to bring 'glamour' to the male-dominated sport. She's been targeted by the French anti-hunting lobby but remains undeterred, paying a recent visit to the Highlands where deer blood was smeared across her face in a centuries-old tradition. And unlike the misogyny hurled at her by critics, she has never encountered sexism from men on shoots, adding that people are 'happy' when there is a woman in the group who knows how to hunt. Johanna Clermont, 23, posing for a selfie with deer blood smeared across her face, a hunting tradition, and holding up a haul of geese in Scotland (right) Ms Clermont posing with a male Iberian ibex, a wild goat native to Spain, and with another kill slung over her shoulders (right) Commenting on her chic social media image, Ms Clermont said that hunting itself was not glamorous but that 'glamourous is an attitude.' She said: 'You can go hunting and be pretty, brush your hair, wear a bit of make up if you want, and care about your clothes. I think you can be glamorous in hunting, of course. 'The practice in itself is not glamorous because going into nature to kill animals to eat is not glamorous, but in your attitude when you go hunting, yes of course you can be glamorous.' Ms Clermont, from Perpignan, posing in a vineyard with two barrels slung under her arm But she did stress that 'you have to be better when you are a woman, but that's something that is true in business too' and in many other areas typically dominated by men. She added: 'It's challenging, because you have to be better than the men, but that's cool, because you can do it!' Ms Clermont said that stalking deer in Scotland was a fascinating and challenging experience and that while the scenery was beautiful, saying it was 'to die for', she could have done without the rain. 'As a woman, I get cold easily,' she explained. The stag hunt involved 20 hours of walking over two days before they got the kill and was challenging because the lack of tree cover made it difficult to move undetected by the deer. On a previous visit to the country she joked that she had been hunting geese to defend the barley which is needed for making whisky. She added: 'A few years ago I went to the Orkney Islands and I went for the barley, because the geese were eating all the barley, so I went to defend the whiskey which needs the barley. So that was very cool.' The 23-year-old, who is studying law, changed her last name when she set up all of her social media accounts, a decision which has been very fortunate in hindsight due to the death threats she gets on a daily basis. Ms Clermont tries to eat everything that she kills - apart from vermin like foxes - and that when she has too much, she likes to share the meat with her friends and family. Her hunting philosophy is about 'being outside in nature and staying close to what we really are inside', and that being a good shot is key to being a good hunter, so as to avoid any needless suffering. She says that skinning animals and learning to cook them is 'part of the journey' and essential to hunting. Being a good shot, she said, is important for two key reasons: first to ensure the animal does not suffer, secondly because 'just like in the business world', women need to be better than men to 'get respect'. Ms Clermont during her recent hunting trip to Scotland (left) and cutting up a deer (right). The stag hunt involved 20 hours of walking over two days before they got the kill and was challenging because the lack of tree cover made it difficult to move undetected by the deer. Ms Clermont, from Perpignan, has 300,000 fans on social media and believes it is important for a woman to bring 'glamour' to the male-dominated sport Ms Clermont aiming her scoped rifle. She owns a variety of weapons including shotguns and high-powered rifled. Being a good shot, she said, is important for two key reasons: first to ensure the animal does not suffer, secondly because 'just like in the business world', women need to be better than men to 'get respect'. The 23-year-old law student posing with a kill (left) and with one of her rifles (right) Ms Clermont after shooting an antelope in South Africa (left) and taking a selfie after taking down another animal in Europe (right) Ms Clermon and friends posing with dead geese (left) and holding a dead duck (right). She said: 'A few years ago I went to the Orkney Islands and I went for the barley, because the geese were eating all the barley, so I went to defend the whiskey which needs the barley. So that was very cool.' Ms Clermont posing with a stag in the Scottish Highlands. She stalked the animal through the wilderness for two days before making the kill Commenting on her chic social media image, Ms Clermont said that hunting itself was not glamorous but that 'glamourous is an attitude.' She said: 'You can go hunting and be pretty, brush your hair, wear a bit of make up if you want, and care about your clothes. I think you can be glamorous in hunting, of course. 'The practice in itself is not glamorous because going into nature to kill animals to eat is not glamorous, but in your attitude when you go hunting, yes of course you can be glamorous.' As for her detractors, she said: 'Don't insult me!' She added: 'If they don't like hunting, they don't go hunting. And that's it, voila!' She described her first ever kill as 'a very strong moment.' 'I thought I was going to feel guilty but I didn't feel guilty because I felt like it was something very natural,' she said. 'My first animal was a wild boar and it didn't suffer, and when I saw it dead, I was like, 'yes, OK, that's the way life is and that's the way nature goes'.' Ms Clermont, who said she now owns 'quite a few!' guns, added: 'It's not a hard moment, it's more of a moment when you think a lot about life.' She also said that she had 'thought a lot about what I did but it was not like sadness or something like that, it was a positive emotion. Like, if I want to eat meat, nowadays you can go to the shop and buy some pieces of meat and you do not know what is really in it. 'When you go hunting and you kill your own food, yes, there is a kind of pleasure that you feel.' She said that it was about being immersed in nature and being in control of where your food comes from, adding: 'It's natural, organic. And it tastes different!' Ms Clermont and friends pose with their rifles, dogs and a dead snimal during an outing in Europe Ms Clermont enjoys 'many different kinds of hunting. I like small game hunting, I like big game hunting, I like duck hunting, partridge hunting, wild boar hunting, driven hunts, stalking So I have to own one type of weapon per kind of hunt, to be appropriate. But yes, I like firearms, definitely!' Ms Clermont and a friend holding the horns of an Iberian ibex on a hunting trip to Spain Ms Clermont speaks to press at a gun expo in the United States. She has visited the gun-friendly country and enjoyed firing high calibre weapons on ranges Asked what advice she had for people who were not hunters but who were interested in finding out more about it, Johanna, who is from the city of Perpignan in the south of France, said it was important to make friends who are hunters and join a community because there is so much to take on board. Being part of a group is a great way to learn all the rules, she said. Discussing whether or not younger hunters are different to older generations, Ms Clermont said that they are basically the same but the new generation is more comfortable sharing stories and images of their experiences online and communicating with other people. She said: 'I think the younger generation is more sensitive to communication and the image you spread on social media.' She added that people were more comfortable and less secretive about discussing their passion and that there are more women hunters nowadays too. Ms Clermont enjoys 'many different kinds of hunting. I like small game hunting, I like big game hunting, I like duck hunting, partridge hunting, wild boar hunting, driven hunts, stalking So I have to own one type of weapon per kind of hunt, to be appropriate. But yes, I like firearms, definitely!' She confessed that while shotguns were always 'fun', she takes her performance as a hunter very seriously and therefore prefers to shoot with a 'stalking rifle with a scope'. Asked what advice she had for people who were not hunters but who were interested in finding out more about it, Ms Clermont said it was important to make friends who are hunters and join a community because there is so much to take on board. Being part of a group is a great way to learn all the rules, she said. Ten cubicles have been set up so 10 people can be vaccinated at any one time. There is also a dedicated reception, observation area and pharmacy on-site. In seven days, weve gone from a departure lounge to quite a state-of-the-art vaccination hub, said Kylie Roper, manager of the new vaccination unit. Rachel Hogben, nurse manager of the intensive care unit at Monash Medical Centre, will be one of the first to get the vaccine. On Friday they went through a dry run of the procedure. Credit:David Caird/Pool image Victoria will initially receive 11,000 doses of Pfizers vaccine every week to vaccinate 170,000 frontline workers including staff working in the states troubled hotel quarantine system. This is a very important milestone arguably the beginning of the end of the pandemic, Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said on Friday. But that does not mitigate the need for us to continue all of the measures that we have in place. Social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitising. All of these measures will remain important for some time yet. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will get his jab from his local doctor when its his turn. Im very keen to see frontline workers get it, and those that are at the highest risk, Mr Andrews said on Friday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would receive the Pfizer vaccine very, very soon, during the first stages of the rollout. Other political leaders, including federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, will wait for the AstraZeneca vaccine, expected to be available from March. Pfizer vaccination hubs have been set up by Austin Health, Monash Health and Western Health, who are leading efforts to deliver the initial vaccines to Victorias most at-risk workers and vulnerable populations, including those living in aged care homes. Monash Health has the capacity to store about 180,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which was the first COVID-19 vaccine to get regulatory approval in Australia. Vials of Pfizer must be kept at minus 70 degrees. Professor Stuart estimates that more than 100 healthcare workers, along with dozens of aged care residents, will be vaccinated on Monday. The vaccinations of hotel quarantine and other workers will be staggered to ensure masses of staff are not off work sick at the same time, amid warnings from the Therapeutic Goods Administration which last week approved use of the Pfizer vaccine in Australia that it may come with some short-term side-effects. A Pfizer hub strictly for healthcare workers has been set up at the Austin Hospital, with plans to vaccinate more than 10,000 people in the coming months. Western Health is overseeing hospital vaccinations hubs at Sunshine Hospital, and at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Parkville. Loading We are expecting the vaccine to arrive at the Sunshine Hospital on Sunday and then we will transport [a small amount] early Monday to the airport said Shane Crowe, Western Healths executive director of nursing and midwifery . Healthcare workers in coronavirus wards, intensive care units and emergency departments, as well as in laboratories handling COVID-19 swabs and screening clinics, will all begin being vaccinated on Monday morning. Once the vaccine is taken out of an ultra-cold freezer it can be thawed and stored for up to five days in an ordinary fridge, meaning authorities will have to move quickly to administer all available doses among priority groups. When we take the vial out of the ordinary vaccine fridge, we have to prepare it and use it within six hours, Professor Stuart said. So we have strict procedures about drawing up the vaccines at the right time so that it will get used within that six-hour period. To reduce wastage, the vaccine hub at Monash Medical Centre will book in healthcare workers early in the morning, from 7.30am, seven days a week. This will allow us to catch some of our night-time staff before they go home and so we are not having queues of people waiting and we make sure we use all our vials properly, she said. The first vaccines in regional Victoria will be administered by Barwon Health in Geelong and Portland. Pfizer hubs are also being established in Ballarat, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Sale and the Latrobe Valley. Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said plans were under way to immunise 1000 healthcare workers, aged care residents, and port of entry workers next week. Loading The second phase of the rollout, involving the AstraZeneca vaccine, aims to inoculate 6.1 million people, including anyone aged over 70, younger adults with underlying health conditions, and other high-risk workers. Professor Athan confirmed Geelongs former Ford factory was being considered as a site for large-scale vaccinations. The Ford building looks quite promising because its vacant and it just needs refurbishment, he said. That would be a mass vaccination facility for the general public. Ms Roper previously managed the Melbourne Showgrounds COVID-19 testing station and on Monday will be one of the first people in Australia to receive the Pfizer vaccine, as vaccinators begin inoculating each other. Ministers are 'increasingly positive' that foreign summer holidays will be possible this year amid hopes vaccine passports will soon make international travel 'straightforward'. There is said to be growing optimism in Whitehall that trips abroad will be allowed in the coming months. It is thought some countries could require proof of vaccination as a condition for quarantine-free travel in the future. As a result, the Government is working on plans which would allow Brits to ask for a vaccine certificate to show to border officials. However, ministers warned this morning that they 'cannot give guarantees' and urged the nation to wait for Boris Johnson to unveil his lockdown exit roadmap on Monday next week. There is growing optimism in Whitehall that summer holidays abroad could be possible this year. The Greek goverment wants British tourists back from May. Tigaki beach is pictured in Kos, Greece Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his eagerly-anticipated lockdown exit strategy next Monday International travel is banned during the current national lockdown unless it is absolutely essential. But a Whitehall source told The Times: 'It's looking increasingly positive on summer holidays. 'Once the vaccination passport system is set up it should be straightforward. That won't be easy, but we can see the way ahead.' The newspaper said that Mr Johnson's exit strategy will not include a timeline for the return of holidays abroad. It is expected to contain broad aims on how ministers want to get the travel industry back on its feet. However, a Government source expressed caution and said it is 'too early' to say for certain that foreign holidays will be possible this summer. The source said: 'There are so many variables over the next few weeks - the rollout of the vaccination programme, what that means for transmission, what happens to case numbers as we open up.' The Government is already in talks with countries like Greece about how to resume quarantine-free travel. The Greek government wants British tourists to start returning as early as May and it has agreed a trial scheme with Israel which will allow people who have been vaccinated to travel freely. A senior Greek tourism official said the deal is a 'prototype and preamble for future deals' with other countries like the UK. They said: 'Obviously all eyes are on these talks with British authorities as Britons account for the most lucrative market of travellers.' Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly said it would be 'wrong' for him to speculate on whether summer holidays will be allowed this year. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, he said: 'The Prime Minister will be setting out exactly what restrictions we are able to ease and when in as much detail as he is able. 'But we cannot give guarantees because that is not how viruses work. Our vaccination programme, our current set of restrictions have been effective, we know that. We are currently assessing how effective and what the implications might be of certain options. 'But ultimately we want to open up society, the economy as much as we are able but only on the condition that it is safe to do so.' Airline bosses have urged Mr Johnson to set out a detailed plan for resuming international travel He added: 'I get how frustrating this is, it's completely natural. We all want to get a break from this, I get that. But it would wrong for me to start speculating now. 'We are assessing the numbers, we are making a judgment based on the science and we will be making an announcement on Monday. I can't go further than that.' It comes after bosses from leading UK airlines called on the Prime Minister to outline a recovery road map for the industry so they can plan for the summer. The chief executives of British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Loganair, Ryanair, Tui and Virgin Atlantic warned that without a clear indication of intent from the Government that aviation will restart in the coming months, the UK faces a year of limited connectivity to the rest of the world, and the economic recovery will be hampered. They said that when the Prime Minister makes his announcement on the lockdown next week, a road map would be critical for airlines and consumers to help them plan for the summer and pave the way for the safe reopening of international travel. NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against GTT Communications, Inc. ("GTT" or the "Company") (NYSE: GTT) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court for the Central District of California, and docketed under 21-cv-00839, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired GTT publicly traded securities from May 5, 2016 through November 9, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Plaintiff alleges that Defendants violated the Exchange Act by publishing false and misleading statements to artificially inflate the Company's stock price. If you are a shareholder who purchased GTT securities during the Class Period, you have until March 15, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] GTT operates a global communications network, providing telecommunications services to large, multinational enterprises, carriers, and governments across five continents. Throughout the Class Period, GTT stated that its internal controls over financial reporting were "effective" and provided "reasonable assurance" that all required information was being disclosed. In truth, GTT's internal controls over financial reporting were inadequate, which led to years of inaccurate financial reporting, including failing to make adequate adjustments to the Company's Cost of Telecommunication Services and failing to recognize certain expenses. As a result of GTT's inadequate internal controls, the Company announced after market hours on August 10, 2020 that it would delay the filing of its quarterly report for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. The Company stated it had identified "certain issues related to the recording and reporting of Cost of Telecommunications Services and related internal controls." On this news, GTT shares fell by $0.65, or over 11%, from closing at $5.61 on August 10, 2020 to close at $4.96 on August 11, 2020. On November 9, 2020, the Company announced its quarterly report for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 would be delayed as well. The Company stated the delay was caused by the ongoing review and "examining the accounting for Cost of Telecommunications Services and [. . .] a number of issues in connection with the Company's previously issued financial statements[.]" On this news, GTT shares fell by $0.04, or 1%, to close at $3.96 on November 9, 2020. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com Green light to European mediation for a meeting that brings together the world powers and Iran on the JCPOA. According to a senior EU diplomat it is a "critical moment" and the opportunities for dialogue must be grasped. Biden eases travel restrictions for Iranian diplomats at the UN and blocks his predecessor's efforts on UN sanctions. Washington (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The United States has given the green light to talks that also involve Tehran and the world powers, with the aim of relaunching the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal (JCPOA) dissolved by Donald Trump.. In recent weeks, there have been repeated appeals to the Islamic Republic with the aim of reopening the negotiating table to limit the ayatollahs' nuclear program in exchange for the reduction of international punitive measures, with the role of mediator entrusted to Europe. The new administration led by Democrat Joe Biden has expressed the desire to restart dialogue with its Iranian counterpart. Yesterday the White House promised to engage with Tehran to rebuild the agreement and State Department spokesman Ned Price added that the US has accepted the EU invitation to meet with Iran. This is a turning point after years of stark opposition, seasoned with threats, sanctions and guerrilla actions, so much so that one of the European negotiators, Enrique Mora, speaks of a "critical moment" to relaunch the JCPOA. So far there have been no official responses from Iran, but the moderate government front led by President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif could welcome the opening, despite a superficial lack of interest shown most recently. Since Trump's electoral defeat in November, the Rouhani and Zarif duo have promoted intense diplomatic work to restore the agreement and ease punitive measures. In May 2018, outgoing US President Donald Trump ordered the United States pull out from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed by his predecessor Barack Obama in 2015, despite the opposition of the international community. Trump followed the withdrawal by imposing the toughest sanctions in history against Iran. The decision has negatively impacted the Iranian economy as noted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Covid 19 emergency only worsened the situation for the population. In response, Tehran threatened to resume uranium enrichment for civilian purposes and has already surpassed uranium reserves. Analysts and experts underline that the green light for the talks from Washington is the first, substantial step between the two nations in a perspective of dialogue and diplomacy after dark years. The goal is to agree on a meeting, organized by the European Union which has the role of mediator, to end the impasse over who should take the first step between the US and Iran. In a further sign of good faith, the Biden administration eased severe travel restrictions for UN-accredited Iranian diplomats and overturned Trump's efforts to restore all sanctions adopted by the United Nations against the Islamic Republic. Still on the subject of US sanctions, however, the White House is waiting for of a signal of openness from the Iranian counterpart, starting with the response to the official invitation to the negotiating table before the revocation (or relaxation) of these measures. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... The film Sound of Metal starts with the uncomfortably loud noises of guitar feedback and ends two hours later with absolute silence. The trip through those extremes is a worthy one, if sometimes exasperating. British actor and rapper Riz Ahmed absolutely shines as Ruben Stone, an American punk-metal drummer whose life is upended when he abruptly loses his hearing while on tour. Eliminate all exposure to loud noises, a doctor advises Ruben. Thats not so easy. Hes a punk-metal drummer, after all. Loud noises are what he does. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The diagnosis threatens Stones livelihood but also his four-year streak at sobriety. His girlfriend and bandmate (a superb Olivia Cooke) persuades him to drive their Airstream across the country to a rehab facility that specializes in deaf addicts. There he must leave her and learn how to be deaf. And thats where most films would end. But thats not what director and co-writer Darius Marder is after in his feature directorial debut. Yes, theres a discussion of cochlear implants and how some in the deaf community see them as a betrayal, but deafness isnt what Sound of Metal is about. Its about belonging. Marder, who wrote the screenplay with his brother, Abraham Marder, takes far too long to get to his points in a sluggish middle but has crafted a quite lyrical tale of a man trying to find his way when everything he knows is taken away. Our heros backstory isnt revealed until the 100-minute mark, and there are too few clues to whats churning in his interior life. But Ahmed is a revelation, another notch for a rising star. Watching his character take in and process information is riveting. Listening to him lost in silence and despairing with his big, expressive eyes is devastating. Sound of Metal is also the first film youll see where youll want to instantly find out who oversaw the sound design. That would be Nicolas Becker. His team jumps in and out of the world of hearing, creating scrapes, choppy distortions and muffles in the twilight between those worlds that feel just out of reach. The film has been subtitled so it can be experienced by both the hearing and deaf communities. At the rehab facility, our drummer goes through the difficult process of rebuilding his life. Without a language in the deaf world, he is doubly lost. He learns American Sign Language with deaf elementary school kids and becomes a sort of big brother to them. He also becomes a helpful part of the adult recovery group, drawing tattoos and following the demands of the facility owner (a terrific Paul Raci) to sit every day with a pen and paper and write his feelings out. Ruben seems to have found his way. Youve become very important to a lot of people around here, the rehab head tells him. But Ruben is really an undercover agent he hasnt given up on the world of the hearing. The film has another, unexpected chapter, one set in Paris and, to be honest, its not seamlessly attached. Reunited with his girlfriend, Ruben now has to decide where he really fits. And if he can just enjoy the silence. Sound of Metal 3 stars RATED: R (language throughout and brief nude images) WHEN: Now streaming WHERE: Amazon Prime Video YOU might not know this, but in the early 1900s, our city fathers decided that their bald Prairie town needed beautifying, so they shelled out the cash to transplant elm seedlings from the riverbanks to city boulevards and parks. Opinion YOU might not know this, but in the early 1900s, our city fathers decided that their bald Prairie town needed beautifying, so they shelled out the cash to transplant elm seedlings from the riverbanks to city boulevards and parks. Those trees now comprise one of the largest urban forests on the Canadian Prairies and the biggest elm canopy in North America. That forest has become an integral part of the citys identity we Winnipeggers love our trees, and not just because theyre beautiful and provide a safe and welcoming refuge during this horrendous pandemic. Many of us know that this extraordinary forest offers other even more valuable services, from storing carbon and improving health to lowering energy costs just a few of the reasons why its valued at more than $3 billion. But Winnipeggers like me are also becoming increasingly alarmed as we watch thousands of mature elm trees coming down 8,000 in total, just last year and contemplate the loss of the citys 350,000 ash trees over the next decade, thanks to pests such as the emerald ash borer and cottony psyllid. That sense of alarm is equally matched by feelings of anger and frustration at governments that continue to underfund, or fail to fund, urban forestry a failure that contributed to the devastation we saw during the sudden-snowstorm "Tree-mageddon" in October 2019 and has resulted in a 60 per cent backlog in tree replacement in Winnipeg. Yes, thats correct: for every two trees removed in Winnipeg, fewer than one is replaced, thanks to inadequate city funding. And with the recent resurgence in Dutch elm disease, not to mention climate change and unbridled urban expansion, were looking at huge additional losses a predicted 50 to 60 per cent reduction in our mature canopy over the next 10 to 20 years. But the city isnt the only level of government thats financially culpable here. Canada is one of the few G7 members that has no policy or funding program aimed at the protection and preservation of mature urban forests. The Manitoba government does provide assistance to research, monitor and slow the spread of pests and disease, and contributes some funds for Dutch elm tree removals. But it doesnt spend a penny on replacing the thousands of diseased trees that are cut down, nor does it finance efforts to diversify the forest something that would prevent any one pest from wiping out huge swaths of our trees in the future. In fact, the only time the feds and the province shell out significant amounts of cash is when a tree disaster strikes, such as the October 2019 storm. And herein lies the problem: had the $10-million-plus spent on storm cleanup been spent, in advance, on urban forest maintenance such as pruning, much of the disaster could have been avoided. So, whats the answer? Well, as the federal and provincial governments consult the public in preparation for their upcoming 2021 budgets, and Winnipeg puts the finishing touches on its 20-year Urban Forestry Strategy, they might want to consider this: For the past 30 years, bio-economists have been trying to get our attention with a novel idea trees, they argue, are natural assets, with quantifiable value, just like roads and bridges, and should be seen as urban infrastructure eligible for ongoing sustainable investment. And urban forests, unlike your average road, actually appreciate in value over time. The older the tree, the more carbon it sequesters, the more shade it provides to offset energy costs and the more rain water it drinks up water that would otherwise flood our storm sewer systems. In other words, the older the tree, the more work it does. For us. So if trees are infrastructure, why dont urban forests qualify for the same level of multi-government investment as roads or sewers or even electric buses? Its a good question, and one that needs to be answered quickly, because cities such as Winnipeg cant go it alone in addressing these problems anymore. Our urban forest is reaching a tipping point, and in order to save what we can and replace what we cant, we need matching funds from all levels of government. Because heres the thing: if 50 per cent of our mature trees go, then half of the more than $3 billion in value they provide will disappear along with them. Not to mention a much-loved asset thats taken us more than a 120 years to grow. Erna Buffie is a filmmaker and a member of Trees Please Winnipeg. For more information, please visit the Trees Please Winnipeg Facebook page. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the convocation ceremony of the Viswa Bharati University today through video conferencing, where he talked about the establishment and the foundation of the university, and how it follows the ideals of Gurudev Tagore PM Modi addressed the convocation ceremony through video conferencing in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said, "It would have been good if I had come there personally to take part in the ceremony today but due to the new rules I am taking part in this event through video conferencing." Talking about the establishment of the university, Prime Minister Modi said, "There is no boundary for creativity- with this thought, Gurudev led the foundation of the university." However, what stood out from his speech for a lot of people on the internet was one of his statements. If your intentions are pure and your loyalty is to 'Ma Bharati', your every decision will take you towards solutions, PM Modi was quoted as saying. If your intentions are pure and your loyalty is to 'Ma Bharati', your every decision will take you towards solutions: PM Modi Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 19, 2021 This was met with a lot of confusion and was followed by a wave of memes and jokes on the micro-blogging site. Check out some of the reactions here: Ma Bharati or Uma Bharati?! Soham Mukherjee (@isohamm) February 19, 2021 TIL that Nita Ambani is 'Ma Bharti'. null device (@agarwal_mohit) February 19, 2021 Chacha ye kehna chahte hain ki mehangayi desh hit me hai aur sawal mat karo. Md Zeeshan (@Iluvshaan) February 19, 2021 Ma Bharati, would you please elaborate who this is. Till now only heard Bharat Mata Suresh Kumar (@SureshKumar0687) February 19, 2021 Towards final Solution ??? tarun singh (@tarunsingh2210) February 19, 2021 Apart from PM Modi, West Bengal Government Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal were also in attendance at the ceremony. Let us know if you agree with Modi Jis opinion or not in the space below. Apple was interviewed by a senior student yesterday by a Beijing University student by the name of He Shijie. Below are just a few interesting exchanges from that interview. Cook was really excited to tell Shijie and his audience that he really believed that 2020 was their top year of innovation ever. And when Shijie praised the performance of his new M1-based MacBook Air, Cook interjected by saying, "It's kind of jaw-dropping isn't it." Cook added, for most "it was unexpected. It screams so fast." Shijie: "But creating new things every year must be a very stressful process for you guys. How do you guys do it? How does Apple prepare for all those new things every year? Cook: "You know there's no one formula for innovation, but what we do is we have a culture of creativity and a culture of collaboration and these two things together, when they intersect, create enormous innovation. You know, you put people together that have different skills, that look at the world differently, maybe they're from different places, they have different backgrounds. Some are software and hardware experts, some are in services. Some may be musicians and artists. But when you put them all together on a common purpose, to design an incredible product, it's amazing what can come out of it. Cook added: "Putting people together that are diverse in an inclusive kind of environment where people can feed off of one another, feed off the energy and you pick people that care enough, that really want to develop the best products in the world. People that care enough to call somebody up at midnight when they've just had a great idea. Because they know that if they'd share the idea that they can make that idea go further. One plus one has always been more than two at Apple. When asked if there were any features on Apple products based on Chinese consumer feedback, Cook replied: "Oh, there's a ton of features there that are. Whether it's specific keyboards, whether it's the QR Code mode. 5G, in a lot of ways, was energized in China because China is so far ahead in the coverage model for 5G. Night mode was another one where the inspiration for Night Mode came from China. And so we listen very carefully to our customers there and wind up creating things based on that and then given to the world. So yeah, we get a lot of feedback from China." Shijie went on to ask Cook about what was his most memorable part of his visits to China. Cook replied: "Well, I always love interfacing with people. And so love to go to our stores to talk to customers to see what's on their minds. I love the history in China, and the arts. Last year, I went to the Palace Museum in Beijing. They were celebrating their 600th anniversary. This for me, is unbelievable because there's nothing in the U.S. that's, obviously 600 years old. And it was so fantastic being there. The Modern Art Museum in Shanghai is another place that was incorporating augmented reality into their exhibits. Fantastic. But if I say one thing, it's about the people. It's meeting people. It's meeting developers to see what they're working on. There's some incredible entrepreneurs in China that are pushing the envelope and really doing incredible work." Cook added: It's customers, and seeing what customers do with our products. The largest reward we get for our work is seeing what other people do with it. You know, like yourself, you use our produces n your work and I'm so excited to understand what your process is." Shijie shifted his next question at something down to earth. "Like many rural children in China, they don't have access to all of those advanced technologies to help them learn. But you are the Tsinghua Board Chair. What's your advice making sure that education is accessible to everyone?' Cook: "Well, it's an honor and privilege to be the SEM Board Chair. I'm having a great time doing that and meeting many of the students there. The talent in the student body is unbelievable. And so it's a real privilege. We've always viewed at Apple that education is the great equalizer of people. And so in China, we're helping with the CDRF [China Development Research Foundation] and they're focused on raising children out of poverty. That means for us, providing our technology out in schools. And we've been really impressed with what we've seen there. We've designed curricula, like Everyone Can Create and Everyone Can Code. And we've just given it away for everyone because we believe that coding and creativity are two of the important skill of the future." Shijie was curious to know what Apple's CEO was really passionate about regarding his work: "Is that an innate passion that you were born with or is it something that was slowly developed during your work process?" Cook: "Well, I think you have to feed it, like you have to feed yourself and so forth. You have to ensure that you're constantly working on it. And the way that I do that is I surround myself with people I love to work with. And if you surround yourself with people like that you love to work with, then you feed off their energy. If you talk to young people a lot, the younger generation is idealistic and believe that they can change the world, which they can. And we believe we can change the world for the better. So it's that belief that gets me up every morning and to charge again to sort of ask the question of what am I doing for other people? And if you keep asking yourself that over and over it will drive you. It will provide the magnetic field that it takes to keep moving forward." Lastly, Shijie asked: "Is there any advice that you want to give to graduate students in how to find a job that they actually like?" Cook: "Well, you know, my old boss, Steve Jobs, said something very profound. He said, 'You'll know it when you find it. And if you haven't found it yet, you should keep looking,' because you want the passion. You want to feel this passion that you're working for a good reason that what you're doing matters in the world; that is, you're making a difference in the world. And if you find that, it makes all the difference in the world. And you will know it when you find it because your will feel it. You'll be able to get up every morning and feel refreshed and charged up, ready to go again. And if you don't, you won't. And so I would say to everyone out there, that if they haven't found it yet, to keep looking. Stay curious and you will find it." For more, watch the full video interview here. LIMA : After Perus death toll from Covid-19 surged last fall, nearly 500 politically connected people, including then-President Martin Vizcarra, were secretly given a Chinese vaccine, according to Perus government. The revelation that government consultants, lobbyists, cabinet ministers and the former president and his family were inoculated starting in Septemberbefore the vaccine was approved by Peruvian authoritieshas resulted in a roiling scandal now dubbed Vaccine Gate. Perus health minister and other top officials have resigned, and prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into what happened with the 2,000 undisclosed shots from a Chinese government-owned company. I feel outraged and furious with this situation," said President Francisco Sagasti, who took over the presidency after Mr. Vizcarra was impeached in November. Those who have been involved in these totally improper and inappropriate acts wont have a place in my government." Last week, Peru announced the first vaccines had arrived, and a batch was taken to Limas Archbishop Loayza Hospital to inject into doctors. The line-jumping here came as powerful politicians, well-connected officials, and the wealthy in countries around the world are finding ways to secure vaccines ahead of the most vulnerable. Perus scandal also highlights the risk of wrongdoing in a multibillion-dollar vaccine market as China competes with other nations to sell its shots to poor, developing countries. In some Latin American, African and Asian countries with deep-rooted corruption, officials are taking advantage of the lack of oversight to benefit themselves and people close to them. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Dutertes security detail got Covid-19 vaccines last year before their use was authorized. And in Uganda, members of President Yoweri Musevenis inner circle were offered vaccines. In Uganda as in Peru, the vaccines were from China state-owned drugmaker Sinopharm. Peruvian prosecutors said this week they had opened a criminal probe into Mr. Vizcarra and others, including whether the vaccines were a form of kickback or unlawful negotiation between the government and vaccine-maker. The vaccines were initially sent by Sinopharm to a Peruvian university carrying out a clinical trial. Peru signed a contract with Sinopharm in January to buy 38 million vaccine doses. Sinopharm didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. In Peru, the Chinese embassy said it didnt know who got the vaccines and it rejected the notion that the shots were a perk in exchange for the contract. The embassy said it reaffirms its will to strengthen China-Peru relations." The extra doses sent by Sinopharm also included 1,200 shots for Chinas embassy, Perus government said. Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, said Wednesday at a United Nations conference that China never seeks economic benefits or political conditions from its vaccines. The vaccines initially arrived at Limas Cayetano Heredia University, which is conducting a clinical trial on the Sinopharm shots. In addition to the vaccines it received for 12,000 volunteers in the double-blind trial, the university said Sinopharm also sent an extra batch of doses. Those were intended for researchers and other people involved in the trial, the university said. The university said in a statement that it was collaborating with authorities and had created its own commission to investigate the use of the vaccines. It said the governments national health institute had authorized the university to import the extra doses. But the vaccine at the time hadnt been approved by Peruvian health authorities for use outside of the clinical trial. Victor Zamora, a medical doctor who was Perus health minister at the start of the pandemic, called it a grave ethical violation for researchers to use an unauthorized vaccine on themselves while testing it on others. It is a completely irregular action," said Dr. Zamora, who stepped down as minister in July. This is another face of the profound cancer in Peruvian society, which is corruption." Many of the vaccines were given to people outside of the study, according to a list of 487 vaccine recipients published by the government. Health Ministry officials who got the vaccine said they were invited by the university, while a doctor leading the clinical trial, German Malaga, said the government determined which officials would receive the shot. The owner of a Chinese restaurant was given a vaccine, according to the list. The health ministers chauffeur got a shot. The papal ambassador to Peru, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, was immunized. Dr. Malagas 22-year-old daughter was inoculated. His wife got three doses, which Dr. Malaga said was done to see if it improved the vaccines protection. Perus scandal has shocked even the most jaded voters here accustomed to powerful politicians taking kickbacks in exchange for lucrative public-works contracts. Several ex-presidents and over half of lawmakers in Congress are facing criminal investigations. But Peruvians say this scandal is a particularly cynical scheme in a country that has suffered one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks, with more than 43,000 confirmed deaths. Perus level of excess deathsthe number of people who have died during the pandemic compared with normal yearsranks the country as the worlds hardest hit by some estimates. We are accustomed in Peru to live from one corruption scandal to another corruption scandal, but something like this is still really shocking," said Samuel Rotta, director of Peruvian anticorruption organization ProEtica. This is going to further undermine confidence in the state, in the authorities, in politics and the elite." Doctors and nurses who have toiled on the front lines during the pandemic say their elation over the arrival of the first batch of 300,000 Sinopharm vaccines last week quickly turned to anger. It is really a betrayal," said Rosa Lopez, a doctor in the intensive care unit at Limas Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen Hospital. Dr. Malaga said he agreed to provide Mr. Vizcarra with a courtesy" vaccine at the presidential palace on Oct. 2 to protect the head of state. He said he never intended to profit or win political favors by handing out the vaccines. I acted in good faith," Dr. Malaga told lawmakers Tuesday. Im not a vaccine dealer." Dr. Malaga, who was suspended from the Sinopharm trial on Wednesday, didnt respond to requests for comment. Dr. Malagas account contradicts Mr. Vizcarras telling of how he came to receive two doses of the Sinopharm vaccine. The former president, who is now running for Congress, said he was a volunteer in the universitys trial. The university said he didnt participate in the study. Mr. Vizcarra, whose spokeswoman didnt respond to requests for comment, has said he didnt know about the extra doses and wasnt aware that other officials were vaccinated. He blamed his political opponents for the scandal. Does that seem unbelievable?" Mr. Vizcarra told reporters. Well, its the truth." The secret vaccinations were revealed when Peruvian media reported last week that Mr. Vizcarra received two doses in October, when he was head of state and before the vaccines use was approved. His wife and brother were also immunized, according to the government list of people who got the shots. Foreign Relations Minister Elizabeth Astete, who was in charge of negotiations to buy vaccines, was another high-ranking official included in the list. She resigned after saying her decision to get the vaccine was a mistake, even though her well-being was key to ensure the rest of the country gets the shots. She didnt respond to an email seeking comment. I couldnt have the luxury of becoming ill," she wrote in her resignation letter. The health minister, Pilar Mazzetti, also stepped down. Days earlier, Dr. Mazzetti said she would wait to get a vaccine after all medical staff had been inoculated. She later explained that she took the vaccine in January over fear of becoming ill as new infections surge. It was the worst mistake of my life," Dr. Mazzetti said in a letter of apology to the public. She didnt respond to phone calls seeking comment. Nicholas Bariyo in Kampala contributed to this article. Write to Ryan Dube at ryan.dube@dowjones.com 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!! 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. Texas SenatorTed Cruz continues to face fierce pushback over the timing of his trip to Mexico amid the winter weather crisis in his home state, with leaked text messages from his wife revealing that she had extended an invitation to her neighbours to join them on their getaway to Cancun. Senator Cruz, who arrived at the airport with a large suitcase on Wednesday, is being criticised for going on a holiday with his family even as his state constituents were struggling without steady electricity, heat and running water in the middle of record-breaking cold temperatures. In a statement released 12 hours after he was seen boarding the flight to Cancun, Mr Cruz said that he took a spontaneous trip to appease his daughters. But the purported text messages sent by Ms Cruz paints a different picture from the one offered by her husband. In the texts obtained by the New York Times, Heidi Cruz reportedly told neighbours on a group thread on Wednesday that her home was FREEZING as she invited them to join the Cruz family on a trip to the Ritz-Carlton resort in Cancun, adding that they had stayed there many times. Anyone can or want to leave for the week? she wrote, according to the NYT. We may go to Cancun. In the reported texts, Ms Cruz detailed the plan to stay at the Ritz-Carlon in Cancun from Wednesday to Sunday. The resort costs $309 per night, she told the group. Though Senator Cruz abandoned the trip amid calls for his resignation but, so far, neither the lawmaker nor his wife has commented on the reported messages. Offering an explanation for flying out amid the winter weather crisis in his home state, senator Cruz admitted to reporters that it was obviously a mistake. Whether the decision to go was tone-deaf, look, it was obviously a mistake, and in hindsight, I wouldnt have done it. I was trying to be a dad, Mr Cruz said. And all of us have made decisions when youve got two girls whove been cold for two days and havent had heat or power, and theyre saying, Hey look we dont have school, lets get out of here. I think there are a lot of parents thatd be like, if I can do this, great, he said. Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, announces that Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Janice Weinman will step down after nine years as the organization's leader, effective July 1. During her tenure at Hadassah, Weinman worked in partnership with the National Board of Hadassah to help the organization realize its mission to support Israel; facilitate the work of the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), the organization's two hospitals in Jerusalem; fight anti-Semitism; and advance the cause of women's health. Under her leadership, Hadassah played a critical rol... Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is learnt to have issued instructions to all departments to submit budgetary proposals to the finance department, keeping in mind the funds required to meet present as well as future needs. (Photo: Twitter@TelanganaCMO) Hyderabad: The Telangana government will not cut spending on welfare schemes in the upcoming annual budget, despite financial constraints on account of Coronavirus pandemic and lower share through Central devolutions. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is learnt to have issued instructions to all departments to submit budgetary proposals to the finance department, keeping in mind the funds required to meet present as well as future needs on account of addition of new beneficiaries to various welfare schemes in the next year. The TRS government currently spends over Rs 60,000 crore on welfare schemes, the highest in the country, an official claimed. It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had recently announced in a public meeting at Halia in Nagarjunasagar assembly constituency that the state government would soon issue new ration cards and new Aasara pensions. The issuance of new ration cards was stopped in 2018. The TRS government is yet to fulfil its 2018 poll promise of extending Aasara pensions to all categories, by reducing the maximum age limit from the present 65 years to 57 years. Nearly 10 lakh applications are pending for new ration cards while eight lakh applications are pending for Aasara pensions from potential beneficiaries in the age group of 57 to 65 years. Chief Minister Rao has decided to implement both these schemes from April 1, the start of the new fiscal 2021-22. He has accordingly asked all departments to submit budget proposals to meet enhanced expenditure on these schemes. Raos pet schemes, the Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bima, will be implemented as normal through an allocation of Rs 14,000 crore and Rs 1,200 crore respectively in the new budget. This apart, the CM wants to allot Rs 6,000 crore for funding the Rs 1 lakh crop loan waiver scheme, which is one of the major poll promises of the TRS in 2018 polls. Last year, a partial crop loan of up to Rs 25,000 was waived off. This year loans up to Rs 50,000 will be waived off. The finance department has stepped up budget drafting exercises based on the instructions of the Chief Minister. The budget is likely to be presented to the Legislature in the second week of March. Finance minister T. Harish Rao held a meeting with finance officials last week to take stock of the present financial condition of the government, in the wake of revenues taking a severe nosedive. Mr Harish Rao reviewed the statements of revenue earnings from April 2020 to January 2021. It was found that there is a huge shortfall of revenue during this period. Last years budget estimated the income of the state government at Rs 1.82 lakh crore, which includes revenue earnings and loans. But the governments income stands at only Rs 1.16 lakh crore as on January 31, 2021, which includes Rs 39,662 crore of loans. The government hopes to earn about Rs 20,000 crore in the remaining one-and-a-half month period till March 31. Even then, there would be a deficit of nearly Rs 50,000 crore. Despite this, Chandrashekar Rao is against imposing cuts on welfare schemes spending in the new budget and has asked officials to explore other options to bridge the revenue gap. Associated Press Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Sunday that flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor more than 200 children whose remains have been found buried at what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school one of the institutions that held children taken from families across the nation. The Peace Tower flag on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital of Ottawa was among those lowered to half-staff. To honor the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, I have asked that the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast, Trudeau tweeted. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 20:55:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Hungarian Parliament Speaker Laszlo Kover via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu here on Friday held talks with Hungarian Parliament Speaker Laszlo Kover via video link, and they pledged to play positive roles of the two legislative bodies to enhance the state-to-state relations. Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that recent years have seen bilateral political mutual trust continue to deepen, cooperation yield fruitful results and the two countries' relations enter the best period in history. Facing the test of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have actively supported each other in fighting the virus and resuming work and production, Li said. Economic and trade cooperation has risen against the adverse trend, major cooperation projects have been implemented one after another, and vaccine cooperation has made positive progress. China will continue to view and develop bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to work with Hungary to implement the important consensus of the leaders of the two countries, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and benefit the two countries and their peoples, he said. Noting that legislative exchanges are an important part of the bilateral relationship, Li said the NPC is willing to deepen friendly exchanges with the Hungarian Parliament. Li called on the two legislative bodies to maintain close high-level exchanges and promote exchanges between their special committees and friendly groups, and provide legal protection for the cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and bilateral practical cooperation in various fields. Kover thanked China for its assistance in materials and vaccines in the joint fight against the pandemic. Kover said that Hungary firmly supports and actively participates in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and China, and hopes to further promote more project cooperation. Enditem Visakhapatnam: South Africa's Keshav Maharaj in action on Day 4 of the 1st Test match between India and South Africa at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Oct 5, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Durban, Feb 19 : A career-best four for 15 by Keshav Maharaj upstaged Siyabonga Mahima's debut hat-trick as the Hollywoodbets Dolphins made a strong start to their Betway T20 Challenge campaign with a 14-run win over the Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras here on Friday. There was also a vital ninth career half-century from Khaya Zondo that set the hosts up for a total of 155 for eight after they won the toss and opted to bat first at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. The right-hander was in explosive form, plundering 59 off 39 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes), but was the second of rookie leg-break bowler Mahami's hat-trick victims - the 24-year-old finishing with the dreamy figures of four for 18 in three overs. But he was then upstaged by Proteas slow left-armer Maharaj, who beat his previous best figures of three for seven that he claimed playing for KwaZulu-Natal against Namibia at Chatsworth in 2012/13, as the Cobras faded away to end on 141 for seven. That handed Imraan Khan's side a positive start to the campaign, which is being hosted in a bio-secure environment in the coastal city. The match also concluded the day one programme, which was a double-header that began with the Momentum Multiply Titans thumping the VKB Knights by six wickets earlier in the day. The Dolphins too impressed on day one, although it was their bowlers who shone more following a modest display with the bat. Only Zondo managed to find his range after the hosts kept losing wickets regularly. They had two run-outs in the first nine overs as Grant Roelofsen (0) and David Miller (16) failed to make their ground. Corbin Bosch (1/31) and Mahami also struck to leave the Dolphins on 63 for four just after half way. Zondo, though, proved to be the dangerman as he tucked into the bowling, with the Cobras' 25 extras proving to be the second top-scorer. Mahami did make merry at the end - all his victims caught in the outfield trying to go big - as the youngster ended with a four-for. The chase began well for the Cape side as they progressed to 70 for one thanks to new captain Tony de Zorzi (39) and Kyle Verreynne (29), the pair putting on 69 for the second wicket. But they then lost four wickets for four runs to all but drop out of the hunt, before Christiaan Jonker's unbeaten 41 add respectability to the scorecard. South Africa is now ready to manufacture and commercialise hydrogen fuels technology, after over a decade of research and development. Building a local skills base Government has been working with various partners, including the private sector and academia, to develop hydrogen fuel cell and lithium battery storage technologies. This work serves two important developmental objectives: it offers the possibility of a new, renewable source of energy, while establishing new uses and new markets for the platinum group metals that are abundant in our country," President Cyril Ramaphosa said during a debate on the State of the Nation Address in Parliament.Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, which use platinum, offer an alternative source of clean electricity, while hydrogen allows for energy to be stored and delivered in a usable form, he said.The president said through its Hydrogen South Africa Strategy, government and its partners have successfully deployed hydrogen fuel cells to provide electricity in schools and to field hospitals established as part of the country's Covid-19 response.Now, after a decade of investment, we are ready to move from research and development to manufacturing and commercialisation.We are establishing a platinum valley as an industrial cluster bringing various hydrogen applications in the country together to form an integrated hydrogen ecosystem. This initiative will identify concrete project opportunities for kick-starting hydrogen cell manufacturing in promising hubs, he said.In 2019, higher education, science and innovation minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, said progress was made in preparing the country for a hydrogen economy.At the time, Nzimande said that to the work of the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme had resulted in the establishment of spin-out companies whose products are attracting market interest.Addressing a hybrid joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday, the president said the newly-established Platinum Valley will facilitate the commercialisation of home-grown intellectual property.It presents an opportunity to build a local skills base and lead the country into a new era of energy generation and demand for its platinum group metals.Through this initiative, South African skills, technology and expertise is being used to extract greater economic value in the form of new jobs, industrial development and cleaner energy from a mineral that the country has in substantial quantities.We will develop measures that should be taken to ensure that innovators are supported in local innovation and research.This is just one example of the boundless potential that exists in our country to build a new economy of the future, said the president It is not yet known as to what was the cause of this incident, but a faulty mechanical part or the working personnel themselves could be the reason. However, sources suggest that the Talibani rebels may have also blown up the tanker. A fuel tanker caught fire in Afghanistan on February 13 that spread to around 500 other trucks carrying fossil fuel and burned them down. The razed fleet of trucks could be seen from space and several NASA satellites captured clear images of the incident and also observed some explosions. The Herat province between Afghanistan and Iran was the place of this mishap that resulted in 60 injuries from burns and smoke inhalation. Two of the several explosions were huge enough to be captured by NASA satellites, one took place at 1:10 p.m. while the other happened half an hour later, at around 1:42 p.m. in the Afghan time zone. It is not yet known as to what was the cause of this incident, but a faulty mechanical part or the working personnel themselves could be the reason. However, the Talibani rebels may have also blown up the tanker. Irans news agency ISNA reported that as per the truck drivers, over 500 trucks carrying fuel and natural gas caught fire. The Herat provincial governor, Wahid Qatali stated that more than 2000 vehicles were protected at the site of the fire. Out of these 2000 vehicles, 1500 were rushed into Iran across the border so they could be kept away from the blasts. Also read: Biden slams China over human rights abuses; Beijing hits out at US G7 agenda Images from today, Feb 17, of the #Afghan#Iran border showing the aftermath of a series of fuel tanker explosions that occurred on Feb 13 at the Islam Qala crossing in #Afghanistan's Herat province. 500+ trucks carrying natural gas & fuel were reportedly destroyed in the blasts. pic.twitter.com/dCnIhH9dPG Maxar Technologies (@Maxar) February 17, 2021 Also read: Sri Lanka cancels Imran Khan address to Parliament ahead of his 2-day visit Wahid Qatali also said that the crossing point was overcrowded when the fire broke out. He said that the crossing point has a capacity of up to 700 oil trucks but there were over 2500 trucks present there. Also read: As violence unfurls in WB, Amit Shah to flag off 5th Phase of Parivartan Yatra; BJP vs TMC faceoff eminent? The 23rd British Independent Film Awards took place virtually on Thursday night and a host of celebrities appeared via video link to celebrate the occasion. Zendaya, 24, and Priyanka Chopra, 38, were among some of the glam attendees who presented at the awards. Actress Zendaya wore a graphic print top under a blazer, while Priyanka opted for a statement layered oversized white shirt. Showbiz: Zendaya (pictured) and Priyanka Chopra appeared via video link to present at the 23rd British Independent Film Awards on Thursday Bringing the glam: Priyanka Chopra Jonas presented Best Director to Remi Weekes The Best British Independent Film was awarded to coming-of-age drama Rocks by Zendaya. Priyanka presented the Best Director award to Remi Weekes. Actress Kosar Ali also took home the awards for both Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer with her young co-star DAngelou Osei Kissiedu winning Best Supporting Actor. Giving out the gongs: The Best British Independent Film was awarded to coming-of-age drama Rocks by Zendaya Bringing the glamour: Priyanka opted for a statement layered oversized white shirt Harry Potter star Tom Felton looked dapper as he suited up to host the event. Taking charge, Tom fronted the ceremony, being held virtually this year due to COVID-19. Tom, 33, looked suave in a midnight blue velvet suit and burnt orange tie, paired with a crisp white shirt, all by Paul Smith. He added a rainbow pin to the look, in support of the NHS, and wore round black-framed glasses. The Murder In The First actor settled into a teal armchair to host the awards, as he linked up virtually to the nominees, winners and guest hosts. Live from Wales, where he is filming Save the Cinema for Sky Cinema, Tom welcomed a glittering array of stars to announce the winners. Suave: Tom Felton looked dapper as he suited up to host the event Taking charge: Tom fronted the ceremony, being held virtually this year due to COVID-19 Smart: Harry Potter star Tom, 33, looked suave in a midnight blue velvet suit and burnt orange tie, paired with a crisp white shirt Ready to go: The Murder In The First actor settled into a teal armchair to host the awards Linking up: He connected virtually to the nominees, winners and guest hosts [pictured with Yinka Bokinni] THE BIFA WINNERS... Best British Independent Film Rocks Sarah Gavron, Theresa Ikoko, Claire Wilson, Faye Ward, Ameenah Ayub Allen Best Director Remi Weekes His House Best Screenplay sponsored by BBC Film Florian Zeller, Christopher Hampton The Father Best Actress Wunmi Mosaku His House Best Actor Anthony Hopkins The Father Best Supporting Actress Kosar Ali Rocks Best Supporting Actor DAngelou Osei Kissiedu Rocks The Douglas Hickox Award (Debut Director) sponsored by Kodak & Pinewood Rose Glass Saint Maud Breakthrough Producer Irune Gurtubai Limbo (also produced by Angus Lamont) Debut Screenwriter sponsored by Film4 Riz Ahmed Mogul Mowgli (co-written by Bassam Tariq) Most Promising Newcomer Kosar Ali Rocks Best Documentary The Reason I Jump Jerry Rothwell, Jeremy Dear, Stevie Lee, Al Morrow The Raindance Discovery Award Perfect 10 Eva Riley, Jacob Thomas, Bertrand Faivre, Valentina Brazzini Best British Short Film supported by BFI NETWORK The Long Goodbye Aneil Karia, Riz Ahmed, Tom Gardner Best International Independent Film sponsored by Champagne Taittinger Nomadland Chloe Zhao, Frances McDormand, Peter Spears, Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey Best Casting sponsored by Casting Society of America & Spotlight Lucy Pardee Rocks Best Cinematography sponsored by Dirty Looks Ben Fordesman Saint Maud Best Costume Design Charlotte Walter Misbehaviour Best Editing sponsored by Intermission Film Yorgos Lamprinos The Father Best Effects Pedro Sabrosa, Stefano Pepin His House Best Make Up & Hair Design Jill Sweeney Misbehaviour Best Music sponsored by Universal Music Publishing Group Paul Corley Mogul Mowgli Best Production Design sponsored by Studio Juice Jacqueline Abrahams His House Best Sound supported by Halo Post Nick Ryan, Ben Baird, Sara De Oliveira Lima The Reason I Jump Advertisement The four awards on the night took the films BIFA tally to five with Lucy Pardee winning the award for Best Casting sponsored by Casting Society of America and Spotlight when the craft award winners were announced in January. British horror His House was awarded two BIFAs on the night with Remi Weekes winning Best Director and Wunmi Mosaku winning Best Actress for her acclaimed performance with the awards for Best Production Design sponsored by Studio Juice won by Jacqueline Abrahams and Best Effects going to Pedro Sabrosa and Stefano Pepin. Anthony Hopkins poignant portrayal of an ageing man in The Father won him Best Actor amongst three wins for the film which also took home the awards for Best Screenplay sponsored by BBC Film for Florian Zeller, who also directed, and Christopher Hampton, and Best Editing sponsored by Intermission Film for Yorgos Lamprinos. Support: He added a rainbow pin to the look, in support of the NHS On duty: The show was hosted live from Wales, where Tom is filming Save the Cinema for Sky Nominees: Tom welcomed a glittering array of stars to announce the winners Trio: Tom is pictured enjoying a laugh with Rafe Spall and Esther Smith In good company: James Norton presented the Best Supporting Actress award There he is: Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page presented the gong for Debut Director Riz Ahmed took home the award for Debut Screenwriter sponsored by Film4 for Mogul Mowgli, also written by Bassam Tariq, which was also awarded Best Music sponsored by Universal Music Publishing Group for Paul Corley. Saint Maud director Rose Glass was awarded The Douglas Hickox Award for Debut Director sponsored by Kodak & Pinewood with Ben Fordesman winning Best Cinematography sponsored by Dirty Looks in January. The Breakthrough Producer trophy went to Irune Gurtubai for her work on Limbo, director Ben Sharrocks poignant look at the asylum experience on a remote Scottish island. Crowning glory: Emma Corrin presented the award for Best Supporting Actor Legend: Anthony Hopkins was honoured with the Best Actor gong for The Father Fresh talent: Riz Ahmed presented the Most Promising Newcomer gong to Kosar Ali Shocked: Actress Kosar Ali took home the awards for both Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer Double up: Brett Goldstein and JunoTemple presented Best International Independent Film sponsored by Champagne Taittinger and won by Chloe Zhaos Nomadland Jerry Rothwells documentary The Reason I Jump won Best Documentary on the night and Best Sound for Nick Ryan, Ben Baird and Sara De Oliveira Lima. Misbehaviour was awarded Best Make-Up and Hair Design for Jill Sweeney and Best Costume Design for Charlotte Walter. Best Short Film sponsored by the BFI Network went to Aneil Karia, Riz Ahmed and Tom Gardner for The Long Goodbye and The Raindance Discovery Award went to Perfect 10. The only category of the night open to non-UK films, Best International Independent Film sponsored by Champagne Taittinger, was won by Chloe Zhaos Nomadland. Chat: Tom talks to Susan Wokoma Presenting duty: Daniel Kaluuya announced the Best Actress gong Congratulations: Wunmi Mosaku won Best Actress for her acclaimed performance in His House Ensemble: Sareah Gavron, Theresa Ikoko, Claire Wilson, Faye Ward and Ameenah Allen won for Rocks in the Best British Independent Film category Winner: Rose Glass won The Douglas Hickox Award for Debut Director for Saint Maud Hyderabad, Feb 19 : Learning lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, leading private healthcare providers have started introducing changes in their treatment protocols. Drawing on the experience of tackling the pandemic during last one year, the hospitals are pre-screening patients not just for Covid-19 but also other potential infectious diseases. For this, some of the hospitals have allocated separate infrastructure and manpower within the premises. They say this will help them in providing right treatment and ensuring that other patients in the hospital and the staff are not put to risk of infection. From creating isolation wards to providing emergency services, making intensive care units available and beds for treatment of Covid-19, the managements of hospitals learnt to deal with the pandemic and the whole experience helped them to improve the service delivery. It was a big learning for doctors, nurses and support staff of the healthcare institutions who contributed to tackling the situation, though the initial stage saw problems leading to intervention by the government authorities to streamline the process. "All hospitals are now geared up to admitting patients with other infectious diseases. The experience gained while tackling Covid-19 menace, the staff has had immense learning through various in-house trainings in infection prevention and control practices," Dr Riyaz Khan, CEO, Continental Hospitals, told IANS. He believes that all hospitals in future will be require to have pre-triaging area to be able to identify any potential infectious patients. He pointed out that Continental Hospitals, with its JCI accreditation, follows the best practice to universally screen all patients for any suspected infectious diseases. Dr Mervin Leo, Cluster COO, Gleneagle Global Hospitals, said: "Hospitals will have to create dedicated and differentiated pathways for normal patients and those with infectious diseases. Adequate isolation rooms with negative pressure areas will become a norm in most of the modern hospitals. "Adaptation of all patient care areas like operating rooms, diagnostic and radiology services to effectively segregate infectious patients while providing seamless services to other patients will have to be ensured." He is of the view that going ahead, the role of infectious disease experts will become pivotal in steering the entire emergency response mechanism, developing treatment protocols and training of nurses and support staff to handle emerging situations. "Video consultations and Out of the Hospital (OOH) care has seen wider acceptability during the Covid-19 lockdown and in the subsequent times; and this shall continue to have even more patients' subscriptions in the times ahead," he said. Dr Pradeep Panigrahi, Medical Director, SLG Hospitals, said they learnt how to handle a pandemic, and develop protocols to prevent its spread into the community. "Covid-19 taught us how to prepare ourselves for any emergency at short notice, and to deliver the best. Our doctors, nurses, and support staff worked as a unit and were ready for sacrifices to be made or professional demands." He said although the numbers of testing in India might not be high, the Indian healthcare machinery optimised resources by being able to undertake a targeted testing approach that helped to effectively isolate the hotspots in a scientific manner. He noted that the government also made sure early availability of all the research molecules in the country at par with any other nation in the World. Scientific rationale and timely updated clinical management guidelines helped to control the mortality and keep Covid-19 linked deaths rate as one of the lowest. Effective mobilisation of the frontline healthcare workers at the primary healthcare level through a network of well-established dispensary system provided local regional support to the overall strategy. Governments of the various states in the country intervened to ensure cost-effective and equitable care across the strata of society by implementing price-ceiling on hospital charges and all Covid-19 related drugs. Now with Covid-19 cases in Telangana coming down gradually, hospitals have started reverting beds back into the normal pool. However, certain beds including those in ICU facilities continue to be dedicated for Covid-19 care. The latest bed status in 216 private hospitals treating Covid in Telangana shows that out of 7,623 beds, 6,961 beds were vacant. From a peak in bed occupancy during April-October, these hospitals reported fewer occupancy in the last 2-3 weeks. Private hospitals in Hyderabad have reverted at least two-thirds of the beds allocated for Covid-19 care towards other regular treatments. "We have reverted two-thirds of the beds allocated for Covid-19 to normal pool, and the remaining are likely to continue until the situation comes under absolute control," said Dr Riyaz Khan. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Oil prices extended Thursdays losses into Friday morning as power returned in most of Texas, and oil producers were preparing to begin restoring the output lost during the Texas Freeze. As of 9:25 a.m. ET on Friday, WTI Crude prices were down 0.78 percent at $60.01 and Brent Crude was trading down 0.50 percent at $63.58. Following a rally fueled by massive production shut-ins in Texas due to loss of power and frozen wellheads and equipment, oil prices turned lower on Thursday as the severe winter storms continued to move east. On Friday, power was mostly restored across Texas, which accounts for more than 40 percent of all U.S. crude oil production. At the height of the winter storm in the top oil-producing U.S. state, American crude oil production plunged by as much as 40 percent earlier this week as the Polar Vortex brought freezing temperatures to swathes of the United States. Texas producers were expected on Friday to move to restart output, sources told Reuters, although the timeline for the full resumption of the shut-in barrels is still unclear. Oil prices were additionally supported by comments regarding Iran from the U.S. State Department on Thursday after State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that The path for diplomacy remains open. We hope to be able to pursue it together with our allies and partners. President Joe Biden has said he would pursue a return to the nuclear agreement, but only if Iran returns to full cooperation in its nuclear program activities. A potential return to the so-called Iran nuclear deal could mean the possible removal of the U.S. sanctions on Irans oil exports. Crude oil futures finally turn into a two-way market as the 65-dollar handle in Brent proved too much and the April front futures contract tumbled below 63.00 overnight before bouncing, Saxo Bank said early on Friday. The US WTI future also corrected lower as the huge production interruptions from bitter cold weather in Texas began reversing, though we need more data on how quickly normal production can return as the disruption affected 40% of US oil output, the banks strategists said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 02:18:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's state security arrested on Friday a Lebanese citizen and a Syrian national in Arsal, around 100 km northeast of capital Beirut, suspected of working with the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, the National News Agency reported. The Syrian national confessed that he belongs to the IS, and once participated in clashes with the Lebanese army and shot at military centers in Arsal. This comes after Lebanon's state security announced on Feb. 6 that it has arrested two IS members in Arsal in addition to 18 others on Feb. 1 in the same area. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-18 23:35:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A healthcare worker prepares for the injection of a Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, at a hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Feb. 18, 2021. The Zimbabwean government on Thursday started to roll out its COVID-19 inoculation program following the arrival of the first consignment of the Sinopharm vaccines donated by the Chinese government. (Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua) By Tafara Mugwara, Zhang Yuliang HARARE, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwean government on Thursday started to roll out its COVID-19 inoculation program following the arrival of the first consignment of the Sinopharm vaccines donated by the Chinese government. Zimbabwe received 200,000 vaccines from China on Monday, joining a handful of other African countries that have received vaccines so far. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who doubles as health minister became the first citizen to receive a Sinopharm jab, kicking off the vaccination drive that aims to inoculate at least 10 million of the country's 16 million citizens to achieve herd immunity. His deputy John Mangwiro and other officials from the health ministry also joined a group of frontline health workers at Wilkins Hospital in Harare to receive their shots as part of the government's efforts to encourage people to take the vaccine. Speaking after receiving the jab, Chiwenga urged Zimbabweans to have confidence in the vaccines. "My ministry conducted all scientific processes to ascertain the efficacy of the Sinopharm vaccine which was confirmed to be 79 percent. "I have received the COVID-19 vaccine jab together with my deputy minister and my staff, therefore I urge all Zimbabweans to be vaccinated at their nearest health center," said he said. He urged Zimbabweans to continue observing COVID-19 preventative measures. Violet Badze, acting matron at Beatrice Infectious Hospital in Harare, who was the first medical worker to receive the vaccine, expressed confidence in the country's vaccine drive. Michael Chideme, one of the first Zimbabweans to receive the jab, said being amongst the first people to be inoculated was a huge relief. "I am actually feeling relieved because I have taken a decision to protect my health, so I am happy I have done it, and I am happy to come and take the second dose after 28 days," he said. The first batch of the 200,000 Sinopharm doses was distributed across medical centers in the country's 10 provinces, and nationwide distribution will commence next Monday. Zimbabwe also purchased 600,000 Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine doses from China, which are expected to arrive in the country in March. The country is also in advanced negotiations to acquire the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia. In addition, more vaccines are being sourced from the World Health Organization-backed Covax scheme, which aims to ensure their equitable distribution of vaccines globally. The vaccination will be done in three phases, starting with frontline workers at high risk, followed by those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and the prison population. The second phase will target lecturers, schools staff population and other staff at medium risk, while the final stage will see the inoculation of the general public. A resurgence of COVID-19 spiked in January, but the number of daily recorded new cases has significantly dropped in recent weeks. The country has so far recorded 35,423 positive cases and 1,418 deaths. Enditem Connecticuts festering divide over affordable housing spilled into open clashes on Thursday as the General Assembly invited comments on reforms such as expanding urban housing authorities into surrounding towns and encouraging multi-family housing in predominatly white suburbs. One idea in a lis tof more than a dozen would reward towns with extra school construction money of they allowed more housing for low- and moderate-income residents. The reforms, favored by urban leaders led by New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, were opposed by town officials including the chairwoman of the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission and residents of wealthy Fairfield County towns and rural areas throughout the state. Opponents stressed the need to retain their local planning powers and character during a hearing on 19 reform bills in the General Assemblys Housing Committee. Some housing advocates, including Elicker and Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, see those ideas local authorty and character as code words for racial exclusion. Opponents did not respond to direct and indirect charges of racism. Affordable housing advocates, tired of decades of suburban opposition to zoning reforms that would allow for lower-income racial and ethnic minority families to move in, said legislation including expanding the operations of urban housing authorities across neighboring borders is desperately needed to allow people to live in areas beyond the 10 or so under-served cities. The fear of affordable housing, which is steeped in racist notions of public housing created over the last several decades, has entrenched our state in a policy that is cutting off our nose to spite our face, Elicker said. He stressed the need for a bill that would expand the jurisdictions of housing authorities to reduce segregation and concentrated poverty, while giving more city dwellers needed assistance. It will not take away any local control or give cities power over surrounding suburbs, Elicker said. And it would not hurt any town or community of our state. Similar bills have been introduced in recent years and failed in the General Assembly. Elicker stressed that half of all people getting housing assistance in Connecticut are housed on two percent of the state and in low-opportunity areas. About one third of the 30,000-person wait list for the New Haven Housing Authority are residents who dont live in the city. He said state law limiting the jurisdiction of housing authorities by town borders is entirely too arbitrary for the need of residents and prevents smaller towns from affording the professional support needed to develop more units that city housing professionals can offer. Theres a housing crisis in our state, Elicker said. Over 200,000 residents are spending more than half their incomes on housing. Were losing young people who cant afford to live here. Were straining older residents on fixed incomes and keeping low-income individuals segregated into small, dense areas of concentrated poverty. Bills considered during the day-long public hearing include legislation that would provide 10-percent increases in school construction aid for cities and towns with higher levels of affordable housing. Virginia Harger, chairwoman of the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission, spoke against a wide-ranging piece of legislation, including the expansion of housing authorities, warning that the state should not meddle with local land-use regulations and oversight. Replacing home rule and local zoning control with a one-size-fits-all mandate from our state government as proposed under the provisions of this bill, will surely have negative effects on our communities, Harger said during the online hearing. What it does is, instead of Connecticut towns being appreciated and desired for their unique characteristics, whats going to happen, in my opinion predictions is that its going to homogenize the entire state, said Cynthia McCorkindale, a longtime Bethel resident. I believe it is going to affect small towns negatively and especially Bethel. Jane Sprung, a member of the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting and the board of the Round Hill Association, was one of several residents of that town to oppose the proposals. Legislation for affordable housing must be decided locally, because town P&Zs understand the unique infrastructure, safety, natural resources and traffic considerations of each town, she said. Erin Hedley of New Canaan said she wants to retain her towns character. I dont feel like we need to citify all of our suburbs at the expense of what makes our rural towns so desirable to begin with, she said. I am just afraid these towns will lose the features of what we love about them. I encourage you not to fall for the false premises that zoning is causing people of color to stay out of towns, said Rep. Doug Dubitsky, R-Chaplin, criticizing the newly formed Desegregate CT, a group of 62 organizations. The people of this state should be allowed to address their local representatives and their local zoning commissioners and their local selectmen to determine what is going to happen in any given area of the town. State Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, a member of the committee, said he is frustrated at the glacial pace of change in a state housing landscape, where many affluent towns are slow to support multi-family dwellings. While we are focused on trying together, time passes, he said. Its important that we understand that this conversation is also about equity, race and the long history of inequities in the housing system throughout the state of Connecticut, said Rep. Brandon McGee Jr., D-Hartford, co-chairman of the committee. Sen. Rick Lopes, D-New Britain, co-chairman of the committee, said that more than 140 of the 169 towns enjoy high standards of health care and economic activity. But the people who live in the 10 poor communities of the state, they are not guaranteed the same opportunities and actions, he said. Character is not just a town full of white people. Sara Bronin, a law professor, housing advocate, author and lead organizer of Desegregate CT, which recently released an interactive state map including more than 2,600 zoning districts, said that with 159 active lawsuits against municipalities over zoning issues, towns and cities could actually save money by making better efforts at addressing affordability and racial equity. We are lagging behind our neighboring states, Bronin said. One of the reasons businesses are leaving is because they cant attract talent because we dont have diverse types of housing in all of our communities across the state where people can live. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. (NYSE: INN) (the "Company") today announced that its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held Thursday, May 13, 2021, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. The meeting will be held at the Company's corporate office located at 13215 Bee Cave Parkway, Suite B-300, Austin, Texas 78738. The meeting is open to all shareholders of record as of March 5, 2021. About Summit Hotel Properties Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. is a publicly-traded real estate investment trust focused on owning premium-branded hotels with efficient operating models primarily in the Upscale segment of the lodging industry. As of December 31, 2020, the Company's portfolio consisted of 72 hotels, 67 of which were wholly-owned, with a total of 11,288 guestrooms located in 23 states. For additional information, please visit the Company's website, www.shpreit.com and follow the Company on Twitter at @SummitHotel_INN. SOURCE Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. Related Links http://www.shpreit.com New Delhi: Microsoft has been working hard to make its browser a better alternative to existing choices. In a recent development. the technology giant has announced that Microsoft Edge browser will soon a Kids mode for a safer browsing experience. The kids mode is being rolled out in US markets for both windows and mac os. The kids' mode will introduce a number of "safety guardrails" to give children a cleaner and safer browsing experience. The mode will set the Bing SafeSearch to "strict" by default, sets a password protected exit screen. The kids mode will also bring visual updates which include custom themes and push kids-friendly content. If you want to get access to the kids mode on your Microsoft Edge browser, follow these simple steps: - Open Microsoft Edge and tap on the profile icon located in the top left corner next to the search bar. - Select the Browse in Kids Mode option. - Choose the appropriate age from the options: 5-8 years and 9 and older. - The Kids Mode will now open on your web browser. - To exit, click the Kids Mode icon located inside the top bar. - Select the Exit Kids Mode option. - Enter your User ID password to exit. The Kids Mode will let you set certain websites which you wish your children to visit from inside the Windows Settings. Many other family-friendly features can be accessed from the same. Microsoft has also introduced adaptive notification requests, a feature which has been developed by the students' crowdsourced data from all Edge browser users who allow Microsoft to collect data from them. With all the data received, Microsoft has developed a scoring system in order to determine which websites' notifications had negative and positive feedback from the users. The system shows more positive and blocks negative notification as per user. These features are introduced with Microsoft Edge 88 Stable update. After the BBC repeatedly concocted fake news against China - an act that threatens China's national interests - China recently decided to bar BBC World News from airing inside the country. The move has drawn criticism from some Western countries including the UK and the US. They accused China of suppressing foreign media outlets and "the freedom" of the press. Do their accusations hold water? Before leveling accusations against China, they'd better have a good look at what the BBC has done against China. It's fair to say the BBC has degraded into a rumor mill when it comes to its reporting on China. It has played an extremely disgraceful role in slandering China with a string of false reports. Its reports about Hong Kong, Xinjiang and the anti-epidemic efforts China has made are full of bottomless smears, lies, and tall tales. Responding to China's ban, the BBC said in a statement that it is "the world's most trusted international news broadcaster" and it "reports on stories from around the world fairly, impartially and without fear or favour." Really? Then why did it release a sensational, falsified report alleging that large numbers of Uygur women have been "systematically raped, sexually abused, and tortured" in the vocational education and training centers in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, without verifying the facts? How could a "trusted" broadcaster air a video clip of an anti-terrorism drill as "proof" to claim that the Chinese epidemic control authorities are violently enforcing the law and violating human rights? In a video depicting the COVID-19 outbreak recovery of Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province, the BBC added a grayish filter in its English edition to make China look worse. Is this what a media outlet that is supposed to report "fairly, impartially and without fear or favour" should do? In fact, the BBC has long lost its "trusted" reputation. The British broadcaster is now no different from an anti-China rumor mill. China has every reason to teach the BBC a lesson. The BBC has created fake news to discredit China, then how can the UK, the US and other Western countries demand that China tolerate an anti-China media outlet slandering China with false reports? What would these Western countries do if a Chinese news broadcaster concocted rumors and fabricated lies about them? They definitely won't sit idly and indulge the fake news crusade against them without fighting back. Banning BBC World News is an appropriate punishment. It came one week after Ofcom, the UK's media regulator, withdrew the license for Chinese broadcaster CGTN. Ridiculously, the UK revoked the license of Chinese news network with an absurd excuse that the network's state-backed ownership structure violates British law, but it condemned China's decision to safeguard legitimate interests by cracking down on fake news and barring BBC World News. This has laid bare the UK and other Western countries' double standards and hypocrisy of press freedom. BBC is keen on cooking up stories about China. This not only violates journalism ethics, but also exposes the media outlet's profound ideological prejudices against China. Some Westerners claim they champion freedom of the press. But people can easily tell that the so-called press freedom is nothing more than an excuse and shield for Western countries and Western media to politically suppress and throw mud at other countries, especially their ideological rivals. Western media should stop their public opinion crusade against China and cease concocting fake news that serves their ideological prejudice. China's ban on BBC World News should be taken as a wake-up call. China won't remain passive in face of smears. China isn't asking Western media to say good words about the country, but at least these Western media outlets should uphold objectivity and report the truth. In this sense, banning BBC World News not only is a way to safeguard China's national interests, but also defends the law of reporting. Banning BBC World News from airing in China is reasonable and the British media outlet deserves it. It must be pointed out that it's only one of the countermeasures China can take. If the BBC and other Western media outlets continue to go further on their way to discredit China, they will be met with more determined punitive measures from China. (Source: Global Times) 2021 Seismological Society of America Annual Meeting Online. One Week. One Mission: Advance Earthquake Science This year's virtual SSA Annual Meeting will feature more than 750 technical presentations, including sessions co-sponsored by the Latin American and Caribbean Seismological Commission and the Seismological Society of China. The meeting will include more than 800 scientists, engineers and policymakers for presentations that cover the latest seismological research from around the globe. Working journalists can register to attend the 2021 Annual Meeting at no charge, and will have full access to the technical presentations, poster sessions and events such as the Plenary Lecture Series. The full set of oral and poster presentation abstracts are now available to browse at: https:/ / www. seismosoc. org/ annual-meeting/ 2021program . Among this year's presentations are sessions on recent earthquakes in Alaska and Puerto Rico, a seismic examination of the 2020 Lebanon explosion, induced seismicity, earthquake early warning systems in California and Latin America, new technologies for monitoring glacier change and Antarctic seismicity, and more. Journalists can request complimentary registration by contacting SSA Press at press@seismosoc.org. Please send your name and email to be registered. ### CLONAKILTY Community College has recently undergone a state-of-the-art extension following a significant investment of 10.5 million. Clonakilty Community College, which is governed by the Cork Education and Training Board will become a School of the Future and their students are in for a big surprise when they will return to secondary school. The extensive works, designed by KOBW Architects and carried out by general building contractors Cahalane Brothers Ltd, involved the demolition of part of the existing single-storey and temporary buildings, followed by the construction of a new two-storey extension, spanning 3,195m. Anne Dunne, Principal of Clonakilty Community College, is thrilled with the extension. We are delighted to be the first in the country to unveil the Schools of the Future design concept. "We cant wait to share this beautiful, bright, spacious, vibrant new home with our full college community. Speaking in relation to the 10m extension, Cork ETB Chief Executive Denis Leamy said We are confident that these significant upgrades will prove invaluable to both students and teachers at Clonakilty Community College. We will continue to improve educational resources and facilities for our primary schools, post-primary schools, and our Further Education colleges across the city and county, he said. One of the main features of the new building is a special educational needs base, which can facilitate two classes while also incorporating a central activities space; a practical activities room that assists with the development of daily living skills; a para educational room; a multi-sensory room; and a secure outdoor play area. Clonakilty Community College has recently undergone a state-of-the-art extension following a significant investment of 10.5 million. The new build has also created space for guidance, pastoral and administrative offices, as well as areas specifically designated for First Aid and storage. Physical education will be further supported within the extension with the addition of three ball courts. The extension also provides ten additional classrooms, as well as a variety of multidisciplinary rooms, including two science laboratories, two multimedia rooms, two construction studies rooms, an engineering room, an art room, a music room, and a meditation room. BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two soon-to-be parents Eternal and Soul set out on an ambitious mission to overcome their personal challenges to ensure their baby has a bright future full of love, security and peace in Eternal and Soul Have Forever: A Story of Love, Loss, Recovery, and Redemption (published by Balboa Press AU) by Mary Anne Howard-Clarke, RN, RM. Eternal and Soul dealt with many things in their lives and they had been hurt by their upbringings. After discovering Eternal is pregnant, they work to change their lives to make a better place for their baby, Forever, to come in to. Through positive thoughts and affirmations along with visualization and meditation, they wrap themselves in a bubble of love. Despite their work, Eternal miscarries Forever. Together they grieve, work through the pain, and eventually find joy again when Eternal becomes pregnant again and Forever returns to them. Every parent who has lost a baby wants answers and perspective on why and what is happening, Howard-Clarke says. As a Midwife I frequently deal with bereavement and loss and have found that reminding people that we are spiritual, and for some reason that this soul has not been able to sustain life on earth this time, we will return when the time is right. Eternal and Soul Have Forever is available for purchase online at: https://www.balboapress.com/en-au/bookstore/bookdetails/748619-eternal-and-soul-have-forever. Eternal and Soul Have Forever By Mary Anne Howard-Clarke, RN, RM Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 48 pages | ISBN 9781504321044 E-Book | 48 pages | ISBN 9781504321051 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Mary Anne Howard-Clarke, RN, RM, has been a nurse and midwife and have been for over 40 years. She received nursing and midwifery training at St Marys Hospital and Queen Charlottes Maternity Hospital, respectively. She has since worked in many different countries including the UK, South Africa, Swaziland, New Zealand and, since the early 2000s, Australia. Howard-Clarke and her husband have four adult children, seven grandchildren, and live on the Brisbane Bayside in Queensland, Australia. More information can be found on her website at: www.midwifeathome.com.au. Balboa Press Australia is a division of Hay House, Inc., a leading provider in publishing products that specialise in self-help and the mind, body and spirit genre. Through an alliance with the worldwide self-publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the Author Solutions self-publishing model. For more information or to start publishing today, visit balboapress.com.au or call 1-800-844-925. Attachment Two tourists from Louisiana were arrested in Hawaii on bribery charges after allegedly offering an airport screener $3,000 to let them bypass the state's COVID-19 restrictions. According to reports from the state Department of Public Safety and the Attorney Generals Office, Johntrell White, 29, and Nadia Bailey, 28, arrived last Friday at the Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu without negative coronavirus test results, which are required for everyone entering Hawaii. White allegedly told an airport screener he would give her $2,000 to pass through without having to quarantine for 10 days. Johntrell White, 29, and Nadia Bailey, 28, were arrested at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, for allegedly trying to bribe a screener to let them bypass the state's COVID restrictions Bailey then allegedly told the same employee she would 'throw in an additional $1,000 to let them both through without quarantining.' The screener alerted deputy sheriffs, who arrested the pair for bribery. White and Bailey were booked on the charges and released before being flown back to the mainland. In Hawaii, the offense of bribery carries up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to triple the bribe amount. White allegedly offered the airport worker $2,000 to let him pass through without having to quarantine for 10 days, and Bailey allegedly offered to throw in another $1,000 As part of Hawaii's 'Safe Travel' program, all visitors must present a negative coronavirus test done by a state-approved lab within 72 hours of travel. Those who arrive with no test or a positive test are required to quarantine for 10 days at their own expense. The San Antonio Food Bank needs 500 volunteers to help with mobile food distribution through the weekend. Both volunteers and those needing food are asked to register online, but it is not a requirement for receiving food assistance. Volunteers can register at safoodbank.org/volunteer. People who will need to get in line to fill their pantries can line up at one of seven mobile food distribution sites. Those with internet access are asked to pre-register here: safoodbank.org/cvresponse/getfood/. RELATED: Stuck in the snow, this Austin paramedic kept a 98-year-old patient warm through transport People unable to register will not be turned away. The mobile sites expect to distribute enough food for 8,000 San Antonio households. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday-Sunday (Feb 19-21) WHERE: San Antonio Food Bank main facility, with pre-check required beforehand at Camargo Park: 5738 Castroville Road WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19 WHERE: NISD Gustafson Stadium: 7001 Culebra Road WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 WHERE: Rackspace Technology: 1 Fanatical Pl WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 WHERE: Harlandale ISD Memorial Stadium: 1109 Apollo St. WHEN: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 WHERE: River City Church: 16765 Lookout Road Additional information is available by calling the Food Banks helpline: 210-431-8326. The sons of a Covid-19 victim have slammed Andrew Cuomo for 'lying' and 'deflecting' over the nursing home scandal as they also took aim at his brother Chris's silence on CNN. The Governor of New York, 63, has been criticized for his handling of the pandemic amid allegations this week that his office deliberately withheld data on nursing home deaths as part of a cover-up. But CNN has offered little coverage of the scandal and Chris, 50, failed to mention his brother at all while addressing the biggest Covid stories of the day on his Monday show. After a backlash, the network reportedly reinstated a ban on Chris interviewing Andrew, despite the Governor appearing on CNN more than ten times in the past year to receive praise. Daniel and Peter Arbeeny, whose father Norman died with the virus in April last year, said the Cuomo brothers have been 'deflecting' from the issues. Daniel told Fox & Friends about Andrew: 'He's consistently lied and gaslighted us and called us names from the beginning. Daniel and Peter Arbeeny, whose father Norman died with the virus in May last year, said the Cuomo brothers have been 'deflecting' from the care home deaths scandal Norman (pictured) had a long hospital stay before he was moved to a nursing home after Cuomo had ordered hospitals to transfer patients 'In May, I asked on CNN for an apology. Today, [Gov. Cuomo] is still blaming us and deflecting. 'I'm asking CNN, Chris Cuomo, his brother, to interview us and learn what really happened.' Daniel and Peter's father, 89, had a long hospital stay last April where he was 'neglected' and later sent to the Cobble Hill nursing home. In March last year, Governor Cuomo ordered nursing homes to accept Covid-19 patients into their facilities. Many nursing homes were struggling to cope with the high number of cases and staffing issues, and after several days at Cobble Hill, Norman was brought home out of fear he would contract the virus. Andrew is facing calls to resign and even be prosecuted for covering up the data surrounding the death toll from Covid-19 After several days at Cobble Hill, Norman was brought home out of fear he would contract the virus Daniel, pictured holding a photo of Norman, said Cuomo had lied about the many deaths in nursing homes He then took a Covid test and was found to be positive. He died 12 hours later. But his official death certificate indicates Norman died of heart disease and he was not counted on official statistics as a Covid fatality, reports say. Peter said of Andrew Cuomo, whose father Mario also served as Governor of New York: 'Not apologizing to a family member or the thousands of family members is unconscionable. He has forgotten the face of his father, unfortunately.' Andrew is facing calls to resign and even be prosecuted for covering up the data surrounding the death toll from Covid-19, among nursing home patients, and is even facing investigations from the FBI and the US Attorney's office in Brooklyn. Chris, 50, failed to mention his brother at all while addressing the biggest Covid stories of the day on his Monday show More than 15,000 people, including Norman (right), died in New York state's nursing homes and long term care facilities from the virus Daniel holds up a photo of his father Norman as his daughter Salina sits in his lap in Cobble Hill More than 15,000 people died in New York state's nursing homes and long term care facilities from the virus, but as recently as last month, the state reported only 8,500 deaths. The numbers, while accounted for in the full state death totals to the state, were not ascribed to nursing homes for residents who died in hospitals rather than within the facilities. Cuomo claimed on Monday that 98 percent of the care homes already had COVID-19 in their buildings before the sick patients were sent back there - and that he was not responsible. Officials are said to be looking into the governor's task force whose members include attorney Linda Lacewell, state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker and Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa. Gov. Cuomo has remained defiant and placed the blame for the nursing home scandal on a 'lack of information' Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared on his young brother Chris' CNN show more than ten times last year despite the network's 2013 ban on his interviewing family members It was DeRosa who is said to have admitted the administration withheld data on the nursing home deaths from state lawmakers, fearing an official investigation from the federal government. But Chris Cuomo stayed silent on the scandal on his CNN show, leading the Washington Post to accuse him of delivering 'over-the-top praise when the governor is up; silence when he's down', after the host completely ignored the press conference, which had been among the main coronavirus stories of the day. The decision to reinstate the fraternal ban after an extended break comes after months of praise being heaped on the governor by his brother in more than ten appearances on his show. In one interview on June 24, Chris readily admitted that he was incapable of objectively when it came to his brother. 'I'm wowed by what you did. And, more importantly, I'm wowed by how you did it, very hard I know it's not over,' he said. 'Obviously, I love you as my brother. Obviously, I'm not able to be objective. Obviously, I think you're the best politician in the country but I hope you feel good about what you did for your people.' 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. A leading Chinese COVID-19 expert has demanded the United States invite the World Health Organization (WHO) to its biological warfare laboratories to trace the source of the coronavirus pandemic. 'The United States must be the focus of the focus in the origin-tracing works of the novel coronavirus,' said Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist of the Chinese CDC. Mr Zeng's statement gave a fresh push to Beijing's unproven claims that the global health crisis started outside China. Communist officials have repeatedly promoted a conspiracy theory that links the origins of COVID-19 to a US army laboratory. Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist of the Chinese CDC, has indicated that COVID-19 could have come from the US. The picture shows Mr Zeng talking to state media in a separate interview Mr Zeng ripped into Washington after the WHO completed a tightly controlled tour in Wuhan, where the virus first emerged. Pictured, WHO team members leave their hotel after they wrapped up its investigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan on February 10 Mr Zeng, a member of China's COVID-19 expert team, criticised the United States for being 'nontransparent' after WHO experts had completed a tightly controlled tour in Wuhan, where COVID-19 first emerged over a year ago. Speaking to guacha.cn, a Chinese website, the epidemiologist insisted that it would be crucial for WHO experts to probe 'certain' laboratories in America. He said: 'American biological labs can be found across the world. Why does the United States need to set up so many labs? What are its purposes? 'On many things, the United States requires others to be open and transparent. But in the end, it is often the United States itself that has been the most nontransparent.' The CDC official insisted that Washington open itself up for probes 'no matter if the United States has indeed played any special tricks on the novel coronavirus issue or not'. 'The United States must be the focus of the focus in the origin-tracing works of the novel coronavirus,' said Mr Zeng. The above picture shows Peter Ben Embarek, a member of the WHO team attends the WHO-China joint study news conference in Wuhan on February 9 Mr Zeng carried on by accusing America of covering its mistakes and shifting responsibility to others. He blasted: 'The United States should bear the responsibility of proving itself to the world instead of indulging itself in hegemonic thinking.' He regarded those theories, which associate the pandemic with some American laboratories of biological weapons, as 'not completely groundless'. 'The United States should be like China and work with the WHO openly, inviting international experts to America to conduct on-site investigations at certain labs. Only in this way can the United States convince all,' Mr Zeng concluded. Mr Zeng's assertions have been echoed by Hua Chunying, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During a press briefing on Thursday, Ms Hua urged Washington to 'provide all relevant raw data', 'work with the WHO comprehensively and thoroughly' and 'invite WHO experts to go to the United States to carry out an origin-tracing inspection and publish an independent conclusion'. Hua Chunying (pictured), a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has made similar comments that point the possible source of the coronavirus to the United States China has been accused of taking the lead in spreading foreign disinformation about COVID-19's origins. Among powerful forces around the world, Beijing's propaganda machines played a key role in churning out conspiracies about the coronavirus originating from other countries, according to a nine-month investigation by Associated Press. Earlier this month, Wang Wenbin, another spokesperson from China's foreign ministry, told a press briefing that the United States should adopt a 'positive, scientific and cooperative attitude' towards the probe of the virus's source. Weeks before, Beijing's state broadcaster told its millions of viewers that 'something fishy' was going on at the Fort Detrick lab, reviving rumour that the contagion could have come from there. The official report came three days after Beijing urged Washington to 'open the biological lab at Fort Detrick' and 'invite WHO experts to conduct origin-tracing in the United States' in an apparent attempt to point the source of the virus to America. China's state broadcaster CCTV suggested that 'something fishy' was going on at the Fort Detrick lab in the United States during a news programme on January 21 (screenshot above) China's Central Television Station claimed that the lab was branded as 'the darkest experiment centre of the US government' by American political news sites - without mentioning specific publications. A scientist is pictured working in the lab in the above photo from March 19, 2020 The novel coronavirus, scientifically known as SARS-CoV-2, first emerged in Wuhan, a city in central China's Hubei Province, in December 2019. Most of the first cases recorded in Wuhan came from a seafood market, which, among others, sold live wild animals such as snakes, rats, beavers and foxes. However, several conspiracy theories have appeared on the internet since the beginning of the pandemic. They suggest that the virus could have been purposely created as a biological weapon or escaped from a lab - claims that have been 'strongly condemned' by scientists around the world. As early as April last year, a Chinese state TV presenter claimed that the coronavirus originated from the US instead of China in an Arabic programme. The anchor, who calls herself 'Ms V', referred to several conspiracy theories in an opinion show on CGTN, the English arm of CCTV, to prove 'it is clear that the virus in China was transmitted from abroad'. Most of the first cases recorded in Wuhan at the beginning of the pandemic were associated with the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, seen in a picture taken on March 20, 2020 The Arabic-speaking reporter hinted that the contagion could have escaped from Fort Detrick or been brought into China during the Military World Games in Wuhan - a theory promoted by another foreign ministry's spokesperson, Zhao Lijian. Ms V suggested that that the 'CDC suddenly and completely shut down' the Fort Detrick Biological Weapons Laboratory after failing to 'fully prevent the loss of pathogens'. The Maryland lab was, in fact, partially closed in July 2019 by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention over sanitation concerns, according to the press. It had been operating under partial capacity since November that year and reopened in April 2020. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who as Connecticuts attorney general for two decades made consumer protection a top priority, has a new and vastly bigger perch where he can oversee business practices. As Democrats take narrow control of the U.S. Senate, Blumenthal will head the Commerce Committees Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade and Consumer Protection. The exciting part of this new responsibility is in fact the breadth of subjects that we can go after, he said Friday in a telephone interview. The number of consumer issues Blumenthal has taken up is significant. A short list includes greater protections in self-driving cars, criticism of the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, demands for stiff penalties against Volkswagen over diesel engine exhaust emissions, opposition to higher electric rates and demands for greater regulation of bottled water. As chairman of the subcommittee, Blumenthal will have oversight over sprawling executive branch agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission with a mission of protecting consumers and advancing competition. Sorting through the array of issues, Blumenthal said the judgment by lawmakers will have to be how consumers are most harmed and how shining a light on those harms will protect them. Legislative solutions could be to give new enforcement tools to the FTC and Department of Justice, he said. A major issue is how to rein in mergers that result in blockbuster companies that could stifle competition. Legislation introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and backed by Blumenthal would boost antitrust enforcement, strengthen rules against anticompetitive mergers and update a 107-year-old federal law to prohibit actions that disadvantage competitors or limit the opportunity to compete. It could lead to legislation reining in Big Tech firms such as Google and Facebook, Blumenthal said. Colleagues on both sides of the aisle think theyve gotten too big, he said. Garrett Johnson, an assistant professor at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University, said its not clear how antitrust actions by the federal government would resolve problems about digital technology and its potential for abuse. Story continues I think theres definitely an appetite to do something, said Johnson, who focuses on digital marketing and measuring the effectiveness of advertising and researching privacy issues. Its unclear to me they agree on what to do. Regarding privacy issues, states are already adopting their own legislation, he said. Blumenthal has faced some criticism on the campaign trail over consumer policies seen as hostile to business, though few barbs have been lobbed at him between his election races. Republican Linda McMahon said in their 2010 Senate race he was heavy-handed toward business, and Blumenthal responded by saying his pro-consumer stance boosts competition among businesses. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce gave the two-term senator a 63% legislative score in 2019, reflecting how consistently he voted with its position on legislation identified as important to the business community. Being pro-consumer also may be a winning political issue because consumers are voters. These issues are kitchen table, Blumenthal said. Stephen Singer can be reached at ssinger@courant.com. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) The country's COVID-19 task force has crafted a more lenient set of rules for the country's anticipated shift to modified general community quarantine or MGCQ next month, Inter-Agency Task Force spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday. The task force issued a more uniform set of guidelines, scrapping rules under the general community quarantine, despite President Rodrigo Duterte's pending announcement for the community quarantine classification for the month of March. "Ang ginawa ng IATF resolution, sa paghahanda ng pagkakaroon ng MGCQ sa buong Pilipinas, ni-reiterate na po natin na wala na ang special rules sa GCQ dahil lahat po tayo ngayon ay covered ng mga rules under MGCQ, at least pagsimula ng a-uno ng Marso, at kung papayagan ng Presidente," Roque said in a media interview. [Translation: In preparation of the entire country's move to MGCQ, the IATF resolution reiterated that there are no special rules under GCQ since we will now be covered by the MGCQ rules starting March 1 if the President allows it.] The official said rules currently imposed over areas under MGCQ will be carried out across the country. This will include the reopening of movie theaters, parks, amusement parks, and mass gatherings of up to 50% capacity. Roque said the shift to the most relaxed MGCQ even in COVID-19 hotspot Metro Manila and several areas recording spikes in cases is almost assured after mayors in the National Capital Region and the IATF agreed to ease community quarantine restrictions. The different levels of quarantine classification enforced per area depend on their COVID-19 cases and the capability of health facilities to tend to patients. The levels are as follows, from strictest to most lenient: enhanced community quarantine or ECQ, modified enhanced community quarantine or MECQ, GCQ, then MGCQ. Local chief executives also issued different and specific restrictions depending on the health situation in their areas. Several health experts have warned against a large-scale easing of restrictions, especially in Metro Manila. World Health Organization Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said that although coronavirus infections in the capital region have plateaued, there is still community transmission. Add to that the fact that the more transmissible UK variant is circulating in the country. The OCTA Research Group cautioned that if Metro Manila moves to MGCQ, it will lead to a surge of up to 2,400 new cases per day by March 26, similar to the daily tally when the region was under MECQ in August 2020 due to increasing hospitalization. NEDA acting chief Karl Chua earlier this week proposed to allow people aged five to 70 to go out for non-essential trips, increase public transportation operations from 50% to 70%, and the resumption of pilot face-to-face classes in low-risk areas. Chua said the country needs to recover from huge economic losses. Roque assured that the move to MGCQ will not include the proposal to allow children as young as 5 years old to go out for leisure. "Hindi pa covered ang 5-75. Sumangayon ang mga aklalde sa 17-65," he said. [Translation: It will not cover those aged 5-75. The local chief executives agreed to the 17-65 age limit.] Duterte is expected to decide on the quarantine status for March on Feb. 22, but Roque said he may make the announcement before the month's end. NPP Communicator, Dennis Miracles Aboagye has asked Ghanaians not to pay attention to Ex-President John Mahama's election petition. According to him, the petition is just a strategy by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to waste President Nana Akufo-Addo's second term. Mr. Miracles Aboagye, who is also a former MCE for Akuapem North, touched on a few things that have characterized the petition by the former President citing some as his witnesses' inability to provide solid evidence in court and the numerous applications filed by his lawyers which have all been dismissed. To him, the NDC has intentionally filed the petition to prepare their ''incompetent Presidential candidate'' in the person of John Mahama for the 2024 elections. He therefore called on Ghanaians not to spend their energy and time on the petition but rather concentrate on the President's second term agenda aimed at further improving the lives of the populace. ''I am appealing to all Ghanaians that it is time we move on as a people. Let's leave the case for them to stay in court but we have already wasted two months. Next week will be the third month; time is going. For those of us in this country - citizens of this country - we need our lives back. We want to move on and move forward and see greater things. In the last four years, Nana Addo gave us free SHS, gave us One District One Factory, gave us 1 Million Dollar 1 Constituency. In 2021 to 2024, he has promised us rent allowance scheme. He has promised us national Identification card for Universities . . . he has promised the Okada people some alternative form of livelihood. ''These things are what we should concentrate on but should we focus on the NDC, it means we're being pushed into a corner as a people to kowtow to the strategies of a political party, ie. in ensuring that they remain relevant between now to December 2021 before they start their internal party politics and [2] to ensure they strategically position their incompetent Presidential candidate so that they prepare him for the future elections," he said during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" Friday morning. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 25410 Dawn Cappelli, VP of Global Security & Chief Information Security Officer, Rockwell Automation [NYSE:ROK] Dawn Cappelli, VP of Global Security & Chief Information Security Officer, Rockwell Automation [NYSE:ROK] In the cybersecurity industry we are somewhat fickle we shift our attention back and forth between insider and external threats based on recent events. In the 90s and early 2000s we focused on computer viruses as that was the predominant threat. From 2010-2014, our attention shifted to insider threats when Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden grabbed the headlines. In 2015 we pivoted back to external threats when ransomware became prevalent. In 2017, following WannaCry and NotPetya, we understandably are largely focusing on external cyber threats. However, beware that the pendulum is likely to shift back to insider threats. In addition, with the shifting recent external cyber-attacks from theft to sabotage, we should be prepared for the same shift in insider threats. Here are a few recent insider cyber sabotage cases in critical infrastructure companies or with potential impact to national security: In 2017, a former employee of a large aerospace company was arrested for trying to sell rogue credentials he had created for his companys satellite tracking system to a Mexican drug cartel for $2 million. The system is used by several U.S. government and military agencies for tracking their aircraft including the Drug Enforcement Agency. A socio-technical solution based on human detection of significant concerning behavior patterns can trigger an investigation of potential insider cyber sabotage before its too late In 2016, an employee of a large financial institution was sentenced to 21 months in prison after sabotaging the companys network, causing an outage in network and phone access to over 100 branches90 percent of their branches across the U.S. In 2016, a large semiconductor manufacturer filed a lawsuit against a former employee who planted a time bomb in one of their systems that disrupted operations after he left the company. These are three recent insider cyber sabotage attacks targeted at critical infrastructure companies or national security. I spent 13 years researching insider threats at the CERT Insider Threat Center at Carnegie Mellon University. I reviewed hundreds of similar cases. These attacks occurred in every sector, many causing significant damage to organizations and their customers. Yet few companies are actively addressing the insider cyber sabotage threat. Why? Because its a tough problemnot easily solved using technology alone. Insider cyber saboteurs are technical employees who use authorized access to set up an attack before they leave the company, and carry it out after theyre gone. Heres the good news: this is no longer an insurmountable problem. Who Does This and Why? The first step in mitigating this threat is to understand it. Who commits these crimes? Happy, satisfied employees? Certainly not! Fortunately, our research found distinct patterns in insider cyber sabotage: Who does it? Technical employees Why? Individuals who are very upset or angry about something that happened at work, for example no raise, no bonus, or a new boss they dont like. What do they do? They exhibit a pattern of concerning behavior that gets worse over time until it gets bad enough that management approaches Human Resources (HR) for action. How do they do it? The employee decides they want revenge and sets up their attack, but usually carries it out after leaving the company. A Socio-technical Solution Employees who commit cyber sabotage usually carry out their attack without operating outside their daily scope of work. Software developers have planted malicious code in their companys products and systems using authorized access to source code. System administrators have created rogue accounts using privileged access just like when creating legitimate accounts. Technical controls alone cannot prevent these actions. On the other hand, a socio-technical solution based on human detection of significant concerning behavior patterns can trigger an investigation of potential insider cyber sabotage before its too late. In most of the cases we analyzed at CERT, management contacted human resources for assistance. At Rockwell Automation we enlisted Human Resources as members of our global Insider Risk team. We trained our entire global human resources team in insider risk, and worked with our legal and IT departments to define a formal process for handling potential insider cyber sabotage cases. Employee privacy can be addressed and appropriately protected throughout the process. Employees usually set up their attack before they leave the company, and carry it out after. If human resources is trained to recognize behavioral patterns associated with potential insider cyber sabotage, an investigation can be triggered before the employee leaves the company. Malicious activity can be discovered and mitigated before sabotage is carried out. Final Thoughts Requirements for success: Executive sponsorship in Human Resources and global training of HR staff Partnership with legal to ensure privacy laws are followed Technical controls for prevention and to support investigations Investigative and forensic support capabilities At a time when multiple nation states are actively conducting cyber sabotage attacks, it is imperative that critical infrastructure companies do not overlook this potential threat. We cannot eliminate the threat, but this article describes a strategy that can be used to mitigate the risk of insider cyber sabotage. Check out: Top Homeland Security Technology Companies Even some of our most skeptical readers welcome this recent report that hopes to solve the tragic killing of a local youngster. Read more . . . WASHINGTON - Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., attended a virtual House committee hearing Thursday with at least three large firearms prominently displayed behind her as she and her colleagues debated whether to ban lawmakers from bringing guns to committee meetings. The freshman lawmaker and gun-rights advocate, who owns a gun-themed restaurant in Rifle, Colo., had two assault-style rifles arranged like an X on a shelf behind her head and another rifle lying across books on the shelf below. There was also a handgun. The House Natural Resources Committee was holding its first organizational meeting, which included passage of the panel's rules. Republicans offered an amendment to remove a provision prohibiting lawmakers from bringing firearms to meetings. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., who has been on a one-man crusade for several years to tighten gun regulations on Capitol Hill, derided Boebert during the hearing. "If somebody wants to have a shrine to their gun fetish as a Zoom backdrop in their private life, they can do that," Huffman said. "But this is our hearing room, and at some point we will get past the covid epidemic and we'll all start showing up in person. "It's necessary that we lay down these ground rules that whatever your fetishes or feelings are about guns, you're not going to bring them into our committee room," he added. Boebert responded that the Democrats were infringing on her constitutional rights. "It doesn't matter how you feel, how you classify it. This is an enumerated right . . . to bear arms," she said. A 1967 law banned firearms anywhere in the Capitol building and grounds but gave U.S. Capitol Police the power to make exceptions. Later that year, Capitol Police decided that lawmakers could keep them in their personal offices and transport unloaded firearms "within the Capitol Grounds." There has been debate over whether that means they can bring guns into committee rooms. To clear up the ambiguity, Democrats on the Natural Resources Committee added an explicit rule forbidding it in at least that committee. Republicans argued that no other committee has done this and accused Democrats of using the panel politically. "This rule is deeper than just this committee, and the Democratic majority seeks to restrict our Second Amendment rights on public lands across this nation and erode those rights," said Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, the ranking Republican on the committee. After the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol, Capitol Police put up metal detectors outside the House and Senate chambers. Boebert led a revolt against them after setting off the detector and refusing to allow police to check her bag. Huffman believes that the way the law is written, a lawmaker could openly carry an AK-47 around the Capitol complex and it would be allowed. He said he was shocked to see Boebert prominently displaying her guns at the committee hearing. "It was jaw-dropping for all of us, and I'm sure that was the point," Huffman said in an interview. "I think what she doesn't seem to understand is that all of this strident waving around of guns doesn't make the people around you feel safe about the idea of you being heavily armed in their presence." On Twitter, Boebert faced criticism for unsafely storing her guns. "Who says this is storage?" she responded. "These are ready for use." US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Saudi Arabias de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by phone on Thursday to convey Washingtons continued support for the kingdoms defense against Houthi attacks emanating from Yemen. The Pentagon chief underscored Saudi Arabias role as a pillar of the regional security architecture in the Middle East and the importance of sharing the responsibility of regional security and stability, the Defense Department said in a press release. The call came two days after White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that President Joe Bidens future correspondence with the Saudi leadership would be "counterpart to counterpart" via bin Salmans father, King Salman, in a snub to the crown prince, with whom the former administration preferred to deal directly. The Biden administration has emphasized the priority of human rights in its foreign policy agenda. Bin Salman, who also serves as the kingdom's defense minister, led a violent purge of dissent in his rise to power. Austin also reaffirmed the administrations recent shift in policy toward the Saudi-led military coalitions involvement in Yemens civil war, namely that the United States would no longer support offensive coalition operations inside Yemen. The Pentagon has said it will continue to provide defensive support to Saudi Arabia, including intelligence about Houthi strikes launched from Yemen. The announcement fulfills a campaign promise from Biden following years of objections from the United Nations, international rights groups and members of the US Congress over the Saudi-led coalitions repeated bombing of civilians in the conflict. The United Nations has called Yemens war the worlds worst humanitarian catastrophe, with some 80% of the country's population in need of humanitarian aid. UN investigators have warned that foreign governments such as the United States that have armed parties to the conflict could potentially be complicit in war crimes. One month into Bidens presidency, officials in Washington are carefully treading a new path in the Middle East, aiming to reassure strategic partners in Israel and the Gulf while offering to loosen restrictions on their mutual rival, Iran, if its government returns to compliance with the 2015 nuclear accord. So far it remains unclear how the White House will achieve both goals. Irans proxies across the region appear to be responding with renewed aggression. Austins call follows a handful of recent of aerial strikes on Saudi Arabias territory by suspected Iran-linked groups in the region. Last month, at least two projectiles were launched toward Riyadh as the commander of US forces in the Middle East, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, visited the kingdom to coordinate with Saudi officials. In one of those attacks, explosive-laden drones launched from Iraq struck the royal complex in Riyadh, the Wall Street Journal reported today. Last week the Houthis claimed credit for firing four armed drones at Abha airport in southwest Saudi Arabia, one of which struck an unoccupied civilian airliner. That attack came as the Biden administrations newly appointed Yemen envoy, Timothy Lenderking, traveled to Riyadh to discuss prospects for ending Yemens civil war. In Iraq's Kurdistan Region, a barrage of 107mm rockets rained down in and around the Erbil airport earlier this week, killing a military contractor and wounding eight others, including a member of the US military. US and international forces are stationed at a base located within the airport. The Biden administration swiftly condemned the attack and offered support to the Kurdistan Regional Government and to Baghdad, saying Washington reserves the right to respond to the strike. The US administration has so far avoided publicly pointing the finger at Iran for any of the recent incidents, though the Erbil barrage was claimed by a suspected front group for influential Shiite militias in Iraq backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Irans government denied involvement in a statement on Tuesday. On Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price revealed the United States would agree to participate in multilateral talks with Iran over its nuclear program if invited by the European Union. Meanwhile, debate has swirled inside the administration over how to return to the original deal with Iran or whether to do so at all, according to Politico. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed for unified opposition to a US return from his government. On Thursday, Israels ambassador to the United States spoke with the new chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks, who has supported renewed engagement with Tehran. The Biden administration informed Israeli officials of US willingness to enter into multilateral talks with Iran via EU invitation prior to Thursday's announcement, Reuters reported. New Delhi: Yog Guru Ramdev on Friday (February 19) released the scientific research papers on the Patanjali medicine for COVID-19. He made the announcement at a press conference in the presence of Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. ANI tweeted a picture of the event and wrote in their post, Yog Guru Ramdev releases scientific research paper on 'the first evidence-based medicine for #COVID19 by Patanjali'. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari are also present at the event. Delhi: Yog Guru Ramdev releases scientific research paper on 'the first evidence-based medicine for #COVID19 by Patanjali'. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari are also present at the event. pic.twitter.com/8Uiy0p6d8d ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2021 "Coronil has received the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) from the Ayush section of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation as per the WHO certification scheme," said Patanjali in a statement. Notably, the WHO certification scheme doesn't give you a direct approval. These are just standard protocols, one still has to apply for the official certificate. Under CoPP, Coronil can now be exported to 158 countries. Commenting on the development Swami Ramdev said, Coronil will help humanity while providing affordable treatment based on naturopathy. On the basis of presented data, the Ministry of Ayush has recognised Coronil Tablet as medicine for "supporting the measure in COVID-19." Earlier on June 23, 2020, Patanjali had launched the coronal tablet with the joint efforts of Professor Balbir Singh Tomar and Acharya Balkrishna. At the time Acharya Balkrishna said the company would share the results of clinical trials soon, and that the patients treated by the said medicine had tested negative. Then, the Ayush Ministry had indicated it as "Immuno-booster" only. After facing a lot of criticism from the scientific community, Patanjali gave clarification on the medicine claiming cure to coronavirus saying that it never said to have made any such medicine. Giving clarification on the notice issued by the Uttrakhand Drug department, Patanjali also denied making any medicine called 'Corona kit'. Live TV Notably, Coronil is developed by Patanjali Research Institute. It had started work for an Ayurvedic remedy for COVID-19 in January 2020. WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden has quickly approved states of emergency in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. He has spoken with the governors of seven states hit hard by cold and snow. His administration has coordinated the delivery of supplies and other assistance. Facing the first major natural disaster of his tenure - the kind of event that can emerge unexpectedly and throw an administration off course - Biden so far has tried to showcase a competent and by-the-books government, rather than make dramatic gestures. "Jill and I are keeping Texas, Oklahoma, and other impacted states in our prayers," Biden wrote on Twitter on Thursday. "I've declared states of emergency, authorized FEMA to provide generators and supplies, and am ready to fulfill additional requests." Competent government was a central promise of Biden's campaign, and personal empathy has long been part of his identity. The Texas storm arguably calls for both, and it confronts Biden with an early leadership test for his young presidency. So far, Biden has not opted for higher-profile gestures such as visiting the stricken areas, making public remarks or seizing on electrical failures to push his infrastructure plan. His administration is immersed in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic, and White House press secretary Jen Psaki said a presidential trip could disrupt police and rescue efforts in the disaster zone. Still, the White House on Thursday sought to make the case that the administration is doing what it can. It announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided 60 generators to Texas to keep hospitals powered and water pumps running. FEMA has also supplied 729,000 liters of water, 225,000 meals, 10,000 wool blankets and 50,000 cotton blankets, officials said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said he would ask the White House for a "major disaster declaration" in addition to the emergency status that already was granted. The new aid, aimed at long-term repair rather than immediate rescue, would let Texans apply for help with expenses such as replacing broken pipes. "The past several days have been beyond challenging, but with every passing hour we are restoring power and water for families across Texas," Abbott said. Robert J. Fenton Jr., the acting FEMA administrator, said in an interview that the agency has a presence in nearly 15 states and is monitoring the fallout from power and water supply failures and preparing for possible flooding when temperatures rise. But the unusual storm creates some challenges as the administration deals with multiple crises, including the pandemic. Fenton said Biden requested a briefing on the storm on Tuesday, but Fenton was in Los Angeles opening a coronavirus vaccination site, and another FEMA official, David Bibo, had to conduct the briefing. "He is engaged," Fenton said of Biden. "He's phoning governors, he's leaning on us to provide assistance early." Not everyone in Texas is satisfied. State Rep. Bob Hall, a Republican, blamed the failures on several factors, including ailing infrastructure and a state power grid that needs improvement. But he also said he viewed the federal response as inadequate. "I have seen nothing from the federal government in response except they were going to offer up some generators," Hall said. But he also added that he would be skeptical if federal help came with restrictions. "I would be very concerned about any strings the federal government wants to attach," said Hall, who used a hairdryer and a lightbulb - an incandescent one, not an LED - to warm his frozen pipes at his home near Dallas. "Especially green energy-related." One top White House aide said the government is relying in part on the network that sprang up as part of the federal response to the novel coronavirus. "There is a silver lining to the very dark cloud of covid, which is that our FEMA teams have been deeply embedded for quite a long time," Liz Sherwood-Randall, Biden's homeland security adviser, told reporters. "There's a great deal of familiarity among the people involved in needing to work these issues now - because they've been working for quite a while on covid response." Sherwood-Randall also said the storm highlights the need for a large-scale rethinking of American infrastructure and energy policy, forecasting a broader debate that the White House soon may pursue. The weather emergencies demonstrate again that climate change is real, she said, "and we're not adequately prepared for it. The infrastructure is not built to withstand these extreme conditions." Although Biden has made telephone calls and been briefed several times daily, he has largely focused in recent days on what his administration views as the biggest challenge confronting his presidency - the coronavirus response and vaccine distribution. The storm that gripped the Southwest and left millions of Texans without power did not come up Tuesday night during Biden's hour-long CNN town hall, and he did not comment publicly about them Wednesday as his Twitter feed urged Americans to embrace vaccines and mask-wearing. The politics of natural disasters can be among the thorniest and least predictable for presidents, because they can seem to come out of nowhere and present a stark test of competence. George W. Bush was heavily criticized for his administration's failure to prepare for and respond adequately to Hurricane Katrina, hurting Republicans the following year in the 2006 midterm elections. As president, Donald Trump sometimes tied federal aid to a state's political leanings, threatening officials in the midst of crises. In 2019, he threatened to cut off federal aid to California to deal with its wildfires,accusing Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, of mismanagement, relenting only when Newsom called him to make a personal appeal. Trump also held up an aid package for Puerto Rico for three years, calling its leaders corrupt and publicly sparring with them. He released the aid weeks before the 2020 election in what Democrats called a bid to win votes in Florida. "I'm the best thing that ever happened to Puerto Rico," Trump said in releasing the aid. "Nobody even close." In Texas this week, some state officials noted the difference - not in whether they received aid but in the tone. "Biden didn't make Abbott grovel or humiliate himself or pledge his loyalty. I think that's a vast improvement over the past four years," said Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu, who lost power at home for three days but got it back early Thursday morning. He spoke Thursday from a Chinese restaurant, where he was picking up hundreds of hot meals he planned to take to an apartment complex in his district in southwest Houston. "It's nothing fancy - just chicken, vegetables and rice, but it's hot, and there are people in my district who have not had electricity or water for the last four days," Wu said. "We're just trying to help as much as we can." State Rep. Rafael Anchia, a member of the Energy Committee in the Texas House, said he was relieved by the federal response, particularly since the Trump administration rejected a request for a disaster declaration in his district after devastating tornadoes in 2019. "They've been really responsive, which has been good to see - a competent response to a natural disaster," said Anchia, a Democrat, adding that the 2019 decision was "a real gut punch for Dallas." Throughout the day Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was criticized by other officials for traveling with his family to Cancun, Mexico, as many of those in his home state were left without power, food or safe drinking water. Cruz rushed home Thursday afternoon, saying it was his daughters who'd wanted the trip. "With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends," Cruz said in a statement. "Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon." Some Republicans came to Cruz's defense, arguing that there is little that U.S. senators can do during a natural disaster. "There's also a difference between a Governor and a Senator in terms of job description and what they can do for localized disasters," Donald Trump Jr. tweeted. "Optics is one thing but let's be real here." Responding to a reporter's question about Cruz, Psaki sought to poke gently at the senator without criticizing him directly. "The many people across the state who are without power, without the resources they need - we expect that would be the focus of anyone in the state or surrounding states who was elected to represent them," she said. "But I don't have any update on his whereabouts." Psaki suggested Biden might not visit the affected region anytime soon. "One of the factors to consider here is what the impact is - the footprint of a presidential trip," she said. "It can take up resources, it can take up the time and energy of police and security. And so those are factors we consider as we determine when and where he'll visit." Instead, Biden has sought to signal his concern through official actions. The president almost immediately approved a federal emergency declaration requested by Abbott, authorizing the federal government to coordinate disaster relief efforts. On Wednesday, the White House announced that FEMA was supplying generators and moving diesel fuel into the state to boost the supply of backup power. By Thursday afternoon, power had been restored in much of Texas, but the operator of the state's electricity grid said rotating power outages still might be required for several more days. Biden approved a similar emergency declaration for Oklahoma at the request of Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, the White House announced Thursday. "Thank you @POTUS for your quick action to approve our request," the governor wrote on Twitter. By Thursday afternoon, the White House had approved an additional request that was submitted by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat. (Newser) Impersonating a grandmother isn't just for big, bad wolves anymore. Officials in Orange County, Florida, say two women dressed up as "grannies"with bonnets, glasses, and glovesto try to get their second dose of coronavirus vaccine. Orange County Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino tells WFTV that the two women, who appeared to be in their 20s, had valid vaccination cards from their first shot, but they were turned away from the Orange County Convention Center and police were called after there was an issue with their photo IDs the second time. It's not clear whether they also pretended to be senior citizens to get the first shot. story continues below The women turned out to be 34 and 44 years old, the Guardian reports. Police said they were asked to issue trespass warnings but no further action was taken. Pino says security is being beefed up at vaccination sites. "This is the hottest commodity that is out there right now," he says of the vaccine, per ABC7. "We have to be very careful with the funds and the resources that we are provided." (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.) Bengaluru, Feb 20 : Taking strong exceptions to the Popular Front of India (PFI) leader's speech, Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday directed police to file case against PFI leader as he had delivered 'anti national and hate speech'. Reacting sharply to a speech by PFI General Secretary Anis Ahmed on commemoration of Popular Front Day at Ullal in the coastal city of Mangaluru on Thursday, the home minister questioned how can the PFI question the integrity of the nation's one of the foremost patriotic institutions RSS? "What PFI leader has spoken of is certainly against this country and against the Constitution. It is certainly anti-national speech, hate speech," he said. The PFI's motives are very clear in this speech that it wants to divide people of this country on communal lines, Bommai noted. He observed that how can the PFI talk about the Ram Mandir, when the matter is disposed off by the Apex Court and permitting the Mandir to be built in the same place. It all started on Thursday PFI's Karnataka general secretary, Anis Ahmed slamming the BJP government at the Centre and RSS said that proposed Ram Mandir was not Ram Mandir in truest sense but it is RSS mandir, therefore Muslim across the nation should not contribute a single paisa for that Mandir. He noted that PFI would continue to be targeted by the union government but the PFI would not succumb to them. "All our workers who are arrested by the government in false cases are our 'heroes'," he said. He also alleged that RSS was without any doubt India's real enemy and termed that the RSS was more dangerous than cancer. "RSS is such a deadly virus for which there is no vaccine yet. We will get that vaccine and administer it at various places. There is no Hindu-Muslim problem in this country, but it is RSS vs Muslim problem in this country," he said. He added that RSS should be confronted and not appeased. "RSS is biggest enemy of Hindus. Muslim intellectuals who all the while advocated that by foregoing Babri mosque land peace will prevail. I would like to ask those intellectuals, is peace prevailing now? After handing over land, in the name of collecting funds to Mandi, RSS is attacking Muslims and their businesses. They are not going to stop here, RSS will create communal disturbances. Therefore, muslims must now start confronting RSS," he said. The European Union is Ukraine's main trading partner; the share of trade in goods and services with the EU totals 41% of Ukraine's foreign trade, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said. According to the European Business Association, Ukraine made it through last year smoothly when compared with other countries. The foreign trade balance improved compared with previous periods - imports decreased and exports increased. The European Union accounts for 41% of Ukraine's foreign trade, which means that it is our largest trade partner, Shmyhal said during an hour of questions to the Government held in the Verkhovna Rada, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. He reminded that during a recent working visit to Brussels, the Ukrainian side discussed with its European counterparts the possibilities of expanding trade for Ukrainian business. "More than 14,000 small and large Ukrainian companies are exporters of our products to the EU. This list will only grow and Ukrainian companies will be able to export their products to the EU without quotas," Shmyhal said. iy YEREVAN, 19 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 19 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.14 drams to 524.48 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 3.47 drams to 636.40 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 7.10 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 3.50 drams to 733.59 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 119.30 drams to 29899.6 drams. Silver price up by 0.97 drams to 458.07 drams. Platinum price up by 460.87 drams to 21347.83 drams. Protests over the imprisonment of a rapper convicted of insulting the Spanish monarchy and praising terrorist violence were marred by rioting for a third successive night on Thursday. The plight of Pablo Hasel, who began this week to serve a nine-month sentence in a north-eastern prison, has triggered a heated debate over the limits of free speech in Spain and a political storm over the use of violence by both the rappers supporters and the police. The ruling coalitions junior partner, the far-left United We Can (Unidas Podemos) party, on Thursday filed a petition for a total pardon for Hasel and another rapper, Valtonyc, who fled to Belgium in 2018 to avoid trial on charges of glorifying terrorism. Expand Close Demonstrators gather near a burning barricade during clashes with police in Barcelona (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demonstrators gather near a burning barricade during clashes with police in Barcelona (AP) But potentially deepening the tension, court authorities in the north-eastern Catalonia region announced Hasel lost a recent appeal and is looking at an additional prison sentence of two and a half years for obstructing justice and assault in 2017. The sentence can go to appeal again before the countrys Supreme Court. Like the two previous nights, the protests began on Thursday with large gatherings in several cities that were, at first, mostly peaceful. In Catalonias regional capital, Barcelona, hundreds sang songs, rapped and shouted Pablo Hasel, freedom! and Spanish media, manipulators! at a central square. Dozens then broke off from the main group to set alight a barricade of trash containers and a construction skip that blocked a main city artery, hurling stones, bottles and other objects at riot police. Expand Close Demonstrators smash the window of a bank (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demonstrators smash the window of a bank (AP) There were moments of tension as flames threatened to extend to nearby buildings before firefighters arrived. In the eastern coastal city of Valencia, police used batons to disperse protesters and arrested at least eight people, according to the Spanish governments regional delegation. On Friday, prime minister Pedro Sanchez said: Violence is an attack on democracy, and the government will take a stand against any form of violence to ensure peoples safety. Interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska also stepped into the row, thanking police for their efforts and saying they would continue to guarantee the rights and freedoms of all society against a minority whose misguided idea of rights makes them have recourse to violence. Tom Hallberg covers a little bit of everything, from skiing to long-form feature stories. A Teton Valley, Idaho, transplant by way of Portland and Bend, Oregon, he spends his time outside work writing fiction, splitboarding and climbing. [February 19, 2021] European Digital Sovereignty Report 2021 - Can the Digital Industry Keep Pace With the Rest of the World? - ResearchAndMarkets.com The "Digital Sovereignty - Can Europe's Digital Industry Keep Pace With the Rest of the World?" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report explores the emerging issue of digital sovereignty which, more and more, is being viewed as critical, especially in Europe. It begins by analysing perceptions of sovereignty in the various Member States, and in other regions around the world that have historically been more proactive in this area, such as Russia and Asian countries (China, Japan, South Korea). The report then provides a benchmark of six key enabling ICT (micro-electronics, quantum computing, cloud, cybersecurity, connectivity, artificial intelligence), associated public R&D funding and industry rankings in the different regions. It identifies the areas where Europe has an opportunity to reposition itself and secure market leadership. Finally, it delivers a complete snapshot of the regulatory framework being adopted in Europe to develop digital sovereignty. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Methodology 2.1. Scope: Focus on the enlarged ICT sector 2.2. Benchmark of public funding programmes 2.3. Definition: What is technological sovereignty? 3. National and European strategies 3.1. European visions of sovereignty 3.1.1. Europe 3.1.2. France 3.1.3. Germany 3.1.4. The United Kingdom 3.1.5. Italy 3.1.6. Spain 3.1.7. Sweden 3.1.8. Poland 3.2. Other countries' visions of sovereignty 3.2.1. The United States 3.2.2. China 3.2.3. Japan 3.2.4. South Korea 3.2.5. Russia 4. Public initiatives: Funding schemes for different technologies 4.1. Synthesis 4.2. Quantum computing 4.3. Electronics 4.4. Cybersecurity 4.5. Network servies 4.6. Cloud services 4.7. Artificial Intelligence 5. Private initiative 5.1. Industrial leadership 5.1.1. Leading digital industry players 5.1.2. Synthesis 5.2. R&D intensity 5.2.1. Overall R&D spending 5.2.2. Focus on private R&D 5.3.3. Start-up funding 6. Regulation and public policies 6.1. European Regulatory Framework 6.1.1. Digital Markets Act (DMA) 6.1.2. The Digital Services Act (DSA) 6.1.3. A common European market for data 6.1.4. The Data Governance Act (DGA) 6.1.5. Focus on EU cybersecurity initiative 6.1.6. NIS Directive 6.2. Other key actions 6.2.1. Data regulation 6.2.2. Taxation 6.2.3. Online platforms competition regulation List of tables and figures National and European strategies The digital sovereignty issue Key Enabling Technologies as defined by the EC in 2018 Public initiatives Total public funding on all ICT technologies in EU, Germany, France, Italy Total public funding on AI, quantum computing and cybersecurity in EU, Germany, France Total public funding on 5G and other digital technologies in EU, Germany, France, Italy Total global public funding of AI, quantum computing and cybersecurity Total global public funding of ICT technologies Total global public funding of ICT and digital technologies Quantum computing initiatives Electronics initiatives Cybersecurity initiatives Network services initiatives Cloud services initiatives Artificial Intelligence initiatives Private initiative World's top digital market players in 2019 by revenue World's leading companies in micro-nano electronics in 2019 Europe's top digital market players in 2019 (by revenue earned in Europe) Breakdown of the different digital markets in Europe by suppliers' country of origin Comparison of R&D spending in China, the US and Europe R&D in the digital sector in 2018 Regional distribution of the World's Unicorns in 2020 Distribution of European Unicorns in 2020 Comparison of R&D spending in China, the US and Europe Regulation and public policies Illustration of the "Double Irish" and "Dutch Sandwich" schemes Comparison or corporate tax rates in Europe Companies Mentioned Airbnb Alibaba Alipay Alphabet Amazon Apple Baidu China Telecom (News - Alert) Cisco Criteo Dassault Systemes Deutsche Bank Deutsche Telekom Didi Chuxing Ericsson Facebook Fujitsu Google (News - Alert) Huawei IBM iQiyi KDDI KT LG UPlus Mail.ru McAfee Microsoft MTS (News - Alert) Netflix Nokia NortonLifeLock NTT DoCoMo Oracle Orange Rakuten Salesforce Samsung SAP SFR Siemens SK Telecom Softbank (News - Alert) Telefonica Tencent Tesla Thales TikTok Uber Vodafone WeChat Xiaomi Yandex (News - Alert) ZTE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cmt64e View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210219005290/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Pennsylvania movie theaters ditch mask mandate Three chain movie theaters have announced that masks are no longer mandatory for moviegoers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus. 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. Goatsbridge Fish Processors Ltd in Thomastown is to receive 19,500 in grant aid to finance a business strategy, according to local Fine Gael TD John Paul Phelan. The investment is part of the cost of advisory services to enhance financial planning and the company structure in Ireland and the UK, Deputy Phelan confirmed. The local funding is part of a package announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue. He announced 4.9 million in new investment by nine seafood processing companies, with his departments European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme providing grants of 1,011,184. The grants are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and are subject to terms and conditions. I am very pleased our government has come out in support of these nine seafood enterprises to further grow their business," Deputy Phelan said. "These are particularly challenging times with both Covid and Brexit impacting on markets and the ongoing capital investment by our seafood sector is evidence of its resilience and its optimism for future growth prospects. Tremendous credit has to go to Ger and Mag Kirwan, their family and their employees for continuing to innovate, continuing to find new markets in the current climate. Minister McConalogue said his Departments European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme has provided in excess of 230 million over the past seven years to support the sustainable growth of the seafood sector. "A new Seafood Development Programme for the 2021-27 period is presently being drafted and I expect it to commence later this year," he said. 26384 Chris Camacho, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council Chris Camacho, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council The Smart Cities Connect Conference in Kansas City brought together leaders from around the country to discuss smart city practices and the dos and donts. There are many different perspectives about what makes a city smart. Many in attendance discussed implementation best practices and the importance of collaborative communities. The one thing that stood out most was the conversation around the mentality of smart cities. This mentality requires that the business and local leadership responsible for modern infrastructure and city planning be ready, willing and able to evolve. As the population shifts and the younger, tech savvy generations get older, they have the expectation that their communities be as connected as the rest of their lives. This shifting resident expectation indicates why the mentality of a smart city is critical and there is no way to meet this expectation without intentional planning and leadership. Preparing to meet the expectations of these residents requires modern infrastructure and progressive city planning. As opportunities to evolve arise, we need to intentionally pause and consider our options before implementing the same process and procedure that was used in the past. From intelligent transportation, to security and safety, to health and well-being, access, equity and utilitiesno matter where you look, theres an opportunity for evolution and innovation. This evolution must keep citizens and businesses at the heart of all initiatives, because cities ultimately become smarter, more efficient, and more responsive for the sake of the community and its associated economic success. As business and community leaders, we must continually look for ways to enhance thequality of life and provide citizens with a place where their family can thrive and feel safe. Smart city collaborations typically require all groups inclusive of the connected to the historically disenfranchised to be embraced in this change Taking the smart city mentality and transitioning it to the implementation phase takes intentionality, creativity, grit and most importantlycollaboration. Smart city collaborations typically require all groups inclusive of the connected to the historically disenfranchised to be embraced in this change. For implementation to last, programs must add value to the local quality of life for citizens and improve their health and well-being. When residents see that these smart initiatives make their environment better and create efficiencies for city operations, theyll understand and appreciate the advancements and become advocates for future innovation. An advantage of transforming into a smart city is the ability to use communication and sensor technology to improve infrastructure and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Driven by a singular problem, smart city technology has the potential to inform and address multiple challenges at once. For example, when conducting a smart transportation pilot project, the primary goal might be to improve the movement of vehicles, but additional benefits could include reducing emissions and improving air quality. By continually refining their mentality, smart cities can implement smart transportation solutions that not only reduce traffic but also increase access to opportunity and enhance citizen well-being through achieving a higher quality of life for all residents. Successful smart city implementation is built on the backbone of collaboration. These shared goals are ambitious and cities will need to work with their neighboring counterparts to achieve them. By developing measures of success and a common narrative around the problems, theyll find greater collective success that betters the regional economy and quality of life. Without the collaboration of urban planners, community leaders and businesses, some initiatives may not reach full implementation and even reduce citizen trust. By setting clear and measurable objectives and maintaining transparency with residents youre able to maintain open and clear dialogue. While technology is at the core of many smart city initiatives, another key take away from the Smart City Connect conference is that technology isnt always the solution andit isnt always the issue, either. Dropping the best and smartest technology into a broken system will not produce the desired outcomes. Technology also has significant upkeep costs that are easily sidelined by tight budgets. To avoid these pitfalls there needs to be a smart system built on collaboration. This system will most likely require cross departmental partnerships that extend beyond city staff because the challenges we face today are complex. Whether its new internal partnerships within a city or region or externally with new private partners, it requires getting comfortable with change and leaning into the struggles that go hand-in-hand with being innovative. Having one smart transportation solution in a city and implementing a completely different one in an adjacent city will ultimately have adverse impacts on regional success and residents who live in an area could face inconsistencies resulting in a reduced quality of life. Talking about the importance of being a smart city, smart region or even a smart country is a topic thats creating a lot of interest, but years from now it will just be the way successful and flourishing cities operate. This requires us to make a decision: evolve or be left behind. Waiting to make this decision or avoiding the challenges that come from investing in smart solutions is choosing to fall behind. By 2020, spending on smart city initiatives worldwide is expected to grow to $34.35 billion, an increase from $14.85 billion in 2015. Smart solutions are transforming the way cities address nearly every operation. In Greater Phoenix, cities and towns are coming together to change the way we live for the better and implementing solutions that improve the regional quality of life. As each smart solution is brought to the forefront, we know were improving citizen lives by implementing smart innovations that prepare our region for success for many generations to come. Tamil TV actor Indira Kumar died by suicide in Chennai yesterday (February 18, 2021). The actor reportedly hanged himself at his friend's house. Apparently, the actor had gone to his friend's house where they watched a movie together the night before. Later, he went inside the room but didn't come out in the morning. After not receiving any response from Indira Kumar's side, his friends went inside the room and saw his body hanging from the ceiling fan. The actor's friends then informed the police, who have seized his body. Indira Kumar was reportedly suffering from several family issues. He is survived by his wife and a son. If reports are to be believed, the actor wanted to act in films and was not getting any opportunities. The cops have now started investigating his mysterious death. May his soul rest in peace! Worried about your mental well-being or of someone you know? Help is just a call away. Reach out to the nearest mental health specialist at COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ)- 0832-2252525, Parivarthan- +91 7676 602 602, Connecting Trust- +91 992 200 1122/+91-992 200 4305 or Sahai- 080-25497777/ SAHAIHELPLINE@GMAIL.COM. Also Read : VJ Chitra Death Case: Husband Hemanth Kumar Granted Conditional Bail Also Read : Hemanth Kumar Had Pressurised VJ Chitra To Take Virg*nity Test Says His Friend Rohit Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March NOTORIOUS Drogheda feud gangster Paul Crosby was arrested in prison today by gardai investigating the savage murder and dismemberment of the body of a 17-year-old boy in January of last year. The 25-year-old crime figure was taken from his cell in Mountjoy Prison to the nearby Mountjoy Garda Station under a Section-42 warrant, which means he can be detained for 24 hours. Detectives arrested Crosby in relation to the investigation into the murder of the teenager in a house in Drogheda on the night of January 12, 2020. The teenager was butchered by slain gangland killer Robbie Lawlor. The original intention may have been only to give the boy a hiding but Lawlor took matters into his own hands and brutalised the victim, a senior source said today. Crosbys arrest comes two days after a 29-year-old woman, who is closely linked to the gangster, was arrested as part of the murder probe. She remains in custody at Balbriggan Garda Station. Also, a 23-year-old described as a very minor player in the Drogheda feud who was also arrested on Wednesday morning, is still being held at Drogheda Garda Station after their period of detention was extended at Dundalk District Court on Thursday night. They are suspected of being involved in the clean-up after the murder. Just hours after the murder of the boy, Crosby was the target of a revenge attack when a gunman mistakenly shot a completely innocent taxi driver. The driver was driving the gangster and the arrested 29-year-old woman in rush-hour traffic in the Co Louth town on the evening of January 13 last year. The driver has made a good recovery. Within days, Crosby was taken off the streets for breach of bail conditions. The murdered juvenile cannot be named for legal reasons but todays arrest brings to eight the number of people arrested in the investigation, with two men already before the courts in relation to it. The arrested Drogheda woman is said to have a significant cocaine habit and is deeply loyal to jailed thug Crosby, who is serving a four-and-a-half year sentence in Mountjoy Prison for the arson of a stolen car. That incident happened when he was under major garda surveillance because of his role in the bitter Drogheda dispute which has claimed four lives. Crosby is considered a key member of the so-called anti-Maguire faction in the feud and a close friend of two on-the-run brothers who are currently based abroad. Crosby is one of the main targets for the Maguire faction in the Drogheda feud whose leader, Owen Maguire, was left paralysed after being shot in an attempted murder in July, 2018. That attack is suspected of being carried out by Crosbys associate, Robbie Lawlor, who was shot dead in Belfast last April. Crosby was behind a phone call in which Maguire was ridiculed for being in a wheelchair. A series of other insults were issued in the call, some of which were sexual in nature. This inflamed tensions in the feud. At one stage he goaded Maguire by asking: Do you want to go for a walk and sort this out. Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho revealed Harry Kane did not want to risk playing in his side's Europa League last 32 first-leg tie with Wolfsberger. The England captain has recently returned from an ankle injury but despite Mourinho wanting him to travel to Budapest and be part of the squad, he opted to stay in London in order to rest. Spurs did just fine without him as goals from Son Heung-min, Gareth Bale, Lucas Moura and Carlos Vinicius earned a 4-1 win as they put one foot in the last-16. Harry Kane did not travel with Tottenham for their Europa League clash against Wolfsberger Jose Mourinho said Kane didn't want to risk playing given his recent return from an ankle injury Mourinho said Kane was concerned after his recent injury - which he sustained against Liverpool last month - and a hectic schedule, but that his top scorer should be back involved against West Ham on Sunday. Mourinho admitted: 'Harry made the decision based on his feelings which was that to play in this game was a risk with the accumulation of minutes after the injury he had. 'He is an experienced guy who had injuries in the past and knows his body better than anyone. 'Myself and the medical department agreed with him, to give him this opportunity to take care of his condition. Spurs coped fine in Kane's absence, with Son Heung-min (left) and Lucas Moura (right) netting in a 4-1 win as they look to continue their progress in the Europa League 'He knows I want to play him every minute of every game so it is never a question of a choice. 'I wanted to come here with the best team and the players to give us more opportunities to have a good result. 'But I believe Sunday he will be okay and ready.' Son opened the scoring for Spurs in the 13th minute on Thursday before Bale and Moura also netted in the first half to put the result beyond doubt. And after a late goal from Wolfsberger, Vinicius got in on the act with Spurs on the brink of a place in the last-16. New Delhi, Feb 19 : The central government on Friday said that it has no intention to eliminate Arthiyas in Punjab and Haryana and no direction has been issued to eliminate Arthiyas from the mandi system. However, the Centre has directed the state governments of Haryana and Punjab to ensure online payments to farmers through e-mode from the upcoming season in a bid to make online payments to farmers by all states is done through their State / FCI portals. Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said in statement that E-mode of payment ensures that all participants including farmers, Arthiyas, mandis etc. receive their payments directly online in the chain in order to ensure transparency, tracking the trail of payments made and benefits for all. This is not a replacement of the current APMC system. It only strengthens transparency and elimination of leakages, said the statement. In Uttar Pradesh, procurement through Bio-authentication of farmers has been introduced while Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are also keen to adopt Bio-authenticated procurement which will ensure transparency/tracking end use beneficiary. The Ministry said, "E-mode of MSP (Minimum Support Price) payment is already in force across India, Govt of India has been trying to ensure the same in Punjab and Haryana at least since 2015-16." "These efforts of the Govt of India far predate farm acts. Digital mode of financial benefit transfers Or payments by Government agencies to beneficiaries has been highly successful and appreciated tool of transparency which has been instrumental in eliminating leakages in delivery of benefits." E-mode of payment has already been adopted partially by Haryana and Punjab and a part of payment for this paddy procurement was done through e-mode only. In Punjab, payment of MSP was made to the farmers through Arthiyas while in Haryana, FCI (Food Corporation of India) made Payment of MSP directly to farmer's bank accounts through online mode, whereas state agencies made payment of MSP to the farmers partly through Arthiya and partly directly to farmer's account through online mode as per option given by the farmers in e-Kharid portal. However, both the state govts. have been routinely approaching GoI for granting exemption/seeking time for implementation of direct online payment initiative. GoI has therefore, directed State Govt. Or Punjab and Haryana to ensure online payment to farmers through e-mode from upcoming season and that no further relaxation on this account will be accorded, said the statement. The State agencies have to also ensure the use of Expenditure Advance Transfer module (EAT) of Public Financial Module System (PFMS) while making payment, as Mandated by the Ministry of Finance, GOI. The State Govts. have to integrate their online payment system with PFMS. The online payment system shall necessarily have the feature of online registration of farmers and online payment to them as mandated by GOI. Online Procurement System ushers in transparency and convenience to the farmers through proper registration and monitoring of actual procurement. All States have also been encouraged to procure the produce of the farmers online, said the Ministry. Through e-procuring module deployed by procuring Agencies, farmers get latest/updated information regarding MSP declared, nearest purchase centre, date on which the farmer has to bring his produce to the purchase centre etc. This has not only reduced the waiting period for delivery of stock by the farmers but also enables the farmer to deliver stock as per his convenience in the nearest mandi. E-mode of payment ensure all value chain participants incl farmers, Arhityas, Mandis etc get their payments directly instead of getting paid through another value chain participant (e.g. Arhitya paying the farmer). This ensures transparency and benefits for all. This is not a replacement of the current APMC system, said Food Ministry. Govt of India remains committed to ensuring direct benefits to farmers through JAM trinity like the way it has been done through PM KISAN, said the government. The Centre has released a record Rs. 125217.62 crore this year and Rs. 297196.52 crore more will be released during this financial year towards food subsidy of which Rs. 116653.96 crore is reflected in PFMS towards Punjab. In respect of Haryana approximately Rs. 24841.56 core would be benefiting farmers, said the statement. Kavanaugh on Jan. 28 was charged by Niles police with multiple counts of home repair fraud in connection with allegations made by a 34-year-old resident last year. According to Niles police, the woman said she gave Kavanaugh a $3,200 down payment for fence and drain pipe repairs, but he performed minimal work, which resulted in damage to the homes basement. She's best known as an Oscar-winning actress. But Lupita Nyong'o is also a children's book author and now her bestseller Sulwe is going to be made into an animated musical by Netflix. The Mexico-born, Kenya-raised star, 37, said Thursday she is 'thrilled' about the project and hopes it will 'inspire children all around the world to celebrate their uniqueness.' Big deal: Lupita Nyong'o said Thursday she is 'thrilled' that her children's book Sulwe is being made into an animated musical for Netflix. She will serve as producer on the project Sulwe, published in October 2019, tells the story of a young girl whose skin color is darker than anyone else she knows. One night, she is visited by a shooting star and goes on a journey to learn about the sisters Night and Day. Along the way, according to Deadline.com, she learns that true beauty comes from within. Best seller: Sulwe, published in October 2019, tells the story of a young girl whose skin color is darker than anyone else she knows. And through a magical journey, she learns that true beauty comes from within Close to her heart: The Mexico-born, Kenya-raised star, 37, said she hopes the animated musical will 'inspire children all around the world to celebrate their uniqueness' 'The story of Sulwe is one that is very close to my heart,' Nyongo said in a statement. 'Growing up, I was uncomfortable in my dark skin. I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the aspirational pages of books and magazines, or even on TV. It was a long journey for me to arrive at self-love.' She explained: 'Sulwe is a mirror for dark-skinned children to see themselves, a window for those who may not be familiar with colorism, to have understanding and empathy, and an invitation for all who feel different and unseen to recognize their innate beauty and value.' Nyongo's is producing the adaptation but no other details about the planned animated musical have been released. Star: Nyong'o first came to prominence in 2013's 12 Years A Slave for which she received the best supporting actress Oscar at the 2014 Academy Awards It's the latest in a roster of animated titles for Netflix. The subscription streaming service has also snapped up Richard Linklaters Apollo 10: A Space Age Adventure, Henry Selicks Wendell & Wild, Nora Twomeys My Fathers Dragon and Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio, Deadline.com reported. Nyong'o first came to prominence in 2013's 12 Years A Slave for which she received the best supporting actress Oscar at the 2014 Academy Awards. She has gone on to star in the final Star Wars trilogy, in Marvel's Black Panther and in the horror movie Us. Big roles: The actress has gone on to star in the final Star Wars trilogy and in Marvel's Black Panther (pictured with co-stars Chadwick Boseman and Letitia Wright) 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. London: Joe Biden has called on Europe to prepare for long-term competition with China, warning the world is at an inflection point but expressing confidence democracy will prevail. Addressing the virtual Munich Security Conference in his first international foreign policy speech, the US President said Western nations needed to prove to their voters the benefits of democracy. US President Joe Biden speaks while addressing the virtual Munich Security Conference from the White House in Washington. Credit:Bloomberg How the United States, Europe and Asia work together to secure the peace and defend our shared values and advance our prosperity across the Pacific will be among the most consequential efforts we undertake, he said. Competition with China is going to be stiff, thats what I expect and thats what I welcome [...] we can own the race for the future. An NHS worker from Manchester died with Covid-19 months after achieving his dream to become a registered mental health nurse, but never got to work a single day with his qualification. Father-of-four Oronsaye Okhomina, also known as Jeff or Orons, died aged 56 on February 11 after the sudden onset of Covid in early January had put him into an induced coma at North Manchester General Hospital. After trading in a career in IT and almost 10 years working as a student nurse and mental health support worker, he took his final qualifications to become a registered mental health nurse in December 2020. Waiting to start work with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust as a qualified nurse, the final results for Mr Okhominas exams and his Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) PIN were released in January whilst he was in a coma. He was my everything, without him I felt breathless, my solid rock, always standing by through thick and thin, always my source of inspiration, my God on earth. Esther Okhomina If there was one thing Oronsaye looked forward to, it was the day he will start working as a qualified nurse, Mr Okhominas wife, Esther Okhomina, told the PA news agency. But after he had fulfilled all the requirements and received his final results which he worked so hard for with all his strength and will he never had the opportunity to practice as a qualified nurse for even one day. The cold hands of death snatched him away from us all. He was my everything, without him I felt breathless, my solid rock, always standing by through thick and thin, always my source of inspiration, my God on earth. Born in Benin City, Nigeria, Mr Okhomina moved to the Netherlands in 1990 before arriving in the UK in 2005. In Britain, he earned a degree in Information Technology Management and then a masters in Industrial Technology at the University of Bradford, but traded in a career in the industry to help mental health patients. He is survived by his wife and four children Eseh Okhomina, 22, Owen Okhomina, 18, Joshua Okhomina, four, and two-year-old Jayden Okhomina. Expand Close Mr Okhomina has been described (Courtesy of ) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Okhomina has been described (Courtesy of ) Babajide Lawal-Shekoni, who knew Mr Okhomina for 16 years, has created a fundraising page in his close friends honour to help his family with financial support which has so far raised more than 2,800. I think I was one of the last people he spoke with before he was taken to the hospital, Mr Lawal-Shekoni, 41, told PA. We would always check up on each other every few days. If Im down hed pick me up I know he was that kind of person to a lot of people as well. He said Im not feeling too well so I told him to call the ambulance, and that was it there was no time. Asked how Mr Okhomina should be remembered, Mr Lawal-Shekoni said: He was always willing to help everybody, even when he didnt have anything. He was a fun person there was never a dull moment a bubbly character. I miss him a lot. Mr Lawal-Shekoni, a civil and structural engineer, said fallen heroes of the NHS such as his friend Mr Okhomina should be honoured through plaques and similar tributes following the pandemic. If you would like to donate to Mr Okhominas family, go to www.gofundme.com/oronsaye-jeff-funeral Police are urging for more information after a sheep was butchered in a field in Ayrshire, an incident described as 'barbaric' by NFU Scotland. The illegal slaughtering, which happened in Stewarton, occurred between 8am on Saturday 6 February and 1pm on Tuesday 9 February. The sheep killed was one-year old female Texel weighing approximately 70kgs, with a value of about 250. Police Scotland said the incident was very distressing: "We take these types of incidents very seriously," Police Inspector Ian Harvey said. "I would appeal for anyone who has information or know who was responsible, to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 1442 of February 10." Responding to the crime, NFU Scotland said the sheep would have died a very painful death. "This is barbaric. To do this would need at least two or three people," the union's regional chairman Colin Mair said. "There is absolutely no excuse for this act under any circumstances and I would hope that the farming community and public will assist the police in any way they can. Those with any information have been told to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 1442 of 10 February. The cost of rural crime in the UK reached an eight year high in 2019 totalling 54 million, according to the latest figures available. [February 19, 2021] Differio Top US Menswear Signs with Corsearch to Fight Scams New York City, New York, Feb. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Online sales have been soaring worldwide due to COVID-19 lockdown orders. In June 2020, global retail ecommerce traffic reached a record high at 22 billion monthly visits, according to data by Statista Research Department. People are buying goods online in order to reduce COVID-19 exposure, even hoarding essentials when cases surged. While this is certainly a silver lining for ecommerce stores, increased online activity opens more windows for malicious cybercriminal activity threatening the global economy. The general public is especially susceptible to online purchase scams, which were ranked among the top three riskiest scams for the last three years, according to the 2019 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. As a result, online purchase scams are now responsible for up to $10.2 billion in global monetary losses since 2015, as stated in the 2019 Internet Crime Report by the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Additionally, the IC3 reported an annual average of 340,000 global complaints related to Internet scams within the last five years. Even more concerning, national government agencies are struggling to control cybercriminal activity, despite having the manpower and infrastructure to operate 24/7. Cybercriminals are creating millions of fake ecommerce sites under different IP addresses that only remain live until stolen transactions are processed. This ferocious cycle of shutting down and recreating new sites can take anywhere from hours to minutes. To redirect traffic away from official sites, scammers bombard social media with misleading ads, and push fake products on trusted shopping platforms. Victims end up receiving a poor imitation of what was originally advertised or - in most cases - nothing at all, resulting in permanent monetary loss or credit card theft. Likewise, cybercriminals are not only cheating consumers, but also stealing massive profit from globally known ecommerce companies. Ranked among the top online mens clothing stores in the US, Differio is just one of many online fashion titans battling such Internet fraud. Scammers are stealing thousands of Differio product images in order to falsely adverise them on fake ecommerce sites and phony third-party shops. To entice their targets, they manipulate product images so that they still share some resemblance to Differios original designs, but resold at heavily discounted rates. While stolen images are easy to find, online scammers hide behind secure proxy servers that make them nearly impossible to trace, even while committing crimes in different countries. Additionally, informational pages (Contact Us, About Us, etc.) are completely fabricated to give the illusion of a secure, authorized site. Gaining millions of new visitors daily, Differio is the go-to online fashion destination for so many around the world, which naturally makes them an attractive target for online scammers. Based in the US, this multi-brand fashion retailer reported double-digit growth last year, which is only forecasted to climb as they dominate the stylish mens clothing market. As the authority in trendy menswear, Differio routinely features high-profile models and celebrities in new campaigns and seasonal collections, even harnessing a cult following for their unorthodox styles. For such in-demand brands, it becomes even more problematic when millions of customers search elsewhere for sold-out items while disregarding price and website legitimacy. Differio is fighting a relentless cycle of releasing original designs that get stolen and circulated within hours by fake sellers. Its virtually impossible for any ecommerce company to tackle this issue alone, even with an in-house IT team. Cybercriminals arent just solitary workers committing small-scale crimes anymore. Theyve amassed into organized networks of international computer gangs (GozNym, Lazarus, Magecart, etc.) with enough resources to breach secure institutions, such as Sony Pictures, LG Electronics, and British Airways. In order to maximize their protection against counterfeits and brand infringement, Differio recently signed with Corsearch, a market leading provider of brand establishment, protection, and anti-piracy solutions. Corsearch has offices in 14 countries, including the largest China-based team in the brand protection industry. Additionally, it provides Differio with access to a proprietary software system that scans millions of data points with industry-leading speed. Corsearch is also uniquely able to connect online monitoring and enforcement with offline Intelligence and investigations, which is why it has become a trusted partner for some of the worlds best known brands. For this reason, Differio chose to use Corsearchs brand protection solution to help it protect its rights and grow its brand value. In the meantime, research shows that consumer education is the easiest way to prevent online scams. A recent survey by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) revealed that customers who were aware of ecommerce scams were less likely to lose money compared to those with no prior knowledge. Its highly recommended to investigate third-party sellers on marketplaces, and only purchase items from well-known official sites with a secure protocol (https). Media Details Company: Differio Website: https://www.differio.com/ Contact: media@differio.com Attachment Differio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] At Least 40 Dead Due to Extreme Weather in US The extreme weather was blamed for the deaths of at least 40 people as of Thursday, some while trying to keep warm during record freezing weather in Americas central and southern states. In the Houston area, one family died from carbon monoxide as their car idled in their garage. A 75-year-old woman and her three grandchildren were killed in a fire that authorities said might have been caused by a fireplace they were using. Pike Electric service trucks line up after a snow storm in Fort Worth, Texas on Feb. 16, 2021. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) In Arkansas, officials say 69-year-old Jessie Roberts was found dead Wednesday after falling into a frozen pond in Magazine, about 90 miles northwest of Little Rock. A 77-year-old Kentucky woman was found dead Wednesday night likely died of hypothermia after going without power and heat for two days, a coroner said. She was found by maintenance workers who were checking on her, Boyd County Coroner Mark Hammond told news outlets. Three people died in a tornado in North Carolina. Three more fell through ice, into a pond in Tennessee, a lake in Oklahoma and a swimming pool in Louisiana. A 9-year-old boy was killed while having fun with his father in Tennessee. His dad was pulling him on a tube behind an ATV on an icy street when the boy slammed into a mailbox. Now Open: ASCEND LA Looks for Budding BIPOC Businesses to Take to the Next Level Applications are now open for ASCEND LAs 2021 Spring cohort. After the success of its inaugural cohort in 2020, the free business accelerator program has doubled its capacity, selecting 30 businesses owned by women and people of color to undergo a management education program, obtain certification and bid preparation support, connect with regional and national supply chains, receive 1-on-1 advising with loan and procurement specialists, and access flexible capital resources. Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply now for the Spring cohort at www.ascendla.org/apply. Supported by JP Morgan Chase and led by Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles (LISC LA), ASCEND LA brings together a network of non-profit lenders, education providers, and B2B market makers to provide diverse entrepreneurs with the resources and market access needed to grow their businessesall in an effort to build the next generation of $1M+ businesses owned by women and people of color. ADVERTISEMENT In spite of COVID-19s impact on our local economy, 60% of last years ASCEND program graduates hired new employees to help grow their businesses, said Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, executive director of LISC LA. After seeing the impact of our program in 2020, we are excited to once again offer ASCEND LA to diverse entrepreneurs. This year, LISC LA is partnering with Loyola Marymount Universitys (LMU) College of Business Administration, whose leading faculty members will be teaching ASCEND LAs Management Education Program. The 12-session training program, spearheaded by the LMU Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship, focuses on entrepreneurial competence, business foundation, and access to capital to enable participating businesses to accelerate growth and acquire corporate and government contracts. Serving as ASCEND LAs management education partner aligns beautifully with our business school, university mission and strategic goals, said Dayle Smith, dean of LMU College of Business Administration. We look forward to serving our community of small businesses owned by women and people of color, providing an opportunity to enhance their managerial skills, empower them with an entrepreneurial mindset, and contribute to a more sustainable community. As local governments and industry leaders work towards small business resiliency and recovery amidst the pandemic, ASCEND LA was created to ensure BIPOC- and women-owned businesses were folded into the equationparticularly when it comes to both current and future contract procurements. And the numbers dont lie: since the start of ASCEND LA, 75% of program participants have submitted bids for new contract opportunities and 25% have been awarded new contracts to date. ASCEND LA changed my paradigm in how I run my business and set up my infrastructure to be prepared and have the capacity to compete for multi-million dollar contracts, expressed Desiree Saddler, an ASCEND LA alumni and CEO of Saddler Consulting Group. Even in the pandemic, I now am prepared and have the capacity to compete and deliverand I have even secured a 3-year contract during the program. Applications for ASCEND LAs Spring cohort close April 11th and selected businesses will begin the program on May 15th. A second cohort will take place in Fall 2021. Businesses interested in participating in ASCEND LAs 2021 program can attend a free information session on Wednesday, February 24th at noon. For more information, please visit www.ascendla.org. Detectives have issued a warning after an elderly woman in east Belfast was tricked into parting with her money by a con artist posing as a police officer. Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said the incident on Thursday saw the woman in her 70s persuaded to hand over bank card, bank details and a sum of money by the imposter via telephone. Im keen to, first of all, stress that police will never ask for your bank details, or money. Please never allow any unauthorised person to have access to such details, he said. Fraudsters will use any means possible whether its telephone, mail or online to trick people. While scams may come in all shapes and sizes, they have one thing in common scammers rely upon the good faith and vulnerability of those they target. Hard-earned savings can too easily be gone in a flash and, with it, ones confidence. If you get a call of this nature, please put the phone down and report the call via our 101 system. Do not provide any personal details to the caller. He also appealed for families and neighbours to remind those who are elderly and vulnerable to never give out any financial details unless they were 100% sure it is safe to do so. Never be pressurised into a financial transaction and always err on the side of caution, he said. Anyone concerned they have been a victim of a scam can report the matter to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040. Police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101. Advertisement Britain today recorded another 12,027 coronavirus cases and 533 deaths, as an array of official data confirmed the second wave is still firmly in retreat and piled further pressure on Boris Johnson to drastically ease restrictions in the coming weeks. Department of Health data showed infections had fallen by 20 per cent week-on-week, and the number of victims of the disease plunged by a third. In other promising news, almost 17million Britons have now also received their first dose of a Covid vaccine. It comes as No10's top scientific advisers today predicted Britain's R rate the average number of people each coronavirus patient passes the disease on to was between 0.6 and 0.9. Last week it stood at 0.7 to 0.9 and two weeks ago they warned it could be above the crucial level of one, suggesting the second wave was stable. Separate figures from one of the UK's most respected coronavirus surveillance studies today showed the number of people infected in England has fallen by nearly 50 per cent in the last fortnight. Office for National Statistics (ONS) experts estimated 481,300 people in the nation would test positive for Covid on any given day in the week to February 12 the equivalent of one in 115 people. For comparison, the figure was around 850,000 two weeks ago. And in yet more proof that the second wave is firmly in retreat, hospitals are now also treating fewer coronavirus patients than they were during the darkest days of the first wave last spring. The number of NHS beds taken up by Covid-infected Britons has halved since January to around 20,000. The catalogue of promising data combined with Britain's successful vaccine roll-out will pile more pressure on Mr Johnson to drastically ease restrictions when he unveils his roadmap back to normality on Monday. Anti-lockdown Tory MPs have urged the PM to scrap economically-crippling measures as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister has promised to rely on 'data not dates' in his blueprint to leaving lockdown, amid hopes the UK may never need another blanket shutdown to contain Covid and that life could be a 'lot more normal' by May. Pubs and restaurants will likely be the final parts of the economy allowed to fully reopen under the cautious approach. But even SAGE scientists who have offered gloomy predictions throughout the pandemic have admitted the data is pointing in the right direction. One epidemiologist advising No10 told MPs that ministers should be looking at easing restrictions earlier, if they were truly following the evidence. But other researchers tracking the UK's shrinking second wave have flagged it may now no longer be dropping as rapidly as it once was. The King's College London symptom-tracking app today estimated there were 14,064 new symptomatic infections every day during the week ending February 14 just 5 per cent down in a week. The ONS infection survey estimated 481,300 people in England would have tested positive for the virus on any given day in the week to February 12, a dip of 30 per cent compared to the same time last week But separate data from the ZOE Covid Symptom Study app suggested cases have plateaued. It said there were 14,064 new infections a day in the UK in the second week of February, a drop of just five per cent compared to the last seven-day spell. Their app can only pick up symptomatic infections, and not those with no warning signs thought to account for at least a third of all cases The ONS also showed Covid infections had dropped in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland compared to the previous week And every region in England was also seeing infections continuing to fall in the week to February 12 Infections are now lowest among those aged over 70. But it is not clear whether this is due to the vaccine, with scientists saying they are only starting to see early signs of the jabs 'doing their job' in some areas Public Health England data published yesterday revealed Covid cases had plunged in all but two regions of England in the second week of February. They only rose in Tameside, Greater Manchester, and North East Lincolnshire WHAT IS THE R RATE IN MY AREA? SAGE SCIENTISTS SAY IT IS BELOW ONE IN BRITAIN Source: These figures are from Sage scientists. They show that as the R number - measuring the spread of the disease - is below one, the outbreak is shrinking across the country. Area UK England East of England London Midlands North East, Yorkshire North West South East South West R Rate (% daily drop) 0.6 to 0.9 (-6% to -3%) 0.7 to 0.9 (-6% to -3%) 0.6 to 0.8 (-7% to -4%) 0.6 to 0.8 (-8% to -5%) 0.6 to 0.9 (-7% to -3%) 0.7 to 1.0 (-5% to -1%) 0.6 to 0.9 (-7% to -3%) 0.6 to 0.8 (-9% to -5%) 0.6 to 0.9 (-7% to -3%) Advertisement In another day of coronavirus news: NHS Figures reveal parts of the UK are already jabbing over-50s without underlying conditions... even though some London boroughs have only jabbed 60 per cent of elderly residents; Experts say the UK will be 'a lot more normal' by May even if Boris Johnson adopts a more cautious roadmap for easing lockdown measures; Rishi Sunak is considering extending the furlough scheme until the summer at a cost of at least 10billion, reports suggest; Only half of Covid jab appointments are being used up at mass vaccination centre in Manchester; Over-40s could get letters inviting them to Covid jabs by the end of March when rollout will be widened beyond top priority groups; Government 'increasingly positive' Britons will be able to have a foreign break this year; Pfizer's vaccine is 85 per cent effective after one dose and blocks 75 per cent of transmission, Israeli study finds in huge boost to decision to delay doses; Sadiq Khan, 50, gets first Covid vaccine after being invited by GP due to his severe asthma. Department of Health data also revealed the infection rate dropped below 50 cases per 100,000 residents in Devon in the week ending February 14, the latest date available, after it fell to 46.1 per 100,000. The infection rate is below this level in 10 areas of England - Mid-Suffolk, Rother, Torridge, West Devon, South Hampshire, North Devon, Tonbridge and Malling, Plymouth, Canterbury, North Norfolk and West Oxfordshire - as infections continue to fall. The lowest levels are in Torridge, Devon, where there is an average of 14.6 per 100,000. It comes as Sage scientists said today the R rate remained below one, marking a clear signal the second wave is firmly in retreat. When the R rate is at this level it indicates not everyone infected with the virus is passing it on to someone else, triggering a reduction in the size of the outbreak. The rate was lowest in London, the East of England and the South East, where it had fallen to between 0.6 and 0.9. But they warned it may have ticked up as high as 1 in the North East and Yorkshire, which suggests the number of cases in the region may no longer be shrinking. Sage scientists still said, however, they thought infections were dropping by between one and five per cent a day in the area. The ONS infection survey, also published today, estimated the number of infections in the UK using random swabbing carried out on more than 100,000 Britons. The measure is seen as the gold-standard by ministers because it can pick up asymptomatic infections, that are missed by testing, and also account for those that don't come forward for a swab because they do not want to be asked to self-isolate. Across the country it found the positivity rate - the proportion of all swabs estimated that would be positive - was highest in Northern Ireland, where it was 0.97 per cent - equivalent to 1 in 105 people having Covid. It was second highest in England where 0.88 per cent would test positive, equivalent to 1 in 115 people. And third highest in Wales with a rate at 0.81 per cent, equal to 1 in 125. Scotland had the lowest positivity rate in the UK at 0.55 per cent, equivalent to 1 in 180. The ONS also predicted the infection rate across the country was lowest among those aged over 70, who are most at risk of hospitalisation or death if they catch the virus. It is not clear whether this is due to the rollout, but scientists say they are starting to see the first signs in data that the jabs are 'doing their job' by preventing infections and transmission. The second lowest rate was among children aged seven to 11. Boris Johnson is under mounting pressure to allow pupils to get back behind their desks soon, and will unveil his 'roadmap' back to normal on Monday. The Kent variant of the virus was also still the dominant strain across the UK, and in all four nations. There are now more than 200 cases of the South African variant - which can make jabs less effective - in the country, and ministers are attempting to snuff out the outbreaks by testing everyone in postcodes where they were detected. The ZOE Covid symptom study app said cases had plateaued compared to last week. Its estimate is based on reports from more than a million Britons on whether they feel unwell and have had a Covid test They said infections had risen slightly among 20 to 39 year olds, but were still falling among the over 60s EXPERTS BELIEVE UK MAY BE A LOT MORE NORMAL BY MAY Britain will be 'a lot more normal' by May even if Boris Johnson adopts a cautious roadmap for easing lockdown, one of the Government's leading scientific experts said today. Professor Neil Ferguson, from Imperial College London, said that gradually easing measures could still result in the UK being a 'very different country' within months. Professor Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol and a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), also struck an optimistic tone as he said 'everything's moving in the right direction' on the jab rollout. The interventions came as Boris Johnson prepares to hammer out the final version of his lockdown exit strategy over the weekend before unveiling it on Monday. The Prime Minister is now said to be in receipt of all the latest data relating to the pandemic and the vaccine rollout which will underpin his plan of action. Mr Johnson has said he wants the current national shutdown to be the last but Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly this morning admitted that cannot be guaranteed. Prof Ferguson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that even with a cautious approach life could be very different by May as he said data on falling infection levels and the efficacy of the jabs is 'looking promising at the moment'. Asked whether the vaccine rollout could allow the PM to take bigger risks when it comes to reopening society, he said: 'I think the downside in taking bigger risks is you risk having to lockdown again which is even more disruptive economically and socially. 'So I am encouraged by the cautious approach being taken and the incremental approach which I think will be adopted, namely relax one thing, see what that impact is, relax again. 'It still may well be that by the end of May we are in a very different country than we are today.' Advertisement Top Sage advisers have warned the UK needs to get its Covid case levels down to just 10,000 infections before Boris Johnson should begin to reopen society. Professor Kevin McConway, a statistician at the Open University, today said the drops in the R rate and ONS figures were 'more good news on top of a week of good news'. He added, however: 'There is still a long way to go. Vaccinations will help more and more, but things are nowhere near back to normal yet and won't be for a long time.' Amid more promising statistics, Department of Health data on Covid hospital occupancy has fallen below the levels seen during the darkest days of the first wave. Some 20,156 beds were taken up by Covid patients on February 16, the latest date available. For comparison, there were 21,000 Covid patients needing treatment on the worst days of the first wave in April last year. In intensive cares, the numbers have also fallen as there were 2,614 patients requiring mechanical ventilation on Wednesday, compared to 4,077 on January 25. Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, told The Times that the country was at a 'critical juncture', with hospital staff 'exhausted'. She urged Boris Johnson to wait for a 'return to more normal levels of NHS capacity' before lifting restrictions. 'Lessons must be learnt from the past year if this is to be the last national lockdown,' she added. Mr Johnson is set to unveil his 'roadmap' for exiting lockdown on Monday, with primary and secondary schools set to be the first places to reopen. It is expected that restaurants and pubs will be last on the list, and may have to wait until May before they can pull up the shutters. But Education Unions are set to derail the plans, insisting today it would be 'reckless' to allow all pupils to return to school by March 8 and ministers should instead bring them back in stages. This is despite Covid cases being revealed yesterday to have tumbled to the lowest levels since September among school-age children, and to have dropped in 147 of 149 English local authorities - 98 per cent - in the second week of February. The Prime Minister has indicated he will be led by the data not dates during the reopening, and could slam the brakes onto the plans if cases started to surge again. It comes amid warnings the downturn in the second wave could be slowing, after Department of Health data showed on Wednesday that cases dropped by 2.3 per cent in a week. Amid the promising statistics, however, the ZOE Covid Symptom Study app published today has also warned cases may have started to plateau across the UK. It added the R rate - measuring the spread of the disease - may have risen to 1 in Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the North East as well as as well as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, suggesting the second wave is no longer shrinking in these areas. They estimated the areas with the highest infection rates were Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen where 1 in 277 residents was thought to have the virus. They were followed by Greater Manchester, with 1 in 287 and the Liverpool City region with 1 in 337. The app relies on daily reports from more than a million Britons on whether they are feeling unwell, and whether they have tested positive for the virus. But it is only able to pick up infections that are symptomatic, and cannot detect those that don't trigger warning signs - thought to be at least a third of all cases. Boris Johnson will unveil his eagerly-awaited lockdown exit strategy on Monday next week, with schools expected to be the first places given the green light to start reopening ONLY HALF OF COVID APPOINTMENTS ARE TAKEN UP AT MASS CENTRE IN MANCHESTER Only half of appointments for Covid vaccines are being taken up at Manchester's mass vaccination centre, it was revealed today as Andy Burnham urged ministers to expand the roll-out to younger age groups so precious doses don't go unused. The mayor of Greater Manchester warned jabs are just 'sitting in fridges' at the Etihad Stadium's hub, and said that he fears the situation was similar at some of the other 89 mass jabbing locations across the country. Mr Burnham claimed too many elderly residents - who are in the top priority groups because their age makes them more vulnerable to the coronavirus - were opting to wait for appointments at local clinics, rather than booking at the major centres. The former Labour health secretary, who has publicly spoke of his ambitions of leading the party and has been a vocal critic of No10 for their handling of the pandemic, BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Strictly proceeding by age as the Government is doing at the moment is leading to a massive underuse of resources. 'When people are getting the letter, as people in the 65-70 age group have got recently, saying 'do you want to go to the regional centre at Etihad or do you want to wait to go local?', most people are going local. That is leading to a situation where we've got plenty of slots that are just going unfilled. 'So our message to the Government is why not open up the mass vaccination centre to a younger, more mobile cohort who then can go and use that and free up then more slots at the primary care level for people who might struggle to get to the regional centre.' Wales has already began inviting over-50s, while some parts of England have began jabbing people in their early sixties. Despite a handful of areas storming ahead, parts of London have yet to dish out first doses to two thirds of over-70s. Health chiefs fear vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups is behind the poorer uptake in the capital's culturally diverse boroughs. Britain is in a race against time to dish out as many first doses to as many over-50s as possible before the end of March, when millions of second jabs must be administered en masse. Ministers are unlikely to ease draconian restrictions drastically until the majority are inoculated. So long as the mammoth operation stays at the current speed, the UK could offer jabs to all 32million vulnerable Britons before the end of March. But not everyone will get vaccinated, meaning No10 may be able to expand the roll-out even sooner. The Mail today revealed that Britons as young as 40 could be offered a jab when phase two of the roll-out is finished. Government advisers are set to recommend the next phase of the operation continues on the basis of age, rather than prioritising key workers. Advertisement Professor Tim Spector, a top epidemiologist who leads the app, said the fall in infections has begun to 'plateau' compared to the last six weeks where it plummeted. 'This is mainly true in places like Scotland, Wales, and the Midlands compared to London and the East,' he said. 'It's unclear why this is happening, although people relaxing their guard after vaccination or altering behaviour in the cold weather are possible. 'But it's encouraging that Covid-related hospital admissions are still falling and much lower than at the peak. With cases still falling in the at-risk age groups and the vaccination roll out continuing there is still reason to be hopeful - but we clearly can't be complacent.' The King's College London scientist also called on the NHS to expand its list of Covid symptoms - high temperature, continuous cough and loss of taste and smell - to ensure that as many cases are detected as possible. At present, only those suffering the three key warning signs are encouraged to get a test. But mountains of research has shown the virus can trigger many other symptoms in the early stages, including fatigue, diarrhoea and a sore or white tongue. 'We are pushing for the list to be expanded to help us pick up more cases and drive down the number of cases,' he said. 'It's also important for any new variants that may cause different symptoms. For us, the message for the public is clear: If you're feeling newly unwell, it could be Covid and you should get a test.' It comes as data from the Department of Health shows the number of Covid patients in hospital has nearly halved since January. Almost 40,000 beds were taken up by the infected during the peak of the second wave last month. And the number of patients on ventilation beds has also plunged by 36 per cent in a month. Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, told The Times that the country was at a 'critical juncture', with hospital staff 'exhausted'. She urged Boris Johnson to wait for 'a return to more normal levels of NHS capacity' before lifting restrictions. She said: 'Lessons must be learnt from the past year if this is to be the last national lockdown.' Some 2,614 patients requiring intensive care on mechanical ventilation beds on Wednesday, compared to 4,077 on January 25. Public Health England's data yesterday showed the infection rate among children aged 10 to 19 was at 86.2 per 100,000 in the second week of February, the latest available. This is below every week since the seven-day spell ending September 26, when it was 53.4 per 100,000. Public Health England's medical director Yvonne Doyle said: 'Our efforts are working as case rates, hospitalisation rates and deaths are slowly falling. 'The number of new infections is higher than the end of September and remains concerning. 'This could increase very quickly if we do not follow the current measures. Although it is difficult, we must continue to stay home and protect lives.' Covid cases also dropped in every age group and plunged by 38 per cent among the over-80s - who are most at risk of being hospitalised or dying if they catch the virus - to 129.6 per 100,000. The infection rate was highest in 30 to 39-year-olds (192.5 per 100,000), followed by 20 to 29-year-olds (173.4 per 100,000) and 40 to 49-year-olds (162.9 per 100,000). Christian Campus Group Stands with U.S. Department of Education Against American Atheist Lawsuit NEWS PROVIDED BY Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance Feb. 18, 2021 LAFAYETTE, Ind., Feb. 18, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance announces it will act as intervening defendants in support of a U.S. Department of Education regulation protecting campus free speech against a lawsuit filed by American Atheists and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The lawsuit brought on behalf of the Secular Student Alliance and one California university student claims that by ensuring that public universities respect the First Amendment rights of religious groups on college campuses and giving them the same benefits as other campus clubs, the Department of Education somehow discriminates against students of other faiths and non-religious students. The suit additionally takes issue with the rule, because it allows club members to choose only leaders who share the same belief and mission of the club. The lawsuit asks the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to invalidate the new rule, which went into effect on November 23, 2020. Ratio Christi (RC) is a Christian student ministry with chapters at many colleges and universities. RC exists to equip students and faculty with historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus. Although the chapters allow full access to all students and membership is voluntary, numerous schools have attempted to deny their chapters the right to choose student leaders who agree with RC's mission. Thus, protecting free speech and religious freedom on campus is vital to Ratio Christi. Dr. Corey Miller is President/CEO of RC. He states: "Freedom of religion and freedom of speech both imply freedom of conscience. As a student-led club organization at over 125 universities, we are asking nothing more than to follow our freedom of conscience in having students select from amongst themselves leaders who agree with RC's fundamental religious commitments and the very basis of RC's purpose to equip students with intelligent reasons to follow Christ. We believe in honest dialogue and in treating people well as people with intrinsic dignity made in God's image. Defending freedom of conscience is defending the foundational principles of our nation." Miller adds, "By bringing this lawsuit against the Department of Education rule, American Atheists and Americans United for Separation of Church and State are in effect doing what they claim to oppose discriminating against the rights of certain religious students. Disagreement is not denigration. Viewpoint diversity supports rather than undermines the goal of the university, which is the pursuit of truth. Free speech presupposes cognitive liberty." Media representatives interested in the D.C. District Court case of Secular Student Alliance and Declan A. Galli v. U.S. Department of Education and Secretary of Education may contact ADF Media Relations at (480) 4440020 or media@adflegal.org. If interested in interviewing Dr. Corey Miller about Ratio Christi's ministry, reach him at 704-989-2752 or e-mail info@ratiochristi.org. SOURCE Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance CONTACT: ADF Media Relations, 480-4440020, media@adflegal.org; Ratio Christi, 704-989-2752, info@ratiochristi.org I know its a cliche but first impressions can often become lasting ones. Thats frequently true of the Budget. Most of us form an early impression from the initial coverage but few bother to examine the details, leave aside the small print. So what were initially told remains what we believe, even if the full truth is quite different. Now Im not an economist but I have read and interviewed widely and my belief is that the experts view is very different to what television told me on Budget night or the newspapers the next morning. Let me share with you some issues that could alter your perception of the Budget. No doubt theyve been written and spoken about, but that was mainly to small and restricted audiences. So some of this could come as a surprise. Lets start with what the finance minister said about the year ending March 31. She claimed government expenditure has increased by 28.4 per cent and she got a huge cheer for that. However, the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) points out Rs 3 lakh crores of this is to write off past borrowings of the Food Corporation. No doubt that will increase government borrowing but it will not create demand. If you exclude this, government expenditure has only increased by 17 per cent. Thats not we have spent, we have spent, we have spent, as the FM claimed. Mahesh Vyas, CMIEs CEO, told me a 17 per cent hike is only marginally more than last years 16 per cent. That was a business-as-usual budget, he said. Its hard to deny this years is no different. Incidentally, in the earlier crisis year of 2008-09, government expenditure increased by 24 per cent. Lets now come to the fiscal deficit. The FM was applauded when she announced it will be 9.5 per cent this year. That sounded like fiscal honesty. Industrialists on TV and the stock market were pleased. Three days later Business Standard revealed there are substantial off-budget items the fiscal deficit excluded. They amount to 0.64 per cent of GDP. No doubt thats less than the 0.72 per cent in 2019-20 and 0.86 per cent in 2018-19 but its sizeably more than 0.51 per cent in 2016-17 and 2017-18. So, a big step towards honesty, no doubt, but theres still a bit hidden in the details. Ill now discuss a few of the big announcements for next year. First, health. The FM said expenditure would increase by 137 per cent to 2.23 lakh crores. Once again, she was cheered to the rafters. But the details show that 58.7 per cent is for drinking water, sanitation and vaccines. In fact, the actual outlay on health, if you compare last years RE with this years BE, has fallen by almost 10 per cent. The government document Budget-at-a-Glance doesnt really hide this. It says the Centres actual outlay on health is 0.33 per cent of GDP this year compared to 0.31 per cent last year. First, thats hardly an increase. But, as Pronab Sen, our former chief statistician, told me, if you bear in mind GDP this year has shrunk, the 0.33 per cent figure represents a smaller sum. The second big announcement was spending on infrastructure. The FM said Capex would increase by 34.5 per cent, and on top of that there is an additional Rs 2 lakh crores for states. Once again, the MPs applauded. But, if you compare BE to BE, Capex has only increased by 26 per cent and compared to last year the allocation for states is marginally down. So, by carefully choosing her figures, the FMs speech created a rather different impression to the details in the supporting documents. Pronab Sen raises some fundamental questions. We dont know whether this is payment owed to contractors for earlier commissioned projects, some of which are stuck, or for new ones. If its the former, then its likely to have a supply-side effect rather than a demand-side impact. The former wont lift GDP so much as clear the governments debts. As yet we dont know which it is. The third big announcement was that FDI in insurance would be raised to 74 per cent. If that actually happens -- and its a big if -- it could certainly expand the insurance sector and provide funds for long-term investment. But the critical question is: are foreign insurance companies itching to increase their percentage? Many were reluctant to even go to 49 per cent when that was allowed. Jahangir Aziz, J.P. Morgans top economist for emerging markets, tells me foreign insurers have grave concerns about Indias regulations. If they remain unchanged, that will considerably dampen their interest. The fourth big announcement was the governments decision to create an Asset Reconstruction Company to handle non-performing assets (NPAs). Given the RBIs forecast that NPAs could increase to 13.5 per cent by September 2021 and to 16.2 per cent for public sector banks, this received another huge round of applause. But Pronab Sen notes an ARC would require public sector banks to take haircuts of up to 40 per cent or more. That, in turn, would affect their reserve position adversely. If that happens, it would force the government to take substantial steps to recapitalise banks. But none of that was mentioned in the Budget. Finally, the announcement on privatising PSU banks and insurance companies and monetising assets like surplus land, airports, roads and highways, oil and gas pipelines. Once again, the stock markets loved this as did the experts in TV studios. But the devil lies in the unseen details. Pronab Sen notes civil servants will be very reluctant to sign-off on asset sales unless theyre guaranteed protection against adverse inquiries by the investigating agencies. Such protection is not yet forthcoming. Thats even more true of the intention to strategically privatise banks and insurance companies. This means they are likely to be bought by corporates, and that could lead to political charges of crony capitalism. Dr Sen says the government will only go ahead if the Prime Minister is prepared to face political attacks and isnt deterred by fresh accusations of Suit-Boot-ki-Sarkar. Well, I think Ive done enough to substantiate the cliche with which I began. When you dig into details and ponder over the implications, the Budget feels rather different to what youve heard. But Im not criticising the FM for that. A good politician always presents a pretty face. Its a gullible media that wont scratch the surface to discover what lies behind. Noam Galai / iStock.com In a congressional hearing titled, Game Stopped? Who Wins and Loses when Short Sellers, Social Media, and Retail Investors Collide? one may have expected to hear short selling and social media discussed in depth. Instead, when the House Financial Services committee and major players involved in the rise and fall of GameStop and other meme stocks in January met, lawmakers focused on retail trading platform Robinhood and its CEO, Vladimir Tenev. See: What You Need to Know About Todays GameStop and Robinhood Hearing Find: On the Eve of Testifying Before Congress, Robinhood Announces It Will Provide Crypto Withdrawals Other attendees who testified included Kenneth C. Griffin, CEO of hedge fund Citadel LLC; Gabriel Plotkin, CEO of Melvin Capital Management LP; Steve Huffman, CEO and co-founder of Reddit; r/WSB member Keith Gill, aka YouTubes Roaring Kitty, although Huffman wasnt given many questions to field. Robinhood Business Model Questioned Since its launch, Robinhood has been touted as a fee-free stock trading platform designed to democratize the market, giving retail investors opportunities to make money on Wall Street. As Tenev explained to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during the hearing, Most of the other brokerage have tiered margin rates, where wealthier customers pay much lower margin ratesOur approach was to give everyone a uniform rate, so that wealthier customers are not advantaged with lower rates than lower-income customers. See: After GameStop, Regulations Are Coming for Wall Street But Will They Reign in Everyday Investors Instead? Find: Robinhood Faces Slew of Lawsuits over Trading Freeze However, this led to problems when other brokerages were able to adjust the margins on GameStop and other stocks during the trading frenzy, and Robinhood instead had to stop buys on the stocks due to what Ocasio-Cortez suggested was a failure of the company to manage its own internal risks. Had Robinhood not blocked buys of GameStop shares in January as the stock approached $500 a share, the company would not have been able to post the $3 billion in required collateral, Tenev admitted during the hearing. In a worst-case scenario, Robinhood would have had to liquidate shares without investors consent. Story continues Citadel and Melvin Deny Relationship with Robinhood Robinhood maintains a fee-free service with payments for order flow, or compensation for directing orders to specific market makers, with Citadel Securities being its largest. Citadel was also one of the hedge funds that lost billions shortselling GameStop, but Citadel and Melvin Capital both, predictably, denied involvement with Robinhoods decision to prohibit buys of GameStop. See: Hedging Your Bet? Everything You Need to Know About Hedge Funds Find: Could Auditing the Ultra-Rich Raise $1.2 Trillion? New House Bill Targets the 1% Financial Transaction Tax Proposed Lawmakers also questioned Robinhood on its customer service practices, including how difficult it is to get a representative on the phone if you have a question. As the app seeks to make trading easier for the general public, it comes with the risk of gamifying day trading, putting money at risk for those who can least afford it. As one solution to regulate and reduce retail day-trading, lawmakers proposed a financial transaction tax. Griffin, predictably, argued against the tax, saying it would injure Americans hoping to save for retirement, Bloomberg reported. Of course, a tax would also hurt hedge funds and institutional investors, like Citadel, that trade billions daily. See: Learn from the GameStop Frenzy with This Quick Guide to Short Selling Find: Bank of America Issues Warning About Potential Stock Market Bubble Tenev Admits to Mistakes But Wont Get Specific Tenevs remarks did little to help his case as he responded to many queries with vague answers. When Congresswoman Madeleine Dean asked him to get specific about mistakes the company made, Tenev replied, I admit to always improving. Gill is Not a Cat Gill brought his typical brand of humor to the virtual hearing, appearing in front of a backdrop of an inspirational poster of a cat, with his red headband hanging behind him. Gill might face a class action lawsuit from those who allege he misrepresented himself as an amateur investor when, in fact, he is a registered broker who worked for MassMutual until Jan. 28. MassMutual denied any knowledge of Gills outside activities as a retail trader, according to a Reuters report. Gill clarified matters at the hearing with the quote of the day: I am not a cat. I am not an institutional investor. Nor am I a hedge fund. See: Meet All the Major Players in the Robinhood vs. GameStop Saga Find: Robinhood Registers in-House Lobbyists Amid Scrutiny over Recent Trading Restrictions More Hearings Planned More congressional hearings will follow, said committee chairwoman Maxine Waters. While some Congress members are seeking to further regulate retail trading and fintech, others believe the system generally works well. North Carolina Rep. Patrick McHenry said, Instead of shutting the American public out through new regulations, new forms of taxation or so-called protections, lets use this opportunity instead to side with them. More from GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev Grilled for Five Hours in Congressional Hearing 10645 Tammy Moskites, CIO/CISO, Venafi Tammy Moskites, CIO/CISO, Venafi The Internet has technically been around since the 60s, however academia has been using it since the 80s and commercial use actually began to grow rapidly in the 90s. In the last 20 years the internet has grown over 100-times to well over 1/3 the world population. The history of cyber threats is quite incredible and extensive. From simple worms and viruses in the late 90s to more recent Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and state-sponsored attacks, one type of attack method remains tried and true: Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. DDoS attacks, generally speaking, are a type of Denial of Service (DOS), which occurs when multiple systems are compromised and are often infected with a Trojan that is used to target a single system causing it to shut down or crash. They are also notably defined by the ease in which they can be executed. Gaining Notoriety DDoS attacks really came into the spotlight in 1999 with the first large-scale incident against the IRC server at the University of Minnesota. It left 227 systems affected, and the universitys server was rendered unusable for days. The attack also put DDoS on the map as an efficient tool for hackers. Immediately after the attack on the university occurred, there were a series of similar attacks at notable companies like Yahoo!, eBay, CNN, Amazon, and ZDNet. The consequences of these high-trafficked sites resulted in paralyzed systems, barring users from accessing their services for hours. Shockingly enough, the attacks were all brought down by a 15-year-old Canadian who called himself Mafiaboy, looking to show off his skills by infecting vulnerable hosts he found through network scans. Soon after these large scale DDoS attacks, cybercriminals learned a new method that leveraged the tool to disrupt systems and wreak even more havoc. The new method gained a lot of publicity in 2005 with an attack called the MyTob worm. This new DDoS attack opened a backdoor on infected MS Windows hosts that connected to a remote IRC server and waited for further instruction from command and control, while also self-propagating when rebooted and copying itself onto other network shares. Famously, this attacks outbreak was covered live by CNN, even as the TV stations own computers were affected. Cybercriminals began to threaten large corporations with DDoS attacks, extorting tens of thousands of dollars. Many companies paid out rather than risk inevitable customer attrition and loss of reputation since, at the time, there were no effective remediation plans in place. Hacktivism on the Rise Beyond monetary gain, soon hackers were seeking to disrupt government and corporate systems to make political statements and mobilize users to action through high-profile DDoS attacks. Although attacks brought on by political events and ideological issues were being launched for over a decade, in 2010, the media began to focus on these groups; one in particular called the Electronic Disturbance Theater. They made a name for themselves by developing a new DDoS called FloodNet, which was user-friendly and allowed anyone outside of the organization to join in on the attack by simply clicking the target you wished to attack from a drop down menu. The idea of allowing others outside of the collective to join was immediately evolved by the group known as Anonymous. They used the software Low Orbit Ion Cannon, which allowed participants to connect their computer to a vast network, creating voluntary botnets linked together, giving them an incredible amount of power to yield behind an attack. They used this tool when they executed the Operation Payback attack on Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and other sites, after these credit card and banking institutions had terminated services with WikiLeaks. Implement any DDoS prevention that your company's Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers-it will be able to scrub and clean your traffic in the cloud before allowing it onto your system Attacks of the Future To fully see where DDoS attacks are heading in the future, we should first look back at one hacktivist group called The Hackers Choice. This group created a new type of DDoS attack in 2011, which exploited weaknesses in Secure Sockets Layers (SSL) to kick a server off the Internet. This new tool gained a lot of interest because of its clear departure from a typical DDoS attackit did not require any bandwidth, just a single attack computer. It was able to achieve this by enabling attackers to perform transport layer service (TLS)/SSL denial of service for hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS) websites, allowing immediate service interruptions. The group was hoping that this would bring attention to the features of SSL that they did not approve of, and push for implementation of a new security model that they deemed more adequate to protect citizens. This new tool for DDoS attacks did not gain much traction outside of the initial release in 2011, but it is incredibly important when considering protection for your network in the future. Earlier this year, on the heels of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) breach, the Federal government mandated that all government websites must implement HTTPS-more encryption. To push this policy even further, Google encouraged TLS services by boosting SEO rankings for HTTPS services and programs likeLets Encrypt launched, underscoring the importance of using encryption to protect data. However, what many dont realize is that with more encryption, comes more opportunity for cybercriminals to mask their nefarious deeds. More encrypted traffic will require organizations to use more cryptographic keys and digital certificates to mount effective attacks. Moving forward, with the use of more encryption, we do expect to see SSL/TLS DDoS attacks on the rise; however, there are precautions that can be taken by IT security teams: 1. Make sure your network has more bandwidth than you think you will need. This will accommodate sudden and unexpected surges in traffic. Overprovision by 100 or 500 percent, which may not stop a DDoS attack, but could give your system more time to defend against an incoming attack. 2. Implement any DDoS prevention that your companys Internet Service Provider (ISP) offersit will be able to scrub and clean your traffic in the cloud before allowing it onto your system. 3. Make sure you have complete visibility of your network and monitor continuously to make sure that you have complete control over the traffic on your network. 4. Scan regularly for expired digital certificates and cryptographic keys and revoke and replace them all immediately especially in the wake of a data breach. 5. Conduct Black Hole Filtering, which is a technique that provides the ability to drop undesirable traffic before it enters a protected network. 6. Include DDoS attacks in your disaster recovery scenarios and test them annually. Its important to keep in mind that the exact answer for your enterprise will vary depending on the type of DDoS attack you are experiencing, your network infrastructure, and security tools that are available to you. While cyber criminals continue to evolve their DDoS attack methods, enterprises should at least take comfort in knowing they can take these key steps to stave off these types of attacks, now and in the future. 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 the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been one constant question tinging in our minds: When will things be back to the old normal? The new vaccines may offer a semblance of normalcy, but the wider question of when will the pandemic be fully over is harder to answer. Would We Have to Live With COVID-19 Pandemic Forever? History tells us that notwithstanding the global vaccine dissemination, the end of the COVID-19 pandemic will be gradual. Many new public health measures will become permanent. Also, we may have to live with respiratory illness forever. According to Professor Janaki Amin, head of the Macquarie University's Department of Health Systems and Populations, "It will be a long time before we can take international travel for granted, and some level of border restrictions will be in place for months and perhaps years to come. The disease emerged so recently, and vaccines were developed very quickly, so there are still many unknowns," reported The Lighthouse. The number of daily new novel coronavirus cases in the United States has plummeted significantly in the past month by a remarkable 45 percent since early January. The pace of vaccinations has continued to rise steadily over the past few weeks. This quadruples the number of shots per day in a month's time, reported Vox. We are moving closer to the tenth month of the pandemic. There is no apparent respite on a global scale from the highly infectious contagion. The number of coronavirus cases currently has crossed the 30 million mark across the globe. COVID-19 is unlikely to go away for good. The worldwide race to inoculate as many people as possible will usher in a new phase of our combatting against the virus. There is little chance it will deliver a knockout blow, reported Wired. Also Read: Republicans Call for Impeachment Against New York Gov. Cuomo for COVID-19 Death Toll Cover-Up Five Years of Pandemic Now, a new Bloomberg assessment has evaluated all the variables and worked out a surmise. Their new analysis projects the pandemic will be around for another five years. Notwithstanding the lack of community infection, epidemiology historian Professor Peter Curson agrees we will never entirely wipe out the virus. According to Curson, who is Emeritus Professor of Population and Health at Macquarie University, "The only disease humans have eliminated throughout history was smallpox, which was done through widespread vaccination over decades. But the diseases causing pandemics don't just disappear; most find a permanent reservoir in animals, making them almost impossible to eliminate." The number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in the US remains to be too high. When controlling for the population, the rates of such are still greater than that in most developed countries. The vaccine dissemination is still going too gradually for the pandemic to end in the summer. The current pace puts us on track for reaching adequate population protection as late as 2022. COVID-19 first emerged as a pneumonia-like illness in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. It has engulfed 213 countries. There are two scenarios that may mark the start of the end of the pandemic. The first one is a social ending, and the other option is a medical ending. The medical elimination of the pandemic is rooted in the creation of a safe and effective vaccine for the novel coronavirus and following the social protocols strictly. Related Article: WHO: COVID-19 Unlikely to Have Originated from Wuhan Lab @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Posted Thursday, February 18, 2021 4:41 pm A capital gains excise tax moved one step closer to approval Feb. 17 despite opposition from Republican lawmakers who call the law an unnecessary income tax and warn it will result in a court challenge. The Senate Ways & Means Committee voted 13-12 to tax 7% of long-term capital gains income for individuals, which would include revenue made from the sale of stocks, bonds, boats, real estate and investments. The tax would not apply to the first $250,000 made by both single and joint filers. Republican lawmakers submitted 22 amendments to the capital gains tax, none of which were approved. In a statement, Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, said the tax contradicts the will of voters and ignores other solutions to the states economic recovery. SB 5096 is a money grab masquerading as tax reform, Braun said. The people of our state dont need that, especially at a time like this. The bill would go into effect in January 2022, meaning those who would pay the tax would do so starting in 2023. This would likely result in around $550 million per year deposited directly in the states general fund, according to a press release from Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett. The capital gains tax would not apply to: residential dwellings of any value along with the land upon which the dwelling is located; assets held in a retirement account; assets transferred as part of a condemnation proceeding; livestock related to farming or ranching; agricultural land that meets certain requirements; certain types of property used in a trade or business such as machinery and equipment that have been immediately expensed; capital assets acquired and used only for purposes of a trade or business of a sole proprietorship timber and timberlands; businesses that made less than $6 million in the year; and stocks and bonds revenue as well as business and property sales totaling less than $250,000. Taxpayers could get some credits, with one available against the Business & Occupation tax, as well as a tax credit for some out-of-state capital gains revenue. Robinson originally put forth the bill as a 9% tax on a single filer making over $25,000 in capital gains revenue and joint filers who made more than $50,000. In the release, Robinson said she amended the original bill to address some issues brought forward during the bills first public hearing Jan. 14 by Washington residents. Robinson defended the bill in the statement and said it would apply only to the wealthiest Washingtonians. Its a reasonable way of asking those wealthy few to join the rest of us in building a stronger, healthier state for all Washingtonians a state in which they have thrived, Robinson said in the release. Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, told the committee the tax is considered an income tax by both the IRS and other state agencies, and would almost certainly be challenged in court if passed. My concern here is the cost of the state to the taxpayers, Wilson said. And we clearly dont need the taxes because we have no deficit. The bill is on its way to the Senate Rules Committee and could move to the Senate floor for a vote. The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website managed by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org. The SNP has attacked the bewildering decision to allow the publication of Alex Salmonds claims about first minister Nicola Sturgeon ahead of his expected appearance at a Holyrood inquiry next week. The party claimed the inquirys decision to publish Mr Salmonds dossier could jeopardise the anonymity of women who were involved in the legal case against the former first minister. However, the committee of MSPs investigating the Scottish governments botched handling of claims against Mr Salmond has made clear anonymity would still be protected. Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader at Holyrood, said the SNPs bizarre response from the SNP showed party bosses were clearly rattled at the prospect of Mr Salmonds evidence coming to light. Their clear overreaction only confirms in peoples minds that they must have something to hide, said Ms Davidson. Nobody is suggesting for a second that information would ever be published jeopardising a complainants anonymity. On Thursday the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) concluded that on balance it would be possible for Mr Salmonds dossier in which he alleges his predecessor broke the ministerial code to be published. A spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament said the document would be processed ahead of publication early next week, and Mr Salmond would be invited to appear at the committee on Wednesday. The SNP responding through a statement from MSP George Adam, the partys chief whip at Holyrood. People across Scotland will be utterly bewildered that the corporate body of the national parliament has ignored clear legal advice and decided to publish information which it knows could jeopardise the court-ordered anonymity of complainants in a sexual offences case, claimed Mr Adam. He added: We have to ask the question of the corporate body members if it had been their wife, their mother, their daughter or their sister at the centre of this, would they have made the same decision? Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon campaigning together in 2015 (PA) Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Conservatives all welcomed the move. This is the right decision, said Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, a member of the committee. We must hear Alex Salmonds side of the story to uncover what really happened. The decision clears the way for Mr Salmond to give further details about his meetings with Ms Sturgeon in 2018. He has already submitted evidence to a separate Holyrood inquiry considering whether Ms Sturgeon breached the ministerial code. The former SNP leader claims Ms Sturgeon misled parliament about the nature of the meeting at her Sturgeon at her home on 2 April 2018. Mr Salmond has also claimed his former chief of staff Geoff Aberdein had discussed the existence of the complaints about the former first minister in a meeting with Ms Sturgeon on 29 March. Member of Parliament (MP) for Sekondi Constituency in the Western Region, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer has blasted Dominic Ayine, Member of Parliament(MP) for Bolgatanga East, over his recent comments about the Supreme Court (SC) Justices. Dr. Dominic Ayine, a member of the legal team of former President John Mahama - the petitioner in the ongoing election petition - courted criticisms for saying the Judges have a predetermined agenda to rule against the petitioner. " . . these are germane issues under the constitution of Ghana and to reduce the petition into a single issue petition is rather unfortunate and smacks of a predetermined agenda to rule against the petitioner in this matter," Dr Ayine said after the SC dismissed former President Mahama's application to reopen his case to enable him subpoena Madam Jean Mensa, the EC Chairperson. Reacting to this on Peace FM's morning show ''Kokrokoo'', Egyapa Mercer wondered how Dr. Ayine could make such statements about the Justices because he is a Professor of law and therefore should know better. "He said the Justices of the Supreme Court have a predetermined agenda; like seriously! My own Professor, that you're not aware that adverse witness is defined? . . . That you go to court and make an application to reopen your case, even with that, there's a test that you need to meet. Is Dr. Ayine not aware? He's not aware and that if you don't meet that test, the Supreme Court is not likely to grant you your application. Is he not aware? He's not aware that an adverse witness is your own witness you call . . . Dr. Ayine is not aware?'' he questioned his (Dr. Ayine) logic. Lawyer Egyapa Mercer explained the difference between Dr. Afari Gyan, former EC Chairperson, mounting the witness box during the 2013 election petition by President Nana Akufo-Addo, then NPP Presidential candidate, and the inability of Mrs. Jean Mensa, current EC Chairperson, to be a witness in the ongoing election petition at the Supreme Court. "We had proof of those infractions, irregularities, illegalities and we went to court with that evidence. So, let nobody confuse nobody that, in 2012, Afari Gyan went into the witness box; why is it that Madam Jean Mensa doesn't want to go into the witness box? Because, by the time Dr. Bawumia led his evidence-in-Chief, it was clear that the EC had a question to answer," he stated. He therefore expressed utter disappointment in Dr. Ayine who he described as once his tutor. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Brent crude fell 0.64% to settle at US$63.93 per barrel after rising as high as US$65.52, its highest since January 2020. Spot gold inched 0.1% lower to US$1,774.21 per ounce, near its lowest since November 30. S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) has fallen further into the red by 1.55 pm, down 1.65% to 6772 as retail sales rose at a slower pace than expected in January. Preliminary retail sales data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show sales in January rose 0.6% seasonally adjusted, a weaker result than the 2% rise expected. Is Australia spending our grandchildrens future? - Dale Gillham According to Katsua, an independent research firm, the US printed $4.5 trillion dollars in 2020, which represents around 21% of all US dollars printed in the last 30 years. According to Statista, a company specialising in market and consumer data, the US stimulus packages represent 13.2% of GDP to October 2020, whereas the Australian stimulus packages represent 14% of our GDP while Japan heads the list at a massive 21% of GDP. In Dale Gillhams opinion, the US printed too much money following the GFC and it is repeating this behaviour again in the current crisis. The result that is likely to unfold when the next stock market crash does occur is that it will be far worse in the US than what they experienced in early 2020. As for Australia, any market crash in the future is unlikely to be as bad as what the US will suffer, which will be consistent with what occurred during the great depression in 1929 and subsequent depressions in the US. For now, it is imperative that Australia repeat the good work it did following GFC, which is to get the economy back on track and pay off our debt so we are ready for any inevitable crash in the future. On an individual level, it is also imperative that we prepare for the next challenge by paying down debt and, above all, invest in good assets like shares and property to create income streams independent of our job so we can provide a safety net for ourselves, and our families. Top gainers Todays top gainers on the ASX include Rimfire Pacific Mining N L ( ) (+12.50%), ( ) (+12.12%), ( ) (+15.79%), Engage:BDR Ltd ( ) (20.00%) and ( ) (10.00%). Proactive news headlines: Proactive to host Copper Webinar next Tuesday, February 23, showcasing three ASX-listed companies Proactive will host a Copper Webinar on Tuesday, February 23, featuring three ASX-listed copper companies set to highlight upcoming plans. Each company - ( ) ( ), Alicanto Metals Ltd ( ) and ( ) will each present for 12 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. Tietto Minerals PFS could include high-grade starter pit to drive early capital payback: ( ) could be one of the next gold mine builders in West Africa, with Canaccord Genuity predicting the company will release its pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the Abujar Gold Project in Cote d'Ivoire sometime this quarter. Twenty Seven Co makes rapid progress with gold-silver drilling at Mt Dimer ( ) has made rapid progress with a reverse circulation (RC ) drilling campaign at Mt Dimer Mining Lease in WA as favourable ground conditions coupled with efficient drilling crew helped expedite work. Lake Resources demonstrates clean technology path for high purity lithium as it targets Kachi DFS and ESIA this year ( ) ( ) (FRA:LK1) has demonstrated a clean technology path for the production of high purity lithium after a successful pilot demonstration plant, with plans for definitive feasibility study (DFS) and environmental and social impact study (ESIA) targeted this year at its flagship Kachi project in Argentina. Fenix Resources dispatches maiden shipment of Iron Ridge product ( ) has dispatched the maiden iron ore shipment from its flagship Iron Ridge Iron Ore Project out of the Port of Geraldton in Western Australia. Caspin Resources set for busy three months at Yarawindah Brook while preparing for gold exploration at Mount Squires next quarter ( ) is set for a busy three months at its Yarawindah Brook Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Elements (PGE) Project in WA as it prepares for gold exploration at the Mount Squires Project in the second quarter in the Musgrave Province. Vango Mining reveals more high-grade gold extensions at Trident deposit ( ) has revealed more high-grade gold extensions in the latest drilling results from Trident Extension zone and Trident Deeps at Marymia Gold Project in Western Australia. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in ALBANY An engineering firm that hired the son of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos will pay $10,000 to the states Joint Commission on Public Ethics to settle the companys violations that arose at the former senators influence-peddling trial. The watchdog panel announced the settlement Thursday with AEWS Engineering, a subsidiary of AbTech Industries, to resolve its multiple violations of the states Lobbying Act. The firm admitted it filed inaccurate lobbying reports between July 2014 and June 2015 which omitted Adam Skelos attempts to get his father to make favorable decisions to the companies as well as unregistered lobbying by the younger Skelos ex-supervisor at AbTech, JCOPE said in a news release. The former Senate leader and his son were convicted on federal corruption charges in Manhattan in 2015 and again at a retrial in 2018. Prosecutors said the elder Skelos repeatedly solicited payments to his son from Glenwood Management, a real estate firm that, in return, sought the powerful senators assistance with state laws to increase its profitability and real estate tax abatements. Glenwood arranged for Adam Skelos to received $4,000-a-month payments from AbTech and later $10,000-a-month before the senator helped the company obtain a $12 million contract. In December 2016, JCOPE settled with Glenwood for $200,000 and Administrators for the Professions, Inc, known as AFP, another company at the heart of the Skelos case, for $70,000. AFP, which managed a Long Island-based medical malpractice insurance company, Physicians Reciprocal Insurers, admitted it hired the younger Skelos at his fathers request to a no-show job. The elder Skelos, 73, was sentenced to 51 months in prison after being convicted of bribery, extortion and conspiracy charges and his son, sentenced to four years, are at a federal halfway house in Brooklyn. The younger Skelos, 38, is scheduled to be released in June, his father in August 2022. JCOPE said the firm agreed to enter into a confession of judgement with the panel for $70,000 should it violate the Lobbying Act in the next five years. The panel said the settlement ends a nearly five-year probe into multiple companies that engaged in unreported lobbying to influence Skelos and former Assembly Speaker Sheldon, a Manhattan Democrat who is serving a six-and-a-half year term in federal prison for mail and wire fraud, extortion and money laundering in a scheme to accept nearly $4 million in fees in exchange for taking actions to benefit a cancer researcher and real estate developer. The U.S. Department of State has responded to current political turmoil in Georgia in regards to the possible arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia and the recent resignation of Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and called on political parties in the country to show restraint and avoid escalatory actions or rhetoric. The U.S. Embassy in Georgia has stated that they appreciate the restraint shown by the authorities and the opposition in responding to the events surrounding the Melia case. "It is imperative that all those involved commit to de-escalating the current tensions so that a way forward can be agreed upon," the embassy said. The embassy noted that Georgia is facing extremely serious challenges and that it is in the best interests of the people of Georgia that this political crisis be resolved quickly and peacefully, Agenda.ge reported. 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. Credit: Sebastien Brosse A team of researchers from several institutions in France and China has conducted a decade-long study of the degree of human impact on river systems around the world over the past two centuries. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes their study and what their findings revealed. Lakes and rivers cover just 1% of Earth's surface, yet they serve as host to over 17,000 species of fish, which represent 25% of all vertebrates. And today, approximately 25% of all the fish in the world live in rivers, lakes and streams. Prior studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that humans have made a major impact on lakes and streams, particularly since the start of the industrial revolutiona time when factories began dumping waste in waterways. In this new effort, the researchers wondered just how big of an impact humans have had on river systems over the past 200 years. To find out, they began studying rivers and streams around the globe 10 years ago. In all, they collected data on 2,456 river basins, which included approximately 14,000 fish species, which they note accounts for approximately 80% of all known freshwater fish. To put their findings into perspective, the researchers developed a scale from 1 to 10 to judge the level of human impact on biodiversity for all of the river basins they studied. The scale was derived by taking into account the number of species in a given area, the function of each, and the evolutionary relationships between themand comparing what they found with conditions 200 years ago. The researchers found that over half of all river basins in the world have been heavily impacted by humanstheir biodiversity scale showed over 53% of them rated a 6 or higher. They also found that most of the large rivers in Europe and North America were heavily impactedsome, such as the Thames, were rated 10. They also found that just 14% of rivers worldwide were rated as having experienced little human impact, and those were mostly in underdeveloped areas in Africa and Australia. Explore further A third of rivers in US found to be changing from blue to green and yellow More information: Human impacts on global freshwater fish biodiversity, Science (2021). Journal information: Science Human impacts on global freshwater fish biodiversity,(2021). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.abd3369 2021 Science X Network The Chronicle Two San Francisco police officers and a suspect they were attempting to detain were taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries after the suspect 41-year-old Sergio Lugo allegedly lunged toward the officers with a razor blade, police said Thursday. The officers were injured while on an undercover mission to find and arrest burglars in the Noe Valley neighborhood Wednesday morning around 5 a.m., SFPD said in a statement. According to police, the officers identified themselves as police officers while trying to detain suspect Lugo at the corner of Castro and 21st streets. BRIGHTON, MI A Brighton-area church service performed on Zoom Sunday was infiltrated by non-church members who rabidly started posting white supremacist imagery and making racist threats against the church minister. White supremacists Zoom-bombed church services preformed online by the Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton Sunday, Feb. 14, while Reverend Julie Brock ministered to her congregation about the struggles and achievements of civil rights in the United States, Brock told MLive/ The Ann Arbor News Friday, Feb. 19. It was totally unexpected, Brock said. Services were going along fine, then when I began talking about civil rights, a bunch of KKK imagery started appearing in the Zoom meeting. My admin was able to take them down quickly, but then I started getting direct threats messaged to me. The infiltration started as just one person logged in, disguised using a church members name, followed by a flood of non-member requests to join Zoom services, Brock said. The church has been performing services using Zoom since early in the COVID-19 pandemic and has not seen any issues until this incident, Brock said. The Livingston County Sheriffs Office is currently investigating the Zoom bombing. In the wake of the Zoom-bombing, Brock penned an open letter to the individuals responsible for the incident, forgiving them for their actions and offering an open dialog if they wish to speak with her. To the people who virtually attacked my church this past weekend, Im sorry for whatever happened that filled you with so much hate. I dont know who hurt you enough to make you want to threaten someone youve never met, but I want you to know you deserve better, she wrote. There is no dignity in how you behaved. I believe you can do better. There is more love somewhere. I pray you keep on, till you find it. Im here if you get lost along the way. More from The Ann Arbor News: St. Joes opens MercyElite sports center at Schoolcraft College Ann Arbor spending over $188K to combat diarrhea-causing parasite at city pools More COVID vaccine is needed for in-person learning, Washtenaw County superintendents say Hat-making in the 18th and 19th centuries was a hazardous business, because it involved the use of many chemicals, one of which was the toxic substance mercury. Working in poorly ventilated rooms, hat-makers breathed in so much mercury fumes that a good number of them were driven out of their wits by mercury-induced brain damage. Mercury poisoning among hat-makers is widely believed to be the origin of the proverbial saying mad as a hatter. Even the character of the Hatter in Lewis Carroll's iconic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland exhibited psychotic behavior similar to a person suffering from mercury poisoning. John Tenniel's illustration of the tea party scene in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Accompanying Alice at the table is March Hare, the Dormouse and the Hatter. Hats have been a fashion accessory as well as an essential and practical piece of clothing for thousands of years. But hat-making as an industry goes back by hardly four hundred years to the Italian city of Milan, where the finest hats from felt, fiber and straw were made. Merchants from Milan travelled across Europe trading silks, ribbons, braids, ornaments, and of course, hats, and passed on news of the latest fashion to aristocratic nobles. It is from Milan that the term millinery or hat-making comes from. Mercury was first used in hat-making in France. Hat makers would take animal fur, usually from rabbit, and press them with steam and hot water so that the fibers matted together into a single piece of fabric. The French discovered that adding small amounts of mercuric nitrate to hot water roughened up the soft and limp hairs causing them to pack together more easily. The use of mercuric nitrate was a trade secret that was not revealed until the Huguenots were forced to flee to England to escape religious prosecution. In Britain the process earned the name of carrotting because treatment with the mercuric salt turned white fur reddish brown. A worker at a Connecticut hat manufacturing plant treating a hat under water. Photo: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Wikimedia Commons The most characteristic symptom of mercury poisoning is tremor; coarse jerky movements that usually begins in the fingers, then spread to the eyelids, lips and tongue. As conditions worsen, the tremors pass to the arms and legs, so that it becomes very difficult for a man to even walk. This condition was so obvious that it came to known as hatters shakes. The most remarkable change, however, is on the sufferers behavior. Irritability, low self-confidence, depression, apathy, shyness, timidity, and in some cases delirium and memory loss are seen. A British Journal of Industrial Medicine article described the mad hatters symptoms in 1946: The man affected is easily upset and embarrassed, loses all joy in life and lives in constant fear of being dismissed from his job. He has a sense of timidity and may lose self control before visitors. Thus, if one stops to watch such a man in a factory, he will sometimes throw down his tools and turn in anger on the intruder, saying he cannot work if watched. Occasionally a man is obliged to give up work because he can no longer take orders without losing his temper or, if he is a foreman, because he has no patience with men under him. Drowsiness, depression, loss of memory and insomnia may occur, but hallucinations, delusions and mania are rare. In the most chronic cases, the hatter may suffer from mental confusion, emotional disturbances, and muscular weakness. Other symptoms include neurological and kidney damage, loss of hearing, bleeding from the ears and mouth, and loss of teeth, hair, and nails. The connection between mercury and the mad hatter syndrome was first made in 1829 among hat-makers in St Petersburg, Russia. A thorough study of mercury poisoning among New Jersey hatters was made by the American physician J. Addison Freeman in 1860. In his groundbreaking paper, Freeman concluded that a proper regard for the health of this class of citizens demands that mercury should not be used so extensively in the manufacture of hats, and that if its use is essential, that the hat finishers' room should be large, with a high ceiling, and well ventilated. Unfortunately, Freeman's call for prevention went unheeded. Workers treating the fur with mercury nitrate in a felt hat-making factory. Photo: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health By late 19th century, the hazards of working with mercury were well understood, but few hat manufacturers took any mitigative steps. In 1878, when Dr L. Dennis went around hat-making workshops around Essex questioning workers, many were hesitant to reveal their affliction for fear of losing their job. Even then, Dr. Dennis found that one out of every four workers were showing signs of mercury poisonings. Most astounding was the lack of awareness among both the workers and their employers. Many hatters regarded the shakes as an inevitable price to pay for their work rather than a readily preventable disease. The government and the public remained largely indifferent, and the employers interests lay only in profits. The Second World War resolved the problem by making mercury too valuable to waste on felt hats. It was not until 1941, when the U.S. Public Health Service called for a voluntary ban on the use of mercury nitrate in favor of hydrogen peroxide. References: # H A Waldron, Did the Mad Hatter have mercury poisoning?, British Medical Journal # Richard P. Wedeen, Were the Hatters of New Jersey Mad?, American Journal of Industrial Medicine # Susie Hopkins, History of Milliners, Love to Know # Wikipedia New Delhi: In the third meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad nations on Thursday (Februray 18, 2021), India underlined its commitment to uphold a rules-based international order and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, a veiled reference to Chinas hostile moves in the Indo-Pacific region. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, it said that India underlined its commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas and peaceful resolution of disputes. Further, the statement said that the Foreign Ministers highlighted their shared attributes as political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies. The MEA stated that India`s efforts to provide vaccines to 74 countries was recognized and appreciated when the ministers during a discussion about ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. "They expressed their commitment to cooperate in addressing this challenge, enhancing access to affordable vaccines, medicines and medical equipment," it added. While on Twitter Jaishankar tweeted that they "exchanged perspectives on regional issues across the Indo-Pacific. Exchanged perspectives on regional issues across the Indo-Pacific. Highlighted practical cooperation in different domains to give our agenda a concrete shape. @MarisePayne @moteging @SecBlinken Detailed readout: https://t.co/OucJov8xxY Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 18, 2021 Notably, only Japan named China in its statement while statement from both India and the US made no direct mention of China, and Australia had not issued one after the meeting as of Thursday night. The Japanese statement said, "The four ministers concurred on further advancing practical cooperation in various areas towards the realisation of a `Free and Open Indo-Pacific`, such as quality infrastructure, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, education and human resource development." It added, "They also welcomed proactive efforts by other countries including those in Europe toward a `Free and Open Indo-Pacific`." The crisis in Myanmar and North Korea too was discussed in the Quad meet. The term Quad is extensively being used to describe the grouping with the US, Australia, Japan and India which is seen as a possible counterweight to Chinas aggressive moves in the Indo-Pacific region. The virtual meeting was attended attended India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Australias Foreign Minister Marine Payne and Japans Toshimitsu Motegi. Prime Minister Florin Citu expressed his hope, on Thursday, that Romania will enter the Schengen area this year, mentioning that everything depends on a favorable Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) report, on the observance of the recommendations of the European Commission, of the Venice Commission and the correction of "what the PSD [Social Democratic Party] has ruined in court". "I hope that this year [Romania will enter Schengen]. Romania has been ready to enter the Schengen area since 2011. This discussion with CVM has appeared, we must correct this problem this year. We will do everything possible to have a favorable CVM report, then we can discuss Schengen. If things go well, and we started today with the abolition of the Justice Crimes Investigation Section, and we have a favorable report on CVM, we can hope to continue the talks to join the Schengen area even this tear. But, I repeat, it's up to us, do we want to do this? Do we want to reform? Let's follow the recommendations of the European Commission, the Venice Commission, to correct what the PSD has ruined in court, and then you'll see that we are heading very quickly to the Schengen area," Citu told private TV station Digi24. He said that if all is done, the summer CVM report will be positive. The head of the Government also said that the recommendation of CVM is the abolition of the Justice Crimes Investigation Section. Regarding Romania's accession to the Eurozone, the prime minister said that this process was delayed due to the 2020 crisis, but will be recovered. "The path to the euro has been delayed by this crisis since 2020. We will do everything and real convergence is needed. We will make up for the time between 2021 and 2024, but we must be aware that this accession to the Eurozone will be after 2024. As I see it, we could enter the Eurozone after 2024 - 2025 and be able to adopt the euro in 2027 or 2028," the prime minister added. AGERPRES . Newly-released footage has shown the moment officers shot dead a homeless black man after he allegedly reached for a deputy's gun, as his family say cops escalated the situation when they tackled him to the ground over an alleged jaywalking incident. Kurt Reinhold, a 42-year-old father-of-two and former bodybuilder who had fallen on hard times, was shot dead on September 23 when Orange County Sheriff's Deputies Eduardo Duran and Jonathan Israel confronted him at a California intersection. The footage, released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office Wednesday, includes dashcam video from the deputies' patrol car, security camera footage from a nearby motel and footage shot on a bystander's smartphone. It provides new insight into the events surrounding Reinhold's death with the victim's family saying it proves the officers had 'no reason' to stop him. The dashcam video shows the two deputies appearing to sit in wait for Reinhold to jaywalk across the street before they then joke and have a minor disagreement about whether he had in fact illegally crossed the street and if it was necessary to confront him. The smartphone footage, which has been seen before, shows the three men struggling on the ground as a voice shouts 'he's got my gun' before two shots ring out. The surveillance footage gives a new angle to this footage and appears to show Reinhold reaching and touching the firearm in one of the officer's holsters. The two deputies involved were both full-time homeless liaison officers in the city of San Clemente at the time of the incident and veterans of the force with eight and 13 year careers under their belts. Reinhold's death, which came amid an apparent mental health crisis, sparked protests in San Clemente at a time when people are calling for an end to systemic racism and police brutality toward black people across America. Newly-released footage has shown the moment officers shot dead a homeless black man after he allegedly reached for a deputy's gun, as his family say cops escalated the situation when they tackled him to the ground over an alleged jaywalking incident The newly-released dashcam footage shows the two sheriffs deputies argued over whether Reinhold had jaywalked before they confronted him and told him he had in the altercation that resulted in his death. It begins at about 1:30 pm as the two deputies are sat in their parked cruiser near El Camino Road and Avenida San Gabriel. They appear to notice Reinhold across the street and a grainy image of a person can be seen in the footage. 'Okey-doke. He's seen you. He's seen you, copper,' one of the deputies says. 'Watch this. He is going to jaywalk,' the second replies. 'It's controlled. There we go,' he adds, appearing to laugh as he says Reinhold has jaywalked. 'It's controlled man.' The other deputy appears to cast doubt on whether Reinhold had illegally crossed the street, responding: 'I don't know, dude.' The second deputy responds saying, 'Don't make case law' to which the first fires back: 'It is not case law.' Despite their disagreement the two officers pull out in the vehicle and drive onto the intersection, pulling up alongside Reinhold, who is now standing on the sidewalk. Reinhold then walks toward the back of the patrol car, disappearing from view. The incident all takes place off camera and the exchange is inaudible at several points. Kurt Reinhold was shot dead on September 23 when Orange County Sheriff's Deputies Eduardo Duran and Jonathan Israel confronted him at a California intersection Reinhold was a 42-year-old father-of-two and former bodybuilder who had fallen on hard times 'What's going on man? How are you doing?' one of the deputies is heard asking. 'Hey you need to stop,' they tell Reinhold several times. 'Are you going to stop, or we going to have to make you stop?' one of the deputies says. 'What are you talking about? I'm walking,' Reinhold says. The exchange becomes heated with Reinhold repeatedly questioning why he is being stopped and telling the deputies multiple times to 'get off.' 'I'm walking,' he says, asking 'for what' he is being stopped. 'Because I am telling you to stop,' one of the deputies is heard saying as the voices become more raised. The officers tell Reinhold he was stopped for jaywalking and is now resisting arrest. 'That's ridiculous,' Reinhold replies. The dashcam video shows the two deputies appearing to sit in wait for Reinhold to jaywalk across the street before they then joke and have a minor disagreement about whether he had in fact illegally crossed the street and if it was necessary to confront him Reinhold's family says it proves the officers had 'no reason' to stop him At one point a woman walks onto the sidewalk to watch the incident. The video then moves to the cellphone footage taken by a bystander on the other side of the road. It begins with Reinhold and the two deputies in the road. Reinhold appears to be trying to walk away from the officers to the side of the road closest to the camera while they follow him. The 42-year-old is heard repeatedly shouting 'stop touching me' and moving away and batting an officer's arm away as they reach for him. 'Stop touching me. Do you see yourself?' shouts Reinhold. The three men move back onto the far sidewalk before a struggle breaks out. The officers wrestle Reinhold to the ground and are on top of him as the struggle continues. The video then moves to the cellphone footage taken by a bystander on the other side of the road. Reinhold appears to be trying to walk away from the officers to the side of the road closest to the camera while they follow him. A struggle breaks out The smartphone footage shows the three men struggling on the ground as a voice shouts 'he's got my gun' before two shots ring out One of the deputies is then heard shouting: 'He's got my gun! He's got my gun!' One gunshot then rings out followed by another a few seconds later. The witness filming the incident is heard saying: 'Oh my God.' The deputies are then seen performing CPR on him. Separate surveillance footage from a nearby motel shows the same moment from the opposite side. In it, Reinhold is seen pinned to the ground while reaching forward and touching the gun in one of the officer's holsters. It is not clear in the footage if he tries to or manages to take the weapon. The sheriff's department previously released a grainy photo of the footage and said it was not clear if Reinhold had got the gun. The surveillance footage gives a new angle to this footage and appears to show Reinhold reaching and touching the firearm in one of the officer's holsters It is not clear in the footage if he tries to or manages to take the weapon An attorney for Reinhold's family John Taylor said he was trying to push himself up off the ground as the deputy had him in a headlock and that his hand slid down the side of the officer to the gun. Taylor said the video does not show Reinhold pulling the gun from the holster. Instead, the family said the dashcam footage shows the deputies escalated the situation and ultimately caused the black father's death. 'No wonder they didn't want to turn over their explanation for stopping him,' Taylor said. 'They killed him for what? The deputies didn't even agree he jaywalked.' He added that Reinhold would not have been shot if he was white. 'If Kurt Reinhold wasn't a black man, this stop - let alone the shooting - never happens,' Taylor said. Tributes were left for Reinhold outside his family's home in Los Angeles in September Reinhold can be seen smiling as he poses next to a black Mercedes Benz before he fell on hard times Reinhold's family has filed a lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriff's Department, saying the officers harassed the black man who was suffering a mental health episode and 'never posed an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury'. They say one of the officers had his stun gun drawn on Reinhold and were 'closing space' on him throughout the incident. In the sheriff's department video, Undersheriff Jeff Hallock tells viewers the investigation is ongoing and could take up to a year to carry out. Reinhold was a father-of-two and former bodybuilder who had fallen on hard times and ended up living on the streets. The two deputies involved are part of a 25-member unit that attempts to engage with the homeless people and get them into service programs for mental health, drug addiction or other issues. They are trained in de-escalation and crisis intervention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waited four weeks for his first phone call from US President Joe Biden, whom he has known for almost four decades. Netanyahus office reported that the Feb. 17 conversation was very warm and friendly, lasting nearly an hour and covering all the key issues on their agenda. Truly idyllic. The Israeli announcement also reported that the president commended the prime minister on his leadership in the fight against the coronavirus. The White House statement did not maybe a reflection of the fact that while Bidens election is behind him, Netanyahus is still a month away. The very next day, Netanyahu was already kicking the milk bucket that had just begun to fill by tweeting particularly effusive condolences on this weeks passing of conservative provocative talk show host Rush Limbaugh at the age of 70. Netanyahu is well aware that Democrats despised Limbaugh, his views and his right-wing preaching. He knows that his tweet is tantamount to a finger in the eye of the entire party. He is familiar with the ins and outs of US politics and with the backrooms of the Washington power structure and understands fully what it means when he says, We shall miss him dearly. While Netanyahus praise of the controversial firebrand drew some domestic criticism, too, people who know Netanyahu well are convinced he was making a statement beyond the obligatory consolations. In fact, he was telling Democrats that while they had gotten rid of former President Donald Trump, they are stuck with him and he has no intention of giving up or turning the page. I am here to stay, I am a Republican. Thus spoke Netanyahu. In a way, Netanyahus expression of sympathy for Limbaughs family and the controversy as a result were merely a gimmick. He has a perfect right to mourn a person whom many in Israel regard as a devoted supporter. The more troubling matter is the last-minute postponement by the prime ministers office of a Feb. 18 policy discussion of Israeli strategy and policy ahead of renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran and the start of the Israeli-American dialogue on the issue. Participants were to include Netanyahu, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and the heads of Israels intelligence and security agencies. Netanyahus recent appointment of national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat as his envoy on the Iran nuclear issue, as previously reported here, continues to generate controversy. Gantz, along with many senior defense officials and probably Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, as well, refuse to accept the appointment. Everything will be carried out in cooperation with the defense agencies, Gantz said Jan. 22. I intend to make sure that no one even thinks to interfere with us maintaining Israels security with all sorts of tricks and bypassing measures that endanger us, he added. Gantz is demanding the appointment of a more suitable envoy than Ben-Shabbat or of an additional envoy on his own behalf with the required experience and skills to conduct a sincere, in-depth dialogue with the Biden administration. Someone like Mossad Director Yossi Cohen or former Military Intelligence head retired Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin. The dispute over the identity of the special envoy conceals a far broader policy clash. Whats important is not the identity of the envoy, but what policy he brings with him to talks with the Americans in Washington, a former senior Israeli security official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. There are two main approaches to the issue and two schools of thought. One is the confrontational approach championed by Prime Minister Netanyahu and the other is the one espoused by the ministers of defense and foreign affairs and many senior security experts. Netanyahu, according to sources close to him, is nearing a decision on adopting his 2015 policy line that rejected any agreement with Iran, arguing that it would only enable the Iranians to eventually achieve nuclear capability and that Israel must do absolutely everything to prevent such an outcome. The only acceptable option he sees is a continuation of Trumps maximum pressure policy on Iran. The new administration, however, is unlikely to agree to such an option and just as he was defeated in 2015, Netanyahu will be vanquished in 2021. His envoys will conduct several weeks of fruitless talks with the administration, after which the Americans will return to negotiations with Tehran in the hopes of getting the best deal they can. The opposite approach espoused by Gantz and company argues that Israel must not repeat the mistakes of 2015 and that it must ascertain a seat at the table so that it can influence the agreement with Iran from within. This requires putting into play all of Israels persuasive abilities and intelligence in order to focus the Americans on three truly key parameters. The first parameter is the so-called sunset clause extending the agreements expiration date by at least 25 years, a total ban on nuclear research and development, and ironclad supervision at all times and sites. Convincing the United States and the other world powers involved in the deal to accept two of these three conditions would also mean a significant strategic shift for Israel. The second parameter is maintaining the maximum pressure achievements of the Trump administration on Iran. Despite the ABT [Anything-but-Trump] policy, the Biden administration must be persuaded that the Trump administration created powerful levers vis-a-vis the Iranian regime, which can be used ahead of new negotiations, a former senior military official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. This is not out of the realm of possibility. The third and most intriguing parameter is forging a parallel Israel-US agreement at the same time, perhaps even between Israel and its Middle Eastern allies and Washington. The idea raised recently by French President Emmanuel Macron of including Israel and Saudi Arabia in negotiations with Iran is not feasible. Israel would never sign an agreement with Iran on nuclear issues. What might be possible is an Israeli-American agreement setting out the parameters of international supervision of Iran, rejecting out of hand a nuclear Iran under any circumstances and freeing Israel to take action should Iran violate the deal or achieve breakout capability ahead of the sunset clause. Its important that we have a green light under such circumstances, a senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. At least to the extent we had in attacking the Syrian reactor in 2007. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 14:08:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the need to tell more stories of the Communist Party of China (CPC), its glorious traditions and fine conduct to guide Party members, especially the younger generations, to stay true to the founding mission, firm up their faith, and fight bravely. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when writing back on Thursday to more than 40 centenarian veteran soldiers, all members of a Shanghai-based research society on the history of the New Fourth Army. 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. As social media debates Shailajas exclusion, CPI(M) comes out in defence of decision E Sreedharan's entry a good boost in Kerala: V Muraleedharan India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Jan 19: Minister of state for external affair V Muraleedharan on Friday said that The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will get boost from the entry of Metro man E Sreedharan into its folds in Kerala, one of the five states scheduled to hold assembly elections in April-May. "E Sreedharan's joining the BJP in Kerala is making a huge impact. It denotes the BJP's slogan of efficient, transparent and non-corrupt people in political activities," Muraleedharan told news agency ANI. "This will give BJP a good boost in Kerala," Muraleedharan added. Metroman E Sreedharan set to join BJP ahead of Kerala assembly election 2021 ''Metroman'' E Sreedharan, a much-admired technocrat who is credited with changing the face of public transport system in the country, will join the BJP giving a boost to the saffron party ahead of the Assembly polls in Kerala The entry of Sreedharan into politics through the BJP was announced by state party chief K Surendran at a press conference here on Thursday. Surendran said the official function of his joining the party will be held during its two-week long Vijaya Yatra commencing on February 21 from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram to "expose the misrule" of the present LDF government and previous dispensation led by UDF and prepare the party''s ground for the Assembly elections likely to be held in the month of April. India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Lake completed| Oneindia News Sreedharan said he was joining the BJP to ensure justice for the people of Kerala who were being deprived of the fruits of development due to the self-centric attitude of the present CPI(M)-led LDF government. The 88-year old Sreedharan, who played a major role in executing Kerala''s ambitious Kochi metro rail project, also said he would contest the Assembly polls if the party decides so. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, February 19, 2021, 16:11 [IST] As Democrats try to push President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion rescue plan through Congress, some states are taking matters into their own hands by sending stimulus checks to their residents. California and Maryland both passed legislation distributing stimulus checks of $600 and $300 per person, respectively, to qualifying residents. Read more: Here's what to do if you haven't gotten your stimulus check As we continue to fight the pandemic and recover, Im grateful for the Legislatures partnership to provide urgent relief and support for California families and small businesses where its needed most, Governor Gavin Newsom said in a press release on Wednesday. These actions are critical for millions of Californians who embody the resilience of the California spirit. Around 5.7 million Californians are expected to get the $600 one-time direct payment, Newsom said in a tweet on Thursday. Around 400,000 Marylanders will receive the $300 payment per individual and the $500 payments for a family, according to the office of Governor Larry Hogan. California Governor Gavin Newsom arrives to brief the media on the opening day of a new mass Covid-19 vaccination site established between the federal government and the state on February 16, 2021 on the campus at California State University of Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) In both states, the direct payments would go to people who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on their 2019 taxes in Maryland and their 2020 taxes in California. In California, taxpayers with Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs) would also qualify for the payments if their income is below $75,000. If they qualify for EITC too, they'd get a $1,200 check. Taxpayers with ITINs were ineligible for both rounds of the stimulus payments distributed by the federal government in the spring and winter. Maryland residents would qualify for payments if they earn up to: $50,954 ($56,844 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children, $47,440 ($53,330 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children, $41,756 ($47,646 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child, or $15,820 ($21,710 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children. Read more: Here's what's in Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion 'rescue plan' that could help your wallet The payment would begin flowing to Marylanders this week, while Californians are expected to see theirs "shortly after they file their 2020 tax returns," according to Newsom's office. "As Washington remains divided and gridlocked, Maryland has once again shown the nation that both parties can still come together, that we can put the peoples priorities first, and that we can deliver real, bipartisan, common sense solutions to the serious problems that face us," Hogan said in a statement on Monday. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The push by the two states to send payments comes as the House readies Biden's stimulus plan for a vote by the end of next week. The proposal includes a third round of stimulus checks of $1,400 per individual plus a $1,400 bonus for each dependent. While Biden's initial proposal had higher income thresholds, checks would be sent to individuals who make less than $100,000 and joint filers who earn less than $200,000 after the Ways and Means Committee Chairman introduced new amendments in February. Democrats would need the support of the entire Democratic caucus in the Senate, along with Vice President Kamala Harriss tie-breaking vote, to pass the $1.9 trillion stimulus deal. They also havent indicated they would reduce the $1,400 amount, despite pressure from Republicans. I'm not cutting the size of the checks. They're going to be $1,400 period, Biden said at a press conference in February. That's what the American people were promised. Yahoo Money sister site Cashay has a weekly newsletter. Denitsa is a writer for Yahoo Finance and Cashay, a new personal finance website. Follow her on Twitter @denitsa_tsekova. Read more: Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Reddit. Some knew Frank Trione as their agriculture teacher. Others knew Frank as a member of the local conservation community. Ricky Trione, Franks cousin, knew him as simply, favorite cousin. He lit up a room. He loved everyone, Ricky said. We grew up playing together and Ive always loved him. Frank died from COVID-19 on Tuesday at the age of 68. Of course, he leaves behind loving family members, including his wife of more than 40 years and a daughter who works as a pharmacist. He also leaves behind the Baldwin County community as a descendent of the founding family of Daphne. But Frank also leaves behind a long agricultural teaching impact that his cousin says likely still inspires local farmers today. The history of Frank, farming and Fairhope Franks love for the environment and farming began when he was young, according to Ricky. Frank was always helping out in the local Daphne farming community. This love only increased when he started attending Fairhope High School. His agricultural teacher, Jack Beasly, was a great influence, according to Ricky. Frank later began being an assistant to Beasly and went on to follow his footsteps by attending Auburn University. Even though Frank was more than three hours away from home, he still came back to work and help out in the area. So, its no surprise that when Frank graduated from Auburn, he returned right back to Fairhope High School and took over for the retired agriculture teacher he learned so much from. He made ag fun, Ricky said. He had such a positive influence around so many young people. A lot of active farmers now were probably influenced by Frank. Frank taught at Fairhope High School until Daphne High School was opened in 1987. According to Ricky, his cousin did a lot of cool things at the campus, including hydroponics and working with greenhouses at the high school. Frank has a combined total of more than 30 years of teaching experience at the two schools. Beyond the teaching Not only did Frank make an impact as a teacher, he also made an impact in the conservation community and local community as well. His roles included, but were not limited to: Alabama Association of Conservation Districts Area VI President Vice President of the Gulf Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council District Chairman for the Baldwin County Soil and Water Conservation District Former Daphne City Council member Former Baldwin County Board of Education (District 1) member His leadership, his humor, and his dedication to soil and water conservation will be deeply missed, said the Baldwin County Conservation District in a Facebook post on Franks passing. The organizations Facebook post were one of many posted after Ricky posted his own about his cousins passing. Our family and friends are saddened for the great loss of our wonderful cousin and dear friend, FRANK TRIONE. He... Posted by Ricky Trione on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Ricky said he was initially a bit surprised by all the messages after his cousins passing, especially messages from former students of Franks. He later added that he guessed it shouldnt be too surprising, since Frank made it a point to remember every single name and say hi to them if they crossed paths in public. Its so great to see the love, Ricky said. He had a huge loving heart for everyone. He loved everyone. Funeral arrangements havent been made yet, but Ricky said the service will likely be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne, where he had been a lifelong member of. He had a wonderful smiling face. He had a big loving heart. He was an all around wonderful person, Ricky said. Hong Kong: Broadcasting chief named Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Li will succeed Leung Ka-wing, who will leave the service, as Director of Broadcasting on March 1, the Government announced today. Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip said Mr Li is a seasoned Administrative Officer with proven leadership and management skills. I believe that he will continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication in his new capacity, and ably lead Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to meet the challenges ahead. As Director of Broadcasting, Mr Li will ensure that RTHK fully abides by the Charter of RTHK. The agreement between the Government and Mr Leung, which originally will expire in August, will be resolved early by mutual consent. The Government said it earlier conducted an open recruitment exercise, but could not identify a suitable candidate to fill the Director of Broadcasting post. It remains the Government's intention to groom officers from within RTHK for advancement to the departments senior positions in accordance with the established mechanism. Click here for their biographies. This story has been published on: 2021-02-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The Karnataka State Police (KSP), under the Karnataka State Police Dept., Govt. of Karnataka, has called for applications in a prescribed format from qualified and experienced candidates for filling Twenty-Nine (29) Technical Staff posts in KSP Udupi Police Jobs through direct recruitment to be posted in Udupi, Karnataka in India on a fulltime basis. The offline application process towards the same started on February 13, 2021 and closes on March 10, 2021. CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Technical Staff posts in KSP Organisation Karnataka State Police (KSP) Educational Qualification Passed Matriculation/Class or equivalent; 10+2/Intermediate or equivalent; Bachelors Degree/Diploma in Mechanical/Marine or Automobile Engineering; Diploma/ITI in relevant trade Experience Five years in relevant domain Job Responsibilities null Skills Required null Job Location Udupi Salary Scale Boat Captain- Rs. 34,000 per month; Assistant Boat Captain/Motor Launch Mechanic Rs. 27,000 per month; Engine Driver - Rs. 25.000 per month; Khalasi - Rs. 23,000 per month Industry Karnataka State Police Dept. Application Start Date February 13, 2021 Application End Date March 10, 2021 KSP Recruitment 2021: Age Criteria And Fees Candidates interested in applying for KSP Technical Jobs 2021 through KSP Recruitment 2021 must not have exceeded or be more than 50 years, with relaxation (upper age limit) for reserved categories as per the KSP Notification 2021 norms. For details regarding application fee for KSP Technical Jobs 2021 through KSP Recruitment 2021, refer to the official KSP Notification 2021 given at the end of the article. Also Read: SJVN Recruitment 2021 For 280 Graduate, Technician And ITI Apprentices Posts. Apply Online Before March 15 KSP Recruitment 2021: KSP PSI Vacancy Details Post Name No. Of Vacancies Engine Driver (Head Constable Grade) 10 Boat Captain (Police Sub Inspector Grade) 07 Assistant Boat Captain (Assistant Sub Inspector Grade) 05 Khalasi (Police Constable Grade) 04 Motor Launch Mechanic (Assistant Sub Inspector Grade) 03 Total 29 KSP Recruitment 2021: Education And Experience Desirous candidates applying for KSP Technical Karnataka Police Jobs 2021 through KSP Recruitment 2021 must have passed Matriculation/Class or equivalent; 10+2/Intermediate or equivalent; Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in Mechanical/Marine or Automobile Engineering; Diploma/ITI in relevant trade from a recognised University/Institution with minimum five years of work experience in the relevant field as detailed in the KSP Notification 2021 Candidates' must have knowledge of Kannada language - read, write and speak. KSP Recruitment 2021: Selection And Pay Scale The selection of candidates for KSP Technical Karnataka Police Jobs 2021 through KSP Technical Staff Recruitment 2021 will be done through Shortlisting and Interview as notified in the KSP Notification 2021. Candidates selected for KSP Technical Jobs 2021 through KSP Technical Staff Recruitment 2021 will be paid emolument in the following scale as per the KSP Recruitment 2021 norms. Boat Captain - Rs. 34,000 per month Assistant Boat Captain/Motor Launch Mechanic - Rs. 27,000 per month Engine Driver - Rs. 25.000 per month Khalasi - Rs. 23,000 per month Also Read: Pariksha Pe Charcha 2021 Registration Begins For Students Of Classes 9 To 12 KSP Recruitment 2021: How To Apply Candidates applying for KSP Technical Staff Jobs 2021 through KSP Recruitment 2021 must fill the application form in a prescribed format attached with the KSP Notification 2021 and send the same along with relevant supporting documents to the "Superintendent of Police, Coastal Security Police, Udupi & Member Secretary to Special Recruitment Committee for Technical Posts, Malpe - 576108, Udupi" or to the address specified in KSP Technical Staff Recruitment 2021. Download KSP Recruitment 2021 Notification PDF for Technical Staff posts here 404 SEDALIA, Mo. (AP) A Missouri man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a former sheriff's deputy who fatally shot his daughter during a traffic stop last year. John Fizer, the father of 25-year-old Hannah Fizer, argues in his lawsuit that her death could have been avoided if former Pettis County Deputy Jordan Schutte had followed accepted police practices, The Kansas City Star reported. Schutte shot Hannah Fizer five times as she sat in her car during a June 13 traffic stop in Sedalia after he pulled her over in the city about 75 miles (120 kilomters) east of Kansas City for running a light and speeding. He told Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators that she had refused to identify herself, had a gun and threatened to shoot him. The lawsuit contends that radio traffic shows Fizer identified herself and did not record her making any threats. She did not have a gun. Despite his claim that Fizer had threatened to shoot him, Schutte did not take cover, call for help or try to deescalate the situation, according to the lawsuit. After the shooting, Schutte kept his gun pointed at Fizer as she remained motionless until paramedics arrived about five minutes later, according to the lawsuit. A special prosecutor said in September that the shooting was possibly avoidable but ruled it was justified because it could not be said that Schutte's belief he was in danger was unreasonable. Schutte was reinstated to the force but is no longer working for the sheriffs office, Sheriff Brad Anders said Thursday. Schutte didn't immediately reply to a message left at a Sedalia number listed as his. ADVERTISEMENT The Federal Government, on Friday, said it had signed a 25 megawatt Independent Power Project (IPP) agreement, to enhance electricity supply to industries in the Kano Free Trade Zone (KFTZ). Richard Adeniyi-Adebayo, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, who stated this during a facility tour of the KFTZ, in Kano, explained that the agreement was signed with a reputable firm and that the project was expected to be completed within 11 months. He said the government also initiated viable programmes to fast track infrastructure development and provision of other facilities to encourage investment in the KFTZ. We are investing money on infrastructure, the major constraint to investors is power. People need power to invest and when the power gets here, this place will blossom. Already we have expression of interest from companies who want to set up their industries here. We are trying to increase the amount of land and the capacity of facilities to be able to cope with the demand, he said. According to the minister, the Federal Government had evolved proactive measures to encourage investments that would stimulate industrial growth, to enable indigenous companies to compete favourably with industries elsewhere. We are trying to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to encourage investors to come and invest in Nigeria. It is our desire and hope to make Nigeria an industrial hub of Africa, he said. Mr Adebayo added that the ministry was implementing sound policies and programmes to assist investors, to enable them run successful and profitable enterprises. He said the ministry was in discussions with the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), adding that no decision had been taken on the proposed privatisation of Kano and Calabar Free Trade Zones. He assured that decision on the issue would be to the best interest of the country and investors. The minister further commended the management of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) and its staff over commitment toward promoting investment in the zone. In a remark, Adesoji Adesugba, Managing Director of NEPZA, thanked the minister for the visit and his support to the Authority. Adesugba advised investors to avail themselves opportunities of the Free Trade Zones to enable them to compete in the AfCFTA. Also, Umar Sani-Marshall, one of the investors urged the minister to address power and other challenges facing the zone, to enhance their operations. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adebayo, accompanied by the Minister of State, Maryam Katagum, and other officials of the ministry, inspected ongoing housing projects and some enterprises in the zone. (NAN) Two-year-old Major Turner died two weeks ago today, hours after he was gunned down in a close-knit, highly populated Birmingham housing community. Since then, there have been prayers for the toddler and his family, tears for his life cut short and the familys loss, outrage over the senseless, tragic killing. Candles have been lit, balloons released, and rewards offered. What there hasnt been, however, is someone, anyone, willing to step forward and give Birmingham police what they need to make an arrest in the case and bring some sort of closure, some sort of justice, to a grieving family, a grieving community. That has to change, city leaders say. Theres a saying that evil triumphs when good men and women do nothing,' Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr said Friday during a press conference held by city and police leaders. Today, at this moment, Im asking those good men and women who we know have information, no matter how small, who we know have an idea about what happened that evening to come forward to the Birmingham Police Department solve this case. Any investigation is not complete without some form of community involvement, said Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith. We must remove the old playbook of the no-snitch culture if we want to achieve stronger, safer communities. Now is the time to take a stand for future generations. Thursday marked the solemn two-week anniversary of the shooting of Major Turner. The shooting happened shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, on John Bryant Road in the Wenonah Community. The family had finished dinner and Major was on the couch with his mother and another sibling. Two other siblings were upstairs watching TV. It was then that gunfire erupted, pelting the apartment. Neighbors reported hearing eight to 10 shots. There were at least 10 bullet holes in the window screens plus more in the apartments front door. It appears one or two bullets also struck the neighboring apartment, but no injuries were reported there. 13 Major Turner Vigil Feb. 18, 2021 Major was rushed to Childrens of Alabama where he was pronounced dead at 2:45 a.m. Friday. His mother 29-year-old Briahn Smith - was treated and released a short time later. Smith, nine months pregnant when the shooting happened, delivered her fifth son just five days ago. She spoke publicly for the first time Thursday during a vigil held outside the bullet-riddled apartment. No arrests have been made in Majors slaying, and investigators said tips from the community have been few and far between. Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced a $5,000 reward for information in Majors killing. Another group, Voices of Black Mothers United, also on Thursday pledged $1,000, and the Carlos Chaverst Foundation offered $500. Combined with the existing Crime Stoppers reward of $5,000, the total reward now stands at $11,500. Smith said he doesnt know why there are few tips in Majors death. The leads have been coming in very slowly,' the chief said. I really cant answer why its been slow and its our hope the community will speak up, let us know what they know,' he said. Were doing everything we can to make sure that were seeking justice for major. Were not going to rest until we have closure. Though Kimbrough Homes is heavily populated, there are few, if any, surveillance cameras there. It would be a very different story, a very different investigation (if there were cameras) because with that we would have some form of leads, something to go by even if the video was not the greatest,' Smith said. At least it would give us some direction. In this case, were depending on people, were depending on the community and were asking the community to step up, not just for this child but for the next child and the next child,' the chief said. We just cannot allow this to happen to a 2-year-old and to this family and thats why were pleading with the community to step up. This is a call for action because the person responsible is still at large, the person is still walking around in the community,' he said. We know theres someone out there who knows exactly who this person is, and we truly believe that someone who knows who this person is and is simply not speaking up. To the killer or killers, Smith said this: On that night, you made a very, very bad decision that led to the death of a precious young child. At some point, youre going to be apprehended. Its important that you turn yourself in right now. Im asking you to stand up to what youve done. Turn yourself in and dont put the community through this any longer. Mayor Randall Woodfin said its time for the community fight for the little boy. Some things are just not right and this one of them,' he said. Ive said it beforesomeone out here knows what happened. Someone out here is harboring the person or people who did this. We as a community cannot commit to a no snitching culture when it crosses the line to a 2-year-old being gunned down and killed. Its unacceptable and its wrong and its so many other things. The police were not out there that night. Someone in the community someone knows what happened and we need you to come forward,' Woodfin said. Heres to hoping that you do the right thing. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Our mission at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center International Jewish Israel Film Festival is first and foremost to entertain. In the process, viewers will be treated to eye-opening experiences. -- festival director Toby Shylit Mack The 12th annual Axelrod International Jewish Israel Film Festival will take place online with screenings of eight films from Feb. 23 to March 22. Three of the viewings will include talkback sessions. Heres the lineup: A Call to Spy, available on-demand from 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25: A 2019 historical drama from U.S. director Lydia Dean Pilcher based on true stories of women recruited as spies by Britain during World War II. Here We Are, available 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, to 9 p.m. Monday, March 1, with talkback 7:30 p.m. March 1: A 2020 Israeli-Italian drama directed by Nir Bergmann about a mans relationship with his young adult autistic son. Thou Shalt Not Hate, available 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 4: 2020 Italian drama directed by Mauro Mancini about the ethical and personal conflicts a Jewish doctor after he responds to the scene of an accident and sees a swastika tattoo on the victims chest. If You See My Mother, available 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6, to 9 p.m. Monday, March 8: 2019 French comedy/drama directed by Nathanael Guedj about a single ophthamologist who still communicates with his dead mother. The Sign Painter, available 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 11: A 2020 Australian drama directed by Viesturs Kairiss about an innocent sign painter who falls in love with a Jewish girl as Nazism is spreading throughout 1940s Europe. Broken Mirrors, available 4 p.m. Saturday, March 13, to 9 p.m. Monday, March 15: 2018 Israeli drama directed by Imri Matalon and Aviad Givon about an oppressive father whose love for his daughter is masked by guilt and his strict military code of behavior is hiding a family secret. My Name is Sara, available 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 18, with talkback with Jewish Federation of NJ 7:30 p.m. March 18: 2019 Brazilian film directed by Steven Oritt based on the true story of a 13-year-old Polish Jew who struggles to survive after her family is killed by Nazis in 1942. Breaking Bread, available 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20, to 9 p.m. Monday, March 22, with talkback with filmmaker Beth Elise Hawk 7:30 p.m. March 22: 2020 documentary about first Muslim-Arab chef to win the Israeli version of Top Chef and his efforts to establish a food festival in Haifa to encourage Jewish and Arab cooks to reinvent traditional recipes together. A film series pass costs $52 and can be purchased online. The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located in Deal. Opening in 2005, it is named after Dr. Herbert and Evelyn Axelrod, longtime residents of Deal and supporters of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County (now JCC Jersey Shore). Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Send event information to events@starledger.com Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Its nearly two months since turbulence erupted around China Huarong Asset Management Co.At the end of March, its 4% perpetual dollar bond was trading at 102 cents on the dollar as investors figured the January execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for bribery put a line under past wayward behavior. But the failure of the company to release 2020 results by a March 31 deadline, and a subsequent report by mainland media Caixin that the firm will restructure, sparked weeks of turmoil. The same bond is now at 57 cents.The heart of the matter is whether the central government will rescue a state-owned company thats integral to the smooth running of the financial system. While there are signs Beijing wants to ensure China Huarong can repay its debts on time, uncertainty prevails.Heres a look at the key events for China Huarong:May 28The company has wired funds to repay $978 million of notes maturing within the following week, according to Bloomberg News, the biggest bond payment since the 2020 results delay.May 27Liang Qiang, who currently heads another bad-debt manager, is on track to become president of China Huarong, reports Bloomberg News.May 24China Huarong dollar bonds climb after the managing editor of Caixin Media wrote in an opinion piece that the asset manager is nowhere near defaulting on its more than $20 billion of offshore notes.May 21Some of China Huarongs thinly traded onshore bonds slump after having held up better than the companys dollar-denominated notes, signaling broadening concern about the firms financial health.May 18China Huarong has transferred funds to repay a $300 million note maturing May 20, Bloomberg News reports, the first dollar bond to come due since the delayed 2020 results. Prices for the firms dollar bonds slump earlier in the day after the New York Times reports China is planning an overhaul that would inflict significant losses on both domestic and foreign China Huarong bondholders.May 17The company has reached funding agreements with state-owned banks to ensure it can repay debt through at least the end of August, by which time China Huarong aims to have completed its 2020 financial statements, according to a Bloomberg News report. That as at least two of its onshore bonds see big price declines in recent days, worrying some investors.May 13The firm says its prepared to make future bond payments and has seen no change in the level of government support, seeking to ease investor concerns after a local media report that regulators balked at China Hurarongs restructuring plan.May 6The company says it transferred funds to pay five offshore bond coupons due the following day, its latest move to meet debt obligations amid persistent doubts about its financial health.April 30China Huarong breaks its silence, with an executive telling media it is prepared to make its bond payments and state backing remains intact. The official also says the weeks rating downgrades have no factual basis and are too pessimistic.April 29Moodys Investor Service downgrades China Huarong by one notch to Baa1, adding the firm remains on watch for further downgrade. The cut reflects the companys weakened funding ability due to market volatility and increased uncertainty over its future, according to the statement.April 27China Huarong units repay bonds maturing that day. The S$600 million ($450 million) bond was repaid with funds provided by Chinas biggest state-owned bank, according to a Bloomberg News report.April 26Fitch Ratings downgrades China Huarong by three notches to BBB while dropping the companys perpetual bonds into junk territory. The lack of transparency over government support for the firm may hamper its ability to refinance debt in offshore markets, Fitch said.April 25China Huarong says it wont meet an April 30 deadline to file its 2020 report with Hong Kongs stock exchange because auditors needed more time to finalize a transaction the company first flagged on April 1. Securities and asset-management units said in the days before that they wouldnt release 2020 results by months end.April 22The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission asks lenders to extend China Huarongs upcoming loans by at least six months, according to REDD, citing two bankers from large Chinese commercial lenders.April 21China is considering a plan that would see its central bank assume more than 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) of China Huarong assets to help clean up the firms balance sheet, according to a Bloomberg News report. Peer China Cinda Asset Management Co. was said to be planning the sale of perpetual bonds in the second quarter.April 20China Huarongs key offshore financing unit says it returned to profitability in the first quarter and laid a solid foundation for transformation. Reorg Research reports that regulators are considering options including a debt restructuring of the unit, China Huarong International Holdings Ltd.April 19Huarong Securities Co. says it wired funds to repay a 2.5 billion yuan local note.April 16The CBIRC says China Huarongs operations are normal and that the firm has ample liquidity. These are the first official comments about the companys troubles. Reuters reports Chinese banks have been asked not to withhold loans to Huarong.April 13Fitch and Moodys both put the company on watch for downgrade. The finance ministry, which owns a majority of Huarong, is considering the transfer of its stake to a unit of the countrys sovereign wealth fund, Bloomberg News reports. Chinese officials signal they want failing local government financing vehicles to restructure or go bust if debts cant be repaid.April 9China Huarong says it has been making debt payments on time and its operations are normal. Bloomberg News reports the company intends to keep Huarong International as part of a potential overhaul that would avoid the need of a debt restructuring or government recapitalization. S&P Global Ratings puts China Huarongs credit ratings on watch for possible downgrade.April 8China Huarong is preparing to offload non-core and loss-making units as part of a broad plan to revive profitability that would avoid the need for a debt restructuring or government recapitalization, Bloomberg News reports.April 6Selling gains steam in China Huarongs dollar bonds, following a holiday in China. Huarong Securities says there has been no major change to its operations, in response to a price plunge for its 3 billion yuan local bond.April 1China Huarong announces a delay in releasing 2020 results, saying its auditor is unable to finalize a transaction. Stock trading is suspended and spreads jump on the firms dollar bonds while China Huarong tells investors its business is running as usual. Caixin reports the company submitted restructuring and other major reform plans to government officials and shareholders.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Researchers in the Netherlands have sought to identify all those semiconductor materials that may make the application of carrier multiplication in photovoltaics much more than a mere suggestion. According to them, the bandgap of the materials should be between 0.6-1.0 electronvolt (eV), which would result in maximum theoretical efficiency of around 44%. 2D and bulk materials were indicated as the most promising with near-ideal carrier multiplication.New research from the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands has described all the new advances ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Former mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee slept on the streets of downtown Houston Tuesday night to "prove a point and raise awareness," according to a video posted on his Facebook page. Buzbee, a trial lawyer, has been staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston since Jan. 11 while his home in River Oaks undergoes renovation. He previously took up residence at the Post Oak Hotel in December 2020. "I got run off twice from the Four Seasons," he said in a second video, which posted at midnight on Wednesday. "I was chased by another homeless person, since I'm homeless tonight." In a third Facebook post on Wednesday morning, Buzbee said that he had only a sleeping bag, stick and hoodie for his night spent on the street: "I spent a night on the street last night, with only a sleeping bag and a stick. I had a hoodie, but no coat. It was only one night. It certainly wasnt pleasant, but it was a learning experience. I can only imagine the mental, physical and emotional toll it would take on you to be out there day after day, night after night. It was cold, so I kept moving until I was absolutely sure I had found a place on the streets safe enough to lay down and sleep. But I didnt feel safe. In fact, the whole time I felt the presence of constant threats, even small. I was asked to move along repeatedly. Funny, the same guy who was quick to help me with my bags the day before was even quicker to tell me to move on off the hotel property. There was kindness. I was implored a few times to go to the GRB warming station blocks away. I was followed by a guy waving a large white blanket once. Most people I happened to come across, though, ignored me and looked right through me, like I didnt exist or matter. Home is a special place for us. Without one we lose that sense of security and comfort. When our leaders fail us and our home has no power, water, no communications, it loses those key features that make it home. I was only out for one night. Now Im back, warm and safe. Others arent so lucky." He also said he "quickly learned not to be using a phone, lest you want to lose it!" Buzbee, who poured $7.5 million into his mayoral campaign in 2019, is no stranger to bold gestures. In January of that year, he brought a wheelbarrow of manure to a press conference to reinforce his assertion that something stinks at City Hall. He previously made headlines for parking a World War II-era Sherman tank in front of his home on River Oaks Boulevard and having $300,000 worth of artwork destroyed by a guest. After Buzbee hosted a party for Super Bowl LIII, thieves stole about $21 million worth of items from his home, including Monet and Picasso paintings. Buzbee said he tried to shoot one of the burglars, but his gun misfired. He and fiancee Frances Moody frequent the couple's 7,000-acre Antioch Ranch -- which is also undergoing renovation -- in East Texas by private plane to visit the 17 species of mostly rescue animals who live on their property. "The state, the city and county have failed you. If you're without power there's a reason for that," Buzbee said in his Facebook video. "I feel you, I'm on your side." An eagle-eyed shopper has noticed a huge sale on popular Decor food storage containers at Coles. Denize, from Sydney, shared an image to the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook group and revealed her husband picked up eight packs of Decor match-up containers for only $1.50 each. The couple only spent $12 in total for 30 new containers of varying sizes. Denize, from Sydney, shared an image to the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook group (pictured) and revealed her husband picked up eight packs of Decor match-up containers for only $1.50 each 'Hubby found some good markdowns at Coles Blacktown this afternoon! These packs were $1.50 each 30 new Decor match-ups containers for $12!!' she wrote on February 17. 'Hubby said a staff member was restocking these as of 3.30pm today so there should be plenty up for grabs!' The popular supermarket products are originally priced between $5.50 and $10, making the discounted buys a bargain. The 'match-up' design and colour coordination of each container ensures the right lid is found every time. The variety of food containers are perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers after dinner. After sharing the news on Facebook, others seemed eager to check their local Coles and grab a bargain 'That is outstanding! I'm jealous!!!' one person wrote, another added: 'I called just a minute ago and they have none left.' The popular supermarket products are originally priced between $5.50 and $10, making the discounted buys a bargain Earlier this month Coles also launched a new click and collect service that allows shoppers to pick-up groceries after 90 minutes of placing an order. The Click&Collect Rapid system can be used to order up to 40 items for a flat fee of $5, with a minimum spend of $30. The offering is available across more than 400 Coles supermarkets nationally, making it easier for busy customers. But the quick service is only available for a certain amount of time each day. Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community. Submit here New Delhi, Feb 19 : Ahead of the bypolls to five wards in the Delhi Municipal Corporations (MCD) on February 28, the city's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) continued its attack on the BJP-ruled civic bodies, while starting a door-to-door campaign in these areas on Friday. AAP in-charge of MCD bypolls Durgesh Pathak said: "We are prepared for MCD bypolls but also moving forward step by step strategically. Party volunteers and leaders have started padyatras in five wards every day." Pathak said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is monitoring the election preparations, and is holding regular meetings. Atishi Marlena, a member of AAP's political affairs committee and MLA from Kalkaji, joined party leaders and workers during a door-to-door campaign in Trilokpuri, one of the five municipal wards where bypolls are to be held. "In the last 15 years, the BJP has done rampant corruption in the MCD. We will focus on eliminating corruption from the civic bodies if we come in power. AAP believes that development is the most important thing. We will focus on the development of poor and backward class people because we believe that development of the poor is the only way to develop the country," she said. Researchers at Tampere University have successfully used artificial intelligence to predict nonlinear dynamics that take place when ultrashort light pulses interact with matter. This novel solution can be used for efficient and fast numerical modelling, for example, in imaging, manufacturing and surgery. The findings were published in the prestigious Nature Machine Intelligence journal. Artificial intelligence can distinguish different types of laser pulse propagation, just as it recognizes subtle differences of expression in facial recognition. The newly found solution can make it simpler to design experiments in fundamental research and will allow algorithms to be embedded in the next generation of laser systems to ensure real-time optimization. This can be utilised for example in manufacturing and surgery where the pulse properties are perturbed by a target environment. Nonlinear ultrafast light-matter interactions are something that researchers have struggled to understand for decades. The field of study is of vital importance in many areas of research, ranging from the use of spectroscopic tools in drug development to the precision machining of technological materials and remote sensing to high-resolution imaging. Neural networks can be trained to recognize patterns When a high-power ultrashort pulse of light interacts with a glass optical fibre, a range of highly nonlinear interactions take place that cause complex changes in both the temporal and spectral (color) properties of the injected light. Up to now, the study of these nonlinear and multidimensional interactions has been based on nonlinear Schro?dinger equation, a slow and computationally demanding method that has limited dramatically the use of numerical techniques to design or optimize experiments in real-time. "This problem has now been solved by using artificial intelligence. Our team has been able to train a neural network to recognize the patterns inherent in such complex evolution. Significantly, once trained, the network is also able to predict nonlinear evolution for a previously unknown scenario, and can do so essentially instantaneously," says professor Goery Genty, the leader of the research group at Tampere University and the Director of the national Flagship for Photonics Research and Innovation. This research uses a specialized architecture known as the 'recurrent neural network' that possesses an internal memory. Such a network can not only recognize specific patterns associated with nonlinear dynamics, but it can also learn how such patterns evolve in both the temporal and spectral domains over an extended distance. The neural network can predict an evolution in milliseconds. The novel solution will lead to more efficient and faster numerical modelling of all systems where nonlinearity influences propagation, improving the design of devices used in telecommunications, manufacturing, and imaging. New applications available in photonics The study reports two cases of highly significant interest in photonics: extreme pulse compression and ultrabroadband laser source development. "The approach using a neural network with internal memory allows us to bypass the conventional approach of solving an underlying mathematical model, which is very time consuming and requires sometimes prohibitive memory resources" explains Genty. With the rapid growth of machine learning applications in all fields of science, Genty anticipates that neural networks will very soon become an important and standard tool for analyzing complex nonlinear dynamics, for optimizing the generation of broadband sources and frequency combs, as well as for designing ultrafast optics experiments. ### The research was carried out at Tampere University as part of the Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Physical Sciences and Engineering Program (AIPSE) and within the Academy of Finland's Flagship for Photonics Research and Innovation (PREIN). Read more on Predicting ultrafast nonlinear dynamics in fibre optics with a recurrent neural network in Nature Machine Intelligence. The article was written by Lauri Salmela, Nikolaos Tsipinakis, Alessandro Foi, Cyril Billet, John M. Dudley, and Goery Genty. The battle against late-stage prostate cancer might have found a potential new strategy to combat this deadly disease. Research led by Baylor College of Medicine reveals in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that the enzyme MAPK4 concertedly activates androgen receptor (AR) and AKT, molecules at the core of two cellular signaling pathways known to promote prostate cancer growth and resistance to standard therapy. Importantly, inhibiting MAPK4 simultaneously inactivated both AR and AKT and stopped cancer growth in animal models. The findings open the possibility that targeting MAPK4 in human prostate cancer might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for this disease that is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. "Scientists already knew that both the AR and the AKT pathways can drive prostate cancer," said corresponding author Dr. Feng Yang, assistant professor of molecular and cellular biology and member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor. "One complication with targeting AR (for instance, with medical castration therapy, including the most advanced agents such as enzalutamide, apalutamide and abiraterone) or AKT is that there is a reciprocal crosstalk between these pathways. When AR is inhibited, AKT gets activated, and vice-versa, therefore tackling these pathways to control cancer growth is complex." In previous work, the Yang lab studied the little-known enzyme MAPK4. "One interesting aspect of MAPK4 is that it is rather unique because it does not work as conventional MAPK enzymes do," Yang said. "To our knowledge, we are one of the few groups studying MAPK4 and the first to uncover its critical roles in human cancers." In their previous study, Yang and his colleagues discovered that MAPK4 can trigger the AKT pathway, not only in prostate cancer but in other cancers as well, such as lung and colon cancers. In the current study, the researchers found that MAPK4 also activates the AR signaling pathway by enhancing the production and stabilization of GATA2, a factor that is crucial for the synthesis and activation of AR. Further experiments showed that MAPK4 triggered the concerted activation of both AR and AKT pathways by independent mechanisms, and this promoted prostate cancer growth and resistance to castration therapy, a standard medical treatment for advanced/metastatic prostate cancer. Importantly, genetically knocking down MAPK4 reduced the activation of both AR and AKT pathways and inhibited the growth, including castration-resistant growth, of prostate cancer in animal models. The researchers anticipate that knocking down MAPK4 also could reduce the growth of other cancer types in which MAPK4 is involved. "Our findings suggest the possibility that regulating MAPK4 activity could result in a novel therapeutic approach for prostate cancer," Yang said. "We are interested in finding an inhibitor of MAPK4 activity that could help better treat prostate cancer and other cancer types in the future." ### Other contributors to this work include Tao Shen, Wei Wang, Wolong Zhou, Ilsa Coleman, Qinbo Cai, Bingning Dong, Michael M. Ittmann, Chad J. Creighton, Yingnan Bian, Yanling Meng, David R. Rowley, Peter S. Nelson and David D. Moore. The authors are affiliated with one or more of the following institutions: Baylor College of Medicine; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans and University of Washington, Seattle. This research was supported by grants from the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (W81XWH-13-1-0162, W81XWH-13-1-0163, W81XWH-17-1-0043) and the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (RP130651). On Thursday, the New Zealand government lifted a partial lockdown in Auckland, just three days after it was imposed following the discovery of three cases of the more infectious UK variant of COVID-19 in the community. The level 3 lockdown in New Zealands largest city, while not as strict as the level 4 nationwide lockdown imposed in MarchApril 2020, required schools and most businesses to shut. There are still level 2 restrictions in force in Auckland, which require some social distancing and use of facemasks. The rest of the country is at level 1, with few restrictions other than a requirement to wear facemasks on public transport. Papatoetoe High School (Source: Facebook) Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told the media there did not appear to be widespread community transmission. This was despite three more people testing positive for the virus on Wednesday, the same day she announced the lockdown would be lifted. The source of the cases is still unknown. One of the women who tested positive works at the laundry of LSG Sky Chefs, which supplies food for airlines. Her partner and daughter caught the virus, it then spread to two students at Papatoetoe High School and a household contact. The school remains closed until the end of the week. New Zealand has 40 active cases of coronavirus in hotels that have been repurposed as managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities overseen by the military. Under pressure from healthcare workers, teachers and other workers, the government imposed a strict lockdown in March last year and the country has so far avoided the horrific level of deaths seen internationally. However, there have been repeated community outbreaks and individual cases that leaked from MIQ facilities. The pandemic continues to rage throughout the world and more infectious and potentially vaccine-resistant strains have emerged. There is no internationally coordinated effort to vaccinate the worlds population as quickly as possible and take other measures needed to save lives. Governments in the UK, US, Brazil and elsewhere have kept businesses and schools open, at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives. Under these conditions, New Zealand and other countries that have been lauded in the media for defeating the virus, in fact remain vulnerable. By ending the latest lockdown after just three days, the government is again gambling with peoples health and lives. Last year, in April and August, restrictions were similarly eased earlier than many scientists recommended, and Ardern sought to appease businesses by promising that she would seek to avoid another nationwide lockdown. Brett OReilly, chief executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association, told Radio NZ (RNZ) on Wednesday after Ardern announced that the lockdown would be lifted: Were very pleased and so is the rest of the business community. Epidemiologist Rod Jackson told RNZ yesterday he was surprised at the decision given three new cases were found on Wednesday. He said the government was balancing between the cost to business and the threat to our health. Auckland University Professor Des Gorman pointed out to RNZ that the Ministry of Health found out about the first cases on Saturday night but the Prime Minister was apparently not told for 12 hours, and weekend events that should have been cancelled went ahead, including the Prada Cup yacht race and the annual Big Gay Out. We actually dont know where this outbreak came from, Gorman said on Wednesday. If youre operating at the lowest possible level of risk acceptance, youd extend level 3 for a couple of weeks. He observed that lifting the lockdown would maintain economic activity at the price of a higher level of risk. Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles told Newshub her advice would be to extend the lockdown by two days while more people were tested. She noted the incubation period for the virus can be up to 14 days for some people, meaning contacts could test negative, only to test positive a few days later. Epidemiologist Nick Wilson also criticised the governments decision, telling the New Zealand Herald: We still dont have any clear idea how the pandemic virus got through the border and many test results are outstanding. He added that much more needs to be done including getting MIQ facilities out of Auckland [and] tightening processes in MIQ facilities. Without improvements, there will continue to be border failures every few weeks. The MIQ hotels, which are housing about 4,000 people throughout the country, present a clear risk of new outbreaks. In January, three returned travellers in Auckland tested positive for the South African variant of COVID-19, several days after being released from two weeks mandatory isolation in the Pullman Hotel MIQ facility. Nurses working at the facilities have expressed concern about low staffing and high turnover, because health workers feared catching the virus and were poorly-paid. On February 9, a nurse working at an MIQ facility in Auckland told RNZ, The big concern is always that its going to get out into the community, and that standards of infection control practices are going to slip, because everyone is exhausted Ive done two 24-hour shifts, where you work a day and there was nobody to cover the night, so I stayed on and worked through until the next morning. Auckland Airport is being considered as a possible source for the recent cases. There are reports that staff who deal with airlines and passengers are not properly segregated from other staff. The Herald reported on Wednesday that an anonymous airport staff member feared that the LSG Sky Chefs employee could have contracted the virus at the companys cafeteria, where she could have been sitting with other workers that deal with aircrew Im sure, within the premises, that not everybodys going to wear a mask. On February 15, Ardern announced that New Zealand had received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer. There are only 60,000 doses, enough for 30,000 people. These will be given to border workers and those at the MIQ facilities. The government has not said when it expects to receive more vaccines, but Ardern said most of the population would be vaccinated in the second half of the year. Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has entered into a strategic partnership with Vayana Network, India's largest supply chain financing (SCF) platform to offer financial support to the MSME sector. Through this association, the Bank of Maharashtra will provide short term credit to meet funding requirements of dealers/vendors of reputed corporates through "Mahabank Channel Financing Scheme" launched by the bank, through Vayana Network's expertise in this segment. Under the partnership, Vayana Network will provide its SCF solutions to Bank of Maharashtra, supported by Vayana's technology and service expertise. The SCF solutions will include vendor and dealer financing programmes across the bank's network of over 1,870 branches across the country. Vayana Network's proprietary tech platform will help to digitise the transactions of SCF, while the market services will help to increase penetration in the under-served MSME segment. A.S. Rajeev, MD & CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, said: "Bank of Maharashtra is proud to announce the launch of its Channel Financing solution for MSMEs in partnership with Vayana Network, India's leading Supply Chain Finance platform. We believe in the power of partnerships, and hence have tied up with leading Fintechs to launch innovative digital offerings. Through this partnership with Vayana, we look forward to offer a fully digital financing experience to our MSME customers, suppliers and distributors of leading corporates." "We look forward to adding a robust portfolio within our MSME business through Channel Financing Scheme," Hemant Tamta, Executive Director of BoM, said. New total Global Mineral Resource statement Posted by Publisher Internet Griffin Mining Limited (\Griffin\ or the \Company\) is pleased to announce the new Global Mineral Resource estimate for it?s Caijiaying Zinc-Gold Mine in the People?s Republic of China. The new Global Mineral Resources from the 4 main deposit ?Zones?, reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) , total: 5 million tonne Global Mineral Resource (from 67.7 million tonnes2) 0 million tonnes of Zinc Metal (from 2.7 million tonnes2) 6 million ounces of Gold (from 1.0 million ounces2) 8 million ounces of Silver (from 48.5 million ounces2) 6 million tonnes of Lead (from 0.2 million tonnes2) The global Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimate totals 101.5 Mt at 3.9% Zn, 0.6% Pb, 27.0 g/t Ag and 0.5 g/t Au, resulting in total contained metal of approximately 4.0 million tonnes of zinc metal, 0.6 million tonnes of lead metal, 88.8 million ounces of silver metal and 1.59 million ounces of gold metal. This is an increase of 33.9 Mt (50%) from the previous mineral resource, which incorporated Zone II and III only, ?of 67.6Mt @ 3.9% Zn, 0.4% Pb, 22.3g/t Ag and 0.5 g/t Au, as reported on 16th June 2020 in Griffin?s 2019 annual report and accounts. The contained metal has increased from approximately 2.653 to 3.968 million tonnes of zinc metal, 0.242 to 0.606 million tonnes of lead, 48.5 to 88.8 million ounces of silver and 1.025 to 1.593 million ounces of gold. The Mineral Resources at Caijiaying are distributed among four ?Zones? with the main line of lodes stretching 3km in strike. Zones II, III and VIII are all accessible from the existing mine infrastructure while Zone V is located just 0.8km west of Zone II.? As previously announced by the Company on the 4th January 2021, the Zone II and III Mineral Resources are located within a single newly expanded Mining Licence where the current underground mining activity is focused on the Zone III resources. This recent resource increase has now triggered a development programme to be commenced to enable increased production to 1.5 Mt per annum, delivering an 80% production increase in the next two years. In the future, an additional mine expansion may be delivered with the inclusion of the Zone V and VIII Mineral Resources that are located within the Company?s Retention Licence adjacent to the west of Zone II and north of Zone III, respectively.? The Retention Licence is valid for two years and is the first step in the process of converting the area to a Mining Licence. The strategy of focusing on near-mine exploration and resource definition drilling has delivered substantial growth to the Caijiaying Mineral Resources. At Zone VIII, surface drilling has defined the northern extension to Zone III a further 500m along strike where it remains open at depth. The Zone V Mineral Resource is the result of detailed research into the historical data set. This significant body of work has enabled the Inferred Mineral Resource estimate to JORC 2012 compliance. Further work is planned to unlock the full potential of these maiden resources. Further information in relation to the Mineral Resource estimate is set out in the appendix to this announcement, and is also available on the Company?s website, www.griffinmining.com Chairman Mladen Ninkov said ?Finally, the vast potential of Caijiaying has been uncovered and confirms the absolute world class nature of the deposit. I am so delighted for the shareholders, directors and staff of Griffin, and in particular, our great friend and recently departed director Rupert Crowe, who believed in, and toiled so passionately for, Caijiaying. Yet we are still only in the earliest of stages of our journey of understanding what still could lie around us and below us. Remarkable!? COMPETENT PERSON STATEMENT The information in this announcement that relates to Mineral Resources is based on, and fairly reflects, information compiled by Mr Serikjan Urbisinov a Competent Person, who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr Serikjan Urbisinov is a full-time employee of CSA Global Pty Ltd. Mr Serikjan Urbisinov has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the Australasian Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code). Mr Serikjan Urbisinov consents to the disclosure of the information in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. [1]The insitu metal value is the result of the Company?s assessment based on LME spot metal prices at 16/02/2021 and does not consider modifying factors such as the cost of metal extraction and recovery. 2 The relative increase in resources compares the current Global Mineral Resource to the total Zone II and Zone III Mineral Resource as at 31st December 2019. Further information GRIFFIN MINING LIMITED Telephone: +44(0)20 7629 7772 Mladen Ninkov ? Chairman? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? Roger Goodwin ? Finance Director PANMURE GORDON (UK) LIMITED ????????????????????? Telephone: +44 (0)20 7886 2500 John Prior Joanna Langley BERENBERG??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Telephone: +44(0)20 3207 7800 Matthew Armitt Jennifer Wyllie Deltir Elezi BLYTHEWEIGH Telephone: +44(0)20 7138 3205 Tim Blythe? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? SWISS RESOURCE CAPITAL AG Jochen Staiger ??????????????????????????????????????????????? info@resource-capital.ch ? This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 Griffin Mining Limited?s shares are quoted on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange (symbol GFM). The Company?s news releases are available on the Company?s web site: www.griffinmining.com Appendix A Caijiaying Global Mineral Resource Statement and Parameters CSA?Global Pty Ltd (?CSA?Global?) was engaged by Griffin Mining Ltd (?Griffin?) to prepare a Global Mineral Resource estimate for the Caijiaying zinc, gold, silver and lead deposit (?Caijiaying?), located in Hebei Province, People?s Republic of China. The Global Mineral Resource estimate has been reported in accordance with The JORC Code[1] and is shown in Table 1. The Mineral Resource for Zone II and Zone III have been depleted using a three-dimensional survey ?as built? wireframe which represents the mined-out-voids as at 31st December 2020. ?The resources at Zone V and VIII are maiden Mineral Resource estimates and therefore have not been reported previously. The Mineral Resource estimate includes 2.8 Mt of oxidised resource that may require modifications to the processing circuit to enable satisfactory recoveries. Zone II The previous Mineral Resource estimate first reported in 2013 is shown in Table 2. As previously announced (See Company Announcement ?Zone II Resource January 2021? dated 26th January 2021) the tonnage for the new updated Zone II Mineral Resource has increased by over 100% and the contained zinc metal has increased by over 130%. A total of 109 surface diamond drillholes, 91 reverse circulation surface drillholes and 163 underground diamond drillholes, define the Zone II deposit for a combined total of 91,383?m of drilling. The Zone II deposit was sampled predominantly by diamond drillholes at irregular spacing, but average spacings are approximately 40?m x 40?m. There is already some underground access from the existing Zone III Decline via the 1453 development drive and there has been no stoping of the material defined in the Zone II Mineral Resource estimate. Zone III The previous Zone III Mineral Resource estimate shown in Table 3 is based on a block model completed in 2018, which has then been depleted for mining production as at December 31st, 2019. A total of 192 surface diamond drillholes, 34 reverse circulation surface drillholes and 3,683 underground diamond drillholes, define the Zone III deposit for a combined total of 499,029?m of drilling. The Zone III deposit which is currently in production was sampled predominantly by diamond drillholes at irregular spacing, with a clustering in the main part of the mine, but average spacings are approximately 40?m x 40?m. Holes were generally aligned either to the east or west with dip angles set to optimally intersect the mineralised horizon. Zone V A total of 34 surface diamond drillholes, 3 reverse circulation surface drillholes define the Zone V deposit for a combined total of 15,242 m of drilling. The Zone V deposit was sampled by diamond drillholes at irregular spacing, but average spacings are approximately 25?m x 100?m. Zone VIII A total of 44 diamond drillholes define the Zone VIII deposit for a combined total of 32,193?m of drilling. Drilling was carried out as close as possible to right angles to the mineralisation. Drill spacing was 50?m to 100?m, to cover the limits of mineralisation in a systematic pattern. Glossary of key terms CSA Global ????????????????????????????? CSA Global Pty Ltd. A private consulting firm providing technical and management services to the global mining industry. cut-off ????????????????????????????????????? The lowest grade, or quality, of mineralised material that qualifies as economically mineable and available in a given deposit. May be defined on the basis of economic evaluation, or on physical or chemical attributes that define an acceptable product specification. deposit ????????????????????????????????????? Natural accumulations of minerals in the earth crust, in form of one or several mineral bodies which can be extracted at the present time or in an immediate future. diamond drill hole ???????????????????? Method of obtaining cylindrical core of rock by drilling with a diamond-set or diamond-impregnated bit. g/t ???????????????????????????????????????????? Grams per tonne a unit of measurement used to express the concentration of an element within a mass of another (same as parts per million). Indicated Mineral Resources? ? ? That part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade (or quality), densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Inferred Mineral Resources ??????? That part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade (or quality) are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade (or quality) continuity. It is based on exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. JORC ??????????????????????????????????????? An acronym for Joint Ore Reserves Committee. by The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (The AusIMM) and the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and is binding on members of those organisations. The Code is endorsed by the Minerals Council of Australia and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia as a contribution to good practice. The Code has also been adopted by and included in the listing rules of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX)., the purpose of which is to set the regulatory enforceable standards or a Code of Practice for the public reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Measured Mineral Resources ???? That part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade (or quality), densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Mineral Resources A concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth?s crust in such form, grade (or quality), and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade (or quality), continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling. Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories ? 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. Annetta Cheek, with her dog, Keegan, at home in Hume, Va. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) The crack team of federal specialists proceeded cautiously and deliberately, activating a vast network of experts to avoid missteps. Skillful guidance was crucial to navigating the vexing case that had gone cold for the organized crime unit of the Mesa, Ariz., Police Department. One word or two? Hyphen or no? The case of how to describe those tiny Ziplocs favored by drug dealers would not be quickly shut. The matter would be dissected on an obscure government listserv in an exchange that stretched over 44 messages. This is a different arm of law enforcement a posse of language police deputized a decade ago by Congress. Their resolution in the Mesa mystery: microbaggie. One word, no hyphen and a plan to petition Websters to add microbaggie to the dictionary. Top leadership in Washington hardly valued clear, concise or correct communication over the last few years. Presidential musings routinely veered into indecipherability. I call it the black hole, said Annetta Cheek, a former bureaucrat in her mid-70s who helped launch the government's plain language movement. But the deep state of Plain Language persevered. A loose network of jargon critics, crusaders for clarity and gatekeepers of grammar, they regularly invoke the little-known Plain Writing Act signed into law early in the Obama era. As they do, they nudge a government predisposed to over-complication and incomprehensibility toward making sense. They stubbornly drag the bureaucracy along, using methods that are generally subtle and gentle but occasionally blunt. We dont want to be known as just sitting back here with our red pen, waiting to mark things up, said Barbra Kingsley, of the Center for Plain Language, a nongovernmental organization that sometimes acts as the outside muscle, shaming bureaucracies that overwhelm with acronyms and multisyllabic words. "But sometimes youve got to call things out I have seen some writing that is incredibly horrible. I collect bad examples." Story continues The center singles out the worst of the worst for its annual WTF award. Yeah, it stands for what you think: Work That Failed. The latest went to a street sign: "PERSONS SHALL REMOVE ALL EXCREMENT FROM PETS PURSUANT BY LAW #122-87." In other words, clean up your dog's mess. Winner of the Center for Plain Language WTF, Work That Failed, award. (Dina Al-Shibeeb ) The Department of Energy, a past repeat offender, got called out for bad behavior in a plain language report card penned by a panel of judges that fillets unwieldy government communication. The critique singled out a Trump-era headline on the department's homepage as an exemplar of the worst sort of jargon-filled horror show: "NNSAs MSIPP manager traveled to KCNS and NETL to see the benefit of the program on its participants. WTF, indeed. You might think this is just about using the right words, but it is more than that, said David Lipscomb, who teaches writing at Georgetown University and heads up the report card. It is about clarity, about access, about empowerment. The Department of Energy upped its game the following year. Its most popular page How do Wind Turbines Work? won the coveted Most Improved award from the plain language police. I love the sincerity of this page, one judge wrote. But old habits die hard. The department's "Writing Quality" grade in 2020: D. Other agencies also were relegated to what a bureaucrat might refer to as a domesticated canine temporary shelter facility. Last year, seven got F grades for failing to comply with the Plain Writing Act. All but one had flunked in 2019, too: Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Transportation and Treasury departments, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency. The report card's take on the Trump administration's public health guidance amid the pandemic was characteristically concise: "these pages are disappointing." Just before the pandemic, the most fervent plain language evangelists from across the globe gathered in Oslo, where they devoured the content of panels with titles like oh sh*t, digitalization means we need flawless written communication and plain language and interaction design a magical combination! The devotees of clarity toasted progress on plans for an officially recognized international plain language standard. It involves petitioning a global regulatory board that has bylaws which, frankly, could use their own dose of plain language. If we are not quite married to plain language, we are dating it pretty seriously, said Katherine Spivey, a U.S. General Services Administration employee who helps run the federally sanctioned Plain Language Action and Information Network, or PLAIN. A fellow officer at PLAIN, Miriam Vincent, an attorney at the Office of the Federal Register, recalled a small group discussion that stretched for months on the use of hyphens. My friend's husband once said he would just get us a nit farm, since all we do is sit and pick nits all day, she said. PLAIN members regularly meet in conference rooms deep in Washington's labyrinth of agency buildings to wax lyrical about language. But "Ode on a Grecian Urn" this is not. These writers favor precise Power Points over poetry. There are occasional bursts of artistic expression. Michigan law professor Joseph Kimble, an early leader of the plain writing movement, recently penned a children's book about a windbag called Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson. Some agencies haven't been as eager to spread the gospel of clear communication, though the General Services Administration did use very plain language to initially decree that Spivey could not talk with the media. Plain Language Act compliance took a dive under Trump, with plain writing positions that each agency is mandated to fill lingering vacant, and required plain writing compliance reports going unwritten. Yet things were so much worse in those dark days before the language police were deputized. It drove Annetta Cheek nuts. The writing was terrible, Cheek said of her early days in government in the late 1970s, when she drafted regulations for the National Park Service. Cheek is a trained archaeologist who splits her time in retirement in the rolling hills of a Virginia exurb between advancing the crusade for plain language and tending to her two spirited pit bulls, Aodnait (Celtic for fire) and Keegan (Celtic for small and fiery). Cheek is something of a pit bull herself. She ignored the relentless parade of government attorneys and supervisors who insisted that opaque and confusing language was the only way to be legally precise. The movement impressed the Clinton White House, which began drafting an executive order mandating plain language in government until an administration attorney deep-sixed the idea because he did not find the mission suitably magisterial. Considering some of the stupid executive orders that come out, I dont know how he said that, Cheek said. Soon after, then Vice President Al Gore took on the clear-communication crusade. Gore started showing up at agencies to bestow a No Gobbledygook" awards for improved writing. It took shape of a Beanie Baby named Gobbles. Gore would highlight before and after stories, where dreadful pieces of writing were polished into exemplars of clarity. He was perfect for reading the before, Cheek said. He is not the most stimulating public person. It turned out that government mumbo-jumbo costs taxpayers money. Kimble wrote a book with case studies recounting the hours of staff time required to help taxpayers navigate impenetrable rules, guidelines and forms. Some agencies, however, werent feeling it, and werent changing. Thats when Congress was enlisted. The hardest step was finding someone to sponsor this, Cheek said. It is kind of a weird thing. Apparently not to then-Rep. Bruce Braley, an Iowa Democrat who hauled agencies that got poor marks on their plain language report cards into House hearing rooms. Today, the scrutiny is more likely to come from the growing platoon of plain language police. The passionate examination of the microbaggie, for example, was informed by the work of a hyphen subcommittee that met for months during the George W. Bush administration. Some of the plain language police recently investigated the matter of subbing in potty words for medical terms when guiding lay folk on digestion troubles. A military editor was quite firmly against it. Others worried legions of Americans may not know the technical term for their discomfort: constipation. As luck would have it, United Kingdom health officials had hosted a webinar on exactly this dilemma. It was accompanied by a write-up: "Pee and poo and the language of health." True to form, the Brits had taken a more progressive approach to this healthcare conundrum. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control index of "Everyday Words for Health Communication" has plenty to say about how government writers can sidestep terms like "contamination" and "contagion." But constipation? The CDC index doesn't touch that one. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. 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. South Carolina legislature passes heartbeat abortion ban; governor expected to sign Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The South Carolina House voted overwhelmingly to support a ban on abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Known as the South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, the House passed the bill on Wednesday by a vote of 79-35, having already passed the state Senate. The proposed legislation prohibits an abortion on a pregnant woman before a physician determines whether the human fetus the pregnant woman is carrying has a detectable fetal heartbeat. The Act includes exemptions for a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, and when there is a life-threatening medical emergency for the mother. Governor Henry McMaster has been a supporter of the legislation and is expected to sign it, making South Carolina the latest in a series of states to pass similar legislation. Lisa Van Riper, president of the pro-life group South Carolina Citizens for Life, celebrated news of the bills passage in a statement released Wednesday. This is an historic day in South Carolina when the House and the Senate have re-established the heartbeat as the scientific, objective standard as the sign of life for the unborn, stated Van Riper. [The Act] protects not only the unborn but the medically fragile members of our human family. Groups like the South Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union denounced the legislation as a de facto ban on abortion, claiming that it is unconstitutional. This legislation places both medical providers and their patients at risk. It imposes criminal sanctions on abortion-providing doctors unless the procedure is intended to prevent death or serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function, stated the ACLU back in January. This legislation is unconstitutional. The Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees a right to privacy, and the United States Supreme Court has repeatedly reaffirmed that this right includes a persons ability to make decisions about their healthcare. Over the past couple of years, multiple states have passed laws that prohibit abortions in most circumstances if the heartbeat of an unborn baby is detected. These measures have been successfully challenged in the courts, with judges concluding that they violate the right to abortion as laid out in the United States Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. Last July, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a similar measure into law, only to have U.S. District Court Judge William Campbell stop it from being enforced. The Act will immediately impact patients seeking abortions and imposes criminal sanctions on abortion providers. The time-sensitive nature of the procedure also weighs in favor of injunctive relief pending a preliminary injunction hearing, ruled Campbell. 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 watchdog in charge of keeping the government accountable for its use of taxpayer money says his budget has fallen so much, some agencies might only face scrutiny once every 20 years and auditors are tolerating uncomfortable risks in financial statements. Auditor-General Grant Hehir says over the next four years he has to cut the number of performance audits his office does, which in the past year has uncovered the sports rorts scandal and the $30 million paid for the Leppington Triangle land valued within a year at just $3 million. Auditor-General Grant Hehir says budget pressures have left him with no choice but cut audits, which he says contribute to a better performing public sector. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The cut will bring down the number of audits by a quarter, from a historical average of 48 a year to 36, the lowest number this century, bar 2016 when the double dissolution of Parliament meant fewer sitting weeks to deliver his reports. In effect, I am unable to provide the Parliament to the same extent with the evidence it has used to hold executive government to account, thereby reducing accountability and transparency, Mr Hehir on Friday told a parliamentary committee reviewing the Australian National Audit Office. Ms. Brown and Mr. Powell met with Melanie Benware, a local trainer and the president of the International Association of Canine Professionals. People are going out less, Ms. Benware said, therefore their dogs are not being exposed to as many people, dogs, sights and sounds. She taught the couple how to train Hopper to respond calmly to other dogs. Hes gotten better, but hes still a work in progress, Ms. Brown said. The issue of limited social interaction is pervasive right now. I find that my clients are struggling to find socialization opportunities for their puppies, said Kim Roche, a dog trainer and behavioral consultant in Austin, Texas. The length of a standard leash is exactly six feet, and this discourages Covid-cautious people from allowing their puppies to greet strangers in public places. Ms. Benware recommends buying a 20-foot leash for this very purpose. Other puppy-specific problems have emerged. Its difficult to pay attention to a Zoom meeting when there is a puppy trying to climb into ones lap, Ms. Roche said. She teaches puppies to retreat to a designated place on command say, an exercise pen, a mat or a bed where they can settle down with a toy. Crate training is key, too, said Jesus San Miguel, the owner of Canine Perspective, Inc., in Chicago. Owners are not utilizing a kennel, thinking since theyre home all the time its not needed, but it is critical to both the potty training process and for the puppy to have a safe space when left unattended, he said. Finally, its important to make sure puppies get enough sleep: 18 to 20 hours, according to Ms. Chillari. Puppies get grumpier when theyre tired, just like children, and I think people assume the training isnt working because the puppies really just need to sleep, she said. (BESA Center via JNS) The decision of the International Criminal Court in The Hague last week that it has jurisdiction to investigate alleged war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, the West Bank, and eastern Jerusalem is baseless but still dangerous, and must be thwarted. It is baseless because only sovereign states can file complaints to the court, and Palestine is not a sovereign state. Moreover, the ICC can investigate only countries that have signed the Rome Statute, which established the court. Israel, along with the United States and 70 other countries, did not join the ICC pr... Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba noted the assistance of the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel and the head of the diplomatic mission Yevhen Korniychuk in obtaining the BioNTech/Pfizer coronavirus vaccine in Ukraine. The minister stated this at a briefing on Friday in Kyiv. In early December, our ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk met with the Israeli Minister of Health and received as much information as possible about the format of Israel's interaction with Pfizer. You know that Israel has become a leader in vaccination, and uses BioNTech/Pfizer. The embassy informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted the Ministry of Health, and after that we called to Pfizer for official deliveries of the vaccine to Ukraine, - he said. Dmytro Kuleba also stressed that the issue of obtaining vaccines in Ukraine is being resolved at the highest level: President Zelensky personally spoke with the CEO of Pfizer. This week, Pfizer has already sent documents to register its vaccine in Ukraine, after contracts will be submitted for discussion and signing. Here is an algorithm of how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs helps the Ministry of Health to find a vaccine, - the minister said. He especially thanked the Ukrainian mission to the EU, embassies in the United States, Canada, China, India, Great Britain, Italy, France, Lithuania, Latvia, France, Poland, Israel and Germany. Not all of these countries have their own vaccine, but some have access to the vaccine and can help get it through other channels... Our embassies have organized a real hunt for the vaccine, making every effort. Ambassadors and all diplomats take part in this process and act excellently, - the minister summed up. Photo: The Canadian Press Africa has surpassed 100,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 as the continent praised for its early response to the pandemic now struggles with a dangerous resurgence and medical oxygen often runs desperately short. We are more vulnerable than we thought, the director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, told The Associated Press in an interview reflecting on the pandemic and a milestone he called remarkably painful. He worried that we are beginning to normalize deaths, while health workers are overwhelmed. The 54-nation continent of some 1.3 billion people has barely seen the arrival of large-scale supplies of COVID-19 vaccines, but a variant of the virus dominant in South Africa is already posing a challenge to vaccination efforts. Still, if doses are available, the continent should be able to vaccinate 35% to 40% of its population before the end of 2021 and 60% by the end of 2022, Nkengasong said. In a significant development on Friday, an African Union-created task force said Russia has offered 300 million doses of the countrys Sputnik V vaccine, to be available in May. The AU previously secured 270 million doses from AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. Health officials who breathed a sigh of relief last year when African countries did not see a huge number of COVID-19 deaths are now reporting a jump in fatalities. The Africa CDC on Friday said overall deaths are at 100,294. Deaths from COVID-19 increased by 40% in Africa in the past month compared to the previous month, the World Health Organizations Africa chief, Matshidiso Moeti, told reporters last week. Thats more than 22,000 people dying in the past four weeks. The increase is a tragic warning that health workers and health systems in many countries in Africa are dangerously overstretched, she said, and preventing severe cases and hospitalizations is crucial. But the latest trend shows a slowdown. In the week ending on Sunday, the continent saw a 28% decrease in deaths, the Africa CDC said Thursday. Africa has reached 100,000 confirmed deaths shortly after marking a year since the first coronavirus infection was confirmed on the continent, in Egypt on Feb. 14, 2020. But many more people across Africa have died of COVID-19, even though they are not included in the official toll. South Africa, the hardest-hit country on the continent, saw over 125,000 excess deaths from natural causes between May 3 and Jan. 23. While it is not clear how many were from the virus, there was a close correspondence of the time of the excess deaths with the increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases in each province, the South African Medical Research Council said. Since most countries in Africa lack the means to track mortality data, it is not clear how many excess deaths have occurred across the continent since the pandemic began. We are definitely not counting all the deaths, especially in the second wave, the Africa CDCs Nkengasong told reporters last week. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked his department to check on whether his office was alerted to an alleged rape within days, after revelations of a text message that counters claims the office did not know. The move came after the disclosure of a text message to Brittany Higgins, who says she was raped in Parliament House in March 23, 2019, saying her experience had been raised with an adviser in the Prime Ministers office on April 3. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked his department to check more records about who in his office knew about an alleged rape in Parliament. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen He was mortified to hear about it and how things have been handled, wrote a friend of Ms Higgins, in a text to her about a conversation he had with a colleague in the Prime Ministers office that day. Mr Morrison spoke to the head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Phil Gaetjens, on Friday morning to add the text to an examination that is looking into a range of matters including what his advisers knew and when. Beyonce may not say much, but she's always working especially for her hometown. The Third Ward native's BeyGOOD Foundation and Adidas are teaming up with Houston's Bread of Life to bring urgent relief to residents who have been affected by the deadly winter storms in Texas and beyond. CANCUN CRUZ: Senator Ted Cruz really did fly to Cancun as Texans froze This isn't the first time the Houstonian has partnered with Bread of Life. In 2020, she donated streaming proceeds from her "Savage" remix to the organization, which serves hot meals to homeless men and women at St. Johns United Methodist Church. Texas began to freeze over during Valentine's Day weekend, causing massive power outages and water shortages statewide. The Weather Channel reported that at least 20 deaths in Texas this week are believed to be connected to the weather, in addition to at least 18 others in 11 states. In Beyonce's hometown of Houston, power has been restored for around 99 percent of the city, but a boil water notice will remain in effect until at least Monday. According to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, it's best to assume your area is under notice unless youve heard different from your local authorities. For those who are in need of a place to keep warm and can get there safely, warming stations are available across the city for humans and their pets. Those in need of immediate financial assistance from Beyonce and Bread of Life should apply via the Disaster Relief Assistance Application Form. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-19 02:28:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The first tariff-free goods are seen after being landed in the Rhine port in Basel, Switzerland, July 1, 2014. (Xinhua/Zhang Miao) China overtook the United States to become the EU's top trading partner for the first time last year, the Eurostat said on Monday. Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Sutter President Felix Sutter said that Switzerland would be ideally positioned economically and geographically as "a landing place for Chinese organizations." GENEVA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The president of the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) said on Thursday that Swiss companies would stand to benefit from China becoming the European Union's (EU) top trading partner. "With 2021 being the year of the coronavirus pandemic recovery, I expect some statistics to change again," Felix Sutter, who has been the chamber's president since 2015, told Xinhua. "In 2020 the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry had an impact on statistics. In 2021 the pharmaceutical industries will have an oversized impact as well," Sutter said, "Furthermore, many affected SME's (small and medium-sized enterprises) and MNC's (multinational companies) began to address supply chain challenges and may start to source regionally rather than from far away places." China overtook the United States to become the EU's top trading partner for the first time last year, the EU's statistical office Eurostat said on Monday. Sutter said that Switzerland would be ideally positioned economically and geographically as "a landing place for Chinese organizations." Since 2010, China has been Switzerland's biggest trading partner in Asia and its third largest globally after the EU and the U.S. The two countries signed a free trade agreement (FTA) that entered into force on July 1, 2014. A China-Europe freight train carrying medical supplies bound for Madrid of Spain departs the city of Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 5, 2020. (Photo by Lyu Bin/Xinhua) FTA "OF REAL IMPORTANCE" "The FTA was and is of real importance," Sutter said. "It highlighted the good and long-term relationship between Switzerland and China. The results speak for themselves. Trade has increased and the percentage of the increase is higher than with countries that have no such FTA." "Of course, there are always areas of improvement and therefore it is important to have the FTA reviewed and updated in the areas that could benefit both countries and where other treaties would require an upgrade," he said. According to the Swiss Federal Customs Administration, bilateral trade between China and Switzerland totaled 33 billion Swiss francs (36.8 billion U.S. dollars) last year, down by 9.7 percent compared to 2019. Switzerland's imports from China, meanwhile, rose by 10.1 percent to 16.6 billion Swiss francs in 2020, while exports to China dropped by 23.7 percent to 16.4 billion Swiss francs due to the pandemic. The first tariff-free goods are seen after being landed in the Rhine port in Basel, Switzerland, July 1, 2014. (Xinhua/Zhang Miao) INVESTMENT AGREEMENT Last December, China and the EU announced that the two sides had completed the negotiations on a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) as scheduled. Sutter said the deal could offer fresh opportunities for Swiss as well as Chinese firms. "For Swiss companies with subsidiaries and branches in the EU, this is good news as they can utilize the new agreement, and the same is true for Chinese companies active in the EU and Switzerland." The Swiss government is currently working on a new strategy covering its past, current and future bilateral relationship with China, which it plans to publish in spring. Asked about his expectations, Sutter said: "While this is a political process and document, the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce is non-political and focuses on the expansion of cooperation between the two nations economic actors." "With the importance of Europe rising for the Chinese economy, Switzerland and its economy can be expected to play an even more important role in the future." (1 Swiss franc = 1.11 U.S. dollars) Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. Even during a normal year, Jacqueline Kim, a stay-at-home mother of two in Encinitas, Calif., is pretty bullish about making travel plans to national parks. She researches trails and sites, and logs on to the websites right when reservations open up. Six months ahead, I book it, because I know exactly where I want to be, Mrs. Kim, 48, said. If you dont know exactly which trailhead, somebody else is going to get it while youre thinking about it. This winter, because of the limited capacities imposed on venues by the coronavirus pandemic and increased demand for domestic recreation of all kinds (bookings made on the National Park Services reservation hub, recreation.gov, increased by 45 percent from 2019 to 2020, according to Kathy Kupper, a park service spokeswoman), there has been even more incentive to be on top of it. At some mountain ski resorts and other outdoor venues, interstate travel restrictions and quarantine requirements are complicating the usual day trips and weekend getaways. Meanwhile, social-distancing measures have reduced availability at skating rinks, recreational areas, adventure parks and other places, leaving many would-be attendees with no place to go. If youre preparing for a simple trip down the sledding hill or even a weeklong road trip, the pandemic has added a host of extra considerations. Heres how to plan this winter for every contingency. Howard Picked to Fill Seat on Calvert City Council By West Kentucky Star Staff CALVERT CITY - A former employee of Calvert City was appointed to their city council at a special called meeting on Wednesday.Ralph Howard had recently retired as Calvert City clerk and treasurer, and has lived in Calvert City for 47 years. He will serve the final two years of Gene Colburns term. He will be sworn in at a date yet to be determined.On February 5, the city council unanimously chose Colburn to serve as mayor after the January 30 death of Lynn Jones, who had been mayor for 22 years.Prior to choosing Howard, the city council considered letters from seven residents who were interested in serving the community.We had seven excellent candidates who expressed a desire to serve their community. We dont take that lightly, said Mayor Colburn.When asked how he can contribute to the city leadership, Howard said he's confident he can use his life and work experience to help the city and its residents thrive in the present and in the future.Calvert City has had great leadership. You just have to look around town to see the evidence. I am proud of the progress we've made over the years, Howard said.Howard is a 1971 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in accounting, and has worked as a Certified Public Accountant since 1973. Last year he celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife, Linda. They have one son and one granddaughter. A water bucket is filled as others wait in near freezing temperatures to use a hose from public park spigot in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 18, 2021. (David J. Phillip/AP Photo) Lights Come Back on in Texas as Water Woes Rise in the South AUSTIN, TexasMany of the millions of Texans who lost power for days after a deadly winter blast overwhelmed the electric grid now have it back, but the crisis was far from over in parts of the South, with many people lacking safe drinking water. More than 190,000 homes and businesses remained without power in Texas according to poweroutage.us Friday morning, down from about 3 million two days earlier, though utility officials said limited rolling blackouts were still possible. The storms also left more than 330,000 from Virginia to Louisiana without power and about 71,000 in Oregon were still enduring a weeklong outage following a massive ice and snow storm. The snow and ice moved into the Appalachians, northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, and later the Northeast as the extreme weather was blamed for the deaths of at least 58 people, including a Tennessee farmer trying to save two calves that apparently wandered into a frozen pond and 17-year-old Oklahoma girl who fell into a frozen pond. A growing number of people have perished trying to keep warm. In and around the western Texas city of Abilene, authorities said six people died of the coldincluding a 60-year-old man found dead in his bed in his frigid home. In the Houston area, a family died from carbon monoxide as their car idled in their garage. Utilities from Minnesota to Texas used rolling blackouts to ease strained power grids. But the remaining Texas outages were mostly weather-related, according to the states grid manager, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. People push a car free after spinning out in the snow in Waco, Texas, on Feb. 15, 2021. (Jerry Larson/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP) Federal Emergency Management Agency acting administrator Bob Fenton said Friday that teams were in Texas with fuel, water, blankets and other supplies. What has me most worried is making sure that people stay warm, Fenton said on CBS This Morning, while urging people without heat to go to a shelter or warming center. Rotating outages for Texas could return if electricity demand rises as people get power and heating back, said Dan Woodfin, the councils senior director of system operations. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned that residents are not out of the woods, with temperatures still well below freezing statewide, south central Texas threatened by a winter storm and disruptions in food supply chains. Adding to the misery: The weather jeopardized drinking water systems. Authorities ordered 7 million peoplea quarter of the population of the nations second-largest stateto boil tap water before drinking it, following the record low temperatures that damaged infrastructure and pipes. In Abilene, a man who died at a health care facility when a lack of water pressure made medical treatment impossible. Water pressure dropped after lines froze and because many people left faucets dripping to prevent pipes from icing, said Toby Baker, executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Abbott urged residents to shut off water to prevent more busted pipes and preserve municipal system pressure. President Joe Biden said he called Abbott on Thursday evening and offered additional support from the federal government to state and local agencies. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said residents will probably have to boil tap water in the fourth-largest U.S. city until Sunday or Monday. Federal emergency officials sent generators to support water treatment plants, hospitals and nursing homes in Texas, along with thousands of blankets and ready-to-eat meals, officials said. The Texas Restaurant Association was coordinating food donations to hospitals. Two of Houston Methodists community hospitals had no running water and still treated patients but canceled most non-emergency surgeries and procedures for Thursday and possibly Friday, said spokeswoman Gale Smith. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) loads donated water into a car at a distribution site in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 18, 2021. (David J. Phillip/AP Photo) As of Thursday afternoon, more than 1,000 Texas public water systems and 177 of the states 254 counties had reported weather-related operational disruptions, affecting more than 14 million people, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. About 260,000 homes and businesses in Tennessees largest county, which includes Memphis, were told to boil water after cold temperatures led to water main ruptures and problems at pumping stations. Memphis International Airport canceled all incoming and outgoing passenger flights Friday due to water pressure issues. In Texas, more than 300 flights in and out of Dallas and Houston were canceled Friday, according to flightaware.com. Particularly affected was American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth. In Jackson, Mississippi, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said most of the city of about 161,000 was without water Thursday night. Crews pumped water to refill city tanks but faced a shortage of chemicals to treat the water, she said. We are dealing with an extreme challenge with getting more water through our distribution system, Lumumba said. About 85 seniors in a Jackson apartment building lost water service Monday and were relying on deliveries from a building manager, said resident Linda Weathersby. Weathersby went outside collecting buckets of ice to melt it so she could flush her toilet and said my backs hurting now. Before the wintry weather moved from Texas, the city of Del Rio along the U.S.-Mexico border, got nearly 10 inches of snow on Thursday, surpassing the citys one-day record for snowfall. By Paul J. Weber and Acacia Coronado The great conservative talk show radio pioneer Rush Limbaugh pointed out his "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" before his death. Limbaugh, whose work has influenced a generation of American politics, died at the age of 70 due to advanced lung cancer. A previous CBN News report said that on February 3, 2020, Limbaugh announced to his 20 million-member audience that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. "This day has been one of the most difficult days in recent memory, for me, because I've known this moment was coming," Limbaugh said. "I'm sure that you all know by now that I really don't like talking about myself and I don't like making things about me... one thing that I know, that has happened over the 31-plus years of this program is that there has been an incredible bond that had developed between all of you and me." He then continued by saying that his job gave him the "greatest satisfaction and happiness" of his life and it was very hard for him to announce his condition. "I can't help but feel that I'm letting everybody down. The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer," he said. "The Rush Limbaugh Show," launched in 1988, is a three-hour daily conservative talk show that quickly gained listeners across the country, CBN News wrote. The show went on to have the largest audience on the radio, an influence that made Limbaugh an enemy of the left and a kingmaker on the right. Although Limbaugh got involved in a number of controversies, his listeners remained loyal to him. He also lost a number of sponsors but quickly gained new ones. Limbaugh announced in 2001 that he has lost his hearing from a rare condition called autoimmune inner ear disease but late on received ear implants and continued working as a broadcaster. When he announced his lung cancer condition in 2020, then President Donald Trump, the very next night at the State of the Union Address, announced that he is bestowing the honor of a lifetime to Limbaugh. "I am proud to announce today that you will be receiving our country's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," the president announced. The former President Donald Trump then called Fox News on Wednesday to talk about his friend, conservative radio host Limbaugh, after learning of his passing. "He was a unique guy. He became a friend of mine," Trump said. "You know I didn't know Rush at all. I had never met him. Then when we came down the escalator, he liked my rather controversial speech. I gave that speech a little on the controversial side. And he loved it and he was, without ever having met him, or talked with him or had lunch with him or asked him, he was with me right from the beginning." Trump also released a statement in line with the passing of Limbaugh: "The great Rush Limbaugh has passed away to a better place, free from physical pain and hostility," he said. "His honor, courage, strength, and loyalty will never be replaced. Rush was a patriot, a defender of Liberty, and someone who believed in all of the greatness our country stands for. Rush was a friend to myself and millions of Americans-a guiding light with the ability to see the truth and paint vivid pictures over the airwaves. Melania and I express our deepest condolences to his wonderful wife, Kathryn, his family, and all of his dedicated fans. He will be missed greatly," the statement concluded. To the end, Limbaugh publicly glorified the Lord Jesus Christ for helping him get through his difficult battle with cancer. "I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is of immense value, strength, confidence and that's why I'm able to remain fully committed to the idea that what is supposed to happen will happen when it's meant to," he said during one of his final programs. RANCHI: In a big setback to former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Jharkhand High Court on Friday dismissed his bail application in connection with a fodder scam case, dashing his chance of immediate release from jail. The high court had on February 12 deferred the hearing to Friday. Jharkhand High Court, while rejecting his bail plea in the Dumka Treasury case, directed Lalu Yadav to file a fresh petition after two months. It may be noted that the RJD leader has been in prison since December 2017 and was sentenced to seven years of jail in 2018 under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act in relation to the fodder scam case. The fodder scam pertains to the scandalous withdrawal of Rs 3.5 crore from the Dumka Treasury by the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department between the period of 1991 and 1996 when Lalu was Bihar's chief minister. "Order on bail deferred due to CBI's delay. We are confident that the February 19 hearing will be in his (Lalu's) favour after that he may be released in next 2-4 days, Prabhat Kumar, Lalu Prasad's lawyer, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Live TV Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd were all dressed up on the set of their new Apple TV Plus limited series The Shrink Next Door. The 53-year-old Ferrell and 51-year-old Rudd were spotted getting ready for another scene on the set in Los Angeles on Thursday. The series marks their first project together since 2013's Anchorman: The Legend Continues. All dressed up: Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd were all dressed up on the set of their new Apple TV Plus limited series The Shrink Next Door Ferrell was spotted in a classic black tuxedo, with a black jacket, white dress shirt, black bowtie, black pants and black shoes. He also stayed safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic with a black face mask that covered his mouth and nose. Production began on the limited series earlier this week, though there is no indication when it may be released on Apple TV Plus. Will's look: Ferrell was spotted in a classic black tuxedo, with a black jacket, white dress shirt, black bowtie, black pants and black shoes. Rudd sported a slightly different look, with a white suit coat, black vest, white dress shirt, black bowtie, black pants and black shoes. The actor also did his part to stay safe amid COVID-19, with a white face mask over his mouth and nose that matched his suit coat. The Shrink Next Door was first announced back in April, based on the hit Wondery podcast of the same name. First project: The series marks their first project together since 2013's Anchorman: The Legend Continues (above). The series is described as a dark comedy inspired by true events that detail the bizarre relationship between psychiatrist to the stars Dr. Isaac "Ike" Herschkopf (Paul Rudd), and his longtime patient Martin "Marty" Markowitz (Will Ferrell). Over the course of their relationship, the all-too-charming Ike slowly takes over Marty's life, even moving into Marty's Hamptons home and taking over his family business. The series explores how a seemingly normal doctor-patient dynamic morphs into an unprecedentedly exploitative relationship filled with manipulation, power grabs and dysfunction at its finest. New series: The series is described as a dark comedy inspired by true events that detail the bizarre relationship between psychiatrist to the stars Dr. Isaac "Ike" Herschkopf (Paul Rudd), and his longtime patient Martin "Marty" Markowitz (Will Ferrell) Georgia Pritchett (Succession, Veep) wrote the script for The Shrink Next Door, with Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) directing. The cast also includes Casey Wilson as Bonnie, Kathryn Hahn as Phyllis and Sarayu Blue as Miriam. The eight-episode limited series is expected to debut later this year, though an exact date has not been given. NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vytalize Health, a leading provider of value-based healthcare, has agreed to acquire MedPilot, a leading digital health platform. The acquisition brings Vytalize a unique, end-to-end patient engagement capability to manage its 65,000 Medicare patients and $1 billion of medical spending. Vytalize Health's mission is, "To accelerate the world's transition to value-based care by taking care of the doctors who take care of us." Together, the combined companies aim to transform the $250 billion independent primary care provider Medicare market.1 The transaction has been approved by both companies' Boards of Directors subject to shareholder approval and is expected to close in the coming days. MedPilot has helped over 1 million patients and demonstrated a 97% patient satisfaction score. MedPilot's proprietary engagement engine personalizes outreach based on various patient characteristics and then uses machine learning to optimize communications between the healthcare provider and patient. MedPilot had raised $3.5M from prominent investors, including Hudson River Capital, Wavemaker 360 Health, Tom Hirschfeld, Cedars-Sinai, Jumpstart, Techstars, Northcoast Ventures, and TurnCap. Vytalize Health's acquisition of MedPilot enables them to offer their growing Medicare population a powerful solution for last-mile patient engagement. With more than $20M in investment going into the combined company and 800% year-over-year growth for the last two years, Vytalize is poised to achieve breakout leadership in the value-based care delivery space for Medicare patients. "As we grew our ACO and began enhancing our infrastructure for Medicare's Direct Contracting program, our vertically integrated care delivery system needed a solution for last-mile patient engagement," said Vytalize CEO Faris Ghawi. "We couldn't have asked for a better technology and team to fill this need. It's been a pleasure to work together, and we are thrilled to deploy many more solutions through this platform to improve the patient experience and health outcomes while lowering healthcare costs." More than 35 MedPilot employees will join Vytalize Health following the acquisition. Vytalize plans to continue to invest in MedPilot's hometown of Cleveland due to its strong employee talent pool and healthcare ecosystem. MedPilot's founders will also join Vytalize's senior executive leadership team. These include: Jacob Myers , CEO, will join Vytalize as Chief Innovation Officer , CEO, will join Vytalize as Chief Innovation Officer Nathan Spoden , COO, will become Vytalize's Chief Product Officer , COO, will become Vytalize's Chief Product Officer Matt Buder Shapiro , Chief Marketing Officer, will retain his title "It didn't take long working with Vytalize to see that our companies coming together was a clear 1+1=3 scenario," said MedPilot CEO Jake Myers. "I'm happy for the MedPilot employees, investors, and the city of Cleveland, as we all earned this win." In 2020, Vytalize created an Innovation Lab to attract and deploy digital health solutions in a value-based environment. MedPilot's acquisition marks a significant success for the Vytalize Innovation Lab. It delivers on its promise to enable technology partners to deploy quickly across Medicare patients through their vertically integrated ACO, virtual medical practice, and platform. Vytalize has raised over $17M from investors, including KittyHawk Ventures and Hudson River Capital Partners, to bolster the company's network of 600 primary care providers across 14 states. It continues to build its next generation of functionality that will enable Vytalize to engage patients further and ensure they receive extraordinary and comprehensive care. This announcement was made in anticipation of closing as a courtesy to our employees, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders, many of whom are affected by our preparations for integrating the businesses or require notification as part of the transaction. For more information about Vytalize Health, visit www.vytalizehealth.com. Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, Becker's Hospital Review, CNBC, CMS About Vytalize Health Vytalize Health partners with independent providers in value-based care arrangements for Medicare beneficiaries. The company combines a Medicare ACO, virtual doctors' office, and a digital health platform to equip its network of physicians with everything they need to be successful in caring for their patients and staying ahead in a rapidly changing healthcare system. The high-growth, venture-backed company works with over 600 providers and manages more than $1 billion in medical spending. For more information, please visit www.vytalizehealth.com or email [email protected]. About MedPilot MedPilot is a leading patient engagement platform. MedPilot navigates patients through their healthcare experience. Their engagement platform personalizes outreach depending on who the patient is and then uses machine learning to optimize based on their interactions. To date, MedPilot has helped over 1 million patients. For more information, please visit www.medpilot.com or email [email protected]. SOURCE Vytalize Health Joe Biden U.S. The Detroit News The United States U.S. China U.S. White House Taiwan U.S. U.S. Ann Wilson Mexico the United States the United States General Motors Co. Ford Motor Co. Stellantis NV GM Fairfax Kansas Ontario San Luis Potosi Mexico Ford Kansas City Stellantis' Windsor Assembly Plant Ontario Chrysler IHS Markit Ford John Lawler Ford's GM Phil Amsrud IHS Markit (TNS) Presidentplans to issue an executive order to conduct a review ofsupply chains, including key industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, high-capacity batteries used in electric vehicles, rare earth minerals and medical supplies.The order directs a review of those sectors within 100 days, according to a draft copy of the order first reported by Reuters and obtained by. Within a year, multiple federal agencies will review the larger supply chains and potential vulnerabilities in the sectors of defense, public health, telecommunications, energy and transportation.The order comes amid a global shortage of semiconductor chips necessary to produce modern vehicles and as the nation's leading automakers pivot to invest more in electric and autonomous vehicles, which will be more reliant on batteries and the minerals needed to make them."Pandemics, cyberattacks, climate shocks and extreme weather events, terrorist attacks, economic competition, and other events can all potentially threaten the availability of critical and essential goods and materials," the draft order reads.needs strong, resilient supply chains in order to protect national security and meet America's needs during emergencies and in the face of global geopolitical competition."Biden is expected to release the order before the end of the month, but it has not yet been finalized and may change.The agencies will produce reports reviewing federal government actions and recommend whether reforms are needed to strengthen supply chains, the order says, and recommend how to engage international allies to do so. The order also directs the agencies to offer workforce and educational reforms and ways to ensure the supply chain supports economic growth in communities of color and "economically distressed" areas.The order reflects concern among policymakers that theis too reliant on other countries for critical goods, as highlighted by the shortage of medical supplies at the beginning of the pandemic.It also will provide an opportunity for the federal government to determine how reliant it is on countries like, a major competitor in the global economy, asbusinesses ramp up production of electric vehicles and other future technologies.Thehas been discussing potential solutions to the semiconductor chip shortage with automakers and suppliers and has reached out to officials in, which is home to the world's largest chip producer.The process will be "critical tomanufacturing andjobs," said, senior vice president of government affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers. "We are going to be very interested to hear what the administration's goals are in doing these reviews and how we can make sure that we work with them so they can understand where our pain points and our challenges are."Vehicle manufacturers often want to have a variety of sources for components because natural disasters, such as the winter storm that affected the industry this week from the Midwest to, can disrupt production, she said."As we move forward in transforming the transportation industries, all three of those issues (semiconductors, batteries and rare earth minerals) are going to be critical to understand how they come into, what the needs for them are in, and not just need currently, but the need in the future," she said.andhave all had to cut production at various plants because of a semiconductor supply shortage.halted production at the, plant where the Cadillac XT4 and the Chevrolet Malibu are built, the CAMI plant inwhere the Chevrolet Equinox is built, and theplant inwhere the Equinox, the Chevrolet Trax and the GMC Terrain SUVs are built.has had various production halts and reductions because of the shortage, including at the F-150and Dearborn Truck plants that operated last week on reduced shifts.inwhere thePacifica has been temporarily idled because of the shortage.predicts the chip shortage will cost the industry nearly 1 million units of production in the fix quarter. IHS expects the current struggle with chips to hit bottom at the end of March, but the supply is expected to remain tight into the third quarter.The short supply of semiconductors could result in a 10% to 20% production loss in the first quarter for. If current estimates were projected across the first half of the year, the shortage could result in an adjusted pre-tax earnings loss of between $1 billion and $2.5 billion this year, Chief Financial Officersaid duringearnings release call.said last week during its earnings call the microchip shortage could deliver a $1.5 to $2 billion hit to earnings this year."It will get worse before it gets better," said, principal senior analyst atIn the short term, the only thing automakers can do is juggle the priorities of semiconductor manufacturers to make more products for autos than for other markets. In the long term, he said the industry "needs to make supply assurance as high a priority as cost savings to incentivize the supply chain to be more diverse." Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi (centre front row) with CARICOM Heads of Government during their 2019 meeting in NY. (Source: File Photo Gov. of India) The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) expressed its gratitude for Indias generous contribution of more than a hundred thousand COVID-19 vaccines to the region, in a tweet last week Thursday. Among the major recipients of the vaccines are Barbados and Dominica, which will get 100,000 doses and 70,000 doses, respectively. CARICOMs Secretary-General is Ambassador Irwin LaRocque called it "a tangible expression of goodwill in this challenging time. Barbados and Dominica are both reported to be willing to share their vaccines with other Caribbean neighbors. Members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as well as Guyana and Trinidad will benefit from Indias donation, said Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. The leaders of Barbados and Dominica had earlier expressed their heartfelt thanks to Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, after getting swift approvals on their requests for supplies of vaccines. Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who sought the vaccines on January 19, said he wasnt hoping that Dominica would get the vaccines so soon. "I must confess that I did not imagine that the prayers of my country would be answered so swiftly, PM Skerrit said at a formal ceremony at the airport last week Tuesday, held soon after the plane with the vaccines arrived. "One would have thought and understood that in a global pandemic such as this, a nations size and might would have been the primary considerations, he added. Barbados PM Mottley also thanked Indias prime minister for "his quick, decisive, and magnanimous action for considering Barbados humble request for an ample supply of vaccines. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mottley said: "I trust that you are well and safe. On behalf of my Government and people, I wish to express gratitude to you, your Government and the people of the Republic of India for its most generous donation of the Covishield vaccines (under the auspices of Oxford Astrazeneca). She also alluded to negotiations that are underway with India to buy a second batch of the vaccine for Barbados. Mottley told the Barbados media, "These are part of the first batch of a potential 200,000 doses for Barbados. We are asking and hoping that we can purchase the remaining 100,000 from the government of India, Mottley said. (Source: thecaribbeannewsnow.com) She has joined the legion of reality stars escaping lockdown to live it up in Dubai, leading to much criticism back in the UK. Yet Too Hot To Handle star Chloe Veitch did not look bothered by the onslaught of anger at home as she strutted her stuff along the beach in the UAE. The Essex-born beauty looked incredible in the barely-there bikini as she soaked up the sun and ensured every inch of her figure was on full display. Wow! Too Hot To Handle star Chloe Veitch did not look bothered by the onslaught of anger at home as she strutted her stuff along the beach in the UAE Chloe left little to the imagination in the neon strapless two-piece, which featured ruched squares of material attached perilously with two pieces of string. The bottoms did little more to cover her up as she made the most of her lithe legs, while also flashing her stomach and thigh tattoo. During her time in Dubai, Chloe has been sharing regular updates to Instagram and larking around with Love Island's Georgia Harrison. The reality star beauties enjoyed a beach trip together last week, with them posing up a storm in their slinky swimwear. Sizzling: The Essex-born beauty looked incredible in the barely-there bikini as she soaked up the sun and ensured every inch of her figure was on full display Breathtaking: She has joined the legion of reality stars escaping lockdown to live it up in Dubai, leading to much criticism back in the UK Sizzling: Chloe left little to the imagination in the neon strapless two-piece, which featured ruched squares of material attached perilously with two pieces of string Chloe appeared on the Netflix dating show Too Hot To Handle, where a string of attractive contestants learned they'd win $100,000 if they had no sexual contact for four weeks. Each infraction took money off the total prize fund. She failed to find love on the show and was among the winners who split an eventual purse of $75,000 after making it to the end of the Mexico-set show without breaking the rules in the villa. In a subsequent interview with The Sun, Chloe admitted she had since developed a different approach to dating, saying: 'It was sexual rehabilitation for everyone. I was a serial dater and would always have a few guys on the go. 'I was addicted to Tinder, swiping all day. It was a confidence boost for me. But I never chose the best guys. Ive been hurt before and have an emotional barrier up.' Legs eleven! The bottoms did little more to cover her up as she made the most of her lithe legs, while also flashing her stomach and thigh tattoo Green and lean: She looked amazing in the sexy number Wow! As she reclined on the shore she was ensuring her figure was on full display Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside: Since arriving in the reality star hotspot, Chloe has been spending time with Love Island's Georgia Harrison She also said: 'I havent had any one-night stands since leaving the house. I have been on a few dates, but Im happy being single now and feeling empowered... Girls, you dont need a guy to value you, just respect yourself instead.' When speaking of the Too Hot To Handle cast - who hailed from the UK, US, Ireland, Canada, and Australia - Chloe told the Evening Standard that they remained in touch during the months following their spring 2019 recording of the show. She said: 'We all FaceTime each other all the time and now [Too Hot To Handle] has been seen by millions of people, we want to make sure we all are okay. We are making sure we call people and text people so were all alright.' Hot stuff: Chloe appeared on the Netflix dating show Too Hot To Handle, where a string of attractive contestants learned they'd win $100,000 if they had no sexual contact for four weeks. Each infraction took money off the total prize fund 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, Feb 19 : Facing intense scrutiny over alleged data sharing with Facebook via new privacy policy, WhatsApp has reiterated that personal messages will always be end-to-end encrypted and the company cant read or listen to them. In a new blog post on Thursday, WhatsApp said that in the coming weeks, it will display a banner in its main platform providing more information that people can read at their own pace. "We've also included more information to try and address concerns we're hearing. Eventually, we'll start reminding people to review and accept these updates to keep using WhatsApp," the company said. Last week, the Supreme Court said that people have grave apprehensions on loss of privacy, making it clear that it is the court's duty to protect this right as it heard a plea against WhatsApp's new privacy policy which has now been deferred till May 15. A bench, headed by the Chief Justice and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian, told counsel for WhatsApp: "People have grave apprehensions about loss of privacy. You may be 2 or 3 trillion dollar company, but people value their privacy more than your money... we have to protect people's privacy." The top court issued notice to WhatsApp and Facebook on this plea against its new privacy policy. WhatsApp said that it believes people are looking for apps to be both reliable and safe, even if that requires WhatsApp having some limited data. "We strive to be thoughtful on the decisions we make and we'll continue to develop new ways of meeting these responsibilities with less information, not more," it mentioned. WhatsApp delayed the implementation of a new privacy policy by three months after it faced backlash, with millions of its users moving from the platform to rivals like Telegram and Signal. The policy change was originally scheduled to come into effect on February 8. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text